May Topics Newsletter

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Warren Bottke, PGA Elected 17th President of the South Florida PGA

CHIP SHOTS

TOPICS NEWSLETTER

NEW APPRENTICES

The South Florida PGA would like to welcome the following new apprentices to the Section: Alexander Gaudian B-8 Quail Valley Golf Club Corey Henry B-8 Country Club of Coral Springs Matthew Bates B-8 Pine Tree Golf Club Sean Hegarty B-8 The Evergreen Club Ryan Hubbard B-8 PGA National Golf Club Sean Knott B-8 Harbour Ridge Country Club Timothy Turpen B-8 Ironhorse Country Club

CONTACT US

SOUTH FLORIDA SECTION 186 Atlantis Boulevard Congratulations to PGA member John Haines who was elected to the Half Century Club of the Atlantis, FL / 33462 PGA of America, an elite group of members who have served the PGA with honor and pride for 50 years.

PHONE / FAX 561-729-0544 / 561-729-0914 PROS ON THE GO Professional To From EMAIL Mitchel Peterson, PGA A-1 –The Dye Preserve A-8 –The Dye Preserve sflorida@pgahq.com Ronald Tapper, PGA A-1 - Links at Boynton Beach A-8-The Links at Boynton Beach Danny Visconti, PGA A-13 –Legacy Golf & Tennis Club A-1-Legacy Golf & Tennis Club WEBSITE Diane McHeffey,PGA A-1 –Sombrero CC, Marathon A-8 -Wycliff Country Club www.sfpgagolf.com

HALF CENTURY CLUB

IN REMEMBERANCE

PRESIDENT We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of SFPGA Life Member Warren Bottke, PGA David Zielinski, who passed away at the age of 67 on March 22, 2013. David is survived by his wife Lee Ann Zielinski.

VICE PRESIDENT Mark VanDyck, PGA FELLOW PROFESSIONAL, TOM YEAGER PREPARES TO PLAY

100 HOLES OF GOLF IN SUPPORT OF THE SFPGA FOUNDATION This year the South Florida PGA Foundation is offering PGA Members and Apprentices with a unique opportunity to get involved in supporting not only the SFPGA Foundation but also a charity of their choice. PGA Golf Day is a flexible, fun way to raise funds for charity, while playing golf! PGA Golf Day task professionals to pick a day and play 100 holes (or less), alone, with your staff, or with members. In preparation for this “marathon of golf” PGA Professionals will solicit their members, friends, and family to make pledges on their behalf.

SECRETARY Don Meadows, PGA IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Brian Peaper, PGA SOUTHERN CHAPTER PRESIDENT Bob Mallek, PGA

Currently Hobe Sound Golf Clubs PGA Head Golf Professional, Tom Yeager who signed up just a few months ago has already raised $3,900 in support of the SFPGA Foundation and the SOUTHEAST CHAPTER PRESIDENT Wounded Warriors Project after just two short weeks of solicitation. On May 23rd Tom will play Neil Lockie, PGA 100 holes at his facility with his members cheering him on. Tom is one of three PGA Professionals currently signed up, and we hope to have many more in the coming months.

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER PRESIDENT Funds raising through PGA Golf Day and the Annual SFPGA Foundation Tire Kingdom Charity Dan Gawronski, PGA Pro Am support not only the SFPGA Junior Tour, they also support the Foundation hospital program Smiling Fore Life, and our upcoming Habitat for Humanity home build this summer in ISLAND CHAPTER PRESIDENT Jupiter. Over the past two years the Foundation has donated $100,000 to Habitat for Human- Aaron West, PGA ity to sponsor two homes and we need your help in raising the funds for a third home build in 2014. For information about PGA Golf Day click here, or for more information the numerous EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR programs operating under the umbrella of the SFPGA Foundation click here.

Geoff Lofstead

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

Perfection is not attainable.

But if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.

- Vince Lombardi

ADVISORY BOARD Paul Anderson Rick Bayliss Steve Sponder Ken Kennerly Matt Lambert Peter Lund

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CHIP SHOTS

TOPICS NEWSLETTER 2013 ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERSHIP

The 2013 Annual Meeting of the Membership presented by PGA National Resort and Spa took place on Monday, May 6th at Bonaventure Resort and Spa in Weston. Over 200 South Florida PGA Professionals came out to attend this business meeting, filled with various messages of motivation and encouragement of getting more involved in the association.

The meeting began with a presentation of the colors by the VFW of Ft. Lauderdale, and singing of the National Athem by local resident Dr. Sandra Fico. Immediately following the opening ceremony, Folds of Honor Foundation representative and double amputee, BJ Jackson of north Florida was invited to the podium to share his inspriational message of courage and triumph over personal adversity. All in attendance were touched by his message and his bravery in serving our nation. In 2012 207 South Florida PGA facilities raised over $171,000 for Patriot Golf Day, which directly contributed to the Folds of Honor Foundation.

Tara McKenna, Chad Kurmel, Don Law, Don Meadows Roger Kennedy Sr, Jeff Raimer, Mike Arthur, Lynn Josephson, and Tom Wildenhaus

In addition to Jackson’s message, Section Awards Chairperson, Don Meadows recognized Don Law, PGA as the 2012 PGA of America National Junior Golf Leader. Don Law shared his thoughts about being recognized on a national stage for his unparalleled contributions to junior golf in South Florida.

