March 2012 by Joe Hall

March 2012

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Keeping Golfers Connected in TN, KY, MS, AL, NC

March 2012

Top guns play their way To players of the year Page 3

Inside!! 4

Wedge game: Renegar offers new twist on old design

Almost heaven: West Virginia features spectacular golf Welcome to the show: Merchandise show offers something for everyone

Golf House Tennessee

Jake Reeves, Audie Johnson, Mark Houser

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March 2012

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Stonebridge up and running and better than ever By Larry Rea Tee Times contributor

It’s business as usual at Stonebridge Golf Course. And that’s good news for not only those who love to play the course, but also for John Wells, general manager of Wingfield Properties’ three Memphis area courses (Stonebridge, Wedgewood and North Creek). Wingfield Properties of Greenville, S.C., took over the daily operation of Stonebridge, a long-time destination for Memphis area golfers located off I-40 and U.S. 64 in Lakeland, last spring. Other than the driving range, the course was closed from June 6-Sept. 1 for a series of improvements, most notably switching the greens to Champion Bermuda. It all started with installing new irrigation around all greens. “This was a must to be able to grow in and maintain the Champion Bermuda greens,” Wells said. After that, all the greens were sprayed, stripped, reshaped and the collars were sodded. Sprig day was July 14 and the course re-opened on Sept. 1. “While the greens were growing we had several drainage issues addressed on the course,” Wells said. “Nos. 4 and 6 had some pretty major washout areas just off the fairways.” To correct this problem the

John Slattery (right) and Ken Fulmer watch Mack Bennett putt at the recently renovated Stonebridge.

drainage pipe was replaced and the entire area was resurfaced. “This greatly improved the playability and looks of those holes,” Wells said. Some dead trees were also taken down. Also, newer carts were transferred from another course to replace Stonebridge’s aging fleet. “We’ve revamped our staff in every department,” Wells said. “Everyone is on board and excited. I really believe we are going to have a great 2012. The feedback from golfers has been fantastic.” If you haven’t played Stonebridge since it reopened you’ll quickly notice that some of the greens have a new look. In particular, Nos. 8 and 13, which have added tiers and shelves, make for what Wells said, “some fun pin placements.” The parking lot landscaping and front entrance have also been improved. The staff at Stonebridge includes Eric Howard (Director of Golf) and Casey Nerren (course superintendent). Wells said he and Wes Morasch (Superintendent/ Director of Agronomy) are working in support roles. “We are really busy with Wedgewood and North Creek so those two guys (Howard and Nerren) are really running the show . . . and doing a great job,” Wells said.

Lookout Mountain, Georgia (706) 398-0882 canyonridgegolf.com

The new Champion Bermuda greens at Stonebridge are sure to enhance the course’s playability.

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Talented trio

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Houser, Johnson, Reeves keep their game sharp while racking up victories By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times editor

own club. “Honestly, I don’t have time to practice,” he said. “I usually have to get out of here to play. Our membership is real active and there usually is something going on. The Jeopardy game show question would be phrased like this: “Mark Houser, If I want to play, I’ll take some vacation days and go Audie Johnson, Jake Reeves.” somewhere and play.” The answer, Alex Trebek, would be. “Who are the 2011 Johnson is eager to get his season started. Although Tennessee PGA Section Players of the Year?” Audie Johnson he has no expectations of winning when he returns to Two of the three players are well known around the Southwind for his inaugural appearance in a PGA Tour section. Houser, the senior player of the year, collected event, Johnson hopes to use that as a springboard to a good effort his fifth award for a year that included seven wins. at the National Club Pro tournament. Johnson, the regular player of the year, collected his “I’ll go (to Memphis) and play as hard as I can and try to have third title thanks to five victories. as much fun as I can,” he said. “My goal is to do the best I can to Reeves is the relative newcomer of the bunch, survive. Hopefully, playing there will help me out for the club pro capturing assistant player of the year honors tournament.” courtesy of four victories. Mark Houser Johnson said he usually puts his clubs up in November and In addition to collecting 16 total victories, the doesn’t take them out again until February. Because of this year’s threesome also has something else in common. mild winter, he’s already played more golf in Jan.-Feb. this year than They say they don’t play nearly as much golf as people think. during the same time frame as last year. Their jobs – Houser is head professional at Warriors Path State Park Golf Jake Reeves “In early March is when I try to start getting out there and hitting Course, Johnson is head pro at Lebanon Country Club, and Reeves recently a bucket of balls daily or playing a round a week,” he said. “The time joined the staff at Holston Hills Country Club – take precedent over teeing change helps me out more than anything because I can get out and it up. play a few holes after we close the shop.” “I don’t really play much when I’m here at work,” Houser said recently from It should be no surprise that Reeves won the assistant player of the year award. the pro shop at Warriors Path. “I’ll hit a few balls in the afternoon and practice After all, he’s played on the Nationwide Tour and is a former player of the year on certain things, but not a lot.” on the Hooters Tour. He’s also played in a U.S. Open and in the PGA Tour’s Greater Because of Warriors Path’s extreme east Tennessee location, getting away Milwaukee Open. to play in events requires a certain amount of planning. Houser usually has to Now, the 41-year-old University of leave on Sunday for a Monday event, returning to the Tennessee graduate is enjoying the lesscourse Tuesday. Of course, he’s been stressful life away from the nomadic nature at Warriors Path for 37 years, so he’s of professional golf. got the travel situation down to a “Now, I like to eat cheeseburgers and science and a veteran staff to take care grab a cart and go play 18,” Reeves said, of the shop while he’s away winning laughing. “If I can play a couple of times a tournaments. week, that’s a lot for me.” “I’ve got a good staff and they know Reeves spent 2011 winning tournaments, what they are doing,” the 57-year-old including the Assistant Match Play, while Houser said. serving as director of instruction at Avalon The 57-year-old Houser, who grew Golf Club. After playing competitively for up in Kingsport, has never had much of 13 years, Reeves said it is a nice change of a desire to leave the area. pace. “I started working (at Warriors Path) “It’s a totally different regimen than what when they were building the golf course I was used to,” he said. “I play for leisure in 1971,” he said. “It’s been a good place now. I don’t miss it. It can be the best job for me. I’m happy here.” in the world or the worst depending on Houser said his secret to remaining how you are playing. I had my fill of it.” competitive into his late 50s is a strong That doesn’t mean he’s not competitive, desire to keep playing. but it’s in a different way now. “I’ve always loved the competition,” he “I don’t shoot that many low rounds said. “I played OK in the 1980s and then anymore,” he said. “I still see shots that I kind of got away from it. As I approached used to pull off about 8 out of 10 times; being a senior, I got back into playing. I now I can pull them off about 4 out of 10 love it.” times. Hopefully, I can get some of that Johnson’s year included a couple back. I hope I can get back somewhat of major titles, including the section close to what I used to be.” championship at TPC Southwind in Reeves said the new chapter in his life is just fine. Memphis, home of the St Jude Classic. “I had the time of my life when I was in my 20s and 30s,” he said. “I like what He’ll have a busy June this year, as he’s locked up a spot in the St. Jude Classic and I’m doing now. I couldn’t go back and do what I did then, with the travel and all then will travel to the Monterrey Peninsula to compete in the PGA of America the walking and the hours it takes to compete on that level.” National Club Pro Championship a few weeks later. Gregg Dewalt is sports editor of the TimesDaily in Florence, Ala. Like Houser, the 49-year-old Johnson says he’s not a frequent player at his

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March 2012

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Renegar wedges: A new twist on an old design By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor Bob Renegar is confident he has developed a better mouse trap, or in his case, a better wedge. Now, the trick is convincing the buying public to give his uniquely designed wedge a try. The legendary Gene Sarazen designed the first wedge back in 1931 and it quickly revolutionized the game. The club has remained similar in style ever since. Renegar, an engineer who has worked in the industry for more than 25 years, has developed a new, and what he says, is a more efficient wedge. Renegar said he was unwilling to accept the design limitations of Sarazen’s raised leading edge, so he developed the Renegar Rx12 wedge. It features a lower leading edge while increasing the bounce from the sole. “It’s the best of both worlds,” Renegar said recently from California where the club was undergoing independent testing. “The best thing is that it

doesn’t need to be fitted to an individual. It’s one size fits all.” It’s an idea nearly 20 years in the making and developed at his mother-in-law’s kitchen table in 1993. Sarazen’s design remains viable today, Renegar said, but it’s most effective for bunker play which is only about 20 percent of the short game. Renegar said his wedge is more versatile because the leading edge is less than half the height of traditional soles while increasing the bounce. “If you have a 40-yard pitch, it’s the same shot for Dustin Johnson as it is for you,” Renegar said. Adds business partner Jack Gilbert, “It doesn’t have to be fitted or grinded. We think we have a better club that performs better than traditional wedges.”

Jack Gilbert (left), Bob Renegar (front right) and Mike Rossi of Aldila shafts at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando in January.

Gilbert said getting third-party proof that Renegar wedges outperform mainstream brand wedges such as Cleveland and Titleist would lead to product recognition. “We want to get it in the hands of golfers,” said Gilbert, whose background is in engineering. “All you have to do is play it.” Renegar wedges come in lofts starting at 48 degrees and increase in increments of two degrees. The wedges feature graphite shafts designed in collaboration with Aldila and have higher flex points and a firmer tip. The shafts are heavy (105 grams) that make it easier to control trajectory. Even the Lamkin grips are distinct. They are one-inch longer than standard and feature a larger right-hand diameter to allow for choking down on the club. The next phase for Renegar wedges is to get them in the hands of players. Renegar said several professionals on the Nationwide Tour currently have them in their bags and that feedback has been good. “Initially, the players saw the graphite shafts and they were a little resistant,” Renegar said. “But, we asked them what they had in their drivers and they all said graphite. We asked them if it was possible that graphite might be a better shaft. When they started hitting it and stacking those balls on top of each other from about 100 yards, I think they were convinced.”

