Golf Central Magazine- Vol 21 Issue 1

There's

No Place Like Home!

W W W . G O L F C E N T R A L M A G . C O M

"So Much More"

Variety & Value OCEANFRONT HOTELS & CONDOS GOLF COURSE VILLAS 30 Years Experience

Stay & Play PACKAGES

Specializing in:

GOLF ONLY MID-WEEK PM SPECIALS 843.249.5800

WWW.MYRTLEBEACHGOLFDIRECTORS.COM

ARNOLD

PALMER

CELEBRATE GOLF’S

Greatest LEGENDS PLAN YOUR VISIT TODAY.

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

OFFERING OVER 3,000 ACRES OF SPACIOUS EXPLORATION

“HOLE-IN-ONE” Stay & Play Package starting at $345* Includes: Two nights, two rounds, with breakfast and complimentary use of the practice facility.

Contrasting, Yet Complementary, Golf Experiences Located on the north end of stunning Lake Lure, Rumbling Bald is one of Western North Carolina’s only multi-course golf resorts. An hour’s drive from Asheville and less than two hours from Charlotte, it features two contrasting 18-hole layouts: W.B. Lewis-designed Bald Mountain and Dan Maples-designed Apple Valley.

The resort’s 150 vacation rental options are ideal for golf groups of various sizes and feature golf course and mountain views. Rumbling Bald is rich with amenities and activities, including scenic Lake Lure boat tours, boat rentals, racquet sports, a full-service spa and hiking trails. It’s the perfect basecamp for exploring the natural wonders of western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

For more information, please call 828.694.3072.

Stay here, Play here, Live here! *Price is per person for two people (Apple Valley Standard) or four people (Fairway Villa Standard).

Some exclusion may apply. No modifications or substitutions. Includes taxes and fees.

Discover more at RumblingBald.com OUTDOOR LIVING • MOUNTAINS • PRIVATE BEACH • LAKE • 36-HOLES OF GOLF

header from the publisher

Volume 21, Issue 1 Publisher: Terrie L. Purdum Editor in Chief: Shannon Coates Graphic Design: Melahn Cable, Photojournalists: Greg and Beverly Wise Photographers: Lynn Pelham, Brion Price, Peter Hakansson

Golf, A Sport Like No Other

Mike Coonan, Becky Galloway Senior Correspondent: Rick Harris, Sr. International Correspondent: Dove Jones Contributing Writers: Jay Golden, PGA; Greg Wise, Bob Bolton, Greg Corbo, Elisa Gaudet, Mike Jamison, Mike May, Ron Heller, Rich Styles, Fred Seely, Deb Shuck, JL Quebbeman, Linda Williams-Sieg Editor Emeritus: Joel Jackson, CGCS Retired

To all of our Golf Central

Regional Partner: Doug Hollandsworth, Founder-Georgia Golf Trail

family, friends, advertisers, staff, colleagues and longtime readers, I hope this letter finds you and yours healthy and well.

We are all navigating through unprecedented times and doing our part to mitigate COVID-19 by following precautionary measures to protect ourselves and support each other.

For 21 years, Golf Central Magazine has covered the countless ways the golf industry and golf community has given back and supported so many deserving and worthy causes. Giving back and making a difference is one of the unique cornerstones of our sport and makes me so damn proud to be a part of this great game.

Kudos to the golf community - tour players, clubs, manufacturers and more - for stepping up, like it always does, providing resources and support for COVID-19 relief .

Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolf competed on May 17 in the TaylorMade Driving Relief Skins match. The COVID-19 relief event brought in more than $5.5 million and was hosted by ultra-private Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, FL. Then, Memorial Day weekend, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson teed it up alongside NFL icons Tom Brady and Peyton Manning at The Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, raising $20 million to benefit COVID-19. Both events were televised providing some relief to sports fans who were desperate to watch live sports in the wake of all professional sports shutting down due to the pandemic.

Like many small businesses out there, Golf Central Magazine is doing its best to weather this health crisis, support our staff and stay alive.

Through good times and bad, Golf Central has persevered becoming the Southeast’s largest, long-standing regional golf publication. With gratitude, appreciation and thanks to our loyal advertisers, industry partners and vendors, we will continue to provide affordable, effective and creative print, digital and social media branding solutions.

And thanks to the Golf Gods and the State Governors for lifting the ban on playing golf. We need it for our mental health, our physical health, and for the good of the game.

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 ©2020 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.

Stay safe, stay healthy, play golf!

Happy Father’s Day! 2009 North Florida PGA Amateur of the Year 6

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

Volume 21, Issue 1 16

Cart Girl 26 Jerri Lee Richards Fashion Forward 24 Vineyard Vines FEATURE 10 Boca Grove Gold & Tennis Club Golf Bachelor 27 Harrison McLimans Golf Bachelorette 26 Katarina Hodge Golf Fore Charity 12 ClubsHELP Growing the Game 28 IJGA Improving Perfomance 36 Divitee International Golf Travel 42 Carne Golf Links Leader on the Links 18 Gary Player

Departments 14 16 22 30 32 38 44 46

Living on the Links 40 On Top of hte World, Ocala Turf Life 50 Mac Carraway Photography 52 Greg Wise 54 Audubon International 56 Sunniland Superspotlight: Ryan Willis

Golf History Competitive Spirits Georgia Golf Trail Product Showcase Father's Day Gift Guide Grip It & Sip It LPGA Freddy's Fairway Thoughts

Ther

e's N oP Like lace Hom

W W W .

G O L F C E N T R A L M A G . C O M

Featur

e Artic

le Pg 1

0

27

What's New 48 Finn Scooters

18 golfcentralmag.com

e!

feature For the members of Boca Grove, the Club is more than just a place to enjoy resort style amenities, it’s a home away from home. A community where fellow members become friends and friends become family.

So, what happens when you can’t go home and be with your family?

When COVID-19 abruptly changed the daily lives of the entire world, we began to find ways to make our world a little brighter and embrace the distance by coming together to protect our Boca Grove family.

Safety In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic we began to enhance our protective sanitization measures throughout the Clubhouse. Upon distancing, we ensured consistent communication to the membership through daily video updates, Facebook, text and even personal phone calls.

This connection provides a safe environment to enjoy outdoor activities and highlight the community bond. To ensure the safety of our members and the entire community, KN95 masks were provided to each member and we even mailed some upon request to our members living in their northern or summer homes.

Dine Out Dining One of our first priorities upon closing the Clubhouse was to provide our members with an option to bring the comforts of the Club to the safety of their own homes. Within the first few days we offered an extensive contactless pick-up and delivery service for lunch and dinner six days a week.

The menus offer a variety of items featuring the freshest ingredients 10

and Chef Dominick Laudia’s signature dishes. Dinner specials, offered each night, are meticulously paired with select wines from our expert sommelier. Our service team, equipped with gloves and masks, were welcomed with distant smiles from members receiving food deliveries, providing a friendly familiar connection during the time apart.

take out.

With such a vibrant membership, we knew that the need to celebrate the good life would not stop so we created cocktail kits for every day of the week. Working in conjunction with our Zoom Happy Hour, the kits or “Blast in a Box” gave members everything they need to be their own mixologist.

Chef’s Pantry

Golden Ticket

As a way to ensure our members have the basic grocery items needed to prepare a simple meal or just staple items, we opened our Chef’s Pantry. Through the pantry our members ordered deli meats by the pound, fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs and yes, even toilet paper.

Items are ordered Tuesday through Thursday for next day delivery.

Inspired by Willie Wonka, our Golden Ticket delivered a complimentary meal to one member each night. To create a small connection from home to home, a member of our team randomly selected a member’s order and that member’s delivery was “on the house”. Becoming somewhat of a hidden treasure challenge, the ticket winners were announced each evening along with the name of their presenting team member.

A Taste of Home Chef Dominick Laudia is no stranger to connecting through cooking so we introduced online cooking classes which we called, “A Taste of Home”.

Each week Chef Dominick prepares a box complete with everything needed to make one of his signature creations.

Another opportunity for wine pairings, our sommelier included a wine package to highlight each meal. The boxes are delivered to the member’s doorstep and everyone cooks along through Facebook LIVE.

Wine, Beer & Cocktails Our in-house sommelier takes great pride in our wine cellar selection. Armed with the knowledge that many of our members share a passion for wine, we made the cellar collection available for delivery and

Tips, Talks and Walks Our team of professionals work tirelessly to provide ways to keep members connected through instructional video tips, talks and walks.

Every day a new connection is made either through instructional at-home fitness, golf and tennis videos, Facebook Live or video meetings. As part of our Walk, Wine and Whiskey, members are provided a map highlighting an interesting two mile walk through the community followed by a Zoom wine tasting with winemakers from around the world.

Come home to Boca Grove JENNIFER M. JOLLY (561) 487-5300 jjolly@bocagrove.org Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

11

Local Grassroots Initiative Becomes National Campaign, Makes Immediate Impact How does this new initiative work?

World Golf Hall of Famer, 2019 Presidents Cup Captain, and PGA Tour golfer Ernie Els has issued a challenge to his fellow professionals and club golfers everywhere: Become the captain of your club, adopt a local hospital, and marshal club resources to deliver greatly needed supplies to those on the frontlines during this unprecedented international health crisis.

That’s the essence of ClubsHELP, a 501(c)7 foundation created to connect clubs with hospitals in their local areas to provide critically needed support for health workers as they care for victims of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The sense of community generated in each market has been stronger than ever.

Now, this collective energy, along with club resources, are being deployed where they are needed most—at the local level.

“When my management team told me about this initiative, I was right behind it straight away,” said Els. “It’s a shining example of how people all around the world are pulling together in this crisis to help vulnerable members of society and, of course, support the frontline healthcare staff who are literally putting their lives on the line for all of us.”

12

A member steps up to be her/his club’s “captain.” The club then adopts a local hospital and the adopted hospital appoints a captain. Working cooperatively, the captains identify the most pressing needs at the adopted hospital.

Then club members, companies, and individual donors pitch in to gather, collect, and deliver the most necessary items and resources to the hospital.

David Bachman, General Manager of Spring Brook Country Club in Morristown, N.J., got the idea from one of his members and her daughters who wanted to become actively involved and help their local hospital, Morristown Memorial. The club is now an ongoing supplier of food, beverages, and PPE equipment to its adopted hospital.

