SFPGA Topics Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2010

TOPICS NEWSLETTER VOLUME 13, NO. 1 - JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010

PLAY GOLF AMERICA DAY AT DEL TURA CC Play Golf America participant attempts a chip shot

Dennis Walters performs his TRICK SHOT SHOW Jeff Nixon, Andy Scott and Suzanne Bannan conduct the Super Clinic

Andy Scott gives a golf lesson

chip shots section news NEW MEMBERS The South Florida PGA would like to welcome the following new members to the Section: Jason Becker, PGA Christopher Bottalla, PGA Dean Burkhalter, PGA Joseph Canny, PGA Timothy Clark, PGA Ryan Coll, PGA Lauren Cousart, PGA Sara Dickson, PGA Brady Fennel, PGA Cecil Garrou, PGA Thomas Gillis, PGA Evan Ives, PGA Hugo Leon, PGA Brian McAndrews, PGA Wesley Mensing, PGA Eric Nadelman, PGA Jacob Pleczkowski, PGA Jonathan Vespa, PGA Travis Wilson, PGA Grayson Zacker, PGA

A-8 A-8 A-8 A-11 A-8 A-8 A-8 A-8 A-8 A-8 A-3 A-8 A-3 A-8 A-8 A-23 A-8 A-8 A-8 A-6

Golf Club of the Everglades Golf Club @ Fiddlers Creek Quail Valley Golf Club PGA of America National Office West Bay Club Seminole Golf Club Gulf Stream Golf Club Stonebridge Country Club The Club at Grandezza The Old Collier Golf Club PGA TOUR Jupiter Hills Club PGA TOUR Bonita Bay Club Jim McLean Golf School Josh Musselman’s Golf Express Lost Tree Club Quail Valley Golf Club Gateway Golf Club Jim McLean Golf School

NEW APPRENTICES The South Florida PGA would like to welcome the following new apprentices to the Section: Timothy Byrne Ryan Carrigan Robert Cupper Troy Francis Heath Henrich Jacob Myers Travis Olson Lee Stroever Dustin Wallis

B-8 B-8 B-6 B-8 B-8 B-8 B-8 B-8 B-6

Mahogany Run Golf & Tennis The Links at Madison Green All Golf @ CB Smith Park Ritz-Carlton Golf Club El Conquistador Resort & Casino Naples Lakes Country Club Old Marsh Golf Club North Palm Beach Country Club John Webster Golf Academy - The Breakers

APPRENTICE LEVELS PASSED

contact information SOUTH FLORIDA SECTION, PGA OF AMERICA 100 Avenue of the Champions Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 PHONE / FAX 561-624-7676 / 561-624-8576 EMAIL sflorida@pgahq.com WEBSITE www.sflorida.pga.com PRESIDENT Stephen A. Cox, PGA VICE PRESIDENT Brian Peaper, PGA SECRETARY Warren Bottke, PGA IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Jeff Raimer, PGA SOUTHERN CHAPTER PRESIDENT Dick McNeill, PGA

Congratulations to the following individuals who have recently passed a level of the PGA/PGM Program on their way to becoming PGA Members (As of 1/26/10):

SOUTHEAST CHAPTER PRESIDENT Steve Harrop, PGA

LEVEL ONE

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER PRESIDENT Bill Constantine, PGA

Gary Cahill Thomas Cooper Troy Francis Bradley Hicks Ford Sullivan Richard Terga Scott Turner Jay Westerlund Jarryd Wood

Del Tura Country Club TPC @ Treviso Bay Ritz-Carlton Golf Club Dunes Country Club Wildcat Run Golf & Country Club John Webster Golf Academy Hammock Creek Golf Club The Club @ Renaissance La Gorce Country Club

LEVEL TWO Kenny Mason

Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club

LEVEL THREE Christopher Bottalla, PGA Dean Burkhalter, PGA Timothy Clark, PGA Cecil Garrou, PGA Bradley Mair Dustin Wallis

Golf Club @ Fiddlers Creek Quail Valley Golf Club West Bay Club The Old Collier Golf Club Broken Sound Club - Club Course John Webster Golf Academy - The Breakers

ISLAND CHAPTER PRESIDENT Aaron West, PGA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Geoff Lofstead ADVISORY BOARD Dean Baker Rick Bayliss Ed D’Alessandro, PGA Ira Kaplan Jim Maitland Jim O’Connor Craig Perna Steve Sponder Harry Tempkins Roger Woonton

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chip shots section news PAT PASSERS Congratulations to the following individuals who passed the PAT at The Vineyards Country Club in Naples on Monday, December 7: Stephen Alchermes Adam Anderson John Aycock Brian Bechtold Michael Brown Santos Caceres Nicholas Cantanese Federico Celano Michael Cripe

Gregory Dean Katie Dixon Kyle English Matthew Green Jason Harkins Ryan Hartlett James Hockman Ashley Kozlowski Thomas Metzger

Colin Nicholson Emmanuel Palacios Jason Reeser Raquel Riley Leah Steinmiller Lee Stroever Gregory Wingate Joseph Yackamovich

THE SFPGA WELCOMES MEMBER OUTREACH COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON KARL BUBLITZ

QUARTER CENTURY CLUB The South Florida PGA would like to congratulate Patrick Maglione, PGA, and Greg Natale, PGA, on their election to membership in the Quarter Century Club of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America, joining an elite group of members who have served The PGA with honor and pride for 25 years.

