NEW APPRENTICES
chip shots
The South Florida PGA would like to welcome the following new apprentices to the section: Member Classification Facility Matthew Kloppenburg B-8 Jacaranda Country Club Quinn Sweeney B-8 Naples Lakes Country Club Torey Haun B-8 Gulf Harbour Yacht & CC Craig Hill B-8 Wyndemere Country Club Roy Dennehy Jr. B-8 The Breakers Ocean Course Audry Longo B-8 Ironhorse CC Thomas Craft B-8 Miromar Lakes Golf Club Thomas Harris B-8 Coral Ridge Country Club
SOUTH FLORIDA SECTION 186 ATLANTIS BOULEVARD ATLANTIS, FL / 33462 PHONE / FAX 561-729-0544 / 561-729-0914 EMAIL sflorida@pgahq.com WEBSITE www.sfpgagolf.com
IN REMEMBRANCE
PRESIDENT Warren Bottke, PGA
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of South Florida PGA Professionals Frederick Hawkins and Fred Bruno.
VICE PRESIDENT Mark VanDyck, PGA
QUARTER CENTURY CLUB
SECRETARY Don Meadows, PGA
Congratulations to PGA Professionals Patrick Bennett, Jim Butler, Bob Coman, William Iwinski, Steve Jablonowski, Michael Miller, Dan O’Neill, Bruce Scott, Ken Smythe and Tom Wildenhaus who have been elected to the Quarter Century Club of the PGA of America, an elite group of members who have served the PGA with honor and pride for 25 years.
HALF CENTURY CLUB
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Brian Peaper, PGA SOUTHERN CHAPTER PRESIDENT Chris Krause, PGA SOUTHEAST CHAPTER PRESIDENT Jim Leary, PGA
Congratulations to PGA Professional Larry Laoretti who has been elected to the Half SOUTHWEST CHAPTER PRESIDENT Dan Gawronski, PGA Century Club of the PGA of America, an elite group of members who have served the PGA with honor and pride for 50 years. ISLAND CHAPTER PRESIDENT
NEW MEMBERS
The South Florida PGA would like to welcome the following new members to the section: Member Classification Facility Michelle McGann A-3 LPGA
CERTIFICATION COMPLETION Congratulations to PGA Professional Jonathan Davis who has successfully completed the requirements for becoming certified in Golf Operations through the PGA Certified Professional Program.
Aaron West, PGA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Geoff Lofstead ADVISORY BOARD Paul Anderson Rick Bayliss Steve Sponder Ken Kennerly Matt Lambert Peter Lund Joe Steranka
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chip shots PROS ON THE GO
Member Randy Mullen, PGA Mike Dopslaff, PGA MIke Melton, PGA Ryan Norton, PGA Christopher Major, PGA Jay Walkinshaw, PGA Michael Rodriguez, PGA Rodney Bungartz, PGA Daniel O’Neill, PGA John Calabria, PGA Nevin Sutcliffe, PGA Holly Taylor, PGA Adam DeArmond, PGA
To A-1 - Bonaventure Country Club A-13 - San Carlos Golf Club A-1 - Fairwinds Golf Course A-1 - Boca Grove Golf & Tennis Club A-13 - The Rookery at Marco GC A-13 - Frenchman’s Reserve A-13 - Audubon Country Club A-1 - Arrowhead Golf Club A-13 - Eagle Ridge Golf Club LM A-1 - Majestic Golf Club A-1 - PGA Golf Club A-1 - Bonita National Golf & CC
From A-8 - Orangebrook Golf Course A-6 - Eastwood Golf Course A-8 - Fairwinds Golf Course A-8 - Boca Grove Golf & Tennis Club A-4 - The Rookery at Marco GC A-13 - National Golf Club of Canada A-13 - Wisconsin Section A-8 - Arrowhead Golf Club A-1 - Arrowhead Golf Club A-13 - The Golf Club at Fiddler’s Creek A-15 - Dick’s Sporting Goods A-1 - St. Lucie Trail Golf Club A-8 - Bonita National Golf & CC
BABY NEWS Congratulations to Ryan Norton, PGA and wife Evelina on the birth of their daughter! Addison Jean was born on April 14th at 11:06 PM. Ryan is the PGA Head Professional at Boca Grove Golf & Tennis Club
Congratulations to Seth Henrich, PGA and his wife Paola on the birth of their son Hayden! Seth is the Director of Golf at El Conquistador Resort in Puerto Rico.
