Tee Times November

November 2015 Keeping Golfers Connected in TN, KY, MS, AL, NC

November 2015

Double perfection from the King in Alabama Pages 2-3 Cotton Creek No. 6

Inside!!

6 20 23

Down and dirty: Merritt doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty as Ted Rhode’s superintendent Time for a tuneup?: The Golf Institute at Gaylord Springs can put your game back on track Crowning a champion: Garcia wins thrilling Senior Women’s Am

Cypress Bend No. 7

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November 2015

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Craft Farms: Double perfection from the King in Alabama

By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor There is a certain amount of responsibility that comes along with being the overseer of Alabama’s only Arnold Palmer Signature golf courses.

After all, Mr. Palmer didn’t get to be known as the King of Golf merely by accident. So, when he builds a golf course in your part of the country, there is a standard that must be maintained. And that’s exactly what the staff at the Craft Farms Golf Resort in Gulf Shores, Alabama, has been doing since its Cotton Creek course opened in 1987.

Since 2009, the overall property has been under the watchful eye of General Manager Chad Leonard. If you read the reviews, Cotton Creek and its companion course Cypress Bend are as good, if not better, now than when they first opened. Also, the courses are just

a drive and 5-iron from Gulf Shores and its white sandy beaches, world-class shopping and dining and a slower pace of life conducive to relaxing.

Leonard, a Washington, D.C. native, is no stranger to high-profile properties. He spent 10 years in and around Charleston, South Carolina, at some of that area’s top facilities. He made stops at the Belvidere Club and Resort, Patriots Point and RiverTowne County Club before joining Honours Golf to manage Craft Farms.

Leonard is well aware of the standard of excellence that must be maintained and the history of the property.

“Craft Farms brought together two very unique and special men,” he said.

“R.C. Craft, who immediately saw the beauty and potential of this property when he purchased it in 1956, and Arnold Palmer, who decided the minute he set foot on it 30 years later that it would become a signature course of the

Cotton Creek No. 6

Chad Leonard

Cypress Bend No. 7

Arnold Palmer Design Company.

I’m honored to be affiliated with a property that was founded and developed by men with such high character.”

Although there are now a multitude of golf resorts along the Gulf Coast, Craft Farms has long been the standard others have tried to meet.

Like many golf projects, Craft Farms is the product of one person’s vision. That would be Craft, a

successful area businessman who grew up on a farm with a vision of transforming from a rural community into a destination for golfers.

Craft arrived in Foley, Alabama, as a gladiolus farmer from south Florida where he saw the confluence of Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach grow in conjunction. He watched as the same thing happened in Foley and nearby Gulf Shores. He branched off from gladiolus farming to sod farming. He also dabbled in soybean and cornfields. As the coastal Alabama tourism industry began to soar, Craft decided that building a golf course was the best course of action.

With Palmer’s management company eager to get into the Alabama market, the King met with Craft. They toured the property and forged a lasting friendship. Palmer designed two signature courses – the only two Palmer designs in the state – and the rest, as they say, is history.

Leonard is in the golf business in part because his grandmother hated the game the one time she tried to play with new clubs purchased by his grandfather.

“He took her to the country club, gave her a ball and said ‘Hit it,’ ” Leonard said.

November 2015

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“A few hours later she hadn’t made it to the first fairway. So, she took the clubs off the cart, brought them to me and she never played again. But the next day, I was hooked.”

Leonard was 12, and that addiction led to his foray into the golf business.

“After graduating college I asked myself ‘what did I want to be as a kid,’ so I got into the golf business,” he said.

Leonard doesn’t play competitive golf, though. He’s content to tee it up with family and friends about 15 times a year.

“I like golf for the relaxation and outdoors,” he said. “It’s a place where you can escape from it all – when you are playing well, anyway. It’s a misconception that we play every day and we play golf for a living.”

Trey Childs is new to Craft Farms. He arrived as the director of golf in August after four years at Bay Point Resort in nearby Panama City, Florida. Childs turned professional 11 years ago, but like Leonard does not play competitively. Instead, he prefers the challenge

of playing against the course.

A graduate of the Golf Management Program at Florida State University, Childs quickly fell in love with Craft Farms.

“The course conditions are perfect year round,” he said. “I love selling all aspects of Craft Farms.”

Those pristine course condi-

Trey Childs

tions of which Leonard and Childs speak glowingly are by accident. Both point to the work of superintendent Jason Baumeister and his crew as the reason.

“These two Arnold Palmer-designed courses are in great hands with Jason,” Leonard said. “His work ethic and knowledge of turf grasses is second to none. He and his crew maintain the golf course in immaculate conditions all year round and make the King (Palmer) proud.”

Jason Baumeister

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Other staff members at Craft Farms include our Accounting Manager Naomi Anderson, Marketing and Events Manager Amy Hicks, Chef Cortez Young and Clubhouse Manager Candice Workman.

Of course, both Leonard and Childs had to adjust to life in Alabama, where football is also King each Saturday during the fall and golf often takes a back seat. That’s fine with Childs, who is a Florida State football fanatic. For Leonard, even though South Carolina is in the SEC it was an eye-opener with the drop off in play.

“Alabama takes its football more seriously than South Carolina,” he said.

“Saturdays are hard for golf courses.”

But that just offers up more opportunities for players who would rather spend the day toiling on the carpet-like fairways of Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend than watching an oblong ball take funny bounces on a 100-yard field.

Arnold Palmer certainly would be proud. So would R.C. Craft.

For information about Craft Farms, call 1-800-327-2657 or go to www. craftfarms.com.

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November 2015

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November 2015

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From tHE Editor

By Gregg Dewalt I like playing golf in the fall.

Not only is it an opportunity to play without perspiring the moment you step out of the pro shop, but it is an opportunity to take in the eye-popping colors the season offers.

A recent trip on a Monday morning to Pickwick Landing State Park cemented my love of fall golf. My local muny pro buddy, Joel Gafford, and I loaded up in Florence, Alabama and made the hour drive to Pickwick in early October. The drive itself can be frustrating – Savannah Highway is a winding, weaving two-lane blacktop that turns into Tennessee 69 at the state line. The road’s nickname is Bloody 69, simply because of the amount of deadly wrecks that have occurred on it. It’s a great road to ride if you have a motorcycle, but it’s also dangerous as can be.

The typical drive to Pickwick from Alabama usually means trying to find just enough space to pass the parade of pickup trucks you encounter on the back roads of rural Tennessee. It can be an exercise in futility unless you decide to just soak in the sights along the way and don’t get in a hurry. There’s a little dive of a restaurant in Walnut Grove that features as good of a hamburger as you’ll ever eat, if the burger urge hits you.

Along the way to Pickwick, there’s a

running up the yellow line in the middle of the road before veering off into the woods. The drive into the course means crossing the dam at Pickwick, which offers a spectacular view of the lake and the lock boaters must pass through.

Pickwick Landing has been a staple of west Tennessee golf since it opened in 1973. It’s popular among local golfers – Savannah is the closest town – and those who have summer homes and cabins on the lake.

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EDITOR Gregg Dewalt

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ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Carol Hall teetimescarol@bellsouth.net

good chance you’ll see an assortment of wildlife. On this day, a baby deer was

With general manager Preston Maxey at the helm and always well-maintained by superintendent Larry Finley, Pickwick plays to a modest 6,478 yards from the tips. But don’t let that fool you – the tight, tree-lined fairways can jump up and bite you at any time. There are 21 bunkers – just enough to be a nuisance – to make some shots uncomfortable. And, there are plenty of elevation changes and uneven lies in the fairway to keep players of any skill level

rse No. 9 green

Cou Pickwick Landing Golf

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on their toes.

