Vol 14 issue 4 • interactive by Golf Central Magazine

A PGA TOUR Experiences Company

Learn. Improve. Master... Your Game

W W W . F L O R I D A G O L F C E N T R A L . C O M

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from the publisher header

Teach U A Lesson I’m rockin’ the Haute Shot ladies golf line in my pic here, which, I guess makes me a “Haute Shot Golf Publisher,” FINALLY! Speaking of Hot Shot publishers…Recently, I was chatting it up with my friend and, fellow publisher John Glozek, Golfing Magazine, New York. We’re both of the same mindset when it comes to continued education. JGlo is the current President of ING, an industry networking and educational organization. See page 22 about their Annual Spring Conference held here at Reunion. John’s take on “never too late to learn”, when it comes to instruction golfers fall into a number of categories. There are the do- it –yourselfers, who have NEVER taken a lesson (mostly men) and insist they don›t need one. Others who took lessons long ago, and struggle with their game, without a single visit with a pro. Both of these camps will be challenged trying to improve their skills. Then there are the golfers who embrace learning; take lessons regularly, or visit a facility every season for a series of refresher courses. In my opinion, they are the best. On our cover you have the available knowledge to get the “back to school”�� instruction you need for a little fall getaway. I attended the St�� . Augustine PGA TOURAcademy and even being the class clown I was treated so well and felt comfy during the whole experience. Major props to Travis Fulton, and, his team! It was fun and staying after class at The Renaissance at World Golf Village, was even more fun. This is the lesson part of the letter so pay attention because, “wisdom is the application of knowledge” and Aaron Dyer of 1-2-1 Marketing is going to lay his knowledge on you: So you find yourself in one of golf’s premier magazines like Florida Golf Central. Well? What now? Just hope that people call or click? Are you going to cross your fingers and hope that the person answering the phone at your business asks “… and how did you hear about us?” How are you measuring the effectiveness of your ad? Measuring results is critical to planning an effective marketing plan. If you’re advertising in publications, you should have a specific “landing page” on your website that is connected to the ad so you can track the number of clicks and “conversions”. What’s a conversion? A conversion is an action taken like filling out a contact form, clicking on the “contact us” page. Using simple analytics tools, you can then measure results of your ad. 4 Quick Steps for Improving Conversions from your Ad… 1.

Identify the primary goal (best revenue sources)

Create an obvious “Call to Action” in the print ad – then link to a custom “Landing Page” on your site

Make it Easy to Act – Visitors to the page should easily find a contact form, phone number, directions, or button to print a coupon

Measure and Modify – measure results and adjust your ad and landing page to create more conversions.

1-2-1 Marketing is based in Orlando and provides websites, email marketing, and social media integration for more than 500 golf facilities and small businesses nationwide. We provide all the tools and support to help you effectively take advantage of print advertising opportunities in major publications like Florida Golf Central Magazine. Visit us on the web at www.1-2-1marketing.com/floridagolfcentral or call Aaron Dyer, Regional Sales Director at (407) 459-8200 to learn more and receive a complimentary month of service (new customers).

Volume 14, Issue 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 selfaddressed 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.

So, if you are bad boy, you may have to stay after class!

2009 North Florida PGA Amateur of the Year Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

Volume 14, Issue 4 Cart Girl 14 Chelsea Sammons

Course of Dreams 24 Space Coast Pro Golf Tour 26 Golf Academy of America

Feature 38 PGA Tour Experience

Fashion Forward 16 Haute Shot Golf

Fore Your Health

68 MyLooks

Golf Bachelor 12 Alexander Wellings

Golf Business 20 Deer Island 22 International Network of Golf

Golf Forw Charity 30 Pay It Forward

Departments 4 8 10 18 40 42 44

Letter from the Publisher Golf Central Station Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Two Good Rounds Live Golf Grip It & Sip It Competitive Spirits

32 MSF Par 4 The Cause

50 52 54 56 58 60 64 66 70 72

Duffer Dan PGA of America North Florida PGA North Florida PGA South Florida PGA North Florida PGA Nature Coast Platinum Coast Product Showcase Aces & Eagles

Improving Performance 62 Probe Golf

Player Profile 48 Fred Marion

Special Events 34 Amateur Golfers Association

Stay & Play 36 Bay Hill Club & Lodge

What's New 28 Duo Golf

Women in Golf 46 EWGA

floridagolfcentral.com

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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!

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Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort’s Recipe for a Legendary Labor Day 1 part luxury accommodations 1 part sanctuary in the heart of Orlando 1 “TEE”spoon of Jack Nicklaus Signature-designed Golf 1 dash of Award-Winning Golf Academy 1 zest of Savory dining experience 1 slather of suntan oil Preparation: Pre-heat to 90°. Blend 1 part luxury accommodations with 1 part sanctuary in the heart of Orlando. Add a zest of savory dining experience and a dash of Award-Winning Golf Acedemy. Combine with a "TEE"spoon of Jack Nicklaus Signature-designed Golf, and slather with suntan oil. Voilá, your perfect vacation is complete. For more information, call 407.239.4700 or contact your travel professional.

PGA Professionals To Host Patriot Golf Day Events Labor Day Weekend King’s Ridge Golf Club Father-Son Team wins 2013 FSGA Parent-Child Championship at Walt Disney World Golf’s Oak Trail CLERMONT, Fla.– King’s Ridge Golf Club regulars Kirk and Kylan Johnson of Clermont won their Age 6-7 Division at the 20th Annual FSGA ParentChild Golf Tournament held recently on the Oak Trail at Walt Disney World Golf in Orlando . Six-year old Kylan Johnson began golf lessons earlier this year with King’s Ridge Head Golf Professional Lee Williamson. “Kylan has a lot of ability and enjoys playing very much,” Williamson said. “Mostly we worked on controlling frustration and setting up properly, then letting him just play,” he said. The strategy worked. “Kylan felt no pressure at all, he played the best in his life,” Kirk Johnson explained. “My game was off but Kylan carried me,” he said. Johnson thanked Williamson and the staff at King’s Ridge for all of their support this year. “Kylan and I have invested many hours pounding balls at the Kings Ridge practice facilities and all the hard work and support of Lee and his staff has finally paid off,” he said. 8

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Thanks to the continued support of PGA Professionals and the golf industry, the Folds of Honor Foundation has bestowed more than 5,000 scholarships to the families of those killed or wounded in service to their country. For the seventh consecutive year, PGA Professionals across the country will host Patriot Golf Day events during Labor Day weekend (Aug. 30 – Sept. 2), collecting donations and raising

awareness for the Folds of Honor Foundation. Patriot Golf Day is jointly supported by The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association (USGA). Since its inception in 2007, PGA Professionals have helped raise more than $17 million through Patriot Golf Day events, allowing Folds of Honor to recently surpass 5,000 in the number of educational scholarships awarded. President George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States of America, serves as the Honorary Chairman of Patriot Golf Day. Throughout the holiday weekend, golfers are asked to donate at least $1 for each round of golf, while non-golfers can participate by making a donation to the foundation at its website, FoldsofHonor.org. In 2012, more than 4,500 facilities registered to host Patriot Golf Day events and raised a record amount of more than $4.3 million for Folds of Honor. For Folds of Honor founder Major Dan Rooney, who is also a PGA Professional and USGA member, golf is a natural fit for fundraising for the organization. To locate facilities hosting Patriot Golf Day activities, visit PatriotGolfDay.com.

More Than 92,000 Golf Fans Voted on PGA.com and Social Media; Selected 15th Hole Location by the Lake for the 95th PGA Championship’s Final Round PITTSFORD, N.Y.– Placing an indelible mark on a major championship for the first time ever, more than 92,000 votes were cast on PGA.com, Facebook and Twitter in 19 days for the “PGA Championship Pick the Hole Location Challenge Hosted by Jack Nicklaus.” The fans selected “Hole Location C” from among the four options for the official location of the 15th hole at Oak Hill Country Club during Sunday’s final round of the Season’s Final Major. Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

E & C LANDSCAPING & LAWN SERVICE, INC. “Serving The Tuscawilla Area For Over 29 Years” • Catering to Homeowner’s Associations • Commercial • Residential • Sodding • Irrigation

Edward Polomsky (407) 366-8915 Cell (407) 415-3115 P.O. Box 620538 • Oviedo, FL 32762-0538

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

FL Restaurant & Lodging Assoc. header

FRLA Member Property: Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate Each year, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association hosts its Bob Leonard Golf Classic tournament at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. The property features two championship 18-hole golf courses designed by accomplished architect and golfer, Greg Norman, a lighted 9-hole, par 3 golf course, and is the World Headquarters for the David Leadbetter Golf Academy. Golfers also enjoy the convenience of walk-out golf with a continuous golf cart shuttle to and from the golf course and academy. Together, the National and International golf courses bring a unique combination to Orlando Golf. Two totally different golf course designs married with Florida’s natural habitat, with every hole featuring beautiful natural vistas. The International Course offers an authentic link style golf experience, reminiscent of the great golf courses of the British Isles. Rolling thorough the Central Florida Wetlands, the course offers a beautiful backdrop as well as challenges to the round. It features high-side dunes, planted with swirling grasses that grow down literally into the banks of the hazards and to just paces off the fairway. Scattered throughout the course are randomly placed pot 10

bunkers - over 160 in all. Miss hit shots can frequently lead to difficult lies in thick grass in the wind swept dunes, or out of tricky pot bunkers. The National Course is a completely different experience by challenging golfers with its traditional Americanstyle design. The 18 holes wind through 200 acres of secluded woodlands, wetlands and former orange groves. The golf course features gently sweeping fairways, 80 sculpted bunkers, greens maintained in tour condition, clever doglegs and scenic water hazards. Water comes into play on many holes, but few forced carries means that this layout can be maneuvered by all levels of players. The sharply framed golf holes end up on smaller greens, making it a shot maker’s delight. Golfers looking to elevate their game can visit the Leadbetter Golf Academy headquartered on the property. Each Leadbetter Certified instructor has successfully advanced through the world’s most extensive and rigorous yearlong certification program. This ensures golfers will find the same world-class instruction in each of the 13 countries that The Lead-

better Golf Academy calls home. Guests looking for Orlando resort accommodations will find the 720 guest rooms and suites, as well as two and three bedroom villas, equipped with every modern convenience and a host of luxury amenities. In addition to walk-out golf, guests may choose to relax in the European-style spa, dine in one of five restaurants and enjoy 15 acres of pools and recreation activities. Making it the perfect place for a destination vacation, shuttle transportation is also provided to all four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks and Downtown Disney® Pleasure Island. The resort is located just 25 minutes from the Orlando International Airport, and just 20 minutes from Universal Studios and SeaWorld. If you would like more information please visit www.omniorlandoresort.com. Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

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 Biltmoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Where were you born? Did you grow up there? I was born in

Philadelphia and moved to the Tampa area at the age of four.

Is “acting your age” over rated? I believe in being you, whatever that may be. So yeah, overrated!

High school group you hung out with the most; nerds, jocks, stoners, and preppies? Preppies. Give me a nice button-down shirt, a pair of khaki shorts, and a pair of worn in Sperry’s, and I’m ready for anything!

What do you do for a living? I am the Assistant Golf

Professional at Lansbrook Golf Club in Palm Harbor, Florida

What would you like to do for a living? I would love to play on tour with the big boys.

Whom do you most admire for their inner and outer beauty? My Mom. She is the most beautiful woman I know

What’s your take on “cuddling”? Why not! What’s the most effective way you’ve discovered to check out a hot woman without her, or anyone else noticing? Sunglasses

Alex Wellings

are God's gift to men, just make sure the lenses are dark enough.

Name the three most important things to you in this world. My dog, golf, and my family (in no particular order ;)

Given the choice; would you select love, success, or money to keep yourself happy? I want it all. The dedication and work I

put in each and every day is to give myself the best chance to gain all of the above!

What do you fear the most? SNAKES! Would you tell someone if they had food caught in their teeth during a conversation with them? Not until they had embarrassed themselves a good amount.

Last book you read? I read a good amount and just finished OUTLIERS by Malcolm Gladwell

News, current events; hardcopy or on-line? I wake up every

morning, grab a cup of coffee and read a hardcopy of the Wall Street Journal. There is something nice about reading the news off that old-fashioned paper.

Favorite charity to support?

Wounded Warriors, for my dear friend Terry O’Reilly 12

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

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cart girl

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Spring Hill Florida, I’ve lived here my whole life.

What is your favorite sport to play? Favorite to watch? My favorite sport to do would have to be surfing and I love watching baseball.

Do you enjoy playing golf? Are they’re any golfers in your family? I actually do like it even though I’m still learning. My great Uncle was a very good golfer and my dad plays once in awhile.

What do you feel makes this club special? What I feel makes Southern Hills special is everyone is like a big family here and some of the sweetest people I’ve ever meant. As well as it is a beautiful place to work.

What is your favorite part of being a cart girl? What is your least favorite part? My favorite part of being a cart girl is getting to know all the members and hear wonderful stories about their lives. So far I haven’t found anything I don’t like.

If you weren’t a cart girl, what would you be doing? If I

a e s l e h C mmons Sa

wasn’t a cart girl, I’d be lifeguarding which is my other part time job that I enjoy as well.

What hobbies do you enjoy? I have a few hobbies I enjoy. I love to surf, travel and spend time at the beach as well as work on my 2008 Mustang GT. What is your idea of “the perfect date”? My perfect date would have to be a simple dinner and not to be cliche but a walk on the beach. Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails? I enjoy both very much, I love to go out and have a good time.

