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July 2014 Keeping Golfers Connected in TN, KY, MS, AL, NC
July 2014
Alabama’s RTJ Golf Trail
still great after all these years Pages 2-3
Inside!!
The Shoals 18th hole Fighting Joe
Major feat: Johan Kok headed to PGA Championship
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Riverside renaissance: Ragers keep plugging away
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Blooming in Murfreesboro: Bloomfield Links caters to beginners
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July 2014
TEE TIMES
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The RTJ Golf Trail: Still going strong The cliché is that time flies when you are having fun. If that’s true, then it seems like only yesterday when the state of Alabama was introducing a unique concept to golfers back in 1992. That’s the year the state became a major player in the golf industry, introducing the world to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. It was a massive undertaking and the brainchild of Retirement Systems of Alabama head Dr. David Bronner, who definitely went big in his quest to turn Alabama from a drive-through state into a golf destination. Since the original seven facilities opened in 1992 and 1993, the RTJ Golf Trail has added four more sites
Ross Bridge - No. 8
and now blankets the state from north to south and from Birmingham to Georgia. And, it remains as popular as ever, even in what has been a stagnant era for golf growth. The 11 sites feature 26 courses and 468 holes that have been called “the best public golf on earth.” The trail concept has been imitated countless times in nearly every state that considers golf a source of tourism revenue, but none have matched the scope of the RTJ Golf Trail. Most golf trails simply are a product of taking existing courses and marketing them as a trail. The RTJ Golf Trail was built from scratch – the most ambitious golf course construction project in the game’s history. The RTJ Golf Trail was built to help expand tourism, recruit industry and attract retirees, thus strengthening
the state’s economy while adding to the quality of life for all Alabamians. Part of Bronner’s investment philosophy hits home in its rationale for funding the Trail: “The stronger the Retirement Systems can make Alabama, the stronger the Retirement
recognition, and who better than renowned golf course designer Robert Trent Jones? Even though Jones was near the end of his career and had little to do with the actual architecture, having his name gave it an immediate “wow” factor. Jones protégé Roger
Systems of Alabama will be.” The Trail has been a strong contributor to Alabama’s economy: In the past 10 years, Alabama’s tourism dollars have increased from less than $2.5 billion to roughly $9.3 billion. At least a portion of the idea to turn Alabama into a golf mecca of sorts began with a visit to PGA West in Arizona. There Bronner, an avid golfer, said he watched golfers stand in line to pay $100 to play an extremely difficult course. His rationale was if something like was happening in Arizona, why not Alabama? But the concept also needed name
Rulewich oversaw the project, and the rest as they say, is history. Bronner charged the design team with creating masterpieces that were difficult to play but also memorable. Rulewich delivered just that, and because the sites were so distinct, no two holes on the Trail are alike. In 2013, the Trail celebrated its 10 millionth round. In recent years, several of the facilities have undergone renovations. Hampton Cove (Huntsville), Silver Lakes (Gadsden/Anniston) and Magnolia Grove (Mobile) have been reworked in some form, and Cambrian Ridge (Greenville), a 27-hole Trail site, is re-
Backbreaker - No. 9
Photos by: Michael Clemmer - Golf Landscape Photography
By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor
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July 2014
TEE TIMES
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Grand National - No. 3 FAST FACTS
Fighting Joe - No. 12
The Trail stretches from the rolling hills of northern and central Alabama to the wetlands and woods near the Gulf Coast. Each of the eight stops on the Trail is within a two-hour drive of the Trail course closest to it, and each is within 15 minutes of a major interstate. Courses are located in or near Anniston, Auburn, Birmingham, Dothan, Greenville, Huntsville, Mobile, Point Clear, Prattville (near Montgomery), Hoover and Muscle Shoals/Florence. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is the largest golf course construction project in history. Initial construction, which began in the late 1980s, was for 324 holes. More than 100 miles of courses have been built, with each course ranging from 4,500 to 8191 yards. Green fees along the Trail average $50; during peak season, the highest fee at most courses is $64. Below is a quick look at the current 11 Trail sites. For details about the Trail, the courses, resort hotels and directions, visit www.rtjgolf.com.
doing its greens nine holes at a time. Also, the Lakewood Golf Club, the only site on the Trail not built from scratch, has undergone $33 million in renovations to its two courses, clubhouse and construction of a new swim and tennis club. According to a recent Golf Digest survey, golfers ranked the Trail among the top eight in the nation for quality of golf. Golf World readers named the sites in Opelika and Prattville as the top two public golf
sites in the country. Mobile ranked number 32. Each trail stop has either on-site hotel accommodations or within minutes.
ROBERT TRENT JONES Courses Hampton Cove
opened 1992 – Huntsville Director of Golf – Steve Mack
Oxmoor Valley
opened 1992 – Birmingham Director of Golf – Anthony Land
Grand National
opened 1992 – Opelika Director of Golf – Scott Gomberg
Magnolia Grove
opened 1992 – Mobile Director of Golf – Paul Martino
Cambrian Ridge
Silver Lakes
Grand National - No. 16
Magnolia Grove and Prattville have each hosted LPGA events, while Auburn/Opelika has hosted NCAA Regional competitions. The Shoals has hosted the NCAA Division II men’s national championship and a variety of men’s and women’s conference tournaments. Affordable, accessible and playable make the Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail a must-visit destination for golfers of all skill levels. For details about the Trail, the courses, resort hotels and directions, visit www.rtjgolf. com.
opened 1993 – Greenville Director of Golf – Bryan Reynolds
Silver Lakes
opened 1993 – Anniston/Gadsden Director of Golf – Jason Callan
Highland Oaks
opened 1993 – Dothan Director of Golf – Jason Harris
Capitol Hill
opened 1999 – Prattville Director of Golf – Mike Beverly
Lakewood
Director of Golf – Niall Fraser
The Shoals
opened 2004 – Muscle Shoals Director of Golf – Scott Neal
Ross Bridge
opened 2005 – Hoover Director of Golf – Chip Purser
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July 2014
TEE TIMES
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From tHE Editor By Gregg Dewalt
We’ve officially hit the dog days of summer, and isn’t it great?
Temperatures aren’t the only thing heating up in the Deep South, though. So are holes-in-one. More players on area courses mean more opportunities to hit that shot of a lifetime. Recently, I collected the fourth ace of a long love-affair with golf that started when I was about 13 years old. It took years and years to finally record the first, so now to lay claim to four is pretty special. Making my fourth ace got me thinking. Everybody who has ever made a hole-in-one has a story to tell. Some are better than others, but all hole-in-
Swan Lake
a player's course with beautiful vistas and friendly staff.
one stories are interesting. Here’s mine. My first ace was, like everyone else, completely unexpected. I was playing an early morning round before work at McFarland Park, the city-owned muni in Florence, Alabama. I got to the tee on the fourth hole, a 130-yard or so par 3. I took out my Wilson Staff 1976 model blade – an 8-iron – made a good swing and watched the ball seek the pin. It took one hop and went in. There was no elation. No celebration. No high-fiving anybody in my group. Nope. I was, of course, playing by myself. I looked around to see if there was anybody at all who witnessed the shot. Not a soul. So, I casually walked up to the green, extracted the ball from the hole and played on. How’s that for luck? I’ve
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hole-in-one stories. Keep them brief – we’re not looking for ‘War and Peace’ and send a photo along with your story. We’ll print select offerings in Tee Times each month. Remember, everyone has a hole-inone story. Share yours with Tee Times readers. Send your hole-in-one stories to teetimesgregg@gmail.com. - Gregg
HOLE-IN-ONES: At the recent Greenbrier Classic PGA tournament there were two holes-inone on the final day of competition. Bud Cauley made the first, holing out on No. 18, a 176-yard par 3 with a 7-iron. This one got a lot of attention as each spectator in the bleachers and around the 18th green received a new, crisp $100 bill from Greenbrier owner Jim Justice. The second ace came on No. 8 with George McNeill holing a 4-iron on the 219-yard hole.
