Golf Central Mag- Vol 22 Issue 11

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

The Fabulous, Not Far Away Fairways Of Fairfield Glade Await You.

Our fairways are fabulous. Our greens are gorgeous.

Our tee boxes a real treat. And it’s all an easy drive from anywhere in the Southeast. Fairfield Glade is conveniently located between Knoxville and Nashville just a few miles off I-40. And when you get here, well…Now The Fun Begins.

• 5 Championship Golf Courses • Miles of Hiking Trails • 11 Lakes for Boating and Fishing • 2 Marinas; Rental Boats, Bait/Tackle • Tennis and Pickleball Courts • Stables for Horseback Riding • Golf Packages Available

For information or reservations, call 888-334-5233 • www.fairfieldgladeresort.com

In Select Theaters April 18 & 19 themulliganmovie.com

The game of life — like the game of golf — can always use a good mulligan!

Based on the popular book by Wally Armstrong and Ken Blanchard, THE MULLIGAN is an inspiring reminder that second chances are only one step away. Be sure to see THE MULLIGAN in theaters Monday, April 18 or Tuesday, April 19.

For Theaters and Group Tickets

from the publisher

Volume 22, Issue 11 Publisher: Terrie L. Purdum Editor in Chief: Shannon Coates Graphic Design: Melahn Cable, Photojournalists: Greg and Beverly Wise Photographers: Lynn Pelham, Brion Price, Peter Hakansson

My mom, Polly, son, Preston, daughter, Tonyia, ME, my sister Tonia, and old friend, Bob at Rumbling Bald on a pontoon boat – 2003

Rumbling Memories

As you can see, Rumbling Bald Resort is on the cover and featured in this issue. Absolutely gorgeous! This brought me back to the first time I visited the property in 2004.

I cherish this photo from Rumbling Bald Resort at Lake Lure, which back then was known simply as, Lake Lure. Such good memories. The stories about how the lake was created for the owner’s wife by flooding an old Indian village in the valley, the tops of the submerged houses still visible when you paddle out to the center of the lake. My son Preston Purdum went out and rolled down the fairway in the full moon and spooked a herd of deer coming out of hiding from the woods. Their silhouettes illuminated by the full moon hanging over the lake. The shared laughter, the smiles, the scintillating conversations; the meals and so much more. My daughter Tonyia called it a “magical place that has the most amazing down mountain tee boxes that make you feel like you are in a cloud looking down.” It put her in a dream world and became her new happy place. My mom and sister also felt much the same way… and for me….it was a place where life was so good back then. A place where hugs, smiles, and amazing golf all came together. My sister Tonia described it as, “A short trip through the mountains of North Carolina, with family. As the mountains opened up to a beautiful resort, Lake Lure. The greens and layout of the course were amazing. Great family atmosphere!”

You have to experience Rumbling Bald to know just how magical it is. Couples, singles, friends and families all have their special memories from their time there.

Rumbling Bald is THE place to be if you need to have some true magic in your life.

Mike Coonan, Becky Galloway Senior Correspondent: Rick Harris, Sr. International Correspondent: Dove Jones Inflluencer/Ambassador: Chad Smith Contributing Writers: Jay Golden, PGA; Greg Wise, Bob Bolton, Greg Corbo, Dennis Dumler, Margie Dumler, Elisa Gaudet, Mike Jamison, Mike May, Ron Heller, Rich Styles, Fred Seely, Deb Shuck, JL Quebbeman, Linda Williams-Sieg Editor Emeritus: Joel Jackson, CGCS Retired Turf Tender: Rich Havyer Social Media Muse: Madison Forni Regional Partner: Doug Hollandsworth, Founder-Georgia Golf Trail

Golf Central Magazine is published monthly by: Sand Hill Publishing & Public Relations 4313 Berwick Dr, Lake Wales, FL 33859 NEW PHONE: 863.875.6863 E-mail: info@golfcentralmag.com ©2022 Golf Central Magazine. No portion of this publication may be reprinted without the prior written permission of the Publisher.

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

2009 North Florida PGA Amateur of the Year 6

Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

This View Is Waiting For You

You’ve Found Golf & Gaming Paradise Tackle the award-winning Pete Dye and Donald Ross courses, and 45 holes of golf overall. Play extra at French Lick Casino with table games, sportsbook and slots. That 2022 road trip is looking memorable already. frenchlick.com/golf • (855) 893-1607

Management reserves the right to cancel or modify any event without notice. Must be 21 years or older to enter the casino. Gambling Problem? Call 1.800.9.WITH.IT or text INGAMB to 53342!

Volume 22, Issue 11 Fasion Forward 34 LOHLA Sport FEATURE 32 Rumbling Bald Resort on Lake Lure

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Golf Bachelor 24 Austin Coyne Golf Bachelorette 25 Erin Nichols Golf Fore Charity 26 Catwalk for a Cause Growing the Game 10 Jim Thorpe Invitational

Departments

In Memory Of 36 Bob Dello Russo Leader on the Links 12 Jay Monahan 22 Bill Daggett PGA Tour 14 Honda Classic Special Events 20 Rapiscan

28 30 38 40 44 46 48 60

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

Feature

Golf History Georgia Golf Trail Tennessee Golf Central Product Showcase Grip It & Sip It North Florida PGA South Florida PGA Freddy’s Fairway Thoughts

Article P

g 32-33

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Turf Life 50 Performance Nutrition Superstar: Wilson Randolph 52 Sunniland Super Spotlight: Kevin Sunderman 54 Audubon International: Treviso Bay 56 Calusa GCSA 58 Turf Pirate’s Journal What's New 18 Coastal Cup Golfers Tour

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golfcentralmag.com

growing the game

Story and photos by: Greg & Beverly Wise

Two days… Two Courses… One Big Winner! – Junior Golf “8-Months ago, Gus Vital shared a dream for a great junior event with me, during conversations over a phone call, discussing the passions of Hall of Fame Golfer, Lee Elder, as well as other greats of the game, like Charlie Sifford, Calvin Peete, Dewey Brown, Renee Powell, Ann Gregory, Jim Dent, and Bill Spiller and how they got their start and how they had persevered through the tough times. The conversation turned to - How do we protect the future of this great game for the young kids coming into the game today? The Dream now had motion,” stated Tournament Chair & Executive Director of United Golfers Association, Tarek DeLavallade, describing what had happened over the past 8-months.

We reached out to Orlando resident Jim Thorpe with the concept and his comments were… “I’m in!” “Let’s do this.” The dream… now had a name - the Jim Thorpe Invitational. “Let’s have a 2-Day Elite Junior Tournament for Minority Golfers and wrapped around a Professional 2-day tournament that will be open to the World of Golf.” “But there is one more thing… the event has to happen during February, which is Black History Month,” Thorpe added. Needless to say, the ball was rolling.

“After searching and talking to countless potential sponsors… a little over 6-weeks ago, the Jim Thorpe Invitational got the shot in the arm it needed. Coca-Cola Beverages Florida stepped up to share their passion for kids and their passion for the game of golf, taking on the Title Sponsor role.” Ty remarked. “To see what this team has accomplished - from Dream to Reality… and the commitment to the game for junior golfers that all 10

of our sponsors have shown, the Jim Thorpe Invitational, presented by Coca-Cola Florida is here to stay,” Ty added.

A total of 57 very talented junior golfers arrived at the ChampionsGate Resort, February 25-27, ready to compete on a scale that many juniors would never have the opportunity to play in. Just imagine being announced on to the tee by a 3-time PGA Tour winner, 13-time Champions Tour winner and 19 Professional wins, Jim Thorpe. That would be enough to rattle anyone, including me! But it didn’t faze these young golfers, they were there to play.

The entire field of Junior Golfers, with their parents and coaches were the big winners this weekend at Champions Gate… But those taking home the trophies for exceptional play: Girls 9 and Under – Kylani Gathers – Tampa, Florida Girls 10 to 12 – Bella Mitchell – Winchester, Ohio Girls 13 to 15 – Alana Hall – Boca Raton, Florida Girls 16 to 18 – Bella Flores – Houston, Texas Boys 9 and Under – Tyler Lambert, Washington, DC Boys 10 to 12 – Ayden Febres, Orlando, Florida Boys 13 to 15 – Drake Belcher – Greer, South Carolina Boys 15 to 18 – Matthew Vital – Bethlehem, Pennsylvania One can only imagine the field that will be in the 2023 event with the success of the Inaugural event. The field will be set for 100 “Elite Junior Minority Golfers” from around the World.

Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

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leader on the links

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan Delivers “State of the Tour” 2022

“Let’s Move On.” J

ay Monahan, Commissioner of the PGA Tour, delivered his opening remarks at his annual “State of the Tour” press conference before THE PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass. First on his list was to address the recent controversy surrounding rival golf leagues: “I wanted to take a moment to address all the news, discourse and conjecture lately about the world of professional golf.

“The PGA TOUR is moving on.

We have too much momentum and too much to accomplish to be consistently distracted by rumors of other golf leagues and their attempts to disrupt our players, our partners, and most importantly, our fans from enjoying the TOUR and the game we all love so much.

“I am grateful for the strong support our top players have shown recently and publicly, and I’m extremely proud that we’ve turned 12

the conversation around to focus on what we do best: delivering world-class golf tournaments with the best players to the best fans, all while positively impacting the communities in which we play.

“We are and we always will be focused on legacy, not leverage.

“You saw it a few weeks back with Joaquin Neimann winning the Genesis Invitational, a historic venue in Riviera Country Club, huge crowds following his every move, and Joaquin receiving the trophy from tournament host Tiger Woods, the player who literally inspired him to take up the game. Those are personal moments that cannot be replicated at any price.

