Tee Times May 2019

May 2019 Keeping Golfers Connected in TN, KY, MS, AL, NC

May 2019

That’s a winner: Shelton grabs Nashville Golf Open title Pages 2-4

Inside!! of the environment: Gaylord 9 Friends Springs Golf Links designated a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary”

12 19

Lure of the Lake: Have the time of your life at Rumbling Bald Resort at Lake Lure, N.C. Creating a Legacy: There’s plenty

going on at The Legacy of Springfield

2019 NGO Champion Robby Shelton and Brandt Snedeker

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May 2019

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That’s a winner: Shelton grabs Nashville Golf Open title

NGO staffers flank 2019 NGO Champion Robby Shelton and Brandt Snedeker who played collegiately at the University of Alabama, onto the PGA Tour in 2020.

“It means a lot,” Shelton said after grinding out the win. “It’s been my

dream since I was a little kid. I’ve been wanting it ever since I was 4 years old and had a golf club in my hand. I’m super excited.”

Shelton needed a birdie on the

Credit: NGO / Donn Jon es

Robby Shelton had been close to winning before on the Web. com Tour, but hadn’t been able to break through.

Until he came to Nashville in early May, that is.

Shelton’s nine-foot birdie putt on the first extra hole secured the Alabama native’s first Web.com Tour victory, beating Scott Scheffler on the first extra hole to win the Nashville Golf Open Benefitting the Snedeker Foundation.

It was Shelton’s first victory of any kind since the 2017 GolfBC Championship on the Mackenzie Tour. Shelton’s winning score was 15-under-par 273 on the Nashville Golf and Athletic Club. He started the final round leading by three shots, but a slew of early bogeys left him four behind Scheffler late in the round before rallying.

The win should secure Shelton,

72nd hole to force a playoff with Scheffler, a longtime rival of his on the junior golf circuit.

“It was like the junior days too,” he said. “We probably played 10 times together coming down the stretch in junior golf. It was just like the old times. To bury that putt on the last hole was awesome.”

After a so-so start to the season – he missed two cuts in the first seven events and his best finish was a tie for 14th, Shelton’s game was in good form when he showed up at the Nashville Golf and Athletic club, the NGO’s home for the fourth consecutive year. He finished second in the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Championship in Prattville, Alabama, just up the road from his Mobile hometown, and added a fourth-place effort at the Dormie Network Classic at Briggs Ranch. In those events he was a combined 35-under par.

“It’s very hard (to win),” Shelton said. “Prattville, I played great golf and he played better. (At the Dormie Network Classic) I built on it again, shot 20-under and played

Credit: NGO / Donn Jones

By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor

An intense Robby Shelton focuses on his putt on the first playoff hole at No. 18.

Credit: NGO / Donn Jones

Long time rivals since junior playing days, Robby Shelton is congratulated by Scott Scheffler

May 2019

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really good again.”

He took the first round NGO lead with a 64 and the rest, as they say, is history.

“I finished second three or four times on this tour. I’ve top-10 a few times,” he said. “To finally get a W means a ton to me. It doesn’t happen very often.”

With Shelton having cashed his winning check and collected the guitar trophy, attention turned to tournament director Charlie Clarkson for his assessment of the fourth NGO. In the aftermath of the tournament, Clarkson said he was receiving nothing but positive reviews. He said the new early May date worked out perfectly for the tournament.

“The date worked out fantastic for

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PGA Professional Joey Hickman with the help of “gallery kids” helps quiet the crowd

us; every bit of response that we have heard so far has been positive,” he said. “I have already had three people call me wanting to set

Eric Viars helps don the Peter Millar winner’s jacket on 2019 Champ

up meetings for 2020 that were not part of our 2019 event. They just happened to be out there and saw it and said they need to be part of it. They could tell it is going in the right direction and we want to help move the needle the right way.”

The golf course was overseeded with rye grass in the winter in an effort to make sure playing conditions were optimum, and Clarkson said players and tour officials were pleased.

“The players gave golf rave reviews,” Clarkson said. “We still have a little bit of a weather issue from time to time. It doesn’t matter what time of year you play in Tennes-

see, there’s always a chance for an outdoor event that the weather can play a part of it.”

Expected rain for the third round never materialized until after the round ended despite predictions of 100 percent probability.

Although final attendance numbers were not available, he said he felt confident attendance surpassed the 18,000 from 2018 and was close to the 20,000 organizers anticipated this year.

“The biggest thing I saw this year were the kids,” Clarkson said. “On Sunday there were kids everywhere. That’s a great statement to what we are doing because I think people are realizing it is becoming a

NGO at Nashville Golf & Athletic Club

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May 2019

NGO Tournament Director, Charlie Clarkson, Volunteer of Tournament, Jolie Venable, First Tee of Tennessee, and First

Executive Director Patrick Nichols & Family together with Super Pro Snedeker. (L-R) Brian, Anne, Brandt Snedeker, Patrick and Logan Nichol

Tee Tennessee Executive Director, Joshua McDade

family event. There definitely were more kids and more people walking the golf course. Maybe more people walked the course because it wasn’t blistering hot.”

This year, the NGO did not have a title sponsor but had four Proud Partners. Clarkson would like to add one more Proud Partner and would love to have a title sponsor come aboard. He lauded the Proud Partners for stepping up to help ensure the event is successful.

Clarkson said he expects charitable donations to exceed more than $135,000.

He said sales were up 34 percent

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NGO Tournament Director Charlie Clarkson loves the great comments and looks forward to 2020 over 2018 and the tournament added 26 new corporate sponsors.

“People are aware of us now for sure,” he said. “I think we are making our mark as a social event in the Nashville market, in the middle Tennessee market that happens to be wrapped around a golf tournament. “We still have some issues we are working through operation-

ally because we keep growing.”

The relationship between the Nashville Golf and Athletic Club remains strong.

“They have done absolutely everything that the Tour and we have asked them to do for 2019,” Clarkson said.

“If they continue to improve along with us, I don’t see us going any-

Nashville Golf & Athletic Club , Whittemore Family and staff join 2019 NGO Champion Robby Shelton and Brandt Snedeker.

MC Shawn Parr announcing the prize guitar presented by Jeff Rothenberger, CFO Tour Visions where else at this point.”

The first week of May date seems as if it will remain in place. Clarkson said it is important to keep the date opposite the PGA Tour’s event at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, an event in which tournament host Brandt Snedeker rarely plays.

“It works out very well for Brandt and it’s important for us to have Brandt out here,” Clarkson said. “He was out for two full days and I can tell you story after story about what his presence means to the fans, to the volunteers and probably even to the players. He’s a big figure in the state of Tennessee and for him to come out and be a part of that, I think he realizes how important it is. We absolutely realize how important it is.”

May 2019

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From tHE Editor

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Head Coach Greg Allen, Annie Kim, Morgan Baxendale, Auston Kim, Abbey Carlson, Louise Yu, Courtney Zeng, Virginia Green, Assistant Coach Emilie Meason

By Gregg Dewalt

Vanderbilt, Tennessee women advance to NCAA tournament

Lindenwood won the Midwest portion of the Super Regional with a 54-hole total of 870.

Blain Turner led the Trojans with a seventh-place finish (7375-69), while Ryan Rozic was four shots behind in 17th place (79-73-69).

The national tournament was set for The Resort at Glade Springs in Daniels, West Virginia.

• Tennessee was well-represented at the recent USGA’s U.S. Women’s Four-Ball in Timuquana Country Club in Jacksonville, Florida.

Four teams with ties to the state reached the match-play portion of the tournament, including Rachel Heck/Sadie Englemann who earned the No. 2 seed by shooting a 36-hole total of 132 in qualifying.

