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Vol. 35, No. 3 PUBLISHING PARTNER Virginia Golfer (ISSN #1094-3021) May/June 2017 is published six times annually (bimonthly) by the Virginia State Golf Association, located at 2400 Touchpoint Media Inc. Dovercourt Drive Midlothian, VA Phone: (800) 597-5656 23113. Periodical postage paid VSGA-VIP Fax: (763) 595-0016 at Midlothian, VA, and additional SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION mailing offices. CEO: Steve Farbman POSTMASTER: PRESIDENT: James McEwen Send address changes to: Virginia Golfer is the official publication of the Virginia State Golf Association, a 501(c)(4) Virginia Golfer non-profit organization serving golfers in Virginia. 2400 Dovercourt Drive MINNESOTA OFFICE: Midlothian, VA 23113 505 N. Hwy 169, Phone: (804) 378-2300 Suite 100 Faxes: (804) 378-2369 or Minneapolis, Minn. 55441 (804) 378-8216 PHONE: (763) 595-0808 Website: vsga.org manager, digital media; Kirsten Roberts, FAX: (763) 595-0016 VSGA Officers E-mail: [email protected] administrative assistant; Tripp Sheppard, PRESIDENT: Bruce H. Matson, Hermitage CC E-MAIL: director, VSGA membership/VIP Golf Card [email protected] VICE PRESIDENT: Michael Millen, Farmington CC Virginia Golfer is supported by Program; Matt Smiley, assistant executive WEBSITE: SECRETARY: Gary Beck, Princess Anne CC members’ dues, utilizing $6 per director; Natasha Triplett, director, finance www.touchpointmedia.com TREASURER: Anne Greever, Willow Oaks CC member per year. Subscription: and administration; Michael Walder, IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT: Regular U.S. subscription is six times SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT: Gib Palmer, Salisbury CC director, handicapping; Olivia Bowling, annually for individual VSGA members P.J. Boatwright intern; Tom Booker, One- David Jensen and VSGA member clubs. Single TOURNAMENT CHAIRMAN: Tim Rash, Salisbury CC Day coordinator; Tony Caggiano, course copies of Virginia Golfer are available BOARD MEMBERS: Michael W. Ancel, Newport News CREATIVE DIRECTOR: for $2.95 per copy, plus shipping. GC at Deer Run; E. Lee Coble, Independence GC; Linda rating coordinator; VSGA Junior Golf Circuit coordinators: Edward Gill; Michelle Rob Johnson DiVall, Mount Vernon CC; Craig Groenendaal, Laurel The opinions and views expressed Holmes, LPGA; Robert Nowak, PGA; Hill GC; Linda Lumsden, Halifax CC; Brian Maloney, in this publication are not necessarily Tommy Smith, PGA; Peter Weisel. DESIGNERS: Springfield G&CC; Boodie McGurn, The CC of Virginia; Karli Seman, those of the VSGA, the publisher William H. Millsaps, Willow Oaks CC; Ray Montgomery, Brandon Favre or its advertisers. The advertising Pleasant Valley GC; Karl Quinn, Elizabeth Manor G&CC; VSGA Web Marketing and space provided in Virginia Golfer Terry Towler, The Manor Resort GC; John Vogel, The New Media | Kenmont Group EDITORS: is purchased and paid for by the CC of Virginia; Grover Walker, River Bend Club; Michael Aaron Paitich, advertiser. None of the products or Wise, Ballyhack GC/Roanoke CC. Editorial Staff: EDITOR: Chris Lang Jake Weyer services are necessarily endorsed by GENERAL COUNSEL: Vernon E. Inge Jr. (LeClairRyan) VIRGINIA GOLFER COMMITTEE: the VSGA or its affiliates. Bill Millsaps (chairman) and Michael Millen MARKETING COORDINATOR: VIP cardholder fees paid to the VSGA | Jamie Conkling, executive director; VSGA Staff Elizabeth Boger are not fully tax-deductible. Fourteen Amanda Braun, tournament manager; Josh Coates, CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: percent is paid directly to the VSGA- assistant director, rules and competitions; Karen Enders, Josh Apple, Jim Ducibella, Scott Kramer, REGIONAL ADVERTISING VIP Scholarship Foundation, which VIP Golf Card Program/accounting assistant; Kent Chris Lang, Lisa D. Mickey, David Partridge, OFFICE: is a qualified charitable 501(c)(3) Holubar, junior golf manager; Courtney Jones, One-Day Dave Pond, Tom Robinson, Leonard Ned Frey organization. Consult your tax advisor manager; Chris Lang, editor, Virginia Golfer magazine/ Shapiro, Arthur Utley (757) 259-5907 for further information.

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2 V IRGINIA G OLFER | M AY/J UNE 2017 vsga.org ContentsMAY/JUNE 2017

FEATURES 16 18 Simply the Best Five to Watch Read more about the A quick look at the storylines four new members of the for this summer’s VSGA Virginia Golf Hall of Fame. Amateur championships.

22 26 Working Vacation Links to Freedom Two Richmond couples A golf therapy program at turned U.S. Open Fort Belvoir Golf Club is volunteering into a family helping wounded vets regain tradition, and others came a grip on life. along for the ride.

30 Home-Course Holiday With resorts all over the state, it’s easy to plan your Virginia golf staycation.

Major Challenge Defending champion Rocco Mediate and the world’s top seniors will try to tame Trump National Golf Club at the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship in May. GETTY IMAGES 20

vsga.org M AY/J UNE 2017 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 3 ContentsMAY/JUNE 2017 AROUND THE COMMONWEALTH 8 Growing the Game Will Saunders’ grassroots efforts have helped grow a small neighborhood golf league into something more.

9 Honoring Top Scholars The VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation awarded $113,500 in grants to aspiring college students.

MEMBER CLUBS 10 Fresh Look Williamsburg’s Golden Horseshoe is set to debut its renovated Gold Course on July 1.

THE RULES 12 Modernization in Progress Your guide to potential changes to the Rules of Golf in 2019. 8

DEPARTMENTS

GREAT HOLES 14 No. 14 at The Club at Creighton Farms This 359-yard par 4 will be a fun one to watch at this year’s VSGA Amateur Championship.

FIT FOR PLAY 35 Enhance Your Game Three specific exercises to help jumpstart your routine.

INSTRUCTION 36 Hi-Tech Helper Flight-launch monitors like TrackMan and FlightScope are taking instruction to another level.

EQUIPMENT 38 Summer Ready These five items will help get your game in gear for the summer.

MY TURN 40 Leishman’s Strength Virginia Beach-based PGA Tour

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USGA ARCHIVES compiled by CHRIS LANG

VIRGINIA THE USGA AND R&A HAVE PLANS TO MAKE SWEEPING CHANGES GOLFER TO THE RULES OF GOLF. PAGE 12. AROUND THE COMMON WEALTH » Virginia golf & the folks who make it great ( ) 7 NEWS & NOTES 9 TOP SCHOLARS 10 MEMBER CLUBS 12 THE RULES he USGA State Team Championship was supposed to be a one-time event celebrating the USGA’s centennial in USGA RETIRES 1995, but it became a biennial affair. TKeith Decker was there for every one of them. And now that the USGA has retired the event, STATE TEAM Decker (Chatmoss CC) will be the only player in the United States—man or woman—to hold CHAMPIONSHIPS that distinction. Decker was a member of the VSGA’s three-man entry for the 2016 State Team Championship in Alabama, the final time the men’s event was contested. The ladies will get one last chance at state pride when the final Women’s State Championship is held from Sept. 26–28 in Santa Fe, N.M. “The USGA continually evaluates its championships and the way in which they are conducted,” USGA Championship Committee chairman Stuart Francis said in a USGA release. “The decision to discontinue the State Team Champi- onships follows a thorough review and analysis, including consultation with representatives from state and regional golf associations.” The State Team Championships began in 1995, with both men and women competing. The three-person competition, held that year in Orlando, Fla., was intended to be a one-off event patterned after the World Amateur Team Championships. But it was such a success that the USGA decided to keep contesting it. The three-person teams featured elite non-collegian amateurs, since NCAA rules forbid any current college players from participating. “It’s our Olympics, playing for the USGA title,” Decker said before last year’s championship. “There are not many people who have a gold USGA medal, or a silver USGA medal, or a bronze USGA medal. You know, Virginia has won a gold, they’ve won two silver and a bronze, through the years. And I can tell you, I know exactly where each one of them is. They’re in my house, right there, in the trophy room.” Decker’s first teammates in 1995, when Vir- ginia finished nine strokes clear of Florida to win its lone title, were David Partridge and

USGA ARCHIVES Tom McKnight (standing), Keith Decker (kneeling left) and David Partridge brought Tom McKnight. His final teammates, in 2016, the inaugural State Team Championship trophy home to Virginia in 1995.

vsga.org M AY/J UNE 2017 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 7 (atc) UPDATES Men’s State Team were Scott Shingler and Justin Young. VSGA Championship winners member club The Golden Horseshoe hosted the » Bill Meadows (Farmer’s Fruits 1995 Virginia Men’s State Team Championship in 1999, with 1997 Minnesota Virginia and Minnesota tying for runner-up Realized, March/April 2017 Virginia 1999 Texas honors, one shot behind champion Texas. Golfer), who established Meadows 2001 Minnesota 2003 Tennessee Michigan won the final Men’s State Team Farms Nurseries and teamed with 2005 Texas at the Country Club of Birmingham, finishing Bill Ward to design VSGA member 2007 Texas three strokes ahead of Arizona and North Car- 2009 Pennsylvania olina. Virginia’s best finishes in the Women’s Club Meadows Farms in Locust 2010 Kansas Grove, died on Feb. 28, three days 2012 New York State Team came in the last two editions of the 2014 Texas event—third in 2013 and fifth in 2015. short of his 83rd birthday. 2016 Michigan “In our reviews and discussions, it became » Jane Geddes (Right Leader, quite clear that the conditions of competi- Right Time, March/April 2017 Women’s State Team tion had evolved, and there were significant Championship winners Virginia Golfer) has left her post 1995 Pennsylvania differences in the respective team selection 1997 Alabama processes,” USGA senior managing director of as executive director of the 1999 Florida championships and governance John Boden- International Association of Golf 2001 Minnesota hamer said in a release. “After considering 2003 Ohio Administrators (IAGA) to serve as the matter for more than a year, the review 2005 Georgia CEO of the Executive Women’s Golf 2007 Arizona supported increased focus toward other areas 2009 Georgia of USGA competition, both present and future, Association. Geddes’ last day with 2011 Georgia including the continued enhancement of the the IAGA was April 21. 2013 New Jersey local and sectional qualifying experience for 2015 Georgia players across all USGA championships.”

