Southern Golf Central Magazine - Vol 16 issue 5 • ezine by Golf Central Magazine

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

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from the publishers header

"Who are we, if not measured by our impact on others? That’s who we are! We’re not who we say we are, we’re not who we want to be — we are the sum of the influence and impact that we have, in our lives, on others." – Neil deGrasse Tyson remembering Carl Sagan

When I first started this magazine my son, Preston, was 10 years old. He understood the publication’s purpose would be to grow the game and he Preston on the 6th issue of loved being a part of it. Our lives reGolf Central Magazine in 1999 volved around golf – and around the magazine. Preston was my partner in crime, picking up boxes of magazines and hand delivering them to courses all over Central Florida. We jammed out to “Old School Funk” and then he shared his music with me as he grew older, we loved cranking up, sunroof open as we arrived to the security gates just to make them smile. I often didn’t get out of the car – I just waited as my adolescent son stood ten feet tall striding inside with his presentation. “Here’s the latest issue. Check out the feature on mountain golf. We just got back from playing there! You gotta go and take your family!” We hosted a monthly Golf Networking Soiree with the release of each new issue. Preston was there, dressed like a man, pressing the flesh and engaging in grown-up conversation. He’d take over the microphone during the raffle and give away a sleeve of balls with the same enthusiasm he’d just expressed awarding a $500 tour bag. Already his dry sense of humor was delighting those around him. I can’t describe the pride I felt in my “little man”. What did all of this mean to him? As a Mother’s Day gift in 2012, Preston penned the Letter from the Publisher for that month’s issue. In it he wrote: “Since I was young I got to experience more resorts and golf courses than most people get to see in a lifetime. The best part … is that I get to enjoy it with my family: my mom, my sister Tonyia, her husband Chris, my little niece Sydney and nephew Tyler. Two things mother taught me: it doesn’t matter what you’re doing as long as you’re having fun doing it and the importance of being around family.” It's no wonder I'm still so proud of him. On August 10th my son Preston was taken from us too soon at the age of 26. Preston had grown to be a man every bit as remarkable as my young partner so many years ago husPreston representing at tling a startup golf magazine, then growing his own one of our Soirees business of Professional Window Tinting. He had the ability to connect with people of all ages. He was a free spirit. He loved good food, all kinds of music, dancing and he loved life – and he loved sharing everything with those he knew well and those he’d known for moments. He was witty, funny, generous, charming, had a huge heart, very sensitive, and all of his friends let me know on Facebook how he made an impact on so many. It's difficult to express with words how much those Facebook posts, calls, and cards, – and the many other expressions of love toward Preston – have kept me going through the unbelievable hurt in my heart these past several weeks. Thank you for all of your of love and encouragement. Preston concluded that column of 2012 saying “I wouldn’t be the person I am if it wasn’t for the Queen Bee, my mom.” But I must add today, I COULDN’T be the person I am today if it wasn’t for my amazing “Sonny Honey”, Preston Purdum.

Volume 16, Issue 5 Publisher: Terrie L. Purdum Editor in Chief: Shannon Coates Regional Partner: Doug Hollandsworth, Founder-Georgia Golf Trail Editor Emeritus: Joel Jackson, CGCS Retired Coordinating Communications Diva: Jasmin Smith Public Relations Princess: Felecia Botting Photographers: Lynn Pelham, Brion Price, Peter Hakansson Tres Fenton, Mike Coonan, Jess Regan 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, Fred Seely, Deb Shuck, JL Quebbeman, 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.

We love you, Preston. I love you. You will always be here with me.

2009 North Florida PGA Amateur of the Year 4

Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

Volume 16, Issue 5 Alabama Golf Central 62 Mobile Caribbean Golf Central 58 Four Seasons - Nevis 60 St. Kitts

Carolinas Golf Central 64 Fall/Winter Travel Cart Girl 14 Breanna Wallace FEATURE 38 Bella Collina Georgia Golf Central 66 King & Prince Golf Bachelor 12 Jim O'Hay Golf Fore Charity 30 The Els Center of Excellence 32 Sniper Putters - Make Your Mark Golf History 22 SWING! 24 Riviera Country Club Golf Travel 46 Covered Bridge, Indiana

Growing The Game 52 Golf Board Improving Performance 16 Dirty Larry Golf 18 Bishops Cate Golf Academy 20 Club Champion

Departments 8 Product Showcase 10 Florida Restaurant Association 28 Freddy's Fairway Thoughts 40 Turf Life

Leader on the Links 26 The Dogfighters Special Events 34 Mrtyle Beach World Amateur 36 Shepherd's Hope

42 44 50 54 56 70 72

Grip It & Sip It Grip It & Sip It Duffer Dan NFPGA SFPGA Golf Fitness Golf Fitness

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product showcase

Nexbelt "The Belt With No Holes"

In an effort to help find a cure for breast cancer, Nexbelt is offering 30% OFF all of their PINK Breast Cancer Awareness Belts during the month of October and will donate 20% of all PINK belt sales in October to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Tired of the old outdated pin/ buckle system, with holes that are spaced 1” apart the owners of this company set their sights on creating a belt that would be both adjustable and highly fashionable at the same time. Out of this passion, Nexbelt, “The Belt With No Holes” was born. Known for its innovative technology, Nexbelt’s Go In! Golf Series of belts feature a unique ratcheting system called PreciseFit that allows the wearer to adjust his or her belt in quarter-inch increments, providing the best fit, feel and fashion available. These belts are one size fits all and cut-to-fit. Nexbelt currently has five different PINK BCA belts available for Men and Women. Visit www.Nexbelt.com.

ZTech Breast Cancer Awareness Crystal Ball Marker with Cap Clip Never lose your spot on the green while showing your support for a great cause with the ZTech Breast Cancer Awareness Crystal Ball Marker with Cap Clip. The magnetic cap clip attaches easily to most hat brims for easy access while on the green. This crystal ball marker is available online at Golfsmith.com and in select stores for $9.99

Turf Life

What the heck is TURF LiFE? TURF LiFE started as a seed planted by the “Founding Farmer” Terrie Purdum of Southern Golf Central Magazine in 2013. TURF LiFE is the brand that salutes the consumer and industry “players” everywhere whose lives involve TURF. It addresses the games we play and the jobs we do. TURF LiFE showcases sports, businesses, education and our enjoyment of the outdoors that revolves around TURF grass in all its many forms. TURF LiFE will also introduce you to the people that compete, grow, and maintain TURF grass. We often take grass in general for granted but whether its the manicured landscaped grounds of Augusta National, soccer fields in Brazil or your own backyard, TURF grass is working tirelessly for all of us. It’s a way of LiFE! That is TURF LiFE. Whether you are playing on TURF or helping to maintain it...TURF LiFE is all about you. Together, these players are TURF LiFE!! www.turflife.com

Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

FootJoy Women's Spectrum Golf Glove

The FootJoy Women’s Spectrum Golf Glove features soft cabretta leather specially tanned to resist water and perspiration while retaining a soft, comfortable feel and being colorfast and fade-resistant. High-performance FiberSof microfiber along the back of the hand and an angled-tab closure provide a comfortable, consistent grip. Premium cabretta leather at the palm and full index finger ensures a soft feel, with added perspiration resistance for a durable grip. PowerNet mesh tailored across the knuckles offers golfers increased comfort, improved breathability, and maximum flexibility. www.Golfsmith.com

Ecco Women's Urban Hybrid Spikeless Golf Shoes– Candy

Providing superb weather and perspiration resistance, the Ecco Women’s Urban Hybrid Spikeless Golf Shoe features Hydromax technology that keeps feet dry in the most extreme weather conditions, while the high-quality, durable leather is golf-all-day comfortable. Patented E-DTS (Dynamic Traction System) outsole technology provides 800 traction angles for an excellent grip, and luxurious camel leather offers a comfortable feel and excellent breathability. www.Golfsmith.com

Nike Golf

The Nike Women’s Cardinal Short Sleeve Polo features ergonomic seams and smooth Dri-FIT fabric for natural range of motion and a comfortable fit on the course. The Dri-FIT fabric wicks moisture away from the body for quicker evaporation and helps keep you dry and distraction-free. www.Golfsmith.com

Callaway Solaire Pink Golf Balls

The Callaway Solaire Pink Golf Balls are the perfect choice for women. They provide increased distance for your long clubs, soft feel off the club, and improved accuracy for straighter shots. Additional features: • Increased distance: more distance is what you can expect from the highly resilient core. You’ll hit the ball farther, which will make it easier to get to the green • Extremely soft feel: a low compression leads to soft feel off the clubface • Improved accuracy: designed for straighter shots and better control • Pearlescent finish www.Golfsmith.com Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

By Elizabeth Ray

florida restaurant & lodging association header

Charities Across Florida to Receive Funds Raised at 5th Annual Old School Open in Tallahassee The Society Foundation proudly hosted the 5th Annual Old School Open presented by Napleton Infiniti. The action packed event, designed to raise funds for charities across Florida, took place on Thursday, September 10 through Sunday, September 13 in Tallahassee. The festivities spanning across three days included: live musical performances, exclusive auction items, a golf tournament and a tailgate during the USF v. FSU football game. Plus, legendary Coach Bobby Bowden keynoted the entire event and serve as a celebrity golfer during the tournament. The Society Foundation created the Old School Open to support philanthropic causes in the local Bag Pipes with golfers - Team - Nole Patriots - Mark Jones, Bob Frey, Joe Sumisalski, Jarry Wells

from left to right - Randall Mills, Mark McGovern, Bobby Hunter, Bill Stephenson From left to right - Adam Corey, Coach Bobby Bowden, Coach Mike Martin, Professor Bill Woodyard

Wayne Player, Lance Barton, Brian Lillard, Chris Dunham

Lauren Schwec, Jamey McQuade, Randall Mills, Shelly Anastari, Daniel Sinor, Stephanie DeSantis

community and across the state of Florida. Since the event’s inception, more than $500,000 has been donated to twenty-two charities. The Old School Club, which developed the Society Foundation, is comprised of Florida State alumni and fans that come together each home football game to commemorate the heritage and tradition of the Seminoles. Proceeds from this year’s event are slated to support charities that provide assistance and student scholarships including: the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF), Seminole Boosters and Florida State University’s Dedman School of Hospitality. 10

Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

Our deepest gratitude to all those who made donations in memory of Preston Purdum. More than 600 men, women, and children call the Coalition “home” each day. Through your generosity, they are given more than just a nutritious meal or a safe place to sleep. From case management to job skills training and counseling, they receive the personalized care and services they need to return to lives of self-sufficiency. We are truly honored to carry out our work in Preston’s memory, and we celebrate his generous spirit. Our hearts and thoughts are with Terrie and the entire Purdum family in this difficult time.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A DONATION, VISIT CENTRALFLORIDAHOMELESS.ORG

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Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

golf bachelor header

Where were you born? Did you grow up there? Easton, PA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Grew up in Fort Lauderdale, FL

What do you do for a living? Golf Events Coordinator at Grand Palms Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort in Pembroke Pines, FL

What would you like to do for a living? Educate & Cousel today's youth

Aside from golf, what do you prefer for fun and relaxation? Boating & Beach

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

brother Kevin O'Hay, for holding me under his wings and taking the time to show me the world even when I didn't deserve it.

Tell us about your first kiss?

Wow...I don't kiss and tell, it could get me in trouble.

Tell us something about yourself that only your closest friends know. I am an extremely giving person who's passionate about life and the lives of others, consistently placing the needs of others before my own.

Jim O'Hay

What three things would you need to survive on a deserted island? My golf clubs; an unlimited supplu of range balls; and Captain Morgan Rum.

What do you find to be the most annoying habit people demonstrate on the golf course? Other than not repairing their divots... By far, the most annoying to me are slow players & people that don't spot for their own ball.

If you had a crystal ball what would you use it for? That's easy... I'd

be able to predict if we could get in 18 holed before it starts to rain.

Favorite Quote? "I don't think the heavy stuff is gonna come down for awhile." - Bill Murray in Caddyshack.

