FIRST ISSUE!
Balancing
act
Bill Kerdyk Jr. On the Top of His Game
tunnel vision
Miami golfer tearing up the junior scene
Total Performance Golf
A new spin on tee-to-green game improvement
GOLF TIPS REVIEWS LOCAL TOURNAMENTS JUNIORS + MORE/
www.weekendgolfermag.com | Volume 1 Issue 1 Sep-Oct 2010 | $7.95
Comfort never looked so cool
1
introducing the all new 360L The new Deep Impact 360 TE was designed with the most serious competition fishermen in mind. We built in multiple bait wells, 12 stowage compartments, electric outriggers, and insulated coolers. At a top speed of 72 MPH this boat delivers an incredibly smooth, dry ride. With all these features and a stylish design the new 360 TE not only looks good, it makes fishing look easy.
PUSH IT TO THE LIMIT
Visit our miami showroom • 805 nw 159th drive miami, fl 33169 WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM Contact deep impact sales • 877.628.9394 • deepimpactboats.com SEP/OCT 2010
2
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
3
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
Volume 1 Issue 1 /// September-October 2010
Weekend Golfer Miami
4
Oscar Ferrazza Publisher
John Santagata Managing Editor
Daniel Vasquez Creative Director
Michelle Rinaldi Director of Photography
Andrew Karchmer Sales Director
Denis Austin Staff Writer
Francis Ferrazza Creative Director
Vox-Stilus Enterprise, Inc. Weekend Golfer /// Miami 1111 Brickell Ave. Suite 1100 Miami, FL 33131 Phone: 305-913-7194 Fax: 305-397-2960
Contributing Writers Brent Postal Yvonne Roberts Christophe Normand Percy Avetrani Neil Verlander Dr. Todd M. Narson Dr. Adonis Maiquez Dr. Matthew Cooper Zane Binder Amilcar Barca John Pallot Justin Bruton Mike Simmons Richard Metz
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
Contributing Editors Michele Santagata Laurie Mintzer Carlos Blanco
Art Cover Art: Kikor Commercial Photography Illustrations: Daniel Gonzalez Hector “Chammer” Hernandez
Weekend Golfer/Miami ISSN 2156-910X is Copyright by Vox-Stilus Enterprise, Inc. All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part or transmitted in any form, by means of electronic, mechanical, including photocopy without the written permission. ©2010
SEP/OCT 2010
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Welcome Golfers! The staff here at Weekend Golfer is proud to release its first issue. But, let me tell you, it didn’t come easy. What started out more than a year ago as some notes scribbled on a cocktail napkin while waiting out a rain delay, has finally hit the stands. We are excited to release a publication about the sport we love from the average golfer point of view – and we are more than proud of the outcome. At Weekend Golfer our mission is to cover everything related to golf in Miami-Dade County for the recreational golfer. You know who I’m talking about. The guy that jumps in excitement after making a 12-footer for double bogey, the woman that is practicing on the side in hopes of one day out-driving her husband and the group of guys more worried about what the cart girl looks like than the water hazard staring them dead in the eye on the first tee. And of course, we’ll profile up-and-coming juniors, ready and eager to make an impact on the golf scene. If you fall into any of those categories, it’s you we’re after. We pride ourselves on being a local, reader-backed publication, so we encourage all you ball-strikers out there to submit your photos, stories, comments and jokes. To us, it makes more sense to read about golfers like us, rather just fantasizing about what could be if we had PGA Tour skills. Quite frankly, we don’t, and most everybody else on the planet doesn’t, either. And that’s who this magazine is for. People like you and me. The weekend golfer .
Oscar Ferrazza /// Publisher Weekend Golfer Miami
Weekend Golfer/Miami is a proud supporter of the Voices for Children Foundation. The mission of the foundation is to raise funds to ensure every abused and neglected child in 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.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
5
CONTENTS
Volume 1 Issue 1 /// September-October 2010
FEATURES 34
22
total performance golf a new spin on tee-to-green game improvement
66 6
Tunnel vision Miami golfer tearing up the junior scene
Bill kerdyk jr. on the top of his game
52 The Evolution of the Biltmore Hotel From Prosperity to Abandonment and Back Again
60 Out to Kill a Killer Fundraiser at Killian Greens Golf Club to Battle Breast Cancer
70 More Than a Game First Tee Miami/Dade Crafting Golfers of Tomorrow
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
DEPARTMENTS 8 guest commentary 10 quips & fast facts 12 opinion 14 golf tips 14 Tip of the Month from South of the Border 16 What you’re not Seeing is What’s Killing your Putting 18 Pre-shot Routine 20 Eight Simple Steps to Make the Sand Trap Less Intimidating
26 equipment 26 Meet the Girls from the Callaway Ladies Edge Diablo Family
28 health & fitness 28 Switching Sides 30 The Anti-aging Revolution 32 Keeping Limber on the Links
38 reviews
7
38 Cadillac DTS 40 Matsuri Japanese Restaurant 42 Biltmore Golf Course
48 connoiseur 48 From Grapes to Hops 49 The History of the Cigar
56 finance 56 Money in the Bank 58 Have you got it Covered?
66 juniors 74 travel 74 Three Must Play Courses Well Worth the Trip to Broward County 75 Get Out of Town! Three Great Destinations for the Resort Golfer
76 next issue 78 tournaments 78 South Florida Tournament Results 80 Junior Team Championship Results
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
GUEST COMMENTARY
Five Embarrassing Things to do on a Golf Course By Brent Postal /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
8
— Hector “Chammer” Hernandez
T
he old rules of golf give us many things to avoid while playing. They tell us our drives must come to rest past the ladies tees. They explain how necessary it is not to stand even an inch in front of the tee box. But, it’s 2010 and there are some new rules we should follow — if not for the sake of the game, at least to preserve our dignity. Here are five things that will leave you red in the face, and let me assure you, I’ve done them all.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
1 - Wreck a cart It wasn’t that long ago — nine or 10 years — that I played golf for the carts as much as the greens. My buddy and I would tear up the course, daring ourselves to drive over the worst terrain in sight. Not to say that we weren’t good golfers — I can remember a few nine-hole rounds in the low 40’s. One day we went a little too far and blew a tire. How the hell are we going to take this back to the clubhouse? I thought. Leave it to young adolescent boys to scheme up a plan like this. When we returned the cart, I walked alongside to hide the deflated tire as my playing partner steered. We wised up pretty quick after realizing we’d be financially responsible for such mishaps. Now, I hardly take them off the path.
SEP/OCT 2010
2 - Drive for negative yardage This seems literally impossible at first glance, but alas, it happens. I recall the time this happened to me. I remember standing unconfidently on the tee box, going through my practice swings to loosen up. Our group was playing poorly, the beers were flowing and I just wanted to kill the ball. The hole was a reachable par-4, if the drive is crushed, fades perfectly, and lands softly. I adjusted my grip, sought power from deep within my loins, and hoped for the best. The innermost part of the over-rotated club hit the ball on a straight line to my immediate left. I’d still be in the positive if not for a tree branch which provided a perfect backboard for the errant Titleist. The ball banked off the branch and landed in the woods behind the tee box. After one stroke, the hole was longer than it was when I teed up. Another stogie eased the pain.
3 - Fall down the steps Most courses have some sort of steps, usually wooden, that take the golfer up to a tee box or down to a green. These wooden steps are old but sturdy enough to hold even the guys wearing XXXL Polos. Well, in this case, the wooden steps I happened to be walking down had small gaps in them. Sure enough, one of my plastic cleats dug right in a gap. I went to lift said leg and it stuck to the step as if glued there as a prank. My momentum carried me forward and I fell down two more steps — right on my face. Worse yet, this was the first time playing with my girlfriend’s father. I made quite an impression. As you can imagine, every time we approach those steps he offers me a hand.
5 - Endanger lives I remember getting ready to start my round with a friend while a group ahead was letting us play through. They parked their cart ahead about 20 yards and well off to the left. Now, I have an annoying tendency to pull drives quite horribly, usually only on the first hole. Well, let’s just say it was a good thing they didn’t stay in the cart. I plunked it right on the number. I’m sure they felt better about letting us play through after that. It did ricochet onto the fairway, so it wasn’t a total loss.
If you can avoid doing any or all of these five embarrassing things, you’re doing just fine. Other situations — like forgetting to zip-up or leaving a big wad of asparagus in your teeth — will inevitably pop up. Such is life. No matter where you play, something unexpected or uncomfortable will happen. Such is the game of golf.
4 - Whiff I haven’t whiffed since I first picked up a club, and I imagine anyone who’s ever played the game has missed completely at some point early in their development. However, it’s difficult to watch grown adults whiff at the ball during corporate outings. You know it’s bad when nobody says a word after strike one. The player is embarrassed — and I’m embarrassed for them. If you can’t hit the ball every time, buy a couple hundred dozen range balls until you can. Sheesshh!
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
9
QUIPS & FAST FACTS
By The Numbers 600,000,000
150
Amount of money in dollars spent each year on equipment by U.S. golfers.
Number of golf courses in South Florida.
26,000,000
100
Estimated number of golfers in the U.S.
Number of golf courses in China — the most populated country in the world.
17,000
3
Number of golf courses in the U.S. — more than all the other countries in the world combined.
U.S. Presidents that have scored a hole-in-one: Eisenhower, Nixon and Ford.
10
Words of Wisdom “The real way to enjoy playing golf is to take pleasure not in the score, but in the execution of the strokes” — Bobby Jones
Did You Know A Tiger Woods rookie trading card from 1996 sold for $125,000 in 2001. Today, according to card graders, the card is now worth less than $500. Golf courses are among the top five public places in America where people have heart attacks. “Machine Gun Jack,” a notorious hitman for Chicago mobster Al Capone, was arrested on a golf
course in 1933 while competing in an amateur tournament.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
GOLF TERMINOLOGY 101 ace [eys]
goat track [goht] [trak]
buz·zard [buhz-erd]
hack [hak]
con·dor [kon-der, -dawr]
kit·ty lit·ter [kit-ee] [lit-er]
The ball goes in the hole in one stroke.
A score of two strokes over par. Also known as a double bogey.
A four-under par shot. Basically, it’s a hole-in-one on a par 5.
dawn patrol [dawn] [puh-trohl] Term used to describe an early morning golfer. Also known as a Dew Sweeper.
ea·gle [ee-guhl]
Two strokes under par on a single hole.
fan [fan]
To miss the ball completely. Also known as a whiff.
fried egg [frahyd] [eg]
Ball rests in bunker with only the top half showing.
gim·me [gim-ee]
A putt that finishes so close to the hole it’s conceded by the opponent.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
A golf course in terrible playing condition.
To chop violently at the ball; or someone who plays bad golf.
Another term for ending up in the sand.
mul·li·gan [muhl-i-guh n]
Free shot sometimes allowed after a poor drive.
11
run [ruhn]
The distance the ball rolls on the ground.
scream·er [skree-mer]
A tee shot hit well that rises in the distance.
worm burn·er [wurm] [bur-ner] A ball hit with adequate distance that hugs the ground.
yips [yips]
Shakiness or nervousness while attempting to make a shot.
SEP/OCT 2010
OPINION
The Back Nine As an avid golfer, the game has personally frustrated me beyond belief, played mind games with my head and has, at times, made me ponder whether or not to continue chasing after a silly small white ball. I wonder why I continue to play in the ruthless Miami heat when I sweat so much I have to run my hats through the dishwasher on a regular basis.
John Santagata
I think about the six-hour rounds because I’m stuck behind a foursome of walkers that seem to be playing the game for the very first time. I debate whether or not I should keep dropping the 40 bucks required nowadays to purchase a dozen golf balls. Each time I push one OB I feel like I’m in a pizza
As a rookie managing editor for an upstart
commercial: five bucks, five bucks, five bucks.
magazine, it wasn’t easy showing up at
But, despite all my griping, at least once a round I realize why I put up with the game
golf courses empty-handed, looking for
of golf and all its nuances.
help. I owe a big thank-you to the follow-
It’s when I hit a perfect shot.
ing people who made me feel welcome,
We’ve all done it, some more frequently than others, and that’s what keeps us coming back to the game. 12
relaxed and headed in the right direction: Biltmore Golf Course, Miccosukee Golf and Country Club, Killian Greens Golf
Sure, sometimes golf makes us curse and moan and throw clubs...OK, maybe that last
Club, Deer Creek Golf Club and Hillcrest
part is just me. But, there is nothing quite like the feeling when it all works out. I may
Golf and Country Club.
not necessarily know how I did it; I just know that the ball went where I wanted it to.
Plantation Preserve is gem of a public
And that’s where this crazy game gets me.
course tucked away in Broward County
After all the hooks, slices, duffs, and skull shots, every now and then a birdie pops it’s pretty little head out of my bag. And that’s all it takes to keep me plugging away in the heat, behind the walking foursome and thinking about a Titleist pizza with extra cheese .
that welcomed me with open arms. The course is unbelievable and the service is matched only by private facilities. Which leads me to Turnberry: I can’t thank Rachel Pinzur and the staff of Turnberry Isle Resort and Club enough. The reception they gave me is unmatched – I truly feel like I have a powerful ally in
John Santagata /// Managing Editor Weekend Golfer Miami jsantagata@miamiweekendgolfer.com
my pocket.
The staff of Weekend Golfer has pledged to bring the best local coverage to recreational golfers in Miami-Dade County. We encourage reader submissions of all types. Have a rules question or an interesting hole-in-one story? Send them to us. Photos or ideas you want to share? Let us know. E-mail submissions and suggestions to staff@miamiweekendgolfer.com.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
Mail Bag Mr. Editor, My wife hates golf and she tells me all the time I play too much. I play once a week, on Sundays, and maybe a few holidays in between. She says I only get up early if I have a tee time, I spend too much money on the game and it’s boring to watch on T.V. She tells me golf is for old guys. For guys
Mike Santagata
that wear plaid pants and knickers. I love my wife, but my marriage is killing my game. — Bummed Hubby in Aventura
I am proud to dedicate the inaugural issue of Weekend Golfer /
WG: I should introduce my wife to your wife, they’d probably become best
Miami to my father-in-law. Mike Santagata passed away
friends. Your pain is felt globally my friend. I’m sure wives across the world
August 21 and didn’t get a chance to see the magazine he played
have destroyed more than one golf career. Ask Tiger Woods.
a huge role in producing. It seems like it was just a few days ago that we were teeing it up at Deer Creek, his favorite South
To the Editor, My golf game is awful and I don’t know what to do. I’ve been playing for more
Florida golf course, and I was talking about a great job-opening I found with a golf magazine in Miami. The position called for local residents only and I figured I had no shot because I live in
than 20 years and my best score is 113.
Palm Beach County.
I’ve taken plenty of lessons from dozens of different instructors, all to no avail. I
My confidence was down and I felt like I may never write again:
love the game, but I feel that my goal of one day breaking 100 will never come.
It’s not like the journalism business is booming
Should I give up, or do you think my swing still has a chance at coming around?
right now.
