Teeing off. Featuring:
The Return of No-Fakin The Legend of Bobby Bray Kennedy Anne Noe – Beating the Odds and Inspiring Golfers
Hole-in-1 Club
myth, and legend. For an inspiring story that will have you walking to the first tee with new found confidence, check out the article on Kennedy Ann Noe — the Jr golfer who is beating the odds off the course and opponents on it.
Billy Webb, 79, scored his 6th hole-in-one Sunday March 17th at Royal Oaks Golf Club on the #16 hole from 110 yards with a 9-iron. The hole is straight uphill so his group did not get to see it find the hole. His first hole-in-one came in 1973 in Berlin, Germany while serving in the military.
Finally, it is my goal to make this magazine about you, the reader. So I am asking for your help on how to make it better, more relevant, and more local. Email me pictures, hole-in-ones, stories from your weekend outing, and personal best scores. I promise that I will do everything I can to get you published. If you see me on the course or in the club house, make sure to stop me and say “hi”; I’ll likely want to grab a picture with you and put it in the next issue.
If you have scored a hole-in-one in the past month or know of a friend you witnessed have a hole-inone contact us at golfnewstn@gmail.com and send a photo if available to be considered for Hole-in-One of the month.
Thanks for reading and supporting our advertisers that make sure that this publication can stay free for you to pick up. Please pass one along to your golf buddies. Have a great round, and I hope to see you on the course soon!
Publisher’s Note
Michael Goldsborough Golfnewstn@gmail.com
H
ere we are in the middle of the 2013 golf season and the weather couldn’t be more unpredictable. Hopefully you are finding time to sneak out whenever the weather breaks during the week. Most courses have completed their spring maintenance and are on their way to looking and playing great. That is one thing you can thank all this rain for — greener fairways and greens.
• 18 Hole Champion Golf Course
You are reading the first issue of The Golf News of Tennessee since 2010. While it might have the same name, you will notice that we have a new look in a glossy magazine format. You’ll also notice a greater focus on the casual golfer and local stories that have made the Knoxville golf community very unique and very special. Lastly, you’ll see technology play a larger part in how our wonderful advertisers can interact with you, our loyal readers. For the most up-to-date information and news, please find us on Facebook and “Like” our page @ facebook. com/golfnewstn
• Call or book on internet for Tee Times • New Bent Grass Putting Green • New Driving Range Visit Our 19th Hole Bar & Grill Open Daily 10 AM – 8 PM
865-984-4260 3705 Legends Way Maryville, TN 37801
royaloaksrealty@gmail.com
In this issue, you’ll want to make sure to read about East Tennessee’s very own Bobby Bray — the man, 2
”Ya Know Wut Elts Makes Me Sic?” by No-Fakin
Y
a know wut elts makes me sic? Well I’ll tell ya, a feller can’t take off a couple year off without folk runnin’ all over the television makin’ fun of us low skilled simple people. Oh yeah, ‘em boys on Duck Dynasty make one little duck caller and get all famous and rich. I got a caller that’s worth millions and nobody ‘ill buy it. It looks like a duck caller but when you blow it, it says, “HIT THE BALL”… yep perfect for using on that feller on the green taking grass samples and walkin’ all the way round the green doin’ a geological survey… It don’t take a science degree to read a green… the best way to know if the ball will fall in the hole is…“HIT THE BALL”.
the rest of the commercial tellin’ ya how dangerous side effects can be with your other organs fallin’ out or you drop dead.. No thanks… So wut if buyin’ a golf club were the same way… Great Super-Red long knocker, but not to be used by “over the top” “inside out” “round house” slicers. Could cause your playin’ buddies to laugh or point at ya. Ok, well that takes care of ‘bout 90% of us… so your Super-Red long knocker ain’t helpin’ me at all… Might be better to see a PGA pro and see wut ya got cookin’ with your swang ‘fore ya buy a new club… And that… as I say… makes me sic!
And that reminds me of something’ elts wut makes me sic! You ever pay attention to those drug commercials, its crazy how they spend 10 second tellin’ ya how great it takes care of wut ailes ya, but spends
The Cadge
E
very time, Peter, the man next door headed toward Paul’s house, Paul knew he was coming to borrow something, he was always doing so and it was driving him mad. ‘Peter won’t get away with it this time,‘ muttered Paul to Liz, his wife, ‘Watch this.’ ‘Er, I wonder if you’ d be using your hedge trimmer this morning?’ asked Paul the neighbour. ‘Crikey, I’m terribly sorry,‘ said Paul with a smug look, ‘but the fact of the matter is, I’ll be using it all day.’ ‘In that case,‘ smiled Peter, ‘you won’t be using your golf clubs, mind if I borrow them?’
The Language of Golf
P
hil Beale, a member at Gudge Heath Golf Club, has a 60 foot breaking putt and makes a bet stating that he has a dollar that says, ‘I can make this putt.’ Everyone takes him up on the bet. Phil duly misses the putt by 5 feet and says, ‘You all owe me a dollar.’ Of course, his golf mates all think he is crazy until Phil produces a dollar upon which he wrote, ‘I can make this putt.’ 3
NGA Tour at Three Ridges by Glenn Makin
I
t is always an exciting time when the professional golfers make their way through Knoxville and the first tour stop of the year will be the NGA Pro Golf Tour which will play at Three Ridges May 20-26. The prestigious Mini-Tour, originally The Hooters Tour, has made visits to our area over the past decade with events at Royal Oaks and River Islands but with the name change to the NGA Pro Golf Tour, they have found a home at Three Ridges, and a favorite of the tour players.