Other teams that made it through stroke-play qualifying included Ashley Gilliam/Carolina Curtis; Isabella Van Der Biest/Sophia Burnett; and Kyna-

had three players selected.

Vanderbilt coach Scott Limbaugh will serve as a co-coach for the U.S. men’s team, which will take on a team comprised Catching up on some recent golf news: of International players in RyVanderbilt and Tennessee’s women’s golf der Cup style matches. teams made it through regional qualifyVanderbilt’s Abbey Carlson ing to advance to the NCAA Women’s Golf will play for the U.S. women’s Ashley Gilliam Championship.

Arnold Palmer Cup team. The The Commodores and Vols qualified at the women’s and men’s matches Auburn Regional that featured 13 of the top are played simultaneously at 50-rated programs in the country. Vanderthe same site. bilt shot 8-under 280 in the final round to • Huntsville, Alabama will win the regional with a 54-hole total of 860. be the site of a new Web.com Florida State finished second at 863, while Tour event beginning in 2020. the Vols snuck into the sixth and final qualiThe Ledges will serve as the Mikayla Bardwell Fr. Lewisville, Texas fying spot with a three-round total of 876. host course for the Huntsville Allison Herring Sr. Skillman, N.J. Tennessee edged out Maryland by three Championship.

Ariana Macioce Sr. Phoenix, Ariz.

Mariah Smith So. Clarksville, Tenn. shots to make it through to the NCAA Organizers signed a fourck He el ch Ra Malia Stovall Fr. Winchester, Tenn. tournament. year deal with the tour and Haley Wagner R-Sr. Gray, Tenn.

Vandy’s Auston Kim was a model of the inaugural event is schedHadley Walts Fr. Evansville, Ind. Waverly Whiston So. San Diego, Calif. consistency in claiming medalist honuled for April 20-26.

Micheala Williams Jr. Athens, Ala. ors, firing 70 in all three rounds to finish at It’s the first time the Web. 6-under 210. Teammate Morgan Baxendale com Tour will return to Huntsfinished tied for third at 213, including a ville since 1998 when the AlaThe Nashville-based school qualified for final-round 67. bama Classic concluded a fivethe national tournament for the first time Mariah Smith led Tennessee, tying for since its move to Division II from NAIA by year run at Cherokee Ridge 11th place at 216. Teammate Michaela Wil- shooting 885 to finish in fifth place. and the Robert Trent Jones Golf liams was a shot back in 13th place at Trail Hampton Cove.

Kynadie Adams 217.

• A new 54-hole amateur Unfortunately for the Commodores event was announced recently and Vols, neither team advanced to the in Florence/Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The match play portion of the championSinging River Classic will be a 54-hole ship. Duke edged Wake Forest to win the tournament June 28-30 with 18 holes NCAA Women’s Golf Championship. played each day at three of the area’s • Trevecca Nazarene’s men’s golf team best public courses. The opening round is made a little history while competing scheduled for Cypress Lakes Golf Course Assistant Coach Gator Todd, Andrew Jacobe, John Augenstein, Harrison Ott, Michael Shears, Will in the NCAA Division II Central/Midin Muscle Shoals. The second round is set Gordon, Luke Zieman, Patrick Martin, Reid Davenport, Mason Greenberg, Head Coach Scott Limbaugh west Super Regional tournament in Hot for Blackberry Trail Golf Course in FlorSprings, Arkansas. ence, while the final round will be played on the Fighting Joe course at the Robert die Adams/Rachel Kuehn.

Trent Jones Golf Trail at the Shoals in Ford ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Heck, of Memphis, and Englemann, of Aus- City.

Carol Hall tin, Texas, will be future teammates at StanEntry fee for the tournament is $165. teetimescarol@bellsouth.net ford in 2020. The pair won their first three The Florence/Muscle Shoals area is about matches before losing to eventual cham- a two-hour drive from Nashville. For more GRAPHIC DESIGNER pions Megan Fortnoy/Erica Shepherd in a information about the tournament, call Jon Hamilton match that went 20 holes. the RTJ Golf Trail at the Shoals (256-446PUBLISHER jrhdesign@att.net The Fortnoy/Shepherd team also took 5111), Cypress Lakes (256-381-1232) or Joe Hall down Gilliam/Curtis in the quarterfinals Blackberry Trail (256-740-8825).

TECHNICAL ADVISOR pgegolf@bellsouth.net in 19 holes. The Adams/Kuehn team lost Registration also is available online at Jimmy Phillips in the first round, while Van Der Biest/Bur- rtjgolf.com. Go to the Shoals drop down EDITOR nett fell in the second round. menu and at the bottom of the page there DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Gregg Dewalt • Three Vanderbilt men’s players will be is a link for events.

Susan Lawrence ASSOCIATE EDITOR representing the U.S. team in the upcoming Arnold Palmer Cup matches.

PRINTING Justin Onslow Senior Patrick Martin will join senior Will Franklin Web Printing Company SENIOR EDITOR Gordon and junior John Augenstein on the FOUNDER team for the matches that will be played David Widener June 7-9 at the Alotian Club in Little Rock, widecard@aol.com Joey Smith Established in 1991, Tee Times is published monthly, ten times per year. All rights reserved.

Arkansas.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

The three picks from one college team P.O. Box 41293 • Nashville, TN 37204 • Phone: 615-331-1078 • Fax: 1-866-579-4932 match an event record previously set in Member: Golf Writers Association of America, International Network of Golf, Golf Travel Writers of America 2013 when Alabama and California each

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“Best Course You Can Play” - GolfWeek

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YOUR NEXT EVENT. Golf Outings • Social Events • Weddings • Complimentary Parking • Corporate Events Retreats & Team Building

For more information or to book a tee time: GaylordSprings.com

May 2019

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Wayne Evans

Superintendent of Sports/ Golf Clubhouse Operations

It’s the longest continually running golf tournament in the state of Tennessee. Ashley Gilliam, 17, of Manchester, Tenn., is a three-time champion and will return to defend her title. No girl has ever

94th Schooldays won four titles in this event. Her mother, Jennifer, (1989, 1990, 1991) and Alexandra Farnsworth (2011, 2012, 2013) were both three-time champions. In addition, the best guys will show up to pit their skills against each other to determine a new champion.

The James H. Fyke Municipal Amateur Championship will

fending her title Ashley Gilliam de

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7 5

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Around Nashville Fairways It seems we here in the Middle Tennessee region are putting together a string of days without spring showers. Sunny days – days we can play some golf – have arrived.

Here at Metro Parks, we’re eagerly awaiting regulars, golf buddies, groups of outings and any new players wanting to play some of the best municipal golf courses you’ll find anywhere.

McCabe Golf Course will be hosting The Tennessean/

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be held July 19- 21 at Ted Rhodes, Two Rivers and Harpeth Hills.

Registration begins June 7, 2019 at 8:00 am CST. We’re looking forward to the first iteration of this event in which all three courses have TifEagle ultra-dwarf Bermuda grass greens.

The JHF Women’s Ama-

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Nashvillefairways.com teur will be at McCabe and Two Rivers Golf Course September 7-8 and the JHF Senior Men’s Amateur Championship will be at Two Rivers September 23-24.

All of our golf courses are in excellent condition heading into the upcoming season, and we’re

looking forward to another great year. We would like to encourage all of you to come out and check out all of our beautiful courses.

Join us here at one of the seven outstanding Metro Nashville Fairways courses.

Sign up to play and be sure to follow and support these great tournaments we have lined up for the 2019 season.

- Wayne

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Opinion

By David Widener

Member Golf Writers Association of America

Tiger eyes Jack’s 18 after 5th Masters title

O

h, ye of little faith.

