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August 2014 Keeping Golfers Connected in TN, KY, MS, AL, NC
Lakes at Peninsula Hole No. 8, par 3
Inside!! 15
Major achievement: Johan Kok tees it up at PGA Championship
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Good eats; Monell’s will satisfy any appetite
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Helping vets: Homes For Our Troops tourney turns 5
August 2014
Gulf Shores: A little slice of golf heaven Pages 2-3
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August 2014
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Gulf Shores: A little slice of golf heaven By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor GULF SHORES, Ala. – Have you been there, done that with all the name-brand golf destinations? You know the ones – Myrtle Beach, Scottsdale, Vegas, Florida? There’s one destination that remains perfect for golfers in the Mid-South. It’s within an easy drive from Tennessee and it doesn’t cost an arm, a leg and foregoing that state-of-the-art new driver you’ve been looking at for a while. Nope – Gulf Shores seemingly is just a long par-5 away from Nashville and it features seven truly great tests of golf with a heaping helping side of beach and nightlife just a hop, skip and a jump away from each of the first tees. Even better, golf is available year-round on each of the seven signature courses that comprise
Gulf Shores Golf Association – a collaborative effort between the courses, the Gulf Shores Visitors and Convention Bureau and hotels, condos and restaurants in the area. The names of the courses are familiar to most golfers in Alabama who have ever ventured toward the coast, and most have earned regional and national acclaim. The designers are household names for most golf aficionados as well – Jerry Pate, Arnold Palmer, Earl Stone. Courses include: Kiva Dunes Golf Club, Lost Key Golf Club, Cotton Creek at Craft Farms, Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club, Rock Creek Golf Club, Timber Creek Golf Club and Cypress Bend at Craft Farms.
Kiva Dunes Golf Club
Timber Creek Golf Cl
ub
The consortium that comprises the Gulf Shores Golf Association came into existence approximately in 1993. That’s shortly after the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail was opening to rave reviews, and it simply added to the appeal to turn Alabama from a drivethrough state on the way to the pristine beaches of Florida’s Gulf Coast to a vacation destination. “First and foremost, all of our courses are signature facilities,” said Todd Edwards, vice president of the GSGA. “They are all very good courses – tour caliber. We have a nice mix of flavors. We hang our hat on that. When you come to Gulf Shores, you aren’t going to play one style of course. We have courses that are resort-style, bayside, links, rolling hills and coastal views.” Edwards said the courses are “a nice inventory of signature style courses that fit our golf association.” The courses at Craft Farms – Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend – were the first to sign on to the concept. When Kiva Dunes, the spectacular Jerry Pate design, opened in 1995, the Gulf Shores Golf Association elevated to new heights. Edwards cites numerous reasons to give Gulf Shores a try. Beyond the golf, there is the convenience of getting there, the variety of accommodations from hotels and condos and everything in between, and the quality of entertainment away from the golf course. It’s also one-stop shopping. A call or a click on golfgulfshores.com is all a person needs to plan their trip – from setting up golf for the duration of the stay to setting up accommodations. “We are very competitive with our pricing as far as stay-and-play packages,” Edwards said. “We look at is as a great value for the experience you will have when you are here.” Edwards said Gulf Shores Golf Association has been able to hold its own as golf as trended downward nationally. Part of that is the repeat business the
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August 2014
organization attracts. He estimates 70-80 percent of their bookings are repeat customers. Annually, 25-30 percent is new business. Also, an aggressive national marketing plan helps drive business to the coast. “Somehow we have found the flat-line curve and we’ve stayed right there on it,” Edwards said. “For us, it’s all about the convenience of our area and what you can do when you get here.” Summer is a busy time for the GSGA, but Edwards said there is no shortage of play in the spring and fall. Moderate temperatures in the winter provide a pleasant golf experience as well. Edwards said the bulk of the golf bookings are buddy trips of 8 to 12 players. A three-bedroom condo can easily accommodate four people with each having their own bed. Many bookings are done as little as two weeks out. For peak season, he suggests planning further ahead. Regardless of your taste in golf, he promises the Gulf Shores Golf Association has something for everyone. For more information, call 877-293-0852 or go to golfgulfshores.com.
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Cypress Bend at Craft Farms
Cotton Creek at Craft Farms
Gulf Shores Golf Association Course listings Cotton Creek at Craft Farms:
One of only two Arnold Palmer projects in Alabama, Cotton Creek features rolling fairways, large undulating greens and Southern Hardwoods. It measures just over 7,000 yards from the tips and features several risk/reward opportunities.
Cypress Bend at Craft Farms:
Arnold Palmer’s only other venture into Alabama is the sister course to Cotton Creek. Cypress Bend has a 4 ½ star rating by Golf Digest and a coastal feel as it winds through a system of cord-grass accented lakes which come into play on nearly every hole.
Kiva Dunes Golf Club:
Designed by Jerry Pate, Kiva Dunes is Alabama’s only beachfront golf resort. Golf Digest has it among its Top 100 Best Public Golf Courses. The 7,092-yard course offers spectacular beauty as it meanders through the property’s native sand dunes, lakes and natural wildlife areas.
Lost Key Golf Club:
The GSGA’s only member course in Florida, Lost Key was redesigned by the Arnold Palmer Design Group in 2006. The par-71 course was the first in Florida to be certified as an Audubon International Silver Signature Sanctuary and is both challenging and visually pleasing.
Lost Key Golf Club
Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club:
An Earl Stone design featuring 27 holes set on Mobile Bay. Consistently rated 4 stars or higher by Golf Digest, the 820-acre site is bordered on two sides by the Bon Secour Wildlife Preserve. The course winds through live oaks, cypress and natural vegetation, and features more than 30 lakes and some of the area’s largest bunkers and waste areas.
Rock Creek Golf Club:
Another Earl Stone design, Rock Creek surprises golfers with its topography that features some of Baldwin County’s highest elevations overlooking the Rock Creek basin. Stone routed Rock Creek between tall pines and hardwoods. The 7,000-yard layout has been awarded 41/2 stars by Golf Digest.
Timber Creek Golf Club:
Rock Creek Golf Club
Earl Stone designed a 27-hole masterpiece that resembles more North Carolina and South Carolina than the Gulf Coast. Routed through a forest of Magnolias, Dogwood and Loblolly Pines, Timber Creek flows through wetlands and provides a challenge for all golfers. Information for this article was compiled from the each course’s Website.
