2012 Fall Edition SFG

YEAR 2 NO. 10 FALL EDITION OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2012 QUARTERLY

VOL 10!

Q&A!

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IS RORY MCILROY MOVING IN ON TIGER WOODS' GOLF TURF?

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PACIFIC NORTHWEST Thornton grabs Oregon Open

INDEX

GA Professional Brian Thornton (Meridian Valley C.C.) shot a finalround 7-under-par 65 en route to claiming championship honors at the 2012 Oregon Open Invitational, held at Broken Top Club.

Editorial 0round, 6 Thornton fashioned a clean final carding seven birdies and no bogeys to finish Diplomat Course 08 two shots aheadG ofolf 2008 Oregon Open champion Corey Prugh (Manito G. & C.C.).

When asked felt after his finalRori m oving in how on Theiger’s turf 12 round triumph, Thornton replied, “I felt very good. There were so many great players. To ewis some 15 of be mentioned asStacy a winnerLalongside the other tournament winners is a real honor.

There have been some legends of the Understand The Slice 1game 8 who have won this tournament and it feels good to be a part of that history.”

Cobra AMP were Driver 2early 0 in Scoring conditions evident the final round. After just sneaking by the Fila Finall 2the 2 cut, and playing theFashion first group of day, PGA Professional Chris Van der Velde (Tetherow G.C.)Rcarded a 9-under-par Taylormade ocketBallz 24 63 to propel himself up to a T-11 finish. With the round, Van der Velde set a new Broken Top scoring record, and posted the lowest Oregon Open tournament round since PGA Professional Gove finished PublicaOon of Young Mike Morris Group with a final-round 62 in 1992.

326 Lincoln Rd Suite #228 Seven-under for the day and two shots Miami B each, L 33139 up comingFdown the stretch, all Thornton needed to do was finish it off. “I did peek Inquiries

i nfo@sfgmagazine.com at the scoreboard after 16 and saw that I had a two shot lead. I played some great

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course management after that and also hit some quality shots to make par knowing Prugh needed to make something happen to catch me.”

With the victory, Thornton is just one win away from the career grand slam at PNW PGA major events. To this, Thornton remarked, “It really never hit me that I was going to have a chance at that until I got this win. I am excited for the opportunity. Golf is very humbling; you just never know when it may be your turn.”

Look for Thornton to be in contention at the upcoming Rosauers Open Invitational, where he’ll try to complete the slam.

—Kyle Neilan

PHILADELPHIA Kogelman tops Hyndman Classic field ach year the Philadelphia PGA returns to Huntingdon Valley (Pa.) C.C. for the William Hyndman III Memorial Classic.

This event is played to honor one of the greatest amateur golfers in Philadelphia history. Hyndman was twice a U.S. Senior Amateur Champion, a runner-up in the U.S. and British Amateurs, a playing member of five Walker Cups, and a participant in seven Masters. Hyndman also holds a distinction of being one of only three players to record a hole-in-one on the par-3 12th at Augusta.

In the 2012 edition of the William

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Joe Kogelman was victorious at the 2012 William Hyndman III Memorial Classic.

Hyndman III Memorial Classic, 125 Professionals teed it up to compete for the top prize. The tournament took on special meaning as less than a week before the event, William “Buck” Hyndman, the son of William Hyndman III, passed away after a long battle with multiple myeloma. To honor Bucky, all participants wore black ribbons in remembrance.

As play got underway, no one was able to match the great round posted by champion Joe Kogelman (Indian Valley C.C.).

Kogelman added one birdie on the back nine to go along with his eight pars to finish his round at 4-under-par 66.

Kogelman had to wait nearly six hours before his victory became official. As the last card was entered, Kogelman finally had earned his first Philadelphia PGA points tournament victory.

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couple of pars coming in and I was able to two-putt EVENT 2 TOP FINISHERS and make them.”

Boys’ 16–18 Division Carson Schaake, the Nebraska Class A State 1st Rylee Reinertson, Gibbon, Neb. 75-70-70—215 2nd Carson Schaake, Omaha, Neb. 76-70-71—217 Champion, pulled out all the stops but was unable to 3rd Zac Dittmer, Kansas City, Mo. 73-73-73—219 match Reinertson. He was 1-under par after 10 4th Jeff Swegle, West Des Moines, Iowa 74-71-78—223 5th Grant Campbell, Waukee, Iowa 79-75-71—225 holes but couldn’t manage any more birdies to finish at 71, and a 217 total.

Boys’ 13–15 Division During our Saturday’s round here in Miami the discussion finally broke and our guest from 1st Sean Song, Omaha, Neb. 75-77-75—227 Zac Dittmer of Kansas City, Mo., shot three 2nd Jake Goldman, Leawood, Kan. 84-75-71—230 the Midwest asked the great quesOon; who’s the best golfer of all Ome? Although Jack and consecutive 73s and finished in third place overall.

