Florida Golf Central Magazine

Deane Beman, PGA Tour Commissioner 1974-1994, joins Veritas Golf

Veritas Golf launches the most scientifically advanced putter of all time

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

Play like a Pro! Ocala

National

Golf

Club,

formerly known as Golden Hills Golf and Turf Club, which played host to the 2009 USGA MidWomen’s Amateur Championship, will host the NGA Pro Golf Tour March 31-April 6, 2014. This facility was recently acquired by Citrus Hills Golf & Country Club and re-branded under the name Ocala National Golf Club. Ocala National welcomes members and the general public with the opportunity to experience this remarkable course and facilities.

This Rees Jones redesigned championship course is referenced as one of the top layouts in the 2014 NGA Pro Tour schedule. Majestic oaks, undulating greens, marvelous course topography and magnificent well placed bunkers are a few of the features that make Ocala National Golf Club a MUST PLAY venue.

“The #1 goal of the NGA Tour has always been, and always will be to help professional golfers achieve their dream of playing on The PGA Tour.

Playing on a championship course like Ocala National will provide invaluable experience to our players. We are very grateful that they have provided us with this opportunity,” Todd Barbee, NGA Tour Tournament Director.

4782 NW 80th Ave., Ocala, FL 34482 352-629-7980 • www.ocalanational.com

Come play this exceptional course between now and March 31, 2014 for under $50 and see the reason why the NGA players request it to be part of the tour. Please call now for more information.

from the publisher header

The Criticality of Connects in Golf’s Landscape Volume 14, Issue 7

There are so many

ways to connect in today’s world: e-mail, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, blogging and texting (or sexting, depending on who it is). For me, I prefer the green of the links.

The only way I can really be connected is face to face. Many people feel that an e-mail blast or Facebook post is THE way to connect with people.

That is the concept that is being sold today. Both have their place, but for me it’s critical to look into people’s eyes, hear the rhythm of their speech and the laughter of their voice.

The criticality of the connection that Florida Golf Central Magazine brings the golf industry is connecting the golfing industry with the consumer golfer. We are proud that Central Florida ids the host to these upcoming shows where we will be connecting: PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando (Jan 22-24), the Golf Industry Show also in Orlando John Sanford and The Donald (Feb 5-6), and the CMAA Show also in Orlando (Feb 7-8).

But the realities of today’s market demand that we all do more for less.

“No matter the year, it seems the only thing that does not diminish over time are expectations,” says Bobby Weed, CEO and President of Bobby Weed Golf Design. “But being lean and mean is often liberating. You can take chances you might otherwise avoid. The payoff is exceeding expectations using less, and that’s where we are all trying to go.” Weed took a financially troubled operation in 2010, revamped the maintenance program that had its budget slashed by a third, and using “old world” methods, led to improvement by 2013 that generated a remarkable increase of 33% increase in annual memberships, a 14% increase in rounds played and an 18% increase in operating revenue.

Speaking of connections, John Sanford of Sanford Golf Design, who worked together with Donald Trump and Jack Nicklaus to create a stellar new golf course, Ferry Point, in the Bronx, New York City, taking it from a landfill to a landmark says, “It certainly has been challenging. It’s been a marathon of high Ron Garl hurdles but well worth it. The course is phenomenal, a true team effort. We took chichen sh*t, and made chicken soup”.

Ron Garl, President of Ron Garl Golf Design agreed. “It is time we listen to the 99%. Simplicity is the new mantra for success. I.E. less bunkers and less rough = less time and more fun!”

So, let’s connect at the shows.

2009 North Florida PGA Amateur of the Year

www.golfcapitaltenn.com

4

Publisher: Terrie L. Purdum Editor in Chief: Shannon Coates Executive Editor: Joel Jackson–Director of Communications for the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association

North Florida Regional Editor: Stephen Trendler West Coast Regional Editor: Chris Karamitsos Photographers: Lynn Pelham, Brion Price, Peter Hakansson Tres Fenton, Mike Coonan, Jess Regan

Public Relations & Social Media Director: Green Gazelle Marketing Business Development: Bob Hartmann Senior Correspondent: Rick Harris, Sr. Media Muse: Mike Gooding Contributing Writers: Jay Golden, PGA; Greg Wise, Ed Gilbert, Bob Bolton, Elisa Gaudet, Leonard Finkel, Mike Jamison, Katie Hatfield, Ron Heller, Keith Chartrand Business Manager: Debbi Westbrook, dwestbrook1487@gmail.com Graphic Design: Melahn Cable, melahn@mac.com Website Design/Network Support: ryjo.com

Magazine Printing: Sundance Graphics 9580 Delegates Drive, Orlando, Florida 32837 • 800.617.5532

Florida Golf Central Magazine is published monthly by: Sand Hill Publishing & Public Relations 1549 Warrington Court, Winter Springs, FL 32708

NEW PHONE: 321.765.4215 fax: 407-365-3436 • toll-free: 877.208.5972 E-mail: info@floridagolfcentral.com One year (12 issues) subscription price is $42.99 ©2014 Florida Golf Central Magazine. No portion of this publication may be reprinted without the prior written permission of the Publisher. Editorial contributions are welcome, but Florida 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. Florida 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.

1-877-GOLF TN 1(1-877-465-3861)

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 6

Volume 14, Issue 7 19th Hole 16 Nona Blue Cart Girl 14 Taylor Gamell Celebrity Corner 20 Brian Gay Invitational 22 Colt Ford and Friends

Fashion Forward 26 Antigua Feature 39 Veritas Golf - Cure Put-

30 18

ters

Golf Bachelor

12 Trevor Consavage Golf Business 37 Jim Light Golf Fitness 28 Katherine Roberts 29 Mitch Sadowsky Improving Performance 58 Black Ops Shafts 60 Raptor Bay Golf Academy

Leader on the Links 30 Mike Wargo

12 Departments 4 Letter from the Publisher 8 Golf Central Station 10 Club Managers Association 32 What's New 34 What's New 40 Live Golf 42 Competitive Spirits

On Course 24 River Wilderness Player Profile 18 Reggie Branch Special Events 46 Simpson Cup

48 PNC Father/Son Challenge

What's New 36 Cart Logic

floridagolfcentral.com

50 52 54 60 62 64 66 68 70

Duffer Dan PGA North Florida PGA South Florida PGA North Central Florida Sun Coast Platinum Coast Product Showcase Aces & Eagles

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To Reunion WEST. Orlando’s new resort community set in the renowned Reunion Resort from the $390s. ®

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USGA LAUNCHES ENHANCED RULES OF GOLF MOBILE APP Far Hills, N.J.– As part of its continuing commitment to provide greater clarity and broader distribution of the Rules of Golf, the United States Golf Association (USGA) today launched an enhanced version of its Rules of Golf mobile application for iOS and Android devices.

The application features a smart-search capability that connects users to the Rules information contained in the most recent versions of the Rules of Golf and the Decisions on the Rules

LIGUORI NAMED CELEBRITY AMBASSADOR FOR HEATHROW AND LEGACY CLUB ORLANDO, FLORIDA –Sports radio and television personality and author ANN LIGUORI has been named ‘Celebrity Ambassador’ for Heathrow Country Club and The Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes, two Concert-owned properties in Longwood, Florida.

“We are extremely pleased and fortunate to have Ann join our Team and provide us with a wealth of media experience and expertise”, said Nate Kalb, Director of Operations of the combined Heathrow and Legacy Clubs.

Ann is the golf and tennis correspondent for WFAN Radio and CBS Sports Radio Network, writes a column for www.cbsny.com and hosts the weekly ‘Sports Innerview with Ann Liguori’ radio show on NPR affiliate WPPB 88.3 FM and www.peconicpublicbroadcasting.org. Ann serves as Vice President on the Board of the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association. Ann’s book, ‘A Passion for Golf, Celebrity Musings About the Game,’ is out in second edition.

As Celebrity Ambassador for the two properties, Ann will be actively involved in promoting the benefits of membership as well as the unique qualities and facilities each club offers for special events, fund raisers and business gatherings.

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E-Z-GO® FREEDOM® TXT® TRAVELS THE GOLF COURSE AND NEIGHBORHOOD IN STYLE E-Z-GO introduces its redesigned Freedom TXT personal golf car, updating the model’s classic look and proven performance and offering a host of enhancements to make the vehicle even more fun for the family, whether it’s crossing the fairways of the golf course or traversing the neighborhood paths.

of Golf books.

“The redesigned Rules of Golf app provides convenient access to the Rules and the decisions on those Rules on mobile devices,” said Sarah Hirshland, senior managing director of business affairs for the USGA. “The update complements the USGA’s digital offerings and will help promote golfers’ understanding of the Rules and enhance their enjoyment of the game.”

Part of the update is a streamlined sharing process for the distribution of Rules and decisions via email. Direct links to www.usga.org have been added for quick access and for sharing with others.

The new Freedom TXT’s styling gives the vehicle a sleek, contemporary appearance. Its front cowl and body panels are crafted from durable automotive-quality materials with an attractive, painted finish resistant to scratches and fading.

Inside the vehicle, numerous enhancements make a ride in the Freedom TXT more comfortable and more fun.

For more information about the redesigned Freedom TXT, and to find your local dealer, visit ezgo.com.

WINNING NIKE TW’14 SHOE DESIGN ANNOUNCED BEAVERTON- To celebrate the first Nike Golf shoe available for customization on NikeiD, the Nike TW’14, Nike asked consumers to unleash their creativity to dream up a pair of TW’14 shoes suitable for a 14-time Major champion. After receiving thousands of entries Tiger selected his favorite design.

The winning shoe, designed by Dane Thompson (@DaneJThompson), a big golf fan from Iowa, has a patriotic theme for what he deemed a big year for Tiger. Thompson designed the shoe with a white leather upper, blue midsole, and red Nike Swoosh, Nike Flywire and lace highlights. The shoe’s inspiration was to support team USA in the upcoming Olympics and the 2014 Ryder Cup, as well as support Tiger in red, white, and blue at the 2014 US Open.

Aside from the pride of designing Tiger’s favorite customized Nike TW’14 shoe, Thompson will have his design worn by Tiger on Tour in the early part of the 2014 season. Also, Thompson will receive a pair of the Nike TW’14 he designed.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 6

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

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cmaa

16th annual Charity Classic and Gala at Shadow Wood Country Club benefits the Golisano Children’s Hospital and Barbara’s Friends

The 16th annual CMAA Charity Classic and Gala, presented by the Everglades Region of the Florida chapter of the Club Managers Association of America, raised funds to support the Golisano Children’s Hospital and Barbara’s Friends.

Hosted by Shadow Wood Country Club, the two-day event included the Charity Classic Gala, featuring live entertainment, a silent and live auction, and food prepared by local chefs, as well as the annual golf tournament on Shadow Wood’s North Course designed by award-winning architect Bob Cupp.

Since its inception in 1998, the Everglades Region CMAA Charity Classic and Gala has raised more than $1 million in support of local charities.

Last year, CMAA pledged $500,000 to Barbara’s Friends by 2015.

The new Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida will be a sevenstory, 292,000-square-foot tower at

HealthPark Medical Center that will house all of the clinical and ancillary services for children’s health care.

The facility will feature 128 private rooms, an outpatient hematology/ oncology unit, pediatric pharmacy, MRI, diagnostic unit, pediatric emergency department, family lounges, playrooms and an outdoor play area.

The facility has been designed for family-centered care and will feature the latest technology and equipment.

The estimated cost is $205 million and philanthropy will offset $100 million of the total cost.

For more information, please visit www.cmaacharityclassic.com.

Shadow Wood Country Club is a private, member-owned, financially sound club located in Bonita Springs and offers members three distinctly different championship golf courses, including the Bob Cupp-designed Shadow Wood North and South courses and the Arthur Hills-designed course at Shadow Wood Preserve. Members also enjoy a nine-court tennis complex, a 30,000 square foot clubhouse voted Best Renovation of the Year in 2012 and a second 16,000-square-foot clubhouse at Shadow Wood Preserve.

Shadow Wood Country Club is currently offering a limited number of memberships available to residents within Shadow Wood as well as those living beyond the gates.

For additional information, contact Shadow Wood Country Club at 239-992-6000 or visit www.shadowwoodcc.com.

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

golf bachelor header

Where were you born? Pittsburgh, PA Did you grow up there? Sure did What do you do for a living?

Professional Long Drive & Golf Trick

Shot Entertainer

Aside from golf; what do you prefer for fun and relaxation? Playing the piano. I can’t read a drop of music, but I can play anything I hear. I love playing things that are current on the radio. Songs you normally wouldn’t think of to be played on the piano.

Whom do you most admire for their inner and outer beauty?

My close friend Brittany. She has a wonderful personality and beautiful soul. She has a natural willingness to help others before she helps herself. And I guess she’s pretty too...that felt a little weird to say, she’s like a sister to me... :-)

What’s your take on “cuddling”?

I’m a giant teddy bear, cuddle

away!

Tell us about your first kiss? Slightly awkward...and by slightly, I mean a lot awkward

Steak, chicken, or seafood?

All 3, that’s the beauty of Japanese

Hibachi restaurants!

What three things would you need to survive on a deserted island?

An iPod, chocolate protein bars and my sand wedge. I mean hey, may as well work on my bunker play while listening to Linkin Park if I’m going to be stranded in the sand!

Who would you like to have with you on the same deserted island; and why? Tosh.0 If I’m going to be stranded, I may as well be

Trev or Co nsav age

entertained!

What do you find to be the most annoying habit people demonstrate on the golf course? SLOW PLAY!!! There is NEVER an excuse!

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

My

family, my friends, and my health.

Given the choice; would you select love, success, or money to keep yourself happy? Love. I want a partner in crime to experience life’s

adventures with.

What three people would you most like to play with in your fantasy golf foursome? Bubba Watson, Bill Murray, and Jason Statham (player, funny man, bad ass)

Last book you read?

The Natural

Favorite charity to support?

First Tee of St. Petersburg, FL

What else would you like for us to know about you? I live a very easy going lifestyle. I don’t take things too seriously and just try to have fun everywhere I go. If your cheeks don’t hurt after a day with me from laughing so hard, I haven’t done my daily duty :-) 12

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

A ST YLISH COMPETITION WITH A FL AIR FOR THE DR AMATIC.

FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2, 2014

PGA National Resort & Spa - Champion Course Palm Beach Gardens

For tickets and group packages, visit thehondaclassic.com or call 866-8honda8.

F O U N D E R S C L U B PA R T N E R

Photo by Jess Regan

cart header girl

Where did you grow up? In a small southern town called Osteen, Florida.

What is your favorite sport to play? Favorite to watch? I was a Gymnast growing up and I

will always have immense passion for it. If given the option, I could watch it on the television all day. I also have recently taken up interest in Football.

What do you feel makes this club special ? It is all about the people. The management and the entire team of employees, not excluding the maintenance crew! Everyone is so caring, laid back, understanding and loving around here. I have never worked somewhere that was so down to earth, where no one talks badly about others, and where is it like a big family. I absolutely love my job.

Taylor Gamell

What is your memorable moment working as a cart girl?

14

One day an elderly man on an oxygen tank slammed on his breaks before passing me and says, “did you hear my breaks squeal? It’s because I wanted to see you, I don’t even want anything. But, the doctor’s sent me home on hospice and said I’m going to die soon, so I wanted to be able to say I’ve seen an angel before I go”. I will never forget that.

Do you think the cart girls should be able to dress differently?

How would you prefer to dress if you were given a choice?

No, not really. I respect the reasons behind what we are required to wear. This is a classy place in my opinion, and I like to portray myself as a classy woman.

What type of music do you prefer? I am kind of a music

connoisseur and I pay most attention to the lyrics. I love all kinds of music from Billy Holiday, Steve Miller Band, Billy Joel, Third Eye Blind, Metallica, AC/DC, The Rolling Stones, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Jewel, Mozart, etc. You get it.

What hobbies do you enjoy? I love to paint on my free time

and I also read a lot. I absolutely love playing darts, I used to play in tournaments once or twice a week for several years.

What is your idea of “the perfect date?” I like to do things spontaneous and have fun no matter what the circumstances. I don’t have just one idea in mind that would qualify as a perfect date to me. As long as there is fun, food, drinks and an enjoyable person involved, any location and activity would be the perfect date.

Favorite charity to support? Give kids the world.

What else would you like for us to know about you? I am ap-

preciative of life. I absolutely love being alive, no matter the ups and downs. I believe in appreciating sadness for what it offers, as well as happiness. I welcome the difficulties in life with arms wide open, because no matter what I know I am only going to learn and become an even better person than the day before. Also…I am getting married on February 1st of 2014. I am a very blessed woman.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

19th hole

DESTINATION BLUE

Nona Blue, Home to Central Florida Golf

Graeme behind the bar at Nona Blue

The word was out before the doors had even opened at Nona Blue.

Given the circumstances, the location and the ownership, the advance publicity came as no surprise. US Open Champion and multiple-time PGA TOUR winner Graeme McDowell, an investing partner in the restaurant, was all over Golf Channel and NBC talking about his new venture just outside the gates of his home at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club. Those interviews brought golf writers and video crews from all over the world to Nona Blue, all wanting a glimpse into the modern tavern concept that would eventually become the place to be for a drink, a great meal and a glimpse of the who’s who of the world of golf.

16

captain’s tables, wrap-around booth seating throughout and a seating area with drawn curtains for private events.

An outdoor patio features a fireplace, intimate bar and al fresco dining.

While the drawn curtains were built into the restaurant’s design in anticipation of a number of high-profile athletes being among the clientele, the casual atmosphere at Nona Blue seems to have eliminated any need for privacy.

From McDowell to Ian Poulter to Justin Rose, there’s no telling who you might see on any given night at Nona Blue.

“Graeme is here all the time when he’s home at Lake Nona,” Bona said. “Justin was here the day after he came back from Merion. Our staff and customers see them all the time, although, every now and then you see some pretty wide-eyed golf fans looking across the bar.”

The menu features steaks and fresh fish off the hardwood grill, joined by a cider-brined, double cut pork rib chop served with mashed potato and braised apple chutney. Nona Blue’s Bar Chefs offer the freshest seasonal cocktails, with more than 50 different wines and 16 craft beers on tap.

Nona Blue is located in Lake Nona Village on Narcoossee Road, between the entrances to Lake Nona Golf & Country Club and NorthLake Park. To become a part of the Nona Blue experience, please call 407.313.0027.

Managing Partners Bill Bona and Joe Davi knew that Graeme’s involvement and the quality of the dining and drinking experience would be a hit, and their assessment was spoton.

“We have a hospitality driven philosophy at Nona Blue and we strive to create a welcoming atmosphere while delivering superior service and the highest level of food quality,” said Davi. “To have become a social hub for all of our friends at Lake Nona and in Central Florida makes us feel that much better about what we’re doing here.”

The restaurant’s display kitchen is complemented with exposed brickwork and rich, dark mahogany, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The indoor dining area offers a number of options, includGraeme helping in the kitchen at Nona Blue ing a 40-seat bar, two

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

layer profile player profile player profile player prpfile player profile player pr

By Jay Golden, PGA

Branching Out

Photo by Jess Regan

Born and raised in Sanford, FL, Reggie Branch spent seven years in the NFL (Washington Redskins), was a Super Bowl champion and won the special teams Player of the Year. Reggie says, “I couldn’t have asked for more.” He attended Seminole High School and went on to play college football at West Virginia State University and East Carolina University.

Reggie and I spoke while he was furniture shopping for his new residence in Winter Park. “This is not easy, man,” said Reggie. “It’s especially hard finding the right mattress.” Reggie is an intelligent man with many life experiences but after hearing his trials and tribulations as a furniture shopper, I WILL NOT call him for advice in that area.

Reggie talked about his upbringing.

“I never really knew my dad. When I was about eight years old, I heard that my dad died of asthma. Even though I didn’t really know him, I cried and cried and cried. That’s why I always tell people to appreciate what you have, especially a person like your father.

That’s because all of a sudden, he could be gone. As a result, my hard working mom was both a dad and mom for me.”

Following high school and a year at West Virginia State, Branch took a round-a-bout route to East Carolina.

It was that hard path that helped 18

formulate the man and player he would become.

He turned out to be a key player on the famed Pirates team of 1983 and saw some of his teammates go to the NFL. Reggie says, “All of these guys were going pro and I was like, ‘You have to be kidding me! That meant a lot to see those guys go pro and when they got in the league, most of them stuck. That was impressive. I figured if they could go to the League, then I could. After my senior year I started getting letters from a lot of NFL teams. I went to the Washington Redskins.”

“I remember the first meeting I went to,” Branch said. “Coach (Joe) Gibbs said, ‘I want guys who work hard, want to be part of the team, and are productive on every Sunday.’

That’s what it came down to, production. I was like, ‘If that is what Coach Gibbs is looking for, that’s what I am all about. I watched my mother working hard when I was growing up so I said to myself if she could work hard, I could work hard.”

“After my second year, I became the special teams captain and walked with Doug Williams for the coin toss at the Super Bowl. I was a Super Bowl champion and the special teams MVP. I loved what I was doing. I tell kids “As long as you are happy doing what you are doing, you are going to do it well.”

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

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celebrity corner

Diamond Resorts International Hosts Its Inaugural Charity Golf Tournament

Diamond Resorts International® (NYSE: DRII), a global leader in the hospitality and vacation ownership industries, announced it raised more than $410,000 in net proceeds to benefit the Walt Disney Pavilion at the Florida Hospital for Children (FHFC) at its first annual Brian Gay Invitational at Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club in Celebration.

Hosting more than 300 attendees, golfers and celebrities, the Brian Gay Invitational included a private golf clinic with PGA touring professional, Brian Gay, and professional golf instructor, Joe Mayo, followed by a celebrity/amateur golf tournament and award dinner. Saturday’s golf tournament offered a unique opportunity as each foursome was paired with a celebrity. The winning team featured retired PGA Tour player, Carl Paulson, Robert Foster, Mike Merchent and his 12-year-old son, Clay.

The Brian Gay Invitational hosted a celebrity-only golf tournament on Sunday. The winner of the Professional Golf Division was PGA touring professional, Nick O’Hern, who received $15,000. The Celebrity Champion was retired NFL player, Mark Rypien, who

Diamond Resorts International®, along with Brian and Kimberly Gay, presented the Florida Hospital for Children with a check for $410,000 on behalf of the Brian Gay Invitational. Featured in this photo from left to right: Business Development Executive and Chief Operations Officer, Florida Hospital for Children Linda Chen, Kimberly Gay, PGA Touring Professional Brian Gay, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing - North America, Diamond Resorts International Michael Flaskey, Vice President and Chief Development Officer, Florida Hospital Foundation David Collis, Executive Assistant to the EVP, Sales and Marketing - North America, Diamond Resorts International Maria Bruschi, Director of Field Package Sales, Diamond Resorts International Bryan Ingrande, and Administrator, Florida Hospital for Children Marla Silliman.

received $10,000.

One of the highlights of the weekend was a live concert on the driving range featuring a roster of premier musicians featuring original band members from Hootie and the Blowfish including bassist, Dean Felber and lead guitarist, Mark Bryan; Creed drummer, Scott Phillips and a special guest performance by Darius Rucker.

The concert concluded with Brian and Kimberly Gay accompanying Darius Rucker on stage.

For non-golfers, the weekend included VIP trips to local area attractions and a tour of the Florida Lending his name to the event, PGA Touring Professional Hospital for Children.

Brian Gay kicks off the tournament with a private golf clinic “From arrival to departure, Diamond Resorts International truly delivered a world-class event.

It was an honor to be a part of this weekend and lend my support to this charitable effort and very worthy cause,” said Brian Gay, Diamond’s PGA touring professional.

According to Michael Flaskey, Executive Vice President,

Sales and Marketing - North America, Diamond Resorts International, “With the immense support and tremendous generosity of our celebrities, golfers and sponsors we were able to not only achieve our goal, but go well beyond our expectations. We want to thank every attendee for making this possible and contributing to our fundraising efforts for the Florida Hospital for Children.”

Diamond Resorts International®, with its network of more than 300 vacation destinations located in 33 countries throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa, provides guests with choices and flexibility as they design their dream vacation, whether they’re traveling an hour away or around the world. Our hassle-free, relaxing vacations give guests a truly memorable experience every time, for a lifetime.

Diamond Resorts International® manages vacation ownership resorts and sells vacation ownership points that provide members and owners with Vacations of a Lifetime™ through 92 managed resorts, 210 affiliated properties and four cruise itineraries. To learn more, visit DiamondResorts.com.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

Nick O’Hern, the winner of the Professional Golf Division in Sunday’s celebrity-only golf tournament, is presented with a $15,000 check. Featured in this photo from left to right: PGA Touring Professional Brian Gay, PGA Touring Professional Nick O’Hern, and Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing - North America, Diamond Resorts International Michael Flaskey.

Lee Janzen surveys the green with fellow teammate.

The winning team for the celebrity/amateur golf tournament featured retired PGA Tour player, Carl Paulson, Robert Foster, Mike Merchent and his 12-year-old son, Clay. Featured in this photo from left to right: President and CEO, Diamond Resorts International David F. Palmer, Mike Merchent, retired PGA Tour player Carl Paulson, Robert Foster, Clay Merchent, and Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing North America, Diamond Resorts International Michael Flaskey.

All celebrities in attendance

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

21

celebrity corner L to R: Tony Morreale, V.P. Promotion/Marketing, Average Joes Ent., Teri Watson, Sr. Director, Entertainment Marketing, ALSAC – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Colt Ford, Jamie Reeder, Average Joes Management & Tournament Coordinator, Rusty Harmon, Average Joes Management & Tournament Director

Colt Ford & Friends 2nd Annual Celebrity Golf Classic Colt Ford, along with some of country music’s biggest stars and celebrities from the sports world, gathered together for the “Colt Ford & Friends 2nd Annual Celebrity Golf Classic” to help raise $20,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The event was held at the luxurious Château Élan Winery & Resort just outside of Atlanta on Sept. 23, 2013.

Sponsors of the event were Adams Golf, Under Armour, Ability Services Network, Krispy Kreme, Akins Ford, Arby’s, Church’s Chicken, Denny’s, 22

EPI Breads, Georgia Pacific, Bonefish Grill, Jeff Foxworthy’s Grit Chips, Land Castle Title, Michelob Ultra, Southeastern Paper, Sunbelt Rentals, RBM of Atlanta North, A.L. Grading Contractors, Knuckle Energy Drinks, Chicken Cock Whiskey, Phivestarr Productions and Southern Tide.

“Thanks to all of our sponsors and friends who helped make this a great event for St. Jude,” said Colt Ford. “My heart goes out to all the kids at St. Jude, and I’m so humbled that we were able to help the cause.”

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

on course Gary Geiger and Patrick Walsh

River Wilderness Golf and Country Club isn’t taking any chances. Willing to think outside the box, River Wilderness brought in two of the best PGA Golf Professionals in the area to manage their golf operations.

The Club recently dropped its ties with Pope Golf and took over its own management. Looking to improve member services and develop customer retention, the Board of Directors turned to two proven PGA Golf Professionals to meet their needs. The winning formula called for Gary Geiger and Patrick Walsh to join forces and take over the golf operation. Together, both PGA Professionals have been Class A Members of the PGA of America for over 60 years.

Both Gary and Pat are proven players, teachers, managers and merchandisers. Their experience ensures the type of professionalism the Club wants its members and outside guests to expect when they step on property.

Gary and Pat share in the history of River Wilderness. In 1984 Gary, as first head Golf Professional, opened River

Wilderness. The Club was noted as one of the most exclusive private country club communities in Florida. Pat, after 7 successful years as General Manager at neighboring Imperial Lakewoods Golf Club, another Ted McAnlis designed course, came to River Wilderness to

economic environment, River Wilderness Golf & Country Club is being proactive with their decisions in how they operate the Club. In just a short time, the Club is confident in their direction as the membership grows, outside guest rounds and tournaments have increased substantially, along with member and guest experiences at a new high. As one board member recently commented, “Thanks to the efforts of Gary and Pat, it is an exciting time to be a member at River Wilderness Country Club.”

