Florida Golf Central Magazine Volume 14 Issue 3

Donald Ross lives with the Bobby Weed masterpiece

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from the publisher header

Volume 14, Issue 3

Know how things get done? Creative Knowhow!

I firmly believe

that many of us are addicts. Caffeine, nicotine, working out, golf, just to name a few. I first learned about golf addicts at my golf shop which was ironically named, The Golf Attic, where we sold antiques, collectables, new and used equipment. A regular patron Bill Allen (RIP) would bring us homemade egg salad sandwiches, individually wrapped in foil with a dill pickle on the side, and recount every shot from the days round while we ate. Eventually, I told him that for us to listen to EVERY shot, he must also bring dessert. He gladly did!

Many of our regulars at Golf Attic enjoyed the birth of the magazine and shared their ideas. Some of their thoughts were instrumental in the creative process and 14 years later, are still in the magazine. On a personal note, developing the magazine helped feed my self-serving desire to grow the game, create a more comfortable atmosphere, and make it fun for everyone, which is still my highest priority.

Golf Central quickly became one of my addictions and Shannon Coates my “Billy BaRue.” Without her, none of this ‘magazine madness’ would be possible. You might not see Shannon on the golf course all the time, but she has thrown every ounce of energy into Golf Central since Day One! If you are in marketing or PR, you probably know Shannon by her sassy e-mails, fun-loving personality and face time at PGA events. As of June 21st Shanny has been rollin’ with me here for 11 years, and she has been referred to as my partner, sidekick, assistant (don’t ever call her that!), amongst other things.

In reality, she is much, much more than that. She is sexy, brilliant, slightly crazy and a wonderful mother/ daughter/sister/in-law. I guess you could say that my co-dependency is the greatest Editor-in-Chief EVER. Thanks a million Shannon!!!!!!!!!!

2009 North Florida PGA Amateur of the Year

4

Publisher: Terrie L. Purdum Editor in Chief: Shannon Coates Executive Editor: Joel Jackson–Director of Communications for the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association

North Florida Regional Editor: Stephen Trendler West Coast Regional Editor: Chris Karamitsos Photographers: Lynn Pelham, Brion Price, Peter Hakansson Tres Fenton, Mike Coonan

Public Relations & Social Media Director: Green Gazelle Marketing Senior Correspondent: Rick Harris, Sr. Media Muse: Mike Gooding Contributing Writers: Jay Golden, PGA; Greg Wise, Ed Gilbert, Bob Bolton, Elisa Gaudet, Jackie Henson Leonard Finkel, Mike Jamison, Greg Howard, Marge Vale

Business Manager: Debbi Westbrook, dwestbrook1487@gmail.com Graphic Design: Melahn Cable, melahn@mac.com Website Design/Network Support: ryjo.com Magazine Printing: Sundance Graphics 9580 Delegates Drive, Orlando, Florida 32837 • 800.617.5532

Florida Golf Central Magazine is published monthly by: Sand Hill Publishing & Public Relations 1549 Warrington Court, Winter Springs, FL 32708

NEW PHONE: 321.765.4215 fax: 407-365-3436 • toll-free: 877.208.5972 E-mail: info@floridagolfcentral.com One year (12 issues) subscription price is $42.99

Associate Publisher, Arizona Golf Central Magazine: Jason Keesling 3461 East Acoma Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85032 phone 602.387.0616 E-mail: info@golfcentralmagazine.com or editor@golfcentralmagazine.com ©2013 Florida Golf Central Magazine. No portion of this publication may be reprinted without the prior written permission of the Publisher. Editorial contributions are welcome, but Florida 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. Florida 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.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

Outstanding Golf

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Hole 16, The Legends

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Volume 14, Issue 3 Cart Girl 14 Crystal Reid

Caribbean Golf Central 34 Santa Barbara Golf & Beach Resort

Celebrity Corner 16 Footy's Annual Wing Ding Golf Classic

Feature 38 The Golf Club at Fleming Island

Fore Your Health 22 Beth Bentley 24 ThorGuard 68 Oakley

Golf Bachelor 12 Jake Etherton

Golf FORE Charity 48 Fairway Warriors

50 Departments 4

8 10

40 44 46 50

Letter from the Publisher Golf Central Station Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Live Golf Grip It & Sip It Competitive Spirits Duffer Dan

54 56 58 60 62 64 66 70 72

North Florida PGA South Florida PGA ProVisions Central Florida First Coast Platinum Coast Treasure Coast Product Showcase Aces & Eagles

Golf Fore Charity 18 9th Annual USMCCCA Foundation (Florida Capter) Golf Tournament

Improving Performance 20 Jumbo Max Grips

Leader on the Links 32 Walt Spitmiller

On The Green 36 Fix With Mix

Player Profile

62 22

48 Steve Pisarkiewicz

Special Events 30 Ernie Els and Dan Quinn

Stay & Play 52 The Breakers

12

What's New 26 240 Golf 28 Just One

floridagolfcentral.com

4 Year Old’s First Hole-In-One Daytona Beach, FL– Four year old Elye Vincent scored his first hole in one at the Daytona Beach Golf Club. Elye scored his ace from 60 yards using a 9 iron on the par 3 second hole on the North Golf Course.

Elye was playing with his Dad Eric Vincent on the Jane Cerrone Family Golf Course.

The Jane Cerrone Family Golf Course is

a special set of tees that are set closer to the green that make it easier for Junior and Beginning Golfers to learn and enjoy the game of golf. This PGA Family Golf Course is the only golf course of its kind in Volusia County. Kids who play with their parents or relatives can play the course at greatly reduced fees.

Rent A Driver New York – Golfers never tire of trying out new equipment and evaluating what might just be the magic club of the season to drop their handicaps, provide an edge in tournaments or simply impress their buddies. Now with GolfRedefined.com, a new membership website, golfers can find the perfect driver to suit their game by selecting, testing and swapping clubs. Think “Netflix” for golf!

GolfRedefined.com is the first online site to give golfers the opportunity to select, test and swap the very best drivers on the market. For an affordable monthly membership fee, golfers can order the hottest 8

drivers as soon as they hit the market. All top brands are offered and almost every manufacturer’s driver is included in the product line-up.

Membership in GolfRedefined.com starts at $24.95 per month and goes up to $39.95 per month, or for an even better value, members can sign up for quarterly packages. Golfers not interested in a membership still are able to enjoy the benefits of the program through a “Rent Only” option.

For more information about GolfRedefined.com, please visit their website or call 877-493-6893.

Golf Pro Andrew Magee Tees Off Support for Semper Fi Fund On 2013 PGA Champions Tour Washington, DC- When he tees off this year on the Champions Tour, pro golfer Andrew Magee will be sporting a new look on the links: head-to-toe support for the Semper Fi Fund. By wearing their logo on his gear, Magee makes more than a fashion statement: he raises critical awareness for the injured veteran non-profit, and the vital services they provide.

Magee was introduced to Semper Fi Fund through Bob Parsons, founder of GoDaddy. com, a Marine Corps veteran, and an ardent supporter of the organization. When Magee learned of the critical work they were doing providing financial assistance to injured veterans and their families, he was eager to help.

So this year, thanks to a generous sponsorship funded by the Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation, the golfer will don the Semper Fi Fund logo on his hat, shirt and bag for all PGA Champions Tour events, increasing the charity’s visibility and introducing their mission to a new audience.

For more information visit www.semperfifund.org, www.facebook.com/semperfifund, or follow them on Twitter @semperfifund.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

FL Restaurant & Lodging Assoc. header

Experience True Modern Elegance

An icon of elegance for more than 87 years, the 356-acre Boca Raton Resort & Club, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, is one of the country’s premier resort destinations and a perfect setting for golfers. Ranked by both Golf Digest and Golfweek Magazines among the top golf courses in North America, Boca Raton Resort & Club’s golf program offers spectacular courses, a putting green and practice area, a comprehensive golf clubhouse, fleet of GPS UpLink Smart Cart golf carts and renowned instruction structured for any level of golfer at the Golf Academy with the Dave Pelz Scoring Game School. Golfers can choose from two styles of play at the historic Resort Course or the Boca Country Club Course.

Originally built in 1926 by fabled golf architect William Flynn, the Resort Course is one of the oldest golf

courses in Florida. Its reconstruction was overseen by acclaimed golf course designer Gene Bates, who redesigned each of the course’s 18 holes. To maintain the historical significance of the course, tees and bunkers were fashioned to their original design.

Fairways and greens were transformed to be much more demanding. Water comes into play throughout most of the 10

course with 12 acres of lakes.

The Country Club Course is more demanding, according to the Resort’s Golf Professional, Mike Trinley. Each of the Country Club course’s 18 greens is contoured with subtle hills and valleys to add additional challenge and memorable play.

Steeped in rich golfing history, the Boca Raton Resort & Club’s golf program has been headed by such noted professionals as Tommy Armour, “the Silver Scot” and “Slammin’” Sammy Snead.

No matter which course you play, you can end the day at one of the Resort’s 12 restaurants and lounges including Morimoto’s Sushi Bar by the renowned Iron Chef, Lucca, the Tuscan Italian Trattoria with oven grilled pizza and pasta dishes, 501 East for a more casual menu of burgers, salads, soups and sandwiches or SeaGrille for fresh seafood specialties at the Beach Club, located on a half mile private beach.

For a more worldly selection, try Cielo’s coastal Mediterranean cuisine at the top of the Tower and don’t forget dessert. Serendipity, New York City’s famed ice cream shop, will satisfy that sweet tooth with giant-sized cones and sundaes, cookies and treats and their world-famous frrrozen hot chocolate or the $1,000 sundae, listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Acres of lush tropical gardens and historic architecture are the setting

for a variety of luxurious amenities including the oceanfront Boca Beach Club, the Resort’s tennis program ranked among the top 20 U.S. tennis resorts by Tennis Magazine, fullservice marina with catamaran cruises, boating and fishing, seven swimming pools, three state-of-the-art fitness centers, a variety of water sports and a new Surf School by Billabong. The award-winning Spa Palazzo, inspired

by Spain’s legendary Alhambra Palace, is a tranquil destination in itself with a unique menu of treatments, Jacuzzi waterfalls and a swimming pool with underwater music.

For reservations, call your travel professional or 888-543-1286, or visit www.BocaResort.com.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

A Classic American Favorite since 1925

Designed by world-famous architect Donald Ross, the Belleview Biltmore Golf Club has been a classic American favorite since 1925. The 18-hole championship par 71 course has a national reputation for its strategic design and playability. Nature, not housing, dominates the field of play at the Biltmore. Crowned pedestal greens, a Ross trademark, invite run-up shots but tend to shed careless approaches, while well-placed fairway bunkers snare errant drives. Large water oaks and pines narrow a few fairways, and water comes into play on seven holes. Add to that the ever present Gulf breezes and the course becomes a challenge and a pleasure, all at the same time.

The Town of Belleair purchased the Belleview Biltmore in 2013 and has vowed to preserve the natural beauty that has become a local treasure for many years. The Town has entrusted the operation of the facility to Green Golf Partners and they have forged a strong partnership for conserving the beauty of the course and making golf fun again. Specializing in corporate and charity outings, the Biltmore’s professional staff will make any function a success and a fun experience for every participant. An outstanding golf course and a fun atmosphere ensure that you cannot find a better golf experience in all of Florida.

Visit our website to book your tee time today!

Course Managed by

Belleview Biltmore Golf Club 1501 Indian Rocks Rd Belleair, FL 33756 Phone: (727) 581-5498 www.belleviewbiltmoregolf.com

golf bachelor header

Jake Etherton

Where were you born? Did you grow up there? Born in

Whom do you most admire for their inner and outer beauty?

Is “acting your age” over rated?

Steak, chicken, or seafood? I can cook a mean Porter-House,

Winter Haven, Fl and yes grew up there as well.

Yes! You only live once you

got to have fun

What do you do for a living? Assistant Golf Professional at

Reunion Resort & Club of Orlando. I run all 100 + member events we hold. I wouldn’t be able to do them without the assist of my co workers.

