Tee Times October 2016 by Joe Hall

October 2016 Keeping Golfers Connected in TN, KY, MS, AL, NC

October 2016

Arnold Palmer left his mark on Nashville Area

Pages 2-3

A life well played Arnold Palmer 1929-2016

Inside!!

Pursell Farms:

7 17

Highland Oaks:

Is this heaven? No, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sylacauga, Alabama Son of a ... driving range: Springfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s landmark Out of sight, but not out of mind on the RTJ Golf Trail

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Palmer left his mark in Nashville area By David Widener Arnold Palmer, who died recently at age 87, left his mark on the Nashville area by designing two of its golf courses: The Governors Club in Brentwood and King’s Creek Golf Club in Spring Hill. The Governors Club, an award winning private club, opened in April 1999. A par-72 track laid out over 200 acres, it features five sets of tees from 7,031 yards to 5,064. “I have a great team of people who have put forth a tremendous effort to accomplish what we have done with the course,” Palmer said at the time. King’s Creek, a par-70 with tees stretching from 5,078 yards to 6,807 yards and featuring three natural creeks, opened for public play Oct. 1, 2005. He visited the course on June 26, 2006, and approximately 1,500 people attended the grand opening, mainly to get a glimpse of the golf legend. Palmer designed more than 300

golf courses, starting in 1963 with the back nine of his boyhood course in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, to his most recently completed project in Brazil. However, don’t expect to see any similarities in any of his design work. It’s not his style. “If you know when you look at this golf course (King’s Creek) that my company did it, then I haven’t done a good job,” Palmer said. “If you can see a hole that is exactly similar to a hole somewhere else, then I have failed. I try to make my golf courses all individual and that means not doing similar things. I like to do different golf holes on every course we do.” In 1999, Palmer’s architectural work earned the Donald Ross Award from the American Society of Golf Course Architects. “My philosophy is to do something that is beautiful and environmentally as well

as strategically designed,” he said. “We want it to fit everyone’s golf game.” For that reason, he didn’t overdo bunkering or undulations, preferring rocks and the use of natu-

Arnold on No. 7 at the Governors Club

ralness of an area to exhibit his work. Another of his designs is the Palmer Course located at the La Cantera Resort in San Antonio. While managing editor at Texas Golfer Magazine, I wrote a course review of that course and interviewed Palmer when it opened in 2001.The fourth hole features a bridge dedicated to Winnie, his first wife who died of cancer in 1999. The par-71, 7,034-yard layout sits high up in the hills of San Antonio, making for scenic views but impossible to walk. For that reason, it was never used by the pros in the Texas Open. Instead, the adjacent La Cantera Golf Club was used for the tournament. “It was an opportunity to do some things that were a little extraordinary,” Palmer said. Designing courses was only one facet of Palmer’s life. The title on his memorial service read “Life Well Played.” As a pilot, he set several aviation records. His Hall of Fame golf career included 95 wins, including seven majors of which four were Masters titles. He was co-founder of Golf Channel and has a drink (a mixture of sweet ice tea and lemonade) named after him. Vince Gill, who played an exhibition round with Palmer at King’s Creek, was among those speaking at Palmer’s memorial service. “He was my favorite person - not my favorite golfer - but my favorite person that I’ve ever met,” Gill said. “He treated everyone equal whether it was a king or queen, or it was a guy that just wanted an autograph.” Gill, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, also performed two songs that included ‘Go Rest High on That Mountain.’ Others who spoke at his memorial service included Jack Nicklaus, Palmer’s grandson, Sam Saunders, and CBS golf analyst Jim Nantz. Nicklaus said: “He was the king of our sport, and he always will

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be. Like Vin Scully said in calling his last baseball game, ‘Don’t be sad because it’s over. Smile because it happened.’” Saunders said that every time he would call his grandfather he would always answer and ask where he was. He recalled one time when he told him he was at home and then ask where he was. Palmer said, ‘I’m with the

President.’ I said, ‘President of what?’ and like it was so obvious, he said, ‘The United States. I’m in the Oval Office right now with the President.’ I said, ‘Why are you answering your phone?’ He said, ‘I wanted to talk to you.’ He always wanted to be there for us.” Nance recalled a dinner he attended at the White House honoring Queen Elizabeth II when Palmer ignored a question she asked him because he forgot to turn up his hearing aids. Thanks to Nance, the problem was solved. Watching the telecast of his memorial service brought back something he said at the opening of his golf course in San Antonio. He was honored and humble to have it named after him, but more important was that the course “will be here long after I am growing grass from the bottom. I can leave and say that I have done something that I think will help humanity and people to enjoy their lives better.” Mission accomplished.

RIP Arnie.

TEE TIMES

This print of a painting is a treasured memento of David Widener, which was signed by Palmer after he interviewed him. Taken on the fourth hole at the Palmer Course at La Cantera Resort in San Antonio, given to media at the opening in 2001. The bridge, top right is dedicated to first wife Winnie, who died of cancer in 1999.

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More Covers, who do you know?

PUBLISHER Joe Hall pgegolf@bellsouth.net EDITOR Gregg Dewalt

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From tHE Editor By Gregg Dewalt

The Ryder Cup, Arnie and 3 excellent courses

I’ve got a few things on my mind this month, so bear with me. The Ryder Cup is one of the great events in any sport, not just golf, but it has officially jumped the shark in terms of fan behavior, and to a certain extent, players’ behavior. I’m not sure when it exactly went over the top for good, but the crowds at the most recent Cup matches seemingly took boorish behavior to a new level. It’s one thing to hear the constant chants of “U-S-A, U-S-A” and the European chant of “Ole, Ole, Ole” for three days, but when fans shout vulgarities at the players and generally become a distraction, it’s time to dial things back. While this year’s matches at Hazeltine resulted in a decisive victory for the American team and the Sunday singles produced scintillating golf, many fans at times seemingly stopped just short of soccer hooliganism with their rowdy displays of what is mistaken for national pride. I covered the 2008 matches at Valhalla in Louisville and it proved what I already thought – the Ryder Cup is different from any other golf event in the world. The cheers are louder, the groans are louder and the pressure is greater. The interac-

