September 2021 Tee Times by Joe Hall

September 2021 Keeping Golfers Connected in TN, KY, MS, AL, NC

September 2021

Bridging the gap At Franklin Bridge, home is where the heart is Pages 2-4

Brooks West

Inside!! America: Sarah Ingram will 11 Captain return as Curtis Cup captain after U.S win light: First Tee of Tennessee 12 Guiding announces scholarship winners setter: Rarity Bay offers 23 Scene fun golf, spectacular views

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For the Community

At Franklin Bridge, Home is Where the Heart is By Justin Onslow Associate Tee Times Editor When Brooks West took ownership of Franklin Bridge Golf Club on January 1, 2019, he did so with the fresh eyes of a man who had never owned a golf course before. West, who at the time called Nashville his home, had those eyes – and his heart – pointed south, toward Franklin, Tennessee and to the people of Williamson County. There, in a community of golf lovers, West has truly found his home. Williamson County is widely known as one of the most charming, comfortable and affluent areas in the entire country. It’s also widely known that, as far as public golf courses go, there’s only one game in town. For years, that game was often played with a deck missing a few cards, a playing board with worn edges and the patina of something old and forgotten. Franklin Bridge, the only 18-hole public golf course in Williamson County, simply needed new life that only new owner-

The West Family enjoys the No. 18 Island Green Brooks, Ashley, Holden(4) and Bennett (1)

Tranquility ... Along the No. 6 fairway,West fell in love with property on this spot

ship could offer – new ownership committed to not just knocking off the rust but to rebuilding from the ground up. Sure, operating a golf course is operating a business and making money in the process, but that’s only part of the equation for West. “The thing that drives me every day

and the reason I’m here all day every day raking bunkers and pulling weeds is that this place needs to match the community that it’s in,” he says. “We have a duty to Williamson County. It’s known for its golf. It’s known as a great place to live. There’s a lot of quality built into the DNA of Franklin.”

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When West talks about Williamson County, he does so with the fondness of someone reminiscing about home. Despite having only moved to the Franklin area in the fall of 2019 (just four miles from his course), it’s a place West and his wife, Ashley, and two sons, Holden (4) and Bennett (1) really do feel at home. That kinship with their place of residence is also a kinship with its people, the community and his labor of love, Franklin Bridge. Being the only public 18-hole course in the area, it would be easy for West to revert to the status quo – to do just enough to keep Franklin Bridge playable and to keep the regulars coming back. That’s not enough for him. It never will be. “This was a busy place before I got here,” he says. “That’s one of those things that’s not a product of me. That’s [a product of ] being the only 18-hole public golf course in a thriving county. “I get so much encouragement out on the golf course from our customers. Those same people are largely still here. Many of them have been

September 2021

here since the 80s and they’ve seen it be good and not so good and they’re so grateful for the commitment we’ve made and the work we’re doing.” That work, over the last nearly three years, has been extensive: at first, a new fleet of golf carts, general maintenance measures and flipping the nines for a better golfing experience. Since those early measures, West and his team have opened the Persimmon Pub – a homy yet energetic space with beer, wine and liquor, and chef Richard Chi cooking up madefrom-scratch food – added 150,000 square feet of new turf, built the second-largest putting green in Tennessee and are preparing to reopen No. 9 (previously a “less-than-desirable” par 5) as an over-water par 3 signature hole. With the extra space afforded by the removal of the old putting green and removal of acreage on No. 9, West next plans on revamping the driving range to add more capacity and create a better practice experience. He’s also overseen the addition of 50 new specimen trees throughout

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the course and more general maintenance initiatives to improve playability, pace of play and consistency. “We hope to provide a much-improved golfing experience from when we got here,” West says. “You like to see change and improvements, but nobody likes to live in a house under renovation, and that’s what we’ve been asking people to do.” Soon, it’ll be time to move back in. “We’ve been in overhaul mode,” he adds. “There’s always projects going on and key work being done and temporary holes. We’re going to be on year four, and we really hope to start to mature the product instead of overhauling it.” West prides himself on the people he’s put around him at Franklin Bridge – customer service isn’t just a buzz word to him when it comes to taking care of his community – and one of those people, superintendent Adam Adkins, has been worth his weight in gold when it comes to maturing the on-

Evan Copolo, PGA apprentice and Golf Experience Director, with Brooks West, PGA confer often on behalf of golfers

course product. Adkins, formerly of Vanderbilt Legends Club and known by those around him as “Carpet,” simply has an ineffable mastery of turf management and golf course maintenance. “He (Adkins) has made a world of impact here,” West says. “The quality of our turf, the consistency of our turf – I call him a mad scientist because the way he can manipulate the plant is unbelievable. We’re really fortunate to have him.” West, though still in the formative years of his course ownership career, has been around golf his whole life. He’s a certified PGA professional who, along with having a successful playing career, also spent eight years as a sales manager at Yamaha, which brought him in close contact with many of the premier public golfing facilities in Middle Tennessee. In those eight years, he got a frontand-center view of the way things

Adam Adkins, Superintendent and Brooks West, PGA /Owner work in tandem for course

September 2021

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A golf cart ride at The Bridge is more than a ride

should and shouldn’t be done. West can point to one man in particular as a model for the former. “It’s Mike Eller and the Hermitage,” West admits. “I spent a lot of time with Mike at the Hermitage and was fortunate to get to know him well and get a front-row seat, behind-thescenes view of his business. Getting to that Hermitage level is something that distinctly in my mind. “He’s a model for what I’m trying to do – to be a locally owned PGA professional golf course. Mike is homegrown. He’s the gold standard for public golf in Tennessee.” To get Franklin Bridge to that level is not a one-and-done process. The checklist will never be complete, though the big items in bold at the top of the list are nearly all checked off. For West, the rest of the list is all about consistency: consistently great greens and fairways and tee boxes, consistently excellent customer service and a consistent – and repeatable – product. It’s true that Williamson County golfers will likely always flock to Franklin Bridge due to its location and singularity, but West isn’t comfortable selling those golfers a bill

of goods, nor does he want to shortchange those who are members of the River Club – Franklin Bridge’s membership program that offers discounted tee times, free range balls, pro shop and food and beverage discounts and exclusive member outings. West wants every golfer to feel at home at Franklin Bridge, just as he feels at home in Williamson County. It’s a matter of changing the way Williamson County golfers view their home course. And part of that is ensuring that everyone enjoys their time from the first tee to the final green. “It’s changing the perception of a place – a lot of people just view [Franklin Bridge] as the only public course,” West says. “People sort of wrote this place off. A lot of my friends had. “We’ve gone to a Fore18 pace-of play-commitment. Ninety-seven percent of our rounds are [4 hours, 18 minutes] or less. That’s something we’re really proud of.” That “Fore18” initiative, in addition to the physically improved product and all the customer service commitment, isn’t necessary in the

Adam Adkins and crew manicure and pay attention to details

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Aerial view of Franklin Bridge Golf Club

strictest sense. As the only game in town, Franklin Bridge could lean on the status quo just as others have done. But not West and not his staff and his core group of dedicated investors who have buoyed him along the way. “I have an investor group that’s been unbelievably supportive,” West says. “Great mentors. I’m surrounded by people who love and believe in me, and I combine that with the freedom and autonomy to make decisions quickly and trust my instincts and trust a lifetime of experiences.” West’s lifetime of experience mat-

A green at sunset at Franklin Bridge is rewarding

ters, but what matters most to him when it comes to his commitment to Franklin Bridge and to Williamson County is the people and the place and the community they form. As long as he’s part of that community, he’ll always do his best to make Franklin Bridge a place that belongs as part of it.