SMILING FORE LIFE
Gayle Leslie, PGA and Sebastian Camillo, PGA
DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
Every week, PGA Professionals dedicate their time to the South Florida PGA’s Smiling Fore Life Program. The program brings in PGA Professionals to hospitals throughout south Florida to introduce golf into children’s lives who may be experiencing hardship and allows them to forget about their challenges and enjoy a fun and new activity. In its fifth year, Smiling Fore Life brings golf to 5 different hospitals throughout south Florida: Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, the Quantum House, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and Joe
Thank you to all PGA Professionals who have helped with this program this year: Judy Alvarez, Sebastian Camillo, Dave Cunliffe, Blake Dickenson, Todd Elliott, Mark Hamstra, Robb Heering, Mike Jonges, Gayle Leslie, Valerie Moore, Dave Pesacov and Andy Scott
Andy Scott, PGA
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foundation news
THE SFPGA FOUNDATION KICKS OFF IT’S 4TH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PROJECT IN COLLIER COUNTY The Habitat for Humanity of Collier County and the South Florida PGA Foundation joined together for a wall-raising, the first on-site step in building a home for a family in need of decent, affordable housing in the community. The wall raising took place on Saturday, May 2, in the Regal Acrews community in East Naples. “We are very grateful to the South Florida PGA and the high-profile visibility that this partnership brings to Habitat for Humanity’s work in Collier County. The strong local golfing community relies upon course maintenance workers, club kitchen staff, landscapers and housekeepers, many of whom are Habitat homeowners or seeking affordable homeownership opportunities. Working with the South Florida PGA is simply a natural fit,” said Lisa Lefkow, Executive Vice-President of Habitat Collier. This is the fourth Habitat home the South Florida PGA Foundation has been involved in building. Not only will the South Florida PGA Foundation provide a $50,000 donation to Habitat to fund the construction materials for the home, but throughout May and June, countless PGA professionals, friends and junior tour members will be on-site throughout the project volunteering their time and serving our community. “We are extremely excited about our build this summer, and what we have been able to accomplish the last four years. Having the ability to make a large monetary contribution, in addition to getting our members involved in the community to help others has been our goal since 2011,” said SFPGA Foundation President Tom Wildenhaus. The wall-raising is one of the most visible and visual parts of Habitat home building. It also marks the beginning of a family’s dream of owning their first home as they watch the first walls go up on a Habitat home. Since 1978, Habitat Collier has built more than 1,760 homes in the Naples and Immokalee areas. Habitat for Humanity of Collier County is part of a global, non-profit housing organization operated on Christian principles. Building homes, communities and hope, the goal is to give families a “hand up” and help them buy safe, decent, affordable housing. It is one of the oldest and most successful affiliates in the world.
Habitat for Humanity of Collier County Build Dates CONTACT MEREDITH
MAY 6, 7, 9, 21, 27, 28 JUNE 6, 11, 13, 29 ADDRESS: 10552 MAJESTIC CIR. NAPLES, FL 34114
SCHULER AT MSCHULER@ PGAHQ.COM IF INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING
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player development
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT CORNER
Now may be the time of the year where operations are slowing down at your facility and hopefully you enjoyed a successful season. It’s never too early to start planning ahead for next season and looking at innovative ways to grow your business and deliver to the bottom line. In a recent survey at the best facilities in the country, of the 20 most influential tactics to generate incremental revenue, only 7 were implemented at more than 50% of the facilities. Top 5 ranking to drive revenue: 1. Execute Know Your Customer Service Interactions 2. Invite the Local Media 3. Provide Instructor Incentives 4. Participate in the Community 5(a). Market Specifically to Women’s Group 5(b). Conduct SFPGA Team Golf and/or PGA Junior League programs Your skill in Player Development could result in those increased rounds, lessons and revenues at your facility. This can help showcase your expertise as a PGA Professional and demonstrates measurable value that you have delivered for your employer. As you start to think about next season, the planning process should be a collaboration between you, your employer, and any other lead PGA Professionals or staff. Active involvement in the planning process by everyone can help increase the likelihood of their active participation and sense of ownership in your Player Development efforts.