PGA CERTIFICATION PROGRAM The South Florida PGA would like to congrate to Bill May, PGA, for completing the requirements for his second certification in Instruction and Jeff Wilson, PGA, for completing the requirements for becoming certified in General Management through The PGA Certified Professional Program.

IN MEMORY OF....

John Johnson, PGA, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, passed away on December 1st at the age of 82.

He was a PGA member for 55 years. The South Florida PGA sends our deepest condolences and our thoughts and prayers are with the Johnson family.

PRO’S ON THE GO PRO

TO

FROM

Steven Loomis Dana Dribben Michael Gray Steven Harrop James Gascoigne Jr.

A-13: Dorado Beach Resort & Club unattached A-1: Indian Creek CC unattached unattached

Illinois Section A-13 – Verandah Club A-1: North Palm Beach CC A-13: Hammock Creek GC A-1: The Polo Club of Boca

MEET APPRENTICE CHRIS PHILLIPS Chris Phillips, originally from Salem, Oregon, moved to Southwest Florida after high school graduation in 1999 to attend college at Hardin-Simmons University. There he studied Business Finance will also competing on the Men’s Golf Team all four years, making the All American Team his senior year.

Chris is currently the First Assistant Golf Professional at Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club in Fort Myers, FL. His responsibilities include overseeing outside operations, general golf shop operations, organizing and operating tournament play, managing the men’s and ladies leagues and conducting golf lessons, averaging 350 per year. Chris passed his P.A.T. two years ago and is working on his Level Two book work of the PGM Program.

Passion for the game of golf and the desire to play inspired Chris in his pursuit of a career in golf. He has set high goals for himself, hoping to one day be the PGA Head Golf Professional or Director of Golf at one of the most well established, private facilities in the country. He follows the philosophy “if you’re not striving to be the best in your industry then you’re not putting forth your hardest work and efforts, nor utilizing the gifts and skills that you have been given.”

In his free time, Chris enjoys spending time outdoors fishing, golfing and playing basketball.

Grey Oaks Country Club PGA Director of Golf Karl Bublitz has assumed the role of South Florida PGA Member Outreach Committee Chairperson.

The Member Outreach Chairperson is the eyes and ears of the Section’s Executive Committee in the field regarding membership, apprentice and employment concerns of PGA members and apprentices.

Responsibilities include contacting new members and apprentices in the Section, providing employment resources to PGA Professionals, serving as a program expert on various member programs and encouraging participation amongst peers. Karl has worked with the Southwest Chapter for several years on employment issues and will be a great addition to the South Florida PGA Section leadership team.

2010 SOUTH FLORIDA PGA CALENDAR OF EVENTS & ASSOCIATION DIRECTORY The 2010 South Florida PGA Wall Calendar of Events and Association Directory will be mailed out at the beginning of March. The Wall Calendar lists all 2010 Section and Chapter events. The SFPGA Membership Directory is an annual publication that includes valuable contact information of every golf facility and member throughout the Section, in addition to sponsor, allied association, and Executive Committee information, the 2010 SFPGA tournament schedule, information on PGA and SFPGA programs and voting materials for the SFPGA Annual Awards.

FOUNDATION PRO-AM AT MCARTHUR GOLF CLUB The SFPGA Foundation Pro-Am, sponsored by Tire Kingdom, will be conducted at McArthur Golf Club on May 3rd, 2010. The event will be comprised of 24 teams and proceeds will benefit the South Florida PGA Charitable Foundation.

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chip shots section news BOARD MEETING OVERVIEW FROM SFPGA VICE PRESIDENT BRIAN PEAPER In early December, the South Florida Section PGA held their Winter Executive Committee Meeting at the South Florida PGA Headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens. This meeting is one of three held annually to review Section affairs of the past year and to look ahead at upcoming issues that will be of importance to the Section and its membership.

The Section is still actively searching for a permanent home for the Section office. Section Officers are heavily engaged, weighing all the pros and cons of a homesite opportunity.

For 2010, the SFPGA has developed a Sales Representative of the Year award. In addition, the Section is brainstorming ideas to increase attendance at the next Annual Awards Night.

The section will follow the PGA of America recommendation to not implement the new groove condition of competition based on the fact that the condition will only be used in PGA TOUR, Nationwide Tour and Champions Tour events.

Junior tour membership was up 20% in 2009 with 367 members. The Section conducted nine Junior Tour events, six of which sold out. A special thank you for the hard work put in by Junior Golf Chairperson Don Law, PGA, SFPGA Junior Tour & Special Events Coordinator Meredith Winkelmann and all who volunteered throughout the season.

PGA career consultant Phil Berry shared employment information. SFPGA unemployment is currently at 5.3%, 51 members unemployed. This number is consistent with our historical records, though much study is being done to try and better measure under-employment.

Brian Peaper, PGA

The Officers and staff are dedicated to making the SFPGA the best Section in the country. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask any of these individuals for help. We look forward to an outstanding 2010 Section season and best of luck to everyone as we continue through this busy season.

