Golf Central Mag- Vol 24 Issue 6

Where the C l Kids Retire ®

On Top of the World is Central Florida's Premier Active-Adult Golf Course Community

THE GOLF, EPIC.

THE TRIP, EASY. BOOKING 2024, EVEN EASIER.

World-Famous Beaches

Fairways For Miles

Known for action-packed racing and wide-open beaches, Daytona Beach also offers savvy golfers challenging courses at exceptional value. Come and play where the pros play, at LPGA International and other top-rated courses. Savor local seafood along scenic waterways. Explore historical and cultural sites. And pair your golf outing with a range of coastal accommodations to create a perfect package.

Plan your golf getaway at DaytonaBeach.Golf

Too much work and not enough play often leads to boredom. But too much play on the same golf courses can also take you there. Whatever the cause, Fairfield Glade has the cure and the courses.We’re an easy drive from anywhere in the Southeast. With 5 dramatic and demanding courses, among Tennessee’s best, according to Golf Digest, Golfweek and Golf Magazine, you won’t be bored anytime soon.

In addition to our five Championship Golf Courses, we offer miles of hiking trails, pristine lakes for boating and fishing, a world class Racquet Center for pickleball and tennis. Along with stables for horseback riding and hayrides. Stay & Play packages are available. Call and book your stay. Then bye bye boredom. It’s simply a matter of course. Now

If You’re On A Collision Course With Boredom, It’s Time To Change Course. To This One For Example.

Credibility with Visibility

Cultivating a community in the world of publishing, we’ve planted our likeminded interests and a garden of diverse thought, creativity, and camaraderie bloomed! REAL relationships have been the strongest foundation in the business and we started this journey with a team that never passes on the opportunity to grow lasting connections. For instance Fan Stream Sports in Dallas, Tampa, Columbus, and Atlanta, (who has just secured seven retailers of Turf Life merch in Kansas City! Thanks John!) Greg Wise of Ignite Golf with Biggs Golf Talk, Holly G of Golf Insider Radio, The PGA Tour, NFPGA, SFPGA, Kentucky PGA, Georgia Golf Trail, RTJ Golf Trail, Florida State Golf Association, The Golf Course Architects Society, GCSAA, EREF, Florida Turfgrass Association, the CBBs, the TCCs, and of course, ING!

The meaningful engagements through every platform and page fosters trust, loyalty, and brand advocacy. Being visible with the audience is as fundamental as being proficient in the industry!  Engagement goes beyond likes and shares; it involves fostering two-way communication, and creating emotional connections. I value every chance we’ve had to cultivate such genuine relationships. We dare to be authentic, try to be original, are open to suggestions, and willing to work hard to earn true credibility in this ever blossoming industry!

In print, e-blast, events, or online, the value of being able to create spaces where readers can connect with our peeps and their stories on a deeper level is priceless. Hopefully, enriching the reading experience and filling the pages, but most importantly encouraging long-term partnership.

We invite partnerships from golf leagues, associations, tournaments, and all platforms. Especially charity and military forever and always, we love to fertilize new growth of visibility! Now introducing our latest engagement in Tres Fenton of Florida Creative and Gaspar Golf. Founded in 2019, it’s the home of the Pirate Golf Tour, a premiere amateur golf league based in Tampa that hosts a monthly tournament at private clubs, resort courses and semi-private clubs, GG is all about fun and camaraderie! Find them on instagram, tiktok, Facebook, and gaspargolf.com. I can attest that by combining the power of leverage with authentic engagement, we can continue to connect great stories with our readers who adore them.

Again, thank you to our valued partnerships for your ongoing support and alliance in the journey.  Leverage with Golf Central Magazine and engage the visibility!

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, Tres Fenton, 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

Oversight Officer/Uber Driver: Rocky Miller

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.

2009 North Florida PGA Amateur of the Year

Great Golf and

Gr eat G o lf a n d SO MUCH MORE!

On Top of The World is Ocala's Best Active-Adult Golf Course Community.

When you’re age 55 years or better, staying active is so important to keeping fit and healthy in the decades to come. At On Top of the World, residents have many opportunities to live an active lifestyle, and have fun doing it.

Last Golf Course View Homesites Available Now!

State parks, unique restaurants, concerts and live theatre are only the beginning when it comes to offerings in the Ocala area. Residents can go antiquing in nearby historic towns or hit the “big cities” of Orlando and Tampa.

Delight the grandkids with quick trips to Disney World, Universal Studios and other renowned theme parks in nearby Orlando. Visit nearby beach towns like Daytona or

Clearwater to relax in the sand. It’s also close to four area hospitals, two of which are only minutes away from the community.

Over 420 acres of outdoor amenities to enjoy!

On Top of the World offers so much more than just great golf! With a wide array of recreational amenities, dozens of social clubs and an award-winning lifelong learning center that features classes in a multitude of subjects that appeal to all types of interests, residents can learn new skills or just meet up with friends in pursuit of their favorite pastime.

Discover the lifestyle and community of your dreams. With countless amenities, there is always something fun to do and new friends to do it with. Live life to the fullest in Central Florida’s premier active-adult community - it’s Where the Cool Kids Retire!®.

Sweetgrass Has Something for Everyone

With the 2022 National Golf Course of the year award and routinely high rankings in golf publications, it’s fair to say Island Resort & Casino’s Sweetgrass golf course speaks for itself.

Yet, the conversation about this Upper Peninsula treasure goes so much deeper. When international golf course architect Paul Albanese designed the course that opened fifteen years ago, he incorporated more than the features of the landscape around him, infusing it with the very heritage of the Hannahville Indian Community – a federally recognized Potawatomi Indian Tribe, across whose land the course sprawls.

“I do design golf courses for players, but also for a lot of non-golfers,” Albanese told me. “Especially for my Native American clients. I’ve said it many times about Sweetgrass specifically, I would say this golf course is designed not just for the golfers; it was designed for the community.

“We designed each hole with a story behind it, that is reflective of the whole cultural history and the heritage. That was intentional, so people who don’t play golf can still come out and say, ‘oh, this 8th hole has a story behind it; this beautiful landscape has a rhyme and a reason,’ for how and why it was created.”

Golfers encounter the rich history of the Hannahville Indian Community throughout the course,

through design features and holes named after traditional Potawatomi clans, villages, allies, medicines and symbols. The dedication to nature and the area’s heritage makes for a unique golf experience.

“We put some wooden posts in the side of a hill (along the fairway) that are representative of (the remains of) a fort, from the 1650’s,” Albanese said about one of the design elements at Sweetgrass. “And the green complex itself worked out very nicely to be a redan style green. And a redan is the French word for fortress.”

The Hannahville Indian Community was so pleased with the Sweetgrass golf course, they once again called upon him when ready to expand with a second course, Sage Run. Hiring the same architect to design additional courses at the same resort is rare, due to the desire for variety and the lure of touting multiple designers.

“I intentionally don’t have a style,” Albanese said. “I don’t carry things over from one project to another.

“I think the leaders at Island Resort appreciate that and knew that if I designed a second course there, it wasn’t going to look like, or feel or be like the first course. The courses are going to speak for themselves, and they will get variety even with the same named architect. And I think we achieved that. You can see that Sage Run and Sweetgrass are very different styles and they play differently.”

Speaking of Sage Run, the annual Island Resort Collegiate is coming September 3-4, with the University of Michigan heading the field for two days and 54 holes on the 7,309-yard layout. “Sage Run has proven to be fun and challenging for the players, who are tested with a variety of short and long par 4s and reachable par 5s,” said IRC General Manager Tony Mancilla. “It will be interesting to see how the golf course holds up to top-flight talent and how the players react to the challenges the course presents. With several blind shots off some tees and some very demanding long par 4s, this isn’t typically a course that players go low on their first time out.”

NCAA teams competing at the 2023 Island Resort Intercollegiate tournament:

• South Dakota State University

• Ohio University

• Bowling Green

• Michigan

• Boise State

• Central Florida

• North Texas

• Coastal Carolina

• Illinois State

• Miami (OH)

• St. Mary’s

Erika Chavez

Where did you grow up?  I was born in Mexico, but raised in El Paso, Texas. My family moved to Florida when I was 13.

Which group of people did you associate most with in high school? I always had different groups of friends depending on which interest we had in common.

What is your favorite sport to play? Favorite to watch? I never played any sports, but my boyfriend really got me into watching hockey.

