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+ golf tips, local tournaments and more weekendgolfermag.com | Volume 1 Issue 4 May/June 2011
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MAY/JUNE 2011
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The Lifestyle Magazine for the Passionate Golfer
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The Lifestyle Magazine for the Passionate Golfer
MAY/JUNE 2011
Volume 1 Issue 4 /// May - June 2011
Weekend Golfer Magazine Oscar Ferrazza /// Publisher Bill Klimas /// Editor in Chief Francis Ferrazza /// Creative Director Daniel Vasquez /// Creative Director Michelle Rinaldi /// Director of Photography Henry Chinea /// Copy Editor Andrew Karchmer /// Sales Director Vox-Stilus Enterprise, Inc. Weekend Golfer Magazine PO Box 430332 South Miami, FL 33243 Phone: 786-274-0966 Fax: 305-397-2960 Email: staff@weekendgolfermag.com Publisher: oferrazza@weekendgolfermag.com Editorial: bklimas@weekendgolfermag.com
Contributing Writers
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Brent Postal Jackie Bertram Kaufman Janina Jacobs Lisa Lane Brown Mark R. Vogel Bob Coman Michael Hunt Mike Simmons Zane Binder Christine Najac Leigh MacKay
Contributers Leigh MacKay /// Contributing Editor Yachin Parham /// Photographer Pedro Pages /// Photographer Amanda H. Rosen /// Photojournalist
Ecstatic Over the Growth of Weekend Golfer Magazine
I
n any foursome playing the back nine there is always that one fellow that is a doomsayer. “You’re not going to be able to avoid that trap,” or “that iron can’t take you into the wind at this distance.” We at Weekend Golfer Magazine had our share of unsolicited advisers offer up similar dire prediction when we launched the publication last fall. “Not in this economy” or “print publishing is on its way out.” Rather than change clubs we set out stance, took a few practice swings and slammed one to within a few feet of the pin. We have not only covered and cornered the market at the southern end of the state but this fair wind has carried our drive north through Broward, Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie Counties. We now cover the lifestyles surrounding, and distribute to, the hottest courses in a five county area with 14,000 copies of WG hitting the Pro Shops throughout South East Florida. With this growth we have acquired a range of new partners as well. On page 9 read about Leigh McKay, the scratch golfer and award-winning writer that has joined us as a Contributing Editor. His golf cart will get some miles covering all things north in our new territories. Copy Editor Henry Chinea has added polish and perfection to our in-depth coverage as well. National sports figures now grace our pages with coverage of their charitable endeavors and more are scheduled for upcoming summer issues. The top-flight venues they play have found a place as advertisers in our growing publication as well. As we expand north our wide-roaming Contributing Writers has taken flight to bring our readers south through the Caribbean and Mexico to exotic and exciting locales, South America is on the agenda for our next issue. National advertisers have taken notice with agencies in the coveted New York City creative community eyeing our pages to display their client’s products and services. Weekend Golfer Magazine is not only succeeding, but also thriving in this vibrant and exhilarating golfing community that has embraced our magazine.
Cover Art
Oscar Ferrazza /// Publisher, Weekend Golfer Magazine oferrazza@weekendgolfermag.com
Yachin Parham
Weekend Golfer Magazine 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. ©2011
MAY/JUNE 2011
Weekend Golfer 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 Miami-Dade 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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Volume 1 Issue 4 /// May - June 2011
FEATURES 54
LINKS AT FAIRMONT MAYAKOBA Professional Quality Play on the Carribean Sea 6
44
64
DOCTOR GOLF
ENVIRONMENTAL INSTITUTE FOR GOLF
The Flourishing Practice of Dr. Gary Wiren
MAY/JUNE 2011
Superintendents, StewardS of the Environment
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DEPARTMENTS 8 THE FRONT NINE
22 HEALTH & FITNESS
8
Editor’s Desk A Passion for Summer Play by Bill Klimas
22
Golf Psychology How to Easily Correct Your Swing by Lisa Lane Brown
10
Guest Commentary Saying Goodbye is Hard to Do by Brent Postal
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Cures to an Aging Swing Turnberry Spa to Contain a Top Sports Clinic by Janina Jacobs
12
Quips and Fast Facts
26 REVIEWS
9 LOCAL
GREG NORMAN’S AUSTRALIAN PUB
WGC Cadillac Championship 9
Local Coverage Weekend Golfer Magazine’s Contributing Editor Leigh MacKay Wins Golf Writers Championship at Pinehurst
28 Local Coverage WGC Cadillac Championship, Federation AM-AM 72
Local Coverage Reid & Fiorentino Celebrity Golf Classic
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Local Coverage The Irish vs. the Italians
Automotive Retractable Hardtop Mazda MX-5 (Miata) by Zane Binder
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Course Follow in the Footsteps of Rory Sabbatini at The Champion Course, PGA National Resort & Spa by Leigh MacKay
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Dining Greg Norman’s Australian Pub by Christine Najac
60 CONNOISSEUR 60
14 EQUIPMENT 14
26
Wine Food for Thought by Mark R. Vogel
63 WOMEN 63 Raising Awareness “Real Men Support Pink” Celebrity Golf Tournament
Golf Equipment, Apparel and Technology
68 JUNIoRS
20 GOLF 101 68 Raising Awareness Els’ for Autism Golf Challenge by Bill Klimas
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Tip # 1 How to Improve Your Golf Swing with a Bath Towel by Bob Coman
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Tip # 2 Bunker Basics by Jackie Bertram Kaufman
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Tip # 3 Tune Up - Train for Consistency by Michael Hunt
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Tip # 4 Solve Your Chipping Woes by Mike Simmons
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78 THE BACK NINE 78 The Last Word Helping Others Get Into the Swing of Things by Robert M. Randquist
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MAY/JUNE 2011
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EDITOR’S DESK
A Passion for Summer Play
A
8
s the season’s change brings on the heat of summer, the local golf courses see a steady decline in players. Early mornings and late afternoons become the tee times of choice. For those of us that are truly passionate about the game, longer days allow for evenings on the course. Short game practice sessions will help keep the skill sets sharp while night-lit driving ranges offer cooler temperatures with a basket of range balls and gives our woods a workout. No, summer is not a time to lose your clubs to a closet or garage corner. It offers an opportunity to lose the crowd and enjoy the off-season’s lower green fees. More importantly, it will connect you with local golfers that share your passion. Your Club House pro will have a lighter schedule and be more available. Additionally, that five-star track you have never gotten around to playing will accommodate your schedule and cater to your whims in a way you will never see in the winter months. Summer is an opportunity for the passionate golfer in South Florida. Here at Weekend Golfer Magazine, we will continue to support your game and lifestyle by bringing you what’s new and hot in this not so cool season. Check out the PGA pros tips and drop them a line if they can help your game (their e-mail address is published at the end of each bio within the Tips articles). You will find they have ample time to answer your e-mail or meet you on your terms at your location, probably at a discounted price. Look into the new product section; your Father’s Day gift may well be reviewed there. Just tear out the page and conveniently leave it on the kitchen counter. Your local pro shop will be glad you did. Regardless of your handicap, your passion for the sport will keep you in full swing, regardless of the season, so enjoy the lack of crowds and healthy turf the coming months have to offer. May the wind be at your back and rain clouds stay on the horizon.
Bill Klimas /// Editor, Weekend Golfer Magazine bklimas@weekendgolfermag.com
The staff of Weekend Golfer has pledged to bring the best local coverage to recreational golfers. 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
MAY/JUNE 2011
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LOCAL
Weekend Golfer Magazine’s Contributing Editor Leigh MacKay Wins Golf Writers Championship at Pinehurst
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eigh MacKay, Weekend Golfer Magazine Contributing Editor, successfully defended his title at the Golf Writers Association of America annual championship. Held in the historic Pinehurst area the weekend before the Masters, the 54-hole tournament was played at three of the Sandhills’ most renowned venues: Pine Needles, the host facility, and Mid-Pines, two of Donald Ross’ best, and the Country Club of North Carolina, one of the nation’s premier layouts. With a 78 at both Pine Needles and Mid-Pines, MacKay shot a 75 at CCNC on Sunday for a total of 231. His birdie on the 54th hole assured the two-shot victory over Ed Gowan, executive director of the Arizona Golf Association and a former tournament director of the LPGA. MacKay said, “The golf writers had a great time as we always do when we can get together. We were treated to three superior layouts this year, just as we were treated to the exceptional King & Bear and Slammer & Squire courses last year at the World Golf Village/Hall of Fame in St. Augustine. Our scores, we all agreed, were indicative of too much writing about golf and not enough playing. “However, no one complained too loudly or too long on Sunday afternoon as we put away the swords and readied the pens. The first major of the year would begin the next day, and we all knew we would be at the top of our games for this one.”
“2009 Acura Precision Team” 10 time award winner. Rated “A” in the BBB of Florida
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South Florida largest selection of Acura Certified preowned cars. Offering new car leases with no down payment. Serving South Miami, Pinecrest, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Palmetto Bay and Kendall sience 1986.
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GUEST COMMENTARY
Saying Goodbye is Hard to Do By Brent Postal /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
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came to a painful, albeit somewhat obvious observation at the end of last season – I needed new clubs. The fact is, I could have said this after each of the last seven seasons. To the non-golfer, a man’s feelings towards his clubs would undoubtedly seem odd and overdramatic. But to even the most casual players of the gentleman’s sport, you understand where I’m coming from. I can’t help but think of all the good times we shared. There was the time I stuck a 9-iron to within two feet, or the time I drove the green on the reachable par four. These glorious moments were a result of both my skill and the clubs themselves, I would tell myself. But if my perfectly struck midiron landed about 30 yards short of its target, I placed no blame on the club. It was all on me. I must have done something wrong during some indistinguishable yet crucial moment of my swing. But I finally asked myself, “What if I’m not doing anything wrong?” Could it be that my clubs, most certainly born in the mid-’90s, were simply losing their umph? I turned to the professionals for answers. I found the nearest golf pro and asked him how often I should change my clubs. He told me every year. While he was most certainly trying to sell me new clubs, his answer did surprise me. I guess I always assumed clubs would maintain their shape, weight, and therefore power and accuracy until they were either broken or drowning at the bottom of a lake.
MAY/JUNE 2011
But this is not the case. After striking thousands of golf balls and even more patches of dirt and grass, even the most stoutly built clubs will age. Is that why my 5-iron travels the same length of my aging father’s? Probably not the sole reason, but a contributing factor I’m sure. So through the course of this winter, I began my search for a new set of clubs. I went to local golf shops to see what kind of clubs could be had for a reasonable amount of money. I felt buying used would be ignoring the very reason I’m trading in my “old” clubs. It’s taken me several months to sift through the options, but I have finally narrowed it down to two. No matter which set I choose, they will certainly have big shoes to fill. And in the meantime, I can’t help but wonder what will become of my old clubs. Maybe I’ll keep them as a backup, a nice set to loan to a friend who wants to try out the game, or trade them in for whatever I can get for them. As of this moment, they are where you might expect them to be – in the corner of the garage. From the 3-iron all the way to the big dog, they are no doubt collecting cobwebs and dust. I can’t help but glimpse over at them from time to time, just to make sure they’re alright (still standing up). And like the proud clubs they are, the old Pings look to be doing just fine. In the back of my mind, and in the back of the garage, the clubs are there for me. Just like they always have been. And most likely, just like they always will be.