When news of Spring Brook Country Club’s efforts to assist its community hospital surfaced in the media, Rob Goulet, CEO of Entertainment Sports Partners, and manager to Els, reached out to Bachman suggesting they turn this local program into a national campaign by engaging the alwayscharitable minded golf community. In the process, ClubsHELP Foundation,

a 501(c)7 organization, was born.

“Every community wants to support their local hospital and first responders. We know that strength in numbers—clubs and their members’ networks—could make a meaningful impact.” Goulet said.

The team leapt into action last week and quickly assisted hospitals in beleaguered northeastern states—New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey. ClubsHELP companies like Clif Bar and AT&T are already supplying Mt. Sinai and Bellevue Hospitals in New York City, the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The most pressing needs for the frontline hospital workers are basic food items that can be consumed quickly, PPE supplies, UV lighting for sterilization of phones and keys, and delivery services,” said Bachman. “Anything a member may be able to offer, including transport vehicles, personnel, or manufacturing capabilities, should be raised with their club and hospital captains.”

The assistance of golf’s premier organizations, including the National Club Association and Golf Writers Association of America, and leadership have pledged to jump start the ClubsHELP program

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

and make a swift and meaningful impact in communities throughout the United States. Additionally, the American Hospital Association (AHA) and American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) have alerted their memberships that golf

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

clubs across the country are activating.

Once again, the golf industry is demonstrating its charitable strength and largesse in a time of crisis. Els, a member of Old Palm Golf Club Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., has partnered

with Jupiter Medical Center, a partner of the Els for Autism Foundation.

To be a captain, register your club, pledge support, or get additional information, access the web site at www.clubshelp.org or text ClubsHELP to 71441.

13

Frequented by the

By Mike May

golf history

Rich & Famous

1920s and 1930s, it was those golf public golf courses that attracted the stars of yesteryear. And, those golf courses are still operating and are now among the 53 golf courses which are part of the Florida Historic Golf Trail.

The Great Bambino While many of Florida’s current

highprofile golf courses such as Bay Hill, Doral, and the TPC Stadium Course attract high-profile golfers and wellknown personalities, that has not always been the case. When Florida’s golf courses started being built in the 13 years old Nicklaus addresses the ball.

Photo Courtesy of the Jack Nicklaus Museum and Nicklaus Companies.

One of the early celebrity sightings at the Lake Worth Beach Golf Club (www. lakeworthbeachgolfclub.com) involved future baseball hall of famer Babe Ruth. Yes, this golf club was a winter golfing getaway for the legendary ‘Sultan of Swat,’ back in the late 1920s.

Opened on November 12, 1926 as a nine-hole course, the Lake Worth Beach GC is perched along the Intracoastal Waterway in the heart of Lake Worth Beach. In 1948, golf course architect Dick Wilson redesigned the existing nine holes and added nine more to create today’s par-70 layout.

Legends of Sports In what is now Miami-Dade County, starting in 1925, the first big annual pro golf tournament was the Miami Open, which was held at what was originally the Miami-Hialeah Golf Course. Now it’s the Miami Springs Golf and Country Club (www.miamispringsgolfcourse. com). The Miami Open attracted many of golf’s legends – Gene Sarazen, Jimmy Demaret, Sam Snead, Byron Nelson, and

Arnold Palmer. Snead won the Miami Open six times. The Miami Open was the site of Palmer’s professional debut.

Young ‘Bear Tracks’

The golf course at The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club (www.naplesbeachhotel.com/golf) was the site of a watershed moment in golf. Back in 1951, young Jack Nicklaus was on vacation in Naples with his family from their Ohio home. While there, young Jack, then only 11, played golf with his father, Charlie, at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. Jack had only been playing golf for roughly a year. On that day in 1951, Jack broke 40 for the first time. He recorded a 37.

Fast forward to 2016 when Nicklaus began the re-design of that Naples course. He had vivid memories of those nine holes with his father.

“Being back at The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club is like a walk down memory lane for me,” said Nicklaus. “Returning to the same course where I broke 40, with my father by my side, brings back a lot of very special and very fond memories.”

Historic Days in Daytona On March 13, 1946, the South Course at the Daytona Beach Golf Course (www.daytonabeachgc.com hosted a challenge match featuring four major

Fort Myers Yacht and Country Club

14

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

champions -- Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Sam Snead and Jimmy Demeret. All of whom won at least two Masters during their careers. That day, Demeret prevailed with a 63. Both Hogan and Snead shot 67s, while Nelson carded a 69. The only surviving piece of memorabilia from that day is Snead’s scorecard, which was signed by his three fellow competitors.

“That would have been a great round to witness,” admits Brian Jaquet, director of golf, Daytona Beach Golf Club.

And on February 29, 1968, Jack Nicklaus and Doug Sanders played a Challenge Match at the Daytona Beach Golf Course. It was the grand opening of the North Course. For that match, local golfer Joe Eubank served as the on-course commentator. Eubank, now 83, has one strong memory from that round of golf.

“Nicklaus could hit a one-iron high, straight, and long. And it landed softly,” said Eubank. “I’ve never seen anybody hit a one-iron like he could.”

Just over two years later, in July 1970, Nicklaus would defeat Sanders in an 18-hole playoff to decide the British Open at St. Andrews. Nicklaus prevailed that day, 72 to 73.

Jack Nicklaus with Doug Sanders 1966 at Daytona Beach Golf Course

Captains of Industry Fort Myers, Florida is actually the original home of the ‘rich-and-famous.’

Back in the day, Fort Myers was the winter getaway for the men and their families whose last names were Ford, Edison, and Firestone, as in Henry, Thomas, and Harvey, respectively.

At the urging of Edison, accomplished golf course architect Donald Ross was hired to design the Fort Myers Yacht and Country Club, now the Fort Myers Country Club (239-321-7488).

Construction began in 1916. The course opened for play in November 1917. Ford, Edison, and Firestone played golf at the Fort Myers CC.

Jack Nicklaus 1953 US Jr. Amateur Jack and Charlie 7-29-53.

Photo Courtesy of the Jack Nicklaus Museum and Nicklaus Companies.

A Gathering of Champions In 1925, the Florida Open was held at the Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club (www.templeterracegolf.com).

The event was labeled the “Greatest Field of Golfers Ever to Play in Florida.”

More than 100 golfers competed. Leo Diegel won the tournament. The total prize money was just $5,000. The head pro/host of the event was the legendary English golfer Jim Barnes, winner of the 1916 and 1919 PGA, 1921 U.S. Open, and 1925 British Open.

For more information on the Florida Historic Golf Trail, access FloridaHistoricGolfTrail.com.

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

15

competitive spirits

AVIATION GIN Celebrate with Aviation American Gin, the world’s highest rated gin and an icon of the American craft distilling movement, founded in Portland, Oregon. Aviation helped establish a new style of American gin - softer and smoother, with juniper in the background and both citrus and floral notes in the front resulting in more balanced cocktails. The gin is handcrafted in small 100-case batches and distilled using a proprietary maceration process that produces a pure medley of botanical flavor at the House Spirits Distillery in Portland, Oregon. In 2018 Ryan Reynolds took a sip of the gin and decided to purchase Aviation. Today he’s best known for his viral Aviation videos and hilarious out of office replies at ryan@aviationgin.com

Website: www.AviationGin.com / Price: $30 16

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

NEGRONI UPGRADE

AVIATION AMERICAN GIN & TONIC

HUGO’S MARTINI

2 oz. Aviation American Gin

2 oz. Aviation American Gin

2.5 oz. Aviation American Gin

4 oz. Tonic Water

1/2 oz. Dolin Dry Vermouth

1 Lemon Wedge

1 Dash Regan’s No.6 Orange Bitters

1/2 oz. Campari 1/2 oz. Sweet Vermouth

1 Lime Wedge

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

17

leader on the links

Gary Player and President Donald Trump

Gary Player Stunned by Presidential Medal of Freedom Honor Gary Player reacted to the news that he is to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House, saying that it is the highest honor he has achieved in his lifetime.

Together with Sweden’s Annika Sorenstam, Player received the medal from President Donald Trump on March 23rd, becoming the first of two international athletes to receive the prestigious award.

“I am incredibly humbled and grateful to be recognized in this way,” said Player. “For Annika and I to join Jack and Arnie, Charlie Sifford and Tiger Woods as the only golfers to have been awarded this honor is really very special.”

Player went on to say that to be honored, not only for his success as a golfer, but also as a philanthropist who works tirelessly in the United States and around the world to raise funds for children’s education and other causes, is overwhelming. “I have been fortunate to have had much success in golf and to be a worldwide ambassador for the game, but it is my love of fellow humans that has inspired me to keep traveling and doing what I can to unite people and raise funds 18

Gary Player for those desperately in need.

“While remaining a proud South African, I have always been astonished by the love and support that I have received from the American people. As an international athlete, to receive the highest honor awarded to civilians in the United States is

humbling indeed and I will cherish this award from the President.”

Known as the International Ambassador of Golf, Gary Player has won 24 times on the PGA Tour and 19 times on the Champions Tour, including nine majors and nine senior majors, and is one of only five golfers to have achieved the career Grand Slam by winning all four of golf’s majors.

In a career spanning seven decades and with 165 worldwide victories, Player has received numerous awards and accolades. In 1966, he was awarded the Bob Jones Award, the highest honor given by the United States Golf Association in recognition of distinguished sportsmanship in golf. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974. In 2000, he was voted “Sportsman of the 20th Century” in South Africa and, in 2006, received the Payne Stewart Award from the PGA Tour. In 2012, he received the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first international golfer to receive this accolade. And in his home country, South African President Thabo Mbeki bestowed the Order of Ikhamanga (in gold) on Player in 2013 for exceptional achievements in sport.

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

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

golf bachelorette

Where were you born? Did you grow up there? I was born in Augusta, GA and grew up in Dublin, GA. Is “acting your age” overrated? Oh heck yes! Life is too short to be uptight all the time.

What do you do for a living? I am the Member Services Assistant for the LPGA Professionals. It’s my dream job that came true!

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

Cooking, Baking, Shopping, Crafts, Binging Netflix Shows, hanging out with my family and friends What golf apparel do you like to wear? Anything Nancy Lopez! So comfortable and it comes in so many sizes, colors, and patterns.

