Tee Times May 2016

May 2016

May 2016

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

Golf is a labor of love for Sevierville GC’s McGaha Pages 2-3

The River Course No. 13

Inside!!

Ashley McGaha, PGA Sevierville Golf Club

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Head south to north Alabama:

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Back in the saddle again:

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Small-town charm with great golf

Wilson has Saddle Creek back up to speed

High-end courses, low prices:

Myrtle Beach won’t break your bank account

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May 2016

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Golf is a labor of love for Sevierville GC’s McGaha

By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor SEVIERVILLE – Ashley McGaha is in the minority when it comes to female members of the PGA of America, but that has never been a deterrent for the head golf professional at the Sevierville Golf Club.

That doesn’t mean she isn’t proud of her accomplishments in her chosen profession. She patiently climbed the ladder toward her current position overseeing two 18-hole championship golf courses that are city owned.

Proof of how well McGaha does her job can be found as recently as earlier this year when she earned PGA Tennessee Section, Knoxville Chapter Merchandiser of the Year for Public and Resort courses.

Awards are nice, but that’s not what drives McGaha. Instead, a love of the game

The River Course No. 6

that stretches back to her youth keeps her motivated.

“I have always loved the game of golf and knew from a young age that I wanted to make a career out of it,” McGaha said. “It’s a very special sport that has blessed me in so many ways throughout the years, and now I get to share that passion with my family.”

That family includes husband Scott, along with daughters Bailey (11), Reilly (8) and Kinley (3). Their family will grow by one this summer as McGaha is expecting a fourth daughter in July.

McGaha is a golf success story, not just because of her job title and duties at Sevierville Golf Club, but the way she has ascended in a mostly male-oriented profession.

She is a native of McKenzie, a speck of a town in West Tennessee with one golf course. Her father, Charles, instilled in

The McGaha Family: Scott, Reilly (8), Kinley (3), Ashley, and Bailey (11).

her a love of the game. Her parents Charles and Kay Beal still live in McKenzie and younger sister Lindsay Beal Caraccio resides in Hixson.

“One day after church while he was getting ready to go play a round with friends, I apparently pitched a huge fit, begging him to take me because I loved golf,” McGaha recalled. “My dad left without me,

played two holes with his buddies and then drove straight home to pick me up.

We went to a local golf shop, picked out a 5 wood, 5 iron, and a putter, all had to be cut down to my size, and my dad and I started playing golf together every Sunday after church.”

The rest, as they say, is history.

College golf at Tennessee Tech was followed by a stint on the developmental tours in California. In 2003, McGaha landed an assistant’s job at Eagles Landing GC,

May 2016

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“Everyone from the golf shop staff to the food and beverage staff to the maintenance staff to outside guest services – they all play a very special role in making us the ‘Best in the Smokies,’” she said.

That team includes superintendent DJ Lerchen, clubhouse manager Nicole Catlett

Knoxville Chapter Merchandiser of the Year: Public/Resort

which eventually became The Seviervile Golf Club. In 2013, McGaha became a member of the PGA of America, earning her Class A status.

Along the way, McGaha paid her dues.

She spent three summers as an intern at Golf House Tennessee where she worked in tournament operations. She’s also been a golf shop attendant and a retail sales associate for Roger Dunn Golf Shop.

Now, she proudly oversees two excellent golf courses – the par 72 River

course and the par 70 Highlands. The club is full service from the top down.

There is a practice range, chipping green, practice green, pavilion and Mulligans restaurant.

One of the attractions of the Sevierville Golf Club is that it features 36 holes. It can easily accommodate tournaments, corporate outings and junior events and still have a course available for regular play.

McGaha also credits “the amazing team we have put together.”

DJ Lerchen, Superintendent - An avid golfer, always an advantage for a superintendent

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game of golf. I certainly could not do my dream job and raise such a wonderful family without his encouragement and support.”

McGaha loves the teaching aspect of her job and casual rounds with family and friends. Away from the course, camping and snow skiing are among her

Nicole Catlett, Clubhouse manager - Not a golfer yet, but loves the venue of a golf course and golfer.

and assistant golf professional Joshua Bartelheim, among others.

McGaha credits her husband with helping her balance job and family.

“He makes me click,” she said. “We have the most amazing relationship and love for both our family and our passion, the

favorite hobbies.

But outside of her family, it’s golf that she loves best.

“It has the ability to bring all types, ages and skill levels together to experience a special comradery that can be shared and enjoyed for a lifetime,” she said.

The Highlands Course No. 13

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May 2016

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From tHE Editor

By Gregg Dewalt

A little etiquette goes a long way on the course It actually was a pretty good April for me in terms of playing some golf.

There was a four-day excursion into North Carolina where I played four outstanding tracks – Old North State Club, Mid Pines, Southern Pines Country Club and Pine Needles. I even teed it up with PGA Tour pro Heath Slocum (he edged me by 14 shots at Southern Pines).

Although difficult to put in order of preference, I’d go with Mid Pines first, Old North State Club second, Pine Needles third and Southern Pines fourth. However, that order could change as quickly as the wind’s direction whistling through those picturesque Carolina pines. Each is outstanding, and three are Donald Ross designs that will leave golfers awestruck in both their simplicity and ability to challenge the best players despite a decided lack of length.

All three of the Ross courses – Mid Pines, Pine Needles and Southern Pines – should be on a must-play list for anyone who is a fan of the legendary designer’s work. The best thing is you can play all three for the price of what it would cost to get on Pinehurst No. 2.

The Old North State Club is a George Fazio design and also the site of the ACC men’s tournament. It easily makes my top 50 list of courses I have played, and the closing three holes along

Badin Lake are as spectacular as you will find. It’s a private course but if you can talk your way on, do it. You won’t regret it.

Two other day trips found me on the Fighting Joe course at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at the Shoals and at Riverchase Country Club in Hoover, Alabama. Fighting Joe, a links-style course, showed its teeth on a windy Friday, while Riverchase has as good a collection of par 3 holes as I’ve seen I some time.

However, where I played isn’t the point of this editor’s letter. Etiquette is, and I’m not talking about slow play even though it is an ongoing issue. What I am talking about are the little things that can help make a round more enjoyable for everyone.

PUBLISHER Joe Hall pgegolf@bellsouth.net

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jon Hamilton jonh2520@att.net

EDITOR Gregg Dewalt

SENIOR EDITOR David Widener widecard@aol.com

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Carol Hall teetimescarol@bellsouth.net

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.

P.O. Box 41293 • Nashville, TN 37204 • Phone: 615-331-1078 • Fax: 1-866-579-4932 Member: Golf Writers Association of America, International Network of Golf, Golf Travel Writers of America

Winter to spring transition for golf courses can provide huge challenges to maintenance staffs everywhere. While they do the best they can to provide optimum playing conditions for customers, there are certain things that are out of their control.

So, it’s always good to provide a reminder on a few things we can do to make the game better for our fellow players.

Raking bunkers, filling divots, fixing ball marks and collecting loose trash not only helps the maintenance staff, but provides a more aesthetically pleasing experience.

At nearly each of the aforementioned golf courses, I encountered ball marks that weren’t

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fixed, saw bunkers that were left unraked and unfilled divots.

There’s not much more disappointing than to have to putt over a ball mark that was left unrepaired. Sure, sometimes you can’t find your ball mark. It happens. That said, it’s also easy to repair other ball marks on the green in addition to your own. It takes less than 30 seconds.

So, while you are waiting for your playing partners to hit their chip shots, seek out some unrepaired ball marks and fix them. It’s a good feeling to do so, I promise.

Rake those bunkers. It’s bad enough to find your errant approach shot in a bunker. It’s even worse when it lands in somebody else’s footprint and you have no chance to get it up and in because another player didn’t spend the time to rake the bunker properly.

Fill those divots. Admit it, you have laid the sod over that half-wedge to the green and skulked away in shame, never once trying to fill in the crater you left behind. There’s a reason most courses provide sand bottles or sand receptacles on your golf cart. They aren’t ashtrays, either. Take 10 seconds to fill in the divot, and a couple of others too. Trust me, the superintendent and his crew will appreciate it.

Finally, when your potato chip bag or sandwich wrapper blows out of the cart, stop and pick it up. Or, if you see somebody’s empty cup on the side of the cart path, grab it and throw it away on the next tee box. Your golf course will look a lot better if you do.

A little preemptive maintenance on all our parts will help make the game better for everybody. Really, it will.

Keep it in the short grass, Gregg

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Hit the road, Jack, and don’t you come back (until you’ve played these courses)

By Joe Hall Tee Times Publisher Golfers, by nature, are unique individuals.