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player development WOMEN’S GOLF LEAGUE: A SOCIAL APPROACH TO ENGAGING WOMEN
Since 2013, the South Florida PGA has conducted two “Women’s Golf Day” a year, one on each coast, to help promote the game of golf to women in south Florida. The format of the event is free golf instruction from PGA/LPGA Professionals, demos, clinics, raffles and fitness followed by a social hour including cocktails and appetizers for the women who participated. The emphasis of the Women’s Golf Day is a social atmosphere to encourage participation in golf and camaraderie with other female golfers. It is a free event for women of all skill levels including beginners. Following an extremely successful Women’s Golf Day at Miromar Lakes Golf Club in 2014, the South Florida PGA received feedback from the participants wanting more opportunities to play golf with other women and have a social component similar to the Women’s Golf Day. Working with Ken McMaster, PGA Director of Golf at Miromar Lakes Golf Club, the South Florida PGA created a “Women’s League” as a way to keep those women who participated in Women’s Golf Day engaged in the game. The new “Women’s League” included 6 holes of golf with a 4-person scramble format followed by a social hour including drinks and appetizers. The first two leagues were held at Miromar Lakes Golf Club in January and March and the third was held at Verandah Golf Club in April. All leagues were afternoon shotgun starts and the participants paid $25. Approximately 40-60 women have participated in each event. “We have really enjoyed the great golf courses and the beautiful facilities. It is fun to play in an event with other women like us who enjoy the game of golf. We enjoy the whole experience and love the social atmosphere,” said Denise Vidussi, who participated in the Women’s Golf Day and all three events. With the success this league has experienced, the SFPGA is looking forward to continuing to provide the same opportunities this fall. If you are interested in hosting one of these leagues please contact Tori Stock at tstock@pgahq. com. “It has been so incredibly well received, very easy to coordinate and has had a tremendous impact on the ladies as well as our facility” Ken McMaster, PGA. Thank you to Ken McMaster, PGA and Nathan Groce, PGA for graciously hosting these events. For more details about the league, click here.
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tournament news PRO-OFFICIAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Fifty six teams competed in 2015 Pro Official presented by Club Car and WeatherBug on April 20th at Old Marsh Golf Club. Each team was comprised of one PGA member/apprentice and one official from the same working entity. Capturing the title firing a gross best ball team score of 65 was Brett McCurdy and official Jim Mostad from The Breakers Rees Jones Course in West Palm Beach. Taking home the net best ball team honors were PGA Director of Golf Danny St. Louis and his official Brent Valdov also from The Breakers Rees Jones Course. McCurdy carded a 66 on his own ball to take the low professional contest by a margin of four strokes. Highlights included an eagle on the par 4 thirteenth from Mason Colling, PGA Assistant Professional at Old Marsh Golf Club. However, one more eagle on the day from Chris Krause, PGA Director of Golf at Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club as he drove the par 4 tenth hole and proceeded to make the 8 foot putt to follow.
Warren Bottke, PGA, Brent Valdov, Danny St. Louis, PGA, Brett McCurdy, and Jim Mostad
Presenting partners:
The South Florida PGA would like to thank presenting partners Club Car and WeatherBug as well as supporting partners Agricredit and Chase 54 for their support of the 2015 Pro-Official. Also the South Florida PGA would like to recognize General Manager Mike Gibson, PGA Director of Golf Tom Dyer as well as the entire staff at Old Marsh Golf Club for their first class facility and operation and also for hosting this year’s event.
