Golf Central Mag- Vol 24 Issue 8 by Golf Central Magazine

Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Silver Lakes northeast of Birmingham

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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

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

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

from the publisher

Celebrating Gratitude The world of golf is connected

greatly by personal relationships, friendships, families, and overall community. This is how and why we can coexist all over the world, freely developing anything from golf-buddy apps to world-recognized foundations! Some of the most inspiring stories we deliver pay homage to veterans who find solace on the fairways and greens. We are honored to share some of these remarkable stories with you, highlighting the healing power of this sport, the resilient spirit of those who have served, and celebrating those now gone through the game they loved. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, my warmest thanks are extended to the VGA, Heart of a Lion, Folds of Honor, Tee It Up for the Troops, Birdies for the Brave, Shepherd’s Men, Special-Ops Transition Foundation, War Hippies, MCLE Foundation, Boots and Birdies, Salute Military Golf Association, Gold Star, Wounded Heroes Golf Classic, Military Heroes Golf Classic, and so so many more! Their grasp of the purpose behind these fall holidays inspired efforts that have raised millions in support of our veterans- bravo! Gratitude doesn’t have to be in connection with an annual event, and the year-long efforts of the people within these foundations reinforce a culture of respect, kindness, and unity. Their hard work recognizing the sacrifices made has strengthened the bonds of goodwill, near and far, now and then, and tee to green. We unfortunately lost Jan Olier and Arnold Palmer a veteran of our industry recently, Jan Olier, who worked with the North Florida PGA for 30 years. She had a personal touch of kindness and consideration for her peers that will be deeply missed. I know I am one of many who will remember her impact on our industry. Remember to recognize the service men and women in your life- I have a weakness for marines, myself! In many ways, we who love golf have become family, so we may not see each other around the table, but we will in the next issue! Till then, I extend my warmest wishes for a meaningful Veterans Day and a Happy Thanksgiving!

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, 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

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 ©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 8

RIVIERA COUNTRY CLUB 2023 Florida Celebration ® Bermudagrass Golf Course of the Year Congratulations to the Director of Facilities and Grounds Maintenance, PJ Salter, and his team !

SodSolutions.com LEARN MORE

Volume 24, Issue 8 FEATURE 10 Golf Alabama Carolina Golf Central 16 Springdale Resort Cart Girl 14 Bailee Maness Golf Bachelor 18 Axel Hartman Golf Business 25 Capstone Hospitality

Golf Fore Charity 26 Morgan County Chamber of Commerce Golf Travel 40 Nemocolin Improving Performance 36 Caliber Golf

Leader on the Links 24 Wally & Bubby Open

Turf Life 52 GSCAA ELGA Awards 54 Turf Pirate 56 USGA Water Conservation 58 Kevin Morris, NTEP

Departments 20 Georgia Golf Trail 22 Private Times 28 Fore Your Health 30 Young Guns 34 Special Events 44 Golf Fitness 46 SFPGA 47 NFPGA 48 KYPGA 50 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

golfcentralmag.com 8

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MAKE IT

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feature

Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa, Birmingham

This Is

Sweet Home Alabama

Sweet Home Alabama is more

than just a song or a movie, although they both certainly evoke the spirit of the beautiful state. It’s also a mantra for the hard-working, friendly folks that travelers encounter along the way. From the bagboys and beverage cart girls on the world-class golf courses to the servers and chefs in the award-winning restaurants, visitors are made to feel right at home, ensuring that time spent in Alabama is as sweet as the tea. Sweet Home Alabama is a golfing destination unlike any other, as home to the original golf trail, modern and historic golf resorts, and over 32 miles of sugar-white 10

beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Both the incomparable Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and the Arnold Palmer-designed Craft Farms Resort in Gulf Shores put Alabama on the radar of traveling golf groups more than two decades ago. The ensuing years have upgraded the state’s position on all types of vacation bucket lists by spawning award-winning hotels, spas, and luxurious resorts; exciting craft breweries with medal-quality beers; world-renowned bass fishing events and red snapper rodeos; and a thriving culinary scene, ranging from fresh Gulf seafood and a unique BBQ Trail to James Beardrecognized chefs and restaurants.

Just a few of the golf resorts that make Alabama so special are Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa in Birmingham, boasting an RTJ Golf Trail golf course, luxurious spa and delectable dining; Pursell Farms just 45 minutes south of Birmingham, which is a unique golf resort with lodging options ranging from a brand-new boutique inn, 4 bedroom golf cottages and an 8 bedroom lodge, along with the award-winning Farmlinks golf course; the century-and-a-halfold Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa on Mobile Bay, considered the “queen of Southern resorts;” and Kiva Dunes in Gulf Shores, Alabama’s only gulffront golf resort offering a Jerry Patedesigned course, clubhouse and fairway condominiums, as well as beach homes to rent. Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

Sky-high Dining overlooking Mobile Bay Here’s a snapshot of some of the golfing locales in the state to allow you to create a custom golf vacation to Sweet Home Alabama. Huntsville is a great place to start your Alabama golf journey, as the most northern location of the golf trail and home to the US Space & Rocket Center. But there’s also two more trails to enjoy while in the Rocket City. Wet your whistle on either the Downtown Huntsville Craft Beer Trail or the Craft Cocktail Trail, both with ten stops. Lodging options range from convenient hotels near golf to upscale accommodations downtown. Just west of Huntsville is one of the newer locations of the Trail. The Shoals area consists of the river town of Florence and Muscle Shoals, the “hit recording capital of the world.” The RTJ Golf Trail at The Shoals offers 36 holes and a luxurious Marriott Resort both located right on the Tennessee River, although on different sides. Music lovers flock to the studios where so many great songs were recorded, foodies enjoy the variety of restaurants and golfers love the challenge of the courses. Alabama’s largest city, Birmingham is home to two RTJ Golf Trail sites (Ross Bridge and Oxmoor Valley) and the state’s most luxurious golf resort at Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa, plus the Barber Vintage Motor Sports Museum, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, James Beard Award winning/nominated chefs and restaurants, four craft breweries and exciting nightlife options that only a city this size can offer. You can choose to stay on-site at Ross Bridge, at an historic downtown hotel, a boutique inn or any number of convenient branded hotels. The sister cities of Auburn-Opelika combine to create the coolest college town and one of the most intriguing small towns in the South. Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

Kiva Dunes Golf & Beach Resort in Gulf Shores It’s also home to Robert Trent Jones’ favorite location on his trail. The RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National boast 54 holes of scenic and challenging golf along a gleaming lake. These two small towns have an abundance of great eateries too, plus the Red Clay Brewery and the award-winning John Emerald Distilling Company are located in historic downtown Opelika. Your overnight choices include the on-site Marriott Golf Resort & Spa at Grand National, the on-campus Auburn University Hotel and a bunch of hotels and B&Bs scattered around. Once called the Paris of the South, Mobile has long been the cultural center of the Gulf Coast and you’ll

US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville

Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa in Florence/Muscle Shoals 11

RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National in Auburn-Opelika

Marriott Hotel and RTJ Golf Trail at Capitol Hill, Montgomery/Prattville Resort Pool Complex at Marriott Grand National in Auburn-Opelika

find an authentic experience like nowhere else in the southern United States. As the birthplace of America’s original Mardi Gras, a good time is easy to find in this port city. Attractions include the USS Alabama Battleship, Bellingrath Gardens & Home, riverboat dinner cruises, the Dauphin Street entertainment district and a couple of craft breweries. Not only is the RTJ Golf Trail’s most southern stop, the 54-hole Magnolia Grove, in Mobile, but there are several other challenging courses to keep you in town a bit longer. And choosing 12

to stay longer will be easier when you stay at either the historic Renaissance Battle House Hotel & Spa or the Renaissance Riverview Plaza, both part of the RTJ Golf Trail collection of hotels and resorts. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are home to 32 miles of white sandy beaches that line the pristine turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Add the nine premier golf courses to the numerous adventurous activities, including fishing, boating, kayaking and biking, and you’ll find there’s more to this small beach town than meets

the eye. Then, after a full day of fun in the sun you can grab a hearty meal at one of the many locallyowned restaurants that specialize in everything from fresh Gulf seafood to sweet Alabama BBQ. And don’t forget to wash down your meal and end your day with a cold beer at Big Beach Brewing Company or an infamous bushwacker (aka adult milkshake) at the legendary Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar. At the end of the night, you’ll want a comfy place to lay your head and fortunately Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have an outstanding selection of accommodations from hi-rise condos and colorful beach houses to nationallybranded hotels and resorts. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, with its eight hotels/resorts and 26 courses at 11 sites around the state, and Coastal Alabama Golf, the booking entity for the Gulf ShoresOrange Beach area, are eager to put together customized golf packages for your foursome or group. Check out GolfAlabama. org for more information on how you can make Sweet Home Alabama your next golf destination or visit RTJGolf.com and CoastalAlabamaGolf.com to book today. Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

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Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

cart girl

Where did you grow up? St. Augustine Florida   Which group of people did you associate most with in high school? I have had the same few friends since middle school through high school, and now two of them are my roommates in college!    What is your favorite sport to play? Favorite to watch? I’ve personally never played a sport, but I do love dance! My favorite Sport to watch is Soccer, because it is the easiest to understand... I’m not much of a sports girl to sit and be entertained by it!   Do you enjoy playing golf? Are there any golfers in your family? Ironically, I have never played golf before even though I work at a golf course! My step-dad loves to play golf in his free time, he always has it playing in the background on TV!