What would you like to do for a living? Full time playing on the PGA Tour

Aside from golf; what do you prefer for fun and relaxation?

Nice weekend on the beach or the lake with all of my close friends, nice little side game of pool and ping pong. As long as it’s fun I’ll be there.

My Mom! She is amazing and I can’t say enough about her.

Filet, and Ribeye.

What do you find to be the most annoying habit people demonstrate on the golf course? Cheating, I’ll never forget the time playing in my PAT (players ability test) the last round a guy I was playing with needed to finish +1 with three holes to play and going into the last hole he needed to make a par. He hit his tee shot in the water, we looked and looked and never found it. As soon as myself and the other guy turned around the guy says “I found it!” It was in the rough sitting up like it was on a tee. Needless to say we had to call it on him. But ever since that moment I’ve noticed cheating happening a lot.

Given the choice; would you select love, success, or money to keep yourself happy? Success. Because then I would know I have achieved my accomplishments and that would make me happier than anything.

What three people would you most like to play with in your fantasy golf foursome? Arnold Palmer, Dad, Grandfather (Pa-Pa) Favorite comedian? Kevin Hart by far Favorite magazine? Golf Central you kiddin me!

Favorite charity to support? Wounded Warriors Jake’s step sister and her husband, Brigitte and Chase Ratzlaff both Corporals United States Marine Corps

12

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

Have a special event on the horizon? So do we.

Weddings

Corporate & Special Events

Tournaments

Around here, non-members get the VIP treatment, too. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate gathering or golf tournament, your special event will be well above par. For over 27 years our world-class amenities, awardwinning restaurants and exceptional personal service have made us Seminole County’s premier Country Club.

FOR TOURS AND PERSONALIZED EVENT PLANNING: Contact Toni Curlin at 407.562.0172 or TCurlin@heathrowcc.com 1200 Bridgewater Drive • Heathrow, Florida 32746 • www.heathrowcc.com

cart header girl Where did you grow up? In Central Florida Are they’re any golfers in your family? Not currently, but Austin, my son, has great potential.

What do you feel makes this club special? The management, members and guests are super friendly.

What is your favorite part of being a cart girl ? Socializing with all the people.

What is your least favorite part? When it rains…..and the summer heat

What is your memorable moment working as a cart girl? I’m still waiting to witness a “hole in one”.

What hobbies do you enjoy? I love spending time with my son and family

Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails? At a night club, feeling at home with several cocktails!

Favorite comedian? Jeff Dunnham Favorite charity to support? Make a Wish Foundation What else would you like for us to know about you? Life is short, so enjoy it to the fullest! I plan to!

14

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

celebrity corner

Footy's 14th Annual Wing Ding Golf Classic

Footy’s 14th Annual Wing Ding Golf Classic Presented by Badia Spices, Greenspoon Marder P.A., Publix Super Markets, and Comcast raised $50,000.00 for Here’s Help, Inc. The annual charity event, hosted by renowned South Florida radio personality John “Footy” Kross, took place at the Pembroke Pines Golf & Racquet Club. Here’s Help, Inc. is a nonprofit treatment agency providing residential programs, outpatient therapy (group, individual & family), and

Dan Marino, Billy Sabo and Michael Marino team-driven comprehensive commu-

for the day included NFL Hall of Fame

nity based care for people ages 13 years

Quarterback Dan Marino; Former

and older who have mental health and

Miami Heat Star Alonzo Mourning;

substance use disorders.

Gerry Greenspoon, Managing Partner

Local celebrities and business execu-

of Greenspoon Marder P.A.; Michael

tives who joined Footy in teeing off

Marino (DJ 1TRE); Richard Booth, Vice President with Southern Wine & Spirits and Ignacio Mendez, President of Dynasty Apparel.

Footy is known for his deeply rooted commitment to community service and has been a presence on South Florida radio for over 35 years. He was a co-host on a locally produced South Florida morning show from 1974 to 2006, thus holding the record of longest Top 40 CHR DJ in North America.

Founded in 1968, Here’s Help, Inc. has become one of Miami-Dade County’s premiere providers of residential and outpatient substance abuse treat-

Mike Marino, Kevin Blair, Kip Hunter with Dan Marino and Jarett Levan 16

ment, serving over 500 clients annuFlorida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

ally. Funded by local, state and federal contracts, Here’s Help has excelled as a substance abuse treatment provider and is lauded by the Departments of Corrections, Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Children and Families (DCF), and Probation and Parole for its treatment, educational and preventive services. Recognizing the contribution of the agency’s Alternative Therapies Program to the field of chemi-

Former NBA Star Alonzo Mourning Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

Dan Marino, Billy Sabo and John Footy Kross cal dependency, the Florida Alcohol and

elers, Metro Signs, Anthony’s Coal Fire

Drug Abuse Association and DCF award-

Pizza, Budweiser, Blue Bell Ice Cream,

ed this program 1st Place statewide as an

Clear Results Marketing, Gerlinde & Mi-

Exemplary Treatment Facility in 2002.

chael Photography, Café Ala-Carte, Spirit

Event corporate sponsors included Ba-

Airlines, The Westin Diplomat Resort,

dia Spices, Greenspoon

El Pimiento, John the Baker, South-

Marder P.A., Publix

ern Wine and Spirits, Sandal Resorts,

Super Markets, Com-

FMS Bonds, Inc., Hooters, Dan Marino

cast, BB&T, Rick Case

Foundation, Ron Book, PA, Produce

Automotive Group,

Connection and Kip Hunter Market-

Hialeah Park, Dynasty

ing. For more information, please visit

Apparel, Levinson Jew-

www.hereshelpinc.com.

Mike Marino, Alex Vaumer, Austyn Rumaner, Dan Marino, John Footy Kross, and Nick Kross 17

Three members of the first place team all active duty Marines and members of Orlando’s 4th Motor Transport Bn. Color Guard - are shown with their trophies.

No Stopping Florida Marine Golf Tournament Tropical Storm Andrea tried its best but failed to stop play in the 9th Annual USMCCCA Foundation (Florida Chapter) Golf Tournament.

The wide-ranging storm dropped between two and four inches of rain on the Ridgewood Lakes Golf Club on Thursday filling sand bunkers and prohibiting golf carts from anywhere but cart paths on the Central Florida gem.

Tournament Chair “Red” Carpenter gave high praise to the Ridgewood staff for getting the course into playable condition. “We only were delayed an hour before play began, thanks to the efforts of the workers. Sand bunkers were filled with water and workers were raking even as we played.

They did a great job!”

Carpenter thanked all players for putting up with the very wet conditions that, on some courses, would have meant cancellation of the tournament. “The losers would have been the Marines and families served by the Injured Marines Semper Fi organization of Oceanside, CA. As it is we still made a profit of $7,000 and will be able to make a substantial contribution again this year.

The rain did diminish the playing field and, with the cart path-only rule, 18

golfers hitting errant shots did quite a bit of walking. In all, 70 players participated in the scramble format.

The Marine Corps Color Guard from Orlando’s 4th Motor Transport Bn., were featured during the pre-golf ceremonies, presenting the Colors for the playing of the National Anthem and the Marines Hymn. Their participation did not end there as they also participated in the tournament, win-

ning first place honors. The team was comprised of Gregg Smith, Michael Brandt and Robert Smith.

Winning second place were Joel Carter, Dave Jacques and Michele Vinieratos. In the over 60 Division, Jim Paxton, Bobby Jones, Dusty Rhodes and Dave Blanchard, all from The Groves community, took home trophies. This was the second win for a Paxton team in this tournament.

1st Place Senior: A team from the Groves Community, captained by Jim Paxton are senior division tournament winners for the second time. The team consisted of Paxton, Dusty Rhodes, Bobby Jones, and Dave Blanchard.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

“No Houses – Just Pure Golf” 5 Sets of Tees – 5,045 yards to 7,221 yards Expansive Range – Practice and Chipping Greens Friendly Staff – Group and Individual Lessons Available Rusty Niblick Pub & Grill Junior Clinics – Tuesday Evenings June -August

5-9 year olds – 5:00pm

10-14 year olds – 6:00pm Ladies League 1st Tuesday of each month Wednesday Twilight League – 2 man Best Ball Couples and Cocktails – 3rd Friday of each month

4:00-5:00 Happy Hour

5:00 Tee Times

Book Tee Times Online at Forestlakegolf.com or phone 407-654-4653 Located off the 429 between Ocoee and Apopka Architects – Clifton Ezell Clifton Golf Desing Group

improving performance

JumboMax® Grips will improve your golf game…

GUARANTEED!

JumboMax® Grips are a new, USGAconforming grip designed to fit your hands better for superior surface contact and more solid ball striking.

The larger diameter of the super-sized JumboMax® Grips creates maximum surface contact for a secure and comfortable feel. This in turn lets you relax your grip on the club for a more fluid and powerful swing.

Eliminates tension for faster clubhead speed.

Golf instructors universally agree that the surest way to ruin a good golf swing is by gripping the club too tightly, or by increasing grip pressure during the swing, which prevents the club from releasing properly at impact. The larger diameter and unique design of the JumboMax Grips instantly gives you a more secure hold on the club, so you don’t feel the need to squeeze it too tightly. You’ll relax your grip on the club freeing your hands and arms to release the club naturally, giving you the fluid, effortless and powerful swing you need.

Square the clubface more consistently for incredible accuracy.

Because you can generate 38% more turning power with a JumboMax Grip than with a standard

grip, not only will you relax your grip on the club creating more clubhead speed, you’ll find it easier to keep the clubface square longer through impact for straighter, more powerful shots.

Play and practice longer with less shock on your joints. Not only do JumboMax Grips

outperform standard grips for distance and accuracy they have the added benefit of being extremely comfortable and shock-absorbing. If you have arthritic hands, you will really appreciate our super-oversized, twist- resistant, shock absorbing technology.

Yes, these grips are for you!

From novices to advanced players, everyone can benefit from quiet hands and the relaxed grip provided by JumboMax Grips.

They will quickly and dramatically improve the way you play the game of golf!

JumboMax Grips have been extensively tested by golfers of all abilities and are quickly developing an incredible following. Golfers are experiencing better control, increased distance, more confidence and are just having more fun on the golf course! But don’t take our word for it. Read what golfers across the country are saying about these amazing oversized game changing grips..

“All I can say is WOW!!!!!! I’m consistently hitting the ball straight down the middle. I put the large grip on the new driver I bought and my buddy put it on his driver as well. I give these grips 2 thumbs up.”

— Sam Robinson, Roanoke, IN “I went from a 26.2 handicap to a 18 in less than a month, playing only eight rounds.”

— Joe Mooney, South Lake Tahoe, CA

“I love the feel, the forgiveness, and the performance of these grips. I’m especially happy with the improvement in my short game! If I’d had JumboMax Grips on my wedges 10 or 12 years ago, I would have made millions on the Champions Tour.”

— Lon Hinkle, 3-Time PGA Tour Winner and Champions Tour Professional

No-Risk Money-Back GUARANTEE!

Order a TRIAL SET, FULL SET or an INDIVIDUAL JumboMax Grip. Install ONE of them on your golf club of choice and try it RISK-FREE for 60 days. If you don’t agree that JumboMax Grips are the most comfortable golf grips on the market and improve your ball striking and accuracy we’ll take them back!

JumboMax Swing Grips are available in five different sizes and their Jumbo Putter Grip is available in two different colors.

To order call 1-800 573-4747 or visit www.JumboMax.com.

20

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

Expert reviews of golf equipment, golf gear & the latest golf technology.

name? If not, chances are that you will, that is if you are a local golfer who is serious about getting a competitive edge in your game. Bentley is the first instructor in Tampa to bring Katherine Roberts’ Yoga for Golfers to her community. Yoga for Golfers provides unique benefits such as:

B

Beth Bentley. Have you heard her

TLE EN

Y

fore your health

Yoga and Golf – The Perfect Pair YOGA GOLF

• Greater range of motion – Average 20-40% • Improved distance and accuracy • Increased flexibility and balance • Reduced chance of injury • Sharpened mental focus

To earn the highest credential in this specialty, Bentley flew to Sechelt, Canada to personally train and certify with Katherine Roberts, world-renowned golf fitness expert and Nike Swoosh Elite. Bentley was thrilled to bring the combination of mind & body for optimal golf performance to her home city of Tampa. Shortly thereafter, Bentley Yoga Golf was born.

