GEORGIAPGA.COM GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM «« MAY 2011 Junior Golf in Georgia The Manor now open to non-member play Former private club sports standout Watson design
has been growing its membership By Mike Blum steadily over the past year, but the num - he choices for metro Atlanta’s bers still left too many open slots on the daily fee golfers have gradu - tee sheet. ally diminished over the past Atlanta-based Affiniti Golf Partners decade, as at least 10 courses recently assumed management of the Hole 8 Thave converted to private status and sev - club, which has now opened a limited eral others have gone out of business. number of tee times for non-member Some of the metro area’s best public play. Initial results have been positive, enough slots left to comfortably access layouts were among that group, and the club is well on the way to filling accommodate non-members, most notably White Columns, Atlanta’s the niche left vacant in the area since including weekend availabilities. premier upscale daily fee facility. White Columns went private. Those who have visited The In recent years, construction of new The Manor Golf and Country Club is Manor for the first time recently daily fee courses has all but disappeared, a standout Tom Watson design that has have discovered what the club’s and the handful of private clubs that established an early reputation for con - members have known from the have opened have been impacted ditioning that makes it a worthy outset – the course is one of the finest in tremendously by the economic down - successor to White Columns as the all of Metro Atlanta regardless of status. playable. At 7,177 yards from turn that has hit the golf business hard course of choice for those in search of a Watson’s design is scenic, distinctive the tips and 6,738 from the blue tees, all over the country. quality upscale golf experience. The and exceedingly enjoyable, and provides The Manor has sufficient yardage, but The Manor, which opened as a private club’s members still have advanced sufficient challenge to keep you on your club in north Fulton County in 2006, access to prime tee times, but there are toes while remaining comfortably [ See The Manor, page 6 ]
Improve your vision. Go to gol oregeorgia.com to register Improve your game. Register to win a LASIK procedure from Register for this month’s contest For information about online at LASIK and Dr. Ashraf go to A $4500 gol oregeorgia.com! value! *Restrictions may apply. Contest ends 6/5/11. www.atlanta2020.com Go on-roading.
» MEET OUR FIRST STREET LEGAL VEHICLE
Balancing safety, convenience and eco-inspired living, the new E-Z-GO® 2Five™ makes running errands, meeting for coffee or cruising the neighborhood more enjoyable. It’s street legal on most public roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less and features a 48-volt AC electric powertrain, three-point seat belts, four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, a 12-volt accessory outlet and an on-board charger. Combined with high performance, a low carbon footprint and a wealth of unexpected features, the 2Five is the perfect complement to any lifestyle.
Golf Rider, Inc. T&T Sales, LLC 100 Huddleston Road 4470 HWY 136 W Peachtree City, GA 30269 Trenton, GA 30752 (770) 631-0014 (706) 657-2676
Learn more at www.ezgo.com/2fi ve.
© 2010 E-Z-GO Division of Textron Inc.
2 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2011 STAY | PLAY | MEET | UNWIND
BARNSLEY’S AWARD-WINNING, JIM FAZIO DESIGNED SIGNATURE GOLF COURSE
ZHOO ZRUWK WKH GULYH Spring is here and there’s no better time to get out and enjoy a round of golf at Barnsley Gardens Resort. Look no further than our Jim Fazio-designed, par-72 championship Ranked #3 as a 2010 Top Southern course for your next round. With its flawless bent-grass greens and striped bermuda grass U.S. Golf Resort by Condé Nast Traveler fairways, the course was named the 3rd best golf course in the Southeast on Condé Nast * * * * * Traveler’s “2010 Best Golf Resorts List,” which highlights the top 80 best places to golf in One of Golf Magazine’s the U.S. Premier Resorts for 2010 * * * * * With one of the best collections of par-3s in the nation and astonishing elevation changes Silver Medalist Award running throughout, this masterfully designed course is a treat to play and challenges by Golf Digest (2009) golfers of all skill levels. A short distance from anywhere in the southeast, Barnsley golf * * * * * is well worth the drive. GGCOA “Course of the Year” (2007/2008) MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE | PUBLIC WELCOME
BARNSLEYRESORT.COM FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 770.773.7480
GOLF SPA SPORTING CLAYS HUNTING HORSEBACK RIDING DINING HIKING BIKING GARDENS
MAY 2011 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 3 Instruction Fore You 3021 Kalah Place, Marietta, GA 30067 770-933-04GA • 770-953-6638 (Fax) golfforegeorgia.com • [email protected] PUBLISHER Golf Media, Inc. • John Barrett EDITOR Mike Blum JUNIOR GOLF COORDINATOR Ashley Hanna The Emotional Target SOCIAL MEDIA / CREATIVE SERVICES By Mark Anderson reach the give up zone when the pain of HughesMedia, Inc. PGA Director of Instruction expectation gets so great we can’t take it any CONTRIBUTORS Mark Anderson more and we emotionally check out. We Steve Dinberg I would like you to imagine an archery don’t quit although some actually do walk Al Kooistra target. In the center of the target is the off the course. Usually we just go through Lake-Finlay Image Group Georgia Golf Course Owners Association bulls-eye. This is the Challenge zone and the the motions of playing. The lights are on but MARKETING & ADVERTISING area that we should play golf. In the chal - nobody is home so to speak. John Barrett, Sales lenge zone we are in the present time and What is really interesting about the give Rick Holt, Corporate Sales golf is fun and challenging. We see the shot up zone is that people usually start to play ART DIRECTOR and hit the shot and find the ball and do it better in this zone. The reason is that their Lori Montgomery again. This is how golf should be played. expectations went away. They will have a GEORGIA SECTION , The next zone just outside the challenge couple of good holes and someone in the PGA OF AMERICA OFFICERS zone is the Choking zone. When we are in group will say, “See, it’s not so bad.” President the choking zone we get into either the past The person in give up mode will usually Patrick Richardson, PGA • [email protected] or future thinking. Like every time I play this explode and say, “Who cares, my score is Vice President Brian Stubbs, PGA • hole I duck hook the ball into the water or blown anyway!” [email protected] OB. We could think if I par this hole I will Now that you know the emotional target Secretary shoot my best round ever or win a tourna - and they went by in 30 seconds. Now you can regulate yourself to stay in the Mark Mongell, PGA ment. You get the picture. the four year old will have a great time present. If you think about your best rounds [email protected] Honorary President We get out of the Challenge zone when but will probably cry and have some ever, you hit some not so great shots. You Jim Arendt, PGA • [email protected] we start to have expectations. This gets us disappointment. just accepted them as part of the game and out of the present time. Remember this I have another example about husbands overcame the mistakes. Stay in the present CHAPTER PRESIDENTS formula: “Expectations = Pain.” This doesn’t and wives and anniversaries but I think you and your scores will be better. Leave your Central Chapter President just apply to golf. get the point that expectations = pain. expectations on the range. Jarred Reneau, PGA • [email protected] East Chapter President Think of four-year-olds going to Disney The next zone is the Anger Zone. We The emotional target information came Steve Godley , PGA • [email protected] World for the first time. They have seen the reach the anger zone when the pain of from the book “The New Mental Toughness North Chapter President commercials. The big pumpkin chariot is expectations of how we think we should Training for Sports,” written by Dr. James Ted Fort , PGA • [email protected] going to pick up the family and take them to play gets us very upset and angry. Loehr. I have applied it to golf but it does AT - LARGE DIRECTORS Disney World and Mickey Mouse and Goofy “I should be scoring better. I have worked work. I highly recommend the book. Daryl Batey, PGA are going to ride the rides with them hard and have been hitting it great on [email protected] and walk down Main Street with them. the range.” Mark Anderson was the Director of Roger Cherico, PGA The weather is great and it will be the most We actually get angry for two reasons, Instruction at Bentwater GC for almost [email protected] fun ever. first because of the above statement and six years and taught some of the area’s John Crumbley, PGA [email protected] The reality is that there is a long car ride. secondly because I am letting the people top junior golfers, including Georgia Tech Jeff Dunovant, PGA There are a bunch of people there. It is hot playing in my group know, “I usually don’t signee Ollie Schniederjans. He can be [email protected] and we had to stand in line a lot. The only play this bad.” reached at [email protected] John Godwin, PGA time I saw Mickey and Goofy was in a parade The last zone is the Give Up Zone. We or 678-895-8506. [email protected] Scott Mahr, PGA [email protected] Michael Raymond, PGA [email protected] INSIDE THIS ISSUE SENIOR DIVISION President t JUNIOR GOLF IN GEORGIA: DEPARTMENTS: Gordon McIntire , PGA • [email protected] s OTHER ARTICLES & DEPARTMENTS ASSISTANTS ’ DIVISION
a President c Georgia Junior Tours ...... 8 Georgia PGA tournament previews ...... 26 David Potts , PGA • [email protected] e Getting juniors started ...... 10 r Masters report ...... 28 Executive Director Mike Paull Private clubs and juniors ...... 12 Assistant Executive Director/ o Near miss for Kirk in Houston ...... 30 Junior Golf Director Scott Gordon F Focus on girls and golf ...... 12 Tournament Director Pat Day, PGA First Tee in Georgia ...... 14 NationwideTour update ...... 32 Operations Manager Eric Wagner Section Assistant Traci Waters Juniors in competition ...... 16 Georgia PGA and PGA Championship ...... 34 Georgia’s junior history ...... 18 FOREGeorgia is produced by Golf Media, Inc. Chip shotsT:Ktournament roundup ...... 36 Copyright ©2010 with all rights reserved. Mariah Stackhouse profile ...... 20 Reproduction or use, without permission, College golf report ...... 37 of editorial or graphic content is prohibited. Golf Fore Juniors ...... 22 Georgia PGA web site: www.georgiapga.com. Course reviews ...... 38 Summer junior camps ...... 24-25 Please send press releases to [email protected]
4 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM Pinetree Country Club
6 Month Trial Memberships 3LQHWUHH &RXQWU\ &OXE RIIHUV KROHV RI FKDP- available for SLRQVKLS JROI ZLWK DQ H[WHQVLYH SUDFWLFH IDFLOLW\ all categories 7KH FRXUVH WDNHV IXOO DGYDQWDJH RI WKH UROOLQJ WHUUDLQ PLUURUHG SRQGV DQG VSHFWDFXODU VFHQHU\ )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ SOHDVH FDOO RXU 6DOHV 2IÀFH DW 0F&ROOXP 3DUNZD\ .HQQHVDZ *$ ZZZSLQHWUHHFFRUJ Save your gas & Bring your game! Enjoy the convenience of Heritage Golf Links’ location, just off I-85 and I-285, while you take on its unique design and layout! d. r R ke uc T s os cr 85 or N . S Tu blee cker R Cham d. 285 an affiniti managed club affinitigolf.com Follow us on ook! Faceb Visit HeritageGolfLinks.com or call 770-493-GOLF (4653)! Just off I-85 and Pleasantdale Rd. "RITT 2OAD s 4UCKER '! MAY 2011 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 5 Most of the greens have ample size and proper level of the putting surface. healthy amounts of undulation, and The back nine opens with a scenic Watson divides many of them into sec - view from the stairstep tees at the down - tions with the use of ridges and his hill 10th, with plenty of sand in play on positioning of bunkers. Plenty of the pin both the tee shot and approach. positions are in spots that are very well Watson provides more scoring oppor - protected by sand and/or the terrain, tunities on the par 5s, with three of the with the multiple tiers on the putting four right around 500 yards from the surfaces effectively reducing the size of blue tees. Only the gently rolling 8th has the target and combined with the terrain, much length, and it doesn’t present a making for some very treacherous serious challenge until you near the recovery shots. green, one of many at The Manor with a Thanks to the superb condition of the pronounced ridge that can make things greens, you can expect to hole a putt or very difficult if you have to negotiate it. two if you get one started on line, but Some deep, inset bunkers right of the they have sufficient speed and movement green are also best avoided. to make you earn what you get. Both the 3rd and 13th play downhill Watson offers up a diverse to the green after the tee shot, offering a mix of holes, with The Manor chance to get home in two following a featuring one of the stronger well-struck drive. The 18th offers an group of par 3s you’ll play, expanse of fairway, but mounds down especially considering that the right and a waste bunker left are very water is a factor on only one much in play, with an angular green of them, and not a particu - making for differing angles of attack larly serious concern on the depending on where the pin is placed. lone exception. All four In its brief existence, The Manor has measure more than 200 hosted events for both the Georgia PGA yards from the tips, and GSGA, and none of the state’s club although the 7th is on the professionals or top amateurs was able to short side from the other tees. take Watson’s thoughtful creation apart, Hole 3 Among the concerns are some of the although scores were reasonably low. more demanding greens complexes on For golfers not capable of shooting in to the facility feel at home. the course, with the four presenting the 60s, The Manor is an eminently “Tom Watson did such an amazing job differing challenges from the tee due enjoyable but sufficiently challenging The Manor opens with the design,” Hough says. “There are to Watson’s use of disparate greens layout to make for an entertaining round to non-member play elevation changes and lots of hills, but configurations. no matter how well you play. The overall [ Continued from the cover ] the course does not play like one at the The Manor is the rare course without ambience meets the expectations you foothills of the mountains. what can be accurately described as a would have for a high end private club “There are not a lot of blind shots and monster par 4. The longest of the group that is allowing non-member play at the downhill nature of a significant most of the holes play downhill, which is is the 5th, which can play as long as 478 rates of $69 Tuesday-Thursday and $89 number of the holes makes the distance fun for golfers. Most everybody is very yards, but in reality is significantly Friday-Sunday. less of a concern. excited to have the chance to play here, shorter due to its considerable drop from Affiniti Golf Partners now manages a For the most part, The Manor is rea - and say they expect to come back. I think tee to landing area. number of metro Atlanta’s best courses sonably generous off the tee and there are we’ll get a lot of return business.” There are just a handful of water haz - that are accessible to the public, with The not an abundance of hazards in play. The most distinctive aspect of ards in play on the course, with most of Manor joining Echelon, also a former However, thanks to some of the more Watson’s design is the way he uses the them found on the par 4s, another slight private club, as well as Chestatee, demanding greens complexes you’ll terrain to form the heart of the course’s twist that differentiates Watson’s consis - Heritage Golf Links and Cobblestone. encounter, the course has some relatively challenge. Many of the tee shots require tently interesting layout. While it is allowing some non- high Course Rating/Slope numbers, a decent amount of accuracy to avoid The 2nd features a creek that snakes member play, The Manor continues to beginning at 74.9/143 from the Watson hillsides or drop-offs which can result in through the fairway and may require a add to its membership, and is a true tees and a healthy 73.8/140 from some very awkward lies. There are also a layup from the tee. Water lurks just off family-oriented club with a host of out - the blues. number of strategic fairway bunkers in the right edge of a huge green that offers standing amenities. Included are 16 The white tees, which measure 6,338 play, but you will likely become more a fairly narrow target, with mounds lighted tennis courts, including four yards, are a comfortable fit for the bogey familiar with the sand guarding the along the left side offering the possibility indoors and six clay courts, two swim - golfer, but still represent a real test at large, undulating greens that will give of a friendly bounce or a testy chip. ming pools, one of which offers a 70.6/135. The senior tees are right at all aspects of your short game a A pond down the left side of the 6th splendid view from the top level of the 5,800 yards, with the forward tees on the real workout. makes for one of the more demanding clubhouse, and an activities director. stout side by modern standards at The rolling terrain that impacts the tee tee shots on the course, but it’s the rare “There’s more here than just a golf around 5,200. shots is also very much a factor around hole at The Manor where there is a course,” says Hough, who believes the Jon Hough has been the club’s head the greens, with many of the greens com - serious amount of pressure from the tee. club will return to fully private status if professional since The Manor opened, plexes carved out of hillsides. You will Water is also in play on the three fin - the gains in membership continue. and like the membership, is adjusting to almost certainly be faced with some short ishing holes, most notably on the 17th, the recent changes. Having a course the game shots from above or below the level one of several par 4s of modest dis - caliber of Watson’s gem will attract new of the putting surfaces, and the place - tance that offer scoring visitors to the club, and should keep ment of the bunkers within that terrain opportunities if you can solve For information on The Manor: them coming back, with Hough’s wel - can make for some perplexing sand shots the puzzle of Watson’s well- 678-366-3975 or coming personality easing the transition if you just trickle into them from the protected pin positions and www.manorgcc.com for the members while making those new high side. place your approach shot on the 6 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2011 RD