July 2018 Keeping Golfers Connected in TN, KY, MS, AL, NC
July 2018
Taylor-made career
Harry Taylor has seen, done about everything there is to do in golf Pages 2-4
Harry Taylor
Inside!! choice: Knoxville native Schubert 8 Sophia’s set for US Women’s Am title defense connection: Lake Tansi has 12 Crossville more to offer than just great golf Man with a plan: Patrick Nichol wears many 22 hats while overseeing 3 Web.com Tour events
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Harry Taylor: One man, a thousand clubs and the golf career of several lifetimes By Justin Onslow Tee Times Associate Editor
Most golfers who have hit a TaylorMade club likely have no idea that there was never anyone named Taylor who started company, no namesake to be the face of the brand—at least not at first. And the story of the origins of the TaylorMade name is very much like that of the man who ultimately became that namesake. It’s one part quirky, one part fate and one part, well, all over the sport of golf.
paved the way for Taylor’s tremendous success and longevity in the golf world. The early years Golf has always been in Taylor’s blood, as is often the case with men and women whose fingerprints are all over the sport. He grew up in Detroit where his father worked as a golf professional. Taylor’s mother had family in the Nashville area and as his father eventually discovered, the golf season is a whole lot longer several hundred miles south of Michigan. “We would come down to visit (my Harry Taylor is the Director of Golf Operations/Head Golf Professional, as such, paperwork is a necessary evil.
Two PGA Professionals, two All-Americans checking out their inventory, “more orange,” notes Harry Taylor, his favorite color (UTK) “Whoa,” James Paschal says, “how about more University of Memphis blue?”
As Harry Taylor, now Director of Golf Operations at Gaylord Springs Golf Course, tells the story, Gary Adams—yes, that Gary Adams—initially introduced himself to Taylor while they were playing together on the PGA Tour. Adams, of course, is known as the father of the modern metal wood, and it all started with TaylorMade back in the late 1970s. “Gary had just started a company in late ‘79 named TaylorMade,” Taylor said. “And he had this new type of stainless steel metal wood head shaped like a wood. He came out to meet me early in the year and introduced himself. He said, ‘The reason I’d like to meet you and talk to you is I do not have anyone in the company with the last name Taylor. You must be the best-playing Taylor in the world. You’re the only one on the PGA Tour. I think it would be kind of fun for you and I to get together and see what we can do.’” And so began a partnership that not only defined the early years of TaylorMade but
mother’s) people on holidays and my dad would play golf here year round,” Taylor said. “And up in Michigan, of course, you were closed for three or four months. And so he got to thinking we need to get down south here.” Taylor’s father took up the post as general manager of Old Hickory Country Club, which set in motion a chain of events that would ultimately lead Taylor to the PGA Tour and a lifetime in the golf equipment industry. Despite Taylor’s father’s profession, it was ultimately Harold Eller who would take the then 10-yearold Taylor under his wing and teach him the game of golf. Eller, a member of the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame—not to mention the patriarch of one of Tennessee’s most famous golfing families— was the golf pro at Old Hickory for
35 years, including many years that overlapped with Taylor’s youth. “(Eller) took a liking to me and his kids were very good players—Richard Eller, Mike Eller, his daughters, Beverly Eller Pearce, and Judy Eller Street were (also) very good players,” Taylor said. Beverly Eller Piece and Judy Eller Street won numerous tournaments at the amateur level and Richard and Mike won both on the amateur and PGA professional level. Golf ran in the Eller family and Harold was a tremendous teacher. “I’ll always owe my dad a lot because my dad’s love for the game; he always wanted me to be a golfer. But Harold Eller was the
Moguls are Magic on No. 6
one who really took me under his wing and taught me how to play golf.” What Eller taught, Taylor clearly took to heart. After a tremendous high school career, Taylor went on to captain the University of Tennessee golf team en route to All-SEC honors twice. But a college career is one thing. Choosing a path in the golf world after college is another. A long road to somewhere “I made it to the tour school maybe more than anybody but also there’s the other side of that. I probably lost my tour card more than anybody. When you gain your tour card as much as anybody and you’re still not playing the tour, that means you had to
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Debow Casey Jr. (Bo) PGA Professional Group Sales/Tournament Director Nashville,Tennessee Two stints at Springhouse Golf Club (1991-1999) and (2015-present)
James Paschal
General Manager/Head Golf Professional Memphis, Tennessee Years at Gaylord: 9
lose your tour card as much as anybody.” As modest as Taylor is about his professional playing career, it takes a remarkable amount of talent to play on the PGA Tour. He spent nine years on the circuit, and while it all probably didn’t play out as he had expected, simply being part of the tour was enough to open doors he may have not known even existed, as was the case when he met Adams. Along with playing in tour events—and losing and regaining his tour card time and again—Taylor used the proximity to fellow pros to promote TaylorMade clubs. At that point, Taylor was Vice President of Club Design and Promotion and quickly realized how much he enjoyed designing and marketing golf products. “I kind of took it to a different level,” Taylor said. “I came out and I wore a brightly colored sport coat. I was the first one there and last one to leave. I was there to really promote and push this newfangled metal wood. “Early on in that is where I said, ‘I think I can really design some of this stuff. I’m a golfer. I’ve hit a million balls. I’m not an engineer. I don’t know it from the engineering side.’ But I was always a better than average drawer. I would draw the head and create the head. It was just something I had a lot of interest in.” That interest in club design ultimately led to Taylor’s second career off the course, though his influence and products have always been very much part of millions of rounds of golf played for more than four decades. Adams and Taylor sold TaylorMade in 1986 due to some financial hardships, but by then, the company had begun producing the No. 1 driver on tour. The pair stayed on with the company in executive roles until 1990 when Adams, who Taylor calls the “king of entrepreneurial people” wanted to try his hand again at starting up a new golf equipment company. “I didn’t want to leave TaylorMade,” Taylor said. “I had the best job in the industry. I was playing the tour. I was promoting for the company and designing clubs for the
Tim Fennell (AKA, Pockets) Golf Professional/ Manager Pro Shop Annapolis, Maryland Years at Gaylord: 4
company. But Gary had this spell over me where I had to do whatever he needed me to do because he was just the greatest guy.” The dynamic duo of Adams and Taylor gave the start-up game another shot, this time in the form of Founders Club Golf Company, though this time with a more abrupt halt. Adams was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 1991 and by 1993, he left Founders Club and Taylor followed suit. “I sold my interest in the company because I couldn’t imagine being at Founders Club without Gary,” Taylor said. “So I left Founders Club after three years and of course [did] what I usually do. I go back to the PGA Tour and get my tour card again. Luckily I always had a good enough game that I could get back through the tour school and that gave me another year on the PGA Tour.” After another year playing professional golf, Taylor decided to give the equipment design industry another shot and found himself in a position he would hold for the following 13 years. “After another year or so, Mizuno said, ‘Hey, we’d love to have you come help us at Mizuno if you miss the golf business. We’d like for you to help with tour promotion and club design.’” Taylor became Vice President of Club Design once again and once again directed a major golf manufacturer with a sterling reputation as a premier club manufacturer. But having spent most of his life in the Nashville area, pressure to move to Atlanta instead of constantly commuting got to be too much and Taylor retired from the golf design business in favor of one more shot at professional golf. “I left Mizuno in 2008,” Taylor said. “I wanted to go out and give the Champions Tour a try. I
Chris Young
Class A Golf Course Superintendent Pulaski, Tennessee Years at Gaylord: 4 I am a golfer and understanding the course from a golfer’s perspective as well as agronomically is vital.
