2012 March/April Newsletter

VOLUME 22, NO. 2 MARCH - APRIL 2012

topics newsletter PGA PROFESSIONALS IN THE COMMUNITY

What’s Inside?

2012 tournament updates Annual Meeting News Play Golf America Events ...MORE Global Golf Sales Cup - page 4 Dennis Walters Show - page 9 Foundation News - page 10

“The best exercise for golfers is golfing”

- Bobby Jones-

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NEW MEMBERS

The South Florida PGA would like to welcome the following new members to the Section: Trevor J. Austin, PGA Patrick R. Breton, PGA Angelo J. Catucci, PGA William C. Cauley III, PGA Daniel P. Colosi, PGA Michael R. Cripe, PGA Steven D. Daly, PGA Ryan M. Hartnett, PGA Matthew W. Hillier, PGA Lindsay E. Hoskins, PGA Eric T. Kasdin, PGA Stephanie M. Koke, PGA Mark S. Ledom Jr., PGA Nicholas N. Lykens, PGA Dean C. Marolf, PGA Sean W. McGinness, PGA John G. Nieporte, PGA Andrew M. Prascak, PGA Jose M. Reyes, PGA Joseph L. Sucato Jr., PGA James J. Tirone, PGA Federico G. Torresani, PGA Robert J. Tucker, PGA Michael L. Vanover, PGA Alexander N. Weir, PGA

A-8 A-8 A-8 A-3 A-8 A-8 A-8 A-8 A-8 A-11 A-8 A-8 A-8 A-8 A-1 A-8 A-1 A-6 A-8 A-8 A-8 A-8 A-8 A-8 A-8

Everglades Club Legends Golf & Country Club Country Club of Florida PGA Tour Wild Wood Country Club The Rookery at Marco GC Redstick Golf Club Pelican Sound Golf&River Club The Club at Olde Cypress PGA of America Nat’l Office Seminole Golf Club Club at Mediterra Jim McLean G School-Doral Pelican’s Nest Golf Club Atlantic National Golf Club Foxfire Country Club Trump International GC Jim McLean G School-Doral Orangebrook Golf Course Colonial Country Club Seminole Golf Club Old Corkscrew Golf Club Tiburon Golf Club Grey Oaks Country Club Kahkwa Club

NEW APPRENTICES

The South Florida PGA would like to welcome the following new apprentices to the Section: Maximiliano J Alverio Ryan A Angarola Hollis B Batchelor Landon J Bompensa Conner M Clinkenbeard William C Collins Robert A Hensley Scott E Hughes Matthew W Long Curtis D. Malone Matthew N Metaxas Cory J. Nicolan

B-1 B-8 B-8 B-8 B-8 B-8 B-8 B-8 B-8 B-8 B-8 B-8

Palmas Del Mar PGA Center for Golf Learn&Perf President Country Club Loblolly Pine Golf Club Quail Valley Golf Club The Bear’s Club Naples National Golf Club Cypress Woods Golf & CC Old Palm Golf Club Forest Glen Country Club Normandy Shores Golf Club Miami Beach Golf Club

APPRENTICE LEVELS PASSED Hollis B Batchelor Christopher R Granger Kyle J Hess Joseph E Kern Adam R. Kolloff Curtis D. Malone Joseph R. Melchiorre John G. Nieporte, PGA Mark Reischer Jose M. Reyes, PGA Robert P Rooney Chris A. Shaul

President Country Club Grande Oaks Golf Club Lost Tree Club The Indian River Club Jim McLean G School-Doral Forest Glen Country Club River Hall Country Club Trump International GC Doral Golf Resort & Spa Orangebrook Golf Course Calusa Pines Golf Club Dunes Country Club

N0 R1 R2 R2 N1 N0 R2 R3 R3 R3 R2 N1

QUARTER CENTURY CLUB

Congratulations to PGA members Steven Baisch, Mike Blosser, and Marty Muldoon who were all elected to the Quarter Century Club of the PGA of America, an elite group of members who have served the PGA with honor and pride for 25 years.

