Tee Times September 2015

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

September 2015

Joey Hickman’s story of Faith, Hope and The Shelby Pages 2-3

Inside!!

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Meeting the challenge: Harris-Hillman

16

One-stop shopping: Let Golf Rx in Mt. Juliet operate on your game

22

What’s not to like? Craig Hartle is at home at High Hampton Inn & Resort

School provides needed services

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September 2015

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Joey Hickman’s story of Faith, Hope and The Shelby

By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor There are a lot of moving parts in the life of Joey Hickman, Old Hickory Country Club’s director of golf.

Trying to balance family, faith and a busy work schedule at one of Nashville’s historic golf clubs is tough enough. Add a specialneeds child in the mix and it becomes even more difficult.

But Hickman, the son of a former major league baseball player who counts Raymond Floyd among his friends, never seems to have a bad day. A fixture at Old Hickory since 1996 when he arrived as first assistant, Hickman Joey, Shelby, and Susan Hickman and his family have become an integral part of the club. It’s hard ther Jim played for the Chicago Cubs and struck to imagine anyone else in his position. up a friendship with Floyd, who worked out with “I was eight years old when I started to play the Cubs during golf’s offseason. “I became fascigolf,” said Hickman, whose fanated with him and his style and began playing the game because of that.”

A graduate of Tennessee-Martin, Hickman worked on the family farm for four years before deciding to make golf a career. He coached the now-defunct Lambuth University golf team for four years and also totaled

With Old Hickory Boulevard on their left, golfers get a full view of the distant steeple from No. 14 hole

five years at Highland Green and Hidden Valley Golf Club before landing at Old Hickory in 1996. He rose through the ranks and was named director of golf in 2008.

Hickman loves interacting with the club’s membership.

He tries to find time to play and still loves to compete in tournament settings.

“I love the people and the camaraderie with my fellow PGA pros,” Hickman said. “I have a great staff. Alex Cox and Ryan Hudnall have been with me for seven or eight years. They are apprentices now, learning the ins and outs of the pro world, but they started working here when they were in high school.”

Shop manager Donna Whitehead has been at the club since the mid-1980s.

“We have worked together since my first day on the job and is kindest and most sweet-spirited person I know,” he said.

It’s not uncommon for a golf pro’s family to become an extended part of the club, and Hickman’s is no different. Hickman has been married for 24 years to Susan, and their children are Scott (21)

With the 1926 clubhouse in the background, juniors and their families are having fun.

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September 2015

and we raised $32,000 with just six weeks of planning,” Hickman said.

Haylee Gold, The tournament has since raised daughter of $611,000. All of the funds raised go Doug and directly to the school through The Christy Gold, has Shelby Foundation for a variety of been Hickman’s projects. student for 2 “The members are why I am here yrs. Haylee and continue to serve in my role,” Hickman said. “They are very close is a junior at and have taken pride in this event Mt. Juliet High for Shelby’s school. The Shelby School and is on Scramble and Auction is really a the golf team. community service project for the OHCC members. It’s a fun event that everyone looks forward to.”

While the social aspect of the tournament provides a fun atmosphere, the money raised for Harris-Hillman School is essential.

“The money raised by The Shelby Foundaand Shelby (17). tion (Old Hickory Country Club, Brandywine It’s Shelby who has captured the hearts of the Women’s Club) over the last 10 years has been club and also tested Hickman’s deep faith. Born a huge benefit to the school,” school principal with an unbalanced chromosome translocation Dr. Robbie Hampton said. “We have been able between chromosomes 7 and 9, an affliction to make multiple renovations to the school and that has no name, Shelby has been developthese have a dramatic impact on the programs mentally challenged since birth. She is unable we are able to offer our students. In addition, to communicate and struggles in many areas. the support we receive from everyone associShelby, who is 17 years old, has attended the ated with the tournament is truly amazing.”

Harris-Hillman School for the past 14 years. An annual tournament – The Shelby Scramble and Auction – is held at the course to raise funds for the school.

“On many occasions when Shelby is in the shop with me, members will go over to her and love on her before doing anything else,” Hickman said. “If she could talk, Shelby would call all of these folks at Old Hickory Country Club her aunts and uncles. Shelby has been a gift from God since day one and we have been entrusted with her care and well-being.

We don’t take this lightly, and we give all the praise and glory to Him.” Hickman is grateful for the support the membership has taken in hosting ‘The Shelby’ for the past 10 years. The members stepped up the first year when the tournament was in danger of not getting off the ground just Kennedi and Addleigh Wilson seven weeks before it was scheduled to take place.

“My membership voted to host it that year

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Robbie Hampton, Ed. D. Harris-Hillman School Principal The work being done at Harris-Hillman is simply amazing as it helps children such as Shelby reach their full potential. Ronnie and Brittany Wilson, who have identical twin girls (Addleigh, Kennedi) are diagnosed with CDKL5, a rare genetic condition that includes seizures that begin in the first few weeks of life. Most can’t walk, talk or feed themselves. Many are confined to wheelchairs and are dependent on others for everything.

With help from Harris-Hillman, the girls are reaching many of their goals.

“Kennedi and Addleigh are making growth and strides in their individual development,” Brittany Wilson said. “Kennedi is more responsive to her family and she can also roll over. Addleigh is learning how to walk with a walker and truly understands what most people are saying. She just cannot talk in return. Harris-Hillman has helped the girls achieve these goals as well as many more throughout their time at Harris-Hillman.”

God surely does work in mysterious ways. He gave Joey Hickman a beautiful daughter, and through her needs Hickman found a purpose to help her and countless others through his career as a golf professional.

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September 2015

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September 2015

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From tHE Editor

By Gregg Dewalt

Sometimes you can find a hidden gem for bargain price I had the great debate with myself recently on a vacation trip to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

Yes, I stayed at the Marriott Sawgrass Resort and Spa – you can get really nice prices in the summer in Florida.

Yes, I wanted to tee it up on The Stadium Course. Who wouldn’t want to walk the same fairways as the PGA Tour guys?

How many golfers don’t want to brag to their friends with a story of how they played the famed Island Green hole?

Fortunately, and making my decision that much easier, was the fact that the TPC Stadium Course was shutting down for maintenance the day I arrived.

So, the decision to not plunk down the three-digit greens fee was taken from me. I didn’t even think about the other course on the property. It was the Stadium Course or bust for me.

Instead, I went online and found a course listing for the area around Jacksonville. And, I found a bargain at Hyde Park Golf Club. For $17, including cart, I teed it up on a Donald Ross-designed track that once hosted the Jacksonville

Open, a tour stop long since abandoned.