“History shows that the PGA TOUR is bigger than any one player.

“Arnold and Jack both expressed that thought throughout their careers, and Tiger echoed that very sentiment in December and at the Genesis Invitational when he said, the

PGA TOUR will always be his home.

“There is no better place than at the home of the PGA TOUR (and the World Golf Hall of Fame) to reiterate our focus and promise to our fans and our players.

“Let’s move on.”

Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

Award-winning dining, a booming craft beer scene, luxurious resorts, and exceptional year-round golf on courses along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail await you in Alabama. Plus, with Jerry Pate’s Kiva Dunes and Arnold Palmer’s Craft Farms in Gulf Shores, from the mountain lakes to the Gulf Coast, you can take it all in.

www.GolfAlabama.org

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Birmingham

orth GA Tour florida PGAPGA Tournorth PGAflorida Tour PGA PGATour northPGA florida TourPGA PGAnorth Tour florida PGA Tour PGAPGA northTo

Photos and Story by Beverly and Greg Wise

Turn up the Music…

The Sounds of the Florida Swing are Here!

Make no bones about it…

The fans are back out in force on the PGA Tour Stop in 2022.

After the past 2 years with little or no contact with the players of the PGA Tour… I believe the Florida Swing will prove to everyone that the Fans Are Back.

The Honda Classic is first up in the Florida Swing on the easy access PGA National course in Palm Beach Gardens.

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This course allows for most of the crowd to be very close to the action. And for the Quiet Signs…

Well, experiencing the Bear Trap at PGA National… the 16th, 17th and 18th… firsthand – Total silence isn’t something that everyone is believing in this year. After the experience at the Waste Management and the Hole in One… it has been proven that quiet, isn’t the old norm. Players have

learned to block out all noises to be able to focus on their first priority.

Congratulations to Austrian, Sepp Straka on the impressive Championship win, shooting a 4-under par 66 to finish the Honda Classic at 10-under par, 270 total.

Tied with Straka at the start of the final round, Ireland’s Shane Lowry fired at 3-under 67, 271 total to finish one stroke back in 2nd.

Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

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orth GA Tour florida PGAPGA Tournorth PGAflorida Tour PGA PGATour northPGA florida TourPGA PGAnorth Tour florida PGA Tour PGAPGA northTo

Story and Photos By Dove Jones

The Honda Classic Celebrates Women

The Honda features various entertainment throughout the week aimed at kids and families and talented women play a large part.

The CouTOUReClub and their junior members support the tournament and its sponsors and over 100 Children’s charities throughout the year

When, Ken Kennerly, the Tournament Executive Director took over the reigns of one of the longest running events on TOUR, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022, with the TOUR’s longest title sponsor partnership, HONDA in its 41st year, he was determined to not only make it the best event on TOUR for the players but for the community as well.

and CEO of HaitiChildren (https:// haitichildren.org – a charity sponsored by the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation) and one of the top women in sports management, Karen Brodkin, Endeavor, Executive Vice President of Content Strategy and Development and Co-Head of WME Sports –the Williams sisters are among

He designed, with a cooperative community, an event that had something for everyone off the course as well as on – spectacular fireworks displays on the weekends, kids programs, nightly bands, grandstand seating to support not only corporate patrons but general admission and a wonderful special program for women – The Women’s Leadership Forum – now in its 10th year.

This year’s Forum, presented by Jupiter Medical Center, was attended by over 300 women and featured a Palm Beach County Proclamation in honor of Barbara Nicklaus by Commissioner Maria Marino and speakers the inspiring, Susie Krabacher, Founder 16

Governor Ron DeSantis awards Barbara Nicklaus the State of Florida’s highest honor – The Medal of Freedom – with husband Jack looking on Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

available at www.womensgolfday.com.

Also in the audience were many members of the CouTOURe Club a women’s organization founded 15 years ago by Ken Kennerly’s wife, Kelly, and other women in the community to support the tournament and its sponsors. The organization has continued to grow to over almost 240 members, including 39 junior members, and along with the assisting the tournament the group now supports over 100 children’s charities with programs throughout the year. The tournament has proudly raised over $5.1 million in support of children’s charities over the years.

Sepp Straka (supported by wife Paige, who braved the pouring rain) may have picked up the $1.44 million dollar winner’s check in a thrilling rain soaked finish to the tournament but it was Barbara Nicklaus who was again honored for all her selfless charitable work (https://nchcf.org) with the State of Florida’s highest honor – The Medal of Freedom – presented to her in a special ceremony by Governor DeSantis earlier in the week.

The Honda Classic is a great week on the PGA TOUR schedule made stronger by the community of women that support it throughout the year, Sepp Straka, the 2022 Honda Classic Champions and lovely wife Paige their many world-class athlete clients.

Many women in the audience were novice golfers and the forum

not just tournament week.

Ken Kennerly, Executive Director, Addresses over 300 women attending the Women’s Leadership Forum

provided a great introduction to golf and the tournament and all that women can achieve through the sport and the charitable aspects of the PGA TOUR and its players, as the HaitiChildren Foundation, a fascinating success story, can attest to.

Others in the audience, like Elisa Gaudet, the Founder of International Women’s Golf Day are directly involved with promoting the game to women around the world. This year’s event is June 7, 2022 and more information on attending or hosting an event is Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

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what's new

Welcome To The CCGT!

It’s Not Just Golf….This Is Tournament Golf The Only Golf Tournament Where You Could Win Cash & Prizes On Every Hole!!!

Keith and Alma Pieczynski, Alma otherwise widely known in the golf industry as “Alma Tee,” founded and currently run the Coastal Cup Golfers Tour in south Florida! The Coastal Cup Golfers Tour is an amateur golf tournament for all ages, from zero to thirty handicap. Whether pro or amateur status, you can play and win fairly! Each tournament is divided or flighted while carefully monitored by the professional USGA Ghin system.

This is to ensure each golfer has a greater chance to win and receive prizes fairly! “We eliminate the sandbaggers.”-Keith Pieczynski.

These tournaments are thrown every other weekend a month, from April to November. As more members join, more tournaments will be added throughout the season. They pride themselves on professional, fair, friendly tournaments with lots of prizes to achieve. You have a chance to win cash or prizes on every hole, without sandbaggers stealing all the fun!

‘The Coastal Cup Golfers Tour launched in 2020, while the worldwide pandemic helped and hurt the golf industry. They now look back at a successful first year, being they didn’t give up, when times got hard through the pandemic. Now as they’re growing, they look forward to a new season this April 2021. Please visit their website at ccgt.golf, and feel free to contact Keith or Alma to play in one of their events!

“We want you to feel like family! Why should the pros have all the fun!?

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Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

special events It’s been a long, winding road

since Kevin Sutherland won the 2019 Rapiscan Systems Classic in a thrilling seven-hole playoff against Scott Parel. The 2020 tournament was just 10 days away when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the sports world and drastically changed all of our lives. Even with the cancellation, the Rapiscan Systems Classic was still able to accomplish one of its biggest goals, helping raise a record $1.68 million for charities in South Mississippi through its Birdies for Charity program.

Since then, there have been private pro-am outings, lots of planning for the future and even more money raised for Coastal Mississippi Charities ($2.3 million in 2020-2021). But finally, the Rapiscan Systems Classic has returned

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Par-Tee on the Green and will be held at Grand Bear Golf Club for the first time ever! With the tournament’s return scheduled for March 28 – April 3, Coastal Mississippi feels like it is returning to normalcy.

Designed by World Golf Hall of Fame member, Jack Nicklaus, Grand Bear Golf Club has undergone significant course renovations in the last six months, and promises to give those 78 PGA TOUR Champions professionals

a fresh and exciting challenge.

For those who haven’t attended the Rapiscan Systems Classic in the past, this annual event can best be described as “Crusin’ the Coast Comes to the Golf Course,” as Tournament Director Stephen Schoettmer puts it. “Even if you’re not a huge golf fan, this tournament is one of the most fun block party style events on the Coast every year. It’s great for families, too, as children 17 and under are granted free admission.”

Fans can take in all the action in a variety ways. You’re welcome to follow the players of your choosing as they traverse this amazing course, or you can set up shop in the Corona Premier Patio or VIP Oyster Lounge, two of the luxurious hospitality venues on the 9th and 18th greens. There is also a separate “Patriots Pavilion” that is free for our military veterans and first responders.

Already committed to this year’s event are some huge names in the golf world, including two- time tournament champion, Miguel Ángel Jiménez, World Golf Hall of Fame members Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Vijay Singh, and many more. Come out to Grand Bear Golf Club March 28 – April 3 and see some of the best golfers on the planet make their return to Coastal Mississippi! Tickets are now on sale at RapiscanSystemsClassic.com.

Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE

2022 OFFICIAL DONATION CARD GRAND BEAR – BILOXI, MS | RAPISCANSYSTEMSCLASSIC.COM

CHIP IN FOR LOCAL CHARITIES

Charity begins on the golf course at the Rapiscan Systems Classic. Birdies for Charity is your opportunity to help Coast charities and potentially win some great prizes. When you chip in for your favorite cause, you can help make them a big winner! That’s because participating charities receive every single penny of the donations collected in this program.

Enter to Win the Birdies for Charity Grand Prize!

For every $25 you donate to the charity or charities of your choice, you’ll receive an additional entry in the drawing for the Birdies for Charity Grand Prize, courtesy of Beau Rivage!