Do you enjoy playing golf? Are there any golfers in your family? I tried playing golf a couple of times, but I was really bad at it. I had fun trying it those few times. No one else in my family has ever tried playing golf.

What do you feel makes your club special? The clubhouse is a welcoming spot for everyone, and not just the golfers. The restaurant has a more laid-back atmosphere, while the bar has more of a club vibe.

What is your favorite part of being a cart girl? What is your least favorite part? I love being able to make someone’s day with something as simple as making them a drink and making conversation. My least favorite part is that sometimes

people can be really rude and impatient when it’s busy.

If you weren’t a cart girl, what would you be doing? I work a second job at a funeral home as a funeral attendant to gain experience for my future career as a funeral director/ embalmer.

What is your memorable moment working as a cart girl? All the guys were hiding from the storm under the water station, and I was getting soaking wet making drinks for them in the rain. One of them was trying to hold an umbrella over me, and they tipped me extra that day.

What is your idea of “the perfect date”? Spending the day at the beach, watching the sunset together, and then going to a nice dinner.

Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails?  Relaxed evening at home for sure. I don’t really like to go out if I don’t have to.

Favorite comedian? Adam Sandler

Favorite movie or type of movie? Coraline – I could watch it over and over!

Gaspar Golf is home to the Pirate Golf Tour, the premiere amateur golf league based in the Tampa Bay Area. We host a tournament every month at private clubs, resort courses, and better semi-private clubs in central Florida. Founded in 2019, Gaspar Golf is all about fun and camaraderie, and features players of all skill levels and handicaps. Our next season begins in October 2023, and runs through our Playoffs in October 2024. Connect with us on our social media channels to find out more!

https://gaspargolf.com * https://www.facebook.com/groups/GasparGolf

https://www.instagram.com/gaspar.golf/ * https://www.tiktok.com/@pirategolffilms

Photo by Tres Fenton

Where were you born? Did you grow up there?

I was born and raised in México City. My mother was American, my father was Mexican, and I moved to Florida in 1997. My father and uncle were professional Jai Alai players (pelotaris) for over 20 years, and played mostly in Florida, México, and Connecticut.

Is “acting your age” overrated?

I believe so, because as I age, I feel more like acting like a younger person, and have fun! The difference is that I focus more on taking charge of my physical and mental wellbeing. Aging with a healthy body and mind leads to a longer and happier life.

What do you do for a living?

I graduated with an arts degree, so I’ve always held several different positions as a creative professional, mainly inside marketing companies. Freelancing and entrepreneurship has always been in my blood as well, so I love jumping into freelance work as much as my time allows.

What would you like to do for a living?

Growing up I wanted to be a cartoonist, and I also dreamed about creating a video game or cooking professionally. Lately, I wish I had the ability to teach golf to beginners.

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

I love music, and I miss going to live classical orchestra concerts, operas or to my listen to my favorite singers live. I like thrill-seeking adventures like theme parks and physical related outdoor activities.

What golf apparel do you like to wear?

I really like the way FootJoy apparel fits me, and I’m a stickler for nice collars on shirts. I can’t wear shirts with collars that flare out!

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

My sisters Sandra and Esperanza, as they possess great attributes, and I can always get some good old advice from them. I’m very lucky to have a great and large family, and there are many of them who I look up to.

Tell us about your first kiss?

I’ve always been very shy, and even more so when I was younger. I never dared to kiss a girl! The girl that I liked the most at the time actually made the first move on me, and gave me my first kiss when I was 12.

Steak, chicken, or seafood?

I would eat a steak with a side of steak every day, and twice on Sundays if I could.

Tell us something about yourself that only your closest friends know.

I’m a ketchup lover, and I use it on a lot of stuff I eat, including pizza, mashed potatoes, black beans, among many other things. I received personalized Heinz bottles for my birthday one year!

What three things would you need to survive on a deserted island?

I don’t think I would make it because I’m not very handy, but maybe plenty of match boxes, water and a weapon.

What do you find to be the most annoying habit people demonstrate on the golf course?

People that only care about their own ball, and don’t pay attention to their playing partners. Also, getting overly angry or overly drunk, as both can end up being detrimental to everyone’s enjoyment.

Name the three most important things to you in this world. My family, health and financial stability.

Given the choice; would you select love, success, or money to keep yourself happy? Success, because if you have success, you will be very likely to have money, and love would follow.

What do you fear the most? Death, since it’s the only thing we all have to face, and it’s inevitable.

What three people would you most like to play with in your fantasy golf foursome?

Tiger, Seve and Arnie. I would’ve included my dad if he ever played, and that would’ve been so much fun.

Last book you read?

I always wait for the movie, but I enjoyed Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book

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

I go thru life trying to find new challenges, and that’s one of the reasons I love golf so much. There is so much to learn, and it’s the most difficult, and at times cruel sport I’ve ever played, but the rewards are also great.

Photo by Tres Fenton

Photo by Tres Fenton

The Longest-running Black PRO AM Golf Tournament in the U.S.

The 63rd annual Skyview, the longest-running Black-owned golf tournament in the United States is held in Asheville, North Carolina. This legacy event has helped launch 29 Black golfers into the PGA. Its storied history has been captured in Paul Bonesteel’s documentary “The Muni: Stories from a Public Golf Course” sponsored by Callaway Golf. It has aired on PBS and the Golf Channel. Each year, golfers from around the country and internationally gather to compete

on a stage that shares a history unlike any other golf tournament. Three stars of the current season of MTV’s Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, Yung Joc, Lil Scrappy, and Mendeecees, will tee off together for the amateur division the first day of the legacy tournament.

• Yung Joc, Platinum-selling, Grammy nominated and awardwinning rapper. When not filming, Yung Joc broadcasts nationally, with The Streetz Morning Takeover show on 94.5 in Atlanta.

• Lil Scrappy, Billboard charting, three-time platinum, hip hop artist.

• Mendeecees, entertainment manager and real estate mogul.

“I’m very excited to a part of such a historical golf tournament. Never would I have thought that I’d be invited to something like this. I’m truly honored and grateful,” Mendeecees Harris said. “Thank you to everyone that played a part in making this happen.”

www.skyviewgolfasheville.com

Where were you born? New Orleans.

Did you grow up there? Yes

Is “acting your age” overrated? It depends. I think you should be appropriate for the younger generation to learn!

What do you do for a living?

I own a covered spring water in Georgia.  And I have a nonprofit for Health Education Humor Expo.

What would you like to do for a living?

I am doing my passion! Helping people for health, beauty, and hydration with the water company and my nonprofit organization.

Aside from golf; what do you prefer for fun and relaxation? Laughter/Food/Family/Friends

Whom do you most admire for their inner and outer beauty? Michelle Obama /Ellen they are always giving and helping people.

Tell us something about yourself that only your closest friends know. Exotic experiences !!

What three things would you need to survive on a deserted island? Water(TriWater), food, and love.

Who would you like to have with you on the same deserted island; and why?

Someone I love. I know we could get through anything together.

What do you find to be the most annoying habit people demonstrate on the golf course?

Anger!!

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

What do you fear the most?

Potentially having another stroke.

What three people would you most like to play with in your fantasy golf foursome?

Tiger Woods, Steph Curry, Michael Jordan

What are some of your great accomplishments? My children and my nonprofit organization.

Favorite comedian? Cedric the Entertainer

Movies:…comedy, drama, action, romance? Romance and comedy

Favorite television channel? Hallmark

Last book you read? The Purpose Driven Life

Favorite charity to support? Spilt Second Fitness

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

www.heheexpo.org  My story on is my website.

Revitalized Buying & Education Summit Showcases New Texas Home of the PGA of America

The Newest Rose of Texas A

fter a few waning years, Covid 19, and being close to last rites in Las Vegas last year, the reinvented and rejuvenated mid-season PGA Buying Summit debuted at the PGA of America’s new headquarters in Frisco, Texas, July 31 – Aug 2. More than 1,000 golf industry professionals from 44 states and eight countries attended the PGA Summit to preview and source Spring 2024 apparel collections along with the latest accessories, equipment and technology. A total of 166 golf brands exhibited at the newly opened, luxurious Omni PGA Frisco Resort and its state of the art, golf village, Monument Realty PGA District.

The PGA Buying Summit was filled with a variety of exciting mid-season events including trade show exhibits, PGA member education and buying appointments by day, and a Live

Fashion Show, Demo Night and experiential networking events at night.