And I had a blast. I was paired with a truck driver, a former college baseball player-turned teacher and a member whose wife doubled as the cart girl on the weekends. Everyone was friendly.

We made a few pars and few double bogeys. I got a history lesson about the course after the round from a nice guy behind the counter.

I didn’t know that Hyde Park was where Ben Hogan – yes, that Ben Hogan – once made an 11 on a 140-yard par 3 while stalking the lead of the Jacksonville Open. A sign in the pro shop details it blow-by-blow. Sam Snead won twice at Hyde Park.

It was easy to imagine Hyde Park being the cream of the crop back in the day.

Now, it’s owned by two pros on a tight budget. It’s a little ragged around the edges. The fairways could be mowed a little tighter. The greens could use a little more TLC. And the clubhouse could use a facelift.

But you can see the Ross influence in the routing and the greens, even if it has

PUBLISHER Joe Hall pgegolf@bellsouth.net

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jon Hamilton jonh2520@att.net

EDITOR Gregg Dewalt

SENIOR EDITOR David Widener widecard@aol.com

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Carol Hall teetimescarol@bellsouth.net

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changed dramatically throughout the years. You could close your eyes and almost picture Hogan striding to the first tee, surrounded by fans, trying to win a tournament and its $2,000 first–place check.

As I reflect on my 18 holes at Hyde Park, I wonder, ‘What makes great golf?’

Is it paying top dollar to play on one of the country’s most revered courses just to be able to brag to your friends?

Is great golf a day out with buddies on your home course? Is great golf finding

a place like Hyde Park in Jacksonville, Florida, and showing up as a single and enjoying five hours with three complete strangers on an historic layout?

I think it can be any or all of the above.

Playing golf is what you make of it. It’s why we play.

By the way, I didn’t sniff the Island Green, but I did make a par on the same hole Hogan made an 11. So I’ve got that going for me, which is nice.

Keep it in the fairway, Gregg Dewalt

The Nashville Industrial Golf League finished a successful 22-week season with 14 teams competing for the top spot.

Conard Logistics finished as season champions with Special Touch winning the playoff format. Other individual winners were awarded at the season-ending 18-hole tournament at Ted Rhodes course recently.

Other teams competing included Steinhouse Supply, National Guard No. 1, National Guard No. 2, Bluemoon BBQ, Post Office, Bridgestone Inc., Ferguson White, Ferguson Blue, Collins & Company, Chrismore, Inc., United Machine and Tool and TDEC.

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Harris-Hillman School meets the challenge

By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor Harris-Hillman School, founded in 1975, serves students ages 3-22 who have multiple disabilities and dual diagnoses and live within Davidson County. The school’s enrollment currently is 120 students, all with varying degrees of disabilities.

“Typically, we serve students who have a significant intellectual disability and require daily medical care in order to attend school,” Harris-Hillman Principal Robbie Hampton said. “A majority of our students use a wheelchair for mobility.”

The school website says a highly trained and skilled staff of teachers, therapists, paraprofessionals and support personnel offers programming designed to meet the individual needs of each student.

Harris-Hillman’s program emphasizes sensory stimulation, gross and fine motor development, acquisition of self-help skills, communication training, socialization, basic academics based on State Standards, and prevocational skill development.

The school has 23 teachers and 29 paraprofessionals. Most students receive occupational and physical therapy, speech/ language therapy, vision services and nursing services.

Shelby Hickman is just one student who attends Harris-Hillman. The daughter of Old Hickory Country Club Director of Golf Joey Hickman has an unbalanced chromosome translocation between chromosomes 7 and 9. There is no name for the affliction that has left her unable to talk and with severe learning disabilities. Now 17, she has been a student at Harris-Hillman since she was 3.

“Her education program has increased her strength,” Shelby’s mother, Susan, said.

“She has learned how to crawl and walk in a walker since she has been there. Her fine motor skills and communication have

Shelby has the brochures for the 10th Annual Shelby Scramble & Auction

improved. She gets to experience things that typical peers experience – like trick or treating, going to the fair, participating in the country music marathon, being Valentine queen, going to prom and eventually graduation commencement.”

Another Harris-Hillman School student is 21-year-old Tommy Gulley. The son of Tommy and Angela Williams Gulley, he has been a student since he was 6. He is legally blind, has severe mental retardation, a seizure disorder, Cerebral Palsy and is Hydrocephalic, but his mother says the school has been a blessing.

“Just the mention of getting him ready to go to school will get his million-dollar smile going,” Angela said. “I love everything about (L-R) Mom Brittany, identical twin girls Kennedi & Addleigh, twin boys Oakley & Brantley, and Dad Ronnie

10TH Annual Shelby Hickman Golf Scramble, Auction, & Concert Friday, September 25, 2015 Morning (8am) and Afternoon (1pm) Rounds $125 per player / $500 Team.

Go to www.shelbyfoundation.org for info. Gold, Silver, & Hole Sponsorships Available

Harris-Hillman. They have become our other family, and there is nothing we won’t do to help. We owe his quality of his life and others to the work being done there.”

An annual tournament in Shelby Hickman’s honor at Old Hickory Country Club – The Shelby Scramble and Auction – has raised $610,000 for the school in its 10year history. Money raised goes to a variety of school projects such as: • Building a pavilion for outdoor student activities; • Purchasing technology equipment; • Renovating the school’s Snoezelen Room that provides sensory stimulation; • Building a Wiggle Room, a therapy space that includes an in-ground trampoline; • Enclosing our in-ground trampoline and adding an overhead lift to provide yearround access to the area.

Angela Gulley said The Shelby tournament has played a vital part in helping the school maintain a proper quality of life for its students.

“I would not miss (The Shelby) for the world,” she said. “I will be there to help in any capacity from that morning till everything concludes that evening. We are on board and it is a great time to visit with other families.” *editor’s note: During a morning Tommy Gulley, 21 interview by phone, Angela was years old, is the busy parking cars for the Vanderson of Tommy and bilt/Georgia football game, beAngela Williams cause Harris-Hillman uses this as a Gulley. Tommy has fundraiser. Harris-Hillman School one brother Kobe, is located at 26th avenues and 17, a senior at Blakemore within sight of VanderAntioch High School bilt campus and its stadium.

Harris-Hillman School for Special Education

September 2015

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Mike Reeder Memorial Tournament

We wanted to keep Mike’s memory alive and do something unique and fun while raising some money. I think everyone who played now has a better appreciation of how difficult it must have been to play golf from a wheel chair and swing left-handed (as Mike had to do). We felt it was a fun way to educate folks who played to ask them each to sit in Mike’s chair, and hit their drive off the tee box on No. 8 (left handed). Because of what Mike Reeder meant to all of us here at Forrest Crossing Golf Course, this will be an annual event.

