Rolling fairways andfive sets of teesoffer new challengesevery time you drive the ball.
Lexington Oaks GolfClub
Withamultitude of lakes and wetlands addingchallenge and character to thecourse, it's hardtoforgetaroundhere.
Plantation PalmsGolfClub
Challenginggreens, rolling terrain andtight landings make this coursea true golfer's dream play.
lake JovitaGolf &CountryClub
The picturesquerollinghills and elevationchangeson Lake Jovita's twocourseswill test yourskills.
BeaconWoodsGolfClub
Eachholeisdesignedtobringout thebestin bothnoviceand pro golfers, with sportingfairways and well-guardedgreens.
TheGrovesGolf&CountryClub
Designed with nature's best interestsinmind, The Groves isknown asThe Longest Short Coursein Florida.
Saddlebrook Resort&GolfClub
Boasting two picturesque ArnoldPalmer-designed courses, it.'sno surprise Saddlebrook isa well-known destinationfor world-classgolf.
Seven SpringsGolf & Country Club
Withone course perfect for beginners andanotherthat will challenge thepros, the whole family willhavea great time playinghere.
CHOOSE A LAWN THAT FEELS AS GREAT AS IT LOOKS
Grass can be soft to the touch, resistant to weeds & bugs and also stand up to daily wear & drought.
EMPIRE IS THAT GRASS
Booking now through 2025.
Getting to BOYNE Golf has never been easier... Whether flying into nearby Traverse City (TVC) from 20 U.S. airports or our newly renovated private 5200’ airport at Boyne Mountain, our 10 magnificent courses are closer than you think. Call 855.427.6316 to book now through 2025!
Globally Golf
After the 2024 Paris Olympics, the excitement in the golfing world is palpable. Full of moments that move and connect us on a global scale. The golf community also suffered a great loss in the positive global influence that was our beloved, Chi-Chi Rodriquez. I’ll never forget meeting him at The Villages years ago, where he and Jay Golden collaborated on a charitable art piece. Paint brushes and putters in place of swords begat another mark of positivity, influencing this poem in memory of this beloved legend.
2009 North Florida PGA Amateur of the
Publisher: Terrie L. Purdum (terrie@golfcentralmag.com)
Editor in Chief: Shannon Coates (shannon@golfcentralmag.com)
Graphic Design: Melahn Cable
Social Media Manager: Nafanua Marlowe
Turf Pirate: Anthony Williams
Social Media Consultant & Editorial Contributor: Kennedy Lee
Editorial Marketing Writer & Multimedia Content Creator: Joseph Harmon
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.
International Correspondent: Dave Finn
Contributing Writers: Jay Golden, PGA; Bob Bolton, Greg Corbo, Elisa Gaudet, Holly Geoghegan, Mike Jamison, Mike May, Anthony Williams, Tres Fenton, Ronald Malone
The first ever Nicklaus Heritage Course. A 10-hole Tiger Woods Playground Course. Jack’s Bay Club is the first and only residential community in the world with courses by both The Golden Bear and Tiger. 15 holes will be directly on the azure seas and pink sands of Eleuthera, Bahamas.
An oasis for the soul, Jack’s Bay spans 1,200 privately-owned acres and stretches over four miles of beachfront. It features an enviable slate of Club amenities and unforgettable experiences that will leave an imprint on your family.
You are invited to inquire about the Atlantic Club Cottages and our Beachfront, Oceanview and Golf Homes. www.jacksbayclub.com/golf-central +1 (800) 320-6281 sales@jacksbayclub.com
Experience Mountain Golfing at Its Finest: Discover Bent Tree
Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Bent Tree offers an unparalleled golfing experience that combines the beauty of nature with the elegance of a private community. Our 18-hole championship golf course is the crown jewel of Bent Tree, providing a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. Designed to harmonize with the natural landscape, our course features rolling fairways that blend seamlessly with the surrounding scenery.
But Bent Tree is more than just a golf course—it’s a lifestyle. As a private community, we offer exclusive access to a range of amenities that cater to the desires of our residents and visitors.
Our Private Pass, available on an annual basis, grants you entry to all that Bent Tree has to offer.
Beyond golf, Bent Tree boasts a variety of recreational activities and facilities designed to enrich your life. Our Tennis and Pickleball Center features both clay and hard courts, providing
the ideal setting for both casual play and competitive matches.
Water lovers will appreciate our lake, perfect for fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying a peaceful afternoon by the water. The lakeside beach and pavilion provide a delightful setting for family picnics and community gatherings. Our outdoor swimming pools offer a refreshing escape during the warmer months, while our hiking trails provide year-round opportunities to stay active and healthy.
Our community is designed to
coexist harmoniously with the environment, offering a serene and tranquil atmosphere that is hard to find elsewhere. The lush forests, sparkling streams, and abundant wildlife create a backdrop of pure beauty that enhances every aspect of life in Bent Tree.
In addition to our recreational amenities, Bent Tree also features a vibrant social scene. The Tavern at The 19th Hole is a popular gathering spot, offering delicious dining options, a full-service bar, and regular events that bring the community together. From karaoke and trivia nights to special holiday celebrations, there’s always something happening at the Tavern.
For those considering making Bent Tree their home, our real estate options range from
charming cottages to luxurious mountain estates, each designed to complement the natural surroundings. Living in Bent Tree means waking up to stunning mountain views, enjoying the peace and quiet of a private community, and having access to an array of amenities that cater to your every need.
For visitors, our Private Pass provides a taste of the Bent Tree lifestyle. Whether you’re a solo golfer or a family with a desire for adventure, you’ll find that Bent Tree offers the perfect blend of relaxation and recreation. Our proximity to Atlanta—just an hour’s drive north—makes us an easily accessible retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Bent Tree is more than just a destination; it’s a community where you can truly live your best life. Whether you’re an avid golfer, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone seeking a tranquil place to call home, Bent Tree has something for everyone.
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Let’s Go! Golfwear
Let’s Go! Golfwear began as a playful joke among friends. Our buddy Jimmy was obsessed with a particular brand of polos and wouldn’t stop telling us to buy them for our golf outings. To mess with him, we decided to select another brand and make a big show of rubbing it in his face. This prank soon sparked a creative idea: what if we designed our own shirts to poke fun at our friend?
Jimmy had a habit that made him the perfect muse for our designs. He would burst into a room clapping his hands and shouting, “Let’s go!” His enthusiasm was infectious, and it became a running joke among us. Inspired by this, we thought it would be hilarious to create a polo featuring a monkey with cymbals, mimicking Jimmy’s energetic chant. This concept captured the spirit of his lively personality in a
humorous and memorable way. When we looked into the cost of producing a few custom polos, we were taken aback by the steep price—upwards of $500 for a small batch. This made us reconsider our approach. Instead of making just a few shirts as a joke, why not turn this concept into a business? We realized that every golfer has their own funny, embarrassing, or memorable stories. Why not capture these moments on a shirt?
Our brainstorming sessions led to the birth of Let’s Go! Golfwear. Our vision was to create high-quality golf polos that told the unique stories of golfers. Each design would be inspired by real-life experiences and anecdotes, making our shirts more than just clothing—they would be conversation starters and cherished mementos.
We put Jimmy’s face on a monkey for our first design, encapsulating his iconic “Let’s go!” chant. This became our company logo and set the tone for our brand. The initial concept was met with laughter and excitement, encouraging us to pursue this venture seriously. We
believed that other golfers would appreciate the blend of humor and personal storytelling, and we were eager to see how far we could take this idea.
Our mission with Let’s Go! Golfwear is to build a community of golfers united by their shared experiences. We aim to connect golfers through the stories that make their game unique, one polo at a time. We invite our community to share their stories with us, and we design our polos based on these real-life experiences. Everyone has stories, some funny, some embarrassing, and we wanted to put them on a shirt.
Jullian Van Johnson
Jullian’s extraordinary journey in golf begins at just six weeks old. The family took a trip to an iconic location: Pebble Beach, which is where his parents got him his first U.S. Kids Golf putter. Jullian found himself on the 18th green of Pebble Beach with his father, his first club already in tow. This special moment was a sign of the remarkable path that lay ahead.
By the time he could walk at 10 months old, Jullian was ready to learn how to grip the putter that had been waiting for him. His parents had installed a custom putting green in their living room; this unique setup allowed Jullian to take his first steps and his first putts almost simultaneously.
Recognizing his natural talent, Jullian’s parents enrolled him in his first golf camp at the age of four. The LABsters camp in Vancouver, led by Coach Chris Lutz and Matthew Palsenberg, provided an environment for Jullian to hone his skills. His exceptional ability quickly became evident, and he thrived under the guidance of his coaches.
At five years old, Jullian’s family moved to Bear Mountain in Victoria, Canada, home to 36 holes of Nicklaus design golf. This move was pivotal in Jullian’s development as a golfer. His father, a TPI coach, collaborated with the Team Canada juniors, and the family billeted the Team Canada Junior boys and girls. This arrangement allowed Jullian to compete with elite young golfers, further sharpening his skills.
When Jullian turned eight, the family relocated to Arizona, a move that opened new opportunities for him. Since then, he has earned two U.S. Kids Golf tournament wins and one Southwest PGA tournament win.
His talent and dedication have led him to work with renowned coaches such as Rob Ratcliffe from Team Canada, Martin Chuck and Bryan Geiberger from Tour Striker, and George Gankas.
Jullian’s journey recently came full circle when he played Spanish Bay at Pebble Beach and Bandon Dunes for the third time. These experiences not only brought back
memories of his early days for his father, but also made it clear how far he has come.
One of Jullian’s proudest achievements is his personal best score of 69 at the Junior National Club of Arizona. This milestone is a testament to his hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of his family.
Jullian’s story is one of passion,
perseverance, and an unyielding love for the game of golf. From his first steps on a custom putting green to competing in prestigious tournaments, Jullian’s journey is a shining example of what can be achieved with talent, dedication, and a supportive environment. As he continues to grow and excel, the golfing world eagerly watches the rise of this young player.
Where did you grow up? Jupiter, FL
Which group of people did you associate most with in high school? I was friends with everyone.
Do you enjoy playing golf? Are there any golfers in your family? Yes! My grandfather is a big golfer.
What do you feel makes this club special? The fox squirrels of course! Also, the staff!
What is your favorite part of being a cart girl? What is your least favorite part? Favorite is all of the people I meet & the connections I make.
If you weren’t a cart girl, what would you be doing? I would be finishing school and becoming a designer.
What is your memorable moment working as a cart girl? When I made a hole-in-one on hole 13 as a celebrity shot!
What is the funniest thing you’ve ever seen on the golf course? An older man terrified of a squirrel and was running around on the green.
What hobbies do you enjoy? Anything artistic.
What is your idea of “the perfect date”? Some fun activity and then a picnic on the beach.
Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails? Both!
Favorite type of movie? Romance
What else would you like for us to know about you? I am a senior at the University of Central Florida studying Studio Art & Design
Sophie Quagliaroli
•Exploretwo 18-holechampionshipcourses: Apple Valley and Bald Mountain.
• Rumbling Bald boasts 36-holesofpremiergolfin North Carolina.
• The Bald MountainandAppleValleycoursesweavethroughourlandscape, servingasa unifyingelementofourcommunity.
• Delightin breathtaking mountain and lakevistasasyou startyourgameon our acclaimedcourses.
• At Rumbling Bald, every dayspenton thegolfcourseisagreatday.
In a festive ballroom in Wichita on a Saturday evening, more than 300 attendees gathered for what has become a much-anticipated event: the U.S. Adaptive Open Players’ Dinner. It’s equal parts celebration, reunion and official kickoff to a championship week that is unlike any other on the USGA schedule.
