Florida Golf Central Magazine by Golf Central Magazine

ÂŠ Larry Lambrecht, 2013

www.streamsongresort.com

New Year’s Resolution...

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from the publisher header

Be Seen in the Magazine in 2013  It’s little a bit funny, this feeling inside, I’m not one of those who can easily hide! 

I have never been accused of being off the grid or under the radar. It’s actually not my style to hide… unless I’m trying to jump out and scare you when you return from At The Golf Club of Amelia Island the restroom, then I’m big on that! To see and be seen is how we stay present with the magazine. Our online version is more popular with every print issue we produce; and, of course, there’s Facebook. To capitalize on being both a service to the industry professionals, giving them a cool forum for covering as many charity golf events and entertaining the consumer golfers…that is how we play good golf politics here in Florida.  The Sunshine State’s been quite kind to help us belong, It’s people like you that keep us turned on.  Just recently some old time friends contacted us; people that I hadn’t heard from in years and years. Ken Ezell had some pretty groovy news, and Phil Jaffe has a grip that he has been developing. As the result, the two of them have articles in this issue. All it took was reaching out, checkin’ in, and sharing their enthusiasm for their new deal, good fortune, and charity efforts.

Publisher: Terrie L. Purdum Editor in Chief: Shannon Coates Executive Editor: Joel Jackson–Director of Communications for the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association North Florida Regional Editor: Stephen Trendler West Coast Regional Editor: Chris Karamitsos Photographers: Lynn Pelham, Brion Price, Peter Hakansson Tres Fenton, Mike Coonan Public Relations & Social Media Director: Green Gazelle Marketing Senior Correspondent: Rick Harris, Sr. Contributing Writers: Jay Golden, PGA; Greg Wise, Ed Gilbert, Bob Bolton, Leonard Finkel, Mike Jamison, Greg Howard, Marge Vale Business Manager: Debbi Westbrook, dwestbrook1487@att.net Graphic Design: Melahn Cable, melahn@mac.com Website Design/Network Support: ryjo.com

Magazine Printing: Sundance Graphics 9580 Delegates Drive, Orlando, Florida 32837 • 800.617.5532

Florida Golf Central Magazine is published monthly by: Sand Hill Publishing & Public Relations 1549 Warrington Court, Winter Springs, FL 32708

NEW PHONE: 321.765.4215 fax: 407-365-3436 • toll-free: 877.208.5972 E-mail: info@floridagolfcentral.com One year (12 issues) subscription price is $42.99

 So excuse me forgetting, but these things I do, the point is we’d like to hear from you. I hope you don’t mind I’ll put down in words how wonderful life is that YOU are in OUR world! 

Associate Publisher, Arizona Golf Central Magazine:

I look forward to connecting and reconnecting with all of you at the PGA Merchandise Show in O’ Town, Golfest at Tampa Bay Downs Feb. 9- 10, or maybe ACE Group Classic in Naples Feb. 12-15.

editor@golfcentralmagazine.com

 Anyway the thing is, what I really mean, I want you all to be seen in our magazine!  BTW Phil played with my son Preston when he was 13, and just asked, “How old is Preston he has to be in his 20’s?” Happy Birthday to my “Sonny Honey” he’ll be 24 Jan 30th, and Emil Miller, he will be 2009 North Florida PGA Amateur of the Year really old the same day.

Volume 13, Issue 6

Jason Keesling 3461 East Acoma Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85032 phone 602.387.0616 E-mail: info@golfcentralmagazine.com or ©2012 Florida Golf Central Magazine. No portion of this publication may be reprinted without the prior written permission of the Publisher. Editorial contributions are welcome, but Florida Golf Central Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited proposals, manuscripts and photographs. All materials submitted not accompanied by a selfaddressed stamped envelope will not be returned. Mailing, electronic mailing or faxing of contributions constitutes an expressed warrant on the part of the contributor that all material is original and does not infringe on the rights of others. Florida Golf Central Magazine retains all reprint rights and reserves the right to edit any submitted material to meet our specifications for publishing and or use in advertising or promotion. The Publisher and staff are not responsible for any loss or grievance by any person or persons whatsoever, due in any way or in part to the content of this publication. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse to accept any material deemed inappropriate or in bad taste.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

BEYOND REASON

INSTITUTING A NEW INSTITUTION THE GAME IS CHANGING. AND THOSE WHO WANT TO KEEP UP ARE CHANGING WITH IT. FROM ATTITUDE TO TECHNOLOGY TO STYLE, A NEW GUARD HAS ARRIVED.

RORY McILROY + OAKLEY GOLF APPAREL

Volume 13, Issue 6 Cart Girl 14 Ellie Ohlman

Celebrity Corner 16 Larry The Cable Guy

Course of Dreams 32 GolfWeek Amateur Tour

Feature 36 Streamsong Golf Resort

Golf Bachelor 12 Larry Jackson

Golf Business 58 US International Trade Exchange

4 8 10 40 42 44 46

Golf Fore Charity 28 HEAL

Golf Travel 30 Michigan

Improving Performance 42 Chromax

Leader on the Links 24 Clifton Ezell Clifton

On The Green

Departments Letter from the Publisher Golf Central Station Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Live Golf Tournament News Grip It & Sip It Growing The Game

50 52 54 60 62 64 66 68 70 72

Duffer Dan LPGA North Florida PGA Gold Coast Platinum Coast First Coast Gold Coast Central Florida Product Showcase ProVisions

20 Ultimate Turf

Player Development 34 Junior Orange Bowl 36 American Junior

Special Events 18 Ridgewood Lakes Golf Tournament 22 Tyco Skills Challenge

floridagolfcentral.com

Mike Bender Golf Academy Opens New World Headquarters at Magnolia Plantation Lake Mary, Fla.– Mike Bender, ranked as one of the Top Five Best Teachers in America by Golf Digest Magazine, announced the grand opening of the Mike Bender Golf Academy’s new world headquarters at Magnolia Plantation Golf Club in Lake Mary, Fla. The new academy facilities include a one-of-akind 5,000 square-foot building with an all-weather teaching and club-fitting bay, a state-of-the-art putting studio, a fully-equipped fitness room staffed by an on-site trainer, club repair facilities, private video rooms where teachers and students can review swing video from their lessons, a player lounge with kitchen facilities, bathrooms with full shower facilities and academy offices. Additional practice facilities include a 150-foot long putting green designed by Mike Bender, a chipping green with two sand bunkers and undulating fairway, Bender’s world-famous Wedge Range for pitching practice, two TrackMan shotanalyzer computers, a SAM PuttLab, the world’s largest MEGSA Perfect Practice Equipment training facility, uneven lies practice station, mirrors, practice walls, plane board, stretch cage and, of course, a full-size grass practice tee. For more information on the Mike Bender Golf Academy’s instruction programs and academy memberships visit www.mikebender.com or call 407-321-0444.

Nocatee Has Record-Breaking Year With Over 500 New-Home Sales PONTE VEDRA, Fla.– New-home sales in Nocatee, North Florida’s fastest-growing masterplanned community, exceeded 500 in 2012—a 62-percent increase over 2011, and nearly three times more than 2010. In all, homebuilders in Nocatee sold 508 new homes in 2012. More than 1,400 families now call Nocatee home. In September, Nocatee was ranked the nation’s 11th fastest-growing master-planned community by Metrostudy in its mid-year lot-by-lot housing survey. The study also ranked Nocatee the number-one fastest-growing community in North Florida. To learn more about the Nocatee lifestyle, call 1-800-Nocatee or visit www.Nocatee.com.

LPGA Legends Tour Announces Tournament Schedule for 2013 BOSTON– The Legends Tour, official tour for LPGA professionals age 45 and over, announced today that at least nine events will be played in 2013, including two new stops in Florida and Indiana. Feb. 22-24 - Walgreens Charity Classic, Sun City West, Ariz., Grandview GC

The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort and Convention Center Names DeeAnn Hobbs Executive Chef JACKSONVILLE/ST. AUGUSTINE, FL– DeeAnn Hobbs has been named Executive Chef at The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort and Convention Center in Jacksonville/St. Augustine, Florida. In her new position, she is responsible for overseeing the culinary team at the AAA FourDiamond Northeast Florida resort, which includes overseeing cuisine for banquets, receptions and meetings at the resort. Together with the adjacent World Golf Hall of Fame, The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort and Convention Center is the largest combination hotel and convention center between Atlanta and Orlando, with 101,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Prior to joining the 301-room resort, Hobbs served as Executive Banquet Chef at Sawgrass Marriott Resort in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida for more than 20 years. For information on the resort, call 888-740-7020 or 904-940-8696, or visit www.renwgv.com .

Rockledge Country Club Retains KemperSports as its Management Partner NORTHBROOK, Ill.,– KemperSports, the most trusted name in golf course management, has been retained by the board of directors at Rockledge Country Club to provide turnkey management of the private, member-owned club in Rockledge, Fla. Rock-

April 26-28 - Walgreens Charity Championship, The Villages, Fla., Lopez Legacy May 3-5 - ISPS Handa Cup, Orlando, Fla., Reunion Resort & Club, Palmer Course July 12-15 - Judson Collegiate Invitational, Atlanta, Ga., CC of Roswell July 28-29 - LPGA Legends Swing for the Cure, Seattle, Wash., Inglewood GC Aug. 11-12 - Wendy’s Charity Challenge, Jackson, Mich., CC of Jackson Sept. 18 - BJ’s Charity Pro-Am, Plymouth, Mass., Pinehills GC Sept. 23-28 - Legends Tour Championship, French Lick, Ind., French Lick Resort Nov. 8-10 - ISPS Handa Legends Open Championship, Palm Harbor, Fla., Innisbrook For more information, please log on to www.thelegendstour.com. ledge Country Club, one of the oldest private clubs on the Space Coast of Florida, becomes the latest addition to KemperSports’ growing private club portfolio, KemperCollection. Located only 45 minutes from the Orlando airport, Rockledge Country Club opened as a 9-hole course in the early 1920s and was one of the first golf courses to be built in Brevard County. The club now features a strategicallychallenging 18-hole, par-71 golf course with an expansive clubhouse with a recently remodeled golf shop, full-service restaurant and lounge, a banquet and meeting facility and outdoor dining. For more information about Rockledge Country Club, please visit www.rockledgecc.com.

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Southern Hospitality with Florida Charm 9301 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429 www.PlantationOnCrystalRiver.com *Subject to availability; based on double occupancy; high season rates will be higher. Includes accommodations, one 18-hole round of golf and breakfast for two per each night of stay. Group rates are available on request.

FL Restaurant & Lodging Assoc.

The Omni Amelia Island Plantation, a member of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, proudly announces the $3.8 million “Re-Imagination” to Omni Amelia Island Plantation’s Golf facility. Preceding numerous improvements to the course, the greens are now re-surfaced with Tifdwarf Bermuda grass on all 18 holes of the Florida golf resort course. More than 150 trees were pruned to increase the sunlight and airflow around the greens, creating a sustainable growing environment for the new putting surfaces. As one of Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 121 Golf Resorts in the World, with 54 holes of championship golf, the resort’s three courses – Ocean Links, Oak Marsh and Long Point – boast seven seaside

holes, the most in Florida. Designed by Pete Dye, Bobby Weed and Tom Fazio, the course greens and fairways are carefully placed along Spanish mosscovered oaks, lush marshes and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. Along with key greens initiatives, the driving range has been lengthened by nearly 40 yards, adding length to the renowned Florida golf course. The resort has spent $1.2 million dollars on irrigation improvements to the back nine of the Oak Marsh Golf Course that will provide 100 percent coverage of all turfgrass while using 20 percent less water. Golfers will experience much firmer and faster greens, which will certainly challenge every level of golfer. Additional funds were dedicated to enhancing the Oak Marsh proshop experience, along with the remodel of the Golf Shop Restaurant, which is now named Marsh View Bar & Grill. With a new 5,000 square-foot deck overlooking the marsh and Intracoastal Waterway, the Marsh View Bar & Grill offers a menu of southern-inspired, casual fare. As the sun sets over the marsh, guests can share an un-

forgettable experience around the new fire pit set under a stunning canopy of Live Oaks. The redesigned Oak Marsh pro-shop sells brands such as Nike, Cutter & Buck, Peter Millar, Kate Lord and TaylorMade. Nestled between the dune-swept beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and natural salt marshlands, the Omni Amelia Island Plantation offers 249 oceanfront guest rooms, with multi-bedroom villas tucked among the 1,350-acres of Amelia Island Plantation. Developed by Charles Fraser in 1971, the Omni Amelia Island Plantation is beginning a new chapter in its 40-year history, undergoing an extensive $85 million re-imagination project. The renovations include 30,000 additional square feet of conference center space; 155 new guest rooms and suites; an expanded beach club and new two-tiered pool; new lobby and arrival experience; more variety of food and beverage options and improved resort connectivity and parking. For more information on the Omni Amelia Island Plantation, call 1-800-The-Omni or visit www.omniameliaislandplantation.com.