Entering, looking right is No. 4, breathtaking clue to your golf experience
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onymous with Titleist wedges. Nick Faldo, who repped Mizuno and Lee Trevino who did the same at TaylorMade. And despite brushing shoulders with some of the most recognizable people in the game, it’s the pride of designing golf clubs that still sticks with Taylor to this day. “To be able to be a PGA Tour member and to get to do all the things I’ve gotten to do in golf,” he said. “It’s really been, for a golf guy, that all he really ever knew was golf and then be able to design equipment that when you go by peoples’ bag and you look at that bag and you see a set of irons or a wedge or something that you designed, I don’t have the right word for it. It’s just been great for me.” Standing left to right: Chris Young - Golf Couse Superintendent 3 yrs, Caleb Rigsby - Lead Mechanic 2 yrs, Jimmy McCafferty Greenskeeper 1 yr, Tim Grealis - Greenskeeper 17 yrs, Howard Baker - Lead Mechanic 23 yrs, Chris Reavis - Spray Technician 6 yrs, So great, in fact, that Taylor has gone Chris Williams - 2nd Assistant Superintendent 4 yrs, Paul Christian - Greenskeeper 7yrs, Adam Adkins - Assistant Superintendent 3 yrs. back to his roots as a club designer yet Kneeling left to right: Barron Corley - Greenskeeper 2yrs, Mickey Alexander - Greenskeeper 23 yrs, Jon Taylor - Greenskeeper 1 yr, again. Steve Hovis - Irrigation Technician 2 yrs, Nick Riner -Greenskeeper 1 yr. Not pictured: David Bongiovanni - Senior Horticulturist 7 yrs, While his job at Gaylord Springs reDakota Stepp - Greenskeeper 2 yrs, Brent Jones - Greenskeeper 4 yrs, and Derek Bailey - Greenskeeper 5 yrs mains his primary focus, in his free They are responsible for Gaylord Springs Golf Links being awarded the most improved golf course in all of Marriott Golf’s time, Taylor has been running another Properties in 2017. Course has MiniVerde Ultradwarf Bermuda greens, Meyer Zoysia tees and fairways, and 419 Bermuda roughs. Landscaping is maintained by David Bongiovanni. A one man army as he cares for all landscaped areas. club company. And as fate would have it, this club company did have a Taylor running the show from the onset. never could make it through the tour school what he does and where he does it. “A partner and I started this little company, so I was doing Monday qualifiers. It was fun, “Old Hickory has always been my home,” it was great. I got to play in 18 to 20 events Taylor said. “And to live in Old Hickory and Harry Taylor Golf,” Taylor said. “I designed a in the two years. If you can’t be exempt out to work right here in Donelson at this golf little line of wedges. They’re very classical, there, you can’t really do it. It’s too expen- course, it’s really been enjoyable just to get beautiful wedges. We don’t sell them in any sive. You can’t make enough money.” up in the morning, come to the golf course, stores or anything. It’s just email blast, webBack to the beginning do what we do here and run a very success- site driven. It’s that kind of little business I Taylor’s professional golfing days were in ful operation for the Gaylord Opryland Ho- do in my spare time. “Really, this all just came from that this was the past. So was the golf design industry— tel and go home at night.” for the time being. So what was next for a Home for Taylor isn’t just the city of Nash- a part of my history and my life of club deman who could no more leave the game be- ville but also a wife of 40 years, Saundra, sign that I missed. I missed doing it.” Taylor’s current offering, his 305 Series hind than he could leave behind the city he and two adult children (Zach and Brooke), loved? both of whom still live in the area. Through wedges, are exactly what you’d expect from As it turns out, he gave up neither. all his travels—both in playing golf and in a man who has been in the club design in“I had been doing consulting work here at the golf design industry—Nashville has dustry for so many years—classic, simple and premium. They use 303 stainless steel, Gaylord Springs,” Taylor said. “A close friend kept Taylor rooted. of mine is the CEO and Chairman of Ryman “I’ve spent my life in a game I love,” Tay- True Temper Dynamic Gold shafts and Golf Hospitalities, Colin Reed. He and I had be- lor said. “I’ve spent my life in golf in a lot of Pride grips. And in spite of all the premium come good golfing buddies out at the Golf different areas. A lot of people can be a club components and a design that took decades Club of Tennessee. pro and do that their whole life and that’s of experience to craft, Taylor’s wedges retail for half the price of those offered by golf’s “He said, ‘Hey, could you do some consult- great.” ing work for me out at Gaylord Springs?’ AfThese last eight years, at least, have shown major manufacturers. “Once people get a little confidence in me ter the big flood that came through here in Taylor how great that can really be. and what I can produce, they’re going to see 2010, this golf course was completely floodA designer once again ed. It completely had to be rebuilt. So at that In all his years in the club design business, that for a ridiculously low price they’re gettime he had asked me if I could come in here Taylor crossed paths and formed relation- ting a really good product,” Taylor said. Consider it a labor of and do this more on a full-time basis.” ships with countless big names in the indusThat was eight years ago, and Taylor re- try. Adams. Bob Vokey, who Taylor brought love. “For me, as much as I mains at Gaylord Springs, very much loving to TaylorMade before his name became synloved playing, I equally loved the golf equipment business,” he added. “I loved it. Maybe that’s why I wasn’t as good a golfer as I could have been because I really couldn’t divorce myself from the golf equipment business. I loved creating products that golfers wanted to go out and play golf with.” That’s what it’s always been about for Taylor. That’s what golf with continue to be about as long as there are clubs to be made and courses to be A winding road into Gaylord Springs Golf Links run. And as long as he’s teasing you with pure scenic golf holes doing both in Nashville, he’ll never be happier.
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Stephen Beach (Steve)
Mt.Vernon, Ohio Operations Supervisor Years at Course: 27
Jerry Haglage (the Hagman)
Nashville, Tennessee Customer Service Years at Course: 19
Ron Barksdale Prescott,Arkansas Operations Associate Years at Course: 14
July 2018
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From tHE Editor By Gregg Dewalt
South Dakota golfer shows sportsmanship; Phil not so much In the matter of just a couple of weeks, there were two examples of the best golf has to offer and also the not so best. Let’s start with an incident in South Dakota, which shows what makes golf such a great sport. Playing in the South Dakota state girls championship, Sioux Falls Christian golfer Kate Wynja appeared to have wrapped up her second consecutive state championship and helped her team to the Class A title as well. And then Wynja realized she submitted an incorrect scorecard. She was credited with a four on the 18th hole instead of the five that she made. Without hesitation, Wynja alerted her coach to the error knowing that it would cost her the individual title and her team the championship. “I knew I needed to tell them,” Wynja told the Argus Leader. “It was really sad, mostly because I knew what the result would be. I knew that I would be disqualified, and it broke my heart for the team. But I knew I couldn’t leave without saying something.” Tournament director Dan Swartos told the newspaper the situation was awful. “I have so much respect for Kate to come up and do that,” he said. “I cannot say enough for that young lady and how much integrity that took, and how proud I am to have kids like that in South Dakota.” In the days after the tournament, Wynja said she received a lot of support on social media. “That was a tough situation in general (but) being surrounded by people who love me is awe-
PUBLISHER Joe Hall pgegolf@bellsouth.net EDITOR Gregg Dewalt ASSOCIATE EDITOR Justin Onslow SENIOR EDITOR David Widener widecard@aol.com
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The golf course at Pickwick Landing State Park is always in great condition
an apology that seemed to appease the masses. “I know this should’ve come sooner, but it’s taken me a few days to calm down,” Mickelson texted several notable members of the national media. “My anger and frustration got the best of me last weekend. I’m embarrassed and disappointed by my actions. It was clearly not my finest moment and I’m sorry.” Obviously, it wasn’t his finest moment and it will be shown yearly on the U.S. Open telecasts when the course setup is called into question. It won’t, however, define Mickelson’s career. He’s loved by the masses and he’s had a terrific career.
Kate Wynja, a high school golfer from South Dakota, appeared to win a state title for herself and her team until realizing she signed for an incorrect score and was then disqualified
some,” Wynja said. It’s also another reminder to always, always double check your scorecard for errors. • On the other side of the spectrum, there was Phil Mickelson creating a stir when he hit his moving golf ball on the 13th green at Shinnecock Hills during the recent U.S. Open. Of course, the incident nearly overshadowed Brooks Koepka’s second straight win in the event the USGA likes to call “the ultimate test.” Most of the traditional media immediately condemned Mickelson for his blatant breach of etiquette, while social media was more split; including some people who said what Mickelson did was something that happens every weekend. Mickelson tried after the round to explain away his actions, but he wasn’t very convincing with what he said. Finally, three days after the tournament finished, Mickelson finally offered
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Phil Mickelson admitted he screwed up at the US Open
• Making the one-hour drive from my home in Florence, Alabama to Decatur for business meetings, I passed by two courses that have long since closed. That got me thinking – how many courses in my region have shut down in the past few years. The answer that I came up with was 15 within one hour from Florence, including Clax Branch, Ross Creek, Savannah Country Club and Shiloh Falls in Tennessee. North Alabama courses no longer in existence include: Florence Country Club, Decatur Country Club, Valley Landing, Arrowhead CC, Becky Peirce golf course, Woodland golf course, Monrovia golf course, Sky Park golf course, Indian Hills golf course, Cedar Ridge and McFarland Park. That’s a staggering amount, but it’s even more of a comment on how the industry stagnated for much of the past 10 years or so. • On a brighter note, I’m happy to report that, as usual, Pickwick Landing is in great shape. If you haven’t visited the Tennessee State Parks course just outside of Savannah, give it a try. The day I played the greens were fast and true, the fairways were lush and the course remains fun to play as long as you can keep it in the short grass.
