FALL 2020 | SFPGA TOPICSÂ
SFPGA Concludes 2020 TOurnament Season Despite the hurdles posed by COVID-19, the SFPGA hosted countless events this summer while taking extra precautions to keep golfers safe,
ANNUAL AWARDS Victor Tortorici, PGA headlines 2020 Annual Award recipients.
SOUTH FLORIDA PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Tyler Collet, PGA wins South Florida PGA Professional Championship.
Fall 2020
Table of contents PAGE 1-2: SOUTH FLORIDA PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PAGE 3: SFPGA ANNUAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES PAGE 4-6: SFPGA ANNUAL AWARDS RECIPIENTS PAGE 7: UPCOMING VIRTUAL EDUCATION PAGE 8: 2020 CHAPTER AWARD WINNERS
PAGE 9: SOUTH FLORIDA PGA SENIOR PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PAGE 10: SOUTH FLORIDA PGA ASSISTANT PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PAGE 11: PGA.COACH PAGE 12: MEET THE PRO PAGE 13-14: SNAPSHOTS OF 2020 PAGE 14: UPCOMING EVENTS PAGE 15: CONRAD REHLING AWARD PAGE 16-18: JUNIOR GOLF PAGE 19: FOUNDATION CORNER PAGE 20: TRIBUTE TO BRENDAN CUNNINGHAM PAGE 21: RULES WITH BRETT PAGE 22: LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY PAGE 23: PARTNERS
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SOUTH FLORIDA PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP VERO BEACH’S TYLER COLLET WINS SOUTH FLORIDA PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Tyler Collet, PGA of John’s Island Club picked a perfect time to win his first South Florida PGA tournament. The Vero Beach resident fired a 3-under 69 during the final round at Broken Sound Club - Old Course to win the season-ending South Florida PGA Professional Championship. Collet birdied the 16th hole on the Old Course and finished at 7-under 209 to win by a shot over two players. The victory earned the 25-year-old PGA Professional $7,200 and a spot in next year’s Puerto Rico Open on the PGA Tour. “It means everything,” Collet said. “It’s the biggest tournament I’ve ever won. I love the Section. I’ve been here four years. It’s an honor to win the Section Championship. Five players were within a shot of the lead on the back nine until Collet recovered from a bad drive at the par5 16th hole. His tee shot went right and landed in mulch. He hit a 5-iron to 220 yards to the edge of the green and two-putted from 25 feet. “I had to hit a huge cut,” Collet said. “That was the key moment of the round for me.”
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SOUTH FLORIDA PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP VERO BEACH’S TYLER COLLET WINS SOUTH FLORIDA PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Matt Doyle, PGA (67) of Turtle Creek Golf Club and Paul Scaletta, PGA (70) of the Bear’s Club tied for second place at 6-under 210. Doyle missed a 60-foot birdie putt on No. 18 by an inch that would have forced a playoff. Scaletta missed a 20-footer on the final hole. “I played really well,” said Doyle, who eagled the par-4 seventh. “No complaints." “I made three mistakes on some short holes, and that was my tournament,” Scaletta said. Defending champion Justin Bertsch, PGA (73) of Club Pelican Bay also needed to birdie the par-5 18th hole to force a playoff, but he missed the green and bogeyed to tie for fourth place with five-time champion Alan Morin, PGA (72) of the Falls Club and Rushi Oza, PGA (73) of the Jim McLean Golf School Biltmore. Bertsch was bothered by a back injury during the round. “I gave it a run, but the back just gave out on the 18th hole,” Bertsch said. Adam Scrimenti, PGA (71) of Woodmont Country Club tied for seventh with Matt Cahill, PGA (74) of Seminole at 2-under 214. John Lee, PGA of Imperial Golf Club shot the day’s best score, a 6-under 66, to vault 39 spots up the leaderboard and finish tied for ninth at 1-under 215 with Patrick Rada, PGA (73) of McArthur and Adam Miller, PGA (74) of the Adam Miller Golf School. “I got it up-and-down a couple of times early, and that gave me some spirit,” said the 58-year-old Lee, who shot 63 in last year’s championship. The South Florida PGA Professional Championship, run by the South Florida PGA, was sponsored by Club Car and Omega and supported by Titleist/Footjoy, Nike, TaylorMade, Golf Channel, PGA Tour, HATH, DLL, Winner’s Award Group and Worksite.
