May 2012

May 2012

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

Vanderbilt Legends Club Host NCAA Women’s Championship Page 3

Inside!!

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Canyon Ridge wows Tee Time Travelers Knoxville’s Three Ridges prepared for inaugural NGA Brad Shirley & Rob Merritt showcase Country Hills Dancing Rabbit’s Mark Powell eager to share passion

May 2012

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TEE TIMES

May 2012

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An unforgettable trip to Canyon Ridge

Many thanks to Doug Amor and his staff for hosting the Tee Time Travelers for mountain golf at Canyon Ridge Golf Club.

its unique layout and design and spectacular vistas, would be a perfect fit for the group.

The 21/2-hour trip to Canyon Ridge from Nashville was filled with door prizes, including golf balls, rounds of golf, hats, putters, tees, grips, apparel, golf instruction and more, all donated from courses, retail shops, manufacturers and teaching pros.

With 50 golfers aboard, the trip flew by, thanks in part to our driver Pat Hughes, who also loves golf.

Upon arrival, Canyon Ridge’s Doug Amor and his staff show the group the driving range and directed them to the pavilion for what could only be described as a feast of a lunch.

The pavilion itself is an impressive structure featuring a vaulted roof with a beamed ceiling and a huge stone fireplace. The back of the facility is open, providing an unforgettable view of the distant mountains and valley.

Rising Fawn’s answer to Paula Deen.

The best lunch ever catered on the mountain. Meet Mountain Mary and fiancée, Gary. Too good to describe.

Midstate’s “Best Course You Can Play” - GolfWeek Magazine

Look way down yonder at the # 6 green, say (l) Joey Smith, Bill Pritchett, and Fred Barnes all from Nashville.

Boulders the size of Volkswagens provide excellent vantage points for those who dare climb on them.

A lunch catered by Mountain Mary was country cooking at its finest, reminiscent of Paula Deen with no seasoning held back.

Among the dishes were Cowboy Baked Beans, mountain- made chicken salad, Texas Caviar, Swamp Crackers, etc. There will be some recipes on the Website later.

Kathy Littlejohn, who drove 41/2 hours from Ashville, N.C., won the women’s Tour Edge 3-wood, and she and friend June Groh, were excited especially after the long drive.

Gary Farris, Nashville won the men’s version of the club.

Joyce Pulver and Laura Amundsen of Atlanta also made the trip to experience Canyon Ridge.

Amor shared some tips and an overview of Canyon Ridge and warned of the need to lay up on No. 6 because of the ravine. With that, 38 men and 12 women hit the links.

At No. 6, players were greeted by hostesses Carol and Susan, who delighted in reminding to remember what Amor said about laying up. Time and time again, players ignored for forgot that tip. And each time, the hostesses invited players to peer over the ravine’s edge to the green below. They cheered when a few landed on the green or if they made it to the fairway. They were sympathetic when the ball landed in the gorge, bounced off the roof of the chalet below or careened off the many boulders that line either side of the cart path.

Tee Time Travelers enjoyed our round at this unique course. We thank Doug Amor, his staff, Mountain Mary and her crew for providing a truly enjoyable experience. You don’t have to be a Tee Time Traveler member to enjoy this course, go to www.canyonridgegolf.com or call (706)398-0882 and tell them the Tee Time Travelers recommended their facility.

This was our first trip, but not our last.

Check out teetimespaper.com for info on our next one day trip and our next two-day.

Book your tee times today

615-458-1730 | GaylordSprings.com

These ladies did not “Get on the Bus, Gus but came by car from afar. (L) June Groh, Ashville,NC, Kathy Littlejohn, Ashville,NC, Laura Amundsen, Atlanta, and Joyce Pulver, Atlanta.

Joe Hall, publisher of Tee Times and the host for the Tee Time Travelers, Kathy Littlejohn, Ashville,NC., winner of the Ladies Tour Edge 3-wood, and PGA Professional Doug Amor, head golf professional/GM.

Lynda Burman yells out in joy, her shot came off the overhanging cliff, Hole # 6, and landed on the fairway approaching the green.

Doug Amor, PGA Professional and head golf professional, Gary Farris, Nashville,TN., and Joe Hall, Tee Time Travelers host

Tour Edge Bridgestone SeeMore Art Quick Golf Galaxy Golfsmith TGA Golf Headquarters Sun Mountain Fran Boone Uncle Classic Barbershop Edwin Watts GolfTec Ben Rager, Riverside Olde World Leaf & Ale Nike Callaway Governors Club Temple Hills Country Club Brentwood Country Club Vanderbilt Legends Club Nashville Golf & Athletic Old Hickory Country Club Hermitage GC Gaylord Springs Windtree Pine Creek Kings Creek Forrest Crossing

T H A N K S. . .

Tee Times report Our invitation read ‘Get on the bus, Gus’ and travel via Anchor/Trailways Charter with us to Canyon Ridge Golf Club.

Tee Times publisher Joe Hall has been encouraged to put together group outings for day trips to some of the region’s best courses and to some hidden gems, as well.

McCabe pro shop employee Kent Rucker especially was adamant about making the trip, if one ever came to fruition, to Canyon Ridge Golf Club in Rising Fawn, Ga. Canyon Ridge seemed to be the perfect fit for the inaugural Tee Times day trip. Invitations were sent and trip details were posted on our Website (teetimespaper.com). As publishers of a regional golf publication, we think it’s important to introduce our readers to some of the unique courses in the region.

Selecting Canyon Ridge for the first trip was a no-brainer. Golf in middle Tennessee generally is not of the mountain variety, and we were certain C a nyo n Ridge, with

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May 2012

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NCAA women’s championship coming to Legends Club

By Jim Grosjean Tee Times contributor

“Lots of people who volunteered for the LPGA tournaments have missed that, so this is an opportunity and we really appreciate their enthusiasm,” he said.

Some spots are still available, however, so make inquiries to lisa.r.webb.1@vanderbilt.edu for more information.

The Vanderbilt Legends Club opened in 1992 and has been a sought-after tournament venue ever since. The Tom KiteBob Cupp design has played host to over two dozen important tournaments on the collegiate, state, and national levels including an LPGA event from 2000-2006. All-session and daily tickets will be available at the gate. Parking will Vandy Women’s Team: Marina Alex, Gabrielle Balit, Irina be located at First Presbyterian Church at the corner Gabasa, Anna Leigh Keith, Kimberly Koehler, Kendall of Franklin Road and Legends Club Lane.

Martindale, Rene Sobolewski, Lauren Stratton Coaches:

The top 24 collegiate women’s golf teams will be headed to Franklin, Tenn., on May 22-25 for the 2012 NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championship.

Vanderbilt University is the host school for the event that will be played at the Vanderbilt Legends Club. It’s the first NCAA Championship to come to Middle Tennessee.

Golf fans from around the country will Greg Allen - Head Coach, Holly Clark - Assistant Coach get a chance to see the future LPGA stars competing for the trophy signifying the year’s best women’s golf team.

Vanderbilt earned the right to host the tournament through a bid process that dates to 2008 on the suggestion of UCLA coach Carrie Forsyth after the Mason If the cards fall correctly in reg Rudolph tournament that year. UCLA’s coach told Vanderbilt coach Greg Allen ional qualifying, the NCAA Women ’s that teams love the Legends facility and Franklin.

Golf Championship could have a decidedly Southeastern Con ference It took the better part of 2009 to put together the bid that was accepted in flair as seven schools are ranked in the Top 15. If an SEC team doe early 2010. sn’t win, how about the Pac-10, a con ference with four teams in the Top Allen cut his teeth in the golf business by running tournaments for the 10?

Here’s a list of potential nation al champions: American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), and handling the Mason Rudolph tournaments makes overseeing the NCAA Championship a little less daunting.

1. UCLA: Erynne Lee, Lee Lopez He has put the planning and organization of the tournament in the capable hands and Tiffany Lua give top-ranked Bruins a great 1-2-3 of tournament co-directors Lori Alexander from Vanderbilt, and Dr. Michael punch.

Shelby, representing the Legends Club.

2. Alabama: Crimson Tide spent Allen has been focused on coaching this spring, and says “It’s been hard to part of the sea son atop the national rankings kind of back away, but I have total trust in what they’re doing, that this will be and have three of the top 13 players in an outstanding NCAA Championship. The teams that come and play will say this the country according to Golfweek rankings. is one of the best they’ve played in because we have a great golf course and the support of the community and the folks at Legends.”

3. Southern Cal: Trojans played The NCAA is in charge of staging the tournament which will be played on nation’s toughest schedule this season and are led by Lisa the North course. NCAA officials will make decisions on everything from the McCloskey. speed of the greens to the length of the rough to the placement of flagsticks.

4. Arizona State: Giulia Mol Once NCAA Golf Liason Carol Reep arrives with her 20 USGA rules officials, the inaro is Sun Dev ils top player, ranked fourth by championship is theirs to run.

Golfweek Some changes to the North course have already been determined and that 5. Auburn: How good are the should make for some exciting play. The fourth hole will be played from forward Tigers? They won the SEC championship beh tees as a par 4 instead of the usual long par 5. To keep the front side as a par 36, ind the play of medalist Patricia Sanz, who had the ninth hole will become a short par five. not finished higher than 16th this season.

In the final two rounds, the par 4 second hole will be played from forward tees, opening up the option of driving the green, while bringing the lake on the left 6. LSU: Tigers were disappointi more into play. The par five 18th hole will also be played from front tees, setting ng 7th at SEC, but feature three players ranked between Nos up a great birdie or eagle opportunity at the end of the round. . 25-29.