PGA CHAMPIONSHIP AUGUST 8 - 14, 2011 ATLANTA ATHLETIC CLUB JOHNS CREEK, GA TICKETS NOW ON SALE! Juniors 17 and under can attend FREE with a paying adult. (maximum 4 Junior tickets free per paying adult ticket). www.pga2011.com | 1-800-PGA-GOLF MAY 2011 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 7 Junior Golf in Georgia Georgia juniors have multiple tour options Championship held in early August National, state and local events available and the next season beginning shortly after that. The 2010 portion of the schedule included tournaments at Doublegate CC By Mike Blum (Albany), CC of Columbus, Forest Hills (Augusta), Glen Arven (Thomasville), eorgia’s competitive junior the UGA course, Capital City Crabapple golfers have an array of and Callaway Gardens. Sanctuary Cove organizations offering tour - (Brunswick), Sea Island GC, Forest Hills naments throughout the year and Douglas G&CC have already hosted aGt the national, regional and state level, SJGT events this year, with the tour vis - with both the top national and regional iting Dublin CC, Orchard Hills, junior golf tours having their roots Pinetree CC, Idle Hour, Brunswick CC in Georgia. and Hawks Ridge (Ball Ground) prior to The American Junior Golf the end of the 2010-11 schedule. Association has been around since the Among the sites outside Georgia are a late 1970s, with its original home base in number of Robert Trent Jones Trail Roswell at Horseshoe Bend Country courses in Alabama, as well as events in Club. When the organization outgrew Amateur champions over the past 25 years Georgia’s current top junior is Mariah college towns across the region. its modest office at Horseshoe Bend, coming up through the organization. Stackhouse , who has earned All- The age range for SJGT players is it moved a short distance up I-85 Eight of the tournaments on the America honors the last two years and from 12 to 19, with three boys divisions to Chateau Elan, where it has been AJGA’s 2011 schedule will be played in still has a year left before she exits the and two girls divisions. Georgia juniors since 2000. the state. beginning with events last junior ranks. have annually done very well on the tour, The AJGA has grown tremendously month at Savannah Quarters, the frequently sweeping all five division titles over the past 30-plus years, and now has Country Club of the South and the first in tournaments. almost 60 full time staffers and a compa - of two tournaments this year at Chateau Southeastern rable number of Summer interns who will Elan. The second event at the AJGA head - direct and manage approximately 90 tour - quarters is scheduled for May 28-30. Junior Golf Tour naments this year for the organization’s Other AJGA events that will be held in The most prominent of regional tours Georgia PGA membership, which includes more than Georgia this year include annual stops in that include Georgia in its primary terri - tory is the American Junior Golf Junior Tour 5,000 juniors from the U.S. and abroad. Ringgold (WindStone GC, June 7-9) This is the 10th season for the Georgia Association , which was founded by A sizeable percent of players currently and Rome (Coosa CC, June 14-16), an PGA Junior Tour , which was created to Georgia PGA Tournament Director competing on the PGA and LPGA Tours E-Z-Go sponsored tournament in provide a bridge for the state’s junior Todd Thompson . are AJGA alumni, with 80 percent of the Augusta (Jones Creek, July 26-28) that is golfers on the way to regional and Thompson played on the golf team at men’s and women’s NCAA and U.S. being hosted by PGA Tour player national competition, as well as offering Georgia in the 1980s along with a Vaughn Taylor, and a new event at the affordable competitive opportunities for number of future PGA Tour players, and Frederica Club on St. Simons Island juniors who prefer to play close to home. was the Georgia PGA’s Tournament (August 2-4). The 2011 schedule includes 13 two- Director from 1990-94. He started the American Junior Golf Association Over the years, Georgia has produced day events, one of which is open to SJGT in 1994 with six tournaments and 770-868-4200 • www.ajga.org several AJGA national Players of the non-tour members, as well as four one- 60 players, with the current numbers 42 Year, starting with Dalton’s Bill day tournaments during the Summer. and more than 1,000. Southeastern Junior Golf Tour McDonald (1983), who went on to play The open tournament is the Georgia The SJGT includes tournaments in six 1-888-275-7548 • www.sjgt.com at Georgia Tech before becoming a PGA Junior Championship, which is states, and serves as a stepping stone to member of the Georgia PGA. McDonald scheduled for June 6-7 at Eagle’s Landing the American Junior Golf Association, Georgia PGA Junior Tour is currently the golf coach at South in Stockbridge, which hosted Atlanta’s much as the Nationwide Tour does for 678-461-8600 • www.georgiapga.com Carolina. LPGA Tour stop for more than 15 years. the PGA Tour. The tour is now based in Augusta’s Charles Howell was the The Georgia PGA Junior Tour plays at Auburn, Ala., and conducts tournaments The Georgia Junior Tour 1996 AJGA Player of the Year, with top courses all over the state, with com - in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, [email protected] Colbert’s Ryan Hybl sharing that award petition in five age groups, plus two new South Carolina, Florida and Georgia. All 706-714-2902 two years later with future Georgia divisions for college age players looking but six of the tournaments on this year’s www.georgiagolf.com/ Bulldog teammate Erik Compton . for some tournament action during schedule will be played in either Georgia Georgia-JuniorGolfTour Savannah’s Brian Harman was Player the Summer. or Alabama, with Georgia courses of the Year in 2003-04, the second The 2011 schedule has 10 tourna - hosting 17 of the them. GSGA Georgian to earn that distinction more ments remaining plus the four one day One difference between the SJGT and [email protected] than once. Vicki Goetze was the Girls Summer Series events. Among the host other junior tours is that its calendar 770-955-4272 • www.gsga.org Player of the Year from 1988-90 while living just outside Athens. mirrors the school year, with its Tour [ See Junior golf, page 10 ] 8 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2011 MAY 2011 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 9 Junior Golf in Georgia Getting kids started on journey of golf By Mike Perpich country club in order for your kids to fun but not all fun and games. Do your three courses are also a great way for your PGA Director of Instruction learn and enjoy the game, as there are research and find out the structure for child to practice his/her golf skills. On a RiverPines Golf many different kinds of golf programs in the day: how much instructional time, par three course young golfers can have Atlanta and around the state. how much time to work on the skills the opportunity to succeed even when eorgia is a great place for golf Golf programs for kids are abundant learned and how much time is spent they are just beginners. and a wonderful place for these days and can be found at most playing games. Atlanta is home to the Atlanta Junior you to get your kids involved public courses, driving ranges, colleges, You will also want to find out the qual - Golf Association (atlantajuniorgolf.org), G in a sport that will last them recreational departments and even day ifications of the people teaching the which offers opportunities for golfers of a lifetime. There is no better time than camps. It will be up to you the parent to program. A PGA professional will ensure all skills in every age group to play tour - the summer months to begin your kids’ determine how interested your child is in that the instructor has the knowledge nec - naments on area courses. It is a wonderful journey into the game of golf. You learning the game of golf and the amount essary to teach your child golf. Also check way to get your golfer playing on a dif - don’t have to be a member of a private of instruction which will be appropriate to see if the instructors will be taking the ferent course every week. for your child. kids out on a golf course. Remember, the U.S. Kids Golf also makes its home in In looking for a golf program for reason for golf skills is so they can go play Atlanta and makes golf clubs for juniors of your child you have to make sure and enjoy the game. all ages. These clubs are weighted and it is going to be fun, especially If your child already has the skills to designed specifically for the young golfers, if your golfer is a beginner or play golf and is looking for somewhere to which means no more hitting Dad’s old is very young. You have to play, many public courses will offer junior cut-off clubs. US Kids Golf (uskids - make their first experiences cards which you purchase for your child, golf.com.), also offers tournaments for of golf fun so they will allowing him or her to play on the course. young golfers. These two organizations want to continue playing RiverPines, where I teach, offers these specialize in junior golf and are available and pursuing the game. cards for juniors. RiverPines also offers a to everyone interested in the game of golf. Any good program certification program for juniors to ensure Hopefully this article will give you will include instruction they learn the rules of golf and know how some insight into helping you research on the skills of golf to behave on the course as well as keep golf for your child. Atlanta truly is one like putting, chipping, themselves safe. of the greatest golf towns in the world pitching and sand If your junior goes through a certifica - with all kinds of opportunities for your bunker play, as well as the tion program, it can result in savings junior golfer. full swing. Your child toward playing or hitting balls. A certifi - should see improvement cation program or any similar program Mike Perpich is a Golf Magazine Top 100 Mike Perpich works with Johns Creek by the end of the program will be a good indication that your junior Teacher and a U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 HS golfer Matthew Anderson so the program should be golfer will be welcome at that course. Par Teacher; www.mikeperpich.com. them the UGA course, Hawks Ridge, age groups in both boys and girls divi - East, Middle, West, Southeast and Junior golf Chestatee and White Columns. sions, with two-year increments Southwest). Four of the seven sections Scott Gordon is the Georgia beginning at age 6 (6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12- include part of the metro Atlanta area. in Georgia PGA’s Junior Tour Director. 13) and players ages 14-19 competing in Each event costs only $15, with the [ Continued from page 8 ] the same group. entry fee paid at registration on site. Karl Gross , the head professional at There are seven age groups (three for courses for upcoming events are CC of Georgia Junior Tour Highland Walk, is the Tour Director. girls, four for boys), with the oldest divi - Columbus, Stone Mountain GC, Glen The Georgia Junior Tour has begun its sions 16-17 for boys and 14-17 for girls. Arven and the East Lake Classic, which fourth year of operation, with all 10 Competitors are awarded points for will include one round each at the events on the 2011 schedule held at Georgia State their finishes in the Sectional tourna - Charlie Yates Course and East Lake GC, Georgia State Parks courses. ments, with the top players representing the annual host of the PGA Tour The tour opened its 2011 schedule in Golf Association their Section in a Challenge Match, Championship. March and plays one event per month, The GSGA conducts state junior cham - which will be played at the Georgia Club The Georgia PGA Junior Tour also concluding its season Dec. 3-4 with the pionships for boys and girls, as well as July 26-27. visits several other courses that have Champions Cup at The Creek at Hard challenge matches featuring the top Both boys and girls state champi - hosted pro tour events, including Labor, which also hosts a tournament Georgia juniors and their counterparts onships will be played June 20-22, with Callaway Gardens, Kinderlou Forest and this month. from South Carolina. The GSGA also the boys playing at Augusta Country the Tour Championship at Sea Island The other late-season highlight on the runs USGA qualifiers for both of that Club and the girls competing at the GC. Forest Heights and the Georgia schedule is the Bridgestone Battle at organization’s junior championships. Piedmont Driving Club. Club are also on the tour’s schedule Little Ocmulgee, with the tour’s top In addition, the GSGA operates a Each Section has its own chairman this year. players competing against players from Junior Sectional Program, with at least or co-chairmen, with Stacy Easley The four one-day tournaments also the Canongate Junior Tour on Nov. 5-6. four one-day events in each of seven sec - in charge of the overall program. feature some outstanding layouts, among The Georgia Junior Tour features five tions of the state (Northeast, Northwest, 10 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2011 MAY 2011 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 11 Junior Golf in Georgia Junior programs vital for private clubs By Bobby Hix must be present and pictures are made of to private lessons with the Lead Instructors iting grandchildren from out of town out PGA Director of Instruction each junior for each step. as they, their parents and the Academy during the holidays, we have something for Idle Hour Golf Club Our Junior Golf Academy begins with Instructor see it necessary for the improve - them. Most of these clubs have come from juniors at age 5. These Academies are ment of the junior’s golf skills and goals. juniors that have out-grown their current n today’s economy, pri - weekly 1 ½ hour clinics and Another popular Program is our “Just Us clubs and donate them after we fit them in vate club professionals address the following: Girls” Program. This program is a series of their new clubs. We never want to deny any have to provide more Age 5-8 – Proper fundamen - golf clinics for girls only held in the spring junior a chance to hit a golf ball when they value for their facility tals, drills and games, ball and the fall. We enlist one of our local col - have the desire to. Again, we are providing a tIhan ever. This means that striking and fun, etiquette lege women’s golf teams to assist a lead value to that junior and their parents by there has to be something for and fun. instructor with this popular program. Here helping them understand that their club is a everyone in the family to take Age 9-12 – Playing, again, in order to make our Club a more place where they can go, take part in a safe part in order to justify paying course management, how to valuable commodity, it is essential that all activity and have fun. club dues each month. practice, etiquette and rules, facets of our membership be involved in The relationships that are developed by A well rounded family golf competition. golf. This means equal access for the these programs and our summer golf program begins with a great Age 13-16 – Developing skill females too. camps last a lifetime. And it’s those lifetime junior golf program. After all, the juniors sets, focus on accountability, a competitive Not all juniors will want to take part in relationships that will ensure that your club you start playing today are the same people tournament schedule, golf for life. golf lessons or clinics because these days remains a valuable entity. that will be your members and on your Administering these Junior Academies is a there are so many other camps, sports and Board of Directors in the future. Learning Center Lead Instructor with assis - activities that are available at school and Bobby Hix is the Director of Golf Here at the Idle Hour Club, we begin our tance from an Associate Instructor. Parents within the community. That being said, we Instruction at the Arnold Blum Golf juniors age 3 to 5 with our Step Teaching are encouraged to attend the sessions. keep two large barrels of clubs of all sizes for Learning Center at Idle Hour Club in Program. StepTeaching is a 4 week program Juniors can sign up for one session or many. any junior that would like to come to the Macon, and the 2010 Georgia Section where our Staff Teaching Associates teach The choice is up to them as the subject driving range to just hit some balls or play PGA Teacher of the Year. their junior players a good grip, posture, matter will differ each week. Many of the the Par 3 course. swing motion and basic etiquette. Parents juniors that begin in the Academy move on If grandparents want to bring their vis - First Tee of Augusta, Atlanta, Albany, Columbus, East Lake, Savannah and Troup Girls and Golf – a perfect fit County. Go to www.thefirsttee.org and locate the location closest to you. US Kids Golf is one of the premier pro - By Jackie Cannizzo world that is far reaching outside their them early, girls have a better chance of grams for junior golf with girls being a PGA/LPGA Instructor own world. sticking with golf, and will develop their prominent part of their mission. US Kids Country Club of Roswell Once you become a golfer, instantly you skills and strength before puberty. Also Golf hosts competitive opportunities have many new friends, which for girls there is strength in numbers; girls like to be for girls starting at age 5. Go to f there was ever a time is vital for their self-esteem. in groups with other girls. There are many www.uskidsgolf.com. Also Atlanta Junior for parents to get their As someone who has played clinics, camps and developmental pro - Golf provides a summer play program for all young girls involved in golf since the age of 10 as well grams out there for girls only. skill levels. Both organizations are vital in the game of golf, it’s as excelling in the game, it In the state of Georgia there are no short - I the junior golf community providing now. More and more girls are has been a great equalizer in ages of programs to help you get your girls opportunities for girls. Go to www.atlanta - being encouraged to play my life. I competed on the boys started in the game of golf. Today, there are juniorgolf.org sports, all types of sports. high school team and then even middle school teams that mix the girls The LPGA and USGA have joined forces Sports in general for girls went to college on a golf and the boys and many high schools have to provide a program for girls as well.