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January/February 2015 Topics Newsletter

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Page 1: January/February 2015 Topics Newsletter
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Chip Shots

SOUTH FLORIDA SECTION186 ATLANTIS BOULEVARDATLANTIS, FL / 33462

PHONE / FAX561-729-0544 / 561-729-0914

[email protected]

WEBSITEwww.sfpgagolf.com

PRESIDENTWarren Bottke, PGA

VICE PRESIDENTMark VanDyck, PGA

SECRETARYDon Meadows, PGA

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTBrian Peaper, PGA

SOUTHERN CHAPTER PRESIDENTChris Krause, PGA

SOUTHEAST CHAPTER PRESIDENTJim Leary, PGA

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER PRESIDENTDan Gawronski, PGA

ISLAND CHAPTER PRESIDENTAaron West, PGA

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORGeoff Lofstead

ADVISORY BOARDPaul Anderson Rick BaylissSteve SponderKen KennerlyMatt LambertPeter LundJoe Steranka

The South Florida PGA would like to welcome the following new apprentices to the section:Member Classification FacilityBlake Hulett B-8 Sun N’ Lake Golf ClubValeria Ochoa B-8 Diplomat Golf ClubSean Biggs B-8 Verandah Golf ClubKyle Brennaman B-8 Mayacoo Lakes Country ClubJoseph Midgett B-8 Gleneagles Country ClubJeffrey Muzio B-8 Monarch Country ClubStefan Pantu B-13 Toski-Batersby G Learning CtrDaniel Strool B-8 Cypress Woods Golf & CCJames Swagger B-8 Orchid Island Golf & Beach ClubJesse Wood B-8 Ft. Lauderdale Country ClubBaker DeCamp B-8 Trump National DoralRicky Lemon B-8 Hunters Run Golf & Racquet Cl.

NEW APPRENTICES

Congratulations to PGA Professionals Jeffrey Sarver and Jay Staton who have been 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.

Congratulations to PGA Professionals Burl Dale, Dave Smith, Richard Stucklen, and Robert Zimmerman who have been elected to the Half Cen-tury Club of the PGA of America, an elite group of members who have served the PGA with honor and pride for 50 years.

QUARTER CENTURY CLUB

HALF CENTURY CLUB

The South Florida PGA would like to welcome the following new members to the section:Member Classification FacilityJohn Murray, PGA A-8 The Old Collier Golf ClubBobby Ruzzi, PGA A-8 Don Law @ Osprey PointJosh Weaver, PGA A-6 The Breakers Ocean CourseJohn Bednar IV, PGA A-8 BallenIsles Country ClubMichael Buttacavoli, PGA A-3 PGA TourSean Fairholm, PGA A-18 Global Golf PostRobert Kusek, PGA A-8 Club at MediterraDavid Pastore, PGA A-3 PGA TourJaimie Pierson, PGA A-8 The Sanctuary Golf ClubKevin Rossi, PGA A-8 Woodfield Country Club

NEW MEMBERS

Congratulations to PGA Professionals Benjamin DeArmond and Evan Holew-inski who have successfully completed the requirements for becoming certi-fied in Golf Operations.

CERTIFICATION COMPLETION

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Chip ShotsProfessional To FromNathaniel Manis, PGA A-1 - St. Lucie Trail Golf Course A-8 - PGA Golf ClubTom McClurg, PGA A-4 - Highlands Ridge GC North Sun Country SectionJohn Vicker, PGA A-1 - PGA Golf Club Wisconsin SectionColin Gooch, PGA A-1 - Jupiter Country Club Southern California SectionMatthew Martin, PGA A-1 - Coral Ridge Country Club A-8 - Coral Ridge Country ClubJames Muir, PGA A-1 - The Links at Pointe West A-8 - The Polo ClubMark Cammarene, PGA A-4 - The Links at Pointe West A-1 - The Links at Pointe WestRay Sowers, PGA A-1 - Park Ridge Golf Course A-1 - Okeeheelee Golf CourseVincent Grillo, PGA LM A-13 - Forest Oaks Golf ClubTyler Clauson, PGA A-1 - Tiburon Golf Club A-8 - The Colony at Pelican LandingMark Van Dyck, PGA A-4 - Ft. Lauderdale Country Club A-4 - La Gorce Country ClubJames Nuchereno, PGA A-4 - Lexington Country Club A-1 - Lexington Country ClubRobert Glickman, PGA A-1 - Polo West Golf Club unattachedDiane McHeffey, PGA A-13 - Florida Keys Country Club A-1 - Florida Keys Country ClubErnie Ruiz, PGA A-4 - LaGorce Country Club A-4 - Weston Hills Country Club

