W W W . F L O R I D A G O L F C E N T R A L . C O M

Qualk'n with a Cause

WE SAID PLAY BIG, NOT PAY BIG. WE SAID PLAY BIG, NOT PAY BIG.

* Specials do not include lodging or tax. Valid March 3, 2011–May 8, 2011. Two-day package: Ross Bridge available at rack rate. Three-day package: Ross Bridge available at 20% off rack rate. Specials cannot be combined with other discounts. Specials do not include play at Lakewood Golf Club. There is a $10 surcharge for each round on the Judge at Capitol Hill. Juniors ages 17 and under play for 50% of rack rate ($40 for 18 holes at Lakewood G.C.). Packages must be paid in full and booked with reservations at least 48 hours prior to play. Some restrictions may apply. Offers subject to change.

WE SAID PLAY BIG, NOT PAY BIG.The opportunity to play Alabama’s beautiful Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in the springtime is something to be relished. And with the cost so low, there’s just no reason not to claim your place on the fi rst tee. Hello, sunshine. Choose your spring special and book today!

For more information, please call 1.800.949.4444 or visit us on the web at rtjgolf.com. facebook.com/rtjgolf twitter.com/rtjgolf

»» ENJOY ONE, TWO OR THREE DAYS OF “EVERYTHING-INCLUDED” GOLF FOR A FANTASTIC PRICE «« *INCLUDES 36 HOLES OF CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF, CARTS, LUNCH & FREE RANGE BALLS EACH DAY. OFFERS AVAILABLE AT 9 TRAIL LOCATIONS.

PLAY 1 DAY FROM $135 PLAY 2 DAYS FROM $260 PLAY 3 DAYS FROM $375-OR--OR-

RTJ375BigSPRING_FLGolfCentral.indd 1 12/8/10 12:55 PM

WE SAID PLAY BIG, NOT PAY BIG. WE SAID PLAY BIG, NOT PAY BIG.

* Specials do not include lodging or tax. Valid March 3, 2011–May 8, 2011. Two-day package: Ross Bridge available at rack rate. Three-day package: Ross Bridge available at 20% off rack rate. Specials cannot be combined with other discounts. Specials do not include play at Lakewood Golf Club. There is a $10 surcharge for each round on the Judge at Capitol Hill. Juniors ages 17 and under play for 50% of rack rate ($40 for 18 holes at Lakewood G.C.). Packages must be paid in full and booked with reservations at least 48 hours prior to play. Some restrictions may apply. Offers subject to change.

WE SAID PLAY BIG, NOT PAY BIG.The opportunity to play Alabama’s beautiful Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in the springtime is something to be relished. And with the cost so low, there’s just no reason not to claim your place on the fi rst tee. Hello, sunshine. Choose your spring special and book today!

For more information, please call 1.800.949.4444 or visit us on the web at rtjgolf.com. facebook.com/rtjgolf twitter.com/rtjgolf

»» ENJOY ONE, TWO OR THREE DAYS OF “EVERYTHING-INCLUDED” GOLF FOR A FANTASTIC PRICE «« *INCLUDES 36 HOLES OF CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF, CARTS, LUNCH & FREE RANGE BALLS EACH DAY. OFFERS AVAILABLE AT 9 TRAIL LOCATIONS.

PLAY 1 DAY FROM $135 PLAY 2 DAYS FROM $260 PLAY 3 DAYS FROM $375-OR--OR-

RTJ375BigSPRING_FLGolfCentral.indd 1 12/8/10 12:55 PM

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egional magazines have

long been the stepchild

of publishing; with the

exception of the Wall Street

Journal, the New York Times, and The Post.

Although, these hubs for these pubs are the reason for their

national attention, they’re still locally grown and nationally

known for a reason. I think readers like home spun news, featur-

ing common folk with likeminded interests. I want to know that

other publishers have the same challenges that I face day-to-day.

Like the fabulous places they’ve been invited to cover, the slow

paying, or worse non paying chumps that hold up our well oiled

machines. Stuff we all like to bitch about from time to time.

The hub is the rub. That’s why we’ve decided to expand our

concept to AZ with Arizona Golf Central Magazine. With the very

talented team that the very talented Jason Keesling put together,

we have all the makings of a stepsister (or stepbrother) to the 11+

year old Florida Golf Central Magzine.

So, here we go, publishing our inaugural issue when every-

one advises companies to do online marketing and e-blasting to

streamline their marketing budget. Funny how things work out

and national companies are going back to print and other tradi-

tional means of reaching buyers along with digital versions and

social media. Heck Yeah!

4

Publisher: Terrie L. Purdum

Editor in Chief: Shannon Coates

Managing Editor: Dave Daubert, USGA

The Green One: Tonyia Fulghum

Executive Editor: Joel Jackson–Director of Communications

for the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association

North Florida Regional Editor: Stephen Trendler

West Coast Regional Editor: Chris Karamitsos

Photographers: Lynn Pelham, Brion Price, Peter Hakansson

Tres Fenton, Dennis T. James, Mike Coonan

Senior Correspondent: Rick Harris, Sr.

Executive Correspondent: Dennis T. James

Contributing Writers: Jay Golden, PGA; Marc Ray, CMAA;

Greg Wise; Ashley Prange

Glenn Makin– Publisher of East Tennesee Golf News

Media Director: Mike Blomeley

Media Muse: David E. Bailey

Social Media Director: Stephen Vogt

Digital Media Manager: Jason Philo

Digital Video Producer: James Lee

Director of Sales and Marketing: Jason Keesling

Business Manager: Debbi Westbrook, dwestbrook@cfl.rr.com

Graphic Design: Melahn Cable, melahn@mac.com

Website Design/Network Support: ryjo.com

Magazine Printing:Sundance Graphics

9580 Delegates Drive, Orlando, Florida 32837 • 800.617.5532

Florida Golf Central Magazine is published monthly by:Sand Hill Publishing & Public Relations

1549 Warrington Court, Winter Springs, FL 32708

phone: 407.971.4336 • 407.971.4337

fax: 407.971.4306 • toll-free: 877.208.5972

E-mail: info@floridagolfcentral.com

One year (12 issues) subscription price is $42.99

©2010 Florida Golf Central Magazine. No portion of this publication

may be reprinted without the prior written permission of the Publish-

er. Editorial contributions are welcome, but Florida Golf Central Maga-

zine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited proposals, manuscripts

and photographs. All materials submitted not accompanied by a self-

addressed stamped envelope will not be returned. Mailing, electronic

mailing or faxing of contributions constitutes an expressed warrant on

the part of the contributor that all material is original and does not

infringe on the rights of others. Florida Golf Central Magazine retains

all reprint rights and reserves the right to edit any submitted material

to meet our specifications for publishing and or use in advertising or

promotion. The Publisher and staff are not responsible for any loss or

grievance by any person or persons whatsoever, due in any way or in

part to the content of this publication. The Publisher reserves the right

to refuse to accept any material deemed inappropriate or in bad taste.

Volume 11, Issue 3

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the pu

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 2

2009 North Florida PGA Amateur of the Year

phone 407-513-4484 cell 407-218-1059

Building Credibility With Visibility

R

6

Departments 4 Letter from the Publisher 8 Golf Central Station 10 Club Managers Association of America 40 Live Golf 42 Swing Thoughts 44 Competitive Spirits 50 Duffer Dan 52 South Florida PGA 54 North Florida PGA 60 Financial News 62 Sun Coast 64 Platinum Coast 66 Treasure Coast 68 Holiday Gift Guide 70 Product Showcase 72 Aces & Eagles

19th Hole 16 Bourbon Steak, Miami

Cart Girl 14 Morgan Rode

Celebrity Corner 30 Dr. J

Course of Dreams 36 Golf Channel Amateur Tour

Feature 37 JJ Qualkenbush

Fore Your Health 56 Body Balance 58 BirdiePack

Golf Bachelor 12 David Guy

Golf Business 46 Black Bear 47 Plantation Palms

Golf Travel 18 Savannah Westin

Leader on The Links 28 Larry Packard

On Course 32 Windermere Country Club 34 Ironwood

Special Events 66 PGA Q-School

Stay & Play 24 Club Med Sandpiper 42 Gasparilla Inn

What's New 26 Fairway & Greene

Young Guns 20 Isleworth Collegiate Invitational

floridagolfcentral.com

Volume 11, Issue 3

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www.victoriaparkresort.com

Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 38

Renowned golf architect Steve Smyers to redesign the Aerie at TwinEagles Club

NAPLES, Fla. – The Ronto Group has announced that the design project for the complete reconstruction of the Aerie golf course at the TwinEagles Club has been awarded to renowned golf course architect Steve Smyers. Smyers, along with co-designer Patrick Andrews, will reconstruct and redesign the Aerie golf course prior to the course’s grand reopening in the fall of 2011. Smyers has been a golf course architect for more than three decades, beginning his career with respected golf course architect Ron Garl immediately after graduating from college and began his own golf course design firm in 1983. He has since been involved in over 60 well-known projects, and his portfolio includes an impressive list of outstanding new design and redesigns to highly ranked and famed layouts such as Isleworth in Windermere, Fla. (home to the world’s No. 1 player and a host of other Tour players), Southern Dunes in Orlando, Old Memorial in Tampa, South Course at Olympia Fields in Chicago, Blue Heron Pines’ East Course in Egg Harbor City, N.J. and Wolf Run in Indianapolis. Smyers is also highly involved in the U.S. Golf Association, serving on their executive committee since 2006. His current and past service (since 1986) to the USGA includes the championship committee, equipment standards committee, green section, TurfGrass and environmental research committee, amateur status committee and international team selection committee. Homebuyers and Realtors may request additional information or arrange an escorted tour by visiting the TwinEagles Information Center, calling toll free 888-403-0085 or logging onto www.twineagles.com. The information center is located inside the community’s entrance on Immokalee Road seven miles east of I-75.

Farmer’s Market Tapped as One of Nation’s Top 10 OCALA, Fla. – The Circle Square Commons Farmer’s Market has been selected by Livability.com, one of the nation’s best-known and widely quoted lifestyle websites, as one of the top 10 farmer’s markets in the country. Located at 8405 SW 80th St., Circle Square Commons is the social hub of On Top of the World Communities, the 12,900-acre central Florida community, says Jo Salyers, general manager for Circle Square Commons. On Top of the World also has been named one of America’s 100 Best Master-Planned Communities by Where to Retire magazine. One of just two Florida farmer’s markets to ap-pear on the list, Circle Square Commons Farmer’s Market was praised by Livability.com for including “all the market staples and then some. Items include seasonal produce, plants, baked goods, homemade soaps and much more.” Of particular note, the website says, is the market’s Flavors of the Season program featuring On Top of the World’s chefs who perform cooking demonstrations using produce and other items from the market. The market’s location ... “near beautiful Sholom Park” amid “a sunny Florida setting” also scored high marks. The Circle Square Commons Farmer’s Market – open November-March every Thursday 9 a.m.-1 p.m., and April-October 8 a.m.-noon – provides an ever-changing slate of vendors offering flowers, baked goods, crafts, plants and fresh seafood, among numerous other items. Want to learn more? Visit CircleSquareCommons.com.

Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club Home-owners Take Possession of Golf Course, Country Club Facilities

SAN ANTONIO, Fla. – Tampa Bay Community Association – the HOA – has acquired the golf course and country club at Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club from TBG&CC Recreation LLC, the private group who has owned the Pasco County community facilities for several years. David Ivin with Starwood Land Ventures, owner of the remaining lots at Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club, said Starwood facilitated the HOA in making the purchase of the 18-hole championship golf course and country club located off S.R. 52 at I-75 on Old Tampa Bay Drive in San Antonio . The HOA now has control over the finances and activities at the club, Ivin said. “Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club is a model for active adult communities,” Ivin said. “The Tampa Bay Community Association is a very active, well-managed group and we have every confidence they will manage the facilities well,” said Ivin.

