September 2013
Free - Take One!
Doc Staley of DOC’s All American Grille
In This Issue : Hit the Perfect Bunker Shot Jr. Golfer : Luke Scealf
Plus :
Coupons Inside!
Ask Chuck Noisy Fans
It’s Football Time at DOC’s Knoxville Open Photo Gallery Course & Cocktails The Old Fashioned
GKA Champ Tyler Lane
Table Of Contents : Page 3 / DOC’s New 19th Hole / Stories from the Sidelines Page 4 & 5 / KNS Open, Malnati Storybook Finish Page 6 & 7 / KNS Open in Photos Page 8 & 9 / Course & Cocktails - A Proper Old Fashioned Page 10 & 11 / Pro Corner - Perfect Your Bunker Shot Page 12 / Ask Chuck - Noisy Fans? Taze ‘em! Page 13 / Tyler Lane Claims GKA Title Page 14 & 15 / Junior Player Luke Scealf Page 16 / 2013 Junior Invitational Page 17 / Ya Know Wut Elts Makes Me Sic? Page 18 / Dandridge Senior 2-Man Page 19 / Knox County Senior and Knox County 2-man Page 20 / Calendar of Events and Web.com Tour
For Advertising Inquires and Rates call 865-385-9725 or email golfnewstn@gmail.com
Contributors : Writers : Glenn Makin Chuck Cavalaris Daniel Norman Michael Goldsborough Gina Childs Designers : Michael Goldsborough Justin Hudson Dennis Goldsborough Advertiser Index : Winston Eye and Vision Center - pg. 3 Three Ridges Golf Course - pg. 7 DOC’s All American Grille - pg. 9 Simple Concepts Golf Instruction - pg. 16 MET Life / Kevin Rodabaugh - pg. 17 Phil Cobble Fine Homes and Land - pg. 20 Cover concept by Chuck Cavalaris. Helmet provided by Eddie Barkley at Sports Treasures.
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DOC’s : The 19th Hole Chuck Cavalaris
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ith a new look and the same great Southern hospitality, Doc's All American Sports Grille is the premiere family entertainment venue in Knoxville.
"I would truly love for the golfers and tennis players and sports fans of all ages to come join us," said Dr. John Staley, who is the primary owner with Jimmy Buckner. "You are guaranteed to have a great time as soon as you walk in the door." The new look will feature a "Volunteers Legends Room" for former UT athletes and fans. It is the place to be on Game Day. The non-smoking, family restaurant has 52 flat screen televisions (including 11 new 60” televisions.) That, along with fantastic food crafted by two new chefs, unique drinks and the best entertainment in town, including Valerie Buckner & the Pop Rox on Sept. 7. "We have awesome bands playing every Friday and Saturday night," Dr. Staley said. "We also have fun and games for the whole family." The outdoor area has been improved with a putting green and Cornhole area. Unveiled with a gala grand opening at the former Ray's ESG on Aug. 29, Doc's has raised the bar for family fun in a sports atmosphere. "I will promise you this," Dr. Staley said, "if we don't have it, I will personally look into and try and get it!" Located at 7355 Kingston Pike near West Town mall, Doc's opens at 11 A.M. Call 865-330-0159 for more information. Be sure and mention the Golf News of Tennessee and take your scorecard for daily specials!
Stories from the Sidelines Gina Childs
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his past month was the Web. com tournament at Fox Den, my home club and the place I live. It's one of the smaller payouts for a Web.com event ($550,000 total purse), but a relatively big deal for Knoxville. Even more exciting this year, Peter Malnati from Jefferson County (30 miles from here) won. For which I opened my home, that sits on the cart path between 11 and 12, to my women's league for the 3 days. Food, drink, but most important, a restroom. Sunday morning of the tournament, 7 of us were sitting around drinking bloodys and mimosas while eating raspberry tartlets, green chili cheddar grits, ham biscuits and eggs. (I know, your mouth is watering.) That’s when the deluge of rain came. I noticed a huddle of huge golf umbrellas congregating by my back gate and went out and saw about 20 caddies and golfers hopelessly drenched waiting for a very small, infrequent shuttle to come pick them up about 4 at a time. Not really meaning it, but trying to be a gracious southerner, I yelled: "Would ya'll like to come in?" They all looked and said, "Of course!" then pretty much mowed me down while scurrying onto my small terrace and even smaller condo. The women jumped up in shock but immediately rose to the occasion. Suddenly, my house became a flurry of disaster relief to what smelled like a group of wet dogs. I wish I had taken a picture, but the mud tracks and dirty towels still linger as a reminder. As a 50-ish single woman, I pray every morning that God will bring me a kind man that both plays golf but yet needs a minimal amount of feeding and watering. So on this Sunday morning, as I looked around this comical picture of life going on in my living room, it struck me that God had answered.......and all I could say was: "Hallelujah! It's raining men!"