contact

SOUTH FLORIDA SECTION 186 Atlantis Boulevard Atlantis, FL / 33462

PHONE / FAX

561-729-0544 / 561-729-0914

EMAIL

sflorida@pgahq.com

WEBSITE

www.sfpgagolf.com

PRESIDENT

Brian Peaper, PGA

VICE PRESIDENT Warren Bottke, PGA

SECRETARY

Mark VanDyck, PGA

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Steve Cox, PGA

SOUTHERN CHAPTER PRESIDENT Dick McNeill, PGA

SOUTHEAST CHAPTER PRESIDENT Rick Heard, PGA

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER PRESIDENT Ben Bryant Jr., PGA

ISLAND CHAPTER PRESIDENT Brian Shaver, PGA

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Geoff Lofstead

ADVISORY BOARD Paul Anderson Rick Bayliss Steve Sponder Ken Kennerly Matt Lambert Jim O’Connor Peter Lund

DECEASED MEMBERS

On March 3rd, Life Member Gordon Jeffries passed away. We send our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

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PAT PASSERS

Congratulations to the following who passed the Players Ability Test March 30th at Stoneybrook Golf Course of Estero.

Brian Bartow Steven Cuzzort Jonathan Decker Stephen Kok James Krnc Frank Lang Justin LeClere Elizabeth Leiter Michael Loppnow Andrew Mesheau Alex Meyer Joshua Miner Julian Ortunio Zakary Parker Domenik Roman Austin Ross Joshua Ross Joseph Rupp Steven Sands Gary Shea Paul Shulick Rex Wiggins

GET A JUMP START ON YOUR MSR CREDITS Volunteer for a South Florida PGA Junior Tour event and you can receive up to 8 MSR credits in one day.

PGA Professionals are needed to serve as Pace of Play/Rules Official during all seventeen events conducted throughout the year. The next event is set for April 20-21 at Indian Spring Country Club for more information or to volunteer contact mschechter@ pgahq.com.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE MORE CONNECTED WITH TOURNAMENT INFORMATION?

This year you can receive all tournament updates and pairings via text message! It’s free and only takes 15 seconds. Simply text pgatourny to 69050 to receive updates on event deadlines, partnership announcements, event updates, etc. In addition, you will be able to receive special event specific updates for each event you register. For example, if you entered the Pro-Official, simply text proofficial to 69050 to receive updates on pairings, results, partners, rain delays, etc.

“Key Words” for each event will be e-mailed to each event registrant after the deadline. Please contact the Section office with any questions.

SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP AND SFPGA CHAMPIONSHIP COMBINED

The Section Championship has been combined with the South Florida PGA Professional Championship and will be held August 20th-22nd at Sailfish Point and Willoughby Golf Club. Thus, the Section Championship will serve as the qualifier for the Professional National Championship. All South Florida PGA Members will be eligible to enter including Life Members,

Spring Meeting Schedule SECTION ANNUAL MEETING Monday, April 30th Marriott Heron Bay Coral Springs 1 PM - 4 PM (please note further information on pg. 5) SOUTHERN CHAPTER Monday, April 16th Inverrary Country Club 9 AM SOUTHWEST CHAPTER Monday, April 16th The Vineyards Country Club 10 AM SOUTHEAST CHAPTER Tuesday, April 24th Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club 6:30 PM Please note that jackets are required for all meetings. Further details can be found by visiting www. sfpgagolf.com/events/meetings/

however Life Members are not be eligible to qualify for the Professional National Championship as per the PNC eligibility policies. Please make note of the early registration deadline, Thursday, July 5th at 5:00 pm.

NEW FLORIDA NOUNCED

SENIOR

OPEN

AN-

The South Florida PGA in conjunction with the Florida State Golf Association will administering the new Florida Senior Open Championship. The new event is set up similar to that of the highly successful Florida Open in which there will be multiple qualifiers contested around the state all culminating to the 54-hole Championship taking place at Bear Lakes Country Club August 10th-12th. Please click here for additional information on eligibility, entry fee, exemptions, qualifying sites, etc.

PRO-ASSISTANT REDUCED TO 18-HOLES The Pro-Assistant Championship has been reduced to an 18-hole event following a Tournament Committee recommendation and Board approval. The event will still be contested as a four-ball stroke play completion beginning with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun followed by a player luncheon.

