GEORGIAPGA.COM GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM «« FEBRUARY 2013 Henley hits homer in PGA Tour debut Macon native, ex-Bulldog wins big in Hawaii
By Mike Blum Winning is not exactly an unaccus- “And here I am.” Georgia grad. tomed experience for the 23-year-old “Here” was in the media center after Henley, who vaulted to 50th in the o say the least, Russell Henley. He won back-to-back Georgia winning the Hawaiian Open with a World Rankings, also earned spots into Henley made a rather size- Amateur titles in 2008 and ‘09, matched record-breaking score of 24-under 256, the Players Championship, WGC able splash in his debut event Chris Kirk for most victories in UGA four shots better than the previous low Bridgestone Invitational and PGA on the PGA Tour. history (seven), and collected three titles 72-hole total. His 256 total tied Mark Championship. He will likely be in the THenley, a Macon native and recent in his 31 starts on the Nationwide/ Calcavecchia for third lowest in fields for the other two WGC events in standout on the U. of Georgia golf team, Web.com Tour, the first while he was modern tour history, behind only the U.S. (Match Play Championship accomplished the rare feat of winning a still a member of the UGA golf team. Tommy Armour III (254) and Steve and Doral), and is in position to make PGA Tour event in his first start as a tour Henley came into the tournament as Stricker (255). his first start in the U.S. Open as a pro. member, scoring a beyond impressive perhaps the hottest player in the field Henley finished the tournament in “I’m pretty speechless,” said Henley of victory in the Sony Open in Hawaii. based on his play late in the 2012 style, carding birdies on the final five his reaction to the victory and what it Web.com Tour schedule. In his final holes Sunday to hold off a surging Tim would mean. “I was trying not to think four starts of the season, he finished 6th, Clark, who birdied the last four. Clark about Augusta out there… Just every- 1st, 3rd and 1st, and during practice ended up 2nd, three shots behind thing I could do to psych myself out of for the Hawaiian Open, felt confi- Henley, with Augusta native Charles thinking about winning. It worked.” dent that the momentum he Howell and PGA Tour rookie Scott Henley is also exempt on the PGA built up late in 2012 was still Langley, Henley’s co-star for the week, Tour through the 2015 season, and has with him. tying for 3rd, seven strokes back. an oversized check for $1,008,000 he “I don’t care what happens The victory included a long list of can proudly display. this week or next week,” he perks for Henley, beginning with an The narrow Waialae CC course is not told his caddie shortly before invitation to the 2013 Masters. Henley one of the toughest on the PGA Tour, the start of the tournament. “I feel attended the Masters annually as a but no one has ever taken it apart as like I’m playing great right now, and youngster, and got to play the course a thoroughly as Henley did. I think something good is going to handful of times as a member of the Henley’s scores for the week were happen soon. I feel like I picked up UGA golf team. This year, he’ll be inside 63-63-67-63. His final round right where I left off with the the ropes, playing in front of thousands 63 matched the low score of the day, Web.com season and kind of carried of spectators, some of whom will Russell Henley over my confidence. undoubtedly be woofing for the recent [ See Henley, page 6 ] AL KOOISTRA
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2 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM FEBRUARY 2013 2013 FEBRUARY GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 3 Instruction Fore You
3021 Kalah Place, Marietta, GA 30067 770-933-04GA / 770-953-6638 fax golfforegeorgia.com / [email protected] Send all press releases to: [email protected] PUBLISHER Golf Media, Inc. / John Barrett EDITOR Mike Blum The short game WEBSITE/ FACEBOOK/ SOCIAL MEDIA HYPDMedia, Inc. / Ellen Marsau SOCIAL MEDIA SERVICE & CONTENT Alli Hunt / Ellen Marsau JUNIOR/COLLEGE GOLF NEWS COORDINATOR and the art of scoring Lauren Freeman SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR By Ernie Boshers w Get the ball on the green rolling Abby Bergquist PGA Director Golf as soon as possible Control Specific MARKETING & ADVERTISING The Georgia Trail at Sugarloaf x It must contain imagination, creativity National Sales: Ed Bowen/Bowen Group, Distance in your [email protected] and lots of practice! Local & Corporate Sale: John Barrett/Rick Holt, Very few golfers enjoy practicing the Short Game: [email protected] short game. However, the short game (less Hit shots with several clubs from the same ART DIRECTOR Lori Montgomery than 50-yards) is where the true art of location in order to understand how they FACT: Everyone has an innate ability to CREATIVE SERVICES Catalina Montana “Scoring” is mastered. work and what each one does. judge the amount of power to exert CONTRIBUTORS The best place to start A PGA Teaching Professional or when tossing an object. We can use Ernie Boshers • Jeff Wallach • Bill Carpenter Robert Matre • Steve Dinberg • Al Kooistra improving your short game is a Golf Academy can guide you that innate judgment to control dis- tances of our chips and putts. the belief of its importance to through this and many other GEORGIA SECTION, you. Proper technique and parts of the golf swing that will PGA OF AMERICA OFFICERS practice benefit the best save you strokes. STEP 1: Practice tossing a ball under- President players and most assuredly As with any training in any handed from just off the green – Brian Stubbs, PGA / [email protected] concentrate on specific distance! Vice President help the typical amateurs. Very sport, you must have fun and Mark Mongell, PGA / [email protected] few golfers have the capability your practice should be Notice that a smooth and fluid motion Secretary to hit the ball as far and as productive. Play competitive happens naturally without flipping Brian Albertson, PGA / [email protected] straight as professionals on TV. However, games with a fellow golfer at a practice your wrist or moving your body by Honorary President Patrick Richardson, PGA / [email protected] we all have the capability of hitting an range. Each taking turns trying to get the stepping like bowling. accurate shot from just off the green close closest to a target. How many in a row can CHAPTER PRESIDENTS enough to make the putt. All of us have you get in a 10-foot circle or land a ball STEP 2: From just off the green with a Central Chapter President that capability. We don’t have the tech- into a 5-gallon bucket? Good luck and 7-iron, place the ball slightly back in Mike Baker, PGA, [email protected] your stance and imitate the same East Chapter President nique and haven’t practiced the shot have fun learning and improving this part Josh Williams, PGA / [email protected] motion with your club, as you did with thousands of times, but we have the capa- of your game. North Chapter President bility. Good short game opponents your toss – smooth and fluid, no wrist or Jeff Fraiser, PGA / [email protected] frequently beat superior ball strikers. Ernie Boshers is a veteran PGA instructor, body movement. The club is longer AT- LARGE DIRECTORS The technique to a deft short game is and is the Director of Golf at the Georgia than your arm so therefore less power is needed. This long lever is what you Jeff Dunovant, PGA pretty simple. There are four principles Trail at Sugarloaf, an executive golf [email protected] to follow: facility in Duluth. Boshers can be need to adapt to… Matthew Evans, PGA reached at 678-860-4653 or by [email protected] u The shot should appear effortless, email at: [email protected]. PAR 54-CHALLENGE: Track your score John Godwin, PGA from less than 150 yards. The par is [email protected] smooth and contain no “hit.” Scott Mahr, PGA v Your body must remain motionless now 54 (18 holes x par 3). How many [email protected] (not stiff) as to not add unexpected over par are you for the round vs. for the Michael Raymond, PGA [email protected] power from your wrist, weight shift par 54-challenge? You will probably be surprised. Bob Stevenson, PGA or turning of the body. [email protected] Darin Stinson, PGA [email protected]
SENIOR DIVISION INSIDE THIS ISSUE President Steve Barfoot, PGA / [email protected] FEATURES: DEPARTMENTS: ASSISTANTS’ DIVISION President PGATK Tour schedule change ...... 8 Travel spotlight: Bill Fedder, PGA / [email protected] Executive Director Mike Paull Roberto Castro ...... 10 Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort...... 20 Assistant Executive Director/ Junior Golf Director Scott Gordon College preview ...... 12 Tournament Director Pat Day, PGA Forecast Golf FORE Juniors ...... 21 Operations Manager Eric Wagner Sonny Skinner ...... 14 Junior Golf Manager: Lauren Giesecke Section Assistant Carrie Ann Byrne Gregg Wolff, Tommy Brannen...... 16 Chip Shots ...... 21 FOREGeorgia is produced by Golf Media, Inc. Web.com Tour Georgians...... 18 Copyright ©2010 with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without permission, Web. com Tour changes ...... 19 TK of editorial or graphic content is prohibited. Georgia PGA web site: www.georgiapga.com. 4 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM
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2013 FEBRUARY GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 5 Henley a winner moving fast, and I felt like I couldn’t FedExCup, and is considered perhaps control them. But I’ve been in that situ- the No. 1 putter on the PGA Tour. in rookie debut ation before, just not quite as dramatic.” “I think as I got older in high [ Continued from the cover ] Henley was superb from start to school, the more I played, finish in the tournament. He opened I remember I would just keep with back-to-back scores of 63, hitting hearing from people, ‘Man, highlighted by a 29 on the back nine. all 18 greens in the second round. For he’s good at putting.’ The Henley trailed first round playing the week, he missed only 12 of 72 more I heard that, the more partner Langley by one shot after 18 greens and failed to get up and down it kind of got locked in my holes, led Langley by two after 36 and just twice, notching 26 birdies against mind. Once you get it shared the lead with his fellow rookie only two bogeys. locked in your mind, you going to the final round. As good as Henley’s ball striking was, feel that it’s your strength.” The two rookies, who became friends his putting was even better. He averaged As many highlights as during their stint on the 2010 Palmer saving three strokes per round putting, Henley has enjoyed the past Cup team, played together all four with Langley the only other player who few years, he has also suf- rounds, providing a comfortable pairing even approached that stat for the week. fered through his share of for Henley. Both made their national Henley one-putted seven times on the disappointments. debuts in the same event while in col- back nine Sunday, closing out his round As a junior at Georgia, Henley lege, sharing low amateur honors in the with five straight birdie putts of 44, 12, won the Fred Haskins Award as 2010 U.S. Open. 12, 17 and 8 feet. the country’s top collegiate golfer, AL KOOISTRA Henley and Langley were tied after “That’s pretty good.” Henley said. and was also named Player of the three rounds, but Henley took the lead “Some of the best I’ve ever done under Year by Golfweek. But he struggled for good when he birdied the opening pressure for sure, by far.” for most of his senior season, which hole Sunday and Langley made a Putting well under pressure has been a ended with a loss to Augusta State in Russell Henley displays Stadion nervous bogey. Henley hit what was staple for Henley in his wins, including the NCAA Championship match. Classic trophy from first win likely the shot of the day, an approach a pair of clutch putts on the 72nd hole Henley’s victory on his college home from 204 yards to inside three feet, and to get into playoffs in his two Web.com course in the Stadion Classic at UGA an amateur, and again made the cut in his lead was steady at either two or three victories late last season. was just the second by an amateur on 2011. He made all five cuts in tour strokes throughout the final round. Henley drew comparisons to Brandt the Web.com Tour, and earned him events as an amateur, tying for 34th in Although he didn’t show it, Henley Snedeker – both in appearance and exempt status for the 2012 season, his the Stadion Classic at UGA in his pro admitted, “That’s the most nervous I’ve especially in putting style – not a bad first as a professional. debut in 2010. ever been. I couldn’t feel my legs or my thing considering Snedeker won the Prior to turning pro, Henley com- The first half of Henley’s rookie season arms. They were just numb and just 2012 Tour Championship and peted in a second straight U.S. Open as consisted of missed cuts and middle of the pack finishes, but he was likely the tour’s best player the second half. Henley encountered some early adjustment issues to life as a tour player, but eventu- Georgians start fast in early Tour events ally adapted. With his victory in Hawaii, that won’t Macon’s Russell Henley was not the Howell barely missed scoring his third Champions, also played in Hawaii, and be a problem on the PGA Tour. only Georgia golfer to get his 2013 PGA PGA Tour victory the following week, was T16 in the Humana Challenge. Henley became the first rookie to win Tour season off to a successful start losing a playoff in the Humana Challenge. Harris English, Henley’s UGA team- his PGA Tour debut since 2001, and the in Hawaii. Howell shot a final round 64 at PGA West’s mate, tied for 9th in Hawaii at 266, previous player to do that won a second The 23-year-old Henley was one of five Palmer course, but three-putted the 18th closing with scores of 62-66, the low tier tournament played opposite a Georgians who recorded top 10 finishes, for par, as did eventual winner Brian Gay, final 36 holes in the tournament. English, WGC event. including two other ex-Bulldogs. who won with a birdie on the second a second-year PGA Tour member, is a After spending his first 17 years in Augusta native Charles Howell, who extra hole after he and Howell birdied South Georgia native and part of the Macon and most of the next four in has a history of success in the Hawaiian the par-5 18th in the playoff opener. In large group of tour players living on Athens, Henley is now living in Open, tied for 3rd at 17-under 263 with just two starts, Howell is already over St. Simons Island. Charleston, S.C., following a brief stay four scores of 67 or lower. Howell earned $800,000. Three other ex-Georgia Tech golfers on St. Simons Island, which may have $324,800. Chris Kirk, a member of posted strong showings in the Humana been a little quiet for someone who lists Georgia’s 2005 NCAA Championship Challenge. Kid Rock and the Foo Fighters’ Dave team, tied for 4th in Hawaii at 264, Nicholas Thompson tied for 6th after a Grohl as part of his dream foursome. highlighted by a second round 62. final round 64, two strokes out of the “I like the courses there,” he said. Kirk, who grew up in Woodstock playoff. Duluth’s Stewart Cink had his “Charleston has great food and a great and lives on St. Simons Island, took best tournament since the 2011 season, feel, and lots of live music. It just has all home $204,000. tying for 10th, with Bryce Molder joining the things I like to do.” Matt Kuchar, who played his Kuchar in a tie for 15th. After his win in Hawaii, however, college golf at Georgia Tech and Alpharetta’s Roberto Castro shared Henley may not be spending quite as also lives on St. Simons Island, the lead after 18 and 36 holes and was much time in Charleston this year as joined Kirk in a tie for 4th at 264. tied for 2nd going to the final round he expected, especially the second week Kuchar tied for 9th earlier in the before he fell to 37th after a closing 72. in April.
week in the Tournament of STEVE DINBERG Charles Howell
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2013 FEBRUARY GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 7 8 Nov. 14-17.Afterafive-week break, Match Play Championshipsince2007. has beenplayed oppositethe WGC replaced by anevent inCancun,which dropped offtheschedule.It hasbeen after the2012tournamentandhas Tour since1971,lostitstitlesponsor Oct. 10-13. Frys.com California Open innorthern 2013-14 seasonbeginningwiththe oftheFedExCup,will bepart withthe four inNorth AmericaandtwoinAsia– receive invitationstotheMasters. the FedExCup, andtheirwinnersdidnot Fall Series. Those events were of notpart handful oftournamentscomprisedthe unlike previous years since2007whena conclude withthe Tour Championship, for thefollowing season. the Fall Series andthequalifyingprocess regarding tournamentsthatwere of part will beinitiated,withthebiggestimpacts major changestohow the Tour operates Tour Championshipconcludes,several FedExCup Playoffs beganin2007. 2012, oranyotheryear sincethe essentially benodifferent thanitwasin By MikeBlum F tournament onthePGATour’s 2013-14schedule mid-October toearly November,andwillbethefifth Later date The Mexico tournamentwillbeplayed The Disney ofthePGA Classic,part Beginning inOctober, thoseevents – The 2013PGA Tour schedulewill But weeks beginningafew afterthe PGA Tour scheduleto changeafter thisseason McGladrey Classic Davis Lovehitsshotin2012 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 2013 PGA Tour schedulewill Lake inmid-September, the Championship returns toEast rom now untilthe Tour Tour Championshipwillnowbefinaltournament The McGladreyClassic ismovingfrom Island GC. not helptheMcGladrey ClassicatSea play inthe WGC event, whichwill events. The topplayers are more likelyto HSBC ChampionsinChinanow official nament inMalaysia andthe WGC for twoweeks, withthelimitedfieldtour- annual stopinLas Vegas. will likelyskipboththatevent andthe event, mostofthetour’s “name” players before theseason-openingFrys.com Cup, whichis scheduledfortheweek the FedExCup Playoffs andthePresidents American events lateintheseason. be motivated toplayinthefourNorth unlikely thatthetour’s eliteplayers will now offeringFedExCup points,itis attract thegame’s topplayers. Fall Series events, to whichhave struggled change wastostrengthen thefieldsof schedule.Partnew ofthereason forthe which willbeatadisadvantage from the which tournamentswillbenefitand the calendaryear. not beguninJanuary andendedlatein the firsttimePGA Tour seasonhas opener formore than25years. It willbe Hawaii, which hasbeenthetour’s season the Tournament ofChampionsin the tourwillresume inearlyJanuary with The PGA Tour willthen shifttoAsia Coming offfourevents infive weeks in Even withtheformerFall Series events There hasbeensomediscussionabout Simpson the head-to-headduelbetween in earningsbattledforexempt status,and in whichplayers nearthetop125bubble Championship dramaoftheFall Series, eliminates boththepost-Tour top 125inthepointsstandings. That year contingentonfinishingamongthe tion, withtourstatusforthefollowing list willnolongerbeaseriousconsidera- now oftheFedExCup, part themoney matter how muchtheyenjoy thevenue. pete inatournamentseveral dayslater, no trip backtosoutheastGeorgia tocom- WGC fieldinChinatomakethelengthy but itwillaskingalotofthoseinthe players who willnotbeplayingoverseas, still beapopularstopforPGA Tour did thefirsttwotimesiswasplayed. not drawasmanyprominent players asit to playoverseas, andthetournamentdid bypassed the McGladrey Classiclastyear for theMcGladrey Classic. Tour membersofreturning totheU.S. players who are bothPGAandEuropean and precludes thepossibilityofany concludes theEuropean Tour schedule, tive four-tournament seriesthat tournament inChina. to Nov. 7-10,theweek afterthe WGC during itsthree years ofexistence,moves favorable October dateintheFall Series Brian Harman skipping the Web.com Tour (Georgians jump from mini-tourstothePGA Tour, English ( directly tothePGA Tour from college ofgoing no longerhave theopportunity schedule hasyet tobereleased. to the Web.com Tour, butthedetailsand (yet tobedetermined)foradvancement season ends.