TOPICS NEWSLETTER VOLUME 23 NO. 1 - JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2013

SFPGA INTRODUCES

TEAM GOLF

Team Golf is a new junior golf initiative of the South Florida PGA for 2013. Teams will compete in section run events, in six local regions, between late April and midSeptember. Professionals are encouraged to create teams and participate. This is a great opportunity to grow existing junior programs, start a junior program, and grow your overall revenue! Team Golf is open to all junior golfers ages 7-14 and is designed specifically for beginner level players who do not possess extensive tournament experience. Team Golf is designed to be a “stepping stone” into Individual Stroke Play tournaments for those players who are unable to consistently score 45 or under for 9 holes. Teams will be comprised of six players, further broken up into three 2-person teams based on age divisions (7-10, 11-12, 13-14). Teams can be coed, however it is not mandatory.

All Team Golf participants will compete from age and gender specific tees which will be set at modified yardages and advertised to all players via the local rules sheet they are given before play begins. There are three sets of tees which range from 1,400 yards to 2,300 yards depending on the age and gender of the player. Team Golf serves as a fun, social, less stressful approach to tournament golf, and provides junior golfers with knowledge and skills that set the stage for a lifetime of golf enjoyment. For more information about Team Golf, please contact Meredith Schechter at 561-729-0544 or [email protected]. Team Golf information can be found here.

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NEW APPRENTICES

The South Florida PGA would like to welcome the following new apprentices to the Section: Rocco Ktenas B-8 The Plantation G&CC Sean Sweitzer B-8 Colonial CC Jarret Zwilling B-8 Ibis G&CC Elizabeth Alger B-8 McArthur GC Kevin Dorsch B-8 Miami Beach GC Christopher Didio B-8 Quail Ridge CC Kent Paulson B-8 Parkland G&CC Christopher Fletcher B-8 Lake Worth GC Andrew Broderick B-8 Johnson & Wales Univ. Kristine Connell B-8 Vasari CC Kyle Costanzo B-8 Olde Florida GC Joshua Brunet B-4 Eagle Lakes GC

CONTACT US SOUTH FLORIDA SECTION 186 Atlantis Boulevard Atlantis, FL / 33462

PHONE / FAX Congratulations to PGA member Don Pauley was elected to the Half Century Club of the PGA 561-729-0544 / 561-729-0914 of America, an elite group of members who have served the PGA with honor and pride for 50 EMAIL years. [email protected]

HALF CENTURY CLUB

QUARTER CENTURY CLUB

Congratulations to PGA member and SFPGA President, Brian Peaper, as well as PGA mem- WEBSITE bers Frank Dobbs, John Nelson, Bob Raynes, Rick Weber, Terry Lanman, Eileen Kraemer, www.sfpgagolf.com and Mike Moore who were all elected to the Quarter Century Club of the PGA of America, an elite group of members who have served the PGA with honor and pride for 25 years. PRESIDENT Brian Peaper, PGA

IN REMEMBERANCE

We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of SFPGA Life Member Robert VICE PRESIDENT “Bob” Woodfin, who passed away at the age of 75 on September 4, 2012. We also offer our Warren Bottke, PGA most heartfelt condolences to family and friends of Clarke E. George, SGPGA Retired Life Member, who passed away at the age of 79 on September 30, 2012. George is survived by SECRETARY his wife June McHaney George. Mark VanDyck, PGA

