Tee Times june 2014

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June 2014 Keeping Golfers Connected in TN, KY, MS, AL, NC

June 2014

Best mountain golf in the High Country Pages 2-3

Inside!!

Required reading: A Difficult Par is worth the effort

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Strong to the end: Vanderbilt golf teams solid in NCAA tournaments

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Top honors: The Course at Sewanee earns Golf Magazine award

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TEE TIMES

By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn. – From the throes of bankruptcy has emerged an integral golf destination nestled in the hills of east Tennessee.

RedTail Mountain Resort, site of a magnificent Dan and Ellis Maples 18-hole golf course opened in 1982, continues to make a splash in the golf landscape near the Tennessee/North Carolina border. And, according to resort manager Vernon Brady who is part of the ownership group that saved the resort literally at the last minute in 2012, the best is yet to come at RedTail Mountain.

“We think we have the best mountain golf in the High Country,” Brady said. “You can have a golf course in the mountains and it isn’t necessarily mountain golf.

We have great mountain golf with great scenic vistas from nearly every tee.”

With 400 feet of elevation changes throughout the course, RedTail Mountain definitely is mountain golf at its finest. But an abundance of wildlife and beautiful scenery can only take a

June 2014

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Best mountain golf in the High Country course so far. It has to be at the same time fun and challenging for golfers of all skill levels to keep them coming back. RedTail Mountain Resort does just that.

“Our members say they never tire of it,” Brady said. “There is so much nature to take in, the way the holes are laid out. They don’t get bored. We think we have what people want to come for.

It’s a challenging course for all level of players but it’s not so hard that people get discouraged.”

According to Brady, the site opened in 1982 as Roan Valley. Eventually, the property now known as RedTail Mountain Resort was bought by a group from Atlanta. Looking to develop the site, the group spent money on the course and enlarging the clubhouse. But the economy went south and eventually it went into bankruptcy.

And that’s when Lyle Habermehl swooped in to save the resort just days before the bank was going to pull the plug.

Habermehl, a Canadian businessman, immediately went to work backing a new plan for the resort.

Armed with a plan and an infusion of revenue, Habermehl has revived the resort and is determined to make RedTail Resort a golf destination. That plan included refurbishing the course, building a pool, fitness center and tennis courts. Lodging is now available in the

former of one-, two- and three-bedroom condos on the property. And the 32 acres of recently purchased land along Watauga Lake for guests adds another big-time touch.

A clubhouse with The Vistas restaurant that is the hub of the resort simply adds to the allure. Eventually, there will be a new pro shop, grill room and practice area.

Golf remains the focal point of the resort, however. Starting with head professional Sam Adams, a native of the area who became the first left-handed player to win on the PGA Tour, to the recently refurbished greenside bunkers guarding the bentgrass/poa annua greens, RedTail Mountain provides a memorable experience. Adams has been on board since the course opened – in fact he helped Maples with the construction.

Brady calls Adams “iconic,” and with good reason. He’s a fixture in the pro shop and is known to all the local golfing public.

“They are giving me more credit that I deserve,” Adams said. “If iconic means I’m an old geezer still working, then I guess I am an icon. I’ve been here since the inception. The first thing I did was clear fence rows by hand. You can’t be more ground floor

than that. There have been good times and bad times.”

Adams, who admits he doesn’t play much anymore, definitely sees things on the upswing these days. He is proud of the course.

“No two holes are the same,” he said.

“The vistas from the tees are some of the most breathtaking you will find. There are lots of elevation changes. It’s true mountain golf.”

With fairway bunkers now in the process of being refurbished – the project should be complete by July – Brady is concentrating on the resort’s amenities and spreading the gospel of RedTail Mountain. He’s created a free phone app to alert golfers of specials, and he’s created tier pricing along with online tee times. In an area that isn’t overrun with golf, he realizes the need to provide golfers a reason to visit the resort. And, once on the property, he

June 2014

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Steve Foster, Superintendent

Sam Adams, Head Golf Professional needs to make sure the experience is first class so they will come back and tell their friends.

Having the amenities for nongolfers also is a priority, Brady said.

The goal is to provide a memorable experience for golfers and nongolfers alike.

Eventually the plan is to develop the property. Two houses have recently been built and becoming a gated community is in the works. But that’s in the future. Right now, Brady and Adams just want to make sure RedTail Mountain Resort offers the best bang for the buck to local golfers and those seeking a unique destination for a getaway.

“You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy coming here,” Brady said. “There are so many day excursions that are close by.

The mountains are beautiful. There’s no traffic jams here. The crowds are not here. There are so many good things once people know about us. My task is how to get people here. We want to get the word out that we offer great value, great golf and a great experience.”

Lynn and Vernon Brady, Co-owners and Managers

TEE TIMES

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Maples name has design clout Tee Times report It’s no accident RedTail Mountain golf course has a reputation for being an excellent course – playable, yet challenging and fun.

That’s what happens when an acclaimed father and son design team collaborate on a layout that embodies everything mountain golf should be.

When Ellis and Dan Maples pieced together what was then known as Roan Valley in 1982, they made sure to use the elevation changes and spectacular scenery to create a unique golf experience that only gets better with age.

The Maples name carries significant weight in the world of golf course design and now spans four generations. It began with Frank Maples, who worked as the construction superintendent on four courses at Pinehurst Country Club for legendary designer Donald Ross.

Ellis Maples continued in his father’s

footsteps, beginning as an assistant greenskeeper at Mid Pines and Pine Needles in North Carolina. Later, he supervised the construction of Raleigh Country Club, the final design by Ross.

In 1953, Ellis Maples opened his own golf architecture firm. Upon his death in 1984, Ellis Maples had been involved in 70 courses across the Southeast.

Ellis Maples’ son, Dan, joined his father in the design business in the 1974 and together they collaborated on 17 courses, including RedTail Mountain. They also designed the Dogwood Course at the Country Club of North Carolina.

Bradley Maples is continuing the family tradition. A 2006 graduate of North Carolina State, Bradley Maples’ first project he assisted with was the renovation of Olde Mill in Virginia, which coincidentally was the first project Dan worked on with his father Ellis.

such a competent and hard working crew who take pride in their work. The crew: Justin, Ron, Billy, Pete, Jesse, Marcus, Tim, and Ryan.

There are challenges, however. The golf season in California is 12 months.

At RedTail, Foster deals with a 7-to-8month season. The offseason is spent on projects, and Foster and his sevenperson crew recently renovated all of the greenside bunkers and now are tackling the fairway bunkers.

Refurbishing the bunkers was an extensive project. The bunkers were dug out and new drainage lines, back filling and new lining were installed. Foster’s crew filled the bunkers with white SP 52

sand, the same sand used on high-end courses including Augusta National.

Also, the bent grass/poa annua greens were drilled to a depth of 10 to 12 inches to promote deep root growth.

Fairways, tees and approaches are rye and blue grass – best for mountain courses. That combination is usually green in March and early April while courses with Bermuda grass are still dormant.

Future plans include construction of a new pro shop with an open grill and large practice area. Also, owners hope to replace three existing holes with new holes to provide a state-of-the-art practice range.

Foster and crew keep RedTail Mountain in pristine condition Tee Times report

Keeping RedTail Mountain in pristine condition falls into the capable hands of superintendent Steve Foster and his crew.

He arrived at RedTail Mountain after a nine-year stint as superintendent at Lake Chabot in San Francisco. A nineyear employee, Foster has been the golf course superintendent at RedTail for the past four years.

Foster is responsible for the upkeep, maintenance and improvements to the course to keep it in exceptional condition.

He is also responsible for the equipment and the crew. He feels blessed to have

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June 2014

TEE TIMES

SHIRLEY GHEE, sorry about misspelling your name in our May issue!!!!

Rules of Golf Q and A

Q:

When a player’s ball lies off the putting green and casual water intervenes between the ball and the hole, the player is entitled to relief under Rule 25-1b.

A B

True False

Answer: B

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Opinion

By David Widener Member Golf Writers Association of America

U.S. Open: A tournament for all with great moments

Probably no tournament is revered by golfers as much the U.S. Open, which begins June 12 at the famed Pinehurst No. 2 course. Although it is one of the PGA Tour majors, even Joe Nobody can play in it by qualifying because it is conducted by the United States Golf Association, not the PGA Tour.

That scenario played out in the 1996 movie Tin Cup when the owner of a rundown driving range in West Texas named Roy McAvoy, played by Kevin Costner, made it through the qualifying stage only to lose in dramatic fashion on the final hole.

