Southern Golf Central Magazine - Vol 15 issue 8 • interactive

W W W . S O U T H E R N G O L F C E N T R A L . C O M

Get to know Maggie - Between the Blue Ridge

and Great Smoky Mountains is a little slice of paradise known as Maggie Valley. People have gathered here for generations to enjoy the natural splendor of the surrounding countryside.

And today that tradition is stronger than ever at the Maggie Valley Club & Resort. Golf, hike, bike, swim, fish, dine or just simply relax in the newly remodeled clubhouse and luxurious onsite accommodations.

Stay for a day, a weekend or a lifetime. There’s always something amazing to do in Maggie Valley, North Carolina - including nothing at all.

(800) 438-3861 maggievalleyclub.com golf || fish || hike || raft || dine || play || stay Š 2014 Maggie Valley Club & Resort. All rights reserved.

from the publishers header

Reach Funny how things happen, or maybe it’s all just happening the way it’s meant to be?

When we get a decal order on TURFLIFE.ORG, I can’t stand not knowing who the person is and why they are proud to be a golfer, so I reach out. I’m thinking maybe a good feature story… right?

Well as fate has dealt it this is true most of the time.

So I sent a “friend request” on FB to an order from South Florida, and what a story. JL has a regular (or irregular depending on your preference) group of players that play all over Florida (story on pg16). The funny thing is he drove 3 ½ hours to check out the LoudMouth Grill, themed after his favorite golf line apparel. When he arrived they had closed the doors, BUT… still on the window was the Turf Life 19th Hole decal, so he went in search of the very cool decals online and that’s how we met. JL is already a friend of the mag and who knows; we could be besties someday.

The diversity and rebranding of Golf Central to Southern Golf Central is an effort to reach the entire Southeast. Golf and particularly golfers come from a wide variety of cultures, careers, and purpose of playing golf. We are serious with regards to honesty, integrity, and growing the game. We also have been known for our rebel attitude and fun side and love to share golf stories from all lovers of the game. We will always have our “Boys round here, drinkin’ ice cold beer. Chew tobacco, chew, tobacco spit.”

When the mag is published we would love that you pick up a copy and share your golf stories with us. Thank you for reading and thank you for your love of golf.

So, hoping to be recognized as champions of diversity and inclusion, sharing the PGA reach program info: Golf is a game for all.

Diversity and inclusion are core values and a focus of PGA REACH, and we embrace the spirit of differences. We work each and every day with the PGA of America to have our commitment to diversity and inclusion resonate throughout the organization, the activities, programs and business we conduct, and any practice we implement. We strive to look through a lens of diversity and inclusion at all times.

On our quest toward creating a culture of inclusion within the golf industry, we actively seek collaboration with those who champion diversity and inclusion – organizations and golf facilities that have successfully demonstrated growth with diverse groups. It is vital that the game of golf is truly welcoming to all and perceived barriers are eliminated. www.pgareach.com 2009 North Florida PGA Amateur of the Year 4

Volume 15, Issue 8 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 Golf Media Girl: Janel Losada 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

Southern 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 ©2015 Southern 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.

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

Introducing Tranquilo Golf Club.

Experience the newly enhanced Tom Fazio course at Four Seasons Orlando, now open to the public. Tee times, lessons and membership options available. Featuring a full service clubhouse, with Plancha restaurant, and Golf Shop.

www.fourseasons.com/orlando 407.313.6880

Volume 15, Issue 8 TENNESSEE

FLORIDA Alabama Golf Central 52 Magnificent 7

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

Carolinas Golf Central 54 The Reserve at Lake Keowee 56 Carolinas Golf Association Cart Girl 14 Alexandra Pearson Course of Dreams 58 IGTA

The Golf Central Winter Tour 68 Bundle Up and Play The Tour Golf Channel 70 Golf Channel Academy

64

Golfstayandplaytennessee.com 74 Golf packages in Golf Mecca of

the Smokies

FEATURE 38 Cure Putter

16

Golf Bachelor 12 Mason Slaughter Golf Fore Charity

32 Fairways for Warriors Growing the Game 16 The Goffers In Memory Of 30 Ron Balicki Leader on the Links 60 Bill Shiles Player Development 26 Junior Orange Bowl Invitational Special Events 18 Brian Gay Invitational What's New 20 GruV Tool

52

62 Departments 8 10

22

24 28

Golf Central Station Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Executive Women's Golf Association Back9Network Young Guns

34 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54

Golf Fitness Liive Golf Grip It & Sip It Competitive Spirits Product Showcase Central Florida Duffer Dan Tournament News Tennessee PGA

southerngolfcentral.com golfnews4friends.net

#GRABSOMESUNSHINE WINTER HOT DATES FOR BUDDY GOLF OUTINGS

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WINTER GOLF PACKAGES STARTING AT $275/PERSON INCLUDE: One North Jacaranda, Orlando, FL grandcypress.com | (407) 239-4700

• One Hour Complimentary Scotch & Cigar Happy Hour

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• Daily Breakfast

• Complimentary Golf Club Storage

• Access to all 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature-designed Golf

• Access to All Resort Amenities

• Access to the 21 Acre Academy of Golf Plus 3 Regulation Practice Holes

• Daily Golf Cart Delivery

• Replay/Arrival/Departure Rounds at a Reduced Rate

Contact Renee Goergen at (407) 239-1952 or rgoergen@grandcypress.com for assistance booking your golf group! *Grab Some Sunshine by February 28, 2015 and stay through March, 2015. Blackout dates may apply, tax and resort fee are not included.

Tiger Woods Cuts the Ribbon on El Cardonal at Diamonte CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico - Diamante, a premier residential community situated at the tip of Baja California Sur, formally unveiled El Cardonal on Dec. 16 during a gala opening ceremony attended by several dignitaries, including the celebrated course designer himself.

A superb layout with an “Old California” design motif, El Cardonal marks the architectural debut of superstar Tiger Woods, who maintains a residence at Diamante and who was on hand to play the course and describe its features.

“I’ve always wanted to be in the golf design business,” Woods told a small gathering of elected officials, resort executives and international media. “This is an incredible site, and working with (Diamante developer) Ken Jowdy and his team has been absolutely phenomenal.”

Set back from the sea on higher ground than the Dunes Course, the 1,500-acre community’s original venue, El Cardonal is a 7,363-yard, par-72 layout that features an ocean view from every hole. The front nine meanders through rolling sand dunes near the sea. The back nine, framed by thick desert vegetation, ascends to higher ground and crisscrosses a series of arroyos.

Bold, flashed-face bunkers have been placed

by Woods to create strategic options throughout the course. With its broad fairway corridors and accent on playability from the forward tees, El Cardonal was designed to accommodate a wide range of golfers.

According to Jowdy, “He (Woods) focused more on the people he plays with on Wednesdays (the amateurs in the pro-ams) than on the weekend (the pros).”

“I expect that everyone—moms, dads and kids—will all play basically the same ‘lines’ on each hole,” Tiger stated. “We’ve given them different tee boxes, but the strategy is the same for everyone. The idea was to make it fun for all types of players.

“With all the amenities here at the resort, I plan on spending more time here at Diamante,” Woods said, adding that “Cabo delivers what everyone is looking for. It’s the best of all worlds.

You’ve got great golf, plus all the activities available offshore, including incredible fishing and diving. You don’t find too many places like this in the world—ever.”

Florida chapter earns Excellence in Government Relations Award from Golf Course Superintendents Association of America LAWRENCE, KAN. - The Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association (FGCSA) has earned the 2015 Excellence in Government Relations Award from the national association for its statewide collaboration with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish best management practices for golf courses.

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) annually recognizes a chapter or superintendent for outstanding advocacy or compliance efforts in government relations.

This award lauded the completion and long-term use of the publication titled Best Management Practices for Enhancement of Environmental Quality on Florida Golf Courses, which

Magellan Jets Lowers Member Rates Due to Savings From Low Oil Prices BOSTON, MA– Magellan Jets, an innovator in private aviation, today announced it will reduce fuel prices for new member contracts starting Jan 15th by 16% across the board to reflect the lower price of oil.

The price drop comes as part of Magellan Jets’ ongoing commitment to bring the best value to its members. The Company’s stability enables it to pass savings directly on to its customers, which stands in contrast to much of the rest of the aviation industry.

“Magellan Jets is here to make travel easier for our Members, and this is one more way we can show them how much we value our relationship,” said Joshua Hebert, CEO of Magellan Jets. “While we cannot adjust prices with every fluctuation in the market, we could not watch 8

such a significant swing in oil prices without taking action on behalf of our customers.”

Research provided by Kevin O’Leary, CEO at Jet Advisors®, shows that the cost of Jet A has dropped between 7% and 9.5% over the last 12 months, and Magellan Jets projects this trend to continue as the retail market catches up with wholesale.

The price decrease follows Magellan Jets’ Build-A-Card technology launch last year. The Build-A-Card platform allows members to customize their own membership program online.

Both the Build-A-Card and the Company’s decision to turn reduced oil prices into client savings underscore Magellan Jets’ mission: to provide consistent, reliable and safe travel with comfort and ease.

was first published in 2007 and has been adopted by nearly 300 of the state’s more than 1,000 golf courses.

“This is a nice recognition for all the advocacy efforts on behalf of Florida golf course superintendents. What we have done can be a good foundation for a lot of other associations,” said Bill Davidson, CGCS, president of the FGCSA. The chapter will be formally recognized Feb. 25 at the Opening Session of the Golf Industry Show in San Antonio. The Florida chapter will also be featured in an upcoming issue of GCSAA’s official monthly publication, Golf Course Management magazine.

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

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

1-800-545-6021

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

www.VisitHighlandsCounty.com

9

By Michelle Pollina

Hidden Hills Country Club Membership/Marketing Director

FL Restaurant & Lodging Assoc. header

Not So Hidden Standing on the first tee, you could be just about anywhere except Florida.

Carved into a hilly area that is one of the highest points on the map in Duval County, Hidden Hills Country Club has elevation and rolling fairways that are rarely seen in the Sunshine State. Originally built in 1966, the club was host to the Greater Jacksonville Open (precursor to The Players Championship) in 1970, 1971 and 1972. A redesign by Arnold Palmer in 1986 made excellent use of the rolling hills and knolls, strategically placed ponds and elevated greens to make it a favorite course for players of all abilities. The golf course continues to be improved every year, with a major upgrade to the driving range, irrigation system and several greens completed in 2014 under the leadership of new greens superintendent Andrew Vanlerberghe.

The private club is one of the few in the city independently owned and as such has a deep sense of warmth and caring that embody a real family feeling. Russ and Tracy Libby purchased Hidden Hills in 2003 and are proud that so many members now have second

Easter Winners and even third generations continuing to make the club a family tradition.

With four children of their own, ranging in age from 6 to 16, Russ & Tracy promote family activities and events to make the club a “home away from home” for everyone, not just the golfers.

Events like the Easter Egg Hunt on the back lawn, Dive-In Theatre at the pool, Halloween Spooktacular, Thanksgiving Brunch, Santa Brunch, Gingerbread Workshop and numerous pool parties are just some of the traditions treasured by families every year. Executive Chef Jerry Snider is continually evolving

Tennis Ladies

Hidden Hills Hole #11 10

the creative menu selections that cater to all tastes, from comfort food to gourmet, so that lunch and dinner at the club are always a special treat. Because dining is an important part of the club’s culture, they are proud to be members of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association so that they can keep up with food trends and the latest culinary equipment.

