May 2012

May 2012 May 2012

FREE May 2012May 2012FREE Keeping Golfers Connected in TN, KY, MS, AL, NCKeeping Golfers Connected in TN, KY, MS, AL, NC

Inside!!Canyon Ridge wows Tee Time Travelers2Knoxville’s Three Ridges prepared for inaugural NGA6Brad Shirley & Rob Merritt showcase Country HillsDancing Rabbit’s Mark Powell eager to share passion

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Vanderbilt Legends Club Host NCAA Women’s ChampionshipPage 3

May 2012 May 2012May 2012 May 2012

These ladies did not “Get on the Bus, Gus but came by car from afar. (L) June Groh, Ashville,NC, Kathy Littlejohn, Ashville,NC, Laura Amundsen,

Atlanta, and Joyce Pulver, Atlanta.

2 TEE TIMESwww.teetimespaper.comTEE TIMES www.teetimespaper.com

Boulders the size of Volkswagens provide excellent vantage points for those who dare climb on them.

A lunch catered by Mountain Mary was country cooking at its finest, reminiscent of Paula Deen with no seasoning held back. Among the dishes were Cowboy Baked Beans, mountain- made chicken salad, Texas Caviar, Swamp Crackers, etc. There will be some recipes on the Website later.

Kathy Littlejohn, who drove 41/2 hours from Ashville, N.C., won the women’s Tour Edge 3-wood, and she and friend June Groh, were excited especially after the long drive. Gary Farris, Nashville won the men’s version of the club.

Joyce Pulver and Laura Amundsen of Atlanta also made the trip to experience Canyon Ridge.

Amor shared some tips and an overview of Canyon Ridge and warned of the need to lay up on No. 6 because of the ravine. With that, 38 men and 12 women hit the links.

At No. 6, players were greeted by hostesses Carol and Susan, who delighted in reminding to remember what Amor said about laying up. Time and time again, players ignored for forgot that tip. And each time, the hostesses invited players to peer over the ravine’s edge to the green below. They cheered when a few landed on the green or if they made it to the fairway. They were sympathetic when the ball landed in the gorge, bounced off the roof of the chalet below or careened off the many boulders that line either side of the cart path.

Tee Time Travelers enjoyed our round at this unique course. We thank Doug Amor, his staff, Mountain Mary and her crew for providing a truly enjoyable experience. You don’t have to be a Tee Time Traveler member to enjoy this course, go to www.canyonridgegolf.com or call (706)398-0882 and tell them the Tee Time Travelers recommended their facility.

This was our first trip, but not our last. Check out teetimespaper.com for info on our next one day trip and our next two-day.

An unforgettable trip to Canyon RidgeTee Times report Our invitation read ‘Get on the bus, Gus’

and travel via Anchor/Trailways Charter with us to Canyon Ridge Golf Club.

Tee Times publisher Joe Hall has been encouraged to put together group outings for day trips to some of the region’s best courses and to some hidden gems, as well.

McCabe pro shop employee Kent Rucker especially was adamant about making the trip, if one ever came to fruition, to Canyon Ridge Golf Club in Rising Fawn, Ga.

Canyon Ridge seemed to be the perfect fit for the inaugural Tee Times day trip. Invitations were sent and trip details were posted on our Website (teetimespaper.com). As publishers of a regional golf publication, we think it’s important to introduce our readers to some

of the unique courses in the region.

Selecting Canyon Ridge for the first trip

was a no-brainer. Golf in middle Tennessee

generally is not of the mountain

variety, and we were certain C a n y o n Ridge, with

its unique layout and design and spectacular vistas, would be a perfect fit for the group.

The 21/2-hour trip to Canyon Ridge from Nashville was filled with door prizes, including golf balls, rounds of golf, hats, putters, tees, grips, apparel, golf instruction and more, all donated from courses, retail shops, manufacturers and teaching pros.

With 50 golfers aboard, the trip flew by, thanks in part to our driver Pat Hughes, who also loves golf.

Upon arrival, Canyon Ridge’s Doug Amor and his staff show the group the driving range and directed them to the pavilion for what could only be described as a feast of a lunch.

The pavilion itself is an impressive structure featuring a vaulted roof with a beamed ceiling and a huge stone fireplace. The back of the facility is open, providing an unforgettable view of the distant mountains and valley.

Book your tee times today 615-458-1730 | GaylordSprings.com

Midstate’s “Best Course You Can Play” - GolfWeek Magazine

Many thanks to Doug Amor and his staff for hosting the Tee Time

Travelers for mountain golf at Canyon Ridge Golf Club.

Lynda Burman yells out in joy, her shot came off

the overhanging cliff, Hole # 6, and landed on

the fairway approaching the green.

Look way down yonder at the # 6 green, say (l) Joey Smith, Bill Pritchett, and Fred

Barnes all from Nashville.

Rising Fawn’s answer to Paula Deen. The best lunch ever catered on the

mountain. Meet Mountain Mary and fiancée, Gary. Too good to describe.

Joe Hall, publisher of Tee Times and the host for the Tee Time Travelers, Kathy Littlejohn, Ashville,NC., winner of the Ladies Tour Edge 3-wood, and PGA Professional Doug Amor,

head golf professional/GM.

TH

AN

KS

... Tour Edge

BridgestoneSeeMoreArt QuickGolf GalaxyGolfsmithTGAGolf HeadquartersSun MountainFran BooneUncle Classic BarbershopEdwin WattsGolfTecBen Rager, RiversideOlde World Leaf & AleNikeCallawayGovernors ClubTemple Hills Country ClubBrentwood Country ClubVanderbilt Legends ClubNashville Golf & AthleticOld Hickory Country ClubHermitage GCGaylord SpringsWindtreePine CreekKings CreekForrest Crossing

Doug Amor, PGA Professional and head golf professional, Gary Farris, Nashville,TN., and

Joe Hall, Tee Time Travelers host

May 2012 May 2012May 2012 May 2012

NCAA women’s championship coming to Legends Club

By Jim GrosjeanTee Times contributor

The top 24 collegiate women’s golf teams will be headed to Franklin, Tenn., on May 22-25 for the 2012 NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championship. Vanderbilt University is the host school for the event that will be played at the Vanderbilt Legends Club. It’s the first NCAA Championship to come to Middle Tennessee.

Golf fans from around the country will get a chance to see the future LPGA stars competing for the trophy signifying the year’s best women’s golf team.

Vanderbilt earned the right to host the tournament through a bid process that dates to 2008 on the suggestion of UCLA coach Carrie Forsyth after the Mason Rudolph tournament that year. UCLA’s coach told Vanderbilt coach Greg Allen that teams love the Legends facility and Franklin.

It took the better part of 2009 to put together the bid that was accepted in early 2010.

Allen cut his teeth in the golf business by running tournaments for the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), and handling the Mason Rudolph tournaments makes overseeing the NCAA Championship a little less daunting. He has put the planning and organization of the tournament in the capable hands of tournament co-directors Lori Alexander from Vanderbilt, and Dr. Michael Shelby, representing the Legends Club.

Allen has been focused on coaching this spring, and says “It’s been hard to kind of back away, but I have total trust in what they’re doing, that this will be an outstanding NCAA Championship. The teams that come and play will say this is one of the best they’ve played in because we have a great golf course and the support of the community and the folks at Legends.”

The NCAA is in charge of staging the tournament which will be played on the North course. NCAA officials will make decisions on everything from the speed of the greens to the length of the rough to the placement of flagsticks. Once NCAA Golf Liason Carol Reep arrives with her 20 USGA rules officials, the championship is theirs to run.

Some changes to the North course have already been determined and that should make for some exciting play. The fourth hole will be played from forward tees as a par 4 instead of the usual long par 5. To keep the front side as a par 36, the ninth hole will become a short par five.

In the final two rounds, the par 4 second hole will be played from forward tees, opening up the option of driving the green, while bringing the lake on the left more into play. The par five 18th hole will also be played from front tees, setting up a great birdie or eagle opportunity at the end of the round.

Vanderbilt is not guaranteed a berth in the championship field and the Commodores are going all out to qualify for a tournament on their home track.

Although consistently ranked in the top 10, , only eight teams from each of the three regional tournaments make the finals. Senior Marina Alex is coming off a second place finish at the SEC Tournament and is looking forward to ending her career at Vanderbilt on a high note.

“I feel good about my game,” she said. “I’m excited and to be out here for my last event would be great.”

The city of Franklin and the Cool Springs business community are providing welcome support for the tournament. Franklin police will handle traffic on Franklin Road alongside the golf course. There will be a welcome dinner for the teams catered by Pucketts, Vince Gill will entertain that evening at the Franklin Theater, and the closing banquet will be at Embassy Suites. Teams and coaches, as well as media and officials will stay in the Cool Springs area, just a five-minute drive from the course. According to Shelby, response for volunteers has been excellent.

“Lots of people who volunteered for the LPGA tournaments have missed that, so this is an opportunity and we really appreciate their enthusiasm,” he said.

Some spots are still available, however, so make inquiries to [email protected] for more information.

The Vanderbilt Legends Club opened in 1992 and has been a sought-after tournament venue ever since. The Tom Kite-Bob Cupp design has played host to over two dozen important tournaments on the collegiate, state, and national levels including an LPGA event from 2000-2006. All-session and

daily tickets will be available at the gate. Parking will be located at First Presbyterian Church at the corner of Franklin Road and Legends Club Lane.

3TEE TIMESwww.teetimespaper.comTEE TIMES www.teetimespaper.com

NCAA hopefulsIf the cards fall correctly in regional qualifying, the NCAA Women’s Golf Championship could have a decidedly Southeastern Conference flair as seven schools are ranked in the Top 15. If an SEC team doesn’t win, how about the Pac-10, a conference with four teams in the Top 10? Here’s a list of potential national champions:

1. UCLA: Erynne Lee, Lee Lopez and Tiffany Lua give top-ranked Bruins a great 1-2-3 punch.2. Alabama: Crimson Tide spent part of the season atop the national rankings and have three of the top 13 players in the country according to Golfweek rankings.

3. Southern Cal: Trojans played nation’s toughest schedule this season and are led by Lisa McCloskey.4. Arizona State: Giulia Molinaro is Sun Devils top player, ranked fourth by Golfweek

5. Auburn: How good are the Tigers? They won the SEC championship behind the play of medalist Patricia Sanz, who had not finished higher than 16th this season.

6. LSU: Tigers were disappointing 7th at SEC, but feature three players ranked between Nos. 25-29.

7. Duke: Blue Devils have the top player in the country in Lindy Duncan and are annual contenders.8. North Carolina: Tar Heels don’t have highly ranked players but are solid from top to bottom.

9. California: Bears don’t have the national women’s golf reputation but they do have Daniela Holmqvist10. Vanderbilt: Commodores might be somewhat of a longshot, but if they make through qualifying they will have home-course advantage and a pro-Vandy crowd backing them all the way.