Renegar also has gotten good feedback from a few LPGA and Champions Tour players. Renegar wedges debuted at the PGA Merchandise Show in January and information can be found at renegargolf.com. Television commercials are in the works that will air on the Golf Channel and Renegar also said the company will go the traditional route by getting the wedges into pro shops around the country. “We want to walk before we run,” Renegar said. “We want to grow the company slowly to where it will be profitable. The next few months will be critical. It’s going to be fun. We’re excited about it.” Gilbert admits it’s somewhat of a David and Goliath effort for a start-up company to broach the billion-dollar golf equipment industry. “We don’t have to have 30 percent of the market to do well,” he said. “We’re a small company and we have a good product.”

For more information visit http://www.renegargolf.com

Tips from Johnny By Johnny Warren • Johnny Warren Golf Academy The Club at Fairvue Plantation • www.jwga.net • 615-206-0813

How to play from a downhill lie Most of our practice time generally is spent from perfect, level conditions. However, to take your game to a higher level it is extremely important you learn to play from uneven lies. One of the most difficult shots to execute for the majority of golfers is from a downhill lie. The primary reason for failing to play this shot well is because of using the same set up as from a flat lie. Here are some suggestions on how to improve 2 in this area of your game. You must first start by making some adjustments to your address position. Begin by tilting your body down the hill (photo 1). In other words, your feet, hips, and shoulders should be parallel to the slope you are playing on. To do this correctly, transfer your weight to the low side of the slope and move the ball 1 slightly back in

PUBLISHER Joe Hall pgegolf@bellsouth.net

your stance. The steeper the slope, the more you need to move your weight forward and ball position back. As you swing, make sure your weight remains toward your front foot (photo 2). You will now be able to take the club up a little steeper in your backswing and swing down the slope to a lower, abbreviated finish (photo 3). This reduces the possibility of hitting the ball fat which is the primary problem when playing from a downhill lie. When practicing these shots, notice how the ball flies lower and the tendency 3 is to push the ball slightly to the right of your target. You should allow for this by using a club that has a little more loft and by aiming slightly to the left.

SENIOR EDITOR David Widener widecard@aol.com

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ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Carol Hall teetimescarol@bellsouth.net

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TECHNICAL ADVISOR Jimmy Phillips

P.O. Box 40266 • Nashville, TN 37204 • Phone: 615-331-1078 • Fax: 1-866-579-4932

Member: Golf Writers Association of America, International Network of Golf, Golf Travel Writers of America

Meador inducted into Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame

Tee Times report It was quite a year for David Meador. Not only did he win the US Blind Golfers Association’s national championship, but he became the 37th inductee into the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame. Meador captured the national championship in late August, and in the fall was honored with his induction into the hall of fame. Meador, who lost his vision in a car wreck when he was just 18, continued to play golf and now has won the national championship twice in addition to several other

David speaks eloquently after his induction at Golf House Tennessee, saying he is thankful to be included into the hall of fame along with Tennessee’s great players.

David Meador accepts his award from Dick Horton, President of the Tennessee Golf Foundation

tournament titles. Meador has carved out a niche as an inspirational speaker and recently wrote “Broken Eyes, Unbroken Spirit, The Story of a National Blind Golf Champion.” Meador joined other Tennessee golf greats such as Lou Graham, Mason Rudolph, Ted Rhodes and Loren Roberts in the hall of fame.

Your Home Course

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ed Lewis Tim Benton Larry Rea Chuck Cavalaris David Widener Jim Grosjean

EDITOR Gregg Dewalt

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(615)Ê449-7272 www.pinecreekgolf.netÊ 3VN\L 9VHK 4[ 1\SPL[ ;5

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Chasing pro golf dream not easy By David Widener Tee Times contributor Anyone who plays golf has at one time or another probably dreamed of playing on one of the professional tours. Keith Gockenbach was one of those dreamers. Gockenbach had a high-paying job as a vice president of a Fortune 500 chemical company, but was tired, frustrated and out of patience with company politics. So, he resigned and moved to Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., with his wife, Lynn. Living at Sawgrass Country Club less than a mile from the PGA Tour offices, he was ready to chase his dream of playing the Champions Tour. The Champions Tour is widely considered the toughest tour in the world for which to qualify, especially for someone like Gockenbach, who never played on the PGA Tour. He takes us on that journey to reach his dream in “Inside, Outside, and On the Ropes, Life Lessons from Q-School & The Majors” recently published by South Nine Publishing. In his five-year quest, Gockenbach says he learned to accept and deal with

failure and that chasing dreams isn’t easy, it’s hard work. He also learned that pro tournament golf is addictive and that “These Guys Are Good” is not just a PGA Tour slogan. After two years of trying to reach his dream, Gockenbach’s wife questioned when he was going to stop, but he kept on with the chase. He did have his moments. He reached Q-school finals twice in his first three appearances but didn’t earn even a conditional card. He qualified and played in two major championships, the 2006 U.S. Senior Open and the 2007 Senior British Open, but didn’t make the cut in either. Then, three poor efforts in his last three Q-School attempts put a dagger in his dream. Gockenbach gives those wishing to pursue such a dream a series of lessons, including a prime lesson:

Surround yourself with a supportive team of skilled advisors, helpers, critics and friends. His other advice learned from his journey: 1. If you don’t enter, you can’t win. 2. The greatest regrets in life are for things you didn’t do, not the things you did and did poorly. 3. Every stroke counts. 4. Practice mentally as much as physically. 5. When things go bad, slow down. 6. Golf is supposed to be fun. Have fun with it.

7. You can only take what the course gives you. 8. Know the rules. 9. Practice your game in the proper ratios. 10. Play as many tournament rounds as you can. 11. Don’t scrimp on the important stuff. 12. Get in shape; stay in shape. 13. Be aggressive. 14. Don’t forget the Mental Part of the game. 15. Plan methodically, and play reactively. 16. Don’t underestimate the impact your smallest actions can have on others. 17. How do you eat an elephant? One bite (shot) at a time. 18. Get tools that fit. 19. Be honest with yourself. 20. Stick with proven performers. 21. Get regular instruction from multiple teachers. 22. Chasing a dream is a job, not a hobby. Gockenbach says he is glad he did what he did. “I would do it again, with some modifications,” he writes. It’s hard to let go of your dreams.

Author has connections to Tennessee Midstate’s “Best Course You Can Play” - GolfWeek Magazine

Book your tee times today

615-458-1730 | GaylordSprings.com

By David Widener Tee Times contributor

If Keith Gockenbach’s name seems familiar to Tennesseans, it should. Gockenbach is the author of Inside, Outside, and On the Ropes, Life Lessons from Q-School & the Majors, lived in Kingsport for 27 years before moving to Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., in 2004. Gockenbach was vice-president of Eastman Chemical Company while in Kingsport and was a member first at Graysburg Hills Golf Course in Chuckey and later at Ridgefield Country Club in Kingsport. He played in several Tennessee State Opens and State Amateurs, as well as many area amateur events, finishing 20th on two occasions in the State Open and placing in the top 25 in State Amateurs twice (Ridgefield and Honors Club). After moving to Florida, he played as an amateur for a year before turning pro in 2005 and striking out

on his dream, which is chronicled in his book. Gockenbach actually is a native of Illinois. He grew up in Robinson, where he played in three state high school championships and won the Quall Creek Country Club championship at 16. He finished 22nd in his final high school state championship, a tournament won by Jay Haas, who shot 67-67 and went on to a successful professional career. Gockenbach caddied six years in the PGA Tour’s Robinson Open, the last four for Bob Goalby, another successful golfer on the pro tours. He then attended Clemson University in South Carolina, obtaining a degree in engineering. “Since dad was paying for my college, golf took a back seat to studies and I worked for the next 31 years.” Gockenbach says. But he never gave up his dream of playing professional golf.

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West Virginia: Almost heaven By Joe Hall Tee Times publisher Who knew? Who knew that West Virginia, a state known more for the University of West Virginia athletics, coal mines and John Denver had such spectacular golf to offer? Sure, the Greenbrier and Sam Snead are state icons, but there is so much more to golf in West Virginia than meets the eye. A recent trip to the state revealed that although West Virginia isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t considered a golf destination per se, it does have plenty to offer in the way of great courses and great value. Of course, any trip to West Virginia must include a stop at the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs and Sneadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home base for years and years. But there is so much more to the property than just great golf. The Greenbrier, billed as Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resort, dates back more than 200 years when it was a popular gathering spot because its sulphur springs were considered to have medicinal value. The Greenbrierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original Old White Hotel opened in 1858 and the property also is the site of a massive secret bunker built during the Cold War Era to serve as a gathering spot for the Congress in case of a nuclear attack. History buffs alone could spend days and days learning about the Greenbrierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic past, but equally impressive are its three golf courses. The Old White TPC is the best known of the three, serving as the host course for the PGA Tour stop Greenbrier Classic. Opened in 1914 and designed by Charles Blair Macdonald and Seth Raynor, Old White is a classic and magnificent layout. Macdonald brought a Scottish touch to the design and there are historic markers scattered throughout the course detailing a portion of its history. How cool is it to play a course that has

hosted a variety of sitting presidents, took advantage of the terrain to create hundreds of the top PGA Tour pros and some panoramic views of the Allegheny even the Duke of Windsor. Mountains and also some unforgettable Of course, no visit to the Greenbrier holes that feature elevation changes as would be complete without a mention much as 200 feet. of Snead, and his association with the Among the most memorable holes is facility is well-documented through the 100-yard No. 3. Just a short iron photos and stories that have been shot to a postage stamp-sized green, a passed down from generation to generation. He often could be The first hole on Old White TPC, which found hitting balls on the range hosts the Greenbrier Classic. at the Greenbrier, and when an Not only is the Palmer Course at Stonewall unsuspecting guest asked for a tip Resort ranked among the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to help his game, more often than best resort courses, but in the fall offers magnificent views of the foliage. not when checking out there would be a fee for a golf lesson added to his final bill. gorge guards the front of the green While the Greenbrier is the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and rock outcroppings guard the crown jewel golf and historic sides. property, there is plenty of other Arnold Palmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature course good golf to discover just a short at Stonewall Resort features large drive from Charleston, which is the greens and the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest manperfect place to begin your West made lake comes into play. Virginia adventure. Golf Digest and Golf Magazine A must-visit destination is the each ranked the course among Resort at Glade Springs featuring their best new courses when it 54 holes, four restaurants, a spa, opened in 2002, and recently tennis and equestrian center. The was selected at No. 23 on Cobb courses opened in 1973 and Golfweekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s list of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is the only signature George Cobb Top Resort Courses. design. Among the highlights are When it comes to golf dramatic elevation changes, a destinations, consider West trait that quickly became evident Virginia one of the Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when playing in West Virginia. The hidden gems. Cobb course meanders around Snowshoe Mountain offers guests great golf in the eight lakes on the property and summer and great skiing in the winter. features rolling greens. The Tom Clark designed When it comes to extravagance, historic Greenbrier has it all. Stonehaven course at Glade Springs is tough and scenic. Opened in 2003, Clark incorporated rock outcroppings in his design and cut a swath through tall trees to make for a memorable playing experience. The facilityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third course, the Woodhaven, is somewhat different as Clark routed it through a valley. The Raven Golf Club at Snowshoe Mountain is another excellent choice for in-season golf or for skiing in the winter. The Gary Player design is considered by some to be the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best course. Player

