GOLFER’S GUIDE SUPPLEMENT OF HILTON HEAD MONTHLY
AUGUST 2012 www.golfersguide.com/hilton-head-island
K I AWA H I S L A N D P R E S E N T S
Glory’s Last Shot South Carolina gets its first major as the PGA Championship rolls into the Lowcountry | p 112
PHIL MICKELSON
TIGER WOODS
RICKIE FOWLER
Wexford Plantation to host Hilton Head Open | p 116
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What’s hot & what’s not | p 118
HHI Celebrity Golf | p 120
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OCEAN COURSE
PGA CHAMPIONSHIP PITS WORLD’S BEST GOLFERS AGAINST AMERICA’S TOUGHEST COURSE
Respect the
OCEAN COURSE 18TH HOLE: PHOTO COURTESY OF KIAWAH ISLAND RESORT
Ocean SEA MONSTER: The Ocean Course recently registered at No. 1 on Golf Digest's list of the 75 toughest courses in the United States.
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by Lance Hanlin
HE OCEAN COURSE ON KIAWAH ISLAND WAS ALWAYS DESTINED FOR GREATNESS. ARCHITECT PETE DYE REMEMBERS MEETING ON A GRASSY DUNE WITH PGA OFFICIALS ON THE EASTERN TIP OF THE ISLAND BACK IN THE LATE 1980S.
“We were all standing there and one of them says, ‘This is where we’re going to have the Ryder Cup,’” Dye recalls. “I hadn’t even broken ground yet.” Dye held up his end of the bargain, designing a layout for the ages. After opening in 1991, the Ocean Course gained instant notoriety by hosting the dramatic “War on the Shore” Ryder Cup matches. Competitors on both sides agreed. With 10 holes right on the Atlantic Ocean, the course was beautiful. It was also brutally tough to play. “When we played there in 1991, it was the most difficult course I’d ever seen or played,” U.S. team captain Dave Stockton said. 112
In January, Golf Digest magazine ranked the course No. 1 on its list of the 75 toughest courses in the United States. It creates an interesting scenario Aug. 9-12 as the world’s best golfers come to the Ocean Course for “Glory’s Last Shot,” also known as the 94th PGA Championship. The most talked about thing at the tournament may not be Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson or Rickie Fowler. It could be the wind. “If the wind blows, I think the winning score could be over par,” said Keegan Bradley, who won last year’s PGA Championship on a much tamer Atlanta Athletic Club track. “I think you’re going to need to
THE 2012 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP WHAT The 94th PGA Championship golf tournament (national event) WHEN/WHERE Aug. 9-12, Ocean Course, Kiawah Island Resort TV SCHEDULE Aug. 9-10, 1-7 p.m., TNT; Aug. 11-12, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., TNT; Aug. 1112, 2 p.m.-7 p.m., CBS GROUNDS TICKETS Monday-Wednesday, $45; Thursday, $110; Friday-Sunday, sold out; Championship Round Ticket Package (Thursday-Sunday), $500 MORE INFORMATION Go online to www.pga.com/pgachampionship
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KIAWAH GOLF CELEBRATED IN NEW BOOK
OCEAN COURSE
be an all-around good player. It’s going to take every ounce of your game.” The strong winds are a by-product of the course design. With 10 holes on the ocean and the other eight running parallel to them, the course has the most seaside holes in the North America. The original design called for some protection from the dunes but Dye’s wife, Alice, brought up a good point. Why build a golf course next to the ocean if you can’t see the water? Pete agreed. He built up each fairway at least six feet, allowing for unobstructed ocean views on nearly every hole. The improved views opened up the course to the area’s unpredictable sea breezes. To help combat the wind, Dye built several tee boxes on each hole, allowing for dramatic changes in length. The world’s best will play the course at a mind-numbing 7606 yards, the longest of any major championship. The tees are so far back, they’re not even marked during normal play. “I can’t honestly tell you what possessed me to put those tees back there,” Dye said. “I thought nobody would ever use them. They didn’t use them for the Ryder Cup. I talked to Kerry Haigh (PGA managing director of tournaments) and he said they are going to use almost all of them (for the PGA Championship).” The tournament marks the first time one of golf’s four major tournaments
