Triangle Late Spring 2017

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Golf’s Upswing

Participation increases across North Carolina

Inside Junior Profiles • College Checklist Late Spring 2017

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Apple Valley is one of two golf courses at Rumbling Bald Resort. It opened in 1986 with rave views and was called the “most beautiful mountain golf course” by Golf Digest. The course was designed by Dan Maples, son of the great Ellis Maples, and he carved out of the valley a masterpiece. The course offers wide fairways and large, undulating greens. It has a layout that will take you through the valley and then up towards Youngs Mountain and then back down again. You will leave telling yourself that the back nine is one of the most beautiful you have ever played. It is a great course for all levels of players and is a true hidden gem.

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TRIANGLE GOLF TODAY • LATE SPRING 2017

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L

Area Lonnie Poole adds player Insider development coordinator – by David Droschak

onnie Poole Golf Course is known for its unique design on the rolling hills near downtown Raleigh. Now, N.C. State’s golf layout is getting noticed for its focus on player development.

“The course has been growing its golf staff over the past year, adding Daniel Spurling, our player development coordinator, to our team of PGA professionals,” said Chip Watson, the club’s general manager. “His expertise in club fitting and club building is allowing players to maximize distance and accuracy through a custom fitting program.”

The player development suite, located downstairs in the Carol Johnson Poole clubhouse, enables players to improve their swing indoors. It is a one stop shop for tour-level custom fitting, club repair and alterations.

Daniel is currently in the N.C. State University PGA Golf Management Program and earned his master fitter certification through Golfsmith International. He’s a certified fitter with many prominent brands.

“Daniel’s expertise complements the Lonnie Poole staff perfectly as we have the equipment

needed to help golfers reach their full potential,” Watson said. “Daniel has the ability to individually alter and build custom clubs. After working closely with the client and examining their golf swing, the finished product will be uniquely fitted to them.”

Lonnie Poole staff members are also using a device called TrackMan to examine golfer’s swings -- including the N.C. State men’s and women’s golf teams -- to help them improve their game.

“TrackMan is the best and most accurate golf swing analysis, which is being used by professionals on tour, Spurling said. “These kind of amenities are not commonly offered at public golf courses.

We hope golfers of all skill levels will take advantage of it.”

The staff is also offering a variety of group lessons and outings, including Golf and Grape for women and a nine-hole league on Friday afternoons.

“By the spring we hope to have clinics and leagues offered Monday through Friday for players of all ages and abilities,” said head pro Nick Dillman. “We want our players to have an authentic, one-of-a-kind, golf experience.”

Daniel Spurling

Mid South Club getting course makeover

L

ast summer, the green complexes at Talamore Golf Resort in the North Carolina Sandhills were converted from bentgrass to Champion Bermuda.

Now, Talamore’s partner property at the Arnold Palmerdesigned Mid South Club is undergoing a similar golf course restoration and greens conversion, along with numerous other club enhancements.

In all, these projects are among $6 million in capital improvements at Talamore’s four North Carolina and Pennsylvania facilities.

A quarter century after this renowned Sandhills resort first opened, the Talamore green complexes were restored last year to their original 1991 Rees Jones design by recapturing the greens surrounds, which had been heavily encroached by native bermudagrass.

Following up on that successful work at Talamore, the greens at Mid South Club are now being converted to Champion Bermuda. To ensure the design continuity of the putting contours, Mid South and Talamore employ the “no till” method pioneered by Champion Turf Farms out of Texas. More than 700 courses nationwide have Champion Turf, including Pinehurst No. 2.

As with the Talamore project last summer, Mid South Club is working with Shapemasters. Based in Southport, Shapemasters is one of just a handful of certified golf course builders.

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TRIANGLE GOLF TODAY • LATE SPRING 2017

“We are excited to be working for the Talamore organization again,” said Jeffrey Stein, the president and founder of Shapemasters. “The Mid South course is one of Arnie’s best ever and will be greatly enhanced with new Champion greens. Green sizes will increase by 20 percent to as much as 40 percent, and will change the way the course feels and plays — all for the better.”

Mid South is also adding a new set of forward tees to many holes. The club is also busy improving the club’s cart path system, with most areas being removed and restored with a natural packed sand base.

LATE SPRING 2017

Your contacts for golf:

Main Office P.O. Box 11784, Winston-Salem, NC 27116 Phone: 336-924-1619

Volume 18 • No. 2

Publisher: Jay W. Allred, E-mail: jay@triadgolf.com Editor: David Droschak, E-mail: David@triadgolf.com

Triangle Golf Today, published seven times a year, serves the Triangle region of North Carolina. While our information is gathered from dependable sources, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information. We do not accept responsibility for the validity of our advertisers. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use without written consent is prohibited.

Triangle Golf Today and trianglegolf.com are trademarks owned by Piedmont Golf Today, Inc. © 2017.

NEXT ISSUE: May 16, 2017 On the Cover: Photos of golfers on Pinehurst No. 2.

Cover photo courtesy of Pinehurst Resort.

www.trianglegolf.com

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TRIANGLE GOLF TODAY • LATE SPRING 2017

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An exciting time for golf

Statewide organizations report spike in participation

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By BRAD KING

o need to squint to find something or someone discussing the decline of golf. Rounds are down, they say. Courses are closing. The game can’t attract millennials because it’s slow and takes too long. Everywhere you look it’s doom-and-gloom. Tiger Woods is now raising young kids and yet again nursing a bad back in South Florida.

Given that the United States is by far the world’s biggest market for golf — home to about half its players and courses, with the game adding about $70 billion a year to America’s economy — a free-fall that started with the 2008 recession and seemed to crater around 2013 has been impactful.

Yet, there might just be a light at the end of the tunnel.

Recognizing society’s changing preferences, the golf industry jumpstarted initiatives to retain players and attract new ones. In 2014, the United States Golf Association (USGA) introduced a “Play9” campaign to

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TRIANGLE GOLF TODAY • LATE SPRING 2017

encourage people to play shorter, more cost-effective games. According to Dave Aznavorian, USGA senior director of marketing, the USGA recorded a 13 percent year-over-year increase in nine-hole rounds played from 2014 to 2015 and an 11 percent year-over-year increase from 2015 to 2016.

Courses have even started changing their rules to make playing more appealing -- things like relaxing dress codes and allowing music on the course. “If golf is going to compete against other forms of recreation, courses have to allow what people are used to doing,” says Steve Mona, chief executive of the World Golf Foundation (WGF), an organization that promotes the growth of the sport internationally. In another bid to renew golf’s appeal, faster, easier versions of the sport have been invented. Foot golf, a hybrid of football and golf, and TopGolf — outdoor sports bars where revelers hit golf balls onto huge, colored targets — are among the most popular experiments.

And the number that really jumps off the page, rounds played — perhaps the game’s most important economic metric — showed a positive uptick for 2016, marking the second straight year and third time in the past five years that people have played more golf.

So, is it possible the reports of golf’s demise have been greatly exaggerated?

“No doubt about it,” said Jason Cox. Cox is the Director of Junior Golf and Tournament Operations for the Carolinas Golf Association (CGA) — now in its 108th year of conducting state and regional championships for amateur golfers — meaning he oversees all the organization’s tournaments. “If it’s got a scorecard and a pencil, ultimately it comes back to me in some form or another,” Cox says with a laugh.

This year the CGA will conduct more than 280 tournaments, a record number, including 43 championships, 46 championship qualifiers, 18 USGA national championship qualifiers, 117 one-day tournaments, 49 Tarheel Youth Golf Association (TYGA) events, five team match events, two Interclub seasons and an island four-ball getaway. The CGA schedule continues to swell as the season progresses.

“We’re seeing an increase in all of our events across the board,” said Cox. “Our ladies one-day, which is a new series for us, are filling up in less than a day. We get some premier facilities during the winter, when play is slow at those facilities, but with some exceptions, even regular events in the middle of the summer are filling up within the first 24 hours. All of our events have very good success.”

Continued on page 7

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Golf recovery from page 6 The Carolinas Senior Four-Ball OneDay Tournament series offers 58 events on its 2017 schedule. The popular two-man, best-ball, one-day tournaments are open to male amateurs over the age of 55 — where entries are accepted on a first come-first served basis — and historically have more entrants than spots available.