Eight Har-Tru courts lighted for night play and an active league and tournament schedule keep Director of Tennis Jennifer Morrison and Head Tennis Professional Max Akhundjanov busy!

The close-knit group of tennis members can often be found on the spacious covered patio area that overlooks the tennis courts, enjoying a post-match drink and laughs.

Russ, a PGA professional since 1992, is general manager and director of golf.

As an active leader within the PGA he has held every officer position on the chapter and Section level, served on the National Board of Control and currently is active on several national committees as well as a Board Member for The First Tee of North Florida. He is a multiple recipient of the PGA Professional of the Year, Bill Strausbaugh Award and Horton Smith Award on the chapter and Section level, and was admitted to the North Florida PGA Hall of Fame in 2010.

With Wayne Ulmer, head golf professional, and PGA Apprentices Jody Clark and John Handley, they promote player development through PGA programs such as Get Golf Ready, Tee It Forward, and Patriot Golf Day. Club programs such as Six at 6, Mulligans League, Big Cup Weekend and Family Tees help make golf accessible and inviting to new players as well.

Juniors are a special focus at Hidden Hills, with golf clinics every Friday and Saturday, PGA Junior League teams in spring and fall, and in-depth summer camps. The course annually hosts several U.S. Kids Golf events as well as North Florida Junior Tour competitions, and is the home practice site for Jacksonville University’s men’s and women’s golf teams as well as Sandalwood High School’s golf teams.

Hidden Hills is active in the community, both as members of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and Arlington Rotary Club and host site for the groups’ meetings. Many local charities call the course home to their annual fundraiser golf tournaments, including Meals on Wheels, Warrior City, United Way, Community Rehabilitation Center, Northwest Behavioral Mental Health Center and the Red Cross, with more than $300,000 raised in 2014 alone!

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

golf bachelor header

Where were you born? Did you grow up there?

Richmond, VA, and Yes.

High school group you hung out with the most; nerds, jocks, stoners, preppies? I considered myself a floater, but if I had to pick one I’d say jocks because I played sports.

What do you do for a living? Senior Account Executive, Golf Tournament Operations, Octagon

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

Fly Fishing, Hunting, and Hiking.

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

Margot Robbie

Tell us about your first kiss? It was at a 5th grade dance,

with a girl who I had a crush on for a really long time.

Steak, chicken, or seafood? Steak with Samson’s Sauce Tell us something about yourself that only your closest friends know. I am an avid Survivor fan. I’ve never missed an

Mason Slaughter

episode.

What three things would you need to survive on a deserted island? Machete, Fresh Water, and a volleyball named Wilson……

Who would you like to have with you on the same deserted island; and why? Margot Robbie because I hope she sees this.

What do you find to be the most annoying habit people demonstrate on the golf course? It bothers me when nonprofessionals take a round to seriously. For me it’s all about having fun!

Name the three most important things to you in this world.

Family, Friends, Career

What do you fear the most? Losing my loved ones.

What three people would you most like to play with in your fantasy golf foursome? Dad, Arnold Palmer, and Tiger Woods

What are some of your great accomplishments? Graduating

college, earning my black belt Jiu-Jitsu, and getting a job in my field of study

Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails? My scene is more casual bar with friends

Last time you spewed something through your nose from laughing so hard? The ACE Group Classic last year when a coworker was dancing to music.

Favorite comedian? Dave Chappelle Last book you read? The Wolf of Wall Street 12

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

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Twylah Vimeo

Twylah

cart header girl Where did you grow up? Winter Springs, FL Which group of people did you associate most with in high school? I took all gifted and AP classes and was

involved with theatre so I guess one would say the smart kids and theatre nerds.

What is your favorite sport to play? Favorite to watch?

Favorite sport to play would have to be swimming. I do not really enjoy watching sports but the Olympics is pretty exciting.

Do you enjoy playing golf? Are they’re any golfers in your family? I am absolutely terrible at golf though I am much better at mini-golf. My dad loves to golf but I didn’t get the gene.

What do you feel makes this club special? I really love all

of our members. It is so wonderful to see the same people every time I come to work and build relationships with them.

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

Traveling the world on my own traveling TV show!

What is your memorable moment working as a cart girl?

When a golf ball came straight at me but thankfully hit the glass and not my face.

What type of music do you prefer? Country What hobbies do you enjoy?

Traveling, antiquing,

brunch, and the beach!

Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails?

Cocktails while relaxing at home!

Favorite comedian? Dane Cook Favorite type of movie? Romantic comedy Favorite charity to support? Anything relating to

alleviating hunger and homelessness. Second Harvest Food Bank in Orlando is a favorite of mine.

What else would you like for us to know about you?

I love to travel and learn about different cultures. I have been to 24 countries and speak two languages fluently with partial knowledge of a third. I love good food and intelligent conversation. I never shy down from a debate and am always looking for a new brunch spot!

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Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

By J.L. Quebbeman

growing the game

The Greater the Diversity, The Sweeter the Game A local LGBT golf group exists in Broward County informally known as THE GOFFERS (named after their founder, attorney Chad Goff). THE GOFFERS are a group of South Florida gay and lesbian golfers of varying skill levels. They consist of very good, average and beginner players and all levels of play are welcome to join them. THE GOFFERS play regular golf rounds on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays twelve months a year on championship regulation courses. Typically, they put out six to eight foursomes in the winter season from November to April, and two to four foursomes during the slower summer season.

All rounds are paid individually by each golfer. Each person is assigned a handicap unless you have an official handicap. After playing 5 rounds with them, a computerized handicap is generated and maintained for each member. At the completion of the golf round, they meet in the course lounge to tally scores, have drinks or lunch, and socialize.

Information on upcoming golf rounds are posted in the calendar section of their website www.thegoffers. com. Regular announcements are also issued by email message to the general membership. There are no fees

16

related to membership in the group.

In addition to the regular local outings THE GOFFERS participate in a number of regional, national and international golf events. A number of THE GOFFERS recently participated in the International Gay Games held in Cleveland, Ohio, and one member participated in the 10th Annual German Rainbow Open in October 2014 in Schwerin, Germany, one of the largest gay golf tournaments in the world.

THE GOFFERS also have occasional local scramble tournaments as well and information on all of

these events and organizations are available on their website.

While golf is an incredibly enjoyable sport in its own right THE GOFFERS make the experience tantamount to a country club experience by booking your tee times, handling your handicap and pairing you with other golfers.

If you want more information about THE GOFFERS please email J.L. Quebbeman at jquebby@gmail. com. You can also follow him on Twitter under the profile jquebby and LIKE them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thegoffers.

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

special events

Celebrity Guests at Diamond Resorts International’s Brian Gay Invitational Help Raise $805,000 With the support of more than 40 professional athletes and celebrities and DIAMOND RESORTS INTERNATIONAL®, a global leader in the hospitality and vacation ownership industries, $805,000 in net proceeds were successfully raised to benefit the Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children (FHFC) at the second annual Brian Gay Invitational at Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club in Celebration, Florida on December 12-14, 2014.

With more than 400 attendees, golfers and celebrities participating in the event, the weekend included a celebrity/amateur golf tournament on Saturday, December 13 in which foursomes were paired with a celebrity athlete. The 2014 celebrity field included hall of fame athletes Reggie Jackson, Gaylord Perry, Marcus Allen, Eric Dickerson, and Richard Dent and other accomplished stars from the world of both sports and popular music.

During the Friday night welcome reception, and with the first pick in the celebrity draft, the foursome from Dick’s Sporting Goods selected Ryan Longwell, a retired placekicker, 15-year NFL veteran and the all-time leading scorer in Green Bay Packers history.

His golfing abilities paid off as their group came away with the first place trophy in the celebrity-amateur event.

The culmination of the weekend’s events was the Diamond Resorts Celebrity Invitational, a celebrity-only

Brian Gay helps auction off a rare set of Masters pin flags signed by Phil Mickelson for a good cause during the live auction on Saturday night at the Brian Gay Invitational. golf tournament on Sunday, December 14. The winner of the PGA Tour Division with a 9-under 63 was JB Holmes, the winner of the 2014 Wells Fargo Championship. The Celebrity Division featured an entertaining playoff between Atlanta Braves President of Baseball Operations John Hart and John Smoltz, a Cy Young winner and longtime star for the Braves. Smoltz, making his debut on the ballot to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this year,

Gaylord Perry enjoys an elegant, welcome reception dinner with Tournament Director and Executive Vice President, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Diamond Resorts International®, Michael Flaskey.

18

defeated Hart on the first playoff hole.

The world-class event began on Thursday, December 11 at Isleworth Country Club, where after a day of golf, guests were entertained by Country Music’s Colt Ford. In the 1990s, Colt played on the PGA’s Nationwide Tour with the tournament host, Brian Gay. Saturday evening’s gala dinner was prepared by celebrity chef and humanitarian Art Smith, followed by an awards ceremony and live auction.

Participants were then treated to an exclusive concert on the Mystic Dunes driving range by one of Country Music’s hottest performers, Chris Young.

“This was an incredible opportunity to give back and get involved in the great work that Diamond Resorts is doing for the community. Not only was every detail executed seamlessly, but the Mystic Dunes Golf Course was impeccable and the competition was keen. Diamond Resorts delivered a world-class weekend and I am honored to have been a part of it,” said JB Holmes, PGA Tour Player and winner of the Diamond Resorts Celebrity Invitational.

“I can’t think of a better way to spend my weekend than by contributing to a worthy cause while enjoying a beautiful day out on the golf course with some great competition,” said John Smoltz, retired Major League Baseball player and sportscaster for MLB Network and TBS. According to Michael Flaskey, Executive Vice President, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Diamond Resorts International®, “At Diamond Resorts, social responsibility is a pillar of our company’s core beliefs and it is our privilege to be able to give back to the local communities in which we work and live. The Brian Gay Invitational gives us an amazing opportunity to engage in our charitable efforts while also doing what we do best: helping our guests Stay Vacationed™ while creating lifelong memories. We appreciate everyone who took time out of their busy holiday season to be a part of this event. With the tremendous generosity of our celebrities, golfers and sponsors we were able to not only achieve our goal, but go well beyond our expectations.”

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

THE TWINEAGLES CLUB FEBRUARY 9-15, 2015

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what's new

What does a fireman want to be when he grows up?

Erik Swanson, a career firefighter, has a new dream. He is now about to find out whether he can take the heat of the golf business. Last year, he filed a patent for an alignment tool that is as simple as it is brilliantly inventive.

It is the GruV Tool, and is a combination alignment tool, divot tool and groove brush. What makes it special is that it is a divot tool with the ability to transform into an alignment aid with a retractable Orange String that can be put into the ground in front of you substituting for an alignment stick. And with the help of a tee for an anchor point, it can also be made to show swing paths as well. But what makes this tool very special is the addition of a detachable groove brush. It is divot tool size and fits easily in your pocket giving it great utility for any golfer.

Erik Swanson is now president of GruV-Golf, LLC. and is looking forward to his new adventure.