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SFPGA Annual Hall of Fame Inductees Tom Metzger, Victor Tortorici Inducted into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame Longtime South Florida PGA members and dedicated PGA Professionals, Tom Metzger, PGA and Victor Tortorici, PGA are the newest members of the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame. Metzger and Tortorici, the 44th and 45th inductees, have been recognized for extraordinary leadership and commitment to the game of golf and service to the South Florida PGA and the South Florida PGA Foundation. For over 25 years, Metzger has worked at Vineyards Country Club in Naples and has been a leader in junior golf and community service, often pushing young junior golfers to make a difference in their communities. Throughout his career, Metzger has operated golf events for the Folds of Honor Foundation, participated in the St. Matthew’s House Golf-A-Thon, raising over $200,000 and has hosted SFPGA PGA HOPE Program to help veterans learn the game of golf. Through his dedication to the game, Metzger has earned the respect and praise of his peers. In 2001 and again in 2011, Metzger received the Golf Professional of the Year Award in the SFPGA Southwest Chapter; in 2013, Metzger was awarded the Bill Strausbaugh Award and in 2016 he was named the Junior Golf Leader. “It is a great honor to be inducted into the SFPGA Hall of Fame, alongside so many great PGA Professionals,” said Metzger. “As a Director of Golf, I know that a person in my position has the ability to make a difference and so I made it my mission to help those who are less fortunate through the game of golf.” Tortorici has led the golf operations at Sailfish Point Golf Club for the last 32 years where he leads his staff by example and creates opportunities for members. As a player, Tortorici spent time on the Asian, European and Korn Ferry Tours and once led the U.S. Open for half a day, before committing his life to the profession of golf. His time as a player has helped shape the values and work ethic that Tortorici brings to his Director of Golf role every day. Never too big for a job, Tortorici’s lead-by-example approach has allowed him to become a mentor for others in the industry, with six of his employees working for him for 20 of his 32 years a testament to that. Additionally, Tortorici has held many leadership roles within the Section, was the SFPGA Merchandiser of the Year in 1997 and was a National finalist for the award in 1998. Tortorici’s inclusive nature has helped build a thriving membership at Sailfish Point as well as play host to many high school, amateur and professional events. “Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is an unbelievable and humbling honor,” said Tortorici. “To be included among the golf professionals who make up the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame is the absolute highlight of my career. Changing people’s lives through the game of golf has been one of the most rewarding parts of my profession and I hope that future generations will continue to cherish that aspect of the game. I will always be indebted to my family, my staff, and the members of Sailfish Point for the last 32 years, all of whom have shown me unwavering support and helped to make this dream a reality.”
The South Florida PGA Hall of Fame annually inducts new members who have devoted their careers to growing and enhancing the game of golf, recognizing members each year at the South Florida PGA Awards Dinner. Due to COVID-19, the SFPGA will not hold a dinner and will instead honor the inductees at their individual facilities.
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SFPGA Annual Awards Recipients Victor Tortorici Headlines the South Florida PGA 2020 Award Recipients Victor Tortorici, PGA Director of Golf at Sailfish Point Golf Club has been awarded the 2020 South Florida PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award. As the highest honor a South Florida PGA Golf Professional can receive, Tortorici leads the 2020 SFPGA Awards class. The South Florida PGA annually recognizes a PGA Professional for overall performance, level of service to the Association, leadership, image and ability to inspire fellow professionals and promote the game of golf. A PGA Member for 35 years, Tortorici has led the golf operations at Sailfish Point Golf Club for the last 32 years where he leads his staff by example and creates opportunities for members. As a player, Tortorici spent time on the Asian, European and Korn Ferry Tours and once led the U.S. Open for half a day, before committing his life to the profession of golf. His time as a player has helped shape the values and work ethic that he brings to his Director of Golf role every day. “Being selected as the South Florida PGA Golf Professional of the Year is the pinnacle of my career,” said Tortorici. “To be awarded this, in a Section with so many outstanding golf professionals, is an honor. I am truly thankful for my dedicated staff and members at Sailfish Point for all their support and contributions to my career. I have been able to work with and for so many talented individuals and achieving this recognition is a testament to their influence on me.” Never too big for a job, Tortorici’s lead-by-example approach has allowed him to become a mentor for others in the industry, with six of his employees working for him for 20 of his 32 years at Sailfish Point a testament to that. Tortorici’s inclusive nature has helped build a thriving membership at Sailfish Point as well as play host to many high school, amateur and professional events. Tortorici strives to hold himself and those around him to the highest standard and always instills the values of integrity, honesty, sportsmanship and character both on and off the golf course. His dedication to others and growing the game of golf is made apparent through his commitments over the years. Tortorici has held many leadership roles within the Section, serving on the SFPGA Board for the Southeast Chapter Tournament Committee for four years; SFPGA Section Chairperson of the Senior Tournament Committee for four years; and was a member of the SFPGA Section Senior Committee for eight. “As a PGA professional, I have been able to mentor numerous individuals in the industry and watch them grow and succeed on their own paths,” said Tortorici.
“ ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO DEVELOP AND I NSPI RE OTHER PROFESSI ONALS I S THROUGH EXAMPLE. I AM ALWAYS TRYI NG TO I MPROVE MY OWN GAME AND SHOW OTHERS THAT THERE I S NO LI MI T TO PERSONAL GROWTH; EVERY YEAR YOU NEED NEW I DEAS AND SKI LLS TO ENHANCE YOURSELF AND YOUR CAREER. ” - VICTOR TORTORICI PAGE 4
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SFPGA Annual Awards Recipients
GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR VICTOR TORTORICI , PGA
Recipients of the 2020 South Florida PGA Awards include the following:
TEACHER OF THE YEAR MARK COSTAREGNI, PGA
PGA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEE STROEVER, PGA
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BILL STRAUSBAUGH TONY LOYOLA, PGA
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PAM ELDERS, PGA
YOUTH PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
ASSISTANT OF THE YEAR
DAVID ARMITAGE, PGA
EVAN JONES, PGA
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SFPGA Annual Awards Recipients
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DEACON PALMER
PATRIOT AWARD
MIKE MCLELLAN, PGA
ALLEN MANGUSON, PGA
MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR - PRIVATE
MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR - PUBLIC
MIKE SCHUETTE, PGA
KENNY SZUCH, PGA
MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR - RESORT
SALESPERSON OF THE YEAR
BOB COMAN, PGA
PETE BYMAN
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Upcoming Virtual Education How to use Technology to Create Exceptional Membership Experiences November 5th Virtual Mike Balliet, PGA - Calusa Pines Golf Club JR Friend, PGA - Boca West Country Club
PGA.Coach November 10th Virtual Ted Logan and Jeff Price, PGA of Americal
How to Build Your Own Brand November 24th Virtual Rekreation Marketing
Clubster is a new communication tool the Section has rolled out in hopes of streamlining communication, both Section to member and member to member. To increase the tool’s effectiveness, we encourage posting to be often, to ask questions and to engage in conversations. During this time, the goal will be to utilize Clubster as a discussion board to share/discuss/inquire about COVID best practices at your facilities. Clubster is a free mobile app and web platform which can be used to communicate via mobile and through email. Clubster: App download instructions, click here. More information on Clubster, click here. For questions about Clubster, please contact Jackie Hobson at jhobson@pgahq.com. PAGE 7
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2020 Chapter Award Winners 2020 SOUTHEAST CHAPTER AWARD WINNERS GOLF PROFESSI ONAL OF THE YEAR: PAUL CLI VI O, PGA TEACHER OF THE YEAR: JERRY TUCKER, PGA BI LL STRAUSBAUGH AWARD: DON LAW, PGA PGA PROFESSI ONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD: SHAWN COSTELLO, PGA PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD: PAM ELDERS, PGA YOUTH PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD: KENNY LEECH, PGA ASSI STANT OF THE YEAR: JOHN BEDNAR, PGA MERCHANDI SER OF THE YEAR AWARD: STEVE HUDSON, PGA
2020 SOUTHERN CHAPTER AWARD WINNERS GOLF PROFESSI ONAL OF THE YEAR: SEAN KI CKER, PGA TEACHER OF THE YEAR: DEREK SWOBODA, PGA BI LL STRAUSBAUGH AWARD: SHANE WARRI NER, PGA PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD: JOHN MOSCOSO, PGA YOUTH PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD: JOSE REYES, PGA ASSI STANT PROFESSI ONAL OF THE YEAR: PATRI CK SCHMI TZ, PGA MERCHANDI SER OF THE YEAR AWARD: RYAN SUNDBERG, PGA SALESPERSON OF THE YEAR: NI CK FERNANDEZ
2020 SOUTHWEST CHAPTER AWARD WINNERS GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR: STEVE WAUGH, PGA TEACHER OF THE YEAR: MARK DURLAND, PGA BILL STRAUSBAUGH AWARD (CLUB RELATIONS): DAN GAWRONSKI, PGA PGA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD: SCOTT KASH, PGA PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD: RENEE O'HIGGINS, PGA YOUTH PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD: THOR PARISH, PGA JEREMY NEW ASSISTANT OF THE YEAR: ABBY BRENNAN, PGA HENRY WATKINS AWARD: SCOTT VAN DAME
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SOUTH FLORIDA PGA SENIOR PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP RAFAEL FLORIANI WINS SOUTH FLORIDA PGA SENIOR PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Rafael Floriani, PGA of Port St. Lucie fired his second consecutive 5-under 66 to win the South Florida PGA Senior PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in August. Floriani birdied three of his last seven holes on the Ryder Course to finish at 10-under 132, two shots ahead of Joe Kern, PGA of Vero Beach. “I’m very humbled to win this championship,” said Floriani, a faculty member and PGA Master Professional at the PGA Education Center. “The South Florida Section has so many great players and gentlemen I have looked up to for a long time. “This has to be the No. 1 highlight of my career. I’m very comfortable at this facility. I have been playing these golf courses for 11 years.” The 52-year-old Floriani didn’t make a bogey on his last 34 holes and made five birdies Tuesday. He didn’t know he won until he reached the scoring area. “It’s been a little bit of a dry spell for me lately,” Floriani said. “I’m not complaining. I tried to keep it simple. I played the percentages and made some good putts. Yesterday the putter felt good and that gave me a lot of confidence today.” Kern of Hawks Nest made it interesting with birdies on his last three holes to shoot 7-under 64, the low round of the tournament. But Kern started four shots back and Floriani didn’t make any mistakes. Alan Morin, PGA (70) of The Falls and Roger Kennedy Jr., PGA (67) of the Country Club at Mirasol tied for third place at 135. Three players tied for fifth at 138: Daniel Heaslip, PGA (67) of Windstar Naples Bay, Lee Rinker, PGA (68) of Emerald Dunes and Steven Vecellio, PGA (69) of Frenchman’s Reserve. Steve Madsen, PGA (69-139) was eighth. The top eight finishers advanced to the Senior PGA Professional Championship Oct. 15-18 at PGA Golf Club. Another home game for Floriani. The South Florida PGA Senior PGA Professional Championship, run by the South Florida PGA, is sponsored by Golf Channel, John Deere and Whistling Straits.