Amelia Island Plantation Signature Golf Links

Marsh view from the deck

Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

Join Fore

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golf bachelor header

Where were you born? Did you grow up there? Fort Worth, TX but luckily we moved to Southern California when I was 1 year old so I had the sun drenched opportunity to grow up as a So Cal surf rat.

Is “acting your age” over rated? Absurdly over rated! High school group you hung out with the most; nerds, jocks, stoners, preppies? Interestingly enough I split my time fairly evenly between Nerds & Jocks.

What do you do for a living? CEO of Loudmouth Golf – some people might translate that to “Playing for a Living” and for those of us lucky enough to be employed at Loudmouth we consider it the Best Job in the World!

What would you like to do for a living? Doesn’t everyone want to be a Rock Star?

Aside from golf; what do you prefer for fun and relaxation? Snowboarding, Flying (I fly a Piper Malibu), and being at a beach or lake almost anywhere.

What’s your take on “cuddling”? 100% all for it. Tell us about your first kiss? Ahhh, the fabulous Kim on

Larry Jackson, aka “LJ”

lifeguard stand #13, Huntington Beach, CA, longer ago than I will publicly do the math for.

Tell us something about yourself that only your closest friends know. In high school I won Class Clown and was runner up for Class Brain.

What three things would you need to survive on a deserted island? A 9 hole executive golf course (at a minimum), a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, and the NFL Package.

Who would you like to have with you on the same deserted island; and why? MacGyver... he can build anything else needed! What do you find to be the most annoying habit people demonstrate on the golf course? Overtly bad behavior that affects others in the group. Golf is a joy and privilege to play and we should all treat our time on the course accordingly.

What do you fear the most? Health scares especially for those close to me are the Worst! In second place – a worldwide shortage of neon colored fabric.

Boxers or Briefs? Boxers (emblazoned in Loudmouth patterns).

Last book you read? “Micro” by Michael Crichton & “50 Shades”, so many women were talking about it that I had to give it a read and see what it was all about.

News, current events; hardcopy or on-line? Still slightly old school, 60-40 leaning toward hard copy.

Favorite charity to support? Central Florida’s Special Olympics, Chris Kirkpatrick’s Foundation for Underprivileged Children, and the Wounded Warriors.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

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cart header girl

Where did you grow up? I was born in Bradenton, Florida and happy to have lived here my entire life

Which group of people did you associate most with in high school? Both of my siblings and I were all at school at the same time. We were all friends, hung out with everyone no matter their age of interests. We know everyone’s families.

What is your favorite part of being a cart girl? What is your

least favorite part? My favorite part is being outside because this is such a beautiful course. My least favorite is how slow my cart goes and sometimes it backfires, but don’t print that – ha!

If you weren’t a cart girl, what would you be doing? That’s a good question.

What is you memorable moment working as a cart girl? There

have been a few. I especially enjoy meeting famous people. We have celebrities play all the time, golf stars, politicians, rock stars. But I can’t tell you any more than that. They play here because we respect their privacy.

Do you think the cart girls should be able to dress differently? How would you prefer to dress if you were given a choice? I respect the standard, polo shirt, closed toe shoes. I’m very comfortable in what I’m expected to wear.

What is the funniest thing you’ve ever seen on the golf course?

When our head pro lost his grip, throwing his club into the lake. It was hilarious!

What type of music do you prefer? Country What hobbies do you enjoy? Baseball of course, hanging with family and friends, and taking my Ramsey for a walk.

What is your idea of “the perfect date”? Casual dinner and sporting event. Great date!

Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails? Relaxed evening at home.

Favorite comedian? Rodney Carrington Favorite type of movie? Comedy Favorite charity to support? Manasota Operation Troop Support What else would you like us to know about you? I’m a Mass

Communications Major at the University of South Florida and want to be a News Anchor. This was fun. Thank you. 14

Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

celebrity corner

Gettin’ R Done Bigger and Better Willie Robertson and Larry practicing their duck calls

Ron Parthmore, Larry the Cable Guy and Marty Hill

The 3rd Annual Git-R-Done Celebrity

New York Giants, Chris Kirkpatrick

Golf Classic finished with another successful year! This year’s event saw Larry the Cable Guy, Willie and Korie Robertson from A&E’s Duck Dynasty, Davey Johnson from The Washington Nationals, Kawika Mitchell from the

from N’Sync and more come out to support The Arnold Palmer Hospital and The International Hip Dysplasia Institute. “Every year, it gets bigger and better”, says Larry the Cable Guy, “Our

Boo Weekley and his team from Textile Rubber and Chemical 16

friends come back to support us and we make new ones too!” Amongst the festivities were the dinner, silent auction, live auction hosted by nationally known auctioneer Marty Hill, a casting contest, hole-inone prizes and more. The Robertson Family donated their world famous duck calls to the event and every time someone hit a birdie, those duck calls could be heard through out the course at Rosen Shingle Creek. Willie Robertson gave all the golfers a quick lesson on using the duck calls…Larry failed miserably! Through the Git-R-Done Foundation, over $5 Million has been donated to The Arnold Palmer Hospital to establish The International Hip Dysplasia Institute and The Wyatt Whitney Hip and Orthopedic Institute. Through The IHDI, research projects have been started to learn more about the diagnosis and treatment for hip dysplasia. If you would like more information about the next Git-R-Done Celebrity Golf Classic, please contact Adrian Stumpf at 702-370-3691 or adrian@gitrdonefoundation.org. Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

Expert reviews of golf equipment, golf gear & the latest golf technology.

By Marge Vale

special events

Teamwork Fore Our Heroes The Inaugural Ridgewood Lakes Golf Tournament took place at Ridgewood Lakes Golf Club. The tournament was sponsored by Del Webb Orlando, an over 55 active life community located south of I-4 on Route 27 in Davenport, Florida. The tournament was Del Webb’s kick-off to a week of Veteran’s Day activities that concluded the following Saturday, with our second annual Military Ball. Therefore, keeping with the theme, it was very appropriate that The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) was selected to benefit from this charity event. This was our community’s very first attempt at fund raising through a golf

left to right - back row: Jean Morgan - Del Webb resident, Marge Vale - Del Webb resident and tournament chair front row: Dick Zeitler -High Vista resident, Bill Edmonston - Del Webb resident, Pat Harten - Del Webb resident both were tournament committee members tournament. We had experienced much success with Relay for Life and the Salvation Army Holiday Toy Drive. But this would be much bigger and would involve more planning than our normal community bake sales. What makes Del Webb Orlando a very special place to live are our residents who consistently demonstrate that they are a caring and giving group. So when the idea of sponsoring our own charity golf tournament was first suggested, it was greeted with enthusiasm by many of our residents and our life-style director, Eric Baker. A large number of the residents of Del Webb Orlando are avid golfers and we are fortunate that our neighbor is Ridgewood Lakes Golf Club, a well maintained course with Champions Turf greens. We were well aware that planning a charity tournament was much more involved 18

than simply making the tee times and sending foursomes out on the course. We formed a great partnership with Ridgewood Lakes Golf Club who was extremely helpful throughout the next 10 months. The easiest decision was our selection of the charity to support. We selected the DAV because of the fine work that they do with the more than 200,000 American veterans. They promote the message of hope to all who have served and sacrificed. The idea of giving back to our veterans drummed up spirit and excitement among all Del Webb residents, many who are veterans themselves. Fortunately, our tournament committee proved to be a dream team. Our team liaison with the DAV, Tom Guarino (recipient of two purple hearts) is also a member of the DAV. He arranged for our poster and brochure photo shoot. Several residents broke out their old wool uniforms and posed for a photo shoot one hot day in August. Tom also scheduled an honor guard for the morning of the tournament to present the colors prior to the start of tournament play, and he involved a local chapter of the Rolling Thunder who presented a POW/MIA flag to our community at our tournament dinner. We were able to arrange for three hole-in-one contests. On Hole 3, players had the opportunity to win a brand new 2013 Toyota Camry LS donated by Winter Haven Toyota. On Hole 6, Ridgewood Lakes Golf Course was offering a year membership, and on Hole 15, a brand new 2012 Starr Golf Cart from Ron’s Golf Carts in Davenport was up for grabs. Several of our own residents even purchased hole sponsorships in honor of the DAV. Tournament day was spectacular, warm, sunny, with light wind, exactly as we had envisioned. It appeared that even Mother Nature was a team player that day. The rest of the day progressed unbelievably smoothly. With the tournament underway, 144 players drove, chipped, and putted their way around the course that was in excellent condition. With the sun setting, all players headed to the Montecito Clubhouse at Del Webb Orlando to take part in the tournament dinner. The most memorable aspect of the day was the presentation of a “check” to Jim Sursely, a

Tom Guarino - Del Webb resident, Bill Shields - Del Webb resident, Jim Sursely - DAV, Jim McTigue - Del Webb resident, Robert Vale - Del Webb resident member of the DAV. We conservatively estimated that our community would be able to make a donation of at least $10,000 to the DAV. Once all our expenses were accounted for, and all of our thank you letters were mailed to our donors and sponsors we were able to determine the exact amount of our donation to the DAV. The actual donation check in the amount of $14,411 was presented to Mr. Al Linden, the treasurer of the Florida chapter of the DAV. This was more than twice the amount of our original goal! We have already started talking about our 2013 tournament that will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2013 once again at Ridgewood Golf Club. Our first planning decision has already been made and that is that this annual event in November will once again be dedicated to a veteran charity. The Del Webb Orlando community is pledged to continue our” Teamwork Fore our Heroes” for many years to come. Curt Lindsey, Ridgewood Lake Gardens, Inc

Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

Explore Del Webb Orlando Today! Stay 3 Nights for only $237 +tax*

Our residents fall in love with where they live. And how they live. Del Webb Orlando offers an unparalleled active adult lifestyle designed just for you! But don’t take our word for it, nothing showcases the Del Webb lifestyle better than a personal visit, so come out and join us!

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Welcome in Spring Model Park & Food Tasting Event Saturday, March 9 | 4-6pm

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*Offer is only valid on stays from 1/1/13 - 3/31/13. Offer not valid with any other discounts or promotions, and guests may only apply offer towards a single reservation. Offer valid at North Florida Del Webb communities only. At least one resident must be 55 years of age or better, a limited number of residents may be younger and no one under 19 years of age. Some residents may be younger than 55. Community Association fees required. Complete offering terms for the homeowner’s association is in an offering plan available from sponsor. Void where prohibited. Prices reflect base prices and are subject to change without notice. Lot premiums may apply. Details available upon request. Photography is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be an actual representation of a specific community, neighborhood, or any completed improvements being offered. CBC039052 ©2012 Pulte Home Corporation.

on the green

By Mike Jamison

Rio Secco

Ultimate Turf fertilizer proves to be the magic potion for golf courses and ballparks across the country When Notre Dame and Alabama did battle for the college football championship in early January, did you notice how incredible the field looked? Alan Sigwardt is the Senior Director of Grounds at Miami’s Sun Life Stadium, which hosted that game. This year he began using a fertilizer product that many golf course superintendents around the country have already discovered. It’s Ultimate Turf, an amazing specialty fertilizer from Solutions 4Earth. “I have been doing this for quite a while and I can say without hesitation that Ultimate Turf is fantastic,” said Sigwardt. “The biggest names in the country are using Ultimate Turf. They can buy any product they want, any time they want. So if they are using it, you don’t need to know a whole lot more.” This new specialty fertilizer product has received rave reviews from golf course superintendents and groundskeepers of some of the most famous sports stadiums in the country. “Since we started using the product, we have had the biggest improvement we’ve seen is in the root zone,” said Kevin Templin, Head Superintendent at highly ranked Cascata Golf Club in Las Vegas. “We have seen a noticeable decline in the number of hot spots we have. And it definitely helped with the 20

color because we were able to get more product out and take less time doing it.” Pro Turf International, parent company of Solutions 4Earth, has been utilizing Ultimate Turf in all of its golf course maintenance projects at some of the best golf courses in the southwest. The results have been positive. “We have noticed a huge upgrade in our turf in every instance,” said Kip Wolfe of PTI. “Root mass is key for golf course turf, and nothing we have used in the past has done the job nearly as well as Ultimate Turf.” You won’t get an argument from Bill Findley, Head Groundskeeper for the St. Louis Cardinals for the past 17 years. He learned about Ultimate Turf at baseball’s winter meetings last year, and liked what he heard. He applied Ultimate Turf in the spring, prior to opening day. “The only thing we did differently in our maintenance program this year was using Ultimate Turf, and we’ve never had results like this,” he said. “This is far and away the best root mass we have ever had, and it is a good thing we did. We endured the hottest summer on record in St. Louis, yet we had the best durability we’ve ever had.” “If I hadn’t used this product, we would have never made it through all those hot summer nights. It blew me