A Taste of Wing House

Largo, FL– Taste Of WingHouse Hospitality Golf Classic Thursday, December 9th at the fabulous Bardmoor Golf & Tennis Club. The golf tourna-ment will shotgun start at 12:00 noon. We have created a fun atmosphere that will feature our World Famous WingHouse Girls, great Nike Golf player gifts, fabulous prizes and much more. Af-ter golf, we will host our presentation of awards and I invite you and your teammates back to the WingHouse of Largo and enjoy some great food and tasty beverages served up WingHouse Style! We are excited to be hosting this event to benefit the Komen Florida Suncoast Affiliate. As many of you know, Ker’s WingHouse employs over 850 women and breast cancer is a deadly disease that afflicts women. We look forward to genera-ting funds and creating awareness for breast cancer research while supporting education that promotes a healthy lifestyle and early detection should one become afflicted with this disease. Sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels and your support is greatly appreciated. As always with any Ker’s WingHouse golf event, we will provide great player gifts, unique team and in-dividual prizes and an array of silent auction items up for bid. Your sponsorship in this great event will help generate community spirit, goodwill and support for breast cancer research. Our event is being managed by Professional Golf Events, which will serve as the official tournament office for this tournament. To become a sponsor or register you or your team, please fill out the attached tourna-ment registration form and mail to the address provided or simply register on-line at: www.tournevents.com/winghouse For more information, please contact the tournament office toll free at (877) 847-0334 or contact Jeff Piciacchia with Professional Golf Events at (615) 480-4743. Thank you in advance for your continu-ed support and we look forward to seeing you in December at the Bardmoor Golf & Tennis Club.

9Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

By Jennifer Jollycm

aa

I write this article, my

first for Florida Golf

Central Magazine, we are experiencing

a cold front sweeping through our

state. After a long hot summer, I

welcome the change in weather as it

helps my mind set with the host of fall

programming that has become part

of the annual rituals of nearly every

club here in Florida. I also moved from

south Florida to north Florida this year

and where we continued to be busy

all summer long at the beach, I am

conditioned to look at the club industry

as seasonal … Florida’s season … OUR

season … October to May.

Typically in October we start with

some sort of event that kicks off our

“season” … whether it is a “Welcome

Back” party, a “Member Guest” golf

tournament to show off the greens,

organized tennis matches to showcase

our courts, or a simple “Member Mixer”

… there is a bevy of activity in every

area of our clubs. Generally, because of

these festivities and the camaraderie

they promote, everyone is happy …

members, management, the team.

We are excited to see “old friends”

returning from the north or overseas.

We are thankful for the joys that only

this industry – the club business - can

provide.

As Thanksgiving is upon us, I

thought it might be appropriate to

take a look at some of the things the

CMAA does here in Florida that we

should be thankful for. Each of the

Florida Chapter’s regions host a golf

tournament or fundraiser to benefit

local charities. In 2009, more than

$600,000 was raised to benefit charities

such as the Special Olympics Florida,

Arnold Palmer’s Children’s Hospital,

Children’s Miracle Network, Make-A-

Wish Foundation, Toys for Tots, SOS

Children’s Village, The Wishing Well

Foundation, All Children’s Hospital,

and the Ronald McDonald House.

Additionally in 2009, we collected 6,482

pounds of food for local communities

and volunteered for two Habitat for

Humanity projects on each coast.

New for the Florida Chapter this

year is participation in the 6th Annual

National Day of Golf to support Tee

it Up For the Troops. Tee It Up For

The Troops was established in 2005

by the family and friends of a soldier

who enlisted in the U.S. Army after

September 11, 2001. When the son was

asked by his father what he needed,

the son responded by asking his father

to do something for the soldiers and

their families back home. Tee It Up For

The Troops, Inc. was created to honor

that request and to recognize the needs

of all veterans who have served and

continue to serve this great nation. The

event was held on September 10 and

all CMAA members were encouraged to

get their facilities to participate.

We were also faced with another

natural disaster … in January 2010, a

devastating earthquake hit southern

Haiti. Florida clubs employ more than

1,000 Haitian employees and knew that

they needed to do their part to assist in

the relief efforts. To date, $500,000 has

been raised by Florida Chapter clubs

in addition to hundreds of pounds of

clothing, food and medical supplies.

I am always moved by the generosity

of the organizations that make up the

club industry … CMAA, PGA, LPGA,

GCSAA, CAM, HFTP, etc. We all give

for our own personal reasons and it is

our choice to participate or not. That

is exactly what I find so incredible …

I have never, in my eight years as a

member of the Florida Chapter, heard

any one utter the word “No” when it

comes to giving back. I think that is

extraordinary. I have a great respect

for the people I am honored to serve

beside and blessed that I have found

myself in such a rewarding career.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jennifer Jolly is the Food & Beverage Director at Sawgrass Country Club in beautiful Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Jennifer graduated from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan with a Bachelor of Science degree and has actively participated in the Club Managers Association of America’s Business Management Institute programs obtaining certifications in “Leadership Principles” and “General Manager as Chief Operating Officer.” She has further served the professional association as Regional Chair in both Communications and Technology as well as State Chair for Technology. For more information: www.sawgrwasscountryclub.com

T hanksgiving – A Day to be Thankful and Have Gratitude for the Year’s Blessings

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David Guy

Where were you born? Did you grow up there? I was born in Hutchinson, KS. I grew up all over the South and Midwest includ-ing: Texas, Missouri and Ohio.

Is “acting your age” over rated? There is a time and place for everything. Common Sense is not over rated. Know when to be playful, serious and sarcastic.

What do you do for a living? Golf Professional

What would you like to do for a living? Professional Golf

Aside from golf; what do you prefer for fun and relaxation? Just depends on the day and mood. If it is nice out I would rather be outdoors. If not, then I’m on XBOX, watching sports or maintaining my facebook games (those things are so addicting, add me on Farmville please!)

What’s the most effective way you’ve discovered to check out a hot woman without her, or anyone else noticing? I haven’t figured that out yet. I could list the most ineffective ways. The list would start with spilling a drink on her shirt.

Tell us about your first kiss? It was wrapped in silver with a piece of paper coming out of the top…..it said hersheys.

Steak, chicken, or seafood? Put them all on some fried rice and you’ve got something.

Tell us something about yourself that only your closest friends know. The jokes are just a front.

What do you fear the most? Fear itself

What three people would you most like to play with in your fantasy golf foursome?

Daly, Weekley, Barkley

Boxers or Briefs? I prefer my lady friends to wear something more feminine.

Last time you spewed something through your nose from laughing so hard? Everytime I watch Tosh.O

Favorite comedian? Daniel Tosh

Favorite magazine? Florida Golf Central Magazine!

12 Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

golf

bach

elor

13Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

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cart

girl

Morgan Leigh Rode

Where did you grow up? Well, I was actually born in South Carolina, but grew up in the beautiful sunshine state. Mostly in Orlando, and St. Petersburg.

What is your favorite sport to watch? Favorite to play? BASEBALL of course! Gotta love those Rays! I love to play beach volleyball; any reason to be on the beach and I’m there!

What do you feel makes this club special? Well, I’ve been here 2 years, and I would definitely have to say the members make this place very special. They are like family to me. I love to kid around with them; they’re always making me laugh.

What is your favorite part of being a cart girl? What is your least favorite part? Honestly, this has to be the great-est job ever! Favorite part would have to be all the cool people I get to meet, and the fact that a lot of them are from all over the globe, make it very interesting. Least favorite part, when someone hits my cart with their golf ball, it scares me every time.

What type of music do you prefer? I listen to everything really, except for the really vulgar stuff. John Mayer though, is currently my favorite artist. I just saw him in concert; it doesn’t get any better!

What hobbies do you enjoy? If you consider reading a hobby, then that’s probably the one you’ll find me doing the most. Other than that, I love to bike ride, or spend my day off at the beach.

What is your idea of the “perfect” date? “Perfect”? I haven’t been on one yet, but I could imagine it would go something like this: Fancy dinner with good wine, a live comedy show, ending with drinks at a nice cocktail lounge on the beach.

Favorite Comedian? Dane Cook, he’s ridiculous! He makes me laugh so hard it hurts.

Favorite type of movie? Romantic comedy; two of my favorite things.

Favorite charity to support? All Children’s.

What else would you like us to know about you? I love life, and I’m pretty free-spirited. If I’m not at home doing schoolwork or reading, I’m out with my amazing friends having a good time. I never take life too seriously, and I never pass up a good opportunity. I enjoy every moment to it’s fullest.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

Photo by Preston Purdum

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

19th

Hole

celebrate the launch of its new

cigar menu, BOURBON STEAK

recently invited the public to

become connoisseurs during the

first chapter of a monthly interactive

series, which was held at Celebrity

Chef Michael Mina’s popular Miami

restaurant. Participants were im-

mersed in the same extensive train-

ing the restaurant team received

from Robert Caldwell, president of

The Hotel Humidor Co., South Florida

’s leading hospitality cigar services

provider. During the educational class,

attendees learned everything from the

history of cigars, etiquette, selecting,

cutting and handling cigars to lighting

and smoking them, as well as accom-

paniments and flavor profiles.

The featured cigar of the evening

was the Hecha Humo Corretto and

Delicia. This recently released line is

the latest creation of master-blender

Augusto Reyes and is available in

very limited quantities. In addition,

the restaurant’s new Sommelier

Justin Hall conducted a tasting to

show guests’ which drinks pair best.

The cost to participate was $20 per

person and included a cigar, a com-

plimentary cocktail and a 10 percent

savings on any cigars purchased

that evening. Participants were also

entered into a contest to win a 150ct

lacquered ebony humidor valued at

$250.

BOURBON STEAK Miami is located

off the main lobby of the legend-

ary Fairmont Turnberry Isle at

19999 West Country Club Drive in

Aventura. Outdoor seating with full

menu is now available at BOURBON

STEAK, a Michael Mina restaurant.

For more information:

www.bourbonsteakmiami.com.

of Cigar & Bourbon Pairing Class

Art

To

Bogey.”Best Round of My Life“

Trust your caddie and please drink responsibly. 40% Alc./Vol. © Fuzzy’s Spirits LLC. Made in the USA.

FV Ad BogeyMiami.indd 1 9/22/10 3:46:45 PM

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

If

golf

trave

l

you want to enjoy the beauty and majesty of one of our more histori-cal, picturesque and romantic cit-

ies, Savannah Georgia, I have found the finest place to stay while experiencing it all. Founded in 1733, Savannah has unique squares with stately oaks and lovely Georgian architecture that can be visited by foot, carriage, segway, scooter or trolley. The Westin Savan-nah is located on Hutchinson Island overlooking the cobblestone riverfront, the Savannah River and the award win-ning PGA Championship golf course. The historical area is easily accessed by a free water taxi ride. Each of the 403 newly renovated suites and rooms offer dramatic views, spacious surroundings

and elegant furnishings. The Resort is adjacent to the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center and 20 minutes from the airport. When you check into the Westin, you are assured to check out much better. Between the Heavenly Spa treatments and the Heavenly Beds, everything is designed to make you feel restored. Dining at the Resort is truly a gas-tronomic delicacy. Executive Chef Roger Paul Michel, who was awarded the French Order of Merit Agricole in food and culinary arts this past January, cre-ates the menu to fit the surroundings. The fare at the Champions Grill at The Club at Savannah Harbor is designed to meet the tastes of the golfing visitors

and Spa patrons who want a healthy yet tasteful meal. The Midnight Sun celebrates the legendary Johnny Mer-cer, Savannah born songwriter, and is open late for those who want to enjoy a Mercer inspired cocktail with great selections from the menu. My personal dining favorite is Aqua Star, the beauti-fully decorated room with spectacular city views, outstanding service and

gourmet selections of fresh local sea-food and worldwide specialties along with fresh produce prepared perfectly. You will be awed by the culinary cre-ations and leave pampered and satis-fied. The Resort also offers a Starbucks coffee bar, poolside beverage and lunch service and 24-hour in room dining. Golf at The Club at Savannah Harbor is a delight as well. Recently named one of the “Top 100 Golf Resorts of the World” by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine and awarded a ”Four-Star Best Places to Play” by Golf Digest, it lies between the banks of the Savannah and Back Rivers in picturesque Georgia Low Country just behind the Hotel and reaches to nearly 7300 yards. Designed by Sam Snead and Bobby Cupp and home to the PGA Champions Tour’s Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf, the course is imbued with a natural feel – it is a series of fairways and undulating greens set amid a sea of tidal wetlands. The course has a variety of holes that will test the best, from the drivable but narrow 324 yard par 4-14th to the 660 yard boomerang shaped 7th, amply named ‘Big Duke’. Your golf experi-ence will be enhanced by the Troon Golf staff; providing world-class service coupled with true southern hospitality. It is a must play and reservations can be made at www.WestinSavannah.com or by calling 912-201-2000.

Re imagined L uxury

By David Daubert

ChampionsGate Golf Club

Sat. 9am-4pm | Sun. 9am-3pm

» Try and buy the latest equipment

» See world-renowned golf instructor David Leadbetter

» Receive PGA golf lessons

» Free regripping by Winn Grips One per attendee. No putters.

JAN. 22+23

Visit Golfest.com for schedule and details.