That is not the only movie about the U.S. Open. In 2005, The Greatest Game Ever Played relived the 1913 tournament in which 20-year-old amateur Francis Quimet pulled off a stunning upset.

Two U.S. Opens stand out in my mind.

Turn back the pages to the 1999 event played on the same Pinehurst No. 2. Who can forget Payne Stewart’s dramatic play on the final holes to defeat Phil Mickelson? Stewart died a few months later because of depressurization of a Learjet he was aboard in going to Texas for the Tour Championship. I interviewed Stewart just weeks before that fatal flight.

And, who can forget the 2008 U.S. Open when Tiger Woods won playing on a broken leg and bum knee. That was gutsy. Unfortunately, it is the last major won by Woods, who will miss his second major of the year because of back surgery.

That again brings to light the debate on whether Tiger will surpass Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major championships? Woods has 14 to rank second, but has not played since Doral.

He hopes to return before the fall schedule.

“I think that’s been kind of the realization to all of this is that there’s no date,” Woods said from Congressional Country Club to promote his Quicken Loans National, set for two weeks after the Open. “It’s not going to be up to me whether I play or not. It’s going to be up to my docs. Obviously, I want to play now.”

Nicklaus remains in Tiger’s corner.

“If he’s healthy, I think Tiger’s got 10plus years to play top-quality tournament golf,” Nicklaus said. “He’s got a little over 40 tournaments to play the

major championships and he’s only got to win five to pass my record. As good a player as he is, I don’t think that should be a big deal.”

There is that ‘Never say never’ saying, but I’m of the opinion Jack’s record is safe because of Tiger’s health. A back injury is serious business, especially to a golfer with the strain the swing puts on those muscles.

With Tiger out, the Vegas oddsmakers have installed Rory McIlroy as the 7-1 favorite. Adam Scott is 9-1 and defending champion Justin Rose 16-1.

My pick is Masters champion Bubba Watson, who is 25-1. Two down, two to go in the quest for the Grand Slam.

Who can go against a Bubba who loves Waffle House?

June 2014

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Coming in July Tee Times...

Check out Joe Biddle’s article on The Battle of the Smokies held at RedTail Mountain Resort

TEE TIMES

Bob Mueller MS Celebrity Golf Scramble expected to surpass the $1 million mark NASHVILLE, Tenn. – This year marks the 18th year of raising money and awareness for multiple sclerosis through the Bob Mueller MS Celebrity Golf Scramble. It also marks a historic year for the event, which could hit a milestone in its fundraising efforts.

The tournament, which began in 1997 by the WKRN TV news anchor, is on track to pass the $1 million mark in fundraising for the last 18 years.

That’s a milestone both Mueller and the Mid South Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society are celebrating.

“When we began the tournament, I never dreamed it would last 18 years and never dreamed we would raise over $1 million dollars,” said Mueller. “All the success of this event goes to my great celebrity friends, corporate sponsors, players and MS golf committee members. This has never been about me, but rather about a chance to raise

(left to right) Buddy Pearson, Joe Avento, Jimmy Hyams, Casey Goetz, Kenny Hawkins, Mac Rochelle, Chris McIntosh, Billy Cole, Joe Biddle and Paul Johnson.

PUBLISHER Joe Hall pgegolf@bellsouth.net EDITOR Gregg Dewalt

SENIOR EDITOR David Widener widecard@aol.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Carol Hall teetimescarol@bellsouth.net GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jon Hamilton

jonh2520@att.net

a little money to make the lives of those battling Multiple Sclerosis a little better. I am proud to say we have done that.”

18th Annual Bob Mueller MS Celebrity Scramble June 22 Pairing Party – Gaylord Springs Golf Links Clubhouse, 6 p.m.

June 23 Tournament – Gaylord Springs Golf Links, 1 p.m. shotgun start Teams consist of four members and a celebrity player. A few of the celebrities scheduled to participate are Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney from Rascal Flatts, Musician Steve Cropper, former Tennessee Titans Kevin Dyson and Craig Hentrich, and many more.

To register for the event, contact the Mid South Chapter of the National MS Society at www.msmidsouth.org or 615-690-5343.

Your Home Course

CONTRIBUTING WRITER Mac Rochelle CONTRIBUTING WRITER Joe Biddle TECHNICAL ADVISOR Jimmy Phillips

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Susan Lawrence

PRINTING Franklin Web Printing Company FOUNDER - Joey Smith

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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Member: Golf Writers Association of America, International Network of Golf, Golf Travel Writers of America

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(615)Ê449-7272 www.pinecreekgolf.netÊ 3VN\L 9VHK 4[ 1\SPL[ ;5

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TEE TIMES

June 2014

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Helton wins Senior State Open Tee Times report With a superb first round, Randy Helton gave himself just enough of a cushion to hold on for the win at the recent Senior State Open in Crossville.

Helton, of Murfreesboro, blistered Stonehenge Golf Course with a 6-underpar 66 in the first round, and then closed out the victory with a 74 on the second day. His 140 total edged Audie Johnson (67-74) by one shot.

Helton and the rest of the field played in perfect conditions in the first round, but the threat of thunderstorms and windy conditions brought scores up in the second round.

Helton played the final seven holes in

2-over-par, giving Johnson, of Mount Juliet, an opening. Johnson birdied No. 17 to get within a shot but parred the final hole to fall one shot short.

Helton cashed a check for $7,500.00 for his first Senior State Open victory.

In the Super Senior Division (ages 65over), Knoxville’s Ron Kilgore recorded a two-day score of 149 to claim the title. Kilgore opened with a 74 and closed with a 75 to win $600. Franklin’s Gary Pierce and Baneberry’s Tom Kammann finished second and third respectively.

Kilgore became a 2-time defending champion at Stonehenge Golf Club.

Team Kanipe grab top spot at EMS Pro-Am Tee Times report

force a tie atop of the leader board.

In the Senior Professional Division, Randy Helton jumped Mark Houser after shooting an 8-under-par 64 in the second round to tale the victory. He birdied four of the last seven holes to in win his second straight title in the event.

Brad Campbell won the Regular Amateur Division, finishing 36 holes at 13under-par 131. A hole-in-one on No. 16 in the first round highlighted his victory.

Senior Amateur Division winner Mike Freels aced No. 3 in the first round, helping him claim the top spot in the Senior Amateur Division.

The team of Scott Kanipe, Parker Smith, Brad Campbell and Tony Patterson sprinted to the finish at the EMS Pro-Am recently, carding a 15-under-par 57 in the second round to grab a one-shot victory.

Team Kanipe finished with a 36-hole total of 117 after shooting 60 in the first round at the Millstone Golf Club.

Kanipe’s team needed every birdie it could muster in the second round to edge the team of Mark Brown, Eric Rose, Matt King and Josh Collins by one shot.

Kanipe’s team played the final four holes in 6-under.

Jake Reeves and Adam Shanks tied for first place in the Regular Professional Division, after both recording scores of 135 (9-underpar). They each birdied three of the final four holes in the secFrom left to right: Scott Carmichael, Scott Kanipe, ond round to Brad Campbell, and Tony Patterson.

June 2014

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TEE TIMES

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A Difficult Par is an easy read

By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor Chances are that if you are reading this publication, you are at least a casual golfer. And, even casual golfers fancy themselves as amateur course designers.

Admit it – how often do you curse the course designer for putting some type of diabolical greenside bunker that swallows shots and seemingly ruins every round?

There is, of course, a method to all course designers’ madness. Some are better than the rest, and the works of the best-known designers remain relevant for generations. Golfers new to the game are probably more familiar with designers such as Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus and Ben Crenshaw than A.W. Tillinghast, Donald Ross and Alister Mackenzie.

And, perhaps some golfers are acquainted with Robert Trent Jones Sr. in name only because of the acclaimed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama – the granddaddy of all golf trails.

Long before there was an RTJ Golf Trail, Jones was designing some of the best courses in the world dating to the 1920s. His story is told in a new book titled “A Difficult Par” authored by best-selling author James R. Hansen.

Hansen chronicles Jones’ life from the time he arrives in the U.S. from England in 1912 and his evolution into a world-renowned architect credited with modern golf course design.

“No golf architect is more historically significant than Robert Trent Jones, Sr.,” Hansen said. “In a career spanning 70 years, from his first course in 1930 until his death in 2000, he spread the gospel of golf by designing over 400 courses in the U.S. as well as 27 countries on five continents.