Volunteers Needed!
2018 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship August 3rd-12th Volunteer Information • Must work a minimum of 3 shifts throughout the week • Must purchase volunteer uniform package for $50 • Will be invited back to play a round of golf at the Golf Club of Tennessee on Mond Monday, August 20th
Volunteer Opportunities • • • • •
Standard Bearer Walking Scorer Walking Marshal Stationary Forecaddie And Much More! For more information visit: 2018womensamateur.com
For more information, please visit www.2018womensamateur.com/volunteer-info.html If you have any questions, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Rachel Schuchert, at 615-743-3121 or rschuchert@nashvillesports.com
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SAVE THE DATE!
2019 Nashville Golf Show At the Nashville Fairgrounds February 15th-17th, 2019
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Forgotten Greats: Julius Boros By Grayson Kirkham Tee Times Contributor There is no right way to swing a golf club. Certain things need to happen at impact (contact in the center of the club face, slight shaft lean, ball before turf, etc.), but the motion itself should match the individual swinging the club. No golfer in history did a better job of this than Julius Boros, the man who coined the phrase, “swing easy, hit hard.” In 1950, Boros, who had only played amateur golf up until then, turned professional at the age of 30. His maiden PGA Tour victory came in 1952 at arguably the toughest test in golf, the United States Open Championship (held at Northwood Country Club in Dallas that year). Boros had proven he could prevail among the very best, breaking Ben Hogan’s streak of success at the event (Hogan had won in ’50, ’51). Following his US Open victory, Boros continued a stream of steady success over the next 16 years. In all, he racked up 18 PGA Tour victories, including three major championships.
How did he do it?
The trademark of Julius Boros’s golf game was the amount of effort (or lack thereof) he exerted when he played. He had a way of making the game look easy, long before Ernie Els was doing it. His full swing was long, loose, and languid. He was what some might call a “handsy” player, which is something you don’t see as much on the PGA Tour anymore. He allowed his hands and wrists to play an ac-
tive role in both his full swing and short game, while letting his arms swing freely without tension. Probably the most successful of the “handsy” players today is Phil Mickelson. One characteristic of players who use their hands a lot is they oftentimes have a very good short game (chipping, pitching, bunker shots, etc.). Mickelson is no exception to that, nor was Boros. Boros’s touch around the greens was brilliant and came in handy at the U.S. Open, where the ability to execute short pitch shots out of tall grass is essential. In the 1963 U.S. Open at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, Boros’s steady play and concentration led to his second victory at the event in an 18-hole playoff against Jacky Culpit and Arnold Palmer. His last winning season on tour, 1968, was highlighted by a remarkable performance at the PGA Championship (held at Pecan Valley Golf Club in San Antonio). In sweltering heat, Boros again edged out Palmer and became the oldest major championship winner in history at 48. This landmark victory came courtesy of a long, tidy pitch shot to within two feet of the cup on the 72nd hole. Boros did things his way, and more often than not did them quite well. If more golfers learned to harness what they were capable of doing (like Boros did), rather than copy the style of others, they’d likely have more success.
2018 Oak Hills Ladies Red Shoe Tournament First Flight
Wednesday, June 13, 2018 Championship Flight Pos. Players To Par Gross Total Gross 1 Angie Hannah / Kay Ward -8 62 2 Angela West / Vicki Stanfill -6 64 3 Angie Pigue / Mary Jean Erwin -6 64 4 Christina Tucker / Debra York -5 65 5 Lori Cartright / Yvonne Summers -4 66 T6 Margaret Lee / Theresa Harper -3 67 T6 Diana Grubbs / Vicki Brooks -3 67 T6 Cynthia Dahlgren / Martha Choat -3 67 T6 Bridgit Bennett / Judy Arnold -3 67 T6 Dianne Dickinson / Jo Ann Holder -3 67 T11 Cindy Taylor / Tonya Wells -2 68 T11 Angela Ballard / Tamara Kirts -2 68
Pos. Players To Par Gross Total Gross 1 Carol Overton / Chelsea Owens -2 68 2 Fay Sherrill / Sue Pardue -1 69 3 Nancy Merlis / Shirley Roberetson -1 69 T4 Kay Jones / Teresa Tolar -1 69 T4 Jamie Walker / Stephanie Binkley -1 69 T6 Kathy Crabtree / Terri Grubbs E 70 T6 Pat Starks / Sherry Martell E 70 T6 Carlene Jernigan / Sharon Keen E 70 T9 Claudia Stewart / Elaine Freeman 1 71 T9 Jan Watson / Paulette Lynch 1 71 T9 Marie Short / Sandra Lawrence 1 71 12 Christy Glaser / Betty Ann Webb 2 72
Second Flight
Pos. Players To Par Gross Total Gross 1 Oniece Gregory / Peggy Golightly 2 72 2 Allison Johnson / Carol Tomlinson 3 73 3 Amy Austin / Tina Brady 3 73 T4 Ann Slice / Mary Lou Lassiter 4 74 T4 Denise McMillian / Judy Linville 4 74 T6 Debi Jones / Linda Adams 6 76 T6 Juli Lawson / Paula Pahmier 6 76 T8 Gayle Kilts / Martha Caulkins 8 78 T8 Dean Story / Patricia Neely 8 78 10 Betty Felts / Liz Couts 9 79 11 Carol Davis / Donna Bruce 17 87
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Schubert on home turf in Women’s Am title defense The Golf Club of Tennessee set to host 118th U.S. Women’s Amateur Aug. 6-12 By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor Sophia Schubert’s breakthrough victory came a year ago in the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship in San Diego. She’ll go for a repeat in August a little closer to home when The Golf Club of Tennessee hosts the 118th playing of the USGA tournament. Schubert beat Albane Valenzuela 6 and 5 to win the 2017 tournament at the San Diego Country Club. Now, the Knoxville native who just completed her college career at the University of Texas, will tackle the tough Golf Club of Tennessee layout in Kingston Springs. Designed by Tom Fazio and opened in 1991, the Golf Club of Tennessee will be set up to play 6,275 yards with a par of 71. The course has hosted the Tennessee State Open, Tennessee State Amateur and the 2005 NCAA Men’s East Regional Championship. Among the qualifiers for this year’s tournament are Memphian Rachel Heck and Lucy Li. Nashville resident and three-time U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur champion Sarah LeBrun Ingram is serving as co-chair for the tournament. Ingram had a storied amateur career and is a member of the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame and the Tennessee State Sports Hall of Fame. For more information, go to usga.org/womensam. Admission to the tournament is free.
Sophia Schubert
David Ingram, President of Golf Club of Tennessee shares how his father, E.Bronson Ingram II and Toby Wilt enlisted Tom Fazio to design and build the course which opened in 1991. He was delighted to say, ”The Golf Club of Tennessee will be in the National Spotlight with 15 hours of Live coverage on Fox Sports.”
