florida golf central magazine v12 i7

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

It's not just about the game... it's about The Experience!

www.floridagolfcentral.com

*Excludes tax and lodging. Offer valid March 1–May 13, 2012. 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. $10 surcharge for each round on the Judge at Capitol Hill. Reservations must be arranged at least 7 days prior to arrival. Some restrictions may apply. Offers subject to change.

Incredible golf doesn’t have to cost incredible money. Play Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail this spring and get two rounds of golf per day, cart and unlimited range balls–all for a price that makes you feel like living large.

Choose your spring special and book today. Call 1.800.949.4444 or visit rtjgolf.com. facebook.com/rtjgolf twitter.com/rtjgolf

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Celebrating 20 years of world-class golf.

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*Excludes tax and lodging. Offer valid March 1–May 13, 2012. 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. $10 surcharge for each round on the Judge at Capitol Hill. Reservations must be arranged at least 7 days prior to arrival. Some restrictions may apply. Offers subject to change.

Incredible golf doesn’t have to cost incredible money. Play Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail this spring and get two rounds of golf per day, cart and unlimited range balls–all for a price that makes you feel like living large.

Choose your spring special and book today. Call 1.800.949.4444 or visit rtjgolf.com. facebook.com/rtjgolf twitter.com/rtjgolf

IT’S ABOUT ULTIMATE GOLF, NOT ULTIMATE PRICE.IT’S ABOUT ULTIMATE GOLF, NOT ULTIMATE PRICE.IT’S ABOUT ULTIMATE GOLF, NOT ULTIMATE PRICE.»» PLAY 2 DAYS OF UNLIMITED GOLF FOR $252 OR 3 DAYS FOR JUST $348* ««

Celebrating 20 years of world-class golf.

RTJ481UltimateSPRING_FLGolfCentral.indd 1 10/27/11 10:39 AM

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Publisher: Terrie L. Purdum

Editor in Chief: Shannon Coates

Contributing Editor: Dave Daubert, USGA

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

Southeast Regional Editor: Ken Rudin

Golf Quest Golf Concierge: Ty Delavalladeis

Photographers: Lynn Pelham, Brion Price, Peter Hakansson

Tres Fenton, Mike Coonan

Public Relations & Social Media Director: Dennis Card

Senior Correspondent: Rick Harris, Sr.

Executive Correspondent: Dennis T. James

Contributing Writers: Dave Daubert, USGA;

Jay Golden, PGA; Marc Ray, CMAA; Greg Wise; Ed Gilbert

Media Muse: David E. Bailey

Digital Video Producer: James Lee

Director of Sales and Marketing: Jason Keesling

Business Manager: Debbi Westbrook, [email protected]

Graphic Design: Melahn Cable, [email protected]

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: [email protected]

One year (12 issues) subscription price is $42.99

©2012 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 12, Issue 7

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Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 7

2009 North Florida PGA Amateur of the Year

Everybody knows it’s an

old time tradition, superstition

to eat collards and black-eyed

peas the first day of the New

Year and it is said to give you

good luck. Well, I say yucky!

Yuck! I don’t want to be rude

but, I hate black-eyed peas and

not too fond of collards either.

Basically, because when you

live on a farm you never know

what shows up in your lunchbox. Looking back I think that’s when

I first learned of my powers of persuasion trading black-eyed peas

and collards for a PB&J.

I’m not doggin’ Black Eyed Peas completely because, I do love

their music and am rockin’ with Fergi and her menses’. Fun is the

most important message played upon by Golf Central Magazines,

both here in Florida and in Arizona. We are celebrating our first year

of fun and exciting exposure in Arizona. Congrats to Jason Keesling

and his team for their hard work and creativity, working events

like Waste Management, RR Donnelley Founders Cup, and Golf Fest

Phoenix. Jay is a champion at getting bonus enthusiasm for adver-

tisers at events and our online presence.

Some of you may have heard that The Mayan calendar says

2012 is going to be the end of the world. I say B.S.; this is the

perfect time to play our next round. Which, by the way, will

look and feel like a tropical cocktail version of FL and AZ

Golf Central. Ya’ know birdies, umbrellas, with a fruity gar-

nish or a Golf Travel and Lifestyle magazine! As Fergi says,

"Let’s Get It Started!” Trust me, a better year awaits.

We’re always celebrating more than our successes. Cheers to

our friend the publisher of “Two Good Rounds”...a big “Splash

Out” to the lovely Elisa Gaudet whose recent appearance on FOX

News was both articulate and entertaining. Her book entitled, Two

Good Rounds, “19th hole stories from the World’s Greatest Golfers”

is a whimsical read. She’s a stunning chickie’ who is well con-

nected from Manhattan to the Caribbean Islands, and not a bad

shot on the skeet shooting course. I’m proud to call her an ally.

Stay tuned for additional exciting news about our newest

venture...Caribbean Golf Central. AZ, FL, and the Caribbean have

a very similar golfing demographic and we intend to help our

ad partners capitalize on all three regions. More info on the

launch of Caribbean Golf Central Magazine in future issues.

Our official Golf Concierge, Ty Delavallade has just returned

from an ambassador trip to the Bahamas for the Travel In-

dustries conference. A man on a mission for our new title.

We’ll see you down in Naples for the Ace Group Classic Feb.

13th-19th, and at Golfest in Tampa Feb.18TH and 19TH at Tampa

Bay Downs. Come by and “Splash It Out”! Sorry Joe had to do it.

With all our hearts we delve, like

true playa’s in “2012”

Delve Into 2012

mailto:[email protected]



In the shadows of the World Golf Hall of Fame and the renowned Renaissance Resort, World Golf Village offers two championship golf courses, King & Bear and Slammer & Squire, designed by golf legends,

Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen.

But you don’t have to be a pro to play at World Golf Village, all you need is a reservation.To book your tee times call (904) 940-6088 or visit, golfwgv.com.

Golf here AND, WHO KNOWS, YOU COULD WIND UP

IN THE HALL OF FAME.

(904) 940-6088 : TWO WORLD GOLF PLACE : ST. AUGUSTINE, FL

Managed by Honours Golf • www.HonoursGolf.com








“The Squire” “The Bear”

“The King”“The Slammer”








“The King”

Golf HereAnd take advantage of our

new fall golf special...

The 7-day “Double Play”Come visit the World Golf Village Resort this fall and play both

the King & Bear and Slammer & Squire golf courses within 7 days for 1 Low Price!

Tee Times: (904) 940-6088

Visit www.KingandBear.com for more information and to view our latest golf specials and Stay and Play Packages.

WORLD GOLF VILLAGE RESORTWhere legends come to play.

(904) 940-6088 : TWO WORLD GOLF PLACE : ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA

http://www.KingandBear.com

Departments 4 Letter from the Publisher 8 Golf Central Station 10 Club Managers Association of America 28 Social GOlf 32 Tournament News 40 Live Golf 44 Competitive Spirits 46 The Golf Channel 48 Sticks & Stogies 50 Duffer Dan 52 North Florida PGA 54 South Florida PGA 55 PGA of America 58 Fashion Forward 62 Sun Coast 64 Platinum Coast 66 First Coast 68 Product Showcase 72 Aces & Eagles

Cart Girl 14 Brittany Blais

Feature 34 Gary Gilchrist Golf Academy 37 Celebration Golf Management Golf Bachelor 12 Patrick Healy

Golf Business 18 Marcus & Millichap 20 Plantation Palms

Improving Performance 22 TaylorMade 24 MD Sports

Leader on the Links 30 Adam Barr

Living on the Links 36 The Concession

What's New 16 Feel Golf

Young Guns 60 Jeremy Poincenot

floridagolfcentral.com

Volume 12, Issue 7

Black Bear Golf Club is a quintessential P.B. Dye designed championship links course stretching over 7,000 yards. It is truly a fun test for golfers of all skill levels. Unlike most typically flat Florida courses Black Bear presents a unique challenge with its undulating fairways, elevation changes and fast, well manicured greens. The course has some of the most dramatic bunkers you will ever experience in Florida as well as some of the big-gest elevation changes. P.B. Dye lived up to his reputation as a designer of championship courses when he built Black Bear.

The focus at Black Bear is pure golf and after over a year of intensive in-vestment the course is in outstanding condition. The club boasts one of the best practice facilities in Central Florida. With a double ended 400 yard range, 40,000 square foot short game complex, 16,000 square foot practice green and 19th hole - shoot out hole, Black Bear is the place to be if you want to improve your game. Black Bear hosts several professional tour events annually as well as being home to select PGA and LPGA players.

Play a tournament quality championship course for $50 or less and rub shoulders with a few LPGA or PGA pros. That’s nearly impossible anywhere else in the Orlando area.

Black Bear Golf Course is about a 30 minute drive north of downtown Or-lando. The course is set in Florida ranch country. The drive from the city is easy and relaxing. It is more than worth the few extra minutes drive both for the golf experience as well as the great value offered.

Book a round at Black Bear and receive a complimentary

sleeve of NIKE ballsNot valid with any offer. Valid while supplies last

PURE GOLF

352.357.4732 www.BlacKBEargolfcluB.com 24505 calusa Blvd. EustIs, florIda 32736

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348

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Black Bear Golf Club is a quintessential P.B. Dye designed championship links course stretching over 7,000 yards. It is truly a fun test for golfers of all skill levels. Unlike most typically flat Florida courses Black Bear presents a unique challenge with its undulating fairways, elevation changes and fast, well manicured greens. The course has some of the most dramatic bunkers you will ever experience in Florida as well as some of the big-gest elevation changes. P.B. Dye lived up to his reputation as a designer of championship courses when he built Black Bear.

The focus at Black Bear is pure golf and after over a year of intensive in-vestment the course is in outstanding condition. The club boasts one of the best practice facilities in Central Florida. With a double ended 400 yard range, 40,000 square foot short game complex, 16,000 square foot practice green and 19th hole - shoot out hole, Black Bear is the place to be if you want to improve your game. Black Bear hosts several professional tour events annually as well as being home to select PGA and LPGA players.

Play a tournament quality championship course for $50 or less and rub shoulders with a few LPGA or PGA pros. That’s nearly impossible anywhere else in the Orlando area.

Black Bear Golf Course is about a 30 minute drive north of downtown Or-lando. The course is set in Florida ranch country. The drive from the city is easy and relaxing. It is more than worth the few extra minutes drive both for the golf experience as well as the great value offered.

Book a round at Black Bear and receive a complimentary

sleeve of NIKE ballsNot valid with any offer. Valid while supplies last

PURE GOLF

352.357.4732 www.BlacKBEargolfcluB.com 24505 calusa Blvd. EustIs, florIda 32736

http://www.Blackbeargolfclub.com

IT’S OKAY TO PLAY GOLF FOR FUN GUILTLESS WAYS TO MAKE GOLF MORE FUN WHILE LEARNING

1. It’s okay to not keep score.

2. It’s okay to play from the shortest tees or start at the 150 yard marker.

3. It’s okay to give yourself a better lie by rolling the ball around a little. It’s okay to tee the ball up anywhere when you are first learning.

4. It’s okay to only count swings when you make contact with the ball.

5. It’s okay to throw the ball out of a bunker after one try.

6. It’s okay to forget about a ball that may be lost or out of bounds. It’s okay to drop a ball where you think it might be…or where you wanted it to be.

7. It’s okay to play a scramble with your group…scrambles are very popular.

8. It’s okay to just chip and putt on a hole when you feel like it.

9. It’s okay to pick up in the middle of the hole and enjoy the outdoors and scenery.

10. It’s okay to skip a hole if you need to take a break.

11. It’s okay to play less than 9 or 18-holes and call it a round of golf.

12. It’s okay to move your ball away from trees, rocks or very hilly lies.

13. It’s okay to hit the same club for the entire round, while using a putter on the putting green.

14. It’s okay to play golf in your sneakers. Be comfortable!

15. It’s okay to get enthusiastic! (High fives, fist pumps and big smiles are encouraged)

16. It’s okay to talk on the golf course…enjoy a nice conversation or tell a few jokes.

17. It’s okay to bring your kids to the course, whether they are 5 or 35.

18. It’s okay to PLAY GOLF JUST FOR FUN!

When you are ready, see your local PGA/LPGA Golf Professional or visit usga.org to learn and play by the USGA Rules of Golf.

www.usga,org

Never look for a golf course phone number again.Never get lost looking for a golf course again.Know exactly what courses are near you, wherever you are.


10

In 2011, more than 350 CMAA members from around the country attended our Summer Conference Education Series. These multi-day conferences boast education topics from all aspects of the club industry, provide an opportunity to network with club professionals and build relationships for your future success. Our Conferences offer a family-friendly schedule with education sessions in the morning and flexible afternoon programming. Each conference is packed with more than 13 hours of educational programming, spectacular evening club social events as well as spouse and children activities. We invite you to “Save the Date” and join us in the Sunshine State in 2012!

The Florida Chapter invites you to participate

2012 Summer Conference Education Series

June 20-23, 2012 Amelia Island Plantation Amelia Island Wednesday to Saturday Schedule

August 9-12, 2012 Ocean Reef Club Key Largo Thursday to Sunday Schedule September 28-30, 2012 Waldorf Astoria Naples Naples Friday to Sunday Schedule

Hotel accommodation information online at www.flcmaa.org

**Photos courtesy of Amelia Island Plantation, Ocean Reef Club and Naples Grande Beach Resort Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 7

cmaa

http://www.flcmaa.org

*Certain restrictions apply. Limited time offering, subject to change without notice. Speak to a Sales Professional for details. © 2012 On Top of the World Communities, Inc.

New Home! FREE Wheels!When you purchase a home at Candler Hills Golf Club, get a FREE set of wheels*….. golf cart wheels, that is.

On Top of the World is designed with you in mind. Everything is just a short golf cart ride away. Even our home designs sport golf cart garages. And with this amazing offer, the time couldn’t be better to make the move.

If you already own a golf cart, no problem. Other “Bonus with Purchase*” choices include:

• 5-yearmembershiptoTheRanchFitness Center & Spa

• Generac®wholehomegenerator• $10,000inChoiceBuckstouseasyouchoose

With the most amenities and hundreds of activities, On Top of the World is where you want to be!

800-836-6521 www.OnTopoftheWorld.com 8445SW80thStreet,Ocala,FL34481 Sales Office Open 7 Days

Play for a day or play for a lifetime.

#830

5-01

/12

Save up to $80

off a foursome or$10

off single player

8137SW90thTerraceRoad•Ocala,FL34481 www.CandlerHillsGolfClub.com

352-861-9712Coupon must be presented at check-in. Savingsapplicable on weekday or weekend play depending on tee time. Visit website for more details. Tee times maybebookeduptothree(3)daysinadvance.Offerexpires4/30/2012FGC011912

Where the Pros Want to Play!

http://www.OnTopoftheWorld.com

http://www.CandlerHillsGolfClub.com

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golf

bach

elor Where were you born? Did you grow up

there? Wilmington, DE. Yes.

What do you do for a living? Operations Specialist. Man, I love tournament week!

What would you like to do for a living? Yacht captain

Aside from golf; what do you prefer for fun and relaxation? The South of France.