Given the choice; would you select love, success, or money to keep yourself happy? Love makes the world go around. Who would you most like to have dinner with & why? Tiger Woods, because I've got a lot of questions for him.

What are some of your great accomplishments? Soldier of The Year for the 20th Special Forces Group, making it through life, growing up and finally realizing that my parents really did know what I was up to!

If you could have one wish, what would it be and why?

I wish my dad were still alive... I'd bring him to work and let him sit in the pro shop all day talking golf.

Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails? Dinner with a

group of friends, every appetizer on the menu, and some good wine.

Favorite comedian? Lewis Black & Daniel Tosh Some of my favorite music is:

The Dave Matthews Band, Boz Skaggs, Steeley Dan & Harry Connick, Jr.

Southern Golf Central â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 16, Issue 5

The Quarry at Black Diamond. . . . . . simply breathtaking.

Now Offering National Memberships Join by December 31, 2015 to enjoy full privileges at one of Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier private golf clubs, and play unlimited golf on 45 Tom Fazio-designed holes, including the famed Quarry Course. For More Information, Call Bill Hardin (813) 575-0705 Membership Real Estate Stay & Play www.blackdiamondranch.com/national 3125 W Black Diamond Circle, Lecanto, FL 34461

cart header girl

Where did you grow up? Raleigh, NC What is your favorite sport to play? Favorite to watch? My

favorite sport to play has recently become golf. My favorite sport to watch is football since I grew up going to football games with my dad.

What do you feel makes this club special? Beau Rivage is special because not only is the course beautiful, but the staff works hard to accommodate the needs of every guest. The members are awesome and it has been great to establish relationships with them as well as everyone who works and visits the course. Overall, it is a very welcoming and pleasurable experience.

What is your favorite part of being a cart girl? What is your least favorite part? My favorite part of being a cart girl is

having the opportunity to meet so many different and wonderful people from all over. My least favorite part is trying to avoid getting hit by a golf ball. I have been lucky so far!

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

be working for a marketing or advertising firm and hopefully traveling!

What is your memorable moment working as a cart girl?

On my first day on the beverage cart my coworker and I helped to save a lost dog from getting hit by cars and eventually got the dog safely back to its owner!

What is the funniest thing you’ve ever seen on the golf course? There are a lot of people that get angry after hitting a bad shot, so watching them throw their clubs and stomp around is pretty entertaining.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

Since there is filming in Wilmington, I enjoy doing extra work for films. I also like to be outdoors, which includes going to the beach, hiking, kayaking, and running.

What is your idea of “the perfect date”?

I like to try new things, so I prefer dates to be unique. I would also rather be surprised than know what was planned.

Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails? Most

of the time I would choose a relaxed evening at home with chocolate chip cookies! Although, I also enjoy getting cocktails with friends.

Favorite comedian? Melissa McCarthy and Steve Carell Favorite type of movie? I love romantic movies, especially all Nicholas Sparks movies. Comedies are a close second.

Favorite charity to support?

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. 14

Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

EVEN THE NAME MEANS BEAUTIFUL... Few things are more synonymous with incredible golf than North Carolina and no other facillity is more in-tune with group stay and play vacations than Beau Rivage Golf & Resort. Guests have the opportunity to awake to the sweet sounds of Coastal Carolina songbirds before rolling out of bed and onto the practice facilities and ďŹ rst tee. Experience our award-winning golf in a spectacular natural seeing, reminiscent of the sandhills near Pinehurst but just miles from historic downtown Wilmington and three surrounding island beaches. Come enjoy the time-honored tradition of award-winning golf and exemplary service at a place that always feels like home... Make your escape!

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improving performance header

Simple. Obvious. Immediate.

Ever heard that your putting was too “handsy?” How about if you’ve ever missed a putt you thought you should make? If so, read on. Mike Shannon, world-renowned putting instructor out of Sea Island, G.A. and personal putting coach to hundreds of tour professionals over the years says the biggest difference between amateurs and tour professionals is the “tightness” of the putting stroke. “One of the things that we find over and over again is that the really successful putters on tour have a putting stroke that is much tighter than the rest of us.” “Tightness,” he continued, is measured by how connected the stroke is to the body, and how much the clubface opens and closes during the motion. It’s simple: amateurs tend to open and close the face a lot, and tour players don’t.

The Navigator, a new putting training aid by Dirty Larry Golf teaches you to start the ball on your intended line, while eliminating the loose moving parts. It immediately reveals where the clubface is aiming, much like a scope. And it does so without any lasers, batteries, or lengthy assembly process that requires a magnifying glass and a PhD. “People are busy. We wanted to give golfers an easy way to drop some shots off the bottom line and have fun while doing it. If you just spend 5 or 10 minutes with this thing, it’s going to change your world,” says Dave Nastalski, PGA Professional, and Owner / Co-Founder of Dirty Larry Golf. “The best putters on tour have very little face rotation,” says Shannon. The Navigator, with repeated use, will train you to keep the face square longer, resulting in a tighter stroke motion and tour-like putting dynamics. It’s not surprising Shannon has introduced the Navigator to several of his tour players. Some other big names in the golf industry have taken notice of the Navigator for its simplicity, ease of use, and immediate effectiveness. “In two minutes, you’re already a better putter,” says Jerry Haas, PGA Tour Player and Head Coach of Wake Forest University Men’s Golf. Jerry has outfitted his entire team

with Navigators, and they practice regularly with the product. “Knowing where you’re aimed is hard. It’s hard because we don’t have the luxury of looking down the target line like we do when shooting pool or hoops,” Nastalski says. With the Navigator, your eye has something to grab on to. You can really start to see what left-edge, left-center, right-edge, right-center looks like. One of the coolest features of the Navigator is the anytime, anywhere factor. “I use it more at the office and at home than I do on the putting green,” Nastalski says. Even if you can’t get out to the course, “put a poker chip or coin on the ground and putt across the carpet to it. This narrows your focus and hones your ability to start the ball where you want. You’re going to take that to the golf course with you the next time you play.” A 300-yard drive counts the same as a 4-foot slider down the hill. The only difference is, you can always recover from the woods and still make par. But if you miss a putt, it’s over. Welcome to Dirty Larry Golf. And welcome to the Navigator Training Aid. Find out more at www.dirtylarrygolf.com

Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

“Golf at Stewart Lodges at Steelwood”

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improving performance 18

Southern Golf Central â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 16, Issue 5

improving performance

Looking to improve quickly and enjoy the game more? Premium club fitting is the way to go!

By Kelly Thomas

With all the advances in golf club technology, most golfers could easily hit the ball further and more accurately. A 2011 Golf Magazine study found that 90% of U.S. golfers may be playing with clubs that do not fit properly. For golfers looking to improve quickly, enjoy the game more and add as much as 20 or more yards, premium club fitting is the way to go. The best fittings allow golfers to hit interchangeable heads and shafts from all the most popular brands. Most big golf stores, like PGA Tour Superstore, Golfsmith, and Golf Galaxy, use stock club-fitting carts provided by club manufacturers. While these carts offer options, golfers are unable to mix and match shafts and club heads between different carts to determine the perfect club.

Hit Exactly What You Will Buy Club Champion is changing the landscape, providing a comprehensive fitting superior to the competition. Ranked by Golf Digest as one of the 100 Best Club Fitters three times in a row, Club Champion owns and operates eleven high-performance fitting studios around the country. It is the only fitter to offer 15,000 interchangeable head and shaft combinations on-site at all eleven national locations. Golfers hit the exact same club that will be custom built for them. “When you go to any Club Champion, you get the same club options, a proven and consistent fitting process and the same technology at every studio. You can’t find this type of consistency from any other fitter,” says Jay Hubbard, VP of Marketing at Club Champion.

Master Fitters Only Club Champion hires master fitters who receive an additional 100+ hours of training before starting their job; training unmatched, especially by big box golf stores. The proof is in the results, says Florida resident and Club Champion customer Dave Greer. Greer loved his aging Mizuno irons but was open to what might take his game to the next level. Says Greer, “The fitting process was amazing. The fitter first identified the proper shaft and then 20

found the right head. With each combination, I was able to see the improved results statistically laid out on screen. I ended up with Callaway XR Pro irons and picked up 10-20 yards in distance. It’s worth every penny spent just to see the looks on your playing partners’ faces when they see the results of your changes.”

Tour-Quality Fitting Technology Technology plays a big part in identifying the custom equipment. Trackman Pro, the gold standard of launch monitors and simulators, is the same system the PGA Tour uses to track pro stats. Club Champion uses it to take precise club and ball measurements in a controlled environment. “Customers love our experience,” says Club Champion VP, Mike Trapani. “More than 95% of customers are so pleased, they bring their friends in.” Former PGA Tour veteran Jay Williamson benefited from Club Champion’s expertise. He gained 15 yards over the fittings he received on tour. Says Williamson, “Club Champion’s fitting knowledge and selection of interchangeable heads and shafts allowed me to instantly hit numerous combinations in the same session. If you are a committed golfer at any level, I highly recommend it.”

Unrivaled Club Building Tolerances In addition to delivering a better fit, Club Champion builds clubs to exacting, unrivaled tolerances. Master Builder David Seo says, “Your swing is unique, your clubs should be, too. At Club Champion, we build each club by hand because we know every degree, swing weight and millimeter can make a big difference. The fitting creates your specs – it’s our job to make sure the perfect match ends up in your bag.” This level of quality is what drives customers to their studios, some of whom drive or fly hundreds or even thousands of miles just to get fit. Fitting prices range from $80 for wedges to $350 for an entire bag fitting that can be split into separate appointments. Pricing for the clubs are the same as you find at any golf shop, plus the cost of upgraded shafts, if necessary. To schedule a fitting, call your local Club Champion or visit clubchampiongolf.com. You’ll thank yourself and so will your game.

Orlando, FL - 407-745-5660 Sandy Springs, GA - 404-303-8322 Houston, TX - 713-973-3939 Plano, TX - 972-985-4240 Additional locations clubchampiongolf.com

Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

golf history

SWING! In anticipation of golf’s long-awaited return to the Olympics, leaders from the golf world came together to create “SWING!”, an educational golf exhibit set to be displayed in the fan zone at the golf venue during the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, August 6-21. Before its transport to Rio, the exhibit will first be displayed in the Olympic Museum from December 9, 2015 to January 31, 2016 in Lausanne (Switzerland). Under the guidance of the International Golf Federation, the World Golf Hall of Fame led a collaborative effort with its partner organizations, the British Golf Museum, USGA Museum and Golf Canada to conceive an easy-to-understand exhibition for fans at the Olympics. SWING! is segmented into six “holes,” each offering a theme around the game: “Golf Today,” “Equipment,” “The Game,” “Emblematic Courses Worldwide,” “Golf and its Champions,”

World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum Leads Collaborative Effort to Create Educational Golf Exhibit in Support of Game’s Return to the Olympics

“Golf & the Olympics.” Spanning nearly 1,000 square feet, the exhibition shares its stories of the game through video, graphics and text panels as well as with golf clubs, balls and unique artifacts. “The creation and subsequent promotion of this exhibition is a boost for golf,” said World Golf Hall of Fame President Jack Peter. “Golf’s return to the Olympics is historic and we believe it is our responsibility to help educate those who are new to the game, its rules, the equipment and the game’s icons. With the help of our partners, we are confident that our exhibit will enable fans to interact and better understand the game in advance of next summer’s Games in Rio de Janeiro.” Upon commencement of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, it will mark the first time golf has been included in the program since 1904.

Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

By Mike May

golf history

Golf at The Boca Resort: Living, Breathing History

When you step foot on the Resort Course at the world-famous Boca Raton Resort & Club, it’s truly a yesteryear atmosphere. When standing on the first tee, you can almost imagine some of the game’s great names from the past walking by, as they once did – ‘back in the day.’ Based on the pure beauty of the course, some might consider it a ‘millionaire’s playground.’ To truly appreciate the Resort Course at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, it’s best to follow the roots of local history. In 1925, Boca Raton was founded. A year later, golf was being played in Boca at the Cloister Inn, now the site of the Boca Raton Resort & Club. At that time, Boca Raton city leaders asked renowned architect Addison Mizner to design a world-class resort in Boca. Mizner then hired legendary Scottish golf course designer Donald Ross to oversee the construction of a golf course for the resort. In 1927, Clarence Geist acquired the Cloister Inn and the golf course. He then hired Howard Toomey and William Flynn, two golf course designers, to take what Ross had built and re-design two new 18-hole courses. The North Course, as they named it, was completed with all 18 holes located

north of the El Camino Real Road. In 1997, Gene Bates completely redesigned the layout of what is now the Resort Course at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, which is now listed on the Florida Historic Golf Trail. During his work, Bates was aware of the importance of blending the present with the past. “To maintain the historical significance of the course, we fashioned many of the tees and bunkers to their original design,” said Bates. “However, we transformed the fairways and greens to be much more demanding.” Today’s course (par 71) is just over 6,200 yards from the back tees, but it’s cleverly designed. The Resort Course is proof that length is not necessary for a course to be great. It’s also appealing to the eye as the course is a landscaping

masterpiece. Since it’s south Florida, water is never out of sight. A ‘watery grave’ is usually one swing away. Elevation changes are not a major issue, as the highest point on the course is 30 feet above sea level. Four of the biggest visual ‘takeaways’ from your round at the Resort Course will be the tee shots on the 3rd, 12th, 18th holes,…..and the entire 16th hole. The fairways of the 3rd and 12th holes are bordered by colorful flowers and shrubs. While standing on the 18th tee, you see an island green in the distance with a powerful water fountain to the right of the green. The 16th hole is a par five where water hugs the left side of the fairway from tee to green. It’s easy to see why the 16th is rated as the course’s most difficult hole. “Simply put, this course can be conquered with strategy and not strength,” says Jimmy Gascoigne, head golf professional at the Boca Resort. As soon as you walk off the 18th green, head to Mulligan’s for a postround sandwich and a drink. In 1987, the Resort Course was dedicated to a pair of golfing ‘heavyweights,’ who served as golf professionals at the Resort, ‘back in the day’ -- Scotland’s Tommy Armour (aka, ‘The Silver Scot’) from 1926 to 1955 and Virginia’s Sam Snead from 1956 to 1969. By the way, Armour charged $50/lesson, but I’m not sure what Snead’s fee was for a private lesson. When you get the chance to play the Resort Course (501 East Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL; 888-543-1277; www.bocaresort.com), remember that you are truly ‘walking’ through the pages of South Florida history -- just as Mizner, Ross, Armour, and Snead did, ‘back in the day.’ Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

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By Mike May

leader on the links

Photo by Mike Voegele

The Dogfighters: Always ‘On Tour’ in Lake Worth For more than 50 years, a group of passionate golfers have been playing golf each week at the Lake Worth Municipal Golf Club (www.lakeworthgolfclub. com), which is part of the Florida Historic Golf Trail. These golfers are called “The Dogfighters.” It’s a ‘club within a club.’ Simply put, “The Dogfighters” are a group of golfers that love to play golf and love hanging out with the boys!” They play every Saturday morning, starting at 7:00 am. “We like to play early and we like to play fast,” says Lake Worth businessman Bruce Webber, 68, who has been a member of “The Dogfighters” since the mid 1990s. “Some of us can play 18 holes in two and a half hours.” “We have a good time and we have great camaraderie,” says John Rachell, 66, of Lake Worth, who has been a member of “The Dogfighters” since the 1970s. Sometimes, a few of “The Dogfighters” play on other days of the week, but those early tee times on Saturday mornings are always reserved for “The Dogfighters.” And always will be. “The Dogfighters,” established in 1957, have their own logo which is embroidered on the golf shirts 26

which they wear during their outings. What is the origin of the name – “The Dogfighters?” Some of the early members of the group were fighter pilots during World War II. “We are our own men’s association and we keep our own handicaps,” says Webber. “When you play with “The Dogfighters” on Saturdays, you must use your Saturday handicap. Your handicap with us is based on your most recent five rounds on Saturdays. We throw out your high score and your low score.” Every outing with “The Dogfighters” features some competitive games. There are closest-to-the-pin competitions on every par three. And, they have a stableford-like scoring system where you get points for good

play: eagles are worth four points, three points for a birdie, two points for a par, and one point for a bogey. They play for ‘pins’ and ‘points.’ Depending on the time of the year, the active membership of “The Dogfighters” can range from 18 to 30 players. The age ranges from guys in their 30s to their late 80s. When you join “The Dogfighters,” it’s not always just about golf. “We have one or two parties a year,” adds Webber. Behind the 13th tee at Lake Worth Municipal, there’s a bench/monument which honors members of the “The Dogfighters” who have died. It’s a fitting tribute to a group of golfers who probably consider this golf course as their home away home. Members of “The Dogfighters” contribute to a fund each year so there’s money available to update the monument with their name after they die. “Right now, we have about $1,000 in the kitty,” notes Webber. If you have time on any given Saturday morning, visit Lake Worth Municipal to see the “The Dogfighters.” They are kind, gentle, competitive, and won’t bite! Don’t be late because “The Dogfighters” play early and they play fast. Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

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Meanwhile…. The TPC Stadium Course and its surrounding area will get more of a facelift than we’ve previously heard after the 2016 Players. The course will get a near-total renovation and that’s not all, as the clubhouse will be spiffed up and even the parking lot will be reworked. The only big casualty will be the Web.Com Championship. Even though its Valley Course will be intact, the rest of the place will be a mess so look for it to move to another area course. • Web.Com CEO David Brown sold his oceanfront Atlantic Beach home recently. Buyer was Jaguars QB Blake Bortles. • The Father-Son event in Orlando in December has an early favorite: Davis and Dru Love. Davis’s game

is on the upswing (i.e., Wyndham Championship) and Dru isn’t a kid anymore. The rising junior at U. of Alabama won the Georgia Amateur. • You won’t see goofy golf for at least another year as the Open will be at Baltusrol and the PGA at Oakmont in 2016. It was contrived golf at its worst in 2015 at Chambers Bay and Whistling Straits, the former certainly gone forever from major consideration and the latter heading for the 2020 Ryder Cup, which might be okay as that circus needs a circus tent. Beware: we hear bad things about Erin Hills, the Michigan course that gets the Open in 2017. • There’s a wonderful course in Northeast Florida called Long Point, which became member-owned when the Amelia Island Plantation was broken up in bankruptcy

Some sponsors stick around. Former Tour player Dan Olsen (right) won this year’s Gate Invitational at the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club near Jacksonville and the event marked the 30th year of sponsorship by Herb Peyton (left) and his giant Gate Co., a big convenience store operator and land owner in Northeast Florida. Entry is limited to club pros and amateurs, and there’s also a Senior Gate Amateur in December.

with the Omni folks taking over the resort. The members formed The Amelia Island Club and the construction of the course gave us one of golf’s great lines. The island is mostly marsh and, even back in the mid1980s when the course was built, there were all sorts of regulatory hoops to jump through. Course designer Tom Fazio commented, “When I started on Long Point, I had two kids. When I finished, I had four.” • There’s a neat annual event at Highlands CC in the North Carolina mountains. Former Walker Cup players have a weekend reunion to help club members raise money for the local hospital. There were 24 Cuppers this year, including Tour winners Jerry Pate and Bob Murphy. • Guy in the next foursome says Tiger will wear red shirts on Fridays next year. • There’s a lot of sentiment to change the rules governing dropping the ball. No more drops, say the non-purists. Let’s all place the ball, thus saving time and making things equal for all. Apparently, there’s enough support in the USGA to move it along, but the R&A has doubts. • Hard to imagine, but Nike has dumped its hard goods reps. Pro shops will be serviced either by soft goods salespeople, or they’ll have to do it on the internet. • Reynolds Plantation has been taken over by MetLife but folks there say it’s anything but a finance-related takeover. The insurance company has made improvements and has pulled together the various pieces — for instance, the golf shop and the hotel were almost totally separate operations. There’s also discussion of a zoo on the property. • Nice member amenity: you can take your dry cleaning to Charlotte Country Club and they’ll get it done. Three-day service.

Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

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The Els Family Officially Opens "Amazing & Special" Center of Excellence equipped with space for programming staff, visiting scholars, professionals and researchers, will be the base from which the Foundation will develop and roll-out innovative, evidencebased programs focused on individuals with autism, their families and the professionals that work with them across the U.S. and internationally. These two buildings are the first components that are being delivered of a 26-acre campus that, once complete, will include an Upper School (with capacity for an additional 150 students ages 14-22), extensive sports and

“This Center is amazing and special just like us,” summed up Zack Poerio, who delivered a passionate and flawless address on behalf of students from The Learning Center at The Els Center of Excellence, at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Zack, who along with over 100 other students attended his first day of school at the brand new Center, added: “ Thank you Ms. Liezl and Ernie for fighting for us – you are my heroes! Lets make this the best school in the world!” The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony which was attended by donors, local supporters, dignitaries and media celebrated the official opening of the first two components of The Els Center of Excellence - The Lower School and The Els Center of Excellence Auditorium Building. Among the special guests included PGA TOUR players Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Robert Allenby who came down to support their friend and fellow player. Honored guests included Palm Beach County Commissioner Hal Valeche, as well as Mayor Karen Golonka and representatives of the Town of Jupiter. Representatives from the offices of Congressman Patrick Murphy and Representative MaryLynn Magar, also attended the event and a special U.S. 30

flag presentation to The Els Center of Excellence was made by Congressman Murphy’s office as part of the ceremony. The ceremony also marked the opening of the state-of-the-art Auditorium Building, specifically designed to help facilitate the dissemination and gathering of applied research findings and best practices with the global autism community. The building, which includes a hi-tech, 300-seat auditorium

outdoor recreational facilities (including a gymnasium, swimming pool, golf practice facility, athletics field, play courts and sensory garden and pavilion), a cafeteria, a medical and professional services building and an adult services component. Even before the dedicated buildings are in place the Center will bring together the critical elements of early intervention, education, sports and leisure, applied research, transition to adulthood, medical and professional services, and adult services all on one campus. The Foundation’s fundraising campaign is now focused on raising the capital to complete the Upper School, the sports facilities, the medical and professional services building and the adult services component. Donations can be made online at www. elsforautism.com and by check (made payable to ‘Els for Autism’) and addressed to: Els for Autism, The Els Center of Excellence, 18370 Limestone Creek Rd, Jupiter, FL 33458. Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

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Sniper Putters® Offers Arsenal of Equipment Plus a New Program to Support Military Families

Sniper Putters, a relatively small golf equipment company that burst on the scene a few years ago with a line of flatsticks with names such as Rebel, Engage and Ambush, is once again making some noise but this time with a national charity program called Make Your Mark whose objective is to raise funds for military families. “Make Your Mark is a personal effort to honor and give back to our military heroes, with a special focus on the families of our fallen soldiers,” said Dan Roland, CEO of Sniper Putters. “I created a special ball marker and I hope to hit the one million dollar mark and then raise the bar to achieving the sale of perhaps 10 million markers to be able to provide funds to the families of men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.” The Make Your Mark medallion is both a keepsake and a reminder of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line each and every day 32

serving our country. And you don’t Wounded Warriors, Folds of Honor or have to be a golfer to support this a registered military charity of one’s cause. The marker may be purchased choosing. To order the marker, please as a gift item or even left behind at visit www.sniperputters.com or email a restaurant for a waiter or waitress. Dan Roland at Info@sniperputters.com. In fact, Roland is hoping that there The Make Your Mark campaign is will be many situations where the hoping to receive photos, videos and marker is given away and people will stories of how people are “making share via video how they are “making their mark” by giving away markers their mark” – to honor our military. as a national message to remember According to Roland, Make Your and support our troops. Mark could be even bigger than last year’s Dan Roland, CEO of Sniper Putters Ice Bucket Challenge or Pay It Forward campaign if enough people get behind it and purchase the special ball marker for a friend, a co-worker, a golf partner or even for customers. Roland also is speaking to major car manufacturers and encouraging them to designate a special charity-focused month whereby they give a marker to everyone who purchases a new car. Other businesses will be approached to take part in this initiative. The commemorative medallion ball markers cost $9.95 for the size of a quarter or $12.95 for a half-dollar size. Proceeds from the marker sales will go directly to military related charities, including the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation, Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