Vandy Women’s Team: Marina Alex, Gabrielle Balit, Irina Gabasa, Anna Leigh Keith, Kimberly Koehler, Kendall

Martindale, Rene Sobolewski, Lauren Stratton Coaches: Greg Allen - Head Coach, Holly Clark - Assistant Coach

May 2012 May 2012May 2012 May 20124 TEE TIMESwww.teetimespaper.comTEE TIMES www.teetimespaper.com

By Gregg DewaltTee Times editorSYLCAUGA – Layne Savoie brings

a wealth of experience to his latest venture heading up the new golf academy at FamLinks Golf Club.As a junior player, Savoie was a

frequent visitor to David Leadbetter in Orlando. As a college player at Auburn University, he was taught by Chuck Cook and Hank Johnson. He’s played professionally, taught under Cook and also coached men and women on the NCAA Division I level at Arkansas and Florida State.Yeah, he’s got experience, and the

37-year-old Savoie is confident that combined with the outstanding facilities at FarmLinks, a successful golf academy is in the cards. “I have a passion for teaching,”

he said. “I’ve studied the game all my life. I think I can offer any skill level a lot, especially with this experience out here.” The academy, which opened

April 15, is available for group and individual instruction. Savoie remains close friends with

former Auburn teammate and PGA

FarmLinks adds Savoie, golf academyTour winner Jason Dufner.“I always try to stay objective and

take my experiences as a player, coach and teacher and formulate that into one,” he said. “I don’t subscribe to one methodology except for what my experiences have led me to believe and having tried to develop myself into a high caliber of player on the college circuit and PGA Tour.”Savoie

is confident that despite its rural setting, FarmLinks’ facilities and his reputation for teaching will attract students.“If you have a good product,

they’ll show up,” he said. “It might take a little time but we have full support here. I’m going to have to build it from scratch.”Savoie went through a laundry list

of plusses he has in working with FarmLinks.

“The facility is a starting point,” he

said. “We have

as good or better driving range than anywhere in the state. We have technology with Trackman and high-speed motion analysis that is second to none. I can promise you a top-10 player can come here and train for a day and feel fully satisfied with what he accomplished on the range with this piece of property. He can fine tune his game here.”Savoie enjoys teaching junior

players. “With kids, you have to be very

simple with them,” he said. “They have the ability to do things that older people don’t because of where they are in life and how their brain is developing and how they respond to different learning experiences and environments.”He also emphasizes the short

game with junior players. “I help them with their full swing

but I try to build around the short game,” he said. The golf swing might be the easiest thing in developing great juniors. It’s the other things — course management, work ethic, attitude, practice habits and

ability to get the ball in the hole are separators in juniors.”Savoie said he expects prospective

students to evaluate him as much as he evaluates them.“You need to understand how a

teacher is going to operate,” he said.And with a background in college

coaching, Savoie’s help can be invaluable in guiding junior players along a college path.He also tries to get players to

understand the learning curve in their golf game.

“First thing you have to admit something is wrong; then you have to fix it with a teacher present,” he said. “You need heavy coaching to fix what’s wrong, then you have to be able to do it by yourself without a teacher or parent present. Then you have to do it on the golf course; then you have to do it on the course in a tournament. Then you have to do it on the golf course under pressure to win the tournament.”Savoie admits it’s not an easy

process.“You see it unravel on the PGA

Tour every week,” he said. But Savoie is confident he can

help anyone of any skill level improve. In turn, that should lead to more enjoyment.For information, go to

farmlinksgolfclub.com.

Layne Savoie is confident the FarmLinks Golf Academy can grow into one of the top

teaching facilities in the region.

Layne Savoie

May 2012 May 2012May 2012 May 2012 5TEE TIMESwww.teetimespaper.comTEE TIMES www.teetimespaper.com

Allow Your Arms To Hang Freely

A problem I frequently see among high handicap golfers is the urge to reach for the ball.(Photo 1) This creates tension in the shoulders and arms which leads to poor struck balls and off line shots. The most common swing problem I see when reaching excessively for the ball is an over the top, out to in path, producing a pull or slice. A great way to correct this problem is by getting into an athletic posture without a club while

allowing your arms to hang freely from your shoulders (Photo 2). The first thing you will probably notice is the ease and lack of tension in your shoulders and arms. Now put a club in your hands and continue to allow your arms to hang. A good rule of thumb is to have about a closed hand width between your pants and the grip end of the club

(Photo 3). This is a simple correction that will do wonders for your swing.

By Johnny Warren • Johnny Warren Golf AcademyThe Club at Fairvue Plantation • www.jwga.net • 615-206-0813

Tips fromJohnny

Established in 1991, Tee Times is published monthly, ten times per year. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Member: Golf Writers Association of America, International Network of Golf, Golf Travel Writers of AmericaP.O. Box 40266 • Nashville, TN 37204 • Phone: 615-331-1078 • Fax: 1-866-579-4932

PUBLISHER Joe Hall [email protected] Dewalt SENIOR EDITORDavid Widener [email protected] DIRECTORCarol [email protected] DESIGNERJon [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tim Benton Larry ReaChuck Cavalaris David Widener Jim Grosjean

TECHNICAL ADVISORJimmy PhillipsPRINTINGFranklin Web Printing CompanyFOUNDER - Joey Smith (615)Ê449-7272

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Your Home Course

Former amateur great Lewis dies at 68

Tee Times reportDan Lewis was well-known in golf

circles around the Mid-South dating back to his days as a star college golfer at Middle Tennessee State University.As recently as 2011, Lewis was

still grinding away on the golf course at a high level, even shooting his age at 67. His golf prowess is part of

what he’ll be remembered for. Lewis passed away recently at age 68. In 1965, Lewis

helped MTSU to the NCAA Division II golf championship. When he completed school, he embarked on a long and stellar career in golf. He was a five-time Bluegrass Club champion and he was a former director of the Tennessee Golf Association.Lewis played in several

Tennessee Cup matches,

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including the inaugural one in 1968. He was a frequent participant in the Mid-South Cup matches and he and partner Johnny Moore played in more than 50 four-ball events

throughout the U.S. during a span of 20 years. He

won the Tennessee state four-ball with Marty Graham and was a regular participant in TGA events such as the state open, state amateur and various senior events.Away from the

course, Lewis made his mark in the business world by starting

the American Trust Bank and Investors

Savings and Loan. Survivors include wife

Carolene, a son and daughter and a stepson

and two stepdaughters.

May 2012 May 2012May 2012 May 20126 TEE TIMES www.teetimespaper.comTEE TIMES www.teetimespaper.com

Three Ridges eager to host NGA eventBy Chuck CavalarisTee Times contributor

The revitalization of Three Ridges Golf Course in Knoxville is taking another step forward with the inaugural National Golf Association Pro Series tournament on May 24-27.

“We actually had them inquire about playing here last year,” Class A club professional Mark Brown said of an event that landed at River Islands. “When they (NGA officials) inquired again, we felt more comfortable about moving forward with it.

“This is much more about giving back to the community than trying to make money,” Brown said. “If we just break even the first year, I will be happy with it.”

The tournament should have a minimum purse of $150,000, including $22,000 to the winner. The field will be limited to 156 players and will be cut to the low 55 and ties after 36 holes.

Open qualifying will be held on the Monday of tournament

week, but only one spot is expected to be available. The TGA Section also has one qualifying spot available.

“You get in it to win it,” Brown said. “We’re pumped about the extremely high level of play and quality competition that’s going to be out here for an entire week.”

There also will be a Pro-Am on May 23. Call 865-687-4797 for sponsorship information.

The outlook at Three Ridges

has been on the upswing since Knox County took over management of the facility about three years ago. The county-owned course had been leased and there were concerns about where the profits were going and how much was spent to maintain the facility.

In the past couple of years, all greenside bunkers have been rebuilt in an attempt to correct a design or installation flaw when Three Ridges opened in 1990.

“Now that we’re able to manage things on a non-profit basis, we’re able to put all that money back into the golf course,” said Brown, who’s also the director of golf. “We also purchased a lot of equipment. We don’t have a bunch of mowers running around that are held together with rubber bands. We are not trying to make do with stuff that constantly breaks down. It makes a big difference just having good equipment and it’s starting to show on the golf course.”

Three Ridges is in the northeast portion of Knox County and also played host to the Nike Tour in the mid-1990s.

“The key to playing this golf course is being able to read the greens,” said Brown, who has been at Three Ridges for three years. “It can be very tricky.”

The 7,010-yard, par 72 layout has challenging par 3s and tough finishing holes on each nine. Wind and elevation changes also come into play.

Strong Local Ties: It will be a homecoming for several NGA Tour players, including former college standouts David Skinns (Tennessee) and Chas Narrmore (MTSU).

Skinns, of Lincolnshire, England, won

the 2011 event at River Islands and was the 2008 player of the year on the former Hooters Tour. He became a five-time winner on the NGA Tour earlier this year in a playoff with Narramore, who is a Kingston native.

Narramore, whose first name is pronounced Chase, celebrated his 25th birthday April 28 and won his first NGA event the following day at Savannah Lakes Village Classic in McCormick, S.C. He tied the course record with a 10-under 62 in the second round and followed with back-to-back 67s.

“Any win is big out here, but to do it on my birthday is really nice,” Narramore said after winning by three shots with a 22-under 266. “I got to spent time with my family and friends and enjoy this one. There are so many incredible golfers on this tour. To get my first win in this atmosphere is special.”

Tour regulars include Jonathan Hodge of Strawberry Plains, who finished sixth in McCormick, and Knoxville’s David Holmes and Chase Carroll.

Also, Knoxville resident Brandon Bunn, who played at Memphis, is expected to play, while the tournament also will include former MTSU golfers Rick Cochran III, Kent Bulle and Jason Millard; former Southern Miss golfer Paul Apyan of Hixson; Nashville resident Josh Bevell, who played at Mississippi State; Spring Hill resident Chris Erwin (Valdosta State); and Chattanooga’s Bryce Ledford.

Chuck Cavalaris is a long-time sportswriter in Knoxville and is a licensed real estate agent in Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia. Send questions or comments to [email protected].

Three Ridges club pro Mark Brown (left) and course superintendent Kevin Lewis.

Jeff Harlow (NGA Tour Director), Scott Helle (Caddie), Chas Narramore, August Luedecke

(Tournament Director)

May 2012 May 2012May 2012 May 2012 TEE TIMES www.teetimespaper.comTEE TIMES www.teetimespaper.com 7

Length isn’t the story at Country Hills

By Gregg DewaltTee Times editor

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. – Don’t let Country Hills’ 6,000 yards fool you – this ain’t no pitch and putt golf course.

In fact, the 21-year old City of Hendersonville-owned course can play equally difficult as its much longer brethren, said head professional/general manager Brad Shirley.

“We get a lot of people, especially some younger players, who come out here and think they can just hit driver off every tee,” Shirley said. “That’s not always the best play. They’ll hit a driver and think they’ve hit a good shot and it’ll be in trouble. At the end of the day, they can’t believe that a course this short can put them in the 80s or 90s.

“It’s one of the toughest sub-6,000-yard courses you’ll play.”

With rolling fairways dotted with mounds and ridges, level lies are the exception rather than the norm at Country Hills. And, with blind approach shots and fast bent grass greens with subtle undulations, nearly every facet of a player’s game is tested throughout the round.

Shirley knows of what he speaks. His pedigree in the golf business has been honed at some of the top public and private facilities in the region. He has stops at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail’s Oxmoor Valley facility as the Director of

Golf, and also has been at Brentwood Country Club, Hermitage Golf Course, Pine Creek and Gaylord Springs. Right now, he’s enjoying Country Hills.

“This is a golf course where you can come enjoy yourself with your buddies,” he said. “For me, more than anything it is small enough where I can run it the way I want to run it. I’ve been fortunate to be at some great places and I’ve learned from some great people.”

One appealing aspect of

Country Hills, Shirley said, is that it gets a lot of repeat customers so that it has a country club feel in a daily fee setting.