Spotlight on: GROW THE GAME got a tee time on Golf League boasts a roster of Country Club, The Foundry Golf Saturday morning nearly 440 players. Some are Club, Richmond Country Club at 9 o’clock, can serious players. Some are not. and The Federal Club. you make it?’ Well, No matter. One of Saunders’ In turn, those clubs are yeah, I can make goals in helping to grow the exposed to potential new it if I want all of my game in his community was to members, who get an up-close stuff on the front be inclusive. The league is free to look at the product and an lawn,” Saunders join, and the social component opportunity to meet the people said with a laugh. of RVA9 far outweighs the behind the scenes at private “There’s no way competitive aspects of it. clubs. It’s a win-win, and a true that works.” “I don’t collect scorecards initiative to grow the game at both That’s a big after,” Saunders said. “We do a grassroots and a club level. reason why, about longest drive and closest to the Saunders also wants to give five years ago, pin, and that’s it. What we’ve back to the community, as RVA9 Saunders started created is that we have a bunch will hold an event in September a small golf league of golfers that like golf, that don’t to raise funds for the First Tee in his suburban have a lot of time, and they want of Greater Richmond. For more Wyndham to play, and they say, ‘This is information on how to join neighborhood. Tuesday evenings an easy way for me to do it.’ … RVA9, contact Saunders at Will Saunders, right, with VSGA became a time for friends to There’s no pressure. Hey, let’s [email protected]. president Bruce Matson and Emily gather and play nine holes, get out and have some fun.” Weinstein, VP of Programming for originally at The Federal Club The 2017 RVA9 season teed The First Tee of Greater Richmond. in Glen Allen. The West End off on April 18 and will run on HAVE AN IDEA? Golf League was born. As time Tuesdays at its primary course, Will Saunders is a In upcoming issues of progressed, the club grew from Hunting Hawk, throughout the professional with a family—a Virginia Golfer, the VSGA its original roster of 12 members, spring, summer and early fall. Part wife and two young boys—but will spotlight grow-the- and the name changed. of the allure for RVA9 players, he also has a passion for golf. game initiatives around the Now affiliated with the VSGA though, is the opportunity to play Finding time to play was always a Commonwealth. Contact (league members can join the at a number of top venues in the challenge, though. editor Chris Lang at association and reap all VSGA Richmond area, including Country “A neighbor would call on [email protected]. benefits for just $30), the RVA9 Club of Virginia, Hermitage

Friday night and say, ‘Hey, I’ve SCOTT TAYLOR KATHY

8 V IRGINIA G OLFER | M AY/J UNE 2017 vsga.org Around The Commonwealth

Amount$113,500 awarded to 41 recipients of VSGA-VIP Honoring Scholarships in 2017. million $2.21Amount awarded to 953 students in 33 years by Top Scholars the VSGA-VIP Scholar- Forty-one students with an interest in golf were recognized at 2017 VSGA Day ship Foundation.

The VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation Martin (Stuart); Doria Gilberg (Middleburg); Cole Baldwin (New Kent); Alex Fitzpatrick awarded 41 grants to college-bound New1 named award in students with an interest in golf at the annual (Williamsburg); Charles Grubbs (Farmville); VSGA Day at Richmond Country Club on William Krug (Hamilton); Mitchell McMurtry 2017, honoring the late May 8, an increase of four awards from a (Midlothian); Kyle Mollica (Roanoke) Richard Smith, a former year ago. In all, $113,500 awards to those • $2,000 awards: Cassaundra Wheeler VSGA director of cham- students and one additional student pursuing (Salem); Eleshia Jones (Norfolk); Matthew BY THE NUMBERSBY pionships and a fervent turfgrass studies at Virginia Tech. Dowdy (Altavista); John Asmus (Stafford); supporter of junior golf Case Keatley (Moseley); Patrick Corbett The foundation’s top awards in 2017 in Virginia. went to Mazzen Shalaby (Fredericksburg) Jr. (Richmond); Logan Smith (Glen Allen); and Caroline Deloach (Fairfax). Shalaby Kristin Rabil (Fairfax Station). earned the Dan C. Keffer Award, a $7,000 scholarship that goes to an individual in honor of the former VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation Committee Chairman. Deloach received $7,000 for the top Spencer-Wilkinson Award, which affords young women with an interest in golf the More Green. Less Fee. opportunity to pursue college and career development. Other Spencer-Wilkinson Awards winners A golfer’s dream. Unlimited play on our green and lush 6,400 yard ($3,500 each) were Madison Blanton (Big Shenandoah Valley course nestled amid Virginia’s equally beautiful Stone Gap) and Ashley Nguyen (South Riding). Blue Ridge Mountains. Package includes meals and lodging, greens The David A. King Award ($4,000), given to a top academic standout, went to Jake fees and cart for 18 holes daily and extra round for cart fees only! Karton (Arlington). The Red Speigle Award ($3,500), annually given to a top student For more details check out www.LurayCaverns.com or from the Peninsula, went to Jacob Smethurst call (888) 443-6551. (Williamsburg). Additionally, Vince Wheeler (Roanoke) earned the Richard Smith Award ($3,000), awarded for the first time in 2017 in memory of the VSGA's longtime director of 3 Day / 2 Night Per person, double championships and supporter of junior golf. Packages from $245 occupancy, plus tax Virginia Tech student Jacob Odum earned the lone turfgrass grant ($2,000). The rest of the VSGA-VIP Scholarship recipients: • $4,000 award: Benjamin McGuigan (Glen Allen) • $2,500 awards: Max Dillon (Wytheville); Natalie Burlew (Stafford); Bridget Hart (Arlington); Kenneth Hudson (Monroe); William Keyt (Windsor); Henry Lutz (Farmville); Michael Patina (Mechanicsville); Elizabeth Prillaman (Roanoke); Ana Stanisaveljev (Vienna); Teddy Zinsner (Alexandria); Frayser Wall (Virginia Beach); Chandler Bridgers (South Boston); Anna Haught (Roanoke); Alex Woo (North Chesterfield); Ryan Woo (North Chesterfield); Kylee Hill (Galax); Jacob

vsga.org M AY/J UNE 2017 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 9 (atc)

Member Clubs Going for Gold After massive renovations, the Gold Course at Williamsburg’s Golden Horseshoe prepares to reopen | by CHRIS LANG called it his finest design and “a natural arboretum upon which a great golf course s Jeff Winters drove a cart around a July 1 re-opening—was on track to regain has been built.” the renovated Gold Course at some of its lost luster. But even the best designs begin to show Williamsburg’s Golden Horse- “We wanted to get the Gold Course back their age, and several years ago, the Colonial shoe Golf Club on a chilly April into a pristine playing condition,” said Williamsburg Foundation approved a total morning,A he did so with the demeanor of a Winters, the Golden Horseshoe’s head golf renovation of the Gold Course. Rees Jones, proud, expectant father. professional. “We wanted to get the course Robert’s son, led the renovation project, The course, which has been closed for the back to where it was meant to be, and we which a healthy dose of help from Greg better part of a year, was starting to round wanted guests to be proud to come here Muirhead, one of Rees’ colleagues at Reese back into form. Rebuilt green complexes and play again.” Jones Inc. Golf Course Design. were maturing. Brand-new bunkering was The changes will be immediately notice- taking shape. And the seams on the re-sod- NEW GREEN GRASS able. Four green complexes (2, 6, 12, and ded fairways were beginning to blend in. When Robert Trent Jones Sr. opened the 18) were completely rebuilt, and all greens

In short, the Gold Course—which is set for Gold Course in 1963, the famed architect were resurfaced using 007 bentgrass. A CHRIS LANG

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10 V IRGINIA G OLFER | M AY/J UNE 2017 vsga.org Netting protects the renovated 16th green at the Member Clubs Gold Course from geese.

“The Northbridge is a more cold-hardy Bermuda grass, and it’s a fairly new grass too,” Waddell said. “It’s more cold-tolerant, so even if it freezes, it should leave you viable plant come the springtime. It should green up faster, as well as go dormant a little later, than say, 419 Bermuda, which is the standard around here.” Visitors will notice other changes as common pre-renovation complaint was “It’s a proven grass in our area. Two Rivers well. Nine forward tees were added. The the Gold Course’s greens were too soft and Country Club [in Williamsburg] has had it practice putting green has nearly doubled spongy and played far too slow in the hot for about five years. It’s more heat tolerant. in size. The club added target greens to the summer months. The 007 bent will rectify It’s more stress tolerant. It should yield a driving range, and new tall shrubbery will that issue. much, much better playing surface overall.” provide a barrier between the first tee and “Penncross [the old bent] came out in the range. A lawn bowling court has been the 50s, and 007 came out in 2007,” said TOTAL RENOVATION converted into a short-game practice area Jeremy Waddell, a superintendent at the The greens weren’t the only areas of the featuring two bunkers and ample room to Golden Horseshoe. “There are about twice course to get a makeover. The bunkers practice chipping. as many plants in a four-inch plug than were rebuilt using the “Better Billy Bun- “Especially for the golfer who has expec- Penncross had, maybe closer to three ker” construction technique, which will tations, they’re going to see some quality times as many plants. You can get more improve the bunkers’ drainage, look and playing surfaces,” Winters said. “They’re upright growth out of it, which enables you playability. The fairways and surrounding going to realize the bunkers are state of the to mow at lower heights, which enables roughs were re-sodded with Northbridge art. The playability value is just going to

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The Rules Modernization in Progress

PACE OF PLAY IMPROVEMENTS THE 2016–17 EDITION of Implementing changes that have a positive impact on pace of play is an important part of Decisions on the Rules of Golf spans 539 modernizing golf’s Rules. pages of copy, and that’s not including a section detailing the definitions used within the book and four appendices focused on local rules, club design, the ball, and devices and other equipment. So, yes, the Rules of Golf can be complicated. In 2012, the USGA and R&A teamed up with one goal in mind: To find ways to simplify the Rules book and trim some of the fat, so to speak. On March 1, the two governing bodies announced details of a joint initiative to modernize the Rules and make them easier to understand and apply. Per the USGA, the proposed 24 new Rules—reduced from the current 34— have been written in a user-friendly style CHANGES YOU WON’T SEE IN THE PROPOSED RULES with shorter sentences, commonly used The following Rules have not been changed on the proposed code, but we continue to phrases, bulleted lists and explanatory look at all Rules and your feedback is an important part of the process: headings. The initiative also focuses on assessing the overall consistency, sim- plicity and fairness of the Rules for play. And, as a bonus, the two organizations want your feedback. The proposed Rules changes are expected to go into effect by the beginning of 2019. Through Aug. 31, 2017, golfers are encouraged to review the proposed changes and submit feedback online via worldwide survey technology that can be accessed at usga.org/rules. The USGA and R&A will review the feedback and use it to establish the approved final version of golf’s new Rules, which are due to be released in mid-2018 ahead of a January 1, 2019 implementation. The VSGA will test the proposed new Rules at two One-Day Events (June 5 at Glenmore CC and July 17 at Dominion Valley CC).