(See story, page 19). a 4-tournamentseriesaftertheregular money listandthetop25finishersfrom between thetop25onregular season the Web.com Tour, dividedevenly for the2013-14seasonwillcomefrom year. All50newcomerstothePGA Tour means ofearningstatusforthefollowing Tour istheeliminationofQ-schoolasa ago forthemoneytitle. Dustin Johnson With theentire PGA Tour schedule The well-received tournamentshould St. Simons resident The WGC ofalucra- event isalsopart The McGladrey, whichhashada As aresult ofthechanges,players will There willstillbeaqualifyingprocess The otherbigchangeforthePGA ), aswell asthosewhomakethe and Luke Donald and , Rickie Fowler Will Claxton Matt Kuchar two years , Harris Webb and [ See PGA [ See Tour, page22] Bae school. Koreans make atriptotheU.S.inFall forQ- could remain ontheirhometoursand Europe, South Africa,Australia andAsia the PGA Tour. make itmore difficultforthemtojoin Tour to effort aconcerted isundertaking who canmakethecasethatPGA in qualifyingare internationalplayers, enough tomove upforthePGA Tour. Web.com Tour, andthenplayingwell onqualifyingforthe focus theirefforts and recent Augusta State golfers drama ofQ-schoolalsofall intothe the twobiggestlosersinprocess. players andtalentedyoung Americans the Web.com Tour, withinternational enhance thestature andmarketability of a pathtothePGA Tour wasmadeto intomajorsor WGCentry events. enough World Rankingpointstogain for players from toursthatdon’t offer But thatmethodislargelyoutofreach can playtheirwayontothePGA Tour. Championship runner-up Peter Hanson events, players like money list. the player whofinishes125onthe as muchmoneyinPGA Tour events as bers canqualifyforthetouriftheyearn European Tour. Non-PGA Tour mem- forthetopplayersreserved onthe the sport. if theywanttoplayontheNo. 1 tour in season tocompeteonthe Web.com Tour abandon theirhometoursforanentire international players willhave to that manner. that theywillbeabletoqualifyin last time–barringsomefuture changes– through Q-school,butthatwasthe Fisher former European Ryder Cupper Huh earningRookie ofthe Year honors. enjoyed excellent seasonsin2012,with the PGA Tour viaQ-schoolin2011and Prior tothisyear, players competingin Perhaps mostimpactedby thechange Young Americantourpros willnow Those ofuswhoappreciated the The decisiontoeliminateQ-schoolas By competinginmajorsand WGC There isoneexception, largely The PGA Tour isnow requiring that Two more Korean golfers,aswell as Henrik Norlander and , qualifiedforthe2013PGA Tour Seung-Yul Noh John Huh and 2012PGA Nicolas Colsaerts FEBRUARY 2013 ). all madeitto , Patrick Reed David Lynn Sang-Moon Ross ,
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2013 FEBRUARY GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 9 Castro sets sights higher after solid rookie year and 114 in the two main putting cate- Recent Tech star makes early run in Humana gories, which he says was a product of his first half struggles. Castro ended the year 37th in the all-around category and was By Mike Blum following the third round to earn a spot to make the cut on the number. a very respectable 45th in scoring average in the final group Sunday. “That was the low score of the after- (70.4). fter what he described as But after having just four bogeys on noon,” Castro recalled. “Some of the best After his play in 2012, Castro believes “a really positive” rookie his scorecard the first three days, Castro players in the game shot 72 or 73 or he has the game to be a successful player season on the PGA Tour, suffered four bogeys the final round, higher and talked about how hard it was. on the PGA Tour, and answered any Roberto Castro is looking along with a costly double bogey. Castro Bethpage Black is one of the best questions he may have had prior to his forA a better sophomore showing in 2013. needed six birdies just to finish the day at courses in the world and it was playing rookie season. Castro, who grew up in Alpharetta and even par on a day when the average score brutally firm. “It’s an accomplishment to get to the enjoyed an outstanding career at Georgia was right around 67. “To shoot 67 that day was huge for tour. You get to find out how you stack Tech both on the golf course and in the Castro plummeted down the leader me. I thought ‘I can do this.’ It was a fun up. Now I know that my good golf is as classroom, retained his playing privileges board, falling all the way into a tie for experience.” good as a lot of people’s good golf. on the PGA Tour by finishing 118th on 37th. A 68 would have given Castro a Castro followed with a solid weekend “But you’re only as good as your next the 2012 money list. top 10 finish and a six-figure check, showing to notch a top-25 finish and round.” but he shot 72 on a day when only move on to the Deutsche Bank Castro says he plans “no big changes” three of 81 players failed to shoot par Championship, where he played in his game for the 2013 season, or better. respectably but did not quite advance to and hopes “to try and keep the The experience of contending on the the third Playoffs event. momentum from the second half with weekend was a first for Castro in his brief Coming into the Fall Series, Castro my putting.” stay on the PGA Tour, but it was some- appeared to be in excellent position to After a season in which every tourna- thing he was accustomed to from his retain his tour card, but wasn’t entirely ment in which he competed was a new “Now I know that my good golf is as good as a lot of people’s good golf” —Roberto Castro
college and pre-PGA Tour days. certain of his situation. experience, Castro hopes to have the Following an excellent college “I had never watched the money list chance to explore some of the cities in career at Georgia Tech, a successful before and didn’t know to react or how which the tour plays a little more thor- mini-tour stint and a productive year- much it would take. I just wanted to play oughly. and-a-half on the Nationwide Tour, well in the Fall Series and end on a posi- “I love to travel, and we visit a lot of Castro felt he was ready for the PGA tive note. It helped having a cushion. I good spots,” Castro said. “I was surprised Roberto Castro Tour when he joined it last year. thought I needed to have a good Fall, but by how individual each tournament is.” Castro made his first four cuts I would have been fine even if I played Overall, Castro said he encountered on the West Coast, turned in a string of bad all the way through.” “no big surprises,” with life on tour. “I For the most part, it was a stress-free solid showings throughout the year, and Apart from a poor final round in Las played the Nationwide Tour and at Tech, rookie season for Castro, who played came up with a clutch effort or two when Vegas – his only one of the year – Castro so I’ve been around it. I was not com- steady golf from the outset and was never needed to keep his positive rookie cam- played solidly in the four Fall events and pletely blindsided. “ in serious danger of finishing outside the paign going. wound up with $755,000 for the season, What Castro did take note of was “a top 125 over the closing months of the A tie for 7th in the Greenbrier Classic, plus $80,000 in bonus money for fin- million small decisions” required of the season. his best finish of the year, earned Castro ishing 77th in the final FedExCup traveling tour pro. “The small things add “I got in the mix at the very beginning a spot in the FedExCup Playoffs, and he rankings. up, and experience is huge. There’s just and made a few cuts on the West Coast,” made it to the second of three Playoff In assessing the level of his play as a so much to know.” Castro said a few days before beginning events with a memorable effort on one of PGA Tour rookie, Castro says he “played Castro now knows which cities and his 2013 season in Hawaii. golf’s most public stages. nice all year. I was consistent with my events he wants to return to, and will “There were a few rough patches here “The Playoffs were big for me,” Castro ball striking and it was a tale of two have to alter his schedule a bit to include and there and I thought I was capable of said. “I had missed my last three cuts in halves with my putting. some of the tournaments he was unable a year better than that. But I kept my a row and shot 76 the first day at “The first half I didn’t make anything, to get into last year, the entire Florida card, so it was a successful season.” Bethpage. but I hit the ball well enough to make swing among that group. Castro, who says he is “not a big goal- Castro knew he needed a big turn- cuts. The second half I putted much Last year, Castro played pretty much setter,” did not have any particular around the next day or he was headed better and played a lot of weekends. I every event for which he was eligible, benchmarks in mind when began his home for a month-long break. He might have finished 40th or 50th, but I making 27 starts. He missed many of the rookie season, viewing the process as responded with “probably my best round got four rounds.” PGA Tour’s top events, but will get into more of a “week to week thing.” of the year.” Castro’s stats were better than his final several of them this season, including the After missing the cut in Hawaii by one Playing under some extremely chal- standing on the money list. He drove it Players Championship. stroke, Castro was a prominent figure in lenging conditions in the afternoon, well (22nd in fairways hit, 18th in total “That definitely helps. But I proved the Humana Challenge, for three days at Castro carded a 4-under 67, highlighted driving) and was just as good with his last season, you can miss a lot of least. He shared the lead after the first by an eagle on the front nine and a hole- iron play (19th in greens in regulation, tournaments and still have a successful and second rounds, and was tied for 2nd in-one on the par-3 14th, enabling him 12th in ball striking). He wound up 84 season.”