Hit the ball straight and there are plen-

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ty of birdie opportunities. However, it’s the par 3s that set Pickwick apart. The front-nine short holes aren’t that short.

No. 3 plays a lengthy 192 yards to a long but narrow green. No. 8 stretches to 214 yards from the middle tee with a wellplaced bunker guarding the right twothirds of the green. On the back nine, No. 13 is an uphill middle distance par 3 with a blind landing area. No. 17 requires a mid-iron to a severely sloped green from back to front.

On this October Monday, Joel and I found Pickwick Landing much to our liking. Although we were only a twosome, we didn’t have to wait to play a single shot but still managed to soak in the vista of a west Tennessee golf course just waiting to explode in all of its fall beauty. We even made a couple of birdies.

Golf in the Wayne County-Hardin County area has been hard hit by the economy in recent years. Three courses have closed – Savannah Country Club, Shiloh Falls (a Fred Couples design) and Ross Creek Landing (a Jack Nicklaus design). But Pickwick continues to survive and thrive.

Playing it early in the fall is just an added bonus.

Keep it in the fairways (and out of the leaves), Gregg

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November 2015

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In Mt. Juliet, collaborative effort ensures tournament success Tee Times report

courses are in premier condition, and the clubhouses and amenities speak for themselves.”

Hinesley credits Sanford with helping make the chamber’s annual tournament a success.

He’s aware that have a well-run, organized event keeps players coming back. That’s exactly what Sanford and his staff provide.

“Craig has been an integral part of our golf tournament for many, many years,” Hinesley said. “He’s always on his toes and very knowledgeable about everything golf related.”

Part of the tournament’s success is the work done beforehand. As the tournament approaches each year, chamber officials make sure everything is in place to have a successful event.

“We work really hard for a few months leading up to the tournament, and then we try to have a good group of volunteers on hand the day of to help things run smoothly,” Hinesley said. “We don’t totally reinvent the wheel each year because we like to stick to what is tried and true. However, we do try to throw in something fun and different to keep things fresh from year to year. We must be doing something right because we sell out sponsorships and teams every year. It’s definitely a team effort.”

The tournament is mutually beneficial for both the chamber and the golf courses. Pine Creek and Windtree know each year they are going to host one of the area’s premier outings, and the exposure the chamber gets is priceless.

MT. JULIET – Mark Hinesley has been the president of the Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce for 18 years.

He knows a good thing when he sees it, and that’s why his association returns to the golf courses at Pine Creek and Windtree year after year for the chamber’s annual tournament.

And, there’s no plan to go anywhere else.

The annual Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic, a 4-man scramble, is the longest running tournament at Pine Creek and was one of the first tournaments held at Windtree.

The rest, they say, is history. Ecstatic with the golf courses and the customer service each staff provides, Hinesley and the chamber see no reason to go away from a good thing.

“Both are well-maintained courses and their staff is phenomenal when it comes to organizing a golf tournament,” Hinesley said recently.

“They are always available during the planning process and on-site the day of the tournament.”

Stable ownership and good management are crucial to not only attracting outings and customers, but keeping them as well. Windtree is co-owned by Danny and Jean Hale of Hendersonville and Monty and Kellie Mires of Lebanon. The Mires also own Pine Creek.

General manager Craig Sanford, who is the liaison between the clubs and the chamber, said the owners take an active role in the courses.

“All of the owners have been great with supporting different ideas, memberships and construction plans at each course,” Sanford said. “Coming off the big winter freeze everyone experienced two winters ago, I really have not heard much in the form of construction or improvements at many faciliWindtree, site of the 2015 Mt.Juliet Chamber of Commerce Classic ties. These owners stepped up and made improvements during a difficult time in the golf industry in Nashville.”

Sanford said it’s easy to see the fruits of that commitment by ownership.

“The results are tremendous at both facilities, and it can be witnessed by the increase in rounds that we experienced over the past year,” Sanford said. “Both

L-R: Mike Beard, Noelle Mathis, and Dorine Zak-Farmer of TDS look on as golfer spends the wheel of fortune

Mark Hinesley, Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce President and Craig Sanford, General Manager Windtree & Pink Creek Courses

“Mt. Juliet is very lucky to have such an established chamber with such a great leader,” Sanford said. “Mt. Juliet’s growth is occurring so rapidly that sometimes new businesses can get lost in the shuffle. That’s where Mark and the chamber step in and host grand openings and really gets a business’s name out in the community.”

For Hinesley, the tournament is an opportunity to showcase a beautiful portion of Mt. Juliet and bring together approximately 200 players, sponsors and volunteers who might never cross paths in what has become one of America’s top 60 fastest growing cities.

“This is an exciting time to be a part of this booming com-

Craig Sanford takes being the GM of both Mt. Juliet Courses in stride, shown here at his desk at Windtree

munity and there is no end in sight to all the good things going on here,” Hinesley said.

The tournament, Pine Creek and Windtree might only be a small part of those good things, but they are vital nonetheless.

For more information about the Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce, go to www.mjchamber.org. For information about the golf courses, go to www. pinecreekgolf.net and www.windtreegolf.com.

Staff at Mt.Juliet Chamber- Meg Mikhail, Investor Services, Anita Spicer, Director of Membership, Katherine Willis, Member Relations, and Mark Hinesley, Mt. Juliet Chamber President

L-R: Ashley Hicks, Madison Schribner, Tiffany Holland, Natalie Hughes, Rachel Victory. Tournament title sponsor Ascend’s True Difference Team represents company at various events throughout middle Tennessee.

Key to the success on tournament day are Anita Spicer, Mt.Juliet Chamber Membership Director, and Dan Felton, Windtree & Pine Creek’s tournament sales.

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November 2015

For DeMille, McCabe is home away from home When Phillip DeMille hired on at McCabe Golf Course in 2010, it was just going to be a job – with the emphasis on job. He had no idea that he would be one of the lucky ones to wind up making a career out of something he quickly came to love.

But that’s what happened to the personable 22-year-old Nashville native. Under the tutelage of McCabe head professional Loren Personett and assistant pro Audie Johnson, DeMille is now entrenched in the industry.

“I came to McCabe as an intern in high school,” DeMille said.

“I never really played golf and knew very little about the business. I quickly learned to love it.

The people I get to meet; the people I work with; they make this job truly special to me. I get to wake up every day and go hang out with my friends. Work just happens to happen along the way. I wouldn’t trade this job or these people for the world. McCabe is my home away from home.”

DeMille began working at McCabe while still attending Nashville Big Picture High School. Once there, Personett took him under his wing. From there, not only did DeMille begin to learn the business but he quickly gained a new best friend and mentor.

Once he graduated, DeMille opted to attend Professional Golfers Career College in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

“When I left for golf school, Loren had quickly become not only my mentor but one of my good friends,” DeMille said. “I wasn’t sure about coming back to Nashville when I was done or staying there. The whole time I was there Loren and I spoke probably once a week. I knew he wanted me to come back and work at McCabe. He has taught me just about everything I know about golf and A LOT about life. He is a big part of why I choose this as a career and why I am successful at what I do.”

