Golf Central Magazine - Vol 20 Issue 10

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header from the publisher

Ah Shucks!

Volume 20, Issue 10

When we decided to dedicate pages in this issue to Pete Dye with his recent passing, I thought of my dearest friend Liza Mae a lot, who I lost several years ago in February. She was a follow your heart, YOLO, approve of yourself, stake your claim, and live as you please kind of woman.

I live a life full of legendary people (including Liza Mae). If the term “Legendary” fits anyone it is Pete Dye, he left us with many iconic and incredibly difficult designs for us to play around with him on forever.

Just after Pete’s passing, in a conversation with Tartan Talks (#43), a part of the Superintendent Radio Network (golfcourseindustry.com), Brian Curley of Schmidt-Curley Golf Design was being interviewed about Pete Dye and Brian Curley the passing of Pete Dye. Remarked as one of the people in golf that knew Pete and his approach to design better than anyone else… Brian’s interview was incredibly enlightening about the “man behind the designs.”

“I first met Pete, working for Landmark Land Company and first course that we did together at PGA West. Pete was just coming off his TPC Sawgrass opening at Ponte Vedra in Florida and he was getting a lot of attention for that course,” Brian explained.

“My partner in the design firm, Lee Schmidt was coming out of golf course construction and couldn’t draw what needed to be completed. The old joke about Pete… was that he couldn’t draw a good breath… he would just make “Chicken Scratching” type of notes to follow, not getting the Pen to Paper, so to speak of. I was a 24-year-old that wanted to be a golf course guy… and I could draw… so it was my job to interpret what Pete wanted done… document it on the paper and speak with he developers to sell the overall concept of what was going on,” explained Brian.

This is just a small portion of the interview. Catch the entire Podcast here: https://www.golfcourseindustry.com/video/podcast-brian-curleypete-dye Taking from the lesson learned here remembering Pete Dye…

Publisher: Terrie L. Purdum Editor in Chief: Shannon Coates Editor Emeritus: Joel Jackson, CGCS Retired Chief Fertilizer Spreader: Eric Rasberry Associate Editor/Photographer: Greg Corbo Photographers: Lynn Pelham, Brion Price, Peter Hakansson Mike Coonan, Becky Galloway Senior Correspondent: Rick Harris, Sr. International Correspondent: Dove Jones

Regional Partner: Doug Hollandsworth, Founder-Georgia Golf Trail Contributing Writers: Jay Golden, PGA; Greg Wise, Bob Bolton, Greg Corbo, Elisa Gaudet, Mike Jamison, Mike May, Ron Heller, Rick Styles, Fred Seely, Deb Shuck, JL Quebbeman, Linda Williams-Sieg

Graphic Design: Melahn Cable, melahn@mac.com Golf Central Magazine is published monthly by: Sand Hill Publishing & Public Relations 1549 Warrington Court, Winter Springs, FL 32708

NEW PHONE: 321.765.7550 E-mail: info@golfcentralmag.com ©2019 Golf Central Magazine. No portion of this publication may be reprinted without the prior written permission of the Publisher.

Editorial contributions are welcome, but Golf Central Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited proposals, manuscripts and photographs. All materials submitted not accompanied by a selfaddressed stamped envelope will not be returned. Mailing, electronic mailing or faxing of contributions constitutes an expressed warrant on the part of the contributor that all material is original and does not infringe on the rights of others. Golf Central Magazine retains all reprint rights and reserves the right to edit any submitted material to meet our specifications for publishing and or use in advertising or promotion. The Publisher and staff are not responsible for any loss or grievance by any person or persons whatsoever, due in any way or in part to the content of this publication. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse to accept any material deemed inappropriate or in bad taste.

Do Your Thing!

2009 North Florida PGA Amateur of the Year 6

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

Volume 20, Issue 10 19th Hole 58 Dexter's New Standard Alabama Golf Central 48 Montgomery FEATURE 36 Rumbling Bald Resort Golf Bachelor 14 Dave Lockhart Georgia Golf Central 12 Old Toccoa Farm Golf Bachelorette 16 Jaclyn G Growing The Game 18 Never Say Never

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Improving Performance 34 On Point

Departments

Living on the Links 10 Mediterra Turf Life 60 Audubon International 62 Sunniland SuperSpotlight 64 TPC Louisiana 66 Strawn & Sampson PETE DYE TRIBUTE 20-28

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32 Georgia Golf Trail 38 Golf Business 40 Grip It & Sip It 42-47 PGA Merchandise Show

Product Showcase 50 Fashion Forward 52 North Florida PGA 54 South Florida PGA 56 Freddy's Fairway Thoughts 68 Playing The Tips

Featur

e Artic

le Pg 3

6

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“I CHOOSE… ...TO BE ON THE GOLF COURSE IN THE EARLY MORNING LIGHT, TO HEAR THE BIRDS GREET ME, AND FEEL THE SUN EVAPORATE THE DEW. MY SWING IS FINE AND SO AM I. I CHOOSE MEDITERRA.”

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E IT AIN M EM O R H ES I EW T N NI U RT PO ES

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P

living on the links The firm Platinum Paspalum turf on the fairways of both of Mediterra’s golf courses provides fast playing conditions that are complimented by the Tiff-Eagle Bermuda grass on the greens.

Golf, Expanded Clubhouse, and New Design Choices Prime Attractions at Mediterra Acknowledged as one of Naples’

preferred golf destinations and named the Collier Building Industry Association’s Community of the Year on 11 occasions, the Mediterra community on Livingston Road in North Naples showcases two distinctly different golf courses designed by Tom Fazio. Set against the splendor of Mediterra’s spectacular tableau, the courses weave their way along sparkling lakes, wetlands, and nature preserves. As beautiful as they are playable, each of the courses presents distinctive design characteristics and unique challenges for golfers of every skill level. Members also enjoy the benefits of the Golf Learning Center that 10

offers the latest in swing analysis technology and personalized instruction.

Membership opportunities at Mediterra are limited to just 225 members per 18 holes, allowing for abundant tee times.

The Club at Mediterra was certified as the world’s first 36-hole Audubon International Silver Signature Sanctuary. The Fazio Design Team ensured the golf courses nurtured the surrounding environment and habitat.

Fazio incorporated rolling bunkers and natural landforms into both courses.

The fairways’ firm Platinum Paspalum turf provides fast playing conditions that are complimented by the Tiff-Eagle Bermuda grass on the greens. Both courses feature nine tee options and no forced carries.

The North Course features subtle doglegs that angle away from the golfer’s line of play. Members are par-

ticularly captivated by the 7th and 17th holes on the North Course. The 7th hole is a hole unto itself with a natural tree line, a water feature, and not a home in sight. The setting conjures a sense of being removed from the day-to-day while connecting with the surroundings in a personal way. The 17th hole is a boomerang par 5 with a natural setting that includes a unique bent leaning pine tree. There are no home intrusions.

The South Course challenges golfers with elevated greens, fast chipping areas, and strategically placed bunkers.

The signature of the South Course is a corridor that showcases views of holes 11 through 14. The 11th hole is a straight par 4. On the horizon, golfers will also see the 12th tee, the 13th green, and the 14th hole in the distance.

The setting offers striking sunset views.

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

Fazio has incorporated vast bunkering on both courses that includes low entries and steep exits on the green sides. Both courses can offer a stern challenge depending on tee selection. Great care is taken to welcome those who are new to the game, particularly for ladies interested in learning the game of golf while enjoying the socializing that is part Mediterra’s golf experience.

After golf, Mediterra’s European Chicstyle clubhouse is a favored gathering place. A 24,000 square-foot clubhouse expansion has been completed. The awning structure over the cypress bar and tavern was replaced with a permanent roof structure featuring a clerestory element that allows the space to be illuminated with daylight. At the same time, the covered outdoor tavern space was expanded by nearly 1,400 square feet. A new 1,850 square-foot outdoor covered bar terrace was created and provides views of one of the community’s golf courses. The outdoor bar offers access to a new 680 square-foot covered grille terrace and to the expanded outdoor tavern. The bar terrace is adjacent to a new west-facing fire pit terrace that capitalizes on golf course and colorful sunset views. In addition, 7,000 square feet of existing clubhouse space was enhanced as part of the initiative that was undertaken without a member assessment.

London Bay Homes has introduced a collection of new coastal inspired home design choices priced from the low$900s in its Cabreo and Lucarno neighborhoods at Mediterra. Homesites are available starting in the mid-$200s. The new design choices feature open-concept floor plans with spacious outdoor living areas that can include optional outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, custom pools, and spas. Finish selections can be made at London Bay’s Selection Studio that showcases the latest design trends in the building industry. An award-winning homebuilder and developer in the Southwest Florida luxury home market for nearly 30 years, London Bay manages all new home construction sales and marketing for Mediterra. Purchasers of homes by London Bay are eligible to secure a full golf membership immediately rather than being placed on the membership waiting list as a Limited Golf Member.

Visit the Mediterra Sales Center at 15836 Savona Way off Livingston Road two miles north of Immokalee Road.

The Sales Center and model residences are open daily. Visit Mediterra online at MediterraNaples.com.

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

Mediterra’s golf staff takes great care to welcome those who are new to the game, particularly for ladies interested in learning the game of golf while enjoying the socializing that is part Mediterra’s golf experience.

Both of the Tom Fazio-designed golf courses at Mediterra feature nine tee options and no forced carries.

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georgia golf central

By David Theoret

A Links Mountain Golf Club By definition, a links-style golf course is one that is built on sandy soil along the coastline; there is very little elevation change other than the surrounding sand dunes. These courses are usually susceptible to strong winds, which is why you will find deep bunkers; digging them deep is the only way to keep sand in them. A true links course has little if any trees; in fact, other than tall sea grasses and gorse - a hearty lowgrowing evergreen plant - there is little vegetation at all!

Mountain golf is the antithesis of links golf, plenty of rolling hills, dramatic elevation changes and trees everywhere. To many golfers, it offers the ultimate golf challenge.

I submit to you a new category of golf course: Links Mountain Golf. The best of both worlds: sandy soils, lots of sand dunes, steep elevation changes and trees, lots of trees. We’ll leave the strong winds up to God! Old Toccoa Farm in Mineral Bluff, Georgia is the poster child of links mountain golf. Step up to the first tee and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

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Everything except the uphill trajectory!

Design and construction on what was originally known as the Blue Ridge Golf & River Club (which began in 2005), was led by Dan Proctor and Dave Axland of Bunker Hill Golf with Jack Dredla as the Master Shaper. In 2008, the hopes of completing the Blue Ridge Golf & River Club were lost as that year’s real estate crash claimed yet another victim. When the project was aban-

doned in 2009, 17 of the 18-holes were shaped, but only 9-holes were irrigated, and only 7 holes had been sodded. By the time the project was foreclosed on in 2012, the grounds were overgrown and unrecognizable as a golf course.

In 2013, Current Managing Partners, Kevin Hermetz and Peter Knutzen put together an investment team and were able to purchase the property at a fraction of its original value. They Immediately contacted Bunker Hill Golf and asked them if they wanted to return to complete the project. The response was unanimous – absolutely. In 2014 Bunker Hill Golf returned to compete the initial 9-holes and the course was

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

opened in September of 2015.

According to Golf Course Superintendent Jeff Buckman, his biggest challenge is maintaining the playability of these new holes and keeping it consistent with the original nine. “These new holes are more demanding to maintain.” says Buckman, “Because of their lack of maturity, we’re still having to do things like level sprinkler heads and some other tweaking.” He and his crew do a great job; the average golfer probably can’t tell which holes are new and which are old!

Ask Knutzen or Dredla what they think of the course and they’ll tell you it’s a “minimalist” golf course, except when it came to moving dirt. According to Dredla, he can’t even hazard a guess as to how much earth was moved. We were standing outside the temporary pro shop and he pointed to the ridge at the end of the driving range. The ridge stands about 20’ high behind the range and according to Dredla, it was all that height at one point. They literally dug out the driving range and moved the dirt around the course. In true minimalist fashion, there are no tee signs with diagrams of the hole and the various yardages; that’s what the scorecard and Visage GPS system are for!

Old Toccoa Farm offers golfers 5 sets of tees and can be played anywhere from 6,707 (73.8/149) to 4,525 (67.2/123) yards.

No matter your golf competency level, you’ll find a set of tees that will let you thoroughly enjoy the golf course. Old Toccoa Farm has some pretty impressive practice facilities too, including a fulllength driving range, chipping area and a putting green and in the spring of 2020, they will open their Family Par-3 Course located inside the driving range!

As you traverse the course at Old Toccoa Farm, you’ll encounter scenic vistas, fields of native grasses, and thick stands of hardwood trees, each adding to the overall aesthetics of the course. The massive bunkers are very rugged looking and remind you of the traditional links style courses with thick grass collars, and tallwispy grass edges. Advancing the ball from many of the traps can be difficult.

Often – as in Scotland – your best (only) play out is either sideways or backwards.