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special events

By Greg Wise

Golf – Beach – Parties Oh yea... and More Golf! When does 72 holes of golf with the chance to play for an Amateur World Championship on the 5th day come in to play? When you are entered in to the World Amateur Golf Championship in Myrtle Beach South Carolina in Late August. This year I had the opportunity to play in the 32 Annual Tournament, where more than 3,300 golfers ascend on the Myrtle Beach area hotels vying to compete in their individual flights and their chance to play on the final day for the World Amateur Championship played at the Pete Dye Course at Barefoot Bay Resort. This is truly one of those events that is fun, through a super-competitive environment that absolutely oozes with camaraderie for each other and the love of golf. Sunday night when you arrive in arrive in Myrtle Beach the event starts with a tremendous block party they call “Golfapalooza.” Needless to say, it is only the beginning of the parties for the week to set the mode correctly. Held at “Broadway on the Beach,” prizes are given, friendships are made, and old friends from previous

Inside 19th Hole

Win McMurrey and Me

years get together and share stories. When the competition begins on Monday morning, you realize that you are in the middle of the strongest competition for an Amateur Golfer that you could ever hope for. In my group this year, were 48 competitors ranging in handicap from 7.3 to 7.8, vying to win the flight to be able to play on Friday for the World Championship. All of the groups are playing some of the finest golf courses in the Myrtle Pete Dye's Barefoot Bay Beach area. I had

the opportunity to play 4 tough golf courses. Each one got gradually tougher each day. I started off in the rain on Monday at Crown Park. Tuesday was off to Prestwick Country Club, south of the Myrtle Beach area. Wednesday was off to my favorite course of the week… Thistle. Distinctions of this course read of the overall design being a major challenge, but what intrigued me was the clubhouse that they claim housed the largest collection of golf memorabilia in the Grand Strand area. Well, I wasn’t disappointed. Named after the original course Thistle Course in Scotland, many of the artifacts were directly from the Scottish golf course. My final round was at the very tough Shaftsbury Golf Course near Conway West of Myrtle Beach. The first thing you notice is the Castle Style Clubhouse, of course passing the elevated 18th green surrounded by some massive bunkers. But, so much for golf… when does the fun come in to play. Each evening after play, nearly 4,000 golfers converge to the Convention Center to share stories of the day, check their scores in how they fared. But overall everyone was coming for the entertainment… the free food and the free adult beverages. Billed as the “World’s Largest 19th Hole,” after for first evening you realize this event isn’t just about golf, but building friendships that will last forever. Will I be back? You bet! Once you have experienced this event and the quality that this staff projects for golfers, you will make your way to the 2016 World Amateur Championship. So, plan your adventure early. www.worldamgolf.com. Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

TOUR

special events

Shepherd’s Hope Golfers Match Fundraising Goal

Supporters of Celebrity Golf Classic Keep Faith-Based Healthcare Mission on Par for the Uninsured Philanthropic-minded foursomes played

a life-changing round of golf to help provide medical services for the uninsured and underinsured at the Annual Shepherd’s Hope Celebrity Golf Classic. The Classic, on July 23rd and 24th at Reunion Resort on the worldrenowned course designed by the game’s top icons ─ Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus ─ raised approximately $100,000, funds that will provide free and compassionate medical care at five Central Florida health clinics, facilitated by Shep-

Ken Phillips, President and CEO of Dr. Phillips, Inc the Dr. Phillips Foundation is thanked for their sponsorship by Christi Ashby, owner of Orange Appeal magazine and Shepherd's Hope Board Chair.

former NBA shooting guard, and Orlando Magic player; HUGH EVANS, seasoned NBA referee; WILLIAM FLOYD, former NFL player for San Fransico 49ers and Carolina Panthers; DONNIE HAMMOND, professional golfer who has played on the PGA Tour, Nationwide Tour, and Champions Tour; SCOTT HOCH, professional golfer who plays on the Champions Tour, a former PGA Tour player he represented the

1st Place Gross – Celebrating their win, Tournament Champions Colorvision International (left to right) Skip Volkerson, Henry Tyson, Jeff Adler and Mark Simmons

1st Place Net Wyndham Vacation Ownership (left to right) Wilson Moore, Scott Hoch, Alex Zaharias & Cody Christenson

U.S. in the Ryder Cup in 1997 and 2002; PAUL KENNEDY, sportscaster with Sun Sports and anchor and play-by-play announcer for FSN Florida; CHRIS LEAK, football coach and former gridiron football quarterback, who led the Florida Gators to victory 2nd Place Gross A.T.A.P COMPANIES (left to right) Mike Nasuti, Buddy Hewell, Donnie Hammond professional PGA Tour golfer in the 2007 BCS National Ryder Cup 1997 and 2002, Bob Bennett Championship; THOMAS McCLARY, musician/ producer best known as the coherd’s Hope, a faith-based nonprofit founder and lead-guitarist of The of volunteer medical professionals. Commodores; DENNIS NEUMANN, The 15th annual tournament, preradio play-by-play announcer for sented by Wyndham Vacation OwnerOrlando Magic; JOHNNY REMBERT, ship, had registered foursomes paired former NFL player for New England with a distinguished player, such Patriots; and other notable figures. as: NICK ANDERSON Orlando Magic “The vital success of the Celebrity ambassador and former professional Golf Classic ensures that Central Flobasketball player; ANTHONY BOWIE

ridians in need can access Shepherd’s Hope compassionate free health care thanks, in part, to the impact of individual donors, community partners, and event supporters, including presenting sponsor Wyndham Vacation Ownership; co-sponsor Florida Hospital; contest sponsors Dr. Phillips Charities and Starling Chevrolet Cadillac Buick & GMC; refreshment sponsors 4Rivers and Panera Bread; and media partners 9 Family Connection and Florida Golf Central,” said Marni Stahlman, CEO/President, Shepherd’s Hope. “These sponsors are making it possible for more dollars to go directly to programs and services and the need is great.” It is estimated that 1-in-4 Central Floridians remain uninsured, contributing to the approximately 850,000 Floridians who linger in a gray area known as the “coverage gap,” those earning too much to qualify for some programs, but not enough to afford insurance products offered on the Healthcare.gov exchange, even with federal subsidies, because of costly out-of-reach deductibles and co-payments. Such residents struggle to afford basic housing/food needs and, therefore because of financial obligations, often forgo or delay medical care. Learn more at ShepherdsHope. org or by calling (407) 876-6699.

About Shepherd’s Hope: Shepherd’s Hope is a faith-based nonprofit organization that provides medical services to uninsured and underinsured Central Floridians, by encompassing all faiths and serving all faiths at five area health centers. Founded in 1997, more than 200,000 patient visits and medical services have been provided thanks to partnerships with hospitals, schools, faith groups and other facilities. In 2014, Shepherd’s Hope provided more than 21,000 patient visits and medical services to the uninsured and underinsured in our community, thanks to the dedication of 1,800 volunteers who donated 38,321 hours. Shepherd’s Hope, Inc. is headquartered at 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32819. Learn more at ShepherdsHope.org or (407) 876-6699. 36

Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

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feature Florida’s Premier Private Lakefront and Golf Club Community By Scott Kauffman

From the moment one enters Bella Collina’s gated entrance, it is quickly evident there is something special about this exclusive private lakefront and golf club community just 20 minutes west of downtown Orlando. Instantly, one is treated to ancient oak trees and tall slender Italian cypress trees that frame a stunning view of Lake Siena, a private 350acre spring-fed lake in the center of the community. Then, there’s the timeless architecture laid out across Florida’s rare rolling hills, highlighted by the community’s 75,000-squarefoot Italianate clubhouse that sits atop one of Florida’s highest points. Indeed, one visit to this extraordinary Tuscan-like landscape, and it is evident why so many feel as though they’ve truly escaped to one of the most scenic hillside regions in Italy. But this is actually a prestigious new community taking shape in Orlando, combining the best of private club and lakefront living, suburban convenience and world-class resort-style amenities. 38

What is so remarkable about Bella Collina is the sense of escape one truly gets at this quiet country-like setting yet it’s just minutes from one of the most dynamic cities in the world – Orlando. Situated on more than 1,900 acres of pristine south Lake County land, this private community is located near the quaint and quiet towns of Clermont and Montverde. However, for those seeking the bigcity buzz of Orlando, Bella Collina is conveniently located just a few miles from the traffic-free Florida toll roads. So, whether it’s going to the airport, enjoying downtown Orlando’s new Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing

Arts, dining at trendy Restaurant Row, shopping at the ultra-lux Mall at Millenia, or visiting Disney World and other nearby world-renowned theme parks and attractions, all of this is just an quick stress-free drive from the club. The organization behind the ‘New’ Bella Collina is private equity firm DCS Investment Holdings. Based in West Palm Beach, Fla., DCS is headed by Dwight C. Schar, co-owner of the Washington Redskins and noted businessman/philanthropist who founded NVR, Inc., one of America’s largest homebuilding and mortgage banking companies, according to the NVR website. Bella Collina’s developer spared no expense in creating the quintessential private club community, and the iconic clubhouse is indicative of this commitment. Featuring dramatic barrel tile ceilings imported from Italy, intricate stonework custom crafted from Italian experts and a labyrinth of eye-pleasing plazas, fountains, terraces and woodwork, the $100 million clubhouse is truly reminiscent of Old-World architecture. Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

Meanwhile, residents and members are enjoying newly built amenities, including resort-style pool complex and health and fitness facility, brand new Har-Tru tennis courts, highly appointed spa and salon and 18 holes of championship golf designed by Hall of Famer Nick Faldo. This newly launched development is so inspirational Legacy Custom Built Homes recently acquired a half a dozen home sites for a series of new ready-to-move-in homes, joining longtime Bella Collina builder Phoenix Companies as one of the club’s exclusive custom home builders.

New custom golf-course homes start in the $700s. “I had a very warm and peaceful feeling the first time I drove onto the property,” says club resident John Schmid, whose namesake

Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

company is one of Florida’s larger commercial builders. “We love living in the Clermont-Montverde area because it’s a small tight community but still close enough to Orlando that we can jump into the car and be at most places in less than 30 minutes. … Bella Collina’s an amazing tract of land. From the

custom homes ranging from the low $700,000s to $13 million, according to DCS Investment Holdings partner Randall Greene, who lead’s Bella Collina’s real estate efforts. “(Florida’s) real estate market has stabilized and the luxury real estate market has certainly stabilized,” Greene adds. “Everything is incredibly

beautiful landscaping and homes to the unbelievable amount of wildlife that we see, it’s truly an incredible place I’m glad to call home.” It’s a remarkable real estate turnaround, considering Bella Collina’s previous developer and owner went bankrupt during the financial crisis that devastated numerous upscale private club and resorts throughout the country. Now, seven years after sitting like a ghost town, Bella Collina is under new ownership and buzzing with activity as part of the development’s newly relaunched real estate campaign. Meanwhile, Bella Collina remains one of the country’s leading venues for weddings and events, what with more than 150 annual weddings now utilizing the club’s newly expanded 7,000-squarefoot ballroom/banquet facility. DCS Investment Holdings couldn’t be more bullish about Bella Collina’s future, considering the longtime investment group acquired the distressed asset for just $10 million in late 2012. Besides Phoenix Companies and Legacy Custom Built Homes, other prominent Florida luxury home builders Vogel Building Group and Dave Brewer Inc., are equally as optimistic on the ‘New’ Bella as the group remains busy designing, planning and/ or building approximately 10 new

strong (at Bella Collina) and we’re moving in the right direction. We’re optimistic about the future. “Bella Collina is unlike any other place, probably in the entire Southeast region. When you come out here and experience our club’s Tuscan-inspired architecture, amenities and lakefront setting, you feel like you’ve basically stepped into another world.”