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 2

youn

g gun

s

ifth-ranked Alabama finished 20-over par capturing the program’s first Isleworth Collegiate Invitational

title at Isleworth Golf & Country Club. The Crimson Tide’s strongest per-formances came from Cory Whitsett, Bud Cauley and Hunter Harrick; the trio finished in the top-25. Whitsett led Ala-bama with a fifth-place overall finish, while Harrick and Cauley tied for 21st place. LSU finished in second place by two strokes, and Florida and Stanford tied for third. Securing his first tournament title of the 2010 season, Florida’s Bank Vongvanij climbed to the top of the leaderboard by posting consecutive sub-par rounds. Following his 2-under par performance in the second round, the senior posted a 4-under-par 68 in the final round, overtaking Tennessee’s Robin Wingardh for individual medalist honors. The University of Central Florida joins Texas Tech University in host-

ing the 2011 Isleworth Collegiate Invitational. The eighth annual col-lege golf tournament will be held at Isleworth Golf & Country Club Oct. 23 - 25, 2011.

Alabama Crowned 2010 Isleworth Collegiate Champion

Tennessee tees off hole #10 in the practice round of the 2010 ICI. Photo credit – Craig Johnston

SMU junior Aaron Stewart tees off hole #1 during the first round

Vanderbilt junior Charlie Grace tees off during the first round of the 2010 ICI. Photo credit – Craig Johnston

Host university Texas Tech. Photo credit – Craig Johnston

F

21Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

Falcon’s Fire Golf ClubFriday, May 20, 2011 • 12 pm - 7 pmTee off @ 1 pm • Dinner @ 6 pm

Doug Spencer 15th Annual Golf Challenge

To become a golfer or sponsor , call 407.426.1265 or email debbie.leon@cflhomeless.org

to benefit

Ready for a game of golf that bucks tradition?

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Golfers solicit pledges from friends, family and business associates for each hole they play and are asked to raise a minimum of $1,500. All funds raised benefit Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida.

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

wome

n on c

ourse

ow did one crazy controller/accountant turn into the fastest growing Golf Entrepreneur? It’s a question I get

all the time. But once I start talking about golf people instantly know why. Everyone thought I was crazy to start this business in these economic times. Even my husband Dave gave me the eye when I approached him about it. Sometimes crazy is a good thing! At 29, I picked up the game when I moved into a golf community in Massachusetts and have loved this game ever since. Being a true believer that things happen for a reason and any happening can change the course or destiny in your life is what golf did for me. Golf is not just a game but a way of life. I have met long time friends, business prospects; new and exciting people that change my life everyday. In 1997 I moved from the winters of Massachusetts (where sitting looking at a snow covered 16th green for sometimes 6 months frustrated me to no end) to the Sunshine State to play 365 days if I wanted. When you only played golf a few months out of the year, golf outfits where limited in use. Now playing multiple times a week, new and exciting

golf outfits were top on my list. In my search I found items that just had the old tired look of so long ago. Colors were limited to white, black, pink or baby blue. So during the next 10 years my search was always on for the new and exciting. Sometimes I would even find new fashions, but did you know that exciting costs a lot! This is how Golf Essentials For Women.com was born. Asking women all the time what they liked in golf clothing, I found a pattern to fit with my thoughts. Exciting costs money, bland was boring. If any one knows me I have one true motto, “You don’t have to play good, but you have to look good”. Taking all that input, I have searched out new designers, great colors and fabrics, anything to make women look their best on the course. Oh and did I say at a great price! No longer is new and hip fashion going to be expensive on my watch. This is where crazy controller/accountant meets golf fashionista. My test subjects where the women of the Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA, www.ewga.com) Orlando Chapter. If you don’t belong or have never heard of this organization you

are missing some of the best people to play golf, socialize, and network with anywhere. These gals were just the best, they told me what they liked and didn’t like. Their encouragement in my venture was amazing. They have taught me that every one is different in size, height, age and preferences. This provides me the insight for future purchases and ideas to grow my business further. During the past three months we have opened up Golf Bags For Women.com and this is now starting to become very popular. As much as women like to have wonderful clothes, they also like their golf bags to be just as fashionable. We have every type of bag for women. From Sunday bags to full pro bags and every price range. We are bringing on new lines just about every week. So we tell everyone shop often, there are new things all the time. In the future we will have two new additions to the fashion family. By the end of January our Kids Pro Shop will be up and running. We now have kid’s clothes on the Essentials site and kids clubs on the Bags site, but they need a space of their own and it’s so exciting watching this come together. My granddaughter McKenna Jean is eight and just started golfing herself and I was looking for clothes for her and again nothing. So that crazy side said I can’t be the only grandparent out their looking for clothes for kids and that was all the encouragement I needed. Last but not least the men will have their part of the line by June of 2011. Golf Essentials for Men is set to go online. I would love to see men really come back to the fashion of the early days of golf, where caps and vests made any man look extremely handsome. They say follow your passion and you will be successful. If I could be half as successful as my passion for golf…look out Oprah!

From Crunching Numbers to Golf FashionistaH

23Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

With the Score Counter/Bracelet from

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choose between dazzling and discrete.

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

stay &

play

lub Med announces it will invest $25 million in an enhancement program for the newly renamed, Club Med

Sandpiper Bay. Known as the only family all inclusive resort in the United States, Sandpiper Bay will become the flagship of Club Med “Premium Sports” resorts. The resort closed for renovations on Aug. 20, 2010, with a grand opening on Dec. 17, 2010. French architect, Francois Champsaur, collaborated with Club Med to design vibrant accommodations offering different room cat-egories including Deluxe Fam-ily rooms with two separate bedrooms to ensure enough room for everyone, two new restaurants serving gourmet cuisine from around the world and new children’s facilities. Enhancements to the chil-

dren’s programs and facilities will include activities as a water splash park and an art center. “We’ve poured a lot of energy and plan-ning to reinvent Club Med Sandpiper Bay allowing guests to rediscover life’s balance with a world of nourishing experiences to better ones’ self,” states Sabina Sicuso, Vice President of Marketing, Club Med. “With state-of-the-art facilities, the best names in the sports training business, and innovative children’s programming, we’re confident that the new Sandpiper Bay will go above and beyond guests ex-pectations of an all-inclusive.” In addition to renovations, children’s programming and sports facilities will feature significant enrichments, includ-ing:

Children’s Programming and FacilitiesSandpiper Bay rein-vents the way children vacation by creating personalized experienc-es at The Kidz Village, which allows children as young as four months and older to interact, participate and grow in programs specially designed for their age group. Activities include everything from junior tennis, golf and

sailing to circus school, le Petit Chef cook-ing lessons and Zumbatomic™. Sandpiper Bay also makes it exceeding-ly easy when traveling with a baby. High-chairs, cribs, strollers, bottle warmers, bathtubs and much more will be ready for the family’s arrival to ensure that both parents’ and their baby have a seamless vacation experience.

Tennis & GolfThe Club Med Tennis Academy offers a one-of-a-kind learning environment with an unparalleled approach to elite tennis training within a resort setting. With world-class coaching from talents such as Gabriel Jaramillo, former tennis director of the Nick Bollettieri Academy, and expansive facilities – six clay courts,

14 hard courts, one stadium court, a new pro-shop, training facility and a new 12,000 square foot clubhouse – the resort offers active adults and junior pros a ten-nis training experience unlike any other.

The Club Med Golf Academy provides golfers with the per-sonalized service of a golf concierge that facilitates access to 15 private and public world renowned golf courses within 25 minutes driving distance from the resort such as the PGA Ryder course. Of these, the resort is home to one, featuring an 18-hole golf course, a Tom Fazio II designed practice facility, a putting green and driv-ing range and a lavish clubhouse and pro-shop. The Golf Academy also announces a partnership with award-winning junior golf instructor, Don Law, and one of Golf Magazine’s top 100 golf teachers, Brad Brewer. Among the curriculum, participants of the Acad-emy will have the opportunity to take part in courses crafter by Brewer himself.Fitness & Well-Being The state-of-the-art wellness cen-ter, opening in Spring 2011, will be transformed from 700 square feet to an astounding 11,000 sq ft. It will also feature an indoor cardio dance studio, yoga studio and outdoor meditation areas with panoramic views of the tranquil bay. After an invigorating workout, guests can get pampered at the dreamlike spa with rejuvenating spa treatments, massages and facials. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.clubmed.us. To learn about our Club Med Great Members Program visit www.clubmed.us/greatmembers or call 1-800-ClubMed. For an insider look at Club Med, visit our social media site at www.ClubMedInsider.com.

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Call 800-558-0358 or Visit PGAVillage.com/Experience to Reserve your Golf Getaway! Use offer code: Experience

*Surcharge Applies for Villa Upgrade

26

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

what'

s new

or Spring 2011, Fairway & Greene delivers four distinct

fashion collections supported by a comprehensive collec-

tion of classics unparalleled in the industry. Clubhouse

Classics are the key foundation for every business. Within

this range, we deliver a comprehensive collection of knits,

sweaters, woven shirts, outerwear and bottoms. With 199

style / color options available and a balanced assortment of

fabric and price points, Clubhouse Classics is built to meet

the diverse needs of the market place. Fairway & Greene

supports our customers by maintaining an “in-stock” posi-

tion on 84 of the 199 options.

The Palm Springs collection evokes a vintage Hollywood

spirit. Using a sophisticated color palette of black and vanil-

la paired with Liberty Blue and Wisteria, Palm Springs brings

elegance to the golf course. Within Palm Springs you’ll find

a polo shirt collection that mixes elegant stripes with clean

prints and subtle jacquards. You’ll also find interesting

new models with a vintage spirit including the full button

front La Quinta Solid Lisle Polo and a four button applied

placket herringbone jacquard polo with a chest pocket. We

round out the collection with beautiful woven shirts and a

luxurious sweater collection that include both cashmere and

merino novelties.

The Key Largo collection jumps straight into spring with a

strong, vibrant color palette of Fuchsia, Grass Green, Papaya,

and Tropical Blue with a crisp foundation of Classic Blue and

White. We introduce a new washed pique polo shirt collec-

tion with whimsical trim detail that expands the spirited

F&G idea that was introduced for Fall 2010. A beautiful

offering of novelty shorts, including a new reversible model,

provide a strong compliment to the polo shirts. Key Largo

also delivers an expanded woven shirt collection catering to

the country club lifestyle that moves beyond the golf course.

The Cape Cod collection takes the classic colors of Navy,

Red, Lemon, Sky, and White and infuses them with a mod-

ern freshness. As with Key Largo, the F&G movement takes

flight in Cape Cod with a new Peruvian Pima/Poly blend polo

Fairway & Greene

Spring 2011

F

Cape Cod Collection

Wave Hill Collection

27Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

shirt collection with a retro, yet modern flavor. We compli-

ment the shirts with our new Surfside Washed Twill short and

an expanded collection of novelty ideas including the revers-

ible short and a tartan seersucker cargo short. The woven

shirts deliver on the relaxed feeling of a summer day in Cape

Cod with crisp mini checks and clean stripes.

The Sedona Collection draws its inspiration from the beau-

tifully soft colors of the desert including Dusk, Boysenberry,

Moss, Butterscotch and Flax. A sophisticated color palette

built from a crisp khaki foundation will work seamlessly into

any man’s wardrobe. In Sedona you’ll find subtle jacquards

and fine line stripes with just hints of texture. We continue

the texture trend in sweaters with a Linen Full Zip front Mock-

neck Vest for those cool evenings as the sun fades behind the

hills. We carry the linen into the woven shirt collection with

enzyme washed short sleeve camp shirts and sophisticated

plaids.

Womenswear-For Spring 2011 we continue to build upon

the successful strategy of creating a versatile wardrobe com-

fortable and appropriate for both on and off the golf course. A

great foundation of key items is complimented by three dis-

tinct fashion collections.

The Wave Hill Collection works from a foundation of Black

and White with Lavender accents. The collection is infused

with bold prints, color blocking and contrast details that

deliver a modern flavor. That modern feel is reinforced with

the expansion of the F&G Tech fabric throughout the polo shirt

collection. Cotton infused with stretch is the story in bottoms.

The Sanibel Collection draws inspiration from the surf and

beautiful shades of blue and green on top of classic Navy and

White. Sanibel creates a perfect balance of modern and clas-

sicm, merchandising the most current tech fabrics alongside

stretch seersucker. You’ll find fresh, sporty looks for the

course like the Isabel Golf Skirt and Ibis short sleeve Diamond

Sweater. You’ll also find classic elegance for that glass of char-

donnay on the veranda with the Plaid Seersucker Nicole Dress

layered with whisper light Blackstone Cardigan.

