Golf Central Magazine- Vol 23 Issue 24

Page 1

WWW.GOLFCENTRALMAG.COM
Natural beauty, exceptional golf, and nine great courses from which to choose. Scan this code to plan your golf getaway today, or visit tnstateparks.com/golf Beautiful parks. Incredible golf. Shown is the golf course at Paris Landing State Park.
Get started at frenchlick.com/golf Secure your tee time (888) 936-9360 Group planning (8+) (812) 936-5825 Must be 21 years or older to enter the casino. Gambling Problem? Call 1.800.9.WITH.IT or text INGAMB to 53342! PLAY IT to BELIEVE IT
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.
With

wHat iT Takes? Do You Have

HIT THE LINKS!

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.

naturally fLorida

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.

The Groves Golf & Country Club

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 Club

Stay the Course!

As the

PGA TOUR’s

Florida Swing winds down this week at the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook Golf Resort, I’m grateful, as always, for the many friends and family in the golf scene that I’ve reconnected with while out and about at these tournaments and industry events during this crazy great, fun and busy time of the year in the Sunshine State.

The Epson Tour, the developmental tour for the LPGA, held a fantastic media luncheon at the Mission Inn Resort and Club on March 7 where the Inova Championship will be played May 26-28 on the El Campeon Golf Course. Special guests included LPGA Hall of Famers Kay McMahon and Mary Mills, along with rising stars Sophie Hauseman and Kiira Riihijarvi, and Jody Brothers, the CBOO of the Epson Tour.

The panelists represented the history of the LPGA and its future, that provided a perfect backdrop for Women’s History Month. The diversity of their opinions and backgrounds was evident in the answers they gave, and it was made clear that LPGA will continue to define itself and carry on with the strong spirit of perseverance that it was built on.

The LPGA’s growth has been cultivated by a community that above all, no matter what, stays the course. This attitude has been the underlying force that connects everyone from the pros on the Florida Swing, to the child falling in love with the sport. Perseverance has tethered all aspects of the golf industry together and is what earned golf its tone of respect for its history, and players of the past.

While at Bay Hill Club and Lodge for the Arnold Palmer Invitational, I revisited the place that years ago, I had received gracious advice from The King, to stay the course, endure, and persevere. Years later, from that cherished advice, we’ve built relationships and supporters of the magazine that have persisted and stayed the course such as our seven-year streak of having the gorgeous, Rumbling Bald Golf Resort on Lake Lure in Western North Carolina, as our March cover.

And next month, GCM will celebrate its 24th anniversary and welcomes all our readers to join us at our Masters Watch Party on Saturday April 8th (see pg 19 for more details). Woohooo! Thanks to all of you who have been a part of this wild ride.

Stay the Course…

Cheers,

Publisher: Terrie L. Purdum (terrie@golfcentralmag.com)

Edi tor in Chief: Shannon Coates (shannon@golfcentralmag.com)

Graphic Design: Melahn Cable

Social Media Manager: Nafanua Marlowe

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

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.

6 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12
from the publisher 2009 North Florida PGA Amateur of the Year Volume 23, Issue 12

100 YEARS LEGEND OF AN AMERICAN

The Cascades, a William Flynn masterpiece, has been described as “golf in its purest form.” Celebrate the centennial of this legendary course, host of 8 USGA events and widely recognized as one of the finest mountain courses in the country. The Omni Homestead Resort, a premier golf destination, is being revitalized with a resort-wide investment of $140 million. Experience America’s First Resort where the memories linger long after the last putt drops.

OMNIHOTELS.COM/THEHOMESTEAD 800-838-1766

CELEBRATING
8 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12 FEATURE 10 Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure Cart Girl 18 Summer Anderson Celebrity Corner 24 Stephen Curry Florida Swing 12 Honda Classic 14 Arnold Palmer Invitational Golf Bachelor 34 Ron Foster Leader on the Links 16 Jack Davenport 26 Evan Geiselman Living on the Links 53 GlenLakes Country Club Stay & Play 38 Baha Mar Turf Life 54 Turf Pirate 56 Sunniland Super Spotlight: Julio Fuentes 58 GCSAA Young Guns 50 Claret Junior Tournament Departments 22 Fore Your Health 28 Media Partners 32 In Memory Of 36 Florida Golf Central 40 Georgia Golf Trail 42 Product Showcase 44 Grip It & Sip It 46 NFPGA 48 SFPGA 49 Golf Fore Charity golfcentralmag.com Feature Article Pg 10 Volume 23, Issue 12 34 24 30 26 WWW.GOLFCENTRALMAG.COM

BET ON GREEN

YOUR 2022 MICHIGAN & NATIONAL GOLF COURSE OF THE YEAR!

AWARD-WINNING CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF

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.

5 5 4 4 8 8 2 2 4 4 5 28 16 10 31 23 27 131 127 75 75 94 94 43 90 196 75 90 94 80 90 Green Bay Madison Eau Claire Iron Mt. Ironwood Ashland Dubuque Milwaukee Grand Rapids Chicago Lansing Detroit Grayling Traverse City Makinaw City Escanaba Houghton Marquette
Sweetgrass and Sage Run: dramatically different, but equally exceptional!
2022
Late Season, Double Occupancy
feature

closing the door on a rookie to the PGA Tour Eric Cole to take home the winners check of $1,512,000, while Cole’s portion for 2nd place was $915,600.

A lot has changed over the years. This whole concept of standing over a putt to win reminded me of a story I heard Lee Trevino tell… “There is no pressure standing over a putt to win the tournament and cash a check for $52,000… I know if I miss… I still get a check for $20,000.” – Lee Trevino won the Honda Classic in 1973.

We’ll see what happens with the Florida Swing date soon… I have a few speculations as to who will take this open date, but we will see. To quote one of my favorites in life… “And away we go.”– Jackie Gleason.

The End of an Era for The Honda Classic

It is truly hard to imagine that Florida could lose a vital part of the “Florida Swing.” But this was the last year for “The Honda Classic.” When you consider that this event is backed by Jack Nicholas, and his charitable foundations… all while others are jockeying for time slots for their corporate events and the top-rated players.

When you consider the rich history of The Honda Classic, beginning in 1972 as the Jackie Gleason Inverrary Classic, with Tom Weiskopf sinking a 30foot putt to win $52,000.

Honda entered the picture as a major sponsor in 1982 with the Honda Inverrary Classic and Hale Irwin taking the trophy and the check for $72,000, making a birdie on the 18th for the victory over Tom Kite and George Burns.

Then the ultimate full name change taking place in 1984 to the “Honda Classic,” played on the Tournament Players Club at Eagle Trace with Bruce Lietzke beating Andy Bean on the first hole of sudden death for a check worth $90,000.

Fast Forward 39-years to 2023 – and the ending of the PGA

Tour – “Honda Classic” legacy on the PGA National Resort course in Palm Beach Gardens with Chris Kirk’s second shot, leading by 1-shot hit the rocks on the right side of the 18th green, bounding into the water. That arrent shot allowed Eric Cole to par the hole and create a sudden death playoff just as the tournament started in 1984.

What a fitting ending to the long run for the Honda Classic to have Kirk having not won on the tour for the past 8 years…

12 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12 florida swing
Photos and Story by Greg & Beverly Wise
Chris Kirk – 15th hole approach
13 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12 Just chillin’
and Gary Keeping a close eye on the competition Eric Cole – 15th Hole Congratulations! Is this what I'm playing? They gave me a free tag Catching a ride I can't believe that I'm here!
Lowry
Barbara
Shane

What do you do with a Triple Bogey? –8-holes left of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard

lead with the 18th hole still to play. One by one… some of the top rated players in the world, came to 18 and failed to deliver. Yet… “The Project” continued to plug away… keeping his mind focused on the prize. Kitayama birdied the par 3 – 17th hole, setting himself up for a run at the title with one hole to go, and a one shot lead.

Pulling his drive to the left rough, we were talking he would best to lay up short of the green and then go at the cup with a wedge. Well… that’s what his caddie should have been telling him, but he was truly focused pulled out the club and with that swing… was lying 2 – pin-high on the left side of the green roughly 48-feet from the cup.

Needing a simple 2-putt for a victory, Kitayama, lined up the putt and let it roll. Nearly making that birdie putt… the ball was literally hanging over the edge of the hole and just wouldn’t fall. He marked the putt as a courtesy to his playing partner Viktor Hovland to finish before he closed out the tournament. He was so concerned placing the ball back in to position to make the less than 1 inch putt to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard.

Can you imagine a 1-inch putt being worth $3.6 million.

Priceless… definitely describes that effect that “The Project” –a.k.a. Kurt Kitayama had on the field as Kitayama hit his first t-shot out-of-bounds left on the dog-leg 10th hole. Then putting his second drive from the 10th-tee into the bunker. Laying 3 at that point with a terrible lie, he faced the challenge… “Never Give Up.” Pretty much how he described himself as a college student, while others had coined him with the manicure “The Project” – not a great shot maker… but a “Work in Progress.” Grinding and not giving up… Kurt came away from

number 10 with a triple bogey 7.

His triple bogey 7 dropped him from 11-under par, down to -8 and into a tie with Jordan Spieth. Then Spieth moved ahead… then let that lead slip away.

At one point… I made a comment that seemed like “No One” wanted to win. But Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Resort course, wasn’t giving it up easy. The ultimate winner of the Cardigan Sweater would have to earn that victory.

And the battle was on to the finish.

At one point on the back nine… there were 6 players tied for the

Kitayama talked about playing on no fewer than 10 professional tours around the world and it came down to simple possibilities to make this happen, to make his first victory on the PGA Tour such a memorable event.

14 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12 florida swing
Photos and Story by Greg & Beverly Wise
15 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12

Captain Jack

“I just live.” explained Jack Davenport, who hasn’t wasted a moment of the century he’s survived. Born in 1922 in Newark, New Jersey, Jack’s journey in golf started as a caddy at fourteen years old. Caddying for four hours earned him ten dollars then, but Jack had no complaints. “I could buy a double dip ice cream for five cents back then.” he joked. Jack’s ironclad work ethic took him to the Navy where he earned his gold wings as a pilot. Piloting took him to the Pacific during his service, where he flew in antisubmarine patrols in the Battle of the Coral Sea. Jack went on to become the Aviation Advisor to the Chief Information Officer and later served as Naval Liaison to the United States Senate at the Pentagon. Years later, he pinned his own golden wings onto his grandson, who followed Jack’s footsteps into service.

