GEORGIAPGA.COM GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM «« OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2010 Sea Palms features classic resort layout St. Simons course popular with visitors, locals

By Mike Blum

eorgia’s southeast coast offers some treasures for local and visiting golfers, ranging from the state’s Gmost prominent upscale resort (Sea Island GC) to a statewide and international favorite for its combina- tion of quality and affordability (Jekyll Island GC). The King and Prince’s Hampton Club is widely recognized for its beauty, most notably the holes separated from tour players in the mainland on the marsh. mind. It’s always been a Located in the middle of St. Simons thoughtful and moderately Island, Sea Palms doesn’t have the dra- challenging layout of reason- matic ocean and marsh views of Sea able length that provides its Island’s courses or the King and Prince members, local daily fee golfers layout, and its 27 holes fall short of the and visitors with an enter- 63 offered on Jekyll Island. Scenic Sea Palms Golf Resort taining, resort-style experience But since it opened for play more than that earns high marks for its 40 years ago, Sea Palms’ thoroughly tra- natural aesthetic appeal. ditional George Cobb design has earned organizations, as well as the Georgia With one exception, Cobb’s original a deserved reputation as a first rate with the newer nine located across the PGA and GSGA. Before golf equipment design has changed very little since it resort-style layout, even though it has street from the original 18 and serving as technology made the course’s modest opened for play in 1967. The ninth hole been overshadowed somewhat by the a mostly separate but enjoyable comple- length insufficient for long-hitting tour was converted from a dogleg right par 4 courses on opposite tips of the island. ment to Cobb’s classic creation. players, Cobb’s original 18 was the site with water at the corner and guarding Sea Palms added a third nine by noted Over the years, Sea Palms has hosted of PGA Tour qualifying. Carolinas-based designer Tom Jackson, events for statewide and regional junior But the course wasn’t designed with [ See Sea Palms, page 6 ]

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 3 Instruction Fore You 3021 Kalah Place, Marietta, GA 30067 770-933-04GA • 770-953-6638 (Fax) golfforegeorgia.com • [email protected] PUBLISHER Golf Media, Inc. • John Barrett EDITOR Mike Blum

CONTRIBUTORS never out toward the ball, or forward Danny Elkins Keys to moving toward the target. Even past impact, when Steve Dinberg the club is moving upward it is imperative Al Kooistra Lake-Finlay Image Group that there is still downward pressure from Georgia Golf Course Owners Association the hands. This is where the right arm is MARKETING & ADVERTISING the club on plane straightening and its straightening direc- J.R. Ross, Sales Representative tion is down. Rick Holt, Corporate Sales By Danny Elkins ular thought, it should NOT move along the Don’t worry about where the clubhead is ART DIRECTOR PGA Director of Instruction target line. Nor does the club stay low to in space, educate the hands to apply on Lori Montgomery Georgia Golf Center the ground during its journey. The ball, plane pressure and the club will have no hopefully, goes toward the target, the club choice but to hit the ball. And remember, GEORGIA SECTION, PGA OF AMERICA OFFICERS In this months article we will discuss the does not. we are not discussing the clubface whatso- direction of the force the player applies to On the downswing the club moves in an ever in this conversation. That is also a topic President Patrick Richardson, PGA • [email protected] the club as it travels to, and beyond, the arc on an inclined plane. Think of it like this; for another day. Vice President golf ball. We will focus only on the down- if a wall is 90 degrees and the floor is 0 In order to learn this key movement it is Brian Stubbs, PGA • swing, not the backswing, which is a topic degrees the club lies at about 45 degrees. best to start with shorter, slower motions [email protected] for another day. Now, only the driver approximates that that will only hit the ball about 25-30 yards, Secretary A common misconception angle but it is easier to under- really just long chip shots. Use a short iron, Mark Mongell, PGA [email protected] perhaps an 8 iron, for this drill. among most golfers is the stand if viewed that way. Honorary President route the club moves during So from the top of the From your normal stance, simply fold the Jim Arendt, PGA • [email protected] the swing. Contrary to pop- backswing the club should right arm until the forearm is approxi- move on that inclined plane mately parallel to the ground on the CHAPTER PRESIDENTS angle. This means that the backswing. From there allow the lower Central Chapter President clubshaft and clubhead are body to lead the arms while you straighten Jarred Reneau, PGA • [email protected] moving in three dimensions; the right arm just past impact. Finish with East Chapter President Bob Elmore, PGA • [email protected] downward, outward and for- both arms straight with the club at about North Chapter President ward, simultaneously, until 45 degrees past impact. You should not feel Richard Hatcher, PGA • [email protected] they get to the low point in that you are stopping the club in that posi- the arc, at which point they will be moving tion, but rather that you are putting it there. AT- LARGE DIRECTORS upward, inward and forward. So basically, You haven’t put the brakes on, you’ve pre- Daryl Batey, PGA the club moves in a circle, never in a programmed that spot as the finish [email protected] straight line. destination. Roger Cherico, PGA [email protected] There are two keys to moving the club You’ll notice in the picture that my right John Crumbley, PGA on plane. The first is downward pressure in foot has rolled in and my body is fully [email protected] the hands; the second is a constantly turned. Once you can replicate this position Jeff Dunovant, PGA turning body. The hands move the club you will be able to more fully compress the [email protected] down the plane while the arms are trans- golf ball and hit crisper irons. John Godwin, PGA ported by the body. Without this body [email protected] rotation the arms have a very limited range Danny Elkins is the PGA Director Scott Mahr, PGA [email protected] of motion. of Instruction at Georgia Golf Michael Raymond, PGA So, push the hands down away from the Center in Roswell. He can be reached [email protected] turning chest. While the club is moving in at 770-992-4233 or at all the directions described above, the FEEL [email protected]. SENIOR DIVISION is always that they are moving DOWN, President Dan Mullins, PGA • [email protected] Assistants’ Division President Jared Morton, PGA • [email protected]

Keppler, Stevens recall 2001 PGA ...... 8 2010-11 college golf preview...... 20 Executive Director Mike Paull Assistant Executive Director/ Junior golf Director Scott Gordon Tour Championship wrap-up ...... 10 Georgia PGA duo earn honors...... 22 Tournament Director Pat Day, PGA Operations Manager Eric Wagner FedExCup achieves its intent ...... 12 Chip shots: Tournament roundup ...... 24 Section Assistant Traci Waters FOREGeorgia is produced by Golf Media, Inc. Ryder Cup goes down to wire...... 14 Golf Fore Juniors ...... 26 Copyright ©2010 with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content is prohibited. Golf Club at Bradshaw Farm ...... 16 Golf Fore Women...... 26 Georgia PGA web site: www.georgiapga.com Forecast

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Kirk, Kisner win back-to-back ...... 18 Course reviews...... 30

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 5 amounts of sand and water, with two of the larger greens on the course. With water off both sides of the 18th (423/397) and the hole frequently playing into the wind, it’s a real challenge to close out your round with a par. Irwin says the three finishing holes offer “all the golf you want,” and provide a memorable, if demanding, conclusion to a well-crafted layout the Sea Palms pro attests to being in its best shape in years. Sea Palms’ original 18 is rated at a comfortable 70.9/130 from the blues tees and 69.1/126 from the whites. The senior tees measure 5,714 yards (67.5/122), with the of consequence. Hazards are a factor on forward tees just over 5,100 yards Sea Palms offers each of the three demanding finishing (69.5/118). holes, as well as three earlier holes Cobb, a Savannah native and short, third 9 where water comes into play in differing UGA graduate, did most of his work [ Continued from the cover ] situations. in the Carolinas, but his resume The opening trio of holes offers a good includes some prominent Georgia look at what you will face the remainder courses, including Coosa, Doublegate, the green to a semi-island green par 3 of the round. The short but narrow Forest Heights, Green Island and that reduced the yardage of the course by opening hole and slightly longer second the original par-3 course at about 225 yards and the par from 72 both have overhangs from the trees that Augusta National. to 71. will get your attention, with all three Like Cobb, Jackson also has worked After the changes to the ninth hole, sporting well-bunkered but otherwise predominantly in the Carolinas, with Sea Palms now measures a slightly decep- gentle greens complexes that will place Mount Vintage Plantation near Augusta tive 6,477 yards from the blue tees and more pressure on your approach shots among his best works. The West nine has 6.092 from the whites. By no means is and sand play than your chipping game on the right edge of the green perilously been altered from its original design, Sea Palms a long course, but the back and putting touch. close to the bordering lake. with the driving range where the 9th nine features a pair of stout par 5s, one of With a few exceptions, the Bermuda The back nine is almost 400 yards hole used to be. The formerly par-5 1st which is part of one of the stronger fin- putting surfaces at Sea Palms have only longer than the front from both the blue hole now encompasses two holes, the ishing trio of holes you’ll encounter. minimal amounts of undulation, with and white tees, but begins with a trio of par-3 first and short par-4 second. “This is not a course that beats you the greens on the newer West nine short-ish par 4s that are not quite as The first hole is the only one on the up,” veteran Sea Palms PGA head profes- offering much more movement, as accommodating as their lack of length West nine without water. The nine plays sional Rick Irwin says. “It’s a perfect well as having considerably more water might indicate. to a par of 34 with four par 3s and two course for seniors and juniors. Because of in play. The 12th is the most interesting of the short par 5s, measuring just 2,460 yards the length, it’s not real difficult. The The first hazard encountered on the trio, with a lake along the right side def- from the back tees. With the presence of challenge is that you have to be able to original 18 is on the par-3 third, but the initely a concern off the tee and a so much water and the absence of length, hit the ball straight.” pond well short of the green is not a possible problem on the approach for the nine requires more precision than Only two of the par 4s at Sea Palms serious concern. However, the two haz- shorter hitters. Big hitters can try to carry power, and offers a fun – if sometimes measure over 400 yards from the back ards along the right side of the fairway on the lake and go at the angled, well- perilous – diversion from the original 18. tees, and at just under 400 from the the par-5 fourth are very much a factor, bunkered green from the tee, avoiding Many of those who play the course white tees, are the only ones from that set especially the one that guards the layup the trees down the left side that get a lot enjoy a quick trip around the West nine longer than 380. area for the second shot and extends to of play from those steering their tee shots after going 18 on the original layout, But with the narrow tree lines of pines, the green. away from the water. The challenge of with the newer nine guaranteed to pro- palms and palmettos that border almost At only 479 yards from the back tees the hole includes what is likely the most vide some entertainment and maybe a every hole, many with the familiar over- and 454 from the whites, the straight- sloping green on Cobb’s 18. birdie or two, along with the likelihood hangs found on island or seaside courses, away hole offers a definite scoring Much of the length of the nine comes of fishing into the bag for a ball after a accuracy is most definitely at a premium. opportunity for long and short hitters from the two par 5s, both of which top shot finds one of the many hazards along For the most part, you can recover alike, but there is very little margin for 560 from the tips. The 13th is your basic the way. from shots into the tree lines, but it will error from tee to green, with the tree line straightaway, tree-lined hole with every- Sea Palm Resort offers an array of golf require some escape artist dexterity. very tight all the way down the left side. thing visible from the tee. The sweeping, packages and amenities, including three There are also a few holes where errant The eighth hole is another inviting but dogleg left 16th starts with a difficult tee clay tennis courts and three pools. The shots will not be treated as kindly, with pesky short par 5 (495/476), with shot that has to negotiate some over- resort is a popular stop for Bulldog fans water hazards lining several holes, bunkers and encroaching trees along the hanging moss just in front of the tee. heading to Jacksonville for the Georgia- although they can be avoided by doing right corner of the fairly pronounced Trouble lurks down both sides, with the Florida game, with its typical rates of $69 nothing over than hitting the ball rea- dogleg right the primary concerns. hole one of a handful on the course when making it a very affordable option sonably straight. The renovated ninth lacks length length is a definite asset. among local and regional resorts. For a resort course, Sea Palms does not (157/145), but the green is well pro- Cobb follows the demanding 16th For information, visit have a great deal of water in play, at least tected by sand and water, which looks with the longest par 3 and par 4 on www.seapalms.com or call on the original 18, with no forced carries particularly imposing when the pin is cut the course. Both holes feature ample 912-638-3351.

