Central VA’s Golf Information Source- Covering Golf in:
Early Spring 2012
Welcome Back p.12
LPGA Returns to Kingsmill
INSIDE: •Golf Course Spotlight: Viniterra •Travel Feature: OBX Golf •Dominion Club Focuses on Family •Lakeside Completes Renovation •2012 Tournament Schedule
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got your eye on the ball? Don’t let low vision ruin your game. Contact one of our top ophthalmology experts today. 8700 Stony Point Pkwy, Suite 100 Richmond, VA 23235 (804) 775-4500 www.stonypointsc.com
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Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
Britannia Golf Your Richmond Based Golf Trip Expert Since 1995
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Director of Membership Development, Maggy Magee mmagee@tdcva.com 360-0091 www.tdcva.com Prices subject to change
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Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
Instruction
Play Your Best Golf !
aDaM C. SMiTH,
Be the Best You Can Be
GoLF DiGest best iN state 2011 / 2012 2008 MaPGa teaCHer oF tHe year PGa DireCtor oF iNstruCtioN saLisbury CouNtry CLub
Strengthen Your Core / Strengthen Your Golf Game By Adam C. Smith, PGA Contributing Editor (Featuring: Ellie Smith)
T
o be the best golfer you can be, it is important to be physically fit. One of the biggest components in fitness training today is “core conditioning.” Athletes who exercise their core muscles often do so by going to Yoga and Pilates classes. I cannot emphasize enough how important a role these classes will play in improving your golf game. As a golfer, you can gain a tremendous advantage in your game by strengthening your core muscles. As a result, you can improve your golf swing posture, your golf swing balance and you will gain distance on your golf shots. Keep in mind that the three areas of physical fitness vital to a better golf game are strength training, flexibility training and cardiovascular endurance. Strength training helps you improve your golf shot distance. Flexibility training improves your ability to get into the proper golf swing positions. And cardiovascular endurance training helps you maintain your energy levels throughout your round without fatiguing. Core strengthening focuses on the set of muscles in the center of the body. The core muscles are often referred to as the engine of the swing. Your core muscles are in the anatomical area located from just above the knees to slightly below the chest. The hip muscles, lumbar spine, abdominal muscles, glutes, hamstrings and oblique muscles all make up the core. This is a very comprehensive set of muscles. Many people think that the abdominal muscles are the core muscles. Truth is that the abdominal muscles only make up part of your core muscles. Golfers looking to improve their core strength must keep in mind that these muscles are a comprehensive set of muscles located on the front, side and back of the body. Here is why you should condition your core muscles. The core is responsible for important elements of an efficient golf swing. A stationary spine angle can be easily and efficiently maintained when your core is strong. Proper posture is easier to get into at address and stay in throughout the swing when your core is strong. You have more rotary power within your swing with a strong core. And you can effortlessly transfer speed and properly shift your weight during the golf swing with more core strength.
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If you are already working out in the gym and need a more intense core strengthening routine, then go to a Yoga and Pilates class. Find an instructor that you like and attend the class on a weekly basis. Yoga increases golfers’ flexibility and improves core strength. Pilates class works on core strengthening with a series of exercises that are intensely focused on the core muscles.
If you are not currently working out, but want to begin some core strengthening, try a modest routine of fifteen minutes of core strengthening in the comfort of your home. Always consult a doctor before beginning any type of physical fitness exercises. Here are a few examples of simple core exercises that will benefit your golf game. Enjoy!
Planks
side planks
reverse planks
sit ups
Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
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Area News
VGR welcomes new writers In 2012
V
irginia Golf Report welcomes several new writers in 2012. Kandi Comer, Paul Sargent, Craig Wood, and Mark Slawter will add their insights and experience in the game of golf to contribute insightful articles. Comer, who runs Kandi Comer Golf School at Glenmore Country Club in Keswick, is a former LPGA Tour member. She had a stellar amateur career including being a member of the 1986 Curtis Cup team and winning five VSGA junior and amateur championships. Comer will showcase a different student that she works with each issue and
New owner at Keswick Hall
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harlottesville area highend resort Keswick Hall has been purchased by Riverstone Group, a Richmond based company that owns several other well known golf resorts and hotels in the southeast. Riverstone is owned by William Goodwin. Goodwin and Riverstone are longtime owners of The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond and The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. Both are AAA Five Diamond rated properties. Riverstone has also acquired in recent years Kiawah Island Golf Resort near Charleston, SC and Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island. Keswick Hall is a Tuscan-style hotel with 48 guest rooms and an on-site Arnold Palmer Signature designed golf course.
discuss different parts of the swing that they are working on. Paul Sargent and Craig Wood, of the First Tee Richmond & Chesterfield, bring their vast experience teaching junior golfers to VGR and will co-author a new series titled “Junior Golf Roadmap.” The two PGA pros will highlight the proper path to help juniors and their parents understand the process of navigating junior golf from introduction to competitive golf. Mark Slawter is a former AllAmerican golfer at NC State who now owns a company that provides assistance to juniors that are
hopeful of playing college golf. Slawter will contribute articles offering advice to both parents and juniors in the highly competitive arena of collegiate golf. These writers join our already fabulous team of Adam Smith, PGA (Instructional Editor), Sean Taylor, PGA (Hot Topic Golf Guru), Nina Pryor, LPGA (Women’s Golf) and Bryan Jackson, PGA (Equipment/Technology & golf issues). Other contributers include Brad King, Paul Thomas, Ryan King and Parker Reynolds.
Willow Oaks president Adam Smith named 2011 recognized Regional Club Fitter of
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oardRoom magazine recently announced their annual top 20 Private Club President awards and Richmonder Jack Berry, President of Willow Oaks Country Club in Richmond made the prestigious list. BoardRoom magazine recognizes the world’s top private club presidents based on their outstanding work, understanding of the industry, and role and responsibilities of the club’s board of directors. Over 300 nominations from around the world were received. Willow Oaks is a fullservice private club located along the James River on the southside of Richmond. The club has over 1000 members and the 18-hole championship golf course recently went through a renovation by Richmond based architect Lester George.
The Year by Ping
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Located at Bogey’s Sports Park 1675 Ashland Rd Richmond, VA 23233 Phone: (804) 784-6070 Mulligansgolfshop@gmail.com http://www.mulligansgolfshopva.com
PGA Professional & VCU Golf Coach can help you
Improve your golf game
S
alisbury Country Club Director of Instruction Adam Smith was named as a 2011 PING Regional club fitter of the year for the Southern Chapter of the Middle Atlantic PGA. The award recognizes the authorized PING fitter in the region that has demonstrated the highest commitment to custom fitting and the promotion of its benefits to golfers of all abilities.
the changes that he sees. “As good as the course has looked this winter, I’m really looking forward to the condition it will be in this season,” said Daughtrey about the fun course that plays 6500 from the championship gold tees. “We
Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
Contact Jay Canada or Matt Rutherford
Matt Ball
Area course under new ownership changes name he course formerly named Tanyard Golf Club in Louisa has changed its name to The Greens at Tanyard Golf Club. Tim Jones purchased the club in the fall of 2011. Former head professional Kevin Daughtrey has returned and is excited about
Outdoor Club Fitting
have redone all the bunkers and have plans to build a new proshop that will house a snack bar with seating.” The Greens at Tanyard is located on route 33 in the middle of the town of Louisa.
Available for Lessons at First-Tee Richmond *Over 20 years of teaching experience with players of all levels beginners to tour players.
Call (804) 305-3743
Area News
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fter closing on June 13th of 2011 for an extensive renovation project of its Donald Ross designed golf course, Jefferson Lakeside Country Club in Richmond is set to tentatively reopen on April 28th. The club entrusted golf course architect Kris Spence, a Ross restoration specialist, with rebuilding all 18 greens, restoring all greenside bunkers to their original depth and dimensions, re-positioning several fairway bunkers and expanding the practice putting green and practice area. Although no one has played the gem yet, plenty of Lakeside members have seen the finished product and are ecstatic about the changes. “We are absolutely thrilled,” said Barry White, president of Jefferson Lakeside. “The overall restoration, especially adding significant area to the greens and the bunker reconstruction, is just outstanding. It’s definitely more than we expected.” The area White speaks of on the greens is the approximate 30% that most greens picked up in size, bringing them back to the size they were when Ross built the course in 1921. “The members and their guests will discover upon returning to the course the original green sizes and shapes,” said Spence, who operates out of Greensboro, North Carolina. “Many highly strategic hole locations were recaptured in the corners and outer areas of the squarish greens. Many of these green areas haven’t been on the actual putting surfaces for over 50 years.” Spence stressed that restoring the greens to the outer limits of the fill pads is one of the most important things they do because it allows hole locations in those areas which brings increased strategy and variety to the round of golf. Bunker restoration involved removing layers of sand build up, some of it two to three feet thick, from the bottoms and sides of the bunkers to reveal the depth and visual presence of the original grass faced Ross bunkers. “Most of the bunkers were restored exactly where Mr.
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Ross built them,” said Spence. “However, a select few fairway bunkers were repositioned to challenge the distances at which the game is played today.” One of the most interesting facts revealed by Spence was the way in which he and his crew restored the original Ross characteristics without old plans. “Other than an old aerial dating back to the mid to late 30’s, there were no drawings or notes from Mr. Ross,” said Spence. “Fortunately, the club had avoided the temptation to modernize in the 80’s or 90’s like many clubs with a similar history. Our guide in preparing the master plan and performing the actual restoration work for this project were the old ground contours and remnants of the original greens and bunkers that could be seen across the property.” Spence and his crew carefully excavated and uncovered Ross’s original work one scoop at a time, comparing the process to “an archeological dig for historical artifacts.” Longtime Lakeside superintendant Dudley Eames, who has worked with many construction crews throughout his career, had high praise for Spence and his staff. “Spence Golf went above and beyond any golf construction project that I’ve been involved with,” said Eames. “They didn’t miss a beat and never cut any corners throughout the entire process.” Membership numbers have already increased according to White and he expects many more when word gets out and more guests and former members see the positive changes. “We’ve got a product now to sell to prospective members,” said White. For members, the restoration means great A2A4 bent grass putting surfaces, consistent sand in all of the bunkers, and the ability to once again brag about their original Ross creation. For Spence, who prides himself on bringing back the original design features of golden
Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
Photo courtesy of Pete Peek
Renovation complete at Jefferson Lakeside
renovated 12th green at Jefferson lakeside Country Club
era architects, it’s obvious this Ross project was meaningful. “The course and routing has about every type of hole you can think of from left to right, right to left, straight, uphill, downhill, side hill,” said Spence. “I think it is one of the most efficient uses of a small piece of property I have
ever seen. The course is tight in places but Ross did a brilliant job of using every interesting element of the topography to its fullest. The course is truly a testament to his genius as a golf architect.” PATRICK K. KANE
Where Golf, Wine, and Camaradarie Come Together
The Club at Viniterra has an atmosphere of elegance and serenity that begins with the design of 18-hole Rees Jones designed championship semi-private golf course. Our course features working vineyards alongside fairways throughout, a signature hallmark of the new Viniterra community.
