2012

FRIENDLY RIVALS: BUDDY TRIPS COMPLETE COURSE THE SPECIALIST: GUIDE RAZORBACK BRADLEY PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SWAPS 3-POINTERS COURSE FAVORITES FOR 3-WOODS

WARREN’S TURN WARREN STEPHENS AND HIS LIFE IN GOLF, FROM LITTLE ROCK TO AUGUSTA AND BACK

Q&A WITH STATE’S SIGNATURE TOP EXECUTIVE HOLES GOLFERS

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO 7 April 16 2012 • VOL. 29 ISSUE 16 Is Your Home Course This Pleasant? Pleasant Valley Country Club offers members and guests memorable social experiences with its 27-hole championship golf course, fine dining, beautiful lake views and modern recreational facilities in West Little Rock. Golf is the heart of the club, with its 7,100-yard layout by world-renowned architect Joe Finger that is regularly ranked among the top courses in the Mid-South. Our new tennis complex features 12 lighted courts, including two clay and two permanently covered for year-round play. The newly built Fitness Center features state- of-the-art equipment and a spectacular lake view, and the swimming pool is designed for fun and competition.

Our food service ranges from fine dining to casual buffets to Contact our office at the magnificent Sunday Brunch. The professional banquet staff (501) 225-5622 ensures quality wedding receptions, meetings, reunions and for your opportunity to experience other special events for up to 500 guests. Pleasant Valley Country Club

Visit www.pleasantvalleycountryclub.net for more information. Publisher’s Note Golf has earned the reputation as a game of maintenance, a needy companion that requires regular attention for a healthy relationship. After all, a respectable golf game, any decent player or time- strapped slouch will tell you, takes practice. PINNACLE COUNTRY CLUB Often overlooked, 4 Hole 14 however, are the gifts the game reciprocates. People don’t just work on Signature Holes their golf games. Golf works on them. A combination of beautiful scenery and In this third edition of challenging layouts from courses around the state. ArkansasSports360.com’s Executive Golfer you’ll see this symbiotic relationship at its best. Warren Stephens talks about golf as FEATURES a lifelong opportunity to bond with his dad, but it’s hard to ignore the game’s paternal influence on him as a man. You’ll also find instances of golf as not just a source for life lessons but conversely a realm where the most important experience and wisdom we pick up off the course are also applicable. Former Razorback basketball sharpshooter Pat Bradley, for example, 12 23 30 offers a favorite Nolan Richardson quote to explain the philosophy behind his Stephens Executive Tournament uncomely-yet-effective golf play. I hope you enjoy this issue and find On Golf Q&A Time within it some sage advice – for your golf Stephens Inc. CEO Warren Get in a few rounds with some of The Western Amateur and game, your life or otherwise. Stephens has not only played the state’s top business executives Southern Amateur tournaments Have a great game! some of the country’s best courses, and Arkansas State football coach are headed to Little Rock. Find out he built one. Stephens shares his Gus Malzahn to discuss favorite how UALR Coach Wyn Norwood memories of a life in golf and the courses, players and that elusve is helping to make the city a new creation of the Alotian Club. hole-in-one. mecca for golf. Chip Taulbee Publisher INSIDE 10 Going Pro 20 The Specialist Good starts for Bryce Molder and Ken Duke and Pat Bradley on his evolution from Razorback 3-point Publisher Chip Taulbee; Editors Chris Bahn, Todd Traub; Art updates on rest of the state’s professionals. shooter to lifetime golfer. Directors Wayne DePriest, Waynette Traub; EDITORIAL Contributing Editor Jim Harris; Database Administrator Alex Graham; SALES & MARKETING Vice President of Business 16 New Products 38 Readers’ Choice Sales Bonnie Jacoby; Account Executives Graham Cobb, Neil Gray; Enhance your golf outings with the latest in apparel Top public and private courses in the state as voted Advertising Coordinators Bekah Caraway, Kristen Heldenbrand, and accessories. on by the experts. Alissa Mathews; DESIGN Production Manager Tona Jolly; Digital Operations Specialist Rebekah Eveland; CIRCULATION Circulation Manager Dana Meyer; Circulation Coordinator Cara 17 On the Road 44 Rosswood Gieringer; ADMINISTRATION Accounting Manager Hal Lammey; Place your bets with some veteran travelers as they Columnist Jim Harris on the late, great course where Accounting Assistant Kim Clark; Human Resources Bill Page; renew rivalries annually on the course. John Daly and Arnold Palmer once strode. Chairman & CEO Olivia Myers Farrell; President & Publisher Jeff Hankins; Chief Operating Officer Chuck Ballard; Chief Information Officer Brent Birch; Soiree Publisher & Editor Becki Moore; Associate Publishers Rachel Bradbury, Jennifer C. Pyron, Mandy Richardson, Chip Taulbee; Interactive Editor Lance Turner On The Cover Stephens Inc. CEO Warren Stephens at The Alotian Club he built west of Little Rock. PHOTOGRAPH BY DERO SANFORD ©2012 Arkansas Business Limited Partnership

2 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 2012 ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM Play through The Natural State.

1. Big Creek Golf and Country Club Mountain Home 2. Eagle Crest Golf Course Alma 3. Glenwood Country Club Glenwood 4. Harbor Oaks Golf Club Pine Bluff 5. Hot Springs Country Club Hot Springs (Two courses) 6. Mountain Ranch Golf Club Fairfi eld Bay 7. Red Apple Inn Heber Springs 8. Sage Meadows Jonesboro 9. Stonebridge Meadows Fayetteville 10. Tannenbaum Golf Club Drasco Take a tour of Arkansas from tee to tee on The Natural State Golf Trail. With 11. Thunder Bayou Golf Links 12 courses to choose from, the trail takes full advantage of the diverse landscapes Blytheville to challenge your game. For exciting things to do off the links as well, discover delicious dining, thrilling gaming, luxurious spas, unique shopping and more in vibrant cities and charming retreats always just a short drive away.

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Mountain Ranch Golf Club, Fairfi eld Bay NO. 14 PINNACLE COUNTRY CLUB (Rogers) A look at this Randy Heckenkemper-designed course and it is clear why the LPGA Walmart NW Arkansas Signature Classic is played here. The par-71, 7,001-yard course features cutting-edge turf with Zorro Zoysia fairways. No. 14, which shares its green with No. 12, is a demanding par-5 Holes that requires three quality Don’t get taken in by the view. Signature holes offer shots. The fairway bunker on the left has been removed, an enticing combination of scenery and challenges which opens up opportunities for the discerning golfer. Here are some of our from the tee. The contours of the green require an accurate favorites from around Arkansas. third shot. Expect to see mostly 3-woods off the tee as hitting the fairway is a must.

4 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 2012 ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM [ED COOLEY WHITE RIVER GALLERY]

NO. 10 THE ALOTIAN CLUB (Little Rock) The Alotian Club, built atop rugged hills in western Pulaski County, was recently ranked No. 7 among all U.S. courses for its beauty by Golf Digest. That followed up Golf Digest’s No. 14 ranking among the best 100 courses in the country in 2011. Lake Maumelle and the mountain peaks in the distance provide some eye- popping vistas, such as on the par-4 No. 10.

[MICHAEL PIRNIQUE]

ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM 2012 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 5 NO. 16 PLEASANT VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB (Little Rock) Some golfers believe Little Rock’s Pleasant Valley Country Club has 27 “signature” holes. No doubt, every hole on this Joe Finger- designed layout is unique. The last three of the second nine, traditionally16-17-18 on the scorecard, offer the most talked about view. No. 16 is a short par-4, 320 yards from the tips, but with the practice range and trees to the right and the lake guarding the entire left side, two precise shots are required to hit a small green. [PHOTOGRAPH PROVIDED]

6 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 2012 ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM NO. 18 BALBOA (Hot Spring Village) The Balboa course at Hot Springs Village can surprise golfers who think its relative short length means a tame test. The course has teeth, ending with this dogleg-right 400- yard No. 18 with trees lining the left and water awaiting on the right for the second shot. When the hole location is in the back, any golfer would be thrilled to leave the green with par.

[PHOTOGRAPH PROVIDED]

NO. 17 HARDSCRABBLE (Fort Smith) Fort Smith’s Hardscrabble Country Club played host to a Nationwide Tour event for several years, and its par-3 17th “signature” and the nearby fountain in the middle of the lake were seen by television viewers via the Golf Channel. From this view, the professionals were required to hit a 200-yard shot to a small, hourglass-shaped green. Luckily for most amateurs, there is a much shorter tee box to the left. A Hardscrabble round concludes with the par-4 No. 18, teeing off just left of the dike on the left side of the lake. [PHOTOGRAPH PROVIDED]

ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM 2012 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 7 NO. 9 BEAR DEN (Little Rock) The prominent rise of Bear Den Mountain, which gives the 18-hole course its name, stands out in the distance from the green on the par-5, 590- yard No. 9 at Chenal Country Club’s newest of two courses. Bear Den will play host to the 106th Southern Amateur Championship in July. [PHOTOGRAPH PROVIDED]

NO. 8 CORTEZ (Hot Springs Village) Take a look at this bird’s- eye view of No. 8 at the Cortez course in Hot Springs Village. The 180-yard par-3 is all carry over water. Cortez, opened in 1977, recently underwent an update of its 18 holes, and on a clear day the gorgeous Ouachita Mountains are seen from many spots on the course. No. 8 is the hole most golfers remember, though, especially if they hit the green. [PHOTOGRAPH PROVIDED]

NO. 17 COOPER’S HAWK “The Barn Hole” is a 300-yard, driveable par-4, while for high handicappers it plays about 240 yards. A safe landing area leaves anything from a pitching wedge to a sand wedge approach onto a very undulating green. It’s a risk/reward hole with heavy rough and several bunkers surrounding the green. If you drive the green you’re on with a fairly short eagle putt. The barn sits about 12 steps past the green and is an intergral part of the course. After you reach the green the cart path takes you through the barn. [PHOTOGRAPH PROVIDED]

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AUA 0212 007 Building_Nash_8.375x10.875.indd 1 2/29/12 2:35 PM ARKANSAS’ PRO CONNECTIONS Molder Tackles Swing, JOHN DALY Savoring Solid Start Arkansas Connection: From Dardanelle; played at University of Arkansas Tour: PGA/Nationwide and BY CHRIS BAHN PGA Europe 2011 Earnings: $207,963 (PGA); $3,000 (Nationwide) t’s not often you’ll hear football and Lifetime Earnings: $9.5 million (PGA) golf compared. The sports simply have Best 2011 Finish: T9 RBC Canadian Open too many differences. Notable: Daly enjoyed his first PGA Tour Top But football is exactly what Bryce 10 finish since 2005 … In 18 PGA events he I Molder used to illustrate the impact made the cut in six … Tied for 11th at Sicilian of his first PGA Tour victory last fall. Open ... Rehabbed torn ligaments in his right elbow in early March. To Molder, it was like a football team entering an off-week with a victory. SCOTT GARDINER “I think a coach in football would tell Arkansas Connection: Lives in Farmington you that winning going into a bye week Tour: Nationwide really helps you prepare,” Molder said. 2011 Earnings: $72,429 (Nationwide) “It’s validation that the things you are Lifetime Earnings: $928,987 working on are correct. So you don’t (Nationwide) spend the break wondering if you’re Best 2011 Finish: Gardiner doing the right things. You know that tied for 7th at Winn Dixie your approach works. From a confidence Jacksonville standpoint it helps.” Notable: Gardiner made the cut in 15 of 24 tournaments … He finished in the Top 25 of Molder, the Conway native now living [AP] six … Ranked No. 10 in final round scoring and training in Scottsdale, Ariz., certainly BRYCE MOLDER average. seems to be playing with confidence. His Arkansas Connection: From Conway Tour: PGA first six tournaments of 2012 included STACY LEWIS 2011 Earnings: $1.95 million (PGA) four Top 20 finishes and a seventh- Arkansas Connection: Played at University of Lifetime Earnings: $6 million (PGA); Arkansas place to open the year at the Hyundai $696,418 (Nationwide) Tour: LPGA Tournament of Champions. Best 2011 Finish: Molder won the 2011 2011 Earnings: $1.3 Million What’s more encouraging to Molder is Frys.com Open Notable: Molder opened the 2012 season Lifetime Earnings: $2.28 Million that his year is off to a nice start without Best 2011 Finish: Lewis won the with a tie for seventh in the Hyundai Kraft Nabisco Championship, a the benefit of solid putting, typically one Tournament of Champions, his first career major on the LPGA Tour. of the most consistent parts of his game. PGA Tour victory. … Tied for sixth at both Notable: Tied for second at the 2012 ISPS Molder is seeing offseason fine-tuning the 2011 AT&T Pebble Beach National Honda Women’s Australian Open … Made the of his swing paying off and thinks it’s a Pro-Am and the Travelers Championship. … Finished with a career-high four, Top 10 cut in 22 of 23 events during the 2011 season matter of time before his entire game … Selected as one of seven LPGA golfers for finishes in 2011. 2012 Antigua clothing sponsorship. KPMG, comes together like it did in October at which also sponsors Phil Mickelson on the PGA the Frys.com Open. Tour, began sponsoring Lewis in late March. Molder struggled last spring but made a greater appreciation for 2003, when he a late charge and says he’s in the midst of failed to hold his spot on the PGA Tour by DAVID LIGNMERTH his most consistent nine months as a pro. just one place. Since returning full-time Arkansas Connection: University of Arkansas “They’re certainly not all good days, in 2009, Molder is making the most of his Tour: Nationwide 2011 Earnings: $170,980 but it was fun last year to turn things opportunity. (Nationwide) around and then finish things off strong,” Success is not something he’s taking Lifetime Earnings: $184,525 Molder said. “It had been a while since I for granted. It’s a lesson that can be (Nationwide) felt sharp to start the year.” learned regardless of sport. Best 2011 Finish: Lingmerth “My swing looks the same. I probably tied for third at the Nationwide As he’s distanced himself from his days Championship as a four-time NCAA All-American at look similar, but I’m not the same Notable: Lingmerth had five Top 10 finishes Georgia Tech, Molder, 33, has seen his person,” Molder said. “When I am low, I in his first season on the Nationwide Tour … patience grow. know it’s not going to stay that way. … It’s Made the cut in 13 of 26 events.… Closed Terrible rounds don’t feel like the end exciting for me to be where I am. 2011 with two Top 3 finishes. ... No. 27 on the “It’s extremely satisfying and gratifying Nationwide Tour money list in 2011. of the world any more and good outings aren’t seen as a given. Molder said he has and I appreciate what happened and definitely hit a mental sweet spot and has what I’m able to do.”

10 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 2012 ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM KEN DUKE ARKANSAS’ Arkansas Connection: From Hope; played at Henderson PRO CONNECTIONS State University Tour: PGA/Nationwide2011 BRENDEN PAPPAS 2011 Earnings: $313,241 Arkansas Connection: Played at University of (Nationwide) Arkansas Lifetime Earnings: $5.5 million Tour: PGA/Nationwide (PGA); $992,338 (Nationwide) 2011 Earnings: $137,918 Best 2011 Finish: Won (Nationwide) the Nationwide Tour Lifetime Earnings: $2.71 million Championship at Daniel (PGA); $840,342 (Nationwide) Island Best 2011 Finish: Pappas won Notable: Duke won his way the Nationwide Tour’s Pacific Rubiales Bogota back onto the PGA Tour with Open Presented by Samsung a victory in the Nationwide Notable: Pappas enjoyed three Top 25 Tour Championship to close finishes in 2011 ... Made the cut in eight of 16 2011. … Tied for seventh Nationwide Tour events played. Has 17 career in the AT&T Pebble Beach Top 10 finishes. National Pro-Am early in the 2012 season. … Opened the STACY PRAMMANASUDH AT&T Pebble Beach National Arkansas Connection: Lives in Conway Pro-Am with a 64. Tour: LPGA 2011 Earnings: $143,916 [AP] Lifetime Earnings: $3.32 million Best 2011 Finish: place finish he enjoyed that day. He set a Prammanasudh finished tied for record for the back nine at Pebble Beach, 10th at the RR Donnelley LPGA Duke Has finishing the final half at 8 under par Founders Cup Notable: Prammanasudh made the cut in 14 of thanks to that eagle and six birdies. 18 events ... Enjoyed one Top 10 finish and had Big Reason It was Duke’s best PGA Tour outing three Top 25 finishes. since 2007 when he had five Top 10 finishes. TAG RIDINGS To Dance A year ago Duke was on the Arkansas Connection: Played at University of Arkansas Nationwide Tour. He was not playing well Tour: PGA/Nationwide BY CHRIS BAHN and entered the final event of the year 2011 Earnings: $382,670 (PGA) No. 36 on the money list. It looked like Lifetime Earnings: $3.73 million en Duke couldn’t help himself. Duke was in for another year away from (PGA); $610,242 (Nationwide) Duke watched his approach playing PGA events full-time. Best 2011 Finish: Ridings tied for 13th at the Sony Open in Duke won the Nationwide Tour shot on No. 16 at Pebble Beach Hawaii Kmake an odd break on the green Championship at Daniel Island in South Notable: Ridings made the cut in 15 of 28 and roll straight into the hole for eagle. Carolina, and the $180,000 put him in the events … Had two Top 25 finishes, including It was a phenomenal shot for any pro, Top 10 on the money list and back on the tying for 22 at the Puerto Rico Open … particularly one back on the PGA Tour PGA Tour. Finished Top 10 in nine of 27 Nationwide Tour events … Tied for most Top 10 finishes on tour Through March, Duke made the cut after two years out of the spotlight. in 2011. So the Hope native and former in eight of 10 events with two Top 10 Henderson State golfer got caught up in placements. RON WHITTAKER the moment and broke into what can be “I’ve worked hard on my game,” Duke Arkansas Connection: Lives in Little Rock generously described as a dance. Others, said. “I had some really good years a few Tour: Nationwide 2011 Earnings: $48,531 years back. I’ve been second three times. including a TV commentator, viewed the (Nationwide) movement as more of a spasm. Now it’s time to win.” Lifetime Earnings: $404,316 “It was one of those things I didn’t even Duke is looking to the April 30 Ken (PGA); $549,300 (Nationwide) know the camera was on me,” Duke said, Duke Charity Classic at Maumelle Best 2011 Finish: Whittaker tied laughing as he recalled the moment at the Country Club. Duke was raising money for 13 at the Panama CLARO Championship AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am that for causes, including an indoor practice Notable: Whittaker posted five top 25 finishes was replayed multiple times on ESPN. facility at HSU, First Tee of Little Rock and on the Nationwide Tour for the second “When you do something crazy, make the Spine Institute. consecutive year ... Ranked No. 20 among a shot like that, you never know what “It’s about me sometimes when I play Nationwide golfers in driving accuracy ... comes out. I was feeling good about it, but on the tour, but it’s really about giving Opened 2011 with four consecutive Top 20 finishes. I did catch some grief over that.” back,” Duke said. “That’s what I really Duke would do it all again if it meant enjoy. That’s why I’m trying to raise more rounds like the 64 and seventh- money. It means a lot to me.”

ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM 2012 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 11 On the Tee: PHOTOGRAPHY BY DERO SANFORD

Warren StephensAS TOLD TO JIM HARRIS

ittle Rock’s Stephens “Alotians.” Then Warren went life. In an extended interview, family has been linked to and built one of the best Stephens related how he the game of golf at its courses in the country — The discovered the game through L highest level in America. Alotian Club west of Little his father and came to enjoy Patriarch Jackson T. Stephens, Rock. it, who taught him to play, and who died in 2005, was chairman With his money, he could how the Alotian Club rose out of Augusta National Golf Club have built his course anywhere of the rough, hilly earth and and the Masters Tournament he desired, but Warren trees of western Pulaski County. from 1991-98. He was on the Stephens chose his hometown. Stephens also talked about original board of the national In 2011, Alotian was ranked his family’s close friend, Jack First Tee organization in 2000 No. 14 in Golf Digest’s best Stephens’ personal Augusta and contributed $5 million to its courses in the United States, caddie Carl Jackson, who creation. and officials of the prestigious is Alotian’s caddie program Stephens’ second son, Western Amateur came to director and caddied at his 50th Warren (CEO of Stephens Inc.), Stephens last year and asked Masters with Ben Crenshaw last picked up a love of the game him to host the world-class year. He also touched on one from his father. He and a group event at Alotian in the summer of his family’s special golf loves: of friends embarked on a series of 2013. the national First Tee program. of trips to some of the best golf Warren Stephens recently Then, there’s the story of his courses in the country, dubbing spoke with contributing editor hole-in-one at Alotian, before it the American Lights-Out Jim Harris about the game of the club officially opened its Tour and calling themselves golf and how it has shaped his gates.

12 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 2012 ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM Here is Warren Stephens in his own words:

I was about 9 or 10 years old when I first We went out and played nine holes. I played. I knew Dad played a lot of golf, and I remember I played really well. He was had expressed some interest in it. He got me giving me a shot a hole. I think I parred the lessons with [Charles] “Junior” Lewis at the first four holes. But they were all one-putts, Country Club of Little Rock. At that point in I wasn’t big enough to get the ball to the time, I’d go up there after school. You could green in regulation. He was laughing about only get in about three holes before you had that. He said, “I got beat before we even to go home, and that’s what I did. teed off on this thing.” I probably made five It wasn’t a diversion. I really enjoyed or six actual pars. playing it. But I played a lot of sports. Today, Golf was always a constant thing a lot of kids get on one sport and stay on it. I that Dad and I could do. My parents played football, basketball and even a little were divorced when I was 12 or 13. We bit of baseball, which I was terrible at. So spent a lot of quality time either here or golf was just part of that deal and that was somewhere else when I was growing up. the way I looked at it. I was OK, but it never Of course, we played a lot when I came occurred to me that I had the ability to play back to Little Rock in 1981. We played a golf competitively. lot with clients and friends, too. Charles “Junior” Lewis was a mentor to Junior Lewis would make practicing Golf for Dad and I was something that many young golfers at the Country Club fun. He knew that I loved football and he’d we could both go do and really enjoy. I of Little Rock. Below, Warren Stephens be saying, if I hit a shot 100 yards, he’d say played with his group, his regular group. He with his father Jack. “You’ve pinned it on the goal line.” He let me play with them on Saturdays. When related golf to some other sport. Junior I came up and spent several weeks with could make people laugh just by talking, Dad, I played with the regular group. If a kid watching that. It was such a momentous not just with the adults at the club, but the was 15, 16 or 18 years old, that was a great thing. I was 16, or just a little past my 16th kids. Everybody felt comfortable. A lot of experience because it showed me how golf birthday. my friends today are guys who took lessons could foster friendships and people could The first Masters I attended was 1975, from Junior Lewis. have so much fun with it their whole life. I one of the greatest tournaments of all time, My first love when I go to the driving found out that was something pretty unique when Jack Nicklaus beat Johnny Miller range is pulling out the 7-iron. That’s what to golf. and Tom Weiskopf by one stroke. That was I did with Junior. I probably didn’t have One of the things it did for me, I became pretty amazing. but a 5-, 7- and 9-iron when I started out. at ease around men that were my father’s It really didn’t dawn on me what Augusta For some reason we always picked up the age. That was a good thing for me. I was really was. And even what it meant, as a 7-iron. That’s what I do today. never disrespecting any of them. I knew 16-year-old or 17 or 18; it didn’t dawn on The main thing Junior did is he made it I was a son, not an equal of them in my me the impact that Augusta had on golf fun. He made the juniors of the club feel station in life, but I wasn’t intimidated by and the game. I thought it was a nice golf welcome. It wasn’t frowned on us to come them. Of course, they would have died if I club. What did I know? One time, Hootie up and play. There were times, certainly, was intimidated because they had known Johnson, who was chairman of Augusta when it was only the adults who could play, me since I was a little boy and made me and he and my father were great friends but he always made you feel welcome. feel at ease, too. That was a great learning — Hootie, Dad, my brother and I played experience. Golf was just a constant in my for a couple of days. Another time I went, The first time I played with Dad, It life with dad, in our relationship. Clifford Roberts [co-founder of Augusta probably wasn’t long after that. I have a National with Bobby Jones] was my partner. vivid memory of playing nine holes in the I played Augusta National the first time; I My brother was my dad’s partner. I had no afternoon. One afternoon, he might have think it was May of 1973. The reason I think idea. I knew Mr. Roberts was head of the already played 18 holes with his group, that was, it was the weekend that Secretariat club, but to me he was just another one of and it might have been on a late Saturday. won the Kentucky Derby and we were Dad’s friends. I was too young and stupid to

STEPHENS continued on Page 14 Golf was just a constant in my life with dad, in our relationship.

ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM 2012 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 13 Famed Caddie STEPHENS continued from Page 13 A lot of people are surprised when they come to Alotian and see how pretty it Jackson Friend know that I should have been intimidated is. Golf Digest recently ranked the most playing with him. We had a great time. beautiful courses in the country and ranked To Stephens, I’m really lucky. When I look back on it, us 7th. The only one ahead of us not on the fact that I met Clifford Roberts is a pretty a significant body of water was Augusta Alotian Club darn cool thing. Never mind that I played National. That’s pretty cool. Lake Maumelle 18 holes or more with him. We played the may not be an ocean but it sure is pretty. Veteran Carl Jackson lends par-3 course and the big course, so that’s I had been all over that land when I expertise to scholarship program 27 holes. I can’t remember if we played two was looking at buying it, climbing up in days or not. But that’s kind of legendary. deer stands, getting views. We already had I never knew Bobby Jones. But Dad did. from [designer] Tom Fazio a routing that They were great friends. That would have we knew would be the basis for the golf been even cooler to meet him. course. But I was out there a lot during Mr. Roberts has meant so much to the construction. Usually I’d just go on the Augusta National and the game of golf. weekends or late in the evening. I was out I’m lucky to have met him, I’m lucky to there a lot. We had a few things to suggest have met a lot of people — through Dad, to Tom that he incorporate into the design, not because of me. Through being Jack and most was agreed to. Stephens’ son. It doesn’t mean I’m less

[NELSON CHENAULT] appreciative of it. “Carl Jackson, if he isn’t the best known caddie in the world,he’s pretty darn close. I tend to be kind of a 10-over, Anybody that knows anything about the 10-handicap guy. If I break 80 that’s a good game would say that. day. Hopefully I won’t break 90. At one time When I think of Carl, also, I think of Carl as I had a better handicap, I had about a 6. I a friend. We’ve been friends for a very long have to play a lot to maintain a 6. My swing time. We’ve enjoyed playing golf together. is not that good. It takes a lot of practicing We played a lot of basketball, which is interesting because he’s about 6-foot-5 and and playing. You really don’t have that kind I’m not. I’ve been around Carl since I was of time. And now getting to the age [55] … 13 or 14 years old [Jackson moved to Little when I play two or three days in a row, like Rock from Augusta to work directly for Jack a club tournament, I can tell it. The back is View of Alotian and clubhouse. [MICHAEL PIRNIQUE] Stephens]. hurting; the shoulder might hurt a little bit. He’s a very nice man, a very humble man. But he’s an absolute pro when it comes to It’s hard for me to believe it too, but the For whatever reason, I could see what being a caddie. He’s also a pro in life. He’s very much involved in our meetings club’s [Alotian] been open 7 ½ years. We it was going to look like during those early that [director of golf] Dan [Snider] has at keep trying to make it better all the time. construction days. But a lot of people I the club. Carl is there and has a lot of good There’s always something you can be doing would drag out there would tell me they thoughts and suggestions about the golf to a golf course to improve it. We haven’t thought I had lost my mind. It was pretty course and the setups that are wrong or made any major design changes. We’ve rough out there. Not pretty rough, it was what we’re doing with maintenance. worked on all our bunkers. We’ve had to really rough. He knows golf, he knows golf clubs; he work on the greens, some of the slopes were The Western Amateur next year is just an fully understands what we’re trying to do at Alotian with the club and certainly with the too severe. The drainage issue for a course opportunity for us to have arguably one of caddie program. That’s one thing we’re very never goes away. the three best amateur events in the world. proud of, is the caddie program, and we’ve I’m from here. I wanted to [build it] here. Therefore, one of the top amateur fields had a couple of kids win these Chick Evans Even though I travel a bit, this is my home. will be coming to Arkansas. We hope they Scholarships, awarded by the Western Golf If the club is open I’ll be out there once or have a good time. Arkansas is a great place Association. twice a week. I want to get to enjoy it. for golf. We’re going to try to make their I know it’s getting harder and harder for Arkansas is a beautiful place. I didn’t experience a great one. Carl and Ben Crenshaw at the Masters. They play their practice rounds, and Ben hasn’t really do it in mind with “this will showcase It will be interesting. We’re getting ready been able to make it past the first two rounds how pretty Arkansas is,” but it certainly to start meeting on how we want the golf lately. By the time Friday is over, Carl is saying has had that effect, from the Golf Digest course to be set up, to play. The way we’re that’s when he’s feeling back in shape. rankings. I see it said by people outside the set up now, it plays about as easy as it There will never be a caddie who will state that they didn’t know Arkansas was possibly can. We don’t want to make it a caddie 50 years in the Masters Tournament this pretty and I wonder, why don’t people death march for the amateurs, but we don’t again. That will never happen again.” know that? We just need to show it off better. really have rough to speak of. We’re going — as told to Jim Harris

14 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 2012 ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM Home-course Advantage? “Yes, I did have a hole-in-one before Alotian opened. Bill Clark, who is now deceased, he and [wife] Margaret were good friends of ours. His construction firm built the cottages and clubhouse at Alotian. Bill was out there one day when I was there; he came up to me, it was in July. We were going to open the club in September [2004]. He said, ‘Warren, I’m just champing at the bit, I’ve got to play that golf course. I know you say it’s not ready, but it looks ready to me.’ I told him, ‘Well, I’ve been sneaking out. Come on, we’ll go play.’ We went out, Bill and I and [club pro] John Ziskie and Matt Frazier. On the 11th hole, of course it’s a par-3, I made a hole in one. At the time, now Bill was a great golfer, and I asked, ‘Bill, how many holes in one have you had? That’s my second one.’ He kind of said an expletive and, ‘You know I’ve never had one.’ I said, ‘I kid you not, I assumed as good a player as you are, you had had several.’ I think he said mine was the second or third he’d ever seen. He later went on to have one.” —as told to Jim Harris to have to think through that. For sure we’re going to have rough for the tournament, but how high, how narrow the fairways? Those are the kind of things that Tom Fazio will give us his input on that. So will some other members who are very good players. We’ll use their thoughts on how to play, how to set up the golf course, to make it challenging but fair. I was watching some of the Northern Trust Open on TV recently, and these players today hit the golf ball so far. It’s really unbelievable. I think the national First Tee organization Innovation is doing a great job of reaching kids that otherwise golf couldn’t reach. Just watching It’s one of our core values. the growth of First Tee and where they’ve come from, with the number of facilities At Legacy Capital Group, we work with clients who have accumulated significant wealth and have sophisticated financial needs. They entrust us to help them make some nationwide, and the kids they are reaching. of life’s most important decisions, and we regard their trust as a privilege. We are … I’m very pleased, very excited about it. It passionate about providing each client with objective and innovative financial solutions will make a huge difference in the game of in a down to earth and straight forward manner. If you and your family would like to golf. build a relationship with a company like ours, we invite you to come meet our team. Being with former President [George W.] Bush last May and Harriet and I being What Will Your Legacy Be? honored by First Tee, clearly that was a www.lcgar.com thrill. You don’t get to do that very often. Securities offered through NFP Securities, Inc., a Broker/Dealer and Member FINRA/SIPC. Legacy Capital Group Arkansas, LLC is a Member of PartnersFinancial, a division of NFP Insurance Services, Inc., which is a subsidiary of National Financial Partners Corp. Legacy Capital Group is not a Registered Investment Advisor.

ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM 2012 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 15 BELLY UP BODYJOY? Just about every week on the Tour we Footjoy, the golf brand you’ve see another pro turn to the belly or long loved all these years, finally sells putter – in fact, Adam Scott, Keegan Bradley, apparel (although you probably Webb Simpson have won on the Tour with these. never knew they hadn’t), So, join in the fun with one of the most balanced on the including a full collection market: the Scotty Cameron Studio Select Kombi. It of collared shirts, shorts features a three-point weighting system and thick face that create and pants. The brand an unmatched feel and sound while a deep center of gravity most known for its perfectly balances the putter for stability throughout the beloved golf shoes and stroke. It’s primo, for a price. [$299, GolfSmith.com] gloves, and versatile outerwear, can now fully outfit its golfer clientele head-to-toe. The 2012 collection (its first ever) is THE PRO SHOP amazing. Check it out. [Prices There’s nothing like some new equipment and accessories to get your head in the vary, Footjoy.com] game. Here’s an assortment of golf gear, available at area golf stores and online.