3rd Alex Schaake, Omaha, Neb. 80-81-71—232 Tiger took highest honors the conversaOon quickly turned around the newest rivalry and T4th Alex Aulerich, Valentine, Neb. 84-79-77—240 Despite shooting her highest round of the future events. Tiger vs Rory… A singles final round in the final match of the Ryder Cup, last T4th Drew Engelking, Edina, Minn.

86-77-77—240 54-hole tournament, Cha Cha Willhoitepairings on Sunday to decide the Fedex Cup at the TOUR Championship presented by Coca of Palm T4th Ben Parisi, Omaha, Neb. 81-73-86—240 Desert, Calif., maintained her lead and Cola, won ythe Girls’ Division outh versus old… yes folks we have a brand new rivalry.

1st Cha Cha Willhoite, Palm Desert, Calif. 75-73-77—225 girls’ 16–18 division by four strokes, shooting a

T2nd Jordan Chael, Overland Park, Kan. 81-73-75—229 9-over-par total of 225.

This new rivalry T2nd will sure ignite controversy as to who was the greatest golfer of all Ome. As Brooke Ferrell, Edgerton, Wis. 77-77-75—229 Judd, “My round was very sketch, but I held in unfair there and as it may 4th sound Audrey it’s hard for Olathe, some Kan. fans to decide t76-75-79—230 he right answer. Especially younger 5th Grace Chua, White Rock, Wash.

75-80-78—233 fans who got my first win,” said Willhoite. “My putting was never saw the charge of Greg Norman on a Saturday abernoon, the stare of very good. I never have a problem with myRaymond Floyd or the rivalry between Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. To millions of golf driver so fans Tiger Woods is the only name on the list, no one else. Jack Nicklaus is right there with place with a 1-under-par round of 71 for a three-day that helps.”

EDITORIAL him i n t erms of more Major Tournaments, Sam Snead had more PGA Tournaments won but of 232.

Brooke Ferrell of Edgerton, Wis., and Jordan total that was a long Ome ago and as unfair this sounds people forget. But that’s about to Canadian Grace Chuaas shot the lowest finalChael of Overland Park, Kan., both shot 75 to tie for change, i n f act i s c hanging i n f ront o f o ur e yes.

second but Ferrell won a scorecard playoff, making round score in the girls’ 13–15 division with a 78 for

a three-day total score of 233 to finish in first place. her the runner-up.

We have a real contender emerging from the crowd, Rory has shown the world his talent “I was hitting the ball great but wish I could have Sean Song of Omaha, Neb., rackedand up hfour is will at a young age. He has ignited a great rivalry between him and Tiger and we got birdies to counter four bogeys to win the boys’ made a few more putts,” said Chua. “Overall, I was a taste of it this past weekend in the first two rounds of the BMW Championship and the happy. I stuck my strategy today theapar 13–15 division. His final-round 75 was enough to disappoint. two didn't Both pto layers barbeque the gplaying olf course nd fi5snished with 12-­‐under par with three shots to the green, and when the pins were hold off a surge by Jake Goldman of Leawood, Kan., scores. There is enough energy and game to compare these two players with Jack and in tough positions, I played to make the right miss.” who finished two strokes back of Song. Arnold’s rivalry in the 60’s.

I am talking about Tiger Woods playing well against a younger Ding of Lexington, Mass., finished second “I was playing really steady throughout the Rory Amy guy named McIlroy playing even beger.

McIlroy is in the hogest player on the planet, of the four tournaments that Taylor he has Black entered. place withlast a three-day-total of 247. of SOll, Woods has also whole entire round,” said Song. “I hit a lot winning of greensthree

Warrensburg, Mo., finished two shots back of Ding again and I was making more putts today.”captured three wins this year and has begun to show signs of his old form. For now, Tiger he advantage in terms of wins, to come in third.

Alex Schaake of Omaha, Neb., finishedhas in tthird n but that’s about to change

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Golf Course Review

Westin Diplomat Golf Course Recognized as one of South Florida’s most iconic buildings, The WesOn Diplomat stands out from the crowd just north of Hallandale Beach Boulevard. Inside, one great travel desOnaOon with two unique experiences. Travelers can choose beachfront surf and sand or a more inOmate stay surrounded by manicured golf course greens and an indulgent full-­‐service spa. The Diplomat Golf Course, just 2 blocks ways from the main resort, has an ideal balance of mature Banyans and Royal Palm trees with fast Tif Eagle greens and rolling Bermuda 419 fairways. It is a welcome treat for novice players and a great challenge for the experts. The nearly 7,000-­‐yards of championship golf course is managed by internaOonally renowned Troon Golf®. Every cart is equipped with Prolink GPS to offer game assistance and the layout of the course and also allows for food and beverage service delivered during play.