away. I am a huge believer in Ultimate Turf.” Certain areas of the country provide special challenges for golf course superintendents, like the summer heat of Florida and the cold winters of the northeast and midwest. Superintendents who have utilized Ultimate Turf in these areas have seen a dramatic improvement. “I have been using Ultimate Turf since the fall of 2009, and it has become an integral part of our spring and fall fertility program,” said Kyle Hegland, Golf Course Superintendent at Sand Hills Golf Club in North Dakota. “Winter is our biggest challenge as we receive little to no snow cover, with extreme winds and multiple freeze and thaw cycles. That’s a harsh environment for any plant. Ultimate Turf has dramatically helped our root development, which in turn gets us through winter with little or no turf damage. I would recommend Ultimate Turf to anyone looking to improve their fertility efficiency and efficacy.” Besides the enhanced root mass, Ultimate Turf offers another benefit. “Ultimate Turf aids in nutrient availability due to its’ low pH solution,” said Jeremie Smith, Director of Sports Turf for Solutions 4Earth. “When blended with other products, it gives the turf manager an option to reduce fertility Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

inputs.” Jared Bumpus, Golf Course Superintendent at Rio Secco Golf Club in Las Vegas, has already reaped that benefit. “Not only is it a good fertilizer, but if we use it in conjunction with other fertilizers we’re getting a lot more bang for our buck,” said Bumpus. “We are getting a lot more vigor out of the grass, the color is better, our salts are lower and it is just an easier product to maintain.” Maybe the most important result of using Ultimate Turf can be found in the bottom line. “Our liquid fertilizer fees were cut by 40 percent this year, yet we still achieved the same color and results without spending as much money. Pretty amazing,” said Clay Wood, Head Groundskeeper since 1995 at Oakland’s Overstock. Com Coliseum, home of the baseball A’s, the NFL Raiders and dozens of other events during the year. Bumpus of Rio Secco Golf Club agrees. “Instead of doing two or three applications we are doing one application and getting the same results,” said Bumpus. “We’ve seen no black tracking, no streaking of the grass. Ultimate Turf is really a good product for us.” To learn more about Ultimate Turf, visit www.solutions4earth.com.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

Cascata Golf Club

special events

Rose & Hanson at TYCO Skills Challenge

European Ryder Cup studs Justin Rose and Peter Hanson successfully seized another title from American Ryder Cup counterparts Dustin Johnson and Keegan Bradley, winning the 21st annual Tyco Golf Skills Challenge at The Breakers Palm Beach. Millions watched on NBC over the holiday period weekend of Dec. 28/29 as the annual event appeared on broadcast TV for the 21st consecutive year. It is the only post-FedExCup event that has been on broadcast TV since its inception. Sanctioned by the PGA TOUR, the event was taped in November at The Breakers’ Ocean Course. It was one of the strongest fields in the history of the event. Rose finished the year at 4th in the World Golf Ranking, joined in the top 25 by Bradley (13th), Hanson (19th), Dustin Johnson (23st) and Zach Johnson (25th). O’Meara (British Open, Mas-

Rose & Hanson with the trophy ters), Calcavecchia (British Open), Bradley (PGA Championship) and Zach Johnson (Masters) all have won major championships. Stanley, at 25 the youngest player in the field, won the 2012 Waste Management Phoenix Open for his first PGA TOUR title. With Zach Johnson, the total number of 2012 Ryder Cup players in the field was five. Rose and Hanson copped $285,000 in total prize money, winning the title in a sudden-death “chip off” after halving two “Reverse Scramble” holes with second place finishers Johnson and Bradley ($223,000). The team of O’Meara and Calcavecchia finished third ($158,000) with Zach Johnson and Stanley ($134,000) taking fourth place. The decisive shot was a chip from 43 feet by Hanson that rolled to within two-feet, ten-inches, inside Bradley’s Justin Rose driving three-feet, sixinches. “The Ryder Cup? It crosses your mind, I guess,” offered Rose after dousing his partner with celebratory Korbel Champagne. “Emotions are high at the Ryder Cup, but you always have that respect. Here, you still want to feel that adrenaline. The competitive juices always flow.” “Those guys are great competitors and it is a tough format,” said Bradley, who kept his

team alive with pressure putting during the Reverse Scrambles. “There was a lot of action and we hung in there.” In the unusual “Reverse Scramble” format, the opposing team selects which shot its rival twosome must play, putting pressure on every stroke. Rose’s win over Phil Mickelson was pivotal in Europe’s memorable Ryder Cup comeback in September at Medinah Country Club in suburban Chicago. He birdied the last two holes to win the match one-up and pull his team even, ending up with three total points. Johnson and Bradley were the stalwarts for America, also scoring three points each though the hosts came up short. “It was a day of survival,” said Hanson, the Swede who joined the PGA Tour this year and finished third in The Masters. “People were asking me what my best skill is,” concluded Rose. “ Hopefully, the answer is - no weaknesses.” It was Hanson who holed out the 45-foot sand trap skill to give his team its only win among the first six competitions. Bradley won the long drive with a blast of 270 yards, against a strong Atlantic Ocean wind. Dustin Johnson won the 155-yard mid-iron with a shot to within six-feet, sixinches. Bradley had a better effort in the earlier chip shot competition, stopping the ball at one-foot, one-inch from 61 feet away to secure that skill. O’Meara, the 2010 champion with partner Nick Price, won the trouble shot, hitting to within four-feet, twoinches from 94 yards behind a cluster of trees. O’Meara also won the short iron with a shot to within two feet, two inches from 109 yards. Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

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leader on the links

Central Florida based Clifton Ezell Clifton Golf Design Group (CEC) is celebrating several significant milestones as the New Year begins. George and Kenny just celebrated their 25th Anniversary as Partners since forming their firm with Lloyd Clifton in 1987. There first effort together was Eastwood (1998) in Orlando and then shortly thereafter Harbor Hills in Lady Lake. Since those early days, George and Ken have completed the equivalent of 54 new 18 hole courses and another 6 complete course renovation projects throughout the South. CEC has also just finished the final 54 holes of design at The Villages ~

#8 Riverbend Golf Club

Kenny Ezell, Arnold Palmer, Nancy Lopez, George Clifton 24

Tommy Aaron, John Mahaffey, George Clifton, Kenny Ezell America’s largest single site development where they have been the principal Golf Architects for 594 holes of the 621 holes when completed in the fall of 2014. Their relationship with The Morse family, the developers of The Villages, stretches way beyond design. “What most folks do not realize is that the Owners of the World’s largest golf facilities do not even play golf. “They did and do recognize the importance of golf as an essential Lifestyle Amenity. Plus, they understood that well planned golf courses provide other benefits such as storm water retention/detention, wildlife corridors and habitats’, say Ezell. The Villages under CEC’s guidance has become Audubon International’s most recognized Silver Certified Program Member with 315 holes approved for this Special Designation and another 135 holes being reviewed as projects are completed. The final milestone is their legacy of Forest Lake Golf Club. CEC designed, leased, built, owns with some Limited Partners, and manages one of Central Florida’s favorite public golf courses. Their 75 year ground lease of the City of

Ocoee’s 200+ acre Wastewater Disposal Site opened on January 28th 1994. It serves as one of the only courses in Central Florida still in the original Owner’s control and operation. Forest Lake’s core design void of any houses provides all levels of golfer challenging yet fair experiences. Over the 19 years, Forest Lake has hosted over 900,000 rounds of golf. Their 18+ acre natural grass practice areas provide easy access to get or keep your game ‘Golf Ready’. “We like to think Forest Lake is Central Florida’s best ‘Trunk Slammers’ facility.’ We are so easy to get to now with all the new road projects, plus our people are great, our Freedom Fries the best, and we serve cold beverages in the Rusty Niblick” says George. Kenny adds that “we plan on growing old here at Forest Lake. We may not make the whole 50 years left on our lease but we look forward to trying. Plus we get to keep tinkering to make the place better and better.” George and Kenny are Members of the American Society of Golf Architects (ASGCA). Lloyd who turned 88 this year is an Emeritus Member of the ASGCA. Kenny is also a Class ‘A’ PGA Member. Visit www.cecgolfdesign.com to see courses in Florida they have designed.

#9 Kilimanjo - The Villages Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

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HEAL Gala and Golf Benefit a Great Success Individuals with Autism who live across the Northeast Florida area were the big winners at the HEAL Valley of Dreams Gala and Golf Benefit held in Ponte Vedra. The event raised $150,000 to help kids and families in the First Coast. The HEAL fundraiser was held at TPC Sawgrass, which was decorated in Christmas splendor. A special appearance was made by St. Johns County Deputy Sheriff John Tedder and his son with autism, Austin. World Golf Hall of Fame member and former 20 year commissioner of the PGA TOUR Deane Beman made a moving speech about his daughter with special needs and the challenges families face throughout their lifetime. Event emcees Patty Crosby and Dan Hicken of First Coast News helped make the event a hit. The Live Auction included a trip to Hawaii, 6 tickets to CMT awards in Nashville and a VIP PLAYERS Championship package. Silent auction items included a trip to Anguilla, Venus Williams signed racquet, Stand Up Paddle Boards, golf trip to Hilton Head and a beach cruiser to name a few. The Deane Beman-Bobby Weed Charity Golf Classic was kicked off by complimentary breakfast and a clinic on the putting facility by Deane Beman. The golfers had a perfect day on the course followed by an awards luncheon. Special thanks to Deb Alfaro of Wine Source International who arranged all the wine donations for the gala, and also to HEAL Board Member and TPC Sawgrass General Manager Bill Hughes, and his a superior staff who put on a first class event. Thanks to all who supported the HEAL event, you have helped put smiles across the faces of so many who will be attending the many HEAL funded camps, programs and upcoming events in 2013. For more information about HEAL visit www.HealAutismNow.org. 28

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golf travel

Michigan‘s“Sunrise Side” Is One Of The Region‘s Top Golf Destinations Gailes at Lakewod Shores Nile Young Photography

Golf in the Northeastern part of

award-winner in Blackshire, which designer Aldridge made to recreate Michigan’s lower peninsula has been a look and feel of the famous Pine billed as the “Sunrise Side,” and if you Valley. It’s not a replica, but is in great plan to play all the great golf courses contrast to The Gailes. Blackshire is get started at sunrise on several days. cut through the hardwoods & pines, It really doesn’t matter where you where you encounter large sand start, but one place that will set the waste areas along the fairways, trees, tone of a great golf adventure is the and greens giving the Blackshire Lakewood Shores Resort in Oscoda. a much different look than your Lakewood Shores is best known for typical Northern Michigan course. the Gailes golf course, designed by Complementing the two Kevin Aldridge. Designed to recreate championship courses at the look and feel of those famous Lakewood Shores is The seaside courses of Scotland, The Gailes Serradella and The Wee-Links. was described as “a links that’s as A traditional parkland style resort authentic as any in North America” by course, the Serradella is ideal for all Golf Digest. The Gailes was also rated golfers of varying abilities. Each spring the #1 Best New Resort Course in the the Serradella Course comes alive with United States for 1993 by Golf Digest. an explosion of color from the over In contrast, the resort also has an 50,000 annual flowers planted each season, along with it’s 2,000 perennial flowers. The Wee-Links is a must play when visiting Lakewood Shores. One of America’s best pitch and putt courses, with holes ranging from 40 yards to 105 yards in length. The Wee Links is an excellent way to introduce your kids to the game, practice short game, not to mention enjoying some great family fun. Garland Resort A classic golf destination Brian Walters Photography in this part of the state is 30

Garland Resort, which is amid 3,500 acres of forest, lakes and streams. It is a AAA Four Diamond resort at which every detail is first class. Garland features a delightful 72 holes of golf that winds through the forest, wetlands and romantic homes and lodges. The main lodge, itself, a testimony to golden log, stone and glass design, is worth the visit. The resort even features a 5,000-foot landing strip for private jets, and Herman’s Restaurant, one of the best in that part of the state. Arthur Hills, the renown national designer from Toledo, did some of his best Michigan work at Red Hawk Golf Club near Tawas. It’s a classic design created along natural ridges, ravines and wetlands, and the elevation changes are dramatic and the heart of the golf experience. Service at this stop is also worth mentioning. They make you feel like a member of a special Red Hawk family. The United Auto Workers has a great presence with their golf getaway at the top of the sunrise side. Black Lake Golf Club, an 18-hole piece of art created by famous architect Rees Jones, is outstanding. It’s cut from 1,000 acres, and has won awards like No. 1 public course in Michigan by Golf Digest, and “Top 10 You Can Play” in America by Golf Magazine. Yes, it’s that good. Quickly becoming the area’s next Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

