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Viera East Golf Club general manager David Buth of Viera gives Bill Leahy of Melbourne some instruction on his swing during the Veteran’s golf clinic at Viera East Golf Club March 24. Veteran Clinics are open to all eligible veterans and active military personnel.
• Designed by world renowned golf architect "Gentleman Joe Lee" • Voted Brevard County's "Best" Practice Facility • Mulligan's Grill offers extraordinary food in a casual setting Open daily for Breakfast and Lunch • 6 month summer membership for only $714 (unlimited greens fees) • 18 hole daily rates starting at only $28.00
Golf Club says thank you to veterans By Brittany Llorente llorente@hometownnewsol.com
Rated ★★★★ by “Golf Digest” Magazine
321.639.6500
www.vieragolf.com 2300 Clubhouse Dr. Viera, FL 32955
019816
2
VIERA – In a grand gesture of saying “thank you,” the Viera East Golf, 2300 Clubhouse Drive, Rockledge, is doing what they can to show how much they appreciate the sacrifice of veterans and active military. In 2009, the Veteran/Active Military Program was developed, offering free clinics for disabled veterans. "It started because we were chal-
lenged by a board member to do something with the community or specific group of people,” said Viera East’s head golf professional, Justin Wasson. “I grew up in a family with 5 Marines and I already had a soft spot with our veterans and a good group to help you as a thank you." The tradition has continued in the years since, helping about 25 participants in each clinic. See CLINICS, 4
April 13, 2012
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Don Lovelace of Rockledge, Lou Micolucci of Melbourne and Steve Kennedy of Viera get some putting instructions from Lane Burney of Melbourne Beach during the Veterans Golf Clinic at Viera East Golf Club March 24. Veteran Clinics are open to all eligible veterans and active military personnel.
Andy Stefanek staff photographer
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Clinics
“It puts them with people who have been where they have been and know what it’s like.” The Viera East Golf Course is also offering course management classes on July 7 and Nov. 3, focusing on making high percentage decisions and choosing what type of shot to make from different conditions from the green to the rough. Those with disabilities still have the opportunity to play golf with equipment specifically designed for each individual’s needs including those who are wheel chair bound, whom have artificial limbs, those with little to no hand strength and more. “There are only 10 of these apparatuses in the world and we (have) one of them,” said Mr. Wasson. “The Ping corporation, one of the top club makers in the world, created the aparatus and they thought of everything including gloves, grips and even velcro to help someone keep hold of the club.” In addition to the clinics, the Viera East Golf Course offers veterans and active military personnel 10 percent
From page 2
Last year, Viera East teamed up with the Washington Nationals during spring training to send baseball gear to the abroad so that the men and women would be able to play America’s favorite pastime. The clinics are open to all eligible veterans and active military personnel. The next veterans clinic date is on June 23. Clinics are in a group setting; however, each person will receive one-on-one time with the instructor. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. and runs from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by lunch. The following clinic dates are Sept. 1 and Dec. 8. “This gives veterans and active military the opportunity to not only learn about golf and be better in their game, but also allows them to interact with people who are dealing with the same issues,” said Mr. Wasson.
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April 13, 2012
“There are only 10 of these apparatuses in the world and we (have) one of them. The Ping corporation, one of the top club makers in the world, created the aparatus and they thought of everything including gloves, grips and even velcro to help someone keep hold of the club.” Justin Wasson Viera East head golf pro
off of the Brevard County resident rate. In an effort to reach military personnel on the Space Coast and abroad, the Viera East Golf Course will be collecting supplies to be shipped overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. This effort will roll through 2013 in ways to expand all of the programs and reach more veterans, see new faces, and develop new friendships. The general manager David Buth
attended the last clinic as not only a PGA Golf professional but also an instructor during the clinic. “The thing that struck me was how appreciative (the participants) are for us doing this for them,” said Mr. Buth. “We had people coming back and thanking us when we are thanking them.” For more information on the golf course or to attend a clinic, please call (321) 639-6500 or visit vieragolf.com.