“LPGA- and boys are vital to their scholarship. girls only golf teams. USGA Girls Golf provides an opportunity for development and their well I tell young girls all the time, So how do you get started? The Georgia girls, ages 7 to 17, to learn to play golf, build being, helping them to be physically and there is nothing better than beating the State Golf Association has a Girls Golf lasting friendships and experience competi - mentally healthier. Experts say that the boys on the golf course. And because the Program, providing programs for all skill tion in a fun, supportive environment, game of golf enhances that development game is played against the course and not levels. They host learning opportunities as preparing them for a lifetime of enjoyment even more so, especially for girls. physically against others, girls can be equal. well as competitive programs. Go to with the game. Girls are learning values Besides the general benefits from the Although boys have the strength advan - www.GSGA.org for more information and a inherent to the game of golf, such as exercise they get, it helps them in school tage, girls can be more precise with their schedule of events. patience, respect, perseverance and hon - with learning and concentration as well as shots as well as be much better in the short There are several “First Tee” Programs in esty, preparing them to meet challenges of building self-esteem. Golf teaches so many game and putting where strength is not the state. The “First Tee” programs provide today’s world with confidence.” life skills such as teamwork, discipline, hon - a necessity. the first steps to learning the game and are There are eight chapters in Georgia. For a esty, self-confidence and self-motivation. All this being said, it’s key to get the girls open to all kids with minimal fees. Each complete list go to www.GSGA.org. There Other benefits of the game of golf for girls started as early as possible. Experts say that chapter offers different programs for all skill are also several junior camps for girls and include allowing them to join a special the best time to get girls in the game is levels with many chapters also having golf network of people; they become a part of between the ages of 4 and 10. If we can start courses. Chapters in Georgia include The [ See Girls, page 22 ] 12 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2011 7E -AKE 9OUR 'OLF &UN 2ELAXING AND $ElNITELY #OOLER Get Out Of The City Heat! Apple Mountain offers you and your playing partners a beautifully routed layout, cool mountain air, panoramic views year round AND AN INCREDIBLE VALUE FOR YOUR GOLlNG DOLLAR s CART AND GREEN FEE ON 3ATURDAY 3UNDAY AND (OLIDAYS WITH A AFTER 0- 4WI LITE 2ATE s 7EDNESDAY 4HURSDAY AND &RIDAY FOR CART AND GREEN FEE WITH 3ENIORS OVER PAYING 4AKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR -ONDAY AND 4UESDAY 3PECIAL FOR CART AND GREEN FEE WITH FOR 3ENIORS "RING THIS ADD IN AND RECEIVE A DISCOUNT ON THE WEEKEND RATE FOR CART AND GREEN FEE 2OCKFORD #REEK 2D #LARKESVILLE '! s s WWWAPPLEMOUNTAINGOLFGACOM ROAR INTO SPRING Daily Tee Time Specials and Information on our Money Saving Memberships at theliongolfclub.com. CORPORATE & CHARITY OUTINGS ARE OUR SPECIALTY 18 Hole, Par 72 Championship Course t 7,080 Yards at Tips t Pro Shop Leo’s Snack Bar t Practice Facilities/Learning Center t Driving Range t Open to Public The Lion Golf Club 400 Murphy Industrial Blvd., Bremen, Georgia 30110 Visit us online at www.theliongolfclub.com 770-537-1400 MAY 2011 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 13 Junior Golf in Georgia First Tee has big presence in Georgia By Priscilla Nelson and is dedicated to providing after school Head Coach, Program Coordinator academic tutoring in subjects such as The First Tee Savannah Math, Science and English. This facility was made possible through a grant from the n 1997 one of today’s most unique Wadsworth Foundation, International youth development programs, The Paper Mill, community businesses and indi - First Tee, was established by the vidual donors. World Golf Foundation and the The First Tee of Savannah supports mili - gIame of golf’s elite associations — The tary families in the local area through the LPGA, PGA of America, PGA Tour, the Department of Defense Military Affiliate Masters Tournament and the USGA. The ini - Programs and conducts First Tee programs tial focus was on creating affordable access year round at Hunter Army Airfield as well for those youth not previously exposed to as Fort Stewart. Another avenue for youth the game of golf. development at the Savannah Chapter is Over the years, The First Tee has broad - through the USGA/LPGA Girls Golf ened its focus to that of a youth confidence, responsibility, perseverance, Program, providing all girls an opportunity development organization which teaches ment, instill life-enhancing values and courtesy, and judgment. Now, after 14 years to play the game of golf in a fun and sup - life skills using the game of golf as the plat - promote healthy choices through the in existence, the seamless approach of deliv - portive learning environment, build form. The mission of The First Tee is to game of golf. ering the life skills program through the relationships, develop leadership skills and impact the lives of young people by pro - There are “Nine Core Values” which are game of golf has spawned into over 200 First participate in enrichment activities. viding learning facilities and educational delivered at every level of the program: hon - Tee Chapters throughout the 50 states with The First Tee of Savannah is poised to programs that promote character develop - esty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, programming at more than 700 different impact, influence and inspire youth locations as well as six international locations. through the life skills experience. The There are currently eight chapters in the future success and growth for the Chapter state of Georgia: The First Tee of Albany, The is pending the launch of The First Tee First Tee of Augusta, The First Tee of National School Program which introduces Columbus, The First Tee of Troup County, golf to elementary aged students through The First Tee of East Lake, The First Tee of physical education classes. There are cur - Atlanta and The First Tee of Savannah. All rently three Chatham County elementary Chapters were formed as 501(c) 3 not-for- schools targeted to start the program in the profit organizations and governed by a very near future. JUNIOR GOLF PROGRAMSGRAMS Board of Directors under the leadership of The Savannah area community is very ATAT CANONGACANONGATEONGATE GOLF CLCLUBSL UBS an Executive Director. supportive of The First Tee youth develop - ment program and through that support we have developed many unique partner - The First Tee ships which enable us to bring quality programming year round to our partici - of Savannah pants. Over the past five years the Liberty Mutual Legends Tournament which is on Target hosted by the Westin Savannah Harbor for Success Resort, has been a major supporter of The The First Tee of Savannah is now in its First Tee of Savannah. Our participants help seventh year of operating in one of the prepare the course each year for the tour - most beautiful cities in the state of nament by filling the divots and volunteering in many different roles. CANONGATECANONGATE PERF PERFORMANCERFORMANCE CENTERS RS provideprovide a Georgia. The program has experienced tremendous success and has served close This summer we will offer “Healthy one-of-a-kind learning ning experienceexperience f foror pla playersyers of all skill to 1,000 participants over the years. Local Greens Summer Camp” from June 27th to levels.levels. FForor junior golfgolfers,olfers, wwee offofferer a multitudeude of prprogramsograms programming is conducted at the Bacon August 6th. We will have one of the best designed ttoo taktakee themem ttoo the nenextxt lelevelvel of competitivecompetitive plaplay.y. Park Golf Course in mid-town and the Mary summer camp programs in the Savannah In addition, juniors hahaveve the opportunity ttoo ttestest their skills Calder Golf Club which is now the chapter area from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday on a yyear-roundear-round ccompetitiveompetitive CanongaCanongatete Junior TTour.our. home office. through Friday. In September of 2010, the new VisitVisit wwww.cgperformancecenters.comww.cgperformancrmancecenters.com fforor mormoreore infinformationormation learning center at the Mary Calder For information on and toto sign up forfor our arrayarray of summer campsmps and clinics! Golf Course was opened. The The First Tee of Savannah: First Tee Learning Center is 912-238-7108 or www.canongategolf.comw w w . canongat egolf. c oom equipped with on-line computers www.TheFirstTeeSavannah.org 14 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2011 5V 0UP[PH[PVU -LL 3PTP[LK *S\I (ZZVJPH[L 4LTILYZOPWZ (]HPSHISL 3XUH *ROI 3XUH 3OHDVXUH 3XUH 3UHVWLJH 7KH 6RXWK¶V )LQHVW 3ULYDWH &OXE &RPPXQLW\ +ROH 3ULYDWH &KDPSLRQVKLS &RXUVH 3DU &RXUVH $FUH 'ULYLQJ 5DQJH 7RXU 4XDOLW\ &RQGLWLRQV ([HFXWLYH &KHI 7XUQ *ULOO *ROI 2XWLQJV :HOFRPHG 6T )W &OXEKRXVH :RUOG &ODVV 6SD :HOOQHVV &HQWHU 3URIHVVLRQDOO\ 6WDIIHG *ROI 6KRS est. 2002 *29(51256 72:1( &/8% ZZZ*RYHUQRUV7RZQH&OXEFRP *RYHUQRUV 7RZQH 'ULYH $FZRUWK *HRUJLD JROI#JRYHUQRUVWRZQHFOXEFRP $ /LPLWHG 1XPEHU RI &OXE $VVRFLDWH 0HPEHUVKLSV DUH $YDLODEOH 3OHDVH FDOO IRU LQIRUPDWLRQ WRGD\ MAY 2011 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 15 Junior Golf in Georgia The competitive journey begins with fun By John Godwin off and not offering enough competitive help them understand the ABC’s of com - who choose this path, golf will take a lead PGA Master Professional opportunities does not challenge them petition, reminding them that it is just role in free time activities. This player has Director, U.S. Kids Golf enough. The focus should be fun, making a game. one coach, a practice plan and tourna - it an activity that is enjoyed. I counsel parents to look for local one- ment schedule which broadens to national he joy of com - I see young players having fun day events first. This helps develop USGA events and ranking points on petition lies at as they begin at an early age. confidence and is not as intimidating. I tell Junior Golf Scoreboard. the heart of the Winning is not important; it’s young players that growing into a big fish One of the most important parts of this competitive being out on the course, in a little pond is a good thing. Today, there stage is the practice plan. I see so many jTourney. It is the perspective making new friends and are many year-round, local one-day events great young swings that do not seem to each one of us brings into jumping up and down when a in the Atlanta area and throughout the produce low scores. One major discon - the arena that is paramount long putt goes in. Every parent state that are cost effective and broad based. nect is that players do not practice like to growth and achievement. and coach needs to keep this If you have a kid that wants to play and they play. Coaches use a term “block prac - Competition can and image in their mind as they enjoys tournaments, then you will need tice.” This type of practice is hitting balls should be celebrated, help young players understand some professional coaching help. This is with one club repeatedly. This can embraced with a positive outlook, and what it means to compete. It’s all the stage where regular coaching is impor - develop a great swing with tight patterns. used as our laboratory for learning as we about fun. tant (group or private lessons) and As I recall, when I play, the only time I grow. Competition is a good thing if you Juniors will go through a natural process entering tournaments on the local, state hit the same club twice in a row is with can get into the positive energy it holds. of learning to compete. Everyone experi - or regional level is a necessary experience. my provisional ball or my putter. Block Parents have the best interests of their ences trials and tribulations, periods of Many players I know who have gone on practice is important and necessary, but children in mind all the time. self-doubt and loss of composure. To me to college or professional careers made a should not be the primary type of practice Understanding where the child is in their these are the coachable moments for par - serious commitment to golf in their early for a young elite player, in my opinion. love of the game really dictates next steps. ents and instructors as they try to put teens. They all were dedicated; they loved Pushing too hard too early will turn them everything in perspective for these kids and to practice and wanted to win. For those [ See Competition, page 18 ] Lakeside golf… just a short drive away! LIMITED OFFER Now sporting new affordable rates, come enjoy one of North Georgia’s true treasures. With mountainous terrain and lake views, An Experience this course is sure to be one of your favorites. Not to be Missed Kept in pristine condition, this once private golf club has Atlanta golfers buzzing. Enjoy this Rees Jones masterpiece and see what everyone is talking about! For a limited time only, enjoy $10 off your Night Fire Dr. next round, anytime Tuesday-Thursday, Dogwood Way Friday-Sunday after 11 a.m.* 400 136 770-888-4653 ECHELONLIVING.COM • 201 TRADITIONS DRIVE • ALPHARETTA, GA ChestateeGolfClub.com 706-216-7336 *Must present this ad for discount. Not valid Friday-Sunday before 11 a.m. Atlanta 777 Dogwood Way | Dawsonville, GA 30534 Cannot be combined with any other o er. Expires 6/15/11. 16 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2011 Pfli @em`kXk`fe kf%%%Leisure, Luxury and Family Connections The Cartersville Country Club’s mission is to enhance your quality of living…through our superb amenities… including golf, tennis, swimming, fine dining, special events and thoughtful attention to all of your needs. .VSM ' W^[T 2WP\_X^]bWX_ 2^dabT } 7^\T ^U ?60 =PcX^]fXST C^da ?[PhTab } 0fPaS FX]]X]V 8]bcadRcX^] ;LUUPZ 0fPaS FX]]X]V CT]]Xb 8]bcadRcX^] } # ;XVWcTS 7PaS 2^dacb } ! ;XVWcTS 2[Ph 2^dacb 7VVS 3X]X]V ?PeX[X^] fXcW 5XaT_[PRT P]S ;PaVT BRaTT] CT[TeXbX^] } 5d[[ BTaeXRT 6aX[[ 1Pa +PUPUN FX]T CPbcX]Vb } CWT\T 2dXbX]T } 5P\X[h =XVWcb } FTSSX]Vb ATRT_cX^]b ?aXePcT ?PacXTb *VU]LUPLUJL >] 8 &$ !$ MAY 2011 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 17 Georgia has long history of top juniors and will play on the golf team at Stackhouse, Kennerly lead current crop Georgia Southern. Cody Shafer of Evans won last year’s AJGA tournament in Rome and was eorgia has a long history of as youngsters, with many going on to Stacey Kim of Columbus, who is now second in the Charles Howell event, with producing top junior players, college and professional careers. playing at Duke, was one of just a those two showings earning him a with the evidence found on Nicky Goetze , Vicki’s older brother, handful of national caliber girls juniors ranking of 54th. He has signed with the rosters of various profes - was a 4-time first team All-America selec - to emerge from the state in the past 2010 NCAA champion Augusta State. Gsional tours and college golf teams both tion, but unlike his sister, a long-time decade, but the current top-ranked Dru Love of St. Simons won the past and present. LPGA Tour member, played only briefly player from the state is Riverdale’s Howell tournament, helping give The American Junior Golf Association, as a pro before becoming a college coach. Mariah Stackhouse , already a two-time Georgia juniors a sweep of the two which has been based in metro Atlanta Other top juniors from the 1980s AJGA All-American with two seasons of home-state events. He was ranked 58th since it was founded in the late 1970s, has included Newnan’s Louis Brown , eligibility left in her junior career. and is the lone member of the group not been the primary springboard for the Lawrenceville’s Rob McKelvey and Stackhouse went into the 2011 tour - a senior this year. He is part of the class country’s top juniors over the past three Dalton’s Michael Clark , with Peachtree nament season ranked 22nd among the of 2012. decades, and the names of a number of City’s Cindy Schreyer and Savannah’s country’s girls, one of a number of Georgians can be found on the organiza - Terri Thompson making the girls All- Georgia juniors with national AJGA tion’s annual All-American list. American team on multiple occasions. rankings. Other girls on the list are sisters Dalton’s Bill McDonald , a former Georgia’s best juniors from the 1990s Ashlan and Taylor Ramsey of Georgia PGA professional and the current included a wealth of talent from Augusta, Milledgeville, Rachel Dai of Fayetteville, Competition golf coach at South Carolina, was the which turned out a lot of promising Amira Alexander of Alpharetta and [ Continued from page 16 ] AJGA’s Player of the Year in 1983, and youngsters not named Howell. Brothers Rinko Mitsunaga of Roswell. Athens’ Vicki Goetze earned that honor Will and Brad Garner were among that Ashlan Ramsey was ranked 41st (12th My recommendation is to develop a three straight times from 1988-90. group, along with Howell contemporaries in the class of 2013), largely on the practice plan, which incorporates “vari - McDonald and Macon’s Peter Persons Scott Volpitto and John Engler . strength of a victory in the annual able practice.” This practice is never were among the first Georgia AJGA All- Atlanta area juniors Nick Cassini and Burgett Mooney tournament at Coosa hitting the same club twice during a Americans, and juniors from the state Scott Northey were part of Georgia’s CC in Rome and a runner-up finish in range session or putting from the same joined them on an almost annual basis, up national championship team of 1999, the Charles Howell Junior at West Lake spot. Hitting intentional curves, control - to 2010 selection Ollie Schniederjans , with Wes Latimer and Kris Mikkelsen CC in Augusta. ling trajectory, distance control and who is attending college at Georgia Tech, going on to be members of Georgia Tech’s Dai was ranked 71st (7th in the class developing a skilled short game is a big McDonald’s alma mater. team during that decade. Atlanta’s Wendi of 2015), recording three straight top 5s part of “variable practice.” The ball pat - In addition to McDonald and Goetze, Patterson , Roswell’s Krissie Register and last year including T4s at West Lake and tern to the target will not be as good as other Georgians to earn Player of the Angela Jerman of Columbus all were in the AJGA Girls Championship. the block method. Players should not Year honors include Augusta’s Charles among the country’s top female juniors, Taylor Ramsey is just inside the top confuse this in thinking they are not Howell , Colbert’s Ryan Hybl , who has with Register and Jerman also key 100 at 99 off her victory in the Charles improving. Only by ‘variable practice” joined McDonald in the college members of national championship Howell tournament, finishing just ahead will players learn to play the game like coaching ranks, and Savannah’s Brian college teams. of her younger sister. they practice. Harman , who is looking to join Howell The top Georgia juniors of the past Alexander, like Taylor Ramsey a How many tournaments should a on the PGA Tour in the near future. decade are either just beginning their pro - member of the class of 2012, was just committed junior play in a season? My Among the many Georgians who have fessional careers, or all still competing outside the top 100 at 107, with her answer is based on the practice plan. earned AJGA All-American honors are in college. Woodstock’s Chris Kirk 2010 season including 2nd and 3rd Establish it first and then fill in events players who were prominent in the state has already made it to the PGA Tour, place finishes. second. I never played more multi-day with Alpharetta’s Roberto Castro and Mitsunaga began the tournament travel events than I could prepare for, Ringgold’s Luke List looking to join ranked 11th among those in the 2015 usually six during my summer season him there. class, but that will improve after she won and one or two in the spring and fall. My an AJGA tournament recently in dad made me take regular breaks from Savannah. Her best finishes in AJGA the game to keep me balanced as I went events last year was two ties for 6th place. through high school. The top-ranked boys players in the Competition has been a big blessing in state are all seniors in high school this my golf life as it has taught me so much year. Alpharetta’s Billy Kennerly was about myself, exposing all my strengths ranked No. 26 nationally and will play and weaknesses. Tournament play Billy his college golf at Clemson. He had four does that to all of us, helping us to Kennerly top-10 AJGA finishes in 2010 with his learn and grow as individuals. Good luck best showing a tie for 2nd. to you and yours on your own Jimmy Beck of Columbus was next at competitive journey. 