Bentley’s overall vision is to “blend” yoga with various lifestyles while working towards her mission of spreading awareness of the infinite benefits that yoga can provide for anyone willing to give it a try. Bentley says, “It is my steadfast belief that there is a space for yoga in everyone’s life and that is how my first “blend”, Bentley Yoga Golf, came to life.” One important aspect to Beth's yoga awareness mission is that it is not limited to the states and is global in scope. For example, Beth will be teaching Yoga Golf abroad this summer at the Ekerum Golf & Resort in Sweden.

She is thrilled to live out her mission through her travels and social media channels. Bentley is also looking forward to rolling out future blends in continuing her global yoga awareness mission.

Along with her mission comes her heartfelt desire to “give back” with her time, talents, and gifts. Many people are unaware that Beth is one of the only yoga instructors in the world who is both certified in Kids Yoga (ages 0-18) and Katherine Roberts’ Yoga for Golfers. With her support of Big Golf Discounts.com, a program benefiting the Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy, she realized that junior golf is where she could make a lasting difference. It 22

Beth Bentley wasn’t long after that realization that Beth got on the phone with the Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy to see where she could help. As a result, Bentley will be volunteering her time at the academy this fall.

The academy’s mission is simple: To educate and assist at-risk children by improving their self-esteem, character, work ethic, social adjustment and academic performance using the golf course as a living classroom.

Their motto is “Preparing Students for the Game of Life.” Beth was immediately taken aback with the parallels of their vision and what she tells her

By Patty Broadbent Photos by Michael Harris

own students, “In yoga…what we practice on our mat, we take into our everyday lives.” She further explains, ”The breath is the glue between the mind and body connection while also keeping us in the present…providing a good state of mind so when things happen in your life, you can take them as they come.”

Beth is grateful for the community’s excitement around the synergy between yoga and golf. After experiencing first-hand how yoga tremendously helped her golf swing – she was confident that local golfers would benefit too. Yoga and golf seem worlds apart but with a closer look, most will agree that they share similarities. Bentley says, “While yoga can increase flexibility, core strength, balance, and focus… again, the breath is crucial to golf conditioning as it provides a tempo for your game.”

For others like Beth who have an interest in teaching this cutting-edge golf fitness program, the opportunity will be close to home. For the first time in Florida, Katherine Roberts will be conducting a live Yoga for Golfers Teacher Training session on November 6-10, 2013 at Cheval Golf & Country Club in Tampa. You can visit www.yogaforgolfers.com for more information.

As Bentley Yoga Golf looks to expand its reach, they will provide $100.00 towards certification costs to qualified teachers interested in Bentley Yoga Golf opportunities. For more information, contact Bentley Yoga Golf at info@bentleyyogagolf.com.

For the upcoming Yoga for Golfers class schedule in Tampa, visit Bentley Yoga Golf’s Home, the Golfer’s Grail of Tampa, at www.golfersgrail.net.

Beth Bentley Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

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fore your health

New Technology from Thor Guard Gives Golfers Course Staff Access to Lightning Prediction Data on the Course Golfers have applauded the proliferation of technology in recent years that enabled their shots to go farther and straighter. As National Lightning Safety Awareness Week (June 23-29) approaches, and with memories of the devastation caused by the Oklahoma tornado still fresh, golfers might want to embrace a new technology, one that can save their lives.

Thor Guard, which makes lightning prediction and warning systems for golf courses and other businesses, announced that its lightning prediction data, radar and National Weather Service (NWS) warnings are now accessible from mobile devices.

Thor Guard systems are installed on approximately 1,500 U.S. courses, including Viera East Golf Club in Viera.

Golfers at Viera East and other facilities equipped with a Thor Guard system

Viera East Golf Club 24

and Thor PVX software can now access information on smartphones and tablets when severe weather threatens from anywhere on the course. Known as ThorMobile, the technology also provides email and text notifications.

An average of 35 lightning-related fatalities was recorded by the NWS over the past decade (including a record low of 26 in 2011), a 33 percent reduction over the previous 10-year period. From 2006 to 2012, eight lightningrelated deaths have occurred on golf courses.

“Obviously, there’s only so much comfort we can take from this trend,” according to Robert Dugan, president of Thor Guard. “The real positive news is that people are paying more attention to the dangers of lightning, and we now have better technology that

can help save lives and reduce injuries.”

The downward trend in lightning-related deaths is attributed in large part to more golfers hearing and heeding the warnings, said NWS meteorologist John Jensenius, who initiated the first National Lightning Safety Awareness Week in 2001.

“The message is very simple: If you can hear thunder, you can be struck by lightning and you need to go indoors immediately,” Jensenius said.

Thunder is certainly a strong indicator of severe weather, but the vagaries of lightning include the proverbial “bolt out of the blue,” which comes without warning. Advances in technology, such as Thor Guard’s lightning prediction and warning systems, can help educate golfers and golf course personnel, while providing warnings of severe weather.

“A lot of people just don’t understand how dangerous lightning really is. They don’t realize it could be 100 million volts of electricity coming at them faster than they can blink an eye,” Dugan said. “Operators need to continually remind players of the dangers and adopt a strict policy regarding play once a lightning warning has been issued, and players need to realize finishing the hole isn’t worth the risk.” www.thorguard.com.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

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what's new

Have you played golf with this guy?

Sure you have and you have probably also been stuck playing behind a whole foursome of “turtles.” Telling these golfers they are slow has little or no effect because slow golfers do not believe they are slow. They just tuck their head under their shell and continue to display poor pace of play etiquette on the golf course.

Introducing 240 GOLF, an incredibly simple way for golf course managers to educate golfers about good pace of play etiquette. 240 GOLF teaches golfers how to be ready to play their shot when it is their turn and do so in 30 seconds or less.

240 GOLF uncovers the bad habits many golfers display that causes them not to be ready when it is their turn. Simple things like having your golf glove on before it is your turn.

Reading the putt before it is you turn not during your turn. Get out of the cart and go to your ball rather than waiting in the cart for your partner to play his shot. 240 GOLF provides 10

26

pace of play etiquette rules that when

If you would like to help speed play

affordable education program. You

followed insure the golfer will play on

at your favorite golf course ask your

can also visit the site and request

pace. Being ready to play when it is

pro to visit www.play240golf.com and

your own copy of the 240 GOLF

your turn is good golf etiquette.

learn how to implement this very

etiquette rules.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

Luxury Living on a Top 10 Golf Course

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what's new

JUST ONE GOLF

PGA Tour Excitement in the Everyday Round of Golf.

You are at the beautiful Kingwood Country Club in Clayton, Georgia. Kingwood is a mountain resort course with stunning views. You’re on the 9th hole, a 150 yard par-3. The hole takes you over a pond and slightly uphill. Your heart is pounding; your palms are sweaty as you visualize your perfect tee shot.

You back off your shot to take one last practice swing. It’s only a par-3 to finish the front 9, why all the drama and nerves? It’s simple, if the shot goes in it’s worth a cool $100,000. Or, if it settles within one length of the flagstick, it’s worth some outstanding pro-shop credit. Plus, you get an awesome video of your winning shot - all thanks to the Just One Golf Game!

Most casual golfers never take shots worth that much money. Most never feel the same pressure as the pros out on the tee. Thanks to the Just One Golf Game, you have the chance to win big bucks, while also adding excitement, drama and fun to your everyday round of golf.

77% of golfers surveyed say that their #1 reason for playing golf is competition! more than 1 in 4 golfers say that if a golf course offers the Just one golf game system they are more likely to play at that particular course!

Using simple modern technology, the Just One Golf Game allows golf course owners to add value and fun to their course. The game is easy to play, since most courses have a Just One base play built into their green fees. Before his or her round, the golfer simply enters basic information into the Just One Kiosk located in the pro shop. Once on the course, the golfer then confirms their entry via the Just One Teeosk, located on the hole. Then, it’s showtime! It’s that easy.

Do you want the chance to win even more money? Simply upgrade your Just One base play. Just One offers several options that increase the payout exponentially. Plus, every upgrade entitles you to a free drink and the awesome video of your winning shot. What do you have to lose?

Back to the drama at the 9th hole at Kingwood...

You stand confident on the tee. You grip the club, go into your backswing, and whip your club forward. You hit it pure. It’s tracking, tracking...this has a chance. This could be the kids’ college fund, the vacation house or a new boat. The possibilities are endless. You’ll never know unless you play a course that features the Just One Golf Game. Ask your local course to install the Just One Golf Game today!

Just One Corporate Office: 491 Northpoint Parkway, West Palm Beach, Florida 33407 • Toll Free: 855-Just 111 (587-8111)

28

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

By Rebecca Welk

special events header

The Shared Experience of Ernie Els and Dan Quinn Dan Quinn loves hockey and he loves caddying for Ernie Els, but every July the thing he loves the most is competing at the American Century Championship, the annual Lake Tahoe, NV celebrity golf extravaganza now in its 24th year.

The former NHL star center has won five titles on the famed Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course and arrives this year as the defending champion.

But before his obligations in Lake Tahoe, Quinn, 48, had the experience of a lifetime caddying for his good friend and two-time U.S. Open winner Ernie Els, 43, at Merion in June.

Quinn has packed for Els in almost 40 tournaments around the world since 2010 and was on the bag when Els won the PGA Grand Slam in 2010 and defeated world number one Luke Donald in the WCG Accenture Match Play in 2012.

“This whole opportunity…has really been motivating for me,” Quinn said. “Since my retirement from hockey, it’s really brought a lot of the old competitive feelings back. I look forward to every week on the road with Ernie, and I’m very keen on working on my own game.”

Quinn’s goal this year is to bring home his sixth American Century Championship title. His other five wins,

Dan Quinn and Ernie Els

30

Dan Quinn and Ernie Els from 1992 to most recently in 2012, make him one of the top players at Tahoe every year.

“I’ve always enjoyed trying to get ready for the American Century Championship,” said the Ottawa native.

“You know what you need to do to win, and you know there are quality players you need to beat.”

Since the tournament takes place in Nevada, where sports book wagering is legal, a fun fan pastime is betting on which celebrity will take home the championship. Rick Rhoden (41), the only player who has won the tournament more than Quinn (5-1), will be competing once again along with former NFL quarterback Billy Joe Tolliver (3-1), who is the favorite to win this year. John Smoltz (5-1), Jack Wagner (6-1), John Elway (10-1), Jeremy Roenick (12-1) and Trent Dilfer (12-1) will all also be competition for Quinn during the Lake Tahoe tournament set for July 19-21. The action will be televised on NBC Sports Network Friday, July 19, from 4-7 p.m. ET and on NBC Saturday, July 20, from 3-6 p.m. ET and Sunday, July 21, from 3-6 p.m. ET. Quinn and Els met in Jupiter in 2008, through their young daughters who attend school together.

“He’s always remarkably positive,” Els

said about Quinn’s caddying at a U.S. Open media conference back in June.

“He knows what’s going through my mind. He knows what to say and when to say it. And most of all, he knows when not to say anything.”

“He is a good friend of mine,” Els went on to say. “And we played a lot of golf together. He loves the game and he’s a huge competitor, as you can well imagine, playing in the hockey league for such a long time. He loves the game.

I don’t know if he loves my company all the time, but he’s a good friend. I think we’re having a good time.”

In July 2012, amazingly, the two had a shared experience even though they were 4,900 miles apart. Els won the British Open early in the day, U.S. time, birdieing the 18th hole to capture his second Claret Jug. Several hours later, Quinn completed a final round rally to win his fifth American Century Championship.

This year, they will part ways in July, Els to the British Open at Muirfield in Scotland and Quinn to the American Century Championship at Tahoe.