Whom do you most admire for their inner and outer beauty? My Mom. She is the most caring, intelligent, and strongest person I know. I am the woman I am today because of her!

Katarina “Kat” Hodge

Tell us about your first kiss? Never had one  Tell us something about yourself that only your closest friends know. I got put into In School Suspension in fourth grade because I looked up curse words in the dictionary. I served my time on Valentine’s Day. Wasn’t funny then, but hilarious now!

What three things would you need to survive on a deserted island? Water filter straw, knife, shake to charge flashlight Who would you like to have with you on the same deserted island; and why? Probably a survival expert like Bear Grylls.

He knows his stuff!

What do you find to be the most annoying habit people demonstrate on the golf course? I prefer to play fast, so slow play is definitely at the top or not taking care of the course.

Name the three most important things to you in this world.

My Family, my friends, and my cat Grey Given the choice; would you select love, success, or money to keep yourself happy? Love – the rest will fall into place What do you fear the most? Sharks! The movie Jaws scarred me for life.

What three people would you most like to play with in your fantasy golf foursome? Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam, and my Dad What are some of your great accomplishments? I was the Women’s GA Cup Division III Golf Player of the Year, I lead my college to a conference championship in 2011, I shot my lowest score of 69 against some of the best players in the country, I ran my first 5K last year, made a hole in one when I was 12, getting a job at the LPGA. Last time you spewed something through your nose from laughing so hard? Anything my little brother says cracks me up – but a current one was when my dad and him were play arguing and he called him a boomer. So funny!

Favorite comedian? Patton Oswalt. I have heard some of his bits multiple times and still laugh every single time.

Movies: Comedy, drama, action, romance? Horror/Mystery Favorite television channel? Food Network Last book you read? You by Caroline Kepnes Guilty Pleasure? Champagne or a really good Pale Ale/IPA Favorite Netflix Show? Grace and Frankie Favorite charity to support? Any charity that supports animals

20

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

S a d d le br ook R e s o r t • p referred go lfers p ac kag e

“We are proud of the work done on the golf courses, greens, and new Golf Training Center and Range ... come play and enjoy your stay!”

Experience

Renewed Golf Courses

Receiving Rave Reviews!

Great golf is only the beginning.

Preferred Golfers Package Includes: ◆

Accommodations in a Deluxe Guest Room, 1 or 2 Bedroom Suite

◆

Full Breakfast Buffet

◆

18-Holes of Golf (cart & greens fees), including arrival and departure days

◆

Welcome Gift

◆

Unlimited Use of the Practice Facility

◆

Nightly Club Cleaning and Storage... and More!

For Seasonal Package Pricing and Reservations Call 813-907-4401 Groups of 12 or More Call 813-907-4726

5700 Saddlebrook Way ◆ Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 Ph: 813.973.1111 ◆ Fax: 813.973.1312 ◆ saddlebrook.com

By Mike May

georgia golf trail

Real Estate: It’s on the Minds of Georgia’s Golfers

While a vital part of Georgia’s golf economy is the amount of money spent by golfers who pay to play at public golf courses and join private country clubs, an often overlooked part of the Georgia golf economy is in real estate. Golfers and their families are now investing in second – and, in some cases, third – homes so they have somewhere to ‘hang their hat’ during weekend getaways and golf trips. As the case may be, many of these golf-themed homes sales are near the 20+ golf courses that are part of the Georgia Golf Trail.

For the last eight years, leading the effort to match golfers with their realestate desires is Drake Realty, which has a statewide presence from South Georgia to North Georgia. Right now, 725 real estate associates from Drake Realty are scattered throughout the state of Georgia.

“From the North Georgia Mountains to Atlanta to Lake Oconee to Savannah and the Atlantic coast, Drake Realty is the official real estate partner of the Georgia Golf Trail,” said Georgia Golf Trail Founder Doug Hollandsworth.

“Drake Realty has a presence across Georgia and understands the real estate needs and demands of today’s golfers.

It’s a relationship that works.”

“The real estate we sell ranges from coastal homes on Sea Island to homes in the heart of Savannah to lakeside homes near Lake Oconee to homes in the mountains of North Georgia and 22

throughout Atlanta,” says Glenn Drake,

es as he has a second home off the 8th

owner, Drake Realty (770-365-4865;

tee at the Great Waters course at Reyn-

www.drakerealty.net).

olds Oconee in Greensboro, Georgia.

Basically, there are a number of pur-

In a nutshell, Drake realizes what

chasing options for golfers wanting to

golfers want in a second home pur-

buy a second home.

chase. It’s not just a local place to

What sets Drake Realty apart from its competition is the mindset of Drake

spend the night after playing golf.

“Nowadays, golfers want a ranch-

Realty broker/owner Glenn Drake.

style home with an open floor plan,

“I’m a golfer and a real estate investor,”

a decked-out master bedroom with a

admits Drake. “I know what golfers are

major bathroom, a spacious walk-in

looking for and I view every home pur-

closet, a large kitchen, and many win-

chase by my clients as their personal,

dows which will give you a view of the

value-based investment.”

golf course and allow for lots of natural

Drake also practices what he preach-

light,” says Drake. “Homes with boxy Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

tag can be somewhat high.

According to Drake, most people are

of the past.”

Years ago, roughly 80 percent of the home purchases along the Georgia Golf Trail were for year-round living. Now, according to Drake, roughly 60 percent of the new home owners are living there full-time, which means 40 percent of the new home owners are just using these homes for vacation or weekend getaways. And, roughly 70 percent of all real estate sales are made to Georgia residents wanting to buy in-state.

Every golf-themed real estate sale in Georgia has its pros and cons for the new owners.

Mountain homes in North Georgia have great summer weather, but the golf season is not as long. Homes purchased in South Georgia have longer golf seasons, but can be affected by hurricanes.

And homes bought near Lake Oconee have great lakeside views, but the price

Another appealing aspect of buying a

buying homes that range from 3,200 –

home in Sky Valley is access to outdoor

4,000 square feet and they are spending

recreation.

anywhere from $350,000 to $1.2 million type rooms divided by walls are a thing

and Seed Lake.

on each home purchase.

Another realtor that sells to golfers

“The woods are filled with hiking trails, streams and waterfalls,” adds Poss.

“More than 60 percent of Rabun County

in Sky Valley, Georgia -- a member of the

is a U.S. national forest.”

Georgia Golf Trail -- is Scott Poss, presi-

In the 1970s, Sky Valley became well-

dent, Poss Realty.

known because it had the southern-most

According to Poss, his real estate

ski slope in the eastern U.S. The slope is

clients are passionate about golf and

no longer open, but the beautiful Sky Val-

they enjoy the diversity of life in the

ley Country Club remains a key draw.

greater Sky Valley area, which sits 3,200

“The Sky Valley Country Club is a very

feet above sea level in the North Georgia

well maintained golf course,” says Poss.

Mountains. Sky Valley is located 100

“It’s a super friendly and playable golf

miles north of downtown Atlanta.

course.”

“In Sky Valley, people enjoy fishing,

The price points of Sky Valley-area

jet skiing, tubing, and water skiing,” says

homes, ranging from 2,000 to 4,600

Poss, whose clients are buying lakeside

square feet, start at $200,000 and are as

homes near Burton Lake, Rabun Lake

high as $700,000. Most lakeside homes range from $1,000,000 to $7,000,000.

For complete details on real estate opportunities along the Georgia Golf Trail, access: www.georgiagolfrealestate.com.

For information on travel packages to all the destinations on the Georgia Golf Trail, please call 1-833-877-6988 or go online to GeorgiaGolfandTravel.com.

This home borders the 12th fairway of Lake Oconee’s Harbor Club Golf Community in Greensboro, Georgia.

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

23

fashion forward

By Belinda K Theoret

Luxury Golf Apparel, Jim Nantz and a Smiling Whale!

All great brands have great logos:

Pants looks like, only the numbers are missing. It’s an attractive, abstract

Lacoste has its crocodile, adidas it’s

design that combines flamingoes and

three stripes and Puma has it’s cat. But

floral patterns, creating a very unique

they just can hold a candle to Vine-

look that is sure to turn some heads.

yards Vines’ and their smiling whale!

are a break from tradition golf ap-

Vineyard Vines is a brand that

parel and designs. If the design is

continues to grow in popularity; I see

overwhelming, the Breaker Pants are

their T-shirts and apparel popping up

also available in nine solid colors with

everywhere. The brand was founded

waist sizes ranging from 29 – 46.

in 1998 by two brothers, Shep and

The Destin Stripe Long-Sleeve Polo

Ian Murray, who still own the com-

is perfect for cool morning rounds.

pany today. They got their start selling

The fabric has built-in stretch for

neckties out of a backpack, funded

extra range of motion in a classic,

totally by credit card debt. They sold

relaxed fit. The UPF 50 sun protec-

over 800 neckties their first weekend

tion weaved into the fabric keeps you

in business, paid off their credit cards

protected from the sun’s rays and the

and the rest as they say is history!

moisture wicking properties will keep

The company began producing golf

you dry and cool as the day heats up.

apparel a number of years ago and has

As comfortable as this polo is, it’s

recently upped the ante, introducing

DESTINed to become your favorite!

the Jim Nantz Collection. While the

Vineyard Vines has a lot of great

entire Vineyard Vines apparel line can

golf apparel for women too. The UPF

be considered “luxury apparel,” the

Striped Margo Shirt Dress is a chic

Jim Nantz Collection takes that up a

garment that represents the com-

notch. Nantz is not only one of the best

pany’s attempt to resurrect the golf

known media personalities around the

dress; it’s quickly become a favorite

world, he always looks marvelous too!

among the ladies. The Margo Dress

One look and feel of the Ocean Av-

features UPF 50+ sun protection and

enue Patterned 1/2-Zip Sweater and you’ll quickly know what I mean. This

wrinkle resistant and moisture wick-

garment from the Jim Nantz Col-

ing while having a very soft touch.

lection is crafted from a very high

24

Remember the paint by number

quality fabric that is 55% polyes-

pictures you did as a kid? That’s what

ter/45% Merino wool. It is extremely

this design on the men’s Breaker

elbow-length sleeves, providing added protection from the sun’s harmful rays. The ocean-inspired stripes, self-collar and five-button placket give this dress a classic golf look.

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

25

cart girl

for 17 years. I truly enjoyed choreographing routines and leading my squad in parades.