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fter I made the putt to take the lead, my emotions caught up with me.
Peter Malnati’s Storybook Finish Glenn Makin
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t’s not often that a local player makes it to the trophy ceremony close to home. In fact, it’s never been done in the 24 years of the Knoxville Open. Flashback to his early years, Buddy McMahan of Dandridge befriends the young man and watches him play. Taking him to the Patriot Hills 2-man, he announces to anyone within ear shout, “This kid has more raw talent than anyone I’ve ever seen. Wait until you see this swing.” A few years later, in 2004, Peter was on the High School State Championship team at Jefferson County along with another Web.com player, Jonathan Hodge. In 2008 he signed with the University of Missouri to continue his development at the college level toward winning as a professional. In high school he called Bobby Bray, Head Professional at the Country Club in Morristown and said, “I need some help.” Bray, with a history of building swings and strengthening the mental game, took him under his wing. He helped polish his raw talent and molded his game for wins as a professional golfer. This year as a member of the NGA Tour Peter had earned a spot on the June 16th Air Capital Classic Web.com tour finishing tied for 15th. Earning another invitation to the Rex Hospital Open, there, he finished in a tie for 24th. In the next two events he tied for 9th and then 10th at the Mylan Classic. All of that leading up to August 18th, 2013 at Fox Den Country Club in Knoxville. Day 1 of the News Sentinel Open, Peter had a ho-hum one-under round with a bogie and two birdies. Day 2 made the cut with a round of four-under 67. Day 3 was an interesting round of up and down with a bogie, a double bogie to go along with eight birdies for a 66. Coming into the final round, his 67 / 66 put him in a tie for 6th just three shots back from the leader. However, the first two holes didn’t go as planned as he went bogie – bogie. “I was feeling a little shaky,” said Peter. “I really had to work on the negative feelings that were creeping in.” And added, “I had already played out the course in my mind and suddenly had to gather my thoughts and get back to the game plan. In my mind I had to remember, its okay, I’m already signed for Omaha next week. My plan was to stay in the top 75 so I could make the qualifying school at the end of the season.” Talking through his plan and putting his goals in perspective really helped get him ready for the rest of the round. “I really did feel good again by
the time I finished number four with a birdie. I knew the toughest four holes were behind me and I was just one over at that point.” With two more birdies on the front and after a rain delay, Peter was back in the game at one-under. “When we made the turn I really felt good about number ten. With the wind behind us I thought maybe I could reach the green in two. As it turned out I made par which brought back some down thoughts again.” Once he walked across the road to the 11th hole, he had the positive thoughts back in his head and ready to move on. “I made a good putt on the 11th but it just didn’t go.” Then something clicked and Peter went in “The Zone”, where winners find themselves many times. “I hit is close on 12 made a 5-footer, on the 14th a few feet. On the 16th it was close, and then just missed the putt on the 17th.” Going in to the 18th hole he knew he was tied for the lead with five other players and mapped out his shots for the final hole. “I wanted to be on the left side of the fairway short of the bunker, and then hit a shot to my favorite position from 80 to 90 yards out. From 84 yards I really feel comfortable even when I’m under pressure. And finishing with a three foot putt was exactly how it played out.” His 65 for the day put him at 16-under for the tournament and in first place for the tournament with one group behind him. “After I made the putt to take the lead, my emotions caught up with me and I just felt awesome,” Peter remembered. “After hugging and tears of joy with my fiancé and my mom and dad, I thought I was ready for the public and media. But no, when I saw Bobby and we hugged, there were still more tears flowing.” He added, “I knew I had won, but not that I had won the tournament exactly yet, but that I had won a comeback, I had won a card to the PGA, that I had come through many years of practice and playing experience and my goal of winning was achieved.” What does that say about his confidence for the rest of the season? “Oh, this trip I’m on to Omaha will be a confident trip and the start of a new goal to carry what I’ve learned to the PGA and win there.” Peter Malnati has a huge fan club in East Tennessee and we all will follow him for many years to come. You may follow Peter at petermalnati.blogspot.com. An example of how champions are made.