Whom do you most admire for their inner and outer beauty? Tina Matheson.

What’s the most effective way you’ve discovered to check out a hot woman without her, or anyone else noticing? Sunglasses. Even at night.

Tell us about your first kiss? Still waiting for the one.

Tell us something about yourself that only your closest friends know. I do a babe alert.

Name the three most important things to you in this world. Family, world peace, and friends.

Given the choice; would you select love, success, or money to keep yourself happy? Love

What do you fear the most? Heights.

Name three movie stars you would like to go on a date with (one at a time preferably) Scarlett Johanssen, Gwenyth Paltrow, and Jessica Alba

What three people would you most like to play with in your fantasy golf foursome? JFK, Arnold Palmer, and my grandfather.

Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails? Nightclub and cocktails. Serve it up.

Would you tell someone if they had food caught in their teeth during a conversation with them? My eyes will tell.

Favorite television channel? Lifetime.

Last book you read? Steve Job’s Biography

News, current events; hardcopy or on-line? Hard-copy.

Favorite magazine? US Weekly. Gotta keep up with the babe convos.

Patrick Healy

www.orlando-idrive.tiltedkilt.com

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Where did you grow up?Delray Beach, Florida

What is your favorite sport to play? Favorite to watch?I competitively ride horses. So I guess you could say that is my favorite sport to “play”. I’m an equestrian and have been riding horses since I was a little girl. But if I had to pick a favorite sport to watch it would definitely be football or basketball.

What do you feel makes this club special?Definitely the amazing cart girls that work there. ;) but really, Dubsdread is a great golf course with beautiful scenery and such a rich history attached to it. To complete the full golfing experience that Dubsdread offers, the award winning Tap Room, located right across from hole #1, is a great restaurant with to die for food, especially their burgers!

What is your favorite part of being a cart girl? What is your least favorite part?Getting to meet so many different types of people. I’m very friendly and outgoing and enjoy meeting new people. My least favorite part would have to be working in Florida’s brutal summer heat or when the rare cold front passes through and “freezes” us.

If you weren’t a cart girl, what would you be doing? Actually nothing, cause I’m doing it right now. Being a cart girl is my part time job while I am currently a full time student, graduating in May of 2012 from UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality. Finally!

Do you think the cart girls should be able to dress differently? How you prefer dress if you were given a choice?I love our outfits at Dubsdread, a polo from the Dubsdread pro shop and black or khaki bottoms of your choice. Keeps it professional but allows each girl to be themselves.

What type of music do you prefer?I really enjoy all types of music, depending on my mood that day! J But my favorite type of music would have to be country. Can’t go wrong with some Jason Aldean or Blake Shelton.

What hobbies do you enjoy? I really like to work out in my spare time. I just started

doing CrossFit a couple months ago and I have never been so obsessed with something before. I also enjoy going shopping and just doing girl things.

What is your idea of “the perfect date”? Perfect date? Hmmm.. that’s a tough question. I guess I would have to say something simple, dinner and some drinks and maybe a movie after.

Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails? Relaxed evening at home! No questions.

Favorite comedian? Definitely Daniel Tosh. Tosh.0 is my favorite show ever! And he went to UCF.

Favorite type of movie? Romantic Comedy, yes, I’m a hopeless romantic.

Favorite charity to support? Ronald McDonald House

What else would you like for us to know about you?I’m graduating from UCF in May of 2012, After graduation I plan on working abroad for a year in either Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.

14

cart

girl

Brittany

Blais

www.smartcart.com

The NEW App for Food & Beverage On-Course Ordering!

www.smartcartapp.com

Order straight from your phone!Thirsty? Hungry?Thirsty? Hungry?

View course menu and pro-shop items along with price and availability. Score card informs clubhouse of your location. Place your order with touch of a button.

smartcatr8.5x11_r8.10.indd 1 8/10/11 4:41 PM

http://www.smartcartapp.com


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

what'

s new

The Pro Tour 787 PR driver is designed for maximum forgiveness and “spring-like effect.” The Pro Tour 787 has a very high MOI (Moment of Inertia) providing straighter drives even with off center tee shots. The Pro Tour 787 driver had 22 percent more fairway landings when independently tested against other drivers.

Using Face Angle Variance technology (FAV), the Pro Tour 787 has an open heel and closed toe design for up to two degrees of sidespin forgiveness. The four piece Triple Forged Beta Titanium head produces results with consistency across the entire face.

“The Pro Tour 787 incorporates our history and expertise of producing some of the longest drivers on the market,” said Miller. “Sports Illustrated tested and found our drivers to be among the longest and most accurate of the Top 25.” The 787 PR is USGA conforming, but according to their report is “Borderline on the CT” and “for spring-like effect.” In other words, the Pro Tour 787 driver is HOT!

The Pro Tour 787 is also available in black.

“This is an exciting time for Feel Golf,” said Miller. “We have some dynamic new clubs, a new corporate image and some very competitively priced, high performing products that will make the recreational golfer and our retailers very happy.”

Based in Sanford, Fla., Feel Golf has clubs for golfers of all skill levels. For more information, visit www.feelgolf.net or call (877) 934-7387.

Feel Golf Co., Inc., an innovator in golf club design since 1985, is introducing a number of new products for 2012.

Headlining Feel Golf’s product line-up is a new line of wedges and irons with real square grooves (“SG”™). Although the USGA has ruled the clubs non-conforming, Feel Golf is keeping the “SG Revolution” alive as amateur golfers can continue to use square grooves until 2024.

The “SG” Competitor Blades are a LIMITED EDITION iron set (4-46) and come in all white with a PVD face and sole. The “SG” Cavity Back is made with the same technology as the Blades and will give golfers the results they want and FEEL good about their game. Feel Golf is offering another industry first, its groundbreaking 73° wedge for players of all skill levels in “SG” white and PVD.

“To minimize the loss of ball spin and control for the recreational golfer with the new groove ruling, we made significant changes to our business model by adding the “SG”™ line of non-conforming irons and wedges, said Lee Miller Founder and CEO. “Ultimately, we believe the smaller grooves hurt the typical recreational player far more than the Tour player. We always strive to maximize performance with feel and that’s a key benefit to our end customer, the recreational golfer.”

Feel Golf is also introducing its advanced engineered PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) Tour irons and wedges. Feel’s PVD black tour blades are the highest performing, maximum drag co-efficient clubs on the market. Feel Golf will also unveil their new Pro Tour PR 787 driver with Face Angle Variance Technology.

Feel Golf unveils new SG™ & PVD clubs, White Pro Tour 787 PR driver

http://www.feelgolf.net

Technology you can feelOrder now 877-934-7387 or visit feelwedges.com

With all the latest trends in technology, some companies follow suit. At Feel Golf, we’re changing the game back to the way it used to be.

The USGA has changed the rules on grooves, but we’re not listening. Feel Golf is keeping the “SG” revolution alive.

With SG your game will instantly have the results you always wanted. FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOUR GAME!

Golf Central Ad-PGA-20120117-440p.indd 1 1/17/12 6:27 PM

www.feelwedges.com

Golf & Resort Real Estate Brokerage

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Offices Nationwide

There is an old saying in golf: “It’s not how, it’s how many.”

Check out our scorecard:

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7650 Courtney Campbell CausewaySuite 920

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STEVEN M. EKOVICH, Vice President & [email protected]

CHRIS KARAMITSOS, Associate & [email protected]

MATT PUTNAM, [email protected]

TERENCE VANEK, Senior Financial [email protected]

Plantation Palms Golf ClubLand O Lakes, Florida

http://www.nationalgolfgroup.com





Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 7 19

golf businessBy:Steven M. Ekovich, Vice President Investments & Director, Marcus & Millichap’s National Golf & Resort Properties GroupChristopher Karamitsos, PGA Professional & Co-Founder, Marcus & Millichap’s National Golf & Resort Properties Group

Commercial real estate

investors have not been dissuadedby the economic and political tur- moil that has dominated headlines in recent months. The same can be true for GOLF COURSE AND RESORT INVESTORS. The last 12 months (10/2010-9/2011) showed year over year sales golf course sales are up by 11%. The unemployment rate fell 20 basis points in December to 8.5 percent, the lowest level since early 2009, as all of the 10 private-employment sectors added work-ers for the year. The holidays also contributed to the hiring of 21,000 leisure and hospitality employees, with nearly all of the gains recorded in bar and restaurant employment. December capped a solid year of job growth as the economy generated posi-tive hiring every month in the year for the first time since 2005. The private sector led the way, marking its most substantial growth in six years. This trend should continue, with the labor market generating gradual momentum during 2012 as employers continue to re-staff to meet rising demand for goods and services. Lingering downside risks, however, will repress hiring from achieving breakaway growth. Politi-cal posturing in Washington will fuel uncertainty through the year while eurozone troubles will restrain the U.S. economic outlook in 2012. For the GOLF INDUSTRY the news is vitally important as so goes the economy, so goes golf revenue. Golf is a disposable income item and the more workers feel comfortable they will con-tinue to have a job and feel comfort-able they have paid down enough of their debt, the more they will feel that need to take care of themselves with a liberating game of golf as a reward for spending four years trying to put their financial house in order. Evidence of the foregoing is that saving rates are up in the U.S. to 5.3% in 2010 compared to 2.4% in 2007 and debt is down, conse-

quently, we believe golfers will begin to return to the leisure activity that once captivated over 30 million Americans. 2011 was a tale of two halves. The first half was fraught with cold weather challenges in parts of the country like the northeast and drought conditions in Texas contributing to loss of play days hiding a slightly strengthening golf market. In some markets during 2011, we saw an increase in revenue while in others there was a fifth straight year of declines. We believe 2012 will be the first demonstrative turnaround in revenue for most clubs. As we alluded to above, a strengthening economy, job security and years of pent up demand will begin to drive golfers back to our industry. Furthermore, with Tiger Wood’s first win in years, you can’t underestimate the interest that Tiger could bring to our industry. Interest in

the form of playing golf, buying golf merchandise and sponsorships for golf could be icing on the cake, but only if he is winning. From a transaction standpoint, the first half was very strong with buyers from Asia, Europe, Canada and the US placing bets on the US golf market. These savvy investors believed a market at the bottom of the economic trough would soon rebound creating upside value. In the second half of the year, summer news of a double dip recession caused

buyers to reassess their underwriting to become more conservative, driving values down and ultimately offering prices down (see cap rate vs core assets graph above). The year 2011 was another excel-The year 2011 was another excel-lent year for the National Golf & Resort Properties Group. In addition to adding staff and brokers to better serve its expanding client base, the Group ended the year having sold 14 golf courses totaling $44,775,000 at an average of 95.9% of list price. Steve Ekovich credits the Group’s front-end due diligence, expert underwriting and unparalleled marketing platform for being able to achieve such a high percentage of list to sale. The national presence of the firm enabled the NG&RPG to list and or sell courses in California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Among the courses sold this year by the Group were the trophy-class assets of Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, FL, Ham-mock Bay in Naples, FL, and Horseshoe Bend in Roswell, GA as well as the legendary 54-hole facility Palm Aire in the Fort Lauderdale market. The NGRPG currently has a number of high-profile opportunities available for purchase throughout the US. To learn more about these quality golf assets visit www.nationalgolfgroup.com.

The Economy & Golf

http://www.nationalgolfgroup.com


golf

busin

ess

Plantation Palms New BeginningsHistory was made in Tampa,

FL on May 1, 2011 when three Native

American business partners, Mitch

Osceola, Jayson Ray and Steve Mc-

Donald purchased the

Plantation Palms Golf

Club.

Their company, MJS

Golf Group (Mitch,

Jayson, and Steve) took

possession of the golf

course and immediately

welcomed the Greater

Tampa Bay area to

native culture in a golf

facility setting.

Mitch Osceola is a graduate of the

San Diego Golf Academy. Jayson Ray

is co-founder of the First Nations Golf

Association and Steve

McDonald, a 26-year

member of the PGA, is

considered one of the

best Native America

professional golfers

in the country and

has also distinguished

himself as a top class

golf instructor/mentor.

In 2012 Plantation

Palms continues to offer

warm friendly customer

service, great food, cold

drinks, a superbly mani-

cured golf course with fast

pure greens, a fully stocked

golf shop by Steve’s World

of Golf, competitive prices,

quality golf instruction, the

best membership program

in town, banquet/party fa-

cilities, tournament/group

specials, theme nights,

custom car detailing and the only place

in the world where you can play Soft-

golf an oversized glow-in-the-night

real golf game.

Make Plantation Palms Golf Club

your next golf experience or your

home course now by visiting www.

plantationpalms.net. For more infor-

mation call 813.996.7122.

#9 Green

Hole #7

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The best players in the world regularly fail in spectacular fashion. Greg Norman blew a six shot lead at the 1996 Masters; Jean Van De Velde triple-bogeyed the final hole of the 1999 British Open; Phil Mickelson squandered the 2006 U.S. Open with a series of mental blunders on the 72nd hole. No one plans to fail, yet despite the best of intentions our subconscious mind regularly becomes our worst enemy. Understanding the role of the subconscious in performance and the value of club fitting technology and sound teaching techniques to master the enemy within is crucial to success on and off the course. Research in sports psychology and science has made us more aware of the inner workings of the brain in athletic performance. A recent book by David Eagleman sheds light on the supreme efficiency of our brain and the command the subconscious mind has over athletic performance. To the untrained eye, most actions such as hitting a golf ball, riding a bike, tying your shoes or steering a car appear to be conscious acts. But they are controlled by the subconscious, though we think we are consciously influencing the subtle movements. We perform complex tasks through automatic rather than controlled processing. Referred to as muscle memory, tasks moved into the automatic or subconscious portion of the brain are executed without thinking about how we actually perform them. The brain knows how to perform an act that your conscious mind cannot explicitly access. For example, when we walk, we don’t think about each individual movement- lifting our feet, bending our knees, leaning forward, flexing our ankles, etc. All directions for movement are handled subconsciously. The subconscious processes information much more rapidly than the conscious mind. Hence, we reflexively react much more quickly to external stimuli. The time required to complete a swing with a driver, from initiating the backswing to contact is approximately one second, two-thirds of which is the backswing. That leaves approximately one-third of a second from the start of the downswing through impact. The downswing happens so quickly that it’s impossible for the hands and eyes to transmit feedback to the brain fast enough to process and respond with adjustments. In reality, you are almost completely on autopilot from the top of the swing to impact and your training and any pre-shot visualization are in control. Whereas the subconscious mind is able to make complex adjustments, it’s impossible for the

conscious mind to react in the fleeting time available. Michael Novak relates, “Perhaps analysis and the separate mastery of each element are required before the instincts are ready to assume command, but only at first. Command by instinct is swifter, subtler, deeper, more accurate, more in touch with reality than command by conscious mind. “ Confident athletes are high performers and that cycle of high performance leads to even greater confidence. On the other end of the spectrum, a lack of confidence regularly produces inferior results. Doubts create problems. Mental pictures of poor shots or focusing too heavily upon avoiding negative outcomes (rather than anticipating positive

outcomes) usually produces the outcomes we most fear. Essentially, what you see is what you get. Conscious adjustments to the swing tend to be useless once the swing is initiated. Since the subconscious is such a powerful ally or enemy, sport psychologists direct players to avoid attempts to avoid negative results. Total confidence allows the subconscious mind to properly run correct pre-rehearsed scripts or motions. While this may appear easy, training the conscious and subconscious mind to work in harmony is a lifelong challenge. Teachers and coaches say things like, “trust the swing”, “let the club do the work”, etc.. What they are trying to