Personett recognized DeMille’s talent when he was interning at McCabe.

“Phillip is a fine young man,” Personett said.

“I gave him his first job and trained him to do everything there is to do here at McCabe.

Mike Seward received a promotion to Ted Rhodes as the assistant manager leaving his clerk II position open at McCabe and Phillip was able to fill the position. He is very reliable employee who has really good customer

service skills. When I walk out the door I know he will take care of whatever comes up at any time. We are very fortunate to have him on our staff.”

DeMille credits co-workers Johnson and Kent Rucker with showing him the ropes. DeMille said Johnson instilled in him that customer service is perhaps the most important aspect of the golf business. Rucker gave DeMille his first set of golf clubs.

Now, DeMille is helping mentor his younger brother Hayden, who works at McCabe as well. DeMille calls Hayden his best friend.

“I cherish this time I get to work with three of my best friends,” he said. “I am one lucky guy. These people are my family.”

DeMille enjoys the interactions with the golfers who pass through McCabe.

“I have gotten to know some pretty cool people over the time I’ve worked here,” he said. “Our golfers consist of judges, athletes and also just everyday people. These people love their golf and I love putting grins on their face when they head out of the door to the first tee.”

Gregg Dewalt

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November 2015

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Around Nashville Fairways John Holmes Assistant Director of Parks We get lots of compliments with our metro golf courses and on their personnel; this month let me introduce you to one such superintendent and his crew.

Life never really slows down for golf course superintendents and their crews.

As fall slips away and winter approaches, Brennan Merritt, our newest greens keeper, and his crew at Ted Rhodes Golf Course remain busy, keeping the golf course in tip-top shape while planning their cold weather projects that will enhance its playability in 2016.

For Merritt, whose official title is Greens Keeper II, it’s all part of the day’s work he has been doing most of his life.

“I have been working on a golf course since I was 16 with the exception of an eight-month stint at a chemical company in 2012-13, so it is basically the type of work I have done my entire career,” he said. “I was about 17 or 18 when I knew I wanted to make this a career.”

At least some of the influence can be traced to Merritt’s father, Scott, who is also a superintendent/greens keeper with Nashville Fairways metro parks golf courses. The senior Merritt has been with Metro Parks for 36 years and has been a superintendent/greens keeper for 20 years. He was at Two Rivers for 33 years and is now at Shelby Golf Course.

Like many people in the golf industry, Merritt, a Nashville native, got his start

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comes with the territory. It’s something all superintendents can relate to.

Merritt already has his winter projects scheduled.

“We will do a lot of tree trimming this winter to make the golf course more aesthetically pleasing as well as more golfer and employee friendly,” he said.

“We will also clear some of the ditches and areas around the multiple ponds we have to improve the playability and look of the golf course.”

Merritt’s fulltime crew consists of five

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as a seasonal employee at a golf course.

In his case, it was Ravenwood Country Club. Eventually he worked his way up to assistant superintendent, and by 2008 he was named superintendent at the club. He had a short stint with Metro Parks in 2007-08 before returning fulltime. In all, he’s spent six years with Metro Parks, including the last six months at Ted Rhodes.

Merritt admits there is a balancing act at the course which is open throughout the year. His crew must maintain the course all 12 months and fit in projects when needed. It’s not always easy, but

L-R: Brennan Merritt - Greens keeper II (Superintendent), Michael Bond - M & R Leader II, Trevor Thrower - M & R II, Stephen Booton - M & R II, Brandon Denton - M & R III, Jeremy Birdwell - M & R II, and Brett Carpenter - Lead Seasonal

Brennan Merritt

people -- Micheal Bond, Brandon Denton, Steve Booton, Trevor Thrower and Jeremy Birdwell. His season workers were Brett Carpenter, Dylan Smith, Austin Smith and Logan Denton.

Merritt said he appreciates his crew and the effort they give to make the golf course, which features bermuda grass tees, fairways and rough and bentgrass greens, as good as possible.

Metro Parks Nashvillefairways.com

“I genuinely enjoy my job and I love the guys I get the opportunity to work with every day,” he said. “They have made my job easy because of their abilities and willingness to put in the effort required to produce a quality product on a daily basis.”

The Ted Rhodes superintendent doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty, either. With a small staff, Merritt can be found working alongside his crew.

“I manage the golf course and crew on a daily basis, but I really enjoy being hands on,” he said “I operate equipment and do just about every job on the course.

Being a golfer provides added perspective for Merritt, who sees the course not only from a superintendent’s point of view but also from a player’s.

“Playing golf gives me good perspective on what other golfers see and experience at the course,” he said. “It also really helps to play at other courses to get ideas of areas where I can be better but also in some cases to appreciate what I have and what my crew has accomplished. I am excited to see continued improvement in the quality of the golf course moving forward.”

Until next time, keep it in the fairway- John Holmes

November 2015

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Chapman, Rebne qualify for Senior PGA Championship Tee Times report Two Tennessee pros have played their way into the 2016 Senior PGA Championship.

Knoxville’s Walt Chapman and Chattanooga’s Richard Rebne notched top-36 finishes at the Senior Professional National Championship in Seaside, California Walt Chapman to earn bids to next year’s Senior PGA Championship in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Chapman, of Fairways and Greens, finished tied for 11th at the Senior PNC, firing rounds of 70-71-72-71 for a 72-hole total of 284. He was among a group of five players tied for 11th.

Rebne, of Council Fire Golf Club, shot rounds of 72-71-70-74 to finish at 287 in a tie for 21st with six other players.

The Senior PNC was played at the acclaimed Bayonet and Black Horse courses in Seaside.

John DalCorobbo won the tournament with a 72-hole score of 277.

Five other professionals from Tennessee played in the tournament. Jared Melson, of the Bear Trace Tims Ford in Winchester, shot 297 and finished outside the cutline to qualify for the Senior PGA Championship next May. Harpeth Valley’s Bill Breen missed the 36hole cut by one shot with rounds of 7472, while Vanderbilt Legend’s Club’s Jack Oliver (81-74) and Buddy Harston (8178) and University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Mark Guhne (77-78) were further Richard Rebne back from the cut line.

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Ambrose/ Webb win E-Z-GO Pro-Pro

Tee Times report Dave Ambrose and Josh Webb teamed up to win the E-Z-Go Pro-Pro recently at Lookout Mountain (Georgia) Golf Club, firing a two-round total of 13-under-par 127.

That was good enough to win by one shot over the team of Henrik Simonsen and Thomas Smith, who birdied the first six holes on the back nine in the second round to charge into contention and post 128.

But Ambrose and Webb were up to the challenge. After opening with a 63 to tie for the lead in the first round, Ambrose and Webb came through with a closing

64 to snag their first E-Z-Go Pro-Pro victory.

The first round was played in perfect conditions for early fall, but the wind blew in the second round to make for more difficult scoring conditions. Seemingly always in contention, the team of Audie Johnson/Loren Personett shot 63 in the first round to tie the lead before falling back in the tougher second-round conditions.

Ambrose and Webb pocketed $1,500 each courtesy of E-Z-Go for the win. Other sponsors included Cutter & Buck, Tifosi, Gentleman Jack, Guardian Enterprises and Pukka Headwear.

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Opinion

By David Widener

Member Golf Writers Association of America

Surviving back pain not easy I

now know from personal experience what golfers must go through when suffering a back injury. Although not related to golf, my injury occurred Aug. 21 when I fell off a ladder onto my deck while trying to trim some trees in our back yard.