The typical Senior One-Day opens on-line registration at 8 p.m., on a Sunday evening and “you’d better be ready at the keyboard for some of them,” according to Steve Williams, who has played in nearly a dozen of the events during the past four years. Williams said the recent Senior OneDay Four-ball at prestigious and highly ranked Old North State Club filled up in about an hour. “I was asleep at the switch at 8 and when I tried to register later that night, a waiting list had already started,” he said. “Old North State is probably an extreme example, but a lot of these one-day events max out.”

The Carolina Super Senior at Fort Mill Golf Club typically draws between 112-120 players. This year, the CGA has already expanded the field to 144 — and they have a waiting list. “The events are well-organized and good, fun competition,” Williams said. “For me, it’s more about the competi-

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tion playing on some great courses than it is trying to win a gift certificate.”

Cox said he tends not to worry about the demographics at either end of the age spectrum. “Like most organizations we’re living off junior and senior golf,” he said.

“The senior guys have been playing all their lives and they are going to continue to play.”

Mike Parker believes the fairer sex is driving the current growth of junior golf.

Parker is the Tour Director of the Peggy Kirk Bell Golf Tour (PKBGT), an initiative of the non-profit Triad Youth Golf Foundation and the largest girls-only junior tour in the country. PKBGT along with several sponsors, including the LPGA Foundation and LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, recently formed a “Let’s Play” campaign to establish 1,000 girls-only tournaments during the next 10 years based on PKBGT’s multi-level competitive framework.

In 2016, PKBGT’s participation grew to 661 players — 100 girls over 2015 — with a 13 percent increase in events played.

Parker said his tour is projecting another 12 percent growth in membership in 2017.

“We’re up about 20 percent through the first three months (of 2017) on participation,” he said. “The ridiculously mild winter weather is definitely a factor there, as well as (PKBGT)’s new partnership

with the Women's Health Classic Symetra event.

“With local programs like LPGAUSGA Girls Golf impacting first-touch opportunities and organizations like the Peggy Kirk Bell Girls' Tour helping to sustain these players in the game, we’re excited about the future for girls golf," Parker said.

As for the CGA, Cox said the number of members with handicaps has crept up during the past few years. At its zenith, the CGA had 195,000, which dipped in 2013 to a low of 144,000. Now, that number has expanded to more than 148,000.

“We’re seeing a rebound in handicaps,” he said, “which also shows us an uptick in golf.”

Cox said the CGA’s biggest concern is the golfer who has just graduated from college, but hasn’t played for the last four or five years. “That’s a tough demographic for us,” he said. “We’re trying to figure out how we can get them back into the game. Not necessarily tournament golf, but just some way we can spur them to get them back on the golf course.”

Club golf at the college level has become very popular for players who aren’t quite accomplished enough to compete on the university team. Because there’s so much interest, many schools

are now conducting tryouts for their club team. Several years ago, Liberty University’s club team in Virginia skyrocketed from five players to 17.

“All the juniors who are used to playing golf, all of a sudden they go to college and there’s nowhere to play golf, or they actually have to start paying for it at a higher rate, so that’s an avenue for them to keep engaged in the game,” Cox said.

“We’re still trying to figure out how to get those guys and girls engaged and keep them playing golf through college, which would then lead to the Mid-Ams and the Seniors.”

Cox said he is encouraged by the expansion of the CGA’s one-day tournaments, individual and four-ball, as well as senior four-ball events, along with the fact that his organization has adopted close to a dozen competitions that have turned to the CGA to take over the tournament operations.

Most encouraging, he says, is a return of “the M-word” to golf.

“We’re starting to see a rebound in the millennials coming back to play tournaments,” Cox said. “We’re starting to see more of those guys who don’t play on their college team playing in more of our events, instead. We think it’s an exciting time for golf.”

TRIANGLE GOLF TODAY • LATE SPRING 2017

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TRIANGLE GOLF TODAY • LATE SPRING 2017

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TRIANGLE GOLF TODAY • LATE SPRING 2017

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TRIANGLE COLLEGIATE CHECKLIST

Alex Smalley Duke

John McFadyen Queens

Stephen Franken N.C. State

Brett McLamb Campbell

Zane Lewis N.C. Central

Casey Burroughs UNC Pembroke

Jessica Kittelberger Dartmouth

MEN Thomas Eldridge, Raleigh Tim Conover, Holly Springs Alex Smalley, Wake Forest Doc Redman, Raleigh Jared Chinn, Fayetteville Scott Pechacek, Cary John McFadyen, Fayetteville Preyer Fountain, Raleigh Kellen LaBonte, Wendell Doc Redman, Raleigh Tim Conover, Holly Springs Stephen Franken, Raleigh Eric Bae, Pinehurst John McFadyen, Fayetteville Kaleb Lester, Carrboro Stephen Franken, Raleigh Brett McLamb, Coats Grady Anderson, Camp Lejeune Walter Brinker, Sanford Zach Seabolt, Raleigh Ben Griffin, Chapel Hill Andy Green, Princeton Minchung Kim, Cary Kendrick Vinar, Chapel Hill Joshua Martin, Pinehurst Luke Farley, Durham Alex Smalley, Wake Forest Blake McShea, Zebulon Patrick Stephenson, Four Oaks Zach Martin, Pinehurst Grady Anderson, Camp Lejeune Tim Conover, Holly Springs Zane Lewis, Sanford Kellen LaBonte, Wendell Jackson Spires, Fayetteville Michael Hocker, Durham Jackson Spires, Fayetteville Zach Seabolt, Raleigh Patrick Stephenson, Four Oaks Stephen Franken, Raleigh Eric Bae, Pinehurst Christian Villanueva, Fayetteville Tanner Duncan, Clayton Preyer Fountain, Raleigh Christian Villanueva, Fayetteville

School UNC Wilmington East Carolina Duke Clemson Methodist Barton Queens North Carolina Johnston CC Clemson East Carolina N.C. State Wake Forest Queens Georgetown College N.C. State Campbell N.C. Wesleyan Appalachian Winthrop North Carolina Johnston CC Wake Tech Harvard North Carolina Washington & Lee Duke Methodist East Carolina North Carolina N.C. Wesleyan East Carolina N.C. Central Johnston CC East Carolina USC Aiken East Carolina Winthrop East Carolina N.C. State Wake Forest Fayetteville State Johnston CC North Carolina Fayetteville State

WOMEN School Kendra Dalton, Wake Forest Brigham Young Kendra Dalton, Wake Forest Brigham Young Rhea Bhatia, Wake Forest Queens Siranon Shoomee, Sanford East Carolina Parker Watson, Smithfield Sandhills CC Sarah Bae, Pinehurst N.C. State Casey Burroughs, Wake Forest UNC Pembroke Megan Munroe, Raeford UNC Pembroke Parker Watson, Smithfield Sandhills CC Kendra Dalton, Wake Forest Brigham Young Kaley Barts, Apex Catawba Amanda Hill, Hillsborough Sandhills CC Jessica Kittelberger, Raleigh Dartmouth Catherine Ashworth, Fuquay-Varina East Carolina Savannah Thompson, Seven Lakes UNC Pembroke Lauren Ceyrolles, Fuquay-Varina Methodist Abby Parsons, Pinehurst Boston University Lauren Ceyrolles, Fuquay-Varina Methodist Rhea Bhatia, Wake Forest Queens Amanda Hill, Hillsborough Sandhills CC Meghan Symonds, Cary Sewanee

Position 1st T-1 T-2 T-2 T-2 T-2 2nd T-3 3rd 4th T-4 4th T-4 4th 4th T-5 T-6 T-7 T-8 T-8 8th T-8 T-8 T-9 T-9 T-10 T-10 T-10 T-14 T-14 T-14 T-15 T-16 T-17 T-17 T-18 T-18 T-19 T-19 T-19 T-19 T-20 T-21 T-22 T-22

Field 99 65 97 90 77 74 73 34 23 128 90 81 78 74 53 81 100 77 96 81 76 70 23 128 34 102 77 66 84 74 66 84 89 70 65 90 90 90 84 84 78 43 70 74 45

Scores 69-66-68 74-69-79 69-69-66 65-69-73 71-65-75 71-70-75 72-69 75-72 79-74 71-68-69 71-70-67 72-69-67 73-67-73 70-73-75 73-77 69-68-73 73-66 72-67-74 74-72-72 66-72-70 72-76-70 70-76-75 79-77 69-68-73 74-75 73-75 70-68-70 72-80 69-74-76 76-75-73 78-79-74 77-68 76-75-69 74-75-77 74-74-79 72-72-71 71-71-73 76-70-77 77-69 72-74 73-68-72 82-85 77-76-76 73-76-79 83-81

