SFPGA Topics Newsletter | Fall 2019

FALL 2019

SFPGA TOPICS NEWSLETTER

Justin Bertsch, 2019 SFPGA Section Champion

@SOUTHFLORIDAPGA | SFPGAGOLF.COM | DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE!

FALL 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 1 | SFPGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PAGE 2 | CONTINUED PAGE 3 | PLAYER OF THE YEAR PAGE 4 | SFPGA ASSISTANTS CHAMPIONSHIP PAGE 5 | SFPGA SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP PAGE 6 |PROFESSIONAL DCP PAGE 7 | 2019 TEACHING SYMPOSIUM PAGE 8 | NATIONAL AWARD WINNERS PAGE 9 | DENNIS WALTERS PAGE 10-11 | JUNIOR TOUR SECTION PAGE 12 | ISLAND CHAPTER BRINGS GOLF TO SCHOOLS PAGE 13 | SFPGA FOUNDATION PAGE 14 | WELCOME POWERCHUTE PAGE 15| RULES WITH BRETT PAGE 16 | HIDDEN TALENTS: JUSTIN DEFONT PAGE 17 | STAFF SPOTLIGHT

FALL 2019

BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT | KARL BUBLITZ, PGA VICE PRESIDENT | SCOTT KIRKWOOD, PGA SECRETARY | NEIL LOCKIE, PGA IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT | DON MEADOWS, PGA ISLAND CHAPTER PRESIDENT | TONY LOYOLA, PGA SOUTHEAST CHAPTER PRESIDENT | PAUL CLIVIO, PGA SOUTHERN CHAPTER PRESIDENT | SHANE WARRINER, PGA SOUTHWEST CHAPTER PRESIDENT | NATHAN GROCE, PGA SOUTHEAST CHAPTER AT-LARGE | BILL SCOTT, PGA SOUTHERN CHAPTER AT-LARGE | STEVE JABLONOWSKI, PGA SOUTHWEST CHAPTER AT-LARGE | BOB RADUNZ, PGA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | GEOFF LOFSTEAD

ADVISORY BOARD: MATT LAMBERT KEN KENNERLY STEVE SPONDER JOE STERANKA MICHAEL STOTTS

Bertsch Wins PGA Professional Championship

From left to right: Tony Romansky, PGA TaylorMade Rep, John Lee, John Nieporte, Richard Terga, Matt Newman, Tyler Collet, Justin Bertsch, Adam Scrimenti, Andrew Filbert, Zach Hammerberg, David Guy, Patrick Rada, Justin McCarraher, Alan Morin, host professional Don Meadows

It was a clean sweep for Justin Bertsch.

Bertsch shot a 2-under 70 September 19th to win the South Florida PGA Professional Championship at Quail Valley Golf Club by two shots over Alan Morin. The victory clinched Player of the Year honors for Bertsch in the South Florida PGA Section.

These honors earned the PGA Head Professional at Club Pelican Bay in Naples a spot in the 2020 Puerto Rico Open and the 2020 Honda Classic.

“It’s special to win a season-long points race up against Andrew Filbert and Alan Morin, guys who have won Player of the Year in the past,” Bertsch said. “You know they’re not going to fade away. You’ve got to keep doing your best and hope it’s enough.”

Bertsch shot rounds of 66, 66 and 70, finishing at 14-under 202 while playing twice at Quail Valley and once at Bent Pine. Bertsch and Morin were tied at the turn of the final round, but Bertsch birdied the 10th to take the lead for good.

“It was really tough conditions,” Bertsch said of 30-mph winds. “I saw John Lee was 5-under through 12 holes, so I knew I had to keep the pedal to the medal.”

Morin, the PGA Assistant Professional at The Falls Club of the Palm Beaches, was trying to win the championship for the sixth time. He settled for his third runner-up finish.

“I was trying to win No. 6,” Morin said. “It was hard to make birdies. I just couldn’t catch Justin. He hit some really good shots at the right time and I didn’t.”

Lee PGA General Manager at Imperial Golf Club finished third at 11-under 205. Lee shot the round of the tournament when he opened with a 9-under 63 at Bent Pine and closed with a 5-under 67.

1

SFPGA Professional Championship (cont.)

How impressive was Lee’s finish?

At 57, Lee is twice the age as some of his competitors and he won this event in 1995.

“I putted well and I drove it well,” Lee said. “I know some of the closing holes are tough, so I was trying to make as many birdies as I could early in the round. I played great other than the back nine (during the second round.”

