Volume 5, Issue 7
PGA Championship week is upon us and we have two of our own who will be part of the 20 PGA Professionals playing for the Wanamaker Trophy. Bob Gaus, Tower Tee, and JC Anderson, Missouri Bluffs, will represent the Gateway PGA at Oak Hill on August 8-11. Please tune-in to our associations Championship as the PGA of America has not only invested in a great event but there will be a considerable effort to promote you. There is a continued push to promote player development programs and especially Get Golf Ready. If you have not started a program and/or promoted it through Active.com or playgolfamerica.com please consider doing so. Also, for your convenience, we will have a live leaderboard displayed on our homepage that isolates the play of Bob and JC during the PGA Championship. The Junior Golf Program has wrapped up a tremendous summer. It was really neat to see the work of Alex, Ali and their team. This season was a little different than years past. We made a concerted effort to create separation amongst the divisions. The mini and novice 9 divisions were pulled under the Foundation and treated as a true development program. The other divisions were set-up to create a competitive step ladder that culminates with the Tour Division. The parent feedback was tremendous and I am excited for the continued growth. In addition, the program has grown the interest and support of sponsors and will continue to do so in the years ahead. A special thank you to all of our PGA Professionals and facilities for the continued support of the Gateway PGA Junior Program. Another quick reminder - the 2013 Gateway PGA Awards process is here. You should have received an email asking you to nominate a deserving PGA Professional. If you have not and you are a class A Gateway PGA Member, please contact the section office. In the coming days, an email notification will be coming out about the dates for the Awards Dinner and the Fall Meeting. I look forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming Gateway PGA Pro-Am’s and events over the month of August. All the best,
August 2013
Growth of the Game
P2
Player Development
P3
Assistants Corner
P5
Rules Corner
P5
Patriot Golf Day-Are you Participating?
P7
Tournament News
P 9-12
Upcoming Tournaments
P 13
PGA Championship—Digital Spectator Program
P 13
Upcoming Events
P 14
Fitness—Finish Summer Strong with a New Approach
P 15
Member Updates & Birthdays
P 16
Member Benefits
P 17-20
Section Officers Joe Schwent, PGA President
Nathan Charnes, PGA Vice-President
Benjiman Kent, PGA Secretary
Gateway PGA Staff Josh Riley, PGA Executive Director
Steve Finn, PGA Assistant Executive Director
Alex Anderson Director or Junior Golf
Ali Wells, PGA Growth of the Game and Program Director
Lindsay Riley Foundation Admin Assistant
Susan Bender Membership
1
GROWTH OF THE GAME Old Hickory Golf Club, Golf Discount of St. Louis, 34 Gateway Junior PGA members, 5 local College golfers, and 6 PGA Professionals – A great recipe for the 2nd Annual College Skills Combine! Thank you to Golf Discount of St. Louis for sponsoring this unique experience and to some outstanding golf professionals for their commitment to helping young competitive juniors advance in their game: Dennis Biedenstein, Barbara Blanchar, Michael Brown, Don Gorin, Helen Kurtin, and Rob Sedorcek. Check out the pictures from this year’s event.
Announcing the rescheduled dates for both Family Golf Night and Women’s Golf Day 2013: Family Golf Night—Now at Sunset Hills Country Club in Edwardsville, IL on Saturday, August 17th, invite your friends and bring your family for an evening of golf, games, food, and fun. Join us from 4-7pm. Women’s Golf Day—This afternoon of golf instruction, networking, shopping, and socializing for the ladies is rescheduled for Saturday, September 21st at the Quarry at Crystal Springs. We welcome all golf professionals who would like to participate and teach. If you are not available to help, please consider signing up as a Get Golf Ready host facility and posting programs. Over 120 golfing ladies will leave the Quarry educated on Get Golf Ready and excited to continue with the sport. Make sure your facility is “on the list”! Please contact Ali Wells to sign up to attend Family Golf Night or teach at Women’s Golf Day Awells@pgahq.com
This past week marked the end of the Gateway Junior PGA summer season. The introduction of a new format for the Mini and Novice 9 Divisions (now the Junior Development Tour) was received well and considered a great success. The staff and junior members are looking forward to the fall season, but check out the pictures from some of the events this year!