“The PGA Buying & Education Summit served this week as an exciting destination for both PGA Professionals and industry buyers to make valuable connections at the new Home of the PGA of America and Omni PGA Frisco Resort,” said PGA President John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at The Country Club of Lansing in Lansing, Michigan. “We were very pleased with the turnout from both an industry and educational perspective, as it shows that the game of golf is continuing to attract new players.”

The revitalized PGA Summit highlighted some of the top trends for men and women for this coming fall and spring. Lululemon, made its debut,

introducing its golf specific pieces, from sporty to upscale designs, to excited buyers anticipating the iconic athletic brand’s big golf unveiling. (www.lululemon.com)

Swing Control, a women’s apparel brand that’s building a loyal following both on and off the course, offers stylish pieces with flattering fits and a focus

on fashion. The company’s bold printed pants and skirts with tummy control waistbands provide a slimming yet comfortable look that flatter women of all shapes and sizes. (www.swingcontrol.com)

on fashion. The company’s bold printed pants and skirts with tummy control waistbands provide a slimming yet comfortable look that flatter women of all shapes and sizes. (www.swingcontrol.com)

Microprints continue to be a colorful mainstay in men’s fashion as a wide variety of eye-catching golf shirts were on display. From short to long sleeve designs, this trend is the new way to make a statement in the office or on the course and brings new meaning to dress for success. If loud, proud, and good time golf polos are for you, Proud Ninety offers some of the most comfortable and best fitting men’s and women’s shirts, shorts, tops and hats to keep golf fun no matter what you’re shooting. (www.proud90.com). And if tie-dyed clothing is your thing, Made by Real Hippies has the grooviest golf apparel to “let you freak flag fly” according to

Microprints continue to be a colorful mainstay in men’s fashion as a wide variety of eye-catching golf shirts were on display. From short to long sleeve designs, this trend is the new way to make a statement in the office or on the course and brings new meaning to dress for success. If loud, proud, and good time golf polos are for you, Proud Ninety offers some of the most comfortable and best fitting men’s and women’s shirts, shorts, tops and hats to keep golf fun no matter what you’re shooting. (www.proud90.com). And if tie-dyed clothing is your thing, Made by Real Hippies has the grooviest golf apparel to “let you freak flag fly” according to

madebyrealhippies.com).

Standout accessory brands included Dormie Workshop with its exceptionally creative, one-ofa-kind custom leather headcover designs. (www. dormieworkshop.com)

madebyrealhippies.com). Standout accessory brands included Dormie Workshop with its exceptionally creative, one-ofa-kind custom leather headcover designs. (www. dormieworkshop.com)

Best of Golf America exhibited an assortment of fun, eye-catching ladies’ accessories including playful patterned golf gloves, ball markers, wristlets and more. (www.bestofgolfamerica. com)

Best of Golf America exhibited an assortment of fun, eye-catching ladies’ accessories including playful patterned golf gloves, ball markers, wristlets and more. (www.bestofgolfamerica. com)

Newcomer to golf footwear, Boxto shoes, worn by PGA Tour players Kurt Kitayama and Jim

Newcomer to golf footwear, Boxto shoes, worn by PGA Tour players Kurt Kitayama and Jim

Legacy Pro show with matching leather belts. (www.boxto. com) The sophisticated, Italian crafted, Duca Del Cosma golf shoes, voted Best Golf Shoes 2023 by Golf Digest, displayed its sporty and patriotic red, white, and blue collection for men and women. (www.Ducadelcosma. com)

Legacy Pro show with matching leather belts. (www.boxto. com) The sophisticated, Italian crafted, Duca Del Cosma golf shoes, voted Best Golf Shoes 2023 by Golf Digest, displayed its sporty and patriotic red, white, and blue collection for men and women. (www.Ducadelcosma. com)

Day One concluded with a Welcome Reception and was highlighted by a Live Fashion Show, sponsored by RepSpark, where the latest fashions from 17 emerging and established golf lifestyle brands were showcased in an exciting, live runway event. Fore All women’s apparel won the “2023 People’s Choice: Best in Fashion Show.” Co-founded by two visionary, fashion savvy women and passionate golfers, Jennifer Clyde and Michelle Money, this fun, spirited, and stylish apparel is turning heads on and off the fairways. (www.foreall.com).

Day Two concluded with Demo Night across the outdoor PGA Coaching Center practice range and on the lighted, twoacre putting course, The Dance Floor. The soon-to-open PGA Coaching Center is a 12,000 square-foot dedicated facility that will offer coaching, club fitting and fitness training for

times were available for exhibitors and attendees on The Swing, a 10-hole, lighted par-3 short course along with access to six hitting bays inside the relaxing Ice House brew pub, part of the retail and dining areas located in the PGA District.

PGA Professionals and participants enjoyed walk-up tours of the new PGA of America headquarters throughout the three-day Summit. The PGA headquarters sits on 6.2 acres of the 660-acre PGA Frisco campus, which includes two 18-hole championship courses, a 510room Omni Resort, a 30-acre practice facility, a performance center and a modern clubhouse. The headquarters was designed to promote the PGA’s mission to bring together state-of-theart education facilities with a world-class workplace.

The four-story building includes a spacious lobby with a large interactive mural dis-

members of the PGA of America, open and enclosed offices, a unique staircase social area, an executive boardroom, outdoor terraces, a video studio, seminar and meeting rooms and a PGA Professional Development Center. The building also features indoor golf training facilities including a chipping area, putting area, driving range simulators and interior hitting bays with operable exterior walls for hitting out to the driving range.

“I hve been in the golf business for 25 years, and this is the best all-purpose show I have attended,” said Sally Kay, PGA/ LPGA, Hot 4 Golf, Grapevine, Texas. “I wanted to see all the new PGA Frisco facilities, which were phenomenal, and then I spent all day Tuesday and Wednesday looking at apparel and accessory brands. The Demo Night was a great way to unwind after networking during the day. The entire experience was fabulous.”

PGA REACH Announces 2023-2024 PGA WORKS

John & Tamara Lundgren Scholars Program Recipients

21 Students across 12 schools earn $8,000 Scholarships

PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, has awarded scholarships to 21 students at 12 colleges through the PGA WORKS John & Tamara Lundgren Scholars Program for the 2023-2024 academic school year. With the generous support of the Lundgrens, the $8,000 scholarships were presented to talented and motivated students from diverse backgrounds who are working toward PGA Membership through one of the 18 accredited PGA Golf Management University Programs across the nation.

Scholarship recipients must be pursuing bachelor’s degrees in a golf industry-compatible major, with the ultimate goal of obtaining PGA Membership.

Since its inception in 2018, a total of 68 individuals have earned PGA WORKS Golf Management University scholarships totalling $544,000.

“The PGA of America and PGA REACH firmly believe that cultivating the talents and aspirations of young minds is fundamental to the growth and success of the golf industry,” said PGA President John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at The Country Club of Lansing in Lansing, Michigan. “Through these scholarships, and thanks to John and Tamara Lundgren, we are not only providing financial support but also growing a diverse and skilled community of future PGA Professionals.”

Scholarship recipients were selected on the basis of academic

record, leadership demonstrated through participation in school and community activities, honors and work experience, a statement of goals and aspirations, unique personal or family circumstances, an outside appraisal, active participation in the game of golf and playing ability.

To ensure success and perpetuity of the program, as well as objectivity in the selection process, PGA REACH retained Scholarship America as a third-party administrator. Scholarship America is the nation's largest designer and manager of scholarships, tuition assistance and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations and individuals to help students achieve their college dreams.

Abigail Brooks Kings Mountain, N.C. • North Carolina State University

Natalie Brosig Erie, Pa. • Methodist University

Bryce Brown McKinney, Texas • University of Nebraska - Lincol

Kydreece Burks Williamsport, Pa. •Penn State University

Peyton Cusick Ballwin, Mo. • University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Emily Gustafson Holdrege, Neb. • University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Kayla Gutierrez Hammonton, N.J. • Florida Gulf Coast University

Emily Martin Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia • Campbell University

Mason McKenna Olathe, Kan. • University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Addyson Meadows Troy, Ala. • University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Willow Merry Michie, Tenn. • Mississippi State University

Cameron Mills Oxon Hill, Md. • University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Lydia Pils Gainesville, Ga. • Eastern Kentucky University

Nikolas Pitiris Cyprus • New Mexico State University

Atirath Roy India • University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Jamie Rush Canonsburg, Pa. • Methodist University

Meredith Speer Cedar Park, Texas • Sam Houston State University

Daniel Tuma Marriottsville, Md. • Mississippi State University

Rachael Voli Lincoln, Neb. • University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Braden Wedel Bethune, Colo. • University of Colorado - Colorado Springs

Margaret Williams Wooster, Ohio • Methodist University

Improving

Sometimes it’s fun and enlightening to learn about the behind-the-scenes companies that make our golfing experiences so satisfying. One such company that is making golf more fun - and helping golf courses and practice facilities increase revenues at an impressive rate - is the Ponta Vedra, FL-based Power Tee. Helmed by UK-born husband and wife team Martin Wyeth and Clare Dibley, Power Tee offers a breakthrough solution in the form of golf hitting stations that feature a proprietary auto-teeing system that always ensures a desirable lie and speeds up practice in teaching sessions with automatically teed balls at desired heights.

