Treetops Resort Huge Supporter of the Toledo Show Evans Scholars Provides Scholarships to Tips for Handling Unsolicited Advice NWO Golf Links NWO Golf Links

February Issue Loaded with Great Information

We were able to spend some time at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando last month. If there is a downturn in the Golf economy it is difficult to see as you walk the ‘10 miles of aisles’ filled with every golf contraption known to modern man. Every vendor I talked with is bullish on the new year and with the exploits of , Rory McIlroy, Jason Day and Rickie Fowler, a younger audience is being drawn to golf.

We hope you enjoy the February issue as once again NWO Golf Links offers a diverse mix of golf stories and information for practicing “Golfaholics.”

We share information about The Evans Scholars Foundation which is a wonderful organization that rewards ex-caddies from golf FRED ALtVATER clubs around the country with full tuition, as well as, room and board to college. I urge all of our readers to donate to this great organization and next time you go play, take a young caddy. You’ll enjoy the game more and help teach a young person valuable skills, such as, work ethic, communications skills and discipline.

Also in this issue, contributing writer, Bryan Renius gives his humorous take on “Unsolicited Advice” on the golf course. Golf ball manufacturers are all touting the benefits of a softer ball If you think for slower swing speeds, so Matt Saternus gives us his take on it’s hard to Callaway’s Chrome, one of the best new balls available. New contributors, Kyle Rowland talks about golf in Arizona and David meet new Rallis says it’s OK to be an average golfer. people, try picking up the Thanks for reading our February Issue and I will catch you on the wrong golf Back 9. ball Jack Lemmon

You Know You are a Golfaholic if: You have watched the European Tour, LPGA, Champions Tour and the PGA Tour all on the same day. NWO Golf Links Find Inside

04 08 16 20 26 29 33

Treetops Resort Has Always Wyncroft: 33 Average Golf 04 Been a Huge Supporter of 20 Midwest’s Hidden Gem is OK the Toledo Golf Show 08 “What you need to do is Don’t Let ANTS Ruin Your 35 Delaire Country Club is a this…” 22 Golf Game Place for Families

2016 PGA Merchandise Golf Ball Review: Top 10 Reasons to Attend 11 Show Proves Golf is ON the 25 Callaway Chrome 36 the Toledo Golf Show Rebound 12 2016 Amateur Moved : Toledo Golf Show Floor Map to Findlay Country Club 26 A New Star is Born 37 and Vendor Listing 14 Stroke and Distance Rule ON Local First Tee Coaches NWO Golf Links the Putting Green 29 Attend Training for Children 38 Contributing Authors with Special Needs Chick Evans Greatest Golf Travel: Phoenix Offers Our Favorite 16 Triumph Came Off the Golf 30 First-Class Golf 39 Videos Course

NWO GOlf Links is Published by Advertise with NWO Golf Links, Back 9 Media Group Contact us for more information Publisher: Fred Alvater, Be sure to take advantage of the links to social media, USGTF Teaching Professional Videos and other content provided within the articles NWO Golf Links NWO Golf Links

Treetops Resort Has Always Been a Huge Supporter of the Toledo Golf Show

Treetops Resort and Spa has long been a was looking for a new challenge, when he strong participant at the Toledo Golf Show purchased a dilapidated ski hill with just a and will be one of the main exhibitors couple of T-Bars located on 179 acres near again this year, when the Toledo Golf Show Gaylord. opens its doors February 19. Harry found out it was a challenge for Andrew Brown from the Toledo Golf Show sure. It didn’t take long for him to realize, said, if he wanted to keep his dream alive, he needed to add summer activities to create “Treetops is one of the first golf additional income for the down months. resorts to support our show and is always a favorite of the attendees. Our golfing group Golf crazy Chrysler, GM and Ford auto always looks forward to a fantastic week workers from Detroit and lower Michigan of golf, when we make our pilgrimage ‘Up were looking for summer getaways and North’ for our buddies golf trip each year.” Northern Michigan had a lot to offer. Treetops always has a noticeable presence Because other nearby resort owners wanted at the show and offers discounts for booking to extend their season and fill empty rooms golf trips and family getaways during the during the beautiful Michigan summer Toledo Golf Show. months, golf courses sprang up in Traverse City, Boyne Mountain and Shanty Creek. Treetops has a rich history that began when Harry Melling, who owned a successful Melling immediately realized the potential automotive parts manufacturing business in income a golf course could provide and Jackson, Michigan, purchased the property contracted Robert Trent Jones Sr. to build in 1983. He loved northern Michigan and the first course at Treetops, The Masterpiece. NWO Golf Links

This story also has a Toledo connection. Melling understood the need for a competent golf professional for the resort and hired a little-known, 23-year-old teaching professional from Perrysburg, Ohio, Rick Smith. Smith is now an annual fixture on ’s Top-50 Golf Teachers List and has been the “swing guru” for , , Rocco Mediate, David Duval, Smith added two more courses to Treetops, as well as, both Jack and Gary Nicklaus. the Signature opened for play in 1993. Back then no one knew the brash young The Tradition, which opened to the public professional, but he helped Melling in 1996, was built for the golfer who develop Treetops into one of the premier appreciated the value of walking a golf golf destinations in the Midwest. course. It was built on the principle of returning golf to a more relaxing attitude A second course, designed by Tom Fazio, and stresses the use of a caddy as golf was called the Premier, opened for play in played in the beginning. 1992, along with the popular par-3 course, Threetops. Smith brought the idea of adding With four championship golf courses, the a par-3 course to Melling, after returning par-3 Threetops and the Treetops Teaching from a trip to the Masters in 1990. Melling Academy, Treetops developed into a year- gave the project his blessing and today round resort offering skiing and snow Threetops is one of the must-play courses activities for the winter and a complete golf at the resort. experience during the summer. NWO Golf Links NWO Golf Links