We love our home course, but at the same time we don’t mind grabbing a couple of our buddies, loading up the car or SUV and heading off into the great unknown for a round or two or three.

Think of the line from the movie “Animal House.” What’s better than golf’s version of “Road Trip?”

I’ve been fortunate to go on a few road trips in my time, and I’m going to share some of my favorites. I’ve divided them up into three categories: day trips; spend one night excursions; and stay-and-play for more than two days and one night.

Most of the courses are easily accessible and all are outside of metro Nashville. We know about the great facilities in town, but sometimes you just have to get away. Know what I mean?

Bear Trace

Day trips, courses you can get to and from within two hours from Nashville” •Stonehenge (122 miles, E): The crown jewel in Crossville, which is known as the Golf Capital of Tennessee and the site of a number of tournaments. stonehengegolf. com 931-484-3722 •Bear Trace Crossville (121 miles, E): An affordable Jack Nicklaus design. What could be better? Tngolftrail.net 931-707-1640 •River Watch (76 mile, E): In Smithville, River Watch lives up to its name with many views of Center Hill Lake.

Riverwatchgolfclub.com 931-761-8125 •The Links at Novadell (63 miles, N): Quick, easy trip up I-24 in Kentucky and just a few miles off the interstate. novadell.com 270-886-1101 •Kenny Perry’s Country Creek (45 miles, N): Another trip into Kentucky, but this time up I-65. Lucky golfers will find Champions Tour player and course namesake Kenny Perry holding court or teeing it up. kpcountrycreek.com 270-586-9373 •RTJ Golf Trail Hampton Cove (120 miles,S): The Trail never disappoints.

Located just outside Huntsville, the Highlands 18 is special. If you don’t have time to play both championship courses, squeeze in an extra 18 holes on the Short Course. It might be the toughest par 3 course you’ll ever play if you stagger your tee shots from hole to hole. rtjgolf.com/

hamptoncove 256-551-1818 •Fall Creek Falls State Park (124 miles, E): Fall Creek Falls is home to one of the most challenging 18-hole layouts carved out of the densely forested woodlands of the Cumberland Plateau. Tngolftrail.net 423881-5706 •The Course at Sewanee (94 miles,SE): This 9-hole course dates to 1915 and was the only course designed by Albion W. Knight. Redesigned in 2013 by acclaimed designer Gil Hanse, who created the Olympics course in Rio de Janeiro, golfers will get remember the spectacular vistas from atop Monteagle Mountain and will soak in the history of the University of the South. thecourseatsewanee.com 931598-1104 •Bear Trace Tims Ford (91 miles, SE): Another beautiful Nicklaus design with awesome views of Tims Ford Lake. tngolftrail.net 931-968-0995 •The Tennessean Golf Club (97 miles, W): Go west, young man, and take on the Keith Foster design that opened in 1999 and has received plenty of accolades.

Pick the correct set of tees and accept the challenge. tennesseangolfclub. org 731-642-7271 •Paris Landing State Park (105 miles, W): All Tennessee state park courses are predictable in their great conditioning and great amenities. tngolftrail.net 731-641-4465

delight to play and just a little bit off the beaten path, you’ll love it and want go back – more than once. There is an on-site lake house that is great for accommodating, and a night on the town in the Rocket City is a short drive away. cherokeeridgegolf.com 256-498-5300 •Sevierville Golf Club (206 miles): Two outstanding courses with beautiful views of the Smokey Mountains under the direction of head professional Ashley McGaha. The River and Highlands course both host a variety of sanctioned events because of their great conditions and variety of tees. seviervillegolfclub.com 865-429-4223 •Canyon Ridge (147 miles): Sits atop the mountain, and if your third shot on the par 5 first hole is too long, forget it – your ball is about 1,800 feet below your feet.

There are accommodations at the facility. canyonridgegolf.com 706-398-0882 •French Lick, Indiana Resort and Casino (212 miles): Outstanding 36-hole facility featuring the Donald Ross Course and the Pete Dye Course that have hosted national events. You can also see what NBA Hall of Fame player Larry Bird left behind in his home town. Oh, there’s also a casino. frenchlick.com/golf 812-936-9300 •Tunica National/Mirimichi: Tunica (Mississippi) is known as a casino destination, but Tunica National is a fine golf course headed by Middle Tennessean Bob Wolcott. After a round at the National and a night at the tables, zip over to Mirimichi in Memphis, a course that entertainer Justin Timberlake spent millions renovating. You’ll appreciate the layout and the all the extras it has to offer. tunicanational. com mirimichi.com 901259-3800 •Dale Hollow Golf Course (132 miles): A Kentucky state park course that is popular and fun to play. On-site accommodations and with food and beverage make this a nice getaway destination.

Sevierville parks.ky.gov/golf/18_hole/ dale-hollow 866-903-7888 •Joe Wheeler State Park (115 miles): With its renovated greens Overnight trips: •RTJ Golf Trail at the Shoals (125 miles): and peaceful setting on Wheeler Lake in You know the Trail’s sterling reputation. Rogersville, Alabama, the General golf Stay at the 5-star Marriott Shoals and enjoy course is fun to play and challenging at the the eclectic dining scene in downtown same time. There is a vast array of wildlife Florence. If you’re lucky, you might even run in the area to take your mind off your score. into world-renowned fashion designer Billy alapark.com/joe-wheeler-state-parkReid, or music stalwarts John Paul White golf 256-247-9308 •Point Mallard Golf Course (119 or Dylan LeBlanc. Of course, you’re there for the golf so play all 36 holes at the RTJ. If miles): A fun, but challenging muny on the you have to pick one course, make sure it’s Tennessee River, Point Mallard has hosted Fighting Joe. When you step up on the 18th several Hooters Tour events. It features tee and see the view of Wilson Lake, your a nice mix of holes, and the 18th is one of iron shot into the par 3 won’t seem that the better finishing holes in north Alabama. important. rtjgolf.com/theshoals 256- pointmallardpark.com/golf-course/ 256-341-4925 446-5111 •Pickwick Landing State Park (148 •Cherokee Ridge (145 miles): This hidden gem just south of Huntsville is definitely miles): Another course a little bit off the worth the ride south to Alabama. A true beaten path, Pickwick is a shot-maker’s

delight with tight driving areas, a little bit of elevation change and a good mix of doglegs.

Hit it straight off the tee and you can shoot a good score here. Tennessee state parks offer some great stay-and-play packages around, and Pickwick Landing is a great place to get away from the stress of everyday life.

Tngolftrail.net 731-689-3149 Mount Mitchell

Extended stays:

•Bear Trace Harrison Bay (156 miles): Another beautiful Nicklaus design that is right on the Tennessee River and is home to a pair of bald eagles, and a nationally acclaimed Superintendant Paul Carter. tngolftrail.net 423-326-0885 •Goose Pond Colony (146 miles): Thirtysix holes of peaceful golf on Guntersville Lake on the outskirts of Scottsboro, Alabama. Everything is within walking distance if you stay on-site. goosepond. org/things-to-do/golf/ 256-912-0063 •Springdale Country Club NC (285 miles): A perfect venue for groups if you like golf, food, spectacular views, hospitality, excellent accommodations and super pricing. People have been coming back to Springdale for 20-plus years. It’s a great place for a group. springdalegolf.com/ 800-553-3027 •Mount Mitchell Golf Club NC (297 miles): Venture into North Carolina for some breathtaking views of the Smokey Mountains with nine holes in the valley and nine with significant elevation changes.

You might not want to come down off the mountain after an extended stay here. mountmitchellgolf.com 828-675-5454 •RTJ Golf Trail Oxmoor Valley (202 miles): Fifty-four holes plus a 9-hole executive course is nirvana for most golfers.

Also, Birmingham has shed its dingy image and has undergone a renaissance of sorts, featuring excellent dining and nightlife opportunities. Try any of the three Saw’s restaurant locations – you’ll be glad you did. rtjgolf.com/oxmoorvalley 205-9421177 •RTJ Capitol Hill (274 miles): Just north of Montgomery, Alabama, the RTJ Capitol Hill facility offers three distinct 18-hole golf courses. The links-style Senator has hosted several LPGA events, while the Judge might have the best opening tee shot in the Southeast – an elevated tee to a speck of a fairway with the Alabama River on the right. The Legislator is a traditional layout winding through hardwoods and marsh. rtjgolf.com/capitolhill/ 334-285-1114.

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TGA renews partnerships for State Open Championship Tee Times report A mid-April announcement was good news for the Tennessee Golf Association.

The TGA announced that it renewed its partnership with SunTrust Banks, Inc., to be the title sponsor for the 2016 SunTrust State Open Championship.

It’s the 10th consecutive year SunTrust has sponsored the event.