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August 2014
TEE TIMES
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From tHE Editor By Gregg Dewalt
Of football and bucket lists We’re about to hit my favorite time of the year in the South. Of course I’m talking about football season. What else is there? But I love football season for a different reason – and if you are a serious golfer, you should as well. Why? Well, that’s a simple answer for a number of reasons. First, we’re about to get into moderating temperatures. That in itself is reason to celebrate. Instead of stepping out of the golf cart onto the first tee in sauna-like conditions, as we creep into September and beyond temperatures cool
Swan Lake
a player's course with beautiful vistas and friendly staff.
and the humidity lessens. That means playing comfortable golf without having to gulp down three gallons of water or sports drink to stay hydrated. You don’t need four gloves and three towels. The courses are just as good as in their peak summer days, and you can play without breaking a sweat. Which is nice, you know. What’s the second reason to love football season? How about the fact that so many golfers are also rabid football fans that they put up their sticks on Saturdays and Sundays and head to the nearest tailgate.
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That means quality tee times are plentiful, pace of play normally improves and if you time it right, there still is time to get in 18 holes and get to the house in time to catch the midafternoon and early evening games on television. It’s a win-win situation for everybody. Any questions? Now, onto other things, like bucket lists. As we get older, I guess it’s inevitable we start thinking of things we’d like to do before we can’t. Golfers are no different, except often times it’s putting together a list of the great golf courses we want to play while we are still young enough to enjoy them. Here’s a brief list of mine, within reason of possibly getting the opportunity. I mean, I know I’ll never get on Pine Valley or Oakmont, right? 1. Cypress Point: I hear this is the one you need to play on the Monterrey Peninsula. Probably too exclusive for me, but I’ve got it on my list anyway. 2. Bandon Dunes: This could happen with some good planning, and I want to play all of the courses at the facility. This collection of courses is among the best in the world according to experts, and they are open to the public. 3. Royal Melbourne, Australia: I have heard and read nothing but good things about this course. People I know who have played it call it a remarkable golf course. And, the idea of playing golf in Australia is kind of cool. 4. Riviera CC: I actually inquired about this one last January when covering the BCS Championship Game between Auburn and Florida State. One of the bowl officials said I was about five years too late. He said there was a time when it might have happened but he no longer had any pull to get a guest on the famed course. 5. Dorado Beach, Cerromar, Dorado del Mar: These courses at three properties – a total of 90 holes, were where I grew up learning to play. Each course is spectacular and features awesome views of the Atlantic Ocean. Of my bucket list courses, these are the ones closest to being a reality. There are plenty more, but this is a good starting point. Got a bucket list of courses of your own? Email it to me at teetimesgregg@gmail.com. Here’s hoping you hit it long and straight. - Gregg
August 2014
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Tournament, auction to benefit breast cancer patients Tee Times Report NASHVILLE -- The Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition (TBCC), Lowe’s Home Improvement, and Kroger invite golfers to take part in the 18th Celebration of Life Golf Classic and Auction Par-TEE at the Hermitage Golf Course. The Auction Par-TEE is August 14 from 6-9 p.m. The tournament is August 15 with shotgun starts at 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on both the President’s Reserve and General’s Retreat courses. It is the largest one-day charity golf tournament in Tennessee. Participants can register by calling 615-377-8777 or visiting www. tbcc.org/golf.htm. There are numerous incentives to play in the 4-person scramble that has been called the premier event supporting the fight against breast cancer.The silent and live auctions will be filled with exclusive items from Lowe’s, vacation packages, wine, gift certificates, and much more. All players receive a $65 Nike player gift card to shop our exclu-
sive pro shop with super deals at tournament prices. Newk’s Eatery will cater lunch for the participants, and breakfast and dinner are also provided. Prizes will be awarded for each shotgun start. An abundance of special contests will be available and are sponsored by Lowe’s vendors: Lumberman’s, Old Castle, Owens Corning, Quikrete, Valspar, Whirlpool, Heartland, Sunbelt, and Pella. There are many ways to be a part of this event: become a hole sponsor, put in a team with your company or friends, donate an item for the auction, volunteer, or contribute to our pink ribbon flower fund. The TBCC Classic is a fundraising event to honor and commemorate the many lives affected by breast cancer while increasing awareness and raising funds to support TBCC. All of the money raised stays in Tennessee. The
primary program this event supports is the Emergency Access Fund (EAF). The EAF pays necessities such as rent, mortgage payments, utilities and insurance premiums of individuals who have become financially burdened due to the inability to work while in treatment. The mission of TBCC is to be the foremost advocate and provider for Tennesseans facing breast cancer through individual assistance, education, and legislative action. TBCC has raised more than $2.3 million to help fight breast cancer since 1995. A goal of TBCC is to Celebrate Life! We want to be a source for those who are living through, and enduring treatment, giving patients the opportunity to fight this disease with all of the tools necessary to survive. Visit our website for more information: www.tbcc.org.
This beautiful arrangement done lovingly by Bates Flowers each year
Oakley Justus Denton Born July 31, 2014 at 8:25 am Weighing 7 lbs 13 oz. 19.5 in. long Parents: Superintendent Brandon (Two Rivers Golf Course) And Lindsey Denton Proud big sister, Aubrey
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EDITOR Gregg Dewalt
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SENIOR EDITOR David Widener widecard@aol.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Carol Hall teetimescarol@bellsouth.net Established in 1991, Tee Times is published monthly, ten times per year. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.
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(615)Ê449-7272 www.pinecreekgolf.netÊ 3VN\L 9VHK 4[ 1\SPL[ ;5
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August 2014
TEE TIMES I N A U G U R A L
Local team wins City of Crossville team event
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Tee Times report The Crossville team of Greg Wyatt, Adam Forgey, Tim Richardson and Blake Garrison shot a two-day total of 124 to post a one-shot win in the City of Crossville Team Championship played at Lake Tansi Golf Course. The team of Loren Personett, Paul Brannon, Dwayne Lindsey, and Jake Dailey shot 59 in the second round to charge to a second-place finish at 125. Personett was the low professional with a two-day total of 141, while Casey Flenniken finished a shot back at 142. Jared
Melson and Kevin Snell tied for third at 145. In the Regular Amateur division, Ryan Botts and Michael Bradshaw tied for that title at 142. Jeff Golliher finished third at 143. Audie Johnson rolled to a five-shot win in the Senior Professional division, shooting 142 over 36 holes. That was five shots clear of Steven Munson. Mitch Hufstetler opened with a 65 and shot 70 in the second round to win the Senior Amateur Division by two shots over Bob Rice (137).