Golf industry heavyweights like 2003 U.S. Open champion Jim Furyk and legendary teacher Rick Smith are huge believers and Power Tee, but the biggest fans are the owners and operators of courses and facilities with the driving range space that suddenly need less mowing and maintenance and also see golfers hitting more balls, bringing more people with them, and spending more in the pro shops and on food and beverages. That all represents more success Wyeth pioneered this concept in England and across the UK and, today, an impressive 80 percent of the standalone practice facilities in the UK feature Power Tee hitting stations. Now, the Power Tee team is looking to spread its magic formula across North America where a growing number of properties are discovering the benefits of having reliable practice stations that don’t help the painpoints of tedious or costly grass maintenance. These properties also see the bottom line improve by making their ranges function faster and more efficiently.

One property that has seen

Power Tee Drives Surprising Revenue for Courses and Practice Facilities

the benefit of Power Tee is Tee it Up in Oviedo, Florida, one of the nation’s Top 50 Driving Ranges and an inviting place to practice and improve one’s game. Nick and Dawn Franze, the husbandand-wife owners of Tee it Up, are in their fourth year of using Power Tee to make the range experience more engaging. They have increased the number of

speed of everything,” Franze adds.

Another Power Tee believer is Nancy White, who has owned Mulligan’s Golf Center in Harrisonburg, Virginia for 20 years. The double-decker Mulligans range features teeing stations with TrackMan Range and 20 Power Tee stations on the lower level.

Power Tee stations over time and now half of the stations are Power Tee and half remain natural grass with 75 percent of the revenue coming from Power Tee stations.

“Customers love the option of different tee heights with Power Tee and how it feels more gamified when paired with Toptracer Range. It’s been a huge hit for us and it’s definitely an easier system to have than grass tees,” Nick Franze said.

At so many facilities that use Power Tee, golfers are hitting more balls faster and increasing revenue for owners who can get more players through the stations in a fun efficient way. At Tee It Up, golfers pay by the ball vs. by the bucket or hour, so faster autoteeing relates directly to increased cash flow. “There’s definitely a 30 percent increase in the speed at which they go through their buckets, so it definitely increased our revenue in ball sales. We saw at least a 30 percent increase off the bat and then we increased another 30 percent the following year. And then another 15 percent last year. Power Tee has helped out with the

The first six Power Tee stations paid for themselves easily, so expanded to 20 stations and it’s made the practice and hitting experience so much more fun for our customers,” White said. “We’ve seen a lot of players who used to be stubborn about only hitting off of natural grass learn to really love the feel of hitting off of the Power Tee mats. They really enjoy it.”

Power Tee isn’t just for standalone ranges. Charles Raulerson, former PGA Tour player and owner of Fleming Island Golf Club in Fleming Island, Florida, had Power Tee installed to accompany the Toptracer Range units at the daily-fee course’s gamified Top of Tee practice area. In the first six months, Fleming Island saw a 25to 30-pecent increase in revenue and now Raulerson is one of the biggest Power Tee advocates.

“Our next frontier of expansion is daily-fee courses, resorts and private clubs who appreciate technology and gamifying the practice process and making practice time more productive and enjoyable for their members and guests,” Wyeth said.

To learn more, visit PowerTee.com.

Sky Valley Country Club

Georgia Golf Trail's Mountain Playground

Golf, tennis, swimming, pickleball, croquet, bocce ball, trail hiking, fishing, and bird-watching. Those are the main recreational and athletic endeavors that occupy the time, attention and energy of the residents and visitors to the Sky Valley Country Club in Sky Valley, Georgia -www. skyvalleycountryclub.com or 706-746-5302. And, if you like whitewater rafting, mountain climbing, and zip lining, those recreational endeavors are also available in the surrounding area.

A member of The Georgia Golf Trail, the Sky Valley CC is no longer just a great place for summer getaways. Instead, the Sky Valley CC has been transformed into being a place to live or visit at any time of the year.

Another appealing aspect of the Sky Valley CC is its high altitude in northeast Georgia. Here, the elevation of the valley floor is approximately 3,100 feet above sea level and some areas within Sky Valley’s city limits actually exceed 4,200 feet above sea level.

While residents at the Sky

Valley CC relish spending time outdoors throughout the year, they really enjoy the views of the mountainous terrain and the surrounding Nantahala National Forest in the fall when they get to soak in the views of the changing colors of the leaves.

“Sky Valley is like ‘heaven on earth’ and we in Georgia are lucky to have such an outstanding destination for golfers in our state and for those visiting from the nearby surrounding states,” said Doug Hollandsworth, founder, The Georgia Golf Trail.

One of the best ways to get a glimpse of the Sky Valley CC is to check out current conditions by accessing Sky Valley’s 24-hour webcam: https://www.resortcams. com/webcams/sky-valley-ga/.

Without a doubt, golf is the main athletic attraction at the Sky Valley CC.Here, the many tee shots are struck from raised tees which adds an element of excitement, intrigue, and strategy to the Sky Valley golf experience. Sky Valley’s tee-to-green course conditions are exemplary. And, when not playing golf, many Sky Valley residents

are also playing croquet, tennis, pickleball and bocce ball. Many members of the Sky Valley CC refer to their time spent at the club as like being at summer camp!

Redesigned in 2007 by Bill Bergin, Sky Valley CC’s length from the back tees of this par-72 layout -- 6,900 yards from the tips – is tempered by the high elevation. To give golfers a consistent turf experience, the course now features bent grass from tee to green. And, Sky Valley CC’s practice facilities -- a driving range, target greens, putting and chipping greens -- are second-to-none.

“Sky Valley is a fantastic layout,” said Steve Heher, the Sky Valley CC’s head golf professional. “It’s a mountain golf course that winds its way through the valley. It features great views from the elevated tees at the 2nd, 8th, 12th, 15th, and 17th holes. Our signature hole is the par-3 15th, which has a 60-foot elevation drop from tee to green.”

The view of the 15th green from the raised tee is quite profound and worthy of being this course’s signature hole. Depending on the weather and wind, it’s always

a question of which club to hit in order to reach the putting surface in regulation.

Heher says the superintendent’s leadership and vision are key ingredients to the overall golf experience at the Sky Valley CC.

According to Heher, his superintendent Steve Mason and his veteran crew do a magnificent job of keeping this course in great shape throughout the year.

As an aside, Sky Valley also has a strong reputation of producing locally grown food which is why this area is called the Farm-to-Table Capital of Georgia. A winery and vineyards are also in this area. So, when you visit the Sky Valley CC, come with an appetite and a taste for the finer things in life. You won’t be disappointed.

Once you and your family visit Sky Valley CC, where there are opportunities to purchase real estate so you can have a permanent presence in the area, this destination will soar to the top of your family’s annual must-visit list. Sky Valley is not a ‘bucket-list’ destination. Instead, it should be an annual pilgrimage.

For more information about the Sky Valley CC and other courses along The Georgia Golf Trail, access www.GeorgiaGolfandTravel.com.

Sky Valley – 17th Tee

The

Florida State Golf Association (FSGA) is proud to be the largest and the finest volunteer-based, golf association in the country. FSGA volunteers fall into two categories; tournament volunteers and courserating volunteers. There are many volunteers that participate in both and help us a great deal.

Each year the FSGA conducts over 550 days of competitions including State Championships, qualifiers for State Championships, Florida Junior Tour, qualifying for USGA National Championships, State High Schools Championships, Southwest Amateur Series, numerous collegiate events, and One-Day Net competitions. This would not be possible without the assistance and hard work of our 347 Tournament Volunteers located around the state. Tournament Volunteers are assigned a variety of tasks during tournament days including registration, course set-up, starting, pace of play, scoring, and on-course officiating. Over 80 volunteers are certified Rules Officials and have passed the PGA/USGA Rules exam, as well as attended FSGA training on officiating.

