September / October 2020 Keeping Golfers Connected in TN, KY, MS, AL, NC
Mixed Emotions Lissa Bradford steps away from Belmont, but still going strong with TGF Pages 2-3
Inside!! of address: Matt Walter takes 8 hisChange teaching talents to Murfreesboro Loss of a legend: Tennessee State mourns 17 passing of Dr. Catana Starks Gotta have faith: Chuck Hammett finds 18 calling between Kingdom Golf Connection
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September / October 2020
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Mixed emotions
Lissa Bradford steps away from Belmont, but still going strong with TGF By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor Some people sail into retirement and chart a new course for the rest of their life. For Lissa Bradford, retirement from one job simply means having a little more time to devote to her other job and to maybe catch up some needlepoint in her spare time. In this weirdest of all years, Bradford stepped down recently as coach of the Belmont University women’s golf team after a 20-year run. It’s her first fall on the sideline since 2001, but for Bradford, that doesn’t mean her hands are idle. Instead, Bradford is devoting a little more time to her position as Senior Director of Junior Golf at the Tennessee Golf Foundation. As 2020 winds down, so does her 25th year working the TGF. Bradford admits she will miss the college aspect of her golf world and the relationships she built during her time at Belmont. “I’ve got my core group of about 30 players that I have coached throughout the years,” Bradford said. “Going
to weddings and baby showers and that kind of thing. I keep up with them on social media and see those who are from here on holidays.” Bradford said she will miss traveling with her team. “The trips were a lot of fun – they were a lot of work, too,” she said. “It’s fun to see them get excited about new courses. We always did a spring break trip and it was always fun to take them somewhere they might never have been before.” There’s also the Christmas in July/ August event that she’ll no longer be a part of. “That’s when (the players) get their uniforms and the freshmen get their golf bags and their travel bags. That’s always fun for me to see their faces light up, like ‘Wow, we got this this year and blah, blah, blah.’ I’ll miss that for sure,” she said. Bradford decided to leave the college coaching ranks when the Belmont job became a fulltime position and it proved difficult to handle those duties as well as her job at the Tennessee Golf Foundation. “It’s bittersweet, but it needed to happen,” she said.
Back Row: Lil Smith (sister), Greg Smith (brother-inlaw), Ali Smith (niece), Dean Smith (nephew), Will Smith (nephew), and Lissa. Front Row: Lissa and Bill Bradford
Bradford, who graduated from Harpeth Hall High School, was playing girls golf when it wasn’t exactly the coolest thing to do. She won the TSSAA high school championship in 1981 and wound up playing college golf at the University of Alabama. At that time, not many colleges had women’s golf programs, including Tennessee and Vanderbilt, so she headed south to Tuscaloosa. Bradford ended her college career as team captain for her final three seasons before entering the golf business as an assisCoach Bradford consults with one of tant pro at Gleaneagles (Texas) her girls, Shay Sullivan Walter Country Club. Other stops along the way included Dallas Country Club, Springhouse Golf Club at Op- Bradford was a youngster. ryland, and Belle Meade before she “My mom had played since she was transitioned to the Tennessee Golf eight and she handed me a couple of Foundation. She’s been there ever cutoff clubs and asked if I wanted to since and has been an integral part take a clinic at the course,” she said. in helping grow the game on the ju- “I fell in love with the game as a junior and I had a couple of golf profesnior level. It’s the love of junior golf that en- sionals who really took an interest in ticed Bradford to stay with the Ten- me at that point. When I started travnessee Golf Foundation when it came eling and playing in tournaments, to making the decision on which job I thought it was really cool and I to keep. That love stems from when wanted to get more kids involved so Every year I take a beach trip with some friends from Kappa Alpha Theta Chapter at University of Alabama. Back row, Lissa, Cami, Middle Row, Amy, Leslie Front row, Amy and Robin
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VIP
Persons who have supported, advised, encouraged and pushed me to become who I am and why I love what I do. -PGA Professional and Coach Lissa Bradford
Parents, Lissa & Bill Bradford Dick Horton Willie Gibbons Bobby McKeever Nan Reid Will Brewer Carol Reef they could do what I had done. Now, they can do it on an even bigger level. There is so much more out there.” Bradford echoes the common refrain about why golf is such a valu-
September / October 2020 able sport to begin playing as a youngster. “It’s just such a great game to build relationships and lifelong friends,” she said. “We all know it helps build esteem and integrity and sportsmanship and all of that. The values of the game should be taught to every kid. If they learn it as a kid, they can drop it but then they can pick it back up as an adult and it is a lot easier. It’s a game for a lifetime – it really is.” Bradford said the junior game in Tennessee is in a very strong position nationally. “It’s amazing,” she said. “It’s a good thing and a bad thing. The good thing is there is so much opportunity. The bad thing is that the kids have to choose – am I going to play this tournament or that tournament, or am I going to visit grandma and play in a tournament over there? It gets to be a little overwhelming for parents, and especially for those kids who have taken up the game in a non-traditional way because their
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parents didn’t play. It’s very hard to niors have achieved high national navigate the junior golf spectrum.” rankings along with traditional hotHelping in that regard is one of bed golf states such as California, Bradford’s priorities. She used the Florida and Texas. uber-popular Sneds Tour as an ex“It shows how good the kids have ample, citing youngsters from 14 it, and a lot of that is the opportunity states coming to Tennessee to com- the kids have to play in tournaments pete. and learn from their mistakes and “They know how good get better that way,” she said. it is,” she explained. Bradford said the key to “The hope is that evthe junior improvement ery state can replicate came when state golf offiwhat we have so all cials were able to bring the kids can get this type separate junior organizaof opportunity.” tions under one umbrella at With dedicated proGolfhouse. Before, each part grams for junior of the state had small, local golf, it’s no surprise junior organizations. that Tennessee has “With the help of Mr. (Dick) upped its junior Horton and some of the other game considerably Tennessee Golf Foundation Dick Horto in recent years. A n plethora of its juLissa is one of the most hard-working people I know. She is extremely selfless and is always willing to do tasks behind the scenes that she never receives enough credit for doing. Junior golf in Tennessee would be nowhere near where it is today without the incredible contributions from Lissa Bradford over the past 25 years.
- Rob Cherry, Director of Competitions, TGF
This picture was taken July 18, 2011 as she was getting The Little Course ready for a TGA Junior Tour event (now the Sneds Tour). These photos sum up Lissa perfectly…she does whatever it takes to give Tennessee’s juniors a great experience and if it means pounding rebar into the ground or breaking down and hauling boxes away, she does it. Seniority and job titles don’t matter to her. Doing what’s best for the juniors is always her main concern. I have seen Lissa operate in all aspects of the junior golf experience, from helping juniors and their parents understand the best way to get started in golf, to helping plan juniors schedules and registering for events, to being on site to doing what is needed to make an event memorable…all while being an amazing college golf coach. While she has left that coaching role, her dedication to the junior golf community continues to be unparalleled in Tennessee. Lissa and I worked together for twenty years and I was, and still am, impressed with her knowledge about the game and how to get and keep juniors involved at any level. Lissa is an early riser, continually getting to the office before anyone else. It’s the best time to get work done before the phone starts ringing off the hook with parents looking for some type of guidance. Since golf is an individual sport, parents are the main force in getting their children into the game. Lissa and the team at the TGF help these families migrate through golf’s learning and tournament opportunities. I heard Lissa talk to hundreds of parents, sometimes requiring incredible amounts of restraint while at other times, offering humor, frankness or sympathy, depending on the situation. So much of Tennessee’s success in junior golf comes directly from Lissa’s passion and work ethic, while she instills these qualities in other staff members.