Vanderbilt is not guaranteed a berth in the championship field and the Commodores are going all out to qualify for a tournament on their home track.

7. Duke: Blue Devils have the top player in the country in Although consistently ranked in the top 10, , only eight teams from each of the Lindy Duncan and are annual con ten ders. three regional tournaments make the finals. Senior Marina Alex is coming off a second place finish at the SEC Tournament and is looking forward to ending her 8. North Carolina: Tar Heels don’t have highly ranked career at Vanderbilt on a high note. players but are solid from top to bot tom.

“I feel good about my game,” she said. “I’m excited and to be out here for my last event would be great.”

9. California: Bears don’t have the national women’s golf The city of Franklin and the Cool Springs business community are providing reputation but they do have Dan iela Holmqvist welcome support for the tournament. Franklin police will handle traffic on Franklin Road alongside the golf course. There will be a welcome dinner for the 10. Vanderbilt: Commodores might be teams catered by Pucketts, Vince Gill will entertain that evening at the Franklin somewhat of a longshot, but if they make through Theater, and the closing banquet will be at Embassy Suites. Teams and coaches, qualifying they will have hom e-course advantage and a as well as media and officials will stay in the Cool Springs area, just a five-minute pro-Vandy crowd backing them all the way. drive from the course. According to Shelby, response for volunteers has been excellent.

NCA A hopefuls

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TEE TIMES

May 2012

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FarmLinks adds Savoie, golf academy

By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times editor SYLCAUGA – Layne Savoie brings a wealth of experience to his latest venture heading up the new golf academy at FamLinks Golf Club.

As a junior player, Savoie was a frequent visitor to David Leadbetter in Orlando. As a college player at Auburn University, he was taught

by Chuck Cook and Hank Johnson.

He’s played professionally, taught under Cook and also coached men and women on the NCAA Division I level at Arkansas and Florida State.

Yeah, he’s got experience, and the 37-year-old Savoie is confident that combined with the outstanding facilities at FarmLinks, a successful golf academy is in the cards.

“I have a passion for teaching,” he said. “I’ve studied the game all my life. I think I can offer any skill level a lot, especially with this experience out here.”

The academy, which opened April 15, is available for group and individual instruction.

Savoie remains close friends with former Auburn teammate and PGA

Tour winner Jason Dufner.

“I always try to stay objective and take my experiences as a player, coach and teacher and formulate that into one,” he said. “I don’t subscribe to one methodology except for what my experiences have led me to believe and having tried to develop myself into a high caliber of player on the college circuit and PGA Tour.”

Savoie

is confident that despite its rural setting, FarmLinks’ facilities and his reputation for teaching will attract students.

“If you have a good product, they’ll show up,” he said. “It might take a little time but we have full support here. I’m going to have to build it from scratch.”

Savoie went through a laundry list of plusses he has in working with FarmLinks.

“The facility is a starting point,” he said. “We have

ability to get the ball in the hole are separators in juniors.”

Savoie said he expects prospective students to evaluate him as much as he evaluates them.

“You need to understand how a teacher is going to operate,” he said.

And with a background in college coaching, Savoie’s help can be invaluable in guiding junior players along a college path.

He also tries to get players to understand the learning curve in their golf game.

Layne Savoie

as good or better driving range than anywhere in the state. We have technology with Trackman and high-speed motion analysis that is second to none. I Layne Savoie is confident the FarmLinks can promise you a Golf Academy can grow into one of the top top-10 player can teaching facilities in the region. come here and train for a day and “First thing you have to admit feel fully satisfied with what he accomplished on the range with something is wrong; then you have this piece of property. He can fine to fix it with a teacher present,” he said. “You need heavy coaching to tune his game here.”

Savoie enjoys teaching junior fix what’s wrong, then you have to be able to do it by yourself without players.

“With kids, you have to be very a teacher or parent present. Then simple with them,” he said. “They you have to do it on the golf course; have the ability to do things that then you have to do it on the course older people don’t because of in a tournament. Then you have where they are in life and how to do it on the golf course under their brain is developing and how pressure to win the tournament.”

Savoie admits it’s not an easy they respond to different learning process. experiences and environments.”

“You see it unravel on the PGA He also emphasizes the short Tour every week,” he said. game with junior players.

But Savoie is confident he can “I help them with their full swing but I try to build around the short help anyone of any skill level game,” he said. The golf swing might improve. In turn, that should lead be the easiest thing in developing to more enjoyment.

For information, go to great juniors. It’s the other things — course management, work farmlinksgolfclub.com. ethic, attitude, practice habits and

Tips from Johnny

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

Allow Your Arms To Hang Freely

1

2

3

A problem I frequently see among high handicap golfers is the urge to reach for the ball.(Photo 1) This creates tension in the shoulders and arms which leads to poor struck balls and off line shots. The most common swing problem I see when reaching excessively for the ball is an over the top, out to in path, producing a pull or slice. A great way to correct this problem is by getting into an athletic posture without a club while allowing your arms to hang freely from your shoulders (Photo 2).

The first thing you will probably notice is the ease and lack of tension in your shoulders and arms. Now put a club in your hands and continue to allow your arms to hang. A good rule of thumb is to have about a closed hand width between your pants and the grip end of the club (Photo 3). This is a simple correction that will do wonders for your swing.

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

TEE TIMES

May 2012

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Former amateur great Lewis dies at 68 Tee Times report Dan Lewis was well-known in golf circles around the Mid-South dating back to his days as a star college golfer at Middle Tennessee State University.

As recently as 2011, Lewis was still grinding away on the golf course at a high level, even shooting his age at 67.

His golf prowess is part of what he’ll be remembered for. Lewis passed away recently at age 68.

In 1965, Lewis helped MTSU to the NCAA Division II golf championship.

When he completed school, he embarked on a long and stellar career in golf. He was a five-time Bluegrass Club champion and he was a former director of the Tennessee Golf Association.

Lewis played in several Tennessee Cup matches,

including the inaugural one in 1968.

He was a frequent participant in the Mid-South Cup matches and he and partner Johnny Moore played in more than 50 four-ball events throughout the U.S. during a span of 20 years. He won the Tennessee state four-ball with Marty Graham and was a regular participant in TGA events such as the state open, state amateur and various senior events.

Away from the course, Lewis made his mark in the business world by starting the American Trust Bank and Investors Savings and Loan.

Survivors include wife Carolene, a son and daughter and a stepson and two stepdaughters.

Your Home Course

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tim Benton Larry Rea Chuck Cavalaris David Widener Jim Grosjean

TECHNICAL ADVISOR Jimmy Phillips

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.

P.O. Box 40266 • Nashville, TN 37204 • Phone: 615-331-1078 • Fax: 1-866-579-4932

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

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

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TEE TIMES

May 2012

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Three Ridges eager to host NGA event

By Chuck Cavalaris Tee Times contributor

week, but only one spot is expected to be available. The TGA Section also has one qualifying spot available.

“You get in it to win it,” Brown said. “We’re pumped about the extremely high level of play and quality competition that’s going to be out here for an entire week.”

There also will be a Pro-Am on May 23. Call 865-687-4797 for sponsorship information.

The outlook at Three Ridges

The revitalization of Three Ridges Golf Course in Knoxville is taking another step forward with the inaugural National Golf Association Pro Series tournament on May 24-27.

“We actually had them inquire about playing here last year,” Class A club professional Mark Brown said of an event that landed at River Islands.

“When they (NGA officials) inquired again, we felt more comfortable about moving forward with it.

“This is much more about giving back to the community than trying to make money,” Brown said. “If we just break even the first year, I will be happy with it.”

The tournament should have a minimum purse of $150,000, including $22,000 to the winner. The field will be limited to 156 players and will be cut to the low 55 and ties after 36 holes.

Jeff Harlow (NGA Tour Director), Scott Helle Open qualifying will be held (Caddie), Chas Narramore, August Luedecke (Tournament Director) on the Monday of tournament

Three Ridges club pro Mark Brown (left) and course superintendent Kevin Lewis.

has been on the upswing since Knox County took over management of the facility about three years ago. The county-owned course had been leased and there were concerns about where the profits were going and how much was spent to maintain the facility.

In the past couple of years, all greenside bunkers have been rebuilt in an attempt to correct a design or installation flaw when Three Ridges opened in 1990.

“Now that we’re able to manage things on a non-profit basis, we’re able to put all that money back into the golf course,” said Brown, who’s also the director of golf. “We also purchased a lot of equipment. We don’t have a bunch of mowers running around that are held together with rubber bands.

We are not trying to make do with stuff that constantly breaks down. It makes a big difference just having good equipment and it’s starting to show on the golf course.”

Three Ridges is in the northeast portion of Knox County and also played host to the Nike Tour in the mid1990s.

“The key to playing this golf course is being able to read the greens,” said Brown, who has been at Three Ridges for three years. “It can be very tricky.”

The 7,010-yard, par 72 layout has challenging par 3s and tough finishing holes on each nine. Wind and elevation changes also come into play.

Strong Local Ties: It will be a homecoming for several NGA Tour players, including former college standouts David Skinns (Tennessee) and Chas Narrmore (MTSU).

Skinns, of Lincolnshire, England, won

the 2011 event at River Islands and was the 2008 player of the year on the former Hooters Tour. He became a fivetime winner on the NGA Tour earlier this year in a playoff with Narramore, who is a Kingston native.

