If you’re planning to summer in place, make Fairfield Glade the place. You won’t find five more beautiful and challenging golf courses anywhere. Our summer weather is beautiful too. Thanks to our 2087 feet of elevation, temperatures and humidity are milder than most places this time of year.
Our cooler temperatures make golf, hiking, tennis, pickleball, fishing, boating or lounging by one of our several pools especially comfortable and fun.
Our Stay & Play Packages are beautifully affordable too.
So don’t settle for just any garden variety getaway. Come play all five of our beautifully challenging 18-hole gardens. And while you’re at it, stop and smell the roses, lilies, zinnias, blue indigo, daisies, blue violets, periwinkles…
Conveniently located between Knoxville and Nashville, just a few miles from I-40 (Exit 322) For information or reservations, call 888-334-5233 or visit fairfieldglade.com Now the fun begins.
Peaceful Easy Feeling
The older readers are probably singing along with Glenn Frey as they read that. The lyrics of the song don’t refer to golf and the peaceful feeling that I need to share but I love The Eagles. Life and golf are very similar for me in the way that I don’t play with argumentative, uncomfortable and disrespectful people. If you use golf for business or getting to know a new partner, you can learn a lot in this three/four hour experience. If the person is a cheater, dishonest, cheap with the bag boy, rude with the cart girl or disrespectful of the course, you’ll know their character!
In golf, peace often refers to a state of tranquility and focus, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the game and enjoy the beauTURFul environment. Like life you want to enjoy the people you’re with and the games you play. When you have a peaceful and tranquil environment you focus and perform better. I get invited to play a lot of free golf at beautiful resorts and sometimes with rude, grumpy stressful people, I’m good to pass on the opportunity. Nothing ruins a wonderful day on the course more than a serious player who hits a bad shot and won’t shut up for the next six holes and probably should’ve been playing from the front tee. GEEZZZ take a deep breath!!
Practicing good etiquette is important to keep peace. Repairing your ball mark, sanding divots and picking up garbage including your cig butts. Mindful play includes stopping at the lady’s tees, treating beginners with kindness and keeping a steady pace. I don’t mind people giving me advice but be mindful that everyone may not appreciate coaching from another hacker!!
A golf course should be seen as a place of serenity and natural beauty, “Thanks to Mother Nature, the architects and the professional ground crews”. So, show respect and enjoy the view! Golf should be an escape from the stress, and worries of your everyday life. Be safe, comforting and fun to play with, you’ll be invited back to all the parties.
As the lyrics say “And I know you won’t let me down”. Side Note: Happy Birthday Saika our Bachelorette of the month.
Publisher: Terrie L. Purdum (terrie@golfcentralmag.com)
Editor in Chief: Shannon Coates (shannon@golfcentralmag.com)
Graphic Design: Melahn Cable
Solutionist: Sara Rogers
Turf Pirate: Anthony Williams
Photojournalist: Greg Corbo
Videographer: Ronald Malone
Photographers: Lynn Pelham, Brion Price, Peter Hakansson, Tres Fenton, Mike Coonan, Becky Galloway, Madison Coates, Mac Carraway
Senior Correspondent: Rick Harris, Sr.
International Correspondent: Dave Finn
Contributing Writers: Jay Golden, PGA; Bob Bolton, Greg Corbo, Elisa Gaudet, Holly Geoghegan, Mike Jamison, Mike May, Anthony Williams, Tres Fenton, Ronald Malone, Paul Kiska
Media Partners: DSP Media; John Gerber, JP Peterson, Nick Geddes, Holly Geoghegan, Golf Insiders, GMS; Tony Leodora, George McNeilly, Traveling Golfer, Golf The Wise Way: Greg and Beverly Wise, Photojournalists
Tonia (Terrie's sister), Polly (Terrie's mom), and Terrie
Volume 26, Issue 4
Our venue is perfect for a wide range of events, from weddings to corporate conferences and seminars, banquets, and private parties. •
We offer on-site catering for a seamless experience. Our events coordinator is awaiting your call!
RAISING THE BAR And Elevating Guest Experiences
By Neal Kotlarek
This summer, the hills are alive with the sound of golf at Northern Michigan’s spectacular The Highlands golf resort. The base of the very same mountain that has thrilled skiers for decades will, every spring, summer, and fall, be transformed into Doon Brae, a delightful and unique 9-hole short course designed by Michigan architect Ray Hearn as a loving tribute to Scottish golf. The course features greens inspired by legendary courses across the British Isles and is situated alongside The Back Yaird, a massive 27-hole putting green that spans over 65,000 square feet of rolling terrain. The addition of Doon Brae now provides golfers with five courses to choose from at one of the nation’s most expansive resort properties. The Highlands is just one of three four-season resorts spread across a short expanse of Northern Michigan
that is collectively known as Boyne Resorts. Stationed at or around these properties are 11 delightful, challenging, and amazingly diverse golf courses, including two Boyne Mountain courses, Crooked Tree Golf Club, The Highlands courses, and Bay Harbor Golf Club. Ask someone who has played any or all of them, and they will tell you that all are picture-postcard-perfect in beauty and conditioning.
“Doon Brae and the Back Yaird are great additions to The Highlands,” said Ken Griffin, director of sales and marketing at BOYNE Golf. “Not only is Doon Brae a terrific course, it opens up the resort to guests who are new to golf or who might not have the time to play one of our ten championship courses.”
In Scottish, Doon means going down into a valley, and Brae means hillside. Even though most holes on the course do indeed head down the ski slope, a few others call for
an additional club as they climb upwards and across the slope. The longest hole is just 150 yards, while the shortest is 57 yards.
While most short courses are built at golf resorts to cater to golfers to unwind after a long day on the links, Doon Brae will also accommodate the broader audience of The Highlands, which includes vacationing families. Large greens and open tee areas make the course a great and picturesque way to introduce new players to the game. Across all three BOYNE Golf resorts, fans of great golf architecture are treated to the works of many of the world’s premier designers. The Monument Course at Boyne Mountain incorporates holes inspired by the greatest holes of Dr. Alister Mackenzie, George Fazio, Robert Trent Jones, Sr., and Pete Dye. And speaking of Jones, Sr., his 1966 masterpiece, The Heather Golf Course, is located at The Highlands
Bay Harbor Golf Cluib – Quarry #9
and remains one of Michigan’s premier layouts. Earlier this summer, Heather played host to the inaugural Great Lakes Championship, an LPGA Epson Tour event featuring aspiring young female golfers aspiring to qualify for the LPGA Tour. Over the past four years, six holes across the Donald Ross Memorial Course at The Highlands have received meticulous renovations
The Highlands – The Heather #18, #10, #9
The Highlands – Doon Brae Greens #2 and #5
The Highlands –The Heather #5
by Hearn. Working from the original Ross hole drawings, utilizing technology not available when the course was developed in the late 80’s, providing a better approximation of the legendary architect’s works at courses including Royal Dornoch in Scotland, Pinehurst in North Carolina and Seminole in Florida.
The rolling Arthur Hills Course is my personal favorite golf experience at The Highlands due to both its massive green complexes and its sheer beauty. Any golf trip should necessarily include this tract on the itinerary. The course highlight is the par-5 No. 13 that begins from a tee built on top of the world and descends across and over a valley before climbing up and then down
a knoll toward a massive green.
Along with amenities that include swimming pools, a massive 88,000 square foot indoor waterpark, ziplining, and horseback riding, the three resorts continue to expand their guest offerings. Everyone visiting Northern Michigan must visit the 1,100-foot-long pedestrian SkyBridge Michigan at Boyne Mountain, which provides exhilarating views and light displays of the stunning Northern Michigan landscape.
In total, the three anchor Boyne properties offer 120 accommodation options, from the elegant cottages and suites at the Inn at Bay Harbor to family villas at Boyne Mountain, townhomes at The Highlands, and charming, affordable hotel rooms at each resort.
Golf, of course, remains a point of emphasis at all three Boyne
Resorts in the summer. Located in Boyne Falls, Boyne Mountain is renowned throughout Michigan for its towering and popular ski hills. Players get to understand the size and scale of both courses right from the start, as the ride between the clubhouse and the first tee takes you up the mountain for a magnificent view, and sets us up for towering drives toward fairways below. The Monument Course incorporates the aforementioned tribute holes, while The Alpine Course-- which serves as annual host to the Michigan PGA’s Tournament of Champions—
The Highlands – Donald Ross Memorial #13
The Highlands – Donald Ross Memorial #15
Boyne Mountain – The Alpine #18 and The Monument #18
offers up breathtaking views on holes lined with soaring trees.
Designed by Art Hills, the 27 holes at Bay Harbor Golf Club comprise three distinct 9-hole courses, each with its own unique landscape. The Links takes players alongside cliffs hugging Lake Michigan. The Scottish links-inspired course is highlighted by the stunning par-5 No. 7. You will need an additional few minutes following the hole to take photos of your foursome standing behind this green, seemingly on the edge of the world.
The Quarry is a reminder of the property’s humble roots, having been the site of a cement factory that was decommissioned in the 1980s. One hole calls for a tee shot over a 40-foot gorge, while others weave around the quarry and around natural ponds and wetlands. The par-3 No. 8 features Lake Michigan as both a backdrop and a hazard behind the green.
The Preserve is nestled in hardwood forest and abounds with wildflowers, native wetlands and an abundance of wildlife. Following 8 holes through the woods, the course ends on a 186yd. par-3 featuring a sloping green postured above the crystal blue waters of Little Traverse Bay.
Located just across the highway from Bay Harbor, Crooked Tree Golf Club provides 18 perfectly manicured championship holes
perched high on bluffs overlooking Little Traverse Bay. No trip to Bay Harbor is complete without drinks and dinner at the opulent Inn at Bay Harbor, a Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel. A gourmet dinner on the veranda overlooking the lake will make for the most memorable meals of your year.
In addition to hosting the LPGA Epson Tour event and once again having the Links/Quarry course rated in Golf Digest’s Top 100 Public courses, USA Today 10Best 2025 ranked The Highlands as #2 in their Best Golf Resorts category
and BOYNE Golf as the #1 Golf Destination in the United States.
“We owe it to our residents, members and guests to offer new and unique ways to improve the Boyne Experience,” said Griffin.
“There’s a phrase in business that argues ‘Go big or go home.’ At Boyne Resorts, we have no interest in going home!”
The Highlands – Doon Brae #7
Bay Harbor Golf Club – Links #3
Abby Vargas
Where did you grow up? South FL
What is your favorite sport to play? Favorite to watch? Tennis
Do you enjoy playing golf? Only days that end with Y
What is your favorite part of being a cart girl? Seeing everyone’s face light up when I drive by and entertaining everyone while making drinks.
What is your memorable moment working as a cart girl? Getting a $1,000 tip for staying an extra hour for a sweet group.
What is the funniest thing you’ve ever seen on the golf course? Cartwheel Competition to see who has to pay.
What hobbies do you enjoy? Shopping, swimming, and singing.
Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails? Cocktails
Favorite type of movie?
The Bold New Brand Redefining Golf Style and Sustainability
In a world where tradition meets innovation, one brand is stepping onto the fairway with more than just fresh gear — it’s bringing a movement. Zippy Zwagger is not just another name in golf apparel and accessories. It’s a lifestyle brand for golfers who demand performance, style, and responsibility — on and off the course.
More Than Apparel — It’s a Mindset
Founded with a mission to disrupt the norm, Zippy Zwagger was created for players who want their gear to say something — about their game, their standards, and their impact on the world. With an emphasis on high-quality materials, cutting-edge design, and eco-conscious manufacturing, Zippy Zwagger offers a product line that’s as bold and dynamic as the players who wear it. From polos to socks to gloves, every Zippy Zwagger product combines next-gen performance technology with affordable pricing, proving you don’t have to sacrifice quality or conscience to stand out.