PGA Members in attendance showed their support as the newly elected officers were recognized. Immediate Past President Brian Peaper was awarded his official green jacket for his service as President of the South Florida Section PGA for the past two years. The following members were sworn into office: President – Warren Bottke, PGA Master Professional at Abacoa Golf Club Vice President – Mark VanDyck, PGA Director of Golf at Ft. Lauderdale Country Club Secretary – Don Meadows, PGA Director of Golf at Quail Valley Golf Club Alongside Bottke, VanDyke, and Meadows, fellow Professionals Dan Gawronski, Southwest Chapter President, Bob Mallek, Southern Chapter President, and Scott Kirkwood, Southern Chapter At Large Board Member were also sworn into their newly elected positions.

Immediately following the meeting, members were encouraged to enjoy a complimentary cocktail hour presented by Keiser University.

Thank you to all SFPGA Section Professionals who came out to attend the event and a huge thanks to all of our partners who came out to support our Section Professionals throughout the day.

Dan Gawronski, Bob Mallek, Scott Kirkwood, Don Meadows, Warren Bottke, Mark VanDyck, and Steve Cox

DO YOU WANT MORE? - AN EDITIORIAL BY DISTRICT 13 DIRECTOR, STEVE COX, PGA

We all have defining moments in our lives. The day we graduate from school, the day our first child is born, or when we get our first head golf professional job. From that moment on, your life is different. It happened that way for me. My first moment came at the age of eleven years old when I asked my father for an advance on my weekly allowance so I could go to the city swimming pool. He looked at me and said, “Get a job.” What??? I am eleven years old, what kind of a job can I get? Two days later a neighborhood boy took me to the local golf course where I was introduced to the game of golf as a caddy.

Flash forward, eighteen years for my next defining moment. The scene is the third Monday in March, 1980, at Hillcrest Country Club in Lincoln Nebraska. I am attending the spring education program of the Nebraska Section. I am sitting in the back, looking out the window watching it snow, reading a magazine and half listening to the motivational speaker. He asked two rhetorical questions: Are you not making enough money? And are you getting the respect you think you deserve? Now he had my attention. He then answered these questions with: “If not, then you either have insufficient skills, or you are not GIVING enough.” That was my wakeup call!

In the months and years to come I committed myself to enhancing my skills by attending each and every PGA education program that I could fit into my schedule. That experience in itself was incredible. Not only did I learn more about my profession and develop skills that would make me more valuable, but I also met some of the greatest PGA members of all time. How could you not learn something from Bill Strausbaugh, Manuel De La Torre, or Gary Wiren, and many more like them? They became my role models. They had the expert knowledge, and they were willing to share their experiences and skills.

In addition I started volunteering for as many PGA Committee assignments as possible. I met some wonderful PGA Professionals that became lifelong friends, and I had invaluable learning experiences with each volunteer effort. This created respect and recognition from my PGA peers.

In the end they say “you reap what you sow” My life has been richer, and more rewarding because I worked to enhance my skills, and gave of my time and talent to the PGA in service and leadership. As I head into the final chapter of my career I see myself trying to inspire our members “to be all you can be! “ Motivating the next generation of PGA professionals to enhance their skills, and give back to the game and the association. Being a PGA member is more than paying your dues.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of PGA leadership, and I hope that I have encouraged you to follow the PGA education and service 2 path.

CHIP SHOTS

TOPICS NEWSLETTER

WARREN BOTTKE, ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE SOUTH FLORIDA PGA

Warren Bottke, PGA Master Professional was elected the 17th President of the South Florida PGA during the Annual Meeting of the Membership, Monday, May 6th at Bonaventure Resort and Spa in Weston.

Bottke previously served as Secretary of the Association from 2009-2011 and Vice President from 20112013.

Bottke, succeeds Brian Peaper PGA Director of Golf at Lost Tree Club in North Palm Beach. Succeeding Bottke as Vice President is Mark VanDyck, PGA Director of Golf at Fort Lauderdale Country Club, who served the past two years as Secretary. Don Meadows, PGA Director of Golf at Quail Valley Golf Club in Vero Beach, was elected Secretary.

Warren Bottke - Abacoa Golf Club

Additional new members to the Executive Board include, Bob Mallek, PGA Head Golf Professional at Orangebrook Golf Course as the Southern Chapter President, Scott Kirkwood, PGA Director of Golf at Ocean Reef Club as the Southern Chapter At-Large Board Member, and Dan Gawronski, PGA Assistant Professional at Pelican’s Nest Country Club as the Southwest Chapter President.

Bottke is a PGA Teaching Professional at Abacoa Golf Club in Jupiter, where he focuses heavily on growing the game of golf through countless lessons and clinics that he conducts daily for golfers of all skill levels.

Bottke elected to membership in 1981 actively serves as one of the many PGA Professionals that serves as an adjunct faculty member for the PGA of America’s PGA/PGM program. Bottke travels the country to the various PGA Golf Management Universities providing instruction to PGA Apprentices as they advance towards PGA membership.

Bottke is also no stranger to awards as he is one of 18 South Florida PGA members who have received an award on the national level. In 2005 Bottke was name Horton Smith Award winner for his dedication to developing and improving education opportunities for PGA Professionals.