Tournament (Date) Tiger Invitational (March 5-6) East Carolina Intercollegiate (April 3-4) Grand Canyon Univ. Invitational (March 17-18) Cleveland Golf Intercollegiate (March 6-7) Camp Lejeune Gold Championship (March 31-April 2) Southern Tide Classic (March 6-7) Richard Rendleman Invitational (Feb. 27-28) Heel/Pack Individual (Feb. 25-26) Eagles Cup Spring (March 25-26) Furman Intercollegiate (March 24-26) Cleveland Golf Intercollegiate (March 6-7) Hootie @ Bulls Bay Intercollegiate (March 26-28) Valspar Collegiate (March 19-21) Southern Tide Classic (March 6-7) Mid South Conference Spring Tournament (March 20-21) Schenkel Invitational (March 17-19) Border Olympics (March 10-11) Camp Lejeune Gold Championship (March 31-April 2) Bash at the Beach (March 13-14) Seminole Intercollegiate (March 10-12) Seahawk Intercollegiate (March 19-20) Camp Lejeune Scarlett Consolation (March 31-April 2) Eagles Cup Spring (March 25-26) Furman Intercollegiate (March 24-26) Heel/Pack Individual (Feb. 25-26) Calloway Gardens Intercollegiate (March 6-7) Mason Rudolph Championship (March 31-April 2) Lynchburg College Invitational (March 27-28) John Hayt Collegiate (Feb. 24-26) Seahawk Intercollegiate (March 19-20) Barton Intercollegiate (March 13-14) General Hackler Championship (March 11-12) Manor Intercollegiate (April 1-2) Camp Lejeune Scarlett Consolation (March 31-April 2) East Carolina Intercollegiate (April 3-4) Cleveland Golf Intercollegiate (March 6-7) Cleveland Golf Intercollegiate (March 6-7) Wexford Plantation Intercollegiate (Feb. 27-28) General Hackler Championship (March 11-12) General Hackler Championship (March 11-12) 3M Augusta Invitational (April 1-2) CIAA Southern Division Tourney (March 20-21) Camp Lejeune Scarlett Consolation (March 31-April 2) Seahawk Intercollegiate (March 19-20) CIAA North Division Tournament (March 27-28)

Position T-2 T-2 T-5 T-6 T-7 T-8 T-8 T-8 9th 10th T-11 T-11 T-13 T-14 T-14 T-17 T-18 T-22 T-23 T-23 T-24

Field 75 70 53 74 67 90 53 53 46 87 84 46 62 74 53 59 44 53 78 67 90

Scores 72-71-71 72-76-68 82-76 71-80-69 81-86 69-74-75 77-74-78 79-78-72 85-89 72-75-73 75-74 89-87 81-71-74 73-75-75 80-77-76 81-81 77-77-77 76-77-84 78-81 87-92 84-78

Tournament (Date) Meadow Club Intercollegiate (March 6-7) BYU at Entrada Classic (March 13-14) Wingate Intercollegiate Challenge (March 20-21) River Landing Classic (March 9-10) Browngolf Intercollegiate (March 17-18) LSU Tiger Classic (March 24-26) Sunoco Campbell Oil Classic (March 27-28) Sunoco Campbell Oil Classic (March 27-28) TaylorMade adidas Intercollegiate (March 13-14) The Gold Rush (Feb. 27-28) Hilton Head Lakes Invite (March 6-7) TaylorMade adidas Intercollegiate (March 13-14) Babs Steffens Invitational (March 26-27) River Landing Classic (March 9-10) Sunoco Campbell Oil Classic (March 27-28) Callaway Golf Spring Invite (April 3-4) Harvard Invitational (April 1-2) Sunoco Campbell Oil Classic (March 27-28) Agnes McAmis Memorial (April 3-4) Browngolf Intercollegiate (March 17-18) Callaway Gardens Collegiate (March 6-7)

This chart lists players from the Triangle Golf Today coverage area who finished in the top 25 of a field in collegiate events of at least two rounds played Feb. 25-April 4.

10 TRIANGLE GOLF TODAY • LATE SPRING 2017

Jared Chinn Methodist

Preyer Fountain North Carolina

Kaleb Lester Georgetown College

Patrick Stephenson East Carolina

Kendra Dalton Brigham Young

Kaley Barts Catawba

Catherine Ashworth East Carolina www.trianglegolf.com

Eldridge claims first collegiate title

T

By STEVE WILLIAMS

www.trianglegolf.com

AS TIMELESS AS THE GAME THAT

INSPIRED IT. Beneath the towering longleaf pines in the heart of North Carolina is a place where golf is much more than a game, it’s a way of life. A place where people gather in twos and fours. And time is measured not by hours, but by birdies and pars. A place with more courses than days of the week. And more championships than anywhere in America. The place is Pinehurst. And it’s waiting for you.

Spring Golf Packages from $459*

© 2017 Pinehurst, LLC

homas Eldridge has notched 10 top10s in his 28 career events at UNC Wilmington. He has gone low a number of times, but victory remained elusive because he didn’t string his low scores together.

The former Raleigh Millbrook standout twice shot a career-low 65 in the fall portion of the schedule, but also included scores of 76 or higher in his tournament totals.

That trend changed in early March when Eldridge fired 69-66-68 and claimed a three-shot victory in the Tiger Invitational at Grand National Lake Course in Opelika, Ala. Eldridge posted nine birdies in the second round as he climbed the leaderboard. He began the final round with three straight bogeys but didn’t drop a shot the rest of the day and carded seven birdies, including four on the final five holes. He finished with a tournament-best 22 birdies.

"Thomas continued to be aggressive and make the shots he needed in the third round," said UNCW coach Matt Clark. "I'm proud of the way he competed and went about his business from the start."

The 99-player field included six players in Golfstat’s top-100. Zan Luka Stirn of Arkansas State led after the first and second rounds, but ended three shots off the pace after closing with a 72.

Host Auburn won the 19-team event by five shots. UNC Wilmington tied for sixth.

With seven rounds in the 60s, Eldridge is averaging 72.0 in his junior campaign. ❖❖❖ Kendra Dalton posted her first collegiate win in the fall and she came close to two more titles this spring.

She finished at 4-under to win the Juli Inkster Invitational last September and was runner-up in both the Meadow Club Intercollegiate and the BYU at Entrada Classic in March.

She ended three shots off the pace at Meadow Club for a second-place tie while a final-round 68 in the Entrada Classic enabled her rally for a second-place tie, four shots off the pace.

Now a junior, Dalton arrived at Brigham Young as a walk-on after playing her prep golf at Heritage High School in Wake Forest. She’s now one of the team leaders with top-15 finishes in all seven of her tournaments this season, averaging 72.4 in 21 rounds.

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TRIANGLE GOLF TODAY • LATE SPRING 20174:12 11 P 3/9/17

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Seven Lakes

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Chicora 910-897-7366 Keith Hills 18 Bogey’s to Birdies 910-893-5051 910-890-6018 18

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TRIANGLE GOLF TODAY • LATE SPRING 2017 13

Wotnosky hopes swing change will pay dividends in 2107

H

By JOHN BRASIER aeley Wotnosky likes to travel, but she didn’t want to spend her Fourth of July in Vermont last summer. Luckily for her, she was talked into the trip by my her mother and some friends.

As it turned out, Wotnosky put on a fireworks show of her own on the trip, shooting a final-round 67 in the AJGA Killington Junior Golf Championship at Green Mountain National Golf Course, then winning a one-hole playoff for her first AJGA victory.

“I had been playing a lot of tournaments, and I needed some time off before the U.S Junior Girls, so I thought it would be nice to stay home,” Wotnosky said. “But I won and I had a lot of fun, so they were able to throw that in my face.”

It was a great summer for Wotnosky, now a high school junior. Two days after qualifying for the U.S. Junior Girls Championship with a 70 at MacGregor Downs, she won the Peggy Kirk Bell Golf Tour’s Precision Junior.

Wotnosky capped the year by winning the PKBGT’s Tournament of Champions at Pinehurst No. 8.

Less than two weeks after winning in Vermont, Wotnosky made the stroke-play cut to advance to match play at the U.S. Girls in New Jersey. She lost 1-up in the first round.

“Winning the AJGA tournament and qualifying

for match play at the U.S. Girls’ were the two highlights,” Wotnosky said.

