Golf Central Magazine-Vol 15 issue 7 • interactive by Golf Central Magazine

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

Happy New Year

2015 Public Golf Memberships starting at $1275.00

from the publishers header

Media Mulligan As the owner or partner in several businesses in my professional career, including golf retail, I’ve learned that “naysayers” or “negative nellies” don’t have to sell to make it work. Where I’m going with this is the recent NGF (National Golf Foundation) report on Media coverage on the demise of golf. Anybody who thinks golf is on the decline is short-sighted and not looking at the ‘big picture.’ The game of golf is strong and is poised to get stronger. Anybody who feels otherwise needs to check the facts. The statistics don’t lie. While we in the golf industry admit that there are not as many golfers as we would like, that’s just a sign that we are not content with the status quo. It’s great to be a golfer – always has been and always will be. Did you know that golf is a Top 20 sport? Yes, golf – with more than 25 million players -- is the 18th most popular sport in the U.S., according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), which studies participation rates in 100+ sports in this country. Did you know that there are more golfers than participants in any team sport? Nobody is saying that basketball is on the decline, yet it only has 23 million participants. Did you know that there are more golfers than the combined number of participants in skateboarding, ice hockey, tackle football, lacrosse, and triathlons? Did you know golf is a great fitness outlet, especially for fans? How many fans in any sport really get to walk alongside the greats in the game and actually interact with them during competition? I don’t recall anybody getting that close to NFL QB Tom Brady or former Yankee great Derek Jeter during actual games, but people do remember things said to them over the years by Arnie, Lee, Jack, Phil, and Tiger! As for the role that golf plays in raising money for charity, it’s in a class by itself. Nearly $4 billion a year is raised for charity through golf. And, the game’s impact on the economy is huge – more than $70 billion a year. This is why golf is a sport which is second to none. And whatever sport is in second is a distant second. There are two issues which do impact participation: darkness and temperature. I’m looking forward to the creation of more indoor golf facilities. Like the old adage, “If you build it, they will come,” has never ringed truer. The fun and beauty is being involved with a sport that raises money for charities. Also a sport that can be played as long as you live and not confined to sitting in the stands or watching from a bar or at home on television. It’s glorious to be outdoors playing the game you love with beautifully maintained golf holes, thanks 2009 North Florida PGA Amateur of the Year to the GCSAA professionals. 4

Volume 15, Issue 7 Publisher: Terrie L. Purdum Editor in Chief: Shannon Coates Tennessee Golf Central Publisher: Glenn Makin, golfnews4friends.net

Regional Partner: Doug Hollandsworth, Founder-Georgia Golf Trail Executive Editor: Joel Jackson–Director of Communications for the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association Executive Administration: Angi Perretti Photographers: Lynn Pelham, Brion Price, Peter Hakansson Tres Fenton, Mike Coonan, Jess Regan

Public Relations & Social Media Director: Green Gazelle Marketing Senior Correspondent: Rick Harris, Sr. Contributing Writers: Jay Golden, PGA; Greg Wise, Bob Bolton, Elisa Gaudet, Mike Jamison, Mike May, Chris Thompson, Katie Hatfield, Ron Heller, Chuck Cavalaris, Mitch Sadowsky, Lisa "Mickie" Clark Graphic Design: Melahn Cable, melahn@mac.com Website Design/Network Support: ryjo.com

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

NEW PHONE: 321.765.4215 E-mail: info@floridagolfcentral.com ©2014 Florida Tennessee Golf Central Magazine. No portion of this publication may be reprinted without the prior written permission of the Publisher. Editorial contributions are welcome, but Florida Golf Central Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited proposals, manuscripts and photographs. All materials submitted not accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope will not be returned. Mailing, electronic mailing or faxing of contributions constitutes an expressed warrant on the part of the contributor that all material is original and does not infringe on the rights of others. Florida Golf Central Magazine retains all reprint rights and reserves the right to edit any submitted material to meet our specifications for publishing and or use in advertising or promotion. The Publisher and staff are not responsible for any loss or grievance by any person or persons whatsoever, due in any way or in part to the content of this publication. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse to accept any material deemed inappropriate or in bad taste.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

Volume 15, Issue 7 FLORIDA

TENNESSEE

Caribbean Golf Central 28 TCP Baha Mar

Tennessee Golf Central 56-75

Cart Girl 14 Savannah Chase

Year in Review 58-61 Congratulations to all the Champions of 2014 Golf Travel 64 Brasstown Valley Resort

Celebrity Corner 16 Florida League Celebrity Tournament FEATURE 36 Maggie Valley Golf Resort

Makin' The Rounds with No Fakin' 66 Glenn Makin, Publisher

Georgia Golf Central 52 Ford Plantation 54 Lakemont at Stone Mountain

The Golf Central Winter Tour 68 Bundle Up and Play The Tour

Golf Bachelor 12 Bill Benson

Tennessee Section PGA News 70 2015 Schedule & Knox Chapter Awards

In Memory Of 30 Jack O'Leary

Ask Chuck 71 Chuck Cavalaris

Leader on the Links 20 Paul Donaghue

Golfstayandplaytennessee.com 74 Golf packages in Golf Mecca of the Smokies

On The Green 18 Fort Myers Country Club

Special Events 44 Golfdom Annual Conference 48 PNC Father-Son Challenge What's New 36 Back9Network

Departments 8 10 22 24 26

floridagolfcentral.com

Golf Central Station Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association North Florida PGA LPGA LPGA

32 40 42 46 50

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ANNIKA Course Design Announces First European Project ORLANDO, Fla. – ANNIKA Course Design – Hall-

of-Fame golfer Annika Sorenstam’s golf course architecture business – announces it will design its first course in Europe at Estonian Golf & Country Club. Located 20 minutes outside Estonia’s capital city of Tallinn, the ANNIKA Course is part of a coming-soon, seaside, family-leisure resort and spa. Annika is currently drafting course plans with European Golf Design (EGD), the golf course design company of the European Tour and IMG. Ground-breaking is scheduled for 2016; plans call for the course to open in concert with the resort’s first 50 rooms in 2019. Annika was selected both for the caliber of her design work – she has designed five courses worldwide to date – and her appreciation of a project targeting families and golf tourists from Scandinavia and the rest of Europe.

“It’s exciting to be designing my first golf course in Europe, especially one that is close to home,” says Annika, a native of Sweden and 10-time major champion. “The golf industry has been talking a lot about the need to develop golf facilities that are more flexible and family friendly, and Estonian Golf & Country Club is actually making it happen. Sited on gently rolling terrain above a limestone escarpment that drops down to a pine forest and the Sea Course, the new ANNIKA layout will command outstanding views over the Rebala National Heritage Area. Estonian Golf & Country Club is part of the European Tour Properties network of world-class golf venues. Already home to a successful real estate development, it plans to construct a 150room hotel in three phases and develop leisure amenities including a spa and tennis academy.

Honorary Co-Chairs for Gala John Travolta, Kelly Preston and Morgan Pressel OCALA, Fla.— Coates Golf, LLC is proud to announce John Travolta, Kelly Preston and Morgan Pressel as the honorary co-chairs of the Coates Golf Opening Night Gala. The January 25, 2015 gala is the kickoff event for the Coates Golf Championship presented by R+L Carriers. The Opening Night Gala is an invitation only event with guests such as LPGA professionals, top sponsors, VIP’s and Pro-Am participants. The evening will mark the start of the inaugural Coates Golf Championship as well as the LPGA season. “I’m looking forward to starting my 10th LPGA season with the Coates Golf Championship at the Opening Night Gala,” said Morgan Pressel, LPGA Tour Professional. “The evening promises to be an exciting night for this first-year golf event and I’m happy to be a part of it.” The Jett Travolta Foundation and the Morgan Pressel Foundation will be the beneficiaries of the proceeds from the gala. For more information on the tournament or ticket information, please visit www.CoatesGolfChampionship.com, www.facebook.com/CoatesGolfChampionship and www.twitter.com/CoatesGolfChamp.

Mike Kampschnieder and Shelley Johnson, The Colony Golf & Country Club; Joyce Jacobs, Harry Chapin Food Bank; Bob Radunz, WCI; and Ed Weber and Craig Morton, The Colony Golf & Country Club with the proceeds of this year’s WCI golf promotion, which brings the total generated over the five-year partnership to more than $63,000.

WCI Communities five-year partnership with Harry Chapin Food Bank generates more than $63,000 FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 15, 2014) – WCI Communities annual golf promotion to support the Harry Chapin Food Bank has raised more than $63,000 for families in need since the promotion and partnership began in 2010. Supporters who donated $100 to the food bank through www.WCIGolf.com received a complimentary foursome during a four-month period at their choice of four WCI golf courses in Southwest Florida: Pelican Preserve Golf Club in Fort Myers; Raptor Bay Golf Club and The Colony Golf & Country Club in Bonita Springs; and Vene8

tian Golf & River Club in Venice. The Harry Chapin Food Bank solicits, collects and stores quality food for distribution to families in need through a network of more than 150 nonprofit agencies in Lee, Collier, Hendry, Charlotte and Glades counties that provide food to more than 30,000 people monthly. Headquartered in Bonita Springs, Fla., WCI Communities is a lifestyle community developer and luxury homebuilder of single- and multifamily homes in most of coastal Florida’s highest growth and largest markets. WCI Communities

has established a reputation and strong brand recognition for developing amenity-rich, lifestyle oriented master-planned communities and, including its predecessor companies, has a legacy that spans more than 60 years. WCI Communities also operates real estate brokerage and title services businesses that complement its homebuilding operations. Learn more about WCI Communities and the company’s premier lifestyle communities and experiences by visiting www.WCICommunities. com or calling 800-WCI-2290 Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

SIGNS & DESIGN

By Elizabeth Ray

Communications Director, FRLA

FL Restaurant & Lodging Assoc. header

A Year of Incredible FRLA Events The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) filled 2014 with

hotspots across the state. Throughout the year, FRLA worked to grow its membership energetically planning,

incredible occasions aimed to edu-

executing and reviewing initiatives.

cate, promote and offer networking

Over the summer, FRLA’s Marketing

opportunities for its members. FRLA

and Operations Summit drew in big

hosted dozens of successful events

name talent including: Chef Robert

across the state, continued to promote

Irvine, Host of the Food Network’s

the values of the organization, and advocated on behalf of the industry. With a goal of bringing 100 mil-

2014 Installation and Winter Gala

lion visitors to Florida this year, FRLA

“Restaurant: Impossible,” and Anthony Melchiorri, Host of the Travel Channel’s “Hotel Impossible.” Then in October,

closely monitored the state budget to

The year kicked off at the Ritz

FRLA highlighted its new partnership

ensure our state legislature commit-

Carlton, Amelia Island with the annual

with Urban Expositions at the 43rd

ted the necessary marketing dollars to

Winter Gala and installation of com-

Annual Restaurant and Lodging Show

boost tourism. Thanks to the support

mittee members representing resorts,

alongside thousands of restaurant and

from FRLA, along with our friends

restaurants and suppliers here in

foodservice industry professionals.

and colleagues, the legislature ap-

Florida. FRLA followed up by sponsor-

Additionally, with a commitment to

proved a record $74 million in fund-

ing the launch of the second season of

providing stellar education across the

ing to help make Florida the #1 travel

Emeril’s Florida showcasing member

state, FRLA designed a new curriculum

destination in the world. Additionally, the FRLA received a grant to market in-state events from Panama City Beach all the way to Key West.

FRLA's Marketing + Operations Summit

launched by VISIT FLORIDA to pro-

Be Sure Mark Your Calendars For Next Year’s Corporate Events!

vide tourism and hospitality workers state-of-the-art training. In 2015, FRLA anticipates another wonderful year!

March 11, 2015 –RLA Tourism Day FRLA Headquarters Registration details coming soon at www.frla.org May 16-19, 2015 – NRA Show Chicago June 8-12, 2015 –Summer Board Meeting Hawk’s Cay Resort, Duck Key July 28-30, 2015 – Marketing/Operations Summit Marriott Waterside, Tampa

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Show

October 5, 2015 –Bob Leonard Golf Classic ChampionsGate, Orlando October 6-8, 2015 – FRLA Trade Show Orange County Convention Center, Orlando

FRLA/NRA Bob Leonard Golf Classic 10

October 6-7 – Fall Board Meeting Orlando ProStart Culinary Competition Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

RXi RXi RXi

golf bachelor

Where were you born? Did you grow up there? Somers, CT and yes

Is “acting your age” over rated? Age is just a number… you don’t stop having fun when you get old; you get old when you stop having fun.

High school group you hung out with the most; nerds, jocks, stoners, preppies? You’d probably consider it nerdish… I was in the marching band, concert band, chorus, and played on the golf team.

What do you do for a living?

Starting my second career as a golf professional, working towards a tournament operations position.

Aside from golf; what do you prefer for fun and relaxation? Bonfire on the beach with a bottomless margarita….

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

Kindest person with a huge heart?

What do you find to be the most annoying habit people demonstrate on the golf course? Lack of respect…for the game, for the golf course, and for the other players.

What do you fear the most?

Failure

What three people would you most like to play with in your fantasy golf foursome? My late neighbor Joe, who got me interested in golf 45 years ago, Rick my best golf partner from Pa., and Mr. Palmer

What are some of your great accomplishments? My 2 sons. Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails? Not

a big nightclub fan. I like to be able to hear the people I’m with. Cocktails around a pool or a campfire is much more my style.

Last book you read? Sycamore Row by John Grisham Favorite magazine? FGC, showcasing and promoting the fun

Dad

Tell us something about yourself that only your closest friends know. I have made 2 double eagles. I also competed in my first triathlon when I was 48.

What three things would you need to survive on a deserted island? Food, my golf clubs, and a razor

and charity possible with our amazing sport.

Favorite charity to support? Jimmy Fund for Children’s cancer What else would you like for us to know about you?

I will still drop everything to enjoy a good sunrise or sunset any or every day of the week. I also enjoy playing golf with my traveling golf group based out of Nashville. Meetup.com, Southeast Golf Events for anybody who would like to join in the fun.

Bill Benson 12

Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

About Venetian Bay New Manager

Play a round of golf on our 18-hole championship golf course, spend a day with your family and enjoy a first-class dining experience in the clubhouse restaurant. Enjoy all that Venetian Bay has to offer whether you are a Member or a visiting guest. Any and all are welcome!

