Tee Times Winter 2015-2016

Winter 2015-2016 Keeping Golfers Connected in TN, KY, MS, AL, NC

Winter 2015-2016

Golf House Tennessee

Home of the Tennessee Section PGA

Loren Personett

Omega Player of the Year McCabe Golf Course

Buddy Harston

Omega Senior Player of the Year Vanderbilt Legends Club

Personett, Harston, Flenniken capture Player of the Year honors Inside!!

Casey Flenniken

Omega Assistant Player of the Year Tellico Village

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Showtime in Orlando:

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Music to city’s ears:

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PGA Merchandise Show is nirvana for golfers Web.com Tour schedules five-year run in Nashville

Getting better all the time:

Gulf Coast’s Kiva Dunes reopens after massive renovations

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Personett, Harston, Flenniken capture Player of the Year honors Tee Times report The Tennessee Section of the PGA of America recently announced its players of the year.

One of them is a familiar face. Another is a second-time honoree. The third holds two honors at the same time.

While part of the reason they are being honored is for their excellent play, it’s important to remember that the majority of their jobs entail making sure their memberships and customer bases are their top priority.

This year’s honorees include Loren Personett, the Tennessee Section PGA Omega Player of the Year; Buddy Harston, the Tennessee Section PGA Omega Senior Player of the Year; and Casey Flenniken, Tennessee Section PGA Omega Assistant Player of the Year.

Being named player of the year is old hat for Personett. This marks his 10th player of the year award to go along with four previous assistant player of the year awards. Highlighting his season was a win at the Tennessee PGA Professional Championship in which he earned a spot in this year’s FedEx St. Jude Classic and the Professional National Championship where he will have the opportunity to qualify for the PGA Championship.

Personett, the head professional at McCabe Golf Course, played in 13 events and averaged 69 over 21 rounds with a low score of 64.

Personett, who earned Class A status in 1996, said earning player of the year honors is always a goal heading into a new season.

“It means a lot to me because we have some very good players in the Tennessee Section PGA,” he said. “It means just as much to me knowing that my job has always come first and playing second. Here at McCabe we continue to be one of busiest courses around, having between 83,000-85,000 starts per year since the renovations in 2005 and 2006.”

Personett won two events, finished second in another and also had two third-place finishes.

Here are some of highlights 2015 Firehawk Scratch Pro Am Capital City Harold Eller Pro Am TN PGA Championship Yamaha Players Championship The Classic

from 2nd 3rd 1st 1st 2nd 3rd

Harston, the head teaching professional at the Vanderbilt Legends Club Academy and winner of the Tennessee Section PGA Omega Senior Player of the Year, has been a PGA of America member since 1985. He is being honored for the second time, with his most recent player of the year award comig in 2008.

Harston had a come-from-behind win at the Yamaha Players Championship

Player of the Year

Loren Personett the Year. He played in 14 events and had 19 tournament rounds with an average score of 70, including nine rounds in the 60s.

“It is a great honor to become the Tennessee PGA Assistant Player of the Year,” he said. “The section is full of established players and to be able to win this award is very humbling. I was fortunate enough to play well in 2015 and won a tournament The Classic in Collierville at Spring Creek Ranch Golf Club. Other than that I played solid throughout the course of the year.”

Casey Flenniken

Buddy Harston where he shot 73-66. He also notched a second-place finish in the Tennessee Senior Professional Championship.

“I try to play in all the “major” Tennessee championships and a few pro-ams during the year,” Harston said. “It is definitely an honor to win the Player of the Year award as there are so many great senior players in Tennessee. 2015 was a culmination of hard work with some luck thrown in.”

For Flenniken, a golf professional at Tellico Village and Knoxville native, it’s his first Omega Assistant Player of the Year award. He’s also the first player to hold both the Assistant of the Year and Assistant Player of the Year awards at the same time.

Flenniken’s season was highlighted with a win at The Classic, which helped him wrap up the Omega Assistant Player of

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Winter 2015-2016

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The greatest golf show on Earth

By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor The annual PGA Merchandise Show really is nirvana for the golf nerd in all of us.

Envision Bridgestone Arena x 2, filled with nothing but golf stuff.

Yeah, I said stuff. Because that’s what the PGA Merchandise Show has to offer – all kinds of stuff.

This year’s event was scheduled for Jan. 26-29 in Orlando, Florida at the Orange County Convention Center where 1,000 top golf companies and brands (and some not so top) set up shop to display the newest products and unveil the newest trends in equipment and fashion.

Masses of PGA Professionals and media fill this huge convention center grill? You can find it at the show.

It’s also a chance to rub elbows with some golf greats. At past shows, I’ve seen Lexi Thompson and Paula Creamer of the LPGA Tour and Graham McDowell of the PGA Tour. Plenty of other top-name pros have been known to stop by.

Orange County National Golf Center is the site of this mammoth Demo Day More than 40,000 industry types from around the world were expected to arrive for this four-day golf fiesta.

The fun always begins with what is affectionately known as Demo Day at the Orange County National Golf Center on Jan. 26. Thousands of golf professionals and media members will descend on a massive driving range to test the newest equipment.

Want to hit the new Titleist irons?

You’ll have to wait in line. It’s the same thing with Ping, Callaway, TaylorMade and just about every equipment maker.

Some folks will take the opportunity to show off their game – they’ll stand on the circular range and mash ball after ball after ball while others wait patiently and impatiently for their opportunity.

Want to try the new Odyssey putter?

Every make and model will be on display, along with manufacturers you have never even heard of. They all are pitching the same thing – you’ll never miss another putt if you have this

(name your brand) in your bag.

Over at the Puma/TaylorMade trailer, a DJ will be blasting tunes as if Demo Day was a giant rave.

On Jan. 27, the fun moves inside to the convention center where apparel companies big and small show off their latest fashion designs and accessories. The equipment manufacturers are there as well, with a massive indoor driving range at their disposal.

But it’s not all about equipment and fashion. Every golf gadget known to man, and some that aren’t yet known, are on display. Everything from range finders to golf simulators to instructional aids can be found at the PGA Merchandise Show.

Need a new fleet of golf cars? Club Car, E-Z-Go and others will be happy to show you their latest products.

Looking for things to put in a goody bag at the next club tournament? The PGA Merchandise Show has all sorts of vendors pitching their do-dads – everything from ball markers to the latest in tees.

Need a pizza maker for the pro shop

This year, the show will celebrate the Centennial of the PGA of America, founder and organizing partner of the PGA Merchandise Show.

Unfortunately, it’s a trade show and not open to the public. But trust me, there’s nothing else like it in the world.

In April, I’ll tell you a little more about this year’s PGA Merchandise Show.

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Winter 2015-2016

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Winter 2015-2016

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From tHE Editor

By Gregg Dewalt

I’ll get the distance on my own, thank you very much They say confession is good for the soul.

If that’s the case, then I have a confession to make.

I’m not a golf gadget guy. Never have been, probably never will be.

That doesn’t mean there’s not a place for gadgetry in golf. I’m fine with launch monitors and video equipment so your local PGA professional can analyze your swing and help you correct any major flaws.

I’m talking more about gadgetry like hand-held range finders. It’s not that I don’t trust them, I do. They seem to work fine. Maybe they help players. They sure don’t seem to help speed up play, though.

Maybe I don’t like them because my hands aren’t steady enough to shoot the pin. I’m more apt to shoot the trees behind the green as I am the pin and get bad yardage.

A lot of my golfing buddies have range finders. Their routine goes something like

this: Even though the scorecard might say the hole is 138 yards (to the middle of the green) from the white tees and the pin is smack dab in the middle of the green, they’ll get out of the golf cart, walk up to the tee marker, aim their trusty range finder, laser it and then announce to the rest of the foursome – 137 yards.