Tyler Collet (70) of John’s Island West finished fourth at 9-under 207. Patrick Rada (70) of McArthur Club, Justin McCarrahar (67) of Fiddlesticks shared fifth place at 8-under.

Tied at seventh place at 5-under 211 were John Nieporte (71) of Trump International, Adam Scrimenti (72) of the Country Cub at Coral Springs and Laurie Rinker (74) of Stuart, who earned low woman honors.

The top 12 finishers qualified for next year’s PGA Professional Championship on April 26-29 in Austin, Texas. That included Matt Newman (69-213) of Broken Sound Club, David Guy (74-213) of Cypress Lake Country Club, Zachary Hammerberg (70-1214) of Kelly Greens, Richard Terga (72-214) of the Loxahatchee Club.

Jeff Waber of Broken Sound Club won a playoff for the final spot with an eagle on the par-5 10th hole. Paul Scaletta of the Bear’s Club settled for first alternate despite making a birdie.

Bertsch and Filbert, who finished 10th, were already eligible for the PGA Professional Championship after having qualified for this year’s PGA Championship.

The South Florida PGA Professional Championship is presented by Cadillac, Club Car and Omega and is supported by Titleist, FootJoy, Nike, TaylorMade, Whistling Straits, Precise Yardage Books, Golf Channel and the PGA Tour.

2

Justin Bertsch Earns 2019 SFPGA Omega Player of the Year Justin Bertsch, PGA Head Professional at Club Pelican Bay in Naples, clinched the 2019 South Florida PGA Omega Player of the Year honors for the first time after winning the SFPGA Professional Championship on September 19th at Quail Valley Golf Club.

The win tops a remarkable season for Bertsch.

In April, he placed 14th at the 2019 PGA Professional Championship to earn a berth in the PGA Championship at Bethpage Black. Bertsch followed this up to take the first major of the SFPGA season at the Technogym Fort Lauderdale Open in May at Grande Oaks.

Bertsch used top five finishes in 10 of the 16 SFPGA Section tournaments he played in this summer to surpass multi-year winner Alan Morin, Tyler Collet and 2018 Player of the Year winner Andrew Filbert, PGA, whom he finished runner-up to last year.

It’s special to win a season-long points race up against Andrew Filbert and Alan Morin, guys who have won Player of the Year in the past,” Bertsch said. “You know they’re not going to fade away. You’ve got to keep doing your best and hope it’s enough.”

This year, Bertsch was not only consistent, but he was dominant as well. Between the Section and Southwest Chapter events, Bertsch played in 22 tournaments and earned 1,182.13 points, over 300 more than the second through fourth place finishers, who were separated by slim margins.

“It’s a tough grind over the course of the summer,” said Bertsch. “We have so many great players in our Section so to be able to come out on top is really special.”

As 2019 Player of the Year, Bertsch earns an automatic spot in the 2020 Honda Classic this February and as the SFPGA Professional Championship winner, also receives a berth into the 2020 Puerto Rico Open. Two PGA Tour events where Bertsch will get the chance to again test his game against the best in the world.

“As soon as you play in one of those (PGA Tour events), you really don’t want to make it a long time until you can do it again,” said Bertsch who, in addition to the 2019 PGA Championship, competed in the 2019 Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship. “I am really looking forward to it.”

3

Will Coleman Wins 2019 Assistant Championship Will Coleman played his last seven holes in 5-under par during the second of two rounds, helping him win the National Car Rental SFPGA Assistant Professional Championship at the Quarry Golf Club.

Coleman, who works at Mayacoo Lakes in West Palm Beach, shot an 8-under 64 to rally from a one-shot deficit. He made seven birdies, an eagle on the par-5 14th hole and a bogey.

Coleman birdied the 12th, 16th and 17th holes, finishing at 13under 131.

"It’s always nice to win,” said Coleman.

"When I chipped in for eagle at 14, I didn’t know exactly where I stood, but I figured it meant something. After that, I made a couple of pure rolls (with the putter) to finish with those two birdies.”

Coleman smiles after winning the National Car Rental SFPGA Assistant Championship on August 6th.

Michael Welch of Bonita National was second at 12-under 132, matching Coleman’s 64. Ryan Zylstra of the host course was third at 11-under after a 66.

