I ended up playing quite well through my years in high school, and when it came time to choose a college, I picked based on golf. I went to Marian College, now Marian University, and hated every second of it. Sure, I had some good memories there, met some good people and made some lifelong friends. But I hated the golf program. I hated the way the coach handled practice sessions, and basically ended up hating the entire way collegiate golf was run.

I left Marian and went to IUPUI to study engineering at the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology\. I tried to walk onto the team at IUPUI, but after about a half an hour of watching these guys hit balls I knew that college golf was not for me. I accepted this decision, quit the team, and ended up working at a practice facility for the next two years, working on my game the entire time.

I actually got down to a 1 handicap. For those of you who do not know what a handicap is in golf, or how one is calculated, basically I mean that I average one strike over par on any given course on any given day. To show you the different between me, and say Tiger Woods, he caries a +6 handicap on average. That means he shoots six shots under par every time he tees it up. That is a huge difference when you are talking strokes. Especially considering the courses he plays.

Playing golf has taught me a ton about patience. From missed shots off the tee to missed greens from the fairway or rough, golf can be a very aggravating sport. Some people play golf to relax and get out of the house. And while it does that for me too, it can still be quite the nerve-wracking experience.

Part of what makes my golf game so consistent is my preshot routine. Every player on tour, even amateur players, will tell you that this is the most important part of your golf game. Having a solid preshot routine will allow you something to focus on, something to back off and get your head on straight when flustered, and something to keep you sane when  you’re having a bad golf day.

My preshot routine started when I was in high school.  I played for years without one and then one day, while watching the Golf Channel, I saw a special about them. I decided to go out into the yard right then and there, and develop a preshot routine.

Driver

My preshot routine is different for nearly every club in my bag. Allow me to break this down into my driver, my irons, my wedges, and my putter. Let’s start with the driver.

When I grab the big dog out of the bag and stand on the tee looking at my shot, I usually am looking right down the middle. I have the tendency to hit the ball very straight from the tee. Don’t ask me why, but I hit the ball straight. Now, I never said I hit it far. if you look at guys on the PGA Tour, they are hitting the ball three hundred yards or more off the tee time and time again. I might hit the ball two hundred and eighty or ninety on a good day. But again, I am hitting fairways. I actually, through my four years of school, led the team in fairways hit and greens hit in regulation. Apparently, hitting the fairway means you hit a lot of greens.

With the driver in my hand, I look down the middle of the fairway and picture the drive in my head. I see the ball leaving the tee box and I see where it lands, how it bounces, and where it ends up. With that in mind, I look left and right and decide where, if I mis-hit it, where I want it to go. Recently I played a golf course up in Roscommon, Michigan. I had no choice. Hit it in the fairway or chop out of the trees. It was a very tight and strict golf course.

After picturing the ball flight, I take two smooth and full swings parallel to the ball. Not sure why I do it this way, but I just want to get a feel for my swing. I check where my hands are and where I am leading with my hips. Then I step up to the ball. I actually stand behind it to get a good placement in my stance. Once I do that, I grab the club and line it up on the line I had just envisioned in my head.

Then, I take a couple of waggles, look down the line, repeat, and am ready to swing. Once I take the club back, a million things run through my head. I worry about not making contact, about hitting it right, about hitting it left, or missing the ball all together. Lucky enough for me, I usually hit it. Not always in the fairway, but I always hit it.

Irons

Long irons are the same as my mid and short irons, and it is a similar pattern as on the tee. Let’s say that I hit the ball down the middle and I have about one hundred and sixty yards into the green. I grab my seven iron. I do the same by taking the two smooth and consistent swings, then I think out loud where the ball will go. I say, “Left to right ten yards.” I say that, spin the club in my hands, and repeat the same pattern of ball positioning and line of sight. I take only one look now, and focus on making solid contact and taking a heavy and solid divot.

After I hit my irons, I worry more about my follow-through than anything. I have to make sure I get through the ball, that I make solid contact with the ball and the ground, and that I picked the right club. You might hear me yell, “Be the right club…” or “Get down ball, get down!”

Wedges

Anytime I have a wedge in my hand, it means I missed the green. Or, I have hit a huge tee ball. But most of the time, it is because I missed the green. So, on the way to the hole (I always walk, I hate to ride) I am thinking about the green, the way the green slopes, and the possible position my ball is in. With golf, a lot of things can come into play. You can have greens sloping away from you, tons of green to work with, or no green to work with at all. It all depends on where you miss.

Now, I said earlier that I think about where my miss will come while on the tee. I hardly ever think about that with my second shot. I guess I just assume that I am going to hit the green. But when I don’t, that leaves it in the hands of my fifty-six degree wedge, or my sixty degree sand wedge. More than likely I will hit the fifty-six, but that is just a personal choice.