Diplomat Golf Course Joe Lee Redesign Tif Eagle Greens Bermuda 419 Tees and Fairways Key playing holes

Hole #2 (Par 4 – 385 yards) The second hole of the golf course will give you a taste of what the golf course is all about. Length is not as important as placement. A narrow and short fairway will force you to keep your driver in the bag. The perfect shot will be 220 – 250 yards just to the right of the fairway bunkers. Avoid at all cost the right side of the fairway as you may e n c o u n t e r h e a v y r o u g h a n d m a n y obstrucOons. A medium to long iron will be needed for the second shot which must carry over water to an undulaOng island green. This is the signature hole… just gorgeous!

Hole #11 (Par 5 – 555 yards) This hole faces south so most of the Ome the ocean breeze will push fades into the out-­‐of-­‐ bounds right (tee to green). Aim center leb of the wide fairway and you will be ok. Your second shot should be short and right of the fairway bunkers (leb) This will leave you a confortable 3rd shot to the flat green. Do not overpower this hole, play smart and you will end up with a great score.

Hole #17 (par 3 – 162 yards) This is a difficult hole that appears to be easy on paper. Lots of distracOons and a slippery green are just the right ingredients for disaster. Long and demanding, this Par-­‐3 requires a cut tee shot to a narrow green.

Shorter higers may lay up to the leb side and this will leave them a chip to the open side of the green. Club selecOon is essenOal as the right side of the green and short is a water hazard. The buildings across the street will block some of the wind but sOll this is a hole were you have to keep your eyes wide open.

Aim in between the bunkers and take enough club, do not expect any miracles here as I seen many bogies and double bogies in a fibeen minute span.

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working together on transportation another to bring spectators in from off Diplomat Golf Course (ConQnued from page 8)

plans since the PGA Championship was the island.

“We will have a very effective method awarded to Kiawah Island in 2005. It’s Summary no small feat getting thousands of spec- to direct people where they should go to This is just a gorgeous golf course just seconds away from the beach. Jamie West, PGA tators, volunteers, staffers and competi- get them in and get them out,” Warren Director of Golf and Valeria Ochoa, Sales Manager and Former Big Break III contestant tors on and off an island each day, but says. “We have gone through a lot of have teamed up and are doing an outstanding job while catering to a loyal and plans are in place to make the process planning, we have a great plan and we’ll upscale clientele. Standards and luxury are kept very high inside this facility, The execute it. We want the story of this smooth for all parties.

Diplomat Golf Course is a must play!

A general parking area at the front of event to be the great play of the players

Kiawah Island will accommodate more and nothing else.”

Pros than 10,000 cars at a time, and there will “The challenges at Kiawah Island will Courteous and knowledgeable staff for specta- be the same challenges we face at any be two bus systems in place Great tors pace –oone f play internally on the island, and course – moving 30,000-plus people Well maintained course manicured to perfecOon Extra World class feducation: aciliOes, driving range, clubhouse, etc.

Kiawah Great 19th Hole Island’s PGA Professionals are all certified Great summer rates

Cons

Fun Factor Expensive during the season

Overall RaQng 9.5/10

Left to right: Brian Gerard, PGA Director of Golf; Steve Miller, Osprey Point Superintendent; Jeff Stone, Ocean Course Superintendent; Bill Daly, Oak Point Superintendent; Ric Ferguson, Cougar Point PGA Head Professional; Brad French, Cougar Point Superintendent; Stephen Youngner, Ocean Course PGA Head Professional; Steve Agazzi, Turtle Point Superintendent; Mark Schaffer, Turtle Point PGA Head Professional; Jim Kelechi, Osprey Point PGA Head Professional; Scott Ammon, Oak Point PGA Head Professional; and Ronnie Miller, PGA Director of Instruction.

ith five golf courses and a standalone golf retail shop, Kiawah Island Golf Resort counts on the expertise of its 15 PGA Professionals. Fortunately for golfers and guests at the South Carolina resort, Kiawah Island’s PGA Professionals aren’t just qualified – they’re certified.

Each of the PGA members on staff at Kiawah Island are Certified PGA Professionals, having completed at least one of the six certification paths: General Management, Golf Operations, Instruction, Retail, Executive Management and Ownership/Leasing. In all, the Kiawah Island staff holds 34 certifications.

“I think the PGA Certified Professional Program is a great way to expand your skills as a PGA Professional, and I request that all the PGA members on staff complete at least one certification path,” says Kiawah Island Golf Resort President Roger Warren, himself a PGA Certified Professional in General Management and PGA Past President (2005–06). “They were all outstanding PGA Professionals to begin with. Becoming certified in one or more areas gives them the confidence in knowing they have expanded skill sets and expertise.”

Two of Kiawah Island’s PGA Professionals — Osprey Point Head Professional Jim Kelechi and Ocean Course First Assistant Josh Wagaman — are certified in all six possible areas, while Warren and Director of Golf Brian Gerard are both PGA Certified Master Professionals.

“I think it’s a great learning experience to go through the PGA Certified Professional Program, and then go out and apply what you’ve learned on a day-to-day, operational

W

basis,” says Gerard, who is certified in General Management. “I think the level of expertise we have here at Kiawah Island has a tremendous impact on the quality of service we provide to every golfer who sets foot on our property.”

