«« JUNIOR GEORGIAPGA.COM GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2013 CAMPS Directory, pgs. 27-28 Heritage Golf Links one of metro Atlanta’s best Daily fee standout gets lift from new owners

By Mike Blum

ne of metro Atlanta’s best daily fee courses may finally be in position to achieve the success expectedO after its opening in the mid-1990s. Heritage Golf Links was considered to be a sure thing thanks to one of the area’s most interesting and challenging layouts, quality conditions in a devel- opment-free environment and a prime the club one of the most successful in the Scenic but demanding par-4 18th at Heritage Golf Links location just outside the perimeter on Atlanta area, with an aggressive mar- the DeKalb/Gwinnett border. keting plan already under way and “recognized the opportunity” Heritage club experience at a daily fee course.” But the club gradually slipped out of improvements coming to both the Golf Links presented, and the two have The club’s new ownership is looking to the metro area’s golf spotlight under its course and overall facility. brought in veteran Atlanta area head continue and increase the efforts made original ownership, and fell even far- The club was acquired by brothers professional Andreas Boberg to assist in by Affiniti to return the course to its orig- ther after it was acquired by NBA Adam and Jim Owen, who both have the process of re-establishing the club as inal status as one of the best among legend Julius Erving, who gave the long backgrounds in the golf industry. one of the premier daily fee facilities Atlanta daily fee facilities. They have ini- course a new name but did little else Adam, who is the club’s general manager, in Atlanta. tiated a “Players Club” program that other than lead it into foreclosure. spent most of his career as a PGA club “We understand how important cus- combines golf and unlimited use of the Once Erving was out of the picture, professional before moving into more of tomer service is, and that’s part of our club’s practice facility, which will be the club’s name and reputation were a managerial role in Las Vegas. Jim plan,” Jim Owen said. greatly improved after repairs are made restored by Atlanta-based manage- Owen has been a PGA professional for Boberg has worked at both private to the building that houses a covered hit- ment company Affiniti Golf Partners more than 50 years, predominantly in clubs and a high end daily fee course, ting area, along with a quality fitness until new owners could be found. the Sarasota, Fla., area and has also been and stresses that his goal is to “make it a center and meeting rooms. Heritage Golf Links now has the a course owner. friendly environment” at Heritage Golf ownership that should be able to make Jim Owen says he and his brother Links. “We want to provide a country [ See Heritage Golf Links, page 6 ]

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2013 MAY 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] Tips on developing a junior player PUBLISHER Golf Media, Inc. / John Barrett EDITOR Mike Blum WEBSITE/ FACEBOOK/ SOCIAL MEDIA who wants to compete at high level HYPDMedia, Inc. / Ellen Marsau SOCIAL MEDIA SERVICE & CONTENT if his attitude was better. putter and golf ball. Seek out a qualified Alli Hunt / Ellen Marsau By Mike Perpich JUNIOR/COLLEGE GOLF NEWS COORDINATOR In a round of golf, expect the unex- professional club fitter to help maximize PGA Director of Instruction Lauren Freeman pected. To handle that, your attitude has to your junior’s talents. RiverPines Golf SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR be 100 percent in line every day, every Abby Bergquist round. You cannot be good enough to over- 5) COMPETITION, TOURNAMENTS, Your junior golfer has fallen in love with MARKETING & ADVERTISING come a bad attitude. Golf is continuous PRACTICE: To continually improve you National Sales: Ed Bowen/Bowen Group, golf. He/she has played several summers problem solving and you need to have your must like competition. The only place to [email protected] of Atlanta Junior, U.S. Kids and maybe some Local & Corporate Sale: John Barrett/Rick Holt, mind right to cope and overcome. sharpen your competitive skills is in tourna- Georgia PGA and Southeastern Junior [email protected] ments. Find the best tournaments with the Tour events. ART DIRECTOR Lori Montgomery 2) PHYSICAL FITNESS: This is the fastest best fields so your junior can learn to com- Your youngster shows signs of improve- CREATIVE SERVICES Catalina Montana growing segment of golf. There are now pete. Get ready for these tournaments by CONTRIBUTORS ment not only in scores and tournament many qualified fitness professionals that are learning how to practice, not just beat a Mike Perpich • Jackie Cannizzo • John Godwin finishes, but in starting to talk about playing golf specific. The more fit, stronger and flex- bunch of balls on a range. • Robert Matre • Steve Dinberg golf in college or maybe even one day • Al Kooistra • Ed C. Thompson Photography ible you are, that not only gives you a Have a purpose and a plan to every prac- playing against the best in the world on the physical edge on those you are competing tice session. That includes putting, chipping, GEORGIA SECTION, PGA or LPGA Tour. against, but it is the time, effort and dedica- pitching, bunker play and working on swing PGA OF AMERICA OFFICERS What do you need to do? What guidance tion that builds your attitude and will mechanics. Today’s top junior golfers do not President can you provide to give your child the best power. Remember No. 1? play enough golf. You put all the pieces Brian Stubbs, PGA / [email protected] possible answers to realize their goals and Vice President together by educated practice. You learn to capture their dreams? Mark Mongell, PGA / [email protected] 3) INSTRUCTION: Please find a PGA profes- play golf by playing! Secretary Here are my six points of guidance for sional that your son or daughter can create Brian Albertson, PGA / [email protected] juniors to help them grow, learn and a relationship with. Please do not be your 6) EVALUATE: Constantly evaluate the five Honorary President expand their talents. Patrick Richardson, PGA / [email protected] child’s coach or teacher. It is important to previous points. Keep notes and stats. have someone lay out a game plan and Evaluate attitude, practice sessions and tour- CHAPTER PRESIDENTS 1) ATTITUDE AND WILL POWER: This is A stick to it. Also, make sure that game plan naments. The junior golfer should consider Central Chapter President No. 1 on my list! Attitude and will power is covers everything from the teeing ground what I did well, what could I have done Mike Baker, PGA, [email protected] 100 percent of being a complete player. I East Chapter President to the green. better and what do I need to work on? Work have juniors say to me, “Well so and so does Josh Williams, PGA / [email protected] You cannot just hit it well enough to be a hard but work smart with a plan and a game. not have a good attitude.” I tell them he North Chapter President good player. You must also be an excellent I hope these six points help you guide Jeff Fraiser, PGA / [email protected] could be a whole lot better player than he is putter and master all facets of the short your junior golfer in the right direction and AT- LARGE DIRECTORS game. And make sure that during practice helps give them the best opportunity to Jeff Dunovant, PGA sessions, you are working and thinking reach their goals and capture their dreams. It [email protected] about what you want to do, not what you requires a lot of work and is not easy, but it is Matthew Evans, PGA don’t want to do. so much fun working for what you want and [email protected] knowing you are giving yourself every John Godwin, PGA [email protected] 4) EQUIPMENT: This is the most overlooked chance to succeed. Billy Jack, PGA item of the six points, especially for juniors. [email protected] Your golf equipment must fit you properly. Mike Perpich is a Golf Magazine Top 100 Chad O’Dell, PGA Mike Perpich works with Johns Improperly fit equipment can ruin all the Teacher and a U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 [email protected] Creek HS golfer Matthew Anderson hard work. Equipment also includes the Bob Stevenson, PGA Teacher; www.mikeperpich.com. [email protected] Darin Stinson, PGA [email protected]

INSIDE THIS ISSUE SENIOR DIVISION President FEATURES: DEPARTMENTS:JUNIOR GOLF IN GEORGIA: Steve Barfoot, PGA / [email protected] ASSISTANTS’ DIVISION TKGeorgia hosts NCAA events...... 8 Girls and Golf ...... 24 President Bill Fedder, PGA / [email protected] College round-up...... 10 Executive Director Mike Paull Georgia Tour updates ...... 12 Joy of Competition ...... 25 Assistant Executive Director/ Junior Golf Director Scott Gordon

Forecast Langer wins in Gwinnett ...... 14 Tournament Director Pat Day, PGA Georgia Junior Camps ...... 26-27 Operations Manager Eric Wagner Golf Travel: Reunion Resort ...... 16 Section Assistant Carrie Ann Byrne Georgia Senior Open preview ...... 20 Golf FORE Juniors ...... 28 FOREGeorgia is produced by Golf Media, Inc. Chicopee Woods preview...... 22 Copyright ©2013 with all rights reserved. Chip Shots ...... 29 Reproduction or use, without permission, TK of editorial or graphic content is prohibited. Georgia PGA web site: www.georgiapga.com. 4 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM Avoid the Crowd Enjoy Great Golf

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2013 MAY GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 5 to mesh speed and break will be tested, behind the wide, relatively shallow green, but it’s an extremely entertaining chal- which is hidden behind a bunker and lenge, and one that will definitely make mounds. Several bunkers dot the second you think before you take a swipe with shot landing area for shorter hitters, and the putter. have gobbled up many a well-hit but ill- The course was built on rolling terrain fated lay-up. that adds to the character of the layout. The parallel par 5s on the back nine There are a relatively small number of offer differing challenges. The downhill holes without elevation changes, which 14th will produce some long tee shots are not extreme but will impact play. that will tempt efforts to reach in two, Most of the greens are assuming you avoid a well-placed fairway perched slightly above at bunker on the right. Water protects the least part of the sur- left side of the green and wraps around rounding area, and a behind, with a small strip of putting sur- deft vertical short game face in between making for an extremely will come in handy, dicey shot, even from close range. Par-4 ninth hole whether pitching over The main concern at the 15th is a bunkers or inclines, or deep front bunker that protects a wide, trying to escape from multi-tier green, with a bowl in the Heritage Golf Links the sand, with some of middle and a significantly higher level on features top layout the greenside bunkers the right, with sharp drop-offs short reasonably deep. and right. [ Continued from the cover ] Tough par-3 11th Heritage Golf Links The difficulty of several par 4s con- is relatively open off trasts with the vulnerable nature of a Among the instructors based at the the tee, although some of the typically shorter group of two-shotters that will club is long-time Atlanta area teaching and 6,450 from the blues, with the white thin tree lines are well within reach of yield birdie opportunities after accurate professional Jeanne Dooley, along with tees sporting a fairly hefty slope of 131 errant drives. Because of the natural roll tee shots and precise short iron former UGA golfer Summer Sirmons. despite its seemingly friendly yardage of the property, which is among the pret- approaches. Holes 2, 6, 10 and 13 Boberg is looking to expand the teaching (5,750). tiest you’ll come across in the metro area, average around 350 from the blues, but staff to include himself and his assistants, Heritage features several serious carries you can expect an uneven lie or two in all are relatively narrow, with the dif- with the club’s convenient location off the tee. With the considerable gap in the fairways. But the terrain compensates fering but demanding natures of the making it an attractive site for group yardage between the blues and whites with some mostly friendly mounds that putting surfaces turning potential birdies related instruction activities. (700 yards), tee selection is vital for can re-direct slightly errant tee shots back into three-putt bogeys if you wind up That location also makes Heritage players who typically shoot in the into the short grass. on in the wrong place relative to the Golf Links a potential favorite for area mid-to-high 80s and are accustomed Young’s design includes a wide array of pin position. golfers. The club is just a few minutes to playing in the range of 6,200 to holes in terms of length, difficulty and If you can handle the quartet of stout outside “Spaghetti Junction” off 6,400 yards. strategic challenge. There are two par 4s (4, 9, 12 and 18), you have solved Pleasantdale Rd. One of the innovations Affiniti intro- extremely long par 3s, both of which are the hardest part of Heritage’s puzzle. Heritage Golf Links is a 27-hole duced was the addition of a combination listed at 220 from the blues, and two that Each of the holes is markedly different facility, with an original 18 and nine set of “member” tees encompassing the are right at 115 from the same set. from the blues and whites, with an holes that were added across the street in blues and whites. The member tees The short, downhill third is high- average difference of 55 yards between the following decade. Mike Young, who include 13 holes played from the blues lighted by a pronounced ridge through the tees. Three require carries off the tee has designed almost 20 courses and five – a pair of 220-yard par 3s, a the middle of the green that places con- that can be quite intimidating for the throughout Georgia, was the architect 420-yard par 4 and two other par 4s with siderable pressure on distance control, distance-challenged, and all but the for the original 18, and it rates with his lengthy carries – played from the whites. with a long, narrow green at the 16th fourth don’t get much easier as you near best work in the state. The 18th, which measures 409 from the stressing accuracy with fall-offs to inset the green. Young’s list of courses includes blues with a 200-plus carry over water, bunkers on either side. The white tees on The sharply uphill second to the ninth Cateechee, Wolf Creek, Heritage Oaks may be more hole than some can handle 5 and 11 measure 40 and 50 yards will treat slightly short approaches just as (formerly Oak Grove Island), Lane from the blues, with the hole remaining shorter than the blues, but both still dismissively as the ninth at Augusta Creek, Maple Ridge, Henderson GC, a decent test from the whites despite require well-struck tee shots. The down- National, while the nearby green at the River Pointe, Southern Hills, the re- being 85 yards shorter. hill fifth includes a carry over wetlands 18th sits uncomfortably close to the lake design of City Club Marietta and two One of the main reasons for the high and a creek, with the slightly uphill 11th that is either in play or in view for most excellent courses that have since closed slope numbers is the challenge posed by guarded short and right by bunkers that of the back (Heritage) nine. As with the after promising debuts – Gold Creek and Young’s large, undulating greens. You get plenty of play. 12th, you either hit it solidly off the tee Long Shadow. will encounter very few courses with The par 5s are on the short side, aver- or expect a splash, with the lake The original 18 consists of the Legacy greens that have as many tiers, ridges, aging under 520 from the tips, with bordering the 18th also swallowing and Heritage nines, with the newer slopes, humps and bumps as you’ll find three of the four below 500 from the up drives (or approaches) that stray to Tradition nine significantly shorter and at Heritage. Expect your share of three- blues. The rolling opening hole features the right. less demanding. The original 18 is one of putts if you wind up a decent distance sand left and trees right, with the angled, the most demanding daily fee courses from the hole on a different level of the two-tier green making for a tough target around, rated at 74.3/146 from the gold putting surface. and a challenge to the short game tees and 72.2/141 from the blues. Heritage’s greens are demanding but thanks to bordering grass depressions. For information, call 770-493-4653 It’s not the overall length that makes fair, with reasonable green speeds The downhill eighth is reachable or visit www.heritagegolflinks.com. Heritage a tough test. The course meas- keeping them from becoming too diffi- for longer hitters, who have to contend ures a modest 6,875 yards from the tips cult. Your green reading skills and ability with a sharp drop-off to a hazard just

