2010 Golf Guide

2010 Golf Guide Thursday, March 11, 2010

Inside Page 2: Jeff Smith’s Plane and Simple Golf School Page 3: Tips from the pros Pages 6-8: Getting fit for golf Page 12: Youth golf

LPGA’s Lorena Ochoa

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The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, March 11, 2010

2010 GOLF GUIDE

Edited by Joe Gill

Plane and simple Smith’s new golf school at Otter Creek takes golfers back to basics “I use simple English. I don’t use golf speak. I want to make sure that I can reach as many people as possible without the language and jargon of golf being the barrier to communication. I want to make sure I focused on that name because it brings in the notion that it really is simple because this game can be made simple. It’s a matter of language; it’s a matter of understanding just how few things there really are that you have to get done to play golf and play golf well.”

BY TYLER V. HOEPPNER thoeppner@therepublic.com Jeff Smith loves to teach the game of golf. Men or women, 5 to 95 years old, beginner to pro it doesn’t matter. Smith wants everyone to learn the game.

But his administrative duties at Harrison Lake Country Club took up too much of his time while he was there for the past seven seasons.

Smith has always wanted to start a golf school, and now he has. Smith recently retired from Harrison Lake and will open Plane and Simple Golf School at Otter Creek Golf Course.

The opening for the Otter Creek members will be April 9, and the JEFF SMITH public opening will be April 10.

“This is a town full of people, full of kids who want to get better and there are specialized programs for a lot of other things except golf,” Smith said.

Smith is certainly going to give individual golf lessons, but the goal of his school is to introduce golf to a new generation of players, and that doesn’t mean just children.

While junior clinics will be a prime part of the school, Smith also plans on women’s clinics and corporate clinics.

Smith chose the name Plane, as in swing plane, and Simple because that is how he teaches.

And the clinics will not be just oneweek in-and-out sessions. The school is set up so that people can come at any time and receive training.

“I use simple English. I don’t use golf speak. I want to make sure that I can reach as many people as possible without the language and jargon of golf being the barrier to communication,” Smith said.

“I want to make sure I focused on that name because it brings in the notion that it really is simple because this game can be made simple.

“It’s a matter of language; it’s a matter of understanding just how few things there really are that you have to get done to play golf and play golf well.”

Immediate benefit Chad Cockerham, head professional

– Jeff Smith

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Jeff Smith shows the correct stance to hit from a bunker on an uphill lie. at Otter, is very excited for the school to open.

For one, he adds Smith and his knowledge to his staff. Two, Cockerham will

get more opportunities to teach as well since Smith will be doing all of the organizing. Smith plans on using Cockerham and assistant pro Kit Venderley for the large group sessions.

And three, it’s another service Cockerham can offer that he currently cannot.

“It gives us the opportunity to branch out and brings in not only more services for our local players, it allows us to use it as a draw for out of town players as well, be that teaching camps or packages that include teaching and golf,” he said.

Cockerham has given Smith a room to set up all of his indoor equipment, and the use of indoor facilities will be beneficial as there will never be a weather issue.

Edited by Joe Gill

2010 GOLF GUIDE

The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, March 11, 2010

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SUBMITTED PHOTO

Jeff Smith shows the stance and club position to hit from a bare spot.

Tips from the pros If you’re looking for ways to improve your game, you came to the right place

STAFF REPORTS “Pay attention to the shot at hand.

Don’t bring the shot that you just messed up with you. Your ball is where it is. You have to deal with it as it is. Pay attention to only that at the time you are hitting the shot.”

— Jeff Smith, Director of Instruction at Otter Creek Golf Course “Make sure that you warm up prior

to your round. Give yourself 15 minutes, even if it’s just swinging for 10 minutes and rolling a few putts. I think if everyone would give themselves 15 minutes before they start, it will make them a much better player.”

— Chad Cockerham, Head Professional at Otter Creek Golf Course See TIPS on Page 13

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2010 GOLF GUIDE

The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, March 11, 2010

Edited by Joe Gill

Get a grip on your game in Bartholomew, Johnson and Jackson counties.

He recommends going to a PGA professional or a club maker to get your clubs fitted to you before you even take a lesson.

In addition to club fitting, Myers does regripping, reshfting, loft and lie adjustments, club head refinishing and swing weight adjustments among other things.

In today’s economy, it’s difficult for people to justify spending several hundred dollars on new clubs. New shafts and new grips can cost a fraction of that, leading to improvements without spending a lot of money.

You’ll play better and play with more consistency.