has been played in South Carolina. The Ocean Course is just the fifth site in history to host each of the PGA of America’s major championships – the Ryder Cup (1991), the Senior PGA Championship (2007) and now the PGA Championship. “We have the opportunity to be the state’s largest sporting event, ever,” said Brett Sterba, championship director for the PGA Championship. “We're hoping to put on an event where 20 years later, they’re saying, ‘Remember that PGA Championship in 2012? That blew away the Ryder Cup in 1991.’ We're looking for the chance to be that next story.” The final major of the season has been a hot seller, one of the most sought-after tickets in PGA Championship history. Saturday ground tickets originally sold out in December of 2010 during the first ticket sale opportunity. Friday and Sunday ground tickets and weeklong Wanamaker Club passes sold out on the second opportunity in August of 2011. The final opportunity to purchase tickets was June 18. The PGA of America is capping the number of attendees to less than 30,000 each day to ensure an enjoyable gallery experience. The College of Charleston’s School of Business estimates the 94th PGA Championship will generate an overall economic impact of $193 million for South Carolina. G
SAFE TRAVELS More than 210,000 spectators are expected to attend the 94th PGA Championship, set for Aug. 9-12 on Kiawah Island. If you are one of those spectators, traffic and safety officials have asked that you use one of the following travel routes: ORANGE ROUTE: Traffic traveling northbound or eastbound from outside the Charleston area (Savannah, Hilton Head Island, Columbia, I-95) use U.S. Highway 17. Turn onto Main Road, which becomes Bohicket Road and follow signage to PGA Public Parking. GREEN ROUTE: Traffic traveling from all areas north of Kiawah (James Island, Charleston, Mount Pleasant) use Maybank Highway. Turn left onto River Road. Turn left onto Betsy Kerrison Parkway and follow signage to PGA Public Parking.
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On the sun-drenched South Carolina coast, just 45 minutes from the enchanting city of Charleston, lies one of the nation’s most beloved barrier islands — a dazzling, miles-long beach; deep green foliage; massive, centuries-old hardwoods; sparkling marshland leading to the horizon; a dizzying array of birdlife amidst all manner of flora and fauna. And then there’s the golf. Kiawah first came to the public’s consciousness back in 1991, when its bellwether Ocean Course served as host venue for the Ryder Cup matches, still remembered as among the most thrilling golf competitions ever played. Now, a generation later, Kiawah and the Ocean Course return to the spotlight as the host of the 2012 PGA Championship, the first major championship to ever be contested in the golfmad, golf-rich state of South Carolina. Veteran golf and travel writer Joel Zuckerman shines the spotlight not only on the incredible Ocean Course but also on the remaining quartet of wonderful courses at the Kiawah Resort and the pair of aces at the Kiawah Island Club, among others. Beginning with the history of the island itself through the centuries, Zuckerman provides the whole story of golf on Kiawah, from the groundbreaking Ryder Cup that first raised Kiawah’s profile among golf fans the world over to the 2012 PGA Championship. The history of the club and the courses is further bolstered with profiles of some of Kiawah’s most significant individuals, among the most celebrated names in golf. Kiawah Golf is a must-read for anyone who loves Kiawah or loves golf — and truly, don’t the two go hand in hand? Kiawah Golf: The Game’s Elegant Island retails for $34.99 throughout South Carolina and is available online at www.historypress.net.
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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 SUE BOUGHTON had a hole-in-one July 8 on the No. 14 hole at the Country Club of Hilton Head. BILL HENGEMUHLE had a hole-inone April 14 on the No. 17 hole of the South Course at Moss Creek Golf Club. Hengemuhle used a pitching wedge. GRADY HORTON had a hole-in-one May 12 on the No. 2 hole at Bear Creek Golf Club. He used a 9-iron. JOHN HUNT had a hole-in-one June 30 on the No. 17 hole at Okatie Creek Golf Club. He hit the shot with an 8-iron. DON JOHNSON had a hole-inone April 1 on the No. 13 hole at Sanctuary Golf Club. Johnson used a 7-iron. ERIC JOHNSON had a hole-in-one April 7 on the No. 4 hole at Palmetto Hall Golf Club. Johnson used a 6-iron. JERRY KELLY had a hole-in-one April 7 on the No. 8 hole at Okatie Creek Golf Club. Kelly used a pitching wedge. RON LEIBEL had a hole-in-one July 7 on the No. 17 hole at Hidden Cypress Golf Club. Leibel sand the 102-yard shot using a 7-iron.