4HE ONLY THING BETTER THAN A ROUND OF GOLF AT THE 2ESERVE IS TWO ROUNDS OF GOLF AT 4HE 2ESERVE AT #OLLINS 2IVER

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March 2012

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Rules of Golf Q and A

Around Nashville Fairways

In stroke play, a player takes relief from an out of bounds fence under Rule 24 – Obstructions and plays the ball. What is the ruling?

Q: A B

State of the Art Driving Range to Open at McCabe

There is no penalty

There is a one stroke penalty

There is a two stroke penalty

Sally Davis Superintendent of Golf Operations

Find answer on page 23

IN MEMORIAM

Exciting things are happening at McCabe Golf Course.

McCabe has 27 holes of great golf, an excellent putting and chipping practice area and now has a driving range..

Considering it is one of the busiest golf courses in the state, we anticipate it is going to get even busier. Pro Loren Personett and staff are elated with the new driving range at McCabe. For golfers in Nash-

He began working at Harpeth Hills in the mid-1970s until 2012 and loved golf. Frank is survived by his wife, Eva, daughter Patrice Kunce of Leesburg, Va., and brother Daniel, and several nephews and nieces.

2012 Christmas 4 Kids Golf Tournament Join the fun as Tennessee Titans Place Kicker and Tournament Co-Host Rob Bironas hits the golf course with many of his teammates during the 2012 Christmas 4 Kids Golf Tournament to be held on April 10, 2012 at the Pine Creek Golf Course (1835 Logue Road, Mount Juliet, TN). Titans teammates already planning to come out to the event include Jake Locker (quarterback), Marc Marini (wide receiver), Craig Stevens (tight end), Brett Kern (punter), Ken Amato (line-

backer and long snapper), Craig Hentrich (retired punter and kicker) and Colin McCarthy (middle linebacker). On this day, fans will have the unique opportunity to play golf with their favorite music or sports celebrities. Funds from this event will help provide a Christmas to Middle Tennessee children who otherwise would not be able to experience this gift of giving. Only a few teams are still available, so sign up and register today (http://www. christmas4kids.org/).

McCabe

46th & Murphy Rd. • 615-862-8491

Percy Warner

Forrest Park Dr. • 615-352-9958

Shelby

20th & Fatherland • 615-862-8474

Two Rivers

Two Rivers Parkway • 615-889-2675

Ted Rhodes

1901 Ed Temple Blvd. • 615-862-8463

Francis P. “Frank” Credie

Harpeth Hills Golf Course staff and golfing community mourned the recent passing of longtime starter and rangers Frank Credie. He was 95. A 30-year employee, Credie was remembered for his engaging grin and friendly demeanor. A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Credie served in the U.S. Army in World War II and eventually found his way to Nashville.

Harpeth Hills

2424 Old Hickory Blvd. • 615-862-8493

VinnyLinks

2009 Sevier Street • 615-880-1720

ville, it has been one of the most anticipated facility openings in a long time.

Metro Parks Nashvillefairways.com

driving range.

If you would like more information The range acabout the range, call McCabe at 862commodates 8491. more than 25 Pro Loren Fairway Facts golfers on an Personett upper and low• More than 400 junior golfers parer tee. It has Pro Daryl Edens ticipated in The First Tee of Nashville target greens in classes in 2011. the landing areas and will provide an excellent practice venue for golfers of all • In a typical year, McCabe Golf Course skill levels. Mat hitting stations will be does over 80,000 rounds. used during the winter months and the large Bermuda grass tee, covering one acre, will open in late spring. Golfers… have we got a deal for you! Two sizes of baskets of balls will be Monday—Two Rivers Golf Course – available for purchase: a small bucket (615) 889-2675 (45 balls) will be $6.00 and a large buckTuesday—Harpeth Hills Golf Course – et (100 balls) will be $12.00. (615) 862-8493 Whether practicing your game, warmWednesday—Ted Rhodes Golf Course – ing up for play or just hitting a bucket (615) 862-8463 of balls for pure enjoyment, everyone Thursday—McCabe Golf Course – will want to visit McCabe and enjoy the (615) 862-8491 new facility. Personett and fellow pro18 holes and cart fessional Daryl Edens are on staff at Public - $30.00 Senior - $23.00 McCabe and are ready to answer your Tee times suggested. Call the courses questions and welcome you to the new for more information.

Nashville Fairways Clippings

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Deer Creek carves out niche in Crossville

By Ed Lewis Tee Times contributor One of the more popular golf courses in the Crossville, Tenn. region is the Deer Creek Golf Club, a beautifully designed course near downtown. The course is part of the Deer Creek residential community, and conveniently located near Interstate 40 at the Genesis Road exit. The staff at Deer Creek Golf Club: (Front row, from Deer Creek is one of the reasons Crossleft) J.R. Heiser, Jo Ann Campbell, George Parker, ville and Cumberland County proudly Ken Waldrop; (back row, from left) Tom Humphrey, Charlie Humphrey, Brian Wyatt claim the title of The Golf Capital of Tennessee. 14 in 2010 and heading into the final three This 6,354-yard par 72 course is managed months of 2011 there had been 10 aces reby Tom Humphrey, general manager and corded at Deer Creek. superintendent, who is assisted by a capaThe numbers are notable given that the ble staff that take great pride in their duties set of par 3s are as challenging as any in the and responsibilities. county. Deer Creek, which celebrated its 25th anThe course displays commemorative niversary in 2011, offers a convenient snack plaques for the many holes-in-one achieved bar and well-stocked pro shop. at the course each year. Danny Riga and Lloyd Bowman have Humphrey has been the general manager owned Deer Creek since 1995. at the course since 2005. He has been a As with other courses in Cumberland Cumberland County resident since 1994, County, Deer Creek is home to several when he became assistant superintendent leagues and also hosts many tournaments at Druid Hills, Fairfield Glade. He throughout the year. also was head agronomist for all Deer Creek is known for Bear Trace courses in Tennesgiving up an abundance of see. holes-in-one each season. Originally from North CaroIn 2007, there were 21 aces lina, Humphrey graduated from recorded. That number was Purdue University in 1994 in Agronomy. Humphrey’s staff includes Hershel Barnwell, Brian Buckley, Jo Ann Campbell, Ken Campbell, George Hatfield, J.R. Heiser, Jerald Howard, Charlie Humphrey, Jim Martin, eer Creek Mike Mason, Jim O’Shanick, No. 10 at D George Parker, Van Phillips, Bill Schwartz, Ken Waldrop, Tom White and Brian Wyatt. Scott Sikorski, a PGA professional, is also associated with the club. For more information about Deer Creek, No. 1 at Deer Creek call 931-456-0178 or go to www.deercreekgolf.com.

MAGNIFICENT balance of design and nature 18-hole golf course designed by Mark McCumber featuring Champion Bermuda greens s Offers the only Hydro-Grid HAR-TRU® clay tennis courts in the South s Just minutes away from nine world-class casinos s Perfect for group outings and special events s

Book your tee time today, either by phone or online.

Call 1.866.TEE.OFF1 or visit tunicanational.com. Nashville, Tennessee

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Merchandise show offers something for everyone By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times editor

cement their place in what has become a billion-dollar industry. At least part of the appeal of Demo ORLANDO, Fla. – Can you say Day is that players can test the latest “information overload?” equipment under the watchful eyes of Those two words pretty much sum company reps. Launch monitors are up the experience of attending the the norm at most booths, and there is PGA Merchandise Show. nothing more depressing than having The annual event, a rep give you the held each January at lowdown on your spin the Orange County rate and swing speed. Convention Center, The booths for most is hardly a Mickey of the major brands Mouse affair. It starts – Nike, Titleist, Ping, on a Wednesday with Callaway among a massive Demo Day others – were among at Orange County the most popular for National golf course Demo Day visitors as and winds up three manufacturers put days later in the their latest products in Rising LPGA star, Lexi front of professionals equally massive Thompson, 16, sports and media members. convention center. a big smile. In between, there’s Also drawing a a little of everything measure of interest for PGA of America professionals, was the Wilson Staff exhibit, which superintendents and the media. appears to be making a concerted effort How big is the show? The official to recapture its share of the American 2012 buyers guide and directory is market. a 413-page booklet with a 32-page Rising LPGA star Lexi Thompson, who addendum, with everything from A to is only 16, spent time launching her Z covered. Cobra driver 295 yards at Demo Day, Of the more than 1,000 companies tweeted Golf World’s Tim Rosaforte. that set up shop this year at the Later, she took her turn on the catwalk show, more than 300 were first-time in a fashion show for Cobra-Puma exhibitors. golfwear. Demo Day is one of the marquee After Demo Day, the action moved events. The facility’s massive practice inside the massive convention center range is encircled by all of the leading where exhibitors hawk everything equipment manufacturers, including from new types of tees to the latest shaft makers and a variety of other in fashion. LPGA stars Natalie Gulbis lesser-known companies trying to and Paula Creamer made appearances, Nancy Lopez spent time signing