On Tuesday the tour players take over the course for practice rounds and then make way for the big event Tuesday evening with a reception for the pro’s and the pro-am players selection party. This year Brown added an exceptional event which will begin after the reception. 50 players from the NGA Tour will be offered one shot on hole #16 for a $10,000 hole-in-one. “This one will be different because we are the first tour event to offer this shootout,” said Brown. “We are bringing in lights to light up the 16th green and let them take their shot for the hole-in-one prize.”
Rich in tradition from the Nike Tour of the late 90’s and a favorite for recreational and amateur events, Three Ridges offers one of the best layouts and more challenging slope ratings in East Tennessee. The course plays 7,035 yards from the back tees and features Tifway 419 Bermuda Fairways and TifDwarf Bermuda Greens. The General Manager and Head Professional is Mark Brown and Superintendent is Kevin Lewis. The golf course is owned by Knox County and opened in August of 1991.
Brown is directing the Wednesday Pro-Am beginning at 8:00 am Wednesday morning and expecting the prize fund and Titleist Gift Cards for $50 to each player to redeem in the Titleist Gift Shop on site. Dinner will be provided by Texas Roadhouse and space is limited to the first 30 teams and an invitation to the reception and selection party on Tuesday evening. Total cost per sponsored team is $700 and $100 gratuity to the team professional, ($200 per player). The course will be manicured for the start of the tournament Thursday and the best condition of the year with all the attention paid to detail.
The tour continues to grow and graduate top tour professionals that make their way into the Nationwide Tour and step up to the PGA Tour. Some of the former NGA players include Jim Furyk, Scott Stallings, Keegan Bradley, John Daly and Stewart Cink. Local players with the same aspirations as Stallings include Peter Malnati of Dandridge, currently 15th on the NGA money list, Chas Narramore of Kingston, 5th on the 2012 money list and Chase Carroll of Knoxville. Last years winner David Skinns a golf star with the University of Tennessee finished 2012 with two wins on the tour and 2nd on the money list.
Bring a group of friends for the Pro-Am by contacting Three Ridges at 865-687-4797. Supporting sponsors for the Pro-Am are Texas Roadhouse, Titleist, Pepsi Beverage Company and the News Sentinel. Hole sponsorships are available for $100 by calling Three Ridges.
The week begins with a qualifier for professionals and amateurs looking for an open spot in the field. With a twist, Brown offers a separate qualifier for local professionals with 11 players competing for 1 spot. Last year Braxton Hunter won the first qualifier.
Also visit ngatour.com for specifics on qualifying and/ or scheduling for the tournament. Parking will be available in the Three Ridges Golf Course main parking lot. 4
News & Notes Charitable, Fund Raisers, and Pro-Am events in May
• Registration Open at 7:00 am Lunch at 11:30 • Awards presented at completion of morning and afternoon round ANDY SHELTON, Tournament Director (865) 828-8891
2013 District 6780 Rotary Golf Tournament
2013 Golf News Tournament of the Year
Friday May 31st at Oak Ridge Country Club @ 11 AM • 4 Person Scramble. • Sponsorships are available, including Tee box and Cart sponsors. • Cost is $100/golfer and $400/team of four. DAN HATFIELD (931) 636-4713
53rd Beaver Brook Invitational
May 18-19 Casey Van De Griff, Host Professional • 36 Hole stroke play with three divisions • Players must declare Championship, Sr. Championship (50 and over), or Regular Division. Regular Division will be flighted after round 1 and a 10% improvement rule will be in effect for round 2. Championship Division will play the back tees and the Sr. Championship and Regular Division will play the Middle tees • Entry Fee of $125.00 includes: (1) practice round, golf and cart fees for both tournament rounds, range balls, and a sleeve of Titleist Pro V1 golf balls. ($18.00 cart fee for practice round is not included in the entry fee) • Prize money will be in the form of gift certificates to Beaver Brook Pro Shop • Practice rounds are available May 14-17. Please contact the golf shop (865-689-4479) to schedule a tee time. Saturday tee times will run from 8:00am -1:00pm. Players may request preferred pairings and starting times for Saturday only. Sunday’s tee times will begin at 8:00am with the Regular Division, followed by the Sr. Championship and Championship Divisions. • Entries will close Wednesday, May 15th at 7:00pm CASEY VAN DE GRIFF (865) 689-4479 or cvandegriff@comcast.net
NGA Tour Pro-Amateur-Junior Scramble
Tuesday May 21st at Beverly Park Par 3 Golf Course in North Knoxville • 1 NGA Tour Professional will be paired with your Foursome + 1 Junior Golfer of your choice. • Each Amateur will receive a Free Round of golf at Three Ridges and Beverly Park GC ($35 value - cart not included) • Shotgun start - 2pm or 4pm - Play a round in about 1.5 hours! CHAD ANDERSON (423) 794-0747 Sertoma Center Presents 2013 Jimmy Hyams /Kenny Withers Golf Challenge
Join us for our annual golf tournament Friday May 17, 2013 • 8:15 shotgun start At Willow Creek Golf Course benefiting The Sertoma Center’s My Life Foundation JOAN BROWN O’KANE, Director of Development (865) 5245555 ext. 239, (865) 524-5563 fax, or Joan@sertoma.com The Church at Rutledge TCAR/Fundraiser Tournament
Friday May 17, 2013 Clinchview Golf Club, Bean Station TN • 8:00 am and 1:00 pm shot-gun
2013 Knox County Amateur Championship 5 Different flights
NGA Three Ridges Classic Pro Am
$140 / player
May 22nd, 2013
Deadline to enter is 6 / 5 / 2013
Play with next years PGA Tour Players
Winner of all the flights will receive FREE greens fees for one year!