Competition was my favorite. Fortunately, I learned early on I could not make a living at twirling. I began working at age 13 as a ‘car hop’ for a dollar an hour. For those who don’t know what a ‘car hop’ is: I served food outdoors to vehicles, placing the trays on a half rolled up window. I then went on to wait tables and bartend. I have not regrets choosing the service industry. I plan to work till I can’t.

Are there any golfers in your family? My parents were great golfers and appreciated the employee passes for Boyne Mountain.

What do you feel makes your golf club/course so special?

The Alpine and Monument courses are challenging and extremely scenic. I don’t take their beauty for granted. I’m blessed to have such a gorgeous office!

What is your memorable moment working as a cart girl?

A huge bonus is the numerous celebrities I’ve had the pleasure of taking care of. As a professional, I refrain from autographs and pictures. I think they appreciate that.

What is the funniest thing you’ve ever seen on the golf course? I have a fantastic memory of a 16-lady bachelorette

party on the Monument Course. The details are not P.C. so I’m unable to share the details. They had a great time, as did I. And, often times, when a quick rain comes in, I gather my golfers to a shelter and make a party of it. We sing along, tell jokes, and talk about there they are from, while I sell beverages. Outlandish outfits and folks dared to jump in ponds happen frequently.

What type of music do you prefer? Country music.

My horses prefer it! I hear all music genres on the golf course.

I recall that 29 years ago, when I first began, you could hear the birds and fountains in the ponds extremely well. Now, every cart has music, which I enjoy.

The golf course where you work: The Alpine and Monument

courses at the Boyne Mountain Resort in northern Michigan. Our shifts are mostly from dawn to dark. I take care of both courses during the week. We have two carts on the weekend. The duty of 36 holes is fast-paced, but I love the hustle. Keeping in mind to perform etiquette and courtesy.

Work rain or shine. I carry half my closet in my truck. I’m prepared for whatever Northern Michigan’s weather sends my way. In the winter, I work as a bartender at the Trophy Room Pub and Pizzeria in Boyne Mountain, Michigan. I hope to work there till I can’t.

Where did you grow up? I grew up in downstate Michigan

in Redford Township, just west of Detroit. I attended a little community college at Henry Ford.

Which group of people did you associate most with in high school? I was a majorette in high school. I twirled a baton 26

What hobbies do you enjoy? Gardening What is your idea of “the perfect date”? Riding my horses with my husband Kevin and having Sue our shepherd tagging along.

Favorite comedian? Rodney Carrington Favorite charity to support?

I’m a breast cancer survivor. I donate to breast cancer yearly.

What else would you like for us to know about you?

I am blessed with two grand-daughters and my mom is a big part of my life. I love to be at home. I have many flower beds, a small garden, and always have house chores to occupy my time.

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

Where were you born? Did you grow up there? Clearwater,

Florida. Born and raised and do not plan on leaving anytime soon.

What do you do for a living? I am a PGA Golf Associate, I work at Clearwater Country Club and I teach golf.

What would you like to do for a living? If I had to pick

another career besides a golf professional, I would be a culinary chef

What golf apparel do you like to wear? No one is paying

me to wear any golf apparel so I like to wear the best of each brand. In my opinion, I wear the Adidas 9 inch inseam shorts, I like Under Armor Golf shirts, and I prefer Imperial hats with Footjoy shoes.

Whom do you most admire for their inner and outer beauty? I admire my sister a

lot for her inner beauty, she is definitely a person that leads by a good example. I admire my mom and girlfriend for their outer beauty, because I got my good looks from my mom and my girlfriend is a smoke show.

Tell us about your first kiss? First kiss was

in school in the stairwell and let’s just say it wasn’t the last one in the stairwell either.

Steak, chicken, or seafood? I like a nice Filet

Mignon, but very much a seafood eater. Love any type of sushi.

What three things would you need to survive on a deserted island? My 60 degree to work on my sand game, my girlfriend (for obvious reasons), and a boat to get off the island when I get bored of it.

What do you find to be the most annoying habit people demonstrate on the golf course? Not being ready when it is their

turn to hit. I hate slow play and when people decide to get their club and shoot their yardage only when it is their turn it really bothers me. Why can’t everyone just go their ball, take their practice swings and hit it?

Given the choice; would you select love, success, or money to keep yourself happy? I guess I would

golf bachelor

Harrison McClimans What do you fear the most? Lizards, I am not sure why the small dinosaurs scare me, but ever since watching Parent Trap when I was little and saw the lizard going into the lady’s mouth, it has given me fear ever since.

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

Woods number one, Brooks Koepka, and Jordan Spieth. And the match would be Tiger and I verse Spieth and Brooks.

What are some of your great accomplishments? Being selected Bachelor of the Month for Golf Central Magazine definitely tops the list as one of my big accomplishments.

Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails? Relaxed evening at home 90% of the time. But honestly, it’s nice to get out to the nightclub for some cocktails. I’m a big dancer.

Favorite comedian? Adam Sandler is my favorite comedian actor. Will Ferrell would have to be second.

Movies:…comedy, drama, action, romance?

Comedy movies for sure. Step Brothers is an all-time favorite, and I would have to say Hangover the original is up there.

Last book you read? Last book I read was Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book. Really good book if you’re looking for some golf tips and instruction. Currently though, I am reading Chart Patterns by Thomas Bulkowski.

News, current events; hardcopy or on-line? Definitely Online, I think that is my only way of reading the news now, except for Tucker Carlson at night.

Favorite magazine? Golf

Central Magazine hands down my favorite.

Favorite charity to support?

Any type of hunger relief charity. It is crazy the amount of food we consume and there are starving kids out there not able to get a meal.

choose Love. It seems like if you were successful and rich without someone you love to share it with, it would just be pointless.

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

27

By Chris Allen, IJGA

growing the game

Golf’s silver lining in a COVID-19 Cloud Have you ever experienced this?

Something happens—you get laid off, a relationship you valued ends, or you get sick and have to miss a trip, and you say, “That was bad.” Then a few years later, you look back on it and say, “That was one of the best things that ever happened to me.”

The interesting thing about assigning values to experiences while still in the moment is that those value judgements are likely to change over time.

What might feel like the most painful situation in the moment can turn out—

There is no arguing that COVID-19 is the most disruptive experience many

Retention “Training is less physical, more

of us have lived through. But there are

visual and virtual than before, and

silver linings shining through at the

that forces students to take a little

International Junior Golf Academy’s

more ownership for instruction,” said

Bishops Gate campus. Grant Balcke,

Balcke. Rather than physically move the

Assistant Director of Golf at IJGA BA,

student’s club or body into the proper

believes COVID-19 has created better

position, coaches now rely on students

outcomes in the golf program. Corona-

to grasp the concept and put it into

virus control and prevention measures,

practice for themselves. “It has slowed

such as wearing disposable gloves,

the pace of training, but the slower

masks, and maintaining safe distances

pace has improved comprehension and

at all times, have impacted training in a

retention,” said Balcke.

positive way.

Preparedness Coaches are producing more videos

in hindsight—to be the best thing that

to help with instruction, and—because

ever happened, and vice versa.

the most important part of the video production workflow happens before the camera starts rolling—the process requires them to do thorough planning and preparation. The level of preparedness required to make a compelling Pantone 355 C1

video is producing better results out on

C= 72 ; M= 59 ; Y= 54 ; K= 37

the range.

Communication Balcke said, “When you’re into a routine for a while, you reach a comfort zone and you assume the student knows what you mean.” It’s natural to think that way. That’s just how human beings are wired biologically. When engaged in instruction, Balcke takes a mental step back and asks himself, “What needs to happen to make the situation better?”

Despite the difficulties of coping with COVID-19, greater accountability, better preparation, and effective communication have improved outcomes.

Every difficult situation has a hopeful aspect. Once you tap into it, it can have a powerful effect. “It’s great to see our IJGA Bishops Gate coach and student maintain a safe distance between one another during instruction.

Photo by Paula Vega, IJGA 28

student-athletes and coaches responding and overcoming the challenges set before them.” said Balcke.

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

For insurance coverage that fits you to a tee.

BUSINESS INSURANCE | EMPLOYEE BENEFITS | PERSONAL INSURANCE

Insurance Office of America (IOA) is a full-service insurance agency founded in 1988 and one of the fastest-growing independent agencies in the United States.

For all your insurance needs, visit us at www.ioausa.com or call 1-800-243-6899.

BIJR0519 - 133

© 2019 INSURANCE OFFICE OF AMERICA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

product showcase

AllShield Hand and Spray Sanitizer

Bag Boy is excited to announce they are the exclusive distributor of AllShield hand and spray sanitizer to golf facilities throughout the country.

Proudly made in the USA, AllShield exceeds the CDC’s recommended alcohol content; sanitizer spray contains 80% alcohol and hand sanitizer contains 70%. Safe on hands and surfaces, the hand sanitizer protects the golfer while the spray keeps golf grips, carts and shop counters clean.

“We want to provide a product we know can benefit both golfers and golf clubs during this unprecedented time,” said Perry Hilbert, Sales Manager at Bag Boy. “The future of golf is changing and we want to do our part in keeping everyone safe.”

Bag Boy’s AllShield offering includes an 8 oz hand sanitizer, 16 oz sanitizer spray and 1 gallon sanitizer spray refill. For more information on AllShield hand and spray sanitizer, please visit www.bagboy.com or call 1-800-955-2269 for more details.

Sun Mountain Expands Waterproof Golf Bag Collection In 2007, after playing one too many tournaments in the rain, the innovators at Sun Mountain applied their rainwear expertise to building a waterproof golf bag. For 2020, that H2NO collection of waterproof golf bags includes a cart bag and two carry bags, each constructed with waterproof fabric, taped seams, and waterproof zippers. The full collection of H2NO golf bags is in stores now with retail prices from $289 - $329. For the retailer nearest you, call 800-227-9224 or visit www.sunmountain.com.

The Golfer's Book of Wit & Wisdom

The Golfer's Book of Wit & Wisdom is an essential collection of golf jokes, one-liners, and witty quotations perfect for every fan of golf.

The great Arnold Palmer famously remarked that golf is, "Without a doubt, the greatest game mankind has ever invented." He goes on to say that golf is "deceptively simple and endlessly complicated" and "at the same time rewarding and maddening."

