Golf Central Mag - Vol 23 Issue 3

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

Reward yourself with the lifestyle you deserve at Plantation Bay Golf and Country Club PlantationBayGolf.com Ormond Beach, FL

• 6 new model homes • 2 new neighborhoods • 24 guard-gated security • 45 holes of championship golf • 10 minutes to the beach • Brand new clubhouse coming soon!

• Estate homes, single family homes, and club villas available

W

ith a twenty-year reputation for being among the best private golf course communities in Florida, Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club continues to get better and better. Here in the charming seaside town of Ormond Beach, an unhurried pace, year-round warm weather, and a lower cost of living offer superb value. Couple that with a stunning array of amenities including two resort-style pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center and spa, tennis and pickleball courts, you’ll only want to leave Plantation Bay’s gates to hit the beach, just ten minutes away.

Homes are available for every lifestyle, from low maintenance golf villas to lavish estate homes.

Priced from the $400s - $4 million.

Mention this ad and call today to schedule a VIP appointment!

(844) 325-1658

There is no limit on golf trails in Louisiana.

Get swinging in more ways than one in a place where you can get away from it all while getting a little closer to what brings you joy.

Come one, come y’all – Come feed your soul in Louisiana.

Visit LouisianaGolfTrails.com and plan your custom “golf & more” getaway today. ©2022 Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism

HERE’S A SAMPLe of LOUISIANA GOLF TRAIL ITINERARIES Golf and Gaming Trail (Lake Charles-Baton Rouge-New Orleans) Day 1 –

Stay and Play 18 holes at the Country Club at the Golden Nugget Lake Charles. Then try your luck at a slot machine or a table game

Day 2 –

Play 18 holes in Baton Rouge at *Santa Maria Golf Course, a Robert Trent Jones, Sr. signature design. After golf, stay, relax and

at one of Lake Charles’ Las Vegas style casinos. dine in Baton Rouge with dynamic cuisine, and three top notch casinos for your enjoyment.

Day 3 –

Arrive in New Orleans and play 18 holes at *Bayou Oaks at City Park – South Course. After golf try your luck at Harrah’s downtown.

Golf and Culinary Trail (New Orleans-Baton Rouge-Lake Charles) Day 1 –

Arrive in New Orleans iand ply *TPC Louisiana. Home to more than 1,300 restaurants, New Orleans is truly an epicurean delight.

French cuisine blends with local cooking styles and creates distinctive Creole and Cajun dishes that are original to the city, such as po’boys. Dine at any number of great spots from fine dining to a hole-in-the-wall.

Day 2 –

In the morning, have breakfast at Café du Monde, this iconic New Orleans restaurant has been serving visitors since 1862, enjoy beignets and café au lait, before heading to Baton Rouge to play 18-holes at Beaver Creek Golf Course. Eat at any of Baton Rouge’s local seafood restaurants where you can dine on seafood gumbo, crawfish etoufée, or chicken and sausage jambalaya.

Day 3 –

Head to Lake Charles to play 18-holes at Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L’Auberge Casino Resort. Then take a drive to experience

Lake Charles’ Boudin Trail. Boudin is a Cajun staple food, made from Louisiana long-rain rice, pork and secret blends of spices.

Golf and Fishing Trail (Toledo Bend-Alexandria-Delhi) Day 1 –

Play 18 holes at *Cypress Bend Golf Course. Then go bass fishing on Toledo Bend Lake. This 186,000-acre lake provides fishermen with record lunker bass (more than 10 pounds) and an abundance of great freshwater fish. Dine and stay at Cypress Bend Resort where stunning views of the golf course and Toledo Bend Lake will keep you immersed in the beauty of Louisiana.

Day 2 –

Swing through Marskville to stayat Paragaon Casino Resort and play their Tamahka Trails golf course before heading northeast

Day 3 –

Play 18 holes on Louisiana’s number one public golf course, *Black Bear Golf Club. After an early round of golf, rent a boat or hire a guide for fishing on the Poverty Pointe Reservoir.

Golf and Distillery Trail (New Orleans-Cajun Coast) Day 1 –

Start your adventure in New Orleans first by playing 18 holes at *Bayou Oaks at City Park – South Course. After the morning round, your distillery journey can begin. Cajun Spirits Distillery, Atelier Vie, Happy Raptor Distilling, Roulaison Distilling Co. and Seven Three Distilling Co., are all in New Orleans area.

Day 2 –

Head to the Morgan City area to play 18 holes at *Atchafalaya at Idlewild then it is on to Houma for a tasting adventure at Bayou

Day 3 –

Continue your journey playing the David Tom’s designed *LaTour Golf Club in Mathews before heading west to stay and play at

Terrebonne Distillers, which makes small-batch white whiskey and Good Earth, a barrel-aged bourbon.

Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder.

Day 4 -

Play 18 holes at *Koasati Pines then make a stop at Bayou Rum in Lacassine, where every batch of Bayou Rum is distilled in copper pot stills, aged mostly in Bourbon casks, and bottled in house.

Golf and Music Trail (New Orleans-Baton Rouge-Lafayette) Day 1 –

Arrive in New Orleans and play a quick round at the *Golf Club at Audubon Park.. After golf, immerse yourself in an authentic

Day 2 –

Arrive in Baton Rouge and play 18 holes at *Santa Maria Golf Course, a Robert Trent Jones, Sr. signature design. Stay, relax and go

musical experience by catching a performance at any local hotspot in and around the New Orleans French Quarter. listen to live music at the Red Dragon Listening Room where the musicians are the only reason everyone is in the room.

Day 3 –

Make your way to Lafayette to play 18 holes at *The Wetlands Golf Course. Your night should include the Blue Moon Saloon, for a musical evening to remember.

Golf and Craft Brewery Trail (Lake Charles-Lafayette-Northshore) Day 1 –

Play 18-holes at the Country Club at the Golden Nugget before visiting Crying Eagle Brewing Company in Lake Charles.

Day 2 –

Play 18 holes at *The Wetlands Golf Course in Lafayette to overnight and make

Day 3 –

Head to Baton Rouge to play golf at *Copper Mill, then visit Tin Roof Brewing

time to go to Bayou Teche Brewing in Arnaudville.

Company for an afternoon taste before continuing east to overnight in Hammond and to enjoy Gnarly Barley Brewery.

Day 4 –

Get ready for a full day of golf by playing 18 holes at both *Oak Knoll Country Club in Hammond and *Carter Plantation, a David Toms’ signature design in Springfield. Top off the day with a stop at the Abita Brewing Company.

*Denotes Audubon Golf Trail courses

from the publisher

Volume 23, Issue 3

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

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

A Letter To the Editor in Chief (AKA My Mother)

©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.

Through my 20 years

of living on this earth, I have had the privilege of learning and growing under the love and care of my mom, Shannon Coates. My mother has shown me first hand that life is not always pretty and it is full of ups and downs, however she has also shown me how hard work, resiliency, and confidence can build a beautiful life regardless. My mother is an extremely strong willed, hard working woman who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. I have quite literally grown up with her being the Editor in Chief for Golf Central Magazine, and know very well that she is a major part of what keeps the wheels turning. With this being her 20th year with the magazine, I want her to know how special she is and that her hard work does not go unnoticed. I love you so much mom, and am so thankful and proud of all you do. I also want to say Happy Father's Day to my dad, Kenny Coates, who never fails to work his hardest and love his family even in the chaos.

Your Loving, Proud daughter, Madison Coates 6

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

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

Kiva Dunes Golf & Beach Resort, Gulf Shores

Volume 23, Issue 3

Cart Girl 22 Brandi Kendall Cuisine on the Green 40 Vegan US

Departments 20 LPGA

FEATURE 32 PXG Golf

34 Alabama Golf Central

Golf Bachelor 18 Jeremy McCutcheon

42 Georgia Golf Trail

Golf Bachelorette 14 Danielle Iacobelli

42 South Florida PGA

38 Father’s Day Gift Guide 46 Georgia PGA 44 North Florida PGA

Golf Fore Charity 16 Reflection Bay Golf Club 44 LAVA 50 Fight for Life Golf Series Golf Travel 10 McLemore Leader on the Links 24 Pam Shaheen 26 Holly G Stay & Play 12 Gaylord Golf Mecca 36 Rumbling Bald Resort Turf Life 52 Turf Pirate’s Journal 54 Performance Nutrition Superstar:

David Hillhouse 56 Site ONE 58 Winstead Turf Farms 60 OPEI What's New 30 Golf eBike

golfcentralmag.com

Feature

18

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Article P

g 32-33

DADS&

Grads

A perfect time to grab that perfect gift...

Check heck out our drinkware and coolers too!

Check our redesigned website

store.turflife.club

golf travel

A New Experience at

You’re invited to explore McLemore on a safari-style guided tour in our very own vintage Land Rover Defender. In partnership with Vintage Overlanding, the McLemore Land Rover is equipped to take guests on rugged terrain and navigate the unexplored corners of McLemore’s property on Lookout Mountain.

This “McLemore Sundowner Experience” is a two-hour, driven tour of the existing property, newly acquired land, and other parcels with a signature cocktail pit-stop at a scenic overlook.

McLemore customizes each cocktail experience to offer guests drinks and hors d’oeuvres of their choosing.

This guided drive is perfect for couples looking to explore the grounds, a family outing, guys group seeking an adventure, a date night, or celebrating

10

a special occasion. Cocktail & appetizer packages available and special requests may be accommodated.

• Two-hour guided driving tour for four (4) guests • Guest’s choice of cocktails and/or wine & beer • Gourmet charcuterie board • Tours starting at $500, all inclusive (covers four guests and food & beverage in standard package offering) For more information: www.mclemoreclub.com or events@mclemoreclub.com “This is the coolest way to see McLemore!

Everyone should book this experience at some point. We’ll definitely do this again.”

– McLemore Club Member

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

WHERE GREENS STRETCH AS WIDE AS THE SKY BEAT THE HEAT THIS SUMM ER. SPREAD OU T AND PLAY ON 17 SP ECTACULAR COURSE S.

By Greg Johnson

stay & play

Gaylord Golf Mecca Offers Top Trio of Resort Golf Experiences Quality and quantity have been key elements for the 35-year success story that is the Gaylord Golf Mecca, America’s favorite summer golf destination in the heart of Northern Michigan. That quality and quantity is reflected in sparkling fashion in three primary Mecca member resorts that offer lodging, dining, golf and more – Otsego Resort, The Natural at Beaver Creek Resort and Treetops Resort.

Together they include eight of the

17 golf courses of the Mecca and are three standouts among the 21 lodging partners, too. For golfers seeking a complete resort experience, this Mecca trio delivers in unique and expert ways.

Consider the Otsego Resort with 80 guestrooms in lodges with an Alpine log-cabin welcome feel, the Duck Blind Grille and two golf courses. This is the resort that started Gaylord’s connection with the Alpine theme and Swiss architecture, and the comfortable room

Beaver Creek

options are offered at comfortable price points. Groups rave about the Hilltop Lodge with its aptly named Great Room in the center and the roomy modern units all around. It’s perfect for group gatherings and celebrations.