So, if your club is struggling to survive in this challenging market, take a page out of the River Wilderness playbook and start thinking outside the box. Although Geiger and Walsh are no longer on the market; there are a number of well qualified PGA Golf Professionals available to take the team approach and grow your golf operation, an integral part of your club.

For more information about River Wilderness Golf & Country Club please visit www.riverwildernesscc.com or email sales@riverwildernesscc.com.

Both Gary and Pat are proven players, teachers, managers and merchandisers. Their experience ensures the type of professionalism the Club wants its members and outside guests to expect when they step on property.

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develop the Pat Walsh School of Golf.

Their goal is to combine their efforts and experience as they reenergize the golf program.

While clubs compete for the same customer, combined with a challenging

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

fashion forward

Technology and Bold colors featured in Antigua’s 2014 Women’s Performance Golf Apparel an excellent example of fabric innovation. Its mélange texture and color effect are unique in that they’re achieved by mixing different types of irregular poly yarn.”

Necklines have also become more open and fun. In fact, several of the polos have non-traditional necklines.

Limitless is a model that features a dyecut neon zipper. Another style, Pristine, has an open scoop neck with contrast

The Antigua Group, Inc.

- one of the nation’s leading designers and marketers of lifestyle and golf apparel under the distinguished Antigua brand – has introduced its Antigua Spring 2014 Women’s Golf Collection.

The new collection features bold ombre stripes, lightweight mélange fabrics and textured jacquards. It’s all about sheer comfort, as these garments incorporate innovative poly yarns that allow for softer, smoother, and more comfortable fabrics.

Danielle Dellios, Antigua Women’s Head Designer, says she was looking to achieve something new and different for Spring of 2014 – in terms of both silhouette and fabrication. “I began designing the collection around a textured fabric I had previously developed, along with new heather fabrics that I’d been working on with different mills,” says Dellios. “One new polo model, Primp, is

26

V-stitching. It’s these neckline innovations that allow the product to look new to the customer. Although these styles still have the required collars, they’re far from being traditional polos.

As for color, neons that are popping up in everything from home furnishings to accessories and cosmetics. Thus, the 2014 Spring color palette includes versions of neon and ultra-bright hues.

These pop colors, coined Citrine, Candy, Sherbet and Grapeade, are tastefully added to garments in small doses and utilized in contrast stitching, insets, zippers and tipping.

Technology is also featured in the collection. For example, our exclusive Desert Dry™ technology absorbs and wicks moisture quickly and evenly, achieving the most-efficient evaporation possible to keep golfers comfortable and dry. The fabrics in our Gem and Breathe polos utilize a pattern to allow for quick moisture displacement.

Gem features a tonal geometric patterned face with a flat back, allowing a smooth, silky feel against the golfer’s skin, while Breathe features a pointelle texture vertical stripe pattern that maximizes comfort by keeping air flowing throughout the garment.

Meanwhile, Desert Dry™ XTRA-LITE (D2XL) combines the Desert Dry™ moisture-wicking feature with specially constructed ultra-light fabrics for maximum wicking performance and optimum comfort. Examples include Frill, Caliber and Cinch. Although Frill is a woven jacket, its fabric is ultra-lightweight, soft and stretchy. Its textured backside keeps moisture off the body by picking it up off the skin and transferring it to the outside of the garment.

This lightweight woven fabric features a heather print that makes the style look more like a casual piece and coordinates with any color polo and bottom.

Caliber is also D2XL- but feels less light than other D2XL styles in the collection because it features a double knit mesh construction. This allows for a thicker/less sheer look and hand to the fabric, while still maintaining the lightweight properties of our D2XL styles.

Cinch is a knit skort using ultra-soft and stretchy micro-jersey fabric. Its elastic tie detail at the front allows the golfer flexibility in length and provides some coverage for those who wish to have a longer skort. By using the lightweight stretch jersey material, the Cinch wicks super-fast and fits many different body types.

For more details on Antigua’s Spring 2014 Women’s Golf Collection, visit www.antigua.com.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

A CLASSIC

By Bob Bolton

golf fitness

Yoga For Golfers

Katherine leading a class during the 2013 Women’s Golf Week at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex in Sacramento, CA. This golf course has been ranked amongst the best public golf facilities in the nation, and is a leader when it comes to providing innovative player development offerings.

As golfers,

we have all heard of a dogleg, but have you heard of a downward dog? We’ve all experienced the dreaded shank, but what about the plank position?

Yoga may be foreign to many of you reading this article, but the reality is that each of us can benefit from employing some of the basic techniques taught by instructors that specialize in working with golfers.

I recently had the opportunity to visit the “Queen” of Yoga for Golfers, Katherine Roberts. Katherine has been teaching Yoga for more than 16 years, written 2 books, produced 9 DVD’s and certified trainers across the U.S. and in 27 countries. She has worked with several professional golfers, the Dodgers, Padre’s, Cubs, A’s and Diamond Backs.

fingers, I would have fit somewhere in the middle.

After the one hour class, which had everyone praising her for her pleasant personality, tender yet firm direction and thanking her for an excellent workout, I sat down and asked her about the value and impact Yoga has on golf and our health.

Q – What are the top 3 misconceptions of Yoga , as it relates to how it can benefit your golf game?

A – 1) That you have to be super flexible to do Yoga. You become more flexible through Yoga. 2) That it’s just for women.

85% of her classes are male dominant. 3) That Yoga for Golf is different than regular Yoga.

Q – What are the top 3 benefits that can be derived from “Yoga for Golf”?

A – 1) Increased range of motion, as well as stability and strength. *Results in greater distance. 2) Incorporates breathing for greater focus and release of tension. 3) Better overall balance. *Consistency, fluidity and better results

Katherine with the Oakland A’s

I met Katherine Roberts a few years ago at the PGA Show, but this meeting provided me with an opportunity to observe a class being held at Emerald Greens in Tampa. The class attendees were both male and female and ranged in age from the lower 20’s to the 60’s. It was obvious that some of the attendees were in good shape, while others were a bit “fit challenged”. I’m not pointing 28

Q – What do you find are the most dramatic differences between the value Yoga brings to male versus female golfers?

A – Generally men can work on their flexibility and posture. Women typically can benefit from increasing their strength, specifically their ability to harness power.

Q – What do you find are the most dramatic differences between the young and more mature golfers?

A – Younger golfers are engaged in the

Katherine Roberts

pure joy of the game, while older golfers are a little too hung upon on the score.

Q – If someone did just one thing through Yoga to enhance their game, what would it be?

A – Adherence over duration. Stretch 1520 minutes every day, 5 days a week. Stick with it, never stop.

I found my time with Katherine to be very entertaining and educational.

I took away a couple of quick tips on how to stretch better and more consistently and I’ve added distance to my game and recently played 72 holes in 3 days, and wasn’t a physical wreck after.

If you are interested in increasing your flexibility, or are an existing Yoga instructor who would like to be certified, visit www.yogaforgolfers.com.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

By Mitch Sadowsky, MS, SPSc, TPI1, FMS

It’s a New Year! As we get started

Rotation/Extension

on the newest trip around the sun, I hope we all set Goals to achieve in 2014. Whether it’s to lose some of that nagging holiday weight or shave a few strokes off our game, goals are important to have. As the earth rotates around the sun on an axis, this month’s golf fitness tips focus on the same thing: Being able to rotate around an axis (our spine).

Thoracic Rotation from all fours This is one of our staple exercises for all my golfers. It works core control and stability while promoting and increasing extension through the thoracic spine, a key component in rotational speed. From your hands and knees, place your right hand at your right ear, keeping the spine straight and head neutral, rotate your elbow underneath you to a point half way in between your left elbow and left leg.

When you can no longer maintain spinal control and lose posture though the spine, slowly bring the right elbow back to the start position.

Lower Body Strength and Stability Step up lateral dynamic resistance Having trouble firing those glutes?

This take on the Step up will have those glutes firing in no time providing much needed stability throughout the swing as well as taking tension off those pesky Ilio-Tibial (IT) Bands. Using a step at a comfortable height, use a dynamic resistance band (here we are using a #4 SuperFlexBand) anchored to a wall station or sturdy equipment that won’t move. Place the foot on the step and place the band around the medial (inside) of the knee. Initiating the ascending action through the heel, step on to the platform making sure to fully extend the work leg before placing the off leg down. Adjust the band tension to where the core stabilization through the abdominals and glutes force stability.

golf fitness

Your Axis core muscles to engage to create a stable platform. Sit on a physio ball that allows the knees to be at a 90° angle. Keeping the spine erect, hold a med ball at chest height allowing the elbows to be shoulder height. Keeping the scapulae retracted, forcefully throw the ball forward as far as you can to a partner making sure you extend your arms only from the chest without falling forward (no workout buddy?

Hey, make some friends at the gym!

You can also use a med ball rebounder if available).

Try these out following this program.

Do each set of exercises once before moving on the next body part. Do this for three rounds before moving on to your next set of movements.

Upper Body Med Ball Throws from a Physio ball Speed, baby! That s what it s all about. In order to hit the further, you need to create speed. This drill will work on upper body explosion and speed from an unstable surface (sitting on a physio ball) forcing the

Stability Step Ups – 10x Each leg Thoracic Rotation – 10x Each arm Med Ball Throws from Physio ball – 10 throws

Mitch Sadowsky is the Director of Golf Fitness at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club and has certifications as a Sports Performance Specialist, TPI Level 1, and FMS. He currently works with Ian Poulter, Graeme McDowell and Maarten Lafeber Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

29

leader on the links

Michael Wargo:

Diversi-Teeing it up If you have heard the name Michael Wargo, you might not exactly know why. If you like music, you may have heard him playing piano while you were out listening to Jazz. If you are in the golf industry, you might know him from his golf career or as one of golf’s marketing Gurus and president of Southeast Media Group. Or maybe you fly RC aircraft, where you would know him as one of the world’s top aerobatic pilots. One man with four successful careers is truly taking diversity to a whole new level.

Orlando’s Michael Wargo is President of Southeast Media Group, a fullservice advertising, public relations and marketing firm representing many golf brands. Although SMG (smgorlando.com) does not specialize in golf, Michael’s affinity for golf and a lot of happy clients has made SMG a very desirable agency for new golf products looking for traction in golf. His company does it all for his clients from their TV commercials and infomercials to their web sites and packaging.

Michael is a marketing strategist and a branding/image development specialist. In an effort to pass on his years of experience and successes, he has recently written a book on the subject.

Southeast Media Group has been very successful in golf, and has launched or rebranded more than 150 companies and 300 products over a period of 22 years. He has also recently been named director of multicultural marketing for the Institute for Multi Cultural Management at Florida Tech University.

We’ve known Michael for many years through his work for our advertisers of course, but this is where it gets interesting. Many of you in the golf industry also know him for one of his other careers. He is a professional Jazz pianist. For the last 12 years in fact, those of you who visit the PGA show here in Orlando know he was the House Pianist at the Rosen Center Hotel in the Everglades Lounge. Though he is no longer performing there, he and his vocalist, Gina Marie, had been entertaining PGA show attendees during the show, and was there 4 nights a week throughout the year. He began 30

his career playing solo concerts and in playing with many jazz combos all over the northeast. Since then, he has been performing almost exclusively here in Central Florida. Over the years, he has performed with many legendary Jazz and pop musicians such as Dexter Gordon, Lyonel Hampton, Les Paul, Milt Jackson, Marie Osmond and even Englebert Humperdink!

Michael has always been very passionate about his hobbies, and making a living at both the piano and marketing would be a very rare privilege. But he did not stop there. Ten years ago, he began playing professional golf.

He turned pro in 2001, and has been competing and playing as many tour events as he could work into his schedule. Mostly through qualifying, he has managed to find a way to compete and turn yet another hobby into a profession. But once again… it didn’t stop there.

If all of that doesn’t make him a truly unique story, he began flying radio control model airplanes in 2008. True to form, he fell in love with aerobatic flying and within 3 years became one of the top 3D aerobatic pilots in the world. He currently has more than 8 sponsors, is featured on instructional videos, travels as a demonstration team pilot at airshows, and is very popular worldwide. He has more than 120 videos on social networks as well.

Michael Wargo comments: “I owe

everything to the piano. Frankly, for the first eight years of my working life, it was all I did and all I knew. Through an amazing amount of good fortune, the piano paved my way by funding my efforts and allowed me to pursue my other dream to be in business. But of course, I never stopped performing.

But now, my desire to be accomplished at my other hobbies and enjoy my life is what keeps me motivated. Although the aerobatics career is taking a great deal of my time at the present, I try to play or practice golf daily. I was injured for 2 years and am now getting back out there competing, which is what I enjoy most about golf. I recently played a National Golf Tour event, and have a couple more planned next month.

From there, I will go back to qualifying for the larger tours as I did before my back injury.“ We have been asking Michael if we could write this story for a while, and he had always declined until now. As a person, he is very laid back and his matter-of-fact attitude about all of this is also kind of funny. But ultimately, we found his diversity and his story something unique and felt we should share it with our readers. We also found his clients’ loyalty and trust very refreshing. In a world where clients move from agency to agency, his clients all seem to stay his clients for many years.

He is certainly found a formula for balance in his life through diversity.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

A New Concept.

A Better Golf Bag. Organized Superior Accessibility Stylish Clubs Stay Separated Easy On & Off the Golf Cart

www.golf-vue.com

Training Aids & Accessories

By Leonard Finkel

what's new

New Product Showcase Each year, the PGA Merchandise Show delivers new and innovative golf products. Manufacturers, buyers and golf media all gather in Orlando. A decade ago, a group of companies spearheaded by club manufacturer Tour Edge staged an extraordinary media event, where manufacturers and media could interact for an entire day. It’s a great opportunity for everyone involved and has become tradition. Here are some of the products you’ll see and read about in the coming year.

