The Golf Issue

Staying Healthy on the Links

by Stephan Esser MD, USPTA. Heekin Orthopedics

Meet Andy Baggs The Food Truck

TREND ON 10

By Keith Rydh

The Golf Issue The Duval Family’s Mission:

Rescue, Train, Inspire and Love

K9s for Warriors

Serving all Coastal Communities Your Social Guide to THE PLAYERS Championship

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PUBLISHERS Melissa Intemann Amy Vizanko EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Tracy Margol CREATIVE DIRECTOR Inger Williamson GRAPHIC DESIGNER Amy Olivieri CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tracy Margol Dr. Stephan Esser Cara Murphy Keith Rydh, CEO of FoodiesUSA Alexandria Klempf Charlene Shirk Dan Hicken Jen Pobst Inger Williamson Melissa Intemann SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS TOURAcademy TPC Sawgrass CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Dunlop Photography EDITORIAL PHOTOGRAPHER Mario Peralta Ponte Vedra Life (PVL) is a complimentary magazine serving coastal communities throughout Northeast Florida, South Carolina and Georgia. PVL is distributed to most local boutiques, businesses and department stores. Can’t find us? Subscriptions are available for $24/ year or $40/two years. Please call 904.222.8938 for more information. Like us in print?

Then, “LIKE” us on PVL Coastal too! www.facebook.com/pvlcoastal Copyright 2014 Ponte Vedra Life, a product of KTTS Media Group LLC, is published bimonthly.

The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. Neither the publisher nor the advertisers will be held responsible for any errors found in the magazine. Ponte Vedra Life makes no representation or warrant of any kind for the accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct.

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Publishers’ Letter Ahhhhh…FINALLY, spring is in the air and the PVL Family is ready for warmer temperatures and well, some GOLF! This being our fourth “Golf Issue,” we must say that we have never presented a more complete package on the sport, THE PLAYERS, the philanthropy surrounding the “Fifth Major,” and more importantly… our community’s involvement in this event. With a slew of avid golf fans fleeing in from all over the country to see Phil Mickelson tee it up at the famous No. 17, our beach communities embrace the masses and enjoy once again, that spring is on land and that great landmark of spring, THE PLAYERS, is at hand.

While this issue features an array of stories about THE PLAYERS, the course and even some serious golf tips, it was designed to help you, our readers, understand one thing: that THE PLAYERS is a different kind of tournament. Golf followers have been told this for years, but they probably have never had a chance to judge the truth of it from so many angles. And this is what we did with this issue… from the Food Trucks on No. 10, to what it takes for an agronomy team to maintain and prep the course for this major event… to Andy Baggs, the 2014

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Tournament Chairman of the more than 2,000 volunteers – volunteers who donate their time to take the fan experience to the next level, year in and year out. And let’s not leave out the inspirational story on the Duval family and their family mission: K9s for Warriors.

There is so much more to share in this issue… in May – as PVL Magazine has created this year’s “essential tournament magazine.”

It’s indeed a must-have for our coastal communities as we gear up for THE PLAYERS. PVL is certainly up to par.

P.S.- please join us for the “GOLF ISSUE” Release Party on April 17th at TPC Sawgrass, where we will not only celebrate this issue, but raise funds for The First Tee of North Florida. What’s a party without a cause? Ponte Vedra Life Magazine – it’s not just a way of living, but supporting the purpose – philanthropy. The real “spine” of our magazine.

See you on No. 17, Mel & Amy Ponte Vedra Life

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CONTENTS

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THE GOLF ISSUE

HEALTHY DOSE

HOUSE OF HEARTS

LANDSCAPE

TEXTILES DOSIER:

16 RX: Staying healthy from the first swing to the 18th green

By Dr. Stephan Esser MD, USPTA. Heekin Orthopedics 20 NUTRITION: EGG-U-CATION. The agricultural literacy of today’s egg consumer

28 GIVE: The Duval Family. Giving warriors a new leash on life K9s for Warriors 36 GROW: Andy Baggs, THE PLAYERS 2014 Tournament Chairman discusses life, family, golf and work 43 HISTORY: The Red Coat the honor of volunteering

46 AGRONOMY: Going Green on The Green. TPC Sawgrass’ agronomy director gets down and dirty on the course 50 DESIGN: Architect Mark Macco, making a “mark” on innovative design solutions, merging philanthropy and his love of animals 54 MAP: THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, Plan your day today at THE PLAYERS

86 STYLE: Pilot Pen, making writing fashionable from paper to Golden Globes 90 M-PIRE: Touring in Style. First look at what’s in style at the TOUR for 2014

PLAY 58 TECHNOLOGY: Self-endorsed as the nation’s most secure data center, and for good reason. The GoRack story 64 CADDIE SHACK: The behind-thescenes life of a professional golfer’s right hand (or left hand) man: The Caddie.

66 MAN CAVE: Golfer’s Dream City

By Dan Hicken 70 KNOW: Tips, Technology and Secrets from the pros - directly from the TOURAcademy at TPC Sawgrass 78 PR: C Shirk Productions: Driving big buzz for clients

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SAVOR, SEE AND SOUND 98 EATS: Eleven South…marks the spot at the beach for fine wine and divine dine 102 FOODIE: Food Trucks - a new trend on 10 108 CARA-BOUT-IT: Interview with singer Jake Owen 110 SIP: Friends don’t let friends drink bad Bloody Marys – Fat and Juicy Mixers

COASTAL A-LIST 26 A Night For Heroes 35 26.2 with DONNA. Team ‘Focus for a Cure’ hits the pavement in Pink 80 PVL Release Party. Amor 94 All You Need Is Love.

Bridal Giveaway Contest Winner

COVER

Photographer: Mario Peralta Creative Director: Inger Williamson Model: Andy Baggs Hair Artist: Abby Hinote Makeup Artist: Carrie Wilson Wardrobe: TPC Sawgrass Golf Shop Location: TPC Sawgrass

Rx

STAYING HEALTHY On The Links

From first swing to the back nine

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onte Vedra is the veritable heart of the golf world. Host to the THE PLAYERS Championship, home to the PGA TOUR headquarters and covered in acres of lush golf greens and fairways, this is a golfer’s mecca. But what happens when injury strikes and nine holes feels more like a “tour of pain?” Or just as bad, the day after a few holes you’re stuck in bed lathering on the Tiger Balm and ice? And even more

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by Stephan Esser MD, USPTA

importantly, how can you prevent those injuries from happening?

Scout the Data First let’s talk numbers. Golf is a relatively low-risk sport when compared to football, soccer and the like, but still as many as 16 percent of recreational golfers report injuries in any given year. The most common site of injury is the low back followed by the elbow,

foot/ankle and shoulder. Most injuries result from chronic overuse or misuse on the links and the good news is there is a lot you can do to prevent them. Let’s start with basics.

The Kinetic Chain Your golf swing is meant to flow effortlessly from the ground up and release through the tips of your fingers out through the club.

Does that sound like your swing?

Unfortunately for most of us that sounds more like poetry than reality.

Whether it’s that under-rotation of your hips, excessive wrist action or the way you bend at the back instead of the knees, simple flaws can throw off the kinetic chain.

Small alterations can lead to over compensation in other areas of the swing and eventually to injury. So what is the answer? First go back to basics. Do some reading, get your Ponte Vedra Life

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swing evaluated by a professional, make a few trips to the driving range, consider video taping your stroke and keep on tuning up every “link” of that swing.

That Aching Back How many times has your back sabotaged your golf game? While most professional golfers are well conditioned, maintain adequate flexibility and spend hours improving the efficiency of their swing, many recreational players lack the tools and preparation they need. The inefficient and at times almost violent attempts of the weekend golfer to “drive the greens” can lead to both sudden and chronic injury to the back.

Remember that if you want to play injury free on the course you have to put in the time off the course.

That should include stretching your shoulders, back, hips and legs daily. Participate in cardiovascular

start playing. Consider getting 10 minutes of cardio with a brisk walk, a stationary bike or elliptical ride and then 10 minutes of stretching and practice swings before you tee off. Studies suggest that these simple steps can significantly reduce your risk of back injury.

Wrist, Elbow, Shoulder We talked about the “kinetic chain” earlier in this article and no where are the effects of this chain more evident than in the arms. The hands deliver your power to the club. The orientation of your wrists and contact point with the ball affect impact through the elbows.

Finally the shoulders deliver the rotation of the trunk and hips out the kinetic chain. “Golfer’s elbow” is the prototypical elbow injury with pain occurring on the inside of your elbow with pulling, pushing activities and during your golf swing. Late contact, excessive wrist action and a few

Prevention really is about improving

swing mechanics,strengthening the forearm and hand muscles and the appropriate therapeutic exercises when injured. exercise at least 150 minutes per week, strengthen your quads, hamstrings, shoulders and back and make time for core strengthening either at the gym or at home.

Finally, arrive to the links with 15-20 minutes to warm up well before you

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too many “fat” drives can lead to injury of the forearm muscles and persistent pain. Prevention really is about improving swing mechanics, strengthening the forearm and hand muscles and the appropriate therapeutic exercises when injured.

When Injury Strikes But what if despite your best efforts to stretch, strengthen, condition and modify technique you still get injured? What can you handle and when do you need to see a doc’?

Although every case is unique, there are some basic ground rules to help you navigate. If you have mild joint or low back pain that is a little worse after a round and goes away within a day or two you can probably manage it on your own with a little PRICE (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), a few anti-inflammatories followed by home stretching and exercise. However if you develop the sudden onset of severe pain or you have persistent pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, swelling or limited range of motion you need to see your doc’. That way you can get a solid diagnosis, make an informed decision and hopefully get back on the course pain free sooner and safer.

The Final Score Card When all the score cards get collected, the bad news is that injury and age can gang up on all of us. The good news is there is a lot you can do to stay active, feel good and prevent injury or return to the sport you love more rapidly if already injured. If you want to stay active on the links for more years with fewer injuries than follow the science: add a 10 minute warm up before play, continue to maximize technique and enhance your off-the-links fitness in the gym.

