Tee up along Florida’s Sports Coast to discover the best golf excursions. With a wide variety of courses, every round of golf here is both challenging and enjoyable.
After a round of golf, paddle through the peaceful Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park or unwind on the beach at Anclote Key Preserve State Park to experience the serenity of Mother Nature.
flsportscoast.com
Fox Hollow Golf Club
Rolling fairways and five sets of tees offer new challenges every time you drive the ball.
Lexington Oaks Golf Club
With a multitude of lakes and wetlands adding challenge and character to the course, it’s hard to forget a round here.
Plantation Palms Golf Club
Challenging greens, rolling terrain and tight landings make this course a true golfer’s dream play.
Saddlebrook Resort & Golf Club
Boasting two picturesque Arnold Palmerdesigned courses, it’s no surprise Saddlebrook is a well-known destination for world-class golf.
Beacon Woods Golf Club
Each hole is designed to bring out the best in both novice and pro golfers, with sporting fairways and well-guarded greens.
Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club
The rolling hills and elevation changes on Lake Jovita’s two courses will test your skills.
Seven Springs Golf & Country Club
With one course perfect for beginners and another that will challenge the pros, the whole family will have a great time playing here.
Designed with nature’s best interests in mind, The Groves is known as The Longest Short Course in Florida.
Fox Hollow Golf Club Saddlebrook Resort & Golf Club Lexington Oaks Golf ClubThe recent resurgence of golf’s popularity in viral media has provoked a sense of excitement amongst golfers of every background that sports fans have been longing for.
In my first year of working in sports media with Terrie Purdum, the owner of Golf Central Magazine, I had a coveted chance to attend the 70th anniversary 2023 PGA Show as well as the GCSAA conference only a week apart. Growing up on the greens, scrolling through endless new golf footage, and after work trips to the range could never prepare me for these incredible events put on by the best leaders of the golf industry from both sides of the turf.
It didn’t take long after talking to experienced media professionals in the PGA Show media and International Network of Golf rooms to know the clear direction of the sport as well as the respect for those that make it possible. The energy burned hot through each day and there was no moment wasted by the men and women covering the momentous expansion showcased. Established brands were not limited by their steadfastness when new demand looked to their experience, and their creatives delivered. The pressure on new products entering the floor fueled ingenuity that made it obvious they will be back, better and bigger year after year.
Booths and ranges towered over one another and putting greens sprawled out between lanes of perpetual foot traffic at the PGA Show. Not long after the GCSAA transformed the space into a convergence of science and mechanics with diverse turf and machinery exemplifying incredible growth. Golf has a historic ability to unify us. Both events shared a flow of experienced and excited young professionals ready to elevate the sport from every discipline. It is obvious that the industry behind the game has an unbreakable foundation and has dawned on a vivacious future.
Nafanua Marlowe Social Media ManagerVolume 23, Issue 11
Publisher: Terrie L. Purdum (terrie@golfcentralmag.com)
Edi tor in Chief: Shannon Coates (shannon@golfcentralmag.com)
Graphic Design: Melahn Cable
Golf The Wise Way: Greg and Beverly Wise, Photojournalists
Photojournalist: Greg Corbo
Photographers: Lynn Pelham, Brion Price, Peter Hakansson
Mike Coonan, Becky Galloway, Madison Coates, Mac Carraway
Senior Correspondent: Rick Harris, Sr.
Contributing Writers: Jay Golden, PGA; Bob Bolton, Greg Corbo, Elisa Gaudet, Holly Geoghegan, Mike Jamison, Mike May, Anthony Williams
Editor Emeritus: Joel Jackson, CGCS Retired
Regional Partner: Doug Hollandsworth, Founder-Georgia Golf Trail
Turf Pirate: Anthony Williams
Social Media Manager: Nafanua Marlowe
Video Visionary: Amy Fox
Media Partners: DSP Media; John Gerber, JP Peterson, Nick Geddes, Holly Geoghegan, Golf Insiders, GMS; Tony Leodora, Traveling Golfer
Golf Central Magazine is published monthly by: Sand Hill Publishing & Public Relations 4313 Berwick Dr, Lake Wales, FL 33859
NEW PHONE: 863.875.6863
E-mail: info@golfcentralmag.com
©2023 Golf Central Magazine. No portion of this publication may be reprinted without the prior written permission of the Publisher. Editorial contributions are welcome, but Golf Central Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited proposals, manuscripts and photographs. All materials submitted not accompanied by a selfaddressed stamped envelope will not be returned. Mailing, electronic mailing or faxing of contributions constitutes an expressed warrant on the part of the contributor that all material is original and does not infringe on the rights of others. 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.
Award-winning golf has become a centerpiece of the Island Resort & Casino, home to both Sweetgrass and Sage Run Golf Clubs. Sweetgrass, consistently ranked among Golfweek’s Best Courses, features an open layout with some of the game’s most fun greens to putt and is proud to host The Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass is part of thte Epson Tour - “Road to the LPGA” and the future of women’s golf. Sage Run Golf Club provides a different kind of golf experience where holes flow through the hardwoods and around a ridge providing a thrill ride for golfers of all abilities.
Sweetgrass and Sage Run: dramatically different, but equally exceptional!
With Pete Dye’s modern gem and a classic Donald Ross course together at the same resort (plus casino action after your rounds are in the books), Southern Indiana hits that sweet spot of golf and gaming.
French Lick Resort’s Pete Dye and Donald Ross Courses #1 & #2 in Indiana, 12 straight years Golfweek’s “Best You Can Play” Top 100 nationally, 10 straight years Golfweek’s “Best Resort Courses”
Los Angeles-based golf influencer, health blogger and model Lauren Pacheco is living her dreams. After facing health crises in her youth, she began to focus on healthy living. She earned a B.S. in Health Science, became a certified health coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and completed her training and certification in yoga. During the COVID-19 pandemic, modeling and hosting opportunities were few and far between and Lauren pursued golf for her mental
health and to create fun social media content. As a fan of the great outdoors, golf had it all: sun, fresh air and stress relief. Lauren’s profile in the world of golf quickly took off, making her one of the most popular golf influencers on Instagram and drawing comparisons to other highly visible, popular influencers, creating a new outlet for her talents.
As she builds her golf brand, Lauren has partnered with a number of brands including
Omega Accounting Solutions. She is bringing Omega’s ERC services to the attention of small business owners, helping employers who overpaid taxes during the pandemic claim their windfall refund checks.
You will find Lauren on YouTube golf channels and she was invited to guest on The Celebrity Golf Show. Lauren has enjoyed her travel to tournaments across the U.S. In 2022 she was invited to play in the Oakley Tournament at Waste Management Open, the opening of X-Golf in Chicago, CSE and Maxim Celebrity Golf Classic in Long Island and the launch of EA Sports PGA, a next gen-only video game.
A born entertainer, Lauren has amassed over 146,000 followers on her Instagram golf channel where fans are invited to follow her golf journey. Lauren is happy to organically grow a community of golfbabes, golf fans and golf brands while she continues to hone her skills on the green.
By Greg Johnson
In the winter, Michigan golfers can often be found in Florida playing their favorite game, and in the summer, a booming number of Florida golfers can be found in the heart of Michigan playing their favorite courses of the Gaylord Golf Mecca.
The Mecca offers long getaway summer days with play until 9 p.m. or later, and in comfortable average temperatures in the mid-70s across the great green expanse of Northern Michigan. Combine that with 36 years of cooperation, vision, investment and hard work by the partners of this unique cooperative marketing model and you have the premier U.S. summer golf destination.
It’s perfect beat-the-heat golf, and this year 17 landmark golf courses, including some designed by legends of architecture, along with 21 welcoming lodging partners producing all price points and levels of luxury requested or required, have banded together again.
“The real reason the Mecca works and continues to grow is a really great group of owners, managers and golf professionals who have vision and believe in working together in destination
marketing,” says Paul Beachnau, executive director of the Mecca since its inception in 1987.
“We keep getting better. Not only have we grown with the number of courses, but I feel like we get better at what we offer every year. You continue to see Mecca members improve their golf courses and properties with renovations, investment in additions and facilities, all the hard-work items that when you put it together make for a better experience for our visitors.”
The Mecca’s current president,
J.T. Aude, head golf professional at Gaylord Golf Club and one of the original Mecca members, said the group has long realized that together they are stronger.