At my age I should know better. As a good friend told me afterwards, “you know you can hire people who do that.”

But known as “King of Cheap” (a title my wife gave me many years ago), that was not an option although after the fall I had to hire someone to mow and trim my yard.

X-rays and CT scans in a hospital emergency room showed I suffered a lower back sprain, cervical sprain and head injury. My tailbone hit the wooden deck first, resulting in the worst pain I’ve ever

experienced.

In the process of trying to recover, I discovered how difficult it is to get an appointment with a specialist. I finally saw a neurosurgeon Sept. 22, who suspected it might be a herniated disc since I have weakness in my legs. I’m scheduled to have an MRI in early November.

Back pain is something 9 out of 10 American adults will experience at some point in their lives, so I now have joined that group. Golfers are more prone because of the strain the golf swing puts on the back. For many, it results in surgery.

Tiger Woods has had two back surgeries, missing most of the 2014-15 season.

Davis Love and Stacy Lewis both have

had spinal fusion surgeries.

The list doesn’t stop there. Seve Ballesteros had a long history of back pain, and Fred Couples has experienced back problems for the past 20 years. Back surgery is never a minor surgery. Just ask Canadian pro Graham DeLaet. It took him a year to recover.

Knowing all that makes me wonder if I will ever be able to play golf again, especially since I am already slowed by arthritis and don’t want to have back surgery.

But then I came across eight steps on how to play golf with back pain on wikihow.com that give me hope: *Stretch regularly and warm up before playing. That should be a given. *Ease back into the game with some basic practice at a driving range. And, don’t grab the driver right away. Start with the small irons and work your way up to the “Big Dog”. *Club up one or two clubs. Accept the fact you lose some power. *When addressing the ball, stand 2-3 inches closer to the ball. It helps you turn your hips easily. *Aim for smooth swings by gently rotating the shoulder, hip, chest and lower spine at the same time so that all these parts of the body share the load. *Problems really start on the downswing if you have back pain.

To avoid this, start your downswing with your hands moving slowly, then engage your hips to blast through the ball. *Avoid twisting around at all times. Be aware that you don’t have to twist your body around to finish in a perfect pose. Just make sure to finish with the club high. Over your head is fine. *Don’t push yourself too hard. A few holes initially are better than none. Listen to your body as you move around the course and take a break when you need to. Since lifting items and bending over can be problems if you have back pain, use a golf cart instead of carrying your bag and make sure you have one of those ball grabbers to get the ball out of the cup.

I know physical therapy can help back pain, but my doctor does not want me to start that or lift anything until the MRI is done. Until then, I’m in a standby mode.

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November 2015

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Pedigo wins use of Acura TLX Wendall Pedigo will be driving a new Acura TLX for the next three years for hitting one golf shot in the Gary Force Acura Hole-in-One Challenge.

Pedigo hit his shot to 5 feet on the 165-yard hole at the Hermitage Golf Course in a light drizzle and with darkness approaching to win the use of the Acura TLX for three years.

Pedigo emerged with the win from a field of 15 players in the dealership’s promotion that began in May. The contest was open to golfers who played the course at least twice during the month and visited the Gary Force Acura dealership during the month.

Each month five players were drawn from that pool to get their chance to win the three-year lease.

A hole-in-one would have earned a three-year lease L-R: Wendall Pedigo on an Acura MDX.

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FYI

The Legacy 2 Man Scramble Championship Championship Flight 1st place Vince Gallagher & Jacob Sherlin 118 2nd Place Patrick Powell & Kyle Binkley 122 3rd place Mike Gallagher & Butch O’Kelley 124

& Beau Brannon from Gary Force Acura

Although none of the players aced the hole, Pedigo’s shot was the closest to the pin to earn him the use of the Acura TLX for three years.

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First Flight 1st Place Burl White & Tommy White 2nd place Doug Squeglia & Lou Menetrey 3rd place Patrick Oneal & Eric Smith Jacob Sherlin and Vince Gallagher

131 135 136

Second Flight 1st place Randy Adkins & Charlie Bratcher 138 2nd place Jake New & Peyton Townley 140 3rd place Matt Cowan & Earl Eaves 142

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Burgan goes wire-to-wire ‘The Shelby’ raises $65K for Harris Hillman School at Tennessee Mid-Am Tee Times Report

Burgan, who previously won the MidAm in 2011 (Cleveland CC) and 2012 (Jackson CC) pulled away in the final round with his 4-under-par 68. Lee was second at 210 on rounds of 69-70-71, while Nashville’s John Burch III finished third at 211 with rounds of 70-70-71.

Dulaney (75) was fourth and Rochelle (75) finished fifth.

MEMPHIS – Todd Burgan grabbed the lead after two rounds and rode a closing 68 to a victory in the Tennessee MidAmateur Championship at Ridgeway Country Club.

It’s the third Mid-Am title for Burgan, of Powell, which is near Knoxville. He shot 204 in the 54-hole tournament to win by six shots over White Bluff’s Phillip Lee. The Mid-Am Championship is for players 25 and older.

Burgan and Lawrenceburg’s Corey Rochelle shared the first-round lead with matching 66s at Ridgeway.

Burgan shot 70 in the second round to take a one-shot lead over Memphian Ryan DuLaney, who opened with rounds of 71-66. Rochelle dropped two shots off the lead Todd Burgan with a 72.

Mid-Amateur History

The first tournament, conducted at match play, was won by Rob Long of Clarksville. He defeated Buzz Fly of Memphis, 3 and 2. The format was changed to stroke play in 1992 at The Golf Club of Tennessee.

Germantown’s Tim Jackson (51 years, 6 months, 16 days) became the oldest player to win the tournament when he won for a record sixth time in 2010 at Spring Creek Ranch.

Jackson holds the most Mid-Amateur Championships at 6.

The 10th Shelby Hickman Scramble & Auction raised approximately $65,000, bringing the overall total for the duration of the event to $676,000 for The Shelby Foundation.

All proceeds from the Shelby go to the Harris Hillman Special Education School.

We want to thank all the players, volunteers and contributors for their involvement and to Old Hickory Country Club for hosting the event.

None of this could be done without the involvement of many people who work behind the scenes to make the event a success. Among those who provide support are the membership of Old Hickory Country Club, Brandywine Woman’s Club, Corky’s BBQ, Newks, and Dunkin Donuts.

Our corporate sponsors included Stockmeier Urethanes, A Step Ahead, Banc Card, Long Foundation & Drilling, Precision Field Services,

Beaman Automotive, Yamaha Golf Carts, Cornerstone Financial, Bernard Chang & Assoc., James Crossnoe, and Rick Colbert.

The additions to the school – outdoor pavilion, in-ground trampoline (and soon to be constructed enclosure with lift), wiggle room and many others -- have been incredible over the years. We look forward to hearing all of the success stories in the future created by the additions.

Our mission statement, “Do what you can, where you are with what you have,” has been fulfilled from day one, and we are so thankful for everyone’s willingness to live this out.

Although the weather wasn’t very cooperative, we had a GREAT day and a wonderful spirit that evening at the awards celebration and concert.

A special thank you to High Road III who entertained us that night and presented a musical show that brought together ALL genres of music!