10 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM FEBRUARY 2013 2013 FEBRUARY GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 11 Georgia to host NCAA Championships;
By Mike Blum bounced back in the NCAA Preview at as an individual, was 8th in the MATREROB Capital City Crabapple, sharing the title Brickyard, with a 3rd place finish he 2013 college golf season with California, which won its other four by sophomore Nicholas Reach will culminate in Georgia, Fall events outright. After taking second one of five top-10 finishes by with the men’s and women’s behind Georgia at the Brickyard Bulldog golfers. Division 1 championships Collegiate in Macon, Tech closed out the Sepp Straka, Sam’s twin brother, bothT being played in the state. Fall with a dramatic one-stroke victory in and Augusta junior Brian Carter The men will play at Capital City the U.S. Collegiate Championship at also made Fall starts for the Club’s Crabapple Course May 28-June 2, GC of Georgia. Bulldogs, who open their Spring with one of six regional qualifiers set for Tech was led by Powder Springs soph- season in Puerto Rico and Las the UGA GC in Athens May 16-18. The omore Ollie Schniederjans, who was Vegas. The Bulldogs follow UGA course will also host the Division 1 5th and 7th in the team’s final two starts, with three in-state events (Linger women’s championship May 21-24, the and provided clutch finishes in the two Longer, March 23-24; Augusta third of three major golf events at the victories. Woodstock sophomore Anders State Invitational, April 6-7; course in May. Albertson and Duluth junior Seth SEC Championship at Sea Island Reeves both played GC, April 19-21), and will host an well in two of NCAA Regional. 2013 COLLEGE Preview Tech’s four Fall Georgia Southern scored back- Ollie Schniederjans starts, with Reeves to-back wins at Berkeley Hills and
tying for 2nd in the an event on North Carolina’s UGA The Web.com Tour Stadion Classic NCAA Preview. Outer Bank, but began and ended will be played at the UGA course May Acworth freshman Michael Hines the Fall with finishes of 11th 2-5, making for an extremely hectic made three Fall starts and contributed and 7th. month for the club’s management and with three finishes between 27th and The Eagles got a huge Fall from employees. 31st. Junior Bo Andrews added a pair of St. Simons sophomore Scott Georgia is one of two men’s teams top 10s, and is part of a deep squad that Wolfes, who shared medalist from the state with serious hopes of will provide Tech coach Bruce Heppler honors at Kiawah Island and in taking home a national championship, plenty of options as the Jackets pursue a the Outer Banks events, tied for joining long-time challenger Georgia long-sought NCAA title. 2nd at Berkeley Hills and added Tech, which shared the title at the Tech’s Spring schedule begins with a fourth top 10. NCAA Fall Preview played at the stops in Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The LaGrange sophomore Charlie Crabapple course. Linger Longer Invitational at Reynolds Martin added a pair of top 5s The Bulldogs won national titles in Plantation March 23-24 is the team’s and a T11 in the win at Berkeley 1999 and 2005, and nearly added a third lone in-state appearance after playing all Hills, with Hayden Anderson in 2011, but were denied by Augusta four Fall events in Georgia. contributing two top 10s. T.J. Mitchell State, which repeated its surprise cham- Georgia was a solid 2nd in the Carpet McDonough junior Will Evans pionship from 2010. Capital and won the Brickyard was 10th at Berkeley Hills and After losing their coach and entire Collegiate decisively over Tech, but did closed the Fall with a T13 in starting lineup from the 2011 title team, not play particularly well in either the Hawaii to lead the Eagles in that event. the Jaguars are no longer championship NCAA Preview or the event at Duluth’s The Eagles also have plenty of with an individual title in the Pinetree contenders, with Georgia Southern Berkeley Hills. competition for spots in the lineup, tournament, his third top-5 finish in his emerging in the Fall as the most likely of Albany senior T.J. Mitchell has with Alpharetta sophomore Matt last four starts. Beck also tied for 5th at the state’s traditionally lower tier teams emerged as the Bulldogs’ No. 1 player, Mierzejewski and redshirt freshmen Shoal Creek in Birmingham and shared to make some noise at a national level. tying for 2nd at The Farm and taking 6th Henry Mabbett of Griffin and Caleb runner-up honors at Daufuskie Island. The UGA women’s team has been a at the Brickyard. His tie for 26th at Morris of Metter also seeing action Beck is the state’s highest rated player consistent force at the national level since Capital City Crabapple was the team’s during the Fall. in Golfweek’s rankings at 23rd, just the 1980s, but has struggled the past few best in the NCAA Preview. Georgia Southern will not stray too far ahead of Georgia’s T.J. Mitchell(27) and seasons, last qualifying for nationals in The Bulldogs also got a big lift from from Statesboro during its Spring Tech’s Schniederjans (34). Georgia 2009. Georgia hosted the NCAA Clarkesville freshman Lee McCoy, who schedule, with stops in Florida, South Southern’s Wolfes is 52. Women’s Championship in 1993 and tied for 8th in the Carpet Capital and Carolina and Alabama. The Eagles Duluth senior Ben Greene turned in a won a national title in 2001, but it will 4th at the Brickyard. host the annual Schenkel Invitational strong 6th place showing in the Owls’ be an accomplishment for this year’s Like Georgia Tech, the Bulldogs have a March 15-17. Fall Opener at The Farm and closed with squad just to earn the right to play on its number of players competing for playing After placing between 7th and 10th is a 2nd place finish at Pinetree. Calhoun home course for a championship. time, which was evident in the team’s their first four Fall starts, Kennesaw senior Sam Curtis was 3rd at Pinetree Georgia Tech shook off a stumbling victory in Macon. Sam Straka, a sopho- State picked up a win in its season- and Evans sophomore Austin Vick tied start in its Fall opener, winning twice more from Valdosta, did not crack the ending home event at Pinetree CC, for 8th, with Columbus junior Jonathan against strong fields and placing 2nd in starting lineup that week, but wound up finishing a whopping 24 strokes ahead of Klotz also turning in some solid Fall its final three starts of 2012. sharing medalist honors, competing as the runner-up team. showings. The Yellow Jackets were a distant 11th an individual. Jimmy Beck, a sophomore from After opening their Spring schedule in in the Carpet Capital at The Farm, but Junior Keith Mitchell, also competing Columbus, capped a strong Fall season Arizona, the Owls stick to the Southeast
12 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM FEBRUARY 2013
Tech, UGA hope to challenge for title ERI SOUTHERN GEORGIA
Scott Wolfes debut for Georgia State, fin- event in Colorado, with junior Hans Fall Preview on the UGA course, under ishing as low individual in the Reimer chipping in with consecutive new head coach Josh Brewer, formerly Panthers’ season opener in top-20s in the final two Fall an assistant at Southern Cal. Nashville and sharing medalist tournaments. The Bulldogs are led by Hoschton honors on the Brickyard Eatonton sophomore Trey Rule tied senior Emilie Burger, one of the Collegiate. Grey closed out the for 11th at Berkeley Hills for his best country’s top-ranked players. Burger was Spring with finishes of 11th and finish of the Fall, with Macon senior the tournament medalist in an event 19th, and is ranked among the Thomas Holmes in the lineup in three hosted by Vanderbilt, and placed 14th, top 50 by Golfweek (46th). of the team’s four Fall tournaments. 10th and 12th in the team’s other three The highlight of the Fall for The Bears open their Spring schedule Fall starts. the Georgia State team was a with three straight events in Florida The only other Georgia golfer to post runner-up finish in the team’s before playing in the Linger Longer a top-20 finish was freshman Manuela home event at Berkeley Hills Invitational at Reynolds Plantation. Carbajo Re of Argentina, who was 10th behind Georgia Southern. They will join Kennesaw State in and 12th in two of her three Fall starts. Sophomore Damon Stephenson of the Atlantic Sun Championship at Freshman Kelly Walsh and sopho- Australia was 5th in the tourna- Chateau Elan. mores Collins Bradshaw and Spain’s
KENNESAW STATE ment, with Grey, Gainesville Augusta State won back-to-back Rocio Sanchez Lobato round out a junior Grant Cagle and Griffin national championships in 2010 and ‘11, young lineup, with Lobato the only one sophomore Davin White tying but things haven’t gone that well for the of the trio to finish higher than 30th in a for 11th. Jaguars the past two seasons. In five Fall Fall tournament. White and Alpharetta junior starts, the team’s best showing was a tie The annual Liz Murphey event at the Tyler Gruca had some solid Fall for 7th in the Brickyard Collegiate. UGA course will not be played this showings, with junior transfer Three different Augusta golfers Spring, with last Fall’s NCAA Preview Kevin Lee of Dacula in the notched one top-10 finish, with taking its place. lineup for the team’s first two Alpharetta senior Derek Chang tying for appearances. 6th at Isleworth. Chang, Alex The Panthers have a busy Wennstrom and Evans sophomore Spring schedule, most of which Cody Shafer were the team’s steadiest will be played in Florida and players in the Fall, with Chang and 2013 NCAA schedule South Carolina. The Sun Belt Schafer the only American players on the in Georgia Conference tournament is 7-man roster. scheduled April 22-24 in The Jaguars have just four events on Muscle Shoals, Ala. their Spring schedule, including the Jimmy Beck May 16-18: Mercer was 5th, 6th and 3rd event they host at Forest Hills the Men’s regionals, UGA GC in its last three Fall starts, with weekend before the Masters. the Bears best showing at The Georgia women will have a May 21-24: Berkeley Hills. James Beale, a junior chance to play in the national champi- Women’s Championship, the rest of the way, including the Linger from New Zealand, was the team’s top onship on the team’s home course, but UGA GC Longer event at Reynolds Plantation and finisher at the final two events in Macon the Bulldogs will have to qualify first, the Atlantic Sun Championship at and Duluth with back-to-back ties something they were unable to do the May 28-June 2: Chateau Elan April 16-18. for 8th. last three years. Men’s Championship, Jonathan Grey, a freshman from Valdosta senior John Gregory Joseph Georgia had a pair of ties for 5th in the Capital City Crabapple England, made an extremely impressive was 9th in the team’s tie for 5th in an Fall, one of which came in the NCAA