I will take an almost immediate stance, because I have been thinking about this show all the way to the ball. When I think about it, I just want to see what happens next. So I step up, stand behind the ball, and take three practice swings exactly the power and speed I want to hit the shot. If I can perfect that one of the three times, making perfect contact with the ground and the grass, then chances are I will hit a decent shot from the rough or the fringe.

Once I hit the shot, I watch and hope for it to check, to roll out, or to just go in the hole. I have been known for having pretty soft hands around the greens. That means that I have a lot of touch and can hit a ton of great short shots close.

Putter

Oh boy, the putter. This is the worst club in my bag. I wish I could make putts. I have incredible judge of speed, don’t get me wrong. I can get the ball there, and get it close, but it rarely goes in. Even when I was paying with the head professional up at Forest Dunes Golf Club in Michigan, he nearly raved on my speed. I had never played the course before, and I didn’t even get the chance to make some putts on the practice green before we went out and played. The first putt, a thirty-five footer, I left within inches. I didn’t make a birdie all day.

When I have a putt, whether short or long, I walk around it. I look at all the options and take in all the chances of where it might break. Depending on fast the greens are, and how smooth they are, I will stand behind it and line it up from the stereotypical catcher’s position behind the ball. Then I bring out the plum bob. Yep, I use the age-old technique of the plumb bob. The concept behind this is to stand half of the distance back behind the ball as it is to the hole. You then hold the putter up at eye level, leaving the tip of the putter on the top of the ball. Then, close your dominant eye. This shows you the break of the green from left to right. Does it work? Who knows? Must not, given the way I putt.

As you can see, a lot goes into making a single swing on the golf course. This does not take into consideration balance, swing speed, wind, hip rotations, or any one of the other million thoughts going through my head on the golf course. They say golf is easy, just put a little ball in the hole. I dare you try it and tell me its easy. It might be the hardest sport in the world to learn how to play by the rules and to be competitive in. I have been playing my whole life, and there are tons of guys out there better than me.

Golf is a game that we can play forever. Some of the best golfers in the world are older and retired. It is a great way to get some exercise, and there are literally courses everywhere. From the hills of northern Michigan to the deserts of Arizona, there are courses around every corner. I just hope this gives you a better idea on implementing a preshot routine and shows you a little bit more about my swing. Golf is tough, there’s no doubt about it. Fore!

How long have you been playing golf?

I have been playing golf for about twenty years.

What is your first memory of the game?

The first birdie I ever made.  It was on the first hole of a par 3 golf course with my father and I played a lot while growing up.  I hit a shot that barely made it off the ground but rolled 140 yards or so to the edge of the green.  There, I was able to roll in a putt of 75 feet or so. Pretty cool stuff!  After that I was hooked!

What is your current handicap?

I am currently playing to zero (scratch).  I have been trying to compete in as many events that my schedule allows me to but with the knee injury and the demands of teaching the game I am not quite where I need to be in order to compete full time.  The short-term goal is to get to a plus 1 or 2 by the end of the fall.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

I was involved with a lot sports while growing up including basketball, soccer, and baseball.  Golf was something I did with my father to spend time together.  It did not take long to fall in love with the game, abandon all other sports, and begin my travels on a road to professional golf.

Tell me about the “Think Tank” that you are associated with.

The “Think Tank” is my personal home teaching studio.  With the help, and permission, of my wife Meredith I was able to transform our garage into a home teaching studio. Being from the northeast it is somewhat difficult to keep my game in shape during the off-season.  My studio allows me to not only give lessons during the winter but to also work on my game and keep my tools sharp too!

Do you like working at the Aspetuck Valley Country Club of Weston?

I love it!  The Aspetuck Valley Country Club of Weston gave me my first official start into the golf business and I owe a lot to many individuals who have come and gone through the years.  The AVCC family is a big part of my life and I will always hold a special place in my heart for their kindness, generosity and most importantly their friendship.

You give a lot of lessons. I miss a lot of putts on the low side of the cup. Can you provide me, and the other readers out there who suffer the same things, any advice for making more putts?

We have all heard that putting is more than 50% of the game.  This is a proven fact.  I feel that golfers who miss putts on the low side are not hitting the ball hard enough.  100% of all putts that are short never go in.  Practice your speed by looking at the hole while putting.  Take the emphasis off of the line and practice by “feeling” a good solid stroke.  Players who concentrate on the line too much usually leave the ball short or miss on the low side of the cup.  A great drill that you can do is to place a tee in the back-side of the cup.  Hit a lot of straight five footers while looking at the tee.  Resist the temptation of watching the ball while you make your stroke.  Putting is all about feel!  Feel what it is like to make a stroke and you will be well on your way to holing more putts.