Open Monday through Sunday. Tee Times required. Tournaments/Outings welcome! 8400 Old Church Rd. New Kent, Virginia 23124 804.932.3888 Pro-Shop Phone www.viniterragolf.com
Area News
Custom fitting philosophy keeps Mulligan’s ahead of the game By: ryan king
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ne of the areas of golf that has gotten a huge amount of attention in the last five years or so is custom club fitting. The old common practice of walking into a retail store or golf shop, picking a club off the rack, maybe hitting a few shots and then put it in play is no longer the status quo. Golfers are finally realizing that getting a properly fitted set of clubs or driver can actually make a big difference in hitting successful shots. “The trend has finally shifted to where more golfers understand that they have to get custom fitted,” says Matt Rutherford, who along with fellow co-owner Jay Canada handles the bulk of fitting at Mulligan’s Golf Shop located at Bogeys Sports Park in Richmond. “Properly fitted clubs will definitely optimize distance and control because you will be more consistent in finding the sweet spot of that club.”
Fitting a golfer properly is made easier at Mulligan’s because of the location at Bogeys, where golfers can hit shots and see results for themselves. “At Mulligan’s, we believe you have to see, feel, and try a wide range of clubs to get a good idea of what will work for you,” said Rutherford. “That was the main reason we moved our entire shop out to Bogeys Sports Park, and doubled our demo inventory. We have eight fitting carts from different manufacturers and try to offer our customers as many Demo Days as we can schedule with these manufacturers.” The retail shop, which stocks just about all the major manufacturers, is just steps from the driving range, meaning if you see a club you like, there is likely a demo version of it available to try out. “I’ve always been a visual per-
son and had trouble getting a feel by hitting into a net or simulator,” said Canada, who like Rutherford has been certified to fit by just about every major manufacturer. “Here at Mulligan’s you can try out any of our demos a few steps outside our door. We also have a launch monitor we can set up as well, so you get the best of both worlds.” While getting the lie and loft of a golf club is important, the correct shaft is every bit as vital to hitting pure golf shots. “We have Mizuno’s shaft optimizer which lets us know after hitting only three balls which shaft is best for your particular swing,” said Rutherford. “The fitting carts nowadays, with the interchangeable shafts, allow us to try a wide variety of shaft-head combinations along with different lie angles to find just the right fit.” Mulligan’s typically hosts two
Demo Days each year, allowing their customers the opportunity to try out all of the newest clubs available by the most popular manufacturers. Representatives from each company are on hand to give advice and information and pitch their product. “Our two big demo days at Mulligan’s this year will be Thursday, March 29th and Thursday, June 7th,” said Canada. “We anticipate having at least ten different manufacturers at each one which gives our customers a chance to see a wider variety of products. You get to try all the latest and greatest equipment and take advantage of the manufacturer fitters that will go through an actual fitting or answer any questions you might have on a specific club.” for more information on mulligan’s Golf Shop or to schedule a custom fitting call (804) 784-6070 or go to their website at: www.mulligansgolfshopva.com
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Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
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Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
2012 Tournament Schedule March/April 2012 March 31-Apr.1 - Chatmoss Invitational, Chatmoss CC, Martinsville, Va. April 14-15 - Greene Hills Invitational, Greene Hills CC, Stanardsville, Va. April 27-28 - RGA Broach Memorial, Federal Club, Glen Allen, Va.
May 2012 May 4-6 - Fox-Puss Invitational (includes Senior division), Boonsboro CC, Lynchburg, Va. May 4-6 - Belle Haven Four-Ball (includes Senior division), Belle Haven Country Club, Alexandria, Va. May 11-12 - VSGA Four-Ball Championship, Spring Creek Golf Club, Gordonsville, Va. May 14 - U.S. Open Local Qualifying, Clustered Spires Golf Course, Frederick, Md.
May 15 - U.S. Open Local Qualifying, The Members Club at Four Streams, Beallsville, Md. May 18-20 - The Faulconer Invitational, Lake Monticello Golf Course, Palmyra, Va.
May 18-20- Scott Robertson Memorial Junior Golf Tournament, Roanoke Country Club, Roanoke, Va. May 19-20 - Townes Lea Invitational, (includes Senior division), Danville Golf Club, Danville, Va.
May 22-23 - VSGA Senior Four-Ball Championship (ages 55-and-over), Bay Creek Resort and Club, Cape Charles, VA.
May 23 - Lakeside Invitational, Lakeside Country Club (B Teams) May 24 - Lakeside Invitational, Lakeside Country Club (A Teams) May 26-27 - The Signature at the Federal Club, The Federal Club, Glen Allen, Va.
June 2012
June 1-3- Kenridge Invitational, Farmington CC, Charlottesville, Va. June 4- U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying, Woodmont Country Club, Rockville, Md.
June 8-9 - Providence Championship, Providence Golf Club, Richmond, Va.
July 2012
July 3- Middle Atlantic Golf Association Father and Son Championship, Musket Ridge Golf Club, Myersville, Md. July 7-8 - Charlottesville City Amateur (Reines Jewelers), Meadowcreek GC, Charlottesville, Va. July 7-8 - Golden Horseshoe Four Ball Invitational (includes Senior division), Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, Williamsburg, Va.
July 7-8 - Hidden Valley Four-Ball Invitational, Hidden Valley Country Club, Salem, Va. July 9-12- VSGA Super Senior Amateur Championship (ages 65-and-over), The Homestead’s Cascades Course, Hot Springs, Va. July 12-15 - Eastern Amateur, Elizabeth Manor Golf & Country Club, Portsmouth, Va.
July 12-13 - Galloway Father-Son, Hermitage Country Club, ManakinSabot, Va.
July 16-17 - Middle Atlantic Senior Amateur, Bulle Rock Golf Club, Havre de Grace, Md. July 19-22 - SunTrust State Open of Virginia, Independence Golf Club, Midlothian, Va.
July 23-25- David A. King Senior Legends’ Invitational Evergreen Country Club, Haymarket, Va.
July 23- U.S. Amateur Championship Sectional Qualifying- Kingmill Resort & Spa (River Course), Williamsburg, Va. July 28-29 - Sleepy Hole Invitational, Sleepy Hole Golf Course, Suffolk, Va.
August 2012
August 1 - Fauquier Springs Country Club Four Person Captain’s Choice Championship, Faquier Springs Country Club,Warrenton, Va. August 4-5 - VSGA Club Championship, Hanover Country Club, Ashland, Va. August 4-5 - Meadowcreek Two Ball Championship, Meadowcreek Golf Course, Charlottesville, Va.
August 4-5 - Portsmouth City Amateur, Bide-A-Wee Golf Course, Portsmouth, Va. August 4-5- Southwest Virginia Amateur, Draper Valley Golf Club, Draper, Va.
June 8-10- Henrico County Two Ball, Lakeside Country Club, The Crossings, Belmont Golf Club, Richmond, Va.
August 9- Middle Atlantic GA MidAm/Sr. Four Ball, Mount Vernon Country Club, Alexandria, Va.
June 15-16 - VSGA Senior Stroke Play Championship (ages 55-andover), Salisbury Country Club, Midlothian, Va.
August 10-12 - Amateur at International, International CC, Fairfax, Va.
June 9-10 - Cannon Cup, Spring Creek GC, Gordonsville, Va.
June 19 - U.S. Senior Open Sectional Qualifying, The Homestead,(Cascades Course), Hot Springs, Va. June 21-24 - RGA City Amateur, The Foundry, Powhatan, Va. June 25 - U.S. Am Public Links Sectional Qualifying, Laurel Hill Golf Club, Lorton, Va.
June 26-30 - VSGA Amateur Championship, Bayville Golf Club, Virginia Beach, Va.
August 10-12- The Boar’s Head Inn Jefferson Cup, Birdwood Golf Course, Charlottesville, Va.
August 10-12 - Pocohontas Invitational, Fincastle Country Club, Bluefield, Va. August 11-12 - Bay Creek Amateur (includes Senior division) Bay Creek Resort & Club, Cape Charles, Va. August 10-11 - RGA Mid-Am, Lake Chesdin, Chesterfield, Va.
August 13 - U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship Sectional Qualifying, Independence Golf Club, Midlothian, Va.
10 Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
August 2012(cont.)
August 17-19 - LPGA Futures Tour Eagle Classic, Richmond Country Club, Richmond, Va.
August 17-19 - Valentine Invitational, Hermitage Country Club, Manakin-Sabot, Va. August 24-26- VSGA Public Links Championship, Golden Eagle Golf Club, Irvington, Va. August 27 Middle Atlantic GA Mid-Am Four-Ball, Laurel Hill Golf Club, Lorton, Va.
August 27-31 - VSGA Senior Amateur Championship (ages 55and-over), Cedar Point Country Club, Suffolk, Va.
September 2011
Sept. 4 - USGA Senior Amateur Championship Sectional Qualifying, The Foundry Golf Club, Powhatan, Va. Sept. 15-16- Alleghany Amateur, Blacksburg Country Club, Blacksburg, Va. Sept. 17- Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club, Two Person Four Ball Championship, Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club, Kilmarnock, Va.
Sept. 20-21 - Senior Open of VA (ages 50-and-over), CCV (Westhampton Course), Richmond, Va.
Sept. 28-30 - VSGA Mid-Amateur Championship (ages 25-and-over), Hidden Valley Country Club, Salem, Va. Sept. 29-30 - Nansemond River Senior Invitational, Nansemond River Golf Club, Suffolk, Va.
Sept 29-Oct.4 - USGA Senior Amateur Championship, Mountain Ridge Country Club, West Caldwell, NJ
October 2011 October 4-7 - Middle Atlantic Golf Association Amateur Championship, Baltimore Country Club, Baltimore, Md. October 5-6 - Evergreen Invitational, Evergreen Country Club, Haymarket, Va.
October 5-6 - Willow Oaks Fall Invitational, Willow Oaks Country Club, Richmond, Va. October 11 - RGA Four Ball, Salisbury CC, Midlothian, Va.
October 13-14 - Mason-Dixon Match, River Bend Golf and Country Club, Great Falls, Va.
October - RGA Senior Four Ball, Salisbury CC, Midlothian, Va. October - 20-21- Wintergreen Classic Team Championship, Wintergreen Resort, Va.
Women’s 2012 April 16- Spencer-Wilkinson Benefit Tournament, Spring Creek Golf Club, Gordonsville, Va.
May 2-3 - Keefer Cup, Chevy Chase Country Club, Chevy Chase, Md. May 8 - VSGA Women’s Division Four-Ball Stroke Play, Stoney Creek at Wintergreen, Nellysford, Va. May 20-25 - Women’s Southern Amateur, Myers Park Golf Club, Charlotte, N.C. May 21-22 - CCV Invitational, The Country Club of Virginia, Richmond, Va.
Women’s 2012(cont.) May 31-June 1- 15th VSGA Senior Women’s Stroke Play Championship, Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club, Kilmarnock, Va. June 8-10 - Cutis Cup, Nairn Golf Club, Nairn, Scotland
June 9-10-Roanoke Valley Hall of Fame,Roanoke Country Club, Roanoke; Blacksburg Country Club, Blacksburg, Va.; Blue Hills Golf Club, Roanoke, Va.
June 11-15 - Richmond Women’s Golf Assn. Amateur Championship, Jefferson Lakeside Country Club, Richmond, Va.
June 12-14- Women’s Eastern Golf Assn. Amateur Championship, Country Club of York, York, Pa.
June 19-21- 35th Virginias Women’s Stroke Play Championship, Fawn Lake Country Club, Spotsylvania, Va. June 18-23-U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship, Neshanic Valley Golf Course, Neshanic Station, N.C.