Kiawah Island’s PGA Professionals are stationed across the property, from Gerard and Warren overseeing the entire operation to professionals staffing each area of the facility. Steven Youngner is the PGA head professional at The Ocean Course, where Wagaman is the first assistant. At Osprey Point, Kelechi’s first assistant is Jeremy Colie.

Mark Schaffer is the head professional at Turtle Point, where Tim McArthur serves as first assistant. Scott Ammon is the head professional at Oak Point, with Ryan Rushtie at first assistant. Ric Ferguson is the head professional at Cougar Point, while Benji Boynter runs the golf retail shop in the resort’s hotel.

There are also three PGA Certified Professionals teaching at the resort’s Tommy Cuthbert Golf Learning Center at the Turtle Point course, named for the longtime director of golf at Kiawah Island: Ronnie Miller is the director of instruction, while Blake Cathey and Abby Welch are lead instructors.

“Kiawah Island is fortunate to have a large set of outstanding PGA Professionals,” Warren says. “They’re all involved in the PGA Championship in some way, but their biggest impact is the difference they make in the lives of the golfers who visit the resort throughout the year. You can tell people really enjoy their time here, and that’s a direct reflection on our golf staff.”

Valeria Ochoa, Sales Manager WesOn Diplomat (password: PGAmag007) www.pgamagazine.com | August 2012 |

51

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OPINION

Is Rory McIlroy moving in on Tiger Woods' golf turf?

By Stacy Solomon – Golf 4 Beginners golf-­‐for-­‐beginners.blogspot.com

Smiling faces, hand-­‐shaking and a bit of revelry surrounded Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods as the BMW Championship paired the two golfers for a two-­‐round start to the final legs of the FedExCup Playoffs. With Rory McIlroy moving stealthily into the winners' circle and Tiger Woods struggling to maintain form, could this compeOOve pairing be what Woods needs to revitalize his game or does this signal a passing of the torch?

could this competitive pairing be what Woods needs to revitalize his game or does this signal a passing of the torch?

Huff Post Sports "wondered if there was something compellingly symbolic in this passing, if McIlroy, in a larger sense, is ready to take Woods' place on the game’s grand stages." Rory, a twenty-­‐three year old with three wins under his belt this season is young and aggressive like the Tiger Woods from ten years ago. A joking McIlroy who is growing muscles on Tour recently stated he would like to "kick his (Woods) behind" at the Ryder Cup.

Woods, on the other hand, has backed off of his more aggressive style more calmly staOng that he sOll wants to taste victory. "I'm just going to try and get a 'W' this week," Tiger said about Crooked SOck. "That's the goal. That's why I'm here. That's why I entered."

Yes, Tiger Woods may have entered the BMW Championship to win but his comment aber the first round that "The game of golf is in great hands with him (McIlroy), and he's here to stay," could be taken as a sign that Woods may be lesng go of the struggle to stay on top. Lesng go may be the first sign that Woods is ready to come back.

Although Woods has three wins on the PGA Tour this season; the Memorial in which Tiger surpassed Jack Nicklaus' record, a win at Bay Hill that marked his seventh at that golf course and the AT&T which was won with a bit of a struggle at Congressional, there is a definite weakness in his game which now shows up during the final stages of tournaments, a flaw in his pusng, in my opinion, caused by a lack of focus.

In 2009, right before his woes began, Tiger won the same tournaments and also included three more wins including the BMW Championship.

Although money may be a motivator for many golfers struggling to stay in position, the "$100 million dollar man" needs a different type of stimulus in order to return to his former greatness and Rory McIlroy may be just what the doctor ordered to wake up a sleeping Tiger.

Stacy Solomon

Westin Diplomat Golf & Spa

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An ideal balance of mature Banyans and Royal Palm trees with manicured Tif Eagle greens and rolling Bermuda 419 awaits the seasoned player and welcomes the novice. The nearly 7,000-yards of championship golf course is managed by internationally renowned Troon Golf®

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15

Q&A with Palm Beach Sensation and LPGA player

Stacy is the newest addiOon to the group of stars who are trading other areas of the naOon for our 365 days of golf. The 27 year old golf star was born in Toledo, Ohio, but grew up in Texas at The Woodlands (outside of Houston), she graduated from The Woodlands High School in 2003. Her life was a struggle as she was diagnosed with scoliosis at the tender age of 11 . She had spinal fusion surgery when she was in high school and Lewis missed her first collegiate golf season recovering from the surgery. Despite the many obstacles scoliosis presented, perhaps the most disheartening was being told she would never play golf again, a passion which she picked up at age eight.

Fast forward 15 years to the 2011 Krab Nabisco Championship, when the then-­‐26-­‐year-­‐old Lewis defeated world No. 1 Yani Tseng by three strokes to win her first major championship and in her own way defying against all odds. Stacy brings awareness to her work with the Scoliosis Research Society (www.SRS.org).