Because his journey to the status of ‘the world’s greatest golf architect’ was unprecedented, nothing in the history of golf compares with Jones’s epic life story.”

With so many courses to his credit – either as remodeled or designed, Jones didn’t do much work in Tennessee.

Indian Hills Golf Academy Summer Camp “Teach Life Skills and Instill Core Values through the Growth of Junior Golf.”

IHGA Summer Camp Program Monday June 23 - Friday July 4 Ages - 8-18 Monday - Friday from 9 A.M - 1 P.M 12:15 P.M - 1 P.M IHGA camp juniors will be fed lunch

Cost $375

For more information or to register contact: Ryan Pierson: 615-848-8095 Indian Hills: 615-895-3642 Ext. 3 Weeks at a Glance: * During the first seven days of the camp Jr golfers will be taught and develop new skills, course etiquette, and an overall better general understanding of the game of golf and how it has grown in the last century through the use and set up of multiple skills stations. * Camp days will be broken up into working on 2-3 stations for an hour to an hour and a half each.

Stations will begin promptly at 9 A.M and continue until approximately 12:15 P.M. * Jr. golfers will be carefully taken through each station, spending equal amounts of time learning new techniques and skills to help further build their abilities in the game of golf.

Skills Challenges:

Required items of the Junior Campers Driver Fairway Woods Long - mid irons Short Irons - Wedges Putter Golf Tees Water bottle Sun Screen Provided items for the Junior Campers Snacks & Sports Drinks Water Alignment rods IHGA Junior Camper Gift Bag

After the first seven days of camp are completed, Junior campers will compete in several different Skills challenges that will closely apply to the skills they have learned since day one of IHGA Summer Camp. These challenge stats will be recorded and produced to them at the end of the two week program as their “personal golfer profile”, which will better communicate the junior golfers strengths and weaknesses. The “personal golfer profile” will also include individual drills and reminders that the Junior golfer can continue to work on after his or her time at IHGA Summer Camp is complete.

Skills Stations will Include: Putting Chipping Wedge Play Short Irons Long Irons Fairway woods Course etiquette Rules of Golf Proper stretching

The book’s chronological listing of courses with which Jones had something to do with mentions only three in the Volunteer State – a remodeling of Belle Meade Country Club in 1951; the design of Link Hills Country Club in Greeneville in 1955; and a nine-hole design of Scona Lodge Golf Course in Alcoa in 1957.

Jones certainly was ahead of his time when it came to course design in the 1930s and 1940s.

For example, he designed one of the first island greens and realized early the benefit of designing courses that would challenge the world’s best players but also be enjoyable for the average player. He also recognized the importance of tee boxes, saying it was one of the most overlooked elements of a course.

Hansen’s research is impeccable and at times the footnotes are just as entertaining as the Jones’ story itself.

It’s obvious the author, a Golfweek course rater and known worldwide for his expertise on the history of golf course architecture, spent hundreds of

hours exploring records and reading Jones’s letters to his fiancé to get an accurate portrayal of a complex man.

A Difficult Par isn’t for every golfer.

But if you like golf course design and want the definitive story behind one of the world’s great course designers, Hansen’s offering will be a welcome addition to your library.

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June 2014

TEE TIMES

Around Nashville Fairways John Holmes Assistant Director of Parks

Meet the staff: Harpeth Hills Continuing with our theme of meeting the dedicated staff at our Metro Parks golf courses, this month let me introduce you to the good folks at Harpeth Hills.

Kevin Forte

Facilities Manager Nashville native Kevin Forte heads up the courses at Harpeth Hills and Percy Warner.

He’s risen through the ranks from assistant professional to his current position as facilities manager at Harpeth Hills and Percy Warner.

Kevin Forte Forte is a longtime Metro Parks employee.

He has been at Harpeth Hills since 1996 after spending 18 months as an assistant pro at Link Hills Country Club in Greenville and Willow Creek in Knoxville. He landed at McCabe Golf Course and spent two years there and three months at Ted Rhodes before arriving at Harpeth Hills.

Forte oversees all of the inside golf operations – from hiring and training staff to daily golf shop operations, tournament operations, merchandising, working with the men’s, women’s and senior golf associations, program management, promoting the game and working closely with the superintendent to achieve desired turf and playing conditions.

Oh, he also finds time to give lessons – either individually or in group sessions – and still manages time for his family, which includes wife Penny and four children ranging in age from 10 to 19.

Forte takes great pride in both courses, and Harpeth Hills has earned a solid reputation among metro golfers. In fact, according to Forte, PGA Tour professional Brandt Snedeker recently tweeted that Harpeth Hills is his favorite Tennessee public facility.

“I would have to agree with him -- Harpeth Hills is a great traditional style old course,” Forte said. “It opened in 1965 and has always been considered one of the most challenging courses in middle Tennessee. Narrow treelined fairways require accurate driving off the tee and the ability to work the ball both directions. The greens are smaller than most players are used to and have several false edges, which make them tricky if you get in the wrong place. Overall, it is a fun course for the recreational player, but can also give competitive players all the challenge they desire.”

Forte said he enjoys the relationships being in the golf business has allowed him to cre-

Standing (l-r): Bill Richardson (Superintendent) 29 yrs. James Carty (Asst Superintendent) 2yrs

(Started as seasonal during college, attended TN Tech University for Turfgrass Management, Worked at Richland C.C. and Legends Golf Club, Enjoys playing golf and spending time with his family). David Kimery (Mechanic) 30yrs (Spent 18 years at OFM, 12 years on the Golf Course side, Loves to fish on his time off). Daryl Lewis (Assistant Superintendent - Percy Warner) 26yrs (Started on landscape crew for Metro in 1988, Move to golf @ Harpeth Hills in 1999, Move to manage Percy Warner Golf Course in 2006, Likes to spend his time off with his grandchildren). Bill Dixon (M&R 3) 3yrs (Irrigation specialist that has worked on various golf courses throughout his 30 year career. Likes to spend his time off spending time with his family and riding motorcycles). Marty Abbott (M & R 3) 9yrs (Spent 1 year at Shelby, 1 year at Percy Warner, and 7 years at Harpeth Hills. Likes to play and watch golf during his time off.) Timmy Vanatta (M & R 2) 3yrs (Started as a seasonal at McCabe, then spent a year full time at Percy Warner, and has been at Harpeth Hills for a year. He enjoys working on cars during his time off). Greg Williams (M & R 2) 2yrs (Started at Percy Warner. Likes to spend time with his family and play video games during his time off). Kneeling (l-r): Jonathan Griffith (Seasonal) 4yrs (Junior at MTSU, Majoring in Athletic Training). Cowden Clarke (Seasonal) 3yrs (Recently graduated from Father Ryan, will attend the University of TN in the fall to study Business Management).

ate.

“I really enjoy visiting with all the players at the Music City Invitational and the Municipal Amateur Championships (hosted by the club),” he said. “I have been very fortunate to meet a lot of wonderful people and a have built more friendships than I ever could have imagined. I was also very fortunate to work under some great golf professionals, Ray Eaton, Ronald Hickman, Joe Hampton, and Bob Dibble. They had different strengths as professionals, but they all knew how to treat people and build lasting relationships. They were all tremendous ambassadors for the game.”

Forte credits his staff with helping make his job easier.

“I have been very blessed to have a great support staff both in the clubhouse and on the course,” he said. “(Assistant manager) Troy Hendrickson and (greens superintendent) Bill Richardson have been with me my entire career at Harpeth Hills. Troy left for a promotion at Two Rivers for two years, but was able to come back when Ray Eaton retired. I can’t tell how much these two have helped me over the years.

“Shane Matthews and I started at Harpeth Hills together in 1996, and I think Shane has held just about every job position on the staff including some time with Bill on the outside crew. Shane maybe the most versatile employee we have, and he is a great player as well. He has represented Harpeth Hills well in many state and local championships over the years. Andrea (Andie) Beatty is the newest member of our staff, and quite frankly she might outwork all of us put together. Andie has a tremendous amount of experience in food and beverage service. She has brought great enthusiasm and knowledge to our concessions grille and really has made an impact on the staff. I also don’t want to forget all of the part-time staff, especially Scooter Pickle and Jerry Gilchrist.”

Bill Richardson

Golf Course Superintendent There’s no way a golf course earns high praise unless it is in immaculate condition, and that’s what Richardson and his staff take great pride in at Harpeth Hills.