If you are feeling a little achy from a day on In summary, in addition to the outstanding the slopes or the golf course and need some skiing and snowmobiling in the winter, Treetops TLC. Treetops has a world-class spa that offers offers 81 holes of golf, a world-renowned a wide range of Massage Therapies, Body par-3 course, world-class instruction, as well Treatments, Skin Care, Facials, Manicures as, provides the perfect setting for fairytale and Pedicures. All are designed to soothe, weddings and family reunions, or your next pamper, relax, and de-stress your body, mind corporate meeting. and spirit. Spa clients may also feel free to enjoy the use the nautilus fitness room, hot Roundup your favorite foursome or family tub, steam room and sauna during their visit. members and book a getaway to a resort that is perfect for any season and offers With the surrounding tree-covered hills something for everyone in your group. and quaint lodges, Treetops also offers an excellent setting to plan a romantic Stop by their booth at the Toledo Golf Show wedding. The resort offers assistance and and book your next golf trip to Northern urges future brides to contact them to help Michigan. them plan their special day. Treetops has never stopped growing and continues to provide the best resort experience. Northern Michigan has several other resorts, but Treetops is the “Most Spectacular” of all.

For more information and to book your stay at Treetops, call 866-348-5249 or visit: http://treetops.com/ For the floor plan and complete vendor list, see page 37.

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What you need to do is this… By: Brian Renius

One of my biggest pet peeves on the golf course is depending on just how close a personal friend the guy, you know him, every group has one, that this guy really is. Even if they are only a casual guy, who cannot help but offer UNSOLICITED acquaintance, you can politely listen, assume a ADVICE. thoughtful gaze on your face, as if you are really considering what they are saying, but completely I am standing on the first tee, with my trusty rip the guy to shreds in your mind. weapon of mass destruction (WMD) firmly in my grasp, happily picturing a beautiful high, soft, fade In most circumstances, you envision a scene from that lands at about the 240-yard mark and rolls out Mortal Combat, with you holding a weapon so to a respectable 275 yards. I confidently settle into deadly, you will extinguish this annoyance forever. the address position, take a long backswing and unleash a violent attack upon that poor helpless If you choose to take this high road and not address golf ball. The result is far from the high left to right the Unsolicited Advice Giver directly, additional trajectory I had envisioned. Instead, I have created consequences must be considered. You will be a Hellish duck hook. forced to listen to this person for 17 more holes.

It was as if the devil himself had possessed the Since I am a rather large mammal and have a better ball and steered it two fairways astray. As I stand than average command of the Queen’s English, the there shocked and contemplating, what could second choice is my personal favorite. This choice have gone wrong with my swing, it happens. From takes careful consideration, as well as, timing, and behind me on the tee box, I hear those words. must be delivered with a certain air of authority. Words that make me react like nails scraping down a chalkboard. Words that cut to the bone. The first time you hear those words, the retort must be clear, concise, and followed quickly with jovial “What you need to do is this…” laughter or the opening of an adult beverage. So here it is - immediately upon hearing those words, You know immediately how this round is going turn to the person that said them and quote this unveil and at this point, you have only two options. verbatim.

The first of these being the more humane, “Dude, Shut the Hell UP!” NWO Golf Links

Whichever you choose, at least you will be able to identify, react and resume control of the next four hours of your life.

Once said, laugh about the swing and tee up a There is one problem, however, if you cannot spot “breakfast ball.” Confidently strut back to the cart, the UNSOLICITED ADVICE GIVER in your group, because by choosing this option, you have retaken it may be YOU! control of your surroundings and have silenced the Unsolicited Advice Giver for the remainder of If that is indeed the case then, “Dude, Shut the the round. Hell UP!” NWO Golf Links NWO Golf Links

2016 PGA Merchandise Show Proves Golf is ON the Rebound

that you make an appearance at the PGA Merchandise Show, where every retailer can, “see it, feel it and touch it.” The first PGA Merchandise show was held in 1954 and was simply a small gathering of golf vendors prior to the start of the “Grapefruit Tour,” which today is known as the “Florida Swing.” By 1963 it progressed to a circus tent set up in a parking lot, but has blossomed If you took a lap around the floor to become a huge mixture of of the 2016 PGA Merchandise education, training, sales and Show in Orlando last month, networking that brings the golf you wouldn’t know there was a world together each January. downturn in the golf business. The PGA of America, 100 years Over 40,000 golf professionals old this year, is the governing attended the largest sports body for the 28,000 golf convention in the world asking professionals that bring the game questions, trying out the newest to the average golfer at every equipment and viewing , resort and muny latest fashion trends from the track in the land. many vendors that distributed their wares at the show. The PGA Merchandise Show brings golf industry leaders together every In addition, over 1,000 media year to promote and help grow the representatives from 23 countries game. The large attendance and wrote, blogged, and tweeted active participation of vendors at about the show to golf fans back this year’s show is an indication home. The even that the health of Golf world-wide broadcasted live from a mobile is rebounding and looking for an studio on the show floor each day. even brighter future. Gary Williams, Damon Hack, Charlie Rymer, Matt Ginella and the crew brought the show into every golfer’s living room. If you have a product to sell and want it distributed throughout the golf world, it is mandatory NWO Golf Links NWO Golf Links