She had spinal fusion surgery when she was in high school and Lewis missed her first collegiate golf season

Now Lewis is using her high-­‐profile as a top pro golfer to give back to the largest organizaOon devoted to supporOng and funding research in spinal deformiOes. She has starred in a SRS PSA, in addiOon to meeOng with young paOents to provide encouragement and connecOng with kids and parents through email and legers.

Q Last year you won the Krab Nabisco, that really propelled you the rest of the season. What are you doing to keep that going this season?

A I’ve just been trying to ride the momentum. I’ve been playing well, working a lot on my swing and focusing on my pusng.

Q What stands out to you about playing in the Krab Nabisco? What do you like about the desert?

A I wasn’t always a fan of desert golf, but I’m starOng to like it more and more. I do really enjoy Mission Hills, it just fits my eye. I like that it’s always hard and you’ll get wind at least one day. Then there’s walking up the 18th at the Krab, it’s the best memory I have and it’s one the best experiences we have as a finishing hole.

Q Last year, aber you won, your whole family jumped in the pond at the 18th hole and your mom got hurt. Do you think that jump will change the way Krab Nabisco winners celebrate?

A I actually heard they’ve dug the pond out and made it deeper and there’s a celebraOon to announce it.

I think the winner will conOnue to jump in the pond, but they’ll probably do more of a cannonball!

Q You spend a lot Ome away from the golf course giving back. How rewarding is that for you? What it is like to be able to go to travel the world, and give hope to others?

A I’m in a very unique posiOon to give back to a lot of people and feel very lucky to be where I am. So giving back in just kind second nature to me and something I try to do every week. To meet people from all over the world and knowing that me playing golf is inspiring them to get through a surgery, to recover or get beger makes what I do really worth it.

16

GOLF TIPS

SLICE

the Michael Berenger, PGA

One morning I am out at the pracOce range with one of my students and next to us there was this guy pracOcing his slice.

What? SomeOmes it is difficult to understand human behavior and to make magers worse, I’m not a shrink. When I see a person hit the same poor shot over and over I just imagine they are pracOcing and engraving that flaw into their swing. Ouch!

A slice is nothing more than the result of a swinging flaw and it will be cured with a couple of adjustments

It is important to understand that just like we go to the doctor to find a cure for our sickness, we must also consult a golf professional when we face a golf problem. A Golf Professional will be able to determine what is causing the flaw and make the necessary recommendaOons to fix it. A slice is nothing more than the result of a swinging flaw and it will be cured with a couple of adjustments; however, in order to cure it we must first understand what is causing it. Complicated?

Ball Direction

Swing path

V Axial Rotation Open Face

Correct Swing path

The IniQal InteracQon When we hit a golf ball we are transferring energy from our swing to the ball. The slice occurs when we have an open face in relaOonship to our swing path (face needs to be perpendicular to swing path). Having just a couple of degrees open will apply tremendous spinning (axial rotaOon) to the ball together with some linear direcOon. Everyone who has a slice ailment has an idenOfiable problem with his swing. Isolate and correct that problem, and you'll likely stop the uncontrolled slice.

The culprits I have narrowed them down to the main 3 but in reality there are more; again, only a Golf Professional will be able to determine and correct your parOcular flaw…

Swing path outside in: Almost 80% of the players have the tendency of veering from the swing plane. Taking your golf club to far in on your back swing will inevitable result in a body compensaOon called “casOng” where all the power is generated half way thru the swing. The result is a slap on the face of the ball and tremendous sidespin to the right. AnQdote: Maintain the same plane back and forth and thru the swing, pracOce by pusng a bright neon tape on the hosel of a long iron and take pracOce swings without hisng balls. You will be able to see the visual

One plane swing path path that the neon tape leaves, once you have a one line path back and forth you will feel what being on a plane is all about.

Extremely verQcal swing plane: Most amateurs slice their tee shots with their drivers because they tend to swing with descending angle of agack (the same as wedges). But when they hit their wedges the slice seems to disappear? The backspin generated by the lob of a wedge offsets the sidespin generated by the poor swing. Good players hit their drivers swinging inside out and with ascending angle of agack so they can hit the ball with an ascending blow. Beger players typically have (2) swings, one for wedges and irons (more verOcal) and one for driver with a flager angle of agack. AnQdote: put a towel or a glove under your leb armpit (right handed player), this will keep you from coming over the top to start your downswing.

Slicers try to do what is natural and logical and if they are missing often to the right, then before too long they are going to aim more and more to the left to compensate

Weak Grip: Correct hand posiOon is crucial to obtain the desired result in golf. A weak grip is determined when your leb thumb is aimed to your leb shoulder. This grip will unravel just prior to contact and will leave that face open. AnQdote: You beger see at least 3 knuckles of your leb hand as you grip your club. Hit balls with your front hand only by gripping the club with both hands and just before impact lose the backhand. Be sure to keep the connecOon of your front arm even aber impact.

strong grip Slicers try to do what is natural and logical and if they are missing oben to the right, then before too long they are going to aim more and more to the leb to compensate. But aiming to the leb will only cause the swing's circle to be too far to the leb, worsening the slicing moOon. Body posiOoning does not cause slices but aggravates it. Use your shoulders as a guide and double check that you are aiming to the target. If you are at the range lay a club on the ground, parallel to your target line, and check your aim. Or you can have a friend check your alignment too. Just make sure that your feet, knees, hips and shoulders are parallel to that club on the ground and to your target line.