Narramore, whose first name is pronounced Chase, celebrated his 25th birthday April 28 and won his first NGA event the following day at Savannah Lakes Village Classic in McCormick, S.C. He tied the course record with a 10-under 62 in the second round and followed with back-to-back 67s.

“Any win is big out here, but to do it on my birthday is really nice,” Narramore said after winning by three shots with a 22-under 266. “I got to spent time with my family and friends and enjoy this one. There are so many incredible golfers on this tour. To get my first win in this atmosphere is special.”

Tour regulars include Jonathan Hodge of Strawberry Plains, who finished sixth in McCormick, and Knoxville’s David Holmes and Chase Carroll.

Also, Knoxville resident Brandon Bunn, who played at Memphis, is expected to play, while the tournament also will include former MTSU golfers Rick Cochran III, Kent Bulle and Jason Millard; former Southern Miss golfer Paul Apyan of Hixson; Nashville resident Josh Bevell, who played at Mississippi State; Spring Hill resident Chris Erwin (Valdosta State); and Chattanooga’s Bryce Ledford.

Chuck Cavalaris is a long-time sportswriter in Knoxville and is a licensed real estate agent in Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia. Send questions or comments to cavgolfer@ aol.com.

TEE TIMES

May 2012

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Length isn’t the story at Country Hills

By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times editor

Golf, and also has been at Brentwood Country Club, Hermitage Golf Course, Pine Creek and Gaylord Springs.

Right now, he’s enjoying Country Hills. “This is a golf course where you can come enjoy yourself with your buddies,� he said. “For me, more than anything it is small enough where I can run it the way I want to run it. I’ve been fortunate to be at some great places and I’ve learned from some great people.�

One appealing aspect of

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. – Don’t let Country Hills’ 6,000 yards fool you – this ain’t no pitch and putt golf course.

In fact, the 21-year old City of Hendersonville-owned course can play equally difficult as its much longer brethren, said head professional/general manager Brad Shirley. “We get a lot of people, especially some younger players, who come out here and think they can just hit driver off every tee,�

Shirley said. “That’s not always the best play. They’ll hit a driver and think they’ve hit a good shot and it’ll be in trouble. At the end of the day, they can’t believe that a course this short can put them in the 80s or 90s. “It’s one of the toughest sub6,000-yard courses you’ll play.�

With rolling fairways dotted with mounds and ridges, level lies are the exception rather than the norm at Country Hills. And, with blind approach shots and fast bent grass greens with subtle vecky, mechanic, Juan d, undulations, nearly every facet of a (l.r) Bill Willard, Chris Med Hernandez. Not picturers. el Ang and , tien player’s game is tested throughout Bas Art ina, Mol n with the course 23 yea Henry Applegate who has bee the round.

Shirley knows of what he speaks.

His pedigree in the golf business Country Hills, Shirley has been honed at some of the top public said, is that it gets a lot of repeat customers and private facilities in the region. He has so that it has a country club feel in a daily stops at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail’s fee setting.

Oxmoor Valley facility as the Director of “We have a lot of local player that come

here and you see a lot of the same faces,�

Shirley said. “They bring their friends and you get to know them like a country club.

We know what we are, who we are and we want to be a fun course where you can play in 4 1/2 hours. When the day is done, we want to be a place that you want to come back to play again.�

Another part of the Country Hills is that course superintendent Rob Merritt and his crew keeps the course well maintained despite the terrain’s challenge.

Merritt said his staff, which includes 23-year veteran Henry Applegate, Angel Hernandez, Art Bastien, Juan Molina, Chris

Medvecky (mechanic) and Bill Willard, are extremely hard working and go the extra mile to make sure the course is in tip-top condition throughout the year.

However, being a golfer Merritt knows what players expect when they visit. “I think it helps that I play because I get out and see the course from a golfer’s viewpoint,� Merritt said. “We’re trying to make money and if the course is too hard or the greens are too slow and the conditioning isn’t good, people won’t come back. They want to come and have a good time.�

Shirley said it’s refreshing to see Merritt mowing fairways and greens and being involved in the process. “I’ve been at places where you never saw the superintendent touch a piece of equipment,� he said.

It’s that type of hands-on involvement that helps make Country Hills unique. “Our staff works hard,� Shirley said. “Rob has good people working for him and our staff in the shop do a great job. I still enjoy being behind the counter and getting to know the customers . Shirley also credits assistant pros Rusty Pence, Paul Bossart and Chaz Downey, payroll manager Rob Phillips and food and Brad Shirley, PGA head golf beverage personnel Susie Sexton and professional and Rob Merritt, Desiree Collins with providing the superintendent. type of service that have kept the number of rounds on the rise.

Designed by Leon Howard and managed

by Golf Management, Country Hills might not be scary long, but it will provide enough of a challenge to keep players coming back for more. Affordable, convenient and fun ys perintendent sa to play – three things Rob Merritt,desusuits him to a tee. being outsi that are music to golfers’ ears.

For information about Country Brad Shirley is serious about customer service and Hills Golf Course, call 615-824-1100 or making sure the golfers visit chillsgc.com. have fun and enjoy every round at Country Hills.

4HE ONLY THING BETTER THAN A ROUND OF GOLF AT THE 2ESERVE IS TWO ROUNDS OF GOLF AT 4HE 2ESERVE AT #OLLINS 2IVER

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TEE TIMES

May 2012

www.teetimespaper.com Ted Rhodes Clubhouse

Aces Foxland Harbor

Bob Maynard, No. 15, 129 yards, 7-iron

Gallatin

Lambert Merryman, No. 4, 157 yards, PW Richard Stephenson, No. 8, 155 yards, 5-iron

Hermitage

Keith Pugh, No. 5 GR, 168 yards, 6-iron

Kings Creek

Fran Miller, No. 2, 89 yards, SW

Little Course at Conner Lane

Shereitte Stokes, No. 2, 124 yards, 8-iron

McCabe Middle

Sam Yinger, No. 3 north, 163, 5-iron Steve White, No. 2 middle, 142 yards, 9-iron Steve Roche, No. 8 middle, 165 yards, 5-iron Roy Jones, No. 12 south, 143 yards, 8-iron

Around Nashville Fairways

Sally Davis Superintendent of Golf Operations

Grow the game with juniors

One of the most important parts of a golf course manager’s duties is to make sure that we promote the game of golf.

We have witnessed the ebbs and flows of the golf industry during the last decade and one proven fact is that we need to grow the game of golf by bringing in new golfers at an early age.

When we host junior clinics, create junior golf associations and let juniors play for a reduced rate, we are actually investing in golf’s future. The juniors on our courses today are our future customers. When youth golfers learn the rules and etiquette before they on our busier courses, it golfers. Golf clinics and the children the tools fortable playing golf in Metro Parks Golf Courses activities this summer

Josh Lee, No. 15, 183 yards, 6-iron

Old Hickory CC Pebble Brook

Ronnie Dickerson, No. 6, 112 yards, 9-iron

Ted Rhodes

Roger Sledd, No. 15, 176 yards, 4-hybrid

Temple Hills

Jean Stephens, No. 3 Deercrest, 137 yards, 3-hybrid

The Links at Galloway, Memphis

Paul French, No. 16, 163 yards, 7-iron during the Rajun Cajun Crawfish Scramble

Two Rivers

Steve Duren, No. 8, 140 yards, 7-iron Betty Rooker, No. 14, 80 yards, 8-iron

Vanderbilt Legends Club Matt Rannals, No. 16 north, 151 yards, 9-iron

Windtree

George Poole, No. 11, 162 yards, 7-wood

Rules of Golf Q and A

Q:

McCabe

46th & Murphy Rd. • 615-862-8491

Twelve Stones Crossing Bill Pridemore, No. 17, 153 yards, 7-iron Mike Cheplick, No. 15, 185 yards, 6-iron

Harpeth Hills

2424 Old Hickory Blvd. • 615-862-8493

Which is correct regarding a player cleaning his ball?

A

He may not clean the ball when lifting it from casual water.

B

He may not remove grass adhering to the ball lying through the green.

C

He may clean the ball when it has been lifted because it interferes with play.

Find answer on page 23

actually begin to play makes life easier for all junior programs give they need to feel comdifferent settings. will be hosting several that will give junior golfers a chance to learn the game and enjoy some competition. Percy Warner Golf Course is home to the Percy Warner Junior Golf Association and this summer’s schedule of events is set.

If you are between the ages of 10 – 16, you can download an application at www.nashvillefairways.com. There also will be golf pros on staff this summer at Percy Warner to give lessons and teach clinics.

Junior Golf Camps are also scheduled to be held at Warner this summer. The camps are for one week, five days a week from 8 a.m. – noon. The staff will be focusing on junior golf throughout the summer. For information, call Kevin Forte or Mike Seward at 862-8493 or Robb Lent or Bill Gruenert at 352-9958.

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

Nashville Fairways Clippings Dates to remember 2012 James H. Fyke Municipal Amateur Championship • July 13-15 2012 James H. Fyke Women’s Municipal Amateur Championship • August 4-5 2012 James H. Fyke Senior Municipal Amateur Championship September 17-18 The Best Value in Tennessee Golf Passkey is a membership booklet containing discounts at 120 participating golf facilities across the Tennessee Section.

Get Yours Today! Golf More and Pay Less.

Normally $40.00, but use the Promotion Code TEE TIMES MAG and get $5.00 off your order for a limited time only!!!