Favorite comedian? Dane Cook Favorite charity to support? St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

What else would you like for us to know about you? I wouldn’t be where I am without my dad. He is my support and backbone in everything I do and I couldn’t imagine my life without him. 14

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

fashion forward

Drop It Like It’s Haute! Haute Shot Golf was the brainchild of two sisters from Boise who share a passion for golf, fresh-style and all things

haute. Growing up in Idaho (and yes, on a potato farm), we were exposed to snowboarding in the Tetons, wakeboarding and wakeskating on high mountain lakes, flying airplanes in the backcountry and golfing on mile-high courses. The only thing we have ever found in our life that could be improved on was the utter and complete lack of fashion. Golf, in particular for girls, has been drowning in boring vanilla style khaki, black, white and pastel pinks. (Gag!) We kinda miss the good ol’ days of the 70’s when golf really WAS men in ugly pants walking. We long for the days of the full Cleveland look of the patent leather white belts and matching white shoes. Golf was one sport where you could ride the fence between tacky and tasteful and be accepted if you fell on either side every once in awhile. Thankfully, it’s a new day and a new generation. Golf is one of the fastest growing sports among the whippersnappers and we get excited when we see the rookies on tour on TV sporting their neon and the ladies in the LPGA glamming it up a notch. Lastly, in a sport dominated by dudes, we are proudly one of the only companies out there that are made for chicks, designed by chicks. www.hauteshotgolf.com.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

JJ Winters, Chief Executive Haute Shot

Julie Suitter, Vice Executive Haute Shot

A 4th generation Idahoan, JJ graduated from Boise State University cum laude and holds a marketing business degree. Entrepreneurship started early for her, when she and her sister Julie started a successful Boise-based management company 8 years ago. JJ is a licensed private pilot who loves adventure, snowboarding, wakeboarding, fashion and – of course – golf. She is very proud of her 32 handicap.

Julie is also a 4th generation Idahoan who holds a degree in Communications from Boise State University. She co-owns a management company with JJ. Julie is far more fashionable than her sister and loves to wakesurf, workout, snowboard, do hot yoga and is a killer poker player. She prefers not to list her handicap.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

two good rounds

Bermuda Bound

By Elisa Gaudet

Bermuda bound and bound by Bermuda I will always be As both my heart and the direction of my compass point to this beautiful island in the sea.

The feelings I have towards islands is similar to the way parents feel about children: it’s hard to have a favorite as they each have their own personality and unique characteristics that make each of them special. However, there is no greater experience than ocean and golf combined; with a preference for the warmer locations. One of such extraspecial locations is Tucker’s Point in Bermuda. Once the site of the Castle Harbor Hotel, opened in 1931, it was situated in Tucker’s town and was a popular destination for celebrities and the well-heeled. It closed in 1999 and was demolished in 2002. A new property, the Rosewood Tucker’s Point, was built in its place and opened in 2008. Tuckers Point has been impressively recognized; it’s on Travel & Leisure’s list of “30 Most Romantic Dream Trips.” That romance may very well include golf as you will fall in love with the stunning views, elevated tees and fairways and greens that overlook the light-blue Atlantic Ocean and pink-

Levon 18

sand beaches. While playing this beautiful Charles Banksdesigned, par70, 6,500-yard course you can see three bodies of water: Harrington Sound, Castle Harbor and the Atlantic. Director of golf, Paul Adams, has been at Tucker’s Point for seven years and enjoys the great history of the property as well as the site’s many changing vistas. The 17th hole is no better example. English culture is still prominent on the island, from high tea and cricket to men wearing Bermuda shorts, high socks and a blazer. The St. George Cup cricket match is one of the highlights of the year and an exhilarating experience for even those who do not follow the game. English traditions combined with very friendly island hospitality make Bermuda a unique experience. It is precisely that hospitality that brings people back year after year. Eric Levon, the gentleman greeting you when arriving at Tucker’s Point, is a shining example. He has been here since it opened in 2008 after the Tripp Brothers took over operations from the old Castle Harbor property and completely reconstructed and revitalized the resort. On a recent day Levon was excited as he just had his pink pith hat signed by American PGA Tour pro Matt Kuchar, who was staying at the property with his family. “I have met some really nice people over the years and Matt was one of them. I

Elisa at the Tuckers Point pin flag

really enjoyed meeting Gary Player, he used to be the touring pro for Castle Harbor, and I met Lucille Ball in 1967,” Levon told me. When asked about his signature hat, Levon explains, “Two years ago a guest gave me the pink pith hat because his wife bought it for him in town and he did not want to wear pink. I liked it and have been wearing it ever since. I have 18 pink ties to match.” While the island is known for its “Rum Swizzle” and “Dark & Stormy” drinks made with Gosling’s Rum, there’s a refreshing lesser-known cocktail made by Owen the bartender at the 19th hole bar at Tuckers Point Golf Club. Ask for an “Owen’s Special or GB Julep.” It’s a combination of vodka, fresh basil, fresh ginger and soda. Pair that with one of the best lobster rolls on the planet and you will understand why Mark Twain said, “You can go to heaven if you want. I’d rather stay in Bermuda.” For more information, visit www.tuckerspoint.com. Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

golf business

By Jay Golden, PGA

Layout, Condition, Nature and More!

Deer Island Country Club in Tavares is arguably the most unique golf course in Central Florida. Let’s start at the beginning. It is one of golf course architect Joe Lee’s favorite designs and it is literally on an island. It has five sets of tees to make the course playable for all levels of golfers with water coming into play on every hole, and is inhabited by wildlife. The following is a testimonial from a fellow golfer/nature lover. ”This course is a must-play. On the 4th hole we spotted a bald eagle across the water dining on a large fish. He was so engrossed in this fish that he let us get to about 20 feet away to photograph him.”

5th hole

New Ownership One of the most meaningful tributes a golf course could receive is when it is purchased by one of their loyal players. Having played the course for over 10 years, when John Sonnentag was informed that Deer Island was for sale,

18th hole 20

9th hole he bought it. Additionally he and his staff are making improvements to the already excellent course by re-shaping and re-sanding the bunkers, improving the clubhouse and hiring friendly and efficient staff at all levels. Director of golf and teacher, J.P Strong, is an excellent player who shared a tip that could help golfers of all levels. “A pre-shot routine – where you get into a ‘bubble’ visualizing success – is one of the keys to playing your best golf. If you do that on every shot, it will become a very valuable habit.” Deer Island sits between Lake Dora and Lake Beuclaire and there are plans

to build a dock so boaters can dock their boat near the clubhouse. That’s what I call ‘unique!’ Deer Island welcomes individual play, corporate and fund-raising outings, as well as professional events. The 2013 FLORIDA STATE HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIP will be held at Deer Island in October. Previously, many mini-tours have been held there. A solid 45 minutes from Orlando and a bit of a ‘dogleg’ to get there, Deer Island Country Club makes the public feel like a member, and is a MUST PLAY! For more info: www.deerislandgolf.com. Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

CENTRAL FLORIDA’S BEST KEPT SECRET

MEMBERSHIPS

DEER ISLAND COUNTRY CLUB is Central Florida’s most unforgettable golf experience. Enjoy the panoramic views and wildlife as Deer Island carves its way through the environmentally protected Florida wetlands. Our black tees playing over 7000 yards, will challenge any golfer, but with five different sets of tees Deer Island accommodates every level of golfer. Accentuated with water on every hole and Joe Lee’s signature finger style bunkering, Deer Island is a golf course with true character.

TOURNAMENTS

“The most unique golf course I’ve ever designed.” – Joe Lee.

DEER ISLAND COUNTRY CLUB 18000 EAGLES WAY, TAVARES, FL 32778 | (352)-343-7550

DeerIslandGolf.com

CENTRAL FLORIDA’S ONLY ISLAND COURSE

golf business

ING Roundup The 23rd Annual ING Spring Conference was recently conducted at the beautiful Reunion Resort near Orlando. Over 150 golf industry executives and media members representing five-dozen companies and organizations attended the event. It is conducted by the non-profit International Network of Golf, based in Lake Mary. And according to most attendees, it was a hugely successful event. “One of the best moves I have ever

stage to launch new products to the golf industry. Included on that list was Golfalyzer, a small pocket-sized breathalyzer that can be used in the same fashion as the ones used by the police. It won ING Conference Best Product based on a vote by attendees, who appreciated the fact that a golfer can monitor at what blood alcohol (BAC) level they’re most effective and use it to determine at what point the alcohol is having a negative effect.”

Andy Hills of Island Hills GC explains Quik Course concept to Taylor Trusty of Blackstone Media

made was to attend this ING Spring Conference,” said Dan Bonomo, President of PSP Golf. “I met some of the top people in the golf business.” The conference schedule is a combination of educational sessions, networking opportunities, product testing and golf tournaments. Several companies chose the ING 22

The Conference Best Publication Award went to Jean Couser and Golf Coast Magazine in Sarasota. Bill Conwell, Bill Walsh, Greg Sampson, Greg Wires and Dave Cordero won their flights in the World Golfers Championship National Finals Qualifier on The Watson Course at Reunion. That earned each of

them a spot in the WGC National Finals Sept. 26-28 in Mesquite, NV. Cynthia Janssens won the ING Chi Chi Rodriquez Humanitarian Award for her work conducting a charity golf tournament for the Rally for a Cure tournament raising funds for breast cancer research. Andy Mears, president of Island Hills G.C, in Michigan, won the ING Plus One award by earning the most points recruiting new attendees to the conference. He wins a golf getaway for two to Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina, including a $150 travel credit from the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen It was announced that Resorts International in Atlantic City, NJ, will host the 2014 ING Spring Conference May 18-22. The announcement lunch was sponsored by the marketing arm for Atlantic City golf courses, the Greater Atlantic City Golf Association. Here are a few highlights of some of the companies that exhibited at the conference. Bridgestone Golf continues to be the leader in golf ball fitting. Through their scientific testing of a golfer’s swing speed and launch angle, their fitters can recommend which of their seven models of golf balls will maximize your swing’s potential. In addition, Bridgestone continues to be the number one producer of Ladies golf balls, offering six models specifically designed for the ladies. This is the 13th year Bridgestone has been the leader in this field having sold nearly 6,000,000 dozen since 2000. Bridgestone has quietly been improving their line of clubs to the point where woods, forged irons and wedges have developed a cult following. Look for them to start putting more improvements on the market in the near future. There will be a new driver on the market late this year from Knuth Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

Golf called High Heat. Designed by Dean Knuth, the man who devised the Slope system and Course rating standard for the USGA, the High Heat driver will have the largest sweet spot of any driver on the market. “In our testing,” explained Knuth, “we found that we had the longest driver with less dispersion than any other on the market. The reason for this is almost the entire clubface is a sweet spot. We were able to accomplish that by using plasma welding and that doubled the sweet spot. If you’re like most golfers, you’re probably confused by the plethora of training aids that have flooded the market. Every day it becomes more and more difficult to make an intelligent decision on which product best serve you to flush the bad habits out of your swing and/or putting stroke. “Now golfers can get on line and visit GolfTrainingAids.com,” said site owner Dane Wiren. “We are able to provide a service telling exactly what specific training aids will and won’t do. Not only is this a valuable tool for individual golfers, but for instructors as well. We are able to not only explain what a product does, but we can also tell you how successful the training aid has been.” Speaking of training aids, Swing Jacket announced at the ING Spring Conference the release of a new small version of the popular Swing Jacket, the Ultimate Swing Teacher. The new smaller version fits men, women and youth with chest sizes from 26” to 40” (children as young as 10 years of age). Like the Regular sized model (which fits men and women with chest sizes from 36” to 53”) the new Small model physically guides users through a connected, on-plane swing – perfectly. The Swing Jacket makes it easy to develop the muscle memory of a fundamentally sound swing by imposing the consistency needed to train the body. TaylorMade Golf has been that talk of the golf world with their RocketBallz line of woods and RocketBladez irons. The key has been the power slot that powers the swing and adds measurable distance by way of more square hits. While some may regard this as old news, the scientists have taken this line a step farther and designed the Lethal golf ball. The five layered ball was designed to complement the RocketBallz and RocketBladez clubs by providing the optimal launch angle and spin rate to add distance without sacrificing touch and feel around the greens. Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

Dane Wiren and Connie Capanegra of GolfTrainingAids.com meet with Kim Thompson of GolfTime Magazine

TaylorMade has also added the Spider Blade putter to its line. The perimeter weighted putter features counterbalancing achieved by using a 130-gram grip, which is approximately twice the weight of a standard putter grip. This counterbalancing produces a higher MOI that puts a pure roll on the ball. Cobra/Puma is returning to its roots while introducing new technology as they present their Baffler Hybrid irons. “For years, Cobra was known for its Baffler fairway woods,” said Public Relations Manager Kristy Ow-

ens. “We found that we could adapt that technology in a set of hybrids as a game improvement set.” Of course, Cobra continues to be successful with their Amp drivers and is coming out with the Amp Cell driver, which comes in 8.5 and 11.5 degree lofts. The pro model will also have a 7.5 degree loft option and is square at address. On the Puma side of the aisle look for them to present a new lightweight shoe that will tip the scales at a whopping 6.5 ounces.

Bob Bolton, Shannon Coates, Brent Pauley, and Mike Gooding 23

course of dreams

Space Coast Pro Tour™ is back! Open Division winner guaranteed $5,000

The Space Coast Pro Tour (SCPT) presented by Edwin Watts Golf is back and will launch this October with more than 35 two-day tournaments to be played throughout Central Florida. Every tournament winner will be guaranteed a $5,000 first-place check (Open Division) with the top 30 percent of the field receiving a percentage of the purse. The events are scheduled and will be hosted by some of the premier resorts and championship layouts in the Orlando area. The kick-off event will be held Oct. 21 & 22, 2013 at the Reunion Resort in Kissimmee, Fla. Each event will be 36-hole, two-day tournament including a Skins Game along with hole-in-one cash prizes exceeding $10,000. The original Space Coast Tour was played throughout Central Florida in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Notable alumni such as PGA and Champions Tour players Kenny Perry, Mark O’Meara, Paul Azinger and Mark Calcavecchia made their initial mark on the SCPT. “We firmly believe that many aspiring players need and want a developmental tour which not only gives them the opportunity to compete in a highly professional manner and atmosphere but also the ability to achieve financial success while they pursue their dream of playing on the Web.com, PGA or Champions Tours,” said J.I. Bernstein and Brian Schindler, SCPT owners. In addition to the Open Division, the SCPT will have a 47+ Senior Division and a 60+ Legends Division. Amateurs with a men’s USGA index of 3.0 or lower are eligible to play. Each tournament entry fee is $420. Professionals who have exempt playing status on the Web.com Tour, PGA Tour or Champions Tour may not compete in the Space Coast Pro Tour’s regular tournaments, but are eligible to play in the SCPT’s Pro-Am events.