“Together we all strive to offer quality and quantity, and together we have unmatched price points, getaway golf, classic golf, resort golf, great country club style golf and some of the best-conditioned courses in the country. While we are competitors, we know what’s best for all of us is to work together to be the best summer golf destination we can be.”
The Mecca’s quality and quantity includes:
• Black Lake Golf Club with its award-winning Rees Jones-designed golf course.
• Gaylord Golf Club providing golf on classic pristine greens since 1924.
• Garland Lodge & Golf Resor t, which is home to four golf courses and is in year 72 as a destination.
• Indian River Golf Club, which bills itself accurately as the friendliest course in the north.
• Lakes of the North Golf Club provides a getaway-from-it-all spot with a hidden-gem golf course.
• The Pines Golf Course at Michaywe’, which has been a home of classic and competitive golf for 51 years.
• The Natural at Beaver Creek provides a pure Northern Michigan golf and nature experience on rolling tree-covered land.
• Otsego Resort , with continuing multi-million dollar improvements features two courses, including the highly acclaimed Tribute Golf Course.
• And Treetops Resort , with its unmatched five golf courses including the only Tom Fazio design in Michigan and the famous Rick Smith-designed Threetops Par 3 course.
Golfers continue to flock to Gaylord from all points on the map. In recent years, the Mecca has partnered with the Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City and opened up new national markets, too. Beachnau feels a credibility in the Mecca brand has been established and maintained.
“We have a bright future as long as we keep the quality of our great courses at a high level and keep working together,” Beachnau said. “It’s our not-so-secret sauce.”
Gaylord, a Northern Michigan lumber town since the 19th century and known as the Alpine Village, started its journey to being a U.S. golf destination in 1987. Harry Melling, a flamboyant auto industry supplier and NASCAR team owner who had earlier purchased a ski resort on the edge of town, unveiled the Masterpiece, the last major golf course design by the legendary architect, Robert Trent Jones Sr.
The award-winning work by Jones attracted golfers to Treetops Resort, but also quickly put Gaylord in the national golf conversation as a must-stop in the Midwest. This
summer some 300,000 rounds will be played in the Mecca and there is always room on the tee sheet with 17 golf partners.
“I never envisioned the growth we have today,” Beachnau said. “I imagined us to be reasonably successful in developing a cool niche of the golf market, but what it has led to in terms of the number of golf courses here in Gaylord and in Northern Michigan, the quality and the number of world class designers that have found us, that is just amazing.”
Beachnau said it boils down to this: “We have 36 years of brand integrity and our best golf is in the summer when it’s too hot to play in other golf destinations. Come on up! Beat the heat!”
Where were you born? Did you grow up there?
Born and Raised in Charlotte, North Carolina where I currently reside.
What do you do for a living?
Licensed Professional Cosmetologist of 35 years. I enjoy the beauty industry. Marketing Director of Greenwood Golf Brand
Aside from golf; what do you prefer for fun and relaxation?
Aside from Golf, I enjoy anything self care. I’m a Spa Junkie. I love eating great desserts but not baking them.
What golf apparel do you like to wear?
My golf apparel of choice is Asila Golf and Adidas Golf. When I splurge I love TZU TZU Sport.
Whom do you most admire for their inner and outer beauty?
I most admire Troy Mullins and Michelle Wie for their inner and outer beauty.
Tell us about your first kiss?
My first kiss was in the 7th grade with my then crush at our junior high school. I thought I was in love :)
Steak, chicken, or seafood?
I prefer seafood and its many options! Steamed, fried or grilled.
Tell us something about yourself that only your closest friends know. My closest friends know that I’m a social butterfly, but I love spending my downtime on their couches or mine.
What three things would you need to survive on a deserted island?
The 3 things I would need to survive on an island would be something for music, golf club & ball and candles...I’ll figure the rest out!
What do you find to be the most annoying habit people demonstrate on the golf course?
The most annoying habit for me is negativity and golfers complaining on every bad shot.It happens...get over it.
Name the three most important things to you in this world. 3 most important things to me: My daughter, my Golf Journey and Serving others.
Given the choice; would you select love, success, or money to keep yourself happy? I will choose money to fuel my success which is the freedom to travel for Golf. That keeps me happy.
What do you fear the most?
My biggest fear is not maintaining my peace, freedom and happiness. I can’t let anyone take that from me.
What three people would you most like to play with in your fantasy golf foursome?
The 3 people I would love to play fantasy golf with are: Tony Finau, Troy Mullins and my brother Tim!
What are some of your great accomplishments?
Some of my great accomplishments are being successful in my professional career as a Cosmetologist, hosting and organizing my first women’s golf event, traveling solo to different territories for new golf experiences.
Favorite charity to support?
Favorite charity to support is Look Good Feel Better (a charity designed to support women with the inner and outer beauty during hair loss from cancer treatments)
What else would you like for us to know about you?
• I’m the Charlotte Market Leader for the national organization, Women on Course that supports ladies with their golf interests
• I’m allergic to chocolate but love eating it...I have a major sweet tooth
• I’m preparing to become an LPGA Member to continue to serve and help others
• I would love to brand a golf fashion line, but in the meantime, I am a brand ambassador for a few companies.
• I love to travel for golf and document my experiences.
• My goal is to land supporting sponsors to assist me with my quest to expose golf tournaments, golf products and golf brands to the world.
Ig: @ButterflyGolfer
FB: Verbena McIlwaine
Founded by Chris Word, Greenwood GOLF is noted as the first black owned golf ball brand and is excited about their quest in diversifying the golf industry. The golf ball was designed with the average amateur golfer in mind. It’s a 3-layer urethane cover golf ball with medium compression. All of this equates to a well-balanced golf ball that offers the average golfer better greenside control. We’ve heard many golfers say, “This golf ball Bites!” The Greenwood GOLF Brand also carries men’s apparel including golf shirts, hats and gloves. And don’t forget about our feature item…the Sneaky Putter Covers.
Greenwood GOLF was founded in 2021 to Restore, Revive and Renew the importance of community that was created in the Greenwood district of Tulsa, Oklahoma before the massacre of “Black Wall Street” in 1921. 100 years later, we believe that by rebuilding the economic model through our golf brand, we can create an opportunity for golfers and the golf industry to support diversity, equity, inclusion and representation.
Greenwood GOLF recognizes
the importance of recirculating dollars back into the community.
Through our product sales and support of non-for-profit organizations such as the Charlotte Golfers Alliance, we are committed to supporting the community and underserved youth golf programs. It is not a secret that the golf industry is a billion dollar industry. However, even in 2023 there is still a need to increase the level of representation that reflects the diversity of culture in the game. We were honored to participate as a first-time exhibitor at the 70th annual PGA Show.
Our goal is to see our brand on major retail shelves and pro shops across the country.
Currently, you can find their products on their website at www. greenwood.golf, www.walmart. com, and www.amazon.com. The company welcomes other pro shop facilities to carry their brand to support diverse representation.
At Greenwood GOLF, we believe that the experiences on the golf course are synonymous with Life; Every Shot is Rooted in the Hope that it is the One.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @greenwoodgolfbrand
The third annual Georgia State Park Golf Cup – a program of the Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites as well as The Georgia Golf Trail – starts on Saturday, February 25. The first venue will be the Georgia Veterans Memorial Golf Course in Cordele, Georgia. The Georgia State Park Golf Cup is a two-part golf tournament being played throughout the Georgia State Park golf courses this year. As in the first two years of this competition, the format is a four-person scramble with each team choosing a golf course they would like to play. There are eight golf courses to choose from and each golf course has a different event date. All eight golf courses being used this year are part of The Georgia Golf Trail. Each golf course will host its own separate tournament and crown a champion team. Those eight qualifying teams will then play in a two-day Championship Tournament at the Wallace Adams Golf Course – nicknamed Little O –located within the Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge in McRaeHelena, Georgia on June 2-3. The championship event includes a
free practice round on Friday, June 2, overnight accommodations, and a champions banquet.
The championship competition at the Wallace Adams Golf Course includes a practice round on the afternoon of Fridy, June 2 followed by a champions dinner that evening. The actual championship tournament on Saturday, June 3 is a 27-hole tournament which will begin with a 9:00 am shotgun start. After the morning 18-hole round, teams will be repaired based on their position for a 3:00 pm shotgun start for the final nine holes. Champions will be crowned that night at 6:00 pm. All golf and meals will be included for all players. Extra room nights will be available at a pre-determined rate.