$700/4 person team +$100 gratuity to Pro, includes $50 gift certificate for each player from Titleist Gift Shop
June 8th and 9th, 2013
(Cart Fee Required)
Three Ridges Golf Course 6101 Wise Springs Road, Knoxville, TN 37918 865-687-4797
5
Masters Roundup by Johnston Hamilton
W
ith Tiger Woods no longer dominating the game, professional golf has been missing a hero, anti-hero, or any real spark to will bring interest and viewership back to the game. Sergio Garcia wasn’t the next big thing. Phil Mickelson doesn’t have the appeal or marketability.
One mis-timed swing. One bad read. A small mistake the only difference between the golfer and the coveted green jacket. Cabrera and Scott, again and again. At the last… Cabrera misses a birdie putt that hangs on the ledge of the hole, a gust of wind away, as Scott wills in the ball that brings him the green jacket.
But golf is reemerging with a cast of likeable, charismatic young athletes who are showing the nation that golf is more than Tiger Woods. Bubba Watson, a young, likeable golfer came out of nowhere last year to win Augusta, capturing audiences with a fun, frat-boy attitude and a visible love for the game.
When it was over, Cabrera lovingly hugged Scott, no worse for the wear after the defeat, just happy to be along for the ride, as Scott cried with joy. Who needs Tiger anyway?
Sidebar: Who Is That Adam Scott Guy?
This year, the Masters has given us one better with its new cast of characters. A 14-year-old who hoped only to inspire a love for golf in his home country of China, Tianlang Guan, became the youngest low amateur in the Masters’ history. Australian native Adam Scott, with the blessing of Greg Norman, somehow managed to look sharper (on the links—and in his attire) than his mentor. And the underdog veteran, Angel Cabrera, brought his Aladdin-like, rags to riches story back into the limelight, a man who grew up on the streets and found a life on the links.
The new Masters champion, 32-year-old Adam Scott has won more than 20 championships, but the Masters has made him a national hero. The first Australian to win the Masters, Scott was the runner-up in the 2012 Open Championship, losing a heartbreaker to Ernie Els after bogeying the last four holes to lose by one stroke. He also won the 2004 Players Championship and the 2011 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. He reached his highest ranking, third in the world, in 2007, after finishing second at the Mercedes-Benz Championship.
The nation watched closely as Woods chipped away at the lead, and viewers waited patiently for the reemergence of the Michael Jordan of golf. Meanwhile, the relatively unknown Scott and the Argentinean battled back and forth, one seemingly impossible shot after another, to retain the lead through the final day at Augusta.
After his Masters victory, Scott dedicated the win to his golf idol, Greg Norman, thanking Norman for not only inspiring a nation of golfers but also for his generosity in mentoring Scott and other young golfers. Currently ranked number seven in the world, Scott said, “Australia’s a proud sporting nation and this was one notch on the belt that we’d never got.” Until now.
Adam Scott scoots an unimaginable putt across the green on eighteen for the guaranteed win. Cabrera fires back with a chip from 40’ that narrowly misses the pin, which brings us to the most exciting moment in golf: The sudden death playoff. 6
Kevin Gryder putts his way to win The 2013 Country Club Invitational
the senior tees Green matched the performance of Gryder with an even score of 144. Next up in the individual stroke play tournaments is the Holston Hills Invitational followed by the Beaver Brook Invitational, both in Knoxville. Championship Flight 1st- Kevin Gryder 71-73—144 2nd- Buck Brittain 72-75—147 2nd- Ray Morton 77-70—147 4th- Lawrence Largent 73-75—148 5th- Tanner Davis 78-71—149 6th- Jamie Elliott 73-79—152 6th- Lucas Tabor 74-78—152 8th- Brad Campbell 76-77—153 8th- Jeff Cranford 79-74—153 10th- Dane Fairfield 80-74—154 Senior Division 1st- Tony Green 73-71—144 2nd- Randall Irwin 74-77—151 3rd- Rick Sinard 77-76—153 4th- Gene Damico 81-76—157
by Glenn Makin
A
s the golf season is underway and Spring is slow to join us this year, The Country Club in Morristown scheduled the first individual stroke play event. Kevin “Big Ticket” Gryder used his massive drives to put himself in position for an amazing two day putting clinic to capture the title by three-shots. The course is rated one of the toughest in the state and proved its difficulty. “Exactly, its just a hard course and if you get it going sideways you can make a big number quick,” said Gryder. “The key for me was chipping and putting and I had only 24-putts on Saturday and 28-putts on Sunday.” Calling on his memory of the holes he added, “My key holes were the par-3s as number nine was the only one I bogied.” As Sunday wore on he continued to grind his way around the course, making good shots. “I didn’t really know where I stood on Sunday until some in the gallery were saying no one in front of us was playing very well. I knew I was three-up on Buck (Brittain) with two holes to play so I just kept it safe and made pars.”