June 18-23- Women’s Western Golf Assn. Amateur Championship, Monroe Golf and Country Club, Monroe, Mich. July 5-8- U.S. Women’s Open Championship, Broadmoor Golf Club (East Course), Colorado Springs, Colorado.
July 9-13- 87th VSGA Women’s Amateur Championship, Golden Horseshoe Golf Club (Gold Course), Williamsburg, Va.
July 16-18 - 56th VirginiasCarolinas Women’s Team Matches (Invitation only), Bulls Bay Golf Club, Awendaw, S.C.
July 16-20 - Pacific Northwest Women’s Amateur Championship., Bear Mountain Golf Resort, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada July 16-21- North and South Women’s Amateur, Pinehurst Resort and Country Club (No. 2 Course), Village of Pinehurst, N.C., July 23-28 - Women’s Trans National Amateur, The Members Club at Woodcreek and WildeWood, Columbia, S.C.
July 24-27- Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, Lethbridge Country Club, Lethbridge, Alberta July 26-30- Women’s British Open Golf Championship - Carnoustie Golf Club, Carnoustie, Scotland July 30-Aug.3 - 55th VSGA Senior Women’s Amateur Championship, The Homestead’s Old Course, Hot Springs, Va.
August 6-9- Women’s District of Columbia Championship, Belle Haven Country Club, Alexandria, Va. August 6-12- U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship, The Country Club,Cleveland, Ohio
August 11-12 - Charlottesville City Championship, Meadowcreek Golf Course, Charlottesville, Va. August 14 - VSGA Women’s Division Two Best Balls of Four Tournament, Cannon Ridge Golf Club, Fredericksburg, Va.
August 20-23- North & South Senior Women’s Amateur, Pinehurst Resort (Nos. 4, 5 and 8 courses), Village of Pinehurst, N.C.
August 22-24 Ladies British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship, Shandon Park Golf Club, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Women’s 2012(cont.)
August 28-30 - 66th VSGA Women’s State Team Matches, The Keswick Club, Keswick, Va. September 6-9- Kingsmill Championship (LPGA Tour event), Kingsmill Resort & Spa (River Course), Williamsburg, Va.
September 8-13- USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Championship, Hershey Country Club, Hershey, Pa.
September 13-16- Ladies British Open Amateur Championship, Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake, England Sept. 25 - VSGA WD Four-Person Captain’s Choice, Williamsburg National Golf Club (Jamestown Course), Williamsburg, Va.
September 25-27 - Women’s Southern Senior Amateur Championship, Winton Country Club, Amherst, Va.
October 1-2 - Women’s District of Columbia Senior Amateur, River Bend Golf and Country Club, Great Falls, Va.
October 16-18 - Women’s Eastern Golf Assn. Senior Amateur, Houndslake Country Club, Aiken, S.C. October 24-25 - Tidewater Women’s Amateur Championship, Princess Anne Country Club, Virginia Beach, Va. (Oct. 24) and Greenbrier Country Club, Chesapeake, Va. (Oct. 25)
*If you would like your tournament listed on our 2012 Tournament Schedule online contact us at editor@virginiagolfreport.com with tournament information..
GOLF VIRGINIA
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REPORT
P.O. Box 5392 Glen Allen, VA 804 346-0075 Fax 804-346-0081 http://www.virginiagolfreport.com
Staff:
Editor/ Publisher: Patrick K. Kane editor@virginiagolfreport.com Contributing Writers: Adam Smith, PGA Sean Taylor, PGA Bryan Jackson, PGA Paul Sargent, PGA Craig Wood, PGA Mark Slawter Nina Pryor, LPGA Kandi Comer, PGA Parker Reynolds Ryan King Paul Thomas Virginia Golf Report is a bi-monthly magazine covering Golf in Central Virginia. Reproduction of any part of this publication is strictly prohibited without prior consent of the officers of Virginia Golf Report, LLC. We accept no responsibility for discrepancies in advertisements. Virginia Golf Report is available by subscription for $15 a year. Contact Virginia Golf Report for more details. Establishments needing additional copies should also contact the Virginia Golf Report at (804) 346-0075 or email us at editor@virginiagolfreport.com 2007: Virginia Golf Report, LLC., All other photos besides those labeled, are provided by the Virginia Golf Report. College headshots courtesy of respected school. Copy and or use of photos without written permission is prohibited.
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11
Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
LPGA returns to Kingsmill
Former winners of the Michelob Ultra Open, Christie Kerr (top) and LPGA Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam
16th hole on Kingsmill’s River Course
By: Patrick K. Kane
LPGA pros will once again converge on Kingsmill Resort’s River course as part of the LPGA tournament schedule in 2012. The 1.3 million dollar event, called the Kingsmill Championship, will take place September 6-9 in 2012 before moving to a May date in 2013. Kingsmill played host to the women from 2003 to 2009 and the PGA Tour from 1981 to 2002. According to Wayne Nooe, Kingsmill’s Vice-President of Golf and Club Operations, having professional golf return to Kingsmill makes perfect sense. “For us, this is very important,” said Nooe in a recent phone conversation. “Golf is an integral part of Kingsmill and to have it back makes the resort, the community, and the entire area very excited.” Kingsmill had become a
favorite spot for LPGA players who enjoyed the pampering resort-style atmosphere. Many players considered the event the “fifth major” on the LPGA Tour. When asked the reason for the popularity Nooe didn’t hesitate. “We’ve operated this tournament very similar to the way we ran the men’s event,” said Nooe. “We feel like we put on a show as good or better than any other LPGA stop.” Nooe noted things like courtesy cars, hospitality, and experienced volunteers that “make sure the players are taken care of.” “I’m so thrilled to be returning to Kingsmill this year,” said Christie Kerr in an interview with Golfweek’s Beth Ann Baldrey. “It’s one of my favorite tournaments and it was a shame when it went away a few years ago. I really look forward to
12 Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
going back.” Kerr, the 2007 U.S. Open champion, won the last Michelob Ultra at Kingsmill in 2009 and also won in 2005. She no doubt has many positive memories of the Pete Dye designed course that is expected to play in the range of 6300 yards for the world’s finest women players. Kingsmill becomes one of four new tournaments on the LPGA schedule in 2012. “We are truly thrilled to bring the world’s best golfers back to Kingsmill, where the LPGA has such a great history,” said LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan. “As our players will attest, Kingsmill is a premier venue and we look forward to working closely with the resort’s new owner, Xanterra, on this tournament.” The September date will be a one-time happening as the Tour
has announced starting in 2013 the tournament will move back to the more desirable month of May. “It’s when the course looks and plays best,” said Nooe. “It will be a week earlier than the old date when it ended on Mother’s Day but we feel like we can give the players our best product in the spring.” Past winners of the Michelob Ultra Open included LPGA stars like Se Ri Pak, Karrie Webb, Suzann Pettersen, and Annika Sorenstam. Nooe expects the field to be full of stars when commitments start to roll in 60 to 90 days before the tournament. “Based on our history and how much the players enjoyed it in the past we are expecting a very strong field,” said Nooe. Cover Photo: aerial shot of 18th hole at Kingsmill Resort - courtesy of Kingsmill.
PubLIC COuRSE “MEMbERSHIPS� MAKE SENSE FOR buDGET CONCIOuS GOLFERS
Area courses offer fantastic deals for yearly commitments By: Parker reynOldS
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any public course golfers have a dilemma every year: Should they continue to pay as they go or should they take advantage of paying a yearly membership that might save a ton of money? A lot of it depends on how many times a month you think you might play. If it’s more than four or five then it might make sense to pull the trigger and pay the yearly rate. Some public course memberships will even bill by the month for a one year agreement. One of the best offers is the Traditional Clubs’ five in one membership. For one monthly fee(no initiation), $252 for a family and $169 for a single golfer, a member has access to five golf courses. And these aren’t just any golf courses. Royal New Kent and Stonehouse(both highly regarded Mike Strantz designs), The Club at Brickshire, Kiskiack, and The Crossings make up the fivesome and give a golfer all the variety they could ever wish for. “People often ask, ‘Is this membership as good as it sounds?� says Jerry Morelli, Traditional Golf Properties’ Marketing Coordinator. “My answer is no, it’s actually better than it sounds.� On top of the five course option, members have reciprocal privileges at twelve other courses that Traditional Golf Properties manage including King Carter(Kilmarnock), The Manor(Farmville), and a host of top courses in North Carolina. Several Richmond facilities also offer great membership opportunities. Providence Golf Club, a Richmond favorite located on the southside of town, again offers its Players Pass. You pay $325 and it is good for all weekends
throughout 2012. Your first round is free, after that each round is discounted by $7. Every ninth round is free. Do the math and you’ll find this is an incredible bargain at a course that prides itself on customer service and great conditions. Dogwood Trace, in Petersburg, is located about a half hour south of Richmond and has maintained excellent conditioning since it opened in 2008. The yearly pass at Dogwood costs $1100($1000 for a senior) and allows full access to the Tom Clark redesign that sits on the former Lee Park golf course site. The pass starts in April and for less than $100 a month it’s a great bargain for a quality golf course. Many think the First Tee facility in Chesterfield is strictly for children. Not true. On-site is an 18-hole par 66 golf course and a 3 hole practice loop. Many claim that golf courses are too hard and it takes too long to play. Both of those issues are solved at this facility which is quickly becoming a favorite for area seniors. “While the mission of The First Tee is to have a positive impact on the lives of young people through golf, the course at The First Tee Chesterfield is a hearty test for all ages,� said Paul Sargent, the new Director of Golf at First Tee Richmond & Chesterfield. “With a pace of play that averages less than four hours, our course is a perfect fit for the modern lifestyle and is primarily used by adult golfers who want to be able to choose an appropriate challenge for their games while knowing that their greens fees are going to a good cause.� An annual pass at First Tee
13 Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
begins in March and includes unlimited greens fees seven days a week. The adult pass is $950, senior $800, junior $400 and family $1850. Again, do the math and you will see an incredible deal for golfers that play multiple times a month. A yearly membership may not be for everyone, but if you play lots of rounds or plan on playing lots of rounds, it’s definitely the way to go.
Royal New Kent (top photo) is one of the five courses available to traditional members. dogwood trace, of Petersburg, is well regarded for its playing conditions.
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Is the “Tee it Forward” Initiative Good For the Game?
HOT TOPIC
In the first of our continuing series on Hot Topic issues effecting the game of golf, our golf insider Sean Taylor, former Director of Golf at Grand Cypress in Florida and current President and Founder of Up To Par Marketing takes on our editor, Patrick K. Kane. Our first topic is the new PGA of America “Tee it forward Initiative.” Is it good? should we be told where we need to play from?