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Dear Fellow Golfers, The EDGE Tour is the Evolution in Tournament Golf. From soothing massages and stretching sessions before your warm up at the range, to after your last putt on the 18th hole. The entire aura around the tournament experience will cater to your every need. You just have to hit the shots!
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There is no golfer so proficient who does not perpetually pursue improvement. Whether you are a scratch golfer or an 18 handicap, we will give you an EDGE! The EDGE Tour will connect you to golf coaches, fitness trainers, massage therapists, and even golf psychologists to create a plan of action for YOU to find growing happiness in this game we love. With the EDGE Tour, you will evolve into a player who has the swing and mental fortitude not only to play with different conditions and pressures – but also play better! I look forward to having you become a member of our EDGE Tour. Enjoy the thrills of playing in weekly tournaments at the finest golf courses between Miami and West Palm. With typical entry fees of less than $100, compete for VISA GIFTCARDS with purse sizes over $2,000 per week. Our first event of the season is on May 7th, be sure to sign up now to start accumulating points to win the Player of the Year award and the $750 bonus prize! Join Today! All you have to lose are a few strokes! Respectfully,
Eric Kaplan
For every Birdie made in every EDGE Tour event, a donation will be made to the National Parkinson’s Foundation. weekendgolfermag.com
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For information and tour schedule visit:
edgetour.net
MAY/JUNE 2011
QUIPS & FAST FACTS
the longest putt
The longest drive ever is
ever is a monstrous
515 yards.
375 feet.
one in 67,000,000 12
Are the chances of making two holes-in-one in a round of golf. Balls travel significantly further on hot days. A golfer swinging a club at around 100 mph will carry the driver up to eight yards longer for each increase in air temperature of 25°F.
The longest golf hole in the world (909 yards) is the 7th hole (par 7) of the Sano Course at the Satsuki Golf Club in Japan.
The largest bunker in the world is Hell’s Half Acre on the 585-yard 7th hole of the Pine Valley Course in New Jersey.
Don’t feel bad about your high handicap - 80% of all golfers will never achieve a handicap of less than 18.
the average driver swing speed
of tiger woods is 130mph • the average lady golfer is 62mph • the average male golfer is 84mph • the average lpga professional is 96mph • the average pga tour player is 108mph • the average for a national long drive champion is 148-152mph
MAY/JUNE 2011
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Memorable Quotes “His nerve, his memory and I can’t remember the third thing.” Lee Trevino, on the three things an aging golfer loses.
“Every golfer can expect to have four bad shots in a round and when you do, just put them out of your mind. This, of course, is hard to do when you’ve had them and you’re not even off the first tee.” - Walter Hagen
“Reverse every natural instinct and do the opposite of what you are inclined to do, and you will probably come very close to having a perfect golf swing.” - Ben Hogan
“I deny allegations by Bob Hope that during my last game I hit an eagle, a birdie, an elk and a moose.” - Gerald Ford
“When Nicklaus plays well, well he wins. When he plays badly, he finishes second. When he plays terribly, he finishes third.” - Johnny Miller
“A lot of guys who have never choked have never been in a position to do so.” - Tom Watson
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13
EQUIPMENT
Golf Equipment, Apparel and Technology NEOX Transitions SOLFX Sun Glasses
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Callaway Golf utilizes NEOX Transitions SOLFX sun lenses to enhance visual performance on the course. Blocking 100% of UV rays, these sun glasses are engineered to counteract the problems encountered with typical lenses, like distortion in both color and object sight and decreased depth of field as lighting conditions change. The photochromic lenses automatically adjust color and darkness for better vision all day, sharpen depth perception for more accurate distance vision to track the flight of the ball, and offer outstanding clarity to better perceive terrain and green undulations. As UV light increases or decreases, the lens color seamlessly optimizes to enhance the player’s vision. For more information, go to: www.callawaygolf.com
MAY/JUNE 2011
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Tourflex by Proquip – A New Movement in Professional Weather Wear ProQuip, the world’s leading innovator of lightweight golf weatherwear and Preferred Supplier to the European Ryder Cup Team 2010, has introduced a new Playing Top to its TourFlex range, the company’s first all-over stretchable rain suit. TourFlex, with its ultra-lightweight waterproof stretch outer fabric, has enabled ProQuip to create a slimmer-fitting athletic cut with Tourinspired styling and three-way colors. The highperformance fabric, with integrated weatherwear features including waterproof zips, is available in an array of sizes (S-XXXL) and colors with matching trousers and, like all ProQuip rain suits, is guaranteed for three years. For more information, go to: www.proquipgolfusa.com 15
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MAY/JUNE 2011
EQUIPMENT
Garmin GPS Wrist Watch Garmin loads the GPS on your wrist with its easy-to-wear golf watch. Preloaded with 14,000 courses, the watch face gives green yardages to FCB and measures individual shots. The odometer shows how far the golfer has walked, and the GPS readings turn into a full-featured, everyday watch off the course. Perfect for cart-path only days, for walking the course, and just for telling time. For more Information, go to: www.garmin.com
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MAY/JUNE 2011
The Lifestyle Magazine for the Passionate Golfer
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Titleist WedgeWorks – Design Your Own Wedge Although Titleist is understandably touting the newest version of the bestselling Pro Vs, I am touting Titleist’s WedgeWorks, the latest concept in crafting those 52-60 degree implements that bring a short game to life or death. Bob Vokey is the master craftsman whose name has become synonymous with Titleist wedges: his WedgeWorks is the custom shop where you can now have your wedges created especially for you. Each personalized creation is one of a kind, custom engraved, hand-stamped, and built by Bob and his team. Special grinds, exclusive finishes, tour issue heads, lofts and lies, grips, shafts—you make the call, and your wedge is built to your specs. Now around the green we can all play like Rickie Fowler—sort of. For more information, go to: www.vokey.com
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MAY/JUNE 2011
get
Longer. Not wroNger. 18
The Diablo EdgeTM Technology played on TOUR is also available in Callaway Diablo Edge Irons. With a lower, more accessible sweet spot, these are the longest, most consistent Irons Callaway has ever developed. Rather than turn a 6-Iron into a 7-Iron and call it longer, we engineered the Diablo Edge Irons for both distance and accuracy. For 13 years in a row, Callaway has sold more Irons than any other brand in golf.
Engineering Performance For You.
Callaway Golf Irons were the best-selling Irons brand for the combined on- and off-course channels from January 1997 to September 2009, according to Golf Datatech, LLC. Graeme McDowell plays Callaway X-Prototype Irons and Diablo Edge Fairway Woods. Š 2010 Callaway Golf Company. Diablo Edge, X-Prototype, the Chevron Device and Callaway are trademarks and/or registered MAY/JUNE 2011 The Lifestyle Magazine for the Passionate Golfer weekendgolfermag.com trademarks of Callaway Golf Company.
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MAY/JUNE 2011
GOLF 101
How to Improve Your Golf Swing with a Bath Towel By Bob Coman /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
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A common swing flaw with several golfers is their arm swing and body rotation do not work together to generate maximum club head speed and consistency. To get the arm swing and body rotation working together, golfers must maintain the ‘connection’ of their arms to the body rotation. This connection will keep the club head swinging on plane and in front of their chest throughout the majority of their swing. By using this towel drill, you will achieve more club head speed with less effort due to the proper rotation of your hands and arms. In addition, you will achieve more consistency by swinging the club on the proper plane and maintaining the connection of your arms to your body¹s rotation.
1 To achieve this feeling of connection, put a bath towel across your chest and hold the ends under your armpits. Grip your golf club and assume your address position.
Photography by John LaMarche
MAY/JUNE 2011
The Lifestyle Magazine for the Passionate Golfer
Photography by Pedro Pages
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2 Make a half backswing (waist high) with the golf club by not letting either end of the towel drop from the connection created by holding the towel under your armpits against your chest.
Bob Coman Bob Coman is the Golf Director for the legendary Fairmont Turnberry Isle resort in Aventura. He 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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3 Swing the golf club back through the ball by not letting either end of the towel drop from the connection created by holding the towel under your armpits against your chest.
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MAY/JUNE 2011
HEALTH & FITNESS
Golf Psychology How to Easily Correct Your Swing By Lisa Lane Brown /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
M
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ost players believe golf is highly technical and complicated, which is why their golf psychology is so messed up. When they have this belief, it prevents them from trusting the body’s natural ability to LEARN on the golf course. They become technical and analytical, which makes them tense up, which in turn makes them clumsy. You, however, are different. You are going to approach the mental game of golf with a strong belief in your body’s ability to self-correct mistakes. Remember, your body is smarter than you are. It will produce shots that will amaze you if you stop interfering with it. Correcting your swing is easy when you trust yourself. All you have to do is increase your awareness of exactly what’s going on during any given shot. When you do this, your body naturally corrects itself. Example: Your tee shots are short and inconsistent, and you suspect your swing rhythm is off. In this situation,v you’ll want to increase awareness of your club speed. If you bring your club down too slowly on the downswing, you are likely to make errors when hitting the ball. However, if you become anxious and swing too fast, your rhythm will deteriorate too. Here’s a great golf psychology focus to correct it: After each swing, give yourself a number between 1 and 10 according to how fast you thought your downswing was. A ‘1’ means that your swing is very slow. A ‘10’ means it is very fast. When I tried this, I noticed right away that my best shots happened when my downswing speed was a 7-8. However, as soon as I took my mind off this focus, I would unconsciously drop the speed of my downswing back down to a 5, and my shots would deteriorate. At this point, my golf partner would help me re-focus. She’d ask, “What number would you give that swing?” making me realize that I had unconsciously slowed down my swing again. Each time I gave my downswing a number, my speed went back up--as did the quality of my shots. When using this focus, it’s important that you don’t TRY to speed up or slow your downswing. Trying will put your focus on your swing mechanics and disrupt your
MAY/JUNE 2011
Remember, your body is smarter than you are. It will produce shots that will amaze you if you stop interfering with it. rhythm. If you give your downswing the correct number according to its speed, you will naturally adjust it. It’s literally this easy to correct a speed problem in your swing. Trusting yourself radically alters the way you think about and approach golf. Instead of over-analyzing your mechanics, you play with confidence and relaxation. Heavenly and not hard at all. Try it, and remember where the juice of golf is: in learning. If you trust your body and pay attention at the same time, you’ll get better every time you golf. Your friend, Lisa B.