As for the golf, there are two courses, including The Tribute, one of the top courses in all the Mecca. The Gary Koch/Rick Robbins design takes golfers up and down the picturesque acres of the Sturgeon River Valley. The Classic course, the original course on site, provides few gimmicks and is friendly for family golf, seniors and juniors. Visit otsegoresort.com.

Golfers and their families find a different Northern Michigan experience at The Natural at Beaver Creek Resort. In addition to a fun-forall golf course, there are comfortable, Treetops Masterpiece

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Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

Treetops inn

modern log-cabin condominiums, including some with views of The Natural golf course and others tucked into the surrounding wilderness. The variety of cabins sleep anywhere from 6 to 16 people, and guests get the private resort treatment with access to a pool, water slide and more. It’s a common occurrence for guests to relax around a fire in the perfectly designed pits located near the cabins.

In addition to unique lodging, the Jerry Matthews-design of The Natural golf course is a great journey through the natural wetlands and hardwoods.

Multiple tee positions help it fit golfers of all ages and abilities. The golf and the cabin experience combine for a pure Northern Michigan experience.

Meanwhile, the experience promised at Treetops Resort (treetops.com) with five golf courses and the area’s largest variety of lodging options is complete, all-inclusive and a study in quality and quantity. Amenities, gorgeous views and more can be found in Treetops’ Lodge, Inn, North condominiums and the Jones cottages. If golfers can’t find their optimum choice of lodging at Treetops, then those choices can’t be found.

The resort is also home to 81 holes of elite golf, and 90 if you count the nine-hole putting course called The Himalayas. The Masterpiece by Robert Trent Jones, Premier by Tom Fazio, Signature by Rick Smith, Tradition

by Rick Smith and Threetops by Rick Smith (dramatic par 3 course) make for an unmatched collection over 1,500 acres of green.

Find out more about these resorts, our Mecca courses, lodging partners, and check out the travel packages, too, with a quick and comprehensive visit to gaylordgolfmecca.com.

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

Otsego Resort Tribute

Treetops Jones Cottages

Otsego Resort

The Natural

13

golf bachelorette

Daniela Iacobelli

Where were you born? Did you grow up there? Born in Detroit Michigan. Grew up in Melbourne Florida

Aside from golf; what do you prefer for fun and relaxation? Golf! I’m what you’d call an addict

Is “acting your age” overrated?

Yes. Very much so.

What golf apparel do you like to wear? Free stuff mostly. I prefer Under Armor and adidas.

What do you do for a living? I play golf.

What would you like to do for a living? I’m living the dream!

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

Tell us about your first kiss? I have ZERO recollection of it.

Tell us something about yourself that only your closest friends know. I have to have one leg out when I sleep.

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

Just one? Not taking care of the course.

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

Health, family/friends/my puppy, and making memories.

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

Currently? Money.

Long term? Love.

What do you fear the most? Dying alone.

What three people would you most like to play with in your fantasy golf foursome? Kevin Kisner, El Tigre, Joanne Carner.

What are some of your great accomplishments? Winning three times was pretty fun.

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Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

Movies:...comedy, drama, action, romance? Love a good rom-com.

Last book you read? Harvey Penicks: Little Red Book Favorite charity to support?

Honestly, if given to the opportunity I’m not sure there’s one I would turn down.

What else would you like for us to know about you? I’m just an ordinary gal who can sometimes play golf better than most. Living the dream!

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

15

Reflection Bay Golf Club Tees Up Charitable Tournaments

Reflection Bay Golf Club, an awardwinning Jack Nicklaus designed course at Lake Las Vegas, is hosting a full lineup of charitable

tournaments that will benefit several

is supporting both local and national

nonprofit organizations throughout

nonprofit organizations to help them

Southern Nevada this year.

raise funds for their programs,” said

“One of Reflection Bay’s top priorities

Eric Dutt, Reflection Bay’s manager of operations. “Our team takes great pride in hosting these events to support their important philanthropic causes.”

Reflection Bay has hosted hundreds of charitable tournaments over the past 20 years, benefitting charities such as the Epilepsy Foundation, the Valley View Foundation, YouthZone, Keep Memory Alive, student golf organizations and many others.

Last year, a single tournament raised over $400,000 to support epilepsy research and treatment.

The course has already held several nonprofit tournaments this year with four more scheduled throughout the rest of 2022, including:

The Audi Henderson Lake Las Vegas Classic This event is set to take place over the span of two days from 16

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

“A QUIRKY AND HEARTWARMING COMEDY. INSPIRED BY THE OUTLANDISH TRUE STORY OF MAURICE FLITCROFT, A BRITISH SHIPYARD WORKER WHO CRASHED THE BRITISH OPEN DESPITE NEVER HAVING PREVIOUSLY PLAYED A ROUND OF GOLF. ” -Michael O’Sullivan

ACADEMY AWARD® WINNER

Mark Rylance ACADEMY AWARD® NOMINEE

Sally Hawkins BAFTA AWARD WINNER

AND

Rhys Ifans

BASED ON THE TRUE STORY OF THE WORLD’S WORST GOLFER Friday, Oct. 7 through Saturday, Oct. 8. All net proceeds are donated to the Keep Memory Alive Foundation, which provides care to patients with memory and movement disorders, and to the UMC foundation, a nonprofit public hospital that offers the state’s highest level of care.

Tickets are available at www.lakelasvegasclassic.com.

The Leap Celebrity Invitational The invitational is scheduled towards the end of October with official dates coming soon. This annual event is hosted by celebrities John O’Hurley and Josh Beckett to benefit the Epilepsy Foundation by raising funds and awareness.

Surrounding a 320-acre lake with panoramic views, the course offers a unique venue with extensive event planning services to optimize fundraising efforts and community involvement, including coordination, production, catering,

The

PHANTOM of the Open

vendor assistance, staffing, consulting and event management.

“Our team is widely versed in what it takes to organize charitable tournaments from start to finish,” said Dutt. “In comparison to typical venues, we assist throughout the entire duration of the event with every available person dedicated to helping the organizations navigate the processes and attendees.”

For more information about Reflection Bay’s upcoming events or to start planning your next event,

WWW.SONYCLASSICS.COM SOUNDTRACK AVAILABLE ON

NOW PLAYING ONLY IN THEATERS IN SELECT CITIES OPENS MIAMI JUNE 17TH AND EVERYWHERE JUNE 24TH VIEW THE TRAILER AT WWW.THEPHANTOMOFTHEOPEN.COM

visit www.reflectionbaygolf.com or call 702-904-7874.

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

17

golf bachelor

Where were you born? Did you grow up there?

Lakeland, FL, born and raised Is “acting your age” overrated?

Absolutely! Don’t get me wrong, I consider myself very responsible and can adult with the best of ’em, but deep down I’m a big kid at heart and feel like I’m just really good at pretending to be a gown up!

What do you do for a living?

I actually have two jobs, I work as a Firefighter/EMT for the Lakeland Fire Department and am a licensed Public Insurance Adjuster for Five Star Adjusting.

What would you like to do for a living?

Although I thoroughly enjoy both of my jobs, if I could pick anything different it would probably have to involve hunting or fishing or both.

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

Spending time with my son and family, being out on the water, or hunting deer at my property in Alabama.

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

My momma, she’s definitely my rock and helps keep me grounded.

Steak, chicken, or seafood?

All the above, in the same dish!

But I do love cooking steak so that would probably be my front runner.

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

I have what some might call a mild case of OCD. What do you find to be the most annoying habit people demonstrate on the golf course?

Not being mindful about pace of play. If you have to keep looking for your ball, then just bring more balls.

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

My faith, my son and my family.

18

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

Love for sure! One of my favorite sayings, “I’ve never seen a hearse pulling a trailer.”

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

Scotty Sheffler, Xander Schauffele and Justin Thomas Last time you spewed something through your nose from laughing so hard?

Was at a restaurant and a friend of mine accidently hit the button on the pepper spray that was on her keychain, pretty much cleared the place out!

Favorite comedian?

Dave Chappelle Favorite charity to support?

St. Jude Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

OUR

19TH HOLE ENTIRE RESORT IS AN

The experiences you’ll take away can’t be recorded on a scorecard. With world-class, award-winning golf, a luxurious spa, championship sporting clays courses and exquisite cuisine, The Omni Homestead Resort was made for making memories.

Discover more than 30 recreational activities, all conveniently

O m n i H o t e l s.c o m / T h e H o m e s t e a d 8 0 0 - 8 3 8 -1 76 6

located on a 2,300-acre mountain estate.

HORSEBACK RIDING | FLY FISHING | MOUNTAIN BIKING | FALCONRY | HIKING | ZIP LINE | WINE TASTING ROOM

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

Story by Beverly and Greg Wise

A Young Lady with a Mission

Gina Kim, Durham, North Carolina was on a mission the last week of May at Mission Inn Resort, Howey in the Hills, Florida, to become the fifth straight first-time winner on the Epson Tour 2022 Season.

Having just turned professional 4-month ago, Kim made four cuts in five starts. A previous top-10 gave her the power to understand that it was just a matter of time until she entered the winners circle on the Epson Tour.

And that wait happened quickly for Kim. Thanking her parents for the support that they have given her through the years… and especially thanking God for the strength to pull through coming down the stretch to win the Inova Championship at Mission Inn Resort with an impressive 11-under par score of 208, distancing herself from 2nd place. With a solid birdie on the 72nd hole to win by 2 strokes over American Caroline Inglis and Mexico’s Maria Fassi both finishing at 9-under par, 210 total.

Playing with Fassi in the final round.

Kim lined up her putt to secure the 20

win, made the stroke right in the center of the cup. With a mighty fist pump… Gina was greeting with the ever present “Welcome to the Winner’s Circle” water bath from playing partner Fassi. She had no time to think… it just happened!

Cashing in with a $30,000 check,

Kim vaulted up the Ascensus – Race For the Card standing 46 places, to a solid 6th on the money list. Look for strong result from her later during the year.

Welcome the winner of the 2022 Inova Championship at Mission Inn Resort – Gina Kim.

With the mighty fit pump on the final green… there was no time to think!

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

Maria Fassi… delivers the christening to Kim on the 18th hole.

Okay… Wow… now there is time for a reaction… maybe a little too late.

Welcome to the “Winner Circle” on the Epson Tour.

Time for a little celebrating now that the reality has set in that she is the champion.

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

21

cart girl

l l a d n e randi K

B

Where did you grow up?

Shreveport, LA

What type of music do you prefer?

Country

Which group of people did you associate most with in high school?

Social friends with common interests.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

Visiting the four theme parks with my family.

What is your favorite sport to play?

Softball Favorite to watch?

NFL, MLB, and golf’s majors, especially The Masters.

Are there any golfers in your family?

My husband, Brian.

What do you feel makes this club special?

For a lot of people, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to play golf where a lot of the game’s greatest players have played and won championships.

What is your favorite part of being a food & beverage professional?