BALL FLIGHT LONG RANGE In spite of mounting bag fees, some of us still dare to take We always have to have the newest tech gadget out there — and that annual golf trip or bring the clubs on our business trips. it’s no different on the course. But it gets expensive, as brands That’s why we love the Sun Mountain ClubGlider “Journey” like SkyGolf are constantly battling it out to have the best travel bag. It is super lightweight, and its retractable legs and rangefinder in golf. So which is the best? We say Skycaddie pivoting wheels make it easy to navigate airport bedlam. SGXw (at least for now). Favorite feature: its ability to connect [$200, GolfGalaxy.com] to the computer wirelessly via Wi-Fi. (By the way, Skycaddie’s Trade-in Program makes sure that you always have the latest and greatest.) [$399, SkyGolf.com]

GET A GRIP Boccieri Golf wants to mainstream a golf “secret”— one that the great Jack Nicklaus and many other tour pros have used for years: back- weighting. Now you can back-weight your clubs by simply changing your grips. Secret Grip’s heavier weight (92 grams compared to the normal 52 grams) raises the balance point of the club, promotes better mechanics, gives you more control, ADVANCED PERFORMANCE and adds ball speed and distance. It’s affordable too, Titleist’s new 2012 AP (Advanced Performance) series of irons, as this grip can be installed which includes AP1s and AP2s, are multi-material irons that offer on any brand of club. [$10- playability and technically advanced blades that provide increased $20, Boccieri Golf] forgiveness without sacrificing workability. They’re some of the most popular sticks on the market right now, and you’ll learn why after hitting a couple buckets with these bad boys. [$154 per iron (steel) and $175 per iron (graphite); Edwin Watts in Little Rock]

16 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 2012 ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM Betting, Battling, Bragging Competition Key As Golf Buddies Hit the Road

BY PAUL GATLING

ast June Joey Nichols, a successful Little Rock attorney, won the state’s premier amateur title when Lhe won the ASGA Stroke Play championship. The following month, his buddies named him Least Valuable Player after his performance in the Bathhouse Cup, an annual golf getaway that is anything but a run-of-the-mill “buddy” trip. “He was a beaten man,” said David White, one of the tournament’s founders. “But that’s what the Cup will do to you.” White, an executive at Little Rock’s Malmstrom White Co., and high school pal Jason Walton, an executive at Merrill Jason Roach with Buckstaff trophy. [PHOTO PROVIDED] Lynch in Little Rock, are the founders of the Bathhouse Cup, one of the state’s the competition doesn’t take a back seat tournament. more entertaining “buddy” golf trips. to anything else,” Walton said. “We have “Think of it like ‘Charlie’s Angels,’” It’s officially called the Bathhouse Cup a blast but it’s really like two different White said, noting the titular mystery Invitational Golf Tournament, and July events. We really try to have time together man of the 1970’s television show. “The 19-22 it will celebrate its 11th First Annual with all 24 of us and that really adds to the Committee is Charlie. We’re the Angels.” event at Hot Springs Country Club. tournament.” All-time records for every player “We say 11th First because in annual They take their Ryder Cup-style, three- are meticulously maintained — Little events, what’s the most anticipated? The day event — featuring Rock banker J.C. Halsell has the best first one,” Walton said. “So we’ve had 10 Team Buckstaff and winning percentage of .750 (14-4-2) — first ones so far.” Team Superior — and a wealth of awards is presented at The group of 24, with seriously. Each team has its tournament’s end. a membership mostly own color along with daily The honors range from MVP (won in unchanged since the team shirts, hats, visors and the past by Little Rock meteorologist tournament began, is other accessories. Barry Brandt) to LVP, Best and Worst made up entirely of Rosters remain mostly Shot, Anger Management Award, and the Arkansans with one the same, though there is dreaded Pucker Award. exception — a church an occasional substitute. White and Walton take the lead in the pastor from Tennessee White and Walton have yearlong planning of the tournament, — and it includes a who’s always been on opposing which includes an opening ceremony who of some of central teams and serve as liaisons and dinner. Each event also has its own Arkansas’ top amateurs. for the “The Committee,” media guide — last year’s measured 41 “There are so many the all-seeing but never- good players in this group, Matt Jones. seen director of each BUDDY TRIP continued on Page 18 [PHOTO PROVIDED] ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM 2012 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 17 BUDDY TRIP continued from Page 17

pages — full of player bios, photos and enough needling and sarcasm to fill up a week’s worth of charity roasts. Red Sky Ranch in Beaver Creek, Colo “There’s probably, and I’m ashamed to admit this, 20 to 30 hours of time that TWO TRIP IDEAS goes into doing those,” White said. If you’re looking for a golf destination outside the state, here are affordable and While most events have been in Hot fun recommendations from guys who would know: Springs, the Cup has also been contested at Old Waverly Golf Club (West Point, Vail Pacific Coast Miss.), the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Red Sky Ranch in Beaver Creek, Matt Nelson, co-owner of Pinnacle (Muscle Shoals, Ala.) and Red Sky Ranch Colo., was a big hit last year for Merrill Claims Service in Springdale, (Beaver Creek, Colo.). Lynch executive Jason Walton and his recommends a trip to Bandon Dunes The Bathhouse Cup trophy, a monkey Bathhouse Cup crew. in Oregon. “It’s links style, caddies only in golf duds mounted on a wooden block, Located between legendary Vail and and public, so it’s accessible,” he said. stays with the winning team captain each Beaver Creek Mountain resorts, Red “And you’ve got three of the top 50 Sky features two golf courses designed courses in the country right there in one by Greg Norman and Tom Fazio. Golf spot.” Digest has ranked the spot one of Bandon is a seaside community America’s Best 20 Golf Resorts. along Oregon’s Pacific Coast. The Single-person “Stay and Play” rates resort features four courses with on-site from May to October, good for one- cottages designed for a foursome of night, two-round packages, start from golfers, as well as a nearby inn. $188. Bandon Dunes advertises greens fees of $275 from May to October. William Clark, Barry Brandt and J.J. Miller. [PHOTO PROVIDED]

Take a swing for the UALR COB to advance education and economic development across the state. All tournament proceeds will be matched by the Donaghey Foundation.

Monday, June 18 Pleasant Valley Country Club 8 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Alu ds $300 each or $1,200 per team G mni & Frien T olf en To get more information Tournam and register, visit ualr.edu/cob or call 501.569.3208

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18 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 2012 ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM year. Names of the winning They contested their Ryder team, MVP, LVP and winning Cup-style event for three years captain are inscribed annually. at Emerald Bay Golf Club in Destin, Fla., before heading to CLUB TOSSING Tunica last year. Competition is also a major This year’s event, set for part of the festivities for Matt the second week of April, is Nelson and his buddies each at Beau Rivage Resort and year in The Clubthrowers Cup. Casino in Biloxi, Miss. “Two years when I showed “I’ve never met a college up they asked me what my golfer who wasn’t a gambler,” handicap was and I said 0.6,” Nelson said. “That’s why it Nelson said. “Of the 16 guys I has transitioned to Tunica was the 13th best player.” last year and Beau Rivage this And if 2010 U.S. Open year. If you’re a college golfer, champion and University of you don’t even go out and hit Alabama-Birmingham alum golf balls without doing it for Graeme McDowell ever shows money.” up, the competition would The high stakes certainly reach a new level. take their toll on the course. Nelson, co-owner of Pinnacle Bathhouse Cup competitors J.J. Miller and Burly Elliott. [PHOTO PROVIDED] Last year’s Cup was decided Claims Service in Springdale, when a player four-putted is part of a 12-man group that “We’re still trying to get Graeme to from four feet on the finishing is heavy on former college golfers who join us,” Nelson said. “He played with all hole. played at UAB. these guys.” “And he played college golf,” Nelson Nelson, a Rogers native, made his This year will mark the fifth gathering said. “But the whole match was on the connection to the school when he lived for The Clubthrower Cup guys, one of line. I think he did the traditional club in Birmingham for 10 years. whom is professional Chris Devlin. throw.”

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It’s something you crave more of. Even if I hit it off the heel nine out of The Specialist 10 times, that 10th keeps me coming back for more. My two favorite sounds Former Arkansas Razorback Pat Bradley in the world are hearing the swish as the basketball goes through the net and Trades the Hardwood for the 3-Woods the golf ball tap around to the bottom of the cup. There are similarities between BY PAT BRADLEY golf and basketball, and I’ll get to those I was first introduced to golf at a local shortly. he crowd doesn’t cheer anymore hack course outside Boston named Mt. My golf game is up and down, left and when I hit a nice shot; as a matter Hood and at a 9-hole course with no carts right. I’ve never made a hole-in-one and of fact, silence is golden now. we used to dig up named Unicorn. only make about three or four birdies a T The only talk of a press these My grandfather bought my brother, year and an eagle if I’m lucky. days is when I’m losing going into the cousin and I a set of Dunlop golf clubs I’ve broken windows, dented valuable last hole and trying to win some money and told us to share it. A few clubs each, structures and snapped the heads off back. I don’t even want to tell you what with my cousin drivers — while runs through my mind when someone carrying the bag and “It’s a game of mis- swinging, not out of mentions the word “trap;” it has nothing we’re all set. frustration, seriously. to do with full court or half court. A hook It’s hard not to takes and apologies, I even hit an errant shot out here doesn’t quite have the same fall in love with golf. 9-iron off some poor effect. The sensation of much like basketball.” woman’s head. She You might have figured out by now I’m swinging the driver, – Pat Bradley was fine after some describing my transition from hoops to smashing the ball stitches and an ice golf. I played for the Arkansas Razorbacks and watching it fly pack, and my ball from 1995-98 and made 273 of 670 farther and farther each time is addictive. actually rolled all the way in front of the 3-point attempts, but these days it’s more The clean sound and feeling of hitting it green after it hit her. I bogied that hole, about the par 3s than the 3-pointers. on the sweet spot of the club is satisfying. though.

20 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 2012 ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM It’s a game of mistakes and apologies, he’s ever done that but they never called much like basketball. Some compare me on it. shooting free throws with putting. Find That discussion spawned a bigger your line, get your distance and make the disagreement over the question of what same smooth stroke. Free throws should sport was more difficult and what league be the same routine, form and rhythm was tougher to succeed in, the PGA Tour every time. or the NBA? That discussion could still be One of the most difficult transitions for going on in the red barn in Fayetteville if me has been learning to compete against we didn’t have to all eventually grow up. the course. Most times I’m so fixated on Here’s a brief recap. The golfers barked trying to beat who I’m playing with or at me that the NBA players all have against, I lose sight of the true challenge contracts. I said that’s great if you can — focusing on and managing my own get someone to offer you one. What if game. Hmmm, is there a life lesson in you’re trying to make an NBA team and there? you’re slightly better than a player at your position who just signed a guaranteed, GAME FACE [UA SPORTS INFORMATION] multi-year deal? Do you think the team I still haven’t gotten to the point where will cut that player, pay him all his money I can consistently congratulate my The Pat Bradley File and then sign and pay you? That was the opponent on their good shots. I realize High School Everett, Mass. beauty of it, the golfers yelled at me. It’s it’s golf etiquette but encouraging my College University of Arkansas guaranteed. No Qualifying School, no opponent never made sense to me. Razorback highlights: four-time grinding and trying to make the cut. I don’t cough in an opponents’ letterman … Second in Southeastern We’d go round and round with me backswing or kick their balls into the Conference in 3-pointers made (366) trying to explain my opinion golf was woods but I’m known for making people and attempted (915) … Set SEC record more of an equal opportunity situation. I putt, no gimmes, and finish each hole. I with 60 consecutive games with at least still haven’t figured it out but I know one can’t imagine a guy giving up two points one 3-pointer … top 10 in the NCAA in thing for certain: I’m friends with PGA in a basketball game just because he’s in career 3-pointers … Helped Arkansas to Tour players, NBA players and the ones layup range. You’re going to have to make the 1996 NCAA “Sweet 16.” who never made it in either sport and some shots to beat me. Post-Arkansas Played professionally each one of them grinded it out. I have I realize I’m competing against the in Denmark and France … Played just as much respect for the ones who fell course also, but I feel a whole lot better for Arkansas RimRockers 2003-04 … short chasing their dream of earning a about my 87 when everyone else puts up Assistant coach, Arkansas RimRockers living as a professional as I do for the ones an 88 and I walk away with a little of their (NBA Development League) 2005-07. that made it. I’ve seen and lived the grind. pocket change. Currently Co-host of The Zone on My basketball mentality does help on KABZ-FM 103.7 “The Buzz.” GOOD COMPANY the golf course. I’ve always approached These days you can find me knocking it basketball with the mindset of doing around on any course in Arkansas. When everything with a purpose. The goal is GREAT DEBATE I’m not teaming up with Scotty Adams at to win and, within that, a team needs to While in college my roommate, other the Pine Bluff Country Club Four-Ball and figure out how it can best defend and golfers and I had many discussions helping him look for his ball in the woods, score given what it has to work with. comparing the challenges of golf and I’m getting into former Hog quarterback For each team and person it may basketball. Much of the debate was based Clint Stoerner’s pockets on the course. be different. My college roommate at on whether an athlete in another sport He’s a great playing partner, especially Arkansas was a golfer, Rich Morris, and he could excel at the highest level in golf. when his iPod is blaring. told me to not be “that guy” who leaves Of course, Michael Jordan’s name I’ll get an occasional treat in the form of the course saying “I hit it well but I just would come up and we’d argue if the an invite from some nice gentleman like didn’t score well.” Isn’t that what it’s all greatest basketball player of all time could UALR Athletic Director Chris Peterson to about? You don’t have to look pretty doing make the PGA Tour. Typical juvenile enjoy a round at Pleasant Valley Country it, just do it. argument, right? Not exactly “Who would Club or Chenal. I hope spending time To recite one of my favorite quotes from win a fight between Bruce Lee and Mike with me won’t do any lasting harm to Coach Nolan Richardson, “I’d rather have Tyson,” but along those lines. Peterson’s reputation. a raggedy ride than a smooth walk any Of course, I maintained MJ could easily Other than that I enjoy competing day.” My golf game is like my basketball make the Tour if he took his basketball against my teammate on KABZ-FM 103.7 game, definitely not flashy. Half the time work ethic and applied it to golf. The “The Buzz,” Justin Acri. After about 596 my clothes won’t even match, but I’ll just golfers circled me with their wedges, so I total holes we’ve played against each try and wear you down. backed off a little bit and said he could at other he owes me around 10 cents, but least break 90 at Augusta. I’m not sure if every match is life and death.

ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM 2012 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 21 Becky Parcher, Trust; Blake Fletcher, Private Banking - NMLS #564151; Sonya Murphy, Private Banking; Britton Nowell, AAM - AR Insurance License #4999; Tricia Curreri, Mortgage - NMLS #564147; Robb Fiser, Private Banking - NMLS #797002

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Investments available through Arvest Asset Management, member FINRA/SIPC and a Member FDIC subsidiary of Arvest Bank. Executive Action Business leaders talk golf Golfers dream of the perfect RICHIE ARNOLD WAYNE CALLAHAN shot, perfect trip and perfect CEO/Conway Corporation President Global Walmart Business; H.J. Heinz round. Handicap: 12 and rising. Handicap: USGA 10.6; and a 13 at Pinnacle How much do you play? A couple of times a Country Club These businessmen have week during the golf season. How much do you play? 25-plus rounds per found a way to make some of When did you take up the game? About 20 year. years ago. When did you take up the game? My those dreams come true. The Where do you play? Centennial Valley Golf freshman year in college I took golf as a and Athletic Club in Conway. PE class. Like everyone, I fell in love with group includes some of the golf immediately. I played a lot of baseball What’s your best growing up and I seem state’s top amateur competitors score? 76 to keep a bit of that and others who simply Career holes in one: swing in my golf game Never had one embraced the game at a young today. If you had to choose Where do you play? age and never looked back. one state amateur Most of the time I play partner in a four-ball, at Pinnacle Country But whether they are playing who would that be? Club in Rogers, where I for trophies or for fun, the My playing partner live. But I enjoy playing Richie Arnold at Centennial, Reed a wide variety of Wayne Callahan executives have had their Starkey. We always courses. Last summer I have a great time and passion for golf repaid, and was fortunate to play St. he’s capable of carrying me. Andrews, The Old Course, thanks to Mr. Jack they have the memories to Favorite golf movie? “The Greatest Game Sinclair, a member of the Royal and Ancient. Ever Played.” This was exciting and one of the last major prove it. What’s your best golf memory? Trips to courses on my bucket list. Hot Springs Village and Alabama’s Robert What’s your best score? My best score was a Trent Jones Golf Trail with some really good 77 at Pinnacle but that was a long time ago. friends. Now I seem to shoot in the mid 80s most If you couldn’t be playing golf, of the time and have found more ways than you’d be . . . Bored. most people to shoot an 86. What type clubs do you play? TaylorMade Career holes in one: I have never made a and Calloway. hole in one but I am envious of those who What’s the best course you’ve played? have. Someday that will happen. Alotian If you had to choose one state amateur What’s the course you’d love to play that partner in a four-ball, who would that be? you haven’t? Pebble Beach It would be Stan Lee of Heber Springs. He is a past winner of the USGA Senior Open and What’s the best hole in Arkansas? friend of mine on the Arkansas State Golf Impossible to choose; so many good ones. Association board. There are a lot of great holes on two of my favorite Hot Springs Village courses, Isabella What PGA pro would you choose? I would and Granada. like to play with Zack Johnson. His swing BUSINESS LEADERS continued on Page 24

ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM 2012 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 23 New Coach At Home On Course Q&A ASU’s Gus Malzahn Handicap: 12 What’s your best score? Golf course memberships are one of the perks often enjoyed by college coaches. Typically it’s an Shot a 72 in an ASGA event incentive built into a head coach’s contract. at Lost Springs Country Club Arkansas State football coach Gus Malzahn gets to take in Bentonville. it a step further. Malzahn’s deal with the Red Wolves Career holes in one: One provides the first-year coach a home that sits on hole What PGA pro would you No. 14 at Jonesboro’s 6,565-yard, private RidgePointe choose? Jason Duffner (A Country Club. 2000 graduate of Auburn). He arrived at ASU in January after stints as offensive Favorite golf movie? “The coordinator at Tulsa, Arkansas and Auburn, and how Legend of Bagger Vance.” much time Malzahn will log on the course remains to What’s your best golf be seen. memory? Playing with my It’s hard to squeeze in an afternoon of golf when success father and grandfather as a in college football demands almost year-round attention young boy in west Texas. with recruiting, offseason workouts, spring football, and, What type of clubs do you of course, games. play? Irons, Ping i3 OS/ In between all that Malzahn makes sure to spend time Titleist 983 (driver). with his wife, Kristi and their daughters, Kylie and What’s the best course Kenzie. you’ve played? Springdale When he does have time for recreation — or if he can Country Club. Gus Malzahn [ARKANSAS STATE PHOTO] ever disguise work as an afternoon at the course — What’s the course you’d Malzahn won’t have to look far for a place to golf. He love to play that you took up the game at age 10 thanks to a father and grandfather who enjoyed the sport and Malzahn haven’t? St. Andrews Old estimates he golfs 10 times a year. Course; Augusta National. Malzahn recently took a break from his coaching duties to play nine — questions — with us.

par-3 No. 16 I hit a driver as hard as I could man told me it would change my DNA as BUSINESS LEADERS continued from Page 23 across the water to the small green and soon as I teed up the ball on No. 1. He may somehow landed about 18 inches from the have been right. seems to be very simple and repeatable. I hole. All three of us were on the green and also like his demeanor on the course. We What’s the course you’d love to play the caddies said they had never seen three that you haven’t? There are a number of only know what is published about him but amateurs get on the green in one group. he seems to have a well balanced personal wonderful courses that are still on my list They took a group picture on the tee box and professional life. I see him as a good role but the top course that I would like to play is that I still have in my study. I was so nervous model for the game. Castle Pines in Colorado. that Brent and Gregg graciously gave me Favorite golf movie? I think “Dead Solid the putt for a birdie on what many say is the What’s the best hole in Arkansas? I like No. Perfect” was a good movie. It seemed hardest hole in golf. 14 at Pinnacle Country Club. A challenging to capture some of the challenges that a par-5 with out of bounds right, water left and If you couldn’t be playing golf, you’d be professional golfer must face in their real ... I enjoy volunteering as a golf referee and it takes three really good shots to get on the world. It had some very funny situations would spend more time supporting junior green in regulation. The water and fountain as well as some very tough situations. The boys and girls tournaments with the Arkansas in front of the elevated approach shot to the movie was about all the choices that a State Golf Association as well as the USGA. green bring a lot of playing factors. It is a person has to make in life and of course the tough hole but you always feel good if you consequences of those choices. The main What type of clubs do you play? I play par it. actor was Randy Quaid and he played the TaylorMade Tour Burner 2 irons and the part very well. TaylorMade driver and fairway clubs. My Who is the best business exec golfer in Arkansas? Mr. Bev Hargraves of Helena. What’s your best golf memory? In July of putter is a Scotty Cameron. He recently won Golf Week’s Senior Tour 2009 I traveled with Coach [Frank] Broyles, What’s the best course you’ve played? The Brent Henry and Gregg Ogden to play a best and most beautiful course that I have Championship at Doral County Club. He also number of courses in the Northern California/ played is Augusta National. I have to pinch runs a successful insurance business in his Monterey Bay area. Gregg was a close friend myself to believe that I have actually played hometown. Bev is also on the board of the and he has since passed away, a loss to many that course. It is everything I thought it would Arkansas Golf Association and is a wonderful who knew him. We had a wonderful time. be and more. From the moment you drive ambassador of the game for our state. He is We played Pebble Beach, Spanish Bay, the down Magnolia Lane to the time you hole currently ranked as the No. 8 senior amateur Preserve and Cypress Point. On Cypress the last putt it is a pure golf experience. One in the country.

