Golfer's Guide Hilton Head

GOLFER’S GUIDE SUPPLEMENT OF HILTON HEAD MONTHLY

JULY 2012 www.hiltonhead.golfersguide.com

LIVING DESIGN LEGEND Pete Dye talks about his courses, his future and the current state of golf | p 78

PHOTO BY GARY BOGDON

The Last

Berkeley Hall set to host Players Am | p 84 What’s hot and what’s not | p 94 Local course directory with rates | p 98

GG_0712_77_Cover.indd 1

6/22/12 4:39:07 PM

PETE DYE HAS DESIGNED MORE THAN 100 GOLF COURSES, INCLUDING SOME OF OUR AREA'S BEST.

OUT STANDING IN HIS FIELD: Pete Dye's characteristic style has had considerable impact on contemporary golf course architecture. He's still a good player, too. He recently ďŹ red a 77 at a course near his home in Delray Beach, Fla., nine strokes under his age.

78

hiltonhead.golfersguide.com

GG_0712_78-83PeteDye2.indd 78

6/22/12 4:33:14 PM

INTERVIEW Legendary architect still going strong at 86

Golf course designs to Dye for

by Lance Hanlin

P

Pho to cou rtesy of H am pto n H all

ete Dye became a golf course architect almost by default. At 35, he was running a successful insurance business in Indianapolis when he received a call from a local farmer that wanted to build a course south of the city.

“He wanted to know if I could find somebody to do it,” Dye said. “I called everybody I knew.

Nobody wanted to do it because he didn’t have any money. Then he asked me if I would do it.

I didn’t know anything about designing a golf course but he had all the equipment.”

After talking it over with his wife, Alice, Dye decided to jump at the opportunity. He’s been doing it ever since.

From the tree-lined fairways of our Harbour Town Golf Links, up to the picturesque Ocean Course on Kiawah Island, down to the epic layout of TPC Sawgrass, Dye has produced some of the world’s top courses.

He has also designed some of the Lowcountry’s best: Heron Point in Sea Pines, Long Cove Club on Hilton Head, the Dye Course at Col-

leton River and Hampton Hall in Bluffton.

In many circles, he is considered the most influential architect of the past five decades — the last living legend. Dye, 86, took time from his busy schedule to speak with Golfer’s Guide about his courses, the current state of golf and his lack of a retirement plan.

Golfer’s Guide: There must be some special skill that makes a good designer or everybody would be one. What is your secret?

Pete Dye: I don’t know if I have any real secret. Most guys will draw up a set of plans and have somebody else built it. I do it different.

When I built Harbour Town for example, I just moved up there while I built it. I did the same thing with Long Cove and Colleton River. I enjoy building a golf course.

July 2012

GG_0712_78-83PeteDye2.indd 79

79

6/22/12 4:33:30 PM

INTERVIEW

design. How would you describe your relationship?

GG: The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island has already hosted the PD: We’ve always been good friends. We talk all the time.

Ryder Cup and the World Cup. The PGA Championship comes in GG: The 18th hole at Harbour Town gets all the press, and for August. How did you build such a strong course?

PD: Hurricane Hugo came by. It disrupted that whole part of the good reason. Along with a great view it has such a unique shape.

PD: I can’t take credit for that. Every time the damn dam would world but it helped me. Governor (Carroll) Campbell made a morabreak down, all the sand would float out. That’s why it’s shaped like torium so we could clean up the marshes and moats. I got all the it is. trees that had grown in fresh water out of there. Salt water moves in GG: You’ve made several changes to the course over the years. and out now. We also used a lot of the sand to build up the fairways Do you finally have it figured out or is there more work to be done? so you can see the ocean.

PD: We finally got the drainage figure out. That only took about GG: The Ocean Course is known for great views of the Atlantic 20 years. I talked to Slugger White (PGA Tour vice president for and strong winds. I’m sure more than one professional will be comrules and competitions) and tried to get the general opinion of all plaining about the latter when the PGA Championship gets under the guys. They seem to think everything is OK, so there’s no reason way. What would you say to the whiners, if there are any? to jump in there and go backwards.

PD: There are always going to be guys yelling and screaming at GG: So you don’t like individual feedback from professionals? you. That’s the nature of the beast. I don’t mind, as long as somePD: Different players have different thoughts. body shoots a good score. That’s all that counts.

What Vijay will tell you, then what somebody else GG: The South Carolina Golf Course Ratings will tell you, it’s like they’re not even from the same Panel recently moved the Ocean Course up to You try to get the general opinion.

No. 1 on its list of best courses in the Palmetto State, When I went to planet.

GG: Railroad ties seem to really give a course taking the place of Harbour Town. Do you feel that Scotland in 1963, some personality. Why do you choose to use them? is justified?

PD: When I went to Scotland in 1963, every golf PD: Oh, I don’t know. Ratings don’t mean much every golf course to me. I think the best course I ever built is right there had railroad course over there had railroad ties. I figured if it was good enough for Queen Anne, it was good enough there off the island at Colleton River and nobody ties. I figured for me. I haven’t put any in for 20 years. Everybody has ever rated it. That’s one hell of a course. You if it was good else has copied it so I get credit everywhere I go for can see the ocean from nine holes and it’s all selfcontained. enough for Queen all the railroad ties.

GG: An outstanding course most of us here don’t GG: Obviously, we just had the Heritage here Anne, it was good get to play is Long Cove. Some say it’s your finest in April. Greg Norman felt the work you did at enough for me. work. Do you get back there much?

Harbour Town was pure genius, positioning the PD: We did some work on that last year with trees like hazards. Arnold Palmer once called it a a bunker here, a bunker there. I’m trying to get a “thinking man’s course.” What do you feel makes it permit on a couple of holes to do something but I stand out? don’t know if I ever will or not. They’ve done a good PD: I was always a great admirer of Trent Jones. One of the first job of maintaining that golf course. golf courses I built was at the University of Michigan and I copied GG: You also have Heron Point and Hampton Hall. Why are him. I had the big bunkers, long tees and everything. I figured the only way to get an identity was to do the dead opposite. At Harbour your five local courses so different?

PD: A lot of guys have a style, and they take that style from A to Town, I kept everything as low as I could and I kept the greens B to C to D to E. I’m dumb enough to think you build a course like small. Next thing I know, Arnold Palmer wins the thing and it’s in Harbour Town, then you build one at Long Cove that is different.

Sports Illustrated. It kicked me off and really got me going.

GG: Jack Nicklaus is credited with helping you design the course. Then you turn around and build one in Colleton River that is different from both. They’re all different and I love them all. Whether What was his role? they’re any good or not is up to somebody else to decide.

PD: He came in as a consultant. I don’t think they ever paid him GG: In your opinion, what makes our island and the surrounding for that (laughs). What I remember more than anything was the area such a great place to plunk down a golf course?

15th hole. I had a pretty good-sized green in there and he said ‘You PD: The sand. All of your great courses in Scotland, Ireland and ought to make this really small because I’m the only one who can get here in two.’ We made it real small but I had to go back and make everywhere all have that in common. An area that has a sand base is always going to be better than where you have a clay base or a soil it bigger later. base. To tell you the truth, the only sand I’ve ever worked on has GG: Nicklaus credits you for the way he approaches golf course 80

hiltonhead.golfersguide.com

GG_0712_78-83PeteDye2.indd 80

6/22/12 4:33:51 PM

INTERVIEW

Dye's f avorite: Pete Dye said the best course he has built is the Dye Course at Colleton River Plantation. Opened in 1998, the course was the setting for several scenes in the 2000 golf movie, "The Legend of Bagger Vance."

been right there in South Carolina.

GG: Equipment upgrades have drastically changed the game over the years. As a course designer, how do you feel about that?

PD: Equipment changes have escalated the cost of golf, not only buying more expensive equipment, but the maintenance of a golf course and the building of a golf course. If you ever want to host a PGA Tour event, you’ve got to make the length something crazy these days.

GG: You are married to a fellow designer. How much input does Alice have in your work?