- Steve Merrill
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The Lissa Bradford File Melissa Hampton Bradford (Lissa) Professional Standing: PGA Class A Member since 1989
EXPERIENCE
BELMONT UNIVERSITY
Women’s Golf Coach (January 2001 to 2020)
TENNESSEE GOLF FOUNDATION
TGF / Senior Director of Junior Golf (January 1995 to Present)
BELLE MEADE COUNTRY CLUB
Assistant Golf Professional (March 1990 to December 1994)
SPRINGHOUSE GOLF CLUB AT OPRYLAND HOTEL
Golf Convention Coordinator - Associate Professional (June 1989 to Feb.1990)
DALLAS COUNTRY CLUB (TEXAS)
Assistant Golf Professional (April 1988 to May 1989)
GLENEAGLES COUNTRY CLUB (TEXAS)
Assistant Golf Professional (May 1986 to March 1988)
EDUCATION
ENSWORTH SCHOOL K-8 HARPETH HALL 9-12 UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
Bachelor of Science in Sportsmedicine and Golf Physiology, 1986
GOLF ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND AWARDS
PGA Class A Member Since 1989 PGA of America Bill Straugbaugh Award 2019 (Chapter and Section) PGA of America Kim Evans Award, 2019 Harpeth Hall Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee 2018 NGCA Gladys Palmer Meritorus Award 2010 NCAA Women’s Golf Committee, 2011—2015 Serve as NCAA Competition Liaison 2016, 2017 Serve on TN PGA Section Junior Golf Committee & Growth of the Game Com Serve on USGA Regional Associations Committee 2005-2014 Recognized by NCAA for having a perfect APR Score 2009-2016 PGA National Junior Golf Leader Award, 1998 Finalist - PGA National Junior Golf Leader Award, 1997 Tennessee Section PGA Junior Golf Leader Award 1998, 1997 Tennessee State Women’s Amateur Champion 1985, 1983, Finalist-1986 University of Alabama Women’s Golf Team 1981-1986, Captain 1984-1986 Betty Whigham Scholarship Recipient 1984, 1985 Southeastern Conference Academic All American 1986 Paul “Bear” Bryant Award Nominee 1985, 1986 University of Alabama “A” Club 1982-1986 TSSAA State High School Champion 1981
HOBBIES, INTERESTS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT First Presbyterian Church, Franklin Stephen Ministry Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity Eta Phi Advisory Board (Belmont U) History of Golf Collecting Golf Memorabilia Needlework Genealogy Special Olympics Golf and Blind Golf Program Middle Tennessee Golden Retriever Rescue Fitness and Nutrition Book Club
Back Row: Sarah Hunt McCann (Asst. Coach), Megan Murphy Everts, Evin Edens, Morgan McQuary Williamson, Sidney Hudson Harwood, and Janet Steen. Front Row: Kelly Maguigan, Jennifer Newman Shelton, Patricia Masick Kaye, and Coach Lissa Bradford directors and board members, we were able to put it in a statewide position,” she said. “Being able to do that and run it from one spot, and then making some tweaks really made a big difference.” Tennessee Golf Foundation president Whit Turnbow said Bradford has been indispensable in her role with junior golf. “Lissa has left an indelible Whit mark on golf in Tennessee, in particular women’s golf,” he said. “Her work ethic and dedication to growing the game is unmatched and the Tennessee Golf Foundation has benefited from her leadership for many years.” Bradford said girls golf also became a priority. She wanted to make sure that they weren’t overlooked. “It’s harder to get girls hooked into the game because there aren’t as many of them,” Bradford said. “Females are social beings and sometimes they are the only girl at their course or club that plays and they will quit because there is nobody to play with. So, trying to provide opportunity to get girls together where they can meet other girls and see other girls playing helps them stick to the game and look forward to events and camps and whatever else we offer them.” Bradford reminisced about the countless individuals who have helped her be successful along her golf journey. “I couldn’t have done any of this without the support of my parents,” she said. “Dick Horton has had a huge
impact on my career and all my decisions to do what I did. I first met him when I was 13 at my first Tennessee Junior Amateur event and I got to know him at all the different tournaments.” Willie Gibbons influenced a young Bradford when she was working at Belle Meade Country Club. Turnbow “He was the head pro and president of the foundation at that point,” she said. “He told me about the junior golf position the foundation was creating. I couldn’t have done it without him encouraging me to do this.” Bobby McKeever also played a role in shaping her future. “He was the pro when I was 13 years old and he took me for a ride in a golf cart and he was like, ‘Are you going you to be a tournament golfer or are you going to be a country club golfer?’ For some reason I said I was going to be a tournament golfer and that put me on track to try to get better and to play in college and play in bigger events.” High school coach Nan Reid, a good player in her own right, also influenced Bradford to aspire to playing on a higher level. On the college level, Bradford said Lipscomb men’s coach Will Brewer and Carol Reep of the NCAA helped her navigate the ins and outs of the game on that level. As Bradford closed one part of her golf career, the other is still wide open. And, junior golf in Tennessee will be better for it.
September / October 2020
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From tHE Editor By Gregg Dewalt
Worth the wait, Ross Creek Landing reopens for play CLIFTON – Ross Creek Landme it looks good but I don’t ing Golf Course reopened for know anything about golf. play Oct. 17 after being closed But we are ready. People have since 2013. been asking about and we’re With great fall weather, the having to run them out of the course was packed for the reparking lot.” opening weekend. Gillham said in late SeptemThe course layout remains ber there were a variety of issues that had to be take care the same as before, but Bentgrass greens were replaced of before it would be ready to with Bermuda grass greens. play. Those issues are now in “The fairways were a little the past. Fred Gillham thicker than before, so it Ross Creek Landing feaplayed a little longer than is tures five sets of tees with the used to play,” said David Hasting, a teach- course stretching to 7,131 yards from er in nearby Waynesboro who has played the gold markers. the course since it originally opened in Rates are $40 for 18 holes. 2001. “The fairways are more narrow, Work began on refurbishing the and the high-trouble areas seem closer course in late June with overgrowth beto the edges than before.” ing cleared, fairways being mown and Hasting said the redone greens are bunkers being renovated. Greens were good. sprigged in July after irrigation issues “The greens were pretty soft and recep- were fixed. tive to not just full shots, but for chips “We got it done in about three months,” and pitches. They aren’t perfect like Gillham said. before, but I thought they rolled pretty Gillham, Tommy Tinin and David Chaswell.” teen have been the driving force behind In early October, course owner Fred reopening Ross Creek Landing. Gillham said Ross Creek Landing, forThe course, one of five built by the State merly a part of the Bear Trace network of Tennessee and designed by Jack Nickof Jack Nicklaus-designed courses across laus, opened in 2001 and closed in 2013. Tennessee, looked ready to reopen. Before closing, it was largely consid“We’ve got it ready to go,” he said. “To ered the best of the Bear Trace courses Established in 1991, Tee Times is published eight times per year. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.
PUBLISHER Joe Hall pgegolf@bellsouth.net EDITOR Gregg Dewalt ASSOCIATE EDITOR Justin Onslow SENIOR EDITOR David Widener widecard@aol.com
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Carol Hall teetimescarol@bellsouth.net
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jon Hamilton jrhdesign@att.net SOCIAL MEDIA ADVISOR April Dailey TECHNICAL ADVISOR Jimmy Phillips
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Susan Lawrence
PRINTING Franklin Web Printing Company FOUNDER Joey Smith
P.O. Box 41293 • Nashville, TN 37204 • Phone: 615-943-3880
Member: Golf Writers Association of America, International Network of Golf, Golf Travel Writers of America
and earned numerous honors, including being named Tennessee’s No. 1 public course by Golfweek. Hardly 40 miles north of the state line, it had been popular with Northern Alabama golfers.