Checking your stance, correcOng your swing path, agacking the ball with the correct swing plane and gripping the club correctly is what beger players and professionals do naturally every Ome they hit a ball. Good professional counseling and lots of pracOce can eradicate your slice in no Ome.

18

Summer is finally leaving us and with it the scorching temperatures and high humidity. Some of our fall picks were causing a sQr during the Fall PGA Show in Las Vegas. South Florida Golf brings you a review of the new tools and equipment in the golf industry.

59 Belts Golf Belt Buckle Art Belt buckle art has been around for a long Ome. But if you are like me, you have stayed as far away from those as possible. You don’t want to look like you are wearing the WWE Championship belt, or some reject cowboy buckle; You want something custom, arOsOc, yet wearable in public. Trevor Derrheim of 59 belts has hit that elusive look on the head. (59 is that elusive score golfers dream of shooOng someday, but 99.9% of us will never even get close.) 59 belts knows you might never get close to that number, but you can sOll wear a buckle that makes you feel like a pro capable of shooOng that low of a score. 59 belts/buckles are becoming more and more popular on Tour. If you watch any given event; PGA, LPGA or Champions Tour, you will see a good Number of 59 buckles being used. www.59belts.com

Alial Fital Apparel Unexpectedly Awesome When I first heard a former NFL quarterback (Gibram Hamdan) was the designer of golf polos I didn't really take noOce. When I heard that Bo Van Pelt was wearing this new brand, I didn’t really pay any agenOon to it. UnOl one day I saw a picture of one of the nicest golf shirts I had ever seen, but didn’t know who had made it. While I didn’t give them much credit iniOally, I think Alial Fital makes the best golf Shirts of any company right now. I only have one other shirt even to the style.

The pagerned outer collar, oben with a different inner collar, in contrast to the main shirt pagern really sets these shirts apart. You can instantly tell if someone is wearing an Alial Fital dress polo. While the actually materials come from different parts of the world, the shirts are designed and made here in the US.

www.alialfital.com

Salty Pufer Grips These are going to catch on!

Do you like fishing? Do you like golf? Well you can get that feeling of holding a fishing pole in your hand with the new Salty cork puger grip. They are based right here in Florida made with cork from Portugal. They are fresh to the market and will be offering two sizes; standard and oversized. The Salty cork grip has a unique feel; it is firm yet velvety smooth. The lightweight cork will feel slightly lighter than a standard grip, which allows you to feel the moOon of the puger head during your stroke. Salty cork puger grips offer a cool natural look, great feel in your hands, and a fisherman’s dream come true.

Club Glove Travel Last Bag XL Keep everything safe while traveling If you have ever had the chance to watch how the airlines handle your bags, you might have been less than happy with how roughly they are tossed around. Maybe you’ve seen them dropped, crunched, kicked or squished. They don’t handle your clubs any gentler. I’ve seen golf bags fall off the top of the cart right onto the tarmac. Maybe you’ve even had the horror of opening up your travel bag to find damage to your driver, irons or your bag. I hate having to worry if my clubs will make it safely to my vacaOon desOnaOon. There is nothing worse than playing a new, oben expensive course without your favorite clubs. Take the worry out of traveling with you clubs by using the Club Glove Last Bag Travel XL. There is reason the guys that make a living with their clubs use Club Glove travel bags. They are unsurpassed at gesng them to their desOnaOon safe and sound. While there are cheaper bags out there, why take the chance with your expensive clubs. I have more value in my golf bag than any other bag I travel with.

You get all of this protecOon made in the USA. My clubs will only be traveling in a Club Glove Last Bag XL!! www.clubglove.com

G FORE Golf Gloves Add Color to your game G FORE Golf gloves are designed to bring color and style to our modern asre. A wide array of colors delivers on comfort and style. With premium AA Cabrega leather in a precision cut and embroidered patch detail, the G FORE golf glove is unparalleled in construcOon, quality and fit. The gloves, which conform with USGA rules, are worn by Ricky Barnes (PGA Tour), Robert Rock (European Tour), Alex Cejka (European Tour), Shingo Katayama (Japan Golf Tour), Tommy Armour III (Champions Tour), Kathleen Ekey (LPGA Tour) & world-­‐renowned golf instructor Rick Smith. Add color to your game with G FORE. www.g-­‐fore.com