PD: A lot. She has played with Babe Zaharias, Sam Sneed and Byron Nelson. Then on Tuesdays, she goes out and plays with three girls that can’t break 130. Every time I build a golf course, she asks how one of those girls would play the hole.

GG: You’re 86, you’re a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame and people still ask for your autograph. With all you have accomplished, what are you the most proud of?

PD: Probably the Dominican Republic. There wasn’t a tree, not a soul, not anything before I built 90 holes of golf out there. Now there are 3,500 homes and 35,000 people have jobs on the property.

Cou rtesy of Dy e Des ig ns

Cou rtesy of C olleton River Plantation

F amil y T ra dition: Pete Dye (far right) comes from a family of golf course designers. His elder son Perry (left) and wife Alice are also architects.

They’ve got a new airport and a big marina. Now instead of a dirt road coming out of Santo Domingo, they’ve got a four-lane highway.

GG: How much longer do you plan on doing this?

PD: Until they bury me. I don’t know what else to do.

GG: What projects do you have in the works?

PD: I just talked to a fellow who has a golf course up in Charlottesville (Va.) that needs to be completely restored. That’s where I’m going next. G July 2012

GG_0712_78-83PeteDye2.indd 81

81

6/22/12 4:34:05 PM

pete

dye

player friend ly: Hampton Hall is a fairly new course with great potential once matured.

Unlike many Pete Dye designs, this one isn't just for accomplished players. Wide fairways, open landing areas and large, unprotected greens provide a safe route to each hole.

Co ur tesy of Ham

pton Hall

Hampton Hall: Unique course with unique history Play the course Dye almost didn’t build

by Lance Hanlin

M

ost Americans remem­ ber where they were on Sept. 11, 2001.

Golf course architect Pete Dye was in Bluffton the day before, looking at a patch of property John Reed, Gary Rowe and the Toll Brothers wanted to transform into a golf course.

Dye wasn’t sure if he wanted to take on the project. With his busy schedule, he was leaning towards passing on the opportunity. His plan was to catch a flight back home to Florida the next morning to think it over.

82

Then the terrorist attacks happened. With all the airports shut down, Dye was stuck in Bluffton with a heavy heart. The legendary designer decided to sit down and draw up the golf course at Hampton Hall.

“That’s true,” Pete’s wife Alice confirmed.

“He was there the whole time because he couldn’t go any place else. By the time he had laid it out, he got enthusiastic about it and wanted to build it.”

He ended up building one of the most unique courses of his distinguished career.

Today, Hampton Hall is the shining star of Bluffton Parkway. The private residential community features a wealth of on-site amenities but its centerpiece is the 18-hole golf course, which is open to public play.

Dye designed the links-style track to accentuate the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Unlike many of his other designs, he eased off the gas pedal on this one, building a course for golfers on both ends of the talent spectrum.

Hampton Hall plays from 5,329 yards to 7,503 yards, depending on which set of five tees

hiltonhead.golfersguide.com

GG_0712_78-83PeteDye2.indd 82

6/22/12 4:34:21 PM

DESIGNED BY DYE

Notable courses that Pete Dye either designed alone or co-designed (*private course):

It's not just a club we mow grass at.

We're constantly working on the golf course to keep it in really good condition.

ARIZONA Arizona State University (Karsten Golf Course) - Tempe Red Mountain Ranch Country Club (Championship Course) - Mesa Ancala Country Club - Scottsdale* CALIFORNIA Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Resort Carmel Valley Ranch Carlton Oaks Country Club (Dunes Course) - Santee La Quinta Resort and Club (Dunes Course) - La Quinta La Quinta Resort and Club (Mountain Course) - La Quinta PGA West (Stadium Course) - La Quinta Lost Canyons Golf Club (Shadow Course) - Simi Valley

Matt S apo chak

is used. For novice players, there are wide fairways, open landing areas and large, unprotected greens. Accomplished players can trade in the safe routes to each hole for several risk/reward opportunities.

“That’s one of the great things the Dyes did here,” course superintendent Matt Sapochak said. “They knew the club was going to have both good and high-handicap golfers. It’s not all carry. You can play a low shot, a high shot or a bump-and-run.”

The fairways are constantly changing due to their clay-based soil composition. The ball rolls very little when it is wet in winter and a whole lot when the grass dries out in the fall and spring, allowing for punch-and-run shots to the unprotected greens. In the summer, they play like traditional Bermuda fairways.

To add an extra twist, Dye made sure to keep the land behind the greens clear.

“When Pete designed this, he said ‘Let’s not plant a lot of trees behind these greens.’” Sapochak said. “He wanted to mess with people’s depth perception. It’s hard to judge the yardage when it’s not framed in by a lot of trees.”

Keeping up with the design has kept Sapochak and his team busy. Hampton Hall is in the middle of a bunker project, replacing all the sand and making sure the drainage is right.

“It’s not just a club we mow grass at,” Sapochak said. “We’re constantly working on the golf course to keep it in really good condition.” G

Lost Canyons Golf Club (Sky Course) - Simi Valley The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa (South Course) - Rancho Mirage Trump National Golf Club in Los Angeles COLORADO Cheyenne Mountain Resort (C.C. of Colorado) - Colorado Springs Plum Creek Golf and Country Club Castle Rock Riverdale Dunes - Brighton Gypsum Creek Golf Course - Gypsum Glenmoor Country Club - Cherry Hills Village* CONNECTICUT Wintonbury Hills Golf Course Bloomfield FLORIDA River Ridge Golf Course - Palm City PGA Golf Club (Dye Course) - Port St. Lucie TPC at Sawgrass (Stadium Course) Ponte Vedra Beach Gasparilla Inn Golf Course - Boca Grande Palm Beach Polo (Cypress Course) Wellington, Florida Tuscany Reserve Golf Club - Naples* Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club (River Ridge Course) Palm City* Southern Hills Plantation Club – Brooksville * GEORGIA Atlanta National Golf Club - Alpharetta* The Ogeechee Golf Club, Richmond Hill* ILLINOIS Oakwood Country Club - Coal Valley Ruffled Feathers Golf Course Lemont Tamarack Country Club - Shiloh Yorktown Golf Course - Belleville

INDIANA The Pete Dye Course - French Lick Royal Oak Country Club - Greenwood Maple Creek Country Club - Indianapolis Brickyard Crossing - Speedway Eagle Creek Golf Club (Pines, Sycamore Courses) - Indianapolis Plum Creek Golf Club - Carmel Sahm Golf Course - Indianapolis The Fort Golf Course - Indianapolis Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex (Kampen Course) - West Lafayette Oak Tree Golf Course (front nine) Plainfield Mystic Hills Golf Course - Culver Forest Park - Brazil The Bridgewater Club - Westfield* Crooked Stick Golf Club - Carmel* Woodland Country Club – Carmel* Maple Creek Golf & Country Club Indianapolis* IOWA Des Moines Golf and Country Club West Des Moines LOUISIANA TPC of Louisiana - Avondale Belle Terre Country Club - LaPlace* KENTUCKY Kearney Hill Golf Links - Lexington Peninsula Golf Course - Lancaster MARYLAND Bulle Rock Golf Course - Havre de Grace Harbourtowne Resort Country Club St. Michaels Rum Pointe Seaside Golf Links Berlin MICHIGAN Radrick Farms Golf Course- Ann Arbor* Wabeek Country Club - Bloomfield Hills* NEBRASKA Firethorn Golf Club – Lincoln* NEVADA Paiute Golf Club Resort (Snow Mountain, Sun Mountain and Wolf courses) - Las Vegas NEW MEXICO Pinon Hills Golf Course – Farmington NEW YORK Pound Ridge Golf Club - Pound Ridge NORTH CAROLINA Founders Golf Course - St. James Plantation Oak Hollow Golf Course - High Point Cardinal Golf and Country Club Greensboro* Country Club of Landfall - Wilmington* OHIO Avalon Lakes - Warren Fowler’s Mill GC - Chesterland

