LOCALS
in action FEATURING MIAMI-DADE’s local golfers
GIRLS JUST WANNA
HAVE FUN MEET TWO GIRLS WHO PLAY ON THEIR BOYS HIGH SCHOOL TEAM
WOMEN’S SECTION
A NEW SECTION DEDICATED TO MIAMI-DADE’S WOMEN GOLFERS
AlSO INSIDE: LIFESTYLE REVIEWS, GOLF TIPS, COURSE REVIEWS, LOCAL SPOTLIGHTS + MORE
www.weekendgolfermag.com | Volume 1 Issue 2 Nov-Dec 2010 | $4.95
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W h e n i t c o M e s t o F r e s h c r a b,
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Before you file Bankruptcy Call us!! Many banks have stopped foreclosures for illegal foreclosure practices! Now is the time to act! Are you aware that Florida Law prohibits lenders from harassing you if they do not own your loan. You may be entitled to sue your lender for statutory violations • If you were denied a loan modification • If you were in a trial modification but never received a final modification • If your home was foreclosed on and you never met with a bank representative for help • If you have been denied a short sale
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Free consultation 3 0 5 - 3 8 1- 9 9 9 9 www.adornodamaslaw.com
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NOV/DEC 2010
Volume 1 Issue 2 /// November - December 2010
Weekend Golfer Miami
Awesome, fantastic and terrific.
Oscar Ferrazza /// Publisher John Santagata /// Managing Editor Francis Ferrazza /// Creative Director Daniel Vasquez /// Creative Director Michelle Rinaldi /// Director of Photography Andrew Karchmer /// Sales Director Vox-Stilus Enterprise, Inc. Weekend Golfer /// Miami 1111 Brickell Ave. Suite 1100 Miami, FL 33131 Phone: 305-913-7194 Fax: 305-397-2960 Email: staff@weekendgolfermag.com
Contributing Writers
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Brent Postal Yvonne Roberts Christophe Normand Dr. Todd M. Narson Dr. Adonis Maiquez Zane Binder John Pallot Justin Bruton Mike Simmons Steven Novak Bob Coman Miami Culinary Tours Andy Bockelman Heather Levow Jackie Bertram Kaufman Joe Fries Ethan Shapiro
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hose are just three of the many words used throughout the MiamiDade golfing community to describe our first edition of Weekend Golfer Magazine. There is nothing like a pat on the back and a “job well done” to let you know you are on the right track. The sensation equals that of a birdie on the 18th hole; a strong finish makes you come back for more. And that is what we plan on doing: staying strong and making you, the Weekend Golfer, come back for more. Back for more interesting articles, more in-depth reviews, more local tournament coverage, more action-packed photos and more helpful tips from the Weekend Golfer Tip Team. The proof is in the pudding: If you are a weekend golfer in Miami-Dade County, we have got you covered. And just think – we’re only on the second hole. Tournaments aren’t won with a few good swings of the club over the course of a couple of holes. It takes every shot in your bag working together in unison to make the end result feel like an accomplishment. The staff of Weekend Golfer understands what working together means. Without their hard work and dedication, my dream of bringing the best local golf coverage to the residents of Miami-Dade County would be just that. A dream. Thanks to the Weekend Golfer staff and to our faithful readers. Because of you, my dream has become reality. Let’s keep the ball rolling.
Contributing Editors Michele Santagata Laurie Mintzer Carlos Blanco
Weekend Golfer/Miami ISSN 2156-910X is Copyright by Vox-Stilus Enterprise, Inc. All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part or transmitted in any form, by means of electronic, mechanical, including photocopy without the written permission. ©2010
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Oscar Ferrazza /// Publisher Weekend Golfer Miami oferrazza@weekendgolfermag.com Weekend Golfer/Miami is a proud supporter of the Voices for Children Foundation. The mission of the foundation is to raise funds to ensure every abused and neglected child in MiamiDade County has a court-appointed Guardian ad Litem and that financial assistance and other resources are available for their accompanying health, educational, and social needs. Your financial contribution can be the one, big difference in the life of an abused, abandoned, and neglected child. For more information, visit www.voices4.org.
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MAIL BAG
Mail Bag Hi, I picked up a copy of Miami Weekend Golfer at the Biltmore recently. Congratulations on putting together an enjoyable publication for local golf enthusiasts. - Susan Krupnick-Gregorie Carrollton School
Hi WG, Just finished going through your first issue of Weekend Golfer and thought it was great. As a PGA Teaching Professional of 20 years here in Dade county, I thought it was great that you covered a number of us pros. How can I help!?
Hello, Congratulations on your new magazine! I picked up the first issue at Killian Greens and was very impressed by the range of stories and the professional presentation. Having been involved with publications for many years, I know how difficult it is to start a magazine. But you have the first issue on the stands, so it’ll be easier from now on. I also want to thank you for mentioning Executive Women’s Golf Assocation of Miami in Mike Simmonsí bio. Of course, we’ll thank Mike too. - Pat Morrissey/Havlin EWGA-Miami
- Scott Jones, PGA Calusa G.C
Hello, The magazine is fantastic, congratulations and good luck. - David B. Israel, Esq. Attorney and Counselor At Law
Oscar, Love the new issue. Ironically, Bill Kerdyk used to be a client of mine. Looking forward to having you join us for our Golf Classic at Melreese on Friday, Nov 12. Let me know if you have any questions prior to the event so that we can make sure we are all squared away. We really appreciate your interest! - Jamie Levin Latin Builders Association
WRITE TO US: Submissions should include the writer’s name and phone number and be sent by e-mail to staff@weekendgolfermag.com. Submissions may be edited for length and clarity and may be published or used in any medium. All submissions become the property of the publication and will not be returned.
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NOV/DEC 2010
CONTENTS
Volume 1 Issue 2 /// November - December 2010
FEATURES 58
GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN Absence of girls golf team doesn’t stop Trinity juniors
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diamonds in the rough girls program looking for hidden gems
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DEPARTMENTS 10 opinion 12 guest commentary 14 quips & fast facts 16 golf 101 16 Torture Drill by Justin Brutton 18 Mastering Putts by Mike Simmons 20 Tips Using Household Items by Bob Coman 22 Consistency Leads to Success by John Pallot
24 equipment 28 WG spotlights 30 health & fitness 30 The Great Debate by Dr. Todd M. Narson 31 Sun Exposure by Dr. Adonis Maiquez
34 reviews 34 Infinity G37s Convertible by Zane Binder 36 Miami Culinary Tours
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38 Golf in Cinema by Andy Bockelman 40 Miami International Links Melreese Country Club
46 connoiseur 46 The Bubbly Chameleon by Yvonne Roberts 48 Cigar Basics by Christophe Normand
50 finance 50 Real Estate by the Law Office of Adorno, Damas & Associates 52 The Investment Game by Steven Novak
54 women’s golf 101 54 Don’t Play like a Girl! by Heather Levow 56 Start Scoring Better Now – Set-up for Success by Jackie Bertram Kaufman
58 juniors 62 Junior’s Spotlight
66 LOCAL 66 The Front Nine by Joe Fries 70 The Back Nine by Ethan Shapiro
74 travel 74 Waccamaw Golf Trail WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
NOV/DEC 2010
OPINION
Editorial E
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xcited at the prospect of getting our first issue on the stands, I took it upon myself to personally deliver a copy to each and every golf course in Miami-Dade County. Well … almost every one. I couldn’t get past the pearly gates outside Indian Creek Country Club. But hey, I guess even Superman has his kryptonite. Despite the rejection, I plodded along with thousands of magazines in the back of my truck determined to make our presence felt. Well received, the general consensus is that Weekend Golfer is a publication long overdue. But, that isn’t what surprised me. What surprised me was what I didn’t hear. Or better yet, what I didn’t see. I didn’t see the original 31 Miami golf courses I was expecting. Gone are four that were playable only a few short years ago – and some only months. Haulover Beach Park Golf Course, Williams Island Country Club, Presidential Country Club and California Golf Club have all fallen silent. It didn’t hit me until I saw the overgrown fairways, the weed-covered signs and the padlocked gates: Golf in Miami-Dade took a big hit. I saw private and resort courses looking better than ever: Turnberry, Deering Bay, Doral, Biltmore and Westview. I saw public courses – Miccosukee, Don Shula’s, Country Club of Miami, Melreese and Palmetto – with faithful regulars and great junior programs. Two assets any golf club would desire.
So, how can we, as the faithful, honorable and passionate Weekend Golfers that we are, ensure the 27 remaining Miami-Dade golf courses stay playable and do not go the way of the weeds? Keep golfing. Wait … no, scratch that. Golf more. In fact, golf twice as much as you do now and bring a friend. Just because Tiger Woods isn’t winning any more, doesn’t mean you can’t put on your final round Sunday outfit and hit the links. Next time you play, take a little longer drive than usual. Visit somewhere you’ve never teed it up. Think of it as a mini-vacation of sorts. Go to Redlands, visit Crandon Park or check out one of the other Parks courses (when was the last time you played and didn’t see a house or a condo?) Teach someone the game. I know it’s a pain to play with people that aren’t very good, but the rewards could be endless. Who knows where the next Tiger, Jack or Phil is going to pop up? Heck, we could divide up the clubs in Miami and have a Ryder Cup style event each year. Not just for the club pros, but for the Weekend Golfer, like us. There’s nothing like a little friendly competition to get the golf blood pumping. The point is we have to somehow turn 27 separate golf clubs into one giant local golfing community and make sure our up-and-coming juniors have a place to play. If we can do that, no more Miami-Dade courses will go the way of the weeds.
John Santagata /// Managing Editor WeekendGolfer Miami jsantagata@miamiweekendgolfer.com
The staff of Weekend Golfer has pledged to bring the best local coverage to recreational golfers in Miami-Dade County. We encourage reader submissions of all types. Have a rules question or an interesting hole-in-one story? Send them to us. Photos or ideas you want to share? Let us know. E-mail submissions and suggestions to staff@weekendgolfermag.com
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NOV/DEC 2010
LOCALS IN ACTION Jonathon Dresnick Deering Bay Yacht & Country Club
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GUEST COMMENTARY
The Wheels Came Off By Brent Postal /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
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nybody who’s ever entered a golf scramble at some point believes they can win it. Of course, it almost never happens. Well, I got as close as I’ve ever been recently in Pennsylvania. Our group of three played exceptionally well. Everything was set for the prideboosting – albeit marginal – first place gift certificates. But then, something strange happened; something that ended our chances right then and there. But, let’s start at the beginning. Our first hole was number three, a do-able par 4 … Hole no. 3 – A long, straight drive put us in good position for our second shot. We all used wedges and ended up using my approach, which ran about 25 feet past the hole. The greens were recently aerated so getting a smooth role was basically impossible. One putt went about inch off the cup, but none of us converted. We tapped in for par. Hole no. 4 – This was a short par 3, downhill, about 110 yards. We used my ball, which again settled about 20 feet away. I was last to putt and my Callaway stopped just one revolution too short. So close. Even through the first two. A slight ticking in the back left tire is all that is wrong with this start. Hole no. 5 – With a good drive, this was an eagle hole. Fortunately, our big hitter put our first shot on the fringe. Once again, one of our putts came up tantalizingly close. We kicked in for birdie and went to the next uphill par 4 feeling like we missed some great opportunities.
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Hole no. 6 – A tough hole in which the green sat atop a high mound. Our drive was OK, but our second shot was excellent. With a friendly bounce off the backstop, we were looking at an 8-footer for birdie. It took only one putt. The ticking tire is far from our minds now. We were 2-under through four holes. Hole no. 7 – This was a birdie hole, provided the drive was accurate. We used my tee shot, which barely found the right rough. An approach shot by our eldest member left us with a 13-footer for our third straight birdie. It was straight as an arrow, and he drained it. The Birdie Train was rolling. Hole no. 8 – If any hole could stop the train, it was this one. Uphill all the way, it was a tough par 4. Fortunately, my buddy carried over his perfect approach swing and somehow landed a ball within about eight feet of the pin. We buried it, confident we just picked up one on the field. Our shouts were heard two holes away. Hole no. 9 – Another par 4 eagle hole given a wellshaped drive. We used my safety shot off the tee and chipped on from there, close enough to nail the putt. Five birdies in a row! Two holes to go, we’re feeling lucky. I could practically see the pro writing my name on the gift certificate. Now, remember that ticking we heard on our rear left tire? It’s quite loud at that point, and the sloping hill is putting undue pressure on the wavering wheel. “I’m going to drive down to the flat part so we don’t tip,” my buddy said.