autographs at her apparel exhibit and Dottie Pepper also was spotted wandering the floor. Gotta Have It Golf always is one of the most popular exhibitors. Featuring memorabilia from most major sports, it has some of the most iconic photographs in golf history. There are plenty of photographs autographed by Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Phil Mickelson, to name a few. Company rep Bruce Matthews says Annika Sörenstam was on hand there is always at the ING meeting room to plenty of demand speak and accept an honor. for memorabilia. “We’ve been very well received,” “There might be he said. “People like our product. a million Arnold We started off in tennis and Palmer autographs running, and now we’re moving out there, but that into golf.” means there are 49 Jaime Handler, of Nivo Sports, said million people who a redesigned booth and cuttingdon’t have one,” he edge women’s apparel made for said. “Mickey Mantle brisk business at his third show. signed everything Nivo Sports is a division of Lanctot but now his stuff Corp., which manufactures ski is hard to find. The Paula Creamer was a and outdoor wear. new guys have popular gal at the ING “It’s a great opportunity to sparked interest meeting room where seek new buyers,” said Handler, and demand, too.” she answered who was attending his third Matthews said questions from media. show. marketing the He said what sets Nivo brand is Gotta Have Sports apart from other apparel It Golf’s reason for being at the show. “We have to keep our name out there,” manufacturers is that the ski apparel he said. “We want to be visible. This is industry has always been ahead of the technical curve for clothing design. what we do well.” “Our brand appeals to a broad For some, like Jermaine Gordon spectrum,” Handler said. “We’re not whose company markets Myo-Breathe, a pain-relieving roll-on gel, it’s about considered young or old. Being at cross-promotion and getting a foot in the show is a great way to get brand the door in a new industry. Gordon was exposure.” As the show came to a close, optimism a first-time exhibitor at the show. was high that a golf resurgence is on the horizon. “The energy and enthusiasm at the show has been phenomenal, which certainly sets a positive course for the industry in 2012,” Taylor Madeadidas CEO and president Mark King told the daily show publication. PGA professional and Spirit Golf Management president Mike Attara also was optimistic for 2012. “There definitely is a bigger buzz at the show this year,” he said. “It’s a good sign for the industry.” PGA of America president Allen Wronowski said he thought the Merchandise Show provided positive energy for the golf industry moving forward. “Everyone is asking what we can do to reconnect with golfers,” he said. Show visitors seemed eager to get started on that front after several down years for the industry. Gregg Dewalt is the sports editor at the TimesDaily in Florence, Ala.

March 2012

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The Halls take in the “Big Show” 59th Annual PGA Show a must see By Joe and Carol Hall Members of The Golf Writers Association of America It was back in December and the Tennessee region was in the throes of winter, albeit a mild one for the most part. However, most of us in the golf industry, especially the media start to get notices and e-mails reminding us that the PGA Show is just around the corner. If daffodils announce the spring, then the PGA Show (l.) Jackson Club kick starts the golf season for golf insiders, Country Pro David the professionals, superintendents, Crafton along with wife manufactures, and yes we golf writers. Kathy, and E-mail blasts start to pour in touting the SeeMore’s Ted Gallina “Big Show” and the invitations to visit the booths flow in daily. The anticipation builds, for you know you are in for a treat. Joe and Carol Hall look forward to warm sunny Orlando, anxious to take in the “Big Show,” play a little golf, and show up; along with thousands to come to this place that is “all about golf.” Of special interest to the Halls are the area pros that we know we will run into at the show. For us it will be the first time to see them since last season, especially those to the east and west of us. The PGA Professionals have business meetings, but they are there also to meet and greet their fellow professionals and perhaps to purchase equipment and Steve Snyders/ apparel, shoes, you name it, it is there. We Sun Mountain have learned to travel light, wear good walking shoes, bring the camera and just show up for this unique experience. Being members of the Golf Writers of America, we have a special area set aside for us and this media room allows us to hook up with others that we don’t usually see on a regular basis. The booths seem to go on forever, the LPGA and PGA tour players are seen often. So much to see, so much to take in. We both enjoyed this show, it seemed more special, the weather was spectacular, we played two really nice courses and again, most importantly we ran into great manufacturer reps and the golf pros from our area. The 2012 PGA Show is in the books, but what an adventure, and the Bruce Vittner(l.) publisher of Halls thoroughly enjoyed Southern New England Golfer & Joe every moment... Hall, Tee Times publisher

Jay Hubbard/ Tour Edge

Robb Spencer/ Bushnell

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Jared Kelowitz/ Bridgestone

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Jack & Kim Craw/ Jack’s Golf Shop

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Golf Course 120 65

108 49

71 81

123

121 109

114

110 78

113 55

97 23

94 88 116 27

119

139

91 106

100

50 129

128

104

25 10

36 77

102

135

112

115 130

28 127 63 136 46 56

118

138

45 47

101

126 93

+ Golf House Tennessee and the Little Course 1. 2. 3. 4. 6.

7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

Andrew Johnson Golf Club, Greeneville, TN, 800-421-2149 Arnold AFB Golf Club, Tullahoma, TN, 888-558-2327 Audubon Golf Course, Memphis, TN, 901-683-6941 Baneberry Golf & Country Club, Baneberry, TN, 800-951-4653 Bear Trace at Cumberland Mtn., Crossville, TN, 931-707-1640, www.tngolftrail.com Bear Trace at Harrison Bay, Harrison, TN, 423-326-0885, www.tngolftrail.com Bear Trace at Tims Ford, Winchester, TN, 931-968-0995, www.tngolftrail.com Bent Creek Golf Village, Gatlinburg, TN, 800-251-9336 Blackberry Ridge Golf Club, Shelbyville, TN, 931-437-2343 Brainerd Golf Course, Chattanooga, TN, 423-855-2692 Brown Acres Golf Club, Chattanooga, TN, 423-855-2680 Buffalo Valley Golf Club, Unicoi, TN, 423-743-5021 Carroll Lake Golf Club, McKenzie, TN, 731-352-2998 Cattails at Meadowview, Kingsport, TN, 423-578-6622 Cedar Crest Golf Club, Mufreesboro, TN, 615-849-7837 Cedar Hills Golf Club, Inc. Lenoir City, TN, 865-986-6521 Centennial Golf Course, Oak Ridge, TN, 865-483-2291 Champions Run Golf Course, Rockvale, TN, 615-274-2301 Chatata Valley Golf Club, Cleveland, TN, 423-339-9784

21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41.

Cherokee Valley Golf Club, Olive Branch, MS, 662-893-4444 Clear Creek Golf Club, Bristol, VA, 276-466-4833 Mirimichi Golf Course, Millington, TN (901) 259-3800 Cole Park, Fort Campbell, KY, 270-798-4610 Collins River Reserve, McMinnville, TN, 931-668-7749, www.collinsriver.com Concord Park Par 3, Knoxville, TN, 865-966-9103 Cottonwoods Golf Club, Tunica Resorts, MS, 662-357-6078 Country Hills Golf Course, Hendersonville, TN, 615-824-1100, www.countryhillsgolfcourse.com Creeks Bend Golf Club, Hixson, TN, 423-842-5911 Creekside Plantation, Seymour, TN, 865-577-4653 Crossings Golf Club, Jonesborough, TN, 423-348-8855 Cumberland Bend Golf Course, Gainesboro, TN, 931-268-0259 Dandridge Golf & Country Club, Dandridge, TN, 865-397-2655 Davy Crockett Park Golf Course, Memphis, TN, 901-358-3375 Dead Horse Lake Golf Course, Knoxville, TN, 865-693-5270 Dixie Oaks Golf Club, Summertown, TN, 931-964-4991 Dogwood Hills Country Club, Portland, TN, 615-325-4648 Dyersburg Municipal GC, Dyersburg, TN, 731- 286-2155 Eagle Bluff Golf Club, Chattanooga, TN, 423-326-0202 Eagleﾃ不 Landing Golf Club, Sevierville, TN, 865-429-4223 Eastland Green Golf Course, Clarksville, TN, 931-358-9051

42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60.

Egwani Farm Golf Club, Rockford, TN, 865-970-7132 Elizabethton Muni. Golf Club, Elizabethton, TN, 423-542-8051 Fairways and Greens Golf Cntr, Knoxville, TN, 865-777-4653 Fairways at Spencer Creek, Franklin, TN, 615-794-8223 Farm Lakes, Old Hickory, TN, 615-847-5074 Forrest Crossing Golf Course, Franklin, TN, 615-794-9400, www.americangolf.com Fox Meadows Golf Course, Memphis, TN, 901-362-0232 Futures Golf Club, Puryear, TN, 731-247-3264 Gaylord Springs, Nashville, TN, 615-458-1730, www.gaylordsprings.com Graysburg Hills Golf Course, Chuckey, TN, 423-234-8061 Greens at Deerfield, LaFollette, TN, 800-325-2788 GreyStone Golf Club, Dickson, TN, 615-446-0044 Hampton Creek, Ooltewah, TN, 423-238-6812 Harpeth Hills Golf Course, Nashville, TN, 615-862-8493, www.nashvillefairways.com Hermitage Golf Course, Old Hickory, TN, 615-847-4001, www.hermitagegolf.com Hickory Valley Golf Club, Chattanooga, TN, 423-894-1576 Highland Green Golf Club, Jackson, TN, 877-427-5477 Holston Valley Golf Course, Bristol, TN,423-878-7400 Hunterﾃ不 Point Golf Course, Lebanon, TN,615-444-7521

March 2012

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Guide For The Tennessee Region 105 103

137 79

52 67 18

125

107

70 68

17 95 111

39 54

84 33

122

132

44 133

26 89

124 117

59 90

43 13

1 4

69 9

134

131

29 1 57 12

61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80.