Parkland Golf & Country Club will host the event on Thursday, July 28th. Click here to register your team today.

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chip shots REGISTRATION IS NOW ACTIVE FOR MOST SECTION EVENTS All South Florida PGA Section events being held April through August are now active for online registration. Click here to register online today.

UPDATE YOUR RED/BLUE CALENDAR

The 2012 Red/Blue activity calendar is in the mail! Please note the following changes not reflected on the calendar.

1) The Pro-Scratch Championship on July 30th will be hosted by The Club at Mediterra in Naples, 2) The Pro-Superintendent Championship on August 3rd will be hosted by Frenchman’s Creek in Palm Beach Gardens.

WANT TO RECEIVE YOUR TOURNAMENT WINNINGS FASTER?

All PGA Professionals and Apprentices participating in Section and Chapter activities will have the ability to have his/ her winnings directly deposited into their checking or savings accounts. Please click here to download the form.

DO YOUR TOURNAMENT WINNINGS NEED TO BE PAID TO A CORPORATION?

If your tournament winnings need to be paid to a corporation please complete the steps listed below: 1. It is important that you completely fill out all the corporation information correctly while registering online. If the information is not complete, then your corporation will not be paid.

2. You can even have your corporation paid when mailing in your entry - just make note of it on the paper entry form before mailing into the PGA of America.

3. Notify the Section office with all your corporation information. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the tournament office at (561) 729-0544.

ASSOCIATION DIRECTORY INFORAMATION AND UPDATES

You should have received your 2012 Association Directory and 2012 Calendar of Events in the mail. If you have not received this package, please contact the Section Office at 561-729-0544. Please note that all information within these publications is current as of February 1, 2012.

FUN REVENUE OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL PGA PROFESSIONALS

The South Florida PGA is excited to pilot the new program PGA Junior League Golf, a fun and developmental program for juniors ages 7 to 13. This is a “Little League” approach to golf, where every youngster gets the chance to play, and the fun, recreation, and sportsmanship of the game for players at any skill level is emphasized. We are looking for professionals who would be interested in creating a team and participating in this pilot program. For more information contact Meredith Schechter at mschechter@pgahq. com or 561-729-0544.

ANNUAL MEETING EDUCATION SEMINAR

On Monday, April 30th at the Marriott Heron Bay Coral Springs from 9 AM - 12 PM an education seminar will be conducted by Weatherbug. This seminar will provide Professionals with pertinent information on lightning and severe weather Safety Tips, and more. Cost to attend is $40 (includes lunch) and 3 MSR credits will be received. Registration is available online at www.sfpgagolf.com/events/eduction

PRO’S ON THE GO Professional John Gudauskas, PGA Michael Maloney,PGA Kim R. O’Neil, PGA Jared Tramontana, PGA Ben Pittman, PGA Matt Wilson, PGA Dean Marolf, PGA Brian Shaver, PGA Alberto Rios, PGA Darin Hoff, PGA Christopher Selvaggio,PGA Zachary Hutchison,PGA Phil Argianas, PGA Greg Martzolf, PGA Anthony Schmid,PGA Dave Salerno, PGA Harry Parker, PGA

TO A-1 – Deering Bay Yacht & CC, Coral Gables A-13 – Parkland G & CC, Parkland New England Section A-1 – Spanish Wells CC, Bon Sprgs

A-1 – Fiddlesticks CC, Fort Myers A-13 – Eastpointe Country Club

A-1 – Atlantic National GC, Lake Worth A-1 – Trump International GC, Rio Grande, PR A-1 Bahia Beach Resort & GC, Rio Grande,PR North Florida Section New Jersey Section Dixie Section A-6 – Int’l Links of Miami/Melreese, Miami unattached A-1 - Hammock Bay G & CC, Naples A-13 – Links at Pointe West, Vero Beach Life Member