Tour Edge branched out with the Exotics brand in 2004, The past nine years has seen Exotics evolve into one of the best fairway wood innovators in the market. The new, limited edition CB PRO combines the retro, smaller head of its Tour-winning CB2 fairway wood with an innovative Slip Stream sole function to create the ultimate fairway wood for accomplished players. This patentpending sole glides through the turf, dramatically minimizing turf contact, allowing the head to maintain maximum speed through impact. The sole is designed so that minimal contact occurs from any attack angle or position of the head at impact. The CB PRO features a premium beta titanium cup face with a hyper-steel body to produce maximum fairway wood distance. As a result of combo-brazing , every single gram of excess weight is eliminated from the face and shifted to the sole for a lower center of gravity. The CB PRO also features the same trampoline face design found in the CB2 that combines multiple levels of face thickness. www.touredge.com

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Golfers with slower swing speeds have a difficult time launching the ball in the air with today’s drivers.The solution might be the Polara Golf’s Advantage driver, engineered to launch the ball higher and faster than other drivers, while also providing an extra-large sweet spot for more forgiveness and power on off-center hits. The primary advantages come from higher lofts, a thin beta titanium face and larger 475cc head size versus the USGA imposed limit.

When a golfer with a slower swing speed uses a higher lofted club, they increase the ball’s launch angle and backspin, causing the ball to generate more lift. More importantly the higher launch angle and increased lift forces the ball to stay in the air longer – producing added distance.���������� �������� Beta titanium means the face can be made thinner, delivering a more enhanced trampoline effect. This translates into higher ball velocity, adding distance off the tee. The larger head delivers a higher moment of inertia because the center of gravity is moved farther back. This combination means greater forgiveness on off-center hits. www.polaragolf.com

SCOR 4161 precision scoring clubs are the flagship product of SCOR Golf, a division of Eidolon Brands. The line represents a comprehensive package of innovative and patent pending scoring technologies combining forgiveness, game improvement performance and precision into scoring clubs for golfers of all abilities. Progressive weighting features seven distinct head designs across twenty-one lofts (41 to 61°) optimizing trajectory, spin and distance control for each scoring club. All heads are Tru-FormForged from carbon steel to combine the precision of casting with the feel of forging and is custom built to the exact specifications necessary to optimize a golfer’s performance in the scoring zone. www.scorgolf.com New for 2014 from Sun Mountain, the H2NO collection of bags will be expanded to include cart bags and carry bags, all constructed with waterproof fabric, taped seams and waterproof zippers. The carry bags feature tops with integrated handles for ease in picking up and setting down, a top-molded stand attachment for stability, a proprietary E-Z Fit Dual Strap System for a balanced carry across both shoulders and patented RollerBottom stand mechanism for easy leg activation. They feature ample storage space, too, including a full-length

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

clothing pocket, a velour-lined valuables pocket and multiple accessory pockets. Stand bags feature leg lock straps and a cart-friendly bottom that will fit into a cart’s bag well. It also incorporates a larger diameter, individual club-divided top and waterproof pockets including two full-length clothing pockets, multiple accessory pockets and a velour-lined valuables pocket. The waterproof pockets and rainhood on H2NO bags feature the same waterproof construction as Sun Mountain’s line of rainwear including waterproof fabric, taped seams and YKK waterproof zippers. www.sunmountain.com.

The Devereux collection is noted as a premiumquality modern menswear known for simple-yetsophisticated pieces in contemporary colors and superb attention to detail.

Clean modern styles are designed to fit properly and inspire performance both on Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

and off the course.

Specifically tailored to move seamlessly from workday to weekend and beyond, the line is all about modern sophistication, everyday elegance and simple versatility. The inspiration for this line was the great players and dressers of the game’s past, Hogan, Palmer, Player and Stewart.

Natural (Pima Cotton) and synthetic (Polyester) fibers blend the best of both characteristics for easy care. www.dvrxgolf.com ReTee is a unique and useful divot repair tool that incorporates a built in pencil sharpener to save the environment from the waste of pencils and tees. It’s easier to use than a regular divot repair tool and better

for the green. No twisting, tilting or lifting. A simple poke at a 45 degree angle on both sides of the ball mark and ReTee’s unique shape repairs the divot. How many times have you found yourself with a dull or broken pencil point?

Never have that problem again. ReTee is light weight and made from extremely durable plastic for years of use. www.reteegolf.com IOMIC USA is introducing the Art Grip Series Sticky Camo Grips for woods and irons. These grips are manufactured using IOMIC’s special camouflage coloring process to create a unique new look. Sticky grips are incredibly soft and feature great traction and low torque and are available in camouflage green, gray, blue, pink and brown. All IOMIC grips feature a proprietary compound that provides a soft feel with control. This material provides adhesiveness, is water and friction resistant and is naturally white in color which allows for a full spectrum of color – IOMIC’s signature trait. www.iomicusa.com.

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By Mike Jamison

what's new

RadiusRoll Putter Every few months a new putter enters the market claiming new technology for a truer roll. And many do deliver. But rarely is the new technology readily visible to the eye.

That is not the case with RadiusRoll putters. What separates RadiusRoll from its competition is obvious with one glance: A 0.8400 radius face that produces PureStrike Instant Roll Technology™.

flaw. Because of the loft of the putter face, striking a golf ball with a flatfaced putter lifts it off the ground for up to 10”. It then hops and skids before friction takes hold and the ball begins to roll. A putt that hops or skids just ¼ inch off line will create an error of 2½ inches on a 10 foot putt.

“I like the way the RadiusRoll putters start the ball rolling immediately on line,” said Mark Bucek, PGA Champions Tour Player. “It rolls true from the beginning with an amazingly soft feel.

The more consistent roll enables better speed control. It’s great to see a made in USA product become successful.”

Bucek isn’t the only professional with a RadiusRoll putter in the bag. The company is in the very early stages of presenting the product to the professional tours, but already it is being played by Amy Alcott and Barb Moxness on the LPGA Legends Tour, and Danny Forshey on the PGA Tour Canada.

The RadiusRoll putter comes in several blade and mallet models, starting at

“Our putters are precision milled with a 0.8400” radius face, the exact radius of a golf ball,” said the designer, Rick Monroe. “Our PureStrike Instant Roll Technology™ delivers a friction-free strike.

“To produce a perfect roll, the putter face must strike the ball on its equator. The Radius Roll has the same exact radius as the golf ball and is designed so it naturally strikes the ball in the perfect spot.”

The result of this equator-to-equator strike is a roll that doesn’t hop or skid.

Flat-faced putters have an inherent 34

$175. For more information, visit www.radiusroll.com.

TaylorMade JetSpeed Driver, Fairway Woods The name speaks volumes about TaylorMade Golf’s latest offering in the metalwoods market. JetSpeed evokes thoughts of something very fast.

And that’s what the clubs deliver.

The Matrix Velox shaft is lighter than most, and combined with the streamlined head shape promotes a fast swing speed. That usually translates into more distance.

But it doesn’t end there. The center of gravity has been moved lower and more forward, which creates faster ball speed and lower spin rate for more distance.

What really jumped out for this writer, however, was the distance and accuracy that came with shots not struck in the center of the clubface.

That was especially evident on shots that were struck low on the face, a common miss for amateurs.

The extra distance on miss-hits is a product of TaylorMade’s Speed Pocket technology, which proved effective in the popular RocketBallz fairway woods. This is the first time the technology has been used in a driver. What does it do?

The Speed Pocket is engineered to minimize the added spin that naturally comes from a strike that is low on the clubface. Less ball spin equates to greater distance.

In addition to the driver, the JetSpeed fairway woods and Rescue clubs combine an enhanced Speed Pocket, an extremely low-forward center of gravity (CG) location and extremely light overall weight to promote faster swing speed, clubhead speed and ball speed for more distance.

“We expect ‘low and forward CG’ to represent the next great innovation in metalwood performance,” said Sean Toulon, Executive Vice President. “With our SLDR and JetSpeed products, we’re giving golfers of all types the opportunity to increase their launch angle and reduce their spin-rate, which ultimately leads to more distance.”

The JetSpeed features a matter back crown and a unique tonal decal that helps with alignment.

The JetSpeed driver retails at $299.99 for both men and women, and the JetSpeed TP, with an upgraded shaft, runs $399.99 Combine it all, and TaylorMade appears to have a another huge hit in the metalwoods market with JetSpeed.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

Exotics XCG7 and SCG7 Beta Drivers When golfers think Tour Edge Exotics, successful line of drivers comes immediately to mind.

When they hear the phrase Power Grid, they might envision the Long Drivers World Championship driving grid, where competitors attempt to place their qualifying bombs.

Put those two thoughts together, and you have Tour Edge Exotics’ latest offering, the XCG7 Driver.

The new Exotics driver comes in two models, Standard and Beta. Both feature the Power Grid. According to Tour Edge, the Power Grid is positioned directly behind the hitting area to create an accordionlike effect and increase spring-effect by flexing at impact. The Power Grid alternates in thickness from 0.5mm to 1.0mm, allowing the thinner dimpleslots to flex to produce a hotter launch, thus creating something the Exotics brand is known for – maximum distance.

They both also feature a face made of 6A4V titanium, and offer golfers more adjustability than their predecessor, the XCG6.

But there are differences. The XCG7’s head is 460 cubic centimeters.

The XCG7 Beta has a smaller, 440 head that has a deeper face which produces a more penetrating trajectory, something lower-handicap players are generally searching for.

Both drivers have Tour Edge’s hexahedron weight pads in the rear of their heads to maximize moment of inertia, but they’re positioned in Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

different areas in each model. The XCG7 has the weight located lower and deeper in the head to encourage slightly more spin and a higher launch angle, while the XCG7 Beta has the weights positioned closer to the face to encourage a lower launch and lower spin. Each model also has weight removed from the rear center of the sole, allowing more weight to be moved to the heel and toe areas.

Unlike previous Tour Edge models, the drivers have a matte black-painted crown. The word “Exotics” is written on the rearward heel portion of XCG7, while the word “Beta” is scrolled on the Beta model.

The drivers are available with either a Fujikura Fuel or Matrix Ozik White, Red or Black Tie shaft.

The XCG7 sells for around $300, while the Beta costs about $350.

Whichever model you choose, you’re getting another quality product from “the little company that could,” Tour Edge.

Skechers GObionic Golf Shoes Most golf traditionalists have been slow to cross over to the “comfort” style of golf shoes; the footwear style that looks more natural on a tennis court or jogging trails than on golf course fairways.

A brand well known outside of golf – Skechers – is helping to change that trend. Dabbling

in the golf industry with three different models, Skechers is starting to gain a toehold in the crowded golf shoe market.

Skechers USA, a 21-year-old, California-based company, is a billion-dollar global leader in the lifestyle footwear industry and a high-performance footwear brand.

Skechers designs, develops and markets more than 3,000 styles for men, women and children.

The company’s early products were utility-style boots and skate shoes.

It has since diversified to include thousands of athletic, casual and dress styles for men, women, and children including its three golf models: Skechers GOgolf, GOgolf Classic and GObionic Golf, its’ latest offering Featuring the performance innovations found in Skechers’ running footwear, Skechers GObionic Golf is one of the lightest golf shoes available today, at 10.9 ounces in a men’s size 9.

Key elements of the shoe: Seamless Waterseal waterproof upper; GObionic Engineering uses nature-inspired organic design, allowing your foot to move more naturally; ResaGrip™ traction outsole; stabilizing heel panel with side S logo; soft fabric shoe lining for added comfort; flexible spikeless outsole.

You might not have ever owned a pair of Skechers but you probably have heard of the company. Celebrity product endorsees for Skechers collections include Dancing with the Stars host Brooke Burke-Charvet, singers Carrie Underwood and Christina Aguilera, former hockey great Wayne Gretsky, and legendary quarterback Joe Montana.

Suggested retail price starts at $110.

35

what's new

By Michael Wargo

Golf carts aren’t just for golf. They have become the primary transportation in many adult communities. Owners sport highly accessorized, custom carts to make them feel more personalized and comfortable. Cart Logic, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a new brand of golf cart accessories with a mission to provide cart owners with intelligent and practical solutions for comfort, organization and convenience. Currently, Cart Logic offers a comprehensive line of innovative seat cushion covers and blankets, with a few new products on the way.

Cart Logic’s signature innovations include a very practical seat blanket that features an effective attachment system and pockets for accessories such

as cell phones. The seat blanket also functions as a portable seat cover solution for those who rent carts and are still seeking the comfort of a customized covered seat. They are available in two moisture-wicking fabrics; fleece and microfiber. The microfiber is available in five colors: turquoise, pink, lime green, tan and black, while the fleece is available in only the tan and black. The original Cozi Covers seat cushion covers, are now available customized to fit the majority of golf cart brands and are offered in the same fabrics and colors options as the blanket. The seat covers are beautifully fitted and designed to cover damaged or discolored seats or 36

simply to protect and add comfort to the standard vinyl seats.

Deirdre Cook, President of Cart Logic, comments, “The response to our original covers was a bit surprising. It wasn’t long before we realized we needed to produce much larger volumes to keep up with demand. We have been told repeatedly that golf cart owners are unhappy with the current options. We found the best microfiber and fleece fabrics, paid special attention to the perfection of the cut and fit, and answered the need with a long-lasting comfortable cover.”

Cart Logic plans to introduce more than four new products in the near future, including a unique trash container and a cigar clip, with even more in the pipeline. Two new products will be also be launched at this year’s PGA expo that are very innovative and valuable cart products. The first is the EZ-Roller, it is an ingenious product that rolls up the cart enclosures so effectively and neatly, cart owners will not want to be without one. The other product is the Stik-a-majig, it is a simple and effective tool for holding up the seat while refueling. They are both simple, yet do an important job for under 20 dollars.

Until then, the new line of covers and blankets will be available in retailers and online and all include a useful storage and transport bag. The blankets and seat cushion covers are easily custom-embroidered with course or club logos and can be personalized as well.

Deirdre also adds, “My covers in fleece have been so well received in the

south because of the unprecedented level of comfort they provide in the hot and humid climate. A few clubs, including a club in the Bahamas, have custom embroidered their logos on their golf cart covers. Soon after, members with private golf carts were making purchases as well. People are so used to seats being sticky in the summer and icy cold in the winter that they do not realize just how nice it is to sit on a cart that is comfortable at any time. We are hoping golfers who rent carts will embrace this idea and take a blanket with them when they play. All of our products come with a very nice travel bag that the blanket easily folds into for storage.”