The odds of a player scoring a double eagle range anywhere from 1 million to 1 or 6 million to 1. And Krenkel had achieved both in less than an hour. A Google search turned up two previous occasions in which a player made an ace and an albatross in the same round. A juVeteran Alabama pro cards ace, double eagle in same round nior golfer, Conor Kelly, did it on July 18, 2018 in Massachusetts, and Jim Dyar, of Longtime Alabama PGA professional Mukilto, Washington, also scored a holeCharlie Krenkel put himself in rare com- in-one and a double eagle in the same pany recently at the Ol’ Colony Golf Club round on April 4, 2014. in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Not bad for the 70-year-old who still Krenkel, playing with his brother Andy gives lessons at Cherokee Ridge Golf Krenkel and fellow PGA pros Joel GafClub in Union Grove just ford and Ol’ Colony director south of Huntsville. of golf John Gray, and myself, On his ace, he said: “It just came to the fourth hole at trickled down the hill and the municipal course, which gravity took over.” was his 13th hole of the day. Krenkel said he’s come He grabbed his 8-iron on the close to making an albatross, 156-yard hole and pushed it but until he hit that blind a little to the right. The ball shot, he’d never accomhit a mound just right of the plished that feat. green, kicked to the left and “I couldn’t see the hole,” rolled into the hole for KrenCharlie Krenkel he said. “(John) came over kel’s ninth career hole-inand pointed at the tree tops one. where the green was. I hit it really good – The odds of making a hole-in-one for probably the only really good shot I hit.” a player of Krenkel’s caliber – he also Krenkel noted that what happened durplayed the PGA Tour for several years ing that round is what makes golf a spein the early 1980s – are relatively low, cial sport. somewhere around 12,000-1. “If you had to hit a ball good when you Krenkel, though, wasn’t done yet. The make a hole-in-one, there wouldn’t be a group arrived at No. 7, a 498-yard par- many of them,” Krenkel said. “I’ve seen 5. The 70-year-old Krenkel hit a 3-wood a lot of balls that weren’t so perfect go for his 236-yard blind second shot to in the hole. That’s what is so great about the green. But when he got to the golf – you can be in your 70s green, the ball was noand still be playing good golf, where to be found – not but you never know when in the rough short of the you are going to hit one in green or in the greenside the hole.” bunker. Finally, he looked Unofficially, Krenkel into the hole and that’s finished with a where he found it. Krenkel 73 and another had holed out for the first alstory to share with batross of his career. his buddies.
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September / October 2020
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September / October 2020
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Opinion By David Widener
Member Golf Writers Association of America
Is power golf the way to go? I
first became aware of power golf when purchasing the 1953 paperback edition of Ben Hogan’s book entitled Power Golf after my father began teaching me the game of golf. Noted for his legendary ball-striking ability, Hogan wrote “No matter how big and strong you are it doesn’t mean a Ben Hogan using a 1-iron 213 yards on thing in golf, unless you know how to ap18th hold at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, PA. He won the 1950 U.S. Open in a playoff ply your strength. Distance is obtained by a full use of your physical faculties and strength in on another 10-15 pounds. combination with perfect “He’s taking advantage of timing.” where the game is now,” Roy At the time I wanted to McIIroy said after finishing learn as much as I could tied for eighth place with a from Hogan. He was one of 6-over-par score. my favorite players and we One must wonder how lived in the same town (Fort Hogan would do with the Worth, Texas). His book covequipment available today. ers 11 subjects and includes One of his nicknames was 120 self-teaching drawings Bantam Ben because he to help you play better golf. stood just 5-8 and weighed Bryson DeChambeau My game did improve, but I only 145 pounds. A 1949 was never really good, with Time Magazine article had my best a 79 on a par-70 course. his driving distance at 265 yards. While The reason I bring up power golf is he was on a visit to Spalding a radar deBryson DeChambeau, the man who used it vice clocked his clubhead speed at 132 to bring the almighty Winged Foot course mph, the fastest among the pros. A famous to its knees in winning the U.S. Open by photo shows Hogan even hitting a 1-iron shooting par or better all four rounds to 213-yards on the 18th hole in the final finish 6-under-par 274. He is one of only round of the 1950 U.S. Open, which he three of the 894 golfers who have played won in a playoff. in the six Opens contested at Winged Foot DeChambeau did not need a playoff to to complete 72 holes under par. The other win the Open and it’s not that the 27-yeartwo came in 1984 when Fuzzy Zoeller and old is an unknown. He’s one of just three Greg Norman finished at 4-under-par 276. golfers to win a NCAA, U.S. Amateur and Zoeller then won in a playoff the next day. U.S. Open Championship, and won six PGA What makes DeChambeau’s feat unique Tour events before going to Winged Foot. is that he hit just 23 of 56 fairways, which He also was on the 2018 Ryder Cup team defies all logic since the U.S. Open is all and 2019 Presidents Cup team. The quesabout location, especially at Winged Foot. tion now is whether his power golf will He used his power to smash the golf ball work at Augusta National, site of the Masoff the tee regardless of where it might go, ters Nov. 12-15. Distance is not as imporaveraging 325.6 yards, the longest ever by tant as keeping the ball in the fairways at a U.S. Open champion. Augusta. DeChambeau made a commitment in 2019 to hit the ball farther, beefing up his EDITOR’S NOTE: Ben Hogan’s career body to become what he termed a differincluded winning the 1945 Nashville ent guy this year. The physical transformaInvitational with a 19-under-par score. tion meant putting on 40 pounds of musIt was his first PGA Tour win since recle by working in the gym, eating a lot of turning from service in the U.S. Army Air steak and drinking a lot of protein shakes. Force in World War II. The tournament The turn to the power way thinking of also was played in 1944 and 1946. I golf resulted in a 20-yard jump in his drivwant to do a future column on the event ing distance and a 137-mph club speed. and would like to hear from readers Now, at 6-foot-1, 230 pounds, he’s thinkwho have memories of the tournaments. ing of testing a 48-inch driver and putting Contact me at widecard@aol.com.
The 2020 Legacy PGA jr.league golf
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Walter brings top coaching abilities to Murfreesboro New Indian Hills pro already has an impressive track record of success
By Justin Onslow Tee Times Associate Editor Oftentimes in the world of golf instruction, recognition and accolades follow decades of experience, success and hard work. There’s no way to buy or cheat your way onto a reputable list of top teachers, especially when that list is furnished by Golf Digest. It’s all the more impressive, then, when someone like Matt Walter appears on the Golf Digest Top Teachers list for the state of Tennessee, seeing as that he’s only 31 years old. For Walter, it didn’t take decades to get to No. 8 on that list (published in 2019) – it just took a competitive attitude and the willingness to bet on himself. “My wife always says that she can’t believe how wiling I am to roll the dice,” Walter says. “I just don’t hold back. I never see myself failing. I always see what I’m capable of doing.” For proof, look no further than Walter’s move from Vanderbilt Legends Club in Franklin, Tennessee to Indians Hills Golf Club in nearby Murfreesboro in July. Despite having a full book of clients – so much so that he consi-
dered raising his rates to thin out his schedule a bit – Walter decided to leave Vanderbilt Legends Club to spearhead instruction at Indian Hills. “My ambition was to start my academy on a basis where I could control the culture,” Walter says of the move. “So far I’ve been putting my money where my mouth is.” Walter says some of his clients have followed him to Indian Hills, but building up his client base (while simultaneously making sure he’s charging what he believes he’s worth) has really been as simple as providing a much-needed service for an area desperate for a teacher of Walter’s caliber. If his track record doesn’t speak to that fact, Walter certainly can. “When I was looking at living [in Murfreesboro], I thought this place was thirsty for something,” he says. “I was looking at the fact that there’s no one in Murfreesboro who can teach at the level I can.” That may sound boastful to someone who has never met Walter, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. There’s no ego behind the confidence he exudes. When it comes down to it, Walter knows he has the talent and the passion to make golfers better, and that’s really what matters to his clients.