6 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 Relax, enjoy, and play golf at Sea Palms Resort ...at St. Simons Island, GA

Sea Palms Resort, located on Georgia’s Golden Isle of St. Simons Island, is rated by many travel and golf experts as one the South’s greatest get-a-ways. This fabulous resort features an unparalleled golfing experience with 27 holes designed by renowned golf architects George Cobb (original 18) and Sea Palms Stay & Play Specials: Tom Jackson (additional 9). “Play Sea Palms Now!” Go to www.seapalms.com. Click the Specials tab, go to Golf, and book one of the Stay and Play Specials or call 800.841.6268. (Area golfers or Hotel Guest at other Island Properties, call for Tee Times.)



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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 7 Keppler, Stevens shoot for return to AAC 2 Georgia PGA pros played in 2001 PGA

By Mike Blum surrounding hoopla to “a deer in the or Georgia’s PGA professionals, headlights. Leading up to the PGA, the road to the 2011 PGA Stephen and I did ‘Good Day Atlanta’ Championship at Atlanta and we were on Sports South. There’s no Athletic Club begins this way of preparing yourself for something monthF at the Manor, about half an hour like that.” away from AAC across the golf-rich sub- Once tournament week arrived, urbs of north Fulton County. Stevens said he was “very excited and The Georgia PGA will hold its quali- very nervous. There were so many people fier for the 2011 PGA Professional in Atlanta I know that were there. It was National Championship Oct. 25-26, very overwhelming.” with the Manor serving as a late Despite the nerves of playing in an replacement for Champions Retreat environment Stevens said was “totally outside Augusta, the scheduled site for different from a Section event,” he the tournament. acquitted himself admirably. He shot The top 7 finishers at the Manor will 3-over 73 in the opening round, closing advance to next year’s PGA PNC in with his lone birdie of the day on his Hershey, Pa., with the top 20 in that 18th hole. He got off to a solid start event earning spots in the field in the Friday, but said a double bogey at the 8th PGA Championship at Atlanta AC. “took the air out of my sails.” The last time the PGA Championship Stevens made two more doubles en was played in Atlanta, two of the club route to a 76, but mixed in some high- professionals in the field were PGA Craig Stevens lights as well, rolling in an eagle putt members from the Atlanta area. The two from all the way across the green on the are still among the top players in the par-5 12th and adding a birdie on the Section, and will be among those teeing experiences in the 2001 PGA, and are worry about finishing high enough to penal par-3 15th. it up at the Manor this month in the eagerly anticipating the opportunity to qualify for the PGA PNC, and said, “I hit a couple of bad shots, but all in Georgia PGA event. again compete in that championship. “That’s a big relief. I don’t have any pres- all I think I did pretty well. I was some- Stephen Keppler, the Director of That’s not all they’re looking forward sure about finishing in the top seven or what satisfied with how I played. It was Golf at Marietta Country Club, and to on the 2011 calendar. Both Stevens eight, and that frees me up to try and an awesome experience. And to do it Craig Stevens, a teaching professional and Keppler turn 50 early next year, win the tournament. It gives me the again in Atlanta would be even better.” based at Steel Canyon in Sandy Springs, which will make them eligible for com- freedom to try and go low.” Unlike Stevens, playing in the PGA were Georgia’s two PGA Championship petition in senior events. Stevens has been a frequent com- Championship was not a new experience participants almost a decade ago. Stevens has his eye on the Champions petitor in the PNC, and has twice played for Keppler. He had competed in three of The two veteran Georgia PGA mem- Tour, and will try to make it through his way into the PGA Championship, the previous six PGAs and played bers both have fond memories of their qualifying to earn one of a handful of the first time coming in 2001. The PNC respectably each time. Keppler also was spots on that tour. Keppler is more that year was played in Oregon, and accustomed to the national spotlight focused on the major championship Stevens remembers it being “a very cold thanks to his near win in the 1995 events for senior professionals that do and windy day” as he played the final BellSouth Classic, the best performance not require Champions Tour member- round with the opportunity for a top 25 by a club professional in a PGA Tour ship – the Senior PGA Championship, finish and a spot in the 2001 PGA in his event in golf’s modern era. U.S. Senior Open and the British Senior home town. In his first three starts in the PGA, Open, which will be played on the In difficult conditions (no player Keppler said he would arrive Sunday course he grew up playing in his native broke 70), Stevens said he “played really night or Monday morning and spend the England. well,” and hung right around the top 25 next three days playing and practicing. While both players turn 50 early in all day. “I would wear myself out. By the time 2011, the two remain very competitive “I know you’re supposed to live in the Thursday came around, I had already hit in the Georgia Section, with one of them present, but I kept thinking about a lot of shots.” already guaranteed a spot in next year’s Atlanta Athletic Club,” Stevens recalled. In 2001, Keppler played his practice PGA PNC. “I pulled it together to play the last three rounds at Atlanta AC prior to tourna- Stevens won the recent Georgia PGA holes and parred the 18th to finish 21st ment week, and set foot on the grounds Championship at Sea Island Golf Club’s and make it to Atlanta Athletic Club.” only once that week. He took his son Retreat course, with that victory earning Playing in a major championship in Jonathan — now an accomplished junior him a spot in the field of the 2011 PNC. your home town is not the same as golfer, then just 5 years old — with him He will be looking for his third career playing one in Minnesota, which Stevens on Tuesday, and the two had themselves win in the Georgia PGA PNC, with did the next year after posting a top-10 a day to remember. his previous victories coming in 2001 finish in the 2002 PNC. Paul Azinger, Keppler’s college Stephen Keppler and ’03. Stevens compared his reaction to Unlike Keppler, Stevens won’t have to playing in the 2001 PGA and the [ See PGA, page 29 ]

8 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 9 Furyk secures wet victory from the sand Bunker play key to Tour Championship title

By Mike Blum him 9-for-9 on the week in sand saves. greenside bunker at 15 for his final eeding a par on the “That’s pretty good. That’s usually 100 birdie of the day. demanding par-3 finishing percent, even at Arizona,” cracked Furyk, A second round 65 moved Furyk into hole at East Lake to win the referring to the college he attended. a tie with Donald after 36 holes. Furyk Tour Championship and “Let’s just say I had a lot of confidence made his first bogey of the tournament, theN FedExCup, Jim Furyk hit his tee and it came off the club perfect.” but more than offset it with six birdies. shot in a perfect place. Furyk did not have the best view of the Ogilvy trailed by one, with Goosen and The bunker guarding the right side of shot from the deep bunker, but could Casey in a tie for 5th at 137. the green. hear the cheers from the rain-soaked fans Furyk took the outright lead after 54 Furyk missed out on a chance to get gathered around the green. holes with a steady round of even par 70, into a playoff in the first Tour “I couldn’t tell if it was five feet or two one ahead of Donald and Goosen and Championship at East Lake in 1998, feet. It kind of appeared like it was a three in front of Ogilvy. Goosen was the making bogey on the 18th after hitting four-footer, like I still had some work lone member of the lead quartet to break his tee shot long and left to finish one left. I was happy to see it was pretty par, firing a second straight 66 to move stroke behind Vijay Singh and playoff much dummy proof. into contention. winner Hal Sutton. “This was probably my best bunker The big move of the day was made by “I pretty much thought I could get the week of my career.” Nick Watney, who was 7-over for his ball up and down or make three from Furyk’s 72nd hole par gave him an 8- first 43 holes with just three birdies. anywhere if I was pin high or short,” under 272 total for the tournament and Watney proceeded to birdie 9 of his last Jim Furyk Furyk said of his final hole strategy, a one-stroke victory over Luke Donald, 11 holes, including a record-setting 28 which was partially based on events of a who finished 2nd for the 10th time in his on the back nine. Watney’s tournament- dozen years ago. 9-year PGA Tour career. best 63 moved him into 8th place at 208, conditions, with Donald the only player “I had to make a par to get in a playoff Retief Goosen, the 2004 Tour six shots off Furyk’s lead. moving forward down the stretch. and I hit it too hard. It ran through the Championship winner at East Lake, was Watney continued his torrid play Donald closed within two of the lead back left of the green and you’ve got third at 274, with Nick Watney and when the final round began 2 ½ hours with birdies at 14 and 15, and chipped in nothing there. I remembered that and Paul Casey sharing 5th at 275. earlier than scheduled due to a correct from long range for an unexpected birdie that maybe had a lot to do with hitting it The victory was Furyk’s third of the forecast of rain during the afternoon, at 17 to finish at 7-under. weak right. 2010 season. In addition to earning him which forced a suspension of play After opening his round with a 3-putt “But I knew I left it in a spot that I $1.35 million for the victory and $10 for almost two hours with the main bogey, Furyk birdied the long par-3 6th could get the ball up and down.” million in bonus money for winning the contenders just making or nearing from outside 25 feet and rolled in It was the ninth time during the tour- FedExCup, it put him in strong position the turn. another birdie putt on the par-3 11th. nament that Furyk had played from a to earn Player of the Year honors. Thanks to three birdies on his four He added his final birdie at the 15th, hit- greenside bunker. He hit the shot from After winning at least one tournament first holes and an eagle on the par-5 9th, ting what may have been his best shot of the wet sand to within 2 ½ feet of the in 11 of 13 years on the PGA Tour from Watney closed within one of Furyk’s the day, ripping a hybrid from 240 yards cup and holed the winning putt, making 1995-2007, Furyk went without a vic- lead. Combining his back nine 28 on uphill in the rain to within 25 feet of the tory in both 2008 and ’09. He closed out Saturday and his opening nine 30 on cup. Furyk two-putted for birdie, giving 2009 with a victory in the unofficial Sunday, Watney shot a 58 on the full him a needed 3-stroke cushion heading Chevron Challenge, and picked up an East Lake layout over two days. to the demanding closing holes at East official win in Tampa early this Spring, With Goosen, Donald and Ogilvy all Lake, which were made even more diffi- adding a second victory one month later struggling to hang around par for the cult in the adverse conditions. For a complete at Hilton Head. day, Watney emerged as Furyk’s prime Furyk managed several clutch par saves “Three wins is very, very special to challenger, but his charge stalled after along the way in the final round, which report on the me,” said Furyk, who had won two the delay. enabled him to get away with bogeys at events in a season just twice in his career. Watney parred the first six holes on the 17 and 18 after missing the green on “I’ve always put a big emphasis on win- back nine before bogeys at 16 and 17 both holes. McGladrey Classic ning golf tournaments. I was very ended his hopes of a come-from-behind “It wasn’t all that good playing down disappointed in ’08 and ’09 not to win. victory. Ogilvy birdied the 1st hole but the stretch really. A lot of it had to do “To go out there and turn that around that provide to be his only one of the day, with the situation I was in. You’ve got a and updates and get three W’s this year is pretty spe- and he fell all of the way out of the top three-shot lead and in your mind, you’re cial. And then to top it off here at the 10 with a 75, taking a triple bogey on saying ‘just keep the pedal down and let’s on PGA Tour right time at the Tour Championship on the 17th. go to 18 with a three or four-shot lead. this golf course. I love the golf course.” That left Goosen and Donald as “But I have a tendency and a history in Although Furyk did not lead the tour- Furyk’s remaining challengers. Goosen, my career to make it interesting. The qualifying, visit nament wire to wire, he came pretty paired with Furyk in the final group, only time I never did was at the U.S. HTSB TV DINBERG STEVE BY PHOTOS close. He opened with a 3-under 67, never got closer than two of Furyk’s lead Open, thank goodness.” www.golfforegeorgia.com trailing co-leaders Donald, Casey and after the 4th hole, leaving it to Donald to It was the third top-3 finish at Geoff Ogilvy by just one stroke. Furyk make the lone back nine charge in the East Lake for Furyk and his sixth did not make a bogey and birdied both difficult circumstances. The final 2-plus career top-10 in the Tour Championship par 5s, getting up and down from a hours of play featured increasingly soggy in Atlanta.