Little Turtle Golf Club - Westerville The Golf Club - New Albany* Little Turtle Golf Club - Westerville* OKLAHOMA Oak Tree Golf Club - Edmond* Oak Tree Country Club – Edmond* PENNSYLVANIA Iron Valley Golf Course - Lebanon Mystic Rock Golf Course – Farmington Montour Heights Country Club Coraopolis, Pennsylvania* SOUTH CAROLINA Harbour Town Golf Links – Hilton Head Island Kiawah Island Golf Resort (Ocean Course) - Kiawah Island Heron Point – Hilton Head Island Cherokee Valley – Travelers Rest The Dye Club at Barefoot Resort North Myrtle Beach Long Cove Club – Hilton Head Island* Colleton River (Dye Course) – Bluffton* Hampton Hall – Bluffton TENNESSEE The Honors Golf Club - Ooltewah* Rarity Mountain Golf Club - Jellico* TEXAS AT&T Canyons Course of TPC at San Antonio The Stonebridge Ranch Country Club - McKinney* VIRGINIA Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech - Radford River Course at Kingsmill Resort Williamsburg Virginia Beach National - Virginia Beach Virginia Oaks - Gainesville WEST VIRGINIA Pete Dye Golf Club - Clarksburg* WISCONSIN Big Fish Golf Club - Hayward Whistling Straits (Irish Course) Haven Whistling Straits (Straits Course) - Haven Blackwolf Run (River Course) Kohler Blackwolf Run (Meadow Valleys Course) - Kohler Hidden Glen Golf Club - Cedarburg* DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Casa de Campo: Teeth of the Dog Casa De Campo Casa de Campo: Dye Fore - Casa de Campo Casa de Campo: The Links - Casa de Campo La Romana Country Club - La Romana* GUATEMALA Fuego Maya - La Reunion ISRAEL Caesarea Golf & Country Club Caesarea, Israel July 2012

GG_0712_78-83PeteDye2.indd 83

83

6/22/12 4:34:45 PM

Players Amateur a dream come true for McKnight, Delcher BLUFFTON GOLFERS CREATED ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS AMATEUR EVENTS

by Lance Hanlin

NEW HOME: Berkeley Hall Club is the new site for the Players Amateur golf tournament. The event is set for July 9-15 on the club's South Course.

T

HE IDEA OF THE PLAYERS AMATEUR CAME BACK IN 1999 WHEN BLUFFTON GOLFERS TOM MCKNIGHT AND DUKE DELCHER WERE TRAVELING TO THE U.S. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP IN PEBBLE BEACH, CALIF.

84

“It was a long flight and we had plenty of time on our hands,” Delcher said. “That’s where the idea came from. We felt it would be a good way to give back to the game that has been so good to us.”

The plan wasn’t just to host another tournament. It was to host THE tournament, featuring the best amateur golfers in the country. To get that level of players to come to Bluffton, McKnight and Delcher simply dusted off the Rolodex.

“We knew all the players,” McKnight said. “We knew the Matt Kuchars, the Bryce Molders and all those guys from

playing with them. We kind of twisted their arm and were like, ‘Look, you guys need to come.’”

TOM MCKNIGHT

DUKE DELCHER

hiltonhead.golfersguide.com

GG_0712_84-86_PlayersAM.indd 84

6/22/12 4:31:01 PM

BERKELEY HALL HOLE 16: PHOTO COURTESY OF BERKELEY HALL CLUB

P L AY E R S A M

THE 2012 PLAYERS AMATEUR WHAT 2012 Players Amateur golf tournament (national event) WHEN/WHERE July 9-15, South Course, Berkeley Hall Club, Bluffton SCHEDULE Practice rounds, all day, July 9-10; Contestant-Amateur Tournament, 8:30 a.m., July 11; First Round, 7 a.m., July 12; Second Round, 7 a.m., July 13; Third Round, 7 a.m., July 14; Final Round, 7 a.m., July 15 PRIZES Players Amateur trophy; sponsors exemption into 2013 RBC Heritage, a PGA Tour event ADMISSION Free MORE INFORMATION Go online to www.playersam.com or call 843-671-2448

And come they did.

7,160 yards from the championship tees.

Kuchar and Molder were both there.

The course rating is 74.4 and the slope is So was James Driscoll, D.J. Trahan and a 141. slew of other players that later advanced “It’s one of the most prestigious to the PGA Tour. The tournament was amateur events in the country and we’re won by Ben Curtis, three years before he delighted to be hosting it,” said Adrian won the British Open.

Morris, general manager and COO at “It gave us instant credibility,” McKBerkeley Hall Club. “I think we have the night said. “We had that great field of right facilities and the right golf course to players, right off the bat. Once they got pull it off and do a good job.”

The free event gives here and saw how the public a chance to good things were, peek behind the gates of it didn’t take long. the private community, Everybody wanted to Many former come.”

Players Amateur ranked “One of America’s 100 Premier Properties” And come they contestants by both Links magazine have. and Travel & Leisure Golf.

Bill Haas, Camilo have gone on One of the highlights of Villegas, Kyle Stanley, to successful the club is its learning Rickie Fowler, Bud professional center, considered one of Cauley, Lucas Glover, careers. More the top practice facilities J.B. Holmes, Dustin in the world.

Johnson, Troy Matthan 20 alumni “It’s a great opportunity teson, Johnson Wagare on the for the local community ner, Nick Watney and PGA Tour to see what Berkeley Hall several other current is all about,” Morris said. top professionals “It’s a very special place.” have tested their In 2004, McKnight mettle in Bluffton and Delcher opted to give control of the before finding fortune and fame.

Players Amateur to the Heritage Classic The top amateur players will be on Foundation, the driving force behind the display once again this month when the PGA Tour’s annual Heritage golf tourna2012 Players Amateur returns July 9-15. ment on Hilton Head Island.

For the first time, though, it won’t be The foundation distributes all chariplayed at Belfair Plantation. The 2012 table funds generated from its tournaevent is moving just a couple of miles ments, donating more than $22 million down Highway 278 to the South Course since 1987. The foundation also provides at Berkeley Hall Club, also located in the winner of the Players Amateur a spot Bluffton. in the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage the folThe South Course, designed by Tom lowing year.

Fazio, features Bermuda greens and is July 2012

GG_0712_84-86_PlayersAM.indd 85

85

6/22/12 4:31:24 PM

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004 86

THE PLAYERS AMATEUR CHAMPIONS SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 2000, THE PLAYERS AMATEUR HAS PRODUCED AN IMPRESSIVE LIST OF CHAMPIONS. HERE IS A LOOK AT WHAT EACH IS DOING NOW: 2000 Champ: Ben Curtis The first Players Amateur champion is best known for winning the 2003 British Open in his major debut. Since then, Curtis has established himself on the PGA Tour by winning the Booz Allen Classic in 2006, the 84 Lumber Classic in 2006 and the Velero Texas Open earlier this year.

2001 Champ: Michael Sims After an impressive amateur career, the University of Rhode Island graduate turned professional in 2002 and played on the Tour de las Americas, the Canadian Tour, the New England Tour, the Hooters Tour and the Golden Bear Tour. The Southampton, Bermuda, native is now a regular on the Nationwide Tour.

2002 Champ: Bill Haas Haas turned professional two years after his Players Am victory. He is now a regular on the PGA Tour and has won four tournaments – the 2010 Bob Hope Classic, the 2010 Viking Classic, the 2011 Tour Championship and the 2012 Northern Trust Open. He is the son of former PGA Tour player Jay Haas.

2003 Champ: Camilo Villegas The Colombian is a household name on the PGA Tour, both for his play and his putting routine. To read a putt, he crouches parallel to the ground, earning the nickname, “Hombre Arana.” PGA Tour wins include the 2008 BMW Championship, the 2008 Tour Championship and the 2010 Honda Classic.

2004 Champ: Aron Price Born in Sydney, Australia, Price turned professional in 2005 and played on the Nationwide Tour until 2008.

He won the Livermore Valley Wine Country Championship that year and finished 18th on the money list, earning his PGA Tour card.