E.g.: $100 Donation = 4 entries

BIRDIES FOR CHARITY GRAND PRIZE Two-Night Stay at Beau Rivage $200 Food & Beverage Credit at Beau Rivage Round of Golf for Two at Fallen Oak

SCAN FOR MORE INFO

RAPISCANSYSTEMSCLASSIC.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Wiley Anderson • 228.896.6365 • wanderson@brunoeventteam.com

leader on the links

Bill, tell us a little bit about your background. How did you get into the sport and where has your golf career taken you?

Bill Daggett Director of Golf at Barnsley Resort

Golf really wasn’t on the radar for me until when Jack Nicklaus won the 1986 Masters, as I can remember my father’s excitement when Jack holed that famous putt on 17. We can all thank Vern Lundquist for that memorable quote of “yes sir!”. After that tournament, my father was hooked. I, on the other hand, was involved with other sports such as soccer and baseball. Growing up and being around my father, I enjoyed the game. I wasn’t any good at it, but it was fun. With school and other sports and activities, golf just wasn’t a priority until I got to high school. I tried out for the team and didn’t make it. I still played over the summers with my father and his friends and I slowly got better.

When I moved to Newnan, Georgia after high school, I started to play and practice more. I was out of the seasonal North and down in the South there were more days for better play with longer summers and short winters. I attended West Georgia and considered being a part of the golf team at the University, until I found out that there was not a team. Instead, I took a job my junior year at a local public course to satisfy my playing wants and needs. It was the best job I had experienced thus far since I could play and practice as much as I wanted to, and I even had keys to the lights on the range. Sometimes I would pound balls till midnight, though I would just have to pick them up before I left since that was the deal.

After college I worked for an environmental consulting firm in Atlanta, figuring that was what you did with a science degree out of school. I hated every minute of it, to the point that I would skip out early from work and head over to the old Bobby Jones course just north of downtown and play just about any chance I could. The course was close, cheap and very accessible. Between the Bobby Jones course and the old Chastain course in North Fulton, I played just about 3-4 days a week. So based upon my interest in playing and participating in small tournaments, my interest in becoming a professional grew, but I didn’t know how to start the path to get there.

My father introduced me to an old pro of his in Newnan named Ted Meyer, who at the time, was a pro at Summer Grove in Newnan, Georgia. He and I talked for a while about the path to the PGA and the steps to take to become a Class A professional. The first step was to take a Playing Ability Test, or PAT, 36 holes of golf in one day, and to pass meant posting a score at or below the qualification score. I took my test at the Oaks Course in Covington, Georgia and passed on the first try, put my two weeks in at the environmental firm and within a few weeks after that, started my new career as an Assistant Professional at Planterra Club in Peachtree City, Georgia.

Golf has been good to me, although it has been a difficult and challenging path. I have worked in just about every facet of the industry from grounds maintenance to administrative and everywhere in between, and I still look forward to getting out of bed and getting to the course where every day brings new challenges and rewards.

Tell us more about your PGA Certifications in General Management, Golf Operations and Teaching and Coaching. How do you feel they enhance your new role as Director of Golf?

In 2004 the PGA rolled out the Certified Professional Program, a program that offered specialized career paths 22

Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

that are geared toward developing professionals to streamline their careers. This knowledge-based platform offers disciplines such as General Management, Executive Leadership, Golf Operations, Retail Management, Teaching & Coaching, and Player Development, each delivering specific learning opportunities relevant to industry trends. Completing any one of these disciplines helps the professional in feeling that they’ve learned new information, ready to be implemented at their club, course or resort, helping to improve not only their place of business but also set themselves apart from other professionals. These are the reasons why I chose to pursue the program.

I chose Golf Operations because the majority of my work revolves around this discipline, so it made sense to enhance that skill set and obtain this certification. I also wanted to become a better teacher, and the tools and knowledge that I received from the Teaching & Coaching certification has strengthened that. General Management rounded out my skills as to what I thought was necessary to understand more about total operations. I feel as though having all three of these certifications has helped me tremendously in my career and has given me a leg up in the competition of landing a key leadership role at an awardwinning facility, such as Barnsley Resort.

What drew you to Barnsley Resort?

Since I’ve lived in Atlanta for many years, I feel like I’ve been privy to many happenings in golf in and around the area, especially new course openings. I remember when the Barnsley course opened, and in 2001 I had an opportunity to play it. I remember the bentgrass greens and tees, which reminded me of the courses I played up in Northern Virginia as a kid, but something that I wasn’t used to seeing were the dramatic elevation changes around the course. From that first experience, I knew that this place was remarkable. The Inn wasn’t built yet nor the Georgian Hall, and I remember the golf operation running through one of the cottages. The place was truly a one-of-a-kind golf experience, which I will never forget, and when I heard that there was an opening for Head Professional, I had to act on it.

What are some of the best holes on the course? Why? All the Par-3 holes really make this place a great track to play. Each one is Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

Barnsley Golf Hole #14 very different from the other, either in elevation changes, hazards surrounding the hole and the length of the tee shot.

You better be on your “A” game when playing this collection of Par-3 holes.

The final 4 holes is by far the toughest collection of finishing holes in North Georgia. The green complexes on holes 15 and 16 can be brutal if your shot lands on the wrong tier of the green, which makes your approach shot that much more critical. Hole 17, the last Par-3, is the most difficult of the Par-3 holes on the course since water surrounds the entire right side of the hole. There is no “bail out” and you must hit a precise shot or you will be looking at a big number. The final hole, hole 18, is a great finishing hole which requires a very accurate and long tee shot that will set yourself up for critical approach to an elevated 3-tiered green that slopes from back to front. A birdie here will seem like a huge victory!

Do you have any favorite brands of golf equipment or gear?

Equipment today is far superior to the equipment we had just a decade ago.

Manufacturers, such as TaylorMade, Titleist, and Callaway, have made huge R&D steps to make the ball as far as possible. We promote all three of these brands in our golf shop as we feel that

these three brands are the pinnacle of our industry.

Which golf events are your favorite to participate in?

Being a member of the PGA allows me to participate in a number of playing opportunities. I have participated in Section open and PGA events in both the Michigan Section as well as the Georgia Section. To qualify for the Section open championship is a special feat, as you are playing against ex-tour players as well as the best in your section and the best of the best, and it truly is an honor to represent my facility while doing it.

Are there any upcoming charity events at Barnsley Resort our readers should know about?

Barnsley Resort offers many charitable opportunities to either contribute financially or to come out and be a part of. This year we are hosting the United Way of Bartow County as well as Open Door Homes of Rome, Georgia. These are wonderful opportunities to get involved with, either through donations or contributing to the event. Please go to Open Door website http://www. opendoorhome.org/ and United Way’s website https://www.bartowliveunited. org/ for more information.

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golf bachelor Photos by Greg (Jersey) Corbo

AUSTIN COYNE Where were you born? Did you grow up there?

San Diego, California. Grew up in Orange County, California

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

Friends, Faith, Helping others

Is “acting your age” overrated?

100% we all act a little goofy sometimes

What do you fear the most?

Not finding love

What do you do for a living?

Golf Operations for Epson Tour/LPGA What would you like to do for a living?

Manager of Operations for LPGA Aside from golf; what do you prefer for fun and relaxation?

Going to the beach.

What golf apparel do you like to wear?

Ralph Lauren

What are some of your great accomplishments?

College Degree; My relationships I have built Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails?

Cocktails with friends.

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

My Mother

Favorite comedian?

Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias

Steak, chicken, or seafood?

On a date best believe ordering seafood.

Movies:…comedy, drama, action, romance?

Comedy: The Interview, Step Brothers, Shrek

Tell us something about yourself that only your closest friends know.

I am very shy but easy to open to up once you get to know me.

Last book you read?

A course called Ireland

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

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

Not fixing divots.

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

Tiger, Nelly and Bryson

Favorite charity to support?

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

I have a big heart. Put others before myself. I Like surrounding myself with happy and easy-going people.

Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

golf bachelorette

s l o h c i N n

Eri

Erin and her Dad, Nic, at Rio Pinar CC Where were you born? Did you grow up there? I was born and raised in St. Charles, MO. Moved to Orlando for college and have never looked back!

Is “acting your age” overrated? Most of the time, yes.

What do you do for a living? I am a Dealer Sales Representative for Simpson Strong-Tie. What would you like to do for a living? I am so lucky to have a job I absolutely love, wouldn’t change a thing!

Aside from golf; what do you prefer for fun and relaxation? I like to exercise, hit the beach and paddleboard. Ideally a combo of all of them!

What golf apparel do you like to wear? I don’t have a favorite, but I do have a pretty sweet pair of Turf Life shorts.

Steak, chicken, or seafood? I love a good filet.

Tell us something about yourself that only your closest friends know. Why would I do that?

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

Name the three most important things to you in this world. My kids, my family and my friends.

Given the choice; would you select love, success, or money to keep yourself happy? I’d say success because to me success is bit of each of those things!

What do you fear the most? Teenagers! (I have two of them) What three people would you most like to play with in your fantasy golf foursome? My Dad, my uncle and my brother. Just got to play with two out of the three, not too shabby!

Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails? How about a happy hour? I am a rockstar, until about 8 o’clock!

Last time you spewed something through your nose from laughing so hard? I’m not sure, but I am sure that Editor-In-Chief, Shannon Coates was involved!

Favorite comedian? I’ve seen Jim Jeffries a few times. He’s incredibly crude and I think it’s hysterical.

Movies:…comedy, drama, action, romance? 86 the romance, the rest are good.

Photo by Madison Coates

Favorite magazine? Sky mall, in the good old days before covid when you could get one on the plane.