NOV/DEC 2010
Illustration by Daniel Gonzalez
“It’s not going to fall off,” I replied confidently. No more than two seconds later and there it went. It wasn’t a disruptive jolt, more like riding around with a huge passenger in the back left seat. The cart limped to a stop. We vowed that we wouldn’t let this disrupt our unprecedented rhythm. We had to hoof it back to the first tee, about a hundred yards uphill, meeting up with our now laughing teammate. It was time to focus again. We had two holes to go. Hole no. 1 – This was a tough par 4 with an even tougher green. Our drives flew through the air like errant fireworks. All but one was lost in the woods, and the one that wasn’t landed only about 110 yards in front of us. We played a decent second shot to get back on track and were left with a long approach. Things were unraveling right in front of us. How would we even save par now? A decent shot put us on the fringe, a good 20 feet away with at least four feet of break. I was last to putt and felt uncertain at best. I pushed the ball somewhere in between where the others had put theirs and watched as it collected speed while it moved down the slope. Still on course, it seemed to be magnetized to the cup, but no one said anything. We all watched silently until, Bam! In it went. “Great save baby,” my buddy shouted. We were still five under par with one to go. Hole no. 2 – One of the easiest holes on the course and our last hurdle. My drive was exquisite, almost too perfect, as it rested just beyond the fairway. We were left with 40 yards. However, there was a mound on the front of the
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green, where the pin was placed. I knew I didn’t have that shot in my bag. All four shots fell either short of the mound or on it, and the balls filter back down in front of the green. “We just need to chip up and save par,” I said. Our chips are unimpressive, the closest being about eight feet away. I read just outside the right edge in the putt, and put one right where I wanted it. It crossed in front of the cup and I could only hope my teammates saw the line. Two more putts went begging and we had one last chance to salvage a perfect drive. The putt wasn’t close. It never had a shot as it stormed past the right edge. Bogey and heartbreak all at once. Handshakes and a trip to the bar couldn’t hide the disappointment on our faces. We were poised for six under, or at the very least five. It turned out our score of four under tied us for first place in the first flight. The tiebreaker was consecutive birdies starting at the group’s first hole, which, we of course shot par. I have no malice toward the winners or the staff in charge of the cart’s maintenance, but little do they know how close we were. It should be us holding those gift certificates. But hey, we didn’t win. Five birdies in a row and we didn’t win. We were doing so well and then as they say, the wheels fell off. Literally.
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QUIPS & FAST FACTS
By The Numbers
444
114,737
30:10
515
The world record, in yards, for the longest ever recorded hole-in-one. Playing on a downhill hole and with a tailwind, Bob Mitera made the shot at Miracle Hill Country Club in Omaha, Nebraska.
Number of shots (including 3,511 penalty shots) Floyd Rood needed to golf his way across the United States. The estimated course length was 3,397 miles. No word on what par was.
Time taken to record the fastest 18-hole round ever played on foot. Dick Kimbrough used one club – a 3-iron – to achieve the feat in 1972 at North Platte Country Club in Nebraska.
The world record, in yards, for the longest drive ever recorded in competition. The feat was accomplished by 64-year-old Mike Austin in 1974 during the US National Seniors Open with a 43.5” steel shafted persimmon wood driver and a balata ball.
1848
1891
1924
1969
Golf balls made of gutta-percha, a rubberlike gum from trees in Asia, replaced the original “feathery,” a leather ball stuffed with bird feathers.
The first golf shoes, with separate screw in spikes, were introduced.
The modern wooden, pegshaped golf tee is patented and immediately mass marketed.
Golf clubs with graphite composite shafts are developed.
In 1457 golf was outlawed in Scotland. The Parliament of the day felt that the time spent playing golf would be better spent in archery practice to help defend Scotland from the English.
At a golf club in Rhodesia, the uprising in the 70s caused an amendment to the club rules allowing the replay of a stroke if the player was interrupted by gunfire or an explosion.
Lee Trevino, one of golf’s most successful and popular players, has been struck by lightning twice.
Golf Milestones
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Did You Know
Approximately 1000 golf carts were in use in the 50s and the number grew to more than 120,000 in the 60s. Today the number of golf carts in use is more than 1,000,000.
Words of Wisdom “Golf is a game of inches. The most important are those between the ears.” — Arnold Palmer
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NOV/DEC 2010
GOLF TERMINOLOGY ba•nan•a ball [buh-nan-uh] [bawl]
shot•gun start [shot-guhn] [stahrt]
A sliced ball that travels on a long extreme arc.
Players beginning a tournament at the same time on different holes.
beach [beech]
Sand bunker on a golf course.
skull•ing [skuhl-eeng]
Hitting the ball at or above its center, causing the ball to be hit too hard and travel too far.
chi•li dip [chi-ee] [dip]
Hitting the ground before the ball, producing a pop-up in the air.
slice [slahys]
A shot that curves strongly from left to right as a result of sidespin. The converse applies to a left-handed player.
dance floor [dans] [flawrt] The green.
sweet spot [sweet] [spot]
Hitting the ball solid or on the screws.
duff•er [duhf-er]
An unskilled golfer. Also called a hacker.
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tex•as wedge [tek-suhs] [wej]
What the putter is called when it’s used off the green. Also a shot played with a putter from outside the putting green.
fore [fawr, fohr]
A warning cry to anyone near an errant shot.
kick [kik]
Bounce, usually unpredictable and erratic.
wag•gle [wag-uhl]
Movement of the clubhead prior to swinging – a swaying of the club behind the ball.
sand•y [san-dee]
Making par after being in a bunker.
whiff [hwif, wif]
To swing and miss the ball completely.
shank [shangk]
Shot in which the ball is hit by the heel of the clubface and flies off-line to the right.
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NOV/DEC 2010
GOLF 101
Torture Drill By Justin Bruton /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer Over the last three years I’ve been able to analyze a number of golfers using 3D technology, which allows me to quantify the efficiency of the body motion. The most obvious observation I’ve made with poor ball strikers is their inability to use the body effectively. Most golfers that struggle with ball-striking are excessively arms dominant in their golf swing. This leads to limited clubhead speed and accuracy. Imagine trying to pitch a baseball while standing flat-footed. Is it possible? Of course it is, but you would be severely limited in producing any kind of velocity or accuracy with that motion. This is especially true when compared to a motion that allows you to shift your weight and use your body effectively. This in essence, is the same problem that most bad ball strikers struggle with. So, I have a speed drill that limits the use of the arms, forcing the lower & upper body to do most of the work. I like to call it the “Torture Drill.”
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1 Starting with a 9 iron, get into your set up position and take the club back halfway.The halfway back position should be when the shaft of the club is parallel with the ground.
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3
4
From this position fire as fast as you can to your finish position.
This limited arms swing restricts how much speed you can generate from the arms and hands forcing your lower & upper body to work harder.
In the beginning just attempt to make the swoosh sound and then progress to brushing the grass. Eventually place a ball on a tee and practice hitting shots this way.
Justin Bruton Justin Bruton is currently the Director of Golf at Biltmore Golf Course in Coral Gables. He is a Level 3 Titleist Performance Institute certified Golf Professional, Golf Bio-mechanist and Club Fitter, and is also a Bentley Kinetics certified golf instructor.
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NOV/DEC 2010
GOLF 101
Mastering Putts By Mike Simmons /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
Many players have difficulty placing the clubface perpendicular, or at right angles, to the target line, primarily because they are trying to identify the target line by standing to the side of the target line. Always stand on the target line with the ball about 8 to 10 feet directly in front of you and between you and the hole. Lower your body and crouch behind the ball to read the line of the putt. Identify a spot about 10 to 12 inches in front of the ball, directly in line with where you want to roll the ball. This is called the “intermediate target.” 18
Mike Simmons Mike Simmons is currently the head teaching professional at Miccosukee Golf & Country Club. The retired British-trained attorney and former National Amateur Golf Player from Barbados has been teaching golf in Florida for 17 years. A 1993 graduate of the Harvey Penick Golf Academy, Simmons apprenticed with PGA professionals Charlie DeLucca, John Norton, Scott Jones and Charlie Pifer. Simmons is also the acting golf professional at Miami Dade College - Kendall Campus, Sunset Senior High School and for the Executive Women’s Golf Association of Miami
Photography by Pedro Pages
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NOV/DEC 2010
2 Address the ball with the leading edge of the putter, not the top, making sure that the alignment aid on your putter head is perpendicular to the intermediate target, the ball is in line with your left heel, your head is slightly behind the ball and your feet – and more importantly, your shoulders – are parallel to the target line. This ensures proper alignment. As you attempt to roll the ball over the intermediate spot to the hole, make sure that your entire body, except your shoulders and arms, remains extremely still. Lightly grip the club. With a slight forward press and a pendulum-like action, use the shoulders and arms as one unit to gently roll the ball over the target line to the hole. Do not turn your head to follow the ball until well after the putt.
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3 Be careful to examine the grain of the grass, since the grain influences the speed and the break of your putt. When putting against the grain, the speed will be reduced and the ball will hold a much straighter line. When putting with the grain, the speed will increase and the break is more severe. Make your pre-putt routine simple. Having determined in your mind the line of the putt, take two practice swings at most, and stroke the ball. Practice this two or three times a week and you will master your putts.
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NOV/DEC 2010
GOLF 101
Tips Using Household Items By Bob Coman /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer Whether taking up golf for the first time or getting back into the swing of things, Bob Coman, who oversees the two Raymond Floyd-redesigned championship 18-hole courses at the legendary Fairmont Turnberry Isle in Aventura, Fla., incorporates household items into many of his clinics. Not only is this a fun, low-tech way to teach guests and members the fundamentals of the game, but it’s something aspiring golfers can easily practice at home, too, like for example: Learn proper hand and arm rotation – open, square and closed – with the help of a broom.
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1
2
Hold the broom handle like a golf club with the wide portion of the bristles facing your target (like your clubface would face the target).
Swing the broom back to a waist high by allowing your hands and arms to rotate the wide portion of the bristles to a position perpendicular to the ground (the toe of your club head will be pointing to the sky with the clubface facing in front of your body).
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NOV/DEC 2010
Bob Coman Bob Coman is currently the Director of Golf at Turnberry Isle Resort & Club. Coman has been named one of the top 20 most admired golf operators in America by Golf Inc. Magazine; honored as Golf Professional of the Year by the Southeast Chapter and South Florida PGA Section; and has served as a Class A Member of the PGA of America since 1990. The South Florida-resident provided viewers of WPTV, the NBC affiliate in West Palm Beach, with weekly golf tips for seven years.
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Photography by John LaMarche
3
4
Return the broom to the address position with the wide portion of the bristles returning to a position facing your target.
Continue swinging the broom through to a waist high position by allowing your hands and arms to rotate the wide portion of the bristles to a position perpendicular to the ground again (the toe of your club head will be pointing to the sky with the clubface facing behind you body).
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NOV/DEC 2010
GOLF 101
John Pallot is the founder of John Pallot Golf Academy at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.Pallot, a PGA teaching professional, was ranked in the top-10 nationally as junior, played four years varsity golf for the University of Miami (FL), and has competed nationally as an amateur and professional. He has devoted the past 20 years to teaching and continuing his golf education by receiving instruction from some of the world’s best teachers – including Butch Harmon, Jim McLean, Bob Toski, Martin Hall, Peter Kostis and John Elliot.
