Golf Central Mag- Vol 24 Issue 7

W W W.GOLFCENTR ALMAG.COM

Do You Have

? s e k a T T i t wHa

HIT THE LINKS!

Tee up along Florida’s Sports Coast to discover the best golf excursions. With a wide variety of courses, every round of golf here is both challenging and enjoyable.

naturally fLorida After a round of golf, paddle through the peaceful Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park or unwind on the beach at Anclote Key Preserve State Park to experience the serenity of Mother Nature. flsportscoast.com

Fox Hollow Golf Club Rolling fairways and five sets of tees offer new challenges every time you drive the ball.

Lexington Oaks Golf Club With a multitude of lakes and wetlands adding challenge and character to the course, it’s hard to forget a round here.

Plantation Palms Golf Club Challenging greens, rolling terrain and tight landings make this course a true golfer’s dream play.

Fox Hollow Golf Club

Saddlebrook Resort & Golf Club Boasting two picturesque Arnold Palmerdesigned courses, it’s no surprise Saddlebrook is a well-known destination for world-class golf.

Beacon Woods Golf Club Each hole is designed to bring out the best in both novice and pro golfers, with sporting fairways and well-guarded greens.

Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club The rolling hills and elevation changes on Lake Jovita’s two courses will test your skills.

Lexington Oaks Golf Club

Seven Springs Golf & Country Club With one course perfect for beginners and another that will challenge the pros, the whole family will have a great time playing here.

The Groves Golf & Country Club Designed with nature’s best interests in mind, The Groves is known as The Longest Short Course in Florida.

Saddlebrook Resort & Golf Club

The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa Savannah, Georgia

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Babcock National Punta Gorda, Florida

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Lagoon Park Golf Course Montgomery, Alabama

Experience the Best of the Southeast with the 2024 Southeast Troon Card!

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The Refuge Golf Course Flowood, Mississippi

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Highland Park Golf Course Birmingham, Alabama

Whittle Springs Golf Course Knoxville, Tennessee

from the publisher

Publisher: Terrie L. Purdum (terrie@golfcentralmag.com) Editor in Chief: Shannon Coates (shannon@golfcentralmag.com) Graphic Design: Melahn Cable Social Media Manager: Nafanua Marlowe Golf The Wise Way: Greg and Beverly Wise, Photojournalists Photojournalist: Greg Corbo Photographers: Lynn Pelham, Brion Price, Peter Hakansson,

Dave Daubert and Terrie

Carpe Diem!

Tres Fenton, Mike Coonan, Becky Galloway, Madison Coates, Mac Carraway Senior Correspondent: Rick Harris, Sr. Contributing Writers: Jay Golden, PGA; Bob Bolton, Greg Corbo, Elisa Gaudet, Holly Geoghegan, Mike Jamison, Mike May, Anthony Williams Editor Emeritus: Joel Jackson, CGCS Retired

Regional Partner: Doug Hollandsworth, Founder-Georgia Golf Trail Turf Pirate: Anthony Williams Video Visionary: Amy Fox Oversight Officer/Uber Driver: Rocky Miller Media Partners: DSP Media; John Gerber, JP Peterson, Nick Geddes, Holly Geoghegan, Golf Insiders, GMS; Tony Leodora, Traveling Golfer

The word in my heart this

Golf Central Magazine is published monthly by:

month has been gratitude!

Dave Daubert and Terrie After a great team lunch at Charm City, the hot new spot in Lake Ashton, (which is open to the public, see page 24) sparks of creativity lit a fire in my heart for the people I’ve had the honor of working with, and for all those true veterans of the golf industry. The turf life is a tradition, a passion, and a way of life for many of us.

Behind the manicured fairways are the efforts of countless individuals who have dedicated their lives to this game! Their stories are filled with cheers, tears, laughs, and laments while tirelessly shaping a sport that has captivated hearts and enriched sportsmanship for generations.

Join me in celebrating the life of an industry veteran who I have had the pleasure of forming a 24-year friendship with, Dave Daubert. He was an irreplaceable writer, who has shaped the game with prose and prowess. He started his prolific writing career in the industry with us as a managing editor for 11 years. He wrote and lived to seize the day! We met years ago at one of our soirees while our publication was green and he filled our pages and our lives with laughter, high-end cheeses, and an attitude of gratitude! He never missed a chance to chime, “If it’s free it’s for me”, “If it’s at the door, take four”, and always, “Carpe Diem!” I saw him last at Charm City, by the grace of chance, and I was able to pay for one last dinner, you got me, Doughbear!

Live a life with each day seized in gratitude, enjoy the mascarpone, shape your passion to be your profession, and please allow his legacy to inspire you and enrich your effort to continue your own golf journey.

Sand Hill Publishing & Public Relations 4313 Berwick Dr, Lake Wales, FL 33859 NEW PHONE: 863.875.6863 E-mail: info@golfcentralmag.com ©2023 Golf Central Magazine. No portion of this publication may be reprinted without the prior written permission of the Publisher.

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

2009 North Florida PGA Amateur of the Year 6

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

If You’re On A Collision Course With Boredom, It’s Time To Change Course.

To This One For Example.

Too much work and not enough play often leads to boredom. But too much play on the same golf courses can also take you there.

Whatever the cause, Fairfield Glade has the cure and the courses.We’re an easy drive from anywhere in the Southeast. With 5 dramatic and demanding courses, among Tennessee’s best, according to Golf Digest, Golfweek and Golf Magazine, you won’t be bored anytime soon.

In addition to our five Championship Golf Courses, we offer miles of hiking trails, pristine lakes for boating and fishing, a world class Racquet Center for pickleball and tennis. Along with stables for horseback riding and hayrides. Stay & Play packages are available.

Call and book your stay. Then bye bye boredom.

It’s simply a matter of course.

Now the fun begins.

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

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Volume 24, Issue 7 FEATURE 10 Boca Grove Cart Girl 14 Maggie Graham Celebrity Corner 12 War Hippies Cuisine on the Green 24 Charm City 38 Chef Chris Pacheco Golf Bachelor 19 Luiz Nunez

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Golf Bachelorette 18 Sydney Bowden W W W

Golf Fore Charity 22 The Major Ed Golf Tournament 30 SOTF 32 Bo Williams Memorial Tournament Golf Travel 28 Solmar Golf Links Turf Life 54 Turf Pirate 56 Audubon Golf Club 58 Modern Turf What's New 24 Ardea Country Club 8

.GOL

Feature

Golf Business 42 Volvik 44 Metropolitan Golf Group

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Departments 20 Grip Ot & Sip It 26 Georgia Golf Trail 36 International Golf Travel 40 Improving Performance 46 NFPGA 48 SFPGA 50 Product Showcase

golfcentralmag.com Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

World-Famous Beaches

Fairways For Miles

Known for action-packed racing and wide-open beaches, Daytona Beach also offers savvy golfers challenging courses at exceptional value. Come and play where the pros play, at LPGA International and other top-rated courses. Savor local seafood along scenic waterways. Explore historical and cultural sites. And pair your golf outing with a range of coastal accommodations to create a perfect package.

LPGA International

Plan your golf getaway at DaytonaBeach.Golf

P

feature

erfectly positioned in the heart of Boca Raton, lies a luxury community built on the site of a 330-acre former honeybell plantation. Honeybells, and honeybees dot the landscape as you enter this magnificent golf and country club that exudes a rich history, thriving membership and a genuine camaraderie. With a legacy dating back to the 1980s, it offers an extensive array of amenities, inspiring and enabling members to enjoy every day of their lives. This is Boca Grove!

Members at Boca Grove enjoy everything from pickleball and Pilates to tennis courts to a state-of-the-art fitness center and creative yet comforting culinary options to a soon-to-be-completed Padel court.

General Manager Jennifer M. Jolly, who oversees the community and all 444 families on the property, stated “our mission is to deliver a boutique lifestyle set in an oasis of uncompromising beauty with facilities and activities that encourage healthy mind and body experiences, a strong sense of community and lasting friendships”.

The piece de resistance of this club is its 18-hole Fazio designed golf course with its illustrious golf history that blends tradition with modernity. The original location for the Quadel Senior Classic, graced by golf legends Arnold Palmer and Gary Player, who made Boca Grove his first American home, the club continues to grow the game by welcoming events like the U.S. Junior Amateur Qualifier, hosting the NCAA qualifying matches for FAU and opening up the course one day a week for the Lynn University team practice as well as utilizing innovative Top Tracer Range technology and a full schedule of tournament play for all. Setting this course apart is a signature no-tee time policy that allows members to tee off within minutes of deciding to play. “It's all about the member experience,” shares Jolly.