tion between European and American fans is a sight to behold. That said, the Ryder Cup should never be mistaken for the Alabama-Auburn or Vikings-Packers rivalries, no matter how heated the rivalry has become. Among the things that set golf apart from other sports are decorum and integrity. That doesn’t mean fans shouldn’t cheer their loudest or offer the supreme amount of support for their country, but when it becomes cringe worthy to watch, it’s time to dial back the rhetoric and return a little sanity to the proceedings outside the ropes. Just a few days after pronouncing his game ready, Tiger Woods did a 180-degree reversal and withdrew from two tournaments. It looks as if he won’t return to competitive golf until his own tournament in December. That’s unfortunate. Whether you are a fan of Tiger’s and can’t wait to see him try to chase down Jack Nicklaus’s major championships record, or whether

you just want to see how far his game has fallen, Woods still moves the needle in golf. Right now, Tiger is more of a curiosity than anything. How well will he play when he does return? Will he contend right away or will it take 5 or 6 months to get back into the swing of tournament golf? Can he win again? Has he lost his competitive edge? Have today’s young guns such as Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth left him in their collective dust? It’s obvious Tiger will never dominant the sport like he did in his prime. My best guess is that he will still be able to win and could even grab a couple more majors. But it looks like Jack’s record is safe. Two quick Arnold Palmer stories. I’m not big into autographs, but I was covering the Champions Tour event in Birmingham during its infancy and there was a weather delay. Arnie was sitting in a golf cart near the Greystone Country Club clubhouse as a long line of fans formed in front of him. Arnie patiently signed everything put in front of him and posed for a few photos until he had accommodated everybody. Me? I tucked my press credential

Tiger withdraws again “my game is vulnerable.”

Rory points out an abusive fan during the Ryder Cup; officials offered Zero tolerance and fan was ejected.

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Three courses I have played in the past month or so are worth mentioning. The Bear Trace at Tims Ford provided an excellent venue for a day-trip with three friends. It had been a few years since I played it, but the course was excellent. The ninth hole is one of the toughest 4-pars around. The staff was friendly, the pace of play was excellent and the course is a good test. It’s definitely worth the trip. There is a quaint 18-hole course between Savannah and Adamsville called Shiloh Golf Course. It’s hidden away off US 64, but it offered a fun, affordable round. Now that that weather is cooling off somewhat, Shiloh’s bentgrass greens should be in prime condition. It has a solid set of 3-pars, and if you are lucky, Ray Scott, one of the best-known golfers around Pickwick Lake, will be around to tell some stories from the good old days. Shiloh Golf Club is just minutes from Pickwick Landing, and during the summer it would easy to play both courses. Finally, when an opportunity to play the Country Club of Birmingham’s West Course presents itself, you go no matter how early you have to get up to make your tee time. The Donald Ross design that dates to 1898 recently hosted the USGA Men’s State Team Championship and has previously hosted the USGA national Mid-Amateur. The course has undergone renovations several times and it remains one of the top five courses in Alabama. Keep it in the fairway, Gregg Bear Trace at Tim’s For d

in my back pocket and stood in line until he signed my cap. MY second brush with the King came a few years ago during the PGA Merchandise Week in Orlando. A friend who is a member at Bay Hill was one of the regulars in Arnie’s regular group. When we got through playing, Arnie was in his customary spot hitting balls on the range. It was a treat just to stand 15 feet from him and watch him. A few minutes later, he stopped practicing and turned around and came over and held court with us for about 15 minutes. It was an unforgettable moment and a genuine act of kindness.

Country Club of Birmingham, West Course

October 2016

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Pursell Farms: Alabama’s little slice of heaven By Joe and Carol Hall Tee Times publishers

in between. After reading about Pursell Farms, we decided to venture south from Nashville to see for ourselves what’s going on there. Although Tim Spanjer laid the groundwork for what we could expect, nothing prepared us for what we would experience in just two short days. Until you pass through the entrance gates and wind down that lane for more than a mile, you cannot visualize the magnitude of what’s on the horizon. The drive from the main road to the resort features pastures on both sides with Texas Longhorn cattle and Black Angus cattle grazing far and near. We caught glimpses of the sun hitting on the rows and rows of hay bales, and

SYLACAUGA, Ala. – An August story in Tee Times written by editor Gregg Dewalt piqued our interest in an up-and-coming resort known as Pursell Farms. Known more for its highly acclaimed Farmlinks golf course, the venue is branching out into a number of other areas and now marketing itself as a comprehensive resort featuring not only world-class golf, but fishing, trap shooting, food and beverages and spa. In short, Pursell Farms is looking to become a destination. And, the story detailing the undertaking the transformation of the 3,500acre resort was something we wanted to experience for ourselves. Tim Spanjer, Pursell Farms Director of Marketing, described it this way. “We want it to be a property that offers a host of amazing amenities whereby all are an equal draw and deliver exceptional experience,” he said. There are a tremendous amount of long and short term plans put into place, the vision of owners Jimmy and David Pursell. All of the ingredients are there for success -- the foundation of a good family business, southern charm, and superb attention to detail that makes every guest feel special. Customer service often is given Whoa, our name in lights, what a welcome!! lip-service, but at Pursell Farms it is nothing short of incredible as the staff caters to your every need. No stone is left unturned as far as guest we craned our necks absorbing the natural treatment. A look at the Pursell Farms web- beauty of the lay of the land. Peaceful and site offers reviews in which a variety of adjec- serene are the most apropos descriptions of tives are used to describe the facility. Words that entrance drive. like amazing, incredible and Southern hospiThe staff leaves nothing to chance. A lighted tality are mentioned frequently. The staff was sign welcoming The Halls and Tee Times was complimented over and over again, and we a nice touch to make us feel special. Mike Haradded our phrases such as, “The golf course mon of Guest Services gets that credit. is pristine,” and “Even their equipment area Mike greeted us at the pro shop and shared looks like a showroom,” we could go on and our itinerary that included a behind-theon about all aspects of our trip. scenes tour. As members of the Golf Writers Association Words cannot describe the golf course, of America, we have had the opportunity to which was in impeccable shape. visit all types of venues -- from upscale reOur 5-star accommodations turned out to sorts to daily fee city courses and everything be a cottage overlooking the 18th fairway with the ability to sleep eight and featuring a mammoth great room and expansive

(L-R) Jake Greer, assistant pro, Steve Daniel, pro shop attendant, and Dylan Sheppard, assistant pro. Friendly, personable, very cognizant to the golfer’s needs.

Jose’ Montalno, Director of Food and Beverage. We thanked him for a delicious steak dinner and a southern style breakfast.

Serene beauty from the porch of our cottage looking out to the 18th fairway with a backdrop of hay bales.