Clean Oceans, Sharp Swings
One of the brand’s standout innovations? Their honeycomb golf shirts, crafted from recycled fishing nets pulled from the ocean. This high-performance fabric is breathable, moisturewicking, and ultra-lightweight — giving players comfort and freedom of movement, while also contributing to cleaner oceans and a more sustainable future.
The Bamboo Sock Advantage
Zippy Zwagger’s bamboo socks are another game-changer. Not only are they ultra-soft and durable, but they also offer natural moisture control and antimicrobial properties. That means fresher feet, better comfort, and fewer distractions during your round. Because when your feet feel great, your game follows suit.
Gloves That Grip (and Last)
The ZZ golf gloves are quickly earning a reputation as one of the most advanced gloves on the market. With premium construction — including industry leading japanese cabretta leather, innovative spandex insert for ultimate comfort, trademark construction to provide superior fit and fashionable designs that never fade — this glove is built for both style and serious play. Microperforations enhance breathability, while a grip-locking Velcro strap ensures a secure fit through every swing. Expect multiple rounds of performance, and an improvement in your grip, feel, control and scores.
Swing With Swagger— At a Discount
Whether you’re upgrading your golf wardrobe, looking for ecoresponsible options, or simply want gear that performs and looks great, Zippy Zwagger has you covered. Ready to join the movement? Golf Central Magazine readers can get 20% off their first purchase with code ZZ20 at zippyzwagger.com.
On Thursday, June 26th, 2025, Wanakah Country Club in Hamburg, New York, hosted their tenth annual golf marathon called 100 Holes of Golf, “The Walk Fore Luca & Carly”. This year’s event included 28 players, playing and walking 100 holes of golf in a oneday tournament. In addition, there were four relay teams participating, including a Women’s team, a Men’s team, a Senior team and a team of Wanakah Country Club Past Presidents. This enormous feat was to benefit two charities: Roswell Park’s “Courage of Carly Fund” and “Live Like Luca”, the Luca S. Calanni foundation.
The “Courage of Carly Fund” gives children with cancer and blood disorders at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center the fighting chance they all deserve. It provides hope, unforgettable memories, family events and financial support for children, teens and their families. “Live Like Luca” was formed in honor of Luca Calanni, son of Wanakah members Ashley and Bodge Calanni. Luca died from complications of the flu in 2020 at the age of 11. Luca loved the life he had and appreciated all of the opportunities afforded to him that he knew many other children don’t have access to.
This year the event raised over $250,000 and in ten years this event has raised over $1,000,000.
Wanakah Country Club, founded in 1899, is among Western New York’s premier full-service country clubs on the shores of Lake Erie, just 15 minutes from downtown Buffalo.
To learn more, visit http://courageofcarlyfund.org
Wanakah Country Club 100 Holes of Golf
“The Walk Fore Luca & Carly”
Simon Bennett, Roger (Bodge) Calanni, and Michael Gacioch
Set on a pristine white sand beach, Baha Mar perfectly balances an array of spectacular experiences with luxurious relaxation in the pure Caribbean sunshine. Exquisite dining experiences from world-renowned chefs, lush tropical pools, The Bahamas’ top golf course, and our new 15-acre luxury water park Baha Bay await.
LUXURY OF CHOICE
GAYLORD FALL BONUS: Golf With a Color Tour Included in Mecca
When fall arrives, Mother Nature dresses the Gaylord Golf Mecca with an extraordinary canvas of color. Located in the heart of northern lower Michigan, the millions of trees transform, perfectly framing the rolling green fairways of the 17 courses making up this time-tested cooperative golf marketing group.
Something already wonderful for a golfer suddenly becomes even better. The heat of summer has abated, the rush of golfers has subsided and the pace of life seems to drop a notch. It is less crowded on the courses and the rates fall for the fall, especially mid-week.
Imagine playing on a beautifully manicured golf course at an affordable rate, in pleasing temperatures, surrounded by trees of surreal colors, and you are wonderfully isolated to enjoy it.
For golfers who have been to the Gaylord area in the past and long to return, fall offers an even better version. Families
who can get away for one last trip will love the beauty, slower pace and affordability. And new golfers will be wowed.
The courses, including five highly regarded award winners at Treetops Resort and two must-play courses at Otsego Resort, wow golfers with views of namesake treetops and rolling river valleys that are spectacular any time of the year. Then, there is fall, when eye-popping colors are added to the mix.
The colors reflect in the ponds on the courses, especially the four at Garland Lodge & Resort, which now includes a fun par 3 called The Sawyer. You’ll also find get-away-from-it-all golf at Lakes of the North, elegant design and impeccable greens at Gaylord Golf Club and a timeless classic at The Pines at Michaywe. A short drive north will lead you to the magnificent, isolated championship course at Black Lake Golf Club and the friendly, unique fairways of Indian River Golf Club.
Finally, take a fantastic foliage tour at the newest member and mustplay of the Mecca, Black Bear Golf.
Each trip of 18 holes, or as many as you like, offers a fabulous fall color tour. And the following is included each time:
• Fall rates, as in falling rates. Play for less.
• Less people at this time of the year. With 17 courses and 21
Michaywe Pines
Beaver Creek Resort
lodging partners, including resorts, brand hotels, cabins and vacation homes, choosing where to stay and play is never a problem.
• A lake and forest-filled area where hunting and fishing can easily be added to your getaway. Outdoor enthusiasts will also find cycling, mountain biking, hiking on multiple trail systems, paddling on rivers and over 90 inland lakes for a variety of watersports.
• Restaurants and dining options of all types that offer everything from craft beer to steaming chili, sizzling steaks and decadent caramel apples. There is also a social district downtown where visitors can sip a brew and stroll the sidewalks of the charming Alpine Village.
The Gaylord Golf Mecca is already a great place for golf groups, families, couples or anyone who loves to be outdoors. In the fall, it’s also the prettiest place one can imagine. Mother Nature knows her stuff.
That’s the Gaylord Mecca in the fall, and really any time. Visit
The Tribute at Otsego Resort
Masterpiece at Treetops Resort
Sqairz XRZ™ Pickleball Shoe
The XRZ™ Pickleball Shoe was engineered through biomechanical testing, athlete input, and clinical research to meet the specific movement patterns and joint demands of pickleball. Every design element serves a performance function—starting with the patented roomier toe box, which promotes toe splay and balance by increasing surface contact with the court.
In a hospital-grade clinical study comparing leading pickleball shoes, the XRZ™ delivered superior results in every balance and stability metric. Participants showed improved postural control, reduced joint compensation, and better directional response compared to brands like ASICS, HOKA, and Nike. The wide forefoot platform, reinforced sidewalls, and heel-to-arch stabilizer work in unison to create a more stable base under stress—supporting safer, more explosive movement.
The SmartTraction™ outsole uses over 250 micro-lug contact points, pivot channels, and four lateral outriggers to grip the court and reduce slippage without sacrificing freedom of motion. A high-wear silicone toe cap protects against drag, while the upper is reinforced in high-friction zones for extended durability.
Inside, the new GripSync™ insole system provides a lowprofile, responsive interface that enhances foot control and grip inside the shoe. Combined with the shock-absorbing NRG-Foam™ midsole and patented Sta-Put Laces™, the XRZ™ helps keep athletes locked in and protected through every rally. This is performance footwear validated by science—designed to give serious players a measurable edge.
https://sqairz.com/pages/pickleball
WearSPF
Garage Beer, the legendary beer company founded by Travis and Jason Kelce, has teamed up with pro golfer Justin Thomas’s WearSPF brand to release a limited-edition Garage Beer x WearSPF custom can.
Crack open summer with this limited-edition sunscreen from WearSPF—your ultimate sidekick for sunny days. Whether you’re tailgating, grilling, or hitting the beach, stay protected while repping your favorite brew.
As temperatures and UV levels rise, WearSPF has you covered with high-performance protection against harmful rays. Let us know if you’re interested in receiving a sample or if you’d like to speak with Justin about the collab.
Founded by pro-golfer Justin Thomas after a personal melanoma scare, WearSPF offers a highperformance line of suncare essentials—from sprays and sticks to lotions for your face, lips, and body. More than just sunscreen, it’s a message in a bottle: a call to action to protect your skin every day. WearSPF proudly supports the Justin Thomas Foundation, with a portion of proceeds from every purchase benefiting its mission to empower children in need, support junior golf, and uplift military families.
www.wearspf.com
Squid Socks Flowstate:
The Grip Sock The Wolrd Didn't Know It Needed
That’s exactly why Squid Socks built a performance sock they wouldn’t be able to ignore.
Squid Socks isn’t just another sock— it’s a reset button on how grip, power transfer, and internal foot stability actually function in high-pressure moments. Originally developed to meet the demands of high-performance athletes, Squid Socks was designed for those who rely on precision, grip, and control in every movement. From the gym to the green, it delivers the kind of underfoot stability that elevates serious performance. It’s now quietly gaining momentum in golf circles—and was recently featured on MyGolfSpy.
At the core of Squid Socks is its three-zone silicone grip system—a rethink of how socks should actually function during movement. The grip on the inside and outside of the heel keeps the sock anchored in place and prevents it from rolling or collapsing under your heel. Meanwhile, the underfoot grip prevents your foot from shifting or sliding inside your shoe, which leads to better control, energy transfer, and stability throughout your swing.
Some have described them as “Velcro for your feet”—and while the grip is impressive, it’s what happens beyond the grip that sets Squid Socks apart. Precision-fit arch support, breathable compression, and a sock structure that holds shape round after round make them a serious contender against premium athletic brands. And perhaps the most underrated feature: they breathe. Made of viscose from bamboo, Squid Socks offer temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking properties
www.squidsocks.ink
Introducing the Florida Crush
Imagine a cocktail that captures the vibrant essence of Florida in every sip. The Florida Crush delivers just that—a refreshing blend of Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka, Munyon’s Paw-Paw Florida Aperitif, fresh orange juice, and a splash of lemon-lime soda. The result? Pure bliss in a glass. Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka, crafted by golf legend Fuzzy Zoeller, forms the backbone of this drink. Distilled in Indiana from Midwest corn and rested in new oak barrels, this award-winning vodka boasts a remarkably smooth finish, earning accolades for its refined taste. Paired with it is Munyon’s Paw-Paw, an all-natural Florida aperitif that pays tribute to Dr. James Munyon’s turn-ofthe-century elixir. Named Best
New Modifier of 2023 by the Wine and Spirits Industry, Munyon’s Paw-Paw adds a unique, tropical depth that elevates any cocktail.
To create the Florida Crush: Combine 1.5 oz of Fuzzy’s Vodka 1 oz of Munyon’s Paw-Paw 2 oz of fresh orange juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well, strain into a chilled glass over ice, and top with a splash of lemon-lime soda for a fizzy finish. Garnish with an orange slice for that final Sunshine State touch. This cocktail is more than a drink—it’s a celebration of bold flavors and Florida’s spirited heritage. Cheers to the Florida Crush!
July is Troon Family Golf Month
Family-focused instructional programs, events and tournaments will take place at Troon-affiliated facilities to encourage participation across all ages
July is “Troon Family Golf Month” and Sunday, July 27th is Troon Family Golf Day at Troon facilities. Throughout the month, Troonmanaged and affiliated facilities around the world will host familyfocused instructional programs, events, and tournaments designed to encourage participation across all ages. In addition to promoting family participation in golf, Troon Family Golf Month also serves as a platform to raise both awareness and support for First Tee and its mission to empower young people through the game of golf. While the month of July serves as the kickoff for family golf activities, Troon Family Golf is available every day of the week, all
year long, at participating Troonmanaged facilities worldwide. Families can play golf together and enjoy the following:
• Juniors play golf for free after 3 p.m. when playing with a paying adult
• Juniors enjoy complimentary Callaway rental clubs all day (at participating locations)
• Juniors receive complimentary instruction when taking a lesson with a paying adult
As part of Troon Family Golf Month, Troon facilities, Troon Golf Academies and their respective teaching professionals will present a series of engaging initiatives. From introductory clinics to special events, Troon is
dedicated to making this month a memorable experience for families and golf enthusiasts of all levels.