I started in that role more than four 22

years ago, but a special aspect of working for Arnold Palmer Golf Management which operates the courses here at the Walt Disney World Resort is the opportunity to learn and grow. Having prior restaurant leadership experience, I was promoted to manage our food and beverage operations at the Palm, Magnolia, and Oak Trail Golf Courses, which includes the training and development of our cart attendants.

If you weren’t a food & beverage professional, what would you be doing?

Marine biology or physical therapy were always my interests in school.

Favorite comedian?

Wanda Sykes Favorite type of movie?

Action Adventure or Suspense Favorite charity to support?

Anything supporting our military veterans and Special Olympics, as I have come to know many of their athletes who play here.

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

I work at a beautiful resort and really enjoy what I do. In 2020, Arnold Palmer Golf Management honored me with a green name tag, which is known as The Umbrella Award, in memory of Mr. Palmer’s high values and standards and overall guest service.

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

• True ball fHght & feet • Limited distance with accuracy.

• Practice anytime anywhere.

• True fad@ & draw.

af111

• First off-course saf:e b,aU with real baU perhnmanCie-.

• Out performs wiffle� l,lown, plastic balls ,. nerf-Hke sp,ong,y balJs...

• Ci:teat for practi,dng in bade ya rd, park or school ya rd.

by Alan Hopkins – Kansas City Tee Time, Feature writer.

Published previously in KC Tee Time

leader on the links

Meet Pam Shaheen, Golf Travel Promoter Extraordinaire escorting tours, publishing golf guides, attending golf shows and more for 25 years

If it’s Tuesday, you might find Pam Shaheen on a golf course in New Orleans. Or Calabash, N.C. Or any course on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

Shaheen promotes golf.

Gregarious, energetic, passionate and fun-loving, she’s extremely good at what she does. So good, in fact, she’s arguably impacted golf tourism more than anyone – male or female – over the last 25 years.

Shaheen spreads the word by escorting golf writers from all over the U.S. and foreign countries on 5 and 6-day media junkets to golf destinations in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, North Carolina and Michigan. Writers have come from as

far away as Asia and Europe to play a different course each day and get a taste of what each destination offers.

“I’m primarily in the tourism business; golf happens to be the Pam Shaheen Photo by Tim Corser

24

draw to the destinations that we have specialized in,” says Shaheen (pronounced SHA-heen), the coowner of Atlanta-based Crossroads Marketing, Inc. “We host Golf Media Tours to further assist our existing clients in getting the word out.”

But that’s just one aspect of the business. Marketing and advertising are at the top of the list; golf travel guides are published for multiple states; and Crossroads’ own program, Let’s Golf, is tied to consumer golf show representation and its nifty publication, “Let’s Golf Destinations.” ”Pam is a wealth of golf marketing knowledge coupled with always being a ‘Bucket of Sunshine,’ “ says Mary Williams of Louisiana’s Audubon Golf Trail. “You just cannot miss when doing projects with Pam.” An extrovert who has been known to climb atop a golf cart or race wheelchairs, Shaheen’s affinity for bright, multi-colored Loudmouth pants is exceeded only by her love of the New Orleans Saints football team.

Shaheen shares ownership of Crossroads Marketing with Mary Beth Gabriel in a partnership that merged their diverse talents into 25 years of success. “I graduated from Tulane University with a degree in Mass Communications and proceeded to work in marketing and advertising in New Orleans,” says Shaheen. “Mary Beth has a degree in Visual Communications from Loyola University New Orleans and spent time working in her family’s jewelry business.

“I knew sales, marketing and advertising but I lacked the organizational and creative side which she had. While we were combining our talents to work on freelance projects in the early 1990s, we got the opportunity to work for Fairways Golf Company in Mobile, Ala., the first company to package golf trips along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Ultimately, we determined that side of the travel business was not for us so we started Crossroads Marketing in June of 1997 to handle marketing and publishing for golf destinations.”

Shaheen handles the sales, marketing and public relations; Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

Gabriel the creative and graphic design for publications plus all the accounting.

“I‘m the mouthpiece; Mary Beth the heart and soul,” says Shaheen.

The new company quickly grabbed a hold of the publishing of golf guides and other publications starting with Alabama and Mississippi and later on added Louisiana, South Carolina, Florida and Tennessee. “I write the copy and sell, Mary Beth does the layout,” says Shaheen, Golf shows were also incorporated through the Let’s Golf program which provides representation of approximately 12 different destinations at eight shows each winter ranging as far away as Illinois, Ohio, New Jersey and Virginia.

The Golf Media Tours are legend among golf writers. In addition to giving writers the opportunity to play some of the best courses in five states (Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, North Carolina and Michigan), they are also introduced to the off-the-course attractions and activities that are paramount to popular golf destinations.

In many cases, the off-the-course ventures are more memorable than the courses. Louisiana included stops at the site of the Duck Dynasty TV show; Mardi Gras and WWII museums; and salt and freshwater fishing. Alabama offered visits to the unbelievable Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, museums and the college campuses of the University’s of Alabama and Auburn; Mississippi the History and Civil Rights Museum in Jackson and the new Aquarium in Gulfport.

“People make decisions about golf destinations by word of mouth, proximity, price and what else there is to do,” says Shaheen. “The new generation wants to experience as much as possible. Yes, the hard core groups still want to play 36 holes a day but many want to check out what’s happening off the course, whether it be fishing or a museum or whatever happens to be big in that area.”

Shaheen organizes the media tours with client input– the booking of hotels, meals, a bus and the golf courses – three to six months in advance.

“I’d like to do one per month in the spring and fall but it doesn’t always work out that way,” she says. “With trips to be scheduled, golf tour guides to be published and the advertising and marketing, there are no lulls.”

Media tours started with a couple a year but quickly escalated to six or seven a year. Shaheen now estimates Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

she’s organized and escorted about 80 such tours over the years. Usually eight to 10 media members are invited from a data base of 200 (including 100 regulars) and have come from as far away as Korea, Germany, Switzerland, England and Canada.

While she’s guide, caretaker and drill sergeant on the media trips, she probably enjoys them more than anyone, always laughing, joking, having fun. “One of the reasons I’m good at it is because I really enjoy it and the people. So many writers and my clients have become really good friends to me.”

Wheels up on the bus usually starts around 7 a.m. with 18 holes by noon and sometimes another 18 in the afternoon or a special attraction or off to the next hotel and dinner.

On the course, Shaheen swings a pretty mean club. “Adequate, I don’t embarrass myself,” says Shaheen, who started taking lessons at age 10 in her hometown of Macon, GA. “But I play only on trips. Mary Beth says when I get back to the office I’m so tired I can’t even speak.”

And then she gets ready for the next one.

Pam & Mary Beth

photo by Greg Wise from drone 25

leader on the links

“Holly G” Celebrates 30 Years Helping Start-ups Become Market Leaders

Her Early Encounter With The King Leads To A Career As A Queen of Golf Marketing

A

s president of Golf Marketing Services, founding member of the International Network of Golf, and host and producer of the Golf Insiders, Holly Geoghegan has been a female leader on the links for more than 30 years. Her passion for the game began as a junior golfer when she met “The King,” Arnold Palmer, at the U.S. Open in her hometown of Rochester, NY. The rest is history!

Recognized and respected as a game changer in bringing new and innovative products into golf, “Holly G,” as she is best known (spelling her last name requires a PhD), has specialized in launching start-ups and developing forward-thinking brands into market leaders.

One of her early ground-breaking projects and marketing success sto-

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Holly G conducts a press conference for one of her clients at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando with company spokesman, FOX NFL SUNDAY host, Curt Menefee Among Holly G’s many successful ventures is her golf talk radio show and podcast which has aired on ESPN and iHeart in Orlando since 2008. ries came when she introduced the golf world to the online world.

In 1994, Golf Marketing Services was engaged by Interzine Productions, an interactive multimedia content provider for America Online, to help develop and launch, iGolf, the first comprehensive golf informational website. At the time, no one really understood the internet nor the commercial opportunities of this new media frontier. Geoghegan realized that it was going to require a “mover and shaker” to get the golf industry to take notice, so she set her sights on the biggest and boldest brand, Calla-

way Golf, to become iGolf’s exclusive marketing partner.

The company’s founder, Ely Callaway, was a brilliant, envelope-pushing, successful serial entrepreneur.

He understood the vision, and the potential, and committed six figures in marketing support. iGolf became one of AOL’s flagship web portals and was later acquired by publishing giant Times Mirror.

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

Holly G’s most inspirational golf moment might have been this one, where “The King” himself, Arnold Palmer, signed her autograph book when her parents allowed her to skip school to attend a US Open practice round. An AP photographer captured the moment and it was published in her local newspaper...oops! Later, Palmer would sign a copy of the original photo, given to her by the photographer.

This led to Geoghegan’s involvement with the development and launch of LiquidGolf.com, the first online golf retail superstore in 2000.

As the dot-com boom was peaking, massive marketing dollars were being invested into internet-related companies. LiquidGolf.com led the way in golf. Geoghegan oversaw the company’s legendary launch at the 2000 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando that included a standing room only concert called “An Evening of Golf Passion” with Grammy Award winning rock band, Hootie and the Blowfish.

“The dot.com bubble was an exhilarating and unprecedented time to be a marketer,” said Geoghegan “Companies were speculating and spending crazy money on the growth and adoption of the internet. It was the ‘90s version of the California Gold Rush.”

Over three decades, Holly G and Golf Marketing Services have represented a variety of cutting-edge products and brands such as Zero Restriction Outerwear, Super Stroke Grips, Izzo Golf, Laser Link Golf, Bite Footwear, Loudmouth Golf and more.

Along with product marketing, Golf Marketing Services has promoted top ranked public and private golf courses, destinations and resorts including the development and branding of golf tourism in Northern Michigan as “America’s Summer Golf Capital.”

In 2008, Geoghegan launched her award-winning golf talk radio show, The Golf Insiders, which aired on ESPN and iHEART radio in Orlando for 12 years. When the pandemic hit in 2020, she pivoted to podcasting and currently hosts, produces, and Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

publishes three weekly podcasts and digital e-newletters expanding her media presence to support her company’s core public relations and marketing services.

Geoghegan is a founding member of the International Network of Golf, a non-profit golf industry networking organization (1990) that hosts an annual conference and other events including the ING Industry Honors.

The Industry Honors, co-created and chaired by Geoghegan represents outstanding achievements in various categories in the golf industry.

Geoghegan was elected into the ING Diamond Cornerstone Club in 2003 which recognizes volunteers who have contributed “beyond the call of duty” to ensure the success of ING and its members.

“This past January marked my 30th PGA Show – that’s the longest relationship in my life,” Geoghegan mused. “When I walked the convention floor in the early ‘90s, very few women walked in my footsteps.

Today, golf’s popularity among wom-

en and girls is surging in all categories. The industry is filled with talented and diverse female executives and entrepreneurs. June is Women’s Golf Month. We have arrived!”