But Wotnosky didn’t get complacent. After winning in Pinehurst, she took a few months off

Haeley Wotnosky

from tournament golf and started working on a swing change.

“You always want to get better,” she said. “I’ve spent a lot of time on repetition. It takes some patience.”

Earlier this year, Wotnosky committed to play college golf at Virginia.

Honors: TYGA Girls’ All-State First Team, 2015, 2016.

2016 Victories: PKBGT Precision, AJGA Killington Junior, PKBGT Tournament of Champions.

Best Round: Shot final-round 67, then two-putted for birdie to win AJGA Killington Junior on the first playoff hole.

Magic Moment: Hit 6-iron within inches of the hole in windy conditions for a tap-in birdie on the par-3 17th in the final round of the AJGA Killington Junior. The ball hit a slope behind the hole and rolled back for a near ace. “At that point, I knew I had to be somewhere close to the lead.”

Goals: Win another AJGA tournament, make the semifinals of the U.S. Girls’ and lower number of putts. “I have a typed paper with goals. I look at it every day to evaluate how I’m progressing on accomplishing them.”

Photo Credit: Carolinas Golf Association

Being in contention not good enough for Garewal in 2017

M

By JOHN BRASIER ost players with Viraj Garewal’s credentials would have waded through stacks of college offers and committed to a top-flight golf program long before the spring of their second year of high school.

But not Garewal, who had a stellar 2016 record despite winning only once. The senior at Panther Creek High had 10 top-10 finishes in strong fields, including a victory at the AJGA Judie Oppenheimer Memorial Junior at Oyster Reef Golf Club on Hilton Head Island.

Interested in computer science and economics, Garewal wants to find a college with top-flight academics and golf program.

Viraj Garewal

Photo Credit: Carolinas Golf Association

14 TRIANGLE GOLF TODAY • LATE SPRING 2017

“I don’t know yet,” he said when asked for his likely college destination. “I’m still trying to figure that out. I’m still looking all over the country.”

In 2016, Garewal proved himself in national competition.

Besides winning at Hilton Head, he tied for third at the AJGA Izod Championship at The Club at Irish Creek in Kannapolis and tied for sixth in an AJGA event in Nashville.

Garewal said he would do a lot of traveling to junior and amateur events the rest of the year. He said at least a few schools are interested in how he performs over the summer — a few victories might give him more choices.

He’s also working on developing a more consistent routine and staying more committed to his shots while standing over the ball.

“I got myself into contention last year,” Garewal said. “This year, I want to win more and get better.”

Honors: Southwest Wake Athletic Conference player of the year, TYGA Boys’ All-State first team.

2016 Victories: AJGA Judie Oppenheimer Memorial Junior.

Best Round: Shot 5-under 67 in final round to win the AJGA Judie Oppenheimer Memorial Junior at Oyster Reef Golf Club on Hilton Head Island. “It was a pretty memorable round.”

Magic Moment: Hit 3-wood from 250 yards over a tree to within 4 feet of the hole to set up an eagle on the eighth hole at Cabarrus Country Club in the CGA Dogwood State Junior. Garewal tied for third in the tournament. “I had just made a double-bogey on a straightforward par-3, and I was mad. I had already made three birdies on the front nine, so I had some confidence.”

Goals: Select a college with a strong academic record as well as a strong golf program.

“Academics are really important to me. I want the best of both, and there are only so many that have both.” www.trianglegolf.com

www.trianglegolf.com

TRIANGLE GOLF TODAY • LATE SPRING 2017

15

Junior Golf Scoreboard Carolinas Golf Association

9th Jimmy Anderson Boys’ Invitational Jacksonville Country Club Jacksonville, NC April 1-2, 2017 Boys Division - 6580 1 Chris Kim, Cary 74-70--144 2 Mason Elmore, Charlotte 74-74--148 3 Trey Capps, Garner 74-75--149 4 John Massei, Cary 73-77--150 4 Symon Balbin, Pinehurst 76-74--150 Selected Others 6 Brandon Jones, Sanford 77-75--152 6 Grayson Wotnosky, Wake Forest 80-72--152 6 Nathan Norfleet, Chapel Hill 75-77--152 10 Kareem Elkassem, Raleigh 75-78--153 12 Jackson Brimfield, Chapel Hill 76-78--154 14 Christopher Sperrazza, Raleigh 78-77--155 14 Dalton Mauldin, Sanford 77-78--155

Peggy Kirk Bell Tour

Women’s Health Classic Junior Challenge Symetra Qualifier The Links at Stoney Point, Greenwood, SC April 1-2, 2017 Bell Division - 6164 1 Lauren Freyvogel, Gibsonia PA 70-77--147 2 Kathryn Carson, Mooresville 76-75--151 3 Louise Yu, Duluth GA 78-74--152 Selected Others 4 Holly McCann, Raleigh 75-79--154 5 Riley Smyth, Cary 77-78--155 8 Nicole Adam, Pinehurst 80-76--156 15 Lotte Fox, Raleigh 79-81--160 27 Hannah Rose Bruxvoort, Chapel Hill 82-89--171

NC Classic @ Sapona Ridge

Lexington, NC, Sapona Ridge CC April 1-2, 2017 Prep Series - 5750 1 Madison Isaacson, Greensboro 79-76--155 2 Caroline Duggan, Holly Springs 81-77--158 3 Mackenzie Battle, Aberdeen 76-83--159 Selected Others 14 Tylor Whitley, Raleigh 83-85--168 16 Channing Hensley, Wake Forest 84-87--171 16 Mara Hirtle, Pinehurst 85-86--171 29 Carson Jenkins, Raleigh 97-94--191 30 Claire Patrick, Creedmoor 110-101--211 31 Carly Romano, Wake Forest 122-96--218

Palmetto Classic

Blythewood, SC, Cobblestone Park (Gold/Garnet) Mar 18-19, 2017 Bell/Prep - 5844 1 Emily Hawkins, Lexington 69-77--146 2 Jalen Castle, West Columbia SC 73-77--150 3 Moon Cheong, Charlotte 77-77--154 Selected Others 3 Nicole Adam, Pinehurst 78-76--154 22 Hannah Rose Bruxvoort, Chapel Hill 85-84--169 32 Lorin Wagler, Seven Lakes 86-90--176 41 Halle Auf Der Heide, Fayetteville 94-88--182

Tarheel Classic

UNC Finley, Chapel Hill, NC Mar 11-12, 2017 Bell Division - 6000 1 Caroline Curtis, Richmond, VA 76-69--145 1 Caroline Wrigley, Wexford, PA 71-74--145 2 Emily Hawkins, Lexington 72-74--146 Selected Others 7 Riley Smyth, Cary 76-75--151 10 Hannah Rose Bruxvoort, Chapel Hill 79-75--154 11 Natalie Petersen, Holly Springs 81-74--155 12 Nicole Adam, Pinehurst 83-73--156 18 Mogie Adamchik, Raleigh 81-81--162 19 Elizabeth Nguyen, Pinehurst 82-81--163

Tiger Classic @ Clemson University

Clemson, SC, The Walker Course Feb 25-26, 2017 Bell Division - 5934 1 Caroline Wrigley, Wexford, PA 74-70--144 2 Louise Yu, Duluth, GA 72-75--147 3 Holly McCann, Raleigh 74-74--148 Selected Others 6 Nicole Adam, Pinehurst 82-75--157 13 Hannah Rose Bruxvoort, Chapel Hill 81-79--160 23 Mogie Adamchik, Raleigh 82-83--165 23 Lotte Fox, Raleigh 89-76--165 Futures Division - 5134 1 Sara Im, Duluth, GA 73-75--148 2 Karlee Vardas, Lexington, SC 79-75--154 3 Alexia Siehl, Fort Mill, SC 79-78--157 Selected Others 8 Carson Jenkins, Raleigh 84-86--170 22 Alicia Carlson, Raleigh 92-93--185