The entry fee is $500. A team may play at more than one golf course, but any given team cannot qualify at two courses and take away a qualification spot away from another team.
To register for this year’s Georgia State Park Golf Cup and to find out more information, please visit GaStateParks.org/GolfCup
Here are the loacations/dates for all eight qualifying venues:
2/25/2023:
Georgia Veterans Memorial Golf Course
Georgia Veterans State Park, Cordele
3/4/2023:
Wallace Adams Golf Course
Little Ocmulgee State Park, McRae-Helena
3/11/2023:
The Lakes Golf Course
Laura S. Walker State Park, Waycross
3/18/2023:
The Creek Golf Course
Hard Labor Creek State Park, Social Circle
3/25/2023:
Highland Walk Golf Course
Victoria Bryant State Park, Royston
4/1/2023:
Brazell’s Creek Golf Course
Jack Hill State Park, Reidsville
4/8/2023:
Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course
Richard B. Russell State Park, Elberton
4/15/2023:
Meadow Links Golf Course
George T. Bagby State Park, Fort Gaines
6/2-3/2023 Championship:
Wallace Adams Golf Course
Little Ocmulgee State Park, McRae-Helena
Where were you born? Did you grow up there?
I was born and raised in Carollton, Texas. Moved to Hall Maui Hawaii after my freshman year in high school. We then moved to Greenville, South Carolina where I graduated high school. I join the Marines straight out of high school.
What do you do for a living?
I am a private chef. I also on a food trailer that I do private events and that I also use when a natural disaster hits anywhere in the country. I provide a food service to victims, first responders and general contractors who are helping rebuild. I also own a company that writes estimates for property damage insurance claims.
Aside from golf; what do you prefer for fun and relaxation? I like to relax on the boat or travel.
What golf apparel do you like to wear?
Callaway, Travis Matthews and foot joy.
Whom do you most admire for their inner and outer beauty?
My mom. She was the most beautiful person inside and out.
Tell us something about yourself that only your closest friends know. The first night that I moved into my new house I just got out of the shower and I was letting my dog out. The door closed behind me and, of course, I was out there naked. I found an old towel that I use out by my grill. I used that to wrap myself up and went over to my new neighbors to ask if I could borrow their phone to call my realtor to get the code to get back into the door.
Name the three most important things to you in this world. Food, watching other people succeed and happiness.
What do you fear the most? Women!
What are some of your great accomplishments?
Becoming a marine. Becoming a chef. Being able to provide food for natural disaster victims and first responders.
Last time you spewed something through your nose from laughing so hard? I do that daily. I love to laugh and make people laugh.
Last book you read?
Jet Tila – 101 Asian dishes. I love to cook Tex-Asian. Texas BBQ mix with Asian spices.
Favorite charity to support?
I support all charities that support veterans.
What else would you like for us to know about you?
My passion is food and helping others in need. My day is successful if I can put a smile on somebody’s face. You never know what other people are going through. Sometimes just a smile will make a difference. Also, my brother is the drummer for the Commodores. He has been their drummer for over 33 years. I am named the combat chef for my military experience in the Marine Corps (87-93), but I did not become a chef until I got out of the Marine Corps.
• Access to watch the world’s best golfers
• Stroll the picturesque Copperhead Course, a PGA TOUR® favorite
• Take a selfie at the legendary Snake Pit statue
• VIP hospitality, and food and beverage experiences
• Kids’ zone and activities for all ages
For more information download our app!
For those who organize golf tournaments, they know that the key to the success of any golf tournament is getting help from a group of dedicated volunteers. One of those many volunteers at the LPGA’s first tournament of the year – the Hilton Grand Vacations LPGA Tournament of Champions at the Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando – was Debbie Austin,
a seven-time LPGA tournament winner. She also won the Wills Qantas Australian Ladies Open in 1978. At the LPGA’s Tournament of Champions, Austin worked in the volunteer tent where she distributed tournament apparel to the hundreds of volunteers who helped run this seasonopening LPGA golf tournament.
“It’s my way of giving back to the
game of golf which has been very good to me,” said Austin, now 75, who played on the LPGA Tour from 1968-1987 while using Ping clubs.
During her 19-year LPGA career, her biggest year was in 1977 when she won five tournaments. As a result of her five wins, Golf Magazine honored her as the LPGA’s Player
of the Year for 1977 and Golf Digest named her as the Most Improved Golfer in 1977. Austin’s total winnings in 1977 were $86,392.
Her last tournament win was a wire-to-wire victory at the 1981 Mayflower Classic, which was held at the Country Club of Indianapolis in Indiana.
She remembers that win very well.
“After my win at the Mayflower Classic, I jumped into the pool at the Country Club of Indianapolis alongside John B. Smith, the chairman of Mayflower,” added Austin.
Austin has another interesting memory from her Mayflower Classic victory.
“Believe it not, I lost the first-place
check for just more than $22,000,” said Austin. “So I had to ask the tournament organizers to re-issue the check, which they did.”
If you ask Austin, there are many differences between playing on the LPGA Tour now compared to when she played back in the day.
“Today’s players have daycare facilities for their children, a workout/fitness trailer, access to club repair, first-class player dining, and better conditioned golf courses,” noted Austin. “They are also playing for more prize money. In 19 years, my total earnings were just more than $500,000.”
When it comes to getting from one tournament to another, today’s LPGA players usually fly commercial while Austin and her colleagues used their own automobiles.
“Most of the time, we drove from one tournament to the next,” said Austin. “We’d share rides to cut down on travel costs. And, when we arrived, we often shared a hotel room with another player.”
When Austin reflects on her days on the LPGA Tour when she enjoyed meeting Ben Hogan, played an exhibition with Arnold Palmer, was invited to a dinner party at Bob Hope’s house in Palm Springs, California and played with and against LPGA legends such as Kathy Whitworth, Nancy Lopez, Judy Rankin, Sandra Haynie, and Mickey Wright.
According to Austin, Whitworth was great chipper and putter, Lopez was an amazing putter, Rankin had a phenomenal short game, Haynie was a very accurate driver of the ball, and
Wright was Austin’s favorite player.
“Mickey Wright was my hero,” admitted Austin.
As far as today’s top players, Austin enjoys watching Lydio Ko, Lexi Thompson, Jessica Korda, Nelly Korda, Anna Nordquist and Brooke Henderson, who won the seasonopening Hilton Grand Vacations LPGA Tournament of Champions.
Since she retired as a touring professional, Austin has had two stints coaching golf in central Florida: coach of the ladies golf team at Rollins College in Winter Park and as the coach of the varsity girls golf team at Bishop Moore Catholic High School in Orlando.
Austin still plays golf on a regular basis. Her home course is the Orange Tree Golf Club in Orlando, where she continues to play with Ping clubs.
Tiger Woods, Lexi Thompson, Freddy Couples, Mark Wahlberg and members enjoying the new club and new vibe
The Cape Club of Palm City recently opened after a summer long golf, clubhouse enhancement effort that flipped what was the Fox Club into a private club that is getting the attention of golf’s top stars/brands and celebrities.
We are thankful you are here to experience this stunning new private club offering in Florida. For background and context, The Cape Club ownership purchased the property in May of 2022 and immediately, shut down the course to undergo a massive and tenacious renovation project on both the golf course and the clubhouse. What
some said would take two years, was completed by ownership (who also owns two other thriving clubs in the Boston/Cape Cod area of Massachusetts ) in five months. Then this November, this new private club was unveiled with new agronomic conditioning, new bunkers (including the addition of brilliant “Augusta-white” bunker sand in all bunkers – a Cape Club Collection signature feature), new landscaping throughout the course/clubhouse, new cart paths, a completely renovated clubhouse and revamped culinary offering, new carts and so much
more. But the most recognizable changes were the new brand, new energy/vibe and much more!
Membership sales got off to a brisk selling pace with many golfers in the region taking to the clubs special “no tee time policy” whereby members don’t have to make a tee time. They can just roll in and tee it up when the member wants. That combined with a limited membership count arguably offers THE BEST member tee time availability in the region – a welcome reprieve when many members of private clubs in South Florida are fighting for high demand tee times. Also unique to the membership offering at Cape Club is the reciprocal benefits throughout the “Cape Club Collection”. Members of this course also receive member benefits and access to both sister clubs – Cape Club of Sharon and Cape Club of Falmouth.