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An end of an era as USGA ends Publinks By Joe Biddle As he has done for the past 11 years, Franklin’s Joey Smith oversaw state qualifying rounds for this year’s 89th U.S. Amateur Public Links tournament. When Smith determined Kingston Springs’ Phillip Lee and Kingsport’s Cayman Ratliff were this state’s two qualifiers, he gathered up all his paperwork and prepared to go home. “It was then that I looked around and it hit me. It’s over,’’ Smith said this week. “This is the last one.’’ The Publinks, as many golfers call it, started in 1922 for golfers that played public courses. They wanted to give the farmers, waiters and bus drivers a national tournament. What it has evolved into during recent years has pretty much been another tournament featuring the best college golfers, who earlier this summer had their NCAA golf championship. The USGA reasoned, and rightly so, that there was more of a need to have an increasingly popular four-ball event added to its list of championships. Former Vanderbilt All-American and current PGA Tour golfer Brandt Snedeker won the 2003 Amateur Public Links tournament at Blue Heron Pines Golf Club in Galloway Township, N.J. He birdied five of his last nine holes to defeat Dayton Ross of Oklahoma, 10 and 9, in the 36-hole championship match. He turned pro after playing the 2004 Masters. Snedeker returned home from the
Public Links tournament and took his championship. USGA’s decision. “The Masters thought trophy to the Shelby GC clubhouse, Its past winners include former UNLV enough of it to give the winner a spot in a Metro course where Snedeker first All-American Ryan Moore, a two-time the field every year, so it was obviously learned to play the game. He says he winner in 2002 and 2004. South African a good championship.’’ left it there for months. Trevor Immelman won the tournament The USGA added a Women’s Amateur “They may have moved it around in 1998 at Torrey Pines and is playing Public Links tournament in 1977. A to other courses,’’ Snedeker said the PGA Tour. 13-year-old Michelle Wie won in 2003, Tuesday. “I was a bit shocked, but I guess I beating Duke All-American Virada I asked the former Vanderbilt All- understand their reasoning behind it,’’ Nirapathpongporn. American how his career Moore said of the Wie is among those who will miss would have turned out the Amateur Public Links if there had not been an competition. Amateur Public Links “It’s sad. It’s very sad,’’ Wie tournament then. told Lisa D. Mickey. “I’m sad that “That’s a great question in future generations of golfers my mind,’’ he said. “I would aren’t going to experience the like to think I would have WAPL.’’ gotten to where I am today, Wie seems resigned to the but I don’t know. There is no change, saying it’s a new time to question that tournament make new memories. gave me confidence that I For the record, the final winners could play with those guys.’’ of the men’s and women’s “In the grand scheme of tournaments were Byron Meth things, winning the APL and Fumie Jo. The tournament really helped launch my is gone and they are now the career after college,’’ he said answer to a golf trivia question. Joey Smith earlier this year. “I feel a Reprinted with permission from Brandt Snedeker little bit of sadness that it’s the Williamson Herald. going away.’’ USGA President Tom O’Toole said after making the announcement that 2014 would be the final Amateur Public Links tournament. It had been the USGA’s fourth-oldest championship, but officials said it no longer served the purpose it was designed for. The number of entries has also declined in recent years. USGA officials insist the new four-ball format is not a replacement for the APL
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August 2014
TEE TIMES
Around Nashville Fairways John Holmes Assistant Director of Parks
Shelton, Wilkins capture Fyke MUNI crowns We are veering from our profiles of our courses for this issue to give you an update on the James H. Fyke Municipal Amateur Championships. Next month we’ll return to profiling the staff at one of our finest courses, Two Rivers Golf Course. We look forward to sharing with you the staff and items of interest relating to the course. We recently crowned a new men’s champion of the James H. Fyke Municipal Amateur Championship as Franklin’s Nick Shelton emerged with the victory. In the women’s event, Leigh Wilkins returned to the winner’s circle for the fourth time. Here are the recaps of those tournaments.
Shelton wins Fyke Municipal Amateur
Nick Shelton opened a lead and then held on to win the James H. Fyke Mu-
nicipal Amateur Championship recently. Shelton rode an opening 66 at Ted Rhodes GC to grab the lead, and then successfully held on the rest of the way to win by two shots over Nick Garret-
for the second straight year. Shelton held a two-stroke lead going into the final round, saw it slip away on the front nine but regrouped on the final nine to edge Garretson. Shelton, who played at Ole Miss and Middle Tennessee State, said he had never played Ted Rhodes before playing a practice round shortly before the tournament began.
Wilkins shoots 62 at McCabe, wins 4th MUNI title
Murfreesboro’s Leigh Wilkins has been the dominant player in the James H. Fyke Women’s Municipal Amateur Championship. The former Middle Tennessee State University golfer won three straight titles from 2007 through 2009, and returned to the winner’s circle again this year. Wilkins built a big lead with a tourna-
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Ted Rhodes
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son. Shelton followed his 66 with rounds of 73 at Harpeth Hills GC and closed with a 72 at Harpeth Hills for a 211 total. Garretson shot 73-68-72 to finish second
But Wilkins regrouped to hold on for the win, corralling her fourth Fyke Women’s Amateur title.
Coming attraction
With the men’s and women’s municipal tournaments decided, the senior men will take center stage Sept. 15-16 at Ted Rhodes Golf Course.
New kids on the block
(l-r) James A. Fyke, former Director of Metro Parks, 2014 MUNI Champion, Nick Shelton, and retired Metro Director of Golf, Danny Gibson. This tournament is named in Jim Fyke’s honor and the trophy bears Danny Gibson’s name.
Two Metro Parks golf course staffers recently welcomed new additions to their family. Charles Waylon Trent Evans Leigh Wilkins, 2014 Women’s MUNI Champion, Jim Fyke, was born in May. His parents Retired Metro Parks Director, this tournament is named in are Wayne (Ted Rhodes golf his honor, and Sally Davis, the trophy which bears her name. professional) and Vickie Evans. Two Rivers superintendent ment-record 62 in the first round at the McCabe Golf Course, and then held on Brandon Denton and wife Lindsey welcomed Oakley Justus Denton on in the final round for a two-shot win. Nashville’s Sam Burrus, a former July 31. Congrats to the Evans and Denton Franklin Road Academy golfer who now plays at Lee University, closed families from all of us at Parks. Until next time, keep it in the fairway. what appeared to be an insurmountJohn Holmes able lead by Wilkins in the final round.
August 2014
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Shore wins Tennessee State Junior Amateur Tee Times report Knoxville’s Davis Shore captured the 2014 Tennessee Junior Amateur championship with rounds of 75-63-70 to win by a two-stroke margin over Chase Harris, Hunter Richardson, and Tanner Owens. Shore opened the final round with a one-shot lead but struggled at the outset with three bogeys
Davis Shore
in the first five holes at the Sevierville Golf Club’s River Course. He steadied himself with a birdie on the par-4 No. 7, and added two more birdies to finish at even-par 70 for the win. Shores 2-under-par 208 finish makes him one of the youngest champions in recent history and he earns an exemption into the 2015 event.
Jones Captures Girls’ Junior Amateur Title Tee Times report
for the win. Starting the tournament with her first ever round in Sevierville - With the 60’s, Heck set the consistent play stage for a wire-toover three rounds, wire lead en route to Covington’s Aubree her victory. Jones won the 51st Special thanks annual Tennessee Girls’ to Sevierville Golf Junior Championship at Sevierville Golf Club Club for hosting the by one-stroke over 2014 Tennessee Clarksville’s Hanley Junior Amateur Long. Championships. In the 10-14 age Since the junior division, Rachel championships began Girls’ Junior Amateur Heck from Memphis in 1964 by Harold and Champion: Aubree Jones closed out the week at Ruth Eller, 2014 marks (shown with 10-14 Champion, Rachel Heck) Sevierville Golf Club the first time that with 68-71-70 for a Both events have three-day total of 209, four under par, been co-hosted at a facility since 1995.
