Fluid issue 4 vol 3 by FLUID Magazine

The

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GOLF ISSUE FLUID'S TOP 10 GOLF COURSES | GROM STOP: CAROLINE MARKS GORKIN SURFBOARD'S INTERVIEW | ARTIST PROFILE: JIMMY LANE

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Saturday July 26th Live Band & DJ Hutch | Starts @ 7:30

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SAM ADAMS

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300 Boatyard St. New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169 | 386.428.6888 | newsmyrnamarina.com/outriggers

NOTE G

FROM

olf season officially starts May 1st for me each year. The rates drop dramatically, there’s more daylight, and all the snowbirds have returned home. I’ll admit, winter is a way better time of year to play, because the weather is absolutely perfect. But, who really wants to be waiting around all day? We all know every course is packed to the gills. To the contrary, summertime spices things up and throws all type of elements at you. Blood sucking mosquitos, heat strokes, and aerated greens. It’s my time, though, getting out of work, sweating it out, and that summertime rate. I need that stress relief, gripping it and ripping it. I Challenge myself at one of the hardest sports in the world, battling my friends, and getting completely bent out of shape when I lose. What can I say, I am a sore loser.

EDITOR

There is so much that I love about golfing! The nature aspect, beer with buds, competition and striving to get better. It’s pretty comical, because years ago, golf was known as an old man's sport. Well, things have changed. The ole timers still love the game, but you will see all walks of life on the course now a days. Almost all the women I know play regular, and all the top athletes from other sports have become obsessed with the game. I have so many great memories that I can relate to golf like playing with my groomsman on the day I got married, or playing with my grandpa the day after I got married. That day is a day I will never forget. It was

the last time I got to see Grandpa Forand before he passed a few months later. A day I will never forget and cherish for ever and ever! Remembering all these good times on the course all leads back to one thing, a tee time in my near future.

Bryan Forand

Founder | Editor

PHOTO: Courtesy of Hammock Beach Resort

CONTENTS

IN S IDE TH IS IS S U E issue 4 . volume 3 . July . August 2014

PHOTO: RUDDY

MISS SUNSHINE Br ia nna f is c he tti

PG 18 FLYBOARD F e atu r e

PG 21 GORKIN Surfboards A r r o n Co r m ic a n

PG 22

GROMSTOP

C a r o line M a r ks

PG 24 PHOTO: JOE FOSTER/A-FRAME

the Golf issue to p 1 0 co u r s e s

PG 26 5 Golf tips ga ry wintz

PG 33

Shop Stop

Grom Gear

PG 39 Artist Profile J im m y la ne

PG 43 PHOTO: RUDDY

Happy Hour o ce a n de ck

PG 45

ON THE COVER: Dylan Smith, not a pro golfer, just our friend who has a pretty swing and was lucky enough to play Streamsong速.

Golfer Dylan Smit h

LOCATION St reamsong

PHOTO BY PAT RIC K RUDDY

The

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GOLF ISSUE FLUID'S TOP 10 GOLF COURSES | GROM STOP: CAROLINE MARKS GORKIN SURFBOARD'S INTERVIEW | ARTIST PROFILE: JIMMY LANE

FLU I D M AGA Z I N E CREDI T S EDITOR

ART DIRECTOR

BRYAN FORAND BRYAN@THEFLUIDMAG.COM

LANCE DRAKE LANCEDRAKE4@GMAIL.COM

PHOTO EDITOR

JACK OF ALL TRADES

PATRICK RUDDY PATRICK@THEFLUIDMAG.COM

TIM TRUELOVE TIM@THEFLUIDMAG.COM

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTO ASSISTANTS

AJ NESTE | AJNESTE@GMAIL.COM GUNNER HUGHES | GUNNERHUGHES@GMAIL.COM

COREY CHARTERS LAUREN WHITFILL JESSI PERKINS

EXECUTIVE SALES MARKETING

MAKE-UP ARTIST

TRAVIS AJAY

REANNA HARDOCK NALANIE CHINTAMON I

SALES

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS JEFF LASTINGER | MYLAN DAVICH | KEVIN “DUCK” MEINBERG | DYANNA MORENO