Outside of his valuable military career, Jack holds the role of being the patriarch to his family alongside his priceless wife, Betty. Together they love 12 children, 27 grandchildren, and 48 great grandchildren who all enjoy annual cheesecake bake-offs that include plaque and trophy prizes! Jack also competed in annual golf trips with a group of up to 24 friends. These trips were meticulously documented and included each player’s handicaps, scores, course maps, and customized rules that changed every year. These golf trips are another testament to Jack’s habitual loyalty and his consistency once again paid off when he achieved a hole-in-one! Today, Jack visits the gym four days a week, and his healthy, conscious, lifestyle has given him a strong heart and a sharp mind to continue his long, fulfilling life with his lovely wife and incredible family.

16 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12
By Nafanua Marlowe leader on the links

cart girl

Where did you grow up? I was born and raised in a small, rural town in Georgia until I moved to Florida at the end of my freshman year of high school

Which group of people did you associate most with in high school? I didn’t really stick to any sort of clique; I was nice to everyone who was nice to me.

What is your favorite sport to play? I did competitive and sideline cheer through middle and high school, which I miss doing a lot.

Favorite to watch? Baseball

Do you enjoy playing golf? My golfers have got me to try to hit the ball a few times, but I definitely need some practice.

Are there any golfers in your family? My cousins, great uncle and grandfather like to golf.

What do you feel makes this club special? What makes Juliette Falls special is the beautiful scenery and animals you get to see while playing on the course, and how much the staff truly care about the course and guests

What is your favorite part of being a cart girl? My favorite part of being a cart girl is getting to know so many different people, hearing their stories and bringing a little sunshine to their day.

If you weren’t a cart girl, what would you be doing? I’m in school to become an ultrasound technician specializing in obstetrics and also model.

What is your memorable moment working as a cart girl? Most memorable moment would have to be our annual Big Dog’s Tournament & Superintendent Tournament where most of our regulars are all playing and have a good time.

What is the funniest thing you’ve ever seen on the golf course? Watching our fox squirrels chase each other and sound like they’re barking makes me laugh and is one of my favorites past times while waiting for golfers.

What type of music do you prefer? I listen to all types of music, depends on what type of mood I’m in.

What hobbies do you enjoy? When I’m not a work I’m usually at the gym or spending time with my friends, or mom and pets.

What is your idea of “the perfect date”? My idea of “the perfect date” would either be a relaxing picnic somewhere quiet, where you can talk and get to know each other or doing something exciting and fun like going to an amusement park.

Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails? Most of the time I’m more of a chill girl who wants to just relax, but if I’m off on the weekend and feeling it, I don’t mind going out with my friends and having a good time.

Favorite comedian? Adam Sandler

Favorite type of movie? My favorite type of movie is in between comedy and thriller/ mystery.

Favorite charity to support? My favorite charity to support is St. Jude’s Childhood Cancer Research and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

What else would you like for us to know about you? I am pursuing a modeling in my spare time and travel to different photography shoots and castings all over.

Summer Anderson

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12 18

For more information call Dave Walker 321.277.9094

OUR PURPOSE IS TO CHANGE THAT STATISTIC!

Immunotherapy Research is being done right here in Central Florida. Our funding will go towards Immunotherapy Research.

to Benet: Cancer Institute
Event Sponsors Golf Central Magazine 24th Anniversary & Masters Watch Party Saturday, April 8, 2023 12:00PM - 6:00PM Event Proceeds
by Special Donation Drawing Ticket $50.00
ticket comes with Sunglasses or Beach Sandals your choice! Sandals by Olukia Special Donation
Ticket Prize: Mercedes-Benz Merchandise,
Foursome
Sunglasses by Under Amour
One in 75 women will be diagnosed wi﬊ Ovarian Cancer in her lifetime. Hosted
Each
Drawing
Golf Bag, Golf Gear, Golf
Package
bidpal.net/mastersparty
Event
Auction &
Sa E Sp Mercedes-Benz M Raffle Prize
Sp Food,Drinks, Silent
Fun 24th Ann
Optisho2
The
is a In Home Golf Simulator System

Bernhard Langer wins Chubb Classic

Ties Hale Irwin with 45 wins on the PGA TOUR Champions

shot to hook around the tree in front of him… and made the shot. Much to the patron’s amazement surrounding the area, Langer’s second shot had landed on the right side of the green, pin high, about 20-feet from the cup.

Champions Tour, matching the longtime milestone set by Hale Irwin. In the post round interview, Langer mentioned it was an honor to be tied with Irwin at this point in his life. And when asked when he may break the record – Langer responded, “when it is the right time… it will happen.”

Bernhard Langer admits that he was feeling a little additional pressure with his one-shot lead heading into the final round of the 2023 Chubb Classic.

Unlike his 2022 Chubb victory, Langer faced a series of challenges from a handful of golfers Sunday, most notably Padraig Harrington, Dickey Pride, Steve Stricker, and Jerry Kelly. All falling just short, while 65-year old Langer, birdies five of the final seven holes at the Tiburon Golf Club.

What seems like an ageless

“Right now, I feel relieved and grateful and thankful for everybody that’s been part of my team and helping me throughout these years,” Langer said with emotion in his voice, following his victory. “For a German kid from a village of 800 people starting as a caddie to do what I’ve done, it takes a lot of people to do that, not just one.”

Langer played his characteristic mistake-free style, though he had misread a couple early putts. On the 12th hole, he managed to catch the lip of the cup and it

It is hard to imaging, the shot making level that Langer has in his game. Teeing off the first tee at Tiburon Golf Club on Sunday, Bernhard pulled his tee shot into the woods left… nearly up against the concrete cart path, 116 yards from the pin… but not enough to call for a ruling or get relief. He conceived his second

Langer, shot his age or below in two of the three days at the Chubb. Opening with a 64 and closing on Sunday with a 65. Finishing 17-under for the tournament and collecting a check for $270,000 of the event’s $1,8 million purse.

The 3-shot margin over Padraig Harrington and Steve Stricker, was Langer’s 45th victory on the PGA

went in for a birdie and that putt seemed to ignite him for the holes coming in down the stretch.

“I played solid, I played good, but I didn’t set it on fire,” Langer said. “And all of a sudden the last eight holes or something I made five or six birdies coming in and that’s when you have to do it, when everything is on the line."

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12 north florida PGA north florida PGA north florida PGA north florida PGA north fl PGA Tour PGA Tour PGA Tour PGA Tour PGA Tour PGA Tour PGA Tour PGA Tour PGA Tour PGA Tour 20
Story and Photos by Greg and Beverly Wise
Berhard 1st hole Sunday Berhard 1st hole Sunday

Bob Wallace has been volunteering as a Standard Bearer for 4-year – walking the course all 3 days of the Chubb Classic. Bob is 84 years old and doesn’t see stopping anytime soon. We should start a “Be Like Bob” Fan Club.

21 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12
When I grow up… I want to be just like Bob!
Bernhard stroll up 18th Fred Couples Paul Goydos Retief Goosen Chubb Volunteer Jerry Kelly Steve Stricker Notah Begay III Richard Green Scott McCarron

SLO W DOWN ...!

Ilearned one of golf’s most valuable lessons from a caddy at St. Andrews when I found myself in the infamous “Hell Bunker” on the 14th hole.

The 112 bunkers at St. Andrew’s, some of them so deep that you’re lost in shadow, can break your game and your spirit. In his victory at The Open Championship there in 2000, Tiger Woods did not go into a single one over his four rounds. Also, not so fortunate was Jack Nicklaus, who took four shots to get out of Hell Bunker in the opening round of the 1995 Open. One of the greatest names of all time, Bobby Jones, famously picked up and walked off the course after several attempts to escape the cavernous “Hill” bunker on the 11th hole in his third round in 1921.

Back in Hell Bunker, I was hitting my third shot from the sand before I knew it and I was setting up to whack my fourth. My mind and body felt shocked by this crushing turn of events, compounded by feelings of embarrassment. Heart racing, I started to move faster with each subsequent deteriorating swing. My caddy mercifully intervened, stating with sage-like compassion, “Laddie, when you start to lose your game, slow down.”

So, I stepped out of the bunker,

knocked the sand off my shoes, and took a deep breath. I returned as if I were new to the situation entirely and was able to escape sideways onto the fairway. Slowing down and re-centering is as central to golf as it is to daily life, especially when things are not going well.

You may ask, “What good is slowing down if I have such a flawed bunker game in the first place?” Everyone has flaws in their swing. I’m not here to tell you that you can avoid learning proper basic golfing techniques just by learning how to slow down and breathe. Of course, you do need to know how to set up and correctly utilize the bounce on a sand wedge. However, without obtaining the skill set of slowing down, it’s likely that knowledge will not be as effective as it could be.

More often than not, we are mindlessly speeding our way through life: getting chores done, rushing along shopping aisles, trying to find a parking spot, paying bills, trying to solve a computer glitch, reading dull work reports, getting through our call list, meal prep, or ticking off the “mustsee” places on a vacation.

Pretty soon some people find themselves rushing through a round of

golf to get to the next thing on the list. We lose our equanimity and ability to engage with the present when we rush through a round simply to complete the next thing on our list. We can get away with this approach much of the time, but overall, rushing through life is not the best way to achieve happiness and it can even lead to hypertension and long-term stress-related health consequences.

For more information or to purchase Better Golf Better Life, go to www.drrichgolf.com.

22 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12
an excerpt from BETTER GOLF BETTER LIFE
fore your health
by Richard Goldberg

Stephen Curry To Be Named 2023 Ambassador of Golf

Today the Kaulig Companies Championship, PGA TOUR Champions and Northern Ohio Golf Charities Foundation announced that NBA champion Stephen Curry will be named the 2023 recipient of the Ambassador of Golf Award. Curry will be recognized the evening of Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the Ambassador of Golf event, presented by the FirstEnergy Foundation, at Firestone Country Club. The award - which benefits the Northern Ohio Golf Charities Foundationhonors a person who has fostered the ideals of the game on an international level and whose concerns for others extends beyond the golf course.