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 11 FedExCup system produces dramatic finish Kuchar’s slip at East Lake opened door to many

By Mike Blum The PGA Tour had to tweak the make significant leaps with a top finish When Watney fell back into a tie for fter three years in which the points system after each of the first two in three tournaments leading up to the 4th after a pair of late bogeys, that entire winner of the FedExCup was years, with the original lacking sufficient East Lake. But those who placed near the scenario became moot, but the pretty much a foregone con- volatility and the revised version going a top of the regular season standings will grumbling in the media center about clusion well before the Tour little overboard in that direction. The not be leapfrogged by huge numbers of the complex nature of the points ChampionshipA at East Lake had reached third time found something of a happy players if they don’t perform as well in system continued after Kuchar’s hopes the weekend, there was finally a healthy medium, and that system was retained the playoffs. were dashed. serving of drama as the waterlogged this year. In order to devise a credible system, a Kuchar, who left East Lake with a con- leaders headed down the stretch in the Without a dominant Tiger Woods to fairly complicated mathematical process solation bonus check of $3 million, final round Sunday. sap the drama from the playoffs finale at is required, and it’s long been common ended the tournament at 5-over 285, Any of the final round contenders East Lake (Vijay Singh stepped into that knowledge that when the sports media is well off the total he would have needed were in position to claim the FedExCup role when Woods was absent due to required to deal with numbers other than to finish ahead of Furyk in points. with a victory, even Nick Watney, who injury in 2008), this year’s Tour betting lines, win-loss records or garden When he concluded his round he still began the week 28th on the re-set points Championship finally determined the variety statistics, the results are not going had faint hopes of retaining his list out of the 30 competitors in the field. FedExCup champion for the year. to be pretty. FedExCup lead, but did not appear There was even the realistic possibility In part, some of the changes to the With Watney still well in range to win overly concerned about his situation. that one of the contenders could finish points system were the result of the dom- the Tour Championship Sunday after- “I was completely assuming that I 2nd at East Lake and still take home the inance of Woods and Singh the first two noon, the NBC cameras moved well didn’t have any chance,” Kuchar said. “I FedExCup title. years of the FedExCup. The key change ahead of the leaders to catch the non- don’t think it played in my mind having Simply put, the FedExCup did what it made to the system was delaying the re- contending trio of Matt Kuchar, Bo a chance or not having a chance.” was intended to do. First, it put the PGA set in points until after the third of the Van Pelt and Steve Stricker complete After his round, Kuchar was informed Tour’s top players together for four tour- three playoffs events leading up to the their rounds. that he still had a chance if Watney won naments over a five-week stretch during a Tour Championship. Kuchar was understandable. The the tournament and Van Pelt and time frame when most of the tour’s elite That enabled tour officials to devise a former Georgia Tech star was leading the Stricker both faltered on the closing had shut it down for the season. And it system that would mathematically give points standings coming to East Lake, holes, but expressed little interest. also provided a legitimate framework for every player in the field a chance to win and as it turned out, would have won the “I had no real idea and was completely determining a season-long champion, the FedExCup with a victory at East FedExCup had he placed 6th or better. unconcerned with it today. It was not with those four events serving as a culmi- Lake, while preventing a repeat of 2008, But he finished ahead of only four even on my radar screen.” nation to the season in a playoff-style when Singh had the title locked up players for the week and fell to 2nd in Kuchar, who lives close enough to East format that eliminated players along the before the first tee shot in the Tour the final standings behind Tour Lake that he was able to drive home way, leading up to the Tour Championship was struck. Championship winner and FedExCup during the two-hour weather delay that Championship. Because the PGA Tour’s version of champion Jim Furyk. caught him when he was on the 18th tee, playoffs is not the same as those in team But as long as Watney was in con- didn’t even bother to check his position TV DINBERG STEVE sports, there is still a sizeable contingent tention to win the tournament, Kuchar on the computer during the break. of critics within the always complaining still had a chance to win the FedExCup. “I watched football,” he said. “I think members of the sports media, many of He needed to finish higher than 25th at it’s impossible to be aware of it. Who whom have a difficult time grasping an East Lake to stay ahead of Watney. Had really was aware of it? Maybe some kid outcome that can’t be boiled down to he finished solo 25th and if Watney had in front of a computer. But certainly I two letters – W and L. won, the two would have tied for 1st in was not.” Professional golf gets that simple only points, which would have necessitated Furyk’s situation was not nearly as a handful of times each year – in the lone a playoff. involved. Beginning the week 11th in the match play events on the PGA and With the difference between 1st and points standings, he only needed a win LPGA Tours and the international team 2nd in bonus money a staggering $7 mil- and for Kuchar to not finish among the competitions (Ryder, Presidents and lion ($10 million for 1st, $3 million for top six. Not that he was entirely aware of Solheim Cups). 2nd), that would have made for an inter- that fact. For a litany of reasons, a match play esting if inconvenient conclusion, “I don’t know where Matt had to finish. conclusion to the FedExCup will particularly considering the less-than- I didn’t really know. Coming up 18, I not work, and neither will a winner-take- ideal weather conditions. assumed I was playing for the FedExCup, all approach, which relegates the Both Stricker and Van Pelt had the but I wasn’t 100 percent sure.” three preceding playoffs events to opportunity to impact Kuchar’s standing Even after holing the winning putt at glorified qualifiers. in the tournament, with Kuchar needing 18, Furyk still had some doubt. Some, The FedExCup as currently consti- to finish ahead of both to have a chance not much. tuted rewards those who played the best of at least tying Watney. Van Pelt, who “I just gathered by the reaction of during the 33 weeks leading up to the finished 24th in the tournament and everyone. I was pretty sure that was the playoffs, as well as those who finish at or 30th in the points standings, parred the case, but just the surroundings, the way near the top of the playoffs events. 18th to finish one shot ahead of Kuchar, the people reacted, I had a good feeling The points totals are five times larger while Stricker also parred the hole to tie that’s what it was.” in the playoffs, which enables those near Kuchar for 25th, ending his slim hopes Matt Kuchar the bottom of the regular standings to of winning the FedExCup title. [ See FedExCup, page 28 ]

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 13 U.S. had its chances in Ryder Cup loss

Hanson and Miguel Angel Jimenez, Slow greens, schedule change played roles who combined for eight birdies, including a pair of clutch ones late in the match. Mickelson and Fowler produced some By Mike Blum The U.S. team pulled off a pretty sig- the weather-altered matches. heroics to rally from a 3-down deficit nificant comeback effort in the singles, The U.S. led 6-4 after winning each of and even the match, but a Mickelson nother Ryder Cup, another losing only 4 of 12 matches. But it wasn’t the first two sessions, taking the three-putt and one of many birdies by European victory. Since quite enough. expanded foursomes matches that consti- the flamboyant but relentless Ian 1985, the Euros are 8-4-1, Rickie Fowler’s stirring comeback for tuted the second session by a surprising 3 Poulter gave Europe a key win. and have lost only once on a half against Edoardo Molinari gave ½ - 2 ½ margin. The only U.S. team not to lose in the homeA soil since 1981, the second time the Americans a chance to at least tie the Because of the rain that saturated the session was the Georgia Tech duo of players from continental Europe were match, as the U.S. dominated the other Celtic Manor course, the last three Stewart Cink and Matt Kuchar, who eligible to compete in the matches. late matches with the exception of the scheduled session of team matches were engaged in one of the more entertaining The initial post-match analysis con- Mahan-McDowell battle. condensed to two, with no players sitting matches of the competition. Kuchar’s tained much of the usual drivel you hear Unfortunately for Mahan and the out any of the final 12 matches. third birdie in four holes gave the U.S. a and read after the U.S. loses. The U.S., he came out for the final round That meant U.S. captain Corey Pavin 1-up lead after 13 holes, and the Europeans want it more. The Americans, with a putter that had spent most of the could not omit three players not well Americans were still 1-up going to 18. two of them in particular, are far more matches in his bag. Mahan sat out the suited for foursomes – Bubba Watson, But Francesco Molinari’s second clutch concerned with individual glory. The first four-ball session, and his only action Jeff Overton and Dustin Johnson. The birdie enabled the Molinari brothers to U.S. captain is a dummy, the European prior to singles came in foursomes, U.S. lost only two of six foursomes get a key half point in a match the leader a certified genius. The selection where he and partner Zach Johnson matches in the second session, with Americans had several chances to win. process needs to change. split two matches. Watson and Overton accounting for one With the U.S. three points behind The Europeans won by the over- That means Mahan had not teed off loss, and Johnson teaming with Phil going to singles – only one team had whelming margin of one point, 14 ½ - on half the holes at Celtic Manor during Mickelson, another suspect foursomes even rallied from more two points back – 13 ½. The competition was all square at the matches, and had little feel for some partner, for the other. the Euros seemingly were poised for an 13 ½ before Europe pulled out a victory of the greens. He missed a number of It was somewhat surprising that Pavin unchallenged victory. in the 28th of 28 matches. short putts that put him in an early hole, kept the four big-hitting but inaccurate But the Americans have generally been Because he flubbed a chip shot on the falling 3-down after six holes. Thanks to players together in foursomes, but he more successful in singles than team 17th hole in the anchor match against a good bit of help from McDowell, may have decided to keep them together, matches, and that proved to be the case Graeme McDowell, American Hunter Mahan closed the gap to 1-down after rather than spreading them out in the again. Stricker got things started by Mahan received a disproportionate share his only birdie of the day on the drivable lineup and risking losses across the beating Europe’s No. 1 player – Lee of the blame for the U.S defeat. par-4 15th, that coming from all of board. Westwood – managing perhaps the only three feet. If that was his strategy, it paid off, as American highlight of the week on the Luke Donald It was about that time that the last of the U.S. went 3-0-1 in the other four- perplexing 15th, scoring an eagle en the remaining matches was concluding, somes to take a 6-4 lead into the fateful route to his victory. leaving Mahan and McDowell to settle third session. After winning in foursomes A winless Dustin Johnson routed the outcome. McDowell responded with previously, the teams of Steve Stricker- Martin Kaymer in a PGA a clutch birdie at the tough 16th to go 2- Tiger Woods and Zach Johnson-Mahan Championship “rematch,” Overton up with two to play, putting him in a both lost, with neither putting up much knocked off a surprisingly sloppy Fisher, position where the best he could do was of a fight. and Woods and Mickelson played like a half, and only if he won each of the last Although Woods and Stricker had they were at Augusta National, not some two holes. played brilliantly in their previous four- Ryder Cup site. Zach Johnson over- Needing birdie to extend the match, somes match, that meant that Jim whelmed an outmatched Harrington Mahan missed the green on the Furyk, 1-7 in his career in four-ball, had with a barrage of birdies, accounting for par-3 17th, pretty much sealing his to play that format with Dustin Johnson, the 6th U.S. win in singles. fate. Although McDowell also missed whose shaky putting had helped saddle Neither Kuchar nor Watson had much the green, he chipped close enough partner Mickelson with two team losses. left in the tank, and both lost decisively, to essentially secure his par, rendering Predictably, Furyk and Johnson lost to with the veteran Jimenez taking the long- Mahan’s botched chip shot a Ross Fisher, who carried an off-form hitting ex-Bulldog to school and Kuchar somewhat embarrassing, but largely Padraig Harrington to their second vic- drawing the wrong opponent (Poulter). meaningless stroke. tory, giving Harrington a much better What turned out to be the two key The U.S. team did not lose because of record than his quality of play. matches came early in the day, and rep- Mahan’s reportedly sub-par short game. That put the U.S. team down 7-6. But resented about the only matches in The string of short putts he missed ear- in the final three matches the Americans which both competitors played well. lier in the watch, when few were paying were even in two and ahead in the other Furyk recorded five birdies against one of real attention, was a much greater factor. midway through the back nine. With a Europe’s two best players in the matches In the end, Mahan did not cost the chance to win two points and send the (Luke Donald), but dug himself an early U.S. a possible victory. The biggest cul- competition to the singles all square, the hole and lost to Donald’s six birdies.