DAN MCCORMICK had a hole-in-one April 23 on the No. 11th hole of the Ocean Point Course at Fripp Island Resort. LYNN MCPHEETERS had a hole-inone May 22 on the No. 7 hole of the North Course at Moss Creek Golf Club. ERMA MORISSETTE had a hole-inone June 5 on the No. 17 hole at Okatie Creek Golf Club. Morissette sank the 102-yard shot using a 7-iron. LOIS MULHOLLAND had a hole-inone May 24 on the No. 8 hole at Argent Lakes Golf Course. Mulholland used a 6-iron. LARRY NELSON had a hole-in-one April 9 on the No. 7 hole at Hidden Cypress Golf Club. He used a 4-hybrid club. PATSY REINSCH had a hole-in-one May 2 on the No. 8 hole at Bear Creek Golf Club. Reinsch used a 6-hybrid. MIKE RIDDLE had a hole-in-one June 22 on the 162-yard No. 4 hole at Hilton Head National. LEE ROSENBERG had a hole-in-one April 19 on the No. 8 hole at Bear Creek Golf Club.
KAY MATSON had a hole-in-one on July 12 at Okatie Creek Golf Club. Matson sank the 102-yard shot using a 5-wood.
ROGER SCHEER had a hole-in-one April 29 on the No. 7 hole of the South Course at Moss Creek Golf Club.
DICK MALES had a hole-in-one June 22 on the No. 14 hole at Bear Creek Golf Club. Males used an 8-iron.
GRAHAM SILCOX had a hole-in-one May 14 on the No. 17 hole of the North Course at Moss Creek. August 2012
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H I LT O N H E A D O P E N
The King and his course HILTON HEAD OPEN GIVES LOCAL GOLFERS A CHANCE TO PLAY ARNOLD PALMER’S LATEST DESIGN by Lance Hanlin
HIDDEN GEM: Thanks to its exclusivity, less than 40 rounds are played each day on the Wexford Plantation course.
PHOTO COURTESY OF WEXFORD PLANTATION
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RNOLD PALMER HELPED PUT HILTON HEAD ISLAND GOLF ON THE MAP BACK IN 1969. BY WINNING THE FIRST HERITAGE CLASSIC AT BRAND-NEW HARBOUR TOWN GOLF LINKS, “THE KING” BROUGHT NATIONWIDE ATTENTION AND CREDIBILITY TO THE LOCAL SCENE.
Palmer returned to Hilton Head last year to unveil his latest contribution to Lowcountry golf – his signature course at Wexford Plantation. The Arnold Palmer Design Company stylishly renovated the original layout of Willard Byrd, repositioning tee complexes, eliminating a number of bunkers, removing trees to widen some fairways and upgrading all of the greens. “We hope the strategy, options and variety of play challenge your intellect and your personal game,” Palmer said during the grand reopening on Oct. 20, a day Hilton Head Island mayor Drew Laughlin dubbed, “Arnold Palmer Day.” This month, the top amateur and professional golfers from Hilton Head Island and the surrounding area 116
will get a chance to play Palmer’s course when Wexford Plantation hosts the 38th annual Hilton Head Open. The 36-hole individual medal play tournament is set for Aug. 4-5. “(The Hilton Head Open) absolutely draws the best golfers from the area,” first-year tournament director Tom Logue said. “With the new renovation that happened, I think everybody is looking forward to playing it.” Course architects put an emphasis on classic design, turning back the clock with smaller greens and bunkers. They also produced modern interpretations of several classic designs, such as the Road Hole green, the Redan hole, the Alps hole and the Biarritz green.