“Everyone’s swing is different,” Myers said. “If the golf club isn’t set up to fit your golf swing, you’re never going to be able to hit the ball correctly.”

BY TYLER V. HOEPPNER thoeppner@therepublic.com In a promotion for its 2008 Trade-In Network, the PGA said 60 percent of golfers don’t use clubs that have been fitted for them.

That means too many golfers are simply using the wrong clubs, which in turn leads to bad scores.

Despite advances in technology, the average score has not gone down in the last 40 years, according to a 2009 New York Times story.

“The reason most people get new clubs is because they have it in their head that they can’t hit the ones they had,” said Ryan Myers, owner of Ryan’s Grip Repair. “... the golf club is probably not fitted properly for them.”

Myers is a 2007 Columbus East graduate who began working on the clubs of family and friends, which has sprung into quite the business. He has contracts with several big-time courses

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2010 GOLF GUIDE

Edited by Joe Gill

The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, March 11, 2010

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Couples’ golf: ace or bogey?

A

sunny day, a lush green, a driver smashed down the fairway … and your wife.

Golf is a fantastic game, a game of fun and exercise. It can be a relationship builder, providing a common interest and hours of enjoyment.

However for too many couples, it turns into a game of arguing instead.

So how to keep it fun? Here are some easy points to remember to keep your relationship on par. z Golf is a difficult game to learn and a tricky game to teach. The stress of the game combined with performance anxiety can stymie a relationship. Teaching the game of golf should really be left to a PGA professional.

Lessons and clinics are affordable and available for everyone. Consider ladies’ clinics, golf 101 or even couples lessons to get started out right. Hit the range a few times before trying the links. z When out on the course remember to ENJOY it. Relish the walk. Smell the freshly cut grass. Admire the precisely mown fairways. Listen to nature around you.

Keep it fun, and forget about keep-

ing score. Kick the ball out of the trees or toss it on the green. Play from each other’s drives. This is not the day to keep your score for the handicap computer. z Other ways to put some fun in the game include putting contests, longest putt made, straightest drive.

Some couples will play for huge amounts of money, knowing full well it’s all in the same checking account.

Still other couples will play for points of honor: washing dishes, washing the other’s clubs or taking out the trash.

Use approximate handicaps or “give each other strokes.” z There are some points on which couples can advise each other. Keeping moods in check and working on swing tempo are a couple. Of course, help with yardage, clubbing and reading putts is always appreciated.

In summary, leave your stress in the parking lot and enjoy the day. Use humor, games and compliments.

And remember, teaching the game of golf should be left to the pros, but enjoying the game of golf is for everyone.

Jeff Smith is director of instruction at Otter Creek Golf Course.

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The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, March 11, 2010

2010 GOLF GUIDE

Edited by Joe Gill

Let’s get

PHYSICAL

BY TYLER V. HOEPPNER thoeppner@therepublic.com

In the past few years, golf has become a game dominated much more by physical fitness. It started in the PGA with the top professionals and has trickled down to the amateur ranks.

And trainers at local gyms are seeing more and more golfers come in, ask for help and look for results.

“Golf can take a toll on your body,” said Ian McGriff, head trainer and fitness director at Tipton Lakes Athletic Club. “As much as you work on those rotational movements and as much as you drive down on the ball and sit in the low position, your legs have to be strong. Your back has to be strong.

And you have to have good joint integrity to maintain all the movements so you can make it through the season.”

It’s not just for ultra-competitive golfers either. The average weekend warrior can benefit from the tips listed below.

After talking with two local trainers — McGriff and Dr. Nathan Frasier of Frasier Chiropractic and MVP Sports — several philosophies emerged. And while both have their own methods, the same principals apply. Golfers

need to work on balance, chest and shoulder strength, rotation and core strength.

“Even a lot of the things I teach my athletes, they can do most of this stuff if they’re dedicated to doing it. The thing about coming in here is I make them do it,” Frasier said.

“Ninety percent of the stuff they do in here, they can go to any gym and do it or buy their own equipment and do it.”

That’s true of most of the beginning and intermediate tips below, and much of the equipment — balance discs and BOSU balls — can be found at Target or sporting goods stores. Yet Frasier and McGriff each have a piece of unique equipment for advanced training.

Several of the exercises incorporate several disciplines, while others focus on just one. But each offers something unique to advance your game just a little further.

More golfers turning to trainers, gyms for help with fitness

ANDREW LAKER | THE REPUBLIC

Dr. Nathan Frasier, above, swings an iron on a Vertimax training system at MVP Sports, Friday. Right, Ian McGriff, Tipton Lakes Athletic Club fitness director, throws punches with stretch bands during a demonstration on building stability and strength in the chest.