True False
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still got the ball somewhere at home. My second ace – the first with a witness other than wildlife – came with a 4-iron but it was a blind shot and we didn’t see it go in the hole. My third ace had three witnesses – but the ball flew into the hole and I needed convincing that it actually happened (I thought the ball flew the green). I did see the fourth one roll into the hole – a perfectly carved 5-iron on No. 3 at Musgrove (Alabama) Country Club while playing in a Dixie Section Pro-Member event. It won me a skin in the skins game and a gift certificate. What’s this getting at? That’s easy. We here at Tee Times want to hear y o u r
Answer: B
Also, Sam Snead was the head pro at the Greenbrier and recorded 47 holein-ones during his career, with the last one coming when he was 83 years old.
July 2014
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McLennan Wins Tennessee Women’s Amateur Title Tee Times Report
played her (in match play), I just had to stay ahead and KNOXVILLE – Emily would need pars and birdMcLennan’s decision to ies. What I like about match stay in the United States play is that I can be more this summer instead of aggressive, especially takreturning home to Ausing aim at harder, trickier tralia paid off recently pins. And you play one perwith a win at the Tennesson, not the course.” see Women’s Amateur McLennan said winning Championship. the SoCon title and followMcLennan, who will be ing with the state amateur a junior at Tennesseevictory set her up for a big Emily McLennan Chattanooga this fall, summer as she points to entered the tournament her junior year at UTC. at the last minute thanks to a suggestion “I am so happy with my result,” she said. from college coach Collette Murray. “This is a great base for the summer … It proved to be the right decision for the I’ve struggled to get these types of results, reigning Southern Conference individual and I believe now I can continue to win champion, downing 2013 amateur cham- events of this caliber.” pion Kendall Martindale 3&2 in the final McLennan denied Martindale the opmatch. portunity to add a sixth Tennessee title to Paired together, Martindale, of Jefferson her collection. She owns women’s amaCity, captured medalist honors in qualify- teur titles from 2009 and 2011, girl’s juing with a two-round total of 136. McLen- nior titles in 2008 and 2010 and one Golf nan shot 75-72 and entered match play as Capital of Tennessee Women’s Open title the No. 7 seed. (2011). The championship match was close Murray, McLennan’s coach, said the rethroughout. Martindale was 2-up after cent wins could be a springboard to even four holes, but McLellan squared the bigger things in the future. match by winning Nos. 5-6. A nearly holed “As her confidence grows with the conapproach shot on No. 9 gave McLennan ference win and now the Tennessee her first lead at 1-up going into the final Women’s Amateur title, this is just the nine holes. beginning of Emily realizing her potenAfter Martindale squared the match tial as a truly great player,” Murray said. at No. 13, a par-birdie-birdie stretch by “The thing I love most about Em is that McLennan gave her the title. she doesn’t talk a big game. Many play“In stroke play, we both struggled on ers ‘talk’ about how they want to be good the front nine and played really well on players or be better players. Emily just the back nine both days,” McLennan said. gets the hard work done and plays. Ac“Kendall does a really good job of put- tions always speak louder than words.” ting under pressure so I knew when I
PUBLISHER Joe Hall pgegolf@bellsouth.net
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jon Hamilton
EDITOR Gregg Dewalt
CONTRIBUTING WRITER Joe Biddle
SENIOR EDITOR David Widener widecard@aol.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Carol Hall teetimescarol@bellsouth.net Established in 1991, Tee Times is published monthly, ten times per year. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.
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TECHNICAL ADVISOR Jimmy Phillips
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Susan Lawrence
PRINTING Franklin Web Printing Company FOUNDER - Joey Smith
P.O. Box 41293 • Nashville, TN 37204 • Phone: 615-331-1078 • Fax: 1-866-579-4932
Member: Golf Writers Association of America, International Network of Golf, Golf Travel Writers of America
TEE TIMES
Aces Belle Meade:
David Dingess, No. 2, 217 yards, 3-wood
Bluegrass:
Jim McNally, No. 4, 146 yards, 8-iron
Country Hills:
Larry Hoyord, No. 14, 156 yards, wedge
Fairvue Plantation:
Jessie Maness, No. 3, 178 yards, 5-iron Chandra Schreiner, No. 6, 104 yards, PW
Gallatin:
Nathan Pruett, No. 4, 157 yards, PW Billy Bennett, No. 4, 157 yards, 9-iron Donnie Nolen, No. 4, 157 yards, 9-iron
Greystone:
Oak Hills:
Paul Burgess, No. 8, 6-iron Jim Norris, No. 16, 8-iron
Old Hickory:
Dennis Green, No. 17, 161 yards, 6-iron Mary Kelly, No. 2, 108 yards, 9-iron Charlie Johnson, No. 15, 134 yards, 8-iron Howell Smith, No. 17, 140 yards, 8-iron
Old Fort:
David Hopper, No. 8, 136 yards, 8-iron Joan Kleinlein, No. 1, 177 yards, 9-iron
Percy Warner:
Richard Speer, No. 14, 165 yards, 6-iron
Richland:
Tim Akers, No. 2, 155 yards, 7-iron David Dawson, No. 5, 62 yards, SW
Riverside:
Curtis Davis, No. 11, 142 yards, 9-iron Hoppy Feinstein, No. 11, 132 yards, 8-iron
Hermitage:
Paul Sparrow, No. 3, 119 yards, 9-iron Tcevex Boyd, No. 5, 188 yards, 5-iron
Long Hollow:
Glen Hardcastle, No. 11, 125 yards, PW
McCabe:
Middle, Milton McClain, No. 2, 130 yards, 9-iron Terry Hwriter, No. 2, 137 yards, 8-iron Ray Brackman, No. 3 North, 132 yards, 8-iron
Montgomery Bell:
Gary Baker, No. 4, 150 yards, 7-iron
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Bob Winston
Bob Winston, Executive, No. 2, 182 yards, 5-wood Dwayne Barrett, Executive, No. 8, 125 yards, PW Donnie Ferguson, No. 4, 160 yards, 4-hybrid
Ted Rhodes:
Jessica Campbell, No. 9, 122 yards, 7-iron
Temple Hills CC:
Mike Mabry, No. 2 Dogwood, 165 yards, 6-iron
Vanderbilt Legends Club:
Ron Perry, No. 13 South, 121 yards, PW Jody Lawrence, No. 16 North, 155 yards, 8-iron
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July 2014
TEE TIMES
Family Golf Festival
Saturday, July 19th | 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Bring your family out to the Family Golf Festival for an afternoon of activities designed to encourage parents and children to learn and play the game of golf together. This fun-filled afternoon will offer FREE instruction, clinics, activities, games and more! The schedule of events include: 1 – 1:30 p.m.: Golf Exhibition with PGA professional Brian Lackey 1:30 – 3 p.m.: Clinics, Instruction and Contests (putting, chipping, full swing) 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Golf Institute/TaylorMade Performance Lab Open House 4 p.m. - Close: Family Golf Shotgun Start Also be sure to take advantage of Gaylord Springs’ “Kids Golf-4-Free” program where children ages 15 and under golf for free after 1 p.m. with a full paying adult. Spaces for this event are limited so reserve your spot now! Call 615-458-1730 for more information.
Gaylord Springs Two-Man Scramble Friday, July 25th | 1:30 p.m. Shotgun Start It’s time for another Gaylord Springs Two-Man Scramble on July 25th! This scramble event will have a minimum of $2000 in prizes for the top 4 places in each Flight. The $75 entry fee includes 18 holes of golf at one of the premier golf facilities in Tennessee, range balls prior to play, your golf cart with GPS and Closest to the Pin skills contests An optional Cash Skins Game will be available for $20 per team. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today! Call 615-458-1730 for more information.
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Korths claim sixth FatherSon title Tee Times Report It was difficult, but Paul and Wes Korth continued their dominance at the Tennessee Father-Son Championship at Stonehenge Golf Club in Fairfield Glade. The Korths survived a three-way playoff to claim their sixth title in the event. Not only was it their sixth title in the 35-year history of the tournament, it was their sixth win in 10 years. They reclaimed the title after missing out in 2013. Their previous titles came in 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012. The Korths accumulated 75 points in the final round that used the Modified Stableford scoring system. Their tworound total was 142. Joining them in
the playoff were the teams of Trey and Bryce Lewis and Bryan and Bryce Kendrick. Trey and Bryce Lewis were eliminated on the first playoff hole. Pars by Paul and Wes Korth on the second playoff hole decided the championship.