Not only did members and potential members take notice of the Cape Club of Palm City, but other companies, golfers, celebrities did as well. Enhancements to the course and experience got the attention of Bridgestone Golf as they selected Cape Club of Palm City to bring Tiger Woods, Fred Couples, Jason Day, Lexi Thompson and Matt Kuchar together for content curation, commercial shoots and more, just this past December. Then in January, Hollywood’s Mark Wahlberg stopped in to check it out. Then, shortly thereafter, songwriter/celeb DJ Khaled dropped a cool Instagram post about Cape
Club of Palm City to his 32 million followers. It seems like quickly the Cape Club of Palm City is getting the attention of the top golfers in the world along with Hollywood elite.
Best of all Cape Club of Palm City is getting the attention of golfers and new members that are making the club their home….along the way enjoying the great golf, amazing culinary experiences, exceptional practice facility, cool vibes and more.
For more information on the Cape Club of Palm City visit: www.capeclubofpalmcity.com or call 772-597-4222
Be sure to follow Cape Club on your favorite social channel: Facebook @ TheCapeClubPalmCity / Instagram @TheCapeClubofPalmCity
so I’m so proud and grateful for the opportunity to help and support these hard-working craft beverage companies. It’s about time somebody leveled the playing field.”
Did you know that Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer, Chris Dowling, was among the youngest to ever become a PGA certified golf professional?
During his first decade in the golf industry, Dowling taught hundreds of golf lessons to successful entrepreneurs, real estate moguls, and c-suite executives. Motivated by those he once taught, Chris chose to chase his entrepreneurial spirit by creating everything from mobile apps on stock investing, to his latest venture, a business solution for the craft beverage industry called Ohanafy.
The spark of inspiration came from a connection with a former colleague, which led to the introduction of Inez Ribustello, the owner of Tarboro Brewing Company in Tarboro, North Carolina. “Before Ohanafy, the industry was severely lacking the technology to make us successful,” said Ribustello. “After just a few months, Ohanafy has helped us increase our revenue by
202%, and we have so much more hope for the future of our brewery.”
“Everyone deserves access to the best possible technology - especially in times of economic uncertainty,” said Dowling. “I’ve seen how much Salesforce’s platform can change a business owner’s life,
Ohanafy helps breweries, distilleries, wineries, cideries, and many others grow their sales, reduce costs, and save a whole bunch of time. Time that can now be spent teeing it up at local golf courses with their favorite tasty beverages on tap.
on Fan Stream Sports – A daily, two-hour live sports talk show on Fan Stream Sports that covers everything about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Lightning, and professional golf, including the annual Valspar Championship.
The JP Show also covers anything and everything wild, wacky, and eye popping in the world of sports. If you like educated insight, casual guy talk, and laughing a lot, then
you’ve got to listen to the JP Show.
Even if you’re not in the Tampa area, JP and sidekick Nick Geddes provide insight on all the latest and current sports topics of the day from big-name insiders from every sport from the NFL to college basketball.
The JP Show is part of Fan Stream Sports on the DSP Media Podcast Network, where he anchors mornings from 10am-12pm ET.
Peterson is an Emmy Award winning sportscaster and current host of Lightning Hockey Night
Live for the past nine seasons. He also appears on RHS-TV and 102.5 The Strike in Tampa Bay. He boasts 30 years of network experience working with NBC Sunday Night Football, Fox Sports Florida, FSU Radio Network and NBC Affiliate in Tampa, Florida.
As part of Fan Stream Sports and DSP Media, his goal is to provide information and entertainment while using his sports superpowers for good, instead of evil.
Fan Stream Sports offers more than 25 shows that cover professional golf, the NFL, fantasy sports, college football and basketball, MMA/UFC, fitness, professional wrestling, MLB, and the world of comic books and movies.
The JP Peterson Show can be heard live each morning on the Fan Stream Sports app, FanStreamSports.com, and on the Fan Stream Sports YouTube channel. The recorded podcast can be heard at any time at DSPMediaOnline.com or wherever you consume your podcasts.
For the ninth consecutive year, the Traveling Golfer television show emerged from the annual Media Awards announcement at the PGA Show in Orlando with a national award.
The Media Awards, presented by the International Network of Golf, recognizes excellence in a number of different categories including print, radio and television. The Traveling Golfer television show received the Outstanding Achievement Award, emblematic of a runner-up finish in the television category.
It was the ninth consecutive year the show was honored – voted four times in previous years as the No. 1 Golf Television Show in America. This year marked the fifth Outstanding Achievement Award.
“This is my first year involved with the Traveling Golfer,” explained new managing partner, Jeff Gilder, who accepted the award at the PGA Show. “It is so exciting to grab onto an established industry leader and try to move it to new marks of excellence in golf television”
“I am so excited about the new team we have created at Traveling Golfer,” said Tony Leodora, host of the Traveling Golfer. “Executive Producer Dustin Gilder was the lone holdover from previous years. He – along with Jeff Gilder, Brian Stefan and AJ Gohil – will push us to new heights..”
This year’s award honors a show in Pinehurst, North Carolina, that looked at three Donald Rossdesigned gems – Pine Needles, Mid-Pines and the newly renovated Southern Pines. It also provided a lifestyle look at the quaint Village of Pinehurst, as well as other attractions in the area.
Each episode of the Traveling Golfer airs as a scheduled weekly feature show on NBC Sports and NBC Sports + throughout three markets in the Mid-Atlantic regions. NBC Sports airings are 10:30 a.m. on Sundays, 10 p.m. on Tuesdays and 11 a.m. on Thursdays. NBC Sports + airs the show at 8 p.m. Mondays and Fridays. In addition, the show airs nationally, two times every day, on the Fun Roads Network (funroads.tv/ schedule) – in the San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Wichita, Detroit, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, Washington State, North Dakota, Raleigh, Orlando, San Jose, Albany and Boise markets.
Additionally, national and international expansion has taken place via the new wingding™ Network, which reaches more than 275 million households. It is available on Roku (50 Million), Amazon Fire TV (55 Million), Apple TV (40 million), Chromecast (56 million) and iTunes (28 million).
The Traveling Golfer also airs a number of times throughout the month on “Rivertalk” on HTC-4 in Myrtle Beach.
The show also airs on the Traveling Golfer network of websites, including The Golf Director Network and The Myrtle Beach Golf Channel (see full list of sites on travelinggolfervideo.com)
As part of every Traveling Golfer show there is the additional feature, “Tech Talk”, hosted by Tour Edge Golf experts, such as President Dave Glod. With years of experience as a club maker, Glod presents an inside look at the research and development of high-quality golf equipment.
The Traveling Golfer is a series of monthly shows hosted by Leodora, who has 21 years of experience in televised golf. The featured destination stays on the website for one month, before being replaced by a new show. Alternate shows also air in a two-month rotation. All old shows are archived for continued viewing on the YouTube Network and on the home website, www.travelinggolfer.tv.
For more information about the Traveling Golfer, or to find out how a property can be featured on the show, call TL Golf Services at (610) 721-8186 or e-mail Tony Leodora
at tony.leodora@comcast.net.
the marks on your bucket list.
At GlenLakes, you will feel like you are living a full time vacation. GlenLakes offers a pool, picnic areas, pickleball courts, Har Tru Tennis Courts, basketball, shuffleboard as well as the 18-hole Championship Golf Course. All behind a 24hour manned gate system.
You’ve done your research… you have narrowed the choices down to a given area of Florida. The next big step is determining what you want to have inside your new community for amenities and the activities that you may want to participate in.
Your choices are vast, so first and foremost looking for a safe neighborhood community should be the obvious choice. A community to live life to its fullest with resort-style amenities, full of activities to expand your comfort zone, and take on new challenges. A neighborhood with a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful lakes, and wide vistas.
Nestled just North of Tampa is GlenLakes Country Club. The community that fits exactly what you have been looking for. The Quiet. Natural Surroundings. The Activities. All connected to a quality concrete block constructed homes… essentially checking all
It’s Time for a visit and start the new chapter. New homes are going up right now ready for you to choose your favorite floorplan and location. Homes range from 2,000-3,000 square feet of air-conditioned space, with loads of luxury features.
Visit their website at www.GlenLakes.com or call today 1-800-222-9003.
They say that Disney is where the magic happens and with this special event… they were right! What a truly magical day for The Claret Junior Golf Tour, and for one of our aspiring young lady golfers, as we were finally able to arrange a round of golf that would see two talented young ladies from opposite sides of the globe meet, play, and bond together, in golf, here at Disney's Magnolia Golf Course, the place that Disney, in their own words calls, The Happiest Place on Turf! Both girls share a passion for our great sport of golf so for us it was fitting to make their introduction at a great golf course where they could meet, chat, play some golf and become friends as each follows their own path, A path that just may see them BOTH carve a career in the
game in the years to come?