SOUTH FLORIDA PGA SECTION POLICY & PROCEDURES CHANGES DRESS CODE POLICY The following dress code will be enforced at all South Florida PGA sanctioned events including Open competitions and designated practice rounds. PGA affiliates shall present a neat appearance in both clothing and personal grooming. Clothing worn by a player preceding, during and post round shall be consistent with currently accepted facility attire. Pants must be worn by males at all Section events except those (Professional only) events between June 1st and August 31st when shorts may be worn with the following stipulations:

EXECUTIVE BOARD EXPANSION Steve Cox reported that South Florida is the third largest Section with one of the smallest Executive Boards and provided an Executive Board Expansion plan.

1. The host facility/professional must approve the wearing of shorts.

2. Shorts will be a Bermuda style with solid traditional colors (no cargo, board, tennis or denim) at a length no shorter than slightly above the knee.

3. Shorts may be worn at Professional only events except the Section Championship and Assistants Championship. Professionals may wear shorts at the South Florida Open.

The Board of Directors have developed a plan that beginning in 2011 the section Executive Board will be expanded by three PGA members. These seats will be at large seats with one coming from each respective chapter. A rotating plan has been established in which these seats are non-renewable three year terms with only one chapter electing per calendar year. The first such elections will take place at the chapter level in the fall of 2010 with the new board members formally taking the oath of office in May of 2011 at the section annual meeting. This change would require a constitutional amendment and therefore will be voted on by the membership at the 2010 Section Annual Meeting.

Female contestants may wear slacks, culottes, walking shorts or golf skirts, which constitute acceptable clothing worn by women in connection with participation in professional golf tournaments. Preceding and post round; tee-shirts, flip flops/sandals and jeans are unacceptable. Dress code is subject to change as per host facility restrictions. The Tournament Director shall interpret this regulation, subject to approval by the Board of Directors.

Failure to adhere to the dress code will result in a $50.00 fine.

DEFINING PRACTICE ROUNDS An official practice round shall be defined as any round of golf played at a facility hosting a section event 30 days prior to the scheduled event. This will apply to all golf professionals that will be playing in the event whether or not they have registered for the event at the time of the practice round.

If a participant of this event is a staff member at the host facility, then the official practice round will be the day before the scheduled event for those staff members. This applies if the round of golf was complimentary or paid.

A motion was passed to expand the Executive Board as written in the board packet with an amendment to allow the chapters who draw the initial 1 year and 2 year terms the opportunity to run an additional consecutive term if they choose.

SECTION OFFICER ELECTION VOTING PROCEDURE Warren Bottke discussed the current election voting procedure and brought up the need to create a better method for electing our Section Officers.

A motion was passed that all future Section Officer Elections be conduced at the Annual Meeting of the South Florida PGA Section. Election will be by active members in good standing at the time of the election and present at the annual meeting, or by qualified absentee ballots. Absentee ballots can be requested up to, but not more than twenty-one days in advance of the election, and must be returned to the Section office not later than seventy-two hours in advance of the actual election so the absentee ballot can be duly registered and counted.

Continued on page 5

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chip shots section news THE FOLLOWING TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS WERE PASSED

COMPLIMENTARY TOURNAMENTS

PLAYER OF THE YEAR POINTS - FLORIDA OPEN All South Florida PGA members that qualify for the Florida Open will receive 25 player of the year points. In addition players making the cut will receive points based on overall order of finish with the use of the existing section major point breakdown and altering to ensure that each player making the cut gets a minimum of 5 points. Exempt players will be awarded player of the year points (25) regardless of their participation in the championship.

PGA TOUR EVENTS: Class A PGA members and accompanying immediate family (spouse, children and PGA member’s parents). This offer is not extended to apprentices. Must show current PGA of America membership card and photo I.D. each day. Go to Main Gate to pick up daily ticket.

Ticket Information (904) 285-3700.

Basis: With the FSGA now conducting this event and over 1100 people trying to qualify from the state it has become a major tournament with great competition.

DISCUSSION ON SKINS GAME TIES Skins not awarded during any Section event will be put into a “Bonus Pool” for those individuals entered into the skins and will be distributed using the current SFPGA payout policy (40%) based on playing performance for that particular round. Exception: If skins are not awarded during round one of any multi day event, the skin monies for that round will roll over into the next round.

Basis: The committee felt that it was equitable to distribute the skins purse this way so that all money paid out would go to those that entered the competition.

TOURNAMENT REFUND POLICY The new policy shall read; No refunds will be issued after the deadline and if pairings have been made, usually within 24 hours after the deadline date, unless a previous paid alternate can fill the spot. Exceptions will be made in the case of medical emergency (upon Board approval) or death in the family.

Basis: The committee was asked to review the policy and provide and consider lenient policy for the membership to take into account rare emergencies. Staff should have the ability to screen refunds without bringing all of them to the board.

TUCKER FINISHES TIED 4TH AT THE PGA SENIOR STROKE PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP The PGA Senior Stroke Play Championship, a TaylorMade-adidas Golf PGA Winter Championship, was conducted at PGA Golf Club in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, January 12th -14th.

The Senior Stroke Play event featured two divisions: ages 50-59 and ages 60 and older. Congratulations to SFPGA Professionals Jerry Tucker and Mike San Filippo. Tucker tied for 4th in the 60 and older division with a three round total score of 208 and San Filippo placed 6th in the 50-59 division with a score of 210.