s s e n a M e e l i a B

What do you feel makes this club special? This club is special because everyone treats you like family. I am new to Twin RIvers, and everyone is very welcoming.    What is your favorite part of being a cart girl? What is your least favorite part? My favorite part of being a cart girl is the simplicity and relaxation of driving the cart around under the trees! People are always excited to see me, and ready to get their drinks. My least favorite part of the job is the heat of the summer, it can be quite brutal sometimes working outside in Florida.    What is your memorable moment working as a cart girl? I remember working at a course back in St. Augustine, a man wanted to play a game, kind of like deal or no deal with me, but for tips. He wrote two numbers on a napkin folded up and asked me to pick which one, we did this a few times replacing one napkin with a new number. I stuck with the original napkin and flipped it over with $100 written inside. That was the biggest tip I have ever received.    What type of music do you prefer? My favorite music is Country music.    What hobbies do you enjoy? I enjoy cooking in my free time, and hosting people over for dinner and movie nights   What is your idea of “the perfect date”? My idea of a perfect date is to walk around a town near the beach watching the sunset, and getting dinner after.    Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails? I like a balance of both.    Favorite type of movie? I love a good drama or mystery   Favorite charity to support? The American Cancer Society   What else would you like for us to know about you? I am in school to become a cosmetic injector. 14

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

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carolina golf central

By David Theoret

Relax, Unwind, And Challenge Your Mental Health For golfers who visit or live in

the mountains of Western North Carolina, there are many options when choosing a golf course for your next round. A search of golf courses in the Canton, NC area lists more than 10 public and municipal facilities within 20 miles; add in private clubs and that number increases significantly. There’s one facility that I am particularly familiar with and it’s a must-play whenever I’m in the area: Springdale Resort. Springdale has been around for over 50 years and continues to impress golfers. The course was originally designed by Joseph Holmes and in 2018, noted golf course architect Ron Garl did some work for course owner Lex West that included a new irrigation system, upgrades to bunkers, and improvements to cart paths. The West family also made several other investments

in the resort including a new welcome center and clubhouse, the Rocky Face Tavern - a 7000 sq ft bar and restaurant with an outdoor fireplace, heated pool and hot tub, a fitness center, and a new teen center. The new clubhouse recently reopened and won Golf Inc.’s “New Public Clubhouse of the Year” Award for 2022. Whether you’re an accomplished, low-handicap golfer or are just new to the game, Springdale is a course that can be enjoyed by anyone. It’s located at the base of Cold Mountain and is a golf resort that combines the extraordinary beauty of the awe-inspiring natural landscape with the hospitality and simple comforts you’d expect at a golf resort. The course itself is a one-of-akind golf experience, with rolling, mountainous terrain, hidden hazards, and plush greens. It’s one of the best-maintained courses in the area, as the members will

attest to. There are a few blind shots out here. One significant blind shot is on the third hole. It’s a par 3 that plays slightly uphill, and you can’t see the hole from the tee box. You can see the pin, so pay attention to the GPS on the cart for further details. Number 4 is a risk-reward par 4 that plays downhill and is shorter than the 336 yards stated on the scorecard. Longball hitters may be tempted to go for the green off the tee but beware of the pond in front on the left side as well as the two bunkers by the green. Your best bet is to hit something less than a driver off the tee, leave a manageable approach distance, and make birdie that way. As you play the first few holes, you may be saying to yourself, “I thought this was a mountain golf course.” So far, it’s been relatively flat with a few exceptions such as the tee shot on three and a couple of elevated tee boxes. Number 6 is the first hole where you start to see some major elevation changes. It’s a XXX-yard dogleg left par 4 that plays slightly uphill, maybe half club to club longer. The green is influenced by the mountain and what you think may be an uphill putt that breaks right is exactly the opposite. The front nine finishes with a 454-yard par 5, dogleg left. If you can catch the downhill slope on the left side, not only have you crushed your drive, but you’ll leave yourself in a good position for the next shot and an opportunity to go for the green. A good drive could leave you Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

inside the 200-yard marker with an approach shot that plays slightly downhill into a green protected on the right side by a bunker. Beware of the creek that crosses about 50 yards in front of the green. The back nine starts with a dogleg left 511-yard par 5 and will be a three-shot hole for most players. You’ll hit your tee shot from the elevated tee box downhill to the fairway and then back uphill on your layup and approach shots. Watch out for the creek that crosses the fairway just in front of the cart path. The green slopes slightly from left to right with a large deep bunker in front. The 13th hole is called The Spasm; it’s Springdale’s signature hole and comes with a warning that it may be hazardous to your mental health. From the White Tees The Spasm plays 422 yards; move up to the Golds and it becomes a 335-yard hole. Not only will you save 87 yards, but you may also preserve some of that mental health you were warned about! Trees line the right side of this challenging par 4 that doglegs to the right and to complicate matters there’s a creek that runs down the right side as well. Hit your tee shot over the bunker at the corner of the dogleg and you’ll still have a long approach shot into a slightly elevated green with more sand on the right. Anything left may find a downhill slope and leave a tough up and down. The Spasm is followed up by another 400-yard par 4 and requires an accurate tee shot between two giant oak trees. A good drive to the top of the hill will leave a manageable approach shot into Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

a green fronted on either side by sand. If you can somehow catch the downslope, not only will you make your second shot considerably shorter, but you may also hit the longest drive of your life! The 16th hole is a 449-yard par 4 that should be called Son or Spasm (or Father of Spasm, depending upon how you look at it.) It does play downhill so you’ve got that going for you! Trees line the right side, and there’s a fairway bunker on the right. Your approach shot plays downhill into a green that slopes back left to front right. Just to add a little intrigue to this long par 4, that creek you’ve encountered a few times crosses the fairway just in front of the green. Number 18 is a great finishing hole. It’s a dogleg right, par 5, with trees on the right side off the tee. There’s a creek that crosses the fairway about 300 yards from the White Tees. Your tee shot plays downhill and if you can avoid the creek and wetlands on your layup shot, you’ll be left with an uphill approach shot into the green flanked on either side in front with bunkers and a beautiful view of the new clubhouse. Springdale Resort is one of

those courses that never plays the same way twice. That’s why it’s a good idea to look into one of their stay-and-play packages if you plan on being in the area and want to play some challenging golf. Springdale offers guests a variety of accommodations including villas, cottages, forest homes, and treehouses. Each villa is equipped with 4 queen beds, 2 full baths, a kitchen, a living area, and a large deck overlooking the Great Smokey Mountains. Cottages are 2-bedroom, 2-bath units and forest homes are multi-level townhomes that are perfect for the entire family. Need more rooms? Springdale’s Treehouse Village is made up of 6 round houses that can accommodate up to 36 people. It’s the perfect destination for a corporate teambuilding event. With so many courses in the area that allow public play, their rentals make for a great base. You will have complete access to their course and amenities, and they can also help you arrange rounds at other area courses. For more information on this fabulous golf resort or to book your next stay-and-play package, visit them online at www.springdalegolf.com. 17

golf bachelor

Tell us about your first kiss? 10th grade and it was a cringe fest, I’m gonna keep this one to myself. What three things would you need to survive on a deserted island? A Knife, a fishing rod and a video montage of Tiger Woods 2000’s Greatest Shots. Who would you like to have with you on the same deserted island; and why? George Strait, I need someone to sing me my blues away about being stuck on a desert island.

Axel Hartman Where were you born? Did you grow up there? York, PA. Yes, I grew up there and still live pretty close today. What do you do for a living? I am self-employed, I own a hunting company called Rack Daddies Hunting & Fishing which has 3 sides to it. We sell branded apparel online and in person at hunting trade shows, then we have our own Hunting TV Show, and I also produce commercials/tv shows for other outdoor industries as well. What would you like to do for a living? I would like to do nothing else then what I’m doing now, I live in the woods in the fall and winter and on the golf course in the spring and summer. Aside from golf; what do you prefer for fun and relaxation? Getting out and fishing is my favorite getaway, although we’re called Rack Daddies Hunting & Fishing, we don’t get out and do it much for TV. So, when I do, it’s usually by myself or with a buddy and there’s no cameras following us around, just the stillness and peace of nature. What golf apparel do you like to wear? I really don’t have any specific apparel I love. I usually try and buy the coolest camo golf shirt I can find on amazon. 18

What do you find to be the most annoying habit people demonstrate on the golf course? I usually keep comments to myself on the golf course but when it comes to putting, if someone is standing very close to me, or directly behind me trying to get my line, it rattles me and I gotta back off to reset. Name the three most important things to you in this world. Faith, Family, Friends. That is all I would ever need in life. Given the choice; would you select love, success, or money to keep yourself happy? Honestly, I wouldn’t select any of these, I think my friendships in life are what make me happy, if any of those other things come along, that’s just an added bonus. What do you fear the most? A 50-yard bunker shot… short sided. What three people would you most like to play with in your fantasy golf foursome? Give me Tiger (of course), Trump, and my dad. It would be an all-time group. Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails? I’d prefer karaoke night at my local dive bar singing Tyler Childers or some Brooks & Dunn. Last time you spewed something through your nose from laughing so hard? I was on a Pinehurst golf trip this past summer with my college buddies from Millersville, and these guys had me in tears a couple times from laughing, can’t remember a time where something ever came out of my nose though. Favorite comedian? Right now, it’s either Shane Gillis or Theo Von. Movies:…comedy, drama, action, romance? Love a good comedy or action movie however I’ve really been Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

on a kick of movies from the Roman Empire. Favorite charity to support? I’ve been running a charity golf tournament since I was a senior in high school called Birds for the Brave, in which we have donated to a couple different veteran organizations over the years. Rack Daddies has since taken the outing over and we are currently donating to Veterans Afield, which is a Veteran organization based out of Maine and they take vets on group hunts around the country. We’re excited to be tagging along on a trip next fall to wither Texas or Maine. What else would you like for us to know about you? I’ll give a shotgun round of golf things about me since I’ve talked more about hunting than golf I feel like. Here we go, I won my first club championship at 16 years old. I’ve played 18 holes in 1 hour and 10 minutes with a buddy. My low 9 holes round is -7, my low 18 is -8, my low 9 with one club is +3 (6 iron ride or die). Top 3 golf courses I’ve ever played are 1. Tobacco Road 2. Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club 3. Caledonia Golf and Fish Club. (Big Stranz fan) However, I would take my home course of Briarwood Golf Club in York to play over any other course. I’ve had the same Burner 2.0-3 Hybrid since 8th grade. Whenever I play golf for money, I don’t bring cash so I have to win. I’ve crashed a golf cart into a tree on a links golf course with only one tree. I’ve also caught more bass on a golf course than I have anywhere else. I’m coming out with a hunting golf apparel line next spring/ summer so be on the lookout at rackdaddies.com Social – @axelhartman on instagram

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Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

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georgia golf trail

By Mike May

The Lakes Golf Course Signature Hole

The Georgia Golf Trail's State Park Golf Courses are Fine and Dandy State Park in Royston. At Highland Walk, there are many uphill and downhill tee shots. The best photo ‘opp’ locale is from the tee box of the signature hole -- the 17th. The first-hole is a downhill par four, where you can reach the green from the tee.