The two young ladies pictured standing side by side, with drivers in true “St Andrews Cross” golf friendship style are, on the right, our very own Claret Junior Tour top performing Scholarship award player and two-time Lake Mary High School (FHSAA) Team State Champion Delaney Sillaway (16) from Longwood, Florida. If you know anything about our junior tour Delaney may already be a familiar face having won numerous times this year with us, and indeed on other Florida junior tours too!
The young lady on the left may not be as familiar to you however we suggest you take notice as she too is a very special teenager, and an incredible young player, who’s already making big waves in golf worldwide, Ladies and Gentlemen please remember her name…this is Belgium’s - Savannah De Bock
Savannah is an international success already at just 16. Her accomplishments in golf are way too numerous to list so let’s just give you a few from this last year alone!
Savannah is the current European Ladies Amateur Champion having secured the title in France earlier this year after a thrilling
final round play-off victory in Paris. As part of the prize for this incredible win Savannah also received an invitation to join the field of the best professionals in the World and compete in The AIG Ladies British Open Championship at Muirfield in Scotland, Following this series of hugely impressive events Savannah is now ranked in the top 50 in The World in the WAGR Rankings!
It really was an unbelievable thrill to watch on as these two young girls played…and it was made even more special to watch as they hugged each other like old friends on the green when their final putts had dropped, and it became clear that an International friendship between two teenage golfers had been made too!
Savannah De Bock is the real
deal in ladies golf… check her out on social media if you follow those who are up and coming. For one so young she has a confidence and belief in her game that you can’t help but admire… and when you are lucky enough to be able to chat with her it’s clear just how much she loves the game AND just how incredibly hard she works to achieve her goals….I don’t believe I know of any other young player who works as hard as she does on all aspects of her fitness and her game and that right there is why she looks to be following a well-lit path to a very bright future in our game.
As if that’s not enough Savannah is one of the warmest, funniest and kindest young ladies I have ever met! She is thoughtful and caring of others and genuinely wanted to help us make this day happen as soon as we asked if it may be possible!
Ask any top golfer in the world how they challenge themselves to be better and they will tell you to try to play with the best, play with players who are better than YOU and then work to emulate them. Our very own hugely talented Delaney Sillaway got the opportunity to do exactly that with Savannah and we could not be any prouder of how she grasped that opportunity with both hands, and incidentally,
Delaney played some exceptional golf of her own alongside THE European Ladies Champion!!!
Savannah has recently made a golf commitment to join University of Georgia and will become one of the “Lady Bulldogs” in 2024. Until then we wish her continued success as she begins another year of challenging international competitions, including of course, the defense of her coveted European Championship Title.
Thank you again Savannah! Your caring nature and willingness to give your time to help us make this meeting happen says everything about you! You are indeed a very special young lady and we very much look forward to seeing you and your family again soon…. we will be watching your career closely as we have all become huge “SDB” fans!
Thank you also to the management and staff at Disney's Magnolia Golf Course… a beautiful venue in great shape and you made us, and our two young ladies, feel very welcome indeed. It seems Disney “IS” a place where extraordinary magic happens, even on their golf courses!
– Sponsored by Phillips Toyota
The Villages Championship at Nancy Lopez Legacy CC
– February 18-19 –
A 36-Hole Junior Tournament
Event ranked by GJGR and Junior Golf Scoreboard
Red Tail GC, Sorrento, FL
– March 4th -
An 18 Hole Single Day Junior Tournament ranked by GJGR
Eagle Ridge GC, Summerfield
– March 25-26 -
A 36 Hole Championship Challenge
Junior Tournament ranked by JGS and GJGR
Harbor Hills CC, Lady Lake
– April 8th -
An 18 Hole Single Day Junior Tournament ranked by GJGR
The Phillips Toyota Junior Open Championship at Glenview Champions, The Villages
- April 22-23 -
An annual 36-Hole Major Championship ranked by GJGR and Junior Golf Scoreboard
Southern Oaks, The Villages, FL
- May 13th -
An 18 Hole Single Day Junior Tournament ranked by GJGR
(note that pricing does not include tax, caddie fees or caddie gratuity):
Streamsong Spring Classic
(Tuesday, April 11 – Thursday, April 13, 2023)
Kick off the year with this two-person best ball competition. The event includes two rounds of tournament golf (one on Streamsong Red and one on Streamsong Blue), two nights at the Streamsong Lodge, a pairings party, and an awards lunch. Pricing starts at $1,537.20 per person based on single occupancy for a two-night stay.
Streamsong Family Cup
(Friday, June 16 – Sunday, June 18, 2023)
Streamsong Resort announced a full slate of special events for 2023. From family-friendly weekends to best ball classics, the 2023 events calendar offers five fun experiences in tournament settings throughout the year. Online registration is now open for all events, and spots are expected to fill quickly.
Streamsong is home to the only warm weather destination with three courses in the “Top 50 You Can Play” in the United
States, and the only destination in the world with three distinct golf courses designed by legendary architects Coore/Crenshaw, Doak, and Hanse/Wagner. In 2022, Streamsong announced a fourth Coore/Crenshaw course called “The Chain” that will join the existing award-winning golf offerings. For more information on these special events, or to book a reservation, visit www.streamsongresort.com.
Spend Father’s Day weekend at Streamsong and enjoy a memorable family competition. Two-person teams can be made up of family members of all generations and no handicap is required. Groups/divisions will be determined by the age of the youngest competitor, and all ages are welcome to play. The Family Cup includes a first-round best ball on Streamsong Red and a second round twoperson scramble on Streamsong Black, two nights at the Streamsong Lodge, pairings party and awards lunch. Pricing starts at $846.40 per person based on single occupancy for a two-night stay.
Streamsong Summer Classic
(Sunday, Aug. 20 – Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023)
A seasonal favorite at Streamsong, this four-ball tournament (two-person best ball teams) includes two rounds of golf (one on Streamsong Red and one on Streamsong Black), two nights at the Streamsong Lodge, a pairings party and awards lunch. Pricing starts at $846.40 per person based on single occupancy for a two-night stay.
Streamsong Holiday Cup
(Wednesday, Dec. 27 – Friday, Dec. 29, 2023)
Close out 2023 with one of the most fun events of the year, where the format changes every nine holes! Two-person teams will play Streamsong Red on day one in a front nine scramble and back nine chapman format, then on day two at Streamsong Black teams will play a twoperson best ball on the front nine followed by a shamble on the back side. The event includes two nights at the Streamsong Lodge, pairings party and awards lunch. Pricing starts at $1,212.80 per person based on single occupancy for a two-night stay.
Year after year… the Winter Park Hickory Classic draws some of the best hickory players from across the United States and Canada.
Bill and Elizabeth Geisler, organizers of this prestigious hickory event, again found themselves with a full field event and a waiting list just prior to the opening. This 2-day event has separate tournaments for each day.
January 21 was a Gross and Net score event for men and women with Former PGA Tour player Wally Armstrong firing a 73 for the Gross win and Richard Boggs carding a 68 for the net win for the men. For the ladies, BJ Hayden with a gross score of 82 and Marci Likens played well with a net 66 as champions of the lady’s division.
The second day is considered the fun day. With a 4-club format – 9-hole event. Despite the strong winds, Gil Feagin of Myrtle
Beach carded a gross score of 35, with Jim Davis of Grand Rapids, Michigan netted a score of 30 for the Men’s Champions. For the lady’s, once again, BJ Hayden took low gross with a 43 and Marci Likens finished with a net 36 for the Ladies Championship.
The Winter Park Hickory Classic is played on the historic Winter Park 9 and located at the Winter Park Country Club. The course was built in 1914, and with the renovations that were completed in 2016, WP9, has become one of the top 10 short courses in the United States.
Planning is now underway for 2024. Mark your calendars – the dates for the next Winter Park Hickory Classic are January 20-21. Be watching for more details at WinterParkHickoryClassic.com
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Commercial Division
352-302-8048 jeffscommercialproperties@gmail.com
Today’s real estate market is experiencing significant change. No longer do we see bidding wars on overpriced properties. Rather, competition for buyers is intensifying and favors properties that tell a more complete story of what you are offering. Capturing the uniqueness of commercial or residential properties through multiple marketing venues with videos, Matterport 3D presentation, aerial drone videos with precise narrative messaging to inform buyers as to what your property offers is how to sell in this market. Most recently, we are building websites on behalf of our customers to tell a clearer story.