He comments, “I will be eligible for full retirement from the fire department in 2018, at which time I hope to begin a new chapter in my life with a career that somehow involves my number one passion… golf. I love working as a fire fighter, and have enjoyed working in a career where I feel as if I am making a positive contribution to society, but firefighting is a young man’s game. I’ve had a few close calls in my career and I don’t want to tempt fate any longer than I have to, so I am trying to set myself up to be able to leave on my own terms and follow my passion.“ 20

“In the summer of 2012 I had gone to the driving range one day after work to hit balls. A few swings in, for some unknown reason, my mind flashed to the image of the retractable microphone that pulls away from my firefighting radio. I thought maybe there is a way to have a retractable line on a device that I could keep in my pocket rather than finding room in my cluttered bag. What did I already have in my pocket? The same thing every golfer

has in his/her pocket: A divot tool. A retractable Alignment stick seemed like a great solution. The best feature of all was the fact that when I wasn’t using it for drills, it was in my pocket.

It was simple, small and functional.

The only thing I needed to make it work was a tee, and that too was in my pocket. This exciting adventure began soon after,” Erik remarked.

He quickly created a prototype from a badge reel and a divot tool, went to the range, put a tee in the ground 3 feet away and made a straight line to the target. It was perfect, and gave an instant alignment aid. It also didn’t take

long until he discovered that it was much more than just a straight line. He could angle the string by placing another tee into the ground to practice fade and draw swings. He could also make stance boxes and short lines, as well as medium and long lines for use on the range and for putting. It was at this point he got a serious inspiration that drove him to get into the golf business.

The next logical step for Erik was to get help. After talking with a friend in the business, he sought the help of Michael Wargo and Southeast Media Group. Erik states, “Michael just had all the answers to every situation. He is a golf marketing Guru, and convinced me I should focus my efforts on developing a line of training aids and equally useful products. We coined the GruV –Golf brand and turned my simple tool into a 5-in-1 tool that has so much more utility and value to golfers. Mr. Wargo is also president of SMG Global (A manufacturing company), they helped me develop my prototype and get the production models manufactured. I am so excited about what my company and my tool has grown into, I simply cannot wait to share it with the golf world.”

Michael Wargo, President of Southeast Media Group, comments, “I have seen a lot of useful and clever products over the years along with inventors that are impressively charismatic and enthusiastic. Sadly, most will never really succeed.

But once in a while, a product comes along that I feel golfers will really embrace and actually find a need to own. I practice a lot and have always used alignment sticks. I use a divot tool as we all do, and I use a groove brush. This is just a better idea. I am very confident other golfers will feel the same.”

As for Erik’s dream of success in golf… The golf business is a tough one. There is really nothing to prepare him for what he is about to face in the world of golf retail. From manufacture and financing to marketing and distribution, this business is less forgiving than a four-alarm fire with no room for error. Ironically, he will probably get burned a few times along the way. My guess is that his fearless approach to his role as a fire fighter will help him face down the obstacles ahead. A great product sure helps.

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

EWGA

Par Tee Down Dayton Captures EWGA Cup at Troon North Golf Club

On December 7th and 8th, Troon North Golf Club hosted the Annual EWGA Cup Finals, one of the largest women’s amateur golf competitions to take place in the state of Arizona.

Hailing from the Midwest, Par Tee Down Dayton from Dayton, OH defeated a field of 33 teams to capture their first victory as the overall champions of the 2014 EWGA Cup Finals.

On the final day of competition, it

was a white-knuckle finish with three teams in a sudden death final playoff.

Par Tee Down Dayton claimed 1st place, followed by Tampa Bay on Par and OK Thunderstix.

The 36-hole EWGA Cup Finals consisted of 264 women amateur golfers who advanced beyond local chapter qualifiers to the Finals. The final field represented 33 EWGA chapters across the U.S and Canada.

Competitors played in Four Ball and Singles Match Play. The cup’s format encourages women of all skill levels to compete, underscoring the EWGA’s mantra to enhance the careers and lives of working women through golf.

More than 700 participants nationwide entered the Cup Finals qualifiers this year, which began in September.

EWGA Cup Finals winners are:

1.

Par Tee Down Dayton (Dayton, OH Chapter) 2. Tampa Bay On Par (Tampa, FL Chapter) 3. OK Thunder Stix (Metro Oklahoma City, OK Chapter) 4. Rochachas (Rochester Region, NY Chapter) 5. Chicago Match-Stix (Chicago Metro, IL Chapter) 6. No Pueblemos (Tucson/Old Pueblo, AZ Chapter) 7. Yinz Gals (Pittsburgh, PA Chapter) 8. River City Positrons (Boston, MA) 9. 1-Up (Chicago Metro, IL Chapter) 10. Magic City Swingers (Birmingham, AL Chapter) Scorecard playoffs were used to settle ties for second and third place.

Complete results can be found on the EWGA website www.EWGA.com.

22

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

THE L P GA SE A SON

STAR TS H ER E January 26-31, 2015 Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club, Ocala, Florida

CoatesGolfChampionship.com

By Cameron DaSilva

Back9Network

Rory McIlroy Won't Sign Center Of Masters Flag ...Until He Wins We all have our own habits or superstitions, especially when it comes to sports. Golfers are no different. From Tiger Woods wearing red on Sundays to Ernie Els using one golf ball per birdie, the list goes on. But players also have their superstitions when it comes to signing memorabilia.

One of the most notable comes from Rory McIlroy. According to Ryan Carey of Green Jacket Auctions

and star of Back9Network’s “Golf Treasures“, McIlroy refuses to sign a Masters flag in the center until he wins his own green jacket.

This may have come on the hands of his collapse at Augusta in 2011, where he blew a fourstroke lead on Sunday.

In 2015, however, he’ll be playing for more than just a green jacket.

Coming off of a year in which he won two major championships, McIlroy will look to complete the career grand slam at Augusta — a feat only five other players have accomplished.

McIlroy’s not the only one with a story like this, though. Phil Mickelson has a superstition that may come as

a surprise for some: He doesn’t sign golf balls. However, there’s a catch.

When he does sign them, they’re worth substantially more than other autographed items. For example, a signed golf ball could be worth $2,000 while other items “aren’t worth more than $100,” according to Carey.

Some other signing tendencies include Fuzzy Zoeller only signing in red ink (shown in picture below), while Larry Mize usually adds a biblical quote to his signature.

For more incredible stories about rare golf memorabilia, be sure to tune in to “Golf Treasures” on Back9Network, Mondays 9 p.m.

EST — DIRECTV channel 262.

Rory McIlroy signing autographs

24

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

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player development

51st Junior Orange Bowl International Golf

Yuan began his round with a superb

Chile’s Joaquin Niemann and South

eagle-3 and although he caught, he

Korea’s Juwon Jeong secured their

could never pass Niemann. An op-

place in history as champions

portunity to advance his cause

of the 51st edition of the Junior

came with birdie two at the 12th

Orange Bowl International.

but Niemann responded in kind and

Jeong took the title in a three-hole

when Yuan power lipped a short

playoff with Sweden’s Linnea Strom.

birdie opportunity at the next hole,

Both players birdied the 18th on the

the momentum moment was gone.

first two playoff holes but Jeong’s third

“After I made that birdie on 12 I

consecutive birdie proved decisive.

thought I might be able to push,” Yuan

Switzerland’s Albane Valenzuela pow-

said, “but my putter didn’t really co-

ered into third place with a closing 70,

operate on the closing holes. I played

tied with overnight leader, Colombia’s

well but not well enough, I guess. I tried

Maria Hoyos, who carded 77.

very hard to make my eagle chip at

Niemann’s final round of 67 outlasted overnight leader, Argentina’s Alejandro Tosti, and the U.S.’s Carl Yuan. Yuan carded 68 for outright second place at 279, 5-under par, Tosti solo third with a closing 70 for 280.

Highest credit to Niemann, (67, 71, 72, 67: 277) who withstood the back-nine pressure of charges by both Tosti and Yuan, birdies at the

26

JOBI 2014 winners

Juwon Jeong and Joaquin Niemann

the 18th, hoping that I could squeeze into a playoff, but the ball rimmed

16th and 18th completely clos-

out and in the end, as Joaquin made

ing all opportunity windows.

a birdie, it wasn’t that important.”

“I played very solidly all day, only

“To come third in such a

one bogey, five birdies, and was very

strong field is a great feat and

pleased with my back nine because I

I played well,” said Tosti.

made the shots I needed to make when

Final round highlight scoring featured

I had to,” the 16-year old from Santiago

66s by South Africa’s Tristen Strydom

said, with a wide smile of contentment.

and Germany’s Maximiliam Bodel.

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

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young guns

Worldwide Friendships I spent today at Epcot with a friend.

Whether they are my high school teammates (of which there are many, There is nothing unusual in that as I have played high school golf since except that I live in Florida and she 6th grade) or players I have met at my and her family live in Austria. There Academy or those I have met on the is nothing terribly unusual in that FJT, AJGA or NFJG tours, I am proud to either, except that I met this friend, say that I think the number of friends Florentina, four years ago, when we I have made through golf is a bigwere 12, while playing in the USKids ger number than my scoring average World Championships at Pinehurst (and may it always be that way for all and here were are at 16 and 17, still of us…that could be a good toast). friends, still staying in touch and still Last month I was invited to a going out of our way to see each other whenever we can. We actually text almost every day. In fact, our parents have become good friends and I have also become friends with her sister.

And here’s some weirdness: while at Epcot I got a text from another friend with whom I played high school golf (she since graduated and now plays for William & Mary), and she was at Epcot. So after Flo and her parents left, I met up with Mia, and we had dinner together in “Japan.”

While golf is certainly about the game itself, and junior golf is certainly as competitive as any level, I think the thing I My friend Emily and I at an FJT event in Pensacola. have enjoyed the most about We have been friends since we were 5 years old. having played junior golf is Started out as ballerinas and we are now both the friendships I have made. deciding where to play college golf.

Florentina and Valerie Hager and me at Epcot 28

My Big Sister, Csilla and me friend’s Sweet 16 Party. We met playing together on the Florida Junior Tour and have traveled together to Pennsylvania, Georgia and all over Florida (today, in fact, we played a practice round together). At Morgan’s party were eight other girls, all of whom we “collected” as friends while playing golf, and probably wouldn’t know each other if it weren’t for golf.

It is safe to say that many of my closest friends come because of golf.

I even claim a “big sister” whom I met through golf. Four years ago we were asked by my then-coach if we could house a Hungarian player for him for a weekend. She has since stayed with us many times, sometimes for as long as four months while training. She first came when she was 13 and will turn 18 in January. I honestly think of her as a sister and my parents think of her almost as one of their own; she even calls my father Daddy. I am proud to say that she just got her full LET card – she has been an inspiration and role model for me from day one.

So as I get ready to attend my first PGA Merchandise show, a place where not only does a lot of business get done, but life-long friends meet, I am reminded that no matter how great the competition – whether inside the ropes or on the show floor –one of the most important things I have gained from golf is a lifetime of lifelong friendships. I hope I always keep that in perspective, because they matter to me way more than scores ever could.

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

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29

in memory of

Ron Balicki Scholarship Created for Aspiring College Golf Writers

Golf, and college golf in particular, lost a great friend in April with the passing of former Golfweek writer Ron Balicki. Balicki, who was days shy of his 66th birthday when he lost his eight-month bout with cancer, wrote about the college and amateur game for more than 30 years, delivering stories not only about the players who would become the PGA Tour’s stars of tomorrow, but stories about amateurs of all talent levels who simply loved to compete.