Supporting partner:
NATIONAL CAR RENTAL FOUNDATION PRO-AM
Thirty-four teams competed in the inaugural National Car Rental Foundation Pro-Am at Ft. Lauderdale Country Club on March 23rd. Each team was comprised of one PGA member/apprentice and one amateur. Capturing the title firing a net best ball team score of 63 was Jonas DeWitte and amateur Bruce Kelsey from John’s Island Club in Vero Beach. DeWitte and Kelsey won in a scorecard playoff against PGA Professional Tim Turpen and Jesse Lee of Ironhorse Country Club. Jason Hrynkiw, PGA Head Golf Professional at Gleneagles Country Club was the low professional for the event shooting an impressive 67. In addition to the event winners, the Pro-Am helped raised just over $4,500 for the South Florida PGA Foundation.
Thank you to Michael O’Brien, Mark VanDyck and the entire staff at Fort Lauderdale Country Club for hosting the event.
Presenting partner: 8
tournament news
WOMEN’S PRO-PRO CHAMPIONSHIP JUPITER, FL – South Florida PGA Women’s Pro-Pro Championship supported Inspired Style by Spanner and The PGA Tour was contested April 27th at The Loxahatchee Club in Jupiter. Twelve teams comprised of two PGA and/or LPGA Professionals competed in the event under a four ball stroke play format. With perfect conditions and a pristine golf course Laurie Rinker and Annette DeLuca took home the title firing an impressive 66 (six under par). Not far behind finishing in second place was PGA Professional Eileen Kraemer and Michelle McGann. Special thanks to our supporting partners, in addition to Wilson Zehner, PGA Head Professional and the staff at the Loxahatchee Club.
Supporting partners:
Laurie Rinker, PGA, Warren Bottke, PGA and Annette DeLuca
NELSON CUP MATCHES The 24th Annual Nelson Cup Matches supported by Taylormade Adidas Ashworth was held April 27th at Gleneagles Country Club in Delray Beach, Florida. Representing each of the three chapters were 12 PGA Members who qualified for their respective team through their chapter point accumulation over the 2014 season. The Southwest Chapter took an early and commanding lead after the newly implemented Foursome (alternate shot) format. They accumulated 30 points in the morning matches to Southeast’s 13 ½ and Southern’s 10 ½. The Southeast Chapter made a charge in the afternoon singles matches earning 41 ½ points but fell 20 ½ points short as The Southwest Chapter went on to win back the cup after losing last year to the Southeast Chapter.
Southwest team standout’s Gene Fieger and Adam DeArmond earned a perfect combined 12 of 12 points in the afternoon singles matches. Also sweeping the afternoon were Southeast’s Alan Morin and Jason Hrynkiw. The South Florida PGA would like to thank Charlie, John, and Jeff Nelson for the development and success of this annual event in the light and support of local Junior Golf. The SFPGA would also like to recognize Bill and Sandi Bishop from Taylormade Adidas Ashworth for their continued support of this event. Finally, The South Florida PGA would like to thank Director of Golf Joe DeMino, and Head Professional Jason Hrynkiw for an outstanding operation, membership and truly immaculate golf course and facility.
Supporting partner:
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tournament news
JUNIOR-SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
Gene Fieger and Justin Bertsch of the Hideout Golf Club in Naples teamed up to win the South Florida PGA Senior-Junior Championship presented by Yamaha and supported by Global Golf Sales and The PGA Tour. This year the event was contested at Lago Mar Country Club in Plantation and featured 50 teams comprised of one professional aged 50+ and one under the age of 50. Firing an impressive round of 60 featuring back-to-back 30’s, Fieger and Bertsch were able to clinch the title by three shots. Their success started on their first hole, No. 13 where they made birdie. From there they would go on to make eleven more. This victory is not the first team title for Fieger and Bertsch, in 2014 they teamed up to win the Pro-Assistant Championship at Ballen Isles Country Club.