In addition to Curry being named the 2023 Ambassador of Golf, PGA TOUR Champions has partnered with UNDERRATED Golf to host an event at Firestone Country Club featuring 96 junior golfers that includes 48 boys and 48

girls ages 12 to 18 from across the country. This event will be hosted from on Thursday, July 6 through Saturday, July 8, 2023 on the South Course at Firestone Country Club –the same course where the Kaulig Companies Championship will be

contested the following week.

“While golf has always been a passion of mine, I can’t turn a blind eye to the major inequities that exist in the sport amongst underrepresented individuals,” said Stephen Curry.

“With UNDERRATED Golf, we want to provide unparalleled opportunities and learnings to individuals who may not normally have access to the sport. I believe that golf, unlike any other sport, offers a very powerful vehicle to positively shape and impact an individual’s social and professional career across their lifetime. It is my hope that through this exciting endeavor, we can create a brighter and sustainable future for these young prospects.”

“Stephen Curry using his platform as a global icon and one of the

24 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12 celebrity corner
Stephan Curry (Getty Images)

NBA’s all-time greats to help make the game of golf more diverse and welcoming to all is truly remarkable,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “Through UNDERRATED Golf, he has helped make huge strides in bridging the gap, providing access and opportunity to underserved communities. These efforts – along with his support of the neighboring Memorial Tournament presented by Workday – make him the ideal 2023 Ambassador of Golf. On behalf of the PGA TOUR, we are elated to honor him with this distinction at next year’s Kaulig Companies Championship.”

The UNDERRATED Tour started in 2019 as a basketball showcase event for players who might not have otherwise been scouted by college coaches. The Tour is open to players who were ranked as three-star recruits or lower, like Curry. Last year, Curry launched UNDERRATED Golf, a purpose-driven business endeavor with the overarching commitment to provide equity, access and opportunity to student-athletes from every community by balancing participation in the sport to truly reflect our society.

The inspiring movement joined the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) in efforts to address the sports’ lack of diversity. The UNDERRATED Tour is built upon three key pillars – equity: the quality of being just and fair; access: the ability, right or permission to enter; and opportunity: a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something. The UNDERRATED Tour utilizes golf as a platform to offer young, overlooked golfers special programming experiences, including an ongoing speaker series

and networking events with brands and corporations, allowing them to understand what it means to make connections and build successful careers.

In its inaugural year, the UNDERRATED Tour held four tournaments, beginning in Chicago and concluding with the best 24 boys and girls competing for the Curry Cup in the Tour’s season-ending championship tournament in San Francisco in late August of 2021.

An avid golfer himself, Curry teamed up with Howard University in August 2019 to announce that the school would add NCAA Division I teams in men’s and women’s golf starting in the 2020–21 school year, with Curry guaranteeing full funding of both teams for six years, ultimately helping Howard golf regain its status as a Division I competitor.

The NBA superstar also paired up with NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning in November 2020 for The Match: Champions for Change, a charity event against NBA Hall of Fame forward Charles Barkley and Phil Mickelson that raised money for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Curry’s additional charitable efforts continue to make a lasting impact. In 2012, Curry started donating three insecticide-treated mosquito nets for every threepointer he made to the United Nations Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign to combat malaria, after being introduced to the cause by a former college teammate. In July 2019, Stephen and his wife Ayesha launched their Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation. The non-profit was created to focus on improving the

lives of kids and families in Oakland, the Bay Area and across the country. Rooted in three of the most vital pillars for a healthy childhood— nutrition, education and physical activity – Eat. Learn. Play. is working to ensure that every child in Oakland has access to the nutritious food they need to be healthy and thrive; is equipped with the resources to foster a love for learning and reading; and is provided safe places and equitable opportunities to play.

Away from the court, he continues to use his influence to support and further foster growth with initiatives and organizations such as GoodSports, Positive Coaching Alliance, Charity Bounce, Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development and Oakland Athletic League.

The Charlotte, North Carolina native was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the seventh overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft out of Davidson College. Since joining the NBA, he has been selected to eight All-NBA Teams and voted league MVP twice.

Born in Akron, Ohio, while his father, Dell Curry, played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Curry went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in sociology in May 2022 from Davidson, after opting out of his senior year in 2009. He became the first Davidson player to have his number retired at a ceremony held in August 2022 where he also entered the Wildcats athletic hall of fame and physically received his diploma. Curry married his long-time girlfriend and Torontoarea native, Ayesha, in 2011. The couple share three children – Riley, Ryan and Canon.

25 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12
Noah Graham (Getty Images)

Surf and Turf

inspiring Evan as a professional surfer himself. Evan is world renowned for his progressive surfing style and has partnered with the next big thing in surf: bringing the sea to everybody with wave pools across the globe. Now working with PerfectSwell, as their active tour ambassador –representing, and ranked the #1 wave pool technology company in the world– Evan plays an active role in commissioning and testing the surf pools prior to their opening such as PerfectSwell Japan, training surf pool for the Olympics, and PerfectSwell Boa Vista in Brazil.

Professional surfer and avid golfer Evan Geiselman is bridging the gap between surf and turf, inspiring others by sharing his love for both land and sea sports. At 29, Evan has already achieved so much in his surfing career, with 12 East Coast Surfing Championship Titles, US Open of Surfing Pro Junior Champion, Ichinomiya Chiba Open, Japan Champion, Vans Pro South Africa Champion,

holds and positioned 2nd in the WSL North American Rankings. A pro-surfing prodigy, Evan’s love for the watersport runs deep in his roots as both of his parents competed in their prime. His father

Along with his Florida upbringing, Evan comes from the mecca of golf. The Sunshine State may not be known for the best waves, but it sure boasts some of the best golf courses in the world. But unlike his early intro into surfing culture, Evan wasn’t introduced to the timeless sport of golf until the ripe age of 18, finding his love for this land sport much later in the game than his affinity with the ocean. It was at this time that he was invited to ride around during a scramble golf event where he first tried to take his first swing and admitted he couldn’t even hit the ball. Being a competitor by nature, he was hooked instantly, and now a decade later continues to be captivated by continually progressing in his practice and loves the game of golf almost as much as surfing. He’s come a long way since then, boasting a 3 handicap and playing in a number of celebrity-division pro-am events, including his personal favorite: the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.

Ron Jon Pro Champion, Landshark Florida Pro Champion, and most recently earning a 3rd place finish in the 2022 US Open of Surfing Championships and is currently

is a surfboard shaper, designing his quivers for the Qualifying Series as one would get fitted for clubs for the Korn Ferry Tour, while his older brother Eric paved the way

You can find Evan on Instagram at @evangeiselman and on his growing golf account  @muni_ lord_. Whether in his hometown or around the world, Evan is sharing his content competing, commissioning wave pools, and playing a fair few fairways, which can all be found on his Youtube channel evangeiselman_, in hopes to spread the love for his two passions and inspire others to pursue the lifestyle that embodies both surf and turf.

26 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12 leader on the links
www.makefieldputters.com Makef ield Putters 2023 ING Award Winner: Product Ingenuity; Emerging Companies New Year’s Resolution: MAKE MORE PUTTS New half moon T-F and T-F Tour debuted at 2023 PGA Show Visit makefieldputters.com or email info@makefieldputters.com to find out more about these sleek new models

Our featured Fan Stream Sports show for March is The Colby Sapp and IndyCarTim Show, with celebrated Dallas/Fort Worth radio veterans Colby Sapp and Timm ‘IndyCarTim’ Hamm. Colby’s long but distinguished radio resume began in the early 2000s with Fox Sports Radio 1190 to his most recent stop at 105.3 The Fan, the radio home and flagship station for both the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers.

Timm saw time in the early 90s with Sports Radio 1310 The Ticket and News Radio 1080 KRLD before launching his podcast career with DSP Media in 2018. Timm currently writes for Sports Illustrated’s Fan Nation family of websites covering the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, Los Angeles Rams, and Philadelphia Eagles. Timm is the editor-inchief for RavenCountry.com, covering the Baltimore Ravens.

Timm also covers the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic, and New York Knicks. In the world of MLB, Timm covers the Texas Rangers, and in college sports, Timm covers the SEC’s Texas A&M Aggies and Big 12’s Texas Longhorns.

Timm is also a contributor to the annual Lindy’s Sports NFL Draft Guide.

The Colby Sapp and IndyCarTim Show can be heard Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET across all the Fan Stream Sports platforms as well as YouTube, Facebooks, Twitter, and Twitch, coming soon to the Fan

Stream Sports app and RHS-TV on your favorite streaming service.

Formerly The Drunk Sports Podcast - Colby and Timm discuss ALL things sports, guy stuff, and current events, pop culture, and anything else they want to indulge in.

Strong opinions and slurred speech occasionally take over, but hilarity always ensues!

Check us out on IG:

@thecolbyandtimmshow and Twitter: @colbytimmshow | @IndyCarTim | @ColbySapp! | And make sure to subscribe to our soon-to-be epic YouTube Channel @FanStreamSports!

28 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12 media partners
Welcome to part 3 of our introduction to Fan Stream Sports in celebration of our new partnership with Golf Central Magazine and Turf Life!

benefitting addiction treatment

join us nowmattersmore.org

Since Bobby Jones Golf Course (BJGC) – a public course in Atlanta –was renovated four years ago, it has become one of the leading trendsetters in the industry. From a first-of-its-kind 9-hole course

to a mission to grow the game in all aspects for everyone, BJGC has continuously looked for ways to think differently and create unique experiences for the public.    Here are the trends that BJGC has been sure to focus on throughout its growth and development:

1.  Revolutionary 9-Hole Golf Course

BJGC boasts a unique reversible course with 9 holes featuring multiple tee and pin combinations

and large double greens. The design allows for a new experience each time. With current golf trends moving beyond the norm of the 18-hole model, BJGC was and still is ahead of the curve with its first-ofits kind course. As an inspiration for others, the course is still evolving after four years.

2.  Adaptive Golf

BJGC has made it a mission to make golf accessible to everyone. The golf course was intentionally designed to be 100% adaptable and accessible for disabled golfers: greens, tees, and bunkers all have a zero-degree entry point. The course also has an adaptive golf cart fleet, and instructors are certified for adaptive golf teaching. BJGC works closely with the Shepherd Center, a nonprofit hospital that focuses on the research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injuries, acquired brain injuries, M.S., chronic pain and other neuromuscular problems to offer these special opportunities to golfers.

