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from the publisher header
Flowin' and Ebbin' in “20 Eleben” Volume 11, Issue 4
I
Publisher: Terrie L. Purdum Editor in Chief: Shannon Coates Managing Editor: Dave Daubert, USGA The Green One: Tonyia Fulghum Executive Editor: Joel Jackson–Director of Communications
have to tell you, my loyal readership, I am so psyched to “swing-in” the
New Year! We closed out
Me and “Baby Lou” aka Bobby Reed
the year on an awesome high at the NFPGA Annual meeting, which included a gala with the guest of honor, the “King” himself, Mr. Arnold Palmer! There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as he was inducted into the NFPGA Hall of Fame. His
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, Dennis T. James, Mike Coonan
Senior Correspondent: Rick Harris, Sr. Executive Correspondent: Dennis T. James Contributing Writers: Jay Golden, PGA; Marc Ray, CMAA;
speech was one for the ages! My second biggest thrill of the
Greg Wise; Ashley Prange
night was getting to see Jim Cocchi cry like a big baby when
Media Muse: David E. Bailey Digital Media Manager: Jason Philo Digital Video Producer: James Lee Director of Sales and Marketing: Jason Keesling Business Manager: Debbi Westbrook, dwestbrook@cfl.rr.com Graphic Design: Melahn Cable, melahn@mac.com Website Design/Network Support: ryjo.com Magazine Printing:
he accepted his award for Professional of the Year, Wah... Wah. Congratulations, Jim and to all the wonderful PGA professionals who won awards this year. Of course I had to relinquish my crown as Amateur of the Year to Bill Gilkes but I can’t think of a more worthy recipient. Way to go, Bill. So what’s in store for us this year as we kick off our 12th year as Florida’s only golf magazine to survive this long? Well, we have so much to look forward to. Some of our local,
Glenn Makin– Publisher of East Tennesee Golf News
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favorite courses have new ownership and a lot of energy is
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being poured into them. Our magazine is thriving, thanks to
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all of you, and we are so excited that Arizona Golf Central
One year (12 issues) subscription price is $42.99
has now launched and is receiving excellent reviews. The
©2010 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
“Florida Swing” of the PGA Tour is just around the corner and that means we will get to witness great golf on great tracks and I’ll get to show off the hot new golf attire that I find at the show. Maybe some Fairway and Greene? Speaking of green, “The Green Hornet,” stars the ever so adorable Cameron Diaz, who I was happy to learn, is addicted to golf. I heard this from listening to Morning Drive, my favorite new show on The Golf Channel. I predict in 2011 Cameron will call me for a game of golf, so if anyone knows
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.
the cutie patutie, put her agent on the line and I’ll hook a sista up! I can’t wait to see all my friends at the PGA Merchandise Show (aka Grope Fest) and the Ace Group Classic. Let’s all bring as many new golfers to the Flowin’ and Ebbin’ in 2011, I’m committed!
2009 North Florida PGA Amateur of the Year 4
Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
Join us for a cup of coffee ... Is itatime to opinion. invest and second
with caution or seek out new opportunities?
During volatile and confusing markets, we understand that even the most patient investors may come to question the wisdom of the investment plan they’ve been following. We’d like to help – and we can start by offering a cup of coffee and a second opinion. By appointment, you’re welcome to come in and talk with us about your investment portfolio. If we think your investments continue to be wellsuited to your long-term goals — in spite of the current market turmoil — we’ll gladly tell you so, and send you on your way. If, on the other hand, we think some of your investments no longer fit with your goals, we’ll explain Read our free midyear report to find why, in plain English. And, if you like, we’ll recommend some alternatives. out more about our forecast for the Either way, the coffee is on us. For a free consultation, please contact us rest let of the year. if you prefer milk or cream. and us know
Find out what we think.
Call today to order your copy of our “2009 Midyear Outlook.”
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header
24
Volume 11, Issue 4 19th Hole 16 Tilted Kilt
Cart Girl 14 Aley Tallman
Departments
4 8 30 Patrick Warburton 10 Feature 38 The Concession Golf Club 26 34 Fore Your Health 36 44 56 Ed Brockhausen 50 Golf Bachelor 52 12 Evan Ford 54 60 Golf Business 62 46 Timucuan Golf Club 64 66 Golf Travel 68 18 Ritz-Carlton Lodge 70 72
Celebrity Corner
Grippin' & Sippin'
Letter from the Publisher Golf Central Station Club Managers Association of America Golf Fitness Thinking of Golf Live Golf Competitive Spirits Duffer Dan South Florida PGA North Florida PGA Golf Channel First Coast Platinum Coast Treasure Coast Shankmeister Product Showcase Aces & Eagles
22 Cork & Olive
Improving Performance
50
32 Tiger Shark
Leader on The Links 42 Brett Martineau
On Course 28 Tom Hoch
Stay & Play 24 PGA National
What's New 26 Miura
Young Guns 20 Future's Tour
floridagolfcentral.com 6
14 Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
THE PLAYERS offers new ticket program: “Chip in for Youth Sports” Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. – Tournament officials announced today a new ticket program, Chip in for Youth Sports, by which the event will allow area youth sports organizations and qualified middle and high school athletic programs to sell an “any day” ticket to THE PLAYERS and to keep $25 from every ticket sold. The remaining proceeds will be donated to The First Tee. Organizations from the five-county area (Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns) can sell these tickets between January 10 and April 3, 2011. The “good any day” grounds ticket will be sold for $40. Organizations can sign up to participate at the new Chip In website and fans can purchase tickets to support this program at www.chipinforyouthsports.playerschampionship.com. “THE PLAYERS Championship and its charities have long supported area youth sports,” said Executive Director Matt Rapp. “Our new Chip In for Youth Sports program will allow organizations across the five-county area to align themselves with one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world to assist in their fundraising. We look forward to supporting these youth sports organizations in every way possible and are excited to see how this new program benefits the area.” THE PLAYERS Championship generated a tournament-record $4.8 million for local charity in 2010, bringing the total in charitable giving to nearly $40 million since 1977, when THE PLAYERS moved to Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. THE PLAYERS will also continue its youth policy for 2011, where children age 18 and younger are admitted free of charge with a ticketed adult. Any ticketed adult can bring multiple children age 18 and younger to the event. For example, a Little League coach could bring his entire team. THE PLAYERS military policy, which invites all active duty, reserve and retired members of the armed forces and their dependents to attend the event free of charge, will also continue in 2011. For tickets to THE PLAYERS, go to www.PGATOUR. COM/theplayers, or call 888-401-8000.
TaylorMade Golf Company to Give Away 20,000 Burner® 2.0 6-Irons in 2011 CARLSBAD, Calif.– Last year, TaylorMade Golf launched a unique and exciting product seeding initiative unlike any in the company’s history with the introduction of “Project Burner,” a campaign that put free Burner 6-irons in the hands of 20,000 eager consumers. Although a high amount of registrants were anticipated for the remarkably successful and groundbreaking project, few 8
would have predicted the incredible response from everyday golfers around the country. With that in mind, TaylorMade Golf is pleased to announce that the company has launched the second iteration of this unique seeding program, with the 2011 campaign set to give away 20,000 Burner 2.0 6-irons. The second-generation Burner 2.0 irons are individually engineered to deliver legendary Burner distance and more playability, while the refined vibration-management system promotes improved sound and feel. To register to receive one of 20,000 Burner 2.0 6-irons, consumers are encouraged to visit our new campaign microsite at http://www.taylormadegolf.com/burner and complete the sign-up form. For more information on the new Burner 2.0 irons and 6-iron seeding program, please visit the TaylorMade Golf website at http://www.taylormadegolf.com.
association is embodied by its gifted and engaged players, who to this day still embrace the same primary responsibility established by the LPGA’s Founders: To leave the Tour better than how they found it,” Whan said. 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.
Formation of Maters Tournament Foundation
New Ideas… New Tournaments… and a Renewed Commitment to Partners DAYTONA BEACH, FL– The 2011 LPGA Tour season will feature new, ground-breaking ideas for tournaments; new events in the U.S., Taiwan and China; and a renewed commitment to its existing and long-term corporate partners through a unique qualifying format for its season finale and a season-long celebration of tournament title sponsors called the “Countdown to Titleholders.” The 2011 LPGA Tour schedule was unveiled during a TV appearance on Golf Channel by Commissioner Michael Whan followed by a conference call hosted by Whan and 2010 Rolex Player of the Year Yani Tseng. “Our 2011 schedule reflects the key strategic initiatives of the LPGA: Global – new events in the U.S. and abroad; Partnership – consistently increasing the value to our current business partners; and Responsibility – embracing the history of the LPGA and making a commitment to the future of the women’s game,” Whan said. All three of these elements will be showcased at the inaugural RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup, a tournament designed to honor the LPGA’s pioneers, showcase the world’s greatest female athletes of the present and, most importantly, build a strong and robust future for women in the game of golf. “The heart and soul of the LPGA
Augusta, GA- Billy Payne, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, today announced the formation of the Masters Tournament Foundation, which is designed to annually invest in development programs for the game of golf worldwide. “The establishment of the Masters Tournament Foundation is central to fulfilling our responsibility of supporting the game’s continuous growth around the world,” Payne said. “This tradition, shaped by our Founders Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, is the cornerstone of the Foundation’s important commitment.” The Foundation now serves as the vehicle whereby the Masters will further support its golf development goals and reach a broader audience. Efforts already include the creation of the Junior Pass Program, televising the Par 3 Contest, advancement of digital technology offerings on Masters.com, the co-founding of the Asian Amateur Championship and sustained significant monetary contributions to The First Tee and major golf organizations around the world. To add to this list in 2011, Payne also announced that the Masters Tournament will be featured in EA Sports’ next iteration of its award-winning Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 golf game franchise. The Masters will be available in stores March 29. As a result, Payne said that 100 percent of the Augusta National’s proceeds will be contributed to the newly created Foundation. Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
header cmaa
CMAA’s 84th World Conference –
By Jennifer Jolly
Bustling with Brilliance! S
10
ince this is the issue of golf
students are challenged to look ahead
for the National Board. Voting
conferences (GIS, Golfest and the
and think about trends and innovation.
Curious what the “CCM” stands
PGA Show), I thought it might be nice
All student chapters are encouraged to
for?? Well, as a recent recipient of my
to spend a little time educating our
take this opportunity to showcase their
own CCM, I can tell you it stands for
readers on the CMAA World Conference
ideas, insight and vision. The winners,
“Certified Club Manager”. The CCM
on Club Management and The Club
in each of five categories, present their
designation has been the hallmark of
Business Expo. This year will mark the
concept during a 90-minute manager
professionalism in club management
CMAA’s 84th World Conference … what
education session on Saturday,
since 1965 and is the cornerstone of
an incredible tradition and history
February 26.
CMAA’s member recognition program.
of education, professionalism and
This year the conference will be held
It is a valuable and widely-respected
networking!
right here in Florida … from February
mark of a manager’s commitment
The World Conference fulfills CMAA’s
24 through February 28 the Orlando
to professional development and
mission to provide a variety of unique
World Center Marriott will be bustling
the club industry. Along with 200+
education opportunities that reflect the
with brilliance … there is an immense
credits in the nine core competencies
latest trends in the club industry. This
amount of knowledge and experience
of club management and a minimum
week-long series of education features
wandering the conference floors with
of five years of service to the
Pre-Conference Workshops, seminars,
nearly 5,000 club industry professionals
organization, attendance at one of
management clinics, round-table
from the United States, Canada, Mexico
the World Conferences is one of the
discussions, student programs and
and abroad attending the conference
requirements. Hope to see you at
keynote addresses by distinguished
each year … making it the association’s
the World Conference in Orlando …
speakers. CMAA members truly profit
most visible event!
and don’t forget to vote for Michael
from the variety of opportunities
The Florida Chapter of the CMAA
McCarthy.
available at the World Conference and
has the honor and privilege this year
the many hands-on topics that can be
of being Host Chapter. Our Chairmen
easily put into practice back at their
are FLCMAA Past Presidents Michael
clubs.