Presenting partner:
Gene Fieger, PGA, Tommy Dee and Justin Bertsch, PGA
Supporting partner: FORT LAUDERDALE OPEN
PARKLAND, Fla. – Timothy Puetz, PGA Assistant Professional at Boca Rio Golf Club held off late afternoon charges from a highly decorated field in capturing individual first place honors at the 16th Annual Fort Lauderdale Open presented by Seminole Casino Coconut Creek and supported by Global Golf Sales, GolfBuddy, Buck Steel as well as the PGA Tour. Parkland Golf and Country Club proved to be a true test of skill and endurance with gusts up to 25 miles per hour and scattered storms throughout the first Section Major Championship of the year. Puetz carded birdies on two of his final four holes to record a round one total of 68 (-4), two shots clear of the field. Fending off a back nine final round charge of 33 from Justin Timothy Puetz, PGA and Mike Bronkema, PGA McCarraher (141) and final round four under par 68 from Paul Scaletta (142), Puetz prevailed in the Championship Division carding a two-day total of 140 (-4). In the senior division, SFPGA Life Member Peter Oakley edged Gene Fieger (145), fellow SFPGA Life Member Steve Madsen (145) and Gary Knapp (145) of Turnberry Isle-Miami for the division title. Oakley recorded an even par two day total of 144, opening up the tournament with a round one score of 71. The South Florida PGA would like to recognize the entire Parkland Golf and Country Club staff and membership for an outstanding venue and exceptional operation. Finally, the South Florida PGA would like to thank Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, Global Golf Sales, GolfBuddy, and Buck Steel for their support.
Presenting partner:
Supporting partners: 10
drive, chip & putt
DON LAW, PGA CADDIES FOR GLORIA NIP AT AUGUSTA
On Sunday, April 5, the Drive, Chip & Putt Championship was held at Augusta National Golf Club on the eve of the Masters. South Florida was represented by two of the finalists: in the 7-9 age divisions: Tristan Wieland of Jupiter and Gloria Nip of Port St. Lucie. During the finals, Wieland finished in 7th place and Nip in 10th place. Both had strong finishes in the chipping competition. SFPGA Professional and Gloria Nip’s coach, Don Law caddied for her during the championship finals at Augusta. “To caddie and coach a student at Augusta National was beyond my lifelong dreams. I hope all coaches get an opportunity to go at least once. The partnership between the PGA, USGA and the Masters is a strong voice in the growth of our great game,” said Law following his trip to Augusta. Get involved with Drive, Chip & Putt by hosting a clinic at your facility or volunteering this summer during a qualifier to earn required MSR credits. Below is the South Florida Qualifier Schedule in addition to information about hosting a clinic.
Don Law, PGA and Gloria Nip
SOUTH FLORIDA DRIVE, CHIP & PUTT SCHEDULE
LOCAL QUALIFIERS
June 14 - PGA Center for Learn & Perf June 16 - Osprey Point Golf Course June 23 - Stoneybrook GC of Estero June 28 - Country Club of Miami July 7 - PGA National Golf Club July 18 - The Vineyards Country Club July 28 - Plantation Preserve
SUB-REGIONAL QUALIFIER
August 8 PGA Center for Learning & Performance
Generate revenue and prepare junior golfers
by hosting a Drive, Chip & Putt Clinic HOST A DRIVE, CHIP & PUTT CLINIC
Even if your facility is not hosting a Drive, Chip & Putt Qualifier, you can get involved! You can host a Drive, Chip & Putt clinic to bring in extra revenue and prepare your junior golfers for the qualifier. The Drive, Chip and Putt Instruction Playbook was created to help PGA Professionals leverage the successful Drive, Chip and Putt Championship to create and retain new golfers at their facility. This playbook will aid you in the creation and implementation of youth clinics with a Drive, Chip and Putt twist. If interested in hosting a Drive, Chip & Putt clinic at your facility, contact Tori Stock at tstock@pgahq.com or check out the Drive, Chip & Putt Instruction Playbook on pga.org.