Tarheel Junior Golf Foundation

6th Annual Wolfpack Junior Amateur Lonnie Poole GC, Raleigh, NC April 1-2, 2017

High School Boys - 6502 1 Will Hawley, Raleigh 70-70--140 2 Noah Connor, Reidsville 69-72--141 2 Kareem Elkassem, Raleigh 75-66--141 Selected Others 4 Ethan Lukes, Chapel Hill 78-67--145 5 Andrew Wilmoth, Raleigh 77-69--146 6 Logan Patrick, Dunn 75-72--147 9 Tyler Dechellis, Clayton 76-72--148 10 Nicholas Mathews, Mebane 69-80--149 Middle School Boys - 5508 1 Jake Herring, Wilson 72-70--142 2 Kyle Kushnir, Raleigh 71-75--146 2 Abhay Gupta, Concord 75-71--146 Selected Others 4 Owen Kose, Holly Springs 74-73--147 6 Caden Baker, Mebane 80-71--151 7 Ryan Macri, Wake Forest 77-71--151 11 and Under Boys - 4869 1 Tyler Jones, Jacksonville 71-78--149 2 Bryan Fang, Raleigh 78-74--152 3 Will Brown, Fayetteville 90-90--180

Duke University Blue Devil Junior

Classic Leaderboard Duke University GC, Durham, NC Mar 25-26, 2017 High School Boys - 6562 1 William Garrett, Chesapeake Beach, MD 74-74--148 2 Ben Cooper, Richmond, VA 75-74--149 3 Whit Edwards, Greensboro 79-77--156 Selected Others 8 Will Hanna, Raleigh 82-77--159 9 Clayson Good, Durham 80-80--160 14 Max Sanchez, Chapel Hill 84-84--168 16 Branden Boyce, Spring Lake 85-85--170 22 Parker Groeschner, Wake Forest 96-92--188 Middle School Boys - 5650 1 Ayush Bodhale, Cornelius 76-75--151 2 Jackson Bode, Pinehurst 81-72--153 3 Owen Kose, Holly Springs 74-81--155 Selected Others 3 Davis Adams, Raleigh 80-75--155 5 Ryan Macri, Wake Forest 82-75--157 78-86--164 8 Nick Kleu, Cary 11 Alan Van Asch, Raleigh 85-88--173

UNC Tarheel Junior

UNC Finley, Chapel Hill, NC Mar 18-19, 2017 High School Boys - 6732 1 Akshay Bhatia, Wake Forest 72-71--143 2 Cam Barackman, Virginia Beach, VA 72-76--148 3 Patrick Carlin, Raleigh 73-76--149 Selected Others 4 Jimbo Stanley, Raleigh 76-74--150 6 Will Lewis, Raleigh 77-74--151 10 Peter Fountain, Raleigh 75-78--153 11 Jackson Van Paris, Pinehurst 76-78--154 13 Kenan Poole, Raleigh 76-79--155 11 and Under Boys - 4980 1 Tyler Jones, Jacksonville 77-74--151 2 Daniel Boone, Fuquay Varina 81-80--161 3 William Pohlman, Chapel Hill, NC 85-88--173 Selected Others 4 Matthew McCarthy, Cary 83-94--177

NCJGF

6th Annual UNC Chapel Hill Spring Championship UNC Finley Golf Course, Chapel Hill, NC Mar. 4-2, 2017 Boys 12-18 Division - 6711 1 Chris Kim, Cary 74-70--144 2 Mason Elmore, Charlotte 74-74--148 3 Trey Capps, Garner 74-75--149 4 John Massei, Cary 73-77--150 4 Symon Balbin, Pinehurst 76-74--150 Selected Others 6 Grayson Wotnosky, Wake Forest 80-72--152 6 Nathan Norfleet, Chapel Hill 75-77--152 10 Kareem Elkassem, Raleigh 75-78--153 12 Jackson Brimfield, Chapel Hill 76-78--154 14 Christopher Sperrazza, Raleigh 78-77--155 23 Peter Jackson, Raleigh 80-77--157

TYGA

2017 North State HS Challenge Club at Irish Creek, Kannapolis, NC Mar 24-25, 2017 HS Division - 6599 1 Michael Sanders, Cannon School A 66-66--136 1 Zach Brown, R.J. Reynolds HS 71-71--136 3 Lansdon Robbins, Cannon School A 67-67--138 Selected Others 3 Jimbo Stanley, Broughton HS 69-69--138 7 Peter Fountain, Broughton HS 71-71--142 11 Patrick Carlin, Broughton HS 71-73--144 24 Connor Jones, Broughton HS 78-73--151 T33 Will Hawley , Broughton HS 77-76--153

16 TRIANGLE GOLF TODAY • LATE SPRING 2017

Presented by

PKBGT.ORG

Archdale-Trinity Junior Open

Holly Ridge GL, Archdale, NC Mar 18-19, 2017 Boys 17-18 - 6,579 1 William Crook, Sherrills Ford 69-76--145 2 Justin Emmons, Asheboro 75-73--148 3 Joseph Cook, Rocky Mount 75-74--149 3 Bradley Calloway, Asheboro 73-76--149 Selected Others 13 Carter Cheek, Cary 77-81--158 19 Nicholas Holanek, Cary 80-85--165 23 Casey Jones, Albemarle 86-85--171 Boys 15-16 - 6,579 1 Drew Hackett, Charlotte 74-76--150 1 Michael Blair, Kernersville 69- 81--150 3 Jack Heath, Charlotte 75-76--151 Selected Others 4 Zach Roberts, Holly Springs 76-76--152 7 Christopher Sperrazza, Raleigh 76-78--154 7 Kayden Roberts, Cary 75-79--154 7 Symon Balbin, Pinehurst 74-80--154 15 Austin Tate, Siler City 80-79--159 Boys 13-14 - 6,579 1 Tyler Partee, Thomasville 73-78--151 2 Tyler Dechellis, Clayton 77-81--158 2 Nick Rubino, Charlotte 74-84--158 Girls – 5,727 1 Madison Isaacson, Greensboro 74-75--149 2 Hailey Joy, Reidsville 80-77--157 3 Madison Harriman, High Point 76-84--160 Selected Others 6 Angelique Seymour, Fayetteville 84-81--165 13 Catherine Vivongsy, Wake Forest 102-101--203

TYGA One Day

Forest Oaks, Greensboro, NC Feb. 4, 2017 16-18 Boys 1 Carson Castelli, Greensboro 2 Will Lewis, Raleigh 3 Andrew Wilmoth, Raleigh Selected Others 6 Jared Robinson, Pinehurst 8 Griffin Burke, Cary 11 Joseph Cook, Rocky Mount 14-15 Boys 1 Luke Gossert, Matthews 2 Andrew Plate, Greensboro 2 Mitchell Tanis, Pineville Selected Others 6 Clayson Good, Durham 9 Tyler Owens, Cary 10 Joey Democko, Goldsboro 12-13 Boys 1 Cayden Bryner, Winston-Salem 2 Maddox Whittington, Lenoir 2 Alexander Gould, Greensboro Selected Others 4 Lingyu An, Chapel Hill 6 Davis Adams, Raleigh 14-15 Girls 1 Siana Wong, Summerfield 2 Jayla Rogers, Wilmington 3 Mallory Fobes, East Bend Selected Others 4 Angelique Seymour, Fayetteville 5 Katelyn Kenthack, Pinehurst 7 Grace Greene, Apex 12-13 Girls 1 Morgan Ketchum, Winston-Salem 2 Catherine Vivongsy, 3 Julia Greene, Apex

72 74 75

Event 8 - Pinehurst 5 (72) Sat-Sun March 4-5, 2017 Pinehurst, NC Junior/Senior Division - 6640 1 Travon Willis, Indian Trail 80-79--159 2 Carter Cheek, Cary 84-78--162 3 Jacob Steinert, Pittsboro 83-80--163 Selected Others 4 Chad Allison, Cary 78-86--164 Freshman/Sophomore - 6640 1 Narayan Mohan, Charlotte 73-73--146 2 Jake Newman, Sunset, SC 76-75--151 Girls Division - 5248 1 Mallory Fobes, East Bend 84-84--168 2 Lara Mullins, Concord 129-118--247 Event 7 - Pinehurst 2, 1 (72, 70) Sat-Sun February 18-19, 2017 Pinehurst, NC Junior/Senior Division 6307;6089 1 Trey Capps, Garner 72-72--144 2 Jack Neenan, Naperville, IL 79-74--153 3 Carter Cheek, Cary 84-73--157 Selected Others 9 Jacob Steinert, Pittsboro 84-86--170 10 Ryan Van Dep Poll, Apex 92-81--173 12 Chad Allison, Cary 90-84--174 Freshman/Sophomore Division 6307;6089 1 Noah Connor, Reidsville 70-68--138 2 Cade Hancock, Elizabethtown 73-77--150 2 Jake Newman, Sunset, SC 79-71--150 Selected Others 5 Josh Lendach, Raleigh 75-76--151 15 Colton Levey, Chapel Hill 89-86--175 19 Jason Crews, Raleigh 115-99--214 Girls Division - 5257; 5466 1 Mallory Fobes, Pinehurst 84-84--168 2 Michaela Cox, Greensboro 85-88--173 3 Caroline Crumrine, Wilmington 97-85--182