Forest Dunes Golf Club Fusion Media Strategies Photography modern classic is Forest Dunes Golf Club, which was selected as the No. 1 “Best New Upscale Public” course in the country by Golf Digest in 2003. In a pristine setting, Tom Weiskopf designed a superb traditional-style classic with modern enhancements. A treat for any golf purist, Forest Dunes is reminiscent of Weiskopf’s Arizona courses with natural sand dunes threaded by native grasses and teeming with flora, century-old red pines and jack pines. Complementing the golf course is a huge practice facility, a two-and-a-half acreputting course, and a 15,000-squarefoot clubhouse reminiscent of a great Adirondack lodge. Another must-play place in this corner of the state is Elk Ridge Golf Club, which opened in 1991 and was designed by

Jerry Mathews, the state’s most prolific architect. It winds through 400 acres, and uses four sets of tees for golfers to pick their challenge. The clubhouse is a classic, and check out the view on the par 3 No. 10 hole. Of course, no visit to this part of the state for golf is complete without a stop at Thunder Bay Resort, located halfway between Forest Dunes Golf Club I-75 and Alpena. Five sets of tees Fusion Media Strategies Photography on a par 73 course that offers a grand variety of Northern Michigan golf experience. It offers lodging and looks, is the key ingredient. But the golf specials in conjunction with several lodging, restaurant, and other activities of the other top golf destinations. Oh, like elk viewing rides make this stop and watching the sunrise is free. truly rewarding. For more information about Michigan Thunder Bay also serves as a home golf, visit www.michigan.org. base for those wanting a “Sunrise Side”

Red Hawk Golf Club Nile Young Photography Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

course of dreams

Golfweek Amateur Tour Opens 17th Season in 2013 The Golfweek Amateur Tour will open its 2013 season on March 23 at Black Bear GC in Eustis. Thirteen tournaments are scheduled on some of the finest courses in central Florida. “Last year we played a terrific schedule; this year our lineup is every bit as good” said Tom Mirus, Tour director. “We will be taking the tour to some new courses this year. We are playing eight courses we did not play in 2012. We are excited about the coming season. We will again qualify fifty players (10 from each of the five flights) for the Tour Championship in October. It is being held in Hilton Head, SC now and the players that made the trip last year loved it. I am sure competition for the invitations will be strong again this year. Plus, our players competed for nearly $50,000 in prizes last year.” The Golfweek Amateur Tour/Orlando is the first Florida affiliate of the Golfweek Amateur Tour. There are local tours operating in 43 geographic areas with nationwide membership exceeding 3000. The Senior (50 & up) flights will continue play on Saturdays with the regular

flights. Senior players may choose to

Cloud), Tom Dillon (Melbourne), and Jim

compete simultaneously in Regular

Kenney (Melbourne) earned Player of

flights for an additional surcharge.

the Year in the Championship, A, and B

Senior players will qualify for the senior

flights respectively. Dennis Frantz (Sun

Tour Championship in November, in

City) took the C flight and Joshua John-

Pinehurst.

son (Lakeland) took the D flight. Rob

Players are put into flights by handi-

Kempinski (Melbourne) and Ed Paterniti

cap/handicap index. Players without in-

(Ormond Beach) captured the Senior

dexes may submit recent scorecards to

Championship & Senior A flight awards,

be assigned to a flight, subject to change

respectively. Ray Rodriguez (Melbourne)

based on tournament performance. All

took the Senior B title.

prizes in all flights are based on gross

2012 saw the Golfweek Tour continue

scores. Entry fees start as low as $75 and

its reputation as central Florida’s “Tour

include course costs, range balls and

of Choice.” Forty-six players represented

prizes. Annual Player Cards are $110.

Orlando at the national finals in Hilton

Registration is open now. Player Cards

Head, SC. They were part of a record

are $110. Tournaments average nearly

680-player field spread across seven

100 players.

beautiful courses at Palmetto Dunes

The Order of Merit points list de-

Resort, Palmetto Hall Plantation and Sea

termines the invitations to the Tour

Pines Plantation.

(Regular & Senior) Tour Championships

Christian Vozza (Windermere) won

as well as Player of the Year in each

the 2012 National Championship in

flight. In 2012, Garrett Morrison (St.

Championship flight. He posted rounds Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

of 69-71-70-210, a 54-hole Golfweek Amateur Tour record, to win by six strokes. while John Bessette (Orlando) was 13th. A-Flight posted the strongest showing for Orlando, taking five places in the top ten. They were led by Michel Dion 3rd (Bluffton, SC), Ed Paterniti 4th (Ormond Beach), John Marshall 5th (Casselberry), Mark Farrow 6th (Winter Haven) and Tom Dillon 9th (Melbourne). Tim Sobitz (Oviedo) was tops for Orlando in B-Flight with a T16 finish. Rick Whitman (Melbourne) finished T9 in C-Flight. In November sixteen senior players traveled to Pinehurst, NC to represent the tour in the senior Tour Championship played at National Golf Cub,

took 8th in C flight.

and from Jacksonville to Ft. Lauderdale to

Pine Needles, Dormie Club and Seven

The tour was founded in 1997. Every

compete. Take your game to a new level!

Lakes courses. Bill Foster (The Villages)

year the fields get stronger and the qual-

Applications and information are

finished 10th in Championsip flight.

ity of play increases. The best players

available at Orlando area Edwin Watts

Robbie Robinson (Kissimmee) was the

are playing this tour. Director Tom Mirus

Golf Shops, host golf courses or by

top A-Flight finisher with a T17. Tim

points out that “over 1/3 of our member-

contacting Tour Director, Tom Mirus,

Sobitz (Oviedo) took second in B flight.

ship play with a 4.0 index or better and

at (407) 348-5650. Or you can visit the

Also in B-Flight John Cruise (Melbourne)

another 1/3 are between 4.1 and 9.0.”

website at www.orlandoagt.com and

finished T5. Rick Whitman (Melbourne)

Players come from Tampa to Cocoa Beach

Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

player development

Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Championship Puerto Rico’s Maria Torres and England’s Patrick Kelly are the new Junior Orange Bowl champions, Torres edging USA’s Nicole Morales by the single stroke she gained at the 72nd hole, Kelly going wire-to-wire for a stunning thirteen-stroke victory. Torres appeared to have the title well under control, opening up a 4-stroke advantage by the 14th hole over USA’s Nicole Morales, earlier-rounds leader Megan Khang fading under pressure from a balky putter. That moment when the pleasure of leading snaps into the pressure of winning came on the 15th green, where Morales holed a 40-foot par-save and Torres missed for birdie, then followed up with a cast-iron birdie at the 16th, which Torres three-putted. The pair drew level at the 17th, again from a Torres error, but instead of grasping her advantage at the par-five closer, Morales uncharacteristically pull-hooked her 3-wood approach into trouble and was unable to get close in

four shots--- leaving Torres a short and simple tap-in par for the title. “I’m very happy, for me, my coach, my country,” Torres said excitedly, after checking and rechecking her card, almost in disbelief. “Every day I’ve hoped, expected, to make birdie at the last hole and each day I’ve made a par. Today I really thought I would need a birdie to tie Nicole, but I get a par again,

and I win. It was a big surprise.” Patrick Kelly began the day with a seven-stroke advantage and was never in trouble. Even when USA’s Cory Pereira holed out from greenside sand at the 6th to get within five, Kelly responded with a birdie of his own at the 7th, one of his many fine long irons of the tournament, hurled through a 25mile-per hour crosswind to within six feet of the hole. Just to emphasize his triumphant week, one where he overcame severe conjunctivitis and recurring nosebleeds, the 18-year old Englishman concluded his final round with a birdie on the 17th and a chip- in eagle-3 at the final hole. “It’s a thrill and an honor to win this famous event, Kelly said. “I’m delighted.” Argentina’s Jaime Lopez-Riverola claimed outright second place at 6-under par for the week, while worth noting Kelly’s 19-under par total of 263 is the second lowest winning score in the 49 years of this championship.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

player development header

One Shot Separates Girls, Two Shots for Boys as American Junior Wraps Up a Great Week

With cold and wind giving way to calm sunshine, the 2012 American Junior came down to the last two holes for both the boys and the girls flights today as Albert Eckhardt of Finland and Sophia Zeeb of Germany emerged winners. The Slammer and Squire Golf Course at World Golf Village played host to 82 players from 18 counties over 54 holes of exciting competition.Eckhardt (7169-74 = 214), staved off a hard charging Mateusz Gradecki of Poland (72-73-71 = 216). Eckhardt saw his morning five-shot lead dwindle to just two shots with two to play as Gradecki took advantage of the calmer afternoon conditions. Germany’s Sophia Zeeb, winner of the 2012 American Junior

Sophia Zeeb and World Junior Golf Ranking’s top ranked player, Csilla Rozsa of Hungary, dueled down the stretch, alternating leads for the final four holes. Rosza (75-76-73=224) had a one shot lead going to the 16th hole and finished bogie-bogie-birdie. Zeeb (73-79-71= 223) birdied the last two holes to overtake Rozsa. Reminiscent of old British Open footage, each of the final groups were 36

followed down the final fairway by more than 100 spectators– volunteers, parents, golf fans and fellow players. They came into the clubhouse hole, actually the ninth hole, to full view of another 100 or so fans lining the verandah to watch the finish. At the trophy ceremony following play, Tournament Patron Steve Mona, CEO of the World Golf Foundation addressed the players by saying, “We are delighted to have you here and I marvel at the international complexion of this event. I wanted to congratulate all of you for not only your play and how you conducted yourself on the golf course, but for your overall leadership.” In addition to crystal trophies the champions also received exemption into next week’s 49th Orange Bowl International Golf Championships in Coral Gables (FL). They each received gift packages from Titleist and a set of grips from Golf Pride. RB Dental Solutions also gave each winner a custom-made bite guard. Silver plates were awarded to the runners up and the top five places, including low-American scorer Jordan Batchelor (73-73-77=223) who resides, coincidentally, in St. Augustine (FL). The low American female is Marianne Li of Seattle, who was entered in the tournament through her selection by The First Tee. Li, the first-day leader (73-78-76=227) finished T5. Batchelor finished T4. Also recognized this afternoon were the World Junior Golf Series Player of the Year and World Junior Golf Ranking number one player. Csilla Rozsa of Hungary was given both accolades on the girls’ side. On the boys' side, Gradecki was the WJGS Player of the Year. The boys number one ranked player in

the world is Max Orrin of England (not present at the event). Like all World Junior Golf Series events, the American Junior is run with no paid staff and managed by more than 60 local volunteers, for which they are grateful. It would not have been possible without sponsor support including: Keiser University College of Golf and Sports Management (presenting sponsor and host of Foundation Night), Brown Jordan International (Official Volunteer Program sponsor and creator of the Official Viewing Area), the St. Johns County Tourist and Development Council, Tom Burnett Golf Academy, RB Albert Eckhardt, boys winner of the 2012 American Junior

Dental Solutions, MediaShare Consulting Group, Patel & Carden Beaches Orthodontics, Renaissance World Golf Village Resort & Spa (Host Hotel), Bozard Ford (courtesy and evacuation cars), Kessler Creative (Signage Sponsor), the World Golf Hall of Fame, and Levy Jewelers (Trophy Sponsor). Said Tom Burnett, Vice President of the World Junior Golf Series, “This was a remarkable event. Finishing under the spire of the World Golf Hall of Fame with the sun setting behind us, was as exciting as it was inspiring.” Burnett also said, “Thank you, thank you to the entire community of World Golf Village for your support, your love for these kids and your dedication to junior golf. We are indebted to you for your graciousness and we look forward to being back here for the foreseeable future.” Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

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Ultimate Golf Experience Book $99 Includes one weekly ticket, parking, concessions vouchers and a 10% discount to TwinEagles Pro-Shop with access to 30 of the best courses in SW FL

2012 Champion, Kenny Perry

feature

17 Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Coore & Crenshaw

NOTHING LIKE IT IN FLORIDA OR ANYWHERE ELSE. Before it even opened, Streamsong® generated excitement throughout the golf world as a resort unlike any other. The comments were over the top as the media got an early look at this brandnew resort in central Florida, located between Orlando and Tampa. The reviews shared a common thread, describing Streamsong as “unbelievable,” “one of a kind,” and so unusual that the resort was “like nothing else in Florida,” or in the Southeast for that matter. The buzz was palpable from the very beginning, and it has only grown as the general public can now play and stay at Streamsong, which opened December 2012. Streamsong is different from other resorts in many respects. First and foremost are its two golf layouts, which wind through towering sand dunes, fields of 38

prairie grasses and unexpected shifts in elevation. Much of this dramatic terrain is covered in native Florida scrub that has grown in over the past 50 years or so. Instead of importing large trees, or nonnative vegetation, the designers kept the landscape wonderfully wild, giving it a unique look that many golfers have compared to courses in Ireland. Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw of Coore & Crenshaw designed Streamsong® Red, and Tom Doak of Renaissance Golf Design created Streamsong® Blue. It was the first time these legendary golf architects had ever collaborated to design two intertwining golf layouts, and the result is extraordinary. All 36 holes seem to have evolved out of the existing landscape, utilizing the existing contours of the dramatic terrain. There is noth-

ing gimmicky or contrived about either layout, as the architects shaped the holes around the land’s unusual, visually arresting features. Much of Streamsong Red skirts along the land’s perimeter, so golfers often only have a view of the individual hole that they’re playing. It’s a layout that focuses the attention on the challenge at hand, which can be considerable. Streamsong Red tends to demand accurate tee shots, leaving golfers with more forgiving approach shots to large elevated greens. There are also numerous steep-banked lakes protecting the greens.