“We are so thankful to our friends at SunTrust for their continued support of our State Open Championship,” TGA executive director Matt Vanderpool said. “This longstanding partnership has enabled us to grow our State Open to provide a purse and championship experience that is representative of the high regard that this event holds as one of the most prestigious golf championships in the state.”

That wasn’t the only news of the day. In addition to renewing its partnership with SunTrust, the TGA also renewed agreements with the State Open’s patron sponsors —Callaway, Gentleman Jack and Page & Tuttle.

Also, Callaway will serve as the official golf ball of the SunTrust State Open and will provide favors and prizes for the State Open ProAm. Gentleman Jack continues its support of the TGA by serving as the preferred whiskey of the Tennessee Golf Association. Page & Tuttle, another longtime supporter of the State Open and the TGA, serves as the official apparel provider of the State Open Championship, and will provide each player in the championship with

a tournament logo golf shirt.

“The TGA is blessed to have so many outstanding partners for our State Open and this championship would truly not be possible without their support,” Vanderpool said. “The ability for us to provide quality favors and prizes for the event means a great deal to those that participate.”

The 2016 SunTrust State Open Championship will be played May 24-26 at The Club at Fairvue Plantation.

MACON, Ga. – Continuing part of a recordsetting season, Lipscomb sophomore Dawson Armstrong has been named the Atlantic Sun Conference Men’s Golfer of the Year as announced by the league on Thursday.

Becoming the first Lipscomb golfer in school history to claim the award, Armstrong was selected by the A-Sun coaches for his tremendous play in 2015-16. The Brentwood, Tennessee native paced the conference with a 71.45 scoring average this season, was named to the Ben Hogan Award watch list and notched nine, top10 finishes.

“This is great news for Dawson,” said Lipscomb director of golf Will Brewer. “He’s really played well over the course of the last year. This

is a great honor for Lipscomb and for Dawson.

I’m really proud of him, who he is and who he’s becoming.”

Along with earning Player of the Year honors, Armstrong was also a unanimous First-Team All-Conference selection marking the second consecutive year that he has claimed First-Team honors. He joins Cody Hale as the only-two time all-conference selections in school history.

Armstrong has claimed a pair of collegiate tournament titles this season with wins in the Autotrader.com Collegiate Classic and the Memphis Intercollegiate.

“Dawson has one desire and that’s to get better,” said Brewer. “I think that infectious attitude is pulling the team along with him. He’s building everybody on the team up and giving us the confidence to do amazing things.”

Since becoming the first golfer in school history to advance to the NCAA regional tournament in May 2015, Armstrong has also claimed amateur medalist honors at the Dogwood Invitational and the prestigious Western Amateur joining former winners Tiger Woods, Phil Mickleson and Jack Nicklaus. Armstrong is currently ranked the No. 13 amateur player in the world by Golfweek.

Armstrong and the Bisons await the announcement of the 2016 NCAA regional tournament bids. Lipscomb is expected to receive an at-large bid to advance to the championship for the first time in school history.

In addition to a number of performancebased exemptions, seven qualifying locations will take place through May 19 to help determine the 144-player field that will compete at the championship.

More information on the State Open, including complete results from the 2015 championship and a list of past champions and records is available online at www.tnopen.com.

Armstrong named A-Sun Golfer of the Year

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May 2016

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Around Nashville Fairways John Holmes Assistant Director of Parks

Remembering Bucky Qualls

Two Rivers Golf Course lost longtime employee Bucky Qualls in February.

There was shock and profound sadness when a heart attack claimed the 48-yearold Qualls, who worked on the maintenance crew at Two Rivers.

On Feb. 24, the clubhouse at Two Rivers held a memorial organized by his sister, Fawn Slater. Between 250 and 300 family, friends, staff, co-workers and patrons of Two Rivers crowded into the clubhouse to mourn and pay their respects to a self-appointed golf lover.

“Bucky was on the maintenance staff when Barry Devault (assistant manager) and I came to Two Rivers in June 2003,” said Cindy Dahlgren, the general manager at Two Rivers. “He had started working for Metro around 1994. Bucky was dependable, honest and took pride in work. There has not been a day go by without someone sharing a “Bucky” story.”

Qualls was proud to have played on the McGavock High School golf team from 1983-

1986, and to honor him, Dahlgren and others collected nearly $1,400 for the team in his name.

“Bucky loved the game of golf so much; we thought this was a fitting way to honor him,” Dahlgren said.

“Bucky was one of the most genuine human beings I have ever had the privilege of knowing,” Devault said, “If he was not working in maintenance at our Two Rivers course or playing golf, he would be here in the pro shop with me and other clubhouse staff. He loved all things golf, and enough cannot be said for the pride and love he took in Two Rivers Golf Course and its patrons and his co-workers.”

Former Two Rivers superintendent Scott Merritt, who is now the superintendent at Shelby Golf Course, remembered Qualls, who worked for him for 11 years, as a “dedi-

cated, loyal employee.”

“This man truly loved his job, actually if it was about golf, watching on TV, playing, or working on the course, even on his off days, you would find him checking in somewhere at Two Rivers Golf Course,” Merritt said. “If it was golf related, it was his passion, hands down.”

Qualls’ most recent boss at Two Rivers, Brandon Denton who is now the superintendent at Harpeth Hills, echoed those sentiments.

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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

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“Bucky had a big heart and loved the game of golf,” Denton said. “His passion for Two Rivers reflected on the course and all the people he came in contact with. He was a fun person to be around.”

The turnout for Bucky’s memorial is a

reflection on the family that permeates throughout the Metro Parks staff. ““I have to admit, we are so lucky here at “Parks” to have such good friends as coworkers and it would please Bucky to know that everyone cared enough to turn out for him at the place he loved, Two Rivers Golf Course.

Until next time, keep it in the fairwayJohn Holmes

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Opinion

By David Widener

Member Golf Writers Association of America

Masters provides week of crazy golf T

he way things unfolded at this year’s Masters, it might stick in our minds like the 1986 edition when Jack Nicklaus made a miraculous charge on the back nine the final day to win his sixth green jacket at the ripe old age of 46.

It was a crazy week, starting with the Par 3 Contest where a record nine holes-in-one were recorded along with a record overall score.

Jimmy Walker won that event with 8-under-par 19 for the nine holes and was one of those making a hole-in-one.

The nine aces nearly doubled the previous record of five made in 2002 as holes-in-one came almost every five minutes. Gary Player became the oldest ever to make one and Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler became the first to make back-to-back aces in the same group.

Trouble for me was that Fowler, my pick to win the Masters, could not carry that over as he shot 80 in the opening round and failed to make the cut. Oh well, better luck next year.

Fowler’s 80 still took back seat to what happened to Ernie Els. The 4-time major champion with $66 million in earnings made 9 (at first it was recorded as a 10) on the first hole when he 6-putted from 6 feet, missing one from 10 inches in probably the worst putting display in the history of the Masters. It was the worst score ever recorded on the opening hole.

I found it strange that he did not mark his ball until facing triple bogey and was taking his putter back on the short ones.

“It’s hard to putt when you’ve got snakes in your head,” he said. “I can go to the putting green and make 20 straight 3-footers. Then you get on the course and you feel a little different, and you can’t do what you normally do.”

Ernie Els

Danny Willett It’s called the yips, (remember Scott Hoch’s yip from 18 inches that cost him the 1989 Masters) and most of us have experienced them at one time or another when over a putt.

After that wild start, things looked normal at Augusta as favorite and defending champion Jordan Spieth sailed along with the lead after rounds one, two and three, and was in front by five strokes heading to the back nine Sunday after ripping off four consecutive birdies. Then, the wheels came off. He seemed to play prevent defense instead of attacking the course. He bogeyed the 10th and 11th holes and dumped two balls into Rae’s Creek for a quadruple-bogey at the 12th.

“Buddy, it seems like we’re collapsing,” Spieth told his caddie. He finished tied for second as Danny Willett closed with a 67 for a 5-under-par 283 score to become the first Englishman to win the Masters in 20 years. Spieth looked dazed and almost fell getting up to put the green jacket on Willett in the clubhouse.

Sports Illustrated’s headline read ‘Major Catastrophe,’ and it came 20 years after another major collapse at Augusta that saw Greg Norman blow a 6-stroke lead going into the final round to lose to Nick Faldo. Norman was never the same, but Spieth has youth on his side and the mental toughness to recover before the U.S. Open June 13-19 at Oakmont Country Club.

Like 1996, the 2016 Masters will be remembered more about who lost than who won. It might make for a good Rickie trivia question in the fuFowler ture.