Finally, if injury strikes remember you don’t have to go it alone! Wishing you better than par! • Stephan Esser MD, USPTA is a Nonoperative Sports and Spine Physician at Heekin Orthopedics in Jacksonville, FL. He was a former #1 in the US in Men’s Open USTA Doubles Tennis and includes detailed diagnostics, personalized therapy prescriptions, interventional procedures and Contemporary Western Acupuncture in his practice. He can be reached at www.heekinortho.com .

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NUTRITION

EGG-U-CATION D

The Agricultural Literacy of Today’s Egg Consumer

by Tracy Margol

Egg Farming 101 Who knows which came first – the chicken or the egg?* What we do know is the process through which an egg goes between the time it’s laid to the time it’s packaged. As soon as an egg is laid, it’s processed and packaged within a day. An egg grading machine washes, cleans and packs the eggs according to weight. Each egg is checked for imperfections such as cracks, stains, blood spots and leaks. Quality control separates substandard eggs then each egg is sanitized, cleaned, and weighed to determine size and then packaged accordingly. Contrary to popular belief, the weight of the egg determines the size, not the actual appearance. For example, large eggs are 2 ounces per egg or 24 ounces per dozen. A jumbo egg is 2.5 ounces per egg or 30 ounces per dozen.

In today’s egg laying facilities, temperature, humidity and light

are all controlled and the air is kept circulated. The building is well insulated, windowless (to aid light control) and is force-ventilated. Birds are either given the run of the floor area or are housed in cages. Most new construction favors the cage system because of its sanitation and efficiency, but floor operations are also in use.

The moment an egg is laid, physical and chemical changes begin to conspire against freshness. Warm temperatures encourage those changes, so newly laid eggs must be gathered frequently and refrigerated quickly. Some eggs are still gathered by hand, but in most production facilities automated gathering belts do the job. Gathered eggs are moved into refrigerated holding rooms where temperatures are maintained between 40° and 45°F. * Copy this into your browser for the most entertaining answer: http://ed.ted.com/featured/jOuJyFNt

id you know the eggs you eat have never been fertilized? In fact, you don’t need a rooster at all to produce an egg; hens lay eggs naturally when properly cared for. And while fertilized eggs are sold in some exclusive grocers or restaurants, many consumers don’t realize that the eggs they eat have never been fertilized – so you can rest assured there’s no embryo waiting to hatch in your mixing bowl.

Two percent of the U.S. population is comprised of farmers that feed the other 98 percent, and consumers for the most part, are quite simply uniformed about animal agriculture. It’s not typically part of grade school curriculum or widely publicized in the media, but it should be! Agriculturerelated issues frequently appear on voting referendums and the general public should take time to learn about the legislation and how it may affect farmers. As much as consumers love to eat, it is their responsibility to be informed before they vote.

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Dixie Egg Company For 66 years, Dixie Egg Company has been producing fresh shell eggs with uncompromising quality control standards.

Egg IQ? 1) What’s the nutritional difference between a brown egg and a white egg? a) brown eggs are more nutritious b) white eggs are more nutritious c) brown eggs are organic d) no difference 2) Do you need a rooster to have an egg? a) yes b) no 3) About how many eggs does a hen lay a week? a) 20 b) 7 c) 1 d) 3 4) Approximately how old is a hen when she lays her first egg? a) 52 weeks b) 19 weeks c) 4 years d) 2 years 5) How long will a hen lay eggs? a) 5 years b) 2 years c) 1 year d) 8 years

President and CEO Jacques Klempf, the third generation of his family to be in the egg business, joined the company in 1979. “I started out at the age of nine, selling jumbo eggs for 75 cents a dozen out of a little red wagon in my neighborhood. Then I took it to two other neighborhoods,” said Klempf. The company has grown

exponentially since Klempf took over – to a multi-site self-contained operation where he oversees everything from the 2.5 million hens to the feed, to the processing plants and delivery trucks.

Now a franchisee of Eggland’s Best, Dixie Egg Company produces over 21 million eggs per week – over a billion eggs per year! The farm and processing plant in Hoboken, Ga. and a second plant in Blackshear, Ga. employ about 180 employees.

The corporate office, warehouse and distribution center are on the west side of Jacksonville.

Klempf is former chairman of the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, The American Egg Board, Florida Poultry Federation, serves on the United Egg Producers Board, and was

appointed in an advisory capacity for three years to The Federal Reserve Bank in Atlanta.

Egg-u-cating Kids The American Egg Board in partnership with Discovery Education, provides free educational lesson plans and activity sheets for K-high school educators that align with the National Education Standards. The lesson plan activities are designed to educate today’s youth about the benefits of a healthy diet and exercise, as well as engage them in a variety of activities ranging from scientific exploration to creating a healthy plate and learning to read nutritional panels.

For more information visit the American Egg Board’s website at www.aeb.org.

Answers 1-d 2-b 3-b 4-b 5-b

What’s Your

The health and wellness of hens is a top priority at Dixie Egg Company, which offers caged, cage free and cage free organic eggs. Hens live in a state-of-the-art space that allows for them to live comfortably in a climate controlled environment, while additionally reducing the farm’s carbon footprint. The company takes great pride in delivering only the highest quality eggs – which starts with feeding and treating the hens right.

They’re fed an all-natural allvegetarian feed allowing them to lay nutritionally superior eggs; hormones or antibiotics are never used. Dixie Egg Company oversees the whole process from feed to retail, so they have complete control over the freshness and quality of the eggs, from their farms to your local stores.

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COASTAL A-LIST

A Night for Heroes 2014, is an annual black tie gala honoring the heroes of our community who join forces every day to care for trauma victims and their families – the men and women of UF Health Trauma One, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue and other health care entities.

PHOTOGRAPHER - RENEE FARRELL

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GIVE

The Duval Family

Giving Warriors a New

by Tracy Margol 28 |

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Leash on Life

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of war. This unique in-house program, founded in 2011 by Shari Duval along with her husband and pro golfer Bob Duval, gives veterans suffering from PTSD a “new leash on life.”

“We’ve seen miracles,” says Shari from her busy Ponte Vedra office at the homey site of K9s for Warriors.

“One warrior carried a dead soldier three miles and hurt his back and he has dreams of this,” she remarked of a veteran who received training and a service dog from K9s. “There are demons and they come out at night… the dogs wake them up by licking their faces and they wake up from nightmares. We don’t teach them that, they have a bond.”

E

very day, 22 veterans take their own lives. With the trauma of war, the current rate of unemployment and a loss of military camaraderie among other factors, many are faced with the stigma of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The wait time for veterans to receive benefits is long, compounding the stress on their families and themselves. But in Ponte Vedra Beach, one family has found an answer: the healing power of a service dog.

Former Army medic Melissa Maher returned from war with a stutter so severe that her speech was incomprehensible. She couldn’t get through the grocery store without

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panicking. She suffered severely from flashbacks, panic attacks, nightmares, depression and insomnia. Within five days of her receiving and training with Chauncey, her K9s for Warriors service dog, she started speaking normally. She no longer fears going out in public. Now, over a year and a half later, she’s finishing her master’s degree and is president of her Toastmasters Club.

Melissa completed a three-week training program at K9s for Warriors, a Ponte Vedra Beach non-profit organization formed to help veterans make a smooth transition back into civilian life by training service dogs for wounded warriors who are coping with the physical and emotional struggles

Shari founded K9s for Warriors after her son, Brett Simon, returned home with PTSD after serving two tours in Iraq. A veteran K9 police officer who worked as a contractor for the Department of the Army as a bomb dog handler, Brett was “depressed, withdrawn, isolated but had no visible wounds,” Shari said. “I was trying to figure out a way to help him and I said why don’t we start an organization to provide service dogs to veterans with PTSD.” After two years of research on canine assistance for PTSD the Duvals concluded the best way to help these deserving warriors was to start a non-profit organization to train and give service canines to assist warriors’ efforts to return to civilian life with dignity and independence.

“Before I left (for K9s for Warriors),

I couldn’t even get through the grocery store without panicking and forget talking to someone, simply asking a sales associate a question had me stuttering and stammering until I was barely understandable. I can honestly report that I have not stuttered once since being partnered with Chauncey. It truly is amazing how much your life can change in three short weeks. I can now face the world without fearing that I will melt into a puddle of sobbing nerves. I no longer fear taking my children out in public, going to the drug store, running errands, or simply existing outside of my house without my husband. I had never really considered myself a ‘dog person’, but Chauncey has changed that forever. Everywhere that I go, he will go. When I have a bad day, he will be there. He will bring me out of the flashbacks, interrupt the panic attacks and help me with mobility. I will be his forever human. Neither of us will ever be alone again, we will be battle buddies, we will be a team.”

- MELISSA MAHER, ARMY VETERAN

“I’ve led 150 Marines

into combat three times. I couldn’t walk out of my […] house to buy a pack of gum. I couldn’t go to sleep without a gun underneath my pillow. That’s how bad my PTSD was.”

- UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS CAPTAIN JASON HAAG who credits his dog Axel with saving his life

“We started with a lot of passion and no money,” Shari recalls. Today, Brett Ponte Vedra Life

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of directors. Shari’s husband, former pro golfer and Champions Tour winner Bob Duval, stays active with K9s – at the time of this interview, he was representing the organization at a Birdies for the Brave event in Tampa. K9s for Warriors is a full member of Birdies for the Brave, a national military outreach initiative designed to support the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

The Duvals are known for giving back. “I’ve done charity work all my life… we’ve raised millions for different charities,” Shari noted. serves as director of K9 Operations and goes out with the veterans every day and understands what others are going through.

To date, K9s has paired dogs with 106 veterans at three-week live-in training sessions at the Ponte Vedra ranch house. “They call me ‘Mom,’” Shari says of the visiting veterans.

Much of the Duval family is involved with the non-profit organization. Shari’s son-in-law Todd Galley is the CFO who took an active role from the inception due to his IT background. Son and longtime supporter David Duval (of PGA TOUR fame) remains on the board

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And the giving perpetuates.