John Pallot
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Consistency Leads to Success By John Pallot /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer This month’s tip flows from observations I’ve made watching Dustin Johnson’s swing. He has a long backswing with an extremely bowed left wrist at the top. Although his swing isn’t pictureperfect, he has two parts that everyone should emulate: On the backswing and downswing the club-shaft bisects his arms and his right bicep. These are two positions that make him the No. 12 player in the world and No. 2 in Driving Distance on the PGA Tour. You can check this with your swing in a mirror or with video as follows:
Place a rod in the end of your grip. Make a backswing and point the rod at an imaginary target line. This will enable the rod to bisect your arms and bicep. Continue through to the downswing pointing the rod at the same target line. Take six practice swings. Now hit some shots without the rod. This routine will lead to more consistent shot making. Photography by Pedro Pages
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NOV/DEC 2010
EQUIPMENT
What’s Hot Golf equipment, apparel and technology.
Golfshot Golf GPS for iPhone There are two versions of Golfshot, and this is the Golfshot: Golf GPS version that includes aerial views (unlike the 99 cent version). Golfshot has the top-line features, but also sets itself apart with its best-in-class stats tracking and graphing. It automatically creates superb color graphics for fairways hit and missed (left or right), greens in regulation, sand saves, putts per hole, and more.
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TaylorMade Burner SuperFast TP More Speed and Power in a Tour-Proven Head. • New aerodynamic head shape slips faster through the air to promote added speed and power • Slightly open clubface preferred by skilled players • Dual Crown technology promotes higher flight for added carry • A noticeably smaller crown sits on top of a large power-base, allowing CG to be placed far back and deep • CG placement promotes increased carry and tour-caliber distance • Tremendously forgiving 460cc size with black crown, face and sole • New Matrix HD6 65-gram shaft promotes piercing, tour-like ball flight
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NOV/DEC 2010
Nike Glove All Weather Men’s Golf Gloves • Synthetic microfiber at palm for superior grip in wet conditions • Flexibility at index finger and thumb with spandex in fingers for maximum range of motion, flexibility and breathability • Angled tab design provides superior ergonomic fit • Performs best in wet conditions • Customized fitting system for all hand shapes and sizes
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Nike Brassie Women’s Cart Golf Bag Sophisticated and simply stylish, the Nike Brassie Women’s Cart Golf Bag is designed specifically with the female golfer in mind. • 9.5-inch oval top with 10-way divider system and external putter well to keep your clubs organized • 10 strategically-placed pockets • Small, detachable accessory bag • Logo cresting compatible • Zip-off ball pocket • Rain hood included • Accommodates all club sizes
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NOV/DEC 2010
EQUIPMENT
Titleist PRO V1X golf balls • New, staggered wave parting line , longer distance from enhanced ball flight • New, higher coverage 392 dimple design , penetrating trajectory for long, consistent distance • New, A.I.M. (Alignment Integrated Marking) sidestamp .,integrated alignment guide for improved putting alignment • Longer driver distance • Soft compression for outstanding feel
TaylorMade Burner 2.0 Irons Graphite
• Drop-And-Stop control • The most durable of all Titleist Tourplayed golf balls
• Each iron individually engineered to promote distance and uniform distance gaps. • Consistent CG locations for optimized ball flight in long-, mid- and short-irons. • Multi-Functional sole design for reduced turf-drag and advanced playability. • Strategically located Inverted Cone location for faster ball speed on mis-hits.
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• Flight-control shaft designed for longer, higher longirons and quick-stopping short-irons. • Refined vibration-management system for improved sound and feel.
Idea Tech V3 Hybrid Sleek design. Superb performance When you pull the new Idea Tech V3 Hybrid from your bag, your confidence will swell knowing that this hybrid’s technology lineage comes from the same Idea Hybrids that have ranked #1 on the PGA Tour since 2008, the Champions Tour since 2005 and the Nationwide tour since 2006. The family of Idea Hybrids are played by more tour pros than any others because of the improvements and innovations from one generation of hybrids to the next. And the easy-to-hit, sleek and sexy Idea Tech V3 Hybrid is a continuation of excellence. Engineered for players who want the very best materials, design and technology that is available in golf club design today, this hybrid delivers with exceptional performance, feel and looks. It truly is unmatched in golf.
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NOV/DEC 2010
Nike SQ E Sunglasses On the field or running the track, the Nike SQ E Sunglasses provide you with the sun protection you need in a lightweight, durable design. Antifogging lens technology and a wide range of vision help you keep your goals in sharp focus.
Adidas Tour 360 (thintech) 4.0 shoes • Full-grain leather provides a rich look and feel, as well as superior durability • FitFOAM polyurethane sock liner provides support, cushioning and comfort from heel to toe • Advanced THiNTech low-profile technology brings you even closer to the ground for improved stability, better overall footwork and ultimately more consistent ball-striking • adiTUFF technology features an abrasion-resistant material to protect the toe from excessive wear and keeps the shoe looking better longer
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• adiPRENE cushioning technology provides enhanced impact absorption in the heel for longlasting comfort
Callaway LR550 Yellow Golf Rangefinder Waterproof Trademark Nikon accuracy: Advanced laser pulse receivers give you incredibly fast and consistent measurements. Bright, multicoated 6x optics: Nikon’s legendary optics and proprietary anti-reflective coatings offer high-resolution images. Ultra-compact size: Easily fits in a pocket or your golf bag. Easy-to-view LCD display: For easy ranging, even in bright sunlight. Yellow neoprene sport case: With walker bag clip. Displays in .5-yard increments: Displays in .5-yard increments out to 550 yards. Single button operation: Ftor fast, easy measurements. Automatically powers down after 8 seconds to reduce battery use. Waterproof/fogproof (except battery chamber).
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NOV/DEC 2010
SPOTLIGHT 1
WG Spotlight: United States Cuban-American Golf Association USCGA 2010 Player Rankings* (points in parenthesis)
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1. Jorge Iglesias (1481.00) 2. Izzy Del Valle (1352.33) 3. David Salazar (1339.00) 4. Victor De La Mata (1188.50) 5. Donald Westbrook (1133.83) 6. Eric Cabrera (1005.00) 7. Eddie Suarez (953.00) 8. Tico Valdes (936.50) 9. Pete Perez (922.50) 10. Rey Fernandez (813.00) 11. Raul Montaner (805.00) 12. Daniel Chavez (785.16) 13. Enrique Escobar (750.00) 14. Enrique Olivera (740.50) 15. Tony Soto (684.00) 16. Jose Perez (679.83) 17. Frank Nunez (596.50) 18. Noe Martinez (593.50) 19. Jaime Davis (564.00) 20. Alexis Garcia (560.00) *standings current as of 10/16/2010
Eddie Suarez USCGA Oct. 2 – Shula’s Golf Club WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
NOV/DEC 2010
SPOTLIGHT 2
WG Spotlight: Men’s College Golf NSU Shark Invitational Oct. 11-12, 2010 Team results: 1. 2. 3. 4. T5. T5. 7. 8. T9. T9. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
Lynn University Nova Southeastern University University of West Florida Barton College Barry University Queens University of Charleston Indianapolis University Rollins College Post University Florida Institute of Technology Florida Southern College Midwestern State University Northwood University Belmont Abbey College St. Andrews Presbyterian
Individual results: 1. 2. T3. T3 5. 6. 7. T8. T8. T10. T10. T10.
Michael Basinski Northwood University Oct. 2 – Country Club of Miami WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
Jose Joia (-9) Daniel Claytor (-4) Daniel Stapff (-3) Bobby Bode (-3) Ben Vertz (-2) Aaron Monson (-1) Carlos Rodriguez (E) Ricardo Gouveia (+1) Spencer Cole (+1) Otto Bonning (+2) Michael Marshburn (+2) Ryan Sevigny (+2)
Photography by Pedro Pages
NOV/DEC 2010
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HEALTH & FITNESS
The Great Debate When to use ice or heat on an injury By Dr. Todd M. Narson /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
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o, you warm up on the driving range, do a bit of stretching then tee off on the front nine. Somewhere along the way, your back, your shoulder, your neck or maybe your knee, begins to ache. You shrug it off and continue on to the back nine. With only a couple of holes left it starts to hurt more, but, you’re with the guys so you push on. You take a shower, get changed and head home after the round. The next morning you’re in pain... Now what? Let me get right to the point: Ice First, Ask Questions Later. This is what I tell my patients to do when they aren’t sure whether to use ice or heat when they injure or reinjure themselves. This is probably one of the most controversial things I come across in practice. It’s a very “old school – new school” thing. Most old timers (I’m talking about physicians) like to apply heat on acute injuries or acute flair ups of chronic conditions. The reason is because they want to increase circulation to the area to rid it of the inflammation. Of course, there’s that nice soothing warmth that makes you feel better. What’s not to like right? Here’s the problem: It’s inflamed. The root word of inflamed is “flame,” meaning heat. You never put heat on top of something already hot unless of course you want it to get hotter. Don’t get me wrong, inflammation isn’t really a problem, it’s actually the beginning – and a necessary part – of the healing process. But, eventually it needs to slow down and stop so the other phases of injury healing can take place. And although it feels soothing in the short term, applying heat to an acutely inflamed strain, sprain or contusion, will further irritate it. Like I explain, it’s like trying to put out a fire with gasoline. The “Old school” train of thought says don’t apply ice because it constricts tissues and restricts blood flow. But there’s something they’re leaving out. Have you ever noticed that when you put ice on for 15 or 20 minutes and then take the ice pack off, your skin is pinkish-red? Why? Because your body was getting chilled down so much, that in a last-ditch effort not to get frost-bite, your body intuitively dilates your blood vessels to increase blood flow to warm up the area. We use our body’s own built in protective system to our advantage. Ice will increase blood flow which is exactly what the old school docs wanted.
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How long do you apply ice? It’s all conjecture. Use ice for as many days as you need until the initial inflammation and pain subsides or drastically changes for the better. I’ve used ice on myself and my patients up to 6 weeks depending on the condition. The same goes for acute flair-ups of chronic conditions. If it’s inflamed, use ice. If it hurts so much you want to go to the doctor, use ice. Never put ice directly on your skin, always use at least a handkerchief, a couple layers of paper towel or a thin washcloth to protect your skin. I’ve seen people use it directly and get an ice burn on their skin. Not a pretty sight. There are some rare conditions out there where people have specific illnesses or conditions that make them hypersensitive to ice (aka cold sensitivity disorders). If they have it, by now they certainly know who they are and have been counseled how to take care of it. Also, I haven’t examined you. This is general info I talk about with my patients and patient-athletes. You should discuss this with your doctor, trainer or physical therapist to make sure it’s an appropriate strategy for you. That being said, outside of the above subtle disclaimer, if you’re hurt and going to do something, remember the phrase: Ice First, Ask Questions Later, especially with sports injuries. Hit it long and straight my friends.
Dr. Todd M. Narson Doc@NaturalSportsMedicine.com www.NaturalSportsMedicine.com
Dr. Todd Narson is one of only nine Chiropractic Sports Injury Specialists located in Florida. He is the past President of the Florida Chiropractic Association’s Council on Sports Injuries — Physical Fitness & Rehabilitation. He is also a past recipient of the Sport Chiropractor of the Year award. His practice, Family & Sports, is located in Miami Beach.
NOV/DEC 2010
Sun Exposure Its benefits and dangers By Dr. Adonis Maiquez /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
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espite all the negative propaganda, the sun is very much needed for our overall health. But, like everything else in life, sun exposure must be in moderation. There are many reasons to avoid sunlight in excess. The most obvious: sunburn, unpleasant darkening on exposed areas and premature skin aging. The most feared: skin cancer. Lately, even for men, wrinkles have become a major concern. On the other hand, there are good reasons to have some “old natural” sun. It is through sunlight we get most of our Vitamin D. Although some foods are a good source of Vitamin D – fatty fishes like salmon, tuna and catfish, as well as eggs and enriched milk – the sun is one of the most important sources. There has been a large amount of scientific research in the last decade regarding the health benefits of Vitamin D. These clinical studies have shown that the vitamin plays an important role on the immune (defense) system, bone health, brain functions, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases and even has cancer-fighting properties. Levels of vitamin D in our body can be measured. There is a blood test called 25-OH-Vitamin D3 that is covered by most health insurance plans. The test gives an estimate of the status of replenishment of this important metabolite in our body. An optimal level is between 50 and 60 ng/mL. Based on this level your doctor can recommend supplementation. Still, the official FDA recommendation is to take 400 IU (International Units a day), but recent studies have shown that as much as 2,000 to 10,000 IUs a day are needed to reach optimal levels. If you protect yourself from excessive sun, you can have a fun day of golf and get some great health benefits out of the walk.