TEE TIMES
9
TOO HOT TO PLAY? Come up to
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ently. Johnny Warren, PGA Seen and heard at the Ryman recplayer? Why does he and the le Professional and Blue Grass fidd s Band? Check to see the rest ugg Scr & tt Fla others look like the e of Tee Times Paper. of the story. In the September issu
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August 2014
TEE TIMES
Opinion
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3TAY 0LAY THE BEST IN THE SMOKIES
By David Widener Member Golf Writers Association of America
Valhalla perfect championship golf
Championship, including the rebuilding of all 18 greens. It has more than 60 bunkers and water comes into play on six holes. The signature hole is No. 13, a 355-yard, par-4 dogleg left featuring an island green. “The course is the flagship of the PGA of America,� Roger Meier, the head golf course superintendent at Valhalla, said. “The whole plan during the renovation was to ensure it was one for the ages. We went from having 800 irrigation heads in the ground to having 3,000, yet we are saving water because it allows us to put the water exactly where we want it.� This year’s tournament features a revival of the Long Drive Competition, missing from the PGA Championship since 1985, and the largest merchandise tent ever built for a PGA Championship: 38,000square feet of shops which will be operated by 600 volunteers. There are 15 former PGA champions seeking the 2014 title, including Shaun Micheel of Memphis who won in 2003 thanks to a memorable 7-iron shot on the final hole. Other notable players with local ties to the Mid-South are Nashville’s Brandt Snedeker, Kenny Perry of Franklin, Kentucky, J.B. Holmes of Campbellsville, Kentucky, and Johan Kok, the general manager of Temple Hills Country Club in Brentwood. Kok was one of 20 who qualified through June’s PGA Professional National Championship in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
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Expect nothing but the best when Valhalla Golf Club puts on a professional tournament. The reason is simple. The Professional Golfers Association of America owns the Louisville, Kentucky course. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, it opened in 1986, but it wasn’t until being selected in 1992 to host the 1996 PGA Championship that Valhalla attracted serious attention from the PGA. The following year (1992) it purchased 25 percent interest in the club. After the 1996 championship, it raised its stake in the club to 50 percent and brought the event back to Valhalla in 2000. After that tournament, the PGA exercised an option to purchase the remaining interest in the club. Now the sole owner, the PGA selected Valhalla for its 2004 and 2011 Senior Championships, the 2008 Ryder Cup and this year’s PGA Championship. The name Valhalla comes from Norse mythology. Valhalla was the Great Hall of Odin where the bravest warriors who had died in battle lived forever. The course sits on 486 acres and has a course rating of 76.4 and slope rating of 148. In its 2013-14 rankings, Golf Digest put Valhalla 99th among the Top 100 Greatest Golf Courses in America and first among Kentucky courses. This year’s PGA Championship plays to 7,458 yards and par 71 with the second hole converted from a par 5 to a 500-yard par 4. It makes it the longest par 71 in PGA Championship history. Sergio Garcia, one of the pros taking on Valhalla in the PGA Championship, said, “I’m not going to lie to you; it’s not my favorite golf course.� In playing the course twice, he lost a singles match 5&4 in the 2008 Ryder Cup and tied for 34th in the 2000 PGA Championship. Valhalla underwent a major “modernization� after the 2011 Senior PGA
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August 2014
Jao-Javanil Wins 2014 Golf Capital of Tennessee Women’s Open Tee Times report
CROSSVILLE – Chirapat Jao-Javanil’s professional career is off to a quick and productive start. The Metrairie, Louisiana resident won her first tournament in only her second professional start recently, capturing the Golf Capital of Tennessee Women’s Open at the Stonehenge Golf Club. Jao-Javanil was the only player in the field to break par in the 54-hole event, fashioning a 2-under-par 214. It was her first time to compete in the tournament. A former University of Oklahoma golfer, Jao-Javanil turned professional recently and promptly logged a top-15 finish in the Texas Women’s Open. She was tied for third along with Samantha Swinehart, Amanda Steinhagen and Courtney Shelton after her first round 73 on a crowded leaderboard that had no sub-par rounds. Jao-Javanil moved into the lead with a
second-round 70, and then closed it out the win with a closing 71. “During the second round, I tried not to think about the scores,” she said. “The course is challenging, and I knew that if I stayed patient that eventually the putts would drop. I tried not to pay attention to what everyone else was doing. I did my best and hopefully would end up in a good position.” Her 70 was one of only four sub-par rounds in the tournament. It was steady as she goes in the final round as Javanil cruised to a five-shot
Chirapat Jao-Javanil
# 9 Peninsula Green
victory and a $5,000 check. “Going into the third round, I had the same mind-set. I couldn’t control the outcome so my only focus was on what I should be doing—I just let things happen,” Jao-Javanil said. She made the turn in 1-under 35 and offset two bogeys on the back nine with back-to-back birdies to eliminate any doubt as to the outcome. Ashli Bunch and Shelton tied for second at 219. Originally from Thailand, Jao-Javanil moved to the states to pursue college athletics. “The states have so much more opportunity and support for athletics.
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Thailand has no stage after junior golf, no stage to gain more experience,” she said. Jao-Javanil said she hopes the win is a springboard for her career. “Now that I don’t have school to worry about, I have more time to work on my weak spots,” she said. “There are so many great players that you have to keep moving to keep up with everybody.” Riley Rennell, a 15-year-old junior from Columbia, took amateur honors by edging out Jefferson City’s Kendall Martindale, the 2011 champion. Rennell finished seventh overall, 10 strokes back after shooting 76-75-73 for a 224 total.
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August 2014
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August 2014
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Johnson qualifies for PGA assistant championship Tee Times Report
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FRANKLIN – Audie Johnson played his way into the National Car Rental PGA Assistant Championship recently, winning the Tennessee PGA Assistant title by two shots over 2013 champ Kevin Snell. Johnson shot rounds of 68-70 for a 36hole total of 138 to edge Snell. “Every tournament you enter to try to win,� said Johnson, the assistant at McCabe Field Golf Course. “I know qualifying is very important and it is nice to enter a tournament and play good.� Johnson, 52, advances to the 38th National Car Rental PGA Assistant Championship, Oct. 30 – Nov. 2, at PGA Golf Club (Wanamaker Course) in Port St. Lucie, Fla. The facility will be hosting its 19th consecutive PGA
Assistant Championship. “I’m definitely excited to go back to Port St. Lucie,� said Snell, the apprentice at Henry Horton State Park. “I wish I could’ve given Audie some more competition but I am still proud and excited to go back for the third time.� Josh Bevell, the apprentice at Hillwood Country Club, grabbed the third qualifying spot with a twoday total of 143. The 126-man field for this year’s 38th edition of the PGA Assistant Championship consists of the top-4 finishers from last year’s Championship, if eligible, as well assistant’s and apprentices from a weighted average of total entries of the 41 PGA Sections. The winner of the National Car Rental PGA Assistant Championship earns $9,000 out of a total purse of $100,000. The top-70 finishers and ties after the second round will make the cut.