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SOUTH FLORIDA PGA ASSISTANT PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP JEREMY WELLS WINS NATIONAL CAR RENTAL SOUTH FLORIDA PGA ASSISTANT PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Jeremy Wells fired a bogey-free 64 to win the National Car Rental South Florida PGA Assistant Professional Championship at Plantation Preserve Golf Club. Wells shot a 6-under 30 on the front nine and won by two shots over Ryan Zylstra of the Quarry Golf Club and Michael Welch of Bonita National. Wells took the lead with an eagle at the par-5 eighth hole and endured an almost three-hour rain delay.
“I GOT OFF TO A FANTASTIC START AND IT WAS TIME TO HANG ON FOR DEAR LIFE AGAINST SOME REALLY GOOD PLAYERS AND GREAT FRIENDS,” - JEREMY WELLS The long weather delay came just as he was about to hit his approach on the par-3 12th hole. He birdied two of the last three holes to clinch the victory. After starting the 36-hole event with seven pars Monday, Wells played his last 29 holes in 14-under. . “Scoring wise, that’s by far the best I’ve ever played,” said the 29-year-old Wells. “I’m very proud of the way I controlled the ball. It felt easy all week. That’s not normal for me. That’s not normal for any of us out here.” Zylstra, who led after an opening 65, also didn’t make a bogey, but his 67 left him two shots back. Welch made seven birdies and a bogey for a 66. Wells, Zylstra and Welch were joined by Ryan Fountain (68-135) of the Bear’s Club and Matthew Sheperd of McArthur (67-136) in qualifying for the National Car Rental PGA Assistant Championship Nov. 12-15 at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie. “It’s the first time I’ve qualified for the national tournament, and I’m proud to go there and represent the Section,” Wells said. “It’s amazing what the South Florida PGA has been able to do with the virus going on … having to constantly change courses to keep us competing.” The National Car Rental South Florida PGA Assistant Professional Championship, run by the South Florida PGA, is supported by Srixon, Cleveland Golf, XXIO, ASICS and John Deere.
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Replacing your greens is easier than you think! I have been fortunate to work at public & private facilities in the South Florida Section for 30 years. If there is one lesson I’ve learned it’s that everything is better when you have great greens. True rolling greens are the heart of your operation, whether your dependent on good reviews or answer to a panel of Golf Committee Members; providing your customers with new greens will undoubtedly reawaken any Club’s bottom line. Courses that target public play undeniably depend on favorable reviews. Poor reviews lead to lowering your rates which eventually leads to worse reviews. This is the downward spiral many daily play courses have been facing of the past several years. In 2015 Champion Turf, LLC bought the St. James Golf Club forging the Champion Turf Club at St. James. The Port St. Lucie location served as a centralized Florida hub for their golf course construction company. Owners Morris Brown, Mike Brown and Paul Housewright have planted over 1000 courses with Champion. Please visit http://www.championturffarms.com for complete bio and list of courses. Common Questions when Converting your course to a new Champion Turf Ultra Dwarf Bermuda putting surface:
Downtime: 6 to 8 weeks. See video that includes a Step by Step No-Till Renovation™ 6 week Renovation of our course in Port St Lucie renovation PSL 2016. https://youtu.be/0nLju-TreQk Cost: An average price for 18 holes, Practice Green and nursery strip and rototill re-shape method is approximately $130,000. No-Till Renovation™ is approximately $65,000. See below. When Should we plant?: We begin planting South Florida Courses as early as April and as Late as September. *You will not have to close for deep core aerification the following year. Is there a Guarantee? Champion Turf guarantees its Turf for 5 years. Based in Port St Lucie, We offer local support and sod is available in the event of an emergency. Will it change the greens? No-Till Renovation™ is the process of changing the grass variety on a putting green without reconstructing the existing surface. The end result of the process is that the green contours are exactly as they were before, but with a uniform, 100% strand of Champion. The resulting putting surface is dramatically improved by the inherent characteristics of Champion because Champion provides the best ball roll of any bermudagrass cultivar. Chris Cunniffe General Manager, PGA Champion Turf Club at St. James Port St. Lucie, FL.