The Sausalito Collection builds from the whimsical Aster

Floral Print and works with colors including Carnation, Can-

taloupe and Mulberry all working back to a beautiful brown

called Sable. We continue with our expanded F&G Tech collec-

tion by bringing in the new Ogee Print Stretch Skirt perfectly

complimented by the Blair Polo Shirt.

Our key items include solid stretch pique polo shirt col-

lection, the pima interlock quarter zip sweatshirt and classic

cotton cable v-neck all delivered in 9 colors to support all three

collections.

Palm Springs Collection

Sanibel Collection

Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 328

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limks

est known for his course creations at Innisbrook Resort in Florida, where the Copperhead Course is

a favorite on the PGA TOUR, and The Eagle Ridge Resort in Illinois, Larry Packard has designed and worked on over 600 golf courses throughout his career. Now as he nears the age of 98, Packard is personally writing his mem-oirs and is ready to share his priceless insights including how he changed the face of golf course architecture as well as a few valuable life lessons regarding how to make your own successes. Born in Northampton, MA on No-vember 15, 1912, Packard found an interest in landscape architecture in the 1930’s when the United States was in the grip of the Great Depression. “Larry was a young person starting out in the world when there were no jobs. He was living month to month and he has always remembered that experi-ence,” stated Brent Wadsworth, former

partner in Packard and Wadsworth, and founder and owner of Wadsworth Golf Construction. Packard recalls a job in the late 30’s at Westover Field in Massachusetts, where he was planting grass along the two runways, each two miles long which was an enormous undertaking before the days of motorized seeding equipment. Already the consummate perfectionist, Packard’s work drew at-tention from Washington D.C. who sent an informant to find out just how he did it with such precision. Another of Packard’s assignments as a wartime architect was to devise

a camouflage scheme for the airbase to prevent an enemy attack from the air. Packard found what he describes as “an easy solution” based on child-hood memories that did such a good job even some of the US fighter pilots couldn’t find the runways to land. His expertise were later sought out to design an airport in Chicago which is known today as O’Hare. In Packard’s memoirs, he recalls several interest-ing experiences throughout his career and life which would lead him from runways to fairways. Packard began his career in golf course architecture in 1946 with an entry-level position in the firm of the famous course architect Robert Bruce Harris where he got to know already accomplished architect Robert Trent Jones. By 1970 Packard was President of the American Society of Golf Course Architects where he made significant expansions to the membership and was instrumental in changing the face of this organization while preparing its first written policies. Packard also es-tablished the American Society of Golf Course Architects and organized their first conference on the use of affluent water for golf courses. During the next 50 years, Packard designed over 350 new golf courses and did redesigns on over 250 exist-ing courses with his work reaching throughout the world including Egypt, Japan, China, South Korea, El Morrow (Island off the coast of Venezuela), Guatemala and Costa Rica, in addition to the United States. In 2002, Packard worked with author Mickey Rathbun to write a book on key parts of his life and work entitled “Double Doglegs and Other Hazards”. Today Packard resides at Innisbrook Resort near Tampa, FL with wife Ann and two Yorkshire dogs, Marc Anthony and Cleopatra, who he personally

Renowned Golf Course Architect Larry Packard Reflects on Prestigious 64-Year Career at Age 97

Writing memoirs and sharing his course design expertise still par for the course

B

Packard Ferris Wheel

Larry Packard

Arnold Palmer and Larry PackardPackard swinging club by pyramids, Egypt

29Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

walks each day. Packard’s son, Roger Packard, followed in his father’s talented course designer footsteps and currently resides in China. Mr. Packard looks forward to turning 98 next month in November and watching the top PGA TOUR players compete on his famed Copperhead Course each March for the Transi-tions Championship. He and wife Ann enjoy sitting in the gallery on the 18th green and hearing the player’s comments on how this tough layout affected their game. Mr. Packard can still swing his golf club for the honorary shot and is available for personal interview. Arrangements should be requested by his representative, Ramona Hurley, media con-tact on this release. Excerpts from Mr. Packard’s recent writings: “I found college to be easy for me so I became bored and flunked out. Realizing the errors of my ways I reapplied the following year and again received scholarship monies and changed my major to Landscape Architecture. Courses in mili-tary were compulsory for two years. I had Calvary training and graduated in 1935 but jobs were non-existent. Time to think creatively on how to use my skills…..” “I was hired by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a Land-scape Architect for the construction of the NE Airbase, Westover Field, in Chicopee Falls, MA. …..During my work at Westover I saw the beginnings of our U.S. Air Force before moving near Boston to take charge of 50 or so German prisoners from the African Core of Hilter’s Army who were on their way back to Germany after the war was over.” “It took my partner Brent Wadsworth and I two or three years to get our first golf course job which happened in Jerseyville, MS in 1957. The owner of a 90-acre tract of land was thinking of de-veloping the land into a nine-hole golf course with a small lake or pond plus some housing. I told him he required a topograph-ic survey to do the job. He asked how much that would cost and I replied, “about a thousand dollars”. He said he wouldn’t pay that so I asked if he would give us the job if I furnished this type of survey map. He agreed so we were off and running on our first job. I did the “Topo” map myself.”

Jack Nicklaus and Larry Packard

Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 330

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erce

lebrit

y corn

er

hen “Dr. J” Julius Erving was the Executive V.P. for the Orlando

Magic, I met him at a golf fund-raiser. I offered to take a look at his golf swing, which led to working with him on his game for about two years. We also went on a few ‘road trips’ together. They included a week at the US Open at Southern Hills representing the Wil-liams Corporation and as his caddy/coach at the Crosby. This September, we spent a day to-gether following Doc Rivers’ fund-raiser at Reunion and at Chris DiMarco’s fund-raiser, “Norma DiMarco’s Tee Up For Life” at Heathrow. With a bit of ‘encouragement’ at Chris’ outing, Dr. J did an original basketball painting as I did the play-by-play. It was auctioned off for $3,000 with the money going to the American Cancer Society to cure childhood cancer. We teamed up again at the 2010 PGA Tour Children’s Miracle Network at Disney. I was his caddy/coach and as always, it was quite interesting. In addition to the normal caddy chores of getting yardages, discussing strategy

and reading putts (some correctly!), I also reminded him of his swing funda-mentals. He didn’t play great but he is showing improvement in turning his huge fade (he might get upset if I call it a ‘slice’) into a draw. I’m not saying that Dr. J occasionally hits his ball off-line, but he is the #1 golfer in the world at finding his golf ball. Let’s say that he hits an errant drive from a tee box on the Magnolia course that ended up at the “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride at the Magic King-dom. He would take the 500 foot ex-pandable ball retriever from the small

pocket in his golf bag and scoop up the ball from the boat as the pirate ships are blasting their cannons overhead. He is #1 at finding his golf ball and there is no #2!!! That being said, he hit excellent trouble shots at Disney. Amazingly, at least ten times his perfectly straight drives hit a sprinkler head in the middle of the fairway and bounced sideways (I try to keep it positive) be-hind trees, in fairway bunkers and into hazards. I’m not saying that he has a lot of experience from those areas, but he hit professional recoveries. As always it was a joy spending time together. One of the more memorable moments was when someone asked me, “What is it like to spend time with a legend?” I said, “It’s overwhelming, but I think he’s getting used to it and hopefully it won’t affect his golf game.” When I repeated that story to Dr. J he said, “That’s keeping it real.” Although I have no idea what he meant by that, hey, I’ve been writing for “Florida Golf Central Magazine” for ten ‘super-star’ years!

The “J” and “J”

Show

By Jay Golden, PGA

W

“Dr. J” Julius Erving “Dr. J” Julius Erving and Jay Golden

Jay Golden and “Dr. J” Julius Erving

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32 Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

Don’t forget to add the flag at the end of the article!!!

nder the guidance of PGA General

Manager Marc Guiseppi and the

KemperSports team, Windermere

Country Club, a recently converted

18-hole semi-private golf club near

Orlando, Florida, announced plans for

a complete greens, greenside bunkers,

practice facility (driving range) and

clubhouse renovation in April, 2010.

The project commenced on May 10,

2010 and officially re-opened in October

2010. The renovation has greatly

enhanced the playability and aesthetics

of a golf course that has provided

an exceptional golf experience since

opening in 1986. It included upgrading

the grass on all greens to TifEagle

Bermuda, reshaping and improving

drainage to putting surfaces as well as

working to improve the waste areas

and bunkers around the course. These

improvements will further boost the

overall excellent year-round playing

conditions while returning the green

features back to their original

design size.

Owned by Textron Financial

and managed by KemperSports,

Windermere Country Club offers a

Ward Northrup designed course and

is located just minutes from local

attractions in the world renowned

town of Windermere.

“We are exciting about the

opportunity to bring this great club

back to its earlier years of prominence,”

said Marc Guiseppi. “As a semi-

private club, we encourage everyone

to now come and enjoy the new and

improved golf course conditions, world

class service and its many amenities

including a full service restaurant and

bar, locker rooms, bag storage, pool,

tennis courts, banquet and meeting

space, and special events.”

Widely considered one of the best

semi-private golf facilities in Central

Florida, the course offers all players,

regardless of skill level, the opportunity

to enjoy the game. This marks an

important rebirth of an historic local

course in the heart of Orlando, one of

the world’s golf meccas and home to

so many of the top professionals of the

world.

For more information on

Windermere Country Club, please visit

www.windermeregolf.com.

on co

urse

d'Kemper Done Done It!

U

33Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

There’s no need to cut this out of the magazine, show your score card and receive a FREE APPETIZER with purchase of entrée.

F R E E A P P E T I Z E RW I T H T O D A Y ’ S S C O R E C A R D

W W W . T O N Y R O M A S . C O M*Free appetizer, not over $7 value, with purchase of regular priced entrée and proof of score card with today’s date. Valid at participating locations only. Not valid with any other discounts, specials, coupons or offers. Tax and tip not included. Limit one coupon per table, per visit. FRAPP

Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 334

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er

Don’t forget to add the flag at the end of the article!!!

on co

urse

he City of Gainesville Department

of Parks, Recreation and Cultural

Affairs is proud to announce the

re-opening of Ironwood Golf Course to

the public. The seven month renovation

project was very successful and has

improved the entire course. Golf course

architect, Mike Beebe, and MacCurrach

Golf Construction, Inc. took what was

already considered one of the best

layouts in north central Florida to a

level that will put Ironwood on par

with the best courses in the area.

Ironwood now boasts Tifdwarf

Bermuda Grass greens built to

USGA specifications and four sets

of level tee boxes constructed with

Celebration Bermuda Grass. Several

areas that needed fairway drainage

were also addressed, which will

allow golfers to enjoy Ironwood even

after a typical Florida thunderstorm,

something impossible to do before

the improvements. Also new to

Ironwood are a new practice putting

green, driving range tee and chipping

green with practice bunker. A new

Toro irrigation system was installed,

which will help keep the course in top

condition. This new technology will

also help reduce water consumption.

The Ironwood clubhouse received a

facelift with a new

interior paint job,

new carpet and new

chairs inside the

banquet room.

Golf Course Manager

Bill Iwinski said, “We

paired up golf course

architect Mike Beebe

with MacCurrach

Golf Construction,

Inc. and they have

hit another homerun

to add to their many

award-winning

projects, which they

have collaborated on

together. The greens

design, bunkering

and tee areas are

phenomenal. Mike

Beebe’s keen sense

of playability for all

levels will now truly

allow us to attract

and retain all levels of golfers. Every

place where drainage was installed

is working. Don Irby, superintendent

at Ironwood, together with the crew

at OneSource Golf and Landscape,

Inc., responsible for the grow-in and

thanks to them we now have some of

the smoothest rolling greens for the

enjoyment of all levels of golfers.”

The City of Gainesville is pleased to

offer its citizens and friends from all

over the world a place to enjoy public

golf at its finest. Ironwood Golf Course

will continue to be the home to several

high school teams, civic, charity and

corporate golf tournaments. Student,

junior and senior rates are available

and tee times can be made five days

in advance. Call 352-334-3120 to

reserve your tee time and to rediscover

Ironwood for the first time. Pictures of

the renovation process can be viewed

online at www.ironwoodgolfcourse.org.

Become a fan of Ironwood on

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/GainesvilleFL?ref=ts#!/pages/Ironwood-Golf-Course-Gainesville-Fl/219121600304 and follow

Ironwood on Twitter http://twitter.com/IronwoodGville for specials and

discounts.

See you at Ironwood!