FROM A-8- Deering Bay Y & CC A-13 -Middle Atlantic Section A-13 – Sun n’ Lake GC,Sebring A-8 – Spanish Wells CC, Bon Sprgs A-8 – Fiddlesticks CC, Fort Myers A-13- Parkland CC, Parkland A-8 – Atlantic National, Lake Worth A-8 – El Conquistador Resort, PR A-1 – Trump Int’l GC – Rio Grande A-1 – Fiddlesticks CC, Fort Myers A-4 – Spanish Wells CC, Bon Spgs A-1- Grand Harbor Club, Vero Bch A-1- Palmetto Golf Crs, Miami A-13 The Legancy G & T, PSL A-8 – The Rookery Marco, Naples A-13 – Heron Bay GC, Coral Springs A-1 – Lago Mar CC.Plantation

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Annual Meeting of the Membership

Completely redesigned, this year’s Annual Meeting is one you will not want to miss.

This meeting will provide you with answers to the following questions.... * Do you need more rounds at your facility? * What is the best way to engage the lapsed golfers? * What is Golf 2.0 and how can it help you? * How do you connect with her and get more women playing the game? * How can you increase your number of lessons and generate more revenue at your facility?

This year’s meeting will be unlike any other. It will not be your typical meeting filled with report updates. Don’t miss this opportunity to improve your skills!

AGENDA Golf 2.0 Presentation Official Business SFPGA Foundation Updates Ted Bishop, PGA of America Vice President Major Ed Pulido – Folds of Honor Foundation Best Practices Panel Discussion RESOLUTIONS Resolution 1 – Election Policies Resolution 2 – Housekeeping NEW BUSINESS New business items must be submitted by April 23rd OPEN FORUM PGA Professionals may submit items for open forum, all items must be submitted by April 23rd COMPLIMENTARY COCKTAIL PARTY Immediately following Presented by Weatherbug TOP: PGA of America Vice President, Ted Bishop BOTTOM: Major Ed Pulido from the Folds of Honor Foundation

The 2012 Annual Meeting is Presented by PGA National Resort & Spa Supported by Aquahydrate and Weatherbug

For more information about the annual meeting including information regarding both resolutions please visit www.sfpgagolf.com/events/meetings

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tournament news New Global Golf Sales Cup Global Golf Sales and the South Florida PGA Section are excited to announce a new, exciting and unique sponsorship program for 2012. The focus for 2012 is to encourage all PGA professionals to participate in Section events through out the summer. We feel this new format will give all professionals an opportunity to enjoy the events and compete on a level playing field at the season ending Global Golf Sales Cup. The new format is based on participation and participation only. We will have nine (9) qualifying tournaments in which each player will receive participation points for playing. After the nine (9) qualifying events, the 104 PGA professionals with the highest point total (tie-breaking policy outlined on next page) for the year will qualify for the Global Golf Sales Cup scheduled for September 24th at Old Marsh Golf Club.

This final, season ending tournament will be played under a stableford format with a point quota.

The point quota stableford format was selected to give each player an equal opportunity to compete with the entire field. Each qualifying PGA professional will be given a point quota total for this event. The quota will be determined by (1) 2012 tournament scores and (2) committee review.

The final Global Golf Sales Cup will have a total purse of approximately $40,000 or more. The purse will depend on how many people purchase a Global Golf Sales Player’s Card. Each Player’s Card purchased will go directly towards the purse for the Global Golf Sales Cup. In order to gain eligibility into the Global Golf Sales Cup, a professional must have purchased a Global Golf Sales Player’s Card at the beginning of the season for $100. By purchasing a Player’s Card, a professional may start accumulating participation points, be eligible for closest-to-thehole contests, hole-in-one contests and special giveaways. By creating the Global Golf Sales Player’s Card, the Section has eliminated the Section Player’s Card.

At five (5) of the nine (9) qualifying tournaments, Global Golf Sales will be on-site with the signature “Beverage Oasis” and Closest-to-the-Hole contest (1st place $150, 2nd place $100, Holein-One $1,000). Additionally, at four (4) of those five (5) events, four grip manufacturers (Winn, Golf Pride, Lamkin and Black Widow) have agreed to giveaway a full set of grips to anyone hitting the green on a designated par three. In order to be eligible for any cash prizes or giveaway’s, you must have purchased a Global Golf Sales Player’s Card. As an added bonus, the twelve winners (1st and 2nd place) from the five (5) closest-to-the-hole contests will compete for a cruise for two to the Bahamas at the Global Golf Sales Cup in a shootout format prior to the shotgun start.