The greens at Old Toccoa Farm are 007 Bentgrass and feature a great deal of undulation. In fact, undulation may be an understatement; hills or mounds may be more suitable. According to Knutzen, they’ve buried their fair share of elephants out here! As far as speed, they typically run between 8 and 9 on the stimpmeter and can be taken up a notch or two for tournaments and special Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

events.

Hole # 2 is very interesting, playing over 400 yards downhill from the back two sets of tees. Accuracy off the tee is a must, finding the fairway is imperative if you want to score well, or at the very least find your ball so you can hit it again. Push anything right towards the fairway bunker and you’ll have a totally blind second shot – albeit downhill – to a green that leaves very little margin for error. A good drive in the fairway can roll a long way and could very well be that 300 yard drive you’ve been dreaming about and put you in a good position for a birdie.

Several fairways – and cart paths for that matter – are reminiscent of a roller coaster and with over 280 feet of elevation change, Old Toccoa Farm rivals the best coasters out there. The shortest hole on the course (Hole # 12, 116 yards) is followed by the longest hole on the course (the par 5 13th hole at 626 yards), which plays downhill and is, believe it or not, reachable in two. Sometimes looking where you’ve been can be a beautiful thing. Case in point: Stand on the green on Hole # 5 and look back at where you’ve just come from. Downhill off the tee, uphill to the green never looked so good!

If you’re looking to get back to nature, you’ve come to the right place. This private, gated community with semi-private golf, consists of over 420 acres and is located just 5 miles from the charming mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. The nearby Chattahoochee and Cherokee National Forests offer more than 1,000,000 acres of managed wilderness, for hiking, and biking. Old Toccoa Farm also boasts

over 4,300 feet of frontage on the clearflowing Toccoa River, a world-class fishery. The river also offers plenty of other river activities including, canoeing and kayaking. Currently, there are 3.5 miles of walking trails on property that meander along the Toccoa River and next to small slow-moving creeks. As the community grows, plans call for an expansion of the trail system.

Old Toccoa Farm is open six days a week and closed on Tuesdays. One way to become a member of Old Toccoa Farm is to purchase property; Property owners must become members. Not looking for a new primary or second home or already have a home in the area? You can apply to become a Non-Resident Member but better hurry, ultimately there will be a cap on the number of Non-Resident memberships. Corporate Memberships are also available.

Not sure if Old Toccoa Farm is a place you want to call home? They have a way to help you decide. It’s called a Discovery Visit and gives you the opportunity to explore the community and preview the upcoming plans for the development.

You’ll also have the opportunity to play one of the most impressive courses I’ve ever had the privilege of playing. If you’re looking for something more than golf, the friendly and amenable staff can help you arrange water activities and other outdoor pursuits during your visit.

If you enjoy the game of golf and find yourself anywhere in the Blue Ridge Mountains of north Georgia, you owe it to yourself to go and play a round at Old Toccoa Farm and experience links-style golf in the mountains. You can find them online at www.oldtoccoafarm.com.

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golf bachelor

What are some of your great accomplishments? Starting a golf

TV show in 1994 and later winning awards for it.

Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails? I enjoy them both. It’s

good to have a mix and balance in life.

Dave Lockhart Where were you born? Chicago, The Windy City.

Did you grow up there? Yes, just a few miles north of Wrigley Field.

Is “acting your age” overrated? Totally!

What do you do for a living? Video/TV producer, journalist

What would you like to do for a living?

Bank Robber, haha. Seriously though it’s my job as a Golf360 TV producer, it’s taken me to some pretty amazing countries such as Scotland, Ireland and South Africa.

love, success, or money to keep yourself happy? Like the Beatles song – LOVE is all you need!

What do you fear the most? When I can’t play golf anymore, or being trapped in an elevator.

What three people would you most like to play with in your fantasy golf foursome? Jack Nicklaus, Paige Spiranic, and Lee Trevino.

Favorite comedian? Back in the day it was George Carlin & Richard Pryor.

Today Sebastian Maniscalco.

Movies:…comedy, drama, action, romance? I prefer comedy and drama.

Some of my favorites are Caddyshack, Shawshank Redemption and Ford versus Ferrari.

Favorite charity to support? American Heart Association. For over 25 years I have been involved with running a golf outing in Chicago for a good friend that passed away of heart failure.

What else would you like for us to know about you? I still have a number

of friends that I grew up with from the same block that I have known for over 50 years. Great guys.

Aside from golf; what do you prefer for fun and relaxation? Hanging out at the

beach with a cold (preferably) adult beverage.

What golf apparel do you like to wear?

Linksoul, Peter Millar and Under Armor

Steak, chicken, or seafood?

Yes to all of the above. And being from Chicago, pizza of course.

What three things would you need to survive on a deserted island? Food, shelter and the internet!

Who would you like to have with you on the same deserted island; and why? The women that work on this

magazine because you know it would never be dull.

Given the choice; would you select 14

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

golf bachelorette

Where were you born? Did you grow up there? Daytona Beach; Yes, born and raised!

raphy; Trying new restaurants; and Hanging out with friends and family.

What would you like to do for a living? Food taste tester at a Michelin restaurant or Reviewer of Resorts across the world.

What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten? Kangaroo and emu in Australia; It was especially “interesting” since we had just

Aside from golf; what do you prefer for fun and relaxation?

Travel – both domestic and international; Kayaking; Photog-

Jaclyn G

visited a wildlife preserve and fed them. Circle of Life, right?

What are Your Favorite Countries You’ve Visited? Greece, Scotland, Switzerland, and Hawaii.

What’s a trip that changed you, and why? I lived in Liberia and Senegal for about a year. It was very eye opening to get out of the “bubble” that is the United States. We have a lot to be grateful for, but we also have too many possessions…

What do you find to be the most annoying habit people demonstrate on the golf course?

Not letting people play through.

Given the choice; would you select love, success, or money to keep yourself happy? Love; Having the right people in your life is what it’s about in the end.

What do you fear the most?

I have an irrational fear of lizards.

What three people would you most like to play with in your fantasy golf foursome?

Tiger Woods, Rickie Fowler, and Arnold Palmer.

What are some of your great accomplishments? Graduating college in three years and, later, getting my Master’s degree while working full-time.

Favorite comedian? Chris D’Elia.

Last book you read? “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Reality TV while eating some kind of dessert—of course!

Favorite charity to support?

Habitat for Humanity.

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Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

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growing the game

Sharing Your Passion with Young People

Hogan Lust

Nick Stilwell… video the putting action… and the young man made the putt!

An amazing thing happened for me, over the simple note via Facebook Messenger from a friend telling me of an event at Mission Inn (Howey-in-the-Hills, FL) that I may want to cover.

The North American One-Armed Golfer Association – Winter Region Championship. There wasn’t any hesitation on reaching out to the President, Dan Aldrich to explain that I will attend the final day and do a story.

What I didn’t expect was what I found when I arrived at Mission Inn. The NAOAGA had invited Nick

Jimmy Tillman looked like a pro shot out of the bunker.

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Stilwell and the Never Say Never Foundation to bring junior golfers with disabilities to play golf during their Championship Weekend.

I recently had completed a story on Nick from Ocala, Florida and his adventures of winning the Champions Trophy of the “State Farm Para Long Drive” competition at the WinStar World Resort and Casino in Thackerville, Okla., held in conjunction with the 44th World Long Drive Championship.

“I had such a great event that week and feel very blessed to have competed in the State Farm Para Long Drive competition.” Nick said. “I got first place in the amputee division!!!… can you believe it?,” he mentioned in a very excited voice.

What I didn’t realize was his passion for “Paying it Forward.”

After a near fatal car accident, Nick’s was first prosthetic appointment led him to meet Regas Woods who actually fabricated Nick’s first set of legs. Regas did more than just fit Nick for those legs… he lifted Nick’s spirits… showing him that there IS life after amputation and that anything is still possible with determination and the right mind set.

Now facing new obstacles physically, mentally and financially, Nick asked Regas to join forces to help amputee children who face these same problems.

From that conversation they formed the Never Say Never Foundation to instill a positive and active lifestyle in kids with limb loss, all the while pushing the

Jackson Merriss can’t have a bigger smile with a final putt to finish first in the Junior Division.

limits of adaptive sports and redefining what was thought to be impossible!

In the past nine years, Nick and Regas have built Never Say Never into a respected foundation that helps kids and athletes strive to reach their full potential and put on one of the most sought after, fully funded, adaptive sporting camps in the United States.

What next for Never Say Never AMP CAMP 2020 This year’s camp will take place April 22nd-26th at Camp Kiwanis in Silver Springs, FL. The kids attending this camp from around the country can look forward to activities such fishing, hiking, swimming, archery and an introduction to some of the local wildlife.

More information can be found at: www.NeverSayNever.com Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

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te Dye Tribute Pete Dye Tribute Pete Dye Tribute Pete Dye Tribute Pete Dye

By Dave Harner, PGA Director of Golf Operations French Lick Resort

You know, there will be hundreds and

otherwise.

It is hard to put the life of Pete Dye

hundreds of tributes, stories, and com-

into words. His comments were simple,

ments about Pete Dye’s passing, but the

yet profound, his time at French Lick

most amazing thing was how Pete lived

Resort was invaluable, yet so unself-

his life.

ishly given, and his eye for golf course

Alongside his “bride” Alice, they

architecture was unmatched.

changed the very face of golf course architecture, and never really set out to.

Even though they were 2 of golf’s Rock Stars, they remained humble, lived a simple life, and gave back so much to so many. Not only did they give back to the game of golf, they gave 20

We will always cherish our time of their time for worthy causes, they

with the Dyes, and it goes without say-

gave financial resource to some not as

ing, I know they loved and appreciated

fortunate, they helped young people

their time with everyone they came in

get an education that they might not

contact with. “Drive-able par-4’s are not

have had the opportunity to have

par 4’s” RIP Pete!

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

21

te Dye Tribute Pete Dye Tribute Pete Dye Tribute Pete Dye Tribute Pete Dye

By Dove Jones

The infamous 18th hole on Harbour Town Golf Links and the iconic red and white lighthouse at The Sea Pines Resort site of the RBC Heritage. Photo courtesy of Sea Pines Resort/Rob Tipton

Pete Dye on the Carolina Coast A young Pete with his favorite design partner – his wife Alice on site at The Ocean Course

A true American original icon,

there are as many classic Pete Dye stories as there are masterful designs. Several of my favorites originate on the South Carolina coast where Pete (and Alice) made a lasting legacy to the golf landscape.

First up Harbour Town Golf Links in The Sea Pines Resort that has played host to the PGA TOUR’s RBC Heritage of Golf for over 50 years. Best known for its closing hole along the aptly named Calibogue Sound with the worldrenowned red and white candy-striped

An aerial view of Pete’s Top 100 Course the Long Cove Club on Hilton Head 22

Pete loved to create challenges at every turn including high grass at the Long Cove Club. lighthouse as a backdrop, it’s the Par 3s there that Pete was the most proud of designing.

If you ever had the privilege of hearing Pete speak about his craft in person, you know that he was immensely proud of Alice’s contributions to his efforts even crediting her as the inspiration for the infamous island hole at TPC Sawgrass. At Harbour Town I once heard Pete tell the story of how Alice was the real genius behind those devilish Par 3s.

Alice, a superb golfer in her own right was also the driving force in making sure the yardages, tee boxes and overall design of Pete’s courses were as Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

Pete’s masterful closing holes at The Ocean Course, site of the “War by the Shore” Ryder Cup drama. fair to the women as the men that play them.

As only Pete could tell the story, he related how Alice made sure that her favorite ladies at their home club in Florida, Gulf Stream, would be able to easily reach the Par 3s both in yardage and with correct tee positioning. At Harbour Town Pete said , “Alice made sure every woman could make par and also insured it was impossible for anyone else.”

A better Pete story occurred when he was working on neighboring private Long Cove Club. Pete was a hands-on designer – he knew how to move a bulldozer as well as a pencil and loved working in the dirt to see his masterpieces evolve.

Along with Alice, his favourite design partner was his ever-present dog.

So upon returning a rental car at the start of the project the car was a little worse for wear and covered inside and out with dirt – aka, Carolina mud. In horror the young man at the counter sought out his supervisor on what to do and what to charge Mr. Dye. The supervisor who knew Pete and his work ethic said, “Just put the car in the back, clean it out as best we can, and when Mr. Dye comes back in a couple of weeks, just give him that car, he’ll never notice.” And apparently he never did, he was much too concerned with the project than the condition of the car, a little different from many of today’s fly in-and-out celebrity designers.

Up the coast, just outside of Charleston, at The Kiawah Island Resort is the famed Ocean Course, site of the 1991 Ryder Cup or more commonly known as “The War by the Shore.” This was the Ryder Cup that changed the event forever and it almost wasn’t held at the now famous venue.

For the first time ever the future site Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

of a Ryder Cup was announced for a course that hadn’t actually been built.

Things were progressing nicely until Mother Nature intervened with 1989’s Hurricane Hugo. Devastating for the neighboring area, Hugo proved a blessing in the end for both the City of Charleston and the Ryder Cup. Kiawah suffered only a 3-foot tidal

Pete with long time friend and South Carolina PGA Pro Jim Ferree at Long Cove Club

surge but that was enough to cut the island off from the mainland for a considerable amount of time. Sadly, I am not talented enough to write the story as funny as hearing Pete tell it in person.