PROS ON THE GO

IN REMEMBRANCEWe offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of South Florida PGA Professionals, Josh Borrell, Jo-seph Sallette, Pete Reyburn and William Ferriel. In addition, Harry Dee, father of SFPGA Partner Tommy Dee of Yamaha, passed away on December 16th. Harry’s proudest professional achievement included being named New Jersey PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 1966. Our condolences go to Tommy and the rest of the Dee family.

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KING OF THE HILLS. INTRODUCING THE NEW YAMAHA A.C.

Tommy DeeSouth Florida District Manager

Yamaha Golf Car CompanyMobile: 561-598-9518

[email protected]

Testing done by Applied Technical Services and Japan Automotive Research Institute (JAR). Results may vary. © 2015 Yamaha Golf-Car Company

Compare HorsepowerYamaha A.C. 6.7 hp

EZGO RXV 4.4 hp

Club Car Precedent 3.3 hp

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Chip ShotsGENE FIEGER, PGA EARNS SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Gene Fieger, PGA Director of Golf at the Hideout Golf Club in Naples has earned the 2014 South Florida PGA Senior Player of the Year Award. Fieger’s impressive year was highlighted by a win at the 25th South-worth Senior PGA Professional National Championship presented by Mercedes-Benz in April. This is the second consecutive year that Fieger has been named South Florida PGA Senior Player of the Year. He also earned SFPGA Player of the Year in 2000.

Fieger competed in numerous South Florida PGA events this season, rarely finishing outside the top-10. His season included: South Florida Senior Open (T4), Fort Lauderdale Open (Senior Division T1/Open Di-vision T15), South Florida Open (T4), Florida Senior Open (T3), Senior Section Championship (T3), South Florida PGA Professional Champi-onship/Section Championship (T7), and The Naples Beach Club Senior Open (T5). Fieger’s scoring average throughout these events was 71.1.

On a national level, Fieger won the 2013 Senior PGA Professional National Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, which was postponed from its original date of November, 2013. He then traveled to Benton Har-bor, Michigan to compete in the Senior PGA Championship. Most recently, Fieger finished T11 in the 2014 Senior PGA Professional National Championship at PGA Golf Club. As a result of his finish, he has earned a spot in the 2015 Senior PGA Championship, which will be contested at the Pete Dye Course at French Lick in French Lick, IN on June 28-July 1.

As the SFPGA Senior Player of the Year, Fieger has earned a spot into the Monday qualifier for the Allianz Cham-pionship, held February 2-8, 2015 at the Old Course at Broken Sound in Boca Raton.

Gene Fieger, PGA

PAUL SCALETTA, PGA TO COMPETE IN TWO PGA TOUR EVENTS

PGA Assistant Professional at The Bear’s Club in Jupiter, Paul Scaletta will compete in the 2015 Honda Classic and Puerto Rico Open. As the 2014 South Florida PGA Player of the Year, Scaletta earned a spot into the Honda Classic, which will take place at PGA National Resort & Spa on February 26 - March 1. Winner of the 2014 South Florida PGA Section Championship, Scaletta also earned a spot into the Puerto Rico Open, which will tak place at Trump International Golf Club on March 5-8. We wish Paul luck as he competes against the top professionals from around the world!

Paul Scaletta, PGA

PARTNER UPDATEOmega has been named the presenting partner of the South Florida PGA Player of the Year and Senior Player of the Year Awards. Omega will provide the top finishers monetary gifts, based on their play for the season. More details of the partnership will be coming soon.

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Chip ShotsPAT PASSERS

Congratulations to all SFPGA Apprentices and as-piring Apprentices who successfully passed their Playing Ability Test.

Thursday, December 4th - Park Ridge Golf Course

Stevie AndersonMatthew BadachBriana CarlsonSean ClearyNigel FaganFredrick HagerJeffrey HessePatrick JacobsAudry Longo

Jared McNeillSteven NevilleDaniel OlsenTrevin James RayJonathan RodriguezJoseph RubinoBobby Ruzzi, PGAKyle Schulte

2015 TRAVEL PRO-AM

This summer the South Florida PGA will travel to England for the Travel Pro-Am, July 25th to August 1st. This marks the fi rst time the SFPGA will visit England, and it is going to be a great trip! The event is open to the fi rst 18 teams, fi rst come fi rst served. For more details click here.