“Volunteers mean everything to the FSGA, they truly are the heart

Much Love For Volunteers

and soul of our organization. They are part of a community and the service they provide to benefit our great game is simply incredible”, said Jeff Magaditsch, FSGA Executive Director. “Their impact is vital to our success. Our volunteers dedicate their time throughout the year to ensure our courses are rated properly, to our events being conducted to the highest standard. They are some of the most amazing individuals you will ever meet and it’s truly an honor to grow the game right beside them.”

Course Rating Volunteers serve the golfers of Florida by systematically rating the state’s 1,300 golf courses. Our volunteers follow strict World Handicap System guidelines for rating each course. A course must first be accurately measured,

and then obstacles that affect playing difficulty are evaluated in accordance with established standards. Typically, teams of five-six individuals spend over five hours making measurements and statistical calculations necessary to produce a course and slope rating.  Currently, the FSGA has over 130 courserating volunteers in 16 sections who perform approximately 100 course ratings a year.

“Being able to teach, train and build volunteers all across the state makes the FSGA stronger as our volunteers are an extension of what we do at FSGA,” said Duncan Chau, FSGA Director of Course Rating. “All volunteers are connected by the game of golf and to bring together like-minded human beings working towards a common goal is very fulfilling.”

To learn more about volunteering at Florida State Golf Association, please check out the FSGA volunteer.

Situated in Pennsylvania’s majestic Laurel Highlands, you will discover a golfer’s paradise at the always-adventurous Nemacolin.

Nemacolin presents two breathtaking courses designed by the legendary Pete Dye: Mystic Rock and Shepherd’s Rock, delivering thrilling shot values, sweeping mountain views, and esteemed recognition.

Golf Digest 2022 Best Golf Resorts in the Mid-Atlantic

Golfweek 2022 #1 & #5 Best Courses You Can Play in Pennsylvania

Golf Digest 2022 Editors’ Choice: Best Golf Schools & Academies

Sharpen your skills at The Nemacolin Golf Academy, where expert instruction, state-of-the-art technology, custom fittings, and multi-day bootcamps improve your game.

Book an ultimate getaway to this incomparable destination for golf, spa, world-class cuisine, art, wine, and all-season adventure. Your trip of a lifetime awaits!

Highlights of Southwest Florida

After taking some time to research a good spot for a weekend getaway, all paths seemed to lead to the tiny town of Osprey, Florida. Quaint, convenient, affordable – it is on Florida’s Southwest Coast, tucked halfway between the thriving destinations of Sarasota and Venice.

It turned out to be perfect.

Our accommodations were at the Casey Key Resort – Mainland. It is a recently remodeled hotel with a huge indoor courtyard around a swimming pool with nice cabanas. Even better, there is a tiki bar and a large outdoor dining area overlooking the pool. Nightly live music adds to the atmosphere. For those who prefer indoor dining, there is a vibrant dining room and bar area.

From this location, situated right on Rte. 40 (Tamiami Trail), it was extremely easy to launch all exploration.

The lively tourist area of Siesta Key is just a few miles to the north. The historic and beautiful downtown area of Venice is just a few miles to the south.

Even more amazing is the abundance of golf in the immediate area.

Sure, there is plenty of golf in both Manatee and Sarasota Counties – all within a 45-minute drive. But the amount of golf in the immediate area, just a few minutes away along Tamiami Trail, is amazing. Here is just a sampling, going from South to North.

THE GOLF

Sarasota National – This private club, in a huge bundled community, is a playable and enjoyable trip through nature.

Pelican Pointe – A semi-private

club that allows limited outside play, Pelican Pointe is a welldesigned 27-hole layout. The wide fairways allow players to navigate their way through all of the water on the property. The views are quite stunning.

Lake Venice GC – This 27-hole municipal golf course allows daily fee access and has been voted the Best Public Course in Venice 2009-2018 and 2020. It is located on Venice Island, right across from the Gulf of Mexico. It also is adjacent to Venice Airport, affording an entertaining view of the constant small-plane landings and takeoffs during a round of golf.

Waterford – This 27-hole semi-private club provides a feeling of relaxed peace, with abundant natural landscape and wildlife. There are no contiguous holes on the course.

Calusa Lakes – This is a daily fee course, nestled in a beautiful wooded terrain. Houses are set back far from the course. Player-friendly layout.

Capri Isles – This par 72 layout was rebuilt and lengthened in 2003. The course has a

full driving range and an over-sized putting green.

Mission Valley – This traditional, older parkland style private club is one of the few in the area that is very walkable. Many members use push-carts.

The Venetian – This course was built in 2004 and recently went private after being bought by the Heritage Golf Group. A major renovation took place in 2022-’23 and the Venetian, located east of Tamiami Trail on Laurel Rd., is now one of the premier private clubs in the area.

Stonybrook Golf and CC – This semi-private club is part of a gated community in Palmer Ranch. The course was designed by Arthur Hills and affords excellent conditions, as well as a playable layout.

The Oaks Club – This 36-hole layout is one of the most exclusive

Pelican Pointe

private clubs in the area. The entrance, right on Tamiami Trail, is impressive. The homes and courses in the gated community are even more impressive.

WHAT TO DO

Spanish Point – Historic Spanish Point, on the west side of Tamiami Trail, is the South Campus of the famous Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. It is a 30-acre bayfront sanctuary devoted to native nature and regional history. There is an $18 daily fee for adults.

Oscar Scherer State Park –Located on the east side of Tamiami Trail, this state park covers 1,400 acres and includes 15 miles of trails. The Legacy Trail, a bicycling and walking trail built on an old railroad route, also runs along and connects to the park.

Nokomis Beach – A huge public park, this is one of the finest beaches in all of Florida. Plus, it provides driving access to Billionaires Row, along the Gulf of Mexico on famed Casey Key.

WHERE TO EAT

The entire length of Tamiami Trail – from South Venice and into Sarasota – is a constant stream of restaurants, of every variety. Here are three favorites.

The New Italian Grill – Located at 8620 S. Tamiami Trail on the very southern edge of Sarasota, this popular restaurant was bought by two lifelong friends from the Bronx and given a new life in 2022.

It features the best traditional Italian cuisine in the area in the beautifully renovated dining room, as well as a lively lounge scene.

Chef Rolf’s New Florida Kitchen – Located inside the Casey Key Resort – Mainland, this seafood haven has both indoor dining and an outdoor scene, with poolside tables and a popular tiki bar.

Cafe Venice – Located on Venice Ave. in Historic Downtown Venice, this is one of the most sophisticated restaurant/bars in the area. The continental cuisine is excellent and the atmosphere is very friendly.

Plus, on the right night, you might catch our contributing writer, Tony Leodora, performing in any of these locations. His Sounds of Sinatra … and More act has become quite popular in the area – after moving south from the Philadelphia/Atlantic City area. Check out his schedule at www.singinggolfer.com.

Bottom line – this little trip along the coast in the SarasotaVenice area turned out to be quite a pleasant surprise. Try it sometime soon.

Chef Rolf's New Florida Kitchen –Scallops

The Italian Grill

ORCA Golf

It’s never too early to start holiday shopping, especially if someone on your gift list is in the market for a topof-the line, custom designed golf bag from ORCA Golf.

It’s an easy 1-2-3 process with ORCA Golf’s online system.  Golfers can strut their style with tailor-made golf bags that reflect their personality, preferences, and playing needs. ORCA Golf’s customization platform allows customers to dive into a world of endless possibilities, where colors, fonts, features, accessories, logos, and functional elements blend seamlessly to craft the ultimate golf bag.

ORCA Golf’s bags are designed by the customer, with assistance from an in-house creative team, to deliver a unique, one-of-a-kind functional and stylish golf bag.

The Greatest Golf Stories Ever Told: Thirty Amazing Tales About the Greatest Game Ever Invented

Edited by Jeff Silverman

The perfect gift for anybody who has ever swung a club or marveled at the skill of touring professionals on television, The Greatest Golf Stories Ever Told is a compulsively readable collection of some of the most entertaining and insightful stories on the subject of golf.

ECCO GOLF

ECCO, makers of some of the most comfortable golf shoes on the market, recently unveiled its latest collection for the fall and winter seasons, which is highlighted by the all-new ECCO BIOM® TOUR.