But the result was they could not access the island by road during a key period of construction. No worries. In typical down-to-earth Dye fashion, Pete loaded up a barge in neighboring Beaufort and bought in the equipment by boat. The isolation served an important purpose – no one could access the site to see what Pete was up to. So without pesky interference from local environmental authorities Pete went about building the fabulous links-style course he always envisioned and the rest is golf history.

It was always a treat to spend time in the company of Pete and Alice their warmth and humor is missed but every time I tee it up on any of their courses I have fond memories and still chuckle at his telling of just how those designs came to be.

Be sure and visit the Pete Dye Tribute Room at the Harbour Town Golf Links Clubhouse.

Photo courtesy of Sea Pines Resort/Rob Tipton 23

te Dye Tribute Pete Dye Tribute Pete Dye Tribute Pete Dye Tribute Pete Dye

By Mike May

The Fort - 11th Tee

Back Home in Indiana It’s not a stretch to say

that the late, great, hall-of-fame golf course architect Pete Dye was the Donald Ross of his 24

generation. Dye’s footprint on U.S. golf is prolific, just as Ross’ golfing ‘footprint’ remains on full display in the U.S. Golf legend Jack Nicklaus, himself a world-renowned golf course architect, is a big fan of Dye’s.

“I think Pete Dye was the most creative, imaginative, and unconventional golf course designer that I have ever been around,” said the Golden Bear.

While Dye’s most publicized project is probably the Stadium Course at the TPC in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, the roots of his golf design genius are in Indiana. Dye’s first 18-hole creation was the Maple Creek Golf and Country Club – opened in 1961 and originally named the Heather Hills Golf and Country Club -- in Indianapolis.

To honor Dye’s Indiana ties, The Pete Dye Trail was formed in the Hoosier state. It’s a seven-course trail: The Pete Dye Course (French Lick), Brickyard Crossing Golf Club (Indianapolis), The

Fort Golf Course (Indianapolis), Maple Creek Golf & Country Club (Indianapolis), Tippecanoe Country Club (Monticello), and the Ackerman-Alan and Kampen courses at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex (West Lafayette).

THE PETE DYE COURSE (French Lick) The Pete Dye Course (1082 Taggart Lane, West Baden, Indiana) was built on top of the surrounding hills in southern Indiana. Many adjectives have been used to describe The Pete Dye Course -- breathtaking, dramatic, and exciting, to name a few.

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

When you arrive at the clubhouse, it’s Indiana’s second-highest elevation point, with the best views of any vantage point in the Midwest. It’s a 360-degree view of the surrounding Hoosier National Forest.

From many parts of this golf course, you can see 30-40 miles in every direction.

When Pete Dye built this course, he wanted to give golfers a panoramic view of southern Indiana.

“As I built the golf course, I tried to get the tees, the fairways, and the greens in position that they have these long views over the valleys and hills,” stated Dye. “The ambience of the course is the look, the vistas from all the different tees, greens and fairways.”

FYI: The hilltop peak, where The Pete Dye Course clubhouse stands, is Mt. Airie -- 972 feet high.

BRICKYARD CROSSING (Indianapolis) The Brickyard Crossing Golf Club, a Pete Dye re-design, is named in honor of its famous sporting neighbor, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Golf at Brickyard Crossing (4400 West 16th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana; www. brickyardcrossing.com; 317-492-6417) is

Tippecanoe a blend of golf and motor sports. This golf course sits inside and outside of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Brickyard Crossing has 14 holes situated on the outskirts of the Speedway and four holes that are located within the infield of the Racing Capital of the World. To reach those four infield holes, you drive your golf cart through a tunnel which is under the actual race track.

On many holes, the Speedway’s grandstands are always lurking in the

background, but they never impact play.

FYI: Every pin is a black-and-white checkered flag with the logo of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway sewn across the flag.

THE FORT (Indianapolis) The Fort Golf Course (6002 North Post Road, Indianapolis,

Brickyard Crossing Golf Club - 7th Hole Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

25

had also re-designed portions of the front nine. Dye’s re-design remains as relevant today as it was back in 1963.

“Our golf course features a few risk-andreward holes, a number of old trees, and is a well-designed layout by Pete Dye. It’s just a beautiful golf course,” stated head golf professional John Alexander.

FYI: Tippecanoe is considered one of Indiana’s finest layouts.

BIRCK BOILERMAKER GOLF COMPLEX (in West Lafayette)

Ackerman - 2nd Hole Indiana; www.thefortgolfcourse.com; 317-543-9597) is considered one of the finest public golf courses in Indiana.

“The Fort is a very enjoyable golf course and very secluded, yet only 25 minutes from downtown Indianapolis,” said John Swan, head golf professional at The Fort. “Our course is surrounded by the Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park, so there are no residential homes on the course.”

Originally called the Fort Harrison Officers Club and Golf Course, this golf course was re-designed by Pete Dye and his associate Tim Liddy in 1998. The course was then re-named The Fort.

Their work has generated words of praise: “awesome” and “the best course for money in Indy.”

FYI: In December 2018, Golf Advisor listed The Fort as first under the “Top 25 Courses for Layout in the U.S.” In that same list, Bethpage Black was second.

TIPPECANOE (Monticello) The Tippecanoe Country Club (3267 NW Shafer Drive, Monticello, Indiana; www.tippicanoecc. com; 574-583-9977) is one of the oldest and most treasured attractions in northern Indiana. This golf course – first opened in 1920 and designed by Roy Robertson -- originally had nine holes.

Since then, the Tippecanoe CC has been updated. The most significant change took place in 1963. A young Pete Dye was hired to add nine holes to the golf course. Dye poured his heart and soul into the project. Upon completion, Dye had designed the back nine and

The Purdue University golf teams play and practice on two nationally respected golf courses – AckermanAllen and Kampen -- both located at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex (1300 Cherry Lane, West Lafayette, Indiana; www. purduegolf.com; 765-494-3139).

“It’s not often that you get to play golf at a university and play two of the best courses in Indiana. Not only that, but the two are Pete Dye-designed courses,” said head golf professional Daniel Ross.

“Ackerman-Allen is a parkland-style course. Kampen is a links style.”

Opened in 1934, the Ackerman-Allen Course (originally the South Course) was originally designed by Bill Diddle.

In 2015-2016, Dye redesigned this 18hole, par-72 layout.

“Pete Dye took an already good golf course (Ackerman-Allen) and turned it into an incredibly fun and truly enjoy-

MAPLE CREEK (Indianapolis) The Maple Creek Golf and Country Club, originally opened as Heather Hills Golf and Country Club in 1961, is an 18hole layout was created by Pete Dye and his wife, Alice. Today, the Maple Creek (10501 East 21st Street, Indianapolis, Indiana; 317-894-3343; www.maplecreekgc. com) features small tees and greens, narrow fairways lined with mature trees and natural long grass areas. A creek winds its way through the front nine.

FYI: Maple Creek’s website states this course is “A shot maker’s course that cannot be overpowered.”

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Kampen - 18th Hole Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

able golf course,” added Ross.

The Kampen (originally the North Course) is every bit the equal of Ackerman-Allen.

Dye’s redesign efforts on Kampen started in 1996. He had two main goals: firstly, create a course that would challenge and excite top col-

legiate golfers and, secondly, create an atmosphere of learning for Purdue’s students. At Kampen, Dye worked alongside course superintendent Jim Scott and 32 Purdue students. One of their projects was to build a water reclamation project. Thankfully, all water used on Kampen is recycled.

“As a person who calls Indiana home, I am very pleased to have had the opportunity to build two of the finest university golf courses in the country at Purdue,” said Dye. FYI: Both courses have hosted the NCAA (golf) Championships and Kampen has a natural celery bog.

Dte Indiana - 10th Hole Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

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te Dye Tribute Pete Dye Tribute Pete Dye Tribute Pete Dye Tribute Pete Dye

Pete Dye and Bobby Weed

Bobby Weed Golf Design sends its sincere condolences to the family of Pete Dye, legendary golf course designer, who died Jan. 9 at age 94.

Bobby Weed’s professional relationship and close personal friendship with Dye, his wife, Alice, and sons, PB and Perry Dye, extended through decades.

Weed reflected: I first met Pete in the 1970s at Amelia Island Plantation. That was the start of a 45-year relationship. We built Long Cove together in 1981, and I’ve been building golf courses ever since. I can hardly approve a feature without feeling Pete’s influence. Pete was always ahead of his time. How many golf course designers could that be said about? As much of a legacy as his courses will be, the impact he had on those fortunate enough to work with him may be more enduring. The stories and memories are plentiful but seem insufficient. We all have someone who took hold of us and set us on life’s path, maybe without our even knowing it. For me, that was Pete. Everything I hold dear in golf took root from my relationship with him. Not bad for someone who lived to be half of 188!

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Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

Legendary Lifestyle

There’s a reason Gary Player chose Boca Grove to be his first American home and it’s not just because he made history here.

Legends don’t make tee times and neither will you Located in the heart of Boca Raton, Florida | Limited Number of Non-Resident Memberships Available Contact Jennifer M. Jolly at (561) 717-6733 | jjolly@bocagrove.org | www.bocagrove.org

Articles and Photos by Dennis James

golf history

– Inaugural – Winter Park Hickory Classic 2020 OK. Close your eyes for a few minutes.

Picture yourself on the first tee of the Winter Park Country Club in 1914 when the club and course were founded. Hear the puttering of a 1910 Ford Model T, a 1904 gasoline powered Studebaker or a 1909 Hudson. Now open your eyes, hitch your knickerbockers just like Arnold Palmer hitched his pants, and look around at your foursome in their “plus fours” with their hickory shafted drivers, cleeks, jiggers, or mashies getting ready to tee it up on the first hole of the WP9 and walk the par 35, 2480 yard track.

This inaugural event was the idea of Bill Geisler, the past president of the Society of Hickory Golfers who plays the course at least three times a week with his hickory shafts. There is a group that normally plays once a week with their hickory shafted weapons and if anyone in interested in playing with hickory, contact the Winter Park 9 on Park Avenue in Winter Park.

While the club was founded in 1914 and designed by architects Dow George and Harley Ward, in 2014 the Florida Department of State founded the Florida Historic Golf Trail at a ceremony at the WP9 and in 2016 golf course architects, Keith Rhebb and Riley Johns did a complete redo of the course.

They changed greens, cut down trees and there is now no rough (which is especially appreciated by some of us seniors) but believe me it is still a challenging course. Whatever you do, don’t duck hook it on the par 5- 4th hole, 495 yard dog leg left around the cemetery.

You’ll die there. After crossing Park and New York Avenues, you can watch the commuter train Sun Rail go back and forth between Deland and south Orlando.

So, grab or borrow your hickory shafted clubs and go for a nice walk.

Keeping score is not required – just enjoy the experience.

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Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

31

georgia golf trail

By Mike May

Honoring The Best Arrowhead Pointe Golf Club overlooking Lake Russell

The Georgia Golf Trail Presented by

In 2019, the Georgia Golf & Travel Awards program was conducted throughout the U.S. and Canada. The goal of this annual program is to honor the ‘best of’ the Georgia Golf Trail.

There were 14 categories: Favorite Golf

Course, Best Par 3, Best Par 4, Best Par 5, Favorite Restaurant, Best Lodge/Inn/ Cottage, Best Hotel, Best State Park, Best Attraction in Georgia, Best Resort, Best Value for Golf Travel in Georgia, Favorite 19th Hole, Best Place To Hold a Meeting, Best Place To Live in a Golf Community, and Favorite City To Visit in Georgia.

Listed below is a brief description about four category winners: Favorite Golf Course: Arrowhead Pointe is the ‘Crown Jewel’ of the Georgia Golf Trail. Here, the water views are stunning -- with 10 of the 18 holes skirting Lake Richard B. Russell. The 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th holes are perched on a strip of land that is surrounded

by Lake Russell on three sides. The degree of difficulty of those four holes is superseded by their joint magnitude of beauty.

Best Value for Golf Travel in Georgia: Jekyll Island is a great place to visit in order to relax while enjoying golf, fresh

Callaway Gardens butterfly

seafood, long beach walks, poolside siestas, and time off the grid. At Jekyll Is-

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Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

land, you can play three 18-hole courses: Indian Mound Course, Oleander Course, and the Pine Lakes Course.

Favorite City To Visit: Savannah is classy, charming, historical, diverse, and a classic Southern destination. Dining in Savannah is an experience unto itself.

In fact, restaurant dining in Savannah is one of the best eating experiences in the world.