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Gryder adds this victory to career wins at Royal Oaks and Creekside Plantation and numerous 2-man wins with partner Scott McGaha over the past few years. The Championship field was full of current and former champions of numerous area tournaments including several Golf News Players of the Year, City and County, Lakeway and Country Club Champions. Behind Gryder was Buck Brittain of Virginia and Ray Morton who started off slow on Saturday with a 77 but charged on Sunday with the tournament medalist honors at 70.
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In the Senior Division, Tony Green ran away from former senior champions Rick Sinard and Randall Irwn to win by seven shots. Playing from
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Bobby Bray, PGA Golf, it’s what Legends are made of ... by Glenn Makin
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rue legends come from all sorts of industries and business. Leaders motivate others to greatness with encouragement, challenging them to bring out the best of their talent and become the best they can be.
the game.” One of the most memorable was Miller Barber. “Miller gave me a golf tip that took me years to figure out what it meant. He said, make a full shoulder turn and leave your hands at the top of the backswing. I teach my young students not to hit at the ball, but make a full swing.
East Tennessee is blessed with one of those legendary leaders in the business of golf. Bobby Bray wears the “legend” badge with unassuming humility and grace.
During his mini-tour year he was ask to fill the Head Pro position at The Country Club as Fred Brown retired. He accepted immediately and returned home to take on his dream job. He was fortunate to be allowed time to play the PGA events during the next few years.
Born and raised in Morristown Bobby has been rooted in golf since the age of 8, when his dad announced one day, “come with me Bobby, we are going golfing.” From day one, he knew that was what he wanted to do, play golf.
As head pro Bobby also entered all the State PGA events and was successful as one of the best players in the State. In 1974 he won the State Open at Stones River in Murfreesboro, finishing with birdies on the last two hole to win by one. “Somebody came out to me on the course and told me I had to birdie the last two to win and I wasn’t denied.” During his younger days Bobby won three State PGA Titles and as he turned senior he won three State Senior Titles including several Player of the Year awards.
The Country Club was opened just a year or so earlier and his dad, a recreational golfer, joined the club and off they went. “It was definitely in my blood as my uncle was already known for winning State tournaments back in the 50’s,” says Bobby. “I had no idea what I was doing but just kept swinging at the ball and learning from tips from my uncle and dad,” he added. Fred Brown was the Head Pro at The Country Club and Bray also credits him with helping fine tune his game.
In his 40 years as head pro at The Country Club Bobby was responsible for teaching and helping hundreds of junior and high school golfers with over 100 golfers signing with division I schools and countless players signing with smaller division II and division III.
Bobby entered Morristown High School in 1964 and graduated in 1967 finishing as one of the top high school players in East Tennessee. “Most of our matches were with schools from the Tri-Cities but we played the schools in Knoxville some times.” And continued, “I remember AC Cooper was the player to beat in Knoxville and he and I had some really tough matches.”
Asking Bobby to name the best is difficult for him to answer, “I’d have to name so many and don’t want to leave anyone out,” he quipped. When pressed to name a few he relented with a few. “Andrew Price was a great player, had all the shots and played The Nike Tour, now called the Nationwide Tour.” And continued, “The most accomplished player would be his sister Ashley Price Bunch, She still plays some LPGA events but raising her family is top priority now. Then I would say Parker Smith, is still the best amateur in East Tennessee. Andy Brimer who lives in Chattanooga and Peter Malnati Peter is not the longest but his short game and putting will help
After high school Bobby was recruited at Tennessee by Coach Lloyd Foree and play in 1968 and 1969 before turning pro and playing on several different mini-tours. “I played some tour events in Georgia and some in Florida on the tour J.C. Goosie started.” With some experience on the mini-tour circuit where he won enough to pay his expenses he played in about 20 PGA Tour events. “I played but never made the cut. Also met some of the best golfers in 8
health drinks as one of their walking advertisements. Bobby has lost 120 pounds and aiming to lose 50 more. “Golf and Xooma go together as golfers need to hydrated, mineralized and revitalized,� says Bobby. “I had developed all sorts of medical issues including arthritis and could barely make a swing. In the past two years drinking Xooma and several of its products, I feel 20 years younger and back to the flexibility it takes to put some distance on the ball, with the added advantage of losing lots of weight.� The influence of this one man, Bobby Bray, the Legend of Morristown, speaks volumes for his love of the game and the love of his students. (Bobby is available for lessons at Millstone Golf Club, 423586-4000.)
him on tour. Peter didn’t come to me until he was a sophomore in high school he is dedicated to becoming the best player he can be. He has the tools to play at the PGA level as he works on length.�
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We ask Bobby what is the difference? What has brought your students the most success? “I’ve always used the philosophy of K.I.S.S, Keep It Simple. Encouraging students even when the shot wasn’t so good. Talk about the shot, what do they think caused the ball to react as it did. And challenge them. Challenge their game, challenge their mind, make them think about every shot.� And added, “The three fundamentals of grip, posture and alignment. Those three fundamentals lead to better golf and consistency.�
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After an hour with Bobby one feels the love for golf and his students as he speaks with so much pride for their accomplishments in golf and their careers outside of golf. The question left is what does the future hold for this Legend?