In addition to Coleman and Welch, Brett McCurdy, Ryan Zylstra and Justin McCarraher qualified for the National Assistant PGA Professional Championship However, McCarrher was recently promoted to PGA Head Professional and first alternate Kenny Leach will take his place.

Pictured from left to right: Justin McCarraher, Will Coleman, Michael Welch and Ryan Zylstra.

Brett McCurdy after winning a playoff to qualify for the National Assistant PGA Professional Championship

4

Dave Dell Wins SFPGA Senior Professional Championship

Dave Dell after winning the SFPGA Senior Professional Championship on August 21st.

Few in the field knew Dave Dell’s name, but they now know he has game. Dell, who moved this year from Massachusetts to Naples, introduced himself to the South Florida PGA Section by winning the SFPGA Senior PGA Professional Championship Presented by Cadillac at Turtle Creek Club.

Dell shot a 4-under 68 to finish at 9-under 135 and win by two shots over Mike Gray of Indian Creek. Dell made just one bogey while missing one green in 36 holes.

“I know there are a lot of great players in the section and I wanted to see if I could hang with them,” said Dell, who was the PGA Head Professional at Springfield Country Club.“I thought if I played my best, I might be able to scrape a top-10 finish. I didn’t expect to win.”

Dell started the final round with a two-shot lead, but Gray shot a 4-under 32 on the front nine to catch him. Dell regained the lead with birdies at the 13th and 15th holes.

“I tried not to think about it, but I knew my lead was gone,” Dell said. “I was able to make a couple of putts.”

Gray matched Dell’s 68 to finish at 7-under, a shot ahead of three-time champion Mike San Filippo. Gray made 10 birdies in the two rounds.

"I finally made some putts,” Gray said. “I only missed one green if you don’t count the collar. “I never met Dave until this week. He was steady, kept it in play and rolled his ball really well.”

The top eight finishers, as well as champion Dell, earned spots in the Senior PGA Professional Championship Presented by Cadillac next week in Austin, Texas. Also qualifying by finishing tied for fourth were John Lee of Imperial Golf Club, Alan Morin of The Falls Club. John Nieporte of Trump International and Mark Mielke of High Ridge were sixth.

The final four spots were decided in a five-man playoff at 1-over 145. Advancing were Roger Kennedy Jr. of The Country Club at Mirasol, Joe Kern of Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club, J.C. Anderson of The Club at The Strand and Craig Watson of The First Tee of the Palm Beaches. First alternate is Joe DeMino of Gleneagles Country Club. Mike San Filippo, Mark Mielke and former Senior British Open champion Pete Oakley already were exempt into the Senior PGA Professional Championship.

5

Proud Partner of the SFPGA

#1

Performance Tee Line in Golf

TurfHound Tee Lines: 



Installed in over 90 courses in the South Florida Section Fastest growing synthetic turf product installed in over 600 golf courses throughout the USA and Canada

TurfHound Features Include: 







Admirals Cove, Jupiter Florida

Patented “Active” foam technology to provide the most consistent, safe and best looking turf available Original 2 style grass design simulates the look, feel and performance of real golf conditions Unique interchangeable grass panel system means lower annual costs and easy maintenance Revolutionary replaceable “Tee Holder System” enables golfers to use their own tees Oceanside CC, Ormond Beach Florida

St Andrews Golf Club, Boca Raton Florida

Ibis CC, Palm Beach Florida

Brian Golden - Sr. Vice President | TurfHound Inc. brian.golden@turfhound.com | www.turfhound.com Office: 301-637-9152 | Fax: 301-637-9153 | Cell: 301-529-7825

TurfHound

Product Showcase

First SFPGA Professional Drive, Chip & Putt The first-ever South Florida PGA Professional Drive, Chip & Putt took place September 16th at Quail Valley Golf Club. Over 70 PGA Professionals competed for points in three categories: longest drive, closest putt and chip. The night was complete with a purse payout, tee gift from Temper Craft, pig roast dinner and beer from Walking Tree Brewery. See below for the score break down. Congratulations to Mitch Holgate for being our first Professional DCP champion!

Drive: Sean McGinness (75 Points) Chip: Mitch Holgate (70 Points) Putt: Hiroshi Matsuo (70 Points) Overall: Mitch Holgate (162 Points)

6

2019 Teaching Symposium to Take Place in October The 2019 Teaching Symposium will take place this October 17th-18th from 9AM-4PM both days at the Country Club of Mirasol, Palm Beach Gardens.