— Hacker in Hialeah WG: At your current pace I don’t think your swing is coming around any time
But, like he’s done the entire time I’ve known him, all he did was pump me up. With his Italian, Who do I have to call to make it happen? mentality, he had me convinced the position was mine for the taking.
soon. In fact, I don’t sense it appearing before the turn of the century. The word
He was right, again.
quit isn’t in my vocabulary, so let me suggest something else: take up mini
I am thankful for all he taught me, proud he let me marry his
golf. Odds are you’ll break 100 the first time out.
daughter and grateful he allowed me to take his family name, (and I’m really grateful his swing didn’t come with it). I didn’t lose a father-in-law a few weeks ago. I lost a friend, a golf buddy and a dad. Thanks for everything Papa. This one’s for you.
WRITE TO US: Submissions should include the writer’s name and phone number and be sent by e-mail to staff@miamiweekendgolfer. com. Submissions may be edited for length and clarity and may be published or used in any medium. All submissions become the property of the publication and will not be returned.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
13
GOLF TIPS
Tip of the Month from South of the Border By John Pallot /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
T 14
he LPGA recently took a double bogey when 28-year-old Lorena Ochoa abdicated her reign of ladies golf to marry high-flyer Andres Conesa: Aeromexico’s CEO. Ranked No. 1 in the world the last 3 years, Ochoa won 27 titles — including two majors in six years — along with four LPGA Player of The Year awards. My tip of the month is from Lorena as seen by John Pallot: Keep your right arm under the left during your swing to stay square at impact. Take a few practice swings. After completing your backswing, continue to keep your right arm under your left. This allows the club-shaft to point at the target line when starting the downswing and allows the shoulders to be square (parallel to the target line) at impact. This makes it easier to hit a straight or slightly right to left shot (left to right for lefties) which gives your shot a flatter trajectory and more roll when it hits the ground. A great practice drill to encourage this right arm under the left is the Chairman of The Board Drill. Place a 2x4 on the ground pointing at your target. In slow motion take a swing and tap the back end of the board. When you tap the board you’ll feel your hands forward, a straight clubface and you’re right arm under your left (left arm under your right for lefties). Tap the board six times. Now try a few shots. If you hit the shot straight or slightly right to left, you’re now Chairman of The Board. Lorena and I will be proud of you .
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
About John Pallot John Pallot is the founder of John Pallot Golf Academy at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Pallot, a PGA teaching professional, was ranked in the top-10 nationally as a junior, played four years varsity golf for the University of Miami (FL), and has competed nationally as an amateur and professional. He has devoted the past 20 years to teaching and continuing his golf education by receiving instruction from some of the world’s best teachers — including Butch Harmon, Jim McLean, Bob Toski, Martin Hall, Peter Kostis, and John Elliot.
SEP/OCT 2010
15
Keep your right arm under the left during your swing to stay square at impact.
Place a 2x4 on the ground pointing at your target. In slow motion take a swing and tap the back end of the board.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
GOLF TIPS
What you’re not Seeing is what’s Killing your Putting By Justin Bruton /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
T 16
he two factors that I see most amateur golfers struggle with when putting are getting the ball to start rolling down the intended line and then controlling the speed of the putt so that it stays on that line. In this lesson we are going to address both of these fundamentals. Let’s begin by talking about how to get the ball to start down our intended line. In my opinion eye dominance should dictate how a player sets up to a putt. If a righthanded player is right eye dominant then usually that player will benefit from having a slightly more open stance when they address the ball. Opening their stance gives the player a better chance of seeing down their intended target line through their dominant eye. In my opinion, the only players that should be worried about setting up square to their target line are cross dominant players (right-handed but left eye dominant or vice versa for left-handed golfers). The best drill that I have found to retrain the setup position is by going through your putting routine with only the dominant eye open. This will force you to swivel your head and body toward the target in order to see down your intended line. Remember, no matter how good a putting stroke looks, it’s all for nothing if you can’t get the ball started down the correct line. So now that we have a chance to get the ball started on the correct line, all we have to worry about is keeping it on that line using speed control. The speed at which the putter strikes the golf ball will determine how far the ball rolls out — not the length of the stroke. Visualization is my key to controlling that speed. The best drill that I have found to work on this is by
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
putting 5-foot, 10-foot, 15-foot and 20-foot putts with your eyes looking at the hole or a spot on your intended line, instead of the golf ball. For most players it takes a few repetitions before they get comfortable enough to make solid contact with their eyes looking elsewhere. But, when your eyes are not looking at the ball it will give you a better feel for the speed at which the putter is striking the golf ball. This drill should be done with a variety of putts. Such as uphill, downhill, and sidehill putts .
About Justin Bruton Justin Bruton is currently the Director of Golf at Biltmore Golf Course in Coral Gables. He is a Level 3 Titleist Performance Institute certified Golf Professional, a Titleist Performance Institute Certified Golf Biomechanist, a Titleist Certified Club Fitter and a Bentley Kinetics Certified instructor.
SEP/OCT 2010
17
Putt with your eyes looking at the hole or a spot on your intended line, instead of the golf ball.
Start your putting setup position by adressing the ball with only your dominant eye open.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
GOLF TIPS
Pre-shot Routine By Mike Simmons /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
Notice how the pros observe the following ritual of a seven-step routine before they play every shot:
1
2
3
GRIP
AIM
ADDRESS
Ninety percent of average players hold the club incorrectly. Better players always have a solid grip. First, grip the club in your left hand (right hand for lefthanders) making sure that the handle is placed in the fingers between the first knuckle and the palm. Next, wrap the right hand (left hand for lefthanders) around the handle. The V’s formed by the thumbs and index fingers of both hands should now be pointing in the direction of your right shoulder.
Stand squarely behind the ball so as to allow you to imagine a straight line from the ball to the intended target and at the same time. That is your target line. Identify a spot or object (a leaf, divot etc.) about a foot or two ahead of your ball on the target line. That spot is your immediate target.
Address the ball to allow the clubface to be perpendicular or at right angles to the target line.
About Mike Simmons 18
Mike Simmons is currently the head teaching professional at Miccosukee Golf & Country Club. The former National Amateur Golf Player from Barbados has been teaching golf in Florida for 17 years. 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.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
4
BALL POSITION Generally, when making a full swing with medium irons (6 through 9) the ball is in the middle of the stance. With the long irons, hybrids and fairway woods (except for the 3-wood) the ball is inside the left heel. With the driver and 3-wood the ball is just inside the left big toe or under your left shoulder. However, feel free to experiment, moving the ball an inch or so in either direction until you achieve optimum result from a varied ball position.
5
STANCE & POSTURE As you address the ball, slightly bend your knees and tilt your back forward at the waistline. Take care not to bend over too much, but rather keeping your back relatively straight and your chin up to allow for the turn of your shoulders under your chin. Make sure that your shoulders, hips, knees and toes are all parallel left of your target line. The target line and your body line are always parallel when making the full swing. Setting up with your body open, instead of being parallel, will induce a slice.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
6
7
19
BALANCE
ALIGNMENT
Settling your weight over the balls of your feet, directly over your shoelaces, allows you to swing in proper balance, to keep the club on plane and to maximize the use of the power you have generated on your downswing. Be careful not to place your weight on either your toes or your heels.
As mentioned earlier, your target line and the line of your body should be parallel to each other. Many amateurs have difficulty in this area. Try setting the club perpendicular to the target line and letting that influence the position or angle of your body in relation to the target line. Alternatively, imagine a straight line from the intermediate target to the ball and a line running from your body about two feet parallel to that line. Either action should set your body parallel to the target. Repeat this ritual over and over when practicing until it becomes a habit. Once you do, your ball-striking will improve.
SEP/OCT 2010
GOLF TIPS
Eight Simple Steps to Make the Sand Trap Less Intimidating By Richard Metz /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
S About Richard Metz 20
Richard Metz is currently the head golf professional at Costa Greens Golf Club in Miami. A teaching professional for more than 25 years, Metz is author of the highly acclaimed “The Graduated Swing Method” – a book recognized by the Professional Golfers Association of America.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
ometimes a golf shot out of a sand trap can be a frightening experience for the average golfer. One of the problems is that this shot is hardly ever practiced. In some ways it is different than the regular golf swing, but you will find out if you follow a few basic fundamentals; it’s not really that hard. Here’s a little story that will give you an idea of what it takes to succeed out of the sand on a world-class professional level. A few years ago, I was playing with some friends at Boca Rio Golf Club in Boca Raton. As we were about to tee off, one of the guys noticed Tom Watson, who was a member of Boca Rio at the time, in the sand trap practicing. At the end of nine holes we came back to the clubhouse and there he was, still practicing in the sand trap. We continued to play and finished the round in about four hours and what do you know, Tom Watson was still practicing in the trap. I’m not saying you have to practice this shot for four hours, but you certainly need to practice. The bunker shot should be played with a sand wedge or lob wedge. The sand wedge is better out of dry fine sand, because it has more bounce than the lob wedge. Bounce is the highest point of the back of the sole of the golf club. It’s measured from the leading edge to the back part of the sole; this angle determines the amount of bounce. The average bounce on a sand wedge is 12-14 degrees with a loft of 56 degrees. Bounce prevents the clubhead from digging too deep in the sand and not getting the ball out of the trap. It’s great for soft, fluffy sand. Conversely the lob wedge has 50 degrees of loft and the bounce will vary from 3-8 degrees. This lack of bounce allows the clubhead to dig through wet or hard, packed sand. A good example is the first time I played In the Dominican Republic, Casa de Campo, on the “Teeth Of The Dog”; the traps were all red clay. The bounce on the sand wedge would skull the ball over the green. There you would have to use a lob to get out. Now let’s get started .
SEP/OCT 2010
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
Open the clubface. Basically to play this shot, the clubface should be gripped slightly open. This will add loft and increases the bounce. The more you open the clubhead and increase the bounce, the higher and shorter the ball will be hit.
Aim left. Because the clubface is open, you should setup and aim slightly to left of the flagstick and dig your feet firmly into the sand for optimal footing. Your left foot should be toed out and pulled back of your right foot. This position is called an open stance. The reverse is true for left-handers.
Stand in the right spot. For a good lie, with the ball sitting on top of the sand, the ball should be positioned halfway between the middle of your feet and the left heal, with your hands behind the clubhead.
Don’t forget to shift your weight. Your weight should shift from the right leg to the left on the follow through. I’ve always controlled the distance I want the ball to go with the length of my backswing and how hard I hit the sand. Most good players keep the blade of the club open on this shot, square to the target line. By open, I mean they do not let their arms rotate with the body in the swing. This action hits the ball high and stops the ball quickly.
STEP 5
STEP 6
STEP 7
STEP 8
Take a practice swing. Try hovering the clubhead two inches behind the ball. I like to tell my students, “two inches behind where you make contact with the sand and two inches above the ball,” so that the club head does not touch the sand. Remember: It’s a penalty if the club head touches the sand. Just ask Dustin Johnson.
Hit the sand, not the ball. Do not hit the ball, hit behind it. Your eyes should focus on a spot behind the ball where you are going to swing and hit the sand. The force of the clubhead hitting the sand propels the golf ball out and onto the green.
Follow through. Don’t stop the follow through of the golf swing or you will leave the ball in the sand trap. This is probably the major fault for not getting the ball out. The swing for this shot is played primarily with the hands and arms. In the sand shot the wrists hinge immediately up into the back swing and down into the follow through. The arc of the swing is in the shape of a V.
When in doubt, chop it out. For a buried or plugged lie the ball should be positioned in the middle of your feet with most of your weight on the left leg. Close the clubface with the hands ahead of the clubhead. Hinge the hands immediately up into the backswing and down into the follow through, still making contact behind the ball. It’s this chopping motion that digs the ball out of its buried lie. A full follow through is not needed for this shot. Don’t forget to aim to the right of your target because the closed clubface forces the ball to the left.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
21
SEP/OCT 2010
Total PERFORMANCE GOLF 22
A new spin on tee-to-green game improvement By John Santagata /// Weekend Golfer Senior Writer
Located on the grounds of a historic monument, the Biltmore Golf Course is rich in tradition, history and mystique. Born nearly a century ago, it’s a challenging Donald Ross design reminiscent of a time when Hogan, Nicklaus and Snead strolled the fairways with wooden clubs chasing a pesky small white ball. On the surface, The Biltmore Golf Course appears charming and picturesque with an old-world feel. But behind the scenes, it’s an entirely different story.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
23
Photo by John Karp
“This is the future of golf instruction. This is what we need to be doing. It is kind of the missing link as far as game improvement goes.” — Justin Bruton, Biltmore Golf Course Director of Golf Off the rolling fairways, around the corner from the range and through the mob of children attending golf camp, you’ll find Justin Bruton — Biltmore’s Director of Golf. Surrounded by computers, gadgets, wires, and of course, plenty of golf clubs, Bruton leans back in his chair and offers an inviting smile.You’ll have to excuse the grin on Bruton’s face; it’s just that he knows he’s on to something. And he is.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
Total Performance Golf
“This is the future of golf instruction,”
It’s called Total Performance Golf and it’s
Bruton said. “This is what we need to be
revolutionizing the art of golf instruction and
doing. It is kind of the missing link as far as
the game of golf itself.
game improvement goes. It lets us evaluate
Hatched in a Titleist lab in Oceanside,
amateur golfers, or the average golfer and tell
California during the late nineties, the TPI 3-D
them ‘this is where you have limitations, this is
Motion Analysis System has nested in Coral
where you are good, this is where you are bad
Gables nearly a decade later — perfected and
and this is what you need to work on.”
ready to fly.
SEP/OCT 2010
A Fighting Chance for Everyone
“As an instructor, if I can’t improve you now, where you play better this weekend, then I’m not doing my job.” — Justin Bruton, Biltmore Golf Course Director of Golf
You see, to Bruton, the end result is the most important. To him, the TPG system is the best way for golfers of all skill levels to get on the right track to playing better golf. From touring pros to aspiring juniors, ambitious college players to weekend
The Process
from a swing evaluation, a physical evaluation
It’s simple, really.
and a 3-dimensional swing analysis — in
Throw out your nice-looking or not-so-
an MRI machine, no less — all the way to
nice-looking swing and step into the modern
precision club-fitting using Doppler radar
era.
launch monitors that track the ball after
“Most instructors were looking at the
you hit.
aesthetics of the swing instead of the
It may sound like a whole lot of mumbo-
efficiency of the swing,” Bruton said. “They
jumbo to most, but to Bruton and his staff, it’s
were just looking at the golf swing to see if
an art form.
it looked pretty or not, or if it look like Tiger’s
“We use all this technical stuff to simplify
or not. Who cares? If you look at the top five
your game,” he laughed and said. “It’s your job
players on tour, they all take their clubhead
to hit the golf ball and it’s our job to process all
back differently. Who cares what it looks like?
the data and get the proper end result.”