Thanks. That one yard makes a lot of difference in my club selection. What makes it even more annoying is that they’ll announce it as 137 yards, then trudge back to the cart, grab a club and then come back to the tee box when it’s their time to hit. And, as usual, they will come up short because they didn’t hit enough club.

That’s not even the worst of it, though.

We’ll get to a par 5 and they’ll hit their tee shots and then shoot the distance to the green, even though it is usually two bus stops away and they couldn’t get home in four shots. Talk about annoying.

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

Or, they’ll go through their usual slowdown routine with the range finder for a 25- or 30-yard pitch shot.

Two things set me off more than the aforementioned scenarios, though. The first is that they are doing this on golf courses that they should know like the back of their hands. After all, they play these courses four and five times a week.

It’s not like the yardage from the bunker on the left side of the fairway to the middle of the green on No. 5 is going to fluctuate on a daily basis.

But, that shot they have had twice a week for the last three years from that side of the fairway? Still have to pull

out the good, old range finder to make sure the superintendent didn’t move the green back by 30 yards overnight.

I grew up playing at Dorado Beach in

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Dorado, Puerto Rico. After coming to the United States to attend college and the rest of my family moved shortly after, I didn’t play Dorado Beach for approximately 20 years. When I returned to the island for a nostalgic visit in 2000 and played the East course for old time’s sake, guess what? It was still 120 yards to clear the front bunker on the approach shot from the middle of the fairway on No. 1. I didn’t need a range finder to give me the distance. I found a sprinkler head, paced it to where my drive finished and hit the same 8-iron shot as when I was a young pup.

These days I don’t need to know if the pin is 173 yards or 178 yards away. Just knowing it’s on the green is good enough for me. I think I can figure it out from there.

What’s the other thing that bugs me when it comes to range finders?

On the rare occasion I ask a playing partner for a distance, the reply is usually something like this: “I don’t know. It says ‘low battery.’ ” Thanks for nothing. I think I’ll keep relying on my ability to pace off distances on my own. It’s not like I’m Jordan Spieth or Jason Day, ya know.

I’m happy if I hit the green in regulation.

Keep it in the fairway, Gregg

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Professional golf returns to Nashville with Web.Com Tour’s 5-year deal Nashville is no stranger to professional golf.

The PGA Tour stopped here – Ben Hogan won the 1945 Nashville Invitational.

The Champions Tour stopped here from 1994 until 2003 and Lee Trevino and Hale Irwin found their way to the winner’s circle during that time.

Several of the LPGA’s biggest names – Annika Sorenstam, Nancy Lopez, Juli Inkster, Meg Mallon and Laura Davies were among the winners during that tour’s 15-year (1987-2002) run here.

In June, professional golf will return to the Music City for the first time since 2003 when the Web.com Tour stops at the Nashville Golf and Athletic Club. The tour announced the Nashville Golf Open will be played June 13-19. It’s a collaborative effort between the PGA Tour and Brentwood-based Tour Vision

Promotions.

A five-year agreement will keep the tournament in Nashville through 2020. The tournament purse totals $550,000. The Nashville Golf Open becomes the third PGA Tour event in Tennessee. Memphis hosts the FedEx St. Jude Classic while Knoxville hosts the Web.com Tour’s News Sentinel Open.

“Being the host to the first Web. com Tour event in Middle Tennessee is a great honor for Nashville Golf and Athletic Club, and we are excited for the opportunity to be a part of such a successful organization,” club owner Madison Whittemore said in a release announcing the tournament. “We are also thrilled to have the Tennessee Golf Foundation involved to help promote junior golf, furthering our ability to give back to the local community. Nashville Golf and Athletic Club has always been a club

focused on the core values incorporated into the game and the love of the sport.”

Proceeds from the tournament, which is still seeking a title sponsor, will benefit The First Tee of Middle Tennessee.

Tour Vision Promotions CEO Patrick Nichol said he expects Nashville to become one of the top stops on the Web.com Tour.

“This is a wonderful golf town, and one that will gra-

Nashville Golf & Athletic Club

(L-R) Tour Vision Promotion CEO Patrick Nichol, Nashville Golf and Athletic Club Head Golf Professional Brian Jorgenson, club owner Madison Whittemore, and Joe Taggert, Tennessee Golf Foundation

ciously welcome the next generation of PGA Tour stars each year in the traditional Southern fashion for which it is known,” Nichol said in a release. “The state of Tennessee has a vast history with the PGA Tour, and (the announcement) simply adds to that tradition.”

Web.com Tour President Bill Calfee said Nashville is an ideal location for the tour’s newest event.

“The business community has demonstrated phenomenal support behind a number of professional sports teams, and we are excited to add the Web.com Tour to the annual slate of top-tier events in the area,” he said. “ … We are confident the Nashville Golf Open will be a great event from day one.”

The Nashville Golf and Country Club is no stranger to hosting premier events. The Bruce DevlinRobert Hagge design that opened in 1971 has been a frequent host for the Tennessee State Open and will host the 2016 Tennessee MidAmateur Championship.

There will 12 spots available in the tournament field through a local qualifier and four players will get sponsor’s exemptions.

The last batch of Web.com Tour graduates to the PGA Tour already has three victories to its credit.

There’s a good chance the Nashville Golf Open winner will go on to similar success.

More details about the tournament will be released in the coming weeks and months.

Winter 2015-2016

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Etter, McGaha teams win pro-am event

Tee Times report Teams from Chattanooga Golf and Country Club and Sevierville Golf Club recently captured their respective flights at the National Car Rental Tennessee PGA Las Vegas Pro-Am presented by Taylormadeadidas/Ashworth and CaddyX. PGA professional Bruce Etter, of the Chattanooga Golf & Country Club, and his

team of Tom Baird, Neil Spitalny, Tony Leach and Rick Crawford took a one-shot victory in the TaylorMade division with a 54-hole total of 40-under-par 392.

PGA professional Ashley McGaha, of the Sevierville Golf Club and her team of Scott McGaha, Don Stokes, Bill Taylor and Greg Lawson shot 45-under-par 387 to post a two-shot victory in the in Adidas division.

L-R: Rick Crawford, Neil Spitalny, Bruce

Etter, Tony Leach and Tom Baird

Don Stokes, Bill Taylor, Ashley McGaha, Scott McGaha, Greg Lawson

Tennessee Section’s Abbot assumes new job in Carolinas

Tee Times report Jeff Abbot’s stint as the executive director of the Tennessee Section PGA came to a close in November. His eight-year run as head of the section ended, but a new chapter in his life began with a move to the Carolinas Section.

As he left for the new job, he thanked the Tennessee PGA membership and said it was tough to leave behind his friends and the section membership.

“I would like to thank all of the PGA golf professionals, as well as the board and committee members who served the section during my tenure,” Abbot said. “Specifically, I would like to thank past presidents Jim Blackmore, Hunt Gilliland and Scott Hare, as well as our current officers Ken Crowder, Johnny Bridgeman, Jim Vernon and Neil Collins. I have learned so much from each of you and have the utmost respect for you as leaders. The Tennessee Section is in great hands, as we

have the best leadership group in the country. “ Abbott praised and thanked his staff, David Olinger, Adam Greeno, Graham Honeycutt and several wonderful interns.

“It has always been a total team effort, and their countless hours of tireless dedication enabled us to accomplish numerous goals to better serve our members and grow this great game of golf,” he said. “I would also like to thank Dick Horton and Matt Vanderpool for welcoming me with open arms at Golf House Tennessee. The culture here is unrivaled and is the envy of numerous golf associations across the country. Having everyone under one roof is definitely the model to embrace.”