Offer expires 6/1/2012 To Order or For More Information: - Go to www.passkeygolf.com - Call 615.790.7600 - Fax Order 615.790.8600 - Mail check to: Golf House Tennessee 400 Franklin Road Franklin, TN 37069 A portion of the proceeds of the TPGA Passkey Book goes to support Growth of the Game Initiatives including: x Special Olympics Golf Program x TPGA Junior Golf Academy x TGA Junior Tour x Play Golf America

Gaylord Springs Golf Links welcomes 2012 Tennessee State Open The 64th Annual SunTrust State Open Championship presented by Coca-Cola is set to begin, May 15th at Gaylord Springs Golf Links in Nashville.

The TGA State Open Championship is one of the oldest and most prestigious golf events in Tennessee, having been conducted every year since 1949.

Former winners include some of the biggest names in Tennessee golf (Mason Rudolph, Gibby Gilbert, Curtis Person, Larry Gilbert, Loren Roberts, Garrett Willis, and Bob Wolcott). The championship is a 54-hole stroke play competition which is open to Tennessee

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Section PGA Professionals and all other professionals who are residents of Tennessee. Amateurs who reside in Tennessee or a contiguous county of another state and have a handicap index of 10.0 or less from a TGA Member Club are also eligible to compete.

Other past TGA State Open champions in the field include: Pro James Paschal, PGA (1979), Pro Bob Wolcott, PGA (1983), Pro Rob Long (1987 & 2003), Pro Steve Munson, PGA (1991), Tim Jackson (2002), Pro Justin Metzger (2006), Pro Derek Rende (2007), Pro Cody Hale (2008), Pro Bryce Ledford (2009) and Pro Grant Leaver (2010).

/tunicanational

9

@tunicanational

EXCEPTIONAL any way you swing it s HOLE GOLF COURSE DESIGNED BY -ARK -C#UMBER FEATURING #HAMPION "ERMUDA GREENS s /FFERS THE ONLY (YDRO 'RID (!2 425速 CLAY TENNIS COURTS IN THE 3OUTH s *UST MINUTES AWAY FROM NINE WORLD CLASS CASINOS s 0ERFECT FOR GROUP OUTINGS AND SPECIAL EVENTS Book your tee time today, either by phone or online.

Tee Times in an oversight, failed to give credit for the wonderful pictures of the Tennessee Section Winners in the April Issue. The photos were used on our April cover as well as the cover article. Thanks and an apology to Jimmy Darr, West Regional Director for the use of his fine photos.

Call 1.866.TEE.OFF1 or visit tunicanational.com.

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Blind golfers association seeks volunteer executive director Tee Times report David Meador is looking for some help in the form of a volunteer executive director for the U.S. Blind Golfers Association.

Meador, a renowned motivational speaker and blind golf champion, is president of the USBGA, an organization that caters to blind golfers across the country.

Meador says being a part of the USBGA is a rewarding experience.

“It’s not just about hitting a little white ball,” he said. “It’s about the big ball.

Worldwide, we demonstrate the oncourse truth that absolutely nothing is impossible through partnership. By the miracle of media coverage we change the outlook of entire communities who see and, ‘if these people can do this, why can’t we?’ ” The USBGA hosts clinics for children, teens and adults across the country.

Duties for the executive director include fundraising and helping raising awareness. The USBGA was founded in 1953 and is headquartered in Nashville.

Meador said the volunteer executive director should love golf and its ability to shape character and relationships, and be able to see the big picture in regard

Nashville, Tennessee to the impact that blind golfers can have by playing golf at a high level on a world stage.

For more information about the USBGA or to inquire about becoming the

volunteer executive director, contact Meador at 615-385-0748. He can also be reached at davidmeador7@gmail. com. Learn more about the USBGA at usblindgolf.com.

Kelly wins pro division at Harold Eller Pro-Am Tee Times report

A little home-course advantage paid off in a big way for Nashville professional Reise Kelly, who grabbed a three-shot win over Lebanon’s Audie Johnson at the annual Harold Eller Pro-Am in mid-April.

The tournament, played at Old Hickory Winners of the Eller Division, where Kelly is Jackson Country Club team of an assistant Chip Taylor, Shawn Westacott, pro, brought Mill Hamaguchi and David Salyers together teams of professionals Burdette, Walt Moffitt, Mitch and Old Hickory Hufstetler and Chris Travis. members for a Three teams tied at 119 in 36-hole event the Ervin Division. The teams played in cool, of Chris Dibble, Parker Smith, rainy conditions.

John Thomas, Rick Pearson; Kelly fired Mark Houser, Scott Harringer, Reise Kelly rounds of 66-67 Steve Johnson and Buster to finish at 133.

Weber, and Matt Manzaro, Johnson shot 67Paul Korth, Gary Maxwell, Phil Smith 69 to finish at 133 and two shots all finished at 119. clear of third-place finisher Ken Thompson won the Jeff page of Nashville.

Old Hickory net title at Competition was in 135 over Phil Smith. two divisions of fourParker Smith shot man team. In the 6-under 136 to win Eller Division, the the scratch amateur Jackson Country Club division by one team of Chip Taylor, stroke over Matt Shawn Westacott, Mill Robertson.

Hamaguchi and David The tournament was Salyers shot 60-61 for sponsored by CiCi’s Ken Thompson won a two-shot win over a the Old Hickory net title Pizza. team consisting of Keith

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North Alabama sets sights on national title Tee Times report There hasn’t been a college golf team hotter this season than the University of North Alabama men’s team.

Going into the NCAA Division II Super Regional in Conover, N.C., in early May, the Lions were winners in seven of their past eight tournaments including a runaway in the Gulf South Conference tournament at Timberline Golf Club in Calera, Ala. In that event, the Lions held a precarious four-shot advantage over West Florida heading into the final round of the 54hole event. When the day was complete, the Lions had blown away the field to win by 24 shots.

Ty Chandler and Jake Greer, a pair of All-Americans, have fueled the Lions rise in the rankings. Chandler has one tournament victory to his credit while Greer, a senior, has been a stabilizing force throughout the season. Rickey Stimets, Tyler Ekenberg and Blaise Wilson also have played well during the Lions run of tournament titles.

North Alabama was making its seventh straight NCAA regional appearance.

This spring, UNA captured five of six tournament titles. Coach Stuart Clark’s team won the Mardi Gras Invitational, Southeastern Intercollegiate, Jim Bishop Toyota Classic, Argonaut Invitational and the conference championship.

North Alabama coach Stuart Clark (right) and All-GSC honoree Ricky Stimets have their sights set on a national championship.

Here’s a wrap-up of several other conference tournaments involving colleges and universities from around the midSouth: Ohio Valley Conference men: Jacksonville State held on for a one-shot win over Austin Peay, shooting a final round 290. It was the fourth conference title for the Gamecocks, who finished with a 54hole total of 861. Austin Peay was second at 862 and Murray State was third at 866 in the tournament played at the Greystone Golf Club in Dickson, Tenn.

# 9 Peninsula Green

Austin Peay’s Anthony Bradley rode a subsequent rounds. first-round 66 to the individual title with Spinella edged MTSU’s Hunter Green by a 6-under 210. Murray State’s Patrick three shots. North Texas finished at 874, Newcomb tied for second at 213 with while MTSU finished at 881.

David Lawrence of Eastern Illinois.

Sun Belt Conference women: Denver Ohio Valley Conference women: maintained its stranglehold on the Jacksonville State used two of the best conference title, zooming to a 17-shot win rounds in conference history to a one- over Middle Tennessee at the Robert Trent shot win over defending champ Morehead Jones Golf Trail at the Shoals.

State to claim its fifth OVC women’s golf Playing the Fighting Joe course in cool, title. windy conditions, Denver shot rounds of The Gamecocks shot rounds of 296-323- 288-293-291 to easily outdistance the 11300 to finish at 919. JSU held a narrow team field. Denver’s Rachel Watton won a five-shot lead heading into the final round playoff with Florida International’s Katie before pulling away.

Mundy for medalist honors at 1-underJSU’s Ornella Arrizon and Morehead’s par 215. Allie Knight led Middle Tennessee Marisa Kamelgarn tied for medalist with a fifth-place finish at 218. Teammate honors at 222.

Olivia Love tied for seventh at 220.

Sun Belt Photos courtesy Conference Daniel Giles/ m e n : TimesDaily Sparked by medalist Ty Spinella, North Texas collected a seven-shot victory over Middle Tennessee to claim the men’s conference title.

Spinella finished at 2-under 214 on the Fighting Joe course at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at the Shoals. He was the only player to finish under par as players battled windy conditions in the first Ty Chandler has been North round and breezy conditions in the Alabama’s most consistent player this spring.

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Golf Course 120 65

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108 49

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94 88 116 27

34

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91 106

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50 129

80

60

128

104

62

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+

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25 10

36 77

102

98

135

112

2

83

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48

115 130

28 127 63 136 46 56

118

138

32

74

45 47

58

37

8

101

21

126 93

+ Golf House Tennessee and the Little Course 1.