Throughout July, Troon facilities will spotlight the impact of First Tee through storytelling, in-club signage, and digital campaigns. Guests and members of Troonaffiliated facilities will be encouraged to make a donation to First Tee and/or purchase items, rounds and experiences through an online charity auction. More information can be found at https://firsttee.org/ troon-benefitting-first-tee, while the Charity Buzz auction, which begins on July 8th, can be found at www.charitybuzz.com/support/ firsttee.
As an additional layer of fundraising for First Tee, Troon has partnered with Next Round, a leading golf equipment trade-in services provider, to raise funds and bring added value to members of Troon-affiliated private clubs.
During Troon Family Golf Month, Troon members will receive a 10 percent bonus on all trade-ins while an extra 10 percent will be donated to First Tee. Since 2021, Next Round has offered trade-in services to 45 different Troon clubs, including Belfair and St. James, and has generated over $450,000 in trade-ins.
“Troon and Troon associates are dedicated to growing the game of golf every day. We’re proud to amplify our efforts throughout the month of July, bringing new golfers to the game and supporting the growth and development of junior golf,” said Troon Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing Kris Strauss. “We are also pleased to raise funds for First Tee programming throughout the country, including the 70+ First Tee locations at Troon-affiliated facilities, to aid them in teaching valuable life skills to our youth.”
“We are grateful for Troon’s
support of First Tee during Troon Family Golf Month,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “Golf can be a fun and healthy way for families to spend time together, but it also teaches kids valuable lessons that they can carry with them off the golf course and into adulthood.”
To learn more about specific Troon Family Golf programs contact or visit the Troon-affiliated facility nearest you.
Where were you born? Did you grow up there? I was born and raised in Boston, Mass.
Is “acting your age” overrated? You should always act old if you’re young and young if you’re old.
What do you do for a living? I am Golf Professional with 30 years of experience with the PGA OF AMERICA. I am CEO of Golf Life Las Vegas as well as President of Chip Penney Golf.
What would you like to do for a living? If I wasn’t a golf pro I’d enjoy being a downhill skier.
What golf apparel do you like to wear? My favorite brand of clothes is Tommy Bahama.
Tell us about your first kiss? My first kiss was when I was 13. It was at the Kissing Booth. One Kiss=One Dollar. I spent $235 of my life savings and didn’t get her number.
Tell us something about yourself that only your closest friends know. The secret only my friends know is that I occasionally use my slope mode on my range finder. A USGA Rule violation.
What three things would you need to survive on a deserted island? 1: A G700 Gulfstream Jet with appropriate length airstrip. 2: My own Four Seasons Hotel with 24/7 buffet. 3: An 18 hole Pete Dye Golf Course.
What do you find to be the most annoying habit people demonstrate on the golf course? Slow play is most annoying habit in golf.
Given the choice; would you select love, success, or money to keep yourself happy? Without health we have nothing.
What do you fear the most? My greatest fear is snakes on planes flying 500mph over open oceans during severe weather.
What are some of your great accomplishments? I was 28 and the Head Tennis Pro at Wailea Golf and Tennis Club in Maui. I was swapping tennis lessons for golf lessons and after a year of banging balls I felt I was ready for the PGA. After a grueling 4-year apprenticeship at Mid Pacific Country Club I received my Class A. This was my greatest professional accomplishment.
Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails? I enjoy dinner and a Movie at home.
Favorite comedian? Don Rickles
Movies:…comedy, drama, action, romance? The Hustle with Paul Newman
News, current events; hardcopy or on-line? I get all my news online.
Favorite magazine? Golf Central Magazine, of course!
Favorite charity to support? The Jimmy Fund
What else would you like for us to know about you? I am extremely excited about the recent explosion in the interest in Golf today. It reminds me of the Tiger Woods boom.
Chip Penney
Where were you born? Did you grow up there? I was Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Yes, I grew up there and In Miramar, Florida.
Is “acting your age” overrated? Only to an extent it’s overrated!! People need to still be able to be a free spirt while still respecting their maturity.
What do you do for a living? I do what it takes to live. I’m a part time model and I work at a golf course as well.
What would you like to do for a living? I would love to golf from Thursday- Sunday and get paid for it and win a little too.
Aside from golf; what do you prefer for fun and relaxation? I love shopping, traveling, and playing pickleball!
What golf apparel do you like to wear? I love wearing fitted BlackBalled polos and fitted Nike golf shorts.
Whom do you most admire for their inner and outer beauty? My mother she has a good soul and that’s rare.
Steak, chicken, or seafood? Chicken, you have so many options with chicken.
Tell us something about yourself that only your closest friends know. I’m lowkey a crybaby but you would only know that if you’re super close to me.
What three things would you need to survive on a deserted island? A knife, a flare gun, & a purifier.
Who would you like to have with you on the same deserted island; and why? My friend Tahir, because he’s good company and will keep me sane.<3
What do you find to be the most annoying habit people demonstrate on the golf course? Slamming your clubs against things. Golf really reveals a person’s character and shows if someone has a temper issue really quickly.
What do you fear the most? Finding your soulmate then losing them.
What three people would you most like to play with in your fantasy golf foursome? Kat Williams, Charley Hull, Me, & Travis Kelcee.
What are some of your great accomplishments? Graduating college, breaking 100 in less than a year when I first started golf at 16 years old, and getting a full scholarship to play collegiate golf despite being introduced to golf at a late age.
Favorite comedian? Druski as of the moment.
Movies:..comedy, drama, action, romance? I’m a sucker for a good romance movie but comedy is a close second.
Last book you read? Extreme Ownership by JOCKO WILLINK AND LEIF BABIN
Saika Charles
Favorite charity to support? Orlando Minority Youth Golf Association
What else would you like for us to know about you? I’m currently in graduate school for business and I complete it this year. I also pursuing a professional golf career, playing mini tour events. I’m also doing part time modeling with golf and athletic companies.
Flex Putter Trainer helps U.S. Open Champion Improve Putting
The U.S. Open has a history of iconic moments. Many of those moments have decided the winner in golf’s ultimate test with the sinking of memory searing, nerves of steel, shout out loud putts. Think Jack Nicklaus to Tiger Woods to John Rahm. So, it was fitting that just outside Steel City, the 2025 U.S. Open champion sank a 64-ft, fiveinch putt on the 18th green at Oakmont Country Club during the final round to claim his first major championship and outlast the chasers in a chaotic and wild, weather delayed, down to the wire, regulation finish.
The 2025 U.S. Open champion made four birdies on the back nine sinking a 40-footer at No. 12 and a 22-ft putt on the 14th green that gave him the outright lead coming down the stretch.
What has been the best kept secret on the PGA TOUR and key
to this major champion’s distance control and perfect tempo with his putting? The Flex Putter Trainer.
Flex Putter’s patented carbon fiber flexible shaft is designed to visibly reflect the quality of each putting stroke. When practicing, golfers can immediately see how well they’re keeping the shaft straight, which is essential for a smooth, controlled stroke. This immediate feedback loop accelerates the training and engraining process.
“The Flex Putter Trainer really helps my tempo which then helps me control the face” said the 2025 U.S. Open champion and winner of the 2022 Valero Texas Open. “If I can make putts with this shaft, I can make putts with a shaft that doesn’t flex.”
When practicing with the Flex Putter Trainer, it is recommended that golfers begin with 30 ft putts to develop the feeling of a long stroke, the release of the flexible shaft and distance control. Timing and rhythm are developed through sound awareness with the soft Flex putter head. A flush hit not only feels right but sounds right. When you make solid contact, golfers hear a crisp, clear sound that reinforces muscle memory. The noise association provides simple and effective feedback that tells golfers if they’ve made a good or bad stroke.
“The beauty of the Flex Putter is that you will instantly feel if the stroke is pure or a miss-hit,” said owner and inventor of Flex Putter, Tony Aguilar. “It helps golfers, from beginners to pros, learn to feel the perfect stroke.”
The signature blue flexible shaft putter conforms to the Rules of Golf and provides training with a real putter that
you can take to the course. That’s why more than 30 PGA, LPGA and Champions Tour players including major champions train with Flex Putters. The Trainer helps control their putter face, tempo and release.
Beginners to pros can benefit from the Flex Putter Trainer by achieving game-improving, perfect putting quickly and consistently, and learn to raise their game to the highest level just like a U.S. Open champion.
Its new white shaft putter — the “Gamer” — provides the softest touch and feel when compared to premium steel shafted, milled face putters. Both models - the Flex Trainer and Flex Gamer - come in a blade and a mallet. To learn more or to order, visit www.flexputter.com or call Tony Aguilar, 720-989-3940.
Working as a golf course superintendent isn’t an easy profession as you must have a passion for golf and truly relish the everyday challenge of interacting with Mother Nature. One of the reasons why it’s not an easy profession is that golfers expect golf courses to be in tip-top shape every day.
Two such hardworking and dedicated golf course superintendents are Shannon Crabb and Josh Pettit. They both live and work in Georgia. Crabb is in charge at the Highland Walk GC at Victoria Bryant State Park near Royston and Pettit oversees The Creek Golf Course at the Hard Labor State Park in Social Circle. Both golf courses are part of the Georgia Golf Trail.
Crabb and Pettit have the job of keeping their golf courses open for business every day of the year, despite the fact that outside factors -- heat, humidity, rain, drought, frost, and the occasional hurricane -- seem to rear their head on a regular basis throughout the year. But, Crabb and Pettit keep showing up every day to help deliver the best golf course experience for visiting golfers.
Crabb has been working in the golf turf management business since 1991 – 13 years as an assistant superintendent and 21 years as a superintendent. This September will mark Crabb’s tenth year at Highland Walk.
For Golf Course Superintendents, Every Day Is Different
By Mike May
Pettit, who earned a degree in turf management from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia in 2001, has worked in the golf industry for more than 20 years, 15 of which have been as a superintendent. Pettit has been at The Creek for two years.
According to Crabb, every season presents its own challenges for him and his maintenance crew.
“With our turf types, heat and humidity are friends to the grass as far as growth. We do have to take a defensive posture in the hottest and most humid months against disease pathogens on our TifEagle greens,” said Crabb. “During the summer months, I implement a preventative foliar spray program that includes fungicides, water soluble fertilizer, micro nutrients and growth regulator. During the winter months, frost is a daily issue and just about all we can do is try and selectively remove trees to get as much morning sunlight as we can on greens and rush
the thawing process. We have a very strict policy of no-golf play until the putting surfaces are free of frost. If the forecast calls for temperatures in the teens or lower, I make every effort to ensure that the root zone is well hydrated. Dry soil and low temperatures lead to plant desiccation and potential winter kill.”
Pettit realizes that his years of experience help him do his job, but there are certain things that you can’t control and patience is a necessity.
“We make the best of the weather because you can’t win a fight with Mother Nature,” added Pettit, who has learned two things from doing this job for so long, especially in the South.
“Stay away from Bentgrass and never trust the weather,” added Pettit.
Crabb and Pettit are great examples of what it takes to succeed as a superintendent. To move ‘up the ladder’ within
Shannonn Crabb, Golf Course Super at Highland Walk GC.
Creek at Hard Labor State Park
their profession, they must change their places of employment.