New Smyrna Beach is a great place to be from, and is a great place to come back to — truly it is “Home Sweet Home.” As a native of New Smyrna Beach, Bill Shiles has honed his skills as a golf course, country club and resort manager in Central Florida and North Carolina over the past 23 years, and he is now leading the charge at Venetian Bay Golf Club as the new General Manager. Along with his wife of 30 years, Pam, Bill is excited to be home and is very proud to be a part of a team that envisions Venetian Bay becoming the place in Volusia County to play golf, to host your wedding, business lunches or just an afternoon of watching football with friends.

Banquets

Outings

Over the years, we’ve come to intimately understand the challenges in flawlessly executing an event. Venetian Bay’s continued success simply comes down to an incredibly personalized level of service that we deliver time and time again.

Venetian Bay Golf Club is the perfect place to host a golf outing. Whether you are planning an event for some prewedding groomsmen, or your Non-Profit's Major Annual Fundraiser, Venetian Bay has the solutions you're looking for. Our professional staff will assist you in making your outing the must-attend golf event of the year!

Your special day will take place against a picture perfect backdrop while our team works in the background to ensure every detail is immaculate and nothing overlooked. We realize our amenities are nothing without your friends and family, your personal touch and our staff to bring Venetian Bay alive to create memories that will last a lifetime. From formal to relaxed or intimate to grand—if you can dream it, we’ve done it.

Membership Venetian Bay Golf Club offers a variety of amenities for you to enjoy including Golf, Dining and a Swim Club. Members at Venetian Bay enjoy unlimited, year-round access to our championship course with shimmering lakes, strategic bunkers, rolling fairways, and well-bunkered greens. The clubhouse provides Members with the perfect setting for lunch or a relaxing drink at the bar with family and friends.

386.424.5775 | venetianbaygolf.com 63 North Airport Road | New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168

cart girl

h a n n a v Sa Chase Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Ormond Beach Florida.

Which group of people did you associate most with in high school? In High school, I associated myself with all kinds of different people, the popular kids, not so popular, the geeks and the jocks! I had a rough home life and I knew could be worse, so therefore i was never the one to look at someone and say I’d be their friend or not if I didn’t know them.

What is your favorite sport to play? Favorite to watch? I played softball all growing up, as well as volleyball and basketball. Softball is still my favorite sport to play. But, I do love watching and hearing about golf games!

What do you feel makes this club special?

All the different kinds of people I meet that are our members, keep this club so special. And I see them every week. Everyone at Indigo Lakes is like a family to me.

What type of music do you prefer?

I love country music, it gets me going every morning on my way to work, and calms me when I am upset.

What is your idea of “the perfect date”?

Perfect Date: doorstep flowers, going to a nice restaurant and ending with something we both enjoy doing!

Favorite charity to support?

I love to support the homeless community, not with money but with food, drinks, clothes, etc. Every year for Christmas I make a big dish and take it to the salvation army to help feed the homeless.

What else would you like for us to know about you? I’m currently just starting school to become a paramedic!

Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

celebrity corner

Annual Florida League Celebrity Golf Tournament a Success

Detroit Tigers All-Star David Price (White shirt) and live auction winners

For the 7th consecutive year, Interlachen country Club (Winter Park, FL) played host to the annual Florida League Celebrity Golf Tournament. And for the 7th consecutive year, the event was a great success. The event, presented by UBS Private Wealth, featured more than 25 current and former MLB players including three #1 overall draft picks, three Cy Young Award winners, and a 500 HR club member. The event roster read like an All-Star lineup card with names like David Price, Jose Bautista, Corey Kluber, Davey Johnson, Frank Viola, Andres Galarraga, and Gary Sheffield all taking part in the festivities. Golfers and celebrities enjoyed a pairings dinner party at the Alfond Inn in Winter Park on Sunday evening before golf on Monday. The party gave a chance for attendees to mix and mingle with some of the biggest names in baseball. The highlight of the evening was a live auction, which raised more than $15,000 with items that included VIP pit passes for the Daytona 500, a hand-painted canvas portrait of Hunter Pence and a rare wine collection. “The annual golf tournament is not only our biggest individual fundraising event, but it is also hands down the most entertaining weekend of the year,” said Rob Sitz, President of the Florida League. “It’s great seeing professional baseball players support the league, 16

Left to right: Andres Galarraga, Daryl Boston, Nick Franklin, Harold Baines, Darnell Coles, Stan Boroski, Gary Sheffield, Alex Cobb, Jose Bautista, Ozzie Timmons, Tim Raines Jr., Dave Carpenter, John Ford Griffin, Zack Eflin, Tyler Clippard, Forrest Wall, Ryan Hanigan, Frank Viola, Eddie Taubensee, Corey Kluber, Casey Kotchman, Jim Hickey, David Price

Cy Young Award Winners Corey Kluber, Frank Viola and David Price Toronto Blue Jays All-Star Jose Bautista (Orange shirt)

and it offers a unique opportunity for baseball fans to enjoy a round of golf with some of their favorite players.” The Florida League is a 501c3 non-profit baseball league that offers collegiate players the opportunity to play wood bat baseball against toplevel competition during the summer. Athletes come from all over the country to play in the nationally recognized league. The Florida League is one of only ten leagues in the country that is partially funded by Major League Baseball. More than 280 Florida League

alumni have been drafted by professional clubs, and eleven former players have reached the MLB, including 2014 National League Rookie of the Year Jacob deGrom of the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy . Each year, the Celebrity Golf tournament raises roughly 15% of the league’s operational budget. The celebrities who participate in the event volunteer their time and are not paid for their appearances. In addition, many of them sign balls, photos, jerseys and other pieces of memorabilia to be auctioned off to help bring in extra revenue. Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

on the green

Fort Myers Country Club Reopens Following Major Update Steve Smyers brings Ross classic into 21st century

Steve Smyers

Fort Myers Country Club, a course originally designed by the legendary Donald Ross, has reopened for play following a massive renovation by award-winning golf architect Steve Smyers and associate Patrick Andrews. But it’s doubtful many who play the newly revamped course will realize, much less comprehend, the full scope of work that went into updating a course that originally opened for play nearly a century ago. And that’s just fine with both of Smyers and Andrews. “Our goal wasn’t to put our stamp or our signature on this course,” Smyers said. “From the very beginning, our main goal was to update Fort Myers Country Club in the same way that Ross might, were he alive and designing a course on the same site today. “Ross was a master of using landscape forms to create space and develop and define interesting targets and challenges. Keeping that at the forefront of our thought process throughout this entire project,” Smyers continued, “we made a conscious effort to remain true to those same patterns that were the hallmark of his career – patterns Ross employed in his design of green settings, bunkering and developing soft mounds, hollows and ridges, not only to create interesting landscape settings but to define shots that were interesting and stimulating to the golfer. “That was our primary goal as we went about updating Fort Myers Country Club to bring it in step with the modern game.” Obviously, golfers familiar with the FMCC layout before it closed for construction on April 26 will surely notice the additional yardage Smyers and Andrews found on the site that is now tightly framed on all four

sides by urban development. Ross’ original design, which measured 6,388 yards and played to a par 73 when it opened in 1917, was still just 6,421 from the back tees, although par had changed to 71, when Smyers began work on the course in late spring. Now that work is complete, the “new” Fort Myers Country Club stretches 6,801 yards, while par remains 71. But lengthening the classic Ross design is only a small part of the work that went into “The Fort” over the past six months. Within their new design, Smyers and Andrews addressed multiple issues that were the products of a nearly 100-year-old course that had not undergone a comprehensive renovation in its entire history. When the new course was unveiled on November 1, Smyers’ layout featured superior turf conditions through the introduction of modern hybrid Bermuda grasses, including Celebration fairways and ultra-dwarf Tifeagle on the greens, improved drainage through an intricate water management system of ponds, creeks and canals and enhanced aesthetics for both residents and visitors to the area. More importantly, the water management system now built into the golf course design provides much needed water retention that serves as a filter for storm water runoff, improving water quality for the entire area. Another important issue addressed by the redesign project is player safety. Smyers’ design repositions tees and landing areas to better accommodate both the technologically advanced equipment and the more athletic and highly skilled players of today. It’s a long way from the Bahia grass fairways

and common Bermuda greens Fort Myers originally sported in the early 1900s. But Smyers is quick to point out, the original character and challenge that Ross designed into Fort Myers Country Club when the course opened in 1917 remains the same as it was nearly 100 years ago. “Ross always believed, and he even wrote, that a great golf course should be designed in direct relationship to the ability of the golfer,” said Smyers, who has traveled to Pinehurst numerous times to play Ross’ acknowledged gem, Pinehurst No. 2, and study at the Ross Library since first competing in the North South Amateur in 1973. “He devoutly believed an elite player should have a stern challenge through the way the golf course could be set up, whereas an older player and a higher handicap player could have a golf course they could easily move around. “He also believed a great golf course should produce solid shot-making. It would require the player to hit a long and accurate tee shot and require them to hit a long and accurate long iron to several holes. There should be a blend of long and short holes so that a single round of golf should provide a total examination of one’s golfing abilities and require the player to hit every club in their bag. “It was those beliefs and convictions of Donald Ross that we used as our guide as we went about every aspect of updating Fort Myers Country Club, from the planning process all the way through construction and grow-in.” Fort Myers Country Club, once the winter home of Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone, is owned and operated by the City of Fort Myers. It is open to public play on a daily-fee basis.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

leader on the links

Paul Donaghue Founder, PNP Golf

Shaking Up the Short Game from

Down Under It’s a little known fact that Australia has produced some of the most ground-breaking inventions in the last century – the black box flight recorder, the electronic pace maker, and the bionic ear just to name a few. Now the golfing world is benefiting from an innovative “Down Under” company called PNP Golf, which has produced a range of clubs designed to revolutionize the short game. Following retirement from a productive business career, founder Paul Donaghue decided to pursue his passion for golf and perfect his game. After realizing that the majority of his strokes were within 100 yards of the green, he recognized the need to improve his short game. He was therefore inspired to form his own company, PNP Golf. Stylizing the brand as the “Short Game Innovators”, Mr Donaghue produced a range of clubs that would assist with putting, chipping and getting out of the bunker. Mr Donaghue designed the Point N Putt Putter around simple (yet highly effective) visual alignment technology, which virtually eliminates alignment flaws common to most golfers. The club features a high contrast satin Directional Pointer that provides unparalleled directional accuracy. The user simply aligns the Directional Pointer along the intended line, which automatically squares the putter face correctly. No more facing up and guessing. By design, the golfer can simply “Point and Putt” their way around the green. In order to verify that the innovative design simplifies putting 20

alignment and improves accuracy, Mr Donaghue sought the technicians at SAM PuttLabs, the world’s leading putt analysis and training system to conduct an independent study. In a test against their own putter, over half of the participants (all first time users of the Point-N-Putt Putter) improved their alignment on average 16.5%, with the highest improvement seen at 67%. Mr Donaghue was also determined to find a consistent way to get out of bunkers and deep rough. He theorized that by reducing the resistance of the sand or grass at impact, he could get more power out of his swing. His solutions were the RAKE Lob Wedge and the RAKE Sand Wedge. Both wedges incorporate a patented Dual Bounce Rail Design which slices through sand or

grass effortlessly and stabilizes the club heads to prevent twisting and turning. The undercut cavity provides forgiveness on off-centre hits, ideal for pitch and run chip shots around the green. Rave Reviews The clubs have garnered highly positive reviews from professional golfers and industry publications alike. Most notably, the RAKE Wedges have been endorsed by Kathy GildersleeveJensen, who was awarded the title of 2014 US PGA National Teacher of the Year. Gildersleeve-Jensen uses both the Lob and Sand wedge to help improve her students’ game, as well as her own. “I am amazed at how easy it is to execute what normally would be a difficult shot out of the rough, and how effortlessly you can lift the ball out of the bunker.” PGA Tour golfers Brian Gay, Mike Weir and Bryan Saltus have all tested a RAKE Wedge at tour events, thanks to the clubs receiving full USGA approval in 2013. Both the Point N Putt Putter and the RAKE wedge series have also featured in glowing product reviews by PGA Teaching Professional Todd Kolb for US Golf TV. Kolb tested the putter in an online video and commented “If you’re looking for a putter, looking for some performance, looking for a feel, looking for something that should be asserted on the right line, this putter does that, it’s one that I really like and I strongly recommend that you actually try it out.” However, it’s not just pros that benefit from these clubs. They are ideal for amateurs who want to lower their scores and enhance their enjoyment around and on the greens, making a perfect gift for the avid golfer this Christmas. Try one of these clubs for yourself, and you’ll see why this Aussie inventor has revolutionized the short game.

Point N Putt Putter: $189 RAKE Lob or Sand Wedge: $169 ea Order online at www.pnpgolf.com Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

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

By Steve Morris

North Florida PGA Celebrates 35th Anniversary! My how time flies! The North

ers, employees, and the general public. In so doing, the North

Florida PGA celebrated its 35th

Florida Section PGA will elevate

Annual Meeting at Reunion

the standards of the profes-

Resort in Orlando! We’ve come

sional golfer’s vocation, en-

a long ways since inception. The

hance the economic well-being

commitment and pride of our

of the individual member,

PGA Professionals have elevated

stimulate interest in the game

the game of golf to new levels

of golf, and promote the overall

of participation, service and

vitality of the game. Visit nfpga.

growth. Over 200 PGA Profes-

com for more information and

sionals were in attendance.

activities.

The meeting was highlighted

As 2014 comes to a close, we’d

with some great education

like to recognize our North

from Stuart Proctor, PGA

Florida PGA partners, as well

Member with the Golf Chan-

as, some new partners for 2015.

nel, concerning social media

Without them we would not be

and how it can help grow the business and engage with customers. Kerry Haigh, Chief

L to R; NFPGA Executive Director/CEO Rich Smith, Kerry Haigh and NFPGA Tournament Director Ben Herring.)

contributions provide critical revenue and education to

Championship Officer of the

make us the best we can be!

PGA of America, offered his insight

Thank you Steve Sponder and Global

and experience on how to run a

Golf Sales, Chase54, FlightScope, Re-

championship event. It was interest-

union Resort, Club Car, The PGA TOUR,

ing to hear the details and magnitude

Florida Golf License Plate, Country Club

of conducting a major championship such as The PGA Championship. Kerry

enjoyment of the millions of golfers

also delivered the keynote address to

we interact with every day! Our PGA

the membership.

Professionals are truly the experts in

Thank you to all of our Annual

the game and business of golf.