Adidas Crossflex Golf Shoes Comfort and golf performance I've seen a number of golfers that don't wear tradiOonal golf shoes. Their feet are just too uncomfortable in leather saddle golf shoes. Many of the golfers I have seen not wearing golf shoes, most oben are wearing running shoes. Those golfers feel they offer beger support, are more flexible and overall offer more comfort for walking 18 holes. If you are one of those golfers that needs a shoe more like your running shoes to play golf in, these are your shoes. They are lightweight, flexible, supporOve, comfortable right out of the box, and offer golf specific funcOons like tracOon and full waterproof. Since they are spikeless, they might just become even more than your golf shoes. www.adidasgolf.com

Fall picks were selected in cooperaOon with our partners Independent Golf Reviews independentgolfreviews.com

20

REVIEW

By Ryan Heiman

Independent Golf Reviews

Over the last couple years Cobra has had 2 main lines of driver heads, their Composite head and their regular Titanium head. While they both had their benefits and different golfers liked one or the other, I think the AMP is the compromise between the two. It has a nice metallic sound like a Otanium head, yet has a muted feel like the composite heads.

So the head is said to have Advanced Material Placement. I’m not exactly sure where they moved things around, but I can say that I really like what they did. It seems they mixed some composite materials in with a Otanium head. The AMP head has the E9 ellipOcal face which offers incredible forgiveness and consistent distance even on slightly off-­‐center hits. The sole has a slight rudder design to help reduce drag.

Cobra AMP Driver

The AMP head has the E9 elliptical face which offers incredible forgiveness and consistent distance even on slightly offcenter hits.

The head color is eye catching with the nice metallic silver. I actually kind of like it, I had a driver the exact same color when I was growing up. It was my first driver aber persimmon and had the exact same silver color. It was only ¼ of the size, but sOll I like the looks of the AMP driver. The black face looks great too, it even allow you to see where you are hisng the ball on the face.

The sole is a mixture of orange, black and silver which I like the looks of. IT also comes with a nice stock headcover with some cut-­‐outs for easy removal and a Lamkin 3gen orange grip. While the combo is bright, I like how it looks.

On the course, I found it fairly high launching in the neutral posiOon so I opened it up and it was pregy close then to a good launch angle. It really comes off the face with a pop, but seemed to spin more than I would like, especially into the wind. I found many fairways with this driver, I just wasn't quite maximizing distance with this shab. In just the right condiOons I did hit a couple of huge bombs with this driver

So the only downfall of this driver is the stock shab. The 55gram Aldila RIP is just not enough shab. It feels very loose, it spins too much and is just too light. I think that a 65 gram low spin, mid-­‐launch/low launch shab would be perfect. I didn’t have access to addiOonal Ops with this club, but I think that there are some that might find this stock shab perfect, but I think that if could just tweak the shab, this would be my favorite driver of 2012.

I like this head so much I am going to track down a tip so I can drop in a lower launching, lower spinning shaft.

I think this club has real potenOal. If you are going to buy one off the rack, check to see how your numbers are, the head is amazing, but just make sure the shab is fit for you, otherwise check into custom ordering one with the right fisng shab. If you read a number of my other reviews, you will see a similar thought, stock shabs just don’t cut it for me most of the Ome. I just wish it was easier to get Ops or custom shabs.

The all-­‐orange version of this club might be a perfect fit for me since it has the Diamana Whiteboard in it. (low launch/low spin at 65 grams) I think I will either need to track one of those down or find some Ops because I really love this driver head. I think you will too, just figure out which shab is best for your swing.

For more informaOon: www.cobragolf.com

Awesome combinaOon of

Otanium and composite High-­‐spin/lightweight

Forgiving f ace stock shab

Bright l ooks Access to shab Ops

Adjustable enough

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FASHION

Don’t hide from the fairways this fall when this heritage brand has you covered

Summer is almost over and as temperatures start to cool off there’s no need to let that stop you from hisng up the links.

Fila Golf offers fashionable styles that are perfect for on and off the course.

The bright hues and color blocking designs stay right on trend without being too crazy for the course. And for this fall, choose from a full-­‐range of outerwear, including light weight jackets for all seasons, vests, long-­‐ sleeve polos and layering pieces.

Fila Golf’s outerwear pieces are great for all-season play

Fila Golf’s outerwear pieces are great for all-­‐season play. Everything is available for both men and women with fits that complement all body types.

Every detail has been given thought, whether the extra fleece lining right on the inside of the sleeves or the neckline to ensure that skin never touches cold

Layering pieces are ridiculously comfortable made from Single Jersey Knit Moss and are great for slipping on under your polo or wearing to bed when it’s chilly outside. The Textured Fleece Jacket is made from a longer fleece and has a textured design that gives the simple look a fun, funky feel – also been reported to have a very slimming effect.

Fila Golf will keep you warm, comfortable and nothing short of stylish, this season.

WE VE IMPROVED ON THE DIMPLE BY ELIMINATING IT COMPLETELY. NO DIMPLES. ALL PERFORMANCE.