2016 Ohio Amateur Moved to Findlay Country Club

Arnold palmer coast guard 1954 ohio amateur pose champ

Arnold palmer 1953 swing Arnold palmer 1954 us amateur champion trophy

The Ohio Amateur has had some before he began one of the most very big names hoist its trophy storied professional golf careers over its long history. Robert Servis of all time. holds the record with five Ohio Amateur victories in the 1930’s Did you know there was a Toledo and 1940’s. Ben Curtis, John connection? Palmer’s 1954 Ohio Cook and Toledo’s own, Frank Amateur win came at Sylvania Stranahan, all won two Ohio Country Club. Amateurs before professional golf beckoned. To commemorate that historic feat and to recognize Sylvania But no former winner can match Country Club’s 100th anniversary the name, Arnold Palmer. the Ohio Golf Association had reserved the third week in July Back when he was still a paint to bring the 2016 Ohio Amateur salesman from Cleveland, after back to Sylvania Country Club. being released from active duty with the Coast Guard, Palmer won Even though those dates had the Ohio Amateur in consecutive been reserved several years ago, years, 1953 and 1954. Both wins Sylvania Country Club became helped him gain the confidence to aware of a possible conflict last also add the 1954 U.S. Amateur year. To add to the confusion, Championship to his resume, the 2016 Olympics forced the NWO Golf Links

Marathon Classic, hosted at The Ohio Golf Association the amateurs that build their nearby Highland Meadows, was notified of the problem, schedules around the summer to be held later in July and but when agreement could not amateur tournament schedule. ended up being scheduled be reached on a compromise, the same week. In addition, the Ohio Golf Association Popa also added, the club also booked an moved the tournament to outing for a local corporation “It was unfortunate that this Findlay Country Club. year’s Ohio Amateur could that week. not be held at the historic Ohio Golf Association Executive Sylvania Country Club, but The General Manager of Director, Jim Popa said, Sylvania Country Club, Greg it will host future Ohio Golf Hibbard, confirmed that “Since a conflict arose with Association events.” the Ohio Golf Association the proposed dates of the Holding the 2016 Ohio had reserved the dates for 2016 Ohio Amateur to be Amateur at Sylvania Country the 2016 Ohio Amateur to held at Sylvania Country Club would have been a be held at Sylvania Country Club, Findlay Country Club unique opportunity to add Club several years ago, but volunteered to host the to the rich history of the said they did not receive the tournament and preserve the tournament, as well as, proper confirmation from original dates of the event.” Sylvania Country Club. them last summer. Thus other events were scheduled for Any changes to the dates of Unfortunately that opportunity those dates. the tournament greatly affect has now been lost. NWO Golf Links NWO Golf Links

Stroke and Distance Rule ON the Putting Green By: Richard Todd Stroke and Distance is a in advancing your golf ball. penalty term normally used Most golfers experience this when your ball is either lost when hitting from the tee-box or goes out of bounds. Upon as their wayward effort goes either of these events, a ball out of bounds (OB), never to must be placed, as near as be seen again. possible, to where you last The player played. Remember to count Did you know this option is the sole your original stroke and add can also be exercised on the a penalty stroke. (see USGA putting green? Let me explain judge as to Rules #27-1) When and Why you might want bring it into play. whether The term ‘stroke and distance’ refers to the original swing Remember the time you had his ball is (stroke) and the length the a straight, up-hill chip to the ball traveled (distance) only green but skulled it and the unplayable’ counted in your score, not ball flew across the short NWO Golf Links

grass, down the hill, and into before you deemed the ball a precarious lie? Or the time unplayable and add one you had a ten-foot carry to penalty stroke. While these the pin but shanked the ball two strokes may seem harsh into the surrounding woods? the result may be better than playing the ball as it lies. Rather than take several strokes to get back to your If your playing partners state current situation, you could the lie was good enough to invoke rule 28, claiming your play from, remind them the rules state, ball unplayable, and replay from that previous lie. Maybe ‘The player is the sole judge this time you will have better as to whether his ball is results and knock it close to unplayable’. the pin. Remember, the rules can be This is similar to the lost tee our friends. Mirroring that old shot example, remember to saying, “the rules giveth and count the stroke you made they taketh away”. NWO Golf Links NWO Golf Links