24 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 2012 ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM BLAKE EDDINS Country Club Four-Ball last year that helped Mickelson. us tie for first in our flight. After hitting a fade Favorite golf movie? Definitely Consultant/Color analyst for Razorback Sports Network into the other fairway, then going back over “Caddyshack.” the trees, I hit a nice long putt to help us tie What’s your best golf memory? First time I Handicap: 13-ish. for our flight. I was just trying to get it up played Pebble Beach. How much do you play? Depends. I go in close so we wouldn’t mess it up. We kind of spurts where I play regularly and then don’t went crazy and had a big time with it. If you couldn’t be playing golf, you’d be ... Playing tennis or basketball. get to play much. I average probably four to If you couldn’t be playing golf, you’d be five times a month. ... I’m not sure, but whatever it is, it would What type of clubs do you play? Titleist AP2 When did you take up annoy my wife. irons, Titleist Vokey wedges, Nike woods, Scotty Cameron putter. the game? I’m a late What type of clubs do you play? Titliest AP2 starter at the game. I’ve irons and wedges. Scottie Cameron Newport What’s the best course you’ve always wanted to play putter. TaylorMade R9 driver. My bag looks played? Muirfield or Whistling Straits. golf growing up, and like I’m a heck of a golfer. What’s the course you’d love to play that had friends growing up What’s the best course you’ve played? you haven’t? Augusta National or Cypress who were serious about Torrey Pines right after the Buick Open one Point. it, but I was so focused year. It was just in unbelievable condition. What’s the best hole in Arkansas? No. 18 at on basketball and Playing courses in Arkansas and Alabama, Pleasant Valley. Blake Eddins other sports growing getting to play there with that dramatic Who is the best business exec golfer in up I didn’t play as a scenery right after a PGA Tour event was Arkansas? Stan Payne. teenager. I had severe back problems that really something. started when I was 15, and even now when I play a three-day tournament I have back What’s the course you’d love to play that issues. But when I finished playing basketball you haven’t? Anyone who doesn’t say at the University [of Arkansas] I couldn’t wait Augusta National on this is lying. That would and got my first set of clubs. It was quite a be a dream come true. journey because I was so competitive and What’s the best hole in Arkansas? No. 15 at my friends were so good at it. I can hold my the Country Club of Little Rock, a par-5 with own with a few folks now but I don’t play or dramatic drop off. You can see the river down practice as much as I should. to your right. It’s just a really beautiful hole. Where do you play? Pretty much all over. Who is the best business exec golfer in I’m not a member anywhere. But I’m in Arkansas? Matt Machen with First Federal Fayetteville a lot and play at Fayetteville Bank. He tells everybody he’s a 5 handicap, Country Club and with people in Little Rock but I’m pretty sure he’s a scratch golfer. who are members of clubs, at Hot Springs Village, places like that. What’s your best score? I’ve never broken 80. I shot 80 one time. MATT JONES Career holes in one: None. Came close a few President, Legacy Capital Group times. Two times the ball was hiding behind Handicap: 1 Spencer Robinson, center, with sons Daniel, the pin and we celebrated until we got to the left, and Spence. [PHOTO PROVIDED] hole. It saved me some money though; the How much do you play? One time per week guys I was playing with would have cleaned April through September. me out at the bar. When did you take up the game? I played If you had to choose one state amateur with my father as a kid and it was my getaway SPENCER ROBINSON from competitive tennis. Attorney, Ramsay, Bridgforth, Robinson and Raley LLP, partner in a four-ball, who would that be? Pine Bluff Carter Clark in Fayetteville. His handicap is Where do you about like mine. There are few people I have play? Pleasant Valley Handicap: 3.3 currently, best was 1.2 a long more fun playing golf with than Carter Clark. Country Club. time ago. We don’t win much, but nobody has more What’s your best How much do you play? Weekends and fun than we do. score competing and whenever else I can. What PGA pro would you choose? I’m a playing around? 69 in When did you take up the game? My father huge Bubba Watson fan. He’s from a part of competition; 65 overall. introduced me to the game at age 8. I’ve the world I’m familiar with. I like the way he Career holes in played ever since. moves the ball around. Also Darren Clarke. Matt Jones one: Two, on No. 7 at Where do you play? Pine Bluff Country Club I think he and I are both social golfers, so Searcy Country Club and I’ve gone on golf trips to places around to speak. We would have a lot of fun in the and No. 2 at Austin (Texas) Country Club. the country at least once a year with eight to round. If you had to choose one state amateur 12 other guys for the last 25 years. Favorite golf movie? “Caddyshack.” partner in a four-ball, who would that be? What’s your best score? 65, two years ago. What’s your best golf memory? There are Stanley “Steamer” Payne. Career holes in one: Two. No. 5 at Pine Bluff some things you can’t print. But one you What PGA pro would you choose? Phil can; I did hit a putt on 18 in the Fayetteville BUSINESS LEADERS continued on Page 26

ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM 2012 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 25 What’s your best golf memory? Teeing off BUSINESS LEADERS continued from Page 25 WARREN SIMPSON Executive Vice President/Managing Director, for the first time at Augusta National. Country Club; No. 15 at Rosswood Country Stephens Capital Management, Little Rock If you couldn’t be playing golf, you’d be . . .

Club. With my family. Handicap: 10 What type of clubs do you play? TaylorMade If you had to choose one state amateur How much do you play? Regularly once a Burners. partner in a four-ball, who would that be? week; sometimes twice if I’m lucky. What’s the best course you’ve played? After My son, Daniel. When did you take up the game? My father Augusta National, Alotian, Cypress Point or What PGA pro would you choose? Freddie played and I started playing regularly when I Oakmont Country Club. Couples. was around 10. What’s the course you’d love to play that Where do you play? Favorite golf movie? “Caddyshack.” you haven’t? Torrey Pines. The Alotian Club and What’s the best hole in Arkansas? No. 14 at What’s your best golf memory? Every time Country Club of Little Alotian. It has every type of risk/reward on I get to play with my grown sons and a Rock. most every shot you hit. comment from George McKeown, my good What’s your best Who is the best business exec golfer in friend, after I hit a particularly bad shot: score? I have shot Arkansas? Stan Payne. “You’d be better off if you had whiffed it.” 1 under par twice. If you couldn’t be playing golf, you’d be ... My best score Fishing. Warren Simpson competitively was 76. Career holes in one: What type of clubs do you play? Ping irons, I’ve had three — Nos. Cleveland driver and 3-wood. BUBBA KLUGH 6 and 11 at Country Club of Little Rock, and Senior Territory Business Manager-Oncology, What’s the best course you’ve played? my third hole in one was at the Manistee Golf Bristol-Myers Squibb Cascata in Boulder City, Nev. Club in Manistee, Mich. Handicap: 0.7 now. My peak was a plus 3 What’s the course you’d love to play that If you had to choose one state amateur back in the day. you haven’t? Spyglass Hill at Monterey, Calif. partner in a four-ball, who would that be? My lifelong friend, Brett Barnett. How much do you play? None during the What’s the best hole in Arkansas? No. 9 at What PGA pro would you want to play winter, or October to February. Play twice Pleasant Valley Country Club. with? Graeme McDowell (seems like a really on weekends, at the most from June to Who is the best business exec golfer in good guy). September. The rest of the time, not much. Arkansas? Wes McNulty, hands down. Favorite golf movie? “Caddyshack.” During the week it’s just too hard. Maybe

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26 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 2012 ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM twice a week, but once if I’m lucky. I spend “Caddyshack,” but I watched “Tin Cup” the more time on the range; I’m a range warrior. I other night and I might reconsider. haven’t played in state tournaments in about What’s your best golf memory? Watching 10 years. That’s something I’m reconsidering my girls actually make contact and knowing now, though, since I turned 55 and reached that they can take up the game at any time the Senior cut-off. in their life and have a chance to succeed. When did you take up the game? I don’t The hole in one with my dad. Being on all remember. My dad says I was 8. I took it up three teams that won the Mid South Cup for because my dad played it and I wanted to do Arkansas. Winning the U.S. Senior Challenge anything he did. last September with Stan [Lee], Louis [Lee] and Bev [Hargraves]. Both U.S. Amateurs, Where do you play? Pleasant Valley Country U.S. Open Sectional, Southern Amateur top Club. 10, going 26 holes against David White in the What’s your best score in competing and ASGA Match Play (I lost). The team things playing around? 65 for both. I have more in were the most fun over the individual things. competition. Playing at Alotian and spending the day with Career holes in one: I have two. The first was Carl Jackson. That was surreal. on the Arlington No. 17 about 10 years ago. What type of clubs do you play? Doesn’t The cool thing about it was that it was with really matter as long they don’t help me hit my dad and it was the same hole where he it higher. I still carry all the long irons. I’d made his first one. The second one was on hit myself in the chin with hybrids. My Ping No. 26 at Pleasant Valley Country Club. Bubba Klugh [PHOTO PROVIDED] Anser putter has been with me since 1986, If you had to choose one state amateur though. partner in a four-ball, who would that be? What’s the best course you’ve played? I think That’s really difficult because I grew up in the Jenkins, Wes McNulty, Jay Fox, Ron Richard, this state has some of the best courses I’ve shadow of greatness with the Lee brothers Tracy Harris and Mike Smith. ever played. So, start with the Arkansas courses [Stan and Louis]. They are obvious choices. What PGA pro would you choose? Phil — Pleasant Valley Country Club, Alotian, Normally, Bev Hargraves and I have had quite Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Steve Stricker Country Club of Little Rock, Chenal, Texarkana, a bit of success. I can’t answer this question and, of course, Bubba Watson. without thinking about Joey Nichols, Chris Favorite golf movie? It’s always been BUSINESS LEADERS continued on Page 28

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ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM 2012 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 27 foot birdie putt on the final hole of the Red except when I take off to go to one of the BUSINESS LEADERS continued from Page 27 Apple Four-Ball with Dennis Farmer. national senior tournaments. I’ll play in those Hardscrabble, the Arlington Course at Hot If you couldn’t be playing golf, you’d be . . four or five days. If I’m in town, I’ll work Springs Country Club, Maumelle, Diamante, . Very sad; my son asked once why I play so seven days a week. I’m not one of those that Pinnacle. Then, Boone Valley in St. Louis, Shoal much golf and I said, “Because it is the last practices much. I rely on muscle memory but Creek in Alabama, Jupiter Hills in Florida, The sport left for me to play.” at age 60, that’s about to go away. Dunes Golf and Beach Club in Myrtle Beach, What type of clubs do you play? I love my When did you take up the game? Actually, Bay Hill and Sawgrass, both in Florida. I haven’t Callaway X-14 irons. Can’t imagine replacing I started caddying at Helena Country Club, played the Blessings in Johnson, but I would them despite their age. Always play a probably the third or fourth oldest club in expect it to be in the group. Taylor Made driver of recent but not current the state. I was 10 years old. My father had What’s the course you’d love to play that vintage. quit playing by then. My grandfather had you haven’t? No contest. Augusta National. What’s the best course you’ve played? East quit playing. He had some old Sam Snead What’s the best hole in Arkansas? These Lake in Atlanta but it ate my lunch. I consider Blue Ridge clubs that he gave to me. I three would be as good as any — No. 19 at myself very fortunate to play at Chenal caddied when I was 10 and 11, caddying for Pleasant Valley Country Club (Pleasant Valley some of the best players, and my had three “nines”), which is just a beautiful grandfather asked me if I wanted hole, No. 18 at Chenal Founders, which is just to play. I never took a lesson, never a hard hole, and No. 9 on Pleasant Valley. If I had one in my life. I copied the had had to pick just one, it would be No. 19 better players I caddied for. First at Pleasant Valley (not necessarily the one in time I played I shot 108 for 18 holes, the clubhouse). the only time I shot over 100. Who is the best business exec golfer in Where do you play? Helena Arkansas? It has to be Stan [Lee], Louis [Lee], Country Club, and I also belong to or Bev [Hargraves]. Country Club of Arkansas. What’s your best score competing and playing around? Probably a 65 has been my best score in a KENNY HALL state championship or a national Executive Vice President, AR State Chamber of tournament, a couple of years ago Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas in Louisiana. I’ve had a couple of 61s at Helena. I had a chance to Handicap: 17 shoot 59 one time but we have a How much do you play? A couple individual tough par-3 finishing hole here and I rounds a month plus scramble tournaments. made bogey. When did you take up the game? Right after Career holes in one: Had 3, and all college because it was my first chance to get have been long par-3s. My first one into the game. was on No. 4 here [Helena]. Another Where do you play? Individually at Chenal was in an individual tournament in Country Club, scramble tournaments all over Paradise Valley in Fayetteville, No. the state. 16. It was playing 240 into the wind, What’s your best score? 85 in the Red Apple I hit a 3-wood in the hole, playing Four-Ball and an 81 on a course near Las with John Tyson and Bill Brown. Kenny Hall [PHOTO PROVIDED] Vegas, but most rounds are in the low 90s. John Tyson took us all out to eat Career holes in one: One, sort of, if you in Fort Smith that night. I had a count a 45-yard blind shot on the pitch-and- Country Club regularly. Both courses are hole-in-one on No. 17 at Hardscrabble in the putt course at First Tee while playing with my beautiful and playable. ASGA State Stroke Play. son. We looked everywhere for the ball and What’s the course you’d love to play that If you had to choose one state amateur finally found it in the cup. you haven’t? August National and Pebble partner in a four-ball, who would that be? If you had to choose one state amateur Beach in my dreams; realistically the Alotian I played for years with Bubba Klugh in the partner in a four-ball, who would that be? Club in Little Rock. ASGA State Four-Ball. I just enjoy playing with Dennis Farmer is the perfect partner for What’s the best hole in Arkansas? Any hole Bubba. He’s a grinder like me and is always me. He knows the flaws of my game, which that I can make par on repeatedly — a short list. going to give 110 percent. That’s who I’d pick. originate in my head, and constantly works to What PGA pro would you choose? I’d like help me play better. to play with Ben Crenshaw again. I got to What PGA pro would you choose? Fred play with him once or twice when we were Couples or Phil Mickelson. I love their course BEV HARGRAVES in college at the same time. [Hargraves demeanor and wish I could be that relaxed attended Arkansas; Crenshaw was at Texas.] President, Hargraves Insurance Agency Inc., Helena on the course. Some people have told me I Favorite golf movie? “Follow the Sun,” look like “Boom Boom” until I hit the ball. Handicap: Plus 2.2 the 1950 movie about Ben Hogan. It’s so Favorite golf movie? “Dead Solid Perfect.” How much do you play? Not much. Maybe inspirational. What’s your best golf memory? Sinking a 20- once a week now on Saturday or Sunday, What’s your best golf memory? Probably the

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KEVIN KOONE, CIC Stevens-Dell & Associates Insurance 5312 W. Markham St., Little Rock 501.664.6587 Bev Hargraves [PHOTO PROVIDED] [email protected] www.stevens-dell.com first win I had on the national level, which was right as I turned 55 at Druid Hills in Atlanta, one of my favorite golf courses. [It was] the first year I played in it; it’s a huge amateur, the Dogwood Invitational. Home of the 2012 Southern Amateur Golf Championship. If you couldn’t be playing golf, you’d be ... If July 18-21 you throw out working, I’d be fishing. I enjoy bass fishing and fly fishing. What type of clubs do you play? Adams A2 Irons. I switched to those two to three years ago. I had Ping ISI’s for 14-15 years before that. I play an Adams driver. Odyssey Killer putter. I don’t change clubs often. I definitely wouldn’t go to the long putter. What’s the best course you’ve played? Royal Portrush in the British Senior Amateur last summer. I finished 24th, which got me in for this year and I’ll go back. It’s in Wales. What’s the course you’d love to play that you haven’t? Augusta National. My brother Bill has played it two to three times and I never have. What’s the best hole in Arkansas? No. 9 at Pleasant Valley. Back there at the tips you have a real narrow driving area, trees on the right can come into play, or you can pull it into the trees and then you have a long iron into a green with several levels. I’ve bogeyed it more than I’ve parred it. It’s easier than ever Who is the best business exec golfer in .com Arkansas? Stan Lee or Louis Lee. Day in and to get home from here. day out they are as good as they come.

ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM 2012 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 29 Tournaments Will Bring Best Into Little Rock

BY JIM HARRIS

uford McCarty, the executive secretary of the Birmingham, Ala.- based Southern Golf Association, Bis a good-humored gentleman who doesn’t seem to be one who would idly throw around patronizing platitudes. So, ears had to perk up when McCarty said in early February that Little Rock “could well become the amateur capital of the world right here, real quick.” McCarty was referring to both his organization’s Southern Amateur Championship, scheduled for Chenal Country Club’s Bear Den July 18-21, and the Western Amateur slated for The Alotian Club in late July 2013. McCarty could even have gone one Southern Golf Association executive secretary Buford McCarty. [MICHAEL BAXLEY] better and noted the U.S. Senior Team Championship held at Pleasant Valley to the Western Golf Association’s Evans Jones Jr., in 1922. Bobby Jones saw his Country Club last summer, which seems Scholars Foundation. name engraved on the trophy two more to have kicked off a boom of nationally And though state amateur golfing great times in his stellar amateur career, before prestigious tournaments coming to three and UALR coach Wyn Norwood modestly he went on to help design the Augusta of the state’s best courses. deflects credit, McCarty points to National Golf Club and co-found the “The Western is quite a feather in your Norwood as instrumental in bringing this Masters Tournament. cap. To have both the Southern Amateur summer’s Southern Amateur to Chenal. Other notable Southern Amateur and the Western in back-to-back years, In a survey of an estimated 3,000 winners include Ben Crenshaw, Bob that’s a heck of an achievement,” McCarty amateur golf tournaments worldwide, Tway, Justin Leonard, Lanny Wadkins told a gathering at Chenal in February. McCarty said, the Southern Amateur and rising PGA stars Webb Simpson and The Western Amateur, one of the places in the top five U.S. tournaments Kyle Stanley. world’s top three amateur tournaments, and in the top 10 internationally. The first Southern was played in 1902, sought out Warren Stephens’ Alotian A heavily ornate silver trophy was predated only by the U.S. Amateur (run Club partly because of Alotian’s No. 14 commissioned in the early 1920s to be by the United States Golf Association), rank in Golf Digest’s “Top 100 Courses awarded to the Southern Am winner, the Western Amateur and the North- in the U.S.” last year as well as the and the first name on the trophy is the South Amateur, which also began in 1902. Alotian caddie program’s connection greatest amateur of them all: Robert Tyre “Giving credit where credit is due,

Arkansas in July is not easy on the expects to provide Southern Amateur “Normally we’d be aerifying golfer, but it’s even harder on the top contestants with excellent putting fairways about the week of the Chenal courses in central Arkansas. surfaces for the tournament at Bear tournament,” Spencer said. Several of the area’s leading Den July 18-21. “Obviously we’re going to put that courses have switched in recent Jed Spencer, Chenal’s off. The greens, we’ll do some things Preps seasons to the hardy, ultra-dwarf superintendent director, says his normally in this summer that we strains of Bermuda grass for their staff begins planning in the previous wouldn’t do in other summers. We’re greens after watching their bent grass fall for handling the coming season. going to be more intense on our for Big turn brown and die. The Southern Amateur, however, will cultural practice such as top-dressing, Chenal Country Club is one of require a few changes to the usual verti-cutting when we get to that the few that has stayed with bent planning on the Bear Den side, he point in the summer. Tourney grass greens on both its courses and said. “Obviously we’ll be doing more

30 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 2012 ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM probably the bottom-line reason we are around a lot of great players,” he said. coming to Chenal this summer is Wyn “With the growth of this club here and the Norwood,” McCarty said. “Wyn is a guy development of it, I knew that this was a that is very, very much respected within place that could be a championship site.” the board and on the site committee of It still required some convincing of the Southern Amateur. ” the Southern Golf Association’s site The public can view the Southern committee. Norwood, a Chenal Country Amateur at no cost at Chenal. A ticket Club member, decided the best way to plan will be announced for the Western show the SGA what Chenal would be like Amateur at Alotian after the conclusion was to play host to the Southern Junior, of this year’s Western at Exmoor Country which came to Chenal’s Founders Course Club in Highland Park, Ill. in 2007. “These kids who are going to be here “They take long hard looks,” Norwood in July in Chenal, one of those in two said. “They don’t just say, ‘Yeah.’ Buford or three years could be the next Webb [McCarty, the SGA executive secretary] Simpson of the [PGA] Tour,” said Jay Fox, made it sound like it was me. No, they executive director of the Arkansas State came over here with a site committee on Golf Association. “Fans will have to pick numerous occasions, took the Junior here out some players to watch. ... This is a big, first, looked at how the people reacted to big deal for the Southern to be at Chenal it and everything. and the Western Am to be at Alotian.” UALR golf coach Wyn Norwood, left, with UALR “Now finally getting the championship Little Rock’s Alex Carpenter, a junior player Dylan Raines. [UALR SPORTS INFORMATION] itself.” at Abilene Christian College, won the Meanwhile, Norwood took over the Southern Amateur at Shoal Creek in UALR program and guided it to new Birmingham, Ala., in 2010. The Southern Norwood Has heights. Now, he’s ready to move aside. Am winner is invited to Arnold Palmer’s “It’s going to be hard especially when PGA event at Bay Hill in Florida for the Plenty To Savor you step down,” Norwood said. “But like following year, and Carpenter came one I told my players, I’ve got to draw the line shot shy of the 36-hole cut in 2011. In UALR Career somewhere. And, this is a good situation. Last year’s Southern Am winner was BY JIM HARRIS We’re real young. So the new coach University of Georgia product Harris coming in, whoever they name, isn’t English, who later won a Nationwide hen Wyn Norwood officially faced with the immediate responsibility Tour event and turned pro. The University closes the office door for the of recruiting. He can ride with what we’ve of Arkansas’ Ethan Tracy won the 2011 last time as UALR golf coach got. Western Am, defeating young stars Jordan Won June 30, he’ll be able to “We’ve got a good team. We won twice Speith and Patrick Cantlay. join the rest of the region’s golf lovers and in the fall tournaments. There’s some The Southern Amateur will feature 155 enjoy a tournament he’s credited with talent there. They’ve got to mature; they golfers who will advance to Bear Den bringing to Little Rock: The Southern still play like freshmen and sophomores.” through qualifying at various sites. The Amateur Championship. ASGA Executive Director Jay Fox event is four days of stroke play. Norwood, who had an illustrious remembers Norwood as a great shot The Western Amateur has four grueling amateur career in Arkansas himself, has maker and without peer in the short qualifying rounds that pare the field of been a board member for the Southern game, winning tournaments before 156 invited worldwide golfers to a “Sweet Golf Association since 1980 and had a 60-degree wedges and Vokey sand Sixteen” that will go into match play. The term as president in the 1990s. wedges were in everyone’s bag. Western has been referred to as “The “I’ve been to a lot of great Southern “The bigger the challenge the more he Masters of amateur golf.” Amateur championships and been liked it,” Fox said. rolling to help firm the surface and the past two summers of 100-plus- times I say you do two things: pray secretary of the Southern Golf we’ll also be going more to hand degree temperature, is on keeping and don’t do anything stupid in Association, saw Spencer’s work watering strictly in June to help with the greens alive. those time periods. Because that’s first-hand in 2007 when the Southern the firmness. Sometimes we water “No doubt when we reach the what it takes, and a good staff and Junior was staged on the Founders with our overhead sprinklers but we’ll temperatures we’ve reached the crew, to make it happen.” course. take the hoses off and hand-water.” past two years, with the longevity of Spencer, who came to Chenal in “Conditioning [for this year’s Chenal’s Bear Den side has that heat, the pressure is extremely 1999 and moved into his current role tournament] was an afterthought. Cavalier Zoysia fairways, which also high for death on bent grass, no way in 2005, oversees a superintendent After we saw the Founders course require a different approach than around it,” Spencer said. “That’s and assistant on each course, plus a and we saw what Jed had done over some courses need in the summer what we try to do when the weather staff that grows to 13 or 14 workers there, we knew Bear Den would be heat. is good is to prepare for the bad on each side during the season. in great condition,” McCarty said. But usually the focus, especially in times, and when we get the bad Buford McCarty, executive — By Jim Harris

ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM 2012 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 31 HITTING THe sweeT spoTs Hot SpringS Village Great Golfing in Arkansas HSVGolfing.com Join the fun in Hot Springs village! Whatever your skill level, you’ll find chal- lenging courses that deliver championship-level playing conditions here in Hot Springs village, arkansas. “the attraction of our courses is the diversity of each one. not only are there no two courses alike there are not two holes in the village that resemble each other. especially when you consider the same architect, tom clark (ault clark and assoc.) designed all nine of them. the courses were built 5-6 years apart from 1970 until 2006 – this helps add to the diversity,” — John H. paul, director of golf

Opened in 1987, Balboa Golf Course BALBOA GOLF COURSE Semi-Private Course 18 Holes is one of the most challenging courses in 111 Balboa Way | Hot Springs village Penn Cross & Crenshaw Bent Grass Greens Par 72 the Village. If you like fast, well maintained arkansas | 501.922.1504 Common Bermuda Fairways 6,725 yards greens, then this is your course. Golf Digest even rated Balboa Golf Course the No. 7 present the golfer with a great opportunity Crenshaw Bent Grass. course in the state’s best rankings for 2005- for par. This is a walker-friendly course that The course was designed by Ault, Clark & 2006. gets better with each round played. Fairways, Associates, and according to the low handicap The fairways, which are wider and have tees and roughs are 419 Bermuda Grass and golfers in the Village, Balboa is a great test of less slope than some of our other courses, the greens are a blend of Penn Cross and golf and has some very tricky par 3s.

Coronado is the only executive-length CORONADO GOLF COURSE Semi-Private Course 18 Holes par 62 golf course in Hot Springs Village. 199 Surtidor Way | Hot Springs village Penn Cross Bent Grass Greens Par 62 Designed by Ault, Clark & Associates, it is a arkansas | 501.922.2355 Common Bermuda Fairways 3,400 yards great course to play for those looking to get in a quick 18 holes, a beginning golfer or a veteran wanting to perfect their short game. bunker shots, this is the course for you. as any in the Village. The fairways, tees Coronado opened in 1982 and was the Although there might not be any sand, and roughs are Common Bermuda and the third Village golf course. If you don’t like Coronado is as challenging from 150 yards greens are Penn Cross Bent Grass.

Special advertiSing promotion HITTING THe sweeT spoTs Hot SpringS Village Hot SpringS Village Great Golfing in Arkansas HSVGolfing.com Join the fun in Hot Springs village! Whatever your skill level, you’ll find chal- lenging courses that deliver championship-level playing conditions here in Hot Springs village, arkansas. “the attraction of our courses is the diversity of each one. not only are there no two courses alike there are not two holes in the village that resemble each other. especially when you consider the same architect, tom clark (ault clark and assoc.) designed all nine of them. the courses were built 5-6 years apart from 1970 until 2006 – this helps add to the diversity,” — John H. paul, director of golf

Cortez is known as the shot maker’s CORTEZ GOLF COURSE Semi-Private Course 18 Holes course. Some consider hole No. 10 as the 299 cortez Way | Hot Springs village SR10-20/Crenshaw Bent Grass Greens Par 72 most difficult par 4 in the Village, and arkansas | 501.922.1590 Hybrid Bermuda Fairways 6,672 yards Opened in 1987, Balboa Golf Course Semi-Private Course 18 18Holes Holes BALBOA GOLF COURSE the par 3 No. 17 is definitely the most is one of the most challenging courses in Penn Cross & Crenshaw Bent Grass Greens ParPar 72 72 111 Balboa Way | Hot Springs village recognizable. counts. The course demands that its players fairways, and roughs, new Bent Grass greens, the Village. If you like fast, well maintained Common Bermuda Fairways 6,7256,725 yards yards arkansas | 501.922.1504 Originally opened in 1977, this scenic hit the landing areas or they’re in trouble. new cart path overlay, the elimination of 8 greens, then this is your course. Golf Digest 18-hole championship course is located in The course was closed in 2006 to begin bunkers, rebuilding 25 bunkers, enlarged even rated Balboa Golf Course the No. 7 present the golfer with a great opportunity Crenshaw Bent Grass. the northern section of the Village and was a $1.5 million renovation. The two-year driving range, and extensive drainage work. course in the state’s best rankings for 2005- for par. This is a walker-friendly course that The course was designed by Ault, Clark & the POA’s second course. At Cortez, it’s not project included a new irrigation system, The course re-opened for play in August 2006. gets better with each round played. Fairways, Associates, and according to the low handicap the length of the drive, but the position that new hybrid Bermuda grass on the tees, 2008. The fairways, which are wider and have tees and roughs are 419 Bermuda Grass and golfers in the Village, Balboa is a great test of less slope than some of our other courses, the greens are a blend of Penn Cross and golf and has some very tricky par 3s.

DeSoto Golf Course opened in 1972 as Hot DESOTO GOLF COURSE Semi-Private Course 18 Holes Springs Village’s first course. Renovated in 2001, 102 clubhouse drive | Hot Springs village Penn Cross Bent Grass Greens Par 72 Coronado is the only executive-length Semi-Private Course 18 Holes this traditional course now has an updated, 419 Bermuda Fairways 6,687 yards CORONADO GOLF COURSE player-friendly look enjoyable for all skill levels. arkansas | 501.922.0001 par 62 golf course in Hot Springs Village. 199 Surtidor Way | Hot Springs village Penn Cross Bent Grass Greens Par 62 Common Bermuda Fairways 3,400 yards The fairways, tees and roughs are 419 Bermuda Designed by Ault, Clark & Associates, it is a arkansas | 501.922.2355 grass and the greens are Penn Cross Bent grass. great course to play for those looking to get in a quick 18 holes, a beginning golfer or a Memberships: the Hot Springs village property owners’ association is offering an opportunity to experience the amazing variety of amenities veteran wanting to perfect their short game. bunker shots, this is the course for you. as any in the Village. The fairways, tees without the commitment of purchasing property. Although there might not be any sand, and roughs are Common Bermuda and the a limited number of one-year memberships for $535 per couple or $275 per single are available for purchase. participants are provided Coronado opened in 1982 and was the use of property owners’ association amenities at property owner rates on our 8 golf courses, tennis courts, fitness facility, outdoor and indoor third Village golf course. If you don’t like Coronado is as challenging from 150 yards greens are Penn Cross Bent Grass. pools, 11 recreation lakes and more. email [email protected] for more information.