Best Hotel: At Callaway Resort & Gardens, there are many accommodation options. They include the spacious, first-class Lodge and Spa; the Mountain Creek Inn has a classic hotel feel; the Mountain View Golf Cottages, which overlook the practice facility, are geared for passionate golfers; the Southern Pine Cottages are cozy and nestled in the woods; and the Mountain Creek Villas &

The winners of the 14 categories are listed below: Favorite Golf Course: Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course, Elberton, GA Best Par 3: #7 Sky Valley Golf Club, Sky Valley, GA Best Par 4: #9 The Frog Golf Club, Villa Rica, GA Best Par 5: #10 Innsbruck Golf Club, Helen, GA Favorite Restaurant: Sarazen’s Grill at Chateau Elan Golf Course, Braselton, GA Best Lodge/Inn/Cottage: Unicoi State Park Lodge, Helen, GA Best Hotel: Callaway Resort & Gardens, Pine Mountain, GA Best State Park: Hard Labor Creek State Park, Rutledge, GA Best Attraction in Georgia: Fantasy in Lights Christmas, Callaway Resort & Gardens, Pine Mountain, GA Best Resort: The Club at Savannah Harbor, Savannah, GA Best Value for Golf Travel in Georgia: Jekyll Island Golf Courses, Jekyll Island, GA Favorite 19th Hole: Brassies Grill, Brasstown Valley Resort, Young Harris, GA Best Place to Hold a Meeting: Callaway Resort & Gardens, Pine Mountain, GA Best Place To Live in Golf Community: The Landings Club, Savannah, GA Favorite City To Visit in Georgia: Savannah, GA

Vacation Homes are in a more natural setting. Each accommodation option comes with free admission to Callaway Resort & Gardens.

“We are delighted with the 2nd Annual Georgia Golf & Travel Awards,” said Doug Hollandsworth, founder, Georgia Golf Trail. “We heard from travelers and golfers from many U.S. states and Canada. We received some great remarks about how glad they are to hear about places to visit here in Georgia. Many people had no idea how much great golf there is to play in the Peach State.”

The 3rd Annual Georgia Golf & Travel Awards will begin this June. Check out GeorgiaGolfandTravel.com for details.

For complete details on travel packages to any destination on the Georgia Golf Trail, please call 1-833-877-6988 or go online to www.GeorgiaGolfandTravel.com.

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

Calaway Gardens – View of pool from Lodge 33

improving performance

A

When It Comes To Alignment Technology, This Product Is Definitely On Point

fter attending my 30th PGA Merchandise Show last month in Orlando and zig-zagging my way through the countless aisles of exhibitor booths, the golf industry continues to spark a wide range of entrepreneurial spirit inside the minds of inventor types, risk-takers, and regular joes whose passion for the game drives them to seek solutions and create new products to make the game better.

Briston Peterson, a successful luxury home builder from Aspen, CO is an avid, single-digit golfer who by nature of his day job as a contractor visualized and invented a product that he believes is a game changer in how we approach a critical aspect of the game – marking the golf ball on the green.

Peterson invented and designed On Point 3-D golf ball markers. The patented three dimensional dome shaped design sits slightly elevated behind the ball when placed on the green. Several different alignment guides are available on the top of the dome to help players continuously engage with their putting line, helping them read greens with more confidence and accuracy.

Alignment technology has been implemented by several major manufacturers in recent years including Callaway and Taylor Made Golf.

Callaway introduced its “Triple Track” patented line technology on the ERC Soft and Chrome Soft golf ball at last year’s PGA Show. Triple Track

34

Colorado-based company is leaving its “mark” on the golf industry.

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

technology is based on a scientific theory called Vernier Hyper Acuity which is the same visual technology used to land planes on aircraft carriers. At the 2020 PGA Show, Callaway debuted its new Triple Track Odyssey Putters featuring the three prominent lines on top of the putter head. On Point Golf has patented the three-line technology on the dimpled model of its three-dimensional ball marker.

“On Point 3-D marker ball markers fit right into the alignment space,” said Peterson “The dome shape and prominent lines on the top of the marker provide golfers more confidence to execute the putt after their ball and practice stroke is matched with the lines on the OnPoint marker. On Point is a game changer for improving your putting.”

On Point 3-D ball markers conform to the USGA Rules of Golf. Currently On Point markers are being used on the PGA Tour and are endorsed by U.S. Open and FedEx Cup Champion and Ryder Cup Captain, Jim Furyk.

“With my On Point marker, I’m constantly engaged and visualizing a line all the way to the hole.” said Furyk who put the ball marker in play at the 2019 Players Championship where the 17-time winner on the PGA Tour finished second to Rory McIlroy.

“On Point makes it easy to line my ball up. I’m prepared and ready. All I have to do is step in, hit a solid putt and execute.”

On Point 3-D markers come in two models – smooth polished grey and white dimpled. The top of the On Point ball markers come with red Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

or black single lines as well as the red and blue three line model. The markers are also customizable for golf clubs and tournaments gifts. For more information or to order, visit onpointgolf.us.

By “Holly G” Geoghegan, host of “The Golf Insiders” radio show on iHeart’s 96.9 FM - Orlando.

35

feature

The Ultimate 36-Hole Golf Destination.

DISCOVER RUMBLING BALD RESORT

Outdoor Living!

MOUNTAIN | BEACH | LAKE | GOLF

36

During the past 70 years Rumbling Bald Resort on Lake Lure has grown from a solitary boathouse on a beautiful mountain lake into a thriving 3,000+ acre mountain resort community. Today we serve hundreds of guests from around the world who come to vacation and enjoy a tremendous variety of outdoor lake activities, soothing spa treatments, excellent golf courses, and the simple beauty of mountain life.

Over time many guests have become property owners, many of which re reside at Rumbling Bald Resort full-time and participate in the community on a daily basis. You don’t have to visualize a developer’s proposal from a map, it’s been here for over 60 years and there’s never been a better time to make Rumbling Bald Resort your mountain vacation home.

RUMBLINGBALD.COM/LIVING-HERE

Come today; enjoy our lake and golf, and seize the opportunity to live in our remarkable community.

HOMES FROM $250K | CONDOS FROM $50K | HOMESITES FROM $10K 112 MOUNTAIN BLVD. LAKE LURE, NC 28746 | 828.694.3000

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

W E S T E R N N O RT H C A R O L I N A’ S B E S T K E P T S E C R E T APPLE VALLEY

Designed by noted golf course architect and Pinehurst native Dan Maples, Apple Valley stretches to nearly 6,800 yards and features expansive views of Bald Mountain and the surrounding Lake Lure area. Maples estimated that 75% of all shots at Apple Valley are either level or downhill, virtually unheard for a mountain course.

Shimmering mountain lakes adorn 12 holes on Apple Valley, but water only occasionally comes into play. The back nine is widely re regarded as one of the best closing stretches in the Western Carolinas. The par-3 14th hole, with its shallow green and back bunker, is reminiscent of No. 12 at Augusta National. Exhilarating par 5s abound throughout Apple Valley, including the straight away downhill par-5 15th hole.

Rumbling Bald and Apple Valley are proud to be a part of North Carolina’s “First Family of Golf.” Dan Maples’ father, Ellis, was a prolific golf course designer and his grandfather, Frank, was Donald Ross’s superintendent at Pinehurst Resort.

RUMBLINGBALD.COM/SPECTACULAR-MOUNTAIN-GOLF/APPLE-VALLEY

BALD MOUNTAIN

Designed by W.B. Lewis, 6,300-yard Bald Mountain is renowned for its unique configuration of five par 5s and five par 3s. Movie buffs appreciate the 16th green, the backdrop of a scene from the movie “Dirty Dancing.”

A protégé of golf course architect George Cobb, Lewis is known for his traditional approach to course design. This philosophy is reflected in Bald Mountain’s playability from tee to green. In contrast to Apple Valley, Bald Mountain is what many golf aficionados refer to as a “true North Carolina mountain course.”

GOLF GROUPS AND PACKAGES

Rumbling Bald’s 150 vacation rental homes, condos and studios are ideal for golf groups of various sizes and feature golf course and mountain views. Post round, golfers can relax at Legends on the Lake, casual dining on shores of Lake Lure, or grab a hearty sandwich and cold drink at Pinnacle Southern Kitchen at the Apple Valley clubhouse.

Elevation changes, particularly on the back, offer a beguiling mix of uphill and downhill shots amid a variety of doglegs and straight fairways. The majority of green fronts are open, bringing both the ground and aerial game into play.

RUMBLINGBALD.COM/SPECTACULAR-MOUNTAIN-GOLF/BALD-MOUNTAIN

Whether it is a tournament, large overnight group or small buddies trip, Rumbling Bald’s golf vacation planners are available to assist every step of the way. If it is for business, we can design custom corporate packages including meeting space, catered meals, golf instruction and off-site activities.

To make arrangements for your group or to work with one of our planners, please call us directly at 828.694.3072

Stay here, Play here, Live here!

“HOLE-IN-ONE” STAY & PLAY PACKAGE STARTING AT $255*

Includes: Two nights, Two rounds, with breakfast and complimentary use of the practice facility. Call 828.694.3072. *Price is per person for two people (Apple Valley Standard) or four people (Fairway Villa Standard). Some exclusion may apply. Items are nontransferable. No modifications or substitutions. Taxes and fees not included.

Discover more at RumblingBald.com

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

37

golf business

Streamsong Resort and Wilderness Ridge Golf Club take home honors

KemperSports is proud to announce that two of its clients – Streamsong Resort and Wilderness Ridge Golf Club – have been honored with a National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) award. This annual program recognizes the individuals and businesses that have helped preserve the tradition of the game while embracing the challenges and opportunities of the golf business.

Located in Streamsong, Florida, Streamsong Resort’s Black Course won the NGCOA Best South Regional Course Award of 2020.

Streamsong Black was designed to

Wilderness Ridge elevate Streamsong Resort’s pure golf experience, bringing a fun yet challenging course with memorable design elements to the resort’s exist-

Streamsong Blue #7. Photo by Larry Lambrecht 38

ing portfolio. The Gil Hanse-designed course was named Best New Course

by GOLF Magazine in 2017 and Best New Course by Golf Digest in 2018. It also served as a host site for the 2019 U.S. Open sectional qualifier.

Wilderness Ridge Golf Club, based in Lincoln, Nebraska, earned the NGCOA Player Development Award of 2020, which recognizes a course that implements true and tested player development programs, provides effective return-on-investment and creates an overall welcoming atmosphere for new golfers of all ages.

Wilderness Ridge’s inclusive line up of player development programs range from pee wee juniors all the way up to adults and introduce hundreds of new players to the game annually. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort and Cantigny Golf Club, both KemperSports managed properties, won the 2018 and 2017 NGCOA Player Development Awards respectively.

“An award from the NGCOA is very meaningful, as it represents recognition from a club’s peers,” said Steve Skinner, CEO of KemperSports. “Congratulations to Streamsong Black and Wilderness Ridge and their dedicated teams on these prestigious awards and to all of the other NGCOA 2020 winners.”

All winners were recognized at Golf Business Conference 2020’s Celebration and Awards Dinner on Wednesday, January 22 in Orlando, Florida.

For more information on KemperSports, visit www.kempersports.com.

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

Don’t Settle for Anything Less Than Legendary.

At On Top of the World in Ocala, enjoy three impeccablymaintained championship golf courses, a premier practice facility and two fully stocked pro shops.

OCALNA OPE

CANDLER HILLS:

THE TORTOISE & THE HARE:

THE LINKS:

• Gordon Lewis designed, semi-private par 72 championship course

• Private 18 hole, par 72 course

• Private 18 hole, par 72 course

• Golf clinics and lessons from PGA & LPGA professionals

• Nestled in a picturesque natural setting

• State-of-the-art practice facility

3 DAY/2 NIGHT STAY ONLY

Live the Lifestyle Before You Buy.

$129*

ON TOP OF THE WORLD, THE PREMIER ACTIVE-ADULT COMMUNITY IN OCALA, FLORIDA Enjoy endless indoor air-conditioned recreational fun!

Plus, over 188 acres of outdoor amenities.

Indigo Single Family Homes from the $170s

Maintenance-Free Single-Family Homes

from the $220s

Luxury Estate Homes on Oversized Homesites from the $290s to over $400s

Call now 866.228.5878 | OnTopoftheWorld.com | 8447 SW 99th St. Rd., Ocala, Florida 34481 Take the FL Turnpike North to I-75, exit 350. Take SR 200 west 6.5 miles. Turn right at SW 99th St. Rd. *At least one guest must be 55 years of age or older to participate in our World Tour Adventure. All guests must be at least 18 years of age. A tour with one of our knowledgeable sales professionals is required.

Accommodations are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. A World Tour is $129.00 and is subject to sales tax. Offer can be withdrawn at any time. Call for rates and availability. Must qualify to be eligible for world tour. On Top of the World Communities LLC, Ocala,Florida a 55+ community. On Top of the World Communities reserves the right to change or withdraw any offer at any time. Prices, features and specifications are subject to change without notice.

#12503 - 11/19

grip it & sip it

When you’re on the golf course, you need something light, refreshing, and hydrating; but when the beverage cart rolls around, a buzz sounds like the perfect way to loosen up your swing. Enter Lifted Libations, an elevated spiked seltzer that uses nothing but organic distilled spirits and all natural ingredients with no added sugar. The result: pure clean taste and buzz available in currant, orange, lime, and grapefruit.