Kok qualifies for PGA Championship
Tee Times report
Temple Hills PGA professional and general manager Johan Kok has a chance to become a major champion. Kok, a regular winner in Tennessee section events, qualified for the upcoming PGA Championship with a T8-place finish at the recent PGA Professional National Championship in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Kok shot rounds of 6778-72-73to finish at 290 and was one of 20 PGA of American professionals to play their way into the PGA Championship. The tournament was played at the Dunes Club and Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach. Fellow Section members, Kelvin Burgin (Bear Trace Cumberland Mountain) and Richard Rebne (Council Fire GC) also made the cut. We would like to congratulate all of our TPGA members including Jared Jones (Belle Meade CC), Jared Melson (Bear Trace Tims Ford) & Greg Wyatt (Golf Capital Learning Center) who competed in this prestigious event. Michael Block won the tournament with a 72-hole total 286, beating Ja-
mie Broce on the second playoff hole. Block won $75,000 and earned exemptions into six PGA Tour events in addition to a berth in the PGA Championship. Kok and Dave McNabb had the lead after the first round with their matching 67s. Kok made six birdies and a bogey in his round. The second round proved more problematical as the he bogeyed five the final six holes to shoot 78. Thanks to consistent closing rounds, he successfully made it into the PGA Championship field, which will be played just up the road from Nashville at Valhalla in Louisville, Kentucky. Block, is the head professional at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in MissionViejo, California, overcame a three-shot deficit in the final round to beat Broce, the men’s golf coach at the University of Toledo. Karen Paolozzi, who nearly kept Broce out of the tournament after defeating him in a five-hole playoff in the Northern Ohio PGA Championship, finished at 10-over par, good for a 49th place finish. Paolozzi was just the third woman ever to qualify for the event.
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July 2014
TEE TIMES
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Optimism abounds at Riverside Golf Course Tee Times report It’s all about optimism for the Rager family, who own Riverside Golf Course. Without deep-pocketed corporate ownership to fall back on when times are tough, the Ragers rely on each other and a loyal staff and crew to forge ahead with their 27-hole facility in Old Hickory. And, even though the Flood of 2010 and a harsh 2013 winter and rainy 2014 spring have taken a toll, the Ragers continue to keep the faith that better times are just ahead for their player-friendly course along the banks of the Cumberland River. “Mother Nature has set us back, which means as owners we have to work that much harder,” Gary Rager said. “I actually don’t mind it. I need to be here as much as possible and I am. I love greeting customers, and getting feedback, because we really do care about their experience, playing either course. Riverside is basically my home. I have spent more hours here than anywhere else. My dad bought into this course when I was young; my kids have grown up around here; my son Ben married on this course and both Ben and Cody have worked here over the years.” Riverside, which opened in 1967, has been in the Rager family in some capacity since Gary’s father Jimmy became part owner in 1982. Jimmy Rager bought out his partners in 2000 and also added a nine-hole executive course. Jimmy Rager, who became a Class A PGA professional in 1970, remains a mainstay at the course even at 81. “My dad puts in more than 50 hours a week during the season,” Gary Rager said. “My mom (Nancy Rager) keeps the books. She deserves a lot of credit because she puts up with two golf professionals who are passionate
Collier Malloy Brannon
Born April 9, 2014 at 4:15 am Weighing 9lbs 6oz and 20in long. Parents: PGA Pro Chase (TaylorMade Performance Lab) and Embrey Brannon Big brother Hayden, almost 3
L-R: Gary Rager, Steve Brown, and Jimmy Rager stand with their backs to the iconic Cumberland River Bridge which figured in as a design feature for their new course flags.
about golf and this course. She is such a calming force for us. Right now she is recovering from a total knee surgery. She is tough and a saint.” The Flood of 2010 hit Riverside particularly hard. “The damage was too painful to recall,” said course superintendent Steve Brown, who has been at Riverside for the past 11 years. The course’s mowers spent four days underwater. The clubhouse and maintinence barns were destroyed. With the pumps broken and temperatures rising, Brown had no way to get water to the course to keep the grass from dying. The Ragers had to replace four mowers and motors for the pumps. After finally recovering somewhat from the flood, Mother Nature dealt Riverside, among other mid-south courses, a harsh blow with a brutal winter in 2013 and a cold, rainy2014 spring. Brown, who has a six-man crew that includes his son Sean, said the course is now recovering from
losing grass on several fairways and tees. “We have sprigged and done what we could to get them back,” Steve Brown said. “I admire the Ragers. Their work ethic is what drives me and my crew, and they set the tone for everything that goes on around here.” Sometimes it is the smallest detail that can spark the will to carry on. For
the Ragers and Brown, that came in the way of new flags. A call to Tee Times owners Joe and Carol Hall led to a conversation with their graphic designer Jon Hamilton, who designed new logos for both Riverside courses. That followed a call to R & R, whom Brown says is a company that they have ordered parts and equipment from for years. General Manager Tim Pringle of R & R assured them that with good art work they could upgrade their flags. To Jimmy Rager, and the rest of the staff, the flags represent teamwork, recovery, and a family resistant to adversity, “Lots of courses suffered -- some lost their businesses, many folks lost their homes, people died in that flood, lost everything, some could not get back on their feet,” Jimmy Rager said. “We had lots of support, from family, friends, customers, and the flags represent a lot to us, our ability to hang in here.” Little did the Ragers know that a simple change in the design and going with the imprinted logos could lead to a pleasant problem. “Some of our regulars are inquiring about buying the flags,” Gary Rager said. “What a great problem to have.”
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July 2014
TEE TIMES
Around Nashville Fairways John Holmes Assistant Director of Parks
Meet the staff: McCabe Golf Course McCabe Golf Course is a 27-hole facility located in west Nashville. Opened in 1942 as an 18-hole course, it features large tree-lined fairways and bunkers. Nine additional holes were added, and the course caters to all skill sets – from experienced players to beginners. Renovations in 2007 included rebuilt green complexes, a double row irrigation system and rebuilt tee boxes. A practice range featuring 27 hitting stations on a two-level tee was added in 2012. Five golf associations call McCabe home: The Capital City Golf Association, the Sweathogs Golf Association, and the Metro Senior’s Golf Association are the men’s groups. Women’s associations include Town and Country 18 Hole Women’s Association and the NWSGA. Continuing with our theme of meeting the dedicated staff at our Metro Parks golf courses, let me introduce you this month to the staff at McCabe Golf Course:
Loren Personett
Manager A Nashville native and professional since 1989, Personett has managed McCabe for the past eight years. The course manager also is an accomplished player, having been named Tennessee PGA Section Player of the Year eight times and assistant player of the year five times. These days, Personett plays about once a week, often in section events. The rest of his time is spent making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible at the 27-hole facility that stays busy year round. And, Personett is high on his staff. “I have one of the best staffs around,” he said. “That includes our maintenance crew. Mark Littlejohn has done an awe-
some job here since taking over as our golf course superintendent. We couldn’t produce the numbers that we do here at McCabe without a great staff. The last two seasons we’ve had 85,000-plus rounds and sometimes I wonder how the course holds up as well as it does. McCabe is a very unique place with a lot of history, very user friendly and affordable.”
Audie Johnson
Assistant professional Johnson has been a professional for 30 years and has been one of the top players in the PGA Section. He has been Tennessee Section Player of the Year four times and has teed it up in the St. Jude FedEx Classic and PGA Senior Tour Championship. “Once I began to play competitively, I knew I wanted to become golf pro,” Johnson said. “It was all I thought about doing for the rest of my life. Golf was it, period.” A Nashville native, he’s never regretted getting into the golf business. “I love every aspect of the game and being involved in golf whether playing recreationally or in a Tennessee PGA Section event, or teaching, I am happy to be doing what I do for a living,” he said. Another perk of working at McCabe is Johnson gets to work with Personett. The two have been friends for the past 30 years. “He has assembled a great group of folks,” Johnson said. “Each one comes to work with super attitudes. All of us work together, inside and out, to make sure all who come to play have a great experi-
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ence each and every time.”