Lisa Lane Brown
The Lifestyle Magazine for the Passionate Golfer
Lisa Lane Brown helps golfers lower their score and win under pressure. A three-time world champion in her sport, Lisa has taught the mental toughness secrets for winning to over 4,000 athletes in more than 17 countries. To get free golf psychology tips from Lisa, go to http://www.sportspsychology-tips.com/category/golf-psychology/
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S.Q.N. 39m (127’) |Alloy Yachts | 2003 | 10,900,000 USD S.Q.N. was designed by Ed Dubois with interior design by Donald Starkey. She was built by Alloy Yachts to full Lloyds classification. Her interior boasts an on deck Master plus three guest staterooms and a gym, whilst her large flybridge with Jacuzzi is a favorite entertaining area. Recent developments allow this vessel to be purchased at a very attractive price. Anybody considering a high pedigree vessel of this caliber and style should not miss this opportunity. Jody O’Brien | Ft. Lauderdale + 1 954 646 4970 | jody.obrien@fraseryachts.com
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HEALTH & FITNESS
Cures to an Aging Swing Turnberry Spa to Contain a Top Sports Clinic By Janina Jacobs /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
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P
ose this question to any golfer and odds are you’ll depend on quick and complete healing of injuries. Mere receive a resoundingly positive response: If there mortals can also count on the same level of treatment as was a program that could possibly give you back these elite athletes. the body and swing you had 10 or 20 years ago, would The center houses a multitude of miracle workers you follow it? who can actually open up joints and increase flexibility Well, now there is. Turnberry Isle has teamed up with by using dozens of state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques, Pete Bommarito, of Bommarito Performance Systems, and repairs, and forms of therapy. The Performance Center’s Dr. Matthew Cooper, of USA Sports Therapy, to create the staff includes experts in biomechanical analysis, muscle ultimate golf and sports performance activation techniques, rehabilitation, training facility, all under one roof. neuromuscular therapy, enzyme Fairmont’s Willow Stream Spa therapy, chiropractics, fitness training, The center houses a fitness center now houses equipment metabolic conditioning, and nutrition. to completely analyze the golf Programs can be customized multitude of miracle swing and the core characteristics as needed, with one to four day workers who can actually contributing to the development of packages available. A client’s open up joints and increase physical problems and their cures. first visit includes a thorough If executed correctly, the golf swing biomechanical assessment which flexibility by using dozens should not hurt. When it does, many tests literally every joint and of state-of-the-art diagnostic golfers are forced to choose between muscle in the body for injury quitting or adapting, unhappily, and range of motion. Once an techniques, repairs, to physical limitations, which can analysis is made, long or short term and forms of therapy. lessen enjoyment of the game. solutions are determined based “Many people are incorrectly on degree of injury and desired diagnosed,” explained Bommarito, goals. Upon completion, the client is regarded as one of the premier sports performance armed with detailed training, rehabilitation, and nutrition coaches in the U.S. “Here, we are curing basic pain. programs supplemented with phone or e-mail support Quite often people are weak and afraid to get strong. counseling as needed. If body areas are fragile, you’ll compensate. We can And don’t forget about the kids: Bommarito is also trained measure those deficiencies.” Bommarito’s clients include in working with growth plates. Contrary to popular belief, over 200 NFL and NBA professionals whose livelihoods children can benefit from the Center’s programs, too.
MAY/JUNE 2011
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CHAMPIONSHIP UNLIMITED GOLF PACKAGE
From only $119 per person, per night,* stay in a Garden View room and play on our Red, Gold or Jim McLean Signature courses with unlimited replays. Plus, enjoy a Full American Buffet Breakfast every morning to start the day, discounts on club rentals, spa services and dining at Champions or Mesazul Steakhouse, and a free beer at Champions during your stay. For more information, call our golf travel professionals at 800.71DORAL or visit doralresort.com
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RED COURSE HOLE #17
50 years on course Doral Golf Resort & Spa has a history of unparalleled golf courses, beautiful weather and legendary competition between pros. Well, we’re writing a whole new chapter with a $16 million renovation, including the new Mesazul Steakhouse and Bossa Nova Lounge, where you can recount your last round on the TPC Blue Monster Course, Jim McLean Signature Course or any of our other pro-quality courses. Come and discover the best of golf—in a Florida paradise. FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAMESM
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REVIEWS
Retractable Hardtop Mazda MX-5 (Miata) By Zane Binder /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
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M
ore than a decade ago, Mazda introduced the MX-5, a tiny sportster better known as the Miata. Designed to emulate the look and feel of classic 50’s British roadsters, it lacked just one thing: the unreliability that doggedly followed those legendary beasts of yesteryear. The MX-5’s sleek, rounded lines and thoughtful ergonomic design is now more tantalizing than ever. The newer models offer a retractable hardtop option that has revitalized sales in a market desperate for higher gas milage cars with stylish and sporty sex appeal. This may be why enthusiasts in the USA still refer to it as Miata, a name that means “reward” in Old High German.
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Style-wise, some might say the MX-5 has a muscular look. Perhaps more to the point, a front view clearly shows the vehicle is smiling. It isn’t an illusion, and it isn’t accidental. In Japan, engineers spend countless hours getting the “look,” the car’s “face,” just right. Some vehicles from the Land of the Rising Sun may give an impression of meanness. The MX-5’s front end, though, just plain smiles. The vehicle does exhibit two distinct personalities: one with its standard ragtop, and the other with the Power Retractable Hardtop. The first, for the traditionalist, can rise or be tucked out of the way in a few ticks of the clock, all while sitting in the driver’s seat. The second, for those who desire a bit more
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serenity, centers around the retractable hardtop – power operated, of course, and the vehicle’s interior becomes a place where the standard high-end stereo is audible at all times. The hardtop adds 80 pounds, Mazda says, to the car’s featherweight 2,600, but doesn’t hurt its almost perfect 50-50 balance. It’s a welcome addition as the MX5’s when weather or road noise needs to be muffled. Viewing the “wind-in-your-hair” MX-5 from the rear is underwhelming; there’s not much notable. The trunk, while extremely small, is surprisingly commodious. It’s possible to shoehorn in two golf bags ... just. There’s no spare ... just a repair kit. The rear-drive MX-5 is sold in five different “flavors,” from relatively Spartan at $23,110 to luxurious at $28,550. The twin front heated, leather-trimmed buckets in top-line models are surprisingly comfortable ... if you’re agile and svelte enough to clamber in. Looking toward the dash from the driver’s perspective you’ll find numerous pleasing back lighted black on white analog gauges. There’s also a small glove box and lockable between-seats console, inside of which you’ll discover the fuel door switch. Under the hood (or under the bonnet, as the British would say) is a 2.0-liter, 167-hp “four.” This fuel-injected, four-valves-per-cylinder inline engine with variable valve timing propels the car from 0-60 in 7.9 seconds.
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The fuel efficiency while running on high octane gasoline was measured at 20 city and 26 highway (EPA 24/30), decent numbers. A bright spot was the extremely precise short-throw six-speed overdrive manual gearbox. A similar driver-controllable paddle-type automatic is also available. The MX-5’s best feature is handling. It’s a joy to toss through tight apexes: you’ll be seeking out mountain roads to put it through her paces, so a road trip out of South Florida is not out of the question. Though a tiny roadster with less than a 31-foot turning circle, you’ll find the Mazda loaded with creature comforts. Rack and pinion power steering with a leatherwrapped steering wheel, four-wheel ABS disc brakes, stability control, a plethora of airbags for safety, cruise control, power windows, locks and mirrors, an optional limited slip differential, burglar alarm, and much more are among the high-end model’s features. The top-end car is the model you really want. It’s the best value in the line. The MX-5 is a superb Sunday car, a vehicle perfectly suited for those gentle-as-a-caress warm spring days. It’s a treat for one’s soul and a joy not to be missed.
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LOCAL
WGC Cadillac Championship, Federation AM-AM
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he day after the 2011 WGC-Cadillac Championship, over 200 sponsors played the TPC Blue Monster at Doral in the Federation AM-AM. In the shadow of the grandstand and among Cadillac vehicle displays, the tournament gave participants the chance to challenge the course in championship Sunday conditions.
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Photography by Amanda H. Rosen
1. United Healthcare Team at the holein-one #15. 2. Paul Schneider of Waste Management. 3. Eastman Kodak team captained by Thomas Bonds. 4. Tim Linehan off of the tee at #13.
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REACH OUR READERS BY ADVERTISING IN WEEKEND GOLFER MAGAZINE Go to weekendgolfermag.com and download the 2011 WG MEDIA KIT or contact our Sales Team directly by emailing sales@weekendgolfermag.com
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REVIEWS
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Photography courtesy of PGA National
Follow in the Footsteps of Rory Sabbatini at The Champion Course, PGA National Resort & Spa Enjoy the ‘Honda Classic Experience’ and Play the ‘Bear Trap’ Like a Champion
By Leigh MacKay /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Editor
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knew exactly what was going through Rory Sabbatini’s mind as he prepared to hit his 125yard third shot on the 18th hole of The Champion Course in the final round of the 2011 Honda Classic. I had just been in a similar situation several weeks before. With the flag back right and the wind blowing from the greenside lake on the right toward the
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pin, a crisp knockdown shot was the best option. We both kept our shots low and saw them land on the green, settling about 20 feet away from the pin. Two putts later, we had our pars. Now, I’m not sure exactly what was going through Sabbatini’s mind after his second putt fell and he won the $1,026,000 first-place check, but I doubt if he could have been any more
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pleased than I was. Sure, he had won his sixth PGA Tour title, but I had shot a 79 on one of America’s best tests. I’d say we both had a day to remember. The Champion Course When I teed it up in early February at The Champion Course at the PGA National Resort & Spa, I felt as if I were a touring pro because I was
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The Haig Course, PGA National Resort & Spa.
taking advantage of the resort’s “Honda Classic Experience”—to stay and play just like the Big Boys. The pleasant winter weather, the aura surrounding the course, and the tropical setting were all special. Golfweek magazine has dubbed The Champion as one of the nation’s “Best PGA Tour Courses You Can Play” and as one of the “Best Resort Courses.” Paddy Harrington, the 2005 Honda champ, has said, “Outside of the majors, The Champion is the best course we play on tour.” If you love to play on superb layouts and share a sense of golf tradition, The Champion is the course for you. The Champion Course was originally laid out in 1981 by Tom and George Fazio for major tournament play and redesigned by
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Jack Nicklaus in 2002. It has been the site of both the 1983 Ryder Cup, where Captain Jack’s boys defeated Tony Jacklin’s—14 ½ to 13 ½—and the 1987 PGA Championship, where Larry Nelson beat Lanny Wadkins on the first hole of a playoff. The Senior PGA Championship made its home here from 1982-2000, and in those 19 years, 12 championships went to players who are now in the World Golf Hall of Fame and who are readily identifiable by their first names: Arnold, Chi Chi, Gary, Hale, Jack, Lee, and Ray. PGA National claimed the Honda Classic for its own in 2007 and is the first tour event in what is called “The Florida Swing,” the four tournaments that lead up to the Masters. The Honda Classic’s roots go back to
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All I could see was water in front of me and then a sliver of a green with a cavernous bunker on the left. Even hitting the bail out area left of the green and short of the trap would require some skill.
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Outside of the majors, The Champion is the best course we play on tour. - Paddy Harrington
the Great One, Jackie Gleason, who founded the Inverrary Classic in 1972 and was the host through 1983. Honda became the title sponsor in 1982 and moved the tournament from course to course until it found a home in Palm Beach Gardens five champions ago. An Experience To Savor The “Honda Classic Experience” gave me a round a day on The Champion for each night I stayed, and it also included range balls and bag storage. When I stepped onto the first tee, the pro shop had my picture taken as a keepsake. Then I took my stance, looked down the 345-yard par 4, and swung with some trepidation. The ball found the fairway, however, and I was about to enjoy every yard of the 6373-yard Blue Course. With a rating of 71.8 on
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the par 72 and a slope of 138, I had all the course I could play. The other three men’s tees offer yardages to suit every ability level: Black at 7048, Gold at 6727, and White at 5984. The pros play at 7158. The women’s tees are 5145 yards. The course was immaculate with lush fairways, well-kept sand traps, and double-digit Stimpmeter readings on the greens. My putts rolled at tournament speeds and they rolled true. We had a mandatory forecaddie to maintain a suitable pace of play. He tracked down a few errant shots, read the breaks with accuracy, and gave us a nice history lesson about PGA National and the Classic. Because the cart had a Garmin GPS, we were never at loss for distances. I shot a three-over 39 on the front.