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August 2014
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Kok plays on the biggest stage By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor
in his office at Temple Hills. Like most golfers, he was fretting about the state of his game. “I wish my golf game was in better shape,” the 34-year-old Kok said in a telephone interview. “I have been struggling with my swing. My short game is really good, but I’d like to be hitting it a tad better.” Isn’t that always the case? Some days you can’t find the fairway but can’t miss on the greens. Other days you stripe it down the middle on every tee shot but the hole looks the size of a thumbnail. In that regard, Kok is no different than his membership. “I almost never practice anymore,” Kok said. “I play about once a week and in tournaments. It’s hard to stay sharp.” Kok is the first Tennessee Section player to qualify for the PGA Championship since Knoxville’s Walt Chapman in 1996. Chapman made two appearances in the major championship. Both times he missed the cut. Obviously, the Tennessee Section is ecstatic over his appearance.
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Kok received a warm welcome when he returned to Temple Hills after qualifying. The membership had a Valhalla banner congratulating their general manager.
FRANKLIN – Welcome to the big time, Johan Kok. A mainstay at Tennessee PGA Section events who still wins more than his fair share of tournaments, Kok, the general manager at Temple Hills Country Club, is stepping up his game as one of a select number of club professionals competing at the PGA Championship at Valhalla. Yep, Kok will share the practice facility and the locker room with the greats of the game such as Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, Phil Mickelson and others. It’s part of the charm and the allure of the tournament. For one week, Kok and his fellow club pros are on equal footing with the golf’s hierarchy. Kok earned his invitation into the PGA Championship with an eighth-place finish at the Professional National Championship in June in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Kok opened with a 67 to tie for the lead and safely maneuvered his way into the field. He’s no stranger to “We are so honored to have Johan Kok, PGA the big stage, though. represent the Tennessee Section at the PGA Kok, a native of South Championship at Valhalla Country Club in Africa who grew up in August,” section executive director Jeff Abbot Peachtree City, Georgia, said. “Johan is an extremely talented player played collegiately at who has competed at the highest level and will the University of South be very comfortable on the big stage. Not only Carolina. After college, he is Johan a fine player, he has a sharp business played on the European acumen. As general manager of Temple Hills Tour and the Sunshine Country Club he is using creative ideas to Tour in South Africa attract new members and has taken the club before eventually settling Jeff Abbot to a new level. He is heavily promoting junior in to his current job. golf and last year won the Middle Tennessee The week before the PGA PGA Richard Eller Growth of the Game Award. I wish Johan the best of Championship found Kok luck. I’ll be in Louisville to cheer him on. Go Johan!”
“I’ve been here for five years and I know most of the members,” he said. “They have been great. They were excited for the club and for me.” Of course, there has been a multitude of requests by members to serve as Kok’s caddie for the week. So many, in fact, that he has a list. “I just tell them they are No. 10 or 12 or whatever on the list,” he joked. In fact, Kok’s brother will carry the bag.” Kok is realistic when talking about expectations for his trip to Valhalla. The course will play about 600 yards longer than what he normally confronts in
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Te n n e s s e e Section events, and as he said, he doesn’t feel like he hits the ball as well now as when he was playing regularly. “I’m getting older,” he said. “Five years ago when I got done playing I was still pretty sharp. It’s harder to get your game back. At the beginning of the season I was still shooting some really good scores, but I’m not hitting it as good as I used to. Looking at the scores, you wouldn’t notice it, but I’ve been putting very well.” Regardless of how he plays at the PGA Championship, don’t expect Kok, who is married to WKRN sports anchor Dawn Davenport, to get the itch to return to any tour in the near future. “I don’t miss being out on tour, but I miss my friends and grinding on the weekends,” he said. “Now, the Tennessee section tournaments satisfy my need to play and compete. Kok’s adrenaline will be flowing when he tees it up at Valhalla, but he’s still going to have fun. “If I play well I can make the cut,” he said. “Golf is so stressful. You seem to always on the brink of disaster or of getting it back. I can go to Valhalla and shoot 65 or I could shoot 85, no problems.” But for one week, Kok, the general manager of a golf club, will get the opportunity to play on the same stage as the best golfers in the world. And that’s good enough for him.
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August 2014
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Some basic tips for curing that pesky slice By Phillip Zeringue The slice usually tops golfers’ lists for needing improvement. The biggest frustration for most golfers is trying to fix a slice. Too many golfers tend to line their body left of the target. This compounds the issue because you swing your arms around your body. Also, I see a lot of players who stand too close to the golf ball and tend to have poor posture. Let’s go over some of the basics that will help you improve your slice and help keep it in the fairway. First, let’s talk about the grip: The club should be held in the last 3 fingers of the left hand. From there
wrap your hand to the club and you should be able to see 2 knuckles on the left hand. Your right hand should fit below the left like you would shake someone’s hand. Second, a bad setup: The inclination for most tends to align up more left and actually hit it more right. A good way to practice is to lay a club on the ground parallel to your feet. Third, poor posture: Most people stand too close to the ball and consequently they tend to have a right arm higher than their left arm at address. This causes the shoulders to be open at address. Because the right hand is lower on the club you should have your right shoulder lower than the left shoulder, allowing proper tilt and aligning your shoulders to the target. A great way to check for proper posture is to set up to the ball by standing tall and then bend from hips. Be certain the weight is in the balls of your feet. Once you have accomplished this let your arms hang freely and that is how far you should be from the ball. These are simple, basic fixes. Implement these tips and help cure your slice.
Phillip Zeringue
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August 2014
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OTB Baseball golf tournament provides scholarships for kids John Morgan, Rip Ryman and Billy Griggs started the tournament 17 years ago. It has always been played at Ted Rhodes golf course except one time during the flood and it was held at Two Rivers then. We have great sponsors and all money except expenses goes directly for scholarships. We play on the 4th Thursday each September. All players get lunch and dinner and a door prize. We are a 501C3 organization and we welcome all donations for scholarship even if you don’t play golf. If anyone needs information about the tournament go to otbbaseball.com about all our programs. We have awarded over $400,000 in the past 16 years.