Division,” said Bernstein. “There are not many opportunities for top female golfers who do not qualify for the LPGA or Symetra Tours to compete on such a high level. We are delighted to provide more women a pathway to success.” A unique aspect of the SCPT is its association with Mike Bender who is ranked as one of the “Top Five Best Teachers in America” by Golf Digest (2011). Bender competed and won on the SCPT during the 1980s and went on to play on the PGA Tour. The Mike Bender Academy of Golf will be the home base for SCPT player’s practice and instructional needs. “Mike knows what it takes both as a player and teacher to become a champion and he will be an outstanding resource for the Tour as we work to build the best possible atmosphere to help our players reach their ultimate goals in the game,” Schindler said. Consistent with professional golf’s commitment to community and charitable giving, the Space Coast Pro Tour has aligned with and will be supporting The Folds of Honor Foundation. Through scholarships and other assistance generated through events like Patriot Golf Day, the Folds of Honor gives back to the spouses and children of soldiers killed or disabled in service of our country. “The Space Coast Tour is honored to partner with this worthy charity,” said Bernstein. “The SCPT plans to host a pro-am where national and local sponsors and partners will be paired with players to enjoy a round of golf and the opportunity to network. We believe the SCPT is not only a training ground for future Tour stars, but also an organization which incorporates the best of community ideals.” The Space Coast Pro Tour is being structured to become one of the finest mini tours in the country.

The Space Coast Tour will also have a Women’s Division. Any female professional golfer, regardless of age, who does not have exempt playing status on the LPGA or Symetra Tours may participate in the regular SCPT tournaments.

“Competing on mini tours can be financially challenging for a PGA Tour hopeful,” Bernstein said. “Our number one goal is to serve the players. The Space Coast Pro Tour will be providing players beneficial discounts at host courses as well as sponsor discounts including food and lodging.”

“We are excited to be offering a Women’s

To register, go to SpaceCoastProTour.com Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

Space Coast Pro Tour Returns To Central Florida 1st Place Guaranteed

$5,000 Open Division

Skins Games & Hole-In-One cash prizes $10,000+ Play Central Florida’s Premier Courses 35+ Two-Day Tournaments Beginning Oct. 21 & 22, 2013

Open Division 47+ Senior Division 60+ Legends Division Women’s Division Each Entry Fee $420 For registration & information visit

www.SpaceCoastProTour.com www.

™

course of dreams

From Golf Academy of America to Playing with Tiger Woods Brett Cafferty came to Golf Academy of America with an engineering degree and a 7 handicap. He left 16 months later with a job at prestigious Isleworth Country Club that included frequent rounds with member Tiger Woods. Now as Isleworth’s head professional, Cafferty enjoys one of the highest-profile club professional jobs in the world. The membership at the Orlando-area club includes about two-dozen PGA Tour and LPGA Tour pros, including Bubba Watson, Retief Goosen and Paula Creamer. Woods was a member before relocating to Jupiter, Fla., in 2011. Though Cafferty is only one of hundreds of Golf Academy of America graduates who have gone on to become PGA of America club professionals, working at Isleworth affords him rare opportunities to mingle and work with the game’s biggest stars – whether enjoying a leisurely round or planning an upcoming Tavistock Cup. “Brett came to Golf Academy of America highly motivated and eager to learn,” said Golf Academy of America Orlando campus director Brad Turner, who has maintained a close relationship with Cafferty. “He took advantage of our many resources, and now he has a dream job.” Cafferty is one of the few club pros that may have understood how the 20 PGA members at the past weekend’s PGA Championship felt playing beside Woods and the world’s top golfers. “Tiger and I played quite a bit of golf together,” said Cafferty. “He used to like to give me his driver and see how I hit it. When we saw each other, we’d always insult each other in a friendly way.” One of Cafferty’s favorite stories is about a match against Woods, who phoned PGA Tour veteran John Cook on the course after Cook, Cafferty and two partners had teed off. Cook concocted a match pitting Woods against the bestball score from the existing foursome with Woods forfeiting all holes played prior to his arrival. Under Cook’s rules, Woods trailed by seven holes when he joined the group on the eighth tee. Woods began with six straight birdies to pull close before Cook responded with some birdies of his own as the foursome held on to win. 26

“It’s tough getting into Tiger Woods’ wallet,” said Cafferty, whose handicap is down to less than one stroke. Cafferty didn’t imagine keeping such heady company when he enrolled at Golf Academy of America’s Orlando campus in 2003. But he knew his passion for golf far exceeded his drive to be an engineer. And he was eager to begin training for a new career. So Cafferty sought out instruction from several members of Golf Academy of America faculty, learning various teaching techniques. He drew on classroom instruction at Golf Academy of America to move through the PGA apprentice program and earn his PGA membership. “My training at Golf Academy of America really helped,” Cafferty said. “Seeing the different methods taught by golf instructors at Golf Academy of America was a great learning experience. Golf Academy of America helped me with a resume and offered network-

ing opportunities that aren’t offered anywhere else.” Contacts made at the Golf Academy of America also have played a major role in Cafferty’s success. A fellow student working part-time at Isleworth helped Cafferty get his foot in the door at the club. Cafferty said he often turns to Orlando campus director Brad Turner for advice. Recent Golf Academy of America graduates display their skills at top private, public and resort golf courses throughout the country. Lester Poole, a 2011 graduate of Golf Academy of America’s Myrtle Beach campus, was quickly promoted to head professional at Royal New Kent Golf Club, rated as high as No. 84 on Golf Digest’s list of “100 Greatest Golf Courses.” Myrtle Beach classmate Jesse Noelke is the head professional at The Rail Golf Course, which hosted an annual LPGA Tour event for three decades, in his hometown of Springfield, Ill. Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

Love The Game, “love” the course

This Davis Love III Coast-Side Gem Offers Perfect Fairway Lies and Silky Smooth Greens All Year Round In a state where beautiful golf courses are around every other tall Georgia Pine, Laurel Island Links stands out from the crowd because of its well-manicured Bermuda grass tees, fairways, greens, nearby marshlands and holes wandering along the Crooked River basin. Laurel Island Links was designed by Davis Love III and opened in 1996. Nominated by Golf Digest as one of the “Best New Courses in America” and Atlanta Magazine as “The Best Golf Course On The Georgia Coast”, this course includes seven bridges spanning low-lying areas to connect the links. In an interview with Links Magazine, course designer and PGA Tour golfer, Davis Love III, explained his thoughts on over challenging golf courses: “I see the trend of trying to make a golf course more difficult, and I see players getting excited when we go back to something old and traditional. It doesn’t mean it has to be boring or plain. I just think that older style courses require more thought in the design, and they require a little more thought in playing them.” Tee it high and let it fly into open fairways on one of Georgia’s best golf courses. Georgia Pine lined perfect fairways and smooth greens are expected by our guests and members and we don’t disappoint. Magnificent marsh views are all around this 18-hole Southern Georgia links-style course. After your round, stop by the Clubhouse Restaurant and enjoy lunch served with a side of southern hospitality. Visit our website to book your tee time today! Course Managed by

Laurel Island Links

233 Marsh Harbour Parkway Kingsland, GA 31548 888-480-7277 www.laurelislandlinksgolf.com

what's new

Duo Golf Cart... Bag + Cart In One! Alphard Golf is based out of Hong Kong and has produced over 1 million pushcarts to date for other major OEM’s since 1999. Fifteen years of experience designing and fabricating some of the highest quality push carts in the world has made them the true experts in this category. Their unique designs are created to add practicality and ease to the game. The Duo Cart

The Duo Cart has four wheels that provide a low center of gravity and outstanding stability on even the roughest terrain. The unique varied height base features fourteen full-length dividers that minimize club rattling. The Bag itself has a plethora of storage pockets for balls, tees,

is their latest and greatest innovative product to hit the golf market. The revolutionary Duo Cart is an allin-one pushcart and golf bag combination that is extremely compact, so it fits easily in the trunk of your car, and takes just seconds to set up. With the turn of a handle, the hydraulic assisted frame has your bag locked in place and ready to go. Not the right height? That’s okay. The Duo Cart is the only pushcart in the industry that allows you to adjust the height and angle of the handlebar to make it more comfortable and easier to push. raingear, and other necessities as well as a built-in Cooler Pocket (with drains) that can store up to six ice cold drinks. It comes standard with attachable accessories like an umbrella holder and an adjustable drink holder and other accessories like a GPS holder and cart seat can be ordered separately as well. Another interesting feature of the Duo Cart is its unique fabric layer, known as the “skin”, which can be eas-

ily detached in less than a minute. With multiple colors to choose from (Red, Black or Navy), the skin can be switched out to compliment your apparel or express your style on the course. Best of all the Duo Cart is what I like to call “Riding Cart Friendly”, which means its front and rear wheels can be removed from the anodized aluminum frame in just seconds and converted into a cart bag, which fits on

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

all standard electric or gas carts, should you decide to Ride instead of Walk! It’s evident that Alphard Golf thought of every amenity you could possibly want when designing its Duo Cart. In my mind it’s The Ultimate PushCart! “For years, we’ve been monitoring user feedback and finding out what people want in their pushcarts,” said CEO and Co-Founder, Alex Tse. “The Duo Cart’s level of ingenuity and innovation is our answer to all those requests and a whole lot more!” Considering the cost of a similar quality pushcart would be around $200.00, and a golf bag would cost you another $150.00 to $200.00, at only $299.95 the Duo Cart is incredibly affordable. Walking or Riding… It’s the perfect solution for golfers of all ages and skill levels. For more information visit www.DuoGolfCart.com.

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

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

transitions.com

By Marty Perlmutter

The Next Level of Charity Golf There is little new and unique in the charity golf world – the event you played 25 years ago is probably the same event today – four-man scramble with a long drive and closest to the pin component with the only thing different being the model of the car on the par 3. And if you looked close enough, the scores and winners are probably the same – something ridiculous like 22 under par which always brings catcalls and hoots from those who claim a legitimate 65. But today, thanks to software designed by Chicago resident Mike Gerdes, the American Diabetes Association in Miami is on board for an event which hopes to raise $1 million -- “The World’s Largest Golf Tournament” playing until the end of September at the golf course of your choice. This fundraiser encompasses today’s technology so golfers and friends around the country can compete against each other. Now when you post a 98 at Reunion you can easily see how that score compares to your friend’s 98 played at Miami Beach Golf Club. It works like this: when you go to www.playingitforward.com, you will be prompted to list the name of the course you played (all courses in the United States and Canada are listed). From there, find the tee box you played from which gives you the slope ratings. You will be asked for your hole-by-hole score and if you have a handicap, to enter that as well. For this tournament, you must tell the system which course you are going to play prior to playing, what day you are going to play and then enter the information within 24 hours of completion of the round. Now charities are not limited to 144 players – Gerdes is shooting for 10,000 golfers to make it the world’s largest. “We have the platform to do something spectacular,” he said from his office in Chicago. “We are only limited by the number of people we can contact who want to support the American Diabetes Association.” Gerdes already has brought on former 30

University of Miami standout and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ted Hendricks, Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and former Chicago Bull Stacey King to be part of the event. Gerdes reinforced what charities have asked for years – how can we get more people involved in our fundraising? “I wanted a tool to help fund raise not just for the large corporations, but

slope grade. “What makes this fun is that players get to see who is competing on the leaderboard and invite more friends to play along. This creates a viral message of fun that helps a cause,” Gerdes said. The diabetes virtual tournament is a two-round event with a $100 registration fee. Golfers will still incur the greens fee and cart expenses at their course, though some courses already have offered discounts if pre-registered for the tournament. As for the prospect of irregularities in scoring (read 22-under par above), there are a number of safeguards in place

Mike Gerdes (left) stands with Ted Hendricks and former NFL player Steve Smith prior to a recent golf match in Chicago.

for the small ones as well,” Gerdes said. “Our system incorporates the social media so friends can compete against each other in different parts of the country. “Our system opens up the opportunity for people to contribute to a cause even though they might not have been able to play on the specific tournament date.” It took Gerdes and an experienced team of developers close to two years to write the web site (Playing it Forward) with the vision of building a technology that would give charities a ways to attract more participants. The software allows any golfer to play any course, anytime, with any handicap to compete and a net score is posted. This is accomplished using a unique algorithm that computes the player’s score against their handicap and the

for those who do not have a registered handicap or index. Those questions asked of the golfer should narrow the possibility of someone posting a score well below what they actually shot. Thanks to Gerdes’ connections in the Chicago area and with the American Football Coaches association, he has secured a number of prizes for the winners, though the official list won’t be known until after the event has concluded. “We can’t really tell people what they are going to win at this point,” Gerdes said. “If we only get 100 golfers, we won’t be able to offer the winner a trip to Chicago and play Medinah. “But if we get close to the number we anticipate, then the winners might get airfare and hotel along with a round at one of the private clubs in the area.” Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

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

By Adrienne Mazzone

A Par Fore Cause, Is A Par Fore Everyone!

Eddy Mathieu (LtoR) Kevin Kaminski, Tommy Butcher, Glen Calder and Russell Evans

It’s going to be another great time on the green! The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation’s Annual Golf Tournament “PAR FORE THE CAUSE” and BBQ Cocktail party to follow anticipates another fun filled day for 120 players and additional guests to be welcomed at each hole with wonderful surprises! Mark your calendar, mark your friends calendar for Thursday, October 17th, 2013 and while you’re at it, make a note in 2014 as each year the tournament grows with supporters. The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation ( www.msfocus.org ) is working hard to top last year’s celebrity filled, “Fashion Meets The Fairways” where everyone was wearing their best, most fashionable golf attire as these vibrant colors and designs players shown here wearing from PUMA Golf, one of the world’s leading Sport lifestyle companies. Last year’s weather was nothing less than a perfect day in October. Carts with celebrities such as Derrick Rodgers, Channing Crowder, Larry Ball, Stan Bahnsen former New York Yankee player and Michael Lohan sported their duds and clubs then stuck around to eat and watch an amazing fashion show 32

with Alfredo Versace’s new designs. �� At check in, lines formed to purchase a waist-length of raffle tickets from the beautiful Hooters girls of Fort Lauderdale, this year we’re going to be doing a legs length raffle at the BBQ. Before participants made their

way to the green to begin the tournament, they browsed over the raffle items which included painted portraits, a signed Dolphin football and an autographed Caddy Shack matted poster. Then the MSF supporters filled golf carts rolled out to the green.