Ironwood Golf Course Re-opens After Renovations

T

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Cypress Head Full Pg Ad.indd 1 9/2/10 10:05:41 AM

Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 336

cours

e of d

reams

welve national champions were crowned last week when a record 920 amateur golfers from

throughout North America converged on North Florida to compete in the 2010 Golf Channel Am Tour (GCAT) National Championships. Two competitors successfully defended their 2009 GCAT National Championships, both in the senior division. Ken Larney (Orland Park, Ill.) became the first three-time national champion in the history of the Golf Channel Am Tour (2009, 2007), when he turned in one of the lowest rounds of the tournament on the final day with a 69 at St. Johns Golf & Country Club. Larney won the Senior Championship Flight (handicaps 0-3.9) by three shots. Clifford Conover (Roosevelt, Utah)

survived a scare in the Senior Palmer Flight (handicaps 4-7.9) when he turned in his highest round of the tournament (82), yet managed to win by one stroke. Sixteen-year-old Jacob Hibler (Midland, Texas) became the second-youngest national champion in the history of the Golf Channel Am Tour when he defeated Kevin Downey (St. Augustine, Fla.) and Kevin Stutts (San Diego, Calif.) in a two-hole playoff at World Golf Village’s Slammer & Squire Course to capture the Hogan Flight (handicaps 8-11.9). Hibler carded three consecutive rounds in the 70s following an opening round of 93 to climb up the leader board and eventually win the Hogan Flight title. Contested at four Jacksonville-area golf courses and headlined by

the famed PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, the Golf Channel Am Tour National Championships featured 920 competitors representing 44 U.S. States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The participation eclipsed 2009’s tournament field at PGA West (781), making the 2010 National Championships the largest field in the history of the Golf Channel Am Tour. The Senior National Championships took place Sept. 21-24, with the Open National Championships taking place Sept. 26-29. Dye’s Valley at TPC Sawgrass, World Golf Village’s Slammer & Squire Course and St. Johns Golf & Country Club also served as host courses for the 2010 National Championships.

Snead Flight (20+ handicap)Rod Burns of Weston, Fla., saved his best golf for last. Burns turned in the lowest round in the Snead Flight with an 84 at World Golf Village’s Slammer & Squire Course to run away with the title by 11 strokes.

Palmer Flight (4.0-7.9)Gio Swann of Lauderhill, Fla., took the Palmer Flight title by four strokes in a rain-shortened 54-hole tournament after shooting 74-75-81. **The final round at TPC Sawgrass was cancelled due to inclement weather.**

Golf Channel Am Tour Crowns 12 National Champions

ABOUT THE GOLF CHANNEL AM TOUR:As the largest amateur golf tour in North America, the Golf Channel Am Tour is open to the public and provides the most professional tournament experience for players of all ages and abilities, as well as offering unparalleled access to some of the most renowned and challenging golf courses across the country. For more information about the Golf Channel Am Tour and the national championships, visit www.GolfChannel.com/amtour.

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3 37

ByPhotos by feature

Qualkenbush is a 14 year old

golfing sensation from La

Quinta, California. However,

he is much more than a golfer. JJ is

also the junior spokesperson for Left

Behind in the USA. He not only speaks

out for approximately 400,000 children

and adults with autism, cerebral

palsy, mental retardation and related

developmental disabilities on waiting

lists across America, he also puts his

words into action.

In November, for the second year

in a row, JJ competed in the Children’s

Miracle Network Classic PGA Pro-Am

in at Disney World. Last year, at age 13,

JJ shot 13 under par. You might think

a monumental achievement like that

would be difficult to match. Well, this

year was even more remarkable. To

start off, JJ asked his friend and our 27

year old son, Matt (who has autism,

pervasive developmental disability and

seizures) to be his caddie. JJ could have

chosen a professional caddie. Instead,

he choose Matt. Matt had never

caddied in his life. He has low muscle

tone, so carrying a golf bag for 18 holes

was a huge question mark. Matt loves

golf, but he does not understand the

nuances of the game. As a result of

Matt’s particular type of autism, he

also has the potential to make bad

decisions, has questionable judgment

at times, and poor coping skills that

can create oppositional behaviors.

Typically, Matt’s oppositional

behavior comes into play when new

opportunities and experiences arise.

When told about JJ’s offer to caddie,

Matt was par for the course when he

said “Absolutely not.” However, JJ was

By Mike CoonanPhotos by Mike Coonan

JJ Qualkenbush: A Kid with a Cause

JJ

After the first round JJ is in first place 12 under par. From left to right PGA player Omar Oresti, JJ Qualkenbush and Matt Coonan.

JJ and Matt coming off of a birdie hole on the Disney Magnolia Course

38 Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

not to be denied. JJ called Matt and

personally invited him to be his caddie.

Because of Matt’s warm feelings for

JJ and a unique friendship they have

developed, Matt said, “YES.”

JJ was "Qualk'n" Matt to be his

caddie. In doing that, JJ was also

following in the footsteps of his father,

Jan Qualkenbush who coined the term

Qualk'n which means making deals in

which everyone wins.

The Children’s Miracle Network

PGA Pro-Am event at Disney’s

Magnolia and Palm courses is a

unique golf tournament. In the

two day Pro-Am, each foursome

consists of two PGA touring

professionals and two amateurs

who pay more than $7,000 for the

honor of participating in the event.

They play best ball with their pro

partner and use the amateur’s

handicap for scoring. In this

tournament, the professionals are

vying for a purse of $4.7 million

dollars, with the winner earning

$846,000. Many of the pros were

also playing with the hope of keeping

their PGA card so they could continue

to play on the PGA tour next year. Over

a two-day Pro-Am competition, Matt

would be carrying JJ’s bag while the

professionals in his foursome were in

competition for the tournament.

JJ knew about Matt’s lack of

experience as a caddie and potential

problems with decision making. He

shrugged them off. On the day before

the event, JJ brought Matt out for a

practice round to give him pointers

on being a caddie. Matt’s year long

friendship with JJ helped him accept

the direction. Last spring, JJ was

Matt’s swing coach for a fundraising

tournament in honor of Matt by our

club Scenic Hills Country Club in

Pensacola. On the first tee, JJ pulled

aside the professionals and their

caddies to tell them a little about

Matt. Their caddies were unbelievably

wonderful and took Matt under their

wings. The pros were gracious and

very accepting. On the first day, JJ’s

PGA professional partner was Michael

Connell.

While waiting on the first tee, JJ had

to consider Matt and the issues he

brings to the table, plus he had a new

Callaway head on his driver. He was

hitting this club in competition for

the first time. Despite all of the issues

surrounding JJ, he said he was in

the tournament to win. Because

of Matt’s congenital low muscle

tone, the tournament made an

accommodation for Matt and he

was allowed to use a golf cart as

JJ’s caddie.

Teeing up with his new driver,

JJ drove his shot into the woods

to the left of the fairway. He had

to take a drop. Fortunately JJ’s

partner Michael Connell parred

the hole, so JJ was even par. On

the second hole, JJ found a sand

bunker in the fairway. JJ and Matt

had 16 more holes to play and

no place to hide. Matt however,

featur

e

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." -Walt Disney

Matt, JJ and Rickie Fowler meet up at the Disney Magnolia course after the first round.

JJ Qualkenbush off the tee on the second day, on Disney's Palm Course.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

was steady and unwavering in his

encouragement of JJ.

After the 2nd hole, both JJ and

Matt found and overcame all of these

challenges. Matt was a beacon of

support. JJ started hitting his new driver

straight and long. His 3 metal wood was

steady and his approach shots kept him

in the game. His putting was excellent.

When the first round was completed,

JJ was in first place alone (in a field of

128 amateurs), with an amazing 12

under par. JJ shot a mindboggling 60

for 18 holes. It was a transcending feat

of golf and grace as JJ toured Disney’s

Magnolia (the more difficult of the

two courses) with Matt at his side. JJ’s

playing professional partner, Michael

Connell, shot a 2 under par and was

in contention to make the cut. Over

the next three days, Connell shot a 4

round score of 273 and came in 7th place

earning $151,575.

On day two, JJ played Disney’s Palm

course and was paired with Tommy

Armour, III. Tommy was coming off of

a medical leave and was in quite a bit

of pain. JJ had a new amateur in his

foursome who, due to his age, also had a

cart. His pro playing partner was Vance

Veazey. While preparing to tee off, JJ

and Matt were told they would not be

able to use a cart because only one cart

can be used per foursome.

JJ and Matt shrugged off

the inconvenience. Matt

put JJ’s clubs on the back

of the cart, and he and

JJ took off walking the

course.

JJ’s pro partner was

struggling. After nine

holes he was 4 over par

for the round. JJ was not

quite able to hold his own.

He got to 14 under par

but dropped a stroke to 13

under at the turn. JJ knew

that on the back nine he had to

make a move to score well if he

wanted to win. This is when JJ

caught fire. With his handicap,

and help from his partner, he

had one eagle and 4 birdies

to go to 19 under par for the

tournament . This score was

good enough to receive one of

the second place trophies.

JJ was the only winner

who insisted that his caddie

accompany him onstage to

receive his trophy at the award

dinner. He also asked Matt to

pose with him in the photos

that followed with Mickey

Mouse and the tournament

director. As JJ graciously put it, “This

trophy is part Matt’s. He kept me

focused and he kept me relaxed.” He

laughingly recalled that when he was a

bit frustrated with his game at one point

on day two, Matt took him aside and

said, “JJ, you have to smile. If you don’t

smile you won’t get the girls.”

39

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." -Walt Disney

JJ is interviewed by Sports Director David Pingalore from WKMG Orlando. After the first round JJ was leading "Ping" by 3 strokes.

JJ and his trophy with Scott J. Burt, President and CEO for Children’s Miracle Network

Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 340

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By Joel Jackson, CGCS, FGCSA Executive DirectorPhotos by Joel Jackson

ast winter broke long standing records for long periods of cold weather. Back in the 1980’s and

1990’s we could count on a fair number of cold frosty days that easily justified overseeding our Florida golf courses even as far south as Miami and Naples. Overseeding was and is a practical turf management practice in the southern Sun Belt because we have large numbers of northern snow birds coming south and flocking to our courses. Most often the bermudagrass on our courses either went dormant (See photo) or semi-dormant and would not withstand the wear and tear from the huge volume of traffic. We overseed cool-season grasses like ryegrass on our tees, fairways and roughs to give protection to the bermudagrass. Of course the added visual benefit was the spectacular striping effect the taller growing ryegrass offered when mowed in the back and forth stripe patterns we so often see on televised golfing events. But a funny thing happened in the new millennium, we began having a milder winter weather pattern and overseeding became less of a necessity and more of a luxury. As the mild winter pattern continued more and more courses opted to overseed less and less of the golf course, often only doing greens and tees. Then new greens grass varieties and like TifEagle and the Seashore Paspalum had better color retention in cool weather and many courses decided to save even more money

and discontinue overseeding altogether. All went well for several years and then “wham” Old Man Winter and Mother Nature conspired to produce the worst winter in decades last year. Without the benefit of the overseeding cover and protection, the super cold weather put the bermudagrass into deep dormancy and there was no wear protection out there and many courses suffered lots of turf loss especially in traditionally high-traffic and shady, low sunlight areas. So

what will happen this year? If you own and operate a golf course or are the superintendent you would love to have a direct line to the powers that be in the weather department. I’m sure many more courses will be considering overseeding this year, and by the time you read this the seeds will have been sown for richer or poorer, greener or browner.

Managing overseeding in the south is like playing Texas Hold

Em. Sometimes you just have to go ALL IN! If you wait too long to seed, it gets cold and then seedlings need warm enough temperatures

to germinate and grow into a nice think stand of grass. If it stays too

warm, the bermudagrass competes with the ryegrass and the coverage isn’t what we’d like. So you’re almost damned if you do or damned if you don’t! The record highs we’ve had in October haven’t helped the cause, so let’s hope things cool down but don’t go into a deep freeze like last year. This winter tee it up. Play it as it lies or roll it over if you need to. Most of all just enjoy being out on our great Florida golf courses.

To Seed or Not to Seed, That is the Question!

Frosty morning on Disney’s Osprey Ridge back in 1992.

Overseeding protects the dormant bermudagrass fairway. Note contrast with unseeded roughs.

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41Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

Steve Pearson, CGCS of the Palm Beach Golf Course Superintendents Association presented a $5,000 check to Craig Watson, Executive Director of the First Team Program of the Palm Beaches to help with the development of young golfers and good citizens.