Garretson, Johnson capture Capital City Open titles
Tee Times Report
Perfect weather. A five-hole playoff. A round of 61. Those were among the highlights of the 54th Capital City Golf Association presented by Dollar General in July. The regular division featured a shootout of sorts as Nick Garretson and Jared Jones scorched the McCabe Field Golf Course with a 36-hole total of 129 to set up the extended playoff. In the end, it was Garretson, an amateur, emerging with the win on the fifth extra hole. He is the second straight amateur to win the prestigious title. Johan Kok and Matt Jeffers tied for third with two-day totals of 131 in the field of 45 players. In the senior division, Audie Johnson used his home-course knowledge to fashion a 9-under 61 in the first round and then held on with a 71 in the second round for a 36-hole total of 132. Mark Houser finished at 133, while Joey Hickman and Mike Poe at 134. Along with our two tournament rounds, there was a hole-in-one contest held after the first round. With a slight
drizzle and barely any daylight left, the players were still eager to go out and win a car or $100,000. Although there were no holes-in-one, Mark Houser won $1,000 for hitting his shot closest-tothe-hole. The Capital City Golf Association appreciates the time and effort of the host facility and professionals Loren Personett and Audie Johnson and their staff for their help in hosting the tournament. Also, the association appreciates the continued support of title sponsor Dollar General.
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Equipment Corner New Balance introduces a spikeless 574 shoe The classic-looking 574 golf shoe was introduced in the spring and has quickly become one of the best-selling models in the line. The company has now introduced a spikeless version called the 574B, which features
a breathable mesh upper with Fantom Fit® technology. This technology provides ultralight support and fit by fusing two thin materials with a no-sew process. The shoe is built on the New Balance S-L2 last that has a narrow heel, deeper toe box and a wider forefoot. The REVlite® 10mm drop midsole provides lightweight cushioning and premium responsiveness. The outsole is NDurance®, a rubber compound which offers maximum durability in high wear areas. The shoe weighs only 9.6 oz. The 574B comes in three colors for men ̶ white, grey with yellow accents and navy with orange accents and in sizes 8-12, 13, 14, 15 and widths of D, 2E and 4E. The 574B will be available mid-October for a suggested retail of $89.95.
Arccos Golf: Get connected through realtime GPS stat tracking Arccos Golf leverages research from Callaway Golf® with full Apple® integration to allow golfers to easily and seamlessly track their stats while playing. Arccos Golf features a set of virtually weightless smart club sensors that easily attach to the grip of each club. Once attached, golfers simply pair each club via Bluetooth to the Arccos app on the IPhone and it is ready to track. No tapping, touching or prompting before each swing. The sophisticated software will know what course you are playing, give you yardage to the hole, track every shot and record data about your game. Data can be accessed any time during or after the round. Arccos tracks statistics from distance hit to club averages, putts, greens in regulation and fairways hit. In addition it offers a Tour Analytics platform that allows golfers to compare data with other players with the same handicap. Arccos will be available early fall for
a suggested retail of $399. The company is taking pre-orders at a special price of $299 at www.arccosgolf.com
Tom Watson releases new instructional video
World Golf Hall of Famer Tom Watson has released over 20 new lessons for his very popular and successful Lessons of a Lifetime DVD set. “I felt it was time to provide further instruction in areas not just about hitting the shots, but also about the mental approach of playing the game,” Watson said. “One of the many great things about golf is that it can never be mastered. Sure you can have a good run of play, but sooner or later the wheels will come off. I’ve been experiencing the game for half a century, and I promise you I’m still learning.” Tom Watson Lessons of a Lifetime was released in 2010 and has become one of the bestselling golf instructional video programs of all time. It has sold over 70,000 DVD sets in 5 languages in over 40 countries. In extensive surveys conducted with buyers, 88 percent said the program had improved their game and 79 percent rated the program as excellent. The new lessons cover many advanced topics, including pre-shot routine, the importance of the bottom of the arc, head movement, how to benefit the most with your time on the practice tee, handling pressure, the 40-yard wedge shot, controlling trajectory on chips, chipping with a putting set up, several putting lessons and instruction for kids and seniors. These new 2014 lessons are being sold separately and also combined with the original 2 disc Lessons of a Lifetime program. Tom Watson Lessons of a Lifetime II with New Advanced Lessons (3 discs and a 20 page booklet) will have a MSRP of $49.95. Tom Watson Lessons of a Lifetime II: The New Advanced Lessons (1 disc and a 4 page booklet) will have a MSRP of $24.95. These DVD programs are available at TomWatson.com, Amazon – U.S., Canada, U.K., Japan and select golf and sporting goods retailers. A portion of the proceeds from all sales will be contributed to the Bruce Edwards Foundation for ALS Research.
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Steakley shoots 55 at Cookeville Golf Club By Buddy Pearson Herald-Citizen Managing Editor COOKEVILLE - When Barrett Steakley teed it up recently at the Cookeville Golf Club, he thought it would just be another relaxing round of golf. He had no idea he was about to make history. Steakley fired a mind-boggling 15under-par 55 on the 18-hole, par-70 course, setting a new course record and recording a number never thought of being reached in golf at any level. “I’ve seen it in a four-man scramble or a two-person scramble but not an individual shooting a 55,” said Cookeville Golf Club professional and general manager Matt Manzaro. “The only way to describe it is amazing. Incredible. Great. What else can you say?” Steakley’s phenomenal round of golf even left him somewhat speechless. A former Cookeville High and Tennessee Tech standout, Steakley has been a fixture in Putnam County golf all of his life. He has claimed local tournaments such as the Michelob Ultra Amateur and the White Plains Open and has even shot 59 twice at the CGC. But a 55 is almost unbelievable. Almost. “I thought the round of my life was a 59 about four years ago when we were out here playing,” said Steakley. “I just never thought that I would ever get past that mark. A 55 is something you only just dream of. You don’t even think that’s possible.” Steakley’s round was pretty uneventful at the start. After having to tee off on the back nine because of a Cookeville High golf match, Steakley says he didn’t even warm up. He just met his playing partners Lee Maxwell, Adam Cunningham
and Zach Qualls on the No. 10 tee box. After pars on the par-3, No. 10 and par-3, No. 12 sandwiched around a birdie on the par-4, No. 11, Steakley got things going. He carded five straight birdies before making a par on the par-4, No. 18, making the turn at 6-under par. “I really played three mediocre holes,” said Steakley about the start of his round. “I didn’t have any expectations the way I played the first three holes. I made a couple of birdies and
missed an easy eagle on 15.” Steakley continued the birdie barrage on the front side, making birdies on the first four holes before a par on the par-3, No 5. Sitting at 10-under with four holes to play, Steakley sank an eagle putt on the long par-5, No. 6 and then birdied the last three holes to notch his 55. “I walked off our 13th hole and I was 10-under. I said ‘I think I can do it today,’” Steakley recalled. “I was just trying to beat 59. I felt like if I could string something together after No. 6 I could do it. I never dreamed 55 was a number that could be shot.”