A huge thanks to the Reeder family for allowing us to do this, all the players, the people who sent donations, sponsor signs, our sponsors for the other items, food, drink, etc. and those who helped us execute the event. We are so grateful for all of the volunteers without whose help we could not have pulled this First Annual Mike Reeder Memorial Tournament off. The turnout and money raised Ryan Sarr sits in Mike’s chair and prepares to hit leftfar exceeded our expectahanded (as Mike would) his tions. Thank you everyone! drive from the No.8 tee box Todd Murray, General Manager, Forrest Crossing Golf Course

Mike’s wheelchair and golf bag sit on the tee box at No. 8. Golfers were asked to hit left-handed while sitting in his wheelchair. (l-r) Debby Reeder, Mike’s wife, Todd Murray, General Manager, and Mary Kate Durbin, Mike’s daughter Franklin American Legion Post No 22 members: (L) Bob Mayes, Jim Howard, Adjutant, Fred Ladebauche, Rannie Howell, Debby Reeder, Mike Schmidt, Jim Willis, and Bernard Edwards.

Lining up to begin play, 1st Mike Reeder Memorial Tournament

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Around Nashville Fairways John Holmes Assistant Director of Parks

Metro Parks Administrative Complex named in honor of Jim Fyke Tee Times report

A ceremony was held recently for James Harold Fyke, in which the Metro Parks Administrative Complex was dedicated and renamed in his honor.

The guest list for the event was a who’s who of local dignitaries. Among those paying tribute to the man who headed the Metro Parks Department for almost 25 years were Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, former governor and Nashville mayor Phil Bredesen, Parks Board Chair George Anderson and Parks Director Tommy Lynch.

Testimonials for Fyke’s accomplishments were many.

“In the 32 years I have known Mr. Fyke I went from being a subordinate to being his friend,” Assistant Director of Metro Parks and Recreation John Holmes said. “In the work place, he has always demonstrated professionalism coupled with compassion. He led the department by having a great working relationship with each Mayor and Council, and always strived to address any citizen issues. He is a detail person who seldom, if ever, let anything fall thru the cracks. On the personal side, he has always been a great friend and mentor, someone I have tried to pattern myself after. I appreciate all he did for me while he was Director and his friendship for all these years.”

Dean referred to Fyke as somewhat of a legend in metro government.

“Jim Fyke has always been one of those people who simply know how to make things happen,” he said. “When I started working as a public defender in 1983, he was already a legend in Metro Government. More than 25 years later, it has been a great honor to have him work for my administration on open space acquisition and finding the right site for a new ballpark. Jim is one of the good guys, and no one deserves this kind of recognition more than he does.”

There is a long list of accomplishments under Fyke’s direction. He set the foundation for the city’s innovative parks and recreation system. In 1987, he negotiated an historic land exchange between Metro Parks and Hospital Corporation of America, which secured the department’s three-building ad-

ministrative complex. The deal also led to the construction of the Centennial Sportsplex.

Bredesen said Fyke “is the model for what a great public employee should be.”

“I have been impressed for a long time with how much he cares -- about parks, about the environment and most of all about the people who use them,” Bredesen said. “You can tell a lot about a person by how the people he works with regard him; Jim Fyke is respected and loved by just about everybody who comes into contact with him. It has been a great honor for me to count him as an associate, and especially, as a friend.”

During his administration, the number of parks increased from 57 to 100 and the number of acres went from 5,800 in 1978 to 10,237 in 2003. Fyke was credited with: • Opening of Wave Country, Hamilton Creek Sailboat Marina and the Ice Centennial • First Annual Fourth of July Celebration at Riverfront Park • Hosted United States Sprint Swimming Championship at the Tracy Caulkins Natatorium in the Centennial Sportsplex which appeared on ABC’s Wide World of Sports and the United States Short Course Swimming Meet which was televised on TBS. • Establishment of the Greenways Commission • Acquisition of 1,500 acres for Beaman Park, 800-acre Shelby Bottoms Greenway and the 200 acres for the Nashville Wildlife Park at Grassmere (Zoo) • Creation of a public/private partnership with the Tennessee Golf Foundation to construct an inner-city First Tee junior golf facility with educational programming in Shelby Park. It is appropriately named The Vinny after Vince Gill for his on-going financial support.

• Development of the city’s first Master Plan for Parks and Greenways • Coordinated the construction and gilding of the Athena statue in 1988 and the 12 million dollar restoration of the exterior of the Parthenon in 2001.

Dick Horton of the Tennessee Golf Foundation said Fyke was instrumental in making

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Percy Warner Forrest Park Dr. • 615-352-9958

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golf in Nashville the best it could be.

“He knew the needs of golfers and just what his Parks department could deliver,” Horton said. “He understood politics in a good sense -- that is how to get things done and the proper direction to get results. Once he moved to the State of Tennessee to take over there, he never missed a beat. Steady improvement has been his trademark. I don’t ever remembering him leave something worse than he found it.”

Horton said Nashville’s next mayor should copy Fyke’s partnership plan between private and public funding in the building of the VinnyLinks.

“You can count me as Jim’s biggest fan and a person I am glad to call my friend,” Horton said.

Lynch, the current parks director, said Fyke was a valuable mentor due to their similar career paths.

“A good man with no hidden agenda who required us that worked for him to provide quality customer service while operating a fiscally responsible department,” Lynch said. “Not only were we supposed to do the right thing — we were expected to do it the right way. I could not have had a better boss or someone to model my style after. I had two primary mentors -Jim and my brother. People may ask how that worked -- I received the best from both ends of the spectrum.”

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Distinguished bold style, incomparable good taste.

“It was my pleasure to meet the winner of the SeeMore Putter essay contest, Barry Hunter of Lebanon,” said Ted Gallina, SeeMorePutter institute’s Director of Instruction. “This young man was eager to lay his hands on his prize and we here at SeeMore were excited to work with him on the proper use of our putter. Upon evaluation and measuring Barry, we found that he Barry Hunter, center is was using a short shaft, 29 inches, and put him flanked on left by Alex in a 34-inch putter so that he could assume a Rochelle, Director of Operations, and right, comfortable stance to putt. He was an apt stuTed Gallina, Director of dent and within minutes of just a few pointers, Instruction he sank 12-foot putts one after the other, filling the cup. With the help of our lead instrucThen, to allow me to go into their tor/tour rep, Cody Hale, we lined him up with the warehouse and see Alex build my Triangulator, a tool helpful with alignment. The putter, let me pick a fancy black headcover with putting aid is for sale at $10, an inexpensive way ‘lucky shamrocks,’ choose a SeeMore Cap, well, I felt to help your putting. Cody is no stranger to great like it could not get any better. I was treated like a putting. He had a great collegiate career and won touring pro, and for that I will be forever grateful.” the 2008 Tennessee State Open. Once Barry was For more info on buying or going through the comfortable with the putter, grip, etc, we took custom fitting proBelle Meade Premium Cigars & Gifts his measurements cess check out the back to Alex RoBelle Meade Plaza website at www.