In hopes of expanding upon Ron’s three decades of journalism excellence, a Ron Balicki Scholarship has been created in his memory. The purpose of this award, to be given annually at the NCAA Championship, is to honor and encourage a student who, in pursuing his or her interest in journalism and writing, exemplifies dedication by writing about college and/or amateur golf.

“To me, Ron Balicki was the ultimate college and amateur golf writer,” said Denny Glass, former 30

Ron Balicki and Ricky Fowler tournament director of the Northeast Amateur and chairman of the steering committee for the Ron Balicki Scholarship Fund. “It was always so inspiring to be around Ron while he was working and witness his enthusiasm and dedication to his craft.”

Ron Balicki did not spend his life jumping on airplanes wishing to write about golf tournaments. Instead, he lived to write about the people who played in them. And he told those stories very well, winning several state and national awards, including the Golf

Writers Association of America’s Best Column in 1998 for a piece he wrote on Scottish amateur Barclay Howard.

“His best stories,” Debbie Balicki said of her husband, “were always people stories.”

Balicki wrote about college coaches and gave readers an inside view into their programs. A fixture at college and amateur events throughout the country, he touched many lives. The coaches thought so much of him that in 2010, Balicki became the first noncoach inducted into the Golf Coaches Association of America’s Hall of Fame.

Phil Mickelson called Balicki when Balicki was hospitalized in March and left him a voicemail to thank Ron for his integrity. When Rickie Fowler decided that he was leaving college early to turn pro in 2009, he stopped in the middle of a practice round and made the one call he knew he needed to make: He phoned Balicki.

“He had written so much about me, about Oklahoma State, and I didn’t hesitate,” Fowler said.

“So I called him that day, right in the middle of my practice round.”

Said former Georgia Tech standout Matt Kuchar, “For Ron Balicki to come out and do a proper story on your college tournament, it was a big deal.”

A website for the Ron Balicki Scholarship Fund is under development (RonBalickiScholarship.com). Tax deductible contributions for the Ron Balicki Scholarship Fund can be made payable to “Ron Balicki Scholarship Fund” and mailed to: Ron Balicki Scholarship Fund, c/o GCAA, 1225 West Main, Suite 110, Norman OK, 73069.

For further information, please contact the GCAA at (866) 422-2669.

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

By Thomas Underdown President, Fairways for Warriors

The Warrior Golf Club

Fairways for Warriors is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit. Our mission is to help combat wounded warriors with their mental and physical rehabilitation.

We provide golf equipment, instruction, outings and other activities to wounded warriors and their family members. We have golf clinics and outings every week for the warriors and their families in Orlando. We are also have chapters in San Antonio, TX, Newport RI, and Jacksonville, FL. When we started 4 years ago, we had no idea what a significant the impact that such an organization would have for warriors and their families. What we’ve learned is that Fairways for Warriors has given these brave men

and women the opportunity to heal from their most significant injuries – the injuries that we can’t see such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, etc.

Fairways for Warriors provides hope and is changing lives. When an injured warrior returns from the front lines their personal battle is just beginning, and we have testimonies from several of our program that we are saving lives. The sad truth is that 22 veterans commit suicide every day in the U.S. – that is one every 65 minutes!

Several of our wounded warriors have told us that if Fairways for Warriors hadn’t provided them with hope, they too may have committed suicide.

Our next project is to buy a golf course in Orlando that will be a place to provide jobs for combat wounded warriors and much more. The club house will be the most important part of the Warrior Golf Club (WGC). The clubhouse will be a place where combat warriors can go and be their place . The clubhouse will be big enough to hold around 80 people for seminars on PTSD, anger management, job fairs, peer to peer counseling, and also to have all types of other events. The Warrior Golf Club will be run 100% by wounded warriors and will provide approximately 20 full and part time jobs. We will also provide internships and training for warriors who want to have a job in the Fairways for Warriors Golf Clinic

32

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

golf industry. There are many combat warriors in Orlando who are sitting home isolated thinking and drinking too much. The WGC will be a place that they can go several times a week (everyday if they want) and volunteer, play golf, work out and then hang out with other warriors. Having the WGC will decrease the number of suicides by wounded warriors in Central Florida. We have had 4 in the past 5 weeks. The WGC will be their place where they can heal. We also have specialized golf carts so that paralyzed, double and triple amputees can play golf.

We also have two blind golfers in our program. The golf course we want use is near the new VA Medical Center. We will have inpatients come to the WGC to use golf as physically and mental rehabilitation. Hilton Grand Vacations has committed to be a sponsor for the Warrior Golf Club. We need more sponsors and supporters to make this a reality. Please go to www.fairwaysforwarriorrs.org to make a donation. No donation is too small. You can call Tom Underdown at 407 399-0977 to get more information. And please visit our Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/pages/Fairwaysfor-Warriors/132150533522827.

Jason, Lito & BJ

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Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

33

golf fitness

Fixing the Fixes If there’s a common theme I hear A LOT, it’s this: “I have tight hamstrings.”

And usually that follows up with this: “I know, I need to stretch more.” Well, that is about half correct. There can be MANY causes such as sitting for long portions of the day, for females- wearing high heels, having tight calves (yes, this can cause range of motion issue issues for the hamstrings as well) are all amongst a few. So, what to do now? Stretch? Well, sort of.

What I look for is “can you develop range of motion and regain plasticity and overall muscle fiber length?”

Yeah, I know, big words and fancy trainer talk. But in simple terms, it means this: drink more water (1/2 oz. of water per 1 pound of body weight if you look back at my earlier articles) to hydrate the muscles better; use a foam roller on your calves and three areas of the hamstring (inner, outer and middle sections); work some core stability exercises in to your workouts (planks and farmer carries work GREAT!) as tight hamstrings could be a part of poor stability; and lastly, let’s get some movement involved to increase range of motion.

I am going to focus on the last fix in this month’s article and combine that with some core control.

Using a kettlebell or dumbbell, lie on the floor on your back and pick the weight pressing it to the ceiling.

Pressing the weight to the ceiling will force your core muscles to help support the weight and fire. If the weight is in your right hand, bend your right knee to 90° keeping your foot flat on the floor. Keeping your leg as straight as possible (squeeze your quadriceps muscles to fully extend the knee and keep your toes pointed to the ceiling) raise your leg in to the air, keeping it as straight as possible. If you feel your knee start to bend or the opposite hip pull up, you know you’ve reached your limit and stop there. Lower your leg in a controlled motion to the floor and repeat. Do this 2-3 sets of 10-12 repetitions. This is also a great warm up exercise before hitting the range or the course. Lastly, I really to end 34

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

each of my client workouts with 3-5 minutes of moderate to heavy farmer carries. These are simple, pick up a couple heavy dumbbells, and walk around the gym a few times. Sure, it sounds silly, you might even feel a bit out of place, but when everyone else’s golf swing broke down around the 14th hole, you’re feeling GREAT after 18 ready to loop around again!

I look forward to seeing everyone in the gym.

And, as always, move well and move often!

Leg Raise with Core activation - Point 1

Leg Raise with Core activation - Point 2

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

golf business

By Bob Bolton

Sports Bar? Driving Range? Both? Yes! When I asked Brad Spofford, Director of Operations for the new Top Golf in Tampa whether they consider themselves, “A bar and restaurant that happens to have a driving range, or a driving range that happens to have a bar and a restaurant”, he replied, “Both”, with a grin on his face. After my visit I have to agree – both!

If we have ever gone to a driving range that isn’t affiliated with a golf course, we normally find ourselves dragging our clubs out of the trunk, putting our shoes and golf glove on and deciding how much do we want to spend on a variety of “bucket sizes”. Top Golf

is not your standard driving range.

Top Golf is an experience unique in many ways. The size of the building (3 stories tall), the “disco like” logo, the music you can hear from the parking lot and of course the people

you will see lined up to get in. My visits were fairly unique, Media & VIP events, but it was easy to understand that you will see everything from serious golfers determined to improve their game, to people of all ages and interests there to have a good time eating, drinking and playing games.

Imagine chilling out in upscale, comfortable, outdoor furniture awaiting your turn to hit at one of the various 36

targets in front of you, each worth points based upon distance and accuracy. You have attractive wait-staff bringing you food and beverage, while enjoying piped in music, or if you are there on the weekends, a live band or DJ.

There are nearly 250,000 golf balls on site and you don’t have to bring your clubs with you. Top Golf provides clubs at each bay, men and women sets. You can literally get out of your car, walk in, grab a club, wave it over the sensor (which releases a ball onto the mat for you), complete your own waggle and hit it.

My words and the pictures associated with this article don’t do it justice. You have to experience it for yourself. Take a group of buddies or take a date, there’s fun for everyone.

This is the first of a handful slated for the State of Florida. They expect to be in Orlando, Jacksonville and Miami soon. For more information about the Tampa location, call (813) 298-1811, or visit topgolf. com/us/tampa. The Tampa location is at 10690 Palm River Road.

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

feature 38

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

39

By Joel Jackson, Editor, GCSA

live golf

Photos by Joel Jackson

The Evolution of Golf I don’t want to start an argument about Darwin’s Theory of Evolution but he did formulate a universal truth: adapting and changing are essential for the survival of a species.

That is also true for businesses and golf is very definitely a business, just like most sports. The economic meltdown has raised the heat on golf course owners to make a profit.

That struggle is affecting golfers and golf course owners and employees.

8 inches of fun!

Call it the “global warming” of golf if you want, but at the 2014 Golfdom Summit in Orlando last month Jim Rattigan, general manager and superintendent of the Schuylkill Country Club in Orwigsburg, PA was one of the speakers on the final day of the 2014 Golfdom Magazine Summit held at the Reunion Resort last December. He challenged all of us with his presentation on growing the game of golf.

Rattigan compared the golf industry as a melting iceberg referring to the book: “Our Iceberg is Melting: Changing and Succeeding under Any Conditions, written by John Kotter and Holger Ratheber in 2006. Rather than issue platitudes about “Growing the Game” Rattigan is actually trying to do some meaningful to bring out new golfers and families to his course.

He has invented a game called Chesterfield Golf, which involves installing a regulation sized putting cup and an 8” inch on every green. This is an attempt to serve serious and beginning golfers and family fun golf outings. Does it take liberties with traditional golf? Of course it does, but golf is full of changes over the years including club specifications, golf ball dimple patterns, putting styles and stances, etc.

Using a larger putting cup size is revolutionary, but it addresses two of the biggest complaints about golf in the Millennial Generation, namely difficulty of the game and the time 40

it takes to play a round of golf.

Addressing the putting cup size arguments by golf purists, Rattigan did a little research about the beginnings and traditions of the game and found out the size of officially accepted putting cup was determined by our golf ancestors by using sections of pipe used for downspouts on the R&A building – very scientific.

I have no fear

that the wonderful historic traditions of the game of golf will endure those idyllic bastions of golf history, which are on display during major golf championships. Rather, it behooves the rest of the golf world to encourage more participation by daring to offer alternatives to the old ways!

The world is “heating” up and if the people on the “golf iceberg” don’t want to become extinct, they had better get serious about finding a new place in the business world to live.