Meeting presenting partners, Chase54,

The Mission of the North Florida

FlightScope, Pro Golf Weather, scan-

Section PGA is to promote the enjoy-

4beer, Reed Exhibitions, Folds of Honor

ment and involvement in the game of

and Salamander Resorts for making

golf and to contribute to its growth by

our 35th Annual Meeting of the North

providing services to golf profession-

Florida PGA such a success. The North

als and the golf industry. The North

Florida PGA looks forward to the future

Florida Section PGA will accomplish

of the great game we all love. We are

this mission by enhancing the skills of

proud to be such an influence in grow-

its professionals and the opportunities

ing the game and enhancing the golfing

for amateurs, employers, manufactur-

as successful as we are. Their

Digital Network, mobicoach, Golf MDs, JaniKing, and Howard Fertilizer. Thank you to all of the facilities that hosted our Section and Chapter Tournaments. Thank you to all of the facilities that hosted the Drive, Chip & Putt Championships. Thank you to all the volunteers who make us look good. Finally, thank you for playing golf! Let’s all try to squeeze in more rounds next year and enjoy the game we love! When you need golf products or services, we hope you consider them, as they support your PGA Professional. Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

Bob Mallek, PGA, Brian Peaper, PGA, Kevin Murphy, PGA, Warren Bottke, PGA, Geoff Lofstead,Matese Cortijo-Witten Golden, Brian Golden, Rohema Cortijo-Witten, Amari Cortijo-Witten Golden, Tom Wildenhaus, PGA, Steve Clawson, PGA, Mark VanDyck, PGA

On Saturday, December 13th the South Florida PGA Foundation dedicated a home to a deserving family in Oakland Park just in time for the holidays. This dedication was the third one the SFPGA Foundation has been a part of since 2010. The mission of the South Florida PGA Foundation is to impact SFPGA Foundation President, Tom Wildenhaus, PGA

keys to their new home, just in time for the holiday season. On behalf of the family, Rohema thanked all those in the crowd who made this day possible. “It is moving to be a part of such a special occasion. To watch a family achieve their dream, knowing how hard they have worked is what this is all about” says SFPGA Foundation President and PGA Professional Tom Wildenhaus. The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the South Florida community,

with a focus on junior golf, education, scholarships and charitable gifting. The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization comprised of over 1,700 men and women PGA Professionals serving as the experts in business and the game of golf. Habitat for Humanity is just one organization of many the SFPGA Foundation supports. For more details on the SFPGA Foundation and how they support the south Florida community visit www.sfpgagolf.com/foundation. Perry Eaton, Tom Wildenhaus, PGA, Brian Golden, Rohema Cortijo-Witten, Warren Bottke, PGA

lives throughout the community, and on Saturday they were able to carry out that mission. From late May through September more than 50 PGA Professionals volunteered 700 hours to help build the home located in Oakland Park. In the audience on Saturday, supporting the family were various members of the South Florida PGA Section and Foundation board, in addition two PGA Professionals who volunteered their time to help with the project. Rohema Cortijo-Witten and Brian Golden, along with their three children AJ, Matese and Amari, were given the Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

south florida PGA north south florida florida PGA PGA north southflorida floridaPGA PGAnorth southflorida floridaPGA PGAnorth southfl north

The South Florida PGA Foundation Provides One Local Family With a Home This Holiday Season

adies orth florida Professional PGA north Golfflorida Association PGA north Ladiesflorida Professional PGA north Golfflorida Association PGAheader north Ladi

By Mike May

LPGA's Leading Ladies Shine at Tiburon When the top 72 players on the LPGA Tour gathered in late November at the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida to compete in the CME Group Tour Championship, there were more awards to be won and distributed than to just the player with the lowest score at the conclusion of the 72 hole-event. As it turned out, they needed more than 72 holes to decide the winner and the event almost didn’t conclude until the following morning -- Monday, November 24. At the conclusion of 72 holes on Sunday, November 23, three ladies – New Zealand’s Lydia Ko, Spain’s Carlota Ciganda and Paraguay’s Julieta Granada – were tied at 10 under par. It took four sudden death replays of the 18th hole for Ko to be named the winner. In addition to winning the firstplace check of $500,000, Ko also vaulted to the top of the Race to the CME Globe, which meant she won an additional $1,000,000 as the winner of the seasonlong competition on the LPGA Tour. So, the combined $1.5 million that Ko won represented the biggest singleday payout in women’s golf history. “This year has been awesome,” said Ko, who has never missed a cut in 42 career LPGA starts. “Three wins, Rookie of the Year, it’s a huge honor for me to be here in this position. I’m looking forward to what’s coming up next year.” It’s important to note that Ko, just a 17-year-old teenager, was also the winner of the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year Award, but she was not the only winner during the tournament festivities at Tiburon. Fellow Americans Stacy Lewis and Michelle Wie finished second and third in the Race to the CME Globe, respectively, earning $150,000 and $100,000 payouts for their second and third-place finishes. Lewis also wrapped up an impressive 2014 season in style as she swept 24

the LPGA’s three most prestigious honors -- Rolex Player of the Year, Vare Trophy and LPGA Official Money List title. Lewis becomes the first American to take home all three awards since Betsy King in 1993 and the first LPGA player to win all three awards in the same year since Yani Tseng in 2011. “That’s what I came here for,” said Lewis said. “I went into the week wanting to win these three awards. The $1 million and all would’ve been nice, but I would take these three over $1 million any day. I am just really proud of the way I played. I just feel like a ton of weight has just been lifted off my shoulders.” Besides the honors won Ko and Lewis, there were other ‘winners’ announced during tournament week at Tiburon. Tom Maletis, the president

Carlota Ciganda

Julieta Granada of Tournament Golf Foundation, was honored with the Patty Berg Award. Maletis has been the cornerstone of the Portland Classic since 1988 and has been the President of the Tournament Golf Foundation since 1997. During Maletis’ time with the event, it has raised nearly $18 million for local charities. The Portland Classic is the longest running non-major on the LPGA schedule. The Patty Berg Award is given to an individual, who like Berg, exemplifies diplomacy, sportsmanship, goodwill and contributions to the game of golf. LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan presented this year’s Commissioner’s Award to Wegmans. Since 1977, Wegmans has been a sponsor of every LPGA event in Rochester, NY taking over as title sponsor in 1997 and stepped up in 2010 when the LPGA needed a sponsor for the championship. The Commissioner’s Award, introduced in 1991 by the LPGA, honors a person or organization who has contributed uniquely to the LPGA and its members, who has furthered the cause of women’s golf, and whose character and standards are of the highest order. LPGA National Vice President of LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals Deb Vangellow awarded Kerry Graham, a Life member of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Teaching and Club Professional (T&CP) membership, with the Ellen Griffin Rolex Award. Graham currently teaches golf in Phoenix and continues to study all aspects of the game, both physical and mental, to improve her skills and service to her clients. The LPGA established the Ellen Griffin Rolex Award in 1989. Ellen was considered by many to be the bestknown female golf teacher in American history. She taught the game near Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

Greensboro, NC at “The Farm.” This award is given annually to a teacher who has demonstrated the spirit, love and dedication to teach and to the game of golf – just like Ellen did. LPGA Tour players voted on two awards this year and selected Chella Choi as the recipient of the William & Mousie Powell Award and Lisa Fererro as the recipient of the Heather Farr Perseverance Award. Choi was voted the William & Mousie Powell Award recipient by her fellow LPGA competitors thanks to her spirit, ideals and values by her behavior and deeds. The late Mousie Powell, for whom this award was named, was a close supporter and friend of the LPGA from the 1950s until her death on January 18, 1997. She was married to William Powell, a Hollywood legend and one of its leading male actors. Mousie started the William and Mousie Award in 1986. The Heather Farr Perseverance Award honors an LPGA player who, through her hard work, dedication and love of the game of golf, has demonstrated determination, perseverance and spirit in fulfilling her goals as a player. At the age of just 31, Lisa Ferrero was diagnosed with breast cancer 18 Stacy Lewis (winner of the Vare Trophy and Rolex Player of the Year) months after she first approached a doctor. Lisa’s determination and dedication led doctors to the discovery and she is now on the road to recovery. The LPGA established the Heather Farr Perseverance Award in 1994 to celebrate the life of Farr, an LPGA Tour player who died on Nov. 20, 1993, following a four-anda-half-year battle with breast cancer. And, finally, seven LPGA players were recognized Rolex First-Time winners on tour this year. They were Mi Hyang Lee (winner of the Mizuno Classic), Lee-Anne Pace (winner of the Blue Bay LPGA), Austin Ernst (winner of the Portland Classic), Mirim Lee (winner of Meijer LPGA Classic), Lizette Salas (winner of the Kingsmill Championship), Mo Martin (winner of the RICOH Women’s British Open), and Ko (who also won the Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic). Lydia Ko (2014 Race to CME Globe Champion & CME Group Tour Championship Winner, she is sitting on $1million cash)

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adies orth florida Professional PGA north Golfflorida Association PGA north Ladiesflorida Professional PGA north Golfflorida Association PGAheader north Ladi

By Mike May

ISPS Handa Heroes Tournament On Monday, November 24th -- the day after the LPGA’s 2014 CME Group Tour Championship at the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida -- nine female professional golfers participated in the 3rd Annual ISPS Handa Heroes, a nine-hole, made-for-TV charity event which honored golf philanthropist Dr. Haruhisa Handa. This team scramble ‘tournament’ helped recognize Dr. Handa for his philanthropic commitment and dedication to women’s

was able to donate at least $5,000 to

golf around the

their favorite charity. Below are the

world, while also

pairings and their charities for the

furthering his goal

3rd Annual ISPS Handa Heroes:

of charity support through golf. This nine-hole scramble featured

the competition, was broadcast on

three teams of three players where

Sunday, November 30, on Golf Chan-

each team consisted of one current

nel. On the day of this special event,

LPGA star, one LPGA Legend and, for

admission for spectators was free!

the first time in this event’s three year

Each team had designated pri-

history, a recent Symetra Tour graduate.

mary charities of their choice and

The star-studded group of players

will be playing for a total of $90,000

accounted for five Symetra Tour wins,

in charitable donations. The win-

71 LPGA Tour victories and eight major

ning trio was awarded $60,000 for

championships. The tournament, which

charity, while the remaining teams

featured ‘live’ interviews throughout

earned $15,000 each. So each player

Lexi Thompson/Beth Daniel/Sadena Parks (Wounded Warriors/Player Assistance Fund at the South Carolina Golf Association/Leisure Hour Golf) Jessica Korda/Sherri Steinhauer/Jackie Stoelting (The First Tee of Sarasota/ The First Tee of South Central Wisconsin/Indiana River Golf Foundation) Sandra Gal/Meg Mallon/Marissa Steen (Orphans Heart/Mercy High School/The First Tee of Greater Miami Valley) Dr. Handa is a devoted golf supporter who has played a significant role in showcasing the women’s game around the globe. ISPS, the organization that he founded in 2006 to support charitable causes throughout the sporting world, currently sponsors more than a dozen professional golf events worldwide. Among those include, the ISPS Handa World Cup on the men’s European Tour, The Handa Cup and the ISPS Handa Legends Tour Open Championship on the Legends Tour and the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open on the LPGA Tour.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

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caribbean golf central

Baha Mar and the TPC Network Announce TPC at Baha Mar The 18-Hole, Par-72 Jack Nicklaus Signature Design Course is the TPC Network’s First Caribbean Golf Course Baha Mar, the $3.5 billion integrated gaming resort opening in the Spring of 2015 in Nassau, The Bahamas, has partnered with the PGA TOUR’s TPC Network to announce TPC at Baha Mar. The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course is the TPC Network’s first Caribbean golf course and will be a complement to the resort’s elite collection of hotel brands – The Baha Mar Casino & Hotel, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, Grand Hyatt and SLS LUX – as well as an ESPA spa and a myriad of other remarkable experiences. “We are very proud that TPC at Baha Mar is the newest property in the PGA TOUR’s prestigious TPC Network of resort and private golf courses,” said Sarkis Izmirlian, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Baha Mar. “We’re com-

mitted to looking for the most extraordinary partners from around the world, whether it is at tee time or dinner time, to bring the best of the best to our guests at the new Bahamian Riviera.” “The PGA TOUR is thrilled to expand the TPC Network’s brand presence into the Caribbean for the first time by partnering with Baha Mar’s visionary

resort destination,” said Charlie Zink, PGA TOUR Co-Chief Operating Officer. “TPC at Baha Mar truly epitomizes the standard of excellence and tournament-hosting capabilities for which TPC courses are recognized worldwide.” Receiving the ongoing, hands-on personal attention of legendary golf course designer Jack Nicklaus, the 7,189-yard TPC at Baha Mar blends beauty, challenge, playability, and memorable aesthetics. Offering “two courses in one,” with the front nine providing dramatic play highlighted by ocean views and other water features, and a back nine that winds through in-land forest of native habitat and an unexpected amount of natural topography, the course features bunker placement and green design that incorporate the contours of the local landscape while creating a scenic golf course to be enjoyed by a broad variety of players. The design of TPC at Baha Mar made a point to focus on preservation and has recently registered as a member of the Audubon International Classic Program, actively seeking certification from the environmental education organization dedicated to providing people with the education and assistance they need to practice responsible management of land, water, wildlife, and other natural resources. To that end, the golf course’s salt-tolerant Platinum Tiff Eagle Paspalam turf grass will be irrigated with treated water from the resort. Additionally, the course is home to 15 species of native trees, including protected Mahogany, Silk Cotton, Caribbean Pine and Buttonwood, as well as Red and Black Mangroves. More than 70 species of birds, including the Bahama Woodstar, Egret, and Osprey can also be found on the course Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

while the wildlife in the surrounding lake includes Terrapin and Mosquito fish species. A hidden cave with a protected family of indigenous bats has also been preserved within the course. When it comes to rest and relaxation before or after play, the Royal Blue Clubhouse, highlighted by its

traditional Bahamian architecture, features a bar and grill restaurant serving breakfast and lunch. The clubhouse also includes an open courtyard overlooking the golf course, as well as locker rooms and a golf shop. The addition of TPC at Baha Mar to the PGA TOURâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s TPC Network signifies

the continued growth of the TPC brand, following the October 2014 opening of TPC Cartagena at Karibana, located in Cartagena, Colombia. TPC at Baha Mar will open in the Spring of 2015 and is the 33rd inclusion to the TPC Network of clubs and the second international property in the portfolio.

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Florida Golf Central â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 15, Issue 7

in memory of

Remembering: Legendary Writer Jack O'Leary By Mike Jamison Founder & Executive Director International Network of Golf The golf media family lost one of its most beloved and colorful characters in October, when "Father" Jack O’Leary passed away in his apartment in Lakeland, Fla. I count myself among the many blessed who can say we lost a treasured friend.