Michael Seward
Assistant professional A 12-year veteran of Metro Parks courses, one of Seward’s priorities is to help grow the game. In that regard, he has a special fondness for junior golf. “I began a junior golf association at Percy Warner three years ago and helped in planning an inaugural junior golf camp at McCabe this year,” Seward said. “Not only is getting more kids involved with the game good for the industry but is also a lot of fun for me.” Seward turned professional in 2001 and became a Class A pro in 2006. Although he started playing golf when he was 12, it wasn’t until the Detroit native moved to Nashville that he really became passionate about the game. That’s when he embarked on becoming a professional. Before that, he traveled across Europe and the western part of the U.S. playing guitar. These days, he’s happy being a part of the McCabe staff. “The volume of play requires all of the staff to work both as a team and bring individual strengths to each and every task,” he said. “There is truly a family feel to the work environment but also a high level of customer service that we try to meet every day. Loren does a great job of setting high expectations for the staff but then trusting everyone to get the job done.”
Jessica Lord
Assistant professional A transplanted M i dwe s te r n e r from Peoria, Illinois, Lord spent time at Moorings Country Club in Naples, Florida, before arriving in Nashville. “I love the fact that my job is not really a job,” Lord said. “I enjoy helping people achieve their goals and improve their golf game.” Lord has been playing golf since she was seven, encouraged by her mother. She decided to make golf a career while in college and became a professional 10 years ago. “I wanted to do something I loved for a living,” she said. Lord offers lessons to anyone – juniors, seniors, adults. She gives group lessons or individual instruction.
Harpeth Hills
2424 Old Hickory Blvd. • 615-862-8493
McCabe
46th & Murphy Rd. • 615-862-8491
Percy Warner
Forrest Park Dr. • 615-352-9958
Shelby
20th & Fatherland • 615-862-8474
Two Rivers
Two Rivers Parkway • 615-889-2675
Ted Rhodes
1901 Ed Temple Blvd. • 615-862-8463
VinnyLinks
2009 Sevier Street • 615-880-1720
Metro Parks Nashvillefairways.com
Mark Littlejohn
Superintendent Aside from keeping McCabe in tip-top shape, Littlejohn has the distinction of having played college golf with renowned caddie Mike “Fluff” Cowan and also caddied for Tom Kite. For the past 26 years, the Oskaloosa, Iowa native has been a superintendent. Twenty-three years were spent at Hillwood Country Club before joining the Metro Parks team three years ago. An accomplished player, Littlejohn got his start in the business working and playing at the Oskaloosa municipal course in his hometown. “I couldn’t believe you could get paid for this job,” he said. He said being a golfer helps him do his job better. “As a golfer, I want the course to be in the best possible playing condition,” he said. McCabe features Bermuda grass tees, fairways and rough. Greens are bentgrass. A rough winter took a bit of a toll on most area courses, and McCabe was not an exception. His crew has been busy sodding some of the damaged ar-
July 2014
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TEE TIMES
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RedTail Mountain Resort The Finest Mountain Golf In The High Country
Front row( l-r) Mark Littlejohn, Superintendent 3 years. Scotty Lewis, 13 years. Russell Ambrose 1st year. Will Thrower, Assistant Superintendent 12 years. Back row( l-r) Ricky Cox, seasonal. Paul Jenkins, 21 years. Lamont Westmoreland, seasonal. Daniel Corlew, 2 years. Brandon Smith, seasonal. Woody Dunne, seasonal. Stevie Burnett, 9 years. Wesley Nealy, seasonal. Michael Cella, 1st year.
eas on the 27-hole facility. He manages a staff of seven fulltime employees and several seasonal workers. Fulltime staffers include: assistant superintendent Will Thrower; mechanic/equipment operator Paul Jenkins; equipment operator Stevie Burnett; equipment operator Scotty Lewis; equipment operator Daniel Corlew; equipment operator Russell Ambrose; and spray tech/irrigation specialist Micheal Cella. Seasonal helps includes Lamont Westmoreland, Woody Dunne, Ricky Cox, Brandon Smith, Wesley Neal. “Our crew is a good mix of experienced workers and young talent,” Littlejohn said. “It’s a pleasure to work with Loren and all of the pro shop staff.”
Bob Sullivan
Cart attendant/ranger A retired banker, Sullivan has been at McCabe since April 1990. Along with the pro shop staff, Sullivan is to many the face of the facility. He’s there to greet customers – regular and newcomers, and at 84 he still plays twice a week. “Once they check in to climbing into the cart, playing around with friends and returning the cart, I see so much enjoyment,” he said. “I know they had a great round because they usually say so.” Being a busy municipal facility keeps Sullivan hopping. Just to get a gauge on how much he walks, Sullivan said one day he strapped on a pedometer. When he checked it at the end of the day it read four miles. A golfer for 74 years, Sullivan still loves playing. “I love the thrill of competition but also love to relax and play with friends,” he said. And, working at McCabe has helped
keep him young. “I’ve loved being here for the past 24 years; this is what keeps me going at 84 years of age,” he said. “It’s a joy to come to work, and when I smile and greet anyone I mean it from the bottom of my heart.”
Kent Rucker
Concessions clerk II Rucker is in charge of ordering food and beverages for the facility, overseeing inventory and day-to-day operations for the concession area. He’s been at McCabe since 2005. “Great food, fast service and super prices are the key,” Rucker said. “Our volume of rounds is such that we serve a lot of hungry players and time is of the essence. We have golfers who take food home because they love the taste of the burgers and hot dogs.” A once-a-week golfer, Rucker knows the expectations of his staff. And, if golfers haven’t tried McCabe, he encourages them to do so. “The golf staff has a lot of years of experience,” he said. “They have played the game as well as having worked in the field for many years. We have a lot of regular golfers, like most courses, but with our location near downtown we get some first time guests as well. I’d like to invite anyone who has not played or hit range balls at McCabe, to come out to see us. With 27 holes we are able to work a lot of players on to the golf course.” It is always fun to share information on our Metro Parks courses, if you have enjoyed this course and these folks, say “thanks” when you see them. Until next time, keep it in the fairway. - John Holmes
Mountain Golf ● Lodging Dining ● Events
“The Best Kept Secret of NE Tennessee” ●●●●● Reviewed June 23, 2014 This is a very nice course. The greens are fast and can be a challenge. I don't know of too many places in this area where the staff is so nice and the course is kept in very great shape. It is not uncommon to see deer or wild turkeys running down the fairways. The food is great as well. I can't wait to go back.
“Great challenging course!!” ●●●●● Reviewed May 16, 2014 Excellent well cared for course, difficulty is great and the views amazing!!! I would recommend anyone to try it at least once, because more than likely you will return again and again and again! Very Friendly staff!
“Immaculate Course!” ●●●●● Reviewed April 24, 2014 Seeing the great condition of this course proves to me that the members who brag about RedTail are NOT exaggerating! "Best kept secret in Tennessee" I'll be back.