ADVE RT I S E / C O N TACT 386.679.2399

SALES@THEFLUIDMAG.COM

FLUID Magazine is Central Florida’s premiere publication dedicated to celebrating our culture and lifestyle. From fashion to art, entertainment to events, action sports to culture, FLUID Magazine covers everything our community needs to know through high profile interviews, mind-blowing photography, and in depth editorial coverage. The only publication of its kind in our area, FLUID Magazine focuses on the positive influences that entertainment, action sports, music, art, and fashion has on our community. Unlike any other magazine of its kind in Central Florida, we will reach all target markets through wide distribution channels. Not only will we focus on our local lifestyles, but from our staff’s extensive background as retailers, we know how much business is captured from tourism. Our free full color publication can be found all over Central Florida at colleges, key retailers, high traffic areas, hotels, and area restaurants. Our mission is to showcase the amazing talent, culture, and lifestyles of Central Florida. From our enticing profiles, in depth community coverage, fashion tips, and amazing photography staff, FLUID readers will be positively influenced by our topics covered and trending advertisers. Essentially making FLUID Magazine the most effective marketing tool for brand connectivity with consumers in our area. FLUID MAGAZINE, LLC D.B.A. FLUID MAGAZINE 1 SWAN AVE, NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FL 32168 386.679.2399 | THEFLUIDMAG.COM

PHOTOS: RUDDY

BRIANNA FISCHETTI

21 YRS OLD

MISS SUNSHINE

Where do you live? Orlando! Originally from? Orlando! Occupation? Sales rep for Brazilian-Corpo Bonito Swimwear! Where would your dream trip take you? Greece, it’s beautiful and by the water! How many times a day do you use social media? (tell us the truth) Gosh, I used to use it too much. Lately, I try and stay off of it, full of drama. Being that this is the golf issue, tell us about your golf skills? I love golf! My parents used to take my sister and I golfing all the time, and I was on my high school team! I just recently got back into it, and I must say I'm pretty good. Tell me something super random about you? My absolute favorite thing to do any day of the week, any time, is going to a new, random hole in the wall, mom and pop place. Somewhere with a cool story behind it and you can write your name on the wall. The owner of the bar is making you a drink, you’re in the middle of nowhere, and know no one! I once went to the actual restaurant in Punta Gorda that Jimmy Buffet wrote Cheeseburger in Paradise. Places like that are too fun! Real House Wive's or Sunday Night Football? Oooohh. Depends, if we're talking Beverly

Hills or Miami, all day! New Jersey or New York, I'd rather watch football. If you had to be locked in a room for 24 hours with Gary Busey or Mike Tyson, who would you choose? Gary Busey, hands down. How long does it take you to get ready if you are going out? If I'm doing the works, 45 minutes? But, I don't really get all dolled up. So, honestly 20 minutes. Got a boyfriend? Haha, uh no. Worst Pickup Line? Lately, the break up ones. "You need to get back out there”, "So I hear your single now…" Save it! Most important thing on a first date? To have fun and be comfortable. If you’re not comfortable, everything is out of whack. Turn on's? Drive, someone who is loyal, and honest. And a gorgeous smile! Turn off's? Cockiness, and someone who can't tell you the truth. I don't get it. Your word is all you have, why tarnish it. Oh, and little boys. Dogs or cats? I HATEEEE cats! They are so boring! I'm a lover for pups! Perfect Date? I like doing things outside. A cute little winery, a fun festival, being by the water, not movies and bowling crap. Haha. And I Love going to little bars and restaurants you've never been to together, random fun nights. Best Beach in Florida? Siesta key is BEAUTIFUL! But, New Smyrna parties! Favorite celebrity? Eric Decker. And I'm obsessed with Jimmy Fallon, my god! Who's the hottest- Surfers, Skaters, Wakeboarder, Musicians or Artists? Wakeboarders are hot for sure. But, I think I'll always love a musician whose good at what he does. Best cure for a hangover? Cuddling, pizza, morning fun, Redbox. (In that order)

Favorite Sports team? Mets & Jets, baby. I love Fluid magazine because? New Smyrna beach! What does the future hold for the lovely Brianna? Sheesh, I'm not really sure right now. I'm thinking of New York for a year or so… And, I'm an old soul, so I want to get this career thing going, maybe find a special someone, and have an old school fun kinda thing. :)

FLYBOARD PHOTOS: RUDDY

This summer we highly recommend that you give Flyboarding a go! With words like flight, thrust, and high velocity used to describe this new ultra hot sport, it makes it impossible to not want to try it. The Flyboard allows you to ride the thrust of a jet ski high into the air under the safety of your instructors guidance. You will be hooked after your first time. Here me now, believe me later!