Sarah LeBrun Ingram Shannon Rouillard
Sophia Schubert
Director, U.S. Women’s Open Championship; U.S. Senior
2017 U.S. Women’s Amateur Champion, Defending her title at Golf Club of Tennesse
Women’s Open Championship, U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship & Curtis Cup Match
2018 United States Curtis Team 2018 Arnold Palmer Cup
1991, 1993, 1994 U.S. WOMEN’S MID-AMATEUR CHAMPION Finished runner-up to Jill McGill, who posted a 1-up victory in the 1993 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship 2018 Championship Co-Chair Golf Club of Tennessee Member
July 2018
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Around Nashville Fairways Wayne Evans
Superintendent of Sports/ Golf Clubhouse Operations The 93rd annual Schooldays Tournament has been a favorite event of mine for many years. I was fortunate enough to be able to compete in this tournament form 1978 through 1980, and able to watch my younger sisters compete in the 80’s. I am so glad to work in the tournament ever since I began working for Metro Parks in 1986. I have seen a lot of great golf and great golfers over the 40 years that I have been involved with this tournament, but never seen more exciting finishes and outstand-
es will feature a type of ultra-dwarf bermuda grass called TifEagle. It is the same grass as we have installed at Two Rivers and Harpeth Hills over the past couple of summers. While the course was shut down, we took the opportunity to improve irrigation installed around the greens as part of the project. Both projects are running on time and we have an estimated reopening date of about August 24. • We will be hosting the James H.
ing play than a this years’ 93rd edition of the Schooldays Tournament which culminated in a girls match between two outstanding players that ended up needing 5 holes of sudden death playoff to Ted Rhodes Golf Course/iconic railroad bridge determine a winner. • Ted Rhodes Golf Course is in the process of installing Fyke Municipal Amateur Championnew greens. The new green complex- ship on July 20th -22nd. The tournament will be played the first two days at Two Rivers and Harpeth Hills golf courses. The last day will be flighted and will be played at Two Rivers, Harpeth Hills, and McCabe golf courses. The courses are in outstanding condition, and will be tested by a very strong field as Tyler Farar defends his title as the 2017 MUNI champion.
Tennessean-Metro Parks 93rd School Days Tournament
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We Love Our Golfers!!! 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
A complete follow up article in August Tee Times
Nashvillefairways.com
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Opinion By David Widener
Member Golf Writers Association of America
Is it really the putter’s fault?
H
ow important is putting in golf? So much so that the Summer Issue of Golf Magazine featured a 17-page guide on the subject. Dave Pelz, the guru known for his expertise and published writing on the subject, says putting accounts for roughly 43 percent of your total strokes regardless of skill level. Pelz says aim is critical if you are to dominate with your putter. In attending a Pelz Short Game School in Nashville at Gaylord Springs Golf Links several years ago, a key factor I learned was to putt like the hole is 17 inches past where it is located. You might suffer more lip-outs, but putts left short never go in. The putter probably gets more blame than any other club in your bag, and as a result, doesn’t stay around long. A poll of readers by the magazine Big d The Noma revealed only 38 Roller Special percent have used their current putter 1-3 years. Eighteen percent have had their current putter less than a year. Most of us think changing putters will cure all. My late father-in-law was the worst. He would have a new one almost every time we played a round of golf together, and I would inherit some of them. The Dave Being curious just how many putters I own, I spent time in my hot Musty Putt er garage digging them out. Since I am known for not throwing anything away, the total is 11! Three are wood shafts that he had in a collection of old clubs: an A.J. Sanderson Special, Sleepy Hollow, S.C.; Essar Chromium Matched Models; and Spalding Blue Chip. He also had two putters with gold shafts and heads he was presented for two holes-in-one (both on the same hole) at his country club. Others in my collection: a Stan Thompson, Nomad Big Roller (6-inch face, probably not tournament legal), an original Dandy (a crazy head design), Odyssey DF990 (my latest purchase), a Kirk Currie Brazos he The A.J. Sanderson / custom-fitted for me when I lived in Houston (includes weights for SC ow, Sleepy Holl the different type greens you play), and a Tiffany (wonder with that name if it’s valuable) by Musty Putters. The magazine dedicated three pages to the latest in putters. It calls them Big, Bold & Beautiful. The word Expensive should be added. They range in price from $159 to $550. Think I’ll stick to my old ones and blame my high scores on something else. I’ve never owned a long shaft putter and perhaps that would help. Some golfers try the cross-handed grip to help their putting and some even switch sides, putting lefty and swinging righty. The All along the problem could be the odd golfing disorder called the Dandy yips, an extreme nervousness causing a golfer to miss easy putts. They appear as a mechanical breakdown, but it really boils down to a fear of failure. Frustration causes golfers to give their putters a name. Some answers readers gave Golf Magazine were: Piece of Garbage, Sir Missa-Lot. Mrs. Puttersworth, eBay, because when I miss too many that’s where they end up. Some of the names I have used would have to be beeped out. Spalding Blue Chip
We would like to know what our readers think. How long have you used your current putter? How many putters do you own? Do you have a name for your putter? Send to me at widecard@aol.com.
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Forgotten Greats: Lloyd Mangrum By Grayson Kirkham Tee Times contributor When it comes to golf, no state has spurned more legendary names than Texas. Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, and Jimmy Demaret are a few who immediately come to mind. Those three men were so popular in their era that it’s easy to forget a name like Lloyd Mangrum, a legend who played among them. Mangrum was born August 1, 1914 in Trenton, Texas. He developed a talent for golf rather quickly, becoming an assistant professional to his older brother Ray at 15 years grum World Golf Hall of Famer Lloyd Man old. He joined the PGA Tour eight and his trademark mustache years later in 1937. After three years on tour, Mangrum picked up his first win at the 1940 Thomashalf of a dollar bill with his signature ville Open in Georgia. He also set the single on it. The other signed half of the bill round scoring record at the 1940 Masters, remained with his friend, Sgt. Robert after posting a 64 in the first round. Man- Green. Mangrum and Green had torn grum racked up four more wins over the the bill in half and made a pact to make next two years, before World War II brought the dollar whole again when they both his career to a pause. returned safely. Green never came Mangrum became a staff sergeant in the home. Third Army and spent the next few years In 1946, at the first U.S. Open held serving his country overseas. He returned since ’41, Lloyd Mangrum was on a home in 1945 with two Purple Hearts and mission. After 72 holes of tournament
play, Mangrum found himself tied at four strokes under par with Vic Ghezzi and fivetime major champion Byron Nelson. The 18-hole playoff the next morning wasn’t enough to decide the tournament, with all three men posting even-par rounds of 72. A second playoff commenced in the afternoon, where Mangrum remained rock steady, edging out Ghezzi and Nelson by a single stroke for the title. Af-
ter 108 holes at the most grueling test in golf, Lloyd Mangrum, at last, became the U.S. Open champion. He had played with a signed half dollar bill tucked in his wallet. While the U.S. Open was Mangrum’s biggest victory, he continued to enjoy a high level of success for many years. From 19481953, a span of just six seasons, Mangrum won 26 times on tour. Meanwhile, his cool demeanor and smooth swing tempo earned him the nickname, “Mr. Icicle.” Mangrum’s swing, if analyzed today, would likely be pointed out for the “overthe-top” motion he produced. It’s a move unconventional by today’s teachings, but it certainly worked well for Mangrum, who ended up winning 36 times total in his career (which is ranked 13th all-time on the PGA Tour). If Mangrum had played in any other era (separate from players like Nelson), he may have been remembered as one of the most consistent golfers to play the game. But instead, he goes by a title coined by sportsA smiling Mangrum rec eives his trophy at the writer Jim Murray: “the forgot1946 US Open ten man of golf.”
L I F E MOVES PRE T T Y FAST Make time to drive one down the fairway at one of our 140 courses, designed — and played — by some of the biggest names in golf. Don’t miss out on your next adventure in Mississippi.