Steakley says he didn’t play the ball down the entire round. There were a couple of muddy holes where he improved his lie. Manzaro says that doesn’t matter. A 55 is a 55 and it will stand as the course record for normal play. “I think it’s great. Barrett is a great player and has the potential to shoot great numbers,” Manzaro said. “But, it’s also a tribute to how good of shape the golf course is in. Wes (Flatt) and his staff do a tremendous job keeping this course in great shape.”
Steakley says the key to his round was hitting the ball close to the hole and then making putts. It was a round where everything just came together. “I really hit it close. The two times when I’ve shot 59 I’ve made some really long putts and I holed out a couple of times,” Steakley explained. “This time I hit it really close and I was making the putts. Every aspect of my game has been good, but my putting has been mediocre. When I switched putters, something clicked. I hit it close. I just played solid.” Steakley also holds the course record at White Plains Golf Course with a 61. But, a round where he shredded the 6,600-yard Cookeville Golf Club course with long drives and accurate iron shots in carding a 55 is something he will truly never forget. “It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary - just a Monday afternoon after work,” Steakley said. “It wasn’t anything special; we just went out and played. Now the rest is history.” Reprinted with permission of the HeraldCitizen.
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Try Monell’s for a truly great dining experience By Carol Hall
King eventually returned to Nashville, where a trip to Duncan’s restaurant in Gallatin, where patrons sat with strangers and ordered off the menu, provided the inspiration for his own establishment. Another trip, this time to Pensacola’s Hopkin’s House, sealed the deal. King opened Monell’s with no money, five gold credit cards and a strong work ethic to back his concept. Monell’s is known for its fried chicken, but King is quick to offer that his restaurants feature much more than that. “We have made a name for ourselves with our chicken, but we can do everything from filet to salmon and everything in between,” King said. “We do simple southern
NASHVILLE -- Michael King has only tried golf once in his life, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t know the way to a golfer’s heart – and stomach. King is the owner of Monell’s, a family style restaurant serving some delicious food to golfers and non-golfers alike for nearly 19 years. And he makes no apologies for his lack of golfing expertise. “So, I played golf once in Albuquerque,” King said. “I was a busboy at the country club and our dining room sat on the 18th hole. Everyone said, oh so much fun, so much exercise. So one day I tried it. It took me 25 times to get down to the first l.r. Jeanine Walter, Junction,IL, Laura Miller, Nashville,TN. LeAnn Miller, hole. When I saw how long the and Doug Miller, Junction,IL. The Miller family takes every opportunity to eat second hole was, I was done. Plus at Monell’s when they visit daughter Laura who located here to take a job. the old geysers behind me were not happy at all.” That incident ended King’s brief partner when we started. love affair with golf, but he never After a year and half, I has lost his passion for food. King bought him out and startopened Monell’s initial location ed the creation and the on Thanksgiving Day in 1995, expansion that you see and the rest, as they say, is histotoday.” ry. There are now four locations In addition to the tasty all serving up down home cookmenu, Monell’s is known ing . King took a circuitous route for its unique dining exto Nashville, where he opened a perience. King calls it Not only are there murals but many awards for Monell’s and unique concept restaurant in an Michael King who is known for his volunteer’s spirit and hospitality. “boarding house-style 1880 mansion in historic Gerseating,” where strangmantown. A Gardner, Massachuers sit with strangers on setts native, he relocated to Albuquerque, to sophisticated elegance.” a first come, first serve basis. New Mexico in 1977 but found his way In addition to the skillet fried chicken, Reservations are not allowed at to Nashville six years later to perform at King lists squash casserole, corn pudding, Monell’s, which strives to serve Opryland, USA. broccoli salad with pecans and raisins, customers equally no matter if A stint as a waiter in Rhett’s Restaurant Cole slaw, pot roast, fried green tomatoes it is Oprah Winfrey, the presiThree pretty girls beneath the Back to School Tree. in the Opryland Hotel and later setting up as among the house specialties. dent or just somebody looking This tree is trimmed out each season by Pedro. Jessica the training department for the hotel’s King also has an admission – the recipes for a great meal. The boarding Northern (Memphis), Temeka Williams (Jackson), Cindy Newbern(Jackson). Jessica and Cindy have both been to food and beverage division preceded a are not original. house seating concept came Monell’s once before. Temeka was a first timer. move to Memphis, where King worked “I stole them,” he said. “They are dead so from King’s family. with Cordele Pirtle and Jack Pirtle’s Fried they can’t say anything. Most of the reci“I come from a large family so The Italian Lights Festival is scheduled Chicken. pes started with Bill Monell, my business we made it a point to sit with each other at for Sept. 5-7. For information, go to www. every meal,” he said. Italianlights.org. Once seated, customers select from a vast Oktoberfest, scheduled for Oct. 10-12, is array of meats and Southern style vegeta- the other event in which King is an active bles, all home cooked and passed around participant. It started as a homecoming in for everyone to enjoy. the Germantown community. The event For King, there’s more to life than just has grown during its 33-year history in his restaurants. He has received numer- what has become a celebration of German ous awards for his volunteer work and is food, drink and music. currently coordinating two events. The This year he takes on a new role as direcfirst is the Italian Lights Festival when he tor of the event. was asked to sit in with the Ladies Parish “I decided to have a three-day festival, Council of St.Pius X, a 54-year-old Catholic expanding the footprint with many exelementary school. citing events and music to boot,” King “I was there to brainstorm with them on said. “The sophistication of Nashville ideas for fundraising,” King said. “Bake has changed over the years and we must sales, and other avenues came up. I told change to keep pace in order for this event them we needed to go big or go home. I to be around the next 50 years. Tradition suggested an Italian festival to bring rec- is important, but new traditions need to ognition to the school and to raise money. be considered. We want the kids of today The walls are decked with murals (pix of circa In just 6 weeks we pulled off the first festi- bringing their grandchildren here to ex1880 Germantown home of Monell’s). The tables val five years ago. This year we are really perience this event in future years.” are full of diners, some family, some friends, stepping out of the box, as we are going to and the concept of boarding house seating with For information, go to www.thenashvilhave all authentic Italian foods and drinks leoktoberfest.com. strangers just heightens the experience. plus music.”