I care what it produces.” 24
The staff of TPG — certified in an array of specialties by the Titleist Performance Institute — has the latest technology available to the weekend golfer.Technology that was previously only available to some of the best players in the world. “I say all the time that ‘golfers are overtaught and under-trained,’” Bruton said. “They are taught all this swing theory and that might not even be right for them. Who knows if it’s right for them or not? We need to get them in here and figure out exactly what their body is doing, what their body can do physically, then we can build a swing. This technology lets us do that.” Students are run through a battery of tests:
warriors, regardless of your handicap, Bruton said the TPG system will work. “When we first started, we were gearing ourselves more toward the serious golfer… the guy that’s been taking lessons for 10-to15 years now and hasn’t gotten much better,” he said. “Now, even more, it’s better for the beginners to come out and get started right away. Instead of trying to do something you can’t, get frustrated and quit the game without never really starting, we’ll get you to hit the ball solidly and you’ll see immediate results. If you understand ‘this is what I do right and this is what I do wrong, how it effects my ball flight and this is what I need to do to change it’, then yeah,” he motioned to the links outside his window, “you are going to have a fighting chance while you’re out there.” Bruton isn’t alone in his beliefs. Located an hour or so up I-95 at Ibus Golf and Country Club in West Palm Beach, Golf Academy Director of Instruction Martin Hall is using the technology as well. Hall is a Golf Digest Top-50 teacher since the list began in 2000 — he’s currently ranked 12th in the U.S. — and has taught in 14 different countries. “It’s a mind-boggling piece of technology, it really is,” he said. “What all this is going to do for those who use it, is it’s going to let you look at what you ordinarily are unable to see.
Did you know? The Biltmore Golf Course in Coral Gables along with Ibus Golf and Country Club in West Palm Beach are the only clubs in the state of Florida with the TPI 3-D Motion Analysis System created by Titleist.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
The Total Performance Golf steps to a better golf game
1
Undergo a swing evaluation to find your flaws. Golfers will be assigned a head teaching professional that will determine swing style, ability and efficiency levels. An MRI machine will be used to allow students an opportunity to see their swing in 3-D.
2
Take a physical examination to learn your limitations. If students aren’t fit enough to get the most out of their swing, the TPG staff brings in a resident physical therapist to work out any physical restrictions.
3
Get fit for clubs. An in-depth club-fitting program sets students up with the correct tools of the trade. From teeto-green, the staff of TPG will prescribe the proper models to personalized specifications. Properly fit hardware leads to lower scores.
Immediate Results
You are going to be able to see the invisible, which makes it amazing … It is the new, next big wave of golf instruction, there’s no doubt in my mind about that.”
Seeing the Light Now that the secret’s out, the TPG system at the Biltmore is catching on. To some, the fees may seem a little steep, but Bruton said the rewards golfers obtain from enrollment in the program are endless. “It’s catching on really well,” he said. “I think people are seeing the light. I get a lot of golfers in here that have taken lessons at other places, done other things and they see the light. They understand how this differs from what is mainstream out there and it makes a lot more sense to them,” Bruton held his hands in front of him and continued, “not only do they see it, they feel it as well.”
Total Performance Golf packages available at the Biltmore
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
“It’s a mind-boggling piece of technology, it really is. What all this is going to do for those who use it, is it’s going to let you look at what you ordinarily are unable to see. You are going to be able to see the invisible, which makes it amazing… It is the new next big wave of golf instruction.” — Martin Hall, Ibus Golf Academy Director of Instruction
Individual lesson (1 Hour) Single Package - $100 Package of six - $500
If you’re assuming the system will take entirely too long, think again. Whether your plan is long-term or short, Bruton said students will see immediate results. “Once I know what the swing faults are and I can figure out what you can and cannot do, then we’ll build a swing around what you can do right now.” he said. “We are going to build a swing around what you have, because I want you to play now. As an instructor, if I can’t improve you now, where you play better this weekend, then I’m not doing my job.” A point Hall enthusiastically agreed with. “I think people who use this technology, the rate of which they improve will dramatically increase,” he said. “The accurate feedback you get from using it — there is simply no other way to match it on the market.”
90-minute lesson Single Package- $150 Package of six - $750
2-person lesson (90-minute) Single Package - $225 Package of six - $1,125
SEP/OCT 2010
25
EQUIPMENT
Meet the Girls from the Callaway Ladies Diablo Edge Family By Neil Verlander /// Weekend
Golfer Contributing Writer
26 — Courtesy Callaway
Callaway Ladies Diablo Edge Driver – A Devil Woman.
T
he Callaway Ladies Diablo Edge Driver is for the woman with just one thing on her mind — distance.When a lady stands on the tee with this devilishly brilliant driver in her hands she can feel confident and inspired knowing that when she strikes the golf ball, the Diablo Edge Driver will give her maximum power and optimum distance. Callaway has stretched the limits of technology to give the lady golfer the most distance and accuracy of all the titanium drivers they have ever manufactured. How have they done this? Well the Ladies Diablo Edge Driver is now packed with more exciting, innovative and cutting edge technology than the women’s golfing world has ever seen.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
This new member of the “Diablo” family will undoubtedly become a preferential choice for many lady golfers. Its sleek design improves clubhead speed and reduces drag normally associated with other large head drivers. All this means you get a faster speed of the clubhead and more distance on your ball. An additional feature to assist ball speed is the innovative Callaway technology that has gone into the clubhead which gives players maximum ball speed from a greater area of the clubface, even on miss hits. This means more of your shots will be hitting the fairway, a benefit everyone can enjoy. To complete the high-performance package the graphite Aldila Habanero Shaft complements the Ladies Diablo Edge Driver to deliver superb feel and performance.
SEP/OCT 2010
Callaway Ladies Diablo Edge Irons – The Diablo Edge Babies, you’ll just love em! The longest stainless steel irons Callaway have ever created.Without reducing feel or performance the Ladies Diablo Edge Irons provide increased distance. With their lower and deeper centre of gravity making the sweet spot a great deal larger, thereby assisting amateurs to hit the ball sweeter on the clubface, generating a longer more consistent distance with improved accuracy.
Diablo Edge Irons Loft Specs: 4 Iron - 22 degrees
9 Iron - 40 degrees
5 Iron - 25 degrees
Pitching - 44 degrees
6 Iron - 28 degrees
Approach Wedge - 49 degrees
7 Iron - 32 degrees
Sand Wedge - 54 degrees
8 Iron - 36 degrees
Loft Wedge - 60 degrees
Callaway Ladies Diablo Edge Fairway Woods / Hybrids – These Girls Will Get You Out Of Trouble This new range of Diablo Edge Fairway Woods for ladies are both the straightest and longest steel fairway woods Callaway has made in its history. With increased distance results of 10-to-12 yards over the Big Bertha Diablo, it will change a ladies game for the better. The 2010 Diablo Edge Hybrids provide lady golfers with a more forgiving golf club, and are specifically designed as an enhancing alternative to long irons. Callaway technology once again has been poured into these 3 Diablo Edge Hybrids.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
27
Diablo Edge Woods / Hybrids Woods Loft Specs:
Hybrid Loft Specs:
3 Wood - 15 degrees
4 Hybrid - 24 degrees
5 Wood - 19 degrees
5 Hybrid - 27 degrees
7 Wood - 21 degrees
6 Hybrid - 29 degrees
9 Wood - 24 degrees
SEP/OCT 2010
HEALTH & FITNESS
Switching Sides Muscle Balance Key to a Healthy Golf Game By Dr. Todd M. Narson /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
28
— Daniel Gonzalez
T
o many people, balance is the key to life. For others, golf is considered to play the same role. The challenge is figuring how to combine the two. The joints in your body work best when the muscles that control them are of good strength, proper tone and in correct balance with each other. The main muscles used in the game of golf — and just about any sport — are those ever so essential “core group” muscles. Your abdominal muscles, your back muscles, your hip flexors and hip extensors are absolutely essential to the game of golf. Lose tone and balance in this vital
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
area and not only will your game suffer, but your body will suffer too: In pain. Whenever the core group muscles become weak, it will most certainly make you prone to injury and reduce the level of your game. If you’re not sure what or where your core is, simply think about your body without your head, your arms and your legs. Everything left over is your core. As a chiropractic physician that specializes in sports injuries, one of the first things I always check on any patient is their core strength, flexibility and
SEP/OCT 2010
coordination. Because this is typically where most back pain starts, it’s something I consider essential. If it goes, so eventually will you. Swinging from the other side of the ball is extremely important when it comes to your game. Think about how many times you swing your club during an average round of golf. All the tee shots, approach shots, chip shots and sand blasts. Don’t forget all those practice strokes at the range, time spent putting and a few mulligans, too. If you step back and look at things from a biomechanical standpoint, what you are doing to your body over the course of a round of golf is the same as me going to the gym and only exercising my right biceps and not my left. Would you go to the gym and exercise your right biceps, your right triceps, the right side of your chest and your right leg? Of course not. Think about what your body would look like over the course of 3-4 years of exercising one side and not the other. Unbalanced and out of proportion are what
Dr. Todd M. Narson
“
Swinging from the other side of the ball is extremely important when it comes to your game.
“
comes to mind. You’ll eventually end up with so much of an imbalance of the opposing forces on your joints that it will create disproportionate stresses and you’ll begin to experience a lot of pain. Pain that can be avoided by making up for the imbalance. So why don’t most golfers pick up a set of lefty clubs and practice swinging from the other side of the ball? That is a question I can’t answer. But, I can tell you this: It will help your game, improve your muscular balance and reduce the amount of stress on your joints (including your spine). The cure is simple. Seek out a local pro-shop and purchase a used lefty driver, long iron and short iron. Learn to swing it with the same technique used when playing golf normally.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
Try practicing in front of a mirror or using resistance bands found at your local gym. The goal is to exercise your muscles in the exact opposing swing to start the balancing process. However, realize that you may have some pretty big imbalances already. Work with your local golf mechanics trainer, golf mechanics trained physical therapist or a chiropractic sports injury specialist. It could help you get back on your game, back to feeling better and getting closer to breaking par — instead of breaking your back .
Doc@NaturalSportsMedicine.com www.NaturalSportsMedicine.com
29
Dr. Todd Narson is one of only nine Chiropractic Sports Injury Specialists located in Florida. He is the past President of the Florida Chiropractic Association’s Council on Sports Injuries — Physical Fitness & Rehabilitation. He is also a past recipient of the Sport Chiropractor of the Year award. His practice, Family & Sports, is located in Miami Beach.
SEP/OCT 2010
HEALTH & FITNESS
The Anti-aging Revolution A Modern Fountain of Youth By Dr. Adonis Maiquez /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
F
30
or the past 10 years, there has been an explosion of information regarding anti-aging medicine: From nutritional supplements and magic creams to sophisticated procedures that are supposed to “turn back the clock”. It is difficult sometimes to discern which claims and clinics are legitimate and which are trying to sell a p r o d u c t that probably d o e s not work. It is i m p o r t a n t to understand that A n t i - A g i n g is r e c o g n i z e d as a medical s p e c i a l t y with its own m e d i c a l and scientific curriculum and training for the physicians involved.
What is anti-aging medicine? There are several theories to explain the aging process, and one of them is the “neuroendocrine” theory that states: The Reason humans age is due to the progressive loss of hormone production by the main glands in the body. For example: Males show a decrease in testosterone production of 25 percent by the age of 40, 35 percent by 55 and up to 60 percent when they approach 70. This downward trend happens in both sexes for most of the hormones
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
— growth hormone, testosterone, DHEA, thyroid, progesterone, estradiol and others. Anti-Aging medicine focuses on slowing down the decline in hormone production. This is accomplished through lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, nutritional supplements and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. BHRT is a way of replenishing lost hormones with medication identical to the original hormone, as opposed to chemical medications that differ in structure to our hormones resulting in the host more prone to unwanted negative effects.
The Connection between Golf and Anti-Aging Medicine Have you noticed less energy around the golf course? Do you need more time to recover from playing 18 holes or even from walking nine? Have you noticed lower stamina levels? These and other complaints might very well be related to a decline in hormone levels. It is a natural process — it happens to all of us. But, the good news is there is something (and a lot actually) that you can do about it. Ask your doctor to check ALL your hormone
SEP/OCT 2010
levels and determine which are lower than optimal. A unique plan of exercise, diet, natural supplements and hormones can be prescribed specifically for your needs in order to halt the decline in hormones. The process can actually increase those levels to a more youthful state. The benefits are tremendous: more energy, more stamina, increased muscle mass, decreased bone loss, weight loss, lower cholesterol, improved memory, higher libido and fewer incidents of depression and mood swings .
Summary More than half of men older than 40 years of age complain of a lack of energy, slow recovery time and an underachieving libido.
Suggested Reading:
The main reason for the
The Testosterone Syndrome, Eugene Shippen, M.D.
in hormone production.
The Clinical Application of Interventional Endocrinology, Mark L. Gordon, M.D.
Hormones in the body are
complaints is a decline
responsible for physical development and for maintaining bodily functions. After the age of 30, natural hormone production begins slowing down. After 40, there is a steady decline. An 80-year-old man only produces about 10-20 percent of the hormones he did at age 20. Unfortunately, this decline does not come alone. It is accompanied by a drop in overall energy levels, a slower recovery time from exercise and injuries, a loss in muscle mass, prostate problems, depression and mood changes. The good news is that this process can be slowed down. Returning hormones to original levels with AntiAging medication can restore energy, your zest for life, your
Aging medication can restore energy, your zest for life, your stamina and a healthy libido.
stamina and a healthy libido. Talk to your doctor about hormone decline associated with age. Have the necessary blood tests performed and discuss the possibilities of natural hormone replacement. To contact Dr. Maiquez go to: www.drmaiquez.com
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
31
HEALTH & FITNESS
Keeping Limber on the Links Four Must-do Stretches Before a Round By Dr. Matthew Cooper /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
S 32
tretching is extremely important for golf, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Good flexibility in the game can only be achieved once you have maintained proper stability and correct your muscle or body imbalances. You can be flexible in your back, but if it is not stable, your body automatically decreases rotation. You can be extremely flexible in your hips, but not flexible in your back, which will limit your rotation. Therefore, when it comes to flexibility, I recommend stretching multiple muscles with each stretch. Why would you stretch one muscle at a time when you use every muscle in your body at once when you strike a golf ball? There are also stretches that will actually cause more pain for golfers if done prior to playing. In general, stretching your lower back by bending forward toward your toes will increase — not decrease — back pain, especially if you add a twist and have a disc injury.
The following are four must-do stretches prior to starting your round: Each stretch is done for a total of 30 seconds. I do not recommend bouncing or holding each stretch for more than two seconds at a time prior to playing. They start basic and get more complex (meaning you stretch with fast movements and stretch more muscles with each stretch as you progress) .
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
Dr. Matthew Cooper Dr. Matthew Cooper of Florida Rehabilitation Center is a certified chiropractic sports physician, specializing in sports rehabilitation, injury prevention and nutrition through enzyme therapy. His team, located at The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club in Aventura, remains on the cutting edge in treatment techniques and methodologies. His expertise lies in assessing the body and designing individualized rehabilitation techniques specific to one’s injury, sports, nutritional composition and goals.
SEP/OCT 2010
STRETCH 1
STRETCH 2
STRETCH 3 AND 4
This stretch is for the anterior chain. Starting from top to bottom, it stretches your anterior shoulder, chest, stomach muscles including your obliques, hip flexors, quads, shin muscles (tibialis anterior) and ankle. It will also stretch some of your posterior chain including your mid and low back (erector spinae and multifidus), lats, and lower traps, all in one stretch!
This is more for your posterior chain. Starting from top to bottom, it stretches your posterior shoulder, traps, rhomboids, lats, mid and low back, glute muscles, hips, ITB, TFL, hamstring and calf.