For the first time in its young history, the U.S. Adaptive Open is being held somewhere other than Pinehurst No. 6, which hosted the first two editions of the championship. This year’s venue, Sand Creek Station Golf Course in Newton, Kan., is a public course
By Greg Midland
3 Things to Know: 3rd U.S. Adaptive Open
that hosted the final U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship in 2014.
As has been the case for the previous two U.S. Adaptive Opens, the practice rounds offer an opportunity for players to plan out their strategies as well as reconnect with fellow competitors who they might not cross paths with very often.
“It’s awesome to be back. I’m really great friends with a lot
of these people,” said Amanda Cunha, 20, who became legally blind in 2021 and won the female visual impairment category in this championship the last two years. “For the three years that I’ve been playing adaptive golf, I’ve really been able to make really strong connections.”
Here are 3 things to know heading into Monday’s opening round.
Bailey Bish and Kipp Popert (Jeff Haynes/USGA)
Winners (Jeff Haynes/USGA)
Qualifying and a Cut
Thirty players are making their U.S. Adaptive Open debuts this year. Some earned their way into the field via an exemption or committee selection and others through qualifying, which was conducted at six sites in the U.S. this spring. It was the first time qualifying was offered for this championship, and the result is a field that represents even more pathways of entry to what has become the most coveted title in adaptive golf. Another major difference this year is the presence of a 36-hole cut. The following will advance to the final round on Wednesday, July 10: the top 20 overall male players and ties and top three men and ties from each Impairment Category; and top 10 overall female players and ties and top two women and ties from each Impairment Category. In addition, any player within five strokes of the leader in their Impairment Category will make the final day. It’s yet another evolution for a championship that is on the forefront both in the competition it provides and the inspiration it generates.
Railroad Crossing
Opened in 2006, Sand Creek Station takes its name from the tributary that flows through town, as well as Newton’s past and present as a freight railroad hub. The busy tracks used by the BNSF Railway Company are adjacent to the course property. The par-72 course features multiple teeing grounds that offer the needed number of yardage options for the 96-player field, made
up of competitors representing eight distinct impairment categories. It is already getting positive reviews following the two days of practice rounds.
“The fairways are bentgrass and the ball just comes off so nice,” said Larry Celano, 55, who competes in the seated player division. “I’m from Arizona, so I know good golf courses because we have some of the best in the world. This is right there with them.”
“I’m so excited to be at a new course and have a new experience this year,” said Ryanne Jackson, 26, the reigning overall women’s champion. “There’s a lot more trouble off the tee here, so I think a big key is going to be getting off the tee well and then, as always, putting.”
International Flavor
While this championship is taking place in America’s heartland, don’t be surprised if the champions and category winners have significant international representation. There are 11 different countries represented in this year’s field, and the championship is still waiting for its first American men’s champion; Simon Lee of Korea won in 2022 and Kipp Popert of England took the title last year.
Additionally, the top five players in the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD) are international male competitors, including first-time U.S. Adaptive Open participant Brendan Lawlor of Ireland, who is ranked third. Lawlor made history in 2020 by becoming the first player with a disability to compete in a DP World Tour event.
Greg Midland is the editorial director at the USGA. You can email him at gmidland@usga.org.
Austin Brown grabs ball on the ninth hole during the second round. (Jeff Haynes/USGA)
Rose Veldman plays a shot on the 12th hole during the final round (Jeff Haynes/USGA)
Ricky Reilly plays a shot on the eighth hole during the final round (Jeff Haynes/USGA)
Max Togisala plays a shot on the 11th tee during the final round (Jeff Haynes/USGA)
Where were you born? Did you grow up there? I was born in Appleton, Wisconsin. I moved to Michigan, Alabama, and then a few different places in Wisconsin before going back to Appleton in the 7th grade.
What do you do for a living? I’m an attorney for a civil defense firm in Orlando, Florida.
What would you like to do for a living? Hockey play-by-play announcer/TV commentator
Aside from golf; what do you prefer for fun and relaxation? Beach/outdoor days with family, friends and a good drink.
Whom do you most admire for their inner and outer beauty? Selena Gomez
Tell us about your first kiss? I was 16 or 17 and a girl at my school kissed me as we were walking from the building to our cars after class. I was not expecting it at all and will never forget that.
Steak, chicken, or seafood? Steak & Shrimp/Scallops. Can’t go wrong with surf & turf.
Tell us something about yourself that only your closest friends know I used to play the Tuba.
What do you find to be the most annoying habit people demonstrate on the golf course? People who get too frustrated at themselves and make it less fun for the group they’re playing with.
Given the choice; would you select love, success, or money to keep yourself happy? I think if you love what you do, you’re more likely to think of yourself as successful and find happiness that way.
What three people would you most like to play with in your fantasy golf foursome? Aaron Rodgers, George W. Bush, DJ Khaled
Favorite comedian? My former teammate/ linemate in college, Jack (Jerry) Critser
Last book you read? Nikola Tesla’s autobiography by Margaret Cheney
Favorite charity to support? Autism Speaks
Ben Koester
Where were you born? Did you grow up there? Minot, North Dakota. After growing up out of state, I ended up back there for High School and stayed through college. Fun fact- I graduated high school with 17 people!
Is “acting your age” overrated? Absolutely. Age is just a number. What matters is who you surround yourself with, no matter the age. Everyone can learn something from someone.
What do you do for a living? I’m a Florida licensed General Contractor, specializing in concrete & masonry building. I also do custom new home builds and remodels for clients. The golf course is a great escape from all the noise.
When you were younger, what did you think you were going to be when you grew up? A lawyer or an architect.
Aside from golf, what do you prefer for fun and relaxation? For fun, anything involving the outdoors and nights in with my group of friends. We always have the best time. For relaxation, gardening and doing whatever my old dog, Banjo wants to do.
Whom do you most admire for their inner and outer beauty?
My grandma was the epitome of inner beauty. She radiated a warmth that many women strive to have. She was so genuinely caring and kind to everyone. She never met a stranger. You were loved when you were around her. My best friend, Denice, reminds me of her. Her inner beauty shines through in everything she does.
What three things would you need to survive on a deserted island? A knife, sunscreen, and something to write my thoughts down with.
Who would you like to have with you on the same deserted island; and why? My dad! He’s a skilled carpenter and an avid hunter/fisherman. We would have food & Shelter in no time at all.
What do you find to be the most annoying habit people demonstrate on the golf course? Temper Tantrums- That bad shot doesn’t define you, but your actions after do. And Slow play.
Name the three most important things to you in this world: Quality Sleep, Good health, and a solid playlist for any occasion.
Given the choice; would you select love, success, or money to keep yourself happy? Self-Love first, because with that, all other love I receive becomes more meaningful and everything else I need in life will follow.
What do you fear the most? I have an irrational fear of rats and mice and being trapped inside of a room. I also fear getting Alzheimer’s or Dementia and not remembering the wonderful life I’ve lived. I sure hope they find a cure for that soon.
What three people would you most like to play with in your fantasy golf foursome? Charley Hull, Tiger Woods, Scottie Scheffler– 100%.
What are some of your great accomplishments? Getting my master’s degree during the most chaotic time of my life, obtaining my General Contractor’s license after years of putting in the work, and purchasing my home. “They told me I couldn’t, That’s why I did.”
Brie Steig
What is something on your bucket list? Travel to Norway during July for the long days and the midnight sun. I’d also love to sky dive in the Florida Keys, which I plan to accomplish this year.
Favorite charity to support? Any local charity where all the money raised stays within my community. I am a passionate supporter of SPARCC here in Sarasota. They were there for me once upon a time, and I am grateful to be in the position now to give back to them.
What else would you like for us to know about you? I am grateful to be surrounded by some of the best people. My favorite holiday tradition is Christmas Eve with my adopted Florida family. The answer is always yes to a tee time. Oh, and I am a huge Minnesota Vikings fan (SKOL!)
Photo by Bob Bolton
Boca West Country Club
Unveils New $70 Million 110,000 Square Foot Lifestyle Center
Boca West Country Club held the official unveiling of its 110,000-square-foot, fully renovated, two-story Lifestyle Center on July 29. The Lifestyle Center has nearly doubled in size.
The $70 million major club enhancement demonstrates the Club’s ongoing success in providing members with best-in-class amenities.
“Our new Lifestyle Center rivals any five-star resort in the world and our members are thrilled,” said Matthew Linderman, CCM, President and CEO of Boca West Country Club. “Generations of families are enjoying the amenities, and we are excited to elevate the member experience to unprecedented heights. This facility allows us to truly showcase the pinnacle of country club living: it is Country Club life reimagined.”
The fully refreshed Lifestyle Center includes a 96,000 square foot Aquatic Complex, which opened in December 2024. It also includes 20,000 square feet of fitness studios, with state-of-theart technology for spin, aerobics, Pilates and core training. The expansion also includes enhanced activity areas, including a fully renovated spa, cabana shop, poker
room, card room, game lounge, locker rooms/lounge, business center, and Market Square, as well as several restaurants, including Cabana Bar & Grill, an alfresco restaurant and bar overlooking the pools and the Palmer Golf Course. Additional dining options are scheduled to open in the coming months.
•The fitness center includes 160 cardio and weight resistance machines, along with five fitness studios offering a variety of classes
•The spa (The Salon at Boca West) features 36 hair and nail stations and a separate barber shop for men
•The card room features 57 tables and the poker room includes six tables
• The game lounge includes three billiard tables, two ping pong tables, and one shuffleboard
•The lifestyle locker room includes steam rooms, whirlpools, and showers
• The business center has five desktop computers and two printers
A beautiful destination for couples and families alike, the seismic Aquatics Center showcases Oasis, a luxurious adult pool with submerged loungers; a four-lane lap pool; a family pool with zero entry; a teaching pool; and a kids’ pool with a splash pad. It also features an expansive, tropical plush landscaped pool deck; Cabana Bar & Grill, an alfresco restaurant and bar overlooking the pools as well as the Palmer Golf Course; a Pool House with showers and lockers; a multipurpose event space; and two activity lawns. For more information, visit bocawestcc.org. To inquire about club membership, call (561) 488-6934
Boca West Country Club Board of Governors and Boca West’s President and CEO, Matthew Linderman, CCM .Front Row (left to right): Bob Lerner, Jeanine Banks (Chairman of the Board), Matthew Linderman (President, COO & General Manager), Robin Shulman, Joan Attermann, Mark Haberman. Back Row (left to right): Arthur Adler, Steve Roth, Danny Schulman, Barry Roberts
Despite the fact that summer will soon transition into fall, that’s no reason to delay a beachside/ oceanside getaway until next year. One of the best beachside/ oceanside retreats – at any time of the year – in the Southeast is Jekyll Island, Georgia. What makes Jekyll Island such an attractive destination is that only 35 percent of the island is developed since the entire island is owned and protected by the State of Georgia.
On Jekyll Island, there are many beachside hotels which have access to ten miles of sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean where you can enjoy leisurely seaside strolls, construct sand castles, go body surfing, search for seashells, and/or go fishing from the beach. My favorite beachside property is Jekyll Island Ocean Club, where the views out to sea are soothing and the on-site pool deck is a nice alternative if you are not a fan of the sand or the salt water.
While on Jekyll Island, the list of recreational things-to-do is diverse.
Here, you have access to kayak tours, bicycle rides, bird watching, tennis, paddle boarding, horseback riding, boating, canoeing, mini golf, and croquet. Plus, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a fascinating destination and the guided trolley tours of Jekyll Island are enlightening and entertaining. And, there’s golf at the Jekyll Island Golf Club, which is a member of the Georgia Golf Trail.
Once you arrive on Jekyll Island, you will probably find it difficult leaving. A late check-out on the day of your departure may not suffice. Instead, you should seriously consider extending your stay by a day or two.