2012 HILTON HEAD OPEN WHAT The 38th annual Hilton Head Open golf tournament (local event) WHEN/WHERE Aug. 4-5, Wexford Plantation, Hilton Head Island SCHEDULE Aug. 4, first round, 8 a.m.; Aug. 5, second round, 8 a.m. PURSE $6,000 (est.) ADMISSION Free MORE INFORMATION Go online to www.hhipga.com
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HILTON HEAD OPEN CHAMPIONS (Year, Champion, Tournament Site) 2011, Jordan Pomaranz, Hampton Hall 2010, Mark Tomedolskey, Wexford 2009, Colby Wilson, Hampton Hall 2008, Adam Lescalleet, Palmetto Hall 2007, Keith Bach, Hampton Hall 2006, Scott Hunter, Hampton Hall 2005, Scott Hunter, Hampton Hall 2004, Clink Avret, Port Royal 2003, Koll Farman, Port Royal 2002, Eric Kennedy, Palmetto Hall 2001, Don Taylor, Palmetto Hall 2000, Clint Avery, Palmetto Hall 1999, Kevin Hodes, Indigo Run 1998, Tom Iredell, Indigo Run 1997, Kevin King, Indigo Run 1996, Jason Vance, Indigo Run 1995, Terry Lanning, Indigo Run 1994, Bob Boyd, Indigo Run
1993, Drew Butler, Indigo Run 1992, Bob Boyd, Hampton Hall 1991, Gary Duren, Shipyard 1990, Eric Landfried, Hilton Head National 1989, John Richardson, Palmetto Dunes 1988, Doug Vinsett, Wexford 1987, Eric Landfield, Moss Creek 1986, Ron Cerrudo, CC of Hilton Head 1985, Gary Duren, Shipyard 1984, Chip Pellewrin, Port Royal 1983, Drew Butler, Oyster Reef 1982, Ron Cerrudo, Sea Pines 1981, Danny Gourley, Moss Creek 1980, Gary Duren, Palmetto Dunes 1979, Joey Kaney, Port Royal 1978, Check Matlack, Dolphin Head 1977, Blake Watt, Moss Creek 1976, Doug Schreyer, Moss Creek 1975, Bill Smunk, Shipyard
“(Wexford) allowed us to put in some greens that have a little more slope than we would normally do,” lead designer Brandon Johnson said. “There’s no way you can build a Biarritz green with a six-inch swale in the middle. There are some considerable undulations out there. I think that makes it very fun and it keeps the course interesting for members who play it day-to-day.” A premium is placed on playing the correct side of the fairway. The par 4 first hole is a textbook example. A fairway bunker on the right directs the correct path. Landing on the left side will result in a poor angle to the green, especially on a left pin. The same type of thing happens on the par 5 eighth hole. A drive down the left side opens up the green. Just watch out for cross bunkers in the second and third landing areas. Thanks to its exclusivity, less than 40 rounds are played on the course each day. Director of golf Scott Hunter says feedback from his members has been positive. “People like the new course much better than the old one,” Hunter said. “The old course was tight and extremely penalizing, especially off the tee. It was kind of long and boring. Now it’s much more user-friendly. It’s more pleasing to the eye and has some very unique characteristics.” Hunter will have home-course advantage in this year’s Hilton Head Open. He won the tournament in 2005 and 2006 and is the only back-toback champion in the 37 years of the event. Another favorite in the field is David Rogers out of Secession Golf Club. The 2011 HHIPGA Player of the Year has been dominant this year since switching back to his old putter, winning the chapter’s One Day Assistants Championship and Professionals Championship. “I just need to do what I know I can do: Drive the ball straight, hit my irons well and make my share of putts,” Roger said. “The main thing I have to do is have fun. The results will take care of themselves.” Other contenders are Colleton River’s Matt Lucchesi, Cherokee Plantation’s Mark Tomedolskey, Oldfield’s Doyle Ricks, Old South’s Pete Popovich and amateur Jeff Wong. Flights are broken into professional, amateur and senior divisions but the overall champion can come from any flight. The professional purse is expected to be around $6,000. Amateurs will compete for Wexford gift certificates. Last year’s champion, Jordan Pomeranz, will not be back to defend his title. The former caddie at May River Golf Club is currently earning his stripes on the eGolf Tour. G August 2012
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H I LT O N H E A D O P E N
WHAT’S
MEET THE CONTENDERS The 38th annual Hilton Head Open is set for Aug. 4-5 at Wexford Plantation. Here are four golfers that can win it:
HOT WHAT’S
NOT THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY OF GOLF
| HOT | Tickets to the PGA Championship
Belly putters
Celebrity golf tournaments that promote children’s charities. Thanks Hilton Head Island Celebrity Golf Tournament! Titleist 913D2 and 913D3 drivers
Playing Captain and Crew format 118
| NOT | Photo radar speeding tickets by mail
Showing belly
Celebrity reality TV shows that promote the transmission of Hep-C. No thanks Tommy Lee!