3.  The Next Generation of Golfers

Bobby Jones Golf Course offers special programs for junior golfers and has become quite popular among the golf youth of Atlanta –with kids affectionately referring to the course as “The Bob.” The innovative reversible golf course appeals to younger generations because it’s so different. Not to mention, Bobby Jones Golf Course

30 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12 georgia golf central

is home to state-of-the-art tech and practice facilities, a putting course, the Grand Slam Golf Academy, Boone’s and the Murray Golf House – making it more than just a golf course. Bobby Jones Golf Course also ensures they are providing junior golfers with the best instruction possible. Many of the course’s past and current instructors have been recognized with accolades such as Golf Range Association of America’s Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professionals and US Kids Golf Top 50 Teacher Award – including the current Director of Instruction Jason Kuiper. Bobby Jones Golf Course is dedicated to providing the youth of Atlanta with opportunities to learn and enjoy the game of golf.

Bobby Jones Golf Course is dedicated to thinking of their business differently – as not just a golf course, but as a company that is always looking for ways to expand, adapt, and grow the game of golf.

31
Bobby Jones CLubhouse

Memories of Ben Hogan Golf's Triple Crown Winner 70 Years Ago

As we look forward to this year’s major championships in men’s golf, one of the great champions from the past who is often honored with words of praise and admiration is the late, great Ben Hogan. In his hall-of-fame career, Hogan won two Masters, four U.S. Opens, one (British) Open Championship, and a pair of PGA Championships. In fact, this year (2023) is the 70th anniversary of when Hogan won three of the four majors in one year. In 1953, Hogan captured the Masters, U.S. Open (at the Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania), and the Open Championship (at Carnoustie

in Scotland). What’s interesting about Hogan winning the Triple Crown of Golf in 1953 is that he had no chance of winning golf’s Grand Slam that year since the 1953 PGA Championship (July 1-7) overlapped with the playing of that year’s (British) Open Championship (July 6-10). It’s also worth noting that Hogan only played in the (Brit-

ish) Open Championship on one occasion – that being 1953, and he won it! No other golfer won three majors in one calendar year until Tiger Woods did it in 2000.

While the vast majority of people who have read about Hogan or even saw him play actually never met him, but Royal Palm Beach, Florida resident Chuck Ludwig, currently the sales & service representative in southeast Florida for Nexbelt, did meet Hogan on 15 occasions. The venue was the annual sales conference for the Ben Hogan Company, for whom Ludwig was a sales rep at the time.

When asked if Hogan would ever talk fondly of his competitive days on the PGA Tour, he, unfortunately, did not say too much.

“His role during our national sales meetings (for the Ben Hogan Company) was to introduce the new equipment line and pump us up to go out and sell to the PGA golf professional customers,” said Ludwig.

When asked if Hogan ever said much about his peers such as Sam Snead, Byron Nelson and Jimmy Demaret, he would say very little,

but he was quick to identify South African Bobby Locke as the best pro at match play. And, Hogan said that Bobby Jones was probably the most gifted and talented player in golf.

“He (Hogan) did say that Bobby Locke was the best player he played one on one,” added Ludwig.  “He did say “if you want to know how good Booby Jones was, try hitting golf clubs with wooden shafts.”

As for how involved Ben Hogan was with the design of the clubs bearing his name, he was “100%” involved with the company’s final product decisions, according to Ludwig.

Another interesting fact about Hogan’s career centers around his U.S. Open victories. Officially, he has four U.S. Open wins – in 1948, 1950, 1951, and 1953. But, back in 1942, when the USGA did not officially host the U.S. Open, Hogan won the Hale America National Open Golf Tournament.

Because of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the USGA’s executive committee felt it was inappropriate to stage the U.S. Open in 1942. So, the

32 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12 in memory of
By Mike May
Chuck Ludwig and Ben Hogan circa 1975

USGA, in cooperation with the PGA of America and the Chicago District Golf Association, hosted a wartime substitute for the U.S. Open, which was called the Hale America Open. It was held at the Ridgemoor Country Club in Cook County, Illinois from June 18-21, 1942. For his win, Hogan received a USGA gold medal and $1,200 in war bonds.

The inscription on that 1942 gold medal was the same as it appears on his four official U.S. Open wins, but on the flip side of his 1942 medal, it had different wording: “The Hale America National U.S. Open Championship.”

“At some of our national sales

meetings, Mr. Hogan would show the sales reps a small box which included five U.S. Open winner medals,” said Ludwig. “They were all the same, except one in 1942.  He felt that he won five U.S. Open Championships.”

There are some golf historians and supporters of Hogan who feel that Hogan should be given credit for five U.S. Open wins since it was conducted just like other U.S. Opens with more than 1,500 entries, local qualifying at 69 sites and sectional qualifying at most major cities. In addition, all of the big names in golf, who were not fighting in WWII, were in the field.

To boost local fan interest in the last round, Hogan, who was tied for the lead after three rounds, was paired with the legendary Bobby Jones, who played in the event and was not in contention.

Ludwig also remembers Hogan always played with a U.S. Openmindset. “He told us he felt like every golf tournament he played in was the U.S. Open,” said Ludwig.

As talented a golfer as he was, one of Hogan’s finest traits was his ability to respect and honor others, especially PGA teaching pros.

“What a gentleman he was and the respect he had for the PGA golf professional,” concluded Ludwig.

33 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12
SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE B.R.A.K.E.S. GOLF CLASSIC BENEFITTING DOUG HERBERT’S WWW.PUTONTHEBRAKES.ORG MONDAY • MARCH 27, 2023 AT QUAIL HOLLOW CLUB Home of the 2022 Presidents Cup & 2025 PGA Championship You’re Invited For more info email: howard@putonthebrakes.org Put On The B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe) is a non-profit 501(c)3 whose mission is to prevent injuries and save lives by training and educating teenage drivers and their parents about the importance of safe and responsible driving. PRESENTS

Ron Foster

Where were you born? Did you grow up there? Atlanta and yes, I grew up here.

What do you do for a living? I own Global Sports Management, Sports Marketing and Event Management

What would you like to do for a living? What I’m doing…It’s not a job or a company. It’s a life style

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

What golf apparel do you like to wear? Travis Mathews & Under Armor

Tell us about your first kiss? I was 16 in High School, and it was under the bleachers. Steak, chicken, or seafood? All Three

Tell us something about yourself that only your closest friends know. I’m loyal to a fault!

What do you find to be the most annoying habit people demonstrate on the golf course? No Etiquette

Name the three most important things to you in this world. Integrity, Loyalty and being grateful.

Given the choice; would you select love, success, or money to keep yourself happy? I would choose love.

What do you fear the most? Not succeeding.

What three people would you most like to play with in your fantasy golf foursome? Mark Walburg, Justin Timberlake and Kevin Hart

What are some of your great accomplishments? Starting the Legends Party at the Super Bowl and becoming the official kick-off party at the KY Derby.

Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails? I throw parties for a living so relaxing at home.

Favorite comedian? Kevin Hart

Favorite television channel? ESPN

Last book you read? How to Win – Mark Cubin

Favorite charity to support? NFL Alumni Caring for Kids

What else would you like for us to know about you? I’m just getting started!!!

34 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12 golf bachelor
GOLF FOR A CAUSE AT BEAR LAKES COUNTRY CLUB 561.268.2355 EVENTS@HANLEYFOUNDATION.ORG HANLEYFOUNDATION.ORG/EVENTS 7:30AM REGISTRATION 9AM SHOTGUN START SHERRYE & IRA FENTON ROB THOMSON CHAIRS APRIL 17, 2023 REGISTER TODAY! LIFESAVING TREATMENT SCHOLARSHIPS BENEFITTING CONTACT US FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Twin Rivers: Orlando’s Golf & Wildlife Sanctuary

Nestled between the Big and Little Econ rivers, Twin Rivers Golf Club offers a scenic 18-hole championship Orlando golf course designed by widely recognized Oviedo native Joe Lee. In fact Twin Rivers Golf Club was Lee’s signature golf course in Central Florida.

Who is Joe Lee, you might be wondering? Most Florida-based golfers recognize Joe Lee and have probably played one of his courses as he designed dozens of them from the Panhandle to Miami. Beyond the boundaries of the Sunshine State, however, Lee’s stamp is on more than 100 courses throughout the United States, the Caribbean, South America and Portugal.

At Twin Rivers, as in his collection of more than 200 original

designs, Lee used large bunkers to frame fairways and greens, incorporated water hazards liberally, and built greens that tend to slope from back to front to challenge the best golfers while leaving enough room

fair challenge.”

In March 2017, the city of Oviedo purchased Twin Rivers Golf Club to protect the land and prevent it from being redeveloped for residential use as well as to preserve the area

in the approach for higher-handicaps and shorter-hitting players to have a shot.

“I don’t think there should be any tricks on a golf course,” said Lee about his design style, “Golfers want a challenge, but they want a

as a storage place for water during large rain events.  That function has been tested several times in the last five years with hurricanes Irma, Michael and Ian in 2022. While the course saw major flooding during these storms, it drained quickly and

36 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12
florida golf central

natural beauty of Florida unimpeded by development – a rarity in Florida. The 310-acre property abounds with wildlife including eagles, deer, wild pigs, and an alligator or two. That environmental commitment by the city of Oviedo has been recognized by Audubon International awarding Twin Rivers a Certificate of Achievement for

business has more than doubled at Twin Rivers.  The course is home to the University of Central Florida golf teams and is used as their training facility. Former PGA Tour Player Kim Young is the Director of Golf and Golf Coach.

Twin Rivers is also extremely proud of its extensive junior golf program run by Juli Roberts,

PGA Jr. League which is a fun and relaxed way for young golfers to learn to compete and improve their game.

The Spring Junior League begins April 3rd and runs through June 10th. For more details contact juli. roberts@twinriversgolf.com. To book a tee time, visit www.twinriversgolf.com, or call 407-366-1211.

The incredible $4.2 billion Caribbean resort of Baha Mar is set adjacent to the white sands of Cable Beach on the northern coast of the Bahamian capital Nassau, on the island of New Providence.

It was a foregone conclusion that such an opulent multi-hotel resort should have a golf course, and so it came to pass. The Royal Blue Jack Nicklaus Signature design, with a split personality, opened in 2017, and it is not your run-of-the-mill resort course.