How many of us wrote off Tiger Woods?. There were plenty of reasons: surgery after surgery, the scandals, the doubts, chipping yips, years away from competitive play and decades-plus since his last majors’ championship. So what did he do? He won the 2019 Masters, a feat being called one of the greatest comebacks in sports history.

Woods said even he had serious doubts about his future in golf after what transpired a couple years ago. Speaking to the media after putting on the green jacket, Woods said, “I could barely walk.

Tiger Woods celebrates after winning the I couldn’t sit. I couldn’t lie down. I really Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf couldn’t do much of anything. The body’s Club, Sunday, April 14, 2019, in Augusta, Georgia not the same as it was a long time ago, but I still have good hands.

“I was very fortunate to be given another for The Open only once, that in 1951. chance to do something that I love to do. You Ironically, defending champions in those never give up. You always fight. Giving up is three majors are players who battled Tiger never in the equation.” down to the wire in the Masters, Brooks KoTiger now has five Masters titles, one less epka and Francesco Molinari. Koepka won than Jack Nicklaus, and 15 majors’ champi- both the PGA Championship and U.S. Open onships, which put him just three behind the in 2018, shooting 16-under-par to capture 18 won by the Golden Bear. the PGA title and repeating as winner of the His PGA Tour wins total 79, leaving him only U.S Open with a 1-over-par score. Molinari three short of Sam Snead’s record 82. won The Open Championship by shooting Do we dare say “Tiger is back” like we have 8-under-par. in the past? Will he finally reach Jack’s record Woods is the early favorite to win the 18 majors number he has chased for years?

PGA Championship at 8-1 odds and now “I really haven’t thought about it yet,” Woods has many thinking he can achieve reaching said after the Masters. “Right now, it’s a little Jack’s record of winning 18 majors’ chamtoo soon. I’m just enjoying 15.” pionships, a goal which felt unattainable in With the other two majors championships recent years. coming up, it’s not too soon. The U.S. Open “I think 18 is a whole lot closer than people will be played at Pebble Beach, Calif., June think,” said Koepka after watching Tiger win 13-16, and The Open Championship July 18- the Masters.

21 at Royal Portrush in North Ireland.

Have we not learned our lesson to never To win all four in the same calendar year is count Woods out? considered the Grand Slam of golf, a feat accomplished by only one golfer, Bobby Jones in 1930. Woods is one of just five golfers with career grand slams (winning all four within a player’s career).

Tiger is familiar with the Bethpage and Pebble Beach courses. He finished second in the 2002 U.S. Open played at Bethpage. At Pebble Beach, he won the 2000 U.S. Open by 15 strokes and tied for fourth in 2010. He’s played in 19 PGA Championships, winning four times and finishing second on three occasions.

Although he’s won The Open Championship three times (2000-2005-2006) by huge margins, Royal Portrush will be a new experience for Tiger Woods stands with his green jacket on on the putting Woods and most American green after winning the 2019 Masters Tournament golfers. It has been the host

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Gaylord Springs Golf Links has achieved designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses.

Golf course employees led the effort to obtain sanctuary designation on the property. Gaylord Springs Golf Links is one of 17 golf courses in Tennessee and 909 in the world to hold the title of Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.

“Gaylord Springs Golf Links has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property,” said Christine Kane, CEO at Audubon International.

“To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas,” explained Kane. These categories include: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.

Gaylord Springs Director of Golf Harry Taylor said achieving the certification is an excellent achievement.

and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia have achieved certification in the program.

The Gaylord Springs Golf Links is a daily-fee facility located near the Nashville International airport and just five minutes from the Gaylord Opryland resort.

The par-72 layout sits alongside the Cumberland River and is bordered by

No. 5 “We are very proud of the Certification of Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program that Gaylord Springs Golf Links has achieved,” he said. “I would like to congratulate Chris Young our golf course superintendent and his dedicated staff on the work they did to be awarded this certification.

This shows the continued commitment to our total environmental program of our golf course and our community.”

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat

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limestone bluffs and wetlands.

In May, the Nancy Quarcelino School of Golf, at the Golf Institute, will provide Spring-Training special offers for instruction and driver fittings. Receive $25 off individual private instruction sessions taken in May. Regular driver fittings, usually $150, are $99 in May. To schedule training or fitting, call: 615778-8823. Be sure to mention the Spring Training special offer at the time of booking. For more information on additional training options, go to www.QSOG.com.

No. 18

Tennessee Golf Association opens 2019 championship season with Senior, Super Senior Four-Ball

History was made at the 2019 Tennessee Senior and Super Senior Four-Ball at The Grove recently.

In the Senior Championship, Tim Jackson of Williston increased his record of career TGA state titles as he and playing partner Buzz Fly claimed a 2 & 1 victory over Phil Powers and Michael Albonetti.

For Jackson, it was his 21st TGA crown while it was the third for Fly (Memphis).

The Super Senior Championship needed three extra holes before Ronnie Law of Chattanooga and Gary Pierce of Franklin claimed the title over Bob Waldschmidt and Jim Webb.

It was the first state title for Pierce, while Law has now won three. He also won the 2001 Tennessee Four-Ball and the 2012 Tennessee Super Senior Amateur.

Jackson is one of the most accomplished amateur golfers in Tennessee history, and has the most wins when it comes to TGA

events. He has won the Tennessee Amateur six times, the Tennessee Mid-Amateur six times, the Tennessee Senior Match Play

2019 Senior Four-Ball Buzz Fly and Tim Jackson

nessee Senior Amateur each once.

Jackson and Fly won the Tennessee Senior Four-Ball in 2016 as well. The duo had a tough match with Albonetti and Powers with everything all square through eight holes.

The next four holes made the difference though, as Jackson and Fly won 9, 10, 12 and 13, while Albonetti and Powers claimed 11. That left Jackson and Fly three up through 13.

In the Super Senior showdown, the action was fierce early on as Webb and Waldschmidt won 3, 4 and 6, while Law and Pierce took 1 and 5. That left Webb and Waldschmidt 1-up through six.

The next nine holes were halved until Law and Pierce claimed 16 and 17 to go 1-up. Webb and Waldschmidt bird2019 Super Senior Four- Ball Champions ied No. 18 to force extra holes and then Law won it with a par putt on the third Ronnie Law and Gary Pierce extra hole, No. 3.

three times, the Tennessee Senior Four-Ball twice, and the Tennessee Open, Tennessee Match Play, Tennessee Two-Man, and Ten-

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Nashville Golf and Athletic Superintendent Alex Price Original hometown: Memphis, Tennessee Family: Kerry (wife), sons Eli (12) and Ethan (9) Previous position: Assistant Superintendent at Hermitage Golf Course

Tee Times: What do you love most about being a golf course superintendent?

Price: Nature. Being outdoors and watching seasons change while shifting agronomic practices accordingly brings a scientific approach to the position, which I enjoy.

TT: What changes happened at the direction of the PGA Tour with respect to your course?

Price: The first Nashville Golf Open was held 11 months after I started. Playability, from a golf tournament standpoint, has been paramount. Tee boxes have been added, along with some other structural changes. The relationship between PGA Tour agronomists, our owner Madison Whittemore (owner), our General Manager Brian Jorgenson and myself has been overwhelmingly positive.

TT: After the NGO, what happens with the course then?

Price: Back to work! We are a private facility with a proud golfing membership. They’ve been gracious while giving up their course for tournament week, but they’re ready to get back out and play!

TT: The Web.Com Tour just finished this past Sunday. Can you tell us when the planning started as far as getting the course ready for this event? Has it been helpful to having this for the third-straight year?

Price: Planning for the 2019 NGO began immediately after the 2018 NGO. After challenging weather conditions resulted in compromised turf conditions in 2018, the decision to over-seed was made in preparation for 2019, along with an earlier date. Agronomic planning regarding greens aerification, fairway aerification, etc., is scheduled directly with having conditions peak during tournament week.