CLICK HERE to view full results

TEAM OF MORRIS AND BENSEL FINISH TIED 6TH AT THE PGA SENIOR-JUNIOR The most popular event in the TaylorMade-adidas Golf PGA Winter Championships is the PGA Senior-Junior Team Championship. The event was conducted at PGA Golf Club in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, January 18th -21st.

Teams were comprised of one senior player and one junior player to compete in a 72-hole stroke-play better-ball competition.

Congratulations to the team of PGA Professional Kevin Morris of Palm Beach Gardens and Frank Bensel of the Metropolitan Section who shot 6564-64-70-263 to finish tied for 6th in the event.

CLICK HERE to view full results

ACCESS

TO

WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS: Class A PGA members only. No Spouse or other family members.

Must show current PGA of America membership card and photo I.D. each day. Go to Main Gate to pick up daily ticket.

Ticket information: (904) 285-3700.

Coming to South Florida: The Honda Classic (PGA TOUR) March 1 - 7, 2010 PGA National Resort & Spa - Champion Course Palm Beach Gardens, FL World Golf Championship March 9 - 14, 2010 Doral Golf Resort & Spa Doral, FL

TICKETS FORE CHARITY Additional tickets to the World Golf Championship can be purchased for $40 (gate price is $55) through the Tickets FORE Charity program. The Tickets Fore Charity program helps support the South Florida PGA Foundation and The First Tee.

NOMINATE YOUR PEERS FOR 2010 SFPGA ANNUAL AWARDS It's time to nominate your fellow PGA professionals for the 2010 SFPGA Annual Awards. Each year the SFPGA Awards Committee selects eleven (11) award recipients based on your nominations. New in 2010: A Salesperson of the Year Award. Additional award categories include: Golf Professional of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Assistant of the Year, Merchandiser of the Year (Public, Private & Resort), Bill Strausbaugh Award, Horton Smith Award, Junior Golf Leader Award and the PGA President's Plaque. Please take the time to make your voice heard and support your peers!

CLICK HERE to read a description on each award

quote of the month

“The only shots you can be dead sure of are those you’ve had already.” ~Byron Nelson 5

chip shots section news THE SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER OF THE MIDNIGHT GOLF PROGRAM CONTINUES IN 2010

BRIAN & BRANT PEAPER CAPTURE TITLE IN LEON “POP” SIKES FATHER & SON CHAMPIONSHIP

The South Florida Chapter of the Midnight Golf Program began in November 2009 and aims to teach students a variety of valuable skills including financial literacy, college preparation and community activism, as well as how to play golf.

The program continues to gain momentum in 2010 with sessions scheduled through the middle of April.

SFPGA Professional Phil Argianas has led the South Florida Chapter by designing, coordinating and conducting the schedule of golf activities to include all fundamentals in making the game of golf easy and fun participants. Students have learned the fundamental Pictured above: Phil Argianas grip, posture, arm swing shape and motion, stance and ball position for a number of different full swing and short game shots.

The next portion of the program looks to focus more on the rules of the game, as well as teaching the golf etiquette necessary to play on the golf course. Students will have an opportunity to qualify as “course ready,” and receive a set of golf clubs courtesy of PJA Golf and Phil Argianas.

“For myself it has been the most rewarding to help and mentor these young people while working on their golf games. It’s great to see them grow and reap the positive benefits of the program,” said Argianas.

Two additional golf programs began this month: Golf Abilities for the Physically Disabled and Kids - Swing into Golf. Both programs are sponsored by Gifts in Golf and are expected to grow to about 20 students in each.

Contact Phil Argianas at (305) 238-7507 to further discuss the importance and details of these programs.

PURCHASE YOUR SFPGA TOURNAMENT PLAYER'S CARD TODAY PGA Members and Apprentices wishing to play in three or more of the following events: Global Golf Sales Tournament Series Events, Republic Services Southeast PGA Classic, E-Z-GO South Florida Open, Pro-Pro or the Section Championship will need to purchase a SFPGA Player's Card.

The cost is $100 for Members and $50 for Apprentices.

CLICK HERE to register online

FREE GENERAL ADMITTANCE TO THE ALLIANZ CHAMPIONSHIP The Allianz Championship is providing FREE general admission tickets to all spectators courtesy of the City of Boca Raton, Allianz Life, and other tournament sponsors. The Allianz Championship will be held at The Old Course at Broken Sound, February 15th-21st.

Pictured above: (left to right) Brian Peaper, PGA, Leon Sikes Jr. and Brant Peaper PGA Head Professional Brian Peaper and his son Brant, 19, claimed the victory at the 56th annual Leon “Pop” Sikes Father and Son Team Championship held at Atlantis Country Club, December 27th-28th. The Peaper duo finished the 36-hole alternate shot event with a 144 total score.

CLICK HERE to read more

BEST PRACTICE 2009 BILL STRAUSBAUGH AWARD WINNER HARRY FERGUSON Buying For The Golf Shop In Today’s Economy The economy is affecting our industry and each of us to some degree.

In both private and public facilities, customers are watching their spending habits more than ever.

Purchasing closeout merchandise is an excellent way to stay competitive. All vendors offer closeouts which become available at various times in the year.

Inform your vendors that you are interested in their closeouts.