Richardson has an experienced staff working for him to ensure the golf course remains among the top in Nashville.

“We’re always trying to be the best course in town,” said Richardson, who has been the superintendent at Harpeth Hills for 29 years.

“We have a talented crew that knows what to do sometimes even before I tell them. They are willing to do whatever it takes to help each other out to make sure the job gets done.”

Everybody on Richardson’s crew has at least two years of experience. Assistant superintendent James Carty has been on staff since 2012 after starting as seasonal help and then working at Richland Country Club and the Legends Golf Club. David Kimery has been a mechanic for 30 years, while Daryl Lewis has 26 years of experience and is the assistant superintendent at Percy Warner.

Bill Dixon has 30 years of experience, including three at Harpeth Hills, as an irriga-

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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

June 2014

www.teetimespaper.com tion specialist. Other staffers include Marty Abbott (9 years), Timmy Vanatta (3 years) and Greg Williams (2 years). Seasonal help includes Jonathan Griffith and Cowden Clark.

“It takes a lot of time to train somebody to be able to do everything on a golf course, but most of my people can do it,” Richardson said. “They all work well together.”

Troy Hendrickson

Assistant Manager Hendrickson is another Nashville native and a 23-year veteran working for Metro Parks.

He really is the dictionary definition of someone who has worked their way up from the ground floor. He started with Metro Parks working in concessions at Two Rivers Golf

thews was a seasonal worker in 1990 and eventually hired on as a fulltime employee in 1996. In addition to his current position at Harpeth Hills, Matthews also has had stints at Ted Rhodes, Percy Warner, McCabe and Shelby.

It was only natural that Matthews wound up working for Metro Parks. His mother, Mary Kay Stokes worked in concessions and stepfather Bobby Stokes was a greens keeper at Harpeth Hills.

Matthews has played golf since he was about 7 years old and was an accomplished player who competed in two Tennessee high school state tournaments at Dickson County and played collegiately at Tennessee State University, where he earned all-tournament honors in the 1994 Minority College National Championship. At TSU, Matthews was a teammate of Sean Foley, one of the top teachers nationally who works with Tiger Woods.

He’s also been club champion at three courses – McCabe, Two Rivers and Harpeth Hills.

Andie Beatty

Concessions Clerk II Also from Nashville, Beatty worked at McCabe until moving to Harpeth Hills. A nearly 30-year veteran of the food and beverage inTroy Hendrickson dustry, Beatty has done a little bit of everything in that time. She’s been a cook, waitress Course and from there moved up to course and bartender. ranger and finally into the pro shop. He even Now, she spends her days dishing out food did a stint on the maintenance crew. Hen- and drinks to the hungry, thirsty golfers at drickson spent more than nine years at Two Harpeth Hills.

Rivers and has been at Harpeth Hills for the She got on at Mcpast 14.

Cabe in a partHendrickson said working with Forte is time capacity in more than just a boss-employee relationship. 2012 before be“We’ve been a team for 14 years and he has coming fulltime taught me many things about running the shortly after. pro shop and conducting tournaments of all Beatty, who has kinds,” Hendrickson said. “He is my boss, but been playing golf he is a very close friend. I thank him for all he for 15 years, said has done for me. We’ve seen many changes in working at Mcour time but we are always willing to rise to Cabe and now the next challenge.”

Harpeth Hills Andie Beatty Hendrickson is an accomplished player, al- provides the perthough with three children he doesn’t play as fect opportunity much as he used to. to combine her passion and her profession.

“I get out as much as I can, even if it’s only She considers the staff at both courses to be a few holes,” he said. “It’s important to play like family. your course so you can see the conditions to And, interacting with golfers is a perk. have a better understanding or any concerns “I really enjoy having regulars at the golf or complaints customers might have. I have course,” she said. “It’s nice to be able to greet the type of job that I get up every morning them by name. After a while, you even know and am excited about going to work. What what they want before they get to the counelse could you ask for?” ter.”

Hendrickson said he got hooked on golf at Beatty touts the course’s hamburgers and age 10 when his father, Steve, invited him to hot dogs as reasons to stop by the grill for watch him play. a bite to eat. Her special touch is to grill on“He was my teacher, my mentor and my best ions for both, and the hamburgers come on friend,” Hendrickson said. a grilled bun while “When I was a child, I would the hot dog buns do chores around the house are kept warm and and my payment was always toasty. going to play golf. We spent Please be reminded many hours together on the that all of these staff golf course and I learned a members might enlot of things from him out joy a smile, wave, or there.” “thanks” if you enjoy playing their course.

Shane Matthews Until next time, keep Concessions Clerk it in the fairway. – Shane Matthews Another veteran staff, MatJohn Holmes

TEE TIMES

9

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10

How to achieve more power Tee Times report We all want to hit the ball with more power.

We watch players on TV and wonder how they hit it so far. We look at a Rory or Bubba or Phil and think “I’m bigger/stronger/ younger than he is, so why does he hit is so much farther than I do?�

How does Rory at 5-foot-10, 165 pounds hit a 7-iron 190 yards?

The quick answer is distance equals club head speed applied to the center of the face.

However, there are several complications that make golfers lose power.

A quick list includes: • We have to hit it reasonably straight also; • We have to hit the ball cleanly from the turf; • We have to understand how our instinct to try to kill the ball from the top of the swing actually decreases club head speed; • We have to have the shaft leaning forward at impact (the average tour pro has a 7 iron leaning forward 14 degrees at impact) for an iron and actually leaning back at 5 degrees or so for maximum distance for a driver. Having different “angles of attackâ€? for driver vs. all of the other clubs can be difficult to achieve.

Now, how do we change our swings for more power? The No. 1 fault I see in students is casting and/or losing the wrist angle. With irons, my theory is that golfers don’t trust that fact that the club must be moving down at impact (hence the 14degree leaning forward shaft) so they try to scoop the ball up into the air. That scooping action kills your club head speed.

But what about the driver? My teaching philosophy is that the wrists (and, by extension, the clubhead) should react to the body turning and shifting and the arms swinging.

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So, the guts of the solution: The body should start in a great setup position but from there, turn the shoulders 90 or so degrees (depending on your flexibility) without having any lateral motion of any kind. To start the downswing, shift the hips about two inches toward the left toes.

This causes the angle between the left arm and the shaft to get smaller and the clubhead begins to “lag� behind the grip end. (picture 1) After the shift, turn the hips out of the way fast. The hips lead the shoulders, the arms follow, then the wrists unhinge, and the club head is delivered.

Golfers tend to get the order reversed when we unwind the shoulders first or “throw� the club head from the top of the swing. The hips have to lead the transition or change of direction. If the shoulders unwind before the hips shift, you will come “over the top� and lose power for a bunch of reasons. At impact, if you have transitioned in the correct order, your hips should be pointed well left (up to 70 degrees for very flexible players like Sergio and Michelle Wie) while the shoulders should be aligned to the target (picture 2).

If you can get the body to turn, shift, and turn and force the hands, especially the right hand, to follow, your swing will get simpler and more powerful.

Doug Curtiss is the director of instruction at the Hermitage Golf Course. Contact him at 615-512-7983 or go to Hermitagegolf. com/golf-instruction

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11

Vaughn proud of Mason Rudolph’s legacy and golf course Tee Times report Nearly 14 years after taking over as the golf course manager for Clarksville’s two municipal courses, Jeff Vaughn has no regrets.

The Clarksville native oversees operations at Swan Lake Golf Course and Mason Rudolph Golf Course.

“One compliments the other,” Vaughn says of the distinct layouts.

Swan Lake is a 6,065-yard, 18-hole layout that plays to par 71. Located at the Dunbar Cave State Natural area, Swan Lake features Champion Ultradwarf Bermuda grass greens, hybrid 419 Bermuda fairways and tees, and features a dining facility and annual green fees.

Not far from Swan Lake is the Mason Rudolph Golf Course, named for the PGA Tour great and Clarksville’s native son.

This nine-hole, 2,008-yard course is located is a par 30 and features seven par 3, one par 4 and a par 5. Originally the site of Clarksville Country Club and established in 1913, the club moved to its present location in 1966 and the City of Clarksville bought the course and building and immediately named it for Rudolph.

Swan Lake is an Audubon International Certified course, and has it all with the exception of a driving range. The Mason Rudolph course was Clarksville’s first muni, and Vaughn says it as a perfect choice for all levels of playing ability and great for players who enjoy walking.

It also features a lighted practice range and is where Vaughn does his teaching.