September 2021

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From tHE Editor By Gregg Dewalt

Overton Park 9 renovations progressing toward spring opening

here’s been a lot of interest in recent months about the renovation of the historic Overton Park ninehole course in Memphis. Overton is one of those iconic courses where just about everybody who plays golf in Memphis grew up playing. For many, it’s the course where they were first introduced to the game. Earlier this year, Memphis City Parks, which own and operate the course, announced that Overton Park would close and undergo a complete renovation. For those golfers familiar with Sweetens Cove in South Pittsburg, that Kings-Collins would tackle the renovations, made the project even more exciting. As many are aware, Sweetens Cove, a distinct nine-holer that was the first project for Rob Collins, has achieved a cult-like following during its brief history. According to Mickey Barker, the administrator of Golf and Parks for the City of Memphis, the renovations are on schedule and the course will be ready to open in the spring of 2022. The course also has been rebranded as “Overton Park 9.” “Overton Park 9 is currently in the final stages of “grow in.” Barker said. “The King-Collins renovation is looking really good. The mini-verde Bermuda greens have filled in nicely and should be in excellent condition next spring when our grand opening will be held.” Barker said the playing areas and teeing

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EDITOR Gregg Dewalt teetimesgregg@gmail.com

The King-Collins renovations of the Overton Park 9 in Memphis is on schedule to open next spring

areas are “80-to90% percent” filled in and initial work is beginning on the clubhouse and also on the new maintenance facility. If you are familiar with the greens complexes at Sweetens Cove, which are big and feature severe undulations in many places, Barker said golfers won’t be disappointed with the Overton Park 9. “The course will definitely be one of a kind given the extreme undulations that have been incorporated into the greens and greens surrounds,” he said. “Playing the course for any level player will be a great deal of fun and the greens will test even the lowest of handicap players.” Barker also updated an upcoming renovation at The Links at Pine Hill, another city-owned golf course. “The plans for the full scale renovation have been completed by Marc Messier of Messier Golf Designs (Fairview, Tennessee),” he said. “A new clubhouse will be

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Justin Onslow

SENIOR EDITOR David Widener widecard@aol.com

built on a much more accessible location at the south end of the course. Five completely new holes will be constructed and all fairways, tees and greens will be completely reconstructed. The greens will be mini-verde ultra-dwarf Bermuda and built to a modified “Seth Raynor” style.” The Links at Pine Hill will remain open through Oct. 31 and then close for renovations. Barker said the plan is to reopen The Links at Pine Hill in the fall of 2022.

Memphian Doug Barron has quietly had a stellar 2020-21 season on the PGA Tour Champions, and he’s been especially hot lately. In mid-August, Barron, who played collegiately at Mississippi State University, won the Shaw Charity Classic for his second Champions Tour victory. At the Shaw, he shot three consecutive rounds of 64. He followed that win and then a 41st finish at the Boeing Championship with back-to-back top-10 finishes in the

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Doug Barron

Ally Challenge (T4) and the Ascension Charity Classic (T6). His other win on the Champions Tour came in 2019 at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open. Barron spent much of his career between the PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour before joining the Champions Tour. This season Barron sports a scoring average of 70.08.

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Opinion By David Widener

Member Golf Writers Association of America

Expect less drama at Ryder Cup

yder Cups are noted for exciting, emotional and unexpected series of events, However, expect less drama this year when match play is contested Sept. 2426 at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin. Credit PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan and USA team captain Steve Stricker for making decisions that should keep trouble from brewing. Monahan, trying to put an end to fans heckling Bryson DeChambeau by yelling “Brooksie” at recent Tour events, says such will now be considered a breach of the code of conduct and could result in expulsion from future tournaments. The heckling stems from the feud (2014-2016-2018) and posted a between Bryson and Brooks Ko7-5-2 record which makes him epka that dates back to January the go-to guy on the team. He 2019 when Koepka complained won the Valero Texas Open and Brooks Koepka about DeChambeau’s slow play. recorded nine top-10 finishes Both golfers are on Team USA, this year. but Stricker doesn’t expect any In addition to DeChambeau and trouble from the two. Koepka, other automatic qualifi“I can put it (feud) aside for ers to this year’s team are Collin business,” Koepka said. “It’s only Morikawa, Dustin Johnson, Jusa week.” tin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay. Stricker saved himself some Stricker’s vice-captains are Phil headaches by not selecting PatMickelson and Fred Couples, who rick Reed. I’m not a fan of Reed, provide him with plenty of Ryder Jay Monahan, PGA but he has been the staple of Tour Commissioner Cup experience. Team USA since his first appearThere are several long hitters ance in 2014, bringing plenty of among the 12 USA players and spark in team events. However, that will be a big plus on the he also brings plenty of controwind-swept terrain of the long versy. 7,790-yard, par-72 Whistling “It was a very difficult call,” Straits layout that features IrishStricker said of leaving Reed off style rough and more than 1,000 the team. “I kinda lost sleep on bunkers along two miles of Lake that one.” Bryson Michigan. Golf.com puts it at the DeChambeau Stricker said it really came top of its list of the nine most difdown to Reed not having any top ficult American courses and calls 10 finishes since early June, plus it golf’s version of a slaughter the uncertainly of his health after house. a scary bout with double pneuEuropean’s team, captained by monia which resulted in a lack of Padraig Harrington, features Jon play leading up to the Ryder Cup. Rahm, Rory McElroy, Viktor HolHis criticism of captain Jim Furyk land, Paul Casey, Tyrrell Hatton. after the 2018 Ryder Cup also Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetdidn’t help his chances of making Steve Stricker, wood, Lee Westbrook, Shane Captain, U.S. Ryder the team this year. Lowry, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter Cup Team In selecting his six captain picks and Bernd Wiesberger. Notably Stricker went with youth, pickleft off was Englishman Justin ing four who will be making Rose, a member of the last five their first Ryder Cup appearance: 25-year- European Ryder Cup teams. old Scottie Scheffler, 27-year-old Olympic The Europeans have won seven of the last champion Xander Schauffele, 28-year-old nine Ryder Cups, including a huge 17 1/2Daniel Berger, 28-year-old Jordan Spieth, 10 1/2 victory in 2018 at Hazeltine National 31-year-old Tony Finau and 32-year-old Golf Club in Minnesota. However, on AmeriHarris English. can soil USA has won three of the last five To me, Spieth was a no-brainer choice. He’s matches. I’m predicting USA to get revenge played in the three previous Ryder Cups for that horrible beating a year ago.

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Around Nashville Fairways Wayne Evans

Superintendent of Sports/ Golf Clubhouse Operations

Unbelievably, Labor Day has come and gone, kids are back in school, and the Men’s MUNI is in the books. With Phillip Lee winning his fourth Championship, (2015, 2018, 2020, and 2021) we thought it worth showing his pix once again. September 2021 is exciting for us here at Metro Parks Courses, because it is that time of year when players compete, playing hard to earn the 2021 James H. Fyke Women’s Municipal Amateur Championship and later in the month the Senior Men’s James H. Fyke Municipal Amateur Championship. Jackie Henderson, a 14 year old freshman at Battle Sally Davis, along with PGA Professional, Ground Academy in Franklin Harpeth Hills’s Kevin Forte, present won, in a close match in the trophy and congratulate 2021 Women’s championship flight. Sally MUNI champ, Jackie Henderson Davis was on hand to presen’s Municipal Amateur Chament her with The Sally Davis Trophy. Jackie’s name will be in- pion…and also to our… James scribed along with past champi- H. Fyke 2021 Senior Women’s Champion, Karen Rader-Carons. Sally, in her remarks to the group son, who defended her title of ladies awaiting the results, from last year. We salute our thanked the young ladies who lady champions and thank all decided to join the ranks of the who participated in this year’s seasoned lady players who have Women’s MUNI. Metro Parks courses have nevalways enjoyed the camaraderie, the competitive spirit, and fun of er been in better shape, won’t competing for the Women’s MUNI you join us at one of our fine courses, we are more than hapchampionship’s bragging rights. Congratulations to Jackie Hender- py to get you out to play. - Wayne son, the James H. Fyke 2021Wom-

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Sally Davis,along with Wayne Evans, Superintendent of Metro Golf Course Operation, present the 2021 Senior Women’s MUNI champ, Karen RaderCarson , who defended her 2020 title

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The First Tee of Tennessee continues to offer help, hope

y absolute favorite night of the year without question is our annual First Tee of Tennessee Scholarship Dinner and Ace Reunion. For those not familiar with the First Tee of Tennessee, the Tennessee Golf Foundation operates more than 40 different First Tee locations throughout our great state. Kids from all over have the opportunity to learn and grow inside First Tee programming, which not only includes golf, but also integrates the game with a life skills curriculum, creating learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids carry throughout their life. The TGF aligns with the First Tee’s belief that all kids deserve the chance to grow in a supportive environment with mentors guiding them, and are dedicated to building programs that are affordable, accessible, welcoming, and impactful. Each participant, regardless of age, starts at the PAR level. As the participants learn and demonstrate these values I described, among others, they move up through the different stages, BIRDIE, EAGLE, and eventually ACE. Here’s the exciting part ... every Ace level graduate in Tennessee receives a college scholarship from the TGF to the school

of their chooice! Also, if they meet our requirements during their college career, we continue that scholarship for four years! With the help of our generous supporters, in 2021 the Tennessee Golf Foundation will award almost $70,000 in college scholarships to our Ace graduates in Tennessee. They include: The William E. Schmidt Foundation Nashville Predators The Mike Kaplan Fund The Speer Foundation