During the formative years of ING, we had many discussions about the difficult challenge of blending journalistic integrity with the necessary infusion of sponsorship dollars into the organization. I have a clear and lasting vision of Jack, sipping on a rum and coke, twisting his trademark handlebar mustache, insisting that he would not hesitate writing a negative article about an ING sponsor if he felt it was merited. Our debates of what would merit such an article sometimes led to raised voices, and we usually agreed to disagree. But I am convinced that, without those discussions, ING would have never survived to our 25th anniversary, which we will be celebrating in 2015.

Jack accomplished a great deal during his 67 years on this earth. He was the father of two – Heather and Stephen. He was a beloved grandfather. He was an acclaimed sportswriter with the Boston Herald between 1983 and 1995, covering the professional and college teams there. He was an 'Father' Jack O'Leary award-winning golf writer for several publications, both as a staff member (Senior Golfer Magazine, Florida Golf It is for certain that, whenever two or more are Monthly) and as a freelancer (Florida Golf Central, gathered at future ING events, Father O'Leary will be Tempus and many others). He was a founding memtoasted and remembered warmly. Stories will be told. ber of the International Network of Golf (ING), authorLaughs will be shared. And his memory will live on ing the non-profit networking organization’s bylaws, forever. and serving as its first president in the early '90s. RIP Father O'Leary. What we will most remember about Jack, however, was his devotion as a friend and his 100 percent dedication to worthy causes. He was quick to answer a call to action, always with passion and devotion. And Jack O’Leary was the best storyteller I have ever known. Whether it was a humorous tale from one of the many trips to his beloved Ireland, a recap of interviews with noted sports figures like Fuzzy Zoeller or Ken “Hawk” Harrelson, or a blow-by-blow of a golf round at the GWAA Championship, Father O’Leary always captivated his audience, often leaving them doubled Jack out on the links with fellow golf scribe Larry Durland. over in laughter. 30

Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

For the first time in school history, Jason Smith, Turf Coordinator at the University of Florida, received the prestigious Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) “Field of the Year Award” in the collegiate division for his work on “The Swamp.” A highly-competitive process with thousands of applicants, Smith and his team secured the highest honor in sports turf in December and will be recognized at the STMA Conference & Exhibition in Denver in mid-January. The largest stadium in the state of Florida, The Swamp is one of the most intimidating places to play in college football. The capacity is north of 88,000, although the crowd regularly exceeds that, which makes the job of a Turf Coordinator much more difficult. As a grass guru, Smith boasts an impressive resume with stints as a turf manager at University of Memphis and Mississippi State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Golf and Sports Turf Management. At Memphis, he was tasked with oversight of all university athletic fields.

Steve Peters, Todd Campbell, John Wagnon, Kyle Simmons, Reggie Days, Carlos Morales, and Jason Smith. In his current role at the University of Florida, Smith is charged with a multitude of duties. In addition to all other athletic facilities, he and his crew spend countless hours during the football season painting and re-painting logos and yard lines. One of the most challenging sections of the field is the alligator centerpiece, consuming the 50-yard line with its jaws. Namely, this is accomplished through a meticulous schedule: measuring on Mondays, stenciling on Tuesdays, painting on Wednesdays and repainting on Thursdays and Fridays. Mowing is also a huge task, occurring up to twice a day on Fridays and Saturdays to increase logo visibility. “Our turf team runs a tight ship to achieve desired results,” says Smith. “We work around-the-clock to produce the safest and most beautiful field in college football.” At The Swamp, all eyes are on the field. Whether it’s fans at the sta-

dium, watching on TV, or from a more technical standpoint, everyone notices how the field looks. Coaches tend to scrutinize the field surface to ensure the teams’ success. Smith plays a critical role in maximizing playability, a feat that requires attention to detail and constant turf surveillance. What’s unique about The Swamp is that it bears three different names. While the playing surface has been widely known as “Florida Field,” it was renamed “Ben Hill Griffin Stadium” in 1989 after a major benefactor. Still, most fans commonly refer to it as The Swamp. The renowned field received The Swamp nickname from former head coach Steve Spurrier. According to the legendary leader, “A swamp is hot and sticky and can be dangerous. Only Gators get out alive.” Not only has the field name transitioned, but the playing surface of Florida’s football field has varied as well. Originally, the surface was natural grass, but in 1971 it was replaced by Astroturf. It remained artificial until Spurrier mandated that it be replaced with natural grass in 1990. His main concern was player safety. Most recently, The Swamp was renovated in 2012 with Celebration Bermuda grass. At Florida, Smith doesn’t simply hold a job as a Turf Coordinator – he holds a lifestyle. By fostering the safety of each player who steps foot in The Swamp, he brings immense pride and respect to students, fans, coaches and players. Florida continues to remain a powerhouse in college football, despite its record this past season. By combining a picture-perfect field with state-of-the-art athletic facilities, the University of Florida will always remain a highly coveted destination for passionate sports fans. Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

golf fitness

THE OFF-SEASON THE OFF-SEASON THE OFF-SEASON

By Mitch Sadowsky MS SPSc TP11 USAW AIS FMS Director of Golf Fitness Lake Nona Country Club

This is always one of my favorite times of year. For most, especially in colder climates, winter signals the end of construction. However, in the golf fitness industry, I look at the winter as the beginning of our construction season, the off season. We get a chance to sit down with our athletes (yes, golfers are athletes!!), assess their season, take them through functional screens and assessments and identify weak areas to focus on. Much like repairing roads, our fitness assessments provide a road map telling us where to focus our efforts, what to repair, what to rebuild, and what we can strengthen. Our first phase will usually involve removing any restrictions to movement, then reinforcing movement quality before moving in to strength and speed. This is a crucial path to follow to ensure the proper program is in place and potential injuries are either cleared up or avoided. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ok to take some time off from your golf game, let the mind and body heal and start on the problem areas that might be costing you those 3-4 shots per round. One movement pattern I really like to use as a part of all of our phases removing are Spiderman walks. Spiderman walks are great for shoulder mobility/stability, core stability strength, and hip mobility. Starting in a push up position, reach forward with the left hand and bring the inside of the right knee to the outside of the right elbow. Keep the left leg as straight as possible in this position. Holding this position, reach forward with the right hand while bringing the inside of the left knee to the outside of the left elbow, again keeping the back leg as straight as possible. Walk forward like this for any distance desired. I usually start 3-4 body lengths and build up from there. The big question now is: How would you integrate this in to your workouts? The great part about Spiderman walks is they can be used as a standalone exercise, a warm up, a corrective exercise, or as an exercise used as a super set between strength sets. Remember, have an off season, get assessed, correct your dysfunction and MOVE WELL!! 34

Florida Golf Central â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 15, Issue 7

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what's new

LAUNCHES on DIRECTV BACK9NETWORK, the new 24/7 golf

lifestyle channel, officially launched on September 29th with a ribbon cutting ceremony at its Hartford, CT based studios just prior to its debut in 20 Million homes on DIRECTV, channel 262. BACK9NETWORK hit the airwaves with its flagship hour of golf, pop culture, debate and entertainment entitled “The Turn.” The show tackles the industry’s biggest topics by blending news, analysis and usergenerated content with behind-thescenes perspectives from the game’s most colorful icons and personalities. It is co-hosted by veteran CBS Sports.

comedians. The program airs weeknights at 8 pm Eastern. In conjunction with “Off Par”, “The Clubhouse” features former Golfweek Senior Writer, Jeff Rude, former PGA Tour pro, John Maginnes, and women’s extreme sports champion, Will Christien (10 pm ET). The playful banter of Christien, Maginnes, and Rude echoes the conversations one would normally hear at the 19th Hole. The trio’s no-holdsbarred conversations cover the latest happenings both on and off the course, as they incorporate questions and guidance from viewers at home, celebrities and the game’s professionals.

com and Yahoo! Sports golf writer, Shane Bacon, Lou Holder and former E! Network host Erica Bachelor and airs daily at noon, 3, and 7 pm Eastern. Along with “The Turn,” other signature daily studio shows for the network include “Off-Par” and “The Clubhouse.” Co-hosted by acclaimed comedian and actor Matty Blake and American model Caite Upton, “Off Par” is an inventive look at the world of golf and entertainment with a comedic twist. Blake, Upton, and a rotating cast of characters deliver free-flowing laughs in the form of viral Internet videos, user-generated social media content, golf-themed skits, and guest appearances by other

The network’s primetime lineup stars Executive Producer Ahmad Rashad on his own show, “AHMAD RASHAD,” one of three BACK9NETWORK 30-minute, original primetime series. Others include “Golf Treasures,” and “Ball Hogs,” which airs weeknights at 9 pm ET. This multiplatform media company, based in Hartford, was developed as an alternative to traditional media’s focus on professional golf tournament coverage. Focused on compelling storytelling and personalities, features and fashions, interviews and instruction, travel, gear and much more, BACK9NETWORK will air nearly 1,100 hours of original programming

in its inaugural year. “While we will certainly pay attention to professional golf’s leaderboard, our coverage will focus on the lifestyle of the game where golf enthusiasts are spending their time and money — the courses and resorts they can play, the latest fashion, gadgets and equipment, and the behind-the-scenes stories that will highlight the personalities and characters that make golf so much fun,” said Scot Thor, Senior VP of Programming, at BACK9NETWORK. “We’re dedicated to introducing lifestyle entertainment to the game of golf while respecting its values and traditions, and we’ve brought on some incredibly talented people to emphasize the depth, humility and humor in the game.” BACK9NETWORK will also utilize Charles Everett and Universo Pereira as network co-hosts. Everett is a veteran voice, theatre, and television actor, and Periera has both television and stage experience. Alexis Morgan (TV Personality/Reporter) and Katie Sundseth (TV Personality/Model) join the network as lifestyle correspondents. All will offer personalized, satirical, and at times brutally honest opinions on what’s trending in golf on “The Turn,” “Off Par” and “The Clubhouse.” Tell your cable provider you want Back9Network by visiting www.Iwantback9network.com. For more information, visit www.BACK9NETWORK.com, @BACK9NETWORK @TheTurnB9N, @OffParrB9N, and @TheClubhouseB9N on Twitter or BACK9NETWORKTV’s YouTube Channel. Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

feature

By Mike May

Golf’s Majestic Mountain Mama

If somebody asked me about playing a round of golf at the Maggie Valley Club & Resort, I would respond like the voice in the Golf Now.com commercial and say, “Go Play!” A round of golf at the Maggie Valley Club & Resort in Maggie Valley, North Carolina (located 30 minutes west of Asheville) can best be described as golf’s version of the classic Charles Dickens novel, A Tale of Two Cities. In a nutshell, when you play golf at the Maggie Valley Club & Resort, it’s A Tale of Two Nines. This course, nestled between the Blue Ridge and the Great Smoky Mountains, has nine holes in the ‘flatlands’ (dubbed the “Valley”) and nine holes in the surrounding hills (named the “Mountain”). It’s also worth noting that the tee shots on the 1st, 3rd, and 6th holes are from raised tees, which will give you a sneak peak at what you will eventually see when you play the inward half. 38

If asked to use a few words to describe a round of golf at the Maggie Valley Club, I would say it is “elegant, pure, refreshing, natural, and, most of all, fun.” With its treelined, rolling landscape and bent grass greens, having the chance to play golf at this course helps reinforce why the game of golf is so special. Every hole at the Maggie Valley Club represents a chance to create a memory that will last a lifetime……and keep you coming back to this majestic layout which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2013. “At this course, you get the best of both worlds,” said Trey Smith, the head golf professional at the Maggie Valley

Club & Resort. “On the front nine, the Valley is completely flat. On the back nine, the Mountain is the complete opposite. You never get a flat lie.” It’s great playing golf at the Maggie Valley Club because you can see your ball against the green background of the trees in the surrounding mountains. There’s nothing like the thrill of seeing a well-struck tee shot soars through the air. At the height of summer, the lack of humidity in Maggie Valley is a big plus, as are the wild blueberries which grow on bushes next to the 11th green! The club is managed by Birmingham, Alabama-based Honours Golf, so you can expect excellent course conditions and outstanding customer service. In a nutshell, playing golf at the Maggie Valley Club & Resort is a special treat – round after round and year after year. It is challenging, scenic, well-maintained, memorable, breathtaking, fair, fun, and filled with photo opportunities! There are four tees on each hole – green, gold, white, and blue. The length of the course ranges from 4,600 yards from the forward tees to 6,466 yards from the back tees. While golf is the featured attraction

at the Maggie Valley Club & Resort, it’s not the ‘only game in town.’ If you like fishing, hiking, swimming, dining, horseback riding, tubing, playing tennis, walking in creeks, getting a message or taking a yoga or a Pilates class, it can be found at this resort. There are also a number of housing and rental options at the Maggie Valley Club & Resort! In essence, once you set Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

foot on this property, you are on vacation. And, there’s no reason to leave the resort until it’s time to go home. And, trust me, you never want to leave! As you reflect on playing 18 holes at the Maggie Valley Club & Resort, while having a much-deserved snack at the Pin High Grille, you get to focus on all the shots that took place during the previous four hours. In many respects, the final three holes at the Maggie Valley Club & Resort are a microcosm of the entire course, where two of the holes are downhill, two of them are doglegs, and one of them is uphill. Those qualities are constantly on display throughout your golf experience at the Maggie Valley Club. If you can string together a 4-4-4 or a 4-4-5 finish, it shows that you are a player! And, there’s nothing to be concerned about if you finish with three bogeys. The more you play this course, the more you understand when and where you can ‘be bold’ and when it’s time to ‘play it safe.’ The course is open year round, so there’s always room for you on the first tee. Check it out on the Internet at www.maggievalleyclub.com or call 1-800-438-3861. Now, "Go Play."

Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

The author of this story is Mike May, a golf correspondent, who is based in Wellington, Florida. Mike is an avid golfer and he encourages you to visit the Maggie Valley Club & Resort for a ‘stay and play’ golf experience – at your earliest convenience. Mike can be reached via email: mmaymarketing@gmail.com

live golf

Cold Weather Blemishes

By Todd Lowe Senior Agronomist, Florida Region

Golfers have been showing up over the past few weeks, escaping the cold weather of their northern homes. In fact, several facilities have been experiencing over 200 rounds per day for several weeks. Our region has also experienced lower soil temperatures, with several nights dropping below 50 Fahrenheit. The combination of these factors has caused some off-color conditions on many golf courses. The degree of damage observed is determined by the intensity of each stress. Less damage occurs with moderate cart traffic/temperatures, and more damage occurs with increased cart traffic and decreased soil temperatures. Also, off-color conditions appear worse on golf courses that have recently applied fertilizers, as there is a greater contrast between lush, green healthy fairways and yellow to tan traffic areas. It is also apparent that some bermudagrass varieties or â&#x20AC;&#x153;off-typesâ&#x20AC;? fare worse than others when it comes to traffic tolerance, as patches of turf begin to decline in otherwise healthy bermudagrass. Ropes and stakes should be used to divert traffic and protect turf through the winter play season. The staff must do their part to proactively move implements to disperse traffic before areas become completely demolished.