With more and more spiked seltzers entering the market, it’s important to remember what sets Lifted Libations apart. Many spiked seltzers are just fermented cane sugar with added fruit flavors. Lifted Libations’ dedication to quality has been proven with awards from the judges panel at Fizz Fight (the first official spiked seltzer festival) and countless customer testimonials.

Elevate your game and your drink of choice.

Grip it and Sip it.

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Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

what's new

PARFORM - CBD Chewing Gum Designed for Golfers Parform’s CBD Gum is a formulated CBD-Infused Hemp Oil Chewing Gum available in either a great Peppermint, Spearmint or Grape flavor. CBD gum is an extremely easy and effective way to deliver CBD oil into the body. Each piece of gum contains 10mg of CBD. The body absorbs functional actives through the oral mucosa, delivering benefits nearly 5x faster. Parform’s CBD gum offers a simple and effective alternative to other CBD dosage forms, without the difficulty and discomfort of swallowing pills, capsules or liquids.

Benefits of CBD Gum: • Alternative to pills, capsules and liquids • THC Free • May help reduce inflammation • May help reduce anxiety • May help soothe general aches & pains • Fast Absorption • Convenient resealable packet make it easy to store

• For the 40% of people who do not like swallowing any type of pill For more information or to order online visit www.parform.com

Total Golf Trainer – The Most Versatile Golf Training Device Ever Developed The Total Golf Trainer line of products are designed to provide instant feedback for golfers of all skill levels to help lower scores and improve the overall golf swing. The Total Golf Trainer 3.0 Kit is an all-in-one training kit that addresses:

• Incorrect Wrist Set • Extreme Open Or Closed Club Face • Sucking The Club Inside On The Takeaway • Too Laid Off Or Across The Line At Top Of The Backswing

• Loss Of Width, Tendency To Over Swing • Over The Top Downswing Move • Casting Or Early Release Of The Club On The Downswing

• Loss Of Posture, Early Extension At Impact • Flipping Or Scooping The TGT 3.0 Kit is the first all in one training kit that is completely custom to your swing. All products fit juniors & adults with settings for beginner to professional. Our flexible training rods allow you to increase or decrease the difficulty while providing safe effective feedback. GET INSTANT FEEDBACK WITH THE TGT! For more information or to order online visit www.totalgolftrainer.com.

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

41

product showcase

Small Companies Make A Big Impact at 2020 PGA Merchandise Show

T

he annual PGA Merchandise Show, coined “The Major of Golf Business,” was held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando last month. Entering a new decade, the PGA Show showcased a variety of new technologies, equipment, training products, apparel and accessories. The buzz-worthiest category at this year’s show - CBD products!

Our Golf Insiders takeaway ... if lessons and a new driver won’t cure your slice, maybe chewing on a little CBD gum will! Here is a quick guide of some new products that caught our eye.

CoolNES

BioSpring CBD

Winner of the Best new Product at the 2020 PGA Merchandise Show, CoolNES is an innovative 2-in-1 neck flap and face mask.

Composed of a unique fabric that offers a shield system containing UPF 50+ sun protection, CoolNES provides sweat absorption/ exhalation and cooling properties. CoolNES provides a practical and convenient solution for sun protection allowing all golfers to enjoy the outdoors worry free from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

CoolNES’ Unisex design is compatible with all caps, hats and helmets and can be used for multiple sports and outdoor activities.

For more information, visit www.coolnes.com

Do you suffer from pain that is taking the fun out of golf? BioSpring CBD products provide safe and consistent relief without the potential risks of traditional pain relief solutions. CBD stands for cannabidiol, a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC found in marijuana, CBD interacts with receptors throughout the body that reduces inflammation rather than producing the psychoactive effects associated with THC. All of Biospring’s CBD products - rubs, oils, lip balms and more - use full-spectrum hemp oil and contain less than 0.3% THC. As well as healthy, clean ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil, lavender and aloe.

BioSpring products are helping to promote a range of beneficial results including calming sensations, anti-inflammatory recovery, and healthy natural pain relief alternatives. Many people use BioSpring products for anxiety, arthritis, and pain. Discover for yourself why so many golfers are choosing the safe, natural pain relief benefits of hemp-derived CBD. www.biospringcbd.com 42

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

Putterball Golf games can be as fun and entertaining as being on the course itself. Putterball is a unique game that combines golf and beer pong that is simple for anyone to learn and enjoy playing. The rules of Putterball are similar to a standard game of beer pong — the objective is to make all six cups before the opposing team. Teams take turns trying to make cups with each player hitting one putt per turn. Once a cup is made, a cover is placed over the hole to remove it from play. PutterBall comes with everything you need - putters, balls, putting mat and hole covers. Grab a few friends, some cold beer, and you have all the makings of a good time! www.putterballgame.com

Divitee

KINGMADE JERKY

DiviTee is a golf tee, divot repair tool, and groove cleaner – all in one clever compact design. Each DiviTee is 3-1/4 inches tall and has a wide cup on the top making it easy to place the ball when it’s your turn on the tee box! DiviTee allows you to have consistent and optimal tee height for today’s oversized drivers. Designed with two legs, DiviTee is easy to insert into the ground. Each leg comes to a point making it simple and convenient to clean the grooves of your club after every shot. Most importantly, the unique DiviTee design makes repairing ball marks quick and easy. DiviTee is made in the USA and conforms to the rules of golf. Free up your pocket space and keep the game simple with DiviTee. www.divitee.com

As a professional caddie on the PGA Tour and a diehard athlete, Jeff King, founder of KINGMADE JERKY, was relentless in developing a healthy beef jerky shack.

In 2012, he started crafting his recipe in his home kitchen in McKinney, Texas, and slowly brought it out on Tour. Demand soared and Jeff started selling his jerky to the greatest golfers in the game. Every batch is crafted to nourish and fuel discerning athletes and health-conscious individuals. KINGMADE JERKY uses only top-quality ingredients including premium grass-fed flank steak, which requires far less salt and sugar to deliver a tender, flavorful, top-quality snack that stands out from the pack. With a choice of three nutritious flavors—Classic, Buffalo Style & Sweet Chili Pepper—KINGMADE JERKY is artfully seasoned and slow cooked to perfection. For golfers looking for a healthy snack on of off the course, visit www.kingmadejerky.com.

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

43

product showcase

By Mike Jamison

Golf Ball Tender ter performance on all shots.”

The material reacts differently de-

Some interesting products found while strolling through golf’s giant candy store – the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando in late January:

BRIDGESTONE GOLF’S GROUNDBREAKING GOLF BALL Bridgestone Golf shook up the golf ball segment at the PGA Show, intro-

The 2020 TOUR B balls are offered in

pending on the force of the impact.

4 models, each designed to appeal to

In essence, on the violent impact of a

a wide array of swing speeds and feel

driver, REACTIV rebounds quicker than

preferences – TOUR B X, TOUR B XS,

other urethane covers, generating more

TOUR B RX and TOUR B RXS. Visit www.

ball speed and longer distance. On the

bridgestonegolf.com.

softer touch and feel of wedge shots, REACTIV keeps the ball on the face longer, allowing golfers to impart more

GOLF BALL TENDER SAVES THE CUPS Millions of golfers have taken full

spin and have better control in the

advantage of the USGA rules change

short game.

last year that allows putting with the

“We knew that there was a funda-

flagstick remaining in the hole. The one

ducing a new groundbreaking cover

mental issue with traditional urethane

big benefit is that it has helped speed

material – REACTIV – that addresses

covers that we needed to overcome –

up play.

the inverse relationship between driver

golfers historically have had to choose

distance and greenside spin.

distance OR spin in a Tour ball,” said

rule, however, is that cup edges are

Elliot Mellow, Golf Ball Marketing

becoming frayed because players are

Smart Urethane – using an “impact

Manager for Bridgestone Golf. “We

reaching into the tighter space for their

modifier” to deliver a shock absorb-

are pioneering a new age in Tour ball

golf balls. But now there is a solution.

ing soft cover on slow impact shots for

design with this REACTIV cover. It’s

more spin and control, and high resil-

rather remarkable that this new cover

pliable disk that attaches to the stem

ience on high impact shots for more

provides more distance AND more spin

of the flagstick, resting at the bottom of

power and distance.

in the same ball, thus giving golfers bet-

the cup. Players simply lift the flagstick

REACTIV is the golf world’s first

One unforeseen pitfall of the new

The Golf Ball Tender is a rubberized

to retrieve the ball. The Golf Ball Tender is not visible until the flagstick is pulled from the hole.

“The rule has increased pace of play but often at the cost of crisp edges on Bridgestone REACTIV Golf Balls 44

the hole, especially when you consider Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

that nearly 50% of golfers now putt with the flagstick in,” said Larry Koning, inventor of the Golf Ball Tender. “In addition to indirectly encouraging players to reach down with two fingers, the new rule increases the frequency of players attempting to “pop” the ball out of the hole by yanking out the flag. These harmful techniques cause damage, which negatively impacts the experience for subsequent players.

“The Golf Ball Tender makes ball retrieval faster and more convenient, easier for elderly and enhances pace of play as the new rule intended.”

Golf Ball tender fits all flagsticks and snaps on in seconds. No disassembling of the flagstick is necessary.

There is one other important benefit resulting from using The Golf Ball Tender.

Players no longer have to bend over the retrieve their ball from the cup.

“Back problems are common among golfers,” said Koning. “Bending over to get your ball out of the cup adds to this problem. With our product, that issue is eliminated.”

The Golf Ball Tender is available in custom colors. A set of 18 costs $215.

Visit www.golfballtender.com.

KNUTH GOLF’S HIGH HEAT 257+ TGS Knuth Golf introduced a new model to its award-winning line of High Heat 257+ metalwoods, the High Heat 257+ TGS at the PGA Show, and the response can be summed up in one word: Amazing.

The High Heat 257+ TGS features the novel Turf Glider Sole Technology (“TGS”) on the sole of the fairway woods and hybrids. It is designed to make it easier for amateurs to get the ball airborne for significantly more distance, even from challenging lies and divots.

The High Heat 257+ TGS metalwoods also feature technology from the company’s previous award-winning models that consistently receive rave reviews Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

Knuth Golf High Heat 257+ TGS from media, instructors and customers:

ING Industry Honors awards program.

• A center of gravity lower and deeper

Results in 10 categories were announced

than major brands for consistently high

at the PGA Show.

ball flights with more distance and ac-

The ING Industry Honors program

curacy.

recognizes outstanding achievement in

• Its novel 3-Trampoline Technology

the golf business. The non-profit, media-

takes advantage of a USGA Equipment

based networking organization Inter-

Rule allowing for the first time tram-

national Network of Golf conducts the

poline values higher than the center of

awards program.

the face’s limit of 257 for more distance

Anderson, the man in charge of the

on off-center hits. High Heat 257+ is the

tremendous growth an expansion of the

only brand that has this capability and is

Topgolf brand, was honored by ING in

why it was named “the most significant

the Business Achievement Category for

new technology for amateurs in the past

those efforts. Snell Golf and Callaway

25 years.”

each won their respective Product Inge-

Tony Leodora of award-winning Traveling Golfer TV Show named the High Heat 257+ TGS to his annual “Tony’s Top 10” list from the PGA Show.

“The best fairway woods and hybrids

nuity categories for their cutting edge products.

Other winners included U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance in the Player Development Category, Daphne’s Headcovers

for the amateur golfer just got better,”

in the Product Ingenuity-Soft Goods/

said Leodora. “The addition of the new

Accessories Category and Rapsodo

Turf Glider Sole technology virtually

Mobile Launch Monitor in the Product

eliminates the possibility of hitting a ‘fat’

Ingenuity-Technology Category. Total

shot.” Visit www.highheatgolf.com.

Golf Trainer won the Product Ingenuity-

CALLAWAY, SNELL, TOPGOLF AMONG ING WINNERS Topgolf Executive Chairman Erik An-

Training Products category. Bridgestone Golf took home the TV Commercial Award and Tour Edge Golf and Big Cedar Golf won their respective Print Advertis-

derson, Callaway Golf’s Epic Flash Driver

ing categories. Finn Cycle was best in

and Snell Golf’s MTB-X Golf Balls were

the Product Ingenuity-Misc. Products

among the winners in the 26th Annual

category. Visit www.inggolf.com.

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product showcase

Golf-Travel Products Take Center Stage at 2020 PGA Merchandise Show The travel industry is riding the tailwinds of a solid economy, and golf-travel is reaping the benefits. At the 2020 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida, the once niche category was well-represented among the behemoth golf club and ball manufacturers.

It does help, however, that “golf-travel” spans hard and soft goods, as well as other related accessories and gear. In other words, whatever golfers can reasonably throw in the back of their vehicle or stuff in a travel cover is fair game.

After walking the show floor for three straight days (60,000 steps, for those of you scoring at home), we sourced a stable of golf-travel products we can’t do without in 2020.

ers to customize their trolley.

Walker Trolleys Cape model will be available this spring, and a limited number of push carts will be available for preorder for $399 at www.walkertrolleys.com.

fect for combo business-leisure trips.