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junior tour
CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR EVENT #2 -SANDRIDGE GOLF CLUB The South Florida PGA Junior Championship Tour presented by The Honda Classic held event #2 at Sandridge Golf Club on March 21-22. Two up and coming South Florida Juniors found their way into the winners circle following outstanding play. Jupiter native Ryder Sutcliffe had an outstanding year on the Challenge Tour in 2014. Sutcliffe fired back to back 74’s to take the Overall Boys Title. Port St. Lucie native Haruki Takeda took home the boys 13-15 age division, while Robert Beck Fox would take home the boys 16-18 age division. Boca Raton native Dana Williams has continually had strong tournaments but hasn’t been able to find the winning combination on the Championship Tour until this event Williams opened up round one with a 3-over par 75 which was enough for a 1 stroke lead over the competition. Williams was able to Dana Williams, Bela Nagy, PGA and Ryder Sutcliffe fire a final round 74 to capture the Overall Girls Title by three strokes. Vero Beach native Mary Kate Hiller went on to claim the girls 13-15 age division, while Fort Myers native Halliane Hobson would take home the girls 16-18 age division. Special thanks to Bela Nagy, PGA Head Professional at Sandridge Golf Club.
CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR EVENT #3 INDIAN SPRING COUNTRY CLUB On April 11-12, the South Florida PGA Junior Championship Tour presented by The Honda Classic held event #3 at Indian Spring Country Club in Boynton Beach on the West Course. With temperatures in the upper 80’s and the course in outstanding shape, low scores were in abundance at Championship Event #3.
Jupiter native Ryder Sutcliffe, Port St. Lucie native Fletcher Wunderlich and Boca Raton native Krit Oukosavanna each opened up round one with a 3-under par 68. Fort Lauderdale native Miles Castoro and Lake Worth native Jordan Reeves each shot an opening round even-par 71 to find themselves three strokes off the lead entering the final round. Sunday’s final round featured a wide array of outstanding play from the boys division. Port St. Lucie native and junior standout Sachin Kumar posted a final round 1-under par 70 to post an even par 142 tournament total. Palm City naFletch Wunderlich and Mary Janiga tive Alex Vogelsong, who shot an opening round 2-over par 73, shot a final round 3-under par 68. Wunderlich was able to grind out a 2-over par 73 on Sunday to force a playoff with Vogelsong. Wunderlich was able to capture the Overall Boys title in a sudden death playoff and capture his first South Florida PGA Junior Tour victory. Tamarac native Jillian Bourdage opened up round one with an even par 71 to take the round one lead in the overall girls division. Boynton Beach native Zora Gittens fired a 3-over par 74 to find herself in second place entering Sunday’s final round. Wellington native Mary Janiga entered the final round four strokes behind Bourdage. Jangia was able to fire an outstanding 3-under par 68 to capture the Overall Girls division over Bourdage. Special thanks to PGA Director of Golf, Mike McClellan and his staff for hosting the event.
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junior tour
CHALLENGE TOUR EVENT #3 - FOUNTAINS COUNTRY CLUB
ATLANTIS, Fla. – On April 25-26, the South Florida PGA Junior Challenge Tour presented by The Honda Classic held event #3 at Fountains Country Club in Lake Worth on the North Course. With temperatures in the reaching the low 90’s, many of South Florida’s rising stars were forced to grind through the weekend.
Fort Lauderdale native Tim Simpson opened up round one with a 2-over-par 73 which featured 3 birdies. Palm Beach Gardens native Sam Thomas also managed to fire a 2-over-par 73 in Saturday’s opening round to tie Simpson for the first round lead. Coral Springs native Alex Martell found himself 2 strokes back heading into Sunday’s round. Martell made a strong run in Sunday’s final round by firing a 3-over par 74 but it wasn’t enough to overcome Thomas’s strong performance. Thomas fired a final round 76 to capture the Overall Boys Title by 1 stroke. This was Thomas’s first SFPGA Junior Tour victory.