2005 Champ: Brian Harman Harman followed up his Players Am victory by winning the Porter Cup, Georgia Amateur and Dogwood Invitational. He played on winning Walker Cup teams in 2005 and

PHOTO COURTESY OF HERITAGE CLASSIC FOUNDATION

2003

2002

2001

2000

P L AY E R S A M

2009, earned an eGolf Tour victory in 2010 and played in this year’s Players Championship.

2006 Champ: Jonathan Moore Moore’s nice-guy personality won over the galleries here in 2006. He gained a lot more fans the following year when he dropped in an eagle on the 18th hole to give the U.S. the point needed to capture the Walker Cup. He is currently playing on the NGA Tour.

2007 Champ: Rickie Fowler Fowler’s Players Am victory marked the start of his meteoric rise to the top of the sport. Wearing his trademark Okie State Orange, the 23-year-old posted his first PGA Tour victory earlier this year at Quail Hollow.

Expect many more to come.

2008 Champ: Mark Anderson Anderson followed up his Players Am victory by winning the 2009 Australian Master of the Amateurs.

The Beaufort native joined the Nationwide Tour in 2010 and went on to record seven top 10 finishes before trading up for a PGA Tour card this year.

2009 Champ: Bud Cauley Following his junior year at Alabama, Cauley decided to turn professional after qualifying for the 2011 U.S. Open.

He did not miss a cut in his first four PGA Tour events, including a T4 at the Viking Classic.

2010 Champion: Kevin Tway The son of PGA Tour veteran Bob Tway, Kevin is following in his father’s SoftsSpikes. He turned professional in 2011 after graduating from Oklahoma State. His pro debut was the 2011 Travelers Championship, with his father caddying for him.

Clemson University golfer Corbin Mills earned the honor last year, beating out 75 topranked amateurs from around the world. The 2012 field will be announced in the coming days.

Since the beginning, the tournament has prided itself on making it easy for the players, hence the name. There are no registration fees.

Accommodations, food and beverages are also provided. Tournament director Steve Wilmot said his team will even take players back to the airport. The players just need to get here.

And just like the past 12 years, the best amateur players almost certainly will.

“You get to see tomorrow’s stars, today,” Wilmot said. “Just look at the list of winners.

That’s all you need to say.” G

DEFENDING CHAMP: Clemson University golfer Corbin Mills speaks with members of the media after winning the 2011 Players Amateur. The winner of the tournament earns a spot in the PGA Tour's RBC Heritage, held each year at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HERITAGE CLASSIC FOUNDATION

2011 Champion: Corbin Mills Mills was the No. 1 golfer as a junior on the Clemson team. His stroke average in final rounds of tournaments was 69.63, second-best in the nation. He played in two of golf’s top events this year – the Masters and the RBC Heritage.

hiltonhead.golfersguide.com

GG_0712_84-86_PlayersAM.indd 86

6/22/12 4:31:41 PM

Berkeley

Hall

mun lub Com e Golf C A Privat

the

ity

discovery

pa c k a

ge

Berkeley_0712_GG.indd 87

6/22/12 3:31:20 PM

New s & Note s Sea Pines Resort to host Els for Autism Golf Challenge

Former HHIJGA student wins LPGA Championship Former Hank Haney International Junior Golf Association student Shan shan Feng won the LPGA Championship on June 10 at Locust Hill Country Club in Pittsford, N.Y. With a two-stroke victory, the 22-year-old became the first Chinese player to win an LPGA Tour title and a major event.

Feng earned a scholarship to the Hilton Head Island-based HHIJGA in 2006 and worked with instructors Matt Fields and Gary Gilchrist. She became the first Chinese player to qualify for the LPGA Tour the following year.

FENG

Sea Pines Resort will host the Els for Autism Golf Challenge Sept. 10 at Harbour Town Golf Links. The event will benefit the Els for Autism Foundation, an organization spearheaded by PGA Tour player Ernie Els and his wife Liezl. The foundation helps children worldwide living with EL S the disorder. The two-person team that records the low net winning score will advance to the EFA grand finale in Las Vegas. Registration is $600 per player. Teams can automatically qualify for the finale by raising $10,000. For more information or to register visit www.elsforautism.com/harbourtown.

Longtime Heritage tournament information director dies Diet rich

Boe

Fol kwe in

Vill arreal

Junior golfers named to Team USA Four junior golfers with local ties were named to Team USA for the International Junior Golf Tour’s 2012 North America Cup. Ben Dietrich, Zach Boe, Mark Folkwein and Derrick Villarreal will face members of the Canadian Junior Golf Association in the event, scheduled for July 1-4 at Oldfield Golf Club in Okatie. All four will compete in the boys 15-19 division. Dietrich and Boe are both from Bluffton. Dietrich, Folkwein (Midland, Mich.) and Villarreal (Hartland, Wisc.) are students at Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy. The North America Cup will feature fourball matches, singles matches and a skills competition.

Dataw announces renovations of Morgan River course With its Cotton Dike course complete, officials at Dataw Island Club have moved construction activities to the Morgan River course as they complete a $5.4 million renovation of the private island’s 36 holes of golf. Director of golf maintenance Brian Hollingsworth said the Arthur Hills-designed course is scheduled to reopen in September. Renovation plans include replacing irrigation, straightening and repairing cart paths, coring out and re-contouring greens, re-grassing of all greens, improving bunkers, lake bank restoration, tree pruning and cart parking improvements at the driving range.

88

“Arnie was a gentleman whose contributions have been a huge part of the success of the RBC Heritage and the Heritage Classic Foundation for more than 20 years,” current tournament director Steve Wilmot said. “He will be truly missed by all of us who worked with him every day.”

Collar, Bartlett win HHIAGA Four Ball The Hilton Head Island Amateur Golf Association hosted its 2012 Four Ball Championship June 2-3 at Bear Creek Golf Club on Hilton Head Island. Bob Collar and Jonathan Bartlett won the championship division with a 64-69 – 133. Joe Vignati and John Hencken won the senior division with a 144. Bryant Turner and Jim Manning won the handicap division with a 135.

The HHIAGA will host the 2012 1-Day Tournament July 15 at Callawassie Island followed up by its 2012 Amateur Championship, set for July 21-22 at Oyster Reef Golf Club on Hilton Head Island. Find more information online at www.hhiaga.com.

Stolen truck found in pond at Pinecrest

JPGA student to play for Rollins College Junior Players Golf Academy student Momo Sakuragi signed a letter of intent to play collegiate golf for the Rollins College women’s golf team on April 11. Sakuragi just finished her senior training at JPGA, a training academy located on Hilton Head Island. She is from Tokyo, Japan, and finished ranked 66th in the 2012 National Graduation Class. Rollins College is located in Winter Park, Fla.

BURDIC K

Arnie Burdick , the longtime Heritage tournament information director for Hilton Head Island’s PGA Tour event, died June 5 at Hilton Head Regional Medical Center. He was 92. After a distinguished career as a sports journalist, Burdick and his wife, Mimi, retired to Hilton Head Island. His journalism background prompted Mike Stevens, then the Heritage tournament director, to approach Burdick in 1986 and ask him to become the tournament’s media relations director — if only for a year. Burdick worked his 29th Heritage this spring.

SAKURAGI

Workers at Pinecrest Golf Club in Bluffton located a hazard in one of their hazards on June 5, discovering a stolen pickup truck in the pond on the fifth hole. A gray GMC Z71 truck stolen from a home on Hilton Head Island was pulled from the pond by members of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office dive team. According to assistant professional Tony Hagwood, vandals did a few donuts on the hole and made one pass across the green. Despite the damage, Pinecrest workers had the hole playable less than three hours after the truck was discovered.

hiltonhead.golfersguide.com

GG_0712_88-90_NewsNotes.indd 88

6/22/12 4:29:31 PM

News & Notes USCB golfers earn postseason honors University of South Carolina Beaufort golfers Luke McClellan and Kendra Collins both earned postseason honors on June 4.

McClellan was named to the second team of the NAIA Men’s Golf All-America team and Collins was listed as an honorable mention selection on the NAIA Women’s Golf All-America team.