H O W P G A .C O A C H A N D T H E M O D E R N C O A C H I N G S E R I E S F U E LE D SO U T H F L O R I D A P G A H A L L O F F A M E R D U R I N G G L O B A L P A N D E M IC By Kara Marsom What does a South Florida PGA Hall of Famer and coach to four-time major winner Brooks Koepka do when the world shuts down due to a global pandemic? Gets better. When the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered PGA National Golf Club in March 2020, Warren Bottke, PGA, didn’t want to just sit still. Bottke wanted to continue working and improving himself as a PGA Professional and coach. So he turned to PGA.Coach to get started. Throughout the pandemic, South Florida has been deemed a significant COVID19 hot spot. While many courses in Florida were able to remain operational, those in Palm Beach County were mandated to cease operations. ““PGA.Coach will help you get there.” We were shut down completely for about 10 weeks,” Bottke recalled. “Now, we’ve been in Phase 1 for about five months, and we’re hoping to transition to Phase 2 this month. That will allow us to do some group outings and clinics.” Amidst all the uncertainty, Bottke logged onto PGA.Coach and forged ahead. For Bottke, it was the design and professionalism of the program that got him engaged, and kept him engaged. “The entire training series was done very professionally,” Bottke said. “The quality and format of the content was striking and it made you want to pay attention, which is a tough feat to accomplish with this sort of program.” Bottke says the American Development Model (ADM) training available on PGA.Coach was something he didn’t even know he needed. “I think there’s a lot of misleading information in our industry as far as specialization and mastery,” he explained. “The ADM training helped me get more information and guidance for coaching junior golfers.” When it comes to creating a community around your course and reinforcing the fun and impactful benefits of golf, Bottke points to the Modern Coaching series. “I’ve worked with Will [Robins, CEO of WRGolf and RGX] and I know his model,” Bottke proclaimed. “His focus is to make golf instruction more fun, more applicable to the student and less geared to critiquing. Golf is a very frustrating, hard game and his solution is to let the students be themselves and enjoy the process.” Now that Bottke’s course has reopened (with modified accessibility), he’s excited to implement what he’s learned in his PGA.Coach training. From what he’s seen already, Bottke claims the program, which can be completed in under three hours, is a no-brainer. “The added value is the repeat business. If you’re doing a good job they’re going to keep coming back. Number one, if they’re having fun and number two, if they’re improving in their stats and scoring, they’ll keep coming,” he said. “Throughout the program, there’s a big emphasis on the ease and professionalism of the training. It’s a quick program that never felt like a chore.” Bottom line, we need to get people out enjoying the game,” Bottke explained.
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Meet the Pro MEET THE PRO: MIKE RICHARDS BY GARY CURRERI
Mike Richards, PGA, a 30-year member of the PGA of America, runs the Mike Richards Golf Academy at the Parkland Golf and Country Club. He worked alongside Jim Flick and traveled for the Nicklaus/Flick and ESPN Golf Schools as a lead instructor. His many accolades include being named U.S Kids Top 50 Kids Teacher in 2017, and Teacher of the Year for the South Florida Section in 2014. He coaches at North Broward Prep School. Dream Foursome? My dad (Lew), my son (Sean), and Jack Nicklaus. My dad started me in golf and I have been a part of golf because of Jack. I was a caddy at Muirfield Village in 1974 when I was 11 and caddied for 6 or 7 years. I love watching Sean play, and he never had a chance to play with my dad.Your biggest influence? Jim Flick. I was introduced to him when I was 16 at a Golf Digest Golf School. I moved to Florida and went to work for him. He showed me how to communicate and teach better. Favorite club? My putter. I am currently using a Scotty Cameron and I putt very well.Best moment in golf? Playing for Ohio Wesleyan University, finishing fourth in the NCAA Division 3 National Championship in 1986 and missed winning by two shots. I was named first-team All-American. Most difficult hole? TPC Sawgrass No. 17, into the wind..
Parkland's toughest hole? No. 4, Par-4 from the black tees, about 440 yards. Water down the right, out of bounds and bunkers down the left. Dogleg left to right. You can’t miss the green to the right – it rolls into the water. Bogey probably gains a shot on the field. Best part about being a teaching pro? I help people achieve their goals and it is fun to see it all.
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SNAPSHOTS OF 2020 TECHNOGYM FORT LAUDERDALE OPEN Michael Kartrude of The Bear's Club shot a 3-under 69 Friday to win the South Florida PGA major by two strokes at 10-under 134. Kartude won when Evan Bowser of LaPlaya double-bogeyed the 18th hole at the Forest Club’s Bear Course, hitting his tee shot out of bounds. But Kartrude put himself in position to win with birdies on the 15th and 16th holes that left them tied with two holes to play.
TEACHING SYMPOSIUM The SFPGA hosted its virtual teaching symposium August 31-September 2. The three-day even featured guest speakers Jason Baile, PGA Director of Instruction at Jupiter Hills Golf Club, John Bierkan, PGA Director of Instruction at Aronimink Golf Club abd Jim McLean, PGA of the Jim McLean Golf Schools.
JIM MCLEAN, PGA Jim McLean, PGA Teaching Professional at the Jim McLean school in Coral Gables and member of the South Florida PGA for the last 26 years has won the 2020 National PGA Professional Development Award, announced today by the PGA of America. McLean joins 11 other PGA Professionals in receiving national honors.
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SNAPSHOTS OF 2020 WOMEN'S SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP Jenny Suh, PGA of The Dye Preserve claimed the 2020 Women's Section Championship title. Suh carded a 6672 to go six-under-par for the tournament. After enduring some tough weather conditions during round one, Suh went on to post seven birdies, five of which were on the back nine.
CHALLENGE CUP The 40th Challenge Cup Matches were held at Club Pelican Bay on October 21 and 22. After several close matches on the final day, North Florida PGA took home the cup with a 13 to 11 win. This year's team was led by Captain Jerry Impellittiere, PGA and represented by Tyler Collet, PGA, Matt Cahill, PGA, Justin Bertsch, PGA, Justin Smith, PGA, Andrew Filbert, PGA, Steve Vecellio, PGA, Adam Miller, PGA, Jason Martin, PGA, Mike Berger, PGA, Adam Scrimenti, PGA, Alan Morin, PGA (Sr.) and Gene Fieger, PGA (Sr.).