The club's charm emanates from its diverse community spanning generations. It is not unusual to find three generations living on different streets within the community. With an average age of 64 years young, the community caters to over 350 children, teens and young adults under 25. This togetherness and family feel led to the “Boca Grove Cares” initiative, reborn during the pandemic as a staff-driven project. Today, it unites members and staff to support charitable causes through sweat equity and forge deep connections.

As Boca Grove continues to evolve, its core values remain unchanged: fostering tradition, unity, and a vibrant neighborhood spirit.

For more information on how you can Cherish the Lifestyle as this top-rated Boca Raton community, please reach out to the membership team at 561.487.5300 or membership@bocagrove.org.

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Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

NO TEE TIMES | FAZIO DESIGNED | PLAYER APPROVED

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

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celebrity corner

In 2022, War Hippies, the country

Creativets tournament: L to R (Donnie Reis, Jelly Roll, Richard Casper, Brantley Gilbert, Scooter Brown)

Meet the War Hippies SOTF (Special Operators Transition Foundation) tournament: Donnie with John Daly

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music duo and lifestyle brand cofounded by Scooter Brown and Donnie Reis, burst onto the music scene. Their authentic songwriting and electrifying live performances quickly garnered widespread critical acclaim.

Before teaming up, Scooter Brown had already earned numerous industry accolades including a No. 1 cut “Sent Me You” performed by Josh Ward, he won Male Vocalist of the Year at the 3rd Annual Rocky Mountain Country Music Awards and extensively toured with iconic artists such as Charlie Daniels, Travis Tritt, the Marshall Tucker Band and Whiskey Myers. Meanwhile, world-renowned violinist, writer, and producer, Donnie Reis, has contributed to over 14 Billboard Top 10’s, including two No. 1 songs on three No. 1 records. He also has an extensive touring history both stateside and overseas including four MWR tours entertaining our troops.

On October 14 of that year War Hippies unleashed their self-titled debut album during The Can’t Miss Tour, where they provided support for Chris Janson and Travis Tritt. The album made an immediate impact, debuting at No. 8 on the iTunes Country Chart and reaching No. 30 across all genres in its first week. To date, the collection has amassed over 13 million streams and views. Their track “Make It Out Alive” from the album earned a coveted spot on American Songwriter’s prestigious Top 24 Songs of 2022 list. Another album cut, “The Hangman,” Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

gained significant traction and its official music video received a Silver Telly Award for Craft Video & Cinematography.

In addition to their musical pursuits, Brown and Reis are U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army combat veterans, respectively and the duo remains committed to supporting fellow veterans and military families through advocacy work, fundraising, and helping children secure access to musical instruments. War Hippies are on track to perform 100 live concerts by the end of 2023. Their tour schedule includes supporting Travis Tritt, headlining performances, and music festivals across the country.

They’ve also recently received a sponsorship endorsement from Harley-Davidson and have been performing at rallies and participating in rides across the US. Furthermore, the duo is currently in the studio producing new music while also creating new video content and working on other highly anticipated projects.

Visit WarHippies.com for more information.

John Daly, Doug Grey (Marshall Tucker Band), and Scooter

Photo by: Nick Tavares, NTP Photography Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

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gaspar golf cart girl

What is your favorite sport to play? Favorite to watch?

I was involved in cheerleading and lacrosse when I was younger, but my favorite to watch is hockey.

Do you enjoy playing golf? Are there any golfers in your family?

I like to golf, but I’m really not any good at it. I use my mom’s clubs from before I was born. My parents haven’t played for many years but we always have lived on a golf course.

What do you feel makes this club special?

I love the relationships I’ve built with the members and the way members and staff treat me. I started working at Ardea in 2018 as a camp counselor and after college came back to work on beverage cart. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!

What is your favorite part of being a cart girl? What is your least favorite part?

I love being outside all day and being able to listen to my podcasts and music while driving around. My least favorite part is when golfers don’t wave back!

If you weren’t a cart girl, what would you be doing?

I work as a 2nd grade teacher during the week and work the cart on the weekends. It’s nice because being a cart girl barely feels like work after teaching all week! It’s just fun.

What is your memorable moment working as a cart girl?

One day I got stuck in a bush and golfers had to help me get out.

Maggie Graham Where did you grow up?

I was born in California, moved to Nebraska, Connecticut, and then Florida. I’ve spent most of my life in the Tampa area.

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

Mostly the alternative and theater kids, but I had friends in every group.

Do you think the cart girls should be able to dress differently? How you prefer dress if you were given a choice?

I love my uniform! This club is not very strict about what we can wear but I’ve had fun finding my own personal style!

What type of music do you prefer?

I like all types, but mostly electric guitar and classic rock.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I love art and music!

Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails?

Definitely relaxing at home most of the time, but I do enjoy going out with my girls every once in a while.

Favorite type of movie?

I like fantasy movies the most!

Gaspar Golf is home to the Pirate Golf Tour, the premiere amateur golf league based in the Tampa Bay Area. We host a tournament every month at private clubs, resort courses, and better semi-private clubs in central Florida. Founded in 2019, Gaspar Golf is all about fun and camaraderie, and features players of all skill levels and handicaps. Our next season begins in October 2023, and runs through our Playoffs in October 2024. Connect with us on our social media channels to find out more!

https://gaspargolf.com * https://www.facebook.com/groups/GasparGolf https://www.instagram.com/gaspar.golf/ * https://www.tiktok.com/@pirategolffilms 14

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

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.

With all INTERSTATE travel and DIRECT FLIGHTS into many airports, getting here is easy.

www.GolfAlabama.org

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National, Auburn-Opelika

G Great reat G Golf olf aand nd

SO MUCH MORE! On Top of The World is Ocala's Best Active-Adult Golf Course Community.

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hen you’re age 55 years or better, staying active is so important to keeping fit and healthy in the decades to come. At On Top of the World, residents have many opportunities to live an active lifestyle, and have fun doing it.

Last Golf Course View Homesites Available Now!

You’ll f ind three golf courses, tennis courts, dogs parks, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, fitness centers, over 20 miles of walking trails and even pickleball and bocce courts, all of which add up to plenty of ways to stay active whenever — and however — you like. Because there are so many outdoor activity facilities, you won’t have to wait for a tee or court time or have to worry about not getting a lane for your laps in the pool.

State parks, unique restaurants, concerts and live theatre are only the beginning when it comes to offerings in the Ocala area.

Residents can go antiquing in nearby historic towns or hit the “big cities” of Orlando and Tampa.

Delight the grandkids with quick trips to Disney World, Universal Studios and other renowned theme parks in nearby Orlando.

Visit nearby beach towns like Daytona or

OCALA OPEN CANDLER HILLS • Gordon Lewis designed, semi-private par 72 championship course • State-of-the-art practice facility

THE TORTOISE & THE HARE

Clearwater to relax in the sand. It’s also close to four area hospitals, two of which are only minutes away from the community.

• Private 18 hole, par 72 course • Golf clinics and lessons from PGA & LPGA professionals

Over 420 acres of outdoor amenities to enjoy!

THE LINKS

On Top of the World offers so much more than just great golf! With a wide array of recreational amenities, dozens of social clubs and an award-winning lifelong learning center that features classes in a multitude of subjects that appeal to all types of interests, residents can learn new skills or just meet up with friends in pursuit of their favorite pastime.

• Private 18 hole, par 72 course • Nestled in a picturesque natural setting

Discover the lifestyle and community of your dreams. With countless amenities, there is always something fun to do and new friends to do it with. Live life to the fullest in Central Florida’s premier active-adult community - it’s Where the Cool Kids Retire!®.

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To be eligible to receive the discounted $199 World Tour Adventure, guests must book their stay by December 31, 2023. A $199 cancellation fee applies if the reservation is cancelled within 30 days of stay. Prices, features, and specifications are subject to change without notice. Certain conditions may apply. Void where prohibited by law. #12503 - 10/23

golf bachelorette

What do you do for a living?

I am in the US Army.

What would you like to do for a living?

I would love to work in interior design.

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

The gym and a good movie.

What golf apparel do you like to wear?

Sunday Swagger and Bad Birdie.

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

My mother.