Walter’s client base is broad. Along with teaching children and adult weekend warriors, he also has a number of talented high school and college golfers under his purview. Each one gets the same level of attention, because to Walter, there’s as much reward in helping a scratch golfer stripe a 2-iron as there is in helping a beginner hit his or her first fairway. “It’s the reaction from the player that they didn’t know they could dos something like that with the golf club,” he explains. “That’s what I get the most enjoyment out of.” Still, good intentions and passion for teaching only go so far. Ultimately, a golf instructor needs to be good at helping his or her students improve. Luckily for Walter and his students, he’s awfully good at that part, too. Walter’s keys to success center on blending his knowledge and experience with technology and measurements. There’s no guesswork in what he does. “Why guess when you can measure? I hate guessing,” Walter quips. To take out some of the guesswork, Walter does something many instructors wouldn’t think to do. “One thing I know I do different than anybody else is I measure – not with technology, but I measure my players,” he explains. “Wingspan versus height. Lower arm versus upper arm. How well do you pivot? How much does your trailing arm rotate? There’s about 12 physical screens that are complete-
ly structural. I don’t care how much you work out, most of them won’t change.” With those measurements, Walter can then use his most valuable tool – his eyes – and a number of technological tools like TrackMan and Capto to put the pieces of the puzzle together. When the numbers or the measurements don’t match the results, Walter has enough information to figure out the solution. “We have to be careful with technology, because it’s really easy to coach what’s in front of you on the computer and not what the player is actually doing,” he says. “I couldn’t do what I’m doing now without the technology,
September / October 2020
www.teetimespaper.com but I’ve watched things on Trackman and I’ve had a player who couldn’t keep the ball on the grid and his numbers were not that far off.” Walter says it should never take more than three or four swings for him to figure out if a solution really is the golden ticket to a better swing. If it’s not, it’s probably not the right solution, and he’s more than willing to admit when he’s wrong and try a different approach. “I get it wrong a lot,” he says. “You have to be willing to acknowledge when you don’t get it right. There’s a lot of ego with golf coaches. You have to sometimes sit back and say, ‘I was wrong. That was not the answer. Let’s try something different.’” So while Walter knows how talented he is as a golf instructor, there’s no ego that gets in the way of results. His students know that, which is why success has followed him everywhere he goes, and it’s why Walter never actively pursues the accolades he’s received or expects praise or thanks when his students succeed. “A lot of people will throw you some credit if they play well, but I don’t care,” he says. “If I have to take credit for when they do something right, I have to take credit for when they do something wrong. You’ll never see me
TENNESSEE
1.) Joe Hallett, Vanderbilt Legends C., Franklin 2.) Matt Killen, Troubadour G. & Field C., College Grove 3.) Rob Akins, Rob Akins Golf Academy at Spring Creek Ranch, Collierville 4.) Brian Lackey, G.C. of Tennessee, Kingston Springs 5.) Nancy Quarcelino, Gaylord Springs G. Links, Nashville 6.) Virgil Herring, Ensworth Golf Center, Nashville 7.) Henrik Simonsen, The Honors C., Ooltewah 8.) Matt Walter, Indian Hills GC, Murfreesboro 9.) Ben Pellicani, Westhaven G.C., Franklin 10.) Walt Chapman, Fairways and Greens, Knoxville 11.) Brad Redding, Target Golf Practice and Training Facility, Knoxville 12.) Jake Reeves, Fox Den C.C., Knoxville 13.) Gaylon Cude, Golf House Tennessee Learning Center, Franklin 14.) Jex Wilson, Old Fort G.C., Murfreesboro toot my own horn.” He certainly doesn’t have to. Golf Digest has done that for him. His students do that for him. His hard work and the success that has spawned from it have done that for him. Walter is ambitious – he’d eventually like to be teaching golf instructors how to improve their craft and won’t
rule out the possibility of coaching on Tour if one of his current students makes it to that level – but for now, anyway, his sights rest on his clients at Indian Hills. They’re the ones who make his job rewarding and have allowed Walter to use his gift in a way that demands the recognition he’s received.
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Aces Audie Johnson, PGA aced the No. 4 hole, par-3 using a pitching wedge on 7/21/20 while playing in the PGA Take Charge Pro AM at The Country Club in Morristown
Wesley Locke, a July 4th Ace at The Legacy. Congratulations on your Hole-In-One on Independence Day!
Gene Lomax had his 7th Hole-In One during his play at TGA’s Senior Amateur Championship at Tennessee Grasslands in Gallatin
Ron (just call me: “Ace”) Pass scored his first career Hole-In-One at Lake Tansi Resort’s hole #3. He used a 7 iron from 146 yards. Witnessing the shot were: Frank Homer, Dave Blaylock and Roger Pulley. Congratulations Ron!
Keith Bruce holes out on 9-20-20 at The Legacy. Hole No 12, with 9 iron, at 123 yards, witnessed by Chris Decher, John Keck & Tom Titus.
Broadus Weatherall The Legacy hole #12 10-12-20 130 yards 7 iron.
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September / October 2020
Rachel Kuehn wins 90th LNGA Amateur Championship Tee Times report Rachel Kuehn, a sophomore at Wake Forest University, shot 10-under 206 to claim the 90th LNGA Amateur Championship recently at Tennessee Grasslands – Foxland Links Course. Keuhn was fresh off her victory in the North & South Women’s Amateur Championship at the Pinehurst Resort and had her mother, Brenda Corrie-Kuehn, an All-American and in the Hall Fame at Wake Forest, as her caddie for both victories. Marissa Wenzler, University of Kentucky and Kennedy Pedigo of Southern Methodist University tied
for second with a 54-hole total of 212. Gallatin’s Kynadie Adams claimed the LNGA Junior Medalist Champion with a 213. Northwestern University captured the Howell Team Trophy for low combined team score of the lowest club or university with Brooke Riley at 213 and Kelly
Su at 216. In addition to Adams, three other local golfers in the field - Sophie Linder, Julie Marr, and Kayla Murrell. Kuehn, Wenzler and Pedigo received exemptions from the USGA to play in the 2020 U.S. Women’s Amateur in Rockville, Maryland at Woodmont Country Club. LNGA President Joanne Walker noted the excitement on behalf of the 16-member LNGA Board of hosting a playing field of 133 elite women’s amateur golfers from around the world. Players represented 31 states, seven countries, 12 nationalities and 65 universities and colleges.
Kynadie Adams
Rachel Kuehn
Brooke Riley and Kelly Su
Marissa Wenzler and Kennedy Pedigo
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President Joanne Walker The strength of the playing field ranged from +6.0 to 5.5 golf handicaps. “I was very proud that our 90th Amateur Championship was hosted at my home club in Gallatin, “Walker said. “The support from our Tennessee Grasslands family helped to make this event a huge success!” Nestled just outside Nashville, southern hospitality, paired with the stunning landscape surrounding Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee Grasslands Golf and Country Club was the perfect setting for a memorable, yet, challenging golf experience. Tennessee Grasslands features a fully private golf and country club experience to its members highlighting two beautiful lakeside pools; two fitness facilities; two clubhouses with multiple private dining outlets; top-notch golf and member events; and two 18-hole championship caliber golf courses. The Links Course offers a classic design rooted in golf’s golden era, artfully following the indigenous terrain along Old Hickory Lake, making it a beautiful and unforgettable host for the 90th LNGA Amateur Championship. The Links Course boasts scenic views, flawless fairways, and undulating greens that inspired fantastic play from this group of exceptional players. The Par 72 Links Course features Cavalier Zoysia fairways, 419 Hybrid Bermuda roughs, A-1 Bent Grass greens, and numerous bunkers, ponds, and streams along with commonly seen wildlife. The Links Course is no stranger to hosting prestigious events, such as the 2019 Tennessee Mid-Amateur Championship, the 69th Annual SunTrust Tennessee State Open, and numerous PGA sectional championships. You can follow the Ladies National Golf Association on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well as their website @ ladiesnationalgolf.org.
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Falling for golf a
FarmLinks Fall Golf Tee Times report With 3,200 acres of mountains, meadows, and woodlands about to undergo the colorful transformation to fall, now’s the time to get a golf getaway at Pursell Farms on the calendar. There’s more to the golf story at this hidden gem—and a few surprises for the uninitiated.
Storied Golf
The 18-hole, 7,444-yard Hurdzan-Fry designed FarmLinks course features a diverse layout and dramatic elevation changes, as evidenced by the resort’s most photographed Par 3 Hang Time, with a 172-ft. vertical drop from the tips to the green. In spite of its challenging course length, FarmLinks is a keenly playable course with open fairways, large greens, wide approaches, and vistas of fall color. A bit of history clings to a few of the holes, such as the Par 5 Bootlegger, with the remains of Prohibition-era whiskey stills tucked away in the nearby woods; Par 4 DeSoto, named for the breastwork remains from Hernando DeSoto’s encampment when he passed through the area in 1540 on his search for El Dorado and an easy passage to China; and Par 4 Eureka Railroad, for the train tracks that cut through the property at the turn of the 20th century, when tons of pure white marble were tugged out of the area. Pursell Farms is one of GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 Resorts; and the FarmLinks course is Golfweek’s “Number One Best Course You Can Play in Alabama” again in 2020, its eighth year of winning the honor, as well as No. 60 of their U.S. Top 100; and named the No. 1 golf course in Alabama
E-Z-GO top-of-the-line RX ELiTE is Official Golf Car of Pursell Farms
David Pursell CEO/Founder and No. 4 of Top 50 Courses in the US by Golf Advisor.