Stretch 3: This is more of a ballistic stretch and is extremely functional for golf. You must do Stretch 1 prior. Start slow with a small range of motion and gradually increase the range and go faster. It should be done twice, 30 seconds each time. This stretches your posterior chain, very similar to the muscles in stretch one.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
33
Stretch 4: Same as stretch 3 but now you are working your anterior chain.
SEP/OCT 2010
On The Top Of His Game By John Santagata | Weekend Golfer Senior Writer
34
I
t’s not easy being Bill Kerdyk Jr. As Vice Mayor of the City of Coral Gables, he’s proven himself to be a thoughtful decision-maker focused intently on keeping the city he grew up in a premier community. It’s a focus that came naturally to Bill. His father was also Vice Mayor and political opinion was something strongly encouraged in his house — something Bill admits called his name at an early age. He was enabled the opportunity to voice his opinion about issues he cared about, issues that were close to home, issues that were dear to his heart. There is no question politics is in his blood: Like his father before him, he’s strengthened the Kerdyk name inside the circles of City Hall. But, despite the many accolades achieved during his 15 years in office, Bill refuses to call himself a politician. He’s not just being humble. The self-proclaimed “public servant” is simply being honest. You see, Bill has an even bigger love than government, and it too starts with a G.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
There is something to be said of the peacefulness and the tranquility found on a golf course. It ’s a time when I can clear my head and actually think about some of the important decisions in my life. 35
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
Photograph by Kikor
SEP/OCT 2010
36
It’s the game of golf. His entire family has been involved with the sport as far back as he can remember. He started at the age of eight, played junior tournaments, on through high school and into college. He’s had a hand in organizing junior tournaments locally and across the globe. His sister is an LPGA Tour winner and his father, his mother and his children all love playing the sport. It too shares Bill’s veins and has been there since birth, pumping through his body, calling his name each time he drives by a course. Anyone who plays the game of golf can tell you it’s a lot of give and not much take. The demands, pressure and stress it puts on those who fall into its trap seem limitless. The same demands a public servant such as Bill encounter each and every day. If each, on its own, doesn’t seem difficult enough to keep up with, try meshing the two together. Bill has. And he’s making the feat look easy. So easy, you could call him a master. A master of the balancing act. Most people can’t pat their heads and rub their bellies at the same time, let alone run a city and international golf events in harmony. Throw in being President and CEO of Kerdyk Real Estate and Chairman of the Bank of Coral Gables — along with his numerous board and committee seats — and Bill is conducting an orchestra on a daily basis. “I’m very structured and the way I deal with things is very structured,” he said matter-of-factly. “I’m very cognizant of time and time situations and I’m extremely goal orientated. So, having those three components as part of my overview, it really helps me achieve that balance.” And despite the two seemingly worlds apart, it’s a balance that has proved to work well for everybody involved. From the citizens of Coral Gables to junior golfers across the shores of Japan and Africa, Bill’s balancing act is in full swing. “Even though they seem like two totally opposites, which they are — from politics to the golfing world — they also have some similarities. They are both very social businesses. In the golfing business, I’ve met people who have helped me take the next step. As far as politics goes, you are always meeting people and utilizing that role to take a step toward the next level, as well.” Coral Gables is an international city in Bill’s eyes and in the
Even though they seem like two totally opposites, which they are — from politics to the golfing world — they also have some similaritiesThey are both very social businesses.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
eyes of many others. It has earned a reputation much like its second-in-command. “We are known around the world,” he proudly stated of his hometown. “When I go for my golfing businesses to Africa or Japan, to South America or Europe, they know Coral Gables. It gives me some credibility in the golf world being from the city of Coral Gables and holding the position that I do.” A position Bill might not be in if it weren’t for his time spent on the links. He admits many of the values used in business and politics were learned while playing the game he loves: trust, honesty, integrity and patience, to name just a few. But mostly, Bill uses his time on the links to soak everything in. It’s his home away from home. His other office. His thinking tank. Bill isn’t just out there to beat around a golf ball and chase after imaginary birds, he’s out there contemplating. Contemplating his future, the future of kids across the globe and the future of the residents of Coral Gables. “I think much more clearly on a golf course,” he said. “A lot of people like to run or work out, but I like playing golf. There is something to be said of the peacefulness and the tranquility found on a golf course. It’s a time when I can clear my head and actually think about some of the important decisions in my life.” And many of those resolutions are of a political nature. “I’ve made several big decisions, as far as issues affecting
SEP/OCT 2010
Miss an 8-foot putt, your life goes on. Make the wrong decision the other way and it could have a lifelong impact. the city of Coral Gables, while on the golf course,” he said. “Whether I’m talking to people I’m playing with, or whether it’s just an opportunity to get out and think about the decision in a different atmosphere than what I’m used to in an office.” At Bill’s level of commitment, the decision-making doesn’t come easy. Sometimes sacrifices have to be made. Sometimes the pressure to do the right thing may seem completely overwhelming. At least, sometimes it may seem that way to the average Joe. Not to Bill. Bill’s got his priorities straight. True, he loves golf, but staring down a putt to win a handful of skins, digging in for a 175-yard bunker shot or teeing it up at Augusta, doesn’t quite compare to casting a vote as Vice Mayor. “Making a decision in politics is probably tougher,” he laughed and said. “My life goes on as far as the golf business goes but, the politics part is very serious. It affects other people’s lives. So, you’ve got to be very careful when you make a decision of that importance. Miss an 8-foot putt, your life goes on. Make the wrong decision the other way and it could have a lifelong impact.” Both have made a lifelong impact on Bill. He has special moments in each set aside in his mind. He smiles a little smile when he thinks of his favorites. “I basically came up with the concept of bringing a trolley system to the city of Coral Gables,” he said. “When we started it off we didn’t know how successful it would be and it ended up taking off and becoming one of the most successful transportation movers in Dade County. Right now, we are transporting more than 1.1 million people a year up and down the streets and the business communities of Coral Gables.” He didn’t stop there. Bill never stops something until it’s finished. “My other favorite accomplishment is that I established a public/ private fund called Parknership,” he said. “We raised several million dollars to purchase land throughout the city of Coral Gables to be designated as open space and park land for the community.” He grins as he switches his thoughts to his time spent on the links. It’s almost like he immediately goes to a happy place and he’s the only one with a map. “I shot several sub-par rounds of golf when I was playing in college and as a junior I won a few tournaments.” he said. “I watched my sister win the Big Apple Classic and I enjoyed that. But, I think actually the biggest, or favorite accomplishment I’ve had (in golf) is really establishing this World Golf Championship from scratch. Essentially, it started from just an idea and it’s
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
gotten to the point where we now have over 70 countries, from six different continents that are able to participate in the tournament over in Japan. “It’s close to a million dollar tournament for juniors.” His ability to balance his two passions has earned him a milliondollar tournament and a million-dollar city. But, as usual, Bill isn’t quite finished. He’s been out on the course lately, doing his thinking. What more could Bill be trying to fit into his balancing act? Nothing too big: Just a little thought about taking the Vice out of the Vice Mayor title in a few months and running for the seat his dad never had a chance to fill. “Whenever I set my mind on something, no matter what it is, I always believe that I’m the ideal person to accomplish it,” he said. “I believe that when I’m involved in something, whether it is golf, or politics, or both, I’m simply going to do everything I can to make it the best it can be. “It’s that simple.” Apparently it is easy being Bill Kerdyk Jr. If you’re Bill Kerdyk Jr.
37
William H. Kerdyk, Jr. serves as Vice Mayor on the Coral Gables City Commission, where he was recently re-elected to his fourth term. In addition to his local public service career, he also has served in several capacities on state boards. He is the current appointee of Governor Jeb Bush to the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization). Mr. Kerdyk is also President and CEO of Kerdyk Real Estate; a full service real estate company founded in 1926 and is acting Chairman of the Bank of Coral Gables. In addition, he is the co-founder and Chairman of the Toyota World Junior Golf Team Championships. This annual international World Junior Golf Team tournament is held in Japan. More than 60 countries from six continents participate in this event. Mr. Kerdyk is also actively involved in many community service organizations. He is on the Board of Trustees for Gulliver School, a Board Member for Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, a member of the Orange Bowl Committee, Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary Club. He has received many honors including being designated among the Outstanding Young Men in America and was selected into the Who’s Who book of United States citizens. Recently, he received the South Florida Ronald McDonald Twelve Good Men Award. Mr. Kerdyk earned his Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Real Estate from Florida International University. He and his wife Lynn, a clinical child psychologist at the University of Miami, have three children and reside in Coral Gables.
SEP/OCT 2010
REVIEWS
— Courtesy of Cadillac
38
Cadillac DTS By Zane Binder /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
F
ew golfers, young or old, will ever forget the evil character Auric Goldfinger. As the arch-villain in the 1964 James Bond flick, “Goldfinger,” he challenges Agent 007 to 18 holes of high stakes golf: A check for $5,000 against a lusted-after gold bar from a lost World War II glittering horde. Goldfinger devises a simple but sinister cheat involving his caddy and bodyguard, Odd Job. He gloats over the fact evil will triumph ... prematurely, of course. A “virtuous” ruse by Britain’s clever MI6 secret agent manages to both collect Goldfinger’s proffered check and keep the gold safe for Her
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
Majesty’s Secret Service. The well-written, even better acted scene is, perhaps, the most famous cinematic golf game in silver screen history. To get to the links situated just outside London (many believe golf originated in Scotland), Goldfinger chose to tote his clubs in a commodious, highly modified Rolls-Royce. Alas, our intrepid spy was saddled with “only” a tricked-out” Aston-Martin DB5 with luggage space best compared to an oversized breadbox. More than four decades later only a tiny percentage of Americans opt for relatively trunkless exotic sports
SEP/OCT 2010
cars. SUV’s, “luxury” pick-up trucks, $43,000-plus minivans and sundry highway behemoths crowd country club parking lots every weekend. Large cars, though, still remain in the hearts and garages of millions. One with comfort, space for four, golf bags and life’s sundry necessities, is Cadillac’s DTS — the successor (at least in spirit) to the timeless DeVille. Front-wheel drive, a big V8 and a deliciously floaty highway ride whisk you to your destination in stylish comfort. Four DTS models are available, all of which boast four doors. “Popularly equipped” the base car starts at $46,280, the Luxury Edition is priced at $51,525, the Premium sells for $54,425 and the Platinum model lists for $61,170. All offer adequate room for six on their leather-appointed seating surfaces. The wide front bench (bucket seats are available) is supportive and firm. Cleverly designed cup holders are everywhere, the glove box is commodious and there’s no lack of nook and cranny storage. The rear bench with pass-through for clubs or skis is similarly well designed. Further back is the trunk, which qualifies as gigantic and usefully shaped. Sadly, if you purchase a base model and suffer a flat, all you get is a “repair kit.” A “donut” spare is extra and costs $250. Higher line vehicles include a “donut” as standard. All models of this 4,009-pound luxury cruiser sport a polished wood dash. You’ll find its display well supplied with digital, not analog, instrumentation. Approximately 10 airbags make the interior safer, antilock 4-wheel power disc brakes, traction control, variable assist power steering, cruise control (higher line models use an adaptive system), power windows and mirrors and much more fill out this cruiser’s enormously long list of standard equipment. OnStar, General Motors’ GPS, two-way communications unit (it “phones home” in case of an accident) and anti-theft system is standard across the line. Under the hood, most DTS models employ the NorthStar 4.6 liter, 275 HP fuel-injected V8. This four-valve per-cylinder engine is thoroughly modern and doesn’t
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
require a tune-up for 100,000 miles. The engine and four-speed automatic transmission move this softlysprung beast from 0-60 in 7.7 seconds. Fuel efficiency on premium was observed at 13 city and 19 highway (EPA 15/23), excellent for the weight and power level. “Premium” models use a 292-horsepower NorthStar version. It’s as silky-smooth as its stable mates with a few more horsepower; its 0-60 time improves to seven seconds flat. You also get Magnetic Ride Control (a type of adjustable suspension) and “intelligent” cruise control. Towing capacity is a surprisingly small 1,000 pounds. The DTS’s suspension is four-wheel independent. It truly delivers a “boulevard” ride. Corners are negotiated with considerable lean: this vehicle’s definitely not a sports car. The turning circle, depending on model, is between 42-44 feet. You won’t easily make U-turns on narrow city streets. The standard CFC-free automatic temperature control air conditioning had more than adequate capacity. The Cadillac sound system has decent fidelity and gets better as the model chosen becomes more expensive. Of course, satellite radio is an available option. Overall the DTS is a conscious blend of both ultra-modern design and the philosophy used in the decades following World War II. The emphasis is on softness, luxury and carrying capacity. It’s a fine vehicle with surprising performance that will satisfy traditionalists ... and those with lots of gear for weekend golf trips .
Cadillac DTS Pricing:
Specifications:
Base Model $46,280 Luxury Edition $51,525 Premium Edition $54,425 Platinum Edition $61,170
MPG: 15 City / 23 Hwy 4.6-liter V-8 EnginePremium 0-60 in 7 seconds 275 horsepower at 6,000 RPM
SEP/OCT 2010
39
REVIEWS
Matsuri Japanese Restaurant A Unique Restaurant in a Golfer-friendly Environment By Amilcar Barca /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
40
L
ocated steps away from three great golf courses in Coral Gables — The Biltmore, Riviera and Granada — the Matsuri Japanese Restaurant is the perfect place to celebrate a good round under, or over, par. Always offering the best Japanese food, it is considered by many critics one of the best Asian restaurants in South Florida. A must-visit for the Japanese community, Matsuri offers a menu matched only in Eastern Asia. The walls are decorated with photographic panels of bamboo forests that lead to a busy sushi bar
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
where the chefs are in what appears to be a constant fluid dance while preparing the dishes. The sushi rice is a perfect balance of vinegar, salt and sugar and envelopes even the most exquisite fresh fish and shellfish of the season. I recommend the Nigirizushi, where diners can enjoy the freshness of the Maguro (tuna), Sake (salmon), Jurel (hamachi) and Unagi (eel). The exquisite Otoro (from the womb of the tuna) is an authentic delicacy for those who can appreciate the distinctive taste of this
SEP/OCT 2010
specific part of the fish. But, diners shouldn’t miss out on the shellfish section, especially the Temakizushi De Uni (Sea Urchin) served over Nori (crunchy seaweed). The contrast of the two textures exposes your palate to the authentic combination of different worlds harmoniously unified. If soup is what you crave, Matsuri’s got you covered. The restaurant’s signature Miso soup — a thick paste made from fermented soybeans cooked with fish broth, tofu and shallot rings — offers an image of lightness with an earthy, salty and slightly sweet taste. Surrounded by the colorful plates being served all around the dining room, the dish that captures my attention is the tempura vegetables. Carrots, yams, broccoli, celery and eggplant — vegetables I am particularly fond of — combine perfectly with the sweet and sour sauce they are served with. For the less risky diner, Matsuri offers traditional dishes like Ramen, Soba
If you go:
and Udon. Each consists of noodles in hot broth and is a treat for pasta lovers. I also recommend one of the not-sopopular dishes that I personally consider one of the best: Guindara. A dish made from cod fish (with the skin on) is grilled with a black sauce very similar to teriyaki. The dish offers a seriously sweet aroma and will awaken even the most skeptical diner’s pallet. Follow your meal with sake or house tea. If ale is what you are after, don’t hesitate to try either one of their blonde or dark beers like the Asahi, which they serve to promote the acclaimed Nippon region. As far as Matsuri’s deserts go, the sweet vegetable ice cream impresses with its strong taste and sandy texture. Another attractive option to diners when wrapping up their experience is the green tea ice cream. Take the time to enjoy what Matsuri has to offer, and believe me, you won’t be disappointed .