TT: What else was required of you and your

crew?

Price: Increased time at the course and increased attention to detail. Advance week and tournament week require hard work, many hours and a great attitude.

TT: Are you and the crew in a continuous learning curve, having a sanctioned Web. com Tour event in 2020 as part of the contract with your club and course?

Price: The curve is lessening. After four years, we have a good understanding of what will be required for tournament golf. The demands are different from daily play. The special attention to conditions “inside the ropes” is our primary focus during tournament preparations. It’s challenging to weigh aesthetics seen by spectators versus the needs required by the PGA Tour. Many things can happen on a golf course after two weeks in regards to weeds, landscape beds, etc., that have no direct impact to the tournament. The balance between appearance and playability during tournament week requires great effort!

(L-R) Kerry, Alex, Ethan(9), and Eli (12)

(L-R)Seth Rollins, Alex Price, Caleb Putnam, Dwight Cole, Wayne Pinegar, Phil Sharpe, Frank Soper, Jeff Seyl, Josh Burns, Ben Duval, Anthony Pope, Jehu Jiminez, Mike Forsythe.

Not pictured: Bryce Keener, Andy Schumpert, Austin Wells

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Kathy Demcho & Michael Lane

Heather Ledford, Apple Valley Pro Shop Manager

Let the Feast begin for media

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North Carolina wins Battle of Smokies title at Rumbling Bald LAKE LURE, N.C. -- North Carolina got off to a strong start and cruised to a 34½-25½ victory over Tennessee in the 2019 Battle of the Smokies Media Golf Challenge, held April 28-30 at Rumbling Bald Resort on Lake Lure.

The victory gives North Carolina a 5-4 alltime lead in the series, which pits teams of media from North Carolina and Tennessee in four rounds of friendly Ryder Cup-style matches.

Jeff Smith of UNC-TV sealed the title for the Tar Heel squad on Monday afternoon’s final hole of alternate shot matches. Smith rolled in a 15-foot par putt to score the deciding point in the challenge, regardless of what happened in Tuesday morning’s final matches.

After hoisting the coveted black bear tro-

phy Tuesday morning, NC captain Trent Bouts of Carolinas Green magazine reflected on the enjoyment of playing these matches over the years.

“It’s just incredible camaraderie and incredible hospitality we experience at this event,” Bouts said. “I’ve been on teams that haven’t come out on top, so it was nice that everything clicked for us this year. I’m very proud of the team.”

The matches were contested on both championship courses at Rumbling Bald Resort – Bald Mountain and Apple Valley. The resort co-hosted the Battle with the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority.

“Rumbling Bald’s spectacular mountain setting on Lake Lure makes it an ideal venue,” Bouts said. “We had a great time. It’s very relaxing, and I think golfers of all abilities would enjoy a visit here.”

For information on Rumbling Bald Resort, go to: www.RumblingBald. com.

The iconic Millie Loud, Bald Mountain GC starter 29 years Thank you chefs and serving staff.

We relished every bite.

Team North Carolina - Back row, (L-R): Rich Rushforth, Sam Smith, Keith Jarrett, Betsey Mitchell, Harris Prevost, Bill Bauer and Jeff Smith - Front row, (L-R): Paul Schenkel, Trent Bouts (team captain) and Dave Droschak

Thumbs up from Tennessee media (L-R) Joe Avento & Chris McIntosh

Gary & Robert

PGA Professional Adam Bowles indicates the North Carolina Team the 2019 Champs!

The Gardens Restaurant wined and dined the North Carolina/Tennessee Media

Team Tennessee - Back row, (L-R): Bob Gillespie, Chris McIntosh, Brian Mull, Casey Goetz (team captain), Paul Johnson, Joe Hall and Joe Avento - Front row, (L-R): Jimmy Hyams, Kenny Hawkins and Gregg Dewalt

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It’s easy to have the time of your life at Rumbling Bald Resort in Lake Lure, N.C.

By Gregg Dewalt Tee Times Editor A postcard from the Rumbling Bald Resort on Lake Lure, North Carolina might start out something like this: Hi y’all, Having the time of my life.

See you soon.

If you are familiar with the Patrick Swayze/Jennifer Grey romantic movie “Dirty Dancing”, then you’ll get the obvious reference from the flick’s theme song and surely want to visit.

If not, then maybe it’s time to check out the picturesque resort located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains where scenes from the iconic 1987 movie were filmed.

Cinematic buffs might visit Rumbling Bald Resort for the nostalgia of enjoying a stay where Swayze, Grey

and Jerry Orbach hung out while filming, but there are plenty of more reasons to plan a stay at the iconic western Carolina resort. It’s kind of a one-stop shop for all-things outdoors – from 36 holes of quality golf to hiking, biking, water sports to just plain old relaxing.

For any or all of those things and more, Rumbling Bald Resort is a perfect getaway. There are villas, home rentals and even home sales available to suit every visitor’s needs – be it a family reunion, golf buddies trip or seeking a permanent residence or vacation home.

First, you have to get to Rumbling Bald Resort, and for that you need to know where exactly Lake Lure is located. Coming from Nashville and other Tennessee points, you shoot down I-40 until you get to Asheville

Don Cason (L), Executive Director, Rutherford County,NC and Jeff Geisler, Managing Director, Rumbling Bald Resort on Lake Lure, NC partner to bring visitors to their “Paradise Unspoiled” and then head south.

Once off the interstate is when things get interesting, scenic and a tad harrowing as you navigate some of the most winding roads in the region. Drivers are torn between taking in the fantastic scenery and making that next turn.

Once on site, though, the whiteknuckle driving has proved worth every turn as Rumbling Bald Resort offers visitors a respite from the hustle

and bustle of the real world. At Rumbling Bald, it’s more about sit back and relax and leave your worries at the front gate.

“The whole point of this resort is to get you outside,” said Jeff Geisler, managing director, business units.

“It’s to get you to the lake. It’s to get

If you close your eyes, you can almost picture Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey on the 16th green at Rumbling Bald.

Adam Bowles, PGA Professional & Golf Operations Manager

www.teetimespaper.com you on a boat on the lake. It’s to get you to hike. For those of you who are of a little higher caliber, we have two different golf courses you can play.

The whole point is to get you outside and to reconnect you with the things that make you human.”

Getting outside and connecting with Bald Mountain golf course, which is on-site at the resort, and Apple Valley golf course, which is just a short drive away, is a treat.

Bald Mountain golf course is a nice mountain golf course. Constant elevation changes make approach shots a challenge. Don’t let the yardage – it tips out at 6,233 yards from the blue tees – fool you. Tight fairways and smallish greens will test your game no matter the skill level. With fantastic views of Bald Mountain and numerous creeks with rushing mountain water playing a soothing tune winding through the course, the temptation is to find a hammock under a shade tree and soak in the atmosphere and forget about golf for a while.

Bald Mountain, designed in 1968 by W.B. Lewis, is unique in that it features five par 5s and five par 3s. No. 16 can be considered the signature hole. The 160-yard par 3 requires a tee shot over water to a smallish green. It’s the site where several

Greg Francis, Assistant Pro, Apple Valley Golf Course

May 2019 scenes for Dirty Dancing were shot.

Apple Valley is the younger of the two courses, opened in 1986. The Don Maples design plays through a valley, then rises into Youngs Mountain before returning to the valley.

It is the antithesis of Bald Mountain.

Where on Bald Mountain it sometimes feels like you have to thread tee shots through the eye of a needle, Apple Valley gives players room off the tee and larger putting surfaces.

The courses are unique in their own way and fun to play.