Special advertiSing promotion Special advertiSing promotion HITTING THe sweeT spoTs Hot SpringS Village Great Golfing in Arkansas

Opened in Fall 2004, Granada Golf GRANADA GOLF COURSE Semi-Private Course 18 Holes Course is an 18-hole championship course. 250 maderas drive | Hot Springs village L93 & Crenshaw Bent Grass Greens Par 72 Granada is arguably the most scenic course arkansas | 501.922.3095 TifSport Bermuda Fairways 7,115 yards in the Village. With something for everyone, rolling hills, amazing views, beautiful creeks of the Ouachita Mountains may have beautiful 18th with a meandering waterfall and pine forests are just some of what make disadvantages for walkers, the great views, that stretches the length of the fairway and this course unique. long fairways and large driving areas make was built entirely out of rocks that were The course ranges from 5,014 yards from up for it in playability. Granada features removed during course construction. the forward tees to over 7,000 yards from the Tif Sport Bermuda in the fairways, tees and One of the best and most difficult holes back. With almost seven miles of cart paths, roughs. The greens are a blend of L93 and on the course is the par 4 No. 17, which has Granada plays shorter than it reads. Crenshaw Bent grass. a green 60 yards in length. Although being located in the foothills The signature hole on this course is the

Semi-Private Course 27 Holes Designed with wider fairways and ISABELLA GOLF COURSE generous driving areas, Isabella is a player 110 iniciador Way | Hot Springs village L93 & Crenshaw Bent Grass Greens Par 72 friendly course, where tee times are a arkansas | 501.922.5505 Common Bermuda Fairways 3,400 yards premium. Isabella has five sets of traditional square tee boxes, which aim the golfer signature hole, No. 15 doglegs left from the Bermuda and the greens are a blend of L93 toward the appropriate landing area. tee and is protected by a water feature on and Crenshaw Bent grass. This course has a great feel and is fun the left and a bunker on the right front of This 27-hole facility plays as three 18-hole for the avid golfer as well as beginners. The the green. Fairways, tees and roughs are 419 rotations, Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. Special advertiSing promotion HITTING THe sweeT spoTs Hot SpringS Village Hot SpringS Village Great Golfing in Arkansas

Long on great golf holes, Magellan Golf Semi-Private Course 18 Holes Opened in Fall 2004, Granada Golf Semi-Private Course 18 18Holes Holes MagellaN gOlF COURSe GRANADA GOLF COURSE Course is one of the shorter courses, but 451 ponce de leon drive | Hot Springs village Dominant & Crenshaw Bent Grass Greens Par 72 Course is an 18-hole championship course. 250 maderas drive | Hot Springs village L93 & Crenshaw Bent Grass Greens ParPar 72 72 don’t let the length fool you. This course arkansas | 501.922.4497 419 Bermuda Fairways 6,494 yards Granada is arguably the most scenic course arkansas | 501.922.3095 TifSport Bermuda Fairways 7,1157,115 yards yards in the Village. With something for everyone, plays shorter, but its tricky greens will challenge all skill levels. rolling hills, amazing views, beautiful creeks of the Ouachita Mountains may have beautiful 18th with a meandering waterfall It is a favorite for both men and women and pine forests are just some of what make disadvantages for walkers, the great views, that stretches the length of the fairway and its 6th course. roughs are 419 Bermuda. Magellan will and is consistently one of the top three this course unique. long fairways and large driving areas make was built entirely out of rocks that were Magellan continues to boast the best be closing on 6/4/12 as preparation to courses played. Magellan began as a golf The course ranges from 5,014 yards from up for it in playability. Granada features removed during course construction. practice facilities in the Village with a large convert the greens to Bermuda grass begins. school with three holes, and in 1996, the the forward tees to over 7,000 yards from the Tif Sport Bermuda in the fairways, tees and One of the best and most difficult holes driving range, a putting green, and several Magellan is expected to reopen by Labor Day POA expanded it to 18 holes and opened back. With almost seven miles of cart paths, roughs. The greens are a blend of L93 and on the course is the par 4 No. 17, which has short game areas. The fairways, tees and Weekend 2012. Granada plays shorter than it reads. Crenshaw Bent grass. a green 60 yards in length. Although being located in the foothills The signature hole on this course is the

Semi-Private Course 18 Holes A favorite among lower handicap golf- PONCe De leON gOlF COURSe 300 ponce de leon drive | Hot Springs village Penn Link & Crenshaw Bent Grass Greens Par 72 ers, Ponce de Leon has tree-lined fairways arkansas 501.922.4250 Tif-way II Bermuda Fairways 6,946 yards and consistently true greens. Opened | in 1991 by John Daly, this course is a challenging 6,946 yards from the back tees. hosted the qualifying rounds for the PGA the average to high handicap golfer. All in The fairways, tees and roughs feature Nationwide Tour for three consecutive years. all, this course has something for everyone Semi-Private Course 27 Holes Tif-way II Bermuda and the greens are As good as this course is for the low including a complete practice facility with Designed with wider fairways and ISABELLA GOLF COURSE 27 Holes L93 & Crenshaw Bent Grass Greens Par 72 a blend of Penn Link and Crenshaw handicap golfer, by moving to one of the driving range, short game area, and putting generous driving areas, Isabella is a player 110 iniciador Way | Hot Springs village Par 72 Bent grass. Ponce de Leon Golf Course forward tee boxes, it is equally enjoyable for green. friendly course, where tee times are a arkansas | 501.922.5505 Common Bermuda Fairways 3,4003,400 yards yards premium. Isabella has five sets of traditional enjoy a day on the links in Hot Springs village. $59 for morning play. $49 for afternoon play including golf cart rental. the village is home to square tee boxes, which aim the golfer signature hole, No. 15 doglegs left from the Bermuda and the greens are a blend of L93 eight 18-hole golf courses, including the private course diamante, and one 27-hole golf complex. With more than 170 holes, there is great play for toward the appropriate landing area. tee and is protected by a water feature on and Crenshaw Bent grass. all skill levels. participating courses: Balboa golf course, deSoto golf course, magellan golf course and ponce de leon golf course. This course has a great feel and is fun the left and a bunker on the right front of This 27-hole facility plays as three 18-hole to schedule your tee time: email [email protected] or call 501.922.2858. golf packages are available, please contact us for information. for the avid golfer as well as beginners. The the green. Fairways, tees and roughs are 419 rotations, Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. Special advertiSing promotion Special advertiSing promotion HITTING THe sweeT spoTs HITTING THe sweeT spoTs Great Golfing in Arkansas

Belvedere is an Italian word for “beautiful view” and this golf club with its early morning mountain vistas and late afternoon sun shimmering through the tree lined fairways lives up to its name in every way. Belvedere is an inviting destination for golfers at all levels of play; a beautiful and scenic 18-hole championship golf course spread out over 135 acres surrounded by the Ouachita Mountain range, neighboring lakes and national parks. Designed by Herman Hackbarth in 1949 Belvedere remains one of Arkansas’ top ten courses. Belvedere Golf Club is open seven days a week with a grill and bar. A driving range is provided, along with a putting green. The golf course at Belvedere Golf Club combines beauty, character, history and challenge to create a golfing experience that any golfer at any level would enjoy. The 18-hole “Belvedere” course at the Belvedere Golf Club facility in Hot Springs National public course 18 Holes BELvEDERE GOLF CLUB Bent grass greens par 72 Park, Arkansas features 6,767 yards of golf 385 Belvedere dr., Hot Springs, arkansas 501.321.3555 from the longest tees for a par of 72. The | Bermuda Fairways 6,767 Yards course rating is 73.1 and it has a slope rating of 130. The fairways are plush with a charity fundraiser, Belvedere’s beauty Belvedere is located five minutes from Bermuda and the greens feature bent grass. and history make for the perfect corporate downtown Hot Springs. Call us for your Whether entertaining clients or hosting outing or special event. open play and tournaments.

HITTING THe sweeT spoTs HITTING THe sweeT spoTs Great Golfing in Arkansas

DeGray Lake Resort State Park lies on the north shore of 13,800-acre DeGray Lake in the rolling foothills of the Ouachita Mountain range. This water sports and golf resort features an 18-hole, par 72 championship public course, which ranked third among the state’s public courses in Executive Golfer’s 2012 readers survey. Stretching 7,100 yards with views of the lake through tall pines and native hardwoods, this grand old course features TifEagle Bermuda greens and 419 Bermuda tees and fairways. Four teeing areas offer golfers of any skill level a challenging round. The course rating is 72.7 and slope is 134. Water comes into play on seven holes. The front nine offer wide, expansive fairways with elevated, public course par 72 undulating and sloping greens, and water DEGRAY LAKE RESORT tifeagle Bermuda greens championship course hazards. The back nine are carved out of the STATE PARK GOLF COURSE 419 Bermuda Fairways 7,100 Yards woodlands leaving little room for stray shots. 18 Holes From the blue tees the course is 7,100 yards, Bismarck, arkansas | 501.865.5830 from the white—6,560 yards, gold—6,200 call: 501-865-5830. Groups of any size are campsites, full-service marina, boat rentals, yards, and red—5,800 yards. The pro shop welcome. The professional staff can assist swimming, tennis, hiking, and park offers a snack bar, cart and club rentals, with corporate, civic or charitable outings. interpretive programs. Visit DeGray.com for golf equipment, and a wide selection of Here at Arkansas’ only resort state park, details. brand name golf apparel and accessories for enjoy a complete complement of resort To reach DeGray, take Exit #78 off I-30 at purchase amenities and outdoor activities including a Caddo Valley/Arkadelphia and travel seven The course is open daily. For tee times 96-room island lodge, restaurant, lakeshore miles north on Scenic 7 Byway. Special advertiSing promotion HITTING THe sweeT spoTs HITTING THe sweeT spoTs HITTING THe sweeT spoTs Great Golfing in Arkansas Great Golfing in Arkansas

This “secluded track” is “great golf for the Belvedere is an Italian word for money, and it’s well worth the drive to find “beautiful view” and this golf club with it.” It is a “great course with great people. its early morning mountain vistas and late You’ll feel as if you’re the most important afternoon sun shimmering through the tree person there,” and it’s a “fun track,” too. — lined fairways lives up to its name in every Golf Digest’s “Places to Play.” way. Belvedere is an inviting destination for Glenwood Country Club is an extremely golfers at all levels of play; a beautiful and spectacular 18 hole golf course that features scenic 18-hole championship golf course two lakes, beautiful landscaping, rolling spread out over 135 acres surrounded by hills, Bermuda fairways, and new bent grass the Ouachita Mountain range, neighboring greens! Located just 30 miles outside of Hot lakes and national parks. Designed by Springs, Arkansas, Glenwood Country Club Herman Hackbarth in 1949 Belvedere strives to please customers with our friendly remains one of Arkansas’ top ten courses. atmosphere and amenities that we offer to Belvedere Golf Club is open seven days those who join us in a round of golf! Along a week with a grill and bar. A driving range with the golf course, we also have a very nice is provided, along with a putting green. driving range, putting green, designated The golf course at Belvedere Golf Club chipping area, fully stocked pro shop, lodge, combines beauty, character, history and and restaurant with grill and beverages. challenge to create a golfing experience Glenwood Country Club is rated among the that any golfer at any level would enjoy. The top ten public courses in Arkansas and has 18-hole “Belvedere” course at the Belvedere public course 18 Holes been as high as number two in the state. Golf Club facility in Hot Springs National public course 18 Holes GLENWOOD COuNTRy CLuB Bent grass greens par 72 BELvEDERE GOLF CLUB The golf course has also received four and 584 Highway 70 east, glenwood Park, Arkansas features 6,767 yards of golf Bent grass greens par 72 Bermuda Fairways 6,600 Yards 385 Belvedere dr., Hot Springs, arkansas 501.321.3555 Bermuda Fairways 6,767 Yards half out of five stars by Golf Digest, and arkansas | 800.833.3110 or 870.356.4422 from the longest tees for a par of 72. The | we are pleased to be part of the Natural course rating is 73.1 and it has a slope State Golf Trail. The golf is championship reason enough to spend all day at Glenwood our website www.glenwoodcountryclub.com rating of 130. The fairways are plush with a charity fundraiser, Belvedere’s beauty Belvedere is located five minutes from caliber and the secluded, scenic layout is Country Club! For more information, visit or find us on Facebook. Bermuda and the greens feature bent grass. and history make for the perfect corporate downtown Hot Springs. Call us for your Whether entertaining clients or hosting outing or special event. open play and tournaments.

HITTING THe sweeT spoTs HITTING THe sweeT spoTs Great Golfing in Arkansas Great Golfing in Arkansas Village Creek State Park atop Crowley’s DeGray Lake Resort State Park lies on Ridge, the unique landform in northeast the north shore of 13,800-acre DeGray Arkansas, is the home of this Andy Dye Lake in the rolling foothills of the Ouachita signature golf course. Dye family designs of Mountain range. This water sports and resort and public courses include world-ranked golf resort features an 18-hole, par 72 championship-class courses known for their championship public course, which ranked creative, unique designs and environmentally third among the state’s public courses sensitive integrity. The course opens in May in Executive Golfer’s 2012 readers survey. 2012 featuring 18 holes, followed by the last Stretching 7,100 yards with views of the lake nine in July. The rolling terrain of Crowley’s through tall pines and native hardwoods, this Ridge, dramatic elevation changes, and the grand old course features TifEagle Bermuda backdrop of the surrounding hardwood greens and 419 Bermuda tees and fairways. forest combine for an aesthetically pleasing Four teeing areas offer golfers of any skill and challenging level of play at this 27-hole, level a challenging round. The course rating championship public course. is 72.7 and slope is 134. Water comes into Depending on the configuration of the two play on seven holes. The front nine offer nines you choose to play, the yardage could wide, expansive fairways with elevated, public course par 72 stretch to over 7,400 yards. The course features undulating and sloping greens, and water DEGRAY LAKE RESORT public course 27 Holes tifeagle Bermuda greens championship course MiniVerde Bermuda greens and Tiff 419 THE RIDGES AT VILLAGE hazards. The back nine are carved out of the miniverde greens championship course STATE PARK GOLF COURSE 419 Bermuda Fairways 7,100 Yards Bermuda tees and fairways. Four teeing areas woodlands leaving little room for stray shots. CREEK tiff 419 Bermuda Fairways 7,249 Yards 18 Holes offer opportunities for golfers of any skill level. From the blue tees the course is 7,100 yards, Bismarck, arkansas | 501.865.5830 95 county rd. 756, Wynne, arkansas 870.238.5226 Three distinct nines make for outstanding golf. | from the white—6,560 yards, gold—6,200 call: 501-865-5830. Groups of any size are campsites, full-service marina, boat rentals, Water comes into play on 12 holes. The staff can assist with corporate, civic, or boat docks, fishing boats, and kayaks are yards, and red—5,800 yards. The pro shop welcome. The professional staff can assist swimming, tennis, hiking, and park The course will be open daily and includes charitable outings. available late-spring through Labor Day. Visit offers a snack bar, cart and club rentals, with corporate, civic or charitable outings. interpretive programs. Visit DeGray.com for a golf shop, practice green, and three short Village Creek State Park also offers 10 ArkansasStateParks.com for details. golf equipment, and a wide selection of Here at Arkansas’ only resort state park, details. game practice holes. Golf carts are included cabins, 96 campsites, seven miles of hiking To reach Village Creek State Park, take Exit brand name golf apparel and accessories for enjoy a complete complement of resort To reach DeGray, take Exit #78 off I-30 at with green fees. For tee times call: 870- trails, 25 miles of multi-use trails, tennis courts, #242 off I-40 at Forrest City and go 13 miles purchase amenities and outdoor activities including a Caddo Valley/Arkadelphia and travel seven 238-5226. Groups of any size are welcome. pavilions, and two lakes. Launch ramps, north on Ark. 284. The course is open daily. For tee times 96-room island lodge, restaurant, lakeshore miles north on Scenic 7 Byway. Special advertiSing promotion Special advertiSing promotion Readers Choice

The Alotian Club earned Golf Digest accolades as well as raves from local players [MICHAEL PIRNIQUE]

Executive Golfer has placed the Arlington among the public/daily fee courses Alotian Notion because it is accessible to the public through the Natural State Golf Trail. Private Course Voters Pick Their Favorite Chenal’s Bear Den, ranked No. 3, was chosen to hold the Southern Amateur BY JIM HARRIS TOP PRIVATE COURSES this summer and is one of several courses The Alotian Club hosting notable events. arren Stephens’ Alotian Pleasant Valley Country Club The Alotian Club will play host to the Club, the only Arkansas Bear Den-Chenal Country Club Western Amateur next summer. And golf course ranked in Golf Country Club of Little Rock Pleasant Valley, host club for the U.S. Digest’s Top 100 U.S. Courses Pinnacle Country Club, Rogers Senior Team Championship in 2011, will W Texarkana Country Club (No. 14 in the 2011 list), is also No. 1 in Hardscrabble Country Club, Fort Smith hold the Arkansas State Golf Association the state among private courses in a Diamante, Hot Springs Village Stroke Play Championship in June. survey taken of top Arkansas golfers. Blessings, Johnson Country Club of Little Rock, rated ArkansasSports360.com surveyed a Founders-Chenal Country Club No. 4 and the state’s oldest course, group of prominent state amateurs and recently underwent a full renovation. pros to rank their private courses in the Others receiving votes: Arlington Course- No. 5 Pinnacle in Rogers is host club first such poll for Executive Golfer. An Hot Springs Country Club (accessible for the LPGA’s Northwest Arkansas to public); Big Creek (semiprivate), Internet readers poll has been used in Mountain Home; Pine Bluff Country Championship in late June. previous years to rank the state’s public Club; Meadowbrook Country Club, West No. 8 Diamante in Hot Springs Village, and private courses. Memphis; Isabella-Hot Springs Village; Fort Smith’s Hardscrabble Country Club The only golfers to snub the Tom Fazio- Grenada-Hot Springs Village; Ponce De (No. 7) and Texarkana Country Club (No. designed Alotian in the poll confessed to Leon-Hot Springs Village. 6) have held Nationwide Tour events, having never played the course, but on 90 though none is a Tour stop now. No. 9 percent of the ballots the pristine golfing among the golfers surveyed, with Blessings, the Washington County course enclave in western Pulaski County, Pleasant Valley Country Club at No. 2. built by Johnny Tyson, is similar to the likened by many to Augusta National Interestingly, several initially ranked courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, was No. 1. the Arlington Course at Hot Springs Jr. for Chenal (No. 10), has played host to The next nine spots varied widely Country Club in the top 10, although major junior events in recent years.