The Treasure Coast Golf Course Superintendents Association presented $1,000 scholarships to two students from the area majoring in golf course management. Pictured are Scholarship Chairman Chris Gast, Jake Connolly attending Florida Gateway College (Lake City), Dustin Naumann attending Penn State University, and Treasure Coast President Tim Cann.

FGCSA Golf Championship at Southern Dunes G.C.: Palm Beach Superintendents Mark Henderson, Mark Heater, Steve Wright, Steve Bernard and Deron Zendt teamed up to win the Chapter Team Trophy. Steve Bernard also won the Individual Trophy and a spot on the FGCSA Golf Team to play in the GCSAA National Golf Championship at the PGA National Resort in February.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 342

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he Gasparilla Inn & Club has been a premier destination on Florida’s

Gulf Coast since 1913, playing host to many notables, from Henry Ford and Thomas Edison to the DuPonts and the George H.W. Bush family. Located on Gasparilla Island in the heart of Boca Grande, this grand resort boasts an uncommonly pristine environment in which guests enjoy a level of hospitality and unhurried lifestyle that is reminiscent of “old Florida.” “Florida as it was meant to be” is The Inn’s fitting description of itself; yet anyone who has been to the historic

resort’s Gasparilla Golf Club would agree that it’s also “Golf as it was meant to be.” Recognized for its natural beauty and design, the recently renovated Pete Dye Signature Course at The Gasparilla Inn features a par 72, 18-hole championship course spread out over 6,811 yards. This private ‘island within an island’ course is as beautiful as it is unique, with six holes that play directly along scenic Charlotte Harbor. Golf enthusiasts would be wise to take advantage of The Inn’s “Pete Dye Golf Getaway” package, which includes unlimited golf for two, complimentary golf cart, and use of the practice facilities as well as luxurious accommodations. Rates for the Pete Dye Golf package begin at $510.00 per room, per day, plus service charge and tax. New for golfers this season is The Pete Dye Team Challenge. This professional/

amateur event is comprised of teams with one PGA Club/Resort Professional and three amateurs. For more details on the golf getaway and the team challenge, visit www.gasparillainn.com. “Our eco-friendly course has received many accolades,” said Jack G. Damioli, president and general manager of The Gasparilla Inn & Club. “We have extensive practice facilities, a golf pro shop, spacious locker rooms, rental clubs, and electric golf carts or walking carts. Our staff of PGA professionals is also available for private lessons to assist guests in improving their game while visiting the resort.” Of course, golf is just the tip of the tee when it comes to recreation and resort amenities. The Gasparilla Inn & Club has a high rate of repeat guests who make it a family tradition to return each year. The resort’s multi-generational appeal

extends to the tranquil Gasparilla Inn Spa; the Tennis Club with seven Har-Tru courts; and the expansive Beach Club operation with its fully-appointed fitness center, lap pool, and private white-sand beach. There are even USCA-certified croquet lawns, which will be the site of the next Boca Grande Invitational Croquet Tournament on March 10 - 13, 2011. And, at the full-service Inn Marina, visitors can take sunset cruises and sport fishing excursions. In addition to deluxe accommodations at The Inn as well as spacious cottages and villas, the intimate resort offers a variety of dining venues, featuring regional Gulf Coast cuisine created by Master Chef Peter Timmins. Throughout the winter and spring seasons, The Inn hosts a number of special events such as the annual Food and Wine Weekend, now in its fifth year. Scheduled for January 14-16, 2011, this highly anticipated culinary event will spotlight fine wine selections and exceptional cuisine created by Chef Timmins and celebrity guest chefs like Rick Tramonto. Earlier in the month, from January 7th through the 9th, bridge fans will gather for The Gasparilla Inn & Club Bridge Weekend. Phillip Alder, bridge correspondent for The New York Times and a syndicated bridge columnist, will hold bridge sessions to share his insights on the game. Reservations are still being taken for these and other events. For more information, visit www.gasparillainn.com or call The Inn at 877.403.0599 or 941.964-4500. “We’re thrilled to be able to give our guests so many memorable experiences within a graceful ambiance,” said Mr. Damioli. “When couples, families and groups stay with us they truly feel embraced by our little barrier island home.”

The Classic Florida Getaway

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43Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

comp

etiti

ve sp

irits

Nominate your favorite bartender to showcase his/her signature drink with a recipe and photos. Readers will also find a discounted price for that drink so they can visit the bartender to sample the true taste of the libation.

Kahlúa Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate2 parts Milk1 part Drinking Chocolate1 part Kahlúa Peppermint Mocha

Bring milk to a simmer. Whisk in drinking choco-late. Simmer for 30 seconds while stirring. Add Kahlúa Peppermint Mocha. Garnish with pepper-mint stick and marshmallows.

Kahlúa Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini1 part Kahlúa Peppermint Mocha1 part Absolut Vodka½ part fresh espresso

Kahlúa Peppermint Mocha

A limited edition flavor just in time for the holidays. The

luxurious blend of cool peppermint and dark chocolate

complement the rich flavors of KAHLÚA®, made from

100% Arabica coffee beans and sugarcane spirit, grown

side by side in the mountains of Veracruz. Serve on the

rocks or with hot chocolate.

www.coronacigar.com

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golf

busin

es

lack Bear Golf Club in Eustis, FL,

considered by many to be one of

architect, P.B. Dye’s finest creations,

is under new ownership. A Prague-

based hotel group which developed the

Mandarin Oriental Prague Hotel and

currently operates Hotel DaVinci in the

Czech Republic, purchased the bank-

owned club on October 29th .

Built in 1995, the Orlando-area club

is a 7,062-yard, par-72, links-style

championship design with capacious

fairways and undulating, Tif-Eagle

greens. Dramatic changes in elevation

are prominent features of the course

which in the past, has served as a

qualifying site for the USGA Publinks

Championship and has hosted Hooters

and Canadian tour events as well as the

North Florida PGA.

Richard Horton, one of three

principle owners of the club, has

indicated that business has increased

almost immediately since the

acquisition: “Our first month has seen

the club operating at nearly the same

level as 2007. Given that it was bank-

owned for nearly 18-month, that’s not

too bad.” said Horton. Reportedly, the

club has booked over 5,500 rounds of

group and tournament play for the

coming months and several of the

professional tours are considering the

site as a venue for their 2011 and 2012

calendar events. Given the ownership-

group’s international roots, they expect

to see increased international play

from European tourists and aspiring

golfers visiting the Orlando.

Black Bear is undergoing rapid

improvements to the course and

practice facility. A December 4th

press release stated “Black Bear will

undergo a revitalization to ensure the

course is improved and preserved to

Dye’s superior standards.” The club

has a double-ended driving range and

impressive short-game complex. Black

Bear has contracted with renowned

PGA teaching professional Shaun Webb,

whose golf academy will call Black

Bear its home. Additionally the club is

rumored to be in discussions with a

prominent European golf academy to

make Black Bear their winter camp.

GETTING THERE: Take I-4 to Florida

Turnpike. Travel North to Toll Road 429.

Take 429 North to its end at route 441.

Go North (left) on 441 approx 2 miles to

Plymouth-Sorrento Road.Turn right (N)

and travel to its end at Route 46. Take

right (E) 1/2 mile to light at 429. Turn

left and follow road to end at 44A. Turn

right, go 1/2 mile to Lake Norris and

turn left. Entrance is 1/3 mile on left.

TEE TIMES: Call 352-357-4732 or visit

www.blackbeargolfclub.com.

The Ol` Bear is Back

By Cheis Karamitsos

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3 47

vans Properties Inc. of Vero Beach

has retained The National Golf and

Resort Properties Group of Marcus

& Millichap Real Estate Investment

Services to exclusively market for sale

it’s Plantation Palms Golf Club in Land

O’Lakes, FL. The upscale, daily-fee

course, which has been an area-

favorite of golfers since opening in

2000, is expected to garner much

attention from the investment

community at large. “This is a

tremendous golf course asset

with wonderful upside” said Steve

Ekovich, Director of the National

Golf and Resort Properties Group. He

added,”Plantation (Palms) presents

an opportunity for a golf-centric

ownership group to take advantage

of the dynamic layout, location and

captive audience”.

The course is the centerpiece of

the Plantation Palms community

consisting of 822 single-family homes

situated in the high-growth corridor of

southern Pasco County near I-75, Bruce

B. Downs Blvd and SR-54. Plantation

Palms is a par-72, championship course

measuring 6,824 yards and features

gentle changes in elevation, undulating

greens and an 11,000 square-foot

plantation-style clubhouse. “I have

played the course many times over the

years and it’s always been one of my

favorite layouts in the area” said PGA

Professional, and the co-founder of the

National Golf and Resort Properties

Group, Chris Karamitsos. “We have held

some of our PGA events and pro-ams

here and it’s always well received

by pros and amateurs alike” said

Karamitsos.

The course, which officially hit the

market on December 10th, is being

offered at a price of $2,350,000 and

has already captured the interest

of investors throughout the US.

Property tours will begin in earnest

after the holidays however advanced

showings are available prior to the

end of the year and can be arranged

by contacting Steve Ekovich or

Chris Karamitsos at (813)387-4700.

To view the property on line visit

www.nationalgolfgroup.com.

With more than 1,300 investment professionals in offices nationwide, Encino, Calif.-based Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services is the largest commercial real estate brokerage in the nation focusing exclusively on real estate investments. In 2006, the firm closed $20.5 billion in transactions. Founded in 1971, the firm has perfected a powerful system for marketing properties that combines product

specialization; local market expertise; the industry’s most comprehensive research and analysis capabilities; state-of-the-art technology; and established relationships with the largest pool of qualified investors nationally.

golf business

Marcus & Millichap Lists Tampa Area’s Plantation Palms Golf Club

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 348

By Katie Brennygo

lf fit

ness

ine months ago I wrote an article about getting “engaged” to your health. The gist was, if you asked

your health to marry you...would it say yes? I’ll admit, at the time of writing it things were really clipping along for me, I was playing some really good golf and I was getting my body into the best shape of my life. Fulfilling my dream of playing professionally was truly a priceless opportunity. I have a list a mile long of people to thank for helping me produce that year of bliss. Well, how else can I say it? The honeymoon is over. Staying with the analogy, my health and I had our first big fight. When I initially made the commitment, the intent to marry my health was a forever gig. Not a temporary fling and I certainly never intended to cheat. I’m not proud about it, but as so often it seems to happen in marriage, I started flirting with disaster. A few months ago, I had a new opportunity come knocking and I took it. It really took a toll on me. The stress it created definitely tested my “marriage”. Life before settling into my new position had some fitness milestones set in place; running at least 75 miles a month, 100 daily push-ups and ten minutes of abdominal work. Keeping a program like that had my body automatically craving healthy choices. But, when all my big changes were set in motion, I’ll check my pride and disclose that my health surrendered to the pressures of stress. The next thing I knew, gone was my ambition to workout, I accidently lost ten pounds and started to find normalcy in restless nights. I was missing meals and quite honestly, just wasn’t hungry. Not eating or sleeping is not like me to say the least. Just like that, the promise I had made to my health went right out the window in six complicated weeks. I had to initiate a major crisis management moment. I re-visited the article about “Engaging Your Health”. What happened to the integrity of the commitment I had made to myself? I

guess this is what everyone means when they say marriage is work. Thankfully the body is resilient and I stepped in before it was too late. My weight is back in a healthy range, my appetite has started to resurface and I’m almost sleeping through the night. Other than some really obvious gray hair that I’ve never noticed before, I’m back to normal for the most part. While I’m not pleased about it, the experience has really shown me a lot. It made me realize how goal oriented I have been versus enjoying the journey I’m on. When I lost my ambition my goals didn’t seem as valuable to me. I noticed I had been zeroing-in on “end points” and milestones; seventy-five miles a month, 100 push-ups a day…too many goals rather than enjoying the moments and small accomplishments along the way. I was in the gym at 6am to fit in a workout and soon realized I hated it. The enjoyment was gone and it felt too forced. Bottom line, if this marriage turns into too much “work” there is no chance we’ll last a lifetime together, well, at least not a long one.

My name is Katie Brenny and I am excited that my voice gets to be heard through Florida Golf Central. I am so thankful for the opportunity to write this article each month. How about you? Let me know how your engagement to your health is going. Send your feedback to info@floridagolfcentral.com.

Keeping the

AliveLove

TIP of the MonthMake one conscious healthy

decision every day: Apples vs.

fries; stairs vs. elevator, a walk

at lunch. You’ll feel great about

rewarding your body by doing

what’s right for your “marriage”.