TIMELINE: The R&A and the USGA are pleased to announce a major set of proposed changes to the Rules of Golf. While these changes are the result of an initiative that began in 2012, it’s now time for you to get involved. Below are a set of key milestones to remember before the new Rules take effect on

January 1, 2019. OF THE USGA GRAPHICS COURTESY

12 V IRGINIA G OLFER | M AY/J UNE 2017 vsga.org The Rules

MODERNIZING GOLF’S RULES: KEY CHANGES The R&A and the USGA released a preview of golf’s proposed Rules. Here are five of the most significant changes:

vsga.org M AY/J UNE 2017 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 13 GreatHoles

THE CLUB AT CREIGHTON FARMS No. 14 by DAVID PARTRIDGE

he 2017 Virginia State Golf Association Amateur and the fact that the Championship will be conducted at Creighton second shot is played Farms in Aldie from June 27–July 1. Creighton uphill into the prevail- PAR 4 Farms is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course ing wind is reason to be that has earned numerous distinguished awards aggressive off the tee YARDAGES since opening in 2007, and the Golden Bear fell so to set up a shorter sec- in love with his design and the magnificent Creighton Farms gated ond. Regardless of the Tcommunity that he and his wife, Barbara, built a personal home club selected, players Professional: Member: right on the course. should favor the right 359 yards 283 yards Constructed over the beautiful rolling terrain indigenous to that side of the fairway— Back: Forward: part of Virginia, Creighton Farms is a big, challenging golf course while avoiding the very 324 yards 226 yards that measures more than 7,400 yards from the tips and has a slope penal fairway bunker— rating of 154. While the Commonwealth’s best amateurs will need to create the best angle power to compete at Creighton Farms, the course also demands of play up the length of strategic thinking and precision ball-striking to manage the undu- the green for the approach shot. lating, ultra-fast greens. There is no doubt that Creighton Farms Hitting the green is crucial as recovery from virtually any angle, will identify a true champion at this year’s Amateur. including the depressed hollow on the right and three surround- While the course includes seven par 4s of 435 yards or longer— ing bunkers, and the deep rough around the putting surface, is many of which would have been worthy to spotlight in this extremely challenging given the sloping, narrow green. This is feature—one of the really neat, intriguing designs at Creighton truly a great golf hole, particularly in match play. Farms is the shortest par 4 on the course: the 359-yard hole 14. The Since its inception, Creighton Farms has been a strong sup- Donna Andrews Keith Decker Wallace McDowell J.C. Snead dominant feature of this little gem is the small putting surface that porter of golf and it will be a superb venue for the VSGA Amateur. measures 2,200 square feet and is only 30 feet across at its widest Creighton Farms was the site of the 2014 Captain’s Putter Matches point. While the green is pitched from back to front, it also slopes and the 2012 Senior PGA Professional National Championship. dramatically from left to right at the front, often rejecting shots The club is also home to the Creighton Farms Invitational, an not struck with supreme accuracy. annual charity event personally hosted by Jack and Barbara that On Thursday, May 18 at The Country Club of Virginia in Richmond, the Virginia Golf Hall The tee shot is played through a corridor of trees that encour- raises generous sums of money for the Nicklaus Children’s Health

ages some golfers to hit less than driver, but the size of the green Care Foundation. JON HOOD of Fame will induct its class of 2017. To learn more or make a donation, please visit:

14 V IRGINIA G OLFER | M AY/J UNE 2017 vsga.org www.VirginiaGolfHallofFame.com Donna Andrews Keith Decker Wallace McDowell J.C. Snead

On Thursday, May 18 at The Country Club of Virginia in Richmond, the Virginia Golf Hall of Fame will induct its class of 2017. To learn more or make a donation, please visit:

vsga.org www.VirginiaGolfHallofFame.comM AY/J UNE 2017 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 15 16 V IRGINIA the Simply G OLFER

M AY / J UNE 2017 Best including 3-1 insingles. Snead hadanexemplary 9-2-0, recordintheevent, going Ryder Cupthreetimes, participatingin1971,1973and1975. and finishedashot clearofDonBiestowinin1976. Floyd andBobby Nicholsinaplayoff towinthatevent in1975 OpenInvitational. Diego He defeatedRaymond liams-San Tour, including two in consecutive years at the Andy Wil- J.C. Snead GOLFHALLOFFAMETHE VIRGINIA championship title. first playoff holetodefeatNicklausandclaimhislonemajor missed, forcingaplayoff forthetitle.Sneadmadebirdieon laus putted towinthetitleinregulationon18. Theputt Senior Players Championship, Snead sweated as Jack Nick closer lookatthe2017 class: Luther, and Lanny Sam Snead, Curtis Strange Wadkins. A Hall’s inauguralclassofVinny Giles, ChandlerHarper, Clyde ia’s Westhampton Clubhouse.Thefourinducteeswilljointhe induct its2017 classonMay 18atthe CountryClubofVirgin- GOINGBACKTOBACK:

THREE TIMER: CROWNING MOMENT: Snead represented the United States in the Inthefinalroundof1995 Ford only loss in Ryder Cupsinglesplay? only lossinRyder Snead won eight times on the PGA SneadwoneighttimesonthePGA In 1975,whohandedSneadhis TRIVIA: vsga.org will -

PHOTO CREDIT HERE

SNEAD: PGA OF AMERICA/GETTY IMAGES; DECKER AND MCDOWELL: VSGA ARCHIVES; ANDREWS: LPGA TOUR TRIVIA: Decker won the 1988 VSGA Amateur for the first of his 27 titles. Whom did he defeat in the title match?

TRIVIA: How many times did Andrews finish in the top 10 on the LPGA’s season-ending money list?

Donna Andrews CROWNING MOMENT: A native of Lynchburg, Andrews reached the pinnacle of professional women’s golf when she won the Nabisco Dinah Shore championship in 1994, the lone major victory of her career. In all, Andrews won six Keith Decker LPGA titles, the last of which came in 1998 when CROWNING MOMENT: Decker, a member at Chatmoss CC in Martinsville, she finished atop the leaderboard at the Longs won back-to-back State Open of Virginia championships in 2001 and 2002, Drugs Challenge. the only amateur to accomplish the feat in the era of combined State Opens AMATEUR SUCCESS: Andrews won 10 VSGA (1985–present). Decker won another State Open of Virginia in 1996 and has titles, more than any woman in history. Includ- been the low amateur at the event two other times. ed was a run of five straight wins in the VSGA SIMPLY THE BEST: Decker won the VSGA Senior Amateur last summer at The Women’s Amateur from 1985–89. She turned pro Omni Homestead Resort’s Cascades Course, giving him 27 career VSGA titles— shortly thereafter. either solo or with a partner in four-ball championships. The next player on the INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM: Andrews, who list: Giles, with 15 titles. Decker still has plenty of years left to add to his tally. played college golf at the University of North ALL-TIMER: With the USGA retiring the State Team Championships, Decker Carolina, was a member of two Solheim Cup remains as the only player in the United States to play in all 12 editions of squads (1994 and 1998) and captained the U.S. the event. Junior Solheim Cup team in 2007.

Wallace McDowell CROWNING MOMENT: McDowell served as the essential link between the once all-volun- TRIVIA teer VSGA to the organization that now has 12 ANSWERS: full-time employees and offers services to men, Andrews: Three women and juniors across the Commonwealth. (third in 1998, EARLY ROOTS: A retired banker, McDowell fifth in 1994, ninth

began volunteering at VSGA events in the late in 1993). 1960s. He took over as executive secretary in Decker: Dicky Linkous 1973 after the unexpected death of VSGA pres- of Roanoke ident Jose Davila. McDowell played a huge role Snead: in helping the VSGA launch its VIP Golf Card Peter Oosterhuis Program and what is now called the VSGA-VIP McDowell: Scholarship Foundation, along with the VSGA The VSGA Four- TRIVIA: One-Day Program. Ball Stroke Play The Wallace McDowell Trophy is awarded to the winner HONORS: Shortly before his death in 2010, Championship. of what VSGA championship? McDowell was inducted into the Middle Atlantic

SNEAD: PGA OF AMERICA/GETTY IMAGES; IMAGES; SNEAD: PGA OF AMERICA/GETTY LPGA TOUR ARCHIVES; ANDREWS: VSGA DECKER AND MCDOWELL: Golf Association Hall of Fame.

vsga.org M AY/J UNE 2017 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 17 5 tired VSGA PublicLinksChampionship.tired VSGA Junior Stroke Play Championshipin2012 andwas athree-timehost ofthenow-re - tion totheU.S. PublicLinksChampionshipin2013, LaurelHillhosted theVSGA Four-Ballpreviously hosted the VSGA Stroke Play Championship in 2011. Inaddi- Club inLorton,locatedFairfax Countyabout20milessouthofWashington, D.C. Commonwealth’s topwomenwilltake centerstageJuly 10–13 atLaurelHillGolf Amateur, ofAldie,isthehostty village ofthe104thVSGA fromJune 27–July 1.The two events have never beenheldinNorthernVirginiathesame year—until now. helditsfirst1922, theVSGA Women’s Amateur. Innearly100yearsof overlap, the on ayearlybasis—save forafour-year break duringWorld War II—since1911.In THE VSGA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP 18 Here isaquicklook atsomeofthestorylines forthisyear’s Amateurchampionships: Creighton Farms championshipforthesecondtime,having willhost aVSGA The ClubatCreightonFarms, astellar Jack NicklausdesignintheLoudounCoun- to ach Watc held inthegreaterD.C. area. least reachedthefinalof VSGA Amateurthelast four VSGA A Northern Virginian has at A NorthernVirginianhasat times theevent hasbeen DID YOU KNOW? Amateurs andwas afinalistin2015. Mark Lawrence Jr. hasreached the semifinals ofthelast twoVSGA Amateur Championships// A lookatthetopcontendersinthisyear’s VSGA has been contested 2 3 1 appearance intheVSGAAmateur. andasemifinalchampionship Virginia, at the2016DeltaDentalStateOpenof Junior Stroke Playwin,arunner-up finish VSGA JuniorMatchPlaytitles,a back upfavoritestatus,includingthree the pedigree inVSGAchampionshipsto the Hokiesinstroke average.Andhehas beforeat Auburn transferringtoTech—led Mills GodwininRichmondandspentayear Lawrence—who playedhighschoolgolfat Lane tookthetitlein2016.Through April4, year? MaclainHugewonin2015andJoey win theVSGAAmateurforthird-straight Tech aVirginia (Hermitage CC): Will player MARK LAWRENCE JR. AMATEUR VSGA THE TO WATCHFIVE AT JI SOO PARKJI SOO JOEY LANE legendary Wynsol Spencer. history withthree title-matchlosseswasthe in 2016.Theonlyotherplayer Amateur ship matchappearances,including one three VSGAAmateurchampion- against aplayerwhohasmade but ifhedoes,it’s hard tobet standout,willenter,of Virginia that Park,aformerUniversity It’s not100percent certain ranked third onTech’s roster instroke average. before professional. turning Through April4,he and theAmateurwillbeoneofhislasthurrahs from Great Falls,willbeplayingclosetohome, medalist honorsinthesameyear. Lane,whois the championshipandstroke-play qualifying since BillyHurleyIIItowinboth in 2016becamethefirstplayer the defendingchampion,who the field,youcan’t forgetabout When youtalkaboutHokiesin (Reston NationalGC): by by CHRIS LANG

(1757GC): vsga.org

CHRIS LANG 2017 VSGA Amateur Championships Preview

TREY WREN 4(Cedar Point CC): Wren emerged from no- where to reach the semifinals in 2016 before losing to Park. In his first season on full scholarship at Temple University, Wren leads the Owls toWatc h in stroke average. THE MID-AMS: Wins have been hard to come by for the over-25 set in recent years, as Scott Shingler’s win at The Virginian in 52011 was the last time someone from the Mid-Amateur crowd took home the title. Since then, only six such players have ad- vanced as far as the quarterfinals: Shingler (Dominion Valley CC, twice), Keith Decker DID YOU KNOW? (Chatmoss CC, twice), Buck Brittain (The Quite a few competitors Virginian GC), Vincent Nadeau (Spring have won both the VSGA Creek GC), Jordan Utley (Independence Women’s Amateur and the GC), and Justin Young (Ballyhack GC). VSGA Women’s Stroke Play Brittain and Utley are the only players in that Championship, but the feat group to reach a title match since 2011. hasn’t been accomplished in the same year since 1991. In addition to her two titles, Abby Portyrata was a stroke-play qualifying co-medalist in the 2013 VSGA Women’s Amateur.