PROS ON THE GO

PROFESSIONAL TO FROM Matt Oakley, PGA A-4 – Spanish Wells Golf & CC A-1 – The Dunes Brian Hart, PGA A-1 – Gateway Golf & CC B-8 – Gateway G & CC Robert Coman, PGA unattached A-4 – Turnberry Isle Paul M. Carter, PGA unattached A-1 – The Yacht & CC John T. Wade, PGA A-1 – Georgia Section A-1 – Gateway G & CC Scott DeLong, PGA A-1- Palm Aire Midwest Section Chris Shaul B-1 – Dunes Country Club B-8 – Dunes Country Club Jared Tramontana,PGA unattached A-1 Spanish Wells CC Bryan Stone, PGA Tennessee Section A-13–TPC Eagle Trace Bill Delayo, Jr, PGA North Florida Section A-13- Wildcat Run G & CC, Estero Brian Allabastro,PGA A-9 – Martin Downs CC Inactive Bryan Berryman,PGA A-14-Coral Isle Golf Ctr-Naples A-1-The Rookery@Marco Dean Marolf, PGA unattached A-1 - Atlantic National GC Michael Sizemore,PGA A-13-Southern Texas Section A-4 – PGA Golf Club Timothy Knowles, PGA A-1-Crown Colony CC, Ft. Myers A-8- Crown Colony CC Thomas Gibson III,PGA A-13 – Palmetto Golf Crs A-1-Sandpiper GC Thomas Chipman, PGA A-1 – Crandon Golf Utah Section Michelle Hupfer, PGA A-11 – PGA of America Illinois Section Jay Himelberger,PGA A-4 – Fountains CC, Lake Worth A-1 – Fountains CC, Lake Worth Joseph Roux, PGA A-13 – Fountains CC, Lake Worth A-4- Fountains CC, Lake Worth Scott Lien, PGA A-1 – The Rookery @ Marco GC Georgia Section Joe Pace, PGA Life Member A-4 – Carolina Country Club John Chambers,PGA unattached A-1 – Palmetto Pine CC Patrick Cattanach ,PGA A-9 Vison Golf A-9 – Pope Golf, Sarasota Lee Puddefoot, PGA A-1 – Estero CC at The Vines A-8 – Estero CC at The Vines Jeremy Smith, PGA unattached A-1- Estero CC at The Vines Andew Plesz, PGA A-1 – The Forest CC A-8 – The Forest CC William Harley,PGA A-4 – The Forest CC A-1 – The Forest CC Brett Kist, PGA A-4 – The Sanctuary GC, Sanibel Carolinas Section

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Steve Cox, PGA SOUTHERN CHAPTER PRESIDENT Dick McNeill, PGA SOUTHEAST CHAPTER PRESIDENT Neil Lockie, PGA SOUTHWEST CHAPTER PRESIDENT Ben Bryant Jr., PGA ISLAND CHAPTER PRESIDENT Aaron West, PGA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Geoff Lofstead ADVISORY BOARD Paul Anderson Rick Bayliss Steve Sponder Ken Kennerly Matt Lambert Peter Lund

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PAUL SCALETTA, TO PLAY IN HONDA CLASSIC AT PGA NATIONAL RESORT AND SPA

Assistant at The Bear’s Club, Paul Scaletta will compete in the 2013 Honda Classic this year on February 28-March 3 in Palm Beach Gardens at PGA National Resort and Spa. Paul earned his exemption into this event by recieving the 2012 Player of the Year honors last season. The South Florida PGA wishes Paul luck as he prepares to compete against a strong field of professionals from around the world in the upcoming PGA Tour event.

CHAD KURMEL, TO PLAY IN PUERTO RICO OPEN AT TRUMP INTERNATIONAL

Head PGA Professional at Boca Grove Golf and Tennis Club, Chad Kurmel, will be playing in the Puerto Rico Open persented by seepuertorico.com, on May 4-10 at Trump International Golf Club in Rio Grande. Chad qualified for his position in this event by winning the 2012 South Florida PGA Professional Championship/Section Championship in August. The SFPGA wishes Chad the best of luck as he heads to Puerto Rico to compete with a strong field of professionals from around the world.

SUPPORT THE SFPGA FOUNDATION BY PARTICIPATING IN THIS YEAR’S PGA GOLF DAY As a PGA Professional in the South Florida Section, you have the opportunity to participate in the 2013 PGA Golf Day Fundraising efforts to support the South Florida PGA as well as any charity of your choice. Your mission will be to play 100 holes of continuous golf in one day. For each hole you play, you may ask family, friends and other sponsors to donate $1 or more, which will go directly back to the SFPGA Foundation, and the charity of your choosing. Support the South florida PGA Foundation and our involvement in the community by registering online today at pgagolfday.com with the South Florida Section and encouraging family and friends to pledge on your behalf. Not only are you raising money for a charity of your choice, but you are supporting the numerous charitable causes supported by the South Florida PGA such as the Habitat for Humanity and Smiling Fore Life programs. Find more information online at PGAgolfday.com.