“Jekyll Island is one of America’s
favorite vacation destinations where you can go to unwind and relax, breathe in the fresh air, eat locally caught seafood, take long walks along the beach, enjoy poolside siestas, and relish time off the grid,” said Doug Hollandsworth, Founder, Georgia Golf Trail. “And, for golfers, the Jekyll Island Golf Club is one of the most popular getaways on the Georgia Golf Trail.”
While on Jekyll Island, a historical and popular place to stay is the Jekyll Island Club Resort (319 Riverview Drive, Jekyll Island; 912319-4349; jekyllislandclub.com).
This Resort is steeped in history as well as many creature comforts. Back in the late 1800s, the Jekyll Island Club Resort was built to provide accommodations for wealthy families such as the Rockefeller’s, Morgan’s, Vanderbilt’s, and Pulitzer’s, all of whom made regular trips to Jekyll Island. This property is also where the first meeting was held in 1910 to create the Federal Reserve. The Jekyll Island Club’s late-19th Century charm and historically inspired accommodations make it an
ideal place to stay. This resort also has a sun-soaked swimming pool with a fire pit nearby. For beach lovers, there’s a complimentary shuttle which will take you to and from the nearby seashore. And, make sure you bring your all-white outfit for croquet at the Resort.
Another accommodation option at the Jekyll Island Club Resort is one of three historic, luxurious cottages -- Crane, Cherokee, and Sans Souci. Built in 1917, the Crane Cottage features Victorian-era architecture with a fabulous garden. Built in 1904, the Cherokee Cottage is an Italian Renaissance structure. The Victorian-style Sans Souci was once owned by the late J.P. Morgan.
At the Jekyll Island Club Resort, there are six on-site dining destinations. If you like seafood, eat at The Wharf which overlooks the surrounding marshlands. The crab cakes are delicious!
Golfers are spoiled for choice when they visit Jekyll Island since the Jekyll Island Golf Club (322 Captain Willy Road, Jekyll Island; 912.635.2368) has four courses: Indian Mound, Oleander, Pine Lakes and Great Dunes.
Indian Mound is a Joe Leedesign. This 18-hole golf course is the shortest golf course on
Jekyll Island. Here, water impacts play on 11 of the 18 holes.
The 18-hole Oleander course is a Dick Wilson-design. Oleander has hosted the Georgia Open on four occasions.
The 18-hole Pine Lakes course is a Clyde Johnson-design which is currently being renovated and will re-open in late October/ early November. This golf course meanders through ocean forests and natural marsh hammocks. Pine Lakes is so peaceful and quiet that
it could be renamed “Tranquility.”
Great Dunes, a nine-hole layout, was Jekyll Island’s first golf course. It opened in 1928 and was designed by Walter “Old Man” Travis. Travis was hired to design and build the best golf course that money could buy. He succeeded.
After golf, enjoy a postround meal, drink or snack at Tribuzio’s Grille.
To book your visit to Jekyll Island, check out JekyllIsland.com or GeorgiaGolfandTravel.com.
Jekyll Island Club Hotel Croquet
Jekyll Island Club Hotel P:ool
Southern Star Named Wyndham Championship
Official Bourbon
The Wyndham Championship had a new official bourbon: Statesville, N.C.’s Southern Star. The 85th annual Wyndham Championship was played at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, N.C.
Founded in 2013, Southern Distilling Company, makers of Southern Star bourbons and rye whiskeys, is one of the country’s largest privately-owned distilleries, and they’ll showcase their awardwinning products at a new Wyndham Championship fan amenity, the Southern Star Tasting Room located adjacent to the ninth green.
The tasting room carried specialty Southern Star cocktails, each featuring a different Southern Star expression: Bourbon Iced Tea, Double Shot Bourbon Iced Coffee, Bourbon Mule and a classic Old Fashioned available for purchase. Wyndham Championship fans, ages 21 and older, can also sample Southern Star’s four core products: Southern Star Paragon Bottled in Bond, Southern Star Bourbon, Southern Star Double Rye and Southern Star Double Shot, a bourbon cream liqueur.
“It’s our privilege to be the official bourbon of the Wyndham Championship,” said Pete Barger, Southern Star co-founder. “This is a tremendous opportunity for Southern Star to showcase our award-winning, North Carolinasourced products to PGA TOUR fans. We couldn’t be more excited to have this partnership highlighted by the Wyndham Championship Single Barrel pick and the Southern Star Tasting Room at such a storied venue as Sedgefield Country Club.”
In the Southern Star Tasting Room, tournament patrons could also sample the Wyndham Championship Single Barrel bottle, a cask-strength version of Southern Star Bourbon, which was hand selected by Southern Star Co-Founder, Pete Barger, specifically for the Wyndham Championship. This single-barrel bottle features a mash bill of 60 percent corn, 36 percent rye and four percent malted barley. Aged for nearly six years, it comes at a caskstrength proof of 116.8. The special edition is available now in Greensboro, N.C., ABC stores and in the Southern Distilling Company tasting room.
For more information, visit SouthernDistillingCompany.com.
INGREDIENTS
•2 oz Southern Star Standard
Bourbon Whiskey
•2 oz Lemonade
•Lemon Wedge (Garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS
Fill glass with ice. Add bourbon, peach tea, and lemonade. Stir to combine. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
INGREDIENTS
•2 oz Double Shot Bourbon Cream Liqueur
•1 oz Southern Star Standard Bourbon Whiskey
•1 oz Cold Brew Concentrate
•3 Coffee Beans (Garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS
Add all ingredients to the cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Strain into coupe or martini glass and garnish with 3 coffee beans.
Bourbon Peach Tea
Bourbon Espresso Martini
Hey, Florida Golfers:
Do as Dustin Johnson and Magellan Jets Do
Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces GC on the LIV Golf Tour and Magellan Jets have formed a partnership designating the company to be the “official private aviation provider” of the Johnson-captained team.
That puts an exclamation point on the popularity of flying privately to golf destinations where golfers cram in one, two
or even a dozen rounds.
Listen up, Florida golfers: you deserve to play bucket-list courses in style, and Magellan consistently delivers on that front.
Johnson selected Magellan Jets to exclusively manage his private air travel globally, and teammate Patrick Reed has also flown with the company; therefore,
it was a natural fit to expand the relationship to 4Aces GC.
Along with Johnson and Reed, the 4Aces GC’s Pat Perez and Harold Varner III will appear in promotion of the company’s private aviation solutions and host unique experiences for Magellan Jets’ customers.
“Between golf, business and family, my time is at a premium,” says Johnson. “I committed to being a Magellan Jets cardholder because I trust its personalized service and range of aircraft. My team at Magellan always goes the extra mile to ensure the comfort and safety of my family and the 4Aces on every trip. This partnership is a perfect fit, and we are excited to onboard Magellan as part of the 4Aces family.”
“Dustin Johnson is highly recognized as one of the best golfers in the world and one of the most knowledgeable and seasoned private fliers in all of sports,” says Joshua Marc Hebert, Founder and CEO of Magellan Jets. “As with many tour players and professional athletes, we appreciate Dustin’s loyalty to Magellan Jets.”
4Aces and LIV Golf fans will see the team members display the Magellan Jets logo on their golf shirts in all LIV Golf and
other professional golf events.
The partnership with 4Aces GC marks the company’s continued growth in professional golf and sports. Magellan Jets recently became the Official Private Aviation
Provider of the Boston Red Sox and hired long time industry veteran Todd Goldstein as Vice President of Sports and Entertainment to further expand reach within the category. Recently named by Modern
Luxury as “Best Private Jet Charter 2024,” Magellan Jets offers jet card ownership, membership, ondemand charter, and aircraft sales and management services. Through its curated network of private aviation operators, the company’s asset-light model provides the most flexible and comprehensive range of private jet solutions, financial stability and an industry leading safety management system. Each private client is paired with a dedicated Magellan Jets advisor who manages all aspects of the end-to-end travel journey. Who needs commercial airline travel hassles? Not us. All we want is to get to our tee times on time and let it fly.
Jordan Spieth and Invited Unveil “Crush It! Cup” to Celebrate Youth Golf
Invited, the largest owner and operator of membership clubs, and Jordan Spieth, three-time major winner and Invited’ partner and brand ambassador, today unveiled the Crush It! Cup, a youth golf tournament and fundraiser, which will take place on September 16, 2024 at Brookhaven Country Club in Dallas, Texas.
Crush It! Cup will feature 36 top juniors from Invited Clubs nationwide, who will earn their spot in the tournament by participating in a two-month long Golf Marathon Fundraiser to raise funds for the Jordan Spieth Family Foundation.
During Crush It! Cup, Spieth will play one hole alongside each junior player and after the tournament, a hole at the course he grew up playing on will be transformed into an art installation themed after a pivotal moment in Spieth’s golf career. Spieth will also host a golf clinic for top 100 fundraisers, PGA Junior League attendees and charitable invitees; as well as a Fireside chat during which he will share a unique glimpse into his golf journey that started at Brookhaven.
Created by Invited in 2020, Crush It! is an esteemed and nationally recognized junior golf program, which over the years has provided opportunities for thousands of junior golfers to participate in golf instruction and learn skills that transfer on and off the course. The
Crush It! Junior Golf Marathon has officially kicked off with fundraising efforts at 150 of Invited Golf and Country Clubs in 26 states. The golf marathon provides a unique opportunity for junior golfers to compete for a spot in the Crush It! Cup and play alongside Spieth, celebrating the sport of golf, while fostering a spirit of community and philanthropy among its young participants.
Dallas-native Spieth was
introduced to the game of golf at Invited first club – Brookhaven, which opened in 1957. Joey Anders, Spieth’s first golf coach, a PGA Class A pro who was named one of the 50 Top U.S. Kids Instructors in North America, leads Brookhaven’s youth golf instruction to this day.
“Together with Invited, we are excited to launch the Crush It! Cup and create a unique opportunity for juniors to celebrate the game of golf while giving them a platform to raise money for important causes and create positive impact in their communities,” said Jordan Spieth. “We are proud to support these young athletes and provide them a memorable experience, and hopefully be a part of their lifelong commitment to the game of golf. It is of course even more special to me that this event is taking place at Brookhaven Country Club, where it all started for me.”
Spieth joined Invited in 2022 as a strategic advisor, brand ambassador, and a partner on a series of charitable and community initiatives, benefitting youth organizations, pediatric cancer research, American veterans and military families.
Invited, formerly ClubCorp, is a lifestyle hospitality brand founded in 1957 on the traditions and values of acceptance. Invited extends its unique brand of hospitality across 170 owned and operated golf and country clubs, as well as city clubs in 26 states.
Jordan Spieth
TWELVE
COURSESI SAMELOWPRICEOF
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FLORIDACOURSES:
Mo Gesualdi Named 2024 Troon Coach Of The Year
Monique “Mo”
Gesualdi, PGA and LPGA Director of Instruction at St. Johns Golf & Country Club in St. Augustine, Florida, has been named “2024 Troon Coach of the Year” by Troon’s Education and Player Development team. Gesualdi oversees the golf instruction program at The Golf Academy at St. Johns while coaching juniors, women and men to reach their highest potential by getting their mind, body and swing all working together.
“We received over 25 nominations for our Coach of the Year Award, with top instructors such as Joe Hallet at Vanderbilt Legends Club, Lindy LaBauve from Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, Doug Hammer from Troon North, and David Curtis from Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort all nominated. This is an indication of the depth of quality and caring teaching professionals at Troonmanaged facilities,” said Troon Global Director of Education and Coaching, Tim Mahoney. “Monique exemplifies the characteristics of the elite coach: humility, motivator, caring, listener and relationship builder. This award could be named after Monique. Congratulations Mo!”