Jet Stream Flyboarding is the number one spot in Florida to try out this new sport. The owner, Ben White is a former Air Force officer who has over 1,000 hours flying the F-15E Strike Eagle. Ben felt that it was only fair to give everyone the chance to fly, and flyboarding is about as close as you can get to owning your own jet pack! Jet Stream Flyboard will have you dialed in within five minutes or less. One of the many things that blew us away is we thought that it was all about the above water action. You can propel into the water like a missile and cruise around imitating iron man for the day. Check out our friends at Jet Stream Flyboarding today for your best experience of the summer. Give Jet Steam Flyboarding a call at (386) 259-0227 and lift off at one of their four locations: NSB - Boat Ramp Drive dock (2400 Boat Ramp Drive; across US Highway 1 from the NSB Airport) Edgewater - Maynard May Park beach (413 South Riverside Drive) Ponce Inlet - Lighthouse Point Park beach (on the north side of the inlet) Daytona - Bethune Point Park boat ramp (11 Bellevue Ave)

PHOTO: RUDDY

GORKIN SURFBOARDS WITH AARON CORMICAN Intro and interview by: Bryan Forand

I've had the privilege of being close friends with Aaron Cormican since we were youngbucks causing havoc on the beachside corridor of New Smyrna Beach. From the second I met him, I was completely impressed and inspired by Aaron. In those early days, everyone who met Aaron knew he would make a mark on this erratic world. His parents, Zetta and Dale, have had a huge influence on him. Dale is a three time East Coast Champion that will keep you on your toes with his wisecracks and witty humor. Zetta is beautiful, artistic, and the main influence of Aaron's artistic intelligence. In this interview you will find out more about Pro Surfing sensation transformed into the Surfboard Builder that has created the mad hype that we all needed. One thing I can tell you for sure, he wears his heart on his sleeve.

What is your biggest accomplishment as a pro surfer? I remember we were all blown away by your X Games gold & MVP! I think, on a professional level, is getting the opportunity to be a pro! As far as highlights, it’s a toss up between my first win back in 2003 or 2004, then the X Games gold and MVP is one, my win here in NSB in front of all my friends and family when it was a huge event, then my 9 wins out of 11 pro events (this included the win at the Landshark Pro that was held at New Smyrna inlet). That was at a very pivotal time in my life. I was going thru a divorce and was a mental wreck, but I just put my head down, headphones on, and went into heavy grind mode. What people don't understand is to do these things, you have to be very selfish. I outcasted many people in my life who were

friends and family, so it was bitter sweet. I know you and a few of the crew have created a brother bond and have been taking the board building journey together. Tell me about all this. Yeah, we have that here in New Smyrna. From old to young, a great bond of a small surf town and everyone here supports each other, for the most part. As groms, we used to call ourselves N.B.K., which stood for "new burna konnexion”, because the Hobgoods would call the town "new burna". I’m not really sure why. Haha, but we liked it and a few of us who grew up together, ran with it and started making NBK stickers, shirts, and airbrushes. Now we are older and NBK, actually, has come back around full circle and we are going to start up "New Board Konnexion"! It’s basically

I KNOW I’M NOT EVEN CLOSE TO BEING A GREAT SHAPER YET, BUT IF YOU KNOW ME, YOU KNOW I'VE BEEN GRINDING AWAY DAILY SINCE OCTOBER TO LEARN THIS AMAZING CRAFT. going to be glassing, ding repair, some paddle boards, longboards, and I’m going to be shaping my Gorkin surfboards out of the their spot. Wes Cich is a major brain child on this along with the team of Johnny Perkins and Kellen Kirchsmith. The A TEAM.