SMILING FORE LIFE PROGRAM KICKS OFF AT THE QUANTUM HOUSE WITH A SPECIAL APPEARANCE FROM DENNIS WALTERS

On Thursday, December 13th honorary PGA member and famous trick shot artist Dennis Walters spent his afternoon entertaining families and young patients residing at Quantum House in West Palm Beach. Dennis shared his inspirational message of hope, while his dog Mr. Bucky performed tricks for the children. This special visit by Dennis Walters served as the kick off for the South Florida PGA Smiling Fore Life program at Quantum House located behind St. Mary’s Hospital in West Palm Beach. Every Thursday from 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM, PGA Professional Dave Pesacov will visit Quantum House providing the young patients and their families with an opportunity to learn the game of golf and take their minds off the health battles they are facing. The South Florida PGA Foundation Smiling Fore Life Program has touched the lives of over 300 young children throughout South Florida, and with the addition of Quantum House we look forward to that number growing. “Quantum House is a special place, and we are thrilled to have an opportunity to work with them and give back to the South Florida community,” states South Florida PGA Executive Director Geoff Lofstead.

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DON LAW HONORED AT 2012 PGA OF AMERICA ANNUAL AWARDS ON JANUARY 24TH IN ORLANDO

Don Law, PGA of Don Law Golf Academies has received the highest honor for a PGA Professional focused on the development of junior golf. Don was honored at the 2012 PGA Awards Night at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL on January 24, 2013, joining an elite group of PGA Professionals who have been recognized for their extraordinary efforts in growing junior golf in their respective sections, and throughout the nation. Don’s dedication to growing the game through junior golf development has inspired and encouraged not only many of the young in South Florida, but also many PGA Professionals who work with Don daily to ensure that juniors in our section receive the greatest opportunity possible to discover and develop a love for this lifelong sport. Many juniors that Don has coached and mentored throughout his career have gone on to achieve college scholarships with their talents where they can further pursue their education and potentially a lifelong career in the golf industry. Don’s leadership and dedication to the sport and junior golf as a whole was highlighted in a short video that featured PGA Professionals and friends speaking about his unwavering dedication to making sure each junior he coaches has fun playing the game of golf. Following the video, Don delivered an inspiring speech and was able to address the many juniors that traveled to Orlando to support Don on this night of honors. The South Florida PGA would again like to congratulate Don Law, PGA on being named the PGA of America’s 2012 Junior Golf Leader.