UPCOMING EVENTS OCTOBER 26-27 - SENI OR CHALLENGE CUP BELLEAI R COUNTRY CLUB OCTOBER 28 - GLOBAL GOLF SALES CLUB MAYACOO LAKES COUNTRY CLUB NOVEMBER 12 - CADI LLAC I NVI TATI ONAL CYPRESS LAKE COUNTRY CLUB *NEW* DECEMBER 7 - QUAI L VALLEY HOLI DAY PRO-AM QUAI L VALLEY GOLF CLUB DECEMBER 18 - THE QUARRY FOUNDATI ON PRO-AM THE QUARRY GOLF CLUB SFPGA TOPICS
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SECTION LEADERSHIP
John Moscoso, PGA Honored With Conrad Rehling Award The Conrad Rehling Award, first presented in 2005, honors the late PGA Master Professional who followed a successful collegiate coaching career at Florida and Alabama by transforming his retirement into inspiring PGA Professionals to give back to those with intellectual and physical disabilities.
I AM HONORED AND HUMBLED TO RECEIVE THIS AWARD," SAID MOSCOSO. "I SHARE THIS AWARD WITH THE ENTIRE STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS AT THE FIRST TEE MIAMI." - JOHN MOSCOSO, PGA Moscoso has a big heart and passion for these Special Olympics athletes. Over the years, he has taken on the role of a mentor to many of these athletes. Last year, Moscoso celebrated his 10th year of involvement with Special Olympics Golf. He is responsible for coordinating and hosting the MiamiDade County Special Olympics Golf, which is a nine-week training and state qualifying program. This event draws in more than 800 athletes. In 2019, Moscoso hosted the local Special Olympics Unified Golf Training and Qualifying Program. This program brought together 80 participants passionate about the game. In addition, Moscoso hosts a weekly complimentary golf clinic for individuals with special needs 36 weeks out of the year. “I’ve had the great opportunity of working with PGA Professionals the past 25 years and they are some of the most special people you will ever meet,” said South Florida PGA Section executive director Geoff Lofstead. “And some of the most other special people you will ever meet are Special Olympics athletes." When you combine those two together, there is an unbelievable award created to honor PGA Professionals who embody the spirit of Conrad Rehling and his passion for giving back to the community, particularly Special Olympics athletes.
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Junior Golf Section HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP Due to the overwhelming success of the previous SFPGA High School Championships. The SFPGA Junior Tour administered two High School Championships in 2020: The East Coast (Indian Spring Country Club) and the West Coast (Crown Colony Club). In total, these events brought out over 140 golfers and over 30 High School teams coached by 10 PGA Professionals. We would like to recognize high school coaches: Danny McLellen, PGA and Carla Overhiser, PGA (Oxbridge Academy), Mike Richards, PGA (North Broward Prep), Bridget Ackley, PGA (St. Paul II), Sherri Pla, PGA (The Kings Academy), Alex Falls, PGA (Gulf Coast High School-Girls), Jeff Nixon, PGA and Bobby Conway, PGA (Bishop Verot Catholic-Girls) and Andy Scott, PGA (Bishop Verot Catholic-Boys). East Coast Recap: Hosted by Indian Spring Country Club on their East and West Courses, the SFPGA High School Championship started off with a bang (literally) with difficult weather conditions for the first round, resulting in a cancelation and the change to an 18 hole event. Layla Pedrique, an eighth-grader, fired an eight-under 63 at Indian Spring Country Club to lead The Sagemont School as the Lions captured the South Florida PGA High School Championship in the female division. Pedrique did not waste any time getting her day started, with birdies on her first three holes to pace her low round for the day.
Finishing in second for the girl’s division was Archbishop McCarthy led by Jennifer Lilly a three-over 74 from Jennifer Lily. In the boy’s division, Oxbridge Academy came out on top after a team playoff with The Benjamin School. Birdies by Tyler Stachkunas (73) and Dante Moser (72) in the playoff helped Oxbridge hold of The Benjamin School.
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Junior Golf Section HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP West Coast Recap: The two-day tournament hosted 11 high school teams, competing in 36-holes of stroke play competition at Crown Colony Golf and Country Club in Fort Myers. In first place for the girl's division was The Sagemont School led by a three-under par from Ariana Silva. The team safely secured the win after going only five-over-par including 11 birdies and two eagles. Finishing in second for the girl’s division was Bishop Verot Catholic.
In the boy’s division, Sarasota Riverview took home the championship title. As a team, Sarasota Riverview carded five birdies and an eagle during the tournament as well as three consecutive birdies on holes 5-7 during round two. In second place for the boy's division, Gulf Coast High School and Bishop Verot Catholic tied for the title finishing five strokes behind Sarasota Riverview.
2020 US Amateur Champion Former SFPGA Juni or Tour pl ayer, Tyl er Strafaci of Davi e won the 120th U. S. Amatuer at Bandon Dunes i n August. To read more, cl i ck HERE now. Strafaci pl ayed on the SFPGA Juni or Tour i n the earl y 2010' s and i s j ust one of the thousands of j uni ors that have parti ci pated i n #TheJourney. To l earn more about our l evel s of pl ay avai l abl e for j uni or gol fers, cl i ck HERE now.