Both golfers also earned AllMcClella n Colli ns Sun Conference team honors.

McClellan was a senior from West Columbia and Collins was a sophomore from Bluffton.

USCB golf teams compete at nationals The University of South Carolina Beaufort men’s golf team finished in 10th place at the NAIA Men’s Golf National Championships on May 25 at Creekside Golf Club in Salem, Ore. The Sank Sharks ended with a team score of 1201, finishing 25 strokes behind tournament champion Oklahoma Christian. Sophomore Brian Langley, a Bluffton native, led USCB, shooting an 80-7769-73 – 299 to finish tied for 23rd individually. The women’s team tied for 15th on May 18 at Link Hills Golf and Country Club in Greeneville, Tenn. The Sand Sharks finished the 72-hole tournament with a team score of 1267. Senior Adriana Saavedra paced the Sand Sharks with a 21-over-par 313.

Palmetto Electric hosts Hole-in-One Shootout

Muth

Palmetto Electric hosted the Touchstone Energy Million Dollar Hole-in-One Shootout May 31-June 2 at Old South Golf Links. While no golfers won the grand prize with a hole-in-one, Bluffton’s Chris Muth did win $1,000 and a spot in a Las Vegas pro-am later this year for getting closest to the pin, landing 7 feet, 2 inches from the hole. Hilton Head Island’s Ted Morris won the putting contest, earning $100, a round of golf at Sea Pines Resort and a new putter.

Event organizers say more than 400 golfers took more than 18,000 shots during the week, raising more than $10,000 for the Bright Ideas teacher grant program.

Colleton River to host 2015 US Junior Am The Dye Course at Colleton River has been selected as the site for the 2015 U.S. Junior Amateur Golf Championship. The prestigious tournament is one of 13 U.S. national golf championships organized by the United States Golf Association. It is open to amateur boys ages 18 or younger that have a USGA handicap index of 6.4 or less. The tournament, which is set for July 2015, will consist of two days of stroke play, with the leading 64 competitors then playing a match play competition to decide the champion.

Past winners include Tiger Woods, Johnny Miller, David Duval and Hunter Mahan.

July 2012

GG_0712_88-90_NewsNotes.indd 89

89

6/22/12 4:29:47 PM

J U LY e v e n t s Monday, July 1-4 • International Junior Golf Tour North America Cup; Oldfield GC, Okatie, Time TBD Monday, July 9 • Hilton Head Island Junior Golf Association Tournament; Girls 11-18, Boys 13-18; Bear Creek Golf CG, Hilton Head Island; Time TBD • 2012 Players Amateur Practice Rounds; Berkeley Hall Club, Bluffton; All day Tuesday, July 10 • Hilton Head Island Junior Golf Association Tournament; Girls 8-10, Boys 8-12; Spanish Wells GC, Hilton Head Island; 12:30 p.m.

• 2012 Players Amateur Practice Rounds; Berkeley Hall Club, Bluffton; All day Wednesday, July 11 • Players Amateur Contestant-Amateur; Berkeley Hall Club, Bluffton; 8:30 a.m.

Thursday, July 12 • Players Amateur First Round; Berkeley Hall Club, Bluffton; 7 a.m.

Friday, July 13 • Players Amateur Second Round; Berkeley Hall Club, Bluffton; 7 a.m.

Saturday, July 14 • Players Amateur Third Round; Berkeley Hall Club, Bluffton; 7 a.m.

Sunday, July 15 • Hilton Head Island Amateur Golf Association 1-Day Tournament; Callawassie Island Club, Callawassie Island; Time TBD • Players Amateur Final Round; Berkeley Hall Club, Bluffton; 7 a.m.

• International Junior Golf Tour Junior; Dolphin Head, Hilton Head Island, Time TBD Monday, July 16 • Hilton Head Island Junior Golf Association Parent/Adult Tournament; Girls 11-18, Boys 13-18; Island West GC, Bluffton; 1 p.m.

• USGA Amateur Qualifying; Colleton River Plantation Dye Course, Bluffton; Time TBD • International Junior Golf Tour Junior

Tournament; Dolphin Head, Hilton Head Island, Time TBD Tuesday, July 17 • Hilton Head Island Junior Golf Association Parent/Adult Tournament; Girls 8-10, Boys 8-12; Pinecrest Golf Club, Bluffton; 1 p.m.

• USGA Amateur Qualifying; Colleton River Plantation Dye Course, Bluffton; Time TBD • International Junior Golf Tour Junior Tournament; Dolphin Head, Hilton Head Island, Time TBD Thursday, July 19 • Hilton Head Island Professional Golf Association Assistant’s Championship; Callawassie Island Club, Okatie; Time TBD Saturday, July 21 • Hilton Head Island Amateur Golf Association Amateur Championship; Oyster Reef Golf Club, Hilton Head Island; Time TBD Sunday, July 22 • Hilton Head Island Amateur Golf Association Amateur Championship; Oyster Reef Golf Club, Hilton Head Island; Time TBD Monday, July 23 • Hilton Head Island Junior Golf Association Tournament; Girls 11-18, Boys 13-18; Port Royal Golf Club, Hilton Head Island; Time TBD Tuesday, July 24 • Hilton Head Island Junior Golf Association Tournament; Girls 8-10, Boys 8-12; Eagle’s Pointe Golf Club, Bluffton; 1 p.m.

• Lowcountry Women’s Golf Association Tournament; Colleton River; Time TBD Monday, July 30 • Hilton Head Island Junior Golf Association Championship; Secession Golf Club, Beaufort; Noon Tuesday, July 31 • Hilton Head Island Junior Golf Association Championship; Hampton Hall Golf Club, Bluffton; Time TBD

News & Notes Harbour Town put on Celebrated Living 'Platinum list' Harbour Town Golf Links, located on Hilton Head Island, is listed No. 4 on Celebrated Living magazine’s “Platinum List.” The magazine, which is the official publication of American Airlines, ranked the country’s top golf courses, hotels, spas and cruise lines in its June issue. Pebble Beach Golf Links (Calif.) took the top spot, Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee (Ga.) was second and Manuna Kea Golf Course (Hawaii) was listed third. Harbour Town is the host course for the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage golf tournament each April.

Ferree defends WSCGA Senior Championship Hilton Head Island golfer Karen Ferree claimed her sixth Women’s South Carolina Golf Association State Senior Championship on May 9 at Wachesaw Plantation in Murrells Inlet. Ferree entered the final round one stroke ahead of Hilton Head Island’s Susan Cummings and was able to hold on for the victory. Ferree finished the two-day event with a 72-78 – 150. Harstville’s Elaine Johnson came in second place at 155 and Cummings finished third at with a score of 156.

FERREE

High school teams compete at state The Hilton Head Island High School boys golf team took fourth place in the Class 3A state golf tournament, held May 14-15 at Coastal Carolina University. The Seahawks turned in a team score of 627, finishing 20 strokes behind state champion A.C. Flora. Individually, seventh-grader Andrew Orischak paced Hilton Head High with a 73-76 – 149. He finished sixth overall. Bluffton took 11th place as a team with a score of 651, led by Alec Wary’s 155. In Class 4A at Furman University, the Beaufort High boys took 16th place as a team with a 54-hole score of 979, finishing 82 strokes behind winner Easley. Josh Fickes led the Eagles with a 228.

HHIJGA names officers for 2012 The Hilton Head Island Junior Golf Association named its officers for 2012 on April 29. Chris Westine of Eagle’s Pointe Golf Club was named Chairman. Tournament co-chairmen are Barry Pepper of Colleton River Golf Club and Josh Goodman of Moss Creek Golf Club. The Pro-Pal Chariman is Brett Heisler of Colleton River Club. The Hooked-on-Golf Chairman is Ben Smith of Harbour Town Golf Links. The Junior Golf Academy Chairman is Ben Chehval of Long Cove Club. The Director is Larry Kellogg.