Steak, chicken, or seafood?

Steak, medium, lots of butter.

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

Music, a chef, and an everlasting supply of sunblock.

Who would you like to have with you on the same deserted island; and why?

My best friend. We can turn anything into a good time.

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

Talking while a player is getting to hit.

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

My family, my dog, and my friends. .

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

Money to keep myself happy.

What do you fear the most?

Falling from an extreme height but never hitting the ground.

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

Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Cheyenne Woods.

What are some of your great accomplishments?

Joining the military. Obtaining my BS. Designing multiple venues in Nashville Tennessee.

Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails?

Depends, how’s the weather?

Favorite comedian?

Eddie Murphy Last book you read?

Switch On Your Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf News, current events; hardcopy or on-line?

Online, for the convenience.

Favorite charity to support?

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

I’m extremely outgoing but also very laid back. I love exploring new places and meeting new people. I like to keep an open mind and go where life takes me.

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Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

golf bachelor

I once took the wrong Flight; I was supposed to go to NY from NC and I was running late this is Pre-2001. When I got to the gate in NC I was the last one to board and the Jet started as a single jetway then half way through became 2 so I needed to make a right and I made a left and ended up in St. Louis MO. What do you find to be the most annoying habit people demonstrate on the golf course?

Not knowing the pace of play.

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

My family, my job and my friends.

Given the choice; would you select love, success, or money to keep yourself happy? Success What do you fear the most?

Opening the toilet water reservoir!

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

Charlie Woods, Jon Rham and Joaquin Niemann What are some of your great accomplishments?

Getting a full Athletic scholarship for Long Island University in NY. Holding the National record of the Dominican Republic for the 1500 meter from 1991 to 1999.

Where were you born? Did you grow up there?

Santiago, Dominican Republic Is “acting your age” over rated? Not at all, I think it’s great.

What do you do for a living?

Admissions for College at Universal Technical Institute What would you like to do for a living?

Would have loved to be able to play in the Champions tours.

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

Playing poker, Watching Formula 1.

Whom do you most admire for their inner and outer beauty? My mother Tell us about your first kiss?

It was in the church’s patio with a girl I grew up with.

Steak, chicken, or seafood? Seafood.

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

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails?

At home with a nice Dominican Cigar and a good whisky next to me.

Last time you spewed something through your nose from laughing so hard?

At a bar in 2008 in Kansas City MO and I sprayed the Bar attendant.

Favorite comedian? Preacher.

Movies:…comedy, drama, action, romance? Romance Favorite television channel? Golf Channel Last book you read? The 48 laws of power.

News, current events; hardcopy or on-line? Online.

Favorite magazine? Golf Central What else would you like for us to know about you?

I started plying Golf in 2003 and I am a handicap 13.5 now.

I play all around Central Florida!

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grip it & sip it

Coquina Coast Brewing Company Curtis Moden is the founder and brew master at Coquina Beach Brewing Company. He has had a long relationship with the game of golf, but not how you might imagine. His brewery stands about five miles from the nearest course, so any sand on the floor likely came from Flagler Beach, just a couple hundred feet down Moody

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Boulevard. And while Curtis began lessons at five, was once a cart boy, and lives on the 11th hole of Palm Harbor Golf Club, his game today consists of an occasional bucket of balls at a local driving range.

He was born just a year after his parents, John and Patsy, moved to Palm Coast, Florida. John was a young engineer charged with designing and managing

construction of infrastructure for the new 92,000-acre development.

Patsy became a real estate broker working mainly in the development and sale of golf course and waterfront properties.

She was instrumental in the build outs of the Hammock Beach and Grand Haven golf communities locally, as well as other golf communities throughout the state.

While never far removed from golf during his growing up years, Curtis got into brewing after studying Anthropology in college.

He notes that, “Societies would often organize after turning to horticulture, and beer, wine and mead were always present.” His first brews were mead using local honey but, after a year or two he decided he loved the process but liked drinking beer better, so started brewing beer too.

Opened in 2020, Coquina Coast is the only brewery in Flagler county. All beers are brewed on site, using only grain along with local ingredients. “We crush the malt in our mill and do the mash, boil, and fermentation all in the same building. One of the great things about that is our customers can come in on a brew day and get to see and smell the ingredients (malt, hops, fruit, etc.) being used in the next brew.”

CCBC beers reflect a strong “farm-to-brewer” commitment.

Curtis grows his own watermelons, pumpkins, sorghum, and prickly pear cactus in his backyard.

Passion fruit, datil peppers, mangos and other crops used in his brews come from local farms and coffee from Flagler’s own SunBros Coffee.

As he explains, “For craft breweries in general, it’s about drinking local.”

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

New selections arrive frequently.

The best place to find out what’s new is Coquina Coast’s Facebook page. You can also find them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ CoquinaCoastBrewingCompany), Instagram: @coquinacoastbrewing, and coquinacoastbrewingcompany.com.

The vibe is always laid back, pet friendly and family oriented, with live music every weekend, trivia night, bingo, monthly Pride night, family games, and puttputt. Curtis’ commitment to the community is apparent, hosting events supporting the arts, local organizations, and charitable causes nearly every week, often with help from his brother Luke and mom Patsy. Coquina Coast is also a regular sponsor at golf outings and is the perfect 19th hole to recap the round with a unique brew, just a block from the Atlantic Ocean.

At Coquina Coast Brewery you can expect good beer and friendly people in a fun and easygoing

atmosphere. More importantly, you’ll meet an owner whose long-standing family ties to Palm Coast and Flagler County shape

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Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

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cuisine on the green

By Nafanua Marlowe photos by Terrie Purdum

Charm City!

Amidst the serene beauty of

Lake Ashton, “Charm City” has reignited a forgotten restaurant space in the very front of the community. Charm City quickly befriended its newest regulars with personable staff, an excellent kitchen, and an owner whose passion for good food and genuine hospitality show through every detail of the experience.

Honoring its name, a charming, open, ambiance invites you to relax and savor the moment, making it a comfortable space to enjoy your company and your meal. The staff exemplifies the very essence

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of Charm City’s ethos – warm, friendly, and genuinely personable.

The ship is captained by Nik Minadakis, a Maryland native and a die-hard Baltimore fan, who you’ll never find in one spot. He takes the time to speak with patrons, ensuring their visit is memorable and enjoyable. This personal touch creates a sense of community that sets Charm City apart in the area.

Lake Ashton’s latest addition hit the ground running with food that justifies praise. Chef Laura Navarret offers a terrific menu of comforting, familiar, flavors of American dining with Maryland charm. Each dish is tailored to stand out from the monotonous shortcomings of American food staples that have been undercut by low effort mass production and overindulgent viral marketing stunts. The careful details evoke a great deal of effort in recipe development, quality ingredients, and great execution.

Despite the high kitchen standards, the prices remain affordable. A long bar stretches the back wall with sports streaming, allowing the space to boast

its diversity as a perfect lunch spot to an energetic audience on game night. Tasty, perfectly cooked wings pile on plates, and delicious American barbecue like the popular brisket grilled cheese and slow smoked ribs compete alongside warm, mouthwatering crab cakes, jumbo shrimp, and perfectly seasoned fish. Real charm can be found at Charm City.

Visit Charm City: 4141 Ashton Club Dr Lake Wales, FL Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

LIFE SPECTACUL AR

BAHAMAR.COM

Set on a pristine white sand beach, Baha Mar p e r f e c t l y b a l a n c e s a n a r ra y o f s p e c t a c u l a r e xp e r i e n c e s w i t h l u xu r i o u s re l a x a t i o n i n t h e p u re C a r i b b e a n s u n s h i n e . E x q u i s i t e d i n i n g e xp e r i e n c e s

f ro m

w o r l d - re no w n e d

chefs,

l u s h t ro p i c a l p o o l s , Th e B a h a m a s ’ t o p g o l f c o u rs e , a n d o u r n e w 15 - a c re l u x u r y w a t e r park Baha Bay await.

A LUXURY OF CHOICE

B A H A B AY WAT E R PA R K

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RESIDENCES

By Mike May

georgia golf trail

Savannah:

It's The Real Deal — Today & Every Day Savannah, Georgia is an ideal

destination for people who like playing golf, listening to music, eating delicious food, and exploring historical destinations.