(L-R Michael Lohan, Derrick Rogers, Stan Bahnsen, Larry Ball, Joey Cornblit, Channing Crowder and David Lorber) Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

Players were greeted by all the hole sponsors including Celsius, a leader in beverage innovation.

During this year’s tournament food and beverages sponsored holes throughout the course such as Tito’s Vodka, Tropical Acres Steakhouse, Southport Raw Bar & Restaurant, and Hooters for great samplings and then of course some of the many raffle items including dinner for 8 at the beautiful Coral Ridge Yacht Club and a weekend stay at the luxurious Marriott Boca Raton at Boca Center. As an added thank you, a fun filled gift bag for all that participate in the tournament with Tito’s Vodka, Seabuck Wonders and a copy of Florida’s Golf Travel & Lifestyle Magazine. This year’s tournament will be at The Fort Lauderdale Country Club with BMW as the Hole In One Sponsor where celebrity photographer Eddy Mathieu will be following along in his golf cart to capture these tournament’s highlights. Tweets of pix will be sent out with @ms_focus hashtag #Par4Cause and we hope you’ll not only join MSF on the green; at the BBQ but virtually as well by retweeting. The Par Fore The Cause tournament will have our Annual Best Dressed Award in addition to a 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Winner, Putting Contest, Longest Drive Contest, Closest to the Pin and Longest Drive. This year’s October 17th Tournament at Fort Lauderdale Country Club chair is Giuliana Hirshson, PNC Wealth Management. The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (@ms_focus) is a national foundation based out of Fort Lauderdale, Fl. Established in 1986, the MSF is a publicly funded 501(c)3 organization and serves Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

the nation from one central location. By eliminating the need for branch offices, they are able to maintain a more costeffective and efficient operation while maintaining the highest quality service. Networking with independent, grassroots organizations gives them a local presence in communities around the nation and provides a comprehensive approach to helping people with MS maintain their health and well-being. �� They offer programming and support to keep people with MS selfsufficient and their homes safe, while their educational programs heighten public awareness and promote understanding about the disease. MSF

resources not only assist people who have MS, but assist their families and caregivers, regional support groups, and healthcare professionals too. �� Access to MSF’s programs and services is available through their interactive web site or their national, toll-free helpline staffed by caring caseworkers and peer counselors. MSF’s priority is to serve with empathy, resourcefulness and responsibility. All MSF services, as well as information, literature and subscriptions to our publications are provided free of charge. The MSF neither sells memberships nor requires participation in fund-raising activities by individuals or support groups.

Jules Kuperberg is Co-Executive Director of the MSF; Derrick Rogers, former Dolphins 33

special events

The Amateur Golfers of Orlando (AGO) Story

From left to right: AGO board members Paul Singhofen, Larry Bretz, and Chuck Curtis with Tom Martines

This story actually starts way back in the day (1971) when approximately 15-20 golfers in the Orlando area, led by Gordy Gibbs, Sandy Sanders, and Hank Hardy were getting together about once a month and going to different local golf courses to compete on a friendly basis. Handicaps were established and everyone threw in a few bucks and the players with best scores split the prize money. Sometime during that period one group of players, led by Gordy Gibbs, and another small group, led by Sandy Sanders, arrived simultaneously at the Grenelefe Golf resort (which was then known as Arrowhead) in Winter Haven, Florida and agreed to meet over lunch after the two groups had finished playing golf. They decided to get the word out about their groups playing together once per month somewhere in the Orlando and central Florida area. Gradually the group began to grow progressively larger and players like Hal DeVorak, Tom Pill, and George Stephenson came into the picture. Monthly meetings began to take place generally at George Stephensonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home. In 1973 it was Stephenson who suggested that since this group known 34

as the Amateur Golfers of Orlando (AGO) had blossomed way up in size, along with the population in Central Florida, that this fledgling outfit was ready to move on to a bigger and better organized, golf tournament group. He formed a small cadre of leaders who became the AGO Board of Directors, with the proviso that these individuals would receive no pay for their services. Basically, you volunteered for the jobs that were needed to provide an orga-

By Rick Harris, Sr.

nized way of running a tournament for the benefit of the membership. One might receive a perk or two by having a committee round of four players play the next selected course, a week in advance of tournament play at no cost, but that was about it. From that point on, beginning in July 1973, AGO was off and running as a full fledged respected golf organization in the exploding community of Orlando and its surrounding counties. With George Stephenson as its leader more golfers were added to be in charge of operations such as Secretary, Treasurer, Handicap chairman, etc., who were responsible for coming up with ideas and formats that would appeal to the membership and make the tournaments run smoothly. For instance, a Hole in One Chairman was responsible for collecting 25 cents per event from each player to fund an account that would be paid to the player who might make a hole in one. Naturally, as each event went by with no winner a pot could easily reach $300-400! Also when Disney World was just staring to open its three wonderful courses like Magnolia, the Palms, and Lake Buena Vista the powers that be were convinced on the idea of letting

From left to right: AGO board members Paul Singhofen T. J. Mac along with Paul Singhofen, Larry Bretz, and Rich Lorme.

Florida Golf Central â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 14, Issue 4

Rick Harris, Sr. AGO have its annual two day championship in April or May played on any two of the three courses available. AGO played annually at Disney for the “astronomical” figure of $40-50 for a two day championship tournament for nearly twenty years! Then along came Harold Eisner who took over the management of the entire Disney organization and turned it into a mecca for international tourists and AGO found itself, along with other local golf groups, priced right out of the market on a cost to play golf basis.

This writer joined AGO in October 1978 when the membership rolls had swelled up to 200 plus dues paying members and you quickly learned that if you did NOT send in your entry for next months tournament by the Tuesday or Wednesday after the event just played that your chance of getting to play were slim to none! Many players began bringing their entry money for the next months event and giving it to the Treasurer right then and there. Local golf courses loved the fact that when they were chosen to host an event it meant they were going to have a full field of 144 or more players regardless of the weather! Golf pro’s were always on the phone with AGO presidents negotiating, and competing with other golf courses, to have AGO come and play their course because it meant a big pay day with a moderate amount of effort. The pro’s were told “AGO does the pairings, getting everyone in their carts and off on time, and ending the day without doing the scoring. When it is over we write you a check, or pay by credit card, for all AGO players at once! Would you like to talk about when we might come back to your course???” It’s a formula that has been working for the past 40 years and continues to do so to this day. Currently our field is running between

85-95 players per tournament and we are encouraging local golfers to join us for the 2013-14 golfing year. Membership dues are $36 annually for new members with a $30 renewal rate after the first year. You may play as a GUEST three times, so we can establish a your handicap, and then you may play for prizes in the form of prize certificates which can be used to reduce your entry fees or offset the cost of items that you might want to buy in selected golf shops in the Orlando area. The EXCEPTION to this rule is if you have an established GHIN handicap in which case you may play immediately for prize certificates. As a point of information we have a number of games such as closet to the pin; skins game; and 50-50 drawing that are available to members. KEY POINT: AGO membership is open to all male, amateur golfers, minimum age of 18 who submit a request for membership along with a $36 annual dues amount for consideration. If you have any further questions you may contact AGO President Larry Prill at 407-718-2907 or any other AGO member who will help you contact an AGO board member. In addition you may visit our AGO website at www.agogolf.net for more information. COME JOIN US TODAY!

DIAMONDS • SILVER • GOLD • COINS

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941 W. Fairbanks Ave. • Winter Park, FL 32789

www.winterparkcash.com Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

By Bob Bolton

stay & play

Treated like royalty by the King

I’ve had the distinct pleasure of meeting Mr. Palmer in person and am very proud of the picture with both of us in purple golf shirts (as if I was his playing partner in an event....I wish). Each time I’ve had the opportunity to interact with Mr. Palmer he has been kind, engaging and someone, who, for all of his celebrity, is comfortable to be around. The Lodge at Bay Hill emulates these same qualities. You may be very familiar with the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard, in which golf’s past, present and future greats pay tribute to one of the game’s iconic figures. You may not be aware that Bay Hill has a Lodge, that includes all of the amenities of the finest resorts Orlando has to offer....without the commercialism of the theme parks.

Upon arrival at the Lodge we were greeted by Jeff Wojciechowicz, the Food and Beverage Director. Jeff was kind enough to give us a grand tour of the property, which includes, of course, golf, tennis, pools, salon and spa, boat docks, fitness center

Director of Instruction John O'Leary

and dining. After getting settled we dined at the Bay Window, which overlooks the putting green and has a sprawling view of the meticulously kept grounds. Chris and Jonathan took very good care of us as we dined on stuffed shrimp and flatbread. We were compelled to taste the Palmer Chardonnay and Cab during dinner (which was excellent) and topped the dining experience off with a Palmer Sundae. (When in Rome, do as the Romans do). After dinner we were drawn to the Member’s Lounge for an after dinner drink. Rick, the bartender, who once he learned I was there representing FGCM, quickly exclaimed, “I know the Queen Bee” (Terrie Purdum, our Publisher). He told us that no visit to the Lodge would be complete without trying a “Hummer.” After a brief chuckle, we complied and enjoyed one beside the fireplace. Saturday brought an opportunity to benefit from the teaching skills of the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy’s Director of Instruction, John O’Leary. And, before you ask, yes, he’s Irish, a good storyteller and a great instructor. I will share more about the Golf Academy in another article, but here are the highlights of a 4 hour lesson. • Practice makes permanent, not perfect. • 60% of your game is within 60 yards, so make 60% of your practice time on those shots. • Most important hurdle for a new player - getting over the concern about looking silly. • Work on becoming consciously unconscious. (I think I achieved that state of mind in the Member’s Lounge the night before). After 4 hours of lessons you find that your body is sore, muscles tired and you need a massage. Voila.... an afternoon at the spa. Mariel and

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

Hole #16 Suzanne worked their magic with a therapeutic massage. Ready for some R&R we retreated to the pool for an afternoon of sun and snoozing. Sunday morning’s breakfast was delicious and completed just in time for our morning tee time on the legendary Bay Hill Club Course. The attendants were courteous and attentive, Brian and the gents in the Pro Shop were accommodating, and the next thing we knew we were teeing off like it was the final round of the Invitational. I played the tees that measured 6437, since the tips stretch out to a game meant for the Pros at 7381, and I am no Pro. The course was groomed as if it was tournament week and traveling around the course in person grants a totally different perspective of what the Pros face when the pressure is on at Bay Hill. The front nine stand-out holes for Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

me include #4, a 461 yard par 5 with an uphill approach shot to a table top green. Hole #6 is a 493 yard par 5 that has an exciting carry over water that makes you think twice before taking the club back. I have fond memories of the 9th, only because I hit a stellar 2nd shot into the hole with people watching from their patios outside their Lodge room. The back nine is where I finally got my rhythm, paring 4 holes and a birdie on #16. Hole #16 is a short par 5, a dogleg right, with trees sheltering the right hand side of the fairway and water on your left for your second shot. I chose to play it smart, hit a 6 iron to set up my third shot and stuck a 52 degree wedge stiff, 9 inches left of the hole, easy birdie. The finishing hole is a fairly simple par 4 with water on the right. Did I mention the water on

the right? They had the pin tucked in the bottom right of the green, maybe 4 paces from the rocks that surround the water. After a 260 yard drive, I hit what was supposed to be a draw into the green, but it didn’t draw, splash. Hitting 4 from the same spot I hit another that did draw and sank the putt for bogey. A good day and an 81 to show for it. If you are looking for an Orlando destination that is a break from the, dare I say, “rat race” of the theme park resorts, the Lodge at Bay Hill is a must stay. Mr. Palmer and his family have created a destination which appeals to golfers and non-golfers alike. The comfortable nature Mr. Palmer has shared with me in person is personified in his Club and Lodge. For more information about the Bay Hill Club & Lodge, call 1-888-422-9455, or visit www.bayhill.com. 37

feature About the TOURAcademy The TOURAcademy game-improvement schools provide personalized instruction and skill development programs for golf enthusiasts of all ages and ability levels. Located at such highly-desirable locations as TPC Sawgrass, TPC Scottsdale, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, and World Golf Village (site of the original PGA TOUR Golf Academy), the TOURAcademy strives to provide the highest quality experience for its students through its “4 Cornerstones of Improvement” philosophy-instruction, club fitting, fitness, and mental conditioning. The TOURAcademy’s decorated instruction staff features a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher as well as several instructors on Golf Digest’s list of the “Best Young Teachers” (under the age of 40) in America. They are contributors to a variety of different media outlets, including GolfChannel, PGATOUR.com, Golf Magazine, and Golf Tips Magazine. All of the TOURAcademy locations feature 2D video swing analysis and launch monitor software. The TPC Sawgrass and Tiburón sites are also 38

home to a TaylorMade Performance Lab—among the fewer than 20 nationwide—which includes a state-of-theart 3D MAT-T system (Motion Analysis

Technology by TaylorMade) for the ultimate experience in club-fitting and swing biomechanics analysis. Academy programs range from single and multi-day golf schools— including a very popular 2 Day Lite program, which includes two half-days of instruction--private one-on-one instruction and junior camps to specialty clinics and corporate events (TOURAcademy on the Road). TOURAcademy on the Road offers a variety of exciting golf instruction and event activation programs from one-day golf schools and clinics to full swing video analysis to long drive and putting contests. Whether it’s a celebrity cruise, trade show or conference, team-building event, or company golf outing, TOURAcademy’s mobile golf team will go go the extra mile to entertain clients and provide a unique, engaging golf experience. To learn more about the TOURAcademy, visit www.touracademy.com.