The Copper Cellar 19th Hole
Moments before the rain delay
Right after the rain delay, play resumed
Blayne Barber swinging for the green
The Gallery following the leaders
Kevin Kisner watching along with caddie
&
Course
Cocktails
Michael Goldsborough
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fter finishing a round of golf and exchanging money over an iced tea from all the bets I lost, nothing sounds better to me then a well made Whiskey Old Fashioned. The mellow oak of the Makers, the bite of the bitters, the sharpness of a touch of citrus immediately helps me forget that shank or topped ball on #17. It also smooths out the wrinkle of a bad day on the course when your golfing buddies sip an Old Fashioned that you crafted and say it’s the best one they have ever had. You’ll be sure to get invited back if you serve this drink after a round. There is much to debate in golf. Every swing is like a snowflake, very unique, not a single one exactly alike. The same can be said for the Old Fashioned Cocktail. If you ask 5 bartenders how to make one, you’ll get 8 different cocktails. You read that right, some bartenders make it differently depending on the night, ingredients available, or the customer being served. An “old fashioned” cocktail is any liquor, sugar, water, and bitters. That’s it. An old fashioned is just that, a cocktail make the “old fashioned way.” The term was coined in the late 1800’s due to the fact that “new” cocktail recipes were hitting the market such as the Martini and Manhattan. Ok, now that we have nerded out about where the name comes from, what about how to make the drink? I am going on record to say that there is absolutely no fruit in an Old Fashioned and the addition of seltzer water is an atrocity. Simply follow the basic recipe on the next page and you’ll not be disappointed.
Recipe 2 oz of Whiskey or Bourbon ¼ oz of Rich Simple Syrup (2:1) 2 dashes (full shakes) Angostura Bitters Build in a small tumbler, called an old fashioned glass, stir to combine, add one large ice cube, and STOP. That is a Whiskey Old Fashioned in it’s basic form. If a bartender can’t make this simple drink for you, order a beer. Once you have mastered the making and balancing of this drink, we can experiment, just like we do with our golf swing to get it to fade, draw, or punch out. Personally, I add an orange peel and muddle lightly to release some of the oils before I add in my favorite bourbon, Makers Mark. Always be safe and consume alcohol responsibly, if you need a ride home, call me and I’ll come pick you up. Next month, we’ll talk about the Amaretto Sour, a great fall drink.
Cheers!
The Keys to the Game : Playing Out of Bunkers Randy Wylie, PGA Professional and Coach Fairways and Greens Golf Center
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ou may have heard that professionals often prefer being in a bunker to a lie in the deep rough. The reason for this is that they can spin the ball well from a bunker and control where it finishes on the green easier than if they are in the rough. Also with good bunker technique, they have less chance for error when playing from a bunker. To take the fear out of Bunker shots, try these simple tips.
1. Play the ball forward in your
stance (two inches in front of center).
2. Dig your feet into the sand 1-inch with your stance open, turned about 10 feet left of target 3. Open your clubface and aim
slightly to the right of the target
4. Swing pretty aggressively with a sandwedge or lobwedge.
The Key: Swing to the depth of your feet (which will allow the club to slide 1 inch under the ball) and use your normal swing path. Doing so will cause you to hit about 3 inches behind the ball. This is the proper amount and with a good swing path the bounce on the bottom of your wedge will help you to easily escape from the sand onto the green.
Pro Note : Do not try to cut across the ball on a bunker shot! This will cause the club to dig too deeply and will result in the ball remaining in the trap. Overcompensating normally results in a scull.
- 2008 inductee to the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame - Won the 1984 Greater Knoxville Amateur and then played professionally for nine years. - Made the cut in 2 US open’s : 1990 at Medinah CC in Chicago and 1997 at Congressional CC in Washington DC - Honored in Golf Digest’s Best Teachers in Tennessee 2003-2010 Randy’s services are offered at Fairways and Greens Golf Center. Contact him at 865-777-4653 to schedule your next lesson.
Keeping it Simple Before the Swing
Effective Golf Instruction
Bobby Bray
Des Mahoney
With a proven track record of over 100 young golfers receiving golf scholarships at Division 1 schools and success on the mini-tours and professional tours., Bobby Bray has earned the title - Legend of Golf.
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work with students of golf from all ages and levels of experience, from beginners to seasoned veterans and the seniors to the very young. My philosophy is, “keep it simple.” It’s really not a difficult game if one learns the basic fundamentals of Grip, Posture and Alignment. Everything else is tied to those three areas. When giving a lesson for the first time to beginners we don’t even think about laying a ball on the teeing area until I can teach the proper grip. The only thing connecting the golfer to the club is the way it’s held in the hands. The proper grip allows free movement of the club and allows the club to hinge at the wrist and return to the ball at impact with speed and accuracy. The correct posture allows for the upper body to turn on axis with the hips following, winding like a rubber band and then turning back through the original position and the follow through. Consistency by way of practice will build the posture fundamental and have the ball going in the direction intended. And third is the alignment. The club face toward the target along with the shoulders on the same line and the body and feet at 90 degrees of the target line. After I can instill those three fundamentals in the golfer with drills and practice on their own before the second lesson, we may be able to lay the ball down and start the swing. Always keeping in mind that we are not hitting the ball, we are swinging the club and the ball happens to get in the way. When working with students who have been playing but not achieving the results they would prefer to see, I will still start with the basic fundamentals of Grip, Posture and Alignment. Those are the three keys that will never change. The individual swing habits that causes slices, hooks and inconsistent trajectory can all be corrected over time. As we continue with the basics I will discuss the full swing, chipping, pitching and putting. If you want some help as a beginner or you need help for your own game, call me at Millstone Golf Club 423-586-4000.