Royal Blue Golf Club at Baha Mar features an 18- hole, 72 Par Jack Nicklaus designed Signature Golf Course suitable for recreational or championship play with a unique “two courses in one” design. The Nicklaus Signature Golf Course is one of 290 courses in the world hand-designed by Jack Nicklaus himself, and the only Jack Nicklaus course in the Bahamas. Royal Blue is uniquely designed as two courses in one;

Baha Mar – Royal Blue Golf Course

#1 Ranked Golf Course in the Bahama’s Golfweek’s Best of 2022

the front nine holes feature dramatic views of undulating fairways, rolling white sand dunes, brackish ponds and glimpses of a turquoise Atlantic Ocean. The back nine displays a very different look; players navigate stunning limestone “moonscapes” through dense jungle and steep downhill terrain to get to the island green on the 16th hole, which precariously borders Lake Cunningham, making for unique island golf. The course spans 7,189 yards, and the beauty, difficulty and challenges make the course enjoyable for golfers of all levels.

Royal Blue features a unique, single set of tees, course set up. Each morning, a member of the Golf Professional team will thoughtfully place tee locations on the course, taking weather and playing conditions into consideration, to create unique and optimal golfing experiences for guests. With freeform teeing areas rather than traditional tee pods,

any one hole can change by as much as 100 yards each day. This also allows guests to play multiple variations of the course throughout their stay, while maintaining a similar overall yardage.

Royal Blue Golf Club is open to the public and resort guests, and is accessible to members of the Bahamas Golf Federation.

CaddieMaster, the premier caddie service provider in the world, servicing clients such as Augusta National Golf Club, Pebble Beach, and Pinehurst, provides an extensive fore caddie program. State of the art golf carts are also available to club guests, featuring the latest technology in GPS and customer service.

At Royal Blue Golf Club, the natural landscape is incorporated into the course’s design, leaving in place a number of indigenous tree and plant species. The area is also home to over 70 indigenous species of birds, including the Bahama Woodstar, egret, and osprey.

38 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12 stay & play

A local architectural firm designed the Royal Blue Clubhouse. The style features traditional Bahamian elements, colonialinspired architecture and clean, modern refinement. The clubhouse interiors were designed by Glem Shaub and Associates, and include a 1,900 sq. ft. dining room and bar, 800 sq. ft. outdoor dining space, and 1,000 sq. ft. Golf Pro Shop. The clubhouse ceilings are finished with tongue & groove cedar and blond bamboo inlay. The Golf Pro Shop was finished with walnut wood and black bamboo.

The Royal Blue Tavern seats 100 guests and serves breakfast and lunch daily, with the occasional happy hour.

The old water tower near Royal Blue’s Clubhouse known as the Cable Beach Reservoir is one of the course’s oldest historical buildings. The patio, located underneath the tower, sits on the pinnacle of the Royal Blue

property and is a perfect local for drinks and snacks before and after a round of golf. For tee times or additional information, please contact Andy Deiro the General Manager or go to the clubs website below.

Tel: (242) 788 - 8000 https://bahamar.com/ reservations/golf/ andy.deiro@bahamar.com Starting at $10 C M Y CM MY CY CMY K TurfLife_Ad_HalfPg(12172019).pdf 1 12/17/2019 3:23:46 PM

The Launch Pad for the Georgia Golf Trail

Sr. BTW: Stonemont is Jones’ only golf course design in Georgia. FYI: Lakemont and Stonemont are two of the 20+ golf courses on the Georgia Golf Trail, which stretches from Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa in north Georgia to Stone Creek Golf Club in south Georgia.

On your next trip to Georgia, whether it’s to watch the Masters in April, to play golf along the Georgia Golf Trail, or enjoy a family getaway, a great destination is the Stone Mountain State Park, located just east of Atlanta. Not only is Stone Mountain State Park a fun place to visit, but it has two championship 18-hole golf courses: Lakemont and Stonemont. Lakemont was designed by Georgia native John Lafoy while Stonemont was crafted by Robert Trent Jones,

“Stone Mountain appeals to both golfers and families, which makes it an ideal destination along the Georgia Golf Trail,” said Doug Hollandsworth, Founder, Georgia Golf Trail

But, there’s more to do at this state park than play golf.

Here, you can see the famous Stone Mountain Memorial Carving. It features the head shots of three Confederate Civil War Heroes: General Robert E. Lee, General Thomas J. ‘Stonewall’ Jackson, and former Confederate President Jefferson Davis. It can be called the ‘Mount Rushmore of the South.’

Make time to jump aboard

Summit Skyride. This highspeed Swiss cable car transports guests more than 825 feet above ground to the top of Stone Mountain. From the top, you can see the Atlanta skyline and the Appalachian Mountains, more up to 60 miles away. You can also walk to the top of Stone Mountain.

Families will enjoy riding the Scenic Railroad, discovering Stone Mountain Museum at Memorial Hall, visiting Geyser Towers, playing at Dinotorium, walking through Dinosaur Explore, and much more.

You’ll also hear the music generated by the Carillon, the 732-bell ‘musical machine,’ which sits across Stone Mountain Lake and was a gift to the park from Coca Cola following the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City.

And, this park has many festivals throughout the year such as Spring Fun Break, Summer at the Rock, Pumpkin Festival,

40 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12 georgia golf trail
By Mike May
Inn at Stone Mountain Park The Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort Enjoying the view from the top of Stone Mountain

Highland Games, Stone Mountain Christmas, among others.

The Stone Mountain Golf Club features “One Lake. One Mountain. Two Incredible Courses.”

Water hazards are a common feature at Lakemont. Of the first 13 holes, water is present on eight of them. The course is not heavily bunkered, but its biggest defense mechanisms are the pine tree-lined fairways and Stone Mountain Lake. Some part of Stone Mountain is visible throughout the course. FYI: Lakemont’s final three holes – parthree 16th, par-four 17th, and the par-five 18th – have birdie potential.

Variety is the one word to describe Stonemont, a par-70 layout which opened in 1969. This golf course is fun to play, but it’s not conventional. It features gently rolling fairways which are flanked by Georgia pines with many dramatic views of Stone Mountain. The greens are well maintained and fair. FYI: Putts at Stonemont tend to break away from Stone Mountain.

After golf, eat at The Commons Restaurant, which is nestled alongside Stone Mountain Lake with views of nearby Stone Mountain. The menu provides many delicious Southern cuisine favorites.

As for overnight accommodations, there are three great options: The Inn at Stone Mountain Park, Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort or the Campgound.

The Inn at Stone Mountain Park features over-sized guest rooms, spacious verandas and an outdoor courtyard swimming pool.

The Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort has luxurious accommodations and spacious suites, plus indoor and outdoor

heated pools. Perched alongside Stone Mountain Lake, the Campground has room for RVs, Pop-Up tents and Safari Tents. For more details about Stone Mountain State Park, access www.stonemountainpark.com or www.GeorgiaGolfandTravel.com.

41 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12

Sun Mountain

The new Baron Stand Bag from Sun Mountain is a traditionally styled golf bag with rugged good looks and modern features. Baron offers unmatched durability paired with modern features like a velour-lined rangefinder pocket with magnetic closure. Baron Stand Bag comes in five distinctive colorways with a retail price of $319.99. For the retailer nearest you, visit www.sunmountain.com or call 800-227-9224.

BIION Footwear

Biion Footwear, designed and styled in Canada, introduces the new Trainer for adults and kids in a variety of colors and patterns. In the tradition of the iconic tennis trainer silhouette, the new global awardwinning Biion Trainer brings a sport-casual look to the course without jeopardizing performance.

Approved by orthopedic specialists, Biion’s design supports the inner footbed, allowing for the natural movement of your feet through every step (and swing).

PXG Xtreme Golf Balls

PXG, the golf equipment and apparel company founded by American entrepreneur and philanthropist Bob Parsons, has expanded its on-course offerings to include game-changing golf balls. Fueled by a desire to solve a problem for consumers, the dreaded choice between distance and control, PXG developed PXG Xtreme Golf Balls to be the one ball that does it all.

PXG Xtreme Golf Balls feature an explosive three-piece construction colored red, white, and blue in honor of PXG’s American roots and a seamless 338 dimple pattern. The high coefficient of restitution (C.O.R.) polybutadiene core is designed for high-speed performance. A firm ionomer mantle layer further increases speed for maximum distance off the tee. The soft urethane outer cover maximizes spin for green-grabbing control.

The dimple pattern is engineered to deliver aerodynamic characteristics that maximize distance with the driver while producing a high trajectory with optimal spin with irons and wedges. As a result, the three-piece golf ball delivers quality, consistency, and performance with every shot, from every lie, for every golfer.

The new golf ball also presents a distinctive, enhanced alignment aid to help players easily line up their balls and sink more putts.

PXG Xtreme Golf Balls are now available through the company’s retail stores and hubs, over the phone with PXG Player Support, and on www.PXG.com. They will also be sold on Amazon.

A dual density, energy-return midsole works with the golfer, allowing for the natural movement of your feet through every step, and every swing. The massage nodes within every Biion shoe give your feet a therapeutic sensation with every step.

Biion’s HEXcell nano molecular EVA technology forms to your foot giving you a performing shoe with a precision fit. The lightweight, flexible EVA material keeps you light on your feet and comfortable before, during, and after your game, helping to reduce leg fatigue for greater performance on the long haul.

A spikeless HEXTRA-GRIP traction outsole in every Biion shoe provides an extremely low-profile performance, outstanding traction, strength, and stability in your swing.

Feet stay cool in Biion, with strategically placed ventilation holes throughout the shoe. The shoes are also resistant to mildew, bacteria and are antimicrobial, keeping you and your family healthy.

Website: BiionFootwear.com

42 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12 product showcase

Why is This Wine Different From All Other Wines?

With the Jewish holiday of Passover just around the corner (Passover begins APRIL 5), many people choose to serve wines that are kosher-certified. So, just how different is kosher wine from the non-kosher stuff?

“When it comes to taste, there’s no difference between kosher and non-kosher wine,” says Jay Buchsbaum, Executive VP Marketing and Director of Wine Education at Royal Wine Corp. —

Private Collection

Cabernet-Merlot:

The Carmel Private Collection Winemakers Blend is made with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This wine has fragrant aromas of blackberry and plum, with hints of spice and a long, lingering finish.