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A new gift for your golfer metrocreativeconnection.com For Hometown News
Perhaps no amateur athlete is more committed to his or her sport or dedicated to improving his or her skill than a golfer. If you have a golfer in your life, you may have already given up on giving golf-related gifts because they usually nab the latest and greatest club, ball or gizmo before you do ... or your gifts just end up gathering dust because the products simply don't work. This year, break your golf-gift slump by giving a gift that actually works, with results backed by a recent study. Golf Test USA, a firm that tests and
reviews golf products, recently performed an extensive 30 day evaluation using Teeter Hang Ups Inversion Tables. In what ended up being the most comprehensive test in their 12-year history, the study followed a group of golfers that inverted with a Teeter once in the morning and once in the evening for a month, measuring their performance metrics before and after the trial. They found: • Drive distance improved by an average of 10 percent • Strokes per round dropped by an average of 3 • 85 percent of participants clocked See GIFT, 9
Experience 36 Holes of
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April 13, 2012
Mallards Landing (Public) 2750 Lake Washington Road. Melbourne, 32935 (321) 255-4606 Melbourneflorida.org/golf
Summit View Golf Club
Spessard Holland Golf Course (Public) 2374 Oak Street., Melbourne Beach, 32951 (321) 952-4529 Golfspessardholland.com
Sherwood Golf Club (Semi-Private) 4335 Londontown Road Titusville, 32796 (321) 269-4653 Golfsherwood.com
The Savannahs Golf Course at Merritt Island (Public) 3915 Savannahs Trail Merritt Island, 32953 (321) 455-1375 Golfthesavannahs.com
Sandridge Golf Club 5300 73rd Street Vero Beach, FL 32967 www.sandridgegc.com
Sam’s Executive Golf Course 4255 North US1 Cocoa, 32927 (321) 632-2890
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Indian River Colony Club (Private) 1936 Freedom Dr., Viera, 32940 (321) 255-6050 Colonyclub.com
Habitat at Valkaria (Public) 3591 Fairgreen Street Valkaria, 32950 (321) 952-6312 Golfthehabitat.com
Great Outdoors RV and Golf Resort (Resort) 125 Plantation Drive Titusville, 32780 (321) 269-5524 Tgoresort.com
Duran Golf Club (Public) 7032 Stadium Parkway Melbourne, 32940 (321) 504-7776 Durangolf.com
Royal Oak Resort and Golf Club (Resort) 2150 Country Club Drive Titusville, 32780 (321) 268-1550 Royaloakgolfresort.com
Rockledge Country Club (Private) 1591 South Fiske Blvd. Rockledge, 32955 (321) 636-3160 Rockledgecc.com
Cocoa Beach Country Club (Public) Tom Warner Blvd., Cocoa Beach, 32931. (321) 868-3351. Golfcocoabeach.com
HOMETOWN NEWS
Crane Creek Reserve (Public) 475 West New Haven Ave., Melbourne, 32901 (321) 674-5716 Melbourneflorida.org/golf
Palm Gardens Golf Course (Public) 2630 Minton Road Melbourne, 32904 (321) 723-3182 Palmgardensgolfcourse.com Baytree National Golf (Semi-Private) 8207 National Dr., Melbourne, 32940 (321) 259-9060 Baytreenational.com
Manatee Cove Golf Course 861 Marina Road Patrick Air Force Base, 32925 (321) 494-7856 Bbrd.org/golfcourse/homepage.html Gopatrickfl.com/golf-course
Barefoot Bay Golf and Recreation Park (Semi-Private) 1225 Barefoot Blvd., Barefoot Bay, 32976. (772) 664-3174
Aquarina Country Club (Public) 7500 South A1A, Melbourne Beach, 32951 (321) 728-0600 Islandlinksgolf.com
6 April 13, 2012
Walkabout Golf and Country Club (Public) 3230 Folsom Road Mims, 32754 (321) 385-2099 Walkaboutgolf.com
Viera East Golf Club (Public) 2300 Clubhouse Drive Rockledge, 32955 (321) 639-6500 Vieragolf.com
Turtle Creek Golf Club (Semi-Private) 1278 Admiralty Blvd. Rockledge, 32955 (321) 638-0603 Golfturtlecreek.com
Suntree Country Club (Private with two courses – challenge and classic course) 1 Country Club Dr., Melbourne, 32940. (321) 242-6235 Suntree.com
(Semi-Private) 5000 Old Dixie Hwy., Grant, 32949 (321) 951-2009
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The Majors Golf Club (Semi-Private) 3375 Bayside Lakes Blvd. Palm Bay, 32909 (321) 952-8617 Majorsgolfclub.com
La Cita Golf and Country Club (Private) 777 Country Club Drive Titusville, 32780 (321) 267-2955 Lacitacc.com
Jo Daddy’s Golf Course (Public) 3255 Jupiter Blvd. SE Palm Bay, 32909 (321) 723-1956 April 13, 2012
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April 13, 2012
Duran is a great course, but young and still maturing
O
ne thing that I have noticed from this "global warming" is that many courses in south Florida no longer over-seed for the winter season. You have to travel a little north to get those lush rye greens and tees. Fortunately for me, our newspaper's circulation covers courses well north of my So-Fla home.