A benefit of buying closeouts is that mistakes aren’t costly. You can liquidate the items quickly with zero or minimal loss.

Golf shops are battling stiff competition from discount stores that carry top name golf apparel and golf balls at prices we find hard to compete with.

Check the inventories of the discount stores near you and avoid purchasing closeouts in the brands they sell.

Continue buying current product lines from your vendors. Find the right balance of closeout products and new items for your particular club. A mixture of closeout items and new items will allow you to price the closeouts at a reasonable markup while selling the new line at a lower price than the competition.

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foundation focus JUNIOR GOLF

CLICK HERE

to view the 2010 Junior Tour schedule

PRESENTING SPONSOR

WRAPPING UP A SUCCESSFUL 2009 SEASON In 2009, the SFPGA Junior Tour conducted nine 36-hole events for its 368 members.

It was a successful season with six sell out events and a membership increase of 20% from 2008. Highlights from the season included three hole-in-ones and two live ESPN Radio Shows. Congratulations to SFPGA Junior Tour Championship victors Douglas Schoeller and Laura Kanouse.

The 2010 Junior Tour Schedule is complete including three additional events added to the schedule. The season will begin in April with Event #1 at Indian Spring Country Club in Boynton Beach.

2009 SFPGA JUNIOR TOUR AWARD WINNERS Ed Ficker Sportsmanship Award Winners: Boy: Jaime Rodriguez Girl: Ashley Burke

SUPPORT SPONSORS

Pictured above: (left to right) Michael Mann, PGA, with Laura Kanouse & Douglas Schoeller

The Honda Classic Most Improved Player Award Winners: Boy: Douglas Schoeller Girl: Samantha Smolen Player Of The Year: Overall Boys 14-18: Christian Tepley Overall Girls 14-18: Alexandra Perez Boys 12-13: Kristian Caparros Girls 12-13: Shyanne Lovan Low Stroke Average: Overall Boys 14-18: Jaime Rodriguez Overall Girls 14-18: Alexandra Perez Boys 12-13: Kristian Caparros Girls 12-13: Shyanne Lovan

Pictured above: (left to right) Honda Classic Tournament Director Ken Kennerly with Douglas Schoeller & Samantha Smolen

2010 HOST FACILITIES

Pictured above: (left to right) Junior Golf Chairperson Don Law, PGA, Jaime Rodriguez, Alexandra Perez, Shyanne Lovan, Kristian Caparros & Santa Lucia River Club PGA Head Professional Michael Mann

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foundation focus

JUNIOR GOLF - SCHOLARSHIPS WRAPPING UP A SUCCESSFUL 2009 SEASON MICHAEL JARNOT AND SHELBY COYLE ANNOUNCED 2009 SOUTH FLORIDA PGA JUNIOR TOUR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS The South Florida PGA proudly announces its 2009 SFPGA Junior Tour Scholarship recipients: Michael Jarnot of Lake Worth and Shelby Coyle of Pembroke Pines. The SFPGA Junior Tour offers two $1,000 grants annually to one boy and one girl SFPGA junior tour member that has participated in at least fifty percent of the SFPGA Junior Tour Events that fiscal year. The Scholarship was instituted in 2007 by The South Florida PGA Executive Board to award college-bound junior tour members.

Michael Jarnot is a senior attending Boca Raton Community High School and is a four year honor roll student. Michael has volunteered countless hours to Junior Achievement of Palm Beach County, the Boca High Key Club and the United Way of Palm Beach County. Michael will enter his first year of studies at Florida Institute of Technology in the fall of 2010.

Shelby Coyle is a senior at American Heritage in Plantation and is a member of the Spanish Honors Society, Ecology Club and a Student Ambassador. Shelby has been a four year member of the Varsity Golf Team and has volunteered many hours to organizations in the South Florida community. Shelby will begin her freshman year of studies and athletics next fall, but has yet to determine what college she will be attending.

GROWTH OF THE GAME THE FIRST TEE OF THE PALM BEACHES In December of 2008 local SFPGA Professionals Craig Watson and Guy Ashley visited Dyer Park, located in West Palm Beach, in hopes of finding a location to start a golf school program. Dyer Park had been the home of the Children’s Golf Foundation for nearly a decade. The two Pros recognized the opportunity to serve an important part of the community and after many months of unselfish hard work and dedication, October 2009 marked the opening of The First Tee Chapter of The Palm Beaches. While continuing to provide a facility for children with special needs to enjoy the recreation and values of golf they are reaching out to all children throughout Palm Beach and Martin Counties.

The program impacts their lives with a life-skills curriculum that is seamlessly delivered with golf skills instruction. The 13 acre facility has been renovated and maintained to include 5 holes, target greens and 2 large practice tees.

Pictured above: The First Tee of The Palm Beaches participants

OUR MISSION The mission of The First Tee of The Palm Beaches is to impact the lives of young people, including those with special needs by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.

Future plans include multiple affiliate sites and the need for additional instructors and volunteers. PGA Members can earn MSR points for volunteering their time and expertise.

Call the office if interested 561-842-0066 or email Guy Ashley, Program Director at gashley@pga.com.