McCarthy, CCM and Michael Seabrook,
One such topic, a student program,
CCM. Both have served the Chapter
is one of my favorites … “The Club of
at the local and national level while
the Future.” Building on the success of
continuing to serve as extraordinary
last year’s inaugural presentation, “The
assets and mentors to those of us (like
Club of the Future” provides an award
me) who are working our way toward
program that gives student members
the heights they have already attained.
the opportunity to propose what they
Michael McCarthy, CCM, was voted
foresee the club industry looking like
“Club Management’s Club Executive of
five, 10 or 15 years from now. The
the Year” in 2010 and is now running
Jennifer Jolly is the Food & Beverage Director at Sawgrass Country Club in beautiful Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Jennifer graduated from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan with a Bachelor of Science degree and has actively participated in the Club Managers Association of America’s Business Management Institute programs obtaining certifications in “Leadership Principles” and “General Manager as Chief Operating Officer.” She has further served the professional association as Regional Chair in both Communications and Technology as well as State Chair for Technology. For more information: www.sawgrwasscountryclub.com Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
-I was born and raised in Massachusetts, however over the past 2 years I have lived in Hoboken, NJ, Rogers, AR, and now currently in Naples for 2 months.
Is “acting your age” over rated?
-Absolutely. I think it’s very important to be professional in your daily life; however there is ALWAYS room for playful jokes, sayings, and humor.
High school group you hung out with the most; nerds, jocks, stoners, preppies? I primarily hung out with the jocks in high school. I played golf and was a lacrosse goalie for four years (I know what you’re thinking, and yes I am crazy enough to stand in front of a hard rubber ball moving 100mph with minimal padding).
What do you do for a living? I am an Operations Manager
for our Global Events Division. I am currently working on the ACE Group Classic in Naples, Florida!
Whom do you most admire for their inner and outer beauty? This is definitely a loaded question, so my answer is simple: MOM!
What’s your take on “cuddling”? I’m a “seasonal cuddler”: two thumbs up in the winter, two thumbs down in the summer.
Evan Harwood
golf bachelor
Where were you born? Did you grow up there?
Steak, chicken, or seafood? All of the above, preferable on the same plate with rice pilaf, vegetables, and a pint of good beer.
What do you find to be the most annoying habit people demonstrate on the golf course? When someone launches
their ball 60 yards into the woods, needs a machete to get to it, and still for some reason spends 10 minutes looking for it.
What three people would you most like to play with in your fantasy golf foursome? My Dad, my brother, and my mom (who doesn’t even play but is always down for driving a cart and getting some sun).
Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails?
Relaxed evening at home…and I would even cook!
going to be Bachelor of the Month…speaking of that, do yall have insurance to replace my damaged keyboard?
Last book you read?
-Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive by Harvey MacKay…good book to start the new year. 12
Photos by Zack Moye
Last time you spewed something through your nose from laughing so hard? When I got an email saying that I was
Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
February 14 - 20, 2011 TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW
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cart girl
Aley Tallman
Where did you grow up? Wichita, Kansas.
What is your favorite sport to play? Favorite to watch? Favorite sport to play is definitely volleyball. Favorite sport to watch is volleyball and/or basketball.
Do you enjoy playing golf? Are there any golfers in your family? I enjoy playing golf very much now that I am learning some technique. Majority of my family likes to play golf.
What do you feel makes this club special?
Hawk’s Landing is special because our staff works very hard to make sure the course and our guests are provided great service. It is a gorgeous, very well maintained, challenging course with great scenery!
What is your favorite part of being a cart girl? What is your least favorite part? My favorite part about being a
cart girl is interacting with the guests! My least favorite part is the chilly mornings.
What is the funniest thing you’ve ever seen on the golf course? The funniest thing is when the guests discover I have an identical twin sister who works on the same property as our golf course.
What type of music do you prefer? Country and hip-hop.
What hobbies do you enjoy?
Playing sports, traveling, shopping, and texting. :)
What is your idea of “the perfect date”?
“The perfect date” would be for the guy to make the entire date a surprise.
Favorite comedian? Chelsea Handler
Favorite type of movie? Comedy or action.
Favorite charity to support? Susan G. Komen
What else would you like for us to know about you?
2010 Graduate and Volleyball student athlete for the University of Alabama at Birmingham. 14
Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
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19thheader Hole 16
Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
Bogey. ”Best Round of My Life“ Trust your caddie and please drink responsibly. 40% Alc./Vol.
© Fuzz y ’s Spirits LLC. Made in the USA.
By David E Bailey Media Muse
Real Georgia
golfheader travel
Luxury F
rom the moment you enter the gingerbread and hot apple cider infused lobby, you realize there’s going to be something extraordinary about your visit to the Ritz Carlton Lodge during the holiday season. There’s something about the Lodge’s atmosphere which stimulates your sense of smell and sight, and actually makes you want to sit in front of the huge fireplace and gingerbread house to share stories with all of the guests gathered in the immense lobby area. The dark wooden accents (materials not speech), along with the fragrance of
the real wood burning fireplace, make you feel right at home from the moment you enter the doorway. As with any Ritz Carlton experience; you feel immediately welcome and special based upon the incredible service from each and every staff member. We experienced the luxury and attention to detail at every turn (literally) within this great hotel, by spending our weekend on the Club Floor Level during our stay. When I say attention to detail, I honestly mean it. Upon checking in, I 18
helped myself to a cup of their delicious hot apple cider, and returned to my car to retrieve an article I left behind. We had already made our way down to the elevators, when I heard my name being called from the valet attendant; walking briskly after us with the cup of hot apple cider I left sitting on the top of my car (I never said I was the brightest bulb in the fixture). We thanked the attendant, and mentioned that he didn’t have to go to that much trouble, and without hesitation his response was “well of course I did”. I realized at that moment that I had arrived at a Ritz Carlton property once again! The walks on the shore of Lake Oconee by the Lodge were both inspiring and memory evoking, as you enjoy the smell of wood-burning fire pits, the fragrance of food wafting from the restaurants, and the sensational sunsets over the lake. There are numerous seating areas around the property, and where you find yourself wanting to relax and experience the view and ambiance from every angle. We had several fun filled experiences from this trip, many of them stemming from the staff and other hotel guests we met on the Club Floor Level dining room. The weather outdoors was particularly cool that weekend, so most of the guests including ourselves, decided to stay warm as we ate, drank, and played games in front of the Club Floor fireplace. The Executive Chef and the Pastry Chef visited our table one afternoon while we were dining, and shared interesting as well as informative conversation, regarding
their backgrounds and experiences at Reynolds Plantation, in addition to other Ritz Carlton properties where they have honed their skills previously. Once again; the staff members working in the Club Floor dining room were incredibly gracious and professional, and attended to our every need. We requested a board game to involve other guests as they arrived, and we were provided with Taboo. Now I’m not saying that any cheating was going on, but it seemed as though the well-used game cards may have been in the hands of the Club Floor staff quite frequently. I say this only because every time a staff member walked by during the game, they would just casually blurt the answer to questions that most of us would struggle with (remember I divulged my own mental limitations). In closing, the parameters of this article limit my ability to describe in adequate detail, the complete experience of visiting this property and meeting the wonderful people who work there. From the front desk personnel, to the bellmen, valet, chefs, dining room staff, and service personnel, this is one of the best experiences I can recall, and I advise everyone to visit, experience, and remember the Ritz Carlton, Reynolds Plantation as soon and as often as possible..
The Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation One Lake Oconee Trail, Greensboro, GA 30642 www.RitzCarlton.com/Reynolds Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
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youngheader guns
Ashleigh Albrecht Earns Amateur Exemption
A
shleigh Albrecht of Murrieta, Calif., earned the amateur exemption into the LPGA Futures
Tour’s season-opening tournament. Albrecht’s victory at the 56th annual Harder Hall Women’s Invitational won her a spot in the LPGA Futures Tour’s Florida’s Natural Charity Classic. That event will be held March 25-27, at
20
Ashleigh Albrecht is with the Harder Hall tournament director, Carol Semple Thompson
Lake Region Yacht and Country Club
holes to win by one shot over Wake
Amateur Jessica Korda was the winner
in Winter Haven, Fla.
Forest University’s Cheyenne Woods.
of last year’s “Sally,” staged in nearby
A sophomore at the University of
Last year, the LPGA Futures Tour
Ormond Beach, Fla. Korda qualified for
Kentucky, Albrecht carded scores of
awarded its 2010 amateur exemption
the LPGA Tour last December at the
63-74-69-72 for a 10-under total of
to the Daytona Beach Invitational
LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament.
278 at Harder Hall Country Club in
to the winner of the South Atlantic
For more information,
Sebring, Fla. She birdied the final two
Amateur, better known as “The Sally.”
www.lpgafuturestour.com.
Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
With the Score Counter/Bracelet from Glamorous Golfer, you don’t have to choose between dazzling and discrete. Women golfers love this subtle, easy-touse score counter, which converts to an eye-catching bracelet with a quick click. A single strand of luminous cat’s eye fireball beads, handmade from the highest quality fiber optic glass in-laid with crystals—so you’ll always know your score.
info@glamorousgolfer.com
www.glamorousgolfer.com Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
21
grippin' & header sippin'
Chocolate and wine The two are entwined Beguiling and delighting Now then, pair them right And your valentine will be enticed.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
It
can be done. Make this Valentine’s Day the most memorable ever! A date night, a nice dinner and then, how about enjoying a late evening with a nice dessert for just the two of you? A glass of wine for your valentine paired with an exquisite chocolate. Whether you are pairing a delicate white chocolate, a sweet milk chocolate or a lively dark chocolate with wine, here are a few pairing tips to keep in mind. To Successfully Pair Wines with Chocolate remember the following: #1: Know the person you are giving it to, i.e. what kind of wine and chocolate does your valentine like? #2: The wine should be at least as sweet, if not sweeter, than the chocolate you are serving it with. Otherwise, the pairing will not work. #3: Match lighter chocolates with lighter wines and stronger chocolates with more intense, full-bodied wines. #4: Let your wine guide do the pairing for you. Let Lake Mary cork&olive help you choose from a collection of wines. We will get the wine of your choice dipped in the right flavor of chocolate. This custom created one of a kind dessert will be a special treat for your valentine (next day pickup). It will also show that you went the extra mile. Wine Suggestions for Milk Chocolate: “Villa Rosa Mosacto D’ Asti” is a white sparkling wine, with aromas of a Bouquet of roses and taste like peach nectar. This wine will pair great with milk chocolate. “Sweet Baby” is another sweet red wine that tastes similar to the Moscato D’ Asti. “Casa De La Ermita” is yet another sweet desert wine that will be the perfect gift for your valentine. Lastly, consider a nice Port wine with your milk chocolates.
22
Wine Suggestions for White Chocolate: White chocolate tends to be more sweet and buttery in flavor. Sweet bubbles, like “Castel Del Mago” is a great choice. Your goal is to elevate the creaminess of the chocolates, and accent the fruit tones on the senses. “Pearly Bay” is a sparkling wine from South Africa that will pair great with white chocolate. “Rutherglen Estate Muscat” is another great choice for chocolate pairing. You can also go for the contrast pairing approach, that can be exceptional and very satisfying. Consult with your Wine guide at Lake Mary cork&olive. We are always here to help you make the best choice. Wine Suggestions for Dark Chocolate: Dark or bittersweet chocolates need a wine that offers a roasted, slightly robust flavor itself, with perhaps a hint of its own chocolate notes. Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandels have a history of perfecting the dark chocolate match, resulting in an unparalleled tasting combination. A Cabernet Sauvignon like “Joel Gott”, “Mettler”, or “Layer Cake” from California is a good choice. The Washington Cabs like Revelry and 14 Hands are softer but great choices too. The California Zinfandels
like “Plunderhead”, “Seghesio” and “Rombauer” will more than fill your chocolate pairing expectations. Alternate choices: “Cocoa di Vine” a chocolate wine made with natural chocolate and “Trentadue Chocolate Amore” a chocolate port, are great choices for your chocolate lovers. At Lake Mary cork&olive we can create custom gift baskets with your selections. We can ship them for you all across the USA. Free local deliveries are also available. Website: CorkAndOliveOnline. com. Phone: 407.323.0555 Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Valentine’s Day!