Global Golf Sales Cup Monday,September 24th at Old Marsh Golf Club 6

tournament cont’d.

Benefits of Purchasing a Global Golf Sales Player’s Card 1. Eligible to start accumulating Participation Points to qualify for the Global Golf Sales Cup with an anticipated purse of $40,000 or more.

2. Eligible for Closest-to-the-Hole contests (1st place $150, 2nd place $100) and $1,000 Hole-inOne contest at five designated events.

3. Eligible for grip giveaway (Winn, Golf Pride, Lamkin, Black Widow) at four events for hitting the green on a designated par three.

4. Closest-to-the-Hole winners (total of 12) from the five events will compete at the Global Golf Sales Cup for a cruise for two to the Bahamas.

Tiebreaking Policy The following tiebreaking policy will be utilized if there is a tie for determining the 104 player field for the Global Golf Sales Cup: (1) Number of tournament rounds completed, (2) participation in “Beverage Oasis” events, (3) Performance in the Section Championship, (4) Performance in the South Florida Open, (5) Performance in the Fort Lauderdale Open.

Disclaimer: 1. Professionals do NOT have to purchase a Player’s Card to participate in those nine qualifying events, however they will not be eligible for entry into the season ending Global Golf Sales Cup or the additional par three prizes and giveaways.

2. Purchasing a Player’s Card does NOT guarantee you a spot in the season ending Global Golf Sales Cup. After the nine qualifying tournaments, the 104 professionals who have accumulated the most participation points will gain eligibility into the event.

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community news Walking with the Pro’s

On Wednesday, February 29th forty-six South Florida PGA Professionals walked in The Honda Classic Kenny G Pro-Am, serving as pace of play ambassadors with each group. For the past six years the South Florida PGA and The Honda Classic have provided this unique opportunity to South Florida PGA Professionals and amateurs participating in the Pro-Am. All those participating in the Pro-Am thoroughly enjoyed the day, especially the PGA Professionals, who have an opportunity to interact with the PGA Tour Professionals along with the local amateurs.

ABOVE: Warren Bottke, PGA In return for the support of the Pro-Am, The Honda Classic annually supports The South Florida PGA Foundation and serves as the presenting partner of The South Florida PGA Junior Tour.

and Tiger Woods

Special thanks to South Florida PGA Professionals: Bill Balash, Kevin Battersby, Dana Bennett, Tom Bishop, Warren Bottke, Michael Broad, Mark Cammarene, Steve Clawson, Tim Collins, Dave Collumbell, Bob Coman, David Comstock, Paul Crespo, Chris Czaja, Julie Degenhard, Tommy Durick, Rafael Floriani, Randy Fluhrer, Greg Gardner, Larry Graczyk, Brian Gurzynski, Jeff Hall, Dan Halverson, Bill Hensel, Jay Higgins, Mark Iwinski, Mike Jonges, Robert Lane, Kevin Ludke, Dean Marolf, Thomas McGuirk, Bela Nagy, Chet Nowak, Steve O’Hara, Bobby Petelinkar, Trent Reeves, Trent Stewart, Mark Thomas, Duncan Tinling, Peter Tyree, Bill Ventresca, John Vicker, Mike Walsh, Craig Watson, and Scott Weber Along with our starters PGA Professional, Pat O’Brien, and Marty Price.

Dennis Walters Shares his Message with Local Elementary School Students

ABOVE: Deerfield Park Elementary school teacher and her students.

Over 150 students, along with twenty faculty members at Deer- field Park Elementary were afforded the opportunity to see Den nis Walters perform his famous show Tuesday morning, February 8th.

With inclement weather in the forecast, the threat of storms had everyone worried that the show would be unable to go on, but the clouds broke apart just in time for Dennis to begin!

This is the first show that Dennis has performed at Deerfield Park Elementary, and students hope that it will not be his last. The show began with a special performance by Dennis’ super dog and best friend, Bucky. After Bucky tried to steal the show, Dennis took the stage to show the students his amazing ability to strike a golf ball while sitting in his swivel chair, along with many other great tricks.