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Champions Junior Tour
competition, the CJGT is a great avenue for young Strawberry Plains’ golfplayers to not er Cooper Hayes won the only develop their boys 12-15 division at a golf skills, but Champions Junior Tour learn life lessons event played at Ruggles and build charFerry Golf Club recently. acter through exKnoxville’s Eli Hinton periences on the was second, while ancourse. Memberother Knoxville player, ship in the ChamChad Homan, was third. pions Junior Golf In the boys 9-11 diviTour is open to sion, Jackson Hughey both boys and (Lenoir City) was first, girls of all skill followed by Ben Johnston levels between the (Knoxville) and Zane ages of 5 and 15. Bonham (Maryville). We believe family In the boys 8-under involvement can division, Alex Barton instil a love for (Lenoir city) was first, Boys, 8-10 (l-r): Alex Barton, the game as well followed by Gav Sisson Gav Sisson, Leo Huddletson, Wil as confidence in (Knoxville) and Leo HudHuddleston, (back row) Jack Bentz a junior golfer. dlestone (Maryville). Boys, 9-11 (l-r): Zane Bonham, It’s this family inJackson Hughey, Ben Johnston Kate Faulkner (Knoxvolvement that will ultimately help ville) won the girls 9-11 division. placing the focus on preparing ju- grow the game of golf. Therefore, we encourage our playThe Champions Junior Golf Tour nior golfers for the next level of ers in every division to have a cad(CJGT) was founded in 2010 to pro- competition, our members have fun vide affordable, local opportuni- learning a game they can enjoy for a die if they desire. Currently based in Knoxville, the ties for boys and girls to compete lifetime. in tour-style golf tournaments. By Since everything is more fun with CJGT conducts single-day 9-hole Tee Times report
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and 18-hole tournaments in Greater Knoxville/East Tennessee and Orlando/Central Florida with more cities being added throughout the year. Tournaments allow junior golfers a unique opportunity to play in a competitive environment from age appropriate yardages while advancing their skills and receiving recognition for their talents and efforts in well-run events. Players can choose from numerous events held from March through November. Points are awarded to the top 10 finishers in each event leading up to the naming of a Tour Champion in each age division each year. CJGT is currently accepting new members at a discounted rate at www.championsjrgolf.com.
It’s more fun from the fairway. Get to GolfTEC.
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August CRUSH-IT Sale Save up to 20% on Lesson Plans
During our August Crush-It Sale you’ll save up to 20% on lesson plans that will get you in the fairway and enjoying the game more. Talk with a GolfTEC Certified Personal Coach in your area by visiting www.golftec.com. Don’t wait to Crush It – offer ends August 29th.
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golftec.com/sale * Prices and participation may vary depending on location. Visit your GolfTEC Improvement Center for details. MP_002014_8X10.5_AD_0614
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TEE TIMES
August 2014
www.teetimespaper.com
Weber embraces charitable endeavor
Tee Times Report
A chance encounter in Las Vegas with a veteran of the war in Afghanistan spurred Mary Jo Weber to action. Weber was in Vegas for the International Homebuilders Association when she stepped outside for a cigarette break. What happened next was a lifealtering event. “I was outside and an older gentleman came up to me and asked if he could have a cigarette for his friend,” Weber recalled. “I said of course, and this beautiful, young, blond-haired man came rolling up in his wheel chair. He was a quadriplegic, but had some limited use of his left arm. He had a board strapped to his left hand, with a hole in it for utensils, cigarettes, etc. They introduced themselves as representing Homes For Our Troops, and were having a seminar later that day.” The two told the story of how the young man, who had a wife and two children, was injured in Afghanistan and had been given a house from Homes For Our Troops. “As I listened and looked at this injured man, I felt the tears well up, and began to sob,” Weber said. “My heart was breaking thinking about the strong healthy man that had gone to war, and come back a totally changed person. I apologized, as I sobbed, and he just said ‘It’s okay, ma’am.’ After that I became committed to trying to do something and to raise some awareness of this charity.” That event set in motion the Homes For Our Troops golf tournament. Weber, Judy Shroder and Country Hill Golf Course professional Brad Shirley quickly set
about organizing an event to benefit the charitable endeavor. Eight months later, the tournament was a reality. The fifth tournament will be Sept. 7, again at Country Hills. Shirley was impressed when Weber approached him about hosting a golf tournament. “Mary Jo came to me back in 2010 wanting to put on a golf tournament to benefit disabled troops who badly needed help with homes designed for them,” he said. “I could hardly believe what she was attempting to undertake. She had no background and little or no help. She was a onegal show, but to my amazement she pulled it off. She made a believer out of me, and here five years later she is back! This time with reinforcements, the EWGA of Middle Tennessee has committed their chapter to this cause.” Weber is a member of the EWGA and is appreciative the chapter has embraced the tournament. She said the response has been terrific as the tournament has grown from a 17-team event the first year. And, Weber said it is a humbling experience.
Left to right - Linda Wells, Mary Jo Weber, Marie Tucker, Tina Myers, Judy Link, and Karen Richards(Chapter President) Not pictured, Catherine McEwen and Anita Tipton. These are just some of the EWGA of Middle Tennessee Chapter members who are planning the tournament.
Mary Jo Weber
“I have learned so much about the goodness of people while holding this tournament,” she said. “When I explain what Homes For Our Troops does for our severely disabled veterans returning from Afghanistan or Iraq, the response is amazing. I have made many wonderful friends and acquaintances who share my commitment to help these brave men and women.”
August 2014
www.teetimespaper.com
Theodore “Ted” Rhodes (Nov 9, 1913 – July 4, 1969) Helped break the color barrier in professional golf. In 1998, Rhodes was inducted into the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame. In 2009, the PGA of America granted posthumous membership to Rhodes, Spiller, and John Shippen.
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TEE TIMES
23
Caballero wins Tennessee Match Play Championship Tee Times report Brendon Caballero picked the perfect time to sink a pair of 30-foot birdie putts on the 16th and 17th holes to edge Zac Stolz 2&1 to win the Tennessee Match Play Championship at Holston Hills. Caballero, who plays at TennesseeMartin, won the see-saw match over UTChattanooga’s Stolz. The two swapped the lead back-and-forth, with Stolz forging a 1-up lead on the front nine before Caballero answered on the back nine. Stolz won No. 15 to get even before Caballero dropped in the back-to-back bombs to close out the match. Caballero entered match play as the top
Tony Green
seed after leading the 36-hole qualifying. He won two early matches by identical 5&3 scores, and then needed an eagle on the 19th hole to down Michael Moore in the semifinals. Stolz, the No. 2 seed, beat Matt Cooper in the semifinals to set up the championship match with Caballero. In the Senior Match Play Championship, No. 2 seed Tony Green beat No. 1 seed Tim Jackson with a tap-in birdie on the final hole to claim the 1-up victory. Jackson missed a 6-footer for birdie on the final hole, opening the door for Green.
Brendon Caballero
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TEE TIMES
August 2014
www.teetimespaper.com
ROAD TRIP No. 18
ÌkÌ yÌÏÌA Ìå ØÌ YA ÌÄ A kÌAÌ À ÌAΰ When it comes to championship public golf, there’s no better destination than Alabama, where we’re proud to claim three of America’s 50 Toughest Courses as selected by Golf Digest. For starters, there are the 468 holes along the world-renowned Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Stretching from the mountains in the north to the Gulf Coast in the south, these 26 courses will test your golfing skills as well as your intestinal fortitude. Then there are the many other impressive courses scattered across the state, designed by the likes of Arnold Palmer and Jerry Pate. Each with its own set of challenges, each with its own set of rewards. And each along an epic road trip to the state of Alabama.
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M or e in fo at
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