Antoney Manipadam is a Certified Sommelier and Owner of Lake Mary cork&olive.
Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
PURE GOLF Black Bear Golf Club is a quintessential P.B. Dye designed championship links course stretching over 7,000 yards. It is truly a fun test for golfers of all skill levels. Unlike most typically flat Florida courses Black Bear presents a unique challenge with its undulating fairways, elevation changes and fast, well manicured greens. The course has some of the most dramatic bunkers you will ever experience in Florida as well as some of the biggest elevation changes. P.B. Dye lived up to his reputation as a designer of championship courses when he built Black Bear. The focus at Black Bear is pure golf. The club boasts one of the best practice facilities in Central Florida. With a double ended 400 yard range, 40,000 square foot short game complex, 6,000 square foot practice green and 19th hole - shoot out hole, Black Bear is the place to be if you want to improve your game. Shaun Webb, Hank Haney certified golf instructor makes Black Bear his home. Black Bear hosts several professional tour events annually as well as being home to select PGA and LPGA players. Play a tournament quality championship course for $50 or less and rub shoulders with a few LPGA or PGA pros. That’s nearly impossible anywhere else in the Orlando area. Black Bear Golf Course is about a 30 minute drive north of downtown Orlando. The course is set in Florida ranch country. The drive from the city is easy and relaxing. It is more than worth the few extra minutes drive both for the golf experience as well as the great value offered.
352.357.4732
www.BlacKBEargolfcluB.com
Book a round at Black Bear and receive a complimentary sleeve of NIKE balls Not valid with any offer. Valid while supplies last
24505 calusa Blvd. EustIs, florIda 32736
stay header & play
PGA National Resort & Spa – As Good as it Gets for a Traveling Golfer
F
ew destinations have a golf pedigree as storied as PGA Resort & Spa and its Champion Course. The legendary South Florida vacation spot’s vaunted resume includes hosting the 1983 Ryder Cup, 1987 PGA Championship, and nearly two decades of the Senior PGA Championship. Currently, PGA National hosts The Honda Classic, one of the PGA TOUR’s premier events and the first stop on its famous “Florida Swing.” Recent tournament winners include elite TOUR players such as Camilo Villegas, Ernie Els, Luke Donald and Padraig Harrington. Harrington, the 2005 champion, says that outside the majors, The Champion at PGA National is “the best course we play on TOUR.” PGA National is also home to the trifecta of holes named “The Bear Trap” on The Champion – holes 15, 16 and 17 where designer Jack Nicklaus famously said, “It should be won or lost right here.” Why so hard? Water, water and more water. In the 2010 Honda Classic, winner Camilo Villegas played the three-hole stretch in even par over four rounds. The field tallied 352 over-par scores. Play them at your own risk. For those wanting the Full Monty of a real TOUR experience and trying to tame the mighty Bear Trap, PGA National offers its “PGA Honda Classic Experience” stay-and-play package year-round. In addition to staying in the resort hotel where the majority of the fields stays for the event, the TOUR experience begins with a photo-op on the first tee of The Champion. To enhance the challenge, PGA TOUR tournament green speeds are kept at kneebuckling, double-digit Stimpmeter readings along with Honda Classic hole
24
flags. Garmin GPS provides pinpoint yardages and caddies are available wearing Augusta style jumpsuits. It’s as close to a PGA experience as one can get without going through Q-School. Additionally, PGA National boasts four other excellent layouts. The Palmer – an Arnold Palmer signature course with a subtle nod to the game’s Scottish roots. The Haig – designed by George and Tom Fazio with no forced carries over water hazards, thus offering a true resort-style play-
emy is home to the country’s best golf instruction. On-site programs from both the David Leadbetter Golf Academy and the Dave Pelz Scoring Game School, along with tour level custom club fitting from the PGA National Club Fitting Lab, are available. The whole locale is a one-stop golf heaven. After a round, indulge in one of more than 100 treatments offered by The Spa at PGA National, lounge in the magnificent zero-entry pool, or enjoy one of the nine on-site restaurants and lounges highlighted by the Ironwood Grille’s fresh seafood, juicy steaks and an array of fine wines even including selections from the vineyards of Greg Norman, Ernie Els and David Frost. The classy iBAR in the lobby is the perfect spot to recount your fortunes or misfortunes on The Champion’s Bear Trap or one of the other championship courses. If you’re a traveling golfer, PGA National Resort & Spa is just about as good as it gets. For more information on the PGA Honda Classic Experience, or to make reservations, visit www.pgaresort.com, or call (800) 533.9386.
ing experience. The Squire is a tough test of accuracy and precision, and dubbed, “the thinking man’s course.” The Estates is designed by Karl Litten and is a quick drive from the resort grounds. The Estates is flat-out excellent and regularly hosts the Monday Qualifier for the Honda Classic. For those who don’t yet play like a pro, the PGA National Golf AcadFlorida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
GREAT GOLF. GREAT VALUE.
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golf fitness
Injury-Free Golf Into The Golden Years
D
awn Lipori, M.S.P.T., Licensed Physical Therapist and founder of the Lipori Manual Physical Therapy Cen-
ter in Orlando, applies her principals of body mechanics to improve anyone’s golf swing in her new book Body 4 Golf: Getting Into the Swing available now at Body4Golf.com and Amazon.com. Body 4 Golf explains the synergy between the golf swing and the human body. Lipori explores how the body works and what it is capable of to help distinguish between the two main causes of a sub-optimal golf swing: flexibility problems (your body does not move that way) and technical issues (you need golf swing training or practice). “I love every aspect of what it takes to be a successful professional golfer,” says Lipori, who has a
Dawn Lipori, M.S.P.T
Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy from
throughout your body,” said Lee Janzen,
the University of Miami,
two-time U.S. Open Champion. Janzen,
one of the top ranked PT
who is a client of Lipori, wrote the
schools in the nation. “I
forward to Body 4 Golf. “I have known
am incredibly enthusias-
Dawn Lipori for over 10 years. She has
tic about breaking down
shown me exercises that have been
the body’s role in the
helpful and I trust her knowledge of the
golf swing so all golfers
human body.”
can play injury-free for
As a Licensed Physical Therapist, Li-
as long as they wish.”
pori has been immersed in the profes-
Lipori has repeat-
sional golf world, working with more
edly observed where
than 100 professional golfers from
and why golfers’ bodies
every tour, including the PGA, LPGA,
break down and what
KLPGA, Korean PGA, Nationwide, Nike,
range of motion is
Futures, Hooters, Senior and European
needed for the swing
Tours, in addition to the nationally
they desire. In Body 4
26
ranked Long Driver, and collegiate and
Golf: Getting Into the
“Even though we have a pretty good
junior players. Her clients go beyond
Swing, Dawn helps golfers learn and
idea which muscles are most impor-
golf and span the world of professional
understand the fundamentals to hit the
tant for golf, it’s not enough. Building
sports, including professional athletes
ball farther, have more accuracy, and
stronger golf muscles won’t help you if
from the NBA, MLB, professional foot-
play into their golden years.
you are lacking mobility and stability
ball, and water skiing. Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
0 2 + 9 1 . B E F
Facility e c i t c olf Pra G s n w m- 4pm Bay Do a a 9 p | m y Ta Sunda & y a Saturd se GC
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» Get a FR
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site for
deta
t uipmen test eq la e th buy tage » Try and Main S on the s A IK N N lf lesson PGA go » Catch A y r ta n me compli s trade-in » Receive ur club o y r fo dit unts il disco » Get cre est reta lf o G l ecia » Enjoy sp red. Se
e requi
Cart fe
Visit Golfest.com for schedule and details. A portion of the proceeds will benefit All Children’s Hospital of St. Petersburg & The Future Champions Golf Tour.
on header course
Golf Clubhouses by Design A Q&A with Tom Hoch, President, Tom Hoch
T
here is nothing like golf. A typical round requires about 4½ hours. However, the actual golf experience can be a five-, six- or even seven-hour affair that involves not only
the great outdoors, but also the time spent “under roof,” in 19th holes, golf shops and locker rooms, all of which are integral parts of a clubhouse’s atmosphere, thus integral parts of the total golf experience. Tom Hoch, President of Tom Hoch, a leading designbuild firm based in Oklahoma City, has been working in the interior design business for more than 20 years. His personal passion for golf, combined with his profession, led him, and his firm, to plan, design and build memorable, timeless golf club interiors.
What are the advantages of clubhouse renovations over actual golf course renovations for a club and its golfers? We understand timing played a big part in your recent renovations at Falcon’s Fire Golf Club.
and attract new players, -- but doesn’t have the budget for a full golf course renovation – an interior renovation is a costeffective way to accomplish these goals.
still come enjoy the golf portion of the experience as though
Talk about how avoiding design trends and fads can be beneficial for Florida clubs, such as Amelia Island Plantation.
nothing has changed. Those courses open year-round can
One of the biggest mistakes a club can make is trying to
take advantage of shoulder seasons to complete wholesale or
create a trendy interior. Whether it is a private or public
spot renovations.
course, the clubhouse and 19th hole should be a reflection of
At Falcon’s Fire Golf Club in Kissimmee, we fast-tracked our
the club’s character and membership.
work and completed renovations in just three months over
Trendy is often confused with contemporary, and stodgy
the summer, reducing the economic impact and minimizing
with traditional. It is important to understand that interior
disruption to golfers. By working during the summer
architectural elements can be traditional, but they can
months, and utilizing a concurrent design-build process, the
also be fashionable, especially when they are set off with
clubhouse interior at Falcon’s Fire was complete well before
contemporary artwork or accessories that are juxtaposed
the peak season began.
against a traditional design. That juxtaposition has a popular
For a club’s operator, it is much less expensive to remodel
place in design, and club owners and operators want focal
a clubhouse than it is a golf course. If a club is in search of a
pieces that reflect the traditions and history of the game.
way to restore its brand, retain members or daily fee golfers
Ideally, these pieces will also provide a sense of place tied to
One major advantage is clubhouse renovations do not mean a course closure or the rerouting of holes. Golfers can
Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, Marana, AZ 28
Tom Hoch
Tulsa Country Club, Tulsa, OK Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
Quail Creek Golf and Country Club, Oklahoma City, OK
The Ridge at Back Brook , Ringoes, NJ
the area, or reflect a prevalent architectural motif. Amelia Island Plantation, just north of Jacksonville, is truly one of the most beautiful settings on the East Coast. Right now, Tom Hoch is working on the resort’s Long Point Golf Shop and The Ocean Club, the members only lounge. Because they’re located in such a special location, it is important that the facilities’ interiors convey the beauty and charm associated with Amelia Island Plantation, not the latest design trend sweeping the country.
Without question, the bar is the centerpiece of the 19th hole. What are some ways clubs can make their 19th hole a showstopper? And what are some other items or accessories that generally help make a 19th hole stand out? I think great food makes a great 19th hole. Views are important; also, great style and character is paramount. If you look at all the great pubs across the country and in Scotland, those places have great design style and character. So they tell a story and they’re rooted in the history of the story. This is particularly relevant in the Southeast and Florida,
Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, Marana, AZ
hole has to be inviting, warm and relaxing. It has to be a place you thoroughly enjoy visiting and hanging out. That’s what I stress to those clubs wavering on updating their 19th holes.