BOB TOSKI INDUCTED INTO THE PGA GOLF PROFESSIONAL HALL OF FAME

Celebrated instructor Bob Toski of Boca Raton, whose more than six decades of service to the game has inspired players of all abilities, is one of eight inductees to be enshrined in the PGA Golf Professional Hall of Fame. Toski, 86, will be honored Tuesday, March 12, at the PGA Education Center at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, where his name will be inscribed in granite on the back portico of the adjoining PGA Museum of Golf. In addition to Toski, the following PGA Professionals will be inducted into the 2013 PGA Golf Professional Hall of Fame: the late Jimmie DeVoe, Michael Hebron; Don “Chip” Essig; Jim Mrva; the late Bill Ogden; the late Dr. William “Bill” Powell; and PGA Honorary President Allen Wronowski. One of the most popular and unforgettable golf instructors of any era, Bob Toski has always been a competitor, whether on the course or challenging students on the practice tee. At age 86 and celebrating 65 years as a PGA Professional, Toski continues to be a remarkable ball striker. He has lost little of his skills from his youth, recently posting a 73 on a 6,400-yard, par-72 course. Inducted in 1990 into the World Golf Teachers Hall of Fame, Toski is the only one among that elite roster of instructors to capture a PGA Tour money title (1954). Though checking in at 118 pounds in his youth, Toski was considered one of the longest pound-for-pound drivers. He competed in 21 major championships, and won 11 overall events on the PGA and Champions Tours. In 2007, Toski was inducted into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame, joining such outstanding professionals as Jack Nicklaus, Bobby Goodman, and Ed Ficker. Leaving the Tour at age 30 to be closer to his young family, Toski utilized his animated style and showmanship to become a premier instructor. His students include Tom Kite, Bruce Crampton, Judy Rankin, Bruce Fleisher and Ken Duke. He was a pioneer in video golf instruction, starting the Golf Digest Schools in 1971 with late PGA teaching legend Jim Flick. He has authored multiple books and served as a regular contributor to national industry publications. His love of teaching is admittedly addictive. “If I don’t give a lesson today, I feel like I’ve missed something,” said Toski. Born Robert Algutoski, the eighth of nine children in Haydenville, Mass., Toski was one of four brothers who became a golf professional. His parents, Walenty and Mary Algutoski, were immigrants from Warsaw, Poland. Toski graduated from Williamsburg (Mass.) High School before being inducted into the Armed Forces. Toski was elected to PGA membership in November 1947. When he won the 1954 World Championship of Golf at Tam O’Shanter Country Club in Chicago, Toski pocketed $50,000, the largest first-place prize in golf at that time.

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BEST PRACTICES

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PGA NATIONAL USES KWIK GOLF TO ENCOURAGE GROWTH OF THE GAME IN SCHOOLS PGA National has partnered with Kwik Golf and the PGA Sports Academy to develop an in school golf program than works!

Following the business model of Get Golf Ready, and combining the materials from the PGA Sports Academy and Kwik Golf Equipment, we have a simple effective revenue generating After Care School Program that allows us to take golf to the schools, expose new kids to the game, and generate revenue from the first day. Kwik Golf makes golf portable and fun, and the PGA Sports Academy Materials add the educational aspect that schools love. It’s simple, it’s fun, and it’s growing the game in Palm Beach County. After school care programs that introduce young kids to the game of golf give kids the tools to develop skills in a game that will last them a lifetime, as well as develop social and life skills that will better them in the classroom and in the community. Not only is it a way for PGA Professionals to earn extra revenue, it is a way to establish relationships with familys in your community. To learn more about the success PGA National has had bringing golf into the schools in the South Florida Section, please contact Jane Broderick, PGA, Director of Golf at PGA National Resort and Spa.

FOXFIRE COMMUNITY MAKES GENEROUS DONATION TO SUPPORT SFPGA FOUNDATION EFFORTS Foxfire has always been a very thoughtful and generous Community which was once again reflected with a $3,000 donation to the South Florida PGA to support the SFPGA Junior Golf Programs and other charitable causes supported by the Foundation.

Since 1996, Foxfire has held an annual Charity Golf Tournament that was originally developed to benefit: The Shelter for Abused Women, The David Lawrence Center, Youth Haven and number of other charities in Collier County. In 2003, Donald Shea, recently appointed General Manager of Firefox Country Club, asked the Board of Directors to consider making Collier County Junior Golf one of the recipients of our charitable donations. Shortly thereafter, a check for $5,000 was donated to Collier County Junior Golf. Since that time, Collier County Junior Golf has been dissolved by other junior golf programs in the area, but Foxfire has continued to donate monies to a variety of Junior Programs in the area and other PGA initiatives, including: Patriot Golf Day, Play Golf America and the Southwest Chapter Tournament of Charities. The donations originate from entry fees for the golf tournament, raffle and silent auction sales and private member donations. The majority of raffle and silent auction prizes are donated by local PGA Professionals, their clubs and Naples area businesses. In addition to the annual Charity Golf Tournament held in January, Foxfire also hosts an annual Breast Cancer Event (Bosom Buddies), Patriot Golf Day (Folds of Honor), Holiday Food Drive (St. Matthews House) and a Toy Drive (East Naples Fire Department). The Foxfire Community continues to be a very proud sponsor and contributor for local charities and organizations, and is a generous supporter of the South Florida PGA Foundation.