About TOURAcademy Junior Camps TOURAcademy Junior Camps provide world-class golf instruction and proFlorida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

grams designed to accommodate young athletes of all skill levels from beginner to top high school players. Using a building-block approach based on what the best players in the world are doing and the proper biomechanics of the golf swing, the TOURAcademy’s goal is to educate its students so that they leave the academy with the tools necessary to improve their games. Programs include Elite (advanced-level juniors), Overnight, Full Day, Half Day and After School Camps, with student to teacher ratios ranging from as little as 4:1 to 6:1. The Elite Camp is a training-intensive five-day program tailored to tournament-ready junior boys and girls who are looking to play competitively beyond high school. With a 4:1 student to teacher ratio, the junior campers receive the personalized attention they need to develop and take their games to the next level. Students learn proper biomechanics, fitness, how to practice and prepare for competitions, and rules and etiquette. Each camper also plays 18 holes alongside a TOURAcademy instructor, where they learn the finer points of game management from both a strategical and mental standpoint. The Overnight Camp is also five days, and is geared toward boys and girls ages 10-17 of all skill levels. Campers learn proper biomechanics, rules, life skills, and tournament preparation. As with all the camps, there’s a heavy emphasis on on-course instruction and course management, from club selection to shot selection. The camp concludes Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

with a fun golf tournament in which all of the junior campers get to compete against one another utilizing the skills and lessons they learned during the week. Junior camp locations include TPC Sawgrass, TPC Scottsdale, World Golf Village, and Omni La Costa Resort and Spa. To learn more about the TOURAcademy Junior Golf Camps, visit www.touracademycamps.com.

About TOURVacations TOURVacations offers stay and play golf packages to some of today’s hottest golf destinations, including the PGA TOUR’s own TPC network. Tee it up where the professionals play--TPC Sawgrass, TPC Scottsdale, Tiburón Golf Club and more-and enjoy the same accommodations and personal attention normally reserved for the best players in the world. TOURVacations Experience Coordinators will customize any package for you or your group, so that you can play as much as you like or, should you choose, book a golf school or series of lessons with one of the TOURAcademy’s world-class instructors. From reserving your hotel, tee times and tournament tickets to offering tips on the best places to dine in the area, TOURVacations is your onestop shopping destination for quality PGA TOUR golf vacations. To learn more about TOURVacations and its featured deals, packages, and destinations, visit www.pgatourexperiences.com. 39

live golf

We Are Golf–

By Joel Jackson, FGCSA Communications Director Photos by Joel Jackson

You Are Too! This past February the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association joined with the North and South Florida PGA Sections, the Florida Club Managers Association and the Florida State Golf Association to form an alliance of golf associations to promote the game of golf in Florida to get a fair share of funding for tourism dollars including promotions and advertising the game. With the Florida Golf Industry pumping around $13.8 billion dollars into the state’s economy, providing around 167,000 jobs and raising $312+ million a year for charities, golf is important to Florida. I suspect if you’re reading this article, it’s really important to you on a personal basis for social and recreational and sometimes even business reasons. Those of us who work on the front lines in the business need your help and support beyond just paying your dues and or greens fees. We want you to join with us as we educate and advocate for golf at the state and national levels. One of our best stories is how golf course maintenance continues to get more and more environmentally friendly over the years. That progress is due primarily to turf research which enables scientists who study plant physiology, insects, weeds and turf diseases to help do a better job keeping courses in great condition for you. Besides more efficient and economical ways to manage the playing conditions, their research also helps us to changes our programs and methods to reduce any negative impacts to our environment and to conserve and improve our natural resources. You have all read about the local ordinances regulating fertilizer use. In most cases our research efforts have led to science-based Best Management Practices that protect the environment and allow us to give you a beautiful, playable golf course. Some cities and counties imposed strict laws banning the use of nutrients during the most productive summer 40

growing season for warm season plants including turfgrass. Science has shown this can lead to more leaching and runoff. So when that happens the golf industry needs to advocate to lawmakers for common sense and science in the regulations and that takes travel and expert testimony at commission meetings. Where does that money come from? If you love golf like I think you do, you can help invest in the future of the game for your enjoyment and for a sound environment by participating in the upcoming Rounds4Research Auction in August around the PGA Championship event. If you don’t want to participate in the Auction or if you miss the dates (Aug 1st – 11th), You can simply make a cash donation anytime to be part of the “We Are Golf” movement to

preserve and protect the game we all love. See the link for how to donate. Thank you for helping out and becoming a partner! The August 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.

Great Egret. Sanctuary G.C., Sanibel Is. Photo by Kyle Sweet. Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

Golf course equipment and maintenance products manufacturers also help superintendents raise turfgrass research dollars by supporting events like the Seven Rivers GCSA’s 20-year old annual Jeff Hayden Memorial Envirotron Classic. The Champion Sponsors donated $25,000 to support the event and help keep golf healthy and growing. The Envirotron was a special facility dedicated to turf research on the University of Florida campus. You can help to. Donate to www.Rounds4Reasearch.com. At the Treasure Coast GCSA’s annual Blue Pearl Tournament, the superintendents donated $10,500 to the Vero Beach Environmental Learning Center’s summer Ecofest program. You can help your local superintendents chapter do good work too by participating in the Rounds4 Research program in August. Go to www.Rounds4Reasearch.com for details

In the middle of hustling, bustling South Beach on Miami Beach, superintendent Ricky Reeves shares this photo of a handful of the 25-30 recent turtle hatchlings on the Miami Beach Golf Course. Golf courses are great wildlife habitats. Help us preserve them by donating to the GCSAA Rounds4Research program at www.Rounds4Reasearch.com. Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

competitive spirits

Move Over Gentlemen – This is the Year of the Vixen Smoothly crafted, female-centric Vixen Vodka is stepping into Florida one stiletto at a time A powerful new spirit is making a splash as Vixen Vodka hits the shelves in

Georgia in 2012, and is now ready for southeast expansion. The brand is shaking up the male-dominated category with a twist of girl power. The dream of a few smart, savvy Southern women comes alive this fall as they take on the boys club head-to-head and give women what they really want – a delicious vodka brand created for the female palate. Vixen Vodka embodies its creators’ “why not?” approach to life, a philosophy that has taken them on a straight shot into the heart of the spirit industry offering “lust in liquid form.” In August 2010, the brand’s founders were enjoying a girls’ beach weekend when they made the decision to launch a female-centric vodka, Vixen Vodka, made by vixens, for vixens. With that, and a few more cocktails, the women put their extensive sales and marketing backgrounds into action and embarked on a two-year journey not just to create a product, but a brand. A brand that stood for the qualities they hope to inspire in others – strength, independence, courage, sass and a lust for life. “We are our target audience – we speak the language,” said LeeAnn Maxwell, partner and CEO. “Vodka is a woman’s spirit of choice. It’s crisp, clean, figurefriendly and light. However, it’s the burn factor in all vodkas that we didn’t care for, and our vodka negates that burn. But Vixen is not just about the vodka, it’s a brand that is shaking up an entire category. It’s giving women what they want. It’s about following your dreams.” The vodka is crafted by Mile High Spirits in Denver, Colo., in one of only a few glass stills in the world. Made from corn and pure spring water, Vixen is distilled five times, creating a high-quality, gluten-free spirit smooth enough to be enjoyed simply on the rocks, but perfectly complements a wide variety of mixers. The name draws from the founders’ belief that all women are vixens – empowered, independent and sexy. This belief is mirrored in their brand anthem, which in part reads, “I am more than my reflection in the mirror. I rule every room I enter.” “It takes unique branding to stand out in such a competitive category,” said King, partner and director of marketing. “Honestly, there is not another brand like ours in the spirits category. We stand for strength and real women, so much so that the legs in our logo are a real woman’s legs. We want our brand to bring out the inner vixen in everyone, because let’s face it, there’s nothing wrong with being sexy, sassy and strong.”

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. 42

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

By Chris Thompson

grip it & sip it

Prosecco Collalto Prosecco has the reputation for being Italy’s most versatile wine; this reputation is well earned as Prosecco can satisfy just about any gastronomic niche there is. Prosecco is excellent on its own as an Aperitif and pairs well with appetizers, pasta dishes and risotto as well as vegetarian fare. Though nearly any Seafood or Fish dish could be the ideal pairing for Prosecco , where it’s balanced acidity

plays well off the delicate oils in fatty fish, its powerful yet elegant nose and complex body can hold up to even spicy offerings like Jamaican Jerk Chicken, or cheesy dishes like you can find in your local Pizza Parlor. Prosecco’s true versatility, however shines in the classic sparkling wine cocktails, like Bellini’s, Mimosa’s and Spritz. True of any quality product, the quality of each ingredient is key; so do not overlook the Prosecco you use to make your weekend Mimosa’s. Prosecco Superiore DOCG from Conegliano and Valdobbiadene in Veneto is truly the best, and the Extra Dry and Brut versions from Conte Collalto, a noble Italian family headed by Princess Isabella Collalto, whose wine making stretches back to before the dawn of the first Millennium, are excellent examples.

Prosecco Mimosa To make a perfect Prosecco Mimosa for brunch I suggest the following recipe. Make a simple syrup by warming one part sugar for every one part water, let cool. Squeeze, strain, and cool 1 cup of fresh orange Juice for every two servings. Blend 2/3 Prosecco Superiore Extra Dry too every 1/3 Orange Juice with 1-2 tablespoons of Simple Syrup, depending on the sweetness of the oranges. Serve in a champagne Flute and garnish with a sprig of Mint. If using store bought juice omit the simple syrup. Enjoy before a meal, by the pool or on the Links.

Grip it and Sip it.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

women in golf

3rd Annual Florida Public Relations Association Golf Tournament at the Renaissance Vinoy Golf Club

Recently, the Executive Women’s

have some fun, here’s an opportu-

South Africa and Italy. They offer a

Golf Association (EWGA) sponsered

nity to network, meet some new

wide range of organized golf activities,

the 33rd Annual Florida Public Rela-

friends, and have a great time!

learning programs, volunteer, social

tions Association Golf Tournament

The EWGA is a Florida not-for-

and networking opportunities for

at the Renaissance Vinoy Golf Club.

profit 501(c)(6) corporation serv-

both novice and experienced golfers.

The Florida Public Relations As-

ing an international member-

The EWGA is dedicated to in-

sociation has 15 chapters across the

ship. The EWGA exists to connect

clusiveness and diversity in its

state (including a chapters in Tampa),

women to learn, play and enjoy

membership and seeks to provide

representing nearly 1,500 professional

golf for business and for fun.

timely, valued benefits and services

and student members dedicated to

Since its inception in 1991, the

to EWGA members to promote the

advancing the PR profession. Many of

EWGA has served as a portal to

growth of women’s golf and en-

their Chapters are located in prox-

golf and touched the lives of tens

rich the lives of women through

imity to EWGA Chapters. Whether

of thousands of women. EWGA has

the game of golf. The EWGA also

you’re curious to know more about

Chapters throughout the United

serves as an advocate for positive

this professional association or just

States, along with international

change on issues of importance to

want to get out on the fairway and

Chapters in Canada, Bermuda,

women golfers. www.ewga.com.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

women in golf

Local Orlando Area Resident Pam Russell Captures Victory at the 2013 EWGA Championship Finals On September 7th & 8th, 220 women descended upon the Wigwam Golf Resort in Litchfield, Arizona to compete in one of the largest women’s amateur golf competitions in the United States, the EWGA (Executive Women’s Golf Association) Championship Finals. Apparently the expression, “the 3rd time’s a charm”, rings true for Orlando Area resident Pam Russell when it comes to competing at the EWGA Championship Finals. On her 3rd trip to the event, Russell defeated a field of thirty-two women in the Championship Flight to capture the title of Low Net Champion of the 2013 EWGA Championship Finals. Russell posted a Low Net Score of 137 to claim the top spot in her flight. “I lost in a scorecard playoff last year,” said Russell, “so on Sunday, I told Pam Swensen (CEO of the EWGA) that I was only 4 shots out of the lead and determined to walk across that stage.” When the final scores were tabulated, it was no surprise to see Pam walk across that stage and pickup her trophy for her 1st Place Finish. Pam (Lang) Russell grew up playing tournament golf with her twin sister, Sharon. Known as the Lang twins back then, Pam and Sharon made quite a name for themselves playing competitive golf. Both were awarded with World Junior Championship honors, which gave the twins a

Championship Finals. “Golf is a great outlet. It gives me the opportunity to network and compete at the same time,” said Russell. “I’ve made a lot of connections both professionally and socially by being involved in the EWGA.” Pam is the Director of Finance and Administration for the LaZ-Boy Furniture Galleries of Orlando. Now in its 18th year, The EWGA (Executive Women’s Golf Association) Championship is the largest women’s amateur golf competition in the country. The event provides competitive tournament golf for members of all skill levels and more than 2,500 members participate annually. The EWGA Championship offers two different competitive formats: Stroke Play Competition and Team Scramble Competition. The 36-hole EWGA Championship Final consisted of 220 women amateur golfers who advanced beyond 117 local chapter qualifiers and 15 semi-final regional tournaments to advance to the Finals. The final field represented 81 EWGA chapters in 39 states as well as Canada. The championship’s format encourages women of all skill levels to compete, underscoring the EWGA’s mantra to enhance the careers and lives of working women through golf. Complete results can be viewed online

EWGA’s CEO Pam Swensen (on left) presenting Pam Russell (on right) with her award at the EWGA Championship Finals banquet.

competitive edge at a very early age. A member since 2006, Pam actually joined the EWGA because of her sister. Sharon was on the Board of the EWGA and suggested I give it a try. That’s where my involvement started,” said Russell. Elected as the Captain of the Orlando Team in 2011, Pam led her team in Match Play at The EWGA Champions Cup that year. Since then she has competed in several EWGA events and has qualified three times for the

at www.ewgachampionship.com.