Chick Evans Greatest Triumph Came Off the Golf Course By: Fred Altvater

Evans Scholars has provided into the World Golf Hall of thousands of scholarships for Fame in 1975. ex-caddies. In those days, golf was a Chick Evans found great success leisure activity, gentlemen did on the golf course and his name not play the game for profit. is often mentioned along with Retaining his amateur status and Bobby was never an issue as many Jones in conversations ranking of the best golfers of the age the best amateurs of all time. remained amateurs. Ouimet won the 1912 U.S. Open as Evans won both the U.S. Amateur an amateur. Jerry Travers won and U.S. Open Championships the 1915 U.S. Open, one year in 1916, becoming the first prior to Evans victory and also to accomplish such a feat. It claimed two U.S. Amateur titles would be 14 years until Jones in consecutive years, 1912 and became the second and only 1913. other golfer to win both in a single year. Evans added Evans had a much larger vision another U.S. Amateur title in of life than simply golf. His 1920, was runner-up on three greatest accomplishment was occasions and was inducted not borne in competitive golf, NWO Golf Links

but grew in the 1890’s, while women, caddies all, are serving as a , lugging golf receiving full tuition and bags around Edgewater Golf housing at 19 universities Club in northern . He that have partnered with the learned the game looping and . aspired to attend Northwestern Since 1930, total tuition and University in Evanston. His housing expenditures exceed parents were not wealthy and $332 million. after just one year, Evans was forced to drop out of school and earn a living. When he won the 1916 U.S. Open Championship, he was sought after for book deals and endorsements based on his golfing exploits, but amateur rules prevented him from personally accepting any remuneration from those endeavors. His mother first suggested the idea to establish a trust to put those monies toward college scholarships for needy young people, who had grown up as caddies. She knew how much not being able to complete his university ambitions had meant to her son The Evans Scholars program, and these extra funds provided supported by the WGA, has an opportunity to help other grown much larger than Chick deserving young people. Evans could have imagined. Evans approached the Western It’s 14 miles from Blissfield, Golf Association (WGA) for Michigan to Highland Meadows assistance with this effort and Golf Club in Sylvania, Ohio. in 1930, two students, Harold As a young man, Alan Sprunk Fink and Jim McGinnis, both hitch-hiked from his home from the Chicago area, attended in Blissfield to Highland as the Meadows every summer day first Evans Scholars. From that to caddie. He credits the meager beginning nearly 100 Head Professional at the time, years ago, the Evans Scholarship Herman Lang, for getting him Chick evans 1916 us am program has grown to over started as a caddie. He was and open trophies 10,000 caddies receiving awarded an Evans Scholarship degrees. to attend Michigan State and graduated in 1979. Like many In the 2015-16 school year former Evans Scholar Alumni, alone, 910 young men and he stays actively involved in NWO Golf Links NWO Golf Links

the selection process every year sense of family and support.” and serves as a director in the program. One of the key components of the Evans Scholars Program Sprunk is eternally grateful for is a sense of family provided his Evans Scholarship and said, by living in the Evans Scholars houses that have been built at “I have to credit the members 14 of the 19 partner universities. of Highland Meadows Golf One of the organization’s big Club that actively supported goals over the next five years is to the caddie program spend over $40 million in capital when I was a youth. expenditures to renovate existing Attending Michigan houses and construct new ones to State on an Evans meet the ever growing demands Scholarship helped of the foundation. me throughout my life attain the standard of Students are not forgotten living necessary for once their studies begin. The myself and my family.” program constantly monitors each student’s academic Adam Reny grew up progress and they are expected looping at Inverness to maintain certain educational Country Club in parameters to remain in the Toledo, Ohio and program. As a whole, Evans received an Evans Scholars students carry a 3.2 Scholarship to attend accumulative average and 95% Ohio State. Upon graduation, of the students in the program he returned to Inverness to receive their diplomas. be the Caddie Manager and has helped many Toledo-area Good grades in high school are caddies earn scholarships. Last only one criteria for consideration year, Reny accepted a new role for an Evans Scholarship. as the Executive Director of The Exhibiting leadership qualities First Tee of Lake Erie and will and financial need are also high be able to pass the benefits of on the list of requirements and caddying and the Evans Scholars prospective applicants must program to an ever-increasing have been a caddie at their local group of young people. club for two years. Reny said of the Evans Scholars The final piece of the puzzle for program, these future college students is John Kaczkowski wga to attend an interview with the Evans Scholars ceo “For me, the best part of the Selection Committee. Evans Scholars program, other than receiving full tuition and The selection committee housing to attend college, was meeting for Ohio was an eye- living in the Evans Scholars house opening experience. Twenty- on campus. Being among former four high school seniors, 17-18 caddies was a huge boost during year old caddies, were required my college years that provided a to stand in front of 100 Evans NWO Golf Links

Scholar Alumni, Western The Evans Scholarship Through interaction with Golf Association members program has witnessed a club members, they can see and other assorted interested very successful past, but they what it takes to excel in the parties to give a brief history are not about to sit on their business world, once they of themselves and answer laurels. The Western Golf have to fend for themselves. questions explaining why they Association has a grand plan Caddies learn a great deal were worthy of a full-ride to for the future, which involves about life while toting a bag college. having 1,000 students full of sticks, plus the Evans enrolled in colleges around Scholars program rewards The resumes and backgrounds the by the year deserving caddies and helps of these young people were 2020. them achieve success by impressive to say the least. assisting with college costs Most maintained high school John Kaczkowski, the president for students, who might not academic scores well over and CEO of the WGA was otherwise be able to attend 3.2, while participating in a quoted, college. long list of extra-curricular activities, as well as, “The annual cost of providing It is unfortunate that many involvement in local church tuition and housing for our clubs have been forced to or other charitable work, students is over $15 million enact a more lucrative golf outside of the classroom. annually. That cost is growing cart business to increase each year and the WGA is revenues for struggling golf This is a very big day for constantly exploring new clubs. A club must make a these young people and avenues to grow our funds to financial commitment to keep their families, the nerves, reach more worthy caddies a caddie program in place as well as emotions, are from all parts of the country.” and many caddie programs evident. Needless to say with have been lost over the years. young people of such high If you ask any caddie, they character and standards, they will be quick to tell you they Hopefully the benefits of impressed the committee learned to interact with adults providing a caddie program and each was selected to at a very young age. They at golf clubs across the nation receive over $80,000 in also learn that hard work and will become more evident college scholarships to attend providing the best service and young people will have either Ohio State or Miami earns bigger tips at the end of the opportunity to learn life University. the round. lessons looping for a chance to earn a college education. Chick Evans never competed professionally, but he has left a legacy that ranks among the greats of the game. NWO Golf Links NWO Golf Links