What else would you like for us to know about you? My dad tried to get me to play golf when I was a teenager. I wish I would have listened to him (please don’t tell him I said that!) and started playing golf much younger.

Golf Central • Volume 22, 23, Issue 11

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by Dave Walker, Professional Golf Events

Catwalk for a Cause To all of our Catwalk heroes that walked the catwalk, you are AMAZING! What a great event for these brave women who battle ovarian cancer with such grace. This event which took place the night before the Daytona 500, showcased the need for Ovarian Cancer awareness and research. The event was hosted by the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation. Both Martin and Sherry greeted the crowd and introduce the night’s program.

Martin currently competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series driving the No. 19 Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing He is the 2017 NASCAR Cup Series champion and a two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series champion.

For the past 11 years, the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation (MTJF) hosted their signature event, Catwalk for a Cause, in the Charlotte, NC area. Catwalk was created by MTJF co-founder Sherry Pollex, an ovarian cancer survivor and long-time partner of NASCAR Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr., to put the spotlight on childhood cancer heroes for a night of fun and philanthropy.

In 2022, her Catwalk vision will be expanding to include a new location in Daytona Beach, FL, with a focus on the brave women diagnosed with gynecological cancers. These women will strut the runway alongside

prominent women in NASCAR to create an unforgettable night.

Amazing survivors strut their stuff for Catwalk for a Cause hosted by 11-year ovarian cancer survivor, Sherry Pollex at Daytona One. Catwalk(s) heroes included: Lisa Bowen, Mai Linh Nguyen Achong, Judi Feldman, Bonnie Donihi, Dorine Olive, Julie Milligan, Kashley Ryna,

Sherry Baird, Ruthie Snyder, April Williams, and Karen Ingalls. Raising money and awareness. All of the proceeds from the event will benefit AdventHealth Daytona, that will develop an integrative medicine clinic similar to the SherryStrong Integrative Medicine Oncology Clinic location in Charlotte.

This clinic will be ideal for the cancer patients at AdventHealth Daytona.

Lisa Bowen & Jill Gregory 26

Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

Also walking the catwalk were the Women of NASCAR. These ladies took their time to support the event as they paired up with the (s)heroes for the walk down the catwalk. Women of NASCAR included; Erin Evernham – Race Car Driver and Radio Host, Gianna Tulio – Miss Hooters 2021, Jill Gregory – EVP and GM of Sonoma Raceway, Jamie Little – Fox NASCAR Reporter, Jessica Fickenscher – Chief Experience Officer at Speedway Motorsports, Krissie Geise – Co-Founder and President of Rescue Ranch, Erin Blaney – Executive Director Ryan Blaney Foundation, Holly Cain – Veteran Auto Racing Reporter, now a writer for NASCAR Wire Service, Hailie Deegan professional stock car racing driver. She competes fulltime in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, driving the No. 1.

Also helping support the event was country music singer Lindsay Ell. The team at Bespoke Sports & Entertainment along with Jill Burgdoff of the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation worked very hard to make this a great production. That team included Brooke Faw, Samantha Silber, Allie Mowbray and Hannah Overholt.

Martin Truex, Jr

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.

Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

transitions.com

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golf history

By Mike May

The Biltmore Hotel

Miami-Dade County The ‘Capitol’ of the Florida Historic Golf Trail To fully appreciate

the true history and roots of golf in Florida, pay a visit to Miami-Dade County. There, you’ll find seven of the 53 golf courses along the Florida Historic Golf Trail.

Those seven courses are the Miami Beach Golf Club, Miami Springs Golf & Country Club, Miami Shores Country Club, Normandy Shores Golf Club in Miami Beach, Biltmore Golf Course in Coral Gables, Granada Golf Course in Coral Gables, and the Redland Golf and Country Club in Homestead. Each golf course has a historical past worth reading, researching and reviewing.

Playing each course is fun, too.

The Miami Beach GC opened for play in 1923 and was originally called the Bayshore Golf Course. There was star appeal at the grand opening when 28

golfing legend Gene Sarazen played the first 18 holes in November 1922. During World War II, the course became a training ground for the U.S. Army. Then, in 2002, the course underwent a $10 million renovation, a new clubhouse was built, and the course’s name was changed to the Miami Beach Golf Club.

The Miami Springs G & CC is the oldest golf course in Miami-Dade County.

Originally called the Miami-Hialeah Golf Course, this layout was the original home of the Miami Open. From 1925 to 1955, the beginning of the winter professional golf circuit – the Miami Open -- started here at Miami Springs.

Miami Springs Golf & Country Club

Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

Redland Golf & Country Club

Normandy Shores Golf Club

MIami Beach Golf Club The Miami Shores CC opened in the fall of 1939 and was originally called the Miami Shores Village Golf and Country Club. Two of the unique attributes of this golf course are two hazards – a waterway and railroad tracks -- which help make it stand apart from other golf courses. The waterway is the Biscayne Canal Number C-8, while the railroad tracks are now classified as out-of-bounds. Here, golfers will cross that canal on five occasions.

Normandy Shores GC opened for play in December 1941, but its roots can be traced to the early 1920s when developer Henry Levy and his associates started a massive dredging and landfill project in Biscayne Bay. This golf course was built on North Island/Normandy Shores which is built from 100% reclaimed land from the dredging and landfill efforts.

The strength of the Biltmore GC, a championship Donald Ross design, is its superb collection of par 4s. They range from drive-and-pitch gems to longer holes like the 450-yard 17th,

Bob's Burgers at the Biltmore Hotel Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

which calls for a solid drive followed by an accurate approach over water to a bulk-headed green. In 2007, golf course architect Brian Silva implemented a comprehensive restoration of the golf course, as he recreated the authenticity of this 1925 design. BTW, Babe Ruth played golf here in 1930.

Owned and operated by the City of Coral Gables, the Granada GC is the oldest continuously operating ninehole course in Florida. After golf, many golfers eat at Burger Bob’s Restaurant.

It’s a community favorite that looks like an old-school diner from the 1950s.

And, the Redland G and CC is impacted by a steady breeze, many palm trees, pearly white sand traps, and a few lakes and ponds – typical of a south Florida golf course. The course remains in tip-top shape 12 months a year because of its talented superintendent – Samuel Martinez.

For more information about these seven golf courses and other Florida Historic Golf Trail courses, check out www.FloridaHistoricGolfTrail.com.

Miami Shores Country Club 29

By Mike May

georgia golf trail

All Roads in Georgia Lead to The Masters

While the eyes and ears

of the golfing world are focused on Georgia and the Masters in early April, it’s worth noting that the major highways that lead to the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta are filled with great golf courses which are worth playing while en route to the Masters or while you are headed home. If you’re traveling along one of the four major interstate highways – I-95, I-20, I-75, or I-85 – that enter and leave Georgia, consider bringing your golf clubs for an 18-hole pitstop or two along the Georgia Golf Trail, where you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to places to play golf.

“The Georgia Golf Trail, which has many locations as you travel to the Masters, offers a wide variety of golf experiences that range from seaside destinations to courses built among the mountains,” said Georgia Golf Trail Founder Doug Hollandsworth.

As you enter Georgia from Florida along I-95, there are many places to play golf. Your first stop will be the Jekyll Island Golf Club on Jekyll Island.

Currahee Club GA 10th Hole

The Jekyll Island Golf Club is blessed with four golf courses – a nine-hole layout and three 18-hole courses. The Great Dunes Course is the nine-hole layout. The three 18-hole courses are the Indian Mound Course, Oleander Course, and Callaway Gardens Lake View 10th Green the Pine Lakes Course.

Great Dunes was Jekyll Island’s first golf course. The legendary Walter “Old Man” Travis was the architect of this coastal jewel.

Indian Mound, constructed in 1975 by veteran course designer Joe Lee, is the shortest of the three 18-hole courses, but it’s no pushover.

Oleander, considered the most difficult golf

30

course on Jekyll Island, has hosted the Georgia Open four times.

Pine Lakes, which opened in 1968, is the longest golf course on Jekyll Island.

Pine Lakes meanders through ocean forests and natural marsh hammocks.

Just north of Jekyll Island is the Sapelo Hammock Golf Club in Shellman Bluff. Surrounded by tidal marshes, saw palmettos, and live oak trees, this golf course’s greens are a reflection of this club’s commitment to excellence.

After leaving Shellman Bluff, keep heading north along I-95 to Savannah.

Savannah’s only golf course along the Georgia Golf Trail is The Club at Savannah Harbor, which hosted the Legends of Golf event on the Champions Tour from 2003-2013.

As you travel into Georgia from Alabama along I-85, a must-play stop is Callaway Gardens & Resort Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

Highland Walk 17th Hole

in Pine Mountain. Callaway has two golf courses: Lake View and Mountain View. Lake View opened in 1952. It’s as beautiful to visit as it is fun to play. The Mountain View golf course hosted the Buick Challenge on the PGA Tour from 1991 to 2002.

As your drive into Georgia from Alabama on I-20, you can play The Frog Golf Course in Villa Rica. The Frog, an 18-hole championship public-access golf course, deserves that ‘championship’ label as it has hosted many notable golf events such as the Georgia Open, CEO Jaguar Tour, and the John Smoltz Celebrity Players Tournament.

As you travel south into Georgia along I-85, there are four dynamic destinations worth playing: Sky Valley Country Club in Sky Valley, Currahee Club in Toccoa, Highland Walk Golf Course at Victoria Bryant State Park in Royston; and Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course at the Richard B. Russell State Park in Elberton.