Of the 20+ golf courses on the

Georgia Golf Trail, nine of them can be found inside Georgia’s state parks. These golf courses are affordable, well designed, fun to play, and worth a same-day replay. “Our state park golf courses in Georgia are terrific golf destinations. They are incredible designs which are very well maintained and fairly priced,” said Doug Hollandsworth, Founder, Georgia Golf Trail. “The affiliation of these golf courses with amenity filled state parks makes them a perfect place to visit, especially with your families.” In addition to fabulous golf

experiences, each state park destination has housing options – lodges and/or cabins -- which makes stay-and-play opportunities very appealing.

Highland Walk

There are many scenic selfie ‘hot spots’ at Highland Walk Golf Course (706-245-6770) at Victoria Bryant Highland Walk

Arrowhead Pointe

The Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course (706-283-6000) was built within the Richard B. Russell State Park near Elberton. Arrowhead Pointe deserves to be called the ‘Crown Jewel’ of the Georgia Golf Trail. Here, 10 of the 18 holes border Lake Richard B. Russell. This golf course deserves to be played at least twice during every visit.

The Creek

The Creek Golf Course (706-5573006) at Hard Labor Creek State Park in Social Circle is a joy to play. Here, the sternest test is the tee shot on the par-four 10th hole, formerly the opening hole, which used to be considered “the hardest first starting hole in Georgia.” This course is easily accessible for Atlanta residents.

Brazzell's Creek

The Brazell’s Creek Golf Course (912-577-7745) at Jack Hill State Park in Reidsville is a cleverly designed par-71 layout. At Brazell’s Creek, a 1,500-yard bridge winds 20

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

its way through a canopy of trees which connects the front nine with the back nine. The front nine is treelined and the greens have creative contours. The back nine was built on a windswept, open landscape which has a links-style look to it.

The Lakes

The Lakes Golf Course (912-2856154) at Laura S. Walker Park in Waycross is the southern-most golf course on the Georgia Golf Trail. It features large, undulating greens. The fairways and landing areas are defined with gentle mounds that

Brasstown Valley Photo by Joy Sarver

Laura S. Walker State Park RV Camping

Richard B. Russell State Park– Lakeside Cottage accent the course’s three large lakes. Loblolly pines are a common sight at the Lakes GC.

Meadow Links

The Meadow Links Golf Course (229-768-3714), located in the George T. Bagby State Park in Fort Gaines, opened in 1998. Meadow Links was ranked by Golf Digest as “the nation’s sixth best new affordable public course.” Each day, the sunsets in the west are the best!

Brasstpwn Valley Resort & Spa

Golf at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa (706-379-9900) is a true treat and pleasure. The views of the surrounding mountains from the golf course are stunning. This golf course is in terrific shape. Afterwards, get a massage at the Equani Spa, swim in the indoor pool, eat at Brassie’s Grill, and spend the night at the resort. Hiking opportunities in the area are appealing, too.

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

Wallace Adams

Once you arrive at the Wallace Adams Golf Course (229-868-7474), located in the Little Ocmulgee State Park outside McRae, you’ll quickly see that this golf course has an Augusta National Golf Club look and feel to it. The only things missing are thousands of patrons, manual leaderboards, television cameras, and that historic clubhouse plus the Butler Cabin. This golf course is nicknamed Little O. Are you ready to go to Little O?

Georgia Veterans

The Georgia Veterans Memorial Golf Course (800-459-1230), located at the Lake Blackshear Resort and Golf Course near Cordele, has been labeled the “best value in the South.” Golf is just one of many recreational options at Lake Blackshear Resort and Golf Course, which is easily accessible off I-75. For more information about these golf courses in nine of Georgia’s state parks, access www.gastateparks.org or www.GeorgiaGolfandTravel.com.

Little Ocmulgee Loblloy Pines Border Fairway

private times

Private Club Membership Demand

By Jason Becker CEO of Golf Life Navigators

— What to expect in 2024

The demand for a club membership across the southeastern United States has hit levels most industry leaders have never seen before. At Golf Life Navigators, we continually see consumer demand of new buyers seeking their own golf life increase each month. More than 90% of today’s private club membership buyers are combining the search of club and home, have increased their budgets and are willing to make concessions with their search criteria but still left frustrated with the few options available to them in 2023. This has forced today’s club buyer to consider ancillary markets (or clubs) as they search for that winter escape. From the club side of the equation, the past 36 months have been a great run for officials seeking to fill their membership roster, most have. But will the demand last with so much uncertainty lingering into the financial markets, global conflicts and increasing interest rates? I had the opportunity to sit down with one of the industry’s leading experts on club finances and management, Dr. Jim Butler, CEO of Club Benchmarking. Frankly, there are hours’ worth of 22

By Jason Becker CEO of Golf Life Navigators discussion points to really get your arms around the current state of private clubs but for this article’s sake, we thought we would touch on some high-level topics that are occurring in most boardrooms across the country. Whether you are a consumer, club official, existing club member or just a golf enthusiast, you will gain some interesting insight into private clubs from Dr. Butler. Q: Jim, you are in boardrooms every day across the country. What is the general sentiment you are hearing in terms of how club officials feel about the demand for private golf in 2024?

A: The demand for private club golf in 2024 is bright. COVID sped up the process of members looking for clubs and communities that provided social activities, golf, casual dining, racquets, and family spaces. Many of the clubs experienced the best sales years in their history. This trend followed the real estate trend, which also was very positive, especially in the southeast. We do not see the demand softening in 2024 and the demographics for clubs are very positive. Q: The last few years, most clubs saw a decrease in annual attrition rate (turn-over ratio of members who are leaving the club) due to current members deciding to remain at the club. This has put many clubs at a waitlist and left fewer options for membership buyers in the market. Do you believe attrition rates will remain lower in the months to come? A: We do believe attrition rates will remain lower in the months to come. There are three primary reasons for that trend. 1. Clubs sold memberships the last five years at an accelerated pace and took much Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

of the supply out of the market 2. With interest rates remaining high, it is very difficult for many members/residents to switch out of lowest interest loans and trade in for a higher priced loan. The data shows most buyers have low interest loans. 3. There has been a decrease in the total number of clubs in the United States as development and closures are at equilibrium. Q: Big data plays a key role in most businesses and industries. Are you seeing more private clubs use data to strategically plan for the future? Examples might be data metrics on membership demand, buyer motivation, capital improvements vs. home values, etc. A: Club Benchmarking is the leading data analytic company in the private club space. Our

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

business is very robust as the private industry has transformed and understood the importance of the private club business model. In residential communities, the club influences the value of the real estate. Additionally, attrition rates and membership sales rates are all important data points for the industry. Most clubs should also focus on the reasons members are joining clubs, and matching the member wants and desires to the amenities of the club. Golf Life Navigators is a great example of that type of resource for buyers. Finally, the clubs are very capital intensive, so the balance sheet is the financial driver for the industry as club’s invest in their infrastructure. Q: For consumers who are reading this article, what advice would you share with them on how to determine if a club is financially on

the right track as they search for their next club? A: Buyers in the market searching for clubs should look at the real estate in the community in addition to the financial statements of the club. The existing real estate, if a residential community club, will give insights into the investment the residents have made in their homes. Homes that are up to date indicated residents that understand the value of investing. On the club side, clubs are very capital intense, and the most important metric is the compound annual growth rate of the member’s equity over time. This indicates if the club has invested in the infrastructure. 75% to 80% of the assets on a club’s balance sheet are in the form of plant and equipment. A strong club has a strong capital engine.

leader on the links 24

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

Capstone Hospitality, a renowned company specializing

in membership sales at private clubs across the nation, has recently unveiled a series of exciting partnerships over the last 4 months. These new collaborations are set to enhance the membership sales at each while furthering the reputation of the clubs involved. Locust Hill Country Club - Rochester, NY

Locust Hill Country Club is a true gem located in the heart of Rochester, New York. Amid the picturesque beauty of its championship golf course, this club offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. Whether you're passionate about golf, relish delightful dining, or seek a special venue for your event, Locust Hill Country Club stands out as your home away from home.

Northampton Country Club - Easton, PA

Nestled in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania, Northampton Country Club provides members with the finest in golf, tennis, swimming, and superb dining. With mature, tree-lined fairways and undulating greens, this club offers a breathtaking backdrop. Their full range of facilities, including platform tennis, pickleball, and a family-friendly pool, ensures that every member's needs are met.

Territory Golf & Country Club - Duncan, OK

The Territory Golf & Country Club is an oasis in Duncan, Oklahoma, where time seems to stand still. The club celebrates the natural beauty of the land, boasting a private championship golf course with artistic white sand bunkers, a meandering creek, and native grasses that shimmer in the breeze. It's a truly special place where nature and golf come together.

Currahee Club - Toccoa, GA

Currahee Club in Toccoa, Georgia, offers a year-round escape with a Jim Fazio-designed golf course, a pristine lakefront setting, and an array of amenities for the entire family. This idyllic, private mountain-lake club combines the simplicity of the past with modern luxuries. It's the perfect place to create lasting memories for generations to come.

The Royal Club - Lake Elmo, MN

Situated at the heart of The Royal Club community in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, the Royal Golf Club is an 18-hole championship-caliber course. Designed by Annika Sörenstam and the late Arnold Palmer, Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

golf business

Capstone Hospitality's Expanding Partnerships: Enhancing Membership Sales

it offers golf enthusiasts a one-of-a-kind experience. The generous landing areas and bent-grass fairways cater to golfers of all skill levels.