Sometimes old habits are hard to break, but change is usually for the better. There are innovations daily for golf clubs and training aids, but real golf cart innovations seem to be few and far between. Cart Logic’s commitment to bringing practical accessories to golf carts is certain to be embraced by cart owners everywhere.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

By Michael Wargo

golf business

Buddha is Back Bouncing back

from retirement, IGotcha Golf Founder and President, Jim “Buddha” Light has resumed his place as owner of a top accessory company in golf. In 1997 Jim light, President of IGotcha Golf, invented a revolutionary new concept for ball retrievers. It was a light weight stainless steel ball retriever for golfers that allowed them to hide it discretely in their bag. It collapsed to a mere 15 inches, and kept golfers’ ego and pride intact. Today, the IGOTCHA retrievers, with five models in his line are the #1 retrievers in golf. They are also the most copied because of his very ingenious capture mechanism.

After building a very successful company, Jim decided to sell it and retire.

Which he did. Then, the worst thing possible happened and the purchasing company defaulted across the board leaving Jim without the settlement from the sale, and all of his inventory and intellectual property was in the hands of the defaulting party. This led to a costly legal battle to get it back.

Normally, this would be fatal for any company, but Jim’s status in the in-

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

Jim "Buddha" Light dustry and years of good relationships have the IGotcha Retrievers back in force, and once again leading the way as the best made and best selling ball retriever in golf.

Since Jim’s short-lived retirement, he has decided to reinvent the retriever again with some really cool innovations. Jim Light Comments: “I’ve got a new patent pending head locking clip eliminating opening until you need it, with additional strengthening in the head mechanism to increase durability. Best of all, in the spring, we will introduce a new shaft golfers are going to love! A groove in the shaft prevents it from twisting. What a difference it makes.”

He was in a really tough spot a year ago, but this year, he is literally back to normal. Between the IGotch Ready, a new and very cool divot tool and his entire line of top sellers, Jim is once again in the enviable position as a leader in retrievers and accessories. IGotcha Golf currently distributes to over 3000 golf retail accounts and sells in more than 30 countries worldwide. Although he is definitely a golf insider today, Jim Light wasn’t an overnight success. Instead, he is a case study in perseverance and an example for anyone looking for the American dream. Light fought the battle of introducing and selling an American product against the cheaper Chinese retrievers and peddled his product with a door-to-door and storeto-store mentality and a lot of hard work. He is also a formidable and very likable salesman. Anyone who knows

him will say that Jim is amongst the most outgoing and personable men in the golf trade. Linda Ibanez, Public Relations Director for Southeast Media Group says, “ Jim knows everyone… or should I say, everyone knows Jim. At any industry show or convention, nearly everyone has to stop by and say hello to Jim and get some popcorn. His booth has an incredible amount of traffic. It is quite a phenomenon. I stand in amazement in how embedded in the business he is. He is everyone’s buddy.”

The latest offerings in the IGotcha line are the IGothca® Ready First Tee Warm-up System and the IGotcha® Marked Divot tool. The IGotcha® Ready is an incredibly clever 3-in-1 swing weight that twists and locks into 3 separate positions on your club. It helps with tempo, flexibility and power, and is designed to get you loose and ready for the first tee. The IGotcha® Ready is currently being used by over 200 tour players on all the tours. The IGotcha® Marked divot tool is the world’s first combination repair tool, ball marker, hat clip and ball marking alignment tool. They are very innovative and useful products for golfers.

Honestly, many companies can attribute success to great products, and there is no doubt the IGotcha retriever is a great product. But in this case, Jim Light’s can-do attitude, personality and hard work is definitely the winning formula for this industry. He has been a long time friend of this magazine and we are personally pleased to see him flourishing once again. Bravo Jim! 37

feature

Game Changing Putters The Cure Rx Putters Have Made Your Old Putter Obsolete

There is BIG news today in the evolution of the putter. Until today, the biggest single change in putter design came with the introduction of the Ping Anser putter. There were a lot of experimental putters before Karsten Solheim invented his iconic putter, but his Ping Anser putter with its increased Moment of Inertia changed everything. The Ping Anser style putter was simply more stable during the stroke and at impact than the old blades with lower moment of inertia. When Solheim’s patent protection ran out, everyone copied the Ping Anser.

Introduced in 2001, the Odyssey 2-Ball putter was the next game changer. This new optical alignment system was a huge commercial success. It changed the way golfers looked at the ball, and

The Cure Rx1 Putter

the way the industry looked at putter research and design. In the last decade there have been a number of experiments with higher high MOI putters, but none of these putters have “changed everything,” until the Cure Rx Putters.

Founded by a PGA Professional, Jeff Ryan, and an architect with a scratch handicap, Steve Davis, the Veritas Golf Company has invented what Deane Beman has called “the most technologically advanced putters ever made.” Mr. Beman was so impressed he joined the company as Vice President of Tour Relations and is now collaborating with Mr. Davis on the design of the Cure Rx Putters.

The first putter invented by Davis, the Cure Rx1 Putter, represented a breakthrough in putter engineering from several perspectives. Beman says that “the Rx1 has made every other putter on the market obsolete.”

The Cure Rx1 The game changing Cure Rx1 Putter with its extremely high moment of inertia is the most forgiving putter ever made. You have to try hard to mishit this putter and the result is better distance control, fewer three putts and more putts made.

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The Cure Rx2 The revolutionary Cure Rx2 Putter incorporates the eye popping triangulation alignment system developed by Deane Beman. Designed by Beman and Veritas Golf founder, Steve Davis, this stunning new putter is simply easier to align than traditional linear alignment putters.

The ball forms the “point” of a triangle with the two alignment discs on the heel and toe of the putter. This triangle can be easily, naturally and dependably aimed on the line of the putt.

As one of the all-time great putters in the game, saying Deane Beman is passionate about putting is an understatement. Retired PGA Tour Commissioner, Beman is a two-time U.S. Amateur Champion, British Amatuer Champion, five-time PGA Tour winner and represented the USA in international competitions eleven times.

The Cure Rx2 Putter Triangulation Alignment system is the CURE for misalignment, and the Veritas Cure Rx2 Putter has all of the features of the Cure Rx1 Putter.

Beman says “The Cure Rx Putters are the best feeling and most technically advanced putters ever made.”

Join the revolution. Make more putts. www.cureputters.com.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

Deane Beman V.P. of Tour Relations Veritas Golf

The Veritas Cure Rx Putters combine five innovations that will dramatically change the effectiveness of your putting game: 1) Dramatically increased moment of inertia (MOI)

Very simply, increased moment of inertia means improved distance control and more stability through the stroke and at impact.

The moment of inertia of the Cure Rx Putters at any weight or in any configuration far exceeds the MOI of the competition. This is about a 33% increase in MOI over the highest existing MOI putter.

The Cure Rx2 Putter

2) Lie angle adjustability

A properly adjusted lie angle allows for a more consistent set up and stroke. Putter manufacturers have ignored the potential of lie angle adjustability and provided curved sole putters that can be used at any lie angle. The result is that many are putting with poorly fit putters, most often with the toe in the air. The elegantly engineered lie angle adjustment mechanism of the Cure Rx putters allows lie angles from 10 degrees to 24 degrees. Every golfer can have their putter fit to them personally and precisely.

3) Weight adjustability

The Cure Rx Putters are weight adjustable in 12-gram increments. This is about the smallest change in weight discernible even by professional golfers. Therfore every golfer can find the weight that suits their personal putting tempo.

4) Configuration adjustability

The Cure Rx Putters are adjustable, and can be configured as standard length, mid (belly) or long putters – and they are reversible from right to left handed!

5) Zero loft

The taller face of the Cure RX Putter allows the center of gravity of the club to impact the center of the ball which moves the ball forward with no backspin. Tests show that the Cure Rx Putters get the ball rolling more quickly than standard lofted putters Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

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By Joel Jackson, Editor, GCSA Photos by Joel Jackson

live golf

Fore!

I mean “Four” New Year’s Golf Resolutions!

It can happen here too! Disney’s Osprey Ridge GC, #16 during the winter of 1992.

1. I will always repair my ball marks on the greens and try to repair at least one other if needed in accordance with common sense and the Rules of Golf Etiquette.

2. I will repair all my divots on the tees and in the fairways.

3. I will follow all course signage regarding cart traffic along paths and near or around wet areas or areas under construction. And I will keep my cart on the paths near greens and tees to prevent unnecessary ruts and turf wear.

then, but area courses especially ones outside of the urban centers often have frosts and golfers and maintenance workers should stay off the turf until the icy covering thaws.

Walking and driving on the frosted turf will kill the turfgrass plant cells and will take weeks to recover. The turf damage while being unsightly can also create thin spots in the turf cover and give weeds, diseases and insects weak areas to get establish require more pesticide and fertilizer and repair labor expenses.

One example of outlying area’s susceptibility to frosts is Juliette Falls GC

just northwest of Orlando. This course experienced 29 frosts last year, and the most frosts that superintendent Steve Keller has recorded in his 8 years at the course is 40 in one year.

So if frost is forecast for your golf day, be ready for the real possibility of tee time delays and be patient with the superintendent and the pro shop.

They can’t begin to clear the frost until the temperatures get above freezing before syringing the greens and then they have to mow and set cups and get the course ready for play and your enjoyment!

4. I will go out of my way to thank our superintendent when the course looks good and plays well!

With the recent record breaking freezing conditions gripping most of the country, I thought I should remind folks that it does happen here too and causes tee time delays.

The pictures with this article clearly show that Central Florida is not immune to cold weather. The photo is from my days at Disney and was taken during the winter of 1992 about the time we experienced one of those Arctic Vortexes that gripped the nation this January.

We haven’t had such a winter since 40

Driving on frosted turf can cause damage that can last a long time.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

The Calusa GCSA Chapter down in the Ft. Myers area raised $5,200 for the Children’s Network of Southwest Florida for their Toys for Tots drive this past December.

Pictured are Calusa Superintendents Jake Wentz (left), Mark Thomas (right) delivered the check to Aimee McLaughlin (center) Director of Development/Communications of the Children’s Network of Southwest Florida Center, and then helped deliver the new toys to three of the homes with kids that were in the program.

Former longtime superintendent Chris Cartin, now in commercial golf sales was named winner of the 2013 Larry Kamphaus Award, which recognizes individuals who are leaders in the Central Florida golf industry. Chris Cartin (left) receives the crystal award from Tom Alex (right), the Crowfoot Open Chairman. The award was presented at the Central Florida GCSA’s annual Crowfoot Open held at the Grand Cypress Resort in December.

3. Jason Regan Cutline: From the left: Joe Ondo, Superintendent at the Winter Pines GC and Golf Chairman of the Central Florida Crowfoot Open Tournament presents Jason Regan from the CC of Ocala the winners trophy at the recent event at Grand Cypress. Jason shot a 78 to win the individual play division.

Regan also earns a spot of the Florida Golf Course Superintendents team competing in the national golf championships to be held in conjunction with the Golf Industry Show in February in Orlando.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

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grip it & sip it Eleonora Giorgi, Antonio Giorgi, Fabiano Giorgi, Ginevra Giorgi and Ileana Rampini (Fabiano's Wife)

Dolce V it a, Dolce A more With Valentine’s Day just around the corner you might be

in need of a wine for your sweetheart; a wine that pairs well with that box of chocolates and bouquet of roses. What could be better than a Sweet Rosé Moscato blend for Valentine’s Day or any day for that matter? Moscarosa, a blend of Moscato, Malvasia and Croatina is the perfect Valentine’s Day wine with its fragrant nose of strawberry from the Croatina, richness on the mid palate from the Malvasia and honey and floral notes from the blend of Malvasia and Moscato. A bright

acidity and hint of effervescence help refresh the palate after every morsel of rich chocolate dessert or creamy treat.

Though it is light in color and alcohol it is no lightweight, Moscarosa won the Gold Medal for its category among 370 Rosé wines from 20 different wine regions in Italy in 2013. Moscarosa is the creation of Wine Importer Nadia Galati and Wine Maker Fabiano Giorgi from the winery Giorgi from Oltrepò Pavese in Italy, to give an alternative to ordinary Moscato wines: it is Moscato with a strawberry twist.

Moscarosa Sweet Rosé IGT Province of Pavia

Harvest: Hand Picked end of August, Early September

Fermentation: Cold Fermented in Stainless Steel

Alcohol: 7% Residual Sugar: 85 g/L Serving Temperature: 50-55 °F

Grip it and Sip it.

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

competitive spirits

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Nominate your favorite bartender to showcase his/her signature drink with a recipe and photos. Readers will also find a discounted price for that drink so they can visit the bartender to sample the true taste of the libation.

44

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

By John Bircher and John McAfee

special events

USA Battles Great Britain for 2013 Simpson Cup at Royal Lytham and St. Annes Golf Club

Denis Oliverio and Team Mascot WinchesterJohn Simpson Bowers

As the sun faded over the horizon,

Denis Oliverio and his faithful servicedog Winchester, landed at Orlando International Airport, to complete the gathering of 13 wounded, injured, and ill Service-Members and Veterans who would form the roster of the 2013 USA Simpson Cup Team.

The team had assembled in Orlando as the guests of Marriott Vacation Club and the Marriott’s Grande Vista Golf Club to prepare for their upcoming trip to Great Britain, where they would compete against 13 British wounded, injured, and ill ServiceMembers and Veterans in the second annual “Simpson Cup” tournament.

These men were representing the On Course Foundation USA, they came from all across America to represent their country on a new battlefield -- the greens of Royal Lytham and St. Annes Golf Club in Lancashire, England. Founded in 1886, this legendary course has been home to

Team USA Captain Chris and Course Founder John Simpson Bowers

ten past Open Championships and two Ryder Cup matches and was the perfect venue for the first Simpson Cup to be played on British soil.

On Course Foundation is the brainchild of John Simpson, who founded the organization after a visit to the UK Defense Medical Rehabilitation Centre, where he was moved by what he saw and heard. Despite a childhood injury that resulted in the limited use of his left leg, he had played golf competitively since the age of 14 and grew to become the Senior VP of IMG Golf Operations, he also managed professional golfers such as Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, and Greg Norman. Simpson believed that the game of golf could provide an opportunity for members of the Armed Forces who have been seriously injured to participate on a level playing field with everyone else and afford them a future

within the golf world by providing employment opportunities.