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2013 MAY GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 7 Georgia courses to host NCAA Championships Men at Capital City Crabapple, women at UGA

By Mike Blum Crabapple course with Georgia Tech, has UCLA dropping into a tie for 5th with Georgia Southern and Kennesaw State been the country’s dominant team. Washington. New Mexico took 7th, with are both ranked in the 50s, which should he top men’s and women’s Alabama and Texas, which played for Georgia 8th and defending national be sufficient for bids. Around 80 teams college golfers will assemble the national title last year, are ranked 2 & runner-up Alabama a disappointing 9th. get spots in the six regionals. Both have in Georgia this month, as two 3, with New Mexico, UCLA, TCU, Georgia Tech is led by a pair of Atlanta won tournaments during the 2012-13 T state courses will host NCAA Washington and Stanford rounding out area sophomores – Powder Springs’ Ollie season and feature players ranked in the golf championships. the top eight. Georgia Tech was No. 9, Schniederjans and Woodstock’s Anders top 50 – Southern’s Scott Wolfes (33) The women will play at the UGA with fellow ACC team Duke the only Albertson, who were ranked 25 and 35 from St. Simons Island and Kennesaw’s course in Athens, which last hosted the other eastern school among the top 12. respectively in the country by Golfweek Jimmy Beck (44) from Columbus. NCAA Championship in 1993. The The men’s championship will consist going into the ACC Championship. Also ranked in the top 50 is Georgia tournament is scheduled for May 21-24 of three days of stroke play. The top eight Albertson tied for 16th in the Fall State freshman Jonathan Grey, with three regional qualifiers May 9-11. teams advance to match play, which will Preview at 213, with Schniederjans T22 who should get an individual invitation The men’s championship will be be the format for the final three days of at 214, including a clutch birdie on the if the Panthers are not included in played at Capital City Club’s Crabapple competition. Augusta State was not 18th hole in the final round that gave the the regionals. Course May 28-June 2. Six regional highly seeded either year it won the Yellow Jackets a share of the title. The Georgia women’s team also has qualifiers will be played May 16-18. national championship, but took out one Duluth junior Seth Reeves shot a final won a national championship (2001), A total of 30 teams will qualify for the national power after another, defeating round 66 – the low score of the tourna- but has not been a major factor at the men’s championship, with the top five Georgia, Georgia Tech and Oklahoma ment – and tied for 2nd at 210, but has national level in recent years. The current teams from each of the six qualifiers State en route to back-to-back titles. fallen out of the team’s five-man lineup team is ranked 18th nationally, but is advancing, along with the top individual Based on its showing in last Fall’s in recent tournaments. Bo Andrews, coming off a strong showing in from a team that did not qualify NCAA Preview and its play this Spring, who was 10th in the Fall Preview, and the recent SEC Championship. for nationals. Georgia Tech rates as the state’s top hope Acworth freshman Michael Hines were The Lady Bulldogs were 2nd behind The top eight teams from each of the to contend for a title, although Georgia in the lineup for the ACC No. 2 Alabama, the 2012 national three women’s regionals will move on to has a better record of success in the Championship along with freshman champion. Athens, with the UGA squad likely the championship. Shun Yat Hak. Georgia is led by Hoschton senior lone hope among schools from the state. The Yellow Jackets played their best Georgia Tech has never won an NCAA Emilie Burger, who is ranked 25th Georgia Tech and Georgia will both be tournament of the 2012-13 season in the Golf Championship, but has come close nationally by Golfweek. Burger won a in the field for the men’s regionals, with Fall Preview, tying a Cal team that won on numerous occasions. Tech placed 2nd recent tournament in North Carolina, Georgia Southern and Kennesaw State eight of its other 10 tournaments at nationals four times between 1993 shooting 5-under 211 for 54 holes likely qualifiers. Augusta State, which going into the Pac-12 Championship, and 2005, with those rosters including including a final round 69. Burger tied won back-to-back national titles in 2010 and placed 2nd and 3rd in its other Stewart Cink, David Duval, for 14th in the SEC Championship, with and ’11, finished the 2012-13 season two starts. Matt Kuchar, Bryce Molder, Troy teammates Manuela Carbajo Re and with a below .500 record, which will Both teams shot 13-over 853 on the Matteson, Nicholas Thompson and Rocio Sanchez Lobato placing 8th keep the Jaguars out of regional competi- demanding Crabapple layout, which will Roberto Castro. and 11th. tion. Mercer and Georgia State are on again play to a par 70 as it did in the Fall Georgia won national titles in 1999 Alpharetta freshman Amira Alexander the bubble for selection based on their Preview and the other premier event it and 2006, and has twice been a runner- has played her way into the lineup in national rankings. hosted – a World Golf Championship in up since 2007. In 2011, a team with recent matches, and contributed a 73 Alabama is the lone team from east of 2003, won by Tiger Woods. Georgia Russell Henley, Harris English, during the SEC Championship. the Mississippi River among the top Tech and Cal closed with 4-under totals Hudson Swafford and soon-to-be Southern Cal, which finished 2nd eight teams in the most recent Golfweek of 276 the final day, the only sub-par British Amateur champion Bryden behind Alabama in last year’s nationals, is poll. California, which shared the title in scores posted in the Fall Preview. Macpherson lost in the match play ranked No. 1 this year. Perennial power last Fall’s NCAA Preview at the Texas tied for 3rd, with 36-hole leader finals to Augusta State. Duke is 3rd and Oklahoma 4th. Other The Bulldogs showed some promise ranked SEC/ACC teams include ERI SOUTHERN GEORGIA ERI TECH GEORGIA early last Fall, but have not played espe- Arkansas (6), Vanderbilt (8), Florida cially well this Spring. Georgia is coming (11), Virginia (14), North Carolina (15) off a disappointing showing in the SEC and North Carolina State (19). Championship, and has alternated excel- No. 12 Stanford is led by the top lent finishes this season in Georgia events female golfer to come out of Georgia with sub-par showings. since Vicki Goetze, who played her last Albany senior T.J. Mitchell is college tournament at the UGA course Georgia’s top-ranked player at No. 50, in the 1993 NCAA Championship. with Nick Reach 67th. Both closed with Riverdale’s Mariah Stackhouse is scores of 67 in the Fall Preview, with ranked 5th nationally, scoring a pair of Reach tying for 2nd in the event. Keith victories as a freshman along with a Mitchell is 105 nationally, with string of top finishes. Stackhouse has Clarkesville freshman Lee McCoy No. recorded eight straight top-10s, with the 172. Valdosta’s Sam Straka was the other highlight of her freshman season a 61 in Bulldog in the lineup at the SEC a tournament hosted by Stanford, one of Scott Wolfes Ollie Schniederjans Championship. her two wins.

8 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2013     



  

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2013 MAY GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 9 Tech takes 4th in ACC; Bulldogs 9th in SEC Jackets’ Albertson earns medalist honor

eorgia Tech’s Anders TECH GEORGIA 5th in the Atlantic Sun Championship, Albertson earned medalist played at Chateau Elan’s Chateau course. honors in record-setting Kennesaw was 2nd after 36 holes after fashion, but the Yellow scores of 298 and 293, but shot 306 the JacketsG struggled in the final round to final round after being only one out of the finish 4th in the ACC Championship in lead with 18 holes to play. North Carolina. Austin Vick of Evans was low man for Albertson, a sophomore from the Owls, placing 8th at 224. Vick shot Woodstock, shot 66-67-68 for a 71-72 the first two rounds, but closed 15-under 201 total, breaking the with an 81. Jimmy Beck of Columbus, tournament scoring record set by shot 71 the second round, but had scores Wake Forest’s Webb Simpson in 2008 of 80 and 77 around it. He tied for 13th by one stroke. at 228, with Duluth’s Ben Greene T16 After shooting 16-under 272 in the at 229. second round, Tech was five shots back Anders Albertson Mercer shot 915 to finish 5th, with after 36 holes, but fell back on the back Hans Reimers tying for 9th at 226. nine the final day, which was played in round 66 that was only one shot off the Augusta State is an independent in James Beale was T13 at 228. difficult weather conditions. The Jackets low score of the day. Reach followed golf and did not play in a conference Kennesaw tied for 3rd in its regular shot 295 in the third round and finished with scores of 75-76. Keith Mitchell championship. season finale in North Carolina, posting at 851, 13 behind Duke’s winning total. shot 70-71 the first two rounds, but Playing in its first Sun Belt an 866 total to finish seven behind tour- Ollie Schniederjans opened with closed with an 80. Valdosta’s Sam Straka Championship, Georgia State finished nament champion UNC. Mercer was 8th scores of 69-67, but the Powder Springs’ struggled after an opening 70, while 2nd in Muscle Shoals, Ala., five strokes in the tournament at 877. sophomore shot 77 the final round and Albany’s T.J. Mitchell, the team’s No. 1 behind North Texas State. The Panthers Beck captured medalist honors for tied for 10th at 213. Albertson was the player, sandwiched a second round 70 shot 12-over 876, including a 2-under the Owls with scores of 67-70-68—205, only Georgia Tech golfer to shoot lower between scores of 77 and 75. 286 in the second round that gave them a 8-under par. He edged out Alpharetta’s than 75 in the final round. Clarkesville freshman Lee McCoy was one-stroke lead. Franco Castro, who plays at Charlotte, The Yellow Jackets placed 2nd in their the team’s most consistent player with Freshman Jonathan Grey bounced for medalist honors. Castro shot 206 after final regular season event of 2013, fin- scores of 75-73-75. back from an opening 79 to post scores of a final round 65, with the 3rd place fin- ishing behind Florida State in the Gary Alabama won the team title at 848, 68 and 70 and finished 4th at 217, three isher well back at 211. Koch Invitational in Tampa. The team two shots ahead of South Carolina. shots behind the medalist. Three other Mercer was led by Reimers and finished at 16-under 848, seven shots Augusta’s Dykes Harbin, a senior at Georgia State golfers tied for 9th at 221. Eatonton’s Trey Rule, who tied for 10th behind FSU. South Carolina, tied for 7th at 212. Griffin’s Davin White, Gainesville’s at 214. Rule shot 68 the final round. Bo Andrews shared medalist honors In its final regular season event, the Grant Cagle and Alpharetta’s Tyler In the Division II Peach Belt for Tech, firing a 6-under 66 in the final Bulldogs were a close 3rd in the Augusta Gruca all notched top-10 finishes, con- Conference Championship at Callaway round for a 9-under 207 total. Albertson State Invitational, finishing three shots tributing counting scores in each round. Gardens, Columbus State placed 2nd at was one out of the individual lead after behind Texas and one in back of runner- The Panthers closed out their regular 875, two behind USC-Aiken’s winning scores of 69-68, but slipped to a 75 in up Augusta State. After shooting 295 in season in Mississippi, placing 6th in a total. Armstrong Atlantic and Georgia the final round and tied for 6th at 212. the opening round at Forest Hills, tournament won by host Mississippi Southwestern tied for 3rd at 888, with Tech freshman Shun Yat Hak shared Georgia closed with scores of 285 and State. Georgia State finished at 889, 22 Clayton State 5th at 890 and Georgia the second round lead at 136 after a 66, 286 for a 2-over 866 total. shots off the winning score. Grey shot College 6th at 897. but also fell back the final day, shooting Keith Mitchell was low for Georgia, 69-74-68 to tie for 2nd at 211, one shot Bryan Lichimo of Columbus was 2nd a 77 to tie for 8th at 213. Schniederjans tying for 5th at 213. T.J. Mitchell tied behind the winner. individually at 216, with Armstrong’s opened with a 69, but was over par the for 8th at 214 with a second round 67, Georgia Southern tied for 5th in the Cory Griffin of McDonough tying for next two days and tied for 16th at 216. the low score of the day. Reach was T19 Southern Conference Championship, 3rd at 218 with Matthew Whittaker of The Jackets shot 279 and 277 the first at 219 and McCoy closed with a 70 for with the Eagles’ 909 total 25 shots behind Georgia Southwestern. Tying for 5th at day to trail Florida State by one heading a 220 total and a tie for 23rd. Chattanooga’s winning score. A 315 the 219 were Georgia College’s Bryan Fox to the final round, but scores went up, Augusta State made a strong run at first day put the Eagles in a hole they of Roswell and Armstrong’s Jacob Tilton with Tech closing with a 292 total to victory in its home tournament, leading could not dig out of. of Evans. FSU’s 286. after an opening score of 283. The McDonough’s Will Evans was low for