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scenery and wildlife abound.

• Shelby Golf Course opened for play in 1924 and was the first city course. Their greens were all planted with Bermuda tif dwarf in 2006. All skill levels can enjoy a round of golf in this scenic course located within Metro Park’s Shelby Park. It’s staff is eager to please, so call for your tee time.

• Harpeth Hills Golf Course is a favorite for many golfers who love scenic John Holmes Percy Warner Park. Built in 1965 and reAssistant Director of Parks built in 1991, 2015 was this par-72 championship course’s 50th anniversary.

• Vinny Links Golf Course is the home of the Middle Tennessee First Tee and there is plenty of fun to be had on this nine-hole course featuring views of the Cumberland River. Juniors and beginners often have their first rounds of golf here.

In June two of our own golf professionals, PGA professional Loren Personett, It’s winter in Tennessee but the good course offering holes that are playable part is that all this will be behind us soon. but challenging, and it sports a state-of- who was named the Tennessee PGA Section Player of the Year and Audie Johnson, I would like to reflect on the wonderful the art driving range. times had by all who played the Nashville • Two Rivers Golf Course is fun, but the Assistant Player of the Year graced the Fairways in 2015, including myself. I’m can be very challenging from the back cover along with 5 other Tennessee proone of the biggest fans of all of our cours- tees. Built in 1973, it was renovated in fessionals. In my column, we focused on the champion for the Men’s MUNI, Philes and our dedicated personnel. To say 1991. we are proud is an understatement. We • Ted Rhodes Golf Course is located lip Lee. This long running tournament here in metropolitan Nashville are able to in north Nashville on the banks of the is named for retired Director of Parks, experience public golf courses, that in my Cumberland River. It’s fun to ride or walk, James H. Fyke.

July found our Harpeth Hills Golf Course estimation have no equal. In my column and great featured on the cover, celebrating 50 each month, we showcase courses and July 2015 years of memories and great play. A full our staff, each of whom contribute to the day of activities were planned joy of well-maintained, efficiently manand lots of stories circulated aged, and reasonable golf pricing. between friends who played In the April issue, we were featured back when it opened for play. on the cover of Tee Times featuring the Celebrating 5 April 2015 0 Baron Harmon remembers Y e a rs FREE at Harpeth H ills playing just days after it opened as a teenager. He walked the course then and still plays and still walks even 50 years later.

In August, we always feature Ins ide !! both the women’s and senior 9

Around Nashville Fairways

Reflecting on the past, looking to the future

July 2015

July 2015 Keep ing Golf ers Con nect ed in TN, KY, MS, AL, NC

April 2015 TN, KY, MS, AL, NC Keeping Golfers Connecte d in

Pages 2-3

View from abov

e:

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Pages 2-3

Insid e!!

7 June 2015

Chair, Charles Sueing, Park (l-r)George Anderson, Park BoardBoard Member; Stan Fossick, Board Member; Jenn Garcia, ParkMayor Karl Dean, John Holmes, Park Board Vice Chair; Nashville Sarah Shively.

Asst. Dir of Parks, Jerry Shively, and

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Cover Photo: Ludye Wallace

Shively clubhouse reopens

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Award winners: Bray, Dibble, PGA Wilson honored by Tennessee Pacesetter: Harrison Bay best practices spread to other State Parks courses New products: They’ve got ‘em, you’ll probably want them

multi-purpose Shively clubhouse at Percy Warner Golf Course. Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and many dignitaries were on hand, but more importantly, the Shively’s attended, along with family and friends.

In May we offered a guide to the different courses.

• Percy Warner Golf Course is nine holes of fun, and now there are a limited number of golf carts available.

• McCabe Golf Course has 27 holes and walkers love this west Nashville

Springdale Club offers golf, rooms with a Country view PGA’s forgotte Micheel battles n champ: Shaun back from healt h issues Mus

ic to their ears

Friends open Musi

:

c City Golf

June 2015 TN, KY, MS, AL, NC Keeping Golfers Connecte d in

June 2015

The Rise of the Magnificent 7

for Tennessee’s top pros visit Philadelphia ionship the Professional National Champ Pages 2-3

Inside !!

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Loren Personett

Johan Kok

Audie Johnson

Henrik Simonsen

Scott Moran

Glenn Hudson

Jake Reeves

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Close shave ahead? Alabama’s Grand hip

National hosts 1st Barbasol Champions Young gun: High schooler Fai Khamborn wins Western Women’s Amateur / Head for the mountains: Reno/Tahoe Truckee offers spectacular golf, scenery

MUNI tournaments with the winners being acknowledged. Also, old Tee Time covers celebrated retired Director of Parks, Jim Fyke, current Director of Parks, Tommy Lynch, and retired Director of Golf Operations, Danny Gibson.

There were plenty of laughs during the photo session as the three held their

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Harpeth Hills 2424 Old Hickory Blvd. • 615-862-8493

McCabe 46th & Murphy Rd. • 615-862-8491

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

Shelby 20th & Fatherland • 615-862-8474

Two Rivers Two Rivers Parkway • 615-889-2675

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

VinnyLinks 2009 Sevier Street • 615-880-1720

Metro Parks Nashvillefairways.com

framed covers and swapped stories.

In September, it was with pride the Metro Park’s Administration complex was named for 25-plus year Director of Parks Jim Fyke, a man of vision who loved his city and its city parks. He is a a man beloved and respected by all who know him.

Thanks again Mr. Fyke for your service.

In November, we talked with pride about Ted Rhodes’ young superintendent Brennan Merritt and his crew and what a difference they are making on this course. Golfers brag about the greens and fairways, which is a testament to the long hours and hard work these guys produce.

Now, with the winter issue, I just want to say, how blessed I am to be around all the great folks associated with Parks, and all of us with Nashville Fairways look forward to having you come out to one of our parks or golf courses in the coming year.

Until next time, keep it in the fairwayJohn Holmes

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Teams from Tims Ford, Nashboro Village win Yamaha Pro-Superintendent titles

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Distinguished bold style, incomparable good taste.

Tee Times report The teams of Jared Melson - Tyler Tillman and Jeff Page - Jesse Coe won their respective divisions recently at the Yamaha Pro-Superintendent Championship at The Hermitage Golf Course.

Representing The Bear Trace at Tims Ford, Melson, a Tennessee Section member, and Tillman shot Jared Melson Tyler Tillman Jesse Coe 8-under-par 64 to Jeff Page capture the gross division. event into a special tournament. We would also Representing Nashboro Village, Page, a Tennes- like to thank presenting sponsors United Rental, see Section member, and Coe won the net divi- Sun Mountain and C-Flag. sion with a 12-under 60. Page had nine birdies of It is also necessary to thank and recognize Jim his own to fuel the victory.

Vernon, PGA and his entire staff at The Hermitage The TPGA would like to extend and big thank Golf Course. Their patience and flexibility with the you to Greg Robinson, PGA and Shannon Caverly, weather, and outstanding preparation of the golf PGA of Yamaha for being the Title Sponsor of this course were the foundation of this great event. event for an incredible 17th consecutive year.

Their continued support has helped develop this

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ity. Herschel Eaton, of Harpeth Hills, was known for his ergonomics of golf courses.

The annual matches alternate at each of the courses and are played each fall. The field of 20 players from each association is selected by captains from each association. Players are selected by using criteria such as participation in the associations, playing ability and service to the associations.

The competition is a 36hole, two-day event. The first round is a two-man best ball while the second round is individual match play.

The winning team keeps the trophy until the next year when the event is held again.