Mark VanDyck - Fort Lauderdale Country Club

PGA Vice President Mark VanDyck, has been heavily involved in both Section and Chapter administration having served from 2011-2013 on the Section board as the Secretary. As PGA Vice President, VanDyck will oversee the finances of Section and previously served as the Section Finance Committee Chairperson for from 2009 to 2011 VanDyck was elected to membership in 1998 and is the Director of Golf at Fort Lauderdale Country Club.

Outside of his Section involvement VanDyck has served extensively in the Southern Chapter and has twice been named the Southern Chapter Golf Professional of the Year.

PGA Secretary Don Meadows is the PGA Director of Golf at Quail Valley Golf Club in Vero Beach. Elected to PGA membership in 1997, Meadows most recently served as the Section Awards Chairperson from 2011-2013.

Don Meadows - Quail Valley Golf Club

Each of these offices carry a two year term.

ANDY STANGENBERG MOTIVATES 73 PROFESSIONALS DURING THE ANNUAL MEETING EDUCATION SEMINAR Prior to the Annual Meeting on May 6th, seventy three PGA Professionals participated in an education seminar led by Andy Stangenberg, President and CEO of Q-Principle.

The topics focused on were innovation in change management and modern leadership productivity as well as self-development and energy regulation. The group walked away with information they can begin implementing immediately at their facilities and in their lives.

Andy Stangenberg

If you are interested in having Andy Stangenberg come speak at your facility, please contact the section office.

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CHIP SHOTS

TOPICS NEWSLETTER

SFPGA FOUNDATION SMILING FORE LIFE PROGRAM TOUCHING LIVES IN THE SOUTH FLORIDA COMMUNITY

Dave Cunliffe, PGA Teaching Professional at the Don Law Golf Academy, visits Joe DiMaggio weekly, and noticed that one of the regular participants, Joel, had been absent for a few weeks. When he inquired about Joel, Dave learned that he had undergone a heart transplant and was not able to participate due to his recovery. Dave understood that when he was able to, Joel would be back at golf, and wanted to do something that would cheer him up and help him to get excited and ready to play. Dave decided to put together a set of clubs for the young man. While presenting Joel with his new set of clubs, Dave was able to speak with him about PGA Tour Professional Erik Compton, who has successfully undergone 2 heart transplants, and is now a successful Tour Professional.

Joel is far enough along in his recovery that he is out of the hospital, and able to continue with his new passion, golf. On April 23, Joel met Dave at Plantation Preserve Golf Course for his first outdoor golf lesson. Also on hand for the day, were a few signed gifts from Erik Compton, who wrote Joel an encouraging message about staying strong.

Dave Cunliffe, PGA, and

Smiling Fore Life Participant Joel During his lesson, Joel built on the skills that he had learned at Smiling Fore Life, including aiming and distance control. He was also able to see how the real green differed from the hospital’s practice green in length, speed, and undulation. Dave and Joel stayed on the practice putting green to work on putting and chipping skills. After a few reminders about posture, grip, and alignment, Joel went to work. He was able to build on his consistency and saw improved ball control after only a short amount of time. “Joel has a real talent for the game, and was able to adjust quickly to the new surroundings” stated Dave. When asked what he thought about being at the course compared to his Smiling Fore Life lessons, Joel said “it’s a lot bigger!”

Even though the sun was strong, Joel kept a smile on his face for the entire lesson. He’s feeling healthy and loving the ability to have a golf club back in his hands. Before he left for the day, Joel asked his dad when he could come back to the course for more practice. One day a week just isn’t enough!

Because of the South Florida PGA Foundation’s Smiling Fore Life program, Joel has found a new focus for his rehab, golf. Through this program, he has also found a new role model in Erik Compton, who has been through similar health struggles and has enjoyed success as a professional athlete.

JACK NICKLAUS INTRODUCES JUNIOR LEARNING LEAGUES IN MIAMI/ DADE COUNTY PARKS

In an effort to bring golf into the mainstream of youth sports, golf legend Jack Nicklaus has embarked on an initiative to grow the game with the assistance of SNAG® Golf, a SFPGA Presenting Partner for the second year, and the National Recreation and Park Association.

The new Jack Nicklaus Learning Leagues, powered by SNAG, will be introduced at select local park and recreation facilities in 2013, and for the first time golf will be made available to youngsters as a team sport. The innovative Jack Nicklaus Learning Leagues, combined with SNAG’s well-established, first-touch development program, will provide a golf learning experience for children, ages 5 through 12, in a safe, affordable and accessible environment.

The Jack Nicklaus Learning Leagues will be separated by age groups: 5- and 6-year-olds; 7-8; 9-10; and 11-12. Each league will have a set number of children per team and incorporate a specialized, age-appropriate format and learning curriculum.

“There are so many sports—team sports—played in the park system today,” Nicklaus said. “Today, kids start playing athletics when they are as young as 4 or 5 years old, and by the time they are just 7, 8 or 9 years old, many of them have picked the two or three sports that they might want to play in the different seasons. If golf is not part of the sports introduced and available to them at their local park and recreation facilities, they will play other sports and not golf. So we need to get golf in their local parks and have them play our sport, and I think the team concept is the way to do it.”

Terry Anton, founder and CEO of SNAG Golf, is enthusiastic about the leadership position of Jack Nicklaus in the establishment of the Jack Nicklaus Learning Leagues.