Outside of the amazing talents that Dennis has and the trick shots that he performs; it is the message that Dennis conveys that is most important. His message of inspiration and desire to persevere no matter what life brings your way. Dennis’ message is conveyed through his show, by showing even though he does not have use of his legs, he can still do what he loves most, play golf!

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community news cont’d.

Immediately following the performance Jersey Mike’s Subs was on site providing lunch to all those who attended the show.

This performance would not have been possible without the support of Dennis’ partners Jersey Mike’s Subs, Jelly Belly, and The First Tee; along with PGA Professional Don Law, his wife Diana, the entire staff at the Don Law Golf Academy.

LEFT: PGA Professional Bill Scott (far left), Jersey Mike’s representative, students from Deerfiled Park Elementary, and PGA Professional, Dennis Walters (far right)

play golf america

South Florida PGA Professionals Growing the Game On Saturday, February 25th over 200 free golf lessons were given at the South Florida PGA Play Golf America Day at Stoneybrook GC of Estero. The day was sponsored by PGA of America sponsors MercedesBenz and RBC Bank.

The event featured fourteen SFPGA and LPGA professionals who volunteered their time to give over 200 full swing, pitching, chipping, and putting lessons. Along with the free golf lessons, attendees were able to test the newest equipment from Cleveland, Ping, Powerchute, and Bionic.

When asked about his experience, one participant said “this is the best thing I’ve ever done. I’ve never had a lesson before today and the PGA professionals helped me immensely.”

The finale to the event was the “Super Clinic” conducted by SFPGA Professionals Jeff Nixon, Andy Scott, and Brian Newman. During the clinic the crowd was given an opportunity to ask questions about the many common flaws that most golf swings encounter and get answers from the local expects.

ABOVE: PGA Professionals Jeff Nixon and Andy Scott performing a Super Clinic

TOP: PGA PGA ApprenticeThomas Moore; dBELOW: PGA Apprentice Jordan Ball

The following PGA Professionals volunteered their time for this event: Robin Albright, Suzzanne Bannan, Mike Dopslaff, Gary Gumlaw, Craig Hamet, Kevin Laframboise, Richard Mapother, Duncan McNabb, Thomas Moore, Jeff Nixon, Catherine Ransavage, Tom Roderick, Andy Scott, Frank Thomas, as well as Jordan Ball and Colin Bassler.

South Florida PGA Growth of the Game Chairperson and Head Golf Professional at Stoneybrook GC of Estero, Jeff Nixon, hosted this Play Golf America event.

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play golf america cont’d.

Along with the Section Play Golf America Day at Stoneybrook GC of Estero the South Florida PGA conducted three other Play Golf America Days at local sporting events. The other events included, The Allianz Championship, The Honda Classic and a spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium where nine PGA Professionals gave over 300 lessons to those in attendance. A special thanks to the following the PGA Professionals who volunteered their time to make this possible.

Joe Canny, Steve Clawson, Chris Czaja, Larry Eaton, Gia Fanelli, Jamie Fordyce, Mike Jonges, Dustin McCabe, and Bobby Petelinkar

ABOVE: PGA Professional, Mike Jonges giving a young junior a lesson

foundation news Mirasol Assistance Fund The Men’s Fun Group at Mirasol has been a supporter of the South Florida PGA Junior Tour since 2009. The group approached the South Florida PGA looking for a way to help local junior golfers using the funds collected by the group annually. It just so happened that 2009 proved to be a tough year economically for many families. The South Florida PGA was approached numerous times by junior tour members in need of assistance to participate in golf tournaments. That is when the Mirasol Assistance Fund was developed.

Since 2010, the group has collected $7,600 helping twenty juniors compete in a combined total of 77 events. Already in 2012, thirteen juniors have received grants, and that number is expected to rise as the season progresses.

Recently on March 29th the Men’s Fun Group held their season ending 9-hole scramble event,where they invited two Junior Tour recipients out for a fun afternoon of golf and dinner.

This provided the members of the Fun Group with an opportunity to get to know juniors that they have supported and interact with them one-on-one.