The Music City Golf Association holds a 10-4 edge in the matches.

at our state-of-the-art indoor teaching facility.

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Ro a d

Tee Times report The Music City Golf Association captured the annual Eaton/Hickman Match Play trophy recently, beating the Capital City Golf Association.

The 2015 matches were played at Harpeth Hills golf course.

The matches, which began 14 years ago, honor two pioneers of Metro Nashville golf. Lutcher Hickman, of McCabe golf course, was known for his teaching abil-

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Winter 2015-2016

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Opinion

By David Widener

Member Golf Writers Association of America

Golf bets should not put you in a “Squeeze”

A

ll of us probably have placed a bet when playing golf. We want a little action to make the round more interesting. A $2 Nassau is the most common golf wager. It is three bets in one with the winners having low score on the front nine, low score on the back nine, and low score for the 18 holes.

Wolf, Skins, Las Vegas and Let It Ride are some of the other popular wagers among golfers. Hopefully, none of us have reached the point that Augie did in The Squeeze, a movie based on a true story that debuted on The Golf Channel in November. It is about the fortunes of Keith Flatt, a Texasborn golfer who won a local tournament by 15 shots with a record score.

That performance caught the eye of a high roller named Riverboat.

With a name like that, you knew things were not going to turn out good for Augie. Riverboat talks him into some high-stakes matches that lead to a million dollar match in Las Vegas where notorious Vegas gambler, Jimmy Diamonds, pits the U.S. Amateur champion against Augie and Riverboat. If he wins, Diamonds will have him killed. If he loses, Riverboat will have him killed.

The movie is worth seeing, so I won’t spoil things by revealing how it turns out. I highly recommend it and it draws praise from Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson and Tom Watson.

“I watched ‘The Squeeze’ with (wife) Barbara and really enjoyed it,” said Jack Nicklaus, who owns 18 major championship titles. “It’s a fun movie that tells an interesting story, and the golf elements are so real you actually believe it could happen.”

Said Mickelson, a five-time majors champion: “The Squeeze’ is a wonderful golf movie because it is so authentic. It hooks you in the beginning and stays interesting and entertaining right to the end. I’m looking forward to seeing it again.”

Tom Watson, an eight-time major champion, sayid: “The Squeeze depicts actors who are truly believable as pro quality golfers. (Promotion/Director) Terry Jastrow’s true understanding of the game (with 22 years directing sports) injects reality into the scenes with

a stream of golf humor that golfers will find both familiar and believable. The Squeeze’ is indeed an enjoyable adventure into golf and big time gambling.”

Gambling is nothing new in golf. One of my favorite stories is a legendary match in the mid-1960s set up by a Texas millionaire pitting a young Lee Trevino, an unknown El Paso club pro, against rising pro Raymond Floyd over three days. Trevino was up by one with one hole left, but Floyd eagled the final hole to win by one and save embarrassment of losing.

There’s no account on the money that changed hands, but as he left El Paso, Floyd said, “Adios, I’ve got easier games than this on the Tour.”

On the PGA Tour, John Daly and Mickelson are the names most associated with gambling. Daly, known for his problems with alcohol as well as gambling, claimed in his 2006 autobiography he lost between $50-60 million over a 15-year period gambling. That included losing $1.5 million in October 2005 after winning half that amount at the WGCAmerican Express Tournament, most of it on a $5,000 Las Vegas slot machine at Wynn Casino.

Mickelson is known for his high stakes four-ball matches with fellow golfers in Tuesday practice rounds. In June, he was linked to an illegal $2.75 million overseas sports betting operation. However, he was not charged and is not under federal investigation.

His gambling first became news in 2000 when he was a member of a syndicated betting group that wagered a futures bet of $20,000 on the Baltimore Ravens at 22-to-1 odds to win the 2001 Super Bowl. The Ravens beat the New York Giants 34-7 in the championship game, netting the group $560,000. The same group hit it big again that year on a futures bet, wagering $20,000 on the Arizona Diamondbacks at odds of 38-to-1 to win the World Series, where they defeated the New York Yankees.

Success like that makes gambling attractive, but there are far more tragic outcomes. You never want to put yourself in a situation like Augie faced in “The Squeeze.”

If you do bet, keep it simple.

jk

kj

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The Sevierville Golf Club 1444 Old Knoxville Highway, Sevierville, TN 37876 For golf rates visit www.seviervillegolfclub.com For package information & rates call or email us at golf@seviervilletn.org

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In down time, review your game and get ready for 2016

By Bill Gruenert The golf season is over for most players. Clubs are gathering cobwebs this winter. When next season arrives, so will hopes of better scores. After all, hope springs eternal, you know.

Now is a good time to review the past year. Think of how you played (be honest), and where you threw away a lot of good scores. Let’s see: I missed too many greens. I could have chipped better with a live cat on a string. Putting, let’s not talk about it. Hmmm. Oh, by the way, maybe a new driver will help.

Sound familiar? Let’s cut to the chase. Certainly a series of great lessons will help. Lessons from a PGA pro will help you gain confidence and competence that will produce better results throughout your game. Pick a pro that you like and stick with them. Jumping from one pro to another to another won’t give you the results you want, especially for the money you’ve spent.

And, while the snow is falling along with the temperature, do a series of stretches (hopefully daily) not hard, but continually for 15-30 minutes. Flexibility is all important in a golf swing.

Here are a few possible exercises, no matter your age: • Stand in an address position, feet roughly shoulder width apart. Try not to rotate your lower body much, but rotate your torso back and through, a little more each day, if possible. Feel

No. 9 Peninsula Green

how much more turn you’ll have by next spring. A huge power source.

• Without a club, take your arms back to the top and let your arms fall through impact to finish position. Just let your arms drop and swing (especially good for seniors since we are less flexible as we get older). Your body will do exactly what it is supposed to do, and will put weight on your forward foot as you finish.

That’s a start. When you swing a club, let the club do the work.

It’s designed to do that. You’ll get best results with a very light grip pressure throughout the entire swing. You won’t ever let go of the club because of instinct.

Try these easy exercises and call me to help you get ready for your best year of playing this great game of golf.

About Bill Gruenert: I have played golf forever and even set a couple of course records. I’ve been a teaching pro for almost 25 years, which I guess makes old. I don’t e-mail or text because I feel it is not personable. I do answer my cell phone, and we can decide on a lesson date and time right then and there. Plus (the best part) we can actually talk and get to know each other better, instantly.

I am a PGA teaching pro at Harpeth Hills Golf Course. I can be reached at 615-594-4844 for lessons and other information. I’m looking forward to meeting you and helping you enjoy the game even more.

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Getting better all the time

By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor

the renovations was simple – to keep Kiva Dunes at the forefront of Gulf Coast golf.

“We’re making a statement that Kiva Dunes is here for the long haul and will continue to be recognized as one of the premier golf and beach resorts – not only in the Southeast, but also in the United States,” Edgemon said.

In addition to the renovations being needed after 20 years, comments and concerns of golfers were addressed.

“We wanted to make the course more player friendly,” Director of Marketing Scott Russell said of the renovations. “The golf course renovations are aimed to improve the playability of the course for the average golfer while maintaining the challenges and shot values enjoyed by more experienced golfers.

The renovations include:

Twenty years later, Kiva Dunes has gotten even better.

Yeah, right. Like that’s even possible.

After all, it was already the must-play stop on any golf trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Well, it is. Kiva Dunes Resort and Golf Course, the renowned Jerry Pate designed layout, has undergone a transformation that has resulted in taking the overall experience to another level.

“This year we are celebrating 20 years of award-winning golf at Kiva Dunes,” developer Jim Edgemon said.