Geoghegan’s passion for the game both as a player (she carries a 10 handicap) and a business woman, is equally matched by her passion for giving back. In July 2016, she co-created and formed GolfUnited in the wake of the PULSE shooting in Orlando. Together with a handful of friends in the golf industry, they organized and staged a one-day charity event within six weeks after the tragedy raising nearly $40,000 to benefit the 49 victims and their families.

The full circle moment in her career came when Geoghegan’s personal story of meeting Arnold Palmer at age nine, was selected and featured in the Golf Channel documentary, “Arnie and Me.” Following the overwhelming response to the original three-part series, “Arnie,” fans were invited to submit videos that captured their personal anecdotes and memories for a fourth episode.

“I was waiting on the 10th tee waiting to catch a glimpse of Arnie during

Holly G and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer at Golf United fore PULSE, which raised nearly $40,000 for victims of the PULSE night club tragedy and their families.

27

the practice round of the U.S. Open,” remembered Geoghegan. “A sudden rainstorm blew in and everyone ran for cover. There he was standing under his famous umbrella; it was like seeing Santa Claus. I froze getting soaked in the rain.

A photographer noticed me, brought me inside the ropes, and introduced me

to “The King.” The next morning my picture appeared on the front page of the local newspaper. So much for the ‘sudden illness’ that kept me out of school that day, but I had caught the golf bug.”

If you get to spend a little time around Holly G, her energy, creativity, “can-do” spirit and business savvy is both engaging and contagious – the secret sauce that continues to be the driving force behind her success.

Holly G at The 2020 Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL prior to it being canceled due to the pandemic.

Emceeing the ING Industry Honors at the PGA Show.

THE PREMIER GOLF MARKETING AGENCY

Trusted• Respected• Connected• How can we help?

321-303-9684 www.golfmarketinginc.com 28

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

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 23, Issue 3

transitions.com

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what's new Golf Ebikes are the new way to play golf! They are fun, safe, and speed up the game which is something the golf industry has been searching for to attract new younger players.

You can fold them for transport in a trunk, or ride them to-and-from the course. They have a huge battery

capacity that lasts about 40 miles, so you can play 2 or 3 rounds of golf and still have battery to spare. The turffriendly fat tires are less pressure on the grass than a golf cart. Intelligent Pedal Assist provides as much motor power as you want, or you can use all throttle and ride it like a scooter.

So you can get as much or as little

exercise as you desire, and it is all smooth rotational movement that is easy on the joints. So ebikes are great for older golfers too.

The quick-release bag carrier attaches to the rear rack in 3 seconds without any pins or bolts. It holds any size bag and tilts out into the kick stand which locks the bike to the ground on any slope. When you take off, it auto-pivots back to the vertical carry position.

Balance is automatic. You don’t even feel the weight on the side of the bike.

Steve Divnick, owner of the company points out, “We aren’t advocating rushing, just eliminating waiting half the time watching other people play. Our ebikes are designed for the golfing experience and because they are so inexpensive, we believe they will be common on all golf courses very soon.”

During the 2022 introductory year, the company is sponsoring Hole-InOne Contests at charity golf outings with a free ebike and bag carrier to anyone who gets a hole in one.

There is no cost to the outings.

You can see all the reviews, videos, golf course response, and other information on www.GolfEbikes.com.

Contact: Steve Divnick sales@golfebikes.com

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Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

has arrived Our all-new GEN5 Clubs are a master class in PXG style, performance, and forgiveness. With explosive distance, laser-like accuracy, and outstanding mishit performance, just one swing and you’ll agree — we killed it with these sticks. Step up to GEN5 and put Kaboom Baby! on your side today.

CANNON-LIKE DISTANCE

|

ANGELIC FORGIVENESS

PXG clubs are only sold direct by PXG. PXG . C OM | 844. P L AY. PXG

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LASER-LIKE ACCURACY

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INCREDIBLE SOUND & FEEL

NOBODY MAKES GOLF CLUB S TH E WAY WE D O. PERI O D.®

feature

KABOOM BABY!

PXG’s New GEN5 Golf Clubs Have Arrived!

Since day one, PXG set out to transform the industry

tight dispersion, to the oh-so sweet feel of forgiveness

with unprecedented golf club performance. With the

on every shot, these clubs are a master class in

introduction of PXG 0311 GEN5 Golf Clubs, they continue

performance!” PXG Founder and CEO Bob Parsons.

to raise the bar with clubs that deliver cannon-like distance, laser-like accuracy, and angelic forgiveness.

introduce new patented technologies that are

Playing these babies is like having a PhD in better golf!

both seen and unseen with advancements in

Informed by a process that leaves nothing on the table and incorporating everything PXG understands about performance, PXG 0311 GEN5

materials innovations, precision engineering, and personalized performance.

Whether a golfer is out to win or simply have a good

Drivers, Fairways, Hybrids, and Irons raze par.

time on the course, PXG 0311 GEN5 Golf Clubs offer

The new golf clubs deliver significantly faster

something for everyone. And now it’s even easier to get

ball speeds, coupled with the incredible feel and

your hands on PXG’s latest game-changers. From PXG

sound golfers have come to expect from PXG.

retail stores to partner fitting hubs, PXG has hundreds

“We absolutely killed it with these clubs! GEN5 is better in every way possible. From explosive distance to

32

Across the lineup, PXG 0311 GEN5 Golf Clubs

of fitting locations to choose from. Find a location near you and book your GEN5 fitting online at PXG.com.

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

33

alabama golf central

Story and Photos by Greg and Beverly Wise

The Art of Golf We have all marveled at the talent that it takes to draw or paint. The likes of Rembrandt, Van Gogh… or even the detail that goes in to capturing the essence of a nature scene like feathers on a bird or the detail of grasses growing next to a pond on a golf course. All those details draw us all into their masterpiece.

And as golfers we all marvel and the talent that it takes to capture our attention when playing golf. The placement of bunkers, water features, and the undulation in the greens.

Where every detail that makes our experience an adventure, and many times, an adventure of staying out of trouble (but that truly all part of the detail). This all wraps back in the pride of ownership of the golf resort and the need for golfers to experience their masterpiece in a positive way.

Rarely do you ever find these two elements together.

But at Pursell Farms in Sylacauga, Alabama, you most certainly find all the element of the Art of Golf.

Meet David Pursell, CEO of Pursell Farms, the man behind the vision. In the early days, David’s father, Jimmy Pursell, owned and operated a fertilizer company providing the necessities for turf grass operations for those superintendents across the country.

With a 3,200-acre canvas, David convinced his father to invest in and develop the first and only test and research demonstration facility for advancements in turf grass and agronomics, with guest housing on the family farm. That test facility was an 18-hole golf course, aptly named “FarmLinks.” Every type of grass at the time was utilized for the 34

David Pursell

Farmlinks purpose of testing the companies own fertilizer products along with testing equipment for the industry.

“More than 10,000 golf course superintendents and team members came to FarmLinks to train and learn.

Fulfilling my vision of FarmLinks as the ‘Epcot of Golf,’ informing and celebrating the superintendents and

crews who make golf courses playable works of art,” Pursell explained As the fertilizer company was sold and the manufacturing was moved to another location, David returned to the canvas, to let’s say… modify his masterpiece.

FarmLinks at Pursell Farms was created and has been nurtured into a finely tuned masterpiece resort, not just for golfers, but for outdoor fun-loving individuals. Walking trails, Bicycling, Orvis Shooting adventures and the ever popular 4-wheel farm adventure tours, Pursell Farms has become a “Must Go” location to create your own Masterpiece Adventure.

The one piece that you can’t miss on your adventure to Pursell Farms is the sunset at the “Special Place.”

In a recent move to better the golf course and experience for the golfers, which is now complete, Pursell Farms commissioned Tripp Davis to revitalize the bunkers on the golf course.

“Spending these days with Tripp, walking the golf course and looking at every bunker on the course, I realized that Tripp truly had the eye of an artist.

Moving a bunker to the left or right, even a few feet, framed the golf hole for the golfer’s eye that much better,” David stated. “We are very pleased with how this has created a major impact on our golf course, enlarging some bunkers, taking away as much as 50% of some bunkers, or eliminating them all together on some holes, has made Farm Links, that much more of a masterpiece,” Pursell commented.

It is time to plan you adventure to Pursell Farms to create your own “Masterpiece Vacation.” PursellFarms.com Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

Arnold Palmer Fine Art Pencil Drawing

by David Pursell

Vaughan Pursell Spanjer in front of original painting installed at Pursell Farms Hamilton Place ballroom

Tim Spanjer Pop Artist The creative arts are woven into the fabric of the farm and there are many ways to experience it while you are here.

You will find fine art pencil drawings of legendary golfers by David Pursell in the Butler Cabin at Augusta National and the Clubhouse at Saint Andrews—and even closer to home in the cabins, cottages and inn on the farm that bear the names of the golfers and architects David drew for the Golf Course Superintendent

Association of America in the 1990s.

Vaughan Pursell Spanjer’s work encompasses acrylic paintings, watercolors, and charcoal drawings of wildlife, landscapes, and animals. She notes that her work has a “peaceful and soothing nature that resonates with people.” Watch when you are in the ORVIS retail store, the spacious guest rooms, or the historic grand ballroom at Hamilton Place, many of her original works and high-quality prints grace the walls of Pursell Farms.

Vaughan resides at Pursell Farms

with her family and teaches art while continually working on her own craft.

Fine Art Done Boldly is Tim Spanjer’s artistic mantra, and it materializes in three dramatic genres. His large format, Pop Art-styled paintings provoked through wry humor and vivid images, large biscuit-joined pine wood cutouts of pulp commercial subjects and unique “Cerealism” mosaic— images formed with intricately cut slices of cereal boxes—are astonishing in their complexity and beauty. http://www.artofspanjer.com/

You’ll meet new friends at FarmLinks – Meet our new friends - Doyle and Charlotte Bradsher of Bartlett, TN.

Beverly Wise – Par 3 17th Hole FarmLinks Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

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stay & play

Rumbling Bald Announces Fall 2022 Golf Packages 36-Hole Golf Retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains Experiencing Unprecedented Demand Rumbling Bald, the 36-hole golf retreat on Lake Lure an hour east of Asheville, is making its fall 2022 golf packages available to book this summer ahead of what is projected to be a recordbreaking autumn season for the 3,000acre golf destination.

Starting at $347 per golfer for two nights and two rounds of golf on Apple Valley and Bald Mountain, fall package

36

rates are offered from Sept. 18 through Oct. 31. Three-night, three-round and four-night, four-round options are also available for $477 and $608 per golfer, respectively. Rates include all taxes and fees and are based on full occupancy in a Rumbling Bald villa or studio.

Lodging options include the Apple Valley Studios (across from Apple Valley) and two- and four-bedroom

Fairway Villas situated along Bald Mountain just steps from the first tee. Via its wide variety of spacious vacation rentals, Rumbling Bald can accommodate golf groups of all sizes.

Luxury vacation homes are also available for extended stays and golf rounds can be added a la carte.