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2013 FEBRUARY GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 13 Skinner wins third straight national honor
Virginia the following year, when he fin- Earns PGA Senior Player of the Year award ished 11th on the money list for his career best showing. In four seasons on the PGA Tour By Mike Blum taking 2nd among club pros in the at Sea Island GC, and had several other between 1990 and ‘98, Skinner enjoyed Senior PGA; winning the Georgia PGA strong showings in Section events, minimal success, with his highlight eteran Georgia PGA Section Championship and placing 2nd including a tie for 4th in the Georgia coming in the 1997 Buick Open, when member Sonny Skinner in the points standings; playing well in PGA qualifier for the national club pro- he opened with a 62 at Warwick Hills to captured his third straight several PGA Winter Series events; and fessional championship. take the lead and tie the course record. PGA Player of the Year title adding some points in appearances on Skinner has twice finished second in Skinner was always among the shorter andV fourth in five years in 2012, the Champions Tour. the PGA PNC – at Reynolds Plantation hitters on tour, but said that wasn’t his again claiming Senior Player of the “I’m not winning as much as I want on Lake Oconee in 2008 and in French primary obstacle. Year honors. to, but I played pretty decent,” said Lick, Ind., in 2010, shortly before “I was never a good putter,” Skinner Skinner, who represents River Pointe Skinner, who has been a steady per- turning 50. He qualified for the 2012 admits. “That was more of a drawback GC in Albany, has been the PGA’s former throughout his career, including PNC, but yielded his spot to Bill than distance. Managing my game was national Senior Player of the Year each four years on the PGA Tour, 10 full sea- Murchison, who was first alternate from my strength, but I never did improve as year since turning 50 in 2010, and was sons on what is now the Web.com Tour the Georgia PGA’s qualifier. a putter.” the organization’s Player of the Year and some limited play on the Murchison finished in the top 10 at Skinner remained a competitive player in 2008. Champions Tour since 2010. the PNC to qualify for last year’s PGA through 2004, but struggled in limited “That’s pretty neat,” Skinner said Skinner has made 13 starts on the Championship at Kiawah Island, giving starts on the Nationwide Tour in ‘05, recently while driving back to his home Champions Tour, including back-to- Skinner extra satisfaction from his deci- and has not played full time as a tour in Sylvester from a stretch of competi- back solid showings in the Senior PGA sion. He also was the recipient of much player since. He enjoyed a bit of a last tion in the PGA’s Winter Series in South Championship, and will compete in the appreciation from Murchison, who went hoorah in 2008, earning a spot in the Florida. “I guess that means I didn’t play Senior PGA again this year. His best on to reach the finals of PGA Tour qual- Nationwide Tour event in Athens and too bad compared to my peers.” finish came in his first Champions Tour ifying and gain limited status on the recording a top-20 finish to get him into After spending most of his golfing start, a tie for 20th in the SAS Web.com Tour as a result. nine more events that year. career as a full time tour player, Skinner Championship in Raleigh, N.C. Skinner was rewarded for his actions, Most of Skinner’s tournament appear- has remained an active tournament par- Most of Skinner’s Champions Tour as he got into the Champions Tour event ances in recent years have come in ticipant in recent years, splitting his starts came last year after he tied for 6th in Montreal the week the PGA PNC was Georgia PGA events, divided among playing time between tour and PGA in the finals of qualifying in 2011. He played. He and Murchison will both be senior and regular Section events. He has events. His busy tournament schedule tied for 35th in the qualifying late in in the field for this year’s PNC in been a consistently successful performer has played a role in his Player of the Year 2012, but will be able to get into Oregon, with both hoping for top 20 in the Georgia PGA since 2006, racking honors, with the quality of his play com- Monday qualifiers for Champions Tour finishes and spots in the 2013 PGA up one top finish after another. bining with the quantity of competitive events this year, and plans to compete Championship. During that span, Skinner has just appearances enabling him to pile up in some of the qualifiers relatively close Thanks to his two runner-up finishes four wins in Section points events – the points in a variety of categories. to home. in the PNC, Skinner competed in the Match Play Championship in 2006, the Skinner has been one of the top Skinner is looking forward to getting PGA Championship in 2008 at Oakland Section Championship in 2009 and ‘12 players in the Georgia PGA Section since the chance to qualify for the new Hills outside Detroit and in 2010 at and last year’s Georgia Senior Open. But he began playing a full Section schedule Champions Tour event at TPC Whistling Straits in Wisconsin. After he has a long list of top-5 finishes, in 2006. He won Player of the Year Sugarloaf, where he made the cut in 15 years as a full-time tour player, those including close calls in the other two honors that year and has finished lower 2006 and qualified for the PGA Tour are the only two majors Skinner Georgia PGA majors – the Georgia than 4th just once since, placing 2nd for event again the next year. He also hopes competed in prior to his two appearances Open and Atlanta Open. a third time this year behind fellow to qualify for the U.S. Senior Open for in the Senior PGA Skinner started his 2012 season last senior Craig Stevens. the first time, and says he “would love to Championship. month in PGA Winter Series events, While Stevens was the Georgia PGA’s try to qualify for the Senior British. Skinner won twice taking 2nd in the Senior Stroke Play Player of the Year ahead of Skinner in Hopefully I’ll get that chance before my on what was then and tying for 2nd along with fellow 2012, Skinner was 1st ahead of Stevens career is over.” known as the Nike Georgia PGA member Stevens in the in the Senior Player of the Year stand- Although he turns 53 this Summer, Tour – in Shreveport Senior-Junior Team Championship, two ings, winning the Georgia Senior Open Skinner is still competitive against his in 1993 and in shots behind the winning duo. and placing 2nd behind Stevens in the under-50 compatriots, especially at the According to Skinner, an Georgia PGA Senior Championship. club professional level. He won his equipment switch to Taylor Skinner earned national honors by fin- second Georgia PGA Championship Made has given him a ishing 3rd in the Senior PGA title last year few more yards off the Professional National Championship; Sonny Skinner tee. But if he was given a choice, he would likely prefer to watch a few more putts “I’m not winning as much as I want drop in the cup. to, but I played pretty decent” PGA OF AMERICA
—Sonny Skinner on his play in 2012 © 2008
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2013 FEBRUARY GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 15 Wolff, Brannen still competitive as seniors Among over-50 group to qualify for PGA PNC
By Mike Blum Also like Wolff, this will be Brannen’s 10th appearance in the PGA PNC, and he Georgia PGA will send he says that was a goal of his coming into nine players to the national the qualifier. Brannen already has a busy club professional champi- stretch of golf coming up in the Spring, as onship in Oregon this June. he will also be playing in the Senior PGA FourT of them are over the age of 50, three Championship in St. Louis in May, one of whom competed in last year’s PGA month prior to the PGA PNC. Senior club pro championship. This will be Brannen’s second start in On the PGA Tour, once players the Senior PGA to go along with three approach their mid 40s, the level of their appearances in the U.S. Senior Open. play begins to slip, with a handful of Brannen also played in the PGA exceptions. By the time they reach 50, Championship twice, tying for 38th at just about every PGA Tour player of con- Gregg Wolff Tommy Brannen Oak Tree in 1988, the best finish by a sequence is ready to transition to the Georgia PGA member in that event Champions Tour. in decades. Things are a little different among the But after completing the Georgia PGA Wolff still enjoys competing against Trying to qualify for the two senior country’s club professionals. The top Grand Slam (Georgia Open, Section younger players, but realizes he is at a dis- majors are at the top of Brannen’s to-do players in the various PGA Sections Championship, Atlanta Open, Match advantage. When playing in the Georgia list, and he has to go through two dif- around the country remain very compet- Play Championship) in ‘91, Wolff scaled Open, which also includes some of the ferent but comparable groups to achieve itive beyond their 50th birthdays, and back his tournament schedule and com- state’s top mini-tour players, Wolff that aim. Brannen has to compete against Georgia is one of the prime examples. petitive efforts. He won just once more in admits the youngsters “hit it so much far- Georgia’s strong group of club pros to The top two players in the Georgia the Section, taking his second Match Play ther” than he did when he was at the top make it to the Senior PNC and a shot at PGA’s Player of the Year standings for title at the age of 50 in 2003, 20 years of his game. the Senior PGA, and usually heads east to 2012 are both seniors. A third senior fin- after he scored his first Georgia PGA vic- “These kids are hitting it 30 or 40 the Carolinas for U.S. Senior Open qual- ished in the top 10. tory in that event. yards by me. I’m playing a par 72 and ifying and an equally competitive