Construction began this month on a brand new facility on eight acres in Nocatee, replacing the current facility on Roscoe Boulevard. The largest in the U.S. for service dogs and warriors with PTSD, the new state-of-the art facility, set to open in December, is 100 percent donated

by Summit Contracting Group and the Parc Group. With a 5,000 square foot clubhouse, housing for 16 warriors, 70 dog kennels, a training facility, fishing lake and various other amenities, the new location will help to shorten the long waiting list of veterans. “We currently house just four to five warriors per month versus

16 in the new location, Shari explains.

“We have over a year waiting list and we will have to increase our staff. Not many people know that this is an invisible disability of epic proportions. We’re losing a veteran every hour to suicide.”

With a service dog and training at K9s for Warriors, veterans can have help with a smooth transition back into civilian life as they cope with the physical and emotional struggles of war. “We have been honored to serve these brave men and women that have given this country so much.

There is no charge for our service; it is our duty, honor and privilege… We are a small charity doing huge work,

and making a difference,” said Shari.

These heroes fought for the future of our country and now the Duvals – and their extended family – are fighting for theirs. • Photographer: Mario Peralta Creative Director: Inger Williamson Hair Artist: Chuck Putman Makeup Artist: Carrie Wilson Location: K9’s for Warriors

How it Works The program includes a three-week stay at the facility in Ponte Vedra Beach. Warriors come from all over the country. (Some fly there and back home with their dog for free on Miracle Flights, which has partnered with K9s). Warriors meet and train with their new dog and take classes to assist in their recovery and are given tools to take home to become part of the solution to help lessen their PTSD. The dogs, which come from shelters, rescue organizations and private donors, are not a companion or comfort dog. They are service dogs trained to provide a protective service and shield. One of their tasks is “blocking” to create a personal space barrier for veterans who have issues with people standing too closely. And, according to Shari, “they serve as a ‘reality check’ to combat hyper vigilance.” The dogs are fully evaluated, trained and matched with a warrior before they arrive at the facility. They are allowed in stores, restaurants, hospitals, and anywhere else the general public goes. This protection enables veterans who had previously been homebound to return to the world without the crushing effects of PTSD plaguing their every movement.

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The 26.2

w i t h DONNA is a private nonprofit organization in Northeast Florida producing the only marathon in the U.S. dedicated solely to raising funds to end breast cancer. One hundred percent of raised funds and race proceeds for all 26.2 with DONNA events go to breast cancer research and care.

The 7th Annual 26.2 with DONNA was held February 23, 2014 with over 12,000 registered runners from all 50 states and more than 20 countries worldwide! Focus Fitness, Genentech, Jeb T. Branham Attorney at Law, Beaches Orthodontics Dr. Shreena Patel, Rio Hair Studio and Ponte Vedra Life teamed up for a pink race!

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GROW

It was about ten years ago when Andy Baggs was a volunteer in course ecology at THE PLAYERS Championship. In other words, he took out the trash. Though it was one of his all-time favorite volunteer positions, today Baggs is one of the few, proud owners of the venerable Red Coat. The coat, given to the next tournament chairman at the closing ceremony of the previous year, represents dedication, a passion for golf and giving and a huge responsibility. But Baggs isn’t complaining in the least, this is his

Tournament Chairman for the 2014 PLAYERS Championship

11th year as a volunteer – the last five as vice chairman – a requirement to become tournament chairman. >>>

and The Many Roles of

Andy Baggs

by Tracy Margol Photographer: Mario Peralta

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“When I first got involved,” Baggs remarked, “I didn’t really know what I was getting involved to do, but I fell in love with the organization and what it does for our community. After a friend got me involved ten years ago, I started coming back each year to volunteer; I did everything from admissions and parking to hospitality and commissary… even course ecology and then ultimately I became a vice chairman in the fall of 2008 for the 2009 tournament.”

Baggs says he’s thrilled to be able to join The Honorable Company of Past Chairmen (at the end of 2014), who proudly don their red coats each year at THE PLAYERS Championship – a right that is earned and comes with a host of responsibilities.

Baggs oversees more than 2,000 tournament volunteers organized into four divisions (volunteer services, facilities, spectator services and player services) and numerous committees.

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When asked how he felt about the task at hand, you could sense the passion in his voice, “Let me just say outside of my family, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences that I’ve ever had the opportunity to do. I’ve been very fortunate and it’s amazing to see the impact THE PLAYERS has on this community.”

The heart and soul of the event, the volunteers, come from throughout the Jacksonville community and beyond and are crucial to the Ponte Vedra Beach tournament, which last year donated $7.1 million to over 300 charitable organizations right here on the First Coast. Volunteers have been an important part of Jacksonville’s professional golf tournaments since the first Greater Jacksonville Open was played in 1965 at Atlantic Beach’s Selva Marina Country Club. And the red coat-clad chairman has always been looked up to as an important community leader.

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HISTORY

Baggs’ non-volunteer job is senior vice president and wealth advisor for The Baggs Dixon Powell Group at Morgan Stanley in Ponte Vedra Beach where his focus is delivering comprehensive wealth planning and asset management. He also serves on the board of the Police Athletic League of Jacksonville, on the leadership counsel for Take Stock in Children, and on the board of Discovery Montessori School.

Residing in Jacksonville Beach, Baggs and his wife of 12 years, Leah, have three children: Redlee (8), Presley (5) and Ashby (3). “I’m really proud of Andy and of what the tournament does for our community,” says Leah.

Baggs comes from parents who have

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always been philanthropic and says he and Leah “firmly believe it is our responsibility to give back to this community and we want to raise our kids to be the same.”

He calls the tournament volunteers a “2,000-person family” and values their commitment, passion and substantive impact on the community. “If you take the $7.1 million generated during the tournament last year and divide by 2,000 volunteers, it gives you an idea of the financial impact each one makes,” Baggs explains proudly.

(An extraordinary impact indeed: it comes out to $3,550 per volunteer).

So if you happen to see an official red-coated man or woman at any of this year’s tournament-related events, you can rest assured, they’ve worked hard for it. The role of tournament chairman is an important and prestigious one in THE PLAYERS Championship and Chairman Baggs has certainly earned his right to wear the red coat. • Photographer: Mario Peralta Creative Director: Inger Williamson Hair Artist: Abby Hinote Makeup Artist: Carrie Wilson Wardrobe: TPC Sawgrass Golf Shop Location: TPC Sawgrass

The Red Coat

–

for the passionately dedicated volunteer enthusiast If you’ve ever been to THE PLAYERS Championship, you’ve likely noticed official-looking ladies and gentlemen donning red coats.

This venerable Red Coat represents the volunteer leadership of THE PLAYERS. Anyone wearing it is either the current or a past tournament chairman. In other words, it’s worn by the head of volunteers, which is a volunteer position itself and comes with a plethora of responsibilities.

The impact of the event – a whopping $7.1 million generated for local charities in 2013 – would not be possible without the chairman and the more than 2,000 volunteers who help stage THE PLAYERS each and every year.

Photos Courtesy of PGA TOUR

“The chairmen’s responsibilities (during and after serving a term),” said Baggs, “are to be out in the community, connecting corporations to the TOUR and to be part of the giving back activities… they’re all well connected through business and charitable organizations and their job as ‘Red Coats’ is to continue to help the Executive Director Matt Rapp grow THE PLAYERS and its impact on our community.”

AGRONOMY

Going Green

By Melissa Intemann

on the Green

How Tom Vlach and his team keep things pristine

T

he number-one reason golfers choose a course is for its condition. The last thing a golfer wants is to step out onto a splotchy putting green or a fairway with swaths of bare earth.

But a course is not just about pristine grass. It’s the science and practice of agronomy. Dealing with matters of water resource management, soil analysis, irrigation design, greens construction, and bunker sand selection are all part of preparing a golf course. And it’s no simple task; it takes a team of scientists, landscape superintendents, foremen and a host of equipment working year-round to achieve the highest standard of playing conditions while protecting and conserving precious wildlife and resources.

For the past six years Tom Vlach has been the director of agronomy for TPC Sawgrass. Having been in the turf industry for 30 years, Tom is the go-to guy for all things green, so we caught up with him to ask a few questions about how TPC Sawgrass sets itself apart from other courses.

PVL: Golf courses can go through millions of gallons of water per day; how is TPC Sawgrass different from the other courses in regards to water conservation?

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Tom: The Valley Course utilizes 100 percent reclaimed and storm water for irrigation and the Stadium Course is watered with 50 percent effluent and 50 percent surface runoff

from the neighborhood. We use evapotranspiration rates and hand held moisture meters daily to make informed watering decisions. We have automatic rainfall shutoff switches to turn off the systems automatically if it rains. We play the golf courses firm and fast.

PVL: Do you water at night or water before turf stress?

Tom: We water at night since there is less wind which allows us to be more accurate with our water application.

PVL: Do you do frequent venting and topdressing to reduce turf stress?

Tom: Venting of the greens is done frequently to allow water to percolate into the soil instead of running off and we allow for more oxygen onto the soil profile growing a stronger root system requiring less water.

PVL: How is the drainage system different from other courses? Does the water being drained off the course get used for watering the course?

Tom: Runoff from the course is captured in self contained lakes and used for irrigation purposes. Runoff from the neighborhood roads are also captured and used for watering as well.

PVL: Does TPC Sawgrass use any eco-friendly products for course maintenance?

Tom: We only use fertilizers when necessary. We send multiple soil collection samples off to a lab annually so we only apply what is necessary. This saves the club money and it is best for the environment, preventing fertilizer runoff. We also test the plant tissue bi-weekly with tissue analysis making sure we only apply what is needed for the plant and nothing extra.

PVL: What type of pest management regime do you follow?

Tom: We apply plant protectants and antibiotics only when the environmental conditions warrant.

When we are cloudy, wet and experiencing prolonged periods of environmental stress, we apply low rates of preventive plant protectants rather than waiting for infection and having to apply significantly higher curative rates. We recently installed Celebration Bermuda grass, which has a stronger resistance to weed pressure and functions more properly with higher pressure from nematodes.

The natural defenses and overall strength of the new turf has allowed the staff to maintain a higher quality of turf with less environmental impact from herbicides, insecticides and fertilization.