This past week I traveled a short hop and a skip up the interstate to Viera, home of Duran Golf Club. Here I was met by an extremely friendly and helpful staff. I was almost certain that the holiday season had something to do with it, but I was assured by the locals that this is always the case here. The first thing that jumped out at me was the beautiful lush green of the place. I had forgotten how great the winter rye makes everything look. Ball marks on over-seeded greens seem to heal more quickly and putts roll very smoothly on them. The tees provide you plenty of places to stick that peg in the ground without having to look for that last bit of actual turf. I was in
GOLF JAMES STAMMER
heaven. Duran Golf Club, completed in 2005, is easily accessible from I-95 in Viera, just north of Melbourne. The course features five sets of tees, with the longest playing to 7,151 yards. A very stern test considering how much wind blows through the fairways. For the less accomplished players, one can easily find a set of tees to match his or her skill or mood for the day. The club also has a full dining room, with a fantastic menu complete with early bird specials, a Sunday Jazz Brunch and more. The pro shop is filled with the latest fashions and gear, including a great selection of golf balls, gloves and caps. Also on property is the Duran Academy of Golf, a comprehensive
instructional and coaching program dedicated to golfers that are passionate about getting the most out of their game. The full-time staff of PGA instructors offer one-on-one individual lessons and group sessions to clinics, multi-day golf schools, and high tech video swing analysis. Duran also offers adult and junior activities, leagues and more. The club truly serves as part of the community. The name Duran comes from the land itself, not the early '80s English pop band. Owned by the Duda family for five generations, the relatively flat prairie was used as a cattle ranch and sod farm. The name is a combination of "Du" from Duda and "ran" from ranch. The course was designed by Lewis "Chip" Powell. His keen eye for manipulating an area's natural weather patterns and wind tendencies made him a logical choice to incorporate design features that considered the wide-open spaces found here, along with the varying coastal winds of the East Coast of Florida. The combination
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resulted in holes that play with as much as a five-club difference from day to day. To build a golf course on a piece of property this flat, and void of all but one tree at the start, requires moving and shaping more than a million cubic yards of earth. The result is a course with links characteristics, including rolling terrain, mounded greens and 15 ponds. The use of native grasses, and the importation of a several thousand oak and cypress trees and native palms give the course character. The course is still young, and still maturing. The green complexes continue to improve and benefit from the growth that years of care bring. The trees on the course are young, but have begun to fill out and provide definition. The course starts you off on the right foot, a pleasant par-5 with no surprises. I began my day with a rare birdie. The third is home to the only tree See DURAN, 11
The Great Outdoors RV & Golf Resort provides a stimulating challenge to all levels of golfers, the course is meticulously maintained. The course is complemented by paved cart paths, picturesque wooden bridges that span the wetlands, white-sand bunkers and numerous water hazards for your golf pleasure!
Call for Tee Times Golf course amenities include an aqua range, chipping area with sand bunker, fully outfitted pro shop and teaching professionals available. Spikeless golf shoes and proper attire are required.