FIVE TO WATCH AT THE VSGA WOMEN’S AMATEUR ABBY PORTYRATA (The First Tee of This will be the 104th VSGA Ama- Greater Richmond): There have been two back-to-back Women’s Amateur cham- teur. The Women’s Amateur will be 1pions this decade (Lauren Coughlin and Amanda Steinhagen), but the last woman contested for the 92nd time. to win three in a row was Lee Shirley from 1996–98. Portyrata has to be considered a favorite if she enters, considering she ALEXANDRA AUSTIN VSGA Women’s Amateur. She’s reached spent the better part of a year away from (Springfield G&CC): the semifinals in each of the last two years competitive golf before torching the field Austin has her sights and was a quarterfinalist in 2014 at age 12. at James River Country Club in 2016 for 3set on turning pro after She has what it takes to compete with her her second-straight title. Portyrata joined this summer, so this will older counterparts. Old Dominion University’s golf team in the likely be her last chance spring, so her game should be in form. to win the Women’s Ama- LAUREN GREENLIEF teur. Austin was the 2016 VSGA Women’s (International CC): AMANDA Player of the Year and won the 2016 VSGA Greenlief has a USGA HOLLANDSWORTH Women’s Stroke Play Championship, but 5championship to her (Great Oaks CC): an early exit from match play last year left credit and competed in an 2The Virginia Tech a sour taste. LPGA Tour event in 2016, standout is still seeking but a title in the VSGA Wom- her breakthrough after CAROLINE CURTIS en’s Amateur has eluded her. A three-time two runner-up finishes (Hermitage CC): It’s a finalist, Greenlief is now one of the field’s apiece in the VSGA Women’s little hard to believe Cur- older players, relatively speaking. And she’s Amateur and VSGA Women’s Stroke tis is only 15, consid- still hungry to add this missing piece to

CHRIS LANG 4 Play Championship. ering her success in the her mantle.

vsga.org M AY/J UNE 2017 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 19 Senior SP TLIGHT Trump National takes center stage in May for the 2017 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship | by LEONARD SHAPIRO

ACK IN THE SWELTERING BLOWING IT UP summer of 2015 when he “What we did is basically blew up the prop- introduced his newly reno- erty,” Trump said of the renovations in vated Donald J. Trump Sig- typical hyperbolic fashion. “We built a nature Golf Course in the brand-new championship course that is BNorthern Virginia suburbs of Washington, built to the highest standards of champi- D.C., now-President Trump did it in typi- onship play, to the highest standards of cally grand style. audience and viewership, to the highest He was at the head of a procession of standards of golf.” 15 golf carts carrying a slew of local and And perhaps best of all to Trump’s typical national reporters and sponsors on a tour way of thinking, he mostly did it his way, of the venue. Before it began, he decided to with some help from Tom Fazio II, the son order his personal helicopter, emblazoned of the original designer. with TRUMP on the side, to lift off from its Kevin Morris, the 30-year-old head golf landing pad not far from the ornate club- professional at Trump National said Trump house and buzz the property. was on the property a number of times “Have him swing around in a big circle, before the rebuild began. real low,” Trump told one of his staffers “We’d get in a golf cart—Mr. Trump, that day, adding to the theatrical feel of the myself, Brad Enie, our director of grounds— day’s proceedings. and drive around and he’d make the chang- Trump was on the grounds that es,” said Morris, who worked previously at VIRGINIA 100-degree afternoon to formally unveil Trump Doral in Florida. “He’d add bunkers REPRESENTED Three professionals with ties to Virginia his $25 million overhaul of the 800-acre and they’d be placed to make sure they were are in the field for May’s championship: property, with two outstanding golf courses equally fair from any of the tee boxes. He (Hampton) (1), located in an area known as Lowe’s Island, wanted to make sure they’d be in play for Tim Lewis Brendan (Centreville) (2) and by the Potomac River. He initially pur- everyone. That’s always the key to a great McGrath Rick (Chester) (3). Additionally, chased the private club in 2009 for $13 golf course. And this is a great golf course.” Schuller Maryland’s (4)—the 2016 million, according to property records, “at A new par 3 was crafted—the 230-yard Ricky Touma Senior Open of Virginia champion—is in the height of the bad market,” he boasted. No. 10 for the Senior PGA event. And the field. All four qualified on the basis All of that hefty investment is clearly essentially four holes were confiscated of finishing in the top 35 of the 2016 paying off. The PGA of America awarded from the River Course to turn the cham- Senior PGA Professional Championship. the 2017 KitchenAid Senior PGA Cham- pionship venue into a beast that will play pionship to what is now known as Trump at about 7,100 yards to a par of 72 for the National Golf Club. Senior PGA. The 2017 event, scheduled for May This past March, a few months before 23–28, is the first of what Trump hopes he would set out to defend his first career will be many more big-time major tourna- major championship victory, 2016 winner ments at his venue. Perhaps there will be Rocco Mediate was asked if he’d ever played 1 2 PGA Championships, U.S. Opens and Ryder the course. 3 4 Cups contested there. He’s also expected to “I have not,” Mediate began. “But it is our try to entice Tiger Woods to host his PGA major…so it’s not going to be easy. It’s not Tour signature event, the Quicken Loans supposed to be. Hopefully, it’s nasty.”

National, at Trump National. Not to worry, especially with the redesign. GOLF CLUB TRUMP NATIONAL CHRIS LANG; GETTY IMAGES;

20 V IRGINIA G OLFER | M AY/J UNE 2017 vsga.org Signature HOLES Trump National Golf Club has a wide variety of holes, from five par-4s that extend 440 yards or longer to a drivable par-4. There are also par-3s ranging from 160 to 249 yards. The venue requires a player’s attention to a number of different approaches, risk/reward holes, strategic bunkering, and demanding greens. But there are a few notable holes:

NO. 13 Par: 5 Length: 544 yards Features: Three bunkers left, right and center in the fairway, leading to an elevated green measuring 10,000 square feet, the largest on the course.

NO. 15 Par: 3 Length: 175 yards Rocco Mediate hoisted one of the more impressive trophies in golf—the Alfred S. Bourne trophy—after last Features: Golfers must clear a year’s Senior PGA Championship. Is a repeat in the cards? large pond fronting the green, often into a prevailing west wind. All 18 greens were completely rebuilt coming into Trump National this year, There’s a gorgeous backdrop that and reseeded with Bentgrass, adding he had never played that course until he includes an American flag on an undulation to silky smooth putting showed up for practice rounds during tour- 80-foot pole and a vista of the surfaces that average 6,500 square feet. nament week, and his expectations when Potomac that serves as the trap The rebuilt greens now feature target areas he arrived were not all that great. But after point leading to the Great Falls in quadrants that demand precision shot- receiving a posture tip from a friend and a Rapids. Two deep front bunkers making. Finally, bunkers were renovated putting tip from John Daly, Mediate’s game protect an 8,700-square-foot se- and additional tees were added to maximize got a boost. verely sloping green with hazards the length. He opened with a 62 in the first round behind the putting surface. and shot 19-under 265 to break the cham- BREAKING GROUND pionship record set 33 years earlier by Sam NO. 18 This will be the first Trump course to hold Snead, becoming the tournament’s first Par: 5 any sort of major championship, though wire-to-wire winner since Jack Nicklaus Length: 550 yards more are on the way, including the 2017 in 1991. Features: A left dogleg that may U.S. Women’s Open and the 2022 PGA “Those things happen,” Mediate said of be reachable in two, depending Championship, both scheduled for Trump’s his unexpected victory. “J.D. doesn’t say on the vagaries of the wind. The property in Bedminster, N.J. something, maybe I don’t win. It’s one of second shot will have to clear Mediate won the PGA Senior, first major those things that’s so stupid.” water to reach an undulating, title of his career, last year at Harbor Shores It may not be quite that stupid at Trump two-tiered green.

CHRIS LANG; GETTY IMAGES; TRUMP NATIONAL GOLF CLUB TRUMP NATIONAL CHRIS LANG; GETTY IMAGES; in Benton Harbor, Mich. Just the way he’s National. Probably just nasty.

vsga.org M AY/J UNE 2017 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 21 22 Open volunteering a regular holidayoutofU.S. makes A teamofVirginians V by IRGINIA ARTHUR UTLEY G OLFER

M AY / J UNE 2017 vsga.org

PHOTO CREDIT HERE GivingGi BACK TO GOLF A team of Virginians makes a regular holiday out of U.S. Open volunteering

by ARTHUR UTLEY

all it a working vacation. When the 117th United States Open Championship commences in June at Erin Hills Golf Club in Wisconsin, VSGA members Larry Parpart and Jim Sangston—along Cwith their wives and five others—will be in attendance. They’re not just ordinary fans, though. For the eighth time since 2007, Parpart will serve as a U.S. Open volunteer. In 2010, Sangston joined his friend on the volunteer circuit, and soon, others followed, giving Virginia a strong volunteer presence at the USGA’s most prestigious championship. “We really pay [the USGA] to let us come because we get ourselves there, and we pay all our expenses,” said Ann Sangston, Jim’s wife. “Each time we have gone some- where, we have tacked on time usually at the beginning [for exploring]. It’s a bigger vacation for us than going to the beach.” The Parparts and Sangstons have had up-close-and-personal views of some of the best courses in the U.S. Open rotation, including Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, Oakmont and Merion. It’s no surprise their friends wanted to join in on the fun.