The Sky Valley CC, with an average

Sapelo Hammock Back Nine Marshland Tee Box elevation of 3,500 feet, is a mountainous golf course that winds its way through a valley. It features great views from five elevated tees. The Currahee Club has been listed as a “Top 10 Golf Courses To Play Before You Die” by Golf Digest. At Highland Walk, every golfer will deal with many steep rolling hills, crowned fairways, and sloping Bermuda greens. And, Arrowhead Pointe is considered the ‘Crown Jewel’ of the Georgia Golf Trail. The water views are stunning -- with 10 of the 18 holes skirting Lake Richard B. Russell.

And, finally, as you travel into Georgia from Florida along I-75, enjoy the Georgia Veterans Memorial Golf Course in Cordele. Located on the premises of the Lake Blackshear Resort & State Park, it’s a par-72 layout with 130 sand traps, four sets of tees, and at least one grey fox! The key to playing this course well is to focus your attention on six specific holes: 1st, 7th, 11th, 13th, 15th, and 18th.

For more information about places to play golf along the Georgia Golf Trail, while in Georgia for the Masters, check out www.GeorgiaGolfandTravel.com.

Arrowhead Pointe GC overlooking Lake Russell

Frog Golf Course

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Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

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fashion forward

Annika Sorenstam to Exclusively Wear LOHLA SPORT Ladies’ Golf-Lifestyle Apparel

Annika Sorenstam and Lisa O'Hurley

Annika Sorenstam and LOHLA SPORT have established a new partnership which has the golf legend exclusively wearing the brand’s premium ladies’ golf-lifestyle apparel at golf tournaments and events.

True to Annika’s Swedish roots, LOHLA SPORT’s impeccable sense of style features colorful, on-trend European designs with Los Angeles flair. Flattering cuts for sizes XXS to XXL are made from fine-quality fabrics sourced worldwide which optimize athletic movement. LOHLA SPORT collections include coordinated tops, bottoms, skorts and outerwear.

Annika immediately gravitated to and embodies the company’s “Made for Play” mantra. Aligned with her balanced home-golf-business regimen, LOHLA SPORT’s customer is the woman who intimately cares about fashion and appearance, and covets comfortable, stylish, playful and classy outfits which confidently transition from the course to the office to socializing with friends and family.

Collaborating with LOHLA SPORT Founder and CEO Lisa O’Hurley and London-based Chief Designer Paul Rees, Annika will help create a bespoke signature collection for release in fall 2022. Part proceeds will benefit the 34

ANNIKA Foundation that provides playing opportunities at golf’s junior, collegiate and professional levels while teaching young people the importance of healthy and active lifestyles through fitness and nutrition.

“I have known Lisa for a long time and always admired her taste and passion for women’s fashion,” says Annika who is widely regarded as the greatest female golfer of all time. “We reached out to LOHLA SPORT after seeing and hearing about its beautiful clothing in golf and country club circles.

“LOHLA SPORT is exactly what I want with my active lifestyle. When going from the office to the course, to the kids’ practices and social settings, I don’t have time to change outfits throughout the day. Now I have the perfect sporty, yet feminine balance that represents today’s lady

golfers on and off the course.”

“LOHLA SPORT will give Annika a new, resort-oriented fashion look,” says O’Hurley. “Annika is an inspiration to every woman who picks up a club. With her wining last year’s U.S. Senior Women’s Open, Annika’s comeback is official yet, like the team that comprises LOHLA SPORT, she covets family time as No. 1.”

Annika and O’Hurley fostered a friendship over decades and further bonded over the serendipitous timing of their partnership. With on- and offcourse participation surging the past two years, the women’s golf economy exceeded $1.53 billion in 2021, according to Golf Datatech. Roughly $482 million was spent on women’s golf apparel.

In addition to more than 200 fine golf shops carrying LOHLA SPORT since its debut in January 2021, the brand has

Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

become a media darling for its refreshing looks. ESPN, Forbes, GOLF Magazine, Golfweek, NBC Sports and others praised the apparel for its upmarket appearance. Much attention focuses on unique-to-LOHLA SPORT signatures: • The Golf Fitness Pull-On Pant – Worn stand-alone (akin to a workout tight) or under skorts in the fall for added warmth and décor, it is purposely thicker and outfitted with back pockets, becoming the perfect golf-yoga pant. Its back pockets make it country club appropriate.

• The “Very Pant” – The four-pocket, full, four-way stretch is offered in several colors. It was inspired by the J. Peterman character in the TV hit “Seinfeld,” indicating specificity of the surreal or sublime. The famous line “The Very Pant I’ve been searching for all my life” is part of sitcom lore.

LOHLA SPORT’s 2022 SpringSummer Collection feature five amazing and colorful capsules: (1) Rodeo Drive & Core; (2) Ocean Avenue; (3) Hollywood Boulevard; (4) Sunset Boulevard; and (5) Melrose Place.

More information: www.lohlasport. com, hello@lohlasport.com.

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

Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

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By Dave Walker, Professional Golf Events

in memory of

Bob Dello Russo Golf Classic

Bob Dello Russo was a beloved board member of the Orange County Sheriff Foundation and will be missed by all those that he helped over the years in the community.

The Country Club at Heathrow hosted a great event to benefit the Orange County Sheriff Foundation. Chris Earl and his staff put together this golf classic to honor Bob Dello Russo. The Orange County Sheriff Foundation was formed to bring together charitable donors/community leaders/organizations to support the Orange County Sheriff’s employees & their families along with innovations in crime fighting. In addition to a day of golf each player jumped into a nice putting contest for some very unique prizes. Kim Strong with McKinnon Strong helped develop the golf classic and the afternoon’s program of prizes and awards.

Some of the fine sponsors for the event were Giovannis, Cipparone Family, Wayne Densch Inc and Footjoy.

Professional Golf Events were on hand to provide the foundation with some very cool silent auction items.

For More Information: Contact Kim Strong at kim@mckinnonstrong.com 36

Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

Helps relieve

headache, fatigue and nausea associated with dehydration.

Immune Support Workout & Exercise Upset Stomach

New Flavor!

tennessee golf central Loudon County, Tennessee, is known as the “Lakeway to the Smokies” with its spectacular mountain views and abundance of pristine lakes. Among golfers, it is also known as a prime destination to stay and play while enjoying all this east Tennessee destination has to offer. Conveniently located off both Interstates I-75 and I-40 East, Loudon County is just a short drive from Knoxville and Chattanooga.

It is home to some prominent golf 38

communities, and they are known to open their doors to visiting players all year long. Winter here offers plenty of days fit for golf and as the pages of the calendar turn, the excitement on the courses heats up.

Loudon County has long been popular with golfers as the courses here offer challenging rounds in an extraordinary landscape. Both public and semi-private courses offer golfers

excellent quality golf along with a dose of Tennessee hospitality.

Tellico Village (202 Chota Road, Loudon, Tennessee 37774) is home to three of the most challenging and beautiful courses in the Southeast.

These world-class golf courses designed by Ault, Clark & Associates offer both member and guest rates.

The Links at Kahite is a true linksstyle course. The course meanders through a beautiful natural setting and showcases spectacular panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Tanasi Golf Course offers an open layout and large greens, set alongside the beautiful Tellico Lake. The Toqua course features a classic design which takes advantage of a gorgeous natural setting. Several holes play along Tellico Lake and others wind through hills and valleys of the village landscape.

WindRiver Golf Course (1800 Oakum Court, Lenoir City, Tennessee 37772) also overlooks Tellico Lake. Each hole of the par-72 course features a challenging combination of rolling Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

fairways and undulating greens.

Situated on some of the most breathtaking countryside East Tennessee has to offer, the Joseph L. Lee designed Avalon Golf Course (700 Turnberry Circle, Lenoir City, Tennessee 37772) features 18 holes amid challenging terrain, with varying elevations and slopes. The course has earned “4-Star” Golf Digest rating.

Where to eat Each of these courses sit amid gracious golf communities and serve up several dining options for golfers. From casual covered, outdoor grill menus to chef-driven fine dining experiences, players can enjoy an amazing variety of culinary adventure to complement their time on the course.

Tellico Village Yacht Club’s Blue Heron Restaurant (100 Sequoyah Road, Loudon Tennessee 37774) offers exceptional brunches, lunches and dinners in

Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

a picturesque lakeside setting.

Citico’s Restaurant at WindRiver is open for walk-ins at lunch and takes reservations for dinner. The menu includes soups, salads, sandwiches,

pizza, small plates, burgers, pasta, entrées, and daily dessert specials.

The Grille at Avalon serves soups, salads, sandwiches and elegant entrees and they are accompanied by a wine and spirits list second to none.

Beyond the courses, Loudon County has plenty more options, sure to satisfy.

Calhoun’s (4550 City Park Drive, Lenoir City, Tennessee 37772) at Fort Loudon Marina is a favorite for casual burger lunches as well as evening meals with atmosphere. Calhoun’s also has options for dockside dining with views of the marina and Fort Loudoun Lake.

Carmichael Inn (600 Hackberry Street, Loudon, Tennessee 37774) serves Southern comfort food in a unique setting. Housed in an 1821 home, the Carmichael is a favorite for fried catfish, shrimp and grits or meatloaf. Patrons can dine on the front deck or in the historic dining room and enjoy live music on weekends.

Sons of Smoke (304 Cedar Street, Loudon, Tennessee 37774) is a barbecue restaurant located in historic downtown Loudon. The menu features pulled pork, ribs, piggy potatoes, nachos and much more.

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By Mike Jamison

product showcase

It was far from the most well attended PGA Show in history, and the majority of industry heavyweights were nowhere to be found among the 600 or so exhibitors. But most of the people who did make the annual trek to Orlando for the golf industry’s largest gathering seemed very happy to be there, and were glad they came.