Gesualdi has been Director of Instruction at St. Johns Golf & Country Club since May of 2021 and is a two-time winner of the North Florida PGA Youth Player Development Award Winner (2023, 2024). In her teaching, “Coach Mo” takes a holistic coaching approach, focusing on understanding each player’s
individual swing tendencies, physical condition, mental approach, nutritional habits, and other factors. This approach aims to optimize performance by addressing all aspects of a player’s development. Gesualdi believes in ensuring cohesion among the developmental team, parents, and the player is essential for the player’s success. This unified approach plays a pivotal role in achieving goals and maximizing potential. When not on the practice tee, Gesualdi hosts the Coach Mo Podcast.
“Mo represents everything we look for in coach,” said Steve Loesher, PGA and Troon Director of Player Development. “She connects with her students and her coaches, is innovative, hardworking, and is always looking to improve and grow.”
A Florida native, Gesualdi had a successful junior and high school golf career, before moving on to play collegiately at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. As a junior golfer she was a two-time AJGA AllAmerican (2002, 2003), won back-
to-back national championships at the Women’s Western Junior (2002, 2003), and was two-time St. Augustine Record and Florida Times Union Player of the Year. The St. Augustine Record also recognized Gesualdi as the “Athlete of the Decade” for girl’s golf for the 2000’s for St. Johns County. While at Furman, Gesualdi had one individual and two team wins, was selected as a First Team All-American her sophomore year, and was named Southern Conference Player of the Month (Oct 2004).
In the spring of 2012, Gesualdi received a life-saving liver transplant, followed shortly by two miraculous craniotomies to remove a lethal fungal infection (invasive aspergillosis) that developed in her brain while immunosuppressed in the hospital. Her doctor said at the time, “You can count on one hand, world-wide, the number of immuno-compromised patients who have survived this infection.” Invasive aspergillus is associated with very poor response rates, leading to nearly 90 percent mortality rates in liver transplant patients.
Mo Gesualdi is one of the many outstanding golf instructors at Troon-affiliated facilities around the world. In addition to lessons, clinics and golf schools, Troon offers Troon Coach, a full-service online platform where golfers can find local golf coaches, trainers and instructional events; book and pay for lessons; and track and analyze practice sessions. Golfers can learn more by visiting www.troon.com/coach.
Tuscany is well known as the land of sunflowers, fields of poppies, olive groves and beautiful historical cities, but it may not be the first place that comes to mind when you are planning a golf vacation. Home to more than 35 golf courses, Tuscany is a secret paradise for golfers who enjoy not only an excellent round or two but also the finer things in life –great hospitality, fabulous wines, gastronomic delights, culture, and luxurious accommodations.
Where You Can Play
Florence Golf Club Ugolino
Florence’s oldest golf course was founded in 1889 by British emigrés and was recreated in 1933. This is one of the most beautiful courses in Italy, with sweeping views of the Chianti area. The sloping fairways are lined with ancient and impressive trees, including cypress trees that dot the sky like exclamation points. This course is as classy and classic as Chianti wine - but don’t be fooled by the relatively short 6275 yardage (5741metres). This course is very demanding due to the naturally sloping terrain, tight fairways
and small well protected greens. Poggio dei Medici Golf Club Set in the heart of the beautiful Mugello Region and only 25 kilometres from Florence, Poggio dei Medici is one of the most gorgeous new Italian golf clubs – a real Tuscan gem!
Opened in 1995, the unique feature here is that you can play four different layouts within its 18 holes and then retire to the fantastic 16th century clubhouse. Montecatini Golf & Country Club Montecatini is designed around the gentle hills of the Montalbano
Florence Golf Club - 9th hole
landscape with lakes, streams, forests, and ditches that are part of the natural contours of the land. Lined with olive trees, this course features many doglegs and the greens that are very fast and undulating. This challenging course measures around 6000 meters (6405 yards) and is very hilly, where you tend to play through the valleys and along the ridges.
Did We Mention the Incredible Wine?
The gentle hills of Chianti and Siena have been immortalized in the works of famous masters. You must experience the countryside with the rolling hills boasting row upon row of geometrically arranged grapevines and olive groves. Enjoy the magic of small wine estates that have been making wines for generations. The vintners you will meet are proud of their wines and more than happy to tell their story to those ready to listen and taste...and savour the moment.
And…Exquisite Traditional Cuisine!
You will be dining in family-owned restaurants that feature the finest in hand-filled pastas, homemade tagliatelle and pappardelle, artisan cheeses, grilled vegetables and choice cuts of meat from local butchers. All are cooked to perfection accompanied by the best wines of the region. What could be more tempting after a day on the links?
Italians have a flair for transforming a short list of simple ingredients into a magnificent dish that soothes our souls and feeds our passions.
September is the perfect time of year to visit Italy with their cooler, fresher days and smaller crowds . Relax and unwind in a timeless landscape of villages, castles, wine festivals, fine flavours, warm colours and, of course, golf!
Greve Wine & Olive Oil Festival View from Banfi Winery
Montecatini Golf Course
Poggio dei Medici Golf Club Views from 7th Hole
Epson Tour Announces New Tournament Addition for the 2025 Season
The Epson Tour announced today a new tournament coming to the 2025 schedule, the Great Lakes Championship at The Highlands. The inaugural event will be held from June 9-15, 2025, at The Highlands located in Harbor Springs, Mich.
“We’re excited to announce the addition of a new event in Michigan next year. The Petoskey Area is well known as a tremendous golf market, and I know our athletes will be excited to visit the community and take on the challenges that The Heather at The Highlands will offer,” said Jody Brothers, the Epson Tour’s Chief Business and Operating Officer. “With the help from the Great Lakes Sports Commission and the BOYNE Golf, we’re confident that this event will instantly become an athlete favorite and help prepare them for their ultimate goal of playing on the LPGA Tour.”
The Great Lakes Championship at The Highlands will offer a $250,000 purse and a $37,500 winner’s check. This new event in Harbor Springs will mark the third Epson Tour event in Michigan – joining the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship in Battle Creek, and the Island Resort Championship in Harris – and will also showcase the beauty of Michigan golf while testing the Epson Tour athletes with a Tour-worthy track. This expansion of the Midwest stretch continues the Tour’s efforts in creating regional clusters of events to simplify travel experiences for players each week.
“We are excited and honored to host the Epson Tour’s Great Lakes Championship at The Highlands,” said Mike Chumbler, president and general manager of The Highlands. “Hosting this prominent event underscores our commitment to golf and further highlights northern Michigan as a premier destination for exceptional golf. The beauty of northern Michigan, coupled with the high level of competition the Epson Tour offers, will make this a memorable event for players and spectators alike.”
Additional details will be provided when the 2025 schedule is released later this year. More information about the Epson Tour can be found at epsontour.com and thegreatlakeschampionship.com.
Newest Addition to the STEC Team: West Coast Territory Manager
In our ongoing efforts to improve and expand STEC Equipment, we are excited to introduce Ben Rothwell, our newest Territory Manager. Dedicated to the West Coast Territory, Ben is committed to delivering exceptional customer service, expert equipment knowledge, and ongoing support. His dedication ensures every client is well cared for and fully satisfied! Ben has worked across the U.S. Midwest and West Coast for MacDon, helping to develop their
combine and hay equipment from the prototype stages to production. Most recently, he was the project manager for a startup turf equipment company, further enhancing his knowledge, expertise, and understanding of the industry. STEC is expectant that this addition will allow more opportunities to develop relationships and better assist our customers! If you are located on the West Coast, and interested in learning more about our line of innovative equipment, contact Ben for more information. WWW. STECEQUIPMENT.COM brothwell@ stecequipment.com
Greenwood Golf League Celebrates 1st Milestone: JAMZ Golf Tour Donates Equipment and Event Registration Fees to Johnson C. Smith University Golfers
The Greenwood Golf League proudly announces a significant milestone in its mission to support aspiring minority golfers. The Charlotte based amateur JAMZ Golf Tour has generously agreed to donate golf equipment and cover event registration fees for two talented golfers from Johnson C. Smith University. This donation exemplifies the power of partnership and the spirit of community engagement that the Greenwood Golf League embodies.
“We are incredibly proud of this commitment by the JAMZ Golf Tour,” said Chris Word, Commissioner of the
Greenwood Golf League. “This donation is a testament to what can be accomplished when we unite around a common goal. It’s about more than just golf; it’s about changing lives and building a brighter future for young athletes.”
The Greenwood Golf League remains committed to its mission of promoting diversity, community engagement, and excellence in golf. With continued support from partners like the JAMZ Golf Tour, the league looks forward to expanding its reach and impact, providing even more opportunities for minority golfers across the Charlotte area.
For more information about the Greenwood Golf League and its initiatives, please visit www.greenwood. golf/league or contact Chris Word at info@greenwood.golf.
MGI Golf Bag Collection for 2024
MGI Golf, global leader in technology for the walking golfer and maker of America’s No. 1 electric golf caddy, introduces the latest cart bag models, specifically designed for MGI owners: the Lite-Play and, Lux-Play models
“MGI Golf has always been dedicated to continued innovation and design in the golf industry,” said Miranda Turner, CEO of MGI Golf Inc. “These new golf bags are designed to meet the evolving needs of the walking golfer, providing superior functionality and style with the perfect fit for our MGI electric caddy.”
The new cart bags reflect MGI’s commitment to quality, performance, and style, offering unique features that cater to various playing styles and preferences. Each bag has been tailored for the best fit with MGI’s best-selling electric caddies. The length of the bag allows for maximum support in the lower and upper straps, while the forward-facing zippers ensure easy access to all compartments when the bag is cradled on the caddy. Additional enhanced design features include an umbrella strap thoughtfully placed away from the bag cradle. The bags also feature advanced BagLink Technology, ensuring a secure fit on any Zip or Ai Series model, reducing swiveling and noisy movement on the course. The range features two distinctive moels to suit all MGI owners
• MGI Lite-Play ($239) –
Designed for lightweight comfort and optimal performance, the Lite-Play Bag is ideal for seamlessly traversing the course with any MGI electric caddy. This bag weighs in at just 5.7 pounds. Available in Grey and Blue.
Pirdie
Since 2019, there has been a remarkable 15% increase in female engagement in golf, with girls making up a significant 38% of golfers under 18. During COVID, girlfriends Kelley, Kendra, and Jaimee were brought closer together by golf, which soon became their weekly ritual. The only thing missing from their experience was clothing they actually wanted to wear… Pirdie was born out of that need. Pirdie is a women’s golf apparel brand offering bright, West Coast inspired designs so every woman can feel confident and have fun, even if she whiffs it. Pirdie focuses on curating Incredibly soft, performance-based fabric that can be worn both on and off the course.
The Sleeveless Duchess is a fan favorite ($195) dress that features a racer back and is designed for breathability and flexibility. Wear to work, to golf or for date night!
www.pirdiegolf.com
•MGI Lux-Play ($299) –
Introducing the Lux-Play Bag, where luxury design meets enhanced craftsmanship. This bag promises a high-quality design and premium feel, elevating every round to a special occasion and engineered to deliver a superior golf experience. Features a 5-way top and PU Leather, this unique smaller cart bag is as stylish as it is clever. Available in Grey and Black. For more information, visit mgigolf.com. www.mgigolf.com
SWOOP
The mission of SWOOP is to provide comfortable, supportive, and stylish essentials like bras, underwear, tunics, and loungewear for busy women who work hard and play hard – and want to feel confident and empowered by their uniqueness!
Created by a nurse with a passion for finding a bra that could endure the rigors of a 12-hour demanding shift, SWOOP has emerged as a beacon for comfort, functionality, and style for all body types and for all aspects of life . SWOOP uses real women and not professional models to inspire women to love themselves as they are!