Elevated Experiences
“Golfers commit about a half day playing a round of golf, so we want their experience to be second to none,” said David Pursell, CEO and co-founder. “Every detail at FarmLinks is studied to uplift the golf experience. Sometimes a small component makes an unexpected impact, like stocking our driving range with Titleist golf balls instead of the unbranded variety found in so many places.” E-Z-GO is the Official Golf Car of FarmLinks; guests drive the RXV ELiTE on the course today. “We take delivery of a new fleet of golf cars every year, so our golfers always enjoy the latest and greatest from E-Z-GO,” Pursell said. “We get great feedback on the golf cars.”
No. 17 FarmLinks
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Inn at Pursell Farms on a fall morning
Bootlegger No. 6 FarmLinks
Fall Golf Packages Located 45 minutes from Birmingham and under three hours from Atlanta, the resort is an easy drive-to destination for regional golfers, and new golf packages make a fall visit just about irresistible. “Fall is a great time to play golf at Pursell Farms, especially for golfers who can get away during the week,”
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Pursell said. • The Fall Weekday Golf Package starts at $199 per person double occupancy, and includes two rounds of golf per person, golf car, use of practice range, unlimited balls on driving range, and overnight stay in an Inn guestroom. Details and availability here. • The Fall Weekend Golf Package starts at $295 per person double
occupancy. For resort information, visit www.pursellfarms.com.
More than Golf at Pursell Farms
The 3,200-acre resort is ideal for weekend escapes, golf getaways, weddings, and corporate retreats. Pursell Farms is home to a 40room country estate-styled Inn,
spacious four-bedroom cottages and cabins, and the three-level, eight-bedroom,13,000-sq.ft. Parker Lodge; three restaurants; the only ORVIS® Shooting Grounds in the South, offering Orvis-operated sporting clays and fly-fishing schools; Spring House Spa; three miles of walking trails; Hamilton Place 22-acre wedding venue; and FarmLinks Golf Club.
Fall vista at the 17th green at Pursell Farms
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GOLFTEC Nashville West
Hello, we are Paul Brannon and Josh Beacom, Certified Personal Coaches, and would love for you to come check us out at our GOLFTEC Nashville West location. Our place is upscale and loaded with the technology you have come to expect with our many locations across the U.S. We have the expertise, training, and
Wayne Conte
to Tour players to show them the things we need to work on. We video the analysis and download it to the players Clubhouse. It is our app that they can review lessons and drills from. Once we finish the video analysis, we start the first lesson. After the lesson we make a plan for improvement. Our plan will include indoor video lessons, as well as outdoor lessons and club fitting if needed. We will take students outside for playing and short Josh Beacom game lessons. During these we record the GOLFTEC Certified Club Fitters use lesson and voice over advanced launch monitor data, an comments and attach extensive array of clubs and shaft drills to work on. We combinations and our proprietary build plans based TECFIT software to dial in your perfect fit on student’s goals and commitment to Charlotte Pike Suite 104, Nashville (l.) Wayne Conte improvement. 37209. out for an on-course We are located in the Check out our website, call or playing lesson with Nashville West Shopping email or just come see us. www. Paul Brannon, PGA. Center, next to NY Piw, 6800 golftec.com/615-696-6690
personal attention to detail to get you where you would like to go with your golf game. The first meeting is our Swing Evaluation. It’s a 90-minute analysis of the student’s game and goals. We discuss what areas of the game in which they want to improve. Then we break down their swing compared
Hometown: Brentwood TN Home course: Governors Club When did you pick up the game of golf? 20 years ago Did you play team golf, high school, college? No How often do you get to play? 10-12 times per year Who encouraged you to pick up golf? My friends When and why did you decide to take lessons at GOLFTEC with PGA Professional Paul Brannon? My game was very inconsistent and I had friends who had used Paul with good results Had you taken lessons before? Occasionally What about the GOLFTEC system do you like? The golf instructors and the approach they take to teaching different aspects of the golf game How have you benefitted? More confidence to know how to fix what is wrong on the course What part of the lessons do you feel you get the most feedback? They give you 1-2 areas to work on with your game and then you can review the lesson and the feedback by going to the website. You just had a playing lesson, playing nine holes with your personal coach Brannon. How does this help and what did it teach you about your progress? This is the first time I had a playing lesson and really enjoyed listening to how Paul approaches each hole and how I should approach given my strengths and weaknesses What goal do you hope to achieve overall? Bring down my handicap and spend less time looking for golf balls
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Golf loses a friend in passing of Mac Davis
S
adly, another friend of golf is gone. Mac Davis passed away recently and left a myriad of friends from all walks of life saddened by his departure, as well as his family that he loved so much. We will miss his wit, especially his selfdeprecating humor, among many of his talents, but his love of golf might be at the top of his passion list. Most would say music would be No. 1, and they might be correct, but if that is true golf would be a really close second. Writing such songs as ‘In the Ghetto’, ‘A Little Less Conversation’, and ‘Memories’ for Elvis Presley would be hard to top, but spend an afternoon with Mac on the golf course and you might think that golf might at least have a fighting chance. His accomplishments were staggering, but he always seemed to be a good fellow from Lubbock that got lucky and made friends everywhere he went. I first got to play with Mac in the early 1970s just as he was about to become really famous and played with him a few months ago for the last time—same guy, didn’t change a bit. He still whined about his putting. Mac was a good player for a long time and carried a low single-digit handicap for quite a while at Bel-Air CC in Los Angeles, along with being a resident member of the everyday lunch crowd where
Mac Davis
Singer, songwriter, musician, and golfer
numerous celebrity members congregated for wit and wisdom. I, for one, was really happy he decided to spend more time here in Middle Tennessee the last few years. Sometime last year, Mac and I were playing an afternoon nine holes and he putted worse than I did, which is hard, and started talking about an old putter he loved back in the day, a Bulls Eye La-
Femme. “Man, I wish I still had that little darling” he said. I replied, “It’s your lucky day friend, I have one.” I never saw him smile so big—he lit up like a Christmas tree. Anyway, I told him I would loan it to him for as long as he wished but he couldn’t keep it unless I croaked before he did. I was hoping he would putt great with that putter but as we all know, sometimes history doesn’t repeat itself and let you go back to better times. A couple of months later I found it in my locker. He called and told me it just wasn’t working out and he was going back to his Scotty Cameron or one of the other putters that he had leaning against a wall at his house. Along with thousands of others, I am going to miss Mac. He was one of a kind, and I truly wish he still had my putter.