Mathews Yacht Club - Hudgins, VA

The Mathews Yacht Club, located on Stutts Creek in Hudgins, Virginia, provides a waterfront haven for those who appreciate the water, quality dining, and socializing. With a marina, a swimming pool, a full-service restaurant, and a wide range of activities, the club ensures an enjoyable and amicable environment for all. Additionally, members enjoy reciprocal privileges at yacht clubs across the country.

Timacuan Club - Lake Mary, FL

Timacuan Club, located in Lake Mary, Florida, is a full-service golf club committed to providing the finest facility for its members. With a dedication to creating a family-friendly environment and a broad range of amenities and services, the club offers an exceptional lifestyle for all ages.

Hattiesburg Country Club - Hattiesburg, MS

Founded in 1919 and evolved into a private membership country club, Hattiesburg Country Club in Mississippi offers a comprehensive experience. With an 18-hole championship golf course, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and outstanding dining, it has become an iconic destination for members and their guests. The club has hosted prestigious golf tournaments, including U.S.G.A. qualifiers and PGA TOUR events.

Ocean Resorts Golf Club - Berlin, MD

The Ocean Resorts Golf Club in Berlin, Maryland, has a unique story. After a brief closure, it was donated to Wor-Wic Community College and used as a living laboratory for turf grass students. Today, it not only offers a golfing experience but also serves as a satellite classroom for students, enriching their education.

Capstone Hospitality's recent partnerships mark an exciting chapter for both the company and the clubs involved. These new collaborations underscore Capstone Hospitality's commitment to excellence and its mission to enhance membership sales at clubs nationwide. If you're interested in boosting your club's membership sales, we invite you to get in touch with the membership experts at Capstone Hospitality. 25

By Melissa Kreis

Morgan County Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament a Huge Success

The annual Chamber of Commerce

Golf Tournament, held recently at Bear Trace Golf Course @ Cumberland Mountain, was a great success. “We thought last year’s tournament was good, but this year’s tournament was even better,” said Lisa Collett, Executive Director of the Morgan County Chamber. “Several team members told me that they had a great time in Crossville and are making plans to reserve spots for next year’s tournament.” Tentatively scheduled for Monday, September 30th, 2024, the golf

tournament is the major fundraiser for the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber Executive Board and volunteers plan one year in advance for the event. There were 10 teams in this year’s tournament.

The winning teams included: First place: Gary Human & FriendsTennessee Department of Economic & Community Development, Second place: Morgan County Economic Development, Third place: One Bank of Tennessee Major event sponsors for the Chamber Golf tournament included DOUBLE Title Sponsors

Heraeus Precious Metals and One Bank of Tennessee. DOUBLE Diamond Sponsors were CobbVantress and Smart Bank. Davis Funeral Home, Hill Bonding, Plateau Electric Cooperative and Roane Alliance sponsored the Most Accurate Drive, Hole in One, Closed to the Hole and Longest Drive, respectively. All 18 holes had a Hole Sponsor including Barger Precast, Brushy Mountain Group, Cooley McFarland Law, Goose & Dee Ann Lindsay, Griffith Family Pharmacy, John Mark Windle, Joseph Construction Company, MoCo Brewing Project, Morgan County Economic Development, Summit Medical Group, The Highland Connection, Tomboy Organic Skincare Co., Tubby & Susie Williams, WECO Radio and Fox Machine. “The success of the golf tournament made it possible for us to give back to our community by donating to the Morgan County Fire Rescue Association and

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

MoCo Mutts Animal Rescue,” said President Melissa Kreis. Special thanks to Billy Loggins, Galena Garlic Company, Nitzschke’s Bakery, Roane State Community College and Morgan County Head Start for the incredible door prizes! Bear Trace made everything easy for us. We want to thank them for a wonderful day, their professionalism, a nice luncheon, the drink cart and driver Cheyenne Possman. We also send a shout-out to Target One Marketing for the golf towels, Simply Unique for signs & banners and our own Goose Lindsay for being lead organizer of the event. “I would like to thank all those who helped make this day a great success, especially the staffat Bear Trace for making sure things ran smoothly. It’s a great course with great people. We look forward to going back there next year,” added Goose Lindsay. The Chamber Executive Board members who helped coordinate the event, included: Lisa CollettDirector, Melissa Kreis-President, Goose Lindsay-Vice President, Cynthia Davidson-Treasurer, Michelle Adkisson-Secretary, Vic Davis, Bret Pallotta, Ashley Davis and Pam Gunter.

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

for your health

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Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

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young guns

CGX Top100 Camps: Redefining the Route to Playing College Golf Florida and Florida State coaches joins over 20 other top programs at Chateau Elan near Atlanta for allthings college golf and recruiting. For competitive junior golfers

and their families, the dream of playing on a college golf team looms enticingly large. Parents see talent and potential in their junior golfer and want to support his/her dreams but don’t understand the recruiting process or how to get the attention of the college coaches. Before you know it, thousands of dollars are invested each year chasing rankings points while entering local and regional tournaments. Players then hope to graduate to higher-level tours, get invited to invitationals, aspire to play on the AJGA Tour, and try to qualify for U.S.G.A. events. All the while, coaches are watching players from behind trees at junior tournaments will little connection or getting to know a player beyond their golf swing. CGX Top100 camps help players make those connections, get comfortable performing in front of coaches, find their fit and spot on a college golf team, improve their game and hear accurate information straight from the horse’s mouth…the coaches.

J.C. Deacon, Florida men’s head golf coach, Emily Glaser, Florida women’s head golf coach, and Amy Bond, Florida State women’s head golf coach, will be impacting and helping top junior players improve, learn about recruiting and become college golfers at the upcoming CGX Top100 Camp at Chateau Elan in Atlanta, GA November 11-12. There will also be more than 20 additional DI collegiate coaches and golf programs from around the country at the camp.

Top100 East Boys Showcase Camp: Blaine Woodruff - Chattanooga, Jake Amos - East Tennessee State, Glen Millican - Missouri, John Handrigan - Notre Dame, Jay Moseley - Ohio State, and Jerry Haas - Wake Forest. Top 100 East Girls Showcase Camp: Mic Potter - Alabama, Shauna Estes-Taylor - Arkansas, Kelly Hovland - Maryland, Erika DeSanty - Princeton, Kalen Anderson - South Carolina, Gerrod Chadwell - Texas A&M, Ria Scott – Virginia, and Greg Robertson, Oklahoma State. To register for the Top100 East Showcase Camp in Atlanta, visit: https://collegegolfx.com/camps/ CGX Top100 camps break down the barriers between coach and player bringing their tournament

resume and ranking to life. When some of the country’s top golf coaches come together with aspiring college golfers, the experiences are transformative and lead to lasting relationships that are vital to a junior becoming a collegiate golfer. Junior golfer John Carter Tafner called the CGX Top100 South Camp he attended, “the most valuable junior golf experience thus far. I got more insight and instruction in two days than years of camps and individual instruction.” At every CGX Top100 Camp, juniors and their parents engage with the top-level coaches over two days where they experience: immersive education sessions on college golf and the recruiting pathway, NIL conversations, open Q&A sessions, and on-course coach engagement and instruction during simulated college golf practice and tournament rounds. The real-time evaluation and personalized feedback from the coaches is helping players discover the right collegiate program fit. “In the past, ranked junior golfers didn’t have a platform or a necessity to attend camps with college coaches and bring their tournament resume to life. Tournaments are vital and strictly merit based for rankings however are not the end all be all for coaches when recruiting,” says CGX Founder and CEO Joshua Jacobs. “CGX Top100 Camps are the connective tissue between ranked junior golfers and top-ranked college coaches. Top100 Camps are the only opportunity for parents and players, prior to or after the June 15 deadline, to be in front of and engage with this many coaches in one place.” Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

Keiser University’s

College of Golf (KUCOG) is excited to announce a new Turfgrass Management program, which is designed to complement its existing associate and bachelor’s degrees in Golf Management and master’s degree in Golf Teaching and Learning. While current KUCOG degree programs provide graduates with the knowledge and skills to assume various positions in golf operations, management, and instruction, its Turfgrass Management program is designed to assist students in gaining the specialized knowledge required for facility operations, maintenance, and golf and turf grass industry career growth while preparing them for positions of leadership in the field and building a foundation for future growth. With approximately 16,000 golf courses in America, the demand for knowledgeable and skilled turfgrass management professionals continues to increase. The 60-hour associate degree program will consist of 24 general education credits (8 courses), with 36 credits (12 courses) focused on the Turfgrass program. Students will receive a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on experiential learning that provides a practical application of coursework. The typical prospective student will have a connection to golf by either playing the game themselves or knowing friends and family who play, and will likely have a passion Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

young guns

Keiser University’s College of Golf Announces Turfgrass Management Program for working outdoors, enjoy working with their hands, and possess the ability to fix a variety of problems. Those individuals who have the desire to improve facilities, grounds, and equipment exemplify prospective students who will be successful in this career path. There is no requirement for work experience to enroll in this program. If prospective students are looking for a career change, the best thing they can ask themselves is, “How long am I willing to wait?” They can also make the exciting decision to pursue a rewarding career path in the golf industry. Classes commence on January 8th, 2024, so there is time to get started on the new journey.

G Great reat G Golf olf aand nd

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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.