And, hoping that the Golf Gods are with them, they will try to turn the trick once again on Sunday, July 21, continents apart but pulling for one another as friends.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

leader on the links

World-Renowned Golf Artist Walt Spitzmiller Unveils Paintings to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Nicklaus’ First Masters Win Golf and sporting artist Walt Spitzmiller spent eight years painting what he believes is golf’s greatest achievement of the modern era: Jack Nicklaus’ 18 major championship titles. In a collection of 18 paintings simply entitled Jack’s Majors, Spitzmiller brilliantly captures a moment from each of Nicklaus’ record-setting major victories in an artistic tribute to the legendary champion who competed

over six decades and registered 120

The hand bound and luxuriously

professional tournament wins plus the

crafted collector’s volume, which is

Grand Slam.

limited to 100 editions, is numbered

One third of Nicklaus’ major

and signed by Jack Nicklaus and

championship titles came at the

the artist and includes 18 giclee art

Masters and with this year being

prints (18” x 24”) of the collection,

the 50th anniversary of the “Golden

along with accompanying text that

Bear’s” first win of his unmatched run

recounts highlights of each tournament

at Augusta National, Spitzmiller has

by award-winning golf author and

published Jack’s Majors in an exquisite

journalist, Don Wade.

commemorative fine art Portfolio book.

“I’ve been a great admirer of Jack Nicklaus and it has been a labor of love to paint each of his landmark major championship victories,” said Spitzmiller. “I am delighted to offer the 18 paintings as a tribute to the world’s greatest golfer and his unique and enduring achievements. I am especially grateful that Jack is so pleased with the art and that he agreed to sign each of the 100 limited edition Portfolios.”

For more information about the limited edition Jack’s Majors Portfolio signed by Jack Nicklaus and Walt Spitzmiller, as well as the 18 paintings in the collection, visit www. jacksmajors.com.

Walt’s art may be found in the World Golf Hall of Fame, Baseball Hall of Fame, The Smithsonian Institute, The American Museum of Illustration and the Rodeo Hall of Fame. Walt resides in Bonita Springs, Florida. Visit

Walt Spitzmiller 32

www.waltspitzmillergolfart.com.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

Osprey Cove stay and play

Stay in one our luxurious suites that overlook the 18

hole and play a round of golf for only $350 per person or $500 per couple. Osprey Cove is a Private Club Community located in St. Marys, Georgia just 30 minutes from the Jacksonville International airport. The Championship Golf Course was designed by Mark McCumber & Associates, and will impress and delight golfers of all skill levels. th

It has earned numerous accolades and has been listed among Golfweek’s “Top 5 in Georgia” and Golf and Travel’s “Top 100 Modern Courses.” Golf Digest rated the course four stars and designated it: “A gem…must play if you’re within 100 miles.” Now, you have the opportunity to see for yourself!

Your Stay & Play Includes: • Accommodations in one of our luxurious suites that overlook the 18th hole for two nights • 1 round of golf; including cart and practice balls

Course Managed by

The Club at Osprey Cove 123 Osprey Drive St. Marys, GA 31558 Phone: 912.882.5575 www.ospreycoveclub.com

caribbean golf central

The New Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort Curacao Is A Full-Service Dutch Caribbean Island Resort Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) has expanded the Caribbean options in its worldwide portfolio with the addition of its first member hotel in Curacao. The Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort Curacao, which opened in 2010 as the Hyatt, is situated on 27 pristine acres on Curacao’s Santa Barbara Plantation, between the Caribbean Sea and Spanish Water Bay. The resort now receives ALHI’s authorized and dedicated Global Sales Organization (GSO) services and sales support to North American corporations, associations, independent planners, business executives, and incentive specialists desiring to conduct meetings and/or incentive programs at the resort.

Located on the beautiful Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao, which is just 35 miles from both Aruba and Venezuela, Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort Curacao offers 350 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, each with full balconies or patios providing superlative views.

Known for its exceptional service and facilities, the resort features more than 9,000 square feet of indoor function space, including ballrooms, a boardroom, and breakout rooms. In addition, the resort boasts more than 25,000 square feet outdoor event space which provides picturesque views of the Caribbean Sea. The resort features an 18-hole Pete Dye championship golf course overlooking the Caribbean Sea 34

and Spanish Water Bay, a private beach, 4,500-square-foot Atabei Spa, 24-hour fitness center, three outdoor pools, four lighted tennis courts, four restaurants, five shops, a business center, concierge services, Wi-Fi, and a multilingual staff.

Area recreational options are abundant including scuba diving, snorkeling, other water sports, casinos, an Ostrich Farm, Curacao Sea Aquarium Marine Animal Park, Christoffel Park, and Hato

Caves. Curacao International Airport is just 35 minutes away.

“Our meeting planner and incentive specialist clients have been asking us for additional Four- and Five-Diamond quality options in the Caribbean, and we are so proud to add Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort Curacao to our portfolio, to address this growing need,” said David Gabri, president and CEO of ALHI. “Its setting is incredible, and its facilities and service are first-class.

Planners interested in the Caribbean for their program, should definitely

consider this truly beautiful resort.”

Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort Curacao becomes ALHI’s 10th member in the Caribbean, joining Atlantis on Paradise Island in The Bahamas; Cove Atlantis on Paradise Island in The Bahamas; Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Resort & Spa in Cancun, Mexico; Gran Melia Golf Resort Puerto Rico in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico; Half Moon on Jamaica’s Montego Bay; Live Aqua Cancun in Cancun, Mexico; Paradisus Palma Real Resort in Playa de Bavaro, Dominican Republic; Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda in Playa del Carmen, Mexico; Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla in Playa del Carmen, Mexico; and Paradisus Punta Cana Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

In addition to becoming the newest member of ALHI’s worldwide portfolio of 140+ Four- and Five-Diamond quality hotels and resorts, Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort Curacao becomes a new offering in the “ALHI Golf Collection,” “ALHI Beach & Island Collection,” and “ALHI Passport Collection” specialty segments.

For more information about ALHI, to inquire about any of the ALHI member properties, and/or to acquire a free copy of ALHI’s “2012-2013 Global Sales Guide To Meeting Facilities,” contact your nearest ALHI Global Sales Office, or call the “ALHI Group Desk” tollfree at 866-303-ALHI (2544), and visit www.alhi.com.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

Dream big.

The 30th Annual Golf.com

World Amateur Handicap Championship.

Save $50 by Using Promo Code: FLGOLF Compete against more than 3,500 amateur golfers from across the globe on 60 of Myrtle Beach’s finest courses. The Golf.com World Amateur Handicap Championship is a chance to play 72 holes of competitive golf, make new friends and enjoy the revelry at the World’s Largest 19th Hole – all in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Learn more about how you could become a World Champion and register today at PlayWorldAm.com.

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on the green

A simple solution to declining course conditions: One Club takes an aggressive approach Sometimes a little outside-the-box thinking can permanently change the way we do things. Recently, a club pro in South Florida gave golf clubs a new way to solve a big problem. Private golf clubs and Adult golf communities have been faced with perpetual battles with course conditions and maintenance concerns. Everyone likes a pristine course. Let’s face it though, when your ball falls into a fairway divot, it quickly transforms your beautiful drive into horrible misfortune. The rules are clear: Play it as it lies. Short of the death penalty for the inconsiderate golfer who gave you this gift by not filling his divot, courses just do their best.

A brilliant idea by Brad McCollum, PGA Director of Golf at Ibis Golf & Country Club provided a simple solution for the problem. He decided to take an aggressive and proactive approach to the problem. He provided the entire membership at the course’s expense with the right tool for the job… and it worked. Imagine an 800 man divot repair crew!

Brad remarks, “In order to continue the overall awareness for caring for our courses here at Ibis, we partnered with

36

Starting Time Golf to obtain Fix with Mix containers for all our member owned golf carts and all our club owned carts. This will ensure that every golf cart here at Ibis has a small, easy-to-handle container, that allows our members to have sand to care for our courses. The Fix with Mix container size allows for easy storage in several locations on a golf cart, and even on the members golf bag. Now they have no excuse!

Even in the areas of our courses that restrict golf cart traffic, or on cart-pathonly days, our members will have a Fix with Mix container to carry with them to do their part and care for our courses in these sensitive areas. While this was an immediate expense to our club, the overall savings on having our entire membership work together to care for our courses will show for many years to come. Our members take great pride in the conditions of our courses, and the Fix with Mix container ensures that all our members will have access to divot sand at all times and at all locations around our courses.”

Bottom line is that putting small responsibility on 800 people is a whole lot better than having a small team of maintenance people responsible for filling thousands of divots per week. The expense is huge and never changes. It will ultimately improve conditions dramatically, and reduce costs in such a way that it leaves resources and money to apply to other improvements making conditions even better.

The Fix With Mix is a durable sand and seed dispenser that conveniently attaches to the bag or golf cart. The innovation is in attaching and storing in many different places. The second problem is simply solved by another product called the Fix-Master®. It is a unique and very effective ball mark repair tool that eliminates golf-

ers from bending over, while doing a perfect repair. The Result: Greens are healthier and blemish free, and the divots on the fairways are significantly improved without dedicating countless course maintenance hours.

Hugh Penton, President of Starting Time, comments: “ Brad’s idea was really nothing short of genius. It’s kind of funny because we certainly developed both of these products to make it easier for golfers to do their part. It just never occurred to me to have the courses or communities buy for their members. What a brilliant idea! I personally wanted to make it easier for players by providing products that are easy to carry and use. Golfers like using the Fix-Master because you repair while standing, which not only improves the course, it also reduces maintenance cost for the club just like the Fix With Mix.” The sand and seed dispenser is not a new idea. There are other dispensers out there. The truth is the Fix with Mix is more versatile in being easy to fill and doesn’t only fit in a specific mount like most. You can hang it on the cart, put it in a cup holder or hang it on your bag. Course conditions are a perpetual battle with budgets and inconsiderate golfers, but it seems that some aggressive thinking and educating members can go a long way in helping to get the upper hand.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

速

I-75

I-85

I-20 I-20

I-85

I-75

I-95

SM

feature

Fleming Island Plantation Golf Club Has New Owner!

When the Amenity Center Staff

golf came from two golf professionals: Harold “Bish” Bishop and Chris Blocker.

from the Golf Club at Fleming Island

“Golf Professionals are generally busy

met former PGA Tour player, Charles

at the club taking care of each and

Raulerson, Jr., their new owner, they

every golfer by addressing their needs

were cautiously optimistic. Change is never easy but their reaction says a lot.

“We can assure you that the future is bright.”

One of the advantages of playing on the PGA TOUR and having the opportunity to play golf in 42 countries is experiencing the course conditions and amenities that are first-class.

Then, if the opportunity presents itself to own a course, they could be implemented. That being said, during the purchasing process, Mr. Culby, the previous owner, wasn’t sure if Charles

for merchandise, lessons or just idle was serious. However, when Charles

‘chit chat.’ Bish and Blocker always had

and Mr. Culby discussed the many

time for me and some forty years later,

experiences they shared with Arnold

both are still on my mind. I owe so

Palmer, the deal was consummated.

much to my early mentors.”

He is a lifelong resident of the

His professional golf career began

Jacksonville area. “I was born in

in the fall of 1987 in Australia and

Callahan, Florida, and lived there until

continued for the next 15 years. “I lived

we moved to Jacksonville when I was

my dream by playing professional golf

six years old. That’s when my love

at the highest level and was able to win

affair with golf started. My dad played

six times around the world.”

golf at Hyde Park GC and I followed

Growing up, his family was very

him to the course. I hit a few balls

supportive of his golf even though they

when I was seven and that year Santa brought me a set of clubs. I quickly developed a passion for going to the course not only with my dad but also during elementary school hours. I rode my yellow bicycle to school in the morning and then during lunch, I rode it to the course. After several visits to the principal’s office, I started going to the course after school.”