30

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

www.nonablue.com

31

father's day gift guide

Give Dad the Gift of Walking Golf Rounding into late spring and towards Father’s Day, dads are in a fairly happy place. Nearly 80 percent of courses throughout the U.S. are open and the National Golf Foundation projects more than 90 percent will be back and running before June.

And if things go according to plan with the PGA Tour, dad will have golf to watch on TV with the Charles Schwab Challenge held at Colonial Country Club June 11-14 in Fort Worth, Tex. As will he the next weekend, on Father’s Day, with the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, S.C. All of this is to say, fear not sons, daughters, spouses and significant others – golf gifts are back on the menu for dad in 2020. That stated, may we offer a slightly different approach this year: give dad the gift of walking golf.

Walking has not only emerged as the safest way to playing during the COVID-19 crisis, it is strongly recommended and even required at numerous courses and clubs. This could be the case for the foreseeable future as operators look to maintain social distancing guidelines and are short on golf carts due to single rider requirements.

It’s also the way the game was meant to be played. It’s what makes the game a sport, and even if dad doesn’t play the sport particularly well, he’ll burn between 700 and 1,000 calories hoofing 18 holes.

Here’s a cheat sheet of walking-friendly gear and apparel to keep dad looking good and performing up to his potential.

Walker Trolleys the Cape stand out among a crowded field. The Cape is easily collapsible and fits in the trunk or cargo area of almost any car or SUV. It retails for $399 and is still available for preorder at the Walker Trolley website.

For more information, visit www.walkertrolleys.com.

Southern Tide Driver Brrr Performance Polo and T3 Gulf Shorts With apologies to south Florida and southern Arizona, it doesn’t get any hotter than playing golf in South Carolina in the summer. If you’ve ever teed it up in the state’s famed Lowcountry on a July afternoon, you know what we mean.

So leave it to Southern Tide, based in Greenville, S.C., to figure out the perfect hot weather walking shirts and shorts for sultry 18-hole summer

loops. Its new T3 Gulf Shorts are made from quick-dry fabric that effortlessly transitions from a morning on the course to an afternoon on the water.

The four-way stretch is ideal for striding down fairways and squatting to read greens. The T3s come in both nine and 10-inch inseams. The former retails for $89.50 and the latter (featuring Brrr technology) retails for $99.50. Know your dad and know how short his shorts should be.

Southern Tide made the Skipjack polo famous, and its new Driver Brrr Polo ($99.50) keeps golfers up to three degrees cooler. Available in four classic striped patterns, it’s is also moisturewicking and UPF 50-plus rated.

For more information visit www.southerntide.com.

Peter Millar Featherweight Raleigh, N.C.-based Peter Millar bills its Featherweight Polo as the “lightest shirt you’ll ever own.” You know the threadbare vintage t-shirt you’ve worn every day during the pandemic? Yeah, it’s that light.

Walker Trolleys Cape Model Pushcarts are going to start appearing at courses where you never thought you’d see pushcarts. Not just because of cart restrictions, but due to the suspension of caddie programs at exclusive private clubs and high-end resorts.

Walker Trolleys, a walking golf lifestyle company based in Austin, made a huge splash at the 2020 PGA Merchandise Show with the introduction of its Cape Model. The Cape draws inspiration from the roadsters and ultra-cool bicycles from the 20s and 30s. Yes, it will turn more than a few heads on the course.

An Integrated, customizable soft good-storage, premium materials and a clean, sleek-yet-classic design make 32

Southern Tide

Weighing in at an incredible 2.5 ounces, Featherweight polos pack all the performance punch of your favorite golf polo in patterns and prints that look situation appropriate on and off the course.

These shirts are engineered from super-lightweight performance Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

fabric that stretches four ways for full range of motion, wicks away moisture from the body and resists odor.

They come in a classic fit, designed with a standard sleeve length and opening and are relaxed in the shoulder, chest and waist.

For more information, visit www.petermillar.com.

Sun Mountain 2.5+ Golf Bag Whether dad prefers a pushcart or to carry his own bag, the Sun Mountain 2.5+ golf bag has plenty of storage while weighing in at only 2.5 pounds – the lightest bag we’ve ever

Pinehurst Resort

Sun Mountain tested. It’s a full-size golf bag that doesn’t look or fee like a full-size golf bag, and retails for $229.99.

With a nine-inch top and four, full-length club dividers, 2.5+ doesn’t skimp on conveniences, either, offering five pockets including a fulllength clothing pocket, velour-lined valuables pocket, two accessory pockets and a beverage pouch.

2.5+ also includes classic Sun Mountain details the details: a durable top

with built-in handle, sturdy bottom with the patented Roller-Bottom leg mechanism for quick and strong leg action, proprietary X-Strap® Dual Strap shoulder strap system, lumbar hip pad with AirFlow System, umbrella attachment, towel holder and a top-mounted leg mechanism for added stability.

For more information visit www.sunmountain.com.

True Linkswear OG Feel It’s impossible, or least remiss, to discuss walking golf without inserting True into the narrative. Founded in 2009 to help golfer #enjoythewalk, True Linkswear golf shoes are created by walkers for walking on the course, and then right off the course into whatever social setting and situation awaits.

Designed with the feel player in mind, The OG Feel is a natural width model built on a zero-drop, flexible rubber sole to really enhance ground feel. Available for pre-order for $139, they’re available

Tru Linkswear Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

in three color patters and 14 sizes.

For more information on 2020’s latest offerings, visit www.truelinkswear.com/roadmap/.

Pinehurst Resort Donald Ross Package With golf getting at least a yellow and at best a greenlight in nearly every state, traveling to play golf (with all necessary precautions) is also firing back up as the golf season reboots. There’s no better place to (responsibly) celebrate its return than at walker-friendly Pinehurst Resort.

All 10 (including the par-3 Cradle) courses have remained open and the resort’s hotels are reopening in late May. Starting at $1,208 per person, the Donald Ross golf package is perfect for two to four golfers. It includes resort accommodations for two nights, three rounds of golf, daily three-course dinner and breakfast.

Walking isn’t just allowed at Pinehurst, it is encouraged. Donald Ross’s famed No. 2 Course (restored by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw) and the reimagined No. 4 Course designed by Gil Hanse are both properly played on foot. Caddies are also available on No. 2, ideal for navigating the rigors of this storied U.S. Open venue.

The No. 1 and No. 3 courses – both designed by Ross, both under 6,100 yards – are two of the best walking tracks in the country. No. 3 was recently restored to its original Sandhills aesthetic by Kyle Franz and is chock-full of trademark Ross design characteristics.

Resort officials encourage future golfer guests to call (855) 235-8507 with any questions about accommodations, dining options and golf course maintenance.

For more information visit www.pinehurst.com.

33

georgia golf header trail

By Allan Duncan

We Will Get Through This As a small business owner back in the early 2000s, my full-service golf retail business fell on difficulty- in another unprecedented time in our country’s history. In 2008 and 2009, the market tanked, a major airline announced bankruptcy, people were losing their homes, all while pensions were being cut for many retirees in our community. So many scared and financially hurting people like an echo of what we are dealing with today with this Covid 19 virus.

My business closed its doors after serving the community I grew up in, and where I was now raising my family. I loved the people who visited and shopped with us. To hear their stories about where they played- hole by hole, and how they wanted to improve their game. The best part of my job, to help them get the tools to make their game more enjoyable and better. That was

34

now gone. But I rebuilt through the generosity and kindness of so many friends and family members.

The one thing I know about the golf family/community, it is a giving group and a charitable group. We give to hundreds and even thousands of organizations, causes, families, and individuals from the Tumble Creek Club in Washington to Kelly Plantation Golf Club in Florida and every course in between.

We give year after year all while laughing with friends and enjoying our time as a family and community. All while playing a game we will never master.

As I think of all the wonderful life lessons golf has taught me to help me deal with this extraordinary time in our history. The one I continue to reflect back to is…” there is nothing you can do about what has happened, enjoy the moment, and look ahead to better position yourself for success”.

This current pandemic is serious,

we, as a golf family/community, must do our part to be smart, thoughtful, and show courage. Smart in having an awareness around our personal space and habits. Thoughtful of others, their fears, concerns, and private struggles. And above all we must show the courageous and giving spirit that is in the fabric of this golf community. Because we know we will come out of this stronger with a greater appreciation for one another. This virus will end. Life will continue. We will get through this together. So, Let’s Tee it Up, America!!

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.

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

Coming Up Aces This one’s on a tee for you. Get ready to crush it.

45 holes of golf, including distinctive layouts by Pete Dye and Donald Ross. Hundreds of ways to win at the casino and sportsbook. The heart of southern Indiana is home to a dream destination of golf and gaming where you can play … and then play some more.

frenchlick.com/golf • (888) 936-9360

Must be 21 years or older to enter the casino. Gambling Problem? Call 1.800.9.WITH.IT!

improving performance

New Multi-Functional Golf Tee Also Helps You...

Set It Up For Distance D

ivitee, an industry-leading golf tee company, launched its multi-functional golf tee at the 2020 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida in January. This innovative two-prong designed golf tee frees up your pocket space providing the perfect trifecta– a golf tee, divot tool and groove cleaner - all in one convenient accessory.

The company’s founders, Zach Ubelhor and Taylor Gilkey, were so confident in Divitee’s functional design that they reached out to San Diego-based Golf Laboratories, Inc., the leader in independent testing for the golf industry, to conduct a test on Divitee’s performance.

The test, completed earlier this month, proved that Divitee, when lined up at optimal tee height, downrange and parallel to the golfer’s stance, produced longer drives than the top five best-selling golf tees in the market. Divitee also tested second by a narrow margin in total

dispersion.

Too many golfers commit the common mistake of teeing the ball too low especially with today’s oversized drivers. According to Golf Labs, driver technology maximizes the upper 1/3 of the clubface.

Teeing the ball too low can

cost the average player up to 17 yards in distance depending on the angle of attack. Divitee provides the optimum driver height and removes the guesswork. You get more distance and up to two clubs closer to the green.

Divitee is designed with an oversized head to make ball placement easy and is manufactured out of extremely durable high impact polymer plastic. The twoprong construction and wide base directly below the head makes Divitee simple to slide in the turf. The incorporated divot tool allows for quick and easy ball mark repair.