GymTurf 365 Indoor, Portable Sports Turf Transforms the Way Athletes Train, Compete Year-Round The sports industry, as we know it, is about to change. Dollamur Sport Surfaces (Dollamur) – the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance sports flooring for wrestling, martial arts, mixed martial arts, CrossFit, gymnastics, cheerleading and yoga – today launches its revolutionary, portable sports surface, “GymTurf 365,” developed in partnership with Shaw Sports Turf. The high-grade, technological advancement transforms the way millions

of athletes train and compete yearround. The first of its kind, GymTurf 365 turns any building into a baseball, football, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer or softball practice field in minutes. With this new product, one will never have training interrupted because of climate or scheduling issues. “GymTurf 365 is a game changer for the sports industry, allowing coaches to maximize time with athletes regardless of weather or field availability challenges,” says Dave Rossi, Dollamur Senior Vice President. “Our goal in developing GymTurf 365 was to offer an indoor alternative where athletes could perform a full practice and compete at the same level as they would outdoors.” One of the most exciting aspects about GymTurf 365 is the number of athletes who can benefit from 40

it. Unfortunately, equipment can be expensive and in many cases it is only used by a few athletes. In the case of GymTurf 365, there are at least eight sports that can train or compete on the surface in addition to physical education classes and sports camps. Taking less than 30 minutes to install, GymTurf 365 features Dollamur’s FlexiConnect™ technology, a hassle-free integrated feature that connects turf sections without additional fasteners or tape. The patented system, which uses built-in hook and loop connections to join turf rolls, expedites set-up and tear down. It ensures the turf will not separate between seams for a “no slip, just grip” surface. Another great feature of GymTurf 365 is that it requires no messy in-

fill. The low-blade tufted turf performs without the need for messy infill. Players can wear short turf cleats or regular athletic footwear and will still experience the traction they need to perform at their best. “Partnering with Dollamur has led to us crafting a cutting-edge product that serves a massive need in the sports industry,” says Dr. Phil Stricklen, Director of Research and Development for Shaw Sports Turf. “Teams that have the ability to practice indoor will have a definitive advantage during periods of bad weather.” GymTurf 365 meets international soccer standards for artificial surfaces and provides a true bounce. This also enables baseball, field hockey, lacrosse and softball teams to use official balls indoor and repli-

cate an outdoor field. The low impact, anti-abrasive flooring is engineered to reduce impact and allows teams to train year-round at the same fullintensity as an outdoor session. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Tex., Dollamur has official partnerships with USA Wrestling, USA Judo, the Atlantic Coast Conference, North American Grappling Association and 12 state high school wrestling championships, among others. Dollamur surfaces can be found in professional, intercollegiate and military facilities nationwide. It supplies mats to 130plus UFC Gyms across the U.S. and more than 300 sports events annually, including the CrossFit Games. For more information: GymTurf.com. Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

IF YOU LOVE GOLF LIKE I DO Thank a Golf Course Superintendent

Thank a Golf Course Superintendent at www.gcsaa.org/thankasuperintendent and be entered to win a trip to the 2015 PGA Championship!

MYSTORY

Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

grip it & sip it

Drink Pink for

Breast Cancer Awareness October is a wonderful time of the year when most of the country sees the leaves begin to change, the air gain a chill to it, and wine drinkers turn to their standby reds. In Florida however, October signals the start of a friendlier sort of Summer weather, when it rains a little less, one layer of sun screen will suffice and chilled wines are still in abundance. October also marks the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month where pink reigns supreme; tingeing everything from M&Ms to Golf Balls and yes even wine.

Where wine is concerned in October

you should certainly think pink. Pink Platino, a sparkling extra dry rose’ wine from Italy, is one such wine for which during the entire month of October a portion of the proceeds are donated to Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation. Libby’s Legacy is a charity based in Central Florida which give material support to women for breast cancer screening and treatment. From a personal tragedy, Robin Maynard created this foundation to honor her mother Libby which now helps so many women in the region.

Think Pink, Drink Pink! AREA OF PRODUCTION: Italy, Lombardy, Oltrepò Pavese GRAPES: Pinot Nero 100% MATURATION: Sparkling is achieved in stainless steel pressurized tanks during the spring, the wine then remains on its yeasts for at least 6 months to complete its maturation. ALCOHOL: 12 % ALC/Vol. SUGAR RESIDUE: 17g/L TASTING NOTES: Bright rose pink. Fresh bouquet with an accentuated, distinct fragrance of golden delicious apples and hints of Artemisia. FOOD PAIRING: Excellent with appetizers, sea food, pizza

Grip it and Sip it. 42

Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

competitive spirits

Tito’s Handmade Vodka is produced in Austin at Texas’ oldest legal distillery. We make it in batches, use old-fashioned pot stills, and taste-test every batch. Tito’s Handmade Vodka is designed to be savored by spirit connoisseurs and everyday drinkers alike. Our process, similar to those used to make fine single malt scotches and high-end French cognacs, requires more skill and effort than others, but it's well worth it.

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Bloody Mary

Tito's American Mule

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Taste Tito’s at these golf tournaments: Florida:

South Carolina:

North Carolina:

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Pro Am Jam Charleston, SC https://www.facebook.com/TheProAmJam

SAS Championship – Official Vodka Cary, NC October 5th – October 11th http://www.saschampionship.com/

Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

golfheader travel

By Mike May

Clubhouse view looking over #9 & #18

Covered Bridge Golf Course: It's Back Home in Indiana

Fuzzy Bushes

When you combine a historic Indiana landmark with southern Indiana’s most beloved golfer, you get Fuzzy Zoeller’s Covered Bridge Golf Course (www. coveredbridge.com). It’s a golf course that you will love and adore. This course is now one of the pride and joys of the Hoosier State. Covered Bridge is as popular as other great Indiana courses such as Brickyard Crossing, Otter Creek, The Donald Ross Course and The Pete Dye Course. Speaking of Ross, the late renowned Scottish golf course architect, he would have approved of Fuzzy’s creativity on that piece of southern Indiana real estate. If you have ever traveled through southern Indiana, you’ll know how important covered bridges have been

describe Covered Bridge: ‘beautiful’ and ‘brilliant.’ At Covered Bridge, it’s golf as it was meant to be played. It’s a golf course that you will enjoy week after week and month after month. At Covered Bridge, the course is playable, the greens are puttable, and the rough is manageable. If your putter is ‘hot,’ you will post a good score at Covered Bridge as you will save a bogey, secure a par, and snag a birdie or two with one-putt experiences. Double bogeys or worse can be had at Covered Bridge, if you are careless. An actual covered bridge was built on the course and is used to cross a stream that separates the 2nd green and the 3rd tee. That same covered bridge is used to go from the 5th green to the 6th tee. Fuzzy has maximized the value of his course’s covered bridge insignia which appears on each golf cart, each flag stick, and in three places Fairway view of #9, clubhouse and Floyds Knobs in the background on the scorecard. Even the address of the course – 12510 for those that have lived in this ‘neck Covered Bridge Road – is in sync with of the woods.’ The covered bridge repthe course’s branding strategy. resents the essence of what day-to-day Playing the 9th and 18th at Covered life was once like in southern Indiana. Bridge is fun. Both holes par fives, they With so many rivers and run parallel to each other and they streams crossing southern Covered Bridge share a double green. As you stand Indiana, the covered bridge on the tee at the 9th and 18th, you see enabled communities to the clubhouse in the distance which is connect with one another, perched atop a hill. As you play those especially during harsh two holes, you can just imagine Fuzzy winters. So, it’s only aplooking down from his lofty perch. propriate for Zoeller -- born The best time to play Covered Bridge and raised in nearby Floyd is late in the day. While many golfers Knobs, Indiana -- to name may be enjoying a libation, that’s an this golf course after such a ideal time to play this course because historic symbol of Hoosier it’s peaceful, tranquil, and serene. It’s life. Kudos to Fuzzy, who the ideal time of the day to enjoy Covlives nearby and has never ered Bridge, as well as the flora and fauforgotten his Hoosier roots. na that are unique to southern Indiana Two words best – just as Fuzzy has done for years. Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

www.TurfLife.org

stay & play

Streamsong Resort Labor Day Weekend Competition Three Events, One Champion

This Labor Day Weekend, Streamsong Resort invited guests to test their skills at the inaugural Streamsong Challenge, an unforgettable event where teams from across the country vied to be the best in three of Streamsong’s signature activities – golf, bass fishing and sporting clays. Open to teams of two, the competition took place from Sept. 5-7. Throughout the weekend, teams faced off against each other on one

of Streamsong’s iconic golf courses in an 18 hole best ball competition and a closest to the pin contest on Streamsong’s bye hole. In addition to the golf portion of the event, teams battled for the heaviest bass caught in its fishing lakes and the greatest accuracy on its picturesque sporting clays course. The three teams with the best performance across all activities received an assortment of sports-themed prizes and, of course, bragging rights.

1st Place - Team Marauders

Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

Weekday Happy Hour 12:00 - 7:00 MONDAY: NFL Football

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By Mike May

The Wakonda Club: Iowa's Home of Championship Golf Golf courses that host championship events are ‘bucket-list’ destinations. The Wakonda Club (www.wakondaclub.com; 515-285-4962) in Des Moines, Iowa is a ‘bucket-list’ destination. Opened since 1922, the Wakonda Club has hosted many top-tier events and attracted top-notch players. Those top-tier events include the Big Ten Championships, the NCAA Championships, the Women’s Western Open, the Western Amateur, and the Champions Tour’s Principal Charity Classic. The premier event which the club hosted was the 1963 U.S. Amateur, won by future PGA Tour Commissioner Deane Beman. As for top-notch players, Arnold Palmer visited the course in 1975 and Jack Nicklaus came in 1976. Let’s hope this year’s Open champion and Iowa legend Zach Johnson visits soon. Designed by golf course architect William Boice Langford and renovated by Roger Rulewich, the Wakonda Club, a private club, is always well-maintained. The club’s name is affiliated with the Indians that inhabited the area for centuries. Those Indians worshiped Manito, whose power was Wakonda. The Wakonda Club tests your shotmaking and your physical fitness. This golf course is hilly as nearly every hole is impacted by elevation changes. And water comes into play on five holes. Obviously, the Wakonda Club is a complete test for any golfer. The greens are perfect – true, quick, smooth, firm, fair, and fast. Downhill, sidehill putts at the Wakonda Club are treacherous. 50

to ‘get home.’ Most drives at the 5th do not reach the hillcrest which crosses the fairway, which leaves you a ‘blind’ second shot. It’s best to layup in front of the stream which crosses the fairway – about 140 yards shy of the green. What the 8th lacks in distance is compensated by its right-to-left configuration. The 13th is a serpentine-like hole that is filled with peaks and valleys as

Very few golf courses offer as many tees as this course – six in all, ranging from the gold tees (5,275 yards) to the black tees (6,910 yards). The white tees, which measure 6,313 yards, are long enough! “Wakonda Club is a special place to play golf for several reasons,” says Aaron Krueger, the Wakonda Club’s PGA head golf professional. “The course is wonderfully preserved from its original Langford layout and requires a tremendous amount of shotmaking to be successful. In the ‘Golden Age’ of golf course architecture, the designers made the course fit the land and that is what makes Wakonda so special.” Each par five will require three shots

it meanders toward a raised, two-tiered green. Securing a two-putt par from the front of the green when the pin is at the back is impressive. The 15th is straight-away and slightly uphill. With two solid shots, you will be left with a wedge to the green. Use an extra club to reach a back pin placement. Getting home in two on those par fives requires the power of Wakonda! Finally, while bad weather my limit outdoor play at the Wakonda Club, members have access to the indoor driving range – the only one in town. It gives the members a chance to keep their game in tip-top shape for the next top-tier event to visit their club. Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

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Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