Chattanooga claims Women's SoCon title at Moss Creek The Chattanooga Mocs and sophomore Jordan Britt swept the Southern Conference Women’s Golf Championships on April 17 at Moss Creek Golf Club. Britt was the low medalist over 54 holes with a 2-over-par 74, leading Chattanooga to its third consecutive title. The Mocs trailed by four strokes to start the day but finished strong, finishing with a 57-over-par 921. UNC-Greensboro came in second place with a 924. College of Charleston was third at 939.

90

hiltonhead.golfersguide.com

GG_0712_88-90_NewsNotes.indd 90

6/22/12 4:30:01 PM

HHIAGA

ASSOCIATION GIVES LOCAL GOLFERS OPPORTUNITY TO MEET, PLAY TOP COURSES

HHIAGA still growing after 29 years

T

by Lance Hanlin

HE HILTON HEAD ISLAND AMATEUR GOLF ASSOCIATION WAS FOUNDED BACK IN 1983 AS A WAY TO GIVE AMATEUR GOLFERS ON ISLAND AND IN THE SURROUNDING AREA A CHANCE TO MEET FELLOW PLAYERS, COMPETE IN TOURNAMENTS AND PLAY SOME THE BEST COURSES IN THE LOWCOUNTRY. Twenty-nine years later, now 350 members strong, that original mission statement still rings true.

“We’re in a Mecca of golf,” HHIAGA director Bob Collar said. “There are so many good golf courses here. I just hate

seeing people stay in their little confines. We all love golf. I would like to see everybody get to know everybody.”

The association is open to all full-time Beaufort County residents and property owners ages 18 and older. To ensure

competitive play, tournaments are flighted and handicapped.

There are also senior divisions.

Membership is $20 per year. The association is also a club affiliate of the South Carolina Golf Association. For $25 extra, you can keep your

THE 2012 AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP WHAT HHIAGA Amateur Championship (local event) WHEN July 21-22 WHERE Oyster Reef Golf Club, Hilton Head Island ADMISSION Free MORE INFORMATION www.hhiaga.com

July 2012

GG_0712_91-92_HoleInOne_HHIGA.indd 91

91

6/22/12 4:28:14 PM

HHIAGA

HOLES - IN -

ONE YOUR TIME TO SHINE If you made a hole-in-one, ask the hosting club to e-mail the information to Lance Hanlin at lhanlin@golfersguide.com Marinell Altizer had a hole-in-one April 13 on the 17th hole at Moss Creek’s South Course. She used a pitching wedge. Witnesses were Penny Calf, Judy Meredith, and Joanne Reynolds.

Bill Boyles had a hole-in-one April 1 on the No. 10 hole of the North Course at Moss Creek Golf Club during the Senior Men’s Golf Association event.

Tom Brymer had a hole-in-one May 3 on the No. 8 hole at Bear Creek Golf Club. Witnesses were Mike Fisher and Rock Lacy.

John Butzer had a hole-in-one on the No. 17 hole on May 16 at Sun City’s Hidden Cypress Golf Club. Butzer sank the 160-yard shot using a 5-iron. The event was witnessed by Ron Albert, Marty McGreal and George Combs.

Bobbie Callaway had a hole-inone April 16 on the No. 2 hole at Hidden Cypress Golf Club.

Callaway used a 7-iron. Witnesses were Linda Akey, Sherry Robinson and Carole Johnson.

Peter Carlson had a hole-inone April 25 on the No. 7 hole of the North Course at Moss Creek Golf Club. Witnesses were Bob Breckinridge, Terry Reynolds, and Bill Ritchie.

John Chluda had a hole-in-one April 5 on the No. 16 hole at Sanctuary Golf Club. Witnesses were Mike Babul, John Rossini and Dave Larson.

92

Tina Climo had a hole-in-one May 8 on the No. 17 hole at Sun City’s Okatie Creek Golf Course.

Climo sank the 94-yard shot using a 9-iron. Witnesses were Kathy Murphy, Hazel Crane and Diane Gibson.

Ron Cochran had a hole-in-one April 30 on the No. 5 hole of the South Course at Moss Creek Golf Club. Witnesses were Tom Andreas and Ken Natter.

Linda Eberly had a hole-in-one April 19 on the No. 5 hole of the South Course at Moss Creek Golf Club. Eberly used a 7-iron. Witnesses were Ginny Crispell, Marcia Muzinich, and Sandy Lachenauer.

Andy Harris had a hole-in-one April 28 on the No. 17 hole at Sun City’s Okatie Creek Golf Course.

Harris sank the 147-yard shot using a 7-iron. Witnesses were Merritt Bradt, John Pinwar and William Murphy.

Barbara Leonhardt had a hole-inone May 4 on the No. 6 hole at Oyster Reef Golf Club. The 76-year-old Leonhardt sank the 125-yard shot using a 5-iron and Tommy Armour ball. Witnesses were her husband and Cameron Placeo.

Elaine Shayne had two holes in one in March. On March 14, she sank a hole-in-one during a guest day event at Sea Pines Country Club. On March 22, she sank a hole-in-one during Long Cove’s Ryder Cup event.

handicap through the association with GolfNet. The HHIAGA already hosted its match play event at Old South Golf Links and its Four Ball Championship at Bear Creek Golf Club. Up next is the 1-Day Tournament on July 15 at Callawassie Island Club. Its premier event, the Amateur Championship, is set for July 21-22 at Oyster Reef Golf Club. The winner of the event gets an exemption into the Players Amateur, a national event, the following year.

Rob Simmons is the HHIAGA Amateur defending champion.

“There are a lot of good players on Hilton Head Island and in Beaufort County,” Simmons said. “It’s probably as good of a field as you will find in the Charleston area or the Greenville/Spartanburg area, if not better.”

Oyster Reef Golf Club, originally opened in 1982, was designed

by Rees Jones and is located inside Hilton Head Plantation. The par-3 sixth hole is recognized as one of the most spectacular holes on Hilton Head. The three finishing holes are also a highlight.

The Amateur Championship is open to spectators, free of charge.

“Those last three finishing holes are really something,” Collar said. “We are going to have 80 to 100 (golfers) in there. If people want to sit up by 16, 17 or 18 and watch the final five threesomes, they are really going to see some great local talent.”

The HHIAGA will finish its 2012 schedule hosting an inaugural pro-am along with professional golfers on Oct. 29 at Oldfield Golf Club.

Also in October, the top 12 golfers from the HHIAGA will face off against the top 12 players from the Hilton Head Island Professional Golf Association for the Honors Cup, a Hilton Head Island tradition since 1984.

The amateur team won the very first Honors Cup, only to see the professional squad win the next 23 years in a row. The amateurs have had a great resurgence as of late, winning the Cup in 2008, 2009 and 2010 but lost last year’s event by a point.

Collar is confident the amateur squad can rebound this year, thanks to several high-profile new members. Former professionals Todd Barranger, John Patterson and Kevin King have regained their amateur status and are now HHIAGA members.

Rob Simmons and Todd White are nationally ranked players, J.D. Hoft has national tournament experience and Jonathan Bartlett, winner of the 91st West Virginia Amateur, just moved here.

“We’ve got some sticks, buddy,” Collar said. “We could be competitive nationally with these guys.”

Still, Collar points out the HHIAGA is looking for golfers of all skill level.

“I’m looking for more 15, 14 and 13 handicappers because we’re flighted by handicap,” he said. “I want as many golfers as possible to come enjoy the courses and the camaraderie.” G

hiltonhead.golfersguide.com

GG_0712_91-92_HoleInOne_HHIGA.indd 92

6/22/12 4:28:35 PM

Belfair_0712_GG.indd 93

6/22/12 3:30:44 PM

GOLF TIPS

Golf’s Most Popular Myths Exposed

WHAT’S

HOT

Golfer’s Guide Instruction by Andrew Rice

WHAT’S

NOT THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY OF GOLF

HOT

NOT

Independence Day (the holiday)

Independence Day (the song by Martina McBride)

DIXON FIRE Golf Balls

Rory’s girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki launching an underwear line

Playing with RANGE BALLS

Going commando

Ian Poulter’s Keep-ItClassy Orange, sponsored by some Vegas bookie

Rickie Folwer’s Okie State Orange, sponsored by Puma

Encino Man

TrackMan 94

It has been an enlightening experience using TrackMan in almost every lesson for a year now. There are so many widespread philosophies us golfers have heard so many times, we simply accept them to be truth.