The square-edged tips provide the perfect groove cleaner making this multipurpose golf tee a truly

clever and innovative utility product.

Divitee is proudly made in America and conforms with the Rules of Golf. And it’s scientifically proven to make your drives go further and straighter.

Don’t take our word for it, visit www.divitee.com for Golf Laboratories’ test results.

Free up your pocket space and step out on the course today with Divitee, the handy, light-weight, 3-in-1 golf tee, divot tool and groove cleaner.

For more info or to order, call 812-499-7871 or email diviteeLLC@gmail.com.

Visit the website at www.divitee.com.

FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL: Buy One Get One Free!

Use promo code: Golf Central

THE PREMIER GOLF MARKETING AGENCY

Trusted• Respected• Connected• How can we help?

321-303-9684 www.golfmarketinginc.com Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

37

grip it & sip it

Freeze Gopher!

Flying Dog Brewery Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Caddyshack with New Release Night Putting, the brewery’s reinvented pale ale, is not par for the course played by Ted Knight, wears in one of the movie’s most memorable scenes where Rodney Dangerfield’s boisterous Al Czervik character mocks the hat relentlessly, before delivering his iconic one-liner, “Looks good on you though.”

Night Putting carries a 5.5% ABV than a golfer stuck in a sand trap.

“When conceptualizing this beer, we knew we wanted to pay homage

and was brewed using Simcoe and Centennial hops. It is available in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans.

to the classic comedy so we created a beer designed specifically for golfers,” said James Maravetz, VP of Marketing at Flying Dog Brewery. “This updated take on a pale ale is light and easy to

In honor of the 40th anniversary of

drink without compromising on flavor.

Caddyshack, the greatest golf movie

While we hope the novelty of the can

ever made, Flying Dog Brewery today

and love for the movie will drive people

announced that it has created the

to try it, we know the world-class beer

best beer to accompany the game,

inside will make them loyal fans.”

Night Putting. Light and sessionable,

Brewed in celebration of the 40th an-

Night Putting’s 16oz. can is the perfect

niversary of Harold Ramis’ golf comedy,

companion for a day on the course.

the beer’s name and can are both nods

Night Putting is Flying Dog’s

to the classic film. The term ‘night put-

reinvention of the classic Pale Ale.

ting’ was first coined in a story Chevy

The 2020 specialty seasonal offers a

Chase’s Ty Webb tells to caddy Danny

subtle malt profile paired with a bal-

Noonan, played by Michael O’Keefe. The

anced blend of hops and sweet oats,

vibrant design on the can was inspired

creating a version that is less bitter

by the ugly hat Judge Elihu Smails,

Grip it and Sip it.

38

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

39

living on the links

On Top of the World Starts 2020 with Big Sales Boom On Top of the World Communities, LLC has been rapidly growing since their reintroduction to the housing marketing in 2014. And 2020 has started off with a sales boom, recording a 48% increase in new home sales for January and February, as compared to the same time frame in 2019. With several new neighborhoods and amenity centers being introduced or starting construction this year, On Top of the World is off to a great start.

The recent success of On Top of the World Communities, LLC. is just beginning. Since 2014, eleven new neighborhoods have opened, increasing the total number of existing residences from 4,775 to over 5,500. And there is still plenty of room to grow, with nearly 13,000 acres, On Top of the World is one of the largest master-planned developments in Marion County, and

40

Arbor Fitness Center several new neighborhoods are currently in their early planning stages.

As more homes are being built and On Top of the World’s population grows, additional amenities are needed to accommodate the many lifestyle pursuits

residents enjoy. In November of 2019 a new Veterans Park was introduced and includes a Veterans Memorial honoring those who have served and are currently serving our nation through military service. The entire park is golf cart accessible and has multimodal paths for fitness. Adjacent to the memorial, residents can enjoy new amenities such as a dog park, community garden, basketball courts, bocce, shuffleboard, corn hole, a playground, Veterans pavilion and an archery range. Recent renovations to existing facilities has only increased the community’s popularity to active-adults looking for ways to enjoy their leisure time pursuits. For example, the popular Arbor Club underwent a transformation to meet the fitness needs of residents. This amenity is now one of the most popular destinations for those looking to workout in the gym, take a group fitness class, swim laps in the outdoor pool, or take a water aerobics class in the indoor heated pool.

Indigo East, after sitting idle for several years, was reopened in late 2015, and is already nearly sold out.

Indigo East also underwent a renovation at is original community center and large resort-style pool. The most recent phase of Indigo East introduced their Fitness Center in July 2018 which includes an outdoor power park and Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

Wellington Interior

On Top of the World Communities, LLC has been rapidly growing since their reintroduction to the housing marketing in 2014. And 2020 has started off with a sales boom, recording a 48% increase in new home sales for January and February, as compared to the same time frame in 2019. With several new neighborhoods and amenity centers being introduced or starting construction this year, On Top of the World is off to a great start.

The recent success of On Top of the World Communities, LLC. is just beginning. Since 2014, eleven new neighborhoods have opened, increasing the total number of existing residences from 4,775 to over 5,500. And there is still plenty of room to grow, with nearly 13,000 acres, On Top of the World is one of the largest master-planned

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

Beatrix Interior

41

international golf travel

By Dove Jones

Carne Golf Links

Take aWalk on theWildSide Tucked into a remote corner of Co.Mayo in the Northwest of Ireland lies one of the great links courses of the world – Carne Golf Links.

Set amidst dunes that were designed eons ago by nature to one day revel a testing layout, it’s hard to believe that Carne or Belmullet as the locals call it, is only turning 25 this summer.

The brainchild of Ennis Tourism to promote the area acquired 220 acres of unspoiled linksland and hired the legendary Eddie Hackett to craft an original design unlike any other links.

Almost immediately it was heralded as a Top 100 Course globally and within the Top 15 in the British Isles.

While 175 years ago Co. Mayo was one of the launching sites for Irish immigration to escape the horrific Potato Famine today it is the site of a golfers pilgrimage back to experience golf in its purest form.

You can see by the accompanying 42

aerial images that a trip to Carne is well worth the journey. This May (hopefully depending on Covid-19 restrictions being lifted) the newer Kilmore 9 will be integrated with the back nine of the original Hackett 18 to form the “Wild Atlantic Dunes Course.” Early feedback that I can personally attest to, is that it is the finest example of natural links golf in the world as you can easily see by the accompanying aerial images.

In order to keep and more importantly to enhance the conservation of the land and its rare inhabitants of Whorl snails, Ireland’s only native frog, wild

hares and certain plant species Carne is launching the Carne Conservation Project (Support the Links) this year. Carne enjoys an active overseas membership but this is aimed at those patrons and visitors that love the links and wish to support the environment at a reasonable annual subscription of less than a greens fee or about $50/year (30 Euros).

Carne is only one of the challenging courses set amidst the spectacular natural scenery of Ireland’s “Wild Atlantic Way,” a 2,500 km journey down the entire west coast of the Emerald Isle.

Late 2020 and all of 2021 are shaping up to be busy on the links of the British Isles with travelers resetting their schedules of cancelled and postponed itineraries. Don’t miss your chance to score a tee time for – A Walk on the Wild Side.

www.CarneGolfLinks.com www.DPandLGolf.com www.Ireland.com Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

43

adies orth florida Professional PGA north Golfflorida Association PGA north Ladiesflorida Professional PGA north Golfflorida Association PGAheader north Ladi

Some Heroes Wear Masks It’s quite fitting that National Superhero Day fell on the same week that Symetra Tour player Sarah Hoffman (Saline, Michigan) puts away her Callaway clubs, dons a face mask and other required personal protective equipment (PPE) to return to her job as a nurse at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor.

“I’m going to stay with a coworker, so I don’t put my parents at a higher

make a difference and that it allows for a steady paycheck. While I am on the front lines, the efforts of people following ‘stay at home’ orders have truly made an immediate impact.”

Following a finish of 69th at Florida’s Natural Charity Classic to open the

Most orthopedic surgery is elec-

Symetra Tour season in March, Hoff-

tive. And with all the unknowns about

man returned to the Peach State in

COVID-19, all elective cases have been

search of a contract as a travel nurse.

postponed. Knee and hip replacements

It never came. She’s now back to her

are off the books until further notice.

Sarah Hoffman

risk of contracting COVID-19,” said Hoffman, who lives in the greater Atlanta, Ga., area. “The sacrifices are different in golf and nursing. Golf leans toward an individual focus and you have to think about yourself as No. 1.

Nursing is all about the patient and how I can go the extra mile to make them the most comfortable. After a season on the links it’s nice to get back to this other career I chose, to gain perspective. I feel fortunate in helping 44

roots, where Hoffman has worked

“My floor normally staffs at 10

on the orthopedic trauma unit since

nurses and everyone has four patients

February 2014.

with a charge [lead] nurse,” said Hoff-

When the pandemic first made

man after her first shift back since

a ripple in the American healthcare

December. “During the recent peak

landscape, COVID-19 patients at

of the pandemic, Michigan Medicine

Michigan Medicine were cared for in

implemented a safer staffing model

the regional infectious containment

including general care nurses deployed

unit (RICU). As that unit became over-

to intensive care unit (ICU) operations

whelmed, COVID-19 patients spread

where a majority of COVID-19 patients

throughout the hospital including

were. The allocation of resources

Hoffman’s unit.

meant an increased patient load for Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

general care nurses that remained on

level—shooting under par, or taking the

anything can change in the round. This

their home units. Everyone realized we

best care of my patients,” said Hoffman.

sort of new normal we are facing in the

had to come together as a strong, united

“A patient could come in with short-

hospital right now is just like that. You’ve

front to provide the best possible care

ness of breath, requiring supplemental

prepared to help the patients you expect

for all.”

oxygen. Within hours they might require

on your unit, but now there is some un-

intubation, in which the patient is no

known of what they are facing and how

Association (WGCA) Division II All-Amer-

longer breathing on their own. If that is

to provide the best care for them. I am so

ican for Grand Valley State University,

needed on my floor, you initiate a rapid

thankful to work with an amazing team

Hoffman graduated in August 2013 with

response team—ICU nurses, a respirato-

that has become an even stronger family

a Bachelor of Science degree in Nurs-

ry therapist and primary service doctor.

to each other and our patients. Everyone

ing. Over her final five semesters, she

Those seconds before they arrive is like

in the community may have a different

balanced full-time clinical work with re-

you’re in slow motion while everything

role, but everyone is sacrificing in some

sponsibilities of being a student-athlete.

speeds up around you.”

way and it is truly inspiring to see people

A three-time Women’s Golf Coaches

Even though Hoffman has the experi-

Furthermore, the patient popula-

from all walks of life come together to

ence, skills and resources to make a dif-

tion is different for Hoffman and all the

ference, she anticipates a lot of changes

other nurses on her floor. While they

and learning opportunities. She credits

may come into contact with COVID-19

Symetra Tour season is July 8-10 in

her unit’s nurse educator and manage-

patients, those battling other diseases

Maineville, Ohio for the Prasco Char-

ment team for providing daily updates

or conditions are now interspersed

ity Championship, as long as local and

on the fast-paced changes surrounding

throughout.

national health guidelines allow that

COVID-19. It has allowed for a smoother

“Even in non-emergency situations,

give us a fighting chance.”