Charles’ passion and inspiration for

38

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

didn’t have a lot of money. “My parents

details of running Hyde Park while he

would put together a summer budget

was on the PGA TOUR. This fueled his

for me to play in as many tournaments

other dream which was to own a golf

as possible. My

course.

mom drove me

Charles has

everywhere and

been running

always had little

the Country Club

comments to

of Orange Park

encourage me. She

since 2003.”The

definitely was my

Country Club

motivator and I

of Orange Park

couldn’t have made

was a struggling

it without her help!”

private club when

In his youth, his love affair with golf

Colin Armstrong and Ray Raulerson

was also inspired by the helping hands

(my father) purchased the club in 2002”

of Chris Blocker and PGA TOUR winner

says Charles. “For the past 10 years,

Billy Maxwell, the owners of The Hyde

we have restructured the club into an

Park Golf Club. Blocker showed him the

upscale golf club with private amenities to residents such as a fitness center,

lessons, NEW Youth Golf Membership (Ages 10-21), Junior Golf Memberships (Ages 22-39) and of course the RSG Golf Schools. You’ll see new range balls, new golf carts, a newly painted club house, beautification around clubhouse and an expansion of the patio to enjoy the beautiful club grounds. As we continue to grow our services, please send me any suggestions. We hope you visit the club and I look forward to meeting you.”

For more information: Charles@flemingislandgolf.com.

tennis program and pools. The success of the club comes from the tremendous dedication of golfers in the beautiful Orange Park Country Club and Loch Rane neighborhoods.”

Today, Charles is honored to serve The Fleming Island Plantation residents. “Our plans are to make golf memberships available for beginners through our $39 monthly range plan and $39 golf Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

39

live golf

Golfers,

By Joel Jackson, FGCSA Communications Director Photos by Joel Jackson

Get Involved In The Game You Love–

Rounds For Research!

Rounds of golf at more than 600 golf courses in 25 states and assorted travel packages will be available to the public for online bidding twice this year offering access for golfers that otherwise might not have been possible. (The first auction was held June 6-16. The second one is coming up in August, so check it out at the link below.)

Known as Rounds 4 Research, the auction is a venture of the Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic arm of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. It is presented in partnership with the Toro Co. Funds generated from the auction will go to support researched-based activities of GCSAA, its affiliated chapters and regional turfgrass organizations.

The auction, available through www.Rounds4Research.com, will include several packages for high profile golf events such as the 2014 Masters and U.S. Open golf tournaments, and destinations such as the Old Course at St. Andrews, Bay Hill Resort in Orlando and Camelback Resort in Scottsdale. Courses in the auction include Grand Cypress Resort (Fla.), Trump National Golf Club (N.Y.), Redstone Golf Club (Texas), Brae Burn Country Club (N.Y.), Stanwich Club (Conn.), Daniel Island Club (S.C.), Country Club of Georgia (Ga.), Victoria National Golf Club (Ind.), Southern Pines Golf Club (N.C.) and numerous others.

“Online auctions are popular because they provide entrance to some of the nation’s top facilities, but they also offer golfers great deals on other high quality facilities that might not have national name recognition, but still offer an enjoyable experience,” said GCSAA President Patrick R. Finlen, CGCS, director of golf at Olympic Club in San Francisco. “We believe those who go to the auction will be pleasantly surprised by the menu of courses available to them.”

40

Finlen also noted that whether golfers realized it or not, their purchases are directly benefitting them and the game they love. Funds will be used by GCSAA and regional superintendents/ turfgrass organizations to fund activities that lead to better course conditions.

“Surveys have time and again revealed that the golfer experience is based on course conditioning,” Finlen says. “By investing the revenues from

the auction in research-based activities, we can develop new grasses and management programs that can enhance conditions, but not at the expense of the environment and not as a result of spending more money on inputs such as labor, water, and plant products.

This is a very necessary investment the golf industry - companies, associations and golfers alike - must make if the game and facilities are going to remain viable.”

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

Be Part of the Future Donate a Round Today

(l-r) At the 2013 Florida GCSA Spring Board Meeting and Reception in Naples, Mark Kann was presented with the 2013 Distinguished Service Award for his volunteer service to the association and his chairmanship of the Best Environmental Management Practices Certification Program. Dale Mitchell with the Golf Agronomics Company and his partner Richard Coyler (not pictured) were given the 2013 Marie Roberts for their support and service to the Florida Golf Industry.

Through online auctions of golf rounds, the Rounds 4 Research program raises funds to help address the critical shortage of resources for turfgrass research. To learn more, visit rounds4research.com.

Joel Jackson, Communications Director for the Florida GCSA accepted a $2,500 donation to the FGCSA’s Turf Research Fund on behalf of the association. The gift was from the North Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association and presented by Mike Stevens, president of the chapter. The funds are used to finance research projects that help the golf industry protect the environment while providing golfers with top notch playing conditions.

(l-r) Adam Ellison, Gary Newcomb and Mike Giddens, all superintendents of the Ridge GCSA qualified for a shot at a $50,000 hole-in-one at the recent Jack Harrell, Sr. Memorial – Ridge Invitational Tournament at the Grasslands CC in Lakeland. The tournament’s fun format is 18 par-3 holes with a chance at a $5,000 prize on each hole. Last year one superintendent did make an ace for $5,000.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

Auction dates:

June 6-16, 2013 August 1-11, 2013

Rounds Research rtnership Presented in pa Company. with The Toro

HOLE PAR

53996 GCSAA R4R Toro Vert pgChapterPubAd_3_0_cs_new.indd 1

1 5

2 4

41 2/1/13 8:40 AM

4 8

live golf

By Sam Fried Flights of Fancy Adventures, LLC sam.fried@live.com www.flightsoffancyadventures.com

Sam with Florida Scrub Jays

Standing over my birdie putt, about to pull the trigger, a startling “kuk, kuk, kuk”, loudly erupted behind me. “Pileated woodpecker”, I said, and drained the putt. What was better, the birdie or the bird?

Fortunately, on most courses, a choice isn’t necessary. Once you realize that a golf course is a grass farm blended with trees, meadows and wetlands, it makes sense that every course has the potential to be a haven for wildlife, especially birds. Since the Florida peninsula is part of the Atlantic Flyway for migratory and wintering birds, an amazing 150 species might be found on

Red Tailed Hawk along the fairway

Bald Eagles at nest along the fairway 42

Birdies and Birds a course within any year. “Snowbirds” aren’t the only migrants that show up every fall. I’ve turned many golfers into birders just by playing a round together and pointing out all the different species that call their course home for all or part of each year. Since I’m known as both an avid golfer and obsessive birder, I frequently get calls from my birding-consciousness-raised buddies with questions like, “I saw a bird with black bands across its chest running across the fairway. What is it?” My answer is a killdeer, a type of sandpiper that loves to nest on golf courses. Next thing you know, these men and women are buying bird field guides, binoculars,

Loggerhead Shrike

setting up feeders outside their homes and have another great hobby for the rest of their lives.

Hopefully, the ultimate effect of this is twofold. First, golfer/birders take an interest in making their course a better place for wildlife. This can easily be achieved by joining Audubon International (www.auduboninternational.org), an outfit that helps courses become more wildlife and environmentally friendly. Next, spread the word! Not only to your golfing buddies, but to children as well. You’ll be making your course and others better, more enjoyable places to play, now and in the future.

Painted Bunting

Eastern Bluebird nest box on course Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

“WOW… WHAT A CLASSY WAY TO GET FREAKY FIT IN JUST 15-MINUTES” Think getting fit doesn’t help your golf game?

Tell that to Tiger Woods who works out between 2-7 hours every single day! BUT YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO THAT...

Introducing the 15 minute a week-workout using the Hi-Q Fitness Sauna. You can burn 350 calories in 15-Minutes - just sitting on your butt. Or, you can use the exercise video and work every muscle in your body and burn 5-10 times the calories, develop muscle faster than you ever thought possible and literally melt off pounds of fat in record time – your choice…

This new invention – referred to as the Ferrari of Saunas and the Nautilus of the 21st Century makes you healthy, fit, flexible and stimulates youthful energy - all of which helps your golf game like never before – in as little as just 15-minutes a week”

Here’s a short list of benefits you can expect to experience with the Hi-Q Fitness Sauna: • • • • • • • •

Detoxify, melt fat - purge your body of arthritis caus ing acids and nasty, deadly toxins.

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competitive spirits A small batch, 91 proof, handcrafted Kentucky straight bourbon whisky. Pogue Bourbon has a history dating back to the years following the Civil War. In 1876, the original Pogue distillery, Kentucky registered distillery No. 3, was established in Maysville, Mason County, Kentucky, very near a site often said to be the location of Kentucky’s first distillery. Prior to Kentucky’s statehood, Maysville was part of old Bourbon County, Virginia, where pioneer distillers discovered that the Indian corn and limestone water of the region made a product of mellow character and distinguished flavor. Today, the bourbon-making tradition is carried forward by fourth and fifth generation Pogues using the original Pogue recipe under a time-honored and fixed formula. Their current base of operation is located in the very same plot of land in Maysville, and we are proud to offer superior quality, smallbatch bourbon and rye spirits that represent the prestige of the Pogue name. The product was fashioned after an original bottle of Old Pogue that remained in the family for over a century. This easy-drinking bourbon can be enjoyed neat or with a small amount of ice or water.

Nominate your favorite bartender to showcase his/her signature drink with a recipe and photos. Readers will also find a discounted price for that drink so they can visit the bartender to sample the true taste of the libation.

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

grip it & sip it

By Chris Thompson

Birba, Brunello’s Baby Brother What makes a great Brunello? Terroir certainly, low yields, unadulterated Tuscan Sunshine, just the right amount of time in the oak and juicy Sangiovese Grosso grapes. What makes a classic Brunello like Fattoria La Gerla’s top rated Riserva Gli Angeli Bunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG is in the vineyard. The vineyards in Castel Nuovo dell’Abate and North-East - East facing vineyards in Canalicchio that once belonged to the renowned Biondi-Santi Family at 1000 feet above sea level are nestled in the hills, offering protection from the cold winds from the north and exposure to the sun. The advantages of these vineyards, the rich soils and yields well below the required minimums with the care and passion of director Alberto Passeri give La Gerla wines their characteristic depth.

Take that same juice selected for La Gerla’s Brunello di Montalcino, age it in small french oak barrels for 10 months, then large oak “Botti” for 6 months, with another 8 months rest in the bottle and you have Birba, Brunello’s baby brother.

This aging intensifies the Bright Ruby Color with flecks of garnet, brings out the forest berries and strawberry aromas with hints of Cocoa, Tobacco, and dried violet, and gives this wine a full, balanced and velvety body. Birba in Italian means “Naughty Boy” as Alberto Passeri likes to say and this Enfant Terrible shows it’s enthusiasm in every sip. Drink this year or cellar for ten.

Fattoria La Gerla, Birba Rosso Toscano I.G.T. Vintage: 2009 Aging: 2 years, 10 months in Oak Barrels, 6 months in Large Barrels Alcohol: 13.5% Color: Intense Ruby Red Aromas: Forest berries, Strawberries, Cocoa, hints of Cocoa, Tobacco, and dried violet Pairing: Beef and Game meats, seasoned cheeses, pasta with meats sauces.

Grip it and Sip it.

46

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

NATIONAL GOLF & RESORT PROPERTIES GROUP

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• Golf Courses • Master Planned Golf Communities • Golf Resorts

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player profile

“OUCH!” Imagine yourself in the following scenario.

At birth you are bigger and stronger than most other babies. This size and strength ‘advantage’ continues through your early years and at the age of about eight, you are encouraged to play football. You are arguably the best player on the team and the positive reinforcement you receive is the catalyst for you to continue in that sport.

You excel on the high school team and receive a scholarship to college.

Following your senior year in college, you play in a college All-Star Game.

You play very well and you’re drafted by an NFL team with whom you sign a contract.

Due to your ability, size and dedication, you play in the first NFL game of the season. During the game, however, your leg is hit from the side and your knee is severely injured. The pain is unbearable for two reasons. The first is the damage to your knee and the other is the fear that your career might be over. And it is.

48

But there might be another major problem looming in the future.

Former NFL quarterback, Steve Pisarkiewicz, explains, “NFL Medical Benefits are available to players who have been in the league four years.

They are called ‘Vested’ players. Those who are in the NFL less than four years, ‘non-Vested’ players, are not eligible and do not qualify for any NFL Retired Player Benefits. That being said, if a ‘non-Vested’ player has recurring problems later in life, hopefully they will have their own health insurance plan.”