Additionally, Rumbling Bald’s Weekday Special Golf Packages are a great value for those with flexible schedules and are offered Sunday through Wednesday starting at $320 per player for two nights and two rounds and range up to $554 per player for four nights and four rounds. Customized weekend packages for groups of all sizes are available year-round.

“Rumbling Bald is a year-round golf destination, but the peak fall season is when this property, and these courses, really shine,” says Rumbling Bald General Manager Jeff Geisler.

“Temperatures are in the low 80s in September, transitioning to the 70s and 60s in October. The fall foliage around the lake is stunning, and that’s typically a dry period in the Carolinas.”

Rumbling Bald continues to extend complimentary golf rounds to leaders of groups of 12 or more when booking Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

their first trip to the property. The Large Groups 12+ Comp is ideal for PGA Professional-member trips, small tournaments, or large golf buddy trips.

The shoulder- and off-seasons are ideal for group play, with ample value and typically a faster pace of play than the

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

peak spring and fall periods.

To learn more about Rumbling Bald’s golf courses and packages, visit www. rumblingbald.com, or email jdoran@ rumblingbald.com. To book packages directly, or to speak with a golf vacation planner, call (828) 694.3072. Golfers

are advised to call, email or check the website for course maintenance and closure schedules. Rates include all taxes and fees and are based on full occupancy (four players in a two-bedroom villa or two in a one-bedroom studio).

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father's day gift guide

Swag Golf– Monaco-Themed Headcovers And Putters Following the sell-out debut of its initial, officially-licensed McLaren Racing collaboration, Swag Golf is taking things international. The premium, limited-edition golf accessory, equipment, and apparel company, is set to drop its second collaboration with McLaren Racing ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix Race this Sunday, May 28. The collection will include two different Monaco-themed McLaren headcover designs in driver, blade, and mallet putter form, as well as a signature putter and ballmarker, which will be available for purchase on www.SwagGolf.com.

With racing season in full swing, fans of both F1 and golf have tried to snag these limited-edition accessories and equipment to showcase their ultimate fandom. The first collaboration between the companies – the Miami Grand Prix inspired gear and equipment suite which dropped in advance of the race earlier this month – sold out in mere minutes. The Monaco suite is expected to perform the same and, as with all Swag gear, once the collection is gone, it’s gone – making them some of the most sought-after golf accessories and equipment on the market.

Fans are encouraged to follow along for the latest company updates, product releases, and ambassador signings at @SwagGolfCo on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. For more information, or to snag some Swag of your own, please visit SwagGolf.com.

Covel Covel is the newest men’s sportswear brand to be released by well-known athletic apparel designer Tricia Covel (of SwingDish fame). The vision was simple, to create a men’s line that outshines the competition in all categories: fit, fabric, and design.

Covel symbolizes Strength, Tradition, Sophistication, and Style. The crested horse head logo is a nod to the family’s thoroughbred raising roots as well as the English origin of the family name. Lauded for their fabrics, Covel uses high-tech, luxury, performance fabrics that offer SPF 50+ protection, and are moisture-wicking, breathable, and stretchy. Coordinated color palettes allow you to subtly coordinate with styles from Covel’s sister brand, SwingDish, giving an elevated look for couples tournaments and team play. The pieces can stand on their own with a sophistication that lets you take your look from the course to work to an evening out.

Comfort, function, and style are some of the founding principles that lead the brands’ design team in their efforts to create pieces that men will come back to, time and time again. Made to live, work and play, the brand offers essentials for every man. www.ClubCovel.com 38

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

THE PACER from HEVIAS While some guys choose to pace themselves, others are out setting the pace with bold statements. Made with authentic waterproof suede, The Pacer lets you follow the action under any conditions. Get ‘em wet? No problem.

This supple leather is developed from scratch to last longer against the elements and keep you looking good to go – wherever you find yourself on or off the course. We added a slip resistant outsole to complement its glove-like fit, so once you have them on, you won’t even know you’re wearing them. One full piece of leather that goes from the bottom to top, and a soft calfskin lining makes your foot mold perfectly like a slipper. No break in needed.

Available in 5 colors: Ink, Sapphire, Ginger, Fire and Smoke (shown here). www.hevias.com

Dream Trip to Pinehurst Resort If you want to play the top-tier tracks at famed Pinehurst Resort, No. 2, No. 4 and No. 8, you’re going to need to stay at Pinehurst Resort. Due to demand from area golfers, resort guests and members, the resort eliminated outside play on its marque courses for the foreseeable future. One of the best ways to experience The Cradle of American Golf is to book a Sunday through Tuesday stay via the Donald Ross Package, which includes lodging in the Carolina Hotel, Holly Inn or Manor, three rounds of golf (choose from nine courses plus the nine-hole, par-3 Cradle), Southern breakfast each morning and a three-course dinner, nightly.

Rates start at $1,509 singly occupancy and drop slightly May 26 through Sept. 5 for the summer. There’s a $195 premium to play vaunted No. 2, U.S Open Anchor Site, but it’s hard to put a price on this unforgettable experience.

For more information: www.pinehurst.com

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

adidas Sport eyewear - SP0062 The adidas Sport eyewear collection was born to inspire the winning spirit through styles manufactured according to its outstanding technological tradition and the constant study of innovative designs based on a vision of inclusive and sustainable sports. This research has produced a collection of frames that are extremely reliable and able to perform on any level, ensuring maximum ventilation, lightness, protection, fit, and grip. Different types of lenses easily adapt to any activity, climate, light, and visibility and are studied to offer the best results for every style and activity.

The SP0062 from adidas Sport eyewear is a performance rimless frame at a featherweight 28 grams. The frames feature adjustable nose pads to ensure a grippy fit with zero movements, and non-slip contact points on the temples and longer rubber tips top-grip to perfectly suit a variety of head shapes. Styles come in high contrast/glare reduction (HDC) lenses, photochromic, as well as smoke and mirror variants, which come with a second clear lens for the quick-change lens system. The adidas Sport eyewear SP0062 can also mount an internal RX optical clip-in. MSRP $213 | adidas.com

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cuisine on the green VeganUs is a plant-based meat company in Orlando and was cofounded by a family of vegans and golf enthusiasts – Dr. David Mao, Jessie Cheng, and Joanna Mao. The goal? To make a plant-based diet a lot more enjoyable and accessible to everyone, including on the golf course. Their NoChicken and NoBeef products are Non-GMO Project verified, incredibly easy to prepare, and simply delicious.

Having conducted diabetes research at Harvard Medical School and obtained a Ph.D. in engineering from MIT, Dr. Mao deeply understands the health benefits of a plant-based diet as well as the “sausage-making” to create the best products. On the other hand, with a prior career in finance and education in marketing and plant-based nutrition, Jessie is a natural vegan cook and is the artistic soul behind the VeganUs products.

Last but not least, as a freshman in high school, Joanna actively participates in the development and promotion of VeganUs products (in between range sessions, that is.)

Dr. Mao has been on his “Break 80” conquest over the past year, coming infinitely close quite a few times but still waiting for the golf god to nod his head. Anyone else?

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Left to Right: Joanna Mao, Dr. David Mao & Jessie Cheng

Spaghetti with NoBeef Crumbles ½ cup fresh basil ½ red bell pepper ½ fl oz of olive oil ¼ tsp of black pepper ½ oz of sugar 1 fl oz of soy sauce 1 bag of NoBeef Crumbles (8.8 oz) 1 lb of tomato sauce 1. Mince fresh basil and red bell pepper in a small food processor or cut into tiny pieces 2. Place NoBeef Crumbles into a skillet with a thin layer of olive oil at medium-high heat, add all other ingredients except for tomato sauce, pan fry for 3-5 minutes until brown 3. Add tomato sauce and cook at medium-high heat for another 10-15 minutes until it reaches the desired thickness, stirring to ensure even texture 4. Add finished sauce to boiled spaghetti. Enjoy!

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

Our two championship courses offer unique and fun designs by the greats of the game. The King & Bear and Slammer & Squire sit in the beautiful coastal region of Northeast Florida between the Atlantic Ocean and St. Johns river. It only fits that golf’s history be located in the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine. Walk through the golf’s Hall of Fame corridors, tune up your game at the PGA TOUR Golf Academy, and enjoy a vibrant downtown. There is plenty to do on and off the course. Start playing your vacation today!

georgia golf trail

By Mike May

Southern Soul Barbeque

The Best BBQ Along

at Savannah Harbor, which is former site of the Legends of Golf tournament on the Champions Tour. After golf, go tantalize your taste buds at the District Smokehouse (https://www. plantriverside.com/venues/districtsmokehouse/), which is located along Savannah’s waterfront. At the District Smokehouse, everything is tasty and delectable. It all starts with its three Smokehouse Classics – smoked Savannah hot wings, Brunswick stew, and the burnt belly pork ends. After that, there are great platters and sandwiches to satisfy your hunger pains. The two Baked Taters – The Boss Hog and Big Tex – are worth the calories, too.

When you play golf in southeast Georgia, specifically at Sea Island on St. Simons Island and/or on Jekyll Island at the Jekyll Island Golf Club, make a

When you make your next trip to Georgia to play golf along the Georgia Golf Trail, your decision on where to play golf should be influenced by the proximity of a great barbecue restaurant to the golf course. After all, a barbecue lunch or dinner is a fitting way to cap any day filled with 18 holes (or more) of golf along the Georgia Golf Trail.

When in Atlanta, play golf at the Stone Mountain Golf Club, where there you’ll find two 18-hole golf courses – Lakemont and Stonemont. After golf, go visit the Old Hickory House (www.oldhickoryhousebbq.com) in nearby Tucker, Georgia. Delicious and mouthwatering are appropriate ways

42

to describe what’s on the menu at the Old Hickory House, which has been in business for more than 60 years and has been serving customers in Tucker since 1974. Old Hickory House claims to be the home of the best barbecue in Atlanta. The Brunswick stew, squash casserole, and banana pudding are second-to-none. Locals call Old Hickory House “a hometown institution.”

In Savannah, play golf at The Club

beeline for Southern Soul Barbeque (www.southernsoulbbq.com) which is on St. Simons Island. The quality of the food is so high that PGA Tour Hall of Fame golfer Davis Love had Southern Soul Barbeque cater one of his Ryder Cup dinners a few years ago.

That is quite a strong gastronomical testimonial! In 2018, Southern Living Magazine named Southern Soul

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

Barbecue as the South’s Best. The BBQ meats are beyond compare and the list of Soulful Sides includes Hoppin John, BBQ beans, mac and cheese, fried okra, soul slaw, collard greens, brisket chili, and hand-cut fries. If you are really hungry and you have a big group, the barbecue

meats can be served family style.

When you play golf at the Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa in North Georgia, make the trek to the Hawg Wild BBQ and Catfish House (www. hawgwildbbqhiawassee.com) in Hiawassee to satisfy any hunger pains. Here, every meal begins with unbelievable sweet hushpuppies. Other great menu items include chicken wings, Brunswick stew, smoked turkey, smoked chicken, fresh salads, and fresh sides. The main courses include the best ribs, brisket, chicken, and pork. You can also order the golden fried catfish which is mild and tasty.