“We have a lot of local player that come

here and you see a lot of the same faces,” Shirley said. “They bring their friends and you get to know them like a country club. We know what we are, who we are and we want to be a fun course where you can play in 4 1/2 hours. When the day is done, we want to be a place that you want to come back to play again.”

Another part of the Country Hills is that course superintendent Rob Merritt and his crew keeps the course well maintained despite the terrain’s challenge.

Merritt said his staff, which includes 23-year veteran Henry Applegate, Angel Hernandez, Art Bastien, Juan Molina, Chris

Three Ridges eager to host NGA eventMedvecky (mechanic) and Bill Willard, are extremely hard working and go the extra mile to make sure the course is in tip-top condition throughout the year.

However, being a golfer Merritt knows what players expect when they visit.

“I think it helps that I play because I get out and see the course from a golfer’s viewpoint,” Merritt said. “We’re trying to make money and if the course is too hard or the greens are too slow and the conditioning isn’t good, people won’t come back. They want to come and have a good time.”

Shirley said it’s refreshing to see Merritt mowing fairways and greens and being involved in the process.

“I’ve been at places where you never saw the superintendent touch a piece of equipment,” he said.

It’s that type of hands-on involvement that helps make Country Hills unique.

“Our staff works hard,” Shirley said. “Rob has good people working for him and our staff in the shop do a great job. I still enjoy being behind the counter and getting to know the customers . Shirley also credits assistant pros Rusty Pence, Paul Bossart and Chaz Downey, payroll manager Rob Phillips and food and beverage personnel Susie Sexton and Desiree Collins with providing the t y p e of service that have

kept the number of rounds on the rise.

Designed by Leon Howard and managed by Golf Management, Country Hills might not be scary long, but it will provide enough of a challenge to keep players coming back for more. Affordable, convenient and fun to play – three things that are music to golfers’ ears.

For information about Country Hills Golf Course, call 615-824-1100 or visit chillsgc.com.

Rob Merritt, superintendent says

being outside suits him to a tee.

Brad Shirley is serious about customer service and making sure the golfers have fun and enjoy every round at Country Hills.

(l.r) Bill Willard, Chris Medvecky, mechanic, Juan

Molina, Art Bastien, and Angel Hernandez. Not pictured,

Henry Applegate who has been with the course 23 years.

Brad Shirley, PGA head golf professional and Rob Merritt,

superintendent.

May 2012 May 2012May 2012 May 2012

Rules of GolfQ and AWhich is correct regarding a player cleaning his ball?

A He may not clean the ball when lifting it from casual water. B He may not remove grass adhering to the ball lying through the green.C He may clean the ball when it has been lifted because it interferes with play.

Find answeron page 23

Q:

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Around Nashville Fairways

TEE TIMESwww.teetimespaper.comTEE TIMES www.teetimespaper.com

One of the most important parts of a golf course manager’s duties is to make sure that we promote the game of golf. We have witnessed the ebbs and flows of the golf industry during the last de-cade and one proven fact is that we need to grow the game of golf by bringing in new golf-ers at an early age. When we host junior clinics, create junior golf asso-ciations and let juniors play for a reduced rate, we are actually investing in golf’s future. The juniors on our courses today are our future customers. When youth golfers learn the rules and etiquette before they actually begin to play on our busier courses, it makes life easier for all golfers. Golf clinics and junior programs give the children the tools they need to feel com-fortable playing golf in different settings. Metro Parks Golf Courses will be hosting several activities this summer that will give junior

golfers a chance to learn the game and enjoy some competi-tion. Percy Warner Golf Course is home to the Percy Warner Junior Golf Association and this summer’s schedule of events is set. If you are between the ages of 10 – 16, you can download an application at www.nash-villefairways.com. There also will be golf pros on staff this summer at Percy Warner to give lessons and teach clinics. Junior Golf Camps are also scheduled to be held at Warner this summer. The camps are for one week, five days a week from 8 a.m. – noon. The staff will be focusing on junior golf throughout the summer. For in-formation, call Kevin Forte or Mike Seward at 862-8493 or Robb Lent or Bill Gruenert at 352-9958.

Sally DavisSuperintendent of Golf Operations

Grow the game with juniors

Nashvil lefairways.com

Harpeth Hills2424 Old Hickory Blvd. • 615-862-8493

McCabe46th & Murphy Rd. • 615-862-8491

Percy WarnerForrest Park Dr. • 615-352-9958

Shelby20th & Fatherland • 615-862-8474

Two RiversTwo Rivers Parkway • 615-889-2675

Ted Rhodes1901 Ed Temple Blvd. • 615-862-8463

VinnyLinks2009 Sevier Street • 615-880-1720

Metro Parks

Ted Rhodes Clubhouse

Nashville Fairways Clippings

Dates to remember2012 James H. Fyke Municipal Amateur

Championship • July 13-15 2012 James H. Fyke Women’s Municipal

Amateur Championship • August 4-5 2012 James H. Fyke Senior Municipal

Amateur Championship September 17-18

The Best Value in Tennessee Golf

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Foxland HarborBob Maynard, No. 15, 129 yards,

7-ironGallatin

Lambert Merryman, No. 4, 157 yards, PW

Richard Stephenson, No. 8, 155 yards, 5-iron

HermitageKeith Pugh, No. 5 GR, 168 yards,

6-ironKings Creek

Fran Miller, No. 2, 89 yards, SWLittle Course at

Conner LaneShereitte Stokes, No. 2, 124 yards,

8-ironMcCabe Middle

Sam Yinger, No. 3 north, 163, 5-ironSteve White, No. 2 middle, 142 yards,

9-ironSteve Roche, No. 8 middle, 165 yards,

5-ironRoy Jones, No. 12 south, 143 yards,

8-ironTwelve Stones CrossingJosh Lee, No. 15, 183 yards, 6-iron

Old Hickory CCBill Pridemore, No. 17, 153 yards,

7-ironMike Cheplick, No. 15, 185 yards,

6-ironPebble Brook

Ronnie Dickerson, No. 6, 112 yards, 9-iron

Ted RhodesRoger Sledd, No. 15, 176 yards,

4-hybridTemple Hills

Jean Stephens, No. 3 Deercrest, 137 yards, 3-hybrid

The Links at Galloway, Memphis

Paul French, No. 16, 163 yards, 7-iron during the Rajun Cajun Crawfish

ScrambleTwo Rivers

Steve Duren, No. 8, 140 yards, 7-ironBetty Rooker, No. 14, 80 yards, 8-ironVanderbilt Legends Club

Matt Rannals, No. 16 north, 151 yards, 9-iron

WindtreeGeorge Poole, No. 11, 162 yards,

7-wood

Aces


The 64th Annual SunTrust State Open Championship presented by Coca-Cola is set to begin, May 15th at Gaylord Springs

Golf Links in Nashville.

The TGA State Open Championship is one of the oldest and most prestigious golf events in Tennessee, having been

conducted every year since 1949. Former winners include some of

the biggest names in Tennessee golf (Mason Rudolph, Gibby Gilbert, Curtis Person, Larry Gilbert, Loren Roberts, Garrett Willis, and Bob Wolcott). The championship is a 54-hole stroke play

competition which is open to Tennessee

Section PGA Professionals and all other professionals who are residents of Tennessee. Amateurs who reside in Tennessee or a contiguous county of

another state and have a handicap index of 10.0 or less from a TGA Member Club

are also eligible to compete.

Other past TGA State Open champions in the field include: Pro James Paschal, PGA

(1979), Pro Bob Wolcott, PGA (1983), Pro Rob Long (1987 & 2003), Pro Steve

Munson, PGA (1991), Tim Jackson (2002), Pro Justin Metzger (2006), Pro

Derek Rende (2007), Pro Cody Hale (2008), Pro Bryce Ledford (2009) and

Pro Grant Leaver (2010).

Tee Times in an oversight, failed to give credit for the wonderful pictures of the Tennessee Section

Winners in the April Issue. The photos were used on our April cover as well as the cover article. Thanks

and an apology to Jimmy Darr, West Regional Director for the use of his fine photos.

Call 1.866.TEE.OFF1 or visit tunicanational.com.

®

/tunicanational @tunicanational

Book your tee time today, either by phone or online.

EXCEPTIONAL any way you swing it

Gaylord Springs Golf Links welcomes 2012 Tennessee State Open


Ken Thompson won the Old Hickory net title

Blind golfers association seeks volunteer executive director

Kelly wins pro division at Harold Eller Pro-Am

Tee Times reportDavid Meador is looking for some help in

the form of a volunteer executive director for the U.S. Blind Golfers Association.

Tee Times report

A little home-course advantage paid off in a big way for Nashville professional Reise Kelly, who grabbed a three-shot win over Lebanon’s Audie Johnson at the annual Harold Eller Pro-Am in mid-April.The tournament, played at Old Hickory

where Kelly is an assistant pro, brought together teams of professionals and Old Hickory members for a 36-hole event played in cool, rainy conditions.Kelly fired

rounds of 66-67 to finish at 133. Johnson shot 67-69 to finish at 133 and two shots clear of third-place finisher Jeff page of Nashville.Competition was in

two divisions of four-man team. In the Eller Division, the Jackson Country Club team of Chip Taylor, Shawn Westacott, Mill Hamaguchi and David Salyers shot 60-61 for a two-shot win over a team consisting of Keith

Nashville, Tennessee

Meador, a renowned motivational speaker and blind golf champion, is president of the USBGA, an organization that caters to blind golfers across the country.Meador says being a part of the USBGA

is a rewarding experience.“It’s not just about hitting a little white

ball,” he said. “It’s about the big ball. Worldwide, we demonstrate the on-course truth that absolutely nothing is impossible through partnership. By the miracle of media coverage we change the outlook of entire communities who see and, ‘if these people can do this, why can’t we?’ ” The USBGA hosts clinics for children,

teens and adults across the country. Duties for the executive director include fundraising and helping raising awareness. The USBGA was founded in 1953 and is headquartered in Nashville.Meador said the volunteer executive

director should love golf and its ability to shape character and relationships, and be able to see the big picture in regard

Burdette, Walt Moffitt, Mitch Hufstetler and Chris Travis.Three teams tied at 119 in

the Ervin Division. The teams of Chris Dibble, Parker Smith, John Thomas, Rick Pearson; Mark Houser, Scott Harringer, Steve Johnson and Buster Weber, and Matt Manzaro,

Paul Korth, Gary Maxwell, Phil Smith all finished at 119.

Ken Thompson won the Old Hickory net title at

135 over Phil Smith. Parker Smith shot 6-under 136 to win the scratch amateur division by one stroke over Matt

Robertson.The tournament was

sponsored by CiCi’s Pizza.

to the impact that blind golfers can have by playing golf at a high level on a world stage.For more information about the USBGA

or to inquire about becoming the

volunteer executive director, contact Meador at 615-385-0748. He can also be reached at [email protected]. Learn more about the USBGA at usblindgolf.com.

Winners of the Eller Division, Jackson Country Club team of Chip Taylor, Shawn Westacott,

Mill Hamaguchi and David Salyers

Reise Kelly

May 2012 May 2012May 2012 May 2012

North Alabama sets sights on national title11TEE TIMESwww.teetimespaper.comTEE TIMES www.teetimespaper.com

Tee Times reportThere hasn’t been a college golf team

hotter this season than the University of North Alabama men’s team.