By Dr. Mac Powell, Dean National University Golf Academy & Leonard Finkel

The Enemy or Ally WithinGolf is a game that is played on a five-inch course - the distance between your ears. ~Bobby Jones

23Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 7

convey is that we should be confident in our ability and trust our training. The fear that you will not perform increases the likelihood that you will do precisely what you are trying to avoid. Tiger described his execution by saying that he remembered setting up to hit the ball and he remembered seeing the ball leave the face of the club, but he had no conscious recollection from the moment he initiated the

swing until he made contact with the ball. His ability to perform under pressure is a result of preparation and repetition. State-of-the-art fitting systems like those at TaylorMade Performance Labs build confidence and reduce conscious manipulation through the use of custom fitted golf equipment. With clubs custom-made specifically to correct swing flaws, the golfer becomes comfortable

that he can “trust” his clubs to deliver more accurate shots. If a normal miss is to the right due to the toe of the club being lower than the heel, the club can be bent to make it lay flat on the ground. If the shaft is too flexible or too stiff or too heavy or too light, it can dramatically affect the flight of the ball. Providing the correct shaft flex or weight enables the golfer to just swing and trust the outcome, building confidence through a series of better results. TaylorMade Performance Labs founder Herb Meistrich believes that the company is selling confidence by outfitting the customers with clubs customized to prevent their predictable miss. Meistrich says, “If golfers believe that our clubs will prevent or reduce their typical miss, they will be less likely to manipulate their swing to avoid an undesirable result. If they are confident when they hit the ball, doubt won’t cause exactly what they are trying to avoid.” Information on the TaylorMade Performance Labs is available at www.TMPLabs.com. Though properly fit equipment will help build confidence, learn to make an ally of the subconscious and recognize its power in the most important five inches on the course – the space between your ears. For additional information on TaylorMade Performance Labs in Orlando, call (407) 238-0577 or Travis Kent at (407) 760-0609. The Orlando Lab is conveniently located at the Grand Cypress Resort.

Perry’s has been a family favorite for generations. Our spectacular indoor garden and heated pool make your vacation weatherproof. Kids and grandkids love the Kids Beach Suites. And grownups love the Perrycation package that includes dine-around certificates good at outstanding restaurants. But best of all . . . Perry’s knows golf! Our reservations team can craft a custom golf package with any of the many choice courses. So visit perrysoceanedge.com or call (800) 447-0002.

http://www.TMPLabs.com

www.perrysoceanedge.com

www.perrysoceanedge.com

24 Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 7

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Northern Ireland's MD Golf, Europe's No. 1 golf brand, is now available in the USA. Claiming the same

hallowed grounds as several recent major championship winners, like McIlroy, McDowell and Clarke, MD offers

a phenomenal range of top-flight golf equipment at affordable prices. Winners of

numerous tests by the leading European magazines, the company is

endorsed by the greatest European golfer of all time, Seve Ball-

esteros. A full range of equipment under the SEVE name

is available now. Go to MDGolf-usa.com to see it and

find out how to win the latest SEVE Icon driver.

NOW AVAILABLE IN THE USA. BUY DIRECT AT WWW.MDGOLF-USA.COM

EUrOpE’S NO.1 GOLF BrAND

1/4 PG Ad USA.indd 1 11/15/11 7:53 PM

Europe's No. 1 Brand Now Available in the U.S.A.

www.mdgolf-usa.com

www.mdgolf-usa.com

www.festivalsofspeed.com

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Florida Golf Central • January 20122

video analysis and TrackMan™, The Concession team provides a unique environment to work on all facets of your game.”

As the region’s only Advanced Fitting Center for Titleist, The Concession Golf Club team of certified fitters uses TrackMan, a Doppler radar based launch monitor system to help players optimize driver performance, make iron play more precise, dial in their wedges, and fine-tune set compositions. TrackMan is the choice of the PGA Tour, USGA and the R&A. The system precisely measures 22 different swing and ball flight parameters and provides detailed information on golf shots and impact relationships. All clubface, swing and ball flight data, from club speed to shot dispersion, are delivered

in scalable, easy to understand reports.

“Golf is all about confidence, in your game and your equipment,” said Hinckley. “The Concession offers the most precise club-fitting experience around. Our approach to fitting begins with a unique

understanding of a player's performance. We feel that you shouldn’t swing to fit your equipment; your equipment should fit your swing.”

The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Fla., is one of America's most exclusive private clubs. Named Golf Digest’s “Best New Private Course” (2006), The Concession is set on 520 acres of ruggedly pristine land dotted with massive oaks and majestic pines. Most every service and amenity associated with the grand tradition of the world’s most premier clubs can be found at The Concession.

Non-members can enjoy some of the exclusive services offered at The Concession. Golfers can be custom-fitted for their clubs, have a comprehensive assessment of their golf fitness, dine on award-winning cuisine at The Concession Bistro, or choose The Concession as a picturesque setting for a wedding or special event.

With its state-of-the-art teaching facility and highly-trained professional staff, The Concession Golf Club leaves no stone unturned in its commitment to helping you lower your scores.

“Instruction plays a very important role at The Concession,” said Barry Hinckley, Head Golf Professional at The Concession. “We have assembled a team of experts in instruction, golf fitness, club-fitting, and mental coaching. Using tools such as high-speed

The ConCession Golf Club opens TiTleisT AdvAnCed fiTTinG CenTer offerinG

Tpi fiTness And insTruCTion

The Concession's fitness center offers massage services to fit your needs...

... in a quiet, relaxing environment.

27Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 7Florida Golf Central • January 2012 3

Today’s Tour players know that properly fitted equipment is only part of becoming a successful golfer. Whether you are a recreational or competitive player, proper fitness, conditioning and nutrition are essential in playing and enjoying golf for a lifetime.

To help, The Concession offers the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Golf Fitness Program. This world-renowned program combines physical analysis and conditioning, as well as golf swing analysis and instruction to help you maximize your performance.

“With our TPI Program, players are placed through a complete array of tests usually reserved for the best golfers in the world,” said James Whatmore, The Concession’s Fitness Director. “By assessing a ‘total picture’ of your body, swing, and equipment, our team of Certified TPI Golf Instructors and Fitness professionals, will design an individually specific program that will help you optimize your performance on the golf course.”

Whatmore, a certified TPI and N.A.S.M Instructor, and his team use several physical and golf screening processes to measure a golfer’s ability to generate and transfer speed and determine the most efficient energy transfer throughout the golfer’s body.

“Through our screening process we will isolate any physical limitations, correlate these findings to your swing technique and prescribe a custom conditioning program,” he said. “We can then match your swing technique with your physical attributes to help you build a more repeatable and efficient golf swing.”

To help golfers hone their skills, The Concession Golf Club has a 23-acre practice facility ranked by Golf Digest as one of the “75 Best Practice Areas in the United States.” It includes a dual-ended driving range, two putting greens, and a short game area that allows one to practice any shot a golfer might need, including pitch shots up to 80 yards.

When members and their guests are not taking in a day on The Concession’s award-winning golf course, they can relax and enjoy a palate pleasing dining experience at the Concession Bistro. In December 2010, The Concession

Bistro was honored with an Invitation by the James Beard Foundation to host a performance dinner at the Beard House, the equivalent of the "Culinary Oscars." Non-members can inquire about The Concession’s Culinary Memberships.

If you are looking for the perfect location for a private event, The Concession Golf Club offers the ultimate venue amidst the backdrop of a lush and scenic landscape. The Concessions’ indoor and outdoor private meeting and dining areas are perfect to commemorate

any event.

“Our Clubhouse is outfitted with the latest technology and our creative banquet team is prepared to go above and beyond with any extras you may need,” said Kim McNeal, Membership and Events Director. “Whether you are planning a private golf outing, corporate

luncheon or executive retreat, The Concession offers several room layouts and cater any meeting, dinner or event to your exact requirements. Our exquisite Clubhouse brings a refined elegance to any occasion and our staff has your dedicated focus and undivided attention. No matter the size of your event, our staff’s attention to detail and commitment to service will make your special occasion memorable.”

For additional information about The Concession Golf Club and Membership, visit www.theconcession.com or call 941-322-1922.

Barry Hinckley, Head Golf Professional at The Concession, uses the Trackman to record the driving data of Tyler Whitman, Assistant Golf Pro.

The Concession features the latest fitness equipment to help optimize ...

... your performance on the golf course.

http://www.theconcession.com

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It’s 8:07 am on Saturday morning

and you are finally standing on the

tee-box after a long hard work week.

You couldn’t wait to get to the weekend

to play golf and now you are on the box

ready to hit your first shot of the lowest

round of your life! Only…you hit the

first shot and you see it shoot straight

right and low. All of a sudden you hear

your buddy, who is sitting on the golf

cart with a beer in hand, say “looks like

you got the el hosel”, a quote from your

favorite movie Tin Cup.

How many times as this happened

to you? How many times has this hap-

pened to all of us? Clearly there are

glitches in our swings but it is hard to

figure them out if we cannot see our-

selves swing. We certainly can’t rely on

our buddy to give us good advice as he

sucks down his second beer on the first

tee-box.

There is a solution! iSwing is an iphone and android

application that allows you to record,

view and analyze your swing! There is

no need for a computer, special soft-

ware or expensive camera equipment.

All you need is your phone and a buddy

to hold it as you swing. If you don’t

have a buddy, just do what I do and set

it up on your golf bag.

iSwing comes with drawing features

to determine swing plane, spine angle,

head position, etc. It also has a split

screen feature to view your front and

down the line angles together. If you

really want to get serious, you are able

to purchase pro videos of Adam Scott’s

swing for a side by side comparison to

your swing.

I use this app every time I play

golf or go to the range. It has helped

me tremendously and I feel it is a

must have if you are a “do it your-

selfer” and want to improve. You

can find out more on their website

http://www.iswingapp.com/.

If you want to share your swing

with a teaching professional for

a free quick tip, email it to me

from the sharing feature on the

application and I will submit it

to http://www.LinksLessons.com. Email

me at [email protected].

Must Have Golf App of 2012!

http://www.iswingapp.com/

http://www.LinksLessons.com


Combine one of the best layouts in Central Florida with 120-foot elevation changes and superb guest service, and you’ll understand why golfers from all over the globe have put Highlands Reserve at the top of their “must-play” list of Orlando golf courses.

ighlands Reserve provides an experience over and above your typical Florida golf course. With the rolling hills, large undulating greens and a wide open layout,

the course is a fair challenge for players of all calibers. Open to the public, Highlands Reserve takes pride in welcoming golfers from all over the US and throughout the world. The club has even recently been honored to host LPGA Tour player Christina Kim and European Tour player Pablo Martin who raved about the golf course conditions. Considered one of the best values in Central Florida, you don’t want to miss your opportunity to play at this great facility.

The course is conveniently located on just minutes from the Disney World Resort on U.S. Highway 27 just north of Interstate 4. All golfers are welcome and tee times are available every day at (863) 420-1724 or toll free at (877) 508-4653.

Tee times may also be reserved online at www.highlandsreserve-golf.com.Bring this ad and receive a special discounted rate!

H

Highlands Reserve Ad - NEW.indd 1 4/2/11 7:42 PM

http://www.highlandsreserve-golf.com.


The ultimate goal: To obtain the strongest steel available and hand-forge it for optimum performance. Com-bine the elements of balance, stability, aesthetics, solidity, permanence and durability for the perfect strike. When everything is on the line, total concen-tration must be on the task at hand without a second thought related to the “implement.” That is what is needed to be victorious in “battle.” Long before forging golf clubs for “bat-tles” on the links, there were “battles” involving warriors and use of the sword. As the story goes, Amakuni Yasutsuna and his son, Amakuri, were the head smiths employed by the Emperor to make swords for his armies. One day, after returning from battle, the Emperor and his warriors passed by Amakuni without so much as a word. With great shame and horror, Amakuni’s heart sunk when he noticed that as the warriors came back, most of their swords had been broken or badly dam-aged. Amakuni and his son inspected the damaged and broken blades and realized that their failure was the result of incor-rect forging and flawed steel. Vowing to create the perfect sword, they worked feverously; thus the birth of the Samurai

sword. When the warriors returned from battle the following year, not a single sword was broken. The Emperor said with a smile, “You are an expert sword maker.” This tradition of selecting steel and perfecting the forging process passed down from generation to generation and Katsuhiro Miura, owner of the Miura Golf, is a certified Samurai sword maker. In 1958, however, he decided to use this mastery to produce golf clubs. Fast forward to the present, Miura Golf, has been named 2011’s Canadian Golf Company of the Year by “Score Golf Magazine.” “This is a tremendous honor for Miura Golf” says Adam Barr. Previously a busi-ness reporter for “Golf Channel” with an astute eye and knowledge for golf clubs and the manufacturing process, Barr is currently the president of Miura. “We’re very proud of the year we had in 2011, and to receive this kind of recognition, validates all of our hard work.” One might wonder why Miura Golf is not publically endorsed by any PGA TOUR players. The reason as explained by Barr, “Miura Golf does not pay players to endorse their products.” That being said, the winner of the 2011 “Players Championship” uses Miura irons. Miura Golf’s corporate office is located in Vancouver, British Columbia and Miura Golf clubs are sold at the finest custom-fitting shops in North America. The Miura brand is marketed exclusively by Miura Golf Inc., in the United States and North America. More informa-tion on Miura products can be found at www.miuragolf.com.

leade

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The Quest for Perfection

Adam Barr

Katsuhiro Miura

By Jay Golden, PGA

http://www.miuragolf.com

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

On a crisp January morning in Orlando at the beautiful Reunion Golf Resort, 28 wounded warriors came together, WW II, Vietnam, OIF and OEF to reunite on the golf course. For many of them, it was “a reunion” from the time they spent together defending our country in the battle zone. One such “reunion” is of Jesse Murphee and Daniel Richardson, both soldiers serving with the 173rd Battle Company in Afghanistan. Jesse was thrown off the mountain by an explo-sion and Dan found him after hearing him scream for help. Jesse credits Dan-iel with saving his life that day. Jesse gave both legs in that explosion but today stands on the tee box swinging a golf club, sharing stories from the past, and an occasional shoulder for Jesse to lean on as he walks off the tee box. Tee it up for the Troops partnered with Reunion Resort for its first golf event to honor, respect, remember and support all those who have served in the US Armed Forces. Reunion Resort provided 4 days of golf and luxury accommodations at one of the MOST prestigious resorts in the world, cours-es designed by Professional Golfers Tom Watson, Arnie Palmer and Jack Nick-laus; Jack Nicklaus and David Feherty

called in to speak with the warriors to thank them for their service. A ceremony to honor all veterans, started by the landing of a Blackhawk Helicopter, laying of a wreath by two Gold Star parents, national anthem sung by country music artist Rockie Lynn, Honor Guard presenting the colors, Taps and a moment of silence. Thirty doves were released to complete the ceremony. An American Bald Eagle, from the Avian Reconditioning Center, joined us a well to signify our nation’s emblem of its long life, great strength and majestic looks. Many tears flowed remembering the sacrifice given for

each one of us. Tee it up for the Troops, Inc. 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 father asked his son what he needed, the soldier responded by ask-ing his father to do something for the soldiers and their families back home. Tee it up for the Troops 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 NATIONAL DAY OF GOLF, the Fri-day before September 11, was formed by Tee it up for the Troops for every golfer to enjoy their freedom because of these brave men and women in uni-form; play a round of golf on the most beautiful real estate in our country. TIUFTT has since produced numerous golf outings throughout the country, from California to Florida and Arizona to Minnesota where proceeds benefit veterans from every military branch and every conflict. For an event in your area, go to www.teeitupforthetroops.org Tee it up for the Troops is honored to serve these courageous warriors who fought and served each one of us so

bravely. We love our military!