Over the years, Crabb has worked at many golf clubs and country clubs in Georgia and Alabama.
Crabb has learned a great deal about the profession from other superintendents.
“I have learned different approaches to labor management,” said Crabb. “I have taken little tidbits of others’ management styles while adding them to your philosophy is important in my opinion. I believe that 80 percent of a superintendent’s job is personnel management and 20 percent is turf management.”
For the most part, Pettit has spent his entire career working in Georgia. He got his start working on golf courses, beginning at the Port Armor Country Club in Greensboro, Georgia. That club is now the Landing Course at Reynolds Lake Oconee. Then, after a brief stint in Colorado Springs, Colorado working on the crew at the Eisenhower Golf Club, he returned to Georgia. And, on two occasions, he left the golf industry to work in landscaping, but he always returned to the golf business. Nowadays, his constant companion on the golf course is Dixie, a five-year-old silver Labrador. His first dog was a black Lab named Max. Pettit’s first super position in Georgia was the Honey Creek Country Club in Conyers.
“At Honey Creek, we grew in new TifEagle greens,” recalled Pettit.
His second stop was the City of Griffin Golf Course.
“At Griffin, we grew in new champion Bermuda greens,” said Pettit.
His third job as a superintendent was at the Golf Club at Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee near Greensboro.
And, in his current job as the super at The Creek at Hard Labor State Park Golf Course, he and his crew have been able to grow in new TifEagle greens. Since he’s been at The Creek, Pettit was recognized by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources as Georgia’s Superintendent of the Year in 2024.
Next time you play golf, realize that while playing golf is never easy, it’s even more difficult if your job is to work as the golf course superintendent where interacting with Mother Nature is a daily necessity and challenge.
For more information about the Georgia State Park system, access gastateparks.org
Highland Walk 17th signature hole
Josh Pettit, Superintendent at The Creek GC at Hard Labor State Park with Dixie
NFJGTOUR NEWS – North Florida is well represented!
School is out and the Summer is heating up with players starting to hit their peak during the NFJGTOUR’s “Summer Tournament Series”. The classroom studies from history, English and math have evolved into physics of the swing, mind control and lowering of the golf scoring averages.
The NFJG Foundation hosts 36 junior tournaments and special events during the months of October and August, broken down into three schedules (fall, spring and summer). Twenty-three one and two-day tournaments are held during the Fall and Spring Series where the kids hone and grow their skills leading into the summer schedule where the tour focuses more on the better player with twoday major opportunities earning higher level golf opportunities like the Notah Begay Junior Golf National Championships regional qualifying, the PGA Junior Championship, Jacksonville Area Golf Amateur Championships and Junior Amateur qualifying.
During the “Summer Series” 13 tournaments are hosted with six back-to-back two-day majors known as “The Junior Players Tour”. North Florida area’s best junior
golfers grow up on this tour and reap the benefits and advantages of playing in the “Junior BIG LEAGUES” like the Florida Junior Tour, the American Junior Golf Association and the Jacksonville Area Golf Association and Women’s Amateur.
North Florida Junior Golf has its advantages to become noticed in the world of golf and parents must be mindful of all those opportunities. It’s tough because you need to set a season schedule and it’s tough to decide which event or events to participate in while juggling the family vacation. Many events will overlap, as there is no getting around it. Local organizations, state organizations and national organizations just can’t balance it as there are so many junior organizations statewide growing the game with events every weekend. Hopefully, like the NFJGTOUR they all try to align themselves with state and national schedules.
With the fully paid exemption into the 2025 Junior PLAYERS
Brady Dougan
Championship at TPC Sawgrass presented by ROLEX, many of the NFJGTOUR ELITE players are focusing on getting into the top 25 in the NFJGTOUR point standings so they can have a shot at qualifying for this top AJGA event. Potentials in the field this year are past NFJGTOUR superstars Phillip Dunham, Tyler Mawhinney and 2023 Junior PLAYERS Champion Miles Russell (ranked #1). Only 78 players will be in the field which will be held at TPC Sawgrass from August 28th to the 31st. Eligible from the AJGA points standings are Cameron Kuchar, Lucas Gimenez, and Luke Balaskiewicz. We hope to see you out there watching the kids tee it up.
This past month juniors teed it up for the final shot at the Regional Notah Begay Junior Golf National Championship, the PGA Junior Championship and the USGA Junior Amateur.
The 49th PGA Junior Championship will be held on July 29-August 1 at Birick Bolermaker Golf Complex and the Ackerman – Allen & Cosler Courses in West Lafayette, Indiana. In the field will be 312 juniors with 156 boys and 156 Girls
In the Field from North Florida and the NFJGTOUR (past and present)
• Grace Carter
• Phillip Dunham
• Samuel Ha (68-70) - Medalist at North Florida Section Qualifier
• Tyler Mawhinney
• Lily Wachter (77-67) – Ist Alternate for the girls
The USGA JUNIOR AMATUER (established in 1920) will be contested at Trinity Forest Golf Club Dallas, Texas. There will be 264 players in the field with multiple cuts after the 36-hole stroke play event. Getting into the top 64 and moving on to the match play portion of the event is the goal. This year 3564 Juniors attempted to qualify for this event.
In the field from North Florida and the NFJGTOUR (past and present)
• Miles Russell Miles Russell (Quarterfinalist in 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur; Winner of 2025 Junior Invitational at Sage Valley; Top 40 age-eligible points leaders in World Amateur Golf Ranking as of March 19)
• Tyler Mawhinney - (Winner of 2024
Canadian Amateur; Winner of 2025 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball; Top 100 age-eligible points leaders in World Amateur Golf Ranking as of May 7)
• Phillip Dunham
• Lucas Gimenez
• Charlie Woods
• Cameron Kuchar (South Georgia)
• Brady Dougan
Two other great junior golf opportunities as a member of the NFJGTOUR is the selection to the annual “FLORIDA COAST RYDER CUP” team. This event is contested in April or May each year between North and South Florida. The match is tied 3-3 with South Florida traveling north to the World Golf Village to break the tie. Twenty-four players from each area represent the teams. The second opportunity is the selection to the FSGA Junior Team Championships. The NFJGTOUR selects 12 juniors, six boys and six girls to compete in the statewide event. The NFJGTOUR has won eight championship trophies over the past four years, and they are looking to add to their collection. Making the cut this year is
Boys 16-18
Ethan Gossman
Barton Abstein
Dmytro Kulyk
Girls 16-18
Addy Vogt
Danielle Dailey
Sabrina Smith
Boys 13-15
Brady Dougan
Jay Huntley
Jaden Nacional
Girls 13-15
Sophia Moody
Lily Chiang Bryn Krosse
NFJGTOUR events are open for all members who meet qualifications and for our visiting guests. If interested in membership or if you are visiting the area and want to play in an event just give shoot us an email at jackaschenbach@pga.com or give us a call at (904) 868-9535. Go to www.nfjg.org to learn more about this great junior tour. Thanks for reading and Good Luck to all!
On the RoadAgain Golf Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada
by Dave Finn
“On the road again Goin’ places that I’ve never been Seein’ things that I may never see again I can’t wait to get on the road again…”
Willy Nelson’s words reflect a rebellious time in my life in the 80s, when my wife and I took that suggestion literally and went
“walkabout.” We boldly sold our house, quit our jobs and took our two children out of school to embark on a nine-month odyssey throughout Australia and the South Pacific, including six weeks in an RV motorhome exploring all of New Zealand. Fast forward 35 years. We’re spending the evening at Ben Eoin Campground, twenty minutes south of Sydney (Nova Scotia, not Australia). Our bags are unpacked, the beverages are cold,
the campfire’s lit and our toes are wiggling in the sandy shores of Bras d’Or Lake. It’s déjà vu, except this time I’m taking a five-day 250-mile golf Cape Breton Island trip in an RV with my son-inlaw, who is also an avid golfer. Come morning, we sauntered ten minutes down the road to play The Lakes Golf Club, which opened in 2010. Canadian Architect Graham Cooke designed this picturesque layout to nestle right alongside the Ski Eion hills. There is a mountain-
like feeling to this course with its tree-lined fairways and numerous elevation changes. A great layout.
After our game, we drove three hours along the eastern portion of the Cabot Trail to Ingonish Beach. We were both taken aback by the sheer beauty of the Atlantic coast and pleasantly surprised at how well our two-ton behemoth handled the many curves and steep inclines.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park spans over 367 square miles and is home to an abundance of wildlife, as we soon discovered. At Cheticamp Campground, we got our first glimpse of a cow moose and her ‘small’ calf rustling in the bushes near our campfire. It was a bit unnerving but very cool!
Our next stop is Highlands Links. Opened in 1941, this stately course has withstood the test of time. Designed by the legendary Canadian Architect Stanley Thompson, it stretches two and a half miles through hilly, forested land. It’s more than impressive,
First Night Camping on Bras d'Or Lake
The Lakes Golf Club on Bras d'Or Lake
but don’t expect any level lies here. Consistently ranked among the top 100 Courses in the world, it was a privilege to play this historic gem.
Playing Cabot Cape Breton is next, and I’m giddy with excitement as Golf Magazine ranks it in the Top 100 Golf Resorts in the World for 2024-25. As we head for the tiny hamlet of Inverness (Nova Scotia, not Scotland), the golf gods ‘bless’ us with a cool overcast day. It’s foggy, drizzly and rainy - ‘nasty’ weather by some standards, but it feels like we are ‘on the moors’.
The original Cabot Links opened in 2012 and is one man’s vision of “If you build it, they will come”. Here owner Ben Cowan-Dewar commissioned architect Rod Whitman to design Canada’s first authentic links course on the site of an old coal mining operation. He responded by creating a stunning 18-hole, par-70 layout featuring
Highland Links
Cabot Links 18th Hole
five holes playing directly along the coastline. Every other hole offers a view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. As if that wasn’t challenging enough, there is fescue galore and huge greens that average over 45 yards deep. Now I know why this course is currently ranked #25 in the world by Golf Digest.
Sister course Cabot Cliffs was developed under the guidance of architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. It is currently ranked #13 in the world by Golf Digest and for good reason. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean with huge elevation changes and dramatic holes. Recently they opened an 11-hole short course, but I never got to play it.
If you have the time, I’d suggest you consider playing Bell Bay, Dundee and Le Portage, all worthy challenges along your route.
The Cabot Trail consistently exceeds visitors’ expectations, and Cape Breton has been rated #1 Island Destination in North America
by Condé Nast Traveler readers and #1 Island in Canada for five years in a row by Travel + Leisure World’s Best Award. The Lonely Planet calls it “one of North America’s best road trips” with its winding roads, sweeping vistas, breathtaking views and tranquil beaches. Now, add in the heritage and hospitality of the Scottish, Irish, and French (Acadian) who settled here, and the road from
Ingonish to Inverness becomes an amazing “golf trail” - bar none.
Cabot Links 16th Hole
Cabot Links 18th Hole
The Legend-Bob Toski
By Paul Kiska
As palm trees sway outside in a warm Florida breeze, 98-year-old Bob Toski takes the stage inside a popular restaurant in Boca Raton, Florida. The legendary golf teacher to the superstars of the game, and 1954 PGA Player of the Year, Toski does what he loves each Friday night, but in this case, it doesn’t involve picking up a golf club. Instead, Toski picks up a microphone and sings as the crowd listens intently to his smooth crooner voice. But, what some in the audience might not know is that Toski is a PGA golf teaching legend. He’s also a golf hero to some of the biggest names in golf history,
and he has some great stories
Toski’s story and journey to become a golf teaching legend began 87 years before he was inducted into the ‘PGA Golf Professional Hall of Fame.’ Toski was born in 1926 in Haydenville, Massachusetts, a village with a population of only a few hundred people at the time. He and his eight siblings lived in a humble home that only had an outhouse they all shared. Toski rose from that tiny town to become a giant of the game of professional golf by transforming the swing technique with his innovative approach with the knack of a brilliant professor. He
has a habit of turning pro golfers into champions. As Toski’s 99th birthday approaches in September, he’s still sharing a wealth of his highly sought after golf knowledge, swing technique, and his treasure chest of golf stories.