About the EWGA As the largest women-focused amateur golf association in the United States with chapters in nearly every U.S. major market and corporate center, the EWGA has connected more than 100,000 working and professional women who share a passion for cultivating relationships and enjoying the game of golf. Offering a wide range of affordable organized golf activities and educational programs, this award-winning association has been driving social and networking opportunities for women through the game of golf since 1991. With EWGA Chapters located in more than 120 cities throughout the United States as well as in international locations including Bermuda, Canada, Italy and South Africa, EWGA members are active participants in hundreds of communities. EWGA is a tax-exempt 501 (c) 6 membership association. For more information about the EWGA and its membership, visit www.ewga.com Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

layer profile player profile player profile player prpfile player profile player pr

By Jay Golden, PGA

Another Gift From The NFL

Fred Marion 1985. During that season he

polite, concerned and compassion-

intercepted seven passes for

ate. He’s a hard working honest man

189 return yards, helping the

who went out of his way to speak to

Patriots to their first Super

his employer (David Maus) to offer me

Bowl appearance versus

full time employment at “David Maus

the Chicago Bears. His only

Toyota” in Sanford, where Fred is a

career touchdown came

sales manager.

in 1986 against Pittsburgh

While some professional athletes

when he intercepted Bubby

feel somewhat ‘better than’ the com-

Brister and ran back a 37-

mon man, Fred says, “After you retire

yard score.

due to age or injury, it is the friend-

Fred Marion was among the on-field and off-field

ships and relationships that you develop that mean the most. Friendship is what you treasure the rest of your life.” In terms of comparing his salary to those of today, Fred says, “I gave everything that I had both mentally and physically on the field every game on every play. It was an honor to fulfill a childhood dream by playing in the NFL. I don’t feel bitter at all. I feel privileged in knowing that God has plans for us the only He knows.” Does Fred miss playing in New England? “I definitely don’t miss the bitter cold days but I have to admit that I do miss the change of seasons.” Who does Fred root for? “I am a BIG Patriot fan and wear the

My friend, Fred Donald Marion is a for-

Patriot colors every Saturday

mer college and professional football

prior to the game.”

player who was a defensive back in the

Fred enjoys golf and plays

NFL for ten seasons during the 1980s

well (middle 80’s) considering

and 1990s with the New England Patri-

the limited amount of time he has to play. Additionally, he is

ots. Fred played college football for the University of Miami from 1978 to 1981

leaders of the Patriots’ first AFC

a key component in making the David

- and as a senior - was a consensus

Championship squad in 1985. His 29

Maus Celebrity Golf Fund-raiser – with

first-team All-American. He was born

career interceptions rank third in team

the proceeds going to several Central

in Gainesville, FL.

history. Marion was selected as a 2012

Florida Charities - a success every year.

The New England Patriots selected

Patriots Hall of Fame finalist.

Having been around numerous pro-

Fred in the fifth round (112th pick

Although those are impressive sta-

fessional athletes due to my involve-

overall) of the 1982 NFL Draft, and

tistics, they pale in comparison to the

ment in ‘Celebrity Golf Fund-raisers,’

he played for Patriots from 1982 to

man who I have known for almost 15

there is no one that I respect more

1991. He was a Pro Bowl selection in

years. Fred is a man who is God loving,

than my dear friend, Fred Marion.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

duffer header dan

By David Grace

Duffer Dan and the Undercover Gang at The Founders Club Another hot and humid day in Central Florida brings us to The Founders Club in beautiful Sarasota. Out in the country would describe this wonderful track. Smartly designed entrances and well marked cart path crossings make getting to the clubhouse easy and safe. Being greeted early by very helpful and cheerful employees made us feel at home. The clubhouse and grounds around were well maintained and water friendly in a sometimes dry area. The pros were courteous and very

receptive. Every golfing need (except a better swing) can be found here. Clothes, shoes, etc. I don’t know about you, but we as well maintained (older) golfers like a good cart. These were clean, fast carts that were well stocked with ice and water. Very nice! Nice putting and chipping practice grounds led to a very benign looking course that was beautiful and had a bite. Wide fairways with well-placed bunkers meant hit the right shot and be rewarded. The greens were fast and well-sloped with fair pin placement. There was nature at every hole. Two long par 5’s make for a long hitter’s dream. Even with a shotgun tournament in action, pace of play was wellmaintained throughout the day with the use of forecaddies for the long (or short) slicers and hookers. All through the cart paths on the course have a feel of old southern travel with hanging Spanish moss and rolling hills. After the round, a well stocked bar and a very friendly staff made our day unforgettable. Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

orth GA offlorida America PGAPGA northofflorida America PGAPGA north of America florida PGA PGAnorth of America florida PGA north of Am

Suzy Whaley Among Six PGA Professionals to Earn Advanced Certification in the New PGA CPP 2.0 Program Suzy Whaley

SuzyWhaley Whaley Suzy

The PGA of America announced that six PGA Professionals have completed the requirements to achieve certification through the advanced PGA Certified Professional Program 2.0 (CPP 2.0). CPP 2.0 is a valuable achievement in a learning strategy that is aimed at improving PGA Professional proficiency and advancing career opportunities. Serving as The PGA’s enhanced, alldigital training and education curriculum, PGA CPP 2.0 is aligned with the goals of the Golf 2.0 strategic initiative to give PGA members a state-of-the-art skillset to grow the game of golf. PGA CPP 2.0 is an online, career-enhancing solution that ensures that PGA members have the skills, competencies and job requirements demanded by employers and customers throughout the golf industry. Since the PGA Certified Professional Program’s original inception in 2004, a total of 808 PGA Professionals have earned a combined 1,613 certifications in their desired career paths. Among those recently earning certification is PGA District 1 Director Suzy Whaley, who became the first woman since Babe Zaharias in 1945 to qualify for and play in in a PGA Tour event when she competed in the 2003 Greater Hartford Open. “For me, becoming a PGA Certified Professional is something I wanted to do for years,” said Whaley, a PGA Teaching Professional at TPC River Highlands, in Cromwell, Conn., who 52

is recognized by Golf Digest as one of the 50 Best Teachers in America. “As a PGA Professional, we all realize that there is a changing environment for consumers, so it is important to learn more about our profession, especially the marketing and promotion of player development programs.” “Some of the most recognized and respected PGA Professionals in the country continue to enhance their skill sets through PGA Education, truly validating the importance and relevance of the updated curriculum,” said PGA Master Professional Dawes Marlatt, senior director of Education and Employment for The PGA of America. Designed with direct input from employers and industry experts to immediately enhance the expertise and performance of PGA members in the workplace, the all-digital PGA CPP 2.0 is an intuitive program available on PGALinks.com that offers certifications in Golf Operations, General Management, Player Development and Instruction. These four distinct certification programs encompass seven defined Career Paths (Golf Operations, Retail, General Management, Executive Management,

Ownership and Leasing, Golf Instruction and Player Development)— supporting PGA members who are committed to continuously enhancing their golf management skills, in order to stay ahead of the increasing demands of the industry. The online learning approach ensures broad access to the program, while reducing the time and travel costs associated with traditional classes. Further, the new digital integration of the educational curriculum offers e-learning solutions and best-in-class applications, so PGA Professionals can experience unique situations; use critical thinking to acquire relevant knowledge; and immediately transfer and apply their knowledge to real-time situations and everyday business matters. PGA CPP 2.0 enables PGA Professionals to maintain a competitive edge in the workforce, while gaining additional tools to enhance performance at their facility.

The following PGA Professionals recently achieved certifications in one of four categories: Suzy Whaley, PGA, of Farmington, Conn. – TPC River Highlands, Connecticut PGA Section (Player Development) Carolynn Lovelace, PGA, of Ellicot City, Md. – Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club, Middle Atlantic PGA Section (Player Development) Eric Alpenfels, PGA, of Pinehurst, N.C. – Pinehurst Country Club No. 1-5, Carolinas PGA Section (Instruction) Chapman Dundas, PGA, of Santa Rosa, Calif. – Mayacama Golf Club, Northern California PGA Section (Golf Operations) Scott Newell, PGA, of Leland, N.C. – Member’s Club at St. James, Carolinas PGA Section (Golf Operations) Eric Barlow, PGA, of Port St. Lucie, Fla. – Weston Golf Club, New England PGA Section (Golf Operations) Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

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28 Oct

Isleworth Golf & Country Club Windemere*

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

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

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

By Steve Morris

Rod Perry Wins the 46th PGA Professional National Championship! North Florida PGA Member Rod Perry, Crane Lakes Golf & CC, held off the best for a resounding victory in the 46th PGA Professional National Championship at Sun River Resort! Rod finished at 277 to claim a 3 shot victory. Rod is the 2012 PGA Professional Player of the Year and will represent the NFPGA and all PGA Professionals at the PGA Championship at Oak Hill on August 8-11. Rod competed in last year’s PGA Championship as well due to his 2nd place finish in the PNC in 2012. Rod has been the North Florida Section’s Player of the Year many times and made the cut at Bay Hill this Spring. His exceptional playing talents, along with his commitment to his family, members and customers is to be admired and respected. Rod is truly a model PGA Professional and our poster child! His NFPGA brothers and sisters are so proud!

Augusta National’s Drive Chip and Putt Competitions are in full swing throughout the Section. The North Florida Section was selected to be one of the pilot Sections for this inaugural competition. The North Florida Section will administer 10 local qualifiers and finish up with the regional qualifier at the North Florida PGA home site at Reunion Resort in Orlando on August 17. The lucky champions in their divisions will be heading to the 2014 Masters for the finals! Drive Chip and Putt host facilities along with volunteers have stepped up to make this venture a huge success. Thank you to: Reunion Resort, Waterford Golf & CC, St Johns Golf & CC, Walt Disney World Golf, Bobby Jones Golf Club, Tampa Bay Downs Golf & Practice Facility, Rio Pinar CC, Tarpon Woods Golf Club, Florida State University, and World Golf Village. Over 100 kids compete at each venue for their once in a lifetime chance to visit Augusta National on the Sunday prior to The Masters in 2014! The parents seem just as excited too!

The North Florida Junior Championship crowned their girl and boy Champions 54

at Disney on June 26 & 27. Dree Fausnaugh, Orlando, shot 3 under par on the PGA TOUR tested Magnolia Course. Dirk Kuehler, New Smyrna Beach, shot 6 under to be the medalist for the boys. Both advance to the PGA Junior Championship in Washington DC! It looks like the North Florida Section will be well represented. This year’s field was a record attendance with over 200 competitors as the NFPGA Junior Championship continues to be one of the premier junior tournaments in the state. Visit nfpga.com for all the results.

The cream does rise to the top! David Damesworth and Tyler Hitchcock withstood a barrage of birdies by Rod Perry and Keith Kulzer to win the NFPGA Two Person Championship by only a shot! They finished at an impressive 17 under for the 36-hole championship. All four players are NFPGA major championship winners and of course Rod Perry is the 2012 PGA Professional Player of the Year and 2013 PNC Champion! Jack McFaul, Waterford Golf Club, added to the second day excitement with a hole in one on #6! In the Senior Division, PGA TOUR experience was tough to overcome as Freddy Gibson, Golf Ed and Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

Mike Smith bested the team of Bob Dickson and Jim Giordano by a shot, too! Freddy and Mike finished at 6 under. Freddy, Mike and Bob all have played on the big stage on the PGA TOUR. Thank you to the staff and crew at Orange Lake Resort for the great service and attention to detail. It was another fun couple days of competition and camaraderie. (see photo of Rich Smith with David and Tyler).

Florida Golf Central â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 14, Issue 4

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

Augusta National’s Drive Chip & Putt Regional a Huge Success! Eight skilled juniors advanced to the finals for the Drive Chip & Putt Championship to be hosted at the 2014 Masters! It was a huge thrill for the kids and their parents! 160 of the best from our 10 local qualifiers gathered at Reunion Resort in Orlando for the Regional Finals. The champions from each division took to the Olympic style podium to receive their gold medals and punch their ticket to The Masters! It was worth all the efforts of staff, volunteers and associates to see the faces and emotions of all the competitors and their proud parents! Medals were also awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd for all the contests. A media center was set up

David Damesworth, PGA, and Rob Torri, GCSAA to interview the champions too! Thank you to Augusta National, The USGA and the PGA of America for initiating such a great competition. It’s not only growing the game but providing the thrill of competition to juniors throughout the country. We’ll be applauding our qualifiers on that special Sunday prior to the Masters! Truly a special day! David Damesworth; Orange Tree Golf Club, sunk a 25 foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to force a playoff with Charles Raulerson; Country Club of Orange Park at The Waldorf Astoria Golf Club in Orlando to win the North Florida PGA Professional Champion56

ship. Then it was off to the tenth tee for sudden death. David defeated Rich with Keith Kulzer Charles on that hole to claim the title. We appreciate the privilege of being able to compete at The Waldorf Astoria Golf Club! It was truly a test! 7 Section players qualified for the 2014 National Club Professional Championship. They are: Rod Perry; Crane Lakes, 2013 National PNC Champion (exempt) David Damesworth; Orange Tree Golf Club, Charles Raulerson; Country Club of Orange Park, Spencer Brown; Selva Marina, Ryan Hritz; Countryside CC, David Hronek, Jim Garrison; Temple Terrace CC and Sean Gorgone; The Whole Game of Golf. Barry Cheesman, Evie’s Family Golf Center, fired a final round 67 to hold off 10 other players who were under par to win our Senior PNC at Reunion Resort in Orlando. He finished at 8 under to edge out Jim Wright, Golftec, who finished at 7 under. Barry, along with 7 others are now qualified to compete in the PGA Senior Championship coming up this Fall. Even though the pins were tucked, our seniors proved that they still have game! The other qualifiers were all at 3 under or better for the competition! Our other qualifiers were: Gary Murfitt, Hyde Park, Ken Powell, Manatee County GC, Gerry James, Center Force Golf Systems, Bill Sellers, CC of Orlando and Tom Garner, Bay Hill. Thank you to Tray and his staff at Reunion Resort for the perfect conditions on the Palmer Course! How do you prepare for your final round in a championship? If you’re Keith Kulzer you don’t! Caught in traffic and arriving at the first tee just in time without a warm up shot, Keith Kulzer, Quail Hollow, shot an impressive 66 in the final round

Rich with Barry Cheesman to pass the field and win the NFPGA Assistants Championship at Reunion Resort! Keith finished at 135 to win the title. Tied for second were Brian Keiser, Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, Tyler Hitchcock, Walt Disney World Golf and David Hronek at 139. Brian and Tyler won the playoff to advance to the PGA Assistant Championship. Thank you to Reunion Resort for the great service and excellent conditions. The course was perfect! Thank you Brian from Cobra Puma for greeting the players both days. It was great to see our new breed of competitors tee it and have some fun. Congratulations to David Damesworth, PGA, and Rob Torri, GCSAA from Orange Tree Golf Club on their victory at our NFPGA Pro Superintendent at The Palmer Legends located in The Villages…again! David and Rob shot the magical 59 to edge out Nick Frontero, PGA and Nick Franz; Tee It Up and Chris DeBusk, PGA and Jeff Morris; Havana Golf & CC who posted 61’s! Thank you to Mark Verkey and the entire staff for the always great service and food! We always look forward to our visit to The Palmer Legends! Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

Here are the Regional events in your area. For more, visit biggesttournament.com Celebration Golf Club

Celebration, FL October 5, 2013 www. b ig g e s tt o u r n a m e n t .c o m

Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Harbour Yacht & Country Club

Jacksonville, FL October 14, 2013

Questions: jason.stokes@dixongolf.com f aceb ook .com/th ebigtou r nament

O ffe r good to U .S. re si d e n ts only. Online reg ist r at io n is required t o par t i c i p a t e . By p a r t i c i p a t i ng i n t hi s eve nt you a ck now l e d ge t he re i s no e nd or s e m e n t o r c o mp e n s a t i o n by o r from tour na m e nt orga n i zer s o r t heir assig ns. Org anizer s o f T he B I G Tour na m e nt re s e r ve t he r i ght t o a l t e r t he r ul e s of t he c om p e t i t i on a nd i t s offe r i n g s a t a ny t i me a t t h e i r s ol e d i sc re ti on. Re gi stra nt ag rees t o ho ld t o ur nament o rg anizer and t he i r a s s i gns ha r m l e s s for a ny i nj ur y i nc ur re d d ur i ng p a r t i c i p a t i on i n a ny re la t e d eve n t .