Tee it up for the Troops Reunion Golf Event January 4 – 8, 2012

http://www.teeitupforthetroops.org


www.thelittlestgolfer.com

www.bluemetalgolf.com



featur

e

I have never met a competitive golfer – from juniors to professionals – who isn’t looking for more consistency in their game. Some players are consistent on the range yet they struggle to find and take that consistency to the course. Why is consistency hard to achieve? The challenge with consistency is that it is not something in and of itself that you can work on. If a player can identify the areas in their game that cause inconsistencies, and develop a clear plan for improvement, they will see more consistent performance over time. The main areas that cause inconsistencies are technical, mental and strategic as well as the quality of practice. I challenge players to identify the one or two areas that need improvement and diligently work on those. The building blocks for Consistency are:

1. Solid fundamentals —Technical For me, as a golf coach, good preparation and set up to the ball is critical. When I am working with a new student the first thing I assess is the foundation and set up for the swing. If a player wants to hit a draw and sets up consistently to hit a draw, he will consistently hit a draw. The same applies to the basic fundamentals. If you are set up incorrectly it will cause the body to function incorrectly and the result will be inconsistent ball flight. The most effective way to lower your handicap is to focus on fundamentals: grip, posture, alignment and ball position. If a player has a good grip, the face stays square. Once the face stays square, it improves the plane of the swing. With a good plane and setup, now the upper body and the arms work together and that creates

a lot more speed and power and consistency in a player’s ball striking. Work on one or two drills consistently to maintain solid fundamentals and build confidence.

2. Balance and Tempo Often inconsistencies in your game come from poor body motion, timing and sequence. When I look at a player and it looks like the club is swinging them versus them swinging the club, I know their swing will be unreliable. Having good balance and tempo in your swing creates a consistently good path and consistently good shots. Balance and tempo can also be impacted by pressure situations so keep that in mind and work on drills that will improve these areas.

3. Routines—Mental Mental conditioning is an important key to consistency. The reason for this is simple. The mind controls the body and when there is pressure from competitive situations that stretch your comfort zone, this may cause excess tension in your body. Perhaps your grip gets stronger or you speed up your swing, which result in missed shots. The key to managing this pressure lies in your routines, which will improve your mental game. The pre-shot and execution routine help you make decisions and commit to them. The post-shot routine is your opportunity to learn and improve and is one of the most important ways to build confidence. Playing with a steady routine will bring a sense of consistency and a calming influence to any player’s game.

4. Game Plan—Strategy Players often deviate from their game plan under pressure as they shift focus from the process to results. If you find yourself thinking ahead in a competitive round or trying to make a score, you may be tempted to abandon your game plan. I call this the irony of the outcome, because the more you try to shoot a score, the harder it is to do. I encourage players to focus on the process and the things they can control in order to play to their potential.The better a player becomes at knowing their distances, developing a solid plan, and implementing the plan, the more consistent their game will be.

5. Quality Practice Consistency is built over time and isn’t something that just happens. For our pros like Yani Tseng and Morgan Pressel, they have worked a long time on the different areas of their game with a clear plan for improvement and a clear practice plan. They have a good understanding of their tendencies and build their practice plan based on that to improve trust and build confidence in practice. To be more consistent, create a practice plan for yourself or visit your local teaching professional. Find the drills that are going help you hit more solid shots and give you the confidence that you need. Working hard on these areas. You can improve, you will gain confidence and the results will follow. Once you build confidence, you are going to see more consistency in the way you think and the way you play on the golf course. So build your plan today for improved consistent and play to your potential!

By Gary Gilchrist

The Keys to Conquering Consistency

Gary Gilchrist

www.ggga.com


think

ing of

golf

By Ed Gilbert, Head [email protected]

PING Is It:“Patriotism and Club Fitting”

Did you know that Ping offers dis-counts on clubs to our troops? These are special people who put their life on the line to preserve our freedom on a daily basis. How cool is that? And rumor has it that Ping offers a free set of clubs to these courageous men and women who lose an appendage and are treated at a Veterans Admin-istration Hospital in Arizona. This is a corporation who gets it. Corporate responsibility at its finest. Kudos Ping. Today I went down to the Edwin Watts shop in Casselberry and had Tom Murphy (a PGA Pro by the way) fit me with a set of golf clubs. Some-thing I have not done in 40 years. As a matter of fact the first set of golf clubs I had fitted was at Edwin Watts in Ft. Walton Beach (where they started) out of this wooden shack. Yes Edwin was wearing his white belt back then. Another success story unto itself. I should wear a white belt. Man, have times have changed. Getting clubs fit-ted today involve computers, simula-tion of ball flight, club head speed, lie, shaft, flex and “a damn partridge in a pair tree.” So with steel shafts I felt like a loser. 18 yard loss on a 7 iron and everything left. I was like screw this, I’m quitting. Off to retirement home drooling in between meals. Then

came graphite shafts! Oh yeah. 2-10 yards longer and straighter with the 7 iron and I’m cancelling my reser-vation. Tom Murphy you saved me. You don’t find PGA pros at the other competitors. They are just sales people moving merchandise. If there was one good and bad moment it was I am part of the 85% that need standard lies in their clubs (I hate not being special). The good news was that I could have them right then and there. Remember,

if you are like me; I am club trader because it has to be the arrow not the Indian. Right? If that were true I would be a scratch golfer. So if you trade in clubs, 85% of the buyers are just like you. I am such a good customer of Ed-win Watts; my buddies are convinced that if a new club came out while I was playing, Edwin Watts would fly a helicopter to my country club and deliver it. I think Tom Murphy would do that. If not, I will become an off-site Edwin Watts re-seller out of my garage. Interesting, the only golf company in the stores today that has PRINTED literature about their products are Ping. What a concept! Something you can actually touch and read without having to download it using your own ink. People still do read printed mate-rial and some age groups actually talk to each other instead of texting!!!!Finally, I think Ping is it in the custom club fitting market. They really get it and everyone else has followed. The printed material, the color chart for which dot you are, in-store custom-fitting displays and not to forget “being good to our troops”. Every-thing else being equal, wouldn’t it be nice to support a company who gives back to our men and women in the military the way Ping does.

36



feature

Celebration Golf Management’s (CGM) exciting array of courses in the Orlando area is as diverse

as they are beautiful and challenging. Bringing together

years of successful golf course management and a creativ-

ity to develop a unique approach for each of their courses,

CGM understands that every facility has its own identity,

whether it’s daily-fee, resort or private. CGM’s mission is

not merely to increase the number of courses managed,

but rather to concentrate on offering superior service to a

select number of public daily fee, resort and private courses.

Nowhere is this more evident than at the eight courses in

the immediate Orlando area that are currently managed

by CGM. From the members-only Golden Bear Club to the

award winning Celebration Golf Club, the influence of the

CGM team is evident in every phase of the operations.

The Golden Bear Clubwww.thegoldenbearclub.com(407) 876-5775 Tucked away in the up-

scale exclusive Windermere

neighborhood of Keene’s

Pointe, The Golden Bear Club,

a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, has breathtaking

vistas and challenging holes that reflect the extraordinary

beauty, challenging layout and environmental sensitivity

that Nicklaus courses have come to represent. Opened in

1999, this 7,100 yard course is surrounded by the sparkling

waters of the Butler chain-of-lakes and majestic oaks.

Appealing to all levels of golfers, this course will test your

nerve, challenge

your skill and

reward your

prowess. In

other words, it

is pure Nicklaus.

There’s no bet-

ter way to start

off your day

at The Golden

Bear Golf Club

than a quick

warm-up at

the immaculate driving range and practice facility. If you

really want to start things off right, spend some time with

one of the PGA Professionals to fine-tune your game be-

fore taking on the challenge of the Golden Bear Club.

The Golden Bear Club also features a world-class ten-

nis facility with four new lighted hard courts. The Fit-

ness Center offers classes and individualized instruction

which are geared to meet each member’s personal fitness

goals. A wealth of food and beverage options are offered

to round out this extraordinary private club experience.

Kings Ridgewww.kingsridgegc.com352-242-4653 Be prepared to

enjoy some of the

best views in the

state when you visit Kings Ridge Golf Club. Located in the

hills of Clermont, rolling greens and lush fairways spread-

ing out in every direction are the norm. Kings Ridge features

two courses, the original Lloyd Clifton par-71 Kings Course

and the challenging Ron Garl designed par-57, Ridge Course.

At Kings Ridge there is truly something for everyone.

Designed to encourage the golfer to think and to use

every club in his or her bag, the Kings course capitalizes

on the naturally rolling terrain of the beautiful Clermont

countryside. The seasoned golfer will enjoy the surround-

ing panorama while encountering the elevated tees, rolling

fairways and undulating greens. The 6,269-yard Kings Course

has often deceived many golfers into believing this will be

an easy course to play; even skilled golfers are lured by the

elevated fairways and impressed with the undulating greens.

The par-57, 3,660 yard Ridge Course brings out the

competitive spirit in every player, and includes sce-

nic views of the surrounding hills adding enjoyment

to the challenge of this exceptional course. Water haz-

ards, precise landing areas, well-protected multi-tiered

greens, pot bunkers, grassy hollows, and deep Bahia

grass roughs will test the skills of every golfer. Bring your

“A” game and come prepared to play your best golf.

Legendswww.legendsgolforlando.com352-243-1118 The Legends Golf

and Country Club in

Clermont is one of the

finest endeavors of legendary course designer Lloyd Clif-

ton. This stunning 18-hole layout is a test for golfers of all

abilities. Stretching out at 6,911 yards from the gold tees the

course has a slope rating of 130 and a course rating of 72.9.

Known as a high bluff, low valley layout this course

takes full advantage of the natural undulations and a

relatively treeless landscape. At its highest points it af-

fords full-fledged panoramic views of the surround-

http://www.thegoldenbearclub.com

http://www.kingsridgegc.com

http://www.legendsgolforlando.com

38

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er


featur

e ing hills, citrus groves and the Orlando skyline.

Legends is certain to continue to be recognized as

one of Central Florida’s finest courses. In a recent is-

sue of Lihn’s Orlando Golf Guide, Legends was described

as “Featuring vertiginous elevations, cinemascopic

horizons and breathtaking views, this handsome ad-

dition will definitely elevate your spirits”.

The Legends Grille and Tavern is famous for its fabulous

Sunday Brunch, and its team of event professionals will work

with you to plan and host your next party or tournament.

Stoneybrook Westwww.golfsbw.com407-877-8533 Stoneybrook West Golf Club

in Winter Garden has been a

favorite in Central Florida since

it opened for play in 2000. The

Arthur Hills designed layout offers the perfect blend of chal-

lenging shots, exciting hazards and delightful scenery. Golf-

ers of all abilities return time after time for another round.

Featuring picturesque par threes over water, reachable

par fives and several

short, but chal-

lenging par fours,

Stoneybrook West is

enjoyable by all. The

true challenge comes

from playing the back

tees, at a distance

over 7,100 yards.

Water hazards are

found on nearly every

hole, forcing players

to strategize and focus, while more than 1,500 palm trees and

an abundance of sand bunkers heighten the challenge of the

course. Every detail of the course was given careful attention.

Golf Digest ranked the course as one of the best places to

play, and it was named the second-best golf course in Florida

and Number 27 in the nation by golflink.com. Located just

20 minutes from downtown Orlando and only 15 minutes

from the main gates of all the major attractions, golfers can

play a round of golf while their families spend the day at

the attractions. For those who live and work in Orlando, it is

easy to escape the bustle of the city, play a round of golf, and

make it back to the office in time for an afternoon meeting.

Eagle Creekwww.eaglecreekgolf.info407-273-4653 Looking to experience a

bit of Scotland in Central

Florida? Then look no further

than Eagle Creek Golf Club. The wind is blowing, the golf

course is firm and fast and the bunkers are intimidating. This

true Scottish-style experience stands out from other Orlando

championship golf courses as a true golfing masterpiece.

Co-designed by world-renowned architects Ron Garl of the

U.S. and Howard Swan of Europe, Eagle Creek’s 7,198-yard, par

73 golf course offers the best of both worlds. Featuring five

par-5s, five sets of

tees, and more than

90 bunkers and

dramatic bulkheads

that are remi-

niscent of those

found in Scotland

and England.

Owned by

Emerson Interna-

tional and man-

aged by CGM this

course is located only minutes from the Orlando Interna-

tional Airport, guests enjoy the spectacular 14,000-square-

foot, two-story clubhouse designed in a vintage, New

England-manor style, which includes a fully stocked pro

shop, 120-seat restaurant with private banquet space,

and locker rooms and showers for men and women.

Named one of the Top 10 New Courses since 2000 in Travel

& Leisure Magazine, and selected as Pro/Pro Series Site and

National Site for 2005 Buick Scramble, Eagle Creek is a mem-

ber of the Audubon International Silver Signature Program.

Celebrationwww.celebrationgolf.com407-566-4653Opened in 1996, Celebration

Golf Club is the final collabo-

ration between Robert Trent

Jones Senior and Junior. From

the onset, their belief was that

“every hole should be a hard

par and an easy bogey.” Using

their joint design strategies and the natural lay of the land,

they crafted an upscale daily-fee golf resort that takes full

advantage of the natural pine forests and Florida wetlands.

The course radiates an atmosphere of beautiful tranquility

and fun but chal-

lenging golf. The

layout is protec-

tively framed by

borders of native

trees and natu-

ral wetlands and

speckled with clus-

ters of native oaks,

pine and magnolia

trees. Featuring

strategic hazards

and challeng-

http://www.golfsbw.com

http://www.eaglecreekgolf.info

http://www.celebrationgolf.com


ing greens, this championship caliber course demands ac-

curate approach shots and consistent putting. With five sets

of tees, the course now stretches from 4,933 to a new total

yardage of 7,028 and invites competition from all skill levels.

Eighteen distinctive holes with Champion Dwarf Bermuda

greens, presenting a great deal of variety and wildlife through-

out make this truly a must-play for every Central Florida golfer.