GIVE YOUR FACILITY PGA RECOGNITION

Are you flying the PGA flag at your facility? If you are not doing so we strongly encourage you to purchase a flag as a way of promoting your facility as a PGA recognized facility. PGA Profeesional, Randy Weber submitted the enclosed photo demostrating the PGA flag flying at Bonaventure Country Club in Weston. The cost of a flag is just $38, Purchase your PGA Facility Flag by clicking here.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves. - Lao Tzu 4

JUNIOR GOLF

TOPICS NEWSLETTER MARTINEZ AND MERCHAN CLAIM FIRST SFPGA CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR OVERALL TITLES

The South Florida PGA Junior Tour presented by the Honda Classic hosted its first ever Junior Championship Tour Event at Club Med at Sandpiper Bay this weekend. A strong field of 74 juniors from all over South Florida competed to start the 2013 season. Alberto Martinez (13) of Weston claimed the first Boys overall championship of the season with an impressive come-from-behind finish. Martinez shot a two under, 68, on Sunday to claim victory with a two-day score of 142. Jb Thompson of Jupiter clenched second place shooting a two-day total of 150. In the Girls Overall division, Alejandra Merchan of Weston, claimed her title with a two-day score of 144; winning a grueling five-hole playoff with fellow competitor Kuriko Tsukiyama. Andreina Merchan of Weston claimed a 2nd place overall finish with a two-day total of 148. Charlie Kennerly of Jupiter claimed the Boys 13-15 title by shooting a two-day total of 150. Finishing in 2nd place was Anthony Wells of Plantation with a 153. Eduardo Blochtein of Delray Beach came in a close 3rd with a 154 two-day total. In the Boys 16-18 year old division, JB Thompson of Jupiter claimed the title with a two-day total of 148. Finishing in 2nd in the division was Kyle Williams of Tamarac with a 150, and winning a scorecard playoff with a two-day total of 151 was Zachary Bariso of Boca Raton. In the Girls 13-15 division, Claire Fitzgerald of Parkland won a scorecard playoff to claim her first title of the 2013 season with a two-day total of 160. Also in the playoff, being awarded 2nd place was Emma Bradley of Naples. In 3rd was Emily Faulkner of Palm City shooting a two-day 164. Local Club Med resident, Kuriko Tsukiyama, after a five-hole playoff for the overall championship, claimed the honors in the Girls 16-18 division shooting a consistent 72-72 for a two-day total of 144. Andreina Merchan of Weston won 2nd place with a 148 two-day total, and Alexa Hammer of Boynton Beach claimed 3rd place with a two-day 153. The next South Florida PGA Junior Championship Tour event will be held March 23-24 at the PGA National Golf Club, Fazio Course in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. The South Florida PGA Junior Challenge Tour will be back at Sandpiper Golf Club at Club Med in Port St. Lucie with a full field of 84 players on February 16-17.