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In 2011 Bobby moved over to Millstone Golf Club to work with Scott Kanipe, another of his students he is so proud to call a friend. He became the golf instructor and continues to work with juniors and adults doing what he loves best.
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During the last few years he has experienced a new success of his own with his connection with Xooma 9
TN Golf News 2012
Craig is from Big Stone Gap, Virginia and earned his BA from Lincoln Memorial University in 2006 and his MBA in 2008. Congratulations Craig.
Player of the Year
Our runner-up honors go to Brandon Rodgers of Knoxville who won both the Willow Creek Invitational and Greater Knoxville Amateur as well as finishing tied with Reasor in the State Am at 17th. Brandon is a member of the Tennessee Vols Golf Team and former Golf News of Tennessee Junior Player of the year. Honorable Mention goes to third in consideration, Lee Whitehead of Knoxville. Lee stepped on Whittle Springs for the first time and led from hole #1 to hole #54 to capture the City Title. Lee is an amazing finisher as he posted the low round score on Sunday in three other tournaments... Lee is a Sophmore at Tennessee Tech and his rise to the elite status will continue.. We also give mention to Jeff Cranford of Morristown and his Lakeway Championship win, Michael Bradshaw and his third win in the Green Meadow Invitational, Josh Collins with his Knox County Amateur title and Ray Morton for his victory in the Beaver Brook Invitational.
by Glenn Makin
I
t is with great pleasure to an nounce the 2012 Golf News of Tennessee/golfnews4friends. com Player of the Year. Craig Reasor of Knoxville. Craig was the winner of the Holston Hills Invitational and the TPGA Lincoln Classic Amateur Division at Oak Ridge CC. He also finished 2nd in the Knox County Amateur and Willow Creek Invitational as well as 6th in the Greater Knoxville Amateur and 17th in the State Am. Craig was also a member of the Tennessee Cup Matches where he helped win the Cup for the Amateurs for the third straight year.
The Williams Creek Golf Course is an 18-hole, Tom Fazio designed Par 3 championship golf course
located one mile east of downtown, Knoxville. This challenging layout offers three sets of tee boxes with holes ranging from 85 to 245 yards; large, fast, undulating bent grass greens; and 98 acres of natural rolling terrain filled with creeks, lakes, natural areas, and an abundance of wildlife. The facility is complete with a clubhouse, full driving range, short game facility, and putting green. Our additional services include: • Lessons from our in-house PGA/LPGA Professionals • A banquet room with kitchen and balcony overlooking the course for your next tournament or gathering • Club repairs • Rental equipment (golf clubs, pull carts) • Free wifi Memberships for both corporate, individuals, and wellness interests Check us out on YouTube and Facebook pages for videos of Klutch McGee, the face of Williams Creek Golf Course. 10
2351 Dandridge Avenue, Knoxville TN 37915865.546.5828 www.williamscreekgolfcourse.com
teach and give our young people a chance to compete and grow in golf.” The summer schedule has been released and registration is open. Registration fee is $70 for the 9 week program. Visit www.KnoxvilleGolf.org to register. To learn more about The First Tee program, visit www.TheFirstTee.org. To speak with someone regarding The First Tee, call Cathy Duggan at 865673-8584. For more junior golf activities including camps, clinics, tournaments and more visit www.KnoxvilleGolf.org.
T
he First Tee of Greater Knoxville has partnered with the Tennessee Golf Foundation to expand programming throughout the Knoxville area. The home site for The First Tee is at Williams Creek Golf Course in downtown but with this new partnership, The First Tee has added six new sites. Beverly Park Golf Course, Concord Park Golf Course, WindRiver Golf Course (Lenoir City), Oak Ridge Country Club, Target Golf and Whittle Springs have come on board to offer programming for 2013. This spring was the first time The First Tee had expanded sites and nearly 100 juniors began playing the game and learning the valuable life skills that are taught through the game of golf at the expansion sites. Plus another 100 were enrolled in programming at Williams Creek Golf Course.
Pro Tip/Putting
The First Tee teaches young people life skills through the game of golf. Our youth graduate through different levels of the program from PLAYer, Par, Birdie, Eagle and more. “The First Tee is for every kid. It is a youth development program that every kid can benefit from and is a great way to get introduced to the game of golf. Golf is a lifetime sport that is spent outdoors and provides great exercise. Those are values that we all need in our personal life these days” said Chad Anderson, Regional Director for the Tennessee Golf Foundation and Program Director for The First Tee of Greater Knoxville.