Mike lent his vintage Titleist Bulls Eye LaFemme putter to long time friend Mac Davis
On a happier note, Montgomery Bell Lodge has been fully renovated and is ready for business. By the time you see this, Pickwick Landing Lodge will have had its grand opening as well. These are two terrific properties that support our Tennessee Golf Trail courses at these wonderful parks in Dickson and Hardin counties. There are numerous people to thank for the wonderful outcome of these two renovations, but I would like to give a shoutout to Shannon Bowles, our new Director of Hospitality for Tennessee State Parks for her tireless efforts in getting these two projects completed. Shannon came to us after a distinguished career at Marriott Hotels and has 20 years of experience in how a hospitality entity should be run, and we want her to know that she is appreciated. Be sure to look for exciting new golf packages at these two lodges along with our other properties in Tennessee State Parks. As you may know from reading TeeTimes, we also have two new Lodges opening next year, one at Fall Creek Falls and another at Paris Landing State Park, to give you even more options and opportunities to visit us on the Tennessee Golf Trail. We look forward to seeing you at one of our properties very soon. - Mike
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First-time champions crowned at Tennessee Senior/Super Senior Amateur Tee Times report GALLATIN, Tenn. – Tim Dinwiddie never faltered, not even with some of the top names in Tennessee amateur golf history chasing him. A native of Afton, Dinwiddie won his first Tennessee Golf Association title at Tennessee Grasslands, as he held on for a one-stroke victory over Tim Jackson to take home the Tennessee Senior Amateur championship. Dinwiddie finished with a 54-hole total of two-under, 214 on the Links Course, including a 74 in the final round. “Everything was really steady,” Dinwiddie told the Tennessee Golf Association. “I didn’t really make any bad mistakes this week, and I think that was the difference. I’ve finished second in this one year, but it just tickles me to death to finally win one.” Jackson, who just last month won his record 25th TGA state title in the Tennessee Senior Four-Ball, made things interesting by firing a final-round 69. A bogey on the final hole cost him a shot at a playoff.
Tim Dinwiddie shares his trophy and win with his wife. Steve Golliher, the 2018 tournament champion, finished third at even par, 216, followed by Michael Albonetti (217), Ken Lee (218) and three-time champion Danny Green (219). Dinwiddie entered the final round with a three-stroke lead after a second-round 68 that included five birdies over his final 12 holes. He opened the final round with eight consecutive pars before he made a double bogey on No. 9 to give the field a chance. He got one shot back with a birdie on No. 11 and continued on as
Gene Lomax 2020 Super Senior Amateur No stranger to TGA championships, he won Senior 4 Ball with Bill Liberato in 2006 and 2009 none of his playing competitors could make a run at him. But as the tournament headed to the home stretch, defending champion Jackson made his move. He posted backto-back birdies on Nos. 11-12 and then added more on No. 15 and No. 17. Jackson was one shot behind heading to
Lomax aced the second hole during the tournament. It was his seventh career ace and the second time he has made a hole-in-one on No. 2.
Tim Jackson
the final hole, but three-putted for a bogey. He didn’t know that Dinwiddie had bogeyed the 17th hole, though. Nursing that one-shot lead, Dinwiddie got up and down from just off the green on his final hole to seal the win. The course at Tennessee Grassland played tough the entire week after receiving nearly eight inches of rain just prior to the start of the tournament. No player in the field shot multiple rounds of under par and there were only seven red numbers posted the entire week. In the Super Senior Division, there was another first-time TGA champion as Tennessee Grasslands member Gene Lomax claimed a two-shot victory over two-time tournament winner Neil Spitalny (201617), who also is a member of the club. Lomax turned in a three-day total of two-over, 218 (74-71-73). His run to the title included a hole-in-one on the par three, No. 2 in the second round. It marked the seventh ace of his career, his third at Tennessee Grasslands and his second on that hole. Ed Link finished third at five-over, 221, followed by defending champion Doug Harris (223) and round-one leader Randall Yoder (226).
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September / October 2020
Loss of a pioneer: Dr. Catana Starks blazed a trail at TSU Tee Times report
respects to Starks were Sean Foley, who went on to become the coach for Tiger Tennessee State University and the golf Woods, European Tour member Robert world lost one of its trailblazers in early Dinwiddie and countless others. Each September. shared their memories of the impact Dr. Catana Starks, the first African-Amer- Starks had on them on the Tennessee ican woman to coach a men’s Division I State athletics website. golf team on the collegiate level, “Rest in Peace Dr. Starks,” Foley said died Sept. 6 at age 75. in a tribute to Starks on the TSU athStarks led the Tennessee State letics website. “Thank you for the University men’s golf team from opportunity to play golf at TSU. TSU 1986 until 2005. It was in 2005 was the most formative time in my that the Tigers won the National life, the learning curve the steepest. Minority Golf Championship, as The experience has had a positive the team shot a record 840. and lasting effect on me. Thank Her story was told in the 2011 you coach for providing me with Sean film “From the Rough”. the opportunity. Coach endured Foley Tributes poured in as news of so much, fought so hard. Time for Starks’ passing became public. her to Rest In Peace, she was a great During her tenure as golf coach and woman and leader.” swimming coach at TSU, Starks touched Current TSU men’s golf many lives around her. coach Parrish McGrath Among the former players to pay their expressed his admiration for Starks and how she built the program. “Coach Starks was a true pioneer,” he said. “Running a program is Parrish tough enough but to McGrath start from scratch and
1995 TSU Men’s Team
Kneeling: (l) Sean Foley and Chad Carroway. Middle: Coach Catana Starks and Dan Davis. Top: (l) Adrian Adams, Shane Mathews, Barry Tanasychuk
Coach always challenged us as individuals and as a team. She was inspiring and kind. She was the type of coach you wanted to play for, giving all you had, because she gave so much of herself to us. We never doubted she was there for each of us, and for each team over the years “ - Adrian Adams TSU Golf Team 1994-1997
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find success is a testament to her drive and dedication. All of us in the TSU golf program owe her a debt of gratitude for all she accomplished.” Several players referred to Starks as being not only their coach, but a mother figure as well during their time on the team. “Coach Starks was like a second mom for our entire golf team,” said Eric Wilhite, who played at TSU from 1988 to 1992. “I have so many memories and learned a ton of life lessons that I continue to practice today. Her dedication to the TSU golf program 2005 TSU Team/ PGA National was amazing. But her commitment Minority Collegiate Champs to develop us as men is what I appreciated the most. I am very grateful I had a chance to play for a special person and TSU Legend!!!” Guaylon Arnic, who played for Starks at TSU between 199194, called his former coach an “unbelievable visionary that helped boys evolve into men Robert Dinwiddie Medalist Score 203 through the lessons taught 2005 All-American Player of the Year through the game of golf.” Phillip Watkins 2nd place Score 208 “Hard work, dedication and prepa5 strokes from teammate Dinwiddie Stu Phillips 80-71-69 Score 220 ration were three areas that she (Team’s best score of the day) preached because it would carry us Lawrence Larson 71-70-77 Score 222 through out life,” he said. “I will alChris Almroth 71-85-77 Score 233 ways be thankful for the opportunity and the guidance that she gave me.” was inducted into the National Black ColStarks also coached the TSU swim team lege Alumni Hall of Fame in 2014 and honbefore transitioning into her position ored by TSU in 2019. coaching golf when the university joined She was a native of Mobile, Alabama, and the Ohio Valley Conference in 1986. She a TSU graduate.