As you would expect, Savannah’s top golf destination, The Club at Savannah Harbor, is a member of the Georgia Golf Trail. The Club at Savannah Harbor, a Bob Cupp and Sam Snead design, is an Tybee Island

Club at Savannah Harbor, built along tidal marshlands

alluring, attractive, and affordable destination for all golfers.

“The joint appeal of the Club at Savannah Harbor and the City of Savannah as a destination is what keeps people coming back to Savannah year after year,” says Doug Hollandsworth, founder, Georgia Golf Trail.

Savannah’s pedestrian-friendly layout enhances the appeal of the city’s many attractions — Southern cuisine restaurants, riverboat cruises along the Savannah River, architectural tours, spectacular art galleries, Civil War re-enactments, and the Savannah Historic Theatre, which was established in 1818.

Of course, any visit to Savannah 26

Savannah riverfront would be incomplete without a stroll along River Street or a visit to the Historic District of Savannah, which is the home of the City Market. Both River Street and the

City Market are filled with antique shops, classy boutiques, fabulous restaurants, unique nightspots, and locally owned and operated inns, hotels, and B & B’s. The Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

Huey's Fried Green Tomatoes City Market is located in a fourblock area downtown and is in the heart of Savannah’s entertainment district. Every night, visitors will find a live, local band producing a toe-tappin’ sound.

BTW: The beignets at Huey’s On The River (www.hueysontheriver.net) are as delicious as the ones that you’ll find in New Orleans and the Bloody Mary’s are secondto-none in Savannah!

FYI: If you want to enjoy time at the beach while in Savannah, nearby Tybee Island is your best option.

Officially known as Savannah’s Beach, Tybee Island has five miles of public beach along the Atlantic Ocean. If you spend the night on Tybee Island and want to see a brilliant sunrise, a great option is the Hotel Tybee (www.hoteltybee.com).

FORE: The Club at Savannah Harbor, built along the tidal marshlands, is a club with distinction, as it hosted the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf event on the Champions Tour from 2003-2013.

The Champions Tour enjoyed its annual visit here and you will, too.

Golf Magazine refers to this course as “Savannah’s Golf Centerpiece.” All 18 holes at The Club at Savannah Harbor have a name. Each moniker is intentionally chosen. For instance, Moonshiner’s Haven, the 5th hole, is in a secluded part of the course and was once the home of illegal activities in the area! Tomo Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

Chi Chi, the 12th hole, is named after the big, seven-foot tall former Savannah Indian Chief. This hole is long and has a huge 17,000-square foot green. A two-putt experience

is an achievement. Alligator Alley, the 14th hole, has a narrow passageway which serves as both the fairway and as a natural path for alligators which cross the course, usually under the veil of darkness.

PS. For golfers, a convenient place to spend the night is the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa. It’s a very short distance away from The Club at Savannah Harbor and if you stay at the Westin, you’ll also receive complimentary water ferry service to River Street.

Savannah’s antique shops, boutiques, restaurants, oneof-a-kind nightspots, locally owned/operated inns/hotels/B & B’s, and The Club at Savanah Harbor await your arrival.

While booking your trip to Savannah, check out Visit Savannah’s website — www.visitsavannah.com — where you’ll find more things to do in Savannah.

To learn more about The Club at Savannah Harbor, access www.GeorgiaGolfandTravel.com.

Savannah riverboat cruises are popular 27

golf travel 28

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

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SOTF’S NASHVILLE IS GRATEFUL 2023

NASHVILLE COMES TOGETHER TO SUPPORT

Our Nations War Heroes

The Special Operators Transition Foundation (SOTF) held their 4th Annual Nashville is Grateful Golf Tournament and Country Music Jam Fest last month at the prestigious Old Hickory Country Club in Nashville, TN. The experience was nothing short of extraordinary, as they set new records for attendance and support. The event featured an illustrious lineup, with the legendary Lee Greenwood who didn’t leave the stage with dry eye in the audience. Jon Daly, and the War Hippies alongside other esteemed musical talents graced the stage, but the real celebrities were our Nation’s war heroes to include, Navy Seals, Green Berets, our Air Force’s combat aviators looking for their next community and career after they finish serving our country. Special Operators and returning celebrities joined forces, making this weekend a remarkable chapter in history.

From the lush greens of the golf course to the electrifying notes of the music, the weekend was filled with camaraderie, unforgettable memories, and most importantly, unwavering support for our Nation’s Special Operators as they embark on their post-military careers.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors, supporters and attendees for wholeheartedly welcoming the Special Operators Transition Foundation and for making this event a resounding success and standing with the SOTF as they continue to empower and uplift our dedicated Special Operations Veterans.

Presenting Sponsors were-Ferguson and E3 Construction Services Supporting sponsors include: WKRN News 2 Unique-ARs wet paint group Fuklehead Bourbon Swag Shop Pinnacle Financial Partners Troy Teal Long Drive, ROCK N ROLL TEQUILA, Diamond Cellar Holdings, Speed Golf Jessica Towe, Operation Stand Down Tennessee, MISSION BBQ, Ship Molo, Golf Central Magazine Shepherd's Men Lindsay Miller Three Rangers Foundation Elevate Real Estate Talent MSH, The Boston Beer Company Frontier Coffee Alpha Elite Performance, DJ Blanco Sean Mullins Halo Privacy Casey McKeon Monogram Health Jack Chadam CBIZ Bridget "Doc" Miller Oracle Clint Underwood Carmen Brooks Conquest Cyber Richard Drazin naviHealth Alan Walsh Wyndham Hotels & Resorts The VinyLab

JOIN SOTF’S NEXT EVENT Join the Special Operators Transition Foundation (SOTF) for thier next event, supportingSpecial Operators from our most elite military forces who are looking to make Florida their home after they're finished serving our country.

We are excited to announce George Piro as our guest speaker for this special event. George Piro was the lead interrogator for Saddam Hussein for seven months and will share his fascinating experience.

October 26, 2023 - 5:30 - 8:30pm The Lodge - 607 Ponte Vedra blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach FL, 32082 Open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres Tickets available at: https://sotf.ticketspice.com/heroes-onthe-beach

www.sotf.org

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Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA’S BESTTKEPT SECRET

Welcome to Rumbling Bald, Lake Lure’s idyllic enclave of outdoor exploraaon and relaxaaon. Our home here in the mountains is built for tranquility and adventure, no maaer how you define them. The natural giis surrounding us are our greatest asset, offering a canvas to create memories, unwind, and reconnect.

Whether you’re most at home hiking the hemlocks of the Blue Ridge Mountains, floaang or fishing the serene waters of Lake Lure, or challenging yourself on one of our championship golf courses, there’s something for everyone to discover here.

IT’S ALL WAITING FOR YOU AT RUMBLING BALD ON LAKE LURE.

Discover more at RumblingBald.com

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Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

GOLF MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE NOW!

1 2 3

Enjoy a golf experience unlike any other with a newly renovated 27- hole championship course and a premier practice facility.

EXPERIENCE A NEW ERA OF EXCELLENCE. Now proudly under the ownership of Heritage Golf Group

At The Club Pelican Preserve, assessments and food minimums are a thing of the past.

Members can enjoy the added perk of playing golf while traveling, through the exclusive Heritage Network.

www.pelicanpreservegolfclub.com

(239) 985-1742

@PelicanPreserveGolfClub

what's new

Ardea Country Club

Opens in Oldsmar after Multimillion Dollar Transformation Invited’s multimillion-dollar transformation of East Lake Woodland Club in Oldsmar, Florida, has touched every area of the club, yielding an evolution in its nearly 50-year history that will enrich the member experience in extraordinary ways.

This process has led to the rebranding of the club, now known as Ardea Country Club. Pronounced “AR-day-uh,” the family-first club is defined by unparalleled

service and world-class amenities, including 36 holes of championship golf, that will comprehensively reshape the Member experience.

“At Invited, we are dedicated to providing premier experiences for our members. The new Ardea Country Club stands as a testament to this commitment,” said Invited CEO David Pillsbury.

A New Standard for Golf The North Course is newly renovated with TifEagle Greens

for entirely new green complexes on every hole. The course offers five sets of tee boxes ranging from 5,106 to 6,807 yards. More than 80 bunkers and water hazards create a challenge for any golfer.

The South Course provides a fun and challenging round for golfers of all ages and skill levels.

With six sets of tee positions, players can tailor the course to their abilities. Meanwhile, Ardea’s expansive driving range and separate short iron range provide ample space for novices and pros alike to work on their swings.