“One of the things I enjoy most about my job is teaching and helping my students learn about the game and improve their scores,” he said.

Vaughn arrived shortly after the course underwent a major renovation by Texas architect Leon Howard. The improvements made the hardwood tree-lined course even more beautiful and playable.

With its rolling terrain and water on two holes, the Mason Rudolph course is not an ordinary nine-hole course. It is challenging, scenic and enjoyable.

Vaughn is most proud of the clubhouse which was completed and dedicated in September 2009.

“Mason Rudolph was one of the most humble and gentle human beings, and an exceptional professional golfer,” Vaughn said. “It was fitting that this beautiful

# 9 Peninsula Green

Vaughn stands in front of the Mason Rudolph clubhouse dedicated in 2011.

course and driving range have a clubhouse that honored Mason. I grew up idolizing him, he put us on the map and his memory will be well served. I’m told Mason was thrilled back in 1966 when the course was named for him and when clubhouse plans were finalized and the clubhouse was dedicated he had to know how much he was loved.”

Rudolph, who died in 2011, is legendary in Tennessee golf. He qualified for the 1950 U.S. Open at 16, the youngest competitor ever at that time. He also was the USGA Junior Amateur champion at 16.

He was a member of the victorious 1957

Student Mariah Smith works with Vaughn regularly

U.S. Walker Cup team and was recognized in 1999 by Golf World as one of the Top 10 Best Junior Boys of the 20th Century.

He played collegiately at Tennessee and the University of Memphis (then Memphis State).

He won five PGA Tour titles in a 21-year career while playing in 15 Masters and 16 U.S. Opens. Rudolph also was a six-time winner of the Tennessee State Open in three decades. In 1971, Rudolph played alongside Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino and J.C. Snead on the winning U.S. Ryder Cup team.

Rudolph was elected as a charter inductee into the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame in 1990, and was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 1995.

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June 2014

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13

Guide For The Tennessee Region

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Harpeth Valley Golf Center

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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

14

June 2014

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15

Vanderbilt teams fall short in title bids Tee Times Report Vanderbilt’s bid for a NCAA women’s golf championship ended with a 10thplace finish at Tulsa Country Club in mid-May. The Commodores shot rounds of 303290-286-284 for a 72-hole total of 1,163. They couldn’t overcome the first round in which they behind Duke by 10 shots.

The Blue Devils shot 1,130 to edge Southern Cal by two shots.

Freshman Simin Feng , who won the SEC Championship, paced the Commodores with a four-round

Hahn’s 207 winning total was the second lowest in program history, as was her closing 66.

MOCS, VOLS CLOSE SEASON AT WEST REGIONAL Chattanooga was looking to claw its way into the NCAA Women’s Golf

241.

TREVECCA NAZERENE WINS CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT Trevecca Nazarene didn’t know its first-round 345 at the Great Midwest Athletic Conference Women’s Golf Championship would turn out to be the winning score. When snow in the Cincinnati area forced the final round to be canceled,

l-r: Head Coach Colette Murray, Isabella Loza, Emily McLennan, Agathe Sauzon, Porshe Campbell, and Jordan Britt

Vanderbilt’s Simi Feng total of 284, including a final-day 67, to finish 13th. Southern Cal’s Doris Chen took the individual title at 274.

Kendall Martindale was 33rd at 289, while Irina Gabasa (298) was 80th, Jennifer Hahn (299) was 84th and Antonia Scherer (304) was 105th.

Hahn closed with a 68 but couldn’t overcome a first-round 81.

“Overall, it just wasn’t our week, but what a spring we’ve had and I couldn’t be more proud of this team,” Vanderbilt coach Gregg Allen said.

Just a week earlier, the Commodores went wire-to-wire to claim the East Regional title. It was their second tournament victory in a row.

After Feng won the SEC title, Hahn gave the Commodores another medalist by shooting 68-73-66 at the Southwood Golf Course in Tallahassee, Florida. She beat out teammate Martindale by three strokes.

Vanderbilt shot rounds of 277-289-274 for a 54-hole total of 840. South Carolina was second, 11 shots off the pace. Four Vandy players finished in the top 11 Hahn joined Feng as the only two Commodores to win individual titles.

Feng won two events during the season.

Championship but fell short in a tough West Regional field.

The Mocs shot 947 in the 54-hole event played on Tumble Creek at Suncadia Resort to finish in 17th place. Rival Tennessee was 16th at 942 and the Mocs were eight shots out of 15th place behind New Mexico.

Emily McLennan paced the Mocs with a 233, while Jordan Britt finished at 238.

UTC’s Emily McLennan Agathe Sauzon was at 239 and Isabella Loza who 240. Porsche Campbell finished at 242.

It was the seventh straight trip to a NCAA regional tournament for the Mocs.

Southern Cal, which finished second in the national tournament, won the West Regional with Washington finishing second.

Chessey Thomas paced Tennessee, shooting 234. Mason Chen was next at 236, followed by Hannah Pietella and A.J. Newell at 238. Lucia Polo finished at

Auburn, Kentucky, Missouri, Texas A&M and Arkansas.

Alabama beat Oklahoma State to win its second consecutive national title.

Vanderbilt was making its first appearance in the championship tournament since 2007.

Hunter Stewart led Vanderbilt, finishing tied for 35th with rounds of 71-70-70 for a 211 total, 1-over-

l-r Will Scism, Ashley Scism, Alexa Rippy, Kaylon King (trophy), Mikayla Dodson, Marlee Ingham-Stecker, HC Michael Johnson

the Trojans had their second straight conference championship.

Ursuline College finished second at 351.

Trevecca’s Kaylon King was medalist with an 82, while teammate Alexa Rippy was second with an 83.

“It’s been an outstanding year, culminating with the achievement of our main goal – the conference championship,” coach Michael Johnson said. “It’ll be one of our goals next year as well, but the task will continue to get tougher as the other schools in our conference keep improving.”

MEN Vanderbilt’s quest for a men’s national title came to a close when it failed to advance to the match play portion of the NCAA Men’s Golf Championship.

Needing a top-eight finish, the Commodores finished tied for 16th place with Oklahoma with a 54-hole total of 854 in the 30-team event at Prairie Dunes.

SEC rivals Alabama, LSU, South Carolina and Georgia finished ahead of the Commodores, who finished ahead of

par. Carson Jacobs was one shot back of Stewart at 212, while Ben Fogler finished at 216. Jordan Janico finished at 219 and Carson Jacobs rounded out the team scoring at 220.

Playing as individuals, TennesseeChattanooga’s Chris Robb finished tied for 15th place at 208 while Austin Peay’s Marco Iten finished tied for 55th at 214.

Robb made a huge move in the final round, shooting 6-under 64 to advance 60 places up the leaderboard.

Vanderbilt advanced to the national championship with a third-place finish in the San Antonio Regional, finishing with an 867 total at the Briggs Ranch Golf Course.

Stewart paced Vanderbilt, finishing in fourth place with a 5-under-par 211 total. Ewing was two shots back at 213.

Also, Janico closed the regional at 222, followed by Fogler at 223 and Jacobs at 224.

The Commodores shot 299 in the final round and just missed jumping secondplace Georgia State by one shot. Georgia won the regional.

University of Alabama: (l-r) Mike McGraw, Robby Shelton, Tom Lovelady, Trey Mullinax, Cory Whitsett, Bobby Wyatt, Jay Seawell. Photo by Steven Colquitt - UGA

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Swing analysis, club fitting keys to success

By Andrew Braley In the past I have talked in general about the need for golfers to take lessons, and nothing has changed with respect to golf instruction.

Now, I’d like to focus on how we work at GolfTec. We feel all five factors needed for maximum improvement and lasting results will get you on the right path. Proven path; proven results.

What happens in a typical GolfTec lesson?

Your coach will first find out about your golfing history and what you’d like to achieve with your game. Then, they’ll forge a plan and set about improving your game. You’ll hit shots on the Hi tech ball flight simulators and have your swing videoed from different angles.

Together with your coach you’ll view your swing on our own

proprietary video system, identify faults and then work to correct them under the tutelage of your coach.

At the lesson’s conclusion, watching the change in your swing on video, your coach will show you how to practice and make it permanent. The lessons are uploaded to our website for viewing and downloaded for your convenience and review.

Get started with the swing evaluation session Sixty minutes of analysis lets you understand your swing and unlock your potential. GolfTec’s fact-based approach takes the guesswork out of improving your swing. You see precisely where change will generate positive results and also where your swing shouldn’t be touched. By concentrating on ballstriking fundamentals, a certified personal coach gives you keys to on-course score reduction.