“Jack Nicklaus’ vision to bring golf to the same venues where other organized sports thrive will make it easier to develop our future golfers,” Anton said. “These leagues will introduce millions of new players to the sport and will help nurture children developing their motor skills and do it in a fun way. SNAG is honored to have been selected to participate with history’s greatest golfer and the NRPA in the Jack Nicklaus Learning Leagues. Our task is to make his vision a reality by implementing SNAG’s programming in the parks and directing this feeder system into all on-course golf programs. This is an important stepping stone for the industry to capture interest in golf early so that youngsters will transition with confidence to play with actual golf equipment on a traditional course. The more fun we make golf for children, the more chance they have to play the game for a lifetime.”

Miami-Dade County Parks has been chosen as one of the pilots for the Jack Nicklaus Learning Leagues under the direction of Steve Jablonowski, PGA, Golf Operations Manager. PGA Professionals took part in a one-day training earlier this month, to roll out the program at their respective locations. The league in Miami is set to begin in early summer.

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FOUNDATION NEWS

TOPICS NEWSLETTER

SFPGA FOUNDATION HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HOME BUILD GROUNDBREAKING

South Florida PGA Golf Professionals will soon be filling their lesson scheduling books with lessons for themselves on hammering and sawing, painting and plastering.

It’s the second annual Habitat for Humanity project for the South Florida PGA Foundation.

“We hope to sponsor one of these homes each year and eventually have one in each of the 14 counties which are part of our section,” said SFPGA Executive Director Geoff Lofstead.

The first one was completed last year in Fort Myers.

The SFPGA Section boundaries encompass everything south of Indian River County on the east coast and Charlotte counties on the west.

The ceremonial groundbreaking was staged last Friday at Kennedy Estates II in Jupiter, south of Indiantown Road and just east of Interstate 95. It’s where 19 single family homes will be built on three and a half acres, according to Bernard Godek, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County.

SFPGA Board of Directors and Habitat for Humanity Home Build Recipients

The county affiliate of Habitat for Humanity stretches from Hypoluxo Road north to the Martin County line and west to Lake Okeechobee. Over the past 25 years, the local organization has built or renovated 157 homes.

“It’s clear that South Florida PGA Professionals have a tremendous passion for golf,” Godek said. “The other passion they share is giving back to the community.”

This year’s recipients are Sateria Williams and her three daughters: Jasmin, 18, a graduate of Inlet Grove High School and currently a freshman at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers; Jade, 12, a seventh-grader at Jupiter Middle School; and Debra, 10, a fourth-grader at Grove Park Elementary.

For the past 10 years they have lived in a two-bedroom apartment at Saddlebrook, near 45th and Haverhill in suburban West Palm Beach.

“I am so overwhelmed,” Sateria Williams, a customer service representative for Florida Power & Light, said through her tears. “I never had a place to call home and that’s what I wanted for my daughters, a place to come back to. Owning a home will accomplish my biggest long-term goal. We are so appreciative and humbled.”

The new home, which should be ready for occupancy later this summer, according to Lofstead, is nobody’s freebie. It comes with conditions attached such as obligating the new residents, during the 6-8 month qualifying process, to promise to contribute at least 500 hours of “sweat equity” and to demonstrate the ability to make payments on a 30-year interest-free mortgage.

In addition to the $50,000 sponsorship, SFPGA Professionals have been asked to assist in the construction of this home. “We hope to have 100 of our members involved, maybe 6-12 a day until this home is complete,” Lofstead said.

“Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity has been wonderful in providing our 1,700 members and apprentices with an opportunity to fulfill their desire to give back to the community and creating camaraderie working alongside one another to build and provide deserving families with an opportunity to own their own homes.”

About Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County is a non-profit organization dedicated to the elimination of sub-standard housing by building simple, decent, safe, affordable houses for low income, hardworking qualified families in partnership with God, community volunteers and local organizations. Each Habitat partner family is required to invest a minimum of 500 sweat equity hours of their own labor into the construction of homes before being eligible to purchase their home utilizing a 30-year, no-profit, no-interest loan. The affiliate’s service area extends from Hypoluxo Road in the south to the Martin County line in the north, and from Palm Beach to Lake Okeechobee.

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TOURNAMENT NEWS

TOPICS NEWSLETTER

ALLINDER AND LEE WIN THE 12TH ANNUAL JUNIOR-SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

John Lee of Naples and Joe Allinder of Bonita Springs combined to win the 12th annual South Florida PGA Junior Senior presented by Cutter and Buck and supported by Global Golf Sales, The Links of Boynton Beach, and The PGA Tour on April 24th at The Links at Boynton Beach.

Playing three separate six-hole formats, Lee and Allinder bested the 47-team field with a 12 under par 59, winning by two shots. They birdied the first, second, third and sixth holes in a scramble format; in four-ball stroke play, they birdied Nos. 7, 8, 9 and 10 and eagled the par-5 11th; and in modified alternate shots, they birdied the 15th and 18th holes. They did not make a bogey.

Brian Peaper, Joe Allinder, Ron Tapper, John Lee, and Steve Sponder

Allinder earned $2,166.12, Lee $1,709.87, from the total purse of $26,022.50. Each received $996.24 from the basic purse, another $383.63 from the bonus pool, and $230 in skins. In closest-to-the-pin contests, Allinder got $150 on the first hole, Lee $100 on the second. Allinder collected an additional $406.25 in a separate skins game at the par-3 seventh hole sponsored by Global Golf Sales.

It was their second SFPGA partnership victory. In 1998 they took the State PGA Pro-Assistants Championship at Lely CC in Naples.