With a competitive price point at $190, the eye-catching addition to the product line features ECCO GOLF’s pioneering BIOM® NATURAL MOTION® technology with a spiked sole design, and the Pivix spikes combined with additional grooves on the outsole ensure excellent traction and stability throughout the swing while the waterproof membrane keeps feet dry and comfortable in wet weather. In addition, the soft, ultra-light PHORENE™ midsole delivers bounce and energy return.

Once the initial design is crafted, a detailed mock-up of the customized bag is sent to the customer for approval. This step ensures that every aspect aligns with the customer’s vision before production begins, guaranteeing a bag

Contributions include some wellknown works from renowned writers of the genre, such as Dan Jenkins, Herbert Warren Wind, and John Updike, as well as some rare, lesser-known gems from George Plimpton, Bud Shrake, and the great F. Scott Fitzgerald. The thirty stories in this fascinating collection will lead you from tee to green, avoiding the bunkers while illustrating in vivid detail—through true and fictional tales—all the humor, drama, excitement, and emotion the game of golf is so richly steeped in.

that is nothing short of perfection.

From concept to delivery typically takes eight to ten weeks.  Prices range from $975 to $1400 per bag.

Throughout the production journey, ORCA Golf maintains open lines of communication. Customers are kept in the loop every step of the way, from sourcing materials to final assembly. ORCA Golf’s commitment to full concierge service offers seamless communication through text, FaceTime, phone, Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

For more information, visit:  https://orca-golf.com/pages/custom-bags

Adding to the BIOM® TOUR’s technical properties, ECCO FLUIDFORM™ Direct Comfort Technology ensures a finely tuned balance of cushioning and rebound, creating an integral, flexible and durable bond without the compromises common with stitched and/or glued assemblies. The new model’s TPU outsole offers exceptional durability, while a removable and washable Ortholite® insole supplies long-term cushioning.

Available in men’s sizes 39-48 (514 U.S.) and two colorways – Black and White – the ECCO BIOM® TOUR perfectly blends the performance and functionality of a spiked golf shoe with the superior comfort that golfers have come to expect from the Danish shoe brand. In addition to the BIOM® TOUR, updates to ECCO GOLF’s mainstay products including the BIOM® C4, BIOM® H4 and S-THREE are also available in the new line.

For further information about ECCO GOLF, please visit golf.ecco.com

Jerry Tucker (74) Becomes Oldest South Florida PGA Senior Professional Championship Winner

Assistant Professional at the Club at Ibis, appeared to be cruising to another title until he played his back nine at 3-over, finishing in the group one shot behind.

“I really didn’t play that bad,” Morin said. “At 17, I hit a shot right at the pin and couldn’t believe it was over the green into a bunker (for a bogey).

“It’s incredible what Jerry did. It just shows you the depth that this Section has. Jerry has proven himself for many years. To be able to hang with these guys at that age is pretty impressive.

First-round leader David Ladd of the Champions Club had the misfortune of receiving a two-shot penalty when he inadvertently hit the slope button on his rangefinder while measuring his approach to the par-4 sixth hole. A bogey on the hole became a triple-bogey, and even with three birdies on the back nine, Ladd (73) came up one shot short, tied with Morin, Tim Cantwell of PGA National (70) and Michael Valicenti (67) of PXG.

“I’m frustrated, but that’s what makes golf the greatest game in the world because you monitor yourself,” Ladd said. “It’s a game of integrity.”

The Stuart resident became the oldest player to win the South Florida Senior PGA Professional Championship on August 23rd at Lost Tree Club. Tucker fired a 5-under 67 to charge from five shots back to win by one over four players. He birdied five of his last seven holes to finish at 6-under 138.

“I’m almost shocked,” Tucker said. “Qualifying for my first U.S. Open was my biggest highlight, but this ranks in the top five because it was unexpected. I didn’t know if it was possible, between my game and the nerves.”

Tucker also became the first player to win the South Florida Senior PGA Professional

Championship five times – the first coming in 2000 and the last coming in 2007. The other wins were in 2004, 2006 and 2007.

The win qualifies Tucker for the 35th Senior PGA Professional Championship October 24-29 at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie. If he finishes in the top 35 there, he’d qualify for next year’s Senior PGA Championship.

“I’ve played in 19 majors and I’d really like to get to 20,” Tucker said. “That was my big goal this year. “It’s getting harder every year, especially because this is without a doubt the best Section for seniors in the country.”

Tucker got some unexpected help Tuesday to win. Defending champion Alan Morin, a PGA

And an ageless game, as well. Asked for the secret for his longevity, Tucker gave three reasons: 1) Desire; 2) Emphasis on short game; 3) Ability to hit different shots.

Joining Tucker, Morin, Ladd, Cantwell and Valicenti at the Senior PGA Professional Championship with good showings Tuesday were Eric Veilleux (69-142) of the Bear’s Club, Mike Melton (73-142) of Fairwinds Golf Course, Rod Curl Jr. (75-142) of Crane Watch at Evergreen and Steve Vecellio (73-143) of Frenchman’s Reserve, who won a playoff with a birdie for the final spot.

The South Florida Senior PGA Professional Championship is run by the South Florida PGA. Presenting Partners are JaniKing and Cadillac and Golf Channel is a Supporting Partner.

Our PGA Professionals traveled to Lake Nona Golf & Country Club to compete in the North Florida PGA Professional Championship. This championship is a special one, not just because all four Chapters from the Section come together, but because it provides a chance to secure a spot to play in the 2024 PGA Professional Championship. All eyes were on last year’s champion, John Somers, as he looked to defend his title this year. Somers started strong in round 1 by shooting 8-under 64 in the sizzling heat. Staying close behind was Rod Perry with a 5-under 67, Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth with a 4-under 68, Hayes Farley and Greg Koch with a 3-under 69. The leaderboard was tight

through round 2 as players battled for the title. Somers made an eagle on the par-5 11th hole and was able to secure a one-shot victory with a total of 10-under 134. Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth finished as Runner-Up with a total of 9-under 135.

Nine players total (6 qualifying spots and 3 already exempt players) will head to Frisco, Texas to compete in the 2024 PGA Professional Championship!

John Somers

Total Score: 10-under 134 (exempt)

Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth

Total Score: 9-under 135

Hayes Farley

Total Score: 6-under 138

Greg Koch

Total Score: 6-under 138 (exempt)

Sandra Changkija

Total Score: 3-under 141

Rod Perry

Total Score: 3-under 141 (exempt)

Emily Motta

Total Score: 1-under 143

Matt Borchert

Total Score: 1-under 143

Dalton Bartlett

Total Score: 1-under 143

We look forward to cheering you on in April!

PLENTY OF FALL LEFT TO PLAY

Because here in the heart of the Midwest, golf season tends to have plenty of staying power.

Branch out this fall and experience championship Pete Dye and Donald Ross courses together at one resort. This is bucket-list golf that’s well worth the trip.

2023 Hall of Fame Class

The Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame’s selection committee is pleased to announce the induction of four members as the 2023 Hall of Fame class. The committee has voted to induct Phil Armbruster, Cullan Brown, Jeff McGill, PGA, and Susan Stewart as this year’s class. The four represent various past, present, and future contributions to all aspects of golf in Kentucky.

Phil Armbruster has been involved in many facets

of the golf world. An accomplished golfer in his own right, his accolades include Low Junior at the 1964 Kentucky Amateur, qualifying for the USGA Junior Championship in both 1964 and 1965, and receiving a golf scholarship to play at the University of Florida. His business career in the golf industry was lifelong, and had the opportunity to impact many. A majority of his career was spent at Powerbilt, where his responsibilities included working with their sponsored tour players,

who continue to speak highly of him to this day. While at Powerbilt, he facilitated advancements for the game that touched all audiences in Kentucky. Since retiring from the industry, he has continued to serve through the Kentucky Golf Association Board of Directors, where he has held numerous leadership positions. During his time on the board, he has continued to impact broad audiences by helping found the Kentucky Youth on Course Caddy Program, initiating KGA Women’s Amateur Series events, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in Kentucky golf participation.

Cullan Brown is being posthumously inducted for his playing achievements and contributions to not only the game, but the golf and state communities. His highlights include a Rolex Junior All-American title, multiple prestigious tournament wins at events such as the 2016 KHSAA State Individual Championship and the AJGA Bass Pro Shops/Payne Stewart Junior Championship, and representing Team USA at the Evian Junior Cup Championship in Evian, France. His accolades continued while playing for the University of Kentucky, bagging four top-20 finishes his freshman year, tying the lowest 18-hole score with a 64, and being named to the SEC five-man All-Freshman team. He also received a sponsor’s exemption into the 2019 Barbasol Championship, making the cut and posting a score of 10-under par. Though Brown had an incredible playing career, he is perhaps best remembered for his actions off the course. Widely regarded as both a fantastic player and person, Brown leaves a lasting legacy for his infectious personality and impact on everyone he met.