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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

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special events 34

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

improving performance

The Right Putter Grip at the Wright Time by Holly Geoghegan Golf and hockey. Hockey and golf. Both require great hand-eye coordination to be successful. Both require a strong, solid posture and width to execute a swing. Both require balance, stability, and control. It makes sense why so many hockey players, especially professional ones, love to play golf. That love for hockey and golf brought Kenosha, WI resident, Tim Wright, a 15-handicap, to a painful point of despair and a desperate yet, as it turned out, innovative solution in attempt to cure his putting yips. What else could provoke a golfer to cut off the head of his $450 Scotty Cameron Newport putter and attach it to the bottom of a broken hockey stick? The “yips” refer to wrist spasms, twitches, or jerks in the putting stroke – a dreaded, “don’t utter the word,” golf affliction that can drive

golfers to quit the game. The term was popularized by Scottish American professional golfer and winner of three major championships, Tommy Armour, to explain the condition that led him to abandon tournament golf. An avid hockey player since age 6, who grew up in a family of collegiate and professional players (his dad and grandfather), Wright was confounded by the fact that he could rip a slapshot “between the pipes” from the blue line, but he couldn’t make a fourfoot putt to save his life. “To say hockey is in our blood, is an understatement,” commented Wright. Emulating a hockey swing, Wright designed a combination hockey stick grip and shaft to isolate the big muscles of the shoulders and neutralize the wrists and the hands in the putting stroke. Placing his right palm on the flat rectangular side of the hockey

shaft enabled Wright to square up to the hole consistently. Then positioning his right hand down the shaft as if he was making a hockey pass, the sense of control was immediate. Those pesky, frustrating four-footers suddenly became easy. Wright sensed he was on to something, and Caliber Golf was born. Teaming up with his brother Chip, the pair collaborated to launch the company. From light bulb moment to prototypes to patent approval to manufacturing and, finally, birthing the baby, it was a two-and-a-halfyear process. The two brothers have meshed their skill sets extremely well. Chip handles sales and marketing while Tim heads up the operations, financial accounting, and business management. “It is a team effort. There are things Chip understands that I don’t,” said Tim. “It’s the little things that

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

matter. If you can continue to grow as a team, you’re much better off than working alone.” The biggest challenge early on was getting the grip approved by the USGA. Previous attempts to design something similar by other hopeful inventors had failed. After hiring an engineering firm, working through several iterations and submissions, and getting positive feedback from the USGA along the way, the Wright brothers were successful. By attaching the putter head to a golf shaft suspended inside a carbon fiber hockey stick styled grip, the brothers created a grip “system” that was ruled conforming. Then the real fun began. Launching a golf company, or any company for that matter, is not for the faint of heart. As with many start-ups, there were bogies made and lessons learned, especially during the manufacturing process. While Tim had some experience in this area as a former business consultant, he had never scaled something this big. Having to source materials and production facilities in China, the Wright brothers discovered various speed bumps between the language barrier, the lead times, and levels of expectations in terms of the quality that their supplier delivered. “We ordered a thousand carbon fiber grips but the product didn’t pass our inspections. We had to go back to the drawing board, remake the mold, reorder, and change Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

“Once I put one into my hands it was evident they were on to something. I was surprised to learn it was legal. The aim feel of the shaft feels like cheating. This is a putter I feel like I can with with on Tour... ...and no, they are not paying me to say that.” Jerry Kelly - huge hockey enthusiast (and 14-time winner on the PGA & Champions Tours) suppliers,” said Tim. “Welcome to trial and error and blowing away our budget for 2023. The key to bringing a product to market is patience and we’re still working on patience.” Caliber Golf made its debut at the 2023 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. The story behind this innovative pair of Wright Brothers caught the media’s attention along with the eye-catching grip resulting in many product reviews and exposure after the show.

While not the cup of tea for some traditionalist, like many things in golf, the game has become more forward-thinking in terms of equipment options. The grip category alone has seen many changes and much innovation, most notably in 2009, with the launch of mover and shaker Super Stroke putter grips. So the opportunity to have a successful introduction of a product like Caliber is much better than it might have been 20 years ago. Golfers who have switched to the 37

Caliber hockey grip and shaft combination have seen improved feel and control, according to the company. Unlike a round rubber grip, Caliber Golf’s is rigid; the rectangular shape allows for a more secure and comfortable feel resulting in better control of the putter head. The grip reduces wrist movement, encouraging a more confident, pendulum-like putting stroke. It helps to maintain a more consistent and repeatable stroke leading to improved accuracy and distance control. It’s extremely versatile and works with any putting style including traditional, claw, cross-handed or split grip. “I was a 14 handicap before I invented the Caliber grip. “I’m now a 7,” said Tim. “Everything in my stroke has improved. My set-up, my alignment, my pace. This takes your hands out of it. It’s all about the big muscles and having more confidence and control.” When asked what the tipping point will be for the company, Tim said they are hoping for that “Happy Gilmore” moment when a Tour player gets caught on camera using the hockey grip and golfers say, “What is THAT?” With a little luck, that moment may be just around the corner for Caliber Golf. Wisconsin native, three-time PGA Tour and 11-time Champions Tour winner, Jerry Kelly, has been practicing with the grip and is impressed. “When I first heard of the Caliber putter, I thought it was a cool novelty.” said Kelly. “I was surprised to learn it was legal. The aim and feel of the shaft are like cheating. This is a putter I feel like I can win with on Tour.” The Caliber grip and shaft retails for $199. Complete new putters including most major brands range from $314 to $365. If you are married to your current mallet or blade, the company can also custom fit your existing putter head. 38

“Putting is a feel game and we believe we have the right product at the (W)right time,” said Tim in conclusion. Still not convinced? Go to Caliber Golf on YouTube and watch Tim sink 20 putts in a row from seven feet in

one take. Seeing is believing with Caliber Golf. For more information or to purchase go to calibergolf.com.

Personalize your grip! For a limited time, Caliber Golf will customize your Caliber Golf grip at no additional charge. Include your initials, last name or nickname at checkout and we’ll take care of the rest. To order, visit the website at calibergolf.com.

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

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

golf travel

By Tony Leodora

Mystic Rock– Hole #5

Nemacolin’s Mountains Provide Idyllic Fall Golf, Vacation Setting Fall golf in Pennsylvania is a

panoramic treat for the senses. The golf across the state, which is outstanding throughout the season, rises to a crescendo with the drier weather and the eyepopping colors of autumn. No place is that more evident than at Nemacolin – the magnificent resort nestled in the Laurel Highlands of the Allegheny Mountains in far southwest Pennsylvania. This more than 2,200-acre golf and vacation paradise is home to two highly regarded Pete Dye golf courses … but that is not where the story ends. It just begins there. Nemacolin was the brainchild and personal project of Joseph A. Hardy III, a businessman and entrepreneur who possessed a creative mind and sense of adventure. In addition to being the president of 84 Lumber,

the largest privately owned building materials supplier, he founded Nemacolin, using the same dedicated work ethic. Those attributes, plus the boundless energy he exhibited well into his 90s, were the driving force behind creating this playground for both adults and children. Joe Hardy died on the day of his 100th birthday in January of 2023. Nemacolin is now operated by his daughter, Maggie Hardy, who took over as owner and CEO in the early 2000s. The story of Nemacolin is one of constant growth and improvement. First, the golf courses. They came via a circuitous route.

The property was bought at auction by Joe Hardy in 1987. It consisted of an old hotel and a nine-hole golf course. Hardy immediately set out on his plan to transform the property into one of national acclaim. He hired heralded golf course architect Pete Dye to design Mystic Rock. It opened to immediate recognition in 1995. In 2003 it was chosen to host the PGA Tour’s 84 Lumber Classic and continued for four years, until 2006. For most of its existence it has been ranked as the No. 1 course that the public can play in Pennsylvania. In 2017 the Shepherd’s Rock course, co-designed by Pete Dye and Tim Liddy, was added on property adjacent to Mystic Rock. Again, the acclaim was immediate, with a ranking as the No. 5 course the public can play in Pennsylvania. Currently, both courses claim to be private, with a membership Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

of 140, but anyone can play them if they stay in one of the three hotels, the rentable estate homes and town homes on the property. The hotels are among the most lavish in the region. They include The Chateau, The Grand Lodge and the new boutique hotel, Falling Rock, which opened in 2007 and received AAA Five Diamond status. The restaurants are of equal quality. Lautrec, the fine dining restaurant, received the five star rating from the Forbes Travel Guide. Aqueous (seafood), Rockwell’s (steakhouse) and Barattolo (Italian) also boast a high culinary level of quality and service. “The culinary experience is meant to be memorable, whether the guests are dining in our five star restaurant, or stopping by the pastry shop,” explains Donna Herto, the communications manager at Nemacolin. “Our goal has always been to provide the finest – even if it is just a sandwich overlooking our year-round resort style pool area.” With that bit of history in hand, the brief but remarkable stay at Nemacolin began. It was nothing short of a jaw-dropping experience. Cole Friberg, the resort’s golf operations supervisor, was the tour guide for the Shepherd’s Rock course. He proved to be extremely knowledgeable about the course and provided needed warnings about some of the severe greens that were encountered. No warning was more appreciated than on the 619-yard par 5 fourth hole – an endless succession of thrills and spills. It even displays an imposing wall of Dye’s iconic vertical railroad ties on the side of the green. “I find Shepherd’s Rock a lot of fun to play,” said Friberg. “The fairways are wide and the greens are large. But the undulations on the greens are the defense of the course.” Although perched on the top of a mountain at 3,000 feet, Shepherd’s Rock is not a trek for mountain goats. It is an enjoyable journey. The fairways are ribboned through the rolling terrain … but the stunning views of the mountain landscape surround it. Day Two put Director of Golf Chris Anderson in the driver’s seat. Regarded as slightly more difficult than the newer course, it quickly became evident why it was used to test the pros on the PGA Tour. Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

The Chateau

Statue honoring Chief Nemacolin at Mystic Rock 41

The course stretches to 7,590 yards with a rating of 78.5 and a slope of 152. Luckily there are a number of tee options short of that distance. Unlike most golf directors, Anderson’s background is as a golf course superintendent. That goes a long way to explaining the superlative conditions on both courses at Nemacolin. He has held the post since 2018 and rolls up his sleeves to become involved in all aspects of course operation. We had a good time traversing the hills of Mystic Rock … and he had no problem with me stopping often to take photos of the many eye-popping vistas. A favorite was the par 5 fifth hole, which features a waterfall that comes down out of the hillside and spills into a pond next to the green. Another spectacular view was from the 10th fairway, looking across a rock-encircled pond at the 11th fairway. Thousands of large rocks decorate the entire course – all taken during the clearing

and excavation of the property. “We pride ourselves on pristine conditions, as an integral part of the overall golf experience,” explains Anderson. “When guests come here to play, we want them to be wowed … from the first tee to the 18th green.” If at all possible, the choices of accommodations at Nemacolin might even surpass the golf courses. The Grand Lodge, at the cost of $30 million, has totally been “reimagined” into a 59-room luxury suite hotel, with balconies and extended living space. The Chateau, modeled after a grand Parisian hotel, will close for a multi-million dollar renovation and will reopen in 2024. Falling Rock, overlooking the two golf courses, is not just a hotel. It is an experience. Luxurious rooms are just the start. Every amenity awaits the guests, including personal 24-hour butler service. The butler even will draw your nightly bath, if requested. For the family, the property is

outfitted with a number of activities – everything from zip lining (reopening summer of 2024), to skiing, to clay-shooting, to biking, hiking, axe throwing, paddleboarding … and much more. Due to Joe Hardy’s penchant as a collector, and now other family members, there is plenty to see. Art is exhibited in each hotel. More than 100 statues decorate the golf courses. There is an antique plane museum and another building housing collectible cars. And there is even a nature zoo, where lions, tigers, bears, buffalo and many more wild animals roam in spacious confines. To call Nemacolin just a golf resort would be the understatement of all time. It is a world-class destination … that just happens to be nestled in the mountains of Pennsylvania.