After a number of competitions within the UK, On Course decided to launch an annual tournament in the format of the Ryder Cup that would pit wounded, injured, and ill Service-Members and Veterans from Great Britain against a team from the United States. Thus was born “The Simpson Cup,” named for the On Course founder John Simpson. In 2013, On Course Foundation USA was created to introduce American wounded, injured, and ill ServiceMembers and Veterans to the game of golf and provide opportunities for a career path in the US golf industry. John “Mac” McAfee from Oviedo, Florida, was picked to become the first National Liaison for On Course USA. Wounded three times in combat, part of McAfee’s recovery and rehabilitation included a return to the golf course.

GB Team & Coaches 46

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

Congrats to Team GB

Team USA on the airplane

According to McAfee, “Playing golf has been great for my recovery and being able to play competitively against my brothers in arms is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Alternating annually between the US and UK, the first Simpson Cup match took place in 2012 at the famed TPC Sawgrass Golf Club, home to the PGA Players Championship and PGA TOUR Headquarters. Although the team from Great Britain won the inaugural Simpson Cup by a large margin, the participants on both teams considered themselves winners for the lasting friendships that were forged during their fierce competition, In September, 2013, the competition moved back across the pond to England, where the US team hoped to return the Simpson Cup to the United States. Prior to their departure, the team spent four days in Orlando, getting to know each other and practicing as a team for the upcoming competition under the tutelage of Andrew Mitchell Director of Golf Operations and Donald Moyer Head PGA Professional, at Marriott’s Grand Vista Golf Club, who would travel with the team to England.

From a long list of applicants, Chris Bowers, the 2013 Team Captain from Virginia, worked with “ Mac”

McAfee, the 2012 team Captain and National Liaison Officer for On Course Foundation USA, to select a team of nine other post-9/11 active service members and veterans, plus two Vietnam veterans. In addition to Bowers and McAfee, the team included Joseph Caley from Georgia, Jason Leap from Texas, Charlie Linville from Idaho, KC Mitchell from California, Casey O’Brien from Pennsylvania, Steve Ogletree and Ramon Padilla from Maryland, Denis Oliverio from Florida, and Josh Peyton from North Carolina.

Joseph Murphy and John Bircher, both combat wounded, Vietnam veterans from Florida, rounded out the team.

After fine tuning their skills in Orlando and a long overnight flight, the team arrived in Manchester, England and drove straight to the golf course for practice, stopping only long enough to drop their bags at the hotel. Following a quick strategy session with coaches Don Moyer and Andy Mitchell, the team received their official equipment and uniforms and headed to the practice facility to get a feel for the course. Almost miraculously, for the week ahead, the weather turned perfect -- sunshine and gentle breezes on a course notorious for driving rains and 30+ MPH winds.

Day One of the Simpson Cup

competition consisted of six “fourball” matches in which each member of a two man team plays their own ball. The team whose player has the lowest score on each hole wins the hole. In the case of a tie, the hole is “halved.” By the end of the day it was clear that this was going to be a close tournament with each side winning two of their matches, while the other two matches were halved. At the end of the first day of competition, the match was all-square at 3-3.

The final day consisted of 12 singles matches in which one player from each team played against an opponent from the other team until a player was ahead by more holes than holes remaining to play. This US Team started strong during the singles matches and at one point were up in ten of the twelve. The Brits finished very strong to win ten of the twelve and the tournament 13.5-4.5.

The 2014 Simpson Cup will take place at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland. To learn more about On Course Foundation and to learn how you can help, please visit http://www. oncoursefoundationusa.org/ and click on the “Donation” button. Upon receipt of the donation, the On Course Foundation will provide a receipt of donation letter for tax purposes.

USA Team & Coaches Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

47

special events

Photos by Replay Sports

Stewart and Conner Cink

rallied from an early bogey, overtaking Steve Elkington and his son Sam down the stretch to win the 2013 PNC Father/Son Challenge by three strokes, the largest winning margin since 2004. The Cinks made bogey at the par-4 2nd hole to fall three strokes back of the Elkingtons and trailed until the 14th hole when Conner Cink, an engineering major at Clemson, holed a 30-foot eagle putt at the par-5. His father followed with birdie putts at the next two holes and then closed the event in style, holing a 22-foot eagle putt at the par-5 18th. The 48

Cinks had a 9-under 27 score on the back nine and needed just nine total putts.

With their victory, the team of Stewart and Conner Cink became the first team since Raymond Floyd and Ray Floyd Jr. in 1995 to claim the PNC Father/Son Challenge in their first appearance. Nick and Greg Price also made their first appearance in this event and finished 20th.

Defending champions Davis Love III and his son Dru finished fourth.

This year’s field included 12 World Golf Hall of Famers and the 20-player field, the largest ever in the history of the event, had won a combined 497 TOUR-sponsored titles, including 64 major championships.

Raymond Floyd, Larry Nelson, Hale Irwin and Lee Trevino have now played in all 16 father/son tournaments.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

Golf

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By Bob Bolton

duffer header dan

Metro West, a $1.5 million renovation is complete Metro West recently completed a $1.5 million renovation, which included the resurfacing and enlargement of all 18 greens, and a strategic bunker renovation. I was fortunate to have played Metro before the renovation and now having played it after, I am convinced that the golfers who visit will find it challenging but very playable.

I teed off on the shortest day of the year, just days before Christmas, when most of the United States is cold and snowbound, but for my playing partner and I, it was a beautiful sunny 84 degrees with a slight breeze. The reason we live in Florida and why so many others visit during each winter.

The first thing I noticed about the renovation was the reduced amount of sand, and the increase of grassy pot bunkers. The new greens were thick and green and held approach shots from virtually any distance.

Metro West plays 7051 yards from the tips, I played the Blues at 6619, which felt a bit longer when the breeze kicked up throughout the round.

The front nine includes the most

50

difficult hole on the course, the 568 yard par 5, 5th hole. I was happy to par it, the 7th, birdie the 173 yard #8 and finish with a par on the dogleg left 9th. The 9th hole has an elevated tee box, with water on the left and a tree strategically placed in the middle of the fairway at the corner of the dogleg. I hit a perfect drive to the middle of the fairway that ended up right behind the tree. I told my playing partner I was going to hit a “Ken Venturi” shot with a hooded 6th iron around the tree. Using the contour of the fairway and green I ended up on the green 20 feet away from the pin. If I hadn’t hit the shot with my eyes closed, I’m sure it would have been a sight to see. Just kidding, I watched it and kept my fingers crossed it didn’t roll across the green and into the water.

The back nine started with a bang, as I birdied the par 5 540 yard 10th, with a 50 foot downhill putt. A par, a bogey, a “sand save” par on the 13th, and a par on the 529 yard par 5 14th had me living in the land of illusions of grandeur… that was until the 15th, where I proceeded to take double bogie on the

161 yard par 3. After I got the wheels back on track with a par on 16 and the long par 3, 198 yard #17, I finished the back 9 with a 39 and an 18 hole total of 79. A great pre-Christmas present to myself.

My playing partners included an accomplished female golfer, who also enjoyed the course and remarked how playable it was from the lady’s tees, measured at 5325. With the reduction of sand and water on the course and enlarged greens, it made it easier to keep the ball out of trouble and score.

Metro West is a nice track, just minutes from the amusement trappings of Orlando. Visit the course and enjoy the benefits of the renovation.

For more information and to book a tee time, call (407) 299-1099, or visit www.metrowestgolf.com.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

“Finally a golf tee that measures up to the technological advantages of today’s golf equipment...

...the correct tee heights create consistent centeredness of contact resulting in more distance and improved ball flight. And these tees are guaranteed unbreakable for life...what a bonus!”

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By Robb L. Heering Jr., PGA Assistant Golf Professional Ibis Golf & Country Club

How Golf Saved My Life I was born on New Year’s Eve in 1987 in Danbury, Connecticut. As a kid, I struggled with always being sick and missing a lot of days of school. When I was 12 years old, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. Crohn’s Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease, which causes many unpleasant affects. Today, there is no cure for Crohn’s Disease, only ways to manage it. It was a rare case to find in a child and it was very severe. I went through all sorts of medications and IV therapy, which never seemed to do anything but make me feel worse. I spent countless days in doctors’ offices and hospitals battling this terrible disease.

As I got older, the symptoms got worse. High school was most definitely the worst time or my life. In 2006, as an 18 year old high school senior, tragedy struck. I was at the hospital for a routine procedure when my life changed forever. A hole was blown through my colon and intestines and there was only one way to keep me alive. I was given a colostomy, something I will most likely have to live with for the rest of my life. As an 18 year old kid, I thought my life had ended, I felt helpless, depressed, alone and more importantly, I felt like an outcast. I missed four months of my senior year, at home on the couch, trying to get my life back. I finally got enough courage to go back to school and graduate with the rest of my class.

Needing something to live for, I was blessed to one day go to a golf course with my dad and a neighbor. I had been to a driving range before, but never to a golf course. I was hesitant to even go that day, but I did and my future was written. I fell in love with the first swing and knew at that point I wanted to keep playing golf.

Golf turned into my escape, my excuse to get off the couch and be active, to make new friends, to forget about all my troubles. The other members at the course and the staff became my second family, and I spent as much time as I could there. On one particular day, I had a conversation with the Head Golf Professional and learned that you could have a career in golf. At that point, I 52

knew exactly what I wanted to do….to become a PGA Professional. I worked hard to improve my game, playing almost every day and taking lessons from one of the best golf academies in the world; Jim McLean Golf Center: Texas. I passed the PAT in 2009, just 3 years after I played my first round of golf, and entered into the PGA Professional Golf Management Program where I spent the next four years working towards becoming a Class “A” Professional.

Finally, in October of 2013, I climbed to the top of the mountain and did exactly what everyone said I wouldn’t be able to do; I was elected to PGA Membership. I am forever grateful for being turned on to the game of golf. It has played a big part in who I have grown to be and I truly believe that golf saved my life. Now that I am a PGA Professional, I hope to be able to raise awareness for Crohn’s Disease, people with ostomies and to help others who are going through a similar struggle. I would like to motivate others and be an inspiration to those who are going through a tough time. Don’t let your troubles control you, aim for the stars…If you have a dream, it’s simple…wake up and live it!

Robb will be participating in PGA Golf Day in the coming months, playing 100 holes of golf in one day, in an effort to raise money for the Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

Have a special event on the horizon? So do we.

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Tournaments

Around here, non-members get the VIP treatment, too. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate gathering or golf tournament, your special event will be well above par. For over 27 years our world-class amenities, awardwinning restaurants and exceptional personal service have made us Seminole County’s premier Country Club.

FOR TOURS AND PERSONALIZED EVENT PLANNING: Contact Toni Curlin at 407.562.0172 or TCurlin@heathrowcc.com 1200 Bridgewater Drive • Heathrow, Florida 32746 • www.heathrowcc.com

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John Hughes

The North Florida Section of the PGA of America held its 34th Annual Meeting at Reunion Resort in Orlando on December 2. PGA Members from around the Section gathered to recap an exceptional year and hear about the future. It was an election year for the Secretary and Tournament Chairman positions as well. Four Secretary Candidates volunteered their services and expertise to lead the Section in the upcoming generation. The candidates were: Kevin

Baker; Reunion Resort, Tim Beckwith; The Oaks Club, John Falcone; Dunedin CC and John Hughes; Golf Digest Schools. Although all are exceptional gentlemen, John Hughes won the election and will be the new Secretary of the North Florida PGA. John is also the PGA of America’s 2014 Horton Smith Award Winner. The candidates for Tournament Chairperson were: David Hronek (incumbent) and Jennifer Borocz; Jacksonville University. David Hronek won the election and remains the Tournament Chairman. The day began with the inspiration and presentations from Dr. Bob Winters and Daniel Flynn with revolutionary mental game topics that unlock the ultimate performance capabilities for all golfers. It was an inspiring meeting and always great to see PGA brothers and sisters gather annually to support their association and the game they love. Tony Johnson; Christovich Associates will now be the Honorary President and Mike Touhey; Downs Golf and Practice,

The PNC Father Son Challenge at the Ritz Carlton in Orlando featured our Section members as walking PGA ambassadors with each group during the four days of competition. The PNC Father Son Challenge featured the legends of the PGA TOUR who will team-up with their son, daughter, or grandchild and play the game they truly love - together.

Headlined by Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Fuzzy Zoeller, and Nick Faldo as part of the famous field along with their children! The North Florida PGA is proud to be a part of 54

this great tournament that will support the Arnold Palmer Medical Center and Healthy Family Orange at the Howard Phillips Center for Children

David Hronek will ascend to the role of President along with Mike Lynch; Golf Channel, as the Vice President. A special thank you to Tony Johnson for his many years of service and leadership. Jack Binswanger; Village Green GC, assumes his new role at District 13 Director for the PGA of America, as well. The North Florida PGA looks forward to another banner year, remaining focused on growing the game and helping its PGA Members achieve success for the 35th year!

& Families.It was a unique opportunity for our members to walk with the legends and chaperone the pro-am teams as well as the father son/ daughter groupings. Section staff and volunteers also put on a clinic for the juniors along with a drive chip and putt competition for the kids in attendance. Thank you to Nike for providing the winning juniors with equipment to compete for exemptions into our prestigious NFPGA Junior Championship in 2014.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

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

By Geoff Lofstead Executive Director

The South Florida Section of the PGA

In October, SFPGA President Warren of America is the second largest of Bottke presented the forty one sections of the PGA of the keys of a brand new home to a very America with over 1,700 PGA members deserving family in Jupiter. The home and apprentices employed at over 425 was built throughout the summer with facilities throughout South Florida and over 50 South Florida PGA Professionals Puerto Rico. While much of the country donating over 700 hours to the project. is in a deep freeze the PGA members The Foundation is also extremely in South Florida are working sun up to proud of our Smiling Fore Life program sun down providing golf experiences whereby PGA Professionals visit five and opportunities to children’s healthcare facilities throughgolf enthusiasts from out South Florida and provide golf around the world that instruction to young children that are flock to south Florida in many cases facing life threatening in the winter for the illness. On a weekly basis PGA Profeswarm weather. sionals can be found at the Quantum The South Florida House, St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital, Section also operates Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Mithe South Florida PGA ami Children’s Hospital, and Southwest Charitable FoundaFlorida Children’s Hospital. Thanks to tion. The Charitable the support of many partners the FounFoundation operates dation was able to install and artificial with three important turf putting green on the fourth floor pillars which are; of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital junior golf, charitable Don Law, PGA (2012 PGA of America Junior Golf Leader), which allows children the opportunity Warren Bottke, PGA (SFPGA Section President), Jim McLean, PGA gifting, and scholarto participate in ships. The South golf anytime they Florida PGA conducts choose. two junior golf tours for the aspiring In November high school and collegiate golfers on the two newest a nearly 12 month season with the members were first events of 2014 beginning in early inducted into February. Youth that are aged 11-18 the South Florida and reside within the 14 counties of PGA Hall of Fame. the South Florida Section are eligible to World acclaimed compete and are assigned to the approgolf instructor priate tour based upon skill level and Jim McLean and past experience. More information on nationally recogthe South Florida PGA Junior Tour’s can nized junior golf be found at www.sfpgajuniorgolf.com. leader Don Law In addition to higher level competiwere inducted on tive golf the South Florida PGA began November 11 at Stanley Wilson with juniors from the SFPGA Junior Golf program Lost Tree Club in North Palm Beach.