Overall, Lee, of the Imperial Country Club, has eight Section titles, most recently the SFPGA Seniors Championship last year. Allinder, Spring Run GC, has four Section wins.

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER CAPTURES THEIR 10TH NELSON CUP TITLE Southwest Chapter professionals were ahead when rain interrupted play in the South Florida PGA’s 19th annual Nelson Cup matches on April 22 at the Country Club of Coral Springs.

According to tournament guidelines, the competition was declared official with the Southwest finishing with 32 points, the Southeast Chapter with 26 ½ and the Southern Chapter with 13 ½. Southwest now leads the overall tally with 10 wins. The Southeast has six, the Southern three.

Victorious Southwest Chapter team with John and Jeff Nelson

The Southwest led Southeast by 22-21 after the morning modified alternate shots event.

The two seniors singles matches were completed after lunch. Teams and individuals from each team played against representatives of the other chapters in a nassau scoring format.

JOHN WEBSTER & DAVID RENNA WIN PRO-OFFICIAL CHAMPIONSHIP

John Webster, PGA and David Renna of John Webster’s Golf Academy in Palm Beach played a spectacular round of golf together at Wildcat Run Golf and Country Club during the 2013 Pro-Official Championship presented by: Club Car & Weather Bug and supported

by Sun Mountain, Box Groove and AMJ Campbell. Webster and Renna finished their round with a team score of 12 under par, 60 just edging out their nearest competitors PGA Professional Robert Kusek and Rob McKinney of the Club at Mediterra in Naples who shot a combined team score of 62.

Geoff Hoffman, Chris Anderson, Dave Marshman, Chris Trout, John Chris Trout, PGA and Dave Marshman of Cypress Lake Country Club won the low gross division after shooting a combined score of 64. Finishing in second place, just three stroke Webster, David Renna, Dave Kelly, Jim Staub, and Nathan Oberle behind Trout and Marshman was the team of John Lee, PGA and Joe Albers of the Imperial Golf Club in Naples. For complete results from the Pro Official Championship presented by Club Car & Weather Bug, visit the SFPGA website at www.sfpgagolf.com.

The event consisted of 42 teams, comprised of one South Florida PGA Professional and one official from the Professional’s place of employment, playing in a best ball competition.

FOUNDATION PRO-AM

On Thursday, May 6th the South Florida PGA set out to host the fourth annual South Florida PGA Foundation Tire Kingdom Charity Pro-Am at Lost Tree Club, however due to inclement weather the round was unable to be completed. After a delayed start the field was able to venture out and play eight holes before golf was canceled for the day.

The field for the event consisted of twenty-four teams comprised of one PGA Professional and three amateur golfers. With the participation of these twenty-four teams over $40,000 was raised in support of the South Florida PGA Foundation.

Special thanks topresenting partner Tire Kingdom and support partners Fairway and Greene and Lost Tree Club for making this event a success, and helping the South Florida PGA Foundation change lives in the South Florida community through the game of golf.

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JUNIOR CHALLENGE TOUR

TOPICS NEWSLETTER CHALLENGE TOUR EVENT #2 - WINSTON TRAILS GC

The South Florida PGA Junior Tour presented by the Honda Classic hosted the second Challenge Tour event of the season at Winston Trails Golf Club, April 13-14. After thunderstorms ceased play during round one, competitors came out Sunday morning for a shotgun start with between 22 and 29 holes left to play.

Hometown competitor Seonghyun Cho of Lakeworth claimed the Boys overall championship by firing a second round 75, earning him top honors with a two-day total of 153.

Brian Leichert of Boca Raton claimed the Boys 14-15 title by shooting a cool two-day total of 154.

Leichert edged out 2nd place finisher Zach Mendez of Pembroke Pines by one stroke. Following suit, Josh Walton of Tequesta finished one stroke behind Mendez shooting a two-day 156 and earning himself 3rd place honors. In the Boys 16-18 year old division, Blake O’Rourke edged out his fellowLuci Li of Doral and competitor Tyler McMahon in a scorecard playoff earning himself 1st place with a two-day 154. Tyler Seonghyun Cho of Lakeworth brought home 2nd place honors after matching O’Rourke shot for shot in his final round. 3rd place finisher Blake Yodlowski of Wellington shot 161.

In the Girls Overall division, ten year old junior, Lucy Li of Doral, claimed back-to-back overall titles by shooting an impressive two-day 148. Battling against 14-18 year old girls, Lucy finished five shots ahead of her nearest competitor Hannah Leiner of Pompano Beach, who placed first in the girls 14-15 age division shooting a two-day 153. Finishing second in the girls 14-15 division was Katya Barahona with a 156. Georgette Gargia captured 3rd with a close 157. Finishing 1st in the girls 16-18 division was Katie Gribbon of Boynton Beach with a two-day total of 153. Ariana Garcia earned 2nd place honors after winning a scorecard playoff with Tracy Peyton with a 165 two-day total.

In the Boys 12-13 year old division, Anthony Muttillo of Boca Raton claimed the title with an impressive total of one-under-par, 143.

Muttillo followed up a one-over par 73 with a stunning two-under 70 to secure his title. Finishing 2nd was Clay Gibbs of Wellington who fired a pair of 72’s for an even par, two-day 144. Michael Checo, of Boca Raton clinched 3rd place honors shooting a 146.