WYCLIFFE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB HOSTS “BEAT NICK”On December 30, Wycliffe Golf & Country Club hosted their annual Junior Golf Clinic. This year, special guest and SFP-GA Junior Tour Member Nick Staub was on-site to demon-strate his golf skills and challenge other juniors to put their games to the test.

Nick is a very talented junior golfer who has a deep passion for the game and an incredible work ethic. At the age of 11, he was won numerous tournaments throughout South Florida.

During the clinic, juniors listened to Nick discuss his ex-perience as an accomplished golfer in South Florida and his passion for the game of golf. Nick’s talk with the other juniors was inspiring and was the highlight of the clinic.

QUOTE OF THE MONTHLooking to attend this year's World Golf Champi-onship Cadillac Championship at Trump Doral Golf Resort & Spa March 4-8? If so we have a special offer for you! You can purchase a good any day grounds ticket for just $40 through TicketsFORECharity and the proceeds will benefi t the SFPGA Foundation. Click here to puchase your tickets.

TICKETS FORE CHARITY

“Learn from the past, set vivid, de-tailed goals for the future, and live in the only moment of time over which you have any control: now.”

-Denis Waitley

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Chip Shots

As the SFPGA begins a new year, we reminisce on the greatness of 2014! We encourage you to take a moment to view our 2014 Year in Review video fi lled with highlights from meetings, tour-naments, foundation activities including our junior golf program-ming, and our annual awards and hall of fame dinner. Thanks to all of those who supported us throughout the year, including our partners, foundation donors, friends and section members! Click here to view the video.

As the SFPGA begins a new year, we reminisce on the greatness As the SFPGA begins a new year, we reminisce on the greatness of 2014! We encourage you to take a moment to view our 2014 of 2014! We encourage you to take a moment to view our 2014 As the SFPGA begins a new year, we reminisce on the greatness As the SFPGA begins a new year, we reminisce on the greatness of 2014! We encourage you to take a moment to view our 2014 of 2014! We encourage you to take a moment to view our 2014 As the SFPGA begins a new year, we reminisce on the greatness As the SFPGA begins a new year, we reminisce on the greatness of 2014! We encourage you to take a moment to view our 2014 of 2014! We encourage you to take a moment to view our 2014

A Year In Reveiw

Members interested in running for Section offi ce should make their intentions known by providing a written statement to Executive Director Geoff Lofstead no later than April 27th. Reigning Vice President Mark VanDyck and Secretary Don Meadows will be running for the seats of President and Vice President, respectively. Scott Kirkwood, PGA Director of Golf at Ocean Reef Club and Karl Bublitz, PGA Director of Golf at Grey Oaks Country Club have announced their intent to run for Section Secretary in the upcoming election.

All three offi ces will be an open election and if there is only one candidate for a respective offi ce then that mem-ber will win the election by acclamation. Section Offi cers serve for 8 consecutive years, with a two-year terms as Secretary, Vice President, President and Immediate Past President. For the full copy of the election policies and procedures please click here.

PROCEDURES FOR ANNOUNCING INTENT TO RUN FOR SECTION OFFICE

The 2015 PGA of America Merchandise Show will be held next week in Orlando, January 21-23 with demo day being conducted on the 20th. If you are in need of MSR credits, there are numerous opportunities for you to obtain credits while attending.

In addition to obtaining MSR credits, we encourage any SFPGA members attending the show to participate Short Game Challenge supported by Callaway Golf, Nike Golf and PING. For more details click here.

MERCHANDISE SHOW

The Fountains C.C. in Lake Worth will be hosting the Allianz Champi-onship Pre-Qualifi er on Thursday, January 29th as well as the Allianz Event Qualifi er on Monday, February 2nd. PGA Members can register online HERE for $150. Old Corkscrew Golf Club in Estero, FL will be hosting the ACE Group Pre-Qualifi er on Thursday, February 5th and as well as the ACE Group Event Qualifi er on Tuesday, February 10th. Please click HERE to register online.

TOUR QUALIFIERS

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Foundation News

On Saturday, December 13th the South Florida PGA Foundation dedicated a home to a deserving family in Oakland Park just in time for the holidays. This dedication was the third one the SFPGA Foundation has been a part of since 2010.