Tee Times Joe Hall (L) and “Above & Beyond” Mike Harmon, lean against the 4-wheeler that got them to the top of Chalybeate Mountain with scenic Lake Lay in background.

kitchen. It’s perfect for a buddies’ trip. Pursell Farms features an outstanding staff. Curtis Ohrn, Director of Golf, is an excellent player in the PGA’s Alabama Section. We missed him as he was competing in the section championship, but in our conversations he was cordial and encouraging. He’s proud of his staff and his golf course. Tim Spanjer knows everything there is to know about the property and is a marketing whiz. Robert Mitchell, the golf course superintendent was working tirelessly to ensure the golfers encountered a near-perfect golf course.

Mister Willie Wyckoff, arrived here about the time FarmLinks opened. He cares for golfers in his own wonderful way.

We played twice and saw him both times, complimenting the course, but he saw things only an eagle eyed superintendent would know was lacking. By the way, his equipment area is showroom floor spotless -- no mud, no grass and shiny, clean machinery. Needless to say, our short stay left us spellbound, and the chatter on the four-hour trip back to middle Tennessee was all about how special we were made to feel, how lovely all of the personnel were, that the golf course was to die for and for how scenic the property is. There’s no doubt that Pursell Farms is well on its way to becoming that destination resort that entices visitor from across the globe. We’ll be back. When are you going?

Carol Hall bonds with Texas Longhorn, Shanks

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Son’s Putt & Drive remains a Springfield landmark Tee Times report SPRINGFIELD – Landmarks come in many forms. They can be historical in nature. They can be iconic venues. They can be as simple as a gathering spot for locals for generation after generation. In Springfield, Son’s Putt & Drive is a local institution. It’s been open since 1986 and is still going strong. Even though he didn’t play golf at the time, William ‘Son’ Brown and wife Joan bought See you in April!!! 14 acres of land on U.S. 41 when he retired from the American Tobacco Company. The property already was being used as a driving range and mini-golf facility, but the Browns upgraded it. From that, a business was born and it became a popular spot in Springfield. Joan Brown said her husband, who died in 2015, never met a stranger, which added to the appeal for those who stopped by to hit a bucket of balls or play a round of mini golf. “He was the talker,” she said. “I supJoan Brown of Son’s Putt & Drive, pose being in sales all those years, it owns and manages this landmark. just came natural. He loved welcoming back the regulars over the years. loved to come by.” Sometimes it might be just one golfer. She has help from three grandsons. Mack Lots of times it would be a couple of guys coming to hit balls or families coming to Lassiter, Kirk Lassiter and Denton Hart grew up helping “Granddaddy Son,” learnplay putt-putt. Son, given the nickname by his grandfa- ing all aspects of maintenance. Son’s Drive and Putt is open seven days a ther and never really known as William, didn’t start playing golf until he opened week from April 1 through October 1. It’s the driving range. He enjoyed playing with open from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. Joan admits that she is not as outgoing as the senior men’s group at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Joan, though, never fell in love with Son, but relished hearing the daily convergolf. She tried, but instead was happy that sation between her husband and his customer friends.” customers loved the game. “For him, the customer was icing on the When Son died at age 83 just nine days after her sister died, and with Joan advanc- cake,” she said. “He loved chatting with ing in age, the driving range and mini-golf them, getting to know all about them, could easily have gone by the wayside. Joan where they played golf, what scores they wasn’t about to let that happen. Two weeks shot, or just non-golf conversation.” Son’s Drive and Putt is closed for the winafter burying her husband of 62 years, Joan ter now, but it’ll open back up was back at work running the family business. “I just knew I could not stay away,” she said. “It was a matter of necessity, for my health and sanity that I open back up. I knew this is what Son would have wanted – to keep the business open for all those who in the spring. And Joan will be there, either at the counter greeting customers or doing some of the mowing and maintenance. That’s how places become landmarks, don’t you know?

ROAD TRIP No. 18

More golf than you can shake a 9-iron at. When it comes to championship golf, there’s no better destination than Alabama. Come play where the PGA TOUR professionals compete and see why Golf Digest editors picked two of Alabama’s golf resorts among their favorites. For starters, there are the 468 holes along the world-renowned Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Stretching from the mountains in the north to the Gulf Coast in the south, America’s original golf trail opened 25 years ago and recently completed a massive renovation of its 26 courses. Then there are the many other impressive courses scattered across the state, designed by the likes of Arnold Palmer and Jerry Pate. Each with its own set of challenges, each with its own rewards. Plan an epic road trip to great golf courses across the state of Alabama. Download Alabama Road Trips from your app store

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Around Nashville Fairways John Holmes Assistant Director of Parks

Two Rivers renovations a hit in Senior Muni Fall is in the air, temperatures have moderated and it’s a perfect time for golfers to get out and play one of their favorite courses or venture out to a new one. Soon, the leaves will explode into full fall splendor, and if you add that to being on the course with some friends or family and it’s the perfect recipe for agreat round of golf. There is so much to offer at the metropolitan courses. All of our courses are in excellent shape and feature great rates. We are fortunate to be able to play deep into the winter months, but right now, conditions are perfect for great golf; no complaining about the heat, humidity or storms. Fall is a soothing welcome to golfers, and it beckons them to get out and play. Two Rivers recently hosted the Senior Muni, which had been closed for greens renovations. Competitors experienced the new TifEagle greens and took on the challenge of more narrow fairways and higher rough. There’s something to be said for playing a course that has un-

Joe Conard

“I encourage anyone who has not played Two Rivers to do so. And if you have played it before, as I have over the years, what a surprise,” he said. “You talk about in championship shape. The crews narrowed the fairways, let the rough grow, and the new greens are top notch. I am so very impressed with the “new Two Rivers course.” McElhaney caused quite a stir with his fourth championship. To win multiple times is extremely rare, and with this level of competition hard to accomplish.

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Two Rivers Two Rivers Parkway • 615-889-2675

dergone major renovations. For those of us who competed, it was fun, different, and challenging. The effort and time that superintendent of maintenance Phil Luckett, Two Rivers superintendent Brennan Merritt and his fantastic crew put in was well worth it. Kudos to them for some great renovation work. Congratulations to Craig McElhaney, the 2016 Senior Men’s

Ted Rhodes 1901 Ed Temple Blvd. • 615-862-8463

VinnyLinks 2009 Sevier Street • 615-880-1720

Craig McElhaney (L) accepts the 2016 James H.Fyke Senior Men’s MUNI trophy from PGA Professional Kevin Forte

Joe Conard, another Metro course regular who also played in the Senior Muni caused some excitement within his group with an ace on the par 3 sixth hole using a PXG 7-iron for the 147-yard shot. After making his swing, Conard turned away only to hear shouts from his four-

Muni champion in his first time to play in the event. But there’s more to his story. McElhaney took up golf at age 14, and Harpeth Hills was the course he loved to play. He played golf for Overton High School and was a standout player at Lipscomb University. His play has always been exemplary, and he is a three-time former Men’s Muni champion (1987, 1992, 1994). He is a member of the Legends Club, but continues to support and play the Metro courses, especially Harpeth Hills which he says, “tee to green, Harpeth is hard to beat.”