Tips to avoid sun damage: • Use sun block of at least a 30 SPF (sun protection factor) DAILY, even if not sunbathing Use hats, long sleeve and long pants (unless it is too hot!) • Always look for shade when waiting for your shot on the golf course • Use sunglasses with enough protection (unless contraindicated by your doctor due to an eye condition which can actually worsen if you wear sunglasses)
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Skin cancer facts: • One in five Americans will develop skin cancer • The more sunburns a person experiences, the higher the incidence of skin cancer • Melanoma (the most aggressive form of skin cancer) incidence rates continue to increase each year • Tanning might be the reason skin cancer occurrence is increasing among young women • Caucasian men older than 50 are at higher risk of melanoma • People with darker skin color are more protected against skin cancer
Cons of sun exposure: • Sunburn • Skin cancer (especially in people with fair skin) • Unpleasant skin darkening, “farmers tan” or others • “Age spots” • Wrinkles • Darkening of freckles
Pros of sun exposure:
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• Increased immunity (defense) against flu and other infections • Higher levels of Vitamin D (with all of its other benefits)
Dr. Adonis Maiquez www.drmaiquez.com
Dr. Maiquez is board certified in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine, with a special interest in the neuro-endocrine theory of aging. As an active member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, Maiquez is continually incorporating all the new advances, research and evidence-based medicine available into his work.
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FINE LUXURY CARS 7325 S.W. 40 St Miami, FL 33155 Office: 305.262.2212 Fax: 305.262.2116 WWW.FINELUXURYCARS.COM WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
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NOV/DEC 2010
REVIEWS
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Infiniti G37s Convertible By Zane Binder /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
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y now the shock of yet again losing the Ryder Cup has most likely worn off. The competition was hotly contested and, unlike many international tennis and soccer matches, sportsmanship thankfully ruled the links. Though the individual players earned no prize money from participation, simply qualifying for the prestigious affair is an honor not to be taken lightly. British seed merchant Samuel Ryder, who donated both the first trophy and by most accounts was the prime mover behind the initial tournament in 1927, would be proud of both the European and American teams’ professionalism and skill. Though no one apparently keeps track of what the Ryder Cup participants drive in the many hours they can’t be contemplating the fairways and greens, it’s a good bet most prefer sporty vehicles with more than a touch of luxury stirred in. One of the best is the Infiniti G37s Convertible, a sleek drop-top which uses a folding metal roof – not wind-leaking cloth – to let in the
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sunshine when the weather permits. It’s a quick car, too, perfect for Sunday! Outside this rear-drive beast boasts many sheet metal curves, showing none of the angular styling many of today’s vehicles exhibit. The G37s isn’t a big car: its seating is best suited for two. Though a rear bench exists, save it for the kids. With the top down there’s virtually no room in the trunk, either: You’ll need to use the back seat for clubs, balls and whatever paraphernalia you tote. Putting the roof down, however, is easy. It’s done with just one button. The trick roof, while yielding so much pleasure, does have its downside. From a mechanical standpoint it’s horrendously complicated. Not being a stressed member, as are its solid-roofed siblings, the vehicle’s overall stiffness isn’t as great. The Convertible is also more than 400 pounds heavier than its companions, weighing in at just less than 4,100 pounds. Despite this, drop-top models always hold a certain allure...
NOV/DEC 2010
Driving the G37s is a pleasure. Though the suspension is definitely on the firm side it’s seldom harsh. If you often drive on potholed streets, be sure to take it on a long test drive before writing a check. The sporty power bucket seats, which match the handsome leather-appointed interior, hold both the driver and passenger in place during serious cornering maneuvers. You’ll be tempted to toss this convertible around often, too. Its 325-hp, fuel-injected “six,” which displaces 3.7 liters (hence its model designation), moves it from 0-60 miles per hour in 5.0 seconds. That’s quick folks, and more than adequate for anything other than drag racing. The engine has four valves per cylinder and employs variable valve timing – both modern innovations. The EPA rates this vehicle’s mileage at 18 city and 26 highway (miles per gallon). This will change slightly according to the car’s equipment load. Still, you can reasonably expect about 15 mpg in metro use and 22 mpg on the road using the six-speed manual transmission to obtain the best efficiency. A smooth 7-speed automatic is also available and should deliver slightly better economy. The G37s is chock-full of standard equipment, as it should be for its $44,350 base price. Because of a dizzying array of option packages and stand-alone upgrades – many of which are dependent upon ordering even more upgrades – expect to pay about $50,000 for your new “G” Convertible. You won’t suffer though: an incredible number of airbags, a Traction Control unit, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Keyless Entry, a fine Bose AM/ FM/CD sound system with headrest mounted speakers, a tilt and telescope steering column, Rear Parking Assist, ventilated seats and much more will make you smile. If you don’t carry more than two people around town or to your local golf course you’ll find the G37s Convertible almost perfect. It’s a car that’ll endear itself more as the years pass!
Infinity G37s Convertible specs: Price: $44,350 base / $49,750 loaded Engine: 3.7L V6 double overhead cam Fuel consumption: 18 city / 26 highway Power: 328 HP @ 7,000 rpm / 269 ft. lb. of torque @ 5,200 rpm Performance: 0-60 in 5.0 seconds / quarter mile in 13.5 @ 105.3 mph
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NOV/DEC 2010
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REVIEWS
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Miami Culinary Tours familiarizes participants with the local culinary scene and offers insight into the area’s culture and history.
Miami Culinary Tours Food Adventures For Serious Gourmands By Miami Culinary Tours /// Weekend Golfer Contributer
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alling all foodies: Get ready to take a walking food tour that showcase Miami’s tastiest bites! From Cuban mojitos to lobster empanadas to Italian gelato, Miami Culinary Tours offers the kind of food adventures that familiarizes participants with South Florida’s culinary scene as they learn about the area’s culture and history. As a melting pot of cultures, South Florida’s offerings run the gamut: from five-star gourmet to hole-in-the-wall delicious — a scene that’s as varied as the communities that make up the area. Knowing where to go is essential
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and that’s where Miami Culinary Tours becomes your guide. They organize outings that not only showcase a particular type of cuisine, but also the culture and history behind it, giving tour participants the full story. By focusing on venues that are off-the-beaten path, the company devises day outings that provide the most complete savory experience. The food tours which are divided into various categories depending on cuisine and neighborhoods, offer foodies (both residents and visitors to the area) a chance to sample delicious dishes by stopping at multiple locations during a three-hour NOV/DEC 2010
From front: Pan Con Bistec, Tuna Flatbread “the Cuban pizza” and Cod Fritters.
period. Think of it as a multi-course meal, but instead of staying put at one table in one place, you move around to a variety of venues. This approach not only allows diners to experience different venues, but also gives them a glimpse at the sections where the restaurants are located with insightful commentary by area experts along the way. The tours also offer a chance for interaction with the chefs and those doing the cooking. Participants get recipes of the dishes they’ll taste, they can ask questions, inquire about ingredients and even get tips on cooking methods. “We offer a completely different perspective,” said Miami Culinary Tours founder, Grace Della. “As ‘food’ people we know that for foodies, it’s about more than just the dish and the restaurant. Our tours give people a chance to experience the culture behind food and learn about new places in Miami through a dynamic dining experience. We tell you the story behind the dishes and introduce you to the people who make it.”
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Croquettes with Red Sauce
Miami Culinary Tours Miami Culinary Tours offers three food tours; the South Beach Food Tour, the Design District Food Tour and the Little Havana Food Tour. For more information please visit: www.miamiculinarytours.com
NOV/DEC 2010
REVIEWS
Golf in Cinema ‘The Legend of Bagger Vance’ By Andy Bockelman /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
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Synopsis:
Rating As with any sports movie, the way golf is presented on the silver screen sets the expectations for those who love the game and those who are looking to get involved in it. While some movies may discourage people from ever hitting the links, there are still plenty which are worthwhile as entertainment and as learning tools.
This month’s selection: The Legend of Bagger Vance. Starring: Will Smith, Matt Damon, Charlize Theron and Jack Lemmon, 126 minutes, 2000; What Golfers Can Learn From It: Leave the rest of your life’s concerns behind you at the first tee.
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Hometown hero Rannulph Junuh (Matt Damon) is the pride of Savannah, Ga., tearing up the golf courses of the course before enlisting to fight in World War I. But, returning home at the onset of the Great Depression. Junuh is no longer the world-class athlete he once was, having lost his flawless technique trying to forget the horrors of war. When his former sweetheart (Charlize Theron) arranges a golf tournament at her father’s fledgling country club, he’s obligated to represent Savannah against the top golfers of the day, Bobby Jones (Joel Gretsch) and Walter Hagen (Bruce McGill). Though in no shape to compete, Junuh begins to get his act together once he meets Bagger Vance (Will Smith), a friendly, talkative vagabond who knows all there is to know about the game of golf. NOV/DEC 2010
Even with the hopes and dreams of his town riding on his shoulders and Bagger’s tutelage driving him to new heights, Junuh still has to come to terms with his past before he can truly be a champion.
How it rates as a movie: There are equal entries in both the “Pro” and “Con” columns throughout this period piece. Director Robert Redford certainly creates an authentic slice of Americana and highlights the power that sports have in bringing together a community. Additionally, Michael Ballhaus’ striking cinematography not only brings out the intricacies of the Georgia golf course on which the trio of powerhouses play, but by including numerous camera angles from the ball’s perspective, we in the audience can get a better understanding of the full scope of the game. But, appearances aren’t everything. Just because a course is well-groomed, it doesn’t make the players any better. Damon is stiff as the haunted athlete at the center of it all, while Theron does a pathetic impression of Scarlett O’Hara as the debutante turned businesswoman. In his final role, Jack Lemmon is wasted as the narrator, an aged, modern-day duffer who tells the entire story while experiencing a heart attack during his daily golf game, though J. Michael Moncrief is fine as his younger self, who idolizes Junuh and serves as the main inspiration for him to persevere. The biggest handicap of this poorly plotted affair is the title character. Though played with sincerity by Smith, a character like Bagger Vance hearkens back to a demeaning point in movie history when African-American actors were relegated to lines of dialogue consisting of little more than “Yes, suh” and “Sho ’nuff.” The fact that Tiger Woods was just hitting his stride when this film was
all his memories of his time in the war catch up to him on the golf course. This rather zen-like approach to the game by clearing one’s mind is really the only way to do it, especially when you’re hoping to achieve “the perfect swing.” But, as Bagger can tell you, golf is a game that can’t be won, only played. It’s all about being able to play solidly whether you’re in competition or not. Even swinging a club without a ball at your feet can provide excellent practice. As an optional step, you can take a page out of Hagen’s book and putt a ball into your secretary’s cleavage, but you may want to strengthen your long game first.
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made makes it all the more embarrassing.
How it rates as a golf movie: While the construction of Bagger Vance is backward, the golf philosophy that he spouts even when nobody’s listening is right on track. A good caddy can make all the difference during a tough game, and when the guy hauling around your bag has a perfect sense of which club you’ll need to hit into the wind on the fairway, that’s a man you want to keep around. Okay, not all caddies serve as a true guardian angel, but you get the point. Bagger’s best advice comes in telling Junuh not to let
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NOV/DEC 2010
REVIEWS
Miami International Links Melreese Country Club More than just Home to The First Tee of Miami
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A true championship layout in every sense of the word, the new International Links Miami is demanding as well as fair. Low and high handicap players will find strategies and avenues of play that will allow them to perform to the best of their abilities.
Rolling northern style fairways dominate the gorgeous, 135-acre golf course located in the heart of Miami. Home of The First Tee of Miami, Melreese is more than a course for juniors; it’s a must-play for all.
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Hole 1 436 yards /// Par 4 A right-to-left tee shot down the left side of the fairway is desirable on this long par-4 opening hole. Big hitters must be careful – there is trouble off the tee deep – but a boomer can clear the mess to the left and have a wedge remaining. Most of us will have a mid-iron approach to a long and narrow green waiting.