From late May through September more than 50 PGA Professionals volunteered 700 hours to help build the home located in Oakland Park. In the audience during the home dedication, supporting the fami-ly were various members of the South Florida PGA Section and Foundation board, in addition two PGA Professionals who volunteered their time to help with the project.

Rohema Cortijo-Witten and Brian Golden, along with their three children AJ, Matese and Amari, were given the keys to their new home, just in time for the holiday season. On behalf of the family Rohema thanked all those in the crowd who made this day possible.

“It is moving to be a part of such a special occasion. To watch a family achieve their dream, knowing how hard they have worked is what this is all about,” said SFPGA Foundation President and PGA Professional Tom Wildenhaus.

SFPGA FOUNDATION AFFORDS A DESERVING FAMILY WITH A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Perry Eaton, Tom Wildenhaus, PGA, Brian Golden, Rohema Cortijo-Witten and Warren Bottke, PGA

New this year the SFPGA Foundation will be providing an additional scholarship to a deserving south Florida student. This $1,000 scholarship is named in honor of current SFPGA Foundation Vice President Michael O’Brien and is focused on service to the community. For more details click here.

UPCOMING HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PROJECT

NEW SFPGA SCHOLARSHIP

The SFPGA Foundation will kick off its fourth Habitat for Humanity home project on Saturday, May 2nd in Collier County. More details and vol-unteer information coming soon…

As the SFPGA Foundation continues to grow annually, we heavily rely on the support of local organizations, facilities and members to support our programs and activities. For the third consecutive year we will be hosting PGA Golf Day af-fording members with an opportunity to get involved by playing golf. Participants will request donations to support their chosen charity as well as various initiatives supported by the Foundation. For more information click here.

HELP SUPPORT THE FOUNDATION BY PLAYING GOLF

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Foundation NewsQUAIL VALLEY PRO-AMAs a kick off to Giving Tuesday; Quail Valley Golf Club hosted the 2nd Annual Quail Valley Holiday Pro-Am presented by Tire Kingdom supported by Heri-tage Creations and benefi ting the South Florida PGA Foundation on Monday December 1, 2014. Ninety-two individuals competed in this event helping to raise close to $14,000 for the SFPGA Foundation.

Teams for the event were comprised of one professional and one amateur. PGA Tour Professional Justin Hicks and amateur John Reynolds captured the low gross division fi ring a team score of 64. Hicks was also the low profes-

sional of the event with an impressive 69.

In the net division, professional Guy Boros and David Geiser were cham-pions fi nishing with a 65 placing them in a tie with Dennis Satyshur and Jay Litty. Thanks to all those who participated in this event and to Don Meadows, PGA and the staff of Quail Valley Golf Club for being such gracious host. For further results click here.

Staff UpdateSFPGA HIRES NEW TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR, CHRISTOPHER GILKEY

The South Florida PGA is excited to announce, Christopher Gilkey as our new Tournament Director.

Chris comes to the South Florida PGA from the Southern Califor-nia PGA Section, where he served as a Junior Golf Manager for the last two years. In addition to his tenure with the Southern Cal-ifornia PGA, Chris previously completed a Tournament Operations Internship with the Northern Texas PGA Section. An alumnus of Shepherd University in West Virginia, Chris was a four year mem-

ber of the men’s golf team and team captain.

In his role as Tournament Director, Chris will handle the administration and operation of all PGA Tour qualifi ers, all players’ ability test, and all section tournaments.

Contact information: (561) 303-7680 - mobile [email protected]

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SFPGA Junior TourNovember 15-16, the SFPGA Junior Championship Tour held event #10 at Mariner Sands Golf Club in Stu-art. The fi nal regular season Championship Tour Event of 2014 was welcomed with perfect weather to accom-pany an outstanding golf course.

Port St. Lucie native Wanjoo Lee opened up round one with a 1-under-par 71 round to take a two stroke lead over Wellington native Anthony Gabriele heading into Sunday’s fi nal round. Gabriele, who has played out-standing all season, gave it all he had on Sunday but was not able to overcome Lee’s lead. Lee shot a fi nal round 2-over-par 74 to take home the Overall Boys title. Gabriele would go on to take home the boys 16-18 age division title. Boca Raton native Anthony Muttillo went on to take home the boys 13-15 age division title.