Georgia, which has a long history of Jaguars followed with 293-289 to finish Georgia Southern, tying for 12th at 225. STATE KENNESAW success in the SEC Tournament, turned two behind Texas after leading by two Scott Wolfes of St. Simons Island was in a disappointing showing at Sea Island heading to the final round. T18 at 227. Wolfes shot 70 and Evans 72 GC, finishing 9th after a solid first Alpharetta’s Derek Chang was low for in the second round, the team’s only round. The Bulldogs opened with a 281 Augusta, taking 3rd at 211 with scores scores of the tournament at par or better. total on the Seaside course and were 3rd of 68-72-71—211, two behind the co- The Eagles were 10th in the Gary Koch after the first day, but followed with medalists. Robin Petersson, who also Invitational in Tampa, with Wolfes the scores of 289 and 306. opened with a 68, tied for 5th at 213. only Georgia Southern player in the top Nick Reach was low for Georgia, Evans’ Cody Shafer was T19 at 219 for 30, tying for 23rd at 219. placing 19th at 217 after an opening the Jaguars. Kennesaw State was 3rd and Mercer Jimmy Beck

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2013 MAY GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 11 Sluman, Faxon claim Legends of Golf by 1 The weather is heating up and so are the dealsdea at Chestatee on Lake Lanier. For a limited time, play all day for only $44!* he team of Jeff Sluman and Ian Baker-Finch and Bart Bryant won Enjoy one of North Georgia’s true treasures with mountainous terrain Brad Faxon teamed up to the Raphael Division in a playoff over win the Liberty Mutual Keith Fergus and Blaine McCallister and lake views – this course is sure to become one of your favorites! Insurance Legends of Golf after both teams tied at 14-under 130 in Tat Savannah Harbor, finishing with a the 36-hole competition. 23-under 193 total to win by one stroke. Jim Colbert and Bob Murphy won Sluman and Faxon led after an the 70-and-over Demaret Division in a opening 62 and were one back going to playoff over Frank Beard and Larry the final round, carding a 66 the next Ziegler after tying at 15-under 129. The day. The duo closed with a 65, matching team of Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player the best score by any of the teams that tied for 7th at 135. teed off on No. 1. Tying for 2nd at 22-under were two teams that began their final round on the Wilcox wins back nine. Fred Funk and Mike Goodes Valdosta event Night Fire Dr. closed with a 63, while Kenny Perry and Dogwood Way Savannah’s Gene Sauers shot a final Former Clayton State All-American 400 round 62. Will Wilcox won the Web.com Tour There wasn’t much excitement down South Georgia Classic at Kinderlou 136 the stretch, as the difficult finishing holes Forest in Valdosta, scoring a 4-stroke vic- • ChestateeGolfClub.com 706-216-7336 at Savannah Harbor yielded few birdies tory following a record- setting 63 in the 777 Dogwood Way | Dawsonville, GA 30534 to the contenders. Sluman and Faxon third round. Atlanta *Offer valid anytime Monday-Friday. Must present ad to receive discount. parred the last four holes, but none of Wilcox shot his way into contention Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 5/31/13. their pursuers could make a late surge. with a second round 66 to trail by one Funk and Goodes were 8-under for the after 36 holes. He broke the course day after 11 holes, but had only one record in the third round, starting with birdie over the last seven holes on the four birdies on the first six holes. He got front nine, their final nine on the day. to 10-under, playing holes 11 to 16 in PLAY for a DAY, Perry and Sauers eagled the 14th, their 6-under highlighted by a hole-out eagle fifth hole of the day, but parred two of on the tough par-4 12th before a bogy at STAY for a LIFETIME the other par 5s. the 18th. That gave Wilcox a 7-stroke Eight teams tied for 4th at 21-under lead after 54 holes. After two bogeys on the first six holes The Georgia Club is a prestigious, 27-hole golf club located just minutes and almost all had a chance to catch the leaders. in the final round, Wilcox had another from downtown Athens. With new management, great membership Larry Mize and Hal Sutton birdied hole-out eagle on the par-4 seventh, and opportunities, and new rates, come see what you are missing! only one of their last seven holes. Fred went on to win easily despite a double- All You Can Play for $45!* Couples and Jay Haas were even the last bogey on the par-5 11th. five holes with a bogey at 18. Mark The victory was worth $117,000 and Calcavecchia and Peter Senior had two vaulted Wilcox to 3rd on the Web.com stretches of four straight birdies, but were Tour money list. 1-over their last five holes. Craig Stadler Wilcox began his college career at and Kirk Triplett were 6-under after 12 UAB in his home town of Birmingham, holes and 22-under for the tournament, but left the team and the school after but had five pars and a bogey at the encountering problems adjusting to col- tough 18th to finish. lege life. He wound up at Division II Also tying for 4th were defending Clayton State in south metro Atlanta, champions Michael Allen and David and won four tournaments each his Frost, along with the teams of Brad junior and senior seasons, twice earning Bryant-Tom Purtzer, Mark O’Meara- first team All-America honors. Esteban Toledo and former champions After turning pro in 2009, Wilcox Call 770-725-8101 to make a tee time! Tom Watson and Andy North, who also won twice on the Hooters Tour and once Located on hwy , just  minutes west of the oconee connector. stalled down the stretch. on the Canadian Tour. In just his third *Valid anytime Monday-Friday. May not be combined with any other offers. Expires 6/30/13. The “rookie” team of Rocco Mediate- start on the Web.com Tour, he tied for Steve Elkington tied for 12th at 3rd in the 2011 Stadion Classic at UGA,  chancellors dr. 20-under, with former champions and a 3rd place finish later in the season statham, ga  ATHENS » STATHAM Bernhard Langer and Tom Lehman in Mexico propelled him to 36th on the thegeorgiaclub.com T14 at 19-under, shooting just 3-under final money list. « ATLANTA the final round after beginning the day one shot off the lead. [ See Wilcox, page 29 ]

MAY 2013 12 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 2XWKHUHWKHELJJHVWKDQGLFDSLVNHHSLQJ\RXUKHDGGRZQ

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2013 MAY GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 13 Langer enjoys first visit to TPC Sugarloaf Takes inaugural Gwinnett Champions event

Champions Tour whose lone career vic- ninth and a sand save at the 11th. coming at Hilton Head the week after By Mike Blum tory came on the Nationwide Tour. The hole that solidified Langer’s posi- his first Masters triumph. rior to the inaugural Greater Only two players shot lower than 69 tion at the top of the leader board was He won more than 60 tournaments Gwinnett Championship, the final round on the demanding the par-5 10th, where he drove in a around the world, and quickly became Bernhard Langer had never Sugarloaf layout, with Langer’s closing bunker, hit the lip with his second and the dominant player on the Champions Pplayed a round of golf at TPC 67 matching the low score of the day. He watched his third scoot over the green. Tour after turning 50. Langer scored Sugarloaf, the host course for the took control of the tournament midway But Langer holed his pitch shot from three victories as a “rookie” in 2008, and Champions Tour event. through the final round despite some about 12 yards to boost his lead to two followed with four wins in ’09 and five in Langer had played only a handful of shaky play tee to green, and finished with over Toledo, who settled for par after 2010, including both the U.S. and rounds in Atlanta during his PGA Tour a 10-under 206 total, three strokes ahead being over the green in two. British Senior Opens. After recovering career, teeing it up for the first time at of Tom Lehman and Tom Pernice, who When Toledo made double bogeys on from a thumb injury suffered in a biking Sugarloaf in a practice round two days tied for 2nd. 11 and 12 and Pernice also made double accident in 2011, Langer won twice last after making a brief Sunday splash early It was the second win for Langer on on the 12th, Langer’s lead was four. year, and added five runner-up finishes in the final round of the Masters. the Champions Tour this year Pernice holed his second for eagle on the and a total of eight top-3s. and gave him five top-three fin- par-4 15th and Lehman birdied three After beautiful weather for the two ishes in his first six starts of of the last four holes to put a little pro-am days, the Greater Gwinnett 2013. Since joining the tour pressure on the leader. But Langer Championship got off to a wet start, Bernhard Langer late in the 2007 season, responded with some superb play down with the first round delayed by four Langer has 18 wins and 35 the stretch. hours and only 24 of the 81 players com- top-three finishes, and has led Langer landed his second within two pleting play on Friday. the money list each year since feet on the tough-to-birdie 16th and Allen led by one shot over Bart ‘08 with the exception of closed out his win in style with a Bryant, Mark O’Meara, Mark 2011, when he was out for wedge to three feet at the 18th for a Calcavecchia and Toledo, with Langer four months with an injury. birdie to match Lehman for low round of tied for 29th. Langer and Jeff Sluman After his win at Sugarloaf, the day. both shot 66 on Saturday, with Langer Langer appears headed for After his round, Langer offered some vaulting all the way into a tie for 2nd and a fifth money title in his kind words for the course that hosted the a spot in the final group. He was paired six full seasons as a PGA Tour for more than a decade before on Sunday with Toledo, who led by Champions Tour member. returning to tournament status after a at 138, and 2012 Senior PGA and Langer overtook four-year absence. U.S. Senior Open champion Roger Toledo for the lead early “When I first stepped foot on Chapman, who was tied with Langer, in the final round with Sugarloaf, it reminded me of Augusta,” Pernice and Calcavecchia for 2nd at 139. three consecutive birdies Langer observed. “I just enjoy playing Savannah’s Gene Sauers and Allen were at holes 3, 4 and 5. After the golf course. It’s a test. If you pull off next at 140. rolling in birdie putts in shots you get rewarded. If you miss a few, Several of the leaders fell back in the the 16-to-18-foot range you get punished.” final round, with Allen, Chapman and at 3 and 4, Langer was Langer credited his short game with Sauers all dropping out of the top 10.

still one off the lead, as saving him during his otherwise difficult Chien Soon Lu shot 69 to take 4th at HMSNPHOTOGRAPHY THOMPSON