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growing the game

Bonita Bay Club Naples Invites Golfers to Surf the Earth Bonita Bay Club Naples has introduced GolfBoards, easy-to-ride transporters that provide a healthier alternative to riding in a golf cart, but also allow players to surf the earth, in a way that feels similar to snowboarding, surfing or skateboarding. “Playing with a GolfBoard changes the golfing experience, without changing the spirit and traditions of the game,” said E.J. McDonnell, director of golf for Bonita Bay Club. “The GolfBoard gives our members an opportunity to enjoy the game while getting more exercise than when riding in a cart. We are continually looking for new ideas and technology to enhance the experience of our members, especially when it adds to our vision for a healthy lifestyle, and the GolfBoards fit into that philosophy.” Bonita Bay Club is the first Southwest Florida club, and the seventh in the state, to introduce GolfBoards. Powered

GolfBoards at Bonita Bay Club

by an environmentally friendly lithiumion battery, the GolfBoard looks like an overgrown skateboard with a steering bar that holds a golf bag. The GolfBoard has four-inch turf tires, a highly effective shock absorber, intuitive controls and a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour. The controller automatically locks the wheels when the GolfBoard comes to a stop, providing a stable structure for the golfer and Fred Fung, Bonita Bay Club's assistant general manager

preventing it from rolling away. The GolfBoard has been engineered to make the smallest possible turf impact. The Professional Golfers’ Association of America named the GolfBoard best new product of 2014 during its annual merchandise show. “We think our members will love the GolfBoards. In addition to providing a healthier experience, they add an element of fun to golf but take nothing away from the game,” said McDonnell. Bonita Bay Club, member-owned since 2010, boasts one of the largest memberships of any club in Southwest Florida with a wide range of amenities to suit the healthy lifestyle of active members. Two Tom Fazio courses, Cypress and Sabal, provide a pure golf experience in North Naples with no residential development on 1,035 acres of cypress wetlands and pine flats. Three Arthur Hills-designed golf courses are located within the nearby 2,400-acre Bonita Bay community. The club’s tennis center has 18 Har-Tru courts and one of the region’s most active tennis programs, directed by a United States Professional Tennis Association master professional. The club’s new Lifestyle Center, with nearly 30,000 square feet of space, has a fitness center with Technogym state-of-the-art equipment and a full-service spa. To learn more, visit www. BonitaBayClub.net, or contact the membership office at 239-949-5061 or membership@bonitabayclub.net. Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

DAYTONA BEACH GOLF CLUB • INDIGO LAKES GOLF CLUB • LPGA INTERNATIONAL • THE CLUB AT PELICAN BAY

The Daytona Beach area is home to some of Florida’s best golf courses, and the Homewood Suites By Hilton Daytona Beach has teamed up with some of our favorites for some exciting package deals starting at $99 per person per day. We can book packages for single players up to groups of 50. With an average yearly temperature of 72 degrees, and 300 days of sunshine Daytona Beach is a wonderful area to enjoy your golf vacation. Daytona Beach has been a great leisure destination for over 100 years welcoming over 8 million visitors annually. A true golfer’s heaven, the Daytona Beach area is home to some of the most highly recognizable golf courses in the Southeast, including:, LPGA International, Indigo Lakes, Pelican Bay, and Daytona Beach Golf Club. Daytona Beach offers 23 miles of beaches, world class deep sea, and fresh water fishing, Daytona Beach Kennel Club & Poker Room, as well as unique dining and shopping experiences. Our Homewood Suites by Hilton staff will handle all of your groups needs including tee times. We are an all-suite property featuring three different suite types to ensure more room to spread out. A full breakfast buffet is included every morning, and dinner Monday-Thursday. All of our partner golf courses are located within a quick 15 minute drive. Our expert golf specialist’s will help you choose the best golf courses and things to do while you’re visiting the area.

Jones Course & Clubhouse at LPGA International

386-258-2828 Patrick.Sullivan@Hilton.com

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

By Steve Morris

David Hronek Wins NFPGA Section Championship David Hronek, Bobcat Trail battled Rod Perry, Crane Lakes Golf & CC in all 3 rounds and pulled out a 2 shot victory in our 2015 NFPGA Section Championship! David finished at 12 under. Pairings were done by Player of the Year Standings, thus they David Hronek and Rich Smith were in the same group all 3 days. It was number 1 vs number 2! David also earned an exemption from Mr. Palmer as our Section Champion to compete in next year’s Mastercard Bay Hill Invitational! It came down to the back nine and David withstood the heat not only from Mother Nature, but Rod Perry! Well played gentlemen. Rod did retain our 2015 Player of the Year title. A great ending to a busy season and David will now be on our Boulevard of Champions next year! Thank you to all of our Presenting and Supporting Partners for their support and contributions. Thank you to Steve Sponder and Global Golf Sales for presenting another Major . Thank you to Chase54 for providing the shirts to each competitor. Finally, thank you to our new partner OAI Imaging for producing the banners for our Boulevard of Champions! All of our past champions lined the entrance light posts to Reunion Resort in honor of their Section Championship titles. It looked like a TOUR event driving in! So cool!

Barry Cheesman, Tatum Ridge withstood the heat of a 3 man playoff to take the NFPGA Senior PGA Professional Championship. Barry defeated Ken Powell, Manatee County Golf Course and Robert Meheran, Old Memorial. All three finished at 6 under. Are other qualifiers for the PGA ProfesBarry Cheesman

sional Senior National Championship were: John O’Leary, Bay Hill Club and Lodge, Bill Shriver, Cove Cay GC, Michael West, TPC Tampa Bay, Cary Splane, Marsh Creek CC and Chris Souchak, The Venetian Golf & River Club. Thank you to Shane Trice, PGA and Kevin Woodard, PGA from Southern Dunes for hosting! The venue was top shelf! Qualifiers will compete at the PGA Senior National Championship on October 15-18.

Congratulations to Jake Etherton, Reunion Resort for winning our National Car Rental Assistants Championship. Jake along with Nathan McMullen and ECC’s Greg Koch will compete in the PGA National Car Rental Assistant Championship on Oct 29-Nov 1.

Jake Etherton

Our Section was the host for one of the 10 Regional Qualifiers for the Drive Chip & Putt Championship! We were at TPC Sawgrass on September 12 and proudly watched 8 talented juniors achieve their dream of competing at the 2016 Masters! It was a special day for the kids and their families. Thank you to all of the local and sub-regional sites for donating their facilities and especially all the volunteers who made our Drive Chip and Putt competitions the best in the country! Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

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

By Meredith Schuler

Alan Morin Claims his 4th South Florida PGA Professional Championship Alan Morin of Royal Palm Beach won the South Florida PGA Section Championship for a record fourth time Wednesday with a final round of five under par 67, his highest score of the week, on the Old Orange course at Verandah Golf Club. At 199, Morin edged local favorite Chris Trout of Fort Myers and 2011 champion Christopher Kaufman of Palm Beach Gardens by six shots. An PGA Assistant Professional at The Falls Country Club in Lake Worth, Morin, 45, had consecutive 66’s the first two days on the Old Orange and Whispe3 extrasring Oak courses. Morin did not make a bogey in 54 holes. He earned $7,200 from the $90,000 purse. Morin also clinched SFPGA Player of the Year honors to earn a berth in the PGA Tour’s 2016 Honda Classic at PGA National in

Valicenti is the 2015 SFPGA National Car Rental Assistant Champion Michael Valicenti, PGA Assistant Golf Professional at Jupiter Country Club won the 36th Annual South Florida PGA National Car Rental Assistants Championship supported by the PGA Tour by six strokes Friday at Trump National Doral. A shot off the pace after the raindelayed first round Thursday with a one-under par 71 on the Blue Monster course, Valicenti closed Friday at six under 65 on the nearby Golden Palm course for 136. In mid-June, Valicenti, won the Southeast Chapter’s Jupiter Classic by six on 67-65—132 on his home course and the Turtle Creek Club in Tequesta, respectively. “I hit the ball about the same both days here,” Valicenti said, “but we had a two and a half hour rain delay yesterday and I sort of lost my momentum.” After beginning at the eighth hole in a shotgun start, Valicenti was three under par in the second fairway when play was suspended, then was two over par on his last six holes. He made an eagle in each round and did not have a bogey Friday. 56

Alan Morin

Palm Beach Gardens next February, and as the Section Champion will also be invited to play in the Tour’s 2016 Puerto Rico Open in March Morin’s previous Section Championships victories were in 2002 at BallenIsles CC, in 2008 at Breakers Rees Jones Course and in 2010 at Ritz Carlton GC, all in Palm Beach County. He had previously shared the record of three wins with former Naples area pro Paul Trittler, who won in 1989, 1991 and 1993. Trittler is currently living in Arizona. Thank you to the presenting partners He holed a bunker shot at the Blue’s par-5 12th hole, then hit driver and 6-iron to the green at the par-5 16th at Golden Palm and sank a 6-foot putt. The top six finishers after the final round advance to the 39th PGA National Car Rental Assistants’ Championship, Oct. 29-Nov. 1 at the PGA GC in Port St. Lucie. Valicenti missed qualifying last year in his first start in the SFPGA Assistants. Other qualifiers Friday were Adam Scrimenti, Pompano Beach, Greg Dobbins, West Palm Beach, 142; Tommy Gibson, Homestead and Christopher Hawley, Fort Lauderdale both at 143; and David Guy, Cape Coral, 145.

Club Car, Mercedes-Benz and Omega, and supporting partners Titleist/ FootJoy, Nike Golf, TaylorMade adidas Ashworth, The PGA Tour, BogeyGolfer. ScratchRealtor, Tramontana’s Italian Grille and True Spec for their support. In addition to our partners special thanks go to our gracious host Verandah Golf Club and their professional staff PGA General Manager, JR Congdon, PGA Director of Golf, Nathan Groce and PGA Head Golf Professional, Chris Shultis.

Michael Valicenti

Qualifiers

Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

LEGENDARY CHAMPION,

LEGENDARY ICE CREAM With a shared commitment to quality, family and philanthropy long associated with golf’s greatest champion, Schwan’s has teamed with Jack Nicklaus and wife Barbara to launch a line of premium ice cream. Schwan’s proudly sponsors the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation. *

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caribbean golf central Tee up for some of the most unforgettable golfing in the world on Four Seasons Resort Nevis’ championship 18-hole course. The mountainside, Robert Trent Jones II-designed course winds through 350 acres of natural vegetation, palm trees, and 72 menacing bunkers that overlook the Caribbean Sea and St. Kitts with a spectacular beach finishing 18th green. The incomparable view from the course’s 15th tee is also one

of the most memorable parts of the golfing experience, featuring sweeping views of the neighboring islands from a perch 400 feet above sea level. In addition to playing the full 6,682yard, par 71 course, guests can take

advantage of the driving range and putting green; rent clubs through the pro shop; request private golf instruction with the resort’s on-site pro; and join in weekly clinics and golf scrambles. The nine-hole golf scramble is the perfect way for to share in some friendly competition, while socializing with fellow guests and resort staff. Open to all levels, the scramble splits guests into groups, with no pressure of individual score-keeping during the game. Following the scramble, participants are invited to the weekly “ParTee” reception at the resort’s exclusive waterfront restaurant, Mango, otherwise known as the 19th hole. Four Seasons Resort Nevis also stays true to its conservationist roots by offering golf enthusiasts a chance to play Eco-bio golf on the pristine shores of Pinney’s Beach. Guests will find themselves playing on a mini-beach driving range with special balls that dissolve into fish food within 72 hours. It’s a perfect opportunity for them to improve their swing while simultaneously feeding the thriving tropical sea life that also call Nevis home. Four Seasons Resort Nevis offers a perfect combination of playing on a renowned luxury course; enjoy an ecofriendly experience; and indulge in exceptionally designed accommodations on the shores of this Caribbean gem. Forest Travel creates and customizes amazing golf getaways. For more information and reservations, please contact a Forest Travel Expert today at: www.ForestTravel. com, 305.932.5560 or via email at Destinations@ForestTravel.com Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

2016

Golf For HOPE

TOURNAMENT January 18, 2016 Keeneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pointe Golden Bear Club Registration: $175/player $600/foursome

Registration Includes: 18 Holes of Golf with Cart, Hole-in-One Competition, Attendance Prizes, Performance Awards, Beverages, Lunch, Awards Cocktail Reception and Much More. Registration & Lunch: 11:30 -1:00 Helicopter Ball Drop: 12:45 Shotgun Start: 1:00 Awards & Cocktail Reception: 6:00

Helping Other People Eat is a 501c3 Non-Profit organization that focuses on the prevention, awareness, & education of eating disorders.