CLICK HERE to visit the website for additional information

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foundation focus PLAY GOLF AMERICA DAY AT DEL TURA COUNTRY CLUB A BIG SUCCESS Over 360 people attended the South Florida PGA Play Golf America Day at Del Tura Country Club in North Ft. Myers on Saturday, January 23rd from 9 AM – 4 PM. The day was sponsored

by PGA of America sponsors Mercedes-Benz and American Express, along with local sponsors WINK TV and Hometown America.

The event featured twenty SFPGA and LPGA professionals who volunteered their time to give over 310 full swing, pitching, and chipping lessons. Along with the free golf lessons, attendees were able to test the newest equipment from Wilson Staff, partake in a special clinic for Disabled Veterans and receive a free nine-hole round of golf at Del Tura.

Two special shows wrapped up the event including a “Super Clinic” conducted by Suzanne Bannan, Jeff Nixon and Andy Scott. The final act was an inspirational TRICK SHOT SHOW conducted by the famous Dennis Walters.

CLICK HERE to read more

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foundation focus

SECOND ANNUAL SFPGA COLLEGE SEMINAR HOSTS OVER 120 ATTENDEES The South Florida PGA Section conducted the Second Annual College Seminar on Saturday, January 16th, at Ocean Breeze Golf & Country Club. The seminar was a great success with over 120 juniors and parents from throughout South Florida in attendance.

The seminar was developed to inform junior golfers and parents about collegiate golf, the recruiting process and the educational programs available to students interested in pursuing a career in the golf industry.

CLICK HERE to read more Pictured above: 2010 College Seminar panelists present to students and parents

SOUTH FLORIDA PGA FOUNDATION DAY

2010 COLLEGE SEMINAR PANELISTS Jeff Schaly Asst Athletic Director/Compliance Lynn University Joe Vogel Women’s Golf Coach Florida International University Lela Canon Women's Golf Coach Maimi University Floyd Kerr Women’s Golf Coach Stetson University Chris Saltmarsh Men's & Women's Golf Coach Northwood University Marty Hall, PGA Internship Coordinator Florida Gulf Coast University Brooke McPoyle Student-Athlete Florida Atlantic University Paula Amoriello Parent of Student/Athlete

FOUNDATION DAY PARTICIPATING FACILITIES:

THERE IS STILL TIME TO GET INVOLVED! CALL THE SOUTH FLORIDA PGA OFFICE TO LEARN MORE

Abacoa Golf Club, Cypress Lakes Country Club, Del Tura Country Club, Don Law Golf Improvement Center, Ft. Lauderdale County Club, Jacaranda Country Club, Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club at Old Trail, Olde Florida, Orangebrook Golf & Country Club, Pelican Sound Golf & River Club, PGA Golf Club, Plantation Preserve Golf Club, The Country Club of Mirsol, The Vineyards Country Club and West Bay Club

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FGCU bulletin board professional golf management FGCU ANNOUNCES FIRST GRADUATES FROM THE PGA GOLF MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Florida Gulf Coast University’s PGA Golf Management Program graduated its first class during the fall commencement service on Saturday, December 12th at Alico Arena. The program’s 13 seniors graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Professional Golf Management and are now eligible for election to Class A Membership in the PGA of America.

Florida Gulf Coast University’s PGA Golf Management Program is one of 20 schools nationwide accredited by the PGA, and one of only two in the state of Florida.

In addition to meeting university requirements, the graduating seniors met PGA requirements by passing the PGA’s 36 hole Player Ability Test, completing 16 months of internships, and passing the three PGA Checkpoints.

To date, students have accepted positions at golf facilities both in the South Florida Section at Tiburon Golf Club, Country Club of the Everglades, The Hideout, Gateway Golf and Country Club and The Club at Grandezza; and nationally at Trump National Golf Club in Los Angeles, and Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania.

Pictured above: December 2009 Senior Class

FGCU TIES FOR 8TH AT PGA JONES CUP

The graduates are Jason M. Becker, Ryan A. Berger, Nicholas D. Catanese, Ryan P. Coll, Brady W. Fennel, Jennifer A. Labrie, Joey J. Lewis, Thomas R. Mayer, Eric M. Nadelman, Louise C. Skelly, Stuart N. Thomas, Federico G. Torresani and Travis P. Wilson.

There are currently 120 students enrolled in FGCU’s PGA Golf Management Program.

INTERNSHIP PLACEMENT Approximately 40 students are seeking summer internship opportunities. While the majority of the students will be working in the north, several students are South Florida residents and would like to find employment close to home.

Please contact Marty Hall, PGA, Internship Coordinator, if you are interested in employing and mentoring a student May 3 through August 20, 2010.

Many thanks to the PGA members at the following South Florida golf facilities, for providing spring 2010 internships:

Pictured above: (left to right) FedericoTorresani, Patrick Hurrie, Jimmy Othus, Ryan Coll, Joey Lewis Federico Torresani, Pat Hurrie, Joey Lewis, Ryan Coll and Jimmy Othus represented FGCU at the PGA Jones Cup held October 12th14th, 2009, on the PGA Golf Club’s Wanamaker Course in Port St. Lucie, Florida. FGCU finished tied for 8th place among the 20 PGA Golf Management Program teams.