“A singing coach once told me that I didn’t need voice lessons, because I was already a really good singer,” Toski proudly said. But Toski is globally known for swinging a golf club, instead of slinging songs.
Toski helped turn golfers into legendary champs including Judy Rankin, and helped Jack Nicklaus stay at the top of his game. Toski also gave golf lessons to some of the greatest athletes of all time including Joe DiMaggio, and movie stars like Sydney Poitier.
THE JACK NICKLAUS AND BOB TOSKI CONNECTION
On a recent breezy and mild May afternoon in Dublin, Ohio where Jack Nicklaus had been preparing for the 2025 edition of his annual PGA tournament ‘The Memorial’ at Muirfield Village, Nicklaus said, “Bob Toski helped me refine and polish parts of my game to improve as a golfer, he continues to be a longtime friend.”
Toski said he and Nicklaus remain close and recently met to swap some “wonderful” golf stories. Jack Grout was Nicklaus’s main golf coach, who Nicklaus credits for his legendary success. “Jack (Grout) was a great golf teacher who would regularly send me to
Toski, North and South Open at Pinehurst #2 in 1949. Bob told me this is his favorite photo.
Recent photo of Bob Toski
Toski to work on improving certain aspects of my game, and Toski helped me greatly.” Nicklaus said.
“Jack Nicklaus knows how to rise to the occasion, he’s laser focused, and all business on the golf course,” Toski said. “A lot of Jack’s success is also due to his beautiful wife Barbara,” Toski fondly added. Jack and Barbara Nicklaus have been married 65 years.
HIT EM’ STRAIGHT!
Toski said Judy Rankin went to him for lessons, “to hit a golf ball straight,” he said. She did more than just improve. Toski’s lessons turned into a legacy. Rankin went on to win 26 LPGA tour events and was inducted into the LPGA Tour Hall of Fame in 2000.
This might surprise people who don’t know Toski, but not those who are close to him, because he’s always giving back to the game he loves. Toski said he didn’t charge Rankin for any golf lessons, nor did he charge other pros. “My brother Jack (Toski) taught me to golf when I was just six years old, and he told me after I became successful to remember all of the people who helped me along the way, and therefore to give back to other golfers.”
THE TELEPHONE POLE CONNECTION
One of Toski’s favorite stories is a golf lesson involving a wooden telephone pole. Here’s what happened. Toski said he used a telephone pole to help Birdie Kim on her way to winning the Women’s U.S. Open in 2005, just one year after he gave her golf lessons when he was 78 years old. “After I helped Kim improve her drives, I wanted to check how much her accuracy improved.” Toski said. “I told her I was going to hit a golf ball with a six iron from 150 yards and strike a telephone pole.” He said he hit the pole on his second try. He then asked Kim to try hitting the pole. He gave her four tries. Toski said she nailed the narrow telephone pole on her first try, and that’s when he knew she was ready to be a champ. Toski won the 1954 World Golf Championship and was the leading money winner on tour that year. He won 12 PGA events in his career, then became a highly sought after golf instructor. He was called a
professor, he said of the physics and philosophy of golf. Toski, who wrote several top selling books on golf, is known for his innovative approach to the game.
TOSKI TEACHES GOLF ‘BACKWARDS’
Toski said he was the first to teach golf “backwards.” “I taught golf lessons starting from the green, then chipping, then fairway, and finally working back to the tee,” the humble legend said. “You learn how to play on the golf course, so that means the driving range, and pitching range are for practice,” he added. The legendary golf teacher used a similar philosophy for the golf swing. “I start with the hands, but then I believe a golfer should learn to swing from the ground up by starting with footwork, then hips, then arms, then shoulders, and finally how to combine all of that along with other aspects into a fluid swing,” Toski said.
He’s a firm believer in the mental aspect of golf by helping golfers to build confidence, and not to spend too much time standing over the golf ball.
“When you see novice golfers standing over the golf ball too long, backing away, then taking even more practice swings, then looking at the golf ball even longer, they’re distracted by paralysis of analysis. Line up the shot, and swing,” Toski said with enthusiasm.
PROS AND CONS OF BIGGER GRIP TREND
John Daly recently said the number one tip he gives amateurs is to use bigger grips for more control. Bryson DeChambeau is bringing even more attention to larger grips after winning the U.S.
Open at Pinehurst in 2024. “Bigger grips don’t usually give weekend golfers more distance, but they do give golfers more control, and control is exactly what they need. Accuracy is the name of the game,” he said. “Many amateur golfers can air mail a golf ball, but they don’t send it to the right zip code,” Toski quipped as he chuckled.
GOLF IS A FAMILY AFFAIR
“I’ve taught dozens of PGA golfers who went on to become champions, but I find teaching families the most rewarding,” Toski added as his strong, smooth voice filled with zest, suddenly softened with tenderness. This is a man who truly loves the game of golf.
“Golf brings families together,” he said. “They also enjoy the scenery, sea, land, and have fun with the company they play with, because a golf course is the biggest, and most beautiful playground.”
THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
How does Toski stay so vibrant at 98-years-old?
“I love people, I love to teach golf,” he said. “I love to learn, then learn to live,” he said.
“Golf is like life,” Toski believes. “There’s going to be bumps along the way, twists and turns, you’ll end up in the rough sometimes, but the key to golf is also like the key to life, you learn to adjust, get back on track and succeed.” Insightful comments like that solidify Toski combines both his philosophy and physics of the golf swing.
‘YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE’ Back in Boca on that recent Friday night, dressed in a meticulous gray suit, Toski is about to set down the black and silver microphone on a nearby stool, but first he closes his set list on stage with the similar style of his graceful golf swing. Toski graces the crowd as he gently sings the last line of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone.’
“Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart, and you’ll never walk alone.”
“I believe people need people,” a motto Toski lives by.
“Bob is a good man,” Nicklaus said. When it comes to a compliment like that from the ‘Golden Bear,’ what more could a man ask for?
Bob’s brother Jack Toski teaching Bob to golf when Bob was just 6-years-old. 1932.
How Scottie Scheffler Became Golf’s New Gold Standard
Everyday golfers can train their bodies like the World No. 1 Player
Even when three-time major winner Scottie Scheffler struggles (by his standards), his results are enviable. Who else could finish in a tie for 7th at the U.S. Open and have fans wondering why he seemed stuck in neutral yet still had clear chances to contend.
In golf, the only certainty is uncertainty, and the players who rise to the top – like Scheffler – are those who prepare for everything they can control.
While you can’t predict the next gust of wind or a buried lie in the bunker, you can control how your body moves, your physical strength, and how prepared you are to execute the shots that matter most. That’s exactly why Scheffler and his physical trainer Dr. Troy Van Biezen trust GolfForever and why thousands of golfers use the breakthrough training system to gain strength, move better and play their best for years to come.
Championship golf is incredibly physically demanding. Aside from the high degree of golf skill and acumen it demands to shoot a low score in those conditions, players are constantly challenged to adjust their stances, balance, and weight distribution across various slopes and lies to execute shots well. This
requires a strong, stable lower body, core strength and agility — all key focus areas that can become finely-tuned by working with GolfForever.
What You Can Control: Your Body, Strength and Flexibility
GolfForever is designed to help every golfer prepare their body for the demands of the game. Here’s how:
Flexibility & Mobility: Improve your ability to rotate efficiently, main-
tain balance on uneven lies, and generate effortless power through your swing.
Core & Stability Training: Strengthen your core to provide a solid foundation for your swing and reduce the risk of injuries.
Strength & Speed Development: Build golf-specific strength to add power to your drives and maintain endurance over 18 holes.
Pre-Round Preparation: Learn how
to properly warm up so you feel strong and fluid from the first tee shot to the final putt.
Scottie Scheffler’s Secret Weapon
Two-time Masters champion Scottie Scheffler relies on GolfForever as a crucial part of his preparation for every tournament on his schedule. Whether it’s honing in on key parts of his swing, building core strength to maintain stability or working on endurance so he can maintain his energy for four grueling rounds, Scottie’s training routine ensures he’s physically and mentally ready to perform at the highest level.
TESTIMONIALS: Real Golfers, Real Results
Professional golfers aren’t the only ones who benefit from GolfForever. Countless everyday golfers
have seen dramatic improvements in their performance and longevity by controlling what they can in golf: their body.
“I’ve been using GolfForever regularly for the last several months and my daily body pains on the golf course and in my daily activities have been reduced greatly!! I wholeheartedly believe and highly recommend GolfForever!” – Mike B., GolfForever Member
“Listen folks, this program is no joke! With the daily workout built for me and my fitness level, I feel more stable, flexible, and golf-ready than I have in years. I’m not sure it’s a coincidence that I just fired my lowest score yesterday (74) in 10 years. I’m telling you, if you suffer from low back pain, lack of flexibility, and are injury-prone this is the program
for you!” – Walter C., GolfForever Member
“This app is by far the most comprehensive golf fitness program out there. One year in, the results are phenomenal! Both my ball striking and balance have improved. It’s affordable and easy to set up in your home so no excuses!” – Jimmy B., GolfForever Member
Your Best Season Starts Now
There’s no better time to take control of your game. With your GolfForever customized plan, expert guidance and the right equipment, you’ll have everything you need to finally see the results you’ve been chasing.
Try Scottie’s Pre-Round Warmup: Bodyweight Moves That Kept Him Ready
The routine Scheffler follows is straight from his GolfForever program, designed to activate key muscles used in the golf swing and increase mobility for a consistent, powerful swing.
Why Does This Matter to You, the Everyday Golfer?
No matter who you are, from a weekend warrior to an elite amateur, how you prepare your body directly affects your performance. Scottie showed us that warming up is not just something you do – it’s a mindset!
For the everyday golfer, this is the kind of inspiration you need. Warm up like Scottie, and you’ll set yourself up for a successful round!
LIV Golf Joins Forces with MGM Resorts International
LIV Golf Week Presented by MGM Resorts 2026 to Be Held at MGM Resorts Properties in Las Vegas
LIV Golf, the groundbreaking professional golf league, and MGM Resorts International, a global leader in hospitality and entertainment, today announced a new agreement that brings together one of the most dynamic forces in professional sports with one of the world’s premier entertainment brands. This collaboration will include a one-ofa-kind stage for the League’s preseason event next year, LIV Golf Week 2026 presented by MGM Resorts.
“LIV Golf is at the forefront of delivering extraordinary bestin-class experiences around the world, and partnering with MGM Resorts takes that mission to the next level,” said Monica Fee, LIV Golf Senior Vice President, Head of Global Partnerships. “By combining our innovative approach with MGM Resorts’ exceptional properties and golf courses, we’re set to deliver dynamic activations and unforgettable experiences.”
Lance Evans, MGM Resorts’ Senior Vice President of Sports and Sponsorships, said, “Our collaboration with LIV Golf gives us the opportunity to offer our guests and golf fans unparalleled access to a variety of world-class events that only MGM Rewards can provide. We look forward to this new relationship and having the ability to create memorable and unmatched event experiences.”
MGM Resorts will serve as the host venue and presenting partner for LIV Golf Week, an annual preseason event which will relocate from Florida to Las Vegas in advance of the 2026 LIV Golf season. LIV Golf Week brings together players,
team staff, and league officials for a wide range of pre-season activities across several days including content capture for broadcast and corporate partners; global press engagement with influencers and media from sports, entertainment and lifestyle outlets; league and team commercial campaigns, and much more as players prepare for the upcoming season.