Chicken Gone Wild Smokn BBQ (https://chickengonewildsmoknbbq. com/) is a must-visit destination after playing golf in Cordele, Georgia at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Golf Course located within the Lake Blackshear State

District Smokehuse Park & Lodge. Here, it’s a restaurant which is family friendly and it features old fashioned counter service, as well as a drive-thru option. The featured selections are the 1/2 chicken plates, pulled pork plates, pulled chicken plates, and wild wings. The side dishes are old fashion and homemade, prepared fresh daily -- with love!

Come and experience its funky and eclectic atmosphere….and great food.

And, for the best golf in Georgia, check out www.GeorgiaGolfandTravel.com.

Chicken Gone Wild Smoked BBQ

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

43

Lake Ashton Veterans Association Commander in Chief Golf Tournament Armed Forces Day provides the perfect

County Honor Flights, Wreaths Across America, Canines for Veterans, Small

opportunity for Lake Ashton to honor

Homes for Veterans (Flemings Platoon),

veterans through its Annual Commander

Florida Veterans Foundation, Help

in Chief Golf Tournament. Now in its

Heal Veterans and a local scholarship

second year, 172 golfers decorated their

program for deserving veteran’s families.

golf carts, donned patriotic clothing,

Part of the tournament is the

and played for their respected service.

designation of the winning service.

The day began with the invocation

This year the United States Navy

by Jack Davenport, Retired Captain,

Team won the honor, and each

US Navy and the oldest veteran at

member was awarded a distinctive

one hundred years old having served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

A community singing quartet, the Lady Bugs sang our National Anthem

and were joined by all participants.

This tournament provides funds

commemorative coin.

This tournament has become a Lake

to support a diverse portfolio of local

Ashton tradition and is indicative of

and national veterans such as Polk

the patriotism of the community.

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

45

eorgai section PGA georgia section PGA georgia section PGA georgia section

By Hailey Estes

105TH ATLANTA OPEN, PGA HOPE SECRETARY’S CUP & WELCOMING PGA WORKS FELLOW DESTANY HALL What’s new at the Georgia Section, PGA of America MOON ETCHES HIS NAME AMONGST THE STARS Ted Moon, a PGA Associate at TPC Sugarloaf, won the 105th playing of the Yamaha Atlanta Open presented by Audi Atlanta and Mizuno USA on Tuesday, May 17 at Echelon Golf Club. Moon defeated amateur Brock Hoover from Woodstock by three shots.

PGA HOPE SECRETARY’S CUP

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Georgia participated in the national PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup for the first time in Broken Arrow, OK.

46

Ted Moon celebrates his win at the Yamaha Atlanta Open with tournament sponsors from Yamaha, Audi Atlanta and Mizuno USA.

PGA HOPE, the flagship military program of PGA Reach, provides free golf instruction to veterans and active duty service members. Lead by PGA Professional Jason Kuiper, a team of four PGA HOPE Georgia participants represented the Georgia section and took home fourth place.

HALL JOINS GEORGIA PGA SECTION STAFF

Destany Hall

Destany Hall joins the Georgia PGA Staff as the Paul Millsap PGA WORKS Fellow. A 2021 Graduate of Texas Southern University, Hall brings golf industry experience, a background in communications and a passion for diversity, equity & inclusion to the Georgia Section team.

The PGA WORKS fellowship is a full-time, one year fellowship that provides individuals from diverse backgrounds an employment opportunity in the golf industry. The Georgia Section is on of 11 sections of PGA of America with a PGA WORKS fellowship.

As a student at TSU, Hall was a member of the Women’s Golf team and is currently in pursuit of her PGA of America membership as an Associate.

NBA All-Star Paul Millsap is proud to support the Georgia Section PGA WORKS Fellowship through his foundation, the Paul Millsap Foundation.

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

The North Florida PGA Hall of Fame Inducts 4 Members On Sunday, June 5,

four NFPGA Members were inducted into the NFPGA Hall of Fame and honored at the Celebration of Honors ceremony, which launched the three-day NFPGA Annual Meeting. Since its inception in 1991, the North Florida PGA has inducted 40 North Florida PGA Members to the Hall of Fame. These outstanding Members consist of PGA Professionals who have made an impact within the North Florida PGA through leadership, playing achievements, or contributing to the growth, development, and promotion of the game. The four Members inducted were: Tim Beckwith (posthumously), Irv Schloss (posthumously), Mike Lynch and Kevin Paschall.

Tim Beckwith, a Master Professional, epitomized the true definition of a model PGA Professional throughout his life. Beckwith spent two decades working in the Sarasota area, most recently at Sarasota National, where he fulfilled his purpose of mentoring and teaching others. He has received the 2010 NFPGA Merchandiser of the Year-Private Award, the 2012 and 2020 NFPGA Golf Professional of the Year Award and the 2021 NFPGA Deacon Palmer Award. Additionally, he received the NFPGA Bill Strausbaugh Award three times throughout his career and was the recipient of the 2021 PGA National Bill Strausbaugh Award for consistently distinguishing himself through mentorship to other PGA Professionals. He was an original board member of Yours & One Other, the charitable affiliate of the NFPGA. Irv Schloss was born in 1911 in Baltimore, Maryland, and has left a lasting legacy and impact on the golf community. Schloss was elected to the PGA in April 1929 and has earned several awards throughout his illustrious career. He was awarded the MAPGA Horton Smith Award in 1966 for his outstanding contributions to professional education and the PGA Professional Development Award in 1971. He also received the NFPGA Golf Professional of the Year Award in 1969. Schloss participated in the development of the first ‘Standards of Employment’ Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

Tim Beckwith & ‘The Standards of Employment Contracts’ for PGA Members. He began the PGA of America Education Program by inviting Professionals who were visiting the PGA National Country Club to attend weekly free educational seminars at the clubhouse. Additionally, he was a founding participant of the PGA Show.

A staple of North Florida’s golf community for 30 years, Mike has led a versatile career encompassing leadership, philanthropy and service.

Beginning his career as an Assistant Golf Professional at TPC Sawgrass, Mike has had an esteemed career, garnering a number of honors and awards and developing vast experience within the sport. He served as the PGA Director of Golf and General Manager of Windsor Parke Golf Club from 1998 to 2005, the Vice President and Owner of Golf Marketing Concepts, Inc. from 2005 to 2009 and currently serves as the Regional Sales Manager, Private Clubs of NBC Sports Next. He has received several honors, from the NFPGA Bill Strausbaugh Award in 2013 and 2014 to NFPGA Golf Professional of the Year in 2012 and 2014. Currently, he serves as the Chairman of the North Florida PGA’s charitable affiliate, Yours & One

Kevin Paschall Other. His devotion to leadership and involvement led him to serve as the North Florida PGA Secretary from 2011 to 2013, Vice President from 2013 to 2015, President from 2015 to 2017 and Honorary President from 2017 to 2020.

Throughout his esteemed career, Kevin has demonstrated the true definition of leadership. Serving as the President of the North Florida PGA for two years, Kevin has portrayed what it means to be an exemplary PGA Member and has led by example through his selfless mentorship and leadership. His call to leadership began within the Southwest Chapter, where Kevin served as the President, Vice President and Secretary for a total of six years of service. He has served as the General Manager of Serenoa Golf Club since 2013 and Legacy Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch since 2015. Kevin is also an active and accomplished tournament player winning the SWC Assistant Player of the Year twice, five-time SWC Player of the Year, and three-time SWC Senior Player of the Year. Additionally, he is a three-time recipient of the NFPGA Golf Professional of the Year Award for defining what it means to be a well-rounded and dedicated PGA Professional.

47

north florida PGA north florida PGA north florida PGA north florida PGA north fl

By Daniel Calderon

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

South Florida PGA Professionals Take National Stage at PGA Championship, KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship Six South Florida PGA Professionals competed in national events last month with Tyler Collet, PGA playing in the PGA Championship at Southern Hills and five more professionals teeing it up in the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship.

Collet, an Assistant PGA Professional at John’s Island Golf Club in Vero Beach, qualified for his second consecutive PGA Championship by tying for 11th place at the 48

PGA Professional Championship in April.

The 26-year-old carded a 71 during his second round at Southern Hills, the lowest for all 20 Club Professionals over the course of the championship.

PGA Professionals Tim Cantwell, Mark Mielke, Alan Morin, Mike San Filippo and Mike Valicenti represented south Florida as five of the 35 PGA Club Professionals who competed in the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores Golf Club.

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

By Mike Jamison

Fight For Life Golf Series Offers Golfers A Chance To Play at Any Golf Course, While Supporting Their Favorite Charity

A new and unique tournament format using state of the art technology allows golfers of all skill levels to compete against golfers from around the country on a live leaderboard, while supporting their favorite charity. And they do so from the comfort of their favorite golf course or at any golf course in the USA. The Fight For Life Golf Series is part of the Joan L. Kidd, MD, Fight For Life Continuum, an organization providing fundraising programs and producing events that benefit nonprofits which have raised approximately $1 million for various non-profit organizations and cancer patients since 2016. The inspiration behind the Continuum is Dr. Joan Kidd, a renowned physician who battled ovarian cancer for more than three years before her passing in 2015. Her husband, Tom Kidd, created the Continuum in her honor, and oversees its activities along with a board of directors. The Continuum has also served the needs of approximately 16,000 cancer patients and their families since 2016.

“The Golf Series is a wonderful addition to our efforts for several reasons,” 50

said Tom Kidd, who created the Continuum in honor of his wife Joan L. Kidd, who died of ovarian cancer in 2014.

“One, it is a simple, turn key method for non-profits to utilize Golf as an effective fundraising activity. We have partnered with many nonprofits who inform their supporters and donors that they can play golf at their home club, win great prizes, support their mission and we do the rest.

“For golfers, it is a way to support their favorite charity, while enjoying the game they love with their friends, and earning points toward qualifying for the National Championship in October in Orlando.”

The Fight For Life Golf Series gives

golfers an opportunity to play in a competition with features similar to the pro tours. There are live leaderboards and points standings updated after each event, using state of the art technology.

And if they play well enough to qualify for the National Championship, they will experience a first class event at Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando.

There are two different series of events, with six tournaments each. The Spring Series was recently completed.

The first event of the Summer Series kicks off June 17, and registration is currently open to all players. (men, women, seniors, juniors and adaptive golfers) Here’s how it works.

Competitors play a round of golf on Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

Friday, or Saturday or Sunday of the scheduled tournament week at any course of their choosing. The Fight for Life Golf Series is powered by the Chipd In mobile app, which connects players to be able to compete with other golfers nationwide on the same tournament weekend at any golf course in the U.S. A golf handicap will be calculated for each golfer (80% net scoring) so all skill levels are welcome to compete. In addition, the app will calculate a course handicap based on the par and slope rating of each player’s course to create a level playing field.