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some. Only then did he realize he had made a hole-in-one. Hats off to Joe. Aces are a thrill for any of those fortunate enough to make one, and to do it in tournament play is especially memorable. Thanks to all who played in the MUNI. It’s always fun and competitive. Until next time, keep it in the fairway, John Holmes

October 2016

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Tennessee assistants win Burdette Cup Tee Times report

lead, and then expanded it to 9-3 after the Four Ball matches. Tennessee capped the win by taking the singles matches 6.5-5.5 for the easy victory. The Tennessee team consisted of (match records in parenthesis): Casey Flenniken (12), Tanasi GC; Kevin Snell (2-1), TN

COLUMBUS, Ga. – Tennessee snapped a two-year drought by winning the Burdette Cup matches over Georgia at Callaway Gardens. The Ryder Cup style matches feature assistant professionals from both states, and after losing the previous two events Tennessee bounced back with a 15.5-8.5 victory. Tennessee won the Foursomes 5-1 to take an early

Captain Will Bartram (not pictured) Back Row L-R: Tyler Hays, Brandon Cissom, Chris Nicol, JP Griffin, Gus Wagoner and Bill Daggett. Front Row L-R: Dan Merriman, Matt Sanders, Peter Jones, Jacob Tilton, Shaun Kelley and Jim Sykes

TN TEAM: Standing (L-R): Captain Nick Bailes, Erik Lundblad, Josh Webb, Marshall Talkington, Alex Cox, Josh Webb. Sitting (L-R): Josh Bevell, Kevin Snell, Casey Flenniken, Adam Forgey, Jamie Chapman, Mike Vance.

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Golf Trail at Henry Horton; Marshall Talkington (1-2), Jackson National GC; Adam Forgey (2-1), Heatherhurst GC; Jamie Champman (3-0), Egwani GC; Eric Lundblad (2-1), Cherokee CC; Josh Wheeler (3-0),Oak Ridge CC; Alex Cox (1-2), Golf Club of Tennessee; Captain Nick Bailes (2-1), Golf Club of Tennessee; Josh Webb (3-0), The Honors Course; Josh Bevell (1-2), McCabe GC;

Steve Kirkpatrick Owner / PGA Professional

Mike Vance (2-0-1), Jackson National GC. We would also like to thank the Georgia PGA for hosting this year at Callaway Gardens. The TPGA will host the event in 2017.

Match History: 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Tennessee 11 Tennessee 12 ½ Georgia 11 ½ Georgia 13 ½ Georgia 12 Georgia 10 ½ Georgia 12 ½ Georgia 12 Tennessee 9 ½ Tennessee 11 ½ Tennessee 9 Tennessee 9 ½ Georgia 15 Georgia 14 Georgia 12 Georgia 13 ½ Tennessee 15 ½ Tennessee 15 Tennessee 15 ½ Georgia 15 ½ Georgia 12 Tennessee 15 ½

Georgia 7 Georgia 5 ½ Tennessee 6 ½ Tennessee 4 ½ Tennessee 6 Tennessee 7 ½ Tennessee 5 ½ Tennessee 6 Georgia 8 ½ Georgia 6 ½ Georgia 9 Georgia 8 ½ Tennessee 9 Tennessee 10 Tennessee 12 Tennessee 10 ½ Georgia 8 ½ Georgia 9 Georgia 8 ½ Tennessee 8 ½ Tennessee 12 Georgia 8 ½

Overall: Georgia – 10, Tennessee – 9, Tie – 3

October 2016

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Opinion By David Widener

Member Golf Writers Association of America

Palmer: A gentleman and a golfer

kay, I will admit I was not part of Arnie’s Army growing up. Gary Player was my man because I was a small, skinny kid and Player was only 5-foot-6 and weighed about 150. Too, he always wore all black (my favorite color) on the golf course, earning him the nickname ‘The Black Knight.’ My first experience with pro golfers came at the Colonial event in my hometown of Fort Worth, TX. first as a spectator and then as a sports writer. For the most part, I would follow Player around, but then a loud roar would come from an adjacent fairway. It was the ‘Army.’ Arnie had made another spectacular shot or putt. Palmer could excite a crowd like no one, and make them laugh like at the opening of King’s Creek when someone ask him the best way to cut strokes off your game. His reply: “A scorecard and pencil.” It was a love affair because of his character. You couldn’t hate the guy. Later in my writing career, I got to meet Palmer in doing reviews of courses he designed and getting his views on the game itself. He’s one of many pro golfers I have interviewed over the years, but he’s up at the top of my list, a real gentleman. He always had time for his fans, shaking their hands and signing autographs no matter how big the crowd. “He always made you feel like you were his favorite person,” Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill said at Palmer’s memorial service. When signing autographs, Palmer took his time, making sure every letter was readable. It’s one of the best looking signatures in sports. Today’s athletes could take a lesson. Most of them scribble their name or just use initials. Palmer learned golf from his father, who taught him the basic fundamentals. He never changed his swing or his grip, which he said only one in 50 do it right. He felt that what makes golf as difficult as some of us make it is the way it is taught. “Teachers make it too difficult for the beginner,” he said at the opening of his San Antonio course. “Up to the professional level, people should be

taught just the basic fundamentals and not try to get into the deep aspects of turn and release, pronation and those things. We would have a lot better golfers if, in the beginning, we didn’t get too complicated. They spend all their time trying to figure out what they are being taught.” Palmer was at odds with the United States Golf Association over the Callaway ERC II driver, which he saw as helping people play better golf, but the USGA ruled it illegal although the Royal Ancient Golf Club did not. For him, it was not as much getting a club made legal as it was getting the two governing bodies to agree on one set of rules. “I have nothing but total respect for both organizations, and I will spend whatever time necessary in my life to help make them successful in their efforts to protect the game,” he said. He did that. What Palmer wanted more than anything was for people to have fun playing golf. Apparently someone was pleased. How appropriate was it that a rainbow appeared over Latrobe Country Club and the town after an airplane spread his ashes over the course.