. . Toledo birdied the stretch from holes 8 to 11. He put in 5-under 211, with Calcavecchia and ED C short par-3 second some work on his short game to prepare Duffy Waldorf tying for 5th at 212. and matched Langer’s for the Masters, and that work paid off Calcavecchia had four bogeys, a double birdie at the par-5 fourth. the following week. bogey, an eagle and a birdie on the But Toledo hit his second shot in the “I missed four greens and I was one- front nine. In his pro-am round at Sugarloaf, creek fronting the fifth green. Following under par. That’s what kept me in the Wayne Levi, like Calcavecchia a Langer started 4-under after four holes a drive he said he “crushed,” Langer lead and then I started playing some very former Bell South Classic champion at and likely would have turned in a 65 or lofted his second over the tree guarding good golf again. From 12 on, I made Atlanta Country Club, was among six so had he kept an official scorecard. the left side pin position and spun it back better swings.” players to tie for 7th at 213. Also fin- Like most of the players in the field for to within 10 feet of the hole. He holed The usually reserved Langer actually ishing at 3-under were Bryant, who won the first-year Champions Tour event, the putt to take a one-shot lead over displayed some signs of emotion down the Tour Championship in 2005 at East Langer struggled in the rain-delayed Toledo, and never relinquished his the stretch, revving up the already Lake, Fred Funk, Steve Pate, Sluman opening round, carding a 1-over 73 after advantage despite a stretch of uncharac- applauding fans after he “stuffed” his tee and Toledo, who closed with a 75. bogeys on his final two holes Saturday teristically sub-standard play that began shot at the 16th. The scoring average for the tourna- morning to complete his round. when he missed a 6-footer for a fourth “I do have a good temperament,” ment was the highest in a Champions Langer trailed first round leader straight birdie at the par-5 sixth. Langer said. “But I am more emotional Tour non-major since 2008 in a wind- Michael Allen by six strokes when the Langer three-putted the seventh from now than I was in my 20s and 30s. swept event in Florida, also won second round began later Saturday inside 20 feet and missed the green on Langer played on the PGA Tour from by Langer. morning. But after a tournament-best 66 each of the next four holes. But he played 1984 until he turned 50 in 2007, but Apart from the poor weather Friday, was tied for second heading to the final those four holes in 1-under, saving pars was only a Tour member about half that the first year event was a success, with a round, one behind surprise leader with a deft pitch on the eighth, a semi- time. He won the Masters in 1985 and strong field and healthy ticket sales. Esteban Toledo, a newcomer to the bunker shot from bare ground on the ’93, with his only other win in the U.S.

14 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2013 .-,+*)('&+%$#"+'!,--#+',$''''''''' "'#%$'."*#'*%',%+

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2013 MAY GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 15 Legendary trio make Reunion Resort special Palmer’s Legacy design a scenic, fun standout

FORE GEORGIA Travel

By Ed Bowen

he names Palmer, Nicklaus and Watson are among the most iconic in golf. The three were among the greatestT golfers to ever play the game, with all three turning to the golf course design business while still active players. Each of the three possessed distinctive playing styles, and that carried over to their work in golf course architecture. In particular, Palmer and Nicklaus have pro- duced numerous world class designs over the years, with Watson a relative new- comer to the field. Having the name of any of the three attached to a golf course is a definite asset. But at Reunion Resort in Orlando, you get your pick of three exceptional layouts designed by a trio of golf’s legendary stars. The gorgeous 16th at Reunion Resort’s Legacy Course Perhaps the best known of the three is Arnold Palmer’s Legacy course, along with Tom Watson’s Independence course a few holes where the water is a concern, the original two at the resort, opening beginning with the opener. A tree at the in the mid-2000s. The Jack Nicklaus corner of the dogleg left can be a definite designed Tradition course followed several impediment if your tee shot is not in the years later. right side of the fairway. With water The Palmer course hosted an LPGA looming right of the green and the terrain event played at Reunion Resort from 2006- sloping in that direction, the hazard 2008, with a diverse trio of winners (Mi appears more ominous if you have to con- Hyun Kim, Brittany Lincocome, Lorena tend with the tree on your second shot. Ochoa) exemplifying the nature of The only other hazards on the front nine the layout, which does not favor a partic- are in front of the tees at holes 7 and 8 and Arnold Palmer's Legacy Course at Reunion Resort ular style of play. The resort has since are not much of a concern. The waste areas become the home of Annika Sorenstam’s that line most of the other holes are defi- golf academy. nitely in play, with the Legacy course second featuring a 50-foot drop from tee tee, the flip wedge second must contend Measuring 6,916 yards from the black requiring a decent amount of accuracy off to green and requiring some precise dis- with an undulating green and a tough-to- tees and 6,419 from the golds, the Palmer the tee to avoid the sand and some well- tance control. The multi-level green at the reach back right pin. course lacks serious length, and features positioned trees. fifth is surrounded by sand left and long The expanse of waste area is very much some relatively modest course The straightaway par-5 fifth is an and a waste area right that is well below in play at 8 and 9, a long par 4 and mid- rating/slope numbers (73.4/137 – black; example. A waste area extends along the the level of the rolling putting surface. length par 5. The waste area extends to 70.9/132 – gold). entire left side of the hole, along with trees Even if you hit the green, par is not just short of the wide, shallow eight green, The blue tees are a friendly 6,058 and a few fairway bunkers, with trees also a certainty. which is also bordered by mounds, making (69.2/128), with the whites (5,529) and pinching in on the right. At 538 from the The green at the short, par-4 fourth also for a long and challenging approach. reds (4,802) very comfortable for seniors tips and 511 from the golds, the hole includes ample amounts of slope, with a The usually downwind ninth includes and women. lacks significant length, with accuracy the large front left bunker making for some ample amounts of roll in the fairway that Palmer’s Legacy course features mostly more pressing concern, along with a testy short iron approaches to left side can produce some uneven lies, along with generous fairways, many of which are bor- deft putting touch to handle the pin positions. a narrow strip for the lay-up between dered by expansive waste areas that are undulating green. At just 303 yards from the black tees and waste areas. very much in play on a sizeable number of The general absence of serious length 274 from the next set, the seventh is The back nine begins with the longest holes, along with the occasional tree line. offers some early scoring opportunities if drivable, with the main risk some deep of the par 5s, with the hole topping out at For a Florida resort course, water haz- your iron game is sharp. Both par 3s are of bunkers on either side of the angled green. ards are not a frequent factor, but there are short-to-medium length, with the scenic For those unable to reach the green off the [ See Reunion Resort, page 30 ]

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18 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2013 The only course in the country where every hole is another historic opportunity.

As you look across the rolling fairways and bentgrass greens of this Robert Trent Jones II-designed course, you’ll note there’s an authentic Cherokee story on every hole. From the Cherokee creation tale to examples of giants throwing fireballs, and how the legend of thunder first brought the Cherokee fire, these stories enrich every round, no matter how you’re playing. Remember and visit SequoyahNational.com or call 828.497.3000 for Dynamic Pricing, where you can book early for the best greens fees and check valuable Stay & Play packages. And visit nearby Harrah’s® Cherokee Casino Resort, offering the five-star relaxation of Mandara Spa.

2013 MAY GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 19 Skinner, Stevens set for Senior Open shootout Mason a likely challenger at Chattahoochee GC

of senior amateurs. By Mike Blum Don Marsh was low amateur last year

fter a two-year stay at GEORGIA PGA at Newnan CC, taking 4th at 139, three Newnan Country Club, the behind Skinner’s winning total. It was Yamaha Georgia Senior Open Marsh’s first appearance in the top 10 moves to Gainesville’s since 2006, when he placed 2nd behind ChattahoocheeA GC this month (May Bill Spannuth at Planterra Ridge. Marsh 13-14), with the tournament’s two most was also low amateur in ‘04 at the recent winners looking to resume their Orchard, taking 4th overall, and in ‘03 at battle for the top spot among the state’s the Georgia Club, tying for 6th. senior club professionals. Bob Royak made his first start in the Sonny Skinner and Craig Stevens Georgia Senior Open last year, tying for have been the state’s top senior club pros 10th, and was T7 last year in the Atlanta since turning 50 a few years ago, while Open at Chattahoochee GC, just two remaining among the best players in the shots out of the playoff. Royak won Georgia PGA Section. the Atlanta Open in 2007 at the Stevens and Skinner finished 1-2 in Standard Club. the 2012 Georgia PGA points standings, Other amateurs to turn in strong Sonny Skinner Craig Stevens with Skinner taking first in the Senior IMAGES BY GEORGIA PGA showings in the event in recent years Division standings and Stevens placing include Mel Mendenhall, Jack third after playing a limited schedule. Championship and the 2012 Atlanta Georgia Senior Open due to a conflict Kearney, Larry Clark, 2007 Georgia The two players have gone 1-2 in each Open, with a number of players eligible with a U.S. Open qualifier at Marietta Senior Open champion Rocky Costa, of the last two Georgia Senior Opens, to play in the Georgia Senior Open CC — his home club. Keppler was 3rd Jack Hall and Jeff Belk Costa and with Stevens winning in a runaway in enjoying top finishes in last year’s in last year’s Georgia Senior Open, two David Nell, who won at Callaway 2011 and Skinner edging Stevens by one Yamaha Atlanta Open. shots behind Skinner. Gardens in 2008, are the last two ama- shot last year. Veteran Champions Tour player James Stevens tied for 7th in the Atlanta teurs to win the tournament. The tournament will be part of a busy Mason, a career Georgia PGA member, Open, just two shots out of the playoff, Veteran mini-tour player Javier Spring schedule for Skinner, who com- was one of three players to make it into a with Skinner tying for 14th at 142 along Sanchez won at Callaway Gardens in peted in both Web.com events in playoff after shooting 6-under 138 on with Danny Elkins, who will also be in 2009 and ’10, but has not competed in Georgia in late April and early May and the Robert Trent Jones, Sr., design, losing the Senior Open field. the event the last two years due to con- has qualified for the 2013 PGA Senior to Seth McCain. Mason, the Georgia Finishing in the top 10 in last year’s flicts with tournaments on the Sunbelt Championship, which will be played in PGA Player of the Year in 1997, ’98 and Georgia Senior Open were Russ Davis Senior Tour. That tour has an event St. Louis the week after the Georgia 2000 prior to joining the Champions (6th) and Phil Taylor (T7), with scheduled in metro Atlanta at BridgeMill Senior Open. Tour, says he expects to play at both players also among the top five in Athletic Club the same dates as the This will be the first time Chattahoochee. last year’s Georgia PGA Senior Georgia Senior Open. Chattahoochee GC has hosted the Mason won a recent Georgia PGA Championship. Stevens won that tour- Skinner posted an 8-under 136 total Georgia Senior Open, but the course Senior Division event in Metter, and nament at Pinetree CC by six shots over to win last year at Newnan CC, with should be familiar to a number of the played in the Champions Tour event at Skinner, with Davis tying for 3rd and Stevens 2nd at 137 and Keppler 3rd at players, as this will be the third straight TPC Sugarloaf, finishing in the middle Taylor 5th along with Keppler and 138 following a final round 66. Skinner year the course has hosted a major of the pack. Tommy Brannen, who has also qualified shot 67-69 and Stevens was right behind Georgia PGA event. Stephen Keppler finished one shot for the PGA Senior Championship. at 68-69. The two were tied going to the Chattahoochee was the site of the out of the Atlanta Open playoff at 139, The Georgia PGA members in the 2011 Georgia PGA Match Play but is not expected to compete in the field will be challenged by a strong group [ See Senior Open, page 22 ]

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20 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2013 Expandd YYourYoour Horizons...