The most updated restart to the 2020

to happen. Hoffman will remain on the

transition to understanding more about

it’s a challenge when taking care of a

front lines until her name is called on

a previously unknown virus.

patient population that I’m not used to,”

the first tee. Then it will be time to dust

Hoffman said. “When you get to the first

off the Callaways and return once more

ing School, a certain amount of anxiety

tee on the golf course and know you put

to her non-superhero identity: profes-

because I want to perform at the highest

in the work, you have the confidence, but

sional golfer on the Symetra Tour.

“It’s like the first tee jitters at Qualify-

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 21, Issue 1

transitions.com

45

By Fred Seely

freddy's fairway thoughts header

Odds Had the Masters been played as scheduled, Tiger Woods would have opened at 20-1 to win in the Vegas books.

Now that it’s scheduled for November, his odds have changed...they’ve gone down to 16-1. Reason: oddsmakers didn’t like the health issues that he showed at the Genesis Invitational, and they think the extra time will help his conditioning.

One more Tiger-related odds. You’ll get short money if you think he won’t win another major: 3-2.

Here we go again: a New Normal is coming.

So, what will happen on golf courses when things settle down? Here’s a consensus from a survey of several club managers: What won’t return Ball washers. That was a dying amenity anyway.

Multiple tees. It looks nice to have a half-dozen tee boxes, each matching a specific course length, but the precise mowing is time consuming for the green staff. They’ll combine them into maybe three separate boxes.

Fast greens. A big cost center because of the extra care needed. The mid-level courses will save the money and blame it on the virus.

The third (or fourth) pro. General managers now have a clear look at their staffing and it isn’t hard to determine that the $30,000-plus-amenities assistant can be replaced by part-timers.

What will return Rakes. It was hard to convince players that they were polluted, anyway.

Permanent pins. We’ll get used to “leave it in.”

Superintendents will push for it because the continual inand-out damages the edges.

Beverage carts. The easy money overcomes the trouble it brings.

Pro shop hours. It’s easier to handle everything at the bag drop. Shops will be open during peak hours but it won’t be worth the wages to justify selling a few balls late.

Why not play?

Our favorite blogger, the Club Pro Guy, addresses the question of why they didn’t cancel the club’s ladies member-member due to the coronavirus: “This is an event CPG will be very hesitant to cancel under any circumstance. For those members who think that might be reckless, rest assured we’ve run the numbers.

At 96 women in the field, the max number of players that could get infected is 6-8 (per CDC estimates). Out of those, only 3 will be symptomatic. Out of those 3, only 2 will be hospitalized, which means we’re talking about one death......max.”

Thus, he said, that’s a small price to pay for having such a prestigious event.

46

Closed courses Several months ago we started a list of courses in our area which had closed. Our area isn’t all that big: the north is bordered by Georgia, the east by the ocean, maybe 70 miles to the south and maybe 25 miles to the west. That’s what we call Northeast Florida.

We started a list and passed it around to old-timers, and we emerged with what seems to be a comprehensive list.

How many?

Would you believe...32? Plus another six that were permitted but never built.

A few are from way, way back, like the course that once was around the fort in St. Augustine, or the private club that started in 1916 and didn’t survive the Depression.

But many were fairly recent, and at least 20 got at least a whiff of the 21st century.

Big games Your area probably has the same thing: very, very good pros getting together weekly for a big game. We have a lot in this area, as it’s the headquarters for the PGA Tour, and there’s a weekly game at the TPC Sawgrass which can have as many of 40 players with some sort of Tour privileges, from the big show to the Latin American and Canadian tours.

Random thoughts • If your course shut down its cart operation because of the virus, don’t your fairways look a lot better?

• You gotta like Jim Furyk’s analysis of going on the PGA Tour Champions: “You know when it’s time when your 4-iron wears out before your wedge.” He’ll have a big start to his 50-plus debut: his foundation hosts a 2021 Tour stop at Jacksonville’s Timuquana CC. • A big boo to the municipal courses which have closed because city/state officials have decreed that all “nonessential” employees must be laid off. With so few outdoor opportunities being left due to the coronavirus, the thought of golf being ‘non-essential” is a stretch. Yes, New York and New Jersey, we’re talking to you.

• Guessing that the PGA Tour will come out of the bad times in better shape than most other sports. Their competitors aren’t salaried, the venues are outdoors and spectators aren’t crucial to the bottom line.

• Never thought daily-fee golf would be accused of gouging. It is around here. Several popular public courses have closed because of the virus and that leaves more demand than supply. A quick check: a $39 course is now $49, a $29.50 course is $38.

Comments? Always welcome at fs4569@comcast.net.

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

NEW PRODUCTS FROM PITCHFIX

Great new ideas to bring efficiencies to your club and create new revenue opportunities.

100% visibility to every player

R&A USGA compliant

Rubberised edge protects the edge of the hole

Customise the cup with any logo or design

Fits any flagstick

Easy to install and change

PICKCUP

PICKCUP

A GREAT WAY TO REDUCE GREEN MAINTENANCE COSTS

A NEW WAY TO GENERATE REVENUE FOR YOUR CLUB

PROMO

THE PICKCUP IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT THE HOLE EDGE WHEN LEAVING THE PIN IN!

• Features a rubber trim so not to damage the lip when removing from the hole or when laid on the green.

• Flexible enough to attach to any size flagstick and fixed once in position.

• Features drainage channels to reduce water and debris.

• Can remain in place during official competitions.

Place the cap just below entry to the cup

USE PICKCUP FOR EFFECTIVE INFECTION CONTROL ON YOUR COURSE. Place the cup beneath the hole and stop players touching the flagstick.

Simply pick your ball out of the hole!

BUY TODAY AND BEGIN SAVING AND MAKING MONEY AT YOUR COURSE WWW.PITCHFIX.COM

For more information on all our products, visit www.pitchfix.com or follow us

NETHERLANDS • NORTH AMERICA • UNITED KINGDOM

what's new

Finn Gets an App contact for the pro shop and the golfer.

Developed by Rick Reimers, founder

48

country. To find a Finn for rental near you or to buy one for yourself, go to

Finn, the new electric golf cycle that’s

and owner of the long-pioneering golf

adding fun and speeding up pace of

equipment company Sun Mountain

play, now has its own app for scan &

Sports, Finn Cycle is a two-wheeled,

to play a faster round of golf,” said Rick

ride ease. Simply download the app

single-rider cycle with an electric

Reimers. “Riding Finn is invigorating

to your smartphone, scan the QR code

motor and lithium battery that offers

and sporty while encouraging ready

on the Finn Cycle, and away you go.

a comfortable and stable ride that

golf. This new app makes the rental

Finn is a natural for social distancing

leaves all who ride it smiling. Finn

process quicker and easier for the

on the course and the new scan &

Cycles are currently part of the rental

pro shop and for the golfer.”

ride app makes rental easy and non-

fleet at over 70 golf courses across the

www.FinnScooters.com.

“The inspiration for Finn is the desire

The Finn Scooters app is available Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

Reimers has a well-deserved

for free in the Apple App Store and Google Play. From the app, first-time

reputation for creating innovative

users can view safety and instructional

golf products that become industry

information, review terms and

mainstays such as the golf bag with

conditions, pay the rental fee and

built-in legs and the golf push cart.

Finn Cycle is the first product from

unlock the cycle for use. Subsequent

Finn Scooters which is part of Sun

rentals will be a simple scan and ride.

Mountain Motor Sports, an affiliate of

The golf bag sits along the centerline of Finn Cycle offering easy golf

industry-leading golf bag, golf push

club access and riding stability. Finn

cart and golf outerwear company, Sun

Cycle has front and rear suspension

Mountain Sports. Sun Mountain Motor

for a comfortable ride and braking with

Sports is a new company dedicated

hand-operated disc brakes. The electric

a traditional golf cart, approximately

to solving golf’s biggest problem: slow

motor is in the rear wheel offering a

15 mph, and offers the opportunity

play. The company’s new products are

sleek design. The lithium battery can go

to substantially speed up the pace

designed to make golf fast and fun, with

up to 36-holes on a single charge though

of play by naturally encouraging

a goal of 18 holes in 2 hours or less.

charging after every round is suggested.

ready golf with each player

Finn travels at the same speed as

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

driving directly to his/her ball.

For more information visit www.FinnScooters.com.

49

Photos by Mac Carraway. Mac is the Executive Director of the Environmental Research & Education Foundation, Inc., a Florida green industry water policy organization representing golf, turfgrass production, sports turf, landscape and professional lawn care (www.EREFlorida.com). He specializes in photographing Florida birds and botanical subjects, and has been taking and printing photos for over 30 years. His work has been awarded in juried exhibitions and featured in various publications and exhibits. You can see more of his photography at www.maccarrawayphotography.com. Limited edition signed prints and commercial reproductions are available.

White Pelicans – These extra-large migratory pelicans do not dive like Florida’s Brown Pelicans. Rather, they often work in packs like this, herding fish in a highly synchronized effort, eventually going “butts up” all at once as they feed!

OsprOspreys seek out bare perches and snags, giving themselves the high ground for fishing, and plenty of room to display their grace and power.

A pair of White Ibises jockeying for position during a busy feed at Robinson Preserve. The action was a little bit like most player fights at a baseball game... lots of swinging but not much contact!

A frozen liftoff by this Bald Eagle, having stopped on the grass flats during low tide for a little grazing.