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Crossville’s Lake Tansi has more to offer than just a remarkable golf course By Justin Onslow Tee Times Associate Editor Lake Tansi golf course isn’t much of a hidden gem. It’s a gem, all right, but it’s not hard to see why so many in eastern Tennessee consider the course to be among the best public or resort courses in the entire state. It’s run well, it’s maintained impeccably and the scenery is absolutely phenomenal. What many don’t know, however, is that Lake Tansi also offers more than just a tremendous round of golf at a great value. Just down the road from the golf course is Lake Tansi Village offering all the amenities a family could want in a vacation spot. It’s a veritable checklist of to-dos and want-to-dos. Just ask Gavin Darbyshire, who recently uprooted from Florida to fill the post of Head Golf Professional at Lake Tansi. “This resort offers so much for everybody,” Darbyshire said. “There’s a lot of people who have been coming here for many years who know that but there’s a lot of people who don’t know it’s here. My sister and her four kids came through last week for an hourlong visit and she’s already planning for big family reunions here and we don’t even have a place yet. It’s real easy to envision it.” There’s a certain pull one experiences when visiting Lake Tansi Village. Between the waterfront cabins nestled on the Cumberland Plateau’s largest lake to a full recreation center, two swimming pools, a marina and tennis courts, there truly is something for everyone in a serene setting that lends itself perfectly to a family vacation on the lake or a weekend getaway with golfing buddies. In addition, Lake Tansi offers a number of stay-and-play golf packages starting as low as $138 per night that include cottage rental, a round of golf and food vouchers at the facility’s tremendous R Place Pub & Grill. And considering the quality of the golf course, it’s hard to find that kind of value anywhere else. As Darbyshire puts it, Lake Tansi “isn’t just a resort course—it’s a desired course.” A comfortable but challenging 6,700 yards from the tips, Lake Tansi is tough enough to place a premium on shot selection and putting, but wide open fairways and limited water and other hazards give golfers just enough freedom to let it rip off the tee. The course is also meticulously maintained by 30-year superintendent Todd Mathews and his staff. “I’ve worked with some wonderful superintendents and some really dedicated guys,” Darbyshire said. “Todd is super. I’m staying in a timeshare next to No. 2 green and I see Todd out there every day riding around on the spray machine. He’s a superintendent who’s constantly out there seeing everything on the golf course. There’s nothing going on out there that he doesn’t know about.” Mathews is also an expert at turf care, especially as it relates to knowing what differ-
Team Tansi: (L-R) Gavin Darbyshire, PGA Professional Head professional, Todd Mathews, Superintendent, Jennifer Wheeler, Recreation & Promotion Director, and Gary Dillon, General Manager mula for golf courses. It’s not hard to see why Lake Tansi wanted Darbyshire manning much of the day-to-day operations considering his determination to give everyone a great golfing experience. “This is the friendliest atmosphere I’ve ever seen at a club,” he said. “It’s not real formal. I’ve been at places that are quite concerned about dress codes and stuff like that. I do think it’s important that if you’re
ent types of grasses need in order to thrive. Unlike most superintendents, Mathews tailors his grass choices to the terrain and climate. If bentgrass won’t grow on a crowned fairway under the summer heat, you can bet Mathews will have already replaced it with Bermuda. And while beauty and upkeep are enough to get riders in golf cart seats, there’s still more to the winning for-
in a family atmosphere that everybody respects the different people that are out there. I’m not so big on rules and dress codes. I’m really big on respect, people caring for other people, people thinking of other people. It’s all about enjoyment for Darbyshire on the golf course and that attitude seems like a perfect fit for the resort as a whole. If you can visit Lake Tansi and not enjoy yourself, you’re doing it all wrong.
Tee Times associate editor Justin Onslow watches his tee shot at Lake Tansi Resort on a recent visit
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James Gavin Darbyshire, PGA Job: Head Golf Professional, Lake Tansi Resort I have been here for 2 months Duties: Managing Member and Resort Play, Golf Shop Operations, Starters, Rangers and Golf Shop Personnel Born in Naples, Florida My wife Pam and I wanted to move to this region and the Head Professional Opening at Lake Tansi brought me here. I enjoy playing golf very much and look forward to getting work organized so that I can get out to play several times a week. I am very fortunate to have inherited a great staff, they are: Starters: Paul Durland, Mike Givens, Bob Rogas, Ronnie Russell, Jon Stewart, Wayne Troutman, Bob Vogan & Bruce Wood; Rangers: Steve Bozett, Jimmy Jacobs, Bill Horton, Jeff LaCroix, Steve Losievsky, Bill Roberts & Lars Vesper: Assistants: Frank Gale, Mike Givens, Chuck Nichols & Bob Vogan I feel people should visit Lake Tansi Resort for many reasons: the very enjoyable golf course which is very well maintained, the beautiful lake and lakeside cabins, the beach, the concerts, the many social activities, the restaurants and the super friendly people who make you feel at home and welcome.
Gary E. Dillon Job title: General Manager How long have your worked there? 36 Years What are your duties? Oversee day to day operations of amenities at resort, maintain yearly budget, working with property owners Where are you from originally: Kettering Ohio What brought you to Crossville and Tansi? Family years ago and settled at Lake Tansi Are you a golfer? Not at this time We are a family oriented resort with many different amenities for all age groups. If you are looking for a recreational getaway, Lake Tansi has plenty to offer. Check us out on our website at www.laketansipoa.com Staff: Tricia Steinmann – Secretary to Board of Directors Debbie Walker – Receptionist Larry Williams – Treasurer Michelle Williams – Accounts Payable Sherri Wyatt – Membership Secretary Todd Mathews – Golf Course Superintendent Jimmy Walker – Maintenance Carl Flanagan – Marina Gavin Darbyshire – Golf Pro Jennifer Wheeler – Recreation Supervisor Anthony Brown – Chief of Security
Jennifer Wheeler Job title: Recreation and Promotional Director How long have your worked there? 2 years What are your duties? I plan and coordinate the recreation activities and music series that we have at the lake. I also promote the lakeside cabins and cottages that we have on the lake. Where are you from originally: I am originally from here at Lake Tansi What brought you to Crossville and Tansi? Family Are you a golfer? Yes, I live on the golf course here at Tansi and try to play everyday. Here is my staff... Alana Hicks, Alli Hyder, Amanda Howard, Amber Williams, Ashley Burke, Betty Quast, Darlene Elkins, David King, Eileen Lewis, Gabe Wyatt, Gloria Gregg, Gracie Whittenburg, Hogan Herring, Jullian Guy, Julie Watts , Katie VanHorn, Linda Caruthers, Linda Ross, Heather Whittenburg, Sydney Clark, Teresa Myers, Wayne Watts, Abigail Brown Lake Tansi is our own little piece of paradise situated in the middle of the Cumberland Plateau. We have something for everyone in the family, from a round of golf, to relaxing by the lake, concerts by the water, to kayaking/paddle boarding around the lake. We are centrally located between Knoxville, Nashville, and Chattanooga, so you’re able to enjoy quick day trips and evenings back at Tansi.
There are two fantastic eateries here at Lake Tansi Resort. The 19th Hole, owned and managed seemingly effortless by Sheri Addison. The food is not your run of the mill pro shop, dogs and burgers, yes, they have that too. However, they offer a variety menu that runs the gamut of yummy food to down home cooking. Folks that play the course, towns people from Crossville, and the members of Lake Tansi Resort pack this restaurant for all three meals. The other is the R Place Pub & Grill, with a full service bar, a great buffet, and a rotating menu for regulars. Here again, frequented by many customers who want a good steak, a special party, a gathering place with the looks of an upscale restaurant.
Todd Mathews
Class A Superintendent Lake Tansi Golf Course I have been here 26 years I grew up in Knox County, Halls Crossroads I received a degree in Turfgrass Management from Walter State I did my internship at The Honors Course in Chattanooga My first assistant superintendents job was at Chattanooga Golf and Country Club My second asst job was at Willow Creek in Knoxville. My first Superintendent job was at Knoxville Municipal golf course I landed the Tansi job in 1992 I used to play a lot of golf, averaged in the mid 80’s When my 2 daughters started playing softball, the golfing time went away. Both girls received college softball scholarships, so it paid off! I work 7 days a week, 70-80 hours. What little spare time I have like to take my jeep for trail rides in the mountains I plan on resuming my golf game now that both girls have finished college... with masters degrees. My crew and I welcome you to our course: Dave Walker, foreman, Junior Isham, mechanic, Larry Heslet, John Withers, Chuck Pepper, Marvin Lowe, Clyd Miracle, Mike Myer, David Rollins, David McMillan, Darrell Sweet, David Griffin, Colin Kern, Johnny Withers.
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Meet the GOLFTEC Staff...