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2013 MAY GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 21 Chicopee Woods event retains one-day format 27-hole tournament keeps outcome up in the air

David Potts By Mike Blum the Senior PGA kept him out The School nine features the most dif- of the tournament last year. ficult of the three opening holes, one of fter playing for four years McCain has three top-5 fin- several solid mid-length par 4s included as a two-day, 54-hole event, ishes in the tournament, among the 27 holes. The two most the Chicopee Woods Players including his one-shot win over notable holes on the nine are the haz- A Championship changed to a Skinner in 2009. Jeff Hull, who ardous par-5 ninth and the dogleg left one-day, 27-hole tournament last year, won the inaugural Chicopee par-4 sixth, which has a pond in play and enjoyed a significant increase Woods Players Championship in that must be avoided off the tee and in participation. 2008, was 3rd and 5th the next carried on the demanding uphill One thing that didn’t change was a two years, but has since moved out second shot to a two-tier green. Holes 2 highly-competitive conclusion to the of the Georgia PGA Section. through 5 offer some excellent scoring tournament. The first three events at Veteran Chicopee Woods assis- opportunities, with length a non-factor Chicopee Woods produced a playoff tant Greg Lee had three top 10s the on all four. and two one-stroke margins of vic- first four years the tournament was The Village nine is the longest of the tory. Clark Spratlin won by six played on his home course, but fell three, with two par 5s in the 550-560 shots in 2011, but things returned to 30th last year, the first time he range, a 230-yard par 3 and a solid group to form last year with a second placed lower than 12th. of par 4s. The rolling par-5 ninth is a playoff in tournament history and All three nines at Chicopee stout finishing hole, but lacks the dra- two former champions one and Woods were designed by Georgia- matic nature of the School ninth. Like two shots out of the playoff. based architect Denis Griffiths, and the School nine, the greens complexes on David Potts, an instructor at unlike some 27-hole layouts, all three Village are on the gentle side, but birdies CC of the South, took last year’s playoff nines mesh nicely in combination. The are harder to come by than on the over tour player Kevin Durkin, who was of the green with his second. School and Village nines opened in other two, with fewer evident scoring in the Georgia PGA Section at the time. It was Potts’ second win of 2012 and 1991, with the Mill following a opportunities. Potts and Durkin both finished at third in the last two years. He won last decade later. 7-under 101 on Chicopee Woods’ year’s season-opening Griffin Classic and The Mill is a bit more receptive to 27-hole layout, with Potts winning with also won the 2011 Georgia PGA Match scoring than the two original nines, with a birdie on the second extra hole, the Play Championship. He has also been an extremely inviting downhill par-5 For a wrap-up of the par-5 ninth on the School nine. part of the winning team in the Pro- opening hole, two par 3s of minimal Stadion Classic and Spratlin, the head professional at Assistant Championship four of the last length and two short par 4s that are a Currahee Club in Toccoa, was one shot five years, teaming with CC of the South staple of Griffiths’ designs. The greens a complete report on out of the playoff at 102, with 2009 Director of Instruction Shawn Koch to have a little more movement than the the Masters, visit champion Seth McCain of Jennings Mill win in 2009, ’11 and ’12. original nines, but apart from one and Capital City Club instructor Todd Potts had finished either 8th or 9th in tour-length par 3, it is the friendliest of www.golfforegeorgia.com Peterson tying for 4th at 103. three of the first four Chicopee Woods’ the nines. The players teed off in a shotgun start Players Championships, and is one of spread out over the three nines at several players who have been consistent Chicopee Woods, leaving them with top finishers in the tournament. little or no idea how other players on the Spratlin has placed 4th, 1st and 3rd of the putting surfaces are also bordered course were doing. Potts at least had an the last three years. Tim Weinhart, who Senior Open either long or to the side by areas well idea how he was doing relative to one of won at Chicopee Woods in 2010, was [ Continued from page 20 ] below their level. contenders, as playing partner Peterson 2nd behind Spratlin the next year and The large, typically excellent greens was five shots ahead of him after only was 5th or better the first four years of par-5 finishing hole, with Skinner represent a serious challenge, with six holes. the tournament before slipping to making birdie to win the duel. enough speed and movement to produce Potts recovered to catch and pass T19 last year. Weinhart also won the Chattahoochee GC will present a solid three-putts from long range. Most of the Peterson, but did not think his 7-under Georgia PGA’s Professional National test for the players in the Georgia Senior greenside bunkering is along the edges, total for 27 holes would be low enough Championship qualifier the two years it Open field despite a lack of serious resulting in some tough-to-reach pin to win. As it turned out, it got him into was played at Chicopee Woods in 2006 length and almost no water in play con- positions, with the bunkers having suffi- a playoff with Durkin, who won the and ’09. sidering its proximity to Lake Lanier. cient depth to make them a real concern. 2004 Atlanta Open while he was a Sonny Skinner was 4th, 2nd and 3rd The course can play as long as 7115 While the par 4s are on the short side Nationwide Tour member. the first three years the event was played, yards from the tips, but will play in the as a group, three of the par 3s are in the Durkin had a chance to win on the and placed 8th in 2010. He did not play 6600-6800 range for the tournament, 200-yard range, although several of them first playoff hole, the watery par-5 ninth last year due to a conflict with the with no par 4s over 420 yards and a pair play significantly downhill. on the School nine, but missed a short Senior PGA Championship, and faces of par 5s of modest length. The course was renovated in 2007, birdie putt after reaching the green in another conflict between the two events Chattahoochee is a relatively tight, with the greens and bunkers re-built and two. The two returned to the tee and this this time. tree-lined layout, with its rolling terrain several back tees added. The nines were time Potts knocked it on in two for the Craig Stevens was 2nd behind accounting for much of its challenge. reversed to reflect their original order winning birdie while Durkin failed to get Weinhart in 2010, and like Skinner had Several holes feature sharp drop-offs with and one hole was removed, replaced by a up-and-down after coming up just short a top 10 in ‘11 before the conflict with hazard stakes just off fairways, and many re-configuration of one hole into two.

22 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2013 2013 MAY GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 23 S! FORE JUNIOR LPGA/USGA Girls Golf sites

ATLANTA The Benefits of Getting Girls The First Tee of Atlanta William Lewis l 404-756-1868 PEACHTREE CITY into the Game of Golf Braelinn Golf Club Maeve Cromwell l 770-631-4129 to an hour lunch. You talk about families, so they can see role models. The Legends ATLANTA By Jackie Cannizzo business, etc. of the LPGA will be coming to the Atlanta The First Tee of East Lake PGA/LPGA Instructor The value of getting your young girls area for a special competition as they com- Brittnay Lott/Nyre Williams Country Club of Roswell into golf is priceless. From the social pete along side some of the best college 404-373-4351 aspect, to college golf to them using golf as women in the game. Country Club of In 2011, the National Golf Foundation a business tool, golf remains one of the few Roswell will host this event July 11th -15th. ROSWELL reported that one of the few “sweet spots” sports that is viewed as a vital skill for per- On July 11th there will be a women’s Country Club of Roswell in the golf population as far as participation sonal development. However, there are leadership presentation that will feature Lisa Chirichetti l 770-475-7820 holding steady are women and junior challenges and hurdles to overcome to Atlanta business women as well as the leg- AUGUSTA golfers. That’s great news for developing a young golfer, endary Kathy Whitworth. Then the Legends The First Tee of Augusta those of you looking to get your especially girls. players will compete in a pro-am and a Jill Brown l 706-364-4653 daughters into the game of My goal in this article is to competition. Players scheduled to attend golf. However, we still have a help parents navigate through are Nancy Lopez, Rosie Jones and SAVANNAH long way to go to catch up to those obstacles. The first one is Betsy King. The First Tee of Savannah the boys! It’s time for us to catch finding role models for them to You will be treated to the best women Barbara Essig l 912-238-7108 young girls up! follow. In the early 2000’s the golfers and the future of women’s golf. ELLENWOOD According to the Women’s game of golf was dominated by These players are accessible and will be Women in Golf Foundation, Inc. Sports Foundation, the pres- Tiger Woods. He was every- so happy to take pictures and sign auto- LaJean Gould l 770-335-2364 ence of athletics in young girl’s where. It was very natural for graphs for your young girls (boys are Oneda Castillo l 770-842-5053 lives is vital to their overall physical and young boys to want to be like “Tiger.” encouraged to attend as well). Visit mental health. Girls playing some type of For young girls we could say the same www.judsongolf.com for more informa- organized sports have better overall health about Annika Sorenstam. However, tion. All kids get in the event for free. and self-esteem. 80 percent of all the women’s golf hasn’t had nearly as much Because there are fewer girls that play, than boys, if we start them at a young age. women in high ranking positions in coverage in the media as men’s. I will say they don’t seem to have the support group However, boys do play more sports in their business have played some type of organ- that the media did give Annika quite a bit like boys. Girls need golf to be more social formative years. So try to find a female golf ized sport. 50 percent of all women of coverage when she competed in a PGA for them to stay engaged. So it’s important professional for them to learn from. In CEO’s play golf. tour event. Annika’s presence in the to find group settings for girls to learn in. Georgia there are now several amazing In the business world in general, women women’s game was truly inspiring. But she Find an LPGA/USGA golf club for your women that teach and coach golf. who play golf are said to be respected retired from competition at the age of 37. daughter to join. LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, Lisa Chirichetti, Luciana Bemvenuti, Robin more by their male counterparts and Tiger is still winning at the age of 37. There which celebrated its 23rd anniversary in Hollaway, Heidi Mitchell, Joyce Wilcox, Beth clients, according to the “The Grass Ceiling” have been some great players to come 2012, was formed to connect girls, ages 7 to Blevins, Maeve Cromwell, Denise Killeen, report. Susan Reed, formerly of “Golf for along after Annika — Lorena Ochoa, Paula 17, with the game of golf. A developmental Nicole Weller, Gale Peterson, Jeanne Women” said, “Men know how hard the Creamer, Christie Kerr and now Stacey junior golf program and the only national Dooley, Summer Sirmons, Lauren Cousart, game is and if a woman has the guts, per- Lewis, that young American girls can aspire initiative of its kind, Girls Golf presents an and Deb Hankey are a few of the best severance and character to play golf, they to be. But it seems that they are less domi- opportunity for girls to make lasting friend- female teachers in the state. respect that.” Women who play golf get to nant than Annika. ships, gain self-confidence, learn to The PGA of America has started to pro- network more often and establish a more If you are looking for a place to inspire compete and have fun, while fostering a mote golf to young people through their personal connection with clients. Imagine your daughter and her friends to take up lifetime of enjoyment for the game. having 4 -5 hours with a client as opposed the game of golf, take them to a live event, It’s a hard game! It’s no harder for girls [ See Girls golf, page 30 ]

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24 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2013 F ORE JUNIORS! The Joy of Competition for Junior Golfers