Stonegatewww.stonegategolf.com863-427-7150 Located just 21 miles south of

Walt Disney World in Avatar’s award-

winning community of Solivita you

will find Stonegate Golf Club featur-

ing two award winning 18 hole golf courses.

Designer, Ron Garl created The Oaks Course as

a course that can be enjoyed by players of all abilities. Big

Hitters will enjoy playing from the tips, where the course

measures over 7,000 yards, while others will be better suited

playing from one of the other three sets of more forgiv-

ing tees. With water on eight holes and free-forming col-

lars around the greens, there’s a definite emphasis on the

short game. After all, golf’s most famous adage is “drive for

show and putt for dough.” Meticulously groomed with roll-

ing, tree-lined fairways, natural vegetation and wetlands,

and a habitat to the native wildlife, what’s not to like?

The Cypress Course (redesigned by Clifton, Ezell &

Clifton in 2006) has a player-friendly layout with gener-

ous fairways flanked by undisturbed century-old cypress

trees. Bunkers are large but generally low lipped. Greens

are undulating and fast; many of them have been bulk-

headed to provide a truly spectacular visual effect.

The Oaks and The Cypress make this a ter-

rific golf facility and creates a great 36 hole combina-

tion. Play them both – you’ll be glad you did.

RedTailwww.redtailclub.com352-383-5692 At CGM’s newest facility

RedTail Golf Club it’s “Not

just about the game―it’s

about The Experience!”

Owned by Starwood Land Ventures and tucked away

in the rolling hills of Lake County, only 35 minutes from

downtown Orlando, this course simply provides the fin-

est natural golf settings and scenic panoramic views

that Florida has to offer. Uncharacteristic of many Flor-

ida golf courses, RedTail is a mix of parkland style holes

with plenty of sand and wetlands to contend with.

Opened in 2004 and playing just over 7,150 yards from

the tips, the course is peppered with 100-year-old oak trees

and azaleas. Holes fourteen through eighteen wind their

way around the largest of four lakes on the course, while the

finishing hole’s ap-

proach shot plays

over another body

of water in front

of the clubhouse.

Designer and Archi-

tect David S. Harman

put it best… “With

all my experience

in golf architecture,

RedTail is the most natural setting for golf in Central Florida.

Lake County elevations are a golf architect’s dream. You will

remember RedTail... and want to play it time and time again.”

The Golf Academy at Celebrationwww.celebrationgolfacademy.com407-566-4653 ext. 4 The Golf Academy at Celebra-

tion is honored to be one of only

three PING nFlight Centers in the

nation. According to Academy

Director Kenny Nairn, “Fitting and

Teaching go hand-in-hand, and

now with the nFlight software,

we are able to utilize the same technology that has only been

available at PING’s headquarters to provide the ultimate fitting

solution that has never been available to the amateur golfer.”

PING has long been known as the pioneer and leader in

custom fitting and the PING nFlight system has propelled them

light-years ahead of everything else on the market. Utilizing an

Advanced PING interchangeable Fitting Cart and a Trackman

launch monitor with Doppler radar to track your golf shots, the

certified instructors at Celebration Golf Academy can assure you

that when you walk away you will have complete confidence in

the PING Custom

Fitting process.

With the new

advanced fitting

cart the options

are limitless by

having inter-

changeable club

heads and shafts,

in both irons and

drivers for both

right and left

handed players. The technology also allows the staff to not only

fit customers for new Ping clubs, but to evaluate their current set.

If your game has stagnated and you are looking for that extra

something to get to the next level maybe you need to schedule

a session with one of our certified Ping nFlight professionals.

For more information on any of the Celebration Golf Man-

agement courses, log on to www.cgmgolfproperties.com

or call 888-775-2924.

http://www.stonegategolf.com

http://www.redtailclub.com

http://www.celebrationgolfacademy.com

http://www.cgmgolfproperties.com


live g

olfBy Joel Jackson, FGCSA Executive Director

I’m a native Floridian, so when my golf writing assignments take me to courses with strong links to Florida’s rich history, it’s an added bonus. Re-cently, I the opportunity to flashback into Central Florida’s history while doing a story on Central Florida Super-intendent Rickey Craig at the Rosen Shingle Creek Golf Course. If you’ve take the Beachline Express-way (SR 528) to its western terminus at I-4, then you have crossed over Shingle Creek in southwest Orange County. In doing the story on Mr. Craig, I “Googled” Shingle Creek to check the origin of the name. Here’s what I found out. In 1800, settlers were drawn to this area in Central Florida by the pristine creek area with its abundant game, fishing and towering cypress trees. These early pioneers used the creek well, logging the cypress trees, which were floated downstream to a nearby

sawmill and eventually fashioned into shingles for their cabins. Thus the name “Shingle Creek” was born. Today, the creek and surrounding areas are protected wetlands. In fact the development of much of the Inter-national Drive was contingent upon the construction of three additional mitigating wetlands to surround and protect the creek. Shingle Creek is considered to be the northernmost headwaters of the Everglades watershed 140 miles to the south. The waterway flows south to Kissimmee in Osceola County where it turns eastward and flows into Lake Tohopekaliga and then into the Kissim-mee River down to Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades proper. Shingle Creek Golf Course borders one of those mitigation wetlands, and there in 2003, Course Designer Dave Harmon created a layout that included

14 lakes to help retain and filter runoff from the I-Drive area. There are two weirs that control the lake levels and only let water leave the property in a controlled manner when an extreme storm flood stage is reached. Each lake shoreline is buffered with aquatic plants to filter any possible nu-trients in the water and there are foun-tains in the lakes to increase dissolved oxygen content. Craig and his crew are also installing additional natural areas on the lake banks consisting of native grasses and cypress trees to further protect the lakes and to create addi-tional wildlife habitat.It was fun to discover some facts about Central Florida’s early history and to see Mr. Harris Rosen (recently voted 2011 Central Floridian of the Year) and company take the neces-sary measures to pro-tect that history.

Rosen’s Shingle Creek Golf Course–A Slice of Florida History

Shingle Creek Resort entertains I-Drive visitors and protects an historic landmark.

the moment you arrive.

YO U ’ L L B EI M P R E S S E D

J A C K S O N V I L L E / S T . A U G U S T I N E

888-740-7020 • RenWGV.com

Getaway to the Renaissance World Golf Village Resort and Beach Club – home of the World Golf Hall of Fame. You’ll stay in a newly remodeled room and play on one of two world-famous layouts – King & Bear, the only course ever co-designed by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, or Slammer & Squire, created by Sammy Snead and Gene Sarazen.

*Valid through 12/31/12. Valid Florida/Georgia Drivers License required. Per room, per night, based on availability. Advanced reservations required. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Tax and gratuity not included.

PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Luxurious, freshly renovated room• Round of golf on King & Bear or Slammer & Squire• Breakfast at our new Villagio Italian Grille• Free range balls• Complimentary shuttle to Serenata Beach Club

Florida/Georgia Resident STAY & PLAY PACKAGE

PER ROOM PER NIGHTTWO GOLFERS

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King & Bear Clubhouse–18th Green

WGV32469 FLGolfCentralAD.indd 1 1/19/12 10:25 AM

(l-r): Ralph Dain, GCSAA Regional Representative for Florida; Erin Boyd Wilder with Sod Solutions, Inc. and Florida GCSA President Mark Kann ac-companied by FGCSA Exec. Joel Jackson spent an hour with Florida Senator Bill Nelson’s Chief of Staff, Pete Mitchell in Tallahassee recently to discuss federal regulatory issues facing golf courses.

Darren Davis, superintendent of the Olde Florida G.C. in Naples and Past President of the Florida GCSA and Florida Turfgrass Association (FTGA) was awarded the 2011 Wreath of Grass Award for Service at the FTGA’s annual conference held at the PGA National Resort.

Jim Shafer of the Seven Rivers GCSA reports that super-intendents made Christmas a little bit merrier for kids in their area by donating over $1,000 worth of toys to the USMC’s 2011 “Toys for Tots” program.

www.renwvv.com


fore y

our h

ealth

Every year in November and December, most golfers pack on the pounds for the holidays. In fact, many Americans gain seven to 10, or even 15 to 20 pounds over the holiday season, and more important they feel really bad about it. This is a particularly rough time of year for golfers – seven out of 10 are already overweight – and in most parts of the country, the clubs are put away for the winter and activity comes to a halt. Enter golf’s Top Food and Weight Loss Coach Larry Jacobs and his internationally renowned Weight Loss for Golfers program. Promising golfers smaller clothing sizes, no hunger, plenty to eat, and the sublime feel of lightly striding up the 18th fairway with legs as fresh as on the first, Jacobs will present his latest Weight Loss for Golfers Tele-Seminar Series on February 15, 2012 – and with a special half-price offer. Guaranteed to make participants “Thin for Life,” the four-part program comes at a time of year when many golfers should be thinking about getting healthy and back in shape for the upcoming golf season. Since 1983, Jacobs has helped clients adopt healthful eating and lose pounds. “Instead of gaining 10 or 20 pounds over the holidays, some of my more famous golf clients actually LOST 15 to 30 pounds,” says Jacobs. “That’s like making a birdie on a hole you expect to double bogey. For those who did put on the pounds over the past couple of months, I can get them on the road to healthy weight loss with just a simple change in eating habits and a new mindset.” Due to his lively “no nonsense” approach in providing commentary on this important topic that plagues people everywhere, Jacobs is a frequent and popular TV and radio talk show guest and he continues to emerge as the food and weight loss expert for national golf and lifestyle media. Through countless individual consults and more than 50 Weight Loss Tele-Seminars, Jacobs has enabled thousands of golfers from all walks of life in 22 countries to modify and improve their eating habits. More recently he’s focused

on golfers, with a list of notables that include Champions Tour Players Fred Funk and Allen Doyle; famed Golf Instructor Don Trahan, NBC Sports’ Dottie Pepper; former PGA Tour player now turned TV and Radio Commentator John Maginnes and PGA of America’s 2011 Professional of the Year David Hutsell. In fact, Tour Pro D.J. Trahan’s father and swing coach Don Trahan now fits into a suit he hasn’t worn in 17 years and credits Jacobs’ program with saving his life. (Watch Video: http://weightlossforgolfers.com/the-thin-for-life-golfers-weight-loss-program-saved-my-life/). Adds Dottie Pepper, now broadcaster and former LPGA star: “After working with Larry’s plan for barely six weeks I’m definitely smaller, up to two sizes in some of my jeans. I have a lot more energy. And I feel like this hasn’t been that big of deal, even to maintain on the road.” Jacobs teaches his clients a clean

eating regimen that’s proven to burn excess fat while leaving them full and satisfied. His promise is compelling, “I can show any golfer how to go from a Fat Storer to a Fat Burner in two weeks or less – without starving or dieting in the traditional sense or counting calories,” he explains. What’s more, the program doesn’t hinge on fasting, pills, banning carbohydrates or the severe caloric restriction common to conventional diets. “It’s almost impossible to restrict calories and eat less forever,

which is why diets don’t work and people usually regain all or more of what they lost,” says Jacobs. “My clients eat as much as they want whenever hungry, and it’s real food that you get in grocery stores and restaurants. The key is to learn to eat clean. It’s not how much you eat. It’s what you eat that matters most.” By combining simple physical activity with Jacobs’ method of eating clean, the body’s metabolism is trained to burn fat instead of storing it, which can show up in a major way. “I don’t want my clients obsessing over a number on a scale, which can be demoralizing,” adds Jacobs. “The best way to measure progress isn’t

weight, but fitting into smaller clothes, feeling more energetic, healthy, and happy about how you look and feel.” The Thin for Life program had its genesis in California during the 1970s, when Jacobs suffered from severe gastrointestinal pain. After several futile treatments, he turned to a physician pioneering nutrition-oriented medicine, who discovered he was allergic to one specific food. Inspired by a dramatic health turn around, Jacobs returned to his native Maryland, studied nutrition, its impact on health and hung up a shingle to coach others on what he’d learned. “While the original idea was more about wellness than weight,” he adds, “I eventually ended up working with more folks with BIG bellies than with bad bellies.” For more information on Larry Jacobs and to register for his Weight Loss for Golfers Tele–Seminar program, go to http://ThinGolfer.com.

Shed The Pounds You Gained Over The HolidaysBy Mike Hoye

Don Before and After

Larry Jacobs on the set tapinga message for his Weight Loss for Golfers program

http://weightlossforgolfers.com/the-thin-for-life-golfers-weight-loss-program-saved-my-life/

http://ThinGolfer.com


fore your health

After 20 years of teaching golf I can

only conclude that golf is the greatest

game on earth but like all games, it

has an ugly side. I’m not talking about

pimples and muffin tops ugly, I’m

talking about the volume knob twisted

to “11” on the competitiveness scale.

OK, full disclosure: I’m a reformed

member of the Over Competitive

Ass#%*^ Society but now I practice

something called “Competitive

Enlightenment.” I’m still addicted to

winning, but now, “how” I win, keeps

me happy and my relationships secure.

Winning is business of interest in

professional golf, just to listen to Holly

Gouganmon ESPN drive time radio

for all the details. But how important

it is to us? Few of us work and live in

a utopian UN-competitive world, so

personal growth as a competitor can be

an often overlooked part of a motivated

person’s “spiritual” path. Learning how

to lose matters too. Losing isn’t so bad,

its how we change and grow from it

that leads either astray or afar.

Everything comes apart when any

sport becomes a war of winning at

all costs. “War” is a game gone wild

letting our human

hunting instincts

function unchecked.

It is where winning is

the only option and

cheating is part of

the battle. Cheating

with deceit, using

unfair tactics, setting

up uneven playing

fields, capitalizing

on surprise, using

secrets, playing to

punish, seeking

humiliation are all

facets of war. Golf gets

a bad rep sometimes

because “card”

holders, like the

author of this article,

turn to winning at all

costs, but; it turns out,

that for one to really

WIN, the competitive

delusions need to be

rooted out. Otherwise

momentum is lost.

Can we give Competitive

Enlightenment a chance?” Not the

“Enlightenment” where you work

towards being a benefit to all living

beings type, I’m talking about

winning with grace and ease free

from gamesmanship and caustic

behavior. Playing the game with

as much humanity as its structure

allows; seeing the process of play as a

metaphor for growth and a beautiful

perfecting model to organize one’s

cognitive potential. Looking around

at the state of the world, I think

Competitive Enlightenment maybe

our only chance out of the mess that

deluded competition has created.

From the Matthew Chute’s upcoming

book “Competitive Enlightenment:

Peak Performance for a life time of

Success.” Matthew Chute is a teaching

golf professional specializing in

top competitive players. He is an

accomplished Buddhist Meditation

instructor, ChuteChi Gong Instructor

and Peak Performance councilor.

Universal Alignment Competitive Enlightenment

Matthew ChuteMatthew Chute

44

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Genius Vodka

Genius ™ is a crisp and tantalizing

vodka with a history as colorful as the

peacocks that once strolled its namesake estate along the shores of Lake

Virginia. Handmade in small batches, Genius takes its cue from a sim-

pler, more relaxed time amidst the fruit groves and lakes of Winter Park.