Joey, Susan, Scott & Shelby Hickman

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Jeff Vaughn, PGA Professional

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Tennessee Golf Trail strives to meet golfers’ needs with friendly staff, course upgrades A

s we get into the fall and winter seasons I thought I would reintroduce all of our managers at each of the Tennessee Golf Trail to the Tee Times family.

If case you have not been following our progress on the TGT throughout the year, we have had a number of improvements that we are proud of that directly affect our customers.

Among the improvements : • Added new electric greens mowers at each park that improve the cut of the greens, save energy, and make very little noise; • Replaced all of our golf cart fleet and also switched from gas to electric carts at Fall Creek Falls, Henry Horton, and Montgomery Bell. This is a very positive outcome for energy savings, the environment and the experience that each of our customers receives

at one of our facilities.

• Redesigned and re-grassed Henry Horton greens complexes, changing the surfaces from very old bentgrass to very new Champion bermuda. We had a soft opening two weeks ago and look forward to a spectacular course in the spring, although it is very playable right now.

I want everyone to know a little about our staff at each course. Feel free to stop by or call them at any time. All are friendly and helpful and would like nothing better than to get to know all of you and to supply you with any and all information you might need if you want to come and play by yourself or if you have a large group. We pride ourselves in being able to serve all of your needs at any of our TGT courses.

Meet the Managers:

Mark Houser, Warriors Path in Kingsport Mark was on the construction crew when he was a teenager and worked his way to his current position. He has been a staple of the community for over 35 years.

Robin Boyer, Bear Trace at Harrison Bay in Chattanooga Robin came from the hospitality side of Gaylord in Nashville.

He plays drums and guitar in his spare time.

Frank Christopher Fall Creek Falls in Spencer Frank came to us from Fairfield Glade in Crossville. Frank loves to work with the junior programs and has added a real personal touch to the facility.

Jared Melson Bear Trace at Tims Ford in Winchester

Jared has been at Tims Ford for only two years but has made a big difference in the operations in a short period of time. He is also a former Tennessee State Open Champion.

Keith Hickman, Paris Landing Keith has been outstanding at enticing people from other states to visit Paris Landing on one of our golf packages and making them all want to return for another visit. He is also a member of the Turkey Hunters Hall of Fame that actually has nothing to do with hunting. It is for the conservation and restoration of wild turkeys in Tennessee.

Neil Collins, Henry Horton Neil came to us from Gaylord Springs Golf Links at Opryland.

He is a two-time former President of the Tennessee Section of the PGA of America.

Kelvin Burgin, Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain in Crossville Kelvin has been a staple of the Crossville community for a long time. He started one of the first Foot Golf programs in Tennessee.

He is also a four-time TPGA champion.

Darrel Hartsfield, Montgomery Bell Burns Everyone knows and loves Darrel. He is always good for a story or two and looks out for the Dogwood Invitational, which is returning to original dates for 2016.

Preston Maxey, Pickwick Landing

Preston is a talented fellow on both sides of the counter, as are other managers in our system, coming from the superintendent side of the business. He is also a nice player and a big football fan.

All of us at the Tennessee Golf Trail want to invite you to play and stay at any of our courses. The park settings are inviting, our courses are well maintained and our staffs are

friendly and helpful.

It’s been a pleasure to work with and get to know these gentlemen, and I think you will find them to be professional and helpful for all of your golfing needs.

Again, we all thank you for visiting any of our Tennessee State Park courses on the TGT. Look for our Internet specials and be sure to make your reservations on-line when possible but feel free to call at any time and speak to one of our friendly staff members. We look forward to seeing you in the near future.

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For instructors, it’s all about game improvement

By Andrew Braley Here at GolfTEC, we are dedicated to helping golfers improve their game.

We’re available to help players of all skill levels – from beginners picking up a club for the first time to intermediate players seeking to improve to accomplished players out to hone their skills for the next level.

Those players come in all age groups – juniors, collegians and tour players. We see all kinds of golfers and we want to help them get on the right track toward reaching their potential. That’s one of the reasons we offered a free evaluation and follow-up lessons for one male, one female and one junior golfer.

But there was a catch. We wanted golfers to

author an essay of 150-200 words about why they wanted us to evaluate their swing and provide some lessons to help them improve.

One of the reasons GolfTEC sponsors this instruction page is to provide information and tips from our instructors and regional teachers. We’ve gotten good feedback from readers, commenting on how it has helped them improve.

The instructional tips on this page are invaluable, but nothing takes the place of working with a qualified instructor and getting a series of lessons. Take what the instructor advises to heart, practice what they preach and you will have a better understanding of your swing and your game.

Andrew Braley At GolfTEC, we enjoy getting positive feedback from our students. We love to see their improvement and we want them to improve.

The winners of our essay contest are Jud Scott, a seasoned player from La Vergne; Emily Petre , a newcomer to the game who hopes to play golf as a family activity; and Savannah Pearson, a 13-year-old junior player from Cookville who eagerly awaits her visit to our store so we can evaluate her swing.

Last but not least is Zac Williams, Memphis, an 8 handicap serious golfer who play twice weekly. Zac intends to get lessons and looks forward to meeting his new coach at the Memphis GolfTEC store.

In their essays, all four professed an overwhelming desire to improve. We’re excited to watch and share their progress in Tee Times.

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November 2015

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Fall Happenings at Music City Golf SHOP LOCAL NASHVILLE! Holiday Preview Open House November 21st

You’re invited to our first annual Holiday Preview Open House. Come to Music City Golf on Saturday November 21st | 2:00 to 6:00 pm Join us for some refreshments and kick off the holiday season! Make sure to mark your calenders so you can get a little jump on your holiday shopping with our special offers and discounts. New brands and products coming in daily.

Taylormade Club Launch!!

We are pleased to announce that the new TaylorMade M1 Driver and Psi irons will be available to purchase this week at Music City Golf. The TaylorMade M1 has an extremely low CG to combine power and speed on every swing! Come by the shop to get fit for yours today!

Showing Pride in our Local Artists

We are proud to offer local Nashville artist, Stephanie Falcone’s Nashville skyline in different sizes and styles. Come by the shop today to get yours! If you would like to see more of her work, click here. We would also like to thank Savannah Rogers and Vinyl State of Mind for creating one of our latest pieces of artwork.

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The MUNI, James H. Fyke Senior Championship 1 2 3 4 5

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Equipment Corner

New Balance adds classic 574LX for fall For fall 2015, New Balance Golf has added a new style to the popular 574 collection.

The classic 574LX made its debut in October at golf shops around the country. Built on the same New Balance last used in the popular 574 lifestyle and golf shoes, the 574LX is designed for golfers looking for a classic yet contemporary full-grain leather style with a spikeless outsole.

The 574LX features a waterproof full-grain leather upper with a pigskin collar lining and footbed cover. The outsole utilizes an NDurance® rubber outsole for maximum durability in high-wear areas, and a REVLite® 10mm drop* midsole for lightweight cushioning and premium responsiveness.

The 574LX weighs just 12.5 ounces and is

backed by a two-year waterproof warranty.

Golfers will enjoy the same style, comfort, and fit they are accustomed to from New Balance footwear, plus performance technologies designed to help enhance their golf game.

“The 574 golf shoe has been one of our top selling shoes,” said Bruce Schilling, General Manager of Golf and Tennis, New Balance.