once it is harnessed. about what you did well, the putts you is easy to use. As a player or caddy never By John Godwin I run 25 U.S. Kids Golf Atlanta Local Tour made and the recovery shots that saved a give advice on the rules unless you are PGA Master Professional events every year in the metro area. The stroke or two. As a parent, ask open ended 100% certain of the correct procedure. If Director, U.S. Kids Golf golf course yardage is scaled for kids so that questions about the round such as “tell me you are wrong and the other party pro- the challenge is matched with their skill about your best shot” or” what did you ceeds with your advice, they are stuck with Learning to be the best you can be is level. Without scaling yardage I don’t enjoy most about the round”? Keep con- your mistake, making you look really bad. discovered during competition. In many believe kids develop an all-around game. structive criticism to one topic so that a Don’t do it. ways, it is an exercise in managing expecta- They are forced to play a game which is not new focus can be put in place during prac- There is a real sense of joy associated tions. In our sport, the learning “arena” is a much fun, virtually eliminating the chance tice times that follow. with playing competitive golf when you golf tournament. for birdies and pars. Clearly, young golfers have done your best and experienced the Over the past 15 years, I have had the will enjoy the game more and develop thrill of making a winning putt. It validates opportunity to watch some of the best increased confidence when playing from Kids, Caddies the effort, builds confidence and fuels young players in the game com- appropriate yardages. and the Rules desire. Remember, in the end, it’s still just a pete on the local, regional, U.S. Kids Golf encourages game but teachers many life lessons. national and international parental involvement at every Golf has 34 rules and at times they are as levels. Some of them were really event. Parents are allowed to clear as the Chattahoochee after a thunder- good when they were 6 years caddy and are encouraged to storm. Just ask Tiger. When in doubt as to John Godwin is a PGA Master old, others played their first complete the Second Goal how to proceed in any situation, a player Professional and 2004 PGA National event when they were 14 and Parent online course offered by should always play a second ball, Rule 3-3, Junior Golf Leader. He is Director of learned to shoot a low score The Positive Coaching Alliance. and get a ruling at the end of the round. Player Development for U.S. Kids Golf and soon after. (positivecoach.org) Having There are 6 basic rules a player and is the golf professional at the Godwin They all learned to compete your mom or dad on the bag caddy should learn. They are Rules 23-28. Creek facility in Columbus. in different ways. Some made the same when you are 7 or 8 years old is a big plus Get a rules book and read them. I have the mistake over and over; others kept for any young player in a tournament. USGA Rules Book app on my phone and it making different mistakes, learning as their PCA promotes the development of a game evolved. “mistake ritual” that becomes a tool for It seems like tournament golf should not players to help shake off bad shots or bad be different than playing with your buddies breaks. It can be the tip of a cap, the pull on in a casual round, but it is. Your name is a sleeve or the hitch of the pants that sig- announced on the first tee, rules officials nals “OK, I made a mistake, now I have an watch play, scores are posted and trophies opportunity to hit a nice recovery shot.” It are awarded. It seems like a big deal. helps players let go of the error and not There is a different sense of excitement focus on it too long. In the end, it’s not what surrounding tournament golf. happens to a player on the course, it’s how Parents ask me all the time about when they react to it that matters most. 66 6 666 6 their son or daughter will be ready to play 6666 666 in a tournament? Being ready means dif- 66 6666 ferent things to different people. My view Parental Challenges 66666 6 6 of a player “being ready” is made up of The challenge for any parent is to not 666666 6 three factors: over-coach. As a professional player and 66 66666 66666666 coach, I know over-coaching inhibits per- u 66 6 6 6 They really like golf formance. The more you think and try to do v They rarely swing and miss 66666666 something with your swing in tournament 66 666 the ball play, the worse it gets. w 66 6 They can play almost any hole Parents want the experience to be a 66666666 in 15 minutes or less good one and too few realize there is more 66666666 to be learned via failure than success. They 666 It takes time to get comfortable in tourna- are focused on the outcome of each shot &%$#"!####### $##%$#$ ## # ments. Learning to relax and focus is a skill and their desire to see their kids “succeed.” that must be developed over time. Poise $#%$ ##### #%$#$ #% $# !# # # # ## Parents who are caddies need to under-  #$####### # #&%! # ! $# ## and confidence are necessary when things stand their role…being a caddy has #$# ##  # ## #$  # # go wrong, and things are going to go nothing to do with being a parent. If I cad-  $#
# ##### # wrong in competition. There is also the died for your son or daughter, it might nervous feeling most players experience, surprise you with how little I coached them. )0/(+)''6*)+3666666 660436&%+/(*6$('#6 (*3()* 6666)+ 6$('#336 the famous “butterflies.” The feeling is very The tournament arena is not the place for )+ 6/+'%66666 3 6/+60436 &$ 63*#(*.)+36)-3 666 6+0*6*(3-- uncomfortable when first encountered. I swing tips or “how to” instruction. Those $3(*/)6/-0*/06%)'/3*65(%*+).3+06-1(+-(*366 6 6 6
6 know for me, it initially made me want to things are best done during practice times. run away and hide until I understood that Optimist Clubs of the Post round discussions should be based on Georgia District this energy actually helped me focus positive foundations. As a player, think Optimist International better. Nervous energy is a necessary ally

2013 MAY GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 25 PGA PGA UNIORS GOLF FORE J

Savannah’s Beisel Harris, also of St. Simons Island, T8 at 151. In the boys division, Wyatt Larkin of wins in home town Morganton was low among the Georgia Savannah’s August Beisel captured the juniors, tying for 6th at 145 after scores Georgia PGA Junior Tour Oglethorpe of 70-75. Mackey tied for 13th at 146, Invitational in his home town, winning last with Emmanuel Kountakis of Augusta Abigail Bolt August Beisel month at Wilmington Island Club. T16 at 147. Beisel shot 72-74—146 to win the boys Junior All-Star: In an AJGA event at Canongate GC in May, and plays at Heron At Huntsville, Ala., Alpharetta’s Chandler division by five shots over Ajay Patel of Chateau Elan, the site of the organization’s Bay in early June. Eaton won the boys 14-15 division by one Hahira, who was 2nd at 151. Jacob Price of headquarters, Benjamin Shipp of Duluth shot in a SJGT event with scores of 75-74— Jefferson was 3rd in the 16-18 age group tied for 3rd with a 54-hole total of 217 in 149. James Scott of Atlanta and Reid at 152. a Junior All-Star tournament for players Rathburn of Alpharetta tied for 3rd in the Kevin Burns of Canton was the 14-15 age 12-15. Gainesville, Marist 16-19 division at 147. Rathburn led by three division winner with scores of 74-78—152. Spencer Ralston tied for 7th at 219, with take team events shots after an opening round of 67. Roswell’s Jon Erik Alford was 2nd at 154, S.M. Lee of Buford T10 at 220. Payton Nicholas Cassidy of Alpharetta was 2nd in with Savannah’s James Wohler 3rd at 155. Schanen of Alpharetta tied for 6th in the Gainesville won the annual North Georgia the 12-13 age group at 151. Stephen Foernsler of Cumming shot girls division at 226. High School Classic at Achasta GC in Daniel Davis of Columbus placed 2nd in 80-74—154 to win the 11-13 age group. In an AJGA Junior All-Star at Florida’s Dahlonega, edging Easley (S.C.) by one the 12-13 boys division of a SJGT tourna- Abigail Bolt of Woodstock was the girls Innisbrook Resort, Milton’s Rachel Dai tied stroke. Gainesville shot 590 in the two-day ment in Mobile with a 151 total. Bill winner with a 172 total. for 6th in the girls division at 217, four shots tournament, with Easley 2nd at 591. Sharpe tied for 3rd in 14-15 at 148, with behind the winner. Dai shot 68 in the Spalding was 3rd at 613 with Roswell 4th Tyler Hanson closing with a 68 to take 5th second round. Jacob Joiner of Albany at 620. at 149. Brett Ammons of McDonough was Mitsunaga loses carded three straight 74s and tied for 9th in Trace Crowe of Easley was medalist at 4th in 16-19 at 147. the boys division at 222, with John Yi T15 140, followed by Gainesville’s Spencer in AJGA playoff; The Southeastern Junior Tour plays at at 223. Ralston at 144. Nathan Williams of wins next week Gainesville tied for 4th at 148. Tying for 6th Orchard Hills May 29-30 and the Georgia at 149 were Pep Brown and Jackson Club June 3-4. Roswell’s Rinko Mitsunaga placed Lee, Doherty win Bishop of Gainesville, Carson Willis of second in an American Junior Golf Spalding, and Andrew Bourg of Peachtree Ga. Junior Tour Association tournament at Country Club of on Hurricane Tour City, who competed as an individual. the South last month, losing on the second Marist won a high school tournament opens ‘13 season hole of a sudden death playoff. Chateau Elan also hosted a recent event played at Atlanta Athletic Club, posting a The Georgia Junior Golf Tour, played at Mitsunaga shot 3-over 147 in the 36-hole on the Hurricane Junior Tour, with S.M. Lee 227 total to finish ahead of Lassiter (227) Georgia State Park Golf courses, opened its event, and was the leader in the clubhouse and Atlanta’s Amanda Doherty taking and Westminster (235). Marist’s Jack 2013 schedule in May with events at after an even par 72 in the second round. home the boys and girls titles. Larkin was medalist with a 71. Meadow Links in Fort Gaines and Brazell’s But New Jersey’s Cindy Ha birdied the 17th Lee shot 76-71—147 to take first in the The Georgia PGA Junior Championship Creek in Reidsville. hole to force the playoff, and won with a boys 15-18 age group, with Barrett Waters will be played June 3-4 at Cuscowilla on In the season opener at Meadow Links, birdie on the second extra hole. of Dallas tying for 3rd at 150. Jake Bayer of Lake Oconee, a course ranked among the Camden Collins was the boys overall and Ji Eun Baek of Newnan was 5th at 150, Lawrenceville shot 74-77—151 to win the best in the state. The tournament is open to age 14-15 winner with a 152 total, five sharing the first round lead at 73. Sydney 11-14 age group by three over Atlanta’s juniors who are not members of the shots ahead of Coby Eunice of Waycross. Needham of Villa Rica tied for 10th at 154. Bruce Smith. Georgia PGA Junior Tour. Other boys winners were Ty Hutson of Carter Mobley of Waynesboro took 3rd Doherty shot 76-74—150 to finish three Metter (12-13, 163) and Perry-Austin in the boys division with scores of 75-71— ahead of Janet Mao of Johns Creek in girls Kilburn of Monroe (10-11, 15). Abigail 146, one shot out of a playoff. David 15-18. Diane Lim of Norcross was 3rd at Dalton Johnson Bolt was the girls overall and 14-15 winner Mackey of Bogart was next among the 154. Jayla McRae of McDonough was 2nd wins SJGT event at 160. Georgians in the boys competition, tying in the 11-14 age group at 169. At Brazell’s Creek, Scott Odell of Claxton for 20th at 153. Ben Holm and Alpharetta In a Hurricane Tour event at Jekyll Island Forsyth’s Dalton Johnson won a recent was the 16-18 and boys overall winner at and John Yi of Marietta were T24 at 154. GC, Ashleigh Bishop of Gainesville tournament on the Southeastern Junior 148. Eunice shot 157 to edge Jefferson’s The tournament was sponsored by Exide and Savannah’s James Wohler won the Golf Tour, shooting 76-69—145 at Highland Charles Jarrett by one in the 14-15 divi- Technologies and presented by Mizuno. 11-14 age group titles. Oaks in Dothan, Ala., to finish four ahead of sion. Jackson Toole of Vidalia was the Mitsunaga came back the next week in Bishop shot 76-76—152 to win her divi- Steven Fisk of Stockbridge in the 16-19 12-13 winner at 163, two shots ahead of Savannah to win the Brian Harman Junior, sion by one shot, with Wohler taking the age group. Hunter Bremer of Atlanta and Zac Thornton of Bristol. Girls winners were her second AJGA victory in three years at boys title with scores of 73-77—150. Pep Spence Papciak of Dunwoody tied for 3rd Anna Buchanan of Athens (16-18, 157) the Savannah Quarters course. Mitsunaga Brown tied for 4th in boys 15-18 at 72-70— at 151. and Sloan Lanier of Blackshear shot 5-under 139, posting scores of 68-71 142, two shots behind the winner. Bill Sharpe of Albany was the 14-15 (12-13, 192). to win by four strokes. She made 11 birdies At Anderson, S.C., Isabella Skinner of winner at 75-75—150, followed by Atlanta’s The next event on the Georgia Junior over the two days, including three on the Cumming shot 78-77—155 to win the girls Will Chandler at 152 and Albany’s Tyler Golf Tour is June 1-2 at Georgia Vets in first four holes of the final round. 15-18 division by four strokes. Jake Bayer Hanson at 153. Daniel McKenzie of Cordele. Kayla Jones of Milton was 4th at was 2nd in boys 11-14 at 152, with Milton’s Atlanta tied for 2nd in boys 12-13 at 153, 71-73—144, with Bailey Tardy of Norcross Andrew Lafferty 4th at 154. with Ari Roberts of Braselton 2nd in girls 5th at 148. Mary Ellen Shuman of St. The Hurricane Junior Tour visits the 15-19 at 159. Simons Island tied for 6th at 150, with Katy Traditions of Braselton, Bartram Trail and