38 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 2012 ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM has undergone some renovation in recent years, rose to third in the public Readers Take Flight course list for 2012. Fairfield Bay’s Mountain Ranch, a favorite of state Cooper’s Hawk Tops Public Course Poll golfers for three decades, was fourth. BY JIM HARRIS The rest of the top 10 was: Course TOP TEN PUBLIC COURSES at River Oaks, Searcy; Red Apple Cooper’s Hawk, Melbourne his year’s Internet poll of Big Creek, Mountain Home. Inn & Golf Course (Heber Springs); readers has put a new, daily-fee DeGray State Park, Bismarck Stonebridge Meadows, Fayetteville; course on top of the rankings Mountain Ranch, Fairfield Bay Hot Springs Country Club Arlington of Arkansas’ best public golf Course at River Oaks, Searcy Course (accessible publicly); Rebsamen T Red Apple Inn and Country Club, Eden courses. Park Golf Course in Little Rock and Cooper’s Hawk Golf Club, with a Bobby Isle/Heber Springs Tannenbaum Golf Course in Drasco, Stonebridge Meadows, Fayetteville McGee designed course in Melbourne near Heber Springs. Arlington Course, Hot Springs that opened in 1998, edged out the Rebsamen Park, Little Rock The next 15 were: Country Club of nationally celebrated Big Creek Golf and Tannenbaum, Drasco Arkansas, Maumelle; Glenwood Country Country Club in Mountain Home as the Club; Hot Springs Country Club Park state’s leading public course. 69 in the rolling countryside of the Course; Harbor Oaks Golf Course, Big Creek has been a favorite in Golf Ozark Mountains in Stone County. The Pine Bluff; Sage Meadows Golf Course, Digest’s readers poll of national courses course, with Zoysia fairways and bent Paragould; Eagle Crest Golf Course, as well, earning a 4 1/2-star rating in the grass greens, plays at 7,011 yards from Alma; Belvedere Country Club, Hot most recent ranking. It was also Executive the “tips.” The facility also features the Springs; First Tee of Little Rock; War Golfer’s best-rated public course in Hawk’s Nest restaurant, with a broad Memorial Park, Little Rock; Stonelinks, Arkansas the past two years. menu and a full bar and grill. North Little Rock, Big Sugar, Pea Ridge; More than 600 votes were cast, with Golfers will also find a large bent grass The Course at Eagle Mountain, Batesville; Cooper’s Hawk pulling in 216 first-place practice green, Zoysia-sodded practice Hindman Park, Little Rock, Burns Park votes and Big Creek second with 181. range and a fully stocked pro shop. Golf Course (Championship), North Cooper’s Hawk is situated on Highway DeGray State Park Golf Course, which Little Rock and Prairie Creek, Rogers.

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ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM 2012 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 39 ARKANSAS GOLF COURSES Listed alphabetically within geographic regions

City Course Phone Type Greens Fairways Holes Par Yards Weekday Weekend Cart Fee BENTON Longhills Golf Club (501) 316-3000 Semi-private Bent Bermuda 18 72 6148 $33 $37 Included Silver Springs Country Club (501) 315-1843 Semi-private Bermuda Bermuda 18 72 6227 $27 $32 Included BRYANT Hurricane Golf & Country Club (501) 847-2609 Private Bent Zoysia 18 72 6209 $44 $54.50 Included CABOT Greystone Country Club (Mountain Springs) (501) 941-4444 Semi-private Mini Verde Zoysia 18 72 7,100 $38 $48 Included Rolling Hills Country Club (501) 843-5231 Private Tiff Bermuda Bermuda 18 72 6407 $17 $20 $10/half cart CONWAY Centennial Valley Country Club (501) 513-2522 Private Bent Bermuda 18 72 6957 $25 $35 $28 Conway Country Club (501) 329-9887 Private Bent Bermuda 18 70 6292 $25 $30 $18 Links at Cadron Valley Golf & Country Club (501) 336-0909 Public Tifdwarf Bermuda Bermuda 9 35 3057 $17/$29 $22/$34 Included Nutters Chapel Golf and Country Club (501) 329-5867 Semi Private Mini Verde Bermuda Bermuda 18 72 6678 $21 $26 $14 person ENGLAND England Country Club (501) 590-9021 Private/reciprocal Tifdwarf Bermuda 9 72 6875 $20 $25 $20 GREENBRIER Persimmon Ridge Golf Club (501) 679-5423 Semi-private Bermuda Bermuda 9 36 3267 $8.50/$9 $10.50/$14 $6/$12 JACKSONVILLE Deer Run Golf Course (501) 987-6825 Military Bermuda Bermuda 18 72 6732 $18 $18 $10 Hickory Creek Golf Course (501) 988-4257 Public Tiff Bermuda Bermuda 18 67 4130 $12 $14 $8 Southern Oaks Country Club (501) 982-1254 Private Mini Verde Bermuda 18 72 6448 $35 $45 Included LITTLE ROCK Chenal Country Club-Bear Den Mountain (501) 821-7565 Private Bent Zoysia 18 72 7221 $65/$90 $90/$120 Included Chenal Country Club-Founders (501) 821-7565 Private Bent Zoysia 18 72 7115 $65/$90 $90/$120 Included Country Club of Little Rock (501) 663-4189 Private Bent Zoysia 18 71 6600 $70 $85 No carts Eagle Hill Golf & Athletic Club (501) 455-8848 Private Bent Bermuda 18 72 6927 $40 $50 Included First Tee of Central Arkansas-Chairman’s Course (501) 562-4653 Public Bent Bermuda 9 36 3428 $15/$20 $15/$20 $11/$22 First Tee of Central Arkansas-Honors Course (501) 562-4653 Public Bent Bermuda 9 27 776 $10 $10 No carts Pleasant Valley Country Club (501) 225-2234 Private/reciprocal Champion Bermuda Tifton Bermuda 27 72 7103 $110 $130 $17 Rebsamen Executive Course (The West 9) (501) 666-7965 Public Bermuda Bermuda 9 32 1950 $10 $10 $18 person CENTRAL REGION CENTRAL Rebsamen Park Championship Golf Course (501) 666-7965 Public Champion Bermuda Bermuda 18 72 7033 $34/$26 $40/$31 Included War Memorial Golf Course (501) 663-0854 Public Bermuda Bermuda 18 64 4341 $16/$12 (after 1 p.m.) $17 $11 LONOKE Lonoke Golf Course (501) 676-0542 Semi-private Bent Bermuda 18 72 7200 $20 $20 Included MABLEVALE Golf of Castle Valley (501) 562-1814 Semi-private Bermuda Bermuda 18 71 5600 $14/$23 $16/$26 Included MAUMELLE Country Club of Arkansas (501) 851-0095 Semi-private TifEagle Bermuda 419 Bermuda 18 72 6458 $20/$35 $22/$42 Included Maumelle Country Club (501) 851-3700 Private Champion Bermuda Tiff Bermuda 18 72 7492 $64.95 $75.75 Included NORTH LITTLE ROCK Burns Park-Championship Course (501) 791-8587 Public MiniVerde Bermuda 18 71 6700 $25 $31 Included Burns Park-Tournament Course (501) 791-8587 Public Tiff Bermuda Bermuda 18 70 5710 $25 $25 Included Camp Robinson Golf Course/Duffers Club (501) 753-8877 Public Bermuda Bermuda 9 35 2825 $8 $8 $10 Emerald Park Golf Course at Fort Roots (501) 244-8500 Public Bermuda Bermuda 9 (2) 70 5400 $5/$8 $5/$9 $9 per nine Pine Valley Golf Course (501) 835-3424 Public Tiff Bermuda Bermuda 18 70 5377 $9/$19 $12/$23 Stonelinks Golf Course (501) 945-0945 Public Bent Bermuda 18 72 7030 $20 $25 Included ROLAND Alotian Club, The (501) 379-2568 Private Bentgrass Zoysia 18 72 7460 SEARCY Course at River Oaks (501) 279-4653 Semi-private MiniVerde Zoysia 18 71 6197 $33 $33 $18 Searcy Country Club (501) 305-4653 Private Bent Bermuda 18 71 6423 $35 $40 $20 SHERWOOD Links at Sherwood (501) 833-8011 Public Bermuda Zoysia 9 27 1027 $6/$14 $10/$18

BLYTHEVILLE Blytheville Country Club (870) 763-7821 Private Champion Bermuda Bermuda 18 71 6601 $30 $30 $15 Thunder Bayou Golf Links (870) 532-2621 Public Bent Tiff Bermuda 18 72 7232 $39.50 $39.50 Included BROOKLAND Brookland Golf Club (870) 336-2119 Semi-private Bermuda Bermuda 18 72 7200 $20 $25 Included CLARENDON Pines Country Club (870) 462-8374 Public Bermuda Bermuda 9 (2) 68 4952 $20/$35 $20/$35 Included CORNING Victory Lake Golf Course (870) 857-6378 Public Bermuda Bermuda 9 35 2747 $15 $15 $20 FORREST CITY DELTA REGION DELTA Forrest City Country Club (870) 633-3380 Private Bermuda Bermuda 18 71 6206 $45 $45 Included Ridgecrest Country Club (870) 633-9863 Private Bermuda Bermuda 9 36 3282 $25 $25 No carts HAZEN Grand Prairie Country Club (870) 255-3043 Semi-private Bermuda Bermuda 9 (2) 70 5549 $10/$20 $15/$30 $20

40 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 2012 ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM

City Course Phone Type Greens Fairways Holes Par Yards Weekday Weekend Cart Fee JONESBORO Jonesboro Country Club (870) 932-2410 Private Bent Bermuda 18 71 6400 $35 (mem)/$50$50 (mem)/$75 $15/$25 Links at Jonesboro Golf & Athletic Club (870) 932-2578 Public Bent Bermuda 9 31 1865 $10 $10 $8.22 Ridge Pointe Country Club (870) 931-4114 Private/development Bent Zoysia 18 72 6549 $38/$73 $43/$84 Included Sage Meadows Golf Course (870) 932-4420 Semi-private Bent Zoysia 18 72 6901 $36 $46 Included LAKE VILLAGE Lake Village Country Club (870) 265-1838 Semi-private Bermuda Bermuda 9 (2) 72 6266 $20/$30 $20/$30 No carts LEXA Helena-West Helena Municipal Golf Course (870) 572-1490 Public Bermuda Bermuda 9 (2) 72 6186 $8/$11 $8/$11 $10/$16 MANILA Big Lake Country Club (870) 561-3841 Semi-private MiniVerdi Bermuda 9 72 6148 $15 $20 $15 MARIANNA Marianna Country Club (870) 295-5270 Private Bermuda Bermuda 9 (2) 70 6169 $20 $20 NA Delta Country Club (870) 222-6622 Private Tiff Bermuda Tiff Bermuda 9 36 3184 $10 $10 No carts NEWPORT Newport Country Club (870) 523-8904 Private/reciprocal Bent Bermuda 18 70 5922 $30 $30 $20 PARAGOULD Fox Hills Country Club (870) 236-7847 Public Bermuda Bermuda 9 (2) 70 5386 $18 $18 $14 WALNUT LAKE DELTA REGION DELTA Walnut Lake Country Club (870) 382-4388 Private/reciprocal Bermuda Bermuda 9 35 2797 $20 $20 No carts PIGGOTT Sugar Creek Country Club (870) 598-3546 Private Bermuda Bermuda 9 (2) 72 5588 $16/$21.50 $16/$21.50 $16/$21.50 POCAHONTAS Rolling Hills Country Club (870) 892-3323 Semi-private Bent Bermuda 18 71 6265 $15/$25 $15/$25 $5/$15 STUTTGART Stuttgart Country Club (870) 673-8421 Private/reciprocal Bermuda Bermuda 18 72 6828 $32.70 $32.70 $20 TRUMANN Trumann Country Club (870) 483-7627 Semi-private Bermuda Bermuda 9 (2) 72 6709 $20 $25 $15 WEST HELENA Helena Country Club (870) 572-6787 Private Bermuda Bermuda 18 70 6031 $25 $25 $10 WEST MEMPHIS Meadowbrook Country Club (870) 735-3700 Private Champion Bermuda Bermuda 18 71 6522 $35 $60 $20

ARKADELPHIA Turtle Pointe Golf Club (870) 246-6642 Semi-private Bermuda Bermuda 18 72 6471 $17/$27 $20/$30 BISMARCK DeGray Lake Resort State Park Golf Course (501) 865-5831 Public TifEagle Bermuda 419 Bermuda 18 72 7100 $19 $25 $10 GLENWOOD Glenwood Golf Club (870) 356-4422 Public Bent Bermuda 18 72 6561 $34 $43 Included HOT SPRINGS Belvedere Golf Resort (501) 321-3555 Semi-private Bent Bermuda 18 72 6767 $27 $32.41 Included Diamondhead Golf Club (501) 262-3734 Semi-private Bermuda Bermuda 18 72 6559 $34 $39 Included Hot Springs Country Club-Arlington Course (501) 624-2661 Semi-private/resort Bent Bermuda 18 72 6690 $75/$121.50 $75/$121.50 Included Hot Springs Country Club-The Park Course (501) 624-2661 Semi-private/resort Bent Bermuda 18 72 6836 $75/$121.50 $75/$121.50 Included Lakeside Golf Club (501) 262-1826 Public Bermuda Bermuda blend 9 35 2611 $13/$21 $15/$23 Included Lakeview Golf Club (501) 262-0050 Public Bermuda Bermuda 9 35 2807 $17/$23 $18/$25 Included HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE Diamante Country Club (501) 922-8600 Private Bent Zoysia 18 72 7560 $90 $120 Included Hot Springs Village-Balboa (501) 922-1504 Semi-Private Bent Bermuda 18 72 6725 $59 $59 Included Hot Springs Village-Coronado (501) 922-2355 Semi-Private Crenshaw Bent Bermuda 18 62 3902 $45 $45 Included

OUACHITA REGION OUACHITA Hot Springs Village-Cortez (501) 922-1590 Semi-Private Bent Bermuda 18 72 6672 $69 $69 Included Hot Springs Village-DeSoto (501) 922-0001 Semi-private Penncross Bent Tif 419 Bermuda 18 72 5912 $59 $59 Included Hot Springs Village-Granada (501) 922-3095 Semi-Private Crenshaw Blend Tif-Sport Bermuda 18 72 7115 $79 $79 Included Hot Springs Village-Isabella (501) 922-5505 Semi-Private Crenshaw Bent Tif 419 Bermuda 27 72 7264 $79 $79 Included Hot Springs Village-Magellan (501) 922-4497 Semi-Private Crenshaw Bent Tif 419 Bermuda 18 72 6481 $59 $59 Included Hot Springs Village-Ponce de Leon (501) 922-4250 Semi-private PennLinks Bent Tifway II Bermuda 18 72 6946 $59 $59 Included MALVERN Malvern Country Club (501) 337-1482 Semi-private Bermuda/Bent Bermuda 18 72 6229 $10/$15 $15/$20 $18/$20 MENA Ouachita Golf Course (479) 394-5382 Public Bermuda Bermuda 9 (2) 70 6161 $10 $15 $10/$18

ALMA Eagle Crest (479) 632-8857 Semi Private Bent Zoysia 18 71 6869 $26 ($28 Fri.) $31 $12 BATESVILLE Batesville Municipal Golf Course (870) 698-2431 Public Bermuda Bermuda 9 36 3195 $15 $15 $16.44 Course at Eagle Mountain (870) 612-8000 Semi-private Bent Zoysia 18 72 7009 $30/$40 $30/$50 Included BELLA VISTA Bella Vista Village Country Club (479) 855-8130 Semi-Private Bent Bermuda 18 72 6805 $27 $27 $30 Bella Vista Village-Berksdale (479) 855-8123 Private Bent Bermuda 18 72 6366 $21/$27 $21/$27 $8/$15 OZARKS REGION OZARKS Bella Vista Village-Brittany (479) 855-8160 Private Bent Bermuda 9 31 1900 $21 $21 $8

ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM 2012 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 41 ARKANSAS GOLF COURSES Listed alphabetically within geographic regions