The continued evolution of our Hyperlight Glide design, the Reflect features the same technical makeup and fit as the 2.0 model but with key updates like reflective detailing featured at top eyelets and logos. An engineered knit texture transitions between the eyeline, toe box and heel counter for added visual appeal.

Both the Crown Fuse Sport Vest ($148) and Hyperlight Reflect sneakers ($155) will be available in July. For more details on current offerings visit www.petermillar.com/

TecTecTec ULT-G GPS Golf Watch

Walker Trolleys Cape Model Pushcart The engineering behind Walker Trolleys’ pushcarts is sophisticated, belying its outwardly streamlined, minimalist appearance. However, the mission is simple: make walking golf cool, again.

For golfers who like to hit the open road, a convenient one-fold handle makes collapsing and unfolding the trolley easier than any other push cart on the market. A central hub enables the handle and legs to bend on two separate axes for a compact fold.

Premium materials – including aluminum, waxed canvas and handcrafted leather – create a unique, elegant appearance that wouldn’t be out of place on the great links courses of Scotland during the time of Old and Young Tom Morris.

The storage unit, made of waterresistant waxed canvas, provides an endless number of ways for golf46

Peter Millar Crown Fuse Sport Vest, Hyperlight Reflect It would be easy for the leading men’s luxury golf apparel brand to rest on its laurels every year at the PGA Merchandise Show. Its booths are impressive (yes, booths, plural), its apparel lines timeless and its industry relationships are both deep and wide.

Instead, the Raleigh, N.C.-based company has expanded its demographic to appeal and resonate with millennials, Gen-X and Baby Boomers – by no means an easy feat in the apparel world. Case in point, the Crown Sport Fuse Vest.

This new lightweight active piece is designed with a hybrid garment construction, combining a windproof, water-resistant stretch front with a stretch interlock knit back panel. The perforated polyester fill inside maintains warmth for weight and improved breathability.

While they aren’t golf shoes, per se, Peter Millar’s Hyperlight Glide are per-

Exceptionally durable, stylish and comfortable, the new ULT-G GPS watch from TecTecTec provides golfers quick and accurate distances to the front, middle and back of greens, as well as hazards and doglegs.

Available for a one-time purchase of $119.99 – with no subscription required – TecTecTec is giving users instant access to precise satellitemeasured yardages at over 38,000 courses around the world. Everything you need, and nothing that you don’t – all at an affordable price. For more details, visit www.US.TecTecTec.com.

ARCCOS Caddie Rangefinder The Arccos Caddie ecosystem is easily the most sophisticated, groundbreaking and frankly, futuristic offering on the market today. That stated, we’ll try to keep this simple and straightforward.

How it works: purchase Arccos Smart Sensors, screw then into the ends of the your grips, download the app, pair the sensors and boom, you’re surfing the wave of Big Data.

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

GPS Rangefinder providing users of the Arccos Caddie app with the game’s most precise yardages by delivering a number based on real-time calculation of slope, weather and altitude.

So, this is more of a what you don’t need to bring with you on your next trip entry on our list – the traditional, handheld range finder. In addition to precise yardages, it will provide golfers with club recommendations from Golf’s Smartest Caddie, so they can truly trust the club they pull for every shot.

For more info on Arccos product and technology, visit www.arccosgolf.com.

Southern Tide Intercoastal Performance Pants

Alternatively, both PING and Cobra clubs now come with Arccos Smart Grips with the sensors embedded.

The sensors measure every shot you take on the golf course with every club,

ultimately gathering enough data to serve up AI-generated yardages based on individual golfer performance.

New for 2020, Arccos has introduced the world’s first A.I. powered

Traveling light, even on extended stay golf trips, is the only way to go. For playing on and off the course, Southern Tide’s Intercoastal Performance Pant is hard to beat. The nylon-stretch fabric is breathable, flexible and moisture-wicking. And if you want to roll onto the plane and out on the course flaunting your school pride, Southern Tide has an diverse and robust line of collegiate tailgate apparel.

Visit www.southerntide.com to get in touch with your inner salty dog.

Kenny Perry and Trevor Immelman have made Transitions® lenses part of their game.

www.TurfLife.club Come see us at the PGA Show booth #3516

On the PGA TOUR®, vision is a golfer’s most important equipment. Transitions lenses adapt to changing light to help golfers see more comfortably in all light conditions and help protect eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Visit your local Vision Source doctor, Dr. James Podschun, located at 2828 Casa Aloma Way, Suite 400 in Winter Park, FL 32792, to ask which Transitions lenses are right for you. 407-671-0960

P ER FORMANCE SUNW E A R

Transitions and the swirl are registered trademarks and Transitions Adaptive Lenses is a trademark of Transitions Optical, Inc. ©2012 Transitions Optical, Inc.

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

transitions.com

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alabama golf central

By David Theoret

Lagoon Park

Lagoon Park and Gateway Park Golf Courses – Munis Cut from a Different Cloth– When it comes to municipal golf courses, Lagoon Park and Gateway Golf Courses in Montgomery, Alabama are way ahead of the curve. Because of budgetary constraints and the fact that golf course maintenance is usually way down the totem pole when it comes to priority within a civic budget, most municipal golf facilities are very disappointing. Course conditions are at best strained, buildings are usually shoddy and in disrepair and the overall ambience can be somewhat depressing. This is absolutely not the case with the Lagoon Park and Gateway Park Golf Courses in Montgomery, Alabama.

The Lagoon Park Golf Course was designed by Charles Graves in 1978 on land that was once a swamp. The Tifdwarf Bermuda grass fairways feature numerous doglegs lined with towering pine trees, flowering dogwoods, California raindrop trees and century-old oaks. This places a premium on shot placement. As temperatures warm up in the spring, the course comes alive with hundreds of blooming azaleas and flowering trees lining the beautifully manicured paths. The result is a scenic, parkland-style golf course. If you can make your way around this course without hitting a tree or having a tree come into play, you’ve probably shot a pretty good round!

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From the back tees, Lagoon Park plays 6,773 yards with a course rating of 71.2 and a slope of 121. Move up a set of tees and the course plays 6,413 (69.6/117). Four sets of tees make Lagoon Park a fun course, no matter how good a golfer you are. Whether you’re walking or riding, the PGA staff at Lagoon Park figures your round can be played in about 4:15 which I found to be a more than adequate amount of time. The modest elevation changes and quick pace of play make walking the course a very popular option among local golfers.

At 414 yards from Tee Box #2, the par 4, 4th hole is the Number 1 handi-

capped hole at Lagoon Park and is the first hole that brings water into play, although you have to hit a pretty bad shot to find it. The tee shot can be somewhat tricky and the hole is best played with a tee shot out to the left, which does bring the water and high grass into the picture. Push anything out to the right and there are four very large pine trees that will need to be dealt with. The green is protected by bunkers in front on either side and slopes back right to front left.

To me the most challenging type of hole is a double dogleg par 5 and the 15th hole doesn’t disappoint. From Tee #2 the hole plays 525 yards. If you can hit a slight draw around the gentle left dogleg off the tee, you’ll be off to a good start. Or, if you’re a long ball hitter, you may want to challenge the 150-foot tall pine trees guarding the first dogleg.

Depending on your ball position in the fairway, you may be able to hit a slight

Gateway Park Golf Course - Montgomery, Alabama Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

Lagoon Park cut shot in and reach the green in two, setting up a rare putt for eagle. Don’t worry, par is still a good score here!

Many local golfers consider the practice facilities at Lagoon Park to the finest in the city. It’s a complete practice facility with a lighted driving range that can accommodate up to 20 players at a time. The practice facility also has a large putting and chipping green, complete with a green-side bunker and a private instruction area.

The PGA professional staff at Lagoon Park are building a premier golf teaching and learning facility in the Montgomery area and its instructors are collaborating to create learning opportunities that enhance the experience for both local and visiting golfers. They use the latest computer technology and believe that the game should be learned from the green back to the tee, teaching new golfers the fundamentals and foundations of impact and ball control. Director of Golf and General Manager Mike Shirley has over 25 years’ experience as a PGA club professional and serves as one of the instructors, specializing in Laser Optics Putting. Mike can help any golfer improve their putting technique through an innovative approach linking eyesight, aim, and resulting swing compensations that plague a golfers ability to score and take their putting game to the next level.

Recently, Talbert Griffin, a native of Montgomery, has been hired as the Director of Instruction. Talbert’s collegiate career included playing for both the Oklahoma State and University of Alabama golf teams as well as winning several area and statewide events as an amateur. Talbert specializes in both full swing and short game instruction and can offer tips and suggestions that will make you a better player.

In the summer of 2018, Lagoon Park’s clubhouse underwent a renovation which included remodeled clubhouse facilities, and a sitting area with multiple TVs to view sporting events. In addition, the Heron’s Nest Grille serves up Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

some really good clubhouse food and is available to cater outside events. I highly recommend the burgers!

Montgomery’s other municipal golf course is located about 20 minutes away from Lagoon Park at Gateway Park.

Gateway Park Golf Course & Learning Center is located off Interstate 65 and is one of Montgomery’s most comprehensive golf and practice facilities. Changes have been made to the course recently and it is no longer an executive-style golf course. From the back tees, this 9-hole course plays 2,984 yards. There are 3 par 3s, 4 par 4s and 2 par 5s. The course is

less than driver.

I thoroughly enjoyed both golf courses. Both were well maintained and challenging. Don’t let the length – or lack of it – fool you about Gateway. The greens tend to be smaller, placing a premium on accuracy.

In 2020, Gateway Park will introduce Footgolf, a new way to experience the course and get some exercise at the same time. Footgolf is quickly gaining popularity it is a hybrid combining the sports of soccer with the rules of golf.

The 18 Hole Footgolf course at Gateway Park will play host to group events, local and regional tournaments.

Speaking of events, Lagoon Park’s player-friendly layout is a great place to host your next golf event. Their one-stop approach will take care of all your tournament needs: golf, food and beverages, even prizes. They can help you decide on a format and even help with putting the goody bags together. Whether it’s a corporate outing, golf buddy trip, fundraising event or a charity golf outing, the staff at Lagoon Park can help you bring it all together.

The public is encouraged to become

Gateway Park Golf Course - Montgomery, Alabama

not only a great place to learn the game, it’s challenging for seasoned players as well.

Although it’s only a 9-hole course, one quick look at the Gateway Park score card and you’ll understand how you get the two different yardages; play the front nine from Tee I and play the back nine from Tee II. The par 3s will keep you honest, they are by no means pushovers.

From either set of tees, the shortest par 3 is 167 yards. The way the par 5s are laid out, they are going to be three shot holes for most players. At 280 yards from Tee 1 (247 from Tee 2), Number 6 will be a drivable par 4 for many golfers. Push your tee shot right and you may find the water and wish you had hit something

annual passholders and outside group events are always welcome at both facilities. Lagoon Park Golf Course offers some amazing - and affordable opportunities to become an annual passholder and now there are even more perks: No initiation fees, free green fees discounted rates on cart rentals, 50% off Range Balls at Lagoon Park and 10% Off Select Merchandise in the Pro Shop. Easy payment options can be set up too. But perhaps the biggest benefit of becoming a passholder is that you’ll receive preferred rates at participating Honours Golf properties. A Lagoon and Gateway Park Golf Pass is good for one calendar year. For more information and costs involved, click on the passholder tab at www.playmontgomerygolf.com.

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fashion forward

By Belinda Theoret

Keeping You Safe and Looking Good on The Links

SanSoleil, the world leader in sun protection golf apparel, has partnered with Play for P.I.N.K., a charity that supports thousands of volunteers nationwide as they raise funds for breast cancer research through sporting and lifestyle events. P.I.N.K. stands for Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, Knowledge and the $4.75 million they raise annually goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Play for P.I.N.K. was founded in 1990 and now supports events in 30 states across the country, with more than 30,000 annual participants turning their passion for golf, tennis, and other sports and lifestyle pursuits into substantial support for 50

SunGlow features UPF 50 sun protection which will never wash out. SunGlow’ moisture wicking properties wick sweat and moisture away quickly and create a cooling effect that provides perfect comfort.

SolTek Ice is the newest fabric from SanSoleil. SolTek ICE is created with 85% Cooling Nylon and 15% Athletic Stretch Spandex. The super cool nylon is combined with SanSoleil’s mesh inserts and quick cool technology to create the most comfortable fabric for golf, tennis and just about any outdoor summer sport! Best of all, SolTek ICE’s cooling properties never wash out.

SanSoleil’s SolStyle Cool fabric has the unique ability to keep you cool even when the sun’s rays are beating down on you. Oh, and it will warm you up when you’re in the shade. The 88% Cooling Poly and 12% Super Stretch Spandex actually reduces your skin temperature by 5%!

In addition to a wide variety of vivid colors, SanSoleil offers a number of exclusive prints. All SanSoleil products are easy to care for; simply turn inside out and wash in cold water. Dry on the delicate cycle or lay flat. These polos and jackets are great for travel!

For more information about these or any other SanSoleil product, visit their website at www.sansoleil.com.

research. To date, Play for P.I.N.K. has raised over $57 million and currently supports 26 scientists at leading academic medical institutions around the world.