Des Mahoney has been at Centennial for 13 years and received PGA teacher of the year honors in Tennessee and Hawaii. For more information, contact Des at 865-919-2126 or desgolfer@att.net. Column by Chuck Cavalaris
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wo-time PGA Teacher of the Year Des Mahoney has agreed to share golf tips and his passion for life with readers of the Golf News of Tennessee.
It will be called Effective Golf Instruction.
"I am really excited to have this opportunity," said the director of instruction at Centennial in Oak Ridge. "I recently turned 60 (on April 18) and I am hitting the ball just as good as I did when I was 30. Mahoney has a high-tech 2,000 square foot indoor facility that overlooks the practice range. "I have a passion for teaching golf and I have studied under some of the greatest teachers,: said Mahoney, who has worked with Hank Haney, David Leadbetter, Chuck Cook and Mike Hebron, among others. "I also attend seminars every year to improve my teaching skills." Mahoney, who works with short game guru Tony Wright at Centennial, is a Christian and is a non-smoker and non-drinker. He is a firm believer in golf specific exercises for the core and gluts to gain a more consistent swing and increase power. Here's his mission statement: "I work to deliver extra yards and straighter, more consistent shots to my students and that means more pars, more birdies and more fun." Mahoney is offering a special one-day lesson for September. It will be limited to just three golfers at a time. The cost is $250 per person and includes all lunch and all fees. Here's the schedule: 9 A.M. -- Play four holes and Des will analyze each student's swing. 10:30 -- Approximately two hours of instruction and video analysis. 1 P.M. -- After lunch, play nine holes. "By 4 o'clock, we should be done," Mahoney said. "I can guarantee the person is going to learn a lot and leave happy. I tell people that I don't sell lessons, but I will give you some home work. I definitely want my students to hold me accountable."
Ask Chuck
Hey, Broadcasters : It’s (past) Time to Silence the Jerks Chuck Cavalaris
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an you please explain what all this nonsense about people yelling things like, “Mashed Potatoes!” at professional golf tournaments on TV? I own a car stereo business, so I am used to loud noises, but this makes absolutely no sense whatsoever to me. Am I just an old fuddy duddy or what?
Sincerely, Steve Hoskins, Knoxville
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ell Steve, there’s certainly nothing wrong with your hearing or your rationale. This is the most stupid and totally unacceptable thing that’s happened in broadcast sports and not just in golf. It also must stop immediately. It is even worse than the streaking trend of the 1970s. At least that was mildly amusing. But you know what? It pretty much came to a grinding halt when the networks quit showing the streakers on national TV. I don’t want to justify this new outrageous activity by calling it a trend or a fad. Even though 99.99% of true golf fans, respect and appreciate the game and how it should be played, it’s the 0.01% of jerks that shout silly phrases getting all the attention. And that's what they want! (From what I have been told, the culprits allegedly record the golf broadcast on a DVR and go back to their residence to watch it.) There also seems to be an obvious question for CBS and other networks: What ever happened to the seven-second delay? Why can’t you treat these outbursts just like profanity being shouted over the air waves? The last straw for me occurred at last month’s PGA Championship, which just happens to be a major and should be treated as such with even more respect for the players. Do you recall the
angry glare of Jim Furyk, when some jerk mistimed his yell during Furyk’s downswing. As CBS analyst Nick Faldo put it: “It seems like the etiquette inside the ropes needs to apply outside the ropes, too.” That’s putting it mildly. Just for a refresher: Jason Dufner won his first major at the PGA, which is a
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So how does a reasonably sane person – or network producer – combat this? Here are a couple of suggestions: ** Take the microphones away from the tee boxes, at least temporarily. Ditto for the fairways. When you think about it, does the on-course microphone really add that much? Does it have to be there in the first place? Not really.
oisy fans need to be tased with 10,000 volts.
lifetime achievement that also happened to pay more than $1.4 million. Now that is pressure; more stress then most of us will ever endure at one time and it’s no place for jerks yelling bizarre phrases. Imagine giving the biggest presentation of your life and someone in the crowd yells “Scooby-Doooo” everytime you pause to change slides. So, what should be done? I agree with tour pro Ian Poulter, who said noisy fans need to be tased with 10,000 volts. In other words, “ Mashed potatoes this, you jerk. At the very least, whoever is responsible for these outbursts needs to be put on warning and if they don't straighten up, taken to jail for public nuisance/intoxication, etc. As my grandfather used to say, “They should toss that bum out by the scruff of his neck.”