Lost Ohio drivers
Watching captain and crew on Deep Space Nine
MATT LUCCHESI Club: Colleton River Plantation Club Height: 5-11 Weight: 180 Birthday: July 22, 1971 College: Middle Tennessee State University Turned Pro: 1995 Birthplace: Cumberland, R.I. Residence: Bluffton Amateur Highlights: Participant in Northeast Amateur, Monroe Invitational, Western Amateur Professional Highlights: 1996 NGA Hooters Tour member, 2002 South Florida Section Assistant Apprentice Champion, 2006 South Florida PGA Chapter Pro-Assistant Champion, 2010 Hilton Head PGA Chapter Match Play Champion Quotable: “I am looking forward to playing Wexford. I expect it to play difficult as I have heard the course has become more demanding since the renovation. … I anticipate the (Hilton Head Open) field to be strong. We have some great players in the area both amateur and professional.”
DAVID ROGERS Club: Secession Height: 5-11 Weight: 178 Birthday: Oct. 16, 1984 College: Spartanburg Methodist/ San Diego Golf Academy Turned Pro: 2007 Birthplace: Spartanburg Residence: Bluffton Professional Highlights: 2010 North Carolina Open Champion, 2010 HHIPGA Professionals Champion, 2010 HHIPGA Player of the Year, 2011 HHIPGA Professionals Champion, 2011 HHIPGA One Day Assistants Champion, 2011 HHIPGA Assistants Champion, 2011 HHIPGA Player of the Year, 2012 HHIPGA One Day Assistants Champion, 2012 HHIPGA Professionals Champion Quotable: “I feel it’s a pretty big tournament because it’s the only ‘open’ event that we have here in the area where anyone can play. Also, it has been popular for years and the HHIPGA and the HHIAGA do an outstanding job coordinating it.”
PETE POPOVICH Club: Golf Performance Academy at Old South Golf Links Height: 6-5 Weight: 215 Birthday: Oct. 2, 1972 College: Ferris State University Turned Pro:1996 Birthplace: Chicago Residence: Bluffton Amateur Highlights: Various smaller regional events Professional Highlights: 2001 HHIPGA Match Play champion, numerous top finishes in area events, Carolinas Section events and mini tours. Quotable: “I think it’s a great course that will produce a worthy champion. … With the new greens and more pin placements, it can be set up like a U.S. Open and even par could win. If it’s set up a bit more generous, under par will win.”
JEFF WONG Club: Pinecrest Height: 5-9 Weight: 175 Birthday: March 31, 1975 College: Utah State University Turned Pro: N/A (still amateur) Birthplace: Jerome, Idaho Residence: Bluffton Amateur Highlights: 2010 Hilton Head Amateur - 2nd, 2010 Hilton Head Open Amateur Champion; 2010 State Mid-Am – T11, 2011 HHIAGA Match Play Champion, 2011 HHIAGA Fourball Champion; 2011 State Mid-Am, T11 Quotable: “Wexford’s course won’t give up a lot of birdies. Steady play and good ball striking will give any player the chance to compete. You can’t force or overpower this course and you have to take advantage of opportunities when they are presented to you. Also, it never hurts to have a hot putter!”
FIND MORE COVERAGE ONLINE Want to read more about the Hilton Head Open? Go to our new website www.golfersguide.com/hilton-head-island
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NEWS & NOTES Local teacher qualifies for US Amateur Hilton Head Island teacher Todd White, 44, earned a spot in the U.S. Amateur Championship, set for Aug. 13-19 in Cherry Hills Village, Colo. White fired a 72-69 – 141 to finish first in a local qualifier held July 16-17 at Colleton River Plantation. The top five finishers qualified for the event. Former USC Beaufort golfer Luke McClellan is a second alternate.
Hoft wins HHIAGA 1-Day Tournament J.D. Hoft fired a 71 to win the Hilton Head Island Amateur Golf Association 1-Day Tournament on July 15 at Callawassie. Keith Potts came in second with a 73 followed by Terry Lanning with a 75. Scott Berkner won the handicap division with a 70. Chris Morris and J.R. Evans tied for first in the senior division with 76s.
Sanctuary GC hosting Lt. Dan Classic The third annual Lt. Dan Classic golf tournament will take place at 11 a.m. on Sept. 14 at Sanctuary Golf Club on Cat Island. The cost of the four-person scramble is $80 per person before Aug. 14 and $100 after. Golfers may enter individually or as a team. The event is part of the third annual Lt. Dan Weekend to benefit severely injured veterans in Beaufort. Other events include a concert featuring Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band, a 5K and a bike ride. For more information, call 843-3798877 or go online to www.ltdanweek.com. SINISE
Australian wins Players Am
NISBET
It wasn't the finish DANIEL NISBET envisioned, but the 21-year-old Australian enjoyed the perks of winning the 13th annual Players Amateur just the same, claiming the title after the final round was cut short because of storms on July 15 at Berkeley Hall Club. With the tournament shortened to 54 holes, Nisbet won with a 205, one stroke better than secondplace finisher Bobby Wyatt.