Is there a rule of thumb or a way you go about designing a 19th hole for a private club versus designing one at a public facility?
areas of the country rich in tradition and history. It is a point
Not really. For a private club the membership and committees
of emphasis for many of the clubs we work with out of our
design its 19th hole to be a cool hangout place, like it’s their
Charleston, South Carolina office. By replacing historic design
own local pub. And I would take that same concept to a daily
elements with trendy design, not only do clubs run the risk of
fee. Everyone is looking for a nice, casual place to hang out and
having it become outdated, but they are also stripping the club
tell a story. It is vital the ambience, design and character of the
of its history and identity.
place invite you to tell a story.
For a new upscale private club, it’s a no-brainer as to why they need a 19th hole. But for an older club, it makes perfect sense for them to refurbish or update theirs, yet they don’t. Why is that?
Tom Hoch is the President of Tom Hoch, a leading design-build firm based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma with an East Coast office in Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 1963 by his parents Tom (senior) and Joanne Hoch, Tom Hoch Design specializing in club, resort, hotel, restaurant and recreational spaces. Tom Hoch has revolutionized the category via its “revenue-based design” model, a space planning, sizing and mapping process for retail-driven spaces such as golf shops and food- and-beverage operations. For more information: www.tomhoch.com.
When I deal with clubs facing those difficult decisions, I always ask the members what they are thinking about when their spouse wants to have dinner at the club. Are they excited about it? Do they have reservations about going to dinner at the club? Because people are so into the casual lifestyle, the 19th Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
29
celebrity header corner
Puddy Putts Patrick Warburton hosting his inaugural “Golf For Kids” Celebrity Tournament the weekend of March 4-6, 2011
An
avid golfer, Patrick can often be found teeing off at some of his favorite golf course in Los Angeles and refers to himself as having a “pretty serious golf habit.” Well known around the celebrity golf circuit, Patrick plays in such tournaments as The Callaway Golf Foundation Challenge and The Annual Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. Patrick’s “Golf For Kids” Tournament will be held at the Classic Club in Palm Desert, CA. Celebrities and pro-golfers alike will come together to support the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where proceeds from the celebrity tournament will go directly to help it continue its mission. Patrick is currently in the midst of filming the 5th season of CBS’s toprated Monday night comedy “Rules of Engagement’s” alongside costars Oliver Hudson and David Spade. He is known to many as the busiest voiceover artist in Hollywood for his many characters and lends his voice to the 9th season of Fox’s Emmy nominated “Family Guy” as the paraplegic and over-zealous cop, Joe Swanson. He is also widely known for the character of “Puddy” on the hit series “Seinfeld,” and has had successful runs on “News Radio,” “Dave’s World” and the live-action adaptation of comic-book cult classic “The Tick.” Facebook.com/warburtongolf.
30
Patrick Warburton
Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
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improving performance
PGA Show Equipment Preview It’s
always fun for us to search out
slices and now it’s been made with the
the new products that will be
all the advancements of today’s tech-
on display at the PGA Merchandise
nology, including a SP-700 Titanium
Show that we think may be a game-
cup face design, reduced toe weight-
changer in the industry. The product
ing, a jumbo sized face and one-piece
we are most excited to see at the PGA
casting integrating the face and hosel
Show is a unique new driver design
with a forged body.
from Tiger Shark Golf and the mind of renowned golf inventor Jim Flood.
Flood, who has been called the Thomas Edison of modern golf, has
The PowerPod II
developed over
Driver is a super
50 golf-related
game improve-
products in
ment technology
the past 35
driver that features
years that have
a patent-pending
revolutionized
shape that promises
the game of golf
to be the world›s first true oversized slice proof driver. You heard us right; it’s SLICE PROOF! Its design is based
forever. In 1972, Flood developed and introduced the first graphite golf shaft and founded Aldila Inc.
on the same technology
In 1990, he founded Odyssey and in-
that Flood employed
vented the White Hot insert. With his
25 years ago with
latest creation, the PowerPod II, Flood
the original PowerPod driver, which
has designed what he is calling his
was a huge hit on the PGA Tour and
best invention yet. We’ll take a hard
sold over 100,000 drivers in 9 months.
look at the PowerPod II driver at the
It was a design ahead of its time that
show and report back our findings in
cured thousands upon thousands of
the February issue.
32
By Preston Purdum
Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
33
thinking of golf
Golf Marketing In The New Millenium So
I am supposed to be this
States alone have home computers for
tweet, socialize, surf constantly and
marketing guru. The publisher
daily use. How do you reach a large
never actually talk to you in person.
says I am like some character
enough percentage of these people in
Today, PPC or Pay Per Click Cam-
on a TV show named Ari in “Entou-
order to sell them your crap or a golf
paigns are a necessary component of
rage”. Since I am older, why isn’t he
product of some kind?
an advertising and/or marketing pro-
like me? I was here first. WTF? The
Depending who you talk to, (un-
gram. Let’s say you have a golf course
fact is I have been around hospital-
less it’s me) there are many answers.
or golf resort in Central Florida. If you
ity, golf, hotel and resort marketing
Pay Per Click campaigns, Cost Per
want to own Florida Golf as a search
for over 35 years. #$%@ it seems like
Click campaigns, print ads, radio ads,
term it will cost on average $1.58 on
yesterday I just started. The reality
outdoor ads, Search engine marketing,
Google. Orlando Golf Package - $3.69.
is I have spent, with the exception
social media, e-blasts, television com-
Orlando Golf Vacation - $4.15 and
of a year and a half, my entire career
mercials, direct mail, public relations
Orlando Golf Resorts - $2.24. All on
in the hospitality industry.
average. Some days more and
The highlights are: I was the
some days less. Do you have
youngest person to manage the
that size budget? Florida Golf
Florida Tourism Department in
has 165,000 average monthly
its history, Director of Market-
searches globally. At $260,700
ing for the PGA of America, VP
you could own Florida Golf for a
Marketing - Sandestin Golf &
month to reach 165,000 people.
Beach Resort and personally
Your kahoonas have now ex-
have directed marketing, ad-
panded!
vertising and public relations
What about Arizona which
programs for practically every
has a similar climate and golf
major golf resort in the State
audience? Arizona Golf aver-
of Florida. And finally, (before
ages $2.22 a click. Scottsdale
they could do it posthumously)
Golf - $2.51, Scottsdale Golf
I was inducted into the Florida
Packages - $4.47 and Arizona
Tourism Hall of Fame in 2006.
Golf Resort $4.66. Arizona Golf
Should you be reading what
on average has 60,500 searches
I talk about? Absolutely. Why
monthly at $2.22 a click totaling
not? I have certainly learned
34
By Ed Gilbert, Head Thinker
$134,310 to reach 60,500 people.
what not to do in 35 of marketing
programs, mobile marketing, banner
If you were listening to me, you
goods and services. If you don’t, you
advertising, your wife’s gossip group
will create multiple messages for the
are a shmuck.
and so on. The answer is yes to every-
golfer by using multiple mediums for
The internet; supposedly created by
thing based on your budget, what your
on average less money. Let’s consider
Presidential Candidate Al Gore (I still
goals are against that budget and how
reaching 50,000 golfers multiple times
don’t believe he said that! No wonder
big your kahoonas are!
for under $1500 with a full page print
he lost his own home state) goes all
Baby Boomers (1947-66) and a
ad for $.03 each instead of $1.58+ each
the way back to 1958 and the US Gov-
funeral director’s primary target audi-
on a PPC campaign.
ernment.
ence, Generation X (1967-1981), Y or
Keep reading my articles every oth-
Forward to the last 15 years and
the Millennials (1982-1995) all react
er month and by the end of the year, I
you have an informational infrastruc-
differently to messages. Baby Boom-
promise you will have more marketing
ture that is utilized daily by billions
ers still read (until the cataracts take
savvy than you do now. Maybe you
of people throughout the world. Over
over), Generation X reads and surfs
will even make your numbers and get
200,000,000 people in the United
the Internet while the Millennials text,
a bonus. Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
Rosie Jones G o l f
Rosie Jones
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Hosted by Rosie Jones
G e t a w a y s Presents
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rosiejones.com
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1-866-ROSIE-13 | info@rosiejones.com
rosie_jones_v1.indd 1
Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
Rosie Jones U.S. Team Captain
12/20/10 5:23 PM rosie_jones_v1.indd 2
12/20/10 5:22 PM
35
By Joel Jackson, CGCS, FGCSA Executive Director Photos by Joel Jackson
live golf
Three Gems on the Emerald Coast It’s
not often that I write just about particular golf courses, usually I’m telling you about how turf maintenance is conducted and how and why. But in this edition of Live Golf I’d like to talk about three gems I discovered up on Florida’s northwest Emerald Coast which runs from roughly Panama City to Pensacola. The three courses were developed by the St. Joe Company, and are managed by Troon Golf. The three courses are: Camp Creek G.C. designed by Tom Fazio; Shark’s Tooth by Greg Norman and The Origins by Davis Love III. One thing they all have in common besides their excellent conditioning by Larry Livingston, CGCS and his team are that they are all certified in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP). Another feature common to all of them is that they are not crowded by residential areas. They wind through the ample woodland forests of the panhandle, although each is easily
accessible right off U.S. 98 in Lake Powell and WaterSound, FL. There’s nothing like playing a round of golf in the woods and enjoying the outdoors while in search of par. Camp Creek and Shark’s Tooth are excellent, challenging layouts but infinitely playable as long as you tee it up from the markers that actually fit your handicap. Play from the tips at your own peril. Then there’s the grand scenery and abundant wildlife wading, swimming and roaming about. Shark’s Tooth is located along the shores of Lake Powell which I learned is classified as a “coastal dune lake”. These are essentially just coastal estuaries that have been cut off from the Gulf of Mexico by the shifting sand bars across the mouth of the lagoons. Every so often powerful storms breach the barriers and the lagoons (lakes) are filled with salt water to mix with the fresh water flowing from wetlands and creeks. There are almost 20 of these dune lakes along the Emerald Coast.
Of course along the beach itself you will find those famous white sand beaches and a little more development with the Water Color community, condos and other hotel accommodations if you ever decide to get away from the hustle and bustle of peninsular Florida. If you do travel Florida’s Northwest Territory keep in mind the peak season is spring and summer. Fall is the best time to go, but mild winter days are great too. The crowds thin out after summer and there’s easy access to everything. There are several beach front restaurant/bars in the area that offer super sunsets while dining. The Origins course is a great family golfing venue for the more relaxed golfer. It is a unique layout consisting of 6 regulation holes and 10 Par-3 holes. Some greens are double greens sharing pins for both the Heritage and DLIII courses. It’s harder to explain in words, but it’s self-evident when you tee it up. A fun, real golf experience for a quick nine holes especially those not ready to tackle the big monster courses just yet.
Nesting box behind the 1st green on the Camp Creek Golf Course.
36
Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
The Par 4, 6th hole at Shark’s Tooth borders Lake Powell one of the Emerald Coast’s many coastal dune lakes. The best time to golf on the Emerald Coast is in the fall after the spring and summer crush of visitors.
The unique and original layout of The Origins G.C. includes 6-regulation holes and 10-Par 3 holes. Several holes have double greens sharing pin locations for the Par-3 Davis Love Course and the regulation Heritage Course.