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Other than tennis, how many other professional sports have a microphone in the middle of the action anyway? Simply put: If some bozo thinks he can hold the broadcast hostage, then take away his platform. If he persists, take him away – in handcuffs. After being tased, of course. ** Instead of punishing everyone, the PGA Tour should designate certain areas for “priority spectators.” Limit it to true golf fans and have them sign a release. Perhaps you should have to reserve that prime spot on a credit card, much like reserving a hotel room. Anyone that voids the agreement shall be dealt with swiftly and effectively. And one last thing: Ian Poulter is my new chief of enforcement. Send questions or comments to cavgolfer@aol.com.
Good Attitude Wins. Tyler Lane Claims His First GKA Title Chuck Cavalaris
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here are almost as many impressive aspects as golf holes to Tyler Lane's first victory in the grueling Greater Knoxville Amateur, which features four 18-hole rounds at different championship courses. Through it all, the former Carson-Newman standout (2004-08) that teaches and coaches tennis at Bearden High School, stayed true to his No. 1 goal. "Keep a good attitude," said Lane, who relied on the same encouragement he offers students. "It does help being a coach with the mental side," he said. "I find myself practicing what I preach to my players in terms of trying not to play careless or careful, but carefree." Although he had finished 9th and 8th in the previous two GKA's, Lane was a surprising wire-to-wire winner. He finished at 8-under 280 and edged Craig Reasor by one stroke after a 75-minute lightning delay in the final round at Tennessee National before playing the 72nd and final hole. "I love the format of the tournament and the history behind it," Lane said of the event founded by Bill Redding three decades ago. "So many good players have won the GKA and I feel very blessed to have my name on that trophy." Lane had a two-shot lead with four holes to play, but dropped into a tie after a shot bounced off a cart path and into the woods. He felt fortunate to salvage a double bogey. When the storm finally passed, he hit a solid drive on the demanding uphill par-4, followed by "the best 8-iron of my life" and two-putted from 12 feet. "I've had some good finishes in local
tournaments, but have never really gotten close to winning," he said. "I was pretty fortunate and made a lot of putts." Lane said he doesn't have a home course -- he looks for the best deals online -- and likes to practice at Williams Creek. So, how have things changed? "Not too much," said Lane, who teaches social studies. "I feel a little more confident in my game. I learned some things about myself and how to handle pressure situations on the course." Lane took control with a 65 at Oak Ridge Country Club and stayed in the lead with a 68 at the River Course at Sevierville Golf Club. He survived a potentially disastrous start at Holston HIlls -- 8-over after six holes -- for a 75 that proved crucial. The River Course and Tennessee National were new additions this year and Lane had not played all 18 holes at either layout.
Island Invitational as a sophomore at Carson Neuman. Katie waited at the clubhouse throughout the final round and was the first to congratulate Tyler. He called his brothers next. "They were in shock each day as I gave them updates, because they have seen me play my worst golf and know just how bad it can be," Tyler, 28, said. "But they were excited to hear the final results." Mitchell Thomas closed with a 69 to finish third (283). Other top finishers included Polk Brown, Ray Morton, Todd Burgan, Peyton Sliger and Jack Smith. Title Time: It was like a reunion tour for flight champions Steve Golliher (seniors), Jim Brown (super seniors) and James Gillespie (legends).
"The fact I was able to hang in there and make some birdies was the difference for me," he said. "In the past, I probably would have shot in the 80s, but I stayed in it mentally and was able to salvage a decent round and keep myself in the tournament." It also gave his wife, Katie, the chance to leave a nice note of encouragement. The only time she saw Tyler play during the tournament was his bogey, double bogey, triple bogey start at Holston Hills. Katie took off and left a note that said: "Still proud to be your wife." It was a breakthrough win for Tyler, who played golf at Rhea County High School and grew up in Dayton. His previous best finish -- in a big tournament -- was a runner-up in the Kiawah
Winner, Lane and his wife, Katie
Junior Golfer Profile of the Month : Luke Scealf Chuck Cavalaris
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uke Scealf was a rising seventh grader when he realized he was trying to play more sports than a person could shake stick at. Built like a linebacker and also talented at basketball, Luke realized that only one sport held the key to his heart. This kid was born to play golf. The son of Greg & Jeanna Scealf just didn’t know how to break the news to his parents. After all, they had sat in the stands and cheered his success. “He came to us at the end of the summer and I could tell he was upset,” said Greg, who played football at Carson-Newman (1984-88). “I asked why.” Luke was already bigger than many adults and had grown to love golf. Anyone that watches his swing can see unlimited potential. It was time to chart his own course, but Luke didn’t want to disappoint his parents. “He didn’t want to play football anymore and concentrate on golf,” Greg recalled. “He was thinking I would be upset because I played in college. I said, `Son, it’s your call. I want you to play what YOU want to play. “And, besides,” Greg said, “if you stick with golf, your knees will thank you and you will walk a lot better when you’re my age.”