“The style has tremendous appeal to the younger golfer who already wears our popular classic suede 574, and as we continue to add new styles like the 574B and now the 574LX, we are providing additional options to appeal to even more players.”

The NBG574LX is part of the golf footwear

collection designed and manufactured by New Balance licensee Klonelab, LLC and available in golf shops, golf specialty stores and online at www.newbalance.com. For information on New Balance Golf, go to www. newbalance.com or call 1-978-378-3434.

Exotics introduces EX9 hybrid Tour Edge Golf has introduced its new Exotics EX9 hybrid. The EX9 hybrid features the superior forgiveness of previous models combined with Exotics first-rate distance technology - SlipStream sole, cup face, combo brazing - in a classic hybrid style.

The EX9 hybrid’s technology story begins with a maraging steel cup face with improved Variable Face Thickness (VFT).

The thin and thick areas of the face are strategically positioned for optimal distance and forgiveness, even on off-center contact. The VFT face is combo brazed with a heavier hyper-steel body to make the EX9 hybrid easy to hit from any lie.

The EX9 SlipStream sole features shorter ‘waves’ from front to back, dramatically reducing the amount of turf interaction – the result is a full-speed explosive impact.

The heavier sole also positions the center of gravity lower in the head to help players launch the ball out of any turf condition.

The innovative design of the Exotics SlipStream sole delivers maximum club head

speed through all turf conditions for Exotics length.

Creating the ultimate ball speed generator, the power grid has been reengineered deeper and is much narrower to increase the spring effect across all areas of the face. Notches along the back edge of the power rid provide thinner spots specifically designed to increase rebound at impact leading to faster ball speeds.

The EX9 hybrid comes standard with UST Mamiya Recoil shafts. Specifically, the 450 and 460 shafts are for players seeking a super lightweight option to increase clubhead speed for high ball flight and greater distance in a very stable platform. The 670 and 680 shafts focus on players seeking a lightweight option to increase clubhead speed for mid-high ball flight and greater distance in a very stable platform.

The EX9 hybrid is finished in an elegant and modern gloss black and available in 2 (17°), 3 (19°), 4 (22°), 5 (25°), and 6 (28°) models. Every Tour Edge club comes with a lifetime warranty and a 30-day play guarantee. Suggested retail is: $159.99. Pre-orders can be placed with an authorized dealer, projected product ship date is November 15, 2015. For more information, call 1-800-515-

3343 or go to www. touredge. com.

Located in Batavia, Illinois, Tour Edge manufacturers and sells golf clubs under both the Exotics and Tour Edge brands.

Exotics golf clubs are for those who demand the finest performing golf clubs in the world. With experienced designers and smaller production runs, Exotics by Tour Edge brings futuristic technologies to the marketplace.

Exotics’ manufactures the finest quality, high-technology golf clubs and hand-assembles them one club at a time. Tour Edge has forged a name for itself as a producer of high-quality golf clubs that are sold at unbeatable prices. The company’s clubs are distributed throughout the United States and the world.

For more information, call (800) 515-3343 or visit www.touredge. com.

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Georgia retains Assistants Cup vs. Tennessee Tee Times report Georgia retained the Assistants Cup over Tennessee after the two sides fought to a 12all tie recently.

Georgia won the 2014 Cup and needed only a tie to retain it. With seven wins in singles play on the final day of competition, that’s exactly what happened in the Ryder Cup-style event.

Tennessee led by two points going into the singles play before Georgia rallied late to forge the tie.

The Tennessee Assistant Cup Match team consisted of Casey Flenniken, Braxton Hunter, Kevin Snell, Thomas Smith, Marshall Talkington, Josh Bevell, Adam Forgey, Josh Wheeler, Alex Cox, Josh Webb, Jordan Dyer, Audie Johnson and was captained by Paul Stanek.

Top row:, Josh Wheeler, Jordan Andrew Dyer, Joshua Bevell, Kevin Snell, Thomas Smith, , Alex Cox Front row: Paul Stanek, Josh Webb, Marshall Talkington, Braxton Hunter, Adam Forgey and Casey Flenniken

11972 Lebanon Rd. Mt. Juliet, Tn. 37122 (615) 288-4539

Demos End of Year Sale Now is the time to take advantage of huge savings on iron sets as well as drivers and fairway woods. Right now at Golf Rx we are have all our 2015 demo clubs for sale. This includes models from Callaway and Ping. Inventory is limited so call or stop by to take advantage of this once a year opportunity.

We also have great buys on balls, gloves, shoes and caps.

Tennessee Team

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Building an institution at The Golf Institute at Gaylord Springs Golf Links Tee Times Report If your golf game is in need of a quick fix or a complete overhaul from the ground up, there are a couple of instructors at The Golf Institute at Gaylord Springs Golf Links, eager to help.

Brian Lackey, the institute’s lead golf instructor or Brad Stevens, the facility’s assistant golf instructor, can fix just about anything that ails a person’s swing – be it a massive slice off the tee to the yips on those pesky 3-footers on the green.

It’s tough to find someone with a better resume than Lackey when it comes to teaching. In 2008 as well as 2012 he won the PGA Tennessee Section Teacher of the Year. Four times he has been named the PGA Middle Tennessee Teacher of the Year. 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2014 . The 2015 listing for Golf Digest ranks him six among the top instructors in Tennessee. Going back L-R: Brad Stevens, Assistant Teaching Professional to his days in the Tri-Cities chapter, and Brian Lackey, Lead Golf Instructor at The Golf he won the 2002 Tri-Cities Chapter Institute at Gaylord Springs Golf Links.

Teacher of the Year.

Given that he started studying the There aren’t many people who can be golf swing when he was 14, the 1996 Univer- ‘rebuilt,’ so trying to fit students into a sity of Tennessee-Chattanooga graduate has method is very difficult. We focus on an extensive knowledge of the game. A Class using a player’s strengths to enhance A pro since 2000, Lackey estimates he’s given their weakness.” more than 27,000 lessons in his career.

Teaching fundamentals is just part of “I had some bad instruction when I was the process, Lackey said. It’s the intanyoung, and I think it drove me to wanting to gibles that make a player reach their know more about the swing,” said Lackey, who potential. has students ranging from PGA Tour players “Obviously there is more to golf than to beginners. “As I studied, I became very fond making a perfect swing,” he said. “That of Ben Hogan’s concepts. I love to learn and is why it is important to us to build the hear others’ takes on the swing, so I continue relationships so we know how a player to learn from my peers. The most recognized thinks and we can work on the mental teachers in the business bring so much to the side of the game as well as the physical table; it is always good to hear that my philoso- parts. Learning to swing is easier than phies are very similar to theirs.” learning to be a champion. We strive to Lackey’s teaching philosophy is simplistic in build champions.” nature, regardless of a student’s skill level.

Lackey’s staff grew by one this year with the “All students despite the skill level start off addition of Stevens, a fourth-year pro who the same way,” he said. “We take a look at their previously worked as the first assistant at fundamentals – posture, grip and alignment. Temple Hills We take what a student has and build off that.

Matthew Nicholson, a student of Lackey’s for four years, watches and listens intently to PGA Professional Brian Lackey during a lesson.

Country Club.

Stevens said it was an easy decision to accept the opportunity to teach at The Golf Institute at Gaylord Springs Golf Links.

“The ability to focus completely on teaching and to learn from one of the best instructors around brought me here,” Stevens said. “To be able to work at a great facility and pick Brian’s brain about certain ideas have been some of the best things about being out here.”