Moments after Arnold Palmer’s ashes were released over his hometown of Latrobe, PA, “Arnie Rainbow” appeared!

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Weinhart makes Georgia PGA history with 9th Player of the Year title ROSWELL, Ga — Highlighted by his outstanding play all year, PGA Teaching Professional Tim Weinhart of the Tim Weinhart Golf Academy at Heritage Golf Links in Tucker recently earned his record-setting 9th Georgia PGA Player of the Year title presented by OMEGA. Weinhart started the year with a tied for fifth-place finish in May at the Rivermont Championship which was conducted at Rivermont Golf Club. He kept up his strong play into the summer months. In June, the 47-year-old from Alpharetta finished in sixth place at the Yamaha Atlanta Open played at St. Ives Country Club in Johns Creek. In July, Weinhart recorded a second-place finish at The Championship at Berkeley Hills, which is played annually at Berkeley Hills Country Club in Duluth. Rounding out his summer, Weinhart finished in a tie for 12th place at the Georgia Open at The Ford Plantation in Richmond Hill, tied for 3rd place at the Georgia PGA Match Play Championship at Peachtree Golf Club in Atlanta, and won his second title at the E-Z-GO Georgia PGA Championship at the Seaside Course at famed Sea Island Golf Club. Weinhart previously won in 2005. In late September, Weinhart won the Georgia PGA Professional Championship at the

Oconee Golf Club at Reynolds Lake Oconee and secured the Player of the Year honors. By claiming the 2016 Georgia PGA Player of the Year title and the coveted Billy Weir Trophy, Weinhart will receive an exemption into the McGladrey Classic PGA Tour event at Sea Island this November. Weinhart is no stranger to competing in major championships and PGA Tour sanctioned events. This upcoming start will be his 36th career appearance, which also includes 5 PGA Championships (2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, & 2009) and the U.S. Open in 2012. With this year’s Player of the Year title, Weinhart has become one of the most accomplished players in the history of the Georgia PGA. He is one of four Georgia PGA members to win the Georgia PGA career “Grand Slam.” The “Grand Slam” consists of four major annual championships since the Section was founded in 1969. The others

who have accomplished that feat are Wolff, fellow Georgia Golf Hall of Fame member Dewitt Weaver, Jr., and Matt Peterson of the UGA Golf Course. The Georgia PGA is one of the 41 Sections of the PGA of America. Its membership includes nearly 860 PGA professionals working at over 260

golf courses, clubs, and ranges throughout the state. Additionally, more than 20 Georgia PGA members compete on one of the PGA Tours. In keeping with the fundamental objectives laid down by its founders, one of the Georgia PGA’s primary goals is promoting the game of golf through clinics, junior and minority golf programs, consumer programs, and print, radio, and television media.

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October 2016

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October 2016

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October 2016

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U.S., Canadian supers to face off at CanAm Cup

We know that Canada and the United States have educated and talented golf course superintendents, but we will find out which country’s superintendents will rise to the occasion when the inaugural CanAm Cup is played Oct. 23-24, 2017, at two premier golf clubs in the Northeast. More than 200 total golfers from each country’s national golf course superintendents’ association will take part in a flighted competition to be held over two days at Baltusrol Golf Club (Upper and Lower courses) in Springfield, N.J., and Canoe Brook Country Club (North and South courses) in Summit, N.J. “There is more interaction between golf course superintendents from Canada and the U.S. than ever before, and this friendly rivalry will give us a chance to strengthen the camaraderie we have built over the years,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA’s CEO, one of the sponsoring organizations for the event. The other is the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA). “I think we have hit on something great for our two organizations,” said James Beebe, CGSA president. “Our superintendent associations were forged on cooperation and learning from each other. Now, we will get to do that more than ever be-

fore while enriching our long-standing annual Fall Field Day history with this event.” The event, which looks to build on the rich history of the CGSA Fall Field Day that has been held in Canada annually since 1966, will also feature continuing education and offer an opportunity to visit New York City, as well as team networking receptions.

“I would be excited to play,” said reigning GCSAA national champion Shawn Westacott, the superintendent at Meridoe Golf Club in Carrolton, Texas. “It would be a great way to build relations and have a competitive spirit. And those are some fantastic venues. Count me in.”

Your Home Course

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Lee’s strong finish in windy conditions prevails at Tennessee Mid-Am Tee Times report BRENTWOOD – Trailing by five shots and given windy conditions not conducive to low scores, Philip Lee teed it up in the final round of the Tennessee Mid-Amateur with not a lot of hope in overtaking tournament leader Joseph Deraney. But the White Bluff resident pieced together a spectacular final round 67, including three straight birdies late on the back nine at the Nashville Golf and Athletic Club, to snare his second Tennessee Mid-Amateur title. Lee overcame winds gusting as high as 25 miles per hour to shoot the day’s best round. His round included a brilliant 32 on the inward nine, including the birdie barrage on Nos. 15-17. His 4-under 212 total edged Deraney, who shot 73 in the final round, by one shot. Lee shot 35 on the front nine that included three birdies and a double bogey while playing in the next-to-last group and with five players between him and the lead. He made a birdie at No. 11, a par 4, and then turned it up a notch beginning at No. 15 with his birdie string to post 212. Deraney played well but couldn’t match Lee’s effort. He needed to hole a 100-yard shot on the final hole to force a playoff, but had to settle for a birdie instead. Scoring in the final round was proof of how tough conditions were. Lee’s round was four shots lower than the next lowest score, a 71 by Ray Morton of Lenoir

Philip Lee overcame windy conditions in the final round to capture the Tennessee Mid-Amateur for the second time. City. Only four rounds of 75 or better were turned in by the 34 players who made the cut, and only 14 players broke 80. Lawrenceburg’s Corey Rochelle started the final round one shot behind De-

raney and shot 77 to finish in third place at 218. Lee also won the 2013 Mid-Amateur.