Precision-matched clubs with a personal club fitting Sixty minutes of tour-level club fitting helps you find distance and control advantages. Make every club count, knowing even the top players are giving up yards every day. That’s because poorly fit clubs and mediocre club gapping affect more than 80 percent of players at all levels. With GolfTec third generation club fitting, key variables come into play, including club head and ball speed, launch angle, distance, direction and spin rate.

Expert analysis of your swing and body is combined with flight data to generate specific club recommenda-

Continued on Page 17

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June 2014

Richards finds her groove at golf TEC Like all golfers, Karen Richards was looking to improve her game.

She’s only been playing for the past 15 years, but from the start the CEO/cofounder of the Data Intelligence Group immersed herself in the quest to get better. In the past, she’d attended clinics and had one-on-one instruction.

Now, she’s preaching the gospel of golfTEC and professional Travis Zimber, with whom she has been working for the past seven months.

An injury playing softball in 2013 led to Richards, who among other things is president of the Middle Tennessee chapter of the EWGA, finding golfTEC. “When I sustained my first broken bone playing softball last year, I vowed that 2014 would be the “Year of Golf” for me,” Before the lesson begins, Zimber Richards said recently. “To make that goes over Richards’ scorecard happen I needed a true and focused sofrom her last play date. lution to improve my game, which golfTEC improved her short offered.” game, putting and full Richards began swing. working with Zim“We still work on a ber in late 2013 and strong grip, and she’s has taken about 20 hitting the ball on lessons in that timedrives 30 to 50 yards frame. She takes one further. Also, we lesson per week. And, worked on getting her she’s noticed signifiproperly fit golf clubs cant results. to help in the improve“Travis has an inment process. Karen credible gift for disis very knowledgeable tilling down the golf about the game and swing and forcing tracks her improvestudents to focus on ment.” one or two things at a Richards said her game Zimber reminded Richards time, and in an order has improved across often “strong grip” that over time you the board. Her consisend up creating quite tency, strength, form, a beautiful and powaccuracy and distance all are better since erful golf swing,” she said. starting with golfTEC. Zimber is a veteran professional and It also helps that she practices what Zima member of the PGA of America. He ber preaches. spent time at Hillwood Country Club in “I try to practice two or three times a Nashville before moving to Tampa, Fla., week and play at least once a week,” she to work for golfTEC. To date, he’s given said. more than 13,000 lessons. He has been at That’s one of the keys, according to Zimthe Cool Springs golfTEC location for the ber. past six years.

“She is all that a teacher could ask of a “When Karen started with me, she was student -- she is hard worker, wanting to frustrated with her distance and lack of achieve the results she was seeking,” he consistency,” Zimber said. “Karen has said. “She has a standing lesson at 8 a.m. been very diligent coming in to prac- Tuesdays but if time allows she stays over tice what we have worked on. We have

Continued from Page 16

tions from a full complement of leading club manufacturers.

GolfTec’s growing success is not coincidental. Clients who started with in-bay lessons have seen career-best rounds and lower handicaps. Behind this documented success are three factors along with a consistent delivery of personalized golf instruction.

Above is Karen Richards’s success story. She has worked hard with her coach, Travis Zimber to achieve confidence, lower scores, great practice habits, and positive results.

and hits into the net, taking advantage of seeing her swing plane on the monitors. Then often as not, she comes over and practices on her own in one of the bays.”

Seeing a player such as Richards improve is what drives Zimber’s passion for teaching. He monitors the progress of each stuRichards is harnessed, ready for her swing to be recorded to provide valuable data.

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17

Zimber analyzes Richards swing on the monitor

dent, offers playing lessons and will concentrate on problem areas once defined.

“It’s great to see the results,” he said.

“To see them implement what they have learned into the practice and their playing.”

With her game on the rise, Richards now is focused on improving her short game.

“It’s time to get back to refining the touch needed to perfect my short game,” she said.

“We all know it can make a huge difference in lowering scores even further.”

Zimber and golfTEC, no doubt, will help Richards do just that.

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The Course at Sewanee honored by Golf Magazine Tee Times report Lots of nine-hole golf courses don’t get the respect they deserve. That’s not the case at a nine-hole layout on the campus of The University of the South.

The Course at Sewanee, which opened in 1915, has played to rave reviews throughout its history.

Recently it received recognition from Golf Magazine as the “Nine-Hole U.S. Renovation of the Year for 2013.”

Other courses honored by Golf Magazine were: Emerald Dunes Club (Best New Short-Game Practice Facility), Carne Golf Links (Best New International Addition), Evian Resort be Golf Club (European Renovation of the Year) and the Dunes Golf and Beach Club (U.S. Classic Course Renovation of the Year).

The magazine’s architecture and course ranking editor Joe Passov a part of such a released the awards earlier this year. historical golf course?”

Veteran PGA of America professional Daniels asked.

Matt Daniels became manager in 2012 “Architect Gil Hanse and has seen the renovations to the took an almost perfect Bishop Albion Knight course piece of property and from an up close and carefully added his personal point of view. touches to make Acclaimed designer a championship Gil Hanse (Taconic track. To be part of a start-up Golf Club of Williams and grow in is unique.”

College, Castle Daniels has extensive Stuart Golf Links experience in his 24 years in Scotland, and as a professional. The the Capstone Club Lawrenceburg native earned at the University Class A status with the PGA of of Alabama), was America in 1998. He spent 13 charged with the years at the Bear Trace at Tims Matt Daniels Ford renovations, and as the head professional according to Daniels and general manager. He also Head Golf didn’t disappoint. has had stints at Memphis Professional National and Chenal (Ark.) Country “Who wouldn’t want to

Club. He spent six years working for 100-year celebration of the campus Bill ‘Goose’ Munguia in Memphis. course.

Hanse, who also is designing the In addition to a great golf course, course for the 2016 Olympic Games in historic Sewanee Inn is worth visiting.

Rio de Janeiro, began the renovating It reopened in May. The Course at Sewanee in 2011.

“It’s one of the coolest According to Passov, Hanse’s inns in the South,” Daniels renovations kept the original said. routing of the holes. Other Golf packages are than that, he redid just about an important part of everything. All of the green the new-look course, complexes were rebuilt and he Daniels said.

Steve added new bunkers and put in “Sewanee and The new alternate tees.

University of the South Ventola A new clubhouse design also is a great place,” he said. is planned, with construction Superintendant “There are lots of things to do if you love the great outdoors.”

Now that the renovations are complete, it’s up to Daniels, superintendent Steve Ventola, assistant superintendent Chris Mizener, equipment manager Scott Kibler, senior greenskeeper Jeremy Blalock and their greenskeeper crew, Barry Lane, Bryan Lane, Scot McCreight, and Zach Kilgore, to make sure the The Inn at Sewanee 419 bermuda fairways, fescue rough and bentgrass greens are scheduled to begin sometime this immaculate for another 100 years. summer. Plans are in the works for a http://thecourseatsewanee.com/

June 2014

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Equipment Corner Bridgestone celebrates “Made in the USA” with limited edition e6 COVINGTON, Ga. — Bridgestone Golf has released a limited edition version of its popular e6 golf ball to celebrate that all of its premium golf ball lines are now manufactured in the United States.

Golf’s No. 1-ball fitter, the new release of the e6 offers the same side-spin reducing technology players have come to love in a cool, commemorative package.

While it has manufactured certain ball models in the U.S. for years, in February Bridgestone Golf transitioned manufacturing of all of its premium balls from Japan to its North America headquarters in Georgia.

To celebrate the move, Bridgestone’s Limited Edition USA e6 features an outline of the United States map filled with an American Flag-like pattern emblazoned on each ball. Also, the balls receive an extra dose of national

pride with eye-catching red, white and blue hued packaging.

“Bridgestone is excited that all of our premium balls are now manufactured right here in the United States, particularly at a time when many traditionally-American golf brands have chosen to move their operations off shore,” said Dan Murphy, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Bridgestone Golf, Inc. “Like so many golf consumers, we truly value U.S. manufacturing and domestic job

Maui Jim adds Big Easy as ambassador When Ernie Els was offered the chance to join Maui Jim as an ambassador, the professional golfer known as the Big Easy said the decision was, well, easy.

The 70-time worldwide winner came on board the brand’s team earlier this year.