THE SFPGA JUNIOR CHALLENGE TOUR, PRESENTED BY THE HONDA CLASSIC, WILL KICK OFF THE 2013 SEASON THIS WEEKEND AT CLUB MED

On Saturday and Sunday, February 16-17, eighty-four junior golfers will compete in the second Junior event of the 2103 South Florida PGA Junior Tour season presented by the Honda Classic at Sandpiper Golf Club-Club Med in Port St. Lucie, FL. New in 2013 the South Florida PGA Junior Tour has expanded and will now offer twenty-eight, two-day championship events for junior golfers in South Florida. The previous Junior Tour was split into two separate tours, Championship Tour and Challenge Tour. The Championship Tour is an invitational tour, with players receiving exemptions based upon their 2012 scoring average and Player of the Year points. The Championship Tour held its first event, also hosted by Sandpiper Golf Club, on February 2-3, where Alberto Martinez (13) of Weston and Alejandra Merchan (14) of Weston took home the Boy’s & Girl’s Overall Championships, respectively. The Challenge Tour is a continuation of the previous year’s Junior Tour with divisions and yardages remaining consistent with the 2012 Junior Tour. This weekend’s event is the first of the year for the Challenge Tour and features a strong returning field, including Port St. Lucie residents:. Yavuz Ackman, Amadeo Figus, Orlando Figus, Johnathan Powers-Gray, Kevin Seits, and Hiroyuki Ukigaya. This 36-hole, stroke play event is a 9:00 AM, single tee start both Saturday and Sunday. Players will be re-paired on Sunday by low score. Awards will be given to the first through third place winners in each age division (Boys/Girls 12-13, 14-15, 1618) as well as to the overall boy and overall girl winners of the event on Sunday, following play. All South Florida PGA Junior Tour events are ranked by the national Junior Golf Scoreboard ranking system. Pairings for this weekend’s event are now available on the South Florida PGA website (www.sfpgajuniorgolf.com). 5

GROWTH OF THE GAME

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TOPICS NEWSLETTER RULES WITH DREW GET RID OF YOUR BELLY BY 2016...PUTTER THAT IS

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NEW AND UPCOMING SFPGA HIRES MICHAEL CROWLEY AS OPERATIONS INTERN

Michael Crowley began his employment with the South Florida PGA on January 14 as the section’s first ever year-long Operations Intern. Mike comes to the South Florida PGA with a background in finance and entrepreneurship and a passion for the business and game of golf. Mike graduated from The University of Iowa with a Bachelors of Business Administration in Finance and Management in May 2009. Following graduation, he moved to Chicago and spent 3 years working with Northern Trust as a banking analyst and as an institutional sales associate in Abu Dhabi, UAE. He has also spent time pursuing various entrepreneurial endeavors and small business consulting since his time with the bank. In his role as Operations Intern, Mike will be primarily responsible for coordinating the 2013 Junior Tour in conjunction with JoAnna Smith, running all Golf Pass Outings, and overseeing the section’s “Play Golf America” Days.

TOPICS NEWSLETTER MIKE McCOLLUM NAMED PGA REGIONAL EMPLOYMENT CONSULTANT

Mike McCollum has been named the new PGA of America Employment Consultant for the state of Florida. Mike McCollum was elected to PGA membership in 1980 and joined the Employment Services Department in 2012. From 2007 to 2012, McCollum was the managing partner for McCollum Consulting, a service for private and daily fee golf club operations. He has previous experience working as a Head Professional, Director of Golf and General Manager. McCollum also has extensive background in Foundation work, serving as the Coordinator for the Medeen Community Health Foundation and in the past as the Executive Director of the Weir Scholarship Foundation. A graduate of Georgia Southern University, McCollum has been the recipient of numerous PGA awards – Professional of the Year at both the Section and the Chapter level, Section Bill Strausbaugh Award winner, and Assistant Professional of the Year for the Section. He has served on the Georgia Board of Directors and went through the Officer Chairs including, President in 1990-1991. McCollum chaired multiple committees in Georgia but brings experience from key Committees - education, business planning - to his new position as PGA Employment Consultant. Mike can be reached at 706-563-

9773 or by email at [email protected].

UPCOMING SECTION EVENTS

UPCOMING CHAPTER EVENTS

Junior Challenge Tour Event #1 Sandpiper Golf Club at Club Med February 16-17

Southwest Chapter Coors Light Open Qualifier Fort Myers CC February 19

Honda Classic Pre-Qualifier Fountains CC February 21 Honda Classic Pre-Qualifier PGA National Estates Course February 21 Honda Classic Pre-Qualifier The Links at Madison Green February 21 Honda Classic Monday Qualifier Mayacoo Lakes CC February 25

Southwest Chapter Coors Light Open Fort Myers CC February 23-24 Island Chapter Puerto Rico Open Trump International GC March 4-10 Island Chapter Pro-Pro Trump International GC March 25

Junior Championship Tour Event #2 PGA National Resort & Spa - Fazio Course March 23-24

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HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT THE SFPGA FOUNDATION TOPICS NEWSLETTER

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