The Girls division featured an outstanding battle all season long between Wellington native Mary Janiga and Hallandale Beach native Valeria Sophia Pacheco. Janiga entered the tournament with only a 12 point lead in the Player of the Year race. Janiga opened up round one with an impressive 2-under-par 70 to take two stroke lead over Pacheco heading into the fi nal round. Pacheco and Janiga had another great battle on Sunday as Janiga was able to shoot a 1-over-par 73 to take home the Overall Girls Title over Pacheco who fi red a fi nal round 2-over-par 74. Pacheco would go on to take home the girls 13-15 age division. Wellington native Emily Faulkner would go on to take home the girls 16-18 age division title. Thank you to Tim McKenna, PGA and his staff for hosting the event!

LEE AND JANIGA TAKE TOP HONORS AT CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT #10

Wanjoo Lee, Tim McKenna, PGA and Mary Janiga

THANK YOU TO OUR SOUTH FLORIDA PGA JUNIOR TOUR PARTNERS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!

PRESENTED BY:SUPPORTED BY:

10

The Allianz Championship is an official PGA Champions Tour golf tournament that is played at the Old Course at Broken Sound, in Boca Raton, from February 2 – 8. All proceeds from the tournament benefit the Boca Raton Regional Hospital. Whether you prefer being on the grounds of championship golf course or relaxing and entertaining clients in our hospitality tents, you are sure to have a great time. Get your tickets today!

For more information call 561.241.GOLF (4653) or visit AllianzChampionship.com Follow Us On

Good-Any-One Day Grounds Pass allows the ticket holder access to the tournament grounds any one day between Friday through Sunday.

Weekend Grounds Pass allows the ticket holder access to the tournament grounds every day from Friday through Sunday.

WIN A FREE CRUISESlush Lounge is good for day purchased Friday through Sunday. Enjoy “cool” beverage options, including Slush frozen drinks. Celebrity Cruises curated menu of flavor-rich and fresh frozen cocktails. Cocktails are perfectly balanced with ingredients ranging from fresh pressed lemon juice, raspberries, cucumbers and mint to Persian Lime, Florida Valencia and Hamlin orange juice with organic agave nectar.

Club 18 Presented by is an upgraded ticket with an VIP Parking Pass includes unlimited upscale food and beverage that will be served throughout the day with a full open bar.

Club 18 One Day Pass

Club 18 Weekend Pass

$20

$50$50

$450

$150

Grounds Pass

Weekend Grounds PassCelebrity Cruises Slush Lounge

PURCHASE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!One grand prize winner will receive a World Golf Village Vacation Package from the World Golf Hall of Fame that includes a 3 day/2 night stay at the Renaissance Resort in World Golf Village, a round of golf for 2 and a half hour lesson for two at PGA Tour golf academy!

Benefiting

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The Allianz Championship is an official PGA Champions Tour golf tournament that is played at the Old Course at Broken Sound, in Boca Raton, from February 2 – 8. All proceeds from the tournament benefit the Boca Raton Regional Hospital. Whether you prefer being on the grounds of championship golf course or relaxing and entertaining clients in our hospitality tents, you are sure to have a great time. Get your tickets today!

For more information call 561.241.GOLF (4653) or visit AllianzChampionship.com Follow Us On

Good-Any-One Day Grounds Pass allows the ticket holder access to the tournament grounds any one day between Friday through Sunday.

Weekend Grounds Pass allows the ticket holder access to the tournament grounds every day from Friday through Sunday.

WIN A FREE CRUISESlush Lounge is good for day purchased Friday through Sunday. Enjoy “cool” beverage options, including Slush frozen drinks. Celebrity Cruises curated menu of flavor-rich and fresh frozen cocktails. Cocktails are perfectly balanced with ingredients ranging from fresh pressed lemon juice, raspberries, cucumbers and mint to Persian Lime, Florida Valencia and Hamlin orange juice with organic agave nectar.

Club 18 Presented by is an upgraded ticket with an VIP Parking Pass includes unlimited upscale food and beverage that will be served throughout the day with a full open bar.

Club 18 One Day Pass

Club 18 Weekend Pass

tournament grounds any one day between

$20

$50$50

$450

the day with a full open bar.

$150

Grounds Pass

Weekend Grounds PassCelebrity Cruises Slush Lounge

PURCHASE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!One grand prize winner will receive a World Golf Village Vacation Package from the World Golf Hall of Fame that includes a 3 day/2 night stay at the Renaissance Resort in World Golf Village, a round of golf for 2 and a half hour lesson for two at PGA Tour golf academy!