TV DINBERG STEVE prits for the U.S. were six players who U.S. lost two matches and settled for The American player who may be were competing in the final three four- a half. stewing the most in the privacy of his ball matches in the ill-fated (from an Watson and Overton were beaten by American perspective) third session of Europe’s supposed weakest team – Peter [ See Ryder Cup, page 29 ]

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 15 Bradshaw Farm offers an array of splendid views on all three nines 27 holes of quality golf, course conditions

with the 8th, which you pass on the way Bradshaw Farm succeeds on several levels to the clubhouse, one of the most visu- ally appealing holes around, although front pin positions can be a little dicey. By Mike Blum lenge for those playing from a shorter set. The challenge on the nine comes from course having to struggle through the From the tips, Bradshaw Farm is not a very stout group of par 4s, which have ince it opened for play 15 years aeration process. Bradshaw Farm is con- especially long, ranging from 6,936 yards some length, a fair amount of trouble ago, the Golf Club at Bradshaw sistently in quality condition, with its (White/Blue) to 6,778 (Blue/Red). The and some testy approach shots, but at Farm has acquired a deserved bent grass greens long considered among White nine (original back nine) is the least offer mostly generous landing areas reputation as one of the most the best in the metro area. longest of the three and likely the that allow you to take a rip from the tee popularS courses in all of metro Atlanta Like all Atlanta courses with bent grass toughest, but not a by significant on the longer holes. for organizations that conduct outings. greens, Bradshaw Farm had its issues this margin. The Course Rating/Slope from The trio of holes 1, 6 and 9 are rated as The club’s tee sheet typically contains Summer, but the course made it through the tips is comparable in all three config- the three most difficult holes for a reason. an outing of one sort or another, which unscathed and will again be in first class urations, with the original Red/White The dogleg left 6th sports a winding creek it can comfortably handle without shape during the cooler Fall months. combo slightly more difficult from the that must be carried on both the tee shot inconveniencing its members and daily Bradshaw Farm’s rates are very reason- 6,414-yard Gold tees at a stout and approach, with tee shots down the left fee players. able in comparison to other top daily fee 71.2/137. side running the risk of either finding the With 27 holes, Bradshaw Farm can golf courses in the Atlanta area, and the The Black tees are in the 5,700 to hazard or leaving an obstructed approach. accommodate all three aspects of its cus- club rates high for its customer service, a 5,850-yard category, with slope ratings The 9th is one of Atlanta’s most aes- tomer base, with those who tee it up on key factor as daily fee courses compete around 120. The forward tees range from thetically pleasant but difficult par 4s, the Cherokee Country course guaran- for a static, if not shrinking, base of 4,750 to 4,850 with virtually identical with a big drive required to prevent a teed a quality golf experience regardless potential players. Course Rating/Slope numbers averaging long, uphill approach to an elevated green which nines you play. Bradshaw Farm does lack one attribute 68.7/117. with a creek at the base of the hill and a When Bradshaw Farm opened in the that many of the top metro area daily fee One thing the three nines have in sharp dropoff to the right with some inset mid-1990s, it had only 18 holes, and the courses can proclaim – a big name common is their opening drives from bunkers best avoided. original 18 remains the favored configu- designer. The two individuals who are elevated tees, with all three featuring The White nine begins with the most ration for many of its regular visitors. listed as the primary course architects are splendid views that will appear fre- dramatic of the three opening tee shots, However, the third nine, which debuted not household names in the design com- quently throughout the round. but measures a good bit shorter than the in 2001 with a different designer, meshes munity. But Bradshaw Farm’s layout does Bradshaw Farm’s terrain includes holes Red’s opener, with both requiring second nicely with both of the original nines. not suffer in comparison to those with moderate amounts of elevation shots over creeks just short of the While it differentiates a bit from the designed by the likes of Tom Fazio, changes along with a number of valley putting surfaces. other two, you don’t get the impression Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Rees Jones holes that include plenty of wetlands and Once you get past the straightaway and you’re playing a different course when and Jack Nicklaus, all of whom have hazards but not much in the way of fairly narrow par-5 second, water is a con- you move from either the Red or White courses in the Atlanta area that allow encroaching development. stant presence on the remainder of the nines (the original duo) to the Blue. daily fee play. The Red nine includes a pair of nine, although only a hole or two requires Having 27 holes is also advantageous Regardless of which nines you play, inviting par 5s that are both under 500 a carry of some distance. An outstanding to the club when it comes to mainte- Bradshaw Farm offers a quality, playable yards from the tips with water just in stretch of valley holes begins with the long nance. The club’s excellent staff can work layout that presents a serious test for front of both tees but no real hurdles of and dangerous par-3 fourth (219/190) on one nine at a time, leaving 18 holes those who tackle it from the back set of consequence. and includes the shorter but interesting

playable instead of having the entire tees, but is a much less demanding chal- Both par 3s are also on the short side, par-3 sixth, with a thriving wetlands area JAMES REYNOLDS PHOTOGRAPHY

16 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 hole on the Blue nine, with the short, downhill, par-3 fifth the rare exception. Other than the first, it’s also the only one with much of an elevation change, with most of the nine constructed in an unde- veloped section of the sizeable Bradshaw Farm property. The nine includes two watery par 5s, with the long third featuring an angled second shot that has to be precisely struck to avoid all sorts of trouble. The all carry tee shot on the eighth is not quite as daunting as it looks, with the hole pretty friendly once you clear just in front of the tee obscuring the view the lake. of a wide putting surface with a variety of Like the original 18, the par 4s on Blue pin positions. offer plenty of room off the tee, although The seventh is one of Atlanta’s best par some well-placed fairway bunkers and a 5s, with water in play off both edges of the hazard or two will make those who stray wide fairway and a creek slicing in front of with the driver pay for their inaccuracy. the green that will not treat miss-hit or Hit it straight and there aren’t any overly under-clubbed approaches kindly. difficult problems to solve, although The long, straightaway par-4 eighth the second shots have their own plays longer than its hefty yardage modest challenges. sthanks to its slightly uphill nature, but Bradshaw Farm is located in south the short-ish, downhill ninth helps bal- Cherokee County a few miles off SR 140, ance things out. and is easily accessible to golfers in the For the most part, the greens complexes suburbs of north Fulton and Cobb. For on the original 18 holes are on the tame information, call 770-592-2222 or visit side, but there is sufficient rough to put www.bradshawfarmgc.com. Bradshaw some pressure on your short game. Farm is part of the American Golf family Hazards are in play on just about every of courses.

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 17 Kirk, Kisner score back-to-back victories Nationwide Tour this year thanks to a Nationwide duo eyeing PGA Tour in 2011 strong showing in the finals of PGA Tour qualifying. He missed earning his PGA Tour card for this year by just one stroke, but has taken advantage of his Nationwide By Mike Blum Tour status, and is likely to be on the PGA pair of Georgia Bulldogs Tour next year. scored recent back-to-back Kisner, an Aiken, S.C., native, had wins on the Nationwide Tour, notched four top 10 finishes previously in the first time in six years 2010, but did not have a legitimate chance golfersA from the same college won consec- to win a tournament before his triumph in utive events on the tour. Pittsburgh. The last time it happened was 2004 and Opening with three consecutive scores also involved the UGA golf team. But that of 68, Kisner remained within range of the feat was a little more impressive, as a trio of lead after each round, and trailed by three ex-Bulldogs won three straight after 54 holes. Geoffrey Sisk, who led after Nationwide tournaments. each of the first three rounds, was unable That time it was Franklin Langham, to move forward the final day, and Kisner Ryuji Imada and Justin Bolli, who went pulled even with three birdies on the front back-to-back-to-back. nine. The players matched birdies on 14, This time it was Chris Kirk and Kevin with Sisk taking the lead with a birdie at Kisner, teammates on Georgia’s 2005 the 16th. NCAA Championship team. Kirk, the But Sisk took a double bogey on the Nationwide Tour’s 2nd leading money short par-4 17th after having just a wedge winner this season, got it started with a for his second shot from the middle of the victory in Knoxville, the city where he was fairway. Kisner parred the 18th for a 67 born before moving to Woodstock in the and a 13-under 271 total, edging Sisk by northern Atlanta suburbs as a youngster. Chris Kirk Kevin Kisner one stroke. The following week, Kisner scored his The victory was worth $108,000 and first Nationwide Tour victory, capturing a boosted his earnings for the season to first-year event in the suburbs of Fort Smith, Ark., in June thanks to a final Knoxville in 2008, he had not lived up to almost $195,000. It took about $190,000 Pittsburgh. Although the win does not round 64. the promise he generated during his career last year to finish in the top 25 and earn a guarantee him a spot on the PGA Tour in “I made the turn and I wasn’t happy in Athens until this season. PGA Tour card for 2010. 2011, he is in excellent position to join with the way I was playing. I tried to stay In addition to his two wins, Kirk has a “This game is so much about winning,” Kirk as a rookie in golf’s major leagues patient, but I knew even par wasn’t going pair of runner-up finishes and two other said Kisner. “This is pretty special.” next year. to win the tournament, not on this tour. I top 5s, and is second on the Nationwide Kisner, who played in front of Sisk in Kirk reclaimed the No. 1 spot on the knew I had to go after it on the back nine. Tour in top 10s with seven. He leads the the final round, was not totally aware of tour’s money list with his second win of I figured four birdies would put me right tour in scoring average, and is near the lead what was going on behind him late in the the year, moving past $400,000, but has where I wanted to be.” in birdies, ball striking and scrambling. tournament. since fallen a bit behind Jamie Lovemark Three birdies in a four-hole stretch Kirk, who moved to St, Simons Island “I didn’t know I was going to win, even with only a handful of tournaments enabled Kirk to stay even with Bertoni, and after graduating from Georgia, won the when I made that last putt,” Kisner said of remaining on the schedule. he moved in front when he holed a 2007 Ben Hogan Award as the nation’s top a 4-footer for par on the 72nd hole. “I was As a Nationwide Tour rookie in 2008, 10-footer for birdie at the 17th. Bertoni’s college golfer his senior season, when he kind of in shock. I thought I might have Kirk lost in a playoff in Knoxville, and second shot to the par-5 18th failed to clear won four of his seven career titles. He was been one short or maybe could get into seemed headed for another playoff until he the water fronting the green, but he man- a member of the World Amateur and a playoff. put the finishing touches on an out- aged to par the hole to finish at 18-under. Walker Cup teams during his stint with “My whole world turned upside down standing final round with birdies on the Kirk had 210 yards to pin for his second the Bulldogs. Kirk tied for 13th in the there in a minute.” last two holes to break a tie with Travis shot and went for the green, hitting a NCAA Championship in 2005 as a soph- Kisner did not make a bogey the final Bertoni. 5-iron within 12 feet of the hole, uncom- omore, one of four Georgia golfers to round, which he credited to making “a lot Both Kirk and Bertoni recorded five fortably close to the water bordering the finish in the top 16 as the Bulldogs won of four and five-footers that you need to birdies on the final nine at Fox Den CC, putting surface. He two-putted for birdie their second national title. make. I played really solid all day. but Kirk had something left in reserve after and the victory, closing with a 5-under Imada and Bolli were both members of “I just stayed in my own game. I was as Bertoni made a late charge before settling 67 following scores of 68, 70 and 63. He Georgia’s 1999 NCAA Championship calm as I’ve ever been in that situation, for pars on holes 17 and 18. finished the tournament at 20-under 268, team. which is odd considering this was probably Thanks to a superb 63 in the third two in front of Bertoni and three ahead Kisner was the captain of the 2005 the biggest stage I’ve ever been in. I didn’t round, in which he hit all 18 greens in reg- of Triplett. Georgia squad, and joined Kirk in a tie for look at a board all day.” ulation, Kirk led by one shot after 54 holes “This win was a lot harder than the first 13th in the NCAA Championship, with The tournament did not begin well for over PGA Tour veteran Kirk Triplett. He one,” Kirk said. “In Fort Smith, I felt like I the Bulldogs going wire to wire to finish Kisner, who bogeyed his first two holes in went out with an indifferent 36 on the could have made every putt one-handed if 11 strokes in front of runner-up the opening round. But he rebounded outgoing nine before his winning dash to I wanted to. This one was tough. I had to Georgia Tech. with birdies on five of the first six holes on the finish line. work for this one and it was a lot more After turning pro in 2006, Kisner the back nine for the first of three straight “Playing with the lead can be difficult rewarding in that respect.” played on the Hooters and Tar Heel (now 68s, and remained within striking distance mentally at times,” said Kirk, who came This is Kirk’s third year on tour, but eGolf) Tours, winning once on both of Sisk before overtaking him late in the from one shot back after 54 holes to win in with the exception of his playoff loss in before earning exempt status on the final round. PHOTOS BY AL KOOISTRA