4518 Harding Road, Nashville, TN 37205 chelle, our Director seemore.com or of Operations, who give us a call for worked with the an appointment at proper length of 615-435 8015. shaft, applying the grip we suggested (Barry picked the color) and before our winner’s eyes is putting the final touches he had a custom-built putter. The pub- AlexonRochelle Barry Hunter’s SeeMore putter lic can get this same attention by contacting us here at SPi. We specialize in after-market follow-ups with our customers “I want to thank Ted, Cody, and Owner / PGA Professional Alex,” Hunter said. “It was well Golf Instruction worth the drive from Lebanon, stevejkirkpatrick@comcast.net at our state-of-the-art but never in my wildest imagination did I think I would get this indoor teaching facility. special instruction. A custom-built Barry Hunter SeeMore Putter fitted for just me.

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Ted Gallina lays the Triangulator, a putting aid, down for Barry Hunter. Once set up Barry was able to putt in a line to the cup.

He did this again and again, filling the cup with balls.

On the receiving end of the Triangulator, Cody Hale, SPi’s Lead Instructor and Tour Rep assists Ted with lining Barry up. Cody is great with students as he has always had a super short game.

Based on each player’s stature and swing characteristics.

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intently to Ted Gallina. Barry has never taken a lesson but feels it was so necessary now that hs sees the results. In the background is a picture of a jubilant Zack Johnson, whose SeeMore putter has won the 2007 Masters as well as the 2015 Open(British).

Steve Kirkpatrick

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September 2015

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Opinion

By David Widener

Member Golf Writers Association of America

Don’t give up on Tiger yet W

ill the 2015-16 PGA Tour season mark a Tiger Woods comeback or another year of disappointment for the former No. 1 golfer in the world?

What he did in the final regular tournament of the 2014-15 season, the Wyndham Championship, makes me believe he is on the road to once again winning a tour event, something he has not done in more than two years. Only a triple bogey on the 11th hole in Sunday’s final round kept him from victory as he shot 70 after rounds of 64-65-68 to finish tied for 10th with 13-under-par.

A positive sign was that he didn’t let that bad hole get to him. He birdied four of the final six holes to finish four shots behind winner Davis Love III. It was his best showing of the season in 11 events, but he also tied for 17th in the Masters by shooting 5-underpar and tied for 18th in the Quicken Loans National with an 8-under-par score.

He even commented after the Wyndham Championship “it was an enjoyable week� and Tiger has been known to be in a bad frame of mind at times after tournaments. That’s a good sign because the mental aspect of the game is the overwhelming factor in playing championship-caliber golf.

Since he did not qualify for the FedExCup playoffs, Woods says he is going to shut it down for a while. “It will be nice,� he says. “I have lots of soccer games and practices to go

to (for his kids) so I’ll be doing that and just working out, training and trying to get more fit.�

The skeptics of a comeback note there’s been way to much inconsistency in his play and that it remains alarming how quickly his game deserts him, not only day to day but even within one round. Another factor – Tiger turns 40 in December and has battled injuries the past few years.

And, please Tiger, quit changing swing coaches.

What was wrong with the one you had when you dominated golf?

Bruce Lietze, whom I mentioned in last month’s column, told me he never tinkered with his golf swing his entire pro career that saw him win 13 PGA Tour events and seven Champions Tour tournaments.

Tiger’s mind must be super busy thinking of his swing, but he says “I know what I am doing.�

Perhaps he needs to forget all the bio-mechanics of the golf swing. Stop thinking. It reminds me of a line in the baseball movie Bull Durham: ‘you hit the ball, you throw the ball, you catch the ball. It’s that simple.�

One thing is certain. Golf needs Tiger Woods, bad or good. There were 49,000 tickets sold for the Wyndham Championship, many of them extras once Woods declared he was playing, making it a sellout. TV ratings were 3.9 for Sunday’s final round on CBS, the highest for a non-major on that network since Woods won the AT&T National in July 2012.

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September 2015

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FYI On a recent visit to the newly opened Music City Golf Shop, owners Kevin Brown & Eric Briggs pose with Callaway Rep Doug Schoerke

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Home grown, Spicer likes life at The Legacy Callaway rep Doug Schoerke shows Music City Golf customer Neil Johnson the latest Big Bertha Driver

Who are these two gents, where are they standing and what do they do for this course?

First e-mail response and first notation by mail will win a prize, to be announced in the next Tee Times Paper. Relatives, friends, co-workers need not apply. Email: teetimescarol@bellsouth.net or send by mail to: Tee Times Paper at P.O. Box 41293,Nashville, TN 37204.

Meet & Greet these wonderful fellows in the October issue of Tee Times.

Guess Who, Where & Why...

AND WIN!

Each month, Tee Times will profile an individual working in some capacity in the golf industry. This month, meet Christian Spicer, an assistant professional at The Legacy.

Springfield native Christian Spicer is a perfect example of “working your way up the corporate ladder.”

The December, 2014 Austin Peay University graduate’s relationship with The Legacy dates back to 2008 when he began a job as a cart attendant there.

The Springfield High School grad also spent time working on the grounds crew until his next break at the course came along in 2010 when he moved into the pro shop.

Spicer’s college career began at Cumberland University before he eventually transferred to Austin Peay, where he finished with a degree in business management. He returned to The Legacy as an assistant pro, passed his playing ability test in March and is now in the PGA of America apprentice program.

It’s a perfect situation for Spicer, who began playing golf at age 13 thanks to encouragement from his stepfather Frank Janco.

“What I love most about the game of golf is the lessons that the game can teach you that relate to life, honesty, integrity, perseverance and having the right attitude,” Spicer said. “I am single and am career minded, giving my full attention to getting through the PGA Apprentice program. I believe com-

ing up through the ranks at a golf course will stand me in good stead in years to come in the golf industry.”

Spicer, who played on the golf team at Cumberland, plays as much as possible.

His usual group consists of fellow assistant Jonathan Schaeffer and director of golf Kevin Holler. He enjoys teeing it up with The Legacy’s members, too.