Hanna Rizzolo and Sam Thomas
Aventura native Natalia Jimenez opened up round one with a 79 to take a three stroke lead into the final round in the girls 13-18 division. West Palm Beach native Hanna Rizzolo needed a low round to catch Jimenez. Rizzolo would go on to fire a final round 76 to capture the Overall Girls Title by one stroke over Miami native Phoebe Beber-Frankel. Beber-Frankel would go on to take home the girls 13-15 age division while Lake Worth native Serina Combs would take home the 16-18 age division. The 11-12 age division once again provided great excitement. Boynton Beach native Nick Staub opened up round one with an even par 71 to take the first round lead in the boys division. Luke Clanton of Miami Lakes, found himself one stroke off the lead during the final round. Despite Clanton’s great effort, he was unable to overcome Staub’s one stroke lead. Staub would go on to capture the win. Hobe Sound native Andie Smith and Doral native Skylee Shin found themselves tied for the lead in the girls 11-12 division after the opening round. Despite Shin’s great attempts, Smith was able to capture the girls 11-12 age division title. Special thanks to PGA General Manager, Joe Roux and his staff for hosting the event.
Presenting partner:
Supporting partners:
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junior tour
CHALLENGE TOUR EVENT #4 - VINEYARDS COUNTRY CLUB ATLANTIS, Fla. – May 2-3, the South Florida PGA Junior Challenge Tour presented by The Honda Classic held event #4 at Vineyards Country Club in Naples on the South Course. With a full field of 84 juniors, each division featured exciting finishes.
Miami native Jake Beber-Frankel and Coral Springs native Brett Roberts had their fair share of battles in 2014 in the 11-12 age division. This year both boys are featured in the 13-18 age division, yet the battles haven’t diminished. The youngsters each started off round one with a 1-under par 71 to find themselves tied for the lead entering Sunday. The two would go on to match each others every shot during final round to shoot a 1-over par 73 and tie for the lead after 36 holes to send the division to a sudden death playoff. On the first playoff hole, Beber-Frankel was able to roll in a 25 foot birdie putt as Roberts just barely missed his birdie attempt and capture his first overall boys title.
Jake Beber-Frankel, Tom Metzger, PGA and Elle Nachmann
The girls 13-18 age division didn’t feature any sudden death playoffs but it did showcase a youngsters outstanding play. Boca Raton native Elle Nachmann opened up round one with a three-over par 75 to take a four stroke lead heading into the final round. Nachmann’s consistent play continued on Sunday as she fired a final round twoover par 74 and cruised to win the overall girls title. The boys 11-12 year old division featured two players who managed to dissect the course like seasoned veterans. Miami Lakes native Luke Clanton opened up round one with a two-under par 70 to take a one stroke lead over Plantation native Jude Kim. Both players entered the final round knowing they would need a low score to take the top spot. Clanton fired a final round four-under par 68 but it wasn’t enough to protect his one stroke lead. Kim fired an impressive five-under par 67 to tie Clanton and send the division to a sudden death playoff. During the second hole of the playoff, Kim was able to convert a birdie on the par 5 second and take home the boys 11-12 division.
Jude Kim
event.