Long before I became an ambassador for Maui Jim,” Els said, “I was a customer who bought many pairs of their great sunglasses over the last several years. That’s sometimes how the best relationships start; and it certainly is the case here. This is a world-class product; and I’m happy to be part of the Maui Jim family.”

As a former World No. 1, Els’ professional victories include four major hcampionships, two World Golf Championships and seven World Match Play titles. His victories have come in events in South Africa,

Europe, the United States, Asia, the Far East, the Middle East and Australasia. In 2011, he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame and into the South African Golf Hall of Fame in 2009.

Maui Jim director of golf and tennis John Romaine said Els was a natural

creation, and each of these e6s that are put into play will have been proudly produced right here in America.”

The e6, one of Bridgestone’s flagship models, is the softest multilayer golf ball on the market. Designed to help players eliminate slices and hooks, it reduces side-spin for straighter distance. Currently the top-selling e Series model worldwide, the e6 ball is also available in white, yellow and orange.

Bridgestone’s Limited Edition USA e6 golf ball are now available nationwide at retail outlets where Bridgestone products are sold.

Bridgestone’s Limited Edition USA e6 balls feature a street price of $26.99 per dozen.

Visit www.bridgestonegolf.com to learn more about Bridgestone Golf’s entire 2014 line of Made in the USA golf balls. http://www.bridgestonegolf.com/ fit for the company.

“For us, Ernie is more than a worldclass golfer,” Romaine said. “He’s the perfect partner with whom to work. He’s a family man with a giving heart who has created Els for Autism to establish an Autism Center of Excellence. In the coming year, Maui Jim will assist Ernie with raising funds during The Els for Autism & Golf Challenge in Florida and South Africa.”

Els is wearing Maui Jim’s World Cup sunglasses, among other styles.

All Maui Jim lenses use patented PolarizedPlus2® lens technologies that eliminate 100 percent of UV rays and 99.9 percent of glare from above, below and behind each lens.

Maui Jim is the only company whose lenses feature a combination of three rare earth elements that produce true, vibrant colors. These rare earth elements also enhance definition and depth perception to produce crisper and more accurate views of the fairways and greens.

For more information, visit MauiJim. com or follow on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest at @OfficialMauiJim.

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Antigua unveils spring 2014 Men’s Performance 72 Golf Collection Antigua recently unveiled its spring ‘14 Men’s Performance 72 Golf Collection, a product line that features a variety of colors.

Antigua’s Spring ‘14 Performance 72 Golf Collection for men includes 17 shirt models, 12 outerwear tops and seven hats -- as well as its proprietary Desert Dry and Desert Dry Xtra-Lite moisture management technology that wicks away moisture.

“It’s bright and bold - really colorful,” president and CEO of Antigua Ron McPherson said. “Golf has always been a colorful business and this year just a little bit more intense. The consumer is really wearing bright colors right now and having fun with it. This line has vivid color, sophisticated styling and luxurious fabrics … truly a winning combination.”

McPherson said Antigua was one of the first manufacturers to adopt tech fabrics.

“We developed Desert Dry and Desert Dry Xtra-Lite, and we use them across our men’s and women’s products,” he said. “They perform extremely well.”

Along with the performance technology and bright colors, the collection brings an ideal fit that’s specific to golf. Attention to details includes the likes of eliminating the sleeve cap, so that the garment performs with you and not against you, allowing golfers freedom of swing motion.

Antigua also used lightweight stretch material in the outerwear to keep golfers comfortable in a wide outside temperature range. http://www.shop.antigua.com/

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Tennessee golf schedules TENNESSEE GOLF ASSOCIATION April 23-26

May 21-23

June 5-8

June 14-15

June 16-20

July 8-10

July 8-10

July 24-27

Senior Four-Ball, Super Senior Four-ball,

WindRiver, Lenoir City

SunTrust State Open Championship,

Belle Meade Country Club, Nashville

Four-Ball Championship,

The Grove, College Grove

Father-Son Championship,

Stonehenge Golf Club, Fairfield Glade

Women’s Amateur Championship,

Cherokee Country Club, Knoxville

Junior Amateur Championship,

Sevierville Golf Club (River), Sevierville

Girls Junior Championship,

Sevierville Golf Club (Highlands), Sevierville

Match Play, Senior Match Play,

July 31-Aug. 2 Golf Capital of Tennessee Women’s Open,

Aug. 5-8

Aug. 19-20

State Amateur Championship,

Women’s Four-Ball Championship,

Aug. 27-29

Mid-Amateur Championship,

Oct. 18-19

Challenge Cup Matches,

Sept. 22-24 Women’s Senior Amateur Championship,

Sept. 24-26 Senior Amateur Championship,

Holston Hills Country Club, Knoxville

Stonehenge Golf Club, Fairfield Glade

Memphis Country Club, Memphis

Club at Fairvue Plantation, Gallatin

The Honors Course, Ooltewah

Old Hickory Country Club, Old Hickory

Jackson Country Club

Stonehenge Golf Club, Fairfield Glade

TENNESSEE PGA April 7

April 14

April 28-29

May 5-6

May 12-13

May 30

June 1

June 9-10

Yamaha Pro-Assistant,

Club Car Pro-Official Championship,

National Car Rental Harold Eller Pro-Am,

Electronic Merchant Systems Pro-Am,

Tennessee Senior State Open,

FedEx St. Jude Classic pre-qualifier,

FedEx St. Jude Classic qualifier,

Pro-Junior,

July 14-15

Capital City Golf Association Open,

July 21-22

July 28-29

Aug. 4-5

Aug. 11

Aug 18-20

Sept. 8-9

Sept. 22-23 Sept. 29-30

Oct. 18-19 Oct. 20

Oct. 27

Stonehenge Golf Club, Fairfield Glade

Windyke Country Club-East, Memphis

Creeks Bend Golf Club, Hixson

Stones River, Murfreesboro,

June 30-July 1 PGA Junior,

June 30-July 1 The Classic,

Old Hickory Country Club, Old Hickory

Milestone Golf Club, Morristown

Windyke Country Club-East, Memphis

Ira Templeton Chattanooga Open,

June 16

Bear Trace-Harrison Bay, Harrison

Spring Creek Ranch, Collierville

Temple Hills Country Club, Franklin

City of Crossville Team Championship,

Spring Creek Ranch, Collierville

McCabe Field Golf Course, Nashville

Lake Tansi Golf Club, Crossville

National Car Rental Assistant Championship, Governor’s Club, Brentwood

Senior Section Championship,

News Sentinel Open qualifier,

Old Natchez Country Club, Franklin

Three Ridges Golf Course, Willow Creek, Knoxville

46th Tennessee Professional Championship, Holston Hills, Knoxville

Lincoln’s Classic,

Yamaha Players Championship,

E-Z Go Pro-Pro Championship,

Challenge Cup Matches, Pro-Pro Scramble,

Yamaha Pro-Super,

Oak Ridge Country Club, Oak Ridge

Foxland Harbor Golf and Country Club, Gallatin Blackthorn Club, Jonesborough

Stonehenge Golf Course, Fairfield Glade Hillwood Country Club, Nashville

Hermitage Golf Course, President’s Reserve, Old Hickory

June 2014

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TEE TIMES

21

Fox wins Open with final-round charge

Tee Times report

Steven Fox saved his best for last at the SunTrust State Open Championship recently, and the result was a come-from-behind victory over amateur Brandon Rodgers.

Fox, the 2012 U.S. Amateur and 2013 Tennessee State amateur champion, entered the final round at Belle Meade Country Club in Nashville trailing Jason Millard by four shots.

Propelled by a birdie on the first hole, Fox scorched Belle Meade with a 5-under-par 66 to overtake Millard and the rest of the field. His three-round total (70-73-66) of 4-under 209 edged Rodgers, an amateur, by one shot. Rodgers closed with a 1-under-par 70 to Steven Fox finish at 210.

Brandon Rodgers Fox went out in 32 and Loren Personett Jr added two birdies on the back nine to complete his Jason Millard 66, which tied John Burch Grant Hirschman III for the low round of the Johan Kok event, also shot on the final Garrett Willis day.

Dawson Armstrong Loren Personett Jr., Mil- Marshall Talkington lard and Collierville’s Grant Carlson Cox IV Hirschman each finished at Davis Shore 211, the only other players

to break par at Belle Meade.

Defending champion Garrett Willis finished tied for sixth at even-par 213.

It was Fox’s first professional victory in Tennessee.