“I love to have fun when playing but I love competitive golf,” he said. “I haven’t played as many tournaments as I would’ve liked this year but I did qualify for the State Open at Fairvue.”

Spicer said The Legacy, which is managed by Cornerstone Golf, is a great place to work.

“Kevin and Chet (Frazier) are great to work for,” he said. “They have provided me with every opportunity to succeed. They have brought back memberships to our course and Chet has the course in great shape. I’ve heard more compliments about the course this year than I ever have before.”

Spicer also said customer service is a priority at The Legacy.

“We are just in year one but you can already see that The Legacy is headed in the right direction,” he said.

Gregg Dewalt

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McAngus roars to Women’s Senior Amateur title Tee Times report A seven-shot deficit with one round to play proved to be no problem for Mt. Juliet’s Terry McAngus at the Tennessee Women’s Senior Amateur.

At 149, Charleston’s Maggie Scott seemingly was in command after 36 holes in the 54-hole tournament at the Sevierville Golf Club. But McAngus fired a 1-under-par 70 in the closing round to pass Scott, who shot 79, by two strokes. McAngus finished at 226. Scott was at 228, while Brentwood’s Lynda Wimberly was two shots further back at 230.

For more information on the TGA, visit us online at www.tngolf.org/tga.

Final results

Championship Flight 1. Terry McAngus, Mt. Juliet (226) 2. Maggie Scott, Charleston (228) 3. Lynda Wimberly (230) 4. Jean Kraft, Crossville (233) Super Senior Award: Maggie Scott (228)

(270) 2. Cathy Wedekind, Old Hickory (274) 3. Linda Post, Brentwood (274) 4. Lyn McGee, Chattanooga (275) Super Senior Award: Marty Wennermark, Fairfield Glade (270)

Fourth Flight

First Flight

1. Georgia McCravey, Chattanooga (241) 2. Ginny Zanca, Memphis (244) 3. Lisa Daubner, Cleveland (250) 4. Diane Edmondson, Lavergne (252

Second Flight

1. Bonnie Wood, Vonore (256) 2. Monice Hostettler, Nashville (259) 3. Patty Donahoo, Ooltewah (265) 4. Chris Kencitzski (265) Super Senior Award: Bonnie Wood, Vonore (256)

Third Flight

1. Marty Wennermark, Fairfield Glade

1. Gail Smothers Smith, Franklin (281) 2. Kim Crowder, Nashville (281) 3. Carrie Semmes, Memphis (282) 4. Frances Hopp, Crossville (284) Super Senior Award: Gail Smothers Smith, Franklin (281)

Fifth Flight

1. Janet Kincaid, Loudon (294) 2. Joan Kupp, Crossville (298) 3. Carol Hornstra, Knoxville (307) 4. Terry Key, Knoxville (309)

Sixth Flight

1. Marianne Fischer, Bristol (309) 2. Kathy Barber, Gallatin (314) 3. Pam Morrow. Athens (314) 4. Cheryl Miller, Nashville (314) Super Senior Award: Marianne Fischer, Bristol (309)

L-R: Loren Personett, Head Golf Pro, and Audie Johnson, Assistant Head Golf Pro, at McCabe Golf Course

The Town and Country Golf Association MemberGuest tournament was held at McCabe recently. With an Elvis Presley theme, the tournament was a success.

Michele Blancho and Sally Davis won miniature Pink Cadillacs with money inside as closest to the pin prizes.

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Fall is a great time to enjoy Tennessee State Parks A

s the calendar turns to September and thoughts turn to football – think tailgate parties – there is still plenty of good golf weather ahead.

In fact, this is my favorite time of year to play and to be outside as there are so many great things to enjoy during the fall --- sunny days, cooler nights, less humidity and a little breeze --- it just calls us all to enjoy the great outdoors.

And, that reminds me – there are 56 Tennessee State Parks available. It’s not an accident that there are nine beautiful parks with golf courses to go along with many other amenities such as camping, hiking, fishing and other recreational opportunities.

Add inns, campgrounds and cabins and you have, at your fingertips, a chance to enjoy a day, a week, or a long weekend on the Tennessee Golf Trail at one of our beautiful Tennessee State Parks. Take the whole family and enjoy our good nature.

Henry Horton State Park update We are currently planning a soft opening at Henry Horton Golf Course on Oct. 2 as completion of the greens renovation nears. Please call or go to the website at Tngolftrail.net for more information as we get closer to the date. We are all excited about the prospects of getting open and offering a great experience to our guests.

Our new Champion Bermuda greens at Henry Horton Golf Course will be truly exceptional.

While the large greens the course is known for have been maintained from a size perspective, they have been recontoured. Before, most of our putting surfaces were primarily sloped from back to front. Morris Brown, the father of Champion Bermuda, has overseen the project.

Morris has personally reshaped each green and added multiple tiers to provide a variety of challenging hole locations.

“From a golfer’s perspective, the greens will be a lot of fun to play and require the player to use a lot of imagination,” Neil Collins, Henry Horton head golf professional and course manager said. “Hole locations will be fair and will yield good scores if a player places the approach shot on the proper tier. Missing a green or placing a shot on a different shelf from where the hole is located will test the golfer to get up and down and will require a variety of shot-making skills to do so.”

Collins said other projects were undertaken while the course was closed during the greens renovations.

Several bunkers have been reshaped to improve playability and drainage. Three bunkers have been filled in – one each on Nos. 8-9-16 to improve the playability of the respective holes. New tees have been added to No. 3, No. 14, and No. 18 to give our golfers more options from where to play from according to their skill level.

‘We are very much looking forward to reopening and showcasing the very positive changes we have been fortunate enough to make at Henry Horton Golf Course,” Collins said.

Everyone at Henry Horton has worked extremely hard over the last two months and we are looking forward to seeing our friends return to enjoy this very fine facility.

You can reach our PGA Golf Professional/Manager, Neil Collins, at Neil.Collins@tn.gov for more information.

Thanks to our visitors I would like to take a moment to thank all of our visitors to Tennessee State Parks for their support in the past and

Kevin Snell (L), Superintendent and Neil Collins, PGA Professional and GM survey the progress of the greens

in the future. Our parks are an unbelievable asset to Tennesseans and you should all be proud of what we have and what we protect for future generations. It is a great gift that our forefathers left us and we should make sure we leave them in better condition than we found them---and be sure and enjoy them along the way.

Good luck to all of our Tennessee football teams as the season gets underway.

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Golf TEC offers Free Evaluation and Lessons for essay winners

By Andrew Braley

Autumn is a favorite time of year for me.