ABOVE: Four members of the Men’s Fun Group, including director Arthur Rosen (far right)

It was truly a great event enjoyed by all who participated.

Without this scholarship, it would be difficult for numerous juniors to compete in tournaments, however the Men’s Fun group has made this opportunity possible.

During the 9-hole scramble the juniors awed the Fun Group members by hitting shots on the course.

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junior news Junior Tour Season Underway Presented by:

Supported by:

The South Florida PGA Junior Tour presented by the Honda Classic hosted Event #2 at Miccosukee Golf and Country Club in Miami, FL this weekend. A sold out field of 104 juniors competed at the hostsite of the Nationwide Tour event.

Daniel Whelan of Coral Springs had impressive under par rounds of 72-70 for a two round score of 142 to win the Overall Boys title. Michael Anderson of Parkland, followed close behind with a 73-72 to come in 2nd place with a 145. With a Sunday score of 2-under par, third place went to Michael Perez of Weston with a 146.

ABOVE: Daniel Whalen (left) and Carolina Garrett (right)

In the Girls Overall division, Carolina Garrett edged out her competition with a two-day score of 156; a 5 shot victory over her competitors. Claudia De Antonio of Weston followed in 2nd place with a score of 161. Finishing in 3rd place with a 162 was Shyanne Lovan of Wellington.

Alberto Martinez of Weston claimed the Boys 12-13 title by shooting an even par 73 Sunday for a two-day score of 151. Andrew Kozan from Palm Beach Gardens claimed 2nd place with a score of 153. Coming in tied for 3rd with scores of 154 were David Giandomenico of Boynton Beach and Hamilton Long of Palm Beach Gardens.

In the Girls 12-13 division, first place came down to a scorecard playoff between Claire Fitzgerald of Parkland and Story Shaw of West Palm Beach.

Fitzgerald edged out Shaw for 1st place with both girls shooting 79-79-158.

Third place went to Alejandra Merchan of Weston with a 161.

Notable mention for under par (73) rounds go to Daniel Whelan for Saturday and Sunday, as well as the following juniors for Sunday: Michael Anderson 72, Michael Perez 71, and Leanoardo Coll (Ft. Lauderdale) 69.

The next South Florida PGA Junior Tour event will be held April 21-22 at Indian Spring in Boynton Beach, FL.

The South Florida PGA Junior Tour is proudly presented

by The Honda Classic and supported by Allianz Championship, Club Med Golf Academy, Don Law Golf Academy, Palm Beach County Sports Commission, The Men’s Fun Group at Mirasol, and Titleist.

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education Rules with Drew

Testing the Condition

The last part of the exception allows a player to place his clubs in a hazard but does the exception allow the club to be in contact with the player while it is touching the ground? Before answering that question here’s another example.

A player, while surveying his shot from a fairway bunker has a club in both his right and left hand. He is trying to determine if the shot requires a hard eight or an easy seven.

As the wind picks up he puts down the eight leaning it against his leg with the head of the club touching the ground in the hazard.

He grips the seven picturing the shot he is about to play. A few seconds later he settles on the seven, picks up the eight and throws it to his caddie. Has the player tested the surface?

SFPGA TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR ANDREW MILLER

Last month at the Honda qualifier at Mayacoo Lakes we had an interesting call come over the radio. The rules official explained the situation as follows. It seems that a player while deciding on whether or not to play his ball from a hazard had his club come in contact with the ground in the hazard. The official went on to explain that the player’s ball was just barely submerged in the water. The player decided to play the ball from the hazard and in an effort to keep dry, he put on his rain trousers. While putting on his rain suit, the player leaned the club against his leg to ensure the grip would not get wet. The club was in contact with the player while touching the ground in the hazard. Did the player test the hazard, a breach of Rule 13-4b?

Rule 13-4 tells us that while a player’s ball lies in a hazard, the player may not (a) test the condition of the hazard, (b) touch the ground in the hazard or water in the water hazard with his hand or club (c) or touch or move a loose impediment lying in or touching the hazard. As with many other rules, there are exceptions and Rule 13-4 in no different. Exception 1 says, “Provided nothing is done that constitutes testing the condition of the hazard or improves the lie of the ball, there is no penalty if the player (a) touches the ground or loose impediments in any hazard or water in a water hazard as a result of or to prevent falling, in removing an obstruction, in measuring or in marking the position of, retrieving, lifting, placing or replacing a ball under any Rule or (b) places his clubs in a hazard.”