2
The number of programs posted so far in July is up 35% overall compared to the same period last year! At the same time, a good percentage of our GGR facilities do not have programs posted, thus are not fully prepared to take advantage of our promotions. Currently Gateway is ranked 10th among the PGA Sections. Don’t forget that an extensive Get Golf Ready promotional campaign will be conducted in conjunction with the PGA Championship. With a potential reach of more than 4 million households in the US, we are sure to see a huge spike in traffic to GetGolfReady.com. You want to take full advantage of this by having your player development programs posted to the website. Click here for an easy to follow marketing plan leading up to the PGA Championship. Barbara Blanchar, PGA teaching professional at WingHaven Country Club in O'Fallon, Mo., recently took advantage of the increased promotion of Get Golf Ready. "I posted Get Golf Ready for women following the Senior PGA Championship and had six people register for the program without reaching out to them. They must have seen the Get Golf Ready advertisements during the Senior PGA Championship. It really works!"
Over 4 million U.S. households will be watching the PGA Championship next week—and we’re helping you reach them by airing 35 PSAs to promote program registration on PGA.com and GetGolfReady.com. All you need to do to get in on the exposure is post your events on Program Manager. Here’s an easy step-by-step guide to show you how. For other ways to increase exposure and improve your marketing tactics, check out these tools below: PGA Expo: Seminars and 1-on-1 assistance Weekly live training sessions: Program Setup & Marketing 101 eMarketing Center: Free Templates, How-To Guides, Marketing Tips, and More Sincerely, Ron Stepanek, PGA Director, Player Development The PGA of America
3
4
ASSISTANTS CORNER There are a lot of good things coming around the corner as we enter into August for the Assistants of the Gateway Section. The Assistants 2-Man Tournament is now into the semifinal round. These matches should be completed by the end of August. This will set up our championship match in September. We are getting closer and closer to our Assistants Championship at Greenbriar Hills Country Club on Tuesday, September 3. The national deadline for signing up has passed but you can still play in this event. Sign up through the section opens up on August 12. We are really excited about this year’s event and the excellent promotions that Cobra-Puma Golf has included to those playing in the event this year. Mark your calendars and get signed up on August 12! As always feel free to contact any one of your committee members with any questions or concerns you might have. Your committee members are: Michael Leotta, PGA Chairman Illini Country Club Brandon Coffey, PGA Vice-Chairman Forest Hills Country Club George Schrage, Secretary Quincy Country Club Gideon Smith, PGA Board Liaison Quincy Country Club Ty Zimmerman, PGA Past-Chairman Westwood Country Club Andrew Jury Winghaven Country Club RJ Villafuerte, PGA Meadowbrook Country Club Richard Niedergerke, PGA The Club at Old Hawthrone Austin Waibel The Club at Old Hawthrone
RULES CORNER During the AJGA Rolex Girls Invitational at Dalhousie an alert intern kept one of the competitors from making a mistake. On the 15th hole a competitor hit her second shot into an area of tall fescue. She walked forward about twenty yards when the scorer for the group told her she might want to hit a provisional. The intern, Bill Hebron from St. Louis and former caddie at Algonquin, knew this was not the proper procedure. He correctly informed the competitor that if she went back and played from where the previous stroke was made the ball would not be a provisional ball but would become her ball in play. This was fortunate because she then went forward and found the original ball and was able to play it. Rule 27-2a tells a player that they must play the provisional ball before he or she goes forward to search. The rule says "If he fails to do so and plays another ball, that ball is not a provisional ball and becomes the ball in play under penalty of stroke and distance".
5
Gateway PGA Section Award Nomination Reminder An email went out on Monday, August 5, 2013 with an embedded nomination form to all Gateway PGA Members. Please take a moment to nominate a deserving Gateway PGA Professional. Please use the emailed form you received on August 5th or contact the Gateway PGA Section office if you did not receive the communication. For your reference, the nomination process, judging groups, 2012 award winners, and criteria is described in the link and attachment below. Please make a note that all nominations must be made by Wednesday, August 14th by 11:59 pm.