The South Florida GCSA raised $22,500 for the National Foundation of Missing & Exploited Children at their Annual M&E Tournament held at The Carolina Club in Margate. Statewide, tournaments like this raise over $312 million for Florida charities. Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
37
feature
The Concession Golf Club Come enjoy a slice of paradise
L
iving in the “Sunshine State” golfers have the opportunity to play some of the finest private clubs in the country like Seminole, Jupiter Hills and Black Diamond. Quickly rising into that elite group is a relative newcomer, The Concession Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course designed in association with Tony Jacklin. The Concession was conceived in commemoration of the 1969 Ryder Cup singles match between the two where Nicklaus conceded a putt to Jacklin. That gesture, known as “the conces38
sion,” rendered the two teams in a 17-17 tie. The United States retained the Ryder Cup having won it in 1967. That moment marked the beginning of a lasting friendship between the two men and inspired one of America’s great golf clubs. The Concession, which holds one of the highest Course and Slope Ratings by the USGA in the United States, offers every amenity associated with the world’s most privileged golf clubs. The Concession features an 18-hole par-72 golf course set on 520 acres of ruggedly pristine land dot-
ted with massive oaks and majestic pines. Complementing the 7,470-yard championship golf course is one of the country’s largest private practice areas recognized by Golf Digest as one of the “75 Best Practice Areas in the United States.” The vast 23-acre practice facility features a dual-ended driving range, which includes an elevated tee area, a 10,000-square-foot flat and undulating putting green and a 14,000-square-foot flat and undulating chipping green. Both the putting and chipping greens (See story Page 40)
Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
The Concession Golf Club A testament to unwavering quality 2006 Golf Digest Best New Private Golf Course (#1) 2007/2008 Golf Digest Best in State - Florida (#5) 2008 Golfweek Best Modern Courses (#45) 2009 GOLF Magazine Top 100 Courses in the U.S. (#88) 2009 Golf Digest 75 Best Practice Areas (#69) 2011 Golfweek Best Residential Courses (#18)
Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
39
feature The exquisite 33,000-square-foot clubhouse with Ryder Cup memorabilia, golf shop, formal and casual dining, private dining rooms, men’s and women’s locker rooms, and card rooms.
The beautiful setting at The Concession is a perfect backdrop for special functions such as weddings, private functions and business events.
The 7,000-square-foot men’s locker room features a full bar and flat screen TVs.
Continued from Page 38
Sr., owner of The Concession Golf Club. “I’m extremely confident that we can increase our membership to 300 over the offer several bunkers, giving members the opportunity to next few years.” recreate every shot on the golf course. Cassidy’s confidence is paying off as membership was up The golf course is meticulously maintained. It features a over 20 percent in 2010 despite a vicious economy. subterranean climate control wireless computer system that Members and guests enjoy The Concession because it is manages irrigation, drainage and pH built around the same spirit of compebalance beneath all the greens. It is “The staff, the meals, the clubhouse and tition and camaraderie associated with one of only a few courses with Adthe Ryder Cup. Recently The Concesthe accommodations in the Nicklaus Manor vanced Aer sensor technology. sion hosted several interclub tournahomes all were among the finest we have ments against teams from the U.S. It also features an elegant and ever experienced ...” stately 33,000-square-foot Pallaand Great Britain. The teams played a Joe Sosnowski modified Ryder Cup format competing dian-style clubhouse with Ryder Cup Blue Bell Country Club in alternate shot, better ball and match memorabilia, golf shop, formal and casual dining, private dining rooms, play. men’s and women’s locker rooms and “Not only the golf course, but card rooms. everything else about the event was first class,” said Blue Bell The Concession offers a variety of membership plans Country Club captain Joe Sosnowski, who was part of five including corporate and international. Membership at this preteams from the Philadelphia area that competed in the intermier, private club is limited to 300. club matches. “The staff, the meals, the clubhouse and the ac“A lot of people who visit the course tell me it’s the best commodations in the Nicklaus Manor homes all were among course they’ve ever played, and these individuals have played the finest we have ever experienced, and many in this group their share of courses around the world,” said Bruce Cassidy, have been traveling the world for 15 years playing in high-level 40
Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
Weddings & Special Functions If you’re planning a wedding, private function or business event and looking for a unique destination venue, The Concession and the Sarasota area provide the perfect unforgettable setting. For more information, call 941322-1922.
Jonathan Yarwood Golf Academy
Hole #8 sets up for one of many risk-reward choices that will test every club in your bag. competitions. This will certainly be one of the most memorable.” Another tournament was against Stoke Park Country Club and Resort from Buckinghamshire, Great Britain. Stoke Park is one of London’s premier clubs and has been featured in two James Bond movies, “Goldfinger” and “Tomorrow Never Dies,” as well as the hit film “Bridget Jones’s Diary.” Stoke Park is also home to the Jonathan Yarwood Golf Academy in the United Kingdom. Yarwood, a former instructor at the Leadbetter Academy for nine years, has on multiple occasions been named one of Golf Digest’s “Top 20 Teachers Under 40 Years Old.” Yarwood’s U.S. academy is a state-of-the-art teaching facility located at The Concession. Concession Member Ray Bromark, who also participated in the interclub tournament, added, “The events played at The Concession reinforced a number of things, including the fact that golf is a ‘gentleman’s game’ enjoyed by nice people all over the world. The friendly Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
competition made me proud of our opponents, members of The Concession team and The Concession itself. I can now better understand why events like the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup are so popular.” Golfers know that a championship golf course is the key component to any great golf facility, but a cornerstone of premier clubs is the dining experience. At the award-winning Concession Golf Club, the Jack Nicklaus Signature design is matched by the world-class cuisine of Bistro at The Concession, which features food by Sean Murphy, owner of Anna Maria Island’s Beach Bistro, which boasts Zagat’s highest rating for food and service in the state. Not only is the food exquisite, but if you’re planning a wedding and looking for a unique destination venue, The Concession and the Sarasota area provide the perfect unforgettable setting. For more information about The Concession, call 941-322-1922 or visit them online at www.theconcession.com.
The Jonathan Yarwood Golf Academy is a state-ofthe-art teaching facility that offers members and guests on-site golf lessons – including video swing analysis sessions. Yarwood, a former instructor at the Leadbetter Academy for 9 years, has on multiple occasions been named one of Golf Digest’s “Top 20 Teachers Under 40 Years Old.”
Bistro at The Concession Members and their guests can experience fine dining that features the world’s best Nova Scotia Smoked Salmon along with Southern Comfort BBQ Shrimp, Gulf Coast Bouillabaisse and Honolulu Butterfish, as well as a connoisseur’s choice of exquisite wines sure to complement every person’s palate. 41
leader on theheader links
By Stephen Trendler
Brent Martineau, Assistant Sports Director at Action News, CBS47/FOX30
Brent Martineau
Helping First Coast golf and charity with “The Dream 18”
W
ith the regional golf economy being squeezed by the recession, Brent Martineau, Assistant Sports
Director at Fox30/CBS47 Action News of Jacksonville, brainstormed with friends
Olympic Gold Medalist Shannon Miller and Fred Funk play #18 at St. Johns Golf and CC
and fellow Action News co-workers to
42
develop an on-going weekly series to
segment, and an “America’s Guest”
Johns County and Jacksonville and for
help boost First Coast golf. This project
which has included Jim Furyk, Fred
Dreams Come True. Arnold Palmer and
wasn’t a job assignment but an effort
Funk, Jaguars players, Artis Gilmore
Davis Love III joined the ranks of the
to help his community through his
and Sam Jones of the NBA, gold medal-
Dream 18 project by providing intro-
TV presence. The Dream 18 was thus
ist Shannon Miller and Jaguars mascot
ductions to some of the Dream 18 holes
born in 2008 to showcase and televise
Jaxson de Ville. A winner of the Edward
along with autographs for the framed
some of the best 18 holes on the First
R. Murrow award for sports reporting
flags to be auctioned.
Coast golf region. One hole per week is
and the New York State Broadcasters
The plan in 2011 is to add area media
featured using major sports and local
Award for best sportscast, Brent utilizes
members and kids from the First Tee
personalities in each segment to play
his stellar reporting expertise to weave
Program to the foursome playing the
a hole.
a tremendous on going story through-
holes. Brent’s goal is to feature par 3’s
Brent solicited the help of Jack
out the series about the high quality of
this time around and build the charity
Aschenbach,of the North Florida PGA
First Coast golf.
facet of the project. You can watch the
Chapter, PGA Professional Len Mat-
The 2010 series was nothing short of
2010 Action Sports Dream 18 at www.
tiace and golf analyst Mark Spencer to
a smashing success and a 2011 series
actionnewsjax.com and see the 2011
help select the best holes to use in the
has been scheduled to start in April.
version on Action Sports 360 Saturday
series, and to contact golf clubs to get
Not stopping there, golf flags were
and Sunday’s at 10:30pm on FOX30.
permission to use their property for the
purchased to be autographed by those
Brent hopes this project helps cre-
Dream 18 episodes.
personalities playing in the Dream 18
ate dreams for those in need with his
Each episode includes an Action News
segments. They will be auctioned off
charity work while helping the cause of
member, the pro of the course in the
to raise money for The First Tee of St.
First Coast golf. Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
43
competitiveheader spirits
DonQ Cristal DonQ Cristal, the #1 selling rum in Puerto Rico, is a clear, smooth, premium rum noted for its mixability and smoothness. Destilería�������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������� Serrallés is a sixth-generation family-run rum distillery renowned for producing a well-rounded portfolio of outstanding rums since 1865. DonQ Cristal won the 2010 Ultimate Cocktail Challenge Chairman’s Trophy for “Best Rum in a Mojito. DonQ Blue Cosmo 1 ½ oz. DonQ Cristal 1 oz. lemon-lime soda 1 oz. Blue Curacao
Mix ingredients with ice, shake well and strain into a martini glass.
DonQ Passion
1 ½ oz. DonQ Cristal 3 oz. passion fruit juice Add ice, mix well and garnish with a slice of lemon.
DonQ Premium Mojito 1 ½ oz. DonQ Cristal 1 dash of sugar 1 ½ oz. of lime juice 5 crushed mint leaves
Muddle mint leaves with sugar, rum and lime juice, shake well, add ice and a splash of club soda.
DonQ Rumrita
1 ½ oz. DonQ Cristal ½ oz. premium triple sec 1 oz. lime juice Dip the rim of a cocktail glass with lime juice and dip in salt. Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into the glass and serve.
DonQ Dulcinea
2 oz. DonQ Cristal 2 oz. pineapple juice 1 oz. orange juice 1 oz. grapefruit juice 2 oz. coconut cream ½ oz. grenadine Add ice, mix in blender and garnish with a slice of orange. Serves two.