Rogers wins HHIPGA tournaments David Rogers of Secession Golf Club won his third straight title in the Hilton Head Island PGA Chapter’s Professional’s Championship on June 26 at Hilton Head Lakes. Rogers fired a 135, beating Mark Tomedolskey (137) by two strokes. On June 18, Rogers won the HHIPGA’s 1-Day Assistants Championship by three strokes at Old South Golf Links. Nicholas Coursey was second at 71, followed by Charles Fox Jr. in third with a 72.
Rees Jones event returning to Haig Point The 2012 Rees Jones Collegiate Invitational men's golf tournament will return Oct. 1-2 at Haig Point Club on Daufuskie Island. Teams in the field are defending champion Kennesaw State, South Carolina, Charleston Southern, East Carolina, Francis Marion, Iowa State, Liberty, Presbyterian, Tennessee Tech, UNC-Charlotte, UNC-Wilmington and Winthrop.
August 2012
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HHI CELEBRITY GOLF
Swinging with the Stars HILTON HEAD ISLAND CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNAMENT RETURNS THIS LABOR DAY WEEKEND by Lance Hanlin THE DATE WAS JAN. 24, 1982. THE LOCATION WAS THE PONTIAC SILVERDOME. THE EVENT WAS SUPER BOWL XVI.
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fter the San Francisco 49ers fumbled the opening kickoff, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson advanced his team deep inside 49ers territory. On 3rd-andgoal, with more than 85 million viewers watching, San Francisco defensive back Dwight Hicks quickly flipped the momentum of the game by intercepting an Anderson pass. The turnover led to an early San Francisco touchdown and what would become the first of many Super Bowl victories for the legendary franchise. “They say the team that scores first has the best chance of winning,” said Anderson, who moved to Hilton Head Island full-time in 2009. “It was such a big game for both teams. We were both 4-12 the year before and both went 12-4 the next year and met in the Super Bowl. We were both big underdogs. Bill Walsh was the coach of the 49ers. He was my first quarterback coach in Cincinnati. There were just a lot of connections there.” Anderson will reconnect with a bit of that past this Labor Day Weekend. Both he and Hicks are among the celebrities featured in the 2012 Hilton Head Island Celebrity Golf Tournament, set for Aug. 31 through Sept. 2 at three area golf courses. Golfers can enjoy three days of golf with a different celebrity each day on the Robert Trent Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes (Friday, Aug. 31),
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HHI CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNEY WHAT 32nd Hilton Head Island Celebrity Golf Tournament WHEN 9 a.m., Aug. 31-Sept. 2 WHERE Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course at Palmetto Dunes Resort (Friday, Aug. 31); Dye Course at Colleton River Plantation Club (Saturday, Sept. 1); Harbour Town Golf Links at Sea Pines Resort (Sunday, Sept. 2) COST TO PARTICIPATE $2,500 SPECTATORS $5 donation, per day MORE INFORMATION www.hhcelebritygolf.com
the Dye Course at Colleton River (Saturday, Sept. 1) and Harbour Town Golf Links in Sea Pines (Sunday, Sept. 2). The tournament is a 9 a.m. shotgun start each day with groups of four golfers paired with a celebrity in a shamble format. The cost to participate is $2,500 and includes all three days of golf, all food and beverages and special night events. “It’s a non-stop weekend of golf, entertainment and
amazing food and beverages,” said Carol Kavanaugh, one of the event’s producers. “We have such amazing local support throughout the community with businesses who contribute so much to make the tournament successful and make our guests feel so welcome. It’s all those little touches that make it a tournament not to be missed.” To date, the tournament has raised more than $3.8 million since its start in 1979. The cost for spectators is a $5 donation, per day. “Our celebrities are very approachable,” Kavanaugh said. “People can go up and chat with their sports heroes or their favorite entertainers. They can get autographs and so fourth, as long as they’re not holding up play.” Friday’s round at Palmetto Dunes will be followed by an Oceanside Party and Casino Night at 6 p.m. at the Westin Resort & Spa. Saturday night is the Mortgage Network’s Red Carpet Event, highlighted by celebrity chef Robert Irvine preparing the evening’s courses onstage. That event starts at 6:30 p.m. and will also take place at the Westin. Sunday’s golf at Harbour Town Golf Links will be followed by an awards ceremony catered by Wild Wing Café and sponsored by C9 By Champion. G
PICTURE PERFECT: Rub elbows with a celebrity on one of Hilton Head Island's finest layouts, such as the Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course.