We have a great lineup of speakers that will be sure to make this a can't miss event! To register, click here or visit sfpgagolf.com.

Cost: $150 including lunch | MSR: 7 Required MSR Credits max per day

Dr.Alison Curdt, PGA Dr. Alison Curdt, PGA is the youngest woman PGA Member to achieve PGA Master Professional status. The 37-year-old is a practicing psychotherapist and PGA Director of Instruction at Wood Rance Golf Club in Simi Valley, California.

In addition, Curdt has played in five major championships on the LPGA Tour and was the first female from the Southern California Section to compete in the PGA Professional Championship. The Florida State alum originally saw herself working for the FBI as a psychiatrist but was never able to give up the game.

After turning professional in 2004, Curdt moved to Southern California and has since been named to Golf Digest's Top 50 Teachers list, is the 2016 Southern California PGA Teacher of the year; the 2015 LPGA Teaching & Club Professionals National Teacher of the Year; the 2016 Northern PGA Clubfitter of the year; a three-time recipient of Western Section Teacher of the Year (2012, '15, and '17) and the 2017 SCPGA Northern Chapter Golf Professional of the Year.

Charlie King, PGA Charlie King has been teaching golf for 29 years. He is the author of three golf instruction books including "Golf's Red Zone Challenge". He has been on the Golf Digest 50 Best Teacher list and is a 13-year member of the Golf Magazine Top 100 Teachers. He won the 2011 Georgia PGA Teacher of the Year and has won the Horton Smith award for education twice. He has taught at prestigious facilities such as PGA National, Reynolds Lake Oconee, Maroon Creek Club and Nantucket Golf Club. Charlie believes all golfers are unique and need guidance through the process of becoming the best golfer they can become.

Bob Grissett Bob Grissett is one of GolfTips Magazine Top 25 Instructors in America and is dedicated to giving golfers of all levels the tools they need to play their best golf and improve their games. Grissett is one of the most sought-after coaches in the world having achieved exceptional results with his students. In addition, Grissett is the author of two books: 10 Lessons: The True Fundamentals of the Golf Swing and 10 Keys: Basic Elements of the Golf Swing.

7

Please join us for a night of honors

Annual Awards

& Hall of Fame November 12, 2019 The Country Club at Mirasol

t h g Ni

Congratulations to our 2019 Award Winners

Golf Professional of the Year

Don Meadows, PGA

Teacher of the Year Gayle Leslie, PGA

Merchandiser of the Year (Private) JR Friend, PGA

Horton Smith Award Jim McLean, PGA

Merchandiser of the Year (Public) Casey Mitchell, PGA

Bill Strausbaugh Award Paul Clivio, PGA

Assistant of the Year Sean McGinness, PGA

Player Development Nick Cupper, PGA

Patriot Award Dave McNulty, PGA

Youth Player Development Bela Nagy, PGA

Salesperson of the Year Dwight Rogers

Merchandiser of the Year (Resort) Holly Taylor, PGA

2019 Hall of Fame Inductees

Mark VanDyck, PGA

Stephen Cox, PGA

South Florida PGA Celebrates Three National Award Winners The South Florida PGA is proud to announce three of the PGA of America’s national award winners reign from the South Florida PGA Section.

Judy Alvarez, PGA Director of Instruction at Monarch Country Club (Palm City) has been awarded the Patriot Award, Scott Kirkwood, PGA Director of Golf at Ocean Reef Golf Club (Key Largo) has been named Merchandiser of the Year (Private) and the South Florida PGA Section has won the Herb Graffis Award.

The Patriot Award annually recognizes a PGA member who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to all who have served the United States. Alvarez has been teaching golf to people with disabilities and veterans since 1990 and has been involved in Folds of Honor, PGA HOPE and Salute Military Golf Association.Alvarez has helped to establish six PGA HOPE programs in South Florida, impacting more than 500 veterans in the region.

Additionally, Alvarez hosts a free golf clinic for veterans once a week, provides yearround adaptive golf programs and has been an advocate for golf and the impact the game can have on veterans. Throughout her career, Alvarez has taught more than 10,000 veterans and students with disabilities the game.

“I’ve always felt compelled to share with local organizations what I do and how the game of golf can help to benefit our veterans,” said Alvarez. “My goal is to provide a safe environment for a veteran to let their guard down, relax, feel safe and enjoy the experience. Ultimately it is about their accomplishments.”