Roseate Spoonbill – A Florida favorite, these beautiful birds have layers of pink, red and white feathers, and reddishpink legs and light orange tail feathers.

A vivid red Cardinal on a bright blue sky is never common and is considered by many as a sign of hope.

Great Blue Heron vs Florida Banded Water Snake – It was an epic struggle between these two." Maybe I should have ordered the fish."

50

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

Yellow Crowned Night Heron vs.

Blue Crab – Who’s go who?

Juvenile White Ibis – “X” marks the spot

Reddish Egret – The rare rock star of egrets. When you see them, they will often engage in lavish dancing and athletic moves as they pursue bait fish and shrimp.

Gulls are thieves when they can get away with it. In this case trying to steal the Royal Tern’s recent catch in mid-air. Outcome? Fail!

Florida Brown Pelican – Pelican Death Stare.

Tricolored Heron – Taken at a mangrove island rookery near Longboat Key, Florida. This beautiful specimen is showing breeding plumage and coloring.

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

Black Skimmer – These fascinating birds can make very extended gliding runs with their long lower beak just under the surface of the water, ready to scoop out shallow bait fish.

51

Where Talent, Creativity, Passion, and a Wicked Sense of Humor Collide By: Beverly Wise

Imagine sitting in your chair

discussing golf, and watching the Masters on the CBS and suddenly, your husband is out of his chair heading to the other room.

I’m sitting there think… did I say something wrong? Did I talk, when I wasn’t supposed to?

“You didn’t hear that,” my husband said on the way out of the room. Hear what, I’m thinking.

This is hilarious… “I’ve got to get this done.”

That is pretty much a normal thing for Greg Wise. He has been creating golf comics for 20-years now. One of his first comics was of one of his idles, Fuzzy Zoeller.

Greg has a tremendous sense of humor, much like Fuzzy, and when he hears something funny, said by somebody, there’s a magic switch that

52

turns on and he has to sketch it… write it down… or just make some type of a note, to remember the situation.

He loves to play golf.

That’s truly his passion, and he loves to have people laugh. He’s been playing golf now 55-years, so he is pretty good at the humor. But when someone says something that he hasn’t heard before, there is that trigger… sketching notes on score cards.

Many have said over the years, to do a book.

Well, during this time of isolation has produced one great thing for Greg. He now has the passion to complete the book.

His comics are all based on the golf balls point of

view… and in many cases, it is about the golfer themselves. They may not know it… but a lot of the golfers where he heard a phase, are featured on the golf balls.

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

All the original drawings are completed with just a pencil, paper, and an eraser. Those that will be featured in the book will all be done in pen and ink. Many with stories wrapped around the comic… and others with quotes from celebrities that work so well with the comic. Many of his comics have been signed by some cool people. During a real estate show we were displaying at in Las Vegas in 2004, Evel Knievil was attending and signing autographs. Greg found out Evel was a golfer, so

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

he made some sketches of Evel’s bike displayed in the booth during the day. That night at the hotel, sketched the bike and had Evel signed the comic on the next day.

This is one of his more prized autographs and carries it around with him like it’s just another comic.

The book is titled “If You Could See You from Here.” It will be available in late May. I made the mistake of asking “which year.”

Well, apparently, he doesn’t take it… as well as he can dish it out.

There will be some surprise stories as well in this book, by some others that he is working with now… so be watching for the future updated through Golf Central Magazine or the Golf Central Facebook page.

53

Deep-rooted Sustainability –

Audubon International Signature Sanctuary continues sustainable success for 25+ years Florida is home to more than 1,250 golf courses, but beyond that, it’s home to the very first Audubon International Certified Signature Sanctuary, Collier’s Reserve Country Club in Naples.

Collier’s Reserve joined the Signature Sanctuary program to ensure its sustainable construction and future management.

AI’s Signature Sanctuary Program ensures members like Collier’s Reserve meet this goal by focusing them on environmental conservation efforts in areas such as: water conservation, water quality monitoring, wildlife habitat management, integrated pest management, and outreach and education. This deep-rooted conservation approach actively improves each Signature Sanctuary member over time.

Collier’s Reserve Country Club recently celebrated its 25th anniversary of certification. Since 1994 the club has come a long way; most notably saving over 35 million gallons of fresh water each year by changing to primarily effluent water for irrigation.

But…with Audubon International’s certification the golf ball doesn’t stop rolling at water conservation! This course also acts as a refuge for many wildlife species which thrive in its native habitat conservation areas. In fact, just this past year, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida confirmed the high quality of the course’s habitat by relocating five gopher tortoises there. Gopher tortoises are a threatened species in Florida!

The wildlife on the property aren’t the only ones enjoying the native areas.

Golfers can also tee-off at the speciallydesignated “Audubon International tees” located just outside the native areas. This encourages golfers to take in the pristine habitat golf courses can provide and increase their awareness of the native wildlife, all while enjoying a great round of golf.

Recently, Collier’s Reserve took another important step on its sustainabil54

ity journey. In 2018, they became the first course to increase their certification by two levels, from Bronze to Gold, the highest level possible for Signature Sanctuaries. Thanks to this effort, sustainability is now woven throughout Collier’s Reserve Country Club’s operations and they continue working to reduce their environmental impact from year-to-year by following Signa-

ture Sanctuary guidelines.

If your golf course or community is interested in doing the same, Audubon International offers several environmental certifications to ensure sustainability in all areas where we live, work, and play. For further details about the certifications and to find out how your property can join, please visit www.auduboninternational.org.

Ken Kleinedler, Collier’s Reserve Country Club Golf Course Superintendent, during Gopher Tortoise relocation Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

Habitat on course at Collier’s Reserve Country Club

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

55

SunnilandSUPERSpotlight: Ryan R. Willis, CGCS When I enrolled at University of Florida in 1990 it took me about 2 semesters to realize I didn’t want a career that would require me to be inside behind a desk every day. That is when I switched to the college of agriculture and found the program for turfgrass management.

Shortly after that, I started working for Jeff Hayden at Gainesville Country Club and I really started to learn the ins and outs of the golf business and golf course maintenance. During that time there were interns from Lake City and UF and we really had a fun rivalry. I am still close friends with many of those guys today.

Since 2015 I have been employed as the Director of Agronomy at Rotonda Golf and Country Club where I oversee 5 courses and 99 holes of golf. Over the past 25 years, I still go back to some of the things I learned from Jeff. One of those was finding vendors that have quality products and that stand behind those products. Sunniland has worked with us to customize specific blends for different times of the year and for the different needs of our 5 courses.

They continue to deliver the quality we demand and the value we expect to accomplish all of our goals on all of our courses.

#9 Palms

#3 PV

#1 Palms

#11 Pinemoor

#2 Pinemoor

#5 White Marsh 56

Golf Central • Volume 21, Issue 1

Sunn 28-0-0

Minors Blend

Sunn 6-0-0 Blend

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.

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

N-SURE ITEM #160031 GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Sunn KTS

PRO LIQUID FERTILIZER Item# 160041 GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Soluble Potash (K2O) ..............25% Total Sulfur (S) .........................17% 17% combined sulfur 0% free sulfur Derived from: potassium thiosulfate

LIQUID FERTILIZER ITEM #160000 GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

PRO LIQUID FERTILIZER Item# 160010 GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Sunn 12-0-0 Blend PRO LIQUID FERTILIZER ITEM# 160021 GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Total Nitrogen ..........................12% 12% Urea Nitrogen Chlorine not more than ..............2%

SECONDARY PLANT FOODS Iron as Fe ...................................6% Manganese as Mn .....................2% Derived from: Urea, Iron Glucoheptonate, Manganese Glucoheptonate

Manufactured by

SUNNILAND CORPORATION

PO Box 8001 Sanford, Florida 32773-8001

www.sunnilandcorp.com Share your photos & videos #sunnilandcorp Follow us @sunnilandcorp

www.sunnilandcorp.com • 800-432-1130

YOU KNOW THE GOLF BUSINESS...

WE KNOW INSURANCE & HOW TO GET YOUR PROGRAMS TO THE TOP OF THE LEADER BOARD. WE SPECIALIZE IN...

Employee Benefits • Commercial Risk Management Workers’ Compensation • Retirement Planning

CONTACT US TO LEARN HOW WE CAN HELP: Tom Krystyn tom.krystyn@bks-partners.com 813.676.7640

Joey Masters joey.masters@bks-partners.com 813.676.7643

BKS-PARTNERS IS A PROUD PARTNER OF THE NORTH FLORIDA PGA WWW.BKS-PARTNERS.COM

Golf Central Magazine

21st Anniversary & Masters Watch Party

Saturday, November 14, 2020 12:00PM - 6:00PM

Hosted by

1100 Rinehart Rd. • Sanford, FL 32771

FFree FFoo Foodd & D Drinks k

Event Sponsors p

One in 75 women will be diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in her lifetime.

Proceeds Our Purpose Event to Benefit: is to change that statistic!

Cancer Institute

Immunotherapy Research is being done right here in Central Florida.

Our funding will go towards Immunotherapy Research.

“Immunotherapy is the future of cancer treatments”

- Dr. Robert W. Holloway

For more information call Dave Walker 321.277.9094 or Visit our website: www.playingforacause.org

Championship Tour

The SFPGA Junior Tour membership encompasses Links, Prep, Challenge and Championship Tours. Members pay a $55 fee and receive access to tournaments and a new member kit.

Register today!

Challenge Tour

T Prep Tour

sfpgajuniorgolf.com | 561-729-0544

Links Tour

@SFPGA_JrTour

Start Your Journey With Us!

@sfpga_jrgolf

To donate to the SFPGA Foundation, visit: https://www.sfpgagolf.com /get-involved/

SINCE THE 1920s Scotland’s oldest golf tour operator to provide our readers with unique and memorable golf experiences throughout the UK, Ireland and beyond. Be sure and mention code GC55 on all calls and correspondence to receive special Golf Central VIP service.

Details of Golf Central’s 2020 FALL SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS trip October 18-24 will be announced soon.

1-855-213-0677 – TOLL FREE NORTH AMERICA +44 (0) 1382 725 170 – Scotland Direct

www.DPandLGOLF.com pgreenhill@dpandl.co.uk

dd nd

Come and Grow with Us!

www.TurfLife.club

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