Going into the NCAA Division II Super Regional in Conover, N.C., in early May, the Lions were winners in seven of their past eight tournaments including a runaway in the Gulf South Conference tournament at Timberline Golf Club in Calera, Ala.

In that event, the Lions held a precarious four-shot advantage over West Florida heading into the final round of the 54-hole event. When the day was complete, the Lions had blown away the field to win by 24 shots.

Ty Chandler and Jake Greer, a pair of All-Americans, have fueled the Lions rise in the rankings. Chandler has one tournament victory to his credit while Greer, a senior, has been a stabilizing force throughout the season. Rickey Stimets, Tyler Ekenberg and Blaise Wilson also have played well during the Lions run of tournament titles.

North Alabama was making its seventh straight NCAA regional appearance. This spring, UNA captured five of six tournament titles. Coach Stuart Clark’s team won the Mardi Gras Invitational, Southeastern Intercollegiate, Jim Bishop Toyota Classic, Argonaut Invitational and the conference championship.

Here’s a wrap-up of several other conference tournaments involving colleges and universities from around the mid-South:

Ohio Valley Conference men: Jacksonville State held on for a one-shot win over Austin Peay, shooting a final round 290. It was the fourth conference title for the Gamecocks, who finished with a 54-hole total of 861. Austin Peay was second at 862 and Murray State was third at 866 in the tournament played at the Greystone Golf Club in Dickson, Tenn.

# 9 Peninsula Green

Austin Peay’s Anthony Bradley rode a first-round 66 to the individual title with a 6-under 210. Murray State’s Patrick Newcomb tied for second at 213 with David Lawrence of Eastern Illinois.

Ohio Valley Conference women: Jacksonville State used two of the best rounds in conference history to a one-shot win over defending champ Morehead State to claim its fifth OVC women’s golf title.

The Gamecocks shot rounds of 296-323-300 to finish at 919. JSU held a narrow five-shot lead heading into the final round before pulling away.

JSU’s Ornella Arrizon and Morehead’s Marisa Kamelgarn tied for medalist honors at 222.

Sun Belt Conference m e n : S p a r k e d by medalist Ty Spinella, North Texas collected a seven-shot victory over Middle Tennessee to claim the men’s conference title.

Spinella finished at 2-under 214 on the Fighting Joe course at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at the Shoals. He was the only player to finish under par as players battled windy conditions in the first round and breezy conditions in the

subsequent rounds.Spinella edged MTSU’s Hunter Green by

three shots. North Texas finished at 874, while MTSU finished at 881.

Sun Belt Conference women: Denver maintained its stranglehold on the conference title, zooming to a 17-shot win over Middle Tennessee at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at the Shoals.

Playing the Fighting Joe course in cool, windy conditions, Denver shot rounds of 288-293-291 to easily outdistance the 11-team field. Denver’s Rachel Watton won a playoff with Florida International’s Katie Mundy for medalist honors at 1-under-par 215. Allie Knight led Middle Tennessee with a fifth-place finish at 218. Teammate Olivia Love tied for seventh at 220.

Ty Chandler has been North Alabama’s most consistent

player this spring.

Photos courtesy Daniel Giles/TimesDaily

North Alabama coach Stuart Clark (right) and All-GSC honoree Ricky Stimets have their sights set on a

national championship.

May 2012 May 2012May 2012 May 201212 TEE TIMES www.teetimespaper.com

Golf House Tennessee and the Little Course 1. Andrew Johnson Golf Club, Greeneville, TN, 800-421-2149 2. Arnold AFB Golf Club, Tullahoma, TN, 888-558-2327 3. Audubon Golf Course, Memphis, TN, 901-683-6941 4. Baneberry Golf & Country Club, Baneberry, TN, 800-951-4653 6. Bear Trace at Cumberland Mtn., Crossville, TN, 931-707-1640,

www.tngolftrail.com 7. Bear Trace at Harrison Bay, Harrison, TN, 423-326-0885,

www.tngolftrail.com 8. Bear Trace at Tims Ford, Winchester, TN, 931-968-0995,

www.tngolftrail.com 9. Bent Creek Golf Village, Gatlinburg, TN, 800-251-9336 10. Blackberry Ridge Golf Club, Shelbyville, TN, 931-437-2343 11. Brainerd Golf Course, Chattanooga, TN, 423-855-2692 12. Brown Acres Golf Club, Chattanooga, TN, 423-855-2680 13. Buffalo Valley Golf Club, Unicoi, TN, 423-743-5021 14. Carroll Lake Golf Club, McKenzie, TN, 731-352-2998 15. Cattails at Meadowview, Kingsport, TN, 423-578-6622 16. Cedar Crest Golf Club, Mufreesboro, TN, 615-849-7837 17. Cedar Hills Golf Club, Inc. Lenoir City, TN, 865-986-6521 18. Centennial Golf Course, Oak Ridge, TN, 865-483-2291 19. Champions Run Golf Course, Rockvale, TN, 615-274-2301 20. Chatata Valley Golf Club, Cleveland, TN, 423-339-9784

21. Cherokee Valley Golf Club, Olive Branch, MS, 662-893-4444 22. Clear Creek Golf Club, Bristol, VA, 276-466-4833 23. Mirimichi Golf Course, Millington, TN (901) 259-3800 24. Cole Park, Fort Campbell, KY, 270-798-4610 25. Collins River Reserve, McMinnville, TN, 931-668-7749,

www.collinsriver.com 26. Concord Park Par 3, Knoxville, TN, 865-966-9103 27. Cottonwoods Golf Club, Tunica Resorts, MS, 662-357-6078 28. Country Hills Golf Course, Hendersonville, TN, 615-824-1100,

www.countryhillsgolfcourse.com 29. Creeks Bend Golf Club, Hixson, TN, 423-842-5911 30. Creekside Plantation, Seymour, TN, 865-577-4653 31. Crossings Golf Club, Jonesborough, TN, 423-348-8855 32. Cumberland Bend Golf Course, Gainesboro, TN, 931-268-0259 33. Dandridge Golf & Country Club, Dandridge, TN, 865-397-2655 34. Davy Crockett Park Golf Course, Memphis, TN, 901-358-3375 35. Dead Horse Lake Golf Course, Knoxville, TN, 865-693-5270 36. Dixie Oaks Golf Club, Summertown, TN, 931-964-4991 37. Dogwood Hills Country Club, Portland, TN, 615-325-4648 38. Dyersburg Municipal GC, Dyersburg, TN, 731- 286-2155 39. Eagle Bluff Golf Club, Chattanooga, TN, 423-326-0202 40. EagleÕs Landing Golf Club, Sevierville, TN, 865-429-4223 41. Eastland Green Golf Course, Clarksville, TN, 931-358-9051

42. Egwani Farm Golf Club, Rockford, TN, 865-970-7132 43. Elizabethton Muni. Golf Club, Elizabethton, TN, 423-542-8051 44. Fairways and Greens Golf Cntr, Knoxville, TN, 865-777-4653 45. Fairways at Spencer Creek, Franklin, TN, 615-794-8223 46. Farm Lakes, Old Hickory, TN, 615-847-5074 47. Forrest Crossing Golf Course, Franklin, TN, 615-794-9400,

www.americangolf.com 48. Fox Meadows Golf Course, Memphis, TN, 901-362-0232 49. Futures Golf Club, Puryear, TN, 731-247-3264 50. Gaylord Springs, Nashville, TN, 615-458-1730,

www.gaylordsprings.com 51. Graysburg Hills Golf Course, Chuckey, TN, 423-234-8061 52. Greens at Deerfield, LaFollette, TN, 800-325-2788 53. GreyStone Golf Club, Dickson, TN, 615-446-0044 54. Hampton Creek, Ooltewah, TN, 423-238-6812 55. Harpeth Hills Golf Course, Nashville, TN, 615-862-8493,

www.nashvillefairways.com 56. Hermitage Golf Course, Old Hickory, TN, 615-847-4001,

www.hermitagegolf.com 57. Hickory Valley Golf Club, Chattanooga, TN, 423-894-1576 58. Highland Green Golf Club, Jackson, TN, 877-427-5477 59. Holston Valley Golf Course, Bristol, TN,423-878-7400 60. HunterÕs Point Golf Course, Lebanon, TN,615-444-7521

61. Indian Hills Golf Club, Murfreesboro, TN, 615-895-3642 62. Ironwood Golf Course, Cookeville, TN, 931-528-2331 63. Johnny Warren Academy, Gallatin, TN, 615-206-0813, www.jwga.net 64. Jones Creek Golf Course, Jackson, TN, 731-425-8620,

www.jonescreekgolf.com 65. Kenny PerryÕs Country Creek, Franklin, KY, 270-586-9373 66. KingÕs Creek Golf Club, Spring Hill, TN, 931-486-1253 67. Knoxville Municipal GC, Knoxville, TN, 865-691-7143 68. Lake Tansi Village CC, Crossville, TN, 931-788-3301 69. Lambert Acres Golf Course, Maryville, TN, 865-982-9838 70. Landmark Golf Club at Avalon, Lenoir City, TN, 865-986-4653 71. Legacy of Springfield, Springfield, TN, 615-384-4653 72. Links at Galloway, Memphis, TN, 901-685-7805, www.memphistn.gov 73. Links at Overton, Memphis, TN, 901-725-9905 74. Long Hollow Golf Course, Gallatin, TN, 615-451-3120,

www.gallatin-tn.gov 75. Lost Creek Golf Club, New Market, TN, 865-475-9661 76. Maggie Valley Golf Club, Maggie Valley, NC, 800-438-3861 77. Marshall County, Lewsiburg, TN, 931-359-2482 78. McCabe Golf Course, Nashville, TN, 615-862-8491,

www.nashvillefairways.com 79. Millstone Golf Club, Morristown, TN, 423-586-4000 80. Nashboro Village Golf Club, Nashville, TN, 615-367-2311