For more information, please visit hopetolive.com

caribbean golf central

By Greg Wise Photos by Kurt Vogel and Greg Wise

Left to Right: Greg Wise, Southern Golf Central Magazine, Joel MCEachrane, Head Golf Professional, St. Kitts Royal St. Kitts, Kurt Vogel, Vogelocity.

Not too many places in the world does a golf course have this distinction. Royal St. Kitts Golf Course spans from the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean Sea in the course of its 18 holes. St. Kitts Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino was our first stop when we pulled in to the port on the Carnival Conquest in early July. The golf course is a Marriott Golf Facility. We had the opportunity to meet with Joel McEachrane, Head Golf Professional for this beautiful beach facility. The course was remodeled by Canadian Architect Thomas McBroom, providing breathtaking views of the natural terrain of this 125-acre tract. The course boasts some spectacular, picturesque holes, which boarder the black sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and stretch to the calm water of the Caribbean Sea. This links style golf course has five par 3s with 3 holes playing along the Atlantic Ocean and 2 holes playing

Pulling in to the port at St. Kitts. Overcast morning with clouds covering the volcano on the island.

along the Caribbean Sea. Royal St. Kitts offers four sets of tees to match your ability to the course. You find 10 holes with water hazards and if that isn’t enough… 80 bunkers create their own challenge: Gold Tees 6,851 Black Tees 6,319 White Tees 5,877 Coral Tees 5,049 Seashore Paspalum Grass Joel mentioned, “We play a number of tremendous tournament challenges throughout the year, including the 2016 St. Kitts Open, representing our 35th year, with players from around the world.” Then it was back to the ship for our adventure to continue.

Short chip shot with the dramatic elevation change on the 14th hole.

Putting on the Course at St. Kitts, a constant breeze keeps you guessing all the time.

Playing the 15th hole par 3 with a 100’ elevation drop on the 161 yard hole.

Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

By Mike May

alabama golf central

Mobile: Golf's Best Stay-Play-&-Eat Treat Mobile, Alabama is the real home of America’s Mardi Gras (not New Orleans!); the birthplace of baseball icon Henry Aaron; the permanent home of the USS Alabama, one of America’s battleships (which baseball great Bob Feller served on) during World War II; and one of the world’s best golf destinations. When it comes to stay-play-&-eat golf experiences, Mobile is the real deal. And, once you experience Mobile’s golfing life, this destination will rival those trips you’ve taken to northern Michigan in the summer, south Florida in the winter, and to the sand hills of North Carolina in the spring or fall. When in Mobile, the best place to ‘stay’ is the Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa, which opened in 1852. The hotel was built on the site of

the other seafood on their menus – shrimp, crab, grouper, gumbo, and clam chowder – it’s as good as it gets. Make sure you go to dinner with an appetite. It’s impossible to leave hungry. When in Mobile, the best place to ‘play’ golf is at nearby Magnolia Grove. It gives every golfer what they want – a challenging, serene golf experience filled with creeks, marshland, lakes, large greens, cloverleaf-shaped bunkers, and hardwood forest. At Magnolia Grove, the southern-most location on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail,

Dining along Mobile Bay

Dauphin Street downtown Mobile

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

Andrew Jackson’s military headquarters during the War of 1812. Those tents and barracks are now just a memory. Anybody of significance who has visited Mobile has stayed at the Battle House – former U.S. Presidents, captains of industry, the rich & famous, and one ‘king’ – the legendary Elvis Presley. If only the walls of the Battle House could talk! Across the street from the Battle House is the Giant Moon Pie, which ‘falls’ on New Year’s Eve. It’s Mobile’s version of New York City’s Times Square experience. The Battle House remains the place to see and be seen in Mobile. When in Mobile, the best places to ‘eat’ are Wintzell’s Oyster House and Felix’s Fish Camp. At both restaurants, the oysters are like Lay’s potato chips. You can’t eat just one! As for 62

Mobile Bay

there are three 18-hole golf courses to play – Falls Course, Crossings Course, and the Short Course. In recent years, many holes at the Falls have been redesigned, giving it a new, fresh look. And, all 18 greens at the Crossings have been redesigned and replanted, too. It’s worth noting that the Short Course is considered one of the finest par three courses in the U.S. Frankly, the Short Course is an exemplary golf

experience. The views from the tees are priceless and memorable. This course will test your accuracy off the tee with your irons. The media testimonials are reason enough to play the Falls and the Crossings. Golf World has included both courses among its list of “Top 50 Public Golf Courses” and Golf Digest has placed both courses on its list of “America’s Top 50 Affordable Courses.” And, once you play them (and eat the local seafood and stay at Battle House), you’ll understand why Mobile is the real deal, one of the world’s best golf destinations. It was for me and it can be for you! Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

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carolinas golf central Full Cry at Keswick Golf Club No. 8

Cooler Climes Call Golfers North South Florida golfers know late summer and early fall can mean more of the same in terms of on-course temperatures: hot, humid and more times than not, hot and humid. With three international airports offering hundreds of direct flights, daily, have-clubs-will-travel types can quickly relocate their games to cooler upper East Coast and Midwest climates. This sampling of resorts ranging from the Lowcountry of South Carolina and upstate New York to Northern Michigan and Southern Missouri offers designs from Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio and other legends. Who knows: a light golf sweater might make an appearance or two.

Pound Ridge Golf Club www.poundridgegolfclub.com South Floridians are no strangers to “upstate” New York’s Westchester Coun64

www.keswick.com Few resort destinations combine luxury, history and spectacular vistas as does Keswick Hall & Golf Club in central Virginia’s “Hunt Country.” Situated on

ty, what with many tracing roots back to this affluent region. Opened in 2008 to critical acclaim, Pound Ridge is roughly an hour from Manhattan and just minutes from the financial and business hubs of Greenwich, Stamford and Norwalk, Conn. The only Pete Dye design in New York, Pound Ridge is hewn from 172 acres of magnificent cliffs, streams and wooded hills. Those used to playing on Bermuda grass will relish the course’s bentgrass greens, fairways and tees. Stay and play packNo. 18 at Harbour Town at The Sea Pines Resort ages are offered with the luxury Delamar Greenwich Harbor. 600 acres at the foot of the scenic Blue

The Sea Pines Resort

Pound Ridge Golf Club

Keswick Hall & Golf Club

www.seapines.com One of the crown jewels in the world of golf, The Sea Pines Resort is home to Pete Dye’s classic Harbour Town Golf Links (home of the PGA TOUR’s RBC Heritage), Heron Point by Pete Dye, and the Ocean Course. The legendary Lowcountry destination now enters the upper echelon of the world’s finest golf resorts via recent multi-million dollar investments in its golf, accommodations and amenities including the spectacular new Harbour Town Clubhouse. Simply put, the best has gotten even better. The resort offers a full range of golf package options.

Ridge Mountains just outside Charlottesville, its new Pete Dye-designed golf course, Full Cry at Keswick Golf Club, is a “must play” and the signature amenity to resort’s 48-room five-star inn and club. Its array of stay-and-play packages is ideal to see what the fuss is all about

Hilton Head Golf Island www.hiltonheadgolfisland.com One of the top golf destinations in the U.S., Hilton Head Golf Island features more than 30 member courses on Hilton Head and Fripp Islands, as well as surrounding Bluffton and Beaufort. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy Hilton Head Island’s Southern hospitality and world-class designs sculpted by vauntSouthern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

ed architects Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones. A wide array of value-laden fall golf packages is available on www.hiltonheadgolfisland.com.

BOYNE Golf www.BOYNEGolf.com BOYNE Golf offers the largest collection of courses (11) in the Midwest shared among three resorts in northwest Michigan’s Petoskey area: Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs, Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls, and The Inn at Bay Harbor - A Renaissance Golf Resort in Bay Harbor. Golfers play up to 72 holes daily thanks to the region’s long daylight hours and ideal summer and fall temperatures. Myriad stay-and-play packages are available, depending on just how long golfers prefer to soak up the mild temperatures and long, languid evenings.

Branson Hills Golf Club Aerial Course View

Branson / Lakes Area Golf Destination www.explorebranson.com/golf Known as “Golf’s Ozark Mountain Oasis,” the Branson Lakes / Area destination averages 70 degrees in October – ideal for playing one of its eight courses… and more coming. A “family-friendly” course designed by Hall of Famer Gary Player is planned to open late this season or early next, and a championship Coore & Crenshaw design is currently being designed. From short courses to venues hosting the PGA Champions TOUR Legends of Golf – and existing facilities designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Fazio, Tom Watson and others – there are courses for every level of player.

Sweetgrass Golf Club Bay Harbor Golf Club_Links Hole 4

Sweetgrass Golf Club and the Island

Resort & Casino are located in the unspoiled beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Designed by Michigan native Paul Albanese, Sweetgrass Golf Club has been named a “Best Casino Course” and a “Best Course You Can Play” by Golfweek and GOLF Magazine. The 18-hole championship layout is renowned for its five historic bridges rescued from around the region that lend the course a unique feel. Fall rates begin Sept. 21, 18-hole green fees at $45, a near 50 percent savings off the regular rate. The resort’s most popular golf package, the Perfect Foursome, starts at just $230 per person after Sept. 21 and includes a two-night stay and rounds of golf at Sweetgrass and nearby TimberStone and Greywalls. Other package combinations are also available upon request.

Sweetgrass Golf Club

Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

georgia golf central

25 Years of Royal Treatment The King and Prince Golf Course, winding throughout the vast, scenic salt marshes of St. Simons Island, Georgia, recently celebrated its 25thAnniversary. Experience the entire 18-hole, Par 72 course on foot, golf cart, or one of the Club’s new Golf Boards. The beauty of its design, the premier caliber of facilities and unequaled welcoming hospitality of its staff continues to secure its place as one of the game’s great courses of the South.

Sunset over the golf course

to PGA members who have shown outstanding integrity, commitment to mentoring PGA Professionals, and who have made a significant impact on the careers of others.

Our Architects Original architect “Gentleman” Joe Lee built his career in golf architecture through hard work and dedication. Never one to self-promote, he let his clients and golfers do the talking. His designs followed the simple philosophies that “Golf is a sport to be enjoyed. The designer shouldn’t make it a life or death struggle.” and “A successful course should be fun for a beginner as well as challenging for the seasoned pro.” After nearly two decades among the Southeast’s finest courses, the owners sought a return to the brilliant beauty

restoration of the course’s original and classic elements with the gentle additions of new and exciting ones.

Green complexes: Mini-verde, ultradwarf Bermuda grass. Green collars are 60” around each green and planted with Tifsport Bermuda.

Bunkers: Recently reshaped and all sand replaced. Three new fairway bunkers have been added including two on No. 10 and one on No. 16. Bunker bands are planted in Empire Zoysia.

Fairways, Tee and Rough Grasses: All are planted with the more shade-tolerate Celebration Bermuda grass.