Pisarkiewicz, a quarterback, was the MVP in the Senior Bowl, drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals and played for the 1985 Orlando Renegades.

Following his retirement, he was a driving force in the success of the European Football League where he taught, coached and conducted clinics.

This driving force continues today in another capacity.

“Currently, “says Pisarkiewicz, “I am part of a team assembled by Dr. Mike Ray of the Sports Medicine Institute International in Clermont. This Team consists of Orlando Health Officials, the NFL National Chapter of Former

Players in Washington, D.C., and the local Orlando Chapter of the NFLFPA. We are focused on creating access to a major medical entity for both ‘Vested’ and ‘non-Vested’ former players. This co-branding joint venture is a win-win for everyone.”

Pisarkiewicz continues, “The Orlando Chapter is very involved in “giving back” to various charitable organizations throughout Central Florida and this Alliance will be a great tool to increase our membership and take our charitable participation to the next level.”

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

By Bob Bolton

Toto, We’re Not In Kansas Anymore

duffer header dan

Photos by Larry Lambrecht

Streamsong Blue No. 1

You may put the address of Streamsong in your GPS, or map it online and wonder, “Where am I going?” While you are driving through the backwoods of Hillsborough or Polk County to get there, you may think, “Am I lost?” What I can tell you is that you won’t believe your eyes when you arrive, and you won’t forget your experience. Streamsong is the most dramatic visual golf course experience in Florida.

I was fortunate to be present during their Grand Opening earlier this year.

Course designers; Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore (Streamsong Red Architects) and Tom Doak (Streamsong Blue Architect) were in attendance, along with the visionaries from The Mosiac Company.

Streamsong is The Mosiac Company’s first-ever development project in Florida.

The extraordinary topography of the land, featuring towering sand dunes, dramatic contours, lakes and native vegetation, left from the mining process granted the architects a canvas which they could paint a masterpiece.

Ben Crenshaw may have said it best when he said, “We let the land tell us what to do.”

I had the pleasure of playing Streamsong Blue and can’t wait to get back to play Streamsong Red. Blue measures 7176 from the tips, which may be more than us mere mortals can handle, so I played the Black tees, which total 6698 yards. No matter what tee box you play from you will enjoy a visual horizon that will astound you. I have played some of the most beautiful golf courses in Bend, Oregon (Tetherow & The Club at Pronghorn) and Streamsong reminds me of those courses, sans mountains 50

in the distance.

Blue is a links style course, with wide fairways, sprawling vistas from every tee box and enough trouble (sand traps, water and waste areas) to keep you vigilant. The 7th hole, a 188 yard par 3 from an elevated tee, over water to a slanted green is a picturesque hole to

look at, and a real knee knocker at the same time. Johnny was our caddie and he had entertaining stories and valuable insight which guided us successfully around the track.

Early 2014 Streamsong will open their 216 room luxury resort, conference center and spa. Once open the outdoor amenities of the main lodge will include a lakeside pool, hiking and birding trails, tennis, guided bass fishing and a sports clays range. Until then you can check availability of the 12 guest rooms within the clubhouse.

Stay tuned for a future Duffer Dan on the Red Course. Or better yet, log on to www.streamsongresort.com and book 36 holes to experience it for yourself.

Streamsong Blue No. 7 Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

Golf &

Breakfast PackaGe

98

Starting From $ per person per night*

Golf is Your Passion…

ProvidinG Great exPeriences is ours

A hidden gem located on the Nature’s Coast of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico awaits your party’s arrival. The resort’s 27 holes of competitive and challenging golf originally designed by Mark Mahannah in 1957 provide a rewarding golf experience in the traditional “Florida” style with a variety of water and bunker obstacles. Challenging fairways lined by mature emerald pines and oaks with water hazards creating a unique Florida golf experience, our course is set on 232 acres of lush preserve land surrounded by the waters of Kings Bay. All of our links are beautifully manicured, well-groomed, and provide a traditional mix of the best golf Florida has to offer.

Make us your Stay & Play headquarters. There are 10 additional area golf courses to challenge you, as well as other activities such as: fishing, boating, dining, nature and spa. So come for as long or as little as you like, a la carte or at great savings with packages like our Golf & Breakfast Package.

See Your Travel Agent, Visit Us Online or Call 800-632-3232

Southern Hospitality with Florida Charm 9301 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429 www.PlantationOnCrystalRiver.com *Subject to availability; based on double occupancy; high season rates will be higher. Includes accommodations, one 18-hole round of golf and breakfast for two per each night of stay. Group rates are available on request.

stay & play

Summer Travel to Palm Beach – The Breakers’ Great Summer Promotion Discerning summer travelers vie for the most memorable vacation they can get for their investment, at a convenient, stateside location. In the heart of the island of Palm Beach, Florida, The Breakers Palm Beach is that coveted, luxury oceanfront resort -- a fully-renewed destination made compellingly affordable with an enticing summer vacation promotion.

From June 1 – September 30, 2013, weekday room rates (Sunday-Thursday) start at just $299 per room, per night, and $379 per night weekends (Friday/Saturday), based on standard accommodations, and represent 40% savings compared to winter season.

Added value is plentiful, with a variety of exceptional amenities either free or at significant savings… complimentary incentives such as continental breakfast, kids’ meals, kids’ day camp and unlimited tennis; to savings on golf, spa, bungalow rentals, on-site shopping and more. The Breakers has invested $250 million over the past decade on a score of enhancements to deliver exceptional guest experi52

ences, including newly renovated guest rooms, a magnificent five-acre tropical beachfront, and the debut of HMF, a glamorous destination for social drinking and eating.

A luxury resort for all ages, The Breakers offers enduring value for families, couples or friends on a getaway, and its summer promotion encour-

ages guests to save on their preferred experiences. With an amazing range of amenities and activities to choose from, guests never have to venture off property.

For reservations or more information, visit www.thebreakers.com, call toll-free at 1-855-313-8851 or contact your travel professional.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 23

DIAMONDS • SILVER • GOLD • COINS

ESTATE BUYER 407-831-8544

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To advertise call:

321-303-9684 ww w .T he Gol fI nsi de rs.c om Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

53

orth florida PGA north florida PGA north florida PGA north florida PGA north

By Steve Morris

Tournament Season in Full Swing Tyler Hitchcock Outlasts Stellar Field For Global Golf Sales Match Play Title!

Stephen Rourke defeats Kevin Crawford in the Consolation Bracket. A little luck, great talent and perhaps some local course knowledge? Tyler Hitchcock from Walt Disney World Golf outlasted the veteran Jeff Leonard from Terrace Hill Golf Center for the title. Of course it went 19 holes with Tyler making birdie to claim the championship! It was a lot of golf over the 4 days at Osprey Ridge!

Stephen Rourke, Lake Nona defeated Kevin Crawford, Bay Hill, 1 up for the Consolation title. Thank you to Steve Sponder, Global Golf Sales, for his partnership as the title sponsor! Thank you to our host Mike Brooks and his entire staff at Disney for the exceptional

Disney service as expected! A special thanks to Dean Dimarzo for his attention to detail and efforts to make sure the tournament went smoothly. Thank you to the competitors for taking the time to share their passion to compete.

Our first major was a great success and 70 players are now eligible for the Million Dollar Challenge! By the way...

Donny Lee won $1000 in the Global Golf Hole In One with his ace on #18! (See photo of Tyler and Rich) Freddy Gibson, Golf Ed, rode his experience from the PGA TOUR to win the NFPGA Senior Stableford at LPGA International. He scored 44 points to hold off Matt Mitchell, The Downs Golf & Practice Facility and Gerry James, Center Force Golf Systems who scored 40 points. The Stableford was also

Rich and Bill Gordon

54

Mo Guttman the qualifier for the afternoon Senior Shootout. (see photo of Freddy) Mo Guttman from Sarasota outlasted the field for the Shootout victory.

Our Club Car Pro-Official Championship at Shingle Creek was won by Sean Gorgone and Bill Piecenti; The Whole Game of Golf with a best ball round of 66. Kevin Paschall and Dave Brim; Serenoa Golf Club won the net division by shooting a 65. The North Florida PGA is proud to have Club Car as one of its premier sponsors. The relationship between the Section and Club Car has grown tremendously through the years and is second to none.

Thank You Bill Gordon and Club Car, Visage and Agricredit. Thank you David Scott, PGA, and the entire staff at Shingle Creek for the friendly and exceptional service! Weather was perfect, day was perfect!

Finally, congratulations Bob Dickson.

Our 2013 Senior Match Play Champion!

It came down to the two former TOUR Players! Bob Dickson and Mike Smith squared off for the title at Rio Pinar in Orlando. Mike was the defending champion and ECC Chapter Champion in 2012. The match was all square after nine, but Bob turned up the heat and defeated Mike 3 & 2. Thank you to host PGA Professional Mike Regner for stepping up and hosting this event again.

It’s become a great tradition to hold our championship at the historic Rio Pinar CC.).

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

outh orth florida PGA north south florida florida PGA PGA north southflorida floridaPGA PGAnorth southflorida floridaPGA PGAnorth south

Developing Juniors With Team Golf Team Golf supported by Cleveland Srixon Kids Need Golf, kicked off the season at the Palm Beach Par 3 course, and featured four teams; Atlantis Country Club, Bear Lakes Country Club, Team JGFA, and John Prince.

Each team consisted of six players ages 7-14. The format of the event was a two-person scramble, where players earned points for their teams based on performance in their respective age

division (7-10, 11-12, 13-14).

Team JGFA, coached by Mary Lee Cobick, pulled out the first victory of the season with a team total of 260 points.

Earning gold medals for Team JGFA were: Vanessa Berrios, Madisyn Bloom, Dylan Dziaba, Claire Keane, Stephanie Luma, and Lauren Tacher. Finishing in second place, coached by Valerie Moore, and receiving silver medals, were the John Prince Eagles, with a team total

of 200 points. Atlantis Country Club, coached by Jamie Wierenga, finished the event with a total of 163 points, while Bear Lakes, coached by Jon Ellingwood, finished with 133 points.

This event was the first in a seven event series to be held through the summer months. We would like to thank Palm Beach Par 3 for hosting the first event, and to all of the teams who participated.

About Team Golf

Team Golf is a developmental program designed for junior golfers ages 7-14 with beginning level golf experience and offers an introduction to tournament play through 9-hole team stroke play competition. Team Golf serves as a fun, social, less stressful approach to tournament golf, and provides junior golfers with knowledge and skills that set the stage for a lifetime of golf enjoyment. Â 56

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

pro visions

Father's Day Memories

My father and his brothers got into the game as caddies just after the turn of the century. My dad began at age 9 in 1907. In 1921 he won a play-off for the position of golf professional at a yet to be built public golf course in Oshkosh,

Wisconsin. His prize for winning was the job to layout the new nine-hole course and work at building the game in the community which only had a fine private course. Until his death in 1956 my father served as a PGA professional bringing thousands of kids and adults into the game through his caddie programs and golf operations. His most famous student, Johnny Revolta, caddied for dad in many of his tournaments and later became his playing partner.

Johnny branched out into the business to become a leading player on the PGA TOUR in the 1930’s including his defeat of Tommy Armour in the 1935 PGA Championship finals for the title. Revolta was also a Ryder Cup player.

Dad died when I was six years old. My mother kept his career and love of the game alive in my life. His friends at Lakeshore Municipal Golf Course shared his legacy with me from the time I began playing the game at age nine. A small monument in his honor placed in front of the clubhouse read, “In Memory of Hank Dettlaff - Given by his Golfing

As a second generation PGA

My father helped me get the education & training I needed to pursue my desire to become a golf professional. He saw me hit more golf balls than anyone else. One of my favorite memories with my dad was when he took me to play a round of golf with my prospective college golf coach. My dad scored a hole in one on one of the par-3 holes that day. Coach smiled and asked, “Bob, do you have any eligibility left?!” I got the scholarship.