2016 Two Couple Tournament Hosted by: Oak Hills Golf Course Flight 1

Brandon Grace / Mindy Hargrove / Tad Switzer / Debbie Cop- per -- 27-25--52 Bart Anderson / Allison Anderson / Troy Wilson / Erin Lan- phear -- 28-25--53 Jackson Caldwell / Cindy Summers / Will Moody / Lisa Moody -- 27-26--53

Flight 2

Richard Merrick / Mary Jo Merrick / Hoyte Richardson / Marrilyn Kittrell -- 30-28--58 Ricky Watson / Elizabeth Watson / Conrad Presley / Melissa Presley -- 29-29--58 Tim Busby / Chelsea Busby / Brad West / Sarah West -- 29-29--58

Flight 3

Mike Greer / Linda Greer / Reed Grant / Bernice Jones -- 31-29--60 Bill Woods / Silvia Gillette / Rick King / Madison Lawrence -- 30-31--61 Lee Slice / Ann Slice / Charles Lawerence / Sandra Lawerence -- 32-30--62

Brent Edmister, PGA General Manager

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October 2016

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The definition of timing Tee Times report Timing is a common word when discussing the golf swing, yet many players aren’t quite sure what it means. They know it relates to coordinating all the movements that comprise the swing, but that doesn’t explain what those specific movements are. I personally think acclaimed teacher, John Jacobs explains it best in his book ‘Practical Golf.’ The golf swing is a combination of two distinct physical movements. One is body action, and the other is the movement of the arms, wrists and hands. The source of power or “engine” in the golf swing is comprised of your big

body muscles, and it can be compared to the winding and unwinding of a spring. What fuels the “engine” is torque – a wind-up of your upper body against the resistance of your lower body. Simply put you coil to the right in the backswing, and then uncoil to the left in the downswing. The other movement is the arms, wrists and hands that combined work as a swinging unit. They do contribute some power to the shot, but their primary function is to transmit to the clubhead the much greater power generated by the winding and unwinding of the body. A properly timed golf swing is one in which the coiling and uncoiling action of the body sync perfectly with the swinging action of the arms, wrists and hands unit - to deliver the clubface squarely to the ball with maximum clubhead speed at impact. Once you understand how the body pivot and arm-and-hand action interrelate it becomes easier to diagnose and correct poor swing coordination. The way your shots fly tells you whether the two are in sync or not. If you are slicing or topping shots you want to slow down your body unwind and increase

Steve Kirkpatrick

the use of the clubhead by speeding up your arm swing. Think of swinging the clubhead down and through the ball before your shoulders unwind. The flight of the ball will tell you when you’ve struck a balance. If you are hooking or hitting shots fat you have the opposite problem. Your arm and hand swing is outracing the unwinding of your lower body. To correct this, speed up your leg and hip action relative to the movement of your swinging unit. Focus on starting your downswing by unwinding your left hip and keep it moving to the left while delaying your arm and hand swing. Solid, straight shots will tell you when you’ve got the correct balance. There has always been debate as to playing golf with a “body” method or a “hands” method. John Jacobs explains it this way in his book, “The good golf swing is neither primarily body action nor primarily clubhead action: it is a perfect blend or balance of both. And the word for that is timing”.

Steve Kirkpatrick GolfRx

11972 Lebanon Road Mt. Juliet, TN 615-288-4539 www.golfrx.biz

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Dothan’s Highland Oaks carries on tradition of Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail’s excellence

By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor

DOTHAN, Ala. – Tucked away deep in the southeast corner of the state, golfers will encounter one of the last outposts of the acclaimed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. It’s one of the final bastions for championship golf along US 231 before Alabama turns into north Florida, but well worth the effort to get there. Similar to the RTJ Golf Trail’s companion course in Gadsden, Silver Lakes, Highland Oaks features three nine-hole courses and a nine-hole short course. Also like its counterparts on the Trail, there’s not a bad hole in the bunch. Its three nine-hole loops are the appropriately named Highlands, Magnolia and Marshwood. Each is distinct in its own way. For example, Highlands water comes into play on four holes and the design is more open than its brethren. The aptly named Magnolia nine is dotted with magnolia trees in its higher elevations and is highlighted by a 1,000-foot wooden bridge that transverses over a marsh. The Marshwood nine features a massive 701yard par 5. Step back to the tips and give it a go, if you dare. North Carolina native and Highland Oaks Director of Golf Jason Harris oversees the facility. He’s a veteran of the RTJ Golf Trail and is in his fifth year at Highland Oaks. Previous stops include an eight-year stint as the head professional the RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National in Auburn/Opelika after spending seven years at two courses in North Carolina (Woodbridge Golf Links, Deerbrook Golf Club) as a head professional. The dynamic at Highland Oaks, Harris says, is somewhat different from other Trail sites. The Dothan facility gets more play from local golfers, whereas many of the other stops get more outside play. “We resemble a high-end semi-private facility,” Harris said. “We rely mostly on

Highland Oaks - Magnolia No. 9

local and member play. That’s a little different from the other RTJs.” Highland Oaks is a just a short detour off US 231, a main north-south corridor that sees plenty of traffic either heading to or coming from the north Florida beaches. It’s a detour well worth taking when you arrive. “It’s a very challenging Robert Trent Jones course,” Harris said. “Highland Oaks offers a world-class golf experience with a ‘home course’ atmosphere.” Testimony for the challenge at Highland Park is that this is the second consecutive year that it has hosted the first stage of Web.com qualifying school. “It’s great exposure for the course and for Dothan,” Harris said. “This strengthens our relationship with the PGA Tour. Hopefully, we can build upon this so we can host a Web.com event in the future.”

(L-R): Susan Bailey - Sales & Marketing Director, Jeff Andrews - Director of Maintenance, Laresa Flournoy - Administrative Manager, Kyle Brown - Assistant Superintendent of Maintenance, Jason Harris - Director of Golf, JW Money - Food & Beverage Director Brown. “Jeff is easy to work with and he always gives us great course conditions,” Harris said. “He understands that we make the money so that he can spend it. Kyle is very knowledgeable; it’s like having two superintendents.” Having a great staff makes Harris’ job

Highland Oaks - Marshwood No. 7 Harris credits a staff that is in tune to the needs of its customer base to helping Highland Oaks success. “I’ve got a tremendous staff,” he said. “They do a great job.” Harris calls staff professional Chris Robl, “My right-hand man.” “I couldn’t do it

Highland Oaks - Magnolia No. 8 without him,” he said. “J.W. Money is our food and beverage director, and he’s definitely a people person. Susan Bailey, our sales and marketing director, recruits and coordinates all of our events, and Laresa Flournoy, our administrative manager, keeps the whole thing going.” Harris also offers a glowing review of maintenance director Jeff Andrews and assistant superintendent Kyle

easier. In fact, it allows him to spend a little more time with wife Jennifer and their three children – Keara, Kai and Padraig. It also gives him time to play an infrequent round of golf and also enjoy his outside hobbies – music, art and fishing. While Highland Oaks is a little bit removed the other RTJ Golf Trail courses, it’s well worth the trip. Try it, you’ll be glad you did.