Nominate your favorite bartender to showcase his/her signature drink with a recipe and photos. Readers will also find a discounted price for that drink so they can visit the bartender to sample the true taste of the libation. 44
Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
golf busines header
By Mike Jamison
Timaucan Partners Takes Over N
ew ownership, new management and a new vision have produced lots of smiles the past few weeks at Timacuan Golf Club in Lake Mary. The popular Ron Garl-designed golf course was purchased by Timacuan Partners in November from Kitson & Partners. David R. Moore was hired as Director of Golf Operations just after the turn of the year. Moore had served as head golf professional at Timacuan after the course opened in 1988, but moved on a few years later. Now he is back to lead an effort geared toward building the membership at the semi-private club. “The new ownership has great new plans for Timacuan,” said Moore, most recently the head golf professional at Heathrow Country Club prior to returning to Timacuan. “But my focus immediately is membership. Our plans are to bring more value to the current membership structure, and to enhance benefits so we can attract new members.” First order of business is the introduction of the new trial membership program called the Silver Membership at Timacuan. The initiation fee is $1,000 ($500 due at signing, $500 due Jan. 12, 2012), and monthly dues through Dec. 31, 2011 are $130 for single and $145 for family. This trial membership ends on Dec. 31, 2011. At that time, all silver trial members will have the option of signing up as a full golf member on January 1, 2012 or decide not to continue and will forfeit their $500 initiation fee (if interested, call 407-3210010, ext. 2, and ask for David Moore). The new ownership realizes that taking Timacuan com-
46
pletely private is a pipe dream. Private clubs are becoming more rare each year in every geographic region of the country. But they would like to see a large increase in membership numbers over the next few years, and plan to add more private-club-type benefits as those numbers continue to rise. One such benefit will begin Feb. 1, when the golf course will be going private, members only, until 9 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. That private time could expand as membership numbers continue to climb. The focus on memberships, however, doesn’t mean the semi-private club is
turning away outside play. “We are very much open to the public,” said Moore. “From the beginning Timacuan has been a favorite among local golfers as well as golfers who vacation in Central Florida in the winter. That won’t change. In fact, as we complete certain enhancements to the course and the operation overall, we should see the course grow in popularity.” The golf course is one of the most interesting in Central Florida. The front nine serves up a Scottish-like feel, with large mounds, rolling fairways, big greens and lots of bunkering. The back nine has a Carolinas feel, where tall pines, stately oaks and several water hazards affect the play and the views. The signature hole is No. 2, named the toughest hole in the region by Orlando Magazine. The tee shot must carry water to an island fairway. The second shot also flies over a hazard to a sloping green. Along with an exciting and challenging golf course, Timacuan also features an outstanding clubhouse catering to weddings, corporate outings and charity golf events. It is one of the largest and nicest in Central Florida, and that business will also remain a focus of the new ownership. It appears the light is starting to peak through the dark cloud that has hovered over our economy for three years now. And with that in mind, the timing is right for clubs like Timacuan that cater to the public as well as members. For those interested in the trial Silver Membership, or for more information, call 407-321-0010, ext. 2, or visit www.golftimacuan.com. Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
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what's new
Miura Golf Special-Edition “Series 1957” J
apanese golf-club manufacturer Miura Golf-which has been making the world’s highest-quality forged irons for 44 years-has permanently added the Yoshitaka Grind wedges and C-Grind wedges as part of its Series 1957 special-edition product line after an overwhelmingly positive response to the soft launch of the wedges last year. The two new wedge models join four iron models in the Series 1957 by Miura line. Both new mild-steel wedge models undergo the same Precision Forging Finish process that makes Miura’s irons so consistent in terms of impact and feel. The Yoshitaka-also known as YGrind-wedges are now available in lofts of 49, 51 and 53 degrees, and a 60-degree model will eventually be offered. The wedges, available in right-hand only, feature a W nickel (satin) chrome/ black finish, and come with a stiff-flex steel shaft and Velvet Full Cord grip. “The Y- and C-Grind wedges not only feature the latest technology that will help every golfer improve his or her game, but the wedges with the Miura Satin finish play as good as they look,” says Bill Holowaty, VP of Operations for Miura Golf in North America. “Yoshitaka Miura’s craftsmanship and research have resulted in unique
C-Grind
after more than 20 years of training under his father and company founder, Katsuhiro Miura, at the family forging facility in Himeji, Japan. The “Y” on the wedge’s sole not only represents Yoshitaka’s mark on the club, but also signifies the special and limited production of this wedge. “The new Miura wedges are designed for players seeking the very best,” says Katsuhiro Miura, who researched the Series 1957 Y-Grind wedges by traveling to North America and Europe with his sons, Yoshitaka and Shinei, to study a variety of playing conditions and turf structures. The Y-Grind and C-Grind wedges possess the feel,
Yoshitaka Grind
playability features that make these wedges the perfect scoring clubs.” Indeed, the special grind on the YGrind wedges was created by Yoshitaka Miura, himself a master craftsman 48
feedback and workability of a forged blade. Miura’s unique forging techniques rearrange the molecular structure of the mild steel in a uniform pattern throughout the club’s hitting area. This tightness in the metal’s grain structure gives Miura-made clubs the controlled, soft feel other manufacturers cannot achieve. Miura also uses a proprietary
“spin-welding” process to produce the industry’s most consistent hosel. This unique procedure ensures the bore depths and hosel heights are identical on every Miuramade head and every club’s shaft will be perfectly centered. For the C-Grind wedge, the Miuras’ goal was to create a wedge with a more aggressive heel-and-toe relief that complements Miura’s other wedges, as well as a wedge that many golfers seek without compromising the basic fundamentals of a high-performance club. The challenge was to find the perfect balance between the relief and the rolled trailing edge on the sole, which Yoshitaka has done. When this “special grind” is combined with Miura clubs’ unique density of grain structure, balance and feel, plus the leading and trailing edge versatility golfers need, the result is a wedge that is eminently playable in a broad range of conditions. The C-Grind wedges are now available in lofts of 55, 57 and 59 degrees in right-hand only. They feature a W nickel (satin) chrome finish, and come with a stiff-flex steel shaft and Velvet Full Cord grip. “We’re very excited about the addition of the Y- and C-Grind wedges to the Series 1957 line,” Holowaty says. “The ‘hand-made’ aspect, the feel and precision of these clubs….no matter how similar they look, is unique as the grind for each club is done by hand.” Miura Golf’s corporate office is located in Vancouver, British Columbia and Miura Golf clubs are sold at the finest custom-fitting shops in North America. The Miura brand is marketed exclusively by Miura Golf Inc., in the United States and North America. More information on Miura products can be found at www.miuragolf.com. Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
H
duffer dan
ooray for Hollywood! Hollywood, Florida that is- the home of the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa with two magnificent lodging facilities to choose from- either a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean or the tranquil and beautifully landscaped Italianvilla style golf club. There are 952 guestrooms and 106 suites along with more than 220,000 square feet of meeting and convention space available. The premier hotel was adorned with holiday decorations on my December stay which gave the glorious lobby area an even more warm and festive feel. While the rest of the country was dealing with snow storms, and even parts of Florida were knocking the icicles off their plants, I was enjoying this tropical paradise. The Westin Diplomat is located on highway A1A about 10 minutes from the Fort Lauderdale airport to the north and 30 from Miami International to the southwest. As the sun set I had the opportunity to visit the Concierge Level located on the 34th floor with stunning views of the ocean to the east, and Gulfstream Park Race Track and the Westin Dip-
50
Duffer Dan at
lomat Golf Club just to the west. The hosts can fix your favorite beverage while you enjoy tasty hors d’oeuvres in the early evening. Make sure you request entry to the Concierge when making your reservation. My room just one floor below on the Executive Level was well appointed with the Heavenly Bed and a bath complete with large soaking tub, separate shower, the exclusive Westin White Tea toiletries to sooth the soul and replenish your spirit, and in room Starbucks Coffee to brighten the morning. Activities abound at the Resort. On the beach there are numerous water
sports to enjoy or just kick back in one of the private cabanas. Oceanside, you will find an outdoor bridged pool with infinity edge and cascading waterfalls into a 240 foot lagoon plus complete service from Splash Bar & Grill. Westin Kids Club can keep the young ones busy while you choose from the Westin WORKOUT powered by Reebok fitness center, tennis on 10 clay courts which are available for night play as well, and the world class Spa at The Westin Diplomat. There are two marinas offering dockage, charters and sport fishing on the property. Golf at the Resort is just a courtesy ride across the Intracoastal Waterway to the Club. Nestled among 300 coconut and royal palms and 50-year-old gigantic shady banyan trees, the layout stretches to 6800 yards with lush fairways, 8 acres of lakes and enough bunkers to make it a formidable par 72. The golf club has been around for than half a century and famed golf architect Joe Lee redesigned it 10 years ago to its current challenge. Luckily all the golf cars have ProLink GPS which helps pinpointing the hazards. Troon Golf manages the facility
Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
and has ample practice areas, a well appointed pro shop and player assistants who take great care to make sure your Westin Diplomat golf experience is the best. Dining options at the Westin Diplomat are many. The Golf Club has the informal atmosphere of the Links Restaurant and Lounge with indoor and veranda seating overlooking the beautifully maintained golf course. Back at Oceanfront there is Café’ which has a la carte and buffet breakfast and lunch menus, Common Grounds serving fresh pastries, sandwiches and Starbucks coffee, and the gathering spot in the lobby, BarSu, serving its uniquely infused Saki Martinis and full sushi bar. For fine steak and seafood dining there is the fabulous Hollywood Prime. Across AIA using the elevated walkway to the Diplomat Landing, are two more eateries. Rivals Waterfront Sports Grill on the intracoastal and a great place to enjoy your favorite televised sports along with great food. The distinctive menu of Aizia, a Pan-Asian contemporary delight across from Rivals, incorporates the elements of fire, smoke and water into the
Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
unique delectable offerings of Chef de Cuisine Mauricio Gutierrez. I had the opportunity to taste the Lava Seafood that is presented ablaze with curried shrimp, scallops and calamari and the Smoky Szechuan Seared Scallops served under a glass cover of smoke. Next a sampling of Nigiri, Sashimi and Sushi with deliciously prepared eel and tataki complementing the platter were
the piece de resistance. My wonderful server for the evening, Tessa, made sure I knew what I tasted and her suggestions regarding appetizers, soup du jour and my entrée were right on. When you check in to the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, you will surely check out better. To make reservations or find out more go to Westin.com/Diplomat.
51
outh south florida florida PGA PGA north southflorida floridaPGA PGAnorth southflorida floridaPGA PGAnorth south orth florida PGA north
SFPGA Professional Martin Hall Earns Golf Channel Instruction Show
C
ongratulations to South Florida PGA Profes-
sional Martin Hall, who
SFPGA Professional Martin Hall at the 2003 SFPGA Teaching Summit
Myths Exposed” and “What Tour Pros Know and You Don’t.” He’s appeared many times on the
will host a new weekly
Golf Channel Academy Live and
instructional series on the
continues to be a regular guest
Golf Channel. Martin was
on PGA Tour Radio with Peter
chosen as the winner of
Kessler.
the Golf Channel’s search
“The Golf Channel couldn’t
for a new instructional
have chosen a better fit for an
host, the last of three final-
excellent instructor for their
ists.
new show “School of Golf”.
The weekly, 30 minute
Martin Hall is a great teacher
show is called “School of
and continues to support the
Golf” and begins January
South Florida Section and
25, 2011. Martin will draw
the game of golf with his
from his over 30 years
presented at the British PGA National
of teaching experience to pass on his
Teaching Summit in 2006 and the
Congratulations to Martin and we look
knowledge and humor to viewers.
European Teaching Summit in 2009.
forward to seeing the show,” said Geoff
Martin currently serves as the
This SFPGA Professional is no
Lofstead, Executive Director of the
director of instruction at Ibis Golf &
stranger to awards, either. He was
South Florida Section.
Country Club in West Palm Beach,
named the Teacher of the Year for the
Originally from England, Martin
Florida. He was the PGA of America’s
South Florida Section in 2003, and
played the European Tour from 1976-78
Teacher of the Year in 2008, and is
Teacher of the Year for the Southeast
and began teaching following his tour
ranked number 10 in Golf Digest’s
Chapter in 2002. He’s been listed in Golf
career. At age 25, Martin left England
annual rankings of golf’s top ten
Magazine Top 100 since 1996, and Golf
and landed a job at St. Andrews in Boca
teachers.
Digest Top 50 since 2000.
Raton, the beginning of his career with
Martin’s been a frequent presenter
Martin has published over 100 print
the South Florida Section. Martin looks
at the SFPGA Teaching Symposium
instruction articles, collaborated on 5
forward to hosting the new show on
as well as a speaker for the 2002 and
books and written 2 books of his own
the Golf Channel beginning January
2006 National Coaching Summit. He
with the PGA Tour Partners Club, “Golf
25th, be sure to tune in!
52
extensive knowledge and talent.
Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
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orth florida PGA north florida PGA north florida PGA north florida PGA north
By Steve Morris
all the PGA Members and how they can impact the future of the game. He made it clear that it’s up to the PGA and its members to grow and maintain the greatest game ever! There were also some tears in his graciousness. He was truly humble. He was just “one of the boys” who loved golf. He made it clear that the traditions of the game must be passed on and the most important thing in golf and life is to be a gentleman. Be yourself, be honest and always respect other’s feelings. Master of Ceremonies Kraig Kann, Mr. Palmer, and North Florida Section President John Reger
The King was Crowned T
Mr. Palmer graciously posed for many photos with his peers and their families, again showing them that he cares. He sat and listened to many stories about how he
he North Florida PGA concluded
Orlando.
influenced fellow award winners and
one its best years with the best,
Arnold’s father Deacon was a PGA
inductees. He laughed, he reflected
Mr. Arnold Palmer’s induction into
Member who not only molded Arnie
and gave some the famous “thumbs
their Hall of Fame at their annual
into a champion golfer, but always
up” as they shared their best
meeting and awards gala at Bay Hill
had time to serve and help his
memories about him. As the awards
Club and Lodge this past Monday.
members and customers with their
gala came to end, Mr. Palmer was
Surely, it’s obvious that Mr. Palmer
golf games. Deacon made sure their
still gracious and took the time to
deserves such accolades for his
time spent around the club was
be thankful before he headed home.
legendary playing record, but most
enjoyable and fun. It only seemed
Mr. Palmer. Truly a legend, but more
importantly, the North Florida
fitting the Mr. Palmer be inducted
importantly, truly a gentleman.
PGA also wanted to recognize his
by his fellow PGA Members of the
The North Florida PGA Hall
contributions to the community
North Florida Section.
of Fame also inducted Mr. Dick
and game of golf. Although a legend
Mr. Palmer’s moving acceptance
Medford, Mr. Mark Scallen and Mr.
in golf, he has touched and saved
speech was from the heart and
Tony Austin. Their contributions
many lives not involved in the game
captivated the audience. There was
to the game of golf and the North
with the Arnold Palmer and Winnie
laughter in sharing some stories
Florida PGA have made a difference.
Palmer Children’s Hospitals in
along with passion and advice to
Truly legends and mentors as well.
54
Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
fore your health
Ed Brockhausen
Workouts at the Gym Keeps 102 Year Old Fit, Trim and Vigorous
A
sk 102 year old Del Webb Southshore Falls resident Ed Brockhausen his secret to long life and he has a ready-made answer. But you have to hurry to catch him. Three days a week, Brockhausen is busy working out at the Southshore Falls gym in its Wellspring Club, a popular facility in the Del Webb community located in Apollo Beach. “I’ve always exercised,” Brockhausen said. “have always grown my own vegetables, and I strictly limit my use of drugs, especially antibiotics. I grew up with germs, and the body builds its own resistence to them,” he said. Brockhausen retired 37 years ago at age 65. The mechanical engineer began his career with Western Electric in New Jersey and transferred to WinstonSalem , North Carolina in the 1940s. There, the Brockhausens raised two
56
children. The home in Winston-Salem – a two acre site cultivated with more than 2,000 flowering azaleas – was sold just before moving down to Del Webb Southshore Falls four years ago. “I’ve always been an advocate of exercise,” Brockhausen said. “When the kids were young we had a small gym in the basement.” “I especially enjoy the gym here at Del Webb Southshore Falls,” he said. Residents of Southshore call the spry centenarian “Ed.” Brockhausen’s daughter Sandy is also retired and a resident at Del Webb Southshore Falls. Her brother lives and
works in Texas. Daughter Sandy often serves as Brockhausen’s interpreter — “His hearing isn’t what it used to be,” she explained. “Dad plays chess once a week with a young guy who’s around ninety, and he spends a lot of time on the computer,” Sandy said. Brockhausen manages his own investment portfolio and watches financial reports like a hawk. “When his dividend isn’t posted when and where he expects it, he’s on the phone fussing with them,” Sandy said. Brockhausen said he enjoys Del Webb Southshore Falls for the people and the security. “Our neighbors here are very pleasant and outgoing,” he said. “It’s easy to get around and there’s plenty to do. I feel challenged every day, and that is a pleasure.” Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
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he Golf Channel The GOlf Channel The Golf Channel The Golf Channel The Gol
Golf Channel Launches Morning Drive
(Fron left) Erik Kuselias, Holly Sonders, and Gary Williams
On
January 3, Golf Channel
various tournaments.
are incredible personalities and have
launched its first, live weekday
Kuselias came to Golf Channel from
a vast knowledge of golf and beyond,
morning show, Morning Drive,
ESPN, where he has been a host and
which creates extremely interesting
with veteran sports broadcasters Erik
analyst since 2003. Most recently, while
content on Morning Drive.”
Kuselias and Gary Williams taking view-
at ESPN, Kuselias created and hosted the
Said Kuselias, “It’s exciting to be part
ers through all of the headlines in the
Emmy Award-winning Fantasy Football
of this new Golf Channel venture and I
world of golf, sports, finance and pop
NOW, was the primary host of College
look forward to working with Gary and
culture. Originating from a dedicated
Football Live and The Erik Kuselias Show
the production team to bring a dynamic
studio at Golf Channel’s Orlando head-
on ESPN Radio, and has been a fixture
morning program to viewers.”
quarters and airing each weekday from
on Mike and Mike in the Morning. Pre-
“I’ve always been impressed with Golf
7-9 a.m. ET, Morning Drive has featured
viously, Kuselias hosted the nationally
Channel’s high-caliber broadcasts and
an-all star lineup of guests during its
syndicated SportsBash weekday after-
talented reporters and commentators,”
first two weeks, highlighted by “The
noons on ESPN Radio, and in 2007, he
said Williams. “I am thrilled to have the
King” Arnold Palmer on the show’s
was the anchor for NASCAR NOW, when
opportunity to work with Erik Kuselias
debut.
it was nominated for an Emmy for “Best
and the network’s production team in
Although golf content leads the way,
Studio Show.”
creating a morning show that will both
the weekday show also features news
Williams came from Sirius Satellite
inform and entertain Golf Channel
and commentary about the day’s top
Radio, where he co-hosted the early
fans.”
national headines, finance and pop
morning show on Sirius’ Mad Dog Radio.
Joining Kuselias and Williams is Holly
culture In addition, some of the biggest
He also served as a lead host on the PGA
Sonders, who provides news and tour-
names in golf, as well as personalities
TOUR Network on Sirius/XM. Previously,
nament updates as well as headlines
and celebrities from all walks of life,
Williams hosted the top-rated morning-
of the day at and bottom of the hour. A
regularly join the show as guests. In
drive sports-formatted radio program
graduate of Michigan State University
addition to Palmer, recent guests have
in Charlotte, N.C., for nine years. His
and a four-year member of the MSU
included Philadelphia Phillies center
other on-air credits include play-by-play
Women’s Golf Team, Sonders most
fielder Shane Victorino, Donald Trump,
for ESPN and also the Carolina Panthers
recently was a news and sports reporter
Rush Limbaugh, Minnesota Vikings
television network.
at KATV in Little Rock, Ark.
kicker Ryan Longwell, LPGA Tour Com-
“Erik and Gary are welcome additions
Audio from Morning Drive is
missioner Mike Whan and LPGA Tour
to the Golf Channel, and bring a wealth
streamed live at www.GolfChannel.
professional Christina Kim to name a
of diverse experience in broadcast jour-
com/morning-drive each weekday, and
few. Golf Channel’s team of analysts
nalism,” said Tom Stathakes, Golf Chan-
a “Best of” highlights podcast hosted by
and reporters contribute on a daily
nel senior vice president of program-
Sonders will be available online each
basis, both in-studio and on-location at
ming, production and operations. “Both
afternoon.
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Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
rst coast first coast first coast first coast first coast first coast first coast first
By Stephen Trendler
Flagler’s Chris Bray Takes The St. Augustine Amateur With A Big Come-From-Behind Charge
Chris Bray makes his move to win the St. Augustine Amateur
C
Chris Kennedy was in command for 2-1/2 rounds 62
hris Bray is no stranger to taking on strong competition. Already a winner of the prestigious Gate Invitational where he beat the best amateurs….and pros…in the First Coast region, Bray was a heavy favorite in the Golfweek nationally recognized 2010 St. Augustine Amateur. Others in the field had plans to make their own statements as to whom was the best in the field. 14 year old Domenico Geminiani (that’s not a typo…he’s just 14!) has been on a roll throughout the state and took the first round lead with UNF Senior Chris Kennedy with 2 under par 68’s. Bray hung around the lead 3 shots back with a one over 71. Kennedy caught fire on day 2 with his second straight 68 to post a 2 shot lead over the rest of the field. A previous qualifier for the U.S. Amateur, Kennedy was no stranger to going low and showed no signs of let up. Geminiani had a few hiccups during day 2 to fall behind and out of contention with a 78. Meanwhile, Bray turned up the volume with a 3 under 67 to put the heat on
14 year old Domenico Geminiani shook up the field with an opening 68 Kennedy for the final 3rd round. Kennedy didn’t blink from the start of Round 3 as he continued on his roll by building an early 4 shot lead over Bray. Kennedy looked like a lock to win with his machine-like steady play. But for those who know the tough layout at the St Johns Golf Club, everyone has to make it through the gauntlet of the back 9 which has more danger lingering than just the alligators in the lakes. And the gauntlet bit Kennedy while Bray dodged the alligators. Kennedy ran into a couple of train wrecks on the back nine while Bray caught fire and finally caught, and then passed Kennedy with birdies on #13 and #15 to take the outright lead and then the win. It’s ironic, or perhaps fate, that Chris Bray was recruited to play on the Flagler College golf team 3 years ago by the tournament’s founder, the late Jay Jennison, Jay was also Flagler’s golf coach at the time. And at the end of the final day of the tournament, Chris was holding the newly named Jay Jennison Cup winner’s trophy. It just doesn’t get better than that. Is golf a great game or what? Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
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Golf Tourney Helps Raise $1.5 Million For The Immokalee Foundation
T
he team of Kevin Johnson, Wayne Meland, Dan Murphy and Craig Norton, playing the first nine holes with Mark Lye and the second nine holes with Peter Jacobsen, took first place at The Immokalee Foundation 2010 Charity Classic ProAm golf tournament at Bay Colony Golf Club in Naples. The popular tournament paired 24 of the world’s greatest golfers with Naples most philanthropic golfers to raise funds to support The Immokalee Foundation’s educational programs including Take Stock in Children, Vocational Success, College Success, Direct Scholarships, The First Tee of Naples/Collier Program in Immokalee, Immokalee Readers and Community Grants. The 2010 Charity Classic Dinner & Auction at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples and the Pro-Am raised more than $1.5 million for The Immokalee Foundation. The Pro-Am raised more than $500,000, placing it among the most successful charity golf events in Southwest Florida.
Gerardo Lugo, Corina Espirtu
Presenting sponsor for the 2010 Charity Classic was The Johnson Meland Group-Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. Gold sponsors included Bigham Jewelers, Jaguar Naples and Porsche of Naples. Mark Lye, PGA Tour professional and analyst on The Golf Channel, helped recruit the field of professionals from the LPGA, PGA Tour and Champions Tour including Peter Jacobsen, Andy Bean, Brett Quigley, Eric Booker, George McNeill, Bruce Fleisher, Terry-Jo Myers and Frank Nobilo. The Immokalee Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to building pathways to success for the children of Immokalee by empowering them through programs focused on education, vocation and life skills. The foundation offers students the tools, opportunities and encouragement needed to succeed at each level of their education and in their careers. For more information, visit www.immokaleefoundation.org.