Move up a Couple of Sets of Tees
G
olf, it is time to check the EGO at the 1st tee. Finally a promotion that makes it really fun to play golf. I love this PGA of America concept proposed and implemented last year. It would be wonderful for golf courses across the country to embrace this practice. Why you ask? Top 5 Reasons: 1. Golfers begin to play tees where they can have an iron into a Par four. Too many times we see golfers struggling to reach Par 3’s, 4’s, and 5’s in regulation even with today’s technology. 2. Golfers’ scores are lower. 3. Lower scores help the pace of play. With less actual shots played, time comes off the pace of play clock. 4. Lower scores translate into greater enjoyment. I personally don’t know of any golfer who wouldn’t want to take 5 shots off their score. 5. Greater enjoyment turns golfers into advocates of the game consequently helping introduce new golfers into this fantastic sport. Think about your own Saturday morning game. If you could hit irons
by sean taylor
into all the holes in regulation, lower your score by 5, play in 3 ½ hours rather than nearly 5 hours, how much more fun would you have with the sport? Even a traditionalist like you Patrick has to appreciate an idea that will help keep golfers from leaving the game because of the much too often heard phrase “golf is just too hard a game.” At all our clubs that we manage and market we have instituted Tee it Forward tees and we have documented an improved pace of play. To see our players reach all the holes in regulation has contributed to their golf satisfaction. Nothing’s better than one of our 10 year old junior players walking into the golf shop with his Dad telling us how he “killed it off #5 and had a little 8 iron in and stuck it close to make birdie and go to 1-under.” All I could think of was “hooked for life.” Isn’t that what golf is about? Fun! Go out and have some FUN! Tee it Forward.
If Fun is Your Intention...Try it
I
by Patrick K. Kane
’ve got to be honest with you Sean, I’m not always a fan of these PGA and USGA initiatives that get rolled out every year. But this one—created by Adams Golf founder Barney Adams and now being promoted by the PGA and the USGA—does make sense for at least some that want to bring fun back into golf. I’m not a pro like you Sean so I don’t automatically go to the tips when I play. But like many others I do find myself usually going to the set of tees one up from the tips and in many cases that course is just too long for me to enjoy myself. I saw Adams speak at an Affordable Golf Symposium in the fall and fun, or lack of it, is what led him down this path of “Tee it Forward.” He got home from a round and realized he wasn’t enjoying himself when he played. He started analyzing his rounds and realized he was hitting tons of hybrids and fairway woods into almost every par four. That gets old. When an average or even above average golfer plays a 6400 to 6700 yard course, based on hitting it 230
to 250, it would be like a Tour Pro playing a course of 8400 yards. They don’t and that’s why they’re hitting mostly short irons into par 4s. What does Adams say happens when you move up a set or play some type of modified tees? More fun, quicker rounds, and a feeling like you have a fighting chance because you’re hitting short to mid-irons into greens. Chances are you might not score a whole lot better, but it should be more enjoyable. I’m not sure the really good amateur player is going to go for this, it takes away his advantage, but for people looking for a little more fun and playability it is worth giving a shot. In January, on a 70 degree day at Southern Pines Country Club in the Pinehurst area(a Donald Ross gem) I decided to give it a try. I played the white tees and guess what? It was a blast. The only area I see that may need adjustment is on par 3s. At SPCC they had it right as each one played in the 150 to 165 range. I’m a believer on this one Sean.
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14 Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
Family First At Dominion Club
West End Private Club Celebrates 20th Anniversary in 2012
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but the Junior Players League every Wednesday gives kids as young as six the opportunity to play in golf tournament conditions.”
FACILITIES It’s hard not to be impressed by the clubhouse at TDC. The 28,000 square foot facility blends perfectly with the landscape outside and provides a host of amenities inside. Those include fine and casual dining, a fitness facility, locker rooms, private dining room, a boardroom available to outside meetings, and event space second to none for weddings and Member celebrations. The clubhouse also is home to the Wine Society, one of the most popular clubs within the Club, offering monthly tastings, fabulous wine dinners and trips to Virginia wineries. In the summer the pool becomes the focal point of the club, with Friday night happy hours, live music, complimentary food, special pricing on drinks, and good old fashioned fun for the entire family and their guests. More than 160 Member children participate in the award winning swim team competitions. A full calendar of tennis events affords every skill level a chance to play and learn. Ladies’ and junior clinics, suburban league play, Anthem club challenge, parent/child round robin tournaments and the Friday evening mixed doubles socials blend fun with competition. That’s what makes The Dominion Club so unique: families dining and recreating together and enjoying a variety of amenities, services and events at first class, private facilities. “The Dominion Club is a place to celebrate family and celebrate life,” said Magee.
Illustrated by Eliza B. Askin
hile many private golf clubs in Virginia and across the country struggle to combat shrinking membership numbers, The Dominion Club, in Glen Allen, continues to buck the trend by consistently growing its membership roster. The family oriented country club, located in the West End community of Wyndham, added 73 members in 2011 and expects this upward and positive growth to continue. Early in 2011 the club was compelled to file Chapter 11 because of an initiation fee issue. The good news is that the thriving private club has emerged even stronger, showing a testament to the membership that voted overwhelmingly to accept the reorganization plan and move the Club forward. Forward may be an understatement at The Dominion Club, as it continues to provide families with opportunities and amenities that are not the norm at other private clubs. “We’ve put lots of hard work into making TDC the best it can be,” said Maggy Magee, Director of Membership Development at TDC. “Times have changed and the old country club model used in the past no longer works. Family is defined differently now and we are first and foremost a family club.” Magee is proud to point out that TDC has added over 30 events to the already 100 plus that were in place. This year’s calendar includes a lakeside barbecue, pig roast on the lawn, mystery dinner theater, a scavenger hunt, American Girl tea party, father-daughter dinner dance, oyster roast, poolside picnics, games and family sporting competition. “This is a special club that is particularly attractive to families because of the array of ameni-
ties,” said Magee. “Our youthful, family atmosphere makes our members and their guests feel comfortable and at home and that’s what Club life should be. The Club provides an opportunity for families to create memories and offers an environment in which to play, dine and relax with neighbors and friends.” JOINING THE CLUB In spite of the steady growth, the cost to join TDC still remains most attractive with an early joining incentive available. Current initiation fees offer a savings of 54% off of golf and 30% off of a social membership. “It’s the opportunity of a lifestyle,” says Magee, using a play on words to describe what a new member feels as they integrate into membership and make new friends. “Membership in The Dominion Club is a wonderful way to provide your family with the privileges of all your hard work.” ANNIVERSARY Hard to believe that it was twenty years ago when Virginia’s own Curtis Strange joined with
15 Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
Bill Love to create the 18-hole championship layout that was home to the Nike, Buy.Com and Nationwide Tour for fourteen years. The course continues to be one of the finest conditioned courses in central Virginia while providing a fair test for all level of golfers. “In my nine plus years here at The Dominion Club, the conditions last year were the best that I’ve seen them from tee to green,” said TW Pulliam, Dominion Club’s Director of Golf. Tees range from 5100 to 7300 yards providing what Pulliam describes as a “very fun, playable and challenging golf course.” One of the neatest things about being such a youthful club is watching the junior golfers develop. TDC has been the home course for Deep Run High School, three time State High School Champions in golf, with many on the team being members at TDC. Numerous players have gone on to play at the college level. “We are very proud of our junior program here,” said Pulliam. “Not just the clinics and lessons
For more information contact Director of Membership Development, Maggy Magee - 804.360.0091 mmagee@tdcva.com or visit www.tdcva.com
In this new feature, former Curtis Cup team member and LPGA Tour player Kandi Comer, who teaches at Glenmore Country Club in Keswick, will spotlight a student that she works with and changes that they are working on in the golf swing. The first student is former university of Virginia star and current lPGa tour member leah Wigger.
KaNDi CoMEr
I
Kandi Comer Golf Glenmore Country Club 434.817.0500 kandi@kandicomergolf.com
was very fortunate to have Jan Mann, who at the time was the Women’s golf coach at the University of Virginia, call me in the beginning of 2006 to set up a meeting about working with one of her golfers. When we met, Jan said that Leah Wigger needed someone to work with as she prepared to graduate and then her goal was to play the LPGA tour. I was obviously very honored that Jan had called and I agreed to meet with Leah to discuss my philosophies and we have worked together since the beginning of 2006. When Leah and I first started working she was frustrated that 1.
Eliminating the left side of the course
she had not won a golf tournament and her big goal was to start winning. After looking at her golf swing it was very evident where we needed to start. I like for all of my players if they miss it, to consistently have a miss to one side of the golf course and unfortunately Leah missed it both right and left. I also realized that she was not hitting it close enough to the hole to make enough birdies. The main issue I found in Leah’s golf swing was that she took the golf club back outside and shut and this resulted in a shut club face at the top of her backswing. As a result of the
2.
3.
club face being shut the ball would go left if she made a good finish. Playing with the fear of the ball always going left, she would then begin to guide the ball that resulted in hitting some blocks to the right. We worked really hard on taking the left side of the golf course out of play and developing a golf swing that would allow her to be aggressive under pressure. My goal with all my players is to have the fundamentals of the golf swing that will allow them to stay aggressive under pressure. I started by working on Leah’s take away and the start of her backswing. I had her soften her 4.
right arm and then had her feel like her golf swing started with the turning of her shoulders and chest back and the club was to follow. This allowed her to get the club going straight back with the toe of the club pointing up to the sky at the half way point (waist) and then from there all she had to do was keep turning and the club face would remain square. With the clubface square this allowed her to stay aggressive through the golf ball without the fear of the ball going left. She began winning almost immediately after making these changes. I am happy to say the left shot is not the miss anymore. There are times she will miss it right as a result of trying to steer the ball and not finishing her shots. I am very excited about this upcoming year for Leah as I feel she is swinging at the ball great and now if she makes the putts you will see her name on the leaderboard.
student bio
leah Wigger
5.
6.
7.
8.
Photos 1 to 7 show leah Wigger’s new swing. the last photo (8) was the old takeaway that caused inconsistency.
1 Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
LPGA Tour Member 20082010 Futures Tour Member 2011 • Played for the University of Virginia 2003 – 2007 • 2nd Team All American 2006 & 2007 • NCAA Championship Top 10 2006 • Won Eastern Amateur 2006 • Georgia Bulldog Invitational 2007 Champion • Harder Hall Invitational 2007 Champion • Played in the US Open 2007-2008 • Futures Tour American Systems Invitational Champion 2008
I Wanna Play Golf With You! Let’s face it. You can hit balls on the range until you turn blue! You have to take YOUR golf swing, to the golf course. For some golfers, I can help them score better with the swing they’ve got, just by helping them make better decisions. Play smarter with better club selection, short game skills, proper alignment, swing tempo and more. Good players make less mistakes! It all starts with a private lesson with video analysis so I can pinpoint any problems in your swing, prescribe some drills and get you ready to go out on the golf course with me. Lessons available at Patterson Golf Park and Pendleton Golf Club . (Golf course details on our web site) I use the BEST video system V1 and you get the lesson video with drills best for your needs.
To get your First Private Lesson at a Discount just go to www.quickfixgolf.com. Enter the code FIRST LESSON in the discount code box before check out and you get $20 OFF my regular price of $79, only $59 and a Money Back Guarantee! If you’re NOT happy with the lesson in any way, you get a full refund! No quibbling, No questions asked! Listen to my radio golf show on Fox Sports. Prior shows found on our web site, listen on line! Call in or email your questions. Send golf jokes! bobbylopez@quickfixgolf.com
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Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
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New KeNT ClassiC
The Club at Viniterra has earned rave reviews among golfers since recently opening its gates to the public. The Rees Jones masterpiece shares top billing at Viniterra along with a world-class vineyard that has the wine industry abuzz.