Tom Mirus, PGA– Director, Golfweek Amateur Tour/Orlando 58

Friends and Associates.” I would walk past the monument every time I played the course, and that was almost daily in my youth. His legacy inspired me to enter the golf business as well. I have been a PGA professional for over 32 years and am proud to have my stepdaughter Debbie Foley a PGA Member and my son Hank Dettlaff a PGA Apprentice, as our family’s third generation in the golf business. The game has given back to our family far more than we could ever return. But we continue to try to repay our debt!

This Father’s Day will be especially meaningful as my Dad joined his student Revolta to qualify into the field of the 1934 US Open at Merion. Dad missed the cut, along with a young Ben Hogan, but watching the final round on Sunday will be a special Father’s for all of us knowing he walked those same fairways in a US Open.

Billy Dettlaff– PGA Master Professional #58 Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

I Love You, Dad!

Professional, I am been blessed that my Dad was my hero as a child, my role model growing up and a mentor as I get older. I never really ‘grew up,’ but I learned that from Dad as well. I most certainly am blessed to still be able to share Father’s Day with him, as we will play golf this Sunday. He continues to teach me things about life. His continued dedication to junior golf amazes and inspires me. The picture attached is from our trip to the birthplace of golf. All of my favorite rounds of golf have been with my Dad, but the trip to Scotland and The Old

Course is at the top. If you choose to put this picture in your Dad’s Day piece, please add “I LOVE YOU, DAD!” I realized that I never mentioned his name: Hal Yost - He’s always been Dad to me, and I cannot think of a higher title) Jeff Yost, PGA Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, 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

P ER FORMANCE SUNW E A R

Transitions and the swirl are registered trademarks and Transitions Adaptive Lenses is a trademark of Transitions Optical, Inc. ©2012 Transitions Optical, Inc.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

transitions.com

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entral florida central florida central florida central florida central florida centr

Lucky 13

Over 100 golfers came out for The

Center For Drug Free Living’s Lucky 13 Golf Tournament. Players tested their luck all day and several walked away winners. Bill Weeks won the Hole In One Challenge on hole # 5 and will now be flying to Hawaii for an 8 day trip for two. We also tossed coins, played poker and had a ball on the beautiful greens of Shingle Creek Golf Club.

In addition to all the fun and an incredible day, the biggest winner was The Center For Drug Free Living.

Because of the generous support of over 60 sponsors and hundreds of guests at our golf and dinner auction, we raised over $80,000 for our local programs.

Our top level sponsors include, BB&T Insurance Services, Tavistock Foundation, Lassiter Ware, US. Foods, Littler, Abat Builders, JK Logistical Operations and BlueGreen Vacations. We are incredibly grateful for support on every level.

The Center For Drug-Free Living, Inc. is a comprehensive, behavioral health services organization. Its mission is to “Promote Healthy Responsible Lifestyles.” The Center has been serving Central Florida for more than 40 years, providing prevention, intervention and treatment to individuals and families coping with substance use and mental health disorders, juvenile delinquency, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis and other behavioral health issues. Visit www.cfdfl.com for more details!

Our CEO Dick Jacobs

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

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rst coast first coast first coast first coast first coast first coast first coast first

2nd Annual Champions for Education Conference PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem and THE PLAYERS reconvened the business and philanthropic community to discuss the state of public education in Duval County. The results and recommendations of a commissioned study by the Bridgespan Group were also unveiled.

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush was the event’s keynote speaker. Other

participants included Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Nikolai Vitti, State of Florida Commissioner of Education, Tony Bennett, Chair of State Board of Education Gary Chartrand, Executive Director of Teach for America Jacksonville, Crystal Rountree, and Chairman of Duval County School Board Fel Lee. Under the leadership of Commission-

er Finchem, THE PLAYERS Championship is dedicated to making a significant financial impact on local non-profits that promote youth education, health and wellness, and character development. In 2011, the tournament pledged to generate $50 million for youth-related charities over the next 10 years. To date, more than $11 million has been raised toward that goal.

Tim Finchem, Fel Lee, Gary Chartrand, Jeb Bush, Tony Bennett, Crystal Roundtree,Trey Csar, Nikolai Vitti

Fel Lee, Nikolai Vitt, Gary Chartrand, Tony Bennett, Gov. Jeb Bush 62

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

We invite you to experience . . .

. . . The Quarry Course Membership Opportunities Full Golf Membership Young Executive Call for details.

Stay & Play

1 Night 2 Rounds of Golf $399 per player

Plus tax. Based on Quad-occupancy.

Contact Bill Hardin for more details at (352) 746-3446 or bhardin@blackdiamondranch.com

Florida’s #1 Residential Golf Community Located 90 miles from Tampa and Orlando Follow us on

for a chance to win a Stay & Play package.

Popular Feature at Twin Eagles Community in Naples?

Uncrowded Golf Course With only 600 golf members, the Twin Eagles community on Fenhurst Way in Naples has something to offer new home buyers that most golf communities can’t match: 36 resplendent holes of golf, and none of it crowded.

Matt Devereaux, vice president of sales and marketing for Lennar in Southwest Florida Division, said Lennar’s limited membership in the Twin

Twin Eagles ranks as one of the area’s premier golf communities and Twin Eagles home owners enjoy gorgeous preserve and golf course views along with miles of hiking, jogging, and walking paths.

Twin Eagles 47,000 square foot clubhouse will soon include a state-ofthe-art fitness center and resort style swimming pool.

Eagles Golf Club appeals to new and seasonal residents from the north.

“At most golf courses up north, and at many golf courses all over Florida , during the season you have to reserve tee times a week in advance,” Devereaux said.

“Twin Eagles was designed to take advantage of its environment and the developers planned a superlative golf course with 36 holes,” Devereaux said.

Lennar builds two, three and four bedroom Executive Homes at Twin Eagles that range from 1,649 square feet of living space to 2,246 square feet, priced from $349,990 64

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

New Greens Coming in 2013

easure coast treasure coast treasure coast treasure coast treasure coast trea

33rd Annual CBM of America, Inc. MS Golf Tournament Presented by AutoNation The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, South Florida Chapter recently hosted its 33rd Annual CBM of America MS Golf Tournament Presented by AutoNation at the Boca Lago Country Club. The event raised more than $80,000 and attracted more than 145 golfers.

Golfers hit the links for the CBM of America, Inc. MS Golf Tournament Presented by AutoNation bright and early. Throughout the course attendees of the tournament sampled a variety of food and drink vendors at every turn as well as bid on silent auction items and buy raffle tickets to support the National MS Society.

“We had a great turnout this year,” said Stuart Kosh, chair of the golf committee. “The work that the MS Society does is very important and it’s humbling to see the support in the community.”

Kosh worked alongside committee members, Dean Baker, Jimi Batchelor, Larry Dezenzo, Bill Riorden, Eddie

Mike Stephens & Stuart Kosh

Aaron Kosh & Stuart Kosh 66

Sultan, Mike Stephens and Paul Thomas.

The MS Golf Tournament is sponsored by title sponsor CBM of America Inc. and presenting sponsor AutoNation. Other sponsors include Anixter, Brown & Brown Benefit Consultants, Corning Cable Systems, Electro Wire, Inc., Evans Worldwide, Inc., Miami Press Gourmet Sandwich, TE Connectivity and VSP Labs Ultra Lens. Cocktails were provided courtesy

Mike Stephens & Darryl Williams of the Cincinnati Bengals of GREY GOOSE Vodka.

For more information about the golf tournament or the MS Society, please call 954-731-4224 or visit www.nmssfls.org.

Mark Huard, Steve Shultz, Jay Jacobs, Eddie Sultan and Valerie Ochoa

Paul Sgro, Larry Dezenzo, Alan Morin, Mike Stephens & Stu Brown Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

PAR 3

Benefitting

Play 100 Par 3 Holes in One Day

Win Masters Tickets & Play Isleworth Golf & Country Club

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HOW IT WORKS • No registration fee • To participate, raise a minimum of $500 • Sponsor yourself or have friends and family sponsor you • Build a personalized fundraising webpage in minutes to assist your fundraising efforts • As you raise money, you earn incentives

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PAR CHALLENGE

CHALLENGE

PAR 3 CHALLENGE RULES • Players complete 100 par 3 holes in one day • Multiple balls may be played on each hole • Maximum score per hole is a bogey 4 • Any ball coming to rest inside 5 feet is given

*Players must qualify to play Isleworth Golf & Country Club

Register @ www.firstgiving.com/par3challenge

fore your health

Golf Gear:

Why sunglasses are crucial For golfers, the right sunglasses on the golf course are as important as the right club. According to Oakley’s research, one in 10 golfers do not wear sunglasses while they are on the course, putting their eye health at risk.

The sun’s harmful UV radiation can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration and some cancers, nearly all of which are preventable with proper use of sunglasses. Golfers should look for a lens that has UV protection built into the lens material so it can’t scratch off and leave your eyes exposed. The lens should filter out 100% of all UVA, UVB and UVC. Not only will the right pair of sunglasses protect your eyes – they can also improve your game. Many golfers (amateur and pro) may not realize that lens tints, like brown, copper, and rose, enhance your ability to more accurately judge distances between objects.

“Oakley’s G30 lens has a rose base with Iridium coating to improve contrast and depth perception in blues and greens – which helps players analyze the slope and see the smallest variations in grass 68

grain,” said Alfonso Davila, district manager for Oakley stores in Florida.

“Also look for open-edge lenses that provide unobstructed downward vision, and polarized lenses to reduce glare and improve clarity.”

The experts at the Oakley store at The Florida Mall in Orlando can take golfers through an array of customizable features such as frame color, shape, lens color, tinting, etching and icons to help create the right pair to improve their game.

Eye doctors agree that wearing sunglasses on the golf course in Florida is especially important. “We know that exposure to ultra violet (UV) light is directly related to cataract formation, macular degeneration and certain lid skin cancers,” said Dr. Jack Yager of the Yager Eye Institute in Orlando.

“So everyone, including golfers and boaters, should always wear sunglasses that block UVA, UVB and UVC as a preventative measure.”

Another plus to wearing sunglasses is that the high mass and high velocity impact resistant polycarbonate

lenses are crucial in protecting eyes from injury caused by sand, wind, and other flying objects (such as golf balls). “Oakley suggests golfers look for a lens that meets or surpasses ANSI impact tests, the gold standard for measuring safety,” said Davila. Most sunglasses worn on pro golf tours are made by Oakley and world-class golfers consider their eyewear to be essential equipment: “I cannot play a competitive round without my Oakley sunglasses. I read the grass better, I read the greens better, I can just see better and I’m protected.”

– Zach Johnson, professional golfer “It’s quite simple, really: I wear Oakley because it’s the best. With the way technology has come along and the clarity of the lens, I have 100% trust in what I’m seeing.”

– Ian Poulter, professional golfer For more information, visit or call the Oakley store at The Florida Mall located at 8001 S. Orange Blossom Trail.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

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product showcase

➊ 18 Greatest Golf Collection The game of golf has long been interconnected with Father’s Day, possibly because so many golfers share the game with their father, or are fathers sharing the game with their children. This shared interest makes choosing the perfect gift for Dad an easy task on this special day by scoring an easy hole in one with a limited edition photographic golf book or art print from the 18 Greatest Golf Collection. Capturing some of the world’s most breathtaking links and scenes, “18 Greatest Scottish Golf Holes” and “18 Greatest Irish Golf Holes” have led Matt Kuchar, the PGA Tour’s 2010 leading money winner to rave, “The most beautiful golf book I have ever seen.” Now, this amazingly gorgeous collection is also available in full digital photographic ebook editions from Amazon and iTunes.

18 Greatest Golf’s limited edition coffee table books ($199) and framed prints (From $189) are available in select golf stores nationwide and online at www.18GreatestGolf.com.

➋ ClubCrown A ClubCrown is an innovative and exciting way to personalize and improve the look and style

of any driver, wood or hybrid. ClubCrowns are installed on the crown of a club and come in over 400 different designs including country flags, collegiate, flames, carbon fiber, skulls, solid colors, animal prints, military, and many more. Finally, the golfer has a choice in how their clubs look!

Offering this choice at a reasonable price is unprecedented and fills a major demand gap in golf! The finished quality is exceptional, and it looks like the club was painted by a manufacturer.