Pro-Am am winning team Craig Norton, Dan Murphy, Mark Lye, Kevin Johnson, Wayne Meland
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Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
To Benefit
At the ÂŽ
A gathering of the world’s finest automobiles, motorcycles, aircraft and watercraft
Festivals of Speed Golf Classic Mission Inn Resort & Club Friday, March 4th
Drivers Tour Of the Lake Region Saturday, March 5th
Wine Connoisseurs Dinner at La Haceinda Saturday Evening, March 5th
Display of Exotic Cars, Motorcycles & Watercraft Sunday, March 6th
www.festivalsofspeed.com 352.385.9450
easure coast treasure coast treasure coast treasure coast treasure coast trea
By
Photos by
The Thompson Family (from left to right) Janessa, Katie, Mom Julie, Annie, and Samantha
Noah Duren and Jack Nicklaus
Celebs Play Fore Local Cancer Patients
T
he 10th annual Larry Laoretti and Gary Carter Celebrities Fore Kids Golf Classic was a huge success netting over $100,000 to help children with cancer, and families with cancer, raising young children, residing on the Treasure Coast. Over 130 players came out to the tournament at the Hobe Sound Golf Club for an opportunity to play alongside a celebrity which included baseball legend and emcee for the evening Jim Kaat, baseball Hall of Famers Jim Palmer and Mike Schmidt, hockey Hall of Famer Clark Gillies, pro golfers Tony Jacklin, Dana Quigley, and Larry Ziegler
and LPGA Tour pros Michelle McGann, Laurie Rinker, Jackie Gallagher-Smith and Judy Dickinson. In addition, Hall of Famer golfer Jack Nicklaus and his wife Barbara attended the awards dinner and participated in the live auction with Laoretti and Carter as the auctioneers. “Each year we are moved by the generosity of our supporters, who come out year in and year out, to sponsor the Larry ��������������������������������� Laoretti and Gary Carter Celebrities Fore Kids Golf Classic. From the volunteers to the celebrities and players who give their time, we are so grateful for everyone’s support,” said Celebrities Fore Kids co-founder and president
Dana DeWindt and Gordon Nearing
66
Marlene Filer. In the decade Celebrities Fore Kids, Inc., has been in existence, over $1 million has been raised to provide financial assistance to children with cancer, and their families, living in Martin or St. Lucie County. From gas cards to assistance with monthly utility bills and mortgage payments, Celebrities Fore Kids, Inc., a non-profit 501 (c)(3), works with social workers from the Robert & Carol ������������� Weissman Cancer Center at Martin Memorial Hospital in Stuart and the Parent – Child Center, Inc. at St. Mary’s Hospital in West Palm Beach to help families affected by cancer. Other notable celebrities who were in attendance include baseball players Bobby Floyd, Howard Johnson, Bill Gullickson, Randy Niemann, and Bob Apodaca along with golf professionals Warren Bottke, Kevin Compare, Carl Mason, Eoghan O’Connell, and Tommy Shaw. To learn more about Celebrities Fore Kids visit their website at www.celebritiesforekids.org or call (772) 781-7943.
(From left to right) Larry Ziegler, Mark Robitaille and Jim Palmer
Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
Feeling like you are miles away is closer than you think...
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The new training aid Pin High Pro is expertly designed to engrain a proper rhythm into every swing. The patentpending technology acknowledges correct weight shift during the swing by beeping at the exact time a proper front-side weight shift is achieved. This training aid also enforces muscle memory on your downswing, making it easier to consistently create the proper weight shift. The Pin High Pro weighs about one pound and is perfect for practicing just about anywhere. Price $69.95
product showcase header
➊ Antigua The Women’s Spring 2011 collection focuses on a sophisticated color palette, easy-to-merchandise color stories, classic styling with subtle feminine details, an expanded selection of lightweight and silky fabrics, excellent drape regardless of body type and a modern approach to traditional golfwear. The Spring 2011 Antigua Women’s collection is merchandised as three innovative, opulent product groups—Dashing, Mischief and Dynamic. For more information: www.antigua.com and shop.antigua.com.
➋ PuttingShark PuttingShark (www.puttingshark.com) is a putting analyzer and simulator, a complete portable putting-training aid that records and measures the putting stroke itself as opposed to the ball. Golfers now can analyze their own putts for club-face angle, swing path, angle of attack, club speed and sweet-spot deviation, allowing for rapid muscle-memory building and improved hand-eye coordination to help create the perfect pendulum putting stroke. With PuttingShark, golfers can work on their putting strokes while at home or at the office. Players can work on perfecting their pendulum strokes by creating hundreds of different putting scenarios and building a custom puttingtraining regimen that will produce measurably improved putting results and will turn missed putts into round-winning moments…allowing golfers to become “sharks” around the greens. Retail: $379
➌ HIRZL Golf Glove HIRZL is a Swiss-based manufacturer of sports gloves including the TRUST Kangaroo leather and SOFFFT™ Cabretta leather series of golf gloves. HIRZL has been selected as the Official Glove of the 2011 PGA Demo Day. GRIPPP™ technology used in HIRZL TRUST gloves exclusively provides up to 3X better grip in dry weather and up to 5X better in wet weather than other gloves. The SOFFFT™ Series of cabretta gloves uses HIRZL developed technology to provide the ultimate in performance. HIRZL was recently chosen as the Official Glove of the RE/MAX Long Drive Championships, where almost 80% of the players switched and played the HIRZL glove. Currently, the World’s Long Drive #1 and #2 players in the world use HIRZL gloves. Price: $24.99 www.HIRZL.com
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Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
➍ TaylorMade Catalina Golf Bags TaylorMade has just introduced their 2011 line of golf bags. The Catalina 2.0 Cart model was the one we received to try. As soon as you put your clubs in the bag, you feel like you are part of the staff with its vibrant colors and TM logo prominently displayed. First thing you notice is how light in weight it is, and with its accordion expandable sides, you can fill it with all your stuff and it will look just like a Pro bag. Just remember who will be moving it from place to place. The club compartment has 14 slots to keep your sticks neatly organized plus a separate integrated putter tube. Duffer Dan keeps his most used tool there– his retriever. There is a removable internal valuables pouch and the Duffer’s favorite– the large insulated Cooler Pocket with drainage ports. To learn more about all the models and colors available check out TaylorMadeGolfGear.com.
➎ Hot Stix For nearly 10 years, Hot Stix has helped PGA Tour players and amateurs alike find the equipment combinations that perfectly compliment their distinct swings. Using a “brand agnostic” approach that guarantees zero manufacturer bias, the company’s highlyscientific process has helped more than 35,000 golfers maximize on-course performance. The Hot Stix method identifies the correct head, shaft, ball and grip combinations that will help players of all skill levels achieve superior distance and accuracy, giving them a distinct advantage over those who choose to buy ill-fitted equipment from “off the rack.” Golfers in Central Florida can now experience the benefits of a Hot Stix fitting at Orange County National (ocngolf.com). A variety of packages are available, including full-bag evaluations, or ala carte driver, fairway wood, hybrid, iron, wedge and putter fittings. To make an appointment, please call 877.513.1333 or visit HotStixGolf.com.
➏ Bushnell Hybrid The Bushnell Hybrid is a revolutionary combination laser and GPS product. The laser rangefinding technology engineered into the Hybrid provides golfers with precise distances within one yard to virtually any point on any course in the world. Over 90% of PGA Tour pros and top amateurs trust Bushnell laser rangefinders to provide them the most accurate distances available in golf today. Bushnell, the #1 choice of professional golfers, offers a full range of rangefinders, which continue to change and improve the way golfers assess distances, ultimately improving performance. ��������������������������������������������������������� For more information on the Bushnell family of rangefinders, visit the company’s website at www.bushnellgolf.com.
Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
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aces & header eagles
Aces & Eagles Linda Helm Named Catering Director at Tuscawilla Country Club
T
uscawilla Country Club, one of Central Florida’s best values in fully amenitized family clubs, announces that hospitality industry expert Linda Helm has joined the facility as catering director. Ms. Helm brings nearly 20 years of country club catering experience to the picturesque and highly popular venues at Tuscawilla. Most recently, Ms. Helm was catering manager for Highland Manor Weddings
and Events in Apopka, Fla. Prior to this position, she spent ten years as director of catering at Heathrow Country Club in Heathrow, Fla. During her tenure at that club, Central Florida Bride named Ms. Helm “Wedding Professional of the Year.” Ms. Helm met and worked with Tuscawilla Country Club General Manager Monte Carmack at Errol Country Club in the late 1980s and at Heathrow Country Club from 2003 through 2009. “I watched the incredible job Linda performed while increasing the revenue and professionalism in those clubs catering departments, and I feel very fortunate that she is now a part of the
TEAM at Tuscawilla Country Club,” said Carmack. “We look forward to working with the community to reinvigorate our position in the social, corporate meeting and wedding event business.” To speak with Linda Helm about hosting a wedding, special event, business meeting or golf outing at Tuscawilla Country Club, please call (407) 366-1851 ext. 305 or send her an email at lhelm@tuscawillacc.com. To speak with Linda Helm about hosting a wedding, special event, business meeting or golf outing at Tuscawilla Country Club, please call (407) 366-1851 ext. 305 or send her an email at lhelm@tuscawillacc.com.
The Ronto Group Announces Dick McPhail at GM/COO of TwinEagles
T
he Ronto Group has named Richard J. McPhail, CCM, as general manager/ chief operating officer of TwinEagles, with responsibility for managing all club operations. For the past three years, McPhail was general manager at both Shadow Wood Country Club and The Brooks Commons Club in Estero, Fla. He was previously responsible for club operations at Estero Country Club. While residing in Cincinnati, Ohio, McPhail managed
private country clubs and city/athletic clubs for Dallas-based Club Corporation of America, the world’s largest owneroperator of private clubs. He began his club career at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. “Dick’s background, knowledge and respect for the traditions of golf are a great fit for the vision of TwinEagles as a golfers’ country club,” said Anthony Solomon, executive vice president of The Ronto Group. “His high standards for the private club experience will be instrumental in creating a new excitement and an outstanding reputation for the TwinEagles Club.” McPhail has served as a Golf Digest Top 100 panel member since 1981,
assisting the magazine in rating and evaluating top courses throughout the country. He earned his certified club operator credentials upon completion of Club Corporation of America’s renowned Star University Program in Dallas. During his tenure with Club Corporation, he was awarded Rising Star Manager of the Year, as well as Asset Manager of the Year. He earned his certified club manager designation through Club Managers Association of America, where he currently is an active member of the Everglades Chapter of the Florida CMAA and serves as education chairman. For more information on TwinEagles, calltoll free 888-403-0085 or log onto www.twineagles.com.
Travis Fulton, TOUR Academy Instructor, Ranked by Golf Digest as “Top 40 Instructor Under The Age of 40”
D
irector of Education at The Tour Academy, Travis Fulton is also a contributing writer for PGATOUR.com and Golf Illustrated 72
and appearing as a weekly guest on the PGA TOUR Network on XM Radio. Travis has been a part of the TOUR Academy since its inception in 2001. His studies in the geometry and biomechanics of golf specific motion, club fitting and fitness put him at the top of the teaching spectrum. He is able to
teach and help players of any skill set, from first time golfers to low handicappers, to juniors to professionals. Fulton has been instrumental in the Tour Academy’s consulting for the Chinese National Golf Team in April at TPC Sawgrass and the CIMB Junior Development Program in Malaysia. Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
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The Dunes Golf Club, long considered to be one of the finest layouts in the Tampa Bay Area, has gone through a complete makeover. Arthur Hills, the original architect, was given free rein to transform the “Award Winning” layout into a new and improved spectacular golf setting. Utilizing and enhancing on the native sand dunes, scrub, and fauna, the course provides attractive yet intimidating visuals while giving the golfers spacious fairways and large undulating greens. Now offering a “Super Twilight” rate after 3pm. For Tee Times, Rates or Directions
352-596-7888
For Info on Memberships or Group Outings Located 10 miles north of Weeki Wachee on US 19
Seasonal Senior & Florida Resident Rates CALL NOW! Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 4
73
BETTINARDI GOLF IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE 2011 PUTTER LINE. Throughout the past 20 years, Bettinardi Golf has built a reputation as the finest in design and manufacturing. The highly acclaimed products that continue to perform for both amateurs and professionals alike have kept Bettinardi at the forefront of golf technology. Once you purchase a Bettinardi product, you will have a new appreciation for the passion, craftsmanship, and pride that goes into every detail. Experience American craftsmanship at its finest. We are pleased to present the 2011 Bettinardi line.
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