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I N TER V I E W
HHI celebrity Golf
Q&A with Robert Irvine by Lance Hanlin
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f all the celebrities at this year’s Hilton Head Island Celebrity Golf Tournament, chef Robert Irvine may be the easiest to spot. The muscle-bound Brit has become one of the most recognizable hosts on television, thanks to the success of his shows Dinner: Impossible, Restaurant: Impossible, Worst Cooks in America and The Next Iron Chef. Irvine moved to Hilton Head Island in 2007 and owns two restaurants in the area. He took a few minutes from his busy schedule to talk with Golfer’s Guide about his favorite show, his celebrity wife and the upcoming golf tournament, which takes place Labor Day Weekend at Palmetto Dunes (Aug. 31), Colleton River Plantation (Sept. 1) and Sea Pines Resort (Sept. 2).
"We've reached the point in our careers where it's time to give back."
Golfer’s Guide: You are one of the celebrities in the upcoming Hilton Head Island Celebrity Golf Tournament. What made you want to be involved in the event? Robert Irvine: Carol Kavanaugh and their team over there do such an amazing job with kids’ charities. This money helps 20 kids’ charities in the area and kids are our future. The businesses all of us (celebrities) are in have done really well for us. We’ve reached the point in our careers where it’s time to give back. GG: I know you’ve got an extremely busy schedule. How much golf do you play? RI: Twice a year, if I’m lucky. GG: How would you describe yourself as a golfer? RI: I consider myself a funny golfer. I enjoy the game, I enjoy the
camaraderie as we play and I enjoy the end-benefits that we give other people. I laugh an awful lot around the course. GG: What part of the game troubles you the most? RI: I’m good at driving. Probably pitching onto the green I would say. My iron work needs a lot of work. GG: How long have you been involved in the tournament? RI: Three years. It’s a neat golf tournament for me simply because I don’t play a lot of golf and this gives me a chance to hang around with old friends, new friends and do some good stuff. GG: I know you just married (TNA wrestling star) Gail Kim. Is she going to be at the event, too? RI: Yes. She will be there. GG: You met on the set of Dinner: Impossible? August 2012
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DOUG FLYNN Celebrity: Former baseball player Best known for: Infielder the Cincinnati Reds DWIGHT HICKS Celebrity: Former football player Best known for: Defensive back for the San Francisco 49ers ROBERT IRVINE Celebrity: Celebrity chef Best known for: Hosting TV shows Dinner: Impossible, Worst Cooks in America and Restaurant: Impossible ALAN KALTER Celebrity: Television announcer Best known for: Announcing the Late Show with David Letterman ERIK KUSELIAS Celebrity: TV host Best known for: Hosting NBC Sports Talk KIMBERLEY LOCKE Celebrity: Pop singer Best known for: Finalist on 2003 American Idol BEAU MACMILLAN Celebrity: Celebrity chef Best known for: Co-host of Worst Cooks in America, Season 1
RICHARD SCHIFF Celebrity: Actor Best known for: Playing Toby Ziegler on The West Wing REGGIE SMITH Celebrity: Former baseball player Best known for: Outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers HOLLY SONDERS Celebrity: TV host Best known for: Hosting the Golf Channel’s Morning Drive PHIL VARONE Celebrity: Drummer Best known for: Founding member of Saigon Kick TIM WAKEFIELD Celebrity: Former baseball player Best known for: Pitcher for the Boston Red Sox PAUL WILLIAMS Celebrity: Composer Best known for: Composing “Rainbow Connection” from The Muppet Movie BRIAN WORLEY Celebrity: Event planner Best known for: Hosting E!’s “Party Monsters Cabo.”