Club 18 Presented by is an upgraded ticket with an VIP Parking

Benefiting

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SFPGA Junior Tour

The 2014 South Florida PGA Junior Tour came to an exciting finish on December 7th at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie. 100 of the year’s top performing juniors met for one last tournament, the Junior Tour Championship. The field was comprised of the top 50 players from the Challenge Tour and the top 50 players from the Championship Tour. Mary Janiga and Anthony Gabriele, who both reside in Welling-ton, were able to cap off their outstanding seasons with victories at the Tour Championship. The win was also enough for each player to claim the Male and Female Championship Tour Players of the Year Honors.

South Florida Junior Challenge Tour members Ry-der Sutcliffe of Jupiter, and Hannah Foster of Hobe Sound, put together an outstanding season on the Challenge Tour in 2014 to capture the Player of the Year Honors. Sutcliffe claimed five victories and Foster won three times.

The Challenge Tour boys 11-12 age division provided plenty of entertainment during 2014. After a close Player of the Year battle all season, Coral Springs native Brett Roberts was able to win his age division at the Tour Championship and propel himself into first place in the race for Player of the Year. The girls 11-12 age division featured Boca Raton native, Taylor Robers who was able to win seven times during 2014 and capture the Player of the Year Award.

Following the first round of the Tour Championship, player were invited to a banquet that featured SFPGA Junior Tour Alumni, Jaye Marie Green. Jaye discussed her experiences playing on the SFPGA Junior Tour and how she has worked her way to the LPGA Tour. In

addition, end of the year awards were given out for Honda Classic Most Improved Player and Ed Ficker Sportsmanship Award. Jordan Reeves and Taylor Morgan received the Hon-da Classic Most Improved Award for their tremendous devel-opment over the past year. Timothy Simpson and Emily Faulk-ner were awarded the Ed Ficker Sportsmanship Award. This is given to one male and one female who handle themselves with great character at all times throughout the year.

GABRIELE AND JANIGA WIN TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP AND PLAYER OF THE YEAR HONORS

Anthony Gabriele and Mary Janiga

Timothy Simpson, Ed Ficker, PGA and Emily Faulkner

Jordan Reeves, Jaye Marie Green and Taylor Morgan

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SFPGA Junior TourJUNIOR TOUR PREVIEW

COLLEGE SEMINARThe South Florida PGA will hold its annual College Seminar Saturday, January 17th, from 10 AM – 1 PM at Westchester Golf & Country Club in Boynton Beach. Topics discussed include the PGA Golf Management University program, NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA rules and regulations, communications with coaches, recruit-ing process, resumes and videos, offi cial and unoffi cial visits, and personal per-spectives from a student athlete and a parent of a student-athlete.

The South Florida PGA Junior Tour presented by the Honda Classic will start the season on February 7-8 at Madison Green Golf Club for the Championship Event #1. This year the Junior Tour will conduct 11 Cham-pionship Tour events, 13 Challenge Tour events, the Tour Championship, as well as the Junior PGA Championship which will be held at Boca Woods Country Club on June 17-18, 2015. This year’s Challenge Tour will feature a 11-12 year old age division, as well as the 13-18 year old age division, while the Championship tour will continue with the 13-18 overall age di-vision. All of the South Florida PGA Junior Tour events will be ranked by the National Junior Golf Scoreboard Ranking System. The Tour will be traveling everywhere from Sandridge Golf Club in Vero Beach, to Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo.

With the popularity of the tour growing each year, membership is expected to be at an all-time high. The 2014 season saw a membership of over 500 juniors. We are anticipating a membership of nearly 600 juniors for the 2015 season. The Championship Tour will feature South Florida’s best rising golfers. Port St. Luice native Sachin Kumar, who is currently ranked 45th in the world on the Polo Golf Junior Rankings will headline the Boys Championship division, while Hallandale Beach native Valeria Sophia Pacheco will headline the Girls Championship di-vision.

The South Florida PGA Junior Tour will also be looking to set new records with the birdie club program. The Birdie Club is a player performance based fund drive initiative developed to enable Junior Tour members to become involved in community outreach by supporting the South Florida PGA Foundation. Through

this program, juniors seek out pledges made in his or her name for every birdie he or she makes throughout the season, with all proceeds raised going to support the foundation. This year the Birdie Club is setting a goal of raising $10,000 for the South Florida PGA Foundation. To participate in the Bridie Club, click here.