33, and has signed to play his college golf at Kennesaw State. Beck won an AJGA John Godwin is a PGA Master event last Summer in Alabama. Professional and a 2004 PGA National Scott Wolfes of St. Simons Island is Junior Golf Leader. He is the Director of a two-time GSGA Junior champion, the U.S. Kids Golf Atlanta Local Tour, and A G J is also involved with the Godwin Creek A and tied for 5th in last year’s U.S. Junior Amateur. He was ranked 40th First Tee Facility in Columbus. 18 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2011 MAY 2011 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 19 Stackhouse captures 3rd AJGA victory From the outset, Stackhouse was drawn State’s top junior nearing college decision to golf in part because of the social nature of the game. Stackhouse enjoys the travel and the opportunity to meet new people, Women’s Open in her first appearance in Stackhouse responded with a birdie oA n as opposed to the confined nature of J By Mike Blum G the event. the par-5 16th, perhaps the moAst team sports. his will be the last year After the first round of the Exide demanding hole on the course, and gave It didn’t hurt that Stackhouse was also Mariah Stackhouse plays a Technologies Junior Open at Country herself birdie opportunities on both the enjoying lots of success on the course, and full-time junior golf schedule, Club of the South, it did not appear very 17th and 18th. Although she did not con - she began to realize, “If I can win tourna - and the nationally-ranked likely that Stackhouse was going to add it vert either, her birdie-par-par finish put ments around here and in the state, I can RTiverdale resident is intent on making it to her list of tournament victories. her right back in contention, as Wagner win outside the state.” her best ever. Stackhouse opened the tournament and the other contenders were struggling Without any excess prodding from her Despite beginning the final round seven with a 79 in chilly, windy conditions, as they neared the finish. parents, Stackhouse has dedicated herself strokes behind the leader, Stackhouse still failing to make a birdie in the round. Wagner’s comfortable lead disappeared to golf, although she readily admits, managed to add to her growing list of tro - Meanwhile, Floridian Samantha Wagner , when she made a triple bogey on the “Practice is not as much fun as playing. phies, winning a recent American Junior a runner-up in the tournament last year at short but perilous 12th and followed with But if you don’t practice, you’re not going Golf Association event at Country Club of CCoS who was in the same group with a double bogey on the par-3 13th, to do as well. I love to compete, but to do the South in a playoff. Stackhouse, went out in 4-under 32 before which features alternate greens separated as well as you can, you have to practice.” It was the third AJGA victory for falling back on the tougher back nine, fin - by a creek. As one of the country’s top junior girls, Stackhouse, and sets up for the possibility ishing with a 72. Rinko Mitsunaga and Jessica Stackhouse has attracted plenty of atten - of her first multi-win season on the AJGA Wagner was four shots ahead of her Haigwood , both of Roswell, were right tion from college coaches, and is getting Tour. Her first win came in 2009 in closest pursuer and seven in front of there with Wagner and Stackhouse on the close to making her decision about what Ringgold, and she added a second victory StaMckahroiaushe,Stwahckohobuegsae n the final round closing holes, but Mitsunaga double- university she is going to attend. last year in Alabama. tied for 9th. After bogeys at the final two bogeyed the 16th, while Haigwood Stackhouse has narrowed her list down Stackhouse, who is about to complete holes on the front nine, Stackhouse was faltered over the final two holes. to four finalists – Duke, Stanford, Florida her junior year at North Clayton HS, has still seven strokes off Wagner’s lead, but Wagner settled down to make four and Georgia. As outstanding as she is at made a habit of winning in recent years birdies at 10 and 12 gave her some hope of straight pars, and still had the lead coming golf, Stackhouse is a comparable success in at both the junior and adult levels. She pulling out a victory. to the 18th. But she had to scramble to the classroom, and her decision will be won back-to-back GSGA Girls Unfortunately for Stackhouse, she spent make bogey, sending her and Stackhouse based more on academics then where she Championships in 2007 and ‘08, and the next three holes trying to escape from to a playoff with totals of 153. prefers to continue her golf career. shortly after her second state junior title, greenside bunkers or negotiating a testy When she realized she might be in a “This is the first life-changing decision added the first of her two women’s state chip shot and came away with three playoff, Stackhouse headed to the practice you get to make and you want to be up amateur titles, capturing the Georgia straight bogeys. range and hit a few shots with her wedge front with the coaches and ask the right Women’s Golf Association Championship Despite the stretch of bogeys, and 9-iron, the clubs she would likely need questions about the environment you in 2008 and ‘09. Stackhouse was undeterred, although she for her approach to the first green. want to be in.” Last year, Stackhouse completed her was a bit peeved after being informed that After an excellent tee shot, Stackhouse Although Stackhouse aspires to sweep of the state’s top tournaments for she was getting closer to the lead after her had just a wedge left for her approach and playing professionally after college, she girls and women, taking the Georgia strong start on the back nine. stuck it to 5 feet. Wagner came up short says she is “putting education before “My mom updated me, but didn’t say with her second shot, and chipped just golf.” Stackhouse is keenly aware of the where I was. She said ‘I think you’re in inside Stackhouse’s mark. Stackhouse shrinking playing opportunities on the second’, but after I made a few birdies, I rolled in the birdie putt to take the playoff, LPGA Tour, and will be prepared for a proceeded to go bogey, bogey, bogey.” continuing her success when she has to go future that may not include playing golf Knowing how difficult the back nine extra holes. at the professional level. can be at CCoS, Stackhouse still felt she “I’ve got a pretty good track record in “I want to make sure I’ll be OK either could win if she finished strong. playoffs,” Stackhouse observed, estimating way. That’s why I’m relying so much on “I felt like if you steady yourself, that she has been in “maybe ten and education.” you still had a chance.” lost two.” Stackhouse says she has no geographic Stackhouse’s introduction to golf came preferences, and doesn’t think the ability at an early age, as she began accompanying to drive home in a few hours makes her father to the driving range when she much of a difference, with her golf and was just 2 years old. When she turned 6 academic responsibilities keeping her on and began showing a definite aptitude for or near campus, whether she is a short the game, her father stopped playing to drive away in Athens or across the concentrate his efforts on developing his country in California. daughter’s emerging skills. “You can converse with the people you’re playing with, and I’ve made a lot of new friends. A G J A That’s what is special about golf,” —Mariah Stackhouse 20 MAY 2011 Chosenosen as one of the Best Placesces to Play in 2008-2009 - Golf DigestDigest So close to be so Wild! “Fooooooorrrrre!ooooooorrrrre! Watch out....t.... Wild Ravings! thiss golf course is a hidden treasureasure on the southwest side.e. 15-2020 minutes from downtownwn andd the airport, this by far is the bestst public course on this sidee of town.wn. The course is long (702828 yards)ds) but fair.” - Aug 25, 2008 www.yelp.com/biz/m/biz/ “Affordableffordable golf. It was an affordableordable golf course and greatat greens. The course was challengingallenging and some golf-ballslls wentnt swimming or lost in the forest-est- need to practice to be goodod at this course!” - by LFranzkeLFranzke at CitysearchCitysearchrch - Apr 28, 2008 “WolfWolf Creek Golf Club Greatat Find!nd! This course is pretty closeose to down town on the Southsidede nearar the airport. Was in greatt condition.ndition. The staff was real friendly.endly. This is a must play in Atlanta.” - byb kkwaller11111ller11111 at CitysCitysearch,earch,arch,h NovNov 21, 2006 “WolfWolf Creek incorporates Book Your Tee Times Onlinee at www.wolfcreekgc.comkgc.com dramaticamatic elevation changes fromom loww country flat and wetlands Corporaterate and Charity Outings Encourageded to rolling hills that are the tail end of the Appalachians. Withith terrain changes like thiss Wolf Creek Golff also featuresures therere is no wonder why this Outstanding Clubhouse,e, Fully Stocked Pro Shop, Driving Range, Gigantic Practice Putting courseurse is rated as one the mostst Green, Beverageverage and Snack Carts andd Friendly Customer Service.ce. challengingallenging in all of Georgia.”” www.wolfcreekgc.comekgc.com -FORE Georgiaorgia 3000 Unionnion Rd Atlanta, GA 30331,31, Phone (404) 344-1334 Located just 15 miles fromm Downtown Atlanta, 9 miles west from Hartsfield and 5 miles off I-285 West. MAY 2011 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 21 Golf FORE Juniors A J In the 16-19 age group, Riley G Milton captures A Davenport was 2nd at 150, two behind the winner, with William Grotto of Savannah N. Georgia Classic 3rd at 153. Milton High School won the second In an SJGT event in Huntsville, Ala., Tyler North Georgia High School Classic, an Young of Kennesaw was the boys 14-15 event played recently at Achasta GC in winner at 155. Bottomley was 2nd in his Dahlonega and conducted by the Georgia division at 154, two behind the winner, PGA and Roswell High School. with Suwanee’s Brett Barron 3rd at 157. Milton finished with a 606 total in the 36-hole event, edging Spalding by one stroke. Roswell, the tournament host, was third at 616. Georgia Junior Tour Spalding’s Davin White earned medalist begins 2011 season honors for the second straight year, with his The Georgia State Parks Georgia Junior 1-under 141 total five strokes better than Tour began its 2011 season with recent runner-up Will McFarlin of Roswell. White events at the Lakes at Laura Walker in and McFarlin were the only players to break Waycross and at Brazell’s Creek in Reidsville. par in a round in the tournament, with Brothers Jacob and Tyler Joiner placed White shooting a 70 in the opening round 1-2 in the 14-19 division of both events. The and McFarlin matching that score the Joiners both shot 146 at Laura Walker to next day. finish one stroke ahead of Macon’s Seth Harry Lambert of Lambert HS was 3rd Sanders . At Brazell’s Creek, Tyler shot 150 at 148, with Patrick Grahek leading Milton to edge brother Jacob by one stroke. with a 4th place finish at 149. Alpharetta’s Sanders again took third at 153. Michael Pisciotta was 5th at 150, with In other age divisions at the Lakes at Milton’s John Russo 6th at 151. Milton’s Rinko Mitsunaga Laura Walker: Zack Jaworski and Gainesville’s Will Tyler Hansen of Albany shot 152 to win Frankum tied for 7th at 152, with Dalton’s boys 12-13, with Jackson Toole of Lyons Will Morrow 9th at 153. Sanders Park of of a preseason junior in Southport, N.C., (story, page 20). Mitsunaga , who briefly the 10-11 winner. Cortney Boggs of Milton tied for 10th at 154, giving the with a 163 total. held the lead on the back nine, tied for 4th Colbert shot 165 to win girls 14-19 by three Eagles four players in the top 10. Also tying at 156 along with Ashlan Ramsey of over Bailey Buie of Waycross. Julianna for 10th were Roswell’s Matthew Cribb, Milledgeville, who shot a final round 72 Collett of St. Simons Island was the 12-13 Spalding’s Henry Mabbett and Kennerly second highlighted by a 4-under 32 on the winner at 169, with Erin Peters of Canton Dahlonega’s Austin Booker , who com - front nine. first in 10-11. peted as an individual. on home course Emily Kurey of Alpharetta recorded five At Brazell’s Creek, Jeremy Wood of Alpharetta’s Billy Kennerly took second birdies in shooting a second round 73 to Loganville was first in 12-13 at 159, two for the third straight year in an AJGA event place 7th at 157. Roswell’s Jessica ahead of Hansen. Adam Borowski of on his home course, finishing three strokes Mitsunaga wins Haigwood was within one shot of the lead Marietta was the 10-11 winner by eight behind the winner of the Exide with two holes to play before finishing T8 at shots at 165. Girls winners were Nicolette Technologies Junior at Country Club of AJGA tournament 158. Rachel Dai of Suwanee also tied for Gerhardt of Madison (14-19), Collett Roswell’s Rinko Mitsunaga won an the South. 8th at 158. (12-13) and Peters (10-11). American Junior Golf Association tourna - Kennerly, who has signed a golf scholar - ment last month at Savannah Quarters GC, ship with Clemson, shot 71-72—143, with taking the girls division by three strokes. JD Tomlinson of Gainesville, Fla., over - Vandiver a winner Mitsunaga posted scores of 75-71—146 taking him with a 5-under 31 on the final Girls to claim her first AJGA title, matching the nine. Tomlinson closed with a 67 for a in SJGT tourney [ Continued from page 12 ] low round of the tournament the second 140 total. Stephanie Vandiver of Douglasville won day. She bounced back from an early Justin Cho of Norcross was 4th at 146, the girls division of a Southeastern Junior boys in Georgia. One of the best is hosted double bogey, playing the last 16 holes in with Michael Hines of Acworth tying for Golf Tour event at Douglas G&CC. She by UGA women’s coach Kelley Hester. Go to 3-under with three birdies and no bogeys. 5th at 151 and Ben Holm of Alpharetta 7th posted a 162 total to edge Brittany Jarrett Kelleyhestergolfacademy.com and find out Taylor Ramsey of Milledgeville tied for at 153. Other top finishers from the state of Tifton by one stroke. more information. 8th at 157, with Amira Alexander of included: Preston Heyward , Duluth, 14th, Bailey Tardy of Norcross was the girls Other programs that you can get your Alpharetta T11 at 158. The top finishers 156; Patrick Grahek , Alpharetta, and 12-14 winner at 170, taking a playoff over girls involved in include: Legacy Golf Links, among Georgians in the boys division were Preston Riner , Johns Creek, T15, 156; Zack Megan Sabol of Martinez. River Pines, Maple Ridge, Country Club of Henry Mabbett of Griffin and Billy Jaworski , Alpharetta, T18, 157; John Boys division winners included Roswell, Country Club of Columbus, Shuman of St. Simons Island, who tied for Russo , Alpharetta; Andy Shim , Duluth; Valdosta’s Dawson Armstrong in the Doublegate Golf Club, Idle Hour Country 20th at 153. and Matthew Beringer , Macon, T21, 158; 14-15 age group and Roswell’s Sebastian Club, and University of Georgia Golf Course. In a preseason AJGA event in Ocala, Fla., and David Yowell , Marietta, and Henry Darmo (12-13). Armstrong shot 151 to This is just a few, for more listings in your Riley Davenport of Woodstock tied for 3rd Mabbett , T26, 159. finish four strokes ahead of Park Brady of area, go to www.playgolfamerica.com and in the boys division at 146, with Moultrie’s Six Georgians finished in the top 10 in St. Simons Island, wiåth Darmo’s 154 total search junior golf. So if you have daughters Andrew Eunice T12 at 151. Haley Austin the girls division, with Riverdale’s Mariah three strokes better than Walker that are willing to try the game of a lifetime, of McDonough was 6th in the girls division Stackhouse winning in a playoff at 153 Bottomley of Milton. now is the time to do it! 22 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2011 Save Time & Money Experience the best greens in Atlanta at affordable rates as you cruise around our executive course in only three hours. Buy three rounds get the fourth free* Book your tee time today at 770-390-0424! SteelCanyonGolfClub.com 460 morgan falls rd. sandy springs, ga 30350 * Must present this ad for offer! Expires 6/30/11. an affiniti managed club affinitigolf.com Cannot be combined with any other offer. MAY 2011 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 23 Bear’s Best Atlanta Sea Island Golf Club (Suwanee) (St. Simons Island) Junior Camps Directory 678-557-5084 • www.bearsbest.com 912-638-5119 • www.seaislandglc.com 3-day camps in June, July & August Summer Elite Junior Golf School (Ages 12-18 w/ handicap of 10 or less) July 19-22 • 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Echelon Golf Club-US Kids Golf June 27-July 1 • 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 26-29 • 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. West Pines Golf Club (Alpharetta) July 18-23 • 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Douglasville) 770-888-4553 • www.uskidsgolf.com 678-391-1600 • www.westpinesgc.com June 14-17 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Alpharetta Athletic Club Summer Junior Golf Club (Alpharetta) (Ages 11-17 w/ playing experience) “Get Golf Ready” Junior Camps 770-475-2300 • www.alpharettaac.com June 20-24 • 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Hard Labor Creek (Ages 8-15) July 4-8 • 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Social Circle) June 7-10 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. AAC Golf Camp (Ages 5 & up) July 11-15 • 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 706-557-3006 • www.georgiagolf.com July 5-8 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Four Day Camps: May 31 & July 5 July 25-29 • 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Five Day Camps: June 6, 13, 20, 27, Aug. 1-5 • 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Camps offered every Saturday: July 11, 18, 25, Aug. 1 The Georgia Trail at Sugarloaf May 21-July 30 Monday-Thursday • 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Duluth) Summer Mini Golf Camp Ages 6-10 • 1-2 p.m. Friday “Play Day” • 8-10:30 a.m. 770-497-4653 ext. 1 • www.gatrail.com (Ages 10-14 w/ some golf experience) Ages 11-15 • 2-3 p.m. June 12-14 • 1-4 p.m. Junior Camps June 26-28 •1-4 p.m. Bonus camp for all ages Thursdays 5-6 p.m. Towne Lake Hills Golf Club June 6-10 • 8-11:30 a.m. July 10-12 • 1-4 p.m. 3 day camps in June, July and Aug. www.hmsgolf.com June 13-17 • 8-11:30 a.m. July 24-26 • 1-4 p.m. June 20-24 • 8-11:30 a.m. Aug. 7-9 • 1-4 p.m. June 6-10 The Orchard Golf & Country Club June 27-July 1 • 8-11:30 a.m. Aug. 21-23 • 1-4 p.m. June 27-July 1 (Clarkesville) July 11-15 • 8-11:30 a.m. July 18-22 706-499-3597 July 18-22 • 8-11:30 a.m. Mystery Valley www.habersham.k12.ga.us:16080/ July 25-29 • 8-11:30 a.m. Ages 7-9 • 8:30-10 a.m. (Lithonia) ~habershamgolf Aug. 1-5 • 8-11:30 a.m. Ages 10-12 • 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. 