The transition from summer to winter allows for a time for cooler temps, the sun is softer and this is a great time to play golf.

But when the days grow shorter, we must start to think of perhaps tweaking our game, spending time after autumn has passed and we are into winter. At GolfTEC we are very instruction oriented. Why? Because with lessons you are more apt to gain confidence, lower your scores, strike the ball solidly and be content with your game.

It will happen. We see it here at GolfTEC over and over, and I’m sure other instructors

will say the same. Often it comes down to how serious are you about improvement?

To encourage golfers who want to take that first step for instruction, I and the Tee Times staff would like to offer three golfers, one selection each, from men, women, and juniors, the opportunity to come into one of our GolfTEC facilities and work with one of our coaches. Golfers of all skill levels can apply as we feel we all need instruction from time to time. So this does not have to be a beginner, just someone with a desire to improve.

Simply said: Write an essay stating why you would like to take a lesson with us here at GolfTEC. It should be 150 words or less. We are serious about our wanting to

Andrew Braley help YOU improve. These are not just lessons -- we will provide you with an evaluation for FREE, and then an appointment for two follow-up lessons. Again, we will choose one essay from our three categories, men, women, and juniors Please send all essays to: Carol Hall at Teetimescarol@bellsouth.net, if e-mailing, or send to Tee Times Paper, P.O. Box 41293, Nashville, TN. 37204 if mailing.

Thanks for reading our Instruction page.

All of our instructors who give their tips are also here for you, so get your entry in. Good luck, but if you are not selected, plan on getting with an instructor in your area and take a lesson or two, you will be happy you did.

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September 2015

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Spitalny Captures 45th Annual Tennessee Senior Amateur Championship Tee Times report Chattanooga’s Dr. Neil Spitalny captured the 45th Annual Tennessee Senior Amateur Champion at the Lookout Mountain Golf Club.

Spitalny took the first-round lead with a 1-under par 69, but fell into a tie for the lead with friend and fellow Chattanooga resident Richard Keene after shooting 72.

Spitalny shot 3-over 73 in a tough final round to emerge with the championship.

In the 8th Tennessee Super Senior Amateur Championship (65-over), Nashville’s Mike Nixon captured the championship with his three-round performance of 5-over-par 215. Nixon painted a masterpiece in the second round with his 4-under-par 66 and had an 11-shot lead

heading into the final day. Nixon fell back in the final round but still nabbed the championship by five shots over Loudon’s Jim Brown.

Senior Amateur History The inaugural State Senior Amateur Championship was played in 1965 at the original Colonial Country Club in Memphis. Curtis Person, a Colonial member, shot 211 to easily outdistance Earl Pate by seven strokes. When Chattanooga’s Lew Oehmig won five straight championships from 1969 to 1973, the tournament was discontinued. It was revived in 1980 and Oehmig won two more for a record seven. It was 1993 before Tennessee came into compliance with USGA rules by limiting senior play by amateur men to 55 and older. In 2008 the Super Senior division was added for players 65 and over.

Neil Spitalny

Mike Nixon

Tennessee Golf Association History The Senior Amateur Championship is one of 18 state championships that the Tennessee Golf Association conducts annually. In 1914, the TGA was organized at Memphis Country Club as an association of private clubs. The objective of the

Association, as stated in its Constitution, “shall be to promote the game of golf in Tennessee.” From these small origins, the TGA has become an association which now includes over 200 member clubs, courses and organizations, comprised of over 32,000 individuals from across the state. For more information on the TGA, visit us online at tngolf.org/tga.

Burris-Long post 1-shot win in Women’s Four-Ball

Tee Times report

A first-round 66 sparked the team of Jenna Burris and Hanley Long to victory in the Tennessee Women’s FourBall Championship at Germantown Country Club.

Burris, of Manchester, and Long, of Clarksville, carded a 67 in the final round to post 133 to edge the team of Teleri Hughes (Knoxville) and Blakesly Warren (Chattanooga) by one shot.

With the victory, Long becomes the youngest winner in tournament history. Burris and Long carried a two-shot lead into the final round but had to hold off

Hughes-Warren, who closed with a 65 after starting three shots behind.

Many thanks to the Germantown Country Club, our host facility, their staff and the volunteers from the Germantown community. The 2015 Tennessee Women’s Four-Ball is the 20thTennessee Women’s FourBall Championship.

For more information about the Tennessee Women’s Four-Ball, including results, visitwww.tnwomensfourball.com. This event is one of fifteen championships conducted annually by the Tennessee Golf Association. Visit www.tngolf. orgfor more information about the TGA, located at Golf House Tennessee in Franklin.

Jenna Burris

Final results Overall Jenna Burris - Hanley Long 133 First Flight 1. Teleri Hughes - Blakesly Warren 135 2. Ashleigh Whisenant - Emily Goldenstein 138 Second Flight 1. Ann Lowery - Jenna Walter 150 2. Jean Kraft - Betsy Hale 152 Third Flight 1. Diane Edmondson - Kay Ward 157 2. Mary Ruth Geny - Norma Volz 158

Hanley Long

Fourth Flight 1. Linda Post - Sandy Foster 166 2. Susan Chandler - Laura Chafin 168 Fifth Flight 1. Judy Boscamp - Ginny Kmak 175 2. Cindy Chaffin - Kim Shatley 177 Sixth Flight 1. Sally Smith - Sue Ostuni 177 2. Malene Grant - Traci Peel 177 Seventh Flight 1. Jan Krikorian - Joan Denoyelles 179 2. Judy Arnold - Claudia Steward 184 Eighth Flight 1. Amy Cottrell - Lynne Anderson 185 2. Susan Hamman - Mary Marble 191

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Equipment Corner Great Big Bertha Driver

The Great Big Bertha Driver is back, and it represents the next frontier in driver design. This advanced adjustable driver has a light, fast, stable chassis unlike any other driver we have had before. It’s a technological breakthrough, and it’s built to get the most distance for all golfers.

So how did we make this breakthrough, you ask? Well, we optimized the multimaterial chassis to generate more clubhead speed through aerodynamics and a wide range of weight classes to suit every swing type. We also developed next gen R*MOTO technology that provides the structure for a thinner face which leads to high ball speeds on center and off-center hits. And we added Adjustable Perimeter Weighting on the perimeter of the head for ball flight and dispersion control with exceptional forgiveness.

Boom!

When you put the Great Big Bertha in your hands with all this technology, you’re living by one rule: “Leave no yard behind.”

Features and Benefits High Ball Speed from Next Gen R*MOTO Technology To get every last yard out of your driver, you need

more speed.