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SFPGA Junior Family Spotlight The Desmond Family SFPGA Junior Tour players and brothers, Mateo and Jude Desmond, have been active on the Junior Tour for several years. For Mateo, his first introduction to the game began at the driving range with his father. Despite not having his own set of clubs at the time, he started swinging and didn’t want to leave. In 2015, Mateo started out playing Team Golf. Over the next few years, he worked his way up to Prep Tour and now competes on the Challenge Tour.
He has four wins this season alone. His first victory came back in February at the Country Club of Coral Springs where he shot oneunder-par to win the boys 11-12 division. At the Doral Junior Open, Mateo went one-under-par again, earning him first place in the boys 13-18 challenge division. His next win came at the Challenge TourSandhill Crane where he carded a 73-70 to again go one-under-par for the tournament. The Labor Day Classic brought another win for Mateo after he went 74-70-74 to win the boys 13-18 division. “I love playing against the older kids in my division. It gives me a chance to show off my skills and push myself to be a better player,” said Mateo. Jude is paving the way for himself on the Challenge Tour. Jude started out on the Prep Tour in 2018 and has since worked up to compete on the Challenge Tour alongside his older brother. He finished top five at the Nicklaus Junior Championship. In August, Jude finished fifth at the Challenge Tour- Sandhill Crane. “My favorite part is being able to travel all over and play in different events. I’ve made a lot of friends and it’s fun to be able to go out and play golf with them,” said Jude. Their mother, Shelie, is thankful for the experience the Junior Tour has given her sons and all of the junior golfers in South Florida. Keep up that competitive spirit, Mateo and Jude! PAGE 18
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Birdie Club The South Florida PGA Birdie Club serves as a way for our Junior Tour Members to give back to their communities through the game of golf. Junior Tour players obtain pledges for each birdie that they make throughout the season and the money that is raised is put back into the SFPGA Foundation and programs like: PGA Hope, Smiling Fore Life, and Habitat for Humanity. This year our Junior Tour members have worked extremely hard to raise over $4,000 for the foundation so far (and the season is far from over), with a combination of over 100 birdies made. Leaders of the Birdie Club are: Brett Moore with 40 birdies and raising funds of over $1,600, and Alex Heard who with 41 birdies has collected $1,260. “The Birdie Club is an opportunity to give back while doing something that I love and am passionate about” said Birdie Club Member Alex Heard. This is the third season that Alex has participated in the Birdie Club and over that time he has raised over $5,000 for the SFPGA Foundation.
foundation corner Tom Yeager Marathon: Tom Yeager, PGA and Meredith Schuler took to the golf course to raise awareness and support for the South Florida PGA Foundation and additional charities. Teeing off at 7:00 am at Hobe Sound Golf Club, both began their journey of completing 100 holes of golf in one day! While this feat was quite impressive, raising over $20,000 was equally exciting. Rallying friends and family to support life-changing programs during these difficult times is a testament to our PGA Professionals continuing to change the lives of their local community. Their original goal was to raise $10,000. This goal was met and surpassed a week before the event. Donations continued to flood in and has led community leaders to double their intended fundraising amount. Q: Why do you support the South Florida PGA Foundation? A: As PGA Professionals, we have a great opportunity to give back to the community through the SFPGA Foundation, and I like to take advantage of this opportunity whenever I can. Q: Which SFPGA Foundation program speaks the most to what you're passionate about? A: Although all of the SFPGA Foundation programs are very worthy causes, the two that I am most passionate about are PGA HOPE and Smiling for Life. I feel blessed to be able to potentially make a positive impact on a military veteran in need, or a child experiencing hardship. Q: Why did you choose to host a golf marathon to support the SFPGA Foundation? A: Playing 100 holes of golf in a day is a great way to show support for the many charities of the Foundation, and to be able to team up with Meredith for a day of golf in support is worth all the effort. Q: Why should others support the SFPGA Foundation? A: Whenever we are feeling as though life has dealt us a bad hand, it’s best to remember that there are always people more in need than we are. We should all look for ways to support others in need, and raising money for the SFPGA Foundation, so they can do just that, is a great way to do so.
NATIONAL DAY OF HOPE National Day of HOPE is upon us! In honor of our nation’s Veterans, PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America, has announced that Nov. 11—Veterans Day— will serve as the 4th Annual PGA National Day of HOPE. The nationwide celebration has two goals: Commemorate our nation’s heroes who protect our freedom; and raise awareness and support for PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere).In support of this year’s PGA National Day of HOPE activities, PGA REACH has launched a campaign through the GoFundMe Charity platform, where individuals and organizations can contribute to meaningful fundraising events in support of Veterans and PGA HOPE programming, from Oct. 1–Nov. 11. And the funds raised will directly support the PGA HOPE programming of south Florida, helping local military veterans in your local community.
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In loving Memory of BRENDAN CUNNINGHAM
On October 1st longtime friend and volunteer of the SFPGA, Brendan Cunningham lost his fight against cancer. Brendan began his service to the South Florida PGA in 1990 when he began volunteering as a starter at our events. Brendan continued that role for the past 30 years and if you ever participated in one of our events you had the pleasure of walking onto the first tee and hearing him get your group started. Brendan also became a staple at our junior golf events when we founded the junior tour in 1999. Brendan was inducted into our Hall of Fame in 2018 and provided an acceptance speech that will be remembered for years to come. Brendan loved PGA Professionals and junior golfers and would often tell me it was a highlight of his day to spend time with them no matter what he was dealing with at the time. Cunningham was a huge supporter of golf from juniors to professionals and was inducted into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame on Nov. 13, 2018. He will be greatly missed.