7 Tom Doak, Renaissance Golf Design

Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

Within the next year, Streamsong will open a main lodge with 216 guest rooms, additional restaurants and lounges, a full-service spa, fitness center, swimming pool and expansive meeting facilities. Because of its somewhat isolated, rural location, Streamsong will also be able to offer activities rarely found at other Florida resorts. They include guided bass fishing, a shooting club and nature trails for hiking and bird watching. The variety of these facilities will further increase the appeal of Streamsong, making the resort even more attractive to a wider audience. Streamsong stands alone as a Florida resort that is far beyond the ordinary in every respect. Visit: goplaystreamsong.com.

12 Tom Doak, Renaissance Golf Design

Streamsong Blue offers more sweeping vistas, often giving golfers views of several holes on both layouts. It can be truly awe-inspiring to take in the dramatic landscape stretching out into

The buzz was palpable from the very beginning.

lake and Streamsong’s bye hole. Designed with an abundance of windows that maximize the views, the Clubhouse interior is bathed in natural light. There are 12 guest rooms that can comfortably accommodate four foursomes and a well-outfitted golf shop. The steakthemed dining venue, Restaurant Fifty-Nine, serves three meals daily. Its name pays homage to the lowest round ever shot in a PGA tournament.

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Go to goplaystreamsong.com or scan this QR code with your smartphone to ENTER.

the distance. The distinguishing characteristics of this layout include large gaping bunkers and abrupt contours around the greens that require accurate approach shots. Some of the fairways are so wide that they serve two holes, running in opposite directions. Streamsong’s differences go far beyond its unique terrain. The traditions of golf live here, and the origins of the game are celebrated throughout. Golfers are encouraged to walk to fully immerse themselves in the experience, although carts are available. Caddies and forecaddies enhance the experience even further. Think pure golf in complete harmony with the serene setting, which is devoid of homes lining the fairways or any other unnatural intrusions. It is simply golfer and golf layouts with nothing to disturb the connection. The Clubhouse at Streamsong also seems like a natural extension of the native landscape, as it is nestled among the sand dunes, overlooking a lengthy Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

By Joel Jackson, FGCSA Communications Director

live golf

Photos by Joel Jackson

New Tool for Accurate Pin Placements Golfers like a challenge or they wouldn’t play the game. But pin placements that are considered “unfair” are the source of a lot of golfer displeasure. Depending on the design of a golf green the obvious “good” placements are likely overused in the daily rotation and sometimes that might lead to boredom of a same-old, same-old game. Well friends, a Texas business man and avid golf fanatic, who is a member at the Dallas Athletic Club has invented a new tool that will provide multiple and accurate pin locations and an easy print out professional looking daily pin sheet. While the pin sheet will allow the super golfers and duffers to “dial in” their approach shots, it will also take the guess work out of hole cutting for the maintenance crew. The system is called ezLocator, and it will be used at the Merion Country Club, site of the 2013 U. S. Open. I understand that TPC Sawgrass is also interested. The greens at Merion, like so many of those courses built in the Golden Age of Golf when greens speeds were closer to 7 and 8 have severe undulations and mounding. At today’s speeds, finding suitable “fair” pin locations can be difficult. But that’s where a program like ezLocator comes to the

EzLocator creator Jon Schultz demonstrating his new pin location system at the Golf 20x Expo at the Shingle Creek Resort last October. 40

rescue. If you subscribe to the service a staff member comes out with a GPS device and maps each green in a one-yard at a time grid pattern. Slope grades are also measured and color-coded with dark green being the flattest and then ranging to reds and blues for the

The data is stored in the superintendent’s computer and he can print out the pin placement assignment sheet for the morning “hole cutter” course set-up person. A copy can also go to the pro shop for the golf ops staff to copy and put on the golf carts. There is a hefty investment up front

Super accurate professional quality pin sheets can be printed out daily for golfers. most severe slopes. Using the accepted “level” pin location of 1 to 2 or 3 percent areas of the green can be permanently identified and a precise rotation plan with a wider variety of reasonable pin locations can be implemented.

to have the greens mapped, because that person is a trained technician who knows his business. There is a reasonable annual subscription fee to keep up with upgrades and changes to the software. Aside from the obvious golfer enjoyment factor, this system allows the superintendent to more accurately manage wear and tear to the green from the daily traffic or to select locations that might be more useful if wet weather is forecasted. At any rate it is a unique new technology that helps not only the turf manager but also the player to better enjoy the game. If your club is interested in learning more about how ezLocator works, go to: www.goezlocator.com/; and to see how Merion will be using ezLocator for the Open, go to: www.golfdigest.com/golfequipment/blogs/newstuff/2012/11/ezlocator-if-its-good-enough-for-merion Looking for an opportunity to get in on the ground floor? ezLocator is seeking unique sales talent and capital to help us expand. We are an emerging company that is providing game changing technology to the golf industry. For more information contact: Jon Schultz at jon@goezlocator.com. Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

WHITE METAL GOLF PRESENTS

The South Florida GCSA donated $25,000 to the Missing and Exploited Children’s Foundation. Over the history of this annual event the SFGCSA has contributed over $350,000 dollars to this worthy charity to help children at risk.

Kevin Rotti (right), superintendent at the Eagle Dunes G.C. in Central Florida was presented with the 2012 Larry Kamphaus Award at the CFGCSA’s Crowfoot Open event on December 6th. Rotti was recognized for his years of service to the chapter and for his professionalism in the industry. Presenting the trophy is Tom Alex, host superintendent for the event.

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Sink Pink! Mother’s Day, Ladies’ Day, Cancer Awareness, More! www.sinkpink.com 800-548-1033 SINK PINK! is a way for golf courses to paint the course pink for relevant occasions.

Jason Regan, superintendent at the Boca Pointe Golf Club in Boca Raton, won the Central Florida Crowfoot Open tournament hosted by the Grand Cypress Resort. Regan became the fifth and final member of the Florida GCSA golf team to compete in the national GCSAA Championship in San Diego in February.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

Pink Ribbon Tee Markers Pink Cups Pink Flagsticks Pink Flags and Pink Paint!

improving performance

'Distance' debuts at 2013 PGA Show

Chromax's 90 compression ball provides optimal trajectory, visibility & distance Chromax Golf, manufacturers of the patentpending metallic finish golf balls, is debuting the company's first 90 compression ball, "Distance" at the 2013 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando January 24-26. Distance is designed for the better player as well as the recreational golfer. Chromax’s high-energy titanium core and patented dimple design reduces drag, while optimizing trajectory, distance and spin. “We tested the Chromax Distance at a highly respected industry testing laboratory in San Diego and the results showed that at a club head speed of 90 mph, the total distance (carry & roll) equaled the major brands,” said Stuart Lin, founder of the Chromax Golf Company and inventor of the Chromax golf ball. “When the Chromax Distance was tested at a field average of 108 mph, it outperformed the major brands.” The Titanium inner core provides maximum

energy transfer at all swing speeds. Golfers get that "Tour" performance experience when the Chromax Distance releases "hot" off the clubface.

The icosahedron design with four different dimple sizes produces a low spin rate (2400 to 24500) RPM with most drivers. The trajectory starts from middle low off the clubface to middle high providing optimal control against the wind. The soft cover allows the better player to shape shots with optimal spin and take dead aim at the pin. On the green, the ultra metallic illuminating color of the Distance gives players more confidence in “seeing the line” and making more putts. Players can see the core through cover allowing them to zero in on the sweet spot providing them with instant feedback, purer shots, and better putting accuracy. For more information on the Distance and other Chromax golf balls, call (303) 219-0868 or visit chromaxgolf.com.

Chromax Distance - Features and Benefits Inner Core The high-energy large titanium core is made of a poly-butadiene rubber compound blend and molded to create superior feel, durability and elasticity. Outer Cover The translucent soft Durable and stainresistant Surlyn® cover provides soft feel in and around the green. The Ultra High Visibility Technology Metallic layer helps reflect sunlight providing excellent visibility in all lighting conditions allowing golfers to easily track the ball in flight and on the course. The illuminating color assists golfers in seeing the line and improves putting. Dimple Design The patented 482-dimple design optimizes trajectory, distance and spin while providing optimal control. 42

Compression and Spin Rate: 90 compression and Medium spin rate Price and Availability: The new Chromax Distance ball is available online and at major retailers with a suggested retail price of $42 per dozen. Colors: Electric Green and Galactic Gold Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

improving performance

Have you ever thought it would be nice to get real-time analysis of your golf swing without the hassle of having to video yourself? How about just wishing you could improve your game or figure out why you keep slicing it even though everything feels right? The SwingTIP Bluetooth Golf Swing Analyzer is the perfect solution for anyone looking to improve their golf swing and game. SwingTIP helps golfers achieve greater impact at the moment of truth – when the club face hits the ball. SwingTIP uses a Bluetooth-enabled 3D motion sensor that securely clips onto your club to precisely analyze and capture a golf swing in three dimensions. The lightweight device won't interfere with your natural swing as it weighs an unnoticeable 29 grams (0.063 lbs) and doesn't require a special club to work. When paired to your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or Android device, you'll receive instant analysis of your golf swing. This allows for tweaks on the fly whether you're mid-round or simply swinging away at the driving range. SwingTIP bridges the gap between learning golf technically and playing the game of golf by “feel”. It creates the ultimate interactive learning experience by telling a golfer what happened, why it happened and how to improve. While it is great for use to analyze your own swing, it can also greatly enhance your learning curve and experience when used along with a coach After every swing, the mobile app displays a video-like presentation of a golf swing from three angles (top, target, front) along with key performance metFlorida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

rics - swing path, clubface angle, impact zone, speed and tempo. You can see your “unique swing signature” and identify “the origins or why” – the elements that negatively impacted ball. Visual learning and instant feedback are the the key to real knowledge and improvement. The entire point of the game is manipulation of flight paths. Learning how to shape your golf shots (hit a draw or fade when you want to) is crucial if you want to take your golf game to the next level. Using SwingTIP as part of a well practiced and disciplined shot routine is a great way to take you into the zone and speed improvement. Following the Ben Hogan method, the best approach is when you practice with purpose - practice one “go to shot,” analyze your swing after every shot and then fine tune the next swing until it is perfect. With SwingTIP, you learn what a great shot looks like, and feels like, and you learn how to repeat it. To help golfers master the fundamentals, the SwingTIP mobile app provides instructional tips, videos and reference swings from PGA Pro Ray Leach. Learn how to reshape your swing path, square your club head or get more power in your swing. The app comes loaded with tips on every aspect of the mechanics of the golf swing. To track your progress, the SwingTIP app syncs your swing data to a personal MySwingTIP.com account using a wi-fi or cellular connection. Review performance reports to identify trends and see yourself improve over time. Connnect with friends, family or your coach and share your results for advice. 43

grip it & sip it

ARIEL Brut Cuvée ARIEL Brut Cuvée is a nonalcoholic sparkling wine produced in a sustainable winery in Paso Robles, California. After Chardonnay is cold-fermented in stainless steel, a cuvée is blended from finished wines. Just prior to bottling, before carbon dioxide is added for sparkle, the alcohol is gently removed by cold filtration, leaving less than 0.5% alcohol by volume. Brut Cuvée is composed of Chardonnay wine from various recent vintages, and is crafted with the goal of maintaining a consistent quality of delicate floral and fruit aromas balanced with a subtle oak bouquet. This wine has lilac and lavender aromas, coupled with subtle toasty oak. This non-alcoholic sparkling wine is well-suited for a Sunday brunch, evening dinner party or any festive celebration. The bright, clear finish makes it perfect before meals or after dinner with dessert.

Peary Manilow This Bellini spin-off is as pure and sweet as Barry’s pipes, and is best sipped late at night in front of the fire. Ingredients: 2 oz pear purée 2 oz ARIEL Brut Cuvée sprinkle of cinnamon Directions: Pour pear purée into champagne flutes, and top with ARIEL Brut Cuvée. Sprinkle cinnamon over the bubbles. Add Another Element During the holidays, we loved this with a splash of Pomegranate!

TECHNICAL INFORMATION:

Composition: 100% Chardonnay Alcohol Content: Less than 0.5% by volume pH: 3.18 Residual Sugar: 3.45g/100ml Cellaring: Enjoy now, or wait for up to three years.