Scott and Tracie Hamilton Diversified Trust The Martin Graham Jr. Family The Tom Smothers Family The Ervin Family The Tim Shaw Diversity Fund Their generosity provides an amazing gift to so many, that totals now more than 50 graduates of the First Tee of Tennessee. At each dinner, a couple of the current recipients speak to the capacity crowd. This year, Gabrielle Edmonds-Andrews

(Xavier) and Tanner Herring (Tennessee Tech) did an amazing job talking through how the First Tee and the relationships they built continue to impact their lives today. Face angle, club path and spin loft didn’t come up, nor did grip, alignment or posture. They spoke of friendships, mentors, lessons learned, and most importantly, hope. Stories of how, through golf, they realized a dream of going to college, something that wasn’t always a possibility. I’m often asked about working in the golf business, and typically my response is the same - I don’t work in the golf business; I work in the OPPORTUNITY business. You see, with opportunity comes hope, and hope is quite possibly the great commodity we can give anyone. Will you join us in assuring the next generation has that opportunity? Visit TNGOLF.ORG/TGF to learn more about how you can help. Until next time, Whit Turnbow President

Tennessee Golf Foundation wturnbow@tngolf.org

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The 17u team representing Indian Hills captured the National Car Rental PGA Jr. League championship recently. Team members are, back row from left: David Benefield; Captain Matt Walter, PGA; Preston Hall; Ethan Marcum; Front row from left: Emma Clonan; Noah Wilson; Sam Helton

Indian Hills 17u All-Stars win regional title Tee Times Report The Indian Hills 17u All-Stars of Murfreesboro won their age division – and the inaugural 17u All-Star Champion title – at the National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Regional at Kearney Hill Golf Links in Lexington, Kentucky, recently. Indian Hills won the title by 13 shots over the Louisville All-Stars, finishing

TS GC

at 212. Louisville was second at 225 and WindStone was third at 234. It was the inaugural event for the age group and ends at the regional level. Louisville All-Stars were the top seed going into the final day after shooting 152, with Indian Hills second and WindStone third. Also, the Tri-Cities 13u All-Stars advanced to the national tournament

in Arizona after winning its regional title over the Derby City All-Stars 7-5 in match play competition. Derby City was the top seed going into match play. Tri-Cities will travel to Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, Oct. 7-10, for the national championship event. The tournament will be broadcast live on select ESPN networks.

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Lee, Woodall team up to win Legacy scramble title

The Legacy Two Man Scramble Championship, presented by Bud Light, was held Aug. 28-29. There were 72 teams participating and everyone enjoyed the two days of competition. Everyone received a tee gift, lunch both days, draught beer from Budweiser, two days of competitive golf and golf shop gift certificates for the winning teams in each flight. The teams were divided into eight flights based on the scores from round one. The overall champions were Jae Lee and Keith Woodall with a two-day score of 24 under par. Thank you, Kevin Holler, PGA Director of Golf The Legacy Golf Course

Championship Flight 1. J. Lee & K. Woodall 61-59=120 2. V. Gallagher & B. Burris 60-61=121 3. M. Gallagher & J. Stewart 61-61=122

Fourth Flight 1. J. Hobby & J. Ellis 68-61=129 2. P. Townley & C. Roark 68-62=130 3. J. Bibb & A. Prowse 68-64=132

Second Flight 1. A. Herndon & J. Walker 64-61=125 2. B. Taylor & N. Pruitt 64-62=126 3. A. Mulwitz & C. Long 64-63=127

Sixth Flight 1. J. Finlet & J. Head 72-63=135 2. C. Ulrich & C. Gregory 74-66=140

First Flight 1. M. Taylor & P. Duffer 62-60=122 2. J. Butterfield & J. Lee 63-61=124 3. C. Downey & E. Hayes 63-61=124

Third Flight 1. E. Prince & T. Hinkson 67-62=129 2. D. Hogan & L. Smith 66-64=130 3. J. Traughber & J. Traughber 67-64=131

LOVETHE RESULTS

Fifth Flight 1. C. Hooper & T. Krug 69-66=135 2. J. Urban & K. Nicholson 69-66=135 3. T. Black & K. Davis 69-66=135 Seventh Flight 1. D. Brown & K. Carson 76-70=146 2. J. Wolfe & R. Wanamaker 75-74=149

Champs Jae Lee and Keith Woodall

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Ingram happy to win, looking to next year S

arah Ingram recently guided the U.S. Curtis Cup team to a 12.5-7.5 win over its counterparts from Britain and Ireland. It was the first time Ingram, who played on three Curtis Cup teams, celebrated a victory. Tee Times caught up with Ingram on her way to the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur to talk about her experience in Wales. Tee Times: Recap the whole experience of being the captain of the winning Curtis Cup team. How much more fun was it hoisting the winning trophy this time around than in the past when as a player you watched the other side lift it up? Sarah Ingram: I had never even touched the trophy before when I was playing, It was fun to touch the trophy and raise it, for sure. The best part of the week was that 10 girls - eight players and two alternates – were the nicest group of girls and young ladies a captain could ask for. There were no divas and everybody got along really, really well. It was great for me because I didn’t have girls and I wasn’t sure how I would do it with that age group. They were really great representatives of the United States. They were so sweet, especially with all of the young spectators out there who were watching. They were always giving autographs. They always went out of their way to give a little girl a ball. It was very sweet, very cute. Also, our caddies. They were picked out of a hat and we got lucky in that department. A lot of them are similar ages and were university golfers themselves who played at that course themselves. They got along with our group really well. The team was very relaxed in every way, and the caddies helped keep them that way. They had a lot of fun and the win made it that much more special. Tee Times: What was it like spending that time in Wales with such talented players and watching them perform up to expectations? Sarah Ingram: They made it easy for me. I probably could have put them in any combination and they would have done well. It was great to see them each day get better. We arrived on Saturday and the matches started on Thursday. Five players weren’t able to get there until the 24th. They arrived late in the afternoon and basically, they had one actual practice round and they walked seven holes the night they arrived. That group it was great to see them improve each day as they got to know the course each day. I enjoyed the five that were there originally. We played in fivesomes and I just kind of just let them prepare the way they felt was necessary to prepare for a tournament. The first day they played entire course as a fivesome. It was very fun. The next day half that group decided to play nine and they practiced. They spent some time practicing around

the greens. The next day they played the other nine and did the same thing. The fourth practice round for that group the two foursome pairings played foursomes. So, thy got some practice in playing foursomes. My third pairing was winging it. They came in and only had that one practice round. Tee Times: As the matches unfolded, how nervous were you watching the team play, knowing you had no control from that point on? Is it somewhat of an emotional roller coaster? Sarah Ingram: The first day obviously was nerve wracking. It didn’t quite go as planned. Overall, they played pretty well. The putts were just not dropping for our group. The girls who came in at the last minute were still getting to know the course. I wasn’t too alarmed, although going into the second day – that morning I was thinking, please let’s just get some points on the board so we weren’t going into singles having already lost. That was my biggest fear. I knew this group that they were fighters. I watched them over the past two years and they might have bad day and then go low. I knew they would pick it up. I felt like that would be the case. Sure enough, they came out ready to play. It was also the first day after suicide bombing (at the Kabul, Afghanistan airport). Two of the girls, Rachel Heck and Emilia Migliaccio, found out about it before we did. We talked about it at dinner. They said we want to play for the soldiers. These other people are fighting for their lives and we are just playing golf. That was kind of meaningful. It was spawned from team, from the players themselves. They are a pretty mature bunch of girls. That was sobering for sure and inspiring as well. Tee Times: We just watched a marvelous display of golf at the Solheim Cup. What was the atmosphere like in Wales for the Curtis Cup matches? Sarah Ingram: The spectators that were out there were extremely gracious to us, knowing that our friends and family weren’t able to be there so we didn’t have that much support. They were very gracious knowing full well that they wanted their team to win. It also kind of helped that there was not a Welsh player on their team. Our girls played with such joy and were smiling and relaxed and really funloving, I think that worked in our favor to where we got a lot more respect from the fans than we might have otherwise. Tee Times: You obviously did a great job during the past two years as captain because the USGA invited you back for another turn as captain. Did that surprise you and is there anything you learned that you will do differently going into the next Curtis Cup matches at Merion? Sarah Ingram: I learned a ton. No. 1,