During the 2025 LIV Golf season and continuing with LIV Golf Week 2026 presented by MGM Resorts, select MGM Resorts VIP guests will have the opportunity to enjoy VIP experiences and play and interact with LIV Golf professionals at select tournaments and outings. This initiative amplifies MGM Resorts’ presence in the golf world while showcasing Las Vegas as the premier destination for sports and entertainment. Additional details on LIV Golf Week 2026 presented by MGM Resorts will be unveiled in the future.
The LIV Golf League features an
exciting blend of individual and team competition that has supercharged the sport, redefined how golf is experienced, and captivated fans worldwide. Each tournament features 54 holes played over three rounds with shotgun starts, where all teams begin play simultaneously on different holes. The League’s 13 fourplayer teams feature a collective 14 major champions with a combined 28 major championships and are led by many of the biggest stars in the game, including: 2024 LIV Golf Individual Champion, Jon Rahm (Legion XIII), 2024 Team Champion Ripper GC captain Cameron Smith, Bryson DeChambeau (Crushers GC), Brooks Koepka (Smash GC), Phil Mickelson (HyFlyers GC), Dustin Johnson (4Aces GC), Sergio Garcia (Fireballs GC), Joaquin Niemann (Torque GC), and many more.
For more information about LIV Golf, visit LIVGolf. com. To explore MGM Resorts’ portfolio and experiences, visit MGM Resorts.com.
Charl Schwartzel of Stinger GC hits his shot from the sixth tee during the final round of LIV Golf Virginia at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club on Sunday, June 08, 2025 in Gainesville, Virginia.
(Photo by Mateo Villalba-LIV Golf)
Patrick Reed of 4Aces GC hits his shot from the sixth tee during the second round of LIV Golf Virginia at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club on Saturday, June 07, 2025 in Gainesville, Virginia.
(Photo by Pedro Salado-LIV Golf)
Acumatica and LPGA Team Up to Award Scholarships to Two Rising Stars in Golf and STEM
Acumatica, a leading provider of cloud-based business management solutions, today announced that Amelie Phung and Caitlyn Chin have been awarded Acumatica-LPGA Foundation Scholarships for the 2025-2026 school year. These scholarships are part of a program launched in 2024 to empower young women who excel in golf, academics, leadership and community service. The program focuses on increasing female representation in science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM). By supporting their education and elevating their accomplishments, Acumatica and the LPGA aim to nurture future female leaders and expand opportunities for women traditionally underrepresented in these fields.
“As a company committed to innovation, inclusivity and community impact, we’re proud to support Amelie and Caitlyn, two remarkable young women who embody creativity, excellence, leadership and the fortitude needed to realize their potential,” said John Case, CEO of Acumatica. “Their
accomplishments on the course and in their academic and entrepreneurial pursuits inspire us to keep pushing boundaries and investing in the next generation of changemakers.”
Amelie Phung is a nationally ranked golfer and accomplished STEM entrepreneur from Boca Raton, Fla. As the co-founder of STEM Prodigy, she has expanded tutoring and educational outreach nationwide, partnering with organizations like First Tee and Girls Who Code. This fall, she will enter Rice University, intending to study mechanical engineering and pursue the
Caitlyn Chin
Amelie Phung
school’s inaugural bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence (AI). Phung has excelled both academically, as a National Merit Scholar Finalist and Rolex Scholastic Jr. All-American, and athletically, earning recognition as Palm Beach County’s 2022 Girls Player of the Year and becoming the first scholarship commit for Rice’s inaugural women’s golf team.
“I am forever grateful for the copious life lessons golf has taught me about the significance of balancing relationships, giving back to the community and appreciating opportunities,” said Phung. “I hope to continue to leverage my understanding of AI to help golfers and enterprises optimize their performance.”
Caitlyn Chin, from Greenwood Village, Colo., is a three-time AllState golfer, accomplished coder and passionate community advocate. With top finishes at the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals and leadership roles on her varsity golf team, Chin blends athletic excellence with a strong interest
in business, computer science and social impact. She has founded two entrepreneurial projects, ABC Tutors and Concerts Everywhere, and has earned recognition as an Advanced Placement Scholar, a Girls Who Code Web Design Awardee and a recipient of the Colorado Department of Education’s Seal of Biliteracy. Chin will be attending the University of Michigan, where she plans to major in computer science and join the University of Michigan National Collegiate Club Golf Association team.
“Inspired by Yaa Asantewaa, an Ashanti Queen who broke gender barriers, I learned that I could also break barriers in a historically male field of entrepreneurship,” said Chin. “In college, I hope to continue breaking barriers through entrepreneurship for a more sustainable world. I’m grateful for golf’s opportunities to uplift female golfers and youth to pursue their goals and to teach them golf’s life lessons that I’ve learned and live by.”
These young women’s
achievements reflect the scholarship program’s mission to broaden opportunities for women in golf and STEM, a goal shared by Acumatica and the LPGA Foundation.
“The LPGA has partnered with Acumatica to support young women who exemplify leadership, passion and a drive to make an impact,” said Nancy Henderson, president of the LPGA Foundation. “Together, we’re championing the advancement of women and building a more inclusive future for sports and technology. As part of our ongoing commitment to empowering the next generation of women leaders, the LPGA Foundation awards more than $200,000 in scholarship funds annually to female high school senior golfers.”
This scholarship program is part of Acumatica’s broader goal to create lasting opportunities for new talent and help shape a more inclusive, innovative future for the industry. To learn more about Acumatica’s inclusivity initiatives, visit https:// acumaticares.acumatica.com/.
Braden Miller and Dounia Bezzari Awarded 2025 SFPGA Foundation Scholarships
For the first time in its history, the South Florida PGA Foundation has awarded two scholarships as part of its annual scholarship program. Braden Miller and Dounia Bezzari have been selected as the 2025 recipients.
Now in its ninth year, this prestigious $20,000 scholarship will be awarded in increments of $5,000 over four years.
The SFPGA Foundation Scholarship is a merit-based award created to assist individuals with strong ties to the South Florida PGA Foundation and to recognize exceptional leaders in our local community.
Miller recently graduated from Barron Collier High School in Naples and plans to attend the University of Florida this fall, where he will major in Biochemistry and pursue a career in medical research. He
is the son of Jason Miller, PGA of America Head Golf Professional at Copperleaf Golf Club. Miller’s academic achievements, leadership, and passion for golf make him an ideal representative of the Foundation’s mission.
Bezzari, a recent graduate of Vero Beach High School, was also selected by the Board of Directors for her dedication to the sport, volunteer work, and involvement in the local community. She will attend Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, where she will play on the women’s golf team and major in Accounting. Bezzari currently works at the Quail Valley Golf Club Professional Shop and is an active member of the South Florida PGA Junior Tour.
Congratulations to Miller and Bezzari on this well-deserved honor. The South Florida PGA Foundation is proud to support their continued success and looks forward to following their academic and personal journeys in the years ahead.
Eric Veilleux, PGA Elected 24th South Florida PGA Section President
Eric Veilleux, PGA, was elected the 24th South Florida PGA President yesterday at the SFPGA Annual Meeting, hosted at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens.
A PGA of America Golf Professional since 1993, Veilleux is the Director of Golf at The Bear’s Club, a position he has held since 1999 when the Club was founded. Before his time with The Bear’s Club, Veilleux was on the bag for the golden bear, Jack Nicklaus, for five years.
succeeds Paul Clivio, PGA Director of Golf at St. Andrews Country Club, who completed his two-year term as President and will now serve as the Honorary Past President of the Section and Secretary of the SFPGA Foundation. Jeff Waber, PGA, follows Veilleux as Vice President. Waber is the Director of Golf at Broken Sound Club - Old Course and has served
as the Section Secretary for the last two years. Ben Bauer, PGA Director of Golf at Hunter Run Golf & Racquet Club, was elected by the Membership as the new Section Secretary.
In addition to the Section Officer Election, yesterday’s annual meeting marked the first in-person meeting since 2019 and was hosted at the SoFi Center, gathering over 200 South Florida PGA Professionals and partners. CJS Global served as the presenting partner of the Meeting, while Airshare, Florida Window & Door, and PGA National Resort served as supporting partners.
Pictured from left to right - Ben Bauer, PGA (Secretary) / Eric Veilleux, PGA (President) / Paul Clivio, PGA (Honorary Past President) / Jeff Waber, PGA (Vice President)
Eric Veilleux, PGA24th Section President
Veilleux first became a PGA of America Golf Professional in 1993 when he was employed in the Colorado Section. From 1993 to
1996 Veilleux split time between the South Florida Section and the Southern Ohio Section prior to making South Florida his permanent home in 1997.
Before serving as an officer of the Section, Veilleux first took on a leadership position in 2012, serving as the Education Chairperson from 2012-2014. Veilleux was then elected Section Secretary in 2021, Vice President in 2023 and now Section President.
Jeff Waber, PGA - Vice President
Waber, a member of the South Florida PGA Section since 2000 has been elected Section Vice Present after his term as Section Secretary. Prior to being elected as a Section Officer, Waber served as the Southeast Chapter President from 2020-22.
The 2022 South Florida PGA Golf Professional of the Year, the highest honor a PGA Golf Professional can receive at the Section level, began his involvement in Section leadership in 2015 when he served on the Executive Committee as the
Tournament Chairperson until 2020 and due to vacancy in the position in 2022, he assumed that role once more from 2022-23.
Ben Bauer, PGA - Secretary
A PGA of America Golf Professional since 2006, Bauer has been elected by the Membership as the Section Secretary. Bauer spent the last six years serving on the Southeast Chapter board as the Secretary, Vice President and most recently as the President from 2022-2024. Prior to being a Chapter Officer, Bauer’s leadership involvement began as the 2017 Southeast Chapter Education Chairperson.
In addition to his service to the Chapter, Bauer has been heavily recognized for his involvement in the association, being named the 2016 Southeast Chapter Horton Smith Award recipient, 2018-19 Southeast Chapter Bill Strausbaugh Award Recipient and the 2021 South Florida PGA Section Professional Development Award Recipient.
PGA of America Golf Professional John Mousley Earns PGA Master Professional Designation
PGA of America Golf Professional
John Mousley, the Founder and Director of Instruction of JM Golf Performance and PGA Golf Instructor at University of North Florida Golf Complex in Jacksonville, Fla., has earned PGA Master Professional status, the highest education designation available within the Association.
With more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals within the PGA of America, Mousley, a Member of the North Florida Section PGA, joins a special group as the 456th PGA Member to earn Master Professional status. He achieved his designation in Teaching and Coaching.
“It’s a tremendous honor to become a PGA Master Professional and join such a respected group,” said Mousley. “With 30,000 Members, to be under the 500 number really means a lot. What got me here in the first place was just overall curiosity. I was looking to further my teaching career and sharpen up my teaching skills to better serve my students. That curiosity isn’t going away now just because I finished the program. I feel like I owe it to my students to stay current on the cutting edge of everything and be able to provide the best instruction possible.”
The PGA Master Professional
program was established in 1969 to recognize PGA of America Members who make a significant effort to improve as golf professionals and maintain the highest degree of excellence for themselves and their facilities. The curriculum is designed to ensure golf professionals are prepared to meet the growing demands of the marketplace within the Executive Management, Golf Operations and Teaching and Coaching Designations.
The program is available to those with at least 10 years of PGA of America Membership along with having achieved advanced certification through the PGA Specialized and Certified Professional Programs.