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Each hole has distinctive, memorable features, but I especially liked the 495 yard par-5 third hole, the 138 par-3 fifth, and the 381 par-4 8th. As I was standing on the third tee, I had visions of reaching the green in two, just as the pros do. Unfortunately, my drive found an inauspiciously placed palm tree well into the left rough, and I had to chip out. I ended up making bogey, but the hole is one of those special risk-reward treats. The fifth, with the prevailing wind from left to right, requires a shot over water and is a scary proposition. I hit a solid 8-iron, but the wind pushed the ball well right of the pin. I did two putt for the par. The 8th plays directly into the prevailing wind, trees on the right and left catch a misdirected drive, and a wide creek fronts the
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green. I hit a straight solid drive and then crushed a 5-iron to within eight feet of the pin. A good read and a good stroke registered a birdie. Avoiding the “Bear Trap” The back side plays about 200 yards longer than the front and, with the constant wind, really forced me to focus and to plan my shots carefully. The 10th, a par 5, and the 11th to the 14th, all par 4s, required length and accuracy, and I played them in twoover par. I was now ready to play the “Bear Trap,” holes 15-16-17, the three most famous holes south of Augusta National’s Amen Corner. Coined as a tribute to the holes’ intricacies and to Nicklaus himself as the designer, the “Bear Trap” would determine on which side of 80 my
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final score would reside. As Jack himself has said, “It should all be won or lost here.” By the 15th tee, a plaque and a life-sized bear statue introduces the golfer to his imminent fate, sort of like looking at the words over the entrance to hell in Dante’s Divine Comedy: “Abandon hope all ye who enter here.” The 15th played at 153 yards for me (179 yards from the tips) and showed me a diagonal green running left to right with water all along the right side. A big bunker in the back prevented easy up-and-downs as the green ran away from the bunker and toward the water. With a strong right-to-left wind coming off the water and a middle-right pin placement, I hit a smooth six iron at the right edge. The wind moved it left of the pin and to
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within about 30 feet. I made par. Sixteen is a relatively short par 4 at 391 yards for me and 434 for the pros. Well-trapped right and left to present a small landing area, the hole demands a precision drive. I hit a three metal, and most of the Big Boys use irons or hybrids. The second shot is played completely over water to a large, undulating, and elevated green. I had 165 yards to the pin and hit a nice 5-iron to within 15 feet. The forecaddie made a nice read on a lightning, downhill gently curving line, but I knocked it five feet by and was lucky to make the one coming back. Sabbatini, who played the Bear Trap in one-under par for the four days, birdied this hole on Sunday to pull away for good from runner-up Y.E. Yang.
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2011 Honda Classic, Rory Sabbattini Triumphs Over the Bear Trap
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Rory Sabbatini enjoyed the warm weather, aura, and setting at the PGA National Champion Course almost as much as he enjoyed winning the 2011 Honda Classic, the first stop on the “Florida Swing.” With his exciting onestroke victory over 2009 champ Y.E. Yang and his successful navigation of the “Bear Trap,” Sabbatini earned his sixth PGA Tour title and $1,026,000 of the $5,700,000 purse. With a closing round of even-par 70 and a tournament record 64 on Friday, Sabbatini shot a nine-under par 271 to eclipse the star-studded field at one of the tour’s most popular venues. The Bear Trap is as formidable as this tribute to its designer.
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The “Bear Trap” would determine on which side of 80 my final score would reside. As Jack himself has said, “It should all be won or lost here.”
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Seventeen, at 155 yards from the Blues and 205 yards from the Classic tees, is an imposing hole. From my 155 yards, all I could see was water in front of me and then a sliver of a green with a cavernous bunker on the left. Even hitting the bail out area left of the green and short of the trap would require some skill. The wind was again from right to left, and my well-struck 6-iron started too much at the back middle pin. Although I had the right distance, the ball floated too far left and buried in the bunker. I had no real shot from that lie. Even from a good lie, just getting the ball to stay on a green that sloped away from me would be tough enough. My first swing popped the ball into the lip and back into the trap. From there, I splashed the ball onto the green where, it rolled to the very edge. Two putts for a double bogey five. I had survived the formidable “Bear Trap,”sort of!
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Sabbatini and I then cautiously parred the long 18th, a double dogleg par five (527 and 604 yards) with a neverending line of traps on the left and a lake on the right. We hit decent drives, acceptable second shots, and then both that tournament-winning and that 80-breaking third shot. What a course! Four More Courses The “Honda Classic Experience” also includes unlimited same-day replay rounds for those who want to return to The Champion or to play any of the four other impeccably maintained courses—The Palmer, The Haig, The Squire, and The Estates. The Palmer is one of the King’s signature courses, and he designed it to echo the game’s Scottish roots, especially with his series of finishing holes and with the 18th as one of the most picturesque par fives on the property. The Haig,
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35 After a round of play, enjoy the zero-entry pool.
designed again by Tom and George Fazio, honors Walter Hagen, and was the first course opened at PGA National. It has no crossing water hazards and no forced carries. The Squire, another Fazio creation and named after Gene Sarazen, is a test of accuracy off the tee and precision with the irons. Built adjacent to a natural environmental area, The Squire provides the player with a glimpse of the unique southern Florida wildlife. A fifth course, The Estates, is located five miles west of the resort. Designed by Karl Litten, The Estates is one of the shorter courses, has generous fairways and large greens, and is wellsuited for the higher handicapper’s game. Resort Facilities and Amenities Accommodations with the “Experience” are onsite at the resort’s hotel, where
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the majority of the Honda Classic field stays. The 379-room resort has recently completed a $65 million comprehensive revitalization, and I was impressed with the entire facility. I was impressed, too, that I could wear my spikeless golf shoes anywhere in the hotel. With a total of nine on-site restaurants and lounges, the cuisine and ambiance are also of championship caliber. For me, the iBAR was the place to meet for libation and conversation, and the Ironwood Grille was my favorite restaurant for fine dining. For those who want to improve their games, The David Leadbetter Golf Academy and The Dave Pelz Scoring Game School are both on campus. Other amenities include the European Spa, the “Waters of the World” outdoor mineral pools, a 5000-square-foot pool pavilion, and a health-and-racquet club with 19 Har Tru tennis courts.
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The Play Is the Thing Luke Donald, Ernie Els, Rickie Fowler, Anthony Kim, Matt Kuchar, Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy, Ian Poulter, Jhonattan Vegas, and Lee Westwood were just some of the notables who chased both Sabbatini and birdies at the Honda Classic. In many ways, their stay-and-play at PGA National was no different from mine, thanks to the “Honda Classic Experience.” Besides, I had probably had more fun! For more information about the “Honda Classic Experience,” the Gold and Platinum golf packages, the other specials, and the PGA National Resort & Spa, please visit pgaresort.com, or call 800-533-9386.
MAY/JUNE 2011
GOLF 101
Bunker Basics By Jackie Bertram Kaufman /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer There are many different theories about how to hit bunker a shot, but if you are struggling to make good contact and get the ball out of the bunker, try this basic bunker shot. In a greenside bunker, the goal is to hit the sand before you hit the ball. To accomplish this, you must first establish a consistent point of contact with the sand. Use this drill to establish your contact point. Draw a line in the sand and center the line in your stance. Without a ball, make a few swings and see where your divot starts in relationship to the line. Ultimately, the divot should start right on the line, but if you are within an inch or two, either way that will be fine. Once you know where your point of contact is, you are ready to go. 36
1 Drill Setup: Draw a line in the center of stance.
With your point of contact established, place the ball about two inches forward of where the club entered the sand. By playing the ball forward of the contact point, you will ensure hitting the sand before the ball. Dig your feet into the sand to keep from slipping. Next, make your normal full swing. You need a full swing with a full finish to make sure the club accelerates through the sand. Let the club make a nice shallow divot and the ball should come right out.
2 Divot: Divot to show entry into sand compared to line. Make a mental note of where club entered the sand. Ball position established from drill. Dig feet in sand. Photography by Pedro Pages
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Jackie Bertram Kaufman
3 Backswing: Normal length backswing.
Jackie Bertram Kaufman is currently a teaching professional at Boca Rio Golf Club in Boca Raton. A PGA/LPGA professional for 20 years, Kaufman honed her skills under the likes of Dave Pelz, Jim Flick, and Chuck Cook. As a top-rated instructor in South Florida, she has been on The Golf Channel and written for Golf Magazine, Golf For Women, Senior Golfer and PGA Magazine. To schedule a lesson, call 561-482-0056.
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4 Impact: Shallow divot.
5 Finish: Full finish.
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REVIEWS
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Greg Norman’s Australian Pub Exclusive Dining at the Medalist Village in West Palm Beach By Christine Najac /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
MAY/JUNE 2011
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Photography by Yachin Parham
C
hampionship winning pro-golfer Greg Norman is the innovator behind the exclusive and secluded Medalist Village Club & Spa in Hobe Sound, which is also home to The Australian Pub, Mr. Norman’s Aussiethemed restaurant. Don’t let this casual name fool you. The Australian Pub is as exclusive and secluded as the Medalist Village it’s housed in. Luxuriant yet comfortable, this little hideaway, tucked neatly away within the confines of a natural preserve, is of special interest to those who seek privacy and inimitability.
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The rustic and casual Australian Pub is appealing on many levels as it overlooks a lush and meticulously kept 12-hole Par 3 Golf Course surrounded by an 870-acre nature preserve. Serving lunch and dinner, this unassuming yet fine restaurant offers just about something for everyone with its warm, inviting, and relaxed style, similar to its namesake Australia for being a country of people who enjoy leisure and sport activities both as participants and observers.
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The Australian Pub offers a dining menu of the highest quality selections, from Black Grouper to Colorado Lamb Chops to Greg Norman’s Signature Wagyu steaks, and complimenting the menu is an equally dynamic wine list with selections such as Cakebread, Silver Oak, and Greg Norman’s own portfolio of wines, Greg Norman Estates. The Australian Pub is not limited solely to its menu items; with the properties resources and talented culinary team, any food and wine enthusiast’s dream can come true and is only limited by one’s imagination; and such was the case with this four-course luncheon paired entirely with wines from Greg Norman Estates. The luncheon started with succulent pan-seared Sea Scallops glazed with a sweet and tangy chili sauce over a crunchy and spicy Wakami salad garnished with wasabi sesame seeds. It was paired with the Greg Norman Australian Estates 2009 Eden Valley Chardonnay, which was a cool, easy balance to the heat of the dish. The next course was the Medalist Village Club Salad, which is a mix of colorful spring greens, crisp cucumbers, and grape tomatoes darted with tangy bits of goat cheese and counter balanced with sweet candied walnuts lightly drizzled with the chef’s specialty dressing. The 2009 Eden Valley Chardonnay was the pairing with this course as well, augmenting the carnival of flavors within the salad with its subtle, clean flavors of minerality and stone fruit. Greg Norman Australian Estates 2007 MAY/JUNE 2011 Limestone Coast Cabernet Merlot
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Sea Scallops
Medalist Village Club Salad
Florida Snapper
Greg Norman’s Signature Wagyu New York Strip Steak
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Whether you favor sweet and savory or hot and spicy, the third course was a trio of snapper fillets that simply toyed with one’s gustatory senses. This Florida Snapper entrée is a kaleidoscope of flavors and colors delicately balanced with perfumed jasmine rice. Both Hog Snapper and Yellowtail Snapper are used in this dish. The Yellowtail Snapper is prepared two ways; it’s sautéed with fresh lemon juice, tangy capers, bright grape tomatoes and garden fresh basil, and the second is blackened with the chef’s proprietary blend of Cajun spices cooled down with an avocado and heirloom tomato relish. The Hog Snapper is pan-seared and finished with a key lime beurre blanc sauce and garnished with a colorful and sweet tropical fruit salsa. The Greg Norman California Estates 2009 Pinot Noir was served with this course. At perfect room temperature, this balanced fruity, yet spicy, wine was an ace in the hole for the compilation of flavors and textures of the Snapper dish. The final course was the pièce de résistance of the luncheon; Greg Norman’s Signature Wagyu New York Strip Steak. Seared to absolute perfection with just a hint of sea salt, enhancing the magnificent flavors of this marble score 5 composition of beef only to be complimented with a Cabernet demi-glace and roasted fresh herb fingerling potatoes. Greg Norman Australian
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Estates 2007 Limestone Coast Cabernet Merlot blend was the wine of choice for this course. This medium-bodied wine was a fine selection with its mulberry and cherry fruit flavors and long velvety tannins that stood up to the tender Wagyu, took its hand and showed it how to add distinction and length to a wonderful afternoon that one seemingly did not want to end.