770-469-6913 • www.mysteryvalley.com June 20-23 Advanced Junior Player Camps Weekly Future Stars Clinic July 18-21 The Club at Savannah Harbor June 27-July 1 • 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays 9-11 a.m. (Savannah) July 25-29 • 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Summer Grove Golf Club 912-201-2240 www.theclubatsavannahharbor.com Wendell Coffee Golf Center (Newnan) Chicopee Woods Golf Club (Tyrone) 770-251-1800 ext. 5 (Gainesville) Junior Camps (ages 4-12) 770-969-4469 • www.coffeegolfcenter.com www.cgperformancecenters.com 770-534-0512 June 13-15 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. www.chicopeewoodsgolfcourse.com July 18-20 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Summer Break Camp (Ages 6-15) June 14-16 (Ages 7-17) • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday-Thursday every week during June 21-23 (Ages 7-11) • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Junior Golf Summer Camp (Ages 7-15) May 31-Aug. 4 June 21-23 (Ages 12-17) • 4-7 p.m. Henderson Golf Club June 21-23 • 8:30-10 a.m. Exceptions: week 1 (May 31-June 4) and July 19-21 (Ages 7-11) • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (Savannah) July 19-21 • 8:30-10 a.m. week 6 (July 5-8) will be Tuesday-Friday July 26-28 (Ages 7-17) • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. 912-856-4653 www.hendersongolfclub.com Junior Golf Saturday Clinics (Ages 6-12) Traditions of Braselton June 4-July 30 • 10-11 a.m. Tee 1 Up Summer Camps Junior Camps (Ages 8-14) (Marietta) (Jefferson) May 23-27 • 8-11 a.m. 770-578-1234 • www.tee1up.net 706-338-2542 The Swing Factory June 6-10 • 8-11 a.m. www.cgperformancecenters.com (Woodstock) June 13-17 • 8-11 a.m. Beginner Camps (Ages 7-10) 678-494-1999 • www.swingfactory.com June 20-24 • 8-11 a.m. June 1 -3 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Pee Wee Camps (Ages 4-6) June 27-July 1 • 8-11 a.m. June 20-22 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. May 24-26 • 9-10 a.m. Junior Camp (Ages 6-15) July 18-20 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. May 31-June 2 • 9-10 a.m. May 30-June 3 • June 7-9 • 9-10 a.m. Wilmington Island Club 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Beginner/Intermediate Camps June 21-23 • 9-10 a.m. (Savannah) June 6-10 • (Ages 7-15) June 28-30 • 9-10 a.m. 912-897-1615 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. June 6-8 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. July 5-7 • 9-10 a.m. www.wilmingtonislandclub.com June 13-17 • June 27-29 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. July 19-21 • 9-10 a.m. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. July 25-27 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. July 26-28 • 9-10 a.m. Junior Camps (Ages 5-18) June 20-24 • June 7-9 • 9-12 a.m. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Intermediate Camps (Ages 10-15) Junior Camps (Ages 7-17) June 14-16 • 9-12 a.m. July 4-8 • June 13-15 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. May 24-27 • 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. June 21-23 • 9-12 a.m. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. July 11-13 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. May 31-June 3 • 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. June 28-30 • 9-12 a.m. July 11-15 • Aug. 1-3 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. June 7-10 • 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. July 5 -7 • 9-12 a.m. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. June 21-24 • 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. July 26-28 • 9-12 a.m. July 18-22 • Intermediate/Advanced (Ages 11-17) June 28-July 1 • 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. July 5-7 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. July 5-8 • 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. July 25-29 • Aug. 8-10 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 24 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2011 Stone Mountain Golf Club, Marietta Golf Center July 25-28 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. www.steelcanyongolfclub.com (Marietta) Heidi Mitchell Golf Junior Playing Lessons with the Pros Fundamentals of Golf (Ages 5-14) 770-977-1997 (Stone Mountain) May 28, June 11, July 23, August 27 & Four Day Camps: May 31, July 5 www.mariettagolfcenter.com 678-637-2802 September 17 Five Day Camps: June 6, 13, 20, 27, www.heidimitchellgolf.com July 11, 18, 25, Aug. 1 SNAG Golf Camp (Ages 5-7) Monday-Thursday • 9-11 a.m. 5 Saturday clinics • 9:45-10:30 a.m.: Bentwater Golf Club Junior Camp Morning Sessions Friday “Play Day” • 8-10 a.m. (Ages 7-16) June 4, 11, 18, 25 & July 2 or (Acworth) July 16, July 23, July 30, Aug. 6 & Aug. 13 770-529-9554 June 6-10 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Chris Haack Golf Camp at June 20-24 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. www.cgperformancecenters.com July 11-15 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Junior Golf Clinics with Course Play The University of Georgia July 25-29 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (Ages 8-17) Summer Camp (Athens) June 7-10 June 6-8 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. www.chrishaackgolfcamp.com Junior Camp Afternoon Sessions June 14-17 June 13-16 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (Ages 10-16) June 21-24 June 20-23 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. June 8-11 (ages 10-18) June 20-22 • 1-3:30 p.m. June 28-July 1 June 27-30 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. June 12-15 (ages 10-18) July 11-13 • 1-3:30 p.m. July 5-8 July 11-14 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. July 12-15 July 18-21 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Kelly Hester Golf Academy for Kiddie Camp (Ages 5-8) July 19-22 July 25-28 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. May 31-June 2 • 9-10:30 a.m. July 26-29 Girls at The University of Georgia June 13-15 • 10-11:30 a.m. Braelinn Golf Club (Athens) *Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: www.kellyhestergolfacademy.com July 6-8 • 9-10:30 a.m. (Peachtree City) Instruction at Marietta Golf Center from Aug. 1-3 • 10-11:30 a.m. 770-631-4129 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. June 4-7 www.cgperformancecenters.com Pinetree Country Club June 18-19 *Fridays: Course Play at Cross Creek Golf June 25-26 Summer Golf Camp (Ages 6-16) (Kennesaw) and Country Club from 9:30-11:30 a.m. 770-422-5902 • www.pinetreecc.org June 6-9 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m. June 20-23 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sugar Creek Golf & Tennis Center The Windy Hill Golf Academy 4 different camps offered during July 11-14 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Atlanta) the summer: (Smyrna) July 25-28 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (404) 241-7671 770-434-6331• 770-435-1000 www.sugarcreekga.com Camp A: June 7-10 www.legacyfoxcreek.com Cobblestone Golf Course Summer Golf Camps A1: 8-9 a.m. (7-9 year olds) (Acworth) Junior Academies June 6-10 • 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. A2: 9:30-10:30 a.m. (10-12 year olds) 770-917-5152 ext. 3 May 30-May 31 • (Ages 5-6) • 9-11 a.m. June 13-17 • 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. A3: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. (13-15 year olds) www.cobblestonegolf.com May 30-June 1 • (Ages 7-10) • July 11-15 • 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. July 18-22 • 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Camp B: June 21-24 Fundamentals of Golf (Ages 5-8) June 13-16 • (Ages 11-15) • B1: 8-9 a.m. (10-12 year olds) Monday-Thursday Camps • 8:30-10:30 a.m. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ladies Golf Clinic B2: 9:30-10:30 a.m. (13-15 year olds) Wednesday “Play Day” • 7:30-9:30 a.m. June 20-21 • (Ages 5-6) • 9-11 a.m. Every Thursday in May • 7-8:30 p.m. B3: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. (7-9 year olds) June 6, 13, 20, July 11, 18, 25 June 20-22 • (Ages 7-10) • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. June 27-30 • (Ages 11-15) • Camp C: July 12-15 Junior Golf Camp (Ages 9-12) King and Prince Golf Course 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 9 a.m.-4 p.m. C1: 8-9 a.m. (13-15 year olds) Monday-Thursday Camps • 12:30-2:30 p.m. June 20, 21, 22 July 18-19 • (Ages 5-6) • 9-11 a.m. C2: 9:30-10:30 a.m. (7-9 year olds) Wednesday “Play Day” • 7:30-9:30 a.m. July 11, 12, 13 July 18-20 • (Ages 7-10) • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. C3: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. (10-12 year olds) June 6, 13, 20, July 11, 18, 25 Aug 2, 3, 4 Aug. 1-4 • (Ages 11-15) • 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Camp D: July 19-22 Teenage “New Golfer” Camp Call 912-634-0255 to register D1: 8-9 a.m. (7-9 year olds) (Ages 13-16) Registration also available on first day D2: 9:30-10:30 a.m. (10-12 year olds) Georgia Golf Center Monday-Thursday Camps • 3:30-5:30 p.m. of session D3: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. (13-15 year olds (Roswell) Wednesday “Play Day” • 7:30-9:30 a.m. 770-992-4233 June 6, 13, 20, July 11, 18, 25 Academy FORE Golf *On Fridays for all camps, 10-15 year olds www.georgiagolfcenter.com start at 8 a.m., 7-9 year olds start at Suwanee, GA 404.671.9462 Heritage Golf Links www.barabansacademyforegolf.com 8:30 a.m. for “On Course Play Day”* Saturday Junior Golf Series (Tucker) May 7-28 • 9:30-11 a.m. 770-493-4653 • www.celebritygolfclub.com 3-Day Schools for Advanced Juniors Highland Walk Golf Course June 4-25 • 9:30-11 a.m. June 6, 13, 20 July 2-July 23 • 9:30-11 a.m. (Royston) Fundamentals of Golf (Ages 5-14) July 11, 18, 25 706-245-6770 Four Day Camps: May 31, July 5 Tuesday-Thursday www.georgiagolf.com/Highland-Walk Eagle Watch Golf Club Five Day Camps: June 6, 13, 20, 27, $325 per Student (Woodstock) July 11, 18, 25, Aug. 1 Junior Camps (Ages 7-16) 770-591-1000 Monday-Thursday • 9-11 a.m. RiverPines Golf June 13-17 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 9 a.m.-3 p.m. www.cgperformancecenters.com Friday “Play Day” • 8-10 a.m. July 11-15 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 9 a.m.-3 p.m. John’s Creek, GA 770-442-5960 www.riverpinesgolf.com Junior Camps Steel Canyon Golf Club June 20-23 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (Sandy Springs) Camps for all ages all summer July 11-14 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. 770-390-0424 Please visit our website for schedule. MAY 2011 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 25 Georgia PGA schedule begins with 2 events Chicopee Woods to host season opener TaylorMade and adidas Golf, begins a 203 total the next year and finishing at Stevens and Stephen Keppler . Skinner By Mike Blum busy stretch of tournament golf for 211 in last year’s tournament. and Stevens have limited status on the ollowing some schedule Georgia PGA members. The Yamaha Weinhart, an instructor with Nuclear Champions Tour, with Skinner making it changes, the Georgia PGA’s Atlanta Open follows next month, with Golf, which is now based at the Standard into a tournament from a Monday quali - 2011 tournament season gets the Championship at Berkeley Hills and Club, has been a consistent performer at fier earlier this year. off to a later-than-usual start, Georgia Open in July, the Section Chicopee Woods, posting 54-hole totals Sanchez coasted to a five-stroke victory wFith its first two multi-round events set Championship in August and several of 204, 206 and 204. He was a close in the 2009 Georgia Senior Open, the for this month. events set for the Fall. third in 2008 and fifth the next year first one he was eligible to compete in, but The fourth Chicopee Woods Players The Atlanta Open will be played June before notching his victory in 2010. had a much tougher time last year, Championship is the first individual 13-14 at The Frog, with four qualifiers Skinner, who teaches at River Pointe needing back-to-back hole-outs on the tournament on this year’s schedule, and scheduled between June 2 and 7. The in Albany and has limited status on the back nine at Callaway Gardens’ Mountain will be played May 16-17 in Gainesville. event is open to Georgia PGA members Champions Tour, has come close every View course, the former host of a PGA The following week, Newnan Country and apprentices as well as amateurs, with year, placing fourth in ‘08 (two strokes Tour event for more than a decade. Club will host the Georgia Senior Open the entry deadline May 27. out of the playoff), second the next year After shooting 66 in the opening May 23-24. The unique format for the Chicopee (just one behind McCain) and was third round, Sanchez shared the lead with ama - Woods events produces some interesting last year. He is 33-under in his three teur Jeff Belk . Sanchez led by three scores after the first day of tournament appearances at Chicopee strokes early in the second round, but play, with Hull accomplishing the Woods. after 10 holes had lost the lead and was involved in a tight, four-way battle with Belk, fellow amateur Jack Hall , and former tour player Tim Conley . After hitting his tee shot in the water on the par-3 12th, Sanchez chipped in for par. On the par-4 13th, Sanchez holed out from a greenside bunker for birdie, with his ball making contact with Belk’s ball, which was about a foot from the cup, before being re-directed into the hole. Sanchez went on to shoot 70 for an 8-under 136 total, two strokes ahead of Conley, who defeated Sanchez in a playoff in a 1996 Nike Tour tournament in T St. Louis. im Weinha rt For most of his professional career, Sanchez has been a mini-tour grinder, ez Javier Sanch with his near win in St. Louis part of a The Chicopee Woods event has two-year stint he spent on the Nike (now proven to be a popular early-season Nationwide) Tour. tournament for the state’s club profes - odd feat of breaking 100 in the opening Sanchez shoots Sanchez achieved a bit of national sionals, consisting of 54 holes over round in 2008, shooting 9-under for third straight attention when he qualified for the U.S. two days on Chicopee Woods’ 99 before finishing at 13-under 203 to Open four straight times from 1993- 27-hole layout. tie Davis. Senior Open title 1996, making it through both local and The tournament has enjoyed down-to- McCain shot a tournament-best Javier Sanchez has won the Yamaha sectional qualifying stages all four times. the-wire finishes all three times in which 15-under 201 to win in 2009, with Georgia Senior Open each of the last two He made a fifth U.S. Open start in 2000, it has been contested, beginning in 2008 Weinhart’s winning score last year 204. years, but if the veteran tour player is and is 2-for-2 in U.S. Senior Open quali - when Jeff Hull needed a playoff to pre - Chicopee Woods’ three nines are compa - going to make it a three-peat, he will have fying since he turned 50, tying for 32nd vail over Russ Davis . rable in both length and difficulty, with to do it at a new venue with the possibility in the championship last year. Hull contended again the next year, the Village nine, the front nine on the of a much stronger group of contenders. However, after making it into three but placed third, two strokes behind original 18, the longest of the three and Sanchez, a long time Fayetteville resi - Champions Tour events in Monday qual - Seth McCain , who edged out Sonny rated the most difficult of the trio. dent, claimed both his Georgia Senior ifiers in 2009, Sanchez made it into just Skinner by one shot to take his first Weinhart, Hull and Skinner have been Open titles at Callaway Gardens, but this one last year, and faded into the pack after Georgia PGA title. Tim Weinhart , a among the leaders in each of the three year’s event has been moved to Newnan an opening round 66 in the final full field 5-time Georgia PGA Player of the Year, tournaments played at Chicopee Woods, Country Club, which has hosted an event of the 2010 season in San Antonio. out-dueled Craig Stevens in last year’s with all three among the top five annual Seniors Division event in recent Sanchez plays much of his golf on the tournament, chipping in for birdie on finishers every year in the event’s years, as well as the Yamaha Atlanta Open Sunbelt Senior Tour, which is based in the 53rd hole to break a tie and score a brief history. in 2008. Florida and plays a number of its events one-stroke victory. Hull, an instructor at the UGA course Among the potential entrants who have in Georgia. Sanchez is a consistent top The Chicopee Woods Players in Athens, has finished first, third and turned 50 in the past year are Georgia finisher on the tour, which has small Championship, which is sponsored by fifth, matching his winning 13-under PGA members Sonny Skinner , Craig fields and offers modest prize money. 26 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2011 Hughes wins playoff 7KH*HRUJLD*ROI/HDJXH on Peach State Tour )RUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQDQGWRVLJQXSJRWR Dalton’s Matt Hughes won a playoff over McLuen birdied the 18th hole to force the ZZZSOD\JDJROIFRP fellow Georgian Mark Silvers to take a playoff, but lost to a par on the second hole. Peach State Golf Tour title at Landings GC in Josh Broadaway was 7th at 206 with &DOO URE#SOD\JDJROIFRP Warner Robins. Jonathan Fricke of Covington and Jasper’s Hughes, who won on the Peach State Jarod Trammell T8 at 207 Tour last year, and Silvers, who has Silvers picked up his second Peach State scored several mini-tour wins, both shot win of 2011 season, winning handily at 66-69—135, with Hughes winning with a Barnsley Gardens. Silvers posted scores of birdie on the second extra hole. Hughes 67 and 69 for an 8-under 136 total to earn took home $10,000 for his victory. first place money of $10,000. Chris Wolfe was 4th at 138 after opening Former UGA golfer Christo Greyling was with a 65, with Forsyth’s Jay McLuen 5th at second at 141, five strokes behind Silvers. 