Indian Hills Golf Club, Murfreesboro, TN, 615-895-3642 Ironwood Golf Course, Cookeville, TN, 931-528-2331 Johnny Warren Academy, Gallatin, TN, 615-206-0813, www.jwga.net Jones Creek Golf Course, Jackson, TN, 731-425-8620, www.jonescreekgolf.com Kenny Perryﾃ不 Country Creek, Franklin, KY, 270-586-9373 Kingﾃ不 Creek Golf Club, Spring Hill, TN, 931-486-1253 Knoxville Municipal GC, Knoxville, TN, 865-691-7143 Lake Tansi Village CC, Crossville, TN, 931-788-3301 Lambert Acres Golf Course, Maryville, TN, 865-982-9838 Landmark Golf Club at Avalon, Lenoir City, TN, 865-986-4653 Legacy of Springfield, Springfield, TN, 615-384-4653 Links at Galloway, Memphis, TN, 901-685-7805, www.memphistn.gov Links at Overton, Memphis, TN, 901-725-9905 Long Hollow Golf Course, Gallatin, TN, 615-451-3120, www.gallatin-tn.gov Lost Creek Golf Club, New Market, TN, 865-475-9661 Maggie Valley Golf Club, Maggie Valley, NC, 800-438-3861 Marshall County, Lewsiburg, TN, 931-359-2482 McCabe Golf Course, Nashville, TN, 615-862-8491, www.nashvillefairways.com Millstone Golf Club, Morristown, TN, 423-586-4000 Nashboro Village Golf Club, Nashville, TN, 615-367-2311

181. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 98. 99. 100.

Oak Hills Golf Course, Greenbriar, TN, 615-643-4505 Old Fort Golf Club, Murfreesboro, TN, 615-896-2448 Old Stone Fort, Manchester, TN, 931-723-5075, www.tngolftrail.com Patroit Hills, Jefferson City, TN, 865-475-4466 Pebblebrook, Greenbrier, TN, 615-382-3045 Percy Warner, Nashville, TN, 615-352-9958, www.nashvillefairways.com Pine Creek Golf Course, Mt.Juliet, TN, 615-449-7272, www.pinecreekgolf.net Pine Hill Golf Course, Memphis, TN, 901-775-9434 Pine Lakes Golf Club, Rockford, TN, 865-970-9018 Pine Oaks Golf Club, Johnson City, TN, 423-434-6250 Quail Ridge Golf Course, Bartlett, TN, 901-386-6951 River Islands Club, Knoxville, TN,865-933-0100 Riverbend Links, Tunica Resorts, MS, 888-539-9990 Riverside Golf Club, Memphis, TN, 901-774-4340 Riverview Golf Course, Loudon, TN, 865-986-6972 Roan Valley, Mountain City, TN, 423-727-7931 Ross Creek Landing, Clifton, TN, 931- 676-3174 Saddle Creek Golf Club, Lewisburg, TN, 931-270-7280, www.saddlecreekgc.com Scenic View Golf Course, Winchester, TN, 931-967-5224 Shelby Park Golf Course, Nashville, TN, 615-862-8474, www.nashvillefairways.com

101. Shiloh Falls Golf Club, Counce, TN, 731-689-5050, www.shilohfallsgolf.com 102. Shiloh Golf Course, Adamsville, TN, 731-632-0678 103. Silver Lake Golf Club, Church Hill, TN, 423-357-9940 104. Smyrna Municipal Golf Course, Smyrna, TN, 615-459-2666 105. Steele Creek Golf Course, Bristol, TN, 423-764-6411 106. Stonebridge Golf Course, Arlington, TN, 901-382-1886 107. Stonehenge Golf Club, Fairfield Glade, TN, 931-484-3731 108. Swan Lake Golf Course, Clarksville, TN, 931-648-0479, www.cityofclarksville.com 109. Sycamore Valley Golf Course, Ashland, TN, 615-792-7863 110. Ted Rhodes, Nashville, TN, 615-862-8463, www.nashvillefairways.com 111. Tenn Golf Trail @ Fall Creek, Pikeville, TN, 423-881-5706, www.tngolftrail.com 112. Tenn Golf Trail @ Henry Horton, Chapel Hill, TN, 931-364-2319, www.tngolftrail.com 113. Tenn Golf Trail @ Montgomery Bell, Burns, TN, 615-797-2578, www.tngolftrail.com 114. Tenn Golf Trail @ Paris Landing,Buchanan,TN, 731-641-4459, www.tngolftrail.com 115. Tenn Golf Trail @ Pickwick Lnd,Pickwick Dam,TN, 731-689-3149, www.tngolftrail.com 116. Tenn Golf Trail @ T. O. Fuller, Memphis, TN, 901-543-7771, www.tngolftrail.com 117. Tenn Golf Trail @ Warrior Path, Kingsport, TN, 423-323-4990, www.tngolftrail.com 118. Tennessee River Golf Club, Decaturville, TN, 731-852-2582 119. The Club at North Creek, Southaven, MS, 877-465-3647 120. The Links of Novadell, Hopkinsville, KY, 270-886-1101 121. The Tennessean, Springville, TN, 731-642-7271 122. Three Ridges Golf Course, Knoxville, TN, 865.687.4797 123. Through the Green Highland Rim, Joelton, TN, 615-746-0400 124. Tri Cities Golf Club, Blountville, TN, 423-323-6615 125. Tri-County Golf Course, Oliver Springs, TN, 423-435-0749 126. Tunica National, Tunica Resorts, MS, 662-357-0777, www.tunicanational.com 127. Twelve Stones Crossing, Goodlettsville, TN, 615-851-4653 128. Two Rivers GC, Nashville, TN, 615-889-2675, www.nashvillefairways.com 129. VinnyLinks @ Shelby Park, Nashville, TN, 615-880-1720, www.nashvillefairways.com 130. Wedgewood, Olive Branch, MS, 662-895-7490 131. White Oaks, Athens, TN, 423-745-3349 132. Whittle Springs Golf Course, Knoxville, TN, 865-525-1022 133. Willow Creek Golf Club, Knoxville, TN, 865-675-0100 134. Willow Springs Golf Course, Athens, TN, 423-745-1131 135. Willowbrook, Manchester, TN, 800-319-8001 136. Windtree Golf Course, Mt.Juliet, TN, 615-754-4653 137. Woodlake, Tazewell, TN, 423-626-6010 138. Sculleyﾃ不 Golf Course, 2162 Westover Rd. Jackson TN, 38301, 731-424-4500 139. Chickasaw Golf Course, 9555 Hwy. 100 West, Henderson , TN 38340 , 731-989-4700

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Inaugural mixed team championship a success Tee Times report “I love it when a plan comes together!” No, that’s not Hannibal of the ATeam, but Mike Cain, Executive Director of the United States Couples Golf Association, talking about this past fall’s national championship. On a gorgeous weekend in late September, mixed teams from seven states gathered at Pickwick Landing (Tenn.) State Park Resort for three days of great food, golf, and fun, and with a national golf championship on the line. The tournament finish was dramatic, with first-round leaders Larry and Debbie Barnes (Jackson, Tenn.) making birdie on the 36th hole to force a playoff with Joel and Cathy Borden (Union Grove, Ala.). The Barnes team won the first national couples title on the second playoff hole. In the scramble division, Jimmy and Michele Harris (Lonoke, Ark.) won the “other” title in a playoff with Tommy and Judith Willis (Reagan, Tenn.). But, as thrilling and important as it was to the players, it seems the run for the title was only half the story.

With the help of several sponsors, led by Bridgestone Golf and presenting sponsor Craigsanquhar Travel & Apparel, the field shared prizes and gifts totaling more than $20,000, including a six-night golf package at Craigsanquhar House in Scotland. “I won’t go through all the other sponsors now, but they’re listed

Mixed couples champions Larry and Debbie Barnes According to Cain, “Couples golf is as much about socializing, making new friends, and having a great time as it is about golf competition.” And, from the players’ reactions, they had all that and more — given all asked for and received — priority in making the expanded field in 2012. “Our goal with this event is twofold — to create a legitimate annual national championship for the fastest growing aspect of the game, but also to conduct the premier event on the couples circuit each year — at least, in terms of value,” Cain said.

Runnersup in the scramble division, Tommy & Judith Willis

Mixed couples runners-up Joel and Cathy Borden on our website www.uscouplesga. com, and I hope everyone interested in couples golf will take note of their sup-

port and reciprocate,” Cain said. “With their help, every team was able to take home a minimum of $500 in gifts and prizes.” So, thanks to the USCGA (www.uscouplesga.com), there’s now a national championship for couples golf where none existed before. And, there’s quite a growing buzz in the golf world about the tourney and the USCGA as the central resource for information on couples golf. The dates and location for 2012 aren’t settled, but will be posted on the USCGA’s website.

March 2012

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Equipment Corner Tour Edge unveils new line of clubs Tee Times report Tour Edge has a new line of fairway woods and drivers for 2012. The new products were on display in January at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, and company officials are excited about the future. Its XCG5 fairway wood now is offered in an 11-degree loft that is easy to get in the air and adds extra distance from the fairway or tee but with the added control that is associated with hitting a fairway wood off the tee. The XCG5 driver comes in three versions, one which is among the lightest drivers on the market at 271 grams. The XCG5 irons and hybrids are extremely easy to hit offering a high moment of inertia and incredible forgiveness. All Tour Edge clubs come with a lifetime warranty and a 30-day play guarantee. Exotics is a division of Tour Edge Golf Manufacturing. Exotics golf clubs are for those who demand the finest performing golf clubs in the world.