Golf might be the centerpiece of most resorts, but at Rumbling Bald it’s only part of the experience. A wellness center, hiking/fitness trails and tennis, pickleball and basketball courts are available. North Shore Beach is the resort’s private lakeside beach, and there is the Trout Stream Pool with Lazy River. There are scenic lake cruises available, and paddleboards, kayaks and canoeing are popular activities.

Dining options include Legends on the Lake, a kind of sports-pub themed restaurant overlooking Lake Lure that offers casual dining and Pinnacle Southern Kitchen at Apple Valley golf course which features Carolina-style BBQ. There also is a spa and salon available.

Geisler said Rumbling Bald Mountain Resort’s target demographic is families.

“We start seeing them from the

middle of June to Labor Day,” he said.

“They rent a condo, they rent a house.

There are a lot of family reunions. A lot of people come in and spend time on the beach. They will go for a cruise.

There is a swimming pool. There is a workout center, and we are close to some hiking trails. We make a little bit of money on the golf courses.”

Geisler said once he can get families to the resort, there is a chance they will decide to keep coming back or perhaps purchase a second home or a retirement home in the community because, well, they are having the time of their life.

RUTHERFORD COUNTY Rumbling Bald Resort is a key component to Rutherford County’s tourism hub, but as Don Cason of the tourism development authority points out, it’s not the only thing going on in a county that consists of several small, unique communities.

The county is in the midst of trying to enhance its visibility regionally, and Cason says officials have a saying about the area.

“We have everything around us but we are in the middle of nowhere and are close to everything,” he said. “We definitely feel like our niche is people who want to come and get away. You mention Asheville and the beaches and with that comes big crowds, no ifs, ands or buts. If you want to come here, you can do a little bit of everything and not be overcrowded and have the beauty of the mountains and

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the towns. I think that is the biggest asset that we have.”

Perhaps the best-known of the towns is Chimney Rock Village, a quaint town that is home to Chimney Rock State Park, the 10th-most visited tourist attraction in North Carolina.

Rutherfordton was established in 1787 and its claim to fame is that it was once the home of Christopher Bechtler, who minted America’s first $1 gold coin.

Forest City’s Hometown Holidays celebration has been a local tradition since 1930 in which more than one million lights light up Main Street.

Among the many attractions are the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, which features over 1,200 species of plants and flowers and the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, a 13-mile, 12-foot wide paved and gravel trail that connects Spindale, Rutherfordton, Ruth and Forest City.

There’s a plethora of wineries, distilleries and breweries throughout Rutherford County, and Washburn’s General Store in Bostic, the state’s oldest continually-run, family-owned retail business in the state, is a mustvisit.

Of course, nothing beats the annual Dirty Dancing Festival in Lake Lure each August.

For more information about Rumbling Bald Resort, go to RumblingBald.com. For more information about Rutherford County, go to VisitNCsmalltowns.com.

Apple Valley’s No. 11 is a downhill par 4 that requires an accurate approach shot over a pond.

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Hello, I hope all of us remembered our mothers on their special day. Now is the time to hone in on a perfect gift for your dad. My staff and I want to offer you a special Father’s Day gift idea; something he will never forget. A gift that will keep on giving.

Check this out and give us a call at one of our convenient locations.

- PGA Professional Andrew Braley

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May 2019

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Simonsen/Campbell win Yamaha Pro-Assistant Championship OLD HICKORY, Tenn. - The beautiful weather fueled Henrik Simonsen, PGA and Garrett Campbell, PGA to victory at the Yamaha Pro-Assistant Championship. The team from The Honors Course shot a very impressive nine under par (63) at Hermitage Golf Course – President’s Reserve. Simonsen and Campbell played a great team game where both team members kicked in and contributed to fill out the scorecard. They finished the round with a total of ten birdies and one bogey. Simonsen and Campbell were tied at the top with another team from The Honors Course consisting of Henrik Simonsen, PGA and Aaron Levinson, PGA but the team of Simonsen/Campbell prevailed by way of a scorecard playoff.

The top of the leaderboard was jammed packed with a tie for third place between teams from Belle Meade Country Club (Oliver Peacock, PGA/Dave Ambrose, PGA and Oliver Peacock, PGA/Joel Stark, PGA), Holston Hills Country Club (Chris Dibble, PGA/ Tyler Bailey, PGA), Fairways and Greens Golf Center (Walt Chapman, PGA/Byron Williams/PGA), and McCabe Golf Course (Loren Personett, PGA/Steve Munson, PGA).

All of these teams shot a very impressive seven under par (65).

Teams from all over the state of Tennessee competed in the Yamaha Pro-Assistant Championship. Tennessee PGA Section Members and Associates from the same facility or organization teamed up to play in an 18-hole Four-Ball Stroke Play competition.

With a total purse of $12,000 the players had a lot on the line and wanted to showcase the skills of all the PGA Professionals and Associates that competed.

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Ron Roberts, PGA Professional, Head Golf Professional at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Original hometown: New Castle, Kentucky Family: Rae Jean (wife), children Kelly (36) and Erin (34) PGA Class A Professional Since: 1999

Closest to the Hole winners: No. 3 – Oliver Peacock, PGA winning JBL Earbuds No. 7 – Lee Whitehead winning a UE Bluetooth Speaker No. 12 – Joey Batuello winning Beats ep Headphones No. 15 – Buddy Harston, PGA winning a UE Bluetooth Speaker The Tennessee PGA would like to extend a thank you to Shannon Caverly, PGA and Craig Sanford of Yamaha for being the title sponsor of this great event. Without their support, the Yamaha Pro-Assistant Championship would not be as incredibly successful as it is each year. Another thank you goes to Matt Coots of Under Armour, Fran Boone of Imperial, and Nate Clark, PGA of Evolve Golf for being supporting sponsors of the event.

We would also like to thank Mike Eller, PGA, Chris Pierce, Janell Joslin, and the rest of the staff at Hermitage Golf Course, who were amazing hosts. Their hard work did not go unnoticed by both TPGA staff and the participants of this years’ event.

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Tee Times: What are your title and duties at Dale Hollow? Do you give lessons?

Roberts: I oversee total golf operations includes day-to-day, tournaments, golf packages, college and high school tournaments, etc. I’ve been teaching my whole career and have a published golf instruction book and invented a training aid for chipping.

TT: What do you love most about being a PGA Professional?

Roberts: It’s a great profession! There are only 28,000 PGA Professional in the world. You have to enjoy people and be able to multitask.

This profession is not boring; everyday is a different experience. You get to meet people from all walks of life.

TT: How much time do you have to play golf and with whom?

Roberts: I play several times a week in the afternoon with friends.

TT: Who in the golf industry impacted you relating to being in the business of golf?

Roberts: My friend, Darrel Landrum, was a PGA Professional, and we discussed the career change. He loved the business. I worked

Lodge & Restaurant view of Dale Hollow Lake

Ron Roberts, PGA

for him several months and then made the decision to get into the business. I loved it from the first day and still do.

TT: Tell us what you love about Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Golf Course.

Roberts: This is one of the most beautiful golf courses in the state of Kentucky. The golf course is spread out over 200 acres with lots of elevation changes. None of the golf holes run parallel to each other and we have 6 1/2 miles of cart paths running through the woods.

We have Zoysia fairways, Bentgrass tees and greens. We offer five sets of tees from 5,500 to 7,000 yards.

TT: Tell us why any golfer or golfers should come play your course?