Elevated Member Amenities New dining and events await at the new Heron’s Bar & Grille, offering an array of culinary delights from a four-course meal to a light bite. At The Dash, club members can quickly grab an order in their golf cart, enjoy a bite to eat after tennis, or gather for a casual family dinner by the pool.

Refreshed event spaces upstairs can seat up to 225 guests for weddings, golf outings, meetings, milestone events and more.

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Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

Ardea’s racquet club features 14 beautifully-maintained clay courts and 12 dedicated pickleball courts, with additional enhancements coming in 2024. The aquatics facility has two resort-style pools, perfect for a refreshing dip.

“With our enhanced dining, racquet sports facilities renovation and the introduction of childcare services, Ardea is solidifying its position as a premier, familyoriented Club,” Pillsbury said.

Cross-Bay Membership Options Other member-focused club renovations include the newly completed kid’s club, Birdies.

Located in the main clubhouse next to the fitness and dining areas, Birdies will provide an engaging Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

space for families, complemented by a new slate of robust family and kids programming to better engage and serve members, plus outdoor amenities like a splash pad and mini-golf area.

Membership options include our Social, Racquet Sports & Full Golf. For golfers, Ardea offers a special Cross Bay Premier add on to enjoy access to Countryside, Hunter’s Green and Tampa Palms.

Members new and old will enjoy Ardea’s reinvention and elevation as a premier club in the Tampa Bay area.

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international golf travel

Les Bordes Golf Course Photo Credit Kevin Diss

Les Bordes Golf Club Reigns as Award-Winning Private Estate in France’s Loire Valley Nestled within the mythical

Sologne Forest in the Loire Valley of France – a UNESCO World Heritage site – the iconic Les Bordes Golf Club has been deemed one of the world’s most acclaimed private golf communities. Home to two championship courses and a par-3 course designed by renowned golf course architects, the dynamic club boasts greens that are sophisticated and surrounded by naturally stunning landscapes.

The secluded natural woodland environment causes lanes to beautifully weave between the forest, and allows glimpses of red deer, pheasants, sweeping lakes, and natural clearings across the 1,400-acre estate.

As the premiere course to debut at Les Bordes Golf Club, the Old Course has been consistently 36

ranked amongst the top three golf courses in Europe since its opening in 1987. Widely considered to be the late Robert Von Hagge’s masterpiece, the complex course carves a treelined, 7,009-yard, par-72 course through the rolling forests,

intertwined with a stunning complex of lakes that offer a uniquely serene setting. Over the past few decades, the Old Course has remained a haven for golfers from around the globe and it continues to age with grace.

The most recent introduction to the esteemed club is the celebrated New Course, which quickly made a name for itself as one of the most dynamic courses in the world.

Its 18 holes were designed by the legendary Gil Hanse and are set on sandy soil with abundant natural fescue and broom, playing firm and fast with wide playing corridors framed by heather. The design is a walking course, measuring 6,755 yards from the Member tees with a short walking distance from the greens to the next tees; however, it stretches to 7,285 yards for medal and match play Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

Les Bordes Golf Course 3 Photo Credit Kevin Diss

Les Bordes Estate Horses puxanphoto.com Les Bordes Estate Picnic puxanphoto.com

Les Bordes Estate Fishing puxanphoto.com competitions or for those who seek out a sterner test. The New Course has received wide recognition as an elite French playing destination by visiting professionals and seasoned members alike.

The third and final course at Les Bordes Golf Club is the exciting and whimsical Gil Hanse creation, the Wild Piglet course.

Consisting of 10 par-3 holes, the course pays homage to some of the most iconic holes in the world.

To keep up the lush courses and oversee the tight-knit community of members, the Club takes pride in its seasoned trio of top talent, led by Director of Golf, Jack Laws, along with the recent additions Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

of Golf Superintendent, Romain Basque and Head Professional, Oliver Huish. Each with years of rich experience at top clubs across the globe, the team is poised to continue Les Bordes Golf Club’s legacy as a top European golf destination.

For those seeking a true golfer’s paradise beyond membership, Les Bordes Estate is excitingly transforming into a world-class lifestyle destination, with active construction taking place on the recently debuted Cour du Baron residences, with move-ins set for 2024. The well-appointed residences represent a first-of-its-kind home ownership experience in a richly historic destination, offering

residents an exclusive retreat with an activated community, convivial lifestyle, innate connection to nature, first-rate hospitality, and endless outdoor pursuits – all steps from these globally acclaimed championship golf courses.

Homeowners will receive access to Les Bordes Estate’s acres of existing recreational activities, including its lakes and white sand beach, archery, fishing, cycle and electric quad paths, tennis and pickleball courts, horseback riding, electric go-kart track, children’s playground, zipline, petting farm, and more. Residents will also receive access to the renowned Wild Piglet course upon movein, and will be welcome to apply for a coveted golf membership.

Les Bordes Estate will also be home to the new Six Senses Loire Valley, consisting of a hotel, spa, and branded residences, allowing travelers and homeowners from across the globe to get a taste of the lauded Les Bordes Estate lifestyle.

37

cuisine on the green

Chef's Signature Dish

Chef Chris Pacheco Chef Chris Pacheco, a seasoned

maestro in the world of gastronomy. At the age of 46, this native of New Mexico brings a wealth of experience to the kitchen, with an impressive 26-year journey crafting culinary delights in various renowned restaurants.

Chef Pacheco’s culinary voyage began at Hotel Encanto, where he honed his skills as an executive sous chef, executive chef, and executive banquet chef. Later, he ventured to Las Cruces, where he assumed the prestigious role of Executive Chef at Risottos, showcasing his expertise and flair for the culinary arts.

Remarkably, Chef Pacheco’s culinary education wasn’t through the traditional route of culinary school. Instead, he had the privilege of learning from a seasoned executive chef in Scottsdale and a master chef hailing from the culinary heartland of Italy. Notably, his culinary idols include none other than the legendary Anthony Bourdain and the fiery Gordon Ramsey, whose influences have

38

shaped his culinary philosophy.

Chef Pacheco’s culinary prowess is further exemplified by his triumphant victory in the early 2000s, when he bested over 20 contestants in a thrilling green chile burger throwdown, defeating even the formidable Bobby Flay.

For the past 15 years, Chef Pacheco has embarked on a journey of self-discovery, continuously pushing culinary boundaries. His motto, “NIB Normal is boring,” underscores his innovative spirit, as he fearlessly combines unexpected ingredients and concoctions, weaving together flavors that may seem unconventional but harmoniously unite on the plate.

In the world of gastronomy, Chef Chris Pacheco is a true visionary, an artist who dares to defy culinary norms and create masterpieces that tantalize the senses. Prepare to embark on a gastronomic adventure like no other, guided by the ingenious hand of Chef Pacheco, whose culinary creations are a testament to the notion that extraordinary flavors reside beyond the realm of conventionality.

Solomilo

Filet Mignon, Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Manchego, Chive and Rosemary Red Wine Demi Glaze

Ingredients: Olive Oil Filet mignon Bacon Asparagus 4 russet peeled potatoes 1/2 Cup Red Wine 1/2 Cup Beef Stock 1/4 Cup shallots 2 Tablespoons butter 1 Tablespoon Rosemary Recipe: Asparagus

1. Blanch Asparagus 2. Give Asparagus and ice bath 3. Wrap in raw bacon 4. Roasted in the oven until bacon is crispy 5. Salt and Pepper to taste

Potatoes 1. Boil 4 russet peeled potatoes in water with 2 springs Rosemary & cook until very tender 2. Run potatoes through China cap 3. Add 1 tablespoon butter melt and 4oz of potatoes & mix together 4. Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream mix till very silky smooth and chives mix together 5. Salt and pepper to taste Filet Mignon 1. Cook until Medium Rare 2. Salt and Pepper to taste Red Wine Demi Glaze 1. Coat pan with olive oil & add shallots 2. Cook until translucent 3. Add Red wine and beef stock & reduce until half 4. Add butter and Rosemary until slightly thickens 5. Add to Filet Mignon Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

Displays of the world’s finest automobiles.