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Christine Najac Christine is the Publisher and Editor of SouthFloridaFoodandWine.com and a freelance writer penning about dining and wine experiences in South Florida. As a certified sommelier and Professor of Wine Appreciation at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Christine hosts food and wine seminars and is a lifestyle public speaker. Christine has authored the book A Food Lover’s Guide to South Florida due out in fall 2011.
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{“Golf is a game, and, as such, it is meant to be enjoyed.�}
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Photo by Yachin Parham
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Doctor
GOLF
The Flourishing Practice of Dr. Gary Wiren By Leigh MacKay
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“G
olf is a game, and, as such, it is meant to be enjoyed.” Dr. Gary Wiren began his first book in 1970 with that first sentence. A club professional at the time, he wrote Golf for the popular Prentice-Hall sports series. In the ensuing years as golf instruction and golf lore became his career and his life, he has added 12 more books, 13 film credits, and more than 300 magazine articles. He has given lessons—privately, in groups, at seminars—to more than 250,000 people in 34 countries. He has also created one of the preeminent golf archives in the world and has just completed an exhibit of his memorabilia at Lighthouse ArtCenter in Tequesta. Currently the Senior Director of Instruction for all 10 Trump Golf properties and a foremost authority on the swing, the game, and its legacy, Wiren has never deviated from the premise of that first sentence. “I am an educator,” he said, “whose primary job is to help people find pleasure in playing golf. I can teach golfers how to improve, how to celebrate the experience beyond the score, and how to care for their well-being. When a golfer shoots a lower number, he has a much better time!”
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Gary Wiren, a lively and agile 75 years old, belongs to the “old school” when it comes to the game’s tradition and history. On the practice tee and the golf course or at meetings and lectures, Wiren favors the classic 1920s attire: a white dress shirt with silk tie, plus fours, overthe-calf argyle socks, the old-fashioned cap, and stylish shoes. He cuts a dashing figure as he is as trim today at 185 pounds as he was as an undergraduate football player. To show that good health and good flexibility can be ageless, he celebrated his 75th birthday at Trump International by hitting one drive 310 yards and two others over 300. As he led his guests through his Golf Collection in his North Palm Beach home, his vintage outfit blended in seamlessly with the heritage of the game he has preserved. The sheer variety and numbers are staggering: more than 2,000 books, 2,800 clubs, 2,000 balls, 5,000 postcards, and hundreds of photographs, paintings, stamps, tees, scorecards, pieces of sheet music, pieces of jewelry, advertisements, magazines, and comic books.
(Continued on page48)
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The
COLLECTION Photo by Yachin Parham
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Dr. Gary Wiren chronicles the history of the game through one of the largest memorabilia collections in the world today. Collection photographed at Lighthouse ArtCenter.
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Photo by Yachin Parham
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“I want the non-golfer to learn that golf has been firmly embedded in our culture and is interesting in its own right. I want the golf enthusiast to see that the evolution of the game has never changed the emotions of the golfer as he has hit his ball toward that 4 ¼ inch cup. It is just as frustrating and fulfilling today as it was hundreds of years ago. My collection proves that.” - Dr. Wiren.
(Continued from page 45)
Wiren’s explanations, however, gave life to the object and its time period as each one had a special story to tell. His excitement in presenting some of his collection at the ArtCenter from February 17 through April 6 was based on these stories. “I want to display my favorite items, those that depict the evolution of the game. I want the non-golfer to learn that golf has been firmly embedded in our culture and is interesting in its own right. I want the golf enthusiast to see that the evolution of the game has never changed the emotions of the golfer as he has hit his ball toward that 4 ¼ inch cup. It is just as frustrating and fulfilling today as it was hundreds of years ago. My collection proves that.” The Golf Collection has been featured on ESPN, the Golf Channel, in-flight video news on major airlines, and in many magazines and newspapers. It has been personally visited by Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, Brent Musberger, Byron Nelson, Gary Player, and Jack Welch as well as by hundreds of other devoted golfers and friends. The classic side of Gary Wiren quickly transforms into the contemporary side when it comes to teaching and innovation. One of his major responsibilities for Trump Golf, for example, is to send a monthly newsletter to all the head professionals in which he keeps them informed on current instruction techniques, training aids, practice drills, and new ideas for the driving range, putting green, or sand trap. In addition, Wiren has played several times with Donald Trump and is impressed with his game. “Donald’s swing is a little unusual because he starts his swing from the inside and then back down from the inside. He avoids hitting the ball from the top because he has excellent hip rotation, which supplies lots of power. He is a legitimate single-digit handicapper who drives and putts the ball exceptionally well.” Wiren’s seminal methodology and perceptive analyses of swings have earned countless awards and titles over the years: PGA Teacher of the Year, LPGA Ellen Griffin Rolex Award, Golf Magazine and Golf Digest 100 Best Teachers, PGA Hall of Fame, World Golf Teachers Hall of Fame, National Golf Foundation Joe Graffis Award, Master Professional, and Master Certified Teacher.
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Wiren has always been on the cutting edge of instruction ever since he received his PhD in sports science from the University of Oregon. With an undergraduate degree from Huron University in South Dakota and a master’s from the University of Michigan, he wrote his thesis on “The Human Factors Influencing the Golf Drive for Distance.” Thus he began his search into biomechanics—how muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments work together to produce movement—and how to approach teaching based upon the player’s physical gifts and limitations. An excellent competitive golfer himself from college on, his own tournament play added to his understanding of the swing under pressure. His toil on the practice tees at PGA National and in Boca Raton, with the National Golf Foundation, and as education director for the PGA of America continued this experience. “I gained a huge amount of knowledge while working with some of the best teachers in the country,” he said. He spent 17 years in Japan teaching pros there and three years as the coach for the Italian Golf Federation. He worked for Golf Digest as a Golf School evaluator of teachers. Also for that magazine, he served on one of the most eclectic golf panels ever with Jim Flick, John Jacobs, Davis Love, Jr., Eddie Merrins, Cary Middlecoff, Paul Runyan, Sam Snead, and Bob Toski. This knowledge that he accumulated in these myriad arenas culminated in 1990 with his writing of The PGA Teaching Manual, a 617-page magnum opus that has been called “the most influential book ever written for teachers of golf.” His latest venture, the best-selling When Golf Is a Ball, sums up a career that has no peer. Gary Wiren has responded to his accolades and his achievements by saying, “I have had great fun teaching players of all ability levels, and I have had great fun teaching the teachers. I like it when I hear a player or a club pro say that I am making the game seem simple. It really is simple—it’s just not easy.”
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GOLF 101
Tune Up - Train for Consistency By Michael Hunt /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer The number one thing I hear from people in golf schools and lessons is that players want more consistency. Here is a drill to help you achieve this. You do not need a club or ball to practice this drill, but you do need to be in tune with your body. Practicing in front of a mirror will be helpful. This exercise will help with your downswing sequence, which leads to consistency.
Photography by Pedro Pages
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Start in your golfing posture and let your left arm hang. You should see at least two knuckles in your left hand.
Make a small backswing, letting your weight shift to the inside of your right leg.
Michael B. Hunt Michael is the Lead Master Instructor at the Jim McLean Golf Academy at Miami Beach Golf Club. For the past 15 years, he has worked for Jim McLean and with PGA and LPGA Professionals. Michael specializes in creating personalized training programs that improve your swing and the understanding of how it works. To schedule a lesson, call 305-532-3350 or email MBHGolf@aol.com
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INCORRECT: (pictured below) Keeping your weight back on your right foot will lead to break downs, left arm, and wrist collapse. This will lead to hitting behind the ball.
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3 Initiate the downswing by letting the right knee pull the left arm into an impact position. This will lead to a correct weight shift and hip rotation while synchronizing the left arm. The back of the left hand faces the target. Your right knee should be kicked in and your left wrist will be FLAT or bowed. These are keys to great ball striking.
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INCORRECT: (pictured above) Leading or opening with your shoulders will lead to miss hits. If there is no weight shift, you will have trouble squaring up the back of your left hand.
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s a golfer, Adriana Faerman shares your enthusiasm for the game, and she does the same when she talks Real Estate. Adriana is a broker that drives to deliver. She is t he Realtor you want working for you. Call her for a personal tour to this and other properties. Adriana markets and sells waterfront condominiums and homes from Miami Beach to Fort Lauderdale. Adriana Faerman, Pa -Luxury Estates Broker AssociateEWM a Berkshire Hathaway Company 305.773.0253 REALGREENTRENDS.COM adriana@realgreentrends.com
property For Sale 227 E Dilido Dr. Miami Beach, Fl 33139 Spectacular waterfront home, contemporary architecture, private and yet close to Miami’s Lincoln Road, restaurants and clubs.
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M AYA KOBA L i n k s o f F a i rm o n t
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P r o f e s s i o n a l Q u a l i t y P l ay o n t h e C a rr i b e a n S e a By Janina Jacobs
Photography courtesy of Fairmont Mayakoba
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ituated along a mile-long arc of white Caribbean sand on the Riviera Maya, Rosewood Mayakobรก is the heart of a 1,600-acre luxury resort enclave located south of Cancun and north of the seaside village of Playa del Carmen.
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“
T h e G r e g N o rm a n - cr a f t e d El C a m a l e o n G o l f C l u b h o s t s t h e M ay a k o b a C l a s s i c i n F e b r u a r y, t h e o n l y P G A T o u r e v e n t i n M e x i c o . At 7 , 0 2 4 ya r d s , t h e ‘ B o x ’ t e e s a r e s l i g h t ly l o n g e r t h a n w h at t h e T o u r pl ay s , b u t t h e c o u r s e i s f a s t a n d f i rm , a n d g o l f e r s w i ll e n j o y ta c k l i n g a n y o f t h e f i v e s e t s o f t e e s .
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W i t h i t s C a r i b b e a n s o u l , T h e M a y a K o b a o f f e r s a s e a o f t u rq u o i s e t r a n q u i l i t y.