Balance ● Elastic band lateral walk McGriff uses this exercise to work on joint integrity and balance. Put an elastic band around your ankles, step to one side, then step

See FITNESS on Page 7

2010 GOLF GUIDE

Edited by Joe Gill

The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, March 11, 2010

7

ANDREW LAKER | THE REPUBLIC

Using a BOSU trainer, Tipton Lakes Athletic Club fitness director Ian McGriff demonstrates a scorpion kick, an exercise helpful in building rotation in the hips.

PHYSICAL Continued from Page 6

with the other foot. Move in both directions to work the outside of the hips.

Strong hips help when you have an uneven lie, such as when you are in a bunker. ● 1-leg stands and taps Stand on foam mats, a pillow, BOSU ball or any unstable surface. Do it barefoot to really engage all of the little muscle fibers.

Start with just standing on one leg then stand on the other. Next get a partner to tap you on different parts of your body — hip, shoulder, knee — and you follow by tapping the same spot. This works on staying balanced while shifting your weight. ● Balancing-discs swings Frasier has students begin with the one-leg stands on balance discs. Once they have that down, he has them stand with each foot on a disc.

The players will take swings with a club, focusing on keeping balance and shifting weight. It’s instant feedback. If you’re off-balance, you’ll fall off the discs.

A more advanced exercise involves standing on an upside-down BOSU ball and swinging a club. You will have to stay very centered and balanced to keep the ball from tipping.

ANDREW LAKER | THE REPUBLIC

Dr. Nathan Frasier demonstrates an exercise to improve balance.

Core strength ● Ball rotations Sit on a BOSU ball and balance your-

self. Next take a medicine ball or any weighted object and twist side to side, touching the object to the ground. To

make it more difficult, lift your heels off the ground. ● Ball walks There are four progressions to this exercise that Frasier uses, and it focuses on your core abdominals and oblique muscles.

First get in the push-up position with your feet on a medicine ball. Hold this position without twisting or falling off to the side.

Second, keeping your abdominals tight, walk the ball with your feet up to your hands and back. Once you can do that easily, bend over at the waist with a ball in your hands. Walk the ball out with your hands and extend out with no rotation.

If you can do each one independently, you are ready for the final step. In the push-up position, put a ball under your feet and in your hands. Now your upper and lower body must work together to stay still. This requires great body control. ● Gate swing Core strength is more than just abdominals and includes the gluteus, hamstrings and back muscles. You’ll want to make these areas stronger and more

See PHYSICAL on Page 8

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2010 GOLF GUIDE

The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, March 11, 2010

Edited by Joe Gill

“Golf can take a toll on your body. As much as you work on those rotational movements and as much as you drive down on the ball and sit in the low position, your legs have to be strong. Your back has to be strong. And you have to have good joint integrity to maintain all the movements so you can make it through the season.”

– Ian McGriff, fitness director at Tipton Lakes Athletic Club

ANDREW LAKER | THE REPUBLIC

Left: Using balance training equipment, Dr. Nathan Frasier prepares to swing a club at MVP Sports, Friday.

Right: Ian McGriff, Tipton Lakes Athletic Club fitness director, demonstrates an exercise to improve rotation using the TRX suspension system.

PHYSICAL

2010 GREEN FEES

Continued from Page 7

flexible. Simple hamstring curls and back extensions will increase strength.

Muscles are easier to stretch when they are warmed up, and McGriff likes the gate swing as a great warm-up to a round.

Balance yourself by holding onto your car or a wall, swing a leg up and down, trying to get it higher and higher each time.

This will really loosen the hamstring, and once you do this for both legs, you can do a static stretch by just bending down and touching your toes.

Rotation ● Scorpion kicks This exercise comes from McGriff.

Get in the push-up position. Bring one leg up and under the other leg, rotating the hips and the core.

Do several kicks with one leg, then switch to the other.

To add complexity, flip a BOSU over with hands on the flat part and do the scorpion kicks. ● TRX strap swings TRX is a strap system that uses your body weight as resistance. It’s also perfect for working on your golf swing rotation.

Get in your normal, comfortable swing position with your hands in the straps.

Take your arms back like you’re swinging normally, then swing and follow through. Do the rotations continuously.

It will work on getting the turn you need and gets the shoulders to drive through the swing.