Judy Alvarez helps a PGA HOPE veteran during a lesson.

The Merchandiser of the Year, private category is presented to the PGA member who has demonstrated superior skills as merchandiser in the promotion of golf. Kirkwood of Ocean Reef Club and Vice President of the South Florida PGA has dedicated his time to creating a shopping experience for each customer that comes through the golf shop, prioritizing relationships between customer and associate as well as uniquely offering products that branch beyond golf.

“I am honored to be recognized as the Merchandiser of the Year for the private sector,” said Kirkwood. “At Ocean Reef, we make it a priority to offer nothing but the best, most positive experience for our members and guests when they visit the golf shop.”

Scott Kirkwood, Director of Golf at Ocean Reef Golf Club.

The Herb Graffis Award is designed to recognize a PGA of America Section for extraordinary contributions in the area of player development. By prioritizing youth, diversity and the military, the South Florida PGA aims to impact more lives in south Florida through the game of golf.In junior golf, the SFPGA offers year-round programs for all ages, impacting more than 9,300 youth golfers over the past 12 years. In 2007, seven events were conducted for 250 participants and in 2018 over 150 events were administered for over 1,700 participants, an increase of 700 percent. In addition to extensive junior golf programming, the SFPGA Foundation has impacted more than 12,000 lives through junior golf, charitable gifting and scholarships.

“This award is a testament to the tireless effort of South Florida PGA members who strive to grow participation and enjoyment in the game of golf every day at their facilities throughout the section,” said Geoff Lofstead, Executive Director of the South Florida PGA. “It is also a testament to our Section and Foundation board of directors for providing the direction and resources that have made growing the game a primary initiative of section staff. It is an incredible honor to be recognized on a national level, amongst the great work being done by the 41 PGA sections around the country.”

SFPGA Junior Tour Players after a Links Tour event last spring.

The PGA of America annually recognizes 11 PGA Professionals and one PGA Section.

Alvarez and the South Florida PGA will accept the Patriot and Herb Graffis Award during the 2019 Annual Meeting in West Palm Beach this November and Kirkwood will be recognized as Merchandiser of the Year during the 2020 PGA Magazine Merchandiser of the Year Conference prior to the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando this January.To view the full list of award recipients, click here. For more information on the South Florida PGA, click here.

8

Dennis Walters World Golf Hall of Fame This June, Dennis Walters, was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame during the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.

Walters, who also received the Bob Jones Award from the USGA, is one of five to have been inducted this year.

Walters road to the World Golf Hall of Fame began as a young boy growing up in New Jersey where he aspired to be a golfer. At the age of 24, a golf cart accident left him paraplegic and Walters became a trick shot artist who has since spent his career traveling 3.5 million miles, performing 3,000 shows and entertaining many.

Walters is the first player to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame that is paralyzed from the waist down.

Through the Dennis Walters Golf Show, Walters has touched the lives of many and has inspired people to never stop dreaming.

Walters tells the World Golf Hall of Fame, "To me a real dream is having a positive thought in your head and in your heart, and doing whatever it takes to make that come true. If you have a dream and it doesn’t work out, never stop dreaming. Get a new dream!�

When it came time for Walters induction, none other than Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player led the selection commission and when it became official, they were on the other line to deliver the news to Walters.

Nicklaus and Player are co-chairs of the Selection Committee, along with Annika Sorenstam and Nancy Lopez.

In 2008, The PGA of America presented him with its highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award and Dennis is a Class of 2010 South Florida PGA Hall of Fame member.

Click below to watch Walters incredible acceptance speech

9

Special Opportunity: receive 50 additional yardage books and a custom made wooden display FREE of charge if you commit to your 2020 project by December 31st, 2019.

"We always strive to offer exemplary customer service while providing a professional, quality yardage book. There is nothing we will not and cannot do for our customer."

- Scott Brady, Owner

Contact Scott Brady: preciseyardagebooks@gmail.com 423-619-7571

9

Junior Tour Section South Florida PGA Junior Tour Players Compete on National Stage South Florida PGA Junior Tour players competed in the 44th Annual Girls and Boys Junior PGA Championship this summer at Keney Park Golf Course in Hartford, CT. Andi Smith, Gloria Nip, Chloe Kovelesky, Alexa Pano and Casey Weidenfeld competed on the girl's side while Garrett Giles, Jude Kim, Luke Clanton, Brett Roberts, Frankie Harris, Jake Beber-Frankel and Leopoldo Herrera III represented south Florida in the boy's championship.