Cooler temperatures cause turf growth to shut down and cart-traffic stress to become more noticeable. But, perhaps more importantly, golfers must do their part and adhere to traffic-management policies. On several recent visits, it was evident that some golfers are actually trampling over stakes and cutting ropes. There may be other stresses that cause turf to turn off-color when the temperatures decrease. I recently visited a club that had some blemishes

that were recovering from grub damage in a few fairways. The superintendent suspected grubs may be an issue, so he applied an insecticide. Within minutes, grubs began to emerge from the soil and continued to emerge throughout the day. By the end of the day, it was evident that grubs were a major issue in these areas, as the ground was littered with grub carcasses.

However, some recent blemishes may be caused by other stresses like grubs.

Florida Golf Central â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 15, Issue 7

...The Image of Perfection

grip it & sip it

By Chris Thompson

Milan has been known as the

fashion capital of the world for generations. The Giorgi family winery has been producing elegant wines for well over a century in the gentle hills just south of the city. Italian artistry meets high fashion in Giorgi Platino, a wine that reflects the greatness of Italian Excellence. Platino is a 100% pinot noir (pinot nero in Italian) varietal sparkling white wine, just as a Blanc de Noirs Champagne is made from pinot noir. Though pinot noir is a red grape, this wine is made to be white by siphoning off the juice immediately after “soft” pneumatic pressing, leaving it as little time as possible in contact with the skins, which are red. After fermentation the wines is left to age for at least 6 months on the yeasts in pressurized stainless steel tanks. The wine itself is a extra-dry with an ever so slight residual sweetness, that heightens the crisp notes of quince, Bartlett pear, white peaches, and Apples. It is straw yellow with greenish hues that shimmer in the reflection of the fast and refined perlage. The bottle is painted by Italian artisans with a polished mirror finish. Grab a bottle, take a look and see for yourself the image of perfection.

Facciamo festa!

Grip it and Sip it. 42

Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

special events

By Seth Jones

Golfdom Summit Brings Top-Level Superintendents to Florida Now in its fourth year, the Golfdom Summit is quickly becoming the most sought after event of golf course superintendents. The fourth Golfdom Summit is in the rearview, and what an event it was. Held recently at the Reunion Resort, the event is hosted by Golfdom (www. golfdom.com) magazine and brings 50 top-level superintendents together

to have with Dr. Throssell between some of the vendor presentations,” says Jackson Reiswig, superintendent of Coral Creek Club in Placida, Fla. “That sums up the value of the Golfdom Summit — the continuous

David Groelle, Certified Golf Course Superintendent at Royal Melbourne CC in Long Grove, Ill., listens as Ed Underhill and Brett Henson of Underhill International discuss their water management products.

from around the country for four days of education, networking and golf. The appeal of the event for superintendents is the chance to network and learn alongside an exclusive guest list. For the 15 sponsoring vendors — including companies like BASF, Jacobsen and Cushman — the appeal is not only to pitch those superintendents in 1-on-1 meetings, but also to get a chance to understand their needs and buying habits. Of course, the chance to play Reunion’s three courses doesn’t hurt, either. Speakers for the event included Doug Ferguson, golf writer for the Associated Press; Bob Farren and Kevin Robinson, host superintendents of the 2014 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2; turf experts Karl Danneberger, Ph.D. and Clark Throssell, Ph.D.; and Jim Rattigan, superintendent and general manager of Schuylkilll CC in Orwigsburg, Pa. “One of the best parts of the Summit for me was the conversations I got 44

interaction between everyone gives me the opportunity to really develop a connection and a deeper understanding of a challenge or a product,

Derek Rose, superintendent at Eagle Ranch GC in Eagle, Colo., listens as Scott Kinkead, executive vice president of Turfco, explains the benefits of the company’s new topdresser. versus other events, which only offer a fleeting, surface conversation.” Superintendent attendees represented some of the most prestigious courses in all of America, including host sites of U.S. Opens, multicourse resorts and some of the most exclusive courses in the land. Pat Roberts, longtime publisher of Golfdom, says that hosting the Golfdom Summit is always a highlight of his year. “This event is a different event than any other in our industry. It’s not a large trade show where there are thousands of people there, yet you only make a handful of new contacts,” Roberts says. “The Golfdom Summit is the right size where everyone is on a first-name basis with each other by the end of the event, and even better, new relationships are forged, and problems are solved.” The fifth Golfdom Summit will take place in December 2015, at a location that is yet to be determined. For more information visit www.golfdomsummit.com. Seth Jones is the editor-in-chief of Golfdom magazine. He can be reached at sjones@northcoastmedia.net.

(L to R) Emil Miller and Steve Johnson of Smithco Inc., talk to superintendents Jay Neunsinger, Tilden Park GC, Berkeley, Calif.; Eric Johnson, Chambers Bay, University Place, Wash.; and Josh Lewis, also of Chambers Bay. Chambers Bay is the host site of the 2015 U.S. Open.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

Luxury Living on a Top 10 Golf Course

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product showcase

Focused Golf Ball

Introducing “The World’s First Instructional Golf Ball”. Focused Golf LLC developed a line of golf balls to aid the golfer in improving their game. Typically, at address of the ball negative thoughts creep into the mind, the pressure is on to hit a quality shot. Additionally, we are trying to recall three or more mechanical swing thoughts before we begin. A Focused Golf ball makes the golfer concentrate on the verbiage printed on the ball. This virtually blocks all negative thoughts because, the mind will focus on what the eyes see. With repeated use your golf game will steadily improve by lowering your strokes and increasing your confidence. Best of all, the ball is your coach on every shot during a round. Simply adjust the ball so the text is facing you and you’re ready for the next shot. This unique approach to game improvement is ideal for all ages and skill levels. Please visit us at www.focusedgolf.com and check out our continually expanding library of golf balls. Have fun and enjoy the game of golf.

Skechers GO GOLF

The Skechers Performance Division is proud to partner with Matt

Kuchar as the new face of Skechers GO GOLF. Matt Kuchar worked hand-in-hand with the Skechers Performance Division design team to develop his official shoe, the Skechers GO GOLF Pro™. Skechers GO GOLF Pro™ is the most advanced golf shoe from the Skechers Performance Division. It combines a classic design with replaceable spikes and waterproof leather. The comfort traction outsole provides sturdy, turf-gripping performance that keeps you playing your best from the tee to the green. The Skechers GO GOLF Pro™ features waterproof premium leather replaceable Softspikes® and Resalyte® midsole cushioning. The Skechers GO GOLF Pro™ launches in January 2015 and will be available at Skechers retail stores, Skechers.com and select retail partners. The Skechers Performance Division designs an extensive collection of technologically advanced, performance footwear which spans across multiple categories including running, walking, training, trail, and of course, golf. It is our goal to provide you with the best and most innovative shoes in the market today and in the future.

Tour Edge Hot Launch Driver

Tour Edge engineers have worked tirelessly to bring a technological advanced driver to market that is also competitively priced. The new Hot Launch drivers fit both criteria and are headlined by the new adjustable model with a suggested retail of just $199.99. The new titanium Hot Launch driver is adjustable with loft options from 8.5 to 12.0 degrees in 1 degree increments giving players great control in choosing the most efficient loft for optimal distance and accuracy. The head shape is very efficient aerodynamically to promote optimal club head speed for longer drives. The Hot Launch features a 460cc titanium four-piece forged club head. The driver’s deep face design and variable face thickness technology provide maximum power from more contact points on the face. Weight is also an important feature in the Hot Launch driver, including a weight positioned in the rear center of the sole creates a deep center of gravity for an easy launch and greater forgiveness on off-center hits. The internal sole design incorporates additional weight in the heel and toe to maximize stability and performance. Paired with a very light-weight shaft, Graffaloy ProLaunch Blue, the Hot Launch driver is destined to be light and long. The Graffaloy ProLaunch Blue shaft is tip responsive design allows all types of golfers to maximize their distance through improved launch angles. A non-adjustable Draw version is also available. The club head is offset for proven slice-fighting control. The offset hosel allows the face to ‘square up’ at impact for a straighter ball flight. The Hot Launch drivers carry Edge’s lifetime warranty, 30-day play guarantee, suggested retail: Adjustable $199.99; Draw version $149.99. For more information, call (800) 515-3343 or visit www.touredge.com. 46

Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

New Balance 5748

The new 574B is built on the same New Balance last used in the company’s popular 574 lifestyle running shoe and cleated golf shoe. It is designed for golfers looking for a modern classic style with a spikeless outsole. The 574B features a mesh upper with no-sew Fantom Fit technology for ultra-light support and fit, an Ndurance® rubber outsole for maximum durability in high-wear areas, and a REVLite® 10mm drop midsole for lightweight cushioning and premium responsiveness. Golfers will enjoy the same style, comfort, and fit they are accustomed to from New Balance footwear, plus performance technologies designed to help enhance their golf game. The 574B is available in three colorways – White, Grey with Yellow accents and Navy with Orange accents. The suggested retail is $89.95.

The Legend of Joe Golfer

Golf enthusiast, Chris Kalwa believes that recreational players can improve both their score and overall enjoyment of the game by relying on their peers. His new book, “The Legend of Joe Golfer” celebrates the trials and tribulations of the regular golfer. While there are many golfing books written by professionals or celebrities, very few have been authored by the recreational “Joe” golfer. Kalwa believes that a book for the standard golfer, by the standard golfer can contribute to overall satisfaction and knowledge of the game. Unless you play golf for a living, why would you put pressure on yourself to base all of your potential enjoyment and satisfaction on achieving a certain score—before you strike your first tee shot? As a Joe Golfer, are you really beating your playing partner if you score lower than them? Or have you simply been more successful at taming the course on this day than they were? It’s time that a regular player’s golf story is told, warts and all. By sharing humorous and personal golf anecdotes, the weekend golfer’s enjoyment of the game and knowledge level will increase.” The book appeals to golf enthusiasts looking for a good read and to advice to improve their game during the winter months. It offers hands-on tips from real golfing scenarios as well as humorous ‘golf gone wild’ stories. Chris Kalwa is a lifelong educator and a private golf instructor with a passion for inspiring others. He recently founded his own home-based golf business called EZ Joe Golfer. Chris lives in Toronto, Canada and “The Legend of Joe Golfer” is his first book. For more information, please visit: http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Products/SKU000694196/The-Legend-of-Joe-Golfer.aspx

SKIMP

Created by a team of young trendsetters in Lyon, France, SKIMP is a collection of stylish, colorful everyday accessories. With SKIMP, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Cutting-edge, hip, cool and colorful, SKIMP accessories reflect the latest trends and are a must-have for any golfer wishing to indulge artistic inclinations. All items come in a variety of bold stunning colors. SKIMP products are attractive, composed only of recycled plastic, customizable and lightweight. The first item to be introduced was a buckleless SKIMP belt, the result of a misadventure with a standard belt in an airport security line. SKIMP belts, metal free, uni-sex and available in 20 color choices, are an avant-garde fashion statement. The belts are lightweight and Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

adjustable, and come in playful packaging. Next came the SKIMP watch, waterproof and designed for men and women. Available in 16 colors and several styles, the watches feature bracelets and cases made of matte silicone and a black sheen background. With evocative style names, accurate technology and irresistible panache, SKIMP watches keep the time and set the tone. SKIMP bags, attractive and functional, come in a complete range of colors and styles, from toiletry bag to travel bag. Featuring vivid Tarpaulin fabric and cotton handles, SKIMP bags can be mixed and matched with clothing and accessories. To help protect the planet by reducing pollution, SKIMP products are composed of recycled materials and are transported by ship rather than airplane. For more information, see http://www.h4distribution.com/skimp. 47

special events

Bernhard and Jason Langer Win PNC Father/Son Challenge By Two Shots 14-Year-Old Jason Becomes Youngest Son to Win Tournament

World Golf Hall of Fame member Bernhard Langer and his 14-yearold son, Jason, won the PNC Father/ Son Challenge on Sunday at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Grande Lakes. Langer, a two-time Masters winner, and Jason shot 62-59=121 (-23) to win the tournament by two shots over Davis and Davis (Dru) Love IV. Jason is now the youngest son to win the PNC Father/Son Challenge in 17 editions of the event. Jason’s brother Stefan held the record for youngest winner as a 15-year-old champion with Bernhard in 2005. “It was an unbelievable, magical week, just like the whole year,” said Bernhard. “Jason, I’ve been watching him play golf for several years now and he has played better the last two days than he has ever played in his whole life, under this kind of pressure. It’s unbelievable. We thought it was an 48

amazing feat to win when Stefan was 15. He was the youngest winner ever since they played this. Then Jason comes in and he is not just the youngest, but this is the first time he has played in it. Stefan had played a couple before and had kind of got used to the environment and all that. I am so proud of him.” Team Love shot 64-59=123 (-21) for second place, while Vijay and Qass Singh and Curtis and Tom Strange finished tied for third at -20. The Langer’s twoday total of -23 is two shots shy of the tournament record. “I think we both tried a little too hard, we get a little impatient,” said Davis Love III. “When you make a couple pars in a row, like any tournament, you feel like you’re getting behind. We did better today, obviously, than we did yesterday, but we stalled on 7, 8 and 9 both days. We both hit it well enough to win today, but

the short game was just a little off.” Bernhard and Jason jump-started their final round with six birdies and an eagle in their first seven holes. Team Langer made birdies on one and two, an eagle on three, birdies on holes four through seven. They finished up with five more birdies on the back nine, including a birdie on 18 to conclude the round. “Just to be out here, I was hoping for maybe a top-10, even a top-5 if I played really well, but nothing near like this,” Jason said. “I was satisfied with the way I played. I made a few putts today and, as expected, he played really well. Yesterday we were burning a lot of edges. We missed a few short once we wish we’d have gotten back. Today, it was really good. I left them out there the first three holes, but he made up for it and he drained them. Those first three were so key today.” The Langer duo beat a field of 20 teams – including 14 World Golf Hall of Fame members – playing a twoday team scramble format. Langer, who has played in the tournament nine previous times, joins Raymond Floyd and Larry Nelson as the only other players to win the event with two different sons. Langer won with his son Stefan in 2005 and 2006. Defending champions Stewart and Connor Cink tied for eighth, while 18-time major winner Jack Nicklaus and his son, Jack II, tied for 15th. “We had a lot of [birdie] opportunities, for sure,” said Jack Nicklaus. “We didn’t make much all week. When you are finishing where we did, you don’t make many putts. You make a lot of putts, you finish up. Any time I play, I want to be competitive and we just weren’t very competitive. I particularly, Jackie didn’t play too bad. Jackie played reasonable well.” The PNC Father/Son Challenge, held for 15 years from 1995-2008, made a return in 2012 with new title sponsor, The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. To qualify for the PNC Father/Son Challenge, participants must have won either a major championship or THE PLAYERS in their career. The professional’s partner must not currently hold a Tour card, and while the majority of partners in the history of the event have been the sons of the golf legends, the family-themed tournament has seen daughters and grandsons participate over the years. The PNC Father/Son Challenge is operated in partnership by IMG and NBC Sports. Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