Orders were written, business deals were done, products were introduced, and people seemed genuinely thrilled to be hugging, shaking hands, fist-bumping or simply seeing each other in person rather than through a computer screen. It wasn’t at pre-COVID standards, but it was pretty darn nice nonetheless.

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things From The PGA Show: Jay Golden, PGA

ING Industry Honors & Media Awards The 28th Annual ING Industry Honors were presented by the International Network of Golf, the industry’s only media-based networking organization. The nonprofit ING recognizes outstanding achievement in 10 business categories.

Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA, and Tour Edge Exotics 721 Hybrid were among the winners this year.

Whan became CEO of the USGA in July of 2021 after an 11-year stint as commissioner of the LPGA. As CEO, Whan leads the USGA team’s work to champion the game of golf. Under his leadership, the LPGA experienced unprecedented growth, with significant increases in the number of tournaments, purses and television coverage.

The Tour Edge Exotics 721 Hybrid won in the Product IngenuityGolf Equipment fir Market Leaders category. The 721 utilizes several new technologies to maximize performance. A carbon-composite 40

panel covers the entire crown, saving weight that is shifted to the rear for better forgiveness on off-center hits.

High Heat 257+ Turf Glider Sole was the winner in the Product IngenuityGolf Equipment, Emerging Companies category, marking the third time

Knuth Golf has won this category.

Other winners included PGA professional Jay Golden in Player Development; Putting Arc in the Product Ingenuity-Training Aids category; Blue Tees Golf in Product Ingenuity-Technology; LPGA Tour in the TV Commercial category; Sun Mountain Eco-Lite Golf Bag in Product Ingenuity Technology; and Omni Homestead Resort in the Digital/Print Ad category.

ING also announced results in the 28th Annual ING Media Awards, and freelance writer Gary D’Amato of Wisconsin led the way with first-place finishes in three of the 12 categories.

Gary Van Sickle of SI.com/Morning Read had the most individual awards, taking one First-Place finish in the Opinion/Editorial Writing Category, and four Outstanding Achiever honors.

Zero Friction Zero Friction introduced three new products, including the eco-friendly TurfTee. This is a two-in-one product that features a two prong “fork” on the Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

bottom of a high-performance golf tee that easily goes in the ground to properly repair ball marks. The TurfTee is available in two styles ($12.99/30 pack). The Power series features a 3-prong tee design with 66% less surface area for maximum distance, up to five yards longer on tee shots. The AirLaunch features a traditional cup design with airfoil holes through the middle of the cup for maximum air release during contact.

“Our new TurfTee serves as a high-performance golf tee, and also a divot repair tool. Golfers no longer have to carry two products in their pockets. TurfTee serves the dual purpose,” said John Iacono, Founder and President of Zero Friction.

Zero Friction’s other two new products are equally as unique and serve a distinct purpose for golfers. The Wheel Pro™ Push Cart Golf Bag is a three-in-one, multi-functional push or pull golf cart bag. The new TheraTec golf glove, created with the help of renowned medical expert Dr. Conor O’ Brien, offers a heavily padded palm to assist those with carpal tunnel and bone injury.

Bridgestone TOUR B Series Golf Balls With the Great Dominator and the Big Bomber giving their advice and playing your golf balls, you have to be good. And that is the case with Bridgestone Golf, and the newest ball release, the 2022 TOUR B golf ball series.

The input from both Tiger Woods and Bryson DeChambeau contributed to technology that is used on all four TOUR B models. The 2022 TOUR B golf balls feature the new REACTIV iQ cover, and comes in four models, TOUR B RX and TOUR B RXS (for swings under 105 mph), and TOUR B X and TOUR B XS (for swings over 105 mph).

Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

“When you combine 900 polymers engineers and layer in feedback from Tiger and Bryson, it’s a recipe for innovation,” said Elliot Mellow, Bridgestone’s Golf Ball Marketing Manager. “These guys are hands-on with R&D which really helps push our designs to the next level.”

REACTIV iQ is a smart cover technology that reacts to the force of impact for the needs of each club and shot, solving the trade-off of spin vs. distance. Off the tee it rebounds quickly. Around the green the ball stays on the face longer providing more spin and soft feel.

Tiger, who has been playing a Bridgestone golf ball for over 20 years, prefers the XS for its feel and control around the greens. Bryson plays the TOUR B X because of its ball speed.

CertiFresh Cigar Customized Accessories You may know CertiFresh Cigar as the company that delivers individually packaged cigars guaranteed to stay fresh for one full year. What you might not know is that these packaged cigars make terrific tournament and corporate gifts.

Every CertiFresh Cigar comes with customized packaging featuring the club or event logo, making for great gifts for all types of tournament and corporate events. There is no added charge for the customized packaging.

Now CertiFresh has added customized accessories to it offerings.

The accessories can be logo’d and used for tournament prizes, giveaways and corporate gifts. The lineup includes 3-flame torches, cutters, cigar holders and wooden ashtrays.

“The custom piece really falls in line with our CertiFresh Cigar brand,” said

co-owner Eric Nelson. “We are known for matching Premium Cigars with the best courses in the U.S. Now we are doing the same with a few accessories.”

At the PGA Show CertiFresh announced several new additions to an already strong lineup of premium cigars. The newest additions are Rocky Patel’s White Label, Zino Nicaragua, Montecristo Nicaragua and Romeo y Julietta Reserva Real Nicaragua.

“With these additions, we are focusing on high-end country clubs and resorts as the price point fits these areas,” said Nelson. “These additions to an already high-end selection will please clients that are looking to bring in an elite brand for their customers.”

The wide range of quality cigars offered

by CertiFresh includes: Acid, Alec Bradley, Ashton, Avo, Cohiba, Davidoff, Fuente, La Aroma, Liga, Macanudo, Montecristo, Punch, Oliva, Romeo y Julietta, Rocky Patel and Undercrown.

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The Golf Ball Chair is taking America by storm!

Golfers are loving the new range of chairs and table from Dimple Design, read on to find out why.

Dimple Design USA was created to promote a truly unique set of golf themed furniture in the USA. Designed by European PGA Golf Pros to be enjoyed by lovers of golf and bold design, the dimple range is simply iconic in every way. Whether used in commercial or domestic environments, the furniture is built to last and designed to be enjoyed comfortable, practical and durable. “we have customers who have added the chairs to their home offices and indoor golf simulators, they look great!” Explains Mark, MD of Dimple Design USA. “in the past couple of months we’re also seeing more orders from customers who want a chair for gaming in too!”

Golfers can find out more online at www.dimpledesignedUSA.com or on instagram at dimple_designedUSA For more information, to buy a chair or to arrange a viewing contact mark@dimpledesignedUSA.com

After recently showcasing the range at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, the team were amazed by the fantastic, enthusiastic response from attendees. “The chairs were the star of the show” claims Mark “we had queues of people wanting to try them out and have their photo taken in them, it was awesome to see” The original egg-style chair has now been joined by a matching coffee table, bar stool and desk chair, providing a seat for all scenarios (and budgets!). If you’re interested in a chair for your home, office, workplace or even your golf club, get in touch with our Florida based team for more information or visit us online at www.dimpledesignedusa.com

“we’ve already developed chairs for luxury automotive brands and famous sports-people and they look amazing, the chairs are iconic as they are, but for anyone wanting something truly unique we can be as flexible as they need us to be” Mark Beattie Dimple Design USA.

For details on buying a chair, developing your own bespoke design or to arrange a private viewing in our Florida showroom, contact Mark on; mark@dimpledesignedUSA.com

Make it yours, as individual as your swing!

As well as the iconic range, the US team are now also able to offer exclusive access to custom chairs - made at our facility in Mexico by craftsmen, we can customised the color and upholstery of your chair to be unique to your own taste.

“ The range is growing too with a desk chair, bar stool and coffee table all available but of course the big egg chair is always the favorite, whenever anyone see’s it they can’t wait to sit on it! ”

Table 42

Office Chair

Bar Stool

Dimple Chair Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

Own Your Own Golf Ball Chair... dimpledesignedUSA.com

dimpledesignedUSA.com

Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

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grip it & sip it Annika Sorenstam with her business partner, Dr. Kathy Johanson

World Golf Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam Launches Fizzy Beez™, a Line of Full-Flavor, Ready-to-Drink, Sparkling Classic Cocktails World Golf Hall of Fame member Annika Sorenstam has launched Fizzy Beez™, a line of fullflavor, ready-to-drink, sparkling classic cocktails sweetened with ethically farmed organic honey.

The line features classic cocktail favorites Cosmo, Margarita, Mojito and Moscow Mule, each of which are gluten-free, kosher, sweetened with ethically farmed organic honey, and have real fruit juice and other natural ingredients. This approach yields a 5% ABV grain neutral, spirit-based beverage that is light, refreshing and only 140 calories per 12-ounce can. The website, fizzybeez.com, goes live today.

Annika owns Fizzy Beez with her friend and business partner, Dr. Kathy Johanson, who brings 35 years of corporate experience to the company. Fizzy Beez’s first 6,000 cases were canned at Cincinnati’s Impact Brews and will be distributed in a soft launch starting March 1 in Ohio by Superior Beverage Group. Additional releases are expected later this year in Florida, California and Nevada.

“During the COVID lockdown, my husband, Mike, and I got tired of the ready-to-drink cocktails that had no flavor or way too many calories,” says Annika. “After months of mixing and tasting with friends, we came up with 44

drinks that have full flavor, but without all the artificial ingredients and sugar.”