By: Brad king
T
he word “Viniterra” means, loosely, “earth wines” or “land of grapes.” In the case of one gated, Richmond-area golf community — with luxury estate home sites and planned golf cottages, as well as a world-class winery — either definition fits the bill. Conveniently nestled just off Interstate 64 in the New Kent Vineyards Development of New Kent County, almost equidistant
between Richmond and Williamsburg, Viniterra is an environmentally sustainable community offering easy access to the Mid-Atlantic’s urban areas, the North Carolina Outer Banks, the James, York and Rappahannock Rivers, the Chesapeake Bay and seemingly endless, beautiful Virginia countryside. The ongoing New Kent Vineyards Planned Unit Development has been designed to include five major land bays connected by a European style parkway utiliz-
18 Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
ing roundabouts and wide natural buffers to retain the rural character of the area. Viniterra epitomizes upscale living at its finest, with estate-sized home sites surrounded by acres of unspoiled beauty. There are a pair of glittering centerpieces to the Viniterra enclave: A stunning, Rees Jonesdesigned golf course called The Club at Viniterra, which has won the hearts of the area’s golfers since it opened its gates to select outside play a few months
ago; and the equally remarkable New Kent Winery, built almost entirely using recycled building materials, which has won the hearts of the Virginia Wine Community. The Club at Viniterra consists of slightly less than 1,200 acres of wooded and rugged terrain. Upon this parcel, Jones — the famed “U.S. Open Doctor,” son of legendary architect Robert Trent Jones and recipient of the Old Tom Morris Award from the Golf Course Superintendents
(continued on next page)
Association of America for his lifetime commitment to the game of golf — crafted a rolling, challenging jewel that can stretch to nearly 7,800 yards from the tips and flies against the grain of your typical Tidewater design. With massive fairways and run-ups to nearly all of its jaw-dropping green complexes — combined with the thoughtful and strategic placement of various grass, sand and water hazards — Viniterra is enjoyable for golfers who select the proper set of tees (some holes offer up to a dozen different teeing grounds). The masterful Jones course routing incorporates many of the diverse, natural features of the site including frequent and dramatic elevation changes, various wetland areas and portions of mature, deciduous forest. Where appropriate, ponds and 13 bridges were built to provide both strategic and aesthetic value. “You will never be bored at Viniterra no matter how many times you play,” said Bob Foster, Director of Golf. “The scenery is spectacular as there are amazing topography changes not normally found in this part of Virginia. Any golfer of any skill level can play and enjoy the course with yardages ranging from 5,200 to almost 7,800. From the back tees, it is a real brute and rated as one of the hardest in the Commonwealth.” Echoing the development’s environmentally conservational practices, The Club at Viniterra saves as much as 80 percent of the water consumed by traditional courses and exclusively uses the grass hybrid “Celebration,” which is far more drought-resistant and requires 70 percent less water to maintain than traditional course sods. The Jones design at Viniterra opened in late 2009 as an amenity to help sell real estate. Now that the golf course has fully matured, the developers elected to open for limited public play. In addition, there are three different areas along the golf course from which the incredible New
Kent Winery can be seen and enjoyed. Built by craftsmen with historic materials reclaimed from buildings and structures well over a century old — beautiful heartpine trusses were reclaimed from a 1901 Southern Railroad Depot located in the Shockoe Bottom area of Richmond; while heart pine structural timbers and floor timbers were recovered from a Connecticut warehouse circa 1852 — the 17,000-square-foot winery is equipped with state-ofthe-art wine-making equipment from around the world, and has already produced some of the finest wines in Virginia including Chardonnay, Reserve Chardonnay, Merlot, White Merlot, Meritage, Vidal Blanc and Norton — a grape native to Virginia. Among the oldest counties in Virginia, New Kent was settled by the English and so named for Kent in England. The area was the setting for significant events in American history: Captain John Smith first visited New Kent in 1607, and the church where George and Martha Washington were wed still holds services there today. Names like Pocahontas, General Cornwallis and Thomas Jefferson also once called the region home,
19 Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
The beautiful 17,000 square foot New Kent Winery is equipped with state-of-the-art winemaking equipment from all over the world. Some materials used in construction date back to 1852.
and many different armies have marched along New Kent’s roads — among the oldest in America — including British, American Revolutionary, Confederate and Union forces. Today, New Kent is home to Colonial Downs, Virginia’s home of thoroughbred horse racing, as well as some of the most inviting wine country, offering natural beauty, ample privacy, and endless luxury amenities. The county is known for its rivers and
streams ideal for sailing, fishing, and other outdoor activities for sportsmen. Add one more thing to the list of New Kent highlights: The Club at Viniterra. For more information on The Club at Viniterra call 804.932.3888 or visit www.viniterragolf.com
World Golf Hall of Famer Larry Nelson is a Believer
Endorsed by World Golf Hall of Famer & three-time major winner Larry Nelson Special Offer
Three-time major winner Larry Nelson has hailed it as a breakthrough for the golf industry, but just how far the new Pro Golf IQ program can take amateur golf is ‘scary’. The gap between amateur and professional golf has always been seen as huge, but as Nelson points out, that gap can be reduced significantly by simply training the amateur mind to think like a professional out on the course.
every right decision, and almost play “without thinking”... As someone that plays this game for a living, it is important for me to be in this mindset as often as possible. Pro Golf IQ helps to access this area of thinking on a regular basis.”
“Pro Golf IQ is the first program I have ever come across that really understands how a professional golfer approaches the game from a mental standpoint. I can see it working wonders for golfers of all levels looking to get that mental edge they might be missing, said Nelson”
The audio program takes just five weeks to complete, with golfers simply needing to sit back and relax for around 30 minutes, three times per week. Each week the golfer will listen to a different dynamic session with each segment building into an encyclopedia of guided imagery and relaxation techniques.
Research proves that the average golfer uses only half the brain when contemplating a shot. Unfortunately, this is the side that is preoccupied with half-remembered tips, advice and repetitive drills – the unwanted noise that clutters the mind and hampers your game. Professionals use both sides of the brain when setting up, so they can use the creative right side, which deals with rhythm, balance, timing, co-ordination and imagery. In doing so, they achieve perfect mental stability.
Pros pay thousands of dollars every year for sports psychologists to get their mind ready for play, but this program allows everyday amateurs an affordable way to gain improvement in their game they never thought was possible.
Nelson, a three-time Ryder Cup team member, uses Pro Golf IQ regularly to work on his mental game. “Every pro golfer has rounds of golf, or moments in their round where they see every line perfectly, make
20 Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
“Over my career I have struggled with over thinking and getting in my own way. The Pro Golf IQ program continues to help me let my natural ability take over, so I can play at my best, said Nelson.” Now, no matter what type of golfer you are, you can access parts of your mind on the course the same way professional golfer’s do too.
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The course design’s of Ross, Palmer, Nicklaus, Maples, Strantz, and many more, promise to challenge, amaze and lure you back year after year! We package only the Sandhills of NC. We specialize in custom golf packages for any size group & budget. Partnering with area golf courses, hotels, golf condos & resort villas, we’ll guarantee your tee times, accommodations and suggest restaurants, pubs, sports bars and shuttle service too! Family golf vacation, buddy golf trip, corporate golf outing, we’ll design your perfect Golf Escape! Book with a local packager, you’ll be glad you did!
Pinewild Country Club of Pinehurst is situated in the heartland of American golf. Here, golf is more than a pastime. It’s a way of life. Located one mile from the quaint and historic Village of Pinehurst, this gated club offers golfers three of the most beautiful golf courses found anywhere in the world, one of which was designed by the legendary Gary Player. Pinewild . . . a world where fairways spread emerald meadows beneath candelabra pines, and winter barely whispers past a golfing season that never ends. We invite you to experience exquisite Pinehurst area.
Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com 219$ *2/) 5(3257(5 0DUFK LQGG
Located in the heart of the North Carolina Sandhills, just 4.5 miles from the Village of Pinehurst, Little River Golf & Resort offers guests a first-class experience. Our Dan Maplesdesigned championship golf course, warm and inviting clubhouse, private banquet facilities and full-service restaurant and lounge make Little River Golf & Resort a premiere destination for your next golf getaway. Little River Golf & Resort - time well spent.
The Beacon Ridge course is a par 72, 6494 yard championship golf course featuring rolling fairways & splendid greens and recently was awarded Golf Digest’s coveted Four-Star Rating. The Beacon Ridge clubhouse, a Mt. Vernon style manor, features spaciously comfortable facilities and a gracious, relaxed style. Experience the challenge of traditional Village of Pinehurst area golf when you tee it up at Beacon Ridge. This classic layout provides a challenge to golfers of every ability as it meanders through the towering pines and rolling mounds of the North Carolina Sandhills.
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Travel
Breezing Along the Outer Banks
North Carolina’s most famed beaches now earning recognition for a wide variety of quality golf experiences
F
By: Brad King
rom the time Orville and Wilbur Wright first took flight in the updrafts of Kitty Hawk, The Outer Banks of North Carolina have gained renown for far more than relaxing, wide sandy beaches, mild year-round temperatures and historical attractions. Indeed, the Outer Banks have become legendary for offering an understated quality of life that stands as tribute to generations of people who have thoughtfully preserved the seaside para-
22 Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
dise, not allowing the Outer Banks to get too overbuilt or commercialized like many resort locations located farther north and south along America’s Eastern Seaboard. Loyal visitors return year after year to spend time with family and friends. They know of the sand and saltwater activities, delicious food, quaint shopping, sightseeing, wild horses and history lessons that can be found there. Classic coastal architecture, maritime forests and funky town names like Currituck, Corolla, Coinjock, Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Duck and Kitty Hawk
only enhance their opinions of the region. Yet, for many of its millions of visitors every year, golf around the Outer Banks never represented much more than an afterthought. Of course, a modicum of change is necessary to grow any golf destination — and without the slow, steady and sensitive construction of quaint vacation properties, restaurants, businesses, golf courses and other elements in and around these barrier islands that divide the Atlantic Ocean from the sounds — the Outer Banks wouldn’t have evolved into the active and
(continued on next page)
Travel
Opposite Page Photo, Carolina Club. Clockwise from above: Kilmarlic Golf Club, The Currituck Club, The Pointe, and Nags Head Golf Links.