RedTail Mountain Resort
300 Clubhouse Lane ● Mountain City ● Tennessee ● 37683 www.redtailmountain.com ● 423.727.7600 Mobile APP: RedTail Mountain Golf
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o o
July 2014
TEE TIMES
Opinion
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3TAY 0LAY THE BEST IN THE SMOKIES
By David Widener Member Golf Writers Association of America
Is age catching up with Tiger? Many of us can relate to the problems Tiger Woods encountered in making a comeback from back surgery after three months away from golf. Oncea-week golf is okay, but this is a sport that requires more of your time if you want to be good at it. Personally, my scores were better when I could play more than one round a week. If I only played once a month I was looking at triple figures. Tiger, who had not played in a tournament since March 9, definitely showed signs of rust as he shot 7475 for 7-over-par 149, missing the cut by four shots in the tournament he hosts at Congressional Country Club. How strange was that? He had gone 26 previous events dating back to the 2012 Greenbrier Classic without failing to make the weekend. Still, Woods said he was very encouraged by his effort. “All little things I know I can fix,� he said. He missed several short putts, and that is usually the first thing to go when you haven’t played much golf. He doesn’t have much time to fix his problems if he
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hopes to make up ground on the record of 18 major titles owned by Jack Nicklaus. Woods, who missed the Masters and U.S. Open this year, has 14 as he takes aim on the British Open Championship this month at Royal Liverpool where he won in 2006. The year’s final major is in August in Louisville, KY., at Valhalla where Tiger won in 2000. Many feel Woods came back too early. After all, back surgery is serious. He is going on 39 and the body is definitely showing signs of wear. But the Quicken Loans National benefitted the Woods Foundation, so he made the effort. He even said with a smile, “I feel old and I can’t play the way I used to,� in acknowledging the mistakes he made by pushing himself too hard in his career. There is a new generation of golfers who are taller, bigger and more physical just as in any sport. The sad part is the Tour needs Tiger. TV ratings drop drastically when he is not playing. I hate to admit it, but I am one of those who wants to watch Woods (and, of course, our own Brandt Snedeker). Despite his problems, the people in Vegas have Woods the co-favorite with Rory Mcllroy and Adam Scott at 15-to-1 to win the British Open. Snedeker is 50-to-1.
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11
Research essential in naming Bloomfield Links Tee Times report Some golf course names are the brainchild of a fancy public relations firm. Others are more simplistic. A course built around a lake or creek often takes those names as its own. The story behind how Bloomfield Links, Murfreesboro’s new short course, got its name began with the purchase of an antique milk bottle at a yard sale. The journey to naming the new six-hole short course next to Old Fort Golf Course began when Diane Davenport bought and began researching the antique Bloomfield Dairies milk bottle. It weaves its way to Charleston, Virginia, and involves jonquils, a type of flower. Old Fort Golf Course Director of Golf Tracy Wilkins, along with Roy and Diane Davenport traced the bottle to a property owned by F.D. Bills. A 1962 Murfreesboro Daily News Journal article included a picture of Mrs. Bills standing near the house amid eight acres of jonquils, known as Bloomfield. The story indicated the jonquils fields were somewhat of a tourist destination, as people from miles around would drive to look at and take pictures of the flowers. According to the story, the Bills family
Director of Golf at Old Fort, Tracy Wilkins, with some help, gets ready to cut the ribbon at grand opening of Bloomfield Links.
Dennis Walters and co-host Bucky put on a great show of golf lessons and life lessons
sold some 27 varieties of jonquils to florists across the country and even overseas. But how did the Bills family end up in the flower business? That portion of the story dates to pre-Civil War. The property where Bloomfield Links was built originally was owned by the Lytles, who sold it to the Ordways, who married a woman from Nashville named Braun, whose family’s roots were in Charleston, Virginia. Miss Braun’s father opened the
# 9 Peninsula Green
Bloomfield Academy in Virginia, but closed at the outset of the Civil War. The Brauns eventually relocated to Nashville where the father became a professor at Vanderbilt. When the Braun daughter married Ordway and they moved to a farm in Murfreesboro, she wanted to do something to preserve the memory of her father’s ill-fated school, so she named it Bloomfield Acres. While traveling by train, Ordway acquired some jonquils at a whistle stop and planted them on the Bloomfield
Dennis hits unbelievable golf shots, but Bucky knows how to tee up a ball.
Acres farm. She began growing and selling them and the Bills continued the business when they acquired the farm and turned it into a dairy. Once city officials heard the story, it was a pretty easy leap to name the new course Bloomfield Links.
Tracy Wilkins anxious to showcase Bloomfield Links
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July 2014
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Golf Course
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Guide For The Tennessee Region
DRIVING RANGES Family Golf Center
615-781-8388 • 5204 Blue Hole Rd, Antioch, TN 37013
Harpeth Valley Golf Center
615-646-8858 • 7629 Old Harding Pike, Nashville, TN
Cedar Creek Sports Center
615-754-2744 • 10770 Lebanon Rd, Mt Juliet, TN 37122
Hermitage Golf Learning Center
615-883-5200 • 4000 Andrew Jackson Pkwy, Hermitage, TN 37076
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July 2014
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Kok goes low to win Ira Templeton Chattanooga Open Tee Times Report Johan Kok went on a birdie tear in the second round and pulled away from the field to win the Ira Templeton Chattanooga Open at Creeks Bend Golf Club in Chattanooga. After shooting even-par 70 in the first round, Kok blistered Creeks Bend with an 8-under 62 to grab the three-shot win over 2013 champion Braxton Hunter of Knoxville with a two-round 132 total. Hunter wasn’t far behind, shooting 69 in the first round and closing with a solid 66 but Kok’s eight-birdie final round proved too tough to overcome. Walt Chapman shot book-end 68s to finish in third place at 136. Rain after the first round forced a twohour delay at the start of the second round, but the soggy conditions proved to be no obstacle for Kok. In the senior professional division, amateur Jim Brown of Loudon held off fellow amateur Bryan Rodgers of Knoxville with a 36-hole total of 2-under-
par 136. Brown and Rodgers each shot 4-under 66 in the second round. Hixon’s Mark Guhne was the low professional in the division, shooting 72-67 for a two-round total of 1-underpar 139.
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July 2014
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15
Kurtz sets 4th world record for speed golf Results:
Championship Flight 1 Brendon Caballero 2 Dan Crockett 3 Lucas Armstrong 4 Michael Monroe 5 Matthew Jeffers
69-68-70 71-69-72 70-72-74 68-73-75 71-71-74
-9 -4 E E E
First Flight: 1 Kenneth Jones 2 John Voss 3 Christian Scott 4 John Pierce 5 Mark Monroe
70-72-69 70-76-69 78-72-72 69-74-79 74-77-73
-5 -1 +6 +6 +8
Senior Championship Division: 1 Frank Dial 74-73-75 2 Michael Poe 72-73-77 3 Doug Harris 74-76-74 4 Steve Williams 77-73-77 5 Bob Waldschmidt 79-74-77
+6 +6 +8 +11 +14
L-R: Brendon Caballero. Kevin Forte, General Manager of Harpeth Hills Golf Course Second Flight: 1 Seth Hoffman 2 Scott Reall 3 Frank Tyree 4 Randy Bury 5 Chuck Vaughn
Third Flight: 1 Pete Knestrick 2 Robert Forte 3 Larry McCulloch 4 Jerry Gilchrist 5 Robert Donnell
69-72-76 70-72-76 79-72-72 72-79-72 73-69-82 76-70-73 76-69-75 75-74-71 72-73-77 73-81-70
+1 +2 +7 +7 +8 +3 +4 +4 +6 +8
FAIRVIEW — From the shotgun start to the final made putt, Bob Kurtz moved at a speed he didn’t know he could muster. Tabbed as golf’s “Iron Man,” the Cullman native and former sports broadcaster took to Chesley Oaks early Wednesday in an attempt to set another Guinness World Record by playing 72 holes as quickly as possible. Three hours and five minutes later, “Pastor Bob” was about as happy as one could be following the record-setting feat — except for his work with the short stick. “It was so much fun out there,” he said. “You can just really walk up and hit it. The triumph of the uncluttered golf mind. I wasn’t too pleased with my putting, though. That could have been a lot better. Besides that, God gave us a terrific day for us to come out here and do this thing.” Kurtz started at 8 a.m. sharp and completed his first round in 45 minutes and 20 seconds after shooting an 80. However, he slowly and surely chipped time and shots off his remaining three rounds with scores of 79, 74 and 71. His final 18 holes just happened to be his best and shortest of the event at 45 minutes and six seconds. “It got a lot easier the next run after the first round,” Kurtz said. “We knew how to get to places faster and which spots I should hit the ball in. I wasn’t exhausted at all. In fact, I really think it was exilerating. I’d do it again right now.” Of Kurtz’s 72 holes, he birdied 12, parred 33, bogeyed 22, double bogeyed two and triple bogeyed two to finish his day with a 20-over par performance. He needed 139 putts, around 35 putts per 18 holes. More importantly, he was into making every single one of his birdie putts and laughed alongside his entourage when the ball didn’t find its home. Things didn’t exactly go how Kurtz had envisioned, either, as outlined by his 2-over score at the 94-yard, par-3 third and his 1-under tally on the 212-yard, par-3 eighth. “It’s golf,” Kurtz said. “You hit the ball and never really know where it’s going to go. I was a little surprised by that
one.” With his grandson Dillon at his side, Kurtz maneuvered each and every turn behind the wheel of the cart while shouting at the former for the club he needed to hit the next shot. Kurtz ran to each ball, took helpful shortcuts and parked as near to the greens and tee boxes as he could in order to maximize all the time he could to make it in under three hours. Although he fell short by just five minutes, Kurtz was happy with the effort and adamant he’d return to achieve his goal in the near future. “I think if I could have broken three hours, it would have set the golfing world on its ear,” the 73-year-old said. “We really just missed it. This one probably ranks in the top two for the records I’ve broken, though.” Kurtz’s “While We’re Young” event was held in an effort for Cullman County golfers to take part in the United States Golf Association’s initiative on pace of play. At the same time, funds for the event — which included a fourman scramble, a Rodney Dangerfield impersonator and a few fun challenges
Photo courtesy: eM.D.Design/Emily Durden
By Jake Winfrey The Cullman (Alabama) Times
— went straight into Kurtz’s charity “Ministry to Children.” The organization provides relief for abused and neglected children all across the county. For Kurtz, being able to play the game he loves and provide monetary aid to the children of the world means more than any record ever could. “It’s a double joy,” he said. “My two passions are golfing and helping my charity. I got to do both today. You can’t really ask for anything more than that.” Reprinted with permission of The Cullman Times. Jake Winfrey can be reached at 256-734-2131, ext. 136 or at jwinfrey@cullmantimes.com.