CATCHING THE BUG Parpart doesn’t recall why he and next-door neighbor Ben Wilkerson decided to attend three of professional golf’s four men’s major championships in 2005. They were a trip to St. Andrews in Scotland shy of com- From left to right: peting the spectator grand slam that year. Parpart and Larry Parpart and wife Wilkerson went to a practice round at The Masters. They Gayle; Ann Sangston and husband Jim. traveled to New Jersey in August for the PGA Champi- onship at Baltusrol. The U.S. Open was at Pinehurst, and

vsga.org M AY/J UNE 2017 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 23 they walked the famed No. 2 course during a practice round on Wednesday. For Thursday’s first round, they picked a spot to watch and as Parpart says, “We talked to the volunteers,” who urged the two to join their ranks. “We decided we wanted to do it. We would try it one time. It was too late for us to do 2006 so we said 2007 is going to be at Oakmont, which won’t be that far away. “When you apply, you have to give them three or four choices for committees,” Par- part said. “Talking to people in Pinehurst, marshal is what everybody wants to do. Usually the USGA gives those spots to [club] members and [volunteers from] the area. One of my daughters thought we would be interested in the corporate hospitality committee. That’s what we got, enjoyed it, and we went from there.” Trying it “just one time” went out the window quickly. Parpart and Wilkerson volunteered again at Torrey Pines in San Diego in 2008, the site of Tiger Woods’ last major victory. Wilkerson said two times was enough, and Parpart passed on working at Bethpage Black on New York’s Long Island in 2009. Parpart, a VSGA member, still teaches part-time at Douglas Freeman High School in Henrico County. He’s spent more than 30 years coaching boys basketball and girls tennis at the school. During the off year in 2009, Parpart bent the ear of Sangston—his longtime friend The Parparts’ memorabilia room features a number of credentials from past trips to the U.S. Open. and activities director at Freeman—about volunteering at the U.S. Open. Sangston, a Jefferson Lakeside Country Club member, was getting ready to retire. merchandise committee. and five bathrooms and is about 50 miles “[Larry] said you might enjoy this,” said Retired Freeman teacher Mary Virginia west of Erin Hills, which is located between Sangston, who is a member of the Virginia Manson became the ninth member of the Madison and Milwaukee. That means they State High School League Hall of Fame. group last year at Oakmont. have to get up early, drive to the parking “He said next year it’s going to be at Pebble “When we left [Oakmont last year], area for volunteers then take the shuttle for Beach, and he said you can sign up on the nobody was going to Wisconsin. Then Bill volunteers to the course. website. I went on and signed us up.” and Jim said, ‘Why don’t the three of us The week is a working vacation for the go?’” Larry Parpart said. “I got hotel rooms, group. They work Monday, Wednesday FAMILY ADVENTURE and we were going to fly. Next thing you and Friday (three to four, four-hour shifts “Us” was Sangston and his wife, Ann. know, Ann wanted to go. Stevi, who loves to per person) and use Tuesday and Thurs- Parpart’s wife Gayle was already signed up, travel, wanted to go. Gayle still hadn’t got- day to play golf, sightsee or shop. They and Parpart pulled some strings to get the ten in yet, and the Saunders weren’t in yet. don’t work weekends. Sangstons on the hospitality committee. Then the next thing you know everybody Volunteers have to buy the uniforms: The group continued to grow with the was in [including Manson].” $150 per person for two shirts, a jacket, a addition of Parpart’s cousin Bill Moore and “Going to Wisconsin is a whole new expe- hat and a bottle. The best uniform, Ann Moore’s wife Stevi, who live in Northern rience,” Gayle Parpart said. “None of us has said, came from Pebble Beach and included Virginia; and Richmonders Charles and been there.” a lined jacket that helped combat the sur- Porcilla Saunders. Unlike the others, the As they did for Oakmont in 2016, they prising northern California chill.

Saunders’ volunteer time is through the have rented a house that has five bedrooms “It was as cold at Pebble Beach as I have UTLEY (CREDENTIALS) ARTHUR PORTRAIT); CHRIS LANG (GROUP CHRIS LANG

24 V IRGINIA G OLFER | M AY/J UNE 2017 vsga.org ever been,” Gayle Parpart recalled. “I wish I The Parparts and Jim Sangston worked the had had gloves.” U.S. Open at Merion in 2013, which led to an unforgettable experience. PRICELESS EXPERIENCES “We were working the early shift (7–11 a.m.), Because they ride together from where they are and we were walking to our station on a prac- A DECADE OF staying, the Parparts, Sangstons, Moores and tice day when we ran into Tiger [Woods],” Manson work the same shifts. Volunteers are Larry said. “Dummy me said, ‘Tiger, good luck U.S. OPEN responsible for checking guest credentials at today.’ He turned around and said, ‘Thank you the entrance to the massive corporate hospital- very much.’” VOLUNTEERING ity village. A guest has to present the right badge Said Gayle, “We were just so shocked that 2007: Oakmont CC, Oakmont, Pa. on the right day at the right place. The Saun- he turned around and acknowledged someone ders’ merchandise tent schedule is different. had spoken to him.” Volunteers: MSG Promotions Inc., not the USGA, runs The four couples all worked the U.S. Open at Larry Parpart, Ben Wilkerson the corporate hospitality committee. Its found- Pinehurst in 2014, and with the U.S. Women’s 2008: Torrey Pines GC, La Jolla, Calif. er, president and chief executive officer is Mimi Open on the same site the following week, Volunteers: Griffin, who made her name as a pioneering Larry and Bill stuck around to complete the Larry Parpart, Ben Wilkerson women’s basketball broadcaster for ESPN and double. Parpart has only missed three Opens CBS Sports and is a 2014 inductee of the Wom- since his first volunteering assignment—Beth- 2009: Bethpage Black, en’s Basketball Hall of Fame. page in 2009, Olympic in San Francisco in 2012 Farmingdale, NY “Talk about a dynamic personality,” Larry and Chambers Bay in Washington in 2015. Volunteers: N/A Parpart says. “[MSG] interns meet with Mimi So how long will their run continue? Housing 2010: Pebble Beach Golf Links, every day in the morning, and she gives them a costs on Long Island might make it tough to Pebble Beach, Calif. motivational talk.” commit to Opens at Shinnecock Hills (2018) Larry, the basketball coach, has expressed an and Winged Foot (2020). Pebble is on the sched- Volunteers: Larry and Gayle Parpart, Jim and Ann Sangston, interest in attending one of those talks. Having ule again in 2019. That makes this year’s trip to Bill and Stevi Moore. gotten to know Griffin and most of the MSG Erin Hills even more special for the group. staff through the years, Parpart is likely to join Regardless of what the future holds, Gayle 2011: Congressional CC, in at Erin Hills. Parpart says, “It’s been a lot of fun.” Bethesda, Md. “We meet a lot of good people,” Jim Sangston Volunteers: Larry Parpart, said, and Ann added, “We see them year after Jim Sangston, Bill Moore year. It’s a great experience for retirees. They’re 2012: The Olympic Club, doing the same thing we’re doing.” San Francisco, Calif. Despite the cold weather, the Pebble Beach Volunteers: Jim and Ann Sangston; experience remains a highlight for the Parparts, Charles and Porcilla Saunders Sangstons and Moores. Their volunteer assignment on the second floor of the clubhouse gave 2013: Merion GC, Ardmore, PA them full clubhouse access. They stayed in a Volunteers: Larry and Gayle house that overlooked the Pacific Ocean. The Parpart, Jim Sangston men played golf at Pacific Grove Municipal Golf 2014: Pinehurst CC, Pinehurst, N.C. Links, which has been dubbed “the poor man’s Pebble Beach.” Volunteers: Larry and Gayle Parpart, Jim and Ann Sangston, and Bill Moore. 2015: Chambers Bay GC, University Place, Wash. Volunteer: Bill Moore Following The Rules 2016: Oakmont CC, Oakmont, Pa. Several Virginia State Golf Association staff members and volunteers have qualified to Volunteers: Larry and Gayle serve as rules officials at the U.S. Open. Parpart, Jim and Ann Sangston, The VSGA staff members are executive director Jamie Conkling and assistant Bill and Stevi Moore, Mary Virginia executive director Matt Smiley. Manson The VSGA members are Lew Blakey, Galen Hill, Mark Newell, Grover Walker, Richard Wight, and Clyde Luther, a noted rules expert who was a member of the 2017: Erin Hills GC, Erin, Wis. inaugural class of the Virginia Golf Hall of Fame. Lee Coble has worked as a rules-TV Volunteers: Larry and Gayle committee escort for NBC. Parpart, Jim and Ann Sangston, Bill and Stevi Moore, Mary Virginia

CHRIS LANG Manson

vsga.org M AY/J UNE 2017 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 25 ASSISTING SERVICEMEN LinksAND WOMEN IN PHYSICAL Freedomto AND SOCIAL HEALING

A group of Links to Freedom participants and family members representing

about one-third of the program’s weekly engagement. FREEDOM TO LINKS

26 V IRGINIA G OLFER | M AY/J UNE 2017 vsga.org by Links TOM ROBINSON Freedom To Tony Henry, a retired U.S. Army infantry- Greiner and his work were recognized last November by the PGA man who suffered a traumatic brain injury fighting in Afghanistan, of America’s Patriot Award. That goes to PGA professionals who Links to Freedom is perfectly named. personify patriotism and commitment to United States service The golf-therapy program founded by PGA professional Steve personnel through golf. Greiner at VSGA member Fort Belvoir Golf Club in Northern “I’m kind of caught up in it,” says Greiner, 57, who launched a Virginia provides Henry a pressure-free opportunity to connect prototype wounded warrior program in 2008 that evolved through to who he was before “too many explosions” took their toll. heavy demand into Links to Freedom. “You feel like you’re making “I’m still pretty reserved outside of the program, but when I’m a difference.” with the golf community, I’m really open. I smile,” says Henry, 47, who endures debilitating migraines and blackouts from his ANSWERING THE CALL injuries. “My wife says, ‘You’re there when you talk about golf.’‘’ The program works like this: For two months in the spring and fall, Similar testimonials about wounded vets regaining a grip on life wounded servicemen and women and interested family members led Greiner in late 2015 to resign as head pro at Fort Belvoir after meet once a week for 90 minutes to learn golf fundamentals, from 17 years to expand the Links to Freedom Foundation. how to hold a club, dress and hit a chip shot to how to make a tee

vsga.org M AY/J UNE 2017 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 27 time. Then they have lunch and network EXTENDING THE REACH pants also have been part of President’s with each other and guest speakers. Former President Barack Obama, who Cup ceremonies. Greiner says he felt called to provide often played Fort Belvoir’s two 18-hole Rousing feedback has fueled Greiner’s a group program because Fort Belvoir, courses under Greiner’s watch, has visited expansive ambitions for Links to Freedom, home to a modern community hospital Links to Freedom sessions. Jack Nicklaus which he established as a nonprofit unaf- partnered with the Walter Reed National has pledged his support. Arnold Palmer filiated with the Department of Defense. Military Medical Center, has a large war- recommended Fort Belvoir to wound- Greiner says that enables him to raise rior transition battalion. ed vets. Greiner and some Links partici- money more freely; Links to Freedom will The hospital provides housing for 300 wounded veterans to help them and their families heal physically, emotionally and socially. About 200 people a year, most with minimal prior golf experience, participate in Links at Fort Belvoir. Greiner and his volunteers, including teaching pros from Virginia and throughout the East Coast, also conduct a smaller program at Mary- land’s Joint Base Andrews. “The pros come and teach and they send me a thank-you note for letting them do it,” Greiner says. “They love it.” Graduates of the program practice and play for free thereafter, Greiner says, as long as they adhere to the complete therapy program doctors prescribe for them. “I require action,” Greiner says. “This isn’t a giveaway, it’s adaptive rehabilitation.”