As we all know, protection from the sun is an important safeguard against skin cancer and SanSoleil offers several fabrics that do a great job at keeping your skin protected. Their SolCool Fabric offers moisture wicking, to keep you cool and dry. The fabric is extremely lightweight and most importantly, offers UPF 50 sun protection.

Another popular SanSoleil fabric is SunGlow. SunGlow is light and has a silk-like hand yet can be washed and dried on the regular cycle. Best of all, Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

orth florida PGA north florida PGA north florida PGA north florida PGA north

Growing the Game: It’s All About the Kids!

Here at the North Florida PGA, it’s all about growing the game! Thanks to programs like PGA Jr League, Drive, Chip and Putt, and the PGA Junior Golf Championship, more families and youth are discovering why golf is a game full of lifelong benefits! Our team is dedicated to introducing the game to kids of all backgrounds and abilities, regardless of skill level. Nothing is more rewarding than providing opportunities that allow the next generation to play, learn, serve, lead, and develop life-long benefits and relationships that will last a lifetime! Register for an event near you today!

PGA Jr League PGA Jr League brings family and friends together around fun, team golf experiences, with expert coaching from PGA and LPGA Professionals! ● Play on teams with friends, wear numbered jerseys, and compete in a two-person scramble format! ● Learn together from PGA and LPGA Professionals that engages both friends and family. ● Open to boys and girls, ages 17 and under, of all skill levels and backgrounds. ● To find a team and register, visit: https://www.pgajrleague.com/sign-up

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Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

Junior PGA Championship

● Championship site & date: ○ June 15-16: Reunion Resort

The PGA Junior Championship, conducted by the same team who manages the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup, is one of the premier junior events in the world! ● This two-day stroke play tournament is designed to highlight the region’s top junior golfers. ● The top two overall male and female finishers will qualify for the 2020 Junior PGA Championship. ● The NFPGA focuses on making our local qualifiers special by providing branded player gifts as well as lunch following play. Awards are also presented to the top placing players for 12U, 1315 (boys/girls), and 16-18 (boys/girls).

Qualifier sites & dates: ○ May 30: Royal St. Cloud ○ June 3: Hidden Hills GC ○ June 9: Eagles Golf Club ○ June 11: Lakewood National ○ June 15-16: Junior

Drive, Chip & Putt Drive, Chip & Putt is a FREE nationwide junior golf development competition aimed at growing the game by focusing on the three fundamental skills employed in golf! ● Provides junior golfers, ages 7-15, the opportunity to play with their peers in qualifiers in their local community. ● Participants who advance through local, subregional and regional qualifying in each age/ gender category earn a place in the National Finals, conducted at Augusta National! ● For local qualifier sites and dates, visit: https://www.nfpga.com/junior-golf/2020junior-golf-schedules

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

53

outh orth florida PGA north south florida florida PGA PGA north southflorida floridaPGA PGAnorth southflorida floridaPGA PGAnorth south

South Florida PGA Foundation and Golf Professionals Dedicate Eighth Habitat for Humanity Home

South Florida PGA Professionals of the Island Chapter in Puerto Rico, in conjunction with the South Florida PGA Foundation have refurbished a Habitat for Humanity Home and gifted it to a deserving family today.

This is the eighth Habitat for Humanity Home that the South Florida PGA Foundation has funded and the first in Puerto Rico.

The home was dedicated to Luis Anthony Ortiz Lopez, 26, a community leader at Villa Cristiana and employed by the Puerto Rico Golf Association and Angelica Maria Otiz Couvertier, 27, a pharmacy student at Inter-American University. Together, the couple has a

one-year-old son.

The project, which was built in the boundaries of the SFPGA Island Chapter in Puerto Rico, began in late October when PGA Professionals began restoring a house in Loiza which was destroyed in the wake of Hurricane Maria.

“It all goes back to our mission and vision as golf professionals and as an Association,” said Tony Loyola, President of the South Florida PGA Island Chapter. “There is nothing that makes it more worthwhile as PGA Professionals than doing things like this and the South Florida PGA and the Island Chapter has allowed us that platform.”

Since the partnership with Habitat for Humanity began, the SFPGA Foundation has built eight homes and plans to build a total of 14, one in each county of the South Florida Section, which includes Puerto Rico.

Once all 14 homes have been built, the Foundation will have granted $800,000 to Habitat for Humanity and more than 15,000 volunteer hours.

The South Florida PGA Foundation believes it is important that PGA Professionals get involved in the community in a way that expands beyond golf.

For more information about the South Florida PGA Foundation and its programs, click here.

ABOUT THE SOUTH FLORIDA PGA FOUNDATION The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the South Florida community, with a focus on junior golf, education and scholarships, and charitable gifting. The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization comprised of over 1,850 men and women PGA Professionals serving as the experts in business and the game of golf.

In 2004 the South Florida PGA Foundation began operations as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded to support the South Florida community. Since its inception, the Foundation has experienced extreme growth through the support of countless PGA Professionals, facilities, and numerous corporations. Over the past thirteen years the Foundation has touched the lives of more than 12,000 individuals residing in South Florida, through various programming included but not limited to junior golf, charitable gifting, and scholarships.

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Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

freddy's fairway thoughts

By Fred Seely

something to eat.

“We got to Augusta early in the morning, parked the car, jumped the fence and spent the day watching golf, then went on home.”

Then he won the British Amateur and got an invitation to play in the Masters.

“I arrived and they directed me to meet Bobby Jones, who then took me to Clifford Roberts. Mr. Roberts said he liked to personally show the amateurs around on their first visit and I slipped: I said, 'Oh, I was here last year.'”

Roberts: “Really? I didn't see you.”

So Beman has to 'fess up about sneaking in.

“I was scared that he would throw me out right there. But, he thought a minute, and then started laughing.”

Players update Our club asked the pro shop to post information on the new handicap system and this is what appeared. Simple, huh?

Gambling on golf The spread of off-site gambling — not in all states, but it's coming — begs the question: how do we make money betting on the PGA Tour?

So far, there hasn't been much interest, according to a Las Vegas sharp.

The wagering, so far, has been rather unsophisticated, with bettors picking the big names regardless of recent performance, past record at that week's course, and quality of the overall field.

The recommendation is not to bet one person to win. Way too chancy.

If you feel strongly, go for lesser odds that he'll finish in the top 5 or top 10.

And don't hedge your bet by taking two players to win. Obviously, you'll be betting against yourself and you're also cutting the odds in half. The sharps recommend the head-to-head betting that's offered for each round. You are given a list of players whose proven ability is close. You might see Dustin Johnson vs. Justin Thomas, but you won't see Dustin Johnson vs. J.J. Henry.

However, you might see J.J. Henry vs. Bud Cauley.

There are “prop” bets available, too. You'll see odds on possibilities — propositions — on things like a Tiger Woods missing the cut or Patrick Cantlay making more than one eagle. The odds will be commensurate; Woods missing the Masters cut would perhaps be 50-1.

There isn't much publicity on betting now but expect to get plenty of it when the Masters comes. The media always is looking for an offbeat story; casino betting is that right now, for sure.

From former Commissioner Deane Beman: “Our golf team (at Maryland) had a springtime tournament in Miami and we went down in two university-owned station wagons. The Masters would be that week and several of us talked the coach into letting us take a car there, rather than go straight back. We drove all night. We were broke but we used a university credit card to buy gas, so we also used it to buy soft drinks and 56

If you're coming to the Players in March, you'll see some changes.

The biggest: parking. The new PGA Tour headquarters building and the construction equipment is taking up a tremendous amount of space in the main lot. It would be an understatement to say there isn't enough space to go around. Your best move is to park elsewhere and take Uber, which has quick access to a dropoff at the main gate.

Also: The “other” golf course inside the TPC gates has been plowed under, with most of its south nine headed for housing development and the entire north nine being renovated.

Also: Don't expect to play the Ponte Vedra Ocean course that week. The club is spending a reported $8 million on it, spurred when they lost the greens over a year ago.

Here and there • Is it a big deal that they have eased the admission eligibility for the World Golf Hall of Fame?

Not really, because they were running out of credible people to induct. Reality check: not many people really care.

• Is the Premier Golf League a threat to the PGA Tour? Not if the Tour plays hardball, and it is.

• Related to that: expect the Tour's new TV contract to be announced soon, perhaps at the Players. And expect to be dazzled.

• Golf writing is a dying business. Some electronic magazines are quite good but none are making money, newspaper cutbacks have eliminated almost all writers there, and the print magazines are obviously getting smaller and smaller. Example: there were about 40 of us at Innisbrook last month for the Golf Writers Association of America championship and not one — none — were writers on a daily newspaper.

• A note on Innisbrook: they've done a good job with the place, which is 50 years old and was showing her age. They think they'll have a Tour spot for at least through 2025 with a renewed contract with Valspar on the way.

Questions or comments? fs4569@comcast.net Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

Helpful Hands, Inc. Presents

A D AY OF GO L F AT I S L E W O RTH MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2020 Feel like a Member for the day and experience an opportunity to treat yourself, your friends and customers to a one-of-a-kind event hosted at the celebrated Isleworth Country Club!

Although you are the focus for the day, your participation will assist Helpful Hands, Inc. to continue their work in helping families in crisis within our community!

I TI NERARY: • Personalized lunch in Champions Grill at Isleworth Country Club (11:00 A.M.) • Curated tee gift package presented pre-round (details to follow) • Range usage before the round • Shotgun start at 1:00 P.M. (shamble format) with a forecaddie to accompany you on-course for helpful tips • Drinks and snack provided during the round • Post-round drinks and dinner in the Ballroom followed by awards ceremony

$900 PE R G O LFER / $3,600 P ER FOURSOM E *Limited hole sponsorship opportunities available.

For more information about Helpful Hands, Inc. please visit www.helpfulhands.org.

19th hole

Showstopping Music and Dining at Skip the clubhouse and head to Winter Park’s newest dining and entertainment venue.

With live music seven days per week and a menu filled with modern American dishes featuring local and seasonal ingredients, Dexter’s New Standard is an experience like no other in the Central Florida area. Located in the Ravaudage complex at the corner of Orlando Avenue and Lee Road in Winter Park, Dexter’s New Standard is located near some of the area’s best courses, including Interlachen Country Club.

Sidle up to the bar for craft cocktails or a locally sourced beer to finish off your day on the links.

Dexter’s New Standard melds fine dining and world-class entertainment, hosting local, regional and national musicians in a plethora of genres each week. The dining room faces the stage, placing the emphasis on the performers and drawing the eye to the action.

Settle into one of the tables inside, or soak up some sun on the fountain patio.

With chef Ryan McLaughlin in the kitchen alongside baker and pastry chef Lydia Murphy, the daily-changing menu features something for everyone. Local producers are the stars of the show at Dexter’s New Standard, where the kitchen places priority on using prod-

ucts from culinary artisans and farmers like Ever Oak Farms, Nearby Naturals, Waterkist Farms, Zenn Naturals and more.

Start with a plate of Lump Crab DNS Burger

Chef Ryan

Strawberry Fields Forever 58

Hushpuppies with paprika aioli to share, and don’t miss chef Lydia’s made-in-house Breads and Spreads, featuring her 10-year-old sourdough starter. The Harvest Board is another ideal sharing option, showing off seasonal vegetables, locally sourced. The Waterkist Heirloom Tomato Carpaccio is a stand-out, with Buffalo mozzarella, hand-torn basil and high-quality olive oil enhancing the natural deliciousness of the tomatoes.

From the raw bar, the restaurant rotates its oyster selection with two featured oysters per day, as well as stone crab claws and a ceviche. Don’t miss the DNS Burger, piled with swiss cheese, pickles, garlic aioli and fried shallots served alongside hand-cut French fries. For something a little heartier, try the Teres Major steak, served with black-garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus and garlic jus.

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

Waterkist Heirloom tomato Looking forward to a cocktail? The Pistachio Old Fashioned is a real winner, featuring pistachio-infused Old Forester bourbon and Bitter Truth bitters. The New Standard Mule is concocted with Stoli cucumber vodka and cucumber water with ginger and lime. The taps include local and nationally recognized beers from brewers like Orange Blossom Brewing Co., The Ravenous Pig Brewing Co., Cigar City Brewing and Coppertail Brewing.

The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner on weekdays, and also serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

Happy Hour, also called “Sound Check,” stretches through the late afternoon, from 3 to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 4 to 6 on weekends. Join the restaurant’s oyster bar on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. until

close for “buck-a-shuck” bivalves, and for Wine Not? Wednesdays with a wine tasting and special pricing from 4 to 6 p.m. during Happy Hour.

Thomas Wynn, front man for the band, Thomas Wynn and the Believers, is the music director at Dexter’s New Standard, and brings in talent from far and wide to grace the stage every night.

Check out the restaurant’s website for a calendar of appearances, including ticketed events for truly remarkable live music experiences.

Dexter’s New Standard stays true to the original vision that started the brand

three decades ago, bringing excellent service, stellar live music and remarkable food and wine back to the forefront of the Winter Park dining and entertainment scene. Throw the clubs in the car and be ready for a feast for the senses.