Wyncroft Midwest’s Hidden Gem By: Kurt Wieneke

Many years ago I tasted a On the immediate horizon 2003 Wyncroft Chardonnay were rolling hills and newly on a business trip to Detroit. planted vineyards. Lester has This was one of those holy long gray locks and a laid- grail experiences, where the back style. After a quick tour wine becomes etched in your of the property, he ushered memory, never to be forgotten us to “the barn,” a remodeled and always to be sought after. garage with a drive-out It was a Chardonnay from basement, which has been Michigan that tasted as good converted to a winery and as any Puligny-Montrachet, tasting room. having power and grace, purity and minerality. During He started our tasting session this dinner, my friend waxed with some of his recent poetic about Wyncroft and its Rieslings. The estate Riesling winemaker, Jim Lester. is made in a crisp Alsatian style that pairs well with an This past year I had an unbelievably good Wisconsin opportunity to visit South cheese that was brought out by Haven, Michigan, meet Jim his gracious wife, Dawn. Lester and taste the entire portfolio of Wyncroft wines. Once the Chardonnays were brought out, he poured me his After a beautiful morning drive most current Chardonnay and into southern Michigan, I the Cuvee Rae Lee, both from reached the gates of Wyncroft. Avonlea vineyard. These wines NWO Golf Links

seem to be cut from the same and central France at the the Finger Lakes region of cloth, fairly lean and taut, same time. While sipping New York, and how back in but with an effusive pear and this golden elixir, I inquired the 50’s he had proven that apple nose followed by noble how Michigan’s climate can it was possible to grow vitis depth and complexity. produce such fine wines. vinifera grapes there. A quick look at a map convinced me “At the time that I planted Remembering my first that if they would grow there, experience with Wyncroft, the vineyard, people didn’t they would also grow in our conversation turned to believe that Michigan could Michigan.” the 2003 vintage, I had tried make world class wines,” says Lester. “Part of the reason was earlier and what made it so As the sun began to sink that, historically, Michigan special. “2003 was a real lower in the sky, I packed up ripe vintage,” says Jim, “and wines had been made out my Chardonnay and other the 2011 is going to be very of Concord grapes and other similar to that in style.” labrusca grapes instead of the Wyncroft gems, my afternoon European vitis vinifera. The with Jim Lester came to a Without further ado, he conventional wisdom in the symphonic close. I will not presented a bottle of an 1980’s, when I got started, soon forget the wines and unlabeled and unreleased was that it was impossible the visit. If a trip to southern 2011 Chardonnay from the to grow vitis vinifera grapes Michigan is on your radar, a stacks. One taste and I was in Michigan. But, I had read stop at Wyncroft would be transported back to Detroit about Konstantin Frank from well worth the side trip. NWO Golf Links NWO Golf Links

Don’t Let ANTS Ruin Your Golf Game By: Greg Liberto

Have you ever stood over the ball thinking only negative thoughts about hitting a bad shot, and expected to play poorly? ANTS is an acronym for Automatic Negative Thoughts. It has been statistically proven that nearly 90% of your thought process is negative and occurs automatically. Golf and negative thinking are a bad combination, let’s look at where ANTS might exist in your game. Before Your Round - Do you focus on things out of your control such as your opponent, the weather, how poorly you played this course last time, or how fast the greens are today (and you hate fast greens)? During Your Round - Do you stand on the first tee thinking about everything except hitting your target? Do you see an out of bounds (OB) sign, and worry about hitting it there? Are you overly concerned with posting a number, and feel you have no control over what you will shoot that day? After the Round - Is your 19th hole chatter focused on all the shots you left out there, the bad breaks you got, or how you are much better than your opponent, yet the scorecard proves otherwise? These are all classic examples of the ANT Trap. Your negative thoughts and emotions have subconsciously hijacked your golf game.

Overcoming your ANTS will improve your confidence, lower your score and increase your enjoyment of the game. NWO Golf Links

Stopping the ANTS Now that you better understand these pesky insects, let’s figure out how to STOP them with a simple, 3 Step Approach. Step 1 - Awareness - To STOP any type of negative energy, you must be aware when it happens. I have my students identify their TOP 10 ANT Traps, both on and off the course. Putting your ANT Traps on high alert makes it much easier to STOP them. Step 2 - STOP - If you want to STOP this negative energy wave, the best way is to physically STOP moving. By stopping, you create a what is known as a pattern interrupt which sends a new message to your brain. Step 3 - Repeat Your Strategy Aloud - In the January issue we shared the importance of playing golf with a Mental Game Strategy. To reverse your negative energy, simply say your strategy aloud. For example, if your Strategy for the day is Smile, then repeat the word 3 times to yourself and put a big Smile on your face! Since you can only have one thought at a time, it’s best to make it a positive one. Use these three steps to STOP the ANTS. Overcoming your ANTS will improve your confidence, lower your score and increase your enjoyment of the game NWO Golf Links NWO Golf Links