Jeff McGill, PGA, has impacted players across the Commonwealth through his teaching and club tenures. He worked with talented players throughout his career,

from professionals on the PGA Tour to successful amateurs in Kentucky and collegiately. His role in shaping the success of these players is reflected in his teaching awards, highlighted by being a two-time Golf Digest Best Teacher in Kentucky, in addition to Kentucky PGA Section awards. His impacts continue with his work as a Head Golf Professional. Beginning at Madisonville Country Club in February of 1976, he spent five years as both the head golf professional and head greenskeeper. Other notable accomplishments include cutting-edge instruction, automating the golf shop, and organizing/facilitating tournaments and special events. In 1990, he started at Bowling Green Country Club until his retirement in 2019. He continued his teaching career and revamped the pro shop with an online feature. Additionally, McGill expanded the tournament calendar, automating the program and establishing pre-junior and junior golf programs with over 130 participants.

Susan Stewart is a decorated player whose accomplishments span over many years and levels. She played at Western Kentucky University on a golf scholarship. She continued her playing career since then, claiming many titles from the 1983 Amaretto di Saronno Pro-Lady Championship to an astonishing combined 36 Club Champion titles. Recently, she was a Kentucky Women’s Senior Amateur Champion in 2021 and 2022. On a national scale, she qualified for a combined eight USGA events across her career - two United States Girl’s Juniors, two United States Women’s Amateurs, and four United States Women’s Senior Amateurs. Additionally, along with 2022 Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame Inductee Tennye Ohr, Stewart helped found the Kentucky Women’s Open Championship. She was also a golf coach for grades 5-8 for four years at St. Agnes School.

| 176 DELUXE GUEST ROOMS | 2 CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSES | FITNESS CENTER | BIKE PATHS | MARINA | WALKING TRAILS |

Playing golf or caddying for golfers in high heat environments require a strategy to prevent dehydration. Staying hydrated means more than just water. Adding an electrolyte-based drink for the duration of a round, either store bought or homemade, will enhance golf performance.

What are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are positive and negative charged ions added to fluids. Electrolytes support cellular hydration, maintain the body’s core temperature, optimize muscle function, improve energy levels and help the brain stay mentally focused through a full round of golf. The main electrolytes are sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Sodium is the most important and first one to replete because it is the

Drink Your Way to Better Golf Performance with Electrolytes

primary electrolyte lost in sweat. Potassium, magnesium, and calcium are primarily found in plasma and muscles, not sweat. If you are prone to cramping in your muscles, make sure your diet is rich in potassium and magnesium rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts seeds, legumes. Depleted electrolytes can be a dangerous dehydration situation and force you to stop play. It is a common occurrence to feel drained and lose strength and focus playing during heat and humidity. With the support of a well-designed electrolyte drink, getting sick can be avoided.

Signs of Dehydration

Common symptoms of dehydration past the first hour of activity are increasing fatigue, dizziness, lowered

swing performance or strength to hit the ball as the round continues, possible muscle cramping, heart palpitations. Bad habits such as excess alcohol (more than one drink, or more than four cups of coffee) the night before play and or during a golf round, can contribute to dehydration.

Water Output/Losses

We lose anywhere from 1-3 quarts of water, through kidneys, sweating and expired air daily. Each pound of body weight lost is 16 fl oz. of fluid lost.

Exercising in high heat and humidity requires at least 1.5-3 times your body’s fluid needs. The formula for daily fluids needs: your weight divided by 2.

Example: Female: 150 lb. woman divided by 2 = 75. Daily fluid needs are 75 fl. oz. daily. 75 fl oz. x 1.5 -3 = 112- 225 fl oz. Male: 225 lb. male divided by 2 = 112.5 fl. oz. = 3.5 quarts + 1.5 – 3 extra quarts for the round of golf.

When Not To use an Electrolyte Drink:

If you have chronic kidney disease, or are on an ace inhibitor cardiac medication, have your physician approve your use of an electrolyte drink due to the added sodium and potassium in the drink.

By Alix B. Landman, M.P.H., R.D., C.D.C.E.S.

Take it on the Course

Salty foods like salted nuts, pretzels, crackers, salted trail mix, granola bars, and fruits are good snacks to take on the course. They can provide the electrolytes you need along with water. To make a homemade version of an electrolyte beverage mix these ingredients up; 8 fl oz. of a high potassium juice like orange, apricot or prune juice with 1/3 tsp. salt, 1 T. sugar

or honey and 24 fl oz. water. Mix thoroughly. This provides per quart (4 cup servings) 175 kcal, 791 sodium, 128 potassium, 10 carbs.

If the electrolyte beverage states “no added sugar” on the package, eat some healthy carbs with it such as raisins, dried fruit, apple, banana, crackers or granola bar.

Be careful if following an extremely low carbohydrate “keto” diet, (less than 20 grams daily),

and selecting an electrolyte drink with zero carbs. The electrolytes will not be as effective in keeping the body hydrated and the muscles will fatigue quicker.

Caffeine added to an Electrolyte beverage

Some electrolyte products have caffeine. One cup of regular coffee has 100 mg. / 8 oz. Caffeine is considered an ergogenic aid which can increase performance and mental focus. If you are sensitive to caffeine, be aware that is might be in the product you select.

Guidelines in Electrolyte Product Selection

The following guidelines will help you choose a good electrolyte beverage. Tablets and packets reduce waste from excessive plastic bottle use.

Guidelines in order of importance per 32 fl oz. serving: Carbs- 10 grams from sucrose, maltose, or maltodextrin

Sodium: 500-750 mg

Potassium: 100-300mg

Magnesium: 30-50mg

Calcium: 30-100mg

A Turf Pirate's Journal $ Birds of a Feather$

Congratulations Turf Pirates

it seems we have found our way through another Summer; I know there is a bit of warm weather left here and there throughout the golf world but by in large the nights are cooler and the days are shorter. Well done! It’s this time of year when the environmentally focused Turf Pirate starts thinking about seeding native grasses and wild flowers and the ways they might align their great golf courses to show case the great green spaces that they are an integral part of. Once established Native areas create food and habitat for so many local plants and wildlife. This is especially true in urban areas where golf courses provide essential habitat/green space for many species. It takes a bit of vision and some perseverance as these areas are lower maintenance but they are not zero maintenance. The effort is always worth it and at my last property we converted 46 acres from high maintenance turf to native grasses and wildflowers

over an 8-year period. We used less water and saw big increases in pollinators and birds of all shapes and sizes but it’s the raptors that golfers seem to revere and notice the most. Hawks, owls and falcons to name a few. They are striking to see and add an extra experience to the golf experience.

It is a common trait among turf pirates to expand things and build relationships that to some seem odd but to the turf pirate seem quite logical. See we all know that managed properly golf courses are environmentally awesome and financially strong (environomic). Beyond this basic concept is some

pure feel-good opportunities. I have worked with several raptor rehab organizations over the years to release birds that have been healed through their amazing efforts back into the wild, onto our golf courses. (Note the attached photo of a release of a young hawk that had been injured, treated and then released safely onto the golf course. Look closely just to my right and see the bird and note how good the feathers are at matching the surroundings!) It seems that birds of a feather do indeed flock together. Now I have many raptor stories since I began expanding our habitat and native planting programs. I have safely boxed injured birds and delivered them to raptor centers, I have renested owl fledglings (there eyes are the bluest thing I have ever seen and it turns out that it’s a protective covering sort of like a cataract that protects them when they fight in the nest with other fledglings then fades as they mature, who knew?)

I have had pictures of our work published in dozens of magazines including the Wall Streeet Journal. This journey all started with the first acre that I converted to native grasses some 35 years ago.

With Fall rapidly approaching what green good can you do as the steward of your amazing golf property? Even the smallest deed done trumps the grandest of intentions so think it though, reach out to other Turf Pirates for suggestions or encouragement and sow some seeds literally and figuratively for a better greener future. Whether it’s native areas, pollinator gardens or nest boxes look for a way to start or grow your green legacy and you will be amazed where it will take you. It’s usually about now that we raise our glass to something or someone of worth and this time Turf Pirates raise your glass to the great raptors and those who watch over them, may we all be so bold as to fly high, dancing on ethereal winds!