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF PORSCHE

ST. PETERSBURG VINOY PARK. SUNDAY, JANUARY 21ST. 300+ EXOTIC, CLASSIC & MUSCLE CARS ON DISPLAY. ENJOY COCKTAILS. GREAT FOOD, MUSIC & MORE. PRESENTED BY

improving performance

From Real Estate to Garage Golf:

A Journey of Passion and Opportunity

Late in 2017, amidst a demanding and stressful 70-hour typical work week in real estate, a novel idea struck me: Golf Simulators and YouTube! No, I wasn’t a single-digit

handicap golf pro; I stood proudly

Golf”, a concept that started

at an 18-handicap, which, I said

literally in my garage as a YouTube

jokingly, makes me relish the game

channel. Within six years, it has

18 times more than the pros.

evolved into a full-time business,

The idea was simple: Why

prompting a significant move for

couldn’t an average golfer like myself produce relatable

my family from Texas to Florida.

Garage Golf wasn’t about

content for fellow mid to high

teaching golf; I learned that lesson

handicappers? Enter “Garage

quickly when my first tutorial attempt was met with the swift stinging criticism of my golf swing.

My niche, it turned out, was golf technology, products, and most notably, golf simulators. My wife and I built our golf simulator from the ground up in our garage.

The journey was riddled with challenges and potential high cost alterations. This realization fueled my content: guiding others through their simulator builds, pointing out pitfalls, and suggesting cost-effective approaches.

As our subscriber count surged, doors opened. We got invited to the annual PGA Show in Orlando – a dream-come-true moment. By

40

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

late 2022, balancing real estate with Garage Golf became challenging as the latter transformed into a lucrative side hustle. Affiliate marketing emerged as a rewarding model; we recommended products, clients used our links to purchase, and we earned, all at no extra cost to the clients we assisted.

Our breakthrough came when we decided to coordinate and create a golf simulator design studio in Fort Lauderdale, Florida retrofitted with products from our preferred vendor with The Indoor Golf Shop.

This facility has helped us to craft a unique experience for our visitors where they can have a hands-on simulator design consultation, testing various products firsthand before making a purchase. Even

our expanded platform, we’re

enthusiasts all across the US and

producing even more content. As

Canada remotely.

we reflect on our journey since

The YouTube channel that

more important, we now have a physical location to cater to local TurfLife_Ad_HalfPg(12172019).pdf clients, in addition to maintaining

the ability to assist golf simulator

1

2017, Garage Golf’s growth has

birthed Garage Golf? It’s still alive

been astonishing and we’re eager

and more vibrant 12/17/2019 3:23:46 PMthan ever. With

to see where the future leads.

Starting at $10

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Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

41

golf business

Volvik USA

Announces New Leadership Team Volvik USA, Inc. (Volvik.com), a rapidly-growing, premium highperformance golf ball company, has announced a new leadership

Pete Kinney, PGA

team. Pete Kinney, PGA, has been

John Holst, PGA

named president, and John Holst is the new vice president of sales.

Kinney and Holst have years of experience in the golf industry, in particular in the golf ball

42

category – Kinney with Maxfli,

word ‘fun’ for beginners to low

performance golf balls for players

Taylormade, Slazenger, Srixon/

handicappers. Our sales team is

of every skill set, featuring 58

Cleveland and Bridgestone Golf,

currently out in the field, visiting

worldwide patents. Volvik’s

and Holst with Maxfli, Mizuno,

with our valued customers and

patented SF matte coating has

Wilson and Forethought Golf.

presenting the best lineup of

led to the development of Vivid,

“We look forward to leading

products and pricing that we have

the world’s first matte finish golf

the Volvik team as we expand

ever offered in the United States.”

ball. Volvik continues to expand

the presence and scope of

Plans are in place to continue

its product line and is proud to

this exciting brand,” Kinney

the expansion of various Volvik

have had its XT Soft urethane

said. “Volvik has always been

lines and to enhance the growing

golf ball receive a Silver medal

known for leading the way in color,

recognition of Volvik USA

on Golf Digest’s 2023 Hot List.

quality and innovation, appealing

throughout North America.

Volvik’s product line portfolio

to golfers of all skill levels.

About Volvik

includes multi-layer urethane

“Our focus will continue to

With over 40 years of golf

be developing groundbreaking

ball production, Volvik has

glossy and matte finishes. Players

technology, enhancing the colorful

led the way with unparalleled

using Volvik golf balls have earned

products that we are known for

innovation. Volvik is dedicated

millions of dollars in prize money

and, most importantly, being the

to the production of specialized

with multiple victories. For

brand that is associated with the

3- and 4-piece multi-layer high

information, see volvik.com.

and ionomer cover products in

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

golf business

Metropolitan Golf Group Acquires Two South Carolina Golf Clubs The Metropolitan Golf Group, a full service golf course and country club management organization based in New Jersey, announced that it haS purchased two Bluffton, South Carolina, public courses to add to its portfolio: Crescent Pointe Golf Club, a signature

Eagle's Pointe Golf Club – Hole #17

Arnold Palmer design, and Eagle’s Pointe Golf Club, a Davis Love III signature course. The Metropolitan Golf Group operates two private clubs, Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township, New Jersey, and The Summit Club in Armonk, New York.

“Our immediate plans are to address both properties’ course conditions which, unfortunately, were allowed to deteriorate over the past few years,” said Christopher R. Schiavone, Founder, President and CEO of the Metropolitan Golf Group. “Work will include upgrading greens and tees, restoring sand in bunkers

Crescent Pointe Golf Club (Arial View)

and improving the existing practice facilities. Both courses were designed by legendary golfers and they occupy land that features scenic tidal marshes, fresh water lagoons and wetlands, moss draped live oaks and rolling terrain. Our goal is to refresh both clubs in order to give visiting and local golfers in the Hilton Head 44

area a stimulating and memorable

Crescent Pointe Golf Club, also in

golf experience worthy of their

Bluffton, occupies natural land that

famous namesake designers.”

features scenic tidal marshes, fresh

Since it opened in 1998, Eagle’s Pointe has been a popular

water lagoons and wetlands, moss draped live oaks and rolling terrain.

Lowcountry destination for visitors

For information about the

and members and is located just

Metropolitan Golf Group, visit

a few minutes from Hilton Head.

www.metrogg.com.

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

! r a e Y w n the Ne

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4-nights / 5-days 3 rounds of golf Welcome reception & most meals Group destination activity Airport transportation Lots of memories!

To book: www.womenonfairways.com/golf-trips info@womenonfairways.com

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Sandra Changkija

The most anticipated

Section event of the year is now upon us – the 2023 NFPGA Section Championship.

Fifty-nine players put all they have to the test over the three-day Championship held at the Cypress Course at Grand Cypress Golf in Orlando, FL. This event serves as the deciding factor to ultimately determine the “2023 NFPGA Player of the Year,” as the Championship is the final points event of the year.

Round 1

And so it begins, the pursuit of the 2023 Section Champion title starts now! This morning, Grand Cypress Golf welcomed 59 NFPGA Members. Each of these players has played well throughout the season, but after Round 1 of this Championship, you could tell the players were leaving everything they had on the green.

In first place, is Sandra Chankija, last year’s Section Champion who is here to defend her title.

She concluded her day with a total of seven birdies, an eagle on hole 13, with a score of -6 (66).

Closely behind Changkija, tied for second, Rod Perry and Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth. With a total of -5 (67). Perry the eight-time Section Champion made six birdies and Connelly-Eiswerth, the lead for our “Women’s Player of the Year” made five birdies, four of these being on the back nine.

With three of our Members being tied for fourth with a score of -4 (68), this will be a battle till the end. Dalton Bartlett, Jennifer Borocz, and R.J. Milford.

Round 2

In first place again, is the defending Champion, Sandra

46

Sandra Changkija

NFPGA’s 2023 Section Championship Changkija. She finished her round today with a total of -1 (71), made four birdies, and closed the day with a total of -7 (137).

In second is Nick Joy with a score of 68 making him only one point ( -6 (138) ) away from tying for first with Sandra Changkija.

Scoring four birdies on the back nine, he has found his stride and there’s no doubt he will leave it all on the green tomorrow morning. Tomorrow, this is going to be the pair to watch.

With our four-way tie for third, let’s see who will break up this draw tomorrow. Up first, is Dalton Barlett who scored -1 (71), R.J. Milford -1 (71), and Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth and Rod Perry finished this round even.

Round 3

That wraps up our 2023 Section Championship and our Champion is… Sandra Changkija!

The defending champ came and secured the title yet again concluding her time at Grand Cypress Golf with -12 (204)!