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May 2016

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Belmont’s Van Horne is OVC Player of the Year job this season,” Belmont coach Scott FlyTee Times report Belmont senior Ashton Van Horne col- nn said. “He not only played great on the lected a first for the school’s men’s golf course, but was an outstanding leader for program. our team. This award is much deserved.”

The Georgetown, Kentucky native was Van Horne is the first Belmont men’s named Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) golfer to earn a conference Golfer of the Golfer of the Year as voted on by the Year Award. league’s coaches. The announcement was One of Van Horne’s titles came at the TSU made at the conclusion of the men’s golf Big Blue Intercollegiate Championship at championship played at the Robert Trent Hermitage Golf Course in Old Hickey. He Jones Golf Trail at the Shoals.

Van Horne had an outstanding senior season. He was named first team All-OVC for the third straight season and led the conference and ranked 15th nationally in stroke average at 70.5. In addition, Van Horne won two individual titles, posted eight top-10 finishes, and was named OVC Golfer of the Week five times.

In his career, he has won six individual titles, posted 31 top-10 finishes and 35 top20 finishes. He also holds nine single season and career Division I era school records. Plus, he was the first Belmont golfer to play in a NCAA Championship.

Belmont Men’s coach Scott Flynn “Ashton did a tremendous and Ashton Van Horne

shot rounds of 67-71 to win by four shots over Murray State’s Jared Gosser.

Belmont won the team title with a twoday total of 580 to edge Murray State by one shot.

Also, Tennessee-Martin claimed its first OVC men’s golf championship title, edging Morehead State by one shot in the closest finish in conference history as the top six teams were separated by five shots.

No. 9 Peninsula Green

UTM’s Hunter Richardson shot 5-under-par 211 to win by three strokes. Van Horne finished four shots off the lead in third place.

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Southern States Junior Classic sets June date Tee Times report

Cleveland Country Club, Canyon Ridge and the Bear Trace at Harrison Bay. Cleveland Country Club is designated as the

The first Southern States Junior Classic is on tap for June 24-26 at three Chattanooga-area courses.

The tournament consists of four boys and four girls divisions and is open to all players ages 7-18.

The tournament format will consist of three rounds of competition at three separate courses.

Each age group will play at each of the courses.

The Southern States Junior Classic is a sanctioned event for junior golf ranking purposes.

In addition to playing three distinct courses, the Southern States Junior Classic will allow participants to use caddies.

“A parent, relative or close family friend has the opportunity to ‘step inside the ropes,’ ” according to the SSJC website. “These opportunities are rare in top level junior golf competitions, and we are confident our caddie policy will be a positive differentiator.”

Youngsters who are carefully Courses scheduled for play are checking scorecards

SSJC has a caddie policy, encouraged but not required

Three young ladies who love competition

host course.

Tournament activities begin June 23 at Cleveland Country Club with registration, a putting contest for all competitors, a Family Night BBQ dinner and a long drive exhibition featuring 2014 world champion Jeff Flagg. Tournament play is scheduled for June 2426.

For more information, go to www. ssjrclassic.com.

Belmont captures TSU Big Blue Intercollegiate Championship

OLD HICKORY, Tenn. – The Belmont men’s golf team won their third team title of the season as they captured the TSU Big Blue Intercollegiate Championship April 12. at Hermitage Golf Course in Old Hickory, Tennessee. In addition, senior Ashton Van Horne won the individual title.

The Bruins, who had the lead after day one, posted a team score of 288 in the final round to finish with a 36-hole score of 580. They edged out Murray State by one shot, while Tennessee Tech finished third with a score of 591.

It was the program’s sixth team title in the last three seasons and 14th team title of the Division I era.

Van Horne earned medalist honors after carding a one-under 71 in the final to finish

the event with a score of 138. He finished four shots ahead of Murray State’s Jared Gosser. It was the Georgetown, Kentucky native’s second straight victory at the TSU event as well as his second individual title of the season and sixth of his career.

Two other Bruins finished among the top-15. Sophomore Noah Trenkler tied for 11th place at 146, while freshman Daniel Booker finished one stroke back and in a tie for 14th place with a score of 147. Other Belmont scores from the event included: sophomore Logan Matthews (T22, 149) and senior Scott Barnhart (T-50, 155).

Freshman Parker Buck and senior Bryan Grisard competed as individuals. Buck tied for 53rd at 156, while Grisard finished in 83rd with a score of 170.

L-R: Daniel Booker, Logan Matthews, Scott Barnhart, Noah Trenkler, Ashton Van Horne, Parker Buck, Bryan Grisard, Coach Scott Flynn

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Good things happening at Fall Creek Falls A

s the calendar inches toward the heat of summer, now is a great time to hit the links on one of the Tennessee State Parks courses.

One of our most renowned state park courses is the Tennessee Golf Trail at Fall Creek Falls near Chattanooga. It’s under the watchful eye of Frank Christopher, who has been the general manager there for the past three years.

Christopher, a Crossville native, has been a PGA of America professional for 22 years and in the golf business since 1993 when he was working as a cart jockey while at Tennessee Tech. His passion for the game came from

Bobby Nichols, who was Christopher’s instructor at Tennessee Tech.

Christopher spent 15 years at Stonehenge Golf Club in Crossville before making the move to Fall Creek Falls. He quickly fell in love with the facility.

“The golf course at Fall Creek Falls is a fantastic Joe Lee design that has always been a hidden gem,” Christopher said. “What brought me here was the idea that I could somehow take the facility from hidden gem to not-sohidden gem.”

In that regard, Christopher and the staff that includes Justin Fisher (superintendent), Carolyn Bayless (assistant) and Adam Hurst (golf shop staff), along with turfcare staff members Melvin Cordell, Bobby Thompson, Wayne Roberts, Doug Cunningham, Randy Idema and Justin Wooden, have gone above and beyond to improve playing conditions at the course.

“We’ve done so much in the three years I have been here,” Christopher said. “I’m proud of where we are, and we’ve

L-R: Wayne Roberts, Doug Cunningham, Justin Fisher (Superintendent), Frank Christopher, David Singleton, Bobby Thompson, Randy Idema, Randy Idema Jr.

only begun.”

Among the improvements are a new, state of the art irrigation system, new restroom facilities on both sides of the course and new electric Club Car golf cars.

What sets Fall Creek Falls apart from many of its counterparts is the abundance of nature combined with a great Joe Lee layout.

“When you have that, you really have something special that is a treat to enjoy,” Christopher said.

The course has been named a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, and the plastic tee markers and signs were replaced with natural materials. In an effort to alleviate course crowding, Fall Creek Falls now has tee times that are 10 minutes apart, allowing golfers to enjoy the nature without feeling rushed.

With lodging and camping available, Christopher’s clientele varies from day to day.

“We have lots of campers, guests at the Inn and cabin renters that play golf

New fleet of golf carts

The view of the first hole, a 540-yard par 5, from the championship tee.

while others in their group hike, fish, swim, shop, take nature pictures and day trips to areas close to the park,” Christopher said.

“I’ve met guests that stay for two weeks and do something every day.”

Christopher is proud of the course improvements that have been made during the past three years.

“We’re working hard to make things even better daily,” he said. “It really is a treat to play golf here, but there is more than just golf that makes Fall Creek Falls special. “The views, the setting and being in nature are really hard to match anywhere.”

This and that

Montgomery Bell has almost completed its bunker renovation and it is beautiful. Please come by and see Darrell Hartsfield and our wonderful staff at Montgomery Bell at your earliest convenience. You will be glad you did.

As always, thank you for supporting our Tennessee Golf Trail and Tennessee State Parks.

Until next month, Mike

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Williams sees quick results from working with Sharp Good things happen when an eager stu- 165 yards consistently while maintaining dent comes in contact with a passionate accuracy. Sharp continued to monitor WilPGA professional. liams for a few more weeks and worked That’s been the case for golfTEC/Memphis with him on his putting. pro Ray Sharp and student Zac Williams, The result? Williams is enthusiastic about color specialist/stylist/educator. where his game is at and where it’s going.

Zac plays to an 8 handicap, but he jumped He said the lessons he received from Sharp at the chance to enter the golfTEC lesson promotion last fall.

“The thing about golf that I love the most is the fact that you’re going to feel there is room for improvement,” Williams said.

Sharp said Williams’ goal this year is to reduce his 8 handicap to 6.

In his early evaluation, Sharp had Williams hit 10 shots with a 6-iron.

“Zac was able to consistently hit the ball fairly straight but was inconsistent with contact,” Sharp assessed.

“Out of his first 10 shots, has taken his game the longest carry with his to another level.