140. Champions Tour player James Mason Four golfers tied for 3rd at 142, with Hughes, of Dillard was T8 at 141. Mason and Mark Harrell of Hazlehurst Denny Lucas won a Peach State event at tying for 7th at 144. the Standard Club, shooting 68-69—137 Upcoming Peach State Tour events <($5/<0(0%(56+,321/< (7-under) to win by two strokes. Will include The Orchard (May 9-11), Jennings Claxton of Swainsboro tied for 3rd at 141 Mill (May 16-17), Old Union (May 23-24), 7RXU(YHQWV6WDUWLQJDW along with Jim Chung of Duluth. Mason Reunion (June 6-8) and Stonebridge G&CC again tied for 8th at 144. in Albany (June 13-14). $IIRUGDEOH&RPSHWLWLYH7RXUQDPHQW*ROI In a 54-hole Peach State tournament at eGolf Tour: Former Nationwide Tour DW$WODQWDDUHDFRXUVHV the Georgia Club, Chas Narramore won in player Scott Parel of Augusta was the top a playoff over McLuen after both players fin - Georgia finisher in an eGolf Tour event in 6WURNH0DWFK3OD\IRUHYHU\OHYHOSOD\HU ished at 13-under 203. McLuen shot 65 in Southport, N.C., tying for 10th. EDVHGRQKDQGLFDS the final round, with the second day of play Savannah’s Mark Silvers shot 15-under 3UL]HVWRZLQQHUV&ORVHVWWRWKH3LQ consisting of 36 holes due to a poor 272 to place 7th in an eGolf event in weather forecast for the following day. Columbia, S.C., shooting 66 the final day. DQG+ROHLQ2QH&RQWHVWV LONG DRIVES ARE FOR FAIRWAYS NOT YOUR TRIP TO THE GOLF COURSE Dogwood Golf Club, conveniently located near the intersection of Barrett Parkway and Powder Springs Road Just a chip shot from the Galleria, Marietta Square or Town Center area • FULL SERVICE RESTAURANT AND GRILL • FULLY STOCKED PRO SHOP • PGA PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTORS PUBLICPUBLIIC PLAYPLAYAY WELCOME 770 941 2202 | WWW.DOGWOODGOLF.ORG MAY 2011 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 27 Masters latest example of golf’s shifting fortunes Schwartzel fourth straight new major champion Tiger Woods respectably in each of last year’s majors much recognition thanks to By Mike Blum (he was T30 in his first ever Masters Scott Hoch . f it wasn’t already evident after the appearance), Schwartzel had never seri - Schwartzel’s birdie-birdie- results of the last three major ously contended in a major. birdie-birdie finish overshadowed championships of 2010, the 2011 Although he didn’t attract much atten - some late heroics by a host of Masters offered even stronger proof tion in the Masters before his spectacular challengers, most notably a pair tIhat men’s professional golf is in the start in the final round, Schwartzel was a of Australians who were hoping to midst of a significant transitional phase. factor from early in the opening round. give their country a first ever Since Phil Mickelson won the 2010 He shot 32 on his opening nine and was Masters champion. Both Scott G R E B Masters, the last four major champions tied for seventh at the end of the day and 23-year-old Jason Day played N I D E have been international players age 30 or after a 69. beautifully in the final round, V E T younger. When 26-year-old South The first player off the tee in Friday’s although Scott will likely regret his S African Charl Schwartzel won last second round, Schwartzel shot a steady failure to take advantage of the two month’s Masters, he became the 10th dif - 71 and was the clubhouse leader for back nine par 5s. ferent winner of the last 10 majors, just about an hour, ending up six shots Day is one of the game’s budding McIlroy’s collapse and the rise four of whom are Americans. behind Rory McIlroy in a tie for 12th. young stars along with the likes of McIlroy, and fall of Tiger Woods . All four major titles are currently held Another strong start Saturday led to a Rickie Fowler and Ryo Ishikawa , and After three days of mostly brilliance on by non-Americans, with South Africans 68, which placed him in a four-way tie came about as close as anyone has over the the lush turf of Augusta National, winning two of the last three. With the for second at 208, four behind McIlroy last 30 years to winning the Masters in his McIlroy met the same fate that many exception of Tim Clark , who won the heading to the final round. first start in Augusta. others before him have encountered 2010 Players Championship and has fin - It took Schwartzel just three holes to Scott, whose history in the majors when leading a major championship ished in the top 3 in three different erase McIlroy’s lead, beginning with a consists of mostly failing grades, finally going to the final round. majors, all of South Africa’s prominent bump-and-run birdie chip after missing put up a performance worthy of his Both Dustin Johnson and Nick international competitors have won the first green wide right. He topped that talent, and at the relatively advanced age Watney collapsed almost immediately in major championships. impressive shot two holes later when he of 30, may be about to produce results the final rounds of 2010 majors, while Schwartzel emerged as a player to spun a wedge into the hole for eagle on commensurate with his ability. Greg Norman’s infamous 1996 self- watch last year, placing second behind the short par-4 third. The third Aussie in the mix was Geoff destruction was more drawn out and Ernie Els in the WGC event at Doral, Schwartzel fell out of a tie at the top Ogilvy , whose game appears to be well painful. After some early struggles, closing fast to finish one shot out of a when he three-putted the fourth from suited to Augusta National. But he had McIlroy actually righted himself and playoff in Houston the week before the long range, just his seventh bogey of the never seriously challenged for a green retained the outright lead heading to the Masters, and notching finishes of 18th or week. From there, he rattled off 10 jacket before running off five consecutive back nine before his horrendous drive at better in the last three majors of 2010. straight pars, and was just one stroke off birdies on the back nine in the final the 10th led to a triple bogey. After the season, Schwartzel joined the the lead of Adam Scott when he began round last month. Ogilvy’s charge, which Even after the triple, McIlroy PGA Tour, and played respectably in the the greatest finishing birdie stretch in began at the 12th hole, was just a bit too responded with one of the best shots of tournaments leading up to the Masters Masters history. late, but re-establishes him as a threat any the day to an almost inaccessible pin after a torrid stretch on the European With birdies on each of the final four time the game’s top players gather position on the 11th, but the putting Tour spanning the end of 2010 and the holes, the last three of which came on together. problems that had plagued him at times first few weeks of 2011. He finished putts in the 15-foot-or-longer range, Veterans K.J. Choi and Angel earlier in the round suddenly reached fourth or better in four straight tourna - Schwartzel surged past what may have Cabrera were once again among the epic proportions. Facing a birdie putt ments in South Africa, and collected his been the largest group of contenders ever leaders coming down the stretch, but inside 10 feet, McIlroy instead three- sixth career victory, the first of which at such a late stage on Sunday in the both were lapped by their younger com - putted for bogey. He followed with a came at the age of 20. Masters. His 66 will go down as one of petitors near the finish line. Bogeys at the four-putt at the 11th, missing twice Schwartzel was largely unknown in the the great final rounds by a winner in always pesky par-3 12th proved costly to more from just a few feet away. U.S. prior to his Masters triumph, but Masters history along side Gary Player’s both, although not as damaging as the McIlroy, who was third in both the was ranked 29th in the world when the 64 in 1978, the 65 by Jack Nicklaus hole was to Luke Donald , the only one 2010 British Open and PGA tournament began, moving up to 11th in 1986 and a mostly forgotten 65 of the unprecedented number of Championship, wound up tied for 15th thanks to his stirring and somewhat sur - by Nick Faldo in 1989, who was handed challengers who found Rae’s Creek on after an 80, with his final round unrav - prising victory. Although he played very a Masters title but deprived of the hole. eling coming as a complete shock to Donald, a popular pre-tournament almost everyone in the golf punditry pro - pick by a passel of prognosticators, fession despite the recent and frequent rebounded to birdie four of the next six number of historical precedents. No Georgians near top It was not a good week holes to tie Ogilvy for fourth, concluding It was an equally unanimous opinion with his well-deserved chip-in birdie at that McIlroy will overcome his very for the Georgia contingent at the Masters. Seven the 18th after clanging his second shot public debacle, but that may be more of the nine Georgia natives/residents/former from a very awkward lie off the flagstick. wishful thinking than hard-headed collegians missed the cut, with Matt Kuchar the With Schwartzel not exactly a house - analysis. Few of those who have under - hold name outside South Africa or to gone final round meltdowns in a major top finisher at T27. Bubba Watson was in the fans of the Mel Brooks’ movie comparable to that of McIlroy have top 10 after three rounds, but closed with a 78. “Spaceballs,” his remarkable perform - ance was overshadowed to an extent by [ See Masters, page 34 ] 28 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2011 2XW KHUH WKH ELJJHVW KDQGLFDS LV NHHSLQJ \RXU KHDG GRZQ RI WKH PRVW VWULNLQJO\ EHDXWLIXO KROHV RI JROI \RXuOO HYHU SOD\ DUH ZDLWLQJ IRU \RX DW )ULSS ,VODQG 6RXWK &DUROLQD 7KH 2FHDQ 3RLQW OLQNV FRXUVH GHVLJQHG E\ *HRUJH &REE ERDVWV KROHV ZLWK VWXQQLQJ YLHZV RI WKH RFHDQ RU LQOHW 2Q WKH VRXWK HQG RI WKH LVODQG LV 2FHDQ &UHHN 'DYLV /RYH ,,,uV ILUVW VLJQDWXUH FRXUVH 2FHDQ &UHHN LV RQH PDJQLILFHQW SDQRUDPLF YLHZ DIWHU DQRWKHU RI WKH JUHDW VDOW PDUVK DQG IUHVKZDWHU ODNHV %XW EULQJ \RXU v$w JDPH ZKHQ \RX FRPH EHFDXVH WKHVH FRXUVHV FDQ EH D WHVW RI \RXU VNLOOV DQG WHPSHUDPHQW )RU UHVHUYDWLRQV FDOO RU OHDUQ PRUH DERXW XV DW ZZZIULSSLVODQGUHVRUWFRP &RPH SOD\ LQ WKH QDWXUDO EHDXW\ RI RXU LVODQG LQ WKH VXQ -YPWW 0ZSHUK .63- ),(*/ 9,:69; MAY 2011 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 29 Kirk makes mark with big week in Houston a playoff. He scored one of his two victo - ries last year in Knoxville, the other Ex-Bulldog ties for second behind Mickelson coming in Fort Smith, Ark. During his short stint as a tour player, Kirk has twice reached the finals of PGA contended in during his rookie season. In his standing on the money list relative to Tour qualifying, but failed to earn his PGA By Mike Blum just his second start as a PGA Tour retaining his playing privileges. He will be Tour card on either occasion, although his he Atlanta Journal- member, Kirk tied for seventh in the Bob looking to maintain his current lofty play at Q school in 2007 earned him a Constitution may not know Hope Classic, finishing four shots out of a ranking in order to qualify for the two spot on the Nationwide Tour the next year. who Chris Kirk is, but golf playoff won by Jhonattan Vegas , the cur - major events that will be played in Atlanta Kirk was able to skip Q school after his fans who watched the Shell rent favorite for Rookie of the Year. later this year. play on the Nationwide Tour last year, and HTouston Open were introduced to one After his strong showing in the Hope, Kirk needs to finish among the top 70 thanks to his runner-up finish in Houston, of the PGA Tour’s many budding Kirk did not turn in another top finish for players on a money list that spans a cal - won’t have to worry about keeping his young stars. more than two months, and he addressed endar year from the 2010 to 2011 PGA PGA Tour playing privileges in 2012. Kirk grew up in the Cherokee County his struggles after taking the lead midway Championships in order to make it into After an opening round 66 placed him community of Woodstock, was one of the through the Houston Open. the field at Atlanta Athletic Club in among the leaders, Kirk moved into first top players in the long history of the U. of “I had my two worst tournaments of the August. His tie for second in Houston place with a second round 69. He took the Georgia golf team, and now lives on St. past couple years the last two weeks (at moved him up to 66 from 131. He can lead during the round before making a Simons Island. Tampa and Bay Hill),” Kirk said. “I was also qualify for the event if he remains in double bogey on his 13th hole after He was a contender from the first day of just kind of in a little bit of a funk, I guess. the top 100 in the World Ranking. driving into a hazard. Thanks to birdies on the Houston Open to the 72nd hole, I don’t feel like I was playing that bad of Although he was only 16 years old the his final two holes, he held the outright ending up in a tie for the second behind golf. I just lost interest somehow. last time Atlanta AC hosted the PGA lead going to the weekend. Phil Mickelson . Despite his strong ties to “That’s horrible for me to say that as a Championship, this will not be the Playing in the final group in the third the state, the AJC never identified him PGA Tour player – and I have the best job first time Kirk has competed on the round, Kirk withstood the pressure to even though he was mentioned in the in the world – but I did. I got to the point club’s Highlands Course in a national shoot another 69 that could have been sev - Associated Press stories that ran in the AJC where I would make a couple of bogeys championship. eral shots lower. He hit 16 of 18 greens after each round, most prominently fol - and felt like I didn’t want to be out there. Kirk competed in the 2003 U.S. Junior and described the round as “one of the lowing the second round when he was And so I went home this past weekend Amateur at AAC, advancing to match play better ball striking rounds I’ve ever had. I leading the tournament outright. and just tried to change basically as before losing in the second round. just really didn’t make anything all day. Kirk has been a national caliber player many things as possible to try to spark To qualify for the Tour Championship “I had so many chances. After you since his days in junior golf, and has my interest.” at East Lake in September, Kirk will need miss a few, you kind of lose a little bit enjoyed considerable success at every level After his outstanding performance on to remain in the top 30 in the FedExCup of confidence.” in which he competed. He struggled a bit the Nationwide Tour in 2010, Kirk said he standings, and that would also earn him a After two days of what he termed during his first two years as a professional, was hesitant to change equipment, but put spot in the 2012 Masters. “incredible” putting, Kirk was still hopeful but finished second on the Nationwide some new Titleist clubs in his bag prior Unless he moves into the top 50 in the heading to the final round, and responded Tour money list in 2010, and his runner- to Houston, and the decision paid World Rankings just prior to the U.S. with a 67 that included just his fourth up finish in Houston stamped him as a immediate dividends. Open, Kirk will have to compete in sec - bogey of the week. contender for PGA Tour Rookie of the Thanks to his tie for second, Kirk tional qualifying for the event. He has Kirk closed out the tournament with Year honors. earned $519,200 and plenty of FedExCup qualified for the Open twice in the last four birdies on his final nine holes, and Houston was not the first and World Ranking points. three years, making the cut in 2008. said he was “very happy with my back tournament Kirk has Kirk moved up from 83rd on the PGA Prior to his rookie season, Kirk had nine and my ball striking all around. I didn’t make a whole lot on the front nine, Chris Kirk which could have really got me up there. But I certainly wouldn’t complain.” “This kind of sets me up Then highlight of Kirk’s round was a chip-in birdie from a difficult lie on the for the rest of the year,” 16th that enabled him to tie veteran Scott Verplank for second at 17-under —Chris Kirk 271, three strokes behind Mickelson. Kirk had played at Redstone GC Tour money list to 29th, and his earn - competed in nine PGA Tour events, with during his college days at Georgia, where ings for the year ($779,000 at the time) his best finish a tie for 15th in last year’s he enjoyed a memorable career. He are less than $10,000 short of the total inaugural McGladrey Classic at Sea Island helped lead the Bulldogs to a national required to finish 125th on the money list GC. Kirk received a sponsor’s exemption championship as a sophomore in 2005, last year. He was 23rd in FedExCup points after an exceptional year on the and was a second team All-America (up from 68th) and cracked the top 100 in Nationwide Tour, but suffered an injury selection that season, earning first team the World Rankings for the first time, shortly after competing at Sea Island, and honors as a junior and senior. vaulting from 137 to 87. was unable to play in the Nationwide Tour As a senior, Kirk was presented with “This kind of sets me up for the rest Championship, denying him a chance to the Ben Hogan Award as the country’s of the year,” Kirk said. “I was already in finish the year as the tour’s No. 1 player. top collegiate golfer, and shares Georgia pretty good shape, but this just makes it a Kirk played on the Nationwide Tour in career victory mark with seven individual A R little better.” both 2008 and ‘09, but did not play espe - titles, four as a senior. That helped earn T S I O Unlike almost all the other PGA Tour cially well either year other than a near him a spot on the victorious 2007 U.S. O K L rookies, Kirk no longer has to worry about victory in ‘08 in Knoxville, when he lost in Walker Cup team. A 30 MAY 2011 From the course, retail storere and driving rangege to the internet,ernet, check out thehe new features off wwwwww.golfforegeorgia.com..golfforegeorgia.com.golfforegeorgia.com.foregeorgia.com. It’It’ss incredible! www.GolfForeGeorgia.comwwww.GolfForeGeorgia.comfForeGeorgia.comGeorgia.comgia.comm Find any golf course in Georgia with interactive Golf Contest search Click here to register to win monthly prizes. Download the latest issue of Fore Georgia magazine Special contest and promotions area, or view Golf Course and instructional videos Extended golf news View live, up-to-date information