Sachin Kumar

Valeria Sofi a Pacheco

Tara McKenna, PGA

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EmploymentMSR CYCLE ENDING JUNE 15, 2015 Congratulations to the 465 South Florida Section Members that have already completed their MSR require-ments for the current cycle. For the other 692 of you, now is the time to fi nalize your plan to earn your MSR points before the current cycle ends.

Here are some suggestions for you to consider as you create your plan of action:• Ten (10) complimentary videos for required Education MSR’s to be found on PGALinks. • Attend any Section or Chapter meeting, especially the Section Annual Meeting.• Register for Certifi ed Professional Program (CPP) and accumulate MSR Education credits for each module

completed.• Registering, promoting, conducting and reporting on Golf 2.0 Programs via PGA registration and reporting

tools; examples include:

Please contact me if you have any questions or if you need any help with employment or career planning! Mike McCollum, PGAEmployment Consultant706.563.9773 – offi [email protected]

COMPENSATION SURVEYThe PGA of America requests your participation in helping to ensure that one of our Association’s most powerful employment tools remains effective for you and your fellow PGA Professionals. PGA members who complete the survey by March 20, 2015, can receive up to two (2) Member Service Requirement (MSR) credits. Your par-ticipation is the key to ensuring that your Section’s compensation information is valid and meaningful. Please note that MSR credit is not applied at the time of survey submission, but will be posted periodically throughout the course of the study with all MSR credits applied by the end of March. Click here to take survey.

• Get Golf Ready (2 credits per graduating class, minimum of three students per class)• Get Golf Ready 2 (3 credits per graduating class, minimum of three students per class)• Get Golf Ready Leagues/Outings (3 credits per reaching minimum thresholds)

• Attend any of the PGA Education seminars offered in the Members Business Center during the 2015 PGA Merchandise Show. A total of 17 required MSR credits available. Seminar Schedule as follows:

• January 21, 10:15 am – How to Find Job Opportunities (2 MSR Required Credits)• January 21, 12:00 pm – Building Your Facility’s Player Development Strategy (2 MSR Required

Credits)• January 21, 1:45 pm – CPP 2.0, MP 2.0, Legacy .. New Opportunities for PGA Members (2 MSR

Required Credits)• January 22, 8:30 am – PGA Junior League (2 MSR Required Credits)• January 22, 10:15 am – Putting Your Best Foot Forward in the Job Search (2 MSR Required Cred-

its)• January 22, 1:45 pm – Career Fitness for the 21st Century (2 MSR Required Credits)• January 22, 2:30 pm – Town Hall Meeting with Derek Sprague & Peter Bevacqua (1 MSR Required

Credit)• January 23, 8:30 am – Marketing Tips to Create Player Development Customers (2 MSR Required

Credits)• January 23, 10:15 am – How to be a Better Boss & Mentor (2 MSR Required Credits)

Page 15: January/February 2015 Topics Newsletter

Special Offer The Ultimate Teaching & Fitting Tool FlightScope X2 ONLY $8,995

*Only valid for SFPGA members. Offer expires 12/12/2014. Financing is available.

Who Uses FlightScope? Tina Tombs - 2014 LPGA Teacher of the Year Michael Breed - 2012 PGA Teacher of the Year Lou Guzzi - 2013 PGA Teacher of the Year Stephen Aumock - 2014 NTPGA Teacher of the Year Eric Jones - 2014 NCPGA Teacher of the Year Noah Horstman - 2014 NOPGA Teacher of the Year Click Here to See More

2015 PGA Merchandise Show FlightScope will be exhibiting at the 2015 PGA Merchandise Show. The event will kick off with Demo Day on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at Orange County National Golf Center with FlightScope demonstrating on Tee #5. During this time, FlightScope will also be hosting an academy from 11:00 am - 5:30 pm on the Tooth Course at Hole #9. Click Here to Register Orange County Convention Center will host the remainder of the show from Wednesday - Friday (January 21-23). FlightScope will be exhibiting at Booth #373 and will be offering live demonstrations on the Equipment Testing Center (ETC) bays #37, 38, & 39, directly across from the booth. FlightScope will be introducing a new product for teachers and club fitters.

Contact FlightScope Sales for more information or to schedule a live demonstration.