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Equipment Corner Sun Mountain improves push cart line Since ushering in the golf push cart movement in 1999 with the introduction of the Speed Cart, Sun Mountain has continually refined and improved its carts. New for 2017 are the three-wheeled Speed Cart GT and four-wheeled Micro-Cart GT. Notable updates include a redesigned bag support that more easily accommodates golf stand bags and a new collection of add-on accessories. These new carts are now in golf shops with a suggested retail price of $209.99 for Speed Cart GT and $199.99 for Micro-Cart GT. New for 2017, Speed Cart GT features a redesigned upper bag bracket to better hold golf stand bags plus top and bottom bungee straps to more securely hold the bag. The cart’s redesigned storage tray has a new mobile phone slot, a new drink holder, and an updated mesh basket. Speed Cart comes

standard with an umbrella holder, scorecard holder, and padded storage tray. Speed Cart GT folds down to W37” X H16” X D13” and weighs 17.25 pounds. New on the Micro-Cart GT is a self-latching, lower bracket that clicks effortlessly into place when opening the cart and easily disengages when folding. An improved E-Z Latch on the upper bracket simplifies adjusting the handle height. Also new, is an upper bag bracket that has been redesigned to better hold stand bags. The new

bracket also includes two bungee straps to more securely hold the golf bag. The front axle has also been improved with a no-tools-required system to extend the front axle by two inches to accommodate larger golf bags. The new Micro-Cart GT also offers an updated drink holder and new mesh basket to hold head covers, wind breakers, etc. MicroCart comes standard with an umbrella holder and a console with padded valuables compartment, magnetic scorecard holder, and pencil, ball, and tee holders. Micro-Cart GT folds to: W27” X H17” X D13” and weighs 16.6 lbs. There is also an ever growing collection of optional, add-on accessories including a water bottle cooler, range finder compartment, and cigar holder to go along with new cart covers and wheel covers. For 30 years Sun Mountain has been a pioneer in the golf industry, revolutionizing golf bags, golf outerwear and golf carts. Sun Mountain’s many innovations, including the first lightweight golf bag and modern stand bag, have made it the top golf bag company in North America. Within golf outerwear, Sun Mountain redefined golf-specific performance first with the windshirt, then fleece, and again with its four-way stretch, waterproof, and breathable rainwear. The Sun Mountain Speed Cart® golf push cart transformed walking carts and created an entirely new category of golf products. Sun Mountain’s “Ahead of Time Design” motto drives the company to continually design and refine golf equipment. For the Sun Mountain retailer nearest you call 800-227-9224 or visit www.sunmountain.com.

The PXG clubs continue to be hot clubs, but buyers must be fitted and currently there are two locations in middle Tennessee. Music City Golf 615-840-7336 in Nashville The River Club Golf and Learning Center 931-919-3200 in Clarksville (L) Eric Briggs of Music City Golf congratulates Joe Conard on his PXG irons. Joe loves the PXG irons so much that he ordered the driver and putter as well.

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Remembering Palmer and enjoying some fantastic fall weather

am starting off my column for this issue on a somber note. A few weeks back, golf lost its King with the passing of Arnold Palmer. He was the greatest ambassador the game ever had. The blue collar, swashbuckling man for all seasons is gone in body but his legacy will live on for generations to come. His contributions cannot be measured – from his major championship victories to his renowned course designs and with a lifetime in between. Of course, you Mike was honored to have had lunch with can’t speak of Arnold Palmer Arnold Palmer at his club in July at Latrobe. He says Palmer was frail but engaging. without noting the millions of dollars he raised for be missed and never replaced. charity. He was the driving According to the Old Farmer’s force behind a children’s hospital and a women’s hospital in Orlando, Florida. Almanac, on September 22 He was the visionary that created the we experienced the Autumnal Golf Channel. He spent more than Equinox, separating our muggy, 30,000 hours behind the controls of his hot summer into cozy fall. Except airplane, but still was a doting father that’s not exactly what happened. and grandfather known as ‘Gumpy.’ I was one of those who loved being included in “Arnie’s Army.’ His charisma is unchallenged, not only in golf but in all sports. He was the shot in the arm golf needed back in the late 1950s with that jaunty step, the hitch of his pants and confidence in his ability. However, he was one of the most sincere human beings in the world. His swing was self-made and he had the best grip in golf. His go-for-broke style of play and ever-present smile single handedly changed the PGA Tour and set the groundwork for what it has become today. Arnold Palmer’s swagger captivated the masses and enthralled his fans. He brought golf to mainstream America and made it appealing the working man. Good-bye for now, Mr. Palmer, you will

It’s late October and by now we usually would be seeing burnt orange and toasty brown leaves with splashes of red and gold leaves falling to the ground. As you are aware, that’s not the case as Mother Nature must be playing tricks on us. My grass is green, the leaves on all of my trees are green, and flowers are still blooming. At least the temperatures have slid back into the mid80s and made for some enjoyable days on the golf course. But it’s still difficult to determine if we’re still in

at Bay Hill in AP Invitationalon d alternate 1976. I was sec and did not get in. the summer or the fall. To me, this is the best time of the year to play golf. Our Tennessee Golf Trail courses are in great shape – firm and fast – the way they should be. Maybe the rain in August is letting our courses linger in the fall a little bit longer, and that makes me happy. We are fortunate

Arnold Palmer, always upbeat

to be able to play golf most of the year, so get out and enjoy the outdoors. It takes less time than most football games these days, and with technology you can DVR the football games and enjoy them after you finish playing. We have combined the scenic beauty of Tennessee with the talent of outstanding course designers like Jack Nicklaus and Joe Lee to create the Tennessee Golf Trail. Our nine trail courses offer exceptional golf experiences and the natural beauty found only at Tennessee State Parks. Whether you choose to play one of the six traditional courses or one of the three Jack Nicklaus-designed Bear Trace courses, you will be surrounded by some of the best scenery in Tennessee. Make plans to enjoy our state’s natural habitat and the high-quality golf found along The Tennessee Golf Trail. Until next time, best wishes and, go play! Mike Nixon