Audobon Country Club Bonita Bay Club West Copperleaf Deering Bay Yacht & CC Del Tura Country Club Doral Golf Resort & Spa Estero Country Club Heron's Glen Lexington Country Club Miromar Lakes Moorings Country Club Ocean Reef Club Old Collier Golf Club Olde Florida Golf Club

PGA National Quail West Raptor Bay Shadow Wood CC The Club at Grandezza The Club at Mediterra The Colony Golf & CC The Forest Country Club The Golfing Center Polo Club of Boca Raton The Sanctuary Golf Club Tiburon TPC Eagle Trace West Bay Beach and GC

Continued on page 12

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FGCU bulletin board professional golf management PLAY GOLF AMERICA EVENT CONDUCTED BY PGA GOLF MANAGEMENT STUDENTS The PGA Golf Management students’ Play Golf America event was a featured attraction at FGCU’s 2009 Eaglepalooza (pictured right). FGCU Golf Management students delivered more than 80, five minute golf lessons, prior to the main stage performances of comedians Roy Woods, Jr. and Aries Spears, and musicians MIMS and Sean Paul. The event provided valuable teaching experience to the students in the PGA Golf Management Program and gave college aged students in attendance valuable exposure to the game. Brian Newman, the student coordinator of Play Golf America, called the event “a huge success.”

education rules with drew

NEW RULES When I sat down at my computer to start writing this month’s segment of Rules with Drew I started writing about the new groove specifications adopted by the USGA and R&A. But then I got to thinking, all the major golf publications have already done a story on this topic. What new information could I possibly provide to our members that hasn’t already been written? So I went in search of another topic and lucky for me it didn’t take me long to find one. Every two years the USGA and R&A sit down and review the over 1200 Decisions written on the Rules of Golf. In December, the USGA announced 28 new Decisions, 51 revised Decisions and 1 withdrawn Decision for the 2010-11 edition of “Decisions on the Rules of Golf.” The Rules of Golf are revised every four years as I am sure most of you remember the major changes from two years ago such as identifying your ball in a hazard and if your ball in motion is stopped or deflected by you, your partner, caddie or equipment you now incur a one stroke penalty. So I figured I would share some of the new and more interesting Decisions which might come into play during some of your facility events or even during a Section or Chapter event.

There are many new Decisions I want to share with everyone but first let’s take a look at the one revised Decision I feel warrants mentioning. In the older editions of the “Decisions on the Rules of Golf ” if your ball came to rest in a situation dangerous to the player, i.e.: near a live rattlesnake or atop a fire ant mound, the player was permitted to lift his ball and, “drop it on the nearest spot not nearer the hole that is not dangerous.” Well, the USGA decided to modify this Decision (Decision 1-4/10) to allow a player to, “drop a ball within one club-length of and not nearer the hole than the nearest spot not nearer the hole that is not dangerous.” I wish I could give you a good explanation for why they changed the relief procedure, but I can’t. All I can say is that the relief procedure is different now. However, technically speaking, if you were to drop under the old Decision, you would be fine because you would still be fulfilling the requirements of the new Decision.

As mentioned before, there are 28 new Decisions and unfortunately I’m not given enough space to share them all, so I picked five that I thought you would find interesting. I couldn’t really determine which were more interesting or important than the others so I’ve just listed them in the order they appear in the Decisions book. Rule 1-3 states that a player or players are disqualified if there is an agreement to waive any rule

SFPGA TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR ANDREW MILLER Andrew recently scored a 94% on the Rules of Golf exam, placing him in the top 2% of his class of golf. So, at what point are the players disqualified for their agreement? Is it before, during or after the stipulated round? Well, Decisions 1-3/0.5 states, “While walking to the 1st green, A and B agree that for a ball that is out of bounds they will drop a ball at the spot where the ball went out of bounds under penalty of one stroke, even though they know the penalty is stroke and distance. Someone overhears this conversation and advises A and B that they may not make such an arrangement. Neither player has yet hit a ball out of bounds. What is the ruling? A and B are disqualified under Rule 1-3 for agreeing to waive the penalty under Rule 27-1b. Even though A and B had not yet acted on the agreement, they were in breach of Rule 1-3 as soon as the agreement was reached during the stipulated round. In match play, if the players in a match agree to waive the Rules before their stipulated round, they are in breach of Rule 1-3 if either of them starts the stipulated round without having canceled the agreement. In stroke play, if competitors agree to waive the Rules before their stipulated round, each competitor is in breach of Rule 1-3 if one competitor who was part of the agreement starts his stipulated round without having canceled the agreement.”

Continued on page 13

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education rules with drew

NEW RULES Continued from page 12 As manufacturers continue to introduce clubs that have adjustable weights, removable shafts and interchangeable heads, it was necessary for the USGA to implement Decision 4-4a/15. It asks, “In addition to his clubs selected for play, a player begins his stipulated round with a clubhead and a shaft that are capable of being assembled into a club. What is the ruling? A separate clubhead and shaft do not constitute a club.

Therefore, the separate clubhead and shaft do not count towards the number of clubs the player may carry under Rule 4-4a. However, regardless of the number of clubs carried, it is not permissible to assemble a clubhead and shaft carried by the player during the stipulated round. If the player replaces or adds a club by assembling components carried by him during the round, in equity (Rule 1-4), the player would be penalized in accordance with the penalty statement under Rule 4-3a or Rules 4-4a and b, as applicable.” “In stroke play the competitor would be penalized two strokes for each hole at which any breach occurred with a maximum penalty of four strokes. In match play, at the conclusion of the hole at which the breach is discovered, the state of the match is adjusted by deducting one hole for each hole at which a breach occurred; maximum deduction per round: two holes.”