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Andrew Johnson Golf Club, Greeneville, TN, 800-421-2149 Arnold AFB Golf Club, Tullahoma, TN, 888-558-2327 Audubon Golf Course, Memphis, TN, 901-683-6941 Baneberry Golf & Country Club, Baneberry, TN, 800-951-4653 Bear Trace at Cumberland Mtn., Crossville, TN, 931-707-1640, www.tngolftrail.com Bear Trace at Harrison Bay, Harrison, TN, 423-326-0885, www.tngolftrail.com Bear Trace at Tims Ford, Winchester, TN, 931-968-0995, www.tngolftrail.com Bent Creek Golf Village, Gatlinburg, TN, 800-251-9336 Blackberry Ridge Golf Club, Shelbyville, TN, 931-437-2343 Brainerd Golf Course, Chattanooga, TN, 423-855-2692 Brown Acres Golf Club, Chattanooga, TN, 423-855-2680 Buffalo Valley Golf Club, Unicoi, TN, 423-743-5021 Carroll Lake Golf Club, McKenzie, TN, 731-352-2998 Cattails at Meadowview, Kingsport, TN, 423-578-6622 Cedar Crest Golf Club, Mufreesboro, TN, 615-849-7837 Cedar Hills Golf Club, Inc. Lenoir City, TN, 865-986-6521 Centennial Golf Course, Oak Ridge, TN, 865-483-2291 Champions Run Golf Course, Rockvale, TN, 615-274-2301 Chatata Valley Golf Club, Cleveland, TN, 423-339-9784

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Cherokee Valley Golf Club, Olive Branch, MS, 662-893-4444 Clear Creek Golf Club, Bristol, VA, 276-466-4833 Mirimichi Golf Course, Millington, TN (901) 259-3800 Cole Park, Fort Campbell, KY, 270-798-4610 Collins River Reserve, McMinnville, TN, 931-668-7749, www.collinsriver.com Concord Park Par 3, Knoxville, TN, 865-966-9103 Cottonwoods Golf Club, Tunica Resorts, MS, 662-357-6078 Country Hills Golf Course, Hendersonville, TN, 615-824-1100, www.countryhillsgolfcourse.com Creeks Bend Golf Club, Hixson, TN, 423-842-5911 Creekside Plantation, Seymour, TN, 865-577-4653 Crossings Golf Club, Jonesborough, TN, 423-348-8855 Cumberland Bend Golf Course, Gainesboro, TN, 931-268-0259 Dandridge Golf & Country Club, Dandridge, TN, 865-397-2655 Davy Crockett Park Golf Course, Memphis, TN, 901-358-3375 Dead Horse Lake Golf Course, Knoxville, TN, 865-693-5270 Dixie Oaks Golf Club, Summertown, TN, 931-964-4991 Dogwood Hills Country Club, Portland, TN, 615-325-4648 Dyersburg Municipal GC, Dyersburg, TN, 731- 286-2155 Eagle Bluff Golf Club, Chattanooga, TN, 423-326-0202 Eagleﾃ不 Landing Golf Club, Sevierville, TN, 865-429-4223 Eastland Green Golf Course, Clarksville, TN, 931-358-9051

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Egwani Farm Golf Club, Rockford, TN, 865-970-7132 Elizabethton Muni. Golf Club, Elizabethton, TN, 423-542-8051 Fairways and Greens Golf Cntr, Knoxville, TN, 865-777-4653 Fairways at Spencer Creek, Franklin, TN, 615-794-8223 Farm Lakes, Old Hickory, TN, 615-847-5074 Forrest Crossing Golf Course, Franklin, TN, 615-794-9400, www.americangolf.com Fox Meadows Golf Course, Memphis, TN, 901-362-0232 Futures Golf Club, Puryear, TN, 731-247-3264 Gaylord Springs, Nashville, TN, 615-458-1730, www.gaylordsprings.com Graysburg Hills Golf Course, Chuckey, TN, 423-234-8061 Greens at Deerfield, LaFollette, TN, 800-325-2788 GreyStone Golf Club, Dickson, TN, 615-446-0044 Hampton Creek, Ooltewah, TN, 423-238-6812 Harpeth Hills Golf Course, Nashville, TN, 615-862-8493, www.nashvillefairways.com Hermitage Golf Course, Old Hickory, TN, 615-847-4001, www.hermitagegolf.com Hickory Valley Golf Club, Chattanooga, TN, 423-894-1576 Highland Green Golf Club, Jackson, TN, 877-427-5477 Holston Valley Golf Course, Bristol, TN,423-878-7400 Hunterﾃ不 Point Golf Course, Lebanon, TN,615-444-7521

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Guide For The Tennessee Region 105 103

137 79

52 67 18

125

107

70 68

17 95 111

39 54

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84 33

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44 133

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26 89

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Indian Hills Golf Club, Murfreesboro, TN, 615-895-3642 Ironwood Golf Course, Cookeville, TN, 931-528-2331 Johnny Warren Academy, Gallatin, TN, 615-206-0813, www.jwga.net Jones Creek Golf Course, Jackson, TN, 731-425-8620, www.jonescreekgolf.com Kenny Perryﾃ不 Country Creek, Franklin, KY, 270-586-9373 Kingﾃ不 Creek Golf Club, Spring Hill, TN, 931-486-1253 Knoxville Municipal GC, Knoxville, TN, 865-691-7143 Lake Tansi Village CC, Crossville, TN, 931-788-3301 Lambert Acres Golf Course, Maryville, TN, 865-982-9838 Landmark Golf Club at Avalon, Lenoir City, TN, 865-986-4653 Legacy of Springfield, Springfield, TN, 615-384-4653 Links at Galloway, Memphis, TN, 901-685-7805, www.memphistn.gov Links at Overton, Memphis, TN, 901-725-9905 Long Hollow Golf Course, Gallatin, TN, 615-451-3120, www.gallatin-tn.gov Lost Creek Golf Club, New Market, TN, 865-475-9661 Maggie Valley Golf Club, Maggie Valley, NC, 800-438-3861 Marshall County, Lewsiburg, TN, 931-359-2482 McCabe Golf Course, Nashville, TN, 615-862-8491, www.nashvillefairways.com Millstone Golf Club, Morristown, TN, 423-586-4000 Nashboro Village Golf Club, Nashville, TN, 615-367-2311

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Oak Hills Golf Course, Greenbriar, TN, 615-643-4505 Old Fort Golf Club, Murfreesboro, TN, 615-896-2448 Old Stone Fort, Manchester, TN, 931-723-5075, www.tngolftrail.com Patroit Hills, Jefferson City, TN, 865-475-4466 Pebblebrook, Greenbrier, TN, 615-382-3045 Percy Warner, Nashville, TN, 615-352-9958, www.nashvillefairways.com Pine Creek Golf Course, Mt.Juliet, TN, 615-449-7272, www.pinecreekgolf.net Pine Hill Golf Course, Memphis, TN, 901-775-9434 Pine Lakes Golf Club, Rockford, TN, 865-970-9018 Pine Oaks Golf Club, Johnson City, TN, 423-434-6250 Quail Ridge Golf Course, Bartlett, TN, 901-386-6951 River Islands Club, Knoxville, TN,865-933-0100 Riverbend Links, Tunica Resorts, MS, 888-539-9990 Riverside Golf Club, Memphis, TN, 901-774-4340 Riverview Golf Course, Loudon, TN, 865-986-6972 Roan Valley, Mountain City, TN, 423-727-7931 Ross Creek Landing, Clifton, TN, 931- 676-3174 Saddle Creek Golf Club, Lewisburg, TN, 931-270-7280, www.saddlecreekgc.com Scenic View Golf Course, Winchester, TN, 931-967-5224 Shelby Park Golf Course, Nashville, TN, 615-862-8474, www.nashvillefairways.com

101. Shiloh Falls Golf Club, Counce, TN, 731-689-5050, www.shilohfallsgolf.com 102. Shiloh Golf Course, Adamsville, TN, 731-632-0678 103. Silver Lake Golf Club, Church Hill, TN, 423-357-9940 104. Smyrna Municipal Golf Course, Smyrna, TN, 615-459-2666 105. Steele Creek Golf Course, Bristol, TN, 423-764-6411 106. Stonebridge Golf Course, Arlington, TN, 901-382-1886 107. Stonehenge Golf Club, Fairfield Glade, TN, 931-484-3731 108. Swan Lake Golf Course, Clarksville, TN, 931-648-0479, www.cityofclarksville.com 109. Sycamore Valley Golf Course, Ashland, TN, 615-792-7863 110. Ted Rhodes, Nashville, TN, 615-862-8463, www.nashvillefairways.com 111. Tenn Golf Trail @ Fall Creek, Pikeville, TN, 423-881-5706, www.tngolftrail.com 112. Tenn Golf Trail @ Henry Horton, Chapel Hill, TN, 931-364-2319, www.tngolftrail.com 113. Tenn Golf Trail @ Montgomery Bell, Burns, TN, 615-797-2578, www.tngolftrail.com 114. Tenn Golf Trail @ Paris Landing,Buchanan,TN, 731-641-4459, www.tngolftrail.com 115. Tenn Golf Trail @ Pickwick Lnd,Pickwick Dam,TN, 731-689-3149, www.tngolftrail.com 116. Tenn Golf Trail @ T. O. Fuller, Memphis, TN, 901-543-7771, www.tngolftrail.com 117. Tenn Golf Trail @ Warrior Path, Kingsport, TN, 423-323-4990, www.tngolftrail.com 118. Tennessee River Golf Club, Decaturville, TN, 731-852-2582 119. The Club at North Creek, Southaven, MS, 877-465-3647 120. The Links of Novadell, Hopkinsville, KY, 270-886-1101 121. The Tennessean, Springville, TN, 731-642-7271 122. Three Ridges Golf Course, Knoxville, TN, 865.687.4797 123. Through the Green Highland Rim, Joelton, TN, 615-746-0400 124. Tri Cities Golf Club, Blountville, TN, 423-323-6615 125. Tri-County Golf Course, Oliver Springs, TN, 423-435-0749 126. Tunica National, Tunica Resorts, MS, 662-357-0777, www.tunicanational.com 127. Twelve Stones Crossing, Goodlettsville, TN, 615-851-4653 128. Two Rivers GC, Nashville, TN, 615-889-2675, www.nashvillefairways.com 129. VinnyLinks @ Shelby Park, Nashville, TN, 615-880-1720, www.nashvillefairways.com 130. Wedgewood, Olive Branch, MS, 662-895-7490 131. White Oaks, Athens, TN, 423-745-3349 132. Whittle Springs Golf Course, Knoxville, TN, 865-525-1022 133. Willow Creek Golf Club, Knoxville, TN, 865-675-0100 134. Willow Springs Golf Course, Athens, TN, 423-745-1131 135. Willowbrook, Manchester, TN, 800-319-8001 136. Windtree Golf Course, Mt.Juliet, TN, 615-754-4653 137. Woodlake, Tazewell, TN, 423-626-6010 138. Sculleyﾃ不 Golf Course, 2162 Westover Rd. Jackson TN, 38301, 731-424-4500 139. Chickasaw Golf Course, 9555 Hwy. 100 West, Henderson , TN 38340 , 731-989-4700

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Rating Golf ’s Talking Heads

By Tim Benton Tee Times contributor Talking Head: The image of a television newsperson talking to the camera, with only head and upper body visible.