Roberts: Eighteen signature holes! Dale Hollow offers a great golf experience. This is one golf course that you will not get tired of playing. Every hole is different; you can’t wait to get to the next hole. Dale Hollow lake is 27,700 acres and the park is 3,400 acres. We have 145 campsites and a 60-room lodge with a great restaurant and a Marina. We have a lot of golfers who camp or stay at the lodge and bring their boat. They play golf in the morning and boat in the afternoon. This is a great golf getaway as well as a great family getaway. *Editor’s note: Dale Hollow is currently undergoing bunker reconstruction to add the Better Billy Bunker System to its course.

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Breen, Barton, Terry take top honors at The Classic at Spring Creek Ranch COLLIERVILLE, TN – The Classic at Spring Creek Ranch got off to a soggy start. Heavy rains caused the first round to begin with a shotgun start for the 95 golfers. In the Senior Division, Bill Breen, PGA of Harpeth Valley Golf Center took the trophy home while former Lipscomb University standout Ryan Terry (a) took the Regular Division.

Bill Breen started the opening round on number 10 with a bogey-free round. He got off to a steady start with six pars before birdieing 16. Breen would continue the steady play, highlighted by back-to-back birdies at 5 and 6 to cap off a spectacular 3-under 69. On day two, Breen was resilient by carding bounce back birdies after each of his bogeys on holes 2 and 12. He would make six birdies on his way to a 4-under 68 to win by two over Mark Houser, PGA. The Senior Amateur Division was won by Dan Barton of Germantown who finished with a two-day total of 143 which was -1 under par.

Finishing in second place in the Senior Amateur division was Steve Mann from Franklin. Mr. Mann finished at 147 which is thee over par.

Ryan Terry started Day 1 on hole number 2 and recorded a bogey-free round. He would take advantage of the Par 5’s on the front nine by birdieing both. He made another birdie on 10

before stringing together 3 birdies on 16, 17, 18. He would par number 1 to card a 6-under 66. Terry would start his second day with pars until his birdie at number 6. Back to back bogeys on 8 and 9 would turn him at 1-over. Two early birdies on the back and a final hole birdie would give him a 2-under 70, two shots clear of the field.

In the Regular Professional Division, we had a tie atop the leaderboard with Ryan Botts and Casey Flenniken, PGA who both finished at 140 which was -4 under par. Right behind these two on the leaderboard was Johan Kok, PGA and Ty Medling who finished at -2 under par and T-3.

A skins competition presented by TrueTemper was also held during the comBill Breen petition. Ryan Botts, Kevin Snell, Audie Johnson, and Mark Houser each won a skin during round one. In round two, Buddy Harston won two skins, while Mark Houser, Bobby Cochran, and Johan Kok each won one.

We would like to thank all of the participants who helped make The Classic possible. Spring Creek Ranch were gracious hosts and we appreciate all that they did to make the tournament a success.

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Wyatt, Hickman, & Forgey win Club Car Pro-Pro-Pro Scramble FRANKLIN, TN – The weather heated up just in time to start the 2019 Club Car Pro-Pro-Pro Scramble at Old Natchez Country Club. The year’s first event was won by an impressive score of 56 (-14) by the team of Greg Wyatt, PGA, Joey Hickman, PGA, and Adam Forgey, PGA. The trio birdied their first five holes and followed that up with an eagle and two more birdies. They then went on to birdie the next five out of eight holes. The team of Brian Gordon, PGA, Josh Bevell, and Alex Cox tried to make a run at Wyatt/Hickman/Forgey by going 8 under in their first nine holes but they would fall short by one stroke, shooting a 57 (-13).

As for the closest to the hole competitions: Josh Bevell won a UE Bluetooth Speaker on the 2nd, Brian Wood, PGA won JBL Bluetooth earbuds on the 6th, Braxton Hunter, PGA won Beats ep headphones on the 11th, Scott Masters, PGA won a UE Bluetooth Speaker on the 11th, and Kelvin Burgin, PGA won JBL Bluetooth sport headphones on the 13th.

The Tennessee PGA would like to thank Mark Gouger, PGA and the rest of the staff at Old Natchez Country Club, who were amazing hosts. Without their help, this event would not have been able to be held with such success.

The Tennessee PGA would also like to extend a special thank you to the following sponsors, Tim Keller, PGA with Club Car, Sid Johnson, PGA with New Era, Fran Boone with Mobile Pro Shop, and Ross Eickhoff with Golf Status. The TNPGA was able to put on another outstanding Scramble thanks to the support of our gracious sponsors. Without the help and constant support of our sponsors, TNPGA events would not be as successful as they are today.

(L-R) Joey Hickman, Greg Wyatt, & Adam Forgey

May 2019

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Want to play at Dale Hollow? Tell us why, win a round for 4 Hello, Golfers!

I’m PGA Professional Ron Roberts, general manager at Dale Hollow Lake Resort, located in one of our beautiful Kentucky State Parks. Two years ago, our course and our state park – and all they have to offer – were featured for the cover of the May, 2017 issue. We spoke about our course, our scenery, our lodge and our dining, and introduced you to the most caring staff anywhere. There’s golf, yes, but there’s so much more to experience at Dale Hollow.

With the blessing of PGA Professional Kevin Main (our Director of Golf for Kentucky State

Parks), I’m asking you: What would it be worth to come visit us and play a round at our course?

Would you be willing to tell me how much it would mean for you and three of your buddies – and I of course mean ladies and their golfing buddies, too – to play a round for free? We will choose 10 groups for a free foursome of golf.

Just tell us why we should choose you.

In about 200 words, tell me why you would love a round of golf (on us) for your foursome. Share who you are, how long you have played together and why taking the scenic drive to our place will be special for you. If the trip means a day or two, our lodge rates are absolutely worth it.

PGA Professional Ron Roberts Just address your letter to Tee Times Paper, P.O. Box 41293, 37204 or email Carol Hall at teetimescarol@bellsouth.net and label it “A Foursome for Free.”

Jump right in. I promise not to judge spelling or grammar or any of that. I just want to know how important this would be for you and your friends; why it matters that we should choose you.

The following URL (just type this in the search bar on your internet browser) is the link to the May, 2017 issue of Tee Times featuring our course: https:// issuu.com/teetimes/docs/tee_times_ may_2017

No. 14 Views of distant Cumberland Mountains

If you’re still unsure, go back and read about us and our course. Look at the beautiful lake and the equally beautiful course.

We know if you ever come to play and/or stay, you will return again. And again. And again after that.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

-Ron

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Todd Foster takes over for a legend at Warrior’s Path

aking over for someone as well-known and respected as Mark Houser under normal circumstances would not be easy.

After all, Houser had achieved somewhat legendary status at Warrior’s Path State Park Golf Course during a lengthy career there.

But the transition to a new head pro/course manager was made easier because it is a familiar face to the regulars who frequent Warrior’s Path, one of the Tennessee Golf Trail’s top stops.

Todd Foster, a Kingsport native who came aboard at Warrior’s Path in 1998, was mentored by the now-retired Houser, so he learned from one the best and is well-known in the local golfing community.

No. 14, Par 3, with an old cemetery in the grove of trees to the right

In fact, it was Houser who steered Foster toward the golf industry.

“I was working at Bechtel Engineering and sitting behind a desk six hours a day,” Foster recalled recently. “I mentioned to Mark that I would possibly like to get into the golf business and he encouraged me to do just that.”

Even better, Houser hired Foster later that year. Nine years later in 2007, Foster completed his coursework and earned PGA Class A status.

“Mark has been the greatest

Todd Foster, PGA , General Manager

influence in my golfing career,” Foster added. “He’s been such a great boss, friend and mentor. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to learn from.”

Foster’s history at Warrior’s Path predates his hiring. A University of Tennessee grad, Foster took up the game and joined as a member. It’s where he fell in love with the game and became an accomplished player.

He even tied Houser’s then-course record of 63 that has since been broken.

Foster loves to teach and he enjoys the customer service aspect of the industry.