Dick Yuengling holding the flag for Gabe Nasser Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

Central Florida legend and longtime FGCSA Golf Chairman, Joe Ondo, CGCS (left) won the 2014 Crash Hall Champion’s Cup. Presenting the cup was Jack Harrell III, golf chairman at the NFGCSA Fall Classic. Photo by Joel Jackson.

Jack Harrell III (right) presented Gary Morgan, with Direct Solutions, the 2014 Butch Singo Award, for outstanding professionalism and character in the industry. The award was given at the NFGCSA Fall Classic this past October at the Omni Hotel on Amelia Island. Photo by Joel Jackson.

The South Florida GCSA celebrated the 30th anniversary of the annual Missing and Exploited Children Fundraiser Tournament at the Fort Lauderdale Country Club in September. The chapter has raised around $500,000 for the charity. Pictured are: Roly Molina President of the SFGCSA, Bryan Singleton M&E Committee, Nancy McBride, Director of the M&E Foundation and Joe Pantaleo, M&E Event Chairman. Photo by Joel Jackson.

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

41

grip it & sip it

Capanne Vecchie Tuscany is a magical place where old world rustic elegance permeates rolling hills and gentle valleys. I have been there many times and enjoy the peace that comes over you while staring off into sunset lit vineyards and fields of sunflowers with a glass of wine as a backdrop to lively conversation. It is no wonder so many fall in love with the place; making it one of the premier destinations in Italy for tourists and expat transplants alike. I recently visited the estate of Fernando Cattani, known as Capanne Vecchie, just outside of the medieval city of Cortona.

Fernando, a transplant from Rome himself back in the 70’s, told me of how this land captured his soul as a boy, leading him to move there to his family estate and make some of the most glorious wines of the region.

Capanne Vecchie gets its name, translated as ancient estate or farm, for the old farmhouse which breaks up the endless rows of grapevines covering the property. Here Fernando with Brad Lewis of ABC Fine Wines and Spirits craft three wines from this single vineyard estate that express the best of this area of Tuscany from both native grapes with a smattering

of International varieties. What makes these wines special, besides the excellent terroir, are the very low yields of the harvest; at 2 tons per acre for the white and 2.8 tons per acre for the reds.

The two Reds are made in the very same way, differing only in the usage of 20% Merlot or 20% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend with local Sangiovese grapes. Grapes are harvested the first two weeks of October, soft pressed and left 15 days on the lees in stainless steel at 78 F after fermentation. The wine is then aged for 1 year in large Slavonian Oak barrels and then left to age in the bottle for at least 6 months. The Merlot blend gives an intense ruby red color with elegant and fruity notes with a hint of plum. The Cabernet Sauvignon blend shows a very deep red with a

By Chris Thompson

pleasant nose of blackberry and cherry with hints of vanilla and cocoa. Both show a long finish with soft tannins.

The white Capanne Vecchie Bianco is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Trebbiano (which is a famous component of the Tuscan Vin Santo where it is raisined before pressing). This wines coloration is a stunning soft white straw; it flaunts a heady nose of white peach and crisp floral notes.

Grip it and Sip it.

42

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

THE TOURNAMENT OF DRE AMS

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Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

product showcase

Cobra Golf - FLY-Z+ Driver COBRA Golf, a leader in golf club innovation and performance, will showcase the latest in adjustable weight technology with the FLY-Z+ Driver featuring the all-new FlipZone weight technology – a revolutionary, moveable weight system engineered to provide two different flight paths in one club that enables maximum distance for any swing and any golfer.

“I’m really excited about the new Fly-Z+ driver. In our early prototype testing I saw the positive effects the two settings could have on ball flight. For me, the front CG setting yielded the ball flight I want to see on the course,” said Rickie Fowler, COBRA Golf athlete and PGA Tour Pro. “The adjustable loft setting COBRA introduced last year was a huge advantage to my game, but now adding this new Zone Weighting to fine tune ball flight is really gamechanging.”

The key to increased distance is the ultra-low center of gravity (CG) embodied in COBRA’s new FlipZone weight technology that gives golfers the ability to move the low CG to the front or back position depending on their swing, to promote faster ball speeds, lower spin and optimal launch angles.

Duo Cart EVOLUTION The revolutionary Duo Cart EVO is an all-in-one pushcart and golf bag combination that is extremely compact, so it fits easily in the trunk of your car, and takes just seconds to set up. The Duo Cart features 4 large wheels that provide a low center of gravity and outstanding stability on even the toughest terrain. The Bag has a plethora of storage pockets for balls, tees, raingear, and other necessities you’ll need on the course as well as an external putter well that accommodates larger grips.

It comes standard with attachable accessories like an umbrella holder and adjustable drink holder. Best of all the Duo Cart is “Riding Cart Friendly”, which means its wheels can be removed from the anodized aluminum frame in just seconds and converted into a Cart Bag, which fits on all standard electric or gas carts, should you decide to Ride instead of Walk!

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The Cork Tree There’s a brand-new golf grip material quickly gaining popularity.

The Cork Tree has debuted four new putter grips made of cork leather.

Why cork? It’s proven to be the perfect complement to leather in a grip. Cork leather putter grips provide an overall user experience that cannot be achieved with any other putter grip material known to man. Cork is 100% natural, feels soft in the hands, and improves its playability well beyond other materials when a golfer’s hands are hot or sweaty -- as well as in humid playing conditions.

Cork Tree putter grips are designed and used by Championship winning Tour professionals who make their living from playing golf. There are currently more than twenty PGA Tour players using Cork Treecork leather putter grips including the winner of the recent Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa. A multiple major winner on the PGA Tour is also using the Cork Tree putter grip.

Cork’s honeycomb cell structure is key. Each cell is a 14-sided polyhedron filled with air, making it an extremely strong and flexible membrane that’s waterproof and airtight. Cork bark is about 89% air, giving it a low density. But when it’s compressed, air isn’t squeezed out, because the cell membranes won’t release it. So it returns to its original shape when the compression is removed.

The four initial putter grips include the Midsize ($39.95), Feather Light ($39.95), Parallel ($39.95) and Tour ($39.95) models. They’re all extremely durable, absorb any impact vibration and are impermeable to water.

See all products from The Cork Tree at www.corkputtergrips.com.

46

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

Nexbelt Ladies Sleek Crystal Onyx Belt Add some BLING to your golf outfit with Nexbelt’s new Sleek Crystal Onyx belt. Features a lightly textured black leather strap and a beautifully crafted chrome buckle encrusted with rhinestone crystals. The belt is cut to fit (up to 40” waist) and has a hidden ratcheting system called PreciseFit that allows you to adjust the belt in ¼” increments. The buckle also flips down to reveal a hidden petite rhinestone ball marker. Available at www.

Nexbelt.com

Stabel 26 - Performance Sock Technology Performance Sock Technology company Stable 26 is changing the landscape of golf performance – one foot at a time!

Innovative Stable 26 footgear technology was developed by a chiropractic doctor who has extensive experience treating athletes and a long history of proper fitting for shoes, ski boots, skates, and orthotics along with an interdisciplinary team of experts.

The name – and founding philosophy – of Stable 26 has its roots in the anatomy of the human foot. Housing 26 structural support bones, the foot is subject to countless injuries – especially for professional athletes. Stable 26 understands how injuries come about, and the importance of wearing quality footgear to reduce foot trauma. Having worked with countless professional athletes since its inception, Stable 26 technology bridges the gap between athletes and their equipment, allowing them to always put their best foot forward.

TomTom Golfer The TomTom Golfer helps golfers know every inch of the course.

Pre-loaded with 34,000 courses, giving golfers instant access to courses around the globe and as an added convenience, it instinctively recognizes nearby courses and will find the next hole.

The Golfer has unique and easy-to-read graphics that clearly show accurate distances to hazards and layups, in addition to the best approach to the green. If you’re playing an unfamiliar course the watch’s precise and graphic measurements of yardage pays great dividends. Keeping track of score, distance and time for your round has never been easier than with TomTom’s latest innovation.

The Golfer is not only stylishly slim and lightweight, but it offers outstanding features including 10 hours of battery life, waterproofing up to 50 meters, durable casing and a large face.

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

47

entral florida central florida central florida central florida central florida centr

By Bob Bolton

Ventura Golf & Country Club Course architect Mark Mahannah designed 18 holes that take advantage of the natural wetlands, canals and pine trees that were once a part of the Raper Dairy Farm, who supplied TG Lee Dairy with milk for many years. Ventura Golf

Josh Bennett, Director of Golf 48

& Country Club has been a hidden gem in Orlando. Known for many years as “Orlando’s best kept golf secret”, our visit to the club and this article is intended to – let the secret out.

Many people are confused by the security gates, thinking that the course is private, but it is public. The community is private, but all you need for entry is a tee time. Our tee time was on a blustery weekend, with winter temperatures that started in the upper 50’s and warmed to the upper 60’s. Much better conditions than the majority of the country north of us was experiencing.

Everyone from the attendees at the bag drop to the pro shop staff were friendly and helpful, providing us with tips on the course, the do’s and don’ts and wishing us a fun round.

The course only measures 5659 yards from the “tips” (4510 yards for women), but don’t let than fool you. Distance is not the badge of honor here, accuracy is. I was fortunate to be the only male component of the foursome. I was accompanied by 3 fun and attractive women. Yeah, I know, “It’s tough, but someone has to do it!”

The first hole, a 517 yard par 5 is a straight-away golf hole, which may lull you into a sense of false security. The front nine doesn’t really present the need for accuracy and shot-making skills until later in the round. Hole’s #6 and #7, a 507 yard par 5 and 216 yard par 3 respectively, provide a challenge for anyone of any skill level.

On the back nine #10 is a very attractive par 5, with a sand trap at the corner of the slight dogleg left. I

successfully flew the trap, but was informed that you can’t go for it in two (without being a gorilla), since there is a small creek that runs in front of the green. So I laid up effectively and proceeded to hit my 3rd shot into the face of the front bucker protecting the green, which plugged so deep into the face I needed a John Deere tractor to dig it out. The par 3 11th hole is ranked as the 12th hardest hole on the course, but at 212 yards and in the wind, it was a bit more difficult than that.

The entertainment portion of the day occurred on the 12th hole. A simple 276 yard par 4, which I nearly drove from the tee box, allowed me a simple par. But that wasn’t the entertaining part. We parked our golf cart on the left side of the green, on what we thought was the cart path and started to drive away. Only to find that we were “out of bounds” with the cart and it automatically shut down. I’m sure I became the laughing stock of those I was playing with, and the group behind us, as they watched me physically push and pull the cart back into range. We ended up driving backwards to get to terra firma and continue with our round.

After a few more good laughs, some great shots and some we would rather forget, we finished the day appreciating our hosts and enjoying the round.

For more information about Ventura Golf & Country Club call 407-277-2640, or visit www.venturaccorlando.com.

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

Happy New Year

2015 Public Golf Memberships starting at $1275.00

duffer header dan

By Mike May

Believe or not, there is a championship golf course in Florida that doesn’t have any alligators living on its premises!

Really? It’s because there are no water hazards located on the course – no lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, creeks, canals, or a lagoons. It’s been that way since it opened in 1947. It is the West Palm Beach Municipal Golf Course (formerly the West Palm Beach Country Club) in West Palm Beach. But, this course -- designed by golf course architect Dick Wilson -- features plenty of sand and a steady breeze! If you keep your ball ‘off the beach’ and below the wind, you will excel here, the site of the old West Palm Beach Open Invitational, a former PGA Tour stop in the 1950s.