78 80 84 75 77 77 81 83 87 76 77 77 78 81 77 78 81 82 91 93 78 100 112

HJGT

Grandover Junior Shootout Grandover Resort - West, Greensboro, NC US Feb 25 - 26, 2017 Boys 14-18 -6668 1 Geehoon Yu, Cornelius 76-76--152 2 Karsen Rush, Chambersburg, PA 77-75--152 3 Carson Castelli, Greensboro 76-77--153 4 Randall Hudson, New Bern 77-79--156 5 Cody Anderson, Moorseville 80-79--159 Selected Others 15 Nicholas Holanek, Cary 93-78--171 Boys 11-13 - 5690 1 Ryan Macri, Wake Forest 78-73--151 2 Tyler Jones, Jacksonville 77-79--156 3 Paul Ulanich, Freehold, NJ 82-79--161 4 Cayden Bryner, Winston-Salem 86-76--162

Ballantyne Junior Open

Pinehurst Winternationals

The Golf Club at Ballantyne, Charlotte, NC US Feb 11 - 12, 2017 Boys 11-13 - 5616 1 Keenan Royalty, Raleigh 69-84--153 2 Walker Jennings, Greenville, SC 80-78--158 3 Aidan Browning, Charlotte 80-80--160 Girls 14-18 - 5616 1 Michelle Harn, Charlotte 77-77--154 2 Katharina Floyd, Chapel Hill 81-76--157 3 Katherine Schuster, Kill Devil Hills 78-80--158

Boys (High School, graduation year) 1 Fulton Smith, Pinehurst (O’Neal School, 2019) 2 A J Beechler, Pinehurst (Pinecrest, 2018) 3 Jack Massei, Cary (Green Hope, 2018) 4 Chris Kim, Cary (Green Hope, 2019) 5 Viraj Garewal, Raleigh (Panther Creek, 2017) 6 Akshay Bhatia, Wake Forest (Home School, 2020) 7 Grayson Wotnosky, Wake Forest (S. Wake Academy, 2020) 8 Spencer Oxendine, Fayetteville (Jack Britt HS, 2019) 9 Alex Scott, Raleigh (Panther Creek HS, 2017) 10 Austin Bonfiglio, Holly Springs (Middle Creek, 2017) Girls (High School, graduation year) 1 Gina Kim, Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill HS, 2018) 2 Jennifer Chang, Cary (Athens Drive, 2018) 3 Emilia Migliaccio, Cary (Athens Drive, 2017) 4 Haeley Wotnosky, Wake Forest (S. Wake Academy, 2018) 5 Natalie Petersen, Holly Springs (Holly Springs HS, 2017) 6 Riley Smyth, Cary (Cardinal Gibbons, 2018) 7 Holly McCann, Raleigh (Ravenscroft, 2019) 8 Nicole Adam, Pinehurst (O’Neal School, 2020) 9 Elizabeth Nguyen, Pinehurst (Pinecrest, 2017) 10 Mackenzie Battle, Aberdeen (Pinecrest, 2018) Source: Tarheel Youth Golf Association as of 4/1/17

www.trianglegolf.com

The Neuse Golf Club: “Why Play Anywhere Else” A Member of the ClubCorp Family

Great Course, Great Value and as Always The Best Conditions in the Triangle!!

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Before 3 p.m. – $37 After 3 p.m. – $30

SUPER TWILIGHT, Book your12 outing 2013 and receive Before p.m. –for $49 Aftera 5free p.m.gift Call the Pro shop for details$20 After 12 p.m.

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919.550.0550• •918 www.neusegolf.com 919.550.0550 • www.neusegolf.com Birkdale Drive • Clayton, NC 918 Birkdale Drive • Clayton, NC

*Must present coupon upon check in. Not valid with any other offer, league play, or reserved tee times. Certain exclusion/ presentTee coupon upon check valid with offer, league play or reserved restrictions may apply. Proper dress required at allMust times.

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TRIANGLE GOLF TODAY • LATE SPRING 2017

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TRIANGLE GOLF TODAY • LATE SPRING 2017

19

CALENDAR All listings are based on submissions by clubs and correspondence.

To list your tournament free email your information to jay@triadgolf.com or call 336-924-1619.

USGA Qualifiers Selected events (full list at Carolinasgolf.org) May 10 U.S. Open Championship Local Qualifier, River Landing, Wallace May 15 – U.S. Open Championship Local Qualifier, Pinewild, Pinehurst May 17 – U.S. Open Championship Local Qualifier, Lonnie Poole, Raleigh June 12 – U.S. Women’s Open Championship Qualifying, Governors Club, Chapel Hill June 12 – U.S. Senior Open Sectional Qualifier, Starmount Forest, Greensboro June 12 – U.S. Junior Boys’ Qualifying, CC of Salisbury, Salisbury June 14 – U.S. Junior Boys’ Qualifying, TBA June 19 – U.S. Junior Girls’ Qualifying, Raintree CC, Charlotte June 19 - U.S. Junior Boys’ Qualifying, Prestonwood CC (Highlands), Cary

CGA Men Majors/Qualifiers Carolinas Mid-Amateur April 21-23 – 37th Carolinas Mid-Am, Providence CC, Charlotte Four-Ball Championships May 3-7 - 66th Carolinas Four-Ball Championship, Camden, Camden, SC Oct. 13-15 – 22nd N.C. Four-Ball Championship, Wakefield Plantation, Raleigh N.C. Amateur May 20 - Qualifier, Timberlake GC, Clinton May 22 - Qualifier, North Shore, Sneads Ferry May 24 - Qualifier, Oak Hollow, High Point May 25 - Qualifier, The Club at Irish Creek, Kannapolis June 5 - Qualifier, Brier Creek CC, Raleigh June 7 - Qualifier, Mimosa Hills, Morganton June 15-18 – 57th N.C. Amateur Championship, River Run CC, Davidson Carolinas Amateur June 7 - Qualifier, Mimosa Hills CC, Morganton June 21 - Qualifier, Mill Creek, Mebane June 26 - Qualifier, Cabarrus CC, Concord June 2 - Qualifier, Wilmington Muni, Wilmington N.C. Amateur Match Play Championship June 26 – Qualifier, Cabarrus CC, Concord

CGA Senior Men Majors/Qualifiers April 19-20 – 9th Carolinas Super Senior Championship, Fort Mill CG, Fort Mill April 26 – N.C. Senior Amateur Qualifier, Cowans Ford, Stanley April 28 – N.C. Senior Amateur Qualifier, Cedar Rock CC, Lenoir May 4 – N.C. Senior Amateur Qualifier, Forest Oaks CC, Greensboro May 8 – N.C. Senior Amateur Qualifier, River Ridge GC, Raleigh May 16-18 – N.C. Senior Amateur Championship, CC of Salisbury, Salisbury June 7-9 – 49th Carolinas Senior Four-Ball Championship, Seabrook Island (Ocean Winds), Johns Island, SC

CGA Women Majors April 18-19 – 14th N.C. Senior Women’s Amateur, Wilson CC, Wilson.

May 23-24 – 40th Carolinas Women’s Four-Ball, Pine Needles GC, Southern Pines June 2-4 – 91st Carolinas Women’s Amateur Championship, Porter’s Neck, Wilmington.

June 20-22 – NCWGA Amateur Championship, Pine Island CC, Charlotte.

20 TRIANGLE GOLF TODAY • LATE SPRING 2017

CGA Other April 24 – Carolinas Club Championship, Sedgefield (Ross), Greensboro May 19-21 – 2nd Carolinian Amateur, Keith Hills Country Club, Buies Creek

Amateur Individual April 29-30 – Bud Kivett Memorial, Blair Park & Oak Hollow GC, High Point. Medal play in flights. 336-883-3260.

May 6-7 – Southwick Amateur, Southwick GC, Graham. 336-227-2582.

May 27-28 – High Point Memorial, Blair Park GC, High Point. Medal play in flights.

336-883-3497.

May 27-28 – Durham Amateur, Hillandale GC, Durham. Medal play in flights. 919-286-4211.