Jillian Bourdage of Tamarac secured her second title in the Girls 12-13 age division by firing a two-day 158. Coming in 2nd place was Sabrina Fonda of Wellington with a 160. And finishing 3rd was Hannah Foster of Hobe Sound who shot a 161 this weekend.

Huge thanks to Brian Symonds and Josh Davis for hosting this event, as well as PGA Professionals Mitchel Peterson, Bob Korbel, Pete Sokolov, Laurie Rinker, and Tommy Durick for volunteering their time to make this event happen.

CHALLENGE TOUR EVENT #3 - INDIAN SPRINGS CC

he South Florida PGA Junior Tour presented by the Honda Classic returned to Indian Springs Country Club in Boynton Beach to host the third Challenge Tour Event of the season, April 20-21. 84 players from all over South Florida came to compete on the beautiful and challenging East Course.

Boca Raton native, Hayden Bottini, dominated play in the Boys overall division firing an impressive two-day total of 141, which earned him the championship title clearing the field by nine strokes.

Hayden Bottini, Mick McLellan, PGA, Lucy Li

Hometown favorite, CJ Fisher, took home the Boys 14-15 title by shooting a two-day total of 152. Fisher edged out 2nd place finisher Austin Durand of Wellington by one stroke. Josh Walton of Tequesta secured his second 3rd place victory in a row by finishing one stroke behind Durand shooting a two-day 154. In the Boys 16-18 year old division, Tyler Vaughn of Tequesta secured his championship title by firing a two-day total of 155, one stroke better over fellow-competitor, Riley O’Rourke of Jupiter. Austin Bohn of Wellington finished in 3rd place in the Boys 16-18 division by carding a two-day 157.

In the Girls Overall division, undefeated ten year old, Lucy Li of Doral, claimed her third overall title by carding a two-day 146. Li came out on Sunday and secured her title by shooting a one-under-par 71 in the second round of the event. Battling against 14-18 year old girls, Lucy finished five shots ahead of her nearest competitor Ariana Garcia of Davie, who placed first in the girls 16-18 age division shooting a two-day 151. Finishing second and winning a scorecard playoff with a two-day 169, was Macarena Haupt of Weston.

Earning 3rd place, also shooting a 169, was Boynton Beach local Tracy Peyton. Finishing 1st in the Girls 14-15 division was Georgette Garcia with a two-day total of 151. Paige Lee Garris, of West Palm Beach, earned 2nd place honors, and Josephina Haupt of Weston carded a two-day 166 to clinch the 3rd place honors.

Sabrina Fonda of Wellington secured a victory in the Girls 12-13 age division by carding a two-day 159 total. Taylor Caradonna of Boca Raton finished in a close second shooting a 163. Jillian Bourdage of Tamarac and last weeks’ defending division champion came in 3rd with a two-day 164.

The Boys 12-13 year old division, nine-year-old Boynton Beach native Nicklaus Staub claimed a victory in the 18-hole contest on Sunday by carding a two-under par 70. Michael Checo, the 2012 Boys 12-13 Player of the Year and Boca Raton native, earned himself 2nd place by shooting a one-over-par 73, followed closely by Justin Cao of Boca Raton who won a scorecard playoff after an impressive 74 finish.

Huge thanks to Mike McLellan and his staff for hosting this wonderful event, as well as PGA Professionals, Pete Sokolov, and Trent Reeves for volunteering their time to help make this event a success.

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JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR

TOPICS NEWSLETTER

CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR EVENT #3 - INDIAN SPRINGS CC

BOYNTON BEACH, FL – The South Florida PGA Junior Tour presented by the Honda Classic hosted its third Junior Championship Tour Event of the 2013 season this weekend. A competitive field of 75 juniors from all over South Florida competed on the West Course at Indian Springs Country Club in Boynton Beach.

Gage Marino of Palm Beach Gardens claimed the Boy’s overall championship with a two-day total 142, a six-stroke lead over the field.

In the Girl’s Overall division, local Boynton Beach talent Ashley Burke, claimed her first overall title with a two-day score of 144. She finished three-strokes ahead of Emma Bradley of Naples.

Ashley Burke, Don Law, PGA, and Gage Marino

Jake Holt of Jupiter claimed the Boys 13-15 title by shooting a two-day total of 148, besting second place finisher Eduardo Blochtein of Delray Beach by one shot. Charlie Kennerly of Jupiter, who fired

an impressive one-under-par 70 in his final round earned himself third place honors finishing with a two-day total of 151.

In the Boys 16-18 year old division, a scorecard playoff determined the outcome of a four-way tie for first place at 149. Winning the scorecard playoff was defending tour champion, Anthony Gabriele of Wellington. Second place was awarded to Dominique Vennari of Stuart, and receiving third place honors was Carson Klawonn of West Palm Beach.

In the Girls 16-18 division, Alexandra Papell of Boca Raton claimed her first division victory with a two-day total of 151. Boynton Beach native, Radi Sauro finished one stroke back from Papell firing a two-day total of 152, and Mary Janiga of Wellington shot a two-day 153 to earn her third place in the 16-18 age division.

Emma Bradley of Naples won her second straight championship title in the Girls 13-15 division with a two-day total of 147. Samantha Haubenstock of Weston finished in second place with a two-day 152, and Valeria Sophia Pacheco of Hallandale Beach won a scorecard playoff against Claire Fitzgerald of Parkland to earn her the third place trophy. Both girls fired two-day totals of 156.