One of junior golf’s premier championships, Smith, Nip, Giles and Kim represented South Florida PGA Junior Tour after finishing first and second, respectfully for the girl's and boy's division at the SFPGA Junior PGA Championship in June.

Players for each national championship qualified based on several criteria, including the champions from each of the PGA of America’s 41 section junior championships.

South Florida PGA Junior Leaderboard

T4 Alexa Pano 271 (-9) T18 Casey Weidenfeld 277 (-3) Cut Andi Smith 73-73 Cut Gloria Nip 71-78 Cut Chloe Kovelesky 75-77

4 Brett Roberts 262 (-18) 5 Jake Beber-Frankel 263 (-17) T9 Frankie Harris 266 (-14) T15 Luke Clanton 268 (-12) T51 Jude Kim 279 (-1) Cut Garrett Giles 72-72

Drive, Chip & Putt Regional Qualifiers The Drive, Chip and Putt season is complete and qualifiers for regional competition have been determined. Congratulations to the following junior players for advancing to the regional qualifier at TPC Sawgrass on September 28th.

Boys 7-9: Ryan Nana Tanke, Bento Assis, Crew Satkoski, Zachary Felton Boys 10-11: Tristan Rhodenizer, Ignacio Hurtado, Skyler Naknoon, Adrian Bahnam Boys 12-13: Tyler Chapman, Oscar Crowe, Braden Miller, Ramon Oyarzun Boys 14-15: NaShawn Tyson, Elijah Zamarron, Kevin Kelly, Kody Horton Girls 7-9: Reese McMillan, Olivia Hartman, Kinley Mills, Tatyana Villegas Girls 10-11: Madeleine Burda, Brianna Breto, Elyse Meerdink, Krishny Elwin Girls 12-13: Alessandra Tabora Lorenz, Gabriella DeGasperis, Morgan Rodriguez, Maria Quintero Girls 14-15: Samantha Shann, Hailey Eisert, Eliza Kodak, Alana Kutt Click here for leaderboard.

10

Junior Tour Member Profile: Chad Tracy Chad Tracy played his last tournament with the South Florida PGA Junior Tour this summer before heading off to begin his collegiate career at Thomas University.

Before departing, Tracy left his mark. The recent alum won two of the SFPGA Junior Tour’s five majors this summer, the South Florida Junior Open (66-75-72, 213) and the Doral Junior Classic (69-73, 142).

“My favorite memories include playing so many amazing courses, competing with great players and the numerous opportunities to build friendships over the years,” said Tracy.

An active participant on the SFPGA Junior Tour for the last five years, the PGA impacted Tracy long before he picked up a golf club. His father, Don, is a PGA member and coached his high school golf team at Naples High School.

Tracy after winning the South Florida Junior Open at Naples Ceach Club on July 12th.

“My dad has always been an inspiration to me,” said Tracy. “He allowed me to play any sport I was interested in, and to be honest, golf was the last sport I picked up.”

However, once he started playing, the game came easily to Tracy and was an instant bond between father and son.

“When I started playing competitively, my dad helped me out a great deal,” explained Tracy. “I am very thankful to have had such a great role model who has shown me that a good work ethic and a positive attitude can benefit me on and off the golf course.”

In addition to his father, the SFPGA Junior Tour helped Tracy to flourish as a young golfer, aspiring to have a college career.

“The SFPGA tournaments helped me prepare for college in many ways,” said Tracy. “With so many great events with strong fields, there were many times when the courses or conditions were tough and learning how to play in those types of conditions helped me learn a lot about my game, in turn making me a better player.”

Now at Thomas University an NAIA school in Thomasville, Ga., Tracy encourages young golfers to keep playing golf, recognizing the SFPGA Junior Tour as a great avenue to do so.

“The two biggest pieces of advice I can give someone who wants to play at the collegiate level are to practice as much as you can in every aspect of your game (especially short game) and to play in as many tournaments as possible,” Tracy said. “When playing in tournaments, you learn how to compete as well as learn to play in a variety of conditions.”

Tracy also highlights how important it is to have a strong mental game and positive attitude when you are playing to keep consistent with your game.

Now that he is a few weeks into the semester, Tracy has begun to adjust to college life and the new opportunities that come with it.