about tournaments and other golf news as it happens MAY 2011 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 31 Georgians start fast on Nationwide Tour round, with a poor finish also hurting him in Louisiana. Manning, who is List leads way after runner-up finish coming off an injury-plagued season in 2010, was 69th on the money list. Georgia’s other veteran Nationwide Luke List s the Nationwide round, with final results reverting back Tour player is Vidalia native and St. Tour was about to to the end of the second round. Brown, Simons Island resident Paul Claxton , begin its two-week who was two shots back after 36 holes, who is in his 13th full season, along with swing through was just inside the top 25 at 23rd on four on the PGA Tour. Claxton made the GAeorgia, most of the state’s the money list. Brown was 70th last cut in three of the first four events of the players on the tour were off to year, falling out of the top 60 after year, but had no high finishes and was excellent starts. missing most of the late tournaments 77th in earnings prior to the two Georgia The Nationwide Tour had on the schedule due to an injury. tournaments. Claxton, a former Georgia played only four tournaments Alpharetta’s Roberto Castro was Bulldog and Georgia Amateur cham - prior to back-to-back stops in just outside the top 25 at 28th, pion, was 42nd last year, and has finished Valdosta in late April and posting three top-20 finishes in the lower than 61st only once in his Athens in early May, with four first four events on the schedule. Nationwide Tour career. Georgians among the top 25 Castro tied for 18th in the season Former Georgia Tech golfer Nicholas money winners and another opener in Panama, for 19th in Thompson was 85th after making two player from the state just outside which he has been granted a sponsor’s Colombia and for 14th in California. of four cuts. Thompson has played the that status. exemption, tying for 25th in Los Angeles The former Georgia Tech standout was PGA Tour in recent seasons, but is back Of the 11 Georgians on the tour with after a final round 64 at Riviera CC. His making a strong run at the leaders in on the Nationwide Tour this year. at least three starts in the four events, total earnings for the young season have Colombia when the tournament was Brendon Todd and Justin Bolli , a nine were among the top 85 on the exceeded $138,000. halted, but got a bit of a break in pair of ex-Georgia Bulldogs and past money list. The top 25 at the end of the LaFayette native John Kimbell , who California, where he was losing ground Nationwide Tour winners, were both 0- season move up to the PGA Tour in won the first South Georgia Classic at before play ended. Castro was 62nd in for-3 in cuts made, and will need to play 2012, with the top 60 exempt for Valdosta’s Kinderlou Forest in 2007, was earnings last year, playing his way onto well in their home state if they hope to the 2012 Nationwide Tour and the top 19th on the money list coming into that the tour midway through the season play a full schedule this season. 100 retaining non-exempt status for event. He tied for 4th in Louisiana, thanks to a runner-up finish in Wichita. Todd is coming off a forgettable 2010 next year. shooting a final round 61 to jump 44 Veteran tour player Scott Dunlap , at in which he did not make a cut the entire Most of the Georgians on the places in the standings. He followed with 47 one of the oldest Nationwide players, season on the Nationwide Tour after Nationwide Tour this year are competing a solid showing in California. Kimbell was 58th on the money list, tying for competing on the PGA Tour in 2009. as non-exempt players, with fast starts was 90th on the 2011 money list. 13th in Louisiana. Dunlap carded 65s in Bolli has gone back and forth between enhancing their current eligibility status. Augusta’s Scott Brown tied for 3rd in both the Louisiana and California tour - the PGA and Nationwide Tours in recent Leading the way after four tourna - the early season Nationwide Tour event naments, and is looking to improve on years, struggling on the PGA Tour in ments were Ringgold’s Luke List and in Colombia, with the tournament one his 2010 finish of 76th in earnings. 2010. He has three career Nationwide former UGA golfer Erik Compton , of two shortened by weather problems. Clarkesville’s Major Manning , who Tour wins and placed 11th or better on both of whom were among the top 10 on Like the Bay Area event that was can - played his college golf at Augusta State, the money list each year he won a tour - the money list. celled midway through the fourth round, opened the 2011 season with a tie for nament to earn his three shots on the List, who was 78th in earnings last the Bogota tournament was halted with 18th in Panama. He was a contender PGA Tour. year, was 8th after a recent tie for 2nd in players still on the course for the third after 54 holes, but struggled in the final northern California, the last event before the tour began its Southern swing. After a third round 64, List was just one stroke off the lead. He wound up in that position when the final round was Monday qualifier Potter wins in Valdosta cancelled due to heavy fog that halted Ted Potter became the first Monday had made just 6 cuts, with his best ever second round 65. play with the leaders midway through qualifier since 2006 to win a Nationwide finish a tie for 11th. Also tying for 18th was ex-UGA golfer their rounds. Tour event, taking the South Georgia Five golfers with Georgia ties finished Brendon Todd , who shot a final round 67 List earned $52,800 for his share of Classic at Kinderlou Forest in Valdosta by in the top 25 to guarantee spots in the to crack the top 25. It was Todd’s first 2nd place, boosting his earnings for the three strokes. field for the Stadion Classic at UGA the fol - made cut of the season. Harman, a season to just over $60,000. He had Potter shot 65-68 over the final two lowing week, including former Georgia Savannah native, was in position for a tied for 20th in the previous event rounds to finish with a tournament record Bulldog Brian Harman , who played his fourth straight under par round, but in Louisiana. 16-under 272 total, three strokes ahead of way into the Valdosta tournament in a bogeyed his last two holes for a 73 and a Compton was 10th in earnings with Matthew Goggin , the leader on the tour’s Monday qualifier. tie for 24th at 284. $54,005, tying for 4th in the season- money list and a winner earlier this season. Clarkesville’s Major Manning closed Georgians Roberto Castro , Scott opener in both Panama and the northern Former Clemson golfer Charles Warren , a with scores of 67-69 the final two rounds Dunlap and Justin Bolli all missed the California tournament. Compton, who PGA Tour member, tied for 3rd at 278 with to tie for 5th at 279. Former UGA golfer cut by one stroke with 1-over 145 totals has survived two heart transplant sur - Brent Long , like Potter a Monday qualifier. Erik Compton turned in another strong for 36 holes. Bill Murchison of Towne geries, is enjoying his best season as a The five-year-old event continued its performance, tying for 13th at 282. Lake Hills had the low score of the three professional thus far in 2011. He has fin - history of producing surprise winners. LaFayette native John Kimbell , who won Georgia PGA members in the field at 149, ished no lower than 19th in his three Potter had played on the Nationwide Tour the first South Georgia Classic in 2007, with Steel Canyon instructor Craig Nationwide Tour starts, and has made in 2004,‘07 and‘10, and in 55 career starts tied for 18th at 283, highlighted by a Stevens next at 151. the cut in all four PGA Tour events in 32 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2011 +LW ·(P IRU +HPRSKLOLD Golf Tournament November 1, 2011 Château Élan Resort and Winery Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities Raise money for medical research Gain recognition for corporate philanthropy Golf with current and former Atlanta Braves celebrities Participate in a premier charity golf tournament at Château Élan Corporate Sponsors /DVW \HDU·V +LW ·(P IRU +HPRSKLOLD Golf Tournament sponsors included: Become a Corporate Sponsor )LQG WKH FRUSRUDWH VSRQVRUVKLS OHYHO WKDW·V ULJKW IRU \RXU FRPSDQ\ E\ YLVLWLQJ ZZZKRJRUJ or contacting Vic McCarty at 770 518-8272 or [email protected] today. MAY 2011 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 33 Masters report Georgia PGA members [ Continued from page 28 ] come back to win one of golf’s Grand Slam events, although few had the youth or talent of McIlroy. to serve in volunteer roles With all that went on Sunday at Augusta National, the one story that really got the media worked up was the Georgia PGA President in 2000, it champion Jeff Sluman grew up in the By Mike Blum familiar name of Woods that briefly – didn’t immediately dawn on him that Rochester, N.Y., area, and Farrell com - very briefly – topped the leader board in ine Georgia PGA mem - his two-year term would include the peted against Sluman – unsuccessfully, the final round. bers will attempt to 2001 PGA Championship. The long- he chuckled – when the two were Over the first eight holes, Woods hit a qualify next month for time head professional at Country junior golfers. succession of outstanding shots, and the 2011 PGA Club of Roswell was quickly made This year, Farrell will be coordinating holed one putt after another, just like he CNhampionship by finishing in the top aware of that, with his best memories of the Georgia PGA’s volunteers, but with did during his dozen or so years as golf’s 20 of the PGA Professional National his involvement with the event stem - the tournament still several months pre-eminent performer. Championship. ming from his invitation away, has not had much to do in that Woods got everyone’s attention when But even if none of to the Champions capacity yet. he birdied seven of the last 11 holes them make it (two did Dinner, held annually “It’s all done online, and I’m not sure Friday en route to a 66 and tie for third the last time the PGA was during tournament week. exactly what’s involved,” he says, but after 36 holes. But he backed that up played at Atlanta Athletic “That was a unique expects to be a lot busier as the tourna - with an uninspired 74 the next day and Club), the Georgia PGA experience,” Farrell ment approaches and the various shifts trailed McIlroy by seven shots going to will still have a significant recalled. He shared a table for the practice facilities, the starter’s the final round. With a 31 on the front presence at this year’s at the dinner with some roles and the lesson booths have to be nine Woods pulled even with McIlroy PGA Championship, past PGA of America worked out. Danny Elkins and several others, but as soon as he which is scheduled for presidents, as well as a Danny Elkins wound up with a reached the 10th tee, all the momentum Aug. 11-14. past champion, who slightly different assignment a decade ago. he had built up suddenly vanished. Approximately 200 showed up dressed a bit Elkins, the owner and head professional A short missed par putt at the 12th Georgia PGA members more casually than the of Georgia Golf Center in Roswell, was started Woods’ downfall, and he alter - and apprentices will work other attendees. among a group of club professionals who nated between indifferent approach shots as volunteers at this year’s Vijay Singh entered were stationed around the 12th and 18th and more missed putts. While PGA Championship in a wearing golf clothes, greens to help make determinations Schwartzel, Day, Scott, Ogilvy and variety of roles, with a having just come from a where balls that found the greenside haz - Donald all shot 3-under or better on the number of them reprising late session on the practice ards on the two holes crossed the hazard back nine, Woods settled for even par their efforts from 10 years range, one of only two line. Tim Farrell and a tie for fourth. ago, the last time Atlanta players to show up for the Elkins and his fellow club pros did not Since his last win in Augusta in 2005, Athletic Club hosted dinner without coat and have any rules responsibilities; they were Woods has finished between second and one of golf’s four major champi - tie. The other was John Daly , who did just there as extra pairs of eyes to enable a sixth every year, and has exhibited an onships. not come directly from the range, but rules official and the unfortunate player increasing tendency of shooting himself was attired in his usual to agree on where to make his drop. into contention before squandering mode of dress. Although Elkins took no particular joy opportunities to hang with the leaders. Prior to the dinner in his task, he said it was “fun being out During his winless stretch, which has Behind the scenes during tourna - there in that atmosphere. That was the now surpassed a year, Woods has only ment week, Farrell biggest thing. Until you experience a occasionally shown flashes of his former at the interacted a bit with major championship atmosphere, you glory, with those glimpses typically 2011 PGA the 1991 PGA champion can’t really understand it.” coming in short bursts that encompass in his position as the prac - Elkins, who was the Georgia PGA about half a round. The primary roles for the Georgia tice round starter on the 10th tee. President in 2004-05, will volunteer Because one of those two flashes PGA volunteers will be to coordinate “Daly was hanging around the tee again this year, but says he is “not looking during the Masters happened in the final the practice areas at AAC (driving waiting to see who he could play with,” for anything specific. I’ll do whatever round, Woods’ legion of idolatrous wor - range, short game area, putting green); Farrell recollected. During Daly’s stay they want me to do.” shipers in the media were almost giddy to work as starters and man locater on the tee, Farrell struck up a conversa - As one of the state’s most highly in their expectations of a “return” of the player boards during the practice tion with him and discovered that regarded teaching professionals, Elkins real Tiger to the top of the fluid world rounds; and to conduct free mini- Daly “was real interesting and a regular could do a shift or two offering mini- rankings, and a renewed challenge at lessons before and during the guy. It was a neat experience talking lessons to the patrons who take the golf’s holy grail – the 18 career major tournament for two of the PGA’s cor - to him.” opportunity of getting some invaluable (if mark established by Nicklaus. porate sponsors – Mercedes-Benz and Farrell also got to observe up close brief) tips from a professional instructor, Until he proves he can put together an American Express. his fellow club professionals who were or he could wind up repeating what he entire round of excellent play, let alone Among those who worked in a vol - competing along side the likes of Singh did a decade ago. 72 holes, the Tiger Woods of 2011 is not unteer capacity at Atlanta Athletic and Daly, and made note of the fact Either way, Elkins and his fellow the Tiger Woods who amassed 14 major Club ten years ago and will do so again that most of them appeared “a little Georgia PGA members will be able to titles between 1997 and 2008. are two former Presidents of the wide-eyed.” experience the excitement that exists at a Maybe he will be again, but the Georgia PGA, one of whom served in Included among the players in the major championship, whether as a player fervent wishes of media types not satis - that role the last time the PGA field that year was another PGA cham - or volunteer, and will be left with a life - fied with a Charl Schwartzel victory are Championship was played in the state. pion who Farrell had some history time of memories regardless of which role not enough. When Tim Farrell took over as the with. Both Farrell and 1988 PGA they play. 34 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2011 Y A M 0 2 1 1 Vinings Surgery Center over 20 years experrience Complimentary Consultation Complimentary 6ININGS Ask aboutour Golfer’sAsk Special 1900 Plastic, CosmeticandReconstructive Surgery Ì>Ì>] Robert A.Colgrove, Jr, M.D. The Board -Plastic Surgeon Certified 3URGERY i>\ Exchange, Building 300,Suite 300 ÎäÎÎ ÛÃVJV}ÀÛi°V #ENTER U ÜÜÜ°V}ÀÛi°V s s can We allwantto lookyoung andfit, plastic It’s Time toChange -ALE and Sun damageandothereffects ofaging Today, menofallagesare turning to can s cosmetic be Your Game Face s The and %YELID .OSE s reversed. Physical features thathave surgery tofeelbetter,surgery lookyounger, "REAST most often &AT s even helpwiththeircareers. bothered you foryears six &ACIAL 2ESHAPING 2EMOVAL 3URGERY s be significantlyimproved. importantly...we can. &ACE.ECK most 2EDUCTION surgery procedures: surgery Face It! $ERMAL popular "LEPHAROPLASTY ,IPOSUCTION 2HINOPLASTY ,IFT 'YNECOMASTIA &ILLERS O G F L E R O F male G E I G R O A . C MO 3 5 Chip Shots C R E to extend the match. D Weinhart among I T Johnson, seeded 10th in the 16-player Nationwide qualifiers field, needed 20 holes to get past Tim Weinhart , a 5-time Georgia PGA Player Greensboro’s Liz Butler in the first round of the Year, was one of four state club pro - and won 2&1 over Susan Rheney , also fessionals to earn spots in the back-to-back of Greensboro, in the second round before Nationwide Tour events in Georgia in late scoring a decisive 6&5 win over Newnan’s April and early May. Jodie Shepard in the semifinals. Weinhart claimed medalist honors in the Four-Ball Tournament: The Valdosta Georgia PGA qualifier for the Stadion duo of Doug Rayford and David Classic at UGA, shooting 71 on the Matthews teamed up to win the GSGA demanding UGA golf course. Also quali - Four-Ball Tournament at Houston Lake in fying was Rivermont CC head professional Perry, shooting 17-under 199 to finish Matthew Evans , who shot a 72. two strokes ahead of the team of Lee Evans edged out three players for the Gerdes of Macon and Craig Wentworth second of the two Georgia PGA qualifying of Thomasville. spots in the tournament. Jeff Hull , an Rayford and Matthews posted scores of instructor at the UGA course, shot a 73, as 66-66-67, leading after each of the first did veteran tour player Sonny Skinner and two rounds. Towne Lakes Hills assistant Bill Murchison . Matt Oxford of Rocky Face and Bart Weinhart played a limited schedule on Walraven of Calhoun took 3rd at 204, the Nationwide Tour in 2007, and has made shooting a tournament best 65 in the final a number of starts on the PGA Tour as well, A round. Mark Northey of Savannah, a G P A including five appearances in the PGA I member of Georgia’s 1999 NCAA G R O Championship. He almost made the cut in Sonny Skinner E Championship team, teamed with his G last year’s PGA Tour McGladrey Classic at father Scott Northey , a former Major Sea Island GC, and will be in the field in that League Baseball player, to place 4th at 207, event again this year, earning that spot by Skinner sweeps playoff that included Decatur’s Matt with David Maddox and Rich Dubois of claiming his fifth Player of the Year title O’Brien , the only other player to have won McDonough 5th at 208. in 2010. Seniors Division the tournament in its brief history. Evans will be playing in his first Sonny Skinner scored a pair of victories in Sappington shot 77-71—148 to erase a Nationwide Tour event. recent Seniors Division tournaments, win - 5-stroke deficit after the first round, holing Broadaway 4th The day after the qualifier for the UGA ning at Summit Chase CC and the annual a 5-foot birdie on the third extra hole at event was held, the re-scheduled Georgia Dan Parrish Senior Classic at Willow Lake. Cartersville CC. O’Brien, one of three in Hooters event PGA qualifier for the South Georgia Classic Skinner, who teaches at River Pointe in players tied for the lead after the first Josh Broadaway took 4th in a Hooters was played at the UGA course, with Albany and also has Monday qualifier round, took Sappington to a third playoff Tour event at Stonebridge G&CC in Albany, Murchison matching Weinhart’s 71 to take status on the Champions Tour, shot hole, with Don Marsh of Johns Creek finishing three strokes behind winner medalist honors by five strokes. 