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Hole 2 176 yards /// Par 3 An inviting hole because of the distance – just 148 from the blues – but tragedy looms on the doorstep. A mid iron shot to the left of the green is recommended here. If the pin placement is right – or you tend to slice – do not try to be a hero, aim left. The ocean to the right will swallow you up.
Hole 3 451 yards /// Par 4 Another long par 4. Hooks and slices won’t work here: there is water on both sides of the fairway. Stay center-right off the tee, or the tree on the left will block your approach. A long iron or hybrid will most likely be needed to reach this wellbunkered green.
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Hole 4 608 yards /// Par 5 The most difficult hole on the course. A tricky tee shot waits on this grueling 600yard par 5. Players must decide between the left or the right side, or risk ending up in one of the six bunkers found in the fairway. Big hitters can clear the minefield, but will still be left with 250+ yards.
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Hole 5 213 yards /// Par 3 A long, but not overly difficult, par 3. The closer the pin is to the front of the green the better. No water, but four bunkers guard the dance floor. The good thing: The green is big. The bad thing: The green is big. A back pin placement leaves most wondering if they can hit driver.
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REVIEWS Hole 7 595 yards /// Par 5
Hole 6 312 yards /// Par 4 A definite birdie opportunity here. A slight dogleg left with water along the right side. Average players can hit iron off the tee and leave a mid-iron approach, or the big hitters can aim for the waste bunker and let one rip.
Another birdie opportunity if players find the fairway off the tee. Stay clear of the bunkers on the left and the rest of the hole is wide open. A few bunkers and a bush endanger second shots, but two easy swings and a wedge should land you on the dance floor.
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Hole 11 564 yards /// Par 5
Hole 10 431 yards /// Par 4 Trees to the right of the tee box make for a tricky first shot, but that’s just the beginning. A wellguarded green that slopes severely on all sides waits. Water behind, trees right and left, and sand in the front. Have fun.
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An intimidating hole. From the tee box players must hit a narrow fairway guarded by six bunkers and water to the left. Not even the biggest hitters will be able to land on this green, so don’t even try. Danger surrounds the dance floor on all sides.
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Hole 8 192 yards /// Par 3 A target hole with water to the left and deep. Mounds to the right of the green can kick the ball on to the dance floor, but the best play here is to run it up whenever possible. Bunkers on the left leave the door open for a British Open style approach.
Hole 9 414 yards /// Par 4 A slight dogleg right – a great hole for slicers. Little danger in the fairway, but stay right off the tee for the best look in. Bunkers guard the green left and short, so the right side is your friend on this hole.
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Hole 12 239 yards /// Par 3 A long par-3 that plays much different. A defenseless green can be had by players of all skill levels. No danger in the front invites a run-up fairway wood approach, while its length of more than 70 feet calls for a long-iron cut shot hit just right.
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Hole 13 382 yards /// Par 4 A fun, picturesque hole as long as you hit the ball straight. A well-placed fairway wood 175-200 yards off the tee leaves an easy approach shot to an inviting green. Don’t be scared of the water 80 yards out: It shouldn’t be an issue with a wedge in your hand.
NOV/DEC 2010
REVIEWS Hole 15 180 yards /// Par 3
Hole 14 439 yards /// Par 4 The second toughest hole on the course. A demanding tee shot as trees line the left and bunkers and water – the entire length of the hole – are found on the right. A small, well-bunkered green waits. Beware of the small pond on the left: It creeps up on you.
The easiest hole on the course. A short to mid iron tee shot to a defenseless green makes this a great birdie opportunity for all players. Anything short will find trouble: Short left is water, short right are trees.
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Hole 18 460 yards /// Par 4
Hole 17 602 yards /// Par 5 A monster of a hole right out of the gate. A tee shot of at least 150 yards is needed just to find the fairway. Players must find a narrow fairway with their second shot or risk ending up in the ocean to the left or the sand on the right. No way you reach in two.
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There is no letup in Melreese’s final hole. The longest of the par 4s demand accuracy off the tee and the ability to land a long iron, hybrid – or in some cases even a fairway wood – on this green. Par feels like a birdie on this hole.
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Hole 16 381 yards // Par 4 A straightaway hole. Stay out from behind any trees and this relatively short hole becomes a great birdie opportunity. Two bunkers guard the front of the green, so play it safe and hit your approach shot deep.
Miami International Links / Melreese Country Club 1802 NW 37th Avenue Miami, FL 33125 (305) 633-4583 Miami International Links / Melreese Country Club recently underwent a $3.9 million renovation. Prior to the reopening in October 1997, Tiger Woods made his first professional south Florida appearance hosting more than 3,500 fans while conducting a clinic and exhibition. Since the reopening, the course has hosted many popular sports figures including former Miami Heat basketball stars Dan Majerle and Keith Askins and former Florida Marlins’ pitcher Livan Hernandez. In addition, LPGA stars Tracy Kerdyk, Christie Kerr, Patti Rizzo and Moira Dunn practiced at the Family Golf Center’s facilities. A true championship layout in every sense of the word, the new International Links is demanding as well as fair. The course has been redesigned by Charles Mahannah and is managed by Bunkers of Miami, under the direction of Charles DeLucca.
Course Overview
The greens average 6,500 square feet and are planted with certified Tiftdwarf grass and designed to USDA specifications, which guarantee the truest putting surface in South Florida. The two-sided driving range and golf learning center is magnificent. Beautiful grassed tee areas as well as mats will be available. There are target greens, two practice putting greens, fairway, and greenside sand bunkers available for public use. The driving range and putting green are lighted in the evenings until 9:00 P.M.
Golf Shop Hours: Monday - Friday: 6:30-5:30 Saturday & Sunday: 6:00-5:30
Hole-by-hole graphics Courtesy of Melreese
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CONNOISSEUR
The Bubbly Chameleon Champagne an essential part to any celebration By Yvonne Roberts / Biltmore Membership Director /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
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hen it comes to Champagne, there is no dispute: this is the ultimate celebratory drink. As we know, Champagne has always been an essential part of most celebrations, rites of passage, get-togethers and other festive occasions. For centuries, winemakers have been passionate in producing Champagne that suits each individual’s palette, ensuring everyone a most delightful libation that pleases the soul. Champagne comes only from the strictly defined Champagne region of France, 90 miles northeast of Paris. Its’ producers wage an unrelenting campaign against any and all winemakers outside their region who try to take over the Champagne name such as Prosecco, from Italy and Cava, from Spain and other sparkling wines from around the world. Grapes have been grown in this region of Champagne and produced there for 2,000 years, yet Champagne as we know it can only be traced back to the 17th century. Champagne production today is as robust as ever, with upwards of 300 million bottles produced annually. Champagne connoisseurs know that not all champagnes are created equal. Some are better than others are, and a few specialize in the crème de la crème. Each champagne house (producer) has a style and tries to blend for consistency. Most champagne is created from a judicious blend of two black grapes, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, and the white Chardonnay. Blenders mix these grapes in varying proportions to achieve the house style. The character of some champagne is distinctly “black grape” such as Bollinger, Veuve Cliquot-Ponsardin, Roederer; others like Laurent Perrier and Pommery are lighter and consist mainly of Chardonnay. Some champagnes like Pol Roger and Perrier-Jouet are known for their fruitiness; Moet et Chandon is straightforward and also the market leader. Champagne, of course, demands a distinctive glass. Whatever Champagne you choose to toast, the Riedel Vinum Prestige Cuvée flute provides the perfect glass to fit your décor, style and of course, Champagne. What I particularly love about this Austrian machine blown, lead crystal stemware is at the bottom of each flute there is a small dot etched into the crystal. This slightly abraded
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surface serves to generate a continuous stream of bubbles like a beautiful strand of pearls and prevents the Champagne from going flat in the glass. The stemware is designed to highlight the bouquet of Champagne, and the lightness of this perfectly balanced glass contributes to an ethereal experience. While Champagne is perfect for sipping, it also enhances rich flavors to both savory and sweet dishes, from risottos to sauces to sorbet. Whatever the occasion, Champagne is the perfect compliment.
NOV/DEC 2010
HOURS OF OPERATION: SUN-THURS FROM 11:30AM-11:00PM FRI-SAT FROM 11:30AM-1AM 47
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NOV/DEC 2010
CONNOISSEUR
Cigar Basics Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask… By Christophe Normand /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
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hose of us who enjoy the fine art of cigar smoking can remember the day we were handed our first stogie. I remember my first cigar, a Churchill, I smoked it down to the nub and inhaled the smoke … and felt sick all night. Here are some of the questions I frequently get:
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How do you hold the cigar? I assume not like a cigarette, but I’m kind of clueless as to the correct or proper way. Hold your cigar between your thumb and index finger. Whether to remove the band from the cigar before lighting is a personal choice. In certain places it is considered rude to advertise the brand you’re smoking. If you decide to take off the band, wait until you have smoked the cigar for a few minutes. The heat will make the gum on the band less adhesive and easier to remove without tearing the delicate wrapper.
What is the proper way to light a cigar? You can light a cigar with a gas lighter or matches, but a liquid fuel lighter like a regular Zippo will affect its taste. You can find special cigar matches, which light up slowly, but an ordinary match will do. The most important thing is to take your time to light your cigar. Hold the cigar horizontally in contact with the flame. Rotate the flame around the foot of the cigar (the open end) until it starts to burn, then puff lightly. Make sure the burn is regular to avoid one side from burning faster than the other. Exhale gently over the foot of the cigar to assure a regular combustion. Some like to use a piece of cedar to light their cigars. Next time you buy a box of cigars, break off a piece of the cedar between the layers of cigars and try lighting your cigar with it.
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While smoking a cigar... Do I have to inhale all the smoke? ... Or just a little? How about…none at all! You should not inhale the cigar smoke. The high alkalinity and poor amount of nicotine will make you cough and besides, you can enjoy a cigar’s flavor and body without inhaling.
How long should it take me to smoke a cigar? To really appreciate your cigar, smoke slowly and not draw too frequently, which will heat it and spoil the taste. You should take about a puff a minute.
What should I do if my cigar stops burning? Do not worry, this is normal, especially if you have smoked more than half of it. Make the ash fall and light it up while burning the end of the wrapper. Next, exhale to chase out the cold smoke and light up your cigar as you would a new one. By doing this, you can smoke a cigar until two hours after you put it out. After two hours the whole cigar will have acquired the taste of the cold smoke. The longer sizes can be smoked the day after if less than half of it has been smoked.
Neptune Cigars Superstore & Lounge Location: 9308 South Dixie Hwy. Miami, FL 33156 Phone: (305) 670-0633 (800) 655-3385 Toll Free
Hours of operation: Mon - Wed: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thurs - Fri: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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NOV/DEC 2010
FINANCE
Real Estate Golf course communities come with questions By the Law Office of Adorno, Damas & Associates /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
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Illustration by Daniel Gonzalez
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lorida is host to some of the best golf weather in the country, so it is only logical numerous golf course neighborhoods have been built and developed in the sunshine state. Full-time and part-time residents are drawn to the prospect of great courses, beautiful landscaping, and most times, a secured or gated community. What many purchasers fail to recognize is some neighborhoods come with property use restrictions. Prospective buyers can take steps to prevent misunderstandings and fully comprehend what the purchase of a home on a golf course truly entails by simply asking a few questions. One of the first steps is to ask the developer or association for a copy of its rules and regulations. By doing this, a buyer is able to become educated as to what may, or may not, be permitted when it comes to actually living in the community. Some items of issue may be no motorcycles, no trailers or motor home vehicles and no short-term rental of homes. Our office has sveen these restrictions related to golf course communities.
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The second preventative measure clients are advised to take is requesting a title report from a licensed attorney qualified in real estate law. A title report will often show any easements and encumbrances on the property. Often a golf club will retain a certain area in the out-of bounds portion of the course. Sometimes this area joins the boundary of the property in question. A title report will identify some of these issues and make a potential buyer aware of them. Additional steps available are to ask residents about restrictions placed on community owners. Potential buyers can also visually inspect the neighborhood. If a buyer notices all golf carts consistently a certain color, the buyer is potentially on notice there may be a regulation regarding the color of golf carts. We are repeatedly contacted by clients to address issues as they relate to these problems. Most of the time the problem could have been avoided by contacting an attorney familiar with these types of transactions. Our office specializes in real estate and family law issues and our attorneys have a strong background in these types of transactions. Contact us for a free consultation regarding your concerns.