One example is our www.bloom19.com website for a portfolio listing 5 commercial parcels totaling 32+ acres listed for $7.8M, that includes a Manhattan style office building with the rest being undeveloped acreage.
Shortening the “days on market” interval can be best accomplished by focusing on what will attract buyers to your property’s unique story. We employ carefully targeted marketing to get the prospects who will be most interested to your property’s website.
For example, 60 days ago, we listed a bar & billiards business that caters to bikers and veterans. They had not received a bid in 18 months. We focused on advertising the strong year-to-date sales which were just below the asking price. We listed the bar with a premium paid LoopNet listing that included a Matterport 3D tour of the inside of the bar, accompanied with a set of professional drone and interior photos. We received two offers relatively quickly, with the second one being accepted by the owner. Similarly, we monitored who had been visiting our LoopNet listing for another property and through our Seamless.ai subscription, we
found the VP of Procurement at that company and reached out successfully to him directly.
This type of smart, targeted marketing versus simple advertising is what moves properties today. It isn’t enough to just be on MLS anymore. It’s not a seller’s market in the current economy.
Additionally, we are currently advertising in Golf Central Magazine as their lifestyle focus for real estate properties is very professionally done. Their reach is largely the eastern half of the country with upscale buyers. Our Studio3 video and photography partner provides great work for our listings as you will see below!
In another high-end waterfront residential listing, our team focused on the uniqueness of the property and identified how the vast marshlands across from the property were protected from future development and added a 3-D Matterport for the inside. Here are links to both:
www.bloom19.com
Be sure to take the aerial tour of the parcels Matterport of inside: http://tour.studio3services.com/tour/haulover6935-2.m4v These two listings are shown in this issue on pages 42 & 43.
If we can assist you in positioning your commercial or high-end residential offering to “tell your best possible story.” Feel free to reach out either to Golf Central Magazine or to me and let’s collaborate on finding the uniqueness of your offering. Let’s make it a great 2023 together!
Thanks and best regards,
Jeff Hartson
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The South Florida PGA Foundation dedicated its 10th Habitat for Humanity Home this morning to Paulette Coakley and her family. For the last 11 years, the South Florida PGA Foundation has built a home with a local Habitat for Humanity chapter. This home is dedicated to Paulette Coakley, a single mother to son John (age 13), daughter Sa’Rae (age 11) and her mother Daphne. Paulette is a medical transcriptionist and a full-time caretaker for her mother who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease.
Prior to the build, the family was sharing a four bedroom house with six people. This home represents a new beginning for the family.
“One void that I was unable to fulfill was to be able to provide a home that I can call my own, today that changes,” said Paulette Coakley. “Seeing my kids happy and enjoying their own space where they can grow and become young adults, that is just amazing all on its own.”
This year we were excited to have more than 25 SFPGA staff and dedicated PGA Professionals
assist in building, painting and assembling the house. Through the support of donors, friends and partners, the South Florida PGA Foundation continues to move toward the goal of building a home in each of the 13 counties in the South Florida PGA Section boundaries. Click here to read more about The Coakley Family and the received a home through Habitat for Humanity. For more information on the South Florida PGA Foundation and the associated programs, please click here.
Z.ONE EV introduced two new golf car products to the United States market at the PGA Show last month that have two things in common: Each is unique in its respective product segment, and both have already enjoyed major success in the South Korean marketplace.
Working in collaboration with LG Energy Solution and NanoIntech Energy Solution, Z.ONE EV is the exclusive North American distributor for a new lithium battery technology and design. NanoIntech Lithium-Ion (NMC)
Batteries Powered by LG Energy Solution outperforms its rivals in the market. Z.ONE EV is based in Johns Creek, GA.
“It’s what’s inside the battery that makes the difference in quality and performance, and that is where LG rises above the competition,” said Joseph J. White, COO of Z.ONE EV. “Traditional lithium batteries use phosphate (LiFeP04) tubular cells. In our NanoIntech designed Battery Packs, we employ LG NCM (NickelCobalt-Manganese) POUCH cells that are much more compact in size, more efficiently powerful in performance, and designed with an in-house developed advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS). Those are just
By Reese HelensResorts, universities, hospitals, factories, apartment complexes and even cities like Las Vegas are utilizing these vehicles to quickly and conveniently transport people.
James Park, CEO of both Z.ONE EV and USEV, knows he has huge winners on his hands.
some of the distinguishing features among other lithium batteries of which the majority are Chinese imports, and ours.”
Additionally, DY INNOVATE, headquartered in Seoul, Korea, is the developer and producer of next generation golf car, and will introduce its new eight-passenger golf car under the guidance of
“When people see it and drive it for the first time, they can’t believe how good it is,” said Park. “The InnovateÔ is the only golf car designed off of an automotive platform, and the components are all automotive caliber components. There is nothing like it on the market.”
Korea. The Low Speed Vehicle has earned 60 percent market share in South Korea since debuting in 2015. It is unlike any LSV golf car the industry has ever seen.
The demand for LSV golf cars has skyrocketed recently. According to Global Market Insights, the Electric LSV market size exceeded USD 1.5 billion in 2020 and is estimated to grow at more than 4.5% CAGR through 2027. They’re fun, inexpensive to operate, and are fit for a variety of uses.
The collective senior management of Z.ONE and USEV has over 75 years’ experience in the sales, marketing and close working relationships with Golf Car Dealers and Manufacturers. Based in Johns Creek, Georgia, the headquarters of Z.ONE & USEV has multiple resources to accommodate all of the needs and requirements for Dealers to serve their clientele when purchasing DY Innovate LSV’s and NanoIntech Lithium-Ion (NMC) Batteries marketed under the NanoIntech Energy Solutions brand powered by LG Energy Solution. Z.ONE & USEV are recognized internationally by its suppliers and exclusive distributor network as a full-service premium marketer of only the finest Korean made performance LSV’s and Lithium Battery power delivery systems for the EV world.
For more information visit https://zoneev.us/.
To say the 70 th PGA Show at the massive Orange County Convention Center in Orlando was a departure from the two previous years is an understatement of epic proportions.
In 2021, there wasn’t even a PGA Show, due to the COVID pandemic. Golf industry manufacturers and suppliers had to get out their message using whisper-down-the-lane tactics.
In 2022, the PGA Show was sparsely attended – by exhibitors, buyers and media – and an aura of fear hung over the entire event.
But in 2023 the energy and numbers were back.
No, not to the levels of the heyday in the early part of the 21st Century. But the Orange County Convention Center was buzzing. More than a few exhibitors reported that the PGA Show was one of the best they attended in recent years.
This definitely was not a scaleddown event like the one in 2022.
Across the board, the equipment, apparel and accessories manufacturers responded with a multitude of new products. There was technology and style breakthroughs and, it quickly become obvious, that the pentup energy of the pandemic era produced some noticeable efforts for the new golf season.
Without further fanfare, here are the eye-catching new products of 2023.
The idea of air resistance training has been around in golf for a long time but the new Aero-Swing training aid has taken the concept a step further. Using plastic “pineapples” on the end of a shaft, this tool is a
variable air resistance product and is designed to pull the most amount of air into the “pineapples” right at the ball impact point.
The result is a swing that encounters some resistance at the start of the swing, the maximum amount of resistance at ball impact and, as you finish the swing, the resistance lets up quite a bit.
Aero-Swing, and President Bill Orosz, won the top training aid award at the 2022 PGA Show, but not that many people noticed due to the sparse attendance. This year, attendees were noticing … in droves. www.aero-swing.com
Golfers know the term, “It’s like hitting a rock,” when talking about distance golf balls. No longer – at least in the world of Bridgestone.
“The distance ball category has gotten softer,” says Elliot Mellow, manager of golf ball marketing. “This year we have an all-new product, the e9 Long Drive. It is all about ball speed and aerodynamics. The core of our new ball gets firmer as it goes toward the outer region, which creates higher initial ball speed. And it has a 330 dimple pattern on it. It helps with minimal drag so the ball doesn’t lose velocity and continues the high ball speed as long as possible.”