Tony Leodora is an awardwinning golf writer and host of the Traveling Golfer television show. Mystic Rock – Hole #10 and #11

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

It’s the most wonderful time of

the year at 1000 NORTH! For the entire month of December, enjoy classic holiday flavors – or make them at home – with specialty winter cocktails at Michael Jordan’s waterfront restaurant in Jupiter, Fla. The Stocking Stuffer ($20) is a winter wonderland dressed in a Santa boot glass. This festive libation mixes Woodford Bourbon, housemade cranberry syrup, lemon juice, and egg white, garnished with a mint sprig and candy cane. Topped with a sudsy and sweet blood orange ginger beer, this specialty mint julep is the perfect way to celebrate the season.

Let it snow…globe! The Southern Snowball ($20) is a holiday twist on a white cosmopolitan. This seasonal sip comes mixed with Ketel One Citron, white cranberry juice, St. Germain, and lemon juice. Marvel at the rosemary sprig, edible glitter, and cranberry garnishes swirling around a snow globe glass. Be transported to a cozy night by the fireplace with 1000 NORTH’s Fireside Old Fashioned ($20). This fiery cocktail is the perfect balance of sweet and smoky with Bhakta 27-07 Brandy, gingerbread syrup, and dashes of winter bitters. The cocktail is smoked with cherrywood chips for a rich,

M Fireside

Stocking J Old Fashioned Stuffer

• 2 oz. Woodford Bourbon

• 2 oz. Bhakta 27-07 Brandy

• 1.5 oz. housemade cranberry syrup

• .5 oz. gingerbread syrup

• .75 oz. lemon juice

• 3 dashes winter bitters

• 2 mint sprigs • Egg white

• Garnish with a mint sprig and candy cane Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

woody flavor. Garnished with an orange twist and star anise, this unique old fashioned is sure to usher in the holiday spirit. Toast to the holidays at 1000 NORTH!

1000 NORTH A celebration of modern American regional cuisine, with sweeping views of the Jupiter Inlet and the Jupiter Lighthouse, 1000 NORTH is located at 1000 North U.S. Highway 1, Jupiter, Florida. For more information or reservations, visit 1000NORTH.com or call (561) 570-1000.

competitive spirits

Get Into the Holiday Spirit G G With 1000 NORTH’s Specialty Winter Cocktails

The Southern Snowball

• 2 oz. Ketel One Citron

• 2 oz. white cranberry juice

• .5 oz. lemon juice

• Smoke with cherrywood chips

• .5 oz. St. Germain

• Garnish with an orange twist

• Garnish with a rosemary sprig,

and star anise

edible glitter, and cranberries

golf fitness 44

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

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Jim Kurtzeborn, PGA Elected to South Florida PGA Hall of Fame Jim Kurtzeborn, PGA General Manager of Cedar Hammock Golf and Country Club has been inducted into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame, making up the Class of 2023. The South Florida PGA Hall of Fame has long stood for those who have been recognized for extraordinary leadership and commitment to the game of golf and service to the South Florida PGA and South Florida PGA Foundation. “It is an honor and very rewarding to be chosen for induction into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame,” said Kurtzeborn. “I was fortunate to work with so many talented PGA Professionals, who guided me in the advancement of the PGA and the South Florida section. Since becoming a PGA Member in 1986, Kurtzebron has been an ambassador for the game of golf in south Florida. As a mentor to over 100 PGA Members and Associates, Kurtzeborn has bettered the game of golf through leadership, watching mentees go on to assume Director of Golf positions and serving on Chapter and Section Boards. As an advocate for lifelong learning, Kurtzeborn has remained committed to excellence as a player, administrator and ambassador of the game, receiving the SFPGA Golf Professional of the Year honor in 1999. In addition, Kurtzeborn gave 16 years of service to the Chapter and Section Boards, including his term as Section President from 2005-07. During his time on the Section board, Kurtzeborn was a part of the inception of the South 46

Florida PGA Foundation, worked to grow the South Florida PGA GolfPass program and the new junior golf program. “The establishment of a successful Charitable Foundation to help those who need it most, creating great Junior Golf opportunities, and improvements in PGA education and programs, are accomplishments that I will always cherish,” explained Kurtzeborn. Kurtzeborn’s efforts assisted in the establishment of the SFPGA Foundation which now impacts 2,416 individuals annually

through the game of golf; the SFPGA Junior Tour which brings competitive playing opportunities to over 1,000 members each year; and a GolfPass program that this year, surpassed 14,000 sales for the first time in its 29-year history. The South Florida PGA Hall of Fame inducts new members each year and honored Kurtzeborn today in front of the entire Southwest Chapter of the South Florida PGA, where Kurtzeborn has been a member for almost his entire career. Click here for a full list of South Florida PGA Hall of Fame members. Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

Greg Koch

Jonathan Mansfield

Rolex NFPGA Player of the Year

Rolex NFPGA Senior Player of the Year

Greg Koch of Ritz Carlton Golf Club accomplished the impressive feat of going back-to-back with capturing the 2023 Rolex NFPGA Player of Year! During the year, Koch posted five top-10 finishes, including a victory after a tight match with John Somers at the YAMAHA Match Play Championship. He made a run at the Section Championship title, ultimately finishing T2. His solid play in the Section translated to the national level as he represented the NFPGA well with his T11 finish at the 2023 PGA Professional Championship. The ability to stay consistent during long stretches and keep the momentum going through the year helped earn him the honor of being the 2023 Rolex NFPGA Player of the Year. Congratulations Greg! Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth

Jonathan Mansfield of Clearwater Country Club took home the Rolex NFPGA Senior Player of the Year! Mansfield started the year off quickly, finding some good form and the winner’s circle at the Senior Stableford Championship. Later in the year, he had a strong Runner-Up finish at the Senior Section Championship/Senior PGA Professional Championship after Jeff Leonard won a playoff on the first hole. These two events helped propel him to capture the Rolex NFPGA Senior Player of the Year honors. Congratulations Jonathan!

Rolex NFPGA Women’s Player of the Year

Stephanie Connelly-Eiswerth of San Jose Country Club had a 2023 season that showed her name consistently near the top of the leaderboard. She had two very solid finishes at big events including a T2 finish at the Section Championship and a Runner-Up finish at the Professional Championship. The ability to play championship-level golf throughout the year helped her secure the Rolex NFPGA Women’s Player of the Year! Congratulations Stephanie!

Rolex NFPGA Assistant’s Player of the Year

Sandra Changkija of Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate took home the Rolex NFPGA Assistant’s Player of the Year despite only a 220 point differential between her and Greg Koch. Sandra’s year was capped off with a thrilling victory at the NFPGA Assistant Professional Championship where she needed two play-off holes to secure the victory over Mac Harris. Sandra showed yet again why she was the 2022 NFPGA Women’s Player of the Year. Congratulations Sandra! Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

north florida PGA north florida PGA north florida PGA north florida PGA north florida PGA nort

The 2023 NFPGA tournament season came to a fantastic end! The tremendous play and continued support of the tournaments culminate with the North Florida PGA announcing the 2023 Rolex NFPGA Player of the Year awards!

A Kentucky PGA Kentucky PGA Kentucky PGA Kentucky PGA Kentucky PGA Kentucky PGA

Golf House Kentucky has promoted Ray Moehlman, PGA to the newly created role of Senior Director, Tournaments & Business Development. This role has been developed to support Golf House Kentucky by primarily serving as the department lead for the three tournament programs (Kentucky Golf Association, Kentucky PGA, & Junior Tour), and assisting with corporate partnerships across

Ray Moehlman, PGA

New Senior Director the GHK organization, among

Golf Coach Association All-State

“I look forward to leading our

other responsibilities. This will

Championship, operating three

skilled team of Tournament

provide the opportunity for

PGA Tour Open Qualifier events,

Professionals in a combined

enhanced collaboration both

as well as leading three successful

effort to continue to serve

internally and externally, and

Kentucky Open Championships.

Kentucky’s golfing community. It

bring great attention to growth

Growing up in Northern

is our unified goal to uphold and

among our tournaments and

Kentucky, Moehlman attended

enhance Kentucky’s Professional,

corporate partnership portfolio.

Eastern Kentucky University’s

Amateur, and Junior golf events.”