The West Palm Beach Municipal Golf Course, ranked as one of the ‘Top Ten’ public golf courses in the U.S. in the 1980s, was reconfigured over the years into a course that left golfers yearning for yesteryear. Solution: 10-time PGA Tour winner/golf course architect Mark McCumber was hired to return this course to its original design. In early 2009, the renovations began.

Seven months later, the West Palm Beach Municipal Golf Course (www. wpalmbeachgc.com) was re-opened.

To add prestige to the moment, Arnold Palmer, the winner of the 1959 West Palm Beach Open Invitational, was invited to hit the ceremonial first tee shot.

He accepted the invitation.

And, Arnie’s Army came, too.

Since then, many golfers have played this course and many more should include this layout on their list of ‘must play’ courses. While courses such as Doral, PGA National, and Bay Hill may be some of the most well-known golfing venues in Florida, the West Palm Beach Municipal Golf Course – where the public is always welcome! -- will challenge any golfer who feels he or 50

she ‘has game.’ When you set foot on the West Palm Beach Municipal Golf Course, be prepared to hit every club in your bag. If you are consistent off the tee, you will take the waste bunkers out of play. Once you negotiate the tee shots, finding the greens in regulation is no easy chore since bunkers surround every putting surface and the wind influences club selection.

This venue is easy to walk, since the distances from the greens to the tees are minimal. There are five different tees, ranging from the silver tees (5,023 yards) to the black tees (7,002 yards).

When going from the 9th green to the 10th tee, there is one ‘obstacle:’ the Snack Shack. It has a covered patio where you can eat a hot dog or enjoy a

beverage before tackling the back nine.

This practice area includes an all-grass driving range, an 8,000 square-foot putting green and a second green to practice chip shots.

One weekly event which puts this course in a special category is the Friday Pro Am, the "Oldest Game in Town.” Every week, for more than 50 years, it has attracted professionals and amateurs who want to compete in this popular points game.

To play the historic West Palm Beach Municipal Golf Course, call the pro shop: 561-822-1591. If it was once good enough for the PGA Tour, then it remains good enough for you – January through December. Remember, the public is always welcome!

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

alabama golf central

The

By Mike May

of Alabama Golf

Ross Bridge

When you visit central Alabama to play golf, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to places to play. The focal point will be the Robert Trent Jones (RTJ) Golf Trail, specifically these layouts: Birmingham (Oxmoor Valley), Hoover (Ross Bridge), Montgomery

FarmLinks (Capitol Hill), and Opelika (Grand

has a number of elevation changes

National). Three other non-RTJ courses,

and is filled with many photo opps!

which deserve to be placed in the

The par 5 third, the ‘Signature Hole,’

‘must play’ category, include FarmLinks

is cleverly designed as your tee shot

near Sylacauga and two layouts in

is hit to a peninsula-like fairway. The

Tuscaloosa, Northriver and Ol’ Colony.

green is raised from the fairway and is

The Ridge course at Oxmoor Valley

supported by a shelf of exposed shale rock and railroad ties. This is a oneof-a-kind hole, never to be forgotten.

When you stand on the first tee of the Judge, located at Capitol Hill, it is stunning! From the back tees, it’s a 200foot drop from the tee to the fairway, which is flanked by the backwaters of the Alabama River. Ideally, hit your tee shot long and straight, preferably straight! Water flanks the right and rear of the Judge’s first green. Well struck drives here are remembered forever!

When you visit Grand National to play the Lake and Links courses, many of the holes will border Lake Saugahatchee. At the Lake course, use your camera on the par 3 15th hole. From the tee, it’s 100 percent

Oxmoor Valley 52

carry over water. This hole is very, Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

very scenic. On the Links course, the 18th green is a difficult finishing hole.

Your tee shot must be struck over the corner of the lake. Then, the approach shot is hit to a shallow, raised green -- supported by massive rocks. Pars are both holes are worthy of celebration!

The ‘Signature Hole’ at FarmLinks is the par 3 fifth, where the tee shot is jaw-dropping! Once you reach your teebox, you’ll be faced with a downhill shot to the green. From the back tees, there’s a 170-foot vertical drop from tee to green. Sulphur

Capital Hill - Senator

Mountain sits perched in the distance.

deserve a ‘fistpump’ and a ‘high five.’

of the fairway. From the fairway, it’s

At Northriver, the finest par 4 is the

The 9th hole at Ross Bridge is a right-

a short iron to a quasi-island green.

16th hole. From any tee marker, you

to-left dogleg par four where water

What makes these golf courses so

must hit your tee shot over water. Then,

hugs the left side of the fairway from

special? They are accessible and afford-

on your approach, if your shot drifts

tee to green. Water also borders the

able. Finally, when you visit Ol’ Colony,

right or short, it will get ‘wet’ or ‘sandy.’

front of the green. To complicate mat-

consider wearing cream and crimson

If the wind is in your face, it’s one of the

ters, the 9th fairway is split by a sand

since it’s the home of the University of

finest holes in the state. Birdies here

bunker which appears in the middle

Alabama golf program. Roll Tide!

Grand National

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

53

carolinas golf central header

Reserved: Lakefront Property in Hot Demand at Upscale Lake Keowee Community

The Reserve at Lake Keowee Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Hole 15

Golf is often a game of fantastic finishes, but there is another stirring finale on the horizon at The Reserve at Lake Keowee.

And this one, too, involves a grand prize: lakefront property with gorgeous mountain views.

The 14-year-old community, located in the foothills of South Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, has just released its final lakefront property , a move poised to set up drama down the stretch as more and more parcels are claimed.

“We’ve saved the best for last,” said Rutledge Livingston, the Reserve’s director of sales.

The Reserve, which sits on 3,900 acres and 30 miles of Keowee shoreline, is home to a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course (there are home sites available there, as well), a 200-slip marina and $100 million in completed family amenities, including 1,400 acres of parks, preserves and trails.

The course, one that Nicklaus carved out between the mountains and the lake, is a host site of the annual BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by Synnex, which attracts a host of big names and is aired on Golf Channel.

That kind of exposure can’t hurt 54

and it might explain, in part, the Reserve’s current ascension: More than 60 homes are under construction, which represents the most at any given time in the community’s history, according to Livingston.

Not only that, but Reserve members – now numbering about 700

from 30 states – are spending more time there. For the first time ever, full-time resident home construction outnumbers seasonal new builds.

A concierge marina service, top-20 South Carolina golf course and robust fitness and cultural options – the Reserve has an artist in residence program, for instance – combine for a powerful pull.

But involvement at the Reserve goes beyond concerts in The Village or raucous Wiffle ball games on the Great l lawn. The Reserve’s charitable arm has raised nearly $300,000 for local organizations since 2006 and members volunteer hundreds of hours annually.

“It’s the water, it’s the mountain air, it’s the amenities,” Livingston said. “But I think, most of all, it’s the sense of community. This place is about moments and sharing them with your friends and family, no matter what you’re doing.”

To learn more about The Reserve, call 877‐922‐LAKE (5253), visit www.ReserveAtLakeKeowee.com, or read the community’s official blog at www.LifeOnKeowee.com.

The Reserve at Lake Keowee Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Holes 17 and 18.

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

Your Experience

YOUR WAY THE PLAYERS Stadium Course,TPC Sawgrass

Travis Fulton, TOURAcademy Director of Instruction

Customize Your Experience and SAVE UP TO $600!

TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL | World Golf Village, St. Augustine, FL | Tiburon Golf Club, Naples, FL

TOURAcademy is offering you the ability to enjoy the best of both worlds, experience some of the best locations and golf courses in the country while getting better at the game you love!

Whether you reap the benefits of 1 on 1 attention from one of our award winning instructors or make lasting memories with your golf buddies, we are letting you do it for Free. For a limited time you can create your own golf school.

• Choose your dates • Choose your instructor • Choose your curriculum • Choose your student to teacher ratio • Choose Accommodations or No Accommodaitons Promo Code: MYWAYFLGC Call an Experience Coordinator today

888.877.8331 Visit TOURAcademy.com Don’t forget to use you holiday gift cards and bonus cards!

*Offer is valid on arrivals between January 9, 2015 and March 31, 2015. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer available for golf schools with or without accommodations.

carolinas golf central

Martin

Four previous winners and two firsttimers have been named 2014 Richard S. Tufts Players of the Year by the Carolinas Golf Association (CGA). The six winners are: Scott Harvey of Greensboro, NC (Men), Dawn Woodard of Greer, SC (Women), Rick Cloninger of Fort Mill, SC (Senior Men), Jessica Spicer of Bahama, NC (Junior Girls), Pat Brogden of Garner, NC (Senior Women), and Eric Bae of Pinehurst, NC (Junior Boys).

Scott Harvey of Greensboro, NC claimed his fourth consecutive Carolinas Men’s Player of the Year award. He is the first men’s category four-time winner. The 36-year-old property manager had a 2014 golf season to remember. In July he won the Cardinal Amateur. At the U.S. MidAmateur Championship in September, he was stroke-play medalist and went on to win the championship. For that victory, he received an invitation to play in the 2015 Masters Tournament. Harvey was one of 16 players invited to attend a practice session for the 2015 Walker Cup. Harvey currently is the number 75th ranked men’s amateur player in the world according to the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

Scott Harvey Dawn Woodard, of Greer, SC won the Carolinas Women’s Player of the Year honor for the third consecutive year.

Woodard’s successful 2014 campaign included winning the Women’s South Carolina Golf Association (WSCGA) Match Play Championship for the fifth time in a row followed by a victory at the WSCGA Stroke Play Championship. Woodard led after the first round of stroke-play quali-

Eric Bae

Dawn Woodard

Pat Brogden

Rick Cloninger 56

fying at the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur championships and qualified as the second-seed before losing in the Round of 64.

Rick Cloninger of Fort Mill, SC wins his second consecutive Carolinas Senior Men’s Player of the Year award. Cloninger, a three-time CGA champion, won the 2014 South Carolina Golf Association Senior Championship and placed second in the Carolinas Senior Amateur Championship.

In the U.S. Senior Amateur Championship, he advanced to the semifinals, losing to eventual champion Pat Tallent.

Pat Brogden of Garner, NC takes home her third Carolinas Senior Women’s Player of the Year honor. Her 2014

Gina Kim

JessicaSpicer season included two victories, two other top-three finishes and participation in a USGA national championship. The 60-year-old won her fourth Carolinas Women’s Senior title, giving her nine alltime CGA victories. Of the six Carolinas women who qualified for the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur, Brogden advanced the furthest, to the Round of 16.

Eric Bae, a 16-year-old high school junior from Pinehurst, NC, earned his first Carolinas Junior Boys Player of the Year honor with a season that included three victories. During the second-round at the U.S. Junior Amateur, Bae shot a championship-record 29 on his inward nine holes to help him qualify for match play.

Jessica Spicer, a 17-year-old high school junior from Bahama, NC earned the 2014 Carolinas Junior Girls Player of the Year award. Spicer earned her first CGA title with an eight shot victory at the Carolinas Junior Girls’ Championship.