PVL: Is TPC Sawgrass an Audubon Certified Course?

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Tom: TPC Sawgrass is member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. It is amazing the amount of wildlife the course supports. This open space is where all the wildlife runs to get away from the urban sprawl.

PVL: Are there areas on the course that are designed to welcome birds and other wildlife so as not to disrupt their natural environment?

Tom: We have been recognized nationally for the Environmental Leaders in Golf Award. As a member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, preservation and conservation of native habitats has always been instrumental and a focus of the team since original construction. Throughout the 400 acres of golf courses, there are another 400 acres of preserved habitat surrounding the golf course.

The property’s lakes include fish species of native tilapia, catfish, bass, carp, shad and mullet.

Native Florida birds that nest at TPC Sawgrass include blue heron, falcons, several hawk varieties, owls, osprey, and the endangered bald eagle. Other wildlife found on property includes alligators, foxes, turtles, otters, bobcats, rabbits and deer. Twenty strategic bird feeding stations have been established throughout the property.

Over the past few years, the Agronomy staff has successfully rescued several injured birds of prey and other forms of native wildlife.

Most recently, we rescued an injured baby owl and a pelican that was stuck on the No. 17 tree island. The

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TPC Agronomy team works closely with the St. Johns County Wildlife Management Department, as well as BEAKS (Beaches Emergency Aid and Kare Sanctuary). These relationships allow the Agronomy team the ability to preserve wildlife and enhance the relationships with other wildlife stewards in the area.

During the 2006 course renovation, the Stadium Course added over 200 Florida native trees in the variety of pine, oak, crepe myrtle, and magnolias; Dye’s Valley Course also added over 200 trees of the same species types. Yearly, each golf course replaces two trees for every one lost to a lightning strike or insect infestation. Snag trees that provide habitat for birds have been identified on both golf courses and marked for protection from elimination. Trees that are damaged from lightning strikes or other natural causes are recycled for mulch throughout the property.

PVL: Given that THE PLAYERS Championship is considered the “5th major”, the maintenance team is amazing on many levels. What does it take to get the course ready for this tournament?

Tom: It takes a staff of 75 and a trained volunteer staff of 80 to put on THE PLAYERS. It takes year-round planning and then about five months of execution.

We have a blog with many videos and photos of the staff at www. tpcsawgrassagronomy.com.

DESIGN

their homes,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of community for Houzz. Mark Macco Architects has also been featured in the Florida Times Union, and is one of only two Florida architects featured in the book “21st Century Homes” by Panache Publishing, available worldwide. Macco is currently the chapter director of the Northeast Florida American Institute of Architects.

commercial. I believe in taking all the things you love about a space and bringing them into your home.”

HOT NEW

Architecture Firm HAS FRESH COOL IDEAS

By Charlene Shirk

It’s the house under construction in South Jacksonville Beach everyone is watching.

The future residence of Architect Mark Macco and partner Sam Hall is part of a modern design trend sweeping the beaches community. But modern isn’t just about design, it’s about technology,

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green rooftop spaces and sustainability.

Macco has incorporated both his design philosophy and the hottest trends into his houses of today. “Have you ever wondered why when you walk into a nice hotel and you feel like you are on vacation?” he asks. “It’s not by accident.

It’s the lighting, layout and flow of the space, whether it’s residential or

An accomplished architect and visionary, Macco brings his creative and innovative design solutions to Mark Macco Architects. The firm specializes in incorporating a client’s concept for their desired space while marrying it with an inspiring design that has function and style. Macco designs recently earned a “Best Of Houzz” award by Houzz, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. Houzz provides an online view of home building, remodeling and design professionals. “We’re delighted to recognize Mark Macco Architects among our “Best Of” professionals for customer satisfaction as judged by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts who are actively remodeling and decorating

Macco’s designs are capturing the attention of more than the 16 million monthly users on Houzz, not just because of his graceful and modern designs, but also his use of cool trends like rooftop green spaces. Dark surfaces on traditional rooftops collect and release heat into the atmosphere.

Known as the heat island effect, it can drive up temperatures of a community or city. “A green roof offsets that heat or a lighter color roof can help bring down the temperature of an entire neighborhood,” said Macco. “That’s important in a densely populated area like the beaches. They are also more energy efficient.”

Macco’s experience in commercial design has afforded him the capability of transitioning traditional commercial construction materials to residential use. ICF, insulated concrete forms, for example, is now within reach of homebuilders. It provides added insulation and increased resistance to the elements along with a substantial savings for heating and cooling. “It is more than a style shift, it is a desire to add value, decrease the overall cost of living, while being minimal in your carbon footprint,” adds Macco, whose personal home is projected to Ponte Vedra Life

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be complete this spring.

Macco is looking forward to the completion of his new home, located a block from the beach, so he can take his golden retrievers for runs and let them work off their energy. “They are full of life and keep me and Sam moving,” he said. Macco’s love of his dogs resulted in his involvement with plans for the new Jacksonville Humane Society building. Macco provided the schematic design for the new state-of-the-art facility. The previous building burned down in 2007, and fundraising efforts are underway to rebuild it. In February, Macco held the official launch of his Architecture Firm at the J. Johnson Gallery and used it as an opportunity to showcase fundraising efforts and his synergistic approach to the design. “We want to reclaim the word “shelter” and make it a good thing,” said Macco. “We want to showcase the animals in a way that doesn’t make people feel like they’re visiting a jail.” The layout in Macco’s design creates a community center to provide education on animals and an inviting space that celebrates adopting that new family member.

Macco is constantly inspired by the world around him, the sights and even the sounds. He’s a classic tenor

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who approaches architecture and design as he does his music.

“When you listen to a great piece of music, it starts with an impressive opening just like the entryway of your home,” describes Macco. “The music has an ebb and flow, just like a home or building should have an interesting movement that makes you want to keep going through the space. Finally, it has a crescendo, a strong powerful ending that is exciting to hear.” His love of music also gives him a great appreciation for smarter entertaining spaces.

Macco’s designs include updated use of traditional entertainment areas.

“Everyone tends to gather in the kitchen when you’re entertaining, so creating a kitchen area that flows into the living space is important so people feel connected to the party, but not crowd the cook.” Macco also appreciates the desire for clients who may sing or play an instrument to have a “true” entertaining space to showcase their talents during a festive event. He believes a great space should be exciting and excite the senses, whether it’s commercial or residential. It’s all about getting that emotional response.

To contact Mark Macco Architects and view more of his commercial projects and residential designs go to www.MaccoArchitects.com.

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MAP

Disclaimer:: Map subject to change

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TECHNOLOGY

MARK MARQUES IS A NERD, and he

doesn’t care who knows

By Jen Probst

T

he New York-born, St. Augustine-raised Marques is the founder and CEO of what he boldly calls “the nation’s most secure data center,” GoRACK. Originally opened as Joytel Wireless Communications back in 2004, GoRACK is a data center built “by nerds, for nerds” as Marques puts it. The company specializes in providing ultra-secure colocation, disaster recovery and business continuity solutions for local, regional and global companies, which take comfort knowing their most important files are protected against environmental disasters, catastrophes and malicious human interference. A server failure, attack or natural disaster can lead

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to catastrophic consequences for a company that loses access to their data and IT operations, so GoRACK clients have shown a real appreciation for the massive levels of security GoRACK provides.

Located in what essentially amounts to a modern day data fortress, GoRACK’s servers are housed inside downtown Jacksonville’s Federal Reserve building.

That security is indeed a big point of difference between GoRACK and their competitors. After all, it’s not every datacenter that can claim a state-of-the-art, fortified, hurricaneproof building patrolled by swarms of armed officers packing heat as their home. GoRACK offers clients 10,000 square feet of data storage space inside a category 5-rated, government facility staffed with security 24/7/365.

All personnel and visitors must pass

national criminal background checks and clearance procedures to enter the facility. And, for added stability and security, the state-of-the-art facility is fully equipped with redundant standby generators with dual power feeds from JEA, is located on the hospital’s power grid, has multiple emergency fuel supply contracts, fire detection systems, and is a first priority for fire, police and emergency response teams. >>> Ponte Vedra Life

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For someone with clients in places as far away as New Zealand, India, and Bangladesh, Marques’ North Florida roots run deep.

The son of hard-working Brazilian immigrants, Marques moved to St. Augustine from New York as a nine-year old. He went on to graduate from Nease High School and the University of North Florida. He is very active in the North Jacksonville Baptist Church, which he attends with his wife and 1-year old daughter. In addition to his duties with GoRACK, Marques makes time to volunteer for a Christian organization aimed at helping troubled teens called Ark Youth Ministries. “I feel blessed for what I have been able to accomplish thus far in my life because of the unwavering love and support I have received from those around me,” said Marques. “I want to be able to give back to others who are not as fortunate as I have been.”

As for the future of GoRACK, Marques is cautiously optimistic. The company is certainly succeeding in a tough market for data storage competitors. Marques replies very matter-of-factly, “IT companies love us, network administrators prefer us and chief technology officers need us to be the voice of clarity, honesty and respect. They can each count on us because we take customer service to a whole new level. Our ultimate goal is 100 percent customer satisfaction and we honestly feel like we have achieved that status. We also have more product and service offerings than any other data storage center.”•

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CADDIE SHACK

L ‘ e Cadet’ (THE CADDIE)

By Inger Williamson

1. What certifications do you need to qualify as a caddie?

We certify caddies in carrying one bag, two bags and for caddying for up to four people. The certification process takes the caddie through yardage calculation, course maintenance, green reading and movement and everything a caddie would oted as a luxury amenity in golf, a need to know. Before the training even caddie’s insightful advice carries begins, the caddies go through a stringent on through 18 holes of rough screening process that includes personality terrain, where a reliance on expertise profiles and behavioral assessments. It is only the beginning of a beautiful helps us find people who have a higher union. Originating from the French word propensity to serve (and with a smile) than ‘le cadet,’ meaning “the boy” or the the average person. The process also youngest in the family, a porter or errand helps us better identify individuals that boy has been a common label since the you’d be okay being around for five hours.