I know that you've had offers from companies out there but are very selective of who you promote. What is going on right now as far as sponsors for you? The boys at NUB tv are stepping up this year and going to help me out with the comps coming up, and the boys at Mad Hueys throw

PHOTO: TUPAT

What are the different models that you have in the artillery? Dang, I got a few actually! We got the Gas Pedal, which is my high performance short board for good waves, the Mud Guppy is for your everyday average surf, little fuller, shorter, and wider, the Moccasin is my step up pin tail model for point breaks and pumping surf, Rattler is my popular one right now, a single wing swallow for almost everything. I’ve been getting really good feed back on this ole east coast classic. Flounder Pounder is my fish with a rounded nose. Roe Mullet is a retro style board for cruising and having fun. I see Craig Anderson getting drained on his so hope ours works that well too. The Possum is a nice little short board fish hybrid that Wes and I came up with, it’s been working in all conditions here. Fried Shrimp, which is inspired by a board I saw Dane Reynolds riding, but I added some twists, like a pulled in nose and little less volume for snappiness. Then lastly, we got the, Aiden Collins inspired, Fiddler Crab model for all the groms out there that need a little more area, little fuller nose and tail. Lil Skinny man and Colli jr. both have a win on theirs in the Gnarly Charlie surf series!

so it all goes over my head. I know I’m not even close to being a great shaper yet, but if you know me, you know I've been grinding away daily since October to learn this amazing craft. That is what’s rad with shaping. Nobody will ever perfect it, like golf. You will be trying and learning till the day you stop or die.

Have there been a lot of haters out there or the complete opposite? To be honest, I am sure I have a ton of haters! I have dealt with that my whole surfing career,

me some gear, so I run their logo to support the cause. Plus, I got to hang with the boys a fair bit in Oz when I used to go there, and I love the Huey lifestyle. Other than that, nobody is really knocking on the door, haha. I know a big discussion has been "Know your Shaper". What is that all about and why should people be ordering boards form you instead of the international labels? Hahhahaha, well that is just saying “lets see

or hear from the shaper!” We all are on social media. Mayhem runs his own instagram, but where is "Al Merrick or even Brett Merrick for Channel Islands? If you are a surfboard shaper, you should run your own shit! I can't always answer everything, but I put myself out there. I am here. You can see me at NSB inlet surfing on boards that I am shaping. You can see Matt Biolos down at Lowers riding his board doing R&D. So, it’s not against the international labels because I aspire to be one. How can people order a board? Are there shops that are carrying them or mainly custom orders? Right now we are working on the website, but to get boards you can email me at gorkinsurfboards@gmail.com, also instagram @therealgorkin or facebook page "gorkin surfboards". Any shout outs and thank you’s? Shout out to everybody who has helped me in this book of life, so many chapters, so many of you to name, but a huge THANK YOU! Mom, thank you for everything. You’re a legend, couldn’t have done this without your help. Thank you to Pops for being a legend and giving me the motivation and push to shape. My little brother, my friends here in New Smyrna (I want to name you all but I know I will forget a few) NBK says it all there. Thank you Bill Mcgill, JMR, MLD, Mayhem, Robo, J Fernandez, Vinger, Shane Smith, and Richenburg. Spicolli, Perkins, Kellen, you guys are straight up legends in your own ways! Thank you Cattleya Photos, Minion, Big John, Tupat, Collins, Shea Lopez, @realnsb, @ nsbinlet, instagram, Grom Gear, Sammi in Panama, any of you board builders for the tips on instagram or social media, Mad Hueys, Beeline, Nub tv and anybody else who has and will be here now or later. THANK YOU ALL and y'all at Fluid for showing some love here!

#gorkinsurfboards #knowyourshapernotyourlabel #nsbroots #nsbbuilt #realnsb #nsbinlet

FLUID SPOTLIGHT PHOTO: JOE FOSTER/A-FRAME

GROM STOP

CAROLINE JANET MARKS 12 YRS OLD Hometown: Melbourne Beach, FL Sponsors: FOX, Smith Optics, Etnies, GromSocial.com, RonJons, FCS & USA Surf team

Last weekend you made USA Surfing Championships history!! How does it feel? Winning three titles is HUGE!! (Girls Under 12, Girls Under 14, Girls under 16) I'm beyond stoked!!! The competition is so good. There is never an easy heat. Every heat I made I really felt like I accomplished something big. Having my two brothers chair me up the beach was amazing! My whole family was on the beach so it was a day I will not forget. Where have you traveled to? El Salvador and Puerto Rico. Your dream trip takes you where and with whom? Bali with my family

So we all know you have a big family. How much inspiration do you get from your brother and parents? Luke surfs so good, along with the rest of my family. All of us are

so competitive that we all push each other constantly in and out of the water.