vibrant vacation escape that it is today. Today, an outstanding selection of fun and affordable yet quality golf courses are helping transform the Outer Banks into a mini-Mecca sportsman’s paradise. With a wide array of courses more closely tied to the ocean and interior waterways than what you’ll find in other East Coast golf destinations, a trip to OBX is now also about tee times, shots along the sound, and an array of after-golf dining options that include selections pulled directly from nearby waters and then freshly prepared by local chefs. For larger groups headed for the barrier islands and their nearby inland activities, an ideal itinerary might include renting a spacious and well-appointed golf cottage like the one situated next to the clubhouse at Kilmarlic Golf Club, the newest offering along the upper Outer Banks. Featuring a fresh Tom Steele design that hosted the North Carolina Open in 2004 and 2009, Kilmarlic is centrally positioned among all the popular OBX golf venues including the two main ones – The Currituck Club and Nags Head Golf Links. Despite their similar locations in terms of oceanfront proximity, both provide inherently different experiences on any given day. Nags Head, crafted by Bob Moore, plays hard along the inner waterway. The front and back nine closing holes along the sound are particularly spectacular. Nags Head’s bar/ restaurant, not surprisingly, is also home to
23 Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
the most dramatic sunsets in town, with views not only across the immediate Roanoke Sound, but towards three other sounds (Albemarle, Croatan and Pamlico) that flow into it from the north, west and south as well. The grandest design along the coast is also the area’s most demanding, especially when the wind kicks up. The Currituck Club, routed by world-renowned architect Rees Jones, rolls across diverse coastal terrain with sound-side views distinctly its own. Two other courses also on the mainland but certainly worth leaving the island to go play include The Pointe Golf Club and The Carolina Club, a pair of the most immaculately manicured and impeccably conditioned golf courses you will find anywhere. After all, the sister layouts are owned and operated by a man who also runs one of the region’s major turf grass companies, and both courses were built on what had previously been fertile farm land. “We think the Outer Banks has some of the best maintained courses compared to our competition in other geographic areas,” says Keith Hall, owner and general manager of The Pointe Golf Club and The Carolina Club, who also runs a family business called United Turf. “All of the courses are well
conditioned and well groomed. We pride ourselves on the condition of the greens and tees. In general, all the courses have stepped up their quality of maintenance and we feel we can compete with the best.” Spring packages start at $229 per person (March-May) and include three rounds of golf selected from among these five awardwinning courses — Kilmarlic Golf Club, Nags Head Golf Links, The Currituck Club, The Pointe Golf Club and The Carolina Club — and two nights accommodations at one of many first-class options. Learn more at www.PlayOBXGolf.com or call 800-916-6244
EWGA: empowering, enriching & energizing professional women through golf
Nina D. Pryor
LPGA Class A Member & National Evaluator Contributing Writer (804) 921.9501 Ninapryor@comcast.net
W
ith several women’s golf associations located in Richmond, why does one seem to stand out? There are many reasons why aspiring and current business and professional women join EWGA: Top-level networking and mentoring, meeting energetic, like-minded people, or finding time to escape the daily grind to enjoy a round. “lf you’re looking for an organization that helps you to easily learn, play and connect, you belong with EWGA,” says Joy Cimburke, EWGA’s Richmond chapter president. “We’re in our 9th year with around 100 members and going strong! Our members love golf and they love socializing – we manage to do both every time we get together!” Nancy Berkely, contributing writer for Golfweek for Her magazine, observes, “Women are just now learning what men have known for years: that golf may be the one of the best relationshipbuilding tools there is - both for business and for pleasure. One of my friends, a corporate attorney, found herself the only lawyer in the office Friday after Friday, fuming, while her colleagues were out playing golf with clients. Finally, she says she realized, ‘Who’s the dummy here?’” “Women resist going out for the afternoon because they’re generally too responsible,” says Cecelia Crouch, vice president of investments at Morgan Stanley.
“It’s shortsighted. Like men, they need to realize that leaving the work on the desk (which will be there anyway) and going out to play golf with a valuable business prospect is a good decision.” “I’ve watched deals being made on the golf course,” stated Karen Higgins, a Wells Fargo Securities advisor. “Men aren’t the only ones who should take advantage of golf’s networking opportunities. You can work your way into your boss’s good graces by inviting him or her for a round at your home course, and get to know your colleagues better at a company outing. And the beautiful thing is, you really don’t have to be good! You’ll get respect just for being there, and we all know letting the boss win is probably your best bet anyway.” Members of EWGA’s Richmond chapter report that their most powerful membership benefit is the greatly reduced fees to play. “If we are going to spend time playing golf — and we are a “time-crunched” society now —then my golf association must offer real value,” said Pat Kibler, immediate past president of the Richmond chapter. “Surveys told us that making golf affordable was the most pressing issue.” During Kibler’s tenure, the membership grew substantially due in large part to the effort made to “put teeth” in member benefits. Every year, two volunteer “bulldog” members negotiate with area courses for significantly reduced rates. On top of that the chapter adds a “Player Perk” that further reduces the cost to play! “You’d have to return to the 80s & 90s, or play not-sogreat courses, to see rates so affordable,” said EWGA member Irene Shuman, retired from
24 Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
L to R EWGA Volunteers Pat Kibler (Immediate past president of Richmond chapter), Patsy Rice, Nancy Spence, Cecelia Crouch
VDOT. “Every penny counts. I make up quickly the membership fee and then continue to be able to afford to play - I love what EWGA has done!” The Richmond chapter’s season officially begins in March and runs through December culminating in the infamous “Ice Bowl,” but that doesn’t stop many members from playing year-round. Beginners declare that the new EWGA RIC GOLF ACADEMY combines just the right amount of learning with a fun social component. When it comes time to take what they’ve learned onto the course, they will have made new friends that they can play with. “Since I was with other beginner women, I was able to build my confidence enough to know I could manage without making a complete fool of myself,” said Mary Davis, a university professor, who added, “of course it helps to have a good sense of humor!” EWGA’s RIC chapter doesn’t cater to one skill level at the expense of another. While there is a strong and creative effort to meet the needs of beginners, intermediate and advanced players have multiple avenues to
learn to master more advanced techniques. “When it comes to chapter outings, our association is very flexible. “said Stacy Sprowl, golf event chair. “We make every effort to match up friends who want to play together but we’re also careful to try and match players with similar skill levels. This is particularly important for our beginner golfers and new members so that they feel comfortable and welcomed. We get the chance to socialize after the round with a glass of something so there’s always lots of opportunity to make new friends!” Cimburke laid out the roster of events for 2012 and some of the highlights include: • 18 weekend 18-hole golf events (6 at private clubs); some w/ option to play just 9 if you prefer. • 9 hole weekday and weekend events. • 2 weekly after work leagues with 9 hole play. “I enjoy that we play at many different courses,” said Sandy Stone, a former Tennessee state champion. “That way my game never gets stale.” For members who enjoy competitive events, EWGA boasts the largest women’s (continued on next page)
amateur golf tournament in the country, and the only tournament that features flights in all skill levels. It begins with the local chapter championship that will be hosted in 2012 by Providence Golf Club. Successful players move up to a sectional tournament competing with 5 other states. “Members of all skill levels can play as individuals or on a scramble team,” said Lib Northen, leadership chair and championship director. “While we certainly attract the lower handicappers, you might be surprised by the number of higher handicappers who enjoy this event, too! EWGA is an inclusive organization and the chapter championship is for every member!” Nationwide, EWGA boasts 14,000 members in 125 chapters including Canada, France and Italy. It has provided significant financial support to the LPGAUSGA Girls Golf program, and
eWga’s richmond chapter supports the girls golf Club at Windy hill. Windy hill Professional Janet Phillips (back row) with students and volunteers.
the local chapter supports the Girls Golf Club at Windy Hill. In 2007, the EWGA Foundation established the Women On Par® Scholarship Program to provide financial assistance to women ages 30 and older interested in beginning or completing their undergraduate college education. The scholarship is designed to help women get “on par”with their peers and better
themselves, both personally and professionally. Members report how rewarding volunteering within the association has been. Nancy Spence wore many hats helping out at the 2011 chapter championship. “It was fun; I enjoyed giving back and encourage all our members to consider lending a hand at some of our 2012 events. It’s perhaps
the quickest way to feel like you belong!” Player education partners include LPGA/PGA professionals at: Windy hill sports Complex in Midlothian golfteC on West Broad Street golf galaxy on West Broad Street Information on EWGA’s golf clinics for women offered at both Windy Hill and The Crossings, and the entire season’s calendar of events are available at: www.ewgarichmond.com. UPCOMING EWGA EVENTS EWGA RIC Chapter’s Annual Tee Off Event at Salisbury Country Club Saturday, March 24, beginning at 10:30am, $25 per person Register at: www.ewgarichmond.com EWGA Offers: Organized Play Player Perks Learning & Monitoring Programs Free Handicap Service Competitive Edge Networking Fun and Friendship Discounts Galore
Get ThorGuard “80% of lightning fatalities are caused by a storm’s first strike.” Contact Meteorologist Ben Woods
BE 804-517-2486 benstormin@gmail.com www.thorguard.com 25 Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
PREPARED AT YOUR COURSE!
College
Central VA and Surrounding Area Collegiate Players
Austin Gray Longwood
Derek Johnson St. Augustine
Kelsey Meybin Bucknell
Chad Mozingo James Madison
Photo courtesy of Bridgewater College Sports Information
Seniors
John Phillips Bridgewater
Freshman Scott Wakely is one of five central Virginians to collect a victory trophy in the fall season. Wakely won the Virginia Intercollegiate.
Kristine Rohrbaugh William & Mary
Hunter Ross Wake Forest
Joseph Suarez Christopher Newport
Senior Fall Highlights
Paul Woodson Radford
Ross Sumner Longwood
Chris Shaw Ferrum
Austin Gray, Midlothian Won two events, 68-71-69 at Bucknell Inv. & 71-71-75 at Joe Agee Derek Johnson, Richmond T.37th-Trojan Fall Inv. 86-80 Kelsey Meybin, Midlothian T.26th-Bucknell Women’s Inv. 78-78-78 Chad Mozingo, Culpeper T.30th-Golfweek Champ. 75-71-71 John Phillips, Richmond 2nd-Tom Kinder Memorial 70-70 Kristine Rohrbaugh, Midlothian DNC Hunter Ross, Manakin-Sabot DNC Chris Shaw, Richmond DNC Joseph Suarez, Richmond T.20th-Oglethorpe Fall Inv. 74-75 Ross Sumner, Callao T.1st-Barnabas Health Intercoll. 71-73 Paul Woodson, Powhatan T.15th- OBX Intercoll. 71-69-77
Phillips wins Pine Needles Intercollegiate
John Phillips shot a closing 69 to win the Pine Needles Intercollegiate
26 Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
Richmonder John Phillips, a senior at Bridgewater College, opened his spring season in style by winning medalist honors at the Pine Needles Intercollegiate in Southern Pines, NC. Phillips, a former Richmond Golf Association Junior Championship winner, shot 73-69 and helped his team to a second place finish behind highly rated Division III foe Guilford College. Phillips finished two shots in front of First Team All-American Noah Ratner of Guilford.