Made in Alaska, SWOOP uses designs and playful prints that celebrate the outdoors and the creator’s love of nature. Choose from bras with matching underwear, flow pants, shorts, and super cozy tunics. Available in XS-XL in a variety of playful designs at: https://wearswoop.com
www.wearswoop.com
95th Women’s Amateur Champion: Sophia Dyer
Sophia Dyer emerged as the 95th Women’s Amateur Champion in dramatic fashion. The Team Florida member found herself in a seemingly insurmountable hole, in which escaping appeared unlikely. Dyer started the championship match against One Kashima and things were not exactly going as planned for Dyer. Kashima drilled a birdie putt into the center of the cup on the sixth hole to go four up on Dyer and then stepped up to the tee of the seventh hole, a par 3, and stuck it to about 7 feet. Despite the circumstances,
Dyer calmly teed her ball up next and took a few smooth practice swings before winding back and striking her ball to about four feet. She sank her birdie putt while Kashima made a par, and slowly Dyer began to chisel away at the lead Kashima had over her.
Fast forward to another win on the 12th hole for Dyer and the pair were tied for the first time. Suddenly, we had a match on our hands and the trophy could belong to either one of these two talented players. However, it was on the 16th hole where Dyer took the lead for the first time with only
two holes left to play. The pair each made par on the 17th and headed to the last hole with Dyer one up on Kashima. A birdie on the final hole sealed the deal for Dyer as she went from a four-hole deficit to defeating her opponent two up. It was a win for the FSGA history books, and Dyer described it as, “Without a doubt this is one of my most memorable wins. It made it even more special that I started out 4 down through 6, but I feel like I proved to myself and everyone else how strong I am mentally. All the work that I have put in with my mental coach has really
paid off.” Dyer further explained, “It’s all about staying in the process and just staying patient.”
A memorable win was only fitting for the 95th Women’s Amateur. It was a special year for the tournament and such a treat to have the Bear’s Club host. Dyer explained how it felt to compete at the Bear’s Club, “It was really special. I mean, that course is just unbelievable and it was so fun. It was really a test for everyone’s game in every way. We’re all just really lucky to play on a course of that caliber.” Dyer even stated, “All throughout the practice round I just kept saying over and over, gosh I love this tournament.”
With this win, Dyer also earned an exemption into the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship which takes place in August at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dyer competed last year in the U.S. Women’s Amateur at Bel-Air Country Club and she missed the cut by one stroke. She said, “It was amazing playing the U.S. Women’s Am last year. Even though I missed by one, it really fueled me to want it even more this year and now I am really excited to go back.”
Dyer explains that playing in FSGA events has helped her to feel comfortable on the national stage. “All the Florida players are so lucky to play for the FSGA. The competition is so elite and all the tournaments are so well run that it helps me to feel comfortable moving up because I feel so prepared.” Yet, the U.S. Women’s Amateur championship will not be Dyer’s only USGA appearance for the 2024 season. The St. Petersburg native qualified for the U.S. Girls’ Junior the day after winning the Women’s Amateur. She described that she was still on a mental high from her win, but physically she was so tired. It was a challenging 18 holes, but she pulled through to secure a spot in her second USGA championship for the season. Dyer explained that she had her best friend and fellow Team Florida member, Bella Dovhey, caddying for her at the qualifier which helped her get through the round.
Dyer earned a spot on Team Florida for the second consecutive year. Team Florida is an awards program that identifies the top 40 junior golfers from around the state. The competitors that make up this team not only show a remarkable talent for golf, but demonstrate outstanding sportsmanship and etiquette for the game. Dyer spoke about her time as a Team Florida member, “I love it. Some of my best friends are on that team and we really just feel like a family. It’s great to have that group around at all the tournaments. We’re just treated so well on the team and it’s so awesome to be a part of.” It is rewarding to see the members of Team Florida helping each other out at tournaments and cheering one another on even though they still compete with and against each other. The FSGA obviously provides many competitions for players at each level of journey, however it is the community aspect that is sometimes hard to achieve when competing. Yet, amongst other things, Team Florida helps to bridge the gap. Dyer said, “Bella and I were just having fun at the Girls’ Junior qualifier. She kind of distracted me which allowed me to just play golf.”
Dyer, who started playing at 8 years old, explains that she
comes from a golfing family. Her older brother, Blake, played at the University of Florida following in the footsteps of their father who also played golf at the University of Florida. Her parents were with her during the Women’s Amateur and had the pleasure of watching her capture the win on Father’s Day. Dyer said, “It was all so amazing. My dad is my number one fan and it was just so special to get the win for him on Father’s Day.” It certainly was a remarkable victory, perfectly befitting for the 95th year of the illustrious championship. Golf is such a unique sport where one of the greatest challenges lies in balancing the precision of control with the unpredictable nature of the game. Dyer understands the challenge as she left with these parting words about her victory and the game of golf, “Golf is just such a hard sport. You can’t force anything. And you really just have to stay in your process and control the things you can control. Then, whatever happens over that ball, you just have to accept it because you can’t control it if you make a good swing, or get a bad bounce. It really is just about accepting what happens and then deciding what you can do next.”
Sophia Dyer with her family
Becoming a Major Champion
“My life is changing right before my very eyes.”
by Pete Oakley, PGA
With Tom Kite and Eduardo Romero in the clubhouse at 3-under, the stage was set for an unlikely figure to prevail. On the 72nd hole of the 2004 Senior British Open at Royal Portrush Golf Club, Pete Oakley, PGA, held a one-shot lead. Standing on the 18th green, Oakley was a 10-foot par putt away from etching himself into golf history as a Major Champion.
“I knew my best chance at winning this event was going to be right then and there, and you know, I better get it done,” Oakley told himself. “Lo and behold, it went in the hole; that ball went in like it knew where it was going.”
At that moment, Oakley, a PGA of America Golf Professional, was a Major Champion.
While most can only dream of this experience, Oakley lived it. His journey to being crowned a champion on one of the biggest stages in golf is nearly as incredible as the win itself.
A PGA Life Member in the South Florida PGA Section, Oakley’s journey in golf began in his hometown of Panama City, Florida. A talented junior and amateur golfer, Oakley wanted to follow his older brother to the University of Florida and compete on the golf team. After an unsuccessful attempt to qualify for the team, Oakley spent two
years at Florida before deciding to start a professional career.
Confident in his abilities and eager to be involved in golf, Oakley took an Assistant job at International Town and Country Club in Fairfax, Virginia, the first golf course Oakley had ever played at. During this time, Oakley got a head start on his professional working career while playing professionally at the same time.
From Virginia, Oakley moved to Delaware and became a PGA Member in the Philadelphia PGA Section and saw great success as a player. For the next 20+ years, Oakley worked full-time, and continued to pursue a fulltime playing career but was unable to get his big break.
This was until a recommendation from his older brother, who was playing very well on the European Senior Tour, having already notched four wins:
“It (Europe) is really different from golf in the U.S.; you would do well over here,” Oakley recalled the conversation with his older brother.
Taking his brother’s advice, Oakley traveled to Portugal to compete in qualifying school for the European Senior Tour. In the final round, Oakley was one-over through the first seven holes and needed to get to
one-under to have a chance.
On the eighth hole, Oakley was left with a blind approach shot with an eight iron in his hand.
“I’ll be very honest; I scalded that 8 iron, and I’m running up the top of the hill because I couldn’t see it land,” Oakley said. “I see some guy standing by the green, and he throws his arms up in the air, and my ball happens to hit the flagstick and drops into the hole for a two.”
With momentum and a little luck, Oakley qualified on the number to join just seven others to make it through. While overwhelmed with emotion, Oakley had to compete in a playoff for seeding purposes -the importance of which he was unfamiliar with.
On the first playoff hole, Oakley made a birdie to secure the fourth seed which allowed him to get an entire season’s worth of starts on the European Senior Tour.
In 2004, Oakley began playing full-time in Europe and while his position at 21 on the money list helped him confirm internally that he belonged, it wasn’t good enough. Only the top-20 on the money list were exempt into the Major, again, forcing Oakley to qualify.
While not pleased at the time, Oakley traveled to Portstewart Golf Club to attempt to qualify.
After the first nine holes of pushing his bag, Oakley was approached by a local caddie who told him that he was a friend of his brother who was staying at his house and offered to caddie for him.
Oakley brought him on the bag for the final nine holes, and with two holes to play, the conditions completely switched to 40-mile-an-hour winds.
“It was impossible to play in,” recalled Oakley. “I played the last two holes in par, bogey to shoot 72, and nobody, maybe one guy, qualified in the afternoon. I got under that and out of that mess before the afternoon and qualified.”
With no time to celebrate, Oakley had one day to prepare for the biggest event of his life. Going into the first day, Oakley has one goal in mind.
“My intent was, let’s make the
cut; if you make the cut, you make a check, and you will maintain your position on the European order of merit,” explained Oakley.
Oakley was undoubtedly on his way to cashing a check. After rounds of 73, 68, and 73 in horrible conditions, Oakley was the 54-hole leader heading into the final round.
At this time, the nerves had not set in for Oakley. He still did his regular nightly routine and managed to sleep on the lead just fine. It was not until the morning that it began to set in, nearly throwing up before teeing off.
Still undeterred by the situation, Oakley felt he belonged, even playing with the guys he had idolized. On the 14th hole, facing a long par-3 into a galling wind, Oakley hit a 3-wood to about 35-40 feet and drilled the birdie putt.
“Suddenly, my name goes up
there on the leaderboard, and I’m 5-under, and the closest guy to me was 2-under,” explained Oakley. “I’m thinking, Pete Oakley, you could even win this thing.”
Oakley proceeded to par the 15th and bogey the 16th hole, bringing him to 4-under total. At the same time, Tom Kite and Eduardo Romera made birdies on the 17th and 18th holes to get into the clubhouse at 3-under.
Knowing his position, Oakley managed to par the par-5, 17th hole, leaving only the 450-yard, par-4 18th hole left to play.
After his tee ball ended left of a fairway bunker, Oakley was left with 195 yards to a green protected by a “gaping” green side bunker short and left, where his ball ultimately finished.
While he could not see the pin, Oakley’s bunker shot ended 10 feet from the hole, a putt away from winning the Senior British Open.
“I saw a big scoreboard up there, Tom Kite, Eduardo Romero, and me sitting on top, and I had it by one shot,” said Oakley, walking to his ball on the green surrounded by the gallery.
Oakley and his caddie accounted for a small left-to-right break, and the rest is forever part of golf history.
“Pandamonium breaks loose, and I just can’t believe I had just won the Senior British Championship; I am now a Major winner,” exclaimed Oakley.
Walker Wins Second Kentucky Women’s Open 13 Years Later
by Carter Hammond
Taryn (Durham) Walker has claimed her second Kentucky Women’s Open Championship with a twostroke victory at Kearney Hills Golf Links on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. The 38-year-old from Prospect, Kentucky, has solidified herself as a legend in the state, becoming the sixth woman to win multiple Kentucky Women’s Open Championships. She finished the two-round tournament with a score fo 142 (-2), followed by runners-up Haeri Lee and Nina McMurtrey at 144 (E). Success is nothing new for
Walker, who was inducted into the Middle Tennessee State University Hall of Fame in 2018. She is the most decorated women’s golfer in MTSU history, winning All-Sun Belt Conference honors all four years she played (2005-08). While at Middle Tennessee, Walker also won a staggering six individual titles, leading the Blue Raiders to five team championships during her career. She ranked third nationally for individual tournaments won at the end of her collegiate career, and she owned every record in the program’s record book.