Hours of operation
What: Matsuri Japanese Restaurant
Mon: closed
Where: 5759 Bird Road, Coral Gables
Tue - Thursday: 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
For more information, contact the restaurant at (305) 663-1615
Fri - Sat: 11:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
41
Sun: 5:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
SEP/OCT 2010
REVIEWS
The Biltmore
A Timelessly Challenging Golf Course in Miami
42
Biltmore Golf Course’s signature hole, pictured above, is a grueling 400-yard par 4 where birdies are hard to come by.
T
he lushly landscaped Biltmore Golf Course — designed by the legendary Donald Ross — surrounds The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Completed in 1925 and recently meticulously restored, the exquisite Biltmore Golf Course has challenged the likes of Walter Hagen, Tiger Woods, Babe Ruth and Gene Sarazen. Infinitely playable no matter what your skill level, the 18-hole, 6,800yard, par 71 Biltmore Golf Course never fails to please.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
Hole 1 491 yards /// Par 5
A left-to-right tee shot is desirable on this reachable par-5 opening hole. Players must avoid the fairway bunker on the right. For those who can’t get there in two, a pitch to a well-bunkered, undulating green remains.
SEP/OCT 2010
Hole 2 166 yards /// Par 3 A mid iron shot to a narrow and wellbunkered green is recommended here. On a good day — and with a center pin placement — players may be able to run a shot between the bunkers that ends up on the dance floor. Not likely.
Hole 3 372 yards /// Par 4 A slight right-to-left tee shot needed on this dogleg left. A tough shot when considering the prevailing winds typically push the ball right. A mid to short approach shot to a well-bunkered and elevated green waits.
43
Hole 4 339 yards /// Par 4 A definite birdie opportunity here. Big hitters can go for the green — and a possible eagle putt — if you stay out of the sand on the right. A flat and accommodating dance floor makes this hole Biltmore’s “Green Light Special.”
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
Hole 5 361 yards /// Par 4 Position off the tee is essential on this dogleg right. Players must avoid four bunkers while the big hitters have to be careful of running through the fairway. A short to mid iron approach is left to an elevated green with a large false front. Par is a good score here.
SEP/OCT 2010
REVIEWS Hole 7 376 yards /// Par 4
Hole 6 402 yards /// Par 4 A slight dogleg right that forces players to once again hit into the prevailing wind. A generous landing area to the left makes for an easy escape to the bunker puzzle on the right. A mid to long iron second shot to a large, well-bunkered green remains.
An outstanding hole. The big hitters can smash one over the canal that bisects the fairway, but most players need a hybrid or long iron to keep the shot right of the water hazard. A 175-yard approach shot is left to an elevated green.
44
Hole 11 403 yards /// Par 4
Hole 10 351 yards /// Par 4 This dogleg left was originally the first hole. A rightto-left tee shot — or just cutting the corner — makes the hole much shorter. Mid to short iron approach shot to a small target makes birdie here a very good score.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
A right-to-left tee shot is preferred, leaving players a mid iron or hybrid second shot. Prevailing winds tend to push approach shots into the right greenside trap. The green is large, but difficult to hit. Par is a good score here.
SEP/OCT 2010
Hole 8 200 yards /// Par 3 A long hole with water to the right, so slicers beware. A hybrid or fairway wood is the recommended shot to this wellbunkered and narrow green that has proven to be tough to hit in regulation. Birdies are tough to come by here.
Hole 9 341 yards /// Par 4 The shape of the hole is a replica of the state of Florida. Water is found on both sides of this dogleg left. A right-to-left tee shot gives players the best angle at the elevated green. Tricky second shot if the wind is blowing.
45
Hole 12 180 yards /// Par 3 A tremendous hole. An elevated green requires the tee shot to carry all the way to the putting surface and over the bunkers and water guarding the front. Prevailing winds and club selection makes this hole a tough son-ofa-gun.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
Hole 13 424 yards /// Par 4 A long, dogleg left. A demanding tee shot makes this hole challenging. Players must avoid the cross bunkers and still get some distance with their drive. A long approach shot to a well-trapped narrow green makes par a very good score here.
SEP/OCT 2010
REVIEWS Hole 15 532 yards /// Par 5
Hole 14 136 yards /// Par 3 A tough little par-3. Accuracy is key as players are faced with a short iron to a very well-bunkered green. Choosing the right club here is essential. Come up short and you’re at the beach, wind up long and you’re in the jungle.
One of the signature holes at the Biltmore. A challenging riskreward hole once labeled by Arnold Palmer as, “the best par-5 I’ve played.” Big hitters may be able to reach in two, but most players will lay-up short of the canal in front of the green.
46
Hole 18 473 yards /// Par 5
Hole 17 394 yards /// Par 4 The signature hole at the Biltmore. A real monster from the black tees. A long, straight drive is needed on this slight dogleg right. A mid iron, hybrid or even a fairway wood approach is required over water and sand. Birdies are in short supply here.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
A fun finishing hole. A Reachable dogleg left that requires the tee shot to avoid the trees and bunkers lining the fairway. Big hitters must land their second shot short of the green if they go for it in two. Despite the tough green, birdies are plentiful here.
SEP/OCT 2010
Hole 16 362 yards // Par 4
Biltmore Golf Course 1210 Anastasia Avenue Coral Gables, FL 33134
A right-to-left tee shot into the prevailing wind is eased a bit by the generous landing area in the fairway, leaving players a short to mid iron approach. Club selection is tricky into this large, wellbunkered green.
(305) 460-5364 The Biltmore Golf Course was designed in1925 by Donald Ross, a transplanted Scotsman who was the pre-eminent golf designer of his era. The course, acknowledged as one of the finest resort layouts in the south, has always attracted dignitaries, movie stars and sport luminaries. Variety, strategy and naturalness are the most consistent traits in a Ross design. With its 2007 restoration by architect Brian Silva, the Biltmore Golf Course once again embodies these characteristics. At the Biltmore, not only will you experience world-class luxury in accommodations and service, but you will undoubtedly experience one of your best golf games. The sprawling fairways are rich and lush throughout the 18-hole, 6,800-yard layout and the facility features a fantastic pro shop, golf instruction and numerous golf programs and packages. Check back often to additionally make use of the resources to improve your game and sharpen your skills. Welcome to the Historic Donald Ross Course at the Biltmore. Welcome to your best game.
Course Overview
47
Corporate groups can organize tournaments and preferred group tee times through the Biltmore’s Concierge. Uniformed bag attendants, curbside bag drop and valet service are available seven days a week. You’ll also enjoy a fully equipped clubhouse, restaurant and bar and one of the largest driving / practice areas in the southeast.
Golf Shop Hours: Monday: 8:30-7:00 Tuesday - Friday: 7:00-7:00 Saturday & Sunday: 6:30-7:00 Reservations need to be made 48 hours in advance. Advanced notice is not required.
Hole-by-hole graphics Courtesy of Biltmore
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
CONNOISSEUR
From Grapes to Hops A Wine Lover Savors Beer By Yvonne Roberts / Biltmore Membership Director /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
A 48
s a wine enthusiast in search of new and exciting palate-pleasing experiences, I recently ventured into the world of beer and was captivated by the superb quality of brews available in today’s market. After sampling a range of beer styles from around the world, I was impressed by the quality and quantity of distinctive bottling, especially American microbrews — boutique beers meant to be savored like fine wine. Crossing over from wine to beer was easy for me, as many of wine’s classic characteristics are transplanted into beer. In addition to the standard ingredients of beer — yeast, water, malt and hops — many brewers add their own twist through spices, fruits and often blend a variety of hops and malts to create distinctive bottlings. As a champagne fan, I am pleasantly aware of how beer’s fizzy carbonation evokes the bubbles in sparkling wine. Much like wine, the glass used to serve each beer plays a role in the overall sensory experience. In addition to traditional beer steins and pint glasses, many of today’s carefully crafted beers are best served in fluted glasses; some of our customers even request wine or champagne glasses for their beer. I personally enjoy light lagers and pale ales, as they are perfect for Miami’s year-round warm weather. Furthermore, their refreshing crispness and layered flavor components are a great match to a variety of dishes and preparations. The bitterness of hops cuts through fat and oils in food — much like champagne — making beer the perfect palate cleanser for fried foods, cheeses and creamy sauces. On the other end of the spectrum, the sweetness of malt reduces the heat of
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
spicy food, making beer the ideal companion to Asian fare and jalapeño-spiked Tex-Mex dishes. When matching beer and food, I view light lagers in a similar context as white wines (or champagne) and darker ales as red wines, and proceed to pair accordingly. At Biltmore’s 19th Hole, we offer a broad selection of beers from around the world and an innovative pub fare menu to match .
SEP/OCT 2010
The History of the Cigar By Christophe Normand /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
6000 B.C. First tobacco plants grow in America.
T
1565 A.D.
1606 A.D.
Tobacco reaches England.
King Phillip III decreed tobacco could be grown only in a few spanish colonies.
1492 A.D.
1586 A.D.
Columbus brings tobacco back to Europe.
Tobacco reaches mainstream English society.
o some, there’s nothing more relaxing than hitting a few golf balls and smoking a cigar. Ever wondered where the cigar you’re smoking came from? Ever thought about the events that took place to make holding that aromatic stick in your hand today possible? Sit back and relax — class is in session. When Christopher Columbus came to America, he didn’t find exactly what he expected. In search of spices, Columbus instead discovered a little leafy shrub that would soon become known as Nicotiana Tabacum — tobacco. Smoking tobacco was a sacred ritual among Native Americans, as they believed exhaling tobacco smoke would carry their thoughts and prayers to heaven. The first tobacco plant is said to have started growing in the Americas around 6000 B.C. The natives introduced the European settlers to the fine art of smoking what seemed to be just a bunch of dried-up leaves. Tobacco was first introduced in France. It traveled to Portugal, Spain and eventually reached England by 1565. Tobacco smoking was not introduced into mainstream English society until 1586. While the British smoked pipes, Spain was working on something different: cigar production. In 1606, King Phillip
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
III decreed that tobacco could be grown only in a few of the Spanish colonies, mainly Cuba and Santo Domingo, to be shipped to Seville. By the 17th century, cigars had become the single largest source of wealth for the Spanish crown. Because tobacco taxes were high, cigar smoking soon became a status symbol. Israel Putnam, an American general in the Civil War, is credited for bringing Cuban cigars to the Connecticut area and planting Cuban tobacco seeds. Cigar factories soon emerged in Connecticut to process the Cuban seed tobacco, and thus the American cigar industry was born. So, the next time you’re on the golf course lighting a flavorful cigar, reflect on the incredible journey the tightly rolled stick of tobacco traveled to make it into your hand .
Neptune Cigars Superstore & Lounge Location: 9308 South Dixie Hwy. Miami, FL 33156 Phone: (305) 670-0633 (800) 655-3385 Toll Free
Hours of operation: Mon - Wed: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thurs - Fri: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
SEP/OCT 2010
49
50
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
51
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
The Evolution of
the Biltmore Hotel
From Prosperity to Abandonment and Back Again By denis austin /// Weekend golfer staff writer
T
ILLUSTRATION BY JORGE FORNES
o see the Biltmore Hotel today is to witness what some may consider the definition of a luxury resort. It possesses all the amenities that most people dream of. The architecture is exquisite, the gardens are lush and full of life, and the lobby and the guest rooms exude extravagance. One can truly feel like royalty here. That hasn’t always been the case.
52
Jorge Fornes was born in 1930 in La Habana, Cuba. Fornes is responsible for 22 exhibits found in Cuba, Mexico, Czechoslovakia and the US. jvfornes@bellsouth.net
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
The Golden Age
The Biltmore Hotel opened in 1926 as the new standard in luxury and remained that way for the next 16 years. The parties were extravagant — the guest list read like a who’s who of the time — and the atmosphere was electric. “When the hotel first opened it was the jewel in the crown of Coral Gables,” Judy Pruitt, a hotel tour guide from the Dade Heritage Trust said. “The hotel was the reason people traveled to Coral Gables. The hotel was built and the city was formed around it.” This was the golden age of the Biltmore
Photos courtesy of Biltmore
and the basis for many of its legendary stories. There were movie stars, European royals, and the most exciting of them all — the gangsters. The hotel hosted a variety of events including fashion shows, foxhunts, and of course, golf events played on its Donald Ross designed golf courses. When the hotel opened it was home to two championship golf courses and attracted the likes of politicians Al Smith, baseball icon Babe Ruth and golf great Bobby Jones. What the area of Coral Gables didn’t have the Biltmore imported or built. For example: Foxhunts were a big draw for guests of the hotel and the fox is not native to South Florida. To solve this problem the hotel imported foxes from the north purely for the hunt. “The little red foxes can still be seen running throughout Coral Gables,” Pruitt said.
“When the hotel opened it was the jewel in the crown of Coral Gables.” — Judy Pruitt, Biltmore Hotel tour guide
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
53
The Darkest Hour
With the onset of WWII the hotel was abruptly transformed into a hospital for the Army and the Air Force. This setback proved to be detrimental to the Biltmore Hotel as windows were filled with concrete and the beautiful floors were covered with linoleum. The sacrifice for the country stripped the hotel of its natural beauty. As the war ended, the hotel slipped deeper into disrepair culminating in its complete closure and abandonment in 1968. This was the darkest hour for the hotel. “After it was boarded up it was an eyesore for the city,” Pruitt said. Following its closure, the city of Coral Gables lobbied for the Biltmore to be listed on the National Register of Historical Places. In 1972 the building was granted the distinction thereby giving the city
full ownership. The next 10 years proved to be a difficult period with many arguing for its demolition. “It was like a white elephant and people were divided on whether or not to demolish it completely,” Pruitt remembers. “Many thought it was hurting their property value to have this abandoned building in their backyard.” Despite being regarded as the centerpiece of the city, many thought it would take far too much work and far too much money to restore the Biltmore to its original beauty. One example of how far the property had fallen occurred in 1977. The horror movie, Shock Waves, was filmed at the empty Biltmore Hotel. The production company paid a very modest $250 to use the property. As seen in the film, the hotel was in complete despair.