The first Tennessee State Open Championship was played in 1949. Pat Abbott of Memphis won with a score of 211 at Belle Meade Country Club in Nashville. Mason Rudolph is the leader with a total of six State Open Championships. Gibby Gilbert holds the record for the most consecutive championships, winning three straight from 1988-1990.

Results

Hendersonville Knoxville Mt Juliet Murfreesboro Collierville Brentwood Loudon Brentwood Jackson Church Hill Knoxville

209 210 211 211 211 213 213 214 215 215 215

Brandon Rogers

Steven Fox

Tips from Johnny

By Johnny Warren • Johnny Warren Golf Academy The Club at Fairvue Plantation • www.jwga.net • 615-206-0813

Fat and Thin Shots

You have just hit a great drive down the middle of the fairway, only to follow it up with a bladed 7 iron or a fat shot that makes it halfway to the green. Does that sound familiar? Here is a drill I use that will help you make clean and 1 consistent contact with your iron shots.

1. In a very closely mown area, place 2 tees down into the ground about 4 to 5 inches apart. (photo 1) 2. Place the leading edge of the clubhead directly between the 2 tees. (photo 2) 3. Now swing the club all the way to a complete finish. After holding your finish for a moment, you should check and find a very small divot that 3

begins slightly on the “target side” of the tees (the divot should also point towards your target). (photo 3) If your divot starts before the tees, it is an indication that your clubhead has passed your hands prematurely. Should this happen, make some slow practice swings and stop at impact. If your hands have reached the 2 tees prior to the 2 clubhead reaching the tees, you are in a better impact position.

You may occasionally place a ball between the tees while doing this drill, and with daily practice you should be well on your way to more consistent iron shots.

Charles Waylon Trent Evans born May 12, 2014 7 lb 12 oz 19” long Parents: Wayne (Ted Rhodes) and Vicki Evans Sisters: Kelly Grace and Caroline

Photo credit: Photography By Impressions, Inc.

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June 2014

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Johnson, Page snare Schooldays titles Tee Times report

Kevin Lee

Trevor Johnson

Boys Champion Trevor Johnson (age 16) Brentwood H.S. H.S. Coach: Tom Shaw Swing Coach: Brain Lackey

Boys Runner up Austin Lancaster (age 16) Hendersonville H.S. H.S. Coach: Coach Andy Gilley Swing Coach: David Tucker

Kevin Lee

In what’s become the norm, the Tennessean’s annual Schooldays golf tournament provided plenty of excitement among some of the area’s top junior golf talent.

Even though three-time defending girls champion Alexandra Farnsworth and two-time champ Kevin Lee couldn’t try to add to their Schooldays trophy collection, they were present to award trophies to this year’s winners as the tournament celebrated its 90th anniversary.

Not even rainy conditions could undermine the excitement of the championship matches.

In the 12-13 boys division, Gavin Clements needed 23 holes before finally toppling Jackson Elizinga 1 up on McCabe’s South Course.

In the girls division, Franklin Road Academy’s Nicole Page and Hendersonville’s Meghann Stamps battled to the 18th hole before Page emerged with a 1-up victory.

Until the championship, Stamps looked to be the player to beat, shooting 65 in qualifying and winning two matches 6&5.

The 36-hole boys’ championship match provided its share of thrills as Brentwood’s Trevor Johnson and Hendersonville’s Austin Lancaster battled shot for shot. In the end, Johnson edged Lancaster 3&2 for the title.

The three-day tournament is open to boys and girls players ages 12-17 as of June 3 and who reside in the Alexandra newspapers primary circulation area.

Austin Farnsworth

Lancaster

Alexandra Farnsworth

Nicole Page

Girls Champion Nicole Page (age16) Franklin Road Academy H.S. Coach: Glenn Tackett Coach Matt Killen

Meghann Stamps

Runner Up Girls Meghann Stamps (age 16) Hendersonville High H.S. Coach: Andy Gilley Swing Coach: Cornell Odom

Champion 12-13 Gavin Clements (age 13) Grassland Middle School School Coach: Coach Paul Breece Coach Tom Shaw

Jackson Elzinga

Runner Up 12-13 Jackson Elzinga (age 13) Brentwood Academy, 8th. Grade BA Coach: Ed Hessey Swing Coach: Gaylon Cude

Gavin Pro Clements Personett

Drive, Chip and Putt registration continues

Registration for Middle Tennessee’s Drive, Chip and Putt competition continues through June 25.

The competition is scheduled for June 25 at Smyrna Golf Course. Boys and girls ages 7-15 are eligible for the championship in four age divisions.

There is no entry fee. Register at www. drivechipandputt.com.

For information about local qualifying, contact Graham Honeycutt of Tennessee PGA at ghoneycutt@pgahq.com or call 615-465-6313

www.teetimespaper.com

June 2014

TEE TIMES

Wingate claims SAC women’s title

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Tee Times report SEVIERVILLE – Wingate ended a five-year drought recently when it won the South Atlantic Conference women’s golf championship at Sevierville Golf Club.

It was the first conference title for Wingate since 2008, and it was accomplished with ease. Wingate rolled to a 17-shot victory over Coker.

The Bulldogs won with a 996 total in the 54-hole event, going wire to wire after taking a 10-shot lead after one round.

Wingate’s Johanna Neumann captured the individual title, finishing at 231 after closing with a 74.

Neumann won the award by seven strokes over Catawba’s Madison Kennedy, and became the third SAC individual medalist in Wingate history.

Carson-Newman tied with Newberry for third in the team standings at 1,015. They were followed by No. 5 Queens at 1,026, No. 6 Catawba at 1,027, No. 7 Tusculum at 1,056 and No. 8 Lincoln Memorial at 1062.

Anderson, Lenoir-Rhyne and Mars Hill completed the field with respective team scores

of 1,095, 1,113 and 1,140.

Joining Neumann and Kennedy as on the first team all-tournament team were Coker’s Taylor Demby (239), LMU’s Sydney Gallant (244) and l-r: Lucia Careaga Herrera, Samantha PughQueens’ Grace Glaze (247).

Gilder, Caitlin Starrs, Megan Taylor, Johanna Tusculum’s Sara Howard (249) Neumann ( SAC Tourney Champ and Regular led the second-team honorees. season player of the year ), Head coach Jerry Carson-Newman’s Meridith Surratt ( SAC Coach of the year) Hawkins (250), Catawba’s Leslie Long (250) and Newberry’s Sophia Ortiz (250) were second-team selections, while Carson-Newman’s Chelsea Passmore (252), Newberry’s Marianna Monaco (252), Newberry’s Eline Askeland (252) and Wingate’s Megan Taylor (252) also were second-team selections.

Tee Times report SEVIERVILLE, Tenn.

– Carson-Newman took the South Atlantic Conference men’s golf championship down to the last hole before emerging with a one-stroke victory over Wingate.

The tournament was played at Sevierville Golf Club. It was Carson-Newman’s first SAC l-r: Dalton Reese, Randy Wylie, Corey Bray, Nick men’s title since 2004.

Kennedy, Rafael Jackson, Jonathan Kim-Moss The Eagles leapfrogged from third to first place in the final round. Jonathan Kim-Moss and Nicklaus Kennedy each shot 77 in the final round to spark the surge. Carson-Newman’s final-round 314 was the low round. The Eagles finished at 925.

Wingate’s Bob Gebhart shot 72 in the final round to claim medalist at even-par 216. He is the first Bulldog to claim the SAC individual title since Greg Hamilton in 2001.

Newberry finished third in the team standings at 931, followed by Lincoln

Memorial in fourth at 934 and Tusculum in fifth at 935. Just 15 strokes separated the No. 1 through No. 5 positions in the final team standings.

Completing the field was No. 6 Queens at 943, No. 7 Coker at 950, No. 8 Brevard at 963, No. 9 Catawba at 965, No. 10 Mars Hill at 969, No. 11 Anderson at 973 and No. 12 Lenoir-Rhyne at 976.

Kim-Moss and Tusculum’s Nick Forsberg finished tied for second on the individual leaderboard at 227. Rounding out the all-tournament first team were Newberry’s Tommy Hurst and Catawba’s Matt Hardman, who tied for fourth at 229.

The second team consisted of Kennedy, Newberry’s Richard Mansell and LMU’s Connor Froning – each of whom tied for sixth at 229 – and Queens’ Alex Weare and Mars Hill’s Adam Lumley, who tied for ninth at 230.

Carson-Newman claims SAC men’s title

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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.

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