181. Oak Hills Golf Course, Greenbriar, TN, 615-643-4505 82. Old Fort Golf Club, Murfreesboro, TN, 615-896-2448 83. Old Stone Fort, Manchester, TN, 931-723-5075, www.tngolftrail.com 84. Patroit Hills, Jefferson City, TN, 865-475-4466 85. Pebblebrook, Greenbrier, TN, 615-382-3045 86. Percy Warner, Nashville, TN, 615-352-9958, www.nashvillefairways.com 87. Pine Creek Golf Course, Mt.Juliet, TN, 615-449-7272,

www.pinecreekgolf.net 88. Pine Hill Golf Course, Memphis, TN, 901-775-9434 89. Pine Lakes Golf Club, Rockford, TN, 865-970-9018 90. Pine Oaks Golf Club, Johnson City, TN, 423-434-6250 91. Quail Ridge Golf Course, Bartlett, TN, 901-386-6951 92. River Islands Club, Knoxville, TN,865-933-0100 93. Riverbend Links, Tunica Resorts, MS, 888-539-9990 94. Riverside Golf Club, Memphis, TN, 901-774-4340 95. Riverview Golf Course, Loudon, TN, 865-986-6972 96. Roan Valley, Mountain City, TN, 423-727-7931 97. Ross Creek Landing, Clifton, TN, 931- 676-3174 98. Saddle Creek Golf Club, Lewisburg, TN, 931-270-7280,

www.saddlecreekgc.com 99. Scenic View Golf Course, Winchester, TN, 931-967-5224100. Shelby Park Golf Course, Nashville, TN, 615-862-8474,

www.nashvillefairways.com

101. Shiloh Falls Golf Club, Counce, TN, 731-689-5050, www.shilohfallsgolf.com

102. Shiloh Golf Course, Adamsville, TN, 731-632-0678103. Silver Lake Golf Club, Church Hill, TN, 423-357-9940104. Smyrna Municipal Golf Course, Smyrna, TN, 615-459-2666105. Steele Creek Golf Course, Bristol, TN, 423-764-6411106. Stonebridge Golf Course, Arlington, TN, 901-382-1886107. Stonehenge Golf Club, Fairfield Glade, TN, 931-484-3731108. Swan Lake Golf Course, Clarksville, TN, 931-648-0479,

www.cityofclarksville.com109. Sycamore Valley Golf Course, Ashland, TN, 615-792-7863110. Ted Rhodes, Nashville, TN, 615-862-8463, www.nashvillefairways.com111. Tenn Golf Trail @ Fall Creek, Pikeville, TN, 423-881-5706,

www.tngolftrail.com112. Tenn Golf Trail @ Henry Horton, Chapel Hill, TN, 931-364-2319,

www.tngolftrail.com113. Tenn Golf Trail @ Montgomery Bell, Burns, TN, 615-797-2578,

www.tngolftrail.com114. Tenn Golf Trail @ Paris Landing,Buchanan,TN, 731-641-4459,

www.tngolftrail.com115. Tenn Golf Trail @ Pickwick Lnd,Pickwick Dam,TN, 731-689-3149,

www.tngolftrail.com116. Tenn Golf Trail @ T. O. Fuller, Memphis, TN, 901-543-7771,

www.tngolftrail.com117. Tenn Golf Trail @ Warrior Path, Kingsport, TN, 423-323-4990,

www.tngolftrail.com118. Tennessee River Golf Club, Decaturville, TN, 731-852-2582119. The Club at North Creek, Southaven, MS, 877-465-3647120. The Links of Novadell, Hopkinsville, KY, 270-886-1101121. The Tennessean, Springville, TN, 731-642-7271122. Three Ridges Golf Course, Knoxville, TN, 865.687.4797123. Through the Green Highland Rim, Joelton, TN, 615-746-0400124. Tri Cities Golf Club, Blountville, TN, 423-323-6615125. Tri-County Golf Course, Oliver Springs, TN, 423-435-0749126. Tunica National, Tunica Resorts, MS, 662-357-0777,

www.tunicanational.com127. Twelve Stones Crossing, Goodlettsville, TN, 615-851-4653128. Two Rivers GC, Nashville, TN, 615-889-2675,

www.nashvillefairways.com129. VinnyLinks @ Shelby Park, Nashville, TN, 615-880-1720,

www.nashvillefairways.com130. Wedgewood, Olive Branch, MS, 662-895-7490131. White Oaks, Athens, TN, 423-745-3349132. Whittle Springs Golf Course, Knoxville, TN, 865-525-1022133. Willow Creek Golf Club, Knoxville, TN, 865-675-0100 134. Willow Springs Golf Course, Athens, TN, 423-745-1131135. Willowbrook, Manchester, TN, 800-319-8001136. Windtree Golf Course, Mt.Juliet, TN, 615-754-4653137. Woodlake, Tazewell, TN, 423-626-6010138. SculleyÕs Golf Course, 2162 Westover Rd. Jackson TN, 38301, 731-424-4500139. Chickasaw Golf Course, 9555 Hwy. 100 West, Henderson , TN 38340 ,

731-989-4700

7952

107

72

34

8

118

97

27

126

93

36

94

23

91

88

119

3106

4873

130

64

21

102

101

38

58

14

49121

2465

120

10841

85 7181

123

109

53

37

7428127

46 5663

136

6050110

7886

5545

47

6619

100 128129

80 104

87

8261

16

2

10

7799

8398

25

135

39 54 20

1129

5712

7

686

62

32

125

131

95

134

6735

1844

133

17

7089

42

12292

30

132

26

6940

9

758433

137

4

1

76

15103

22105

3151

124

59

90

96

43

13

116

115

114

113

112

111

117

138

139

Golf Course Guide For The Tennessee Region

May 2012 May 2012May 2012 May 2012 13TEE TIMESwww.teetimespaper.com

Golf House Tennessee and the Little Course 1. Andrew Johnson Golf Club, Greeneville, TN, 800-421-2149 2. Arnold AFB Golf Club, Tullahoma, TN, 888-558-2327 3. Audubon Golf Course, Memphis, TN, 901-683-6941 4. Baneberry Golf & Country Club, Baneberry, TN, 800-951-4653 6. Bear Trace at Cumberland Mtn., Crossville, TN, 931-707-1640,

www.tngolftrail.com 7. Bear Trace at Harrison Bay, Harrison, TN, 423-326-0885,

www.tngolftrail.com 8. Bear Trace at Tims Ford, Winchester, TN, 931-968-0995,

www.tngolftrail.com 9. Bent Creek Golf Village, Gatlinburg, TN, 800-251-9336 10. Blackberry Ridge Golf Club, Shelbyville, TN, 931-437-2343 11. Brainerd Golf Course, Chattanooga, TN, 423-855-2692 12. Brown Acres Golf Club, Chattanooga, TN, 423-855-2680 13. Buffalo Valley Golf Club, Unicoi, TN, 423-743-5021 14. Carroll Lake Golf Club, McKenzie, TN, 731-352-2998 15. Cattails at Meadowview, Kingsport, TN, 423-578-6622 16. Cedar Crest Golf Club, Mufreesboro, TN, 615-849-7837 17. Cedar Hills Golf Club, Inc. Lenoir City, TN, 865-986-6521 18. Centennial Golf Course, Oak Ridge, TN, 865-483-2291 19. Champions Run Golf Course, Rockvale, TN, 615-274-2301 20. Chatata Valley Golf Club, Cleveland, TN, 423-339-9784

21. Cherokee Valley Golf Club, Olive Branch, MS, 662-893-4444 22. Clear Creek Golf Club, Bristol, VA, 276-466-4833 23. Mirimichi Golf Course, Millington, TN (901) 259-3800 24. Cole Park, Fort Campbell, KY, 270-798-4610 25. Collins River Reserve, McMinnville, TN, 931-668-7749,

www.collinsriver.com 26. Concord Park Par 3, Knoxville, TN, 865-966-9103 27. Cottonwoods Golf Club, Tunica Resorts, MS, 662-357-6078 28. Country Hills Golf Course, Hendersonville, TN, 615-824-1100,

www.countryhillsgolfcourse.com 29. Creeks Bend Golf Club, Hixson, TN, 423-842-5911 30. Creekside Plantation, Seymour, TN, 865-577-4653 31. Crossings Golf Club, Jonesborough, TN, 423-348-8855 32. Cumberland Bend Golf Course, Gainesboro, TN, 931-268-0259 33. Dandridge Golf & Country Club, Dandridge, TN, 865-397-2655 34. Davy Crockett Park Golf Course, Memphis, TN, 901-358-3375 35. Dead Horse Lake Golf Course, Knoxville, TN, 865-693-5270 36. Dixie Oaks Golf Club, Summertown, TN, 931-964-4991 37. Dogwood Hills Country Club, Portland, TN, 615-325-4648 38. Dyersburg Municipal GC, Dyersburg, TN, 731- 286-2155 39. Eagle Bluff Golf Club, Chattanooga, TN, 423-326-0202 40. EagleÕs Landing Golf Club, Sevierville, TN, 865-429-4223 41. Eastland Green Golf Course, Clarksville, TN, 931-358-9051

42. Egwani Farm Golf Club, Rockford, TN, 865-970-7132 43. Elizabethton Muni. Golf Club, Elizabethton, TN, 423-542-8051 44. Fairways and Greens Golf Cntr, Knoxville, TN, 865-777-4653 45. Fairways at Spencer Creek, Franklin, TN, 615-794-8223 46. Farm Lakes, Old Hickory, TN, 615-847-5074 47. Forrest Crossing Golf Course, Franklin, TN, 615-794-9400,

www.americangolf.com 48. Fox Meadows Golf Course, Memphis, TN, 901-362-0232 49. Futures Golf Club, Puryear, TN, 731-247-3264 50. Gaylord Springs, Nashville, TN, 615-458-1730,

www.gaylordsprings.com 51. Graysburg Hills Golf Course, Chuckey, TN, 423-234-8061 52. Greens at Deerfield, LaFollette, TN, 800-325-2788 53. GreyStone Golf Club, Dickson, TN, 615-446-0044 54. Hampton Creek, Ooltewah, TN, 423-238-6812 55. Harpeth Hills Golf Course, Nashville, TN, 615-862-8493,

www.nashvillefairways.com 56. Hermitage Golf Course, Old Hickory, TN, 615-847-4001,

www.hermitagegolf.com 57. Hickory Valley Golf Club, Chattanooga, TN, 423-894-1576 58. Highland Green Golf Club, Jackson, TN, 877-427-5477 59. Holston Valley Golf Course, Bristol, TN,423-878-7400 60. HunterÕs Point Golf Course, Lebanon, TN,615-444-7521

61. Indian Hills Golf Club, Murfreesboro, TN, 615-895-3642 62. Ironwood Golf Course, Cookeville, TN, 931-528-2331 63. Johnny Warren Academy, Gallatin, TN, 615-206-0813, www.jwga.net 64. Jones Creek Golf Course, Jackson, TN, 731-425-8620,

www.jonescreekgolf.com 65. Kenny PerryÕs Country Creek, Franklin, KY, 270-586-9373 66. KingÕs Creek Golf Club, Spring Hill, TN, 931-486-1253 67. Knoxville Municipal GC, Knoxville, TN, 865-691-7143 68. Lake Tansi Village CC, Crossville, TN, 931-788-3301 69. Lambert Acres Golf Course, Maryville, TN, 865-982-9838 70. Landmark Golf Club at Avalon, Lenoir City, TN, 865-986-4653 71. Legacy of Springfield, Springfield, TN, 615-384-4653 72. Links at Galloway, Memphis, TN, 901-685-7805, www.memphistn.gov 73. Links at Overton, Memphis, TN, 901-725-9905 74. Long Hollow Golf Course, Gallatin, TN, 615-451-3120,

www.gallatin-tn.gov 75. Lost Creek Golf Club, New Market, TN, 865-475-9661 76. Maggie Valley Golf Club, Maggie Valley, NC, 800-438-3861 77. Marshall County, Lewsiburg, TN, 931-359-2482 78. McCabe Golf Course, Nashville, TN, 615-862-8491,

www.nashvillefairways.com 79. Millstone Golf Club, Morristown, TN, 423-586-4000 80. Nashboro Village Golf Club, Nashville, TN, 615-367-2311