ÂŠ T he BIG Tour nament , 2013

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Over 55 SFPGA Professionals, Junior Golfers and Staff Serve The Community Through Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County In the corner on the window – Victor Tortorici, PGA, Standing in the grey with the rope Steve Waugh, PGA, next, Mike Arthur, PGA,

Since June 7th over 55 South Florida PGA Professionals, Junior Tour Members, Club Med Golf Academy students and South Florida PGA staff members have volunteered their time helping to make dreams come true through Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach Counties Kennedy Estates II project in Jupiter. �� In April the South Florida PGA Foundation broke ground on a home for Sateria William’s and her three daughters, committing not only monetary 58

support to this project but also physical support through volunteer hours. This project has afforded South Florida PGA Professionals with an opportunity to give back to their community and come together as a team for a great cause.

Warren Bottke, PGA with hammer, Geoff Lofstead on the roof (Executive Director SFPGA)

Over the past two months PGA

project, knowing that each and every

Professionals have learned various

one of them has enjoyed every moment

skills in carpentry, in addition to utiliz-

of each work day,” stated South Florida

ing tricks of the trade from previous

PGA Executive Director, Geoff Lofstead.

careers! “It has been great to witness

For more information

the dedication and passion of South

about the South Florida PGA

Florida PGA Professionals as they have

Foundation and this project visit:

worked diligently to complete this

www.sfpgagolf.com/foundation.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 2

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By Meredith Schuler

Rinker Claims Senior Section Championship/SFPGA Senior PNC Lee Rinker shot a final round of eight under par 64 Tuesday to win the South Florida PGA Seniors Championship and lead qualifiers for the PGA of America’s Senior PGA Professional National Championship. The Head PGA Golf Professional at nearby Emerald Dunes, Rinker, 52, came from four strokes off the pace to win by three strokes at 136 on the Rees Jones course at the Breakers West Golf Club. Ken Martin of Wellington, the first round leader on a 68, was second with 71-139. “I played really well today and got a little lucky, too,” Rinker said. He made six birdies and eagled the par-5 14th hole with a 3-wood to the green and a 15-foot putt. He birdied Nos. 2, 4, 5, 11,

15 and 18.

At the other end of the list of nine

The closest he came to bogey was at

qualifiers for the Senior PNC, Brian

the par-4 first hole when he missed the

Peaper of the Lost Tree Club birdied the

green and chipped up to about five feet

first extra hole to grab the final berth

and saved his par. Then at the second

among five players who shot 148. The

hole, also a par-4, Rinker hit 7-iron from

25th annual national championship for

a couple of inches into the right rough

PGA professionals 50 years and older is

to about three feet. “I was aiming for

scheduled Oct. 10-13 on two courses in

the middle of the green and it hit and

Virginia, Creighton Farms in Aldie and

rolled up close,” Rinker added. “After

River Creek Club in Leesburg.

those first two holes, I thought I might

Alternates are, in order, Peter

have a chance for something special.”

Beringer, Jerry Tucker and Danny St.

Martin had two bogeys in each round,

Louis.This was Rinker’s 14th SFPGA vic-

six birdies Monday and three Tuesday.

tory since 2002. www.sfpgagolf.com. Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 2

J A C K S O N V I L L E / S T. A U G U S T I N E

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

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improving performance

The PROBE 20/10 Putter Are you a serious golfer like me?

right-hander! If you were using any other putter in the world, you would aim the ball five inches to the left of the hole, think about how hard to hit the putt so it breaks five inches, and then stroke the ball. You remember that 90% of all golfers miss this putt. But you have a secret weapon; the PROBE 20/10 with its “Break Reduction Technology”. You aim the ball at the left edge of the hole, line up the ball at the hash mark on the heel of the 20/10 putter face to put counter-clockwise spin on the ball to counter the break, and simply stroke the putt hard enough to

Do you compete in local golf tournaments in your area? Please, imagine the following scenario: (This scenario applies to righthanded golfers. For lefties, the opposite applies) You are competing in your Men’s Club Championship at your home club. You are paired with Jim, Paul, and Andy, members in your Flight with similar handicaps. All four of you get off the first tee, a par-4, in good shape, and you all hit your second shots onto the green. You and Andy are closest to the pin; you are four feet behind the hole and Andy is 3 ½ feet

Ball position on Hole #5

behind the hole, right in your line. Jim and Paul lag their birdie putts, and tap in for par. It’s your turn to putt. You ask Andy to move his marker one club head to the right. You put your ball down and line up your birdie putt. It is slightly uphill, and sloping to the right. It looks like it breaks sharply to the right, maybe four to six inches; one of the toughest putts to make for a 62

reach the hole. You feel in your hands the shaft twist to the left as you contact the ball. The ball breaks one inch right and into the left center of the hole for your birdie. “Nice putt!” your three competitors chime in together. “Thanks”, you reply as you retrieve your ball from the hole. Andy replaces his marker, places his ball down on the green, and then picks up his marker. He had paid attention

By Pete Baumann

to your putt, and had noticed it only broke one inch to the right. He aims inside the left edge of the hole and strokes his putt for birdie. But his ball breaks five inches right and misses by two inches on the right and rolls three feet past the hole! Andy is puzzled, and now he is worried about the return putt of equal length, but this time breaking hard to the left! Andy gets over his three foot putt coming back. He can’t decide how to play it. Will it dive left? He plays the ball two inches to the right of the hole, it dives left and lips out on the low side! Andy walks off the first green

Ball position on Hole #1 with a bogie to your birdie, after he had a birdie putt shorter than your birdie putt! You all tie the next few holes, but on the fifth hole you are facing a fivefoot putt to save par. Paul is on your same line but closer, for birdie. When it is your turn to putt, you line up your five- footer. You see in your mind the ball rolling slightly downhill, but moving a little to the left, maybe three Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

inches! This time you decide to take the guesswork out of the break by playing the ball off the hash mark toward the toe, to put clockwise spin on the ball and negate the apparent break to the left. Since it might go left, but you are not positive it will, you play the ball inside the right edge and stroke the putt off the toe of the putter face to put clockwise spin on the ball to counter any break to the left. The ball rolls downhill and ends up turning half an inch to the left, and into the hole to save your par. Playing the ball off the toe kept it from breaking harder left! Paul, having watched your putt and thinking his putt will also fall maybe half an inch to the left, strokes his birdie putt at the right center of the hole. But his putt falls four inches left and lips out on the left edge! He taps in his next putt and walks off the green in a huff! He saw your longer par putt fall left only half an inch into the hole, and then he watched his shorter putt on the same line turn left four inches and miss left! The rest of the round goes by with similar results. Whenever you have a sharp breaking putt, you use your Probe 20/10’s “Break Reduction Technology” to reduce any obvious break in the putt by

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

80%. Your opponents can’t understand why their putts are breaking more than your putts, and you are making putts while they are missing similar putts! After the first round you have a five stroke lead in your Flight. The second and final day you add to your lead, and win your Flight by nine shots! In the clubhouse the other players rib you about hedging on your handicap. You smile and tell them you just had a good couple of days on the greens. As you receive your trophy you feel fantastic! You feel superior to every other golfer in the room as the crowd of contestants and their wives give you a standing ovation! You smile with the knowledge that you have a tremendous advantage over every other golfer in the room; you have a secret weapon on the greens! WHAT IS YOUR IMPRESSION OF THAT STORY? Do you understand the ramifications of using such a putter? Do you understand that the more a putt breaks, the lower your chances of making the putt with any other putter? Do you understand the advantage of having the option of playing the ball off the toe or heel to make the ball roll the way you want it to roll instead of

guessing how it will roll?

NOW DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHY THE PROBE 20/10 WILL CHANGE THE WAY GOLFERS THINK ABOUT PUTTING FOR THE NEXT 100 YEARS? The 2011 Professional of the Year, Angela Aulenti happened to try a prototype of the PROBE 20/10 at her instructional facility in Stamford, CT. After trying the 20/10, Angela gave Probe Golf her recommendation and endorsement of the PROBE 20/10, stating, “Every golfer will benefit from the PROBE 20/10 putter’s 80% reduction in the break on those tough breaking putts!” Angela never asked for any compensation for her endorsement! Do you watch PGA Tour events on TV? How many times during a round of golf do you see a tour pro look foolish by missing short two to three foot breaking putts because they incorrectly guess how a putt breaks, playing too much break or too little break? I see it happen three to four times every round! Imagine how the PROBE 20/10 will change that guesswork in the future!

ature coast nature coast nature coast nature coast nature coast nature coast

Birdies and Eagles Abound at Plantation on Crystal River Golf Courses Located on Florida’s Nature Coast, the Plantation on Crystal River is home to two of the state’s premier golf courses, including the 18-hole Championship Course and nine-hole Lagoons Course. Surrounded by 232 acres of well-manicured lawns and rolling green acres, the total 27-hole course is surrounded by live oaks, palms and pines, and is home to alligators, ibis, snowy egrets, hawk,

bald eagle, great blue heron, turtles and osprey. The unique natural backdrop and challenging appeal of the course has made it a favorite among PGA and LPGA professionals, as well as a regular stop for several annual Florida championships. The 18-hole Championship Course at the Plantation on Crystal River is a beautifully groomed world-class course in the traditional Florida style, with an abundance of beautiful purple

vegetation throughout. An assortment of challenging fairways lined by mature emerald pine and oak trees native to the region lines the competitive par-72 course, which was originally designed by highly regarded course architect Mark Mahannah. With no forced carry, the course is good for all levels of play. Starting out with an easy-going par4, the course gradually becomes more challenging, due to the abundance of water obstacles, bunkers and treelined fairways. The #4 hole, the first of four par-5s, is a great opportunity for a birdie at only 485 yards, but a water hazard off the tee offers a challenge. A true obstacle for even the most experienced golfer, the #5 hole challenges players to hit into prevailing winds, making it the second most difficult. As the course’s signature hole, and the most challenging, the par-5 #11 is 552 yards from the back tees and 537 yards from the regular tees. The #13 hole, a favorite among guests, is only a par-4 but doglegs to the right and features water all along the right side to provide an unexpected test. Dividing the Championship Course from the par-31, nine-hole Lagoons Course is a natural spring home to manatees and sea turtles. A competitive course for novice golfers or those short on time, the Lagoons Course is specifically designed with a balance of challenging fairways and greens for any level of experience.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

Beginners and accomplished golfers alike will find a focus on wedge play, and putting is a fun and challenging way to prepare for the 18-hole course. The course starts with an easy 165 to 185 yard par-3 over water before becoming more difficult with obstacles such as the #7 hole, the course’s longest green, which is 385 or 415 yards depending on the tees. The course ends with back-to-back par-3s that are short in length but an abundance of water features creates a challenge for even the most experienced players The Original Golf SchoolTM, led by PGA pro Jay Morelli since it was founded in 1978, has built a successful reputation as a leading Florida golf school. Originally from the North, Jay has been rated the #1 Professional Instructor in Vermont and “New England PGA Teacher of the Year” by Golf Digest. The school prides itself on a 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio, oncourse instruction, and well-experienced professionals practicing the Accelerated Golf MethodTM. The Plantation’s Pro Shop is fully stocked with all of the golf essentials, including clubs, shirts, gloves and more, as well as both men’s and women’s lockers for convenience. Popular brands ranging from Titleist and Ping to Nike and Adams are offered in the pro shop. Located at the pro shop, The Pro Bar Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

& Grill is the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing drink following a round of golf, breakfast before teeing off or lunch after a morning on the driving range. With a full menu of classic club foods such as burgers, hotdogs and sandwiches, all course guests are welcome. Guests of the Plantation on Crystal River will find that the resort’s 12 golf villas offer beautiful views of the wellmanicured greens and are just steps

from both the courses and clubhouse. With a loft, bedroom featuring either two double or one king bed, two bathrooms, kitchen area with full-sized refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker, combined living/dining room area and sleeper sofa , the villas are ideal for golf getaways. For room reservations, please call (800) 524-7733 or visit www.PlantationonCrystalRiver.com. To reserve a tee time, please call (352) 795-7211. 65