You will create a larger range of motion. ● Vertimax Swings Frasier uses the Vertimax training at MVP Sports. Cables are attached to a person with different tension weights.

The cables are attached at the waist, legs and wrists.

To a degree, it’s sort of like running with ankle weights on, only more complex.

Frasier has players swing a club, and it is difficult. The cables force you to concentrate on staying balanced and transfer your weight properly. You have to work on how you take the club back and on the follow-through. There is tension on the body no matter what direction you are moving in.

Once the cables are taken off, the player swings again. The muscles have been confused with the training, the swing now seems much easier and the range of motion has increased.

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Chest strength ● Alternating chest press Strong chest muscles create more strength in the entire upper body. McGriff likes to use single-arm, alternating dumbbell presses to get independent movements. He also likes to use elastic band punches, which keeps the tension on the muscles at all times.

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2010 GOLF GUIDE

Edited by Joe Gill

The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, March 11, 2010

Directory of local, area golf courses Bartholomew County Clifty Creek Golf Course 9 Holes; Public 12000 E 225 N; Hope 812-372-6031

Sycamore Golf Club

Dakota Ridge Golf Course

18 Holes; Public 3325 S. Road 750E; Columbus 812-579-9173

9 Holes; Public 1400 Shields Ave.; Seymour 812-524-0605

9 Holes; Public 7265 E State Road 44; Franklin 317-738-2555 cypressrungc.com

Brown County

Hickory Hills Golf Club

Deer Valley Golf Course

18 Holes; Semi-private 1509 S State Road 135; Brownstown 812-358-4529

9 Holes; Public 5357 E 300 S; Franklin 317-738-4441

Shadowood Golf Course

Dye’s Walk Golf Course

18 Holes; Public 333 N Sandy Creek Dr.; Seymour 812-522-8164 shadowoodgolf.com

18 Holes; Private 2080 S State Road 135; Greenwood 317-535-9666 dyeswalkcc.com

Greenbelt Golf Course

Salt Creek Golf Retreat

9 Holes; Public 10th & Gladstone; Columbus 812-376-2684 Harrison Lake Country Club 18 Holes; Private 588 Country Club Rd.; Columbus 812-342-6012 harrisonlakecc.com

18 Holes; Public 2359 State Road 46 E; Nashville 812-988-7888 saltcreekgolf.com

Oak Knoll Golf Course

18 Holes; Public 1630 W Park Rd.; Greensburg 812-663-2229 greensburgcountryclub.com

8 Holes; Public 1705 W 550 S; Columbus 812-342-2000 oakknollgc.com

Otter Creek Golf Course 27 Holes; Public 11522 E 50 N; Columbus 812-579-5227 ottercreekgolf.com

Rocky Ford Par 3 Golf Course 18 Holes; Public Rocky Ford Rd.; Columbus 812-376-2687

Decatur County Greensburg Country Club

North Branch Golf Course 27 Holes; Public 8492 E Base Rd.; Greensburg 812-663-6062 northbranchgc.com Wyaloosing Creek Golf Course 18 Holes; Public 6869 S State Road 3; Greensburg 812-591-4100

Jackson County

Jennings County Ford’s Crossing Golf Course 9 Holes; Public 502 S Madison Ave.; North Vernon 812-346-4653 fordscrossinggc.com

St. Anne’s Golf Course 18 Holes; Public 360 E County Road 350 N; North Vernon 812-346-0066

Johnson County Cypress Run Golf Course

Hickory Stick Golf Club 18 Holes; Public 4422 Thompson Blvd; Greenwood 317-422-8300 hickorystickgolf.com

Hillview Country Club 18 Holes; Private 1800 E King St.; Franklin 317-736-5556 hillviewcountryclub.net

Indian Springs Golf Course 9 Holes; Public 6721 S 200 W; Trafalgar 317-878-5926 indianspringsgolf.com

Legends of Indiana Golf Course 27 Holes; Public 2555 Hurricane Rd.; Franklin 317-736-8186 legendsofindiana.com

Otte Golf Center 18 Holes; Public 681 Sheek Rd.; Greenwood 317-881-4620 ottegolf.com

Orchard Golf Center 18 Holes; Public 251 N State Road 135; Greenwood 317-883-3840

Tameka Woods Golf Club 18 Holes; Public 4849 S. Road 450W; Trafalgar 317-878-4331 tamekawoods.com

Timbergate Golf Course 18 Holes; Public 51 Saint Andrews Ave.; Edinburgh 812-526-3523 timbergate.com

Whispering Pines Golf Course 9 Holes; Public Johnson County Park; Edinburgh 812-526-0768 jcpark.org/wpgc.php

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The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, March 11, 2010

2010 GOLF GUIDE

Edited by Joe Gill

Triumph, despair Golf in 2009 filled with stories of people overcoming tragedy, obstacles

Ted Bishop

M

ore than a year ago, I began the adventure of writing an occasional golf story for the Daily Journal in Johnson County. The Republic in Columbus added my stories to its sports menu. Eventually, some of my work migrated to the Greene County World, the Terre Haute Tribune Star and PGA.com.