Award winners will be honored during Carolinas Golf Night and the CGA Annual Meeting at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club in Southern Pines, NC on Saturday, January 31, 2015.

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

GOLF

AS YOU NEVER ENJOYED BEFORE.

On Top of the World offers amazing amenities, including 3 golf courses, 2 fitness centers, 8 tennis courts, 6 pools, 6 pickleball courts, 2 restaurants, a pub, hobby building, spa, salon, lifelong learning and so much more.

®

We offer three distinctly different courses for all levels of play. Two private par 72 courses plus our semi-private Candler Hills course featuring the longest Par 5 in Florida at 669 yards! Each uniquely different and impeccably maintained and offer beautiful vistas and outstanding play throughout the year.

ENJOY THE WORLD TOUR, OUR 3 DAYS/2 NIGHT STAY FOR $189* Maintenance free single-family homes and luxury golf course estate homes from the mid $100’s - $300’s

Call us at 800.836.6521 | OnTopOfTheWorld.com 8447 SW 99th St. Rd. Ocala, Florida 34481 From I-75 take SR 200 west 6.5 miles. Turn right at SW 99th St. Rd. **Price for single or double occupancy, plus tax. A tour with our sales team is required. © 2015 On Top of the World Communities Inc, Ocala, Florida, a 55+ community. Prices, features and specifications are subject to change without notice. Certain conditions may apply. Void where prohibited by law 10780-1/15

course of dreams

More Than $3,800,000 Paid to Players The IGTA Tour was founded in 2000 with our first tournament in 2001. We are now beginning our fifteenth year.

The Tour has paid out over $3,800,000 to its members and now provides 25 events per year. The original concept was to create a tour for the former scratch golfer who had to give up or postpone his dream of the PGA Tour.

With a full time job his game suffered and suddenly he plays to a 1,2, 3, etc. handicap. The tour became popular and many mini-tour players started coming out and ultimately top players from all the tours including Web. com and Champions Tour participate.

Why Tour Pros & Scratch Players Participate with the IGTA First Prize $4,000 to $10,000 with 33% of field paid.

Now over 235 consecutive tournaments paying at least $4,000.00 for First Place.

Some players rarely cash a check or even make the Cut on other Tours.

Continue with your Tour, but play IGTA on week-ends and play on a net basis with consideration given to recent scoring. Shooting Even Par (Net) will earn the player at least $1,000.00 in almost every tournament. Averaging over $60,000.00 per year for the past twelve years.

All players will agree they will improve their game playing with the IGTA. In the past twelve years a score of Net even Par would have paid over $60,000.00 per year. First place is $4,000 to $10,000 and a leading money winner took home over $33,000.00. Most players

58

on the tour are single digit handicaps (USGA handicap software is used).

The IGTA Tour is also an excellent developmental golf tour and many of the IGTA golf members have gone on to play on the PGA Tour, Web.com Tour, and Champions Tour. Others play on the Egolf tour, Gateway Tour, Hopkins Pro Golf Tour, Sunbelt Senior Tour, Minor League Golf Tour, West Florida Golf Tour, Florida Professional Golf Tour and the Moonlight Tour.

Players such as D.A. Points, Jerod Turner and Andrew Svoboda moved on to the PGA Tour. Veteran professional, Marco Dawson has been a tremendous first year player on the Champions Tour in 2014, winning over $950,000.00 in about six months, making every cut.

Don Gadberry, became a full-time 2010 PGA Tour caddie for Martin Flores. Tony Smith and A. J. Montecino caddied for Brad Bryant and Y. E. Yang among others. www.igtatourllc.com.

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

FALL & SPRING CAMPS

Reach your goals in golf this Fall and Spring! The key to development and the difference is a holistic program. All GGGA Camps include technical, mental, fitness and on-course training to help juniors meet their goals in golf. Mission Inn Resort & Club, home of GGGA, also features two championship courses, El Campeon and Las Colinas are ranked among the best in the state while the GGGA training program is overseen and directed by Golf Digest Top 50 Teacher and Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher Gary Gilchrist and his team of coaches.

Upcoming camps: Nov. 23-26, 2014 - Holiday camp* Dec. 14-20, 2014 - Doral tournament prep Jan. 4-10, 2015 - Winter Camp Jan. 16-19, 2015 - Holiday Camp* Feb. 13-16, 2015 - Holiday Camp* March 29-April 4, 2015 - Spring Break Camp May 22-25, 2015 - Holiday Camp* All camps include: Training, meals and accommodations On course and on range training Personal drills and development plan

GGGA.COM

Gary Gilchrist Golf Academy is located at

To organize your visit,

Mission Inn Resort & Club, Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida

call 866-639-9099 or email guillermop@ggga.com

By Jay Golden, PGA

leader on the links

Bill Is Back Can You Say “Venetian Bay”?

For those who have met and/or played at a facility managed by Bill Shiles, you know that you were treated like a ‘guest’. As former G.M. of Eastwood, Stoneybrook GC, Tuscawilla CC, Red Tail, Sea Trail Golf Resort or as the Executive Director of the “Junior Golf Association of Central Florida (J.G.A.),” a Bill Shiles managed facility is a pleasurable experience.

Having grown up in New Smyrna Beach and as a 3-sport high school athlete (baseball, basketball and football), it was the football coach, Bill Moreman, who taught him life/management skills. “You may not realize it now,” said

Venetian Bay Bay Golf Hole #2 department every day and/or having weekly meetings communicating with department heads, Coach Moreman was his inspiration as were the many team members and mentors he has worked with in the golf industry.

Bill has a unique way to envision and treat ‘customers’. “I look at those who come to play as guests,” says Bill. “It’s the attitude that our entire staff employs. We are happy that they have chosen our course and we let them know that we appreciate them.

Whether it’s the pro shop staff, cart attendants, starters, rangers, restaurant staff, etc., we are happy to be there

Coach Moreman, “but you are going to learn things on this team that are going to be useful your entire life.”

Bill says, “Forming a team that will work together for a common goal, leading by example and the importance of communication is what he learned from Coach Moreman and what he tries to put Bill Shiles

into practice every day.” Whether it is empowering each member of his

were playing with without feeling the

staff/team to let them do their job,

pressure of winning. But fun is also

building a bond by visiting every

related to the golf course conditions,

Sunset Beach Redfish

the design of the holes and the beauty of the surroundings. Superintendent

New Carts 60

and we are happy that

Buddy Tate has the course in excel-

they have visited us.”

lent condition with lush fairways

and excellent greens.” Additionally,

Selling ‘fun’ is also

part of the equation. As

the owners, GEOSAM Capital, bought

Executive Director of

a new fleet of 80 carts which adds

the J.G.A., Bill learned

to the on-course experience.

that the number one

As Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz”

goal of golf is to have

says, “There’s no place like home.” Bill

fun. “Fun playing golf

Shiles is back home in New Smyrna

can come in many

Beach at Venetian Bay Golf Club. It’s a

forms. For example,

course with five sets of tees, beautiful

I found that younger

lakes, competitive prices and where

juniors had more fun

you’ll ALWAYS be treated as a ‘GUEST!”

when they didn’t keep

If you’d like to be ‘back home’ with

score and just en-

Bill, visit him at one of Central Florida’s

joyed the experience

premiere golf courses, Venetian Bay Golf

as well as those they

Club, managed by Billy Casper Golf.

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

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

urnament news tournament news tournament news tournament news tourn

Charity Classic Pro-Am celebrates record year Twenty-five professional golfers paired with Naples’ most philanthropic players and four Immokalee students to participate in The Immokalee Foundation’s record-setting Charity Classic Pro-Am, hosted by The Old Collier Golf Club in Naples on Nov. 17.

The tournament raised more than $425,000 – the most in tournament history – to benefit the youth of Immokalee through The Immokalee Foundation’s educational programs. Coupled with the Charity Classic Celebration fundraising dinner and auction on Nov. 14, the 2014 Charity Classic events raised a record-breaking total of more than $2 million for the nonprofit organization.

“This community continues to demonstrate its generosity and commitment to caring for the children of Immokalee in a meaningful, significant way,” said

Pro-Am event chair Kevin Johnson, private wealth advisor with Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management.

“Thanks to our professional golfers and the generous donors who participated, we were able to raise a record amount of funding for The Immokalee Foundation while enjoying a terrific day of golf.”

The tournament included breakfast on the lawn and a golf clinic by several of the visiting pros. The scramble format paired players with a different pro for each of the nine holes. An awards luncheon immediately followed the tournament.

The team of Monte Ahuja, Kevin Johnson, Don Fites and Jay Smith

– playing the front nine holes with George McNeill and the back nine holes with Dudley Hart – took first place at the golf tournament and were awarded handcrafted copper beech bowls.

The foursome wasn’t the only group that walked away victorious. In second place overall was Joyce Hagen Fites, Natalie McNicholas, Keely Lockhart and Sunny Sapiente, playing with pros Joe Ogilve and Michelle McGann. The third place overall winners were the Arthrex team of Michael Boose, Tejash Naik, Tim Thompson and Mike Morris, playing with pros Ken Duke and Laura Diaz.

The biggest winners of the day were the members of the TIF student team – Alejandro Galvan, Charity Gonzales, Heather Martinez and Christopher Ortiz – who had the opportunity to play 18 holes with former PGA touring

TIF 2014 Charity Classic Pro-Am first place team

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Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

lity....

persona r u o y it that f Styles

TIF 2014 Charity Classic Pro-Am second place team

TIF 2014 Charity Classic Pro-Am third place team professional and current FGCU men’s golf coach Eric Booker.

Johnson offered appreciation to Mark Lye, a PGA Tour professional and former Golf Channel analyst who actively supports the Charity Classic Pro-Am. “Mark is such a great friend to The Immokalee Foundation,” Johnson said. “He tirelessly works to recruit an incredible group of professionals from the LPGA, PGA, Champions and Nationwide tours to participate in the tournament. We simply wouldn’t experience such a successful event without his efforts and the generosity of the golfers who participate.

“It’s amazing how The Immokalee Foundation changes the lives of students,” said Johnson, who has hosted the event four years. “Those of us who get involved have the privilege to witness their successes and learn what they’ve achieved thanks to the organization. I’m honored to have a role in raising more money to help more students.”

Sponsors of the 2014 Charity Classic Celebration and Pro-Am are Arthrex Inc., hope society; Fifth Third Bank, founding sponsor; Jaguar Naples, Porsche of Naples and Kelly Tractor, education circle sponsors; Naples Illustrated, media sponsor; GE Foundation, corporate matching sponsor; Central Bank, pathways circle sponsor; and Kevin Johnson, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management.

The Immokalee Foundation has a range of programs that focus on building pathways to success through college and post-secondary training, mentoring and tutoring, and opportunities for broadening experiences, life skills development and economic independence. To learn more about TIF, the Charity Classic Celebration, volunteering as a mentor or for additional information, call 239430-9122 or visit www.immokaleefoundation.org.

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

www.hersandbaggers.com 1-800-659-9607 63

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

Courtesy of Tennessee Tee Times News

Honoring Tennessee Section’s Best

Kevin Snell

As we put 2014 behind, some deserving PGA Professionals from the Tennessee Section are reaping the rewards for great play among their peers.

Their awards will be presented at the PGA Tennessee Section annual meeting and awards luncheon in the spring.