Four must-do items before purchasing golf course property: 1
Ask the developer or association for a copy of its rules and regulations
2
Request a title report from a licensed attorney qualified in real estate law
3
Ask residents about restrictions placed on community owners
4
Visually inspect the neighborhood
NOV/DEC 2010
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Ready to make a purchase or sell your property? You’ll want a real estate broker with a proven record who knows South Florida. Scott handles some of the most exclusive luxury listings – from waterfront estates to condominiums in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Scott ranks in the top 1/2 of 1% of Realtors® nationally as one of EWM Realtors top six agents. EWM is a subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc. an affiliate of Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway, one of the largest real estate brokerage firms in America. So when you’re ready to buy or sell, Scott is ready for you.
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New Mediterranean home in private island community. Over 6,700 sq.ft. under air, 6 /8.5, loft, expansive waterfront views, elevator, gourmet kitchen, wine/wet bar, heated pool, summer kitchen, generator ready and 50’ boat slip included. $4,650,000
Golden Beach Estate, 419 Centre Island Dr.
Ocean & Intracoastal views. 3/3.5 designer interior, 10ft coffered ceilings, island gourmet kitchen, top of the line appliances, wall & window treatments, steam shower. All the amenities of a luxury tower. $2,200,000
Residential masterpiece nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway. Expansive interiors over 9,000 sq.ft., 5/6.5, home theater, tray ceilings, elevator, marble deck & dock. One of Golden Beach's finest estates. $7,495,000
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Beautiful intracoastal views, highly upgraded, includes crown & chair rail moldings, custom walk-in closets, bar, European kitchen, marble floors, 2/2+den and maids quarters. Private elevator, luxury amenities. $899,000
Gorgeous Ocean and Intracoastal views, 3/3 completely updated, contemporary European design, stunning Italian kitchen, master bath is a spa retreat with infinity bathtub & steam shower, custom floors. $1,249,000
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Atlantic II At the Point #2402
High floor residence, views of Ocean, Intracoastal & City. 2/2.5, living/dining, breakfast area, custom built-in closets, master suite w/private terrace, granite counters & Hunter Douglas shades. $599,000
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NOV/DEC 2010
51
FINANCE
The Investment Game Where are you going? By Steven Novak /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
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I
Illustration by Daniel Gonzalez
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n my day-to-day dealings with high net worth clients, I often get asked which investment will be the next star performer. It is logical question, since we all presumably want to make the most money possible with the money we have managed to save. But, even if I had a crystal ball and could predict what the next big winner was going to be (which I can’t), one basic question has to be answered by the investor: Where is he or she going? What are the objectives of the money?
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Asking me what securities to invest in is akin to me asking someone if I should turn left or turn right. The response would normally be in the form of a question: Where are you going? The same applies to investments. It helps to know where one is going before asking how to get there. One way to know where you’re going is to develop a set of objectives. In the investment management industry, one simple framework would be to create an Investment Policy Statement (IPS). An IPS would state two objectives, followed by five constraints that might stand in the way of achieving those two objectives. The two objectives are RISK and RETURN. In other words, how high of a return one wants or needs and what level of risk they are willing to take to get there. The five constraints are TIME, TAXES, LEGAL, LIQUIDITITY and OTHER. TIME is perhaps the single most important factor, as seen by a bit of history of the US stock market. Since 1926 there has only been one single rolling ten-year period with a loss. But, from day-to-day and year-to-year the stock market is a roller coaster. In the last 84 years the S&P 500 has been up over 70 percent of the time. Winning 70 percent of the time makes Las Vegas look like a very bad decision!
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Since 1926 there has only been one single rolling ten-year period with a loss.
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A good investment advisor should focus on four steps: (1) Understand the client’s needs, (2) Defining realistic objectives to meet those needs, (3) Establishing the right asset mix for the portfolio and (4) Developing reasonable investment policies to achieve the client’s long-term objectives. This is a rather simple process that can pay big dividends. An excellent book that relates to this is titled “Investment Policy” and subtitled “How to Win the Loser’s
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Game,” written by Charles D. Ellis. In a winner’s game, the outcome is determined by the winning actions of the winner. In a loser’s game, the outcome is determined by the losing behavior of the loser. Golf, for instance, is a loser’s game. As Tommy Armour said in his great book titled, How to Play Your Best Golf all the Time, “The best way to win is by making fewer bad shots.” I’m sure a lot of weekend golfers reading this would agree. I know if I could keep a few more balls out of the trees and out of the water, I would win more, or better yet, “lose less.” This same lesson applies to investments. The premise of his book is that an investor should not have as his objective the goal of “beating the market.” Why? Because “beating the market” is very, very difficult. It is difficult not because institutional investment managers and private investors are all dummies (although some surely are), but rather because they are all so smart, competing against one another. They are, collectively, the “market.” So the goal of investors should instead be to focus on creating, implementing, and following their IPS. That is the key to success in the investment game.
How To Find The right Investment Advisor A good Investment Advisor should focus on four steps:
Steven Novak Steven Novak, CFA, is a Senior
1
Understand the client’s needs
Investment Manager and
2
Define realistic objectives to meet those needs
Southeast Florida region of
3 4
Establish the right asset mix for client’s portfolio Develop reasonable investment policies to achieve the client’s longterm objectives
Senior Vice President for the Wells Fargo Private Bank. As part of investment management, Mr. Novak works with clients to create asset allocation strategies and build portfolios to help meet clients’ investment objectives while managing risk.
NOV/DEC 2010
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WOMENS
GOLF 101
Photography by Pedro Pages
Don’t Play like a Girl! Three fundamentals will decrease the gender gap – and your score By Heather Levow /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer 54
Why does a woman’s golf game differ so much from a man’s? Why do women typically score higher? When observing the differences between men play golf and women, there are three important areas between how men play golf verses women. The three critical areas are: short game, putting and ball striking. However, I have some tips to help you close the gender gap. So don’t play like a girl! Get out there and work on the three areas that separate the men from the women.
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To be an effective short game player one must learn the proper technique for a chip, pitch, bunker and distance wedge. Sixty-five percent of all shots taken during a round are taken from 50 yards and in. The most common short game shot is a 15-yard shot. So, spend most of your practice time learning to perform an effective 15-yard chip, pitch and bunker shot.
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NOV/DEC 2010
2
Heather Levow Heather Levow is currently a teaching professional at Country Club of Miami. Levow, a CPGA professional, established herself as one of South Florida’s leading female playing and teaching club professionals when she won the first 2004 SFWPGT event at Willoughby C.C. in Stuart. She completed the season by receiving the Tour’s Order of Merit Award. Levow also won the Canadian Women’s Ontario PGA Championship in 2003.
To be a more effective putter one must learn to successfully control their putting distance. Players will not three-putt because they missed a putt 2 to 3 feet to the left or right of the hole. They will three-putt because they left themselves with an 8 to 10 foot putt short or long of the hole. Typically, 40-percent of one’s strokes during a round of golf are putts. To improve your putting stats and to lower your score, learn to efficiently control your putting distance. To accomplish this, a player must learn that they must maintain the rhythm of their stroke and allow the length of their putting stoke to be the determining factor for how far the ball rolls. Hitting a putt easier or harder, applying force, doesn’t work. One’s “feel” will always come and go. Once you have learned to maintain your rhythm regardless of what length putt you have, determine a base putt of 20 feet. A 20-foot putt is the most common putt you will have throughout your round. Find out exactly how long a stroke you need to send the ball 20 feet. Once you have established that, work on your 3-foot putt and 40foot lag putt. They will be next most common putts you encounter during your round.
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The final area women need to improve on is their ball striking. Don’t you always notice that men take divots but women don’t? Why is that? Women believe they need to help, or lift, the ball in the air resulting in a topped shot or a worm burner. Many women have excellent swings but don’t reach their potential because they don’t “trap” the ball or strike the ball on the down swing. A player that “traps” the ball tends to take a divot and hit the ball higher. Hitting your approach shots higher will give you the skill to stop the ball on the green and the ability to reduce the number of shots it takes to get there. To rid you of the impulse to lift the ball, take two practice swings before each approach shot and be sure to take a small divot. This will give you the sensation of swinging down through the ball verses the impulse to lift. The more you swing down, the higher you will hit the ball.
NOV/DEC 2010
WOMENS
GOLF 101
Start Scoring Better Now – Set-up for Success Chipping Checklist Will Improve Greenside Game By Jackie Bertram Kaufman /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer As a woman you may not be able to hit a drive 300 yards (or 200 for that matter), but there are no physical limitations to keep you from chipping as well as anyone. Chipping – the low running shot – can be a great equalizer in the game. If you are good at it, you will lower your scores faster than if you hit the ball 20 yards farther off the tee. Create a mental checklist with your set-up so you approach the shot the same way each time. Consistency with your approach to the ball is the first step to hitting a repeatable shot. The biggest error I see in chipping is the lack of solid contact. If you follow these guidelines you will increase the number of good chips you hit.
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1
Ball Position Play the ball back of center in your stance. This will help you make solid contact with the ball.
Weight Left Favor your left (target) side at address. Having your weight towards your lead foot will give you a better chance of hitting a crisp shot.
Narrow your Stance A narrow stance will keep you from moving too much and aids with better contact. It will also make it easier to lean to the left at address.
Remember to Pick the Right Club The basic chipping set is the same for most shots; simply change your club selection to fit the chip to different lengths. WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
NOV/DEC 2010
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Stand closer to the ball Try standing 8 to 10 inches away from the ball. Standing closer allows the club to swing straighter back and forth making it easier to hit the ball down your target line.
Jackie Bertram Kaufman Jackie Bertram Kaufman is currently the head teaching professional at Boca Rio Golf Club in Boca Raton. An LPGA professional for 20 years, Kaufman honed her skills under the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Jim Flick and Dave Pelz. The toprated woman instructor in South Florida has taught for ESPN and The Golf Channel and has written for Golf Magazine, PGA Magazine and Golf For Women. To schedule a lesson, call 561-482-0056. Rates begin at $100/hour
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3
Grip Down for Control When your hands are closer to the head of the club you have more control of the head of the club. I like to use the analogy of writing with a pencil – do you grip the pencil closer to the eraser or to the lead?
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NOV/DEC 2010
GIRLS JUST WANNA
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HAVE FUN Absence of girls golf team doesn’t stop Trinity juniors By John Santagata /// Weekend Golfer Senior Writer
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irls team, who needs it? Not Lindsey Kerdyk and Ledah Gellar. The two lady golfers at Palmer Trinity High School are not on the varsity girls team for a reason. No, it’s not because they aren’t good enough – both regularly shoot in the low 80s. It’s not because they aren’t old enough – both are juniors. And no, it’s not because they don’t want to be – both have been playing for years. The reason they are not on the varsity girls team is rather simple: There just isn’t one. However shocking it may seem – when considering South Florida is widely regarded as a golfing mecca – it is true. “We just don’t have enough girls come out for golf,” Trinity coach Mike Ford said. “That’s why we don’t have a girls team. I guess there is much more for a high school girl to do than to play golf.” For Lindsey and Ledah, high school golf is what they do. So, when the choice had to be made between playing on a boys team or not playing at all, the decision came easy. “I love to play (golf),” Ledah said. “It doesn’t matter if I have to play with the boys. As long as I
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NOV/DEC 2010
Photography by Pedro Pages
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It’s not mandatory I put them on the team… They have to put in the work to keep up with the guys and they have to show they are willing to battle each and every time they go out and compete. – Mike Ford, Trinity Palmer golf coach
get a chance to play … that’s what matters. It’s not like I’m not going to play because we don’t have a girls team.” Lindsey agreed. Skipping golf because of a technicality, no matter the size, wasn’t going to deter her one bit. “It may sound weird, but it really isn’t,” she said about competing with, and against, the opposite sex. “I like playing with the boys. It’s a lot of fun. It’s different, but fun.” Different, as in challenging. Much more challenging. Gone are the days spent hitting from the red tees. Gone are the short par 4s and the reachable par 5s. Golf became much more difficult the day Ledah and Lindsey joined the boys varsity golf team. But, the duo is not about to back down. In fact, both have embraced the opportunity. The chance to play the sport they love easily outweighs any obstacles they encounter on the way. Including playing with the enemy: teenage boys.