Congratulations to all the juniors who competed admirably in windy conditions this weekend, and many thanks go to Mike McLellan, PGA and the Indian Springs County Club for hosting such a spectacular event, as well as to our PGA Professionals who volunteered their time to help conduct this event; Don Law, Bob Korbel, Bob Purcel, Nate Danner, Jon Davis, Drew Danna, and Dave Kerr.

CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR EVENT #4 - THE VINEYARDS CC

The South Florida PGA Junior Tour presented by the Honda Classic hosted its fourth Junior Championship Tour event of the 2013 season this weekend at The Vineyards Country Club in Naples. A competitive field of 51 juniors from all over South Florida competed on the beautiful South Course on May 4-5.

Naples native, Ryan Celano, dominated the field by chasing his four-under-par 68 on Saturday with a five-under-par 67. An impressive two-day 135 secured his championship title by edging out his fellow-competitor Michael Anderson of Parkland by three strokes.

Anderson followed his two-under-par 70 with a four-under-par 68 to shoot a two-day 138 and clinch the Boys 16-18 division title. Yuki Fuji earned himself second place by shooting an impressive four-under-par 68 on Sunday to fire a two-day 145. One stroke back from Fuji was Anthony Ryan Celano, Tom Metzger, PGA and Myers of Cape Coral who came out hot on Sunday with a one-under, 71 to win a scorecard playMary Janiga off and secure third place.

Andrew Kozan, of Palm Beach Gardens, began Sunday’s round one stroke back from Celano after posting a three-under-par 69 on Saturday. Kozan carded a one-under-par 71 and secured the Boys 13-15 division title by five strokes. Firing a two-day, one-over par, 145 was Alberto Martinez of Weston, earning himself second place. In third place was Jake Holt of Jupiter shooting a two-day 147.

Following a debut bogey on her first hole on Sunday, Mary Janiga of Wellington fired three consecutive birdies to kick-start a wonderful second round at The Vineyards CC. Janiga posted an impressive three-under-par 69 on Sunday to claim her first Overall Championship title with an even par, 144 total.

In the Girls 16-18 division, Andreina Merchan of Weston, overcame a first-day leg injury and claimed the division title with a two-day total of 148. Shyanne Lovan of Wellington secured second place, one stroke behind Merchan, with a two-day 149. Third place honors went to hometown hero, Grace Rokela who came out on Sunday with a one-over-par 73 for an overall total of 152.

Alejandra Merchan of Weston clinched the Girls 13-15 division by shooting a two-day 154. She was followed closely by fellow-competitors Kaely Krayeski of Wellington and local talent Emma Bradly, both carding two-day 155 totals. Krayeski edged out Bradley in a scorecard playoff to earn second place honors, while Bradley secured the third place title.

Congratulations to all the juniors who competed admirably in windy conditions this weekend. Many thanks go to Tom Metzger, PGA and the entire Vineyards County Club staff for hosting such a spectacular event as well as PGA Professionals Tom Wildenhaus, Perry Smith, Gary Cahil, Ted Motley, and Ben Addis for all of their assistance over the weekend.

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RULES WITH DREW

GATOR BAIT!

TOPICS NEWSLETTER

Last weekend I tuned into the broadcast of the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic and couldn’t help but notice that when CBS wasn’t showing golf, they had their cameras focused on all the wildlife, mostly the alligators inhibiting TPC Louisiana. They showed them swimming, walking across the course and simply basking in the sun. Watching the broadcast got me thinking of the different ways an alligator could affect a player’s round of golf. So, I decided to the focus of this month’s Rules with Drew segment around one of the world’s largest reptiles.

Before I dive into the Rules of Golf, I thought it would be fun to give a little back ground on our friend the alligator. First, alligators range from central Texas eastward to North Carolina. Louisiana has the highest alligator population, approaching 2 million (alligatorfur. com). Personally, I thought Florida would have the most just based on the sheer size of the state not to mention the vastly uninhibited Everglades. I guess Louisiana having the highest population makes sense given that they allow people to hunt them during certain times of year. Have you ever seen Swamp People on the History Channel? Interestingly enough, you are permitted to hunt alligators in Florida as well, however a license will cost you just over $1000 and you are only permitted to harvest two (huntsflorida.com).

The months of April and May are the breeding season in which male alligators use a “growling bellow” to attract females and warn off suitors (alligatorfur.com). This is the time of year when the males really puff out their chest to prove they are suitable mates. Alligators will eat anything, including each other all year to court, defend or protect their territory (alligatorfur.com). “Most gators shy away from humans unless they are fed, challenged or foolishly offered the opportunity for mischief by careless swimmers at dusk (alligatorfut.com).” Alligators mostly hunt at night as they have very good sense of smell and vision in the dark. The life expectancy for alligators is the same as humans, about 70 years but they can grow as old as 100.