For these PGA professionals, competition is secondary to their daily club pro duties. Their logo cites these men and women as “The Experts in the Game and Business of Golf.

This year’s winners are: Bushnell Player of the Year, Loren R. Personett of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Loren’s club is McCabe Golf Course, a Metro Parks golf course located in Nashville.

Bolle Senior Player of the Year, Audie S. Johnson of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Audie’s club is the 27-hole facility, McCabe Field Golf Course, located in west Nashville.

Ogio Assistant Player of the Year, Kevin D. Snell, resides in Eagleville. His club is Henry Horton Golf Course, a Tennessee state parks facility located in Chapel Hill.

“First, I would like to congratulate all three recipients of the Tennessee PGA Player of the Year Awards,” Tennessee PGA Executive Director Jeff Abbot said. “Loren, Audie and Kevin

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are no strangers to these awards, which show their commitment to the Tennessee PGA and their outstanding level of play. We are proud to have these first class PGA professionals as the faces of our tournament program, and hope they continue to inspire others to play this great game of golf.”

Personett is the Player of the Year for the ninth time. He also won the Assistant Player of the Year award five (5) times, for a total of 14 assistant and regular player of the year awards.

Personett’s season was highlighted with first-place finishes at the Middle Tennessee Chapter Championship, City of Crossville Team Championship, Lincoln’s Classic, and Pro-Super.

He also finished runnerup at the 46th Tennessee Professional Championship.

Johnson is the Senior Player of the Jeff Abbot Year for the first time to go along with three regular Player of the Year awards and one Assistant Audie Johnson and Loren Personett Player of the Year award. Audie’s 2014 season was highlighted with a first-place finishes at the Capital City Golf Association Open, City of Crossville Team Championship, Assistant Championship and Players Championship.

He also made the cut in the 75th Senior PGA Championship, 26th Senior PGA Professional on the year and made the cut at the National Championship and Assistant National Championship. the Assistants National.

Tennessee Section PGA tourna Snell is the Assistant Player of the ments are held all over the state Year for the second consecutive year. and without the support and finanSnell’s season was highlighted with cial commitment of Rob Spenser of a first-place finish at the Harold Eller Bushnell, Bolle and Ogio there would Pro-Am. He had second-place finnot be the great tournaments that our ishes at The Classic, City of Crossville PGA Professionals have come to enjoy.

Team Championship, Assistant Their help and continued assistance Championship, Lincoln’s Classic, to our Section is the reason our Players Championship, Pro-Pro PGA Professionals can complete in Championship and a third-place finish these venues that we, The Tennessee at the Pro-Pro-Pro Scramble.

PGA staff feel they deserve.

He had a scoring average of 69.8

golfstayandplaytennessee.com

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

When The Sun Rises in Tennessee, We Play Golf

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

golfstayandplaytennessee.com

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no fakin'

Makin’ The Rounds with No-Fakin’ No-Fakin' says: I'm no fan of winter and refuse to let winter keep me from playing the game I love. Apparently I'm in a minority of about 20% of golfers who refuse to stop playing when either football season starts or the temp's drop below 60 degrees. It's what we do, we put on outer wear and insulated leggin's and sweatshirts put the cover on the cart, fire up the cart heater and head for the first tee. Is it comfortable? No, not always but its golf.

Are there advantages? Yes, it's an opportunity to play winter rules, moving the ball to a position where it sits up on the dormant brown grass, its raking and placing in bunkers that are not maintained in the winter, etc. Slow play doesn't exist because our minority of 20% golfers do not waste time thinking about the next shot, pacing off the distance to the pin, reading putts from every angle, we just golf and get it done. Did I mention its cold and we don't have time for such important details that make the round move slow. One thing winter does allow is the higher scores without concern and no need to record scores for handicapping as the system is not in use during the winter. There is no need to swat flies, bugs and bees, they are smarter than humans with a built-in instinct to hibernate in the winter.

A couple of negatives would be a bundled swing with less rotation and freedom to explode on the ball. The ball compression is non-existent and travels 10%-15% less distance. There are no

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pretty cart girls to break-up the focus.

Well heck if there were they would be in full snow gear with only a cute nose and eyes showing. And I guess the main negative is... its cold and no amount of cover-up will protect a golfer completely. I'll take the positive over the negative all day until its warm again.

I may not be makin' the rounds for more golf but I'm out there with my winter golf buddies.

Makin says: There is no question No-Fakin is a winter golfer, it is what we do as winter golfers, we dress for the cold build a comfortable space in the cart to keep warm and go after the ball. In addition to playing golf as No-Fakin speaks of, there is so much more to the golf business.

As a golf industry publisher and promoter of the game my real concerns are for the golf course owners, managers, the PGA club professionals, the Superintendent and the maintenance crew. The golf businesses north of Florida have to take in to effect the lack of play in the winter. Winter causes many changes in course personnel as hours are cut to save cost of the operation. Owners are counting dollars they have saved during the other season to make sure the cost of doing business does not exceed the money held to pay for upkeep in the winter.

With the economy taking a huge dip in 2007 the golf business along with many leisure activity industries have

golfnews4friends.net

By Glenn Makin Publisher

lost play to the spendable income.

Always the first thing to go when the economy dives, is the spendable income for leisure sports. With the economy still struggling along, golfers have found ways to remain “in the game” by playing less golf but at least are playing. The golf business is in a recovery mode but have more recovery before its even close to the 2007 level.

There is a false narrative being spread by media that the golf industry is in decline due to lack of interest in the game. A totally ridiculous claim as we still have 25-million plus consumers who claim to play golf. Junior golf grows every year with interest booming. Women have taken up the game in large numbers and the senior age group of babyboomers is growing exponentially.

Therefore, its not numbers of golfers, its spendable income directly related to the economy. I'm really not offering new information for those who love golf and will not be leaving the game. But, reinforcing their love for the game. If I can relate this to golf course owners so they know there is light at the end of the tunnel and please hold on if possible while We The People continue to right-theship and grow the economy again.

Thanks to all the owners, managers and PGA club professionals who support this publication. Thanks to all the readers/golfers who make all this worth it. My motto for 2015 is “Gratitude with an Attitude.” Carry on, lets play golf.

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

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

quartermilestrings@yahoo.com • ww.quartermilestrings.com Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

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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 All members receive a goody bag with Golf Central Cover-up and accessories.

Contact Glenn Makin, Tour Coordinator, 865-556-4653 for details

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

Michael Holt 68

golfnews4friends.net

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

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

he Golf Channel The GOlf Channel The Golf Channel The Golf Channel The Gol

Golf Channel Academy Brings Together Golf's Elite Coaches in Strategic Alliance Twenty-five of golf’s most distinguished PGA of America and LPGA teaching professionals are among the inaugural coaches in the newly formed Golf Channel Academy, a dedicated network of facilities committed to growing the opportunities for golf instruction. Backed by Golf Channel, the game’s leading global multimedia and entertainment source, Golf Channel Academy will open its charter locations in Spring 2015.

Golf Channel Academy is the first network devoted to efficiently expanding the business of golf instruction through a unique marketing partnership with selected coaches and their facilities, and availing itself of a variety of Golf Channel promotional and customized

marketing tools. Golf Channel’s support represents a notable shift in how teaching, coaching, and player development are presented, promoted, and delivered.

Golf Channel Academy’s current team of 25 lead coaches features some of the best and brightest teachers in the game today. And that’s not by accident, as years of research by Golf Channel Academy’s executive team have gone into identifying the inaugural group.

The first 25 Golf Channel Academy coaches represent 16 states and one province, 12 Golf Magazine Top 100 Teachers, 7 book authors, 15 coaches on Golf Digest’s list of “Best Teachers in State” for 2013-14, and the current LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals National president.

Golf Channel Academy coaches will benefit from a wide-spectrum of business consulting services and products addressing marketing, sales, technology, and back-office solutions needs, as well as shared best practices across the network. Coaches also will have the opportunity to appear on instructional programming across Golf Channel’s television and digital platforms.

These initial academies include over 75 associate coaches, who side-byside with these instructors, will also be available to work with students.

The idea for Golf Channel Academy began from a collaborative idea between Todd Wilson, chief executive officer of Golf Channel Academy, and Scott Novell, president of Golf Channel Acad-

Henry Brunton Henry Brunton Golf, Maple, Ontario, Canada

Dom DiJulia DiJulia Golf, New Hope, PA

Chuck Evans Tiffany Greens Golf Club, Kansas City, MO

Jeff Fisher Fisher Bryan Golf Academy, Mesa, AZ

Fred Griffin Grand Cypress Academy of Golf, Orlando, FL

Martin Hall Ibis Golf & CC, West Palm Beach, FL

Dave Kendall Kendall Academy of Golf, Ypsilanti, MI

Charlie King Reynolds Plantation, Greensboro, GA

Rod Lidenberg

Anders Mattson

Kenny Nairn Celebration GC, Celebration, FL

Rick Krebs Waverly Woods GC, Marriottsville, MD

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Halla Greens GC and Training Center, Chanhassen, MN Saratoga National GC, Saratoga Springs, NY

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

emy. Wilson based this golf instruction concept on the “brand-within-a-brand” strategy employed by NASCAR, where he was the long-tenured senior vice president and chief financial officer.

Golf Channel Academy also will draw on the network and experience of its executive vice president Lorin Anderson, founder and president of Proponent Group, a golf instructor membership-based organization that is now part of the foundation of Golf Channel Academy.

“Our business model is based on acquiring the top teaching talent in

the industry and building a marketing and business services infrastructure to support it, thus achieving a scale and synergy not previously seen in this part of the industry,” said Anderson.

Proponent Group, golf’s premier membership-based service company for top-echelon instructors and coaches—launched in 2007 to offer dedicated golf instructors a unique set of business-oriented benefits to help enhance their teaching skills and their businesses—has merged with the newly formed Golf Channel Academy. Anderson believes this merger will make the

Rob Noel Rob Noel Golf Academy, Abita Springs, LA

The Plane Truth, The Courses at Watters Creek, Plano, TX

Kip Puterbaugh Aviara Golf Academy, Carlsbad, CA

Dana Rader Dana Rader Golf School, Charlotte, NC

Jon Sinclair Sinclair’s Golf Training Center, Euless, TX

Kellie Stenzel Palm Beach Par 3, Palm Beach, FL

Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

Chris O’Connell

organization an even more important resource to its 450 instructor members.

“It was time for an infusion of talent and energy that could take Proponent Group to the next level, and this is it,” says Anderson. “We are already starting to tap into the unmatched array of marketing, business, and social-media resources Golf Channel has to offer and are pushing them out to our members.”

Golf Channel Academy plans to open more than 100 locations in the U.S. and Canada within five years and will lean on Proponent Group’s highly qualified membership to fuel that growth.

Don Parsons Twin Lakes Golf Course, Goleta, CA

Chad Phillips Blue Giraffe Golf Institute, Tucker, GA

Jeff Ritter Craig Renshaw Legacy Golf Performance Center, Phoenix, AZ Poppy Hills Golf Course, Pebble Beach, CA

Larry Ward High Performance Golf, Lexington, KY

Trent Wearner Trent Wearner Golf Academy, Englewood, CO

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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 Southern Golf Central • Volume 15, Issue 8

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AROUND HERE, EVERY DAY FEELS LIKE CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY

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