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Naples Lakes Keeps Breaking Stewardship Barriers

In 2021, when Audubon International awarded Naples Lakes Country Club a plaque marking 20 years as an Audubon Certified Sanctuary Program for Golf member, management made sure to display it prominently and proudly so the 700-plus members couldn’t miss it.

“It’s posted as you walk into the clubhouse downstairs, past the administrative offices and into the pro shop,” says Greg Weaver, who took over at Naples Lakes Country Club as the golf course superintendent in early 2022, working his way up from assistant superintendent since 2006.

As a member-owned private club in Naples, Florida region that’s rife with great courses, Naples Lakes has much to recommend. It boasts a playable, beautiful, and wildlife-rich Arnold Palmer signature Design. It’s a gated residential community that blends well into the verdant 490-acre landscape including 200 acres of protected nature preserves and lakes. The club offers activities galore and a well-established

culture of sustainability

Weaver oversaw ACSP for Golf recertification process last spring with unwavering support from the greens committee, his staff, and the community as a whole — and, as always, strong guidance from Audubon International.

“It’s been good working with them. There are always changes [in requirements between recertifications], with more pressure on pollutants — some of the water testing they require

are a little [tougher], but we’re sustainable and it’s going to continue that way.”

Weaver’s quest for good water quality across the property never ceases. “We’ve done some lake bank reshaping over the years. We planted native grasses along the lake banks, and also have a buffer strip of grass cut to three inches, to help collect nutrients and runoff so it doesn’t go in the lake.”

A key element in the club’s recertification was a case study built on Weaver’s “Greens Biomass Enhancement” project. “We wanted to decrease the amount of granular nitrogen used on the greens and increase the quality of the organisms in the soil profile, and through increased aerification, increase quality of biomass in the soil,” he said. The result was “more consistent water movement through the soil profile, better gas exchange, reduced disease pressure, and better playability for the members.”

Then there’s the club’s commitment to wildlife habitat. On June 6, Naples Lakes joined dozens of other courses around the United

A small buck checking out the tall grass at Naples Lake (Photo by Greg Weaver)

A caterpillar shows it colors during BioBlitz at Naples Lake (Photo by Mike Powers)

The 5th hole at Naples Lake

States and Canada in Audubon International’s first “BioBlitz” competition since pre-pandemic days. Led by Monica Higgins, the club’s recently retired second assistant superintendent, a small group of members identified a total of 391 species of flora and fauna — 272 types of plants, fungi and lichens, 45 types of birds, 41 insects and arachnids, 12 reptiles and fish, 11 mammals, seven mammals (from Brazilian Free-tailed bat to Florida black bear) and three others.

“It was only a one-day event,” Weaver says. “Monica had twelve members who helped her as well. Before it was a week-long event, and member involvement has always been great — you need all eyes and ears out there for counting wildlife. I’ve seen all the bears, deer, and coyotes. Years ago I used to see a couple of foxes, I haven’t seen them in a while, but we’re very diverse.”

Weaver’s deep-seated love of nature and the outdoors translated well to Florida from his native Marshallville, Ohio, a tiny village where he took up golf as a youngster — his dad was an avid player and his uncle is a PGA Professional — and where he was immersed in the local farming lifestyle. “I enjoy working outside. We grew an acre of sweet corn and sold it at the road. Growing up in rural northeast Ohio, I learned a lot about gardening and turf. We grew everything under the sun. You name it, we canned and jammed it. I just enjoyed the outdoors.”

By the time he found his way to Naples Lakes he was well-versed in his adopted golf-rich state’s dedication to environmental stewardship.

“The state of Florida was the first one to start best management practices [for golf courses], and we

want to follow those guidelines,” he says. “A lot has changed as far as using less nitrogen-based fertilizers [for instance]; we’re going with bio stimulants in my greens program. There’s a lot of things have changed in the last three to five years to help put fewer pollutants in the environment.”

Hence Audubon International’s continued tweaks to its ACSP for Golf requirements, which, Weaver says, always keep him and his staff striving for new heights in sustainability practices. “We want to do more things for the wildlife,” he says. “We’re looking at doing something for the ospreys. We have bluebird boxes, a bunch of purple martin locations, owl boxes. I’d like to get beehives out here as well. If you have bee boxes on property, you’ve got pollinators.

“As landscaping goes there’s always something new and better coming along. You’re constantly changing out landscaping and refreshing it. Sustainability is there not only for aesthetics, but for the wildlife as well.”!

For more on Naples Lake, visit www.napleslakesfl.com.

To learn more about how your local golf course can gain recognition for your environmental efforts and learn how to expand

your initiatives through Audubon International’s numerous environmental certifications, visit www.auduboninternational.org.

Audubon International, an environmentally focused nonprofit organization, offers members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we live, work, and play. Their certifications are designed to increase environmental awareness, encourage sustainable environmental efforts, and educate both their members and their communities.

Otters are among the many species calling Naples Lake home.

Naples Lake superintendent Greg Weaver spotted this black bear recently making his way through the property.

Just two of the many species birds recorded during Naples Lake’s BioBlitz in June (Photo by Monica Higgins)

The 4th hole at Naples Lake

by Mark Kann

Celebration Hybrid™ Bermudagrass Hits the Ground Running

After several years of small plot testing and acreage expansion, Celebration Hybrid™ Bermudagrass is now being installed at a number of golf courses in Florida for larger testing and evaluation for possible future renovations. This is the next major step for the Celebration Hybrid program to continue building awareness of the brand and getting it in the hands of end users who will ultimately be the ones that will judge the merits of the grass.

Celebration Hybrid was the first release from the Celebration X Breeding Program conducted in cooperation between Mississippi State University and Sod Solutions. The program was initiated in 2014 and was designed to cross Celebration with other bermudagrasses to develop improved hybrid varieties of Celebration. After years of research and testing, Sod Solutions chose Celebration Hybrid to be the first release from the program in Sept. 2022 because it was an aggressive growing turfgrass with finer texture, higher density, reduced seed head production, and improved drought and shade tolerance.

Star Turf Farms has the largest amount of Celebration Hybrid in production at this time. General Manager Jonathan Lallement said that they chose to produce Celebration Hybrid because of their success with the original Celebration Bermudagrass and have been very pleased with the density and color of Celebration Hybrid. They continue to receive inquiries about the grass and all of their customers of Celebration Hybrid have had nothing but good things to say about it. Lallement

also commented that the grass has harvested very nicely as slabs, as well as rolls of sod.

Turf Production Division Manager at Quality Turf Glen

Wotipka said they chose to grow Celebration Hybrid because it was a hybrid, intermediate grass similar to Tifway 419, which is right along the lines of what their customers want in the golf and sports field sectors. Wotipka said he has not seen very much of a thatch build-up for such an aggressive growing turfgrass. He also commented that he has not

seen much disease occurrence with the grass, and it responds very well to fertilizer applications.

Matt Taylor, Director of Golf Course Operations and Facilities at Royal Poinciana Golf Club in Naples, FL was one of the first courses to look at selections from the Celebration X Program. He showed interest in Celebration Hybrid (known at MSB 1017 at the time) early on.

“Based on the performance of the Celebration Hybrid in the trial plots we had on the driving range for several years; it made logical sense to expand our trial and install the grass at our nursery complex for further evaluation. We first installed Celebration Bermuda in 2008. We have been happy with the grass and our membership also is in favor of staying with Celebration for future renovations,” Taylor shared.

“If the Celebration Hybrid is an improvement on what we currently have, it would only make sense to continue to explore that option. We are seeing darker green color and a little different texture as compared to Celebration. However, time will tell. So far, we are liking what we see,” he added.

Star Turf Farms has 3.25 acres of Breeder’s material at their Sebring Farm and plan on having an additional 30 acres of Foundation material by the end of the year. Star Turf Farms also currently has 65 acres of Celebration Hybrid in production at their Indiantown location. Quality Turf has 0.75 acres of Breeder material at their Fort Meade location.

If you are interested in Celebration Hybrid for a future project, visit SodSolutionsPro.com/ about/contact.

Celebration Hybrid™ at Royal Poinciana Golf Club in Naples, FL on June 6, 2023.

Celebration Hybrid Harvest July 2023 at Star Turf Farms

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

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Sunn 12-0-0 Blend

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ITEM# 160021

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

FOR ALL GOLF IS AND ALL IT CAN BE