As mentioned above, alligators are extremely territorial and will fight, to the death, if challenged, which is why the Rules of Golf would consider an alligator to be a “Dangerous Situation.” While the word alligator is not referenced in the Rules of Golf or its Decisions on any page, Decision 1-4/10 covers all examples of dangerous situations. The Decision makes reference to a live rattle snake or bees’ nest and gives the committee the authority to classify all other areas it may consider dangerous. Lets’ say your ball came to rest through the green near an alligator who was sun bathing. What are your options? Well, you may lift your ball or if you think the ball is too close to the gator and don’t want to risk retrieving it, you may substitute a ball and drop it within one club length of the nearest spot, no closer to the hole that you consider to be out of harms’ way. That spot may not be in a hazard or on a putting green. Lets’ say your ball just barely rolls into a water hazard, into a place where you could definitely play it, however an alligator is only a few feet away (see picture below). Would you have to take relief under Rule 26-1? No, Decision 1-4/10 would allow you to take relief as mentioned above however the ball must be dropped in the hazard. If there was no place to drop in that particular hazard that you consider safe, you may drop a ball in a similar nearby hazard, no closer to the hole. If there isn’t a safe place to drop in the hazard where the ball came to rest or a similar nearby hazard, the player may in equity drop a ball outside the hazard, under penalty of one stroke, keeping the spot where the ball lies between the hole and spot where the ball is to be dropped with no limit to how far behind the hazard the ball may be dropped. The player may also take relief under Rule 26-1 incurring a one stroke penalty.

I would say that of all the encounters I’ve had with alligators, 90 percent of the time they are either basking in the sun or swimming. But lets’ say an alligator is walking across the fairway, like in the picture below, from one pond to another. You stripe your drive down the middle of the fairway but unfortunately your ball is deflected by the moving reptile. What are your options? Well, my first bit of advice would be to give the gator some time to settle down. I’m not sure how a gator would react after getting hit with a golf ball but if it were me, I would be pretty mad and looking to fight. All kidding aside, Rule 19-1 states that if a ball is deflected by an outside agency after a stroke from anywhere other than on the putting green, the ball must be played as it lies. If the ball is not found, the player must proceed under Rule 27-1. If you were truly unlucky and your ball rolled into a water hazard after deflecting off the gator, you would be permitted to play the ball as it lies or proceed under Rule 26-1.

I’ve never seen or heard of this, but lets’ say for arguments sake that an alligator has decided to sun bath on the putting green. You, being the brave sole that you are, decide to hit your putt. Given that you had one eye on the gator and one eye on your ball you toe shank the shot and your ball ricochets off the gator. Assuming the gator doesn’t get up and start chasing you, what are your options?

Again, I’m going to give a little advice. I would highly recommend halting your play under Rule 6-8 and allowing a rules official or committee member to move the gator. After all, that’s why they get paid the big bucks. Rule 19-1b states that should a players’ ball in motion, after a stroke from the putting green, be deflected by a moving or animate (alive) outside agency, other than an worm insect or the like, the player must cancel and replay his stroke.

While this month’s Rules article was written in a light hearted nature, alligators are to be taken seriously at all times. They are very dangerous reptiles who will generally leave you alone if you leave them alone. Given that the game of golf is played outdoors around the habitats of some very nasty creatures like snakes, alligators and bees, the powers that be put into place Decision 1-4/10 which allows the player some escape, because lets’ be honest, the game of golf is supposed to be fun, not dangerous.

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NEW AND UPCOMING

TOPICS NEWSLETTER PARTNER NEWS- INCREASE REVENUE AND GROW YOUR BUSINESS BY CONNECTING WITH SNAG GOLF

Generating new players can seem like a huge feat. For many non-golfers, the barrier for keeping them from the game is that it is too intimidating and too hard. One way to make learning the fundamentals of golf fun and easy for beginners is to use a non-traditional approach.

UPCOMING SECTION EVENTS South Florida Senior Open May 8-10 Jonathan’s Landing @ Old Trail Junior Challenge Tour #4 May 11-12 Atlantis Country Club Fort Lauderdale Open May 13-14 Coral Ridge Country Club Junior Challenge Tour Event #5 May 18-19 Bear’s Paw Country Club

SNAG (Starting New At Golf) programming and equipment is specifically designed to make the first steps easier for new players of all ages and ability levels. An added benefit of using SNAG equipment with your new players is that it is 100% portable: no need to put your brand new golfers on the range next to your scratch membership. Taking new players to a secure, private area on the course and teaching them the game can be much more welcoming and fun to ensure they continue to develop their love for the game, and return as your customer. If you have down time during the summer months you will want to take advantage of this opportunity to grow your clientele through with local organizations, juniors, and adults looking to learn the game. Add more revenue by doing a new moms program during your junior programs at the end of the camps set up SNAG holes to have a play day with the mom and kids playing together on teams!

SPECIAL OFFER: SNAG is offering South Florida Section PGA Members an additional discount on their special FUNdamentals Coaching Kit to add some extra FUN to your summer new learner programs for all ages. Special offer valid through May 15th only. View details and order online: http://www.snagpros. com/fundamentals.html. Use code SFPGA at checkout.

UPCOMING SOUTHEAST CHAPTER EVENTS

UPCOMING SOUTHWEST CHAPTER EVENTS

UPCOMING SOUTHERN CHAPTER EVENTS

UPCOMING ISLAND CHAPTER EVENTS

The Jupiter Classic May 20-21 Old Marsh GC

Chapter Pro-Pro May 20

Senior-Junior May 20 Seven Bridges

Pro-Am #2 May 8 Dorado Beach

Titleist-Footjoy Vero Beach Shoot-Out May 28 Quail Valley

Extreme Open May 27 Cypress lake Stableford Championship May 30-31

East vs. West May 12 Bahia Beach Puerto Rico Classic May 23-26 Dorado Beach

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