It has been a labor of love for me. It was fun but sometimes very challenging to provide daily diaries from The Masters, the Open Championship in Scotland and the PGA Championship. My schedule at those major championships is non-stop, and meeting deadlines doesn’t come easy.

Readers have been great about openly expressing their pleasure about my golf tales. In particular, people seem to enjoy the accounts from The Masters and those from across the pond at the Open Championship. Those two events in 2009 produced the biggest heartbreaks.

Kenny Perry was the sentimental favorite to win at Augusta after taking a two-shot lead with two holes to play.

Then he narrowly missed a career-defining chance, when he lost in a suddendeath playoff.

I remember driving home to Indiana on the day after The Masters. Every place I stopped, someone noticed The Masters logo on my vest, and many said, “I sure was rooting for that Perry guy to win.”

The day after the British Open at Turnberry in Scotland, I found myself on a plane seated two rows behind Tom Watson. As we flew from Glasgow to London, I watched the man sign countless autographs. He did it with style, grace and humility.

Ironically, the headline in the British tabloids said, “Cruel in the Sun.” This was a takeoff of Watson’s historic Open Championship years before, when he defeated Jack Nicklaus in the “Duel in the Sun.” Perry and Watson dealt with their golf miseries in a gentlemanly fashion. One of my favorite interviews last summer was with Sandy Perry, wife of Kenny.

She put The Masters defeat in proper context, and it was real apparent that the

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Tom Watson's amazing but unsuccessful run at the 2009 Open Championship in Scotland was among golf’s biggest stories last year.

Perry family had its priorities checked in the proper place. Their lives would go on.

is moving on for these guys and their families.

Smith back on tour

Military heroes

The lives of Chris Smith and his family really didn’t go on after Father’s Day last summer. Beth Smith, wife of Chris and mother of two children, was tragically killed in an automobile crash on Father’s Day. It left Smith and his two kids, Abigail and Cameron, with a whole bunch of life’s pieces to pick up.

Part of their journey back to a normal life started Aug. 7, when 288 players gathered at The Legends of Indiana to play in a golf tournament to help raise money for the beleaguered Smith family.

The golf tournament and auction raised more than $140,000 for the Smith family. The event was supported by sports figures from all over the United States and once again proved what a tight-knit community the golf world actually is.

Several weeks ago, Chris Smith made his return to the PGA Tour in Mexico.

He missed the cut by one shot. The same week, the PGA Tour announced that its players had voted to donate one-half of their Wednesday pro-am winnings in 2010 to the foundations started by Smith and Ken Green, the Champions Tour player who lost a leg in a motor home accident last summer. So to some degree, life

My writings in 2009 also documented the stories of Don Vickery and Gary Henry. These two men served their country in the military, and golf touched their lives in totally different ways.

Vickery lost both legs at a military base in Georgia, when a land mine exploded. He decided to take up golf after

his accident. In 2009, he earned his PGA membership, becoming the first double amputee in the PGA’s 93-year history to do so.

For those who don’t know, Vickery had to pass a playing test to earn his membership. At age 51, he shot 78-75 with two artificial legs and half of a hand.

There is hope for anyone!

Henry was killed in a roadside bombing in Iraq during the PGA Champion-

See BISHOP on Page 11

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2010 GOLF GUIDE

Edited by Joe Gill

The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, March 11, 2010

11

BISHOP

Continued from Page 10 ship in 2008.

To my knowledge, Sgt. Henry never played golf. He left three kids behind.

PGA of America spearheads a program called Patriot Golf Day, which raises money for Folds of Honor Foundation.

In March 2009, Henry’s children were awarded scholarships through Folds of Honor, which assists family members of fallen or disabled heroes who have given service to our country.

Because of golf, the Henry kids will be able to attend college.

In fact, Shelby and Gavin, the oldest of the Henry children, were fitted for golf clubs this week and will attend an Indiana Golf Academy session in Franklin this summer.