As an ardent watcher of golf television and self-appointed media critic, let’s review some of golf’s talking heads. (Regrettably, the review must exclude Holly Sonders of the Golf Channel program, Morning Drive, who doesn’t strictly meet the definition of talking head. Deft camera work proves that Ms. Sonders is in fact, a talking head, body, and legs).

Johnny Miller. Miller won the hearts of professional golfers by introducing the word “choke” to descriptions of their play. Miller uses colorful terminology, such as “green light special” and “a swing that would make Ben Hogan puke.” Miller was stumped when Tiger Woods unleashed a tsunami of profanities into a live microphone, causing Miller to reply, “That made my commentary look pretty mild.” Miller sounded jealous.

Verne Lundquist. The golf/ football broadcaster is blunder-

gentleman having a crumpet and spot of tea. “He’s throwing a wee bit of a wobbly in that bunker, Jim.” Makes one miss Lanny Wadkins, if that’s possible.

David Feherty. Made a classic call at The Masters as a ball rolled toward double-eagle, “Come to papa. You know you want to!” An appropriate call, since it’s the same thing the formerly hard-drinking Feherty used to exclaim to his bottle of Guinness.

Jim Nantz. With his goofy puns, Nantz is the Mr. Happy of golf broadcasting. Rich Beem’s PGA Championship victory was greeted with the Nantzism “Rich and famous!” This after Nantz thrilled us with “There’s a Tiger loose on the course!” We know, Jim. That’s the same furball you burped up the last time Woods made two birdies in a row. Nantz’ worst moment came as he forgot that it’s better to let the picture tell the story. Unable to contain the thrill running up his leg as Jim Nantz Phil Mickelson’s Masters winning putt was nearing the hole, Nantz

ing more these days, sometimes inadvertently mixing his sports. His latest gaffe came at The Masters when he gasped “That ball bounced over the green, through the end zone, and Nick Saban is furious!”

Gary McCord.

McCord used the terms “bikini wax” and “body bags” to describe Masters greens and the Lords of Augusta National were not amused.

McCord was exiled to Harbour Town.

He was recently seen again at The Masters, however, attempting to sneak in disguised as Verne Lundquist.

Nick Faldo. Once a fierce competitor on the course, broadcaster Faldo sounds more like an English

Holly Sonders

blurted, “Is it his time?” Yes, it was Mickelson’s time. And it was also Nantz’ time — to shut the heck up.

Roger Maltbie. The roving course reporter is most noted for his breathless declaration, “He’s got no shot,” usually uttered moments before the player knocks the ball two feet from the hole.

To understand the Maltbie reign of error, see Verne Lundquist above.

Tim Benton is a freelance writer in Huntsville, Ala. Comments welcome at timbentonwriter@aol.com

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May 2012

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15

EQUIPMENT CORNER

Kate Lord

Specialty Tees A Big Hit With Mom

Mom will look great on and off the course with the new specialty tees by Kate Lord.

The printed 3/4-sleeve length specialty tees are a fun look. The novelty tees are a blend of pima cotton and spandex. Each customprinted tee features a unique tropical design with a contemporary golf scene. The tees, available July 15, come in three colors: melon, pink, turquoise and blue. Sizes: S-XL. Suggested is retail $76.

Give Mom A Little Bling This Year Mom will add sparkle to her game with Kate Lord’s new Crystal headwear and tee shirt collection. The Crystal collection is a combination of a classic fit, style and functionality. The Crystal headwear comes

Datrek

Datrek’s D-Lite Cart Bag Perfect For Mom This Mother’s Day The new Datrek D-Light cart bag features a number of design elements combined with a sophisticated look that provides mom a golf bag that is functional and stylish on the course.

The D-Light cart bag is extremely light, weighing in at only 4.5 pounds. The cart bag has a 9.5 inch mesh padded, 14-way top with full-length individual dividers to keep the clubs separate and easily accessible.

in caps or visors. The unstructured twill caps come with an adjustable strap for a comfortable fit. The chino twill visor has a terry cloth lining and is available in a clip on or coil closure.

The Kate Lord Crystal tee shirt is a 100 percent ring spun cotton jersey with a rib knit collar and open hem sleeve.

The tee comes in nine different colors and is available in short and long sleeve. Kate Lord embeds the club logos with crystals on the headwear and tee shirts and uses metallic thread below the logo for the club name. Also, a wide selection of unique motif The top also features an integrated velour lined putter well. The bag is made of 420D durable nylon material and has plenty of storage with six pockets including an insulated cooler pocket and a deluxe fleece lined valuables pocket to keep jewelry safe and secure.

The D-Light features two lift assist handles at the top for easy lifting in and out of the trunk. Also for the golfer’s convenience, there are external tee holders, a towel ring, Velcro® glove holder, rainhood and umbrella holder.

The D-Light cart bag is available in a plaid

designs such as martini glasses, wine glasses, ball on a tee and a Scottie dog are available.

Kate Lord also has expanded its offerings of Crystal hat clips and ball markers for 2011. The popular accessories come in five new motifs. www.katelord.com or paisley style and five color patternspurple plaid/purple/ charcoal, pink plaid/ black/black, red plaid/silver/white, light pink paisley/ silver/white and light blue/silver/silver.

The D-Light cart bag has a suggested retail of $159.95 www.datrekgolf.com

Burton

A New Golf Bag Adds To Mom’s Style On The Fairways

Burton golf bags combine the latest fashion trends with a distinct functional design to make it one of the top golf bag choices for women. Three new women’s cart bags are available for mom to choose from this year based on her individual style and needs.

The Milano cart bag gives mom a fun, nostalgic look in a golf bag. This 9-inch top has a six-way fully padded Nubuck top with full length dividers and six functional pockets, including a valuables and an oversized ball pocket. Weighing only 6.9 pounds, this lightweight bag has matching headcovers that complement to its four floral print designs - pink print/dark brown, green print/dark brown, blue print/dark brown, charcoal print/black. The suggested retail is $209.95. www.burtongolf.com

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16

TEE TIMES

May 2012

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Steps to a longer drive

By Sean Trimble Tee Times contributor Everyone wants to hit the ball further. This is true not only for amateurs but for professionals as well. We all want our buddies to marvel at a towering tee shot…as it flies past their ball. This month we are going to cover some of the basics that will help you improve your driving and knock it past your friends.

To hit the ball the furthest distance, we must setup properly to achieve the maximum amount of clubhead speed. First, we have to tee it high to let it fly. A high tee allows us to swing up on the ball correctly minimizing spin and optimizing launch angle. Second, ball position must be just inside the left foot this will promote an upward attack on the ball. Third, we must set up with the upper body slightly behind the ball at address, again promoting an upward attack. Are you sensing a theme here??? Most golfers tend to put the ball back too far with their weight too far forward and the ball too low. This causes them to either hit down on the ball – increasing spin, or flip their hands at impact to try to get it up in the air.

As we begin the swing, a good thought to have is “get back, stay back”. Make sure you complete a full shoulder turn and allow the head to move slightly away from the target to load up into your back leg while keeping the weight on the inside of the back foot. This will restrict your hips from turning. This will create X-Factor, which is the difference between the shoulder turn and the hip turn. X-Factor is a good measure of your potential for power.

Finally, the best way to hit the ball further is to always be in control of your swing so you can make good, solid contact with the middle of the face. You can talk to your PGA Professional to help you build a roadmap to develop an efficient, powerful swing that will last you a lifetime.

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May 2012

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Opinion

By David Widener Member Golf Writers Association of America

Golf gets shot in arm from a Bubba

You have to love a guy named Bubba. Especially Bubba Watson, who is now among the elite who wear the green jacket associated with winning the prestigious Masters.

Here is a guy who you can associate as one of us, and that is why the golf fans love him. He is a common, happygo-lucky person who likes to take chances. Such a risk cost him the PGA Championship in 2010 when he put a ball in the water hazard on the second hole of a playoff. Such a risk won him the 2012 Masters when he made an impossible shot from deep in the woods, also on the second hole of a playoff, to save par.

The best thing: Watson has never taken a golf lesson, yet he is on the PGA Tour living a dream with success. All that hype about a Tiger Woods-Rory McIlroy battle for the green jacket fizzled and Bubba grabbed the spotlight.