Best place in town for breakfast? Scrambled Egg Cafe in Satellite Beach.

Every time we see you, you're so stoked! How do you stay so positive? Hahaha! I have the best people around me and I'm surfing! How could you NOT be stoked.

If you had to compare your surfing to anyone, who would it be? I look up to Occy and Carissa.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? My goal is to make the tour and have my family travel with me. So many people are saying that you could be a future world champ. Do you feel pressure from that or does it just give you more confidence? It gives me confidence but I have a long way to go. There are so many great surfers in the world. Who is your shaper? CT Taylor, he makes the best boards for me. Tell us something embarrassing about one of your siblings? No way!!! They will never give me a wave again. Have you ever been star-struck? When I met Kendall Schmidt from Heffron Drive.

Big airs or barrels? Barrels! Best advice an old person has given you? Stay humble, stay focused. Favorite book? Captain Nobody. Favorite cartoon character? Zach, from GromSocial. Where do you go to school? Florida Virtual School (FLVS). Who's your college team? Miami Hurricanes. Who's gonna win the 2015 World Tour title? Carissa Moore will. Thanks to? God, my family, friends and CT! I could not do any of this without you guys!

Fluids TOP COURSES Streamsong® Comprised of two magnificent course layouts, Streamsong® Red & Streamsong® Blue. We chose Streamsong® to feature on the cover because of the all around experience that comes with playing there. The property that the course lays on is formerly a phosphate mine. This makes for dramatic rises in elevation and the perfect base for the immaculate fairways and greens. Streamsong® is Central Florida's hidden gem. Hammock Beach Resort This one is hard to beat. A course designed by two legends, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. They didn't leave out a single detail. The "Ocean Course" has you playing right on the Atlantic Ocean. The "Conservatory Course" is ranked the longest and hardest course in the entire state. Let’s just say it will give you a unique challenge. Orange County National OCN has been host to the 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2010 PGA TOUR qualifying school finals. It is one of the top "Golf, Stay and Play" facilities in our area. There is so much that we love about OCN! With three courses to choose from, the largest practice facility in the nation, and the famous lighted putting green just outside your room, it’s a can't miss opportunity. Bella Collina Nick Faldo's design used the Highlands rolling terrain as his inspiration for this traditional valley style course. It has a unique layout that features open fairways and sweeping dunes. Be prepared if you’re playing from the tips, this course measures more than 7,500 yards. New Smyrna Golf Club The "Muni" is so dear to our heart. Why wouldn't it be? It’s where we hold our Annual Golf Benefit, and we love the place to death. Not only that, but New Smyrna Golf Club is an amazing course without all the sentimental value.

Shingle Creek Golf Club Many moons ago settlers were attracted to the Shingle Creek area because of the wildlife, fishing, cypress trees, and, of course, the beautiful creek. Everyone still finds Shingle Creek the spot to be, but things have changed. The main attraction went from wildlife and the creek, to plush fairways, exquisite greens, and a challenging layout. Hawk's Landing Hawk's Landing has the perfect blend of native Florida wildlife and tropical vegetation. Right near the heart of tourist central in Orlando, it gives you the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the many theme parks close by. Trust us, you'll need the stress relief after dealing with the families at the theme parks. LPGA Hills Course Formerly known as LPGA Legends, this course gives you a taste of old Florida. You are completely engulfed in nature as you navigate through out the golf course. Known for its distinct design, LPGA Hills Course is great for all skill levels. Spruce Creek Where else can you tee off and see private planes taking off and landing all around you? There are other courses that might out do Spruce Creek with their fancy clubhouse and over priced rates, but keep it real and check out Spruce Creek Golf Course. Victoria Hills I thought we decided to leave the beach for the day? Victoria Hills, located in DeLand, is a sand trap waiting to happen. This isn't a nice and relaxing beach, the steep bunker will break you down and swat you like a little mosquito. But, the good news is the greens are generally well maintained and the elevation changes keep it interesting. Now, time for you to hit the links and experience these gems for yourself!

PHOTO: Courtesy of Callaway Golf

CALLAWAY REP.