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July 2014
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The Art of Golf By Art Quick I’ve been teaching golfers of all ages for 65 years. I have seen my share of beginners, low handicap amateurs, golf professionals including tour professionals, children, and seniors. It’s been a career literally in which I have given thousands of lessons. I have found my own way to handle different teaching situations in order to accommodate each individual’s way of learning. The first thing I try to accomplish with a student is to teach them correct posture, grip, stance, swing, rhythm, timing and speed. With those basic fundamentals, students start with short shots, less than 30 yards. Then we progress to long
irons and eventually to woods, then the driver and onto putting. In teaching the short game, shots that are less than 30 yards I keep the instructions simple. Also, I instruct the students to remain on their left foot throughout the swing. This enables them to strike the ball and not hit the ground. Once I see they have the correct grip, stance and posture, we began to work on rhythm. In teaching, rhythm is KEY. Without rhythm you might as well go fishing as to try to hit a golf ball. Basic fundamentals are something that all instructors will make sure the student comprehends and follows. This includes teaching a beginning golfer the differences between the golf clubs in a set, from driver to the putter. I love teaching today as much as I did as a young professional. I derive such pleasure in taking a new student and watching them progress and arrive at a peak in their performance on the golf course; the look of satisfaction and validation on their faces is priceless.
Art Quick
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July 2014
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17
ClubCrown Satisfied Customers Dress up your club today
1 5
3
Contact Joe Hall - Certified Installer at pgegolf@bellsouth.net or call 615-573-4738 1: William, Semper Fi 2: Bill, UT fan forever 3: Carolyn, White Leopard Spots 4: Michelle, Honoring her family members who served 5: Emily, Supporting Breast Cancer Survivors and
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family that lost their battle
6: Ronnie, a loyal Bama fan in Big Orange Country 7: Ronnie, Proud Marine who served his country 8: Mike, Oklahoma State Cowboy 9: Gayle, Proud to support UT 6
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L-R: Luke Raines, Bryce Lewis, Michael Barnard, Garrick Malone
PGA, Jay Comegna, Andrew Comegna, Matthew Comegna) in third place. In the Best Ball division the Old Natchez team of Matt O’Dell, Eli Charron, Luke Zieman and A. Jacks Green rolled to a four-shot win with a 13under-par 58. Brentwood Country Club (Andrew Kincaid, Alex Campbell, Josh Holtschlag, Davis Armstrong) took second place with a 9-under-par 62. They edged Temple Hills and
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Farm Lakes, Old Natchez teams win Pro-Junior event
Tee Times Report Teams representing Farm Lakes and Old Natchez emerged with victories in their respective divisions recently at the Cleveland/Srixon Pro Junior Championship played at Stones River Country Club on a hot, beautiful day. Garrick Malone and his team of Bryce Lewis, Luke Raines, and Michael Barnard from Farm Lakes won the Scramble division with a score of 11-under-par 60. They edged out four teams that tied at second place at 10-under-par 61. After a scorecard playoff, the team from Spring Creek Ranch (Matthew Spain, Cole Peevy, Drew Miller, Wyatt Carpenter) received second place followed by Team Athlete Nation (Vikki Vanderpool,
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Vanderbilt Legends Club by two strokes, Oak Ridge Country Club (Casey Flenniken, Bradley Durand, Eli Cox, and Harris Dodson) finished in third place with a 7-under-par 64. Lawrenceburg Country Club professional Matthew Brock won the professional division with a 3-under-par 68 to beat last year’s champion, Johan Kok, PGA who earned second place with a 1-under-par 70. Brock finished three strokes ahead of the third-place finishers Brian Hollingshead, Randy Helton and Brad Stevens. Brock also emerged victorious in the Big Break Challenge, held before the tournament. Joe Taggert was the professional winner of the closest to the hole on No. 3. Junior winners in the closest-to-the-hole competitions were Palmer Sadlowski, Bradley Durand, and Luke Raines. Each won an iPod shuffle for their closest-to-the-hole shots on Nos. 6, 12, and 16. The Pro Junior also had a best dressed competition, and Oak Ridge Country Club took home this honor in their stylish matching pink golf shirts with navy pants. The team received gift cards for their great look on the course.
L-R: Luke Zieman, A. Jacks Green, Eli Charron , Matt O’Dell
The Town and Country Golf Association, ladies 18 hole group at McCabe, hosted a Scotch Two Ball Tournament Scotch Two Ball Tournament Rules: Scotch Two Ball is a two-person team event. Each team has a male and a female player. Partners A and B each hit their tee shots from their selected tee. Then each player plays the other player’s ball for the next shot. (A hits B’s drive and B hits A’s drive.) After the second shots, choose the best ball to play the third shot (if you chose A’s ball on the second shot then B would hit the next shot - alternate shots from this point until the ball is holed. Team total will be 18-hole score minus handicap strokes noted on the scorecard. Note: Par 3’s played the same as other holes. Note: Ladies - Red Tee. Men - White Tee. Seniors (60 - over) Yellow Tee
Winners (L to R): Low Gross - Bud and Sue Graham. Low Net - Ashley Boykin and Tom Pierce.