It was an emotional victory as Bubba began shedding tears as he hugged his mother. Hey, it is okay for a grown man to show emotion – and cry, even if your name is Bubba. I have to pull out Kleenex just watching sports movies like Hoosiers, Rudy, The Natural,

Million Dollar Baby and The Rookie.

Just call me a “softie.”

I’m not sure if the folks at Augusta were pulling for Bubba. They take things pretty seriously and Watson laughs at his

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own goofiness.

He is a member of the “Golf Boys,” a boy band consisting of him, Ben Crane, Rickie Fowler and Hunter Mahan.

Their hit song, “Oh Oh Oh” is currently on YouTube. In another video, Bubba hits a golf ball over his house into the hot tub. Pretty easy shot compared to what he had to hit to win the Masters.

Another reason we like Bubba is that he hits the ball farther than anyone.

His longest drive on tour is 416 yards at the 2010 Sony Open. He hit a drive 422 yards on the Nationwide Tour and is capable of generating ball speed of up to 194 mph.

The lefty has this theory: “If I got a swing, I got a shot.”

Can you imagine someone who never took a golf lesson doing what he does?

I took lessons once from a former tour pro and my game got worse. My brain was too full of information. I never took another lesson, deciding instead to stick with my ugly swing.

Going into the Masters, Watson had a lot on his mind. His father died of throat cancer six months earlier and he and his wife, Angie adopted a one-month old baby boy the week before the tournament.

Now having a major championship on his resume, you can bet there will be plenty more Bubba (his actual name is Gerry Lester Watson Jr.) fans. Look also for a run on his “Bubba Golf” clothing line. It couldn’t happen to a better person.

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May 2012

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Azalea City: A classic design in Mobile

By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times editor

MOBILE, Ala. – Six decades after it opened, Azalea City Golf Course is still going strong.

Head professional Lawrence Auer can offer up a variety of reasons why.

Perhaps it’s because of its classic, oldschool design. Architect Robert Bruce Harris counted among his close friends a chap by the name of Donald Ross, so that says something about his pedigree right there.

Maybe Azalea City remains popular because its owner, the City of Mobile, knows what it’s doing. Unlike many municipally owned golf courses, Azalea City Golf Course is its own department within the city. Revenue generated at the course goes back into the course.

And with an average of 55,000 rounds being played per year, there definitely is a steady revenue flow.

Maybe the appeal of the course is that it’s a straight-forward, fun layout. What a player sees is what he gets – it’s not tricked up.

Or, maybe it’s Auer’s decidedly Australian accent behind the golf shop No. 10 at Azalea City Golf Course in Mobile, Alabama, is the most scenic hole on the course.

It also hosts former baseball star Tommy Agee’s charity event each year.

Other tournaments played at Azalea City include the PGA Dixie Section junior championship qualifier, South Alabama’s women’s college tournament and one of the largest high school tournaments in the state.

It’s no wonder Auer said the bulk of his job is two-fold.

“My main job is directing traffic and coordinating events,” he said, laughing.

“I spend my days making sure that flow keeps going. It’s a juggling act. We have an objective pace of play policy and we do everything we can to enforce it without taking the fun out of it for the players.”

Hole # 7 with its luscious fairway and Alabama Pines flanking your shot.

Azalea City was one of the first courses in south Alabama to install Champions bermuda grass on its greens.

Fairways are 419 bermuda.

And, of course, its value is appealing priced midway between the upscale Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Magnolia Grove facility and the less expensive Spring Hill Golf Course.

Also, Auer points out that

counter that keeps golfers coming back. Auer arrived in Mobile to play college golf – they were the first school to say yes to me, the Azalea City pro said – and when the opportunity arose for him to return, he jumped at it. That was in 2004 after Auer spent 11 years at Spring Hill Golf This is the # 9 hole and note Course. the player who loves to walk this lush, green course.

Auer marvels at how Azalea City has stood the test of time.

“Someone in the mid-1950s picked out a good piece of property Mobile isn’t overflowing with golf and hired a good architect,” he said. “It courses.

“We are one of the few metro areas that definitely was forward thinking in those didn’t over-build,” he said. days for a city to build a golf course.”

With its location, the amount of offThere is plenty of history associated with Azalea City. Arnold Palmer once course activities available in Mobile and won a tournament, cashing a paycheck its affordability and history, Azalea City of approximately $3,000. It is the site for Golf Course is a must-stop site for any the Mobile Metro city championship and trip to Alabama’s Gulf Coast. the Mobile metro junior championship.

Lawrence Auer, PGA Professional and head pro stands alongside his assistant pro Shea Bowers. The entire staff are very busy year round, especially with the mild winters that are often experience in the Mobile Area. Rounds can number between 55,000 and 67,000 and many have claimed this city course to be the “busiest golf course in the state of Alabama.”

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Memorial Day 2 Day Event 2 Man Select Drive Best Ball

May 26th & 27th First Tee of Nashville brothers, Carey Ray, Bernard Ray Jr. Doug Harris, Bernard Ray Sr. and Curt Fazilat at Golf Headquarters’ Demo Day

We’d like to thank Todd and his staff at Forrest Crossing Golf Course and all our guests who enjoyed our 8TH Annual Demo Day held on a beautiful Friday afternoon. All golf manufactures were present and a bunch of wonderful folks came out to participate in the all day, free event held on the range at Forrest Crossing Golf Course in Franklin, TN. This event has become a staple for Golf Headquarters and it never gets old when we hear our customer approach us in March and early April asking about our Demo Day it just reinforces the need to hold our event every year...so we will.

- Curt Fazilat

Check out the Demo Day pictures in the Tee Times June issue.

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May 2012

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St. Jude win was turning point for Frazar

By Larry Rea Tee Times contributor Harrison Frazar wasn’t sure if he’d play in the 2011 FedEx St. Jude Classic.

He’d played 354 events without a victory and was on the verge of losing his tour playing privileges, needing more than $500,000 at the ’11 FESJC and the following week at the U.S. Open to keep his card for the second half of the season.

And then, Frazar beats Robert Karlson in a playoff for the 2011 FedEx St. Jude Classic crown.

“It all seemed to come together,” Frazar said as he recalled his triumphant trip to TPCSouthwind in 2012 during the tournament’s Champions Day Luncheon at the Hilton Memphis on April 9.

Everything is good to go for Frazar in 2012, who’ll defend his FedEx St. Jude Classic title June 7-10 (www. stjudeclassic.com) against field tourney officials say could be the best ever.

Frazar said he was “mentally down in the dumps” and didn’t feel great about his golf game or where he was going as a professional before last year’s FESJC. He had several awayfrom-golf job offers and said he was at a crossroads in his career.

$1 million top prize), but it also earned him his first-ever trip to the Masters in 2012 where even though he didn’t make the cut he called the experience “unbelievable.”

Now, he can’t wait to get back to Memphis . . . heat, humidity and all.

And tournament officials are glad he’s back, too.

So said Jack Sammons, FedEx St. Jude Classic General Chairman who mentioned several tournament milestones in 2012, including: FedEx sponsorship through 2014 (Memphis-based FedEx will also sponsor the FedEx Cup through 2017); late entertainer and St. Jude Children’s p am ch g din Defen Research Hospital founder Danny ar az Fr Harrison Thomas, who originated the tournament’s connection with the hospital and who would have been 100 in 2012; the hospital’s 50th anniversary and the 55th anniversary of the tournament, which began as the Memphis Open at old Colonial Country Club in East Memphis.

Sammons also said several new additions are planned for the tourney’s 55th anniversary in 2012, Harrison Frazer (right), 2011 FedEx St. Jude Classic including a Celebration Concert champion, visits with chief executive officer for similar to the old Shower of Stars ALSAC, the fund-raising arm of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Richard C. Shadyac Jr., (left) held for many years in the tourney’s and FESJC general chairman Jack Sammons, at the early years and hosted by Thomas. tournament’s Champions Day Luncheon.

The tourney’s June 6 Pro-Am will Would he or would he not go to Memphis in 2011?

“I quit worrying about my game and decided I needed to go to Memphis instead of trying to put all of my hopes into making the money at the Open,” the Dallas native said.

“The biggest gift was a renewed belief in myself and in the path I was taking.”

The victory in Memphis not only secured Frazar’s future for the remainder of the 2011 season (with a

A Golfer’s

include up to 20 celebrities, including stars from the entertainment and sports world.

The celebrity list includes head football coaches Justin Fuente (Memphis) and Hugh Freeze (Ole Miss), actors Alan Thicke, who played Jason Seaver on Growing Pains; Brian Baumgarten, who plays Kevin on the ABC hit, The Office; Dave Annable and Rob Morrow; NBA legends Penny Hardaway and Rick Barry, along with sportscasters Greg Anthony, Tim Brando and Joe Theismann, Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould and country music artist Clay Walker.

Early player commitments include twotime U.S. Open winner Retief Goosen, local favorite John Daly, Tennesseans Brandt Snedeker and Scott Stallings, plus Johnson Wagner, Fredrik Jacobsen and Karlsson, FESJC runner-up for the past two years.

St. Jude’s Richard C. Shadyac Jr. praised the tournament for its contributions, noting the first check the hospital received from the tourney in 1962 was for $600 and the fact that survival rates for the hospital’s patients has improved from 4 percent in 1962 to 94 percent in 2012.