Changkija not only is the Section Champion but is also taking home the trophy for our 2023 Women’s Champion. “It feels amazing being NFPGA’s Section Champion for two years in a row.” Congrats on this accomplishment, Sandra!

Thank you again to all of our supporting partners for making this week happen and to Grand Cypress for hosting! We will see you all next year for the 2024 Section Championship.

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

12TH ANNUAL "LITTLE GOLF, BIG PURPOSE" FUNDRAISER

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The South Florida PGA Foundation Belle Glade

"It literally saved my life,”

former Army SPC. Mary AndersonKokell said. “I was ready to commit suicide before the program, and here I am today.”

Giving back, changing PGA HOPE lives, and growing the game – that is the mission of the South Florida PGA Foundation, the charitable arm of the South Florida PGA. For nearly 20 years, this mission has been carried out by enhancing the lives of youth, families and military, on and off the golf course.

What began as a vision

by PGA Professionals Tom Wildenhaus (Director backbone of the South Florida PGA of Golf/General Manager at and its Foundation, enabling them Olde Florida Golf Club) and to give back through the game.

Kevin Murphy (Director of Golf/ Each Professional involved will General Manager at McArthur agree, sharing golf with others is Golf Club), the SFPGA Foundation incomparable, especially when has impacted over 13,500 it is lifting the spirits of children individuals through the game of and families at local healthcare golf with over $740,000 annually facilities through Smiling Fore Life. spent on programming.

“The most amazing part Anderson-Kokell refers to is that they all have success. the PGA HOPE (Helping Our It doesn’t matter what their Patriots Everywhere) program illness or disability is, the PGA which aspires to create a Professionals make them feel physically and emotionally like they’re champs.” explained healthier military community Robi Jurney, President and CEO through a six-week curriculum of the Quantum House where led by PGA Professionals.

Smiling Fore Life is held weekly.

“Golf is way more than a More than 15,000 volunteer game,” expressed Geoff Lofstead, hours and $800,000 will be given Executive Director of the South to 14 Habitat for Humanity homes Florida PGA. “We can see that by 2026 throughout the Section, through the thousands of which geographically extends to lives our programs touch.”

Vero Beach and Punta Gorda and PGA Professionals, who operate down to the Florida Keys, U.S local golf facilities, are the 48

Smiling Fore Life Group Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

In 2021, the SFPGA Foundation partnered with Super Bowl MVP, Santonio Holmes to provide golf to students in the Belle Glade community, bringing the game to less exposed areas.

“As I got older, I understood why people play golf,” Holmes said. “It’s important the game is brought to people for the responsibility, friendships and networking it provides.”

Those friendships are most prevalent on the South Florida PGA Junior Tour which continues to build future generations of golfers and well-rounded individuals.

“The Junior Tour allowed me to play competitive golf,” said Logan Rohack, 2021 SFPGA Foundation Scholarship recipient. “With the SFPGA Foundation supporting me in college, I am optimistic of what’s to come in these next four years.”

Each year, the SFPGA Foundation Scholarship selects a high school senior that has been impacted

by Foundation programming to receive a $20,000 scholarship.

Now 20 years later, the vision has exceeded all expectations and with the help of the SFPGA Foundation’s various fundraising events and donations from the community, the South Florida PGA plans to endow all Foundation programming to make golf more than a game for years to come.

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

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With Love and Light

by Nafanua Marlow

BETTINARDI GOLF AND RAWLINGS® In conjunction with Rawlings, the official glove of Major League Baseball, Bettinardi Golf is introducing an extraordinary crossover between two iconic sports brands. This gamechanging collaboration will combine Bettinardi’s precision craftsmanship with the rich heritage of Rawlings baseball gloves.

The assortment will feature a wide range of products that will launch online including putters, headcovers, apparel, and other premium accessories.

Bettinardi brand ambassador and Rawlings Gold Glove® Award winner, Ian Happ, was especially excited about Bettinardi’s Gold Glove Woodset designed exclusively for the collaboration. “If you’re gonna go to the course and rock that, you’re turnin’ some heads,” Happ said motioning to the limited wood set.

This limited-edition Bettinardi x Rawlings collaboration will be launched on Thursday, October 12th at 10 a.m.

CDT. The launch will take place in Bettinardi’s Hive at www.bettinardi. com, and available at select Bettinardi Specialty Dealers worldwide.

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Laughter and Golf, They Go Together The world has been waiting for R.W. Heller’s latest golf book entitled; “Laughter and Golf, They Go Together.”

It will be unveiled on Nov.12th at Schalamar Creek CC in Lakeland. The evening will be dedicated to aiding charitable donations for cancer research. A portion of autographed book sales will be donated along with donations of artwork, collector items, sculptures, furniture and food items.

The evening is open to the members of Schalamar Creek CC and nearby residents.

Ron Heller was the host of ‘Golf is our Game’ on radio and TV for over 20 years in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Ron is the author of 14 books in various categories including murder mysteries and self-help publications.

With Love and Light illustrates Jamie Butler’s unique journey as a clairvoyant medium. Her candid storytelling and engaging narrative draw readers into her experiences, allowing them to share in the wonder and challenges of her gripping encounters with the spirit world, and her quest for spiritual growth and enlightenment.

As a medium, Butler offers a unique perspective on these profound subjects, making this autobiography a compelling read for those seeking insight into the mysteries of life and beyond from someone with a profound sense of grace and understanding.

Butler’s accounts of connecting with spirits and facilitating communication between the living and the departed provide an intimate look into the world of mediumship and readings.

Her captivating life seamlessly weaves together spirituality, death, and enlightenment. Jamie’s heartfelt storytelling and profound experiences make this book a valuable resource for anyone interested. Whether you’re a seeker of spiritual truths or simply curious about the mysteries of the afterlife, this book offers a compelling and enlightening exploration of the unseen world through Jamie’s touching and inspiring gift.

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

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private times

Completed 1960 Dining Room

Pool and Spa renovation

Completed Pickleball Courts

Multi-Million Dollar Renovation Reaches Halfway Mark at Prestigious Deerwood Country Club atmosphere for families.

The halfway point of this project signifies the successful completion of several key phases completed and several just underway, including:

• Clubhouse Dining: The clubhouse is undergoing a phased, comprehensive transformation beginning with new paint, flooring and furnishings, as well as the grand opening of its new casual family dining room named “1960”—a tribute to the year Deerwood was founded.

Deerwood Country Club in

Jacksonville, Florida, is excited to announce that its multimillion dollar beautification and renovation project has reached the halfway mark.

Deerwood Country Club, known for its timeless elegance for more than sixty years, embarked on this ambitious project to bring the member experience to new heights of luxury and sophistication. With a focus on modernization, aesthetic refinement, and increased functionality, the renovation will create an unparalleled 52

• Racquet Sports: The Racquet Club was enhanced and six newly renovated subsurface irrigated Har-tru tennis courts with new LED lighting were completed. Four exciting, new pickle ball courts were recently unveiled providing members of all skill levels with exceptional space to enjoy this fastgrowing sport.

• Golf Facilities: The golf program has had the practice range re-grassed, unveiled a new fleet of golf carts and tee mats. The golf course is

being strategically renovated, reimagined and updated with a planned start in the fall of 2025.

• Men’s Locker Room: Beginning this fall, the men’s locker room makeover will combine modern aesthetics with practical amenities to elevate members’ post-game experiences.

• Pool and Wellness: The reimagined resort pool and spa area will begin in the coming months with members enjoying an oasis of tranquility and rejuvenation.

Deerwood Country Club, centrally located in the heart of Jacksonville, Florida, is renowned for its rich history, impeccable facilities, and commitment to delivering an elegant experience for its members. With a legacy spanning more than sixty years, Deerwood Country Club continues to evolve and set the benchmark for excellence in recreational and social amenities. For more information visit Deerwoodclub.com.

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

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By Anthony L. Williams, CGCS, CGM, MG

A Turf Pirate's Journal $Your Personal Health is Your Highest Priority$ Welcome back Turf Pirates

to the emerald coast of turf mythology and the hallowed halls of the Ancient and Honorable Tribe of Turf Pirates.

It has been quite a journey this year with many trials and opportunities across the golf/turf world and we hope you have all fared well. On a personal note, this year saw me change jobs which I have only done a few times over the last 40 years so I have in my new role as a regional agronomist seen more turf and turf professionals than ever before. It has been a great experience and as I am in the fourth quarter of my career much appreciated.