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Looking back, two years later, Luke stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 190. He is a freshman at Grace Christian Academy and played No. 1 for the varsity golf team as an eighth-grader. It was a great year as Luke won AAJGT 20122013 player of the year honors with eight victories and a 73.2 scoring average. Here is a tip to all the college golf
coaches out there: If this kid isn’t on your radar, you need to fix it.) “I have really enjoyed the past 12 months playing golf,” said Luke, who is also known for his flamboyant golf attire from John Daly’s Loudmouth collection. “I have put in a lot of hours. I practice a lot, a lot, a lot. Getting a better swing and trying to improve my short game are the most important things to me. It usually comes down to down to wedge play and putting.” It hardly seems possible, but the 14-year-old has been playing golf for almost a decade. Such passion – and golfing instincts – tend to be God given. “It’s kind of amazing,” Greg says. “He has wanted to hit golf balls since he could hold a club.” Also an outstanding student with a 3.8 GPA, Luke has an absurd U.S.G.A GHIN handicap of 0.1. Yes, zero point one. How on earth does a kid do that? “I do not know,” Luke said, laughing. “My scores have been very good. I am hitting the ball very well right now.” Along with great parents, it helps to have outstanding coaching from Grace Christian coach Britton Spann, who is also the general manager at Fairways & Green Practice Center; Brad Rose
At the range, practicing I also love the Bear Trace at Harrison Bay (in Ooltewah near Chattanooga). Last summer, I got to visit Ireland and played there some and really liked Old Head Golf Course. “My mom and dad have helped me a lot,” Luke said. “Dad drives me all over the place and pays for everything. Right now, I don’t have a lot of money.”
e has wanted to hit golf balls since he could hold a club at Willow Creek; and Chris Dibble at Holston Hills.
“I have been lucky to learn how to do things the right way,” Luke said. “My family has a membership at Holston Hills so I get to play here all the time.
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Luke hardly has time for much else, especially with school back in session. Considering his passion for practicing and playing golf, there’s hardly enough hours in the day. His home away from home is Fairways & Greens and he puts in about 20
hours a week just hitting balls. He also devotes time to his putter and golf specific exercises. The wins, along with other indicators, are impressive. One of the summer highlights was competing in the Teen World at Pinehurst. There were 140 participants from around the world and Luke finished 30th with a 54-hole total of 12over. “It was a great experience,” Greg said. Luke’s career-best score is a 66 in the PGA Junior at Kearney Hills (Ky.). He walked off the green miffed because he three-putted the 18th and felt he should have shot a 65. It was also a great experience for a father that knows best. “You should be happy with the great round you had,” Greg Scealf said. “It’s funny how any round – no matter what the final score is – could always be better.” One thing’s for sure: Luke Scealf is on the fast track and he’s going to arrive in style – flashy clothes and all. “It definitely turns some heads,” said Luke, who has met John Daly’s girlfriend (Anna Cladkis) and other Loudmouth Golf officials. “I just don’t like to be normal, I guess. And I am not very normal in Loudmouth pants. At least most people know I am there.” And they’re also getting to know that Luke prefers to let his golf game do his talking. That approach speaks volumes and the message comes through loud and clear. Chuck Cavalaris is an award-winning writer and has been covering golf in Knoxville since 1976. Chuck also is a licensed real estate agent and can be reached at cavgolfer@aol.com
Luke Scealf with ball from his round of 66
2013 Junior Invitational at Egwani Farms Glenn Makin
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ompetitive golf among juniors for the development of both skill and mental talent is a necessity to move to the college level. Showcasing those skills in front of college golf coaches is an added benefit often not found in this area.