As each golfer then logs their scores live during a tournament round, a national leaderboard provides real-time scoring so all golfers can follow the action LIVE all weekend. Each player can send friend requests in the app to local players or even friends in different states. Players will have access to filter the main leaderboard (Friends, Seniors, Juniors and Women). During each Series event, there are multiple random drawings of prizes for all golfers in the field.

After each event, each player will earn ranking points based on their finish.

Players can follow the season long points race directly in the app as they attempt to qualify for the in person National Championship at Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando Oct. 14-16 and compete for the National Championship title and overall season Fight for Life Cup. There is a one-time entry fee of $150 for a series, which covers the entire six tournament series. Participants will designate a non-profit for which they will play and support, and one third of that entry fee goes to their charity of choice.

At the conclusion of the season, any remaining net proceeds after deducting direct costs to produce the events, are donated to nonprofits determined by the Continuum and technology partner Chipd In based on criteria that been established. One Example: The golfer who wins the National Championship will present a donation check to the Nonprofit they chose to support when they registered.

Once both series are completed, the top 50 players for each Series in the points standings (and ties) advance to the National Championship at Shingle Creek. In addition, the top 25 finishers in the Summer Championship, the last event of the Summer Series, automatically qualify for the National Championship, not otherwise exempt in the Top 50 and ties in the points standings.

However, the player qualifying as a result of their finish in the Summer ChampionGolf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

ship event must have completed play in a minimum of 3 events during the Summer Series, which includes the Summer Championship for purposes of the minimum 3-event requirement. This qualifying opportunity is for players who sign up in the middle of the Summer Series to have an opportunity to qualify for the National Championship. At the National Championship in Orlando, they will compete for prizes such as a 7 day Mediterranean voyage for two on the Sea Dream Yacht for the winner of the shootout, a trip for the champion and his golf buddy to a top golf destination and much more. There will also be a concert at the House Of Blues, Disney, an event of the Fight for Life Concert Series for players, guests, and participating nonprofits, skills competitions, and a long drive exhibition by two-time World Long Drive Champion Tim Burke.

Another benefit for golfers is that upon registration, they will receive free access to the Continuum’s National Merchant program that delivers discounts at tens of thousands of participating merchants across the country for six months, which will result in significant savings for the golfers and their families. More info at https://deals.fightforlife.com/

The schedule for the Summer Fight For Life Golf Series: SUMMER SERIES: Preseason Event: June 17th, 18th or 19th Players Patriot Classic: July 1st, 2nd or 3rd Road Hole Challenge: July 15th, 16th or 17th GPG Championship: June 29th, 30th or 31st Challenge Cup: August 12th, 13th or 14th Chipd In Open: August 26th, 27th, or 28th Summer Championship: September 9th, 10th, or 11th To enter the Fight For Life Golf Series, or for more information, visit www.fightforlife.com/golfseries.

51

By Anthony L. Williams, MG, CGCS, CGM

Turf Pirate's Journal

( Origins )

Ahoy! Turf Pirates and welcome to another thrilling episode of a Turf Pirates Journal. I trust that you are all well and working through the various levels of opportunity that are on the prevailing winds. There is no doubt that we are all sailing in uncharted waters but in times like this it’s our basic skills that provide the direction and the ability to succeed even when the odds are against us. Remember

Sonny and Francis Williams (Anthony’s parents) on the family farm with Grandpa’s house in the background circa 1957. Note the classic front porch where tales are told and wisdom passed down!

this year’s Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike was an 80 to 1 shot and ran an inspiring race that shocked the world. In that light, we Turf Pirates often talk about our origins where we came from and various sundries in many levels and sorts such as where we were born, the first golf course we worked on, the first course we were superintendent at, the first type (or color) of equipment we used, tournaments and events held etc.

These are all part of the tapestry that makes us who we are and it often becomes our refuge in times of trial.

I was fortunate to grow up in rural Georgia (see the picture of my Mom and Dad on our family farm in Indian Creek Georgia circa 1957) where my Dad (Sonny turns 93 this month) and Grand Dad (Ira) taught me the finer points of Agronomy and Agribusiness not to mention how to plow a horse and mule (shout out to Pete the work horse and Kate the 52

mule). Honor dictates that having

we work together again someday.

mentioned plowing horses and mules

I will keep you guys posted should

that a spirited Gee (right) Haw (left)

that reunion actually happen but the

Whoa (stop) Back (back up and center

moral to the story is to remember

the row) be delivered for my ABAC

where you came from and the folks

friends many of whom are legendary

that shaped your life and career.

Turf Pirates. One such person gave

You see Turf Pirates all instinctively

me a call the other day, he was an

know that to get where you want

intern and supervisor for me about a

to go you have to be at peace with

zillion years ago. He said he was just

where you’ve been. It’s tough to

calling to see how things were going

last 4 decades in the turf business

and said two things that stuck with

but of all the legendary turf pirates

me. He said, “thanks for allowing

I have met they all say this; a good

me to develop my unique skills and

foundation is necessary no matter

choose my road (turf or trees) and

what you are building. So how about

he closed the call with “I hope that

it Turf Pirates call those folks that

we work together again someday”.

shaped who you are and how you

That made my day! In a world full

do business and tell them thank you

of entitlements and uncertainty

and wish them well. Then take a

it’s nice to have relationships that

fond look at how far you have come

stand up in good and bad times and

and don’t forget to leave the porch

across time itself. I also hope that

light on for the next generation.

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

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David Hillhouse Golf Course Superintendent Grand Haven Golf Club

SUPERSTAR Where are you from?

Bolivar, TN How did you get into the golf business?

Many people don’t know my original path was to be an electrician like my pops but I soon realized that was not my passion, so I loaded up early one morning and drove 12 hours with some friends and enrolled at Horry Georgetown in Myrtle Beach and the rest is history. I always loved to play golf just didn’t realize I could work on a course and get paid.

What makes your course a “standout/outstanding”?

Grand Haven is a Jack Nicholas signature course along the intercoastal in Palm Coast. The course is different in that the layout has some great undulation changes that are not as common in North Florida. The course can really be long or shorter with tee selection.

With that being said, fairways are larger and more forgiving.

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

Agra Rouse, Kapre Exalt Kapre 54

Kelp Plus, are a few we use in

where he is not in the business, he

our program and are having

alone taught me the importance of a

great success with them. I would

good work ethic.

like to thank Mike Rowe for giving me great information on

What advice would you give to

these products and has added

someone starting out in the field?

to the success of our course.

I would have to say you need to be patient and love for the game of

Who is your mentor and why?

golf. The golf industry can be hard

I would to thank my mentors in the

and stressful, hours are long pay

field would the superintendents

is not always great but who else

that I have worked for in the past.

gets to see there progresses in real

From Dave Maghee in Myrtle Beach

time. So, my advice is to stay the

teaching me some of the ways I

course get your experience there

think today and Larry Goostree in

are superintendents that can teach

Franklin TN that confirmed I wasn’t

a lot of great things and trust the

crazy in my style. Probably the

job and success will follow.

biggest mentor would be my dad Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

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Growing the Future of Golf Through STEM Education SiteOne Landscape Supply teamed up with Detroit based non-profit to provide hands-on industry experience to build their own courses

mission to include invaluable STEM lessons applicable to the sport.

“Detroit metropolitan area schools don’t offer golf course or agriculture science programs like they did years ago,” said Dawn Hicks, SiteOne® Landscape Supply is proud

based in Detroit, Michigan and the

to team up with Detroit-based non-

African American Golfers’ Hall of

profit, Hollywood Golf Institute, to

Fame “West Palm Beach.” In 2021,

positively impact the lives of nearly

Johnson expanded Hollywood Golf’s

Detroit area business manager (southeastern Michigan) at SiteOne. “So after speaking with Selina and hearing her vision for the project, we

30 students as they learn important STEM lessons related to golf course design. The students began their project work in January 2022 and put the final touches on their greens on May 14, 2022.Founded

by Selina Johnson, Hollywood Golf Institute’s mission is to teach children the fundamentals of the game. Johnson’s extensive industry experience has earned her prestigious awards, including the first African American woman to receive the prestigious Card Walker Award for outstanding contributions to junior golf. She’s also been awarded the first International Afro-American Sports Hall of Fame 56

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

jumped at the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the students of Hollywood Golf and influence the green industry with this STEM project.”

SiteOne organized sessions with its various business categories to talk with the students. In January, students met with SiteOne. They studied irrigation practices and discussed the evolving technology in smart controllers, spoke with the agronomics team to learn about turf seed and fertilizing practices, met with HR and marketing—all jobs that are required to either build or manage a course.

“Golf is inches, feet and yards, so not only is that part of how we layout a golf course, but it’s the fundamentals of math,” said Selina Johnson, Founder and Owner of Hollywood Golf Institute. “When we had SiteOne come and show the development of a course—moving tractors, laying out the water lines for an irritation system, the students got so excited. I am very grateful to SiteOne for their generous support of this program. With continued education and programs like this one, I see a bright future for students and the game I’m passionate about.”

“The partnership with SiteOne and Hollywood Golf is more than learning the game—it’s giving children life skills. Programs like this are vital to help children in our communities achieve their dreams,” said Hicks.

As the number one distributor in the nation, SiteOne is proud to partner with organizations committed to being a good neighbor in the communities they serve and making the green industry Stronger TogetherTM. Learn how to support Hollywood Golf Institute at HollywoodGolfIns.com.

About SiteOne Landscape Supply: SiteOne Landscape Supply is the only national wholesale distributor of landscape supplies in the United States and has a growing presence in Canada. Its customers are primarily residential and commercial landscape professionals who specialize in the design, installation and maintenance of lawns, gardens, golf courses and other outdoor spaces. www.SiteOne.com.

About Hollywood Golf Institute: Hollywood Golf Institute is committed to teaching young people the sport of Golf. Founded by Detroit native, Selina Johnson, Hollywood Golf Institute has positively impacted the lives of over 4,000 children. Johnson is the first African American woman to receive the prestigious Card Walker Award for outstanding contributions to junior golf, and the first International Afro-American Sports Hall of Fame based in Detroit, Michigan and the African American Golfers’ Hall of Fame “West Palm Beach.” The work of Hollywood Golf is recognized by Forbes, Sports Illustrated, Crain’s Detroit Business, Golf Digest, USA Today, Minority Golf Magazine, and many others.www.HollywoodGolfIns.com.

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

57

By Cecilia Brown

Sod Farm of Over 45 Years Expands Business Across Tennessee In high school,

Bobby Winstead, the owner of Winstead Turf Farms, would spend his spare time growing vegetables on his father’s small farm in Lakeland, TN. He grew, harvested and sold butter beans, tomatoes, field corn and black-eyed peas at a roadside stand beside the farm.

Meanwhile, his father, Robert Lee Winstead Sr., had a friend who owned a nearby nursery. The two would meet frequently for breakfast and the friend would ask Robert instead of vegetables, could his son start growing some zoysiagrasses for his nursery.

So, Bobby and his dad planted 11 acres of zoysiagrass in 1978, officially beginning their sod farming adventure.

In 1983, additional farms were added in Arlington. Now, with almost 1,100 acres of sod farms, Bobby has grown an operation that is known widely throughout the state of Tennessee.