ABOVE: Links to Freedom Executive Director Steve Greiner (left) receives the PGA of America’s Patriot Award. LEFT: Participants and their families take part in rehabilitative golf as an extension of therapy. BELOW: Retired U.S. Army First Sgt. Tony Henry began golfing in Links to Freedom after suffering a traumatic brain injury in Afghanistan.

28 V IRGINIA G OLFER | M AY/J UNE 2017 vsga.org Links to Freedom spend about $150,000 this year at Fort Bel- director of the Middle Atlantic PGA, helps enjoyed with his military “battle buddies.” voir, he says. As word has spread, Greiner him break the ice. “Initially, I didn’t think of it as thera- has fielded inquiries from other military “Dick will just walk up to them and say, py,” he says. “But going through the same facilities about partnering with or creating ‘Where’d you get blown up?’‘’ Greiner says. frustrations with learning to play golf— similar models. Retired Marine Gunnery Sgt. Jose Gon- misery loves company, right?—you learn Greiner says Links to Freedom will zalez wasn’t blown up, but he was diag- things that you take into your private life. direct or affiliate with programs in San nosed with post-traumatic stress after Something bad happens, you let it go and Diego and Salt Lake City, Utah, this year. three tours in Iraq. Since joining Links to you move on to the next situation.” The next step, he says, is to establish Links Freedom last year, he’s gone from casu- For some participants, the next move to Freedom ties to about 10 of the largest al to avid golfer. And in his new hobby, can even include playing golf in Scotland. military facilities. Gonzalez, 41, has found camaraderie he Henry went last spring among a group of wounded warriors organized by Links to Freedom and the St. Andrews Legacy veterans’ charity. “But going through the same frustra- Henry is among Greiner’s many disci- ples now into golf for the long run who tions with learning to play golf—misery help recruit and connect Links to Free- dom newcomers. loves company, right?—you learn things “I’m loyal to the game and to the program,” Henry says. “I say to people ‘I promise that you take into your private life.” you’re going to love it. Come in with an open mind and give it all you got. Make the time, –GUNNERY SGT. JOSE GONZALEZ bring your family and you’ll enjoy it.”

At Fort Belvoir, Greiner’s dream includes building a dedicated training facility set apart from the 30-mat driving range, Get Involved chipping and bunker area, and double practice greens. Since 2010, Links to Freedom has used the community of golf to help BUILDING POSITIVE OUTCOMES approximately 1,500 injured service The grand vision for Links is not members or their family members heal without clouds. Despite screen- emotionally, physically and socially. ing wounded vets to determine the Formally established as a non- suitability of Links to Freedom as profit foundation in 2015, Links to a therapeutic fit, some injuries run Freedom offers free eight-week far too deep. sessions in the spring and fall. Two- “Three people related to this program hour classes conducted by golf have attempted suicide. One succeeded,” pros and military and civilian vol- Greiner says. “That hits you hard, because unteers are followed by a lunch. you’re trying to do this so that doesn’t Classes cover golf fundamentals happen.” and stress motor skills, mobility To prevent those scenarios, Greiner and flexibility, promoting a lifetime brought vast teaching experience to the sport while helping participants unique challenge of working with injured regain confidence and re-establish veterans and their families. He interviews personal relationships. each participant, as he would any stu- Interested in participating in Links dent, to understand their physical limita- to Freedom sessions at Fort Bel- tions. But he has taken classes and studied voir or Joint Base Andrews, Mary- methods to better coach golfers who use a land? Register at linkstofreedom. wheelchair or an adaptive cart that posi- org/2017-program-registration. tions them to swing. For more information about “At the beginning, there was an awk- volunteering or donating money wardness trying to get the information I or equipment, contact Rob needed,” Greiner says. “I was very sensitive Koon at (520) 270-6559, Ursu- to bringing things up that would remind la Palmer at (410) 746-2005 or the person of how they got that way.” email [email protected]. Greiner says retired Col. Richard Johns, a regular volunteer and former executive

vsga.org M AY/J UNE 2017 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 29 30 dramatic scenery. championship-caliber holes,expansive greens and Va.,at KingsmillResortinWilliamsburg, boast The RiverCourseandPlantation VIRGINIA’S GOLF &ENTERTAINMENT IT EASY ASTAYCATION MAKE TO OPTIONS PLAN HOLIDAY Home-Course V IRGINIA G OLFER

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PHOTO CREDIT HERE VIRGINIA’S GOLF &ENTERTAINMENT IT EASY ASTAYCATION MAKE TO OPTIONS PLAN

PHOTO CREDIT HERE vsga.org Keswick GolfClub a full-servicemarina. resort islocatedontheJames River andfeatures outing,this expansive 2,900-acreboat for a golf stocked fitnesscenter. Ifyouprefertopilot your vice spa,fourrestaurants andlounges, andawell- tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, a full-ser academy youontrack.Therearealso15 tohelpget fairways greens. andlarge Ed Seay, afunresortcoursethatfeaturesgenerous Plantation Course, designed by Arnold Palmer and and LPGA Tour for more than 30 years, and The River Course that has played host to the PGA Tour courses, including Pete Dye’s championship The ly-friendly resortthatofferstwoexceptionalgolf Kingsmill Resort(800-852-5665)isafami- WILLIAMSBURGCOLONIAL tions arearoundevery corner. abundance ofoutstanding eateries, breweries, wineries, historic sitesandother attrac- Atlantic breeze resortsoffermemorablerounds foreveryone. inyourface,Virginiagolf fairways against abackdrop ofasteady ofcoolmountainairorenjoy thechallenge players who want variety destinations. intheir golf Whether you prefer to traverse And that topographical bonus makes Virginia’s resorts especially appealing to golf THEMOUNTAINSFROM HASITALL. TOTHESHORELINE,VIRGINIA But it’s not just that makes Virginia such a great place the for golf a “staycation.” An If you need to work on your game, there’s a golf - tures designer Pete Dye’s new Full Cry course, an State GolfAssociationchampionships. Places To Play and hashosted several Virginia earned a4½-star ratingamongGolf Digest’s Best en’s teams. golf Thispar-72 championship course the homecourseforCavaliers’ men’s andwom- is theBirdwoodGrillthatoverlooks the18thhole. Foundation. Apopularspot, especiallyaftergolf, is owned andoperatedby theUniversity ofVirginia suites. SteepedinSouthernhospitality, Boar’s Head estate with175 recently renovated guest roomsand mond resortlocatedonaformer573-acrecountry The Boar’s Head Inn(855-452-2295) isafour-dia- CHARLOTTESVILLE sounds offifeanddrums. watch reenactmentmilitiaorlisten tothepatriotic part inmusket-firing demonstrations anddrills, collection of 18th-century arms. You can even take firearms. Virginia’s colonial arsenal now houses a Magazine, builtin1715tohousegunpowder and tiny doseofourstate’s deephistory. VisitThe but youcan’t leave thishistoric town withouta American Revolution. WashingtonGeneral George in 1781, ending the Lord Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown to a half mileaway from the site where General oyster, the“York River Oyster,” farmedlessthan meats. Anddon’t misstherestaurant’s house farmed seasonal vegetables andlocally sourced dining spot on the James River, enjoy fresh- withitsscenicriverfront view inWilliamsburg” Landing Grille(800-832-5665).Calledthe“best site forlunchoracasualdinnerattheJames Keswick Hall&GolfClub(888-778-2565) fea- The BirdwoodGolfCourseatBoar’s Head isalso Sure, the golf is grandSure, in Colonial the golf Williamsburg, Visitors totheresortoftenopt tostay on M AY / J UNE 2017

V IRGINIA G OLFER 31

18-hole beauty carved out of rolling terrain and located in the shadow of the inn. The highly acclaimed resort course offers a variety of tees to fit all ability levels and can be played from 5,000 to 7,000 yards. Dye designed this new tract with mostly open-front greens to offer the option of flying shots at the flagsticks or to bump and run onto the greens. Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall is one of the nation’s most beautiful pedestrian shopping districts, boasting more than 120 shops and 30 restaurants and outdoor cafes. Kids may enjoy visiting the Virginia Discovery Museum, a hands-on facility to encourage learning. Great live music can be found at the Jefferson Theater, the Par- amount, the Southern Café and the outdoor Sprint Pavilion. Popular Charlottesville breweries Three Notch’d Brewing Company (434- 293-0610), South Street Brewery (434- 293-6550), Champion Brewing Company (434-295-2739) and Starr Hill Brewery (434-823-5671) aren’t just for the college kids. In fact, six local breweries are a part of the Brew Ridge Trail, which celebrates the thriving craft-beer industry in Nelson and Albemarle Counties.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA ABOVE: Hole 4 of the Lansdowne Resort and Spa (703-729-4071), Birdwood Golf Course located in Leesburg only 30 miles outside at Boar’s Head Inn in Washington, D.C., offers 45 holes of champi- Charlottesville, Va., serves up challenging obstacles. onship golf and an upscale resort-golf expe- LEFT: The Robert Trent rience. Managed by Troon Golf, this private Jones Jr. Course at club in Northern Virginia offers stay-and- Lansdowne Resort and play packages on courses designed by Greg Spa in Leesburg, Va., Norman and Robert Trent Jones, Jr. features woodlands, natural stone outcroppings and historic rock walls. RIGHT: Wintergreen Resort in Wintergreen, Va., is home to Virginia’s highest-elevation golf course and another in historic Rockfish Valley.