Moehlman has been part of the

PGA Golf Management and gained

“I am very excited to see what

Golf House Kentucky team since

great experience through his

great heights Ray will bring Golf

2019 when he assumed the role of

time there, including working at

House Kentucky to in this new

Junior Tour Director. After making

The Camargo Club, the Southern

role,” said Sally Morgan, PGA,

a very positive impact for two

Ohio PGA, the PGA of America

Golf House Kentucky’s Executive

seasons on the junior side, he was

Championships Department,

Director. “After having operated

promoted to the role of Director of

Valhalla Golf Club, and the

in two of the three tournament

Professional Competitions where

University of Louisville Golf Club.

director positions, and stepping

he built out a very successful

He now has the opportunity to

up to support every area of the

tournament program for the KPGA.

continue his impact on growing

GHK operation within the last

Some of his successes over the

the game in his home state!

five years, I am confident Ray

last five years include: running

“I am thrilled to be entrusted

two outstanding Kentucky High

with this newly formed role of

School Athletic Association State

Senior Director, Tournaments and

Golf Championships, assisting

Business Development at Golf

these responsibilities

with the creation of the Kentucky

House Kentucky!” says Moehlman.

effective immediately.

will bring tremendous success to every area he touches!” Moehlman assumes

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

Holiday Gift Guide M Holiday Gift Guide M

Monster Mat

The #1 RATED range mat used by driving ranges and practice facilities across the nation is now available for home use. Proudly Made in the U.S.A., the Original Monster Mat is more affordable and lasts longer than ANY other range mat on the market. Unlike most other mats that are made of nylon, the Monster Mat features a proprietary Z-Pro LSR Fiber fortified hitting surface that feels like nothing else you’ve ever hit off before. The random, crimped and curved blades look and feel natural and the UVstabilized fibers prevent color transfer to the sole of the golf club. Its Premier Shock System virtually eliminates hand and elbow shock making it the finest, most realistic hitting surface you can use to practice your golf game. Every mat is backed by a 1-year unconditional warranty! 5 ft. x 5 ft. mat - $398 (Shipping Included) Available at www.safeplaygolf.com

Popticals Sunglasses These easy-to-store, high performance sunglasses designed specifically for golfers are like nothing else on the market. Popticals partnered with optics industry leader Carl Zeiss Vision to create lenses that offer visual precision to every golfer. The company’s nylonbased NYDEF® lenses, which are 20% clearer and lighter in weight than polycarbonate lenses used in most other sunglasses, help golfers see the topography of the course clearly while also enabling better tracking and visibility of the ball. Poptical’s golfspecific lenses, available in every frame in Popticals’ ten collections, feature purple and violet tints that reduce the green saturation of golf courses and unleash the golfers’ ability to distinguish between green gradients to identify course contours and variations on every shot…even grain patterns on greens! With their patented FL2 MicroRail System™ design, Popticals snap into place for use and then collapse into a uniquely compact size for safe and secure portability in their protective hard case, fitting comfortably in a jacket or the smallest pocket of a golf bag. Special Holiday Sale - Get 20% to 50% OFF right now at www.popticals.com

E 50

Extracurricular

Several years after guiding Travis Mathew to its acquisition by Callaway, Chris Rosaasen recently launched Extracurricular, the new men’s golf-lifestyle apparel that’s worn by Dustin Johnson and off to a flying start. The brand celebrates time well spent with multi-hyphenate gents especially loving Extracurricular’s classic pieces that take them from the greens to cocktails and everything between. Fabrications are luxe and substantive. Cuts are comfortable and align with athletic and everyday movements. A tight range of polos, tees, second layers, bottoms and hats are in fun yet classic colors with designs sporting a twang of edge. Tour players love Extracurricular and the special man in your life will, too. www.ex-cr.com.

OE Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

Holiday Gift Guide M Holiday Gift Guide M

Alphard Golf

More than ever, golfers are eschewing riding carts and electing to walk 4-1/2 miles, burn up to 2,000 calories and intake Vitamin D over 18 holes. Furthermore, golfers abhor wasting energy pushing a cart when it should be saved for walking stamina and shot mechanics. Enter Alphard Golf that sells tens of thousands of custom brackets, including its mega-popular Club Booster V2, that, in minutes, converts manual push carts into technologically advanced, motorized, remote-controlled golf caddies. Follow your cart or walk side by side with your cart over flat, rolling and even hilly terrain. Talk about less expensive, practical and durable. www.alphardgolf.com.

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 7

Sun Mountain Tour Series+ Rainwear Collection

New for Fall 2023, the Sun Mountain Tour Series+ Rainwear Collection allows the luxury of ignoring the most extreme weather conditions so the focus can be on the game. These waterproof golf jackets and pants offer 20,000+ mm waterproof rating, 30,000+ MVP breathability rating, and an elite level of 4-way stretch. This technical fabric has the added bonus of 37.5® Technology which accelerates vapor movement and prevents overheating and moisture build-up. For the retailer nearest you, call 800-227-9224 or visit www.sunmountain.com.

GCSAA 2023 Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards Winners Four golf course superintendents have been named

winners of the 2023 Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards (ELGA). The annual awards are presented by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and Golf Digest in partnership with Syngenta. Eight runners-up also received recognition for their environmental efforts. The awards have recognized superintendents and golf courses around the world for their commitment to environmental stewardship since 1993, but in 2018 the ELGAs were updated to recognize more superintendents in more focused areas of environmental sustainability. Instead of offering national awards based on facility type, the current version of the ELGAs is based on environmental best management practices and honor specific areas of focus. • The Communications and Outreach Award recognizes effective communication of conservation strategies with facility employees, golfers and other members of the community. 52

• The Healthy Land Stewardship Award recognizes effective strategies for efficient use of pesticides and nutrients, as well as pollution prevention. • The Innovative Conservation Award recognizes unique and innovative strategies for conservation. • The Natural Resource Conservation Award recognizes effective strategies for water conservation, energy conservation and sound wildlife management. “The ELGA awards are a way to recognize those golf course superintendents who exemplify a tremendous commitment to environmental stewardship, while still providing quality playing conditions,” said GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “We are always thrilled to acknowledge those who are standouts in keeping the game of golf sustainable. Congratulations to all the recipients.” The four winners will be recognized during the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, Jan. 29-Feb. 1, 2024, in Phoenix.

Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

The 2023 ELGA Winners and runners-up include:

H. Michael Wilkerson CGCS

Moss Creek Owner's Association Hilton Head, South Carolina

Jim Pavonetti, CGCS Fairview Country Club Greenwich, Connecticut

First Runner Up: Wayne Mills, La Cumbre Country Club, Santa Barbera, CA

First Runner Up: Carl Thompson, CGCS Columbia Point Golf Course, Richland, WA

Second Runner Up: Coman Mulry, MG, Al Zorah Golf Club, United Arab Emirates

Second Runner Up: Jay Wade, CGCS Magnolia Green Golf Club, Mosely, VA

Communications and Outreach

Innovative Conservation

Matthew Gourley, CGCS

Landon Lindsay

Colbert Hills Golf Course Manhattan, Kansas

The Nelson Golf and Sports Club Irving, Texas

First Runner Up: Kevin Goss, Sugar Creek Golf Course, Villa PArk, IL

First Runner Up: Charles (Roby) Robertson IV, CGCS, TPC San Antonio, TX

Second Runner Up: Harlyn Goldman, CGCS Needwood Golf Course, Serwood, MD

Second Runner Up: Juston Brimley, Crystal Springs Golf Course, Burlingame, CA

Healthy Land Stewardship Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

Natural Resourse Conservation 53

By Anthony L. Williams, CGCS, CGM, MG

A Turf Pirate's Journal $Gratitude and Going to the Show(s) $ Welcome back Turf Pirates to the

hallowed halls of the Ancient and Honorable Tribe of Turf Pirates and our favorite season of the year, the Holiday Season. It is also the time of year that many green industry regional shows take place. This brings me to this month’s point of order. Go to the Show, any show big or small to support local chapters, organizations and golf/ turf folks in general. Build and grow relationships and do so with a sense of gratitude that is obvious for all to see. Turf Pirates as a whole know that we are stronger together and that ultimately, we are many voices singing a similar song. I have been blessed to travel and attend turf shows across the country and a few across the ocean. I have literally surfed the world on a blade of grass. The thing that I remember most are the people that I have met and how over the years we have impacted and challenged each other to stay the course and help each other grow. In the old days before Google and Gen Xers, it was your personal network that solved all of the green riddles of the day. Going to a local show and talking to other Turf Legends and listening closely to conversations during the breaks or meals was the latest and best information going. To be the best you had to mingle with best. Deals were made (sponsorships were valued), jobs were offered and the world spun on greased grooves face to face at the shows. Hand shake deals were common and tales that are still retold today were born. It is a bit different now but we all still need to be connected, recharge our batteries and adjust our sails if needed. Buyers and sellers need to get together to buy and sell. In a few weeks I am traveling back to the Georgia coast to attend the Annual meeting of the Georgia GCSA. It’s where I started my turf career (discovered Pirates Punch) 54

Trent Bouts, Anthony Williams and Darren Davis take time for a photo at the Georgia GCSA annual meeting in Saint Simons Island. and where I feel most at home. The picture this month is of me with two dear friends and Turf Pirate heroes Trent Bouts (writer, editor and story teller extraordinaire) and Daren Davis (Mentor, GCSAA PastPresident etc.… if you know him you know his accomplishments are epic). The picture was taken at the Georgia GCSA annual meeting two years ago and we were just catching up as you do at these things but I have learned that we never take these moments for granted. There are limited numbers of shows and sun sets and I for one am grateful for them all and intend to make the most of each one. This year I will receive my 30-year membership pin from the Georgia GCSA and I have hosted 9 annual meetings for the chapter at my clubs over the years before I moved to Texas

and started the western chapter of my career. I am excited to go to the show. These days I sit at the vintage superintendent table but I remember fondly being the new kid in town. Time flies. Take a few days off and go to a local green industry show. Support the causes and be in the moment. Make a few more memories for yourself and others. I promise your courses will be there when you return but just maybe you will return as a better version of yourself. Wiser, more relaxed and focused. Thanksgiving is a reminder that we have all been given so much, our glass is half full and rising. So, in keeping with Turf Pirate lore raise a glass to all those people and places that have shaped you over the years. Happy Holidays Turf Pirates and be well until our paths cross again! Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