MARK MALONE MUHSIN MUHAMMAD TOM MOORE
TANIYA NAYAK RICHARD SCHIFF
BOBBY CREMINS Celebrity: Former basketball coach Best known for: Coaching at College of Charleston & Georgia Tech
TANIYA NAYAK Celebrity: Designer Best known for: Design expert member on HGTV’s Designed to Sell
REGGIE SMITH
MARK COLLINS Celebrity: Former football player Best known for: Cornerback for the New York Giants
MUHSIN MUHAMMAD Celebrity: Former football player Best known for: Wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers
HOLLY SONDERS
ZACK CARTER Celebrity: Country music star Best known for: Vocals and keyboard in the band Kingston
TOM MOORE Celebrity: Former football coach Best known for: Offensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts
PHIL VARONE
JOSH CARTER Celebrity: Country music star Best known for: Vocals and guitar in the band Kingston
MARK MALONE Celebrity: Former football player Best known for: Quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers
TIM WAKEFIELD
KEN ANDERSON Celebrity: Former football player Best known for: Quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals
PAUL WILLIAMS
2012 HHI CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNAMENT GUEST LIST
BRIAN WORLEY
KEN ANDERSON JOSH CARTER ZACK CARTER MARK COLLINS BOBBY CREMINS DOUG FLYNN DWIGHT HICKS ROBERT IRVINE ALAN KALTER KIMBERLEY LOCKE ERIK KUSELIAS
RI: Yeah. It was three years ago when I was did a show for the WWE. We married on May 10 at (California’s) Charles Krug Winery. We had an amazing time with Chef (Masaharu) Morimoto and (best man) Guy Fieri. It was a great night. GG: When you two are out together, who draws the most attention? RI: Unfortunately, me. She’s better looking than me, hands down, but the wrestling world is very unique. My show airs in like 240 countries. We were just in Honduras for the Fourth of July and I got stopped if you can believe that. It’s an interesting life, that’s for sure. GG: Do either of you have to put on a disguise when you go out around here? RI: I used to but it’s not worth it anymore. I’m a local now so it doesn’t really matter. GG: With your crazy schedule how much time do you actually spend here? RI: A couple of days a month. GG: Obviously, you can live anywhere in the world. What made you choose Hilton Head Island? RI: I visited many years ago and fell in love with the people, the place, how clean it was and the accessibility of getting from Point A to Point B. You can go to the Hilton Head airport, which I think I have the key to, or you can drive up to Savannah. When you go away and you come back, it’s like you cross the bridge or you come out of the airport and all of a sudden, you are in a different world. All the pressure is gone. It’s just like, ‘Ahhhh.’ GG: I can relate to what you’re saying. Where is your place here? RI: Palmetto Hall. GG: I got you. I wasn’t sure if it was some place like Berkeley Hall. RI: Give me a break. I work for Food Network, man. GG: Of all your shows, which is your favorite? RI: Right now I would say Restaurant: Impossible because we’re actually helping people. We take a family that is broken down and not only fix their restaurant, we help fix their relationships. We just finished our 50th episode and there is a huge, “Where Are They Now?” episode coming out soon. Of the 50 (restaurants), two closed, one was sold and one was repossessed by the tax man. The other 46 are doing gangbusters. It’s really great. G
BEAU MACMILLAN
HHI CELEBRITY GOLF
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ONLINE EXCLUSIVES GOLFERSGUIDE.COM/HILTON-HEAD-ISLAND Hilton Head Island, golf featured in local coloring book
It's important to bend at the knees when lifting this trophy.
Bradley living a dream Winning the PGA Championship last year turned KEEGAN BRADLEY’S life upside down, in a good way. Go to www.golfersguide.com to read about how he’s living out his childhood dreams, both on and off the course.
Instruction with Andrew Rice Over the past decade, all club manufacturers have heavily invested in club fitting and customization. How serious are the club companies about getting you into equipment that fits your game?
ALSO ONLINE AT GOLFERSGUIDE.COM/HILTON-HEAD-ISLAND: Course directory, with rates
Upcoming tournaments, events
Find a listing of all public and private golf courses in the area, along with August greens fees for the courses you can play.
Find out what golf tournaments and events are coming up on Hilton Head Island and in the surrounding area.
A new golf-related local coloring book is on the market. The storybook to color is called, “GOLF?! WHAT’S THAT?” The non-traditional story centers around Hilton Head Island and the world of golf, as seen through the eyes of Santa’s vacationing reindeer.
Wexford layout inspired by classic holes When remodeling the golf course at Wexford Plantation, the Arnold Palmer Design Company was inspired by many of the world’s most famous golf holes. Find out which holes and read about the inspiration behind them.
August 2012
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