I think Covid worked in my favor. The (next) matches are only nine months away and it wouldn’t have been fair to the next captain to learn the job and to enjoy the job. The whole process is pretty fun. I appreciate the opportunity to captain this one (2022) because my sister and brother-in-law live across the 14th fairway at Merion. I grew up outside of Baltimore. (Husband) David and I and our family have a fair amount of connections with Merion and Merion is one of my favorite golf courses ever. It’s a thrill to be able to get to captain at Merion. This whole thing has been a major learning curve for me. I’m newish to all the players that are out there and just trying to figure out exactly what my role is. I’m coming from a player’s perspective at this, not necessarily from a coaching or a

mentoring point of view. I’ve never done that before. I never taught school, never been a coach. That was not easy for me to kind of figure all of that out. Over the week in Wales, it was a learning curve for me. How do I deal with the girls; when do I tell them who is playing? I made some mistakes a little bit in that department. I know better now. I’m definitely more confident in my ability to talk to the players and let them know what I am thinking. It was kind of nice to have a couple of girls who when they weren’t playing to be able to say, ‘I need to do this, how would you like for me to share this to that effect. Hopefully, I will do an even better job in some ways than I did this time. Like I said, I had to learn a few things the hard way. I’m excited to get to do it again. It all worked out just fine. It was fun.

TEE TIMES

September 2021

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2021 First Tee of Te scholarship recip

The First Tee of Tennessee recently awarded a total of $64,500 in scholarships to 2

Carey Ray, PGA and Merle Castle

Carey Carey Ray, Ray, PGA PGA and and Wesley MerleCrutcher Castle

Marlon Young and Carey Ray, PGA

Gabrielle Edmons-Andrews and Robert Hall, First Tee Coach

Emi Claassen and Carey Ray, PGA Carey Ray, PGA and Merle Castle

Brooklyn Spicer and Carey Ray, PGA

Ayana Boyd and Robert Hall, First Tee Coach

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September 2021

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Tennessee pients

23 recipients at an event honoring them.

tennessee

Milbrey Childress and Joseph Brown, First Tee Program Director

Sarah Castle and Joseph Brown, First Tee Program Director

Brandon Sudberry and Robert Hall, First Tee Coach

Lexi Hunbert and Joseph Brown, First Tee Program Director

Joseph Brown and Kate Castle

Mason Adcock and Joshua McDade, Executive Director

Joseph Brown, First Tee Program Director and Gabe New

Molly Castle and Joseph Brown, Program Director

TEE TIMES

September 2021

Music City Charity Golf Festival to raise funds for veteran’s organizations By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor Joshua Lykins wanted to do something to honor the nation’s veterans, and he wants to make sure it is a save-the-date event. He wanted to do it in Nashville, a city that knows how to throw a party, and grow it into something special. And now, Lykins, owner of Elite Events of Music City, is ready to announce the concept of a charity event that will combine golf, music and a casino night that he is confident will become a must-attend weekend in September 2022. So, put this date on your calendar - the first Music City Charity Golf Festival is set for Sept. 15-17 in 2022. Proceeds from the concert/golf tournament/casino night rolled into one weekend will benefit veterans’ charities such as The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project, Code of Vets, A Soldier’s Child Foundation and the John Daly and Major Ed Heart of a Lion Foundation. Lykins’ goal for the first Music City Charity Golf Festival is to raise upward of $100,000 to split between those charities. Equally important, Lykins said, is to have fun doing it. That’s where the festival aspect plays a major role. “I wanted to create something here in Music City and did a lot of research on it,” Lykins said recently. “My thought was let’s create an event where you can experience music and golf and have a little bit of fun.” But why golf? “There are so many unique events, in this town,” he said. “I wanted to create a few different aspects to tie in music, experience downtown with the golf. Golf is always a good way to raise money.” Lykins is still finalizing some of the details – like solidifying the acts for the opening concert at the Nashville Palace and securing a location for the closing casino party. He’s confident those items will fall into place in short order, and he knows the golfers will love the Hermitage courses. “We want to highlight what the Music City is all about,” he said. Lykins already has secured several partners for the Music City Charity Golf Festival. In addition to Adidas, Bridgestone and Big Frig Coolers, Jack Daniels and Tito’s Handmade Vodka are listed on the registration brochure as event partners. He also has lined up several

host hotels – Hermitage Golf Club cabins and the Marriott Courtyard and Residence Inn Marriott on Elm Pike in Nashville. Cost for golfers is $500 per person before November 2. After that date, the cost rises to $600 per person. Lykins said golfers will get great value for their participation that includes a tee gift worth approximately $200, admission to the pretournament Salute to Service Kickoff Concert, two tournament rounds, meals and all on-course beverages at the golf course, admission to the Casino Night which will feature an open bar and heavy finger foods, and access to premium auctions. Also, tickets are available to the opening concert for $25 and $50 for the Casino Night. “You can’t beat it,” he said. “There is nothing in the country like it that is as cheap as it is and get the experience.” There also are all sorts of sponsorship packages available ranging from $50 for a Patriot Hole Sponsor all the way to $7,500 for a breakfast/lunch/dinner sponsorship. Lykins got the idea for the Music City from attending a golf festival in Las Vegas for a few years. “I went for two or three years and saw it grow exponentially from one tournament with 130 people to over 800 golfers,” he said. ““I thought it was a really cool concept.” The Las Vegas event was strictly forprofit, Lykins said, and it wasn’t a great value for the participants. “They run one event a year and make a really good amount of money,” he said. “They overcharge for everything and it really wasn’t a good deal for going to Vegas. They were charging $300 or $350 for two rounds of golf and that’s it. No

food, no gift, no nothing, no goody bags. I thought it was taking advantage of the crowd, so I was like I want to see what I can do from a charity aspect.” However, Lykins liked the concept and realized it could be a bonanza for a charity event in Nashville. “I started doing my research and it took about a year and a half to get it to what I wanted to do,” he said. “I wanted to do it last year, but Covid happened so I had to push it back a year.” Getting event partners early on saved about $10,000 in prizes, he said. Lykins began looking for golf courses and found Hermitage willing to work with him. “I got everything together and really tried to design the event around the kickoff of football season,” he said. According to Lykins, the most important aspect of the event is that it raises a substantial amount for the veteran’s charities it is supporting. “I am not a veteran; I never served but I’ve got a lot of friends and family who did and I have worked with multiple veterans’ organizations over the 20 years of my business,” he said. “It is a passion that is close to my heart. I wanted to create something here in Music City that isn’t available across the country. I did a lot of research and there really is no type of event that embroils everything.” A chance meeting with John Daly at a charity golf event last year furthered the veteran’s aspect of the Music City Charity Golf Festival. “John Daly was playing behind me and I started talking to him about a few things and he told me he had just started a new charity,” Lykins recalled. “I have always worked closely with the Charlie Daniels organization – I’ve done silent auctions for them and helped them with events in the past. I went to those two and there are two other organizations that I think will be beneficial to have involved, and that’s how Soldier’s Child and Code of Vets got involved.” Lykins wants to see the tournament grow even larger in the coming years. “I’m not doing it to have fun,” he said. The main goal is to not overreach and make it successful. The minimum I want to raise is $100,000.” The tournament will be promoted across several platforms, including a heavy presence on social media, between now and next year. For more information or to register for the event, go to musiccitygolffestival.com.

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September 2021

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Sophie Linder is Junior Ryder Cup team member Tee Times Report PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLA. – The United States Junior Ryder Cup Team roster includes some of the country’s top junior golfers as part of the 12-player coed team. The planned 2020 Junior Ryder Cup was postponed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and that event was officially canceled in August due to ongoing travel issues for the European Junior Ryder Cup Team party. The match was scheduled to take place at Blue Mound Golf & Country Club in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, Sept. 2021. The U.S. Team will participate in the Ryder Cup Opening Ceremony and attend the first day of competition at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin - the Ryder Cup takes place Sept. 21-26. It will also play in an exhibition match at Whistling Straits on Sept. 22. The U.S. Junior Ryder Cup team consists of six boys and six girls who are U.S. citizens and part of the 2022 high school graduating class or younger. This year’s roster includes Junior PGA Championship winners Caleb Surratt (Indian Trail, North Carolina) and Anna Davis (Spring Valley, California), plus five 2020 Rolex Junior All-America team selections. Among Junior Ryder Cup alumni are major champions, PGA Tour and LPGA Tour players including: Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Akshay Bhatia, Scottie Scheffler, Tony Finau, Lexi Thompson, Yealimi Noh and Brittany Altomare of the United States; and Rory McIllroy, Sergio Garcia, Nicolas Colsaerts, Suzann Pettersen, Emily Pedersen and Carlota Ciganda of Europe.