Golf Ball Review Callaway Chrome By: Matt Saternus

The choice in golf balls has always Thanks to its urethane cover, the been, ‘Do you want the best feel or Callaway Chrome Soft delivers plenty would you rather have a lower spin of spin around the greens. At the risk ball for off the tee?’ While there of sounding like a broken record, the are balls that are decent at both, spin is right in the middle of the range there has never been one with a I would expect from a Tour ball. One soft feel and a low spin rate, until thing I found was that, because of the the Callaway Chrome Soft. With a extremely soft feel, I did need a little compression of just 65, this ball is adjustment time to get my distances unbelievably soft, while retaining all dialed in with my wedges and the the other features you are looking putter. for in a Tour-level golf ball. If you like the performance of a tour ball, The name doesn’t lie; Callaway low spin off the tee and high spin around Chrome Soft is the softest tour ball the green, but want softer feel, Callaway I’ve ever played. Off the putter, it’s Chrome Soft is the answer. absolutely marshmallow-soft, and with a wedge it’s so soft it actually Summary: feels heavy. That may be a bit of an The Callaway Chrome Soft golf ball odd word choice, but it’s accurate: is the softest feeling Tour-caliber ball the ball feels like it compresses I’ve ever played and I found it to be and sits on the club face even on a solid performer. Seniors, women pitch shots. and junior golfers with slower swing speeds will especially love the What surprised me is that the soft, Callaway Chrome Soft ball for its heavy feeling is barely present with added control and touch on short the driver. I was a little concerned shots around the green. that the Chrome Soft would feel slow with the driver, but it actually Visit your nearest pro shop or driving feels as hot and explosive as any range and try Callaway Chrome Soft other tour ball. for yourself. NWO Golf Links NWO Golf Links BROOKS KOEPKA A NEW STAR IS BORN By: Mike May

The 2016 Waste Man- On Super Bowl Sunday agement Phoenix Open last year, when most sports (WMPO) just wrapped up fan’s attention was focused last week, but here is a look on the Phoenix suburb of back at the last year’s winner, Glendale, the golfing world Brooks Koepka, who had an was watching another amazing year in 2015. sporting spectacle unfold at the WMPO, taking place the golfers of the world One of the PGA Tour’s across town in Scottsdale. know it. newest stars, Brooks Koepka nurtured his golfing career Young Koepka was left What was Koepka’s response in southeastern Florida, but standing alone at the top of to his inaugural PGA Tour it took root, in , the leaderboard, one stroke victory? Not much! Kazakhstan, Kenya, Turkey, clear of the field, which and finally ‘bore fruit’ in included, two-time Masters “It feels amazing,” said America’s desert southwest. Champion Bubba Watson, Koepka, who won the Get ready golf world, Koepka rising Japanese superstar Turkish Open in November is prepared and equipped Hideki Matsuyama, and of 2014 for his first victory for another harvest of first- American phenomena, on the European Tour and place finishes, which could Jordan Spieth. When Koepka qualified for last year’s include a Green Jacket in started the final round, he Masters by virtue of a fourth- April in eastern Georgia! was three shots off the lead place finish at the 2014 U.S. held by Scotland’s Martin Open at Pinehurst, where Laird. By day’s end, he he was America’s highest was second to none after a finisher. closing round of 5-under- par 66. Over the weekend, “I have known Brooks since he bested a world-class he was in sixth grade,” says field that included major Deacon Greg Sherman, champions and two FedEx Brooks’ high school golf Cup winners. Simply put, coach at Cardinal Newman Koepka is the real deal and High School in West Palm NWO Golf Links

Beach. “Watching his golfer on the Wellington have made the cut in each victory in Phoenix was Christian School golf team of last year’s four major exciting and emotional. His and later for Cardinal championships, with his success is attributed to his Newman High School. best finish in a major a hard work on the practice He earned a scholarship fifth-place tie in the PGA range and the sacrifices to Florida State University Championship at Whistling and support of his mother in Tallahassee and was a Straits. Don’t be surprised Denise, his father Bob, and three-time All-American. to see him donning a Green his younger brother Chase.” Jacket or hoisting a major He is soaring up the trophy this year. If he can It’s worth noting that world rankings and being make the U.S. Olympic Koepka’s resume has strong discussed as a contender to Team, he could be the only roots in the Sunshine State, win a major championship. man alive with an Olympic where he was born and He is also an early candidate Gold Medal in golf. raised. He spent countless to be on the U.S. Ryder Cup hours on the driving range Team, as well. If you are having trouble at the Okeeheelee Golf pronouncing his last name, Course in suburban West It is worth noting that Brooks, like Jack, Arnie, Palm Beach. He then young Koepka is one of Lee, Tiger, and Phil, should exceled as a young junior just a handful of golfers to do just fine. NWO Golf Links NWO Golf Links