“As exciting as that is, and as proud we are of the current product we provide, we felt the time was ideal to address some of the natural impacts a course on the beach experiences after 20 years of the wind and rain we are accustomed to in southern Alabama, not to mention the impact of numerous hurricanes over Kiva Dunes designer and 1974 US Open the years.” champion Jerry Pate was very much Edgemon said the goal of hands on during the renovation process.

Kiva Dunes No. 2

(L-R) Scott Russell -Director of Mar keting, Mark Stillings – Director of Golf, and David Watson – Head Golf Professional

• Replacing the Champion turf grass on the greens with a more temperate and golferfriendly Tif Eagle turf; • Rebuilding and reshaping the white sand bunkers; • Stabilizing the walls on

many of the greens; • Leveling and re-grassing each tee box; • Re-vegetation of native grasses and sandy dunes,found throughout the course; • Improving the natural transitions between the grasses and indigenous beach landscape.

Re-doing the bunkers was a priority given the feedback from golfers.

“One comment we have gotten since day 1 was that the bunkers were tough and that balls plugged easily in bunker wall,” Russell said. “We addressed this concern by rolling the bunker faces with Bermuda turf and flattened the bunker bottoms for better lies.”

There was extensive renovations to No. 13, a par 3, and No. 14, a par 4.

Pate, who lives in nearby Pensacola, Florida, oversaw the renovations on a daily basis. Rumor has it the former U.S. Open champ even manned a bulldozer on No. 13.

“Sometimes you just have to do it yourself when you envision in your head how you want the bunkers to roll off the green,” Pate said. “This is such a great hole. Who else would I trust this with?”

Pate’s lead designer, Steve Dana, also was on-site during the renovations, which were a vision of Edgemon and Pate. The Kiva Dunes grounds crew, under the direction of Zeke Mims, handled some of the construction

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Kiva Dunes No. 18 -- contouring the bunkers, installing new turf, removing trees, planting trees and sprigging each green. Heritage Links was the main construction company.

“We put in the hours and I think the product we are supplying to the golf playing public here in Gulf Shores is beyond special,” Mims said. “We attempted to ensure that each lie on the course would offer a unique look and feel. Whether you are hitting out of the new high contoured bunker on 11 or knocking the perfect approach shot across the beautiful water hazard on 9, this course offers everybody a little bit of everything.”

Russell, the marketing director,

Kiva Dunes No. 14

summed up the finished golf product perfectly.

“The new course at Kiva Dunes is sure to offer everybody a few moments that they just pause and say, ‘wow.’ ” he said.

Well said. Something great is now even better.

Imagine that.

The course was closed for four months before reopening in November. Several new tee boxes were constructed and new senior tees added.

Those are just the changes to the golf course.

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Other construction is ongoing. A new 12,000 square foot gulf front saltwater pool amenity – with a classical Caribbean vernacular design set atop some of the highest dunes on the Gulf Coast directly on the Gulf of Mexico -- is in development. It will be surrounded with a sundeck and lounge chairs.

A pavilion is also in development.

It will feature private bath houses, along with a bar and grill offering full service on the beach.

Head professional David Watson couldn’t have been more pleased with the outcome of the renovations.

“Going into the renovation we were struck with the task of keeping the unique and challenging shot values for the many skilled players that visit us each year, while creating a more welcoming and player friendly course for the casual resort player,” he said.

“Jerry Pate

Grounds Crew: L-R (ba ck row) Louis Williams , Ray West, Jeff Jordan, Mims (Head Groundsk Jeff Carmichael, Zeke eeper), Paul Norris, Da n Dorrough (Asst. Head Louis Hernandez. (fron Groundskeeper) t row) Camilo Villegran de, Hemilo Perez, Fillip e Bernal

nailed this one. The resort player is going to find a gentler more forgiving Kiva Dunes, while the skilled player still has the challenging and unique course they know and love, which allows us to provide an experience that is not easy to find.”

Director of Golf Mark Stillings, who has been at Kiva Dunes since its 1995 opening, said Kiva Dunes takes a back seat to no one.

“This is such a great area for golf,” he said. “The weather is mild and the scenery is unbeatable. Kiva Dunes has always provided a one-of-a-kind experience that would rival even the most guarded and prestigious private club but on a public and accessible level. It is our hope that regionally speaking, more players will realize there is a jewel right here in their backyard.”

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Smoky Mountain World Team Golf Championship set for June 2016 Tee Times Report A unique event is headed to Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains region of Tennessee.

The Smoky Mountain World Team Golf Championship is on tap for June 12-17, 2016.

The tournament is the brainchild of avid golfer/publisher/promoter Glenn Makin and is patterned after other events he has been involved with.

Knoxville will be the tournament headquarters with a variety of area golf courses being used for competition.

Makin said it was past time to bring such an event to the region. It’s an opportunity for competitors to combine great golf in a nationally known resort setting.

“There are 10 million visitors to the Smoky Mountain National Park each year, making it the most visited national park in America,” Makin says on the tournament website, www.smokymountainworldteamgolf.com. “It’s a great opportunity to make your trip to the World Team Championship a family vacation with hundreds of hotels,

restaurants, world class entertainment parks and shopping outlets second to none.”

Srixon and Cleveland Golf are the tournament’s presenting sponsors, and prizes will be offered to flight winners in the form of gift cards to those companies. First place in each 25-team flight is $1,500 for the team. Each flight will pay eight places based on 25 teams per flight.

Two formats will be used: scramble and four-ball. Teams play using their handicap for four days. Each competitor receives a goody bag, an opportunity to win maximum amateur prizes, daily skins along with nightly dinner, entertainment and golf show at the Knoxville Convention Center.

Teams are guaranteed 72 holes. Flight winners and invited low-net winners advance to the championship round where the winner will be named World Amateur Team Champion.

Cost is $500 per player after April 1.

Entry fee before Jan. 31 is $450. From Feb. 1 through March 31 is $475 per player. Entry fees do not include hotel accomodations.

Among the courses already on board for the tournament are: Three Ridges GC, Dandridge G&CC; Patriot Hills GC; Sevierville GC, The Country Club, Centennial GC, Millstone GC, Clinchview G&CC and Royal Oaks GC. More courses are expected to be added to the tournament rotation.

The Knoxville Convention Center will be the tournament headquarters where

competitors can gather to check scores and share stories from the day’s round with their fellow golfers. Golf industry vendors will be on hand, and other activities such as games, entertainment, lessons and tips, will be available. There will be plenty of food and beverages available.

For information, go to the website or call Makin at 865-556-4653.

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Nashville.

Jeff Vaughn, PGA Professional

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15

Saying goodbye to my long putter I

lost a good friend last week.

The time for long putters has passed (from an anchoring standpoint), and we will see what the future holds as many of us have to change our method of putting. For me personally, I changed to a belly putter after back surgery 10 years ago and it changed my golfing life for the better so I really hate to see the rule change take effect.

Coming from a golf purist it seems that I am a hypocrite on the rules, as I would be happier with woods and a balata ball.

Aside from that, it is past time to relieve the ball of its power.

A 5-to-10- percent reduction would take 300-to-500 yards off today’s golf course lengths and save untold amounts of money in many categories from maintenance, chemicals, and the pure real estate value while not changing the shot values at all.

Seven thousand yards at sea level should be the maximum length of a golf course. Dialing back the ball would result in a return to prominence for some of our older courses. They would become relevant again, and that would be win/win for everyone.

I have always been a fan and a supporter of the USGA, PGA, and the TGA and will continue to do so because I love this game so much. I can live with the decision on the ball but I don’t know if I can live with the decision on the putter. I wonder how many, especially those over 50 years old, are in my position? How many might quit playing?