U.S. Junior Ryder Cup Team

Girls

Anna Davis, 15, Spring Valley, California - Davis has had a coming out party in 2021, winning the PING Heather Farr Classic in April and convincingly capturing the Girls Junior PGA Championship by seven shots in July. She also has four other top-10 finishes, helping her to the second spot in the Rolex AJGA rankings. Davis is currently uncommitted. Megha Ganne, 17, Holmdel, New Jersey - Ganne put herself in the national spotlight by playing in the final group of the U.S. Women’s Open and earning the low amateur honor. She also won the Scott

Robertson Memorial and finished third at the Girls Junior PGA Championship and the Diamond Resorts Annika Invitational. She is first in the Rolex AJGA rankings and a team-high 29th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR). Ganne was also a First Team 2020 Rolex Junior All-American. She is a verbal commit to Stanford. Sophie Linder, 17, Carthage, Tennessee - Linder had a strong start to the year, racking up five consecutive top-10 finishes during winter and spring. More recently, she won the Tennessee Girls Junior Amateur championship and the Golf Capital of Tennessee Women’s Open in July, making her the first player to ever sweep both tournaments. Julia Misemer, 17, Overland Park, Kansas - Misemer’s summer has been red hot. She won the UHY Kansas City Junior title, then had consecutive runnerup finishes at the Girls Junior PGA Championship and Justin Thomas Junior Championship. The latter was her fourth top-6 finish in five tournaments, pushing her to 24th in the Rolex AJGA rankings.

Sophie Linder has capped a great summer with her selection to the U.S. Junior Ryder Cup team

Alexa Pano, 17, Lake Worth, Florida - Pano is a three-time Rolex Junior AllAmerican and is currently ninth in the Rolex AJGA rankings and 105th in the WAGR. This is her second U.S. Junior Ryder Cup Team appearance. She was also featured in the Netflix documentary “The Short Game” as an 8-year-old, and played in Stage 1 of the LPGA Tour’s Q-School in August. Avery Zweig, 14, McKinney, Texas Zweig, who was also featured in “The Short Game,” won the Diamond Resorts Annika Invitational to start the year and has picked up three more wins along the way. In total, she has eight top-10 finishes this year, putting her sixth in the Rolex

AJGA rankings and 138th in the WAGR.

Boys

Luke Clanton, 17, Miami Lakes, Florida - Clanton is committed to Florida State and was named to the 2020 Rolex Junior All-America Second team. He currently ranks eighth in the Rolex American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) rankings. Clanton finished second in the Dustin Johnson World Junior in March and third in the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship in July. Nick Dunlap, 17, Huntsville, Alabama - A verbal commit to Alabama, Dunlap is first in the Rolex AJGA rankings after his win at the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship. He also won the Polo Golf See Sophie on page 18

TEE TIMES

September 2021

Did golf save my life? Memories of U.S. Army Basic Training By Bobby Greenwood, PGA During my life, golf has done many things for me. It opened a lot of doors, allowed me to meet famous people and once saved my life! I owe a lot to the game of golf and to the PGA of America. After graduating from University of North Texas in 1964, I was hoping to try to qualify for the PGA Tour. However, with the country’s involvement in Vietnam

just beginning; I was sent to Fort Jackson, South Carolina for basic training. Lately, the Afghanistan crisis made me reflect back about my military experience. During the Vietnam War, the United States Army trained us hard. We were not allowed to walk in the company area, we were forced to run everywhere; and the post was so crowded that our barracks were full. So, I thought this will help me to get in

shape for the Tour. But sadly, my physical training on the horizontal ladder rung range went from over 50 the first day to 3 before falling off as a result of exhaustion. Two weeks of exhaustive training with three hours sleep each night will do it to you! However, I found I was good at the low crawl training. During basic training, I used to think the Army took too much time repeating and over teaching. Hey, I got it already! Let’s move on! Well, I was wrong. Gas Mask Training… - we must have stayed on it for a week. By the way, what a great invention - the gas mask. When there is a gas attack, you take your gas mask off your belt, pull it over your head, and with one breath clear the airway and breath naturally. Don’t panic because it takes 5 seconds. A week later, we were out in the woods, coincidentally next to a latrine. The sergeants set off 4 or 5 gas bombs in a surprise attack and the recruits went wild. Running away in a panic. I couldn’t believe my eyes! They were coughing, crying and puking. I knew it would take a while to round up the troops so I went into the gas-filled latrine to take care of my usual morning business. I could hear the sergeants yelling and screaming outside. And then they started looking for Pvt. Greenwood. They found me in my stall. I took care of my paperwork and went outside to join the ranks and fall in. I was surprised that they were mad at me again… At the evening meal, the last three troops that finish their meal must stay and mop the mess hall floor. I always made it a point to be among the last when the weather was raining and cold outside. My fellow recruits going through basic training were sometimes having problems. One day, our platoon was practicing throwing live grenades. I noticed that the guy next to me was very nervous. He threw the grenade as hard as he could and I looked up to see it spinning in midair right in front of my face. It fell on the shelf in front of us and I brushed it into

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Bobby Greenwood served in the U.S. Army. the ditch to save me and several others from injury. I was a hero after that. It lasted about 20 minutes. Always keep your eyes open and think. In 1964, we were in wooden barracks that had housed the fort’s troops since the early 1940s. I was now the company fireman; so, my new job was to make sure to keep the fire burning in the old bowlers of 6-7 barracks. It was the first time we had hot showers in weeks. The guys liked me. I was their hero again. I remember once, I received a large box of cookies from my mom. I opened the box in the barracks on my bunk. Those homemade cookies were gone in 10 seconds. I got one and it was delicious. I was also a truck driver. Twenty guys showed up to be tested. We drove a jeep, 4 speed, synchromesh transmission just like my ’62 Corvette. They had us drive on a large square test road. At each turn, I ran through all 4 gears full speed and geared down at each turn. At the end of the test, the sergeant who was sitting next to me in the jeep, looked at me for several seconds and then said, “You passed, smart ass!” I was the last one in my company to zero-in my weapon at the rifle range. Making an error in M-14 rifle qualification, See Memories on page 19

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September 2021

Cochran victorious in 1st start at Tennessee Senior Professional Championship Tee Times Report CHATTANOOGA – A deluge of overnight rain forced the 2021 Tennessee Senior PGA Professional Championship to be cut to 36 holes, and that left Bobby Cochran as the tournament champion. Cochran shot 8-under 64 to claim the win in the 28-person field. With the win, Cochran earned one of four berths into the Senior PGA Professional ChampiBobby Cochran onship presented by Cadillac at PGA Golf Club on October 21-24, 2021. The Rolex Senior Player of the Year top nine players in the field finished points leader Jared Melson (Tullatheir rounds at even-par or better. homa) made the turn with a bogey Cochran (Germantown) was bo- free 34 (-2) to put himself in strikgey free in his round to win by three ing distance. Melson played the shots. back-nine even par recording two “I played really well,” he said. “I was birdies and two bogeys to finish striking the ball well to put it close 2-under par (70). and was able to make the putts.” Congratulations to our qualifiers Cochran won the title in his first for the 2021 Senior PGA Professtart in the Senior Professional sional Championship presented Championship. by Cadillac at PGA Golf Club: CoChris DeBusk (Chattanooga) took chran, DeBusk, Simonsen, Breen, advantage of having a home game. and Chapman who qualifies off an DeBusk, the general manager at exemption. Our alternates will be Council Fire, fired a 67 to finish solo Melson, Brock Shafer, Chris Woods, second. Walt Chapman (Knoxville), and Hunt Gilliland. Bill Breen (Nashville), and Henrik The Tennessee Senior PGA ProSimonsen (Ooltewah) finished in a fessional Championship is a level three-way tie for third after carding one Rolex Senior Player of the Year rounds of 3-under par (69). points event.