Spencer Fikes • Job Title: GOLFTEC Certified Personal Coach • Arrived: May 29, 2018 • Previously: I played college golf and received my bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science from The University of Alabama, along with my minor in Psychology. • Hometown: I am from a small town outside of Jasper, Alabama, just north of Birmingham. • PGA of America member?: I plan on starting the program to become one soon. • Duties: My role here at GOLFTEC is to help people play better golf. I use my experiences and what I have learned through my education to help students perform at their highest levels and ulti-
mately reach their goals. • Why Nashville?: I was looking to relocate after college and saw this job as an opportunity to do that. Along with the atmosphere and the great people, I have family here which made relocating easier and made Nashville seem much more like home. • Personal: I have played golf since I could hold a club, but I did not start really focusing on it until I was 15. My grandfather was really the one who introduced me to the game and helped me find a passion for it, and my brother was my real role model who really made me want to keep improving my game and striving to be the best that I could be. • Best part of playing in college: The
Golf tip
best part that came along with playing golf collegiately was the ability it gave me to help with the First Tee program and teach kids from the local area the fundamentals of golf. This opportunity is really what made me find a different passion for the game and ultimately drive me to want to teach and help golfers of all skill levels reach their goals. • Best part of teaching: What I love about teaching the most is getting the chance to help people reach their goals. Golf is a unique sport and involves a lot of variables, so being able to help people understand
Are you tired of seeing your ball slice? Do you have trouble hitting the ball on the center of the face? If you answered yes to either of these questions you are probably swinging your downswing at too steep of an angle forcing your club head to exit straight to the left. As you start your swing, try to focus on turning your shoulder and hips more to move the club up to the top of your swing versus picking it up with only your arms. What this will create is more turn at the top of your swing, more power, and will allow you to swing on a more inside to out plane. A good way of checking yourself is by looking at where on your trail arm the shaft of your club passes through on your downswing. What you want is for the club shaft to pass through the middle/lower portion of your trail bicep. If it is too vertical and passes through your shoulder you are swinging too steep on your downswing and not creating enough turn.
www.teetimespaper.com those variables and use them to their advantage on the course is what I strive to do. There’s no better feeling than seeing a student get their game to the level they want to be at and seeing the joy it brings them. • GOLFTEC philosophy: Our concept is simple, we help people play better golf. The coaches here all share that same goal, and it is that goal that produces our passion and commitment we have for each student.
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“Best Course You Can Play” - GolfWeek
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Equipment Corner We here at Music City are so thankful for all of our customers and recently we acquired more lines that we are pleased to share with you. Just last week, we became Middle Tennessee’s Custom Miura fitters. Some are not as familiar with these high end clubs, which is why we invite you to stop by and let us show you what a custommade premier club can look and feel like. More and more we strive to bring you items that others in our industry may not carry. We will let the manufactures describe their newest released clubs and take a look at the pictures. Better yet, come by, seeing is believing Also, we are excited to say we just got in the versatile beautiful Sun Mountain Golf Bags. We are equally proud to bring aboard Outerwear. Last and certainly not least is the upscale Japanese line of clubs, XXIO Clubs. A real wow factor… Eric and Kevin
Miura Debuts MC-501 Muscle Cavity Irons Miura Golf has introduced its MC-501 ease. The MC-501 also incorporates YoshiMuscle Cavity irons. “When Shinei Mitaka Miura’s iconic Y-grind sole that blunts ura and the design team were creating the and softens the clubhead’s leading edge, to MC-501, their aim was to improve ball improve turf interaction. contact and control,” says Hoyt McGarity, prove shot forgiveness on off-center strikes. Each clubhead is precision-forged from President of Miura Golf. “Although blade Engineers repositioned 20 grams toward the premium S25C soft carbon steel and then models typically target a specific skill set, sole, thus increasing its width and strategi- finished in a luxurious copper nickel satin Shinei wanted this new model to appeal cally redistributing the clubhead’s center of for an inviting look that inspires avid golfbeyond just the Image removed by sender. gravity to help shots get airborne with more ers. low-handicap player.” “We are very excited about the first new offering of this Miura Golf model since we introduced the 1957CB Series,” adds McGarity. “More new products from Miura Golf are on the way in 2018.” As the longest heel-to-toe blade model ever produced by Miura, the MC-501 is suited for blade and Miura MC-501 Iron 2018 Miura Tour Wedge cavityback players who want to im-
80BREAKR™ Helping Golf Courses Boost Revenue Koerve, Inc. is pleased to announce that 80BREAKR™ -- the golf scorecard app enjoyed by golfers worldwide -- is now being deployed by golf courses to supplement existing marketing and increase revenue. The app works great on any course in the world, and golfers love the extra features available at courses that sign up.
“Our mission is to help courses thrive and amateur golfers improve,” says Thomas Stewart, founder and president of 80BREAKR™. “Thus, every feature added, every service offered, and each benefit provided to courses cannot be at the expense of amateur golfers. It’s a balance that ultimately makes 80BREAKR™ far more useful to golfers than any other
golf app -- improving their experience at golf facilities that sign up and use 80BREAKR™.” Benefits to courses using 80BREAKR™ are extensive, and completely customizable. The marketing and advertising capabilities are completely supplemental to existing approaches used by a course. This puts the facility in control of what to focus its marketing budget on and how to do it. Golf is your business, mobile app technology is ours. We provide the tools and services, and the course decides how best to utilize those tools and services.
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n my June column I was excited to report that Tennessee Golf Trail’s Montgomery Bell G.C. was hosting the Tennessee Golf Association’s Senior and Super Senior 4 Ball events June 11-15. We did so with drama! Read all about it here. Our staff, those who played, and those in the gallery had an exciting time watching it all unfold.
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the duo. They also won the event last year at Toqua Golf Club. For Spitalny, it’s his fifth overall Tennessee Golf Association amateur tournament title. He won the Tennessee Senior Amateur in 2015, and the Tennessee Super Senior Amateur in 2016 and 2017, in addition to last year’s four-ball crown. The outcome of Friday’s match was in doubt until the Chattanooga duo got hot on their back nine.
Data says that an amateur golfer’s chance of making a hole-in-one is 12,500 to one. But what are the odds of golfers in back-to-back groups making an ace on the same hole? That’s exactly what happened at Montgomery Bell Golf Course in the final matches of the Tennessee Senior and Super Senior FourBall Championships, hosted by the Tennessee Golf Association. The first one was dramatic enough as Chattanooga native John Williams aced the 188-yard No. 16 hole in walk-off fashion to give him and playing partner Neil Spitalny a 4&2 victory over Ed Link and Frank Dial for the Super Senior title. But just minutes later, Dan Schorsten of Hendersonville stepped to the tee and repeated the feat. The (l-r) Super Senior 4 Ball Champions hole-out pulled him and partner Neil Spitalny and JohnWilliams Bjorn Svedin all square with Mike Gallagher and Butch Okelley, and Schorsten and Svedin went on to win the match on the 18th hole, 1-up. They trailed after Link and Dial made a “Somebody needs to check with Guinness birdie on No. 4 but got it back to all square (World Records) on that one,” Schorsten on the next hole and that’s how it stood laughed. “I didn’t see it go in. I can’t see going into No. 12. that far. But I heard everyone yelling and That’s when Williams sank a birdie putt clapping and I couldn’t believe it.” from off the green to put the momentum Williams didn’t see his ball go in, either. in his team’s corner. Spitalny made a But after a few moments of suspense back 40-footer on the next hole and Williams on the tee box, he and Spitalny realized added another birdie on No. 14 to give they had won the match with a hole-in- them a commanding 3-up lead. one and broke out in celebration. After the two teams halved No. 15, the “It was awesome, just awesome,” ace on 16 ended it. Williams said. “I can’t see well enough to “(Neil and I are) good friends, great see it go in. I couldn’t believe it.” friends, and it’s a pleasure playing Spitalny added: “I didn’t see it go in with him,” Williams said. “It’s always either. We shot it with a laser and couldn’t comforting when you have a partner like see it on the green. We yelled up to the Neil, who you know is always in the hole.” guys on the green and they told us. I’ve “It works out well for me because I can never seen a tournament end with a hole- hit some squirrelly shots. I can relax and in-one.” play, and that seems to work well.” Though this year’s finish was much more The Senior Division match was even dramatic, it was the second consecutive more closely contested as neither team Tennessee Super Senior Four-Ball title for was ever up by more than one.
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(L-R) Senior 4 Ball Champions Dan Schorsten and Bjorn Svedin
Okelley and Gallagher took a one-up lead on No. 7 and again after 15, but Schorsten’s ace squared it up once again.