June 2-4 – Asheboro City Amateur, Asheboro Municipal, Holly Ridge GL, Pinewood CC. (Randolph County residents only).

336-625-4158.

June 2-4 – Alamance County Open Amateur, Indian Valley GC. Medal play in flights. Not restricted to Alamance residents. 336-584-7871.

June 10-11 – Brookwood Amateur, Brookwood GC, Whitsett. Medal play in flights. Also senior division. 336-449-5544.

June 10-11 – Bob Howerton Invitational, Kinderton CC, Clarksville, Va. 434-374-8822.

June 19-25 – Herald-Sun Classic, Hillandale GC, Durham. Medal play qualifier, then match play in flights. 919-286-4211.

June 24-25 – Chair City Open, Winding Creek GC, Thomasville. Medal play in flights.

336-475-5580.

June 24-25 – Wake County Amateur, Pine Hollow GC, Clayton. Medal play in flights. Not restricted to Wake County residents. 919-553-4554.

Golfweek Amateur Tour 252-864-9161 April 17 -- Greensboro CC (Irving Park) April 22 -- Stoney Creek May 6 -- The Neuse, Clayton May 13 -- CC of Whispering Pines (West) May 20 -- Mill Creek, Mebane June 10 -- Little River, Carthage June 17 -- Carolina Trace (Lake), Sanford June 24 -- Bentwinds CC, Fuquay-Varina

Senior Individual

Ladies Individual/Team May 10 – 28th annual Kathleen Bryan Championship, Bryan Park, Browns Summit.

336-375-2200.

June 15 – Crooked Tree Ladies Invitational, Crooked Tree GC, Brown Summit. 336-6563211.

June 17 – Kinderton Ladies Invitational, Kinderton CC, Clarksville, Va. 434-374-8822.

Amateur Team June 3-4 – Oak Hollow 2-Man Open, Oak Hollow GC, High Point. 336-883-3260.

June 10-11 – Goodyear Invitational Two-Man Bestball, Goodyear GC, Danville. 434-797-1909.

Captain’s Choice April 28 – 14th Annual ECU Economics Scholarship Tournament, Ironwood CC, Greenville. Randy Parker: parkerr@ecu.edu .

June 12 – American Lung Association Golf Outing, MacGregor Downs, Cary. $125 person. Melissa Forde 919-792-1641

Junior Golf Schedule CGA 910-673-1000 * TYGA 910-673-1000 * PKBGT 336-347-8537 * NCJGF 919-858-6400 * TGF 919-291-5813 * NJGT 704-824-6548 * AJGA 770-868-4200 * USGA 908-234-2300 * USKIDS Raleigh Tour 919-206-4666 * Winternational 847-204-9888 * HJGT 904-379-2697 Apr. 17 - TYGA NC High School Invitational, Treyburn CC, Durham, Invitationa only.

Apr. 14-15 - TGF "5th Annual ACC JUNIOR Amateur" Play UNC A.E.Finley Golf Course Boys Only 9-18.

Apr. 17 - PKBGT North Carolina One-Day @ Forest Oaks CC, Greensboro, Girls, Ages 11-18.

Apr. 21 - Monroe CC High School Invitational,

For the latest tournament schedule, now updated daily, go to www.trianglegolf.com then click on Tournaments Monroe CC, Monroe, Boys, High School, 704-282-4661 Apr. 22-23 - PKBGT PKBGT MASTERS (*) @ Greenville CC, Greenville, Girls, Ages 11-18.

Apr. 28-30 - AJGA Preview at Carolina Trace, Carolina Trace CC, Sanford, Boys/Girls, Ages 12-19.

Apr. 29-30 - PKBGT Metrolina Classic @ Rock Hill CC, Rock Hill, SC, Girls, Ages, 11-18.

May 13-14 - CGA Vicki DiSantis Girls' Championship, Pine Island CC, Charlotte, Girls only, Ages 12-18.

May 13-14 - PKBGT Carolina's Classic @ Carolina Trace CC, Sanford, Girls, Ages, 11-18.

May-17 - TYGA One Day Series, Bradford Creek GC, Greenville, Boys/Girls, Ages 8-18.

May-17 - TYGA Tots One Day Event, Emerywood GC, High Point, Boys/Girls, Ages 6-11.

May-17 - PKBGT Middle Atlantic One-Day Series @ Augustine Golf Club, Stafford, VA, Girls, Ages 9-18.

May-17 - PKBGT South Carolina One-Day Series @ The Windemere Club, Blythewood, SC, Girls, Ages 9-18.

May 19-21 - Scott Robertson Memorial, Roanoke CC, Roanoke, VA, Boys/Girls, Ages 13-18, 540-529-3176 May 20-21 - NJGT-IMG Academy World Championship Qualifier, Rumbling Bald Resort, Lake Lure, Boys/Girls, Ages 4-17.

Continued on page 22

BEAT the HEAT Golf Package

May 17-18 – Alamance Senior Amateur (not restricted to Alamance residents), Indian Valley GC, Burlington. Flights and age divisions beginning at age 50. 336-584-7871.

May 22-23 – 8th annual Sport Durst Durham Senior Amateur Championship (Seniors 55-over, Super Seniors 65-over and Legends 70-over), Croasdaile CC, Durham. 919-383-2517 or 919-699-9681.

June 1-2 – 56th Forsyth Seniors, Pine Knolls GC and Tanglewood Reynolds Course. Limited to Forsyth County residents 50-over with play in age divisions. Todd Barr 336-734-1212.

Ridencgolf.com Senior Amateur Tour (ages 50-over) 336-329-3453 April 24 – Treyburn, Durham

Senior Amateur Tour (ages 50-over) 910-964-1547 April 27 -- Bryan Park (Players), Brown Summit May 11 -- The Neuse GC, Cltyton May 18 -- Mill Creek, Mebane June 8 -- Little River, Carthage June 15 -- Carolina Trace (Lake), Sanford June 22 -- Tot Hill Farm, Asheboro June 29 -- Preserve at Jordan Lake, Chapel Hill

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TRIANGLE GOLF TODAY • LATE SPRING 2017

21

Junior players need tee times

My old sticks are too treacherous

H

Y

could be a lifeline. But, in my experience, there are a lot of cranky members who like to sneak out for a few holes late who would probably be screaming bloody murder if they found a group of kids playing ahead of them.

I don’t know what the answer is, but the success of the First Tee Program has to be encouraging. If we can keep finding enough adults who are willing to give of their time, and let’s face it, their money, we can continue making progress.

As for my “bunch of sticks,” I’ll have you know some of them actually worked pretty well on occasion. Heck, I can even remember when I could give you a battle.

Actually, I would be a little concerned about putting one of my old clubs in the hands of a young player. Those suckers used to attack me all the time. I don’t trust them for a minute.

You’re correct, the pace of play is always going to be a problem. Anyone who models themselves after a PGA touring professional is never going to get around a course in 3 ½ hours.

Still, I’m all for getting the kids on the course. A lot of good things are happening, but we can’t let up.

June 20 - TYGA One Day Series, Lincoln CC, Lincolnton, Boys/Girls, Ages 8-18.

June 20 - TYGA One Day Series, Reedy Creek GC, Four Oaks, Boys/Girls, Ages 8-18.

June 21-22 - PKBGT PRECISION JR GIRLS (*) @ Bryan Park GC (Champions), Greensboro, Girls, Ages 11-18.

June 21- TYGA Jack Ratz Jr. Memorial, Wildwood Green GC, Raleigh, Boys/Girls, Ages 8-18.

June 22-23 - TYGA Coastal Plains Junior, Bradford Creek GC, Greenville, Boys/Girls, Ages 8-18.

June 24-25 - Carolinas Junior PGA Championship, Hackler Course, Myrtle Beach, SC, Boys/Girls, Ages 13-18, 336-398-2742 June 24 - NJGT Adult/Junior, Monroe CC, Monroe, Boys/Girls, Ages 6-19.

June 26 - TYGA One Day Series, Club at Irish Creek, Kannapolis, Boys/Girls, Ages 8-18.

June 26 - TYGA Triad One Day Event, Gillespie Park, Greensboro, Boys/Girls, Ages 8-18.

June 26 - PKBGT North Carolina One-Day Series @ Chapel Hill Country Club, Chapel Hill, Girls, Ages 9-18.

June 26-27 – Andrew Haley Memorial Junior hosted by the Smith Mountain Lake Lions Club.