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Rules With Brett This edition of “Rules with Brett” covers the various scenarios of what happens when your ball in motion is accidentally or deliberately stopped or deflected by a person, animal, outside influence, obstruction, or the flagstick. These scenarios can be split into three resulting categories of how to proceed: 1) Play the ball as it lies. 2) Cancel and replay the stroke. 3) Take relief from where the ball ended up. Consider this your official cheat sheet to make it easier to remember what to do and when to do it.
1) Play the Ball as it Lies Scenarios- Ball played from anywhere off the Putting Green: A player’s ball in motion ACCIDENTALLY hits any person or outside influence. This is true even if the ball hits the player, the opponent or any other player or any of their caddies or equipment. (No Penalty)- Ball Played on Putting Green in Stroke Play: If the player’s ball in motion hits another ball at rest on the putting green and both balls were on the putting green before the stroke, the player gets the general penalty (two penalty strokes)- Ball ACCIDENTALLY Hits Flagstick or Person Who Removed or Is Attending It. If the player’s ball in motion accidentally hits the flagstick or the person who removed or is attending it (or anything the person is holding), there is no penalty and the ball must be played as it lies. 2) Cancel and Replay the Stroke Scenario - When Ball Played from Putting Green Accidentally Hits Any Person, Animal or Movable Obstruction (Including Another Ball in Motion) on Putting Green: The stroke does not count and the original ball or another ball must be replaced on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated) except when the ball hits the flagstick or person attending the flagstick (that is covered above. 3) Take Relief or Change the Position of the Ball Scenarios- When Ball Played from Anywhere Except Putting Green Comes to Rest on Any Person, Animal or Moving Outside Influence: The player must not play the ball as it lies. Instead, the player must take relief using the estimated point right under where the ball first came to rest on the person, animal or moving outside influence as the reference point. - If it is known or virtually certain that a player’s ball in motion was DELIBERATELY deflected or stopped by a person (whether or not the ball has been found), it must not be played as it lies. Instead, the player must take relief as follows:o (1) Stroke Made from Anywhere Except Putting Green. The player must take relief based on the estimated spot where the ball would have come to rest if not deflected or stoppedo (2) Stroke Made from Putting Green. The stroke does not count, and the original ball or another ball must be replaced on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated). Rules 11 and 13 cover most scenarios that exist when a ball in motion is deflected. The above is a concise version of what can be a very tricky situation on the golf course. PAGE 21
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SECTION LEADERSHIP
CHAPTER LEADERSHIP
President | Karl Bublitz, PGA Seagate Country Club
SOUTHEAST
Secretary | Paul Clivio, PGA St. Andrews Country Club Honorary President | Don Meadows, PGA Quail Valley Golf Club Tournaments | Jeff Waber, PGA Broken Sound - Old Course Southeast At-Large | Shawn Costello, PGA Boca Grove Golf & Tennis Club Island Chapter | Tony Loyola, PGA Carts 4 You Southwest | Nathan Groce, PGA Palmira Golf and Country Club Southwest At-Large | Bob Radunz, PGA The Quarry Golf Club Southern | Shane Warriner, PGA Crandon Golf Key Biscayne Southern At-Large | Steve Jablonowski, PGA Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation Awards | Casey Brozek, PGA Quail West Country Club Juniors | Lee Strover, PGA Emerald Dunes Golf Club Membership Outreach | Ken McMaster, PGA Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club Seniors | Jerry Impellittiere, PGA Monarch Country Club District 13 Director | Mark VanDyck, PGA Fort Lauderdale Country Club PGA Career Consultant | Kathy Grayson Executive Director | Geoff Lofstead Advisory Board: Ken Kennerly Steve Sponder Joe Steranka Dan Thomas
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President Jeff Waber, PGA Broken Sound Club - Old Course jwaber@brokensoundclub.org Vice President & Treasurer Ben Bauer, PGA The Club at Ibis bbauer@clubibis.com Secretary Paul Crespo, PGA BallenIsles Country Club pcrespo@ballenisles.org
SOUTHERN President Shane Warriner, PGA Crandon Golf Key Biscayne shanewarriner@pga.com Vice President & Treasurer Marty Caifano, PGA Woodmont Country Club mcaifano@woodmontcountryclub.net Secretary Adam Scrimenti, PGA Woodmont Country Club ascrimenti@pga.com
SOUTHWEST President Nathan Groce, PGA Palmira Golf and Country Club ngroce@golfclubatpalmira.org Vice President Jeff Nixon, PGA Stoneybrook Golf Club jeff@stoneybrookgolfestero.com Secretary Matthew Oakley, PGA Worthington Country Club headpro@worthingtoncc.com
Partners presenting:
Supporting:
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S OUT HF L OR I DAP GA
S OUT H F L OR I DA P GA
S OUT HF L OR I DAP GA
S F P GAGOL F . C OM