Grip it and Sip it.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

By Greg Howard

growing the game

Better Late Than Never smartest men I know. Hard to figure

how that happened! Then it hit me. I want to play golf with my dad! What could be a more perfect tribute? He loves it, and it’s always been clear that one day I’d play the game! Recently, the distinguished Publisher of this magazine took me as her guest to Timacuan Country Club. With a new pair of shoes, a set of borrowed clubs, and a small bucket of range balls beforehand, I played my first round of golf! It was a gorgeous Central Florida day, 72 degrees and the sky so blue you couldn’t stand it. In the pro shop, Bill gave me some great insights for club selection. Outside, Eric treated me like a VIP getting us out on to the course. Sandhill cranes celebrated my every

The Firm

shot – solid hits and toppers alike – with trumpeting and rattling applause.

I always knew that, eventually, I’d play the game. Growing up, football and baseball – and a few other pursuits perhaps not as constructive – kept me from it. In grad school everyone around me played. Being the consummate Poor College Student, I vowed that when I graduated I’d have more time and more money. Then, I’d play the game. But after graduation, establishing a career meant 70-80 hour weeks and sacrificing big bucks for the integrity of my craft! Translation: I still had neither the time nor the money! Then came the birth of my son and priority of family life. Still I knew in my heart that, before it was all over, I’d play the game! Meanwhile, my dad retired from over three decades with one company. Evidently he had too much time on his hands, because it was mom that suggested he go along with those nice men at church who had invited him to join their Tuesday morning foursome. 46

Since he’d never set foot on a course in

A gorgeous sunset chased us in off of

his 70 plus years, he’d pose no threat to

18. Perfect!

anybody’s ego. They didn’t know James

Thank you, Terrie, for helping me

Howard!

bring to life this dream of shooting a

My dad doesn’t do anything a little

round with my dad. He turns 84 next

bit! Whatever his passion, he pursues

month. I plan to travel to Atlanta and

it with a maniacal bent. At 83 he’s by

treat him to a round of golf. Don’t blow

far the senior member of the Tuesday

the surprise by telling him I’ve taken

morning group known at their club

to the links … although he should have

as The Firm, but he’s become the

seen it coming. After all, we all knew

pacesetter. His partners are in awe. My

that eventually I’d play the game.

dad is playing the game! Living half a hundred years makes you take stock. I didn’t always appreciate my dad. I often took his love and interest in me for granted. When I was 18 he was an idiot. Now he’s one of the

Greg (right) and his Dad Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

Play like you’re at home.

Stay in a Starmark Vacation Home. Plan your next Orlando golf getaway with ease with Starmark Vacation Homes. We’ll hook your foursome up with a spacious, well-appointed private home with four bedrooms or more, pool and other amenities — for less than a hotel suite. All you need to do is bring your clubs. Simply visit StarmarkVacationHomes.com or call 800.921.4590.

Reference code FLGOLF4 to receive a 4th night FREE, plus a discount of $60 per foursome, per round at Orange Lake Club.

what's new

By Leonard Finkel

PGA

Merchandise Show Each year, the PGA Merchandise Show delivers new and innovative golf products. Manufacturers, buyers and golf media all gather in Orlando. A decade ago, a group of companies spearheaded by club manufacturer Tour Edge staged an extraordinary media event, where manufacturers and media could interact for an entire day. It’s a great opportunity for everyone involved and has become tradition. Here are some of the products you’ll see and read about in the coming year. Tour Edge Exotics XCG6 fairway woods feature a titanium cup face, which is combo-brazed to a heavier high-density steel sole for incredible power and feel, even on off-center hits. Brazing is a high-tech process that bonds the parts together inside a vacuum without welding and is superior to other combining methods. Trackman robotic tests confirm the XCG6 is longer than other popular fairway woods. With a smaller head, the tour-inspired CB5 offers the workability and feel preferred by better players.

Tour Edge Exotics XCG6

Polara Golf Balls

The club’s no-weld design combo-brazes a beta-titanium cupped face with a heavier hyper steel body. The result, every single gram of excess weight is eliminated from the face and shifted to the rear skirt and sole for a deeper center of gravity. The deep, high center of gravity gives the CB5 an explosive, penetrating launch angle. Tour Edge is also introducing their first adjustable-hosel driver, allowing for four face angle and loft settings to optimize Sky Caddie SGXw launch characteristics. This new club features an advanced multi-level forged titanium face that maximizes feel and rebound. Included in the sole of the driver are four hexahedron weight pads that increase the head’s MOI for greater stability and longer distance on off-center hits. www.touredge.com With its new wireless capabilities, the SkySwing Jacket Caddie SGXw provides the convenience of on the go access to the most accurate and upto-date course maps, eliminating inaccuracy issues so common with preloaded courses in other rangefinders. It delivers game changing, stroke saving features,

including Dynamic RangeVue, designed for smarter and easier club selection. RangeVue's preset yardage arcs adjust dynamically over fairway landing areas and greens to allow golfers to quickly select the best club for every shot. PinPoint Technology allows golfers to measure to the hole by adding daily pin positions. Combined with its IntelliGreen feature, golfers have yardages they need to the front carry, back, center and hole locations automatically, from any angle of approach. The powerful combination of PinPoint and Intelligreen will help golfers avoid greenside bunkers, hit more greens and sink more birdie putts. www.Skygolf.com For those who just want a more enjoyable round of golf, the Polara ball is the perfect solution. A revolutionary, asymmetrical dimple pattern reduces hooks and slices up to 75%. Shallow dimples are positioned around the ball’s equator with deeper dimples at the poles. Anyone with a slice will undoubtedly experience the self-correcting effect. Polara

Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

Storm Tight balls are designed for the vast majority of recreational golfers who want to take advantage of technology improvements. During robotic testing where a significant slice was induced, on average, Polara balls reduced the slicing effect by 75% over traditional balls, including premium brands. Golf Labs director Gene Parente states, “We set up the Golf Labs robot to simulate a 90 foot slice based on launch conditions of an average golfer. With the nonconforming Polara Ultimate Straight golf ball we found that compared to several popular conforming golf

ReTee

balls, which all sliced about 90 feet, the Polara ball corrected up to 70 feet of the 90 foot slice.” www.polaragolf.com The Swing Jacket is the only product that physically guides a golfer through the optimal swinging motion. Whether you use the Swing Jacket hitting whiffle balls in the back yard, taking practice Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

swings in the living room or on the practice tee, each swing is automatically training your body to repeat a connected, one plane swing; locking key swing fundamentals into your muscle memory. It automatically keeps your swing on plane, puts your club on the optimal swing path and encourages proper torso rotation to harness core power. www.SwingJacket.com Sun Mountain’s StormTight rain gear offers guaranSwingTIP teed waterproof protection using a four-way stretch woven fabric that shields against wind and rain while remaining breathable. It's available in a full-zip jacket and pants as well as a long-sleeve pullover. This shell is bonded to a waterproof/breathable membrane and advanced water repellant finish causes water to bead up and roll off. Additional features include: expansion panels at the shoulders to allow an unrestricted swing, waterproof zippers, adjustable hem and cuffs and passthrough hand warmer pockets on the pants. www.sunmountain.com LifeAID Beverage launches GolferAID, an innovative entry in the functional beverage category. Active ingredients in the form of vitamins and supplements target enhancing the array of functions required while playing golf - power, focus, balance, endurance and flexibility. Developed by doctors, it is 100% natural and contains no artificial sweeteners, HFCS, artificial colors, or caffeine. Each 12 oz can contains a mere 45 calories and only nine grams of sugar from organic blue agave. Free cans of the golf beverage will be distributed at select courses on special GolferAID Demo Days which will be advertised via social media outlets. www.golferaid.com The SwingTIP swing analyzer is an innovative Bluetooth-enabled 3D motion sensor that delivers real-time golf swing analysis to a mobile device. SwingTIP uses a patent-pending motion analysis engine to capture, analyze and digitally reproduce a golf swing in three dimensions that can be viewed alongside key performance metrics. It delivers an interactive learning experience including

video-like swing animations, instructional learning, and performance stats. www.swingtip.com ReTee is a unique and useful divot repair tool that incorporates a built in pencil sharpener to save the environment from the waste of pencils and tees. It’s easier to use than a regular divot repair tool and better for the green. No twisting, tilting or lifting. A simple poke at a 45 degree angle on both sides of the ball mark and ReTee's unique shape repairs the divot. How many times have you found yourself with a dull or broken pencil point? Never have that problem again. ReTee is light weight and made from extremely durable plastic for years of use. www.reteegolf.com.

GolferAid

By Bob Bolton

duffer header dan

Duffer Dan visits Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, Raptor Bay Golf Club Course, and Rick Smith Golf Academy For many the end of 2012 included bitter cold temperatures, snow on the ground and their golf clubs gathering dust and cobwebs in the corner of their garage. For those folks I have only one thing to say, “Hate if for ya!”. My New Year’s Eve was spent enjoying an afternoon nap poolside at the newly renovated Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs, Florida. After all, I had to be well-rested to embark on a night which was to include a gourmet prepared buffet in the Tanglewood Restaurant, champagne from the Mangrove’s Bar and dancing to the year’s biggest YouTube music sensation, “Gangnam

Style” by PSY, in the Belvedere Room. My newly renovated room on the 18th floor overlooking the Raptor Bay Golf Course was very contemporary, comfortable and functional, with everything you need whether there on vacation or work. After a night of champagne, dancing and celebration it provided a valuable sanctuary to ready myself for an active New Year’s Day. New Year’s Day is a special day in my golfing history. On January 1, 2006 I recorded my first (and only,

Dan Lockhart, instructor, Rick Smith Golf Academy

to date) hole in one. So each year I attempt to replicate that fete and in 2013, what better way to prepare than to seek some insight from one of the game’s elite Academy’s, the Rich Smith Academy, located at Raptor Bay. Dan Lockhart is a resident instructor at the Academy and he shared some valuable insights into the Academy’s philosophies and value to both the

Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

novice player and the pros that Rick

birdie and move on.

Smith works with.

My day ended with an absolutely

Dan shared that the goal of the

wonderful dinner in Resort’s Tarpon

Academy is to help each player by

Bay restaurant. I enjoy recommending

adapting to their strengths. They

not only the atmosphere and cuisine

communicate in a way that is

of the restaurant, but if you get the

relatable, easy to understand and

chance to dine there, ask for Daniel.

fun. Instruction includes work on

His knowledge of the menu, pleasant

the practice range and on the course.

professional demeanor and engaging,

The instruction you can expect

but non-intrusive presence really

to receive is focused on creating

topped off my experience.

sustainable solutions to faults,

Upon my arrival to the Raptor Bay

through proper club fitting, diagnosing

Club House I was greeted by Ed Weber

out from snow, or scrape their windows

and developing sustainable success. I

(General Manager) and his attentive

off on New Year’s this year, perhaps

enjoyed my conversation with Dan and

staff. Ed described the Raymond Floyd

next year they will consider spending

took away a quote I will share with you,

designed course as challenging, but fair.

it enjoying the attributes of the Hyatt

“Good Teachers Explain, Great Teachers

I didn’t fully appreciate the Audobon

Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa,

Inspire”.

International recognition until I was

while tuning up their game with the Rick

Prior to heading out to attempt to

on the course enjoying the local fauna,

Smith Golf Academy and realizing the

replicate my New Year’s Day hole-in-one

water fowl and natural beauty of the

results of that effort on the Raptor Bay

I visited the Resort’s Stillwater Spa. The

land used to craft each hole.