2012 Gateway PGA Award Winners 2013 Awards Process
6
The seventh annual Patriot Golf Day速 takes place August 30-September 2, 2013. Golfers nationwide are asked to donate a minimum of $1 to benefit the Folds of Honor Foundation速 to provide educational scholarships for children and spouses of military service men and women killed or disabled while serving our great nation. During the past six years, Patriot Golf Day has raised more than $17 million dollars and the Folds of Honor Foundation has awarded more than 3,500 scholarships. PGA Professional Dan Rooney, a former F-16 fighter pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, is the founder of the Folds of Honor Foundation. Major Rooney has served three tours in Iraq. 'We have lost so many soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice. America can come together in the spirit of golf and have a dramatic impact. We have an opportunity to make a difference for the families who have made the ultimate sacrifice.' OFFICIAL PATRIOT GOLF DAY HOST FACILITIES! A.L. Gustin Golf Course Algonquin Golf Club Annbriar Golf Course Ballwin Golf Club Barbara Blanchar Golf Bellerive Country Club Berry Hill Golf Course Bogey Hills Golf & CC Boone Valley Golf Club Cape Girardeau Country Club The Club at Old Hawthorne The Club at Old Kinderhook The Club at Porto Cima Columbia Country Club Country Club at the Legends Country Club of St. Albans Crab Orchard Golf Course Cruisin' USA Dick's Sporting Goods Dogwood Hills Golf Resort Edgewood Golf Club Eldon Country Club Falls Golf Club Four Seasons Country Club Fox Run Golf Club Gateway National Golf Links
Gateway Section Glen Echo Country Club The Golf Club at Deer Chase Golf Galaxy - Chesterfield Golf Galaxy - Fairview Heights Heritage Hills Golf Course Illini Country Club Indian Rock Driving Range Innsbrook Resort G C Jacksonville Country Club Jefferson City Country Club Kirksville Country Club Lake Forest CC Lake Shore Golf Course Lake Valley Golf & CC The Landings at Spirit GC The Legacy Golf Course Lodge of the Four Seasons Meadow Lake Acres Country Club Meadowbrook Country Club Meramec Lakes G.C. Normandie Golf Club Oak Brook Golf Club Orchards Golf Course Osage National Golf Club Panther Creek Country Club
Paradise Valley Golf Course Persimmon Woods Golf Club Pevely Farm Golf Club Pomme Creek Golf Course Quail Creek Country Club The Quarry at Crystal Springs Quincy Country Club The Rail Golf Club Red Hawk Country Club Riverside Golf Club Rolling Hills Country Club Sedorcek's Swing Solutions Shambolee Golf Course St. Louis Country Club Sunset Country Club Sunset Hills Country Club Tamarack Golf Club Westborough Country Club Westview Golf Course Whitmoor Country Club WingHaven Country Club Wolf Hollow Golf Club Woodlands Golf Club
7
8
When GPGA Hall of Famer Steve Heckel decided to make the trip from Crab Orchard to Illini CC in Springfield, IL, with his partner Larry Emery, it proved to be a great move as the duo captured the lucrative Team Championship Title. After 36 holes on the beautiful 6600 yard layout, Heckel & Emery ended with a 2 shot victory coming in with rounds of 64-67, 11-under par for the day. Tying for second was Nash Haxel & Dave Levine, and the young gun team of Sam Jonell & Eric Ratzlaff of Persimmon Woods GC. Rounding out the top 5 were the teams of Steve Lotz & Bob Gaus and defending champions Gideon Smith & Jeff Escott.