26 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2013 Stone Mountain Golf Club Canton Golf Club JUNIOR CAM Stone Mountain • 678-637-2802 Canton • 770-345-3786 Directory P www.marriott.com Junior Camp: (Ages 7-15) Heidi Mitchell Junior Camps: (Ages 8-15) June 17-19 June 10-14 • June 24-28 • July 8-12 • July Landings Golf Club 22-26 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. McPherson-Thompson Warner Robins • 923-5222 ext. 4 Kiddie Kamp: (Ages 5-8) Canongate Golf Clubs Junior www.goggingolf.com June 4-6 • June 18-20 • July 16-18 Golf Camp Three Day Clinics: (Ages 7-9) Summer Camps Advanced Junior Sessions: (Ages 12-16) Augusta • 706-829-7981 June 4-6 • July 23-25 • 9-10:30 a.m. www.canongate360.com June 4, 6, 7 • June 18, 20, 21 www.jaguargolfcamp.com Three Day Clinics: (Ages 10+) • July 16, 18, 19 Junior Camps: (Ages 10-18) June 4-6 •July 23-25 • 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Bentwater Golf Club June 10-13 Little Linkers Clinic: (Ages 5-7) Acworth • 678-242-1850 Highland Walk Golf Course July 9-11 • 9-10:30 a.m. June 3-6 • June 10-13 • June 24-27 Royston • 706-245-6770 Lake Spivey Golf Club Half Day Golf Camps: • July 8-11 • July 15-18 • July 22-25 Junior Camps: (Ages 6-16) Jonesboro • 770-477-9836 June 17-21 • July 15-19 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m. June 3-7 • June 10-14 www.lakespivey.net/ Windermere Golf Club Junior Camps: June 3, 5, 7 U.S. Army MWR Cumming • 678-242-1856 • June 15, 17, 19 • 8-10 a.m. June 10 -13 • June 17-20 • June 24-27 Mystery Valley Clinics Hunter Golf Course Tuesday Night Junior Clinics: • July 8-11 • July 15-18 • July 22-25 Lithonia • 770-469-6913 Savannah • 912-315-9115 Tuesdays May-August • 5:30-7:30 p.m. Junior Camps: (Ages 7+) www.huntermwr.com Braelinn Golf Club June 17-20 • July 15-18 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Junior Golf Camp: (Ages 7-15) Peachtree City • 678-242-1858 Stan Moore Golf Academy June 17-18 • 10 a.m.-12 p.m. June 3-6 • June 17-20 • July 8-11 Collins Hill Golf Club Canton • 404-375-1487 Taylors Creek Golf Course • July 22-25 stanmooregolfacademy.com/ Hinesville (Ft. Stewart) • 912-767-2370 Lawrenceville • 770-822-5400 Beginner Camp: (Ages 7-10) Junior Golf Camp: (Ages 7-15) www.collinshillgolf.com White Oak Golf Club June 3-7 June 24-25 • 10 a.m.-12 p.m. SHARE Golf Academy: Newnan • 678-242-1859 Intermediate Camp: (Ages 7-10) Level 1; one class per week • Level 2; June 4-7 • June 11-14 • July 9-12 June 10-14 two classes per week • Level 3; Kids Golf Academy • July 23-26 Advanced Camp: (Ages 10-14) unlimited classes Atlanta • 404-812-6808 June 17-21 golfacademyforkids.com Georgia National Senior Advanced Camp: (Ages 15-17) Junior Summer Camps: (Ages 4-17) McDonough • 678-242-1860 Cherokee Golf Center June 24-28 May 27-31 • June 3-7 • June 10-14 June 10-13 • June 24-27 • July 8-11 Woodstock • 678-358-6382 • June 17-21 • June 24-28 • July 1-5 • July 22-25 Junior Camps: (Ages 9-15) The Creek at Hard Labor • July 8-12 • July 15-19 • July 22-26 June 5-7 • June 12-14 • June 26-28 • • July 29-August 2 • August 5-9 Hamilton Mill Golf Club July 24-26 • 10 a.m-12 p.m. State Park Dacula • 678-242-1856 Rutledge • 706-557-3001 Georgia Golf Ministry May 27-30 • June 3-6 • June 10-13 • June Fox Creek & Legacy Executive Junior Half Day Camps: (Ages 6-16) 17-20 • June 24-27 • July 8-11 • July 15-18 June 24-27 • July 8-11 706-354-0986 • July 22-25 • July 29-August 1 Golf Courses Junior Full Day Camps: (Ages 6-16) www.gagolfministry.com Smyrna • 678-588-7623 June 24-27 • July 8-11 Mirror Lake Golf Club Junior Camps: (Ages 5-9) 2013 Jekyll Island Junior Camp: Villa Rica • 678-242-1850 June 10-12 • July 15-17 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. St. Ives Country Club Jekyll Island June 10-13 • June 17-20 • July 15-18 Junior Camps: (Ages 10-15) May 31-June 2 • Ages 11-18 Johns Creek • 770-497-9432 • July 22-25 June 17-20 • July 22-25 • 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. www.stivescountryclub.org 2013 Reynolds Plantation Junior Camps: (Ages 5-7) Traditions of Braselton Junior Golf Camp: Trophy Club of Atlanta July 9-11 • July 23-25 • July 30-August 1 Jefferson • 678-242-1856 Greensboro Alpharetta • 770-343-9700 Junior Camps: (Ages 8-13) May 27-30 • June 3-6 • June 10-13 July 14-18 • Ages 11-18 www.trophyclubofatlantagc.com July 9-11 • July 23-25 • July 30-August 1 • June 17-20 • June 24-27 • July 8-11 Junior Camps: July 8-11 • July 15-18 • July 15-18 • July 22-25 • July 29-August 1 2013 Reynolds Plantation ELITE Jr. • 9 a.m.-3 p.m. City Club Marietta Junior Golf Camp: Olde Atlanta Golf Club Marietta • 770-528-4653 ext. 4 or 5 Greensboro Suwanee • 678-242-1856 Woodstock Family Golf Center www.cityclubmarietta.com July 18-21 • Ages 13-17 June 3-6 • June 10-13 • July 8-11 Woodstock • 678-401-5372 Junior Camps: (Ages 7-16) • July 17-20 www.woodstockfamilygolf.com/ June 4-6 • June 18-20 • June 25-27 Wendell Coffee Golf Center Junior Camps: (Ages 6-15) • July 9-11 • July 23-25 • July 30-August 1 Tyrone • 770-969-4469 Eagle Watch May 27-31 • June 3-7 • June 10-14 www.coffeegolfcenter.com Woodstock • 678-242-1850 • June 17-21 • June 24-28 • July 1-5 Junior Camps: (Ages 6-15) June 3-6 • June 10-13 • July 15-18 • July 8-12 • July 15-19 • July 22-26 June 3-6 • June 10-13 • June 17-20 • July 22-25 • July 29-August 2 • 9 a.m-12 p.m. • June 24-27 • July 8-11 • July 15-19 • July 22-25 • July 29-August 1 • August 5-8

2013 MAY GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 27 MP Legacy Links Camp: (Ages 9-17) Reunion Country Club U O CA Smyrna J NI R Hoschton • 770-967-8300 www.ussportscamps.com/golf/nike/ Directory www.reuniongolfclub.com nike-golf-camp-legacy-golf-links Junior Golf Camps: June 3-7 • June 24-28 • July 8-12 Braelinn Golf Club, Peachtree City June 18-21 • July 23-26 • August 12-15 • July 29-Aug 2 678-242-1858 River Forest May 18 Forsyth • 678-242-1860 Georgia Southern Advanced Camp: SummerGrove Golf Club June 10-13 • June 17-20 • July 15-18 (Ages 11-18) Newnan • 770-251-1800 Windermere Golf Club, Cumming • July 23-26 Statesboro www.summergrovegolf.com 678-242-1856 www.ussportscamps.com/golf/nike/ Junior Camps: (Ages 7-16) May 18 Chapel Hills nike-advanced-golf-schools-georgia- June 3-6 • June 17-20 • July 1-4 • July 15-18 Douglasville • 678-242-1850 southern-university/ • July 29-August 1 Mirror Lake Golf Club, Villa Rica June 14-17 • July 8-11 June 9-13 678-242-1850 May 25 Riverpines Golf Heron Bay Sea Island Golf Learning Center Johns Creek • 770-442-5960 Locust Grove • 678-242-1860 Chris Haack Golf Camps (Boys 10-18): St. Simons Island • 912-638-5119 riverpinesgolf.com June 18-21 • July 16-19 Athens • 706-369-6066 www.seaislandglc.com/junior-golf/ Junior Summer Camps: (Ages 7-16) www.chrishaackgolfcamp.com Elite Junior Golf School: (Ages 12-18 June 10-13 • June 24-27 • July 8-11 Canongate Golf Clubs June 5-8 • June 9-12 with a handicap of 10 or less) • 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Junior Expos June 24-28 • July 8-12 • 9-4 p.m. www.canongate360.com NIKE Golf Chicopee Woods Junior Players Golf Camp: (Ages 11-17 Georgia National Golf Club 1-800-NIKE-CAMP Gainsville • 770-534-7322 with handicap of 15 or less) McDonough • 678-242-1860 Berry College Camp: (Ages 10-18) www.chicopeewoodsgolfcourse.com July 15-19 • 10-4 p.m. May 11 Mount Berry Junior Camps: (Ages 7-15) www.ussportscamps.com/golf/nike/ June 5-7 • July 23-25 • 9-11 a.m. Junior Golf Camp: (Ages 11-17 with Bentwater Golf Club, Acworth nike-golf-camp-berry-college/ playing experience) 678-242-1850 July 14-18 June 17-21 • July 1-5 • July 29-August 2 May 11 • August 5-9 • 10-4 p.m. U.S. Kids Atlanta Summer schedule Mini Junior Golf Camp: (Ages 10-14) June 9-11 • June 23-25 • July 7-9 • July 21-23 • August 4-6 • August 18-20 U.S. Kids Golf Foundation • 1-4 p.m. 706-587-4653 2013 Atlanta Summer Tour: (Boys 5-14) Newtown Recreation Johns Creek • 770-906-6350 Château Elan, Braselton www.newtownrec.com 678-425-0900 ext. 41 June 5 Junior 4-week Clinics: (Ages 7 & up) Chicopee Woods, Gainsville June 5, 12, 19, 26 • July 10, 17, 24, 31 • 770-534-7322 August 7, 14, 21, 28 • September 4, 11, 18, June 11 25 • October 2, 9, 16, 23 • 3:30-4:30 p.m. TPC Sugarloaf, Duluth 770-418-1113 Nuclear Golf Snag: (Ages 4-6) June 20 May 7, 14, 21, 28 • May 9, 16, 23, 30 • June Newnan CC, Newnan 4, 11, 18, 25 • June 6, 13, 20, 27 • July 9, 16, 770-253-9856 23, 30 • July 11, 18, 25, August 1 • August 6, June 27 13, 20, 27 • August 8, 15, 22, 29 Standard Club, Johns Creek Junior Half-day Camps: (Ages 7 & up) 770-497-0055 May 28-31 • June 4-7 • June 11-17 • June July 1 25-28 • July 9-12 • July 16-19 • July 30- Fairways of Canton, Canton August 2 • August 6-9 • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. 770-720-1808 July 8 Full Day Camps: (Ages 10 & up) May 28-31 • June 4-7 • June 11-17 • June White Columns, Milton 25-28 • July 9-12 • July 16-19 • July 30- 770-343-9025 August 2 • August 6-9 • 9 a.m.-3 p.m. July 18