Lackey said Stevens has been a “perfect fit” at The Golf Institute.

“Hiring the right person is always tough,” Lackey said.

“We went through some good candidates and when it was all said and done,

Brian Lackey Brad Stevens

Brad was our guy. He brings youth and excitement to the institute, has a strong passion for learning more about the swing and helping others with their game. He will be successful as a teacher.”

Stevens is an accomplished player, having played professionally after college. He stepped away from the game for a couple of years before “getting the itch to get back into golf and make it a career.”

Maybe it’s because he started playing when he was 4, but Stevens said he is especially fond of working with junior players.

“When I was at Temple Hills, the teaching and clinics I was able to do a lot of was often with juniors, so that has been Brad Stevens observes Franklin Taylor during a fitting session at the Golf Institute’s indoor hitting bay. one of my focuses. Be-

ing able to take a junior and get them excited about the game is always a great thing.”

Lackey, who has been at Gaylord Springs since 2010, got his start at The Palencia Club in St. Augustine, Florida. He spent seven years at the Johnny Warren Golf Academy before accepting his current position.

The Golf Institute at Gaylord Springs Golf Links is an indoor-outdoor facility that is open year round. Lackey depends on state-ofthe-art technology with a Flightscope Launch Monitor and V1Swing analysis software.

“With these pieces of equipment we can see the swing under a microscope as well as monitor the shaft and clubface through the hitting zone,” Lackey said. “It makes fitting and teaching so much easier because there is very little guesswork, if any.”

Lackey and Stevens have students from across Tennessee – from Knoxville to Memphis and all places in between. Their skill levels vary, but that’s OK with both teachers.

“I love meeting people and helping them with their game,” Lackey said.

“For me, it’s about building relationships.”

Stevens agreed. Helping somebody improve their golf game is a key in his decision to focus on teaching.

“Being able to build relationships with golfers by seeing them improve their games and get more excited about golf has been a driving force of mine and this transition to full-time teaching,” he said.

Lackey and Stevens are part of a six-member staff of PGA of America professionals at Gaylord Springs Golf Links. Harry Taylor is the director of golf operations, while James Paschal is the general manager. Sean Wells is the site’s event coordinator, and Tim Fennel oversees golf shop sales.

Taylor said Lackey’s experience in studying the golf swing makes him the perfect person to head The Golf Institute.

“He’s worked with some of the best players to come out of our state,” Taylor said. “The Golf Institute is equipped with the latest in V1 and launch monitors so he can fine tune every player to have the best equipment for their game. Brian is a very good player, which is a huge asset in teaching as well as fitting.”

Taylor said Stevens has been a good fit at the facility.

“He has a desire to be a full time golf instructor, and to be honest with you he is learning his trade,” Taylor said. “I think he has a good start here at the Golf Institute with all of the electronics available to him, as well as watching Brian teach daily. Brad is an exceptional player, which also gives him a solid foundation in golf instruction and golf club fitting.”

Taylor said having a strong staff is an effort to provide golfers with bang for their buck.

“We are all here to create the very best experience a golfer could enjoy in the state of Tennessee,” he said.

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They can relate to your game at Edwin Watts

By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor John Connelly believes in the Edwin Watts brand. Otherwise, why would he have spent 11 years with one of the industry’s big-box retailers?

But there’s more to this store manager’s loyalty than meets the eye. He says the Edwin Watts Nashville store that he has managed for the past five years is staffed mostly by people who love golf and more than likely were store customers at one time. And that makes it easy to identify with current customers. Call it the beenthere, done-that syndrome.

L-R: Two regular customers discuss their purchase with assistant manager Steve Berdan, while John McNair rings up their purchase.

“When you come into Edwin Watts you are speaking to golfers,” said Connelly, a Nebo, North Carolina native who got his start at an Edwin Watts store in Charlotte. “You aren’t just speaking to employees of Edwin Watts. They are constantly researching and always learning more about the game of golf. We know what it feels like to be a customer and know how you want to be treated. We also know how important it is to get the best advice possible from people that love golf as much as you do.”

A golfer since he was 10 years old, Connelly said his experience playing helps him relate to his customers.

“I know how they feel about every aspect of their game,” he said. “I’ve been there

Manager John Connelly chats with the customer, while Matthew Nicholson checks him out.

L-R: Steve Berdan, John McNair, John Connelly, and Matthew Nicholson

before, whether yhou have just shot your career round or started slicing your driver.”

A sports marketing major in college, Connelly got his first break in the industry when Edwin Watts opened a store in Charlotte.

“My professor was a huge sports nut and I mentioned to him that I was interested in working in golf,” Connelly recalled. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, whether in retail or as a sales rep. Luckily for me Edwin Watts just opened up in Charlotte.

I stopped by the store on South Boulevard to see if they were hiring. Eleven years later I’m still with Edwin Watts.”

Connelly praises his staff, which is a mix of veterans and others who are relatively new. Assistant manager Steve Berdan has 20 years with Edwin Watts. John McNair, an equipment and repair specialist, has been at the store for six years. Equipment specialists Andrew Jones (4 years) and Mark Roberts (3 years) also are store veterans. Jon Wood, Matthew Nicholson and Neil Yonce are equipment specialists who

Manager John Connelly and his staff are all avid golfers who delight in helping their customers.

have been at the store for a year.

“Being surrounded by people just like you makes it easy to come to work every day,” Connelly said. “We are or once were customers at some point. We all have that common interest in golf. Golfers are a unique breed. We always remember our best shots and we are always trying to get better. Whether it is with equipment or lessons, we always want to make our best round our career round.”

Working for a company that values the relationships it builds with customers, helps as well.

“Our 90-Day Playability guarantee is the best thing in golf retail,” Connelly said. “There is no reason to shop anywhere else. You have 90 days to like whatever you purchased from us, and if you don’t you can bring it back and get full store credit for what you paid. On top of that you can do that twice within the original 90 days. Basically you can get 3 sets of clubs every quarter of the year. That is pretty impressive. There is no reason you should be unhappy with your purchase from Edwin watts golf.”

The Nashville location of Edwin Watts is located at 2510 Music Valley Drive near the Gaylord Springs Golf Links.

That proximity helps drive traffic to Edwin Watts, Connelly said.

“It’s an amazing golf course in immaculate shape,” he said. “Golfers from everywhere play there. We get a lot of traffic from the hotels, too. It’s rare that you don’t meet someone every day that comes into the store from another state or even another country.

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Mocs Women, McLennan Earn 1st Win of 2015-16 in Exciting Fashion BRASELTON, Ga. – Chattanooga and Ole Miss swapped the lead back and forth recently at the Fall Invitational at Chateau Elan Resort.

Middle Tennessee tried to horn in on the fun as well.

Finally, it came down to a duel of the individual leaders to determine the outcome. When Chattanooga’s Emily McLennan made a par and Ole Miss’ Abby Newton made a bogey, the Mocs had the team victory and McLennan was the tournament medalist at 11-under-par.

Newton finished at 10-under.

“The turning point was 17,” McLennan said of a birdie on the hole. “I knew we were close, then realized I was one behind. I hit a 7-iron to 4 or 5 feet and made the putt to tie it.

“On 18, I hit a good drive and she went into the trees and didn’t have a shot. I got the par and the win.”