“Playing for Thomas University has been an amazing experience thus far,” Tracy said. “It is a completely new level of competition, where the players work hard to represent our school and compete in tournaments. Though we are competitive, the team goes out of their way to be supportive of one another.”

We wish Tracy the best in his college endeavors both on and off the course.

#TheJourney

11

South Florida PGA Island Chapter to Teach Golf in Public Schools in Puerto Rico The South Florida PGA Island Chapter has allied with the Puerto Rico Department of Education to provide golf lessons and programming in public schools.

Led by Island Chapter President and SFPGA Board member Tony Loyola, PGA, this initiative kicked off this fall in the Puerto Rico Public Schools.

“Our goal is to reach those kids that do not have the financial resources to purchase equipment, golf lessons or access local golf courses for practicing the sport,” explained Loyola. “The goal is to create a long-lasting relationship with the public education teachers in the public school system to include as many schools as possible.”

The South Florida PGA will assist with this program by providing Short Golf equipment and U.S. Kids Golf Clubs.

The Island Chapter PGA Professionals will train and provide golf literature to physical education teachers, ensuring all golf education is accurate and consistent.

In addition to golf programming, the Island Chapter PGA Professionals will run clinics for children to practice outside of school and on an actual golf course.Starting this fall, the first phase of this initiative will begin and is set to include two schools from each of the Puerto Rico Department of Education’s seven regions with additional schools expected to be added in January 2020.

By implementing golf in schools, the Island Chapter hopes to drive registration for the Drive, Chip and Putt competition and create a regional PGA Jr. League team to represent Puerto Rico at the Section level and beyond.

Golf provides an outlet to learn discipline, patience, focus and many other primary skills away from the classroom, while introducing a sport that can be played throughout a lifetime.

The South Florida PGA and its Island Chapter have aligned missions to grow the game of golf throughout South Florida and Puerto Rico. By providing golf programming in public schools, the SFPGA and Island Chapter hopes to enhance a child’s educational experience as well as introduce the game of golf to children and teenagers during their developmental years.

12

South Florida PGA Foundation Island Chapter Hosts First PGA HOPE Program On Monday, September 23rd, the South Florida PGA Island Chapter kicked off the first session of PGA HOPE program at Fort Buchannan Golf Club in Puerto Rico. As the first PGA HOPE program offered to veterans in Puerto Rico, participants will graduate from the program at the completion of eight weeks of free golf instruction. This will include a scramble tournament amongst the participants and a small reception celebrating their accomplishments on November 11th. Special thanks to the Island Chapter PGA Professionals: Tony Loyola, Chip Koehlke, Alberto Rios and Jose Rodriguez.

13

11

SFPGA Welcomes POWERPRO SPORTS to Family of Partners In 2011 POWERCHUTE SPORTS came out with its first resistance patented technology for golf. The first POWERCHUTE unit was endorsed by the great, Jack Nicklaus and a Five Time World Long Drive Champion, Jack Zuback.

Seven years later, POWERCHUTE SPORTS was purchased by POWERPRO SPORTS, who has provided new management, developed eight new revolutionary and patented sports training technologies including GOLF, BASEBALL, SOFTBALL, TENNIS, HOCKEY, LACROSSE, REHAB AND MOTION UNITS. POWERPRO SPORTS recognized that all explosive movements in sports are fueled by the fast witch muscle fibers. as an athlete, you must strive to strengthen these fibers in order to increase explosion off the mound, at the plate or on the golf course.

POWERPRO SPORTS has developed multiple innovative revolutionary products and methods of directly targeting these fibers to improve explosive ability using patented wind resistance technology. Wind resistance training can also play an important role in developing strength, especially during injury recovery. It lessens the impact of a motion when compared to training in the weight room.

POWERPRO SPORTS has developed multiple innovative products and methods of directly targeting the fast twitch muscle fibers to improve explosive ability using patented resistance technology. Our resistance technology and training can also play an important role in developing strength, especially during injury recovery.

It lessens the impact of a motion when compared to training in the weightroom.

"There is no other training tool that can produce instant results that POWERCHUTE can in 60 seconds and used over time, will produce maximum swing results that consist of strength, endurance and speed."

For more information contact: Michael Snell michael.powerchutesports@gmail.com | 407-463-2325

14

Rules With Brett Correcting Mistake Made in Substituting, Replacing, Dropping, or Placing Ball Rule 14.5 is in the rule book to help the player when he or she proceeds incorrectly when putting a ball into play.