“We just kept expanding the types of grasses and then in the early 90s, we realized there was a demand for grasses that we didn’t have in our areas. So that’s when we first went to Texas A&M,” Bobby said. That’s when Winstead Turf Farms started growing its first two proprietary grasses: Palisades Zoysia and Royal Zoysia. Two of his newest varieties are Latitude 36® Bermudagrass and NorthBridge® Bermudagrass.

“We definitely realized proprietary turfgrasses were the way for us to go.

This made more sense,” he added.

Winstead Turf Farms prides itself on offering the most innovative varieties. Bobby said that he likes both NorthBridge and Latitude 36 for the same reasons; the regrowth period is very quick and both are cold tolerant.

“I think Latitude 36 fits golf better than Northbridge and I think Northbridge fits stadium grasses like football and soccer fields better than Latitude does. Color is great on both and tensile strength we’ve had good success with. Northbridge has always had really, really good tensile strength,” Bobby said. “We’ll be growing those two varieties for a while.”

When it comes to working with 58

customers to ensure they’re getting the right grass for their situation, Bobby said if he knows what they’re looking for then the customer can leave the decision in his hands to pick the right grass for them. He said customers call and ask which grasses do best in shade, in droughts, with pets, in the cold, etc. He said they are pleased with the grass varieties grown at Winstead Turf Farms, as they handle almost all of these factors.

Bobby took his expertise in the industry and served on the board of Turfgrass Producers International (TPI) from 2003-07. Then, he left for a while and came back onto the board when his children graduated high school. “I went through the secretary, treasurer, vice president, president and past president positions. I was the President of TPI in 2012 and it just opened up a tremendous number of doors and we met people from all over the country and all over the world,” he said. “I’ve been fortunate to have gotten invited to meet with international businesses and have so many different opportunities from this organization.”

He said being an active member was a major time commitment, adding about a month per year to his workload. “I think anybody that gets the opportunity to do it should do it, but don’t think it’s not going to be a lot of work,” he said.

He encouraged anyone interested

in joining the TPI Board to consider how much time their stage of life or business career will allow them to dedicate to the organization.

Growth Bobby said the growth of his farm happened gradually, over time. He considers himself more of a real estate investor than a ‘sod guy.’ Over the years, he focused on buying properties in the growth plane of Memphisrelated expansion for residential and commercial. The original Lakeland acres have been developed into a residential area called Winstead Farms, consisting of nice, higher-end houses.

Bobby explained he normally utilizes the farmland he owns for growing turfgrass until the property value becomes enough for him to decide to develop on it. So, his business has moved several times as he’s progressively purchased land and developed more housing along the way. This trend of expansion has also happened simultaneously with the housing boom in the Memphis metro area.

Winstead Turf Farms mainly grows proprietary grasses that they ship from Memphis and West Tennessee farms to Nashville. But within the past few years, Bobby purchased two new farms located closer to Nashville. The first is Hurricane Mills, a 200-acre farm with turfgrass designated specifically Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

for landscape and golf clients. Next, he bought Lobelville Farm, a 116-acre farm located just south of Hurricane Mills on the same interstate exit. Bobby said these land acquisitions have allowed them to shorten their delivery time to customers in this region of Tennessee.

More recently, in addition to these two farms, Bobby also bought another farm outside of Memphis that they plan to plant this spring, adding another 700-800 acres to Winstead Turf Farms.

With multiple farms growing several grass varieties, Bobby said that his staff is what keeps everything running smoothly. His wife, Kim helps run all Winstead Turf Farms operations and manages their books. “She keeps everything in line,” Bobby said.

Bobby hired the former superintendent of Germantown Country Club, Doug Estes, about seven years ago as a farm manager. Now, Estes is the General Manager of Winstead Turf Farms. Coming from a golf background, Bobby said it changed Estes’ perspective going from overseeing about 200 acres on a course to maintaining almost 2,000 acres of turfgrass on the farms.

Whit Davis, former golf course superintendent of the Groves Golf Course in Nashville, recently joined Winstead Turf Farms as the manager of the two new farms in Lobelville, near Nashville. “He knows his turfgrasses, so I don’t have to worry about checking on what he’s doing or telling him what fertilizers to apply to maintain quality grass,” Bobby said. The two met back in the 90s when Bobby did some work for Spring Creek Ranch and they just kept in touch over the years.

“We are really fortunate to have both of those additions to my team.

Doug and Whit handle the day-today and tell me when to get out of the way, so to speak,” he added.

In addition to his real estate and farming operations, Bobby also owns a general store called S.Y. Wilson and Company. “We sell active apparel for outdoor activities like hiking, running, camping, fishing and have leisure, casual clothing. We also sell kayaks, fishing equipment, knives and other outdoor activity items,” he said. Bobby’s 31-year-old son, Robert, runs the store as a manager and buyer. Their daughter, Shelby makes and sells jewelry at the store when she isn’t barrel racing horses all over the Southeast.

quality turfgrass for many various sports fields and golf courses in the region.

A couple of years ago they renovated Chickasaw Country Club in Memphis, a high-end private Country Club. They started out needing 10 acres of Latitude 36 for some approach areas and collars.

Bobby said they liked it so much that they ended up installing over 20 acres.

“They more than doubled what they needed because they liked it so much.”

In addition to this club, they’ve supplied Latitude 36 for the following clubs in the Nashville and Memphis areas over the past two years: Belle Meade Country Club’s driving range tee, Hillwood Country Club, Bluegrass Country Club, Franklin Bridge Golf Club, Vanderbilt Legends Club, Memphis National and Memphis Country Club.

Since 2020, they’ve also installed Latitude 36 on Cornerstone Sports Plex’s 12 baseball/softball fields in Starkville, Mississippi as well as the City of Lakeland’s seven multi-use fields in Lakeland, Tennessee. Those fields are used for soccer, lacrosse, flag football and football. Latitude 36 was also used by five builders for the lawns for the fall 2021 Vesta Home Show.

Winstead Turf Farms has supplied NorthBridge for the soccer field and football fields at Rhodes College in Memphis and the practice football field at the University of Memphis. They also recently supplied NorthBridge for eight new soccer and baseball fields for the City of Southaven, MS Parks and Recreation Department.

Turf Logistics Several years ago, Winstead Turf Farms added Turf Logistics, a software management system for sod farms, to help with the amount of work they were undertaking. “We were getting overwhelmed, especially during the summertime when we were running

anywhere from 18-30,000 yards of grass a day out,” Bobby said. “The recordkeeping and logistics of Turf Logistics has really changed the face of our shipping and order management.”

Bobby said that it has also helped cut down on miscommunication among their harvesting crews and deliveries. “Now our office employees have more time to answer customers’ questions instead of running down where a truck driver should be.”

Estes, the GM, explained this was a beneficial transition after being a notepad order company from 1978 to 2016. “The efficiency of our order entries and filling out our days allow us to maximize our output. The reports and records allow us to see our day-to-day and year-long sales at the click of a button,” Estes said.

Through Turf Logistics, Winstead Turf Farms is in the process of adding ClickSod, an online eCommerce platform for their website, to get sales moving for their new Nashville area farm. They’re getting a new website designed too. “Our website needed some help and we used to use other web designers, but with Sod Solutions being turfgrass oriented and savvy, we felt like we can get our message out to customers more so than with someone that doesn’t know turfgrass.”

Estes said while it’s not live yet, they’ve been very pleased with the new website design that’s currently underway.

For more information, visit www.winsteadturffarms.com.

Sod Solutions has helped successfully develop and release to the market over 20 different turfgrass varieties over the past 27 years including PalmettoⓇ and CitraBlueⓇ St. Augustine, EMPIREⓇ and Innovation™ Zoysia and CelebrationⓇ, Latitude 36Ⓡ and NorthBridgeⓇ Bermudagrass. The company is based in the Charleston, SC area.

Notable Jobs Given its reputation in Tennessee, Winstead Turf Farms has supplied Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

59

It’s Golf Season: Stay Safe with Golf Cars by Understanding These 7 Safety Tips 1. Familiarize yourself with operating procedures. Review owner’s manuals and always follow manufacturer’s operating instructions. Use all of the safety equipment that is installed on the vehicle.

2. If modifying your golf car or PTV, use only manufacturer-approved parts or parts that have been tested and comply with industry standards.

Modifications to a golf car or PTV can impact safety and stability. When modifying golf cars or PTVs, any parts used should conform to standards OPEI/ILTVA Z130 and Z130.

As golf cars and personal transport vehicles (PTV), become increasingly popular with consumers on and off the course, it’s important to keep safety in mind when driving and riding in them, says the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). OPEI is an international trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of outdoor power equipment, small engines, battery power systems, portable generators, utility and personal transport vehicles, and golf cars.

“The rules are pretty simple,” says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI. “Golf cars and PTVs are not toys. Read the owner’s manual to understand the vehicle’s features and operation. Don’t drink and drive. Obey manufacturer recommendations for operating age and designated number of passengers. Follow the rules of the road, and only drive PTVs where permitted by law.”

Whether getting around the golf course or cruising a community, Kiser says you should 60

operate your golf car or PTV safely, understand their unique driving dynamics and obey all applicable laws. He adds, “Understand that golf cars and personal transport vehicles may look alike, but these vehicles are designed to separate standards to assure safety and performance.”

OPEI offers seven important safety tips when they get behind the wheel of golf cars and PTVs:

3. Load the vehicle correctly. Obey the manufacturer’s warnings for maximum number of occupants. Do not try to squeeze in extra passengers or allow anyone to ride standing in the vehicle or on the back platform, including caddies. Do not operate the vehicle until all occupants are fully seated.

4. Drive safely and obey all local laws. Reduce speed and use caution when operating vehicles on grades, slippery or loose terrain and when turning. Only operate vehicles on designated roadways or property where permitted.

5. Avoid distractions. Be attentive to traffic and hazards while driving. Do not text and drive.

6. Stay sober and alert. Do not drive a golf car or PTV if intoxicated or under the influence of a drug or narcotic.

7. Take shelter during inclement weather. Although a golf car may shield occupants from the rain, it may not protect them from a lightning strike. Find safe shelter immediately if you see lightning or hear thunder.

Golf Central • Volume 23, Issue 3

Sunn 28-0-0

Minors Blend

Sunn 6-0-0 Blend

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

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

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

N-SURE ITEM #160031 GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Sunn KTS

PRO LIQUID FERTILIZER Item# 160041 GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

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

LIQUID FERTILIZER ITEM #160000 GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

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

PRO LIQUID FERTILIZER Item# 160010 GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

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

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

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

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

Manufactured by

SUNNILAND CORPORATION

PO Box 8001 Sanford, Florida 32773-8001

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

www.sunnilandcorp.com • 800-432-1130

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Clean water is precious to all of us!

Florida:i; green industi·y\\'orks hard CV<'t)' day to 111ake sure it stays that,vay.

�fi&'i!�Ut ASSOCIATION

URFGRASS RODUCERS

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