1800s and is what we now refer to as a This part of the selection is more important “caddie.” Making its first appearance in than the actual caddie training - we can the French military where cadets carried train Oscar the Grouch to caddie but that golf clubs for royalty, it quickly made its doesn’t mean you’d want to spend a round way to the Scottish towns in the 18th or two of golf with him. century, where golf truly began. In the early days there were no golf bags - clubs 2. A caddie is the golfer’s sight and feel. How does he or she prepare for a were carried in bundles by these young boys, with pockets full of stitched leather round of golf?

The biggest mistake a caddie can make is balls and a mind to keep score. to assume he/she knows what the player In the modern world, caddies come with wants or expects. The caddie needs to ask questions to determine the service vast knowledge and skills; they’re no level the player is comfortable with. Some longer “porters or errand boys,” and players need a lot of information while help make decisions with intuitive advice, others just need the caddie to carry the perfect calculation and a keen eye to the bag. The caddie has numerous hours of finish line. experience on the course and he can help the player maneuver around the course.

PVL asks Tom Keeley from Caddie Master to provide his vision on being a golfer’s 3. Moral support, decision making, right OR left hand man. control, calculations, all fall into a

N

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caddie’s job description. What is a caddie’s first move when under pressure?

The first move is to get the correct yardage. All of the other stuff is secondary to making sure your yardage calculation is 100 percent accurate. If it’s not, your player loses trust in the caddie’s ability and that will make for a long day. Getting a firm commitment or buy in the information given is the key. I would say that the first move when under serious pressure is to revert back to your behavior and actions that took place on the range before the round or on the very first hole. Changing your behavior or disposition is the last thing you want to do because it quite likely will have an effect on your player, and usually a negative one. For example, say you’re caddying for a resort guest who is in the midst of his/her career round, who has a chance to break 80, or 90. You wouldn’t inform that person on the 17th tee that if she finishes bogey, bogey, she shoots 79, or 89. You’d just keep doing whatever you’ve been doing.

for a guest to return and request the same caddie... you don’t see that often in other positions.

5. Caddies date back to the 1800s.

What are some caddie traditions and regulations that have sustained in today’s world?

Caddies still carry bags, get the yardages, clean the clubs, read the greens as they always have. There’s the “caddie yard” or “pen” as it’s often referred to, the area caddies congregate as they await their assignment. Here is where yesterday’s loop is recounted, and how the caddie steered his player to a birdie on No. 8 with a read that was spot on, but not believed to be the right one by the player prior to stroking it. It’s also where the caddies like to play cards and backgammon.

6. Say you’re caddying one of the best players around. Give us the story.

I would need to provide more specific information to the highly experienced player. The average golfer wouldn’t need to know that he needs to hit the ball down the right side of 4. Caddies have the greatest impact the fairway for a better angle to on the golf experience. Trust is earned the green because he/ and friendships are formed. How does she won’t be able this differ from other occupations? to control the ball Caddying is really customer service that specifically. It on steroids. In other customer service varies from person to professions, the communication person, whether the between employee and guest is for FedExCup point leader a limited timeframe. Being a caddie or five handicap. Some want requires you to be with the player all the information you can for four to five hours servicing and give them, and others not anticipating his needs. Over the course a peep. But when a tour of a two or three-day golf trip, a guest could spend nearly 50 percent of his/her pro asks for a yardage, the waking hours with the caddie. No other answer can’t be “it’s 170/175 to the middle and 185/190 position at a property comes remotely close to such a stat. At the private clubs to the pin;” it has to be very precise, exact. And you have at which we work, it is not uncommon to be careful about giving for caddies to become house sitters, golf partners, and frequent guests of the information they don’t ask for. members. At resorts, it’s very common Less is often more. •

L ‘ e Cadet’

DAN TALKS

Golfer’s DreamCity

Open in 2012. He is originally from Sweden, has attended FSU in Tallahassee and has lived in Orlando but he prefers his home in Ponte Vedra Beach. “I grew up in Sweden and love the water, so being right next to the Atlantic Ocean is great,” Blixt explained. And Blixt is just one of many young guns who calls this area home. Web.com Tour players like Harold Varner III and Chris Baker moved here from the Carolinas and Iowa, respectively. PGA TOUR player and Illinois native Luke Guthrie makes no bones about why he chooses to live here, “The weather is great, plus you happen to have the best practice facility in the world right down the road.”

The best practice facility in the world Guthrie is referring to is, of course, TPC Sawgrass, located in Ponte Vedra Beach. TPC Sawgrass opened in 1980, and was designed specifically to host THE PLAYERS Championship, and it is currently headquarters for the PGA TOUR. Veteran Vijay Singh refers to TPC Sawgrass as his office and cites it as the main reason why he resides in Jacksonville.

From the small beach town atmosphere to the perfect weather conditions for year-round golfing, there are a number of reasons why so many golfers are making Ponte Vedra home. As one TOUR player who shall remain anonymous told me the other night, “the scenery (in Ponte Vedra) ain’t so bad either.”

Local golf stars were also born and raised here – such as Bud Cauley, Jeff Klauk, Matt Every and Billy Horschel – so chances are if you keep your eyes peeled in Ponte Vedra, you might just see a professional golfer! •

O

by Dan Hicken

n Monday, May 5th, the greatest golfers in the world will descend upon Ponte Vedra for THE PLAYERS Championship, one of the premier events of the PGA TOUR. While a majority of these players are only visiting for the week, some of the world’s best players already live here.

Former PLAYERS Champion Fred Funk, one of the top players in the world, calls Jacksonville home, as does former U.S. Open Champion Jim Furyk. Plenty of up and comers are also local, such as Bud Cauley, Jonas Blixt and Luke Guthrie.

Jonas Blixt is currently on the PGA TOUR. He won The Greenbrier Classic last year, as well as the Frys.com

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Tips, Technology and Secrets

from the Pros

by Dave Allen, PGA TOUR Experiences

The Information Age Today’s launch monitors and video analysis systems are giving players an additional edge Much of the technology being utilized by golf instructors today was originally designed for club-fitting purposes. But over time, these devices have become an integral part of teaching and improving oncourse performance, both at the amateur and professional levels. The PGA TOUR players are using launch monitors and 3D video to finetune their swings and, in particular, generate more distance off the tee.

By using the information provided by such ball tracking systems as TrackMan and FlightScope, players are able to create the desired launch, spin and impact conditions they want to produce their preferred ball flight.

Prior to the start of THE PLAYERS Championship, many of the players

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TOURAcademy TPC Sawgrass is home to just one of 20 TaylorMade Performance Labs in the U.S. and three in the state of Florida.

The single biggest Using sensors advantage to TrackMan that are attached and today’s launch monitor systems, says Stahlschmidt, is that you’re able to to both the club and the body, a measure the club head’s angle of attack 3D-animated avatar is created which allows you to view what the body is – i.e., the angle (up or down) in which the head is moving through impact. The doing biomechanically throughout the swing. The TPC Sawgrass location more the golfer hits down on the ball also has a MAT-T Putting System with a negative attack angle, the more the swing direction has to be to the left which works in a similar fashion so that you can see what the face angle in order to launch the ball straight. The is at impact, as well as where you’re attack angle cannot be measured with contacting the ball on the putter face 2D video. and whether or not you’re hitting up or down on the ball. Based on that “Without the angle of attack information, you’ll get a prescription measurement, you don’t know what your swing direction has to be in order on what you need to do to improve your stroke and become more to create the ball flight you want,” efficient on the greens. said Stahlschmidt. the absolute correct diagnosis from a teaching standpoint, and not just an opinion. We now have the science to back up our analysis.”

KNOW

Ponte Vedra Life

Power Secrets of the Pros

will work their way down the practice range to TOURAcademy TPC Sawgrass, just so they can use TrackMan and TaylorMade’s MAT-T System (Motion Analysis Technology by TaylorMade), a 3D motion capture system which allows the player to view their swing from multiple angles.

“It’s kind of like when you go to the doctor,” said TOURAcademy TPC Sawgrass Senior Head Instructor John Stahlschmidt. “What all of this technology does is provide us with

Here are three tips to help you maximize your distance off the tee At the beginning of March, there were more than 20 players on the PGA TOUR averaging 300-plus yards per drive. That’s the length of three football fields. Just how do they do it? For one, they’re able to control their attack angle, says Travis Fulton, Director of Instruction for all TOURAcademy locations nationwide, including TOURAcademy TPC Sawgrass. “It’s relatively shallow through impact whereas most amateurs are too steep,” said Fulton.

“If you can level out your approach and combine that with a swing direction that’s to the right, then you’ll hit a perfect little draw and hit the ball a lot farther Per Fulton, here are three things you can do to shallow out your approach and hit the high-launch, low-spin ball that so many players on the PGA TOUR are hitting.

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your shoulders and forearms square or slightly closed (i.e., pointing to the right) of your target line. You should have the feeling that your left forearm is slightly closer to the ball than your right. This encourages you to make a full shoulder turn, where the left shoulder points behind the ball.

High and Dry Four keys to keep your ball from drowning on TPC Sawgrass’ famous island hole

Todd Jones, a Master Instructor at TOURAcademy TPC Sawgrass, estimates he’s played the iconic “island green” 30 times, hitting into

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shot. The routine helps slow you down and also diverts your attention away from the water, so that you’re more focused on what you want to do versus what not to do.

3 – Execute your normal pre-shot routine and fully commit to your

4 – Make an aggressive swing. If you find yourself in-between clubs, take one more club, grip down two inches, and hit a full shot. Complete your backswing; don’t swing threequarters! Under pressure, the tendency is to hit the ball too soft, which is something you can’t afford to do here.

promotes a swing direction to the right through impact, which allows for a shallower attack angle.

Swing to the right: At impact, return your shoulders so they’re pointing even farther to the right (i.e., more closed) of the target line than they were at address. If your swing direction is to Round it out: Round out your left arm the right, you have a better chance of on the backswing so that when viewed staying behind the ball and bringing from behind, it’s covering your right the club head in more level to the shoulder at the top of the swing. This ground, maximizing launch conditions.