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.

Bloody Genius Ingredients:

2 cups Genius Fine Vodka

1/2 Fresh Lime Juiced

4 1/2 tsp Wasabi Paste

6 cups low-salt Tomato Juice

3 tbs Worceshershire Sauce

1 1/4 tsp Hot Pepper Sauce

2/4 tsp Salt

Preparation:Combine lime juice and wasabi with a whisk until wasabi dissolves. Pour into a pitcher abd add veggie juice, worcestershire sauce, pepper sauce and salt. Chill

Stir in vodka and serve over ice with a stalk of celery or pickled asparagus.

Serves 8

Peacock Martini

Ingredients:

2 oz. Genius Vodka

1 oz. Pineapple Juice

1.5 oz. Chambord

Sugar in the Raw (to rim the

glass)

Ice

Raspberries

Preparation:Place Genius Vodka, pineap-ple juice and Chambord into a cocktail shaker half-filled with iceShake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass rimmed with Sugar in the Raw.Garnish with a raspberry

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In late 2008, in an effort to expand Golf Channel’s new media business, the network’s parent company, Comcast, acquired GolfNow.com, a leading online tee-times business. At that point, nearly 1,500 courses in 27 states throughout the U.S. were partners with the website. Fast forward three years to 2011, Golf-Now.com recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary and is now the Internet’s largest and most comprehensive online tee-time reservation service, featuring more than 3,400 courses in 80 markets throughout the U.S., Canada and Ireland. While online tee times are still rela-tively new to the golf industry, GolfNow.com has proved to be a valuable asset to the more than 220 courses in the Central Florida-area that are currently partnered with the service, many dating as far back as 2003. The website allows golfers from not only Central Florida, but also all over the world, learn about the courses in the area and conveniently book tee times anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A facility that has reaped the benefits through its partnership with Golf Chan-nel and GolfNow.com is Grand Cypress Resort. The resort, which previously hosted Golf Channel Am Tour Regional Major Championships and served as host to the LPGA’s season-ending event the past two years, nearly tripled its revenues through GolfNow.com tee-time bookings in 2011 compared to 2010. Drew Toth, Grand Cypress’ director of sales and marketing, recently sat down to talk all things GolfNow. Q: Grand Cypress joined GolfNow.com in late 2008. Talk about the relationship between Grand Cypress and GolfNow.com over the past few years.A: “Our relationship with GolfNow.com as a valuable revenue partner in golf continues to grow. Our success in grow-ing tee-time revenues and, of course, happy guests, is due in part to the service we receive in maintaining our inventories up-to-the-minute and filling short-term rounds in Orlando.”

Q: Why did Grand Cypress decide to partner with Golf-Now.com? A: “With the growth of new courses in Orlando and the drop in demand during this past recession, we were looking for addi-tional channels to market our golf courses.” Q: Has Grand Cypress experienced a lot of repeat business over the past few years from golfers using GolfNow.com?A: “Yes! Golfers, par-ticularly local ones who initially came to play Grand Cypress, have come back with friends and associates to try our other courses or replay the origi-nal course selected.” Q: Grand Cypress was one of the first facilities to participate in GolfNow.com’s premium marketing program. How beneficial that program has been for your facility?A: “By participating in the premium marketing programs, Grand Cypress was able to utilize fully the various .com channels offered by GolfNow.com. This has led to a much higher visibility in the golf community and resulted in an incremental growth in golf revenues. We have been able to provide brand messaging about the superior quality of our courses for all players.” Q: Do you see online tee times as the wave of the future in booking tee times at golf facilities? A: “Convenience is more important than

ever in everything we do and buy as consumers. Tee times are no different. Golfers can book online via our web-site or GolfNow.com and now on our mobile site. The ‘real time’ availability plus competitive pricing allows the avid golfer to play their preferential courses and competitive prices.” Q: Would you recommend GolfNow.com to friends looking to book their next trip to Orlando?A: “Definitely. We highly recommend GolfNow.com to both out of town guests not familiar with golf in the Orlando area and to those in Orlando who know it well. In both cases accurate and time-ly availability – as well as competitive rates – are what drives happy consum-ers to play Grand Cypress Golf Club.”

As GolfNow.com Celebrates 10-year Anniversary, Grand Cypress Resort One of Many Central Florida Courses Reaping the Benefits

Presented by

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A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Future Champions Golf Tour and The First Tee.

» Try and buy the latest equipment

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By Geoff Stiles

We are all familiar with how most cigars are rated

in relation to strength. Mild, medium and strong. So,

if cigars are all made of the same basic tobacco leaf,

why such a difference in flavor and power? Simple.

Nicotine.

Now before you get all worked up and start comparing

a fine, handmade cigar to a cigarette, let’s get a few things

straight. First off, cigars are all natural. Unlike cigarette

tobacco that is highly modified

with additional nicotine, flavor-

ing (menthol), burn conditioners

and other “casing” additives;

cigars are just tobacco. Yes, there

are flavored cigars out there,

but they are generally flavored

with all natural botanicals and

oils, not artificial compounds.

And, they are a tiny fraction of

the overall market. Tobacco leaf

contains nicotine, which in the

high doses found in cigarettes

is most definitely addicting.

However, in cigars, most of the

nicotine is fermented out of the

leaf during the curing pro-

cess. The nicotine that is left, gives a strong cigar its kick.

Cigar tobacco leaves are broadly categorized into Volado,

Seco and Ligero. Volado are the leaves at the base of the

plant and the most mild. Seco are in the middle and a little

stronger. Ligero is at the top of the plant and subject to the

most sunlight and therefore are the strongest and contain the

most nicotine. The variety or strain of tobacco also affects

the strength. The Ligero from a Connecticut Shade grown

plant is going to be far milder than the Ligero from a Sun

Grown Sumatra grown in Ecuador. It’s this near endless com-

bination of tobacco that makes cigar blending such an art.

If you see a cigar brand touting its Ligero content, you

can safely assume it’s going to be on the strong end of the

spectrum. Macanudo does not trumpet its Ligero content,

because it doesn’t have any. It’s blended to be mild and only

contains Volado and Seco in the blend. This is not to say that

a cigar with Ligero in the blend is going to be vomit induc-

ing for the newbie. Ligero is a great blending leaf that gives

even a medium strength cigar more

flavor and body. It’s all about

the blend. Some fine cigars

only use a small strip of Ligero

in the blend to round out the

flavor and add to the aroma.

If you’re feeling adventur-

ous here are a few of my

favorite Ligero Bombs:

Oliva V Torpedo. Rated a 94 in

Cigar Aficionado Magazine and

named #4 cigar in the world

in 2008 (Cuban’s included).

It’s a well rounded, flavor

bomb in addition to having

ample amounts of Ligero.

Ashton VSG Illusion. #5

cigar in the world in 2007 and rated a 91. This is a Lonsdale

size (6.5 X 44) which emphasizes the wrapper in this thin-

ner cigar. It’s earthy and leathery with loads of spice.

Don’t be afraid of a stronger cigar. While I don’t recom-

mend you fire one up as your first foray into the world of

fine cigars; they have a time and place. A good place to

start is after a fine steak dinner and alongside a few fin-

gers of your favorite scotch or port. Go slow and enjoy.

Ligero bombs explained

Don’t be afraid of a stronger cigar. While I don’t recommend you fire one up as your first foray

into the world of fine cigars; they have a time and place.



www.cigarrights.org

www.coronacigar.com



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Situated in Southeast Florida between the posh and swanky cities of Palm Beach and Boca Raton, Delray Beach, the ‘Village by the Sea’, has been reinventing itself into a stylish place to shop, stay and play without the attitude. In 2011 Delray celebrated its 100th anniversary and this year they are celebrating the beginning of the next 100. If you haven’t been there, it’s an easy east exit 52 off of I-95 onto Atlantic Avenue, the main thoroughfare to the beach. Here you can find a great selection of local restaurants, over 350 shops and an art district that boasts 20 galleries near the Old School Square Cultural Arts and National Historic Site, located in the heart of downtown. For a more eclectic artsy experience, you can visit the Pineapple Grove just north of Atlantic. I had a special tour of the downtown from Stephanie Immel-man, Marketing Coordinator for Delray Beach, and yes, she is related to Trevor. Staying in Delray Beach is an experi-ence in itself. I had the opportunity to spend a few days in the secluded tropi-cal oasis of Crane’s BeachHouse Hotel & Tiki Bar located on Gleason Street, just

a block off the beach and a block south of Atlantic. Definitely an escape from the ordinary hotel. Crane’s exceptional staff makes you feel at home and are there to make sure your stay is unique as their private garden grounds. Our ac-commodations included a full kitchen,

dining area, lovely living room and spacious bedroom with a scrumptious continental break-fast served al fresco at the Tiki Bar every morning. There are two pools to enjoy along with waterfall features throughout the property. In the evenings you can enjoy your favorite cocktail or one of their special concoc-tions and visit with your neighbors. We played two municipal golf courses while there. The

1923 Donald Ross designed Delray Beach Golf Club is a championship 6900 yard par 72 well maintained and fun track about 3 miles west of downtown. It is home to the Beth Daniel & Meg Mallon Clinic and a favorite of resi-dents of Palm Beach County. I can remember Alice Dye tell-ing me in an interview a few years ago that Pete and her spend their winters in Delray and she enjoys competing at DBGC all season. Our second round was played at the Lake Worth Golf Club, a few miles north of Delray, that sits

right on the intracoastal waterway and affords players with a pleasant breeze year round and in exceptional shape. Dick Wilson designed the course, which originally opened in 1925. You can sit in the Lagoon sports bar and grill, overlook beautiful Lake Worth while

enjoying light fare and your favorite cold beverage in the same location Babe Ruth did when the Yankees were in Florida for Spring Training. Yes, this was the Babe’s course of choice. After your round, you might want to visit the Havana Hideout, a featured eatery on the TV show ‘Diners, Drive Ins & Dives’ for lunch or dinner which is just a few blocks from the course. You won’t come away hungry or with empty pockets and the food is delectable. If you want to have some golf fun with family or practice your put-ting while walking 36 unique holes with butterflies, misting sprays, and background music playing in a tropical garden, then you will surely want to visit Puttn Around, just 3 blocks north of Atlantic on 5th avenue In Delray Beach. The beer was cold, the tasty food can be eaten inside or out and you will have a great time. To learn more about the happenings in and around this seaside village, go to www.DelrayBeach.com.

Delray Celebrates

100The Delray Beach Golf Club. Course designed by legendary golf course architect Donald Ross.

Lake Worth Golf Course’s Clubhouse located directly on the water’s edge.

A view of the pool from the Tiki Bar at Crane’s BeachHouse Hotel

http://www.DelrayBeach.com

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What an invigorating day! Our PGA Professionals gathered for a record attendance of over 330 people for our 32nd Annual Meeting at Reunion Resort! The meeting was interactive and inspiring, with the focus on the new industry initiative Golf 2.0. The time is now for us to revive our passion to grow the game! New officers were elected with Tony Johnson moving up to President. Mike Touhey is now our Vice President and Mike Lynch was elected our new Secretary. David Hronek remains our Tournament Chairman. The evening Awards and Hall of Fame Gala featured our Section Award winners and the finale was the induction of our Hall of Fame PGA Professionals. Thank you to Reunion Resort for their always exceptional service. They make it easy for us!

Our 2011 Hall of Fame Inductees: Russ Libby, Hidden Hills CC, Eric Meyers, Riviera CC and Mike Warobick, US 1 Golf Center.

Our 2011 NFPGA Award Winners:Golf Professional of the Year: Kevin Weickel, Walt Disney World Teacher of the Year: David Leadbetter, David Leadbetter Golf Academy Bill Strausbaugh Award: Todd Bork, San Jose CC Horton Smith Award: John Hughes, Golf Digest Schools Junior Golf Leader: Brendon Elliott, Little Linksters President’s Plaque: Mike Warobick, US 1 Golf Center Patriot Award: David Windsor, Adaptive Golf Academy Merchandiser of the Year Private: Glen Murray, Members Club Ritz-Carlton Sarasota Merchandiser of the Year Resort: Patrick Dill, Ritz-Carlton Grand Lakes Orlando Merchandiser of the Year Public: Brian Jaquet, Daytona Beach GC Assistant of the Year: David Hronek, Plantation Golf and Country Club Sales Rep of the Year: Kenny Hobbs, Nike Amateur of the Year: Dr. TJ Dorsey, Minority Youth Golf Association, OrlandoPlayer of the Year: Rod Perry, Daytona Beach GCSenior Player of the Year: Freddy Gibson, Golf Ed

The PGA Magazine Pro Pro Series during the week of the PGA Merchandise Show filled the fields in record time! These pro pro events hosted by our Section and Reunion Resort, Harmony Golf Preserve and Timacuan GC are great events for PGA Professionals around the country to get together, probably for the only time within the year, to tee it up and compete as friends and partners. Thank you PGA Magazine for putting these on!

By Steve Morris

NFPGA president Tony Johnson with Professional of the Year Kevin Weickel (right)

Hall of Famer Mike Warobick

Hall of Famer Russ Libby

Hall of Famer Eric Myers


The pro’s look forward to it every year, as we see many of the same partners playing each year. Congratulations to our new Champions Tour player, Jeff Freeman, CC of Orlando! Jeff was the medalist in the final round of the Q School! He fired four straight 66’s to beat the entire field. A nice number to be stuck on! Watch for Jeff Freeman, our fellow PGA Member, next season as he competes at the highest level. Play well, Jeff! The NFPGA is proud to announce new partnerships with TXT Ripple and Powerchalk. TXT Ripple is a mobile marketing company that will provide our professionals with a unique marketing tool based on text messaging. As technology continues to progress into customers daily habits, they will provide voluntary text messages to them for special offers and reminders. Powerchalk is a leader in web-based digital coaching. They provide instructors and students mobile video tools which require no expensive hardware or software. You can now analyze video on your smartphone or computer!

NFPGA president Tony Johnson with DAvid Leadbetter

Section Champ Jeff Freeman

Florida Golf Central presents:

My BookA Benefit for Left Behind in Florida

Your tax deductible dontation will provide:

Your own photo book

Your own column in a golf magazine

You will play in a PGA Pro-Am event

You will have your own golf sports writer and photographer

For more information, contactFlorida Golf CentralMike or Prudy Coonan1549 Warrington CourtWinter Park, FL [email protected]

Left Behind supports children with a developmental disability on waiting lists


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By Corrie Edwards

SFPGA Professionals Dedicate Habitat for Humanity Home In October, over 30 South Florida PGA Professionals traded in their put-ters for paint brushes and sponsored a Habitat for Humanity rehab project. A few short weeks later, South Florida PGA Professionals gathered again to dedicate the refurbished home to the Maldonado family, Marcos and his four children. “This is their first home that they’ve owned and they’re very excited about it,” said Kitty Green, President of the Habitat for Human-ity of Lee and Hendry Counties. “Knowing that we were doing something good for the Maldo-nado family, it was great,” said South Florida PGA Foundation President, Tom Wildenhaus. “A lot of paint-ing and a lot of cleaning went into this project. It was good stuff.” Marcos Maldonado hosted a Christmas Eve celebration at his new home with his family. Maldonado says he plans to continue working with Habitat for Humanity in order to help others achieve the dream that is now his reality. The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the South Florida community, with a focus on junior golf, education and

scholarships, and charitable gifting. Thanks to the following PGA Profes-sionals for their help in refurbish-ing the Habitat for Humanity home: Tom Wildenhaus, Kevin Murphy, Craig Watson, Dan Gawronski, Karl Bublitz, Gary Benoit, Brian Peaper, Cameron Wiebe, Wilson Zehner, Doug Burnham, Jeff Raimer, Ric Nalyd, Michael Kostelnik, Michael O’Brien, Mark VanDyck, Steve Cox, Bill May, Mike Dopslaff, Mike Arthur, Shawn Ward, David Farr, Nick Mariano, Tom Roderick and non-members Mark Cunningham and Franki Youse.