group Craig Stevens and Sonny Skinner Wolff has been a relatively infrequent they’re playing a par 68. My short game of club pros from that Section. were 1-2 in the points standings and competitor at the senior level over the has to be in really good shape to give Brannen took a shot as a tour player were among the Section’s leading quali- past decade, with his lone title the 2005 myself a chance to birdie the par fives.” early in his career and had some success fiers for the 2013 PGA Professional Georgia PGA Senior Championship. The Wolff admits his competitive desire in qualifiers prior to the final stage. But National Championship, which is sched- combination of expanded duties at his waned after winning the 1991 Georgia he could not get over the last hurdle and uled for June 23-26 in Oregon. They will club and family considerations have lim- Open to give him a career Grand Slam in returned to a career he has thrived in, be joined in the PGA PNC by Gregg ited his playing opportunities, but Wolff the Section. attaining the rare status of a Master Wolff and Tommy Brannen, who will still has enough game at the age of 60 to “That was my goal,” he said. “I kind of Professional. be making their 10th career appearances. hang with his younger competitors. semi-retired after that.” “I’ve always been a club pro, but I hung It’s been a while for both Brannen and In last Fall’s Georgia PGA PNC quali- Wolff made a few trips to the national around really good players and I learned a Wolff since their last PNC starts. fier, Wolff closed with a 4-under 68 at the club pro championship in succeeding lot from those guys. They do it every day, Brannen, the head professional at Standard Club to tie Brannen and two years, and is glad to get one more shot at and that’s what separates them from guys Augusta CC, last played in 2008. Wolff, others for 6th place and earn a spot in this competing at that level. like me and Gregg. I never quite got the head pro at Willow Lake in Metter, year’s PNC. Weather forced the 36-hole “It meant the world to me to finish to that next level, but I just love has not played at nationals since 2006. event to be played over one day, and high enough to qualify. To go 36 holes in playing golf.” Skinner will be making his fifth PNC Wolff matched the second lowest score of one day and to shoot 68 the last round, Brannen, who was the Director of start since becoming eligible in 2006, the afternoon round, one shot back of that was one of the most gratifying things Instruction at Atlanta Athletic Club while Stevens has been a frequent com- a 67 posted by 28-year-old Bill that has happened to me. before becoming Augusta CC’s head pro, petitor at nationals, making his 15th Murchison, who was exempt into the “I’ve got one more time to do this and enjoys the varied aspects of being a club appearance this year. PNC prior to the qualifier. I’m really going to be trying hard.” professional, from playing with members Wolff is the veteran of the group, “I’m very, very excited to have this Brannen has won three of the Georgia to his respected work as a teacher. recently celebrating his 60th birthday. opportunity,” Wolff said, adding that it PGA’s majors, taking the Match Play title Sometimes, the competitive aspect of the He was the Georgia Section’s dominant will likely result in his “playing a little in 1981 and ‘87, the Atlanta Open in ‘85 game takes a back seat to his other duties, player for most of the 1980s, winning more golf this year. I’ve got other respon- and the Section Championship in ‘93. but Brannen has managed to maintain Player of the Year honors seven times in sibilities at Willow Lake, but I’m going to He also won the Griffin Classic in ‘96 his game at a sufficiently high level over an eight-year span from 1984-91. try and better manage my time.” and took the Georgia PGA Senior the past few decades to continue to give Championship title in his first attempt himself opportunities to play in high pro- in 2007. file events. 10th time in PNC Both Gregg Wolf and Tommy Like Wolff, Brannen has to juggle the “I like to compete. I never quite got to duties of being the head professional at a the next level, unfortunately. I’m 55, but Brannen will be playing in the PGA PNC for club with his playing opportunities, I can still do better.” the 10th time this year which he considers “my hobby. My pas- sion is playing in golf tournaments.”
16 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM FEBRUARY 2013 2013 FEBRUARY A TRULYUNIQUE TRU UL LY Y U
GOLF NIQU GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM UE 17 Georgians remain big part of Web.com Tour Swafford, Claxton return after solid seasons
Scott Dunlap By Mike Blum the 72nd hole to win the Stadion Classic at UGA, the second Paul Claxton ive players with Georgia ties straight year a current or recent
were among the top 25 finishers member of the Bulldogs’ golf AL KOOISTA on the 2012 Web.com Tour team won the event. But a tie for money list, and will play on the 4th in Omaha was his only other PGAF Tour this year. top-15 finish as a rookie, and he While those five are moving up, a gradually slipped down the money larger number of 2012 PGA Tour mem- list. He ended the year 27th in bers who were part of the tour’s sizeable earnings, less than $2,800 short of Georgia contingent last year have lost earning a PGA Tour card. their exempt status and may be forced to Veteran Paul Claxton was also in spend some time on the Web.com Tour the top 25 for most of the season, this year, as their PGA Tour playing placing 3rd and T2 in two of his first opportunities will be limited. four starts before failing to record a Veterans Heath Slocum, Vaughn top 20 finish in his last 16 tourna- Taylor and Ryuji Imada, who have six ments. Since 1995, Claxton has wins in a combined 28 seasons on the played 14 seasons on the Web.com PGA Tour, all lost their exempt status Tour and four on the PGA Tour, and and will have to play split schedules enters 2013 as the No. 2 career money Richard Scott, one of four this season. leader on the Web.com Tour. The members of Georgia’s 2005 Both Slocum (Alpharetta resident) and 45-year-old former Georgia Bulldog is a NCAA Championship team who
Taylor (Augusta native and resident) fin- native of Vidalia and long time St. plays on either the PGA or AL KOOISTRA ished in the top 150 on the money list to Simons Island resident, and has been a Web.com Tour, enjoyed a solid retain partial status, but Imada (member steady performer throughout his rookie season in 2012, placing 53rd on of UGA’s 1999 national championship Web.com career, but was never able to he money list. He tied for 4th in Valdosta early in the season his strongest showing. team) plummeted to 181st in earnings retain his PGA Tour status after any of and ran off three straight top 10s Dunlap is back on the Web.com Tour and may not get more than a handful of his four seasons there. midway through the season, but strug- full time after playing primarily on the starts as a past champion. Augusta’s Scott Parel has played on gled the entire second half. Scott, a PGA Tour last year. This will be Dunlap’s Augusta’s Scott Brown and ex-Bulldog the Web.com Tour every year since 2003, Canadian native, is a St. Simons Island 11th straight season on the Web.com Brendon Todd finished 148 and 150 and the 2012 season was his most suc- resident. Tour after playing on the PGA Tour respectively on the PGA Tour money list, cessful. He led the tour in cuts made (20 After playing on the PGA Tour from from 1996-2002. He returned to the and will spend most of their time this of 26), but managed just three top-20 2009-11, former Georgia Southern PGA Tour last year and enjoyed little year on the Web.com Tour, where both finishes, including a near miss in his golfer Aron Price was back on the success for most of the season before a played in 2011. Also returning to the attempt to score his first ever victory. Web.com Tour last year, and will play late string of solid starts enabled him to Web.com Tour is Kevin Kisner, Todd’s Parel, 47, graduated from Georgia but there again in 2013 after finishing 63rd finish 182nd on the money list to retain teammate on Georgia’s 2005 NCAA did not play on the golf team, working as in earnings. Price, who played on the Web.com status for this year, Dunlap championship squad, and veteran Scott a computer programmer for 10 years tour from 2006-08, made 16 of 25 cuts also enjoyed a strong finish in Web.com Dunlap (Duluth resident), who turns 50 before becoming a tour player. He lost in with eight top-25 finishes, but cracked events, tying for 6th in Knoxville and 5th this Summer. Both finished outside the a playoff in Raleigh, but that was his only the top 10 just once. in Charlotte. top 150 on the PGA Tour money list top 10 for the year, and Parel ended up Tour veteran Reid Edstrom was a Kisner was 11th in earnings in his last year. 35th on the money list. Web.com Tour member for just the rookie season on the Web.com Tour in Five Georgia collegians – four of Former Georgia Tech golfer Matt second time last year, and played 2010, but was unable to crack the top whom spent their late teens and early 20s Weibring finished 44th in earnings respectably, placing 70th on the money 150 on the PGA Tour either of the last in Athens – remain exempt on the thanks to a four-tournament stretch in list. Edstrom, 38, who grew up in two seasons and is back on the Web.com Web.com Tour after finishing between which he placed 4th, 10th, 2nd and Norcross, recorded six top-20 finishes, Tour, where he played well in his only 27th and 53rd in earnings in 2012. 13th. Weibring has played primarily on with his best showing a tie for 8th in the two starts in 2012. He was 167 on the Hudson Swafford scored one of the the Web.com Tour since 2003 – winning tour’s Washington, D.C., stop. PGA Tour money list last year, gaining most memorable wins on the 2012 once in 2008 – along with a three-year In his second Web.com Tour season, 14 spots from his ‘11 finish. Web.com Tour, holing a bunker shot on stretch on the PGA Tour from 2009-11. recent Clayton State golfer Will Wilcox Todd also enjoyed early success on the fell from 36th on the money list to 73rd, Web.com Tour, placing 19th on the finishing in the top 10 twice but missing money list in his rookie season of 2008 13 of 23 cuts. to quickly earn PGA Tour status. After 11 in a row: Scott Dunlap, who played a split Albany’s Josh Broadaway has spent going a season-and-a-half without eight years on the Web.com Tour, making a cut on the PGA or Web.com PGA Tour/Web.com schedule last year, will be making runs at top-25 finishes on the Tours in 2009 and ‘10, Todd closed out playing his 11th straight season on the money list in 2008 and ‘11, when he the 2011 season by finishing 1st in the Web.com Tour in 2013 ended up 28th. Broadaway dropped to finals of PGA Tour qualifying. He started 75th last year, with a 9th place finish successfully on the PGA Tour last year