Rob Daugherty, Alcoa High Golf Coach is working with the staff at Egwani Farms to offer this junior tournament and coordinate the exposure with the coaches from colleges throughout Tennessee. “The key to being recruited to play college golf is exposure,” said Daugherty. “Players can gain recognition by playing in competitive fields and performing well. This golf tournament is one of the ways to achieve some of the national exposure they need to become ranked and climb the challenging hill to the college level.” The tournament results will be included with Junior Golf Scoreboard for ranking among junior golfers. Daugherty added, “last year we had over 100 players and 25 coaches at the 2-day tournament. It was very well received and we expect more this year.” The tournament is scheduled for the weekend of October 26-27 and both days will be packed with competition and events. The cost of $175 includes two days filled with golf, educational and information forums, the 36-hole tournament with divisions for Boys 12-14 and 15-18 years of age. The Girls division is 14-18 years of age. (Players may use caddies during the tournament.) Coaches will be touring the course watching players, looking for their next All-American A hamburger social will be offered after Saturday’s round with forums presented by coaches and instructors. Jim Kelson, head coach of the University of Tennessee Golf Team will hold a question and answer segment. Current college players and their parents will be available to answer questions about the challenges of becoming recognized and recruited by college coaches. Equally important, the parents can help the juniors parents avoid wasting time and money on ineffective programs. Eric Rebmann, one of Golf Digest ranked Tennessee swing instructors will offer his thoughts on the golf swing. Taylor-Made will be available and a sponsor of the event. To register for the event, visit the egwanifarmsinvitational.com website. For questions regarding the event contact Rob Daugherty at 865-323-9181 or Trey Bridwell at Egwani Farms, 865-970-7409.
“Ya Know Wut Elts Makes Me Sic?” No Fakin’
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’ll tell ya wut elts makes me sic! People that think they so smart we can’t live without their opinion. I’ll tell ya how important opinions without knowin’ wuts goin’ on is worth. Stick your finger in a glass of water then pull it out real quick and see how fast the water fills in the hole you left. It fills in faster than you can see it and forgotten about as fast as your uninvited opinion. And that reminds me of somethin’ elts wut makes me sic! The USGA decides its time to tighten down on slow play. Oh I see, and most of us been complainin’ about slow play for 50 years. We have found that with no help from the clubhouse staff, dynamite is the only option left. Fact is, slow players get all huffy if they are called out and blame it on somethin’ or someone elts. If the USGA is serious about stopping slow play, put a stop watch on every cart with an alarm they can hear and everyone else on the course can hear and then stare at the goober with no clue. At four hours a little beep goes off with a warnin’. At four hours and 30 minutes the alarm sounds and player is required to leave the course, return to the clubhouse where a pass code will turn it off. Seriously, pay attention to your time, beware of your surroundin’s and move your sorry behind along. 4 hours is the allotted time for a round. Stop playing at 4 hours and the rest of us can enjoy the day. And that reminds me of somethin’ elts wut makes me sic! We all appreciate clean golf carts, spayed down, wiped out, trash emptied. But what is with this spraying amor all the cart? I sat in a cart last week and slid to the other side. The steering wheel wouldn’t let me hold it, got that stuff on my glove my hands and then on my club grips. Darn pretty cart but give us a break with the spray on wax. And somethin’ elts wut makes me sic! Gimmie’s are used in match play for the purpose of conceding a putt or the hole. In many lowballs a local rule is established to give putts inside the leather. It does speed play but it gets a little bit too much when 3-footers are kicked back.
But then the famous 2-man and 3-man games when the other team wont concede one in the leather. And there we go with 4 and ½ hour tournament rounds. Now go on out there play in 4 hours or less.
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Daniel & Moore by 6 at Dandridge Senior 2-Man Glen Makin
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n the best weather weekend to-date of 2013, Grady Daniel & Jimmy Moore put on a putting clinic to run-away with the Dandridge Senior 2-Man leaving no doubt about their command of moss. Moore impressed the challengers with a 40-foot eagle on the 5th hole as fellow boss-of-the-moss Jimmy Whittenburg had to concede his title for the day. “It was amazing how he made so many from 20-foot,” said Mike Seal who partnered with Whittenburg. “It was their day.”
Winners, Daniel & Moore
Steve Davis & Bill Christian held on to second place with the Ohio “madmen” Brad Shuff & Doug Savage improving by one to move in to a tie. Brian Kendrick was joined by the returning Ty Ballenger to win the First Flight after a slow start on Saturday with a 64, and 62 on Sunday to win by 3-shots over four teams knotted in second including Dana & Kent Knott, Bobby Wise & Mike Young, Ron Rader & Sonny Vandergriff and Fred Cain & Mike Kitts. The Second Flight went to Gosset and Renfro by one-shot over Kutney & Jones.
Shuff & Savage
The staff at Dandridge completed another tournament operation without a flaw including great food in the snack bar.