The curriculum includes an extensive project based on the specific certification previously acquired by the PGA of America Golf Professional. PGA Master Professional status is earned upon successful completion of the project’s presentation.
A PGA of America Golf Professional since 2013, Mousley first worked with G.F. Management in several capacities including; General Manager, Director of Golf, Golf Sales Manager and provided regional support for multiple golf operations around
the country. During that time, Mousley executed multi-million dollar budgets, creating sales and marketing plans, performing daily accounting functions, AR/AP responsibilities, capital funding and implementing corporate management protocols.
Mousley focused his full attention to teaching in 2014, working at several North Florida facilities, including Billy Casper Golf and Meridian Golf & Fitness before serving as the PGA Director of Instruction at St. Johns Golf and Country Club in St. Augustine, Fla. from 20182020. In 2021, Mousley created JM Golf Performance and bases his instruction out of the University of North Florida Golf Complex.
In addition to his PGA Master Professional designation, Mousley is certified through the Titleist Performance Institute, is a Callaway Master Fitter, Operation 36 certified and a PGA Jr. League Coach.
Mousley has a master’s degree in public administration and health care management from West Virginia University and a bachelors degree in psychology from Michigan State University.
Mousley resides in St. Augustine, Florida, with his wife Morgan and their two dogs.
Ellison Claims Victory at The 2025 Georgia Women’s Open
By: Sloan Aubrey
In a breakthrough performance, amateur Morgan Ellison of Peachtree City captured the 2025 Georgia Women’s Open Presented by Played With Heart on The Golf Club of Georgia’s famed Lakeside Course. The 31st edition of the championship saw Ellison emerge victorious after 54-holes of intense competition, overcoming a strong field that included collegiate standouts and decorated past champions. Early tournament leader, professional Elizabeth Moon of Orlando, FL, held the top spot through both Round 1 and Round 2, setting the pace for a competitive event. Ellison, a recent graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she played golf all four years, posted
a strong opening round featuring five birdies, offset by a couple of bogeys. “There were a few mistakes here and there,” Ellison reflected, “so going into the second round, I tried to fix my positioning but didn’t play as well as I hoped.”
Determined to rebound on the final day, Ellison adopted a focused mindset to maintain good course positioning. Early in the round, a birdie on the second hole gave her a crucial confidence boost. A standout moment came on the par-4, 14th hole, where she “slam-dunked it in,” holing out from off the green to energize her momentum and finish strong with a 2-under-par 70 final round. Her steady play culminated in a 5-over-par total, earning her the championship by two strokes.
Throughout the tournament,
Ellison was supported by her father, who caddied for her over the three days. “My dad has caddied for me my whole life,” she said. “He’s been there ever since I started when I was 10 years old, so it was very special to have him on the bag this week. I know he was looking forward to it because he didn’t get to be on the bag for me during college.”
“It means the world to me,” Ellison added about winning the event. “It’s been a long time coming, and it really feels good for it to pay off. Being able to play against both professionals and amateurs — we don’t get to do that often — makes this win even more special. Getting it done this week is definitely a big confidence booster heading forward.”
Moon finished as low professional and earned $1,300 for her efforts. Another notable player in the field was past champion and professional Kendall Wright who finished tied for 16th in the event.
In the Senior Division, which was contested over 36-holes, professional Joan Delk emerged as the champion. Amateur and 2004 Champion, Laura Coble of Augusta led the tournament by two strokes after the first round, but Delk stayed consistent during her 2nd Round performance and came out on top, adding her name to a growing list of distinguished senior winners at the event. Coble was able to hold on to claim the Senior Amateur title.
Georgia PGA Operations Manager Dominic Smith praised the efforts of everyone who helped make the championship a success, stating, “We’re incredibly grateful to The Golf Club of Georgia for hosting this year’s championship on such a spectacular course. A special thank you to the players for their sportsmanship and dedication, and to our volunteers and staff who helped execute a smooth and memorable event.”
Morgan Ellison with her dad
Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2025
The Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame was established in 1984 as a joint effort by the Kentucky Golf Association and the Kentucky PGA to honor individuals in Kentucky who have attained significant achievements and accomplishments in various areas of golf. Membership includes individuals with remarkable records as players, golf professionals, golf course superintendents, educators, and golf administrators. These inductees have not only excelled in their respective roles but have also demonstrated a lasting commitment to growing the game, shaping its future, and inspiring generations of golfers throughout the Commonwealth.
Each year, the Hall of Fame celebrates those whose impact on the sport transcends competition— those who have elevated Kentucky golf through leadership, service, and passion. Details regarding the 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be shared in the coming weeks.
The Kentucky Golf Foundation is honored to announce the 2025 inductees into the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame: Keith Ohr, Andy Roberts, Emma Talley, and Josh Teater.
A pillar of Kentucky’s professional golf community, Keith Ohr, PGA has distinguished himself as both a fierce competitor and a selfless contributor to the game. Over a career that spans decades, Ohr’s dedication to excellence and player development has elevated golf throughout the Commonwealth.
“Without a doubt, Keith Ohr embodies
the qualities of excellence, leadership, and integrity that the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame seeks to recognize,” said Kelly Maxwell, PGA, General Manager at Big Spring Country Club.
Ohr’s playing resume is one of the most impressive in Kentucky PGA history. A two-time Kentucky Open Champion (2001, 2012), he has also won the Kentucky PGA Section Championship twice (2013, 2015), the KPGA Match Play Championship (2005), and was named KPGA Player of the Year six times. He has competed in eight PGA Professional National Championships, including a 9th-place finish in 2010 that earned him a spot in the 2010 PGA Championship.
Ohr’s roots in competitive golf began early, earning eight varsity letters in high school, winning the Kentucky Junior Amateur in three age divisions, and competing in the 1992 U.S. Junior Amateur and 1993 PGA Junior Championship. He continued his success as a four-year letterman at the University of Louisville, where he laid the groundwork for a career that would blend competitive drive with leadership in the golf industry.
“His service to the game and to the clubs he has worked for is a growing and continuous story,” said Phil Armbruster, President of the Kentucky Golf Association. “He is a credit to our state and is very deserving to be in the KY Golf Hall of Fame.”
Professionally, Ohr has served as an Assistant and Head Golf Professional, earning PGA Membership in 2004. He currently leads as Director of Golf at Lake Forest Country Club, where he is recognized for his mentorship, engaging personality, and dedication to growing
the game. His contributions have also been felt through his service on the KPGA Tournament Committee, organizing major events and helping secure sponsorships to elevate local pro-ams.
A name synonymous with championship golf in Kentucky, Andy Roberts holds a distinction unmatched in the state’s amateur ranks—he is the only player to win four major championships open to amateurs, the Kentucky Open (2010), the Kentucky Amateur (2016), the Kentucky Match Play (2021), and Kentucky Mid-Amateur (2008, 2010, 2018).
Roberts has represented Kentucky in 14 USGA national events and has compiled a remarkable amateur record. “By my count, he has won approximately 54 city, invitational, and club championships,” said Phil Armbruster, President of the Kentucky Golf Association, “including seven Owensboro City Golf titles and 13 Club Championships at Owensboro Country Club.”
Roberts’ collegiate career was equally impressive as a NAIA First Team AllAmerican at Brescia University, where he has since been inducted into the Brescia Athletics Hall of Fame. “During his playing career at Brescia University, Andy won six individual titles and led the Bearcats to four consecutive NAIA National Championship appearances,” shared Jason Fitch, PGA, Head Professional at Owensboro Country Club. “In addition, he became the only First Team All-American in Brescia men’s golf history (2002). He is one of a select few golfers to have won both The Kentucky State Amateur Championship and the KY Open Championship.”
But his contributions extend well beyond the scorecard. Roberts has been a tireless advocate for the game through his service on the Kentucky Golf Association Board of Directors, the Championships and Competitions Committee, and the Owensboro Country Club Board of Directors, where he served as President and led a major renovation initiative. He’s also known for mentoring junior and high school golfers and was a cofounder of the East-West Challenge Cup, fostering competition and camaraderie among Kentucky’s top amateur players.
“On April 18, he captained the West team in the inaugural East-West Challenge Cup,” added Armbruster. “It should be noted that he and Denver Haddix were the originators of this unique event between amateurs from all over the state and including all age divisions.”
Roberts’ impact is also felt on a personal level by those who have shared the fairways with him. “We were merely acquaintances when we were younger, occasionally getting paired together in golf tournaments,” recalled Denver Haddix, Jr. “In 2014, both of us qualified for the USGA Mid-Amateur Championship at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, PA. We played our practice rounds together, hung out a bit off the course, and began a friendship that I will be forever grateful for. While neither of us won the event (although we both made match play), I walked away with a friend for life—someone I talk to almost daily—and in a lot of ways, I found a brother I never knew I had.”
“Andy is the kind of golfer and leader who lifts everyone around him,” noted Armbruster. “Whether he’s competing at the highest levels or giving back to the next generation, his passion for Kentucky golf is unmatched.”
From Princeton, Kentucky, to the world stage, Emma Talley has built a legacy defined by excellence, integrity, and inspiration. Her journey through the game of golf is marked by historic achievements, national titles, and a deep commitment to giving back.
Talley’s amateur career is one of the most decorated in Kentucky history. She is a three-time KHSAA Individual State Champion (2008, 2010, 2011), 2013 U.S. Women’s Amateur Champion, and 2015 NCAA Division I Individual Champion while playing for the University of Alabama. She is one of only six women to ever win both the U.S. Women’s Amateur and the NCAA Individual Championship.
After turning professional in 2017, Talley joined the LPGA Tour, where she has earned over $1.4 million and competed at the highest level globally. Her career includes appearances in the Junior Ryder Cup, Junior Solheim
Cup, and numerous LPGA events.
Yet Talley’s impact goes far beyond trophies and scorecards. She is celebrated for her sportsmanship, most notably self-disqualifying from a high school state tournament due to a scoring error while still in a winning position. That moment exemplifies her integrity and character.
“Emma has demonstrated remarkable resilience and perseverance on the LPGA Tour,” said Mic Potter, University of Alabama Women’s Head Coach.
“She has not only achieved significant milestones in her own career but has also inspired a generation of golfers with her talent, determination, and character.”
Talley has continued to give back to the game through her work as a broadcaster with ESPN+ Golf, as an ambassador for Girls Golf, and by joining the Western Kentucky University Women’s Golf coaching staff in 2024. Her charitable work includes partnering with Golf Fore Africa, helping raise funds for clean water initiatives in underserved communities.
“Emma’s story is one of hard work, faith, and perseverance. She embodies the best of Kentucky, and I can think of no one more deserving of this honor,” said Todd Trimble, PGA Professional at The Golf Complex.
From Lexington’s fairways to golf’s biggest stages, Josh Teater has represented Kentucky with distinction across every level of the game. A consummate professional, Teater’s journey reflects unwavering dedication, elite talent, and a deep-rooted commitment to giving back to the sport and his home state.
“Born and bred in Kentucky, he has remained committed to giving back to the game in his home state,” said Bruce G. Walters, a 2013 inductee into the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame. “His actions have made a lasting impact on the growth of the game throughout Kentucky.”
A graduate of Henry Clay High
School and Morehead State University, Teater quickly made his mark as an amateur, capturing the 1999 OVC Team Championship, earning All-OVC honors in 2002, and joining the MSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011. His record-setting 61 at the 2001 Larry Gilbert Lexington Open remains one of Kentucky golf’s most memorable performances.
As a professional, Teater has amassed over 430 career starts across the PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour, with more than $7.5 million in combined career earnings. His 2009 victory at the Utah Championship marked his first PGA TOUR-sanctioned win, and in 2025, he added the Panama Championship to his resume. Teater has competed in three major championships, made four appearances in The PLAYERS Championship, and made the PGA Tour FedEx Cup Playoffs in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013, with his best finish coming in 2012 at 73rd. All this is a testament to his consistency and stature on tour.