After multiple years on professional circuts, Taryn regained her amateur status in December 2022. Just a few months later, Walker won the KGA Women’s Stroke Play Championship. Walker showed no signs of slowing down, demonstrating that she still has the same fiery, competitive spirit that led her to so much success in the past. On the national level, Walker reached the quarterfinals of the US Mid-Amateur in September of last year. Walker’s recent success serves as a warning to all amateur golfers: Taryn Walker is back like she never left.
Kyle Rodes shoots 59 in the final round and wins the 2024 Mallard-Perez Stableford Championship!
59.It’s a magical score in the game of golf that catches people’s attention. It’s safe to say Kyle Rodes of Kyle Rodes Golf did that when he shot 59 during the final round of the 2024 Mallard-Perez Stableford Championship at Esplanade Azario at Lakewood Ranch! This marked the course record and made a for a special day for Rodes.
He started on the first hole during the shotgun start and got things going with a birdie on the par-4 first hole. He would make 13 birdies in the round, with seven on the front nine and six on the back
nine. There were two incredible stretches where he carded four birdies in a row on holes 4 – 7 and 9 – 12. Kyle totaled 112 points in the modified Stableford format and won by 11 points!
“Winning the 2024 Mallard-Perez Stableford Championship against top players from the NFPGA is very special to me! I want to thank the sponsors, Esplanade Azario at Lakewood Ranch staff, and the NFPGA for making the event possible,” said Rodes. “I love to compete, but even more so now than ever because I’m competing for more than myself. I believe it’s
crucial for me to stay in the heat of tournaments to keep learning valuable lessons to pass on to my students, and I’ll take away a lot from this event. Honestly, it’s hard to believe I shot 59! It’s rare in this game when everything is clicking at once, so it’s a special memory I’ll always cherish. I live by the mantra “nothing is given, everything is earned,” and this victory has inspired me to continue working hard on my game and enjoying the journey of improvement.”
To learn more about the North Florida PGA, visit nfpga.com.
By Michael Rakowski
Wire to Wire Victory for Mueller
With Hurricane Debby bearing down on the Valdosta area, Kyle Mueller felt no pressure as he led wire-to-wire to capture the title at the 73rd Golf Pro Payments
Georgia Open presented by Visit Valdosta and A&R Communities. Mueller, a mini-tour professional from Athens did just enough shooting even-par 72 in the final round and cruised to a two-shot victory over fellow professional Nicolas Cassidy of Johns Creek at Kinderlou Forest Golf Club.
Mueller completed four rounds at 14-under par 274. The lead was never in jeopardy during the final round as he withstood charges by Cassidy and a trio that finished three-shots back. Cassidy finished at 12-under par 276 while PGA of America Associate Greg Edwards of Gainesville, mini tour professional Alex Shead of Appling and low amateur Parker Claxton of Claxton all finished at 11-under par 277.
Claxton joined his father Paul, the 2017 Georgia Open Champion in the field along with two other father son duos including 1989 and 1992 Champion Franklin Langham and his son George who finished the week in solo 7th place at 9-under par 279. The Lape’s, father Tom and son Sam, both amateurs failed to make the cut. Paul finished four rounds at 9-over par 297 as both Claxton’s made the cut.
About Kinderlou Forest Golf Club
A haven for homeowners searching for a distinctive and unique address, Kinderlou Forest is South Georgia’s premier golf and residential community.
Beautiful homes line the main boulevard and surround the golf course as part of several diverse
residential areas, with new home sites available to appeal to a variety of homebuyers. As the home of a Davis Love III signature designed 18-hole championship golf course, Kinderlou Forest has been the site of the South Georgia Classic on the Korn Ferry Tour and many PGA Tour qualifying events. The course is playing at 7,710 yards to a par-72 for the week.
About
Golf Pro Payments
Golf Pro Payments was founded in 2019 by payment processing industry leaders. GPP was built on the expertise of golf, hospitality, and recreation professionals to create focused solutions for facilities in the club industry space. We utilize patented tokenization and gateway solutions, making payment acceptance simple, integrated, and secure.
About Visit Valdosta
“Ahhh” can take on so many different emotions. The thrill you’ll feel as you fly down a 65-
Georgia PGA CEO, Scott Geary, Hands Kyle Mueller The Check
mph rollercoaster. The release of stress with every breath of fresh air. The excitement of hitting the perfect tee shot. But most importantly, the satisfaction felt from unsuspected surprises all along the way. So, whether you’re looking for a wild adventure or a chance to unwind, come find your ahhh moment in Valdosta.
Valdosta, The Capital of South Georgia, is surrounded by several smaller cities and towns within Lowndes County, including Hahira, Lake Park, Dasher, and Remerton. While you’re here, make sure to explore and discover what makes each of them special in their own way. From unique dining options to outdoor events that draw thousands of visitors, we think you’ll be surprised at what you find.
About A&R Communities
A&R Communities is a local, family-owned home builder in Habersham, Jackson, Hall, Hart and surrounding counties that builds quality homes in affordable price ranges. We continuously strive to maintain a
high standard by building homes that make satisfied customers during and after the closing.
About the Georgia PGA
The Georgia PGA is one of the 41 Sections of the PGA of America. Its membership includes over 980 PGA professionals working at over 260 golf courses, clubs, and ranges throughout the state.
Additionally, more than 35 Georgia PGA members compete on one of the PGA Tours. In keeping with the fundamental objectives laid down by its founders, one of the Georgia PGA’s primary goals is promoting the game of golf through clinics, junior and minority golf programs, consumer programs, and print, radio and television media.
Mueller Hits Chip Shot
A Turf Pirate's Journal
$The Art of Traveling $
Nil Desperandum (Never Despair)
Greetings Turf Pirates and welcome to the hottest, sometimes hardest time of the year. I hope that you have all fought a good fight this season and that the crew, the turf, and the captain have weathered the storms presented so far and are headed to cooler and calmer seas. If you have not heard I am flashing a new title in my role with Invited Clubs, these days I am a Regional Vice President of Agronomy and very honored to be working with so many great people. This also means that my status as a Turf Gypsy is quite secure as I am on pace to spend just over 200 nights in hotels in 2024. Traveling is a bit of an Art and when you get some tips and tricks it helps keep you moving in a positive way. The Ancient and Honorable Tribe of Turf Pirates is full of seasoned travel gurus such as my brother from another mother, Bruce Williams who travels like a billion galactic miles a year. Bruce gave me a tip back in the day, if you check a bag at the airport be sure to realize it may never see you again and plan accordingly. Translating Bruce’s deeper meaning, set your emotional compass early and often when you travel. You see it’s when your expectations get dashed that emotions crash the trip. Bad things happen to good people on the road of life especially in business class so plan, strategize and roll with the tide.
This month’s picture was taken in Clearwater, Florida a few weeks ago while I was visiting the Invited Regional offices and yes, I was staying at a Marriott. It had been a particularly tough trip. Lots of miles, flat tire on the rental car (these are character building moments even if you are in the President’s Circle), the deal on our new house fell through,
the Notary had just left for the day, every one of my clubs had an emergency simultaneously, well I could go on but you know what I am saying, I was losing and needed a win. I walked out of the hotel to meet my fellow RVP Steve Harris for dinner and BAM there was a Rainbow. That rainbow meant that our clubs in the area had gotten some muchneeded rain, and that God is still with us even when we are a bit pressed. It reminded me of our family motto, Nil Desperandum, Never Despair. Believe you will find the way through any situation and that others will show up to help you if you are willing to show up and help others. Be positive and boldly go. Chase your dreams and remember to never let your current circumstances or budgets limit your dreams. Wake up like a five-year-old on a sugar high and have fun while
you get things done. When you see a rainbow smile on the inside and the outside, step right into the mud puddles of life without fear, walk on. You are writing your life story so make it a good one. I will end this month’s spin with a few travel tips. Pack lite (one pair of shoes), never check a bag you care about, the front desk agent is all powerful, travel agents are not created equal, never save money on travel items (clothes and luggage), take lot’s pictures, whenever possible travel with those who mean the most to you the memories make the trip immortal. Lastly be nice to everyone and see if it comes back to you. I am headed out this week to Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Georgia, New York, and Texas surfing on a blade of grass and living the green dream. Until next month Turf Pirates be amazing, and I hope that our paths will cross.
"That rainbow meant that our clubs in the area had gotten some much-needed rain, and that God is still with us even when we are a bit pressed."
Chad Allen selected for GCSAA’s Emerging Leader Award
Six-year GCSAA member took an unconventional path
Chad Allen, superintendent at The Club at Chatham Hills in Westfield, Ind., is the winner of the 2025 Emerging Leader Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Allen will be honored Feb. 6 during the Send-off Celebration of the 2025 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in San Diego, Calif.
Allen, a six-year GCSAA member, took a nontraditional path to the turf industry. He started college in his early 30s and eventually became a substance abuse counselor. However, the stress of the job combined with the needs of his young family led him to seek a new career. His brother Brad, a 21-year GCSAA member who is the certified golf course superintendent (CGCS) at Hickory Stick Golf Club in Mooresville, Ind., suggested he try golf course management.
to turf management
“I got hooked right away,” Allen said. “Little did I know it would turn out to be something that would profoundly impact my life.”
Despite his late entry into the profession, Allen wasted no time in making his mark. He earned a turfgrass management degree online from Penn State’s World Campus and soon rose through the ranks from the maintenance team to assistant superintendent to superintendent at The Club at Chatham Hills. He also quickly became involved with GCSAA and his local chapter, the Indiana Golf Course Superintendents Association
(GCSA). He currently serves as secretary/treasurer of the Indiana GCSA. Allen was the first person in Indiana to complete GCSAA’s Assistant Superintendent Certificate Series and currently serves as a GCSAA Grassroots Ambassador. Ambassadors are matched with members of Congress to build strong relationships with them and advocate on the key issues impacting golf. Allen is paired with Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.) He has also been one of GCSAA’s representatives in meetings with the Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy.
“Chad embodies all the attributes that the Emerging Leader Award represents,”
GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “In just a few short years he has done his part to better the profession and the industry by getting involved on the chapter and national level.”
Allen said he is “beyond honored and grateful” to win the Emerging Leader Award.
“I was smiling ear to ear (when he found out he was the winner),” Allen said. “Thanks to GCSAA for everything they do for us and the industry.”
While earning the Emerging Leader honor is a testament to Allen’s drive, it hasn’t affected his goals for the future.
“I’m very comfortable where I am at,” he said of his position at The Club at Chatham Hills.
“I feel very lucky. I have to pinch myself a lot. I am living the dream, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting to grow and learn. I’m going to keep on grinding.”
The Emerging Leader Award, which is presented in partnership with John Deere, recognizes an individual who serves the industry as a superintendent with less than five years of experience or a student, associate member or assistant superintendent who displays continuous growth in service and leadership.
To learn more about GCSAA’s Emerging Leader Award, visit https://www.gcsaa.org/ about-gcsaa/awards.
Thanking
Golf Course Superintendents and Greenkeepers Around the World for Being Essential to Golf’s Success
Celebrating Golf Course Superintendent and Greenkeeper Day
SEPT 10, 2024
Audubon International’s Signature Sanctuary Program Keeps Growing
When longtime GCSAA Class A
Superintendent Mark O’Mell came on board in May 2024 as Director of Signature Sanctuary Certification with Audubon International, he found an organization that’s growing by leaps and bounds as the golf industry’s thirst for sustainability best practices takes hold.
He also joins Audubon International’s respected leadership team at a time when the golf business itself is on the upswing around the world.
“There is currently a mini golf course building boom going on,” says O’Mell. “New course construction and renovation seem to be much greater than they have been for quite some time.”