Chardonnay:

Barkan Reserve

An elegant, complex and fullbodied Chardonnay with flavors and aromas of oak, apple and pear. The wine is crisp and lingers on the finish.

the top kosher wine purveyor in America. “In fact, many kosher wines are award winning - beating out their non-kosher competitors for top varietal prizes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and rosés as well.

There’s a common ‘urban legend’ that wine is rendered kosher after being blessed by a Rabbi –that is incorrect. For a wine to be made kosher there are strictly supervised purity guidelines that need to be followed from the

Fermented to dryness and made no added sulfites, the wine opens with notes of wild sun ripened blueberries, black raspberries, and brambly boysenberries. The mid-palate explodes with cherry pie filling, and the structure is silky, soft, with just the right amount of age-worthy tannins.

Light in body, with on the nose and palate orange blossom, fresh strawberries, cactus pear and. Fresh, floral and fruity with good acidity.

moment the grapes enter the winery to when the wine is bottled,” adds Buchsbaum.

To be considered kosher, Sabbath-observant Jews must supervise and sometimes handle the entire winemaking process, from the time the grapes are crushed until the wine is bottled. Any ingredients used, including yeasts and fining agents*, must be kosher.

www.kosherwine.com

This pleasantly sweet sparkling wine has a moderate crimson reflection with delicate floral fragrance of honeysuckle and raspberry aromas. The sweet palate of strawberries and melon make this a wonderful wine for desserts and fruits or simply for enjoying it on its own.

Dark cherry red in color. On the nose raspberries, red cherrries, hints of bell pepper and tobacco. Mediumbodied, the palate displays a smooth texture with an array of red forest berries, graphite and tobacco leaves with hints of anise and spices.

44 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12 grip it & sip it
Carmel Herzog Variations Be-leaf: Zion Imperial Rose: Chateau Les Riganes red: Bartenura Sparkling Rose:

North Florida PGA Player of the Year Honors

As we approach the 2023 tournament season, we want to celebrate and recognize the players who made their mark throughout 2022! We proudly present the “NFPGA Player of the Year”: Greg Koch! Koch secured his first victory at this year’s Assistant Professional Championship, finished second at the Section Championship and has played in a total of eight tournaments this year. Additionally, he has competed in the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Butterfield Bermuda Championship, PGA Professional Championship and Valspar Championship throughout the year. He has accumulated a total of 5,487.5 points and places ahead of Matt Borchert, winner of the 2022 NFPGA Match Play Championship, with 5,452.5  points. Sandra Changkija, winner of the 2022 NFPGA Section Championship,  rounds out the top three with 5,237.5 points.  Sandra Changkija is “NFPGA Woman Player of the Year” with a total of 5,556.25 points. Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth follows behind in second with 5,000 points, and Jennifer Borocz rounds out the top three with 3,887.5 points. Changkija closed out the year strong, winning the 2022

NFPGA Stableford Championship and the 2022 NFPGA Section Championship. Recently, ConnellyEiswerth and Borocz competed for Team USA at the Women’s PGA Cup, where they finished first.

Koch leads as the top “NFPGA Assistant Player of the Year” with a total of 2,812.5 points in the category, after winning the Assistant Professional Championship. He leads Sandra Changkija, who places second with 2,750 points, and Dalton Bartlett, who rounds out the top three with 1,900 points.

David Hronek lands atop of the “NFPGA Senior Player of the Year” rankings and leads Keith Kulzer, Jonathan Mansfield, Jason Hrynkiw and Clint Avret, who round out the top five. Hronek accumulated a total of 6,037.5 points in this category after winning all three of Senior events: the Senior Match Play, Senior Stableford and Senior Professional/ Section Championship. He leads Kulzer, who trails at 4,862.5 total points, and Mansfield, who places third with 4,475 points.

The 2023 tournament season is right around the corner, and it’s never too early to plan for the summer! Our event schedule is now live on our website!

Player of the Year

1. Greg Koch

2. Matt Borchert

3. Sandra Changkija

4. David Hronek

5. John Somers

Woman Player of the Year

1. Sandra Changkija

2. Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth

3. Jennifer Borocz

4. Emily Motta

5. Nathalie Filler

Assistant Player of the Year

1. Greg Koch

2. Sandra Changkija

3. Dalton Bartlett

4. Mitchell Haley

5. Emily Motta

Senior Player of the Year

1. David Hronek

2. Keith Kulzer

3. Jonathan Mansfield

4. Jason Hrynkiw

5. Clint Avret

46 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12 north florida PGA north florida PGA north florida PGA north florida PGA north florida PGA north

DUAL PURPOSE - Microfiber golf towel will keep your clubs clean and most importantly help make sure you are never out of BEER!

Green side lets the Beverage Cart know that you need a BEER! The red side lets them know you URGENTLY NEED MORE BEEER!

Simply place your towel over the windshield to alert the cart girl that you guys need more BEER!

This automatically comes with a FREE BEER CHIP!  See our website for Beer Chip Rules.

DUAL PURPOSE - Waffle style microfiber golf towel keeps your clubs clean while making sure you are never out of COCKTAILS!

Pink side with NEED COCKTAILS lets the beverage cart know you need a round. Green side with PAR TEE lets them know you are having fun and probably need more.

Simply drape your towel over the windshield to alert the Cocktail Cart you need a round.

47 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12 NEED BEER A MUST FOR ANY SERIOUS GOLFER Vegas Golf the Game www.VegasGolfTheGame.com
* Comes with a large easy to attach clip to fit any golf bag.
Need Cocktails A Must For The Diva Golfer www.VegasGolfDiva.com
* Comes with a large easy to attach clip to fit any golf bag.

The Glades Central High School

boys and girls golf teams

attended the Honda Classic Wednesday Pro-Am, a trip supported by the South Florida PGA and 10 All In Foundation.

Through its partnership, the South Florida PGA Foundation and the 10 ALL In Foundation, founded by SuperBowl MVP and Glades Central High School Alumni, Santonio Holmes have been committed to improving the lives of youth in Belle Glade through the game of golf.

Since 2021, the partnership

has brought golf and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) to the youth of Belle Glade, introducing them to the game while teaching lessons that can last a lifetime.

For the second consecutive year, Glades Central High School Golf teams, including coaches, were invited to experience

The Honda Classic Wednesday Pro-Am. The group started the

day with 2022 Honda Classic Champion, Sepp Straka before heading to the famous “Bear Trap” to see how the professionals handle one of the hardest stretches of golf on tour. The Bear Trap festivities included lunch, corn hole and life lessons with a PGA HOPE graduate and World War II Veteran.

Before the day ended, the group had the opportunity to sit down with The Honda Classic Executive Director, Andrew George to discuss the opportunities that golf both in life and in a career.

48 north florida PGA north florida PGA north florida PGA north florida PGA north florida PGA north Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12 south florida PGA south florida PGA south florida PGA south florida PGA south fl PGA south flor
10 ALL IN 10 ALL IN

ORCA Golf creates custom bag in support of Jack and Barbara Nicklaus’ Children’s Health Care foundation $100-Million Fund-Raising Campaign

The founders of ORCA Golf have donated a one-of-a-kind tour bag to the cause of beloved philanthropic legends Jack and Barbara Nicklaus. The PGA of America commissioned the custom ORCA Golf bag to be featured in a five-year, $100-million fund-raising drive to benefit thousands of hospitalized children.

For the next three years, the special ORCA Golf bag will bear the name of the winning team in an ambitious Play Yellow initiative to raise $100 million through grassroots fund-raising and marquee golf tournaments. The specially designed ORCA Golf bag will be on display at the Nicklaus’ storied Bear’s Club in Jupiter, Florida.

Jack Nicklaus, seeing the bag for the first time commented, “Wow, this a beautiful bag”!

ORCA Golf, based in Boca Raton, Florida, is the country’s only women-owned golf equipment company. Its principals, Deb Bennett and Erica Bennett, founded the company in 2019 and are devoted to creating high-quality,

lightweight golf bags that allow golfers to convey a personalized message or brand rather than carrying the name of a golf equipment company. The boutique enterprise has been growing steadily, with sales having tripled this year alone after ORCA Golf showcased its wares at the 2022 PGA Exhibition and Trade Show.

Geoff Lofstead, Executive Director of the South Florida Chapter of the PGA of America, extolled how the yellow golf bag embodies the ORCA Golf-Nicklaus connection.

“Thank you to ORCA Golf for creating a one-of-a-kind custom golf bag that will serve as a perpetual trophy in our efforts to help the Play Yellow campaign reach its goal of raising $100 million,” he said. “The quality and presentation will surely impress anyone that sees the golf bag.”

“Giving back is at the heart of who we are,” Erica Bennett said after meeting with the Nicklauses, which is the highestprofile recognition ever for the fast-growing five-year-old women-owned company.

“We have made several golf bags for golfers and corporate clients from, the most elite, to weekend golfers, who appreciate attention to detail and expert craftsmanship” Deb Bennett said. “This golf bag transcends golf.”

And the chance to meet Barbara and Jack Nicklaus is unique validation of ORCA Golf’s quality and potential in the ultracompetitive field of golf equipment.

“Barbara was so generous with her time with us,” Erica Bennett said about their meeting with the Nicklauses. “And Jack did not just ask a team member to meet with us, he volunteered his very valuable time to listen to our story, and provide his appreciation of the bag and particularly the quality and purpose. He even gave me design suggestions about a future trophy bag for the winners. It doesn’t get better than that in my mind.”

The ORCA Golf founders continue to be inspired by Barbara Nicklaus’ philosophy: “The legacy you leave here on Earth is measured by the hearts you touch.”

49 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12

In late 2019 we created the Claret Junior Golf Tour in Central Florida, in The Villages to be exact. The Villages is the Nation’s biggest 55+ community and it lives and breathes GOLF. Back in those early days we originally called ourselves Highlander Junior Tour, the Highlander part referring to our own Scottish birthplace, and of course the birthplace of golf more than 600 years ago!

A few years on and a whole LOT of lessons learned about what it takes to operate a reputable and successful tour operation that’s both personal and

Rewarding a Junior Golfer’s Commitment and Attitude with Opportunities to Develop

manageable for us, and enjoyable for junior players of all ages.

The beginning of our Year 3 in existence changed EVERYTHING for us! It was the year that we became The Claret Junior Tour and the year that, my wife Fiona and I, made our own personal resolutions to operate our tour entirely by ourselves and in a manner that would ultimately make us feel better about the roles we play when introducing kids to tournament golf.