Top Junior Tour Players Honored at Junior Tour Championship The 2011 Junior Tour season came to a successful close at the Junior Tour Championship at Jonathan’s Landing at Old Trail in December. Many players were honored for their performance on the course through-out the year at the awards ceremony following the tournament. Awards were given not only based on per-formance but also to juniors who displayed great sportsmanship and improvement throughout the season. Specialty awards included The Honda Classic Most Improved Player and The Ed Ficker Sportsmanship Award. This year’s Ed Ficker Sports-

manship Award was awarded to Jack-son Shoenfelt of Boynton Beach and Samantha Coleman of Lake Worth. Thanks to PGA Head Professional Jim Leary and staff for a great event. The 2012 Junior Tour season begins February 4-5, 2012, with the first South Florida PGA Junior Tour event held at Club Med at Sandpiper Bay. The South Florida PGA Junior Tour thanks presenting sponsor The Honda Classic and supporting sponsors Al-lianz Championship, Club Med Golf Academy, Don Law Golf Academy, Palm Beach County Sports Commis-sion, The Men’s Fun Group at Mirasol, and Titleist for making the 2011 Junior Tour a success.

Dennis Walters Performs for Elementary School Students On Tuesday, December 6, 2011, Dennis Walters visited American Heritage School in Plantation to perform his inspirational trick shot show for over 150 local elementary school students. The first show ever at American Heritage School, Den-nis had the faculty and students in awe of his trick shots and his message. His message inspired all the juniors in attendance as they cheered for Dennis as he performed

some of his amazing trick shots.

Tom Wildenhaus, handing over the keys

www.delair.com

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The PGA of America (PGA)

and United States Golf Association

(USGA) want golfers to have more fun

by “teeing it forward” all year long.

Following the successful pilot launch

of TEE IT FORWARD in July 2011, The

PGA and USGA are encouraging golfers

to continue to tee it forward and

play from distances that match their

playing skills. More than 1,900 facilities

registered in 2011 with an average of

123 golfers per facility (nearly 237,000

nationwide) playing from forward

tees during the promotional period.

Additionally, a survey of more than

3,000 consumers who experienced the

program showed that 70 percent found

their round of golf more enjoyable

and more than 90 percent said they

would recommend TEE IT FORWARD to

a friend. The survey also found nearly

50 percent of respondents saying the

program helped them play faster.

“These golfers told us that they

found golf more enjoyable by playing

courses at shorter lengths than usual.

At the end of the day, that’s what

we want…golfers to have more fun,

which, in turn, hopefully means they

will play more and stay in the game,”

said PGA of America President Allen

Wronowski. “This initiative also

generated incredible buzz through

traditional and social media, as well as

at golf facilities across the country.”

The PGA partnered with the USGA

to support TEE IT FORWARD in

2011 and both organizations are

once again teaming up to make

this a year-round promotion.

“Simply put, TEE IT FORWARD

can make golf much more fun for

millions of people, while contributing

to the growth of the game,” said

Jim Hyler, USGA President. “We are

encouraged by the results of our pilot,

and believe this new approach to

the game is really beginning to catch

on with golfers of all skill levels.”

TEE IT FORWARD was brought to the

forefront by industry veteran Barney

Adams, retired founder of Adams Golf.

Adams was a strong advocate and

ambassador for TEE IT FORWARD in

2011 and will continue in that role.

“I’ve been around the game for

more than 30 years and continue

to be amazed as golfers make it

much harder than it should be by

playing golf courses at distances that

don’t come close to matching their

abilities,” said Adams. “By playing

from forward tees, amateur golfers

have the chance to play the course

at the same relative distance as a

touring professional would over 18

holes. We need golfers to be hitting

eight-irons and wedges into par fours

like the pros…not fairway woods.”

While it was highlighted during a

specific time period in 2011, TEE IT

FORWARD is now being promoted

as a year-round initiative. Courses

can set up additional tees to provide

golfers with more options or simply

encourage golfers to use existing

forward tees to potentially have a more

enjoyable experience on the course.

The PGA and USGA will be

developing educational and

promotional materials to be distributed

to golf facilities across the country.

World Golf Hall of Fame member

Jack Nicklaus, PGA TOUR star Dustin

Johnson and LPGA star Paula Creamer

have been utilized on materials to carry

the TEE IT FORWARD message. Both

organizations will also leverage PSA

and other promotional opportunities

around their respective championships

to support the initiative.

For more information, visit

PlayGolfAmerica.com/TEEITFORWARD.

The PGA of America and USGA encourage Golfers to TEE IT FORWARD in 2012

www.playgolfamerica.com/teeitforward

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

COMING SOON 2012

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

www.caribbeangolfcentral.com


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If someone were to mention ‘golf wear’, you would have a pretty precise picture of what that means—especially for women. And, it probably includes a pastel pink polo. Cute and dated. But what if you don’t want to wear that? What options do you have? While the fashion picks for men’s golf have pushed the envelope, women’s choices lag behind. Unless you are shopping at Shi Golf. Kelly Su is the founder and designer of Shi Golf. With the rise in popularity of fashion conscious professional women golfers in the LPGA and in the main-stream media, women all over the world have been motivated to learn the game of golf. She was one of these women. Su learned the game of golf in her late twen-ties and isn’t remorseful when she says, “I discovered quickly that my dream of the LPGA was likely not attainable and my vision of being a fashionable golfer was even less attainable.” Instead, she decid-ed to change what she could and launch a line to fill what she saw as a need for

the growing number of female golfers. According to Su, “traditional golf ap-parel did not suit my sense of style nor did it fit well. So as a designer, I began to coordinate my golf outfits with pieces and accessories from my favorite ready-to-wear clothing lines while incorporating key traditional golf pieces. The compli-ments and questions about my golf outfits from my girlfriends who golf and other golfers were overwhelming. It was then that I was inspired to create Shi Golf, a contemporary women’s golf wear line that would be appropriate for golf course requirements yet chic enough to be worn outside the golf course. With its versatile style, modern fit, chic designs, and qual-ity fabrics, Shi Golf was designed to be carried at any golf course or boutique.” First launched in the Spring of 2009, Su has created several lines that are versatile, luxurious mix and match pieces to suit almost every woman’s golf apparel need. She did away with the boxy bermudas and shapeless pastel

polos. The colors and style will make you stand out—whether you are on the links or at a cocktail party afterwards. She introduced low-waisted dresses, flirty skirts, sweet sweaters and v-neck vests. Shi Golf uses breathable fabrics so the pieces are ideal for the green, and their perfect fit makes them sexy enough for dinner after the game. 2012′s collection embraces classics such as the argyle design, traditional polos and pairs it with fun and feminine pieces such as pleated skirts and chino shorts. Also seeing a return are some of their favorite ruffle skirts – femi-nine, classy and stylish. They have also incorporated modern pieces such as the cozy zip up hoodie. This collection was inspired by asymmetrical lines and the “Emerald City’s” earth tones and eco-friendly culture. Su has designed an apparel line that fits and is fashion-able and functional. The look is simple and clean, allowing women to wear the clothes both on and off the course. Shi Golf is a tribute to women by showcas-ing their inner and outer beauty. Golfers find essence in great moments on the course and why shouldn’t those great moments reflect style? Shi Golf is available at stores in California, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan and Wash-ington. It can also be found online at www.golf4her.com, www.readygolf.com, and www.ladygolf.com. For more information or to order directly from the website, please visit www.shi-golf.com.

http://www.golf4her.com

http://www.readygolf.com

http://www.ladygolf.com

http://www.shi-golf.com

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Going blind helped open Jeremy Poincenot’s eyes to many opportunities. He found out first-hand that people who are legally blind can still participate in cycling, distance running and run a small business. Most incredibly, he learned that he could still be a successful golfer, in spite of his blindness. This was very good news to the Carlsbad native, as Poincenot has inherited a passion for the game from his parents who met when both worked in the golf industry (his dad, Lionel, still works in product development at Callaway Golf Company). “I grew up golfing with my dad every Sunday since I was 11,” he said. These outings were threatened in late 2008, when Poincenot, then a 19-year-old SDSU student, noticed blurry vision first in one eye, then the other within a matter of weeks. After a frustrating series of inconclusive tests and unnecessary treatments, he was told that he had Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare genetic disorder that strikes mostly young men. LHON has no treatment and no cure. Today, Poincenot describes his vision as “something like a doughnut” with no vision in the middle, but clear peripheral vision. As one can imagine, the challenges LHON created for him resulted in major lifestyle changes. He can no longer drive and must memorize his path to his classes before the start of each semester. While he doesn’t read Braille, his still intact peripheral vision allows him to read a book or computer screen when greatly magnified. He cannot recognize faces, but most people that know him have learned to tell him their

name as they start a conversation. Even with the obstacles created by his LHON, Poincenot still found a way to participate in his favorite sport when, in the spring of 2009, his mother told him about the U.S. Blind Golf Association. At first

Poincenot wasn’t sold on the idea of being a visually impaired golfer, but the more he thought about it, the more he warmed to the idea. With his father on board to help, Poincenot found that once he got his feet lined up correctly and was verbally advised on the distance to the hole and course layout, he

was able to successfully play 18 holes and with pretty impressive results. At his first tournament in September 2009, he placed second in his sight category. Since then he has won several tournaments including the 2010 World Blind Golf Championships in England and the 2011 U.S. National Championships in Georgia. He was also invited to play in events in Japan and China to raise awareness of blind golf, as well as in the 2011 PGA Farmers Insurance Pro-Am at Torrey Pines in La Jolla. But there’s a lot more to Poincenot than just being a golfer: three years ago, he and a friend founded an annual bike ride from Santa Barbara to San Diego called Cycling Under Reduced Eyesight (C.U.R.E.) which has raised over $50,000 for LHON research since its inception. He also ran the Carlsbad Half-Marathon in 2010 and, until recently, helped to manage a small clothing business, Dienasty Select, which he established with two fraternity brothers. When Poincenot graduates from SDSU in the spring of 2013 with his degree in management/entrepreneurship, he plans to expand his developing career as a motivational speaker and, of course, to continue to work on his golf game in between

speaking engagements.

Eyes Wide Open

www.golfhypnosisflorida.com


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The 2012 Callaway Collegiate Match Play Championship follows March 18-20. South Florida will serve as host school for the event and will be joined by defending champions Duke, Arizona

State, Arkansas, California, Chattanooga, Colorado State, East Carolina, Indiana, Iowa, Kennesaw State, Liberty, Oklahoma State, Tennessee UNC-Wilm ington and Washington State. Oklahoma State is the only two-time winner in the event’s history (2004 and 2006). Arkansas, East Carolina, Kennesaw State, Liberty, UNC-

Wilmington and South Florida will be making their first appearances in the event.

The IMG Junior Golf Tour’s season-ending Power Balance Tour Championship will be May 12-13. Eighty-four players will take to this severely challenging layout for the Tour’s ultimate prize. Developed to fill a key niche in junior golf, the IMG

Junior Golf Tour provides an elite setting for junior golfers to compete and gain exposure to college golf, professional golf, national junior rankings and athletic excellence.

The 21st Annual Rolex Girls Junior Championship is set to tee off June 11-15. This prestigious all-girls Invitational staged by the American Junior Golf Association will showcase top-ranked femalejunior golfers in a 72-hole stroke play competition.

For more information on any of these events, call 941-322-1922 or visit www.theconcession.com.

The Concession Golf Club, an award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course designed in association with Tony Jacklin, is gearing up for a busy 2012, as they will be hosting several prestigious events over the next few months in Bradenton, Fla.

The Big Ten Match Play Championship Feb. 9-11 will kick things off. After the NCAA Golf Championship format changed in 2009 to include match play, the Big Ten coaches organized their own match play tournament to help provide their teams with more match play opportunities. When the teams face off in February for the fourth time, two-time defending champion Northwestern will be looking to defend its back-to-back Big Ten titles. The event will be televised on the Big Ten Network.

March 5-6 marks the Second Annual Archie Griffin Celebrity Golf Classic. Griffin and other sports celebrities will play with Alumni from The Ohio State University, members of The Concession as well as sponsors and individual donors. The proceeds raised from this five-star event benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, which has played an integral role in the community for more than 40 years. The club provides after-school and summer programs to youth 6-18 years of age, a safe and positive environment for kids to learn and grow. The event is hosted by Concession Charities which is dedicated to helping worthy non-profit organizations improve the quality of life for every member of the Sarasota/Bradenton community. The Concession Charities serves as a touchstone for the spirit of sportsmanship that defines The Concession Golf Club’s history as a compassionate neighbor.

The Concession to host 2 major collegiate events, Rolex Girls Junior Championship, Celebrity Golf Classic

Photo by Donald Lynd

Photo by Russell KirkHole No. 3 at The Concession

http://www.theconcession.com


www.innonthelakes.com

www.merrymaids.com



One hundred amateurs paired with some of the biggest names in golf, participated in The Immokalee Foundation’s sixth annual Charity Classic Pro-Am hosted by Bay Colony Golf Club in Naples. The day included a round of golf, clinics, breakfast and lunch – with proceeds benefitting the children of Immokalee through TIF. It was a day filled with winners – both on and off the course. The tournament raised $372,700, coupled with a fundraising dinner and auction, both events raised $1.6 million for the nonprofit organization. The team of Kevin Johnson, Wayne Meland, Greg Stupinski and John Wajda – playing nine holes with 11-time PGA Tour winner, Andy Bean, and nine holes with Naples native and golf pro, George McNeill – took first place at the golf tournament. The group was awarded the Rick Kletjian Cup, named in honor of the late Rick Kletjian, an early supporter of TIF’s Take Stock in Children program. According to TIF board member, Don O’Neill, Kletjian was one of the first true believers in the foundation’s vocational success program, which helps non-college bound kids participate in vocational and on-the-job training. “After hearing about the pilot program, Rick gave us a substantial gift to help launch the program,” he said. “He chose TIF because we were helping kids who had few advantages but lots of heart. We thought it only appropriate to name the Pro-Am first place prize in his honor to recognize his contributions.” The foursome wasn’t the only group that walked away victorious. Alex Galvan, Gerardo Lugo, Charity Gonzales and Erial Perez, all TIF students, had the privilege of playing alongside Nationwide Tour pro Erik Compton, and receiving golf tips from four-time PGA Tour winner Michael Bradley. The tournament left quite an impression on Naples resident, Frank Pinto. Playing in the Charity Classic Pro-Am for the first time, Pinto sunk a hole-in-one on the 16th hole of the Bay Colony course, winning him his

choice of a Jaguar or Porsche (he chose the Jaguar) graciously donated by Jaguar Naples. Kevin Johnson of The Johnson Meland Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and chairperson of the Charity Classic Pro-Am said Mark Lye, a PGA Tour professional and Golf Channel analyst, deserves particular recognition for the crucial role he plays in the success of the tournament. This year, Lye once again recruited an impressive group of professionals from the LPGA, PGA Tour, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour to participate in the tournament including Brian Gay, Russ Cochran, Bruce Fleisher, Daniel Chopra, Chip Beck, Andy Bean, Jim Gallagher, Wayne Levi, Brad Bryant, Derek Lamely, Terry Jo Myers, Cindy Rarick, Kris Tschetter and many more.