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Apyan wins Tennessee Assistant PGA Championship Tee Times Report MEMPHIS – Rain at Council Fire Golf Club shortened the National Car Rental Tennessee Assistant PGA Championship to just 18 holes, with Paul Apyan of Hixon emerging with the win. Apyan beat 37 other assistant pros to claim one of three spots in the 2021 National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship. Apyan fired a bogey-free 5-under 67 to win the National Car Rental Tennessee Assistant PGA Championship by two-shots. “It felt good to be competing again,” said Apyan. “The game feels good and I’m excited to represent the Tennessee Section in November.” Jesse Grimes (Murfreesboro) and Ty Medling (Collierville) tied for second after shooting 69. Medling made three straight birdies early in his round and turned at 34. He played the back-nine 1-under carding two bogeys and three birdies. Grimes eagled his second hole and made the turn in 36 before making four straight birdies on the back nine on Nos. 11-14. A late bogey left him with a 69. Joel Stark (Nashville) had an up and down round carding two double bogeys, but managed to fight his way back after playing the par 5’s 4-under par. Stark finished solo fifth at 1-under par. Mike Vance (Jackson) shot 70 with four birdies and two bogeys.

Paul Apyan Rolex Assistant Player of the Year points leader Jeff Berry (Murfreesboro) finished tied for sixth with Alex Cox (Old Hickory), Marshall Talkington (Jackson), Matt Nuttall (Birmingham), and defending champion Lee Whitehead (Louisville) at even-par. Apyan, Grimes, and Medling qualified for the upcoming National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship. They’ll tee it up November 1114, 2021 in Port St. Lucie, Florida at the PGA Golf Club Wanamaker Course. Alternates for the event will be Vance, Stark, and Whitehead. The National Car Rental Tennessee PGA Championship is a level one Rolex Assistant Player of the Year points event.

TEE TIMES

September 2021

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Isaiah 117 House hosting 2nd tournament for Rutherford County Tee Times Report Tee Times Report Isaiah 117 House, a Tennessee-based organization that cares for children awaiting foster placement, is hosting a four-person scramble on Sept. 24 at Indian Hills Golf Club in Murfreesboro. The four-person golf scramble, will include lunch and snacks plus the opportunity to win door prizes. Registration includes entry into the longest drive and putting contests. Every registered participant will also receive a free Nike logo golf hat and Titleist Pro V1 golf balls along with other goodies. Event day check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. with lunch served at noon and a shotgun start at 1 p.m. At the conclusion of the tournament, prizes will be awarded for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams in each of the two flights. Prizes have been donated from

local businesses like Stars & Strikes Family Entertainment Center, Wand & Willow Day Spa, Sport Clips Haircuts, Murfreesboro Escape Rooms, and Jeremy Head Golf Shop & Academy. To register as a team or as an individual golfer or to become a sponsor at the golf tournament, visit www.isaiah117house.com/golf and choose Rutherford County as your location. Please visit facebook. com/Isaiah117RutherfordCounty or contact your local Isaiah 117 House at RutherfordGolf@Isaiah117House.com for more information. About Isaiah 117 House Isaiah 117 House is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that provides physical and emotional support in a safe and loving home for children awaiting foster care placement. Currently, when a child is removed in a county without an Isaiah 117 House, the child must wait in the child welfare

Some of the tee gifts at the Isaiah 117 House tournament

services office. The child is often dirty, hungry, tired, scared, and unable to bring any personal possessions. Isaiah 117 House allows for that same child to never go to an office, but rather a home with background-checked, trained and loving volunteers to care for them. These volunteers provide necessities such as food, personal hygiene items, clothing, and age-appropriate toys and books while the Department of Children Services locates a foster family for placement. Support for the foster families is also taken care of by providing for their

Sophie...

Continued from page 15

Junior Classic and the Dustin Johnson World Junior this year, as well as finishing second at the 2021 Boys Junior PGA Championship, Wyndham Invitational, The Dye Junior Invitational and the Junior PLAYERS. Ben James, 18, Milford, Connecticut James is a First Team 2020 Rolex Junior All-America selection and is committed to Virginia. Over the spring, he won twice (Scott Robertson Memorial and Team TaylorMade Invitational) and had three runner-up finishes this summer (Polo Golf Junior Classic, Boys Junior PGA Championship and Connecticut Open). Over Labor Day weekend, James won the Junior PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass. He is ranked second in the Rolex AJGA rankings. Bryan Lee, 17, Fairfax, Virginia - Lee is also committed to Virginia and coming off a runner-up finish at the Boys Junior PGA Championship. He has five top-10 finishes this year, putting him at sixth in the Rolex AJGA rankings. Caleb Surratt, 17, Indian Trail, North

immediate needs for that child. A correct sized car seat, school supplies, diapers and formula go along way in support of foster moms and dads! Isaiah 117 House provides for that child’s immediate needs, whatever they may be, in these critical moments between removal and foster care placement. Isaiah 117 House has locations in Tennessee, Indiana, Virginia, and Florida, but most importantly, they have a house in your community. To learn more about Isaiah 117 House, visit www.isaiah117house. com.

Carolina - Surratt has been on a roll this year, winning the Boys Junior PGA Championship, the Western Junior Championship and the Terra Cotta Invitational. He also has five other top10 finishes. He’s third in the Rolex AJGA rankings. Surratt is committed to Tennessee and was named to the 2020 Rolex Junior All-America Second Team. Wells Williams, 17, West Point, Mississippi - Williams was a 2020 Rolex All-America First Team selection. The Vanderbilt commit currently ranks 34th in the Rolex AJGA rankings. The idea for the Junior Ryder Cup came about in 1995, when a team of Europeans played an informal exhibition match against the Central New York PGA Section and area juniors. Two years later, the Junior Ryder Cup was formally introduced as an event in its own right, while played at Alcaidesa Links Golf Course, in Cadiz, Spain, and won by America, 9-7. The United States maintains a 7-4 record alltime in the Junior Ryder Cup. The Junior Ryder Cup is scheduled to resume in 2023 against Europe in Rome, Italy.

September 2021

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Memories... Continued from page 16

my helmet liner was rapped by the drill instructor’s swagger stick until my ears rang. Much to everyone’s surprise, I later became the company’s HIGH FIRER and only 4 hits away from a new Post record. As a result of winning the rifle range competition, the “Company Dud” was awarded a trophy and a 2-day pass in downtown Columbia, South Carolina. It was, I must say, much to the chagrin of my 1st Sergeant. In Fort Jackson, approximately 100,000 people were eligible for service in Vietnam. For training purposes, construction of a Vietnamese-type village named BAU BANG was a notable example of Fort Jackson’s initiative and thoroughness in training. The standard unit of training was the platoon. Training focused on hands-on skill development - hand-to-hand combat. The spirit of the bayonet… “To kill without mercy!” About this time, I figured I was well on my way to Vietnam. Surprisingly, one day I was called out to play golf

in a post match against Shaw Air Force Base. I guess Gen. Gines Perez (the post commander) really wanted Fort Jackson to win the match. I shot 71 and we won. Months before I enlisted in 1964, I was Co-Medalist in the U.S. Amateur; evidently the General was keeping up with the national amateur tournaments. After that, the general wanted to play golf with me and about that time I noticed that the drill sergeants were acting more friendly towards me. Commanding General Major General Gines Perez became my golfing buddy at Fort Jackson. One day in a friendly game, I had a putt on the 18th hole to win the match against Gen. Perez and his partner. As I was over the three-foot putt to win, he said: “Pvt. Greenwood, if you make this putt, I will send you to Vietnam.” Needless to say, I carefully left it one foot short. Even as an amateur, there are benefits that come to you in the business world or even in the military. And as a golf pro, there have been many more blessings through the years. On a serious note, I learned to love the military way of life. Also, I served with some great men whom I admired. “All gave some, some gave all.”

Aces Legacy of Springfield

Nicholas Vukmer aced No. 3 with a 9-iron at the Legacy Golf Course. Nicholas Vukmer

McCabe Golf Course Eric Emery aced No. 8, a 147-yard par 3, at McCabe Golf Course on Sept. 9. Witnesses were Kenny Wilson, Joey Bednarz and Doug Harris.

Ted Rhodes Golf Course Robert Hall aced No. 9, a 147-yard par 3 at Ted Rhodes Golf Course with a 5-iron. Witnesses were Tyree Vaughn, Bruce Helm and Thurman Boyd.