That’s apparent by the number of repeat customers the course serves annually.

“It’s fun seeing a student’s face light up

when his/her game is improving,” he said.

“Just recently I had one of my students text me and let me know he was signing papers to play golf at a local university. It was a super good feeling getting that text from him.

Also, I love the camaraderie with other PGA professionals. The Tennessee Section and Tri Cities Chapter are great organizations to be a part of.”

Foster calls Warrior’s Path “a challenging but fair , scenic course to play.”

“It is always well maintained by our Superintendent, David Cloud and his dedicated crew. It is a forgiving course with wide-open fairways, but the terrain will require you to learn how to hit from different lies,” he said. “The thing I love most about Warrior’s Path is the people; we have such amazing people who work and play at our facility. It’s such a friendly atmosphere to be involved with.”

Warriors Path, like all of our Tennessee Golf Trail courses, is a customer friendly facility that would be very interested in hosting your next golf tournament or outing. All of our nine TGT courses take pride in the ability to host events and make your particular event more enjoyable to all participants. Please give us the opportunity to make your next outing one to remember.

The TGT is in full bloom, so get out there and play!

- Mike

Superintendent David Cloud

May 2019

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Hello, everyone.

I hope you’re one of the thousands of golfers who have played here. If you’re not – and even if you are – I’d like to share a little about what makes our course so special.

The Legacy of Springfield opened in 1996. It’s a 6,776yard course designed by PGA Hall of Fame golfer Raymond Floyd, who implemented a design that was fun and challenging. Mother Nature helped with the topography, rolling hills, woodlands, and the scenic Tennessee countryside. The rest was up to Floyd.

It’s hard to express just how proud we are of this place. We’re in the midst of continual upgrades to our course with lots going on inside and out. We’re revamping our pro shop and work continues on our bunkers and other oncourse features to enhance our golfers’ experience.

We’re excited about all our improvements and our chance to share our thoughts and plans for all that’s happening at The Legacy of Springfield.

Please also join us in welcoming our new assistant professional to the Legacy staff, Morgan Gardner, who had an impressive golfing resume at Austin

Morgan Gardner

Raymond Floyd

Peay State University. Her golfing talent and knowledge is absolutely incredible. Morgan was – and still is – a truly excellent player.

More about Morgan (who joins our other assistant pro, Christian Spicer) a bit later. As she gets her feet wet and meets our regulars, we know we’ll all benefit from her expertise. Introduce yourself and let Morgan know how great it is to have her on board.

One final note: As you can see from our schedule and information below, the junior and senior golfing experience is incredibly important to us.

That’s going to be a huge focus at the Legacy of Springfield this golfing season. Please take note of all the great opportunities we have for golfers of all ages, especially the youngster.

Robertson County Junior Golf Association 2019 Dates & Information This program is FREE to the juniors.

Junior golfers can take advantage of FREE instruction during the clinics and FREE golf on the play days with professional staff supervision. This program is for juniors ages 6 to 15 and rental clubs will be provided. This is an excellent introduction to the game for beginners and intermediate players.

Junior Golf Clinics: June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 Time: 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

Junior Golf Play Days: July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Time: 5:00 pm until 6:30 pm Please join us here at The Legacy.

We’re eager to meet you - Chet and Kevin

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Give dad a tour experience with Club Champion custom fittings WILLOWBROOK, Ill. -- Shopping for Father’s Day gifts is tough - what do you get the man who has almost everything?

The answer: a Tour-quality custom club fitting experience from Club Champion, the #1 premium club fitter, builder and retailer of the best brands in golf. They offer more than 35,000 hittable head and shaft combinations - a true, Tourlevel experience for any golfer.

According to Golf Magazine, “Many players think they aren’t good enough to be custom fit. But our higher handicappers saw up to 25 more yards with drivers and woods and some shaved 5 to 10 strokes per round. The results? Fitting matters.” Whether Dad is an avid golfer or a casual player, a custom club fitting can help improve his game.

In addition to providing fittings from supremely trained master fitters, Club Champion builds the clubs in-house, unlike most other fitters. Variables such as swingweight, length, lie and flex absolutely alter performance; the experience and know-how combining these intricate parts together is what separates Club Champion from its competition.

Ranked by Golf Digest among the 100

best club fitters eight times in a row, Club Champion’s unique coupling system allows them to combine any head and shaft together. The equipment available for demo is far more expansive than what’s offered at competitive companies, and the variety allows the master fitter to find exactly the right combination to optimize a golfer’s swing. Dad won’t have to wait to test the suggested clubs - he’ll get to hit the exact club that will be custom built for him.

“It never ceases to amaze me that golfers buy clubs off the shelf and assume they’re right for them. Whether you’re a great golfer or a casual one, getting a custom club fitting is one of the quick-

est ways to improve your game,” says world-renowned instructor and Club Champion brand ambassador David Leadbetter.

A custom fitting experience from Club Champion is the perfect Father’s Day gift. Gift cards can be purchased online at clubchampiongolf.com or by calling 888-340-7820.

There are more than 60 Club Champion studios across the country including one at 1910 Galleria Blvd, in Franklin, situated in the Cool Springs Galleria. At Club Champion, you don’t just buy clubs, you buy guaranteed improvement!

More information at clubchampiongolf. com or 888-890-3218.

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May 2019

Five teams tie atop the leaderboard at The City of Crossville Team Championship With great golfing weather in Crossville, TN the past few days The City of Crossville Team Championship provided an enjoyable two rounds of golf on a well-manicured Lake Tansi Golf Course. Lake Tansi Golf Course stayed true to its reputation of being a player-friendly track while still providing a challenge to all levels of play. The petite and quick greens were an appropriate depiction of the challenge the players faced ahead.

The competition for this year’s team championship was intense, to say the least. An unlikely fiveway tie had to settle the team division after the 36hole competition. These five teams all shared the title with a team score of -19 under par (125); Wyatt/Forgey/Richardson/Maxwell, Hudson/Spraker/Newport/Morton, Flenniken/Mays/Mays/Ferris, Botts/Weilandt/Lewis/Lunsford, and Johnson/ Rebne/Moore/Garretson.

Glenn Hudson, PGA closed out first place in the Regular Professional contest with a 137 (-7) finish.

His first round of 66 (-6 under par) helped catapult him to the victory over both Kelvin Burgin, PGA and Casey Flenniken, PGA who finished at a total of 139 (-5). In the Senior Professional Division Mark Houser, PGA was victorious after firing a smooth 70, 68 for a total of 138 (-6) to edge out Audie Johnson, PGA by four strokes who placed second in the

division. Crossville’s own Tracy Graham (a) won the regular amateur contest by two strokes with a 140 (-4) finish. He beat second-place finisher Michael Bradshaw who shot 142 (-2) by two strokes.

In the Senior Amateur contest, Ray Morton proved triumphant with a finishing score of 140 (-4). He ran away with the trophy by beating second-place finisher Danny Green +3 (147) by seven strokes.

Alongside the tremendous amateur and professional play in both divisions was an additional Professional Skins game presented by True Temper. Day one ended with four skins (two by Adam Forgey, PGA and one each by Loren Personett, PGA and Jamie Chapman) while Round Two ended with three skins (Chris Weilandt, Mike Vance and Loren Personett, PGA).

The Tennessee PGA would like to send a special thank you to the staff at Lake Tansi Golf Course for being wonderful hosts. Head Professional Gavin Darbyshire, PGA, and Superintendent Todd Matthews were a please to work with. Without their help and cooperation, the City of Crossville Team Championship would not be as tremendous as it is today. The City of Crossville continues its title sponsorship of this fabulous event. The City is a platinum level sponsor with the Tennessee PGA and helps grow the game that we all love. Crossville is the Golf Capital of Tennessee.