The name Fizzy Beez is a play on Annika’s, “busy bee” lifestyle, as well as a nod to the beverages’ use of organic honey in place of added sugars. This focus on organic honey as a key ingredient will extend to the “Fizzy Beez Promise,” whereby the company will allocate a portion of net proceeds toward bee preservation.

According to an article by VinePair, Inc., the sales of ready-to-drink cocktails increased by 91.8% in the United States during the first months of the pandemic. The vertical’s market size is projected to grow

annually at more than 12%, from a value of $714.8 million in 2020 to an estimated $1.63 billion in 2027.

“More than ever, people are looking for convenient, sustainable, and fun drink options,” says Annika.

“Kathy and I feel like Fizzy Beez checks all the boxes. We’re excited to launch a women-owned company that not only uses ingredients you can feel good about, but also recognizes the importance of bees to our ecosystem and is committed to supporting that cause.”

Follow us and Join the Hive! @TheFizzyBeez For more information: www.fizzybeez.com Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

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

By Daniel Calderon

Jim Endicott, the Director of Instruction at Royal St. Cloud Golf Links (and 2022 NFPGA Patriot Award Winner), instructing the 2021 PGA HOPE Orlando Session.

every Wednesday.” The Citrus County

was Destiny Lawson of Golden Ocala

Plantation on Crystal River in the fall.

Golf & Equestrian Club, who tied for

PGA Coach & ADM

tenth place and finished at +6 (77).

Bruce Mohler, Dave Garren, Chase Dubin and Stephanie ConnellyEiswerth have recently obtained their ADM certification through PGA.Coach.

PGA HOPE Expansion Yours & One Other, the charitable

The American Development Model (ADM) was designed to create positive experiences for sports participants.

affiliate of the North Florida PGA, is

It strives to create an engaging

excited to announce that a new PGA

environment, enabling participants

HOPE Chapter will launch later this

to have a challenging and rewarding

year in Citrus County. The new Chapter

atmosphere PGA.Coach provides

joins the four existing Chapters in

the tools necessary to expand and

Jacksonville, Orlando, Sarasota and

manage Members’ coaching business,

Tampa. The five PGA HOPE Chapters are

as well as the expert training to help

expected to serve nearly 180 Veterans

Members’ adapt and integrate into

this year. There will be two training

their existing teaching methods.

sessions held for PGA Professionals

PGA Winter Series’ Women’s Stroke Play

and Associates to grow the program, and approximately 20 Professionals are expected to be trained. In 2021, five PGA HOPE sessions were held, serving nearly 40 Veterans throughout the North Florida region. The program, which introduces Veterans to the game of golf through a developmental 6-8 week curriculum, was taught by PGA Professionals and left a lasting impact on those who participated. “It was very therapeutic to be outside and learn the game,” said James Hazelton, a 2021 PGA HOPE graduate. “I picked it up really well and looked forward to getting up 46

Golf Club. Rounding out the top 10

PGA HOPE Session will be held at

From off the course to on, our

Round 2 kicked off on February 14th, and the stakes were high for our three Members to retain their high placement and embrace the momentum from their solid firstround finishes. Connelly-Eiswerth edged out a solid finish, rising to the top spot with an impressive tworound total of +2 (145). Changkaji held steady, concluding the round tied for fourth place at +8 (151). Lawson rose to eighth place and ended with a two-round total of +10 (153).

During Round 3, Changkija soared to first place after a stellar final round of shooting 70 and repeated her 2021 victory, while ConnellyEiswerth dropped to third and tied with Allie Knight of the Tennessee Section. Lawson was able to edge out a top 10 finish and concluded her

Members achieved some notable

three rounds of play at +18 (232).

triumphs throughout the month.

Tournament Season is Near

Three Members competed in the PGA Winter Series’ Women’s Stroke Play Championship at the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, FL on February 13th. Returning Champion and new North Florida Member Sandra Changkaji performed solidly in her first round, tying for fifth and finishing at +2 (73). She tied with Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth of Eagle Harbor

The 2022 Tournament Season is gearing up and rapidly approaching!

It is all kicking off with the NFPGA Senior Stableford on March 28th at Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch.

The two-day tournament will surely be one to remember, and we are anticipating a triumphant launch to this year’s tournament season!

Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

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

Glades Central High School Golf Teams Visit The Honda Classic In conjunction with the South Florida PGA Foundation and the 10 All In Foundation, Glades Central High School boys and girls golf teams took a trip to The Honda Classic to experience the Wednesday Pro-Am. At this time last year, many students at Glades Central High School had very little access to the game, lacking facilities to practice and golf clubs to use. However, the South Florida PGA Foundation and its partnership with the 10 ALL IN Foundation helped to change that last summer.

Through its partnership, the South Florida PGA Foundation and the 10 ALL IN Foundation created a camp to bring golf and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) to youth in Belle Glade last July. With the help of 10 All In Founder, SuperBowl MVP and 48

Glades Central High School alumni Santonio Holmes, the school now has two golf teams and recently finished their first season.

Today, the boys and girls golf teams, including coaches, had the unique opportunity to experience a PGA Tour environment and all the amenities that come along with a high level professional golf event.

“Going to this event is great exposure, but it has also opened our players’ world, ‘’ said Felicia Patrick, Girls Golf Coach at Glades Central High School. “Golf was never part of their world and now it is because of these experiences.”

The group watched Rickie Fowler practice on the driving range with his coach and Henrick Stenson’ pre-round putting routine, that included a special aid every student wanted to know the

purpose of, before heading out to the course. The highlight of the day was when the group was invited onto the 17th hole to take a picture on the tee box, catching a glimpse of what the pros get to do.

“Today was a great experience, showing us new things about golf and a lot of things that I didn’t really know, ‘’ said one student. “It really showed that I can actually do something in golf.”

The day ended with special conversations with Santonio Holmes, Ken Kennerly, executive director of the Honda Classic and Geoff Lostead, executive director of the South Florida PGA. The three discussed the benefits of being involved in golf and all opportunities that are available to make connections and further improve your network.

Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

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How has PN helped you be successful (favorite products, programs, technical assistance. etc )?

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Who is your mentor and why?

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What advice would you give to someone starting out in the field?

Work hard out in the field, enjoy what you do and appreciate the industry.

50

Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

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SunnilandSUPERSpotlight: Florida’s Kevin Sunderman, CGCS, Elected Vice President

Kevin Sunderman, certified golf course superintendent (CGCS) and director of grounds at Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club in St. Petersburg, Fla., was elected vice president for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) at the association’s annual meeting in San Diego, Feb. 10.

Sunderman was first appointed to the board in 2017.

GCSAA is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information, and representation to more than 19,000 members in more than 78 countries.

The board sets the strategic direction for the association as it strives to serve its members, advance the profession, and enhance the growth, enjoyment, and vitality of the game of golf.

Sunderman has been at Isla Del Sol since 2005, and he previously held superintendent or assistant superintendent positions at TPC at Prestancia in Sarasota, Fla.; Snee Farm Country Club in Mount Pleasant, S.C.; East Lake Woodlands Country Club in Oldsmar, Fla.; and Whetstone Golf Club in Caledonia, Ohio.

He is a graduate of Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in turfgrass science. Sunderman has also earned an MBA from Florida Southern College.

Sunderman is a 21-year member of GCSAA, a current member and past president of the Florida West Coast GCSA, and a past president of the Florida GCSA. He was also previously a board member for the Environmental Research and Education Foundation.

52

Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

Sunn 28-0-0

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TPC Treviso Bay Celebrates 12 Years of Certification as an Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary

Located in stunning Naples, Florida, only a few short miles from the sunsoaked beaches, is TPC Treviso Bay Golf Club, a certified member of Audubon International’s Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP) for Golf. TPC Treviso Bay is one of more than twenty premier golf courses in the PGA Tour’s Tournament Players Club (TPC) Network and is one of only a handful that remain accessible to the public in the summer months.

The PGA TOUR requires all its TPC Courses to join and seek certification in the ACSP. Treviso Bay has maintained certification since 2009 and continues to recertify every three years, rotating between a site visit and a backup documentation submission.

During a recent recertification site visit, Scott Turner, Environmental Program Specialist at Audubon International, met with TPC Golf Course Superintendent, Rusty Thorn to document, observe and recommend creative measures to expand TPC Treviso Bay’s efforts in the six focus areas of ACSP for Golf certification: environmental planning, water

conservation, water quality, wildlife and habitat management, chemical use and safety, and outreach and education.

Wildlife and Habitat Management During the tour it was clear that TPC Treviso Bay’s picturesque 18 holes are unlike many of the traditional golf courses found in Florida. While many of the state’s golf courses are lined with homes, TPC Treviso Bay is lined with

untouched native vegetation, wetlands, and lakes, which provide a stunning contrast between the beautifully maintained fairways and lush greens.

In addition to developing several acres of quality wildlife habitat and corridors, TPC Treviso Bay also works with Brian Beckner, owner of Native Bird Boxes, to determine the most suitable locations for nesting boxes for raptors, purple martins and songbirds as another part of their Wildlife and Habitat Management initiatives. As you walk from tee to green you can’t help but feel that golf and wildlife coexist in harmony.

Water Quality Management & Outreach and Education To support the health of the lakes and ponds on site, the TPC Treviso Bay team continues incorporating Best Management Practices (BMPs) to protect surface and groundwater as part of their Water Quality Management initiatives. By following ACSP certification guidelines, TPC Treviso Bay has increased the native vegetation surrounding their lakes, to act as a buffer and prevent chemical runoff and leaching from negatively impacting water quality.