The Norman Course at The Golf Club Norman called “Sharkbite,” which is tai- at Lansdowne has undergone total bunker lored for all skill levels and family play. renovations this spring, with completion Loudoun County is known for its thriving expected by May. The upgrades are designed community of wineries and local breweries. to reshape and rebuild the course’s bunkers Winery tours are offered from Lans- for more efficient drainage. The Norman downe, with bus trips leaving the resort Course features a four-hole stretch described each Saturday at 11 a.m. as “the hardest mile in golf” since the total Hiking and biking trails are also a pop- distance of holes 6 through 9 equals one mile. ular choice while staying at Lansdowne. The 18-hole Jones Course winds through Take a run, hike or bike along the Potomac woodlands and nature outcroppings of Heritage Trail or the Loudoun Trail, where rock, as well as historic rock walls. In addi- you can take in views of the Potomac River tion to the two 18-hole courses, Lansdowne from high bluffs or cross a historic Civil War

also offers a nine-hole course designed by battleground site. OF COURSES COURTESY ALL PHOTOS

32 V IRGINIA G OLFER | M AY/J UNE 2017 vsga.org MOUNTAIN COURSES eries and hard cider production. Wood elevation changes and strategically placed Wintergreen Resort (855-699-1858) is Ridge Farm Brewery (434-422-6225), a bunkers and is nestled among a mature widely known for its winter activities and rural farm-to-table microbrewery in Lov- hardwood forest. The facility also offers a powdery ski slopes, but it also offers 45 ingston, gets five stars from Yelp ratings. complimentary par-3 nine-hole executive holes of spectacular golf with its Devils It is one of 10 popular microbreweries in course—great for family fun or a warm-up Knob course, boasting Virginia’s highest the area and offers 15 different beers and for your round. elevation golf course at 3,850 feet and ales. And don’t forget that Virginia’s apples For your golf vacation, The Tides panoramic views, as well as Stoney Creek are also good in hard cider! Check out Bold Inn offers a variety of rooms and suites, Golf Course, located in the historic Rock- Rock Hard Cider (434-361-1030) in Nellys- fish Valley. Stoney Creek features three ford for seasonal cider flavors. nine-hole tracts designed by architect Rees The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Jones that nestle into the natural, rustic Springs (540-839-1766) is considered by surroundings of Central Virginia. many to be Virginia’s crown jewel of golf Wintergreen Golf Academy also offers top courses. The Cascades Course is a venerable instruction for all levels of players against mountain course framed by the Allegheny the calming backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains and features the imagination of Mountains. Golfers can practice at the legendary course designer William Flynn. “short-game campus” or, in colder weather, Always ranked among the nation’s best hit balls under a covered practice facility. public facilities, you can almost still see Wintergreen Guests can choose from native son Sam Snead and his dog in a golf guest rooms, condos, houses or exclusive cart, regaling guests with homespun tales. properties during their stay and can also enjoy a variety of golf travel packages. COASTAL COURSES Other amenities include aquatics and fit- The Tides Inn (804-438-4460) out on the ness, The Spa at Wintergreen, tennis, hik- Northern Neck offers golf, an inn, a full-ser- ing and winter sports. vice waterfront spa and a marina that can The Nelson County area surrounding accommodate up to 24 vessels. Golden Wintergreen has experienced a recent Eagle Golf Club at the Tides is a George W. boom of craft breweries, wineries, distill- Cobb-designed course loaded with dramatic

Wintergreen Resort is widely known for its winter activities and powdery ski slopes, but it also offers 45 holes of spectacular golf...

vsga.org M AY/J UNE 2017 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 33 Palmer signature courses on Virginia’s east 8620) features Jack Nicklaus and Arnold (804-577-4400).Kilmarnock toNNBurger creamy shakes andcraft beers, head over to fast andlunch.For wood-grilledburgers, short jauntfromTheTidesInnforbreak Local (804-438-9356),acoffeeshopjust a Irvington foroysters andcrabcakes, orThe of tro (804-438-6363)inthequaintvillage destinations includeTrickDogBar&Bis- gastronomic experiences. Wine Trail, guaranteeing the best of both Oyster Trailmeets theChesapeake Bay (virginia.org/oysters). Itisalsowherethe round and enjoy a variety of related events varieties ofthissucculentshellfish year- oyster lovers can sample eight different a partofVirginia’s Oyster Trail,where accommodations. TheTidesInnisalso including pet-friendly GardenHouse 34 through rolling valleys. Meadows ofDantakesgolfersacross ridgetopsand BELOW: PrimlandResort’s HighlandCoursein runs alongVirginia’s shore eastern inCapeCharles. Irvington, Va. RIGHT: BayCreek Resort&GolfClub Innin of TheGoldenEagleGolfClubatTides ABOVE: Dramaticelevationchangesare ahallmark Bay Creek Resort & Golf Club (757-331- While visitingTheTidesInn,must-dine V IRGINIA G OLFER

M AY / J UNE 2017 - - Charles NaturalAreaPreserve (757-787- pass uptheopportunitytovisitCape Harbor, thefocusisonfreshlocalseafood. Located on the Bay in Cape Charles Town out The Shanty (757-695-3853) for dinner. local seafood,you might alsowant tocheck and twobaths, fullyfurnished. treatment. Allcondos are three bedrooms may alsoswap foraspa outaroundofgolf include bag storage and cart rental. You at theFairways Package Village. prices house, pool,tenniscourtsandprivatebeach which offers proximity club to the golf (888-422-9275),condominium village the GolfDistrict attheBay CreekFairways for players ofallabilitylevels. of the bayviews and each tract is designed Chesapeake Bay. Both coursesofferample ern shoreinCapeCharles, just acrossthe While you are on the eastern shore, don’t To of the abundance of take advantage Stay-and-play areavailable in packages - Chesapeake Bay. woodland to reach a low-bluff view of the long boardwalk throughaMaritimedune ation, guests may visittheareaby usinga Department ofConservationandRecre- forestland. by Ownedandmanaged the ing acoastal beach,dunes, andmaritime 5576), a29-acre coastal habitatfeatur visit Virginia.org. an array ofdinnersalads. menu for 2017 featuring steaks, seafood and Restaurant andTavern hasanupdated miles ofbikingtrails. Theon-resortMaples the New River Trail State Park and its57 mountain getaway isincloseproximity to nis, swimming andafitness center. This Ellis MaplesGolfCourse,alongwithten- (800-753-5005) offersachampionship land, theOldeMillResortinLaurelFork after theirrounds. back riding, kayaking and mountain biking fly-fishing, sportingclays, hiking,horse- land, guests canalsotry theirhandat studio-size tree houses. While at Prim- suites, cottages, mountaintopchalets and Can Play inVirginia,2016–2017. No. 2onGOLFMagazine’s Best CoursesYou lands ofhishomeland.Thecourseisranked who says thelayout remindshimofthehigh- in thisdesignby Scotsman DonaldSteel, topsandoveracross ridge stunning valleys TheHighlandCoursetakes golfers Gorge. with memorable of the views Dan River offersarolling12,000-acre3827), resort Martinsville, PrimlandResort(276-222- Meadows of Dan, just west of Danville and Located near the North Carolina border in VIRGINIA SOUTHERN To planyournext in-state excursion, golf About 40minutesnorthwest ofPrim- and includelodge Accommodations vsga.org -

PHOTO CREDIT HERE ILLUSTRATIONS BY ARTHUR MOUNT 3 arm youwiththreespecificexercises. Certified golffitnessprofessionalbasedinRoanoke, we’ll IN THEMARCH/APRIL ISSUE, vsga.org Do eightreps, thenrepeat with theotherleg. • • which iskeytoproper inthe golfswing. decelerationpatterns This exercise improves balanceandlower-body stability, LIFT DEAD LEGSINGLE ROMANIAN longevity andperformance. longevity prevent injurieswhileimproving balance,technique, ed thebenefits ofdeveloping afitness program.Itcan Your Game Your by by bring yourrightlegbacktostarting position. it waswhenyoustarted.Finally, contract yourleftgluteand with theground. Don’t bendyourleftkneeanyfartherthan leg straight,hiphingeuntilyourright legisclosetoparallel While leadingwithyourrightheeland keepingyourright your leftfoot. and shift,sothatabout90percent ofyour weightison foot backslightly. Bendyourleftkneeabout10degrees Stand tallwithyourfeetclosetogether;staggerright Now, withthehelpof Ryan Crush, a Level 2 TPI DAVE POND to Enhance Enhance to Exercises wehighlight- repeat untilyou’veswungfrom eachsidetwice. Do fiveprogressively fasterreps oneachside.Rest45seconds,and • • help increase your club-headspeed. be atmatchspeedonthefirsttee.Overtime,it’s asimpledrillthatcan Speed swingsactivatethefast-twitchmusclesingolfswingsoyou’ll SWINGS SPEED Change yourgripandswingintheoppositedirection. to swingasfastpossible. so youheara“swish”neartheimpactarea. Bythelastrep, youwant Turn yourdriverupsidedownandswing,addingspeedwitheach rep M AY / J UNE 2017 repeat on theleftside. Do eightreps totheright,then • • through yourupperspine. your swing,andincreases rotation maintain goodposture during anterior core going,helpsyou This exercise really getsyour GOLF POSTURE T ROTATIONS IN

your hips. you’re minimizingtherotation of eyes followyourhand,andthat at address. Makesure your arm straightandyourleft chest whilekeepingyourright Rotate totherightfrom your yourrightthumboutward.turn straighten yourarms.Finally, the hips.Braceyourabsand without aclub,hingingfrom Assume yourgolfposture |

V Fit for Play Fit IRGINIA G OLFER

35 Instruction Launch Monitors Turn by JOSH APPLE Golf into Science Brands like TrackMan and Perhaps the most notable contribution driver optimizer tool. For wedge shots, the has been dispelling outdated myths associ- software has drills that allow consumers to FlightScope are taking the ated with the sport. For example, the data pick shots of any distance to work on and sport to another level reveals that clubface predominantly con- receive overall scores based on proximity. trols the start line of the golf ball whereas The immediate feedback is a major selling path controls the curve, even though the point for Hoffman. echnology is the top craze opposite was taught for many years. “If I’m 60 yards out I know exactly how in today’s golf industry as Mimi Hoffman, a VSGA member at Belle far to take the swing back, I get really good the sport continues to toe Haven Country Club in Alexandria and the at numbers. It’s increased my accuracy into the line between art and 2016 VSGA Senior Women’s Golfer of the the green, which allows me to make more science. There are so many Year, is a strong advocate for TrackMan, birdies,” Hoffman said. Tterms thrown around—whether it’s angle as she has been using the technology with Justin Padjen, a former P.J. Boatwright, of attack, clubface angle or club path—it’s her swing coach, Joy Bonhurst, for four Jr. Intern with the VSGA, now works for easy to get lost in the world of numbers. years. Hoffman is a three-time VSGA Senior TrackMan as a business developer for However, those numbers can also help cre- Women’s Golfer of the Year and last sum- broadcasting during PGA Tour events and ate incredibly efficient golf swings. mer won the 59th VSGA Senior Women’s for TrackMan University, the online plat- TrackMan and FlightScope are the indus- Amateur Championship, after which she form for learning and certifications. try leaders in launch monitor technology, praised TrackMan as one of the key reasons “We’re always at the forefront of different each with their unique characteristics. With for her championship performance. ideas and technology, whether that’s the either product, club fitting has reached a “I went to Joy specifically because she TrackMan Combine, or all of our online new level of precision through the ability to uses technology when she teaches,” Hoff- platforms, or integrating video into every- track swing speed, ball speed, smash factor, man said, “and since my background is in thing we do. We’re always trying to stay spin rate, launch angle, and more. mechanical engineering, I wanted to com- ahead of the competition,” Padjen said. Once the right equipment has been bine numbers and the golf swing to come up The system costs $25,000 and is dis- acquired, it’s easy to test skill level with with the most efficient swing for my swing counted to $17,000 for PGA Tour members tools such as the TrackMan or FlightScope speed, and to try to optimize my distances.” who allow TrackMan to use their name and

Combine, which assess ability through For Hoffman, TrackMan provides her likeness for marketing and data collection. every club in the bag, revealing strengths the capability to do everything from max- Despite the high cost, more than 60 of the and weaknesses. One of the greatest bene- imizing distance with the driver to dial- top 100 players in the world have bought fits is being able to practice with exactness ing in wedge shots. As a fan of technology, one for personal use, including Dustin during the winter months—even when she buys a new driver every year based on Johnson, Jason Day, Rory McIlroy and

hitting into a net. club fitting data from TrackMan using the Justin Thomas. TRACKMAN. TOP: AT APPLE. JOSH RIGHT: AT

36 V IRGINIA G OLFER | M AY/J UNE 2017 vsga.org TESTIMONIALS:

JAY WOODSON: Powhatan, Va., professional golfer, James Madison University, four-time State Open of Virginia champion (2012-14, 2016).