One small thing everyday

will keep up your awareness

and you’ll never take your

“relationship” for granted again.

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 350

duffe

r dan

ur journey this month took us to Palm Beach County

and the town of Boyn-ton Beach. I was invited there to meet some of the best amateur golfers in the country who happen to live

at Quail Ridge and belong to the Society of Seniors,

an elite national organization for top amateur players who are serious about their golf. Since 1998 Quail Ridge Country Club has been the headquar-ters for the Society and this year it hosted the 2010 Championship, a three day event of 54 holes, Medal play in 3 separate age divisions. Out of the na-tionwide 883 membership, 200 players competed. Quail Ridge has over of 900 resi-dences on an immaculately land-scaped and gated 600 acres. Amenities include a state-of-the-art 6,000 square foot Fitness Center, a fully staffed Ten-nis Center with 14 Har-Tru and 2 all weather courts, and a beautiful and ex-pansive Clubhouse with separate for-mal and casual dining areas plus lovely meeting, trophy and function rooms. The Country Club has two perfectly manicured championship golf courses originally designed by Joe Lee, North and South. Our play for this story was on the newly renovated South course completed by Jupiter, Florida Architect Kipp Schulties. The South course has the look of many northern courses, with fairways framed by tall pines. Be-

sides the many scratch amateurs who have called Quail Ridge home, the 1948 Masters champion and father of Butch, Claude Harmon, was a long time resi-dent as well as my personal favorite professional, Sam Snead. After a delicious lunch with the Society members, we went out to test the newly opened South. The first two holes are straight away par 4s with well bunkered and undulat-ing greens. The first par 3 is #3, a 150 yarder with a pond between tee b ox and green. Speaking of tee boxes, there are 5 sets of tees to make your Quail Ridge experience an enjoyable one. The number one handicap hole is the par 5, 4th at 527 yards with a narrow fairway dotted with bunkers on both sides. Luckily I was trying to play like I belonged to the Society, and got away with a par. As most of you know, that is not normal. I think the reason I played well, is we were playing with our hosts and perhaps some of their expertise rubbed off. The fifth hole is a 421 yard dogleg right with critically placed bunkers. My short drive and decent second kept me out of them and I was ‘dancing with the stars’ with a good third. I went swimming at the 210 par3, 7th hole but outdrove every-one on the 8th with a lovely fade that

gave an opportunity to reach the green in 2 over the water hazard in front. The par 5 ninth brings you back to the clubhouse and a quick libation at the Quail’s Nest, the indoor and outdoor bar located near the well stocked pro shop. Quail Ridge is a certified member of the International Audubon Soci-ety and the residents have an active participation in the well being of the flora and fauna throughout the community. While enjoying the golf, you can’t help but notice the well maintained grounds and spectacular colors on and off the course. The back nine again starts out with two par 4s. Having not played here before I didn’t know what was changed. The greens were elevated, moved in some cases and made much more challenging. The irrigation was redone to allow for better runoff during the rainy season and the fairways were as lush as the best pile carpet you can find. Both #s 12 and 15 were par 5s. Fifteen was the tougher with water crossing the fairway and the green encompassed by bunkers. The par 3s, 13 & 17, were a duffer’s delight, playing easy enough even for me. The second most diffi-cult hole is the par 4, 14th that had us scratching our head after we carded some big numbers. We finished with a par on the 18th and went straight back to The Nest to drown our sor-rows after getting beat by Dr. Bob and his group. If you would like informa-tion about living and membership at Quail Ridge, you can contact Ann at AJara@QuailRidgecc.com or call 561-737-5100.

Don’t forget to add the flag at the end of the article!!!

Duffer Dan atO

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ecently, over 140 South Florida PGA Professionals and guests gathered at Frenchman’s Reserve Country Club to honor two 2010 Hall of Fame Inductees and ten SFPGA award winners.

Tim Rosaforte was the Master of Ceremonies for the night. Tim Rosaforte is a senior writer for Golf World and Golf Digest magazines. He also is an on-air contributor at Golf Channel and NBC, along with co-host of Golf World On-Air on the Sporting News radio network. His literary work includes the New York Times best seller, “Raising The Bar, the Championship Years of Tiger Woods.” Tim is a longtime friend of the South Florida section, covering golf for the Palm Beach Post and Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel in the eighties and nineties.

The following ten award recipients were honored: Golf Professional of the Year - Chris Toulson, PGATeacher of the Year - Chris Czaja, PGAJunior Golf Leader - Don Law, PGAHorton Smith - Aaron West, PGABill Strausbaugh - Jeff Raimer, PGAMerchandiser of the Year (Public) - Harry Ferguson, PGA Merchandiser of the Year (Private) - Marshall Carpenter, PGA Merchandiser of the Year (Resort) - Dave Feightner, PGAPGA President’s Plaque - Jeff Nixon, PGAAssistant of the Year - Trevor Johnson, PGASalesperson of the Year - Steve SponderSenior Player of the Year – Jerry Tucker, PGA

Two individuals were honored who have made significant and lasting contributions to the South Florida PGA and the game of golf, Dennis Walters and Roger Woonton. PGA of America’s CEO, Joe Steranka, was in attendance to present Dennis Walters for the Hall of Fame. “Our Annual Awards dinner and Hall of Fame induction is something we look forward to each year. Our Hall of Fame inductees and award winners so highly deserve these accolades and we are honored to present these awards,” said Geoff Lofstead,

executive director for the South Florida PGA. Formed in 2001, the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame is an everlasting tribute to those who have significantly impacted the golfing lives of the South Florida community through their dedication and contributions to the game of golf. Dennis Walters is recognized for his lifetime achievement of encouraging and inspiring young people across the country. One of golf’s most popular and best traveled trick shot performers, Dennis Walters created the Dennis Walters Golf Show to bring a message of hope and encouragement to thousands of children each year. In 2008 The PGA of America made Walters one of eleven honorary lifetime members and bestowed The Distinguished Service Award to him. Walters served as a spokesperson and national ambassador for The First Tee, and has won numerous awards, including Golf Writers of America’s Ben Hogan Award, the Graffis Award by the National Golf Foundation, the Mary Bea Porter Award and the Arete Courage Award. The International Network of Golf established the Dennis Walters Courage Award in his honor. Dennis Walters continues to be an inspiration to golfers everywhere. Roger Woonton is notably recognized for his affinity and advocacy of the South Florida Section. Woonton served faithfully on the South Florida Section Advisory Board for over seventeen consecutive years. Dedicated to the growth of golf in South Florida, Woonton was instrumental in establishing many of the Section’s most successful programs. During 1977 and 1978 he served as the President of the South Florida Golf Association; and was a member of the Boca Charities Board of Directors for over twenty-five years. An accomplished golfer himself, Woonton is acknowledged for his endless support of the Section and continues to develop the game of golf in South Florida. Formed in 2001, the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame is an everlasting tribute to those who have significantly impacted the golfing lives of the South Florida community through their dedication and contributions to the game of golf. For more information, please visit www.sflorida.pga.com or call 561-729-0544.

SFPGA Inducts Two New Members into Hall of Fame at Awards Night

The South Florida PGA honored its 2010 award winners and Hall of Fame inductees at their annual dinner at Frenchman’s Reserve. Back Row): Jeff Nixon, Jeff Raimer, Jerry Tucker, Chris Toulson, Chris Czaja, Harry Ferguson. Front Row): Marshall Carpenter (standing), Dennis Walters and dog Buckey (seated); Roger Woonton (seated); Steve Sponder, Dave Feightner. Not pictured: Aaron West and Trevor Marshall.

52 Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

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54 Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 1

ne era was ushered out while a new

era is ushered in. When Jerry Porter

retired after 27 years as the Executive

Director, the Section dedicated its

annual Chapter Challenge Cup in his

honor. In November, four Chapters sent

10 of their top player of the year point

winners to compete against each other

in a unique match play event over 54

holes. This year’s host, historic Sara

Bay Country Club and Paul Barone in

Bradenton set the stage for some fun

competition. The East Central Chapter

team got off to a solid start and held

up under the pressure to win the first

Jerry Porter Cup trophy. ECC Team

members were: Captain Mike Keymont,

Sean Gorgone, Joe Gutterman, Jeff

Freeman, Doug Feldman, Artie Wilson,

Marty DeAngelo, Rick Sargent, Bill

Sellers and Vince Cali. They finished

on top with 17 ½ points followed by

West Central with 15 ½, Northern with

15, and the Southwest with 12. Each

seeded player played against the same

seed from each Chapter, so they all had

their chances to contribute. Kyaw Htet

had a hole in one, too! The Jerry Porter

Cup will now be a nice reward for the

Chapter’s best players as they look to

get their names proudly etched on the

cup for eternity and annual bragging

rights! See www.nfpga.com for more

details.

North Florida PGA Jerry Porter Cup

East Central Chapter Brings it Home!

Doug, Artie, Rick, Jerry, Jeff, Captain Mike, Marty, Joe, Bill, Vince & Sean

he North Florida PGA held

their first “Golf A Mania” at

Disney’s Children’s Miracle Network

Classic tour event and it was a

great success! Hundreds of golf

enthusiasts visited the exhibit to see

new products, gather information

about industry services,

check out demo

equipment, and

get some pointers

from local PGA

Professionals who were there to help

them with their games. The NFPGA

would like to thank the vendors and

volunteers who stepped up to make

this such a success: Kenny Hobbs

of Nike Golf who supplied the clubs

for lessons, instructors Steve Schaff,

Anthony Stepney, John New, Justin

Kim, Peter Bakker, Cheryl Anderson,

Jerod Gusso, Gary Gilchrist, and

Bill Ehman, and special thanks to

Kevin Weickel and Eddie Dickmyer

from Disney for their help with this

inaugural event. Next year will be

even bigger and better!

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55Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

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teamed up with golf fitness experts

Body Balance for Performance to

offer GGGA juniors individualized

training plans to help students obtain

their goals in golf faster and more

completely.

Body Balance for Performance is led

by David Ostrow, a renowned physical

therapist for more than 22 years.

Ostrow is considered by many to be

an expert in the golf fitness industry

and has spent his career developing

a well-defined and effective approach

for restoring the body to full function.

What made the partnership a

perfect fit to Ostrow was how he

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your full swing. Having that helps you

produce the right movements and

produce the right results.”

Based at the Mission Inn Resort &

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leading behavioral scientist Dr. Bill

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As part of our AJGA relationship,

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62 Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

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fter firing an opening round 67 and taking a 2 shot overnight lead, Rosie Jones was in a familiar position on

The Legends Tour: at the top. She teed off in the final pairing on Sunday, fired three birdies within the first six holes and never looked back.“The course was in great shape, the greens were rolling just perfect - es-pecially for me,” cracked Jones at the ceremony on 18 following her rather decisive victory. Jones finished 9 under and the near-est competitor, Michele Redman, was 5 strokes back. Typical of a major cham-pionship, the course played tough and produced just three scores under par. Grabbing third alone was Barb Mox-ness, a Legends Tour past champion who picked up her 8th top ten with a 1 under finish. Rosie Jones rose to the top firing four under in the last round after a stellar five under first round and taking home the $50,000 winner’s check. Michele Redman’s one under put her in solo second with a total score of 140. Barb Moxness also landed in red numbers with a one under par score of 143. Jane Crafter had strong second round moving up to a third place after going

three under today. Her ace on the 13th hole put her in fourth alone and added $5,000 to her prize check. Canadian Dawn Coe-Jones turned her game around in the final round posting a three under 69 and finishing just four over. On the 18th, Coe-Jones stuck it six inches from the hole for a tap in birdie, improving on her first round score by 10 strokes. With the 2011 Solheim Cup quickly approaching, Redman’s second place finish may mean more than just a great start on The Legends Tour. The cap-tain’s picks remain open and Redman may hope that Rosie noticed who was chasing her on the leaderboards today. The Island Course was a true cham-pionship venue living up to the expec-tations of a major. Only eight of the 46 players shot under par in today’s final round; three finished under par over both days.

Everything's Rosie at Innisbrook

About The Legends Tour The Legends Tour is the Official Legends Tour of the LPGA. The tour began in 2000 by LPGA professionals to showcase the ta-lents of some of the greatest women’s golfers of all time. The Legends Tour has over 100 members, including ten LPGA and World Golf Hall of Fame members. Legends Tour players have a combined 625 LPGA Tour victories, including 65 major championships. In its ten seasons, The Legends Tour has donated more than $10.7 million to charity. The Legends Tour has hosted events in Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Japan and Australia. For additional information on The Legends Tour, log on to www.thelegendstour.com.