Taking these measures not only compliments the golfer’s experience 54

Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

and the club’s aesthetics, but also ensures aquatic wildlife and habitat will remain healthy and in equilibrium.

Like all of Audubon International’s certifications, ACSP Certified members are encouraged to network and collaborate with local colleges, communities, and members to expand the reach of their environmental efforts. TPC Treviso Bay has done just that working with Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) to conduct sustainable and effective algae control research on the property’s surface

waters. Found floating among the birds, turtles and alligators living in the club’s lakes, are FGCU’s multiple buoys that use ultrasonic waves to mitigate the property’s seasonal algae bloom.

While the research is still ongoing, this state-of-the-art technology has showed promising results, which would mean a future without aquatic herbicides and better water quality for wildlife.

To learn more about how your local golf course, community or resort can gain recognition for your environmental efforts or to learn how

to expand your initiatives through Audubon International’s numerous environmental certifications, visit www.auduboninternational.org.

Audubon International, an environmentally focused non-profit organization, offers members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we all live, work, and play. Their certifications are designed to increase environmental awareness, encourage sustainable environmental efforts, and educate both their members and their communities.

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Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

55

The Board Members of the Calusa Chapter at the 2021 Christmas Tournament

Nathan Bitter, Kyle Cheek, and Mike Fasy after winning the joint meeting between the Calusa and Suncoast GCSAA chapters

Calusa Chapter GCSA The Calusa Golf Course Superintendent’s Association is committed to advance the profession through educational programs and services to promote the golf industry. At our events we create new friendships, business partners, and connections. We also enjoy discussing situations with our colleagues and discovering new efficient ideas on how to address different scenarios within our industry. One of our main goals right now is to attain more members, especially Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents. The events that we host are always enjoyable and beneficial to our member’s careers.

Please come join us at our upcoming events, visit us at CalusaGCSA.com.

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Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

A Turf Pirate’s Journal

Boldy Go!

Salutations Turf Pirates! We are

moving quickly into the 2022 golf season and while the winds are a bit uncertain we are making way nicely.

It is this time of year as we have our eyes on the horizon that I am reminded of the importance of mind set and presence. I am a child of the 1960’s and as such I am a huge Star Trek fan and if you have ever watched an episode of the original series you have certainly heard the words, “To Boldly Go”. In Turf Pirate Lore even before Star Trek hit the air waves it was nurtured into all Captains and mates alike that we aspire to be bold and take action. Turf Pirates do not put off until tomorrow what can be done today. We do not sit idle while opportunity knocks we answer the call, we step into the Frey and we hold ourselves to a higher, different standard. We tend to make a way where others see only obstacles and impossibility. In pirate terms while others are dropping anchor

seeking shelter we are hoisting the mainsail and shouting at the storm.

Turf Pirates always find a way and make the journey as big a part of the joy as the destination. It is also true that as we move from novice to master we sometimes stop seeking the things that could be as we hold too tightly to the things we have. Enjoying today is encouraged but not at the expense of tomorrow’s promise. We forge our lives through challenge and achievement in all circumstances we believe that all things work together for our ultimate good. The valley must be crossed in order to ascend to the mountain top.

Turf Pirates also believe that iron sharpens iron, you gravitate towards those whom you spend the most time and attention. Choose your associates carefully Turf Pirates as they will alter your course that said, it’s time for a tough question and some reflection.

Are you boldly going or are you being driven down into a life of doubt and

Anthony and Jim Kern in East Cape Cabo San Lucas (Costa Palmas) in March of 2020.

58

By Anthony L. Williams, MG, CGCS, CGM Anthony in Washington DC for National Golf Day

uncertainty? Now more than ever Turf Pirates we need to “Boldly Go”. Take stock of the dreams you have within you and the reality you find yourself in today look lively and adjust your rudder. Now is all that we ever have and we are burning daylight. Make the most of every minute, what do we say to the god of mediocrity? Nothing because he is afraid to approach a true Turf Pirate. In my time as a Turf Pirate I have flown many flags and traveled across the globe and it was turf that fueled the journey. I have met many who aspired to travel or to change their stars but somehow never gathered the gumption to jump, to boldly go.

Remember that the prize sometimes is in the joy of the experience and the tales spun by those lucky ones who dared to set sail, test the waters and find their way with a true spirit of adventure. I have more than my share of tales and I am just getting started. I once joined the Irish Golf Course Superintendents Association (I love their official dress gentleman’s tie and wear it often) while traveling through Ireland on a TurfNet Golf Trip. I was in Mexico with my boss Club Manager Jim Kern inspecting a golf operation for Four Season’s when Covid’s arrival rushed us back to our home port. I have attended turf events from Washington State to Washington DC and from Rhode Island to Miami.

There are great opportunities behind every blade of grass and this month’s deepest question Turf Pirates is, if you were guaranteed success where would your heart take you and lastly, why are you not already there? Live Long and Prosper Turf Pirates.

Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

Honoring Their Sacrifce Educating Their Legacy

Since 2007, the Folds of Honor has carried forth this singular, noble mission.

To provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members. We’re proud to celebrate our 10th year, and have awarded nearly 16,000 scholarships. The need is still great with the millions in unfunded requests we recieve each year.

Become a Wingman who dutifully supports the pursuit of education for our military families affected by war by giving a recurring donation of $13/month.

Why $13? There are 13 folds that bring the flag to its triangle shape. Every fold, just like every dollar, is significant.

WE NEED PATRIOTS. JOIN US.

FOLDSOFHONOR.ORG

freddy's fairway thoughts

By Fred Seely

Moore-Myers

The Moore-Myers Children’s Fund is a private charity that promotes golf to inner city kids and they’ve been getting traction in the community.

The Jacksonville Area GA has been a supporter and now the past chairmen of the PLAYERS — stretching back to its Greater Jacksonville Open days — are part of the support. The leaders chipped in to buy clubs for the kids. The 1965 GJO chair John Tucker (far right) and others joined the kids recently at the Brentwood Golf Course.

Don’t know about your part of the world but ours is getting overrun by golf carts. On the course, they’re fine. But not on the streets.

In the fast-growing St. Johns County in Florida (that’s where the PGA Tour is headquartered,) there were 21 golf cart crashes on open highways last year and the sheriff’s office is grumbling.

“No one thinks they can get hurt in a golf cart,” said department director Scott Beaver. “They drive them a little more recklessly.”

One change certainly is coming. Right now, a 14-year-old can legally drive a golf cart in Florida even though it takes a 15-year-old to get a learner’s permit to drive a car. That’s the first change and then they’ll start on what should be the basics: requiring seat belts, limiting the number of passengers and requiring car seats for kids.

The Mickelson flap Not sure where this is leading and, even more so, not sure where it came from.

Several thoughts: • Mickelson isn’t very popular among his peers.

His nickname is Figjam, an acromym for “F**k I’m Good Just Ask Me.” • Alan Shipnuck wrote the book with the incendiary comments and he comes off as somewhat of a martyr after Mickelson claimed things were off the record. Shipnuck is a hard charger who sometimes charges too hard, and many people of importance are cautious around him.

• Rory McIlroy seems to be a straight-up guy who walks the walk. He’s friendly and appreciative of others. So, when he called Mickelson’s comments “...naive, selfish, egotistical, 60

ignorant...”, it was more than a shot across the bow.

• Greg Norman seems to be making sure to let everyone know he’s a big shot who called the shots. Hmmm...”naive, selfish, egotistical, ignorant” are pretty good adjectives for him, too.

• PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan isn’t the big winner that he seems to be. Yes, he made a firm stand. Yes, the top players backed him. But, there’s an underlying issue here and it’s bubbling up. He’s not as firmly in control as you think.

• Indeed, Mickelson shows every evidence of being greedy. That trait isn’t uncommon on the PGA Tour. Remember the tale of the Golden Goose, boys.

• A personal note: Whatever issues Mickelson has with himself and others, he always has been an A-Plus guy around me. He often plays at our club in Jacksonville when he’s in town for the Players and he always spends time with members.

When he won a PGA Tour Champions event at our club last year, he stayed until every autograph was signed and every photo was taken. The locker room guy got $1,000. One of his attorneys, Glenn Cohen, is a longtime pal. Glenn isn’t a jock sniffer, and he’ll defend Mickelson until you have to change the subject.

Short stuff • The supply chain issues reach into golf, as any of us knows who have ordered new clubs and have to wait months because most brands have something to do with Asia. Clubs are one thing; how about range balls? A big club in our community apologized to its members because there is a Surlyn shortage, which means the new balls couldn’t be the Titleist Tour Soft brand they wanted. The alternative? Pinnacles! Yes, the old Pinochle you see for a buck a ball on the counter.

• They’re trying not to make a big thing of it but the PGA Tour has told the Phoenix Open that the 16th hole is out of hand. The shower of beer cans was too much. No more, they’ve been told. A sad solution would be putting glass between the fans and the players but it may come to that.

• World Woods was a big deal some 20 years ago, a multi-course Florida facility where Asian kids came to learn the game and tourists got to play neat courses. Alas, it went downhill. Many to blame but a solution is coming. The people behind Bandon Dunes — Mike Keiser and others — now have it and will rename it Cabot Citrus Farms, and will renovate the courses. Root for them to make it.

Comments? fs4569@comcast.net.

Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

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Golf Central • Volume 22, Issue 11

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

AND YOUR GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT IS THINKING ABOUT THEM ALL.

The pH of this.

The growth of that.

Too much moisture.

Not enough moisture.

Looking out for the environment.

To learn more visit gcsaa.org/GC

Looking out for the health of the course.

And that’s just over coffee.

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