We made some big changes to how we operate and it started with a confirmation to all of our existing players and parents that we would ALWAYS work hard to offer them what we call “FamilyAffordable” and nationally ranked tournaments at great venues throughout Central Florida.

Golf is NOT an inexpensive sport to play and if your junior feels they are ready to compete against others the financial

commitment required by that youngster’s family can be huge. Equipment, coaching and travel are significant costs and then on top of that tournament entry fees can run well into several hundred dollars for just one weekend of play at a popular venue!

This is a key area that we looked at closely. We already mentioned our commitment to always be “Family-Affordable” to all and this undoubtedly helps with costs to families and therefore helps all young players to play more regularly. In our view though we believed that, in some individual cases, we could go even further and help even more.

In January 2022, and with the financial help of some amazing local business sponsors, who all wanted to help juniors in golf to succeed, we announced our first draft of Claret Junior Tour Annual Player Scholarship awards.

When we award a junior player a Scholarship we are giving them the opportunity to compete for a year at no cost to their family. Regardless of where we play and the cost our Scholarship juniors costs are covered by us, or in some cases by a secondary business or personal sponsor. In real $$ savings if a player chooses to play in every tournament we host a saving of up to $1500 can be achieved by his/her family.

As well as a cost saving we also provide each with branded Claret Junior Tour apparel. When they compete they are representing The Claret Tour and as such they should do so while wearing our badge on their shirt.

Our Scholarship recipients are VERY carefully chosen. It may surprise some to know that while playing ability is important it is NOT a guarantee of a Scholarship Award. Our own personal preference is always based initially

50 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12 young guns
Photos by Golf The Wise Way

on a junior golfer’s behaviors, attitude and commitment to their sport. In this case character is more important than ability.

Each of them shares the same values. They are ALL great ambassadors for junior golf and our tour. They are all humble, honest

“Being sponsored has allowed me to become a better golfer by pushing me to be better on and off the course. Having a sponsor has challenged me because I want to make my sponsor proud. I work hard on improving my score but also working on my sportsmanship to honor this great sport”

and talented young players who are highly committed to the game and they all have a desire to improve and develop. Their standards are high, and their behavior is impeccable. These are values handed down to us in golf and we firmly believe that if our kids can learn to practice them they will in turn become better young people, and ultimately better young adults in future.

One year on from the date of our first award and we now have 8 junior golfers of all ages, boys and girls, currently receiving scholarship support. They are our most regular attending players despite the fact that we do not insist on them playing in all of our tournaments. Our preference is of course that they play regularly even if that means on other junior tours, we do also actively encourage them to participate in our state golf association junior events (FSGA/FJT) as we believe these events give juniors the very best opportunities to test themselves

Aiden’s Sponsor is David Ring, Golf Cutlery Gifts (golfcutlerygifts.com), custom engraving accessories for use in Tournaments, Corporate, and Award Gifting.

“We are proud, honored and grateful that our son is a sponsored player with the Claret Junior Tour. This opportunity allows Aiden to continuously play in tournaments while relieving the financial burden of entry fees. As parents, this allows us to use those funds towards lessons golf equipment, etc. For Aiden, having a sponsor pushes him to work even harder in all aspects of the game, knowing someone other than Mom and Dad believe in his abilities. We are beyond grateful for the opportunity provided by the tour and his sponsor!”

in large field events and against the very best in the state.

This program has been a huge success so far and we hope to be able to continue making these awards for many years to come. We would like our current group of 8 players to become 10 or 12 or even more, we certainly have no shortage of worthy youngsters to offer these to as last year we welcomed over 1000 player entries to our tournaments however we cannot do so without help from local business and personal supporters of the process.

Currently 5 of our 8 juniors have either a business or a personal sponsor involved who subsidize the cost of us providing a Scholarship. They choose to help because they share our thoughts on the effect golf can have on kids. If YOU want to help us recognize even more of our juniors by providing YOUR support please get in touch. We would be delighted to talk with you about the possibilities.

51 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12
Greg and Lori Skrocki parents of Aiden. Aiden Skrocki (Aged 12)

The Claret Junior Tour Scholarship Players of 2023:

Reagan Smith – Aged 10 (Lady Lake)

Maren Richards – Aged 11 (Clermont)

Aiden Skrocki – Aged 12 (The Villages)

Rhett Kirkland – Aged 12 (The Villages)

Tyler Budill – Aged 15 (The Villages)

Grady Logan – Aged 15 (The Villages)

Delaney Sillaway – Aged 16 (Longwood)

AJ Burns – Aged 17 (Lecanto)

Contact keith@claretjuniortour.com

Upcoming Junior Golf Tournaments

Eagle Ridge GC, Summerfield, FL

Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th March, 2023.

A 36 Hole Championship Challenge Junior Tournament ranked by JGS and GJGR

Harbor Hills CC, Lady Lake, FL

Saturday April 8th, 2023.

An 18 Hole Single Day Junior Tournament ranked by GJGR

The Phillips Toyota Junior Open Championship at Glenview Champions, The Villages, FL Saturday/Sunday April 22/23rd, 2023

An annual 36-Hole Major Championship ranked by Junior Golf Scoreboard

Southern Oaks, The Villages, FL Saturday May 13th ,2023

An 18 Hole Single Day Junior Tournament ranked by GJGR

To register for any of our tournaments visit www.claretjuniortour.com

Keith and Fiona are also the host couple on the golf trip of a lifetime to the home of golf and their home country “Scotland.”

Have you ever traveled and wish you knew an expert “Local Host” to show you around… Well… Keith and Fiona are the ones for the job. A rich history of golf… local knowledge to find a find a great hidden gem golf course or even a pint or two at a local pub… trust these two St Andrews “locals” to guide and advise on your “Trip of a Lifetime.”

Check this one off your bucket list. Reach out to Keith or Fiona for this great opportunity in either May or June 2023. Every trip sold also benefits their junior golf tour and helps provide more opportunities for junior golf scholarships.

Link is below or email to: info@claretgolftours. com for more info or to request a brochure

LINK TO HIS WEBSITE!

http:// claretjuniortour. com/the-claret-tourgolf-vacation-of-alifetime/

52 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12
more information
helping
with
for
on
us
our Scholarship Awards:

New year, New home, New life

A New Home is where the “Next Chapter” of Your Story Begins

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.

53 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12 living on the links
By
and
Wise
Greg
Beverly

Ahoy, Turf Pirates and welcome back to the peaceful shores of the Galactic Headquarters of the Ancient and Honorable Tribe of Turf Pirates. Since we last gathered, I have been on the road gathering with the industries best and brightest at the GCSAA’s Conference and Show in Orlando and other ports near and far. Many points of note occurred, I taught multiple classes, attended a few (OK maybe more than a few) receptions, walked the 5K and I even had a chance meeting with the first ladies of print and prose namely Golf Central’s own ladies of court, Terrie Purdum, Shannon Streeter Coats and Nafanua Marlowe. We caused quite a stir on the trade show floor. If you caught the sunrise celebration then you know that I was honored to deliver the official invocation to start the show (blessed and honored to do so). Traditions were upheld and innovations set loose it was a joyous occasion that lasted all week, if you were not able to attend we know you were there in spirit and we look forward to seeing you next time.

Enough with the pleasantries now on to the message at hand. We all know that you must focus on the matters of the day to be successful and safe but a longstanding trait of the successful Turf Pirate is keeping one eye on the horizon. That is to say where next? What will we endeavor and whom with? It is a worthy investment of time and talent as true living requires motion, forward motion, directed by forward vision. The featured picture this month is unique. It was taken in the middle of the great Salt Lake in Utah by my friend and legendary Turf Pirate Dave Phipps. We were on the road with GCSAA current President Kevin Breen and spent a week or so attending regional chapter events, teaching, playing golf and talking about the future. There is also an urban legend about “Shrimpapaloosa” that rose from this trip but that my friend is another story. You see I was looking for my next chapter of life and career and not sure what that might be and as is often the case,

Turf Pirate's Journal $Keeping an Eye on the Horizon $

that time with two turf legends was extremely impactful. I also need to give a shout out to TA Barker who had a big role in my return to property management and greenkeeping from this trip as well. Back to the photo, as I looked through that bullet hole in the sign that marked the great Salt Lake, I was reminded of how far turf had carried me and of how many adventures may lie ahead if I choose to launch my career a new, it was at that moment Dave took the photo, from the future side of the sign. I have not forgotten the lessons of that trip and of the need for high quality friends as we sail in the vast green sea of turf that is the golf industry and its never-ending challenges. You see Turf Pirates we will be tested along the way; many give up their green dreams and turn away from the goal, their life’s calling. The key is never taking your eye off the horizon, look and listen for the

clues that will guide you. Bend but never break you alone know what you are truly called to do but in the lore of Turf Piracy we always help each other rise up and carry on without judgement or debt incurred. This is the way.

No matter where you are in your life and career take a minute and look through the bullet hole, stare into the potential of your future and dare to change your stars. I found a key clue to my future thousands of miles from home in the middle of the great Salt Lake, I am changed and am still changing. So cast your raft onto the sea of life with no more than the hope of tomorrow and the skills gathered from many yesterdays and make your mark on the world. Boldly we go turf pirates into another golf season but remember keep one eye on the horizon and adjust your sails as needed and rest assured that sunny shores and frosted mugs await the stout-hearted.

54 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12
TALAMORE 36 Holes by Arnold Palmer & Rees Jones Historic Village of Pinehurst Area of North Carolina (800) 552-6292 www.TalamoreGolfResort.com/GolfCentral FREE $50 RESORT CREDIT Mention Code: GOLF CENTRAL Where You’ll Always Get More... • Access to 30+ Area Golf Courses • Luxurious, On-Course Accommodations • Daily Breakfast Delivered to Your Door* • Carolina Pig Pickin’ with All the Fixin’s* • New! Toptracer Range & Putting Course

SunnilandSUPERSpotlight: Julio Fuentes – Cypresswood Golf and Country Club

Julio Fuentes has a deep lineage in the golf industry through his grandfather and father both serving many years at various golf courses on the island of Puerto Rico.  Julio started his career at the age of twelve as a caddie at the Berwind Country Club Iocated in Rio Grande PR.  Through his desire to continue working in the golf industry he turned to the golf course maintenance staff at Berwind. Through his hard work ethic and accomplishments he was given his first position as Golf Course Superintendent at Berwind in 2008.  Julio was given the opportunity to relocate to the Rio Mar Country Club and work along side his father managing maintenance of the River and Ocean courses also in Rio Grande PR.