“This event would not be where it is today without the tremendous support of Mark and his wife, Lisa, as well as our sponsors, the golf professionals, participants, volunteers and other supporters,” said Johnson. “With their help, we are able to provide a brighter future for the children of Immokalee.” Presenting sponsor for the 2011 Charity Classic Celebration was The Johnson Meland Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. Additional sponsors were Fifth Third Bank, founding sponsor; and GE Foundation, corporate matching sponsor. Hope Society sponsors included Arthrex Inc. and Texas Roadhouse. The Empowerment Circle sponsor was Kelly Tractor. Education Circle sponsors included Bigham Jewelers, Caterpillar Foundation, Jaguar Naples and Porsche of Naples, and Joseph’s Custom Clothiers. Naples Illustrated was the corporate media sponsor. The Immokalee Foundation has a range of programs that focus on building pathways to success through college and vocational school, mentoring and tutoring, and opportunities for broadening experiences and life skills development. To learn more about the Charity Classic Celebration, volunteering as a mentor or for additional information, call 239-430-9122 or visit www.immokaleefoundation.org.

TIF Pro-Am is a Hole-In-One

Frank Pinto.

Mark Lye, Kevin Johnson

Gerardo Lugo, Alex Galvan, Nationwide Tour pro Erik Compton, Charity Gonzales, Erial Perez

http://www.immokaleefoundation.org


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Following the recent renovation

and expansion of its outdoor meet-

ing, event and recreational space, The

Renaissance World Golf Village Resort

and Convention Center in Jacksonville/

St. Augustine, Florida is adding another

new recreational option to groups.

Beginning February 1, 2012, groups

and guests at the AAA Four-Diamond

Northeast Florida resort will enjoy

privileges at the exclusive Serenata

Beach Club, which features a breath-

taking setting overlooking the Atlantic

Ocean. The announcement was made

by Jeffrey Oliasami, general manager of

the 301-room Renaissance World Golf

Village Resort, which together with the

adjacent World Golf Hall of Fame offers

101,000 square feet of meeting and

event space, making it the largest com-

bination hotel and convention center

between Atlanta and Orlando.

The private Serenata Beach Club

features: a 12,000-square-foot ocean-

front clubhouse; a 4,000-square-foot

adult pool with dedicated lap lanes; a

4,000-square-foot pool with a cascad-

ing 12-foot waterfall; a fully-equipped

fitness center; fully-equipped locker

facilities; an activities director; and per-

sonal trainers. In addition to providing

privileges to groups and guests, The Re-

naissance World Golf Village Resort also

will provide a complimentary shuttle

to and from Serenata Beach Club for in-

dividual guests (based on availability).

Serenata Beach Club is located in Ponte

Vedra Beach, in between St. Augustine

and Ponte Vedra, a comfortable drive

from The Renaissance World Golf Vil-

lage Resort.

“We’re adding privileges at the

beautiful and exclusive Serenata Beach

Club to cater to the many needs of

our groups and guests,” said Oliasami.

“While we already feature such excep-

tional recreational options as golf on

our two championship courses, and our

proximity to the wonderful and charm-

ing historic sites in St. Augustine, we’re

adding privileges at Serenata so that

our groups and guests can experience

the beach and Atlantic Ocean in first-

class style.”

Located within the lush 6,300-acre

World Golf Village, the resort completed

a $10 million resort-wide renovation

in 2008, which included the complete

remodeling of guest rooms and suites,

a dramatically-renovated lobby, newly-

remodeled guest room corridors, an

expanded fitness center with state-

of-the-art equipment, and enhanced

meeting space.

For information on The

Renaissance World Golf Village

Resort and Convention Center, call

888-740-7020 or 904-940-8000, or visit

www.renwgv.com.

The Privil ege of Serenata Beach Club

http://www.renwgv.com

www.celcius.com


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se➊ TipTeeToe® Golf Shoes Good balance and weight transfer are needed to maintain a consistent golf swing. TipTeeToe® has developed and patented the world’s first wedge sole designed golf shoe to help women golfers achieve better balance and stability when addressing and hitting the ball. We are excited to unveil our new 2012 Low Wedge design,�said Micky Gallas, President of TipTeeToe®. �We were the first company to come out with a stylish yet effective wedge technology that positively affects posture at every stage of the golf swing. Our shoes are USGA conforming, look great and perform well on the course. Women will find they have better balance while wearing our wedge shoe and that will positively impact on their golf game.”

The TipTeeToe® Low Wedge comes in the attractive color combinations of: white/red, black/hot pink, white/black, black/white and solid black and includes a built-in ball marker and color coordinated straps. To purchase visit www.tipteetoe.com.

➋ Hello Kitty Golf Hello Kitty Golf is designed for golfers of all ages and all skill levels. Whether it’s the junior golf set designed for immense appeal to the younger golfer or the classy, ladies complete set designed with both fashion and performance in mind, golfers of all ages will now be able to bring one of America’s most beloved icons, Hello Kitty, out onto the course. The complete line includes children’s and women’s golf clubs, golf bags, pouches, gloves, balls, tees, and head covers. Three girls’ sets will be available – a set for three to five-year olds that includes a 4-hybrid, a 7-iron, a putter, stand bag and headcover for $139.99; a set for six to eight-year olds that includes a driver, 4-hybrid, 7-iron, sand wedge, putter, standbag and headcovers for $179.99; and a set for nine to 12-year old olds, featuring a driver, 4-hybrid, 7- and 9-irons, sand wedge, putter, stand bag and headcovers for $199.99. For more information visit www.wsh-golf.com.

http://www.tipteetoe.com

http://www.wsh-golf.com


➌ STX Golf – SS7 & SS8 Putters The SS7 Putter features a heavier head with perimeter weighting, per-fectly suited for both belly and long length putters. Its wing-like sections add balance with weight. These segments are also designed for an easy, non-drag take away. Optic openings aid with alignment as well as weight distribution. The center shafted SS7 Putter head is finished with a distinc-tive black PVD coating and weighs either 450 grams for the belly or 500 grams for the long. The belly lengths are 41-inches and 43-inches. The SS7 long putter is available in 48-inches and 50-inches. The loft specification is 3-degrees and lies are 75 and 79 grams, depending on the length you choose. It is available in both the red and black inserts. The SS8 Blade Putter is a modern adaptation to the classically designed blade. Its clean top-line seamlessly transitions to a half offset, flared neck hosel. The center of gravity is precisely positioned at the impact zone due to the innovative, progressive muscle back and extended heel design. The modern head weighs in at 360 grams and is also finished in black PVD. The SS8 has a 71-degree lie angle and 3-degrees of loft. Both 34-inches and 35-inches are offered on the SS8 Blade Putter. As with the SS7 Belly Putter, the red and black inserts are available.

➎ Tattoo Golf Tattoo Golf was launched out of corner of a small garage in the summer of ’99 and through the years they have continued to grow into one of the premier alternative clothing companies in the golf industry today. Their line of Aggressive Golf Apparel is not your traditional golf clothing company and it certainly is not for everyone but if you are young at heart, enjoy golf, and are looking for a clothing line with that WOW factor, then Tattoo Golf has you covered! Mixing top-of-the-line fabrics and material together with tattoo inspired designs, Tattoo Golf continues to crank out exciting and unique designs for today’s athletic and alternative sports enthusiasts.The Tattoo Golf line can be found at www.tattoogolf.com as well as in pro shops and other retail outlets from Maui to Maine.

➍ Madcapz Women's Golf Caps & Visors Madcapz women’s golf caps are a welcome addition to women’s golf headwear! Madcapz unique colorful golf caps offer a chic new twist on that classic accessory – the baseball cap! Made specifically for women by a woman, Madcapz offer a low profile fit women love, have an adjustable strap for a comfy fit, are 100% cotton, and are available in over 20 fun fabulous prints so every woman golfer can find a Madcapz to suit her style on and off the greens! For those who love visors, Madcapz are available in self-fastening visors, too. Madcapz, proudly made in the USA, retail from $19.00 to $22.00 and are available online at www.madcapz.net.

http://www.tattoogolf.com

http://www.madcapz.net


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se ➊ Asher Golf Gloves This is not your typical golf glove. Asher Golf Gloves offers premium golf gloves using the best materials available. The all-weather CoolTech with cabretta leather reinforcements provides long lasting durability. Asher Golf Gloves offer different styles that are sure to please both the young guns and the young at heart. The Death Grip showcases a contrasting, oversized skull print on the palm and the detach-able skull ball marker making it one of the most unique products in the business. Try one of their other cool designs like Eye Candy or Birdy. For more information or to purchase your pair, visit www.ashergolf.com.

➌ PuttistPutting is half of golf, but ONLY if you two-putt. How can I putt better? This question has plagued golfers for centuries. Introducing PUTTIST that uses digital sensor technology to measure putting distance and accuracy. Practice 6 to 45 foot putts in a 5 foot space to train your muscle memory. Green Speed is adjustable to Slow, Average and Fast. Training is fun with skill games to measure improvement. Practice anytime, anywhere—even in your living room, office, or while traveling. Train with PUTTIST—the three-putt killer! www.puttist-usa.com.

➋ Sundog EyewearSundog Eyewear continues the evolution of sunglasses designed specifically for golfers with the 2012 Collection. Twelve new models feature Sundog Eyewear’s industry-leading Mela-Lens™

technology for the ultimate in protection and clarity with no

color distortion. The 2012 LASER offers a sleek Suspended Lens Open Frame design in three choices of MaxFlex RILSAN frames, Megol temple tips and nose pads, and smoke or brown lens. LASER is available in Mela-Lens™, Mela-Lens™ Polarized, and Mela-Lens™ Photochromic™ models. To view the 2012 Sundog Eyewear Collection visit www.sundogeyewear.com.

http://www.ashergolf.com

http://www.puttist-usa.com

www.sundogeyewear.com

www.lpgainternational.com


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gles Aces & Eagles

Legends Golf and Country Club Promotes Former Big 10 Player of the Year Lee Williamson to Head

Golf Instructor

The Legends Golf and Country Club, located off U.S. 27 south of SR 50 in Clermont has promoted former Big 10 player of the year Lee Williamson as head golf instructor. Gene Garrote, president of Celebra-tion Golf Management, who owns and operates the Legends Golf and Country Club, said Williamson lettered in golf and graduated from Purdue University , where he earned Big 10 Conference player of the year honors. Williamson turned pro in 2002, Gar-rote said. He won the Indiana Open in 2004, the Toledo Open in 2005 and was Winnipeg Press Champion in 2005.

Karen Howell has been named National Sales Manager at The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort and Convention Center in Jacksonville/St. Augustine, Florida . In her new position she is responsible for working with meeting professionals, association executives, incentive/recognition specialists, business executives, and travel agents to coordinate meetings and group programs at the 301-room Northeast Florida resort. Together with the adjacent World Golf Hall of Fame, the AAA Four-Diamond resort is the largest combination hotel and convention center between Atlanta and Orlando , with 101,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Prior to joining The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort and Convention Center, Howell served for four years as Group Sales Manager at Crowne Plaza Jacksonville Riverfront. Prior to that, she served at that hotel as the Social Catering Manager for two years. Other hospitality experience includes serv-ing as Conference Sales Coordinator at Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort in Pawley’s Island , South Carolina , and as Catering Coordinator at The Cloister Hotel on Sea Island , Georgia . She may be reached at [email protected].

The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort and Convention Center Names Karen Howell

National Sales Manager

The King and Prince Golf Course on St. Simons Island is honored to have Mr. Rick Mattox, one of America’s most respected golfers, leading their club for nearly 23 years. Mattox, General Manager and Head Professional, has been chosen to receive the 2011 Bill Strasbaugh Award, presented to PGA members who have shown outstanding integrity, commitment to mentoring PGA Professionals and who have made a significant impact on the careers of others. The PGA Georgia Section also considers the member’s service to the Association and involvement in community and charitable activities. Announced by Michael A. Paull, Executive Director of the PGA Georgia Section, Mattox will be honored at the fifth annual Special Awards Banquet on February 25, 2012 at Turner Field in Atlanta.

PGA Award Honors Island Golf Pro Rick Mattox


33PREVIEWROUNDSADDED BONUS - You’ll receive a member card that gives you access to play Private Courses for unbelievable rates! We call these “Preview Rounds” and you will call them awesome.

44TOURNAMENTSERIESLike to play in individual balltournaments? ExecGolf Members can play in Elite Tournaments at the best courses in the area.

THE QUARRY

Playing Golf MoreThan Twice This Year?

The ExecGolf Membership is a Must Have!

UNLIMITEDGOLF

If you live close by or just really like a specific course, you can play those courses as many times as you like for the special ExecGolf Rate of up to 50% OFF the normal cost to play.

DID YOU KNOW?ExecGolf is a year-round membership. Play now and all of 2012!

22

MUST USEPROMO CODE F G C 5 9

95 +tax

$59 (regular price $99.95)

EARLY BIRDIE

SPECIAL

OFFER EXPIRES 1/31/12

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP201220122012

(407) 544-1124ExecGolf.com(407) 544-1124ExecGolf.com

M E M B E R S H I P

2012

BONUSROUNDS

You will receive at least one round (most courses offer 2+ rounds) at each Participating Course for ONLY $25.00! That includes greens and cart fees.

A N D M A N Y M O R E !

We call these “Bonus Rounds” and you will love them!

11

EXEC GOLF PARTICIPATING COURSES

GRANDE LAKES

www.execgolf.com

www.theconcession.com

SHOOT WITH THE STARS AT ARNIE’S PLACE

Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando FL • February 24, 2012

Imagine fulfilling your dream of playing the legendary Bay Hill Club and teeing it up with celebrities for charity!

Be a part of the All-Star Weekend excitement and play a round with some of the greatest names in sports

and entertainment, while helping a great cause, Arnie’s Army. Join host Anthony Anderson at Arnold

Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge at the All-Star Celebrity Golf Invitational for an experience of a lifetime.

For sponsorship opportunities or other ways to participate, visit www.celebritygolfinvitational.com or call (407) 656-1655

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http://www.celebritygolfinvitational.com

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


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