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All four golfers were on the green in three on the par five, 18th, but Svedin was the only one to two-putt. “It’s been a long week of golf,” Schorsten said. He and Svedin needed extra holes to win both their quarterfinal and semifinal matches on Thursday. They played a total of 39 holes that day. “It was an exciting week,” Schorsten added. “A great week of golf. Good competition. The TGA put on a great event.” This is Schorsten’s second TGA title. He won the Tennessee Match Play Championship back in 1986. Thanks for playing the Tennessee Golf Trail courses, play one soon- You won’t regret it, we are lean and green and lots of shade balances the heat here in summer time. - Mike
Help Support Vietnam Veterans of America
Chapter #1113, Memphis, TN
4 Person Scramble July 14th | 8 am Pine Hill Golf Course 1005 Alice Avenue | Memphis, TN
$125
Includes golf, cart, prizes and food
For more information: Call Gary Cline at (662) 671-079
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Planning your Financial Legacy By Jonathan Scott and Glenn Price
Jonathan
Glenn
Let’s talk strategy We have experienced that people are consistently needing assistance or inquiring about guidance in their investment portfolios, but frequently, the help they receive is centered only around gains. This leaves the entire planning aspect relatively unaddressed in the majority of pre-retirees’ investment portfolios. What if things don’t work out as projected? What if the market continues to be volatile or the volatility worsens? What if inflationary costs begin to escalate at new historical rates? What if future administrations increase tax rates? If any of these things happen, 30%-50% of a person’s portfolio could be in immediate jeopardy. Employing a decent gains strategy alone
The
will not compensate for deficits in planning when these things happen. That’s why we see ourselves as the strategy guys. We focus on addressing needs in the portfolio & formulating proven strategies to address the precise needs in our clients’ portfolios. Contact us at newbusiness@keystonefinancialresources.com or call us at 615.661.9554 to schedule a time to discuss your financial situation and the potential role of insurance or investments in your financial strategy.
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Guys
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LPGA rebrands amateur association Tee Times report
The organization formerly known as Executive Women’s Golf Association and LPGA Women Who Play has been rebranded. The organization is now called the LPGA Amateur Golf Association. The new name was created to avoid confusion that its members were LPGA professionals, according to a letter sent to members from organization head Jane Geddes. “Some felt as though LPGA Women Who Play mistakenly implied that you were LPGA professionals, and some felt as though the word “Play” diminished the fact that you were serious, passion-
Jane Geddes ate women golfers,” Geddes wrote. “As promised, we have listened and learned from your comments, suggestions and survey responses. We have spent the last few weeks applying what we learned and are notifying you that LPGA Women Who Play will now be known as the LPGA Amateur Golf Association. Learn more by visiting LPGAAmateurs.com or follow @LPGAAmateurs on social media.
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Raleigh Squires wears many hats and a couple great names By Justin Onslow Tee Times Associate Editor Raleigh Squires. Ralph Squirrels. One and the same and yet very different. Squires is a songwriter by trade, a golf instructor by self-training and a newly minted author whose children’s’ book features a character and a name with a tremendous backstory. Ralph Squirrels Plays Golf is the story of a squirrel who discovers the game of golf and the magic found in playing the game the right way. But where did the inspiration come for a songwriter, former newspaper editor, golf instructor and master club fitter to write a children’s book about a golfloving squirrel? “For some reason there was a period of time where I got a lot of calls from telemarketers and they would ask for Ralph Squirrels,” Squires explained. “It would always make me laugh and I told my golf buddies about it and all of a sudden they started calling me Ralph. When I told my daughter that story it just popped into her head for me to write a book called Ralph Squirrels Plays Golf. It made sense and I know enough about golf to be able to put some of that into words.” Squires wanted the book to follow a rhyming pattern, inspired by his songwriting background that includes composing credits for the likes of George Strait, the Oak Ridge Boys and Alison Krauss, though he admits it took a couple years for it all to come together. A jack of all trades from a do-it-all family, Squires decided to publish the book with Old Hickory Press, a publishing company his brother Jim Squires started. Jim, one of four brothers and five Squires children (Sallie is the lone sister in the group), has had an illustrious Squires works in the career as a writer including time at The Galaxy/Brentwood simulator at Golf wi Tennessean, the Chicago Tribune and Tennessee student th University of Tyler Coggin the Orlando Sentinel as well as authoring several books. Squires credits much of what he knows about writing, golf and life to his family, especially his decades, and despite never having much forolder brother Tom, who passed away around mal training in the sport, he’s always been inthe time his only biological grandson Jackson terested in understanding the fundamentals of (and the motivation for his book) was born. the golf swing and putting it into practice—so Five years Raleigh’s elder, Tom—who Squires much so that after having consumed ample ininsists was the best athlete of the bunch—was structional material over the years and helping an inspiration for Squires and part of what he friends with their swings, Squires has turned instruction into a big part of his professional considers an incredibly tight-knit family. Golf has been in Squires’ blood for nearly six tapestry.
Raleigh Squires
Squires works as a sales lead and master club fitter at Golf Galaxy in Brentwood, TN and admits that his informal self-training has led to a strong understand of how to fix a golf swing. “I’ve been playing golf for 58 years since I was seven or eight years old,” he said. “I’ve been playing golf for a long time. I’ve been exposed to a lot of instructional videos. I’ve seen a lot of golf instruction and that has helped me become somewhat of a golf instructor.” “When I went to work for Golfsmith (now Golf Galaxy), I became a master fitter and I was able to help people who were coming to get fitted for golf clubs who didn’t necessarily have a very good golf swing,” Squires added. “I’ve helped a number of people be able to improve their golf just by me helping them and fitting them for golf clubs and giv-
esents Griffin Raleigh Squires pr ned book Troup with a sig
ing them little tips here and there.” It’s what Squires calls a “natural thing” and hopes to one day start his own golf instruction business, which certainly makes sense given his other new passion of applying ancient ninja and samurai sword- and bamboo stick-wielding training techniques to golf movement training known as “Tathata golf.” “It’s basically martial arts training for ninjas and samurais on swinging swords and bamboo fighting sticks,” Squires explained. “There’s no golf terminology in that training but it’s all designed to deliver the most efficient blow on whatever target you’re aiming at and you can take that and apply it to golf and to striking a golf ball.” But for all of Squires’ professional experience across many areas, it always seems to come back to golf. He’s not pushing for a Ralph Squirrel series just yet—all he wants is to find some success with his first book and to get it into the hands of as many children as possible. Squires recently sent several copies of his book to Rory McIlroy, who heads up Rory Foundation, an organization that pledges to “help kids lead better lives.” He also sent the book to Tiger Woods, Justin Rose and Stephen Curry, all of whom have similar influence in the world of charitable foundations for children. Whatever happens with Ralph Squirrels the book character, it’s all but certain Ralph Squirrels the man will continue to find ways to blend the sport he loves with a career that includes many branches from the same tree—his love for the game of golf and all the people who love it as much as he does.
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Garretson charges to Music City Invitational win Tee Times Report Nick Garretson needed 17 holes in the final round to finally break free from the pack at the Music City Invitational presented by Franklin American Mortgage Company in June. Locked in a tight battle throughout the tournament at Harpeth Hills, Garretson knocked in a 20-foot eagle putt on No. 17 to finally break free on the way to a three-shot win. Garretson shot a 54-hole total of 213 to win on what he called “one of the most difficult courses I’ve played in a while.” “The greens were very firm and pins were tricky,” he said. Garretson overcame a first-round triple bogey and an opening double bogey in the final round to win. Jeremy Fultz, Nolan Ray and Chris Erwin tied for second place at 216. “When I rolled in that eagle putt, I knew that was the key putt,” said Garretson, who also birdied No. 15. “I knew if I could make a charge going in, then it was there for the taking.” No player had more than a one- or two-shot lead in the final round, and Garretson was the only player to finish under par in the event and in the final round. Garretson now has won the Music City Invitational and the Capital City Classic. He has a pair of runner-up finishes in the municipal amateur.
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Dancing Rabbit June Couples Fling results Players from 10 states competed in the Dancing Rabbit June Couples Fling. Bobby and Kathy Gifford claimed the overall title with a two-round total of 132, including a 62 in the first round that gave the winning team a seven-shot lead going into the final round. Participants from as far away as Wisconsin, Florida, Missouri and Arkansas competed.