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October 2016

Cumberland grad Josh Young finds happiness in golf industry Tee Times report Call it peer pressure or happenstance, but The Legacy assistant golf professional Josh Young was late to golf. A few of his friends on the Greenbrier High School golf team asked him to play a round with them at Oak Hills Country Club when he was in the ninth grade. That’s all it took for Young to get golf fever. He fell in love with the game, joined the school’s golf team and began to improve by leaps and bounds. By his senior year at Greenbrier, he was the district and regional champion. Fast forward to 2016. After two years in outside operations at the Golf Club of Tennessee in Kingston Springs, Young joined the staff at The Legacy and completed all of his prerequisite work for the PGA Apprentice program. He’s also finding out the golf business isn’t always about playing golf. “We had a very busy summer this year, and it’s taken a lot of hard work from all the staff here to make The Legacy recognized as a challenging and well-maintained course in the Nashville area,” Young said. “I don’t have a lot of time to play, but when I do play it is mostly with either old friends or members here at The Legacy.” Young is definitely an accomplished player when he does get out for a quick 9 or 18 holes. A former winner of the Tennessee Junior Amateur Championship in 2005, Young signed an athletic scholarship at Cumberland University “We actually did pretty well,” he said. “I loved the competition.” Young had a good college career at Cumberland, winning two individual titles including the 2010 Transouth Conference title. He also earned a bid to the NAIA national tournament at TPC Deere Run in Illinois, host site of the PGA Tour’s John Deere Classic. “I did not play my best, but did manage to fin-

ish 28th in the nation and was named Transouth Player of the Year in 2010, something I’m still proud of today,” Young said. Young said with The Legacy under new management, the facility is on the rise. “Most of the changes at The Legacy were welcomed in with the new management company Cornerstone Golf Partners,” he said. He attributes the improvements to the dedication of the professional and maintenance staffs over the past 18 months. “The golf course has never been in better shape, and more tournament opportunities for the members have increased member participation,” he said. “All of us were proud to introduce the golf course back into TGA competition with this year’s Tennessee Junior Amateur as well as the Web.Com Tour Qualifying for the Nashville Golf Open.” Young said he enjoys the challenges golf provides.

Tee Times report The Western Kentucky University men’s golf team will wear Sun Mountain’s new Elite Rain Suit customized with the Hilltoppers logo during the 2016-17 season, the company has announced. The WKU men also are carrying Sun Mountain golf bags this season. The Elite Rain Jacket and Pant is made for every weather condition college golfers will face on courses at home and on the road without compromising freedom of movement. The rain suit is built with 37.5 Technology fabric that is waterproof and quick-drying yet breathable and high-stretch. “We are very excited to partner with 37.5 Technology and bring this fabric to golf to create the ultimate rain suit,” said Mark Heydon, VP of Outerwear for Sun Mountain. “We feel like this technology combined with our continued emphasis on performance stretch fabric creates one of the best-performing rain suits in golf. 37.5 has strong brand awareness in other high-performance sports like hockey where

breathability and quick drying are crucial.” WKU Hilltoppers coach Phillip Hatchett, an alum and former teammate of Kenny Perry, is excited to wear Sun Mountain’s new Elite Rain Suit this fall. “I was impressed with the stretch and fit of the Sun Mountain Elite Jacket and Pant. We have been looking for a lightweight jacket that wouldn’t restrict your swing but would withstand the extreme weather conditions that college golfers face,” Hatchett said. The 37.5 Technology used in the Elite Rain Suit has three-layer construction that maintains waterproof protection, comfort and performance by breathing 50 percent to 300 percent better and drying up to five times faster than competitors. And 37.5 Technology is made with naturally derived materials that are permanently embedded in the fabric, so won’t irritate the skin or degrade. The Western Kentucky men are among 750 other college and high school golf teams across the country that rely on Sun Mountain gear.

“You always need to strive to be better in everything you do,” he said. “The game of golf teaches you that lesson continuously.” Now that fall has arrived, so has hunting season. That, along with fishing, occupies most of his free time. “I was introduced to hunting at a very young age, and as an avid hunter and fisherman, cannot wait for this time of year. Golf is on the back burner,” he said. But golf is never far from his thoughts as he continues an upward path toward becoming a full-fledged PGA of America professional. “I expect to continue to progress along in my PGA Apprentice Program and trust that it will complement my previous business knowledge,” he said. “I look forward to the day I can be a successful PGA Professional with a solid business background.”

Western Kentucky University golf team chooses Sun Mountain rain gear Among the offerings are golf bags that can be customized by mixing and matching colors and outerwear such as rain suits, hats and ear bands – all of which can be embroidered with team logos. The Collegiate golf stand bag, for example, features six top colors that can be combined with 14 bag colors. The ClubGlider golf travel bag line provides ease of transportation and protection for equipment for teams on the road. Sun Mountain can also embroider bags and outerwear to teams’ specifications. In-house professionals operate fast and precise embroidery machinery for an end result that showcases the logo but doesn’t affect the performance of the bag or outerwear.

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Flenniken victorious at Yamaha Players Championship Tee Times report Casey Flenniken birdied the first playoff hole to beat Matt Cooper and capture top honors at the 2016 Yamaha Players Championship at Foxland Harbor Golf and Country Club. Flenniken was steady throughout the 36-hole tournament, firing rounds of 70-70 to finish at 4-under 140. Cooper, an amateur, started the second round three shots off the lead held by Warren Cheney and Braxton Hunter. But he shot 4-under 68 to pull into a tie with Flenniken and force the playoff. Flenniken pocketed $3,000 for the win. Josh Wheeler and Josh Bevell tied for third place at 141, just one shot out of the playoff. Hunter and Matt Jeffers tied for fifth at 142. In the senior division, McCabe’s Audie Johnson won the Senior Championship with a two-round total of 142. He beat Bill Breen by two shots. Greg Guinn won the senior amateur division with a total of 147. The Tennessee PGA would like to thank Shannon Caverly, PGA & Greg Robison, PGA and Yamaha for being the title sponsor of this years’ Ya-

maha Players Championship. Another thank you is extended to Scott Masters and his hard working staff at Foxland Harbor Golf & Country Club for hosting this event. Their hard work did not go unnoticed by both TPGA staff and the participants of this years’ event. We would also like to thank Mark Grainger of Levewear for his support. Without the loyal support of our sponsors this event would not be possible.

The winners of the Lebanon Golf & Country Club senior men’s invitational golf tournament held September 16, 2016

Winners are: (L-R) age 55-54 Jeff Key age 60-64 Greg Whitehead age 65-69 Roger Carver age 70-79 Richard Stephenson age 80+ Herb Davis Mac Curtis had a hole-in-one on his first swing of the day when he aced No. 2, a 147-yard par 3.

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