More and more these days I see players carrying florescent rods in their golf bags, used for alignment. I guess the USGA noticed the increase in the popularity of these items too because there is now a Decision outlining the penalty for use of them during a stipulated round. Decision 14-3/10.3 says, “During a stipulated round, a player uses a rod to check his alignment or his swing plane. What is the ruling? The player is disqualified under Rule 14-3 as the rod is unusual equipment and such use, during the stipulated round, it not permitted. Carrying the rod is not, of itself, a breach of a Rule.” However, Decision 8-2a/1 states that, “A player can place a club on the ground parallel to the line of play to assist him in aligning his feet properly provided the player removes the club before playing his stroke.”

Decision 20-2a/8 is a situation that I would never have thought about doing in a million years and (1) I can’t believe I never thought of it and (2) understand why the USGA and R&A felt it important to include as a new Decision. It states, “A player’s ball lies on an artificially surfaced path. The player determines his nearest point of relief and measures the one club-length in which the ball may be dropped under Rule 24-2b. As the player is concerned that the ball, when dropped, may roll into an unplayable lie, he takes a ball from his bag and drops it in the area to test where his original ball may roll to if he elects to take relief for the path. He did not intend to put the second ball into play. What is the ruling? As the player had no intention of putting the dropped ball into play, that ball did not become the ball in play, and his original ball on the path remained the ball in play. However, it is contrary to the purpose and spirit of the Rules for a player to test what may happen when he drops his ball. Therefore, in equity (Rule 1-4), the player incurs a penalty of loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play. In stroke play, the player may play the original ball as it lies on the path or take relief under Rule 24-2.”

After reading Decision 30-3f/13 I felt it important to share with you for two reasons.

The first reason is that I can see how this particular situation could easily play out in many Section events where the format is four-ball stroke play. The second reason is that I wanted to prevent any future breach from occurring. The situation is explained, “A and B are partners in a four-ball competition. A’s ball is on the putting green 30 feet from the hole, and B’s ball is 20 feet from the hole on a similar line. To assist him with his own putt, B stands on an extension of the line of putt behind A’s ball while A putts. What is the ruling? A was in breach of Rule 14-2b by allowing his partner, B, to position himself on or close to an extension of the line of putt behind the ball while he made his stroke. As A’s breach assisted B, B also incurred the same penalty (Rules 30-3f and 31-8). In match play, side A-B loses the hole and in stroke play, A incurs a penalty of two strokes and B incurs the same penalty.

Unfortunately, there is not enough space to include all 28 new Decisions, but I hope the ones I outlined will help you get around the course in fewer strokes. Below is a list of all the new Decisions. Take some time on a rainy afternoon (trust me there will be plenty to choose from) to read threw them. They are all pretty interesting. New Decisions: 1-3/0.5, 1-4/11.5, 2/3, 2-4/3.5, 4-1/1, 4-4a/15, 4-4a/16, 13-4/0.7, 14-2/0.5, 14-2/2.5, 14-3/10.3, 19-2/10, 19-5/1.5, 20-2a/8, 20-3b/7, 20-3b/8, 25-1b/25.5, 27/17, 27-2a/1.3, 29/5.5, 30-3/3, 30-3e/1, 30-3f/2.5, 30-3f/13, 33-2b/1.5, 33-8/34, 33-8/44.5, 34-1b/9.

upcoming events February 5 The ACE Group Classic Pre-Qualifier at The Plantation Golf & County Club February 8 The ACE Group Classic Open Qualifier at The Plantation Golf & Country Club February 12 Allianz Championship Pre-Qualifier at PGA National Estates Course February 16 Allianz Championship Open Qualifier at PGA National Estates Course February 25 The Honda Classic Pre-Qualifier at PGA National Estates Course & Jupiter Country Club March 1 The Honda Classic Open Qualifier at The Fox Club

chapter news SOUTHERN CHAPTER NEWS FROM PRESIDENT DICK MCNEILL As of this date the Southern Chapter has completed its tournament schedule for 2010. Many thanks to Mark Vandyck and David Carse for an outstanding job in securing sites that are on the schedule. The schedule can be viewed, thanks to Chad Middaugh, on the section web site at www.sflorida. pga.com. Click on chapters under Southern and the info will appear. There will not be a hard copy yearbook this year as the web site will be the source of information.

Players can now purchase Players Cards online. Prices are $150 and $125 for Seniors (50 &over). Entry fees for pro-only tournaments can also be paid online. Pro-Ams will be paid at the tournament site.

In 2010, amateur entry fees will be increased to $125, now to include lunch at the host facility.

Pro only events will consist of 2 tournaments: 1 Junior event and 1 Senior event with two separate purses available. Seniors will be allowed to participate in the Junior Tournament but there will be no double dipping except in the Chapter Championship. The purse will be commensurate with the number of players. The first event of the 2010 seaon is the Pro-Sponsor Tournament at the Diplomat Golf Club on April 5th. The day will include a seminar and the spring meeting.

If you have any questions or comments please contact Dick McNeill at (305) 608-6835 or dickmcn1@aol.com.

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