By Mike May

duffer header dan

PGA of America Transforms PGA Country Club into ‘St. Lucie Trail Golf Club’ Formerly Private Club Opens Its Doors to the Community

If you are traveling to south Florida to play golf at some of its many great courses, you should take a detour to St. Lucie County. Why? Because it’s the beginning of a new era in golf in St. Lucie County, specifically at the St. Lucie Trail Golf Club (formerly the PGA Country Club) in Port St. Lucie – located one mile east of I-95 at exit 121. On November 1, the St. Lucie Trail Golf Club – owned and operated by the PGA of America -- opened its doors to the general public, aka the community. The days of this fine layout (www. pgavillage.com) being a private course are in the past. And, after more than 18 months of work on this course, it is looking and playing the way it was originally designed by Jim Fazio in 1988. The revamping of the course was 50

directed by golf course superintendent Dick Gray, a protégé of Pete Dye. “The PGA of America is extremely proud to unveil St. Lucie Trail Golf Club, as golfers from the local community and surrounding counties can now enjoy unparalleled public access to this beautiful course,” said Jimmy Terry, PGA general manager for St. Lucie Trail Golf Club. “In addition, the course will serve as a national testing ground for player development programs originated by the PGA of America, in order to further grow the game, both here in St. Lucie County and across the country.” One of the main reasons why the St. Lucie Trail GC has been rejuvenated is because of the infusion of the right people at the right time. And, the attitude at the St. Lucie Trail GC has been

upgraded, too. Now, this club is focused on serving the local community. Transforming this course to a public access facility was “the right thing to do” according to Terry, who has worked at TPC San Antonio and TPC Harding Park. “We now offer quality golf at a value,” notes Terry. “We want to be the good neighbor in the community. The key point in our strategy is to focus on the local community.” Terry and his ‘team’ at the St. Lucie Trail GC are convinced that they will re-build this club’s ‘brand,’ simply from people playing at this course. Terry knows that once golfers try it, they will like it. And, based on word of mouth, golfers from other communities will show up at Terry’s new ‘doorstep,’ too. Besides having Terry as the Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

leader of the ‘team’ at St. Lucie Trail GC, the addition of Gray was a key part of the revival of this course. Terry and Gray are an interesting team. Terry is a tall Texan, while Gray, always seen wearing a straw cowboy hat, comes from Indiana. Go figure. IEven though they have never worked together, their talents are a perfect complement. And, the current quality of the St. Lucie Trail GC is a reflection of their partnership – with quality workmanship being the only acceptable outcome. Who benefits from this partnership? The community! The St. Lucie Trail GC is “a traditional Florida golf course,” says Terry. It has the right mix of trees, sand, water and wind. Now, there’s a natural flow to this course when you play it. “There is a rhythm that you feel when you play the St. Lucie Trail Golf Club,” says Gray. “Every hole tends to complement the next one.” Overall, the greens are not big and if you miss the putting surfaces with your approach shots, there’s a great opportunity to get ‘up & down.’ The greens are fair and true so any well-struck putt should be rewarded If you don’t like golf carts, this is an enjoyable course to walk.

In addition to having a first-class layout and driving range, the St. Lucie Trail GC is now the home for the Player Development program called FootGolf, which combines both soccer and golf. “It’s a unique, innovative way to expose our facility to families and children, but also some nongolfers who have never even been on a course before,” says Terry. And, as a bonus, the St. Lucie Trail GC is less than a five-minute drive from another golfing ‘jewel’ – the PGA Village, which includes the Ryder, Wanamaker, and Dye courses, all open to the public.

And, there’s the PGA Museum of Golf, where golf’s major championship trophies are on permanent display. As promised, the price tag to play golf at the St. Lucie Trail GC is quite reasonable. Rounds will range from $49 in the summer to $89 during the winter season. When you call (772-340-1911) for your tee time at the St. Lucie Trail GC (951 SW Country Club Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL), tell the pro shop that you are from the community. If so, you’ll be treated well. Don’t be surprised if Terry rolls out the red carpet for you. It’s what every good neighbor would do, right?

Leave the Hustle and Bustle for Old Florida Charm Highlands County Boasts 17 Scenic Courses

1-800-545-6021 Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

www.VisitHighlandsCounty.com 51

georgia golf central

By Bob Bolton

Tucked quietly next to Savannah, Georgia is one of Pete Dye’s most interesting golf courses nestled within a private sporting community of elegant homes, and incredible natural beauty. The Ford Plantation consists of 1,800 acres along the Ogeechee River and includes an 18-hole Pete Dye designed golf course, which recently underwent a multi-million dollar restoration. The Club features 400 singlefamily homesites surrounded by wooded parklands and scenic vistas. The community is elegant, but comfortable. The members/residents that I had the pleasure of meeting were from all over the United States and beyond. During my visit I was blessed to be a guest of the Druten’s. Their guest house was very quaint, with a rustic “at home” appeal. During our visit we were treated to the best in southern hospitality. Upon arrival we enjoyed a very nice lunch in the clubhouse. As we walked up the stairs of the clubhouse I thought I heard Rhett say, “Frankly Scarlett, I don’t give a damn”. The food was authentic southern cuisine and the service excellent. After lunch we enjoyed a river cruise with on-staff naturalist Mike Womble. Can you imagine watching the sun set over the dancing reeds of the marsh, while sipping on champagne? We 52

did better than imagine, we basked in it. During the cruise we were given a historic tutorial on The Ford Plantation, the original owner – Henry Ford’s exploits and the changes that have enhanced the property over the years. As we came back in to the dock we were treated to a bald eagle sighting. The way they flew over the boat we didn’t know if they were showing off for the cameras, or simply enjoying the view they must have from above. As if our day wasn’t good enough, the evening got even better. Our hosts treated us to an Oyster Roast, complete with our own “shuckers”, buckets upon buckets of oysters, and all the fixin’s you can imagine. A small band played, while we enjoyed the cool fall evening next to the fire.

The evening came complete with roasting marshmallows over the fire. Just imagine this was just day one! After a very comfortable night’s rest in our guest house, we enjoyed a southern breakfast, complete with grits, biscuits and gravy…everything you need to totally clog your arteries. But who’s counting calories when you are on a weekend get-away? Our morning tee time was a bit chilly, but as the day unfolded the temperatures rose and the course blossomed in front of us. The golf course’s 18 holes are really two very distinct 9 hole lay-outs. On one hand you have a view of the marsh, a more open vista, the other, surrounded by woodlands. Tim Liddy, the architect which brought Mr. Dye’s redesign to life, did an excellent job of enhancing the original course, and creating an opportunity for players of all skill levels to enjoy their round. We couldn’t have enjoyed our play & stay at The Ford Plantation any more than we did. The hospitality of the staff, the excellent cuisine and the amenities of the Club were what you would expect from a well-defined southern club. If you are interested in more information about The Ford Plantation, please visit www.fordplantation.com, or call Nick Cassala, the CEO/GM at 912-756-5684. Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

Fore!

Great Georgia Golf Destinations

Brasstownvalley.com 1.800.201.3205

georgetbagbylodge.com 1.877.591.5575

littleocmulgeelodge.com 1.877.591.5572

LAKEBLACKSHEARRESORT.COM 1.877.591.5572

By Mike May

georgia golf central

LAKEMONT A True Treat & Treasure One of the many great aspects of playing golf at the Stone Mountain Golf Club (Stone Mountain, GA) – located just east of Atlanta – is the customer service you receive, before you pull out of your driveway and head for the golf course. At least two or three days in advance of your tee time, the pro shop will send you two different emails. The first one will remind you of your tee time and the actual date, just in case it slipped your mind! In that email, it informs you of the golf club’s policies on cart use, rain checks, cancellations, and if there’s a frost delay, which is normally not an issue, but it can be during some winter mornings. The second email will give you directions to the course from all parts of the greater Atlanta area. Since everybody doesn’t have a Garmin in the car or access to a smartphone, it’s nice to get written directions to your final destination! The Stone Mountain Golf Club is located inside the Stone Mountain

State Park and it costs $10 per car to enter the park. To help defray that cost, the pro shop will give you $5 credit on your greens fee when you present the paid ‘ticket’ inside the pro shop. That ‘Southern Hospitality’ is much appreciated, as every dollar counts these days! Another appealing aspect of golf at Stone Mountain is that there are two 18-hole courses on site: Stonemont and Lakemont. As the advertisement says, the Stone Mountain Golf Club is: “One Lake. One Mountain. Two Incredible Courses.” Stonemont is the only Robert

Trent Jones, Sr. championship golf course in the state of Georgia. Lakemont was designed by Georgia native John Lafoy. Both are worth playing on your next trip to Atlanta. And, if you get an early enough tee time, you can play both courses on the same day. I have had the privilege of playing Lakemont. As the name indicates, water hazards are a common feature at this layout. Of the first 13 holes, water is present on eight of them. The course is not heavily bunkered, but its biggest defense mechanisms are the tree-lined fairways. There are countless Georgia pines that line the fairways, but that shouldn’t concern the average golfer because the old saying in golf is that ‘trees are 90% air!’ And, some part of Stone Mountain is visible from nearly any part of the course. Before you hit your tee shot at Lakemont’s #1, make sure you are warmed up because the opening shot on this double-dogleg par five is somewhat

Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

demanding. It’s completely over water. Consider giving and receiving a mulligan at the first! Once you reach Lakemont’s 1st green, the view is stunning. The putting surface is adjacent to the lake and the famous Stone Mountain Memorial Carving (featuring the head shots of three Confederate Civil War Heroes – General Robert E. Lee, General Thomas J. ‘Stonewall’ Jackson, and former President Jefferson Davis) is clearly visible in the distance. You can also see the cable cars that move tourists up and down Stone Mountain. If your timing is right, you’ll hear the music generated by the Carillon, the 732-bell ‘musical machine,’ which sits across the lake and was a gift to the park from Coca Cola following the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City. Holy cow, all that on the first hole! The 2nd hole is an attractive downhill par three where you can chip & run for an ‘up & down’ par, if you are short with your tee shot. Number three has a stunning backdrop of the lake behind the green and another memorable view of Stone Mountain. The 5th is a short, left-to-right dogleg par four which only measures 350 yards from the tips. While on the 5th tee, you can see the lake in the distance. As you wind your way to the green, aim to the right of the three

Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

sand traps which sit between the water and the left edge of the green. The 6th tests your guts as you seek glory. As you get closer to the putting surface of this lengthy par three, the entrance to the green will get narrow. Beware of the lake as it runs along the left side of the sixth hole. A par at the 6th is a PGA Tourquality effort. The journey on the golf cart from the 9th green to the 10th tee is like a trip through a national forest. For the majority of this commute to the back nine, it’s a scenic excursion through the woods. Get your camera ready as you might see a deer in the distance. The back nine is just as intriguing. The 11th is a short, dogleg par four where the second shot is struck over an abandoned rock quarry. At the par three 13th, you must carry a ravine with your tee shot. That is a terrible time to hit it ‘fat’ off the tee. The 14th is somewhat special because there is no water or sand. That, in itself, is worth noting. On the final four holes at Lakemont, the occasional sand trap and the nearby woods represent the biggest hazards on the tail end of your journey through the inward nine. In fact, you won’t see water again the 19th Hole, otherwise known as The Commons. The final three holes – a par three, a par four, and a par five – at Lakemont

are ones that you can birdie. The 16th is ranked as the third easiest hole on the course, the 17th is listed as the easiest hole at Lakemont, and the 18th is a straight-away par five which rewards the player who can hit it straight off the tee. Since the tips (blue tees) measure less than 6,500 yards and a shade more than 6,000 yards from the white tees, Lakemont is designed to allow the low handicapper and the high handicapper to feel equally challenged on the same day while in the same group. Finally, one of the awesome aspects of playing golf at the Stone Mountain Golf Club is that it’s close enough to the city of Atlanta to make the course easily accessible to hundreds of thousands of area residents and visitors, but far enough away that you cannot see the city’s skyscrapers or hear the commotion of big-city traffic. It’s a golfing ‘cocoon.’ You just feel the breeze as it sways through those big Georgia pines! Are you ready for your trip to the Stone Mountain Golf Club? To book your ‘date’ with the first tee, check out the course’s website (www.stonemountaingolf.com) or call to make a reservation – 770-465-3278. And, don’t forget your paid parking ‘ticket’ for the $5 discount in the pro shop.

When The Sun Rises in Tennessee, We Play Golf

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Jacobs Chiropractic Helps Patients Optimize Their Health Your Knoxville and Farragut Chiropractor Discover what thousands of patients already have: Jacobs Chiropractic has the expertise to help you attain – and maintain – your optimum health and wellness. Whether you have neck or back pain or suffer from chronic or acute health conditions, Knoxville Chiropractor, Dr. Chad Jacobs of Jacobs Chiropractic would like to help!

A Different Approach for Knoxville & Farragut Chiropractor in Knoxville, Dr. Chad Jacobs explains, “We are one of very few Tennessee chiropractors to offer the Clinical Biomechanics of Posture® (CBP) technique, which improves spinal alignment and posture to alleviate painful conditions and provide a route to lasting health and wellness.” For a more detailed understanding of biophysics please visit idealspine.com.

Structural Rehab This structural rehab returns your spine to its normal alignment, creating permanent solutions to postural issues that contribute to many health related conditions. If you’ve been to see other Knoxville chiropractors or tried other forms of treatment without success, give us a call to schedule your first appointment and see how Jacobs Chiropractic may be able to help you!