The American Southeast, including Florida, are at the leading edge of this “mini boom,” of course, with a slew of courses being reimagined and reworked and others in the planning phase. As the person who now heads up Audubon International’s original certification program, O’Mell sees a clear opportunity to expand the Signature Sanctuary footprint. “Many of these courses are already making sustainability and stewardship a priority in their designs. Working with courses that
are interested in what Audubon International is promoting will help grow our membership.”
Signature Sanctuary Certification is for new or renovating golf courses, resorts, and communities. The program involves environmental planning with architects, owners, managers and key stakeholders to ensure sustainable design, construction and long-term management of each property. Its Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels include all open space, landscaped areas, and maintenance facilities. Then there’s the comprehensive Platinum level
St. Regis Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico
The Karoo Course at Cabot Citrus Farms, Florida (Photo by Jeff Marsh)
certification, introduced in 2023, which also includes clubhouses, lounges, and lodging.
As Director, O’Mell works with each Signature Sanctuary member’s development team prior to, during, and after construction to ensure the property meets and maintains all sustainability requirements. He also serves as primary point of contact for any inquiries from current, former, and prospective members of the Signature Sanctuary Certification, and coordinates with appropriate staff members on the development of program materials as well as marketing, growth, recruitment, and communications strategies.
CEO Christine Kane knows O’Mell is the right person to help take Signature Sanctuary Certification to the next level and beyond. “We are thrilled to add Mark at the helm of our important Signature Sanctuary Certification. He knows the golf course operations and maintenance business inside and out, and literally from the ground up. His expertise and leadership will help ensure the program’s continued growth as we add new members, especially at the elite Platinum level.”
“I foresee more golf courses seeking Platinum status,” O’Mell adds. “We are also seeing more non-golf courses interested in our program, from nature parks to solar-generating fields. The Signature Platinum Certification shows a complete commitment to the environment for an operation from the top down.”
Along with his stature as Class A member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, O’Mell brings more than two decades of turf management and golf course maintenance experience to his Audubon International position. Most recently he was golf course superintendent at Piñon Hills Golf Course in Farmington, N.M. He has also held superintendent or assistant superintendent positions at facilities in Michigan, Panama, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Crop and Soil Science/Turf Management from Michigan State University.
“Working with Audubon International is the culmination of a career as a superintendent
who worked with nature rather than against it,” O’Mell said. “I look forward to working with current and future Signature Sanctuary members to become the best possible environmental stewards they can be.”
O’Mell started his new gig with a head of steam, having instituted an impressive list of BMPs (Best Management Practices) at Piñon Hills. The BMP, which was adopted by the GCSAA, and Signature Sanctuary Certification share many of the same requirements and sustainability goals. He also took the helm as Audubon International was completing an exclusive Platinum partnership deal with the Cabot Collection, one of the world’s most respected golf destination brands reaching from Scotland to Canada to Florida to the Caribbean, and, most recently, France. “I am super excited to see the Cabot properties coming up,” he says. “I’m visiting Cabot Highlands in September and Cabot St. Lucia in October.”
As the Cabot Collection’s courses
dig into their pursuit of Platinum Certification, O’Mell names many other high-profile public, private, and resort courses that continue to strengthen their commitments to the Signature Sanctuary program, including Bonita Bay in Florida, Sebonack and The Bridge in New York, Bahia Beach in Puerto Rico, and Twin Dolphin on Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. “They’re all on top of their requirements,” he says. “It was also great to see Bahia Beach and Twin Dolphin participating in BioBlitz [Audubon International’s annual species-counting competition, which wrapped up its eighth edition in June]. All our members have shown a great deal of work in the stewardship arena.”
Now he’s putting that deep well of ground-level sustainability experience to work, irrigating golflodging-hospitality landscapes with the life-giving “water” of Audubon International’s environmental best practices–emphasis on “international.”
“I’m interested in building the program outside of the United States,” he says. “I am working on prospective members in Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. I want our program to represent golf courses from across the globe.”
To learn more about how your local golf course, community or resort can gain recognition for your environmental efforts or to learn how to expand your initiatives through Audubon International’s numerous environmental certifications, visit www.auduboninternational.org or call toll free: 1-844-767-9051.
Mark O’Mell, Director of Signature Sanctuary Certifications, Audubon International
Twin Dolphin Golf Course, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Audubon International Welcomes Three New Board Members
Audubon
International – the environmentally focused nonprofit organization offering members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we all live, work, and play – announces the addition of three new atlarge members to its Board of Directors: Jim Pavonetti, Certified Golf Course Superintendent & Director of Golf Course and Grounds at Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, Connecticut; David Robinson, Senior Director with Marriott Golf overseeing agronomics for Marriott’s global golf portfolio; and JC Chi, Principal and Co-Founder of Kuo Diedrich Chi Planners & Architects based in Atlanta, Georgia.
“As our organization continues to grow, welcoming these three outstanding people to our board gives us an even broader representation of stakeholders in the industries with which we work most closely to fulfill our mission,” says Christine Kane, CEO. “They will help expand our message to future members who truly want and need to establish a sustainable culture through potent partnerships, best practices, consistent communication and wise investments. We are thrilled
to bring their deep experience and new perspectives to bear as our board charts our way forward.”
JIM PAVONETTI
A longtime champion of Audubon International’s mission, Mr. Pavonetti was named to his position at Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, Connecticut, in 2008. Active in the field for over three decades, he notably held the same position at the Edison Club and the West Point Golf Course.
Pavonetti led the way for Fairview Country Club to achieve the designation of Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, through Audubon International. His efforts were also recognized by the Metropolitan Golf Association, resulting in Fairview Country Club receiving the prestigious Arthur P.Weber Environmental Leader in Golf Award in 2019. He also earned the Environmental Leaders in Golf Award from the GCSAA and Golf Digest eight times between 2006 and 2023. In 2021, Mr. Pavonetti
was featured in Golf Digest for his environmental conservation contributions to the field.
“I am very honored to be asked to join the Board of Directors for Audubon International,” Pavonetti says. “I hope to promote the programs to turf students entering the industry, assistant superintendents, and young golf course superintendents. They are the future, and I think that their participation is important to the golf and turf industry and to the future of the public view on golf course maintenance operations. I would also like to further promote these programs to the general golfer, from the daily fee player to members of the most prestigious country clubs in the world.”
DAVID ROBINSON
Mr. Robinson is a Certified Golf Course Superintendent and a Certified Golf Irrigation Auditor. He is a member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association, Central Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association, and the Florida Turfgrass Association. He also serves on numerous boards and committees within the golf industry.
Robinson earned a bachelor’s
Audubon International’s new board members, left to right: Jim Pavonetti, David Robinson, JC Chi
degree in Turfgrass Science from Pennsylvania State University and an associate degree in Golf Course Management along with a Certificate in Turf Equipment Management from Lake City Community College. He served as Superintendent of Golf Grounds at JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Naples, Florida.
“I am honored to be elected to the board,” he says. “Audubon International has been Marriott Golf’s foundational sustainability program for nearly 20 years. I look forward to working closely with the organization to help build their presence within the industry and further promote golf sustainability
As a board member, Robinson looks forward to helping Audubon International increase its number of certified facilities, strengthen programs, and build on overall golf sustainability awareness.
JC CHI
With over 30 years of experience in the club design industry, Mr. Chi has gained expertise in the areas of golf development feasibility, amenity master planning, facility programming, and design implementation of golf and recreational facilities on global scale. Beyond having served the role as design visionary and architect for projects throughout the United States, he has led efforts in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. He joined the Board at Chair Henry DeLozier’s personal invitation.
“I wholeheartedly take it seriously,” he says. “On a personal level I have time to devote to outreach and going beyond the commitments I have with my profession. I’m challenging myself to be more proactive and have a
positive impact on other people, my projects, and my club clients–and to help expand the network.”
To learn more about how your local golf course, community or resort can gain recognition for your environmental efforts or to learn how to expand your initiatives through Audubon International’s numerous environmental certifications, visit www. auduboninternational.org or call toll free: 1-844-767-9051
Pitching, Patrolling and Planting: The Triple Play of Gary Bradshaw’s Career
By Cecilia Johnson
Gary Bradshaw, an industry veteran and professional, has a background as dynamic as it is impressive. Formerly a professional baseball player and a highway patrolman, Bradshaw has spent over 47 years in the turfgrass industry. Currently overseeing Alabama and Georgia as Territory Manager for Sod Solutions, his career path showcases a relentless work ethic, highlighting a long and successful journey through multiple impressive roles.
Bradshaw’s roots are in Lake Worth, Florida, between West Palm Beach and Boynton. A standout baseball pitcher, he captured the attention of scouts and was drafted by the Minnesota Twins right out of Lake Worth High School in 1968. After much deliberation, Bradshaw opted to play baseball in college to gain more experience and chose Miami-Dade Junior College for its flexibility compared to a four-year college.
Professional Baseball
Accompanied by his high school sweetheart, Donna, whom he married in 1969, Bradshaw signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers after his second year at MiamiDade, aiming to fund his college education through his contract. However, juggling professional baseball and financial obligations, he could not complete his degree.
Drafted as a right-handed pitcher, he suffered a rotator cuff injury during his second year of college, which he initially mistook for tendinitis. To keep pitching effectively and maintain interest from scouts, he received cortisone shots and kept the injury under wraps.
Bradshaw acknowledges the unique opportunity presented to him, noting, “It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime offer, not something everyone receives.” The experience revealed the
intensely competitive nature of professional sports: “It’s a dog-eat-dog world,” he remarked. The camaraderie of high school, American Legion and college baseball persists in the professional leagues, yet the competition intensifies. As Bradshaw puts it, “Everyone’s vying for their spot to make it into the show, which is the big leagues.”
During his first New York Penn League season, Bradshaw consulted a doctor about his persistent shoulder pain. Being
told there was no guarantee he could pitch again after surgery, Gary continued playing, relying on cortisone shots to manage the intensity. He pitched a few games during his second year there before they moved him up to the Carolina League, where he played for the Raleigh-Durham Triangles at the iconic Durham Bulls stadium. The part-time nature of the seasons meant living transiently, often moving cities after just a few months.
“It was challenging,” reflected Bradshaw. “Constantly on the move, you drag your family along without knowing where you’ll end up next or for how long. The uncertainty is tough. When they wanted to move me to Danville, IL, after just three weeks in Durham, I had to decline for financial reasons. We had just settled into an apartment.” Faced with the relentless instability of minor and major league life and feeling a spiritual call to reassess his path, he decided not to pursue further opportunities in baseball. “My last season was also when Donna became pregnant, which influenced my decision greatly.”
In his third season, Bradshaw entered a contract dispute, demanding higher pay because he felt his talent was worth more than they were offering him in the early 1970s. He reached a stalemate and issued them the ultimatum to pay him $1,000 a month or grant him an unconditional release. They chose to release him, and they moved home to Lake Worth, where he did some carpentry work before deciding to enter a career in law enforcement. Shortly after, they welcomed their son, Gregg, into the world. Law Enforcement Family tradition influenced
Gary Bradshaw played baseball for Miami-Dade Junior College
Bradshaw’s law enforcement career. His older brother, a patrolman for the West Palm Beach Police Department, rose to the ranks of chief and later ran for sheriff. He is currently running for his fifth term in his 25th year. Their father also served in law enforcement within the juvenile court system. “Law enforcement is all about teamwork. Your life often depends on the trust and cooperation of your team,” Bradshaw explained. He underwent a rigorous sixmonth application and interview process, followed by a 17-week patrol school in Tallahassee.
While attending patrol school, Bradshaw valued the support from fellow troopers who helped move his family into a single-wide trailer in South Bay. His initial duty station was in the rural Glades area of Western Palm Beach County, known for its higher pay scales. Despite being Florida’s sixth largest county, he quickly discovered that this region was less preferred due to its significant migrant worker population.