TrackMan says hold on a minute! Here are a few examples that come to mind: You’ve got to release the club through impact

That drive had tons of sidespin

The vast majority of balls that are hit in the air have backspin. If a golf ball has backspin, it can’t also have sidespin. Think about it: Two types of spin on one ball at the same time? So what makes it curve? TrackMan shows that all shots that curve do so due to backspin on an axis that is tilted either left or right.

Curve is purely caused by RICE backspin that is tilted to one side or another.

The collision between club and ball lasts less than 1/2000th of a second. It simply is not possible to release or consciously alter the face angle during that very narrow time frame. The face is what it is by the time impact happens. For example, in this year’s Masters, by the time Bubba Watson teed it up, his ball had not been on his clubface in competition for even one second! The only element that can alter the face during impact is an off-center hit and that’s far from conscious.

Draws must be hit with a closed clubface

Draws are really good if they start to the right (for righties), agreed? TrackMan shows the clubface is responsible for the launch direction of the ball. For a good draw, the face should be pointed to the right of the target with the club path being further to the right.

When that, along with a centered hit occurs, voila — we have a lovely push draw! This also dispels the myth that the ball launches in the direction of the swing path. Clubface equals launch.

My divots point left so I must be over the top Because divots ideally occur after the collision between face and ball, the club path has a window of opportunity to start arcing back inside the target line. I have seen everything from push fades, to hooks, to push draws from leftward pointing divots. Divots do not tell us as much as we think, because they do not (and should not) occur at the moment of impact.

That ball faded.

I must have cut across it A very important factor in determining shot shape is not only the clubface relative to the club path, but where the ball is struck on the face relative to the sweet spot. For regular golfers, off-center hits occur on more than half the shots hit. Balls hit off the toe of a club will always have a tendency to draw or fade/slice less. Balls hit off the heel will always fade or draw/hook less. Even one dimple on either side of the sweet spot will make a difference. This means it is possible to swing for a draw and hit/strike for a fade.

hiltonhead.golfersguide.com

GG_0712_94-96_HotNotGolfTipsPlayerTracker.indd 94

6/22/12 4:26:56 PM

Landings_0712_GG.indd 95

6/22/12 3:30:02 PM

Golf Tips

con t

My instructor showed me my swing path on video Ehh … no! Trust me on this one. What you see on video is a two-dimensional version of a three-dimensional event. You would have to be aware of your attack angle, and that’s not possible with video. On video you will see the direction you are swinging in relation to the target, but there is no way to know your club path (which is what creates a good portion of ball flight).

An drew R ice, the director of instruction at Berkeley Hall, has written a book titled, “It’s All About Impact.” The goal of the book is to help golfers strike the ball like never before without completely revamping their swings.

Both hardcover and eBook editions are available. Find more information online at www.andrewricegolf.com.

Hitting down creates more backspin Spin is created by many factors, but a steeply descending blow on its own will not alter the spin rate. When a golfer hits down aggressively they also reduce the loft on the clubface. A lesser lofted face will do nothing to increase backspin.

Draws are much longer and spin less than fades This is a good one! With everything else kept the same, a ball that spins on a left-leaning axis has no reason to go further than a ball with a right-leaning spin axis. Now, keep in mind, it’s very difficult to keep everything the same (thus draws tend to be longer), but in a controlled environment, both shots go the same distance. Just be aware that a properly struck fade will most often go just as far as its draw-side counterpart.

And while it’s not a myth, even though PGA Tour golfers average out with a downward attack angle on the driver, TrackMan has more than done its share to prove how maximum efficiency and distance can be achieved by hitting up on the ball with the driver. Thanks for reading and feel free to share your newfound knowledge with your foursome.

Andrew Rice is the director of instruction at Berkeley Hall in Bluffton. He is one of only 11 TrackMan Masters in the world. He can be contacted at andrew@andrewricegolf.com. For more from Andrew visit his website at www.andrewricegolf.com 96

hiltonhead.golfersguide.com

GG_0712_94-96_HotNotGolfTipsPlayerTracker.indd 96

P R OS w i t h L o c a l

ties

MAR K AN DER SON Current tour: PGA Tour Local connection: Beaufort resident; golf professional at Secession Golf Club in Beaufort Birthdate: Feb. 14, 1986 Amateur wins: 2003 South Carolina Junior Amateur, 2008 Players Amateur, 2009 Master of the Amateurs Turned professional: 2009 Professional wins: None 2012 scoring average: 71.63 (PGA Tour) Career money won: $301,125

SON G-HEE KIM Current tour: LPGA Tour Local connection: Former Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy student Birthdate: July 16, 1988 Turned professional: 2006 Futures Tour wins: 2006 Louisiana Pelican Classic, 2006 IOS Golf Classic, 2006 Aurora Health Care Championship, 2006 Futures Golf Classic, 2006 Gettysburg Championship 2012 scoring average: 76.9 (LPGA Tour) Career money won: $3,661,520

KRI S BLAN KS Current tour: PGA Tour Local connection: Former Bluffton resident; wife Tami was golf pro at Sea Pines Country Club Birthdate: Nov. 3, 1972 Amateur wins: None Turned professional: 1995 Nationwide Tour wins: 2008 Bank of America Open 2012 scoring average: 71.71 (PGA Tour) Career money won: $3,131,978

SHAN SHAN FEN G Current tour: LPGA Tour Local connection: Former Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy student Birthdate: Aug. 5, 1989 Turned professional: 2007 LPGA Tour wins: 2012 LPGA Championship Ladies European Tour wins: 2012 WL Championship 2012 scoring average: 70.84 (LPGA Tour) Career money won: $1,908,567

BRI AN HAR MAN Current tour: PGA Tour Local connection: Former Savannah resident; graduate of Savannah Christian Preparatory School Birthdate: Jan. 19, 1987 Amateur wins: 2003 U.S. Junior Amateur, 2005 Players Amateur, 2005 Georgia Amateur, 2007 Porter Cup, 2009 Dogwood Invitational Turned professional: 2009 eGolf Tour wins: 2010 Manor Classic 2012 scoring average: 71.69 (PGA Tour) Career money won: $473,018

IN -KYUN G KIM Current tour: LPGA Tour Local connection: Former Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy student Birthdate: June 13, 1988 Amateur wins: 2005 Hargray Junior Classic, 2005 U.S. Girls Junior, 2005 U.S. Women’s Amateur Turned professional: 2006 LPGA Tour wins: 2008 Longs Drugs Challenge, 2009 LPGA SF Classic, 2010 Lorena Ochoa Invitational 2012 scoring average: 71.59 (LPGA Tour) Career money won: $4,858,014

KYLE STAN LEY Current tour: PGA Tour Local connection: Bluffton resident; touring professional for Berkeley Hall Golf Club in Bluffton Birthdate: Nov. 19, 1987 Amateur wins: 2004 Boys Junior Americas Cup, 2004 Hargray Junior Invitational, 2005 HP Boys Championship, 2005 MCI Junior Heritage, 2006 Sahalee Players Championship, 2006 Southern Amateur, 2008 Southern Amateur, 2009 Jones Cup Invitational.

Turned professional: 2009 PGA Tour wins: 2012 Waste Management Phoenix Open 2012 scoring average: 71.15 (PGA Tour) Career money won: $3,720,999

D.J. TR AHAN Current tour: PGA Tour Local connection: Former Hilton Head Island resident Birthdate: Dec. 18, 1980 Amateur wins: 2000 U.S. Amateur Public Links, 2001 Jones Cup Invitational, 2002 Azalea Invitational, 2000 Las Vegas Intercollegiate, 2001 Carpet Classic, 2002 NCAA East Regional, 2003 Mercedes-Benz Intercollegiate Turned professional: 2003 Nationwide Tour wins: 2004 Miccosukee Champ.