Shane Blankenship got his first win of 2013 at Forest Hills CC by firing a 5-under par round of 67. Shane, who works in the summers at Franklin County CC in Washington, made 7 birdies and 2 bogeys on the way to a 2-shot victory. Coming home tied for runner-up honors was Bob Gaus & St. Albans teaching pro Rob Sedorcek, who both shot 3-under par 69's. Brian Schmersahl (The Falls GC), Jason Woods (Birdies & Tees), and Brian Fogt (Bellerive CC), rounded out the top five with 2 -under par 70's. Bob Gaus won his 2nd Sr. Stroke Play Title for 2013 with a 3-under par 69. His round was good enough for a 1-stroke victory over Brian Fogt (70) while Mike Brengard was 1-shot back at 71. Steve Heckel of Crab Orchard finished 4th at even par while JC Anderson & Garth Bayer (Old Warson CC) tied for 5th at 73.
9
Going into the week, Brian Fogt knew his chances were good at the Gateway PGA Professional Championship at Persimmon Woods GC. Brian has been playing well of late and coming off nearly qualifying for his second consecutive US Sr. Open, was looking to move on to bigger things by having a great event at Persimmon. The top 3 finishers in this Championship are guaranteed a spot in the 2014 PGA Professional National Championship in Myrtyle Beach, SC, next June and could eventually earn their way into the 2014 PGA Championship. At the end of Day 1, Craig Liddle of Meadowbrook CC, was alone atop the leaderboard after carding a 4-under par 67. Liddle would be paired in the final group with Dave Levine of Berry Hill GC (68) and Gideon Smith of Quincy CC (69) for the final round. As the day unfolded it was Fogt and Larry Emery of Crab Orchard GC, who were putting on the charge after first round 72's. At the end of 36 holes, 3 players were tied at 2-under par and would have a playoff to determine the champion. Fogt, Liddle, & Emery, headed out to #18 to begin the playoff and after Fogt & Liddle made birdie 4's, Emery was eliminated with his par 5. Onto the tough par 4 10th, Liddle's par putt just missed after he missed the green, and Fogt 2 putted for par to win the title. Fogt earned $2700 for the victory. Gideon Smith defeated Bryan McMurray on their first playoff hole to earn the 1st Alternate spot, while Host Head Professional Jeff Escott, will be the 3rd Alternate. The final player to move on to the 2014 National Championship will be determined at the Gateway Section Championship at Panther Creek CC in Springfield, IL, on September 23-24th.
Lake Forest CC & St. Louis CC won the Gross & Net Divisions at the Annual Gateway PGA Pro-Jr Pro-Am at Innsbrook Golf Resort.
The Lake Forest team of Tim Curran (p), Zach Franklin, Charles Wray, & Dylan Clay, finished the day at 18-under par 122. The format for the day was a Shamble Format and counted the best 2 scores for the team.
The Net Division was won by the St. Louis CC team of Grant Masson (p), Mac Rouse, Sam Hanser, & Drew Bolster.
10
St. Albans CC hosted the Gateway PGA UnderArmour Scratch Pro-Am on Monday, July 29th. The Annual event features some of the best Amateur players in the area competing as 4-person teams with their PGA Professionals. At the end of the day, the Norwood Hills CC team of Ryan Roy (p), Brian Craig, David Johnson, & Scott Holdridge, fired a 16-under par round of 128 on the Lewis & Clark course. That was good enough for a 1-stroke victory over the teams of St. Albans CC, Bellerive CC, and St. Louis CC. The team from A.L. Gustin GC in Columbia, MO, came home 5th at 11-under par. The competition was scored with the 2 best scores on each hole over the round. John Sheridan of Under Armour was on hand and provided each player with an Under Armour Cold Black Performance golf shirt. Bill Bourgeois of Mizuno Golf was also on hand allowing players to demo the new Mizuno equipment. Brian Fogt of Bellerive CC was low pro for the day with a 2-under par round of 70. Ryan Roy & Gideon Smith of Quincy CC tied for second with 71 and Adam Betz of Meadowbrook CC came home 4th at even par 72. Rob Sedorcek (St. Albans), Grant Masson (St. Louis CC), and Dave Levine (Berry Hill GC), rounded out the top 5 with 73's.
Just a note to let you know that the 2013 Gateway PGA Foundation Pro-Am will be held on Monday, October 14th, at Boone Valley Golf Club in Augusta, MO. More details will be coming soon, but we are excited to repeat the great Foundation Pro-Ams we have had in past years at Bellerive CC and Fox Run GC.