The South Florida PGA also presented found at www.

Brian Peaper with the Golf Professional sfpgajuniorgolf. of the Year award which is the highest com. honor given to a PGA member in South One of the Florida. Peaper serves as the Director of other tenants of Golf at Lost Tree Club. the charitable The South Florida PGA staff will be foundation is busy conducting qualifying events for charitable gifting. the tour events that swing through The South Florida South Florida this winter including the PGA Foundation Allianz Championship, Ace Group Clasis proud to have sic, and the Honda Classic. Those interalready sponsored ested in attempting to qualify for these and built two events should visit www.sfpgagolf.com homes for Habitat for more information. for Humanity.

Habitat for Humanity Home built by SFPGA members.

56

a very successful team golf program of introductory golfers aged 6-14. The format of the program allows kids to compete in a non-competitive team atmosphere with PGA Professionals serving as coaches of the teams. The program, which was started in the summer of 2013 saw participation of nearly 20 teams and over 200 kids.

More information on team golf can be

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

improving performance header 58

Having the right shaft makes all the

level of quality and performance

difference in your golf game. What if

that until now only Professional

I told you there was a golf shaft out

Tour Players have been fortunate

there that could give you more control,

enough to experience,” said Logisz.

better accuracy, and more distance

The 4000 Ton Japanese graphite,

than any shaft currently on the mar-

combined with their hand rolled

ket? Introducing Black Ops Shafts, the

weave pattern, creates a unique “Rapid

hottest new shaft in the golf industry!

Recovery” of the shaft in the down-

Black Ops offers new shaft technol-

swing. This provides the golfer with a

ogy that has even the pros scratch-

consistent repeatable flex through the

ing their heads. The secret lies in the

hitting zone every time. Not only will

technology. All of Black Ops Shafts

this provide you with more accuracy,

implement 4000 Ton premium grade

but also greater distance. Black Ops

Japanese graphite. “This high modulus

Shafts implement a penetrating ball

graphite goes through an additional

flight for optimal release and roll. The

purification process,” said Tim Logisz,

best part is Black Ops shafts has some-

Founder and CEO of Black Ops Shafts,

thing for every type of player and their

“which eliminates all the impurities in

shafts can be custom fit to your game.

the graphite that cause inconsistency

Every Black Ops Shaft bears the

in shaft flex, lagging, and harsh feel.”

family crest initials, WRL, the initials

The philosophy of Black Ops Shafts

of Tim Logisz’s late Father-in-Law.

is based on the science of synergy

With those initials, they have devel-

– the body, the shaft, and the club

oped a mantra, We Re-Invent Long.

head all working together in unison

Therein lays much truth. Thirteen

to produce a repeatable ball flight.

people in last year’s RE/MAX World

Every Black Ops shaft begins life as the

Long Drive Finals either hit the shafts

finest and purest Japanese graphite

in competition or had it in their bag.

that can be sourced and then carefully

Winner of the Big Break Ireland, Mark

finished off by the hands of the most

Murphy who is currently playing on

experienced shaft craftsman using

the European Tour, is playing a Black

their proprietary process. The end

Ops Shaft. Five top players on the

result is a high quality, stable shaft

Asian Tour depend on a Black Ops

that recovers fast, kills spin, improves

Shaft to earn a paycheck on Sunday.

dispersion and finds more fairways

That’s how good these shafts are!

than any other shaft on the market.

With less dispersion, repeat-

“By using the highest grade of

able ball flight, and serious spin

4000 Ton Japanese graphite, and

reduction, there’s no shaft on the

not using filler composites in our

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shafts, like most other manufactur-

game, start playing Black Ops to-

ers, Black Ops has set the highest

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standards for shaft manufacturing

Black Ops Shafts are available at PGA

in the industry and is able to provide

Superstore locations nationwide and

the average everyday golfer with a

online at www.BlackOpsShafts.com.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

improving performance

Raptor Bay Launches Golf Academy The Raptor Bay Golf Club, a WCI Communities-managed facility, announces the launch of the new Raptor Bay Golf Academy under the direction of PGA professional Dan Lockhart.

Currently in his second season at Raptor Bay, Lockhart previously was the academy instructor at WCI’s Tiburón for six years and has assisted top Golf Digest golf instructor Rick Smith. Lockhart specializes in utilizing modern teaching technology such as TrackMan radar and hi-speed video analysis in his instruction.

LPGA professional Katie Detlefsen will serve as the full-time instructor at the academy. Detlefsen trained under long-time swing and fitness coach Annika Sorenstam, as well as Rick Smith. She is also the winner of the 2013 LPGA Teach and Club pro Midwest Section Championship.

Each academy participant –

Osprey Course, hole #3 60

regardless of skill level – will receive personal instruction focused on solid golf fundamentals, specifically tailored equipment, fitness and stretching tips, and swing analysis.

The Raptor Bay Golf Academy offers TrackMan Doppler Radar analysis, the industry-leading ball and club data-capture technology that allows instructors to pinpoint exactly why a golf shot does what it does, making instruction and swing corrections easier.

An online free tracking service provided by the academy allows students to view lesson videos from any location, track stats, schedule lessons and more. Students also can take part in Raptor Bay Golf Academy’s Get Golf Ready clinic series, designed for beginner and higher handicapped golfers.

The Raptor Bay Golf Academy, located between the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa and the Hyatt Residence Club at Coconut Plantation in Bonita Springs, is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Designed by golf legend Raymond Floyd, Raptor Bay Golf Club made history as the first resort course in the U.S. to receive Audubon International’s Gold Certification. The 18-hole championship course features 22 acres

Dan Lockhart of lakes and more than 200 acres of native vegetation and nature preserve areas.

For more information or to register, visit Raptor Bay Golf Club at 23001 Coconut Point Resort Dr., www.raptorbaygolfclub.com or call 239-390-4600.

Hawk Course, hole #6 Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

J A C K S O N V I L L E / S T. A U G U S T I N E

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You’llofstay in aYou’ll newly stay in a newly remodeled play world-famous on one of two remodeled room and play room on oneand of two world-famous layouts Kingonly & Bear, theever onlyco-designed course everby layouts – King & Bear, –the course co-designed by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, or Slammer Slammer & Squire, created Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, or & created and Gene Sarazen. bySquire, Sammy Sneadby andSammy Gene Snead Sarazen.

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12/31/12. Valid Florida/Georgia Drivers License required. Per room, per night, based on availability. Advanced reservations required. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

WGV32469 FLGolfCentralAD.indd 1

1/19/12 10:25 AM

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orth central florida north central florida north central florida north central flori

By Keith Chartrand

The Villages Pro Shootout The Villages Pro Shootout is a golf event that pits the head pros of The Villages golf courses against each other. Approximately 1,000 spectators watched the sixth annual event which took place at Lopez Legacy Country Club in The Villages.

A golfer gets eliminated after each hole whether by strokes, a putt-off or a chip-off.

When defending champion Steve Hanson, the pro at Lopez Legacy, threeputted the seventh hole it became a three-man race. Chris DeBusk of Havana Country Club, Brett Sherman of Tierra del Sol County Club and David Williams of Cane Garden Country Club went to the eight tee hoping for some magic.

DeBusk birdied the par-5 to move on while Sherman and Williams made par. The two went to a chip off. Williams went first and came up short.

Sherman’s shot in the air looked like it would be closer but it checked up and Williams moved on.

On the par-4 ninth hole, Williams rose to the occasion hitting his 122-yard approach shot to 10 inches.

DeBusk had a 20-footer for birdie and missed it.

The trophy 62

The winner, David Williams

Lopez Supporters

Chris DeBusk Fan

David Williams gives the thumbs up Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

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Guests help raise funds for Circus Sarasota at The Founders Club

Circus Sarasota Golf Tournament

London Bay Homes recently hosted the inaugural Circus Sarasota Golf Tournament at The Founders Club, Sarasota’s premier golf community.

Nearly 100 golfers and residents raised funds for Circus Sarasota, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the heritage of the circus arts through performance, innovative education and training programs.

Festivities included breakfast at the 24,000-square-foot clubhouse, a golf clinic, lunch on the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed course, and a helicopter ball drop followed by an awards ceremony. Prizes were awarded for the longest drive and closest to the pin.

A traditional private golf and social

club community, The Founders Club is located within 700 acres featuring intimate neighborhoods with homes nestled along lakes, fairways and nature preserves. The community’s amenities are designed to foster camaraderie among residents and a connection with nature. Miles of winding boardwalks and paved walkways meander throughout Nick Figlow, Garrick Newman, the community, which is "Chuckles the Clown" (Chuck Sidlow) punctuated by palm trees, pines and moss-covered oaks.

At The Founders Golf Club, golfers are allowed to walk the signature course and membership is limited to just 275 to ensure members enjoy year-round golf with no tee time required.

Training facilities include two putting greens, a short game area and state-of-the-art TrackMan radar technology offered through Florida Golf Performance Center.

The 24,000-square-foot Golf Hall, overlooking an oak hammock and the 18th hole, offers a main dining room, bar and grille, outdoor verandah and private dining room for casual

64

Haley Newman with Chuckles the Clown and fine dining. The facility also has a professionally staffed and fully stocked golf pro shop, state-of-the-art fitness center and men’s and women’s locker rooms and lounges.

The club offers a vibrant, active social calendar and recently introduced an in-season reciprocal partnership with Sarasota Yacht Club.

Additional facilities at The Founders Club include two Har-Tru tennis courts, basketball and sand volleyball courts, and a picnic pavilion. Fitness and wellness classes, educational and instructional programs and social gatherings are coordinated by a professional staff.

The Founders Club Sales Center is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located at 3001 Founders Club Drive, three miles east of I-75 on Fruitville Road, exit 210. Furnished model homes are open daily. The community is just minutes from Sarasota’s famed Gulf of Mexico beaches as well as the shops, acclaimed local restaurants and arts and cultural venues of downtown Sarasota.

For more information about The Founders Club, call 866-711-3132 or visit www.ExperienceFounders.com.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

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

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.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

transitions.com

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TIF Charity Classic Pro-Am has record year

First Place Ladies team - Shirley Hubers, Lori Crawford, Ellen O'Neill, Marie Stonesifer with pros Kris Tschetter and Pernill Twenty-seven professional golfers paired with Naples’ most philanthropic players and four Immokalee students to participate in The Immokalee Foundation’s annual Charity Classic Pro-Am, hosted by Bay Colony Golf Club in Naples. It was a record year for the tournament raising $390,000, the most in tournament history, to benefit the youth of Immokalee through The Immokalee Foundation’s educational programs. Coupled with the Charity Classic Celebration fundraising dinner and auction, both events raised a record-breaking total of more than $1.7 million for the nonprofit organization.

Pro-Am event chair Kevin Johnson,

with Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, is thrilled with the results. “I am always so impressed with this community that just keeps giving.

It is so appreciated.”

The tournament included breakfast on the patio and a golf clinic by pros Luke List, Michelle McGann and Pernilla Lindberg. “Jamie Sadlowski also hit some balls that just blew the crowd away,” said Johnson. Breakfast and golf demonstration were followed by a shotgun start. The scramble format paired players with a different pro for each of the nine holes. An awards luncheon was held immediately following the tournament.

Tom and Ann Wamser, Michelle McGann, Joyce Hagen-Fites and Don Fites 66

The team of Kevin Johnson, Leo Hertzog, John Koffel, Tom Rush – playing the front nine holes with Champions Tour golfer Chip Beck and the back nine holes with Champions Tour pro Donnie Hammond – took first place at the golf tournament. The group was awarded the Rick Kletjian Cup, named in honor of the late Rick Kletjian, an early and passionate supporter of TIF’s Take Stock in Children program.

The foursome wasn’t the only group that walked away victorious. In second place overall was Mike Morris, Tim Dooney, Peter Dreyfuss and Marc Stoll, playing with pros Veronica Felibert and Michael Bradley. Ladies’ first place winning team was Shirley Hubers, Marie Stonesifer, Lori Crawford and Ellen O’Neill with professionals Kris Tschetter and Pernilla Lindberg.

The biggest winners of the day had to be the TIF student team, Gerardo Lugo, Charity Gonzales, Alan Cuevas and Heather Martinez, who had the opportunity to play 18 holes with Nationwide Tour professional Eric Booker.

Johnson said Mark Lye, a PGA Tour professional and Golf Channel analyst, deserves particular recognition for the crucial role he plays in the success of the Charity Classic Pro-Am, “Mark is a fantastic partner and manages to recruit an impressive group of professionals from the LPGA, PGA, Champions and Nationwide tours to participate. We’ve received so much support from the pro golfers.”

Tom and Ann Wamser, Michelle McGann, Joyce Hagen-Fites and Don Fites Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

Having completed his third year as chair of the Pro-Am, Johnson just signed on again for next year, “The Immokalee Foundation’s programs make a direct impact on kids’ futures. By being involved, we see their successes and hear stories of what they’ve achieved thanks to the organization. If I can play a small part in raising more money to help more kids, I’m happy to do it.”

Sponsors of the 2013 Charity Classic Celebration and ProAm were Arthrex Inc., hope society; Fifth Third Bank, founding sponsor; Jaguar Naples; Porsche of Naples; Bigham Jewelers, education circle sponsors; Naples Illustrated, media sponsor; and Kevin Johnson with Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management.