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At the Intersection of Faith and Golf Chuck Hammett has found his calling through Kingdom Golf Connection
By Justin Onslow Tee Times Associate Editor It’s been about 25 years since Chuck Hammett wrote his first book, “Jesus Would Have Been a Scratch Golfer.” In the quarter century since, he’s learned and he’s grown, he’s started a family and held careers both in and out of the golf industry. While much has changed for Hammett, one thing has remained constant: his faith. Golf has also been an ever-present force in Hammett’s life, and it makes sense, then, that the two would naturally coincide. That’s the whole point of Kingdom Golf Connection, Hammett’s ministry that’s predicated on understanding Jesus through the golf swing and the golf swing through Jesus. “The goal is to learn how to walk with Jesus in the way in which he paid for us to live,” he explains. “I use the golf swing as the medium, but what I do is just different. I don’t try to take a golf principle and share a biblical principle out of it. I take the kingdom principle and teach golf out of that. In the midst of swinging the golf club, I’m incorporating thoughts of the power of the Holy Spirit or the timing of the Lord or whatever it is.” That’s the whole idea behind Hammett’s second book, “Golf, Heaven’s Game on Earth,” which was released in the fall of 2019. The cover reads, “Learning golf mechanics from kingdom principles,” and that’s exactly the goal of both the book and the way Hammett teaches golf to his willing students at Westhaven Golf Club in Franklin, Tennessee. Instead of teaching the mechanics of the golf swing and tying in faith-based principles, Hammett teaches the biblical aspects that become the foundation for the swing. If that seems like a roundabout way to teach golf, think again. Hammett is an incredibly talented golfer and teacher, and his understanding of biblical principles is robust enough that he can blend the two aspects seamlessly. Case in point: When Hammett first felt the calling to write his second book – 25 years removed from publishing the first – he initially thought of just updating “Jesus Would Have Been a Scratch Golfer,” but he soon realized how much has changed for him as both a teacher and a follower of Jesus since the initial book. “I thought at first I might just edit my first book some, but I got about half a page into the original book and said, ‘Nope, I have to start over from scratch,’” he says. “My knowledge of golf and mechanics and theology is a lot wider and
deeper now, so I started over.” About that same time, Hammett says other doors began to open for him, like the opportunity to become a golf pro at Westhaven. Before that, his career had been outside the golf industry for the better part of 20 years, excluding the ministry work that’s been a huge part of his life since his first book was published. “Those were definitely affirming moments where I felt like God was doing this,” he explains. “The doors are open. I wasn’t looking for any of it.” Hammett’s latest book has been wellreceived – and he already has a couple ideas for more books in the future – but he’s not looking for praise or accolades. He’s more interested in confirmation that his book and his ministry are having a positive impact on those who take them to heart. To ensure that they are, Hammett regularly helps with local fundraiser golf tournaments. He uses his book as a gift and his teaching gifts as a way forward. “I’ll be there at the tournament and speak, and then I go and camp out on a par 3 all day,” he says. “The groups come through and I meet them and interact with them. I’ll do a video analysis of their swing. I go back in and provide a very detailed mechanical analysis of their swing, but then I’ll incorporate a kingdom prin-
Chuck Hammett, author of ‘Golf, Heaven’s Game on Earth’ ciple out of the book into that analysis, and then I pray for every one of them at the end of the video.” It’s about discipleship for Hammett, who just wants to use his gifts to help others and to teach them how to grow through faith. “I train them through golf to commune with the Lord on their own,” he says. “Life happens, and it opens a door to real ministry. It’s the kingdom. I’m really not trying to build some ministry. It’s just about the kingdom of God, and it happens to be through golf for me. I just use that as the medium.” It’s also about cutting through the clutter and finding a medium that’s unique and engaging. “How can we come in and do something that’s different; that’s not the typical program? I really like to serve people where they’re interacting and they’re out there doing,” Hammett says. “The golf medium is one that’s enjoyable, but then there’s a ministry interaction in the middle of it
all. I’m hopeful that it will be a way to get people out of their comfort zones to really hopefully have an encounter with God.” Along with helping at local fundraising events, Hammett has an event of his own coming up October 28-30 at Pursell Farms in Sylacauga, Alabama, that will feature training sessions, full rounds of golf and intentional ministry time in the evenings. It’s a retreat of sorts for people looking to grow their game, play a tremendous golf course and also intentionally work on their faith. “I’m all about the golf and the training and the helping and giving people new ways to think about their golf game, but what really is my goal is to get to those ministry moments where it’s real life … We pray and let God really show in their life. That’s what makes a difference and causes transformation, and that’s what excites me.” To learn more about Hammett, his ministry and his new book, visit golfheavensgame.com.
September / October 2020
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Cooper prevails in Tennessee Mid-Am playoff Tee Times report TPC Southwind, a perennial PGA Tour stop for the FedEx St. Jude Classic, played host to some of the best mid-amateurs in and around Tennessee. Flexing its muscles, TPC Southwind played tough despite near perfect weather in the Memphis area during the three-day event. Matt Cooper, a former University of Memphis golfer, held on for a playoff win over Lee Maxwell and Todd Burgan. As the lone player under par, Cooper began the day 2-under, with Burgan was five shots behind and Maxwell was six shots off the lead. With Burgan two groups ahead and Maxwell four groups ahead, Cooper was focused on those in his group while plodding his way through the final 18.
One of 10 rounds in the 80s on the last day, Cooper’s slide began on No. 2 where he carded a triple-bogey seven. Able to get one shot back on the par-5 5th, the former Memphis Tigers player dropped a shot on the proceeding 6th, a double bogey on the 7th before bookending the rollercoaster stretch with a birdie on the 8th. Out in 40, Cooper needed to stop the bleeding. Still leaking, Cooper began the back nine bogey, birdie, bogey. Shaking the bogey train for a bit, he pieced together four pars before losing the lead with back-to-back bogeys on Nos. 17-18 to find himself in a playoff with Burgan and Maxwell, who tallied final rounds of 73 and 72 respectively. In the playoff, the two steady
Matt Cooper
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hands of the day couldn’t gain an upper hand on Cooper’s roller coaster who walked in a birdie on the par-4 18th for the win. The win marks Cooper’s second Tennessee Mid-Amateur championship, as he won in similar fashion in 2017. He also picked up a win in 2014 at the Memphis MidAm championship.
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Legacy plays on despite pandemic W
elcome to Fall Golf and all that it offers here at the Legacy. Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the safety protocols and restrictions, golf has managed to thrive here at the Legacy. Our course continues to be in great shape and our Legacy Men’s Golf Association has pulled off some remarkable tournaments. We have such a strong Men’s Golf Association and have managed even in these tough times to pull off many of the MGA’s events. Our first event of 2020 was the MGA Stableford on July 11, followed by the MGA Low Net, MGA PGA Championship, MGA Stroke Play Championship, MGA Two Man Scramble, MGA U.S. Open
The Legacy MGA US Open Results 1st 2nd 3rd Tie 5th Tie
Daniel Green & Bryson DeChambeau Wayne Evans & Patrick Reed Mark Hannon & Xander Schaffele Lowell Herd & Matthew Wolff Al Herchenhahn & Justin Thomas Burl White & Dustin Johnson
Championship, MGA Old Pals and recently MGA Tour Championship. There was a lot of competitive golf, a lot of camaraderie, and tons of fun for our membership.
137 142 146 146 147 147
Congratulations to three of our Legacy golfers. Wesley Locke, Keith Bruce, and Broadus Weatherall, who all had holein-ones recently. Wesley accomplished his hole-in-one on July 4th, Keith’s ace
came on September 20, and Broadus shares his feat on October 12. We are pleased that we were also able to have a fun and successful 2020 PGA Jr. league with 27 enthusiastic youngsters. I want to thank the parents and volunteers who helped with the league. Their input was vital to our working with these juniors each Tuesday for 10 weeks beginning on July 7 and concluding on Sept. 15. Those Tuesdays were as special for the kids as it was for the parents and for me.
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VinnyLinks Colf Course Presents Halloween Glow Golf! The Breakdown of the tournament is: Theme: Halloween Your team must attend the event in matching halloween themed outfits Date: October 24th. Start Time: 6:30 pm Shotgun Start Format: 9 Hole 4 Person Team Scramble Adults and Juniors are allowed to play! Registration Fee: $30 Per Person $5 Throws will be available to purchase the day of the event $5 Mulligans will be available to purchase the day of the event There are only 20 spots available (5 teams), so register fast before the spots fill up! Food & Drinks will be provided as well as one glow in the dark golf ball per player. This will be another fun event for the family & friends right here at your favorite par 3 in East Nashville!
Hello, when Joe and Carol Hall approached me about sponsoring a column dedicated to junior golfers, I was all in. I love juniors and I love golf, it is why I wrote my book Ralph Squirrels plays golf and all the more reason to sponsor this column. We, Joe, Carol, our editor, Gregg want to feature not only those who excel, champions, but kids who choose to play because of the game they love. Kids from all walks of life, kids who might struggle, mentally or physically, or those beginners who just need to feel confidence that their perseverance will overcome their lack of experience. Parents, please submit your child’s name and why you want to share their story. Email: teetimescarol@bellsouth.net - Raleigh Squires-AKA Ralph Squirrels
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FALL Is In The AIR!!!