Golf Club Course.

staff’s greeting and effort to prepare

In my attempt to replicate my New

For more information about the Resort

me for an 80 minute physical oasis was

Year’s Day hole-in-one from 7 years ago,

visit www.coconutpoint.hyatt.com, or

right on target. The ambiance and skill

I found the closest I could get was a well

call (239) 444-1234. For the Rick Smith

of Marian my masseuse left me relaxed

struck 6 iron on the 160 yard Par3 4th

Golf Academy or the Raptor Bay Golf

and ready to enjoy a round of golf at

hole, that came to rest less than 3 feet

Club visit www.raptorbaygolfclub.com, or

Raptor Bay.

from the hole. I was happy to get the

call (239) 390-4600.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

For those poor souls who had to dig

adies orth florida Professional PGA north Golfflorida Association PGA north Ladiesflorida Professional PGA north Golfflorida Association PGAheader north Ladi

RR Donnelley Announces the ”Scoring For Schools“ Winners During the 2012 RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup tournament, RR Donnelley (Nasdaq:RRD) introduced Scoring For Schools, a season long charitable program to provide $300,000 in donations to the schools and programs of players’ choices through DonorsChoose.org. Over the course of the 2012 season, players accumulated 5 points for every birdie and 25 for each eagle. Updated leaderboards were presented throughout the year during Golf Channel telecasts of LPGA events and following the conclusion of the season ending CME Group Titleholders, the top 10 players’ Scoring For Schools standings were announced. As Golf’s Global Tour, it’s no surprise that six different countries were represented as they amassed a total of 3,270 Birdies and 62 Eagles with Rolex Player of the Year Stacy Lewis coming out on top. “We are delighted to congratulate each of the exceptional LPGA stars whose performances on the course will now support coursework in classrooms,” said John Paloian, RR Donnelley’s Chief Operating Officer. “RR Donnelley has a long tradition of supporting education and literacy. Fans have enjoyed the birdies and eagles that allowed the players to accumulate their points and now the programs and schools that they select through DonorsChoose.org will enable students to benefit as well. We could not be more pleased with this collaboration with the LPGA and DonorsChoose.org.” “RR Donnelley is giving back in yet another way through the LPGA,” said Jon Podany, LPGA Chief Marketing Officer. “Their support of the RR Donnelley Founders Cup already allows us to honor the LPGA’s Founders and Pioneers, and pay it forward through significant contributions to Girls Golf. Today’s Scoring For Schools donations allow players to have a real impact off the course in classrooms across the country through DonorsChoose.org. RR Donnelley is truly a sponsor that epitomizes the LPGA’s theme of “See Why It’s Different Out Here.” Charles Best, Founder and CEO of DonorsChoose.org added, “We are excit52

Scoring For Schools Winner Stacy Lewis with RR Donnelley’s Rick Ryan ed to be partnering with RR Donnelley for their “Scoring for Schools” initiative. Through this partnership, each winning LPGA player will have the opportunity to support classroom projects in the U.S. that align with their favorite subject area, hobby, hometown or adopted hometown. Thousands of students from every corner of America will receive textbooks, multimedia kits, classroom supplies, sports equipment, art supplies and more, to improve their

education.” For more information, and for RR Donnelley›s Corporate Social Responsibility Report, visit the Company›s web site at www.rrdonnelley.com. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. Follow the LPGA on its television home, Golf Channel, and on the web via: www.LPGA. com, www.facebook.com/lpga.official, www.twitter.com/lpga, and www.youtube.com/lpgavideo. Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

Florida Golf Central â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 13, Issue 6

orth florida PGA north florida PGA north florida PGA north florida PGA north

Rod Perry is the National PGA Professional

Player of the Year!

Rod Perry

NFPGA Player of the Year, Rod Perry from Crane Lakes in Port Orange finished 2012 as the leader in the PGA Professional Player of the Year points. Rod’s exceptional play throughout the entire year is to be admired. He completed the trifecta as the Chapter Player of the Year, as well. Rod won our Section Championship and Section PNC. His impressive T2 finish at the National PNC also put him in the field for the PGA Championship. Rod also earned an exemption in The PGA TOUR’s CMN Classic at Disney. We’re proud to have Rod represent the NFPGA as not only a competitor, but also as the gentleman he is! The 33rd Annual Meeting of the North Florida was held at Reunion Resort in Orlando. A great turnout of over 250 fellow PGA Professionals gathered to share their passion and pride for their Association and the game they love. FootJoy was the title sponsor along with the support of Brown & Brown Insurance and Reed Exhibitions/PGA Merchandise Show. FootJoy presented the morning seminar highlighting their initiative “FJ University” to showcase their products Rod Perry with NFPGA Executive Director/CEO Rich Smith

Left to Right: Mike McCollum, PGA Career Services, Brad Sullivan, Sr. Director PGA Member Programs,Tony Johnson, NFPGA President, Rich Smith, NFPGA Executive Director/CEO, Phil Berry, PGA Career Services, Mike Touhey, NFPGA Vice President, Jack Binswanger, Incoming District 13 Director

Team Footjoy along with offer selling techniques and share their marketing strategies and product benefits. Over 150 Professionals attended the seminar as well! Thank you to all the partners whose contributions make our Annual Meeting the success it is! Brad Sullivan, Sr. Director PGA Member Programs was our keynote speaker and he provided valuable insight and future visions for the new regime that will be leading the PGA of America into the future. There were the usual Chapter reports and Board Reports of course. Phil Berry, PGA Career Services introduced his replacement Mike McCollum and bid us a humble goodbye as he starts a new chapter in his life. An important part of being in an Association is to be with friends and fellow PGA Professionals to share knowledge, passion and kinship, which in these hectic times is not easy to schedule. Perhaps this is one reason

our Annual Meeting so popular. It is important to unite because the future is ours, together! Once again, our Section will host and administer the PGA Magazine Pro Pro Series during the week of the PGA Merchandise Show. 2 tournaments were added to the popular venue for a total of 6 pro pro events held at Reunion Resort, Timacuan and Harmony Preserve. That will be over 600 PGA Professionals teaming up to compete! It ‘s fun to see many of the same teams return every year. Often, the players reunite from all over the country to team up with their partner that they probably only see once a year. The Northerners are shaking off some rust and leaning on their Southern buddies to share in the purses. At the end of the day, it’s about getting together with friends, teeing it up and having some fun! Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

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Head Golf Professional Bear Chase Golf Club Shelbyville, IN

improving performance header 58

Florida Golf Central â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 13, Issue 6

Fore the Boys & Girls The competition was spirited, but it was all about the kids earlier this month as The Golf Club at Fiddler’s Creek hosted the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County’s ninth annual Fore-the-Kids golf tournament. The 18-hole shamble was held on the championship Creek Course and raised a record amount, according to Theresa J. Shaw, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club. “Proceeds from the Golf Tournament will help the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County to continue to provide life-changing programs to the most at-risk children in Collier County. This would not be possible without the generous support of Aubrey Ferraro and all the staff at Fiddler’s Creek,” added Mary Osborn, Tournament Chair. “The Fore-the-Kids golf tournament and awards reception is quickly becoming known as one of the preeminent charity golf events throughout Southwest Florida,” Shaw said. “Each year, this tournament gets larger and we are very appreciative of our generous

Hole #1 at Fiddler's Creek 60

Golf committee with the kids sponsors and participants as well as our long-standing relationship with Fiddler’s Creek in making this event so successful.” The overall winning team consisted of Linda Wiggins, Jane Huling, Jane Kerr and Scooter Burns. In second place were couples Bill and Linda Macartney and Mike and MaryAnn Womble. The low net ladies competition was won by the ladies golfing team of Maureen Homstad, Josette Kranick, Patty Driapsa and Lee Yule. Don Gunther was this year’s winner of the Bigham Jewelry Challenge. The closest to the pin men’s competition was won by Mike Vickers on Hole 4, Greg Guidish on Hole 10 and Dick Eide on Hole 13. The winners of the closest to the pin women’s contest were golfers Maureen Homstad on Hole 4, Penny Peck on Hole 10 and Coe Gutowsky on Hole 13. Finally, the longest drive competition for men was claimed by Mike Vickers on both Hole 8 and Hole 17. Longest drive for women was Pat Ermler on Hole 8 and Josette Kranick on Hole 17.

Billy Figlestaler, title sponsor, with Amanda The Boys & Girls Club of Collier County is a non-profit, youth development organization, which annually serves 2,200 of the most at-risk children and teens in Collier County. The Club provides a safe, positive place where local youth can acquire: academic success, good character, citizenship and healthy lifestyles. The Boys & Girls Club is dedicated to its mission, which is: to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. For more information or to arrange a tour please contact us at (239) 325-1717 or visit www.bgccc.com For more information, call 239-732-9300, stop by the Fiddler’s Creek Information Center located at 8152 Fiddler’s Creek Parkway or visit the community online at www.fiddlerscreek.com. Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

Kenny Perry and Trevor Immelman have made Transitions® lenses part of their game.

On the PGA TOUR®, vision is a golfer’s most important equipment. Transitions lenses adapt to changing light to help golfers see more comfortably in all light conditions and help protect eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Visit your local Vision Source doctor, Dr. James Podschun, located at 2828 Casa Aloma Way, Suite 400 in Winter Park, FL 32792, to ask which Transitions lenses are right for you. 407-671-0960

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Perry’s has been a family favorite for generations. Our spectacular indoor garden and heated pool make your vacation weatherproof. Kids and grandkids love the Kids Beach Suites. And grownups love the Perrycation package that includes dine-around certificates good at outstanding restaurants. But best of all . . . Perry’s knows golf! Our reservations team can craft a custom golf package with any of the many choice courses. So visit perrysoceanedge.com or call (800) 447-0002.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

North Naples’ Mediterra member

shoots back to back Holes in One!

The Club at Mediterra, an awardwinning, private, member-owned golf, tennis and beach club in North Naples, recently witnessed lightning striking twice! Member, Bill DiCarlo, shot two holes in one back to back recently on the Club’s 13th Hole on the South Course. Same hold, same ball and almost same iron! DiCarlo shot his first hole in one November 14th with fellow members in the foursome to witness the celebrated event. On November 15th, before hitting his second hole in one, he found a note on the tee that read, “Billy D back to back” from Bill Volpe, a member of his foursome from the day before! Thus we learn the secret to successful golf: Positive Energy. Mediterra is a 1,697-acre Mediterranean-style community with villas, single-family homes and coach homes. It has miles of bicycle paths and nature trails, two Tom Faziodesigned championship golf courses, a

November 14th - Hole 13 on the South, 6 Iron

Stephen Smith, Bill Volpe, Bill DiCarlo, and John Jay

sports center that includes tennis and fitness, and a private beach club on the Gulf of Mexico. Mediterra is located on

Livingston Road two miles north of Immokalee Road in North Naples. For more information, visit www.mediterraliving.com.

November 15th - Same Hole, 7 Iron, Same Ball!

November 15: Same Hole 7 Iron, Dallas Luby, Bill DiCarlo and Guests: Gary Ciambotti and Ray Berrios 62

Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

rst coast first coast first coast first coast first coast first coast first coast first

The “Golf Academy” opens at The Golf Club of Amelia Island The Golf Club of Amelia Island recently welcomed David DeMay to its executive team as the director of golf along with new assistant professionals, Dan Baxter, Matt Michaux, and Jason Hill. Additionally, Clayton Boggs has been appointed as the new head golf professional. Together the golf staff will introduce different formats for MGA and LGA tournaments, the new Golf Academy, junior camps, and new instructional programs for members and guests, as well as other fresh ideas exclusively for The Golf Club members and their families. The course combines spectacular scenery with exhilarating golf experiences. Designed by PGA-TOUR veterans Mark McCumber and Gene Littler, this 18-hole, award winning, championship course is lovingly maintained year ’round. The course was the host site of the PGA Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf Tournament, so it is challenging enough for a professional tour event yet forgiving enough to be fun for casual golfers. The front nine

David DeMay features tree-lined fairways while the back nine plays over a rolling landscape bordered by marsh and water features. The 10th and 18th holes run parallel to each other overlooked by the restaurant, pro shop, and

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Reached via a scenic bridge the 16th hole incorporates a dramatic elevation change, playing downhill to a green protected by flowering shrubs, water, and bunkers. “Yes, the course will challenge you, but it will also offer enough forgiveness for you to enjoy your round,” notes David. The new Golf Academy offers lessons with one of the seasoned golf professionals. The lessons include video analysis and personalized online coaching communications. Individual, semi-private, and clinic packages are available with a focus on fitness, technique, and course play. Beginners learn to love the game and experienced golfers receive hands-on instruction to supercharge their swing, straighten their drive, and sink more putts. “We will show you simple exercises that’ll strengthen key muscles to help you play stronger and hit longer. You can shave strokes off your score with individualized lessons and programs designed around the strengths and weaknesses of your game,” continued David.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

Ways to Improve Your Riding Skills

Florida is a great motorcycling state. People from everywhere come to enjoy our weather, events and beautiful scenic rides. Here are a few tips to help improve your riding skills to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable ride. 1. Practice, Practice, Practice (braking, cornering, swerving, etc.). Remember the old adage, “Practice makes perfect!” 2. Find a smooth, empty, grease- and sand-free lot to practice braking, swerving, and stopping. Those are all key maneuvers in avoiding problems on the road. 3. Use the friction zone with your clutch and throttle but add slight pressure on your rear brake for very slow speeds. Practice this technique which gives you great control over your bike at low speeds. 4. Travel a less traveled road to practice corner-

Kathy Tolleson, CEO

ROAR Motorcycles, Inc.

ing (looking thru, press and roll). If you’re tense inhale deeply and exhale several times to help you relax. 5. Take an advanced class to help sharpen your skills. 6. Check out Ride Like a Pro videos and classes. RideLikeaPro.com 7. Get out there and just ride more! The sheer joy of riding will help you relax and increase your confidence. You can never be over educated or practice too much! We do learn through experience and more experience helps us become better riders! The true joy of riding happens when the conscious becomes subconscious. I liken it to coffee grounds becoming coffee. That only happens with time. So keep riding safe, strong and ROAR!