“His playing record is impressive, but what truly sets Josh apart is his service and leadership within the game,” said Kelly Williams, PGA. “He has served on the PGA Tour Player Advisory Council three times and on the Korn Ferry Tour Player Advisory Board four times, including one term as Chairman. These appointments reflect not only his peers’ respect but also his deep commitment to giving back to the game he loves.”
Beyond the scorecards, Teater’s impact is felt through his service on those councils, as well as through hosting junior clinics, participating in charitable outings, and supporting local events with grace and humility. Teater won the Grayson Murray Kindness Award in 2025. He consistently prioritizes time for young athletes, offering advice, encouragement, and a visible example of where hard work and integrity can lead.
Whether mentoring young players, shaping the future of the game through his leadership, or representing Kentucky on the world’s biggest stages, Teater’s influence is enduring and deeply admired. His humility, professionalism, and commitment to others have made him a role model not just for aspiring golfers but for the entire Kentucky golf community.
Teater’s legacy is not only written in scorecards and trophies but also in the lives he’s touched and the game he continues to elevate.
Golf House Kentucky, the Kentucky Golf Foundation, the Kentucky Golf Association (KGA), and the Kentucky PGA (KPGA) congratulate the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame 2025 class. For any questions regarding the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame, please contact Golf House Kentucky CEO, Peter Kremer, at pkremer@kygolf.org.
To see the distinguished awardees currently in the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame, www.kygolf.org.
A Turf Pirate's Journal $ Pirate's
Greetings Turf Pirates and welcome back to another thrilling edition of a Turf Pirate’s Journal. There is always a lot of chatter at this time of year with the longest daylight day (Summer Solstice) finally behind us and how we strive for excellence and pray the grass responds to all of our best tips and tricks and that we will garner favors from the membership and golfers of all types so that the balance sheet will also sing our praises. We are in it now turf pirates and we need to be thick skinned as we will eventually endure a few harsh jabs, some earned some not. Greenkeeping is not meant for the weak we have to be a jack of all trades and a master of some to thrive in this crazy world full of hazards and penalty areas, especially in the summer.
Punch 25 $
Now you all know that I am battle tested but positivity is a cornerstone of the Ancient and Honorable Tribe of Turf Pirates. There-dam-for (homage to Dr. Sibbett, an ABAC legend) we shall move on from the known hardship into the lesser know need to gather, celebrate and recharge as it were. When you get the chance Turf Pirates there a few places on God’s green earth that you must experience and the best of these you will indeed need to experience many times over the decades. If you are a faithful reader of our journal then you know the homestead Bar of the Turf Pirates is none other than the Palace Saloon in Fernandina Beach, Florida. This month’s picture was taken just a few weeks ago while visiting my old friend Tim Hiers. I was able to take a break and bend time and walked into the Palace Saloon with my wife of 40 years Phyllis, we have been walking through those doors for more than 40 years if you track such things. She took the picture of me and Captain Jack at those famous doors. There are a few changes, for instance now you can get a Pirate’s Punch
(Five white liquors and a splash of citrus) on tap. It’s a miracle but it does require some foresight. I travel these days a lot and see a lot of golf courses and turf pirates. There are few things better than spending time at a place that lives up to the memories. The Bar tender said, you guys been here before? Yes Sir, we’ve been dropping by since 1982. Some of the crew from those days have passed on and we drank to them but mostly and this is the theme for this month, we drank a toast to the future turf pirates that will shape the industry and few old bars. These days I am more famous for having Double Sprite with a lime twist (Shout out to Jay Abbott Turf Pirate, Rancher
and dam good boss) but I still travel with turf guys, and we still spin tales of what works and what doesn’t. Appreciate the moment Turf Pirates get off the interstate and look around at the best things in your life. There are days where taking a picture with a wooden pirate should be on your to-do list.
The next time you’re near Fernandina or Amelia Island stop in the oldest bar in Florida and walk the shops nearby and be grateful for the life we have in turf. Tipping big is also encouraged. Afterall aren’t we all just surfing the world on a blade of grass? Until next time Turf Pirates be bigger than your problems but smaller than your bank account.
Show Your TurfLove!
Love the game? Live on the field? Our TurfLife gear is more than cool style – it’s your way to support the unsung heroes of all pitches and greens, and show your passion for sustainable sports turf. Ready to join the TurfLife crew?
The Four-Legged Superintendent’s Assistant at Spotswood Country Club
By Dayle Brinkley
If you’ve spent any time on the fairways at Spotswood Country Club in Harrisonburg, Virginia, chances are you’ve seen a flash of golden fur zipping past a sprinkler
or trotting proudly alongside a maintenance cart. That would be Birdie—a 2½-year-old Labrador and Golden Retriever mix, and the beloved golf course dog of Superintendent Dayle Brinkley.
Birdie has been part of the Golf Course family since she was just 8 weeks old, growing up on the greens and learning the daily rhythms of course life. “She’s been with me since the very beginning,” says Brinkley. “Every morning, before the sun comes up, she’s already wide-eyed and waiting for the first sound of a cart or mower to get moving.”
More than just a companion, Birdie has become something of a local celebrity. Her calm and friendly demeanor with club members makes her a favorite among golfers, while her unofficial job duties include keeping geese at bay—a task she takes very seriously. “She hasn’t quite figured out the squirrels yet,” Brinkley laughs, “but she sure tries.”
Whether it’s keeping company during pin changes or overseeing irrigation repairs, Birdie is never far from the action. True to her retriever roots, she’s fascinated by water and makes a game out
Dayle and Birdie
of chasing sprinkler arcs across the course. “I truly believe she understands her role out here,” Brinkley says. “She just wants to do a good job and be part of the team.” With her loyalty, spirit, and love for life on the links, Birdie has earned her place as a treasured part of the Spotswood crew—and a perfect example of why golf course dogs hold such a special place in the heart of the game.
Follow Birdie on Instagram: @Golfgirlbirdie
In The Winner’s Circle
Now it’s time to put golf courses construction companies on the pedestals they deserve. While accolades most often go to designers, the get-dirty-underyour-fingernails folks shouldn’t remain unsung heroes.
That’s why it is important we shed light on a company that for nearly 50 years has been developing and building layouts we love.
Hats off to Landscapes Unlimited that worked on a whopping 74 golf courses, country clubs and destination clubs named among Golf Digest’s “America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses” and Golfweek’s “Best Courses You Can Play in Every State” rankings.
They include Erin Hills (Wisc.), Greenbrier Resort (W.Va.), RitzCarlton Las Colinas (Tex.), Spyglass Hill (Calif.), The Broadmoor (Colo.), Torrey Pines (Calif.) and TPC Scottsdale (Ariz.).
“Being selected and serving as the partner of choice for golf construction and renovation has been a thrill of our company for nearly 50 years,” said Jake Riekstins, Chief Development Officer of Landscapes Unlimited.
“Our work reflected across ‘best of’ and ‘greatest’ lists is less about our
accolades and more a testament to the talented teams assembled broadly to deliver exceptional golf. We are grateful to the owners, architects and designers who continue to entrust us to help bring their visions to life.”
Golf Digest’s rankings are based on tens of thousands of evaluations submitted by its traveling course-ranking panelists and reflect the architectural merits
(not affordability) of each course.
Golfweek’s ranking criteria are routing, integrity of design (classic courses), quality of shaping (modern courses), overall land plan, greens and surroundings, variety and memorability (par 3s, 4s and 5s), tree and landscape management and “walk in the park” test.
Recently, Landscapes Unlimited placed 16 golf courses on Golf Club Atlas’ list of the greatest golf course “Custodians of the Game” worldwide. The company was also named among the National Golf Foundation’s “Top 100 Businesses in Golf,” an honor it has held on to the biannual list each year since the inaugural edition in 2018.
Landscapes Unlimited has been the No. 1, go-to company to manage new builds and renovations for golf course owners and operators. Its ability to attract and retain top talent leads to it being regularly called upon to responsibly support the requirement of modernizing, updating and upgrading.
The company’s Project Development Group is also on a roll, leading capital strategies, master planning, pre-construction, total project design-build and fully integrated program management solutions for golf course as well as state-of-the-art practice facilities, golf entertainment venues, lodging and other amenities.
Further instrumental in Landscapes Unlimited success is its proprietary M4 data management services that efficiently maps, measures, models and manages projects’ lifecycles through aerial and terrestrial survey and bespoke operating platforms.
Chanticleer Golf Course at Greenville C.C.
Chanticleer Golf Course at Greenville C.C.
Chanticleer Golf Course at Greenville C.C.
TurfLifeLady: Loren Hartsaw
Where did you spend your childhood? I grow up in Lakeland, Florida. When I was twelve my family moved to Bartow. We are still in Bartow today.
What made you get into this TurfLife? Where did you study?
Senior year of high school I found a nice first job working for Streamsong Resort. I worked along side amazing staff and got to meet fantastic prominent figures within those 3 years while gaining experience in the hospitality industry. In 2021 a great opportunity came along for me to work for Massey Services, a company that strives to provide awesome customer service for landscaping fertilization, irrigation, pest control, mosquito control, and termite protection services. Massey has allowed me to continue my education through there company classes and certifications. I’m looking forward to how far Massey Services can take me within this industry.
Do you take your dog to work?
Although I am not allowed to take a dog to work, I do get to see a lot of my customers dogs throughout the day. I would have to say it’s one of the best parts of my day.
What is your sport of choice? I’m not the type of person to choose just one. I like being involved, whether it’s outdoors or inside on a court.
How many women are on your team? There are six wonderful women in the Winter Haven Massey office who help me do my job better.
What is your most enjoyable memory in being in this turf industry? Being able to get out early and watch nature come alive, watch the sunrise in the morning coming up over hills and on lakes. Being able to be in nature is my greatest freedom.
Who is the most beautiful person you know--inside and out? That would be my mother, Jennifer Hartsaw. She has inspired me and hundreds of others. Being a mother and teacher has made her the most patient, compassionate, supportive and empathetic person. She’s been there through both good times and difficult times, and helped me become who I am today. She supports me, holds me accountable, and gives me strength.
What is the most important aspect of your turf life that you want to share about yourself to GCM readers? Satisfying my customers to the best of my ability and putting a smile on their face.
What is your favorite turf equipment? Most definitely an aeration machine and a commercial grade top dress command spreader.
Tell us about your TurfLife protection for you and your team? Massey Services provides its employees with protective hats, water resistant clothing, and boots. For me personally I like to wear a ball cap to put my hair up, doing irrigation work can get dirty and wet. I’m constantly reapplying sunscreen due to the water washing it away, I never know turning a corner of a house if I’m gonna get hit in the face
or legs with a sprinkler head that I’m checking or making adjustments on.
What type of music is on your playlist? Tate McRae, Benson Boone, Tim McGraw, Thomas Rhett, Queen, ABBA, AC/DC, Joan Jett, Def Leopard, Mötley Crüe, and Poison.
When you are not at your Golffice, what do you do for recreation? I like to play golf, recreational basketball, paddleboard, and work out at Anytime Fitness.
What is your favorite charity to support? Matthew’s Hope fosters the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of the homeless men, women and children of our community by meeting basic needs, developing skills and restoring dignity and independence. The event we played in was called Giving on the Green, Matthew’s Hope Annual Golf Tournament. This popular event is a great opportunity to have fun and support Matthew’s Hope. Also, during the summer I help out teachers set up their classrooms for the next coming school year. Plus, school functions-Family Nights, setting up technology for teachers. I helped getting a school ready for the start of the year by pressure washing sidewalks.