18 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 19 Augusta State looks to defend NCAA title Jaguars, Bulldogs, Jackets all rely on veterans

By Mike Blum the Gators after the first round, but fell Georgia will be in the annual tourna- Georgia Tech got off to a solid start sually, the golf world focuses six shots back as Florida again shot 280 ment the Jaguars host the week before with a tie for 3rd in the Carpet Capital, its attention on Augusta in the second round and could not make the Masters, with the 2011 event played just six shots behind Alabama’s winning exactly one week out of the up any ground the final day. at Forest Hills, Augusta’s home course. total. The host Yellow Jackets were led by year, that coming in early Patrick Reed, an Augusta resident, In Augusta’s 2nd Fall start, the Jaguars seniors Paul Haley and J. T. Griffin, AprilU for the Masters. had the low final round (67) of the day, tied for 4th in the NCAA Preview at who both notched top-10 finishes. Haley But after its victory in the 2010 and ended up tied for 3rd at 209, five 884, six strokes behind host Oklahoma tied for 7th at 213 with Griffin 9th NCAA Division 1 Championship, the strokes behind Oklahoma State’s Peter State. Reed recovered from an opening at 214. Augusta State golf team has made its Uihlein, the 2010 U.S. Amateur cham- 79 with a 2nd round 67 and ended up The Jackets got contributions from home town more than a one week date- pion. Carter Newman, an Evans native, 4th at 217, 3 in back of the medalist. each player in the lineup, as all five fin- line for the sport’s most prestigious closed with a 69 to tie for 11th at 213. Norlander tied for 6th at 220 despite a ished in the top 25. Kyle Scott and tournament. Newman is one of three senior starters second round 78. Acworth’s James White tied for 19th at The Jaguars entered the 2010-11 for the Jaguars, along with Australia’s Georgia opened its Fall schedule in 219, with Richard Werenski T23 at season with realistic hopes of defending Mitch Krywulycz and Sweden’s Henrik the annual Carpet Capital Collegiate at 220. Scott is one of three returning their NCAA title, as all five starters are Norlander. Krywulycz opened with a 68 The Farm in Rocky Face. The Bulldogs senior starters with White a junior on the back from that squad, with a talented and ended up T16 at 214. Norlander, were in contention for 36 holes, but suf- veteran-laden squad. Werenski, who Atlanta area transfer who played at who combined with Reed to give fered through a difficult final round and reached match play in the U.S. Amateur Minnesota joining the team. Augusta one of the best 1-2 duos at the wound up tied for 6th at 876, 20 strokes just prior to beginning his freshman Georgia’s two perennial championship top of the lineup last year, struggled in behind Alabama. season at Tech, is the lone newcomer to hopefuls – Georgia and Georgia Tech – the final round and tied for 24th at 216. The Bulldogs’ top two players – the starting lineup, replacing graduating are both hoping to make a run at an Augusta’s fifth returning starter is Macon’s Russell Henley and senior Chesson Hadley. NCAA title, with the Bulldogs bolstered Macon’s Taylor Floyd, like Reed a Thomasville’s Harris English – both Among the players hoping to earn by the return of two of the country’s top junior, and one of three Georgia resi- shot 76 the final round. English wound some playing time is redshirt freshman players, along with a third senior dents among the team’s five starters. The up tied for 12th at 216, with Henley T19 Seth Reeves of Duluth. standout who was sidelined by injury Jaguars added Alpharetta’s Derek at 219. The Jackets were 7th in the NCAA last year. Chang, a transfer from Minnesota and Henley, who won the Fred Haskins Preview at 892, falling out of contention The team to watch, however, is two-time Southeastern Amateur cham- award as the 2010 College Player of the for the title with a final round 307. Augusta State, which included Georgia pion, to the roster during the off-season. Year, enters his senior season with six Haley was T10 at 221, with Griffin T13 Tech among its three victims in match The Jaguars won four tournaments last career victories, one behind Georgia’s all- at 222 and Scott T21 at 224. play, taking the national title with an year, getting major efforts from All- time leader, Chris Kirk. English, a second Tech will close out its Fall schedule impressive victory over top-ranked Americans Norlander and Reed and team All American selection last season, with the U.S. Collegiate Championship Oklahoma State in the championship consistently solid contributions from the has four career titles for the Bulldogs. Oct. 24-26 at Golf Club of Georgia. The match. other three starters. Both Norlander and The third senior in Georgia’s starting event, which has moved from its original Augusta opened its season last month Reed were 3-0 in match play in the lineup is Harris Swafford, who missed pre-Masters Spring date, will feature 15 in a tournament played at Olympia NCAAs, with Norlander tying for 5th in last season with a shoulder injury. top teams, primarily from the ACC and Fields in Chicago, the host course for the the stroke play competition. Swafford was a second team All- Pac-10. 2003 U.S. Open. The two teams finished The remainder of Augusta’s 2010-11 American as a sophomore and junior, Georgia’s four other D1 college golf in a tie for 2nd at 12-over 852, seven schedule includes three events in and his return aids a Georgia squad that teams are looking to make some noise on strokes behind Florida’s winning total. California and two in South Carolina in was short on depth last year. a slightly lower scale, with one of them The Jaguars shot even par 280 to tie March. The team’s lone appearance in Australia’s Bryden Macpherson opening the 2010 Fall campaign with played well as a freshman for the ‘Dogs a victory. last season, and is back in the lineup, Kennesaw State captured a tourna- Harris English Russell Henley with plenty of competition for the fifth ment in Hattiesburg, Miss., with a position. Freshman Michael Cromie 13-under 839 total, four strokes ahead of started in the Carpet Capital, with a trio the runner-up team. The Owls’ Jeff of Georgians – Albany sophomore T.J. Karlsson won the individual title for the Mitchell and Augustans Rob Bennett second straight year, posting scores of and Brian Carter – all in the mix. All 65-69-65 for a 14-under 199 total. three saw extensive action last season, Chad Wilson of Dalton and Matt The Bulldogs were 3rd in the NCAA Nagy of Buena Vista tied for 20th at Preview, five in back of Oklahoma State 213, with Nagy making his first appear- with an 883 total. Swafford shot 68 in ance since the 2008-09 season after the 2nd round and ended up tied for 2nd redshirting last year. Sophomore Ben at 216. Henley also shot 68 in the 2nd Greene of Duluth and freshman Kelby round after an opening 68 and tied for Burton of Evans also contributed to the 10th at 221, with English T13 at 223. victory and are among six Georgians on Georgia’s 285 total in the 2nd round the team’s nine-man roster. was the only sub-par score for the

tournament. [ See College preview, page 28 ] PHOTOS COURTESY OF GSGA

20 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 2XWKHUHWKHELJJHVWKDQGLFDSLVNHHSLQJ\RXUKHDGGRZQ

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 21 2 Georgia PGA members win national honors Anderson, Mongell honored by PGA of America

By Mike Blum “I worked for some great golf profes- wo Georgia PGA members sionals in Pittsburgh and at the Olympic were recently honored by Club and they were innovative in the PGA of America as recipients merchandising area,” Mongell says. of national awards. Todd Winning the PGA award for merchan- AndersonT, the Director of Instruction at dising is a multi-faceted task that Sea Island Golf Club, was honored as encompasses a variety of areas in the PGA Teacher of the Year, and Mark operation of a golf facility. Among the Mongell, Director of Golf at Atlanta’s factors involved are member rounds and Cherokee Town and Country Club, was retail sales per round; guest play and the selected as the Merchandiser of the Year percentage of hard goods and apparel in the private club category. sold; the display design of the pro shop; Anderson becomes the second Sea and financial information regarding Island GC instructor to earn that honor, the shop. with Jack Lumpkin named Instructor of One of the things Mongell says he the Year in 1995. Mongell is the second learned during his stints as an assistant Georgia PGA member to win was “attention to detail,” and those who Merchandiser of the Year honors, joining have been in the well-appointed pro shop former West Lake Country Club head Todd Anderson Mark Mongell at Cherokee can bear witness that he has professional Mark Darnell. put those lessons into practice. “It’s a tremendous honor to be chosen includes Brandt Snedeker, Brett moved to St. Simons to be closer to their Winning a merchandising award is a by your peers,” said Anderson, who has Quigley and Charles Warren, and he instructors and the outstanding practice team effort, and Mongell says “you have been a PGA member for 23 years and has has also worked with Augusta native facility at Sea Island GC, with many of to have a strong staff that makes our headed up Sea Island Golf Club’s nation- Charles Howell and Sea Island resident them also managed by a company golf facility an extension of the ally-recognized instruction staff since Davis Love. (Crown Sports Management) that is members’ homes. 2004. In addition to the tour players he has based there. “I’m proud for our staff, and it makes “As an instructor, you’re always trying worked with, Anderson has an even Over the years, Anderson has put me proud to be a part of the Georgia to improve, and it’s nice when others rec- longer list of top juniors and college together a team of instructors, as well as PGA and to be the second person from ognize what you’re doing.” players among his students, with the golf-related professionals in the areas of the Section to win that honor.” Anderson, 48, is a native of Michigan, majority of his teaching time spent with fitness (Randy Myers) and sports psy- It’s been more than 30 years since and began his club professional career in golfers at or near the top level of the pro- chology (Morris Pickens) that has helped Darnell was the first Georgia PGA his home state, but has a long connection fessional, amateur or junior categories. make the area such an attractive one for member to earn that distinction, winning to the South, beginning with his college Although his method of teaching so many tour players. Merchandiser of the Year in 1979. days at the University of Alabama from doesn’t differ dramatically in his work Mongell has been Director of Golf at “I’m also proud for my club. I love the 1980-84, where he played on the golf with tour players and those not at that Cherokee CC in Sandy Springs since the club and its members and it’s a club that team and was captain his senior year. level, Anderson says there are differences late 1990s, and his skill in the merchan- likes to lead.” After a few years as an assistant in his in his approach. dising arena has been evident throughout Cherokee has long been one of native Michigan, Anderson took his first “They come to you because they want his career as a PGA professional. Atlanta’s most prominent private clubs, head professional job in Banner Elk, to improve and reach certain goals. The A native of Connellsville, Pa., Mongell with a strong emphasis on both golf and N.C., in 1987, and spent a decade as a amount of dedication and commitment attended college in his native state the social aspects of being a club member. head professional and instructor in south is different with tour players, and the (Slippery Rock) and worked as an assis- The club has two separate facilities, with Florida before coming to Sea Island GC mistakes they make are much smaller. tant at two Pittsburgh clubs before taking the Town Club facility located in in 2004. You’re dealing with minute changes. a job at the famed Olympic Club in Buckhead and the 36-hole golf facility in “I always loved teaching, and as I got “With the average player, the mistakes San Francisco. north Sandy Springs. older, that’s what I wanted to do,” says are much bigger and it’s more challenging Mongell was part of the Olympic “Cherokee has a terrific mix,” Mongell Anderson, who was a South Florida to make changes because they don’t have Club’s innovative merchandising says. “We have 250 single digit Section Teacher of the Year, as well as being as much time and are not in as good approach at the 1987 that set records handicap members, plus the mix of the honored with the Horton Smith Award for shape. But the approach is the same. and is still being followed today. social element.” contributions to PGA Education. You’re trying to find things that can help After three years there, he returned to The club has hosted events for the “I enjoy the teaching side and decided them improve.” the eastern part of the U.S. as head pro- Georgia PGA, GSGA and USGA, and is I needed to do it on a full-time basis.” Anderson’s approach to instruction, fessional at Wilmington (Del.) Country the annual host of the GSGA awards Since 2005, players on the PGA, especially with the tour players he works Club, where he stayed for a decade, win- banquet. The GSGA will play its Champions and Nationwide Tours who with, is to determine what works best for ning Merchandiser of the Year honors in 2012 Amateur Championship at have worked with Sea Island GC instruc- that particular player and go from there. the Philadelphian Section of the PGA. Cherokee, and Mongell says preparation tors have won more than 50 “I do not have a so-called method,” he In 1998, Mongell came to Cherokee as efforts are already under way for that tournaments, and the list of tour players says. “There are a lot of different ways to its Director of Golf, and twice was named tournament. who have worked with Anderson over swing a club, and I try to find a swing the Georgia PGA Section’s Merchandiser “We’re going to do our best to deliver the years is a lengthy one. that fits their body the best.” of the Year for private facilities (2005 the most successful state championship Anderson’s current group of students A large number of tour pros have and ’09). ever.”