Initially planning to stay just a year or two, they became charmed by the small, tightly-knit community of Belle Glade. “It was a small area, but the community was wonderful. We fell in love with the people and decided to stay,” he recalled.
As a highway patrolman, Bradshaw adopted a respectful approach to law enforcement.
“Avoiding a ‘badge heavy’ attitude and treating people the way you’d like to be treated generally fosters cooperation,” he noted. This method eased his duties and averted potential escalations,
reinforcing his belief in the power of respect and teamwork.
Few Close Calls
From the outset of his career, Bradshaw was put into precarious situations. Recalling a particularly tense incident, he shared how, on just his second day and without a pistol, he responded to an escape at the Glades Correctional Institute in Belle Glade. Hostages were taken at a nearby high school by prisoners who had exchanged clothes with correctional officers. Armed only with a shotgun, Bradshaw rushed to the scene, which fortunately resolved peacefully when the prisoners surrendered.
In another incident, Bradshaw responded to an abandoned accident and traced the driver to a rundown apartment complex. Finding the padlock unlocked, he called for backup. When they knocked, a man with a sugar cane knife raised above his head emerged. Bradshaw drew his weapon, warning him to surrender, defusing the situation without further incident.
Another night, during a routine midnight shift, Bradshaw stopped a car filled with professional wrestlers. Despite their intimidating stature, he managed the stop cautiously and professionally, ensuring everyone’s safety. “At every traffic stop, you must realize this could be the time. That’s how you have to approach it,” Bradshaw reflected. He dedicated approximately 3.5 years to his role as a highway patrolman.
Introduction to Sod Farming
Bradshaw’s entry into the sod industry came unexpectedly, a path he believes was guided by divine intervention. One afternoon he pulled over Bob Mace, a local sod farmer, for speeding and after choosing not to ticket him, they engaged in a roadside conversation about his farm.”
At that time, Bradshaw was balancing several jobs alongside his patrol duties—constructing barns, sheds, hanging doors and mowing lawns. During one of his mowing jobs, Mace approached him again, unaware that Bradshaw was responsible for the upkeep around their farm’s office building. Mace inquired if he was open to additional work, leading to Bradshaw building a barn house and, subsequently,
an icehouse in Belle Glade. While working on these projects, Mace revealed that his harvest foreman was retiring and mentioned Bradshaw’s name kept coming to mind in his search. “He asked if I’d ever considered focusing all my energy in one area,” Bradshaw recounted. “I was hesitant because I enjoyed my varied work, but he insisted we sit down and discuss the opportunity without any pressure.”
Mace Sod Farm
After careful consideration, Bradshaw accepted the role of harvest foreman at Mace Sod in 1977, which offered a substantial salary increase—more than tripling his earnings as a highway patrol officer. “The offer was too good to pass up,” he remarked. He was among three employees sharing 0.25 percent of quarterly profits as the farm expanded to 14,000 acres. Despite the 40-minute commute
and demanding work, the position allowed him more time at home with his family. At its peak, particularly from June to September, Mace Sod had two crews cutting a total of over 6 million square feet of sod weekly. “For every 2 million square feet cut, Mace rewarded the harvest foremen with $100,” Bradshaw explained. “Once we reached 3 million, he would personally distribute $100 bills on the farm and for higher amounts, he added significant bonuses to our paychecks.”
Bradshaw often recruited additional workers by driving through town on his way to the farm, showing up with a truckload of eager workers. His colleague Bill Weekly managed a team of about 100 men, while Bradshaw’s
Gary Bradshaw as a highway patrolman
Pallets of hand-stacked sod harvested at Mace Sod
crew comprised around 85 hand stackers. “It’s hard for today’s sod business to fathom 185 hand stackers or cutting 6 million square feet of sod each week. The daily influx of trucks loaded with sod was quite a sight that you just don’t see anymore,” he said.
“Bob was an exceptional businessman—everything he touched turned to gold,” Bradshaw recalled. “He was also generous,
main tasks included modernizing the sod division by transitioning from hand stackers to Brauwer harvest machines, significantly reducing the workforce while maintaining productivity.
He also managed the production of wildflower carpet, involving 27 flower varieties, intended for golf courses, highways and other areas requiring minimal upkeep. His role expanded to setting up a
valuing and compensating his employees well for their long hours.” Starting with just 200 leased acres in 1965, Bob Mace developed the operation into the largest sod farm in the Southeastern U.S. by the time he sold it for $85 million in 1988.
When the farm changed hands, the new owners attempted to increase profits by raising sod prices over 5 cents per square foot than what Mace sold it for. “They underestimated the competition from King Ranch Turfgrass, which was just down the road,” Bradshaw remarked. “Despite Bob’s advice against it during his six-month consultancy, they proceeded. The immediate result was a drastic customer reduction—from 30 trucks lined up to just two.”
Bradshaw noted that over time, many farms have reverted to wetlands and numerous muck sod farms have either disappeared or relocated inland. King Ranch Turfgrass
The management decisions of Mace Sod’s new owners inadvertently benefited King Ranch, significantly aiding its expansion. In 1992, Bradshaw joined King Ranch under the leadership of Robert Underbrink and Paul Grose as a special project manager. His
distribution center in Kentucky, where he was responsible for the irrigation setup and production mapping. What was meant to be a short-term assignment was extended to eight months as he stayed to recruit the necessary staff, including sales and district territory managers, to ensure the operation could function independently. This prolonged stay led King Ranch to hire Donna to manage the office and files in Kentucky, providing stability during the transition. Their son Gregg briefly assisted with the wildflower carpet installation before continuing to specialize in irrigation at A. Duda & Sons, a sod farm in Okeechobee. After his return to the Florida farming operation, King Ranch made Bradshaw their turfgrass harvest supervisor.
Reflecting on his three-year tenure at King Ranch, Bradshaw highlighted the invaluable management and interpersonal skills he gained, crediting Grose as a key mentor who influenced his career.
Woerner Turf
Bradshaw discovered a general manager opening at Woerner Turf through former colleague Bill Weekly. Interested in managing a 2,000-acre muck turfgrass farm in Sebring, FL, he contacted owner
Lester Woerner, leading to a lengthy four-hour job interview at Weekly’s house. After the discussion, Bradshaw was offered the job which he accepted, requesting a few weeks to give enough notice to King Ranch. Starting at Woerner Turf, Bradshaw worked closely with the five Woerner brothers and their father. However, a short while after he started, the family decided to distribute their farm assets among the members. In this role, Bradshaw significantly broadened his experience in growing high-quality turfgrass. “It’s not that easy to grow good quality grass,” he noted, reflecting on turf management challenges.
After three years at Woerner Turf, seeking new challenges, Bradshaw put feelers out to see what opportunities were nearby.
SMR Farms
SMR Farms’ President Clive Morris, impressed by Bradshaw’s resume, eagerly offered him a turfgrass farm manager role. He was offered a comprehensive package that included free housing on the property, aligning with a master house plan that would transform the area over the next 20 years.
Morris retired in 2004 and Mac Carraway took the helm until 2014, when Bradshaw was offered the presidency. Initially hesitant and overwhelmed by the responsibility of succeeding Carraway, whom he held in high regard, Bradshaw sought guidance through prayer and discussed the opportunity with his wife, Donna. After a reflective weekend, he accepted the position, feeling a profound sense of responsibility and honor.
“That Monday, I went in and accepted the offer. I told them I was pleased beyond all measure to be able to do that and that I’d do the best job I could do. It was just unreal, to be honest,” he remarked, reflecting on the milestone. He felt immensely fulfilled, having aspired to lead a sod farm since his early days as a harvest foreman.
In his role, Bradshaw not only honed his skills in financial management, preparing budgets and presenting quarterly financial reports to SMR’s CEO and Board of Directors but also managed significant landscaping projects. These projects brought him
Addison King, Gary Bradshaw and the late Keith Vinson at SMR Farms
back to his baseball roots; he particularly enjoyed grassing the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball stadium in Bradenton and the Fort Myers stadiums for the Twins and Red Sox.
His connection to baseball was highlighted when he was invited to throw the first pitch at a game, a gesture that acknowledged his past as a baseball player. Bradshaw also took great pride in overseeing the installation of numerous golf courses in Naples, FL.
Reflecting on over two decades at SMR Farms, Bradshaw witnessed the fruition of housing plans initiated in 1995. By the time he retired in March 2019, the 9,000 acres of agricultural land had been transformed into the Lakewood Ranch subdivision, completing the long-range master plan. With the transformation complete and every parcel left for farming land sold just days after the announcement, Bradshaw decided it was the perfect moment to retire.
Sod Solutions
Shortly after retirement, Bradshaw got several calls from industry professionals about his plans after retiring including a call from Sod Solutions President Tobey Wagner. He explained he’d love to hire someone with a sod-growing background if interested. After a few months, Bradshaw decided he was not ready to stay idle at home in retirement and called Wagner back.
Remembering Wagner from the 1990s, when Wagner traveled farm to farm with Palmetto St. Augustine plug trays, Bradshaw recalled, “He came in with a rental car, showed Palmetto to Paul Grose and me. Paul walked off with a few trays to plant and trial. The rest is history.” This long-standing relationship led Bradshaw to accept a part-time position at Sod Solutions in May 2019, only a few months after his retirement.
“This role kept me connected to an industry I’m deeply passionate about. It allows me to maintain relationships with all the growers I’ve met over the years and help them with my experience,” Bradshaw said. He was thrilled to continue working in his loved field, supporting other professionals and sharing his extensive knowledge.
Initially shadowing Addison King, who was then a Territory Manager and is now Sod Solutions’ Chief
Financial Officer, Bradshaw visited sod farms across Florida and the Gulf Coast. Shortly afterward, Donna desired to move closer to family in Alabama, which aligned with their retirement goals. Coincidentally, when Bradshaw discussed relocation with Wagner, Wagner was
sod farms in his territory and our entire staff. I’ve always admired his career and am fortunate to call him a friend,” Wagner shared.
As Bradshaw reflects on a remarkable career, he embraces his community and passions. An avid vocalist since 1986, his love for
planning regular visits to licensed sod producers in Georgia and Alabama and needed someone to manage that region. ‘It’s been great to meet these new farmers and learn different farming techniques in this area,” Bradshaw noted.
Bradshaw has also been learning about the new bermuda, St. Augustine and zoysia cultivars developed by Sod Solutions, which he describes as “powerhouse grasses” compared to the longstanding varieties. As the Territory Manager for Alabama and Georgia, Bradshaw makes weekly visits to Sod Solutions’ licensed sod producers and authorized distributors in the region. He also assists in sourcing sod and managing large projects for the Sod Solutions Professionals teams, sometimes extending beyond his territory. “We admire Gary’s hard work and dedication to the industry over the past four and a half decades. We’re blessed to have such a seasoned turfgrass professional like him on our team, bringing his expertise to both
singing began in high school and has persisted into his retirement, where he performs solos and sings in a quartet as part of his church choir. Many whom he and Donna had taught in Sunday school have invited him to sing at their weddings and her to be the wedding planner, a testament to their deep community ties.
When not visiting a sod farm or performing, Bradshaw savors the simple pleasures of watching wildlife in his backyard and spending quality time with his family. As he and Donna approach their 55th wedding anniversary, they enjoy their time near their son Gregg, who works for John Deere’s TriGreen Equipment in Huntsville, AL and are surrounded by their four grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. From throwing pitches as a baseball player, navigating roads as a highway patrolman to greening the world in the turfgrass industry, Bradshaw’s journey is a testament to a life of commitment, passion and significant community impact.
Mark Kann, Craig Potts, Erin Wilder, Christopher Buechele and Gary Bradshaw at an event for Sod Solutions