Each year, more than 100,000 golf balls find a watery grave on the famous par-3 17th hole at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, or approximately 300 per day. The pros contribute roughly 50 of those balls during four rounds of THE PLAYERS Championship, a far cry from what the average golfer is donating daily.

back edge. Any tee shot that lands near the back of the green is likely to bounce into the water. Determine your yardage to the center of the green, and add five yards.

the water on only five occasions. Here are his tips for keeping the ball dry, should you be lucky enough to play this hole in the future.

1 – Ignore the flagstick and play to the center of the green. You’ll have a much easier time landing your tee shot on the green if you play to the entire green, and not just a small piece of it.

2 – Take your yardage to the deep center of the green, and not the

Shape of Things to Come More and more golfers are paying attention to their physical fitness Twenty-five years ago, the gym was the last place you’d expect to see a PGA TOUR player, unless their name was Gary Player. You were more likely to find them sleeping in, or beating balls on the practice range until well after dark. Today, the most popular hangout among players on the PGA TOUR is the Player Mobile Health and Fitness Trailer. These traveling gyms on wheels are usually packed with physical therapists, athletic trainers and players, many of whom look as if they belong on the gridiron instead of the golf course. What was

once considered an afterthought – a well-prepared body – is now a must if you want to compete at the top of the sport. Some of the fittest players on TOUR include Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott, Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler.

“Everybody is at least doing something in regards to their fitness training,” said Gabriel Lopez, Director of Performance for the Ponte Vedra Life

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TOURAcademy. “Golfers are now training more like athletes every day.

It’s not only about strength and power, but keeping the body in balance. If there’s tightness anywhere it’s going to show up in how they hit the ball as well as how quickly they recover.

It’s my job to get the player’s body in balance before and after the round.”

Most players work out for about 45 minutes in the morning, prior to hitting balls, says Lopez, who works with golfers at TPC Sawgrass and World Golf Village. First, they’ll undergo some kind of foam rolling to lengthen and prepare the tissue, then perform a number of dynamic stretches and movements designed to activate their muscles and improve

their range of motion. “The goal is to get the muscles fired up and ready to move,” says Lopez, who currently works with Champions TOUR player and 2005 PLAYERS champion Fred Funk, and spent several years training Vijay Singh.

Post-round, many players are getting manual therapy and using more traditional stretching strategies (i.e., holding the stretch for a period of time) to enhance recovery and prevent injury. “Post round, you’re not preparing the body to move any longer, but trying to bring it back into balance,” said Lopez.

To schedule a golf performance strategy session with Lopez, e-mail him directly at director@perform6.com.

A Day in the Life – Instructing a PGA TOUR Pro THE PLAYERS Championship figures to be a busy time for the TOURAcademy’s Parada The busiest guy at last year’s THE PLAYERS Championship might have been TOURAcademy TPC Sawgrass Master Instructor Jorge Parada, who had two of his players make the cut in the tournament, including runner-up David Lingmerth. The Swede slept on the overnight lead heading into Sunday’s weather-delayed final round, and finished just two shots back of eventual champion Tiger Woods.

“David was really hitting it well heading into the tournament, but

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the putts weren’t dropping and he was making one or two crucial mistakes per round,” said Parada, who also coaches two-time PGA TOUR champion and fellow Jacksonville Beach resident Jonas Blixt. “It all kind of fell in place at THE PLAYERS. Everything just clicked.”

When Parada is at an event, such as last year’s PLAYERS, he’ll usually spend three to six hours per day with the player early in the week. On these practice days, they’ll meet up

for breakfast in the morning, then warm up on the putting green and practice range before hitting the course for nine or 18 holes. Typically, if it’s two practice days, they’ll play nine holes one day and nine the next; if it’s three days, they’ll try to fit in 18 holes in addition to the two nine-hole practice rounds. During these rounds, Parada will help Lingmerth or Blixt put together a game plan for the tournament. They’ll get an idea for what the course’s tendencies are, and what type of short game shots they’ll need to execute to be successful that week. Parada says he pays special attention to the greens and bunker complexes, and where to miss and where not to miss (i.e., where not to short-side yourself).

For last year’s PLAYERS, Parada says that Lingmerth’s strategy was to keep the ball in play off the tee and out of the infamously thick rough at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. With the course playing very hard and fast last year, it was also critical that Lingmerth control the distance and trajectory of his irons.

If Parada is in town for the start of the tournament, he’ll watch the player warm up as usual, but won’t give them too much information unless they ask for it. He’ll leave them with one or two keys for the round, but mainly try to instill as much confidence in them as possible. If it’s a morning round, he’ll join the player for lunch and then a one-hour session on the practice range followed by a one-hour session in the short game area. Following an afternoon round, he’ll meet the player on the range for a cool-down session

consisting of approximately 30 shots.

If necessary, the player will hit some putts and chips afterwards; otherwise, they’ll go get stretched out.

When Parada cannot be there for the tournament, he’ll frequently talk with the player on the phone. If there’s a mechanical issue, the player’s caddie will videotape his swing and e-mail it to Parada to get his opinion.

“It’s different for each player,” said Parada. “Most of the time their golf swing looks pretty good and there’s a small little error that throws them off. I always try to point out as many positives as possible right away, and then I draw up one or two things that they’re able to take to the range and work on.” • Ponte Vedra Life

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a unique firm that’s driving big buzz for clients

Y

ou can still catch her on television filling in on Channel 12’s “First Coast Living”, dishing on “The Chat” or pitching products on the occasional commercial, but that’s just what former news anchor Charlene Shirk does in her spare time. “People ask me all the time what have I been up to since leaving the news,” laughs Shirk. “I’ve been pretty busy.” To get you up to speed quickly Shirk is in her second year of being an excited business owner and a glowing newlywed.

She left “First Coast News” after a decade of being a popular weekend anchor. Shirk seemingly left at the top of her game and says people ask her not only what she’s been up to, but also why she left. “It was a tough decision,” says Shirk. “To be honest, at the time there were no opportunities to move up at the station, so I had to ask myself if I was willing to move to a bigger city in order to advance. It came down to what did I love more, my career or my home. I chose Jacksonville.”

Shirk admits she was also ready for a change and that change came in the shape of a golf ball.

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Shirk joined the PGA TOUR in 2007, as its director of Community Relations for THE PLAYERS Championship. She came across the opportunity during a chance meeting at one of the many charity events where she volunteered as emcee. “I kept running into people from the TOUR because they supported so many charities,” says Shirk. “Finally I met their then head of Human Resources who mentioned they were looking for someone to help promote the charitable impact THE PLAYERS made all year long, not just tournament week.” The position didn’t exist prior to Shirk joining the organization; she helped create the role and its reach.

incredibly successful women all talked about following your passion and finding a work, life balance,” says Shirk. “So that was my focus, do what I loved and where I loved doing it.”

That was the inspiration for C. Shirk Productions.

But when the role started to include travel, Shirk who had just become a newlywed, found herself asking the same question about career versus community. “It was about a week after my wedding and instead of being on my honeymoon,” says Shirk, “I was in Pittsburgh and I realized that it was time for another change.” This time change would come in the form of her own company. “One of the last initiatives I worked on with THE TOUR was the Executive Women’s Day and during those events these

Shirk combines her years of being on camera with her years of pitching stories to create public relations campaigns that drive big media coverage and buzz. She also develops community outreach events that result in ticket sales and financial partnerships. Shirk’s client list includes the newly launched North American Soccer League, the Jacksonville Armanda; the Youth Crisis Center; Special Olympics Florida – Duval; Mark Macco Architects; the Jacksonville Women’s Leadership

Forum and the Fidelity Investment Jacksonville Dragon Boat Festival.

“I don’t know how we would have pulled this first time event off without her,” said Jeri Millard, founder of In The Pink and the organizer of Jacksonville’s first dragon boat festival. “Charlene helped us with creating value for our sponsors, getting us on every station in town and coordinating our opening and closing ceremonies.

Even the mayor commented on how impressed he was with the job she did.” The event, which was attended by 2,000 people last year, is set to become the signature fundraiser for In The Pink, a one-stop shop for people undergoing cancer treatment. Shirk also has two clients participating in One Spark and one launching their own retail line and motivational speaking campaign. “I love being able to use my skills as a storyteller, marketing strategist and saleswoman,” says Shirk. “It takes someone who’s been in the business to understand how the media works and what kind of stories they are interested in covering.” Business has been good for Shirk; she recently added an additional public relations coordinator to her team and is poised to add several new clients in 2014.

Shirk remains on the public radar, she still serves as the emcee for local nonprofits, and her in-house sound studio makes it easy to be the voice for numerous radio spots and corporate videos. “It’s something different every day and that’s what makes it so energizing,” says Shirk. “I am so grateful that I made the right choice to stay in Jacksonville, a community I invested in and has invested right back in me.” • Ponte Vedra Life

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COASTAL A-LIST

Amor Amor

RELEASE PARTY

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STYLE

The Importance of

Personalization, Self-Expression and Making Writing Fashionable Again at

W

hen you look around your home, home office or work space, do you see items that personalize that space – pictures on the wall, family photos, decorative folders, or appealing looking writing instruments? If you do, you’re not alone! In fact, the ‘home decorating’ market

is over $65 billion dollars a year, and between seventy and ninety percent of the American workforce personalizes where they work. Expressing individuality, coping with stress, or marking a territory are all reasons for the personalization trend in the home and work space. Therefore, it is not surprising

that we have seen a significant growth in the range and sales of office supplies that tie to the personalization trend.

These include a wide array of items ranging from tape dispensers and folders, to paperclips and pens.

The selection of items that express individuality and personal style is a core driver of consumer purchase behavior.

The self-expressive style choices, which men and women make play an important role in giving them control over how they choose to portray themselves to others. Self-expression is brought to life through what individuals choose to wear, carry, and write with. Presenting ourselves well through all of these mediums communicates not only insight into who we are, but also that we are in control of our personal environments.

That’s one key reason why self-expression is invaluable in the fashion, home and the business worlds.