F
or a smoother putting stroke, try setting up as you normally would. Once set up, remove your left hand and rest it on your upper thigh. Continue with your putting stoke, but with only your right hand on the grip. You’ll notice your arm and upper body moving in tandem with your wrist remaining still. Practice this motion until you feel confident that you have eliminated any wrist action while stroking your putts. (Blake Cathey, Lead PGA Instructor at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort) Now that you’ve smoothed out your stroke, let’s talk about making solid contact with the ball while putting. Do you leave the ball short because you hit the ball on the up-swing of your putting stroke? If so, take a quarter and place it where the ball would be positioned in your putting stance. Make some strokes and practice sliding the quarter. After a few successful slides, place a ball on top of the quarter and stroke a putt making sure your scrape the top of the quarter. This insures that you are making quality contact with the ball in during your putting stroke. (Mike Bender, Director of Instruction at the Mike Bender Golf Academy)
Youth can begin participating in The First Tee at the age of 7 and can continue on through the age of 17. At the end of each 9 week session, players have a chance to certify out and progress to the next level. Once a player becomes “birdie-certified,” many national opportunities open up for them. They will have the chance for college scholarships, play in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, National Academies and more. Anderson said “It is amazing how many opportunities are out there in golf for young people, especially for young ladies. There are still college scholarships that go unused in women’s golf. We hope to expose, 11
Franklin, Bible, Whittenburg win The Michelob Ultra Millstone 3-Man Scramble by Glenn Makin
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In the closest race it was Mike Simmons, Rick Mixon and Wendell Whitted holding on against three contenders including the Whittle Springs trio of Jeff Hurst, Chris Gordon and Mark Heidl and Dead Horse Lake group of Tim Reed, Ron Hensley and James Woody as well as locales Mark Helton, Brad Honeycutt, Tim Utt
he Michelob Ultra Millstone 3-Man Scramble finished with a breezy Sunday round with Mark Franklin, Boddie Bible and Jimmy Whittenburg increasing their lead by another shot to win by 2 over two teams from Knoxville. The final round started with Franklin hitting the teams approach shot on #2 within a foot for an eagle, narrowly missing a double eagle. After five holes they increased their lead by two more shots as Matt King, Mike Smith and Josh Collins came out struggling. The former and current Knox County Champions found some game on the 6th and 7th holes with King driving to the greenside bunker then hitting the pin from his bunker shot and birdied after the pin kept the ball from going in. The birdie matched the leaders after Whittenburg stuck his 80 yard approach within a foot.
Scott Kanipe and his staff, including superintendent Scottie Hayes, were well ahead of their game as the course, under our extended winter with fairways remaining crusty brown, were totally opposite of the perfect greens conditions. The greens have been the hallmark of Millstone hailed as the “Best Greens in East Tennessee” and the measuring stick for all of the courses in the area. (the full story will appear in the first re-issue of the Golf News of Tennesse in early May. Pick up your copy of the Golf News at your local course or golf business.)
What appeared to be a charging move and making it a duel was the shot on #7 with team Knoxville sending the ball just behind the hole on a difficult left back corner placement. From that point the two-shot lead for Franklin, Bible and Whittenburg remained the same for the last 11 holes.
Championship 1st- Mark Franklin, Boddie Bible, Jimmy Whittenburg 55-58--113 2ndT- Matt King, Josh Collins, Mike Smith 56-59--115 2ndT- James Van De Griff, Steve Ressler, Craig Reasor 58-57--115 4th- Bobby Bray, Daniel Butler, Tyler Keister 58-58--116
Making their own noise in front of the lead group were James Van De Griff, Steve “Mud” Ressler and current Golf News Player of the Year Craig Reasor. James landed his drive at the hole on #9 for a near hole-in-one but settled for a tap-in eagle. The Knoxville trio finished at 15-under (57) for the medal round of the day in the championship flight, but still two shy of the winners. They finished tied for second with King, Collins and Smith.
First Flight 1st- Brad Campbell, James Elliott, Casey Smith 61-57--118 2nd- King, Fowler, Buchanan 61-60--121 3rdT- Smith, Kent, Jarnigan 61-63--124 3rdT- Kendrick, Turner, Pettit 62-62--124 3rdT- Shelton, Shelton, Ramsey 62-62--124 Second Flight (white tees) 1st- Charlie Martin, Daryl Buttry, Chase Atkins 57-60--117 2ndT- Jeff White, Roy Settle, Tony Guinn 59-62--121 2ndT- Chris Smith, Travis Carroll, Darrell Lyke 60-61--121 4th- James Lyons, Aaron McPeak, Bill Peeples 62-63--125
In the First Flight, made up of the declared Championship group of 23 teams, Brad Campbell, James Elliott and Casey Smith broke away from the field with a 15-under (57) to win by three-shots over King, Fowler and Buchanan of Maggie Valley, North Carolina.