181. Oak Hills Golf Course, Greenbriar, TN, 615-643-4505 82. Old Fort Golf Club, Murfreesboro, TN, 615-896-2448 83. Old Stone Fort, Manchester, TN, 931-723-5075, www.tngolftrail.com 84. Patroit Hills, Jefferson City, TN, 865-475-4466 85. Pebblebrook, Greenbrier, TN, 615-382-3045 86. Percy Warner, Nashville, TN, 615-352-9958, www.nashvillefairways.com 87. Pine Creek Golf Course, Mt.Juliet, TN, 615-449-7272,

www.pinecreekgolf.net 88. Pine Hill Golf Course, Memphis, TN, 901-775-9434 89. Pine Lakes Golf Club, Rockford, TN, 865-970-9018 90. Pine Oaks Golf Club, Johnson City, TN, 423-434-6250 91. Quail Ridge Golf Course, Bartlett, TN, 901-386-6951 92. River Islands Club, Knoxville, TN,865-933-0100 93. Riverbend Links, Tunica Resorts, MS, 888-539-9990 94. Riverside Golf Club, Memphis, TN, 901-774-4340 95. Riverview Golf Course, Loudon, TN, 865-986-6972 96. Roan Valley, Mountain City, TN, 423-727-7931 97. Ross Creek Landing, Clifton, TN, 931- 676-3174 98. Saddle Creek Golf Club, Lewisburg, TN, 931-270-7280,

www.saddlecreekgc.com 99. Scenic View Golf Course, Winchester, TN, 931-967-5224100. Shelby Park Golf Course, Nashville, TN, 615-862-8474,

www.nashvillefairways.com

101. Shiloh Falls Golf Club, Counce, TN, 731-689-5050, www.shilohfallsgolf.com

102. Shiloh Golf Course, Adamsville, TN, 731-632-0678103. Silver Lake Golf Club, Church Hill, TN, 423-357-9940104. Smyrna Municipal Golf Course, Smyrna, TN, 615-459-2666105. Steele Creek Golf Course, Bristol, TN, 423-764-6411106. Stonebridge Golf Course, Arlington, TN, 901-382-1886107. Stonehenge Golf Club, Fairfield Glade, TN, 931-484-3731108. Swan Lake Golf Course, Clarksville, TN, 931-648-0479,

www.cityofclarksville.com109. Sycamore Valley Golf Course, Ashland, TN, 615-792-7863110. Ted Rhodes, Nashville, TN, 615-862-8463, www.nashvillefairways.com111. Tenn Golf Trail @ Fall Creek, Pikeville, TN, 423-881-5706,

www.tngolftrail.com112. Tenn Golf Trail @ Henry Horton, Chapel Hill, TN, 931-364-2319,

www.tngolftrail.com113. Tenn Golf Trail @ Montgomery Bell, Burns, TN, 615-797-2578,

www.tngolftrail.com114. Tenn Golf Trail @ Paris Landing,Buchanan,TN, 731-641-4459,

www.tngolftrail.com115. Tenn Golf Trail @ Pickwick Lnd,Pickwick Dam,TN, 731-689-3149,

www.tngolftrail.com116. Tenn Golf Trail @ T. O. Fuller, Memphis, TN, 901-543-7771,

www.tngolftrail.com117. Tenn Golf Trail @ Warrior Path, Kingsport, TN, 423-323-4990,

www.tngolftrail.com118. Tennessee River Golf Club, Decaturville, TN, 731-852-2582119. The Club at North Creek, Southaven, MS, 877-465-3647120. The Links of Novadell, Hopkinsville, KY, 270-886-1101121. The Tennessean, Springville, TN, 731-642-7271122. Three Ridges Golf Course, Knoxville, TN, 865.687.4797123. Through the Green Highland Rim, Joelton, TN, 615-746-0400124. Tri Cities Golf Club, Blountville, TN, 423-323-6615125. Tri-County Golf Course, Oliver Springs, TN, 423-435-0749126. Tunica National, Tunica Resorts, MS, 662-357-0777,

www.tunicanational.com127. Twelve Stones Crossing, Goodlettsville, TN, 615-851-4653128. Two Rivers GC, Nashville, TN, 615-889-2675,

www.nashvillefairways.com129. VinnyLinks @ Shelby Park, Nashville, TN, 615-880-1720,

www.nashvillefairways.com130. Wedgewood, Olive Branch, MS, 662-895-7490131. White Oaks, Athens, TN, 423-745-3349132. Whittle Springs Golf Course, Knoxville, TN, 865-525-1022133. Willow Creek Golf Club, Knoxville, TN, 865-675-0100 134. Willow Springs Golf Course, Athens, TN, 423-745-1131135. Willowbrook, Manchester, TN, 800-319-8001136. Windtree Golf Course, Mt.Juliet, TN, 615-754-4653137. Woodlake, Tazewell, TN, 423-626-6010138. SculleyÕs Golf Course, 2162 Westover Rd. Jackson TN, 38301, 731-424-4500139. Chickasaw Golf Course, 9555 Hwy. 100 West, Henderson , TN 38340 ,

731-989-4700

7952

107

72

34

8

118

97

27

126

93

36

94

23

91

88

119

3106

4873

130

64

21

102

101

38

58

14

49121

2465

120

10841

85 7181

123

109

53

37

7428127

46 5663

136

6050110

7886

5545

47

6619

100 128129

80 104

87

8261

16

2

10

7799

8398

25

135

39 54 20

1129

5712

7

686

62

32

125

131

95

134

6735

1844

133

17

7089

42

12292

30

132

26

6940

9

758433

137

4

1

76

15103

22105

3151

124

59

90

96

43

13

116

115

114

113

112

111

117

138

139

Golf Course Guide For The Tennessee Region


By Tim BentonTee Times contributor

Talking Head: The image of a television newsperson talking to the camera, with only head and upper body visible.

As an ardent watcher of golf television and self-appointed media critic, let’s re-view some of golf’s talking heads. (Re-grettably, the review must exclude Hol-ly Sonders of the Golf Channel program, Morning Drive, who doesn’t strictly meet the definition of talking head. Deft cam-era work proves that Ms. Sonders is in fact, a talking head, body, and legs).

Johnny Miller. Miller won the hearts of professional golfers by introducing the word “choke” to descrip-tions of their play. Miller uses colorful terminology, such as “green light special” and “a swing that would make Ben Ho-gan puke.” Miller was stumped when Tiger Woods unleashed a tsunami of profanities into a live microphone, causing Miller to reply, “That made my commen-tary look pretty mild.” Miller sounded jealous.

Verne Lundquist. The golf/football broadcaster is blunder-

ing more these days, sometimes inad-vertently mixing his sports. His latest gaffe came at The Masters when he gasped “That ball bounced over the green, through the end zone, and Nick Saban is furious!”

Gary McCord. McCord used the terms “bikini wax” and “body bags” to describe Masters greens and the Lords of Augusta National were not amused. McCord was exiled to Harbour Town. He was recently seen again at The Mas-ters, however, attempting to sneak in disguised as Verne Lundquist.

Nick Faldo. Once a fierce competitor on the course, broadcaster Faldo sounds more like an English

Rating Golf ’s Talking Headsgentleman having a crumpet and spot of tea. “He’s throwing a wee bit of a wobbly in that bun-ker, Jim.” Makes one miss Lanny Wadkins, if that’s possible.

David Feherty. Made a clas-sic call at The Masters as a ball rolled toward double-eagle, “Come to papa. You know you want to!” An appropriate call, since it’s the same thing the formerly hard-drinking Fe-herty used to exclaim to his bottle of Guinness.

Jim Nantz. With his goofy puns, Nantz is the Mr. Happy

of golf broadcasting. Rich Beem’s PGA Championship vic-tory was greeted with the Nantz-ism “Rich and famous!” This after Nantz thrilled us with “There’s a Tiger loose on the course!” We know, Jim. That’s the same furball you burped up the last time Woods made two birdies in a row. Nantz’ worst moment came as he forgot that it’s better to let the picture tell the story. Unable to contain the thrill running up his leg as Phil Mickelson’s Masters winning putt was nearing the hole, Nantz

blurted, “Is it his time?” Yes, it was Mick-elson’s time. And it was also Nantz’ time — to shut the heck up.

Roger Maltbie. The roving course reporter is most noted for his breath-less declaration, “He’s got no shot,” usu-ally uttered moments before the player knocks the ball two feet from the hole. To understand the Maltbie reign of er-ror, see Verne Lundquist above.

Tim Benton is a freelance writer in Huntsville, Ala. Comments welcome at [email protected] Nantz

Holly Sonders


Specialty Tees A Big Hit With MomMom will look great on and off the course

with the new specialty tees by Kate Lord. The printed 3/4-sleeve length specialty tees are a fun look. The novelty tees are a blend of pima cotton and spandex. Each custom-printed tee features a unique tropical design with a contemporary golf scene. The tees, available July 15, come in three colors: melon, pink, turquoise and blue. Sizes: S-XL. Suggested is retail $76.Give Mom A Little Bling This Year Mom will add sparkle to her game with

Kate Lord’s new Crystal headwear and tee shirt collection. The Crystal collection is a combination of a classic fit, style and functionality. The Crystal headwear comes ProudlyÊ

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in caps or visors. The unstructured twill caps come with an adjustable strap for a comfortable fit. The chino twill visor has a terry cloth lining and is available in a clip on or coil closure. The Kate Lord Crystal tee shirt is

a 100 percent ring spun cotton jersey with a rib knit collar and open hem sleeve. The tee comes in nine different colors and is available in short and long sleeve. Kate Lord embeds the club logos with crystals on the headwear and tee shirts and uses metallic thread below the logo for the club name. Also, a wide selection of unique motif

designs such as martini glasses, wine glasses, ball on a tee and a Scottie dog are available. Kate Lord also has expanded

its offerings of Crystal hat clips and ball markers for 2011. The popular accessories come in

five new motifs. www.katelord.com

Datrek’s D-Lite Cart Bag Perfect For Mom This Mother’s Day The new Datrek D-Light cart bag features

a number of design elements combined with a sophisticated look that provides mom a golf bag that is functional and stylish on the course. The D-Light cart bag is extremely light,

weighing in at only 4.5 pounds. The cart bag has a 9.5 inch mesh padded, 14-way top with full-length individual dividers to keep the clubs separate and easily accessible.

A New Golf Bag Adds To Mom’s Style On The Fairways

Burton golf bags combine the latest fashion trends with a distinct functional design to make it one of the top golf bag choices for women. Three new women’s cart bags are available for mom to choose from this year based on her individual style and needs.

The Milano cart bag gives mom a fun, nostalgic look in a golf bag. This 9-inch top has a six-way fully padded Nubuck top with full length dividers and six functional pockets, including a valuables and an oversized ball pocket. Weighing only 6.9 pounds, this lightweight bag has matching headcovers that complement to its four floral print designs - pink print/dark brown, green print/dark brown, blue print/dark brown, charcoal print/black. The suggested retail is $209.95.www.burtongolf.com

The top also features an integrated velour lined putter well. The bag is made of 420D durable nylon material and has plenty of storage with six pockets including an insulated cooler pocket and a deluxe fleece lined valuables pocket to keep jewelry safe and secure. The D-Light features two lift assist handles

at the top for easy lifting in and out of the trunk. Also for the golfer’s convenience, there are external tee holders, a towel ring, Velcro® glove holder, rainhood and umbrella holder. The D-Light cart bag is available in a plaid

or paisley style and five color patterns-purple plaid/purple/ charcoal, pink plaid/black/black, red plaid/silver/white, light pink paisley/silver/white and light blue/si lver/si lver. The D-Light cart bag has a suggested retail of $159.95www.datrekgolf.com


Steps to a longer drive

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By Sean TrimbleTee Times contributorEveryone wants to hit the ball further. This is true not only for amateurs but for professionals as well. We

all want our buddies to marvel at a towering tee shot…as it flies past their ball. This month we are going to cover some of the basics that will help you improve your driving and knock it past your friends.