11
12
2013 Playing Ability Test Schedule The following Playing Ability Tests are scheduled within the Gateway PGA on the following dates: Thursday, August 29th Eagle Springs GC Click the image on the right to view the Digital Spectator Program for the 2013 PGA Championship at
Thursday, September 19th Arlington Greens GC Thursday, October 10th Arlington Greens GC Registration is available at www.pgalinks.com
Oak Hill Country Club 13
14
Brought To You by Optimal Lifestyles, Inc.
Finish Summer Strong with New Approach As we move toward the downward slope of midsummer, our enthusiasm for the same outdoor workout activities we first enjoyed may be waning along with the season. Golf, however, runs late into fall, so we need to refresh our fitness routines with something fun and interesting – in the interest of staying fit and keeping our golf game strong. In other words, let’s try something new to keep motivated. For a new exercise booster, I’d like to suggest an activity that is becoming increasingly popular in the Midwest. Have you ever tried paddle boarding in a local lake? Paddle boarding is wonderful exercise because it builds focus, core strength and balance. The activity offers potential for a full body workout, as well. As you know, focus, strength, balance and a workout are important and good for golf. Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) was created when Waikiki surfers stood on boards and navigated their way through the waves with a long paddle. I jumped on the bandwagon because I have a friend who took a boarding class and really enjoyed the challenge, and the excitement of adding a new, fun activity to her fitness routine. I plan to try this activity to build my core. Paddleboarders stand on a board in the water that is typically 10 to 12 feet long, and use a long paddle to move through the water at their own pace—all the time using the core of their body. In addition to core strengthening, paddleboarding builds balance and focus, two practices which are required—otherwise the board tips over! About the same time my friend talked about SUP, I ran across an article in June 2013 Yoga Journal magazine that talked about doing yoga on paddleboard. Yoga, too, involves strength, focus and balance. Add a paddleboard and voila! You’ve automatically added more challenge. Yoga is great for improving your golf game and overall fitness. Next time, we’ll talk more about yoga as an alternative golf fitness activity. Good news: you can practice yoga outside, too! Bottom line: Don’t let the end-of-summer blues stall your fitness plans. Paddleboarding is just one option; make it a point to discover some new, fun and challenging ways to stay fit. In the meantime, if you want to change up your fitness routine, Optimal Lifestyles can help. We offer yoga classes and a variety of group fitness classes in several locations. Contact Barb at 314-984-0592 for more details.
Optimal Lifestyles, Inc is a health and fitness consulting company and fitness education sponsor for the Gateway PGA. Optimal Lifestyles, Inc. provides personal training, golf fitness and yoga for golfers. The information provided by Optimal Lifestyles is for educational purposes and should not replace care or advice of a physician. Please check with a physician if you are starting an exercise program or suspect you are ill.
15
August Birthdays Jeff Whitfield, PGA Shawn A. Deaver, PGA Thomas DeGrand, PGA Chuck Rowland, PGA Al Chandler, PGA Kirk Porter, PGA Perry R. Wergin, PGA David Furlong, PGA Donald C. Gorin, PGA Jonathan H. Tips, PGA Garth Bayer, PGA Dave A. Garren, PGA Stephen W. Augustine, PGA Dale M. David, PGA Kenneth D. Mason II, PGA Neel Andy Crowe, PGA
8/2 8/5 8/5 8/6 8/7 8/7 8/7 8/9 8/10 8/10 8/12 8/12 8/14 8/14 8/14 8/16
Jim Knoesel, PGA Kevin Collins, PGA Travis R Kennedy Michael Murphy, PGA Larry W. Suhre, PGA Kevin Dunn, PGA Stephen L. Lotz, PGA Frank W. Hodgdon IV, PGA Wayne Morris, PGA Trey A. Strong, PGA William F. Hall, PGA Thomas E Beavers Rusty A. Cummings, PGA Brian A. Maine, PGA Ashley V Nicks
8/16 8/17 8/17 8/17 8/21 8/22 8/23 8/27 8/27 8/28 8/29 8/30 8/30 8/31 8/31 16
17
18
19
20