18 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM FEBRUARY 2013 with three top-15 finishes in his first eight starts, but was outside the top 40 in all but one start the rest of the way and placed 150th in earnings, giving him Plenty of changes on Web.com Tour very limited status on the PGA Tour this year. After a mostly quiet decade as the To accommodate the changes to the schedule this year, with the South Georgia Brown was just ahead of him at 148 in Nationwide Tour, a lot has changed in just PGA Tour schedule and Q-school, the Classic scheduled for April 25-28 at his rookie season, notching three finishes a matter of months on what is now the Web.com Tour season has been shortened Kinderlou Forest in Valdosta and the of 7th or better, but also missing 16 of 24 Web.com Tour. by about a month. There will be 21 regular Stadion Classic at UGA set for the May 2-5. cuts. A tie for 20th in the McGladrey After taking over as the tour’s title season events and four tournaments com- The regular season ends Aug. 25 in Classic was his only other appearance in sponsor midway through the 2012 prising the Tour Finals which will Omaha, with the first of four Finals events the top 40. Brown was 8th in earnings in season, Web.com has been more than just determine the ranking of the 50 players beginning the following week in Ft. his second season on the Web.com Tour part of a name change for the PGA Tour’s who will move on to the 2013-14 PGA Wayne, Ind. The Finals include tourna- in 2011 thanks to five top-3 finishes, and version of MLB’s Class AAA. Tour, which will begin 10 days later. ments in Charlotte and Columbus, Ohio, was the eGolf Tour Player of the Year in With a major alteration to the PGA The 2013 Web.com Tour begins Feb. 21 before the Web.com Championship Sept. 2009 before moving up to the Web.com Tour’s annual qualifying tournament in Panama, and includes early season 26-29 in the PGA Tour headquarters Tour the following year. known as Q-school, the Web.com Tour is stops in Colombia and Chile before the hometown of Ponte Vedra, Fla. After winning in Valdosta as a rookie now the only vehicle to reach the PGA first U.S. event in Louisiana March 21-24. All four Finals events will feature full in 2007, LaFayette’s John Kimbell was Tour, and has added a late-season series of After a new event in Brazil, the tour plays fields of approximately 150 players, with better than 90th on the money list events that mirror the FedExCup Playoffs Masters week in Midland, Tex., one of two – including the Tour Championship – just twice in the next five years, and and essentially replaces the finals of Q- seven tour stops that have been played being played during weeks the PGA Tour was a career-low 136 last year, making school. under all five title sponsors dating back to has no conflicting tournaments. just six of 22 cuts with a T20 his best The top 25 finishers on the money list the Hogan Tour in the early 1990s. showing. will still earn spots on the PGA Tour the fol- Both Georgia events return to the Six Georgians earned spots on the lowing year. The top 25 spots formerly Web.com Tour after reaching the finals available from the finals of Q-school will of Q-school, but two finished well down now go to the top 25 from a four-tourna- the list at finals and will have very lim- ment series matching the top 75 players ited status for 2013. from the Web.com Tour and those who Recent Georgia Tech golfer Chesson finish 126-200 in the FedExCup standings. Hadley will be exempt this year after tying for 43rd in the finals. Hadley has played on the eGolf Tour the past two years, placing 8th on the money list in Bryden Macpherson played 2 ½ sea- 2011 and 2nd last year with a victory sons with the Georgia Bulldogs before and seven other finishes of 6th or better. turning pro early last year. Macpherson Three others tied for 95th in the finals won the 2011 British Amateur while still of qualifying and should be able to get a member of the Georgia golf team. Par-3 13th hole at UGA course into some early season events. St. Simons Island resident Michael Among that group is Savannah’s Mark Sims has played three seasons on the Silvers, the winner of the recent Big Web.com Tour since 2007, placing as the PGA Tour and was an orig- Break Greenbrier on the Golf Channel. high as 61st on the money list in ‘09. Sims through Monday qualifiers to get into inal member of the Web.com Tour (then Silvers has won 15 mini-tour events in was 8th on the eGolf money list last year. tournaments. known as the Hogan Tour), was in solid his brief pro career, earning Player of the Acworth’s James White, a 2012 Also reaching the finals in his first shape after five rounds, but struggled to a Year honors on the Peach State Tour in Georgia Tech graduate and two-time All- attempt was Georgia PGA member Bill final round 80 and dropped to a tie for 2011 and placing 3rd in earnings on last American, tied for 133rd in his first trip to Murchison, an assistant at Towne Lake 139th. year’s NGA Tour. Q-school finals, and will have to go Hills. Murchison, whose father played on
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2013 FEBRUARY GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 19 Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s 4 courses a top draw
By Mike Blum
ne of the favorite beach des- tinations for Georgia residents – especially those Oin metro Atlanta – has been Destin, Fla., located in the panhandle portion of the state on the Gulf of Mexico between Pensacola and Panama City. The area’s gleaming white sand beaches have been one of its most appealing features, but the quality of golf courses in and around Destin has played a significant role in its popularity as a vacation destination. The primary golf attraction in the Destin area is the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, which offers four dis- tinctly different layouts that provide Raven Golf Club ample amounts of enjoyment and challenge. Three of Sandestin Resort’s four Jackson provides mostly ample landing courses are available for public play, with areas off the tee, but there are plenty of the highly regarded Burnt Pine GC lim- opportunities to encounter trouble. The ited to its members and Sandestin Resort front nine features winding, tree-lined guests. fairways and a healthy collection of The resort’s other three courses are bunkers, with the incoming nine Raven Golf Club, which hosted a including some rare elevation changes Champions Tour event in 2006 and ‘07, and wonderful views of the nearby Gulf and the two popular original layouts – of Mexico. Baytowne GC and the Links GC. The Links Golf Club is resort golf as Both Baytowne and the Links offer its most appealing, but also its most haz- thoroughly entertaining – and affordable ardous. Several holes border the – resort golf experiences in slightly dif- Choctawhatchee Bay, and the breezes off ferent settings. Both were designed by the bay play a large role in how the Baytowne Golf Club veteran golf course architect Tom course plays from day to day. Water is a Jackson, who renovated his Baytowne constant presence, with errant shots in layout in 2005. the wrong direction likely to produce The course winds through marshes, wonderful par 3 within a bayside marsh. Baytowne plays to a par of 71 (five par a splash. wetlands and pines, and has been lauded Rick Hileman, former head profes- 3s), measuring 6,800 yards from the tips Length is not a serious concern, but for its scenic appeal as well as the sional at Laurel Springs and Emerald and a comfortable 6,125 and 5,517 from with water looming on a majority of the standout design work by Robert Trent Pointe in Georgia, is the Director of Golf the next two sets of tees. The Course holes, significant yardage is not required Jones, Jr. It was voted Florida’s best new Operations, with long-time Destin area Rating/Slope numbers from the back to make the Links a worthwhile chal- course when it opened in 2000 and has pro Norm Tums the Director of tees are relatively high (73.2/138), lenge. You won’t play many courses that been ranked among the state’s best. Instruction. but the layout is considerably more are as entertaining as the Links but just Burnt Pines was designed by Rees The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort inviting from the shorter tees, with the as intimidating. If you can hit it reason- Jones, with the course adjacent to his features an array of rental properties, in addition of junior tees making it a family ably straight, there are plenty of scoring brother’s layout. Like his brother, Rees addition to luxury beach accommoda- friendly facility. opportunities, as evidenced by the makes splendid use of the natural ele- tions. The resort stretches out over 2,400 surprisingly modest Slope rating. A few ments of the property, while adding his acres and includes 15 tennis courts, 19 too many hooks and/or slices, and unique touch with some strategic pools, a fitness center and spa and a those inviting Slope numbers become a bunkering and a number of truly memo- marina. A pedestrian village offers shops, cruel joke. rable holes. restaurants and an active night life. Raven is the newest of the four At just over 7,000 yards from the tips, courses, opening in 2000 to rave reviews. Burnt Pines is the longest of Sandestin’s The five par 3s on the intriguing par-71 courses, with its Course Rating/Slope layout include an island green hole and (74.7/144 and 72.0/138) a testament to one with alternate tees and greens. The the challenge it poses. The design is as For information, Raven measures 6.910 yards from the visually appealing as it is demanding, visitwww.sandestin.com/ga. back tees and 6,345 from the next set, with much of the back nine bordering or call (877) 674-9799 Links Golf Club and is a strong test from both. the Choctawhatchee Bay, including a