Over 500 years have passed since the Mayan civilization disappeared, though signs and symbols of the culture are everywhere the moment you set foot on the Fairmont Mayakoba, a luxury resort community nestled among 240 acres of mangroves, tropical forests, freshwater canals, and bounded by the cerulean waters of the Caribbean Sea. Stern Mayan warriors stand guard at the expansive open air marble lobby, where a smiling waiter offers native specialty iced teas. Get used to this because, everywhere, hospitality is standard operating procedure. Whether you encounter housekeeping, maintenance personnel, or management, a sincere ‘Hola’ is automatic. Don’t expect a typical hotel experience from this five-time AAA-rated Five-Diamond resort. The property’s 401 plush and well-appointed guest rooms include an array of suites, beachfront or lagoon casitas influenced by Mexican and Mayan architecture, complete with private solarium-like bathrooms that bring the outdoors inside. Building heights are kept below the tree line to preserve spectacular views of forests and the horizon. Multiple swimming pools are partitioned by landscaped alcoves and niches, offering privacy to families. A beachfront infinity pool provides perfect respite with stunning seascapes, including the island of Cozumel. To enjoy all the amenities and facilities Mayakoba offers requires some decision making, as the methods of transportation
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are intriguing. Golf carts circle the property 24 hours a day, but the best – and most fun – is to take advantage of the stable of BMW bicycles parked at bikestands amidst the acreage. You can also board a covered boat or lancha and quietly observe wildlife while gliding along the navigable canals. Guests of Mayakoba are assured their presence will harbor no ill effects on the Yucatan countryside. The resort is meticulous about maintaining nature’s bounty and has been designed to environmentally harmonize with its surroundings. Fairmont’s award-winning Green Partnership, created in 1990, minimizes the impact of resort operations worldwide by addressing issues of waste management, energy and water conservation, habitat protection, sustainable purchasing, and employee and guest education as well as community outreach. In order to preserve living corals along the vibrant waters of the world’s second largest barrier reef, motorized watersports are prohibited, thus ensuring a peaceful walk along the playa or unencumbered and pristine snorkeling or swimming. The Greg Norman-crafted El Camaleon Golf Club hosts the Mayakoba Classic in February, the only PGA Tour event in Mexico. At 7,024 yards, the ‘Box’ tees are slightly longer than what the Tour plays, but the course is fast and firm, and golfers
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will enjoy tackling any of the five sets of tees. Norman‘s design is especially friendly to the average player while still challenging those with lower handicaps. Even the 5,078-yard Forward or ‘Chak’ Tees are plenty for anyone – not solely women – to navigate. True, water comes into play on most holes, but is often not obtrusive and can be avoided through wise decision making. Back-to-back trouble can be found on holes 5 and 6. The 428-yard par-4 5th requires nerve and accuracy to drive the ball on the brink of dense and tangled mangroves, thus allowing optimal right-side positioning for a second equally demanding approach to an angled green wellguarded left by sand and water. The par-4 6th hole, at 379 yards, may be one of the toughest with two forced carries over water, the second knee-knocker leaving no direct land route to an undulating green. The 416-yard par-4 9th plays with prevailing Caribbean winds but is scary: a cavernous bunker protects the left ‘safe’ side of the green, a far more appealing scenario than the vast chasm right which empties into the largest and deepest Mayakoban limestone canal. El Camaleon’s opening hole immediately provides a distinct connection to ancient Mayan lore. Beneath the Yucatan Peninsula lies a prehistoric coral reef. There are no real rivers, but instead, limestone plateaus riddled with underground caves and streams. Cenotes occur when a cave ceiling collapses and opens up
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to the daylight. Legend has it that these geological wonders deliver glimpses into the jaws of Hell, and are portals to watery underworlds inhabited by rain gods (Chacs) and jaguar spirits (Balams). Norman purposely integrated these obstacles into his design, though you may wish to sacrifice any golf ball finding its way inside. Traversing three distinctive ecosystems, golfers will appreciate steps taken to preserve native plants and vegetation while winding through jungles, mangroves, limestone canals, and the two photoop par-3s fronting the Caribbean Sea. The signature holes are fan-friendly: fairly short, offering ample opportunities at holesin-one, which would be particularly welcome here. Ace drink beneficiaries will enjoy numerous top-shelf Margarita options. Superintendent Kurt von Hofen maintains superb course conditions with almost flawless paspalum fairways and greens offering eternally great lies and maximum roll. Director of Golf Kevin Sebulski assures that Audubon International Certification, though a time consuming and painstaking process, is a priority and El Camaleon will remain qualified as a Cooperative Sanctuary System. While mirroring Fairmont’s Green Partnership, this additional certification pledges ecological stewardship concerning reduced chemical usage and special attention to the
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N a t i v e Sp e c i a l t i e S s e R V e d Am o n g N a t u r a l S e t t i n g s Ar e a S i g n a t u r e o f T h e R e s o r t.
preservation of wildlife. Watch for the resident golf course perro, dubbed Eleonora, whose fleeting canine appearances are legendary. Fairmont partners with the Jim McLean Golf Schools, and Mayakoba’s operation, the sole outlet in Mexico, is exceptional. Head Professional Marcos Zuazu oversees a convertible two-bay SuperStation where hands-on personalized instruction is combined with cutting-edge technology to identify even the most delicate swing flaw and correct it. Fresh, sustainable, and extraordinary describe all food and beverage operations at Mayakoba. Whether dining at AAA-Four Diamond rated restaurants Las Brisas, on the beachfront, or El Puerto, overlooking the resort waterways and pools, you’ll enjoy unique and exquisite presentations of local Mayan, Mexican, and Caribbean-influenced creations. Order Chef’s ceviche of the day, Ahi tuna anything, or merlot-glazed short ribs for unsurpassed taste treats. Take in La Laguna’s multi-station breakfast buffet for a true indoctrination of everything the area has to offer. And, do not miss a meal at the golf course snack bar, a term which doesn’t do justice to the imaginative and delicious food served there; a repast as simple as grilled grouper, guacamole, salsa, shrimp quesadillas, and mixed organic greens with garlic – along with a Mojito-like refreshment – was superb.
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The Willow Stream Spa, a Fairmont trademark, incorporates ancient native traditions and indigenous herbs and extracts in an unusual array of services at Mayakoba. Most stimulating is the Food of the Gods Body Nourisher – with Cacao, or the Chac Chac Rain Ritual. Though not as exotic, the Golf Performance Massage is a winner. Kids will love Adventure Camp and Discovery Club, experiencing any number of activities ranging from creating piñatas or Mayan head dresses to hiking Mayan jungles or exploring Earth’s cultural and natural wonders. Noteworthy tip: when dining with parents, kids 0 – 5 can eat free. Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya Carretera Federal Cancún - Playa del Carmen Km. 298 Playa del Carmen Solidaridad, Quintana Roo Riviera Maya, Mexico 77710 U.S. and Canada: 1 800 441 1414 U.K. and Europe: +1 506 863 6310 Website: www.fairmont.com/mayakoba
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SIAN K A‘A N B i o s p h e r e R e s e r v e a M o d e l f o r Ec o t o u r i s m i n S e n s i t i v e Tr o p i c a l Ec o s y s t e m s .
By Janina Jacobs
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A B i r d wa t c h e r ’ s D e l i g h t , O v e r 3 5 0 Sp e c i e s O f M i gr a t o r y B i r d s W i n t e r Al o n g T h e R i v i e r a M ay a .
When contemplating Mexican adventures, picnicking near dense Mayan jungles and swim-floating effortlessly down an inland underground river may not immediately come to mind, given caveats since time immemorial of, “Don’t risk drinking the water! Don’t eat the fruits and vegetables!!” My, how times have changed. With improved water purification systems on the Mexican Riviera, not only is it safe to consume what once induced the dreaded Montezuma’s Revenge, but a new industry has sprung up extolling an ancient environment and how it has been preserved. From the Fairmont Mayakoba, a 90-minute ride south opens up a new world born from within what remains of a Mayan civilization. Welcome to ‘Sian Ka’an’, or ‘Where the sky is born.’ With 1.3 million acres of tropical ecosystems to navigate, a Community Tours Sian Ka’an offering of 8 hours is obviously not enough. Our tri-lingual guide, Alberto, fluent in English, Spanish, and Mayan, tried to teach us the latter, but instead decided we were far better off listening for howler monkeys, pumas, jaguars, crocodiles, and over 350 species of birds. He also correctly decided we should learn about holistic medicines of the jungle, and that bad trees – like poisonwood – usually grow right next to the antidote: gumbo-limbo. Entering Sian Ka’an via the Mujil tropical forest truly is traversing into another world. Home to 23 pre-Columbian
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archeological sites, eerie feelings erupt stepping down into underground cave systems as bats flutter from beneath ledges or while climbing limestone pyramids where sacrifices likely took place. While the walk is fairly easy, visions of numerous squared stone burial sites give pause as you contemplate the difficult existence those entombed here must have experienced. The jungle expedition recesses at an observation tower and an optional long climb upwards to see the next part of the sojourn: a gorgeous lagoonar system where beachside, fresh fruits on china and tablecloths are waiting… and then it’s time for the boat ride through two perfectly pure lakes and one narrow man-made canal. We jumped into the cool clear water of a second natural river, while a fairly brisk current swept us downstream for at least an hour. From Hell to Heaven in moments… and all too soon we were back in the boats bound for the beach, this time, for wine, succulent seafood ceviche, and crisp tortilla chips prepared on-site by a Fairmont-trained chef. On other tours, you can learn how to cook with organic ingredients produced in Mayan ‘crop soil’ or ‘milpas’, or dive in the pure waters of cenotes; but beware of the legend which dictates that anyone who swallows the sacred waters of the cenotes will remain there forever. Hmmm, with Detroit temperatures hovering in the teens, the urge to do so is tempting.