With the important business and consumer driver of personalization and self-expression in mind, and combined with compelling consumer insights, Pilot Corporation of America (‘Pilot Pen’) began its ‘Making Writing Fashionable,

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Again’ initiatives in 2012. The women in Pilot’s core target audience put a great deal of effort into how they present themselves, and know that even the smallest details matter. When they go to write, they want a high quality pen that writes smoothly and lets them effortlessly express their words and style.

It is important to note that the individuals in our target audience also play a significant role in the selection of pen purchases at their place of work.

Based on Pilot’s Business-to-Business (B2B)Segmentation Study (n=954), 82 percent of individuals responsible for purchasing office supplies for their place of work are ‘allowed to buy pens I prefer for work.’ Also, among 25-44 year old Pilot purchasers 75 percent agree that “When I write with my favorite pen I feel more confident and productive,” and 69 percent agree that “My own personal pen preferences drive my purchase decisions for work.”

Pilot Pen has built strong consumer loyalty by fulfilling unmet writing needs with innovative writing instruments.

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fashion-centric writing instruments.

The positioning for these pens was that they ‘express your words and personal style effortlessly.’ The pens launched under this positioning include G2® Fashion, Acroball PureWhite®, FriXion® Ball Clicker and the Pilot MR Metropolitan Collection. (It is important to note that key products like FriXion Clicker and the Pilot MR Metropolitan Collection were also supported with male targeted Marketing initiatives that tied to self-expressive benefits, but did not fall under the more fashion-centric positioning.)

To showcase their new pen collection, Pilot has made writing fashionable again by participating in a celeb-

rity gifting suite at the 2014 Golden Globes. Further illustrating the parallels between handwriting and personal style, Pilot partnered with Project Runway Season 12 finalist Helen Castillo, an avid Pilot pen fan, to create a one-of-a-kind pen adorned evening gown which was on display at Pilot’s Golden Globes gifting suite.

The stunning midnight navy and black Balmain inspired gown featured a fit-and- flare silhouette appliquéd with an intricate pattern of more than 300 Pilot pens, and weighed over 25 pounds. It took roughly 60 hours of handwork – nearly nine work days to complete the gown.

“We are thrilled to be even a small part of the energy and excitement leading up to the Golden Globes,” said Ariann Langsam, Director of Consumer Marketing. “The written word plays such an important role in acting and directing, and in screen and song writing, that there really is a unique fit between Pilot’s luxury writing instruments and the Golden Globe Awards. What better way to celebrate the power of the best written words than with fine writing instruments that express your style and words effortlessly.”

Handwriting and personal style are unique to each of us, so Pilot featured a range of writing instruments at the Golden Globes gifting suite to suit different writing styles and design preferences. The featured pens included the luxurious, innovative, retractable Vanishing Point fountain pen and the new, MR Animal Collection, which is designed and priced for everyday use. Guests experienced

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these fine writing instruments along with more casual Pilot favorites including the smooth and erasable FriXion Clicker and the striking G2 Fashion, all set against the backdrop of Old Hollywood glamour and style.

Consumer response has been extremely positive to these products.

Sales have been robust for the new launches with sales results exceeding forecast overall, and G2 Fashion sales proving to be completely incremental to the G2 business in its first year in the market. The response to these pens, which tie to self-expression and fashion, has also been extremely positive in both the B2B and consumer markets.

Established in the U.S. in 1972, Pilot Pen’s production and operations have been located in Jacksonville since 1995. A market leader in both the gel and rolling ball categories, Pilot’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Japan and around the world operate under strict quality control standards, ensuring the superior quality of all Pilot products.

To what can the company attribute its success in the US Market? “Pilot

prides itself on an unwavering commitment to product innovation,” said Dennis J. Burleigh, President and CEO of Pilot Corporation of America. “Our philosophy is to create superior writing instruments, providing an exceptional writing experience that ultimately encourages self-expression.”

At Pilot, ‘Power to the Pen’ is not merely a tagline, it embodies the vision for Pilot’s future. In this digital age, the pen you choose, when you choose to write, is even more important. Pilot’s goal is to bring pens to consumers that will delight them with their writing quality and self-expressive benefits. Thus far, the response from Pilot’s purchasers across the B2B and consumer markets has been overwhelmingly positive. On the B2B front, the annual growth in Pilot’s pen sales is exceeding the category. From a consumer perspective, the company frequently receives emails thanking them for moving in the right direction and for making “relevant” and “innovative” products available. Loyal fans on Pilot’s Facebook page comment regularly that they have to hide their coveted Pilot pens. Other fans say that Pilot has truly ‘Made Writing Fashionable for them again!’

It’s not just a pen, it’s a Pilot pen. • Ponte Vedra Life

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Be cool like Bubba Watson in Oakley

Pink Out your Sunday at THE PLAYERS

TO THE PLAYERS?

WHAT ARE YOU WEARING

M-PIRE

SEE AND be the Scene

Channel Dustin Johnson’s clean look

LOCATION: TPC SAWGRASS MODEL: SHANE KRAUSSER

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Go vintage golf for Throwback Thursday

Get wild with Crazy Pants Saturday White Skirt, Esley :: $39.99 Ponte Vedra Life 92Blush | Boutique

Be part of THE PLAYERS experience with new and exciting merchandise

COASTAL A-LIST

All You Need Is Love Bridal Gown Giveaway Contest!

Congratulations to: Michele and Michael!

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EATS

ELEVEN Marks the Spot By: Alexandria Klempf

Everybody has a list of go-to restaurants for special occasions:

a fried wakame salad. The entrée portion of the menu features several seafood dishes such as diver scallops and black grouper. The menu also includes mesquite grilled steaks. The steaks are Harris Ranch Angus Beef and hand-cut in house. Since opening in 2005, Eleven South Bistro has been committed to creating seasonal menus that embody their farm-totable philosophy and using local food purveyors to provide the freshest ingredients to diners.

The effortlessly elegant atmosphere at Eleven South Bistro is a unique quality that sets it apart from everywhere else. Locals flock to the eclectic bar to unwind with a glass of wine or handcrafted cocktail. The warm décor in the main dining area immediately invites guests to make themselves at home. Another great feature is the outdoor patio that makes patrons feel like they have escaped into a hidden paradise. The patio is also used for special occasions like wine pairing dinners and

celebrating a birthday, a romantic date, a night out with friends. Eleven South Bistro is the spot in Jacksonville for all these occasions. Nestled in the heart of Jacksonville Beach, Eleven South Bistro is the type of restaurant “where everybody knows your name” with a fine dining experience tailored to each individual. Nine consecutive “Wine Spectator Award of Excellence,” four consecutive “Golden Spoon” awards, and Open Table “Diner’s Choice” are just some of the many accolades Eleven South Bistro has received since opening over eight years ago. A food and wine driven menu, a relaxed atmosphere, and the highest standards of service are the key ingredients that make Eleven South Bistro one of Jacksonville’s finest restaurants.

The cuisine at Eleven South Bistro is described as Nouveau American with flairs of Mediterranean influence. Each entrée is carefully created to complement their wide offering of wines from around the world. The menu acts as a guide for diners and offers a variety of small plates and entrées. The small plates are perfect for sharing or enjoying alone and currently feature items like Lobster Mac and Cheese (a favorite among locals) and Crispy Oysters with kumquat-jalapeno marmalade served over

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private events. Servers guide each diner through the menu with a vast knowledge of food and wine. The intimate environment and friendly staff makes every guest feel like they are part of the Eleven South Bistro family.

Owner Karen Thomas and managing partner John Nagy were inspired by their mutual love for food and wine and wanted to create a restaurant that embodies their shared passion. Not only are John and Karen business partners, they are also engaged and plan to get married in Sonoma this fall. John’s restaurant philosophy is that there are four legs to a restaurant: food, wine, service and environment.

These four elements have to work cohesively together for a restaurant to be successful. Having mastered these principals, Eleven South Bistro is regarded as one of the most respected restaurants in Jacksonville. •

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FOODIE

FOOD TRUCKS

10

New Trend on

by Keith Rydh

CEO of FoodiesUSA

A

s players and fans descend to the 424-yard, dogleg left, par four 10th hole at THE PLAYERS Championship at Sawgrass, they will notice something different this year. Off in the distance they’ll catch the aroma of Caribbean cuisine and Latin American flavors being prepared as well as juicy burgers and fresh fish being grilled to perfection. Did the 19th hole move closer this year? Not at all. This year six amazing food trucks will be parked along the fairways at hole No. 10 to serve up some foodie delights unrivaled by any foil wrapped golf cart-served sandwiches.

But food trucks at THE PLAYERS? Of course (pun intended), why not? Food trucks have long evolved

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from modified pickup trucks with a temperature controlled cab on the back. These days, food trucks are literally rolling gourmet kitchens that are truly chef driven. And there are all kinds of food trucks too, from the modified full sized RVs to the pull-behind trailer, and each offers a unique taste from the standard street foods to ethnic and exotic unique eats. Today each food truck has its own signature and style.

The lineup at the 10th hole at THE PLAYERS includes Northeast Florida favorites, Corner Taco, The Gourmet Aviator, Mama’s Food Truck, Super Food Truck, Up in Smoke and Baby’s Badass Burgers. aby’s Badass Burgers.

Super Food Truck www.jaxsuperfoodtruck.com As the crowds watch the tee shots ascend towards the sky, they may see a bird or a plane but when the ball lands

on the 10th they’ll see the Super Food Truck. Fighting hunger off the greens will be owner Dale Stoudt in his beautiful blue Super Sized food truck with fresh to order American classics gone up up and away with taste, freshness and creativity. A must sample is their mini pork shank deep fried in a hoisin barbeque sauce with a cooling cabbage slaw and tasty sweet potato tots or the turkey pesto panini with fresh turkey, prosciutto, avocado, spinach, zesty tomato with herbed goat cheese on French bread. For great foods for your mild mannered golf enthusiast for certain.