The one thing that I really like about it is the exactness of it all, especially during the winter when you are indoors and can’t be outside and see the ball, it can give you the closest thing to what you are going to see outside. It helps you gauge your feel and maintain your feel in the winter months.”

ADAM WEBB: Martinsville, Va., professional golfer, Longwood University.

TrackMan has changed golf and the way people practice. It’s also taking the eyes out of teaching. Couple it with BodiTrak and K-VEST and there are zero excuses. The amount of information available can be overwhelming, but there’s no doubt it helps. I believe it’s why there are so many young players who are crazy good. They learn the truths behind the golf swing rather than the misconceptions that many older folks grew up learning, such as pull the handle down or swing more right.”

fourth year as the Regional Representa- struggles with lower speeds, so both compa- tive for FlightScope in Northern Virginia, nies have unveiled new software to track a making him responsible for both sales and player’s short game and putting. TrackMan training other professionals how to use released something they call Dual Radar the equipment. on the TrackMan 4 while FlightScope pat- “The technology is identical, you can only ented Fusion Tracking Technology for the produce 3D phased array radar one way,” FlightScope X3. Lutz said. “To use a cell phone analogy, one According to Lutz, FlightScope features is an iPhone, one is a Samsung, they both do third-party integration with products like the same thing, they just do it in a different FocusBand, BodiTrak and mySwing. Focus- box with a little different software.” Band is a brain-training headband that Unlike his peers on tour using TrackMan, measures brain activity, BodiTrak is a mat Bryson DeChambeau—who has earned that measures a golfer’s pressure and force the nickname “the golf scientist”—is a into the ground, and mySwing is a wireless Although TrackMan is the brand name supporter of FlightScope. full-body 3D motion capture device. and leader on tour, FlightScope continues Both TrackMan and FlightScope use Ultimately it comes down to personal to be a worthy competitor at a lower cost. Doppler radar technology, which is great preference, but either system can elevate Willy Lutz, PGA, serves as the General for capturing high speeds, such as a 110- performance at any level of golf through tools Manager and Director of Golf at Raspber- mph clubhead speed or a 160-mph ball such as club fitting, skill assessment, drills ry Falls Golf and Hunt Club and is in his speed. However, typical radar technology and practices, or winter maintenance.

vsga.org M AY/J UNE 2017 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 37 Equipment

Get Your Gear— and Game— Summer Ready YOUR GAME MAY NOT BE IN MID-SEASON form quite yet, but golf manufacturers are. And that means your choices for new gear are heating up. Whether you’re in the market for a putter, hybrid, balls, bag or outerwear, there’s something fresh worth checking out. by SCOTT KRAMER

TOULON DESIGN Indianapolis putter From the latest brand within Callaway Golf’s family, Toulon Design’s square-shaped Indianapolis high-MOI mallet sports a unique deep-diamond TOUR EDGE milled face pattern that improves Exotics EX10 hybrid the first few feet of a putt for a Tour Edge’s Exotics EX10 hybrid strives for forgiveness truer roll. It’s softer than most and effortless hit-ability. The moment you line it up millings and is designed to behind a ball, you realize it looks mighty. It’s a classic- dissipate impact sound, “much shaped hybrid that packs a thin, high-density steel cup like a tire’s tread pattern,” says face, which propels shots—even your mishits—long the brand’s namesake Sean and straight. A deep center of gravity helps get the ball Toulon, who is a car-racing airborne with ease, and a newly modified version of the enthusiast. Indiana native Patrick channeled SlipStream sole helps ease interaction with Rodgers is playing it on Tour. the ground. ($180, touredge.com) ($400, cmp.callawaygolf.com)

38 V IRGINIA G OLFER | M AY/J UNE 2017 vsga.org SUN MOUNTAIN 2017 LS stand bag Sun Mountain’s 2017 LS lightweight stand bags offer golfers all of the features they would typically seek in a larger model while weighing next to nothing. The series includes GALVIN GREEN bags of four weights, between C-KNIT Backer Argon jacket 2.5 and 5.5 pounds. The The best piece of golf outerwear is the one you don’t notice— lightest of the bunch, the 2Five either while it’s rolled up inside your golf bag or while you’re ($220), is billed as the lightest, wearing it. That may well be the case with Galvin Green’s C-KNIT full-featured bag in golf. To Backer Argon full-zip jacket, but people will definitely notice it put this lack of weight into because of its great looks. “C-KNIT Backer represents the next perspective, the bag’s about generation of golf rainwear,” says Christian Nilsson, Galvin Green’s as heavy as a pair of golf CEO and managing director. The water-repellent jacket features shoes or three cans of beer. spring-loaded zippers, adjustable chest width, and pre-shaped ($220, sunmountain.com) sleeves to better fit you. ($695, galvingreen.com)

SRIXON Q-Star Tour ball Many of us want tour-style performance from a premium ball. That said, most of us also don’t have the game to take advantage of the characteristics of some of the premium Tour balls on the market. And that’s where Srixon’s new Q-STAR Tour ball enters the fray of consideration. It’s a top-notch, three-piece urethane cover ball with a low compression, which makes it feel nice and buttery at impact. ($30/dozen, srixon.com)

vsga.org M AY/J UNE 2017 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 39 MyTurn by JIM DUCIBELLA

Higher Purpose PGA Tour professional Marc Leishman and his wife, Audrey, are an inspiration beyond golf

arc Leishman, a 33-year- the equivalent of trying to ace a old PGA Tour pro, has par 4, but somehow it worked. become a standard- Audrey emerged after three bearer for Virginia on days, but could barely hold up golf’s toughest circuit. her head. She had to learn to MLeishman is from Australia, but he and walk again. Intense rehab and his family live in Virginia Beach. Even if suffering followed. another Tour winner from the Common- In March 2016, Audrey and wealth comes along this year (a Billy Hurley the boys joined Marc in Orlando III repeat at the Quicken Loans National, for the Palmer Invitational. She

perhaps?), I say we adopt Leishman and cel- felt awful, dogged by strep throat. The plan At Bay Hill, young Harvey Leishman (left) ebrate a family story that is less about golf was to treat the kids to Magic Kingdom, finally got to see his father win a trophy. and more about modern medical miracles Hollywood Studios and Universal Studios. Then, the whole family, including Ollie and and what they spawn. As she wrote in her blog, she made it to Audrey celebrated on the 18th green. But first, golf. Leishman scored the 2017 two of the parks before her body gave up feel-good victory with his triumph at the on her. She ended up at the hospital for IV also started the Begin Again Foundation Arnold Palmer Invitational in March. Given fluids and a round of steroids. (beginagainfoundation.com), which helps The King’s death several months earlier, it “Oh, the guilt,” she wrote. “I was nearing families experiencing medical and life crises. was the tournament every player wanted to the one-year anniversary and I was not The foundation’s LEISHLine program win this year, probably the majors included. better. Sure, I wasn’t dying, but I wasn’t uses its resources, and those of local and And Leishman prevailed in true Palmer living, either.” regional partners, to offer housing, food, style, holing a 52-foot eagle putt on the In May, she underwent a tonsillectomy to medication, transportation and lodging to 16th hole Sunday for the lead, then adding remove large tonsil stones. From there, she families in need. a couple of clutch up-and-down pars to began to improve, really improve. One true example of their work: The finish a shot better than Kevin Kisner and Finally, we come to March 2017. Audrey mother of a young patient with multiple Charley Hoffman. and the boys, ages 5 and 3, are standing by complex illnesses lost her job and couldn’t In some ways, that’s the climax to a story the 18th green at Palmer’s beloved Bay Hill, pay her rent. The patient’s sibling consid- that traces back to April 2015. A romance watching Marc finish off the competition, ered quitting school to get a job to help out. that started with a chance meeting in having walked nine holes for three days But a social worker, employing LEISHLine Williamsburg in 2008 resulted in Marc straight. There was another member of the funds, negotiated with the landlord to pay moving to Virginia Beach a year later to family on the property that day. Audrey one month’s rent and keep the family in be closer to Audrey Hills, then marriage, was 23 weeks into carrying the baby girl the its home. then two sons. The hope was that their couple so badly desired. LEISHLine also focuses on helping pro- next child would be a girl. “My sweet girl,” Audrey blogged, “you vide medical financial assistance—along With Marc in Augusta prepping for the are the definition of a miracle.” with Parent Advocate Foundation and 2015 Masters, Audrey was home with the Audrey Leishman knows what caused her Norfolk’s Children’s Hospital of the King’s boys, sick with the flu—or so she thought. Toxic Shock Syndrome: the combination Daughters—to victims of sepsis, acute respi- Long story short, when her temperature hit of having her intrauterine device (IUD) ratory distress syndrome, and toxic shock 102, a friend took her to a “doc in a box.” In removed and her use of tampons. She writes syndrome. no time, they had her transported to a hos- eloquently and passionately about her And, in tribute to Marc’s homeland of pital, where she was diagnosed with toxic experience and society’s avoidance of the Australia, LEISHLine Australia and a part- shock and acute respiratory syndromes. issue (PSDontUseTampons.com). ner there distribute $2,500 grants to fam- Her organs were shutting down; fluid was She’s not writing just for women. She ilies of children suffering from rare forms leaking into her lungs, blocking oxygen wants dads to know what to do if their of cancer. from getting to them. daughters come to them complaining of Marc Leishman may win another dozen Marc raced home, only to be told that his the symptoms of toxic shock. Tour events. Or he may never win another— wife had a five percent chance of survival. It’s just one way the Leishmans have no matter. He and Audrey have found a She’d have to be placed on her stomach become committed to the business of higher purpose in their lives, and Virginians

and into a medically induced coma. It was performing miracles for others. They are among the many who are better for it. PRESS ASSOCIATED

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