To hit the ball the furthest distance, we must setup properly to achieve the maximum amount of club-head speed. First, we have to tee it high to let it fly. A high tee allows us to swing up on the ball correctly minimizing spin and optimizing launch angle. Second, ball position must be just inside the left foot this will promote an upward attack on the ball. Third, we must set up with the upper body slightly behind the ball at address, again promoting an upward attack. Are you sensing a theme here??? Most golfers tend to

put the ball back too far with their weight too far forward and the ball too low. This causes them to either hit down on the ball – increasing spin, or flip their hands at im-pact to try to get it up in the air.

As we begin the swing, a good thought to have is “get back, stay back”. Make sure you complete a full shoulder turn and allow the head to move slightly away from the target to load up into your back leg while keeping the weight on the inside of the back foot. This will restrict your hips from turning. This will create X-Factor, which is the difference be-tween the shoulder turn and the hip turn. X-Factor is a good measure of your potential for power.

Finally, the best way to hit the ball further is to always be in control of your swing so you can make good, solid contact with the middle of the face. You can talk to your PGA Professional to help you build a roadmap to develop an efficient, powerful swing that will last you a lifetime.

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Sean Trimble

May 2012 May 2012May 2012 May 2012

You have to love a guy named Bubba. Especial-ly Bubba Watson, who is now among the elite who wear the green jacket associated with winning the prestigious Masters.

Here is a guy who you can associate as one of us, and that is why the golf fans love him. He is a common, happy-go-lucky person who likes to take chances. Such a risk cost him the PGA Championship in 2010 when he put a ball in the water hazard on the second hole of a playoff. Such a risk won him the 2012 Masters when he made an impossible shot from deep in the woods, also on the second hole of a playoff, to save par.

The best thing: Watson has never tak-en a golf lesson, yet he is on the PGA Tour living a dream with success. All that hype about a Tiger Woods-Rory McIlroy battle for the green jacket fiz-zled and Bubba grabbed the spotlight.

It was an emotional victory as Bubba began shedding tears as he hugged his mother. Hey, it is okay for a grown man to show emotion – and cry, even if your name is Bubba. I have to pull out Kleen-ex just watching sports movies like Hoosiers, Rudy, The Natural,

Million Dollar Baby and The Rookie. Just call me a “softie.”

I’m not sure if the folks at Augusta were pulling for Bubba. They take things pret-ty seriously and Watson laughs at his

own goofiness. He is a member of the “Golf Boys,” a boy band consisting of him, Ben Crane, Rickie Fowler and Hunter Mahan. Their hit song, “Oh Oh Oh” is currently on YouTube. In another video, Bubba hits a golf ball over his house into the hot tub. Pretty easy shot compared to what he had to hit to win the Masters.

Another reason we like Bubba is that he hits the ball farther than anyone. His longest drive on tour is 416 yards at the 2010 Sony Open. He hit a drive 422 yards on the Nationwide Tour and is capable of generating ball speed of up to 194 mph.

The lefty has this theory: “If I got a swing, I got a shot.”

Can you imagine someone who never took a golf lesson doing what he does? I took lessons once from a former tour

pro and my game got worse. My brain was too full of information. I nev-er took another lesson, deciding instead to stick with my ugly swing.

Going into the Masters, Watson had a lot on his mind. His father died of throat cancer six months earlier and he and his wife, Angie adopted a one-month old baby boy the week before the tournament.Now having a major

championship on his resume, you can bet there will be plenty more Bubba (his actual name is Gerry Lester Wat-son Jr.) fans. Look also for a run on his “Bubba Golf” clothing line. It couldn’t happen to a better person.

By David WidenerMember Golf Writers

Association of America

Opinion17TEE TIMES www.teetimespaper.comTEE TIMES www.teetimespaper.com

Golf gets shot in arm from a Bubba

Kids 17 and under play free with a paying adult any day after 5pm. Limit 2 kids

per adult. Please call the golf shop at 615-847-4001

for availability.

“Kids play free” program

starting May 1

Golf Weekdays Rates:Golf Weekdays Rates: 1818--Holes Holes -- $36.00$36.00 2727--Holes Holes -- $44.00$44.00

Unlimited Play $51.00Unlimited Play $51.00

Golf Weekends RatesGolf Weekends Rates 1818--Holes Holes -- $42.00$42.00 2727--Holes Holes -- $50.00$50.00

Unlimited Play $57.00Unlimited Play $57.00 MonMon--Thurs Thurs

Ladies & Senior’s (55 & up) $30.00Ladies & Senior’s (55 & up) $30.00

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MOBILE, Ala. – Six decades after it opened, Azalea City Golf Course is still going strong.

Head professional Lawrence Auer can offer up a variety of reasons why.

Perhaps it’s because of its classic, old-school design. Architect Robert Bruce Harris counted among his close friends a chap by the name of Donald Ross, so that says something about his pedigree right there.

Maybe Azalea City remains popular because its owner, the City of Mobile, knows what it’s doing. Unlike many municipally owned golf courses, Azalea City Golf Course is its own department within the city. Revenue generated at the course goes back into the course. And with an average of 55,000 rounds being played per year, there definitely is a steady revenue flow.

Maybe the appeal of the course is that it’s a straight-forward, fun layout. What a player sees is what he gets – it’s not tricked up.

Or, maybe it’s Auer’s decidedly Australian accent behind the golf shop

counter that keeps golfers coming back. Auer arrived in Mobile to play college golf – they were the first school to say yes to me, the Azalea City pro said – and when the opportunity arose for him to return, he jumped at it. That was in 2004 after Auer spent 11 years at Spring Hill Golf Course.

Auer marvels at how Azalea City has stood the test of time.

“Someone in the mid-1950s picked out a good piece of property and hired a good architect,” he said. “It definitely was forward thinking in those days for a city to build a golf course.”

There is plenty of history associated with Azalea City. Arnold Palmer once won a tournament, cashing a paycheck of approximately $3,000. It is the site for the Mobile Metro city championship and the Mobile metro junior championship.

It also hosts former baseball star Tommy Agee’s charity event each year.

Other tournaments played at Azalea City include the PGA Dixie Section junior championship qualifier, South Alabama’s women’s college tournament and one of the largest high school tournaments in the state.

It’s no wonder Auer said the bulk of his job is two-fold.

“My main job is directing traffic and coordinating events,” he said, laughing. “I spend my days making sure that flow keeps going. It’s a juggling act. We have an objective pace of play policy and we do everything we can to enforce it without taking the fun out of it for the players.”

Azalea City was one of the first courses in south Alabama to install Champions bermuda grass on its greens. Fairways are 419 bermuda.

And, of course, its value is appealing priced midway between the upscale Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Magnolia Grove facility and the less expensive Spring Hill Golf Course.

Also, Auer points out that

Mobile isn’t overflowing with golf courses.

“We are one of the few metro areas that didn’t over-build,” he said.

With its location, the amount of off-course activities available in Mobile and its affordability and history, Azalea City Golf Course is a must-stop site for any trip to Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

Located just minutes away from Brentwood and Franklin!

3901 Kedron Road • Spring Hill, TN 37174 • www.KingsCreekGolf.com

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Azalea City: A classic design in Mobile

Lawrence Auer, PGA Professional and head pro stands alongside his assistant pro Shea Bowers. The entire staff are very busy year round, especially with the mild winters that are often experience in the Mobile Area. Rounds can number

between 55,000 and 67,000 and many have claimed this city course to be the “busiest golf course in the state of Alabama.”

Hole # 7 with its luscious fairway and Alabama Pines flanking your shot.

No. 10 at Azalea City Golf Course in Mobile, Alabama, is the most scenic

hole on the course.

This is the # 9 hole and note the player who loves to walk

this lush, green course.


Check out the Demo Day pictures in the Tee Times June issue.

We’d like to thank Todd and his staff at Forrest Crossing Golf Course and all our guests who enjoyed our 8TH Annual Demo Day held on a beautiful Friday afternoon. All golf manufactures were present and a bunch of wonderful folks came out to participate in the all day, free event held on the range at Forrest Crossing Golf Course in Franklin, TN. This event has become a staple for Golf Headquarters and it never gets old when we hear our customer approach us in March and early April asking about our Demo Day - it just reinforces the need to hold our event every year...so we will.

- Curt Fazilat

Champions Run Golf Course14262 Mt Pleasant Rd.

Rockvale, TN 37020www.championsrun.biz

615-274-2301

First Tee of Nashville brothers, Carey Ray, Bernard Ray Jr. Doug Harris, Bernard Ray Sr. and Curt Fazilat at Golf Headquarters’ Demo Day

Memorial Day 2 Day Event

2 Man Select Drive Best Ball

May 26th & 27thSnack/Finger Food Sunday • 4 Drink tickets provided

$1.50 Beers and BeveragesPay out 6 Flights based on a full field

Cost: $160.00 per player CA$H PRIZE$

To Register for this event, call the pro shop at 615-274-2301 or email to [email protected] or [email protected]


Would he or would he not go to Memphis in 2011?

“I quit worrying about my game and decided I needed to go to Memphis instead of trying to put all of my hopes into making

the money at the Open,” the Dallas native said. “The biggest gift was a renewed belief in myself and in the path I was taking.”

The victory in Memphis not only secured Frazar’s future for the remainder of the 2011 season (with a

By Larry ReaTee Times contributorHarrison Frazar wasn’t sure if he’d play

in the 2011 FedEx St. Jude Classic.He’d played 354 events without a victory

and was on the verge of losing his tour playing privileges, needing more than $500,000 at the ’11 FESJC and the following week at the U.S. Open to keep his card for the second half of the season.

And then, Frazar beats Robert Karlson in a playoff for the 2011 FedEx St. Jude Classic crown.

“It all seemed to come together,” Frazar said as he recalled his triumphant trip to TPC-Southwind in 2012 during the tournament’s Champions Day Luncheon at the Hilton Memphis on April 9.

Everything is good to go for Frazar in 2012, who’ll defend his FedEx St. Jude Classic title June 7-10 (www.stjudeclassic.com) against field tourney officials say could be the best ever.

Frazar said he was “mentally down in the dumps” and didn’t feel great about his golf game or where he was going as a professional before last year’s FESJC. He had several away-from-golf job offers and said he was at a crossroads in his career.

$1 million top prize), but it also earned him his first-ever trip to the Masters in 2012 where even though he didn’t make the cut he called the experience “unbelievable.”

Now, he can’t wait to get back to Memphis . . . heat, humidity and all.

And tournament officials are glad he’s back, too.

So said Jack Sammons, FedEx St. Jude Classic General Chairman who mentioned several tournament milestones in 2012, including:

FedEx sponsorship through 2014 (Memphis-based FedEx will also sponsor the FedEx Cup through 2017); late

entertainer and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital founder Danny Thomas, who originated the tournament’s connection with the hospital and who would have been 100 in 2012; the hospital’s 50th anniversary and the 55th anniversary of the tournament, which began as the Memphis Open at old Colonial Country Club in East Memphis.

Sammons also said several new additions are planned for the tourney’s 55th anniversary in 2012, including a Celebration Concert similar to the old Shower of Stars held for many years in the tourney’s early years and hosted by Thomas. The tourney’s June 6 Pro-Am will

St. Jude win was turning point for Frazar

Best 9-Hole Course in Franklin, Tennessee

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A Golfer’s

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include up to 20 celebrities, including stars from the entertainment and sports world.

The celebrity list includes head football coaches Justin Fuente (Memphis) and Hugh Freeze (Ole Miss), actors Alan Thicke, who played Jason Seaver on Growing Pains; Brian Baumgarten, who plays Kevin on the ABC hit, The Office; Dave Annable and Rob Morrow; NBA legends Penny Hardaway and Rick Barry, along with sportscasters Greg Anthony, Tim Brando and Joe Theismann, Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould and country music artist Clay Walker.