Around
Nashville Fairways Wayne Evans
Harpeth Hills
Superintendent of Sports/ Golf Clubhouse Operations
2424 Old Hickory Blvd. • 615-862-8493
McCabe
46th & Murphy Rd. • 615-862-8491
Metro Parks celebrate Muni champions Fall is in the air and it certainly is a great time to come out and play golf at one of our Metro Parks courses. We all look forward to this time of year… especially because we hold the annual James H. Fyke Muni championships. Back in the spring and summer, with the onset of COVID-19, being able to hold the Muni championships looked bleak. The Municipal Amateur Championship was founded in 1981 by Jim Fyke. Modeled after the City Open, it was his vision to create an amateur golf championship that was truly open to all competitors in Nashville
and the surrounding areas. We never conduct The Muni, without thinking of Jim Fyke in whose memory these championships are named Thankfully, we were able to pull off all of the Muni championships in this uncertain time. This year, we decided to not only honor by
Percy Warner
Forrest Park Dr. • 615-352-9958
Shelby
20th & Fatherland • 615-862-8474
Two Rivers
naming and getting pictures of the champions, but to share a little bit about each one. Congratulations to Phillip Lee, 2020 Men’s Muni champ, Annie Parris, Women’s champion, Hubie Smith, Senior Men’s Muni Champion, and Karin Raley-Carson, our Senior Women’s champion.
Reminder to our readers, McCabe is back open and the greens are fantastic! Pick a course and come enjoy Metro Parks Courses - fall time, perfect time. - Wayne
Two Rivers Parkway • 615-889-2675
Ted Rhodes
1901 Ed Temple Blvd. • 615-862-8463
VinnyLinks
2009 Sevier Street • 615-880-1720
Nashvillefairways.com
Fall + ns so s Le = Improvement
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September / October 2020
Phillip Lee 2020 MUNI Champion Hometown: Nashville Employed, school, retired? I work at i3 Verticals LLC – we process credit cards Hobbies or interests outside of work and golf? I love hiking with my wife Kylene, and our dogs. Kylene is an outstanding golfer in her own right. She has competed in the Women’s U.S. Open and other top-notch tournaments. How long have you played golf? 25 years Age you picked up game? I was 10 years old Who encouraged your taking up the game? My dad John Lee and my uncle Bill Lee Name your home course? Golf Club of Tennessee Do you play in a league/association? I don’t play in a league or association, but I do play in a lot of tournaments around the country. How often do you get to play golf? 3 times a week Do you enjoy the competition? Yes, I enjoy tournament golf very much Did you play team golf, elementary school, high school, college golf? I played at Knoxville Catholic High School and played briefly in junior college. In your opinion, what is the strongest part of your game? Definitely my short game How many times have you played the MUNI? 5 times If you won, when or how many times ? This year 2020 marked my third (3rd. win) Is anyone ranked? I am currently ranked 1140 ish in the World Amateur Golf Rankings What do you enjoy the most about the game of golf? Competition, it is what drives me.
TEE TIMES
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Annie Paris 2020 MUNI Champion Hometown: Brentwood, TN Employed, school, retired? I am a senior at Rhodes College in Memphis, majoring in Business and Religious Studies. I am hoping to pursue a career in sport marketing or in the sports field in general. Hobbies or interests outside of school or work? I am a member of the TriDelta Sorority and am the women’s golf representative for the Student Athlete Advisory committee at Rhodes. How long have you played golf? Almost 13 years! Started when I was nine because my dad signed me up for a LPGA Girls Golf clinic. He thought golf would be a good sport for me since I was scared of the ball in basketball and did not like to run. Name your home course? Governor’s Club Do you play in a league? Not yet! How often do you get to play golf? During the competitive college season, we play 9 tournaments. We practice or play 5/7 days a week at many courses across Memphis Did you play team golf, elementary school, high school, college golf? I played at Brentwood Middle School, Brentwood High School, and now Rhodes College. It has been a great experience and I love being a part of a nationally ranked program. In your opinion, what is the strongest part of your game? I don’t hit it very far so my short game is super key to success. How many times have you played the MUNI? This year was my second time playing in the MUNI (I played in it for the first time in 2017). Is anyone ranked? I was ranked 53rd in D3 women’s golf at the end of the 20192020 season (which was interrupted by COVID) and I was a part of a team that was ranked 6th pre-COVID What do you enjoy the most about the game of golf? The connections and friendships I have made. It has really paved the way for me to mature and realize what I want to do with my career. I also love any gender, any age, and any level can play and get something out of it.
Hubie Smith 2020 Senior MUNI Champion
Karen Rader-Carson 2020 Senior MUNI Champion
Hometown: Born in Cookeville, TN. Lived in Memphis for 35 years. Moved to Nashville in 2003
Hometown: Born in Kingston Springs. Grew up in Murfreesboro. Reside in Nashville now.
How long have you played golf? Since I was a little kid Who encouraged your taking up the game? My Dad, Hubie Smith II was a long time PGA Professional and my Mom, Dean Pipkin was an excellent player. Name your home course? Belle Meade CC Do you play in a league/association? No, just lots of tournaments. How often do you get to play golf? 4-5 times/ week Do you enjoy the competition? LOVE it! Or do you play more recreational golf? No Did you play team golf, elementary school, high school, college golf? Played high school and college Golf. Played basketball and golf at Harding University In your opinion, what is the strongest part of your game? Ball striking How many times have you played the MUNI? This is my first year If you won, when or how many times ? Won my first time to play What do you enjoy the most about the game of golf? The drive to shoot under par every day I play.
How long have you played golf? 40+ years Age you picked up game? 3 years old Who encouraged your taking up the game? Both parents, but especially my dad Name your home course? Harpeth Hills Do you play in a league/association? Several... Harpeth Hills Ladies Golf Association, Two Rivers Golf Association, and LPGA Amateurs Nashville How often do you get to play golf? Usually 3-4 times/week. Do you enjoy the competition? I love competition golf! What about recreational golf? I enjoyed it very much. Did you play team golf, elementary school, high school, college golf? I played at Riverdale High School in Murfreesboro In your opinion, what is the strongest part of your game? Probably my tee shots, I don’t hit it super far, but can usually find the fairway. How many times have you played the MUNI? If you won, when or how many times? I have probably played 6-8 times, placed 2nd, 3rd. and 4th in my flights before… First time to win! What do you enjoy the most about the game of golf? Friendships I have made, the challenge of the game of golf, and being outdoors.
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September / October 2020
TEE TIMES
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The Lodges at Tennessee State Parks Your place to disconnect! Take a break from your daily routine and connect to the outdoors. The Lodges of Tennessee State Parks offer a beautiful stay in an exceptional place. Enjoy golfing, dining, hiking and more at a fully-renovated lakeside retreat. Montgomery Bell
Pickwick Landing
tngolftrail.net
Reserve your getaway today at tnstateparks.com/lodges
Coming in 2021— Fall Creek Falls & Paris Landing!
At press time, our state is monitoring the COVID-19 situation and the importance of slowing its spread with efforts that may impact travel and gatherings. Please call before visiting any of the courses on the Tennessee Golf Trail, to ensure that the course of your choice is ready for your visit.
1 All courses are Audubon International Certified and are Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries.
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Annual passes available.
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* Jack Nicklaus Signature Courses
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The Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain State Park 407 Wild Plum Lane Crossville, TN 38572 931-707-1640 The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay State Park 8919 Harrison Bay Road Harrison, TN 37341 423-326-0885 The Bear Trace at Tims Ford State Park 891 Wiseman Bend Rd Winchester, TN 37398 931-968-0995 Golf Getaway Package
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The Golf Course at Fall Creek Falls State Park 626 Golf Course Road Spencer, TN 38585 423-881-5706
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The Golf Course at Henry Horton State Park 4358 Nashville HWY Chapel Hill, TN 37034 931-364-2319 Stay and Play Packages
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The Golf Course at Montgomery Bell State Park 800 Hotel Avenue Burns, TN 37029 615-797-2578 Play and Stay Packages
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The Golf Course at Paris Landing State Park 285 Golf Course Lane Buchanan, TN 38222 731-641-4459 Stay and Play Packages
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The Golf Course at Pickwick Landing State Park 60 Winfield Dunn Lane Pickwick Dam, TN 38365 731-689-3149
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The Golf Course at Warriors’ Path State Park 1687 Fall Creek Road Kingsport, TN 37663 423-323-4990