Driving Range & Putting Green: Large Mini Verde putting and chipping green. Sand trap just like what is offered on

aerial view

Accolades • GolfAdvisor.com ranks the course the #1 golf experience in Georgia, and among the top 50 courses in the United States. • The course has also received the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award • The locals also give it a standing ovation. The King and Prince Golf Course is consistently voted the Best Golf Course on St. Simons by the readers of Elegant Island Living Magazine. • Golf Digest has included the course on its list of best Buddies Golf Trip destinations. • General Manager Rick Mattox, a Class A PGA Professional for over 40 years, was the recipient of the 2011 Bill Strasbaugh Award. This award is presented 66

Hole #12

and playability of Lee’s original course shaping and sightlines. In early 2009, with a goal of ensuring the finest possible golf experience for the next twenty years, the course was closed and a multi-million dollar restoration project commenced. Course architect Billy Fuller authored a brilliant redesign that touched every yard, melding a faithful

the course. Target greens for short wedge play. Fairway Bunkers and Greens with Bunkers at different distances in the range. Round out your St. Simons golf vacation at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, with oceanfront accommodations and dining. Visit www.kingandprince.com for rates and packages. Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

Florida golf central

The Ultimate Bucket List Golf Vacation TPC Sawgrass and the “Build-Your-Own Golf Package”

Accommodations Adjacent to TPC Sawgrass, the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa offers a perfect compliment to championship golf. Sprawling over 65 acres, the resort combines contemporary accommodations and an amazing selection of dining options with a spa, cabana beach club, meeting spaces and more. Guests of the resort can choose from a mix of suites and villas, all with well-equipped modern furnishings and lavish bedding.

Home of THE PLAYERS Championship, birthplace of the

TPC (Tournament Players Club) Network, and backdrop to the PGA TOUR’s headquarters, TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. is considered by many to be perhaps the world’s most famous golf course. The club is not only one of the top Florida golf resorts, but it is also recognized nationally by multiple golf publications as a world famous golf destination. When visiting, golf enthusiasts will find not one, but two PGA TOUR championship courses at the club, both designed by world-renowned architect Pete Dye. THE PLAYERS Stadium Course and Dye’s Valley Course offer two perfectly balanced golf experiences. And now, golf lovers from around the globe can build their dream golf getaway when they customize an unforgettable vacation experience at TPC Sawgrass. From world-class golf and luxury accommodations to delectable dining and more, the possibilities are endless. 68

Golf Home of THE PLAYERS Championship, THE PLAYERS Stadium Course was built to challenge the pros like no other golf course had done before, while providing an unprecedented experience for amateur golfers at the same time. The course sports one of the most recognizable and challenging holes on the PGA TOUR: the notorious par-3, 17th hole, featuring an island green that makes or breaks many a PGA TOUR pro’s round. This legendary track has captured the imagination of golf fans all over the world and is consistently named among the top golf courses worldwide.

Food & Drinks In addition to two excellent courses and a breathtaking Mediterranean Revivalstyle Clubhouse as its centerpiece, TPC Sawgrass features fabulous dining options with delicious fare in an upscale and gorgeous locale, overlooking the famous fairways of THE PLAYERS Stadium Course. Open to the public, NINETEEN features a creative array of freshly prepared American and Continental cuisine in a warm, inviting ambience. Menus change seasonally to take advantage of the freshest local fare, with options ranging from wasabi crusted tuna to perfectly prepared filet mignon.

Ready to build your dream vacation to TPC Sawgrass? Visit TPC.COM/SAWGRASSGETAWAY or call (888) 877-9193 for current vacation offers and to create your custom experience. Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

Florida’s Premier Private Island & Golf Club Community

Located in the rare rolling hills just 20 minutes west of downtown Orlando is a private waterfront and golf club community like none other in Florida. The breathtaking Tuscan-inspired setting makes you feel as though you have stepped into one of Italy’s most scenic hillside regions. Yet, Bella Collina’s peaceful country-like setting is just minutes from metropolitan Orlando’s world-class shopping, dining and entertainment attractions. Timeless Tuscan architecture. Idyllic private island and lakefront living. Gorgeous Nick Faldo-designed golf course views. Bella Collina. Florida’s quintessential private club community.

Sales: 407.469.4980 | www.BellaCollina.com ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE, THE PURCHASE CONTRACT, AND THE GOVERNING DOCUMENTS FOR THE PROJECT PROVIDED BY THE DEVELOPER. DEVELOPER DOES NOT DESIGN OR CONSTRUCT HOMES. ANY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER SHOULD CONTACT ONE OR MORE APPROVED BUILDERS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. PLANS, DESCRIPTIONS, FEATURES, AMENITIES AND PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. ILLUSTRATIONS AND PHOTOGRAPHY ARE AN ARTIST’S INTERPRETATION OF THE PROPOSED PROPERTY AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED ON FOR ACCURACY. PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT ANY VIEW FROM THE LOT AND THE REMAINDER OF THE PROJECT MAY IN THE FUTURE BE LIMITED OR ELIMINATED. DEVELOPER HEREBY GIVES NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS THAT DEVELOPER IN NO MANNER GUARANTEES THE CONTINUING EXISTENCE OF ANY VIEW FROM THE LOT OR THE PROJECT. FURTHER, DEVELOPER GIVES NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS THAT DEVELOPER MAKES NO COMMITMENT OR REPRESENTATION CONCERNING THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANY PROPERTY IN PROXIMITY TO, OR VISIBLE FROM, THE LOT OR PROJECT. ACTUAL VIEWS MAY VARY. VIEWS SHOWN CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS THE ACTUAL VIEW FROM ANY PARTICULAR LOT WITHIN THE PROJECT. VIEWS WILL DIFFER DEPENDING ON CONDITIONS SUCH AS LOCATION, SKYLINE AND WEATHER. NO FEDERAL AGENCY HAS JUDGED THE MERITS OR VALUE, IF ANY, OF THIS PROPERTY. PICTURES OF HOMES IN DEVELOPER BROCHURE HAVE BEEN APPROVED FOR DISPLAY BY THE OWNERS. THIS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL REAL PROPERTY TO RESIDENTS OF NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY OR OTHER JURISDICTIONS WHERE PROHIBITED OR WHERE PRIOR REGISTRATION OR ADVANCE QUALIFICATION IS REQUIRED. WE ARE PLEDGED TO THE LETTER AND SPIRIT OF U.S. POLICY FOR THE ACHIEVEMENT OF EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY THROUGHOUT THE NATION UNDER THE FEDERAL FAIR HOUSING ACT. WE ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT AN AFFIRMATIVE ADVERTISING AND MARKETING PROGRAM IN WHICH THERE ARE NO BARRIERS TO OBTAINING HOUSING BECAUSE OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, HANDICAP, FAMILIAL STATUS, OR NATIONAL ORIGIN.

golf fitness

Food, Back, Hitting What’s up everyone? I hope everyone has had a strong month. We have had a GREAT response to our monthly questions so we’re going to get right to it!

throughout your round. I like to suggest some nuts and fruit throughout the round, maybe every 3-4 holes. Again, the fruit will give you quick energy and the fats in the nuts will help level out your blood sugar.

What should I be focusing on eating before during and after my rounds? Doug Smith, Orlando, FL

I’m just recovering from a lower back injury, what exercises should I be focusing on to help my golf game? Earl, Milwaukee, WI

Great question, nutrition is one of the most important pillars of strength and performance and the most often neglected. First off, think hydration AND nutrition since they go hand in hand. Start off by BEING hydrated beforehand. EVERYBODY should be drinking at least ½ ounce of water per 1 pound of body weight in water every day for general maintenance. Then add in another 16-24 ounces of water per 1 hour of activity. As for nutrition, make sure you start off with a good breakfast that has healthy fats, protein and carbohydrate. Think eggs, bacon or avocado, and some oatmeal or fruit before your round. The carbs will give you quick energy and the fats and protein will help stabilize your blood sugar and give a slower energy release to sustain you

By Mitch Sadowsky

MS SPSc TP11 USAW AIS FMS Director of Golf Fitness Lake Nona Country Club Owner, Mitch11 Strength and Performance

First, I would I get a TPI assessment to see where the focus needs to be. Without knowing exactly what to focus on would be like trying to trying to golf in the dark: You might be having fun but you have no idea where you’re going. Lower back injuries are tricky because they could be caused by any number of underlying issues. When it comes to injuries, the injury will always be located at the weakest link. Helping to stabilize the lower lumbar area can help, but treating the exact CUASE of the injury is more important. I would start with exercises like the quadruped pelvic tilt, Lying Active Leg Lowering, Bird Dog and Plank variations can help with core and lumbar stability.

How can I hit the ball farther? Every Golfer, Everywhere (I’m kidding, this comes from Johnny in Orlando, FL) If I had a nickel for every time I get this question….In addition to having great sequencing, tremendous lower body strength and stability, activation from the pelvic powerhouse and the ability to have great thoracic rotation on both sides. There are two great T-Spine exercises I like. From a quadruped position, place your right hand behind your right ear, rotate to take the right elbow underneath you between your left hand and left ear, then rotate back up and try to get your right elbow to the ceiling. Do 1-2 sets of 8 repetitions on each side The second is a variation of the Turkish Get Up. In a half kneeling position with your right knee on the ground, place your right hand on the ground. Take your left hand, sweep underneath and then back up to the ceiling. Do 1-2 sets of this with 8-10 repetitions on each side. Thanks for the questions everyone. Hit ‘em straight, chip ‘em close, putt ‘em in!

Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

golf fitness

By Ken Pierce

You Don’t “Have” Power – You “Generate” Power! Over the past several years, the terms

power, they “generate” power. You

swing, we can add in proper sequenc-

“Power” or “Powerful” have been used

might say that it is just semantics,

ing with balance and movement pat-

to describe golfers who can hit the ball

but it is much more than that. The

terns, but if you are not very strong,

a very long way. Sometimes the term

Power Plant generates power by us-

you won’t generate enough swing

Powerful is used to describe the swing

ing steam or nuclear reactions, or

speed to have a “powerful” golf swing. If the Power Plant has little steam, a trickle of water or fire crackers instead of nuclear reactions, it

When I was a young boy (not sure what age) I remember being in the family station wagon on a trip to Wisconsin from our home in Chicago. During the ride through a rural industrial area, I noticed a set of buildings with two very tall “smoke stacks” protruding upward toward the sky. They were gray with several red stripes ringing them. It appeared to be lots of smoke billowing out of them. Looking back it was probably steam. I asked my Dad what that thing was. He told me it was a Power Plant. Yep, a Power Plant.

won’t be able to generate enough power to light a 10 watt bulb. That’s why we are seeing so many professional golfers involved in a dedicated strengthening program. Every muscle in your body is activated during a golf swing. Just watch the slow motion video of Tiger, Bubba or Rory. They are swinging out of their shoes. If you have an interest in starting a program, but don’t know what to do first, please check out our 3 Minute Daily Workouts (www.GolfGym.com/3MinutesADay) Start Generating More Power In Your Golf Swing Today. Good Luck!

of someone who is able to get a ball in

even by water flowing through it.

the air from very deep rough. Often

We as golfers don’t really have

times we say someone has Power or is

power, we generate it with our

Powerful. In 1986 when I created the

muscles through strength, proper

GolfGym Training Product, we coined

movement patterns and balance. The

the term Power Swing Trainer.

amount of strength you have has a

The truth is that, just like the

direct correlation to the amount of

Power Plant, a person doesn’t “have”

power you can generate. In the golf

Twitter.com/GolfGymFitness Facebook.com/GolfGym

Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

GOLF TALK FROM “INSIDE THE ROPES”

with HollY G!

Listen live Wednesdays 6:00-7:00pm

am740 or online www.thegolfinsiders.com Southern Golf Central • Volume 16, Issue 5

More Beautiful Courses to Master

View golf packages, schedule tee times! Diverse Terrain Stay & Play Packages Affordable Play

Creek 1 The at Hard Labor Walk 2 Highland at Victoria Bryant As the storied home to the Masters Tournament, Georgia’s Augusta National Golf Club is one of the world’s most famous golf courses. But don’t forget Georgia’s impressive lineup of State Park golf courses that offer overnight stays and top-notch golf on top-rated greens and fairways. And you don’t have to be a pro to play them. Tee up at gastateparks.org/golfing GaStateParks.org | 800-434-0982

Pointe 3 Arrowhead at Richard B. Russell

Gainesville

Atlanta

Links 4 Meadow at George T. Bagby

Lakes 7 The at Laura S. Walker Creek 8 Brazell’s at Gordonia-Alatamaha

Athens Augusta

Macon

Vets 5 Georgia Memorial Golf Course Ocmulgee 6 Little Wallace Adams Course

Columbus

Savannah

Albany

Valdosta

ATLANTIC OCEAN