City Course Phone Type Greens Fairways Holes Par Yards Weekday Weekend Cart Fee BELLA VISTA Bella Vista Village-Dogwood Hills (479) 855-8160 Private Bent Bermuda 18 71 6223 $21 $21 $8 Bella Vista Village-Highlands (479) 855-8150 Private Bent Bermuda 18 72 6776 $21/$27 $21/$27 $8/$15 Bella Vista Village-Kingswood (479) 855-8123 Private Bent Bermuda 18 71 6247 $21/$27 $21/$27 $8 Bella Vista Village-Scotsdale (479) 855-8140 Private Bent Bermuda 18 72 6719 $21/$27 $21/$27 $8/$15 BULL SHOALS Rivercliff Golf Course (870) 445-4800 Semi-private Bent Bermuda 18 72 6444 $18/$27 $18/$27 $9/$13 CAVE SPRINGS The Creeks Golf & RV Resort (479) 248-1000 Public Bent Bermuda 18 71 6006 $22/$33 $27/$42 Included CHEROKEE VILLAGE Cherokee Village-North Course (870) 257-3430 Private Bent Zoysia 18 72 6687 $38 $38 Included Cherokee Village-South Course (870) 257-2555 Private Bent Zoysia 18 72 7058 $38 $38 Included DIAMOND CITY Diamond Hills Country Club (870) 422-7613 Semi-private Bent Bermuda 18 71 6407 $15/$24 $15/$24 $5/$10 DRASCO Tannenbaum Golf Club (501) 362-5577 Semi-private Bent Zoysia 18 72 6608 $45 $49 Included FAIRFIELD BAY Indian Hills Country Club (501) 884-6018 Semi-private Bent Zoysia 18 70 6442 $14/$20 $14/$20 $5/$9 Mountain Ranch Golf Club (501) 884-3400 Semi-private MiniVerdi Bermuda Bermuda 18 72 6780 $40 $49 Included FARMINGTON Golf Club at Valley View (479) 267-1096 Semi-private Bent Bermuda 18 72 7046 $32/$38.50 $40/$48.50 Included FAYETTEVILLE Blessings Golf Club (479) 444-6330 Private Bent Cavalier Zoysia 18 72 7590 Fayetteville Country Club (479) 442-5112 Private Bent Bermuda 18 70 6220 $50 $50 Included Lakeside Village Golf & Athletic Club (479) 442-7748 Semi-private Bent Bermuda 9 27 1040 $6/$10 $6/$10 $7 Paradise Valley Golf & Athletic Club (479) 521-5841 Private/reciprocal Bent Bermuda 18 71 6934 $45 $55 Included Razorback Park Golf Course (479) 443-5862 Public Bent Bermuda 18 72 6520 $18/$20 $21/$25 $25/$30 Stonebridge Meadows Golf Club (479) 571-3674 Public Bent Bermuda 18 72 7150 $39 $49 Included HARRISON Harrison Country Club (870) 741-2443 Semi-private Bent Bermuda 18 70 6066 $10/$20 $20/$40 $6/$12 Links at Harrison Golf & Athletic Club (870) 365-3621 Public Bent Bermuda 9 27 1237 $7/$11 $7/$11 Included HEBER SPRINGS Red Apple Inn & Country Club (501) 362-3131 Resort TifEagle Bermuda 18 71 6451 $45; $65 $55; $75 Included OZARKS REGION OZARKS Riverland Country Club & Golf Course (501) 362-7541 Semi-private Bermuda Bermuda 18 72 3012 $16.50/$22 $16.50/$22 $16/$22 HORSESHOE BEND Cedar Glade Golf Course (870) 670-5141 Public Bermuda Bermuda 18 54 1751 $6/$15 $6/$15 $5/$7.50 LOWELL Links at Lowell Golf & Athletic Club (479) 770-6066 Public Bent Bermuda 9 27 1186 $5.50/$8 $5.50/$8 $5 MELBOURNE Cooper’s Hawk (870) 368-3280 Semi-private Bent Zoysia 18 72 7011 $25/$35 $45 Included MOUNTAIN HOME Big Creek Golf & Country Club (870) 425-8815 Semi-private Bent Zoysia 18 72 7320 $59 $69 Included Twin Lakes Golf Club (870) 425-2028 Semi-private Bent Bermuda 18 70 5608 $20 $35 Included MOUNTAIN VIEW Pine Hills Golf Course (870) 269-5777 Public Bent Bermuda 9 29 1586 $10/$15 $10/$15 $17/$29 PEA RIDGE Big Sugar Golf Club (479) 451-9550 Public Bent Zoysia 18 72 7205 $24/$34 $28/$30 Included ROGERS Greens on Blossom Way Golf & Country Club (479) 631-1811 Semi-private Bent Bermuda 9 35 2900 $13 $13 $6 Lost Springs Golf & Athletic Club (479) 631-9988 Semi-private Bent Bermuda 18 72 6928 $32/$43 $48/$59 $15 Pinnacle Country Club (479) 273-0500 Private/reciprocal Bent Zoysia 18 71 7001 $75 $100 $16 half cart Prairie Creek Country Club (479) 925-2414 Public Bent Bermuda 18 72 6574 $16/$18 $18/$20 $6/$12 Shadow Valley Country Club (479) 203-0000 Private Bent Zoysia 18 72 7101 $65 $65 Included SILOAM SPRINGS Siloam Springs Country Club (479) 524-4269 Public Bent Bermuda 9 35 2930 $11/$19 $11/$19 $10/$20 SPRINGDALE Brush Creek Golf Course (479) 750-0606 Public Bent Bermuda 9 36 2926 $15/$25 $15/$25 Included Links at Springdale (479) 750-0216 Public Bent Bermuda 9 33 2425 $11/$16 $16/$24 5.50/7.50 Springdale Country Club (479) 872-2166 Private Bent Bermuda 18 72 6702 $60 $60 Included

ALMA River Valley Golf Course (479) 997-1188 Public Bermuda Bermuda 18 71 5198 $10/$10 $12/$22 $6/$12 BOONEVILLE Cherokee Creek Country Club (479) 675-5858 Semi-private Bermuda Bermuda 18 72 6115 $25 $25 Included CLARKSVILLE Clarksville Country Club (479) 754-3026 Semi-private Bermuda Bermuda 9 (2) 72 6145 $20 $20 $15 DANVILLE Chamberlyne Country Club (479) 495-4110 Semi-private Mini-Verde Ultradwarf Bermuda 18 72 7047 $35 $45 Included DARDANELLE RIVER VALLEY REGION RIVER VALLEY Lion’s Den Golf Club (479) 229-4162 Semi-private Champion Bermuda Bermuda 18 72 6754 $18 $25; $18 per guest Included 42 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 2012 ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM City Course Phone Type Greens Fairways Holes Par Yards Weekday Weekend Cart Fee FORT CHAFFEE, BARLING Deer Trails Golf Club (479) 478-6971 Military Bermuda Bermuda 9 36 3063 $10 $15 $6/$12 FORT SMITH Ben Geren Golf Course (479) 646-5301 Public Bent Bermuda 27 3 nines 72 6910 $20.50 $24 $12 Fianna Hills Country Club (479) 646-5134 Private/reciprocal Bent Bermuda 18 72 7118 $60 $60 Included First Tee of Fort Smith (479) 648-9833 Public Bermuda Bermuda 6 24 1147 $6 $6 $6 Hardscrabble Country Club (479) 783-3731 Private Bent Bermuda 18 70 6783 $50 $60 $16 Links at Fort Smith (479) 648-9691 Public Bent Bermuda 9 27 1315 $14/$24 $14/$24 Included GREENWOOD Vache Grasse Recreation Area (479) 996-4191 Semi-private Bermuda Bermuda 18 72 6254 $6.50/$12 $6.50/$12 $6.50/$13 MAGAZINE Meadowbrook Executive Golf & Country Club (479) 963-8025 Public Bermuda Bermuda 18 67 4046 $12 $12 $10 OZARK Ozark Country Club (479) 667-2908 Semi-private Bermuda Bermuda 9 (2) 72 5680 $15/$20 $15/$20 $10/$15 POTTSVILLE Galla Creek Golf Course (479) 890-6653 Semi-private Bermuda Bermuda 18 71 5864 $23 $28 $16 RIVER VALLEY REGION RIVER VALLEY RATCLIFF Little Creek Recreation Club (479) 635-5551 Semi-private Bermuda Bermuda 9 (2) 72 6476 $10 $12 $1 per hole RUSSELLVILLE Russellville Country Club (479) 968-2660 Semi-private Bent Bermuda 18 71 6331 $35 $40 $20 VAN BUREN Cedars Country Club (479) 474-2412 Semi-private Bermuda Bermuda 9 (2) 72 6204 $10 $11$5.50/$6 person

ASHDOWN Southern Fairways (870) 898-5649 Semi-private Tiff Bermuda Bermuda 18 69 5241 $20 $25 Included CAMDEN Camden Country Club (870) 836-8414 Private/reciprocal Bermuda Bermuda 18 71 6135 $35 $45 Included DE QUEEN De Queen Country Club (870) 642-8800 Private Bermuda Bermuda 9 36 3172 $20 $20 $10 EAST CAMDEN Highland Golf Course (870) 574-9080 Public Bermuda Bermuda 9 (2) 72 5953 $6.50/$8.50 $7.50/$9.50 $5/$10 EL DORADO El Dorado Golf & Country Club (870) 863-7380 Private/reciprocal Bermuda Bermuda 18 71 6449 $35 $45 Included Lion’s Club Municipal Golf Course (870) 881-4180 Public Bermuda Bermuda 18 72 6380 $15 $18 $10 FORDYCE Fordyce Country Club (870) 352-2264 Private Bermuda Bermuda 9 (2) 72 5996 $15 $15 No carts HOPE Hope Country Club (870) 777-8182 Semi-private Bermuda Bermuda 18 71 6035 $15/$25 $15/$25 $15/$20 MAGNOLIA

TIMBERLAND REGION Magnolia Country Club (870) 234-6484 Private Tifdwarf Bermuda 18 72 6752 $21.50 $27 $16 PINE BLUFF Harbor Oaks Golf Club (870) 541-9010 Public MiniVerde Bermuda 18 72 7006 $37/$47 $37/$47 Included Pine Bluff Country Club (870) 535-3180 Private MiniVerde Bermuda 18 71 6649 $45 $45 $15 TEXARKANA Links at Texarkana (870) 773-6154 Public Bermuda Bermuda 9 35 2605 $12/$18 $12/$18 $7/$12 New Haven Golf Club (870) 774-5771 Semi-private Bermuda Bermuda 18 71 6518 $15/$20 $20/$25 $6/$12 Texarkana Country Club (870) 774-9531 Private Tifdwarf Bermuda 18 72 6935 $40 $40 $1 PGA TOUR Pro Tournaments In the Region SHELL HOUSTON OPEN CROWNE PLAZA INVITATIONAL LPGA NATIONWIDE TOUR PRICE CUTTER CHARITY March 29-April 1 May 24-27 MOBILE BAY LPGA CLASSIC CHITIMACHA LOUISIANA OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP Redstone GC Tournament Course Colonial CC April 26-29 March 22-25 Aug. 9-12 Humble, Texas Fort Worth, Texas Crossings Course at Magnolia Le Triomphe CC Highland Springs CC Purse: $6.0 Million Purse: $6.4 Million Grove Broussard, La. Springfield, Mo. Mobile, Ala. Purse: $500,000 Purse: $625,000 Purse ZURRICH CLASSIC OF NEW FEDEX ST. JUDE CLASSIC Purse: $1.25 Million ORLEANS June 7-10 PREFERRED HEALTH SYSTEMS MIDWEST CLASSIC PRESENTED April 26-29 TPC Southwind WALMART NW ARKANSAS WICHITA OPEN BY CADILLAC TPC Louisiana Memphis CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY June 21-24 Aug. 16-19 Avondale, La. Purse: $5.6 Million P&G Crestview CC Nicklaus GC at LionsGate Purse: $6.4 Million June 25-July 1 Wichita, Kan. Overland Park, Kan. TRUE SOUTH CLASSIC Pinnacle CC Purse: $600,000 Purse: $550,000 HP BYRON NELSON July 19-22 Rogers CHAMPIONSHIP Annadale GC Purse: $2.0 Million UNITED LEASING NATIONWIDE TOUR May 17-20 Madison, Miss. CHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPIONSHIP* TPC Four Seasons Resort Purse: $3.0 Million NAVISTAR LPGA CLASSIC June 28 - July 01 Oct. 25-28 Irving, Texas Sept. 20-23 Victoria National Golf Club TPC Craig Ranch $6.5 Million Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail At Newburgh, Ind. McKinney, Texas Capitol Hill Purse: $550,000 Purse: $1 Million Prattville, Ala. Purse: $1.3 Million *Ken Duke is the defending champion

ARKANSASSPORTS360.COM 2012 / EXECUTIVE GOLFER / 43 Ghosts of Rosswood BY JIM HARRIS

ome golf courses stand the test of Daly would turn professional almost “Growing up on that course, we probably time, while others come and go — immediately after that tournament. didn’t realize at the time, but it was a beautiful outdated by the game’s equipment Fletcher White, who spent two tours as the golf course with few if any flaws on any of Schanges, sold off as promising land club’s pro, held the course record at 63. In the holes,” Dickie Tynes said. “It was long, to developers, or simply closed due to course 1964, incidentally, Palmer went around the it was big, it was wide. It was a very unique overbuilding and a lack of play. course in even-par 72. golf course in that it was a championship golf The hundreds of acres once known as Mike Hale’s brother Rick was the course course. ” Rosswood Country Club in Pine Bluff sit idly superintendent in the 1980s Rosswood’s better golfers included the likes by, waiting for the mowers to show up and while he developed into a of Richard McCauley, Oscar Taylor, Russell restore it to a nearly forgotten glory. Many of state golf champion. But Bruce, the Hales and Steve Holden (whose the state’s top golfers remember it fondly, and before he won, he ran up course designs are seen around the state). its closing in 2006 still strikes at the heart. against Daly at his best “When I was in college, there were To many, it symbolizes more than an in the 1986 ASGA Match so many good players out at Rosswood, average golf course simply shutting down. Play Championship. it wasn’t funny,” says Wes McNulty, a “A little piece of my heart broke off when it Daly, determined not to John Daly multiple ASGA titleholder who grew up in closed,” said Jay Fox, executive director of the let one errant shot destroy his Pine Bluff. “It was amazing the caliber the Arkansas State Golf Association, which held confidence, sent a blast out of sight and into golfers. We had some incredible matches. many championships at Rosswood. the left woods of No. 13, a long par-4. And, When I got good enough to beat them, they all In 1964, at the peak of his game, Arnold he kept walking — to the next green. Rick quit playing.” Palmer played an exhibition in front of an Hale was waiting in the middle of the fairway, McNulty was part of a little “believe it or estimated 1,000 spectators when Rosswood waiting to take his second shot into 13. not” history at Rosswood in 1986. One night, was truly in the “country,” about three miles “What’s he doing?” he said. “I think he’s giving he threw a no-hitter and hit a home run for south of Pine Bluff you the hole,” I said. his American Legion team. The next day, he city limits. The course It wouldn’t matter in upset Oscar Taylor in the ASGA Match-Play then was 7 years old, “It was long, it was Daly’s 3-up victory. Both quarterfinals. He was 17. built by International golfers were well under “This is like the miracle Mets,” Pine Bluff Paper Co. amid big, it was wide. It was par that day. Country Club pro George McKeown said. cathedral pines in a very unique golf Before Rick Hale, now Daly ended McNulty’s miracle run, southern Jefferson at Pine Bluff’s Harbor dispatching the teen 5 and 3 in the semifinals. County. course in that it was Oaks, the legendary Something else happened in 1986 that Professionals Doug Marcel Tynes was indirectly may have foretold Rosswood’s, and Sanders, the Texas a championship golf Rosswood’s longtime Pine Bluff’s, grim future. FirstSouth Savings & Longhorn, and R.H. course.” – Dickie Tynes superintendent. Marcel’s Loan grew too fast and collapsed. Sikes, the Arkansas boys, Garland and Like many Delta towns Pine Bluff has seen Razorback, teamed Dickie, developed great businesses leave and its population steadily with the football coaches of their respective games at Rosswood and went on to be course decline. IP, which sold the country club to the schools, Darrell Royal and Frank Broyles, for superintendents as well — Garland has been membership, downsized its mill. The railroad, another well-attended 1960s exhibition. at Pine Bluff Country Club for more than three another major local employer, also cut back. In the 1980s, Rosswood was then-amateur decades, while Dickie is at Country Club of Ironically, Pine Bluff’s long desire to build a John Daly’s escape where he would work on Arkansas. daily-fee city course to meet the post-Palmer his game with assistant pro, Rick Ross. golf boom from the 1960s into the ’80s may “We spent a lot of Mondays out there. He have been Rosswood’s undoing. Harbor Oaks would come down from Fayetteville, skip class debuted in the mid-’90s, and Rosswood’s and come on down, go out on the back side membership that peaked at 900-plus with a and beat balls all day long,” Ross said. “We’d waiting list suddenly plummeted. go out to No. 12 or No. 13, get down in that Before it closed, Rosswood was all but Bermuda rough and hit into the greens from begging for play. any distance.” “It was a great, old-style course,” said Ross, When collegian Daly teamed with Mike now a section manager at Hot Springs Village. Hale in Rosswood’s mid-summer four-ball, “You got what you saw from tee to green. And the future, two-time professional major the big, majestic trees let you guide your way winner reportedly shot a 9-under 63 on his around. The age of that pine was unusual. … own ball. “I may have helped him on one She was a grand ol’ lady.” shot,” Hale would say later. Email: [email protected]

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Bentonville 9 and 18 Hole Golf Courses The Links at Bentonville Golf & Country Club • 9-Hole Executive • 479.271.0163 Unlimited Golf with No Green Fees The Links at Rainbow Curve Golf & Country Club • 9-Hole Regulation • 479.657.6707 Bryant Large Clubhouses | 19th Hole Grills Hurricane Creek Golf & Country Club • 18 Hole Championship • 479.271.0163 Aquatic Driving Range | Short Game Practice Area Conway Centennial Golf & Country Club • 18-Hole Championship • 501.513.2522 The Links at Cadron Valley Golf & Country Club • 9-Hole Regulation • 501.336.0909 Junior Golf Programs Nutters Chapel Golf & Country Club • 18-Hole Championship • 501.329.5867 Fitness Centers | Swimming Pools | Tennis Courts Fayetteville Lakeside Village Golf & Athletic Club • 9-Hole Par 3 • 479.442.7748 Tanning Beds | Hot Tubs | Saunas The Links at Fayetteville Golf & Country Club • 9-Hole Regulation • 479.966.4330 Fully Stocked ProShops | Banquet/Meeting Rooms Paradise Valley Golf & Athletic Club • 18-Hole Championship • 479.521.5841 Fort Smith •Amenities vary by course The Links at Fort Smith Golf & Athletic Club • 9-Hole Par 3 • 479.648.9691 Harrison The Links at Harrison Golf & Athletic Club • 9-Hole Par 3 • 870.365.3621 Jonesboro The Links at Jonesboro Golf & Athletic Club • 9-Hole Executive • 870.932.2578 Little Rock Eagle Hill Golf & Atletic Club • 18-Hole Championship • 501.455.8848 The Links at the Rock Golf & Country Club • 9-Hole Regulation • 501.812.0304 Lowell The Links at Lowell Golf & Athletic Club • 9-Hole Par 3 • 479.770.6066 Marion Marion Golf & Athletic Club • 18-Hole Championship • 870.739.6305 Rogers The Greens on Blossom Way Golf & Country Club • 9-Hole Regulation • 479.631.1811 Lost Springs Golf & Athletic Club • 18-Hole Championship • 479.631.9988 Sherwood The Links at Sherwood Golf & Athletic Club • 9-Hole Par 3 • 501.833.8011 Springdale The Links at Springdale Golf & Country Club • 9-Hole Executive • 479.750.0216 Texarkana The Links at Texarkana Golf & Athletic Club • 9-Hole Executive • 870.773.6154

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