Area players look to continue winning ways of fall By: Paul Thomas
Central Virginia collegiate players are gearing up for the spring season, conference tournaments, and hopefully more. Five players from the readership area are coming off stellar fall seasons capped by winning individual titles. Midlothian resident Austin Gray led the way with two individual wins. The Longwood senior opened the fall campaign with a tie for 44th but turned it around by winning the next two tournaments and helping the Lancers win both team titles as well. Gray shot 68-71-69 to take medalist honors by five shots at the Bucknell Invitational and backed that performance up with a win at the Joe Agee Invitational after rounds of 71-71-75. Gray topped fellow central Virginian Jeremy Wells of William & Mary by a shot. Gray’s teammate Ross Sumner, also a senior, tied for first at the Barnabas Health Intercollegiate. Sumner shot 71-73 to finish in a four-way tie for first. Perhaps the most dominant performance of any area player came from
Presbyterian College junior Matt Sizemore. The former Douglas Freeman High School star, from Richmond, shot 66-66-71 to break the school 54-hole scoring record by six shots. Sizemore’s 7-under par effort gave him co-medalist honors at the Donald Ross Intercollegiate in Morganton, North Carolina. In Division III action Hampden-Sydney sophomore Rick O’Connell had an incredible fall season which included a win at the Tom Kinder Memorial. O’Connell, from Goochland, shot 70-68. He finished in the top three in four tournaments and his worst finish was a tie for 10th at the Golfweek Fall Invitational which featured some of the top Division III schools in the nation. Bridgewater College freshman Scott Wakely fired rounds of 70-71, three-under par, to claim the Virginia Intercollegiate played at Nansemond River. The Charlottesville resident and Western Albemarle grad won by three shots. (college highlights cont. on next page)
Juniors
College Junior Fall Highlights
Nick Austin U of R
Wes Eklund Radford
Mikey Moyers Virginia Tech
Bobby Fields Bridgewater
Nick Austin, Midlothian T.7th-VCU Shootout 75-67-69 Wes Eklund, Charlottesville 4th-Spring Hills Intercollegiate 71-73-66 Bobby Fields, Palmyra T.50th-Virginia Intercoll. 91-84 Mikey Moyers, Stanardsville 3rd-Northern Intercoll. 71-72-70 Mason Simpson, Richmond T.11th-Chowan Invit. 80 Matt Sizemore, Richmond 1st-Donald Ross Intercoll. 66-66-71(school record) Daniel Walker, Earlysville T.7th-Marshall Invit. 66-66-75 Hunter Weaver, Orange T.13th-Hampden-Sydney Invit. 76-77 Jeremy Wells, Hopewell 2nd-Joe Agee Invit. 71-74-73 Garrett Whitmore, Midlothian T.17th-Golfweek Champ. 69-71-73
Mason Simpson Virginia Union
Richmond, William & Mary, tie for 7th to open spring season
Matt Sizemore Presbyterian
Daniel Walker U of R
Hunter Weaver Randolph Macon
Jeremy Wells William & Mary
Richmond and William & Mary opened their spring season’s with tie for 7th finishes at the Wexford Plantation Intercollegiate at Hilton Head Island. Richmond was led by sophomore Jack Wilkes who shot 71-77-78 to finish t.15th. Two area players paced William & Mary. Hopewell’s Jeremy Wells, a junior, shot 74-79-71 to finish t.12th while Patrick Leisure, a sophomore from Charlottesville, finished t.19th after rounds of 76-7873. Radford standout Weston Eklund, a junior from Charlottesville and a former Battle Trophy winner, shot rounds of 75-73-74 to finish t.5th. Georgia State captured the overall team title.
Garrett Whitmore James Madison
Photo courtesy of Todd Drexler
Photo courtesy of Todd Drexler
MAPGA college seminars a success again
Central Virginian’s Weston Eklund (L) and Paul Woodson.
Eklund 5th, Woodson 12th at Charleston Shootout Pair lead Radford to 3rd, Longwood places 10th Central Virginian’s Weston Eklund and Paul Woodson put together solid performances to help Radford finish third at the recent Charleston Shootout. Eklund, a Charlottesville resident, recorded his second straight top ten finish of the spring with a t.7th after rounds of 70-72-72. Teammate Paul Woodson, from Powhatan, shot 71-70-75 to finish 12th. Other area participants included Presbyterian College junior Matt Sizemore, of
Richmond, who finished t.33rd after rounds of 77-71-78. Richmonder Harrison Vance, a freshman at Presbyterian playing in his first collegiate event, finished t.79th after scores of 80-78-81. Longwood University shot 296-294-310 to finish 10th in their opening event of the spring. Dylan Jensen led the Lancers with a tie for 31st finish. The University of Florida won the team title with a dominating 20-under par total.
27 Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
The Middle Atlantic PGA section hosted two college golf seminars to help parents and junior golfers understand the entire process for juniors hoping to play collegiate golf. Congressional Country Club in Maryland was the first venue in early February and over 200 people were in attendance. Coaches from Division I, II, and III were on hand to discuss and answer questions about college golf. Bob Heintz, Junior Golf Director at the Middle Atlantic PGA, set up the seminar at Congressional by having four different breakout sessions, hoping for smaller groups and more participation. “It was very positive,” said Heintz. “There was definitely more interaction as the juniors felt a little more comfortable in the smaller breakout groups.” Salisbury Country Club in Midlothian hosted the second seminar on February 18th and attendance was double from last year, with over 70 attendees. A panel discussion was used for this session and again consisted of coaches from all college divisions. “It really opens the eyes of the parents,” said Heintz. “They realize there are different avenues available for their kids with playing opportunities at more than just Division I schools.” (college highlights cont. on page 28)
College
Sophomores
(college highlights cont. from page 27)
Daniel Adams Hampden-Sydney
Matt Ball Jr. VCU
Elizabeth Brightwell UVA
Jeremy Carrell Erskine
Bryce Chalkley Virginia Tech
Brian Critzer Greensboro College
Megan McCracken Longwood
Ivan V. Monagan Virginia State
Rick O’Connell Hampden-Sydney
Viviana Perez U of R
Hannah Pierce Longwood
Paige Reese Radford
Sophomore Fall Highlights
Freshmen Fall Highlights
Daniel Adams, Keysville 52nd-Hampden-Sydney Invit. 92-83 Matt Ball, Jr., Richmond T.18th-Amelia Island Intercoll. 75-75-70 Elizabeth Brightwell, Nellysford T.39th-Stanford Intercoll. 73-71-74 Jeremy Carrell, Prince George DNC Bryce Chalkley, Richmond 8th-UNCG Bridgestone Collegiate 72-73 Braden Cosner*, Richmond, (Hampden-Sydney) DNC Brian Critzer, Richmond T.56th-Oglethorpe Fall Invit. 73-84 Matt Dye, Hartwood DNC Patrick Leisure, Charlottesville T.19th-Georgetown Intercoll. 77-74-73 Megan McCracken, Powhatan DNC Ivan Monagan, Stafford DNC Rick O’Connell, Goochland 1st-Tom Kinder Memorial 70-68 Viviana Perez, Dinwiddie T.43rd-Fighting Camel Classic 84-85-80 Hannah Pierce, King George T.36th-Yale Intercoll. 83-76-79 Paige Reese, South Hill T.30th-Spider Intercoll. 80-76-83 Justin Roberto, Williamsburg DNC Kelly Sumner, Callao T.8th-Tusculum Fall Invit. 78-77
Matt Dye Bridgewater
Justin Roberto Methodist University
Connor Hill St. Josephs Univ.
Kelly Sumner UNC Pembrooke
Kevin Clarke, Midlothian 6th-RTJ Grand National Challenge 77 Trey Cully*, Hanover, (Hampden-Sydney) 7th-Shenandoah Fall Invit. 74-75 Tyler Hancock, Richmond T.20th-Virginia Intercoll. 77-75 Connor Hill, Richmond T.62nd-Navy Fall Invit. 83-81 Sydney Hudson, Hopewell T.8th-F&M Bank APSU Intercoll. 73-75 Dalton Jolly, Prince George 16th-Trojan Classic 81-82 Kyle Aaron Nelson, Colonial Heights 15th-78-84 Drew Noble*, Richmond, (Hampden-Sydney) T.39th-Hampden-Sydney Invit. 76-92 Logan Nonnemacker, Kilmarnock 53rd-Virginia Intercoll. 93-83 Seth Nooe, Toano T.48th-Joe Agee Invit. 86-73-80 Jason Schumacher, Glen Allen T.38th-Bucknell Invit. 79-76-70 Nick Shedd, Williamsburg T.45th-Ted Keller Memorial 79-82 Sam Thomas*, Fredericksburg, (Hampden-Sydney) 55th-Hampden-Sydney Invit. 93-90 Nick Tremps, Williamsburg DNC Harrison Vance, Richmond DNC Scott Wakely, Charlottesville 1st-Virginia Intercollegiate 70-71 *no picture available Cameron Young, Midlothian T.8th-Virginia Intercoll. 73-75
DNC-did not compete
Freshmen
Tyler Hancock Kevin Clarke U. of West Georgia Christopher Newport
Patrick Leisure William & Mary
Sydney Hudson Belmont Univ.
Dalton Jolly Virginia State
Kyle Aaron Nelson Logan Nonnemacker Virginia State Christopher Newport
Seth Nooe William & Mary
Read a digital version at: Jason Schumacher Longwood
Nick Shedd Guilford
Nick Tremps Univ. of Virginia
28 Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
Harrison Vance Presbyterian
Scott Wakely Bridgewater
Cameron Young Christopher Newport
www.virginiagolfreport.com
Mark Slawter
The Division I Syndrome I
f I have heard it once, I have heard it a hundred times: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Coach, I want to play D1 golf.â&#x20AC;? I would be lying if I told you I was any different when I played junior golf. Maybe Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m older and wiser now (older-yes, wiser-thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certainly debatable), but I see things so much differently. I mean, think about what college golf is. To me, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an opportunity to get a great education and to put yourself in an environment to find out how good you can get at golf. Some kids might argue that in order to find out how good they can get, they would need to play â&#x20AC;&#x153;D1â&#x20AC;? golf. I see their point, but I can also tell you this, the kids that were the # 7-12 players on my college team didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get any better sitting at home. The first key to the whole process is being honest and realistic with yourself. If your son is consistently winning tournaments and finishing in the top ten, big time D1 golf might be what he needs to continue his development. However, if your son is finishing 15th to 30th in most events, big time D1 golf may not be the best fit for him (if you could find an opportunity). I offer two scenarios to my students when talking about this topic. You may want to present this very scenario to your junior golfer. 1. You go to a big in-state DI School. You get a bag, a couple of shirts, a few hats, and you get to play in three JV events. Four years later you get a solid business degree and off you go in the working world. 2.You go to a top ten DIII program in your home state. You play in every event for four years, eventually playing as the #1 man your senior year. You are a three time all conference performer, one time All-American, and your team won a national title your senior year. Your scoring average goes from
75.8 (freshman year) to 71.4 (senior year). Four years later you get a solid business degree and off you go in the working world. I have actually had a couple of prospective students choose option #1, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ok. However, I beleive if a kid is going to go to the course every day for the majority of their childhood life, we owe it to them to help them find a situation that will allow them to find out how good they can get. By the way, by no means do I think we should sacrifice anything academically in order to play college golf. In every situation that has been presented to me since the conception of SSTCG, we have been able to find opportunities that fit the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs academically. Nothing is a guarantee and my scenarios donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t describe every kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s college career. However, I know this much, the kid in example #1 is going to live his whole life wondering what he could have done in the game if he had played college golf somewhere else. You know how I know this? Because, I know a bazillion men who have said this very thing to me: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Man, I remember when I was 18 and I could really play. If only I had gone to school XYZ instead of the big in-state school, I might be on tour now!â&#x20AC;? I chuckle about the whole â&#x20AC;&#x153;tourâ&#x20AC;? thing, but I do feel for them. Golf is a passion for a lot of kids and it holds lasting memories. There is a little part in all of us that thinks we could play the tour if things were different. I know itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a brave goal, but I hope I never hear any former student of mine say this to me during their adult life. As you can see, one of the main principles of the SSTCG program is to find programs my students can actually play for. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to do, but is a huge goal of mine. Of the ten students I placed in the class of 2011, eight of them saw playing time in the fall. Personally,
29 Virginia Golf Report â&#x20AC;˘ Early Spring â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;12 â&#x20AC;˘ www.virginiagolfreport.com
Founder Straight Shot to College Golf Wake Forest, NC www.sstcg.com
this is my proudest accomplishment to date. If you are getting ready to go through this process, please remember one thing: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Please, please, please, do not get caught up in what it sounds likeâ&#x20AC;? I realize itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the most glamorous thing to go to work and tell your co-workers your son or daughter has committed to play college golf at a small, DII private school in Georgia. In fact, they will probably look at you puzzled and ask why he or she isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to Wake Forest or some other well-known D1 school. The fact is most people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand how competitive junior and college golf is. They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realize there are hundreds of other kids who can hit a five iron as good as your son/daughter. Believe me, if you find the right fit for your student,
everyone will commend you on a job well done four years later. Get out there and look around. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like what you see, then it will help to solidify what you already knew. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t discount a school because it had a DII or DIII label. Look at it for what it is, a chance to get a great education and play college golf! Ask yourself this: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Could my son/daughter flourish here as a student, a golfer, and a human beingâ&#x20AC;?? If the answer is yes, then you are on the right track! Mark Slawter is the Founder of Straight Shot to College Golf, a service that assists juniors in their quest to play college golf. Slawter played collegiately for North Carolina State University where he was named an All-American in 1994. He was also a three time All-ACC selection and played professionally for six years.