The key to rule 14.5 is that the player needs to correct their mistake BEFORE the ball is played from the wrong spot. Let’s look at a couple scenarios…

Scenario 1 The player accidentally drops from shoulder height under the old rules. The player may fix their mistake, but must proceed under the same rule that they were taking relief under when they dropped the first time.

If the player does not drop again and instead makes a stroke at the ball from where it came to rest after being dropped in a wrong way: • If the ball was played from the relief area, the player gets one penalty stroke (but has not played from a wrong place under Rule 14.7a). • But if the ball was played from outside the relief area, or after it was placed when required to be dropped (no matter where it was played from), the player gets the general penalty.

Scenario 2 A player loses their ball in a group of unmarked sawgrass bushes. Not thinking, the player takes a drop next to the bushes as if it were a penalty area (it’s not.) As long as they realize their mistake before they play from where they dropped, they can correct their mistake and proceed under the correct options for a lost ball.

If this person hadn’t corrected their mistake, and played the dropped ball, they would be disqualified under rule 14.7 of playing from the wrong place. (Serious breach)

15

Pro Hidden Talents: Justin DeFont, PGA About Justin: PGA Head Professional at Audubon Country Club PGA Member since 2005

Tell us a little about your hobby and how you got started.

My dad ran a home remodeling business when I was growing up, specifically in custom cabinetry. I can remember in my early teens helping him strip and shingle a roof in the summer. While dad's work was best known for his custom wood working, he really did a little bit of everything. I recall helping dad on several projects growing up, from demoing the interior of a house to hanging the kitchen cabinets he built for our house. I’ve always been “handy” and later in life have enjoyed tackling projects on my own, just like my dad, taking on an affinity to wood working. As my staff and GM learned of my weekend projects they have inquired about doing our own in house upgrades. I’ve included pictures of things I built at home, an outdoor couch, epoxy countertop for a built in fridge, planter box, bench and shoe storage.

What are some of the things you have fixed up/built around the club?

It’s a benefit when the staff has an idea to improve an area of the operation and we can implement it. Last summer we upgraded a comfort station outside of the golf shop. We built new cabinet doors for storage by the water machine, hung a new ceiling fan, built a wood shelf for complementary towels, built a chalkboard picture frame and added infused beverage containers. Additionally, we built matching wood bag racks and installed them on the wall leading out from the bag room. This summer's project was all about upgrading our halogen lighting to LED. The recessed golf shop lights were a yellow color and made the shop look dim.

New LED fixtures require a bigger hole to house the fixture, some construction was needed to make the bigger hole size. With a few extra LED fixtures remaining we installed four lights to the trophy case in the hallway, which didn’t have any lights prior. In the end the shop looks much better and the trophy case lighting is a nice addition!

Do you find it is beneficial to have an area of interest outside of golf?

Absolutely! I’m certainly more educated in the scope of projects and associated costs. More so it is a challenge to find local handy men to tackle small projects.

The lighting upgrade mentioned earlier was not something we could get a local electrician to spend his time on. For $200 we made a major impact in the golf shop. Aside from the benefit to the club, the satisfaction of designing and building something at home is a wonderful outlet.

Thank you to Justin for sharing his story!

Trophy lights DeFont fixed at the club.

Couch DeFont built for a hone project.

Countertops DeFont built for a home project.

16

Staff Spotlight Brett Graf, PGA Tournament Director

Brett Graf is entering his third year with the SFPGA currently serving as the Tournament Director administering all Section Tournaments. Brett is a PGA Member who graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2013 and subsequently got his Masters in Sport Management from the University of Florida in 2016. He is a bit of a sports junkie and enjoys playing and watching just about any sport, especially his Ohio State Buckeyes and Boston Red Sox!

Dominic Smith, PGA is the Competitions Coordinator for the SFPGA, working with chapter tournaments, our PGA Professional events, PAT’s and tour qualifiers throughout the year. Before joining the SFPGA team in May of 2018, Dominic graduated from The Pennsylvania State University and the PGA Golf Management program. His internships with the program allowed him the opportunity to work in over 13 different states. Dominic is originally from Huntsville, Alabama, War Eagle. Apart from golf he enjoys the holidays, traveling, playing basketball, studying sports analytics, and Pittsburgh Steelers football on Sunday (maybe not this year).

Dominic Smith, PGA Competitions Coordinator

17

@SOUTHFLORIDAPGA SFPGAGOLF.COM

FALL 2019