ClubCrown has also revolutionized golf club refinishing as all of the designs offered will make any club look new.

Our patented 15 minute installation process allows a certified installer to take a customer’s wood and completely transform it.

The quality of our product is so good that most people think it is painted on. ClubCrowns add 1 swing weight to the driver, conform with USGA rules, protect the club from damage, do not bubble or peel, and are removable by the consumer. With over 300 different ClubCrowns, we have a design for everybody, including your favorite NCAA team!

ClubCrown utilizes top of the line 3M films, the same material used on Bentley’s and Ferraris. The product will not bubble, ripple, or peel and is removable by the consumer. ClubCrown conforms with USGA Rules and the Rules of Golf. www.clubcrown.com

➌ The Art of Fast Play:

Solving Golf's Maddening Problem of Slow Play

Pace of play is arguably golf’s biggest problem. Sam Dunn, an avid amateur golfer, has written a

new book called “The Art of Fast Play: Solving Golf’s Maddening Problem of Slow Play.” The book was written to help amateur golfers understand how to play golf in four hours, the long-held standard of a proper pace.

According to National Golf Foundation nearly 75 percent of golfers can’t break 90 and 45 percent can’t break 100. It goes without saying that when a foursome collectively hits nearly 400 shots there are many opportunities to waste time. But Dunn is convinced pace of play isn’t related to ability, pointing out that it takes a threesome of pro golfers, with caddies and forecaddies, five hours to play a round. He feels that all golfers, regardless of ability, can learn to play at a proper pace.

The total number of golfers and rounds played has decreased in the past several years, and slow play is a big factor in this. Attracting new golfers hinges on making the game more enjoyable and a key part of this is reducing the time it takes to play.

“The Art of Fast Play” is available through Vineyard Stories at vineyardstories.com and amazon.com for $14.95.

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

➍ Golfalyzer

➎ Tempour

Founded in 2013, the Golfalyzer™ is the result of a memorable round of golf being played by its founders, Brent Pauley and Chuck Stump. Lots of golfers understand the positive effect that a few drinks may have on their ability to relax the body and quiet the mind. Brent and Chuck wondered if anyone ever took the time to monitor how much they consumed on the course and at what level(s) it impacted their game. Even more importantly, did golfers realize what their blood-alcohol content (BAC) was by the end of the round? Was it really safe for them to get behind the wheel and drive themselves (and possibly the rest of their foursome) home? Thus, the Golfalyzer™ was born.

The Golfalyzer™ is a personal pocket breathalyzer that golfers can use to monitor their BAC. The Golfalyzer™ is reusable for 800-1,000 uses that operates on 2-AAA alkaline batteries.

The Golfalyzer™, won the “2013 Conference Best Product” honors at the International Network of Golf (ING) Conference held in May in Orlando.

“We had some really strong competition and taking top honors just blew our minds” commented Chuck Stump, partner. “Winning this honor really validates our mission” added Brent Pauley, partner. “The Golfalyzer™ was a fresh new addition to our group and I think it has great potential in the golf industry” stated Michael Jamison, ING Executive Director.

It makes the ideal golf gift whether it is for the golfer who has everything or the tournament committee that is looking for something new and unique to offer as a promotional giveaway. More information may be found on the Golfalyzer™ website at www.Golfalyzer.US.

Soiréehome, the leader in quality designed barware, delivers again with its newest innovation, the tempour (MSRP $40). A modular tool designed for beverage perfection, the tempour is a 4-in-1 system for ultimate beverage control. Serving as a bottle chiller, filter, pourer & stopper, the tempour keeps any wine or spirit at optimal temperature, from the inside out.

Cast from high-grade stainless steel for the purest material for taste & quality, this sleek tool maintains optimal temperature of your wine or spirit. Simply store the gel-filled removable chiller in the freezer and when the time comes, insert into any bottle to perfectly serve any beverage without sediment. What is more, add the soiréehome namesake soiree aerator for an all-inclusive beverage system. Or simply use the drip-free pourer & sediment filter, for modern clean bottle service. With tempour, you can enhance your beverage experience anyway you want or the bottle needs. “tempour and all of soireehome’s product line are quality examples of how design meets function,” states founder, Andrew Lazorchak. “soiréehome is leading the market with an eye for detail in the wine accessory industry. We are delivering quality products that exceed, lead, and educate.”

Dedicated to producing innovative, unique and fun housewares, soiréehome delivers products that heighten the appreciation of food, beverages and good company. More information about soiréehome can be found at www.soireehome.com.

➏ Datrek F-15 Cart Bag

Datrek has garnered accolades over the years for being the leader in the organizer top golf bags. The F-15 cart bag continues this tradition with its consumer-friendly features and sporty style. The bag is made of durable nylon fabric with a 15-way organizer top including full-length individual dividers.

The top includes an oversized soft grip putter well and two soft grip handles for carrying and loading convenience. There is ample storage room in the F-15 cart bag with 10 pockets that are all easily accessible when the bag is on the cart. The pockets include an oversized ball pocket, a fleece-lined valuable pocket, full size apparel pockets, an insulated cooler pocket and a fleece-lined dry pocket with waterproof zipper.

Additional features of the F-15 cart bag are an integrated trunk lift handle allowing for easy loading from car to cart, bag bottom with feet for added stability and a cart strap loop. For the golfer’s convenience there is a Velcro® strip for a golf glove, tee holder, divot tool, pen holder and umbrella sleeve. The lightweight F-15 cart bag weighs only 6.5 pounds.

The F-15 cart bag is available in black with five accent colors − orange, royal, silver, lime green and red. The suggested retail is $ 199.95.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

71

pro visions

Aces & Eagles The Rockledge Club Hires New Director of Membership Sales and Marketing The Rockledge Club recently added Mia Luca to its team of hospitality professionals as Director of Membership Sales and Marketing.

Luca brings over 15 years of hospitality sales experience ranging from country clubs to resorts. She recently held a position at one of the largest timeshare resorts in Orlando where she was repeatedly named Manager of the Month and her department was recognized for outstanding service several times throughout the year. Luca’s creativity

and commitment are a great addition to the team at Rockledge where she will oversee the sales effort and promotion of new golf memberships and outings. The Rockledge Club is a private member-owned club with an experience unrivaled in all of Central Florida.

Established in 1918, it was the first course in the area and throughout its storied history has played host to numerous dignitaries including President and Mrs. Warren G. Harding.

Jimmy Terry Named General Manager of PGA Village Jimmy Terry—whose more than a quartercentury of management experience includes recently serving as PGA Senior General Manager for PGA Tour Golf Course Properties at both TPC San Antonio and TPC Harding Park, in San Francisco—has been named the new General Manager at The PGA of America’s flagship facility, PGA Village. He assumes his new role on June 1, 2013.

Terry, 52, will be responsible for managing all programs, sales, marketing and community relations plans to fulfill the mission and objectives of The PGA’s only owned-and-operated golf resort destination.

Located in Port St. Lucie, Fla., PGA Village encompasses 54 holes of championship golf

designed by legends Tom Fazio and Pete Dye at PGA Golf Club; the 35acre PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance golf practice, instruction, fitness and technology park; the onsite PGA Museum of Golf, home to golf’s four major Championship trophies; and the nearby private PGA Country Club.

“To serve as General Manager of my Association’s own facility is a dream come true and an honor for me,” said Terry. “As The PGA of America’s flagship golf destination, PGA Village must serve as a source of pride for each and every PGA member and apprentice, while our club, staff and operations must be considered as the very pinnacle of our industry.”

Sarah Cardenas Named Group Sales Manager at The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club in Southwest Florida Sarah Cardenas has been named Group Sales Manager at The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club in Southwest Florida. In her new position, she is responsible for sales efforts for the 125-acre beachfront resort to the association and corporate markets, with a focus on the Northeast U.S. region. The 317-room resort, which has spent more than $45 million in impressive renovations and enhancements over the last five years, is Southwest Florida’s only resort directly on the beach with an onsite championship golf course, a world-class spa, and an award-winning tennis center. A consistent recipient of many of the meetings industry’s highest honors, the resort features 34,000 square feet of meeting and event space, 72

and many beautiful outdoor venues.

Prior to her new position, Cardenas served as Catering and Conference Services Manager at the resort for the past four years. Her extensive experience also includes working for Marriott and Hilton hotels in many departments including seven years as a Catering Manager, three years as a Guest Services Manager, and five years as a Front Office Manager. Originally from England, she came to the United States on a hospitality internship. She holds a degree in Hotel Management from University of Huddersfield in England. She may be reached at s.cardenas@naplesbeachhotel.com or 239-435-4368.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

Orange County National Golf Center Promotes Two to Top Management Positions The Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge in Winter Garden recently promoted Toby Krause to assistant general manager of the award winning facility.

Tano Malentin, general manager at Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge, said Krause joined the staff at Orange County National in March of last year as an assistant in the pro shop. Most recently Krause served as event manager.

“Over the last year Toby has demonstrated strong leadership and organizational skills,” Malentin said.

His passion to make a success of the Orange County National brand will serve him well and we

look forward to many good things from him,” Malentin added.

Malentin also promoted Kevin Naylor to golf shop and events supervisor. Naylor joined Orange County National last year and most recently served as golf shop supervisor.

“Since taking over as golf shop supervisor, Kevin’s organizational and customer service skills have grown dramatically,” Malentin said. “He has gone above and beyond many times to assist the event team to help turn well-run events into excellent tournament experiences,” he said..

The South Florida PGA Elects Master Professional Bottke President Warren Bottke, PGA Master Professional was elected the 17th President of the South Florida PGA during the Annual Meeting of the Membership at Bonaventure Resort and Spa in Weston. Bottke previously served as Secretary of the Association from 2009-2011 and Vice President from 2011-2013.

Additional new members to the Executive Board include, Bob Mallek, PGA Head Golf Professional at Orangebrook Golf Course as the Southern Chapter President, Scott Kirkwood, PGA Director of Golf at

Ocean Reef Club as the Southern Chapter At-Large Board Member, and Dan Gawronski, PGA Assistant Professional at Pelican’s Nest Country Club as the Southwest Chapter President.

Bottke is a PGA Teaching Professional at Abacoa Golf Club in Jupiter, where he focuses heavily on growing the game of golf through countless lessons and clinics that he conducts daily for golfers of all skill levels.

Celebration Golf Management names Anukul Hampton Executive Chef at Stonegate Golf Club in Solivita, Promotes Milchele Woods to Banquet Chef Supervisor Celebration Golf Management has appointed Anukul Hampton executive chef at Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita in Kissimmee .

Arto Rahmani, general manager of Solivita Club services and vice president of food and beverage operations for Celebration Golf Management, said Hampton has more than 14 years of hospitality experience.

Hampton has been featured in Orlando Home and Leisure magazine and served as signature chef at the Central Florida Restaurant Forum Magazine Taste of the Nation exposition.

“Chef Anukul is a highly skilled professional with

an excellent sense of timing and taste,” Rahmani said. “He possesses just the right mix of experience and creativity and we’re sure he’s going to be a big hit with our guests,” Rahmani said.

Rahmani also promoted Michele Woods to banquet chef supervisor at Mosaics Restaurant at Solivita. Woods joined Celebration Golf Management two years ago as banquet cook.

“Michele Woods is a great leader who is very detailoriented with strong organizational and communication skills, and that’s what our guests at Solivita deserve,” Rahmani said.

Chris Adams Named Head Golf Professional at The Founders Club The Founders Club has announced Chris Adams as the new head golf professional.

With more than 14 years of industry experience, Adams now manages the member-owned Founders Golf Club, which offers 18 holes of championship golf by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and a traditional caddie program.

A graduate of the University of Maine at Farmington with a Bachelor of Science in community health education, Adams also

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 3

completed three PGA of America professional golf management program levels.

Most recently, Adams was the head golf professional at the Streamsong Resort in Bowling Green, Fla., and previously was the head golf professional at both the Sunrise Country Club and the Stone Eagle Golf Club in Palm Desert, Calif.

Adams replaces Jim Owen who is retiring, but will remain as director of golf emeritus and a club member.

73

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