Sunn 28-0-0

Minors Blend

Sunn 6-0-0 Blend

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

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

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

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

N-SURE ITEM #160031 GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Sunn KTS

PRO LIQUID FERTILIZER Item# 160041 GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

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

LIQUID FERTILIZER ITEM #160000 GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

PRO LIQUID FERTILIZER Item# 160010 GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

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

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

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

Manufactured by

SUNNILAND CORPORATION

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

www.sunnilandcorp.com • 800-432-1130

The way forward for water conservation and golf course management— with drones, self-driving mowers and wireless soil sensors

Over the past century, the role

of a golf course superintendent has continued to evolve. While the prime responsibility is for the overall maintenance and management of a golf course, financial implications and technological advances have forced superintendents to become resource managers much more than laborers and administrators working on turfgrass care, irrigation systems, pest control and landscaping. A superintendent, part artist and part scientist, strives to ensure that the course is in excellent condition and provides a high-quality playing surface for golfers but resource control is now a crucial consideration. Water conservation is a key component in effective golf course management and technological advancements have already provided massive help in this area, thanks to innovations such as satellite-controlled watering systems, triplex mowers, aerators and lasers. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. More recent

technological developments in artificial intelligence and GPS have sparked great enthusiasm within the industry because of what is now possible. As superintendents plan what actions to take, they are increasingly relying on self-driving mowers, wireless soil and turf sensors, and drones to help them offset labor scarcity and receive the best possible information about which areas of a golf course are in most need of irrigation. All of this comes with the backdrop of a $30-million, 15-year water conservation investment announced by the United States Golf Association (USGA) in April 2023. In a long-term bid to make the game more sustainable, the USGA has pledged to advance underused strategies and technologies beyond those that golf course operators have implemented to reduce water consumption by 29% over the past 15 years. This commitment is focused on irrigation optimization and advanced conservation innovation, as well as on water sourcing and storage for golf courses and communities

throughout the country. “We are focused on providing a set of tools that an individual golf course can use to conserve water by as much as 45 percent or more, depending on the individual circumstances of the golf course,” said Matt Pringle, managing director of the USGA Green Section.

“It’s being able to say to any golf course superintendent, ‘Hey, if you want to reduce water consumption, the USGA and our partners are working together on a set of options and tools for you.’”

Agronomists and turf care experts from the USGA Green Section are spearheading this multi-million-dollar initiative in collaboration with university researchers, golf course owners, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), regional golf associations, architects, industry partners and water agencies. The likelihood of overall success will be greatly boosted by the impact of technology to support the traditional water conservation efforts already adopted by the Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

USGA and their partners. “From a water conservation perspective, we are applying emerging technologies,” said Pringle. “We deploy a USGA GPS Service where we send out loggers to courses for golfers to carry in their pockets while they play. We’re not tracking them in real time, we’re just collecting a heat map of where golfer traffic is to help inform where there are opportunities for turf reduction. “We also rely on many types of geo-spatial mapping data of the golf course in conjunction with player traffic, in conjunction with the goals of the architect and what kind of product the golf course is trying to present to its members. All of these technologies help inform turf reduction opportunities, help inform areas of under or overirrigation that can then be fed back to the redesigns or updating of the irrigation structure.” Autonomous machines have been used in large-scale agriculture for several years, and the golf industry is now seeing an increasing amount of self-driving mowers cutting grass on fairways and greens across the globe. Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

The biggest challenges have been the quality of cut (reel mowers tend to be better than rotary-style mowers) and the price point can vary massively from $6,000 to more than $200,000. The use of drones is also on the rise, to help identify which areas of a golf course need more irrigation than others. Soil and turf sensors, drones and self-driving mowers are already making a significant impact on water conservation and golf course management. So where do things go from here and what is the likely landscape in this space 15 years from now? Enter iGolf, a collaborator with the USGA for almost a decade and a brand which has established a strong global presence in golf data mapping spanning more than 20 years and is specifically focused on providing the golf technology sector with advancements in software, hardware and GPS content. While drones are already helping superintendents identify which areas of a golf course need more irrigation than others, iGolf’s CEO and Founder Brian Verdugo sees this technology as being more of a long-term opportunity.

“We’re still a long way from optimal use regarding drones, and there are also understandable safety concerns and standard regulatory issues,” Verdugo explain. “All that to say, we’re on a progression where we’re about 10 years out from realistically seeing golf courses using autonomous drones consistently.” Artificial intelligence, by understanding patterns and behavior, will increasingly make more detailed recommendations to superintendents on how to improve efficiency and thereby drive costs down for the golf course management industry, says Verdugo. “The more sensors golf courses can afford to implement and deploy, the sooner we’ll see developers and companies with the ability to digest the data and produce detailed reports,” added Verdugo. “The more hardware we see utilized on golf courses, the more software we’ll see developed to support the initiative – resulting in a greater reliance on this type of technology to utilize resources more efficiently. That should have everyone feeling optimistic and excited for what’s in store.” 57

By Cecilia Brown it embarked on a groundbreaking test of perennial ryegrasses, marking the program’s first venture into charging an entry fee for trials. It was during this transformative period that Murray extended a job offer to Morris, who eagerly accepted the opportunity to start his career. From those early technical responsibilities of handling data and orchestrating trial logistics, Morris steadily ascended the ranks within NTEP. His unwavering dedication and commitment to the program’s mission eventually led him to the prestigious role of Executive Director, a position he has held since 1998.

National Turfgrass Evaluation Program

Meet Kevin Morris, the Leader Behind the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program Kevin Morris, the seasoned

Executive Director of the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP), embarked on his impactful journey in the turfgrass industry back in the early ‘80s. His remarkable career began with a pivotal decision to join the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agriculture Research Service (ARS) facility in Beltsville, Maryland, in 1981. Remarkably, his job location was not far from his hometown and just a stone’s throw from the University of Maryland in College Park, where he pursued a degree in agricultural economics. Morris found himself under the mentorship of the legendary turfgrass researcher, Jack Murray, a supportive figure from South Georgia whose belief in Morris provided the foundation for his

journey. “He was very supportive and just had that Southern gentleman type of personality and he just really believed in me and gave me a chance. I really watched and emulated how he operated and then took over from there,” Morris said. Morris’ inaugural project involved exploring the use of compost in turfgrass production at a time when Murray was the sole turfgrass specialist within the entire agency. Recognizing the significance of turfgrass research, Murray, along with a group of fellow scientists, laid the groundwork for the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP), commencing the inaugural trials in 1980. In 1982, as NTEP solidified its status as a promising endeavor,

NTEP, as Morris describes it, stands as an impartial nonprofit organization, uniting plant breeders, seed companies, sod companies, marketing entities and universities in collaborative research and product testing endeavors. Their vital role entails orchestrating trials, facilitating data collection and analysis and disseminating information freely to the public, without providing

recommendations or analysis. At the helm of NTEP, Morris is committed to ensuring consistency, accuracy and timely information release, all delivered at a reasonable cost, considering the expansive scope of data they offer. He oversees the program’s extensive network, managing over 250 agreements for trials spanning 35 states, with multiple locations in some. He and the The NTEP staff of Christine Knisley and Guangling Gao work together on contracts, accounting, data accuracy, statistical analysis and more. Morris credits his staff’s hard work and dedication to accuracy as key reasons for NTEP’s successes. “The people in this industry are really great. They’re salt-ofthe-earth type of people. They compete with each other but they Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

don’t fight with each other very much,” Morris said. He appreciates that instead, the turfgrass industry comes together to stand up and defend its products and existence to those who dislike it for water use, pesticide use and other reasons.” Water conservation emerges as a pressing concern, prompting collaborations with organizations like the United States Golf Association (USGA) to explore water use trials on both cool and warmseason grasses. “Water is a big thing nationally. It’s a bigger issue out west but water is the thing that is taking grass out. It already is being replaced with dirt, other landscapes and God forbid, synthetic turf.”

Future

Morris encourages aspiring professionals in the turfgrass industry who are starting out their careers in this field to seek out a really good mentor. He said it’s important to have someone they can trust, someone who’s willing to give them advice and someone they can watch and emulate. “That kind of training is the best training. I had someone who was honest and fair with people. I learned a lot of good values from my parents but watching Jack Murray and gaining advice from him and being ready to learn was important.” Murray retired for health reasons in the late 80s and passed away in 1994. Morris really endeared Murray’s guidance in his career and attributes a lot of his success to what he learned from him. He also complimented the support from NTEP’s governing board over the years. Morris explained he was always honest with them when they were doing well or not doing well. “Always being honest with people is the best policy as the old saying goes. I think people appreciate and get that you’re not perfect and make mistakes and will work with you.” NTEP is in the midst of a significant data transition, from an old formatted system into a new Turfgrass Trial Explorer database. Their ultimate aim is for this database to become the primary source for accessing information, enhancing its overall functionality. Kevin Morris envisions a future where data collection becomes more efficient, with field data seamlessly and swiftly uploaded, Golf Central • Volume 24, Issue 8

in stark contrast to the current process that involves lengthy data analysis before website publication. One of Morris’s top priorities before retirement is optimizing data usability, a goal he’s pursuing through collaboration with the University of Minnesota’s computer science department via an SCRI grant. Additionally, he’s laying the groundwork for the future inclusion of visual data representations from NTEP trials, moving beyond the traditional numerical columns. He looks forward to adapting and expanding the database to incorporate new agricultural technologies, phenotypic

information and comprehensive testing of various characteristics. Morris’s wife Kathleen is an educator, a school vice principal and his biggest supporter. Without his wife’s love and guidance, he would not have weathered the up and downs of a 40+ year career at NTEP. Married for 43 years, they have four children with four grandchildren and three more on the way. They enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking and playing sports together. Morris said he’s hopeful to retire by the end of 2025. “I’m not getting any younger so I’m ready to enjoy life with my wife, kids and grandkids.”

Kevin Morris, with his wife Kathleen

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