Bridgestone teamed up with the world long drive guys to help design the new e9 Long Drive. On the Tour, Bridgestone teams up with the greatest players, including Tiger Woods, to design its tour balls. That sounds like a winning formula. www.bridgestonegolf.com
After a full effort to produce a quality golf glove, interwoven with copper fiber to aid in blood circulation and pain relief for
a number of years, Copper Tech is now going halfway. Sort of. The latest twist is the new halfglove from Copper Tech. By opening the finger of the Copper Tech glove, to the first knuckle, two goals are achieved.
1. The overall cost is reduced.
2. The glove can now be used for other applications, such as typing and sleeping.
“We made our name all these years by providing great, functional golf gloves that also promoted increased circulation through the use of copper infusion,” explained Lloyd Cohn, founder and president of Copper Tech Gloves. “Our new product still has all the benefits of copper-infused technology. It supports oxygenation and circulation of muscles and joints. Finally, it helps to prevent straining and fatigue by keeping muscles and joints warm.”
Even without the health benefits of a copper-infused golf glove, Copper Tech has proven to be the best overall one-size golf glove on the market. Now, the lineup has gotten even better … by going halfway. www.coppertechgloves.com
the foundation of the Embraced CBD-charged product line.
Not only are the socks and sleeves charged with relief-providing CBD, but they can be washed, then re-charged with a CBD spray. The result is a working system of pain relief for participants in all sports … but especially golf.
A growing list of customer testimonials support the claims that the products have helped to alleviate pain, improve sleep and contribute to the enhanced wellness of a loyal and growing customer base.
www.cbdcompressionsleeves.com
of the hosel styles and shafts fully interchangeable.
www.makefieldputters.com
Since 2018, the company Sycamore BioPharma has been on the cutting edge of CBD technology. Driven by the success of their Aligned Full-Spectrum CBD topicals, the company partnered with a specialized textile chemistry company to create a dynamic, wearable delivery system of socks and sleeves that has become
The putter market is one of the most competitive areas of the golf industry. It seems that just about everyone has a different idea about how to get that little white ball in the hole.
Into that fray jumps Makefield Putters … a new company based in Bucks County, Pennsylvanina. Not only have they accepted the challenge, they have embraced it. And their line of Makefield Putters rocked the PGA Show by winning the Product Ingenuity Award for Emerging Companies from the International Network of Golf.
“All three of our Makefield Putter models employ parallel weight technology, similar to that used in drivers,” stressed Nick Biglasco, director of product development. The weights go through the equator of the clubhead, as opposed to being screwed into the sole. There is a lifted center of gravity that decreases skid and increases roll, to the point where we believe our putter rolls better than any other putter in the market right now.”
The biggest development was the introduction of a screw-in hosel pin system, making all
Not everyone who steps onto the golf course has ambitions of winning the U.S. Open Championship. But, when they step, they want to step in style.
Skoni golf shoes, a new line of golf and casual foot apparel, is keeping that in mind. Their modern blend of comfort and style allowed them to win the Best New Emerging Market Product Award from the International Network of Golf during PGA Show week. “We created a casual slip-on golf shoe that has some structure to it and appeals to those people who want to go out and have some fun playing golf,” explained Jack Curry, Director of Sales for the less-than-one-year-old company. “People can put these shoes on, go play, then go out to dinner and it doesn’t look like a golf shoe.”
The new line of shoes – men’s and ladies’ – have a gum-rubber sole that is good for grip and comfort. They also have a removable insole for golfers who like to wear orthotics.
And the best part … all models in the complete line of Skoni golf shoes are available for less than $100.
www.skoni.com
Frank Carroll’s injection-molded plastics factory in Northeast Philadelphia has long been a haven of innovation and cutting-edge design in many industries. His niche business, in the golf industry, has followed that same successful path.
In the world of performance golf tees, he has made his mark with the Four Yards More Tee and the Survivor Tee.
E723 – each designed specifically to accommodate the needs of a specific segment of golfers.
“We really brought the tech to the table in 2023,” says Jon Claffey, VP of marketing for Tour Edge. “This is the latest step in our Exotics line of ultra-premium tour-played products. What our R & D team did is pretty remarkable. We have the most adjustable driver head on the market. There are so many different settings. If you do the math, there are 4,860 different settings on the head alone. We can fit any swing, any player type into these amazingly high-performance heads.
components of an electric trolley, with remote control and follow-me action, and we built it into a bag that is basically the size of a cart bag. There are two wheels on the front and a cantilevered wheel on the back. The cantilevered wheel sets down to the ground and gives it the extra stability and balance.
All you have to do is hit follow-me and go down the fairway, and you have your own personal caddie.”
www.zerofriction.com
Now there is the Tee M Up.
“The Tee M Up is a tool that’s used for the installation of either a standard or a solid polymer performance golf tee,” explained Carroll. “What this does, it ensures that the golf tee will be square to the ground. In addition, it has a height indicator on it that guarantees the exact height, whether you use a 2 ¾ inch or a 3 ¼ inch tee.”
This is another product in the line of specialized golf tees from Greenkeepers. The constant mantra is always to hit the longest and straightest drives possible. www.gkspikes.com or www.fouryardsmoretee.com
The new 723 Series still comes in a C723 model, made for players with clubhead speed over 105 mph. Players with slower swing speeds are using the E723. www.touredge.com
The secret behind the rise of Tour Edge in the golf equipment industry is simple. The Batavia, Illinois-based company leads in time and money spent on research and development. And that effort produces continued innovation.
The latest innovation can be found in the Tour Edge Exotics line of 723 drivers.
This line takes innovation from last year’s 722 driver and divides it into two models – C723,
Golfers will now be walking down the fairways with the old standard tune, “Me and My Shadow,” echoing in their heads – thanks to the new Stride Follow Me Bag by Zero Friction.
Instead of trying to drive a battery-powered golf trolley with the use of a remote device that the golfer has to operate and steer, the Stride Follow Me Cart uses a transponder that just hooks to the back belt or pocket. The cart then follows the golfer wherever they go.
“What we did was took a golf bag and made it into an electric trolley, all in one,” says Zero Friction president John Iacono. “We took the
There is no secret to the claim – in any sport – get stronger, get better. But golfers don’t always realize it.
David Wolfenden, president of 360 Bands, has taken that mantra to a new level.
Already successful with his line of resistance bands that have applications to any sport, Wolfenden has expanded into the world of grip training.
“Golf was one of the first sports to take bands and resistance training seriously. You’ll see them up and down the range, especially at long drive competitions,” says, Wolfenden. “We now have added grips, for functionality, and that’s where the 360 Bands came from. They’re the only bands that allow you to hold onto them better and actually work your grip.
“Now we have a new product, the 360 Grip, which is an extension of the brand and trains the opening and closing of your hands – the only resistance trainer to do that.”
The company slogan of 360 Bands says it all: “You’re only as strong as your grip.”
www.360bands.com
Pirates and I hope that you have set sail into the upcoming golf season with a fierceness unrivaled and that your expectations for the year are epic despite all the nay sayers and storm clouds that are brewing. High ranking Turf Pirates and for that matter even novice Turf Pirates know you must always aim high no matter the circumstances. I am writing this from the Galactic Headquarters of the Ancient and Honorable Tribe of Turf Pirates with a light rain falling but professionally speaking I am now just 33 days into my new position (same work address) as Director of Agronomy at TPC Las Colinas/Sports Club of Las Colinas joining the Century Golf Partners/Arnold Palmer Golf Management family who have become owner/operators taking over on December 15, 2022 as we completed the Four Seasons Chapter of our career. It was quite a year as we moved through the particulars to close one chapter on a high note and at the stroke of midnight on December 14, 2022 and then set sail for the new destination and vision. I am thrilled to be in the mix!
All that said, Turf Pirates the theme of this issues ramble is that when we are pressed at times to grow literally in every possible skill set to craft a new future and to do that successfully we must rely on old wisdom. Case in point that old dear scripture that says, as iron sharpens iron so does one man (or Turf Pirate) sharpen another. It requires
deep friendship and professional respect to take or give such attention. It is Turf Piracy at the highest level. I had so many challenges in 2022 and so much was at stake and there were many in my network who stepped up to help me navigate the rocks (there were a lot of rocks, some expected and some not so much). I could not possibly thank everyone here but there was one gentleman that stepped in within multiple fields of endeavor and gave me solid advice, critical observation and ultimately a hearty well done as we made it to higher ground. That man was legendary Turf Pirate,
entrepreneur and Golf Turf Icon Bruce Williams. Contrary to some stories Bruce and I are not actually brothers but as we often say we are brothers from different mothers. Many have pointed out that the last four digits of our cell numbers match…mysteries of the universe I suppose. Bruce has been my mentor and friend for decades and I owe him a lot. We have an annual gathering at the Golf Show every year to catch up, motivate and inspire each other to keep pressing on, to be the best we can be. Through job changes, health issues, family matters, GCSAA matters we stay connected. Bruce’s accomplishments are legendary and I often am amazed to hear of another milestone he has achieved or board he is serving on, not to mention the insane amount of travel miles he puts in. I know that he wants me to succeed and that he will tell me what I need to hear, not what I want to hear and expects the same in return.