“It was like a white elephant, and people were divided on whether or not to demolish it completely.” — Judy Pruitt, Biltmore Hotel tour guide
54
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
The Resurrection
After much deliberation the city commissioners amenities but keeps its old style architecture. The hotel finally approved a $55 million renovation project in is a museum of its own brand. “Every floor has its own historical theme,” Pruitt said. 1983. There was a lot of work to do on the hotel and it had to be done in a way that the hotel remained a “When you get off the elevator you will see a painting from a different time period of the hotel and that signifies historical landmark. “A man named John Herndon was in charge of the the theme for the entire floor.” restoration and without him it would have never made The hotel walls are filled with stories. Every painting, drawing, and picture from the past it.” Pruitt said. “He brought in holds a piece of history, which a team of women that had been Pruitt incorporates into her tour. restoring cathedrals in Mexico to “I like to stop by the pictures work on the hotel. He was a man on the tour and explain their who could get things done.” significance to the hotel,” she said. Four long years passed and in “A picture is worth 1,000 words.” 1987 the Biltmore opened its doors The golf course at the Biltmore as a hotel for the first time in has seen a face lift as well, after a nearly 25 years. multi-million dollar investment by The hotel was beautiful again the city of Coral Gables. The course and some even argue having the that once hosted the stars is back hotel closed for more than two in full swing with brand new tee decades actually allowed it to be — Danielle Finnegan, boxes, bunkers and greens. It has, preserved better than if it were open. Biltmore Hotel Director however, kept the original Donald “The closure helped preserve the of Public Relations Ross design that made it famous in hotel from being updated through the first place. renovations.” Danielle Finnegan, Biltmore Director of Public Relations explained. A The Biltmore has had a long strange trip over the last 85 process like that “is rare because most hotels go through years — some may even call it an evolution. updates over 85 years. But, the Biltmore was designated as a historical site and then renovated, which meant they had to keep the hotel in its original historical state.” Three years went by until the Biltmore was back in the red and was forced to close yet again. A bad economy was blamed this time around. Despite the closure, the Biltmore once again showed its resilience. In 1992 the hotel was back open again under new corporate ownership. The new owners, Seaway Hotels Corporation, invested another $40 million into the hotel over 10 years and it has really caught on again. The Biltmore is now riding a wave of prosperity and is regarded as one of the finest hotels in South Florida. Today, the hotel is home to 275 rooms — including the Al Capone suite and the Merrick Suite — along with three signature restaurants, a spa, and one of the largest hotel swimming pools in the US. “We continue to innovate while keeping our history intact” Finnegan said. Today the hotel is a very unique property that has stood the test of time. It stays modern by offering luxury
“The closure helped preserve the hotel from being updated through renovations.”
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
55
FINANCE
Money in The Bank Taking the Mystery Out of Variable Annuities By Percy Avetrani / Financial Advisor / Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
M
illions of Americans facing retirement are recognizing the possibility of outliving their savings. Unlike their parents and grandparents, today’s 65-year-olds may live additional decades. A recent survey found that about half of workers feel confident that they’ll have enough for retirement. Many are taking steps to improve their situation, saving more money and investing wisely.
56
Variable Annuities are a reliable stream of income A variable annuity is a long term investment vehicle purchased from an insurance company. Well suited to be part of a retirement savings plan, it allows you to accumulate assets on a tax-deferred basis by investing in a variety of plans. Guaranteed a payment at retirement, variable annuities are very popular. Listed below are five questions prospective buyers should ask when considering a variable annuity purchase.
1
Taking the mystery out of variable annuities
A sound investment choice is its net performance after expenses. Begin by looking for annuities that rank among the low cost leaders, compare contracts, paying particular attention to expenses. Charges to look for include: • A management fee. • A charge called a mortality and expense fee. • A contract fee that is typically waived when the contract attains a minimum size. • An upfront, back-load or no-load sales charge, depending on the type of variable annuity. It’s important to compare the expenses. Lower expenses mean more money in your contract. If you pay a sales charge at the time of purchase, the mortality and expense fee will probably be lower than if there were no sales charge. Some companies charge a front-load fee; others offer a back-load purchase option. And still others have a no-load design, which charges a relatively higher asset-based fee every year instead of deducting up-front sales charges. Advantages of a front-load design (where you pay the sales charge up front include lower annual expenses and access to your funds without withdrawal charges. A back-load design allows you to put all of your money to work immediately with no front-load charge, although withdrawals may be limited and could be subject to charges.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
2
What are my options?
An annuity with a front-load design allows you access to your funds without surrender charges (minimum investments are often required) while a back-load design contract has surrender charges associated with withdrawals that usually decrease each year until they eventually expire. Most contracts allow for a charge-free corridor that allows you to take out a portion of your contract value without a charge. Many variable annuity contacts sold today are issued with a provision that allows you to take money from your contract without a surrender charge in the event of a terminal illness or confinement to a nursing home. Withdrawals from deferred annuities taken prior to age 59½ may be subject to a 10% IRS early withdrawal penalty.
3
What about tax deferral at death?
Non-tax qualified variable annuity contracts issued today offer a contingent annuitant or contract continuation feature. This enables your beneficiary to become the annuitant in the event you die before the contact is put into an income plan. Although this deferral cannot continue indefinitely, IRS rules apply.
4
Why put a tax-deferred investment into a tax-qualified account such as an annuity in an IRA?
57
Investing in a variable annuity through an IRA or 401(k) plan provides no additional tax advantages. Reasons to use a variable annuity inside a qualified plan is to access certain benefits only annuities provide. These include: • Portfolio rebalancing • Guaranteed stream of lifetime income • A death benefit which applies before the contract is put into an income plan, typically up to age 75. This pays the beneficiary the greater of the current market value or the amount paid onto the plan • Ability to transfer among investment choices without triggering a taxable event
5
What is my insurance company’s rating?
The ratings an insurance company receives from third-party rating agencies are an important indicator of its financial strength. There are four major rating agencies: Moody’s Investor Services, Standard & Poor’s, Fitch and A.M. Best Company. Look for companies that earn top ratings. Third-party ratings are subject to change and have no impact on investment return or principal value. The benefits of tax-deferred growth, guaranteed death benefit, and guaranteed lifetime income options offered by a variable annuity provide unique advantages. Variable annuities may be an important role in reaching you retirement goals.
• This information should not be used as a basis for tax or legal advice. Your tax or legal advisor should be contacted for guidance regarding your specific situation.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
FINANCE
Have You Got It Covered? Golf Insurance a Wise Purchase By Neil Verlander /// Weekend Golfer Contributing Writer
58
H
i fellow golfers! I hope your golfing start to 2010 is going well, especially if you are one of those golfers that tend to hibernate in the winter or only come out when there is absolutely no chance of rain. It doesn’t really matter if you are a hardened allweather golfer or you just come out for some fresh air, good company and a bit of entertainment. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy yourself. I just thought I would bring to your attention a subject that most of us golfers probably don’t think about that often especially when we are on the first tee and ready to play the best game of golf we have ever played. Golf insurance. Golf is a wonderful and unpredictable game in which anything can happen and in my case very often does when it comes to where the ball finishes. But, what if it
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
wasn’t in the rough, sand or water? In today’s competetive society a simple slice or hook could prove to be pretty expensive and I’m not referring just to your score. Playing golf is a very risky business in that you could be on a high one minute and playing target golf, but one wayward shot later and potentially you can easily find yourself in deep financial water… no matter where you’re playing in the world. You probably have a ‘rescue club’ in your bag. Well,here’s a little tip, add a rescue insurance policy. In that moment of misfortune when your ball heads towards something other than countryside, this little piece of paper could prove to be your salvation. I would like to think that all of you reading this article are covered by some of the major insurance policies,
SEP/OCT 2010
for life, house, health, car and travel. But, it is scary how many golfers are not covered by insurance when they take to the golf course with ‘missiles of mass destruction,’ which make a golf course a fairly dangerous playground. Golf insurance is a wise, commonsense purchase and will ensure you peace of mind whenever and wherever you tee up in the future. You can be insured for a wide range of potentially very expensive situations: From knocking someone’s brains out with a wayward tee shot, to a hefty bar bill following your hole-in-one. Taking out a golf insurance annual policy doesn’t cost a fortune either. You can get 12 months of coverage starting around $60. For your money, you can expect $3million of public liability coverage, $37,500 - $75,000
worth of personal accident coverage and up to $3,700 in equipment coverage, which should include clothing. If you suffer from an illness or personal injury during the term of your policy, you should also be able to claim back a slice of your club fees. There are many specialist golf insurance companies offering a variety of options and additional benefits, so shop around to see which one suits you best. If you visit Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, then I personally recommend The Golfers Club which offers specialist coverage and other great golfing benefits. Accidents do happen, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. The next time you’re on the tee make sure you’re not driving without insurance. It makes sense! .
59
“2009 Acura Precision Team” 10 time award winner. Rated “A” in the BBB of Florida
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
Miami Acura
16601 S. Dixie Hwy. Miami, FL 33157 Ph: 305.232.1400 www.miamiacura.com
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.
SEP/OCT 2010
Photograph by Michelle Rinaldi
60
What we do here, “locally, to step up
and fight this disease, is very important. Whatever we can do to add to the number of women who beat it, we need to do.
-Russ Briner
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
”
SEP/OCT 2010
B y J o h n S a n ta g ata / / / W e e k e n d G o l f e r S e n i o r W r i t e r
OUT TO KILL
a killer
F u n d r a i s e r at K i l l i a n G r e e n s G o l f C l u b t o b at t l e b r e a s t c a n c e r
61
T
he numbers are staggering. One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Nearly 213,000 women find out they have breast cancer each year and nearly 41,000 will die of the disease — making it the most common cancer in women and the second-leading cancer killer overall. But, the statistics don’t have to stay that way. In fact, the numbers are on the decline. Because it is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women also means that small changes in statistics have a substantial impact on a large number of women. In other words, even a small change in the disease represents a lot of moms, sisters and wives. And that’s what drives Russ Briner. The owner of two Miami-Dade golf courses — Costa Greens Golf Club and Killian Greens Golf Club — is out do anything he can to help. Including getting the residents of Miami-Dade County involved.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
62
Briner partnered with the Rally for the Cure Foundation and created the Big K Open, a golf tournament benefiting breast cancer awareness held annually at Killian Greens. The opportunity to make a dent, regardless of size, in a disease that he’s seen up front and personal, was too important for Briner to pass up. “I personally know a number of people who have been affected by the disease,” Briner said. “So, I take it very personally.” He’s seen the disease win and he’s seen the disease lose. The latter is why he’s focused on doing all he can do to kill the killer. “I know a number of breast cancer survivors and it seems to be something that has really hit the forefront as of late primarily because of early detection,” he said. “It is really working to help combat the disease and to cure women that have developed cancer. That wasn’t the case just a few years ago. With the way technology has advanced, early detection is the best way to nip it in the bud before it grows.” And that’s why, for the third consecutive year, Briner is dusting off his shovel and turning into a farmer for a day.
For just “this one day, golf takes a back seat to something that I believe is much more significant. This is something that is much bigger than a game — on each and every level. -Russ Briner
”
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
Rally for the Cure is a national organization committed to making an impact in the fight against breast cancer. Rally is an awareness program that provides a simple platform for people to educate their friends, family and community about breast cancer. Its volunteerorganized golf, tennis and social events have communicated the importance message that early detection saves lives of more than 1.65 million people and has generated more than $50 million for the Susan G. Komen, Rally for the Cure Foundation.
But, he’s not just interested in nipping a few buds. He’s out to pull the seeds of the disease from the ground before they even sprout. Briner has raised more than $10,000 the past two events and this year he’s looking for more. “If we could raise more money this year, that would be great,” he said. “Once more people get involved and become aware that every little bit helps, the rest will take care of itself.” The event is scheduled for September 18. Pencil it down in your planner, mark it on your calendar, or input a reminder on your phone. Just don’t miss it. Because on that particular afternoon, golf is taking second stage to something a whole lot bigger. And golfers of Miami-Dade County have a chance to sit in the front row. “For just this one day, golf takes a back seat to something that I believe is much more significant,” Briner said. “This is something that is much bigger than a game — on each and every level.” His sentiments have been echoed loud and clear the last two years. The Killian Greens Annual Big K tournament has attracted golfers of all types, shapes and sizes: Proof that Briner is not alone in his quest to beat back a predator that takes more women annually than Alzheimer’s disease, Diabetes, stroke and HIV/ Aids, combined. It’s a reality that calms even the most savage beast. “These guys are humbled a little,” Briner said of the competitors he’s seen in the event the last few years. “I think deep down inside, the average guy, as macho as he may be, gets a little bit humbled when he participates in an event like this because of the purpose.” A purpose that Briner sees catching on across the entire sporting landscape, regardless of the color it’s proudly represented by. “I’ve always found it interesting that a guy will put his ball on a pink tee and will wear pink hats and clothes for a day,” Briner seemed to laugh to himself and continued, “heck, there are even some
SEP/OCT 2010
Once more people get “involved and become aware that every little bit helps, the rest will take care of itself. -Russ Briner
”
guys that come out here with their hair dyed pink. But, really, it’s catching on. You see the pros out there wearing pink things on tour, you see baseball players wearing them and you see football players wearing them, too.” Briner’s not concerned if his shirt is pink, blush or salmon. The importance isn’t about what he looks like or how he does while competing that day. He doesn’t care if he wins – he doesn’t even know if he’ll play – and he doesn’t think anybody else should either. “The importance is not so much about what foursome wins,” he said. “There is a small trophy to the winner, not some big cash prize. It’s not that
Women in the U.S. have a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer in their lives and a 1 in 33 chance of breast cancer causing their death. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 40,000 women die from breast cancer annually.
kind of event. The importance is for us to do our part to help fight this disease.” You see, to Briner, the winner on Sept. 18 isn’t the team that shoots the lowest score; it’s the women that benefit from golfers in Miami doing their part to make a difference. “We really may be just one small part of it, but we’re a big part in the city of Miami and in MiamiDade County,” Briner said. “What we do here, locally, to step up and fight this disease, is very important. Whatever we can do to add to the number of women who beat it, we need to do.” And by doing that, Briner hopes to add to another staggering number: 2.5 million. The number of American breast cancer survivors . 63
TOURNament INFORMATION
COURSE INFORMATION
When: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, September 18.
Killian Greens Golf Club 9980 SW 104th street Miami, FL 33176 Phone: (305) 271-0917
Costa Greens Golf Club 100 Costa Del Sol Boulevard Miami, FL 33178 Phone: (305) 592-3300
Where: Killian Greens Golf Club
Rates: May 15th through November
Rates: May 15th through
What: Killian Greens Annual Big K / Rally for the Cure Tournament
How much: $80/person ($20 is directly donated to the Susan G. Komen, Rally for the Cure Foundation)
Notes: The event is a four-man scramble format with a shotgun start. Beverages will be served on the course and a barbeque lunch is included. Info: Call (305) 271-0197 or visit www.killiangreensgolfclub.com
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
15th, 2010 • Monday - Friday and Weekends
November 15th, 2010
after 11:00 AM $25 (tax included) • Weekends 7:00 AM-11:00 AM $39 (tax included) • Daily Twilight after 3PM $22 (tax included)
• Monday - Friday and Weekends
after 11:00 AM $25 (tax included)
• Weekends 7:00 AM-11:00 AM $35 (tax included) • Daily Twilight after 3PM $20 (tax included)
Rates include sales tax & golf cart rental. All rates are per person.
Rates include sales tax & golf cart rental. All rates are per person.
Rates for nine holes are available at all times except twilight. Walkers are welcome at all times except weekend mornings before 11:00 AM. Pull carts are available.
Rates for nine holes are available at all times except twilight.Walk-ins are welcome at all times. Pull carts are available.
SEP/OCT 2010
www.scottpatterson.com
D0 L 0 O 0 , 5 S ,48 $1,
Williams Island Penthouse 4
64
Ready to make a purchase or sell your property? You’ll want a real estate broker with a proven record who knows South Florida. Scott handles some of the most exclusive luxury listings – from waterfront estates to condominiums in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Scott ranks in the top 1/2 of 1% of Realtors® nationally as one of EWM Realtors top six agents. EWM is a subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc. an affiliate of Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway, one of the largest real estate brokerage firms in America. So when you’re ready to buy or sell, Scott is ready for you.