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July 2014
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Equipment Corner JOLT technology enhances new Bushnell rangefinder Bushnell Outdoor Products, makers of the No. 1 laser rangefinder on the PGA Tour, have introduced their smallest, most technically advanced golf laser rangefinder – the Tour Z6 JOLT. With its ultra-compact size and increased power, the Tour Z6 JOLT has been engineered with new JOLT Technology and 2nd Generation E.S.P. (Extreme. Speed. Precision.) technology. “At Bushnell, we continue to pride ourselves on offering advanced technologies to enhance our already industryleading rangefinding products,” Bushnell product manager Scott Peterson said. “It is so important for golfers to get fast, precise yardages, and the Tour Z6 JOLT delivers this critical information to the golfer faster and more accurately than any other laser rangefinder.” Continuing the trend of evolving precision through industry-leading technologies, Bushnell Golf is proud to introduce JOLT Technology in the new Tour Z6 JOLT. When the golfer aims the Tour Z6 JOLT at the flag, JOLT Technology will provide short vibrating bursts to reinforce that Bushnell’s ad-
vanced PinSeeker technology has isolated the target and locked onto the flag. The vibrating bursts provided by JOLT Technology will now eliminate any and all doubt and assure the golfer they have the exact distance to the flag. The Tour Z6 provides yardages five times faster and more accurately than ever before. Not only has the acquisition speed been, 2nd Generation E.S.P. provides ½ yard accuracy from 5-125 yards, and the distance is displayed to 1/10th of a yard. Having more accurate laser distances enables the golfer to strategize and hit every approach shot with confidence. The ultra-compact Tour Z6 also features vivid display technology. Created specifically for Bushnell’s premium rangefinders, this optical enhancement improves contrast, clarity and light transmission dramatically for enhanced use. The brightness of the digital readout information has also been increased, providing rapid and positive yardage acquisition in all lighting conditions. It is simply the best heads-up projection display on the market. As with all Bushnell rangefinders, the Tour Z6 JOLT provides instantaneous measurements in yards and meters with incredible accuracy to any target on the course. The Tour Z6 JOLT boasts 5-1,300 yards ranging performance, including 450plus yards to the flag and is legal for tournament play. The Tour Z6 JOLT has a retail price of $399. For more information on the Bushnell family of rangefinders, visit the company’s website at
www.bushnellgolf.com
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OGIO adds footwear to its product line OGIO, a global leader in golf bag, apparel and accessories design, has expanded its product line to footwear. Available in four different models, the Race, City Spiked, City Turf and Sport shoes each have unique design elements
the transfer of energy into the golf ball. Comfort is also enhanced with OGIO’s Clymate Control, a one-way ventilation system that allows heat to escape from the shoe and prevents one’s foot from overheating. The City Turf shoe is built with the on-the-go golfer in mind. Inspired by an urban lifestyle, the City Turf fuses a dress shoe, casual shoe and golf shoe. With OGIO’s proprietary
dependent on each golfers needs. Inspired by OGIO’s heritage in adrenaline sports and men’s lifestyle fashion, the new shoe collections deliver three crucial features, style, comfort and performance. The design of each shoe is made to stabilize your swing platform and improve your balance to enhance your game. Built with high quality materials for comfort and durability, OGIO’s golf shoes offer the most comfortable “out of the box” golf experience, while withstanding the toughest conditions in all types of climates. “We are constantly on a mission to offer our loyal customers the most fashion forward, intelligently designed gear for their golf inspired lifestyles.” said Tom Gocke, Global VP of OGIO Golf. “By offering intelligently designed footwear, we’re excited to offer OGIO gear that will enhance, yet, another part the game. PGA Tour multiple winner and veteran Aaron Baddeley has studied and embraced our footwear and has chosen to use it to support his swing on tour for 2014.” The Race shoe draws its inspiration from OGIO’s heritage in adrenaline sports, embodying the ideal blend of a fast look, custom fit comfort and performance. Similar to technology used to build a race car, it’s built on a perfectly balanced frame where weight, support and traction are maximized to improve your stability. The Race is crafted from the most exotic supple leather and features OGIO’s ‘Synkfit’ insole, an internal stabilizing system that minimizes the movement of your foot inside the shoe, therefore maximizing
Permaspyke, the City Turf delivers perfect traction straight from the office to the sidewalk to the golf course. Edgy lines and stitches create a fashionable appearance sure to turn heads on and off the course. City Turf is crafted with full grain, waterproof leathers and features OGIO’s Synkfit insole system. The City Spiked shoe offers the same stylish upper look as the City Turf, but with spikes intelligently integrated into OGIO’s Ground Control traction outsole. This additional support guarantees golfers maximum traction and stability during the most demanding conditions. Designed with a square toe box, this shoe brings today’s popular off-course style to a dressy golf shoe while serving the joint benefit of natural foot position, maximizing balance during a golf swing. The City Spiked also features the Synkfit insole for stability and a built in lateral torsion stabilizer. The Sport shoe is a creation built to embody the attributes found in OGIO’s Endurance Division. An aggressive look, available in three color choices, this model is made for users looking for a combination of lightweight materials, breathable custom comfort and a fast look. Crafted from half leather, half breathable mesh, it offers a natural airflow in and out of the shoe with each step while maintaining the stability a golfer needs during the swing. The Sport features a uniquely design that incorporates OGIO’s XWRAP upper design, coupled with its built in Lateral Torsion Control system and Synkfit Insole to ensure ultimate stability in such a light and breathable shoe. http://ogio.com/golf
July 2014
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Tour Edge introduces two new hybrids Tour Edge’s XCG7 hybrid series is its most forgiving hybrid design to date and available in two distinct models to accommodate players of all skill levels. The XCG7 hybrid is larger, easy to hit, and is a higher trajectory model with a lower profile. The XCG7 Beta is a more compact shape and deeper face for more penetrating ball flight. The XCG7 model features a maraging cup face design for the ultimate in spring-effect, even on off-center hits. The XCG7 Beta model incorporates a lightweight beta titanium crown that weighs only six grams. The crown allows for additional precise weight positioning in the head to deliver Tour-caliber trajectory and versatility. Maximizing distance, the Power Grid positioned directly behind the sweet spot creates an accordion effect and increased spring-effect by flexing at impact. The Power Grid alternates in thickness from 0.5 millimeters to 1.0 millimeters, allowing the thinner dimple-slots to
flex, producing a hotter launch. Hexahedron sole weight pads are positioned back in the heel and toe to increase MOI and maximize stability on off-center contact. In the Beta model, the weight pad design positions more weight forward in the head, raising the center of gravity and producing a more penetrating trajectory. Further enhancing stability, weight is removed from the rear center of the sole. This dual-step cavity in the XCG7 allows the extra weighting in the rear heel and toe to provide maximum forgiveness. A larger cavity is featured in the XCG7 Beta to move weight forward for a higher CG. The XCG7 hybrids appearance is distinctive and easy to differentiate the two clubheads. The XCG7 Beta’s chromatic medallion includes ‘Beta’ on the plate, and “Beta” appears in white on the hosel. Every hybrid includes Tour Edge’s lifetime warranty and 30-day play guarantee. It is available in the most popular shafts on the market. Suggested retail: XCG7 $159.99; Beta $199.99. For information, call 1-800-515-3343 or visit www. touredge.com.
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Combo offers Golf Push Cart and Bag in one Sun Mountain continues to be an innovator in the golf bag and push cart markets with the introduction of the new Combo cart. Combo is a golf push cart and golf bag in one -- offering convenience, stability, and durability. Combo folds for storage and opens easily for use. Combo is now in golf shops with a retail price of $469. When folded, the Combo cart fits into a car trunk flat, and can also be stored vertically in a clubroom. It occupies about half of the space of a separate cart and bag. When it’s time to play, simply swing the front wheel into place, release the rear wheels and set the handle height. When on the course, Combo offers the added bonus of a built-in seat that stores flat to the bag when not in use and then folds down for a secure and comfortable seat including a back pad. The bag on the Combo offers fulllength, individual club dividers, and eight pockets including a full-length clothing pocket, velour-lined valuables pocket and a beverage pocket. Also, if for some reason the bag ever needs to be replaced, it can be easily removed
from the cart frame and replaced. The Combo cart frame is constructed from a strong and lightweight aluminum. The accessory tray offers convenient spots for scorecards, beverages, balls, tees, as well as phones and wallets and other personal belongings. The solid foam tires and synthetic wheels on Combo are maintenance-free and a foot-operated braking system holds it steady when parked on hills. Call 800-227-9224 or visit www. sunmountain.com for the Sun Mountain dealer nearest you.
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Champions Run Golf Course Junior Golf Clinic July 21- 23 • Ages 7-15 615-274-2301 • Cost $50 per child July 21 and 22 8:00am - 9:15am - Instructions at Champions Run Golf Course July 23 8:00am - 11am - Play at Lightening Bug Golf Course in Triune, TN. (Lunch provided following play on Wednesday, July 23rd.) Instruction provided by Golf Professionals Ray Pearce and Steve Graham
INSPIRING
the reasons why we love the game 18-hole golf course designed by Mark McCumber featuring Champion Bermuda greens s Offers the only Hydro-Grid HAR-TRU® clay tennis courts in the South s Just minutes away from nine world-class casinos s Perfect for group outings and special events s
Book your tee time today, either by phone or online.