That’s why we put in our Next Gen R*MOTO Technology. It provides the structure for a thinner face, leading to high ball speeds on center hits and off-center hits too.

Head Speed From Our Light, Stable,

Multi-Material Chassis This is the best combination we’ve ever had of an aerodynamic head shape and multi-material lightweight club design.

It’s the key to generating higher clubhead speed through aerodynamics and a wide range of weight classes available to suit every swing type, from 295 to 325g.

Forgiveness and Control From Adjustable Perimeter Weighting There’s a 10g sliding weight on the perimeter of the clubhead. We put it there to add stability, and you can slide the weight for more dispersion control to hit your drives on line. You have virtually unlimited draw and fade bias options, more additional draw bias than ever before, and you get all of this without sacrificing forgiveness.

Simple Adjustability You can quickly slide the weight to any position you want on the track. And the Optifit hosel lets you choose from 8 different configurations to tune loft, lie, and face angle.

Imperial Headwear debuts Tailgate Collection

Just in time for the start of the 2015 football season, Imperial Headwear has introduced its Tailgate Collection that features state-designed hats with creative style names.

The states included in the collection are: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Each hat features the state outline with a defining characteristic of each state.

The Tailgate Collection styles include preppy cotton hats, as well as Imperial’s signature Tour Visors and Oxford Bucket hats. All styles are in stock. While consumers are invited to purchase theirs directly online, golf shops are also welcome to get game day ready for the football season by bringing in their local hats that will surely add enthusiasm and conversation to the shop.

“Our Tailgate Collection is a state pride themed line of headwear,” said David Shaffer, director of marketing at Imperial Headwear. “Anybody who wants to show their loyalty on game day, at a party, or any other day of the week will enjoy this new collection of preppy caps. It’s a perfect way to show your team spirit this season.”

For information, go to https://www.imperialsports.com/product-category/tailgate-collection/ or to place an order, please call 1-800-950-1916.

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Big deficits no problem for Kok, Harston at Yamaha Players Tee Times report No lead proved to be safe in the final round of the Yamaha Players Championship at Foxland Harbor Golf and Country Club.

Coming off a second-straight appearance in the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits, Johan Kok didn’t let a four-shot deficit bother him in the Regular Division.

Trailing first-round lead Ryan Botts by four shots after shooting 71, Kok calmly fired a 6-under 66 to overtake Botts for the title. Kok jump-started the final round with an eagle-birdie stretch on Nos. 3-4. He went out in 33

and matched that on the inward nine to fashion his 66. Kok finished with a two-shot win over Loren Personett and Kelvin Burgin, who each shot 68-71 for 139 totals.

Warren Cheney won the Regular Amateur Division after shooting 69-72 for a 141 total.

Not to be outdone in the Senior Division, Harston seemed to have shot himself out of contention with a first-round 73 to trail Audie Johnson (66) by seven shots. But Harston roared back in the final round with a bogey-free 66 of his own

Buddy Harston to edge Johnson (74) by one stroke.

In the Senior Amateur Division, Tim Dinwiddie was the only player to break par with a 36-hole total of 141 after rounds of 73-68.

The Yamaha Players Championship was supported by: Yamaha, Chase

The Old Pals Golf Tournament wrapped up recently and as always fun was to be had by all players. This tournament is an event for the Men’s Golf Association at the Legacy at Springfield 1st place: Mike Gallagher & John Traughber score 130 2nd place: Al Herchenhahn & Paul Herchenhahn score 131

Beaming player pals, (L) Mike Gallagher and John Traughber won by one over second place Old Pals team of Al Herchenhahn and Paul Herchenahahn

54, True Temper, Pepsi, and the PGA Tour. The Tennessee PGA would like to thank all of the partners for their continued support. Also, a huge thank you to Scott Masters and the entire staff at Foxland Harbor Golf & Country Club.

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Kirkpatrick finds his niche with Golf Rx Tee Times Report Steve Kirkpatrick, owner of Golf Rx in Mt. Juliet, is one of those rare individuals who found his passion in life and is able to make a living pursuing it.

After working in sales for a steel fabrication company for eight years after college, Kirkpatrick decided to follow his heart into the golf business. The Golf Rx owner even recalls a conversation with a former colleague when he made the decision to get into the golf business.

“When I left Modern Welding to enter the golf business I’ll never forget what Martin Knott, the vice president of sales at that time told me,” Kirkpatrick recalled. “He said, ‘Steve, if you truly have a passion for something and can find a way to make a living doing it you will be luckier than most.’ ” Nearly 30 years in the golf business later, Kirkpatrick considers himself very fortunate to still be doing something he loves and making a living at it.

An Owensboro, Kentucky native who has been playing golf since he was 8 years old, Kirkpatrick became a PGA of America professional in 1989. Like most pros, he has several stops listed on his resume – The Landings in Warner Robins, Georgia; Barrington Hall Golf Club in Macon, Georgia; The Summit Country Club in Owensbsoro; and Windtree Golf Club in Nashville.

Kirkpatrick settled into a job with Dick’s Sporting Goods in Mt. Juliet.

For three years he was a Regional Training Professional, instructing that company’s new professionals and technicians in operations, custom fitting and club repair.

In 2010, he opened Golf Rx, a onestop shop for just about everything a golfer needs – from books on instruction to club repair to club fitting and everything in between.

“I just saw a need from golfers for a higher level of personal service from an experienced and qualified professional,” he said. “This is like a

90-DAY 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE

Golf Rx is like stepping into an adventure candy store for golfers – new and used equipment for sale, books on instruction, and the list goes on and on.”

Kirkpatrick said friends liken Golf Rx to Floyd’s Barber Shop on the Andy Griffith Show.

“People come in for a visit, have a cup of coffee and tell me about their last round or the golf trip they have planned,” Kirkpatrick said. “It’s a very casual and relaxed atmosphere. I be-

lieve the key to what success I have had is simply treating people in the way I would like to be treated. The other is not straying from my three areas of expertise – teaching, custom fitting and club repair.”

A unique feature at Golf Rx is the Wall of Fame, where photos of the Customer of the Month adorn one of the shop’s walls.

“Their pictures are on the wall because they have been big supporters of Golf Rx,” he said. “The display is my way of letting them know I appreciate their business and their friendship.”

A licensed pilot who has written three golf instruction books, Kirkpatrick derives the most pleasure from helping golfers improve their game and equipment. But the best part of his job is something else.

“Without a doubt it’s the hundreds of friends I have made through golf,” Kirkpatrick said.

For more information about Golf Rx, go to golfrx.biz or call 615-288-4539.

Golf Rx is located at 11972 Lebanon Rd, Mt. Juliet.