Play Golf America Then there was the story of Melvin Bullitt, safety for the Indianapolis Colts. No. 33 showed up at the Play Golf America Day last May. A complete novice, Bullitt soon became a total golf addict.

Through hard work and dedication, the Colts’ player actually started breaking 50 for nine holes before training camp started in late July.

Bullitt will be featured as a golfer in an upcoming CBS Sports special in May. He has also graciously agreed to be the Honorary Chairman for the 2010 Indiana PGA Play Golf America Day.

Because of his efforts, Indiana Golf Foundation will award scholarships to kids for Indiana Golf Academy.

“Melvin’s Silver Bullitts” will have the opportunity to learn golf and be linked with a course in their hometowns at no charge.

“I would encourage all kids to give golf a shot. I promise golf is something that you will enjoy,” Bullitt said.

“Many minority kids need the opportunity to experience golf. You never know what might happen to a kid that gets the chance to play golf.”

In my opinion, that is good advice for everyone! Who knows what stories will evolve from 2010? Golf will produce excitement, magic, despair, gratification and a sense of accomplishment.

And for you?

Play more golf this summer. It is a great form of recreation. You can do golf with your family or friends, and even that competitive nemesis we all have in our lives!

If you have never played golf, call any course in the area and sign up for Get Golf Ready.

This program will get you five instructional sessions for only $99! You don’t need clubs, just bring yourself!

Ted Bishop is director of golf at The Legends of Indiana Golf Course in Franklin and secretary of the PGA of America.

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Indianapolis Colts' safety Melvin Bullitt (33) became a diehard golfer after appearing in Play Golf American Day last May.

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The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, March 11, 2010

2010 GOLF GUIDE

Edited by Joe Gill

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Youths at a junior golf camp learn how to repair ball marks on the green.

How to start your kids in golf Take child when he shows interest; when he stops having fun, it’s time to leave

BY TYLER V. HOEPPNER thoeppner@therepublic.com Jimmy St. John started in golf when he was 6 years old, which he believes is part of the reason he is so proficient.

But he also believes there is no magic age when a child is ready to start golf.

The biggest factor is an eager child.

“I think the key is for parents to take their kids any time they show any interest,” said St. John, professional at Timbergate Golf Course. “The other key is when they stop having fun, it’s time to leave. Don’t make them finish a 9. Don’t make them finish a hole.

“If the fun is over, then it’s time to go.”

An interest in the game and having fun were the two biggest factors cited by local professionals about introducing the game to youth.

A good starting age seemed to be around 5 or 6, when children already have some coordination and can pay attention for 15-30 minutes.

At Shadowood Golf Course, Director of Golf Todd DeHaven allows children to

ride around with the parents in carts just to get them used to being on a course and learn the basic etiquette of staying quiet.

This is also the time to take a child to the driving range, get a club in their hands and let them get a sense of the basic motions.

Frank Chieppa, head pro at The Legends of Indiana Golf Course, ran a successful youth clinic at his previous course in West Dundee near Chicago.

At an early age, he stresses the fundamentals of how to hold a club, how to stand and how not to get hurt or hurt anyone else. Children need to know how to hold the club so they won’t throw it, and how to swing so as not to hit themselves in the foot or leg.

Chieppa sees a lot of grandparents bringing children to golf, as it’s a great cross-generation game. He doesn’t think it matters who takes the child golfing as long as they have fun.

Dads don’t have to take just sons, and moms take just daughters. He doesn’t believe children look at it that way. It’s

more just the relationship between the child and the parent.

Next step By ages 7-9 — depending on the child — they might be ready for some more advanced instruction. They might be

seeking out club professionals as well.

This is also the time when children are more ready for play on courses. Par 3 courses are a great way to start. If you’re at a full course, find ways to make it a little easier on them as they get used to

See KIDS on Page 15

SPECIAL PROGRAMS FOR 2010: Multi-Play Card

$99 Intial Card Cost Receive 20 Eighteen Hole Greens Fees • Receive 20 1/2 Price Range Pay $16 During Weekday Play • Pay $20 During Weekend Play

Usage

Once-A-Week Package

$49 Initial Card Cost Receive One 18 Hole Green Fee w/Cart per Week • Receive One 9 Hole Greens Fee Use It or Lose It... Weeks Do Not Carry Over • Weekdays Anytime or Weekend w/Cart per Week s After 1 p.m. $22 For 18 Holes... $14 for 9 Holes

Senior Package

Age of 60+ • $49 Initial Card Cost Weekdays Anytime... $20 for 18 Holes w/cart Weekends after 1p.m... $23 for 18 Holes w/cart

**All Packages run March through November 30, 2010**

www.shadowoodgolf.com www.shadowoodgolf.com

Call 812.522.8164 For Our Daily Rates

2010 GOLF GUIDE

Edited by Joe Gill

The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, March 11, 2010

13

TIPS

Continued from Page 3 “Most people have a tendency to slice the ball. One of the best things you can do is put tees slightly on the outside of the ball and in a line back about six inches.