Call 1.866.TEE.OFF1 or visit tunicanational.com /tunicanational
@tunicanational
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July 2014
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Haney makes two-day stop in Nashville Tee Times report World-renowned golf instructor Hank Haney is best known for working with Tiger Woods. But he’s also a master of working with players of lesser skill levels – such as Charles Barkley and Ray Romano on a celebrated Golf Channel reality show “The Haney Project.” In mid-June, Haney made (l-r)Gaylord season pass holder a two-day stop in Nashville Joe Muller, Joe Hall, publisher to entertain OMEGA cli- Tee Times, Hank Haney, and pass holder, Ray Clark ents, customers and guests at two events. of his swing instruction. Haney was the featured guest at a reThe second day also featured a nineception held at the OMEGA Boutique at hole tournament that included personal The Mall at Green Hills. There he provid- instruction from Haney. ed putting tips to the assembled group “Hank’s clinic was very informative and people and answered many of their his approach to golf is very straight forquestions, and then engaged guests by ward and logical,” Tee Times publisher providing a few golf instruction tips. He Joe Hall said. “For example he says it’s also signed copies of his latest instruc- a sport so you are supposed the hit the tional book. ball hard if you want distance, and he His second stop was an exclusive clinic believes ‘distance’ is what you should at Gaylord Springs Golf Links for OMEGA seek. clients and golf club members. Haney “In order to do that you have to swing spoke on the golf course’s first tee and the club fast -- not violent, but fast. He hit golf balls to demonstrate the basics emphasizes that you need to avoid the
big miss and not take penalty strokes and there are ways of doing that by course management. He also believes that you should not chip the ball twice, meaning that if you are pitching or chipping you should only do it one time to get the ball on the green. Haney has coached golfers, built golf facilities
and player academies across the globe for over 35 years. He has taught more than 50,000 lessons in his career and his students have won every major cham-
pionship in junior golf, amateur golf and professional golf. Haney has authored five books on golf instruction; The Big Miss: My Years Coaching Tiger Woods, Essentials of the Swing, The Only Golf Lesson You’ll Ever Need, No More Bad Shots and Fix Your Yips Forever.
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I played there: RedTail Mountain By Joe Biddle Tee Times contributor If your passion is golf and you’re looking for a two- or three-day getaway for some mountain golf, there is a relatively unknown gem waiting for you in East Tennessee. RedTail Mountain Resort is located on the outskirts of Mountain City. It
is centrally located for golfers coming from Tennessee, North Carolina or Virginia. It is 50 minutes from Johnson City or Bristol. It’s a 30-minute drive from RedTail Mountain Resort to Boone, N.C. If you are looking for a peaceful environment, RedTail Mountain Resort is the place to be. They have a staff
that is second to none, led by General Manager Vernon Brady and his wife, Lynn. You can usually find them in the Vistas Restaurant, a full service
restaurant with an impressive menu at reasonable prices. The golf course has existed since 1982 on a picturesque mountain ridge. If you played the course when it was Roan Valley Golf Club, you are in for a most pleasant surprise, as every facet of the resort has undergone a major renovation. It’s been converted it into a stay-and-play resort with upscale lodging, the restaurant and a new vision. Renovations to the course are ongoing and the resort adding amenities such as the swimming pool and two clay tennis courts that will be ready later this summer. As you can tell, there is something for every member of your family. “Our mission is to take this beautiful place here at RedTail and remake it into one of the finest mountain golf resorts in the High Country, yet keep it affordable for the avid golfer,’’ Brady said. “The facility is top-notch and the amenities are great, but the prices are very reasonable.’’ The original layout was starts in the mountains, drops down into the valley for some flatter holes, before returning
Lynn and Vernon Brady, Co-owners and Managers
to the higher elevations for a picturesque closing stretch of
holes. It is a meticulously manicured course with spectacular views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. If you have lived in Tennessee for any time, you might recognize the name of RedTail’s resident pro, Sam Adams. Adams was named the club professional when the club was built. He has been there more than 30 years. For seven of those years, the sweetswinging left-hander played on the PGA Tour and has stories that will keep you laughing, even if you had a bad round. “Golfers like the individuality of the holes and the variety of the terrain,’’ Adams said. “It’s a very enjoyable course to play.’’ Let me strongly suggest before you
July 2014
www.teetimespaper.com hit your first tee shot, be sure to obtain a mobile app that was produced by Gallus Golf of California. It is available for RedTail golfers free of charge. The new management has made mobile technology a priority. Golfers can use the app to measure yardages on the course, keep score during the round and order food from
strokes. The app offers ways to contact your friends when you shoot a low round, make a holein-one, or an
Sam Adams, Head Golf Professional
Hole No. 5 the clubhouse that will be waiting for them when they make the turn. Our group was playing in the Battle of the Smokies that was hosted by RedTail Resort. We had never played the course and found the app was quite helpful. Adams gives his tips on how to play each hole. He can save you a number of
our print ads, but they will not come without their phone. “We’re in a mobile society and this should help attract golfers.’’ The on-site condos, within walking distance of the clubhouse, also have state of the art amenities. Each
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bedroom has its own bathroom. Every room is equipped with flat screen TVs. The resort has free wi-fi throughout the property. Many of the condos have new washer and dryers. For information call (423) 727-7600 or visit www.RedTailMountain.com.
The Battle of the Smokies started in 2008. It is a Ryder Cup style competition between 10-person media teams representing North Carolina and Tennessee. This year’s Battle was won by North Carolina, 3228. Teams arrived at RedTail Mountain Resort just outside Mountain City, Tenn. The Battle was the brainchild of Public Relations executive Craig Distil, who was working for Maggie Valley CC in North Carolina. Tennessee won the inaugural competition, 37-36. Previous sites have been Beech Mountain Golf Club (twice), Mt. Mitchell Club in North Carolina, Primland Resort in Southern Virginia and RedTail Mountain Resort. North Carolina leads the overall competition, 3-2. There was no Battle in 2013. The teams played 18 holes of individual matches on Saturday, May 17. Sunday featured 27 holes, which included 18 holes of best ball competition, followed by nine more holes of alternate shot. It wrapped up Monday morning with nine-hole individual matches.
eagle. The app will immediately put it up on Facebook. Before the round is complete you can make dinner reservations while on the course. “I knew we had to get RedTail on the cutting edge,’’ Brady said. “When people come here, they’ll come without our brochure, they’ll come without
Tee Up Your Next Event With Us
Call today to learn more.
615-458-6800
Serene Surroundings | Flexible Function Space for up to 500 Award-Winning Catering | Complimentary Parking Social Events • Weddings • Corporate Events • Retreats & Team Building • Golf Outings Gaylord Springs Golf Links | 18 Springhouse Lane, Nashville, TN 37214
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NC in blue: Kneeling, l-r – Trent Bouts, Paul Schenkle, Chris Cates. Standing, left to right – Keith Jarrett, Bob Gillespie, Michael Solender, Rich Rushforth, Harris Prevost, Betsy Mitchell and captain Michael Dann. TN in orange: Kneeling, l-r: Jimmy Hyams, Casey Goetz, Mac Rochelle, Buddy Pearson. Back row standing: Chris McIntosh, Kenny Hawkins, Joe Avento, Paul Johnson, Joe Biddle, Billy Cole
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ROAD TRIP No. 18
ÌkÌ yÌÏÌA Ìå ØÌ YA ÌÄ A kÌAÌ À ÌAΰ When it comes to championship public golf, there’s no better destination than Alabama, where we’re proud to claim three of America’s 50 Toughest Courses as selected by Golf Digest. For starters, there are the 468 holes along the world-renowned Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Stretching from the mountains in the north to the Gulf Coast in the south, these 26 courses will test your golfing skills as well as your intestinal fortitude. Then there are the many other impressive courses scattered across the state, designed by the likes of Arnold Palmer and Jerry Pate. Each with its own set of challenges, each with its own set of rewards. And each along an epic road trip to the state of Alabama.
Download Alabama Road Trips from your app store
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ala ba ma .tr av el/ go lf