With experienced designers and smaller production runs, Exotics can bring advanced technology to the marketplace months or years ahead of its time. Each set of clubs is assembled by hand. The clubs are distributed throughout the United States. Availability ranges from greengrass locations to discount golf

shops. For more information call Golf Headquarters Cool Springs at 615435-3199 or visit www.exoticsgolf.com or www.touredge.com

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Greenside bunker play made easy By Barney Alary Golf instructor So, in this situation, the first thing we need is to get our sand wedge. For those of you who have a lob wedge, I would only recommend you use it in situations where the flag is very close to you AND the sand is very firm (or absent, meaning there is next to no sand). If your most lofted club is a pitching wedge, be ready to struggle and hate and fear sand until you get yourself a sand wedge. Now, what to do with that sand wedge? First, open the clubface and here is how you do it. As a right-handed golfer, raise the club up in a way that the leading edge of the club is pointing straight up, basically, pointing to 12:00. Now rotate it in a way that it points to 1:00 (11:00 if you are left-handed), THEN get your grip. Open the face first, then grip the club. Now that we have opened the clubface, we will need to aim slightly to the

left of our target. How much left? Probably creating the illusion where your feet would be aiming 5 to 10 feet to the left of the target (again for a right-handed golfer). Next comes ball position. Position the ball about one inch in front of the center of your stance. Next is a huge key to success out of sand. Put about 60 percent of your weight on your front foot, leaning towards the target. This is huge. Where most people make a critical error in sand is trying to help the ball out. NO, NO, NO, NO! You have to trust the club to do its job. Another critical error is hitting AT the ball. NO, NO, NO, NO! The sand will slow the club down. We need to swing through, and that is why with weight on your front foot, the club can hit the sand and you can swing without the fear of blasting it over the green. When it comes to sand, the untold secret to hitting the shot properly is to hit it fat with an open clubface. That’s something most golfers do all the time (by accident of course), but the whole concept of hitting properly out of sand is to hit fat with an open clubface. For additional assistance, I can be reached at (615) 594-8022, and you can go to my website at www.simplifyinggolf.com, and on Facebook at Symplifying Golf Academy. Barney Alary

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Opinion

Dead Horse Lake:

By David Widener Member Golf Writers Association of America

Catchy name and mystery A catchy name sure can be an attention-getter. That’s the case for Dead Horse Lake Golf Course in Knoxville. In the October 2011 issue of Golf Magazine, it was No. 6 on the magazine’s list of Top 8 Worst Course Names. Owner Joe Parker, who built the golf course with his brother Pete in the early 1970s, has no ill will toward the magazine for the selection. “At least we got recognized,” Joe said. “There are names worse than ours. There’s even a Dead Horse Lake Alaska fishing camp in the upper end of Alaska 200300 miles from civilization.” The course winds around Dead Horse Lake, which covers 15-20 acres. Water comes into play on five holes on the 6,160-yard, par 72 layout. On No. 3, a par 4, players must cross water twice. The lingering question, though, is whether there is a

dead horse buried on the course. In answering, Parker takes us back to the 1700s. As the story goes, a traveler and his horse going through the area got stuck in some quicksand. The traveler escaped, but not the horse. Because of that, the lake was given the name Dead Horse in 1792. “The horse is out there somewhere, but we’re not sure where the original

Tee Times report All weddings are special to some degree, of course, but once in a blue moon the elements align to create a truly unique experience. That was the case in October for Joe O’Neal and Hanna Tyler and 120 of their closest family members and friends at Collins River Golf Course who watched them marry on a cloudless fall day. Set on the driving range, the wedding party gathered under a dramatic Sassafras tree. Decorations included pumpkins, a vibrant collection of mums in varying colors, and Tennessee-orange ribbons gently

draped on a trellis backdrop. Kissing balls of fall flowers hung from the enormous tree. From this natural platform, the guests could easily view the picturesque golf course, which is surrounded by the Ben Lomand Mountains. Why was this day so extraordinary besides the beautiful setting and happy couple with their friends and family? Because this first wedding to take place on the award-winning Collins River Golf Course marked the perfect culmination of years of dreaming, planning, and hard work by developer Dwight and Hannah O’Neal.

sinkhole is located as there are a lot on the property,” Joe Parker said. “We’re one of just 17 or 18 natural lakes in Tennessee.” Want more history? President Andrew Jackson once owned the property, but according to Parker he never did anything with it. There was talk at one time about renaming the lake in honor of Jackson, but it never materialized. Parker’s father bought the property in 1963 for farming. Later, Joe and Pete decided to build a golf course. “We bought a book and a bulldozer and got after it,” Joe said. “It took us two years, opening for business in 1973.” At first, the brothers searched for a name, going to one of their father’s fishing buddies who owned a

A perfect Tennessee wedding

Bride Hanna Tyler arrived for her special day via a golf cart escorted by father, Jeffrey.

They worked with Jerry Lemons to create a challenging golf course on land formerly used for the family nursery business. The course opened in July 2006, and sons Joe and Chris are part of the day-to-day operation. Chris, the best man and younger son, is the course superintendent. Eldest son Joe owns and operates Collins River Bar-b-q & Catering. Groom Joe smoked the most delicious brisket and pork loin for his own wedding reception, which was held at the O’Neal’s home. In the spirit of Tennessee’s historic vo l u n t e e r s , friends and

Hanna Tyler and Joe O’Neal complete their wedd vows with matron of honor, Lori Whitlock, best ing man Chris O’Neal and best dog, Rusty

large advertising agency. His advice, “You don’t need a name, you have a natural one (Dead Horse Lake).” The course averages about 30,00034,000 rounds annually. Green fees with cart are $32 during weekdays and $39 on weekends with prices reduced $5 during the winter months. Jimmy Seay owns the course record of 62. But more fun would be to find the dead horse. That would be a challenging adventure. The head pro at Dead Horse Lake Golf Course is Alex Hunt, a native of Portland, Ind., who took the job in the summer of 2009.

Joe, the groom, is kissed by his bride, Hanna Elizabeth, as well as his mom, Hannah Elizabeth

family chipped in to create the festive reception: high-school friends of the mother-of-the-groom and friend Steve Grove of The Grove catered as their gift to the couple. Family friend Tammie Gribble made the delicious wedding cakes. Many of Hannah’s masterfully hand-made quilts were on display for the guests to enjoy. The icing on the cake? Both Hanna and Hannah have the same middle name -- Elizabeth. Groom Joe now has The groom’s doting parents: two Hanna-h Elizaers Hannah and Dwight O’Neal, own beths in his life. of Collins River Golf Course

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March 2012

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Jackson gets first taste of LPGA

By Tim Benton Tee Times contributor The golf career of amateur star Janie Jackson took another big step forward as she earned a place in the field of the LPGA Tour’s Navistar Classic this past fall at the Robert Trent Jones Trail course, Capitol Hill, in Prattville, Ala. Jackson, a senior at Huntsville High School and the reigning girl’s high school state champion, beat 19 other competitors to earn one of two coveted spots available in the prestigious tour stop. Though it was an extraordinary achievement to qualify to play a tournament which featured seven of the world’s top 10 women golfers, Jackson wasn’t really surprised that she did it. “I’ve played that course numerous times under par,” she said. “I knew I could do it if I played my game.” In the tournament, Jackson started slowly with a first-round 78, but came back strong

to make the cut with a 67 in round two. “I knew what had to be done after my first round, so I went out and played steady golf and made some putts. It was an awesome feeling,” she said. Jackson finished the tournament with rounds of 79 and 75. Though it was her first time to tee it up against the world’s best pros, Jackson wasn’t intimidated. “I wasn’t really nervous at all on the course,” she said. She said having her dad on the bag was a plus. “My dad and I were just having fun, trying to enjoy the experience,” she said. Jackson’s performance provided even more confidence for an already bright future. She sees the Navistar experience as just the beginning. “It’s always been a dream of mine to play professional golf, and making the cut in my first event gives me hope that one day I could play the game for a living,” Jackson said. “I think

I’m pretty close to being as good as a lot of the girls out there. I’ve really been working hard on improving my short game. Once I get that mastered I think I’ll have a good chance of competing with them.” One of those competitors will be her good friend, rising LPGA star 16-year-old Lexi Thompson, who won the tournament and made history as the youngest winner of an LPGA event. “I envy her golf achievements,” Jackson said. “I’m really excited for her, especially since she is a full tour member for the 2012 season. I love supporting her and following her golf game.” Competing with Thompson as a professional will have to wait awhile, however. Jackson has accepted a full golf scholarship with the University of Arizona, where she intends to complete her college degree before pursuing her professional golf career. Tim Benton is a freelance writer in Hartselle, Ala.

Mountain Ridge: Enjoyable, playable

By Ed Lewis nearby Monterey and Fentress County. Tee Times contributor Lehman grew up in Rhode Island and CROSSVILLE, Tenn. — Cumberland after a career with the federal government, County boasts 10 18-hole, par 72 golf he and his family lived in Florida before courses on a variety of terrains, all offering relocating to the Cumberland Plateau. unique challenges to the record number of Adult daughter Liana remained in golfers who play the courses year-round. Florida, and Dave and wife Cindy are But none offer a more enjoyable round parents of 15-year-old son Coby, who than Mountain Ridge Golf Club, located in attends Cumberland County High School the Cumberland Cove community in the in Crossville. In addition to his interest in western part of the county. golf, Dave is also an assistant scout master In addition to an excellent course, The finishing hole on the picturesque residents and visitors also enjoy the Mountain Ridge Golf Course. lovely villas, tennis, hiking, fishing or boating on the property’s many lakes. Mountain Ridge opened in the early 1960s as a 9-hole course, and the back nine was added in the mid1990s. Today it is under the leadership of managing partner Dave Lehman, who has a lifelong love of the game and has in Coby’s Boy Scout troop. been at the course for the Dave is a graduate of past six years. Lehman is the University of Rhode assisted by a professional Island with a Bachelor of staff who serve members Science degree in physics and non-members well, and and a Master’s degree in who display great pride in mechanical engineering. the layout and beauty of the Linda Baker and Stephanie course. Dave Lehman, Mountain Ridge Williams man the pro shop, The course measures 6,675 manager and the maintenance staff, yards from the blue tees and managed by Jonathan Terry, 6,220 from the white tees. Its beauty is enhanced by lakes of varying includes Tim Stephens, Wayne Pyburn, sizes on many of the holes. Mountain Ridge Ricky Walker, Mel Davies, Charlie Hudgens is popular with many businesses for group and Ben Strahlman. Mountain Ridge is located on Tennessee outings and is host to local tournaments, 70 north, a short distance from the Putnam primarily during the summer months. The course also is home to the high school County line. The course is near Interstate and junior high school golf teams from 40, between exits 311 and 301.