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 23 Chip Shots

Weinhart captures Sonny Skinner are the winners of the three day Senior Division event at the Coweta Assistant victory Chapter championships conducted by the Club in Newnan with a 71. Marsh and Georgia PGA. fellow amateur Gary Woodell were second Brian Harman Tim Weinhart, an instructor at St. Marlo Zimmerman, an assistant at Cherokee CC, at 72, with Schlueter the low pro at 73, AL KOOISTRA GC, won the Callaway Golf Georgia PGA won the North Chapter Championship at tying for fourth with amateur Alan After winning his opening match on the Assistant Championship at Achasta GC in the Standard Club with a 65. Craig Forney Thieleman. 19th hole at Atlantic GC in Bridgehampton, Dahlonega, finishing with a 9-under 135 of St. Marlo was second at 68, with Weinhart Willow Lake head professional Gregg N.Y., Engler faced No. 1 seed Nathan total overt 36 holes. tying for third at 69 with Clark Spratlin of Wolff won the recent Senior Division Smith, the tournament’s defending cham- Weinhart shot 68-67 in the one day Georgia Golf Center. Championship at Jekyll Island GC by three pion, in the second round. He lost to Smith event to take home $1,300 and earn a spot Dixon, the Director of Instruction at strokes with a 137 total. Davis was second 1-up, the only match Smith did not win by in the PGA Assistant Championship Nov. Kinderlou Forest, shot a 68 at Sanctuary at 140, with Chuck Knebels of Hawks at least three holes. 11-14 at PGA GC in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Cove to win the East Chapter Championship Ridge third at 141. Engler never led in the match and was 3- Weinhart, a 5-time Georgia PGA Player of by one stroke over Brandon Youmans of down after 13, but won 14, 15 and 16 to pull the Year, previously won the Assistant Sea Island GC. Josh Williams of Savannah even. Smith won the 17th with a birdie and Championship in 2000 GC and Hank Smith of Sea Island GC tied Scott wins event held on with a par at the 18th. In his opening Eric Reeves of Healy Point in Macon and for third at 71. match against 2002 Mid-Amateur champion Mike Pavao of Trophy Club of Atlanta Skinner, who teaches at River Pointe in at Callaway Gardens George Zahringer, Engler was 4-up after also qualified for the PGA Assistant Albany, shot 131 over 36 holes to win the Former UGA golfer Richard Scott, a St. nine holes with five birdies, but needed one Championship, placing second and third Central Chapter Championship at CC of Simons Island resident, won the first of extra hole to pull out the victory. respectively. Reeves, the 2006 Georgia PGA Columbus. Brian Stubbs, head professional three Hooters Tour Q School Prep tourna- Before he regained his amateur status, Assistant champion, shot 65-71—136 to at CC of Columbus, tied for second at 138 ments at Callaway Gardens, shooting Engler spent one year on the PGA Tour, but finish one stroke behind Weinhart, with with Andy Blanton of Green Island CC. 14-under 202 to take home $8,500. his career as a tour player ended after he Pavao third at 69-68—137. Winston Trively of Crooked Oak was fourth Scott closed with a pair of 66s to finish was involved in a serious automobile acci- Bill Murchison of Towne Lake Hills was at 144. one stroke ahead of a pair of challengers, dent and suffered injuries which made it fourth at 139, with two-time tournament including Chris Wolfe of Warner Robins, difficult for him to walk 18 holes. champion Greg Lee of Chicopee Woods who shot a sensational 61 in the first round Dalton’s David Noll, Atlanta’s Jordan and Atlanta area instructor Jason Bruce Mitchell captures and followed with a 66 to lead by seven Mitchell and Snellville’s Richie Taylor all tying for fifth at 140. Michael Parrott of after 36 holes. But Wolfe shot a final round reached match play, but lost in the first Brookfield CC and Paddy Higgins of Ansley GSGA PubLinks 76, with Scott coming from nine shots round. Rick Cloninger, like Noll a former GC tied for seventh at 141. Roswell’s Billy Mitchell won the GSGA behind going to the final round. Georgia Amateur champion who now lives Chris Nicol, also from Towne Lake Hills, Public Links Championship at Bridge Mill, Georgia PGA member Tim Weinhart in South Carolina, reached the third round shot 66-64—130, but was disqualified due going four extra holes to win a playoff over shot a second round 66 and wound up tied before being eliminated. to an eligibility situation. Stan Jones of Alpharetta. Mitchell led after for 12th at 210 with former Norcross resi- Chris Hall of Marietta and Bill Hodges Chapter Championships: Chip the first round with a 2-under 70, but fell dent and ex-Auburn golfer Reid Edstrom. of Thomasville both tied for 60th in stroke Zimmerman, Chris Dixon and back with a 76 the next day for a 146 total. EGolf Tour: Savannah’s Brian Harman play qualifying, but did not make it past a Jones shot a tournament-best 69 the added two more top 10 finishes, including 12 players for five spots playoff. second round to make up seven strokes on his first win as a pro, on the eGolf Tour, and Mitchell, but after the two made par on the came into the tour’s final event of the first three playoff holes, Jones hit his season third on the money list with more DelVal scores win second in a hazard on the par-5 18th and than $84,000. lost the hole to Mitchell’s par. John Belicka Harman won in Farmville. Va., posting a on Peach State Tour of Woodstock shot 71 the first day and 12-under 272 total to win by three strokes. Georgia Open champion Samuel Del Val placed third at 147, briefly holding the lead A second round 65 and a closing 68 keyed of Athens scored a victory on the Peach during the final round. Harman’s victory. Hank Kim of Jonesboro State Golf Tour, winning a late-season event and recent Georgia Tech golfer Chesson at Macon’s Brickyard at Riverside course. Hadley tied for 10th at 283. Del Val and Fayetteville’s Andrew Suggs Davis takes first The eGolf Tour closes out its season Oct. tied for first at 9-under 135, with Del Val 12-14 at Callaway Gardens. winning on the first extra hole. Matt in Lee-Weir event Hughes of Dalton and Dalton Melnyk of Russ Davis, Director of Instruction at Atlanta tied for fourth at 139. Cherokee CC, won the Georgia PGA Senior Engler loses to champ Mark Harrell of Hazlehurst picked up his Division Lee-Weir Classic at Canongate GC, second tour title of the season, winning by posting a 138 total and winning a playoff in U.S. Mid-Am one stroke at Hammer’s Glen in Homer over West Pines head professional Mike Augusta’s John Engler, competing in his thanks to a hole-in-one on the 17th hole of Schlueter. Davis carded scores of 68 and first USGA championship since having his the final round. Harrell finished with a 70, with Schlueter shooting 71-67. amateur status reinstated, advanced to 12-under 134 total. Duluth’s Brent Witcher River Pines head professional Phil match play in the recent U.S. Mid-Amateur was third at 137. PGA OF AMERICA

2009 Wagoner was third at 139, with Don Championship, and nearly knocked off the At Lane Creek outside Athens, Beau © Marsh the low amateur at 140. player who went on to win the event for a Amateur Mel Mendenhall won a one- third time. [ See Chip shots, page 29 ]

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 25 Golf FORE Juniors

3 Georgians post Savannah’s Sells wins top 10s in AJGA at Wilmington Island

Three Georgians finished in the top 10 Savannah’s Chris Sells scored a Georgia in prominent American Junior Golf PGA Junior Tour victory in his home town, Association tournaments recently. winning the boys division at Wilmington Caitlin Cole Chris Sells In the Junior Players Championship at Island Club. Sells shot 72-78—150 to take TPC Sawgrass, Alpharetta’s Billy Kennerly first in the 16-18 age group, five strokes and Ollie Schniederjans of Powder ahead of runners-up Jack Stumpfig of Villa Georgia courses. Ahhyun Cho of Cumming, with Kayley Springs tied for 8th at 220, Kennerly was Rica and John Daniel Gibbs of Hartwell. At CC of Columbus, Chris Guglielmo of Marschke of Suwanee winning girls 12-14 only one shot off the lead after 36 holes, Tommy Swearingen of Marietta was Cumming shot a second round 67 to win by three at 169. Trisha Mukhervee of but fell back with a final round 79. the 14-15 winner with a 161 total, four in the overall boys title with a 142 total. Marietta placed 2nd. In the AJGA Girls Championship in front of Savannah’s August Beisel. Connor Marschke of Suwanee, who led At Forest Hills in Augusta, Evans’ Greenville, S.C., Rachel Dai of Suwanee Walker Bottomley of Evans shot 166 to Guglielmo by seven after an opening 68, Robert Robertson posted scores of tied for 4th with a 223 total. Jessica Welch edge Matthew McMahon by one in the shot 76 the second day for a 144 total to 69-77—146 to finish one stroke ahead of of Lavonia tied for 13th at 228. 11-13 division. take 2nd in both the overall division and Evans’ Austin Vick and two in front of Junior Ryder Cup: Schniederjans was a Caitlin Cole of Brunswick shot 164 to 14-15 age group. Alpharetta’s Sanders Park in the 16-18 member of the victorious U.S. Junior Ryder win the girls division by six strokes over Davis Parker of Columbus was the 16- division. Cup team, which defeated a team of Atlanta’s Carlisle Withers. 18 winner in a playoff over Trey Patterson Carter Mobley of Evans was the 14-15 European juniors 13 ½ - 10 ½ at Gleneagles The next Georgia PGA Junior Tour tour- of Johns Creek after both shot 148. Four winner at 148, with Evans’ Walker in Scotland a few days before the Ryder nament is Oct. 23-24 at the Georgia Club players tied for 3rd at 149, including Mark Bottomley losing a playoff in the 12-13 Cup matches were played in Wales. outside Athens. Kim of Rome, who shot a second round 69. age group after shooting 72-77—149. Schniederjans went 1-0-1 in the two Also tying for 3rd in the division were Jessica Hoang of North Augusta, S.C., team matches, earning a half in foursomes Charles Flowers of Columbus, Cody Sapp was the girls 15-19 winner by three over and a win in mixed four-ball. The Americans Guglielmo rallies of Sharpsburg and Daniel Kim of Suwanee’s Sloan Shanahan with a 149 were ahead 9-3 after the team matches and to win SJGT event Kennesaw. Stanton Schorr of Columbus total. Kayla Jones of Alpharetta was the held on despite losing 7 ½ - 4 ½ in singles. shot 150 to win boys 12-13. 12-14 winner at 158, with Sarah Harrison Schniederjans lost his singles match 2&1. The Southeastern Junior Golf Tour Haley Austin of McDonough shot 153 and Megan Sabol, both of Martinez, 2nd recently played tournaments at three to win girls 15-19 by six strokes over at 160.