The trophy case That is the part I really hate as we and winner’s plaques do not need people leaving the game. attest to Mike Nixon’s putting prowess.

We need to have more people joining the party, having fun and having great experiences with family and friends

Mike Nixon really doesn’t want to give up his trusty long putter.

and enjoying the great outdoors.

There lies the rub. I am a hypocrite.

I want it both ways, but that is not how life works so I guess I will just lace them up and find a new way to get that little ball in the hole. If unsuccessful, well, I will cross that bridge when it gets here. I admit it might be enjoyable to see the many new ideas on ways to hold a putter in the coming months.

We will undoubtedly see a few guys leave the top of the leaderboards (Tim Clark and Keegan Bradley come to mind) and that will be sad, but will also see Bernhard Langer come up with something new and different that will keep him on top of the senior rankings.

Change or be left behind. Adapt or give in. Who knows, some of us might find a better way. Necessity is the mother of invention so bring on 2016 and let’s all get out and play and enjoy this great game.

We have nine lovely courses on the Tennessee Golf Trail for your enjoyment and hope you will visit us often in the coming year. Bring friends and family and come on out!

Gift cards on sale

Tennessee State Parks are now selling gift cards on line and at the parks. These gift cards are great anytime year round.

During the holidays for sure, but what about birthdays, anniversaries or just a way to give your golfer something they will really appreciate. They are now available at the Tennessee Golf Trail courses in the pro shops.

As always, we welcome everyone to enjoy our good nature at the Tennessee State Parks and the Tennessee Golf Trail. Wishing all of you a happy and healthy 2016.

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Winter 2015-2016

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The quest for game improvement should begin now

By Andrew Braley Lower scores and a better game don’t evolve over night. Instead, it takes time, effort and patience. And the more you put into motion those qualities during the winter, the faster the payoff will be when spring and summer arrive.

Now is the perfect time to seek an instructor to evaluate your swing and fine-tune your mechanics. Call it preventive maintenance, but you’ll be ahead of the game if you start working now.

At Golf TEC we are interested in helping golfers improve their game. It is why we stepped up and offered a FREE Evaluation and FREE lessons to Jud

Zac Williams

“The thing about golf that I love the most is the fact that you’re always going to feel there is room for improvement. Therefore the only person that can stop me from improving is me. Words to golf and live by!”

Scott, a seasoned player from Laverne; to Emily Petre, somewhat of a newcomer to the game from Nashville; to Savannah Pearson, a 13-year-old from Cookeville; and Zak Williams, an 8-handicapper from Memphis.

I have considered this group and have chosen a Golf TEC coach I think best matches the individual. We are going to follow them closely and monitor their improvement.

Scott will be working with Jim Stevens at our Brentwood location. Petre will work with Travis Zimber at our Cool Springs location. Pearson with be under the tutelage of Andrew Braley at the Cool Springs store, while Williams is paired with Ray Sharp, a coach at our

Savannah Pearson

“Being able to have a top-notch teacher evaluate me and spend time giving me lessons will really help me be a better golfer and become the golfer I want to be. There are a lot of really good golfers in middle school, so I want to get better so I can play in high school and maybe college. I think getting these lessons will help me do that.”

Jud Scott

Andrew Braley Memphis location.

Let’s follow these four over the next several months. We will profile each of them in the April 2016 issue of Tee Times.

“I’ve played golf a long time, try and play regular at least weekly with friends, weather permitting. The problem is, even after many years, I’m not where I want to be with my game. I’m looking forward to professional help.”

Emily Petre

“My goal is obviously to get better at the entire game of golf. My greatest difficulty is with my irons, and should probably be the largest focus. In improving my game, I hope to be more comfortable to play with my friends and family.”

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Amateurs reign in Tennessee Challenge Cup Tee Times Report A 16-person team of amateurs pulled away from the professionals to capture the Tennessee Challenge Cup recently at Stonehenge Golf Course.

The amateurs won the Cup by a 2012 margin, winning several of the late singles matches in the annual Ryder Cup-style event.

The amateur team, captained by 2015 Tennessee Senior State Open champion and TGA Director Emeritus Doug Harris, had four of its 16 players go undefeated. Philip Lee received the Bobby Nichols Most Valuable Player Award for his strong performance.

Representing the professionals were:

Randy Helton, Loren Personett, Audie Johnson, Jared Melson, Richard Rebne, Craig Lee, Scott Masters, Chris Dibble, Bruce Etter, Josh Webb, Glenn Hudson, Greg Wyatt, Mark Houser, Jack Oliver, Bill Breen and Kelvin Burgin.

The Tennessee Challenge Cup Matches began in 1968 and annually pit the top 16 amateur golfers in the state against the top 16 Tennessee Section PGA professionals in a Ryder Cup-style format with one round of Four-Ball, Foursomes and Singles Matches.

Each team is comprised of

Kneeling L-R: Todd Burgan, Doug Harris (captain), Nick Garretson, Neil Spitalny and Craig McElhaney. Standing L-R: Matt Jeffers, Philip Lee, Tim Dinwiddie, Mike Poe, Mike Freels, Brendan Caballero, Lucas Tabor, Wes Williams, Corey Rochelle and Greg Guinn.

10 amateurs/professionals and six senior amateurs/professionals who are aged 50 or older. The professionals lead the overall series 28 - 19.

Special thanks to PGA Host Profes-

Phillip Lee – Bobby Nichols Most Valuable Player Award

sionals Steve Kraft and Jeff Houston at Stonehenge Golf Course and Challenge Cup supporting partners Page & Tuttle, Gentleman Jack, Sterling Cut Glass and Cru Golf.

Tee Up Your Next Event With Us

Call today to learn more.

615-458-6800

Serene Surroundings | Flexible Function Space for up to 500 Award-Winning Catering | Complimentary Parking Social Events • Weddings • Corporate Events • Retreats & Team Building • Golf Outings Gaylord Springs Golf Links | 18 Springhouse Lane, Nashville, TN 37214

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Winter 2015-2016

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Equipment Corner

Imperial announces custom knits made easy BOURBON, Mo. -- Imperial Headwear, the leading manufacturer of premium golf headwear, has announced a new, low-minimum, custom knit program called “Keep Warm Knits” as part of their element fighting WeatherSTRONG™ Collection.

Imperial’s specialty headwear collection to fight the elements has been brought under the umbrella of a WeatherSTRONG™ Collection.

This collection includes: • Coolcore®: To fight the heat and stay cool.

• Sun Protection: To protect from harmful UV rays.

• Waterproof: To keep you dry in wet weather.

• Ultimate Stormchasers: Waterproof and wind resistant fleecelined caps to stay warm and dry.

• Keep Warm Knits: To keep you warm in the cold weather.

For more information about this program, please contact your local sales representative or call 1-800-950-1916. Also, visit imperialsports.com.

About Imperial Headwear Founded in 1916, Imperial Headwear is the leading manufacturer and marketer of premium quality headwear for the golf market.

Imperial is committed to style, functionality and perfection in fit and comfort. It is this commitment that has allowed the creation of a wide variety of headwear with quality that is second to none. Renowned for its superior customer service and art customization capabilities, Imperial offers its products using the most innovative digital design, logo and embroidery technologies.

Follow Imperial Headwear on Twitter and Instagram at @ImperialHats and on Facebook at facebook.com/ImperialInc. Imperial Headwear’s 100th Anniversary video can be viewed at https://vimeo. com/131945482.