Hospital’s patient, 11-year old Caleb Waddell, and his father, Ray, were featured in the program with Caleb answering questions related to his 10 years as a St. Jude patient during which his hospital bills have topped more than $2 million, all paid for through St. Jude’s fund-raising efforts with events such as the FESJC.

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May 2012

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Dancing Rabbit, Mark Powell

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Mark Powell, Director of Golf

By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times editor Golf has always been Mark Powell’s passion, and he’s been an accomplished player for a long time.

But he didn’t start out in the golf business once he finished college.

Instead, he spent time selling cars and insurance before the lure of the links became too much to overcome.

Now, he’s the Director of Golf at the prestigious Dancing Rabbit Golf Club at the Pearl River Resort in Choctaw, Miss.

“I was a pretty good player when I got out of college, but I couldn’t beat Fred Couples or Payne Stewart,” Powell said. “People forget that golf wasn’t always played for millions of dollars.

When I got out of college, I The Clubhouse think Curtis Strange won the money title with about $1 million. In those days, it was almost as glamorous being a PGA professional at a club.”

An offer to join a car dealership was too good to pass up, so Powell went that route. He moved over to insurance next before landing a job as the head professional/ do-everything guy at a small The Oaks Course, #18

9-hole course in Hodge, La. His time at the 9-holer in Hodge enabled Powell to learn every facet of the business.

“If I wasn’t in the shop, we didn’t sell anything,” he said.

From Hodge, Powell moved on to Belwood Golf and Country Club in Natchez, Miss., where he earned his Class A PGA of America card. In Natchez, Powell helped turn a struggling club into a 36-hole facility. He also was involved in the construction of the facility’s second course.

That led to his break at Dancing Rabbit, a much-acclaimed facility built in conjunction with the Pearl River Resort and Casino.

The Azaleas Course, #13

else to do. Here, we have the casinos, we’ve got a spa, we’ve got shopping and we’ve got 11 restaurants. There are so many options.”

With all of his responsibility, Powell still hasn’t lost his desire to play. He tees it up about three times a week, although not always at Dancing Rabbit.

“I play in some (local) PGA events and at the club with my old cronies that try “Chief Phillip Martin liked what I did in Natchez promoting golf, the courses and the antebellum homes and the casino there,” Powell recalled. “He wanted me to take Dancing Rabbit to the next level.”

Regardless of the size facility, Powell said it still comes down to providing the best customer

service possible.

“It’s still being a golf pro,” he said. “For me, it’s what kind of difference can make to help bring people from all over the country to Dancing Rabbit and Pearl River Resort. It’s just a bigger scale. At the nine-hole course I had five people I supervised. Here, I have 105. But it’s still about guest service. I think that’s overlooked a lot.”

Powell, who is married and has two grown daughters, said the convenience of the resort sets Pearl River apart.

“We have two great golf courses (The Oaks, Azaleas) and two casinos with more than 1,000 rooms,” he said. “At some places if you are on a golf trip and get some bad weather, there’s nothing

to take my money,” he said.

Twenty-seven years after starting at the course in Hodge, Powell still loves what he’s doing.

“I enjoy making the game better and more enjoyable for all golfers,” he said.

“I feel have made a difference with my work to promote golf in the area.

I enjoy teaching, rules, junior golf, merchandising, club management, maintenance and marketing.

“I still find it fascinating to walk through the parking lot and see all the license plates from all over the country that come here to visit the resort and play golf.”

For information about the Dancing Rabbit golf courses or the Pearl River Resort and Casino, go to pearlriverresort.com.

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May 2012

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Bobby Greenwood’s sentimental journey to the Players Tee Times report Bobby Greenwood played on the PGA Tour for seven years and also has a career highlight victory over Jack Nicklaus in sudden death at the Colonial Invitational in late 1961.

But each spring, it’s a trip to Florida that stokes some of the 73-yearold Greenwood’s fondest memories.

Greenwood and his family return to Ponte Vedra Beach to attend the Players Championship. The reason it is near and dear to Greenwood’s heart? He was the director of golf at Sawgrass Country Club and served as host professional for the event in 1977-78.

The tournament, which began in 1974, eventually moved to its current TPC Sawgrass site but Greenwood always enjoys returning to watch the tournament. “My wife Elma got me started revisiting the different places that I played while on Tour back in the ‘70s. And, we especially enjoy going back to Sawgrass Country Club and rekindle ol’ memories. It’s

almost like a healing process,�

Greenwood said. “We enjoy our travels even more now that we have a purpose.�

This year’s visit to Florida will add to Greenwood’s list of memory highlights. Viola, his 13-year-old daughter, was selected as a runner/ volunteer for the practice range at the Players. “Viola has shown an interest in golf and this should be an excellent learning experience to be on the range next to the best players in the world and listening to them talk while they practice,� he said.

Greenwood, a native of Cookeville, now designs golf courses but he reflects back on an excellent career in golf. He was a three-time All-America selection at North Texas and tied for third with Johnny Miller in the 1969 PGA Tour qualifying school.

Viola and dad, Bobby His lone tour victory came at the Rhode Island Open, a satellite PGA Tour event, and he’s a three-time Tennessee Senior Open champion. He’s credited with more than 150 wins in his amateur and professional career.

When the world’s best players tee it up at Sawgrass, Greenwood will get his perspective from outside the ropes.

But he’ll certainly fondly be reliving his time inside the ropes and when he was the director of golf at Sawgrass Country Club in the fledgling days of the Players Championship.

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“We at Dead Horse Lake were very excited to be part of such a extraordinary feat! All the team members worked long hours to be prepared for 24 hours of constant hitting and performed great! Carl had a great vision for completing this task and are glad he included us!�

-Alex R. Hunt, PGA

Read the article in the June issue of Tee Times and get the facts on how this remarkable feat was accomplished!

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May 2012

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Boxing, golf entwine to remember Ace Miller

By Chuck Cavalaris Tee Times contributor Ace Miller always tried to place three aspects of life on his top shelf.

Family and faith went together like a pair of boxing gloves.

And so was his favorite sport. The legendary trainer from Knoxville worked with upwards of 15,000 youngsters during four decades as a local, state and national leader of Golden Gloves boxing.

Miller’s livelihood became his vehicle to take someone from the mean streets or a troubled past to a much safer place. Because he had so much practice, it’s no wonder he perfected his craft so brilliantly. He was born to teach people how to box and that’s how he changed lives.

Golf was never too far behind.

The man who turned charity golf into a fundraising fixture in Knoxville in the 1970s had a passion for everything he tried. The abundance of love and joy he helped spread will be the focal point of a bittersweet afternoon on May 20.

The Ace Miller Memorial is scheduled at Whittle Springs Golf Course. The m a n affectionately known as ‘Colonel’ (from an honorary proclamation in Kentucky) to ‘Daddy Ace’ to a legion of loyal followers and ‘Pop Pop’ to his family suffered a massive heart attack on March 8. Miller spent his final morning trying to make sure a new venue was ready to host a popular three-day University of Tennessee fraternity boxing tournament.

Within minutes after getting in his car for the drive home, Miller pulled over to the side of the highway – most likely thinking of others more than himself.

Then he was gone. As someone said, it was one of the saddest days in Knoxville history.

Ace seemed to have a premonition

a couple of days earlier. He told his daughter Tracy and son-in-law Greg: “This fundraiser is too important to our program and the show must go on” if something bad were to happen.

Shock waves began to spread early in the afternoon and that night was incredibly emotional as a capacity crowd filled the Expo Center.

Ace’s trademark leather Golden Gloves jacket was in place, but his chair was empty.

The show did go on … for three consecutive nights.

“It was my dad’s final wish, so that’s exactly what we did,” said Tracy, who has taken over the program her father

Ace Miller guided to national prominence.

Now it’s time for a memorial golf tournament to take center stage.

Now it’s time to honor Ace. The 71-year-old Miller learned early in life that lessons inside the ring were interchangeable with lessons in life.

“What happens when someone punches you in the nose and it hurts so bad your eyes start to water?”

Miller liked to ask. “What happens if you get knocked down? Do you get up? Are you willing to work and train – and sacrifice – to get better?”

There’s no doubt that Ace Miller went far in life. As much as anything, he had a keen eye. Not just for boxing strategy or talent, mind you. For life.

He could look at someone and sense

the demons within -- or the potential that everyone else missed.

On the same day, he could offer advice to a professional world champion, Olympic hopeful or novice.

“See that kid?” Miller said one night in a gym that would ultimately be named in his honor. “I used to be that snotty nosed kid with a great big chip on my shoulder.”

Raised by his grandparents in rough section of town, Miller grew up around poker games and pool hustlers. He had a better chance of ending up in prison than a hall of fame.

Whether it was fate or good fortune, he crossed paths with Gene DeMont, the founder of amateur boxing in Knoxville, and later Pee Wee Cash.

Although he was hardly a world beater in the ring, Miller became a great boxing coach. Better yet, he changed countless lives. He often did so with something as simple as handing a stranger a broom -- or giving them something to eat and a place to sleep.

There’s no doubt the world is a better place because Ace Miller called Knoxville home.

His family and friends know that.

Yes, Ace has found a better place. He just leaves behind a great big void.

It can only be filled one day – and one snotty nosed kid – at a time.

For more information about the Ace Miller Memorial, call 865-740-1196 or email tdavis7308@comcast.net.

Rules of Golf Q and A

A:

ANSWER: B

The definition of a “loose impediment” contains the provision that the impediment must not be adhering to the ball.

Since the ball is lying through the green, the player may not remove the grass that is adhering to the ball or he would be subject to penalty.

Answer from page 8

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May 2012

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