Local First Tee Coaches Attend Training for Children with Special Needs

opened its doors in August, 2015. Its mission is to develop and deliver treatment therapies, educational programs, training programs, and sports programs, as well as, residential and independent living programs for autistic children. It was created via funds generated by the Els For Autism Foundation. Ernie and Liezl Els’ son, Ben, was diagnosed with autism in 2009. He is the catalyst for developing this one-of-a-kind educational facility to help autistic children learn to The First Tee of Lake Erie is involved in become productive and independent teaching young people nine core values individuals. through the game of golf. In conjunction with the Toledo Public School system they Sanford said of the day spent at the Els Center for currently reach over 10,000 students. Excellence, “Being at the Els Center for Excellence was an awesome experience. We learned so They also realize that some children have much in a short time, everyone wished we had special needs or limited physical abilities. In more time allotted to spend there.” an effort to effectively teach these children, The First Tee of Lake Erie sent two of its local The First Tee of Lake Erie is continuing to expand coaches, David Sanford, from Crosswinds Golf its reach in northwest Ohio and southeast Club in Perrysburg and Chuck Benes, from Michigan. Its teaching programs are aimed at Oak Harbor Golf Club, to a First Tee training not only teaching golf to young people, but class for Special Needs Children hosted by also passing on the nine core values of life to First Tee of The Palm Beaches in Florida. help our youth become better citizens. The two-day curriculum included communica- For more information or to make a donation tion skills and stressed thinking outside the box visit: http://www.thefirstteelakeerie.org/club/ to make the subject fun and easy for students scripts/public/public.asp?NS=PUBLIC to understand. Drills and teaching techniques were introduced for children with limited mo- tor skills or learning disabilities. Benes and Sanford were also invited to spend an extra day of training at the Els Center for Excellence in Jupiter Beach, Florida, that NWO Golf Links NWO Golf Links

Golf Travel By Kyle Rowland Phoenix Offers First-Class Golf Few golf destinations in the world provide The Padre Course at Camelback Mountain, such an abundance of first-class golf courses part of the nearby JW Marriott Camelback quite like the Phoenix area. Resort, carries some local significance, it was designed by Toledo resident Arthur Hills. TPC Scottsdale, Troon North, We-Ko-Pa and Grayhawk are a minute sample size of the The unique parkland course in the desert is laid more than 200 courses that dot the landscape out in the shadow of Camelback Mountain. It in the ‘Valley of the Sun.’ Perfect playing opened for play in 1999 and was redesigned conditions and pristine golf courses are open in 2012. The practice facility is one of the to play nearly every day of the year. area’s best, complete with an oversized driving range, putting and chipping greens, as well as, Former British Open Champion, golf course a practice bunker. architect and Ohio State Buckeye Great, Tom Weiskopf said in a Golf.com interview, The golf course features wide fairways and a plethora of water hazards. Bunkers are “Thirty years ago when you thought about a strategically placed around many of the greens, vacation to the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, you but the penal layout, with five sets of tees, is thought about three things: images of the Wild very playable for the average golfer. West mountains, cactus and horses, the Grand Canyon up north, and the good weather. Perhaps the most challenging aspect of the Championship courses weren’t part of the course is the trickeration on the greens, many package. Today we can compete against any contain severe undulation with false fronts and market in the country in terms of the quality sides. Accurate iron-play is required. of the golf courses and golf experiences.” The sights of palatial homes and views of With snowbirds flocking to Arizona during surrounding mountains are as enchanting as the winter months, January through March the golf itself. The fairways are lush and as are by far the busiest for golf courses in the green as any PGA Tour facility. area. Tee sheets are virtually full, and with high occupancy rates, fares at hotels and resorts The finishing stretch offers three spectacular will cost a premium. For the traveler looking holes -- 16 (par 4), 17 (par 3) and 18 (par for value, lower prices come June through 5). Each contains water near the green and a October, but the temperatures can reach triple difficult putting situation once you’re on the digits nearly every day. green. NWO Golf Links

The par-5 fifth is the course’s no. 1 handicap. At 553 yards, it features a lake that affects both the layup and approach shots. No. 8 is a par 3 that requires all carry to the green, which has a false front and hill that will let golf balls roll back into the water. Significant risks and rewards are evident on most holes, except the 19th, where only a reward for a day’s work on the course awaits. The exceptionally designed club house is outfitted with a restaurant, lounge and outdoor grill that provides golfers with a five- star meal and drinks after 4.5 hours of bliss. Next time you’re thinking about a golf getaway, add the golf-rich Phoenix/ Scottsdale area to your travel plans. NWO Golf Links NWO Golf Links

Average Golf is OK By David Rallis

I am just an average golfer, but I’m Commitment to devote OK with that. I love golf and when I the time necessary to watch, write or even talk about golf, practice has definitely I am having a lot of fun, however, waned in the past couple sometimes I think it would be nice of years. to have a lower handicap! I think is written down After considerable soul searching, somewhere, “if you don’t and analysis of my golfing ailments, practice you are not going three issues that confront every to improve.” I’m not sure amateur golfer, especially those who said it, but I’m pretty who want to improve, are: TIME, sure it’s true. COMMITMENT and COST. The third issue, Cost, is a big factor If one is serious about lowering the for any retiree. Ex-teachers on a old handicap, one must first make fixed-income pension do not have a conscious decision to attack and a lot of extra cash for golf club conquer each one. memberships, green fees or those expensive Titleist ProV’s, that could I am a retired teacher, so you would end up in a watery grave. think Time would not be an issue. When you retire, however, there are And then there’s the Cost of new golf still many demands on your time. equipment. I am not one to change My wife is still employed, so I have clubs often, as I have had the same become a domestic engineer, plus I putter for more than ten years, but help babysit our grandchild. if you want to lower the handicap, it helps to have the latest and best In my dream retirement, I planned weapons in the golf bag. on idle hours spent chasing a little white ball over verdant fairways, but Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE golf with these other important duties, as and even though my burning desire well as, our “Golf Is For Everyone” to play golf has turned into a slow page on Facebook and my blogging simmer, I am sure it will return, when efforts, time seems to melt away life slows down. each day. For now, however, I know when I do With everything else that I have get out to play, I’ll be just an average going on in my life, I find that my golfer and I’m OK with that. NWO Golf Links NWO Golf Links