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CONNOISSEUR
Food For Thought Whines by the Glass By Mark R. Vogel /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
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f you’re a wine aficionado, food is only part of the equation when dining out. Wine lovers yearn for those elusive restaurants that synergistically combine great food and a stellar wine list, hopefully at a price that doesn’t necessitate taking out a home equity loan. There are times however when the aficionado finds himself in a perplexing situation in terms of ordering a bottle of wine. I refer to those instances whereby purchasing an entire bottle is excessive. Usually this happens when the wine lover is dining alone, or with companions that are momentarily refraining or worse yet, temperate. Thus, a standard bottle of wine, which contains approximately four 6-oz., or five 5-oz. servings, depending on who’s counting, may be overabundant for the sole imbiber. Doggie-bagging the unfinished bottle is probably the solution to this predicament. But this can sometimes be fraught with complications. Some jurisdictions prohibit the removing of opened bottles from eateries, not to mention laws that prevent driving with an opened bottle
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of alcohol in a vehicle. Or if not heading home after the meal, the wine ends up languishing in the car; not a wise move, especially in warm weather. Or possibly, one might not have occasion to finish the bottle in the near future. But an ever more prevalent issue is the expense of purchasing a whole bottle of wine in the first place. With today’s economic plight, much to the restaurateurs’ chagrin, people are buying more of their bottled wine in stores, not restaurants, and drinking them at home. Therefore, be it solitary dining, teetotaling companions, transportation, salvaging or economic reasons, the patron who desires merely a glass or two with dinner is left with two dismal choices: forgo having wine altogether or be forced to stomach the inevitably disheartening selections from the dreaded “wines by the glass” list. The plonk du jour as I like to say. Wines sold by the glass in most restaurants are notorious for their poor quality. The problem is straightforward economics: An opened bottle of wine does not last long. Once the cork is disgorged
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the wine will be a shadow of itself by the morrow. Even with those special rubber stoppers and accompanying pumps to suck out the air, the wine still swiftly deteriorates, albeit with less alacrity. In any event, the taste will be noticeably compromised in no time. Thus, better quality, or more to the point, more expensive wines, opened for individual servings become a significant financial loss if not completely sold. The potential financial setback compounds itself as the eatery escalates the quantity, but particularly the quality of the wines offered by-the-glass. In a feeble attempt to counter the loss, the dwindling bottles are inevitably relegated to the chef to be incorporated into some sauce. Unless a restaurant has high sales of premium by-the-glass wines, the only means of providing superior individual servings is a hefty per glass charge. But at that price point, it’s almost better for the customer to just order a whole bottle. In the end, most establishments are forced to provide dismaying, or at best mediocre wines by the glass. Of course if your palate is undiscerning, this whole issue is a moot point. The enologically flexible patron can enjoy the simple house wine and save some money. In some ways their vantage point is enviable. But for the connoisseur, being banished to the by-the-glass section of most wine lists is, for all intents and purposes, an exile to the gastronomical doldrums. But, optimistically speaking, the glass is half full since a new trend, propitious for the by-the-glassers, is emerging. As stated, due to our current economic situation, a burgeoning number of fiscally prudent diners are curtailing their purchase of bottles and thus subsequently opting for wines by-the-glass instead. This rise in demand for wines by-the-glass counterpoises the aforementioned economic dilemmas which plague individual servings. As the overall sales of individual glasses expand, it offsets the loss of the wine that
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will inexorably be left over. A good analogy is the produce section of a busy supermarket. No supermarket sells every single piece of fruit and vegetable on its shelf. Ineluctably some go bad and are discarded. But as total sales increase, the sting of the lost produce proportionately mitigates in the face of the rising profits. Ergo, it now becomes reasonably feasible for proprietors to offer higher quality wines by-the-glass. Customers may be reluctant to spend $50 on a bottle of their beloved Barbaresco, but they will shell out $15 for a single serving. Now they can have some quality wine, not feel deprived and save some money. Meanwhile the restaurant simultaneously eschews a no-sale. It’s an economic compromise that benefits both the seller and the buyer. It’s certainly better than the consumer completely abandoning his satisfaction or the business making no sale at all. Again, the bottom line is greater demand for wines by-the-glass eventuates in eateries providing more choices and sometimes better choices. There is a limit however, a “glass ceiling” shall we say, to the level of quality of wines offered by-theglass. No restaurant in their right mind is going to crack open a $300 bottle of Burgundy for an individual serving. Let’s face it, if you can afford what they would charge for that glass, you probably can afford the whole bottle. Moreover, no eatery would take the risk of not selling the remainder of such a costly bottle. Nevertheless, for the average consumer looking to curb expenditures and still have a decent glass of wine, there’s a little bit less to whine about.
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Mark R. Vogel Mark R. Vogel is a syndicated columnist focused on fine cuisine. His work can be seen at www.foodforthoughtonline.net
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WOMEN
“The Real Men Support Pink” Celebrity Golf Tournament
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his tournament that supports the Women 2 Women Breast Cancer Foundation held it’s annual charity tournament at Plantation Preserves Golf Course and Club, an 18 hole championship course on Friday, April 8th, 2011. The 4-person scramble format was a shot-gun start. Woman to Woman Breast Cancer Foundation, founded in 2007 is a grass-root organization that works to promote early detection for breast cancer while raising awareness of the disease. “The Real Men Support Pink” Celebrity Golf Tournament assisted Woman to Woman to raise needed funds for continued support to individuals and their families. To support the cause, go to: www.w2wbcf.org
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1. Adriana Faerman and Adriana Federichi. 2. Alexandria Whitfield. 3. Tony Nathan, Byron Hankins, Tammy Tyson, Ki’Jana Carter. 4. Mark Adams, Jacqueline Gray, Andrew Givens, and Kevin H Gray.
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What’s the deal? HaRGRaVe. tHe Best deaL oN tHe taBLe Just Got BetteR!
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If you belIeve In the prIncIple
“buy low sell high”
thIs Is your tIme.
one of the fundamental laws of economics is to buy when prices are low and sell when prices are high. Kind of basic you would think and yet a lot of potential owners do not understand what is happening in the boating industry. the stock market bargains are all gone now and the upper end real estate is firming up each month but the window is still open for ordering your dream yacht and you can build 2012 model yachts at 2008 prices. If you have ever thought about owning a yacht, this is your time. Golf and boating have always blended well together; in fact many of today’s top stars in golf have been active in boating for decades. these peak performers have learned over the years that nothing even comes close to providing real relaxation the way being out on the water with their family and friends does. even more important, boating helps you to create those wonderful life time memories that we all carry with us in our journey. maybe this is your year to go ahead with your dreams? call us, hargrave can help.
Hargrave Custom YaCHts Why settle for anything less? weekendgolfermag.com
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environmentAL Institute for golf Superintendents, StewardS of the Environment By Jeff Bollig
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peaking at a golf industry conference a few years ago, Jack Nicklaus was incredulous when asked to compare golf course conditions he faced when playing on tour compared to those of today. “Are you kidding me?” the Golden Bear said. “You can’t find a bad lie today.” Nicklaus was quick to point out that he was not being critical of golf courses or the professionals who maintained them during his competitive playing days. As a golf course designer, he appreciates the challenge and skill necessary to produce a quality golf course. Rather, his message was meant to convey how much conditioning has advanced and what that means to golfers. His viewpoints are supported by a Golf Digest survey of golfers that revealed the number one factor in golfer satisfaction and course selection is the condition of the golf course. Overwhelmingly, golfers said they would rather play a course that is in good condition and poorly designed, as opposed to one that is well-designed and poorly conditioned.
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There isn’t a moment when my staff isn’t focused on the environment. We are in the city and we must be a good neighbor in all aspects. - Thomas Trammell, Director of Agronomy at Doral Resort in Miami
Thomas Trammell, Director of Agronomy, Doral Resort and Spa. Photo by Pedro Pages
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So how has this transformation occurred? Like many aspects of life, innovation is the byproduct of the investment of resources. Nearly every facet of golf has seen tremendous innovation ranging from the obvious (golf balls, shafts, club heads, etc.) to the more obscure (irrigation, drainage, grass varieties, etc.). When it comes to the golf course, many entities have contributed to the advancement of the game’s playing field. Among the more longstanding is the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG). The Environmental Institute for Golf is the non-profit foundation of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. Since 1955, it has provided research funding, tools, and grants for education programs to help golf foster resource conservation and environmental improvement on the golf course. It is likely that not many golfers have heard of the EIFG, but they have certainly been touched by its work. Applied scientific research (conducted on the golf course) has yielded new grass varieties and management practices. In Florida, including Dade and surrounding counties, some golf courses have turned to the new varieties of paspalum grass. It is a species of grass that can tolerate a lower quality of water (including high in salt content), yet thrive. Bermuda grass, which in the past has brought complaints of excessive grain on putting surfaces, has seen improvements as a result of research programs. Newer varieties of “ultradwarf” Bermuda grass have finer leaf blades and can be mowed at a lower height than traditional varieties. This gives the golfer a better putting
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surface and more enjoyable experience. Prevalent in south Florida, the ultradwarf varieties are now replacing bentgrass greens in climates where excessive heat is commonplace. East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, which suffered due to excessive heat in the weeks before the 2007 PGA Tour Championship, replaced its bentgrass greens with an ultradwarf variety a year later. The research also touches other aspects of golf course management that directly affect the quality of the course and the environment in which it is played. Water quality management is a hot topic for many industries. For golf, extensive research has examined surface water quality and runoff from golf courses. Through buffer strips and retention ponds, golf courses are able to mitigate the impact of inputs on the quality of water leaving the golf course. Insect and disease management are also subjects of the research. Thomas Trammell, Director of Agronomy at Doral Resort in Miami, is just one of thousands who have benefited from EIFG-supported education. Primarily directed at golf course superintendents, the focus of the education is on environmental issues such as water quality and conservation, energy conservation and pollution mitigation. Because golf is such big business ($76 billion in the United States annually), the education requirements for the superintendent profession have grown. A college degree is a necessity, while continuing study is no longer optional. In addition to research and education support, the Environmental Institute for Golf funds tools to enhance
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Wildlife and native plantings abound under the EIFG guidlines
facility management. Among those resources are an extensive database of case studies, an integrated pest management planning guide, best management practices performance statements, and a periodic survey of golf course inputs, outputs and environmental programs. Millions of dollars are invested in golf courses, and those entrusted in managing them must have the skills and resources to protect the property. This fact is not lost upon golf legend Arnold Palmer, whose father was a golf course superintendent. Says Palmer, “The conditions and the golf course's beauty, the environment, the wetlands, everything depends on their perseverance and their (superintendents) knowledge and the work that they do to maintain the golf courses.” “We as golfers also owe our gratitude to these professionals who have pushed themselves to higher standards of education, training and performance that have resulted in making golf a more enjoyable game. Those who derive income, either as a competitor or as a businessman, are equally indebted to the superintendent for their conditions,” says Palmer. For Trammell, the focus on environmental management has been enhanced by various programs supported by the Environmental Institute for Golf. They have also been vital in demonstrating the value of the golf course to the community. “There isn’t a moment when my staff isn’t focused on the environment,” Trammel said. “We are in the city and we must be a good neighbor in all aspects. We are conscious of our water use, and how we apply chemicals.
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Our native areas require no inputs and maintenance, and provide habitat for wildlife. “Our golfers appreciate what we do from an environmental management perspective. We communicate with them regularly and have signage to keep them informed of what we are doing to protect the environment. It shows them how golf courses are responsible,” says Trammell. Trammell’s communications activities are contributing to another of the EIFG’s platforms, namely outreach to audiences that extend beyond the golfer. According to GCSAA Director of Environmental Programs Greg Lyman, the industry’s efforts to measure environmental performance, conduct research, and communicate proactively have strengthened its position. “For years golf was seen as purely a recreational activity, and somewhat exclusive at that. The industry became subject to unfair legislation and regulation, and was subject negative public perception,” Lyman says. “But now we have the information to counter those perceptions. Certainly from an environmental standpoint the EIFG has been a leader. We know that they provide valuable green space. Similarly, we know golf is an economic engine in creating jobs, raising adjacent property values and generating charity dollars. And of course, it is a great recreational outlet. Golf is truly a community asset and it is only within the past few years that the industry has been communicating that.”