JOHNNY THOMPSON Interview by: Bryan Forand

Tell me about your transition from aspiring pro to Callaway Representative? After college, I told myself I would give professional golf three fully committed years and at the end of three, reevaluate…at the end of those three years, I wasn't sure so I gave it one more but at the end of that 4th year I knew it was time to move on! I worked my ass off for four years and was 100% dedicated to my job but being a successful professional golfer just wasn't happening. I gained a ton of experience over those years and already had a deep back ground in Pro Tour golf (my father was a PGA Tour and Champions Tour player) so my first thought was to get in to the industry on the equipment side and maybe transition into a Pro Tour rep role. I went to the PGA Show (golf's version of Surf Expo) in Orlando and through a friend, got an interview with Callaway Golf for a Club Specialist position at their head quarters in Carlsbad, CA. After a few rounds of interviews, I was packing my truck and moving to the West Coast. I learned so much working at headquarters that when a job opened up in the Pro Tour department, I was educated and ready to handle it. How long have you been with Callaway? 8+ years total. I spent my first two years with Callaway Golf in Carlsbad as a Club Specialist. I have been on the road traveling with Pro Tour for seven years now, the first two working on the LPGA Tour, one year on the Web.com Tour and the last four years on the PGA Tour. When you first started working for Callaway, were there times when you were star struck meeting legends like Phil Mickelson and Arnold Palmer? My first rep job was on the LPGA Tour and at that time Annika Sorenstam

was the#1 player in the world. I can honestly say I was a little marble mouthed when I first met her, she is the greatest female ever to play the game and there was an aura about her that was so unique. Same exact reaction meeting Phil for the first time but it was a little easier because I have a very good relationship with his caddie, Jim "Bones" McKay. Bones grew up in New Smyrna Beach and was actually my babysitter when I was a little kid so I felt a little more at ease with Phil.

POPS QUALIFIED FOR THE 1993 US OPEN WHEN I WAS 14 AND I CADDIED FOR HIM…WE MADE THE CUT AND I GOT TO CADDIE FOR MY DAD ON FATHER'S DAY OF THE FINAL ROUND OF THE US OPEN, HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!? What separates you from the other guys on the putting green trying to get the elite golfers in the world to switch to your product? Easy…. the product! I am very lucky in that I get to rep the #1 Putter in Golf. Odyssey putters have been the #1 in worldwide wins, Top Tens and usage for a long time and every year we pump out new groundbreaking technology that luckily for me, PGA Tour players love! What is a typical work week for you? My week starts on Sundays when I board a plane in route to that week's event site. We arrive at 7:30am and leave around 5:30pm Monday through Wednesday. While on site, my #1 priority is to make sure players using Odyssey putters are properly fit and that they are rolling the ball with confidence. I have three demo bags with about 25 putters in each that I set up at the putting green and then use our traveling work

shop to build and make adjustments to putters. I fly home late Wednesday night and then have a weekly report to write, I'll follow up with HQ regarding issues and trends and I prepare any info needed for our marketing team. We get a lot of media requests once the event starts so those calls come in frequently when our guys are contending. Even though we are not on site, we take player/agent/caddie calls/texts nonstop! We are almost on call like doctors, I've received calls/texts regarding equipment needs on Thanksgiving Day and at 4am in the morning! Best Parts of the Job? I have sat down and had conversations with Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Annika Sorenstam, Juli Inkster, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and many other living legends of the game…I am just as much of a fan of this game as the other guy and I will never take for granted the time and experiences I have had working with these amazing athletes. It also doesn't suck getting my hands on the latest and greatest Callaway and Odyssey equipment for my own game's sake! Worst aspects of the Job? I did 46 events in 2013 so I spend a lot of time on the road away from my wife, family and friends…it is truly the only downside to the job. Favorite course on the planet and why? Probably won't believe me but the New Smyrna Beach Municipal will always and forever be my favorite golf course. My parents met there, I learned to play the game there and still today, play it regularly with my friends. That golf course is a big part of my life's story and it almost feels like a living part of our family. Who is the biggest inspiration for you? In terms of golf, my Mom and Dad for sure. My mom teaches this game to hundreds of people a year, spending sometimes up to 8 hours a day on the lesson tee. It is a true gift to be able to communicate and teach this difficult game and my Momma Dukes is the best! In terms of playing the game, my Dad has taught me so much and given me so many rad experiences. Pops qualified for the 1993 US Open when I was 14 and I caddied for him…we made the cut and I got to caddie for my Dad on Father's Day of the final round of the US Open, how cool is that?!?!? Best advice another rep has given you? "Don't take it personal!" Sometimes players leave you for a competitor's putter and its easy to take it personal but you just can't do it or else you will be constantly miserable. On any given PGA Tour week, Odyssey has 45-55 putters in play, its inevitable that you lose a guy here or there. As long as you don't take it personal, stay consistent with your work, you'll usually get another shot down the road with them. If you act like a scorned ex-significant, you have no chance! 29