20 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM FEBRUARY 2013 ERI PGA GEORGIA
ERI PGA GEORGIA
Golf FORE Juniors
in 2012. Lee had two wins and two Georgia PGA Junior Tour also playing in runner-up finishes in his age group. He Ma rch at Country Club of Columbus. edged Steffen Smith of Norcross, with The North Georgia High School Classic Coleman Martin of Macon 3rd. Jones returns to Achasta GC April 1-2, with Jonathan Keppler Alissa Yang scored six wins in his division to finish Wilmington Island in Savannah hosting a ahead of Al ex Markham of Dacula and tournament later in April. Andrew Lafferty. Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee will be the Keppler, Yang win and Jordan Secret of Atlanta. Claire Roop of Ca nton had four wins and site of the Georgia PGA Junior Yang shot 71-75—146 to easily win the two seconds in six starts to take first in the Championship June 3-4, with the Junior Tour Championship girls 11-14 and overall titles. Megan Carter girls 11-14 division ahead of Woo Wade of Tour including stops at Stone Mountain GC Jonathan Keppler of Marietta and Alissa of Blackshear was the 15-18 winner at 163 Dunwoody and Alissa Yang. Peyton and the UGA course in Athens before three Yang of Norcross closed out the 2012 followed by Sarah Harrison of Martinez Albertson of Rome led the 15-18 age one-d ay Summer Se ries events in July at Georgia PGA Junior Tour season with victo- at 165. group standings ahead of Christie three of the premier courses in the state – ries in the Tour Championship at Sea Island Blaurock of Dacula and Sydney Weaver TPC Sugarloaf, Ansley Golf Club’s Golf Club’s Retreat course. of Columbus. Settindown Creek and East Lake. Keppler was 1st in the 16-18 age group Johnson, Lee, Jones The Georgia PGA Tour plays at another with scores of 73-71—144, four strokes pro tour site in August when it visits ahead of Kile Williams of Fayetteville. Players of the Year 2013 schedule Callaway Ga rdens, and plays at Savannah Brandon Alsobrook of Powder Springs Forsyth’s Dalton Johnson, Buford’s S.M. opens in March Quarters, the Georgia Club, Chattahoochee was 3rd at 149. Spencer Ralston of Lee and Alpharetta’s Phil Jones were GC and Coosa CC before closing out the Gainesville was the 14-15 winner at 148, Players of the Year for 2012 in the Georgia The 2013 Georgia PGA Junior Tour 2013 season in December with the Tour followed by Will Duma of Atlanta at 149 PGA’s three boys age group divisions. begins in early March in Thomasville, and Championship at Sea Island Golf Club’s and Marcus Byrd of Dunwoody at 152. Johnson was 1st in the 16-18 division, includes events at some of the state’s Plantation course. Phil Jones of Alpharetta won the 11-13 followed by Kile Williams and Ajay Patel top courses. Information on the Georgia PGA Junior division at 163, one shot ahead of Andrew of Hahira. Johnson won six of his 10 starts The annual Junior Piney Woods will be [ See Juniors, page 22 ] Lafferty of Milton, and Daniel McKenzie played at Glen Arven Ma rch 9-10, with the
Chip Shots
Weinhart, Forney PGA GEORGIA Pro-Pro winners Hanzel captures Tim Weinhart and Craig Forney, who operate the Nuclear Golf program based top GSGA award at the Standard Club, won the Georgi a Pro-Pro winners Tim Weinhart Savannah’s Doug Hanzel won the GSGA’s PGA Pro-Pro Championship, played in Tommy Barnes Award, given to the most (left), Craig Forney December at Sea Island Golf Club’s outstanding of the organization’s six Seaside and Plantation courses. Players of the Year. Weinhart and Forney shot 62-64—126 in Hanzel was the Senior Player of the Year, the best ball competition to finish one Mason wins twice winning the GSGA Senior Championship stroke ahead of Web.com Tour player Paul in Winter Series by a staggering 16-stroke margin over 54 Claxton and Statesboro instructor Drew holes and enjoying a successful showing in Pittman. Craig Stevens and Jon Ve teran Champions Tourmember James James Mason a string of USGA events. Tattersall we re 3rd at 128, followed by Mason won a pair of tournaments in In his first year of USGA senior amateur Mark Anderson and Josh Williams at 130, the PGA’s Wi nter Se ries last month in eligibility, Hanzel was low amateur in the Eric Hester and Justin Jolly at 131 and south Florida. for his efforts. U.S. Senior Open, advanced to the semifi- the teams of Randy Brooks-James Mason, who teaches at The Orchard Brookstone CC instructor Craig Stevens nals of the U.S. Senior Amateur, and Mason and Brandon Lovelady-Danny and is a long-time PGA member, won his was 2nd in the 50-54 division in the Quarter reached match play in both the Mid-Am Nungesser at 132. age group in the Quarter Century Ce ntury event with a 138 total, tied for 5th and U.S. Am, losing to the eventual cham- In the senior division, Mark Mongell Championship and Senior Stroke Play in the Senior Stroke Play, and teamed with pion in the latter event. and Russ Davis of Cherokee Town & CC Championship. Mason shot 67-68-135 at Alan Morin to tie for 2nd in the 72-hole Other award winners were: shot 134 and won in a playoff over Lonnie PGA GC’s Ryder course to win the 60-64 Senior-Junior Team Championship. David Noll, Dalton (Men): Won for the Reece of Spring Lakes and Ringgold division in the Quarter Ce ntury event by Also tying for 2nd in the Senior-Junior sixth straight year and eighth time overall. instructor Pete Webster. John Phillips four strokes. was Sonny Skinner of Ri ver Pointe GC, Noll won Mid Am and Match Play titles and and Mike Shannon we re 3rd at 135. In the Senior Stroke Play event, Mason who was paired with Robert McClellan. was runner-up in the State Am and Four- The tournament was sponsored by shot 65-68-66 on the Ryder and Skinner also was 2nd in the 50-54 division Ball Championship. Traynor Golf Collection, Mizuno and Wannamaker courses, winning by seven of the Senior Stroke Play, two behind the Laura Coble, Augusta (Women): Won for E-Z-GO. strokes with a 199 total. Mason, who turned winner with a 209 total for 54 holes. 62 during the tournament, collected $5,100 [ See copy, page 22 ]
2013 FEBRUARY GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 21 PGA Tour season all but precludes that possibility. Got the Winter Blues? [ Continued from page 8 ] The PGA Tour’s decision to institute the FedExCup Playoffs has proven to be losers category, with the hopes of quali- a wise one despite plenty of negative fying for the Web.com Tour not likely opinions from outside the tour when it GET BACK INTO to attract much interest from anyone was announced. Other than those who outside the immediate families of developed an attachment to Q-school, THE SWING the players. there hasn’t been much opposition to its For those who hold out hope that the demise. But once its impact takes shape, PGA Tour may re-visit its decision things could change again in a few OF THINGS regarding Q-school, the change in years. AT BRIDGEMILL! schedule away from a January start to the
Chip Shots match play in the Mid-Am and earned a So what are you waiting for? spot in the field of the Women’s Am. [ Continued from page 22 ] Andy Shim, Duluth (Junior): Swept the GSGA and Georgia PGA Junior titles and the 14th time in the last 15 years with vic- topped that feat by winning the U.S. Junior tories in the Match Play and GWGA Amateur, rallying from a 5-down deficit Championship, along with another strong after 18 holes in the finals to win 4&3. showing in the U.S. Mid Am, where she Ashlan Ramsey, Milledgeville (Girls): reached the semifinals. Won the Georgia PGA Junior and played Brenda Pictor, Kennesaw (Senior well in USGA events, reaching the finals of Women): Has won the award six straight the Public Links Championship and win- years, taking the Senior Women’s title ning matches in both the U.S. Junior and five times in that span. Reached the Women’s Am. quarterfinals in the U.S. Senior, made
Juniors group of high school seniors in the state to [ Continued from page 22 ] have signed college golf scholarships. He will join the Georgia golf team in the Fall. Other Georgia high school signees for Tour is available at www.georgiapga.com. the 2013-14 season include: Buster Georgians win 4 Bruton, Dallas (Kennesaw State); Tripp H’Doubler, Atlanta (Missouri); John in SJGT event Connelly, McDonough, and Emmanuel Georgia juniors took home four of five Kountakis, Augusta (Mercer); Jason titles in the Southeastern Junior Golf Tour’s Mendel, Norcross (South Alabama); Tournament of Champions, its final event Nathan Mallonee, Lexington (Georgia State); Pep Brown, Gainesville (Wofford); BridgeMill Athletic Club is located off of 2012. Sydney Needham of Villa Rica won the Jackson Heazel, Atlanta (Baylor); Harry I-575 at Sixes Road. Th e drive is 30 Lambert, Suwanee (Georgia College). minutes or less from most places near or girls 15-19 age group with a 149 total, six shots ahead of Newnan’s Ji Eun Baik. Clemson is beginning a women’s golf above the northern I-285 Perimeter. Christina Yang of Suwanee shot 152 to program in the Fall, and signed Georgia’s win the 12-14 age group by four. two top seniors, along with two more 1190 BridgeMill Avenue Peter Chang of Dacula shot 155 to win nationally-ranked players from North Canton, GA 30114 Augusta, S.C. Milledgeville’s Ashlan 770.345.5500 the boys 12-13 division, with Steven Fisk of Stockbridge the 14-15 winner at 147, Ramsey, one of the top 10 junior players in one ahead of Suwanee’s Brett Barron, who the country, will play for the Tigers along shot 67 in the first round. Nathan with Suwanee’s Sloan Shanahan and the BOOK ONLINE ANY TIME Mallonee of Lexington was 2nd in 16-19 at North Augusta duo of McKenzie Talbert 149, with Charlie Flowers of Columbus and Jessica Hoang. WITH NO BOOKING FEES AT tying for 3rd at 151. Other Georgia signees include: Jessica Haigwood, Roswell (Augusta State); Ji Eun www.bridgemillathleticclub.com Baik, Newnan (Mississippi State); Katy Augusta’s Sigg Harris, St. Simons, and Haley Austin, McDonough (Mercer); Emily Kurey, signs with UGA Alpharetta (Louisville); and Mary Ellen BRIDGEMILL ATHLETIC CLUB Greyson Sigg of Augusta is among a large Shuman, St. Simons (UGA).
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2013 FEBRUARY GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 23 A GREAT WHITE SHARK HAS BEEN SPOTTED IN THE EXUMAS
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24 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM FEBRUARY 2013