Dr. Chad C. Jacobs | Knoxville Chiropractor | 130 Mabry Hood Rd, Suite 106, Knoxville TN 37922 Phone: (865) 566-0325

By Glenn Makin

year in review

2014 Year-in-Review

Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship There is one thing for certain, every year the golf tournaments in East Tennessee bring us a host of winners with 36 recognized local events

number of golfers in our area. The other 97% love golf but play for fun, relaxation and with business associates. There is no doubt that competitive golf brings with it a level of intensity and nerve disrupting challenges many would rather avoid. Its a different level of “the game.” It brings a new dimension to advancing the ball toward the hole and completing a hole in the fewest amount of strokes possible. As you read of the champions of the competitive tournaments we must also remember that each event has several flights of challengers who may be less skilled but fight the same emotions and nerves to gain a win in their respective flights. And that my friends is what makes amateur tournaments very important in the grand scheme of golf. Anyone with a notion to bring their game to the competitive level has a position to compete for and be just as proud of their accomplishment

Bryan Rodgers Willow Creek Invt Senior Champion

as the championship flight golfers.

careers but lace up their golf shoes on

Hats off and three cheers to the

the weekends to become what I have

college athletes from the golf commu-

termed, professional-amateurs at golf.

nity who gave up professional aspira-

2014 started off with two such

tions to become professionals in other

men, Lucas Tabor and Boddie Bible,

Hayden Anderson Willow Creek Invt Champion with Head Pro Scott Perkins

and a dozen or so state events. Some long running successes by individuals, duo's and trio's and fresh young winners ready to take the spotlight and compete for the many titles. The total number of tournaments including club tournaments and charitable fund raising events reaches a level of 600+ each year. To cover all of them would be impossible with the limited space in the magazine but we salute all the winners of each tournament. The competitors who grind away at each of our recognized tournaments number a few thousand golfers in all. That would be about 3% of the total

58 58

Lee Whitehead & Bryce Kendrick Champions of the Patriot Hills 2-Man Scottish Lowball, River Islands 2-Man Scramble, Oscar's 2-Man Scramble.

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

to capture the Lakeside Invitational. A tournament started 30 years-ago by Paul “Demis” Morton, a legend of local golf who has helped develop the careers of many area amateurs and professionals. Its seems that every year there is at least one tournament that stands above the rest with a competitor breaking new ground and raising the bar and this year the exciting record breaking tournament was the Knox County Amateur held at Three Ridges GC. Brad Hawkins, a former Walter State player raised his level of play and moved to Tusculum to finish his last two years under the guidance of Coach Bob Dibble. Before his first class at Tusculum, Hawkins stamped his name in golf history books by playing the NGA Tour at Three Ridges the week

Brad Hawkins Knox County Champion with Mark Brown PGA General Manager.

prior to the County and finishing the

2014 Champion Conner Froning with Defending Champion Matt King

professional tour event in the Top 10

Knox County tournaments. Daddy

and the top amateur. Hawkins carried

Dan was the winner in the late 90's of

the momentum of his strong finish

the Dead Horse Lake Knox County.

an insurance man and teacher who

and raised his game another notch by

While the Knox County was filled

play at the amateur level with pro-

winning the Knox County Amateur in

with a record number of players, the

fessional golf skills. The Baneberry

record form, 11-under par and a 9-shot

Dandridge 3-Man event was also

G&R 2-Man and River Islands

advantage over the field. In addition

filled and the father/son team of

2-man scrambles were dominated

he made another note in County his-

Mike & Russell Seal was joined by

by the duo with a follow-up in the

tory by joining his father Dan Hawkins

Don McCloy to capture the title.

Patriot Hills 2-man and a shared

as the only father/son winners of

The traditional and longest running

title with Mark Ostby & Eric Miller. The early April 3-man at Millstone GC featured a win by another group of former college players Scott McGaha (Tennessee Tech), Eric Kennedy (Lincoln Memorial University) and Jay Wise (Walter State). In early May the first state points event occurred with Hardin Valley Academy standout Wes Gosselin and now college golfer at UT-Chattanooga garnered the Holston Hills CC Invitational trophy. On a weekend in mid-May that featured three different tournaments, Austin Kramer, former Halls High School golf leader and now playing at Austin-Peay University, came back home to capture his first Beaver Brook CC Invitational in a play-off with a chip-in eagle on the second hole, #9 with a host of on-lookers from the clubhouse. Jonathan Armes of Wartburg held off former Champion John Thomas

FloridaGolf GolfCentral Central• Volume • Volume15, 15,Issue Issue7 7 Florida

Tyler Lane Green Meadow Invt and Greater Knoxville Amateur Champion with Scott Wilson Green Meadow PGA Head Pro

golfstayandplaytennessee.com

year in review

Jamie Chapman & Eric Kennedy Knox County 2-Man Champions

Michael Holt & Denise Jones Patriot Hills Guys & Dolls Champions

tournament in Knoxville is the City

competitors in golf, Mark Franklin &

is a graduate of East Tennessee State

Championship held Fathers Day week

Michael Holt. Whitehead & Kendrick

but didn't play on the golf team. He

at Whittle Springs GC. In its 88 year

went on to win the River Islands 2-Man

teamed with Tommy Miller to win the

history, the names of who's who in

and Oscar's 2-man at Morristown

Mimosa Hills FourBall. Finished 6th

area golf have had their names en-

Golf & Country Club. The Whitehead

in the Chanticleer National FourBall

graved on the trophy of tournament

& Kendrick duo are both stand-outs

with Tory Davis, qualified and played

many have coined as “The Grind.” It's

on the Tennessee Tech Golf Team

in the USGA Mid-Am Tournament.

four-days of grueling competition

and in 2013 they finished as runner-

Largent was recently named Tri-

with no room for error as scores can

ups in the State FourBall against

Cities Amateur Player-of-the-Year.

go low every day and no room for the

another Tennessee Tech team.

The Willow Creek Invitational

leader to relax.

Lawrence Largent, Jr of Kingsport

was won by Hayden Anderson, re-

a 6-shot lead in to the final day but

Brad Hawkins carried

and member of the Blackthorn

cent graduate of Georgia Southern

his record run in the County and first

CC, had a great run this year start-

University. Anderson, a lifelong golfer

three rounds of the City would come

ing with a win in the Link Hills CC

of Willow Creek had no less than six

to an end as he relinquished his lead

Invitational in Greeneville. Largent

top five finishes and two runner-ups

to another of Knoxville s rising stars. Conner Froning of Halls and Lincoln Memorial University refused to lose, posting a 7-under 63 round and winning by two-shots. Froning had played bridesmaid in a dozen major events in his junior career but this was to be his shining moment and a major confidence builder for his college golf career. Froning later in the year posted a collegiate win at Sevierville GC with a record setting 63 round on the River Course. We can be assured that 63 is Connors lucky number. In what was to become the first of three wins for the Lee Whitehead & Bryce Kendrick duo as the Patriot Hills Scottish Lowball was won in a play-off against two of the toughest 60

Grady Daniel & Jimmy Moore Dandridge 2-Man Senior Champions

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

in the Willow Creek before finally

Golliher playing in the British Senior.

breaking through with a proud win.

And lets not forget Braxton Hunter

He works days on the maintenance

& Jake Reeves, Casey Flenniken with

crew at Fox Den CC in Farragut.

their wins. Apologies to those not

Tyler Lane, a Tusculum graduate

receiving accolades for their wins.

and teacher at Bearden High School,

Each year for 16 years the Golf News,

continued his winning ways by captur-

now Golf Central, has offered awards

ing titles in both the Green Meadow CC

for the Best of the Best. This year there

invitational and the Greater Knoxville

will be no official awards. We stand by

Amateur. Tyler and his wife Katie were

former winners and but will always

blessed with a daughter Maggie Lane

recognize the Player of the Century,

in late July which far exceeded the

Donnie Varner with Championship

importance of his tournament wins.

Titles spanning four decades, or the

Congratulations to the Lanes and wise

Player of the Quarter Century, Jeff

decision naming their daughter after

Golliher or the Player of the Decade,

the famous street at Augusta National.

Eric Rose. These three men have set

The dynamic Clinchview GC

a standard of Honesty, Integrity and

duo of Rafael Jackson & Will

Sportsmanship that must be main-

Jarnigan challenged the field in the

tained by future amateur champions.

Clinchview 2-Man Scramble and

This year I will leave it to the reader/

kept the title at home this year.

golfer to look through the list of

David McCulloch & Ryan Greer

winners and pick your own cham-

joined forces to run-away with the

pion Player of the Year. Here's to

Lakeside FourBall this year while

2015 and another great season of golf.

Sasha Catron & Luke Fullen Nolichucky View 9-9-9-9 Champions

Jamie Chapman & Eric Kennedy were winner in the rain-shortened Knox County 2-Man Championship. If there was ever a team that dominated an event it would by Grady Daniel & Jimmy Moore. They have captured the Dandridge 2-Man Senior multiple times and two of the toughest seniors in East Tennessee in open or senior divisions. As I began this walk-back review of the 2014 season, you were warned that it is impossible to cover them all. We have missed many notable wins but can't forget the PGA professionals. Walt Chapman playing in the PGA Senior Tour Championship, Kelvin Burgan and Richard Rebne and their countless State PGA wins. Three legends at an early age with many more playing years ahead. Or, Steve

Florida Golf Central â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 15, Issue 7

Dakota Norton & Nick York Sevierville 2-Man Champions

golfstayandplaytennessee.com

By Lisa "Mickie" Clark

golf travel

Brasstown Valley

a great place for a relaxing family getaway

I recently visited Young Harris, Ga., for the first time as a guest of Scott Rye of Lakewood Land Company. Scott has the reputation of being one of the best land sellers in the business from the standpoint of both buyers and the people who work for him. Much of the land he has developed and sold over the past decade has been near the beautiful mountains and lakes of Northern Georgia. So, he invited his sales team, their spouses and others who have worked for him this year to stay, celebrate and play golf at the beautiful Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa. We arrived on a Friday in December to begin golfing at noon. It was a very mild day, given the time of year, and the course was in excellent shape. The first hole is a par 4 with an elevated tee. Your shot must carry over a natural area and, hopefully, find the right side of the fairway if you are to have a good shot onto the elevated green. The second hole, another par 4, has less change in elevation, but still has a natural area to carry. You will want to land on the left side to avoid several bunkers on the right. The course was designed by

Denis Griffiths and features five sets of tees to suit golfers of varying skill. Starting with No. 3, water comes into play on 10 holes and the large greens are a pleasure to putt. It is a "Scottish Linksstyle course" with plenty of bunkers. I found the par 5, dogleg No. 15 to be

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one of the most scenic anywhere, with a pond to the right afloat with ducks. "A lot of people talk about that hole," said Steve Phelps, who has been the PGA professional at Brasstown Valley for eight years. "The hole wraps around the pond and ends up by the spa."

Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

either in the lodge or rustic cabins, and activities to please the whole family. There are over 9 miles of trails right on the resort. Fishing with equipment is complimentary. The stables offer riding options for various ages and skill levels. Equani Spa features a full-service spa with an emphasis on Cherokee Indian tradition and includes complimentary steam room, sauna, indoor and outdoor pools. Dining options include Brassies Griff and The Dining Room. Play a top-rated course, have an excellent meal and relax in the steam room or by the huge fireplace. It's well worth the trip and I hope to return.

Given its proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, area lakes and wildlife, those who love nature and are concerned for the environment can really appreciate that Brasstown Valley is eco-friendly. Their website reports they have only used a small portion of the 210 acres for the golf course, leaving plenty of wooded and natural areas. According to Lakewood's top salesperson, John Maples, "With the mountain background, this is one of the prettiest courses in the North Georgia area and every visit is truly special." He should know about mountain views, as he has sold home sites on the mountains surrounding this course and all over northern Georgia. Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa is located about 2 hours from Atlanta and a little over 2 hours from Knoxville. They offer comfortable accommodations,

Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

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no fakin'

Makin’ The Rounds with No-Fakin’ No-Fakin' says: Part of the fun of winter golf is stealing a day or two here and there from Old Man Winter and playing golf without three layers, a cover and heater. That's the challenge, gambling the weather pattern brings some days in the 50's without rain. This season we have been really lucky as the record breaking deep freeze from last year has not come back around. I can't speak for the golfers in Florida as they don't have trouble with weather conditions. You ask, “what No-Fakin? its

where the sod was turned over by some rude SOB and left to rebuild itself. There I go showin' my feelins' for some “oblivious to course conditions” fellow-golfers. I've tried my best over the past few years to be a kinder gentler No-Fakin' but its just one of those things about golfers that make me sic! If you dug the hole at least turn the sod back over. Its understood if there are no sand bottles on your cart but its the least you can do. Remember that etiquette saying about “leave the course as you found it?” Well, what part of that

The Cavalaris Christmas Carol'ers spreading the Christmas Spirit at Bailey's Sports Bar Matt Webster, Jim Pemberton, Bob Floshknocker, Chucky C, Ryder Preston gets cold in Florida too.” Really? We feel so sorry for you dang snowbirds and locales when the temps dip to 60 in the morning. Gosh, you might have to wear a cover-up to break the chill we refer too as a heat-blast. Its all good as we appreciate the warm weather and the color green coming back in the Spring. We love our money colored green year-round but our second best love is the color of grass. When we play and use the Winter Rules of golf, we actually have Winter. Ball in hand does give us relief from divot holes that just don't fill back in until grasses grow again. Don't ever accuse us of not playing real golf until you have found your ball in a hole 66

unwritten rule are you strugglin' with? And once again I'll remind those of you whom love to bring new players to the game... Please help them out by playin' a scramble until they have some concept of a swing and contact with the ball. There is nothing more frustratin' than trying somethin' new and just not catchin' the concept like friends who brought you to the course. Give them a break, yourself a break and the players behind you a break. Move the game along. Thanks.