Waterfront Island Estates, 3901 Island Estates Drive
New Mediterranean home in private island community. 7,000 sq.ft. under air, 6/8.5, expansive water views, elevator, wine room, wet bar, heated pool/spa, summer kitchen, generator ready, generator ready, 50’ boat slip.
$4,975,000
Hamptons South, 20201 E.Country Club Dr. #307
D0 L 0 O 0 , S ,840 $1,
Golden Gate Estate, 19482 38th Court
Golden Beach Estate, 419 Centre Island Dr.
Residential masterpiece nestled in desirable waterfront site along the Intracoastal Waterway. Expansive interiors featuring over 9,000 sq.ft., 5/6.5, home theater, tray ceilings, elevator, marble deck and dock and many more exceptional details. One of Golden Beach's finest estates. $7,495,000
Porto-Vita Waterfront, 3750 NE 199 Terrace
3-story townhome with beautiful courtyard entry, 60’ Beautiful intracoastal views, highly upgraded, includes deeded boat dock, 4/4.5, impact windows, family room, crown & chair rail moldings, custom walk-in closets, bar, day kitchen, pool, summer kitchen, large master suite w/sitting area, elevator & 2 car garage. $1,799,000 European kitchen, marble floors, 2/2+den and maids quarters. Private elevator, luxury amenities. $899,000
Visit my Website & Blog: www.scottpattersonblog.com
>>
www.scottpatterson.com scott@scottpatterson.com
305.466.3070 Miami-Dade 954.661.8871 Broward efax: 305.960.5290 2750 Miami Gardens Drive, Suite 101 Aventura, Florida 33180
Hidden Bay Penthouse 3370 Hidden Bay Dr. #PH3611
Modern 2/3 + Den, formal dining, spacious kitchen, marble and bamboo flooring, large master suite with private balcony. Stunning ocean/bay views overlooking Turnberry Golf Course, Aventura and Sunny Isles. Amazing city skyline vista at night. $799,000
,
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
Have you checked your bucket list?
65
2011 Chevrolet Camaro
Tropical Chevrolet 8880 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33138 Ph: 305.754.7551
www.tropicalchevrolet.net
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
66
Tunnel Vision Miami golfer tearing up the junior scene
By John Santagata /// Weekend Golfer Senior Writer Photograph by Michelle Rinaldi
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
JUNIORS
M
eet Tanya Eathakotti. The name may not seem familiar now, but this 10year old is out to prove it soon could be one to remember. At first glance, she resembles most girls her age. Her feet dangle off the chair she sits on, tippy toes barely touching the floor. She smiles a lot, giggles a lot and admits she watches SpongeBob Squarepants a lot, too. But, then she goes out and crushes a golf ball and the comparison between Tanya and other 10-year old girls quickly ends. Throw in the fact she was born February 29, 2000 — a leap year — and technically, Tanya is a girl less than three who can kick your butt on a golf course. Sure, she tried dolls, but they didn’t stick. When asked at what age she threw away the Barbie’s and picked up a golf club, she was quick to respond. “I never played with Barbie’s,” she said deliberately. “I had some dolls, but I didn’t even use them. I’ve pretty much always liked sports. I played a little tennis, but I started really golfing a lot, I think, when I was six.” — Tanya Eathakotti She made the beginning of her golf career sound like it happened an eternity ago, like the day she first teed it up was almost too far back to remember. Mike Simmons remembers. The head teaching professional at Miccosukee Golf and Country Club admitted he’ll probably remember that day his entire lifetime. “I’ve had her from the beginning,” Simmons sat back in his chair and smiled at the thought. “She came to my Saturday morning clinic, and that’s how it all started. Simmons knew from the get-go that this little girl was something special. “She definitely showed the enthusiasm,” he continued, “but, what made her stand out was how she adapted so very easily. It wasn’t difficult to see the potential there. She’s proven that she’s a person who learns very quickly and is willing to do whatever it takes to succeed.” And succeed she has – with the help of her coach. “He’s good,” Tanya said of Simmons. “He’s taught me a lot of
“
things about the game and he doesn’t just make me good; he makes me believe I’m good. Good is an understatement. There’s a reason it’s hard for Tanya to remember what happened four years ago: It’s gone by in a blur. She has earned enough accolades for an average adult’s lifetime, let alone a kid that’s scheduled to graduate high school in 2018. In the four short years or so since she began, Tanya’s quick learning ability has produced several titles, prestigious tournament invitations, state and national junior rankings, awards and a coveted Player-of-the-Year trophy. “She’s improved leaps and bounds,” Simmons said. “She loves to compete. Her heart and soul is really in the game. Add that to her talent, and she could be dangerous, really dangerous, in the future.” Shoot, this little girl is dangerous now. While playing in the Gold Coast Junior Golf Foundation this past summer, Tanya tore through the Platinum Tour, winning 4 of 6 events on her way to clinching the 2010 Player-of-the-Year award. Tanya’s average of 34.25 strokes per victory was nearly eight shots better than the second-place average of 41.75. She’s not just winning; she’s winning big. “When I play, I’m just trying to do the best that I can,” she said. “I know that if I play good, then I’ll win. It’s not ever about who I play against. I’m just playing for me.” Playing for herself earned Tanya a trip to the Junior European Championships in Scotland. Voted best female golfer in her age group for the state of Florida, the invite came along with it. It was an opportunity for Tanya to play against some of the top golfers in her age group from all over the world. And like Tanya is proving time and time again, she doesn’t shy away from a little competition. She goes after it. “That’s the main reason why I went there,” she said. “I want to play with the best players. That’s how you get better – by playing against the best.” She proved her mettle, shooting 81-81-85 for the three-day event, finishing eighth.
I want to play with the best players. That’s how you get better – by playing against the best.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
“
SEP/OCT 2010
67
“
She loves to compete. Her heart and soul is really in the game. Add that to her talent, and she could be dangerous, really dangerous, in the future.
“
— Mike Simmons
68
A Top-10 finish would satisfy most golfers. Not Tanya. “I could have done better,” she admitted. “It was a whole lot different. It was really windy and the greens were like putting on ice. “And the people had weird accents.” Back on her home soil, Tanya hasn’t let up. She practices for numerous hours on a daily basis and, according to her coach, soaks up golf instruction like a sponge. “She is very, very, teachable,” Simmons said. “I’m not afraid at all of giving too much information to her. She’d hit balls all day long if you didn’t tell her to stop. She’s out here in camp from 9 (a.m.) to 2 (p.m.) then she goes out and hits balls until 5 (p.m.). I’ve actually got to ask her to not hit so many balls.” There’s a reason she’s out there beating up on a bunch of Titleists: Tanya’s on a mission.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
And junior golf is just the beginning. In 10 years – with the leap year thing she’ll be six – Tanya wants to be alongside her LPGA Tour idol, Michelle Wei, and she isn’t shy about letting the people of Miami-Dade County know it. “In 10 years I want to be playing pro,” she said. No pause, right to the point. Just don’t tell her she can’t. “Nobody ever tells me I can’t,” she said. “I can do it because I’m a good golfer and it’s my goal. Can’t isn’t a word in my dictionary.” Simmons also has a vision of where Tanya will be a few years down the road. And the word can’t isn’t in his dictionary, either. “She should be playing US Amateurs by then,” he said. “But, with her rate of progress, her outstanding devotion to
SEP/OCT 2010
what she wants to do and her commitment, she should be playing US Nationals. She should at least be at that level, certainly.” But, if the golf thing doesn’t quite pan out, Tanya’s got it covered. The straight A student also has her heart set on carving up something other than a golf course. “I want to be a heart surgeon too,” she said, excited at the thought. “I want to go to medical school. I want to go to Miami (FL), Harvard or Yale.” And since can’t isn’t in her dictionary, there’s no reason why she won’t.
Major tournament results (individual):
Major tournament results (team):
2010 European Championship, Scotland, UK – 8th place Copperhead Classic, Regional Championship, Tampa – 3rd place Pete Abbey Memorial Tournament, Pembroke Pines – 1st place 2009 US Kids Golf Tournament – Player of the Year Gold Coast Junior Golf foundation – Player of the Year US Kids World Championship, Pinehurst, North Carolina – 54th Place World Championship Qualifier, Ocean Reef, FL – 1st Position
Van horn Cup – 2010, Gullane, Scotland, UK Ryder Cup format team event between United Kingdom & rest of the world. Tanya was invited to represent USA as part of the International team. Tanya was the top finisher in the non-UK countries. However, the international team lost the event. Okee-Gold Cup – 2009, Fort Lauderdale, FL Junior four-ball match play event between Broward County & Palm Beach County. Tanya was invited to play for the Broward team based on her exemplary play throughout the year. The Broward County team won the event.
69
“
I know that if I play good, then I’ll win. It’s not ever about who I play against. I’m just playing for me.
— Tanya Eathakotti
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
“
SEP/OCT 2010
JUNIORS
MORE THAN A
70
First Tee Miami-Dade crafting golfers of tomorrow By Denis Austin | Weekend Golfer Staff Writer
As the summer golf season winds down, the staff of Melreese Country Club in Miami finally gets a chance to take a short break. However small it may be, it’s well deserved. Home to the First Tee Miami-Dade Amateur Golf Association, Melreese has become the playground for hundreds of junior and amateur golfers county-wide. Golfers that come away with a lesson more important than how to hit a ball: A life lesson.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
“To promote, educate and encourage the youth of our community to become knowledgeable of and proficient in the game of golf.” - First Tee Miami-Dade slogan originally stated by founder Charles DeLucca Jr.
71
DAGA
The story of amateur golf in Miami Dade starts with one man: Charles DeLucca Jr. Born and raised in Miami, DeLucca Jr. started the Dade Amateur Golf Association in 1968 and has been at the helm ever since. His slogan, To promote, educate and encourage the youth of our community to become knowledgeable of and proficient in the game of golf, has stuck. The DAGA started as a summer golf league. Each Monday club teams from local golf courses would gather for friendly competition. The DAGA kept the
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
summer format until 1981 when the association decided to extend their junior golf season to year round. The DAGA expanded its presence further the following year, when it started the Doral Junior Classic golf tournament. The tournament was such a success that the following year it expanded from 36 holes to 54. The tournament played at Doral Golf Resort and Spa has been held every year since. Just as the DAGA gained notoriety in the community through the 80’s and 90’s, a movement was happening nationally in junior golf.
SEP/OCT 2010
THE FIRST TEE
During the mid-90’s the National Golf Foundation studied the involvement of young people in the game of golf. The research provided two startling conclusions. First: A mere two percent of children between the ages of 12 and 17 had ever attempted to play golf. Second: Out of the entire nation’s golfers only five percent were minorities. As these revelations came to the surface the golfing community realized it needed to do something. In 1997 the World Golf Foundation announced the start of a program called The First Tee. This program would be designed to promote the game of golf across the country to every young person. Furthermore, the First Tee would promote life skills and positive values. The emphasis would be to increase the involvement of young people who would not have had the prior opportunity to participate in the game. Today, The First Tee program has grown to operate over 200 chapters in each of the 50 states, as well as four international chapters. The backbone of The First Tee program is the Nine Core Values. This set of principals is not only taught to be used on the golf course, but also in life. The First Tee Program prides itself on developing good golfers, but more importantly, good people.
72
Local Chapter
The Dade Amateur Golf Association has always been at the forefront of junior golf in the community. In 2002 the DAGA was introduced to the First Tee Program and it seemed like a perfect match. The programs married and teamed up to bring the South Florida community what some consider the best junior golf in the country. The headquarters for The First Tee-Dade Amateur Golf Association is located at the International Links Miami – Melreese Country Club, 1802 NW 37th Ave. Miami, FL. The TFT-DAGA is headed up by the man who started the junior golf movement in Miami: Executive Director Charles DeLucca Jr.
Clinics and Tournaments
At the present time DeLucca Jr. and his organization have a year-round schedule of programs to keep all of the young golfers in the community busy. Every Monday during the summer months the Charlie DeLucca School of Golf Summer Camp is held at 9am. Also on Mondays, the Summer Series Tournaments are held at the Melreese Country Club. These weekly events give young amateurs the opportunity to test their skills against their peers. Along with the weekly summer tournaments, the Charlie Pifer Tri-County tournament is
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
held, attracting golfers from Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties to compete for county bragging rights. Although school is back in session, things don’t slow down at Melreese; they simply shift to the weekends. The First Tee Miami-Dade Amateur Golf Association clinics are offered on Saturday afternoons from 4-6 pm and Sunday afternoons from 2-4 pm. The MiamiDade Schools Girls Golf Clinic is also offered Saturday afternoons between 1-3 pm. This year-round schedule allows junior golfers to gain maximum exposure to the sport and its life lessons. With the onset of cooler weather on the way, tournament season begins with the Dade Amateur Championship and Senior Amateur Championship in late November. Followed by the City of Miami’sAnnual Golf Classic Sandra DeLucca Developmental Center (for persons with disabilities) in the first week of December. To close out the year junior golfers from around the country flock to South Florida for the Doral-Publix Junior Golf Classic, held the week before Christmas. DeLucca and company begin the new calendar year with the Miami-Dade Public Schools/Sports Program for the Disabled (Special Olympics-Training). This is a weekly training clinic to prepare the athletes for the Special Olympics competition. In March the annual Spring Break Classic is held at Melreese while junior golfers are on vacation. As spring is turns into summer, the Special Olympics are held in late May, proceeded by two additional training clinics. Regardless of the time of year, the First Tee MiamiDade Amateur Golf Association has something to offer everyone who enjoys the game of golf.
SEP/OCT 2010
Nine Core Values Honesty
1
2
The quality or state of being truthful; not deceptive. Golf is unique from other sports in that players regularly call penalties on themselves and report their own score.
4
Respect
Perseverance
To persist in an idea, purpose or task despite obstacles. To succeed in golf, players must continue through bad breaks and their own mistakes, while learning from past experiences.
3
Strict adherence to a standard of value or conduct; personal honesty and independence. Golf is a game of etiquette and composure. Players are responsible for their actions and personal conduct on the golf course even at times when others may not be looking.
5
To feel or show deferential regard for; esteem. In golf it is important to show respect for oneself, playing partners, fellow competitors, the golf course, and for the honor and traditions of the game.
7
Integrity
Confidence
Observing the rules of play and winning or losing with grace. Players must know and abide by the rules of golf and be able to conduct themselves in a kind and respectful manner towards others even in a competitive game.
6
Courtesy
Considerate behavior toward others; a polite remark or gesture. A round of golf should begin and end with a handshake between fellow competitors. Players also should be still and quiet while others are preparing and performing a shot.
Responsibility
Accounting for one’s actions;
Reliance or trust. A feeling of self-assurance. Confidence plays a key role in the level of play that one achieves. Players can increase confidence in their abilities by being positive and focusing on something they are doing well regardless of the outcome.