Waterfront CC and Mariners Landing CC, Smith Mountain Lake, VA. Boys/Girls 10-18. http:// haileylionsjrgolf.com .

June 27-28 - CGA Twin States Girls' Championship, Starmount Forest CC, Greeensboro, Girls only, Ages 8-18.

June 27-30 - CGA NC Junior Boys Championship, Colonial CC, Thomasville, Boys only, ages 18 and under.

June 27 - TYGA Triad One Day Event, Asheboro Municipal, Asheboro, Boys/Girls, Ages 8-18.

June 27-28 — T-Ville Junior, Winding Creek GC, Thomasville. 336-475-5580.

June 29 - TYGA One Day Series, Sanford GC, Sanford, Boys/Girls, Ages 8-18.

July 1-2 - PKBGT Wolfpack Classic @ NC State University, Raleigh, NC, Girls, Ages 11-18.

July 3 - TYGA Triad One Day Event, Lexington GC, Lexington, NC, Boys/Girls, Ages 8-18.

July 5 - TYGA One Day Series, Cabarrus CC, Concord, NC, Boys/Girls, Ages 8-18.

July 6-8 - LPGA-USGA GIRLS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP presented by PKBGT, Braselton, GA, Girls, Ages 11-18.

July 6 - TYGA One Day Series, Whispering Wood GC, Whispering Pines, NC, Boys/Girls, Ages 8-18.

July 6 - USGA Junior Girls' Qualifying, MidCarolina CC, Prosperity, SC, Girls, Ages 18 & below July 7 - TYGA One DaySeries, Goldsboro GC, Goldsboro, NC, Boys/Girls, Ages 8-18.

July 10-11 - CGA Carolinas Girls' 15 and Under Championship, CC of Whispering Pines, Whispering Pines, NC, Girls only, Ages 8-15.

July 10-11 - CGA NC Boys 13 and Under Championship, Asheboro GC, Asheboro, NC, boys only, ages 13 and under.

July 10 - TYGA One Day Series, Chapel Hill CC, Chapel Hill, NC, Boys/Girls, Ages 8-18.

July 10 - TYGA Triad One Day Event, Salem Glen Golf & CC, Clemmons, NC, Boys/Girls, Ages 8-18.

July 11-13 – Forsyth County Junior, Maple Chase G&CC, Olde Homeplace GC, Reynolds Park GC. Forsyth County Residents. Todd Barr 336-734-1212.

July 12-13 - TYGA High Point Junior, Blair Park & Oak Hollow GC, High Point, NC, Ages 8-18.

and explain that the future of their clubs

By HOWARD WARD are in the hands of youngsters who don’t even know what golf is. ey, Howard. I understand why eah, Bets. I remember all too well Many of them will be hooked the first you have a hard time relating to when I used to spot Georgie Boy time they try it. We did and we’re kind of junior golf. After all, you were a two a side. Still creamed that sucker. junior when King George III was still argu- normal.

Seriously, I know where you are comI say, gift the consistently empty tee ing with the Colonists. ing from with this junior golf talk. I would blocks to the neighborhood kids. Bring But I spend a lot of time helping these much rather see a young boy or girl on a them into the clubhouse. Explain what is kids around the golf course and they are golf course than hanging out on the street acceptable behavior and what will get them corner. impressive. thrown out on their ear.

My most recent adventure was the In my humble opinion Give them a beat up Dustin Johnson Junior Championship at the First Tee program is TPC Myrtle Beach. This was my takeaway. 7 iron and putter. Point the best thing that has hapThe golf world is doing a great job with them in the right direction pened for junior golf in my and tell them to have fun. competitive junior golf. A special medal lifetime, which covers a They will figure it out. goes to the Carolinas Golf Association few years.

Maybe the fire will catch and their North Carolina program Tarheel I like your idea of golf right away and they will Youth Golf Association (TYGA). courses finding time on DUELING DIVOTS slow afternoons for young Kids of all levels can come out and play discover the area tournaments or even make it to with their peers for an entry fee as low as golfers to get a taste of the the U.S. Junior Amateur. $35. The TYGA kids can join for free and game that we all love so much.

It’s OK if they are always hacks like us. the membership comes with all kinds of The only problem I have with junior We still love the game. It is that good. good things. golf programs is that so many of the The USGA has a slogan “While We’re The missing link to better growing the youngsters age out of them and then have numbers of future golfers has to come from Young” to promote faster play. I think we nowhere to play. They may be hooked on need to rebrand it to mean get a club in the the game but unless some adult takes an the golf course owners.

By my observations, the golf courses are hand of every kid you can. interest in them, they really have no place I know you have a bunch of sticks that sparsely populated on summer weekday to continue their affair with the game. never worked. Maybe the kid down the afternoons. The club operators should sit If courses could find a way to block off street can figure them out. down with their membership committees some time in the late afternoon for kids it

By BETSEY MITCHELL

CALENDAR May 20-21 - TGF "3rd Annual Players Championship At Bryan Park," Bryan Park GC, Greensboro, Boys 9-18 Only .

May-17 - CGA Creed Boys' qualifying, TBD, boys only, ages 18 & under.

May-17 - PKBGT North Carolina One-Day @ Monroe CC, Monroe, Girls, Ages 9-18, 336-3478537 May 27-28 - CGA Creed Boys' Invitational, Camden CC, Camden, SC, Boys only, ages 12-18.

May 27-29 - PKBGT OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP (*) @ CC of Salisbury, Salisbury, Girls, Ages 11-18.

May 28-29 - TGF " 7th. Annual "Golf Pride' Tour Championship, Pine Needles and Mid Pines Resort, Southern Pines, NC Boys 9-18 .

June 3-4 - TYGA Bojangles Junior Open, Cutter Creek GC, Snow Hill, Boys only, ages 12-18.

June 3-4 - PKBGT Hampton Roads Classic @ Cahoon Plantation, Chesapeake, VA, Girls, Ages 11-18.

June 9 - PKBGT North Carolina One-Day Series @ Pinewood Country Club, Asheboro, Girls, Ages 9-18.

June 10 - CGA NC Junior Boys qualifying, Wedgewood CC, Wilson, Boys only, ages 18 and under.

June 10 - PKBGT South Carolina One-Day Series @ Mid Carolina Club, Prosperity, SC, Girls, Ages 9-18.

June 11-14 - CGA NC Junior Girls' Championship, Bermuda Run, Girls only, Ages 18 & under.

June 12-13 - Upstate Junior Classic, Smithfields CC, Easley, SC, Boys/Girls, Ages 10-18, 864-859-9545

22 TRIANGLE GOLF TODAY • LATE SPRING 2017

June 12-15 - Judie Oppenheimer Memorial Junior, Chechessee Creek Club, Okatie, Boys/ Girls, Ages 12-19.

June 12-16 - AJGA Haas Family Invitational, Sedgefield CC Ross Course, Greensboro, Invitational.

June 12 - TYGA One Day Series, Pine Valley CC, Wilimington, Boys/Girls, Ages 8-18.

June 12 - USGA Junior Am qualifying, CC of Salisbury, Salisbury, boys only, ages 18 & under, 908-234-2300 June 13 - TYGA One Day Series, Echo Farms, Wilmington, Boys/Girls, Ages 8-18.

June 13 - TYGA One Day Series, Siler City CC, Siler City, Boys/Girls, Ages 8-18.

June 14 - CGA NC Junior Boys qualifying, Statesville CC, Statesville, NC boys only, ages 18 and under.

June 15 - TYGA One Day Series, CC of Whispering Pines (Pines), Whispering Pines, Boys/Girls, Ages 8-18.

June 16 - TYGA Triad One Day Event, Pinewood CC, Asheboro, Boys/Girls, Ages 8-18.

June 17 - PKBGT South Carolina One-Day Series @ Woodside Plantation Country Club, Aiken, SC, Girls, Ages 9-18.

June 19 - TYGA One Day Series, Monore CC, Monroe, Boys/Girls, Ages 8-18.

June 19 - USGA Junior Am qualifying, Prestonwood CC (Highlands), Cary, Boys only, Ages 18 & under, 908-234-2300 June 19 - TYGA Triad One Day Event, Alamance CC, Burlington, Boys/Girls, Ages 8-18.

June 19 - NJGT, NC West District Optimist Qualifier, Catawba CC, Newton, Boys/Girls, Ages 10-19.

June 19 - USGA Junior Girls' Qualifying, Raintree CC, Charlotte, Girls, Ages 18 & below

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