Ship Sticks simplifies golf travel

As the nation’s most trusted golf bag shipping company, Ship Sticks is helping golfers avoid the aggravation of travel. Ship Sticks provides golfers with a seamless process to send their golf clubs from their house to the golf course and back. Travelers simply go online to the Ship Sticks site (shipsticks.com), and enter their address and destination to get an instant price quote. The traveler prints and attaches his label to his travel case, and sets aside his golf clubs for at-home pickup. The golfer’s clubs will go to the resort, and are in most cases waiting for the golfer in his room, or on the cart at the first tee. In fact, Ship Sticks is used by more than 80 percent of the Golf Digest Top 400 Clubs in America.

The return process is equally painless. If the club or resort is a facility that Ship Sticks works with directly, the golfer leaves his golf clubs at the bag drop or even in his hotel room, and the resort handles the labeling and shipping.

Otherwise, the golfer attaches the return label to his golf bag and drops off the golf clubs with the concierge.

While the Ship Sticks experience is luxurious, the price is economical. Ship Sticks specializes in shipping golf clubs, and the cost is 40-60 percent cheaper than using UPS or FedEx. Ship Sticks is able to achieve such competitive rates because the company leverages its mass buying power. It takes advantage of volume discounts, and it passes the discounts onto the customer.

Ship Sticks is proud to combine its low prices with the highest levels of customer service. Customers that call with questions

or concerns always speak to a live Ship Sticks service rep who has an array of solutions at their fingertips. Service reps manage everything from enhanced tracking to trapping and recovery, and upgrade service levels should a golf bag get missorted or misrouted.

Ship Sticks’ technology engine also helps it to deliver the best mix of cost and service. The company’s custom platform finds the fastest routing for a golfer’s bag based on where he lives and where he is going.

The company’s proprietary algorithms search each logistics carrier’s time in transit, and then makes the best selection.

Ship Sticks is directly tied into all of its logistics providers, meaning Ship Sticks knows the exact routing that a golf bag will take during its journey. As a result, the company can track the accuracy of every scan throughout transit.

Ship Sticks provides every golfer with the fastest, most cost effective and technically advanced system for a hasslefree vacation on the links.

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Game Golf Live takes technology to new level GAME GOLF changed how golfers use data to improve their games. Now, the company has introduced the first wearable, realtime automatic shot tracker for both iOS and Android smartphone platforms.

GAME GOLF LIVE is new technology and the next product generation from the original GAME GOLF Classic introduced in 2014.

“We literally created the industry that brings the type of data used by professional golfers to the fingertips of your average player,” said John McGuire, CEO and Founder of GAME GOLF. “We changed how amateur and professional golfers can shave strokes off of 18 holes by knowing more about their games. GAME GOLF LIVE does everything the CLASSIC product did, with lots of valuable new features inspired by our avid user base.”

GAME GOLF CLASSIC was the first wearable device and integrated software platform that tracked and captured on-course performance data and displayed a player’s rounds in a dynamic and socially driven online interface. After uploading data, it is visible on web and mobile devices.

GAME GOLF LIVE uses an updated wearable GPS device that communicates with feather-light sensor tags attached to the top of the grip on each club and an integrated software platform which automatically tracks and captures performance data in real-time. The data from every shot is instantly displayed on your iOS or Android phone in a dynamic and socially driven interface.

“With GAME GOLF LIVE, you tag the club and hit the ball,” said Jaehee Lee, head of product development.

“All data is instantaneously captured and visible on your phone without manually entering information. On courses where you can’t use your phone, the information connects to the device and you can see it on the 19th hole.”

GAME GOLF LIVE incorporates a

PGA of America and Golf Channel are partners in the brand.

“When we introduced GAME GOLF CLASSIC, we wanted to give golfers, of all abilities, easy access to the data about their games that was previously only available and used by professionals,” McGuire said. “Basic information, like true distances opened our eyes to the realiza-

number of enhanced features including a Strokes Gained Analysis, offering metrics off the tee, on approach shots, during the short game and for putting.

“Strokes Gained metrics are considered the most accurate way to compare your play against the data of a scratch golfer,” McGuire said. “We have added a new twist by providing a detailed TIPS section to interpret Strokes Gained data that will pinpoint improvement opportunities and make recommendations to the golfer on the areas where they should focus their practice time.”

When viewed on the web, GAME GOLF LIVE Strokes Gained compares a player’s most recent rounds to a scratch player’s rounds to see how many strokes are lost driving, in fairway play, chipping or putting.

GAME GOLF LIVE’s mapping system has been upgraded to include Google Maps, Apple Maps and BING Maps and includes a powerful course rangefinder. All playing history and statistics are automatically backed up online. Players can share their rounds via email, Facebook and Twitter. The

tion that most golfers under-clubbed.

This led to analytics such as fairway accuracy, greens-in-regulation, trends and tendencies on approach shots, sand saves, and even scrambling percentages.

“We also learned from our most active users about the kinds of things they felt would help them improve and engage. We developed Insights and Benchmarks, which enable golfers to compare themselves to friends and even the best players in the world. With GAME GOLF LIVE we’re raising the bar and increasing the enjoyment of the game for all golfers.”

GAME GOLF LIVE retails for $299 and will not require any additional service fees. For information or to view videos of GAME GOLF in action, go to GAMEGOLF. com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter at @GAMEGOLF, #GAMEGOLF.

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Antigua unveils spring men’s, women’s outerwear collection Antigua is introducing its Spring 2016 Outerwear Collection for men and women.

Outerwear has developed into a big seller for Antigua. Popularity of its outerwear has steadily increased over the last three years and the lightweight to heavier jackets now accounts for 35 percent of Antigua’s revenue.

Outerwear is a fashion and a utilitarian asset. This season’s offerings utilize fabrics that mirror the golf shirts they’re designed to accompany. Fabric weights are embellished, to serve as warmth and protection without encumbering the golfer. Performance fabrics are engineered for function first and then interpreted into appealing layering garments.

“Designed to be multifunctional, our Spring ‘16 outerwear styles can be worn to accommodate the season and the temperature,” said Sean Gregg, Vice President of Product

and Development and Marketing Support.

“Whether a style is worn over a polo or under windwear, it will accomplish the level of comfort desired.”

Antigua has three styles of outerwear – Circulate, Horizon and Ally.

In keeping with trend, Circulate epitomizes this season’s fashion look of mixed heather patterns dyed in this palette.

Pieced with solid interlock insets that separate the variation of distinct heather designs style Circulate is a wear anywhere and wear often style. Circulate is comfort, style and function in a mid-weight knit outerwear garment.

Horizon sets itself apart by using color blocking and mesh-inspired silicone print partial stripes. Placed just below the chest seam and back seam horizon lines, the silicone print is where color is added to embellish the style’s neutrality. Front and back con-

trasting jersey/spandex knit yoke fabric utilizes the exaggerated heather yarns that are also found in, and match back to, polo styles such as Element, Expanse and Surface. Horizon’s casual nuance reflects the outerwear category’s intention of not being limited to a single-wearing situation.

Rounding out the knit outerwear category is Ally. A multi-yarn fabric was developed as a three-dimensional jersey faced fleece.

The jersey face uses tightly twisted colored heather yarns and a contrasting geometrically engineered jacquard fleece backing.

The full-zip cardigan expands Ally’s versatility. Hip placement zip pockets aspire to the style’s jacket sensibility while the fleece’s lightweight breathability helps it wear as comfortably as a sweatshirt.

Women’s Performance Collection Outerwear The Spring 2016 Women’s Performance Collection outerwear is highlighted by fantastic fabrications that combine polyester and spandex, beautiful jewel tones, unique prints, and the continuation of successful silhouettes. All fabrics and silhouettes have been LPGA Tour-tested.