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Junior
Junior Golf Roadmap
Part 1 of five-part series
Craig Wood, PGA is the Director of Youth Programs at The First Tee of Chesterfield. Craig is a First Tee Coach and National Trainer with The First Tee Organization with over 18 years experience in golf instruction, the last 9 specializing in coaching junior golfers. Paul Sargent, PGA is the Director of Golf at The First Tee of Chesterfield who, over his 15 years in golf instruction, has watched many of his junior students go on to college golf and has worked with both current and past Virginia state high school golf champions.
Craig Wood
This is the first installment of a five-part series dealing with the different stages in the career of the junior golfer. We will address topics related to early exposure to competitive junior golf and college preparedness. If you are a parent, we hope you will find this series helpful in your attempts to support your child’s passion for golf. If you are a junior golfer of any level, we hope the information in this series will be helpful in achieving your golf goals! Each part of the series will be named for one of the levels of progression within The First Tee Certification Program.
Finding Your “Comfort Zone” (Par)
Introduction to the Game (PLAYer)
T
he beginning level of the Certification Program is called “PLAYer” and in this segment we will focus on this important aspect related to a youth’s introduction to the game. We highlight the word PLAY in PLAYer for a reason. The goal in this introduction to golf is all about learning how to PLAY the game. This may sound simple, but with all of the rules, etiquette and traditions of golf, many children are turned off right from the start. Most sports are introduced to youth through playing the game in its full scope. Think about basketball for instance. We encourage beginners to play the game as it should be played, trying to dribble the ball around, passing the ball, taking shots at the basket, and obeying general rules. After participants have ample time to experience the game in its entirety, we can then work on specific skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, defense, and specific rules of the game. Our PLAYer level works the same way with the participants introduced to on course activities from the first session.
Testing Your Skills (Eagle)
The Next Level (Ace) Plan for Success (Birdie)
Once the youth have a grasp of the overall scope of the game, then they find it easier to learn the specific skills that are needed to progress in the game. Some great items to highlight with your junior(s) may be 1. Where a golf hole “begins” and “ends” (the teeing ground and the cup or green) 2. How we take turns when playing (order of play) 3. The difference between a putter and an iron and when to use them. 4. When to use a “big” swing and when to use a “little” swing. (putt or full swing) Always model the proper movements when and wherever possible…kids are awesome imitators! Another important point is to take our children to the golf course at non-peak times when they can have more freedom to roam, explore, and be exuberant over a good shot if needed! Plan to set up your junior for success by scaling down the course to
30 Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
Paul sargent
a level that suits their abilities. For example, try taking safety cones with you when playing and set up a “youth” teeing area from 50 yards out. One last important skill related tip...get your junior swinging as hard as possible from the beginning. If they can feel the full extent of the swing it will be easier to fine tune later. Above all, give them a safe and fun environment to learn the full extent of the game and let them self explore! Overcorrection from an instructor (parent or professional) is a very common trap that can lead a child to become disheartened and cause them to become averse to the game. It’s amazing how quickly young people can adapt and correct skill flaws on their own by trial and error.
In short, ensuring that a child’s first exposure to golf is in a setting that allows him or her to “be a child” and focuses on fun provides the best chance to spark his or her love for the game. Please check back in the next issue of VGR as we continue the roadmap of junior golf!
Junior
2012 Junior Tournament Schedule Junior 2012 Events
Mar. 10-11 - College Prep Tour Ford’s Colony Country Club, Williamsburg, Va. March 17-18 - IJGT at Westfields, Westfields Golf Club, Clifton, Va.
Mar. 24-25 - Train Stop Junior Challenge, Roanoke Country Club, Roanoke, Va. Mar. 24-25 - VSGA Suffolk Junior Open Nansemond River Golf Club, Suffolk, Va. and Riverfront Golf Club, Suffolk, Va.
Apr. 5-6 - MAPGA Spring Fling Fauquier Springs Country Club, Warrenton, Va. Apr. 14-15 - College Prep Tour Colonial Heritage Club, Williamsburg, Va. and The Tradition Golf Club at Kiskiack, Williamsburg, Va.
Apr. 28-29 - Virginia Offseason Junior Championship The Federal Club, Glen Allen, Va. May 18-20 - Scott Robertson Memorial, Roanoke Country Club, Roanoke, Va.
June 14 - Charlottesville City Junior, Meadowcreek Golf Course, Charlottesville, Va.
June 19-22 - 22nd VSGA Junior Match Play Championship -- Hermitage Country Club (Manakin Course), Manakin-Sabot, Va.
July 9-12 - Bobby Bowers Memorial, Springfield Golf and Country Club, Springfield, Va. July 12-13 - Galloway FatherSon, Hermitage Country Club, Manakin-Sabot, Va.
June 21 - 1st Citizens Championship, Meadowcreek Golf Course, Charlottesville, Va.
June 22 - Brad McNeer Memorial, Windy Hill Golf and Sports Complex, Midlothian, Va. July 5 - Middle Atlantic Golf Association Junior Boys and Girls Championship, The Elkridge Club, Baltimore, Md.
July 16-17 - Andrew Haley / Smith Mountain Lake Lions Club Junior Open, Mariners Landing Golf and Country Club, Huddleston; The Waterfront Country Club, Moneta
July 16-21 - U.S. Girls’ Junior Lake Merced Golf Club in Daly City, Ca.
July 16-21 - U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, The Golf Club of New England, NH
July 3 - Middle Atlantic Golf Association Father-Son Musket Ridge Golf Club, Myersville, Md.
July 7-8 - 14th VirginiaMaryland Junior Girls’ Team Matches (invitation only), Turf Valley Resort, Ellicott City, Md. July 7-8 - 14th VirginiaMaryland Junior Girls’ Team Matches (invitation only), Turf Valley Resort, Ellicott City, Md. July 7-8 - 14th VirginiaMaryland Junior Girls’ Team Matches (invitation only), Turf Valley Resort, Ellicott City, Md.
July 17-18 - RGA Junior Boys Championship, Hanover CC July TBD - RGA Junior Girls Championship
July 24-25 - 43rd VSGA Junior Girls’ Championship (ages 18 and under), Richmond Country Club, Richmond, Va. July 25 - 17th Annual Junior Girls’ McDonald’s, Windy Hill Sports Complex, Midlothian, Va.
July 27 - 4th Mid-Atlantic Junior Team Matches (Invitation only) Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech, Radford, Va.
July 28-29 - 11th Mid-Atlantic Girls’ Challenge (Invitation only), Independence Golf Club, Midlothian, Va. July 31 - NB Drywall Junior Open, Old Hickory Golf Club, Woodbridge, Va.
July 31-Aug 2 - 60th VSGA Junior Amateur Championship (ages 18 and under), Laurel Hill Golf Club, Lorton, Va.
Aug. 8 - Jeff Haddix Memorial Golf Classic, Windy Hill Golf and Sports Complex, Midlothian, Va. Aug. 8-9 - 6th VSGA Youth Championship (boys and girls ages 13 and under), Independence Golf Club, Midlothian, Va.
Aug. 11-12 - 30th VirginiasCarolinas Junior Matches (Invitation only), Hope Valley Country Club, Durham, N.C.
Aug. 21-22 - VSGA Foundation High School Invitational, Independence Golf Club, Midlothian, Va.
Aug. 21 - Little Linkster and Future Pro Championship, Windy Hill Sports Complex, Midlothian, Va.
Oct. 27-28 - Junior Valentine, Hermitage Country Club, Manakin-Sabot, VA Richmond Junior Golf Tour Spring 2012
March 31st -The Federal Club
April 7th - Dogwood Trace GC
April 14th - Providence GC April 21st - Brickshire GC
April 28th - The Hollows GC
May 5th - The Crossings GC May 12th - Kiskiack GC
May 19th - “Golfers Fore Golfers” First Tee of Chesterfield*
June 25 - Richmond Country Club - Midlothian, Va. June 25 - Reston Golf Club - Reston, Va.
June 26- Stoneleigh Golf Club - Round Hill, Va. July 3 - Cannon Ridge Golf Club - Fredericksburg, Va. July 9 - Chantilly National G&CC - Centreville, Va.
July 10- Virginia Oaks Golf Club - Gainesville, Va. July 12 - The Bay Club - Berlin, MD
July 13 - Ocean City G&CC - Berlin, MD
* This is a supported event. Sign up is not necessary from our website.
July 16 - Springfield Country Club - Springfield, Va. July 17- Herndon Centennial GC - Herndon, Va. July 18 - Laytonsville GC - Laytonsville, MD
MAPGA Junior Golf Tour June 18 - Suburban Club - Pikesville, MD
MAPGA Junior Tour (cont.) June 21 - Fredericksburg Country Club Fredericksburg, Va.
June 20-The Gauntlet Golf Club - Fredericksburg, Va.
July 19 - Salisbury CC Midlothian, Va.
*For the rest of the schedule visit MAPGA.com
2012 Junior Golf Spring Series Single Day Junior Golf Events Register today online for our 2012 Spring Series! Since 1997
Open to juniors 8-18.
Saturday, March 31st
The Federal Club
Saturday, April 28
The Hollows GC
Saturday, April 7th
Dogwood Trace GC
Saturday, May 5
The Crossings GC
Saturday, April 14th
Providence GC
Saturday, May 12
Kiskiack GC
Saturday, April 21st
Brickshire GC
Saturday, May 19
Golfers Fore Golfers*
Richmond Junior Golf Tour on
(First Tee Chesterfield) * This event benefits Childrens Hospital
Register Online!
www.jamiefagansjuniorgolf.com www.richmondjuniorgolftour.com 31 Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
SandhillsGolf
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Time to Start Planning Your Spring Golf Trip There’s nothing better than traveling down Tobacco Road to the Sandhills! A mild winter has allowed play all season. Now is the time to start planning your spring golf trip to the Sandhills of North Carolina. There are over 40 golf courses to choose from and Tobacco Road Golf & Travel has a golf trip to fit your group’s needs. Why drive two hours past the #1 Golf Destination on the East Coast, according to Golf Digest? Call Tobacco Road Golf & Travel today to start planning your next golf getaway!
Golf & Travel
Quotes & Reservations: (877) 284-3762 www.TobaccoRoadTravel.com
32 Virginia Golf Report • Early Spring ‘12 • www.virginiagolfreport.com
NEW Legacy Golf Links, National Golf Club, Pinewood CC and Carolina Trace are all sporting new greens and are in great shape for 2012. NEW The great reviews continue to come in for the Dormie Club, the Sandhills newest golf course designed and built by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore. NEW The Pinehurst Resort Courses remain in great shape and are preparing to receive the 2014 Men’s and Women’s US Open on back to back weeks. NEW JoAnna Martin, long time golf package coordinator in the Sandhills has joined the Tobacco Road Team. Her experience, expertise and great customer service make her a perfect fit.