Delaire Country Club is a Place for Families The Head Professional paradise that allows residents an extensive renovation of of Delaire Country the luxury of walk-on golf. the golf facilities. Club, Joe Jones joined the last episode of Delaire Country Club is one Most of all, Delaire Country Golf Life Navigators’ of golf course designer Joe Club is a place for families to “Guide to Success” Lee’s greatest triumphs. It’s come together. Membership and talked about the elevated tees and beautifully ensures that every immediate family atmosphere shaped greens makes for an family member has access to that exists at the club. enjoyable and challenging all club facilities, including golf course. the golf course. Delaire Country Club is located in DelRay Beach, on If you are seeking more Contact Delaire Country the eastern coast of Florida, than just golf from a golf Club and ask Joe Jones for a between Fort Lauderdale and community, Delaire Country tour. West Palm Beach. It provides Club also offers tennis, a easy access to the bright large family oriented pool, To view video testimonials lights and upbeat tempo of fantastic dining facilities and and read more information South Beach, in Miami, but a spa. about Delaire Country Club is far enough north to enjoy a visit their website: http:// quieter lifestyle if that is what The Spa employs licensed www.delaire.org/ you are looking for. physical therapists, whose services can be covered under Delaire Country Club was most insurance as a physician founded in the 1980’s and ordered prescription program. became a private country club community totally Delaire Country Club recently owned and operated by its completed an extensive members. It was designed rebuilding project, that with only 326 home lots and included a new clubhouse, 27 holes of golf to provide fitness center, child friendly space, security and a golfer’s pool and playground, plus NWO Golf Links NWO Golf Links

Top 10 Reasons to Attend the Toledo Golf Show

It’s February, chances are you can’t play golf outside, so do the next best thing and visit the Toledo Golf Show, Friday-Sunday, February 19-21 at Tam-O-Shanter in Sylvania.

There are a ton of great reasons to attend this year’s show. Here is a listing of the Top 10 Reasons to Attend.

10. Talk with the Tilted Kilt Hostesses 9. Get Discounted Pricing for Your Next Golf Trip from: Treetops, Evergreen, Lakewood Shores And Garland. 8. Talk with Local Golf Courses and Get Discounted Membership Information 7. Get Great Deals on 2016 Golf Equipment from Maple Hill Golf 6. Get a Tony Packo’s Hot Dog 5. Check out Treu House of Munch’s Craft Beer Tasting on Friday Evening 4. Let your Junior Golfer try out the interactive Golf Challenge at The First Tee of Lake Erie booth 3. Hit Balls in the Golf Simulators at the About Golf Booth 2. Listen to Mental Game Coach, Greg Liberto 1. Talk with the BEST Golf Instructors in Toledo & Improve Your Game for 2016

NWO Golf Links NWO Golf Links CONTRIBUTORS

Bryan Renius Richard E. Todd mike may Greg Liberto

Bryan Renius is a recent Richard E Todd, author of Mike May is a freelance Greg Liberto developed convert to golf and The Golf Rules series and golf travel writer based in various mental game tends to put a humorous Short Stories from the Long Wellington, Florida. As training options and has twist on the game. He Links, has been heard on you would expect, he is a been featured in several resides in Lambertville, the PGA Tour radio station “Golfaholic” focused on publications and on radio Michigan with his wife and seen in On The Green beating ‘Old Man Par’ each and television. He authored and three children. magazine. www.TheGol- time he steps on a golf “18 Holes,” a book with https://www.facebook. fRules.com course. mmaymarketing@ mental game tips. http:// com/bryan.renius?fref=ts [email protected] gmail.com mymentalgamecoach.com/

Matt Saternus Dave Rallis Kurt Wieneke Kyle Rowland

Matt Saternus is Dave retired from teaching Kurt Wieneke, a Kyle Rowland is a a co-founder of to pursue a career freelance wine writer sportswriter and certified PluggedInGolf.com, a in freelance writing, based in . golf enthusiast. Learn more golf instructor, club fitter, photography, videography Kurt is an avid wine about Kyle on Facebook. and writer living in the and web design. An avid taster who is focused on northwest suburbs golfer living in Merced, sharing his 30 years of of Chicago. California, he co-founded experience in collecting Golf Is For Everyone ( and tasting fine wines. http://golfisforeveryonemd. com) and can be found on Facebook at: http://facebook. com/golfisforeveryone. NWO Golf Links Videos

More Than A Game

Today Golf prides itself on its diversification and acceptance of all ethnicities and economic condition, but that was not always the case. The USGA has this wonderful video posted on their website: USGA.org.

It documents the life of William Powell, a man of color that excelled in golf, but was forced to build his own golf course, when he was refused playing privileges in the 1940’s and 1950’s.

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How Golf Is Like Marriage

In this video, “Everybody Loves Raymond” star Ray Romano gives tells a humorous story about his children and compares golf to marriage.

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