Results :
Championship
1st- Daniel & Moore 56-59—115 2nd- Davis & Christian 60-61—121 2nd- Shuff & Savage 61-60—121 4th- Seal & Whittenburg 60-63—123 5th- Swaggerty & Swaggerty 61-64—125 5th- Reid & Hensley 61-64—125
First Flight
1st- Kendrick & Ballenger 64-62—126 2nd- Wise & Young 66-63—129 2nd- Knott & Knott 66-63—129 2nd- Rader & Vandergriff 65-64—129 2nd- Cain & Kitts 64-65—129 6th- Campbell & Moore 66-64—130
Christian & Davis
Second Flight
1st- Gosset & Renfro 67-64—131 2nd- Kutney & Jones 67-65—132 3rd- Burris & Mills 67-66—133 3rd- Burdette & Johnson 69-64—133 5th- Schubert & Haun 67-67—134
Seal & Whittenburg
Mason Griffin
Bryce Kendrick
Kendrick & Griffin Capture Knox County 2-Man Glenn Makin
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ryce Kendrick & Mason Griffin will be headed back to Tennessee Tech with a win and a notch on their golf belts as the duo took out the competition in the Knox County 2-Man held at Three Ridges Golf Course. The format for this year was changed to a Scottish Lowball on Saturday followed by the Scramble format on Sunday. After starting the final round with co-leaders Justin Rountree & Eric Miller they separated from themselves by 2-shots, not knowing that former
Knox County Champions Josh Collins & Eric Rose had taken the lead on the 10th hole. With a birdie and then eagle on the 11th and 12th holes they took back the lead and were not challenged again as Andrew Hall & Brad Hawkins became the chasers with an eagle – birdie run of their own. As the final putt was made and a 13-under (59) round, one stroke shy of the record for a 2-man, winning by two-shots. Hawkins & Hall were second followed by Rose & Collins.
Rutherford & Maples Results: Championship
1st- Kendrick & Griffin 64-59—123 2nd- Hall & Hawkins 65-60—125 3rd- Rose & Collins 66-61—127 4th- Hall & Collins 65-63—128
First Flight
1st- Metz & Chandler 69-62—131 2nd- Holt & Bales 70-63—133 2nd- Smith & Kitts 70-63—133 4th- Hill & Newgent 70-64—134
Second Flight
1st- Lockwood & Lane 71-64—135 2nd- Clapp & Clapp 72-64—136 3rd- Brown & Egan 72-66—138 4th- Gordon & Heidel 74-65—139
Senior Division
1st- Rutherford & Maples 66-64—130 2nd- Jones & Rader 66-68—134 3rd- Cain & Thompson 68-69—137
England Takes Knox County Senior At Three Ridges Golf News Staff
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ongrats to the new Knox County Senior Champ, Randy England, winning by two shots over Mike Smith followed by
Gordon Knapp and Roy Settle tied for 3rd. In the First Flight it was Randy Collins sneaking ahead of Glenn Makin
England & Smith
to take first followed by Mark Stansberry in 3rd. In the Super Senior Wiley Jones beat out Barry Wasilow by one shot followed by Rock Saraceni.
Collins & Jones
Calendar of Events Sept 7-8 Patriot Hills Guys & Dolls Sept 9 Deer Creek GC 2013 PRO-AM SERIES Sept 16 Cherokee CC 2013 PRO-AM SERIES Sept 23 Green Meadow CC 2013 PRO-AM SERIES Sept 28-29 Green Meadow Invitational Amateur Event Sept 30 Bear Trace CMtn 2013 PRO-AM SERIES Oct 7 Oakridge CC 2013 PRO-AM SERIES Oct 11-13 Dandridge 2-Man/3-Day Shoot-out Oct 14 Dead Horse Lake GC 2013 PRO-AM SERIES Oct 21 WindRiver GC 2013 PRO-AM SERIES Oct 26-27 Nolichuky View 2-Man Scramble Oct 26-27 Sevierville Golf Course 2-Person Scramble Oct 28 Finals at Fox Den CC 2013 PRO-AM SERIES Note: Call golf courses for updated information before registering. Also, look for the Golf News of Tennessee 2-Man Lowball / stroke play, coming in early 2014. Details TBA.
Roach, Malnati Earn PGA Tour Cards Michael Goldsborough The Top 25 money finishers on the Web.com Tour regular season, which ended on August 25th, have earned PGA Tour cards. Of note for the Knoxville area, Wes Roach and Peter Malnati both earned their PGA Tour cards for 2014. Wes moved into the 22nd spot with his T16 finish at the Cox Classic. While the top 25 in the Web.com Tour are guaranteed a PGA Tour card, they will still play in the Finals to determine positioning going into the new PGA season in October. That's the easy part to explain, but how do we discover the other 25 of the 50 new PGA Tour players next year? The Web.com Tour Finals. The lowest 75 of the PGA Tour (126 – 200) and the top 75 of the Web. com Tour will compete in 4 events through September, with the Championship on September 26-29th at TPC Sawgrass. And that is how you make it into the PGA Tour, any questions?
Wes Roach and caddie, Drew Wall
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