Up in Smoke facebook.com/upinsmokebbaja

One of the biggest distractions this year at THE PLAYERS will be the bellows of southern barbeque from Up in Smoke BBQ. This fire engine red, triple axel food trailer owned by Jennifer and Tom Wilbers will be hard to miss with long lines of spectators succumbing to the wonderful smokey aromas that are hard to resist. Their secret comes from “almost” 80 year old recipes paired with homemade southern BBQ sauces. Up in Smoke will show that low and slow will be the way to go while putting around the greens on the 10th. The players may also be hoping for some slow greens too as their tasty pulled pork “Slapper” with slaw on top and their

moist and tender Angus beef brisket sandwich will be in the air and all around THE PLAYERS. We hear the Mac n’ Cheese is a hole in one!

Baby’s Badass Burgers www.babysbadassburgers.com/ Jacksonville Baby’s Burgers has been at the forefront of the food truck scene out in Los Angeles since 2009 and has been featured on the Travel Channel’s “Food Wars” and Cooking Channel’s “Eat Street.” They were even a contestant on ABC’s popular “Shark Tank” show where business creators and entrepreneurs try to impress investors. From all of that recognition, local owner M. Earl Pulliam used his business savvy to get ahead of the food truck curve and open a franchise in Jacksonville.

When I spoke with M. Earl, this former Army cook always wanted to be a chef and saw a huge opportunity.

He tasted the best burger of his life along with an unforgettable side of fries. But just burgers... and the best ever? Baby’s burgers aren’t just burgers. With the exception of the turkey burger, these are 100 percent angus beef handmade patties, cooked in Baby’s famous five spice seasoning giving the sear a unique aroma. Top the burger with their signature chipotle aioli with a kick of heat on a Hawaiian bun, all served with love and you will experience a Badass Burger!

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Gourmet Aviator www.GourmetAviator.com Speaking of driving, or rather flying, this truck was created by former pilot Alex Montanez who is now behind the wheel and grill of the Gourmet Aviator Food Truck. Alex was an aviator for over 20 years but also an excellent cook and sauce aficionado. He combined those two passions and kept his idea a little more grounded. Alex opened a beautiful rolling exotic kitchen with WWII style designed graphics, serving authentic Puerto Rican, Latin American and Caribbean flavors along with a chef’s twist on food truck favorite bites.

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It all started in 2007 where Alex’s taste buds took off with a passion to create the best sauces for his food. Five years later, an award winning designed truck started cruising the streets of Jacksonville full time offering tasty treats from the streets. The Gourmet Aviator isn’t just a pretty truck, the food is what keeps this rolling eatery motoring. The menu offers authentic foods such as tacos and empanadas with rice and beans, and some more typical street foods like wings with their own sauces.

Mama’s Food Truck Facebook.com/MamasFood101 Adding to the food truck flair at THE PLAYERS, let’s not forget Mom. After all, the tournament is always around Mother’s Day and they’ll have Mama’s Food Truck there too! Your Argentinean-Latin inspired cooking Mama that is! Mama’s was founded

by Paulo Lorincz and now run by his daughter Natalia. Mama’s serves up mouth watering beef, chicken and spinach empanadas along with chicken and beef chimichurris.

Quesadillas are also available but if you want to really get authentic you’ll need to dive into their chori pan which is mouthwatering Argentinean sausage sandwich. The

go wrong trying the Carnita, an eight-hour braised pork in orange juice, cloves and cinnamon along with a plethora of peppers and chilies from Sante

inspirations all come from family recipes and on any given day you’ll find family in the truck sharing their delicious Latin street fare.

Corner Taco www.cornertaco.com Pulling up the rear is our “only” pullbehind food truck, but debatably the most well-known food truck in the Jacksonville area, the Corner Taco. It will be hard to miss the 1965 shiny Airstream trailer that’s been converted into a mobile taco stand with pizzazz! It’s also hard to miss the aroma of fresh grilling and lines of dedicated patrons waiting for a fresh bite with West Coast flair. Owner Chris Dickerson completed the prestigious Chef’s Apprenticeship program at the Cloisters Hotel on Sea Island under chef Franz Buck and has worked with James Beard award winning chefs too.

With that resume, and a name like Corner Taco, you have an expectation of their menu and mind blowing taste expectations. Corner Taco delivers!

Or well, rolls up to you with their semi-swanky street food consisting of handcrafted tacos using authentic handmade Oaxacan style corn tortillas made fresh daily. That’s where Corner Taco gets their advantage. You can’t

Fe called Chimayo. Right off the flat top for a quick sear and onto a fresh tortilla and hola, amazing taste!

Now in golf your goal is to score low, but this year at THE PLAYERS on the 10th hole par four, you’re guaranteed nothing sub-par from these great mobile eateries. As far as golf itself goes... putt-putt seems to be the skill level of these food truck owners, but that’s quite alright because you’ll really want them right where they are, doing what they do best – serving tasty, unique and authentic foods from the sidelines. Be sure to try each food truck throughout the tournament. I’m sure that any street food doubt will be gone and a look of “wow” will be on all the faces of the new food truck golf-foodies! • Ponte Vedra Life

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CARA-BOUT-IT

PVL’s Cara Murphy caught up with the talented country music star and singersongwriter (and golfer) Jake Owen before he takes the stage at THE PLAYERS Championship on May 7th.

by Cara Murphy

C: So, I hear you are quite the golfer; how cool is it for you to be performing at THE PLAYERS Championship, aka “The 5th Major?”

J: It is such an honor to be a part of this year’s event and be able to show my support and gratitude to our armed forces.

C: Would you rather be here at THE PLAYERS performing or playing in the tournament?

J: That’s a tough choice for sure as I always love a great round of golf. But, what I love most is entertaining and hanging with the fans. I can’t wait to take the stage!

J: It is a true honor for me to play this event, at this tournament. What all of these men and women do for our country is amazing and I’m proud to be a part of the celebration!

C: If you could say anything to those out there serving our country as we speak, what would it be?

J: Serving our country takes courage, strength and sacrifice. I’m incredibly grateful and thankful for all you do.

C: Do you have a favorite golfer? If so, who?

J: Hard for me to pick a favorite. I’ve recently been able to get to know Jordan Spieth. We played together at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, this past year. I’ve enjoyed getting to know a lot of the guys out on the TOUR.

Honoring our military

C: You just released your video for your song “Beachin.” Being raised in Florida, what’s your favorite beach here in your home state?

J: Definitely the beach in my hometown of Vero Beach.

C: What does it mean to you to be playing for all of the service men and women on Military Appreciation Day at THE PLAYERS?

Make sure to catch Jake Owen at the annual Military Appreciation day concert on Wednesday, May 7th at THE PLAYERS Championship.

All active duty, Reserve, military retirees and their dependents receive complimentary admission on Wednesday (and all week!). Voucher and military ID will be required. Visit PGATOUR.COM/THEPLAYERS to download military voucher. • Ponte Vedra Life

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SIP

The Perfect Bloody Mary.

The F a t &

Juicy

{Happy} Hour

I

t’s that time of year, between the last chill of winter and the relentless heat of the summer, and shades of greens and pastels have replaced the barren shades of brown.

It�s the perfect storm of awesome, and brings with it garden parties, backyard barbecues, and any other outdoor activity you can think of. It’s springtime, and springtime means one thing:

The Perfect Bloody Mary.

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Lifelong friends and band mates Joe Good and John Glenn are no strangers to the southerner-perfected art of the perfect bloody mary, so it�s not too ironic that they happen to be the owners of Fat & Juicy Cocktail Mixers based in their hometown of Charleston, SC. “It’s something that we absolutely fell into by pure chance,” says Glenn. “But truthfully, it’s exactly what I would have expected out of six band guys on a boring five hour van ride from Atlanta back to Charleston.” “Hey, fun’s not for everyone!” adds Good.

As the two start recounting the Fat & Juicy story, they start uncontrollably laughing. It�s completely infectious.

“We invented Fat & Juicy the morning after the night before,” says Good. Glenn and Good’s band, Fatter Then Albert, had played a show at the Crawfish Festival in Atlanta in May of 2010. As they recall, things got out of hand afterwards and the night went very long. The next morning, all it took was a little hangover, a five hour Ponte Vedra Life

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hired a local PR company, Leapfrog, and a Graphic Design company, Gee Creative, to make us a label, and the rest is history!” quips Glenn.

drive, and some bloody marys for the idea to take shape. “We had a safe sober driver, but the rest of us were all dying a death, so we started making bloody marys,” says Glenn. “We then started to ponder why there wasn’t a mix on the shelves that already had everything you would normally put into a bloody mary, like good quality worcestershire, fresh horseradish and garlic... things that no other mix on the shelves had.” And like that, the idea for Fat & Juicy was born.

The guys started working on it the next day, mixing ingredients in a big stainless steel shrimp boiling pot, tweaking and shifting ingredients until they thought they had the final recipe. “We then had to... uh... focus group it,” says Good, “so we threw an impromptu dock party and invited all of our friends and their friends and served the prototype Fat & Juicy... and they all raved about it!” From there, word spread in an entirely grassroots way – their friends’ friends would call and request milk jugs of their new mix to take to football tailgates and to parties that they were having. “It was at that point, we knew it was time to get into some stores, so we

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And the rest was history is right. In just four short years, Fat & Juicy has become the cocktail mixer. They have been featured in Coastal Living, Southern Living, Garden & Gun, the Wall Street Journal, and Redbook, and are currently the fastest growing cocktail mixer company in the country with availability in 50 states, three territories and five foreign countries.

After the bloody mary, the guys say the natural progression was to add a margarita mix. “Fat & Juicy Margarita is the perfect balance – not too tart, not too sweet, and has a hint of tamarind, which totally sets it apart from the other electric-greensugarbombs in the market today,” offers Good. “And don’t forget about our two newest mixers, Fat & Juicy Daiquiri Mix and Fat & Juicy Country Club Mix,” adds Glenn. Fat & Juicy Daiquiri Mix is a smart mix of strawberry, basil, and lime zest, while Fat & Juicy Country Club Mix is a fun mix of sweet tea and fresh lemonade.

“We wanted to call it by that famous golfer’s name, but didn’t want to fool with the licensing involved, so we decided on the name Country Club,” explains Glenn.

There you have it – the story of Fat & Juicy and how they went from a hungover van ride to having the fastest growing cocktail mixer company in the country! And cheers to that... because friends don’t let friends drink bad cocktails! • Ponte Vedra Life

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