6-iron was a shot struck “My experience 159 yards. His distances with golfTEC and were inconsistent beRay was amazing,” cause of inconsistent conWilliams said. “You tact.” really don’t underSharp diagnosed a coustand your swing ple of areas for improveuntil you see it on ment during Williams’ film. Ray then broke lesson. it down and ex“Zac had some issues plained the things I Zac Williams with set-up that included needed to work on. distance from the ball and Clearly, this has built poor posture,” Sharp said. “Zac was instruct- my confidence in my attempt ed to bow forward with his back straight and at getting better at this game. to check his distance from the ball by drop- I’m so thankful for what has ping his right hand off the grip and ensuring been the best golf training I’ve that it was hanging in-line with the club. He ever had. I am excited about was also instructed to check that there was my results and can’t wait to only a hand width of space between his legs continue training with Ray at and the grip of the golf club. golfTEC Memphis. I am in the With the changes in place, Williams saw process of signing up for more immediate improvement, gaining distance lessons.” and consistency. He started to carry the ball As with all of our students who come in for lessons, we are delighted that they feel their confidence grow and understand the importance of getting help to improve.

Ray Sharp

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Equipment Corner

DST golf clubs teach optimal impact position Tee Times report DST golf clubs are among the top teaching aids in the industry, as evidenced by the growing number of Tour pros using them.

Impact is the moment of truth in the golf swing, and it is essentially the only position that really matters. The secret of golf is to have a delayed strike or lag impact where your hands lead the clubface through impact.

When your hands lead the clubface through impact, you maintain control over the clubface when you compress the ball at impact and after the ball has been struck. Controlling the clubface through impact means you control the distance and accuracy of your ball.

DST stands for Delayed Strike Technology. DST golf clubs force you to locate, train and perfect the optimal impact position.

DST golf clubs, which feature the Compressor Wedge and 8-iron and the CR-10 Wedge and 8-iron, have been designed to simplify the swing and strip out complicated, unnecessary movements, by pre-setting your hands

at address into a position that closely replicates the optimal impact position.

So you build muscle memory of an address position and optimal movement through impact.

The optimal impact position is the same for all normal shots and does not change regardless of whether you are hitting a chip, pitch or full shot. So when you master the optimal impact position all areas of your game will improve. You will achieve greater accuracy because you control the clubface until after the ball has been struck. Your ball striking will become more consistent because in the optimal impact position the club head travels down the target line for longer, resulting in greater control and accuracy.

The biggest challenge in golf is consistency. To be consistent you need to reach the optimal impact position every time you swing a club. The best ball strikers in the world reach the optimal impact position where they maintain control over the club clubface until after the ball has been struck, on every shot.

If you lose control of the club face prior to impact you will have no control over your accuracy and suffer from inconsistent ball striking, resulting in being frustrated with your game. The optimal impact position is a position which is rarely practiced but is the moment of truth in the golf swing. DST Clubs are the first clubs ever to enable a player to locate and train the optimal impact position.

The best players and coaches in the world warm up and train with DST

clubs because they know they’re ingraining a movement and sensation which the best ball strikers in history felt. Among the players endorsing DST clubs are Masters champion Danny Willett, Branden Grace, Louis Oosthuizen, Vaughn Taylor and Hideki Matsuyama.

Note: See testimony from two local golfers……..

“I was amazed at the simplicity for of the DST club. I felt myself getting into positions at finish that I had been trying to get to for years. Here I was finishing like I never had before without really even trying.

This is the best swing aid ever.

No extra swing thoughts, just action. - Lou Ullrich “Intuitively I know that to hit solid iron shots I need to make contact with the ball first and compress it. I’ve struggled for years on how to consistently do this. Within a few shots using the DST I was able to know the position I need to be in, to hit the solid shots I’ve always looked for. This training club is amazing!”Michael Comstoc The golf swing is a matter of developing a repeatable, reliable action that holds up under pressure, so practice what’s important “the moment of truth.” For more information, go to dstgolf. com

Crooked?

NO! Engineered this way!

DST 8 iron

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Pollack’s passing leaves void at Gaylord Springs Tee Times report Some people who knew John Trent Pollack called him by his full name.

To others he was John or PJ, or even Trent. That’s the way it was for most of his life, and certainly for the 20 years he worked at a job he loved – outside operations at Gaylord Springs Golf Links.

It all depended upon whom he was around as to what name he would answer.

His easy demeanor made him the perfect person to spend his working days among the public. To many, he was the first face a golfer came in contact with at the bag drop or on the course.

When Pollack died at 66 the day after Easter, a void was created at Gaylord Springs enveloping co-workers, inside and outside staff, as well as the frequent players who had known him for years.

Allie, his daughter, said that just days before he died, she spoke with her dad, who was looking forward to a June vacation in which he could be with family

in North Carolina and spending time with granddaughter, Emma, and her parents.

At a memorial service, guests shared their memories of Pollack. His sister, Polly, spoke of how her brother took responsibility for her at age 18 when their

Vanderbilt Legends Club team captures Pro-Pro-Pro scramble Tee Times report

The three-man team of Jack Oliver, Patrick Jackson and Kass Kovalcheck took advantage of breezy, beautiful conditions to capture a two-shot win in the Pro-ProPro Scramble at the Nashville Golf and Athletic Club.

The team, which represents the Vanderbilt Legends Club, shot 14-under-par 58 to claim a two-shot victory over the team of Greg Wyatt, Adam Forgey and Chris

Dibble.

The winning team started on No. 7 and promptly birdied six of their first seven holes. An eagle and two birdies on the final four holes proved to be the difference.

The Wyatt-Forgey-Dibble team made birdies on four of their first five holes and stayed in contention throughout the 18hole event, but they couldn’t catch the hot-shooting team from the Vanderbilt Legends Club.

(L-R) Patrick Jackson, Kass Kovalcheck, and Jack Oliver

father died.

“He was always early, never turned down a request to work over or his day off, loyal, dedicated, and someone that could fix ANYTHING,” said Pollack’s supervisor Steve Beach. “I miss him every day, for being John and for his ability to do anything we needed.”

Beach said Pollack, a Navy veteran and former air traffic controller, would share stories of entertaining his neighbors and love of working around the house.

“We will have to replace the slot, but literally John cannot be replaced,” Beach said.

Gaylord Springs Golf Links Director of Golf Operations, Harry Taylor remembered Pollack as a dedicated employee everyone could count on.

“Twenty years here, he was such a fixture,” Taylor said. “If anything was asked, he was eager to make our facility more enjoyable for our golfing guests.

Actually in some cases, he saw the need and stepped up without being asked.”

With that attitude, staff and management called on Pollack often, and he never disappointed, Taylor said.

“PJ will be missed in more ways than one; he had a knack for keeping the golf course moving,” Taylor said. “He was our lead ranger, and in his unique way helped the guests enjoy the course while keeping up with the group in front of them.”

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Cider Ridge, Wert a perfect Alabama match

By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor Doug Wert has an impeccable resume when it comes to his work history.

During his 32 years in the golf business, the past 24 which have been as a PGA of America pro after attaining Class A status, Wert has settled in nicely at Cider Ridge Golf Club in Oxford, Alabama as the Director of Golf.

He cut his teeth in the golf industry in places like the Tournament Players Club (TPC) at Eagle Trace, TPC at Sawgrass, TPC at Southwind, the Penn State University golf courses, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Sportz Skillz Golf and Tennis Center and Oakcreek Country Club (Arizona) before landing at the City of Oxford-owned and Honours Golf/Troon-operated Cider Ridge.

As impressive as that resume is, there are a couple of little-known things about Wert, a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native who grew up in The Woodlands, Texas.

The first nugget is that while growing up in The Woodlands, Wert had a high school golf teammate by the name of Jeff Maggert.

Yes, that Jeff Maggert. The guy with three PGA Tour and four Champions Tour titles to his credit.

The second nugget is that Wert once graced the pages of the Guinness Book of Records.

“I held a world record for the most holes of golf played in 12 hours using a golf cart,” Wert said. “I played 440 holes of golf in 12 hours in June of 1993 at The TPC at Eagle Trace. It was a fundraiser for The Epilepsy Foundation of South Florida.”

His marathon day of golf raised $60,000 for the foundation, a charity that is near and dear to his heart.

“I chose this charity due to the fact I have epilepsy and I am very blessed with medication that provides total control of my seizure disorder,” Wert said.

At this latest stop, Wert overseas a Bill Bergin design that plays to 6,946 yards. It features two distinct nines – the front has tree-lined fairways featuring 100-year-old oaks and the Choccolocco Creek. The back nine has elevation changes and winds through the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

The course underwent a restoration in 2010 that has made it even better.