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Photo credits: David Cannon/Getty Images
Els for Autism Golf Challenge The Big Easy Takes on The Challenge of a Lifetime By Bill Klimas
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he day-to-day activities of a golf superstar are far different than that of us mere mortals. Unless they too are members of that very unique and private club I call the A Club. The only qualification is being a parent of a child with autism. One in ninety-one children are now born with this missunderstood illness, and Ernie Els is a member. I understand. I, like Mr. Els, am a member as well. Autism is a developmental disorder that has grown to be an epidemic over the past two decades. Infants
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in seemingly perfect health fall into an abyss of developmental delay and emotional disarray, and they often never recover sufficiently to live independently. Parents in the A Club often become totally consumed by the day-to-day needs of their disabled child. Children with this affliction are more than challenged by their environment; they challenge the very concept of family and parenting. Early diagnosis and intervention is key to helping these kids develop and thrive, but the toll on siblings, relationships and the family unit is far more
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Ernie Els (right), with his wife Liezl (left) and son Ben (middle)
challenging than any non-club member could imagine. Receiving this diagnosis is a life-changing event for more than the child but for every member of the family. Ernie and Liezl Els are members of the A Club, Their son Ben, born in 2002, is one of the the millions of children who have been diagnosed with the disease. In classically autistic children, expressive language is severely impaired, leaving them unable to express their needs. Many have auditory processing difficulties, trapping them in a confusing and frustrating world they do not understand nor have the coping skills to thrive in. They look down instead of into a crowd because they’re overwhelmed; they’re bombarded by every little thing and it’s too much to process. Emotional outbursts are common and professional services are lacking for many. Chances are, you’ve seen an autistic child have a meltdown in public. You watched the parent struggle. Unless you knew the signs, you probably shook your head and dismissed it as a parent who couldn’t control his/her child. In reality, parents are often the only connection the child has to the world around them. They often become the only link between the child and a safe and secure world they desperately need. Ernie and Liezl want to make a difference in the lives of these children and develop an avenue for research and global education in order to find new and better ways to educate the children and their families. They want to do this all the while providing a place where those children can learn and transition into adulthood. They have established the Els for Autism Foundation and launched a $30 million capital campaign to fund a Center for Excellence that would offer professional and medical resources, therapy and education for children on the autism spectrum and help them lead full lives.
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It is an outstanding effort, one their celebrity can sustain and any member of the golf community can get behind and support. They have already put 6 million dollars of their own money behind it and they have worked to fund this project through a range of efforts. Dreams of a research and outreach center for autism will receive a boost from a series of 30 tournaments from May to September of this year that will enable both the low scorers and the high fundraisers to advance to a grand championship event in Las Vegas. The series is called the Els for Autism Golf Challenge. The grand prize for winning is an eight-day trip to Els’ native country of South Africa. One of the first-round events will be May 20 at the TPC Sawgrass Players Stadium Course, five days after the final round of The Players Championship in which Els will be one of the players in the elite field to compete in the PGA Tour’s marquee event. The format is a two-player, net better ball. The maximum handicap index is 24. Teams can enter by visiting www.E4AGOLF.com. The national finals are at the TPC Summerlin on Oct. 23-24 in Las Vegas where the teams will compete for the grand prize and a chance to compete with Els in a fourhole shoot-out. Depending on the course, the registration fee for each team is between $400-$500. Each team also pledges to raise a minimum of $2,500. Any team raising at least $10,000 will qualify automatically for the Las Vegas event. For more information or to register in a tournament near you, go to: www.els4agolf.com
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LOCAL
Reid & Fiorentino Celebrity Golf Classic
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un Sports HEAT TV broadcasters, Eric Reid and Tony Fiorentino, joined more than 50 of today’s biggest names in sports for the annual Reid & Fiorentino Celebrity Golf Classic that took place on Wednesday, March 9th at the prestigious Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club in Aventura, FL. With near perfect weather conditions throughout the day, the tournament kicked off the two-day fund raising event Reid & Fiorentino Call Of The Game Dinner & Celebrity Golf Classic -benefiting Lauren’s Kids Foundation and the Dade Schools Athletic Foundation. Competition winners were awarded custom-made Reid & Fiorentino cut-glass trophies, with first place going the team made up of Eddie Hill, BryanSalter, Darrell Malone, Reggie Givens and Dancing Joe Parrinello. The highlight of the event featured a number of prestigious awards presented for excellence and leadership in the community. Miami HEAT All-Star, Alonzo Mourning, was presented the Don Shula Sports Legend Award. Broadcaster, Jim Mandich received the Sonny Hirsch Excellence in Sports Broadcasting Award. Dr. Barth Green, Chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery at University of Miami and President/Co-founder of Project Medishare, and his daughter, Jenna Green, were presented with the Community Service Award for their outstanding work in Haiti and South Florida.
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1. Alonzo Mourning. 2. Mark Higgs (former Dolphin), Oronde Gadsden (former Dolphin), Eric Reid, Lorenzo Hampton (former Dolphin), Tony Fiorentino. 3. Tony Segreto is in the white baseball cap with Edward Zelnick, Steve Friedfertig, Mark Shalam and Richard Sutton.
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GOLF 101
Solve Your Chipping Woes By Mike Simmons /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
CLUB SELECTION When short of the green in a tight lie on the fairway and with a relatively flat landing area, choosing an 8 or 9 iron gives you enough loft to fly the ball on to the green. If the ball comes to rest in the greenside rough, your better club would be your sand or lob wedge, which would allow you to get the ball airborne earlier and limit the roll to the hole. The chip from an awkward lie in the greenside rough is a tough shot and often results in your chunking or blading the ball. To avoid such a disaster, with a few yards between your ball and the flagstick, grab your 25 to 27 degree hybrid club.
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Choke down on the club until your hands are holding the end of the grip. In the case of the hybrid, you may even want to hold a bit of the shaft as you choke down, which promotes better control and eliminates flipping the hands at impact. With the feet close together and a slightly open stance, the ball must be aligned with your back foot. Keep your hands ahead of the ball at address and your weight concentrated on your front foot.
MAKING THE SHOT Make sure that you stand tall, keep your head behind the ball, use your shoulders and arms to swing the club back and through impact, with your wrists kept firm. When using your sand or lob wedge to play the ball from deep in the greenside rough, open the club face to allow greater loft and play the ball more to the toe of the club, which would produce a softer impact. Practice the above techniques regularly and solve your chipping woes.
Photography by Pedro Pages
1 Choke down on hybrid until your hands touch the shaft.
Photography by Pedro Pages MAY/JUNE 2011
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2 Keep your feet close, the ball aligned to the back foot and your hands ahead of the ball.
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.
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3 Keep your wrist firm through impact.
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LOCAL
The Irish vs the Italians An Annual Faceoff on the Links of The Country Club of Coral Springs Photos by Amanda H. Rosen
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he Irish vs the Italians squared off for good fun and a day of competitive golf on February 25th at The Country Club of Coral Springs. The tournament was an 18-hole shotgun start with a focus on inappropiate attire. Once again, the Irish were confident that they would be victorious in this annual battle royale, but at tee time, the Italians boosted superiority on the links. The ensuing competition proved out equal status based on alcohol. consumption and camaraderie. In the end, as with the last five years, the Irish did prove to be victorious.
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For more information or to book an event, contact: Brian Weidenbacher, Tournament Director The Country Club of Coral Springs Phone: (954) 753-2930, Ext. 209
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1. Participant Doug Lindstrom, of the Irish team, waits on the side for his turn to tee off at The Country Club of Coral Springs for their Irish/Italian Tournament on Saturday, February 26, 2011. 2. Participant Joe Vion, dressed in a kilt for the Irish side, dances on the green while he waits for his partner Dan Kelly to putt at The Country Club of Coral Springs for their Irish/Italian Tournament. 3. Participant Aaron Ferraris, of the Italian team, tees off at The Country Club of Coral Springs for their Irish/Italian Tournament. 4. Participant Tony Monaco, of the Italian team, putts his ball on the green at The Country Club of Coral Springs for their Irish/Italian Tournament.
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THE MEN IN
BLACK 77
With 77 tournament victories between them, including 10 major championships, the men in black of Adams Golf know what it takes to win. Designed for players looking for performance and forgiveness, the new Idea Black family of hybrids and irons will help you win too. Engineered with the latest in advanced technology and design from Adams Golf. Idea Black Super Hybrid. Advanced way beyond just long iron replacement. Idea Black Super Hybrid is built bigger and more powerful. It’s designed for players looking for a high performance hybrid that provides maximum distance while maintaining both forgiveness and playability. Idea Black CB2 Irons. Tour proven and designed to deliver performance and forgiveness. A world-class set of irons forged from soft 8620 carbon steel and nickel-chrome (Ni-Cr) plated for a sleek, hot look. To learn more go to PlayIdeaBlack.com. I D E A
B L AC K
T E C H N O L O GY
Low & Back Weighting Four-way Cambered Sole
Dual Perimeter Weighting
Tri-level Sole Maraging Steel Face Vibration Absorbing Cavity
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LAST WORD
Helping Others Get Into the Swing of Things Robert M. Randquist /// President of GCSAA
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began playing golf as a teenager and quickly fell in love with the game. After nearly 40 years in the golf course management profession, I admit I am biased in my feelings about the game. I believe there are few leisure activities that are as enjoyable as golf. Golf offers us the wonderful opportunity to appreciate nature’s beauty while enjoying the camaraderie of others. Yet, national tracking data indicates the number of people playing golf is flattening. Certainly the challenging economy has had an impact. We know that leisure spending tends to be the first to go when the belt tightening begins. Even before the economy soured, golfer participation showed signs of waning. For the past four years, we have had more golf courses close than open. That means the loss of opportunities to play, the loss of employment opportunities, and the loss of open green spaces in our communities. Some industry experts say the reduction in the number of golf courses is simply a market correction. My opinion is that we need to focus on getting more people to play this great game. Golf has so much to offer for people of all ages and backgrounds. It is one of the few activities that is truly accessible to all. Organized golf has responded with a number of programs aimed at increasing golfer participation and making the game more affordable. As president of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, I am heartened by what the industry is doing to address its challenges. But I believe the renaissance of the game can be driven by golfers as well. They are the ones who can introduce friends and family to the game. They are the ones who can work with golf facility leaders to adopt programs that not only attract new golfers, but retain them as repeat customers. Golfers can also help to make the game more affordable. A large share of golf facility expenses come in the maintenance of golf courses. When the game was experiencing unprecedented growth, golfers heightened their demands for pristine golf course conditions. With a strong cash flow, the industry reacted by meeting those demands. The consequence came in the higher costs that came with providing such conditions.
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Increased expenses for labor, fertilizer, pesticide, water, maintenance equipment, etc., continue to drive up the cost of the game. As a result, the game has become too expensive for some people. What does this mean for golf? It means that consumer demand and professional desires for perfect golf conditions have diminished the core appeal of the game. Golf is a visual sport, offering some of the most stimulating environments to the human eye. But the “look” or the aesthetics of the sport should not mask that the most important aspect of the golf course is how it plays, not how it looks. Part of the beauty of the game has been that golfers must develop the skills and mental toughness to play golf shots from a variety of lies, both good and bad. I think by returning some of our focus back to providing economically realistic playing conditions, we can make golf more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Regards, Bob Randquist
Robert M. Randquist, CGCS
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Robert M. Randquist, CGCS, is the GCSAA’s 75th president. He also holds a board of trustee position for The Environmental Institute for Golf (the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA). Randquist has been the director of golf course and grounds at Boca Rio Golf Club in Boca Raton, Fla., since 1998. Randquist is a member of the Palm Beach GCSA and a past president of the Oklahoma GCSA. A native of Anadarko, Okla., Randquist graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1972.
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Espirito Santo Plaza 1395 Brickell Ave. Suite 690 Miami, FL 33131
South Miami Liberty Gas Station US $2,650,000
Featuring 24,829 sq. ft. of land, 4 self service gasoline pumps, 1 self diesel pump, food mart, propane tank, car wash, u-haul service, 4 undergroup fuel tranks with 10,000 gallons and double wall fiberglass. Complies with the new regulations. Open 24 hours 7 days a week. Business and property for sale.
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Patricia Millan, P.A. Broker-Associate Cell: 305.450.7118 pat@imarketyourproperty.com MAY/JUNE 2011
Sheila R. Bokstein, P.A. Realtor-Associate Cell:786.346.6844/786.489.1414 sbokstein@brgmiami.com
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