PGA Tour wins: 2006 Southern Farm Bureau Classic, 2008 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic 2012 scoring average: 72.47 (PGA Tour) Career money won: $8,968,408

REI LLEY R AN KIN Current tour: LPGA Tour Local connection: Hilton Head Island resident; graduate of Hilton Head Island High School Birthdate: April 17, 1979 Amateur wins: Won four consecutive collegiate tournaments in 1998 Turned professional: 2001 Futures Tour wins: 2003 Northwest Indiana Futures Golf Classic, 2003 Betty Puskar Futures Golf Classic 2012 scoring average: 73.86 (LPGA Tour) Career money won: $1,278,472

MARI AJO URI BE Current tour: LPGA Tour Local connection: Former Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy student Birthdate: Feb. 27, 1990 Amateur wins: 2007 U.S. Women’s Amateur Turned professional: 2009 LPGA Tour wins: 2011 HSBC Brazil Cup (unofficial event) 2012 scoring average: 71.71 (LPGA Tour) Career money won: $272,738 All money and statistics as of press time

6/22/12 4:27:17 PM

Dataw_0712_GG.indd 97

6/22/12 3:28:58 PM

C O U R S E S Y O U C A N P L AY Country Club of Hilton Head 70 Skull Creek Drive, Hilton Head Island hiltonheadclub.com 843-681-4653 July 1 rates: $89 morning; $69 after 11 a.m.; $49 after 1 p.m.

Crescent Pointe Golf Club 1 Crescent Pointe, Bluffton crescentpointegolf.com 843-706-2600 July 1 rates: $65 morning; $50 afternoon; $35 after 3 p.m.

Eagle’s Point Golf Club 1 Eagle’s Pointe, Bluffton eaglespointegolf.com 843-757-5900 July 1 rates: $65 morning; $50 afternoon; $35 after 3 p.m.

Golden Bear at Indigo Run 72 Golden Bear Way, Hilton Head Island www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/Golden-Bear-GolfClub-at-Indigo-Run 843-689-2200 July 1 rates: $69 morning; $59 afternoon; $29 after 4:30 p.m.

Hampton Hall 170 Hampton Hall Blvd., Bluffton hamptonhallsc.com 843-815-8720 July 1 rates: $65 morning; $55 afternoon Harbour Town Golf Links 11 Lighthouse Lane, Hilton Head Island seapines.com 843-363-8385 July 1 rates: $209 morning; $209 after 11 a.m.; $159 after 2 p.m.

Heron Point By Pete Dye 32 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island seapines.com 843-842-1477 July 1 rates: $109 morning; $79 after 11 a.m.; $59 after 2 p.m.

Hilton Head Lakes 2005 Wiregrass Way, Hardeeville hiltonheadlakes.com 843-208-5353 July 1 rates: $45 morning; $40 afternoon; $30 after 2 p.m.

Hilton Head National Golf Club 60 Hilton Head National Drive, Hilton Head Island golfhiltonheadnational.com 843-842-5900 July 1 rates: $74 morning; $64 after 11 a.m.; $53 after 1 p.m.; $46 after 3 p.m.

Island West Golf Club 40 Island West Drive, Bluffton islandwestgolf.net 843-815-6660 July 1 rates: $33 morning; $25 afternoon; $17 after 3 p.m.

Lady’s Island Country Club 139 Francis Marion Circle, Beaufort ladysislandcc.com 843-524-3635 July 1 rates: $35 morning; $25 afternoon Old Carolina Golf Club (9 holes) 89 Old Carolina Road, Bluffton www.oldcarolinagc.com 843-757-8311 July 1 rates: $16 before 9 a.m.; $20 after 9 a.m.; $16 after 4 p.m.

Old South Golf Links 50 Buckingham Plantation Drive, Bluffton oldsouthgolf.com 843-785-5353 July 1 rates: $75 morning; $60 afternoon Oyster Reef Golf Club 155 High Bluff Road, Hilton Head Island oysterreefgolfclub.com 843-681-1764 July 1 rates: $100 morning; $80 after 11 a.m.; $69 after 1 p.m.; $40 after 3 p.m.

98

Palmetto Dunes Arthur Hills Course 2 Leamington Lane, Hilton Head Island palmettodunes.com 843-785-1138 July 1 rates: $95 morning; $79 after 11 a.m.; $65 after 1 p.m.

Palmetto Dunes George Fazio Course 2 Carnoustie, Hilton Head Island palmettodunes.com 843-785-1138 July 1 rates: $89 morning; $69 after 11 a.m.; $59 after 1 p.m.

Palmetto Dunes Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course 7 Trent Jones Lane, Hilton Head Island palmettodunes.com 843-785-1138 July 1 rates: $119 morning; $89 after 11 a.m.; $75 after 1 p.m.

Palmetto Hall Plantation Arthur Hills and Robert Cupp courses 108 Fort Howell Drive, Hilton Head Island palmettohallgolf.com 843-342-2582 July 1 rates: $86 morning; $68 after 1 p.m.; $40 after 3 p.m.

Pinecrest Golf Club 1 Pinecrest Way, Bluffton pinecrestsc.com 843-757-8960 July 1 rates: $35 morning; $28 afternoon; $20 after 3 p.m.

Pintail Creek Golf Club 261 Pin Tail Creek Drive, Hardeeville 843-784-2426 July 1 rates: $26 morning; $22 after 2 p.m.

Port Royal Golf Club Planter’s Row, Robber’s Row and Barony Courses 10 Clubhouse Drive, Hilton Head Island portroyalgolfclub.com 843-681-1700 July 1 rates: $90 morning; $70 after 11 a.m.; $63 after 1 p.m.

Rose Hill Golf Club 4 Clubhouse Drive, Bluffton golfrosehill.com 843-757-9030 July 1 rates: $35 morning; $29 after 11 a.m.; $19 after 3 p.m.

Sanctuary at Cat Island 8 Waveland Avenue, Beaufort sanctuarygolfcatisland.com 843-524-0300 July 1 rates: $40 morning; $24 after 4 p.m.

Shipyard Golf Club Brigantine, Clipper and Galleon Courses 45 Shipyard Drive, Hilton Head Island shipyardgolfclub.com 843-686-8802 July 1 rates: $90 morning; $70 after 11 a.m.; $63 after 1 p.m.

Sea Pines Ocean Course 100 N. Sea Pines Drive, Hilton Head Island seapines.com 843-842-1477 July 1 rates: $99 morning; $79 after 11 a.m.; $59 after 2 p.m.

Sun City - Argent Lakes (12 holes) 1291 Sergeant William Jasper Blvd.

843-645-0507 July 1 rates: $20 morning; $18 afternoon Sun City - Hidden Cypress 672 Cypress Hills Drive, Bluffton 843-705-4999 July 1 rates: $51 morning; $46 afternoon Sun City - Okatie Creek 60 Sun City Club Lane, Bluffton 843-705-4653 July 1 rates: $51 morning; $46 afternoon Rates are subject to change without notice.

Contact the course to confirm rates.

hiltonhead.golfersguide.com

GG_0712_98_CourseDirectory.indd 98

6/22/12 4:25:40 PM

News Course Info and More!

Receive exciting golf information delivered to your inbox including golf course feature articles, local golf news and events, video golf Instruction and golf vacation feature articles. The Golfer’s Guide Newsletter is sent twice a month from GolfersGuide.com.

Golfer’sGuide

Golf’s Most Trusted Retailer Best Selection of Premium Golf Equipment, Apparel & Shoes State-of-the-Art Simulators, Launch Monitors & Hitting Bays Club Repair Specialists & Performance Fitting Experts Worldwide Delivery

Bluffton, SC 1 Buckingham Plantation Dr. • 843.837.3399 edwinwattsgolf.com us 800.874.0146 | int 850.244.2066

EdwinWatts_single_HHI_12.2.indd 99

6/22/12 3:27:43 PM