Doug Wert, Director of Golf

Wert credits his staff -- Assistant PGA Golf Professional David Poovey; Food and Beverage Manager Tack Bower; Golf Shop Assistant/Event Coordinator Matt Haisten; Golf Shop Assistant, Chase Larkin; Director of Grounds Chad Robinson; Golf Course Superintendent Michael Mays; and Assistant Golf Course Superintendent Henry Walker for keeping Cider Ridge among the top courses in the state.

Like many pros, Wert became interested in the game through family members. He began playing when he was 15.

“My grandfather, Bates Bishop, was one of the main influences to get me playing the game,” he said. “My parents were very supportive as well.

My mom was the one who drove me all over the city of Houston to play in summer junior golf tournaments conducted by the Houston Golf As-

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Turf Care Team: (L-R) Michael Mays (Asst Superintendent), Madison Riggleman, Michael Albro, Adam Tims, William Brown, Don Wolfe, Brent Varnum, Henry Walker, Chad Robinson (Superintendent)

sociation.”

He became interested in making a career in the golf industry the summer before his sophomore year in college when, while working at the TPC at The Woodlands, the golf pro told him about Mississippi State’s Professional Golf Management Program. He enrolled at MSU in 1985.

In 1990, Wert landed an assistant’s job at the TPC at Eagle Trace. While working at Sawgrass, Wert met a Bill Hughes, whom he calls a “game changer.”

“He helped get me back into golf course operations from teaching golf full time,” Wert said.

“Bill helped me see that my passion is working with a team in a golf course setting. He helped me get the position at Oakcreek Country Club, and then helped with my decision to join the team at Honours/Troon Golf at Cider Ridge Golf Club.”

Foundation and Golf Advisor.com named Cider Ridge in its top five for Overall National Customer Satisfaction. Wert won the Colorado Section PGA Horton Smith award in 2006, and he was named Philadelphia PGA Section Merchandiser of the Year four times while at the Penn State University courses. During that span, the Penn State courses were honored among the Top 100 golf shops in the country by Golf Shop Operations magazine.

Wert had another life-changing experience at his third stop along the way – Southwind. There, one of the members set him up with a blind date. Twenty-one years and two children later, Wert and his blind date, Wendy, are still together. Hunter, his oldest son, is 16 and plays on the Oxford High School Golf Professional Team: (L-R) Chase Larkin, golf team and is a Boy Scout. Jack, Matt Haisten, Doug Wert, David Poovey 14, participates in Scholars Bowl, Robotics and a program called Green Power. He’s also a Boy Scout.

Now, Wert is just happy to be back in the South The family is active in church – Wert sings in and closer to their family. the choir and Jack plays drums in a youth group “We are thankful to everyone in Oxford that has band. made us feel so welcome,” he said. “I also want Wert enjoys teaching the game, but he is equally to thank the executive team at Honours Golf for proud of the numerous awards his facilities have making me feel so welcome in their family.” earned throughout the years. The National Golf

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Knoxville’s Montgomery claims Drive, Chip and Putt crown

Tee Times report Tennessee has its own Masters champion of sorts.

Knoxville’s Alyssa Montgomery, competing in the Drive, Chip and Putt competition for the first time, emerged victorious in the 14-15 girls division.

Montgomery compiled 26.5 points in the competition to win by 3.5 points over Buford, Georgia’s Skylar Thompson while competing at the Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday before the Masters.

Teeing it up at the iconic venue didn’t phase Montgomery, who plays at Holston Hills in Knoxville. Neither did a pre-dawn wakeup call.

“I slept very well,” said Montgomery, who made a clutch 30-foot putt to clinch the Girls 14-15 division to secure the win.

The winning putt came on the 18th hole, where one week later Danny Willett would clinch the 2016 Masters championship. Her second putt finished 3 feet, 3 inches from the cup.

“I was not trying to make any of my putts because I knew if I tried to make them I would probably kill them way by,” she said. “I was just trying to cradle them up there nice and close. I thought it was going to stop just short … and the first one just happened to go in. When it went in it was awesome. Then the second one got close enough for the win.”

Montgomery scored a total of 26.5 points, 3.5 points more than Thompson. Montgomery’s total included An ecstatic reaction as nine points for her runner-up finish in driving and 7.5 Alyssa sinks a long putt points in chipping (a tie for third).

The age-group winners among the boys were: Stephen Robert Hernandez, Houston, 7-9; Christian Kim, Vernon Hills, Ill., 1011; Ty Griggs, Manteca, Calif., 12-13; and Michael Thorbjornsen of Wellesley, Mass., 14-15.

Others winners among the girls included Emerson Blair of West Point, Miss., 7-9; Alexa Pano, Lake Worth, Fla., 10-11; and Kayla Sam, Anaheim Hills, Calif., 12-13.

The longest drive of the competition came from 15-year-old Marco Punzo, who launched a tee shot 264 yards up the fairway of the Tournament Practice Facility, the same practice range used by Masters competitors. Julia Gregg of Dallas topped the girls with a 215-yard drive in the Girls 14-15 division. Mont-

After coming off the 18th Green with the win and a tear running down her face she told the Golf Channel Reporter; “I’m so happy. It’s a once in a lifetime thing,”

gomery finished second with 213.5 yards to earn nine driving points.

For all of the 80 participants in the National Finals, Sunday’s competition — on one of golf’s grandest stages — made for indelible memories.

“It was dark when we got to the club and we couldn’t see much on the drive down Magnolia Lane, but it was still awesome,” Montgomery said.

Montgomery had worked on her putting with her father, Kenny, while in Augusta leading up to the competition. “We watched film from last year’s competition to see what the putts were like,” she said.

Speaking of her winning 30-footer, she said, “It wasn’t the longest putt I’ve made.”

But it certainly was the biggest, televised by Golf Channel to a national audience and earnMasters Champion ing her the DCP national title.

Nick Faldo presents Alyssa with her trophy.

Montgomery began playing when she was seven years old by watching her father hit balls in the back yard.

“I would steal his clubs and start hitting when he wasn’t watching,” said Montgomery, who won her regional stage at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky., a major championship venue.

It was the first time Montgomery has competed in the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship. Conflicts with other tournaments she was scheduled to play in prevented her from trying to qualify the past two years. After watching the first two DCP National Finals on television, she vowed to attempt this year and it paid off big-time.

Montgomery was one of two girls from Tennessee competing in the event. Kynadie Adams, of Gallatin, was a repeat qualifier and participated in the 12-13 division The closest finish of the day took place in the Boys 14-15 division, the final competition of the day. Thorbjornsen’s 23-point total (out of a possible 30 points) placed him one better than three other players, Marco Punzo of Prosper, Texas; Chase Venn of Columbia, Mo., and Daniel Uranga of Wilder, Idaho.

Thorbjornsen and Punzo were tied at 19 points after the driving and chipping rounds. The title came down to putting, in which Thorbjornsen held on to score 4 points. Uranga won the putting competition to join Venn and Punzo as runners-up.

“I knew I was tied for the lead and I needed to put a pretty good number on,” Thorbjornsen said. “I putted ninth out of 10. My first putt (4 feet, 11 inches) didn’t go too well, and then my second putt (19 inches) did. My opponent (Punzo) needed a decent number to beat mine. His first putt went really well. Then his second putt, it was kind of close and it was pretty unsure whether I was going to win or not.”

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Air Force One Golf takes flight

By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor Air Force One Golf president Ross Kvinge doesn’t have the most expensive golf clubs in a crowded market place, but that doesn’t mean his AFX line of clubs can’t perform like their name-brand counterparts.

Kvinge, whose company just released the AFX game improvement irons, said the proof is in the performance.

“What we have found with our product is that when it comes down to performance, we can win in head-to-head comparison tests,” Kvinge said in a recent telephone interview from California. “We still have to deal with brand awareness, but when you can see the numbers and the performance we feel like our product is as good as any. We’re selling good value.”

Not familiar with Air Force One Golf?

Don’t feel bad. Kvinge, formerly the president and CEO of Powerbilt Golf, launched his line under that masthead. But the Powerbilt name no longer carries the clout of yesteryear when it was among golf’s top brands. That was the era when woods were actually made of wood and irons were blades.

Without that name recognition, Kvinge

felt it would be better to market Air Force One Golf as its own brand separate from Powerbilt. Air Force One now features three types of irons – AFX Players series, AFX Pro Series and AFX Game Improvement set. It also has a line of drivers and is launching a line of fairway woods.

“It was an opportunity to market our technology,” Kvinge said.

Leaving Powerbilt was somewhat of a leap of faith for Kvinge, but a necessary move. Currently, the Air Force One brand with its patented nitrogen charged technology, is being marketed through clubfitters and through its website (afogolf. com).

According to Kvinge, it’s proved to be a smart move as the industry trend has moved in that direction.