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“I personally like playing with the guys because they are more competitive,” Ledah said. “And you learn a lot more playing with the boys than with the girls.” Although she has played the sport for years, Lindsey was quick to respond when asked if playing with boys has made her a better player. The one-time volleyball player made the change to competitive high school golf two short years back and said she’s still getting used to the “thinking” part of the game. “It’s better for us because it makes us stronger players mentally, not just physically because we have to hit the ball farther,” she said. “It’s a challenge every time we go out to practice. It’s more fun that way.” They are, after all, teenage girls. “You could say it’s twice as colorful around here, ” Ford said of having not one, but two girls on his team. “They don’t play with each other very often, but when they do,” he smiled and continued, “they know how to have a good time.”
NOV/DEC 2010
The girls both admit to watching the trendy reality shows, gossiping about boys and being able to text faster than Tiger Woods’ swing speed. But they are quick to point out the “girlie stuff” ends when they hit the links. Or, it’s supposed to. “Sometimes I think we’re a distraction to them,” Ledah said of her male teammates. “We laugh a lot and joke a lot. It seems like girls have more fun. The guys are kind of boring.” “They are definitely boring … and quiet,” Lindsey laughed and added. “Girls are way different. We are more social when we play, so we talk a lot. I think we definitely have more fun.” They are, after all, teenage girls. Gender issues aside, the ball striking does the loudest talking. For those that think girls should only golf with girls and boys should only golf with boys, think again. Ask Michelle Wie or Babe Zaharias. Each crossed the gender gap on the professional level. Zaharias even made the cut in three of her four appearances on the men’s tour, something Wie never accomplished. But Wie and Zaharias are professionals. Not two teenagers on a high school team. Lindsey and Ledah found out firsthand that playing with the boys is not easy. “Man, they hit the ball far,” Ledah said. “It’s crazy how good you have to be to be able to play boys golf
in South Florida.” That said, it’s not as if coach Ford just gave them two spots on his varsity team. They had to earn them. “It’s not mandatory I put them on the team,” Ford said. “We don’t have a girls team, but that doesn’t mean they get a free pass to come out and play with us. They have to put in the work to keep up with the guys and they have to show they are willing to battle each and every time they go out and compete.” The girls heard their coach loud and clear. Strong showings throughout the course of the season showed Ford his girls were full of grit, determination and courage. “They’ve both beat plenty of boys during matches this year,” Ford said. “They are playing the same tee box and they are competitive with most of the boys. They aren’t scared of it.” The boys on the team realize it, too. Junior Whit Johnson had never played against a girl until Ledah joined the team. He found out fast that looks really can be deceiving. They are, after all, teenage girls. “I learned pretty quickly that you can’t take them lightly,” Johnson said of his newfound respect for female golfers. “When you are matched up against a girl, you’re first thought is “Oh, I’m going to beat her” or “I’m going to play nice and courteous,” and they go out and beat you.”
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“
I like playing with the boys. It’s a lot of fun. It’s different, but fun. – Lindsey Kerdyk
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NOV/DEC 2010
But, because he doesn’t like losing doesn’t mean he won’t acknowledge it. “Of course you don’t want to lose,” Johnson laughed, shrugged his shoulders and continued, “but after a while, and after they beat you a few times, you learn to accept it.” You will have to excuse Johnson if he almost sounds as if he is happy to lose to a girl. He just wants what’s best for the team. “Sometimes it’s better they beat us,” he said. “If they always lost, or we always beat them by a bunch, then it would be kind of pointless to have them on our team.” The duo mostly competed as individuals throughout the season – four girls are needed to post a team score – but they did compete on the boys team once in 2010, during the Westminster Invite. “There, we played from tips,” Lindsey said. “For girls it’s usually green.” “And it was windy, it was long and it was wet,” Ledah continued. “And the greens were really, really fast,” Lindsey finished. Entering the district tournament at the Biltmore in October, Lindsey and Ledah were looking forward to advancing deep into the state playoffs. The Biltmore is their home course and they’ve played it numerous times. “It’s a completely different golf course,” Lindsey said of the playoff-style set up. “And a different game, too.” Playing with the boys apparently has it’s disadvantages, as well. “We have to hit a lot of longer irons and longer clubs to get to the greens,” Lindsey said. “But from the women’s tees, we can hit like a driver then a pitching wedge onto the green. It seems easier, but we haven’t been practicing that (shot) all season.” They’ll have to practice it more next season, too. Matching their career-best marks – 78 for Ledah and 80 for Lindsey – still wouldn’t have gotten them to their ultimate goal of making it to the state finals. Each fell short in their bid this season and will have to make another run at it in 2011. No biggie. Another season playing with the boys should not be an issue for Lindsey and Ledah. When it comes time to get to work, they are all business. “Well, yeah,” Ledah giggled and said. “Unless there’s a cute boy …” They are, after all, teenage girls.
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I personally like playing with the guys because they are more competitive, And you learn a lot more playing with the boys than with the girls. – Ledah Gellar
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JUNIORS
SPOTLIGHT 1
WG Spotlight: Girls High School FHSAA girls 2A state championship qualifiers – Miami-Dade County (Regional results in parenthesis) Team: Miami Palmetto Senior High School Kayla Campbell (89) Jasleen Chin-Sang (95) Molly Barlow (96) Gabriella Montes (97) Anja Dadesky (113) Individual: Kira Kuhnert, Coral Reef High School (85) Michelle Haramdoure, Felix Varela Senior High School (92)
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FHSAA girls 1A state championship qualifiers – Miami-Dade County (Regional results in parenthesis) Team: Carrollton Sacred Heart High School Julie Steinbauer (75) Alex Perez (88) Kristen Gonzalez (90) Ryley Gregorie (98) Ilyssa Block (111) Individual: Ashlee Shimmel, Miami Country Day High School (79)
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NOV/DEC 2010
SPOTLIGHT 2
JUNIORS
WG Spotlight: Boys High School FHSAA boys 2A state championship qualifiers – Miami-Dade County (Regional results in parenthesis) Team: Miami Palmetto Senior High School Armando Robles (71) Ryan Carter (72) Maxwell Gailey (77) Josh Levitats (78) Nicholas Waddell (82) Belen Jesuit High School Juan Alvarez (76) Guillermo Quirch (78) Alejandro Machado (81) Patricio Espinosa (82) Oscar Cabanas (83) 63
Individual: David Gates, Coral Reef High School (74) FHSAA boys 1A state championship qualifiers – Miami-Dade County (Regional results in parenthesis) Individual: Anthony Infante, Gulliver Prep High School (69) Evan DeRoche, Key West High School (71)
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NOV/DEC 2010
Photography by Suely P. Argianas
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DIAMONDS “ IN THE
ROUGH Girls Golf Program looking for hidden gems By John Santagata Senior Writer
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love for the game has to start somewhere. With that in mind, Philip Argianas – Director of Golf Instruction at Palmetto Golf Course – has spent the last 18 years introducing girls ages 7 to 17 to the sport of golf. Who knows when and where the next Cristie Kerr, Michelle Wie, Paula Creamer, Alexis Thompson or Morgan Pressel will pop up? And Argianas is not about to let the next LPGA superstar slip through his fingers. Not on his watch. “We’re searching for any girl that has an interest in
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Girls are learning values inherent to the game of golf, such as patience, respect, perseverance and honesty, and it prepares them to meet the challenges of today’s world with confidence. – Philip Argianas
“ NOV/DEC 2010
playing the game of golf,” he said. “Whether they develop to that level is an entirely different story. It has a lot to do with the individual and also the instructors giving them the right information, encouragement and motivation.” The right information, encouragement and motivation found in the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program available at only one course in Miami-Dade County: Palmetto. The LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program is a national initiative the LPGA and the USGA started eight years ago. Since that time, there are approximately 130 sites throughout the United States. That is why Argianas was quick to jump on board this year and mesh his program into the Miami-Dade version. “The program provides an opportunity for girls to learn to play golf, build lasting friendships and experience competition in a fun, supportive environment,” Argianas said. “It prepares them for a lifetime of enjoyment with the game. Girls are learning values inherent to the game of golf, such as patience, respect, perseverance and honesty, and it prepares them to meet the challenges of today’s world with confidence.” Three young women who came through the program in Daytona Beach, Fla., are examples of those who not only took advantage of the learning opportunities in golf when they were juniors, but also used what they learned to springboard their respective career pursuits in the game. Ashleigh Anderson, 23, of Orlando, earned a scholarship to play college golf at Florida State University and now works as the Member Services Coordinator of the LPGA’s Teaching and Club Professionals. Jennifer Labrie,
22, of Ft. Myers, is pursuing a degree in professional golf management at Florida Gulf Coast University and has worked as a Program Director of The First Tee program at Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs, Mich. And Vicky Hurst, 19, of Melbourne, was the 2008 Player of the Year on the LPGA’s Duramed FUTURES Tour with five professional wins and is now a rookie on the 2009 LPGA Tour. “It brings a whole new segment of golfers to the course, out to the facilities and out for possible job openings (in golf),” Argianas said. “It starts out just enjoying the game, then it can lead to possible competitions on a high school team and they can even eventually end up earning college scholarships and taking it to that next level. “But, first we’ve got to get them out here.”
65 The USGA-LPGA Girls Golf Program at Palmetto Golf Course is an instructional program of progressive learning for girls ages 7 to 17. The program is broken down into five levels on the golf course starting from the green tees and progressively moving back.
LEVEL Participants play holes from the red tee yardages ranging from 75 to 110 yards. Basic shot routine, pace of play and the rules of golf are emphasized at each lesson.
LEVEL LEVEL Beginner golfers participate in instructional clinics on the putting green and at the short game area and are introduced to full-swing instruction on the driving range. The goal is to instill fundamentals of the golf swing set-up and swing motion to allow consistent contact, control of direction and distance.
LEVEL Participants play a hole from 125 yards, from the green back to the tee. The girls are also introduced to the rules of golf. There are three groups based on ages: 7 to 9, 10 to 13 and 14 to 17. These lessons are offered in a six-lesson format, once a week, on Saturdays at Palmetto Golf Course. The cost for the six lessons is a $50 registration fee.
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Participants play nine holes from white tee yardages ranging from 320-yard par 4s and 140-yard par 3s. Again, consistency in shot routine, pace of play, rules of golf and scoring between 35 and 50 is emphasized.
LEVEL
(advanced)
Participants play regulation 18-hole tournament golf, as well as receive career counseling and advanced instruction. These playing lessons are offered in a six-lesson format, once a week, on Thursdays at Briar Bay Golf Course. The cost for the six lessons is a $50 registration fee. For more information, call (305) 238-7507 or email pjagolf@aol.com. – Philip and Sue Argianas contributed to this article
NOV/DEC 2010
LOCAL
The Front Nine State of Golf in Miami from the Public Club Perspective By Joe Fries /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
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ublic golf in South Florida, like many other local industries, is a tale of two seasons. It doesn’t take much more than a glance at your local club’s greens fee structure to notice the difference. The summer season is now coming to a close and for many local golfers, this means their season is coming to a close, as well. Many golfers (and courses) have relied on discount cards like the Premier Card, coupons and all sorts of special deals which offered play for very generous rates and boosted summer business for clubs that participated. Traditionally, these rates have gone up around the holidays, the deals and discount cards expire and the summer golfer puts the clubs away in the garage. As the population increases for the winter months, too many of the local golfers I see regularly in the summer go into a golf hibernation of sorts. They are replaced by visitors and tourists who we all rely on to support the local economy. This increase in revenue is obviously good for the clubs that need the business but the higher rates have detracted some local golfers. Hopefully that can change this season.