At 1,875 feet above sea level, Mountain Ridge enjoys an average high temperature of 85.7 degrees and an average temperature of 56.3. Tee times and course information are available at 931- 839-3313 or go to www.

MountainRidgeGolfClub.com. Information about the course and Cumberland Cove community are also available at the Cumberland Cove POA Welcome Center, 931-839-2926.

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March 2012

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Golftec’s growth proof of success, popularity By Jim Grosjean Tee Times contributor In 1995, future Golftec president Joe Assell had just graduated from Mississippi State University with a marketing degree in the Professional Golf Management Program. While at MSU, Assell spent time as an intern at Golf Club of Tennessee and Cherry Hills Country Club in Denver. His goal at the time was to become a head professional, but a call from Cherry Hills pro Clayton Cole changed all that. Clayton wanted Assell to return to Denver to teach at his new indoor facility. He took the plunge and the rest is, so to speak, history. “I didn’t think that anyone would even want to take a lesson indoors, but within a short time I was booked solid for 21 straight days,” Assell said. MSU classmate and future chief operating officer Mike Clinton was soon hired as the second instructor. The original business plan was just to survive, but that was soon amended after they saw how much pent-up demand there was for indoor lessons with video capability. Clinton headed up the first expansion in Chicago

Korea and Japan. Over 2 million lessons have been given by Golftec coaches, and it is now believed that one in every four private lessons given in the United States is given at a Golftec Learning Center. Golftec works because of its five-part Proven Path to Proven Results: Fact Based Diagnostics, Sequential Lessons, Video Based Practice, Advanced Retention Tools, and Precision-matched Clubs.

Travis Zimber coaches student Jim Grosjean and together, Assell and Clinton have guided the growth of Golftec ever since. Golftec’s expansion was methodical for the first few years, but in 2003 Golftec Franchising was launched, creating many new markets. There are now 150 Learning Centers in the U.S., with 30 more under construction. There are locations in Canada and Mexico, and the rights have been sold for centers in

Travis Zimber of Golftec Cool Springs

In my opinion, Golftec’s 95-percent success rate can be attributed just as much to the quality of its Certified Personal Coaches. While PGA professionals receive little or no training on how to teach golf, Golftec Coaches must complete an intensive 11-day program at Golftec

University in Colorado before they give their first lesson at a Golftec facility. The Nashville Golftec franchise is located at 615 Bakers Bridge Rd. in the Cool Springs area. Owner Andrew Braley joined the team in 2002 after leaving Garland Resort in Gaylord, Mich., where he was the head professional. He has assembled a dedicated staff including Travis Zimber, Chris Robicheaux, and Rob Della Morte. They believe that incremental swing development as opposed to band-aid error correction is the best way to teach golf. Instruction at the Cool Springs store will be at an even higher level with the recent addition of the new Foresight launch monitor, the most accurate indoor monitor in the market. Golftec is now offering lessons inside Middle Tennessee’s first Golfsmith store located in the former Borders Bookstore at 330 Franklin Road in Brentwood. All the tools for improvement are found at Golftec. All that’s needed from the player is the desire to improve and a willingness to work at it. Call 615-472-9175 to get started. Editor’s note: The author of this article has worked with the Golftec system for more than two years. His handicap has dropped from 9.5 to 5.6. “I feel an ownership of my swing that helps me hit more fairways and greens and keeps those inevitable “disasters” to a minimum,” Grosjean says.

Brentwood Golf Tec Opening March 16, 2012 Inside Golfsmith - 615-526-6849

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March 2012

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Rules revisions are golfer friendly Tee Times report The United States Golf Association and the Royal & Ancient rules committees took big steps in their efforts to make the rules of golf a little more practical and user-friendly when they announced the latest revisions, effective Jan. 1, 2012 for four years. In addition, the official rules books across the world will offer identical formatting except for differences in native languages. This might sound simple, but wasn’t, according to Thomas Pagel, the USGA director of rules. “It took a lot of time to get it done properly.” While too late to help Webb Simpson, who suffered a one-stroke penalty when the wind moved his ball and cost him a chance to win the Zurich Classic, a player will no longer be penalized if it is known or virtually certain they did not cause the ball to move after the player has addressed it on the green. The usual culprit is the wind. The ball is in play from its new position. It had to be replaced in the past. Simpson was happy, saying that all of the professionals felt it should have been changed as they had to worry about the ball moving in windy conditions, distracting them from holing the putts in some cases or taking longer to actually address the ball. The new definition for addressing the ball will be when a player grounds his club immediately in front or behind the ball regardless if he or she has taken the stance. Other rules revisions include: The penalty for arriving late, but within five minutes of a starting time will not be disqualification. Instead, he or she will be penalized two strokes in stroke play or loss of hole in match play. Rules committees had to post a local condition of the competition in the past if they wished to follow this practice. Players and their caddies who might be retrieving a rake in a bunker will now be allowed to smooth footprints in the sand in a hazard at any time, even before playing, provided it is for the sole purpose of caring for the course, not improving the lie, the area of the intended stance or swing or the line of

play. In the past, a player who took an improper drop from an obstruction like a cart path faced multiple penalties—two for playing from the wrong position and one for an improper drop. Now the third penalty stroke will be dropped. Searching for a ball will be amended to permit a player to search for his ball anywhere on the course when it may be covered by sand and to clarify that there is no penalty if the ball is moved in these circumstances. However, if a ball in a hazard is moved when covered by loose impediments (such as leaves), there will be a one-stroke penalty. While too late to help British amateur Tom Lewis, changes in the Rules of Amateur Status will certainly make it easier for the game’s elite players preparing to make the transition from amateur to the professional ranks. . An amateur may now enter into a contract and/or agreement with his national golf union or association, provided he does not obtain any financial gain, directly or indirectly, while still an amateur. He or she can also enter into a contract and/or agreement with a third party agent, acting solely in relation to the golfer’s future as a professional golfer, provided there is no financial gain or a requirement to play in certain tournaments while still an amateur. He or she may receive reasonable subsistence expenses, not to exceed actual costs, to assist with living expenses provided they are approved by and paid through the player’s national golf union or association, Amateurs will no longer lose their amateur status for accepting large prizes like automobiles for a hole-in-one. The revision does not apply to long drive or closest-to-the-pin prizes, however.

A Golfer’s

Secret Paradise

Tri-Cities pro-am series schedule set

The Golden Corral Tri-Cites PGA Pro-Am series will feature a 32tournament schedule for 2012, beginning March 12 at Graysburg Hills and concluding oct. 22 at the Country Club of Bristol for the final invitationonly event. The series of Monday events is hosted by 13 area golf courses and more than 1,000 golfers participate. The format is simple. Players tee it up with their friends and then are blind-drawn onto teams after the round to win prizes. Players earn points by participating each week, and after accumulating 66 points are eligible for the final event at Country Club of Bristol. Players with a valid USGA handicap earn five bonus points and also receive a free cap. Players who qualify for the final event receive a cap, shirt and dinner. For more information or to see the series schedule, go to www.TriCitiesGolf.org or visit your local golf course.

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TEE TIMES

March 2012

Tee Times report Paschall named regional director for Chattanooga Dori Paschall is the new Chattanooga Regional Director for the Tennessee Golf Foundation. Paschall, an Athens, Tenn., native, took over the newly created position Feb. 1. Her role in the region is to raise the awareness level of Golf House Tennessee allied association activities while increasing Dori Paschall participation in these activities and growing the game of golf in the Chattanooga area through enhancing relationships and ongoing programs in this region. Paschall is the foundation’s fourth regional director in the state, joining Jimmy Darr (Memphis/ West Tenn.), Chad Anderson (Knoxville) and Cody Weems (TriCities) as TGF’s local promoters and administrators of the game. “We are excited about bringing Dori Paschall into our regional director network, helping to support the game in Chattanooga,” said Dick Horton, Tennessee Golf Foundation president. “Most golf happens at the local level and the TGF believes that supporting the game at this level will best impact the game. Paschall started her golf administration career as a TGA Junior Tour intern and worked her way to the director of women’s golf for the Tennessee Golf Association, a role she held for seven years before becoming Chattanooga’s first TGF regional director.

Big Hollow Par 3. The programming consists of 5 levels so juniors are able to progress as they build on each level. To find out more, go to www. TriCitiesGolf.org or contact Cody Weems at cweems@pgahq.com or 423-7474974.

Demo day at Gaylord Springs Some of golf’s top manufacturers will display their latest equipment at Gaylord Springs Golf Links on March 17. Among the manufacturers who will be on site giving players a chance to test the newest offerings in equipment are: Taylor Made, Titleist, Callaway, Ping, Adams, Nike and others. There will be a special golf rate of $65 and there will be a Demo Day sale in the golf shop along with special prizes. Call 615-458-1730 for information or go to GaylordSprings.com. Spring fling 2-man scramble Gaylord Springs Golf Links will host a two-man scramble March 24. Entry fee is $80 and includes 18 holes, range privileges, cart and prizes. Call 615-458-1730 to sign up.

Della morte joins GolfTec of Cool Springs Rob Della Morte recently joined the staff of Golftec of Cool Springs. He comes

First Tee Of Tri-Cities Schedule The First Tee of Tri-Cities has released its spring and summer schedule. There are programs available at 3 locations in the spring and at 7 locations in the summer. The First Tee of Tri-Cities was established to Middle Tennessee from Golftec of La in 2008 and has grown steadily. The Jolla, Calif. First Tee is a junior development A native of Cape Cod, Della Morte was program that teaches golf inspired to play golf after watching while incorporating character Fred Couples win the 1992 Masters. building and life skills He got his first set of clubs the next day and graduated with honors curriculum. from the Professional Golfers Programs are available at Pine Oaks Golf Course, Career College in Temecula, Calif., Elizabethton Golf Course, with a 3.97 GPA Cattails @ MeadowView, Della Morte has worked in green Andrew Johnson Golf Course, grass facilities doing everything Cody Steele Creek Golf Course, from teaching junior clinics to Weems Clear Creek Golf Course and working outside services. His true

Reeves of Apalachicola, Fla. He is a Southland Academy and University of Tennessee graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Ecology. The couple resides in Knoxville. Once a golfer, always a golfer Heather Houser, a former junior standout from the Kingsport area and the daughter of Mark and Melissa Houser, married Derek Finn of Portland, Tenn. this past June. He is the son of Darrell and Diane Finn. Both bride and groom graduated from Tennessee Tech University and are employed as school teachers in middle Tennessee. Heather works part time at Foxland Harbor Golf Course in Gallatin, TN. The couple resides in Gallatin, Tenn. aphy omen Photogr

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love was golf swing mechanics. He loves everything about the game, from the smell of the dew covered cut grass at sunrise when you are first off the tee, to having to make a two-footer to win an event or a bet with your buddies. He loves the camaraderie, meeting new people, but most of all he loves to teach.