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By Marty Perlmutter

Photos by Marty Perlmutter

Isabelle Lendl Wins Women’s Dixie Amateur Isabelle Lendl of Bradenton, Fla., shot a final-round 66 on Wednesday to overtake third-round leader and local favorite Carly Ray Goldstein to capture the women’s Dixie Amateur at Heron Bay Golf Club. Lendl, a University of Florida senior and the daughter of eight-time Grand Slam tennis professional Ivan Lendl, took the lead in the tournament for the first time when she made a short birdie

putt on the 15th hole. She had identical nine-hole totals of 33 and finished at 278 for four rounds. Goldstein, who lives in the area and had the lead going into the last round, could do no better than a 75, finishing in a tie for second with Cindy Yveer Feng of Orlando, Fla., who closed with a 68 for a 282 total. Lendl, who was five back at the start of the round, birdied the first three holes to get back into contention. “It was nice to get off to a good start,” she said. “But I couldn’t worry too much about momentum change. I had to just try to play my own game. I can’t do too much about what the others are doing.” Goldstein had the lead heading to the back nine but could only watch as Lendl, after

making bogey on 10, had a nice sand save on 11 and then birdied three of the next four holes. Goldstein’s final chance for victory ended when she double bogeyed the 17th hole. “Carly didn’t play her best today,” Lendl said, “and I made up nine shots today. But I didn’t think the tournament was mine until I finished up on 18.” The short par putt on the final hole also was important to be “low Lendl of the day” as Isabelle’s sister Daniela had a final-round 67. The 66 matched Lendl’s best career round as she had the same score at the NCAA final round last year. Ashley Rose of North Augusta , S.C. , had a final-round 75 to win the women’s senior division by seven shots over Ivy Steinberg of Toronto . The Dixie Amateur, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious amateur tournaments, is organized and conducted by ClubLink (www.clublink.com), one of the world’s largest multi-course owners and operators. For full results, please visit www.dixieamateur.com or contact Tournament Director Ben Derauf at 954-796-2000 ext. 203 or by email at bderauf@clublink.ca. Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

Tampa Bay’s Largest Golf Show! February 9-10, 2013 • Tampa Bay Downs Golf Practice Facility

Saturday, February 9, 2013 9:00am-4:00pm • Sunday, February 10, 2013 9:00am-3:00pm

Try and buy the latest equipment Enjoy on-site discounts at the PGA Golf Shop See LPGA star Brittany Lincicome and other great golf entertainment on the GolfLocker Main Stage Win prizes at the Chipping and Putting Contests Free goodie bags for those who register Enter the Trot One Million Dollar Hole in One Contest Receive free golf lessons from PGA pros

11225 Race Track Road, Tampa, FL 33626 • visit tampabaydowns.com or call 813-854-4946 for details

entral florida central florida central florida central florida central florida centr

By Laura E. Richeson, APR

Events are Special at Heathrow County Club Established in the late 1980s and recently acquired by Concert Golf Partners, Heathrow Country Club has long been considered one of Central Florida’s most prestigious private country clubs reflective of an upscale, contemporary lifestyle. Featuring towering oak-lined roads, endless sunshine, soft, warm breezes and extraordinary personal service, Heathrow’s newly renovated, exceptional amenities include 18 holes of championship golf, premier tennis, a sparkling six-lane competitive-style swimming pool, unmatched athletic center and upscale dining. Even nonmembers receive the VIP treatment at Heathrow County Club for corporate and social events.

Corporate Meetings and Receptions The Clubhouse at Heathrow is a natural setting to mix business with pleasure. The Grand Ballroom and Reception Foyer have elegance and traditional charm that is distinctively Heathrow. Floor to ceiling windows in the ballroom provide wonderful views. The foyer area includes a private entrance from the main Clubhouse and creates the perfect place to mingle as your guests arrive. Additional rooms and venues around the Clubhouse provide a special place to host catered

Special Olympics athletes and Toni Curlin events of all sizes for intimate business gatherings, elaborate corporate banquets, seminars, and casual social events, all with flexible indoor and outdoor space for up to 300 guests.

Weddings From romantic ceremonies in the garden gazebo to elegant receptions in the Grand Ballroom, the team gives personal attention and expert advice

to carry out your vision for your most important day. Heathrow offers a variety of wedding packages and reception settings from intimate to gala complete with culinary excellence to cater your wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, or bridal luncheon. Menus are a guide, not a limitation to the culinary offerings to prepare and design customized menus and delicious cuisine for your special event.

“At Heathrow Country Club we care about you and about making your event special. Our professional staff will seamlessly guide you through the planning right down to the smallest details and we’ll be there every step of the way,”— Toni Curlin, Director of Catering 68

Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

When it comes to golf, club selection is everything.

Impeccable fairways, manicured greens and welcoming smiles greet our members at the Heathrow Country Club. Designed by legendary architect Ron Garl, our challenging 18-hole course is home to an impressive collection of past U.S. Open qualifiers who now live and play here. And for over 27 years our world-class amenities, award-winning restaurants and exceptional personal service have made this private enclave, Seminole County’s premier Country Club. FOR MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION, CALL 407.333.1450 1200 Bridgewater Drive • Heathrow, Florida 32746 • www.heathrowcc.com

ASK ABOUT OUR YOUNG EXECUTIVE MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM • AGES 21-29 • $200 A MONTH - INCLUDING CART FEES

product showcase

➊ Loudmouth Golf

Loudmouth Golf, the leader in bold and bright golf apparel, has launched a collection of windshirts. Ideal for breezy or chilly days, Loudmouth’s windshirts are perfect both on and off the course. They are available in 20+ different designs including solid colors and Loudmouth’s popular prints like “Palm Beach,” “Captain Thunderbolt, and “Shagadelic Black.” The solid colors include black, lime green, orange, pink, red and teal. The windshirts are comfortable, stylish, and available in four styles: V-Neck Long Sleeve, V-Neck Vest, Half Zip Long Sleeve, and Half Zip Vest. Sizes available in S to 4XL Loudmouth Golf has also launched its revolutionary, first-ever apparel membership club, Loudmouth eXclusive Club (LMx). LMx is a quarterly club that automatically ships members a box filled with Loudmouth Golf gifts for men or women four times a year. The boxes will include member only patterns, pants, shirts, shorts, accessories, and surprise gifts. LMx members will have access to special Loudmouth discounts and other promotional incentives. Customers who sign up within the first year will be an LMx Founding Member and receive a special gift. LMx is for customers who LOVE surprises! For more information about Loudmouth Golf and to sign up for Club LMx, visit: www.LoudmouthGolf.com

➋ Juicebar Solar Chargers Never run out of Juice again! The new Juicebar Power Tube contains a high capacity battery that can fully Juice-Up your smart phone with a single charge! The anodized alloy tube looks amazing, and Juicebar can hold a charge for over 30 days, so you can “Juice Up” right when you need it! Juicebar Power Tube is incredibly small and light measuring just 3.5”x .87” and weighing only 2 oz! www.juicebarsolarcharger.com.

➌ Nike VR-S Covert Nike Golf is the first in history to bring high-speed cavity back technology to a driver that conforms to USGA and R&A Rules. This visually stunning iconic red driver stands out as the most innovative club Nike Golf has ever produced. Its three proprietary technology platforms: High Speed Cavity Back; FlexLoft adjustability; and NexCOR face, combine to create unprecedented distance, control and forgiveness. In addition to dramatically enhancing performance, the VR_S Covert wow-inducing design and engineering also simplifies the consumer’s retail experience, since the FlexLoft adjustability system allows for the driver to easily be changed to any loft and any face angle at any time. This creates 15 different options in one single club to meet the various swing characteristics of golfers.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

➍ SwingTIP Your Mobile Golf Coach: SwingTIP is a tiny, clever wireless device that clips onto a golf club and sends real-time swing analysis to your iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad or Android device. The SwingTIP mobile app allows you to visualize your swing path, rendering video-like animations of each swing from three angles and compare it to a Pro’s swing. SwingTIP also reports on key performance metrics, such as club head speed, swing path, swing tempo, clubface angle and impactzone, with a high degree of accuracy. The instant feedback pinpoints areas of strength, as well as those for improvement. But SwingTIP doesn’t just tell you what’s happening with your swing, it shows you how to fix it with Pro tips and videos that address areas for improvement that are identified. To track your progress over time, SwingTIP provides scorecards and a free MySwingTIP.com performance tracker website. It’s also a great teaching tool for Pros to use with their students, enhancing learning on the range and allowing Pros to interact with students and monitor their progress on a regular basis. �� SwingTIP bridges the gap between learning golf technically and playing the game of golf by “feel.”

➎ PalmBird The PalmBird, a new type of putter grip, gives you a straighter, more consistent stroke PGA Member Phillip Jaffe of Orlando made a chance discovery one spring while trimming the Bird of Paradise plant in his backyard and the inspiration for the “PalmBird” was born. The Palmbird Putter Grip “fits so well in your hands and palms that it feels naturally like an extension of your arm.” - Jaffe said. In computer testing the Palmbird consistently performed better than the leading putter grips on impact angle, stroke tempo and arc. The Palmbird conforms with USGA Rules and is proudly manufactured in the USA. Golfers who have purchased PalmBirds for their putters report immediate improvement with keeping the putter-head square throughout the stroke, greater directional control, a truer roll and greater grip comfort. The PalmBird is designed for golfers of all levels and is available on line at www.palmbird. com It’s also available on the PGA Tour tech van Golf On The Run, in Central Florida Shops; Golf Ed, Golf Fellas, The Country Club of Orlando and Rio Pinar Country Club. Plant one in your hands and feel the difference!

➏ Dual Eyewear New SL2 The Italians call it Super Leggero (SuperLight); Dual Eyewear took the liberty of shortening the name to SL2. Dual SL2 shields tip the scale at just 20 grams without compromising durbility and functionality. Custom features that mare it sport specific are adjustable noste bridge and temples for the perfect custom fit. Additional coverage of the lens were added for better wind protection. The SL2 lenses are interchangeable in clear and amber. Dual Eyewear is an uncompromising line of eyewear designed to enhance your outdoors experience. Dual Eyewear sports oriented power sunglasses complement your active lifestyle by improving your vision of hard-to-read products such as cycle computers and cell phones by way of a discreet magnification area molded into the lower portion of the lenses.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

pro visions

What Were You Thankful For This Holiday Season? I am most thankful that my fiancée Karen Boomer has made it thru another Christmas. It was two years ago December 28, 2010 that she was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) brain cancer. GBM is the worse form of cancer. The last two years have been challenging, undergoing surgery, radiation, chemo, three different clinical trials, but Karen’s tenacity is over the top and has not only kept me hopeful but her family as well. Karen has been a LPGA golf professional for the last 20 years, being a teaching professional in Florida and New Jersey. This may have been her last Christmas. She presently is digressing, has paralyzes on the left side and is getting more tired and weaker. May God grant her another Christmas, which we hope and pray for. Karen Boomer, LPGA & Brian Boeling, PGA I am thankful for my wonderful wife who is my best friend and my son who is “my best pal”. I am Mater to his Lightning McQueen! I am also thankful to my entire family and all my friends for making me the luckiest man in the world! Tim Beckwith, PGA Master Professional Director of Golf The Oaks Club www.theoaksclub.com

I am thankful for Manuel de la Torre, the PGA of America and World Golf Teachers Hall of Famer who I learned to teach golf from. Manuel is 91 years old but still teaching strong. He is from Milwaukee but will be in this area this winter and I will have him do a clinic at the Chi Chi Golf Range & Family Sports Complex on February 3rd! I am also thankful for being able to teach at Chi Chi’s in Clearwater because it is a good facility and as a bonus we help the Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation which helps at risk youth get through 4th - 8th grades here in Pinellas County. John Hayes - PGA Golf Teacher Chi Chi Golf & Family Sports Complex www.johnhayesgolf.com

It seems that for many, the holidays may be the only time families get together for the entire year. The amazing thing about the gathering is that although you haven’t seen each other in such a long time it seems like you never left! There is an immediate bonding and comfort in being with family. It’s good to see the smiles, share a long hug and relish being together again. The time will fly by and we’ll go our separate ways but we should always be grateful for the time we spend together, especially the precious time during holidays. Steve Morris, PGA Tournament Director/Operations & Events Manager North Florida PGA

All golf professionals know it takes a great partner to go through life with as a golf pro. The long hours, holidays and many social functions that must be attended. With this I would like to introduce my fiancé Autumn Mitchell. Autumn and I met in the summer of2007 in downtown West Palm Beach. Our first official date was on 7/7/7. How lucky can one man be? Autumn has been my rock and best friend since this time. I could not ask for a more understanding and loving partner to go through life with. Autumn and I will be marrying at The Gasparilla Inn near Port Charlotte, Florida on April 13 of this year. The Gasparilla Inn is a Florida Historic Landmark virtually on its own Island. We look forward to sharing our love with family and friends. T.J. Schmitz, PGA Head Golf Professional The Dye Preserve Golf Club 72

Florida Golf Central • Volume 13, Issue 6

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