“It’s a give and take,” said Andy Forbes, Head Golf Professional at Normandy Shores Golf Club. “All of the businesses rely on tourism and visitors to boost the local economy in the winter season. Golf is no different. This summer was better for us than last summer and I think the Premier Card was a big factor in that. I think many of the clubs have tried a bit harder to sell peak season golf to the locals. Now that the Premier Card holder can get discounts throughout the winter, and residents continue to get a preferred rate, hopefully we continue to see some of the same faces.” There aren’t many businesses that have thrived in the last few years and golf as a whole is included in that bunch. Not too long ago, the game was booming and golf was as popular as ever. Golfers would flood the local courses on weekend mornings and would spend thousands of dollars taking vacations to golf destinations all over the world. Golf technology boomed and it seemed as though manufacturers had golf consumers buying new products every six months. Corporations were buying out courses for a day and
holding extravagant golf outings. Courses were opening all over the country. Developers would build entire golf course communities, with hopes of having families in each home that lined the course. In many places, it never turned out that way and the once flourishing golf industry suddenly became an afterthought for so many financially strapped avid golfers. Most of the South Florida courses have survived. In Dade County, there have been more courses that have undergone renovations in the last decade than there have been courses that have closed. This reaffirms that many people still believe in the promise of public golf in Miami and South Florida, as they should. The economic spiral has been an eye-opener for the golf industry as a whole and clubs are trying new and different ways to get golfers out on the links. Hopefully, the local golfers will benefit from those efforts this winter. PGA Teaching Professional Jose Hernandez, of the Jose Hernandez School of Golf is optimistic.
Continued on page 71 >>
Joe Fries is the 1st Assistant Golf Professional at Normandy Shores Golf Club in Miami.
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LOCALS IN ACTION
Don Shula’s Golf Club - Mimi Vargas
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LOCALS IN ACTION
Killian Greens Golf Club - Paola Grande
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Photography by Pedro Pages
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LOCALS IN ACTION
Westview Country Club - James Schwitala
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NOV/DEC 2010
LOCAL
The Back Nine State of Golf in Miami from the Private Club Perspective By Ethan Shapiro /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
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n late 2008 during a Men’s Golf Association Scramble at Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club, I shared a cart with an octogenarian and longtime club member. Between shots we discussed the economic downturn of the preceding months. As a former real estate developer and owner of luxury hotels in the United States and Europe, he shared with me his tip for staying relevant during a down economy, “Some change when they see the light, others when they feel the heat.” Over the past few years, private golf clubs across the nation and right here in Miami have really felt the heat. According to Golf Datatech, a Kissimmee based industry research firm, 2010 year-over-year rounds played at Miami area golf courses were down 4.4 percent compared with an already tough 2009 year. Private clubs, with their limited membership base, have been hit hard with rounds played also declining by 4.4 percent compared to a 3 percent decline on public courses. For many golfers, the economic downturn has made a private club membership seem more like an extravagance than a necessity. However, not all private clubs are struggling. A few in the Miami area with forward thinking and creative ideas are actually flourishing during this downturn. One such place is
the Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club. Located on the southernmost tip of Coral Gables and on the shores of Biscayne Bay, Deering Bay features a par 71, Arnold Palmer Signature course. Frequently referred to as “South Florida’s hidden gem,” Deering Bay was developed on the property formerly known as King’s Bay Country Club by former Governor Jeb Bush and Armando Codina in the late 1980s at a cost of nearly $250 million. The 6,500 yard golf course, deep water marina, and upscale residences encompass 220 acres rich with history and splendor. Since its inception, Deering Bay has taken a progressive and eco-friendly approach to the aweinspiring scenery and rare wildlife found on the property. During golf course construction, Palmer and his design group replaced hundreds of acres of invasive Australian pine trees with environmentally friendly mangrove trees and drought tolerant specimens. Today, Deering Bay continues this tradition of environmental stewardship when they became the first private club in Miami to be certified in Environmental Planning from the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses in May of 2010.
In 2007, Deering Bay took steps to secure its future when they completed a $4 million dollar renovation of their golf course with Arnold Palmer Design. Part of the renovation included replanting the golf course grass with Seashore Paspalum, the grass of the future according to the USGA. Director of Golf and Head Professional Chris Krause commented, “Since our re-grassing, members play more frequently, bring their friends as guests and take better care of their golf course.” Since the renovation, year to year rounds played has gone up an average of 2 percent, each year. Compared to the trend of declining rounds played at golf courses in South Florida, Deering Bay’s investment seems to have paid off. After three growing seasons, members report that the course is in its best condition ever. It was no surprise that in a 2009 article for Kingdom Magazine, Arnold Palmer selected Deering Bay, his only bay front design in SouthFlorida, as one of his favorite 16 courses in the world. In early 2009, Deering Bay observed changing demographics and shifting priorities of its members. Families with young children were finding themselves with less and less free time than the generation of club members before them. Deering
Ethan Shapiro chairs the Membership Committee at Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club. At 33, he is the club’s youngest Board Member and its first Legacy Member. When he’s not playing to an 11 handicap, Ethan works for IBM’s Integrated Technology Delivery group as a Project Manager. A graduate of Tulane University, he also holds a Project Management Professional certification from the Project Management Institute and has been a member of IBM’s Technical Experts Council since 2003. Ethan lives in Pinecrest, Florida with his wife and daughter.
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Bay General Manager Chris Drewes puts it best, “to maintain top-notch status as a club, we had to evolve into something more than just an excellent golf club.” The club created new memberships for younger adults and social members. They increased the number of pool parties, added movie nights for families and even relaxed the no-jeans policy in the dining room on weeknights. The quantity and quality of social events were beefed up and a monthly lecture series was created with speakers rivaling those found at Books and Books. The club also tried some creative ways of attracting new members. In 2009, they launched a Summer Golf membership where up to 20 participants could have full use of the club from May to October. Deering Bay only advertised the membership to existing members; it was more of an “in the know” special. Eleven summer golfers took advantage of the offer and seven of them liked the club so much that they became year round members. For 2010, the Summer Golf membership was nearly maxed out and welcomed 17 new families. Marco Pardo, the club’s Comptroller couldn’t be happier, “Revenue from our Summer Golf members helps the bottom line.” Mr. Pardo added,
“We’re financially stable. In 2008, we focused on creating value for our members and kept our eye on consistently reducing expenses.” Two straight years of performing under budget will make any Comptroller happy. A few times a year, select educational and charitable organizations use the club for fundraisers, golf tournaments and tennis tournaments. These events are excellent ways for our members to showcase Deering Bay to the philanthropic and educational organizations that they are intimately involved with. On September 20th, Deering Bay members and Staff volunteered their time to make the 2nd Annual High School Golf Invitational a resounding success. The golf course was in perfect shape and the 41 youth athletes, their parents and coaching staffs were thrilled at the chance to play in the event. Gulliver Prep’s Golf Coach Steve Solomon had this to say, “The Deering Bay Invitational is the best run tournament with the finest course conditions we get to play on all season long. We’d like to thank the Members of Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club for inviting us to this event for the second year in a row.”
Keep an eye out for fundraising events from Temple Beth Am, Boys and Girls Club of Miami, University of Miami, Gulliver Schools, Palmer Trinity, Westminster Christian, Florida Hemophilia Association, Leukemia Foundation, Cancer Support Center of Miami and DFYIT (Drug Free Youth In Town), which was co-founded by Deering Bay Member Marlene Josefsberg in 1989. Today Deering Bay reaps the results of their progressive thinking. Since the economic downturn of late 2008, other clubs in Miami have seen waiting lists for membership evaporate and resign lists grow larger. Deering Bay remains a lone success story with rosters actually increasing by 20 members since the recession began. Parties, trivia nights and special events for kids and adults now sell out regularly. Remember that octogenarian golfer from 2008? Two months ago I played a round of golf with his son-in-law, the club’s newest Legacy member. By continually adapting to the changing social and recreational needs of families, Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club has ensured its place as one of South Florida’s top country clubs.
change in lessons over the last couple of years, Hernandez agreed. “Sure, we haven’t had the number of lessons that we used to have but we’ve offered some discounted clinics and lesson packages which have kept business steady,” he said. “The golfers are still out there.” Yes, the golfers are still out there and they still love the game. New golfers continue to show up with the desire to learn and local junior golf is growing rapidly. The golfers that have been lost to more economical hobbies will be welcomed back with open arms when they get back on their feet.
Over the last two years, South Florida’s golf industry has been confronted with many challenges and had to overcome negative factors that were mostly out of our control. We’ve had the hottest summer on record, the coldest winter on record, an economic crisis, and a global golf crisis with the world’s most famous golfer. Even with all the adversity and outside factors, golfers are still playing the game they love and the courses are doing their best to make sure they are able to do so in South Florida for years to come. Joe Fries is the 1st Assistant Golf Professional at Normandy Shores Golf Club in Miami.
>> Continued from page 66 “Look at what we have here,” he said. “We have the best weather you can offer in the winter time. We have twelve months of golf. The city is up and coming. We live in a beautiful city, with the most beautiful people in the world, and some fantastic golf courses. Slowly but surely, the tourists and corporations will start coming back in the winter and the local golf economy will be rewarded. We had a lot of new golfers out here this summer and I know that number will grow next year. I’d like to see those same faces this winter.” When asked about a noticeable
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TRAVEL
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Waccamaw Golf Trail A must-play destination for the vacation golfer -Tradition Club
O
ne of the true hidden gems of golf lies 20 minutes south of Myrtle Beach, S.C. and less than one hour north of Charleston, S.C. The Waccamaw Golf Trail is a serene area comprised of the townships of Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island in an area known locally as the Waccamaw Neck. The Waccamaw Golf Trail offers a noticeably quiet, less crowded and more relaxed vacation for those who want to enjoy world-class golf in a tranquil setting. The 12 golf courses that comprise the Waccamaw Golf Trail include: Black-
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moor Golf Club; Caledonia Golf & Fish Club; Founders Club; Heritage Club; Litchfield Country Club; Pawleys Plantation; River Club; TPC Myrtle Beach; Tradition Club; True Blue Plantation; Wachesaw Plantation East; and Willbrook Plantation. Most of the courses were built upon the sites of 18th and 19th century rice and indigo plantations, set amid ancient moss-draped oaks and tidal rivers. The list of accolades for the Waccamaw Golf Trail includes GOLF Magazine’s “America’s Top 100”, Golfweek’s “Best Courses You Can Play” and six 4½ -star courses
and one of only three 5-star courses in the Southeast, as rated by Golf Digest. The Waccamaw Golf Trail offers a variety of accommodation options including villas with lake or golf course views, hotel suites or the full resort experiences for Trail guests. The area also offers great dining along the famed Murrells Inlet Marshwalk, or places such as Frank’s Outback, Quigley’s Pint and Plate or the Pawleys Island Tavern. “It’s more of a laid back, Lowcountry vibe down here,” says Kevin McGuire, PGA head golf professional at Willbrook Plantation, one of several of the
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TPC Myrtle Beach, awarded 5-stars by Golf Digest.
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Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, #21 “Best Resort Course” in the U.S., Golfweek.
Waccamaw Golf Trail courses recognized as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. “The courses here are visually stunning and memorable, not to mention some of the very best in the Myrtle Beach area.” The Waccamaw Golf Trail Cooperative is a partnership between 12 south strand golf courses and was created to provide more information on golf and vacation packages in the area. Preferred tee times for the Waccamaw Trail courses and accommodations packages are available by visiting WaccamawGolfTrail.com or calling 888-293-7385.
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The Waccamaw Golf Trail The Waccamaw Golf Trail is the designation assigned to the most southern region of Myrtle Beach, S.C. The Waccamaw Trail encompasses Murrells Inlet, Litchfield and Pawleys Island and is home to 12 highly-awarded golf courses. The area also boasts one of the America’s premier golf resorts – Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort. It’s easy to spot the resort driving south on Highway 17. Just look for the massive, live oak tree with a fallen branch, a favorite photo op for visitors and area wedding pictures. The resort is a sprawling, 600-acre facility with numerous lodging options, both on golf courses or lake and beach view rooms. Be sure to ask about the “Kids Play Free” programs which are available with a paying adult at many of the Waccamaw Golf Trail courses throughout the year. Go to www.LitchfieldResort. com for more information, or call 888-766-4633 . Lodging is also available at Pawleys Plantation or True Blue Golf Villas.
NOV/DEC 2010
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