Third Flight 1st- Mike Simmons, Rick Mixon, Wendell Whitted 64-61--125 2ndT- Jeff Hurst, Chris Gordon, Mark Heidl 63-63--126 2ndT- Ron Hensley, Tim Reed, James Woody 63-63--126 2ndT- Mark Helton, Brad Honeycutt, Tim Utt 65-61--126
In the open division Second Flight, playing from the white tees, Charlie Martin, Daryl Buttry and Chase Atkins left no doubt with a four-shot win over two teams tied for second. Jeff White, Roy Settle and Tony Guinn battle to the tie with Chris Smith, Travis Carroll and Darrell Lyke. 12
Championship 1st- Boddie Bible & Robert Vick 59 1st- Whittenburg & Fender 59 3rd- all at 61: Gryder-McGaha, Bales-Franklin, Helle-Payne, Clapp-Brown, Moore-Butler First Flight 1st- Wise & Wise 64 1st- Whaley & Burchette 64 1st- Skeen & Cureton 64 1st- Allen & Green 64 1st- Kendrick & Kendrick 64
Bible & Vick and Fender & Whittenburg share The Patriot Hills 2-Man Title
Second Flight 1st- Makin & Zenner 66 1st- Lane & Rountree 66 1st- Sennett & Scates 66 1st- Harper & Scates 66
by Glenn Makin
W
ith rain showers most of the day on Saturday, the diehard tournament players took on the challenge of fellow competitors and Mother Nature to survive round one. On Sunday with lightning in the area and heavier rains predicted, the decision was made to call the tournament and let the first day scores stand.“The course had reached its limit and some of the greens were holding water,” said course manager Gary Franklin.“It was best for everyone not to continue with another day of rain expected.”
Third Flight 1st- Wallace & Sharbeau 69 1st- Loy & Clabo 69 3rd- five teams at 70: Cody-Cody, Trout-Rosenbaum,
Franklin was correct but not enough can be said for Patriot Hills and its ability to drain water. The greens putted well all day, the fairways played as though very little rain was falling. It was a good day to take the opportunity to bring out the cart covers and raingear and work on the mental challenge of ignoring the rain and focusing on the shot at hand.
Stroud-Wiser, Holt-Lauderback, Bates & Brose.
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The Co-winners in the Championship flight with 13-under (59) rounds were two Greeneville teams of Boddie Bible & Robert Vick along with Jimmy Whittenburg & James Fender. The two teams battled throughout the day as both teams together birdied 10 of the 12 par-3 holes. Whittenburg & Fender made their move to share the title with an Eagle on the #14 hole (good for one of the two skins of the day), while Bible & Vick both hit shots out-of-bounds and making par a recovery Eagle. There were five teams knotted at two-shots back of the leaders.
Knowledge. Experience. Call Jay Cooble.
The First Flight had five teams tied and shared the win with the rainout. The Second Flight had four teams tied at 6-under to split the win with only two teams at 3-under to take the rest of the prize fund in the Third Flight.
P.O. Box 2568, Knoxville, TN 37901 Office: 865.777.0202 Fax: 865.684.1973 Web: ProvidenceCRES.com
The next tournament for Patriot Hills comes June 22 & 23, the Scottish 2-Man Lowball. 13
Beating the Odds and Inspiring Golfers:
Kennedy Anne Noe and the Champions Junior Tour by Glenn Makin
I
t is an amazing sight to watch unbridled talent in a young junior as they swing away on the practice range with natural ability. But the life and game of Kennedy Anne Noe extends beyond what golfers consider “the norm.” This young lady started life with the odds stacked against her as it was discovered before her first birthday she was born with a congenital heart defect. With a hole in her heart, and no immediate danger, she would be forced to wait until she was big enough to correct the defect. Just before turning four years of age she underwent heart surgery to implant an occluder device that will allow her to live a long and productive life.
the best. Competition is the very thing that motivates her. We practice everything, all the time. Her biggest strength is that she is well rounded, and loves to practice. Kennedy Anne has also taken instruction from Suzanne Strudwick of Fairways and Greens and former LPGA Rookie Player of the Year. To date, Kennedy has been very busy with over 70 tournaments played including two World Championships, four Major Regional Championships played all over the country. With over 50 wins and a dozen second place finishes, it’s rare that she isn’t highlighted on the leader board. At age 10 her best tournament round to date was a 36 for 9-holes at Maggie Valley Country Club in North Carolina. She has been featured in LPGA commercials and been the subject of an inspirational story for an LPGA publication.
As Kennedy Anne was healing and becoming active again, she watched her brother Bennett, four years older and already playing competitive golf, and took an interest in the game. Although she maintains an interest in soccer, swimming and basketball, golf is her top priority. As soon as she showed promise in golf her parents Matt and Nicole took her to Louise Ball, LPGA teaching Professional at Gettysvue Country Club.
Now in the 5th grade, Kennedy Anne leads her Middle School Golf Team at Sacred Heart Cathedral School with brother Bennett one step ahead as an 8th grader and leader of the SHCS Varsity Golf Team. With Bennett and Kennedy Anne deeply imbedded in competitive golf, mother Nicole quickly learned there was very limited opportunity locally to compete in age appropriate tournaments. In 2009, Nicole brought the U.S. Kids Golf Tour to Knoxville and directed the tour. The next year the USKG changed their business plan to focus on the larger markets leaving Knoxville out of the picture. The Champions Junior Golf Tour (CJGT) was founded by Nicole Noe in 2010 to provide affordable, local opportunities for boys and girls to compete in tour-style golf tourna-
With her future development in the hands of a seasoned instructor, Kennedy Anne learned quickly and became a ferocious competitor on the junior circuit. Louise has nothing but the highest regard for her student. “Kennedy Anne “KA-Bam” understands her golf swing better than anyone her age that I’ve worked with. She likes to compare her swing to LPGA tour players, studies the positions, we talk about the differences, then work to improve. She has a real passion for the game, and an inner drive to be 14
from March through November. Choose which city’s tour you would like to join, but feel free to play regular season events in any of the other CJGT locations. Points will be awarded to the top 10 finishers in each event leading up to the naming of a Tour Champion in each age division. The Tour Champions in the older divisions are eligible to earn an exemption to play in the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour Championship held in Orlando in December. As we are expecting continued growth this year, we are looking forward to offering a Tournament of Champions in 2014 in Amelia Island, Florida for all winners of any CJGT event to compete together.