Julio’s father passed in 2011 which inspired Julio to dedicate his career to him and develop his knowledge and skills to become a superior manager in this industry.  Julio relocated to South Florida to begin his employment with Cypress Golf Course Services in the capacity of Golf Course Superintendent on the Palms golf course.  As opportunities grew, Julio embraced every chance to expand his knowledge, working at the exclusive Boca Grove Club, before returning to his current position with Cypress Golf Course Services at Cypresswood Golf and Country Club.

Julio has proven to be a champion in the turf grass and golf course maintenance industry and continues to strive for the best possible golf course conditioning day in and day out.

56 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12

Sunn 28-0-0

N-SURE

ITEM #160031

GUARANTEED

Sunn KTS

PRO LIQUID FERTILIZER

Item# 160041

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Minors Blend

LIQUID FERTILIZER

ITEM #160000

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Total Magnesium (Mg) 0.50% Soluble Magnesium (Mg) 0.050% Soluble Iron (Fe) ................... 3.40% Chelated Iron (Fe) 1.60%

Manganese (Mn) .......... 0.25%

Manganese (Mn) 0.25% Soluble Zinc (Zn) 0.10%

(S) combined 3.50% Derived from: Manganese Sulphate, Zinc Sulphate, Iron Glucoheptonate, Iron Sulphate, Magnesium Sulphate.

Sunn 6-0-0 Blend

PRO LIQUID FERTILIZER

Sunn 12-0-0 Blend

PRO LIQUID FERTILIZER

ITEM# 160021

GUARANTEED

as Mn 2% Derived from: Urea, Iron Glucoheptonate, Manganese Glucoheptonate

20.2%
ANALYSIS Total Nitrogen 28%
Slow release Nitrogen 7.8% ......................... Urea Nitrogen
Total
0%
Soluble Potash (K2O) .............. 25%
Sulfur (S) ......................... 17% 17% combined sulfur
free sulfur Derived from: potassium thiosulfate
Magnesium
0.50% Soluble Magnesium
0.50% Soluble Iron (Fe)
3.40% Chelated Iron (Fe) 1.60% Total Manganese (Mn) .......... 0.25% Soluble Manganese (Mn) 0.25% Soluble Zinc (Zn) 0.10% Sulfur (S) combined 3.50% Derived from:
Item# 160010 GUARANTEED ANALYSIS Total
(Mg)
(Mg)
...................
Manganese Sulphate, Zinc Sulphate, Iron Glucoheptonate, Iron Sulphate, Magnesium Sulphate.
Chlorine
Manganese
ANALYSIS Total Nitrogen 12% 12% Urea Nitrogen
not more than 2% SECONDARY PLANT FOODS Iron as Fe ................................... 6%
Manufactured by SUNNILAND CORPORATION PO Box 8001 Sanford, Florida 32773-8001 www.sunnilandcorp.com Share your photos & videos #sunnilandcorp Follow us @sunnilandcorp www.sunnilandcorp.com • 800-432-1130
Total
Soluble
Sulfur

Kevin P. Breen, the certified golf course superintendent (CGCS) at La Rinconada Country Club in Los Gatos, Calif., was re-elected to a one-year term as president of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) at the association’s annual meeting February 9, held in conjunction with the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.

Breen is the 86th president in the association’s history and the first to be elected to a second term since 1947. Breen was nominated for a second presidential year when the 2022 Vice President Kevin P. Sunderman, CGCS, resigned from the board to join the GCSAA staff as chief operating officer.

Breen served as vice president of the association in 2021 and has been a member of the association’s board of directors since 2015. A 32-year member of GCSAA, Breen is also a past president of both the Sierra Nevada GCSA and the

Kevin P. Breen, CGCS, re-elected president of Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

California GCSA.

Breen has served as the superintendent at La Rinconada CC since 2011. Prior to that, he served as the director of maintenance at Lahontan Golf Club in Truckee, Calif., and as the superintendent at Los Alamos (N.M.) Golf Course.

“We have great momentum as we start the year with our highest membership numbers since 2009 and strong satisfaction,” Breen said. “We’re not taking anything for granted—we will continue to think again. Our world is moving quickly, and we’ll continue to adapt.”

He has bachelor’s degrees in horticulture/turf from Colorado State University in Fort Collins and in meteorology from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

Other elected officers include Jeff L. White, CGCS the superintendent at Indian Hills Country Club in Mission Hills, Kan., as vice president, and T.A. Barker, CGCS superintendent at Fore Lakes Golf Course in Taylorsville, Utah, as secretary/ treasurer.

Board members Paul L. Carter, CGCS, superintendent at Bear Trace at Harrison Bay in Harrison, Tenn., and Steven J. Hammon, superintendent at Traverse City (Mich.) Country

Club, were re-elected to serve on the board, while H. Scott Griffith, CGCS, director of agronomy at the University of Georgia Golf Course, in Athens, Ga., was newly elected to join the board as a director.

Douglas D. Dykstra, CGCS, golf course superintendent at White Mountain Country Club in Pinetop, Ariz., and Marc E. Weston, CGCS and superintendent at Indian Hill Country Club in Newington, Conn., continue their service on the board. After a member vote to amend the bylaws, Mark F. Jordan, CGCS, natural resources leader at Westfield Country Club in Westfield Center, Ohio, will serve a second year as immediate past president.

In addition, a bylaw change regarding aligning the bylaws with current management practices for the GCSAA Benevolence Fund passed. A member dues adjustment also passed.

The GCSAA Foundation is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to secure funding and support to strengthen advocacy, education, and research that advances the work of golf course management professionals. Visit the Foundation at www.gcsaa.org/foundation.

58 Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 12
Kevin P. Breen, CGCS
THE WISE CHOICE WHEN FEEDING YOUR TURF NutriWise Carbon Based Bio-fertilizer with a microbial package Improves soil fertility Fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere Solubilizes phosphate and unlocks potassium from the soil Eliminates growth surges Supplies the ecosystem with beneficial microbes ü ü ü ü ü www.PNfertilizers.com 732-888-8000 | info@pnfertilizers.com

Interested in a remote patient monitoring service that collects and monitors your chronic condition under a physician's Plan of Care that insurance usually pays for?

Are you leading an active lifestyle, like playing golf, pickleball and maybe you have one or more chronic conditions. If your vitals exceed the limits set by the physician, our team contacts you to infmm you We may also call 911, your family and/or your physician to assist you.

We are a different Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) service, that works to use the right monitoring choice for you, or your loved ones based on lifestyle. W hether you are living an Active Lifestyle, a Co1porate Lifestyle or Casual, at-Home lifestyle, we have a monitoring option for you including your existing Apple Health watch! You can see these lifestyles described in more detail on our website which is listed below.

Transcend Lifestyle Management

Transcend Lifestyle Management™ is a highly interactive, medical-based monitoring service that includes Transcend's Remote Patient Monitoring™ (RPM) a t its core. Our RPM service is designed to track and manage one or more chronic conditions, so they are significantly less likely to become a health event. Transcend Remote Patient Monitoring service extends traditional RPM to protect you

as you live your life - on a 7x24 basis. It is a game changer that enables you to manage your health with assistance from healthcare professionals and depending on your choice of devices - Anywhere, Anyplace, Anytime. Transcend Lifestyle Management is the missing piece that has prevented you from successfully executing your Whole Health Plan. To learn more, visit our website: https:// transcendconnect. com/transc end-lifestylemanagement/

Watch for more information on our launch next issue!

QB TRANSCEND CONNECT
Transcend Remote Patient Monitoring N
www.nonablue.com

CHANGING LIVES

THROUGH THE GAME OF GOLF

Patriot Golf Day® has become the largest grass-roots golf fundraiser in America – a joint initiative of The PGA of America and the USGA, Patriot Golf Day enlists the support of public and private golf facilities across the country. Funds support Folds of Honor, providing educational scholarships to the children and spouses of service members killed or disabled while serving in America’s Armed Forces.

Although the national promotion of Patriot Golf Day is over Labor Day weekend, you can play golf any time of the year to support the families of our fallen and disabled service members. Here are a few ways to get involved.

GET INVOLVED LEARN MORE AT PATRIOTGOLFDAY.ORG EVENT MARATHON DONATION BOX HOST AN CONDUCT A GOLF
IN
PARTICIPATE
THE CAMPAIGN

Articles inside

CHANGING LIVES

1min
pages 62-63

Kevin P. Breen, CGCS, re-elected president of Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

2min
pages 58-60

SunnilandSUPERSpotlight: Julio Fuentes – Cypresswood Golf and Country Club

2min
pages 56-58

Turf Pirate's Journal $Keeping an Eye on the Horizon $

1min
pages 54-55

New year, New home, New life

2min
pages 53-54

The Claret Junior Tour Scholarship Players of 2023:

1min
page 52

Rewarding a Junior Golfer’s Commitment and Attitude with Opportunities to Develop

4min
pages 50-51

ORCA Golf creates custom bag in support of Jack and Barbara Nicklaus’ Children’s Health Care foundation $100-Million Fund-Raising Campaign

2min
pages 49-50

North Florida PGA Player of the Year Honors

3min
pages 46-48

Why is This Wine Different From All Other Wines?

1min
page 44

The Launch Pad for the Georgia Golf Trail

4min
pages 40-42

Baha Mar – Royal Blue Golf Course

1min
pages 38-39

Twin Rivers: Orlando’s Golf & Wildlife Sanctuary

2min
pages 36-38

Ron Foster

1min
page 34

Memories of Ben Hogan Golf's Triple Crown Winner 70 Years Ago

3min
pages 32-33

Surf and Turf

5min
pages 26, 28-31

Stephen Curry To Be Named 2023 Ambassador of Golf

4min
pages 24-25

SLO W DOWN ...!

2min
page 22

Bernhard Langer wins Chubb Classic

2min
pages 20-21

Captain Jack

3min
pages 16, 18

What do you do with a Triple Bogey? –8-holes left of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard

2min
pages 14-15

The End of an Era for The Honda Classic

1min
pages 12-13

BET ON GREEN

1min
pages 9, 12

Stay the Course!

2min
page 6

wHat iT Takes? Do You Have

1min
pages 4-5
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.