The focus of this month’s conversation Turf Pirates is to manage your personal health as your highest priority.

This month we focus on mental health specifically the childhood superpower, the ability to effortlessly have fun. The job while challenging should always retain a measure of fun and excitement. Remember that in the Official Rules (more like suggestions) of the Ancient and Honorable Tribe of Turf Pirates Rule #36 clearly says, JUST HAVE FUN! I know it’s hard for busy working adults to actually have fun but it’s the best stress buster ever invented. If you struggle to have fun drift back to your five-year-old self and find a few hints for what true fun looks and feels like. I know there are responsibilities and aspirations afoot but find the path and just LET IT FLOW and have fun. Give yourself permission to set down the darkness and weight of whatever is burdensome and have some fun. The other stuff will be there when you come back to pick it up but you will have a fresher mind and lighter spirit which often 54

leads to breakthrough results. Now I would never start such a tale as this centered around having fun as a strategy without dropping a few suggestions. So here we go.

Place something in your office that makes you laugh or is a reminder that life should not always be so serious. If you have visited me in my office, you know there are a lot of things to see and

they all have a story. Just to the right of my computer monitor resides TIKI. I have had TIKI for quite some time and he was originally a unique prize from a golf event. However, his screaming at the world and overall demeaner makes me remember when I was a carefree spirit always moving toward the next adventure. TIKI reminds me at a glance that life should be fun. Tiki sometimes takes field trips with me as evidenced by this month’s photo. Tiki as a muse is not complicated or full of deeper meaning he’s the opposite, he is basically a sign that says be true to yourself but don’t take yourself too seriously.

Shout if it helps start the fun and do something intentionally fun occasionally no matter how small. Then get back to chasing bigger things. Here are a few fun suggestions. Play golf (without the anger over bad shots), make arrows, throw rocks, head to the batting cage, take a walk, go out with friends, smoke a brisket, start a scrap book, collect stamps, meditate, say a quick prayer, research your ancestry, take a drive (remember your first car), sing, dance, play some music, plant a garden, play an ultra-competitive game of solitaire, I could go on and on.

See the point is we often lose our connection with having fun.

Now as Turf Pirates admittedly we sometimes take fun to its apex (the Hot sign at Krispy Kreme often starts this kind of fun) but again we make no apologies for this type of fun is the stuff of legend!

You have no homework this month Turf Pirates so bust out your inner child and have some Fun. You just may start a trend that blooms into a revolution (shout out to the Beatles, one of TIKI’s favorite bands). Until next month brothers and sisters, be amazing!

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

A New Orleans ‘Natural’ Like most golf superintendents,

Randy Smith has seen a lot of crazy weather and climate events since taking the helm at New Orleans’ venerable Golf Club at Audubon Park, which in 2004 became Louisiana’s first SilverCertified Audubon International Signature Sanctuary. And he’s seen many more over his decades in the business, including 25 years at Riverlands Golf & Country Club up the road in La Place. But this year’s extended drought has tested even his proven skills and

56

stretched his staff to the limit.

“Each year has got a different challenge,” he said. “Some years it’s excessive rain. This year it’s been excessive drought.”

The par-62, 4,220-yard layout, which opened as part of Audubon Park in the late 19th century and got a Denis Griffiths makeover in 2001, is tucked between Tulane University to the north and the Mississippi River and Audubon Zoo to the south, with densely populated city streets lining the other sides. In “normal” weather years the rain comes year-round,

keeping the tight, tree-lined fairways and push-up greens lush without too much need for daily irrigation. Not in 2023, however.

“It’s the first year that we’ve had to basically rely on the irrigation system seven days a week, and we’re in the middle of upgrades to our system,” said Smith. “Our main computer [will give us] better control of what we have, programs to do more night watering so we can conserve even more water. It’s something we’ve been striving for since I’ve been here.”

He added that the drought forced his staff—which dwindled to just three souls during the Covid-19 pandemic but has bounced back— to tap into a well first dug more than a century ago. “It’s kind of high on salts. It’s not in the best

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

aquifer, but it seems to be the same one that most other golf courses in the area use as a backup.”

In most years, courses in this low-lying region rely on runoff water from rains. The Golf Club at Audubon has 15 acres surface acres of retention ponds built into its 80 acres of maintained turf area.

There’s plenty of capacity to handle most big rain events, including the eight inches New Orleans received during the first week of September (though the drought returned for the rest of that month). And now the city of New Orleans is in what Smith calls a “water collaborative group,” working with neighbors to establish water mitigation measures that will help channel heavy rains onto the course during floods.

“I’ve always had the outlook that our golf course and its neighbors need to work hand in hand for the benefit of everybody. The course can benefit of the neighbors during the bad times, and the neighbors need to be patient with a golf course because we are helping them out.”

Audubon Park’s urban setting puts every environmental stewardship measure into starker relief than they might be in a suburban or rural area. Smith is careful to use as few pesticides as possible and employs an “as needed” philosophy with fertilizers. “We do soil tests to regulate exactly what it is we’re putting onto the greens. That goes for all chemicals. Since we’re part of Audubon International, we are always on the cautious side.

With so many animals always in our background, with the zoo so Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

close by, we do not use a lot of insecticides on the golf course. We have a large avian population. We get a lot of ducks, blue heron. Some try to make their home here.”

As Smith and company continue to keep their lovely slice of Audubon Park in sync with its surroundings, improvements to the course move forward, as well.

They’re relining new bunkers, for instance. They’re also dedicated to keeping their relationship with Audubon International strong, and their certification string intact— though Covid-19 certainly could have snapped it, Smith says.

“When I took over in 2019, I couldn’t find anything on Audubon International certification here in the office. It had been neglected

for at least two years. But they were very patient, and they helped me get back on track. They were very helpful in understanding the fact that I didn’t have the staff to meet all their requirements, and that we could’ve had to terminate part of our Signature Sanctuary partnership and just continue with the golf course. They said, ‘no, we’re going to work through this.’

And they’ve been helping us get to that point. We’re slowly getting there. They’re helping us with all the [certification] stuff while we’re training and retraining help to be able to take over and do other jobs. They’re great to work with.”

For more on The Golf Club at Audubon Park, visit https:// audubonnatureinstitute.org/ golf. To learn more about how your local golf course can gain recognition for your environmental efforts and learn how to expand your initiatives through Audubon International’s numerous environmental certifications, visit www.auduboninternational.org.

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

57

By Cecilia Brown

Modern Turf’s Greens for Good:

Supporting First Responders and Veterans Earlier this summer, golf specialists

Modern Turf out of Rembert, SC stepped in to help, donating a full set of Sunday® Ultra-Dwarf Bermuda putting greens to Tarpon Woods Golf Club in Harbor, Florida. The course was recently purchased by LPGA professional Jan Stephenson’s Crossroads Foundation for Wounded Warriors, which provides opportunities for wounded warriors and first responders to enjoy golf.

Stephenson created the Crossroad Foundation for Wounded Warriors, a 501(c)(3) organization and Purple Heart charity, with the purpose of “Giving to Those, That Have Given So Much.”

The Tarpon Woods course was in rough shape, so establishing better greens was a top priority for the project. Hank Kerfoot, the owner of Modern Turf, and a crew of volunteers worked hard to sprig 18 greens over the span of two days in June 2023. Jan Stephenson and Mike Vandiver 58

with Crossroads Foundation for Wounded Warriors were both on-site during the installation.

When it came to the selection of the putting greens grass, Kerfoot said that Sunday is the easiest grass to manage that he’s ever seen for greens.

“It is hardy. It grows well, it can be cut as low as any mower will mow. It’s just a fun grass that wants to grow. This grass just allows you to have a really good quality putting surface

without all the whistles and bells and all the traditional expense that goes with the comparable grasses,” Kerfoot said.

He explained Sunday has more disease resistance, the ability to recover rapidly from injury and also allows for overseeding more than other grasses.

“Golf helps people and this is certainly one of those golf courses with what Jan Stevenson’s Foundation has done to help everybody from the first responders to the people in the military who have suffered bodily harm and traumatic injury. This is a place for them to be safe and play golf, to have a camaraderie and to learn and appreciate the game. So we think it’s a fantastic cause,” Kerfoot shared.

Scan QR below to watch this video to learn more about Modern Turf donating Sunday Ultra-Dwarf Bermudagrass for a great cause: Learn more about the Crossroads Foundation for Wounded Warriors at janscrossroads.org.

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

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