to determine the final group of match play Mary Riley of Perry was second at 155, qualifiers. followed by McElreath at 158 and Rheney Senior Women’s Am qualifying: Four at 159. Golf FORE Women Georgians qualified for the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship, sched- Carter captures uled for Oct. 9-14 in Ft, Myers, Fla. Augusta’s Mary Helen McElreath and Futures victory Coble loses to champ Coble reached the quarters in 2005 and Sea Island’s Cheryl Grigg were the two Valdosta’s Dori Carter finished her rookie in Mid-Am quarters ’06, and reached the finals last year. She qualifiers at Sea Island Golf Club’s Retreat season on the Futures Tour in style, placing was the No. 11 seed, posting scores of 79 course. McElreath shot 78 and Riley was 12th or better in six or her last seven starts, Augusta’s Laura Coble reached the quar- and 73 in stroke play qualifying. She won second with a 79. including her first professional victory. terfinals of the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur her opening match 8&7, and led all the way Greensboro’s Susan Rheney was the Carter won a late-season tournament in Championship for the fourth time in six in the second round, winning 2&1. Coble medalist in a qualifier in Illinois with an 83. Harrisburg, Pa., and went on to finish the years, losing on the 18th hole to the tour- won 5&4 in the third round after winning Also qualifying was Augusta native Karen year 14th on the Futures Tour money list, nament’s eventual champion. the first three holes. (Shapiro) Ferree, who lives on Hilton Head earning an exemption into the finals of Coble won her first three matches deci- Also qualifying for match play were Island. She got the final spot in a playoff at LPGA qualifying for 2011. sively before drawing No. 3 seed Meghan Michelle Griffith of LaGrange and Pinehurst, N.C., after shooting a 79. Carter, who played her college golf at Stasi, who had won the tournament twice Atlanta native Wendi (Patterson) Golden, Mississippi, shot three consecutive 68s in in recent years. Coble led almost the entire who now lives in Bradenton, Fla. Griffith her win in Pennsylvania, coming from match and was 2-up after 13 before losing lost her opening match, while Golden Pictor claims behind in the final round thanks to seven the 14th and 15th holes. She regained the made it to the second round, winning her 3rd senior title birdies. She trailed by two with four holes lead at 16, but Stasi won the final two holes first match 1-up. She led 3-up after 12 to play, but surged past the leader to earn with a par and a birdie. before losing three of the next five holes, Brenda Pictor of Marietta won the GSGA the $15,000 winner’s check. It was the closest match Stasi played en winning with a birdie on the 18th. Golden Senior Women’s Amateur for the third time Garrett Phillips of St. Simons enjoyed route to her third Mid-Amateur title. The was 2-up after 12 in the second round, but in four years, scoring a 4-stroke victory at another solid season on the tour and fin- Florida resident won 2-up in the finals, again struggled down the stretch and Houston Lake in Perry. Pictor, who previ- ished 36th on the money list. the only other time she had to go to the lost 3&2. ously won the tournament in 2007 and ’09, 18th hole. Marietta’s Brenda Pictor lost in a playoff shot 73-78—151.

26 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 27 FedExCup three straight top-10 finishes in the first Thanks to three straight top-15 fin- [ Continued from page 12 ] three Playoffs events. Furyk had dropped ishes, Woods steadily advanced from 112 from 3rd going into the Playoffs to 11th to 65 to 51 to 42, but it wasn’t enough for STEVE DINBERG before his victory, partly due to his him to qualify for the Tour The FedExCup Playoffs featured a long cell phone/alarm clock malfunction, Championship, the first time in his pro list of winners, along with a few who which turned out to be much ado about career he failed to qualify for an event. could be considered losers, even though very little. Duluth’s Stewart Cink started 54th they went home with checks with plenty Several players who enjoyed out- and was 35th going to the BMW of zeroes. standing regular seasons did not make it Championship, but wound up 38th and Furyk, Kuchar and Tour to East Lake. Among them were (regular was one of several Georgians who came Championship runner-up Luke Donald season finish in parentheses): Anthony up short of making the field at East Lake, finished 1-2-3 in the final standings, with Kim (14), J.B. Holmes (18), Rickie with Vaughn Taylor ending up 35th and 4th place finisher Charley Hoffman cer- Fowler (19), Carl Pettersson (20) and Heath Slocum 46th. tainly at the top of the list of those who Rory McIlroy (21). profited from the Playoffs. Thanks to his win in the Deutsche Bank Championship Ernie Els and a solid 6th place finish at East Lake, Hoffman collected more than $3.2 in the the regular season. The next highest player Schenkel Invitational scheduled for March Playoffs in earnings and bonus money was Kevin Na, who started the Playoffs College preview 18-20. after ending the regular season 77th in the 41st and was headed for a top-10 finish [ Continued from page 20 ] The tournament in Florence was won by standings. in the Tour Championship before a late Division II Georgia College, which posted Kevin Streelman and Martin Laird meltdown on the course and between The Owls tied for 4th in a tournament a 16-under 848 total to win by 18 strokes. qualified for the Tour Championship after his ears. in Louisville, Ky., with an 863 total, six Three Georgians posted top-6 finishes for beginning the Playoffs 102nd and 95th in Ernie Els was No. 1 in points during behind Miami (Ohio). Karlsson was 2nd at the Bobcats, led by Duluth’s Billy Shida, points, with Laird ending up 11th, just the regular season, but was pretty much 211, one behind the medalist, with Wilson who shot 8-under 208 to finish 2nd, one ahead of Watney and Phil Mickelson, invisible in the Playoffs until a final round 3rd at 212. Nagy and Greene both added a stroke behind the individual winner. despite finishing dead last at East Lake. 65 at East Lake that propelled him to a tie pair of 72s. Kennesaw sophomore Pat Garrett was 3rd Hoffman, Streelman and Laird were the for 7th. He wound up 9th in the final Sam Curtis of Calhoun, a transfer from at 210, with freshman Gavin Harper of only three players to make it to East Lake standings. Steve Stricker slipped from Berry College who played last Spring for Twin City tying for 6th at 214. from well outside the top 30 at the end of 2nd in the regular season to 7th despite the Owls, and freshman Jonathan Klotz Garrett was 3rd and Shida 6th as the round out the Georgia contingent. Bobcats placed 3rd in their season-opening Georgia State returns four veterans, all tournament in Kiawah Island, S.C., just Georgians, and has a pair of Georgians three shots behind the winning team. among four incoming freshmen. Back Mercer was 7th in its season-opening Discover the Mystery from last year’s squad are seniors Alex tournament, played on Kiawah Island’s Castro (Alpharetta), Brent Paul (Midland) Ocean Course. In his first appearance for Find out why we’re one of and Alana Fowler (Gainesville), along with the Bears, junior transfer Josh Cone of the best courses in Atlanta. junior Jared Cagle (Gainesville. Grant Thomasville placed 5th with a 218 total. 9RWHGE\*ROI'LJHVWDVRQHRI Cagle, Jared’s younger brother, is one of the Macon sophomore Thomas Holmes, WKHWRSFRXUVHVLQ$PHULFD two in-state freshman recruits, along with Valdosta sophomore John Gregory Joseph 0\VWHU\9DOOH\*ROI&OXEKDV Roswell’s Bryan Fox. and Duluth freshman Mookie Demoss EHFRPHDVWDSOHLQWKH$WODQWD The Panthers have transitioned away were also in the lineup for Mercer, which 0HWURDUHD9LVLWXVRQOLQH from their emphasis on international lost its top player from last year – WRYLHZDIXOOVFKHGXOHRI players, although coach Joe Inman has Alpharetta’s William Meason – who trans- WRXUQDPHQWVFRXUVHGHWDLOV brought in two European newcomers to ferred to Arkansas. UDWHVDQGPRUH the squad for this season. The Georgia women’s team got its The Panthers finished back in the pack 2010-11 schedule off to a strong start, Join our Annual Pass in their first start of the Fall in Nashville, placing 5th in the NCAA Preview in Bryan, Program! Passes start as low as $700 per year with Tenn. Paul, Fowler and Jared Cagle were in Tex. With three players shooting in the 60s the lineup, with Fox’s college debut high- in the first round, including freshman GLVFRXQWVIRUVHQLRUV DJH lighted by a 2nd round 69. Amelia Hill of St, Simons, the Bulldogs  DQG'HNDOE&RXQW\ Georgia State’s Fall schedule includes an shot 11-under 277 to lead by seven strokes, 5HVLGHQWV7KHSDVVFDQ appearance in the U.S. Collegiate but fell back after a tough 2nd round and DOVREHXVHGIRUSOD\DWRXU VLVWHUFRXUVH6XJDU&UHHN Championship this month at Golf Club ended up with an 864 total. &DOOWKHJROIVKRSRUYLVLWRXU of Georgia. Sophomore Emilie Burger of Hoschton ZHEVLWHIRUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQ Georgia Southern began its Fall and junior Marta Silva tied for 9th for schedule with a tournament in Florence, Georgia at 212, with Burger opening with a S.C., tying for 5th with an 874 total. Junior 67 and shooting 69 the final day. Lewis Gruber led the Eagles with a tie for Duluth sophomore Kendall Wright shot 7th, while Georgians Matt Deal (senior, 69 the first day and wound up tied for 25th Statesboro) and freshman Will Evans at 219. Call (770) 469-6913 (McDonough) were also in the lineup. Georgia tied for 7th in Nashville, with The Eagles will host the Mizuno Burger and Silva both tying for 14th at 6KDGRZ5RFN'U‡/LWKRQLD*$‡ZZZP\VWHU\YDOOH\FRP Savannah Intercollegiate Oct. 11-12 at 4-under 212. Hill was T26 at 216. Savannah Quarters, with the annual