Wyma Casteel assists Steve back in the shop with repairs Steve with Maggie, who is in charge of customer relations.

She loves all who enter GolfRx.

If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, return it to us within 90 days of purchase, and you will receive 100% store credit towards your next purchase. Buy with confidence!

(L) Miguel Burgiss is all smiles, when it comes to his equipment, entrusting it to Kirkpatrick

$10 OFF

A PURCHASE OF $30 OR MORE

EXPIRES SEPT. 30

ALU#1011869

Some manufacturer restrictions apply. See store for details.

NASHVILLE • 2510 Music Valley Drive • 615.883.0125

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September 2015

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Franklin Rotary Golf Classic scheduled for Oct. 12

The Franklin at Breakfast Rotary Club promises something special at this year’s Golf Classic.

After all, it’s the 25th annual event, so of course the civic organization is doing things up right.

The tournament’s official name is the Franklin Rotary Golf Classic. It’s scheduled for Oct. 12 at the Legends North Course. Title sponsors are Franklin Synergy Bank and Garney Construction.

Each player will receive a fitted SeeMore putter, the type Zach Johnson used to win the 2015 (British) Open Championship. SeeMore is made and distributed in Franklin.

The tournament’s goal is to raise $100,000 for local charities. All of the tournament’s profits are returned to non-profit charities, most of which are in Williamson County. Twenty-five percent of the profits go toward water projects in Williamson County. Other charities that have been supported by the tournament in the past year include: Habitat for Humanity, Graceworks, Columbia State, Salvation Army, Boys & Girls Club of Middle Tennessee, American Red Cross, college scholarships for local students, Wounded Warrior Project and more.

Since its inception, the Franklin Rotary Club at Breakfast golf tournament has distributed more than $1,000,000 into the community.

All 100 Rotarians in the club assist in making the tournament a reality.

For information about the tournament, call Al Adams at 615-977-0837.

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For Hartle, nothing finer than High Hampton in Carolina

By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor Craig Hartle has a simple response to a simple question about what he enjoys most about his job as the head golf professional at High Hampton Inn and Country Club.

“Everything,” he said. “It’s the weather; the family atmosphere; family ownership; the activities; and the golf at all levels. We have one couple who is 90 and 91 who still play well.”

That pretty much sums up the mission statement at High Hampton, a resort set in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains near Cashiers, North Carolina. It’s got a little of everything for everybody.

Hartle, who has been a golf professional for 32 years, knows of what he speaks, too. He’s worked at some of the Southeast’s premier facilities. Previous stops include Echelon Golf Club, Settindown Creek Golf Club, Sheraton Savannah Resort and Augusta (Georgia) Country Club. Hartle served as director of golf at Echelon, Settindown Creek and the Sheraton Savannah, and he was an assistant at Augusta CC. Given that extensive work experience, Hartle has plenty from which to compare High Hampton.

And, it’s why you can take it to the bank when he says what’s not to love about the resort.

Hartle has been a fixture at the resort since 2010 when he got a call from High Hampton Inn General Manager Clifford Meads for whom he worked 20 years previously.

It didn’t take long for Hartle to jump at the opportunity to join High Hampton Inn as the head professional.

It’s been a good match, Meads said.

“Our golf course is Clifford Meads, a favorite among Manager, High guests because of General Hampton Inn & Resort the natural beauty

Craig Hartle Craig Hartle stands on the putting green in front of the pro shop

Looking back at the spectacular view of Rock Mountain, from the No. 8 green

which surrounds golfers with stunning mountain and water views,” Meads said. “But I think our passionate team led by Craig Hartle, is the reason why people come back year after year to play a round of golf during their North Carolina mountain getaways.”

Hartle points out that he has an excellent staff at his disposal. It’s a staff that is dedicated to quality and customer service, not just at the golf property but the entire operation.

Lucia Adams, Anthony Hollis, Nicole Bumgarner, Tayler Hasbrouck, Tyler Howard and Colt Miller are just a few of the staffers that Hartle said help the operation reach its potential.

Hartle picked up a golf club for the first time when he was 3 years old. He jokes he decided to make a career in golf at age 4. He was a standout basketball player in high school, and even was recruited to play at Indiana University by famed coach Bobby Knight.

Eventually, golf won out for Hartle after he spent a few years in the banking industry.

“I decided I didn’t want to wear a tie for the rest of my career,” he joked. So, he traded the tie for golf polos and khakis and became a dominant player on the PGA of America section tournament trail.

He was the Georgia PGA champion in 1986 and 1995. He also was named 2006 Georgia PGA Golf Professional of the Year. In 1991, he was the Resort Merchandiser of the Year.

He still enjoys competitive golf, but has limited opportunities because High Hampton is a seasonal resort with a shorter season. But Hartle, married with three children, still finds some time to play with family and friends.

“One of the misconceptions about golf professionals is that we get to play and practice every day,” he said.

“Ha!”

www.highhamptoninn.com

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Rebne 3-peats at Tennessee Senior Professional championship Tee Times Report Richard Rebne maintained his stranglehold on the Tennessee PGA Senior Professional Championship in a big way at Brentwood Country Club.

Rebne shot rounds of 67-66 to win the tournament for the third straight year. As a result, Rebne qualified along with five other Tennessee Section professionals for the Senior Professional National Championship at Bayonet Black Horse in Seaside, California.

Playing in perfect conditions, Rebne shot 67 in the first round to hold a share of the lead with Jack Oliver in a field that was bunched with eight players under par.

Rebne was still in the mix after an even-par front nine in the second round, but he blew away the field with five birdies on the back nine to win by four shots. His two-round total of 133 was 9-under-par.

Also qualifying for the Senior Professional National Championship from the section was Buddy Harston, of Kingston Springs, who tied Rebne for the low

round of the tournament of 5-under-par 66 to secure second place and a qualifying spot. Also qualifying were Oliver, Walt Chapman, Jared Melson, and Bill Breen.

Melson and Breen had to work a little harder to qualify, outlasting a four-man playoff with Randy Wylie and Mark Guhne. Melson made a birdie on the first playoff hole to secure his spot. Wylie missed his par putt by inches to eliminate him leaving Guhne and Breen left for the last spot. Breen knocked in his birdie putt after Guhne had just missed his attempt for birdie on the second hole to earn the final spot in the tournament.

The Tennessee PGA would like to thank our generous sponsors, Mercedes-Benz and the PGA Tour for their support. We would also like to thank Head Professional Johnny Bridgeman, Andrew Kincaid, and their staff for their help in making this year’s Tennessee PGA Senior Professional Championship so successful.

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615-458-6800

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