Tom Hoch Transforms Clubhouse at Hammock Bay Golf & Country Club Design-Build Firm Creates Exciting Social, Leisure and Dining Experiences Using Existing Space

Tom Hoch – a pioneer in revenuebased design and turn-key, designbuild interior architecture solutions – has completed a full renovation and transformation of the clubhouse at Hammock Bay Golf & Country Club in golf-rich Naples, Florida. Utilizing an experienced team of artisan designers and leading edge technology, the Hoch team completed work in just three months. A tired snack bar for 40 diners on the second floor, kitchen and exercise room were converted into a grille, pub and lounge with invigorating views of the resort pool. The new dining and social space – which seats up to 120 – was created using efficient space planning and no extra square footage. “Tom Hoch took the existing space in what was a ‘sports’ clubhouse and reinvented it as an exciting full service experience for our members and guests,”

says Chris Major, general manager at Hammock Bay. “The firm’s design-build capabilities allowed for the fast-tracking of the remodel, minimizing overall impact.” A new open air structure with screening was installed above the second floor outdoor terrace, along with an outdoor bar serving up to 300 patrons. Additionally, the main level was “right-sized” using Hoch’s proprietary revenue-based design, resulting in a new fitness center, and full-service kitchen serving the new outdoor bar and social terrace. “The objective at Hammock Bay was to create an energetic and fun resort-

private clubhouse with no wasted or under-utilized space,” says Tom Hoch, president. “Many golf courses – whether public, private or resort – have more than enough space to meet the future needs of their customers. Hammock Bay is a perfect example, and we look forward to impacting the club’s top and bottom lines.” An amenity of the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Hammock Bay is a par 72, 7,080-yard course designed by Peter Jacobsen and Jim Hardy. The layout is lined with beautiful live oaks are marked by rolling dunes up to 30 feet high and 200 feet long. Fairways are wide and framed by native trees, flowers and waste areas filled with crushed shells. Rich, green Paspalum turf grass provides an excellent, year-round playing surface. Other recent U.S. and internationally-based Tom Hoch projects include: Camelback Mountain Golf Club, (Carefree, Arizona); The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain (Marana, Arizona); The Members’ Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota (Florida); Farm Links Golf Club (Alabama); Renaissance Golf Club (Massachusetts); TPC Valencia (California); Zavidovo Golf and Lake Resort (Russia); and Tulsa Country Club (Oklahoma); multiple projects with Troon Golf; Apes Hill Club (Barbados); and The Abaco Club (Bahamas). For more information about Tom Hoch: tomhoch.com / 405.524.0505. Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

Florida Golf Central â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 14, Issue 4

product showcase

➊ Bulls, Birdies, Bogeys & Bears

The Remarkable & Revealing Relationship Between Golf & Investment Markets

We all know the stereotype about our stock brokers spending too much time on the

golf course. But what if all their time spent chasing that little white ball actually mirrored the movement of the stock market? Former Wall Streeter, Kevin Armstrong details how the rise and fall in the fortunes of professional golfers, and the emergence and decline of major stars such as Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, have reflected the ebb and flow of the stock market. What is the unique and powerful connection between golf and investment markets? Why have the ‘pulses’ of two totally separate activities, golf and investing, been so synchronised and connected, not just in modern times but throughout history, and in a manner not found in any other sport? In BULLS, BIRDIES, BOGEYS & BEARS (Wilkinson Publishing, Summer 2013) explores and illustrates a number of the manifestations of the incredibly close relationship between golf and the stock market, why it exists, what the root cause may be and how it is a framework for prediction. “Golf and investment markets are related and have been for years,” asserts Armstrong. “It’s not a coincidence that golf and investing have both been known as the ‘Great Game’.”

➋ The Cork Tree

➌ Spider Divot Tool

Insta Golf USA, maker of the award-winning Insta Golf Shoes, today announced that its latest golf innovation, the Spider Divot Tool, is now available to all golfers. The Spider Divot Tool represents an entirely new approach to green repair that makes it fast, easy and fun for golfers to fix ball marks. The Spider Divot Tool is the first true innovation to ball mark repair in over 50 years, and helps greens heal faster than traditional divot tools. First unveiled to PGA professionals, buyers and golf media at the 2013 PGA Show, the Spider Divot Tool is the simplest way to a perfect ball mark repair every time. Golfers just stick it into the ball mark and dirt fills in around four curved legs, creating resistance. When removed, the Spider Divot Tool gently pulls the ball mark back to level with the green surface. On softer or wet greens, a slight twist can be applied for a more aggressive response. The Spider Divot Tool retails for $15.95 at www. instagolf.net, and is also sold at golf courses, pro shops, sporting goods stores and online golf stores worldwide. For more information, visit www.instagolf.net. 70

The Cork Tree is the first company in the world to produce Golf bags and accessories in cork. Our effort is to offer our clients a unique, special and exclusive product due to the nature and nobility of the material. We try to provide different golf accessories to those commonly offered and with a charming design. Our success is due to our careful attention to detail. Today this is possible at all levels. The cork industry performs an important role creating value in all our niche markets and today and this allows us to focus on clients that demand exclusivity. It is to those that we dedicate our work. It is a privilege to work with such a noble and beautiful material as cork and use it for the first time in a sport that delights those who practice it. This is, without doubt, a gratifying task. Please direct all enquiries to Dennis Taback 561 479-7201 www.thecorktree.net.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

➍ Fister Golf - Model I Drive The Model I incorporates 3-time RE/MAX World Long Drive Champ Sean “The Beast” Fister’s knowledge of long-driving into technology that can benefit golfers of all skill levels. The Model I features: 1. Billet Fire Forged SP700 Beta Ti Face. The Model I uses a fire forging process that allows the industry’s strongest beta ti to be shaped from a billet into a variable thickness tongue-andgroove cup face that provides superior strength and a more consistent CT in and around the impact zone – resulting in a driver that falls within the USGA limit for CT with the hottest face possible. 2. Accordion Compression Chamber. The sole of the Model I incorporates a series of three cavities designed to absorb and redistribute the stress forces, typically encountered at impact, away from the face of the clubhead, resulting in smoother energy transfer that minimizes hook and slice and creates more fairway roll. 3. Variable Crown Thickness. The Model I’s forged crown enables it to be variable in thickness, removing discretionary weight from areas where it is not needed – to offer lightweight performance on par with that of a carbon fiber crown, while retaining the acoustics of pure titanium. 4. Precision Tongue-and-Groove Body Construction. The Model I uses the latest advancements in precision tooling, joining the body to the face through a tongue-and-groove construction that ensures a more consistent body shape and dimensions than all competitors’ driver manufacturing. In addition, the body is CNC plasma welded to provide increased MOI. Price - $399. Available through www.fistergolf.com

➎ Double Duty Putter A putter with a divot repair tool forged in the head that can be used by all golfers but is better suited for the older or handicapped golfer who can’t bend over to repair ball marks on the green. The putter is made of 431 stainless steel, 360 gram head weight, 72 degree shaft angle, 36” Shaft length w/grip 3 degree face loft, F2 swing weight and face balanced. The putter comes both right and left handed and has been submitted to the USGA for evaluation and was deemed to conform to The Rules of Golf. The putter was evaluated by GolfTest, USA in 2011 under the name Double Duty Putter and received a grade point of 8.5 on a scale of 1 to 10 which it received a Three Star Rating and a Seal of Excellence on its putting ability. www.divotrepairputter.com $64.95

➏ Tommy Hilfiger

The Fall 2013 collections feature three deliveries inspired by the preppy heritage and energetic spirit of the Tommy Hilfiger brand. The first delivery draws inspiration from top golf destinations of the American West, such as Canyon Springs. Pieces include modern golf classics like striped polos and plaid sweaters rendered in blue and white with pops of bright orange. Delivery two incorporates the international vibe of Stockholm, Sweden, with tailored pieces featured in a muted palette of black, heather grey and cobalt with accents of light blue, yellow and lavender inspired by a city at sunrise. The final delivery highlights a jewel tone color palette inspired by autumn foliage and New England’s prep school traditions, with burgundy, navy and dark green grounded with touches of yellow and blue. Key to the collections are designs that incorporate performance fabrics. TH Tech is a 100% polyester fabric used as the foundation for the golf collection to combine style and comfort with moisture wicking capabilities that keep garments dry and provide anti-odor properties essential in a technical garment. TH Comfort Tech is a hybrid cotton fabric that combines style and comfort with the functional properties required in performance driven garments. TH Cotton supplements the performance fabrics to ensure superior quality and comfort. Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

pro visions

Aces & Eagles Bill Hardin - Assistant Golf Professional at Black Diamond Bill Hardin is the Assistant Golf Professional at Black Diamond in Lecanto, FL. He has been working at Black Diamond for a year and a half. He joins General Manager Doug Egly and Director of Golf Bryan Richard. Prior to moving to Florida, Bill graduated from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA with

a degree in Sport Management in 2010. Following graduation, he interned at the First Tee of Nashville in Tennessee for a summer before moving back home to Wisconsin to work at Willow Run Golf Club. At Black Diamond, he is the contact for Stay & Play information and membership.

Coral Hospitality Appoints Brian J. Boeling Director of Golf For Three South Georgia Courses Coral Hospitality, the management company appointed by the state of Georgia to oversee operations at Georgia Veterans Golf Club at Lake Blackshear Resort; the Wallace Adams Golf Course at Little Ocmulgee, Helena; and the Meadow Links Golf Course at George T. Bagby, Fort Gaines, has named Brian J. Boeling, PGA, as Director of Golf operations for all three South Georgia Courses. Mr. Boeling joins Coral Hospitality from Top of the World Communities in Ocala, FL where he managed a 36-hole private course and an 18-hole semiprivate course within a 12,000

unit residential community. He brings more than 20 years of golf management experience and has also served as the General Manager of the Yacht & Country Club in Stuart, FL, and the Ridgewood Lakes Golf & Country Club in Davenport, FL. He began his career as a golf pro at Palmetto Dunes in Hilton Head Island, SC. Mr. Boeling holds a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Houston; he is a Life Member A4 Director of Golf with the PGA, and a Nike Advisory Staff Member. He can be reached at: bboeling@lakeblackshearresort.com or 229-276-2377.

TOURAcademy Tiburรณn Hires Ted Brasile Head Instructor The TOURAcademy Tiburรณn announced the appointment of Ted Brasile as head instructor. Brasile, whose background includes more than 30 years in the teaching industry, most recently served as director of golf instruction for the Golf Academy of America-Carolinas in Myrtle Beach, S.C. A former Carolinas PGA Teacher of the Year, Brasile will manage the golf schools, junior and player development programs, and all operations for the 72

TOURAcademy Tiburรณn, located at the prestigious Tiburรณn Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples. TOURAcademy Tiburรณn opened last November, one of only three locations in Florida and eight nationwide. The other sites in Florida are at TPC Sawgrass and the World Golf Village. Additional information can be found on the TOURAcademy website at www.touracademy.com or by calling 239-593-1111. Florida Golf Central โ ข Volume 14, Issue 4

Celebration Golf Club Promotes Golf Operations Manager and Golf Shop Supervisor Celebration Golf Club has promoted Alex Wagner to golf operations manager. John Bixler, assistant general manager for Celebration Golf Club, said Wagner will oversee the entire golf operations at Celebration Golf Club including daily play, promotion and marketing, rates, and all golf personnel. “Since he chose golf management as his career path, Alex has shown dedication and a strong work ethic that have led to new roles and responsibilities,” Bixler said. “His commitment to customer service and his ability to react to any situation makes him a perfect candidate for this position,” Bixler said. At the same time, Bixler said Tony Brus has been promoted to golf shop supervisor. “Tony will assist Alex with golf operations, focusing on the golf shop staff and daily shop operations,” Bixler explained.

Brus joined Celebration Golf Club in January. “Tony has demonstrated a passion for customer service and his professionalism, efficiency and ability to think outside the box will help us raise our customer service to the next level,” Bixler said.

Henry Chateauvert – 2013 Don E. Beattie Scholorship Recipient The South Florida PGA Foundation is delighted to announce that Palm Beach County resident, Henry Chateauvert has been selected to receive the 2013 Don E. Beattie Scholarship. This scholarship grant of $2,500 is annually awarded to one Palm Beach County resident meeting all eligibility requirements. The Don E. Beattie Scholarship was established in 2006 in memory of PGA Professional Don E. Beattie for his service to the South Florida PGA Section as a Past President and

for his support of the game of golf. Don E. Beattie was a selfless, giving, unassuming individual dedicated to community outreach efforts and countless charities throughout Palm Beach County. Henry Chateauvert is the son of Tanya and PGA Professional, Tony Chateauvert, a PGA member and the Head Professional at the Town of Palm Beach Par 3 course. The South Florida PGA congratulates Henry and wishes him well as he continues his studies at Rollins College.

Laura Reed Joins The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club Laura Reed has been named 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 for small groups, as well as the local (Southwest Florida) market. 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 on-site championship golf course, a world-class spa, and an Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 4

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, and many beautiful outdoor venues. Reed is a recent graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Resort & Hospitality Management, with a focus on Event Management. She may be reached at l.reed@naplesbeachhotel.com or 239-261-2222. 73

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Milled aluminum built to last a lifetime

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Amazing results with no skill

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A better repair tool? As incredible as it seems, this is an entirely new approach to green repair. It is a simple push/pull action that makes ball mark repairs easier, quicker and better. Better for the golfer and better for the golf course!

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Grand OpeninG SpecialS Sept. 28-29 From the front porch, from a walk around the community, or from any green on our signature golf course, you will have a breathtaking view. C O M E ,

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Town Center Blvd

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• Equestrian Training Facility

• 12.5 Miles of Foot Trails

Boggy Creek Rd.

Buenaventura Blvd.

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Lake ohopekaliga

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877-204-9339 LENNAR.COM

Features, amenities and designs vary per plan and community and are subject to changes or substitution without notice. See a Lennar New Home Consultant for more information. Copyright © 2013 Lennar Corporation. Lennar and the Lennar logo are registered service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. CGC 1518166.