The challenge today Turf Pirates is to be committed to being tough as iron and equally as committed to helping others be maximumly resilient. Remember that Iron sharpens iron. We will certainly be pressed in the upcoming golf season however, with the right push and support we can all raise the bar. Commit to yourself and your network to aim high this year Turf Pirates and build those special relationships that cause all involved to be better, sharper and ultimately revered. See you at the Golf Show Bruce until then safe travels and save me a seat at the table!
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RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment)® held its first Industry Issues Update of the year at the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s (GSCAA) Conference and Trade Show to talk about grassroots engagement on pesticide and fertilizer issues with GCSAA members from across the country.
Blaine Pinkerton, Nufarm Vice President of Turf and Ornamental Sales and RISE Governing Board Treasurer, welcomed superintendent guests and RISE members to the breakfast event.
“In our environment of limited attention spans and many channels providing factual and erroneous information about our products and how they’re used, it’s essential that we show up to tell our story,” Pinkerton said. “It’s important to use facts to make a connection with our audience and let the passion for what we do come through.”
Continuing the call to action, RISE President Megan J. Provost urged attendees to amplify their voices through grassroots advocacy to spread awareness about the benefits of pesticides and the rigorous regulatory framework that supports their availability and use.
“You’re the most credible source of information on these products,” said Provost. “Your local and state policymakers need to hear from you about your golf course and its maintenance practices
before there is a policy issue.”
Provost and Pinkerton were joined by Golf Course Superintendents Bob Searle, Abenakee Club, Biddeford, Maine, and Eric David, Naval Academy Golf Club, Annapolis, Maryland, who shared their firsthand advocacy successes and experiences in their states.
Provost concluded, “Grassroots advocacy is a critical, proven tool that does work. It’s important to keep using this tool to share the facts about what you do and the resources you need.”
RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment)® is the national trade association representing manufacturers, formulators, distributors and other industry leaders in the specialty pesticide and fertilizer industry. Visit the RISE website at www.pestfacts.org
For more information. Follow RISE on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/ RISEPestFacts or on Twitter at @PestFacts.
Travis Campbell, a second-year student at the Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management School, was recognized at the 2023 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Orlando, Florida, as the inaugural recipient of the GCSAA Larry Powell Scholarship award.
The Larry Powell Scholarship, established in 2022, focuses on individuals from underserved populations to ensure that underrepresented demographics have the opportunities to pursue their dreams and further their golf course management goals. “It is a blessing that the GCSAA organized this opportunity for the African American demographic in the turf industry while honoring the legacy of the Powell family,”
said Campbell. “This award will help pay for my education and set me apart from other candidates for opportunities in the future.”
A respected member of his class, Campbell is a twice-elected class president. He is also the recipient of the 2022 Ralph Engel Scholarship, and the Ralph Geiger Scholarship, both of which are awarded through the Rutgers Center for Turfgrass Science. “Be-
ing able to learn alongside the best students our industry has to offer while learning from the best and most studied turf professors in the world motivates me to get better every day,” said Campbell.
Rutgers says, “We want to congratulate Travis Campbell on receiving this award and are incredibly honored to have Mr. Campbell representing Rutgers and the Rutgers Professional Golf Turf Management School.”
Though the high-government hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C., is just down the road, the three public, Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certified courses in Northern Virginia’s NOVA Parks system — Algonkian in Sterling, Brambleton in Ashburn and Pohick Bay in Lorton — put the Potomac region’s teeming natural bounty in play in the best possible way.
Some 132 bird species, from bluebirds to bald eagles, have been seen or heard on the courses, along with plenty of deer and chipmunks and the occasional coyote or bear. Golfers share healthy playing spaces and scenic native areas with these and other critters, and love it, according to Bryan McFerren, Golf Course Superintendent for Algonkian and Brambleton, both of which he led to ACSP for Golf certification in 2007.
“Golfers are happy about what we’re doing, they feel safe, and feel good about playing in what they call a Park environment,” he says. “They feel good about the fact that we’re taking the environment into account when we manage things.”
McFerren was deeply familiar
with Audubon International by the time he got to NOVA Parks. He learned about ACSP certification during a presentation he attended as an assistant superintendent for Westwood Country Club in Vienna, Virginia. A few years later, as superintendent for the University of Maryland Golf Course, he finally found an employer willing to go all-in on sustainability. “I led them to Wildlife Sanctuary status in probably 2000, 2001,
2002, somewhere in there,” he says. “I eventually learned that my experience in leading a golf course to Wildlife Sanctuary status helped me get this job where I am now. Things work out for a reason.”
Initial certification process for his NOVA courses took about nine months. “My first couple months I did some initial planning, got the process started. Then once we got to September and past the heat of the summer I was able
to focus more on it. We got the certification completed by the end of the year. So, if you’re a golf course superintendent and you’re looking to do certification, my response is, you can do 95% of the whole thing in the less busy seasons, when you don’t have the grass to worry about since it’s dormant in many regions.”
As he led his crew through the six-step ACSP Certification plan in concert with Audubon International staff, McFerren found the process similar to what played out in Maryland —identifying areas where he could make changes, “tweak our programs,” modifying sprinkler coverage to be more efficient with water usage and, of course, creating more natural features around the golf course, specifically in no-mow areas and transitions between turf and pond and creek edges.
In terms of using pesticides, he was judicious about then and remains even more so now. “We’re a public municipal golf course and don’t have hundreds of thousands of dollars to throw at chemicals,” McFerren says. “I don’t spare expense when it comes to making sure the turf is protected. But I save money when I can. I don’t believe in spraying every week eight, nine months out of the year just in case something pops up. And Audubon International understands that. They understand that you need to keep the golf course up to standards. It doesn’t matter if you’re a public golf course or you’re high end private. There are standards to make and attain.”
Even so, maintaining ACSP certification for nearly two decades has led to savings in just about every area of maintenance operation, from fuel to man hours, and fostered valuable partnerships with local birding groups who volunteer to track migration patterns, maintain bird boxes and assure healthy habitat for all winged friends.
“We have a woman who’s been working with us on managing our Purple Martin houses,” McFerren says. “She comes in at least once a year to give me an update on how many fledglings we have and might ask if there is any money in the budget for things that might help like bird wing guards. I can certainly spend $200 to help with the population. We’ve been very fortunate to
have some dedicated people managing those things for us.”
The ongoing tally of this certification commitment? Untold riches in terms of wildlife, natural beauty and a playing experience that almost everyone treasures.
“We all are aware of some of the negative ideologies and philosophies that people have about golf courses. [Certification] helps temper that. As golf course superintendents and managers, we become advocates and demonstrate that we’re not the bad guys out here. We’re the good guys. The animals are coming here to live and make a home and have babies. It’s good for the game of golf, it’s good for us as professional turf grass managers.
“And the golfers feel good about it. It’s educational. It’s unique. It makes things a little bit more interesting.”
To learn more about how your local golf course can gain recognition for your environmental efforts and learn how to expand your initiatives through Audubon International’s numerous environmental certifications, visit www.auduboninternational.org.
Audubon International, an environmentally focused nonprofit organization, offers members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we live, work, and play. Their certifications are designed to increase environmental awareness, encourage sustainable environmental efforts, and educate both their members and their communities.
Since 2007, the Folds of Honor has carried forth this singular, noble mission. To provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members. We’re proud to celebrate our 10th year, and have awarded nearly 16,000 scholarships. The need is still great with the millions in unfunded requests we recieve each year.
Become a Wingman who dutifully supports the pursuit of education for our military families affected by war by giving a recurring donation of $13/month.
Why $13? There are 13 folds that bring the flag to its triangle shape. Every fold, just like every dollar, is significant.
WE NEED PATRIOTS. JOIN US. FOLDSOFHONOR.ORG