TEE TIMES

Robert Hall

Graham defends title at Lake Tansi; Kington wins women’s title By David Theoret Tee Times Contributor

The Lake Tansi POA held its Club Championship recently and, although the weather wasn’t totally cooperative, play was completed on time. To say the course was wet would be like calling the Mona Lisa a painting. Standing water was everywhere and head golf course superintendent Todd Matthews and his crew did an excellent job of getting the greens in great shape and making the majority of the bunkers playable and water-free. Although any extra roll off the tee was at a minimum, you could take dead aim at flagsticks; well-struck approach shots stuck like Velcro. On the Men’s side, Tracy Graham successfully defended his title as the Men’s Club Champion, shooting a 144 over two days (71-73). Graham has won 12 Men’s Club Championships at the Lake Tansi Golf Course and is one of the most accomplished golfers in the area. Jaxon Reed was second, finishing with 146, including the low-round of the final day at 70. Jason Sitton (149) finished third and Jordan Vance (151) was fourth. On the Ladies’ side, a new Club Champion was crowned. Sharon Kington’s two-day total of 178 was enough to claim the title while Sandy Allen – who shot a 181 and finished second to Kington in the Ladies’ Championship Flight - claimed the Low Net prize with a 153. Donna Starr (196) claimed the Low

Tracy Graham, left, won the Lake Tansi POA men’s championship for the 12th time. Sharon Kington captured the women’s title.

Gross in the Ladies First Flight, Darlene Greer (163) won the Low Net and Linda Spivey (164) was runner-up. The Men’s side featured a Green Tee Flight and a Gold Tee Flight. Randy Gray (152) won Low Gross in the Green Tee Flight with Glen Dossett (159) taking runner-up. Mitch Mead (152) won Low Gross with Dale Aevermann (155) finishing as runner-up. Steve Jones (152) won Low Gross in the Gold Tee Flight with Dan Kington – Sharon’s husband – runner up with a two-day total of 159. Roger Thackston (145) won Low Net with Ed Yoder (147) finishing as runner-up. All Lake Tansi POA members and their dependent children are eligible to participate in this annual golf tournament. The Lak Tansi Golf Course is a daily fee facility that is open to the public. For more information, go to www. LakeTansiGolf.com or give head golf pro Gavin Darbyshire a call at 931-788-3301.

TEE TIMES

September 2021

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Fisk Alumni are flanked by (L) Peggy Rhodes-White, daughter of Ted Rhodes and CEO of his foundation, and her daughter, Rhodes’s granddaughter, Tiffany White, President of the Ted Rhodes Foundation, Inc. L-R: Vaughn Quash, Dr. Larry Glover (Athletic Director), Rick Harrison, Michael Kinzer

On hand to present the check is (L) Tiffany White, President, Ted Rhodes Foundation,Inc. Carey Ray, PGA, Head Golf Professional, First Tee of Tennessee and Peggy Rhodes White, daughter of Ted Rhodes and CEO of his foundation

Thanks volunteers from Chicago and Nashville flanked by Peggy RhodesWhite and Tiffany White. Coral Lahiami, Eric Washington,Crystal Crockett, Sidney Brown, Naurice Roberts,Hazel Skdefield, and Shawn McGee

(L) Simmons Lyons, Chris Osborn, celebrity guest, U.S Adaptive Golf Team member, bound for the Olympics in 2022, and Sean Bland

Tristan Brown, Aaron Smith, Kyle Harris, First Tee of Tennessee, and Miles Swoboda

(L) Jay Hannah, Joey Hannah, Nick Raves, and Garrett Potts

Tiffany White, President , with Patrick Harris, PGA, Ted Rhodes Golf Classic, tournament director

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September 2021

First Tee of Tennessee and the Tennessee Golf Foundation along with the Ted Rhodes Foundation held the first annual Ted Rhodes Classic for juniors. The kids and parents came from all over Tennessee and played on the course named in Ted Rhodes honor the Friday before the Ted Rhodes Classic kicked off for the two day stroke play tournament. In addition Carey Ray, PGA and head golf professional for the First Tee of Tennessee, took the kids and parents to TopGolf of Nashville for play and lunch. Ray thanks the Tennessee Golf Foundation for this special treat on behalf of the First Tee of Tennessee kids and their parents.

Temple Hills hosting 4-person charity scramble The Temple Hills Country Club Charity Classic is Oct. 25.

Cost for the 4-person scramble is $625 for a team or $160 per person, with proceeds going to benefit the Shriner’s Hospital for Children. The entry fee includes awards, goodie bag, practice balls, lunch before the tournament and food at the conclusion of the tournament. Mulligans and tickets for special contests will also be available. For information, contact the club at 615-646-4785.

TEE TIMES

September 2021

TEE TIMES

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Pinehurst is a bucket-list golf destination Tee Times Report

Pinehurst 4, No. 14

When it comes to one-stop destination golf shopping, especially in the eastern half of the United States, Pinehurst Resort simply has no equal. That’s no secret, or at least it shouldn’t be given the resort’s long history and inventory of golf courses ownership has assembled. It starts with the iconic No. 2 course, site of Payne Stewart’s dramatic U.S. Open victory in 1999, and continues with other masterpieces such as No. 3 and No. 4. There are six other courses, all within shouting distance of each other and designed by some of the game’s great architects. There’s also The Cradle short course and Thistle Dhu, an immense 18hole putting course to provide another aspect to “fun” golf. From the time you check into the resort’s grand Carolina Hotel or the quaint Holly Inn, guests are in for a treat and an experience of a lifetime that should be on every golfer’s bucket list. Although No. 2 is the centerpiece of Pinehurst Resort and the main attraction for golfers, Nos. 3-4 should not be overlooked on a visit to Pinehurst. Here’s a quick look at a few of the other courses that make Pinehurst Resort a special destination.

Pinehurst 3, No. 16

Thistle Dhu

Pinehurst No. 3

This quaint Donald Ross design has been called a mini-No. 2. At 5,155 yards and playing to par 68, don’t be fooled into thinking shooting a good score will be as relaxing as a stroll through downtown Pinehurst. One of the starters relayed this story about an unsuspecting player who drove the green on the 287-yard par 4. “He walked off with a five,” the starter said. It’s not hard to see why. The Ross genius in the greens complexes is both frustrating and befuddling. Approach shots must be precise – anything less will result in shots running off into the surrounds, leaving plenty of short-game options with virtually no chance of getting up and down. No. 3’s back-nine plays to a traditional par 36 with two tough par 3s, including a 196-yard uphill behemoth. The closing hole is a 386-yard uphill par 4 that plays quite a bit longer than its scorecard length and is sure to leave a lasting impression. In short, No. 3 is a thinking man’s course, where brawn doesn’t matter nearly as much as brain, imagination and touch. Nerves and a high tolerance for frustration are musts as Ross’s greens repel shot after shot.

of an homage to the pitch-and-putt par 3 courses of yesteryear, except on a grander scale. Designed by Gil Hanse, there is not a hole on the nine-hole track that measures more than the 127-yard first hole. That doesn’t mean it is easy. Although the course record is 19, the Bermuda grass greens are big and feature massive undulations and slopes. They also are visually deceptive. Good shots can spin back away from hole locations or roll over into collection areas. The best thing about The Cradle is the fun factor. Wanna play barefoot? Bring it on. Wanna dance? Music blares from speakers strategically placed among waste bunkers with wisps of native grasses sprinkled about. If you are lucky, Ed Ormsby will be in the starter’s shack and regale you with stories, including one about the time Jim Nantz of CBS wandered up and played eight holes. Or, he’ll tell you about former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald’s hole in one. Maybe, you’ll give him a story to tell too. Any way you slice it, The Cradle is a must play when visiting Pinehurst.

Pinehurst No. 4

No. 2 gets most of the acclaim when talk turns to the collection of courses at the Pinehurst Resort, as well it should. It has so much U.S. Open history, it’s hard not to place it among the iconic courses in the U.S. But No. 4 is right there with No. 2. In fact, there are some people who say it’s even better than No. 2. There’s no question that Gil Hanse did a masterful job when it came to his 2018 redesign. No. 4 offers up a great variety of hole shapes and shots. There are six holes that dogleg right and six that dogleg to the left, turning No. 4 into a second-shot course. Its fairways are wide, but visually deceptive in places. The real fun is on and around the greens where short game options abound and breaks range from subtle to dramatic.