Makin' says: You tell 'em No-Fakin' but as usual I have a more common sense politically correct way of sayin' things.

golfnews4friends.net

By Glenn Makin Publisher

Okay, maybe not, but there is somethin' else I want to write about. Making my way around the area courses I was very pleased to learn that one of the head professionals found another career and wish Casey Van De Griff well in his new venture. Jimmy “The Hawk” Hawkins has been named the new Head Pro and looking forward to working with The Hawk at Beaver Brook Country Club. He will carry-on the tradition of the Beaver Brook Invitational in May and with 20 years experience working about every position at a golf course, he will do an awesome job. Also found Glenn Allen Hudson has returned from a year in Indiana to become the Head Professional at Kahiti Country Club of the Tellico Village community. The first time I met Glenn, back in the 90's he was working at the Greens at Deerfield with Bill Rendall. I remember at the time, Glenn was the longest player I'd ever witnessed. Booming drives that disappeared. Nowa-days that's pretty common with younger players, but he was the first. Also took a look at Dead Horse Lake and some of the changes made at the course. With the new champion Bermuda greens and some re-routing of holes I believe golfers will find the course to their liking. Also looking forward to working with Alex Parker on an article and pictorial in an upcoming issue. Always loved the Knox County Amateur when played at Dead Horse Lake and fortunately haven't lost touch with many of the golfers from the course as they travel to many of the area tournaments throughout the year. And last but not least, a Christmas lunch with the Cavalaris Christmas Carolers at Bailey's Sports Bar. Singing Christmas songs at the expense of Chuck Cavalaris. Looking forward to meeting new personnel at any of the courses I visit throughout the Winter season. Thanks for reading and stay informed by checking golfnews4friends.net daily for updates and schedules for the 2015 season.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

More than 85 Years of Tradition 18 hole championship golf course full service restaurant & lounge junior olympic size swimming pool 6 lighted tennis courts banquet facilities

Quarter Mile Strings Making your Wedding, Reception Luncheon or Party Memorable

Hannah Irwin Violin

Karley Makin Cello

Taylor Ford Violin

865.556.4653 For Booking

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urnament news tournament news tournament news tournament news tourn

Golf Central Winter Tour Schedule Dates Course Location Tour Name Oct 18

Royal Oaks GC

Maryville

Winter Tour 2-Man Scottish Lowball

Oct 25

Sevierville GC

Sevierville

Speical Event* with 2-Man Scramble

Nov 1-2

The Country Club Morristown

Special Event* with 2-Man Scramble

Nov 8

Dandridge GC

Dandridge

Winter Tour 2-Man

Nov 15

Three Ridges

Knoxville

Winter Tour 2-Man

Nov 22

Oscar's

Morristown

Winter Tour 2-Man

Nov 29

Nolichucky View Greeneville

Winter Tour 2-Man

Dec 6

Sevierville GC

Winter Tour 2-Man Highlands Course

Sevierville

Dec 13-14 Crossville Road Trip Crossville 13th- Dorchester GC 14th- Bear Trace GC Dec 20

Patriot Hills GC

Jefferson City Winter Tour 2-Man

Dec 27

Three Ridges GC Knoxville

Winter Tour 2-Man

Jan 3

Royal Oaks GC

Maryville

Winter Tour 2-Man

Jan 10

Dandridge GC

Dandridge

Winter Tour 2-Man

Jan 17

River Islands GC Kodak

Winter Tour 2-Man

Jan 24

Willow Creek GC Knoxville

Winter Tour 2-Man

Jan 31

Nolichucky View Greeneville

Special Event* Snowball 2-Man Scramble

Feb 7

River Islands GC Kodak

Winter Tour 2-Man

Feb 14

Oscars

Morristown

Winter Tour 2-Man

Feb 21

Sevierville GC

Sevierville

Winter Tour 2-Man River Course

Feb 28

Patriot Hills GC

Jefferson City Winter Tour 2-Man

Mar 7

Nolichucky View Greeneville

Winter Tour 2-Man

Mar 14

Millstone GC

Morristown

Winter Tour 2-Man

Mar 21

Dandridge GC

Dandridge

Winter Tour Championship

Special Events are a separate side-pot from the host tournament. Paid separately Rooms & Times for Crossville Road are TBA, watch for announcement. Membership fee is $10 for the season

Morristown Golf And Country Club 1180 Valley Home Rd Morristown, TN 37813 423.586.9953

Well maintained “Best 9-Hole Course”  Come join us for the Oscar’s 2-Man Scramble August 16-17  Home of the 1:00pm Daily Game  Call to reserve the course for your next fundraising event  Host course for 3 events on the Tennessee Golf Central golfnews4friends.net Winter Tour

Some winners of past tournaments

All members receive a goody bag with Golf Central Cover-up and accessories. Contact Glenn Makin, Tour Coordinator, 865-556-4653 for details Blake Foote hole-in-one at Oscar's #6 par 3

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

We have completed 7 weeks of the Golf Central Winter Tour and have fared very well with weather conditions generally in high 40's to mid 50's. The big story of week 3 at Morristown Golf & Country Club was the “Ace” by Blake Foote. It was his first hole-in-one and came on the tricky #5 hole that leaves no room for error with a tiered green that slopes to the front. Week 4 was held at Nolichucky View Golf Club and Shannon Shelton had the course in premium conditions. The views of the Mountains are always breathtaking and with the snow capped tops it was exceptionally beautiful. Being in the Valley we were blessed with temperatures in the 50's. Week 5 we moved to the Sevierville Golf Club and played the Highlands Course. The forecast was for temps in the 50's but it never got out of the 40's and we had a stiff breeze throughout the round. There is always a “Wow” factor as the Smoky Mountains, once again the view with snow caps made us glad

Bill Sennett we were in the Valley. Mark Wallace, Director of Golf and Ashley McGaha the Head Professional made us feel welcomed. Thanks to Harold for getting us started right after the frost cleared. Unfortunately the trip to Crossville was canceled due to lack of participation but it was very cold and rainy for the week. Week 6 the tour stopped at Patriot Hills and a good field witnessed some warm weather in the high 50's with the Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

Nolichucky View #6 course in excellent condition for the season. Gary Franklin and his staff are always making sure the golfing customers are well taken care of. Week 7 we returned to Three Ridges on a beautiful Saturday after Christmas with warm temperatures filling up the course. In addition to our largest turn-out of the tour season, Mark Brown and his staff checkedin another 60 golfers to fill the course. Its the kind of day a golf manager loves in the Winter as over 80 players came out to play on one of the shortest sunlight days of the season. We were told apparel was also selling well and yearly passes were being sold. As we continue the Winter Tour we find Charlie Martin & Chris Dearing in the lead with Glenn Makin & Jim Brown a distant second place. There's Michael Holt lots of Winter Tour

season to be played as the other teams jockey for position and meet the qualifications for the championship tournament at seasons-end.

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ournament news tournament news tournament news tournament news tourna

The Golf Central Winter Tour 2-Man Gross & Net Matches For a Full Season of Competition

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Tennessee Section

Tennessee Section PGA Tentative 2015 Tournament Schedule

Pro-Pro-Pro Scramble Championship – April 13 - Fairvue Plantation Club Car Pro-Official Championship – April 20 – Golf Club of Tennessee Yamaha Pro-Assistant Championship – April 27 – Chattanooga Golf & CC Electronic Merchant Systems Millstone Pro-Am – May 4-5 – Millstone Golf Course TN Senior State Open presented by The City of Crossville – May 11-12 – Stonehenge GC TN State Open – May 19-21 – Fairvue Plantation FedEx St. Jude Pre-Q - Nashville – June 2 – Hermitage Presidents Reserve FedEx St. Jude Pre-Q - Memphis – June 5 – Windyke CC FedEx St. Jude Open Q – June 7 – Windyke CC Ira Templeton – June 15-16 – Creeks Bend GC Firehawk Scratch Pro-Am – June 22-23 – Oak Ridge CC PGA Junior – June 29-30 – Temple Hills CC Honors/Council Fire Pro-Am – July 6-7 Capital City presented by Dollar General – July 13-14– McCabe Golf Course City of Crossville Team Championship – July 20-21 – Lake Tansi Golf Club National Car Rental Harold Eller Pro-Am – July 27-28 – Old Hickory CC Assistants Championship – August 3-4 – Bear Trace at Harrison Bay Tennessee Professional Championship – August 10-12 – Vanderbilt Legends Club-North Knoxville News Sentinel Open Q – August 17 – Willow Creek / Three Ridges Senior Section Championship – August 24-25 –Brentwood CC Yamaha Players Championship – August 31 – September 1 – Foxland Harbor Golf & CC The Classic – September 14-15 – Spring Creek Ranch Yamaha Assistant Match Play Championship (Final 4) – September 21 – Old Hickory CC TN vs. GA Assistant Cup Matches – October 5-6 - TBD E-Z-GO Pro-Pro Championship – October 12-13 – Lookout Mountain Tennessee Challenge Cup Matches – October 16-18 – Stonehenge GC PING Rewards – October 23 – Little Course Yamaha Pro-Super Championship – Tuesday, October 27 – Hermitage Golf Course – Generals National Car Rental Las Vegas Pro-Am– November 8-12 – TBD Congratulations to the 2014 Tennessee Section PGA Knox Chapter Award Recipients From L to R: Britton Spann – Richard Eller Growth of the Game Jake Reeves – Teacher of the Year George Hall – Youth Development Award Jim West – Golf Professional of the Year Scott Moran – Horton Smith Award Casey Flenniken – Assistant Professional of the Year Jerry Williams – Bill Straughsbaugh Award Don Jones – Merchandiser of the Year, Private Warren Huddleston – Merchandiser of the year, Public/Resort

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

By Chuck Cavalaris

ask chuck

New Year Opens the Door to Some Weighty Issues Dear Chuck: I discovered something new

** I want to take at least one more great beach trip to a golfing destination in 2015. This should be much easier to accomplish than losing 20 pounds – and keeping it off!

during the holidays. I'm allergic to red velvet cake. It makes me break out in fat. –

John Garrison, Knoxville, TN

Go ahead and laugh ... the scales are saying the joke could be on me. Standing 6-foot-6 and skinny as a 2-iron for many years, I now weigh 262 pounds. OK, it is actually 262 and one half pounds. Like it or not, it's no longer entirely accurate to blame the clothes dryer for shrinking my golf shirts. There's also very little chance that I will suddenly become an NFL tight end. Hence a golfing New Year's resolution. Although it's nice to have gained about 10 yards on my drives, the weight needs to go down. The goal is to lose 20 pounds by the time the Masters rolls around. If I can accomplish this goal, I earn the right to accompany long-time friend Marty Hartsell to Augusta for a practice round. So, enrolling in a fitness program is now a priority. But the quest can't stop there. Heck, thousands of folks do that and practically forget about it two months later. I am going to start doing golf specific exercises to lose weight and get stronger. Perhaps it will help with golfing New Year's resolution No. 2: I have to start walking more on the golf course. The only 18-hole round that I walked in 2014 was at the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, SC. The emphasis is on walked because caddie Mike Owen carried the bag. Even if means having fewer clubs in the bag and only one sleeve of balls, I am going to walk at least one ninehole round every couple of weeks, starting in the spring. (I've had my eyes on a nice push card for some time, so now is time to get.) This also means it is time to slow down my pace from frantic to reasonable. There's also a golfing New Year's resolution No. 3: I am going to devote

Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

Dear, Chuck: Can you list the dates and locations for all four majors in men's golf this year?

at least 10 minutes before each round to properly warming up. When we were kids, it was nothing to step on the first tee, take a couple of practice swings and hit a reasonably good shot. Things are different now. It's not like I have to hit a bucket of practice balls and chip or putt for 20 minutes. Just give these old bones, tendons and ligaments the chance to loosen up a bit more.

Here are a few other golfing New Year's resolutions that you may want to consider for 2015: ** I am going to try and turn the cell phone off during the round. It is difficult because I also have a real estate license and a missed phone call can be costly. When it is all said and done, however, the beeps, rings and vibrations are more of a distraction. Perhaps the compromise is to leave the device on vibrate and check in at the turn. ** I am going to end my quest for the magic putter, but will continue to look for that perfect club from 100 yards. I also may get fitted for a new set of irons.

– Robert Scott, Orlando, Fla.

I will actually include my five majors, with total purse, and see if you can remember the defending champion (or how he won): The Masters $9 million, April 9-12, Augusta National, Augusta, Ga. (Bubba Watson). The Players $10 million, May 7-10, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla, TPC Sawgrass (Martin Kaymer). The U.S. Open, $9 million, June 18-21, Chambers Bay, Washington (Martin Kaymer). The Open Championship $9.2 million, July 16-19, The Old Course, Fife, Scotland, (Rory McIlroy). The PGA Championship $10 million, Aug. 13-16, Whistling Straits, Kohler, Wis. (Rory McIlroy).

Funny quote:

"Laughing at your own mistakes can lengthen your life. Laughing at your spouse's can shorten it."

Call him Grandfather Ace: Congratulations to 103-year-old Gus Andreone of Sarasota, Fla. According to the PGA of America, Gus is believed to be the oldest golfer to score a hole-in-one. He used a driver on the 113-yard 14th hole at the Palm Aire Country Club Lakes Course in Sarastoa. Gus said it was his eighth ace since 1939.The previous record, held by a 102-year-old woman, was set in 2007.

Next issue: We already have a question about the best ways to cope with slow play. Do you have any suggestions? Send questions, comments or column ideas to Chuck Cavalaris at cavgolfer@aol.com.

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Royal Oaks in Maryville, Tennessee is thriving golf community nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The community offers majestic views of the Mountains to the east and the Cumberland Plateau Mountains to the west. An easy five miles from McGee-Tyson Airport serving the Greater Knoxville Area. Located just minutes from shopping, top rated schools and colleges. A quiet community of beautiful homes that surround the highly rated lush Royal Oaks Golf Club. There are lots available on two of the holes with excellent views and ready for your custom home.

Contact Tinker Richmond at

865.256.1386 to discuss your perfect home.

Is a Log Cabin or Chalet Near The Great Smoky Mountains Calling Your Name? Call Chuck Cavalaris at 865-256-5998 chuckcavalaris@kingsofrealestate.net Kings of Real Estate LLC 865-365-1670 202 Locha Poka Drive Maryville, TN 37803

Willow Creek Golf Club “Come play the finest Champion Bermuda greens in East Tennessee” • Golf Digest 4-star facility • Full driving range and practice facility • Senior and Twilight rates available

Call the pro-shop @ (865) 675-0100 12003 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934 Florida Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 7

We’d Like To Put A Few Holes In Your Vacation Plans. Quite a few in fact. You see, Fairfield Glade Resort in Tennessee has 90 holes of Championship Golf alone, including Stonehenge, named among the top public courses in Tennessee by Golf Digest, GolfWeek and Golf Magazine. Then there are the many outstanding courses around nearby Crossville, widely known as the golf capital of Tennessee. In all, more than 180 holes of golf just waiting to be played atop the Cumberland Plateau. But your vacation doesn’t have to be all golf. We offer 11 pristine lakes for boating and fishing, 12 miles of nature trails, a state-of-the-art Racquet Center and remarkable restaurants. This year, plan to spend your vacation at Fairfield Glade Resort and Crossville, Tennessee. The South’s holey land for golfers. For information or reservations, call 931-707-2061 • www.fairfieldglade.cc Located between Knoxville and Nashville, just a few miles from I-40 (Exit 322)

Now the fun begins.