FRANKLIN, Tenn. – The Tennessee Challenge Cup is set for its 52nd installment, as details for the popular Ryder Cup-style event were announced earlier this week.

The Challenge Cup, which annually pits the top 16 amateur golfers in the state against the top 16 PGA Professionals, is scheduled for October 28-29 at Chattanooga Golf and Country Club.

Officials from both the Tennessee Golf Association, which selects the Amateur Team, and the Tennessee Section PGA, which chooses the Professional Team, are excited about this year’s battle for the John Deal Cup trophy.

“The Challenge Cup matches continue to be the premier year-end event on our calendar,” said Clayton Hromadka, Executive Director of the Tennessee PGA. “Years of back and forth have created a rivalry built on respect and admiration for one another.”

“The event continues to challenge every participant who qualifies and pushes them to excel in a way few other events can. For two days each year, the professionals and amateurs put aside friendships and step onto the tee with a determination that only match play can provide.”

The Challenge Cup dates back to 1968 when the amateurs edged out a 45.5-44.5 victory over the Professionals at Old Hickory Country Club.

The event came to fruition thanks to the efforts of Old Hickory amateur John Deal, Cookeville amateur Bobby Greenwood, and Cookeville PGA Professional Hubie Smith, who was president of the Tennessee Section PGA at the time.

Since then, the Professional Team has built a 30-21 advantage in the overall series, including last year’s victory at Cherokee Country Club in Knoxville.

The professionals won the 2018 meeting by an 18-14 margin.

The event went to its current format in 1975, with one round each

of four-ball, foursomes, and singles matches played over the two-day tournament.

“There is no better way to end the season than having the best amateurs and PGA Professionals go to battle in a Ryder Cup type event,” said Chad Anderson, Executive Director of the Tennessee Golf Association. “Our amateurs play all summer to earn a spot on the team, and this year we are excited to have Chattanooga Golf and Country Club as the host site.”

Each team is comprised of 16 players, six of whom are seniors.

The Professional Team is selected using the Tennessee Section PGA’s season-ending Professional and Senior Professional Player of the Year rankings.

The Amateur Team is chosen based on the Tennessee Golf Association’s season-ending Amateur and Senior Amateur Player of the Year rankings.

Cookeville PGA Professional Bobby Nichols holds the record for most Challenge Cup appearances as he played in 37 of the first 40 installments. Knoxville native Jeff Golliher has made the most appearances for the Amateur Team, having competed in the Challenge Cup 36 times, including the past 34 years consecutively.

Chattanooga Golf and Country Club was opened in 1896 on the banks of the Tennessee River and is the oldest course on its original site in the state of Tennessee. It was designed by world-renowned architect Donald Ross and later enhanced by Bill Bergin in 2005. This will be the first time that Chattanooga Golf and Country Club has hosted the Challenge Cup. “Bruce Etter, PGA and the staff at Chattanooga Golf and Country Club will no doubt provide an experience that each participant will remember for a lifetime,” Hromadka added. “We can’t thank Bruce and his membership enough for the opportunity to come enjoy all that the world class club has to offer.”

Chattanooga Golf & Country Club to host 52nd Tennessee Challenge Cup

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Dancing Rabbit May Couples Fling Results The immensely popular Dancing Rabbit Golf Club at Pearl River Resort, held their May Couples Fling, May 1314, 2019 . This is Event #2 for the 2019 Golf Season and was played on both of the club’s exceptional courses, Oaks and Azalea.

Congratulations to Tennessee couple Richard and L. Golden, who won the Championship Flight, shooting 67 and 65 with a score of 132 This is Couples event #2 in the 2019 Couples Fling schedule – next Couples events are: June 10 & 11, September 16 & 17 and October 28 & 29. For more info contact Pro Mark Powell at: Mark.powell@pearlriverresort.com

May 13-14, 2019 • Oaks & Azaleas Golf Course Championship Flight Golden, Richard & L Faulkner, David & Carrie Gifford, Bobby & Kathy Greene, Shannon & Lana McGowan, Steve & Milinda

First Flight Hix, Stan & April Hahn, North/Bensaema, Janet Jennings, Tommy & Susan Szuba, Rob & Michelle Standifer, Trey & Gina

TN TX KY KY KY

TX TX MS GA KY

67 65 69 71 68 72 72 73 73 72

65 74 70 70 73 70 73 72 73 75

132 139 139 141 141 142 145 145 146 147

Second Flight Rye, Kenny & Mary MS 74 71 145 Bean, Jeff & Gayle KY 74 73 147 McMicking, Steve & Sandra MS 75 72 147 Creighton, John & Lily FL 75 73 148 Blackmon, Bobby & Marsha TX 74 75 149

Third Flight Mabry, Jeff & Carol TN 78 74 152 Hollis, Ron & Luann KY 78 78 156 Mostyn, Gary & Jackie TX 79 78 157 Pline, Michael & Linda AL 80 78 158 White, Tommy & Chris KY 80 78 158

Fourth Flight Osborne, Ed/Sellers, Teri MS 82 76 158 Honnoll, Bob & Jill MS 82 78 160 Banta, Bruce & Debbie TX 83 79 162 King, Robert & Kathy MO 83 80 163 Lewis, Pat & Lisa MS 83 81 164

Fifth Flight Wallis, Gunner & Pam AL 85 81 166 Carpenter, Stephen & Janet KY 87 85 172 Mason, Buddy & Connie AR 86 87 173 Henderson, Robert & Janice TX 89 84 173 Ferguson, Bill & Paula TN 90 87 177

Closest to the Hole Winners:

Stan Hix • Ronald Orr • Marsha Blackmon • Pam Wallis

Mark Powell, PGA and Director of Golf at Dancing Rabbit Golf Club shown here with the winners of the Second Flight, Kenny & Mary Rye from Southaven (Memphis area).

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Harpeth Valley Golf Center & Belle Meade Country Club Win Club Car Pro-Official Championship KINGSTON SPRINGS, Tenn, -- It was a great afternoon at The Golf Club of Tennessee, but for Stan Smoot, PGA, Bill Breen, PGA, Oliver Peacock, PGA, and Charles Cline (a), the afternoon was perfect as they took home the Gross and Net Division Championships at the 2019 Club Car Pro-Official Championship.

The Smoot/Breen team of Harpeth Valley Golf Center started steadily. The shotgun start had the team start on the 10th hole and the team was able to be 5 under through the first nine holes The Smoot/Breen duo ended out their day as they birdied their final hole to capture the top score in the Gross Team Division at 62 (-9).

For the Peacock/Cline team of Belle Meade Country Club, consistency was the key. After teeing off on the 16th hole, they managed to go 3 under through the first seven holes.

Peacock and Cline then caught fire and went 7 under through the next seven holes. They finished the day with 61 (-10) to claim the Net Division Championship.

Closest to the Hole Winners: No. 4 – Scott Masters, PGA No. 8 – Joel Stark, PGA No. 14 – Jim Lazenby No. 16 – Whit Turnbow

(L-R) Stan Smoot and Bill Breen

The Tennessee PGA would like to extend a thank you to Tim Keller, PGA of Club Car for being the title sponsor of this great event. Without their support, the Club Car Pro-Official Championship would not be as incredibly successful as it is each year. Another thank you goes to Tom Myers, PGA of Cutter and Buck, Peter Bucci of Jack Daniels, Sid Johnson, PGA of Srixon Golf, and Brian Smack, PGA of Earth Networks for being supporting sponsors of the event.

We would also like to give a special thank you to David Hardwick, PGA, Alex Cox, Kelly Wells, PGA and the rest of The Golf Club of Tennessee staff for hosting such a successful event.

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