Corporate matching sponsors were GE Foundation and Caterpillar Foundation.

The Immokalee Foundation has a range of programs that focus on building pathways to success through college and post-secondary training, mentoring and tutoring, and opportunities for broadening experiences, life skills development and economic independence. To learn more about TIF, the Charity Classic Celebration, volunteering as a mentor or for additional information, call 239-430-9122 or visit www.immokaleefoundation.org.

TIF student team - Heather Martinez, Alan Cuevas, Eric Booker (pro), Gerardo Lugo, Charity Gonzales

Overall Winners - Leo Hertzog, Kevin Johnson, Tom Rush, John Koffel with golf pros Chip Beck and Donnie Hammond

Charity Gonzales, Heather Martinez, Gerardo Lugo, Alan Cuevas, Pete Negri, Liz Allbritten, Don Gunther Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

67

product showcase header

EyeLoc Head Gear

According to a recent independent study, the putting stroke is used more frequently than any other swing during a round of golf.

It is a critical part of the game. Ask any PGA Teaching Professional what the single, largest technical cause of missed putts is and they’ll tell you that its head and/or eye movement. Even the smallest movement of the head or eyes during the putting stroke can be fatal to your putting results. EyeLoc Head Gear is revolutionary eyewear designed as a training aid to help keep a player’s eye locked on the ball.

By adjusting the vertical lines on the patented sliding lenses to your exact PD (Pupillary Distance), the two lines become one laser sharp line. This provides you with instant feedback and helps you detect even the slightest head or eye movement as the ball moves outside of the line. EyeLoc Head Gear (patent & trademark pending) is available in two sizes, Medium and Large (to accommodate any PD) and the frames come in two colors; Yellow or Black and your choice of either Dark Gray Polaroid or Yellow lenses.

Price: $79.00. Order online at www.EyeLoc.com.

Alphard Golf - DUO LT

The revolutionary Duo Cart Lite is an all-in-one pushcart and golf bag combination that is extremely compact, so it fits easily in the trunk of your car, and takes just seconds to set up. The Duo Cart features 4 large wheels that provide a low center of gravity and outstanding stability on even the toughest terrain. The Bag has a plethora of storage pockets for balls, tees, raingear, and other necessities. It comes standard with attachable accessories like an umbrella holder and adjustable drink holder. The Duo Cart Lite offers fun and energetic colors with the same convenience and practicability you would expect from any Duo Cart. The new and improved main latch locking system coupled with the hydraulic assisted back wheel system make folding and unfolding a breeze.

It easily sets up in two steps. Best of all the Duo Cart is “Riding Cart Friendly”, which means its wheels can be removed from the anodized aluminum frame in just seconds and converted into a Cart Bag, which fits on all standard electric or gas carts, should you decide to Ride instead of Walk! The Duo Cart Lite is available in Lime, Orange or Violet. Price: $299.95. Order online at www.AlphardGolf.com.

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

Nicklaus Black, Nicklaus Blue and Nicklaus White Golf Balls

Golf’s greatest champion, ambassador and philanthropist is combining his passions into one industry-shaping business with today’s announcement that Jack Nicklaus will be introducing a line of golf balls, with an emphasis on simplifying the game, as well as giving back to the game and to charity. Nicklaus is introducing three golf balls—Nicklaus Black, Nicklaus Blue, and Nicklaus White—to accommodate three skill levels of player, using the traditional tees from which they typically play.

The balls will initially be sold exclusively online at www.nicklaus.com and through golf/pro shops at the more than 200 Nicklaus Design courses nationwide. A percentage from every golf ball sold in those shops will be donated directly back to the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation to support pediatric programs and hospitals nationwide, while visitors to Nicklaus.com will have the ability to support the Foundation with voluntary contributions.

“We all know that the game of golf can be challenging enough, so we are trying to simplify the decision-making process of selecting the right golf ball and at the same time provide consumers the highest-quality golf balls and at a price that encourages charitable support,” Jack Nicklaus said. “

Sun Mountain ClubGlider Sun Mountain continues to offer more choices within its ClubGlider line of golf travel bags.

The next evolution in travel bags, ClubGlider is the only golf travel bag that offers extendable legs and wheels to support 100% of the weight, while eliminating the repeated bending and lifting required with traditional travel bags. New for 2014 is the ClubGlider Tour Series, which has similar specs to the ClubGlider Meridian and designed to coordinate with the new Sun Mountain Tour Series golf bag, and an updated Meridian with a more rounded and tapered top. Remaining in the line-up as well are the ClubGlider Pro, designed to accommodate a staff bag (or two lightweight stand bags), and the smaller and lighter Journey model. Retail prices are $349 for the Pro, $289 for the Meridian, $219 for the Journey, and $319 for the Tour Series. For the retailer nearest you call 800-227-9224 or visit www.sunmountain.com.

COBRA'S Baffler® XL Combo Set

COBRA Golf is continuing to make golf easier. Easy to hit it far, easy to hit it straight and, most importantly, easy to enjoy the game. The new Baffler® XL Irons feature an oversized face with moderate offset design that yields a forgiving, draw-biased ball flight. The slightly lower profile shape for low CG, delivers easy up off of any lie. The Combo Set features the easy to hit irons as well as the high MOI designed Baffler XL Hybrids for higher, longer ball flight which makes long approach shots easy.

Using inspiration from the original Baffler (first launched more than 40 years ago) the Baffler XL Combo Set features a wide railed sole with more pronounced rails and a beveled leading edge. These design elements make them easy to hit from any lie.

To find an authorized COBRA dealer near you, visit http://cobragolf.com/dealer-locator Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

69

aces & header eagles

Aces & Eagles Celebration Golf Management Names New Golf Sales Associate for Eagle Creek Golf Club Celebration Golf Management, which owns and/or operates seven golf courses in the Central Florida region, recently named Jessica Handlan Golf Sales Associate at Eagle Creek Golf Club in southeast Orlando .

Ed Whalley, General Manager at Eagle Creek, said Handlan who has over eight years of experience in both golf and hospitality, was formerly Assistant Manager at Orlando ’s Dubsdread Golf Course.

In her new role at Eagle Creek, Handlan will being selling tournaments, group outings, charity golf events, and seasonal golf leagues for the course.

“With my strong golf background and dedication to guest services, I’m confident I will achieve positive sales results,” Handlan said.

“As an avid golfer, I will relate my own experiences to our Eagle Creek guests in a friendly and honest way,” she explained.

PGA of America Appoints Wendell Haskins as Senior Director of Diversity and Multi-Cultural Initiatives The PGA of America has named Wendell Haskins as its new Senior Director of Diversity and Multi-Cultural Initiatives. Haskins, who has created and managed high-impact, charitable events, such as the Original Tee Golf Classic and the Soul Train Invitational benefitting the Don Cornelius Foundation, will be responsible for advancing the PGA’s multi-cultural diversity strategy, and developing, managing and executing inclusionary programs and initiatives throughout the world’s largest sports organization.

A dynamic executive and entrepreneur within golf and entertainment, Haskins, 46, fostered charitable and diversity-minded events that have honored pioneers and icons in sports through high-profile golf outings.

Among those who were either honored by the Original Tee Golf Classic or held charitable

events managed by Haskins, include: groundbreaking PGA Professionals Charlie Sifford and Renee Powell; and basketball stars Julius “Dr. J.” Erving, Alonzo Mourning, George Gervin and Sam Jones. The Original Tee event has benefited Golf to End Cancer, the Bill Dickey Scholarship Association and The Clearview Legacy Foundation. As well, Haskins has organized charitable events with former New York Giants linebacker Carl Banks, former NBA player Rod Strickland and The National Black MBA Association.

A Hampton (Va.) University graduate, Haskins started his career as a fundraising executive at the United Way of New York City in 1990, where he was division director responsible for raising $1.7 million for the health and human service agencies of New York City.

Kathy Evans Named 2013 Champions Tour Volunteer of the Year

70

The Champions Tour announced today

2013 for coordinating fellow volunteers at the

that Kathy Evans has been named the 2013

Greater Gwinnett Championship, a first-year

Champions Tour Volunteer of the Year for her

event won by World Golf Hall of Fame member

loyal service to the Champions Tour. Evans

Bernhard Langer at TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth,

was named Volunteer of the Tournament in

Ga. last April.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

Mark Williams to Serve as Director of Client Services for Play18 Solutions Mark Williams has been named director of client services for Play18 Solutions. Williams had been director of national accounts at IBS, Inc., before its division created Play18 Solutions in December 2013.

In his new role, Williams will manage all client relationships for Play18 Solutions, a data-driven marketing and operations solutions company serving the semi-private, resort and daily fee golf course industry.

“We’re excited to have an industry veteran like

Mark in this role,” said Play18 Solutions CEO Brett Darrow. “Mark has a proven track record of success and a high level of enthusiasm.”

Unlike other industry providers who implement a barter system with a course’s premier tee times and then resell them at dramatically reduced prices, Play18 Solutions replaces the dependence on a barter system with a performance-based pricing structure, allowing courses to keep their pricing structure intact.

Golf for Cause Selects LPGA Member Jill Mann Strite as its National Sales Director LPGA Class “A” Member Jill Mann Strite has been named National Director of Sales for Golf for Cause® LLC, a thriving golf-based company that helps businesses and individuals Turn Golf into Gold® through corporate golf outings, tournaments with networking opportunities, player development programs and highly inspirational keynote presentations.

Strite comes to Golf for Cause with more than 15 years of professional experience in the golf industry from golf shop operations and player instruction (at public, private and resort facilities) to golf sales and

business development at top resorts.

A USC graduate, and a member of the Trojan women’s golf team, Strite is not only passionate about playing the game but also about teaching the game and promoting the sport.

To learn more about Golf for Cause visit http://www. golfforcause.com/. To schedule a Golf for Cause event (i.e. keynote speaker, business/golf outing, tournament, clinic, and/or a Get Your Golf On! book signing) call 602.

840.0607 or email info@golfforcause.com.

William McBroom Names Director of Sales & Marketing at the Renaissance World Golf Village Resort William McBroom has been named Director of Sales & Marketing at The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort and Convention Center in Jacksonville/St. Augustine, Florida. In his new position he is responsible for overseeing the sales and marketing efforts for the AAA FourDiamond resort, directing the efforts of the Northeast Florida resort’s sales team, and for assisting meeting professionals, association

executives, business executives, and incentive specialists with the coordination of meetings and programs at the resort. Together with the adjacent World Golf Hall of Fame, The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort and Convention Center is the largest combination hotel and convention center between Atlanta and Orlando, with 101,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

Darlene Riggs Names 2013 PGA Tour Volunteer of the Year for Commitment to THE PLAYERS Championship The PGA TOUR has named Darlene Riggs of Jacksonville, Fla., the 2013 PGA TOUR Volunteer of the Year in recognition of her dedication to THE PLAYERS Championship, where she has operated the event’s volunteer dining services for 28 years.

Riggs was chosen the 2013 Volunteer of the Year from the more than 30,000 volunteers who support the PGA TOUR each year. The selfless commitment of volunteers enables tournaments to generate millions of dollars for their respective charities, while at the same time providing a fun and memorable experience for fans.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

“On the behalf of the 2,000-plus volunteers who support THE PLAYERS, I would like to congratulate Darlene on her selection as the PGA TOUR 2013 Volunteer of the Year,” said Robert Davis, THE PLAYERS 2013 tournament chairman. “For more than 28 years, Darlene has given her time, energy and - most importantly - her heart to the tournament. She is such a big part of making THE PLAYERS volunteers happy and providing the best food in town that we named the facility ‘Darlene’s Diner’ in her honor in 2009.

Darlene is truly an example of what it means to give back and make a difference in the lives of others.”

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aces & eagles

Aces & Eagles The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort Names Natalie McBride Destination Services Manager Natalie McBride has been promoted to Destination Services Manager at The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort and Convention Center in Jacksonville/St. Augustine, Florida.

In her new position she is responsible for assisting meeting professionals, association executives, incentive/recognition specialists, and event planners with the coordination of their programs and events at the AAA Four-Diamond Northeast Florida resort, as well as for off-property activities and functions. Together with the adjacent World Golf Hall of Fame, The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort and

Toby Krause

Kevin Naylor

Thomas Coman

Thomas Keegan 72

Convention Center is the largest combination hotel and convention center between Atlanta and Orlando, with 101,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

“Natalie is the perfect person to oversee our Destination Services team and department,” said General Manager Jeffrey Oliasami. “Her creativity, attention-to-detail, great rapport with clients and guests, leadership, and her ability to produce and oversee incredible events and programs make her the perfect person for the position.”

Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge Promotes New General Manager, and Three More

Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge in Winter Garden recently promoted Toby Krause to General Manager. Michael J. Neumann, Retail and Marketing Manager at Orange County National, said Krause has served as assistant manager of the award-winning facility since May of this year. Krause began his golf career in 2007.

Neumann said Orange County National recently made three additional promotions: Kevin Naylor was promoted to Assistant General Manager at Orange County National.

Naylor joined the Orange County National staff in 2012 and most recently served as Golf Shop and Event Supervisor.

Thomas Coman was promoted to Golf Operations Supervisor and Head Golf Instructor. Coman, who has more than seven years of experience as a golf instructor, joined the Orange County National staff in 2012. Most recently Coman served as Golf Shop Assistant and Instructor.

Thomas Keegan was promoted to Outside Service Supervisor. Keegan joined the Orange County National staff in 2012 and most recently served as a member of the facility’s Outside Service Team.

Alico Family Golf Center Hires PGA Professional Tom Speicher as Director of Golf Alico Family Golf Center welcomes PGA Professional Tom Speicher as its Director of Golf Instruction. Speicher brings more than 25 years of golf instruction and program management to the position. He and his staff are introducing new golf learning programs for adults and juniors including weekly clinics, private and group lessons, junior summer camps, and Get Golf Ready classes. Alico Family Golf Center is now booking lesson reservations. Call 239-2283440, email info@alicofamilygolf.com, or visit www.alicofamilygolf.com to register and learn about the different amenities offered at the center.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 14, Issue 7

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