8
Sportsmanship
dependable. Players are responsible for their actions on the golf course. It is up to them to keep score, repair divots, rake bunkers, repair ball marks on the green, and keep up with the pace of play. 73
9
JudgEment
The ability to make a decision or form an opinion; a decision reached after consideration. Using good judgment is very important in golf. It comes into play when deciding on strategy, club selection, when to play safe and when to take a chance, the type of shot players consider executing, as well as making healthy choices on and off the golf course.
Upcoming Tournaments 2010 Dade Amateur Championship & Senior Championship
City of Miami’s 16th Annual Golf Classic Sandra DeLucca Developmental Center
First Tee Miami / DAGA Doral Publix Junior Classic
Friday, Nov. 26-28 ILM - Melreese Country Club Registration Mid-November
Friday, Dec. 3 ILM - Melreese Country Club Contact for registration info
Monday, Dec. 20-23 Doral Golf Resort and Spa Registration Deadline October 15, 2010
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
TRAVEL
Three Must-play Courses Well Worth the Trip to Broward County 1
Hillcrest Golf and Country Club 4600 Hillcrest Drive Hollywood, FL 33021 (954) 983-3142 (24 hour tee times line)
Conveniently located just a few minutes off I-95 in Hollywood, this championship course in Broward County has been a favorite for golfers of all skill levels. Redesigned by Joe Lee in 2001, Hillcrest will challenge you, but is conquerable. Lee added mounding, new sand traps, improved tee boxes, new lakes and gave the green complexes a whole new look. Another distinguishing feature of Hillcrest golf and Country Club is the superb drainage.With nearly 100 bunkers, more than any other golf course in the Fort Lauderdale area, golfers must strategically plot their way around. The beautifully maintained TifEagle greens, lush landscaping and pristine lakes will appeal to all discerning golfers. Our signature 18th hole provides an exciting conclusion to your round of golf with an island green. Just when you thought you were going to shoot the score of your life, you arrive at the par-4 18th island green. Good luck!
2
Deer Creek Golf Club 2801 Deer Creek Country Club Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 (954) 421-5550
74 Located one mile west of I-95 in Deerfield Beach, Deer Creek Golf Club places a clear emphasis on course conditioning, four-hour rounds and a high level of professional service. The TifEagle greens provide a great putting surface and the fairways and tees are always in excellent condition. The golf carts are outfitted with a state-of-the-art GPS system and every cart has a windshield and curtains in the back to protect your equipment. The staff of PGA professionals constantly monitors the pace of play so everyone may enjoy their round. Deer Creek also offers great practice facilities, an award-winning pro shop, as well as restaurant and banquet facilities for groups of up to 300. The restaurant and banquet facilities overlook a beautiful waterfall and lush tropical garden. The great golf course, outstanding facilities and high level of service provide a truly memorable experience.
3
Plantation Preserve Golf Course & Club 7050 West Broward Boulevard Plantation, FL 33317-2209 (954) 585-5020
Located less than a mile west of the Turnpike, Plantation Preserve Golf Course & Club has quickly established itself as one of South Florida’s premier public golf courses in a short period of time. Opened in 2006, the course features plush fairways and greens of paspalum grass throughout, rolling hills and stunning wetlands. Golfers of all skill levels can appreciate the challenge this par 72, 7,150-yard championship golf course has to offer. Golfers will also be treated to a world class design encompassing breath taking views and the peaceful sounds of the multitude of birds and wildlife. With a state of the art driving range, comprehensive practice facilities, a fully-stocked proshop, first-class service and GPS on all the golf carts, Plantation Preserve is truly in a class by itself. At Plantation Preserve players will enjoy a country club atmosphere with country club service .
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
Get out of Town! Three Great Destinations for the Resort Golfer The Broadmoor 1 Lake Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80906 (866) 837-9520 (for reservations)
1
The Broadmoor is a five star, five diamond resort that combines three championship golf courses with an awarding winning spa and luxurious accommodations. Nestled in Colorado Springs the resort boasts amazing mountain and water views along with a bevy of outdoor activities including hiking, horseback riding and white water rafting. The main attraction for many visitors is the 54 holes of championship golf. The East Course and the West Course are designed by a combination of Donald Ross and Robert Trent Jones Sr. The East is known for extremely fast greens while the West will test a player off the tee with narrow fairways. The third course and the most recently renovated of the three is the Mountain Course, which was completed by Nicklaus Design in 2005 and is known for its great use of the Cheyenne Mountain that it is built around. Golfers will enjoy the beautiful scenic views while playing on these challenging yet rewarding courses.
Barton Creek Resort & Spa
2
8212 Barton Club Drive Austin, TX 78735 (512) 329-4000 (for reservations)
75 Located in beautiful Hill Country of Austin TX, the Barton Creek Resort and Spa offers 300 guest rooms, a full service spa and fitness center, and 72 holes of award winning Texas golf. Barton Creek features four 18 hole courses, Fazio Canyons, Fazio Foothills, Crenshaw Cliffside, and Palmer Lakeside. Consistently ranked the #1 and #2 golf courses in the Lone Star state Fazio Canyons and Fazio Foothills offer golfers of every ability a challenging 18 holes as they enjoy the beautiful tree lined fairways, winding streams, and limestone bedded canyons. The Crenshaw Cliffside course gives the resort golfer a change of pace by offering a traditional links course featuring gently rolling hills, oversized greens and open fairways. The fourth course Palmer Lakeside, is located a short 25 minutes from the resort and is a great escape from the city life of Austin. The course sits above Lake Travis offering stunning views of both the Hill Country and the lake itself in a private, peaceful atmosphere.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort One Sanctuary Beach Drive Kiawah Island, SC 29455 (800) 654-2924 (for reservations)
3
Located just outside of historic Charleston, South Carolina the Kiawah Island Golf Resort has many wonderful options to offer its guests. The resort is situated on an island between the South Carolina saltwater marshes and the Atlantic Ocean. World-class golf course designers Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Gary Player, and Clyde Johnston have each designed a course on the island. Players will enjoy the breathtaking views of the Atlantic on both the Ocean Course and the Nicklaus designed Turtle Point course. Those looking for a break from the sea will find bliss in the natural salt-water marshes that line the Fazio designed Osprey Point course and the Cougar Point course. If that is not enough golfers can venture just outside the resort gate to the recently renovated Oak Point course, which sits on the grounds of a former indigo and cotton plantation. With this much diversity, Kiawah Island Golf Resort is able to satisfy the most discernable resort golfer .
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
NEXT ISSUE
76
Coming in November 2010 The staff of Weekend Golfer / Miami has pledged to bring the best local coverage to its readers and we feel confident we are on the right track. That said; we’re just getting started. In our next issue, we’ll give our readers a hole-by-hole look at Doral Golf Resort & Spa and preview the annual amateur tournament held on its links: the Doral-Publix Junior Golf Classic. A high school section will be added so we can keep tabs on local teens battling for a spot in
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
the state championships, and we’ll introduce you to a pair of girls that play golf on a varsity boys team. We are adding a section for the ladies – those that golf and those that don’t. We’ll give women some ideas on how to have fun on and off the golf course. Bob Coman, Director of Golf at Turnberry Isle Resort & Club in Aventura, joins the exclusive Weekend Golfer tip team and will show our readers how to improve their game without having to leave the comforts of home. Look for that and more, November 1.
SEP/OCT 2010
77
“A CITy HOTEL THAT FEELS LIkE IT’S ON A TROPICAL ISLAND” The New York Times
The Standard Spa, Miami Beach, a serene + sophisticated alternative to the bustle of Miami Beach, is a holistic hydrotherapy spa hotel on Biscayne Bay, a short walk from Lincoln Road and the Ocean. This small boutique hotel is a full service spa with award-winning organic bayside dinning for lunch + dinner.
THE STANDARD SPA, MIAMI BEACH 40 ISLAND AVENUE MIAMI BEACH FL 305 673 1717 STANDARDHOTELS.COM WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
An André Balazs Hotel
SEP/OCT 2010
TOURNAMENTS United States Cuban-American Golf Association Tournament Results:
TEAM:
08/13-08/15 2010
1st - Izzy Del Valle / Eric Cabrera (146)
16th Annual Cubre Libre Cup Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo Point Standings as of 08/15/2010 Gross Division:
1.
David Salazar
(1285.00)
Jorge Iglesias (77-76)
2.
Jorge Iglesias
(1219.00)
Kristian Fortis (77-77)
3.
Izzy Del Valle
(1129.00)
Carlos Pizan (74-82)
4.
Victor De La Mata
(1036.00)
5.
Pete Perez
(922.50)
Net Division:
6.
Donald Westbrook
(901.50)
Kristian Fortis (65-69)
7.
Eddie Suarez
(796.00)
Arturo Alvarez (62-78)
8.
Rey Fernandez
(749.50)
David Salazar (71-73)
9.
Escobar, Enrique
(739.50)
Eric Cabrera (70-75)
10. Olivera, Enrique
(721.00)
Steve Vega, Jr. (75-71) Izzy Del Valle (70-76)
EVENT SCHEDULE: September 18: Old Corkscrew – Naples, Florida
78
American Airlines Drawing: Frank Quirce
October 2: Shula’s Golf Club – Miami Lakes, Florida
50/50 Cash Drawing: Roland Cruz
October 16: Jim Mclean Signature Course at Doral
Mega Cash Game (Net): David Salazar (71-73)
- Doral, Florida October 30: Shula’s Golf Club – Miami Lakes, Florida
07/17/2010
November 20: TBA
Fairmount Turnberry Isle –The Miller Course
December 18: The USCGA Invitational benefitting The Iglesias Family Scholarship Foundation
Gross Division : Victor De La Mata (76)
Call 305-788-4128 or email uscga_info@msn.com for more details. Please call and reserve now!
Net Division : Gustavo Moreno (66) Albert Lopez (69) Mimi Vargas (69) Amado Alvarez (70) Rey Fernandez (70) Monica Serrano (70) SKINS: Victor De La Mata Eric Espinosa Izzy Del Valle Art Garrido Romik Frias.
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
Golf Channel Amateur Tour – Miami Ft. Lauderdale Tournament results: 07/31/2010 Champions Flight The Miccosukee Challenge Miccosukee Golf and Country Club 1. Nick Fernandez (72) 08/07-08/08/2010 Major Championship at PGA National The Palmer and
SEP/OCT 2010
Championship Courses
8/18/2010
1. Nick Jones (144)
West Palm Beach Shootout The President Country Club 1. Tim Turpon (69) $750.00 West Palm Beach, FL
08/14/2010 The Turnberry Open Turnberry Isle Resort and Club
8/16/2010
1. Nick Fernandez (73)
Palm Beach Shootout West Palm Beach Golf Club 1. Nick Latimer (63) $650.00 Brooklyn, OH
08/21-08/22/2010 The Gulf Shores Open –Major Peninsula Golf and Racquet
8/13/2010
Club
August Boynton Classic Winston Trails Golf Club
1. Marcus House (152)
1. Greg O’Mahony (65) $625.00 Tequesta, FL
Callaway Order of Merit (points)
8/11/2010
1. Marcel Leroux
805
Madison Green Open Links at Madison Green
2. Jim Weick
760
1. Derrick Bohannon (66) $650.00 Shelbyville, KY
3. Eric Kaplan
560
4. Nick Fernandez
545
2010 Minor League Tour Money List
5. Rob Bryans
450
1. Steve LeBrun
$34,127.65
2. Jimmy Lytle
$19,040.63
Upcoming Events
3. Tim Turpen
$17,412.34
09/21-09/24/2010
4. Brian Anderson
$15,575.65
2010 SENIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
5. Sunny Kim
$15,430.74
TPC Sawgrass - Stadium- Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
6. Kyle Willmann
$12,793.89
St. Johns G&CC- St Augustine, FL
7. Brett Bergeron
$12,515.18
TPC Sawgrass - Valley- Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
8. Derrick Bohannon
$12,434.00
World Golf Village - SS- St. Augustine, FL
9. Pierre-Henri Soero
$11,012.34
10. Justin Peters
$10,940.16
79
09/26-09/29/2010 2010 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Upcoming Events:
TPC Sawgrass - Stadium- Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
9/2/2010
St. Johns G&CC- St Augustine, FL
The President Classic, The President Country Club
TPC Sawgrass - Valley- Ponte Vedra Beach, FL World Golf Village - SS- St. Augustine, FL
9/8/2010 Stuart Fall Classic, Hammock Creek Golf Club
For more information go to http://www.thegolfchannel.com/ amateur-tour/tours/miamift-lauderdale/
9/9/2010 PGA Estate Shootout, PGA National-Estates
Fuzion Minor League Golf Tour Tournament Results: 08/23/2010 Fuzion Golf Classic Jupiter Country Club 1. Mike Adamson (69) Waynesburg, PA 08/19/2010
9/13/2010 September Fountains Shootout, Fountains Country Club For the latest event information or to see recent results visit www.minorleaguegolf.com *The Fuzion Minor League Golf Tour is open to Professionals and Amateurs with a USGA handicap of 6 or less.
Abacoa Summer Shootout Abacoa Golf Club 1. Rich Hanna (68) $775.00 Virginia Beach, VA
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
TOURNAMENTS Junior Team Championship Orange Lake Resort and Country Club Kissimmee, FL
3. Greater Tampa Junior Golf Association
August 7-8, 2010
Connor Lynch
292
Brian Allen Legends Course
Cole Johnson
Boys 16-18
4. First Tee of Miami
297
Oscar Cabanas 1. Southwest Florida Junior Golf Association
282
Samuel Murphy
David Gates Gustavo Morantes
Airik Medinis BJ Kuhn T2. The First Tee of Naples/Collier A
Reserve Course
284
Girls 16-18
Chase Marinell Matthew Taylor
1. Inner Circle of Golf
Matthew Lawerence
Madison Opfer
T2. Greater Tampa Junior Golf Association
Shane Crutchfield
Dylan Larson
Julia McQuilken
Jacob Fleck
2. Southwest Florida Junior Golf Association
Anthony Maccaglia
Gina Falvey
T2. Emerald Coast Junior Golf Tour 80
284
284
Georgia Price
Trey Aguirre
3. First Tee of Miami
Jesse Floyd
Paola Grande
5. The First Tee of Naples/Collier B
289
299
Miko Dougherty
Brandon Jowers
Austin Lee
281
304
Julie Steinbauer Kristin Gonzalez
Spencer Ciesla Cody Olson 6. The First Tee of Miami A
Legends Course 292
Girls 13-15
Marcelo Huarte Jamie Rodriguez
1. Junior Golf Association of Broward County
Stefano Diaz
Marissa Messana
Lauren Carver
Reserve Course
Morgan Gardner
Boys 13-15
2. Palm Beach County Junior Golf Association A
303
307
Radi Marielle Sauro 1. Volusia/Flagler Junior Golf Association
284
Casey Farmer
Dirk Kuehler
Ashley Burke
Ethan Wagner
3. Palm Beach County Junior Golf Association B
Austen Truslow
Katelin Glass
2. Greater Orlando Junior Golf Tour Nicolo Fernandez
287
318
Melissa Epling Janelle Johnson
Sam Horsfield Jack Panagos
WWW.WEEKENDGOLFERMAG.COM
SEP/OCT 2010
Serving the South Florida Community since 1926
Commercial Division Residential Division Management Division
Kerdyk Real Estate 2631 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Coral Gables, FL 33134 Ph: 305.446.2586 www.kerdyk.com