“So many people are getting into custom fitting,” he said. “Consumers are looking for that type of experience. That’s a major aspect of it. Everything is being built to specifications for customers.

Look what Ping and Titleist are doing – it’s all about customer fitting.”

AFO Golf’s latest addition to the market is the

Game Improvement line in which every club is pressurized with nitrogen with three distinct styles of clubheads.

The 3-4 are hybrids featuring 17-4 stainless steel head internally pressurized with nitrogen. The 5-7 irons are hollow inside and nitrogen charged. An oversized clubface and progressive offset facilitates players in getting the ball airborne. The 8-wedges are cavity backs with oversize heads and the same progressive offset as the mid-irons.

“This is a combination that most golfers will enjoy and benefit from,” Kvinge said.

The key, Kvinge said, is getting Air Force One products into the hands of the consumer.

“Customers with Air Force One are a little bit of a cult following,” he said. “If we can get it into their golf bag, they are going to keep going with us. We have to get the awareness out there.”

Kvinge said through its fittings and performance, Air Force One has the ability to make the game more enjoyable, not just for senior players but across the

Air Force One President Ross Kvinge board.

“The numbers don’t lie,” Kvinge said.

“That’s the thing that makes it much easier. Without those numbers, we wouldn’t have a chance at the success rate we are at.”

For more about Air Force One Golf, go to afogolf.com.

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North Alabama is home to outstanding, affordable golf

By Mac Rochelle dining options. To add to the adventure, hit the Tee Times contributor Rattlesnake Saloon in rural Colbert County.

So, you wake up one morning and decide to Located in a cave (really), customers park and point your car and your golf clubs south. are taken in a pickup truck to the restaurant.

A little less than two hours later, you and your Point Mallard, No 5 golf crew find yourselves in north Alabama at the crossroads that is I-65 and U.S. 72 in Athens, RTJ Shoals Fighting Joe, No 18 and a frequent host of the National Junior and Alabama. Turn right and you’re off toward the Community College Division II Championship.

Shoals, which just like Nashville is a music The Lake Course features wide fairways and mecca, chock full of history. slick greens, but with five sets of tees it is Turn left, and within 20 minutes you are in remarkably playable. It can stretch to 7,101 yards Huntsville. The Rocket City is a hub of aerospace from the tips or play as short as 5,411 yards from engineering. the front tees. If you’re lucky, former collegiate Head straight and there’s Decatur, a river city if player and current Golf Operations Manager there ever was one.

Ashley Looney will tee it up with you. She’ll All three towns are distinct, yet similar in so probably beat you, but that’s OK. She’s good at many ways. One thing they have in common is what she does. While Ashley is beating you, don’t some great, off-the-beaten-path golf courses forget to take in the scenery, including views of that are fun, challenging and affordable. There’s the lake that will leave a lasting impression. also affordable lodging nearby, and a great array Goose Pond is one stop-shopping and perfect of dining options as well. for a weekend buddy trip as cabins, the marina When you turn west on U.S. 72, a scant 20 miles restaurant and the golf course are within walking from Athens is a quaint, one-stoplight town of each other. of Rogersville and home to Joe Wheeler In Huntsville, the Robert Trent Jones Golf State Park. North Alabama has long been Trail Hampton Cove facility is another known for its outdoors, especially fishing. must-play stop. It features a pair of 18And Joe Wheeler State Park is borders hole courses – Highlands and River – in Wheeler Lake. There is camping, a large addition to an 18-hole Short Course that marina, cabins and a lodge. There’s also was included in most of the original the General, 18 holes of good golf with Trail sites. Each course is distinct. The greens that have been renovated within Highlands hosted the Web.com Tour the past two years. years ago and is a combination of The General features generous fairways, traditional and links golf with plenty some well-placed bunkers and is distinct of water sprinkled in. The River Course with its elevation changes. It meanders features no bunkers but plenty of through a variety of hardwoods, and if water. you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of Customer service, like with all the deer, wild turkeys and a variety of other RTJ Golf Trail sites, is top shelf, and wildlife that call the course home.

Huntsville has tons of dining and Although views of Wheeler Lake are accommodations. limited, you’ll remember the par-3 No. All five of the aforementioned Goose Pond, No 4 14, which features a downhill tee shot north Alabama golf destinations are over a lagoon with a gorgeous view of distinct, affodable and within an easy the lake. On warm summer days, there Joe Wheeler State Park Course, No 4 Goose Pond Colony Resort and two excellent 18- 2- to 2 ½-hour drive from metro Nashville. So, is no shortage of fishermen and water hole courses. Best of the two is the Lake Course, go ahead, grab your clubs and head south to sports enthusiasts sharing the pristine a George Cobb-design that opened in 1971 Alabama. You’ll be glad you did. water.

One of the acclaimed stops on the Robert Trent There’s a stage and seating for approximately Jones Golf Trail is 40 minutes further west and 150 guests, and of course part of the motif is to the south side of the Tennessee River. Ford rattlesnakes.

City, a short drive from downtown Florence and In Decatur, Point Mallard Golf Course is part Muscle Shoals, is the site of the RTJ Golf Trail’s of Point Mallard Park, a city run venue that at the Shoals (see April issue). The Fighting Joe features camping, a water park, ice rink, aquatic and Schoolmaster courses will test every club center and biking and hiking trails. The par 72 in your bag, and are distinct in their layouts. golf course is set on the Tennessee River and Fighting Joe is a links-style 18 holes cut from Flint Creek, and was carved amidst wooded what used to be cotton fields. Schoolmaster flatlands. was carved from hardwood forest and features A municipal course, Point Mallard has traditional, old-school style tree-lined fairways. hosted the Hooters Tour and is fun to play and Both courses can stretch to 8,000 yards, so if challenging at the same time. Two memorable you are feeling genuinely frisky, step back to the holes are No. 8, a shot par 3 over water to a black markers and give it a go. Just don’t expect narrow green, and No. 18, a man-sized par 4 to shoot the course record. with water to the left and bisecting the fairway The five-star Marriott Shoals is a perfect venue on the tee shot, leaving a lengthy approach shot to set up shop for a weekend of golf. The rooms to a large green.

RTJ Hampton Cove Highlands, No 18 are downright decadent and just a short drive Scottsboro, another small town, is a little more from downtown Florence, which features great than an hour’s drive from Decatur and home to

May 2016

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Wilson migrates south to Saddle Creek GC

By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor LEWISBURG – Greg Wilson likes the golf business so much that being the general manager/owner of one course wasn’t enough for the veteran PGA of America professional — he needed another one to really present him with an additional challenge.

So, the Omaha, Nebraska native migrated south from his existing course – Cedar Creek Golf Course in Ottumwa, Iowa, all the way to Saddle Creek Golf Club, 45 minutes south of Nashville. Now, the Class A pro who loves to teach is determined to take Saddle Creek to a new level of excellence.

Not that middle Tennessee will ever be confused with the tropics (except during the humid summer months), part of the attraction for Wilson to leave Iowa behind was a more moderate climate. So, Greg and wife Susan found their way to Lewisburg where he is leasing the course and serving as general manager. It’s similar to his operation at Cedar Creek in Iowa.

There is another reason Wilson came south.

“Our son and daughter-inlaw Ben and Kassie Wilson are

heavily involved in the Nashville music scene,” Wilson said.

“We became drawn to the climate, the great people, and we love a challenge.”

Therein lies the hint as to what Wilson, who has been at Saddle Creek since January, encountered upon arrival. Saddle Creek has always had a reputation for being a good facility but struggled in recent years.

“Overall, Saddle Creek had a good history and reputation,” Wilson said. “We are looking at bringing a bit more stability to offset Saddle Creek’s recent past.”

Saddle Creek is an 18-hole

Creek Side Grill

Pro Shop

facility that features a fullservice restaurant, Creek Side Grill, headed up by Chef Danny Arsenault capable of serving all types and varieties of meals. The course was designed by Gene Bates and opened in 1995. The opening nine winds through tree-lined fairways with water or streams coming into play on 7 of the 9 holes. The

back nine can be described as more of a links-style course featuring more water and bunkers. At a player-friendly 6,700 yards, Saddle Creek isn’t intimidating with its length but still offers plenty of challenges for players of all skill levels.

Although he loves to teach, Wilson wears different hats as the general manager. That’s one of the attractions to the job, he said.

“The owner/GM is far more involved with the decision making and personnel issues, equipment, financial decisions,” he said. “I enjoy the financial side of the business and working on budgets and projections and those kinds of things.”

Wilson turned professional in 1973 and joined the PGA pf America in 1980. He’s a good player with three Iowa Section Senior Championships on his resume. Like many pros, Wilson’s love of the game coincided with working at a golf course when he was in high school.

Teaching remains a vital part of the job for Wilson.