Wedding bells Holston Hills Country Club assistant professional Jake Reeves married Ellen Blackburn in October at Dara’s Garden in Knoxville. Reverend A.C. Cooper officiated. The bride is the daughter of Michael and Connie Blackburn of Powell, Tenn. She is a Tusculum College graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management and a Master of Arts degree in Human Resource Development. She is employed as a subcontract administrator with UTBattelle. Reeves is the son of Jerry and Susan

th Photo by elijah

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March 2012

Outer Banks offer lifetime memories By Jim Grosjean Tee Times contributor The Outer Banks of North Carolina are known for many pleasures; beautiful seashore, vibrant seaside communities, and the birthplace of flight at Kill Devil Hills to name just a few. On a recent trip I found out that golf in this scenic area is surprisingly interesting and fun. We flew into Norfolk (Va.) International Airport and drove the 80 miles to our home base, the Kilmarlic Cottage at Kilmarlic Golf Club in Powells Point, N.C. Our afternoon round on this very lush and naturally beautiful layout was a real treat. The first hole will definitely get your attention as you look down a fairway lined with trees on the left and bunkers on the right. If you can avoid those pitfalls, you still have to hit a smallish green with its own sand bunker guardians. Architect Tom Steele is to be praised for creating a course that is a joy to play and one that seems to belong on this land. After a long day of travel and golf, what could be better than a takeout meal from a local favorite, the Currituck BBQ Company? Their famous beef brisket, pork ribs and pulled pork barbeque was mouth-watering and provided savory leftovers for late night snacks for the next few days. Our second day included a short drive

to The Pointe Golf, which also shows its teeth on the very first hole; a 528-yard par 5 which doglegs to the right around a small lake. At 6,343 yards from the tips, you will score well here if you bring your A game and get used to the quickness of the greens. Lunch was at the Sugar Creek Seafood Restaurant on Roanoke Sound. Lovely views accompany the freshest of seafood entrees including an award-winning version of shrimp and grits. The proximity of Roanoke Sound caused some problems for the restaurant when Hurricane Irene hit the Outer Banks on August 27. The storm surge swept away all of the beer kegs, but luckily the liquor bottles were kept upstairs. Irene also caused some damage to our third-day destination, Nags Head Golf Links. We were able to play nine holes and inspect the rest of the course, which Bob Moore designed to reflect a true Scottish Links tradition. Golf Digest calls Nags Head â&#x20AC;&#x153;the longest 6,126 yards youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ever play.â&#x20AC;? On this day there wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t much wind, so I was courageous enough to use my driver quite a bit; a lethal mistake. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better here to take gear down off the tee and hit it where you can see it. There are some beautiful waterfront holes here and some surprising elevation changes â&#x20AC;&#x201D; just bring plenty of balls and lots of patience. If the pace of play is on the slow side, remember

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that this is a golfing experience that you just canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find everywhere. Dinner at Barefoot Bernieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Kitty Hawk was as fun as the name suggests, with good food to boot. I highly recommend the Grouper in a Bag â&#x20AC;&#x201D; not something you can get in Nashville. Water and sand are Golf the next day at the plentiful on No. 15 at Currituck Club in Corolla, N.C., Currituck. was a first-class experience. The Rees Jones layout is inside the upscale Currituck community with its large beach homes, expansive clubhouse and amenities galore for the residents and visitors alike. With a top-notch design and excellent service, the The second hole at Kilmarlic is well-guarded by golf course is worthy of its Golf trees to the right and water on the left. Digest Top 25 in North Carolina designation. Surprisingly, this is a hilly golf course although located next to the Currituck Sound. You get a respite from the wind here because of the hills and also the trees that act like a barrier on many of the holes. Landing areas are generous, and I felt that I could make a good plan of attack on each hole because the routing was pretty obvious even for my first round here. No. 18 at Nags Head offers up a spectacular We had lunch at North Banks view of the Atlantic Restaurant and Raw Bar in Ocean. Corolla, N.C. There are some very special items served here that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never seen before. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll let you guess the ingredients in Fire Bugs or Corolla Bird Nest. Not wanting the day to end, we spent the rest of the afternoon as sightseers, beginning with a four-wheel-drive excursion onto the northernmost seashore of the Outer vacation. The course is on your way to Banks to see the wild Spanish Mustang the beaches and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a welcoming layout horses. These descendents of the first to get the travel rust out of your game. horses to come to America with Spanish Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expect a complete pushover; the explorers are magnificent in the wild. par 3 seventh hole with its island green We also visited the Currituck Lighthouse will wake you up. Play away from the and the historic Whalehead Club with its prevalent water hazards and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll do well here. The greens are immaculate, so lovely surrounding grounds. Our final round of golf was at the no excuses there! To plan an Outer Banks trip, go to Carolina Club in Grandy, N.C. This would www.cometoourbeach.com, or www. be a great course to start an Outer Banks outerbanks.org.

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March 2012

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Strong venues highlight AGA schedule By Ian Thompson Alabama Golf Association In looking ahead to this year’s local golfing calendar, the Alabama Golf Association has once again lined up some fine venues for its 12 championships. First up is the Women’s State Senior at Huntsville Country Club, April 25-27. Tami Green of Hamilton is the two-time defending champion. Next comes the State Four Ball, which will be played May 3-6 at Canebrake Club in Athens. Woodie Eubanks of Trussville and Forrest Crabtree of Mobile won last year. The State Senior will be May 18-20 at NorthRiver Yacht Club in Tuscaloosa. Steve Hudson of Birmingham is the reigning champion. Their crown jewel, the 96th State

Amateur Championship, goes to Kiva Dunes in Gulf Shores June 7-10. Smylie Kaufman of Vestavia and LSU won last year. The 80th Women’s State Amateur Championship will be played at Hoover Country Club, June 19-22. Kathy Hartwiger won her record ninth title last year. The Girls State Junior is the following week (June 26-28) at Troy Country Club. Alex Harrell of Phenix City won it in 2011. The Women’s State Stroke Play will be July 27-29 at Selma Country Club, with Haley Lawrence of Prattville and Troy University the defending champion. The Boys State Junior is July 31 Aug. 2 at Mountain Brook Club. There will be a new name on the championship trophy as last year’s champion Stewart Jolly of Mountain

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Ralph Hackney, No. 17 Double Eagle, Howard Fuller, No. 14 par 5

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Craig Kirchoff, No. 2, 125 yards, 9-iron

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Doug Beam, No. 17, 202 yards, 3-hybrid

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When: April 27, 2012 Where: Forrest Crossing Golf Course 750 Riverview Drive, Franklin, TN Time: 12 noon- 7pm All major manufacturers on hand to assist you with your choice of clubs

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Mark Helton, No. 1, 150 yards, 5-iron Patricia Cooper, No. 2, 90 Yards, 8-iron Nathan Calahan, No. 3, 110 yards, 9-iron

The Reserve at Collins River, McMinnville Ashley Freeze, Jr., No. 7, 3-wood

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McCabe Middle Long Hollow

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Jerry Scott, No. 3, 113 yards, PW

Michael Springer, No. 15 PR, 141 yards, 5-iron

Jerry Walker, No. 11, 110 yards, SW

rounds out the championship season. Mike Greer of Birmingham and Tom Jungkind of Bessemer have won it the last two years. Men’s USGA local qualifiers in the state include the U.S. Open, Hoover CC, May 8; U.S. Junior, Country Club of Birmingham, June 13; U.S. Amateur Public Links, TimberCreek, Daphne, June 19; U.S. Amateur, Saugahatchee CC, Opelika, July 23; U.S. Mid-Amateur, Musgrove CC, Jasper, Aug. 13; and U.S. Senior Amateur, Wynlakes Golf & CC, Montgomery, Sept. 12. The only women’s USGA qualifier in the state will be the U.S. Senior Amateur, Troy CC, Aug. 16.

Mark your calendars for a

Linda Adams, No. 10, 100 yards, 7-wood

Gerald Huffman, No. 6, 124 yards, 5-iron John Voss, No. 3, 169 yards, 4-iron Austin Lucas, No. 3, 60 yards, SW

Cedric Myers, No. 2, 142 yards, 8-iron

Brook is now on the golf team at LSU. The State Match Play will be played Aug. 8-11 at Lakewood Golf Club in Point Clear. McLain Leberte of Huntsville was last year’s winner. The Women’s State Four Ball will be at Turtle Point Yacht & Country Club in Killen, Sept. 5-7. Lea Green of McCalla and Linda Jeffery of Millbrook won last year, and it marked three wins in a row for Green, who won the previous two times with Hartwiger, who also won the inaugural title in 2008 with Missy Gooden. The State Mid-Amateur will be played Oct. 5-7 at Willow Point Golf & Country Club in Alexander City, with Matt Johnson of Dothan the defending champion. And the State Senior Four Ball Oct. 12-14 at Vestavia Country Club

Ashley Freeze

ANSWER: C A player would not be entitled to relief under Rule 24 because of the definition of obstructions. An obstruction cannot be an object defining out of bounds, such as a fence or wall. Since the fence defined out of bounds, the player is penalized two strokes under Rule 24 for breach of the rule. Answer from page 8

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March 2012