407-967-7121 | [email protected] www.flightscope.com

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Rules with ChrisIt seems as though every shot, every round, every tournament serves as a barometer of character that we con-tinue to test throughout the course of our time on the course. The true test is not how we conduct ourselves in the light of success but how we hold ourselves in an environment of ill fortune. It is the personal and professional standards that we hold ourselves to that differentiate the good players from the bad regardless of skillset or club affiliation. The Rules of golf and the Decisions that guide them are set forth to develop an understanding of this test.

Last September I was running a Junior Golf event in Palm Desert, California where we had a player in contention on Sunday afternoon fly a ball onto the 16th green, which that day served as a short par 4 with water guarding the green to the front and bunkers to either side. His ball checked about 4 feet short of the hole and spun back down the false front and into the hazard (marked with yellow paint). Without hesitation he went to the side of the hazard near the green, pulled out his driver and measured two club-lengths no nearer the green where he dropped his ball. With-out the presence of a rules official, he played his ball up to the hole and holed out making a difficult up and down look routine. At that point in the round he made his way to the 17th teeing ground a mere 2 shots off the lead looking to make a charge on the more than manageable Par 5 which he incidentally birdied. What he did not understand until our conversation in scoring after his round, was that the place in which he took relief from the hazard on 16 was not one of the two options that he had available at the time. He could have, under penalty of one stroke, and under Rule 26-1a proceeded under the stroke and distance provision of Rule 27-1 by playing a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played, or proceeded under Rule 26-1b in dropping a ball behind the water hazard, keeping the point at which the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball was dropped, with no limit to how far behind the water hazard the ball may be dropped. Decision 26-1/11 outlines that he incurred a penalty of one stroke under Rule 26-1. Furthermore, he was guilty of a serious breach of that Rule. He must, under an additional penalty of two strokes, rectify the error as provided in the second paragraph of Rule 20-7c or be disqualified. By teeing off on the 17th tee, he in turn did not correct his error in time and therefore was in serious breach of 20-7c and disqualified when he presented his case in scoring following the 18th green.

I mention this particular situation not because of the degree of difficulty of the ruling or the perplexity of the deci-sion. I mention this situation because the player, upon discovering his error and the repercussions of his actions, looked up from his scorecard and thanked each of his fellow competitors and each staff member working that day for helping out with the tournament and providing a place for him to compete. He made no mention of his dis-

position; he made no excuses for his disqualification. Instead he took a simple lesson and turned it into an opportunity to hold himself in the same manner in which he would have upon hoisting the trophy. He taught ever player in the field the true meaning of character and that is the true mark of a winner. It’s not always the obstacles that we face that define us on the golf course, but how we handle ourselves in the presence of those obstacles. Email me your rules situations at [email protected].

JUST A THOUGHT...

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TopicsNewsletter

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New and Upcoming

UPCOMING SECTION EVENTSCollege Seminar

Westchester Golf & CCJanuary 17

Allianz Pre-QualifierThe Fountains CC

January 20

Allianz Event QualifierThe Fountains CC

February 2

ACE Group Pre-QualifierOld Corkscrew GC

February 5

ACE Group Event QualifierOld Corkscrew GC

February 10

EARN MSR CREDITSLooking for ways to earn more MSR credits? Volunteer your time with the upcoming South Florida PGA events.

PGA Members earn 1 MSR credit/hour they are able to volunteer.

SFPGA JUNIOR TOURJunior Championship Tour Event #1

Madison Green Golf ClubFebruary 7-8

Junior Challenge Tour Event #1Sandpiper Golf Club - Club Med

February 21-22

Volunteers are needed to help with rules officiating and Pace of Play. Those interested in volunteering

may contact Jake Weir at [email protected].

PLAY GOLF AMERICA EVENTSAllianz Championship Play Golf America Event

The Old Course at Broken SoundFebruary 6-8

Women’s Golf DayAbacoa Golf Club

February 21

Volunteers will provide free instruction to those in atten-dance. If you are available and interested in assisting

please contact Tori Stock at [email protected]

Junior Championship Tour Event #1Madison Green Golf Club

February 7-8

Honda Classic Pre-QualifierMadison Green Golf Club

February 17

Honda Classic Pre-QualifierFountains Country Club - North &

Madison Green Golf ClubFebruary 18

Honda Classic Pre-QualifierFountains Country Club - North

February 19th

Junior Challenge Tour #1Sandpiper Golf Club - Club Med

February 21-22

Honda Classic Monday QualifierMayacoo Lakes CC

February 23

National Car Rental Foundation Pro-AmFort Lauderdale Country Club

March 23rd