28 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 before his second birdie in two days on the had little if anything to do with the final PGA treacherous par-3 17th. After a bogey at Ryder Cup outcome. [ Continued from page 8 ] the demanding 18th, Keppler carded nine [ Continued from page 14 ] The Europeans won because they were straight pars on the front nine of the more at home on the slow UK greens Highlands course, posting an even par 70 that befuddle most of the U.S. teammate at Florida State and a former and a two-round total of 2-over 142, one thoughts is Cink, who was part of several players, and their evident comfort PGA champion, stopped on the practice shot over the cut line. matches that could have been wins with the 15th hole, where a lot of the range to chat with Keppler, and joined “I played solid,” he said. “But I couldn’t instead of draws. After letting the matches were either decided or strongly Keppler’s son in golf’s time-honored make that one birdie.” Molinaris escape in his third session influenced. practice range pastime of trying to hit Keppler’s immediate reaction was one of match with Kuchar, Cink had the chance The American team was not helped by the range picker. frustration. to beat Rory McIlroy, but missed a the necessary change in format to get the When dad ran out of balls before he “I played really well, but I came up short series of key putts on the final four holes, matches completed in less than a week, completed his practice session, Jonathan by one lousy shot. I was so close.” letting McIlroy snatch a half point. but still had a great chance to win with a was dispatched a few stations down to Having previously played in a pressure Cink may have been the best terrific comeback that shoved some of secure an unused bucket from another ex- situation in front of a home town crowd, American player from start to finish in the media generated stories into the PGA champion, in this case John Daly. It Keppler says the experience wasn’t that the matches, and wound up 1-0-3. That background. was a request Daly couldn’t refuse. different than his three previous starts mark could just as easily have been 4-0 as There was some talk about alterna- “There were a lot of things like that in the PGA, other than getting to sleep in he led late in every match. Cink was one tions to future schedules, but that would that were neat,” Keppler recollected. his own bed and bring his son with him to of the very few U.S. players who seemed make the Ryder Cup more like the Once Thursday arrived, it was back to the course. to have a feel for the slow Celtic Manor Presidents Cup, which has a far superior business for Keppler. He was in the first It’s been 15 years since Keppler’s week to greens, but along with the sizeable format but lacks the history and intensity group off the first tee, and “was privileged remember at Atlanta Country Club, 14 number of bombs he holed along the of the Ryder Cup that masks many of the enough to hit the first tee shot” after being years since he claimed the fourth of his way were an approximately equal latter’s flaws. announced by Atlanta AC Director of four straight Georgia PGA Player of the amount of much shorter misses in key Ultimately, it was a great win for Golf Rick Anderson. Year awards and six years since his last win situations. European captain Colin Montgomerie “I hit it good,” Keppler remembers. “I in a Section event. Much of the post-match analysis and his talented team, and a gallant hit the fairway.” But Keppler remains among the top focused on trivial matters that the media effort from the U.S. squad, something A pair of bogeys put Keppler in an early players in the Section, finishing either horde obsessed over, as media hordes are that hasn’t always been an accurate hole, but he responded with three birdies second or third in the Georgia PGA wont to do. Rain gear, captain’s styles description in recent setbacks. and wound up at 2-over 72 after taking a Championship each of the last six years. and how much the two sides “wanted it” double bogey on the 16th, stemming from But his tournament participation has one of only two tee shots all day that dwindled in recent years, although that missed the fairway. may be about to end. Keppler’s 72 was one shot better than While he doesn’t turn 50 until early Tiger Woods that day, and he had another February, Keppler is already thinking PUBLICPUBLI GOLFOGC LF HASHAS NEVERNEVER FELTFELLTT THISTHIS PRIVATEPRIVVAAATTE memorable father-son moment after the about the senior majors, especially the round. While signing autographs with Senior British. Keppler was a junior Jonathan by his side, a girl not much older member at Walton Heath, the site of next than his son asked Jonathan for his auto- year’s Senior British Open, and a trip back graph, and he signed his first ever home could make for some more father- autograph then and there. son memories if Keppler can make it With the chance to make the 36-hole through the qualifying process for the cut, Keppler started out with seven pars championship.

Chip shots Zebeau, Cedartown, T15, 293; John [ Continued from page 24 ] Powell, Dalton, and Gordon Strother, St. Simons, T23, 296; Hugh Royer, Columbus; John Saari, Lilburn. A visual masterpiece ddesignedesigned bbyy legendarylegendary ggolferolfer TomTToomm Fazio,Fazio, The FFrogrog has has Mitchell shot 134 to win by a shot over Adam McKenney of Evans won a pre- Hughes, who closed with a final round 64. qualifier in Florida, by two strokes with an earned 4.54.5 stars frfromom GGoGolfolf Digestt, as wellwell as bbeingeing calledcallled ““thethe best golfgolf in Q School pre-qualifying: The PGA Tour 18-under 270 total. Also advancing was the AtlantaAtlanta areaarea for the mmoneymoney.”y..” While yyou’reou’re at the Club,Cllub, be sursuree to check recently held pre-qualifying for 2010 Q- Evans’ Jordan Johnstun. Brett Munson of out the exexcitingciting cchangeshannges currentlycurrently beingbeing made to the clubhouse. school, with a number of Georgians Evans tied for 7th in Lincoln, Neb., with advancing to first stage qualifiers this Andrew Suggs of Fayetteville T16 at 281. PRESENTPRESENT THISTHIS ADAD ANDAND PLAYPLAAYY FORFOR ONLY:ONLLYY: month. Kinderlou Forest in Valdosta hosted Atlanta’s Tim Schaetzel tied for 6th in $39$39 MondayMondaayy tthroughhrougghhTh Thursdayursdaayy one of the pre-qualifiers, with Callaway Dallas at 276, highlighted by a second $$4949 FridayFridaayy throughthrough SundaySundaayy aftafterer 10:0010:000a mam Gardens the site of a first stage qualifier round 63. He finished four behind the Oct. 27-30. medalist. Albany’s Brandon Anthony also CallCal (866)(l 866) 661-3625661-3625 oror visitvisit www.golfthefrog.comwwwwwwww..golffttheffrrog.com Qualifiers from Kinderlou Forest included: advanced. Advancing in San Antonio were toto bbookook yyourour tteeee ttimeime ttoday!odaayy! Samuel Del Val, Athens, 3rd, 283; Chris Michael Gordy of Clarkesville, Bryan Wolfe, Warner Robins, T4, 286; Chesson Thompson of St. Simons and Parker Beck RatesRatteeessin includecclluddee cartt & greengrgreen fees.fefees.C CouponCoouupponv validvaalid forfoforu upp toto fourfofour players.pllaaayyerrss. OfferOOffffffeere xxpexpirespires NNo oNovembervember 30, 30, 2010. 2010. NoN otNotva vavalidlid onhon oholidays.lliddaaayys. Hadley, Georgia Tech, T9, 290; Ryan of Duluth.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 29 TOP Course Reviews REASONS TO PLAY THE GEORGIA PGA Cobblestone Golf Course (Public) JUNIOR TOUR! 4200 Nance Rd., Acworth; 770-917-5151; www.cobblestonegolf.com STAFF: Chris Wright, PGA Golf Professional; Brad Sermersheim is the Superintendent.  Professionally run golf tournaments on some PAR/YARDAGE: Cobblestone is a par 71 with four sets of tees: Black (6,759 yards); of the best golf courses in Georgia. Blue (6,272); White (5,843); Green (5,400). Most competitive junior golf program in Georgia. COURSE RATING/SLOPE: 73.5/139 (Black); 71.2/134 (Blue); 69.4/128 (White);  71.5/129 (Green). Economically priced and close to home.  ABOUT THE COURSE: Considered one of metro Atlanta’s best and most challenging daily All tournaments are ranked by the Junior Golf Scoreboard.  fee courses since it opened in the early 1990s, Cobblestone has recently upgraded its con- Fun, lifetime relationship ditions by renovating its bunkers and replacing its bent grass greens with Champion building events.  Bermuda. The improvements will significantly enhance the status of the course, which has All new Summer Series always been recognized for the quality of its layout. Cobblestone is owned by Cobb  County, and while it is in fact a municipal course, it’s not anything like the typical “munis” many golfers grew up playing. Located along the shore of Lake Acworth, the course fea- tures some absolutely gorgeous lakeside holes. Water is in play on about half the holes, including an exceptional foursome of scenic but perilous finishing holes. The conditions are now closer in line with the quality of the layout, which includes a wonderful variety of holes. Cobblestone is a relatively demanding course off the tee, with mounds, water and the occasional tight tree line making their presence felt. With an extra par 3, the yardage is a little deceptive, but there are only a handful of holes where length off the tee is a neces- sary attribute. Along with a quartet of long, demanding par 4s, Cobblestone includes two terrific short 4s that require considerable precision to solve. Other than the downhill 9th, the par 5s are relatively short, but all have their subtle challenges. With Lake Acworth as a backdrop, the 15th is one of the metro area’s most visually appealing holes. The par 3s range from very short but treacherous (16) to just plain long (8), with the 8th the only one Tou r Sche dule of the five with no water in play. Over the years, the greens have lost some of the contour that divided many of them into distinct sections, but still have plenty of movement that FEB 20-21 Forest Heights CC, Statesboro places plenty of demand on your putting touch, with the renovated bunkers retaining the MAR 13-14 The Brickyard at Riverside, Macon emphasis on deft sand play. All in all, one of the state’s elite courses for daily fee players. APRIL 5 North Georgia High School Golf Classic, Achasta GC, Dahlonega APRIL 24-25 Georgia Veterans Golf Course, Cordele MAY 22-23 Callaway Gardens Resort, Pine Mountain Legacy on Lanier (Public/Resort) JUNE 7-8 Georgia PGA Junior Championship, CC of Columbus, Columbus 7000 Holiday Rd., Lake Lanier Islands; 770-318-7861; www.lakelanierislandsgolf.com JUNE 30-7/1 Stone Mountain GC, Stone Mountain STAFF: Brian Conley is the PGA Director of Golf; Ryan Keylon is the Superintendent JULY 7-8 Junior Piney Woods, Glen Arven CC, Thomasville PAR/YARDAGE: Legacy on Lanier is a par 72 with four sets of tees: Black (6,580 yards); JULY 26-27 Governors Towne Club, Acworth Blue (6,193); White (5,706) and Red (4,852). AUG 14-15 Champions Retreat GC, Evans SEPT 18-19 Wilmington Island Club, Savannah COURSE RATING/SLOPE: 72.7/141 (Black); 71.0/137 (Blue); 68.8/130 (White); OCT 9-10 Canongate at Heron Bay, Locust Grove 69.7/128 (Red). OCT 23-24 The Georgia Club, Statham ABOUT THE COURSE: Legacy on Lanier is the third name the course has had in the past DEC 4-5 Tour Championship, Savannah Quarters CC, Savannah two decades and it underwent a recent renovation which included the construction of a Summ er Ser ies completely new hole and the shelving of another. Now the only active course on Lake JUN 28 Atlanta Athletic Club, Johns Creek Lanier Islands (PineIsle is closed awaiting future renovation), Legacy on Lanier retains its JUL 12 Dunwoody Country Club, Dunwoody basic lakeside nature, with water a serious factor on 11 holes and all but a handful playing JUL 19 Capital City Club at Crabapple, Woodstock along or in proximity to the lake. The renovations added about 200 yards to the back tees and 150 to the next set, and many of the holes also feature re-worked bunker patterns that bring the sand much more into play. But it’s the water that remains the overriding concern, with plenty of opportunities to add to the lake’s growing number of submerged golf balls. Seven of the holes along the lake require carries of some significance to remain dry, with some scary tee shots for players of average length or shorter. Two of the par 3s are all carry to the green, but both are manageable at 158 and 177 from the blues. Manageable, yes. Inviting, no. Both require solid, accurate contact, with inaccuracy to the wrong side simi- larly penalized. The new hole is the par-3 10th, which has different angles from different tees to a redan, well-bunkered green. The mix of par 4s include only a handful with much The Georgia PGA Junior Tour is pleased to have the support of the AJGA. They recognize the Georgia PGA Junior Tour as quality competition for junior golfers. The AJGA will provide the Georgia PGA Junior Tour with exemptions into select events. length, but the longest of the group (14) is as daunting a hole as you’ll encounter, with a Each Georgia PGA Junior Tour event will be a ranked event with the Junior Golf Scoreboard second shot that has absolutely no room to miss from long range. Several of the shorter two-shotters begin with intimidating all carry tee shots, with the approaches also Sign up now www.georgiapga.com! including some danger. Several of the inland holes have new looks thanks to the changes in bunkering, which has also enhanced their character. The par-5 sixth also added some new bunkers as well as extra yards which make it a much more formidable challenge.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 30 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 31 THIS YEAR’S BEST GOLF & GAMING GETAWAY!

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32 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010