ments. Within the first two years, the tour became one of the most well respected junior tour programs in the southeast. With this growth, Champions Junior Golf enthusiastically partnered with the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour in 2013 in order to provide even more opportunities and events for area junior golfers. Through this partnership, the Champions Junior Golf Tour will cater to the player between the ages of 5 and 12 preparing them for the next step--The Hurricane Tour. The HJGT (www.hjgt.org) provides multi-day, nationally ranked events for players ages 11-18. Players ages 11-12 are encouraged to compete in the HJGT at longer yardages in 36-hole events, but for those 11-12 year olds not quite ready for that level of competition, CJGT will prepare you.
Champions Junior Golf is excited to have you play with us! Please look around the site for more information on topics such as Membership & Discounts, Age Divisions, Yardages, Caddie Policies, and Rules & Regulations. “Like” us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, or watch us on YouTube. All of this born from the inspiration shown by one young lady with a heart for golf and driven desire to excel and succeed. Thank you Kennedy Anne Noe, East Tennessee will be watching with admiration.
Since everything is more fun with competition, the CJGT is a great avenue for young players to not only develop their golf skills, but learn life lessons and build character through experiences on the course. Membership in the Champions Junior Golf Tour is open to both boys and girls of all skill levels between the ages of 5 and 10. We believe family involvement instils a love for the game as well as confidence in a junior golfer. It’s this family involvement that will ultimately help grow the game of golf. Therefore, we encourage our players in every division to have a caddie if they desire.
2013
Jimmy Hyams/ Kenny Withers Golf Challenge
Currently based in Knoxville, Tennessee and Jacksonville, Florida, the CJGT conducts single-day 9hole and 18-hole tournaments in and around Knoxville, Nashville, Jacksonville and Orlando with more cities being added throughout the year. These tournaments allow junior golfers a unique opportunity to play in a competitive environment from age appropriate yardages while advancing their skills and receiving recognition for their talents and efforts in well-run events. With one low annual membership fee, players can choose from numerous events held
Friday, May 17, 2013 Willow Creek Golf Course Shotgun Start: 8:15 AM To register or for more information, call or email:
Joan Brown O’Kane (865) 524-5555 ext. 239 Joan@sertoma.com 15
A Tribute to some Players and Characters of the Game
Want to sell your home quickly for the best price? Home’s advertised in
by Glenn Makin
W
hile we were website only, some of our dearest friends went on to join the great lowball in the sky.
reach more buyers. Ask your agent to call me today! Michael Goldsborough T.R.E.B. of Knoxville, TN cell: 865-385-9728 Email: treknox@gmail.com
Joe Meade, former minitour professional and feared amateur, playing out of Greeneville, Tennessee. Fellow competitors took him far more serious than he took himself. A great guy to be around. His friends tagged Joe as “The best player to never make it on tour.”
Calendar of Events May 13 Beaver Brook 2013 PRO-AM SERIES May 18 - 19 Beaver Brook Invitational May 20 WindRiver 2013 PRO-AM SERIES May 25 - 26 Nolichucky View Invitational May 25 - 26 Roane County Championship Lakeside
David Nicely, Knoxville City Amateur Champion and more one-liners than many legendary comedians. Always a laugh a minute while leaving the competition in the cart wondering what had just happened. Never passed up the opportunity to show his, house framing, forearms. A gentle giant of the game.
June 1 - 2 Millstone Lakeway Championship Stroke play June 3 Sevierville Highlands 2013 PRO-AM SERIES June 8 - 9 Dandridge 3-Man Scramble June 8 - 9 Three Ridges Knox County Championship June 10 Three Ridges 2013 PRO-AM SERIES June 13 - 16 Whittle Springs Knoxville City Championship June 16 Links at Kahite 2013 PRO-AM SERIES June 22 - 23 Patriot Hills 2-Man Scottish Lowball June 22 - 23 Willow Creek Invitational Stroke play * June 24 Country Club 2013 PRO-AM SERIES June 29 - 30 Link Hills Invitational *
Jeff Chambers, 3-Time City Amateur Champion and numerous wins in the area. Always there when friends needed him and rarely without a smile on his face.
July 1 Bear Trace 2013 PRO-AM SERIES July 8 Centennial 2013 PRO-AM SERIES July 13 - 14 Baneberry 3-Man Scramble July 15 Millstone 2013 PRO-AM SERIES July 20 - 21 Clinchview 2-Man Scramble July 21 Dorchester 2013 PRO-AM SERIES July 27 - 28 Millstone 2-Man Scramble July 29 Rarity Bay 2013 PRO-AM SERIES
Each of these former champions and great ball strikers left us while still in their prime. We cherished the time they were here and speak of them with kindness and a smile often. Our thoughts and prayers still remain with their families and friends. If you would like to honor the memory of a close golf friend contact us at golfnewstn@ gmail.com
* State points event 16