That keeps you from coming from the outside in. It helps redirect the swing on the downward path.”

— Todd DeHaven, Director of Golf at Shadowood Golf Course “Make sure you stretch out and warm up, especially this time of the year. It’s the quickest way to shorten a season by somebody going out and playing golf when it’s cooler, and muscles are tight from inactivity all winter, and you pull a back muscle or a hamstring.”

— Frank Chieppa, Head Professional at The Legends of Indiana Golf Course

FRANK CHIEPPA HEAD PROFESSIONAL AT THE LEGENDS OF INDIANA

“Address for success. Pay special attention to your stance, grip and alignment. That often gets overlooked, and 90 percent of what you can do is done before you even move the club.”

— Jimmy St. John, Head Professional at Timbergate Golf Course “Make sure your alignment is correct. When players’ senses tell them they are aimed correctly when they’re not, they have to compensate with their swing to get the ball where they want it to. Correct stance and alignment is very important.”

— Keith Clark, Professional at Hickory Stick Golf Course

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Jeff Smith shows a student the correct position to hold his arms on his backswing.

Season Pass

*Initiation fee will be waived on all subsequent years as long as fees for the following year are paid before January 1st.

Players Card Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $250 Weekdays (walk) 18 Holes $26.00 . . 9 Holes $14.00 After 3 pm play 18 holes With Cart for $23.00 Weekends (walk) 18 Holes $32.00 . . 9 Holes $17.00 After Noon play 18 holes With Cart for $33.00 Cart (per rider) 18 Holes $17.00 . . 9 Holes $10.00

11522 E. 50 N., Columbus, Indiana 47203 Golf Shop (812) 579-5227 • Fax (812) 579-9150

www.ottercreekgolf.com

Green Fee (rate includes cart) Weekdays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $69.00 Weekdays Play All Day . . . . . . . . . $100.00 Weekends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $79.00 Weekends after Noon . . . . . . . . . . . . $55.00 Weekends Play All Day . . . . . . . . . $100.00

2010 Fee Schedule

Initiation Fee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $250 Corporate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,000 Family (Golf, Cart, Range) . . . . $3,100 Single (Golf, Cart, Range) . . . . . $2,300 Family (Golf Only). . . . . . . . . . . $2,400 Single (Golf Only) . . . . . . . . . . . $1,650 Junior (Age 17 and under) . . . . . . $375 Junior (Golf and Range) . . . . . . . . . .$600

14

2010 GOLF GUIDE

The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, March 11, 2010

Edited by Joe Gill

New wedge rules rough to understand

BY TYLER V. HOEPPNER thoeppner@therepublic.com USGA made waves last year when it announced several wedges would be illegal beginning this season because the grooves were too sharp.

After rigorous testing, it was determined that wedges with spin-milled grooves were too sharp and created too much spin.

As a result, shots out of the rough became easier, and shots off the fairway spun more than ever.

But the rule had created a lot of confusion for the average player and headaches for golf professionals.

The rule only applies to those golfers playing on professional tours.

By 2014, the rule will apply to club professionals

for tournaments.

The rule will not apply for amateurs until 2024.

“They hear on TV that these guys can’t use the wedges they used last year. They assume they can’t use them to post their handicap scores,” Otter Creek head professional Chad Cockerham said.

“It’s a situation where there are a lot of people in panic mode, and they don’t need to be because they’ve got 14 more years to use it.”

The grooves on wedges tend to wear out after a few years, so a player’s current wedge won’t be of much use by 2024 anyway.

However, expect manufacturers to continue to produce the spin-milled grooves for several more years, as amateurs still will be allowed to use the clubs.

But don’t get alarmed; amateur golfers not affected until ’24

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The USGA has decided that several wedges, those with spin-milled grooves, would be illegal beginning this season.