Early player commitments include two-time U.S. Open winner Retief Goosen, local favorite John Daly, Tennesseans Brandt Snedeker and Scott Stallings, plus Johnson Wagner, Fredrik Jacobsen and Karlsson, FESJC runner-up for the past two years.

St. Jude’s Richard C. Shadyac Jr. praised the tournament for its contributions, noting the first check the hospital received from the tourney in 1962 was for $600 and the fact that survival rates for the hospital’s patients has improved from 4 percent in 1962 to 94 percent in 2012.

Hospital’s patient, 11-year old Caleb Waddell, and his father, Ray, were featured in the program with Caleb answering questions related to his 10 years as a St. Jude patient during which his hospital bills have topped more than $2 million, all paid for through St. Jude’s fund-raising efforts with events such as the FESJC.

Harrison Frazer (right), 2011 FedEx St. Jude Classic champion, visits with chief executive officer for

ALSAC, the fund-raising arm of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Richard C. Shadyac Jr., (left)

and FESJC general chairman Jack Sammons, at the tournament’s Champions Day Luncheon.

Defending champ Harrison Frazar

May 2012 May 2012May 2012 May 2012


Golf has always been Mark Powell’s passion, and he’s been an accomplished player for a long time.

But he didn’t start out in the golf business once he finished college. Instead, he spent time selling cars and insurance before the lure of the links became too much to overcome.

Now, he’s the Director of Golf at the prestigious Dancing Rabbit Golf Club at the Pearl River Resort in Choctaw, Miss.

“I was a pretty good player when I got out of college, but I couldn’t beat Fred Couples or Payne Stewart,” Powell said. “People forget that golf wasn’t always played for millions of dollars. When I got out of college, I think Curtis Strange won the money title with about $1 million. In those days, it was almost as glamorous being a PGA professional at a club.”

An offer to join a car dealership was too good to pass up, so Powell went that route. He moved over to insurance next before landing a job as the head professional/do-everything guy at a small

9-hole course in Hodge, La.His time at the 9-holer in Hodge

enabled Powell to learn every facet of the business.

“If I wasn’t in the shop, we didn’t sell anything,” he said.

From Hodge, Powell moved on to Belwood Golf and Country Club in Natchez, Miss., where he earned his Class A PGA of America card. In Natchez, Powell helped turn a struggling club into a 36-hole facility. He also was involved in the construction of the facility’s second course.

That led to his break at Dancing Rabbit, a much-acclaimed facility built in conjunction with the Pearl River Resort and Casino.

“Chief Phillip Martin liked what I did in Natchez promoting golf, the courses and the antebellum homes and the casino there,” Powell recalled. “He wanted me to take Dancing Rabbit to the next level.”

Regardless of the size facility, Powell said it still comes down to providing the best customer

service possible.“It’s still being a golf pro,” he said. “For

me, it’s what kind of difference can make to help bring people from all over the country to Dancing Rabbit and Pearl River Resort. It’s just a bigger scale. At the nine-hole course I had five people I supervised. Here, I have 105. But it’s still about guest service. I think that’s overlooked a lot.”

Powell, who is married and has two grown daughters, said the convenience of the resort sets Pearl River apart.

“We have two great golf courses (The Oaks, Azaleas) and two casinos with more than 1,000 rooms,” he said. “At some places if you are on a golf trip and get some bad weather, there’s nothing

else to do. Here, we have the casinos, we’ve got a spa, we’ve got shopping and we’ve got 11 restaurants. There are so many options.”

With all of his responsibility, Powell still hasn’t lost his desire to play. He tees it up about three times a week, although not always at Dancing Rabbit.“I play in some (local) PGA events and

at the club with my old cronies that try

21TEE TIMES www.teetimespaper.comTEE TIMES www.teetimespaper.com

Dancing Rabbit, Mark Powell

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(931) 648-0479 581 Dunbar Cave Road

Clarksville, Tennessee 37043Take I-24w. for a short scenic drive to exit #4,

just minutes north of Nashville.

to take my money,” he said.Twenty-seven years after starting at

the course in Hodge, Powell still loves what he’s doing.

“I enjoy making the game better and more enjoyable for all golfers,” he said. “I feel have made a difference with my work to promote golf in the area. I enjoy teaching, rules, junior golf, merchandising, club management, maintenance and marketing.

“I still find it fascinating to walk through the parking lot and see all the license plates from all over the country that come here to visit the resort and play golf.”

For information about the Dancing Rabbit golf courses or the Pearl River Resort and Casino, go to pearlriverresort.com.

The Azaleas Course, #13

The Oaks Course, #18

Mark Powell, Director of Golf

The Clubhouse


Tee Times report

Bobby Greenwood played on the PGA Tour for seven years and also has a career highlight victory over Jack Nicklaus in sudden death at the Colonial Invitational in late 1961.

But each spring, it’s a trip to Florida that stokes some of the 73-year-old Greenwood’s fondest memories. Greenwood and his family return to Ponte Vedra Beach to attend the Players Championship. The reason it is near and dear to Greenwood’s heart? He was the director of golf at Sawgrass Country Club and served as host professional for the event in 1977-78.

The tournament, which began in 1974, eventually moved to its current TPC Sawgrass site but Greenwood always enjoys returning to watch the tournament.

“My wife Elma got me started revisiting the different places that I played while on Tour back in the ‘70s. And, we especially enjoy going back to Sawgrass Country Club and rekindle ol’ memories. It’s

almost like a healing process,” Greenwood said. “We enjoy our travels even more now that we have a purpose.”

This year’s visit to Florida will add to Greenwood’s list of memory highlights. Viola, his 13-year-old daughter, was selected as a runner/volunteer for the practice range at the Players.

“Viola has shown an interest in golf and this should be an excellent learning experience to be on the range next to the best players in the world and listening to them talk while they practice,” he said.

Greenwood, a native of Cookeville, now designs golf courses but he reflects back on an excellent career in golf. He was a three-time All-America selection at North Texas and tied for third with Johnny Miller in the 1969 PGA Tour qualifying school.

Bobby Greenwood’s sentimental journey to the Players

His lone tour victory came at the Rhode Island Open, a satellite PGA Tour event, and he’s a three-time Tennessee Senior Open champion. He’s credited with more than 150 wins in his amateur and professional career. When the world’s best players tee it up at Sawgrass, Greenwood will get his perspective from outside the ropes. But he’ll certainly fondly be reliving his time inside the ropes and when he was the director of golf at Sawgrass Country Club in the fledgling days of the Players Championship.

(615) 274-2301www.championsrun.biz

Directions: 1-24E, exit 80 (Hwy 99W, New Salem Rd.) Go 12 miles and turn left onto Mt. Pleasant Rd. Course will be one mile on the left.

World Class Golf Training! The Middle Tennessee Golf Performance Center

is just 30 minutes away !

The Middle Tennessee Golf Performance Center

Guinness World Record Set at Dead Horse Lake G.C.

“We at Dead Horse Lake were very excited to be part of

such a extraordinary feat! All the team members worked long hours to be prepared for 24 hours of constant hitting and performed great! Carl had a great vision for completing this task and are glad he included us!”

-Alex R. Hunt, PGARead the article in the June issue of Tee Times and get the

facts on how this remarkable feat was accomplished!

Viola and dad, Bobby

May 2012 May 2012May 2012 May 2012

Boxing, golf entwine to remember Ace MillerBy Chuck Cavalaris Tee Times contributor

Ace Miller always tried to place three aspects of life on his top shelf.Family and faith went together like

a pair of boxing gloves.And so was his favorite sport. The

legendary trainer from Knoxville worked with upwards of 15,000 youngsters during four decades as a local, state and national leader of Golden Gloves boxing. Miller’s livelihood became his

vehicle to take someone from the mean streets or a troubled past to a much safer place. Because he had so much practice, it’s no wonder he perfected his craft so brilliantly. He was born to teach people how to box and that’s how he changed lives.Golf was never too far

behind.The man who turned

charity golf into a fundraising fixture in Knoxville in the 1970s had a passion for everything he tried. The abundance of love and joy he helped spread will be the focal point of a bittersweet afternoon on May 20. The Ace Miller Memorial

is scheduled at Whittle Springs Golf Course. The m a n affectionately known as ‘Colonel’ (from an honorary proclamation in Kentucky) to ‘Daddy Ace’ to a legion of loyal followers and ‘Pop Pop’ to his family suffered a massive heart attack on March 8. Miller spent his final morning trying to make sure a new venue was ready to host a popular three-day University of Tennessee fraternity boxing tournament.Within minutes after getting in his

car for the drive home, Miller pulled over to the side of the highway – most likely thinking of others more than himself. Then he was gone. As someone

said, it was one of the saddest days in Knoxville history.Ace seemed to have a premonition

a couple of days earlier. He told his daughter Tracy and son-in-law Greg: “This fundraiser is too important to our program and the show must go on” if something bad were to happen. Shock waves began to spread early in the afternoon and that night was incredibly emotional as a capacity crowd filled the Expo Center.Ace’s trademark leather Golden

Gloves jacket was in place, but his chair was empty.The show did go on … for three

consecutive nights. “It was my dad’s final wish, so that’s

exactly what we did,” said Tracy, who has taken over the program her father

guided to national prominence.Now it’s time for a memorial golf

tournament to take center stage. Now it’s time to honor Ace.The 71-year-old Miller learned early

in life that lessons inside the ring were interchangeable with lessons in life. “What happens when someone

punches you in the nose and it hurts so bad your eyes start to water?” Miller liked to ask. “What happens if you get knocked down? Do you get up? Are you willing to work and train – and sacrifice – to get better?”There’s no doubt that Ace Miller

went far in life. As much as anything, he had a keen eye. Not just for boxing strategy or talent, mind you. For life.He could look at someone and sense

the demons within -- or the potential that everyone else missed. On the same day, he could offer

advice to a professional world champion, Olympic hopeful or novice. “See that kid?” Miller said one

night in a gym that would ultimately be named in his honor. “I used to be that snotty nosed kid with a great big chip on my shoulder.”Raised by his grandparents in

rough section of town, Miller grew up around poker games and pool hustlers. He had a better chance of ending up in prison than a hall of

fame.Whether it was fate or

good fortune, he crossed paths with Gene DeMont, the founder of amateur boxing in Knoxville, and later Pee Wee Cash. Although he was hardly a world beater in the ring, Miller became a great boxing coach. Better yet, he changed countless lives. He often did so with something as simple as handing a stranger a broom -- or giving them something to eat and a place to sleep.

There’s no doubt the world is a better place because Ace Miller

called Knoxville home.His family and friends know that.

Yes, Ace has found a better place. He just leaves behind a great big void.It can only be filled one day – and

one snotty nosed kid – at a time.For more information about the Ace

Miller Memorial, call 865-740-1196 or email [email protected].

TEE TIMESwww.teetimespaper.comTEE TIMES www.teetimespaper.com 23

Rules of Golf Q and A

ANSWER: B The definition of a “loose impediment” contains the provision that the impediment must not be adhering to the ball.

Since the ball is lying through the green, the player may not remove the grass that is adhering to the ball or he would be subject to penalty.

A:Answer from page 8

Ace Miller

Guinness World Record Set at Dead Horse Lake G.C.

May 2012 May 201224 TEE TIMES www.teetimespaper.com

May 2012

Documents

Transcript of May 2012