Wilson’s staff includes superintendent Willis McCullough, assistant pro/events coordinator Rick Ryba, golf shop employee Ryan Whittle, and Wilson’s wife Susan.

“She’s the head executive of payroll and bookkeeping, and helping keep the peace,” Wilson joked.

With a good golf course and a good location just south of Nashville, Wilson is confident the future of Saddle Creek is bright.

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No shortage of top-notch golf in Myrtle Beach

True Blue No. 11

By Wayne Mills Tee Times contributor

Tom Fazio, Greg Norman and Davis Love III. With all sorts of onsite accommodations and even a neighborhood sports pub with a 30 acre driving range, it is conceivable to spend a week and never leave Barefoot Resort.

The Dye Course is the pick of the litter at Barefoot. Featuring many of the Marquis de Sod’s devilish design tricks the Dye has massive mounds, huge waste bunkers, lots of water and enough railroad ties to lay tracks to Nashville. Golf Channel viewers may recognize it as a former location of the Big Break series.

Just about any golfer worth his salt has taken a golf trip somewhere and most have made it to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina at one time or another.

The Myrtle Beach area, with over 90 golf courses and thousands of accommodations to choose from, has rightfully built its reputation as a value destination. With all inclusive, one-stop shopping golf packages through Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday members, just about anybody can afford to tee it up for a few rounds on the Grand Strand sometime during the year.

Probably lesser known is Myrtle Beach has a serious group of high-end courses that are as much a pleasure and a challenge as any of the big name, high-dollar Caledonia par 3 No. 11 destinations in other parts of the country. If you want to pay for reputation, history, and championship tournament pedigree then there are places that will gladly give you that experience -- at a very high price.

According to a recent story by Jason Scott Deegan in Golf Advisor listing America’s most expensive green fees, places like Pebble Beach, Pinehurst No. 2, TPC Stadium Course, Wynn Golf Club and The Blue Monster at Trump Doral will charge you upward of $450 per round.

Want a caddie? Dig even deeper. So if you want to say you walked in the footsteps of Ben Hogan and Bobby Jones and played where U. S Opens, PGA Championships and Ryder Cups were The Fazio, Norman and Love courses played then be prepared to cough up at Barefoot all provide visual delights and fair big dough for those bragging rights.

In Myrtle Beach the traveling golfer can challenges.

On the south end of the Strand, in Pawley’s play golf courses, many designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Jack Island, are two of the finest golf courses you Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman and will ever play, Caledonia Golf and Fish Club and True Blue Golf Club. They were both deMike Strantz, for a fraction of the price.

The courses themselves, hole by hole, are as good and in some cases better all-round golf courses than the more famous ones. You get all the benefits of the architects’ experience without using rent money to play their designs.

The Dunes Club, a private club located on the ocean, helped put Myrtle Beach on the map as a destination. This Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design opened in 1948 as only the second course along the Grand Strand and has consistently maintained its position at the pinnacle of area clubs. It is only accessible to outside play through very select area accommodation providers.

Playing over 7,400 yards from the tips and carrying 76.1 course rating and a 148 slope The Dunes Club is a big boy, broadshouldered layout that has hosted many prestigious events including the Senior Tour Championship as well as the 2014 PGA Professional National Championship.

Not far away on a bluff overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway in North Myrtle Beach is the sprawling Barefoot Resort, home to four championship golf courses by Pete Dye,

signed by the late Mike Strantz and although they are essentially across the street from each other and have the same owners, they couldn’t be more different and distinct.

Strantz, an artist by eye and course architect by vocation, got his start with Tom Fazio at Wild Dunes near Charleston before going on his own in 1988.

His first solo design was Caledonia, the stunning Low Country classic built on a former rice plantation amongst towering live oak trees and playing back along the banks of the Waccamaw River.

True Blue is where Strantz really started to let the artist in him show through. Each hole is a picture to itself. With broad fairways framed by massive waste areas, large lakes and huge mounds True Blue is a unique golf experience and shouldn’t be missed.

Go ahead and play the big name destinations if you must but if you’re paying top dollar you should get top dollar value which is what you will find in Myrtle Beach.

True Blue No. 18

May 2016

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For Schaeffer, The Legacy just keeps getting better all the time

By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor Jonathan Schaeffer knows every nook and cranny of The Legacy Golf Course in Springfield.

He should. He’s played the course since he was in high school. So, when Schaeffer, who is now an assistant pro at the Cornerstone Golfmanaged public facility, says “to me there is no better public course in middle Tennessee,” it’s best to pay attention.

And, in his opinion, The Legacy is getting even better. A Raymond Floyd design that plays to 6,755 yards from the tips, The Legacy opened in 1996. Now under Cornerstone’s management, Schaeffer has seen numerous improvements that add to the experience. “(General manager) Chet (Frazier) and (director of golf) Kevin (Holler) have done a remarkable job in a short period of time at getting this course back to what it once was there,” Schaeffer said. “The course is in the best shape I have seen it in for some time.”

Among those changes, Schaeffer said, are some course renovations that include reworking some bunkers and improving drainage.

“Chet and his crew are the best around, taking the condition of the course from where it was to what players can expect to find when they come to play,” said Schaeffer, who has been at

The Legacy for three years. “Can you say outstanding?”

Course improvements aren’t the only thing happening at The Legacy. Schaeffer said numerous programs have been started in an effort to attract more players.

“Kevin is great,” Schaeffer said. “He is such a people person and meshes well with the staff and our golfers.”

Schaeffer points to the newly formed men’s association as one of those changes.

“It’s instilled enthusiasm all around,” he said.

“Another plus is his getting the junior program up and running with the addition of PGA camps and the PGA Junior League.”

Having grown up playing The Legacy, Schaef-

Windy conditions no problem for Breen, Caballero at The Classic Tee Times report COLLIERVILLE – Battling the field and the golf course are just part of what goes into winning a golf tournament.

Sometimes, players have to overcome the weather conditions to grind out a win.

That’s exactly what Brendon Caballero and Bill Breen did recently at The Classic at Spring Creek Ranch.

Reduced from 36 to 18 holes due to heavy rain and lightning in the first round, conditions changed dramatically for the final round. Although the inclement weather moved out of the area, strong, cool winds hampered play in the second.

Caballero and Breen mastered the conditions, however, to grab wins in the Regular Professional and Senior Professional Divisions.

Caballero, an amateur, overtook Marshall Talkington by one shot with a birdie on the 14th hole to finish at 2-under-par 70 for a oneshot victory. Caballero also claimed first place in the Regular Amateur division.

Breen played well early in the windy conditions, getting to 3-under par through seven holes. That gave him enough cushion to post a 2-under-par 70 that was good enough for a

Brendon Caballero

Bill Breen

two-shot victory over Gary Simpson, Buddy Harston, Buzz Fly, Fred McCord, who all shot an even 72.

Breen was the only senior player to break par in the Robinson Toyota-spon-

sored event.

The Tennessee PGA would like to thank Robinson Toyota for sponsoring The Classic at Spring Creek Ranch.

A special thank you is also extended to Jennifer Hudson, PGA, and her entire staff at Spring Creek Ranch. The event would not have been as successful if it wasn’t for all of their hard work and support.

fer understands that customer service is vital to the success of any golf course. He said the staff at the Legacy strives to be the best it can be in that department.

“We are all about treating our players special – all of us,” he said. “Customer service is key. We are outgoing and friendly. We want to jump at the chance to give our golfing guests the royal treatment. We want to provide an experience that will stay with them and encourage them to come back again and again.”

According to Schaeffer, part of that experience is to get to know the customer base on a personal level.

“I try to make it a point to get know everyone who plays here on a regular basis and give those who are here for the first time the same treatment,” he said. “Our staff goes the extra mile to ensure a super round of golf and make sure the customer is happy they have chosen The Legacy.”

It’s the way Schaeffer, who got his start in the business at Foxland Harbor as the outside operations manager and was an assistant professional at Nashboro Golf Club before arriving at The Legacy, would want to be treated if he were a guest.

Schaeffer credits his father, Chris, and stepfather Dale Kelso, with providing him with an opportunity to play golf when he was a youngster.

“My dad started taking me to the golf course with him when I was just a toddler,” he said.

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“My step-father also played and took me with him. I’m grateful to have two men I looked up to who would take me to the course to play and enabled me to take up the game early in my life.”

With a 16-month daughter (Ava Lynette) to occupy his time, Schaeffer admits he doesn’t get to play as much as he likes. On the plus side, he said he can’t wait until she is old enough to start playing. He hopes to forge a similar bond with her like he had with his father and stepfather.

More than likely, young Ava will be teeing it up at The Legacy – just like her father did not that long ago.

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