Generational, Foundational, Recreational

Times will change, golf will change, but no matter who merges or plays the tours, the spirit of being involved in the game of golf is a dream for some. I’m grateful every day to have the platform to give back the way we do. In every beginner, pro, and between, our love for golf gives the game a sense of charm so special it’s practically southern!

Speaking of Charm, I recently took a hike to East Tennessee. I made my way back to Potters Falls with Sissy Tonia, where I’d take my daughter Tonyia in a red wagon almost every summer day. Sis and I happened on a Boys and Girls Club Tournament in Onieda, where we spread some Turf Life/GCM fertilizing. I settled in with my beloved family and went on about the Nitzschke farm, crawdads, pig riding, all while listening to the familiar sounds of trains, DEEP ACCENTS, and the wind chimes enjoying the beautiful surroundings at Cliff and Becky’s. A wonderful stop in Georgia, where our gorgeous golf bachelorette opened her home to me and my Uber Driver “Rocky” (her father). We partied at the VFW, and ate at the Seed (you must get the deviled eggs), celebrating birthdays, Marines, listening to music, and laughing like kids.

I think the very same hospitality is exactly where the charm of golf is rooted. Very few sports that operate on the professional scale that golf does have such a vast and growing dedication of amateurs, casual players, and fans. It’s the patience for beginners, the time spent with our friends, the care and passion grown right into the turf, that keeps it Generational, Foundational, and Recreational! Not Just A Game...A Way of Life!

As we wait, watch, and process the changes we see, remember why you care so deeply for the family traditions, and develop new ones. The price tags attached to the trophies will never match the value of watching our children hold tight their first clubs, or watching triumphs of the LPGA Champions, knowing how far women’s golf has come. Golf has been an introductory tool of philanthropy, community, and patience for generations and has far since grown from being a sport to becoming an agent for life changing opportunities and always will be. What keeps golf growing is when experienced players turn to the greener golfers and say “Y’all are invited!” Speaking of invited…take a peek at page 12 to read about Troon’s latest course acquisition. They’re making it happen.

Thanks to everyone, ALWAYS, Much Obliged, I'm Mighty Grateful!

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.

Baha Mar is the Caribbean’s

leading integrated luxury resort of choice located in Nassau, The Bahamas. The resort destination is home to three iconic oceanfront hotels, the richly refined Rosewood, the playfully hip SLS, and the stylish and modern Grand Hyatt, all overlooking the pristine white sands of Cable Beach. Guests can indulge in a sweeping array of amenities and experiences including unrivaled dining by celebrity chefs Marcus Samuelsson and Daniel Boulud, and more than 45 restaurants, bars and lounges, the largest casino in the Caribbean, the luxurious Baha Bay water park, the Caribbean’s first and only flagship ESPA spa, over 30 affluent retail outlets and so much more.

Two Courses in One

Golfers looking to hit the green can tee off on the Royal Blue Golf Course, which was designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. The most acclaimed golf course in Nassau, Royal Blue, features 18-holes unfolding over a gorgeous, naturally evolving landscape. Uniquely designed as two courses in one, the course begins with a front-nine featuring dramatic views of undulating fairways and rolling white-sand dunes, brackish ponds and glimpses of a turquoise Atlantic Ocean. Players are then transported to a back-nine that challenges them to navigate stunning limestone “moonscapes” and elevation changes through dense jungle and steep downhill terrain to get to the island green on the 16th hole, which precariously borders Lake Cunningham, making for a memorable island golf experience that is majestic to see and thrilling to play.

Freeform Teeing

Royal Blue also features a unique, single set of tees, course set up, ensuring a unique experience each time guests play. Each day the Royal Blue grounds crew places tee locations on the course according to the changing Nassau weather and playing conditions, to create a new and optimal golfing experience 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 for guests to play multiple variations of the course throughout their stay, while maintaining a similar overall yardage.

“Better Than Your Own” Golf Club Package

Golfers can also take advantage of Baha Mar’s world-class “Better Than Your Own” golf club rental program in partnership with PXG and enjoy an epic round at Royal Blue with a set of carefully curated PXG Golf Clubs. PXG provides a variety of full bag options from its latest product lineup, including the company’s flagship GEN4 Golf Clubs and 2021 0211 Collection. Royal Blue’s “Better Than Your Own” club rental program further creates the rare opportunity for players to test some of the world’s finest clubs in unmatched playing conditions – as opposed to on the range or in a simulator. Each set of PXG rentals are carefully chosen by Royal Blue’s professionals with a player’s skill set and preferences in mind. From forgiveness and advanced workability to distance and dispersion, each set takes personalized performance and fun to the extreme.

Mini (Royal) Blue

Mini golfers and professional players alike looking to hit the green on a smaller scale can tee off at Mini Blue, a professionally inspired 18-hole miniature golf course infused with the natural beauty of Nassau. This meandering mini golf course is a terrific option for families, teens, groups and everyone who enjoys a little competitive fun!

Baha Mar is a breathtaking location with dynamic programming, activities, and guest offerings in one of the most beautiful places in the world – The Bahamas.

For more information and reservations visit https://bahamar.com/golf/ and follow @BahaMarResorts.