Tournament winner Rosie Jones

A

Beth Daniel

Redman and Jones

February 14 - 20, 2011

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64 Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

Don’t forget to add the flag at the end of the article!!!

olfers and sponsorships raised $64,000 during the 19th Annual Florida Gulf Coast University Founder’s Cup Golf Tournament at Grey Oaks Country Club in Naples . The total

boosts the amount generated by past tournaments to more than $988,000 for the Florida Gulf Coast University Founda-tion, which provides funds to enhance scientific, educational and athletic programs related to the mission of the university, outside the scope of regular state funding. Low gross winner on Grey Oaks Country Club’s The Pine Course was the foursome from Johnson Controls. Commercial Air Management’s team was the low gross winner on Grey Oaks Country Club’s The Palm Course. Major sponsors of the 2010 tournament included Estero Bay Chevrolet, hole-in-one; Maddox Construction Company, luncheon; Johnson Controls, pins; Fifth Third Bank, reception; Taylor Rental Party Plus of Naples, photographs; United Mechanical, hats; AJAX Building Corporation, silent auction; Service Painting of Southwest Florida, golf carts; Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings, beverage cart; and Kraft Construction, program. For more information, sponsorship opportunities or to register for the 2011 FGCU Founder’s Cup, contact Michele Kroffke at 239-590-1074 or mkroffke@fgcu.edu. For general tour-nament information, visit www.fgcu.edu/foundation/events.

Another Success for FGCU Foundation1st low gross winner on The Pine Course - Johnson Controls - Scott Ernst, Larry Weir, Shawn Simpson, President Wilson Bradshaw

Charles Winton and President Wilson Bradshaw

Ladies' Closest to the Pin on The Pine Course - Connie McIntosh with President Wilson Bradshaw

Men's Closest to the Pin on The Palm Course - Rick Kipper with President Wilson Bradshaw.

G

Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 366

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or the fourth time, Orange County National hosted PGA Tour’s Q-School finals.

The six-day, 108-hole marathon that is q-school came to a conclusion Monday with Billy Mayfair claiming medalist honors. A total of 29 players finished well enough to secure TOUR cards for next season. Below is a list of those players: Billy Mayfair U.S. 44 Five-time PGA TOUR champ finished 142nd on the 2010 money list so he decided to go to q-school for the first time in 22 years in an attempt to improve his status. He did just that -- shooting 18 under to win and take a ton of confidence into the new year.

William McGirt U.S. 31 Ben Martin U.S. 23 Cameron Tringale U.S. 23 Jarrod Lyle Australia 29 Michael Putnam U.S. 27 Brandt Jobe U.S. 45 Zack Miller U.S. 26 Kyle Stanley U.S. 23 Paul Stankowski U.S. 41 Chris Baryla Canada 28 Scott Stallings U.S. 25 Nate Smith U.S. 27 Gary Woodland U.S. 26 Bi-o Kim Korea 20 Joseph Bramlett U.S. 22 Michael Thompson U.S. 25 Kent Jones U.S. 33 Matt McQuillan Canada 29 Sung-hoon Kang Korea 23 James Driscoll U.S. 33 Andres Gonzales U.S. 27 Alexandre Rocha Brazil 33 Jim Renner U.S. 27 Justin Hicks U.S. 26 Richard S. Johnson Sweden 34 Scott Gordon U.S. 29 Billy Horschel U.S. 24 Will Strickler U.S. 24

Tour Bound!

Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge is a 36-hole Phil Ritson, Dave Harman and Isao Aoki designed golf resort located in the greater Orlando area. In addition to two championship golf courses and a 9-hole short course, OCN offers a 42-acre world-class practice facility, 22,000 square foot clubhouse with a restaurant, lounge, meeting rooms, and an award winning golf shop and on-site lodging. For more information on Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge call 888 727 3672 or visit www.ocngolf.com.

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PSP Golf’s first game improvement club aptly named “The Little One” is a revolutionary new training aid that will not only improve your ball striking, increase your distance, elevate your concentration and improve your confidence but you will receive instant feedback on your swing that will result in more rapid improvement and lower scores. Price: $99.95 Buy and Save Online

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 370

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➊ Adidas Golf TRAXION LITEAdidas Golf, an industry leader in performance apparel and footwear, has unveiled TRAXION® LITE as the latest member of its GOLFLITE Collection —a line-up engineered to be both lightweight and extremely comfortable. The key to the functionality of the new TRAXION LITE is the unique sport-styling, ultralight materials and adidas exclusive technologies which provide soft and durable performance at an accessible price in the rapidly emerging spikeless footwear market. The TRAXION LITE delivers the perfect blend of athletic style, comfort, and all-around performance. TRAXION LITE is offered with a one-year waterproof warranty and carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $80.

➋ Greens ProfessorGateway Professional Tour member Kendall Critch-field, currently #3 on the 2010 leader board, recently made 200 consecutive six foot putts, after practicing with a new golf putting training aid, called the Greens Professor. The Greens Professor is manufactured by SmartShopper Electronics, LLC and is available at golf retail outlets as well as online at www.greensprofessor.com. PRODUCT FEATURES: Provides instant feedback indicating if the blade is open, closed or square to the ball upon impact. Master your putting by increasing the confidence in your putting stroke. Fine tune the muscle memory for putting. Improved muscle memory and confidence allows you to focus more on reading breaks and the speed of the Green. Use your own putter to get an accurate feel while practicing. Use at home, in the office or outdoors. Can be used with our without a ball. Available at www.greensprofessor.com for just $49.99.

➍ The Eazy BagThe Eazy Bag – Easy on Your Clubs…Easy On You The Eazy Bag from LT Golf offers features not seen in other golf bags on the market. The unique front opening or gate provides easy access and removal of your clubs and eliminates the need to lift the clubs up and over the edge of the bag. This can greatly reduce the strain on the shoulders and back during your round. These features make golf a little easier for those who find it difficult to lift their clubs up and out of a traditional golf bag, specifical-ly seniors or for those dealing with restricted movement due to arthritis or arm and shoulder injuries. The Eazy Bag features wheels on its base which eliminates the need to lift or carry your bag around, simply remove it from your vehicle and wheel it to your golf cart. The unique semi-circle Club Lock System keeps your clubs secure and organized and protects them from being damaged. Recessed divots in the bottom of the bag guide your clubs into place and keep them from bouncing or rattling around while your drive around the course. Ample side pockets hold personal items, windbreakers, balls, golf tools, etc. during your round. Colors: Navy/Silver, Black/Silver, Fuschia/Gray, and Zebra Pattern.

Price: $199.95 Website: www.eazygolfbag.com

➌ Polara Golf Ultimate Straight Self-Correcting Golf BallsIf you’re a recreational golfer who struggles with hooking or slicing the ball off the tee, the new Polara Ultimate Straight golf balls are exactly what you’ve been looking for. The Self Correcting Technology™ of the Polara golf balls is guaranteed to correct hooks and slices up to 75%. Now you can walk up to the tee with confidence because Polara will keep you in the fairway every time! It’s all about the ground breaking technology that Polara has developed and the orien-tation of the ball. At the heart of the Self-Correcting Technology™ is the Polara golf ball’s asymmetrical dimple pattern. Every golf ball has three types of dimples: deep, shallow and small; all designed with a specific purpose. The key to the ball’s straight per-formance is how the three different types of dimples are arranged on the ball’s surface. When the Polara golf ball is placed on the tee with the side stamp ar-row pointing towards the target the Self-Correcting Technology™ delivers the straightest drive possible. The 2-piece Polara Ultimate Straight golf ball regularly retails for $39.95 per dozen but can be pur-chased online at www.polaragolf.com for a limited time only for just $19.95; that’s a 50% savings!

 

71Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

Phoenix Ladies Box SetThe Phoenix Ladies Box set was designed especially for lady golfers with a forgiving oversize driver; fairway wood and hybrid are designed to get the ball up quickly. This complete set is available in cart bag or stand bag.Price: $249.99To order, call: 515-333-4288 — mention this ad & receive a FREE gift!

HipTec Mens Box SetThe HipTec complete box set represents incredible high performance and value; meeting the demands of the better golfer. Includes forged titanium driver, 3 wood, 2 hybrids, 5 through pitching wedge irons, new generation putter and deluxe lightweight stand bag.Price: $339.99To order, call: 515-333-4288 — mention this ad & receive a FREE gift!

Magia XS Ladies Box SetThe Magia XS set is designed for women to provide the ultimate in forgiveness, distance and control. Every club is engineered with a low, deep center of gravity that makes it easier to get the ball into the air with a high, straight ball flight.Price: $339.99To order, call: 515-333-4288 — mention this ad & receive a FREE gift!

Steel Pull CartLightweight, durable steel pull cart with a comfortable contoured handle. One-step collapsible design with easy to install wheels. Anti-slide tire. Equipped with tee, ball and scorecard holder. Price: $34.99To order, call: 515-333-4288 — mention this ad & receive a FREE gift!

Giant XT Mens Box SetThe Giant XT performance set is designed to meet the needs of the golfer looking for the best game improvement clubs available. Complete set includes driver, fairway wood, hybrids, irons, putter and bag.Price: $249.99To order, call: 515-333-4288 — mention this ad & receive a FREE gift!

➎ Hippo Golf

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 11, Issue 3

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gles Aces & Eagles

Fairmont Turnberry Isle in Miami, Florida, announced today its Director of Golf Bob

Coman has been named the 2010 Merchandiser of the Year in the Resort Category by the Southern Chapter of the South Florida PGA Section. This award marks the sixth time Coman

has been honored at the Chapter or Section Level for his skill in golf shop operations. “Bob is one of the best in the business, and he truly excels at staff training and golf shop operations,” said Justin Wood, Executive Director of Golf & Retail, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. “He is a tremendous leader with an outstanding staff and we are exceptionally proud of their accomplishments at Fairmont Turnberry Isle.”

Winners are determined by the Chapter’s Awards Committee following a nomination and review process. Selections are made based upon a nominee’s demonstrated skill as a merchandiser in the promotion of golf through focus on inventory control, staff training, profitability, merchandise displays and techniques. For more information or for reservations, please call (800) 441-1414 or visit www.fairmont.com/turnberryisle.

Jeffrey Oliasa-

mi has been

named gen-

eral manager

of The Renais-

sance Resort

at World Golf

Village in

Northeast Florida . In his new position,

Oliasami is responsible for overseeing

the operations of the 301-room resort,

which together with the adjoining St.

Johns County Convention Center and

the adjacent World Golf Hall of Fame

is the largest combination hotel and

conference center between Atlanta and

Orlando , with 86,000 square feet of

meeting and event space.

“I am very pleased to join The Re-

naissance Resort at World Golf Village ,

and very happy to be back in Northeast

Florida ,” said Oliasami. “This is an

incredible resort that is like brand new

after the impressive $10 million proper-

ty-wide renovation in 2008. Add to that

the exceptional recreational offerings

at the resort and in the area that appeal

to golfers, non-golfers, meeting groups

and incentive groups, and you truly

have a first-class resort.”

For more information,

call 888-740-7020 or visit

www.WorldGolfRenaissance.com.

John Jacob

of Aventura,

Fla., a past

president-

CEO of

the Na-

tional Urban

League and a former executive vice

president-global communications of

Anheuser-Busch, has been appointed

to serve as an Independent Direc-

tor on the PGA of America’s Board of

Directors.

Jacob, 75, was one of seven new

members of the PGA Board sworn in

Saturday, Nov. 6, at the Association’s

94th Annual Meeting at the Westin

Copley Place in Boston. Jacob succeeds

Junior Bridgeman of Louisville, Ky.,

and is joined by new PGA District Di-

rectors Mike Ahrnsbrak of Winchester,

Va.; Stephen Cox of Bonita Springs,

Fla.; Leo De Gisi of Medford, N.J.; Gil

Gusweiler of Winchester, Va.; Michael

Haywood of Tucson, Ariz.; and Suzy

Whaley of Farmington, Conn., who

each will serve three-year terms.

“The PGA of America proudly wel-“The PGA of America proudly wel-

comes John Jacob to the PGA Board of

Directors,” said newly elected PGA of

America President Allen Wronowski.

“John’s commitment to excellence

throughout his career in business and

public service is a tremendous addi-

tion to our Board of Directors. He is

someone whom our Association will

call upon to support and to assist as

we build participation in the game

and the business of golf.”

Bob Coman of Fairmont Turnberry Isle Named 2010 Merchandiser of the Year

Jeffrey Oliasami Named General Manager of The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village

John Jacob Named New Independent Director of the PGA of AmericaVillage

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