Pinehurst No. 8

Inspired by Donald Ross but designed with his own flair, Tom Fazio created an excellent compliment to the other Pinehurst Resort courses with this 1996 offering. Fazio’s greens are larger than those on No. 2, but equally severe with false fronts and severe slopes around the edges. Fazio used the rolling terrain to his advantage and carved No. 8 through

natural wetlands. A word of caution – playing the correct set of tees in relation to your skill level and club length is crucial. The listed distance from the white tees on No. 8 is 6,311 yards but it plays longer than that. The fourth hole measures 408 yards with a tee shot that needs to crest a hill to get any sort of length. The course closes with a man-sized 417-yard par 4. Two of the par 5s stretch past the 550-yard mark.

Pinehurst No. 9

What would Pinehurst be without a Jack Nicklaus signature course? Probably not quite as good. No. 9 opened in 1989 and features Nicklaus’ traditional shot shape – left to right – on many of the holes. No. 9 has more hills than its counterparts, so it also plays longer than its scorecard yardage (6,115 from the white markers). Like many other Nicklaus designs, No. 9 has a tremendous set of par 3s. The bentgrass greens are large and tough, and feature many slopes and undulations. Play is conducted amidst the sandhills’ signature pines and there are no parallel holes, which makes it seem as if you are the only person on the course.

The Cradle

Opened in 2017, The Cradle is somewhat

Walk out in back of the main clubhouse and the first thing a person will notice is the mammoth practice green named Thistle Dhu. It’s an homage of sorts to acclaimed St. Andrews’ Himalayas Course. It features an 18-hole putting course that definitely will test your nerves and greens-reading ability. It also serves as a prelude to what’s to come on the resort’s nine courses. You’ll rejoice over a one-putt and walk away laughing and baffled after a four- or five-putt hole.

The Pinehurst Experience

One way to enhance the golf experience at Pinehurst Resort is by taking a caddie. From getting the exact yardage to a perfect read on the greens, using one of the club’s caddies will ensure that your round is not a good walk spoiled, even if you don’t play your best. From the time you check in at the historic Holly Inn or Carolina hotel until the Village of Pinehurst is in your rearview mirror, Pinehurst Resort does everything right. There are numerous dining options that include the resort’s own Pinehurst Brewing Company (pro tip – try the ribs on Mondays and Tuesdays). Shuttles are available to take guests just about anywhere, so once you have parked you never have to crank your vehicle until you are checking out. And the customer service is second to none. Stay and play packages are available. For more information about the resort, go to www.pinehurst.com.

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September 2021

TEE TIMES

Lake Tellico and the Great Smoky Mountains provide an impressive backdrop at Rarity Bay Country Club

Rarity Bay Country Club – There’s nothing else like it By David Theoret Tee Times Contributor

With Lake Tellico at the forefront and the Great Smoky Mountains as a backdrop, there is little else like Rarity Bay Country Club in Vonore, Tennessee. The 18-hole championship golf course is just one of many amenities available within this exclusive gated community. Rarity Bay sits on a 960-acre peninsula on Lake Tellico and is considered one of the premier lakefront developments in Eastern Tennessee. Within the community, there are 1,600 homesites and 10 miles of shoreline set along the clear waters of Lake Tellico. Homeowners here seemingly have it all: a gorgeous home in a gated community with a well-manicured and challenging golf course on one side, Lake Tellico on the other, and beautiful views of the Great Smoky Mountains. In addition to golf and boating, there’s an equestrian center with professionally maintained stables, and a lighted show arena, both managed by a staff of trained professionals, 125 acres of biking and hiking trails, and several racquet sports courts. Topping the list of amenities is a magnificent 18-hole championship golf course designed by D.J. DeVictor and Peter Langham. Built on over 150 acres of rolling terrain, golfers encounter mounded fairways, significant elevation changes, and challenging putting surfaces, all while enjoying the spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains and Lake Tellico. No matter how good or bad you play, the views will keep you in a positive frame of mind. From the back tees, Rarity Bay plays 6,799 yards with a par of 72. The course

rating is 72.3 with a slope rating of 129 all on Bermuda grass. The Blue/White combination tees (5,985/67.9/124) are a bit more friendly, but still challenging. With nine sets of playing distances on the scorecard, it’s easy to find a yardage that suits your game. With only one par 5 on the front side compared to three on the back, the front nine is considerably shorter. Rarity Bay has several memorable holes. The layout starts with one of the best views in Tennessee. Standing on the tee box on the short, downhill par 4, you see the golf course, Lake Tellico, and the mountains all laid out right before your eyes. The second hole is a picturesque par 3 over water that plays 188 yards from the Gold tees. The green is very wide and not real deep. The water is beautifully framed by large rocks. The fourth hole is one of the most interesting and fun on the course. From the Blue and Gold Tees, it’s a long par 4, dogleg left. Move up to the Whites and it’s a 288-yard hole that plays straight away. Once you figure out that the green is sitting significantly below the fairway things start to change. There’s a periscope to help see the group in front of you. Hit a good drive followed by a good pitch shot and this is a fun little golf hole! Number 9 is yet another picturesque golf hole. The hole plays 518 yards from the Blue tees, downhill the entire way. Beware of the deep valley directly in front of the green. A good drive followed by a solid layup shot down the middle will still leave an interesting uphill chip shot. Number 10 is a reachable 486-yard par 5 that plays downhill from the tee box. A good drive will leave a decision

A cloverleaf bunker guards the green at No. 3

A pond provides a picturesque hazard on the par-3 No 2 of whether or not to try and get home in two. It will be a long iron or hybrid that is all carry into a green that slopes back to front with two bunkers guarding the right side. Come up short on your approach shot and you’ll be left with a challenging, significantly uphill pitch shot. For most players, the par 5, 528-yard, 18th hole is a three-shot hole. The hole plays around water which shouldn’t come into play until your second shot. Keep your second shot out to the left; a good aiming point is the two bunkers on the left side of the fairway. You’ll find a lot of undulation in the green which slopes back to front left. Trouble lurks around the green too; lay up short and you may still have the water in play. There’s a large swale and deep bunker behind the green if you go long so your best bet is to find the green. Rarity Bay features an impressive

practice facility and a well-stocked pro shop. The Bay Bistro is a great place to grab a bite to eat before or after your round. The Rarity Bay’s Recreation Center sits adjacent to the clubhouse and is home to several lighted tennis courts, four pickleball courts, a fitness facility, and a swimming pool. The Rec Center offers a casual atmosphere that is ideal for spring and summer activities and the perfect setting for private parties and barbecues. If you’re considering a move to Tennessee and love golf and boating, there’s nothing more scenic and serene than what you will find at Rarity Bay. To experience all that Rarity Bay has to offer, consider booking a Discovery Tour which includes accommodations, dinner at the Bay Bistro, and a round of golf. For more information, call 423-884-3020 or go to www.raritybayliving.com.

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September 2021

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Lightning Bug event continues impressive run I’d like to thank all of our continued supporters and volunteers who have contributed their time and money to the Lightning Bug and the Tennessee Golf Foundation. We had 19 teams and 95 players in the morning wave. We had 12 teams and 60 players in the afternoon. At this point, the money raised is still a running total. We won’t receive those numbers until the end of the year, but we are anticipating $18,000-$20,000. The Solitude Farm has been in the family since 1802 with 1,000 acres of a land grant from North Carolina. The farm currently sits on 154 acres. Regarding superintendents, there are many industry friends who continue to support with their knowledge, wisdom, and giving (superintendents, suppliers, distributors). We give out prizes to every kid that plays. The prizes are donated by the Tennessee Golf Foundation and we make sure kids never go home emptyhanded. They usually get about 3 items each. We do announce a winner and they can pick a prize from the stack as well. We also have closest to the hole competitions and mysteriously the kids usually win that as well. We had BBQ for lunch and served over 175 meals. We had many new faces and teams this year as well as familiar groups. We honored the victims of 9/11 and the first responders. It was a lovely day with beautiful weather and smiling faces. - Bill Blackburn

(l-r) Mama Frank, Jessica, Ann Catherine, and Bill Blackburn Our labor of love in memory of Jesse Frank

Thanks Walter for these classy shots!

Walter T. Everett Jr | Got Drones Aerial Photography | 615-767-8714 | walter@gotdrones.com