Championship Flight
1. Bobby, Kathy Gifford 132 2. Kenny, Mary Rye 137 3. Stan, April Hix 139
First Flight
1. Wayne, Regan Walker 141 2. Keith, Heather Dickey 143 3. Steve, Sandy McMicking 146 3. Ricky, Pam Bates 146
Second Flight
1. Mike, Barbara Jones 145 2. Trent, Crystal Clark 146 3. Paul, Tracy Chipman 148
Third Flight
1. Ricky, Cindy Scott 146 2. Ed Osborne, Teri Sellers 151 3. Bruce, Debbie Almond 153 4. Tommy, Susan Jennings 154
Fourth Flight
1. Pat, Elaine Quinn 153 2. Darrell, Lisa Russell 156 2. Jeff, Gayle Bean 156 2. Thomas, Toni Turner 156
Have you ever had a hard time hearing in wind, in a group of friends, or while you’re doing activities you love? Dr. Ronald Sheffey Au.D., CCC-A
Fifth Flight
1. Robert, Christy Cavanaugh 158 2. Richard, Lee Ann Badour 161 3. Bob, Yvonne Hamilton 163
Sixth Flight
1. Gary, Bobbie Daniel 160 1. Wayne, Donna Kusmierczyk 160 3. Kenneth, Debbi Hebert 166
Seventh Flight
1. Jerry, JoAnn Barnard 166
Golf, Mark Powell with PGA Professional/Director of en (Memphis), Mississippi Kenny & Mary Rye of Southav
411 East Iris Drive, Suite A Nashville,TN 37204
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(615) 823-6644
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Nichol: NGO has potential to be top Web.com Tour stop By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor Patrick Nichol doesn’t mince words when it comes to his expectations for Nashville’s Web.com Tour event. “I think five years down the road Nashville has the potential to be the best stop on our tour, and it’s our job to make sure that happens,” said Nichol, the CEO and president of Tour Vision Productions who also was the first tournament director for the Nashville Golf Open. Nichol should know. He’s been involved in the tour for nearly 20 years and his company runs three Web.com events, including the NGO. The NGO benefiting the Snedeker Foundation just completed its third year in the Music City, and Nichol said an announcement could be forthcoming in the near future. His statement about the stop’s potential to be the best on tour would indicate a contract extension could be on the way. After being involved for so long, Nichol shows no signs of slowing down. In addition to the NGO, Nichol’s Tour Vision Productions runs the Knoxville Open and the United Leasing and Finance Championship in Evansville, Indiana. He wouldn’t mind adding an event closer to his St. Augustine, Florida home in the future – perhaps along the Florida Panhandle’s Emerald Coast. “We’ve been trying to stabilize Nashville, and now I feel like it is in really good shape,” Nichols said. “Evansville is in great shape. Unfortunately, we lost our title sponsor in Knoxville. I have to do a little work there. Once we stabilize that we’ll start looking to see if there is an area of opportunity.” The condensing of the Web.com Tour doesn’t leave a lot of options, but Nichol said the best options would be January and February. That’s why he thinks warm-weather sites such as Florida and Texas are prime expansion areas for the Web.com Tour if it chooses to add events. “With me living in St. Augustine, I’d say my priority would be to find another market in Florida,” he said, noting that cities such as Panama City and Pensacola have excellent golf courses and are capable of hosting an event. Nichol said it takes time for a tournament to find its niche. “A lot has to depend on the market,” he said. “Look at the three tournaments we manage. We’ve got Evansville where we are a big fish in a small market. There’s not a whole lot of competitive sports dollars. Knoxville in somewhere in the mid-
dle. (University of Tennessee) is the big elephant, and Nashville with the Preadtors and Titans and Vanderbilt and Belmont, and everything going on in Nashville you just have to find our niche. I don’t look at any other professional sports team as a competitor, they are an asset. People enjoy sports and our job is to deliver a good product they get value for.” Nichol likens the Web.com Tour to minor league baseball in that fans go to the
saw these guys play.” Three years into its five-year run, Nichol is confident the NGO has found its niche in the marketplace. “You could just feel it this year that it was different,” he said. “People who got involved the first couple of years kind of understood, this is a real event. It has a lot of upside. It is professional golf.” Nichol said the key to success
Patrick and wife Anne, and sons reside in St. Augustine, Florida. (L-R) Brian (20), Anne, Patrick, and Logan (17)
event not knowing which players they are watching are the future stars of the PGA Tour. “You look at Evansville and we’ve had winners like Ben Martin and Smylie Kaufman, and they are seeing people they played with in the pro-am or had private housing with having success on the PGA Tour,” he said. “The same thing will happen in Nashville. All of us were kind of rooting for Lanto Griffin on Sunday to repeat as champion, but long term Cameron Davis is probably going to win a couple of majors. The kid from Australia can flat-out play. It’s going to take guys like that to have success on the PGA Tour before you realize you
in being able to juggle three successful events is to have “a really good staff, a lot of preplanning and effort.” Nichol said he used his 10 years on tour to see what worked and what didn’t at the various stops. He developed a template of sorts and incorporated what he liked into it. Then, he tweaked each of the three stops to fit the community. “When it came time to take on Knoxville and then Evansville and Nashville, we kind of married the things that made sense,” he
Patrick Nichol (L), Execut of NGO and Madison Wh ive Director ittemore (R), Owner, Nashville Golf & Club hold the NGO ChampAthletic Golf ion’s Trophy, a custom made guitar.
said. ” We have the same playbook. They are same core elements that we found to be successful in all three markets but each city is unique. All three tournaments are not the same, but the fundamentals are.” In Nashville, it’s music and the Snedeker Foundation. Country music star Jake Owen, an avid golfer, was given a sponsor’s exemption this year. In Knoxville, the winner gets an orange jacket to acknowledge the University of Tennessee. In Evansville, the Ohio River is the focal point in addition to being the top professional sports draw. “(Evansville) is probably one of the top five revenue grossing events on our tour and probably top five in charitable donations on tour,” he said. “It comes from having a great title sponsor and a lot of companies in the community who see it as a major sporting event in their market.” Nichol said the biggest key to success is keeping the customers happy. “At the end of the day, we’re not selling something somebody has to have,” he said. “You don’t have to come to a golf tournament. But when we can deliver a good value for our business customers, it’s really special. When you get the satisfaction of making a customer happy, there’s nothing like it.”
2017 Web.Com Tournament of the Year Tournament Director: Laureen Cates
Tournament Director: Charlie Clarkson
Tournament Director: Patrick Nichol
July 2018
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Rules to golf by By Buddy Harston
Head Golf Instructor Vanderbilt Legends Club
Lightning safety: Better to be safe than sorry One of the most important rules in the USGA Rules of Golf booklet concerns a rule that could possibly save your life. Rule 6-8 allows players to discontinue play if they believe there is a danger from lightning. Competitors do not have to wait for the siren. This rule applies even in major championships on the PGA and LPGA Tours. In my 40 years of working at golf clubs, I have witnessed many times when golfers think they are safe to play because they believe the “lightning has passed” or “that it is not coming this way.” I have had many heated discussions with golfers that wanted to play before it was safe to do so. Please understand that lightning is arbitrary, random, and very unpredictable. Another important fact is that most lightning strikes occur on the periphery of the storm cell. It can strike up to 10 miles from the storm. Some courses have light-
ning detection systems that automatically alert you when lightning is dangerously close. In other words, lightning could strike anywhere on the property at that moment and the system will key the siren to blow automatically. Even when the bulk of the storm has passed, there is still a chance of more lightning. Some courses do not have any type of lightning detection and you are on your own. As the USGA Lightning Safety sign states: If you hear thunder, lightning is near. So when you hear the siren or hear thunder, don’t delay. Immediately seek a large permanent building or get into a fully enclosed metal vehicle until the storm has fully passed and do not come out in the open until the all clear blast is given. If you get caught out on the golf course be sure to avoid trees, open areas and golf carts. Remember, golf carts do not protect you from lightning. When it comes to lightning, better safe than sorry.
ROAD TRIP No. 44
More golf than you can shake a 9-iron at. When it comes to championship golf, there’s no better destination than Alabama. Come play where the PGA TOUR professionals compete and see why Golf Digest editors picked two of Alabama’s golf resorts among their favorites. 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, America’s original golf trail opened 25 years ago and recently completed a massive renovation of its 26 courses. 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 rewards. Plan an epic road trip to great golf courses across the state of Alabama. Download Alabama Road Trips from your app store
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