It’s the second collegiate win for the senior from Australia. She joins Emma de Groot (6) and former teammate Agathe Sauzon (2) as the only multiple winners in school history.

McLennan did it in, style setting new school records in scoring with 205 (-11)

for a tournament and 136 (-8) for 36 holes. McLennan played par or better for 51 holes with a career-high 14 birdies against just three bogeys and fired three rounds in the 60s.

The Mocs set school records for 36(564) and 54-hole (852) totals. The squad amassed 42 birdies and played better than 87 percent (188 of 216) of their holes at par or better.

“I’m delighted,” coach Colette Murray said. “The team really came together. We got it done this week. I’m not surprised by our numbers, we’re very capable.

The execution was there L-R: Cris Perez, Monica San Juan, Emily McLennan, Megan Woods & Isabella Loza. and I’m happy for them.

They work very hard, best (219, 2015 Chattanooga know more of what we are capable of, and it’s nice to see that Classic). Like, McLennan, she the scores we can post, it just makes you hard work pay off.” turned in three par or better hungrier to do it.

It was an impressive rounds carding 70, 70 and 72.

“This is that turning point where we’ve effort capturing win Sophomores Cris Perez and worked so hard and now that we’ve done No. 19 for the program Megan Woods weren’t far it, it will happen more often.” that Murray started behind. Both set new low Chattanooga bested Ole Miss by one with from scratch in 2007te totals as well with Perez Middle Tennessee ending up four strokes let Co ch coa n’s 08. Senior Isabella Loza UTC wome GoMocs.com tying for 18th at 1-under 217, back in third. Memphis was fourth at Murray. Photo Credit: tied her career-best while Woods’ 2-over 218 tied 6-over, while East Tennessee State took finish tying for fourth. fifth at 7-over.

Her 4-under 212 shattered her previous for 20th.

McLennan echoed her coach’s comments The McLennan/Newton duel pulled when asked about the team’s play as a away from the field. The Rebels’ Madisen whole.

Bentley was third at 5-under, with Loza “I’m really proud of our team, especially and Leighann Cabush (Memphis) tied at Isa playing so well,” she added. “Now we 4-under.

Johnson handles Flenniken to claim Yamaha Assistant Match Play title Tee Times report Audie Johnson jumped out to an early lead and held on the rest of the way to beat Casey Flenniken 3 and 1 to win the Yamaha Assistant Match Play title at Old Hickory Country Club.

Johnson won two of the first four holes and successfully held off Flenniken the rest of the wsay to claim the $1,000 first-prize check.

Braxton Hunter won the consolation match, rallying from 3-down after 10 holes to beat Marshall Talkington 1-up.

Johnson, Talkington, Hunter and Flenniken each won three matches to reach the semifinals. Johnson and Talkington emerged from the West Bracket, while Hunter and Flenniken came ot of the East Bracket.

Johnson, of McCabe Golf Club, needed a birdie on the first extra hole of his semifinal match to beat Talkington, of Jackson National Golf Club. Johnson

was 2-up after two holes but needed a birdie on No. 18 to force extra holes.

In the other semifinal, Flenniken, of Oak Ridge Country Club, won the first hole and never trailed in beating Hunter, of Willow Creek Golf Club, 3 and 1.

L-R: Shannon Caverly with Yamaha, Audie Johnson

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California dreamin’: Garcia wins thrilling Senior Women’s Am (USGA/Matt Sullivan)

Nashville - Karen Garcia overcame her opponent’s tenacity, as well as a couple of late miscues to emerge victorious in the 2015 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship.

It is the first USGA championship victory for the 53-yearold high school guidance counselor from Cool, California, about an hour’s drive east of Sacramento. In defeating longtime friend Pamela Kuong, 52, of Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts, Garcia showed a combination of power and short-game touch that proved worthy of a champion.

“I’m in shock,” Garcia said. “To win a USGA event, to think of all the people before me that have their name on this trophy; I’ve played in five Mid-Ams and a state team and never even come close.”

Hillwood Country Club, a 5,857-yard, par-72 layout, hosted the tournament.

Both players survived tough semifinal matches to reach the championship match. Garcia edged 2013 Senior Women’s Amateur runner-up Sue Cohn 1 up, and Kuong needed 21 holes to beat Tama Caldabaugh.

Light rain fell at the start of the final match, and the longer-hitting Garcia jumped out to a 2-up lead through three holes.

Kuong cut Garcia’s lead to 1 up on the next hole with a two-putt par as the two players, who first met at the 2007 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship at Desert Forest Country Club in Carefree, Arizona, chatted regularly in between shots.

They showed some fatigue on the outward nine as the intermittent rain and wind added to the chal-

lenge, but Garcia was able to regain a 2-up lead by using her distance advantage on the 504yard, par-5 sixth hole.

Garcia seemed to take greater control of the match on the uphill, par-4 ninth hole, where she made a 6-footer for birdie that gave her a 3-up lead at the turn, not that she took it for granted.

“I figured Pam would start making some shots and I would have to tough it out,” said Garcia.

Indeed, just like Kuong had been doing to her opponents all week, she mounted a comeback.

Starting at the par-3 11th hole, the senior vice president at Bank of America in Boston won four of the next six holes, three of them with birdies, to turn her deficit to Garcia into a 1-up lead.

“I finally found my swing and played a lot better on the back nine,” said Kuong. .

Throughout the match, Garcia out-drove Kuong by a wide margin, but Kuong used timely putting to get right back in the mix. Those putts included a 12-footer for birdie on No. 14 and an 18-foot effort on No. 15, a par 5 where Garcia hit the green in two.

The players arrived at the 170-yard 16th hole all square, and for a while it looked like their swings there just might decide the match in Kuong’s favor. After Kuong hit her hybrid tee shot onto the green, 35 feet above the hole, Garcia hooked hers long and left, giving her an awkward pitch from very close to the tree line that

Practice round day 1 on putting green at Hillwood Country Club

Karen Garcia

separates the course from Hillwood Avenue. She took two shots to reach the green and then missed her bogey effort, conceding Kuong’s par that gave her the 1-up lead.

On her way to the 17th tee, Garcia gave herself a pep talk.

“I knew that I had an advantage length-wise,” said Garcia about the 460-yard, par-5 17th. “So I felt like I still had a chance. I told my husband, let’s win the next two holes and we’ll be fine.”

That’s just what happened, helped by a mistake by Kuong. After driving into the light rough, she tried to carry a creek with her second shot on the 460-yard par 5, and instead found the water hazard.

“I really should have laid up before the hazard because I still was 1-up,” Kuong said. “I didn’t have to go over it.

That was a mistake on my part. You know, in hindsight I would like to have that shot back.”

Garcia won the hole with a stress-free, conceded par, and the friendly competitors arrived at the 18th tee in front of a sizable gallery despite gloomy, overcast conditions. Garcia’s drive was more than 60 yards ahead of Kuong’s, and after Kuong failed to convert a 20-foot par putt, Garcia won the match by making an uphill fourfooter of her own.

“To have stayed calm all week and stayed in the moment, as they say, was the biggest challenge,” Garcia said.

“You’ve got to get out of your own way and have a good week.”

“I’m so happy for Karen,” Kuong said. “Karen is a great person and she deserved it. She made the clutch birdies when she had to.”

With the victory, Garcia is now exempt into the next 10 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championships and Kuong receives exemptions into the next three. Both finalists are also exempt into the 2016 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship.

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