GREENBELT & ROCKY FORD PAR-3 GOLFCOURSE PGA PROFESSIONAL STEVE COHEN Golf Courses Open Weather Permitting

Greenbelt Golf Course

Rocky Ford Par-3 Golf Course

1000 N. Gladstone • 376-2684 (9 holes, Par 35)

3363 Fairlawn Drive • 376-2687 ($6.50 • 9 Holes • 7 days/wk)

ADULT (9 HOLES) ADULT (18 HOLES)

$10 (7 DAYS/WK.) $16.50 (W/CART) $16 (7 DAYS/WK.) $29 (W/CART)

18 HOLE FEES: ADULT SR. CITIZEN JUNIOR REPLAY

WEEKDAYS ONLY SR. CITIZEN JUNIOR

$13 $9

*Tee times required weekdays after 3:30 p.m. & weekends

Twilight Rate Available 7-Days Cart & Green Fee $20 After 2 p.m.

Play til Dusk

GREENBELT SEASON TICKETS ADULT FAMILY SENIOR 2 PERSON SENIOR JUNIOR

$570 $770 $460 $730 $260

ADULT FAMILY SENIOR JUNIOR

$9 (7 DAYS/WK.) $7.50 (7 DAYS/WK.) $7 (7 DAYS/WK.) $6.50 PAR-3 SEASON TICKETS $325 $390 $275 $220

SEASON DUAL MEMBERSHIP (GREENBELT & PAR-3 ADULT $650 FAMILY $875 SENIOR $525 2 PERSON SENIOR $825 JUNIOR $365

• Weekly Saturday Men’s Club • Weekly Women’s Club Activities • Corporate or Group Outings can be accommodated • Golf Lessons available by PGA professional Steve Cohen (by appt. only)

Monthly Sunday Mixed Scrambles

Both courses are public facilities that cater to the walk-in golf traffic. Par-3 requires no tee times.

Greenbelt requires tee times weekdays after 3:30 pm and weekends. Junior Golf - Register at Greenbelt beginning May 1st. Sessions begin June 3rd.

2010 GOLF GUIDE

Edited by Joe Gill

The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, March 11, 2010

15

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Jeff Smith gives a student pointers on putting, left, and and gives another youngster, right, tips on holding down on the club.

KIDS

Continued from Page 12 being out there.

Buddy systems also work well. If your child has a friend who likes to play, take them together. They’ll see the game as something fun to do with their friends.

Finding the right clubs DeHaven said a lot of parents will put a club in a child’s hand that is way too heavy, often cutting down one of their old

clubs.

And that’s the worst thing they can do.

“Normally we can find something for them to practice with,” DeHaven said.

“They don’t need more than one club just to get hand-eye coordination.”

Until a child shows a strong passion, there is no reason to invest a lot of money in clubs. Chieppa recommends garage sales, stores such as Play it Again Sports

and even hand-me-downs.

Don’t get caught up in the brand name. Chieppa, St. John and DeHaven all agreed that niche companies do a great job of producing good junior sets.

Children grow quickly, and clubs can become too short in a hurry, another reason not to invest too much.

By the time they are playing a little more consistency, kids still don’t need full

sets.

One of the biggest challenges in getting a child hooked on golf is the glut of choices available to them.

“Kids nowadays expect immediate results,” St. John said. “They expect to be the best of everything as soon as they try it. Anymore it’s instant gratification.”

Encouragement but not pushiness will help a child develop a passion.

SPRING 2010 featuring

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Ladie’s Shop 1202 Washington Street Twelfth and Washington St. • 812.376.8363 Mon.-Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-4, Sun. Noon-4

Ryan K. Blevins

Club Repair • Custom Clubs, Woods and Irons

386 S. Jackson Park Drive Seymour, IN 47274 812.522.3397 | 812.580.8050

The Republic, Columbus, Ind., Thursday, March 11, 2010

Sycamore Golf Club (formerly Walnut Ridge Golf Course)

Grand Opening May 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st, 2010

Enjoy a new golfing experience!

The course was closed during the 2009 season and underwent major renovations.

Available for outings and other social events Memberships available – Special senior days Full service drink and food bars Tee times available for Members No outside food or drinks allowed, except for catered events Appropriate dress necessary E 200 S

46

46

S 650 E

E 300 S

31

S 750 E

S 600 E

S 525 E

S 450 E

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Contact Charles Kerber for Memberships, Outings and other information

E 300 S

Club: 812-579-9173 • Cell: 812-345-4030

S 750 E

EL eg al Te nd er Rd

16

7

S

S 525 E

E Co Rd 400 S

E 400 S

Send us your e-mail address at SGC@sycamoregolfclub.com for news of upcoming events.

3325 South 750 East Columbus, Indiana

812-579-9173

sycamoregolfclub.com

Hours: One hour after dawn until dusk