74-67—141 at Summit Chase to edge eliminated on the first extra hole. James Vargas . It will be the first Nationwide Tour start fellow Champions Tour Monday qualifier Frank Costanzo of Savannah was 4th at Broadaway, an Albany native and for Murchison, whose father played on Craig Stevens , who was 2nd at 149, with five players tying for 5th at 150, Nationwide Tour member, closed with a both the PGA and Nationwide Tours. 73-70—143. including first round co-leaders Bill final round 66 for an 18-under 270 total. Joining Murchison in the field at Amateur Lee Dennis was 3rd at 146, fol - Ploeger of Columbus and Boyd Johnson Warner Robins’ Chris Wolfe tied for 8th at Kinderlou Forest is Chicopee Woods lowed by Bob Burk of Valdosta’s Stone of Statesboro. Also shooting 150 were Ken 275, with former Norcross resident Reid instructor Jeff Frasier , who shot 76 and Creek GC at 147. Tying for 5th at 148 were Sisk of Canton, Ken Benson of Alpharetta Edstrom tying for 13th at 276. won a playoff over Todd Ormsby of Willie Smith of the Charlie Yates course and Marvin Davenport of Hiawassee. The Hooters Tour played the following Planterra Ridge. Four players missed the and amateurs Doug Stiles and Mark Cain . Dick Van Leuvan of Roswell matched week at Whitewater Creek in Fayetteville, playoff for the second qualifying spot by Skinner won by six shots at Willow Lake Sappington’s second round 71 and was with former Nationwide Tour player one shot, including Evans, Augusta CC with scores of 71-69—140. Amateur Steve 10th at 151. Garrett Osborn taking the title by three instructor Gary Cressend , Crooked Oak Collins was 2nd at 146, with fellow ama - Women’s Senior Match Play: Marietta’s strokes with a 21-under 267 total. Osborn is head professional Winston Trively and teur John Skeadas one of four players tied Brenda Pictor won the inaugural GSGA from Birmingham and played his college Griffin CC head professional Brian Dixon . at 147. Also shooting 147 were head pro - Senior Women’s Match Play Championship golf at UAB. Steel Canyon instructor Craig Stevens , fessionals Wyatt Detmer of Orchard Hills, at Albany’s Doublegate CC, needing 19 Recent Clayton State golfer Wade who won last year’s Georgia PGA Section Bill Robinson of Kinderlou Forest and holes in the title match to defeat Maria Binfield of Morrow was low Georgian in Championship and the Section’s qualifier Danny Elkins of Georgia Golf Center. Johnson of Jesup. the event, tying for 23rd at 278, posting for the PGA Professional National Pictor, who has won the GSGA Senior scores in the 60s each of the last three Championship, earned the automatic Women’s Championship three of the last rounds. Only four Georgians made the cut. Georgia PGA berths in both events. Sappington takes four years, was the event’s top seed. She Former Clayton State golfer Will Wilcox won her first two matches by scores of 8&6 won his second Hooters Tour title in Super Senior title and 6&5 before scoring a narrow 1-up Conover, N.C., shooting 276 to finish four Milton’s Spencer Sappington won the victory over Atlanta’s Claudeen Lindberg . ahead of Billy Hurley . Wilcox closed with a GSGA Super Senior Championship for the Pictor led 3-up early in the finals and never 67 to take home first place money of third time in four years, taking a three-way trailed, with Johnson winning the 18th hole $28,000. 36 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2011 Tech, Kennesaw, Southern capture conference titles Georgia college teams look ahead to regionals hree Georgia college golf C R E teams won their conference D I T tournaments to earn auto - matic bids to the NCAA Tournament, which begins this month with regional competition. Georgia Tech won the ACC Championship, with Kennesaw State the Atlantic Sun champion and Georgia Southern taking the Southern Conference title. Augusta State and Georgia will join those three teams at regionals. Six regionals will be played May 19-21, with the three eastern regionals scheduled for Florida, Virginia and Indiana. The NCAA Championship will be played May 31-June 5 in Stillwater, Okla., with Oklahoma State serving as host. Atlantic Sun champion Kennesaw State GEORGIA Georgia Tech won its third straight ACC Championship and fifth in six earned medalist honors with scores of The Eagles trailed going to years, setting a tournament record with a 67-69-71 for a 6-under 207 total. the final round, but shot a College Roundup 33-under 831 total in New London, Matt Nagy of Buena Vista shot tournament best 282 that N.C. The Yellow Jackets won by 20 68-71-71—210 to tie for 2nd behind included Gruber’s 68 to win a three-way Sea Island GC. The Bulldogs shot 862, strokes over runner-up Duke, with third Karlsson, with the three other Kennesaw battle for the title. finishing 14 strokes behind Florida’s place Clemson 30 shots behind Tech’s starters contributing two counting scores Defending national champion winning total. winning score. each. Duluth’s Benjamin Greene shot a Augusta State closed out its Spring Macon’s Russell Henley , who has Tech golfers went 1-2-3 in the tourna - final round 69 and tied for 24th along schedule by tying for 3rd behind USC struggled for most of his senior season, ment, led by Paul Haley , who took with teammate Jonathan Klotz of and UCLA in a tournament in Santa led the Bulldogs, tying for 6th at 212, medalist honors at 10-under 206 with Columbus, who closed with a pair of 71s. Cruz, Calif. The Jaguars were led by three shots behind the medalist. Hudson scores of 68-68-70. He edged out Kyle Chad Wilson of Calhoun shot 73-72 the Augusta resident Patrick Reed , who tied Swafford was next for Georgia at 216, Scott , who shot 68-71-68 to take 2nd at first two days and tied for 28th at 219. for 2nd at 209, two strokes behind the tying for 14th, with Thomasville’s Harris 207. J.T. Griffin was 3rd at 209, Mercer was 4th in the tournament at medalist. Reed posted scores of 66-75-68. English T21 at 218. All three shot 69s in shooting a 66 the final day. Acworth’s 860, shooting 277 the final day. Hans Henrik Norlander tied for 9th for the final round on the Seaside course. James White was the fourth Yellow Reimers tied for 2nd at 210, with fellow Augusta at 213, with Carter Newman of Georgia tied for 3rd in the Linger Jacket in the top 10, tying for 8th at 213 freshman Mookie DeMoss of Duluth Evans T19 at 216. Longer Invitational at Reynolds highlighted by a closing 68. shooting a 68 in the third round. Josh The Jaguars were edged out by LSU in Plantation, posting an 866 total to finish The Yellow Jackets prepared for the Cone of Thomasville closed with 70 and the Hootie’s at Bulls Bay event in South 20 shots behind Alabama, which took ACC Championship with a small tourna - tied for 17th at 216. Carolina, with their 850 total one shot first by 18 strokes over Chattanooga. ment they hosted at Golf Club of Prior to its conference championship, behind LSU’s winning score. Mitch English tied for 7th at 214, with Henley Georgia. Tech shot 9-under 567 to win Kennesaw State placed 6th and 5th in its Krywulycz led Augusta, tying for 3rd at T18 at 219 after an opening 77. the 36-hole event by 19 strokes, with the final regular season events of the Spring. 209. Reed was T7 at 211. In other state college golf news… same three golfers who went 1-2-3 in the The Owls tied for 6th in the Linger Augusta State got a good look at NCAA Cochran’s Joe Young , a senior on the ACC finishing 1-2-3 in the same order. Longer Invitational at 878 led by favorite Oklahoma State in the Jaguars’ Georgia College team, earned medalist Haley was medalist at 71-68 –139, with Karlsson, who tied for 9th at 215. Nagy annual tournament played the weekend honors in a tournament in Greenwood, Scott 2nd at 140 after back-to-back scores shot 69 the final day to tie for 18th at before the Masters. Oklahoma State shot S.C. Young won by two with scores of of 70. Griffin was 3rd at 69-72 –141. 219. Kennesaw was 5th in an event in 16-under 848 at Forest Hills GC to win 70-68—138. Teammate Billy Shida of Several of Tech’s non-starters competed Kannapolis, N.C, with Karlsson closing the event by one stroke over Tennessee, Duluth tied for 6th at 141. in an event in Jacksonville, Ala., with red - with scores of 66 and 68 to tie for 2nd at with Augusta well back in 6th at 871. The Bobcats placed 4th in the Peach shirt freshman Seth Reeves of Duluth 4-under 209. Nagy opened with 67 and The Jaguars played two teams in the Belt Conference tournament at Savannah sharing medalist honors at 3-under 213, ended up T12 at 214. tournament, with the second team Quarters, with Shida taking 2nd individ - firing a 66 in the final round. Georgia Southern won the Southern beating the starting five by six shots. Olle ually at 214 after an opening round 66. Kennesaw won its conference tourna - Conference title by five strokes, shooting Bengston , playing with the second team, He finished three shots behind the ment at Chateau Elan with three steady 3-under 861 at Florence (S.C.) CC. The closed with back-to-back 67s to finish medalist. rounds of golf, shooting under par each Eagles were led by Lewis Gruber , who 2nd for Augusta at 209, five strokes Armstrong Atlantic took 3rd in the day on the par 71 Chateau course. was 2nd individually at 208, one shot behind Oklahoma State’s Kevin Tway . tournament, with three team members Kennesaw’s 845 total was nine strokes behind the medalist, and Logan Krywulycz tied for 10th at 215, with placing between 8th and 11th. Tyler better than the runner-up team. Blondell , who placed 3rd at 212. Matt Norlander 12th at 216. Erickson of Warner Robins tied for 8th The Owls did not have to count a score Deal, a senior from Statesboro, posted Georgia completed a mostly disap - at 221, with Ridge Purcell of LaGrange higher than 73, and got solid efforts from counting scores in all three rounds and pointing Spring season with a 4th place 10th at 222 and Matt Motes of Augusta all five starters, led by Jeff Karlsson , who tied for 25th at 222. showing in the SEC Championship at T11 at 223. MAY 2011 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 37 olf! of Junior G Course Reviews g 10 Years Celebratin the ns to Play op Reaso Tour! St. Ives Country Club (Private) T unior One St. Ives CC Drive, Johns Creek • 770-487-9432; www.stivescountryclub.org J hip PGA e relations STAFF: Billy Jack is the PGA Golf Professional; John Gerdts is the General Manager rgia Fun, lifetim eo [ ents PAR/YARDAGE: St. Ives is a par 72 with six sets of tees – Gold (7,003 yards); G ip fee uilding ev s membersh b mer Serie ew lower anded Sum Green (6,583); Blue (6,288); White (5,881); Gray (5,325) and Red (5,034). X N priced ] Exp nomically le COURSE RATING/SLOPE: 73.8/144 (Gold); 72.2/140 (Green); 70.6/134 (Blue); 68.8/129 Y Eco schedu ion to home ally uate Divis & close profession New Grad (White); 71.3/131 (Gray); 69.4/128 (Red). petitive & ^ 21 Most com r ages 19- s ABOUT THE COURSE: St. Ives has been around for more than two decades, but has man - Z olf program fo courses a n junior g such great ru _ Play East Lake aged to maintain a low profile in the crowded Atlanta private club scene despite its eorgia Ridge GC, in G ted events Hawk’s BE exemp a Island GC standout Tom Fazio design, which ranks with the most enjoyable layouts in the metro area. AJGA P ents GC and Se \ le tournam In part because of its residential setting, St. Ives is a bit narrower than some of his other & all 36-ho ked Georgia designs, but still sports Fazio’s mark with dramatic bunkering and some are JGS ran demanding greens complexes that will test every aspect of your short game. With six tees, including two for the club’s female players, St. Ives is one of the best fits around for member play, offering at least two comfortable options for just about every level of play. With sev - eral creeks winding through the course, which is bordered by the Chattahoochee River, and two very appealing but hazardous over-water par 3s, St. Ives provides plenty of opportuni - ties to find trouble, with OB and Fazio’s trademark abundance of bunkers adding to the challenge. The course is not oppressively tight off the tee, but there are plenty of holes that will not treat errant drives kindly, with a few holes requiring more than just finding the fairway. Some of the tighter doglegs have trees that can obstruct approach shots from one side of the fairway, most notably on the short but perilous par-4 12th, part of a back nine that includes most of the danger holes. Apart from the significantly downhill tee shot on the SignSign uupp & ggetett ththee ddetailsetails opening hole, St. Ives offers little in the way of elevation changes, but the terrain’s gentle aatt ggeorgiapga.com!eorrggiaapga.com! twists and turns and the amount of hazards in play will make you pay for lapses in concen - tration or misses in the wrong spots. Fazio’s layout features an excellent mix of holes, with a pair of short, vulnerable par 3s on the opening nine and three par 5s of modest length, although trouble lurks on two of them. There are only two par 4s with serious yardage, with the course extremely playable for those who don’t hit it great distances, but still a stern test for those who do. Conditions are outstanding, as is the course’s aesthetic appeal. Newnan Country Club (Private) 1356 Highway 29 North, Newnan • 770-253-9856; www.newnancc.org STAFF: Louis McHughes is the PGA General Manager/Head Professional; Preferred Rates on Ted Meier is the PGA Assistant Professional/Instructor PAR/YARDAGE: Newnan CC is a par 72 with five sets of tees – Blue (6,966 yards); Golf & Travel with the Black (6,582); White (6,375), Gold (6,003) and Red (5,199). COURSE RATING/SLOPE: 73.8/135 (Blue); 72.0/132 (Black); 70.8/129 (White); 68.7/122 Georgia PGA Golf Pass (Gold); 70.2/124 (Red). ABOUT THE COURSE: Newnan CC is familiar to the state’s top senior pros and amateurs, * having hosted an annual Georgia PGA Seniors’ Division tournament. This month, Newnan Over $1000 of Free Golf CC will be the site of theYamaha Georgia Senior Open, three years after it hosted the Atlanta z Over 35 FREE rounds of golf with cart rental Open. A number of the players who contended in the Atlanta Open three years ago will be z Preferred Discounted Rates at over 100 Courses! playing in Georgia Senior Open, including runner-up Sonny Skinner. The course they will z Private Country Club Access — Play Private Golf Clubs! tackle is a classic traditional-style layout, measuring just under 7,000 yards from the tips z Travel: Book Tickets/Hotels Online & Save Hundreds with a stout group of par 3s (all are in the 200-yard-and-up category) and a 600-yard-plus on Your Next Trip! par 5, but only one par 4 over 410, and it’s a modest 433. The absence of length on the par Restaurants: Save Money at Thousands z 4s will give the field a chance to hit a lot of short iron approaches, with the layout favoring of Restaurants Nationwide! accuracy and precision over power. With water bordering several of the fairways and some gapgagolfpass.com moderately tight tree lines, fairway woods and hybrids will be popular choices from the tee. Although most of the approach shots will be relatively short, it can be a challenge to get into birdie position. Newnan’s greens are on the small side by modern standards, with a decent amount of slope and plenty of tiers and ridges that can produce some testy putts Pays for from above the hole or across the ridges. The putting surfaces were converted to $49.95 Itself in One Champions Bermuda several years ago, and can get very quick, with their configuration or Two Uses Membership allowing for some demanding pin positions. Water is in play on a significant number of holes, particularly on the opening nine, among them a risk/reward par-5 18th, one of the two par 5s that will be within reach in two. Both the first and 10th holes – a pair of excellent but testy short-ish par 4s -- also feature greens guarded by water, with the lengthy par-3 second also having water in play, making for a potentially problematic start if you aren’t ready to go from the outset. All in all, a solid, worthy site for the tournament and one of the most enjoyable members courses in all of Atlanta. MAY 2011 38 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM Fair eld Plantation is the ideal place to host your next corporate/charity outing, business event, or private party. Designed by Legendary Golf Architect Willard Byrd, Fair eld Plantation features 18-holes of Championship golf that is routed through the gated community of the same name. Challenging yet fair this semi-private club o ers a practice facility, PGA Professional instruction, pro shop and a full service restaurant that even local non-golfers come to daily. BONUS: EVERY MONDAY IN MAY GOLF IS ½ PRICE Fair eld Plantation Golf 7500 Monticello Drive Villa Rica, GA770-836-1112 www.fair eldplantation.com/golf MAY 2011 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 39 To nd out more about our Junior Golf Programs, visit our individual courses online. 770.345.5500 678.391.1600 770.720.1900 BridgeMillAthleticClub.com WestPinesGC.com CallahanGolfLinks.com Junior Golf Academy Programming, Get Golf Ready Junior Camps Junior Summer Camps and Clinics Junior Clinics, Summer Camps, and Junior Golf Membership Program Special Daily Fee Rates Special Daily Fee Rates Weekday $10 green fee / $24 with cart $26.50 includes cart Special Daily Fee Rates Weekends $15 green fee / $29 with cart Monday-Thursday Only $39 includes cart Any day after 2:00pm Juniors receive a $20 green fee only free green fee when playing with a parent or adult who pays standard twilight rate. Golf Cart - $14 Daily Fee Rates and other pricing listed does not include sales tax. courses managed by hms golf www.hmsgolf.com 40 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2011