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Gift From page 5
an increase in ball speed • Accuracy improved by an average of 16 percent • 69 percent of participants increased their driver swing speed • 77 percent of participants increased their club speed Wayne Williams, Testing Director with Golf Test USA, reported that, "One single product usually does not help a golfer improve their game to the degree that the Teeter Hang Ups did." Inversion tables are best known for helping relieve back pain, yet the same benefits that contribute to a better back result in a better golf game. A regular program of inversion has been shown to improve joint health, leading to better function and flexibility. One-sided and rotational sports, like golf, create significant stress on the spine and tend to develop muscles on one side of the body, which can lead to misalignments and poor posture. Studies indicate that
when inverted to 60 degrees or more, the pressure on the intervertebral discs drops to zero. Reduced pressure allows joints to hydrate, improving shock absorption and flexibility, and the gentle stretch provides the body an opportunity to realign itself. Healthy joints in proper alignment and in good posture function at their best -- which explains the dramatic results of the GolfTest study. "The GolfTest USA study emphasizes that inversion offers more than back pain rehabilitation. Decompression and a healthy spine are critical to how our bodies function and perform," says Rylie Teeter Leier, coowner of Teeter. When shopping for an inversion table, look for one that offers verified quality with independent certification by a third party like Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Teeter's inversion tables are the only in the world to meet the new inversion table listing (UL 1647) which tests endurance (inverting down and up), weight load, and ankle restraint performance. You can learn more about Teeter Hang Ups products at www.teeterinversion.com.
HOMETOWN NEWS
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Cocoa Beach Country Club Tom Warriner Boulevard (Off Minutemen Causeway) Cocoa Beach, FL 32932-2430 Automated Tee Times 321.392-2116
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Just off US1 -Between Palm Bay & Sebastian
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Did you know? metrocreativeconnection.com For Hometown News
Though most are aware that taking care of one's body is a good way to increase a person's chances of a long and healthy life, it can also be a good way to increase one's chances of living a lucrative life. According to the 2009 Sports Illustrated "Fortunate 50," no American athlete made more in seasons completed in 2009 than golfer Tiger Woods, whose earnings fell just shy of $100 million. Woods secured the top spot in spite of losing lucrative endorsement deals (no doubt due to the slumping economy) and missing time due to recovery from knee surgery. What's more, Woods' earnings are even more jaw dropping when considering the earnings of the second best earner among American athletes. That distinction goes to Woods' rival Phil Mickelson, whose earnings were slightly under $53 million, or a little more than half of Woods' earnings. Still, while both Woods and Mickelson are masters of the links, both earned most of their money in endorsements, as their combined salary/winnings was slightly more than $14 million, essentially a fraction of their combined overall earnings that exceeded $152 million. While some might find it unsettling that Woods and Mickelson make such a small fraction of their earnings actually playing golf, at least Woods and Mickelson competed. The same cannot be said for the 22nd highest earning American athlete, former NBA guard Steve Francis. Despite not playing a minute last season, Francis still earned more than $20 million, the bulk of which was the remainder of a 2007 buyout of his contract by the Portland Trail Blazers. Francis also earned another $2.6 million from two teams who released him.
HOMETOWN NEWS
11
Duran From page 8
standing when construction began. The lone palm stands guard on a small peninsula that jets out into the lake and warns golfers of the danger lurking behind. On your way around the course you are greeted with a pleasurable playing experience. Choosing the proper set of tees gives one just enough challenge. I used most of the clubs in my bag and quickly figured out that the wind needed to be taken into account on every shot. My final tally was better than I expected. Winter rates at Duran are very competitive, with Florida residents enjoying a nice discount. The course is located at 7032 Stadium Parkway, Viera, FL 32940. For more information, or to make a tee time, visit Duran GC on the web at www.durangolf.com or call friendly staff member at (321) 504-7776. James Stammer has been an avid golfer and golf enthusiast for nearly 40 years. He hosts the Thursday Night Golf Show on WSTU 1450-AM. Contact him at stammergolf@yahoo.com.
• • • • • • • •
Championship Golf Course Lighted 9-Hole PAR 3 Course Memberships Starting Under $60/Month Junior Memberships Starting Under $9/Month Academy of Golf Incredible Casual Dining Exceptional Banquet Facility Best Of All ... Open To The Public
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