Pembroke Pines native Casey Weidenfeld open up round one with one-over par 73 to find herself holding a eight stroke leading heading into the final round. Weidenfeld was able to shoot a final round 81 to capture the girls 11-12 age division. Doral native Skylee Shin went on to capture second place. Specials thanks to PGA Director of Golf, Tom Metzger and his staff for hosting the
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
“Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” -Michael Jordan
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rules with chris
INCONVENIENT TWIGS
Earlier this week marked the first section event of the year at the 2015 Fort Lauderdale Open hosted by Parkland Golf and Country Club. The event saw 25 mph winds on Monday, with storms lingering in the final round forecast. It was a great test for the field as the Norman design was in true form and great condition. It was a relatively quite tournament from a rules perspective, given the various weather conditions and firm greens. Looking back on the tournament, the committee had a ruling that involved one of the most used rules in the Decisions book. We had a player find himself just off the fairway on a bank with some dry brush set in flowerbeds directly behind the point in which his ball came to rest. The player fairly took his stance, proceeded to take the club back and in doing so, accidentally broke off a piece of the dry brush in this backswing. He then stopped his swing, moved away from the ball and called for a ruling. Now this is a situation that is covered by a detailed and easy to follow Rule 13-2. The rule is broken into three different parts. The first part includes four different areas that must not be improved, while the second part addresses five prohibited means of improvement. The final part includes an additional five situations in which there are no penalties assessed, also known as exceptions to the rule. This particular player was in breach of improving the area of his intended stance or swing by moving, bending or breaking anything growing or fixed (including immovable obstructions and objects defining out of bounds). The penalty in match play would be a loss of hole and in this particular 36-hole stoke play event, a penalty of two stokes was assessed. One of the most intriguing aspects of the Rules of Golf is the depth of detail in which it is written taking into consideration the potential for all aspects; including intent. Going back to our situation at the Fort Lauderdale Open, if the player would have continued his swing even after breaking off the branch in his backswing, he would have not incurred a penalty as outlined in the third part of Rule 13-2. Even though this particular player did not intend to improve his area of intended stance, the penalty must outweigh the potential advantage gained from an individual breech. Take a moment and look at Rule 13 as it covers the true underlying principle of the game, Playing the ball as it lies. Some of the most unique and interesting decisions can be found under this portion of the decisions book and it truly serves as the cornerstone to the foundation upon which the game was built. Send me your rules situations at cgilkey@pgahq.com.
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msr opportunities CHAPTERS SOUTHEAST Spring Meeting & Annual Awards Thursday, May 21st Bear Lakes Country Club 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
SOUTHERN Mike Richards, PGA – 2015 SFPGA Teacher of the Year Monday, May 18th 9:30 am – 11:00 pm at TPC Eagle Trace 2 PGA Required MSR Credits available Cost: $35 including lunch
SECTION
SOUTHWEST
Spring Meeting Monday, May 11th Heritage Palms Golf & CC 10:00 AM general meeting 12:30 PM golf event – $85 per player, teams must be comprised of 4 professionals Darin Hovis Fitness Seminar – Understanding Golf Injuries & How they Affect your Business Monday, May 18 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Florida Gulf Coast University 2 PGA Required MSR Credits available Cost: $10 Mentoring Your Apprentice – Using the PGA 2.0 Curriculum – Tara McKenna, PGA Friday, June 12th 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Florida Gulf Coast University 4 PGA Required MSR Credits available Cost: $20 (includes lunch)
Annual Meeting of the Membership Wednesday, June 3rd – Seminole Casino Coconut Creek 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM (cocktail reception immediately following) 3 Required MSR Credits
NATIONAL PGA ONLINE EDUCATION There are 10 online video seminars worth 1-2 credits in the PGA Required category. At the end of each seminar session, you must successfully complete 70% of the assessment to earn credits. Each online seminar may only be taken once and there is just one assessment re-take opportunity allowed. Begin taking the courses HERE.
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new & upcoming SECTION
SOUTHEAST CHAPTER
Foundation Pro-Am The Loxahatchee Club May 12
Assistants/Head Pro/Senior Championship St. Andrews Country Club May 18
South Florida Senior Open Pro-Am Jonathan’s Landing GC at Old Trail May 13
Spring Meeting Bear Lakes Country Club May 21
South Florida Senior Open Jonathan’s Landing GC at Old Trail May 14-15
The Trump Shootout Trump International Golf Club May 26
Junior Tour Championship Event #4 TPC @ Eagle Trace May 16-17
SOUTHERN CHAPTER
SOUTHWEST CHAPTER
Spring Meeting Heritage Palms Golf & CC May 11 Darin Hovis Fitness Seminar Florida Gulf Coast University May 18
Mike Richards, PGA Education TPC @ Eagle Trace May 18 Pro Pro Seven Bridges at Springtree May 26
ISLAND CHAPTER
Stableford Championship Forest Glen Country Club May 19-20 Chapter Pro-Pro Island Country Club May 29 Global Golf Sales CS #1 The Twin Eagles Club June 1
1 Pro 1 Am Dorado Beach Resort and Club May 17 Pro-Am Trump International Golf Club May 27
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