ROD

PHOTOS BY: PGA of AMERICA, Montana Pritchard

LOCAL GOLF LEGEND:

PERRY

Rod Perry is the only lefty to win a PGA Professional Championship and PGA Professional Player of the Year Award. He has been one of the top pros in our area for the past 18 years. Perry has not only made a name on the course as a top player but has the best reputation in our area as a the top golf instructor. When he isn't traveling around the country tearing up the pro ranks, you can find him at Crane Lakes in Port Orange teaching everyone from young kids to the elderly how to play the best game in the world.

Growing up did you always know that you would a Pro Golfer or how did that come about? I was slow and couldn't jump so just about every other sport was out. All kidding aside, my grandfather, who I thought the world of, was an avid golfer. He loved everything about the game and made it a point to show me the ropes. I remember walking with him as we watched the annual Indian River Open and can still remember him being amazed by the playerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talents. Is there a certain ritual that you have before a big tournament? Not really. I try to eat right, exercise, make sure my equipment is dialed in etc. Lately my 6 year old daughter, Vanessa, has been on me to get on the floor and stretch. She is like Gumby and gets an absolute kick out of how inflexible I am. She really motivates me to stretch. Are you competitive in everything you do? I know your brothers like battling with you. All athletes are competitors at heart. I want to

Any tips for the occasional golfer? Go baby go! Play faster! Watch your ball and be ready to play when it's your turn. Better players don't mind playing with occasional golfers as long as they can play fast. Fast play makes fast friends! Training has become a big element to the success of many of the top pros. How crucial is it? It's different for everybody, but I will say this, Tournament Golf is ruff. Unlike other sports, it's played over multiple days and each day lasts about 6 hours. It's tuff to concentrate 100% all that time. Who is the biggest inspiration for you? My wife, Jaclyn and my two kids, Vanessa and Carson. If they are proud of me, I know I've done something right.

win in everything I do. My wife, Jaclyn is often on me to let my kids win. No chance! As far as my brothers are concerned, they are still trying to find something they can beat me in. They haven't invited me to play island Bocci Ball yet, because I think they already know the outcome. What is the most memorable shot of your life? Probably the last one I hit. That's the one I remember the most. Favorite course on the planet and why? Crane Lakes, right here in Port Orange of course. Why? They are my employer, of course, and I love representing the club the best I can. Next to Crane Lakes, I'll have to go with Pebble Beach. The history and the views can't be matched. Where do you see the golf industry headed in 2015? (trends, what's hot) It's all about the FUN factor. We have to find ways of increasing the fun factor and that is a difficult thing, because it means different things for different people. Let's ditch some of the senseless things about the game and have FUN. I would like to see a continuous putting rule out into place. Once you start putting on a hole, finish. It would speed up play immensely.

Best parts of the job? As a club professional I typically deal with people who are looking to have a great time. My father was a doctor and I saw him have to deal with people who were sick and often dying. I'm thankful I just deal with people who want to have Fun. Worst aspects of the job? The hours. Usually when everyone is off, I'm working. Thankfully, I have a great family who understands exactly what I do. Besides traveling around the country and chasing that white ball around, what do you do with your spare time? Try to find better ways of chasing that ball. How to play better golf is my passion. I love the work it takes. What is the best advice another pro has given you? Steve Eichsteadt, who lives here in NSB and used to play golf professionally, once told me "all that matters is the golf. Focus on playing great golf and everything else will take care if itself." Thanks Steve, that has helped me so much!

GO BABY GO! PLAY FASTER! WATCH YOUR BALL AND BE READY TO PLAY WHEN IT'S YOUR TURN. FAST PLAY MAKES FAST FRIENDS!

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