Address: 1035 N. Orlando Ave., Suite 101, Winter Park, FL 32789 Hours: Mon.-Weds., Sun.: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Thurs.-Sun.: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Menu Link: https://www.newstandardwp.com

New Standard Cocktails

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

59

Audubon International Signature Sanctuary Launches Creative Recycling Effort – “Grease for Greens” brings biodiesel fuel to course golf course first began, the City of Arlington chose to build according to the requirements of Audubon International’s Signature Sanctuary Program because of its strong focus on preserving and improving wildlife habitat, protecting water quality, reducing chemical use, incorporating recycling, and requirements for ongoing education and outreach to the public.

Tierra Verde is always coming up with innovative ways to meet these goals, like their “Grease Audubon International Signature Sanctuaries undergo recertififor Greens” program. cation site visits with AI staff every three years, this photo was The endeavor started taken during Tierra Verde Golf Club’s 2019 site visit with an effort to keep grease out of kitchen Unfortunately, creating biodiesel drains and turned into an environthat is not as simple as just pouring used mental benefit that also saves money “everything is bigger in Texas,” one cooking oil into the tank of the machinby reducing fuel costs. Today, the club particular Texas golf club is having ery! According to Arlington Parks and is collecting used cooking oil from the great success making its environmental Recreation Department, the used cookcommunity including its own restaufootprint smaller. Tierra Verde Golf Club ing oil goes through a 30-hour process, rant and converts it to biodiesel fuel for continues making significant headway to strip the glycerin from it before its maintenance machines. For every 40 in eliminating unnecessary waste since the remnants are washed with water, gallons of used oil collected, the club achieving Bronze Certification as an dried, and then, combined with diesel. generates 30 gallons of biodiesel.

Audubon International Signature SancOnce these steps are complete, Tierra According to the U.S. Department of tuary in 2000.

Verde is left with the finished product, Energy, this biodegradable fuel reduces Tierra Verde is an 18-hole public, biodiesel. emissions, and offers greater greenmunicipal golf course located in ArlingTierra Verde Golf Club’s environmenhouse gas benefits than traditional ton, Texas, on the outskirts of Dallas. tal efforts don’t cease at the “Grease diesel fuel.

When discussion around developing a for Greens” program. The club also recycled 800 pounds of aluminum and 1800 pounds of plastic and other Numerous wildlife species can be observed on golf materials in 2019. Other environmental courses due to the excellent wildlife habitat they provide, like this bobcat at Tierra Verde Golf Club projects at this Signature Sanctuary (photo credit: Tierra Verde Golf Club) include composting grass clippings, informational signs about local wildlife, and joining Audubon International’s Monarchs in the Rough program, an initiative to plant native milkweed and wildflower seed on golf courses to promote pollinator awareness and create monarch butterfly habitat.

Audubon International’s environmental certifications are helping numerous golf courses make significant strides in reducing their environmental footprint. Tierra Verde Golf Club is an excellent example of how it is possible to do this every day - in all the areas where we live, work, and play.

Despite the common thought

60

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

ARNOLD

PALMER

CELEBRATE GOLF’S

Greatest LEGENDS PLAN YOUR VISIT TODAY.

WORLD GOLF VILLAGE | ST. AUGUSTINE, FL | worldgolfhalloffame.org

SunnilandSUPERSpotlight: Jon S. Cockerham

When I received my bachelor’s degree in Science majoring in microbiology from Mississippi State University in 1989 my aspirations were in quality control for food production, hopefully within the citrus industry in Florida. I was born and raised in Jupiter/Tequesta and returned there after college looking to start a career.

Needing some income while sending out resumes and waiting on responses I took a job on the crew at Bear Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach. After finding out that a superintendent could make a good salary while spending time outside with nature, involved with a favorite sport of mine, I decided on a change of professional pursuit.

Superintendent at the time, Jerry Redden, had enough faith in me to make me his assistant and the rest just fell into place.

Now in the business for 30 years, 20

62

as a superintendent here at Suntree Country Club, I have relied, as so many of us have, on information and education from peers and vendor representatives. One of my most influential and helpful friends in the business was the late Fred “Uncle Freddy” Marshall.

Fred was working with Sunniland Corporation when I met him and was a tremendous help with my decisions on

course fertility and pest management.

He was well known by many central Florida superintendents and passed along a wealth of knowledge to me based on his experiences. With Uncle Freddy now gone my relationship has continued with the folks at Sunniland and I still look to them for recommendations and the great products and service they provide!!

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

Sunn 28-0-0

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Total Nitrogen ..........................28% 20.2% .......... Slow release Nitrogen 7.8% ......................... Urea Nitrogen

Total Magnesium (Mg) ..........0.50% Soluble Magnesium (Mg) ....0.050% Soluble Iron (Fe) ...................3.40% Chelated Iron (Fe) .................1.60% Total Manganese (Mn) ..........0.25% Soluble Manganese (Mn) ......0.25% Soluble Zinc (Zn) ..................0.10% Sulfur (S) combined ..............3.50%

Total Magnesium (Mg) ..........0.50% Soluble Magnesium (Mg) ......0.50% Soluble Iron (Fe) ...................3.40% Chelated Iron (Fe) .................1.60% Total Manganese (Mn) ..........0.25% Soluble Manganese (Mn) ......0.25% Soluble Zinc (Zn) ..................0.10% Sulfur (S) combined ..............3.50%

Derived from: Manganese Sulphate, Zinc Sulphate, Iron Glucoheptonate, Iron Sulphate, Magnesium Sulphate.

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TPC Louisiana Announces Grand Re-Opening

Together with the

Louisiana Stadium & Exposition District (LSED) and Fore!Kids Foundation, operator of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, TPC Louisiana proudly announced its grand reopening, revealing the results of a $2 million enhancement project that began in April 2019. Supported and financed by the LSED, the political subdivision of the State of Louisiana that owns TPC Louisiana, the changes encompassed the re-grassing of all greens with TifEagle and fairways with Celebration; renovating all pot bunkers back to their original size and minor reshaping to greens on Holes 2 and 14 to provide for more pin placements during the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

“This project was truly made possible by the financial support and commitment from the LSED, as well as the dedicated staff we have here to see it through to fruition,” said Luke Farabaugh, general manager of TPC Louisiana, “The process of planning and finally completing it will modernize the facility for the next 20 years by enhancing the playing surfaces for TOUR players at the Zurich Classic, as

TPC Louisiana Hole #13 well as members and guests the other 51 weeks of the year.”

Responsible for providing oversight of several large-scale sporting event centers in Louisiana, including the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Smoothie King Center and Alario Center, the LSED provided the capital needed to renovate and update TPC Louisiana.

“TPC Louisiana is an incredible asset within the portfolio of facilities the LSED oversees, and our board is proud of the enhancement work which allows the facility to continue hosting a PGA TOUR event that not only provides an exceptional tournament experience for the people of this great state to enjoy, but also allows the Fore!Kids Foundation to continue with its highly impactful work in the community,” said Kyle France, chairman of the LSED. The Zurich Classic is operated by the Fore!Kids Foundation and has been at TPC Louisiana since 2005, making it the only PGA TOUR stop in the region.

The tournament generates spending

Ceremonial Tee Shot - Gibson, Worthy, France 64

of more than $40 million within the local economy and garners $33 million in positive national and international media exposure for both the city and state throughout the year beyond the four days of competition.

“We’ve watched the hard work take place on the course all summer and are excited to present a new playing surface to our Zurich Classic contestants for the 2020 event. Players have been asking questions and have shown great interest in seeing the finished product,” said Steve Worthy, CEO of the Fore!Kids foundation. “Outside the ropes, some new mounds have been created that will be a spectator enhancement and provide some great vantage points to watch the tournament next April.”

The Fore!Kids Foundation has raised over $18 million for charities since partnering with Zurich in 2005, benefitting over 100 charities serving thousands of children in need in the southeastern Louisiana region. The tournament has distributed over $38 million since its inception in 1958.

Classic of New Orleans generates a significant economic impact on the city of New Orleans and the entire state of Louisiana. Independent research has shown that the tournament generates spending of more than $40 million within the local economy and garners $33 million in positive national and international media exposure for both the city and state throughout the year beyond the four days of competition.

The tournament will be played April 20-26, 2020 at TPC Louisiana in Avondale. More information can be found at http://www.zurichgolfclassic.com.

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

THERE ARE A MILLION THINGS THAT NEED TO HAPPEN FOR YOUR COURSE TO BE PLAYABLE.

AND YOUR GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT IS THINKING ABOUT THEM ALL.

The pH of this.

The growth of that.

Too much moisture.

Not enough moisture.

Looking out for the environment.

To learn more visit gcsaa.org/GC

Looking out for the health of the course.

And that’s just over coffee.

So say thanks to your golf course superintendent. Or make that, thanks a million.

Writers are usually solitary animals, requiring only silence and time to access their best thoughts. In rare cases, however—such as with Woodward and Bernstein, and Tina Fey and Amy Poehler—collaborations work.

And sometimes a team literary effort makes perfect sense, according to John Strawn, who is half of Strawn & Sampson, a new enterprise formed to write the histories of the best golf clubs in the world.

“Curt (Sampson) and I have complementary strengths as writers,” says Strawn, an Oregonian whose most recent book is Creating Calusa Pines, a lavish history of the Top 100 golf club in Naples. “Curt was a serious player, having competed on his college team and as a club and touring professional.

His books—such as Hogan, Roaring Back, and The Masters—show his grasp of that side of the game.”

Strawn’s forte is the playing ground itself. In the wake of the positive reception to Driving the Green, his soup-to-nuts book about the construction of a golf course—Ironhorse, in Vero Beach—Strawn scored big jobs in golf course architecture.

He was CEO of Robert Trent Jones II during a particularly successful period in the firm’s history, when RTJ2 created top-ranked courses in Denmark, Swe-

Sampson says. “I’ve found that clubs

creation; and oral histories, which are

den, Norway, China, Korea, Portugal,

inevitably begin with the vision and

long, focused interviews with the prin-

and Italy—and the US, of course. The

optimism of their founders and they

cipal players in the creation of a recent

topper may have been Chambers Bay,

endure thanks to the determination

course, or, in the case of an older club,

the Jones-designed club in Washington,

of ensuing generations. I always find

with long-term members and employ-

which was the first-ever new public

terrific little stories along the way—

ees.

course awarded a US Open.

stories that would disappear or die if

After a professional golf career “abbreviated by incompetence,” Sampson picked up a pen and has not put it

For Strawn, who once taught history

not for the historian finding them and

at Reed College in Portland, Oregon,

repeating them.”

the details and anecdotes he finds in

According to Strawn, every Strawn

down in thirty years. Among his 18

& Sampson project employs two

books are four club histories. “I really

modes of research: archival work that

researching a club’s history have deep meaning: “It’s no exaggeration to say that the

enjoy writing these privately pub-

includes an examination of the plan-

history of this or any country is written,

lished chronicles of great golf clubs,”

ning and design phases of a course’s

in part, by its golfers.”

66

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

playing the tips

Tax Deductions Which Can Free Up More Money For Golf Tax season is almost upon us, and our minds are on the green—both our money and how we can get another round of golf in. There are still some tax breaks available that directly relate to our sport, as well as some potentially overlooked deductions that may help you save money so you can afford more time on the fairway.

Although the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 eliminated the deduction for entertainment expenses—and therefore you can no longer deduct golf club memberships, fees or dues—if you have a business or are self-employed filing Schedule C, remember that you can still deduct 50% of the cost of business meals held at a golf venue. Just make sure you can prove that the meal is for business purposes, and isn’t “lavish or extravagant.”

Similarly, although the 100% business deduction is gone for charity golf events, you can still deduct part of your entry fees. The golf charity venue just needs to provide you with a receipt that shows how much the charity realized from your donation after deducting its costs for green fees, food, drink, and/or prizes and the like. Your follow through will be some accounting entries needed to document the tax-deductible portion of your payment, depending on the structure of your business (Schedule C, S-Corp, LLC, etc.)

68

Some of the other potential tax deductions you may want to explore can potentially benefit your personal tax return. These include health savings account contributions, accounting fees, mortgage interest, claiming elderly parents as dependents, student loan interest payments, education expenses, traditional IRA contributions and more.

Making money is important, but keeping it is critical. Just like working with a golf pro can help you reduce your golf handicap, working with a team of pros can reduce your tax burden. Both a CPA and a qualified financial advisor are recommended to help you save money on taxes now, and create a plan to mitigate taxes in the future. There are no mulligans when it comes to your finances.

For more information about how to tee up a plan to fund your life’s passions, hobbies and long-term dreams, contact Allan Duncan, Independent Wealth Advisor at 800-871-1219 EXT 7 or email Allan@scarletoakfs.com. Advisory services offered through Capital Asset Advisory Services, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. This material has been prepared for informational purposes and is not intended as tax or accounting advice. Please consult tax or accounting professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.

Allan Duncan

Golf Central • Volume 20, Issue 10

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