Atlanta Athletic Club, Johns Creek 770-448-2166 August 6

28 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2013 Chip Shots

and took home the winner’s check of Former UGA golfer Adam Mitchell, who Mason a winner $3,700. tied for 11th in an eGolf event in North Augusta’s Casey Johnson was 3rd at 138, Carolina last month, received a sponsor’s at Willow Lake with first round co-leaders Mark Silvers exemption into the South Georgia Classic. Veteran Champions Tour member James and Jay McLuen among a group tying for Mason won the annual Dan Parrish 4th at 139. Both players shot 67 in the James Mason Hall, Nelson take Memorial Tournament at Willow Lake in GEORGIA PGA opening round. McLuen had an eagle and Metter, a long time event on the Georgia seven birdies the first day and added five GSGA 4-Ball PGA Senior Division schedule. made his move with a 30 on the front nine. more birdies in the second round, but also Mason shot a 7-under 65 in the second Peter Malnati shot 65 the final round to carded nine bogeys over 36 holes. Sea Island’s Jack Hall and Savannah’s round to finish with an 8-under 136 total to take 3rd at 272. Chris Johnson of Brunswick Also tying for 3rd were Cochran’s Joe Danny Nelson teamed up to win the GSGA finish five ahead of Sonny Skinner and was low Georgian in the tournament, tying Young, Chip Deason of Evans and Josh 4-Ball Championship at Champions Retreat Craig Stevens, who tied for 2nd at 141 for 16th at 281. Johnson, who shot a final Geary. outside Augusta, their second title in Mason had seven birdies and no bogeys on round 67, was 15-under on the par 5s, Geary won an earlier Peach State event at the event. his second round scorecard after shooting scoring birdies on the 15th and 18th holes the Brickyard in Macon, closing with a 68 for Hall and Nelson, who won the champi- 71 the first day. all four days, and recording three straight a 2-under 214 total in a 54-hole tourna- onship in 2005 at Georgia National, shot Skinner, who also has limited status on birdies on the third before a rare double ment. Fayetteville’s Wade Binfield was 2nd 67-67-66 for a 16-under 200 total and a the Champions Tour, posted scores of eagle the final day. Johnson was T21 the at 215, with Denny Lucas of Williamson and three-stroke victory over Bob Royak of 69-72, while Stevens, an instructor at week before at Sapelo Hammock. Kyle Scott of Decatur 3rd at 216 and Brett Alpharetta and Robert Sheats of Atlanta. Brookstone CC, shot 71-70. Also tying for Jay McLuen, the 2012 Georgia Open Munson of Evans 5th at 217. Jacob Hitt of Richmond Hill and Travis 2nd and taking low amateur honors was champion, closed with a 68 at Heritage Scott had the 36-hole lead, but shot 75 Williams of Brunswick were 3rd at 204, with Steve Collins, who shot 70-71 to edge out Oaks to tie for 26th at 284. Web.com mem- the final day. Geary had six birdies in the David Noll of Dalton and Mark Strickland Don Marsh, who was 2nd among the ama- bers Mark Silvers of Savannah and James third round, including one at 18 that broke of Woodstock 4th at 205. teurs and 5th overall at 142. White of Acworth were both in the field a tie and gave him the first place check Hall and Nelson were 2nd after the Orchard Hills head professional Wyatt in Brunswick, but each missed the cut by of $5,200. opening round, trailing Chase Jones and Detmer was the only other player in the one shot. Former Nationwide Tour player Jimmy Jayce Stepp of Cartersville, who shot a 66. field to break par for 36 holes, placing 6th at Brandt won at Jennings Mill, which hosted A second straight 67 gave Hall and Nelson 1-under 143. Host pro Gregg Wolff was 5th the Athens Nationwide Tour event from a one-shot lead over Royak and Sheats among the pros at 149. Peach State Tour 2006-09. Brandt shot back-to-back 67s for a after 36 holes, and the winners matched 10-under 134 total and earned $2,500. the low score of the tournament the gets title sponsor Deason was 2nd at 136 after a final round final round. Daffue, Curran win The Georgia-based Peach State Tour 66 and Robbie Biershenk took 3rd at 138. Don Marsh of Johns Creek scored his gained a title sponsor in April, with Hopkins McLuen tied for 4th at 143. first individual victory in a GSGA event, NGA events in state Golf Company signing on to fill that role. The Hopkins Golf Peach State Tour plays taking last month’s Super Senior Two coastal Georgia courses hosted tour- The new company was created by Greg at Reunion GC May 20-21, Bradshaw Farm Championship at Piedmont Driving Club. naments on the NGA (formerly Hooters) Hopkins, CEO of Cleveland Golf from 1997 May 28-29 and Trophy Club of Atlanta Marsh shot 70-73—143 to finish four ahead Tour last month, wrapping up the tour’s to 2012. Hopkins Golf will launch its equip- June 3-5. of Marietta’s Jim Kamis. Frank Constanzo four-event Spring swing through the state. ment sales in June. eGolf Tour: Atlanta’s Brent Witcher and Stephen Schwartz, both of Savannah, Sapelo Hammock in Shellman Bluff was The first tournament played as part of placed 5th in a recent tournament on the tied for 3rd at 148. the third straight NGA event in the state the Hopkins Golf Peach State Tour was at eGolf Tour in North Carolina and stood 6th Marsh, part of four winning teams in the impacted by weather, and was reduced to Monroe CC last month, with Nick on the tour’s money list at the end of April. GSGA Senior 4-Ball, had placed 2nd, tied for 54 holes. South Africa’s M.J. Daffue took Newcomb shooting a final round 66 for a Witcher shot a 66 at Albany’s Doublegate 2nd and 4th in the Super Senior the last home the winner’s check of $22,000, 10-under 134 total and a one-stroke victory CC to qualify for the Web.com Tour South three years. finishing at 12-under 201 to edge over Morgan Dobbins. Newcomb had 14 Georgia Classic at Kinderlou Forest in former Stanford standout Sihwan Kim by birdies and an eagle in the 36-hole event Valdosta. one stroke. Daffue was 10-under for the tournament Adam Mitchell, Swafford’s UGA team- Tour, losing in a playoff. on Sapelo Hammock’s three par 5s, with the Wilcox wins mate, tied for 15th at 5-under, shooting O’Neal, a former Nationwide Tour 18th played as a par 4. The former Lamar [ Continued from page 12 ] 67 in the final round to earn a spot in the player and Georgia Amateur champion, golfer shot 69-65-67 to hold off Kim, who Stadion Classic. Mitchell received a shot a course record-tying 63 in the closed with a 65. sponsor exemption into the South second round and led by three after 54 Warner Robins’ Chris Wolfe tied for 3rd at After coming close to earning his PGA Georgia Classic. holes with a 17-under 199 total. But he 203, also closing with a 65. Also tying for Tour card in qualifying, Wilcox slipped Web.com veteran Paul Claxton shot a settled for a par 72 in the final round and 3rd was South Carolinian Paul Brown. to 73rd in earnings on the Web.com final round 68 and tied for 23rd at finished in a 3-way tie for first at 271. The tournament was sponsored by Tour last year, but is in strong position 3-under. Jose de Jesus Rodriguez drove the NeSmith Chevrolet. for a top 25 finish and a spot on the PGA green on the par-4 eighth hole, the The tour moved to Heritage Oaks in Tour in 2014. second of the playoff, and made birdie, Brunswick the next week, with former Three former UGA golfers notched O’Neal takes 2nd while O’Neal settled for par on the hole. Vanderbilt golfer Jon Curran winning by top-25 finishes in Valdosta, led by 2012 after losing playoff The second place finish was worth four shots at 21-under 267. Curran trailed by Stadion Classic champion Hudson $13,200 for O”Neal and moved him up three after 54 holes, but fired a final round Swafford, who tied for 11th after Savannah’s Tim O’Neal finished second to 6th on the tour’s money list after 63 to overtake Ryan Gildersleeve, who was holding the 36-hole lead at 136. in a recent tournament in Uruguay on four events. one ahead going to the final day. Curran Swafford shot 72-74 on the weekend. the PGA Tour-sponsored Latino America

2013 MAY GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 29 main problem is a waste area short and left Reunion Resort that is below the level putting surface and [ Continued from page 16 ] will make it extremely difficult to execute an up-and-down par save. 600 yards. Like the ninth, the lay-up offers Palmer’s Legacy course concludes with little margin for error, with bunkers on a pair of contrasting par 4s. The dogleg left either side of the fairway around the 150 17th has sand, mounds and a waste area mark especially in play for the distance left of the fairway, providing a clear mes- challenged. sage not to get too bold off the tee. A TopTToop ReasonsRReeasons toto Join the TourTToour Holes 11-13 provide generous expanses sensible tee shot will leave a relatively
PlayPlay grgreateat ccoursesourses such as EEastast LakLakee GC, TPC SugarSugarloafloaf of fairway, with water in play on both 12 inviting second, unless the pin is back left & SeaSea IslandIsland GC and 13. The carry from the tee on the 12th between some greenside bunkers. is modest, with the tougher shot the The picturesque 18th has some bite to
MembershipMembership BBenefitsenefits PackagesPackages approach to an elevated green with some go with its visual appeal, with a large waste
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MostMost competitivecompetitive & professionallyproffeessionally runrun junior programprogram in GeorgiaGeorgia A hazard borders most of the 13th hole tive landscaping arrangements. The
AJGA PBE exemptedexempted eventsevents & all 36-hole down the left side and along the green, mid-length par 4 ends with an uphill tournamentstournaments areare JGS rankedranked with a solid drive required to avoid a approach to a two-tier green surrounded
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GraduateGraduate divisionon fofforor ages 19-21 SoSo RegisterRegister on the course. cious accommodations that are perfect for Three of next four holes are considerably family vacations or larger gatherings. The Now!Now! more inviting, beginning with a short par 3 resort features plenty of non-golf activities over marshland that will reward those who along with several quality dining options. 20132013 TourTToouour Schedule hit precise short irons while deservedly Along with Hammock Beach in MAR 9-10 JuniorJunior PineyPiney WWoodsoods @ GlenGlen ArvenArven CC,CC, ThomasvilleThomasville punishing any miss-hit. Palm Coast and Innisbrook in Tampa, MAR 23-24 CountryCountry CClublub of CColumbus,olumbus, CColumbusolumbus The exception to the fairly tame stretch Reunion is part of a trio of outstanding APR 1-2 NorthNorth GGeorgiaeorgia High SchoolSchool GolfGolf Classic,Classic, AchastaAchasta GolfGolf Club,Clubb,, DDahlonega*ahlonega* APR 20-21 O Oglethorpeglethorpe JuniorJunior InvitationalInvitational @ WWilmingtonilmington IIslandsland CClub,lub, SSavannahavannah of holes is the par-5 15th, which demands a Florida destinations that belong to the JUN 3-4 GA PGA JuniorJunior ChampionshipChampionship @ GolfGolf ClubClub atat Cuscowilla,Cuscowilla,, EatontonEatonton hefty carry from the back three sets of tees Salamander Hotels and Resort Family. JUN 26-27 StoneStone MMountainountain GolfGolf Club,Club, StoneStone MMountainountain to clear a marsh area. Once you get to the Reunion is located six miles south of Walt JUL 8-9 U Universityniversity of GGeorgiaeorgia GGolfolf CCourse,ourse, AAthensthens fairway, the challenge eases considerably, Disney World and a short drive from A AUGUG 5-6 G Governorsovernors TowneTToowne Club,Club, AcworthAcworth A AUGUG 17-18 CallawayCallaway GGardensardens RResort,esort, PinePine MMountainountain but getting there is the problem, particu- other Orlando attractions and less than SEPT 7-8 S Savannahavannah QuartersQuarters CountryCountry CClub,lub, PPoolerooler larly for those playing the blues who face a 30 minutes from the Orlando SEPT 21-22 TheThe GeorgiaGeorgia Club,Club, StathamStatham carry of 200-yards-plus. International Airport. OctOct 12-13 ChattahoocheeChattahoochee GGolfolf CCourse,ourse, GGainesvilleainesville All the par 3s on the Legacy course are For information, call toll free at 866-880- NOV 2-3 CoosaCoosa CountryCountry CClub,lubb,, RRomeome DEC 14-15 JuniorJunior TourTToour Championship, Championship, SeaSea IslandIsland GC, St.St.. SSimonsimons IslandIsland long on aesthetic appeal and short on 8563 or visit www.reunionresort.com. length, with the 16th no exception. The Summer Series (18-Hole) JUN TBATBA JUL 11 TPC @ SugarSugarloaf,loafaff,, DuluthDuluth JUL 16 AnsleyAnsley GGolfolf CClublub SSettindownettindown CCreek,reek, RRoswelloswell Girls golf moms, time to get involved, too. Check JUL 23 EastEast LakeLake GolfGolf Club,Club, AtlantaAtlanta *Boysooyys only event out the Women’s Golf Foundation, a non- [ Continued from page 24 ] profit started by LaJean Gould and her passion for getting more women and PGA Golf Academy, PGA Junior League girls in the game. www.womeningolf- Golf, Play Golf America as well as their con- foundation.org tinued support of the First Tee programs. There are affordable programs within The PGA Sports Academy is designed to the golf industry for all people, especially develop golfer’s skills, etiquette, fitness and young girls, to get a taste for the game of provide on course playing opportunities. golf. The investment that parents make PGA Junior League golf is recreational com- will pay off in the long run. If nothing else, petition in a team setting. It is a great way your daughter comes back to the game in to get kids more play time in fun, non- her later years. She will have the basis threatening environment. The First Tee for being a golfer. It will help her programs are located throughout the state develop self-esteem, relationships and and provide basic programs for getting business skills. kids started. Each of these programs rep- resents a unique avenue for getting kids Jackie Cannizzo is a PGA Professional, into the game. US Kids Golf Master Teacher and Director Girls and boys alike, check out of Instruction at Country Club of Roswell. ToTo sign up & getgget ththee ddetails,eetttaails, visit us onlineon www.playgolfamerica.com for more infor- She is President of the Esther Cannizzo gegeorgiapga.comorrggiapga.com mation about these programs. There are Junior Golf Foundation, and programs out there as well to get more Tournament Director, Judson Collegiate Or contaccontactt SScottcott GordonGordon at 678-461-8600 or [email protected]@pgahq.com. women into the game, so that moms and & Legends Pro-Am Challenge. daughters can start to play. Come on [email protected].

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We Are Pearl River Resort • Vegas with Sweet Tea! Scan Here! Pearl River Resort • Choctaw, MS • 1.866.44PEARL (1.866.447.3275) • www.pearlriverresort.com • A development of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians

2013 MAY GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM 31 32 GOLFFOREGEORGIA.COM MAY 2013