Although the Rule does not reflect so, a precedent has already been established by the USGA for dealing with situations similar to the ones described. Exception 1 of Rule 13-4 allows the player to place his club(s) in a hazard. It is assumed that when the player places his club(s) in the hazard that the club will be in contact with the player for a brief second while it is touching the ground 12

rules cont.

upcoming events

of the hazard. The Rule does not expect the player to throw his club in the hazard and even if it did, you have to assume the player would be touching the club with his hand and the ground in the hazard simultaneously when he picked it up.

So, as long as the player only has the club in his hand for a brief second, while it is touching the ground in the hazard, the player is not penalized under Rule 13-4b for touching the ground in the hazard with his hand or club. Notice I said, “in the players hand,” when it touched the ground in the hazard and not in contact with. If I would have said, “in contact with,” then the player would be in breach of Rule 13-4 for the situations described above by leaning the club against his leg.

Leaning the club against the leg does not constitute being in contact with under Rule 13-4.

APRIL 11 PRO OFFICIAL At Weston Hills Country Club Presented by Club Car and Tee-Links Marketing Supported by Ship Sticks and Sun Mountain

In summary, as long as the club is not in your hand for more than a brief second while it is touching the ground in a hazard or water in a water hazard, you will not be penalized under Rule 13-4. As I mentioned above, our ruling was based on precedent set by the USGA and unfortunately there is not a Rule or Decision to back it up. Maybe the 2014 revision with explore this topic further.

APRIL 25 JUNIOR - SENIOR At The Links of Boynton Beach Presented by Cutter & Buck Supported by Global Golf Sales and The Links of Boynton Beach

APRIL 21-22 JUNIOR TOUR EVENT #3 At Indian Spring Country Club Presented by the Honda Classic Supported by Allianz Championship, Club Med Golf Academy, Don Law Golf Academy, Palm Beach County Sports Commission, The Men’s Fun Group at Mirasol, and Titleist APRIL 23 NELSON CUP MATCHES At Santa Lucia River Club Supported by TaylorMade adidas Ashworth

APRIL 27 PLAYERS ABILITY TEST At Spring Run Golf Club APRIL 30 ANNUAL MEETING EDUCATION SEMINAR At the Marriott Heron Bay Coral Springs Supported by Weatherbug APRIL 30 ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERSHIP At the Marriott Heron Bay Coral Springs Presented by PGA National Resort & Spa Supported by Aquahydrate and Weatherbug

Help grow the game of golf in South Florida, and generate additioanl revenue by getting involved with Get Golf Ready!

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PGA OF AMERICA MEMBER BENEFITS

As a PGA Professional there are a wide range of benefits, services and resources available to you and your facility. We encourage you to visit the PGA Benefits section on PGALINKS.COM, as new offerings are added frequently. | OFFICIAL CARD • American Express uses a single base merchant discount rate, which is perceived to be higher than competitors. Review your merchant statements because competitors have incremental fees in addition to what is perceived as their aggregated rate.

• Golf Retirement PlusTM incentives • Incentive funding supports your PGA Section’s programs • American Express/PGA Friend of a Cardmember generates new business • To become an American Express Merchant call (888) 879-2639

| OFFICIAL VEHICLE • Executive Allowance Bonus (EAB) Program with purchase or lease savings incentives up to $4,000 • EAB is incremental to most local and national promotions • To receive the incentive, visit www.Fleet.mbusa.com/pgaa and complete the enrollment form using Corporate Account Number 017909 • Complete details can be found on the Mercedes-Benz page on PGALinks.com – Benefits

| OFFICIAL BANK • Complimentary no-risk, no-obligation financial consultation • Monthly newsletter which features a wide range of wealth management topics • Website with access to timely education, financial guidance and world-class wealth management solutions • For more information, visit the RBC page on PGALinks.com – Benefits

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