The addition of multiple outerwear styles has been a turning point for us in the women’s collection,” says Danielle Dellios, head of women’s design at Antigua. “I have found there are so many different types of outerwear that it was easy to expand the offering by adding in shell pieces along with

knit pullovers that act like layering pieces.”

Style Expression uses a peached polyester/ spandex heavy interlock fabric and features drawcords at the side seams for cinching capability. One of the style’s best-selling features is the optional cinch detail -- the wearer can decide how much she wants to cinch, or she can leave the garment fully extended and wear it as a basic solid pullover.

Style Serenity is an all-over tonal jacquard pattern mid-weight pullover. The fabric is lightweight but feels dense, due to the heavy brushing and the nature of the jacquard pattern. These properties translate into a truly versatile pullover that will keep the wearer warm while still breathing.

The color palette keys in on highly saturated jewel tones.

“We felt the neon colors were slowly fading away and the more basic, primary colors were coming into play,” Dellios said.

“Color direction in the sportswear market has been stagnant, so we took our cues from high fashion and made our version of a primary palette. For the first time in years, we decided not to run pink, but instead picked a bright clean red called Fire.” Other colors include a true kelly green called Verdant, a vibrant royal blue named Hypnotic, a sunshine yellow aptly named Sunburst, and lastly a step away from the traditional purple with a more berry color called Mardi Gras.

Desert Dry is a moisture-wicking technology created exclusively for Antigua, to absorb and wick moisture quickly and evenly.

Examples of Desert Dry styles are Gypsy, Element, Jewel, Ascent, Stroke, Strive, Movement, Maverick, Equity and Pure.

Desert Dry Xtra-Lite combines Antigua’s exclusive Desert Dry moisture-wicking feature with specially constructed ultra-light fabrics for maximum wicking performance and optimum comfort. Examples of D2XL styles are Champ, Jubilee, Premium, Radical & Modern.

Find Antigua on the web at: www.Antigua.com and ShopAntigua.com

Winter 2015-2016

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Tennessee Section’s Greeno does his work behind scenes

By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor Aside from the professionals who frequently tee it up at the numerous Tennessee PGA Section events, Adam Greeno is one of the more familiar faces at each tournament. And he never hits a shot or makes a putt.

But without Greeno, though, the show might not go on. Greeno, you see, is the Director of Tournament Operations for the section. He and his staff are responsible for running approximately 35 events each year.

Greeno, a Vermont native who found his way to Nashville, oversees everything from one-day pro-ams to PGA and Web.com Tour events.

Often times, Greeno’s is one of those jobs that if everything goes off without a hitch, nobody notices.

And that’s fine with him. It’s more about the interaction with the section’s membership that Greeno enjoys.

“I see the majority of our section pros on a routine basis,” Greeno said. “The staff is all very visible but I would say that David (Olinger, Director of Operations) and I have the most face-to-face interaction with the membership.”

It’s a membership that totals approximately 500 professionals across the state in the Tennessee Section. Because he is one of the “faces” of the section, Greeno has been able to forge a positive relationship with many of the pros.

“I’m closer to the guys who play all the time just because I get to see them more and have created a stronger relationship with them,” he said.

Greeno was introduced to golf by his father when he was five years old. But another sport was his passion. Greeno scored 1,100 points during his high school basketball career at Mount Saint Joseph Academy and later played collegiately at Daniel Webster College.

Playing at Daniel Webster turned out to be his break into the golf industry. While playing in college, his assistant coach was Olinger’s college roommate. That relationship helped Greeno get an internship with the Tennessee Section when he graduated.

He’s been with the section since 2009, but golf is something he realized early on that was something he

Adam Greeno

Greeno loves to play, but has limited opportunities.

Greeno with wife of 3-plus years, Lindsey, who played at Lipscomb University

wanted to make his career. He worked for seven years in outside services at Neshobe Golf Club.

“At my first job I knew I had a strong passion for golf and it was something I really enjoyed,” he said. “When you do something you love every day, it doesn’t always feel like work.”

Greeno doesn’t get to play a lot of golf – two or three times per month and then it’s only recreationally. But having a golfer’s knowledge serves him well when it comes to his job.

“I love all of the different life lessons the game of golf teaches,” he said. “It’s great for building friendships and networking. Being a golfer, it helps me with course set-ups and gives me a better understanding of the competitiveness of the tournament atmosphere.”

Greeno enjoys the camaraderie and being able to provide tournament opportunities for the section members. It’s what makes him click.

“For most of them, playing golf is the reason they got into the business,” Greeno said. “Golf is a very unique sport; once you join the golfing family, it’s a family you have the rest of your life. I have found (L-R) TPGA staff, Adam Greeno, that most golfers are also Director of Tournament Operations, sports enthusiasts, and talkDavid Olinger, Tournament Director, Graham Honeycutt, PGA-Director of ing about what is going on in Operations, center, former Executive the sporting world is always Director Jeff Abbot. fun.”

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Golf Channel’s Breed hosts clinic at Gaylord Springs Golf Links Tee Times report Top golf instructor and host of Golf Channel’s “The Golf Fix,” Omega ambassador Michael Breed hosted a golf clinic in Nashville recently for Omega guests to showcase the brand’s continued commitment to help grow the game of golf.

Breed put on an exclusive golf clinic at Gaylord Springs Golf Links for Omega clients and golf club members. Breed spoke and hit golf balls for two hours, sharing his insight and knowledge on the golf swing. He also was featured at a reception held at the Omega Boutique at The Mall at Green Hills. Breed provided putting tips to the assembled group of clients; answered their questions, engaged guests by providing instruction and signed copies of his latest book.

The events in Nashville celebrated Breed’s relationship with Omega, the brand’s role as official timekeeper of The PGA of America and its support for golf in the U.S. The events also

highlighted Omega’s role in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, where golf returns for the first time since 1904, and its upcoming presence at the 2016 Ryder Cup. About Michael Breed Host of the Golf Channel’s “The Golf Fix,” Michael Breed is the most dynamic, engaging and entertaining teacher the game of golf has ever seen. As the star of the highest rated golf instruction series in the history of Golf Channel, he has reinvented how golf instruction is presented. His motivational approach and “Let’s Do This” mantra have inspired golfers in more than 80 countries.

He has dedicated his career to helping average players enjoy the game more.

He operates the Michael Breed Golf

Dynamic and amazing Omega’s ambassador Michael Breed at Gaylord Spring Golf Institute

Showing us the perfect swing, results are high, straight and LONG

Academy at Donald Trump’s Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point in New York. He is a member of the PGA and was chosen as the PGA’s National Teacher of the Year 2012. Breed is ranked one of the Top 50 Golf Instructors in America by both Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine and is New York’s top-ranked instructor.

Michael Breed strikes a Bond-like pose at the Omega Boutique in Green Hills, both are Omega men

Winter 2015-2016

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TEE TIMES

Tennessee PGA Section Chapter Champions crowned Middle Tennessee Chapter Championship Hideaway at Arrington 1 Bill Breen 140 T2 Johan Kok 141 T2 Buddy Harston 141 West Tennessee Chapter Championship Colonial Country Club-South Course 1 Gregory King 71 T2 Drew Cain 73 T2 Mickey Barker 73 T2 David Halford 73 T2 Brock Shafer 73

Knoxville Chapter Championship Links at Kahite 1 Walt Chapman 66 2 Casey Flenniken 67 T3 Glenn Hudson 69 T3 Joshua Wheeler 69 T3 Jake Reeves 69 1 2 3

Chattanooga Chapter Championship Council Fire Henrik Simonsen 108 Thomas Smith 112 Jeremy Cason 123

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