TRADITIONAL DIMPLE PATTERNS Dimples had their day. When the circles of traditional dimples meet, a portion of the ball’s surface goes unutilized. This unused surface area can lead to higher drag forces acting on the ball during flight, which can compromise trajectory and distance.

The age of the dimple is over. HEX Aerodynamics® — proprietary to Callaway — provides 100% surface area coverage while dimples typically provide up to 88%.

The result is a golf ball that virtually eliminates smooth spots and seams that can cause unnecessary drag and inconsistent flight characteristics.

PERFORMANCE “In all the right ways [it’s] a Tour ball. In one way, though, it thankfully isn’t: price.”

– Golf Digest

TOUR PERFORMANCE FOR MODERATE HEAD SPEEDS. ©2012 Callaway Golf Company. Callaway, the Chevron Device, HEX Chrome and HEX Aerodynamics are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Callaway Golf Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Golf Digest and the Hot List logos are the property of Conde Nast.

24

Taylormade RocketBallz Driver Is this club legal?

By Fernando Solorzano

First introduced back in March of this year the RocketBallz (RBZ) Driver has given its counter part R11S a run for its money. The very popular RBZ driver comes in two different performing shapes, one for the average golfer and one for the low handicap and golf professional. The RocketBallz used by average golfers has a larger face that translates into more forgiveness, while the RocketBallz Tour driver has a smaller face and it is designed for the more accomplished golfer.

The RocketBallz used by average golfers has a larger face that translates into more forgiveness

For this review we will concentrate on the RocketBallz used by the average golfer (10 handicap and up) TaylorMade has incorporated everything they have learned from the past into this new driver. Designing a simpler driver that even the average golfer can adjust to diminish swinging flaws. There are two main improvements in these woods vs. any predecessors. The main one being the increase in ball speeds due to the higher COR face design which should increase distance immensely. The other being the improved CG which results in less spin from being moved forward and higher launch as well. More ball speed, higher launch, and less spin just equals more distance. And yes folks… this monster is completely legal and available at retailers and pro-­‐shops naOonwide.

Indoor Test: We brought our test Rocketballz driver to Doral Golf Warehouse for some indoor tesOng. The specs for our driver are as follows:

• Rocketballz 460 CC 9.5* Degrees • All sesngs at neutral lob and lie • Shab: MATRIX HD6 S Flex • Golf Pride Tour Velvet grip

I was very impressed by the overall weight of the club. Being used to a heavier club myself I could see that TaylorMade was making it very possible for an average player to obtain faster swing speeds. The club came factory adjusted to standards and for the purpose of the test we had to manually open the face of the club just a couple of degrees. Aber just a few swings I became accustomed to the smooth rhythm of the club, the ball seems to explode of the face effortlessly. One of the things I was impressed the most was how high the ball was being launched off the face, the final averages were great and this club was just a demo out of the rack.

Without getting too caught up with the numbers I can tell you that the club is extremely easy to hit, it has great distance and great control

Without gesng too caught up with the numbers I can tell you that the club is extremely easy to hit, it has great distance and great control. There were a couple of customers inside the shop and I let one of them (a 17 handicap) hit some balls. His immediate reacOon was the same.. how high the ball comes out of the face, the customer's swing speed was in the neighborhood of 92-­‐96 mph and his launch angle was just perfect at 12* degrees.

Outdoor Test: Our test conOnued to our nearby driving range in Pembroke Pines. The outside temperature was in the low 90's and there was a mild easterly wind blowing constantly from right to leb. We teed up the driver in different posiOons, high, mid and very low and we noOced that the driver performed best when is teed up high. Also, for the purpose of the test we moved our ball forward and backwards in our

Long and straight of the tee Adjustable opOons (2) Models to cater all players Affordable price

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• swing speed 104.9 mph • 14.5* degrees launch angle (between 12-­‐14* recommended) • 3,200 rpm (between 3k and 4k recommended).

stance. The club performed up to and above our standards, even when hit off the toe and heel the ball conOnued to carry a long ways, just um-­‐believable!

The next morning we suited up and played the driver friendly Doral Great White Course. The condiOons were similar as the day before but without all the help and alignments that a driving range provides. Our foursome tested the club against our own drivers as we hit 2 balls on every tee shot. The results were just amazing and all of us fell in love with the club. At a price point just below its cousin (TaylorMade R11S) it’s a great bargain and a great buy.

Summary The RBZ driver came to life as a replacement of the Burner Superfast 2.0 driver. This new driver by Taylormade is much more compact, sleeker, tradiOonal shape design and that appeals to my eye. TaylorMade's RBZ crown is painted white mage and does not reflect the sunlight as many of the standard black heads on the market. In performance the RBZ must be one of the longest and most forgiving drivers on the market. The Flight Control Technology of the RBZ allows players to alter face angle, lob and lie angle for increased accuracy and distance. The club can also be custom made with several shab opOons and at the $299.00 retail price (standard version) it will conOnue to lead in sales around the world.

White color can be distracOng Not recommended for low handicappers (try Tour version)

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