Have you ever had a hole in one?

No holes-in-one but I have had a double-eagle. (Note that a double-eagle is a two on a part five.) Some say this is more rare than hole-in-one.  It was kind of cool!  Foggy day, downhill 5-par…driver, 5-wood nothing but net baby!

What is the lowest round you have ever shot?

67…Don’t really remember it too much, I just remember having a lot of fun doing it!  Hopefully there are a lot of low rounds left in my golfing career…maybe even one that starts with a 5?

The highest?

110…in my first big event as an amateur.  Counted every stroke and posted my score.  That’s the way it should be done.  These guys who no-card or withdraw from an event because they are embarrassed with their score should be shot!  If you tee it up you post your score!  No excuses!

Thanks to you I am now reading Global Golf Post almost everyday. What is your affiliation with them?

The Global Golf Post is one of the most informative pieces of golf news that I know of…it is free and it is web-based which means no more piles of magazines cluttering up my home!  Everything you need, as far as golf news is concerned, can be found by accessing your inbox.  Global Golf Post will email you a link to the latest issue on a weekly basis, usually first thing Monday mornings after the completion of most major touring events.  Simple, clean, quick info at the click of a mouse, how easy is that?

Speaking of affiliations, whom else are you working with right now?

Callaway, Eyeline Golf, PGA of America, US Kids Golf, Titleist Performance Institute, Sport & Orthopedic Physical Therapy to name a few.

I’m not sure we can be friends anymore. You are a Boston Red Sox fan.

Yankee fan Ricky?  See you in the playoffs baby!

But then again, you also use Apple products.

Best technology on the planet in my opinion!  iMac, Macbook, iPhone…come on dude!  How can you go wrong!

What’s in your golf bag?

• Callaway 10.5 Degree FT-iZ I-Mix Driver
• Callaway Diablo 4-Wood
• Callaway Diablo 3-Hybrid
• Callaway Diablo Forged Irons 4-PW
• Callaway Jaws Wedge System 52,56,60 Degree
• Taylor-Made Monza Spider Putter

What is your passion when it comes to your fashion? What sort of statement are you trying to make?

I love color, plain and simple!  People, from time to time, comment on the outfits that I wear.  I sometimes hear “boy I wish I could pull that outfit off” or “Wow, are you trying to blind someone with those colors?”  Why should I dress like everyone else?  I am who I am and there is no changing that…I know what I like and I will never let anyone else determine what I do, say, or wear!

You have an insane playing schedule this year. How do you find time to play that much, practice to stay on the top of your game, and still work?

Playing and practicing has been a struggle thus far.  I have been concentrating on getting healthy since March and I still have a long way to go.  The tournament schedule that I put together in the beginning of the 2010 season was a best-case scenario.  Unfortunately, my game has slipped a little due to my injuries and a somewhat over-loaded work schedule.  I have been in the process of putting together a winter playing schedule.  This should give me ample time to prepare for some events in the West Palm Beach area of Florida during the winter months.

What is the one golf course that you have always wanted to play but never had the chance to get on?

St. Andrew’s; the home of golf.  Need I say more?  But someday my friend, someday!

You play a lot on the east coast. Ever make it to the west coast to play?

Not yet, although I am planning on making a trip out there really soon.  Maybe with my wife, maybe with the fellas.  I am not quite sure when and where but I know that I will get there soon!

Do you prefer to walk or ride when playing casually?

I love to walk when I play whether it be in a tournament or during a casual round.  Unfortunately, due to the two surgical procedures that I had done to my left knee over the past few years , it has been difficult to do so.  I am trying to get back into shape and build some strength back into my legs.  Hopefully with the help of my friend and physical therapist, Paddy Jarit, I will be able to walk the links on a full time basis really soon.

You put a lot of focus on goal setting in your teaching. What are some current goals of your own?

Becoming the best person and player I can possibly be, plain and simple.

What is the Branded Academy?

In November of 2009 I partnered with Interactive Frontiers, makers of the #1 rated Digital Coaching Software in the country.  Together, we developed a branded golf academy tailored specifically for my students and gman-golf.com.  I feel that video feedback is imperative in the development of any player and the GMan-Golf Branded Academy provides an online storage “locker” for my students to access their own video lessons from any computer or smart phone in the world.

Tell me about your experience at Methodist University.

What a place!  What an experience!  Methodist University allowed me to grow as a person as well as a golfer.  Best five years, yes five, of my life!  When not in class I played golf four-five days per week, mostly in the neighboring hills of Pinehurst, North Carolina.  Tough life huh?  The Professional Golf Management (PGM) Program at Methodist was, and still is, on of the best training grounds for young people who are interested in pursuing a membership into the PGA of America.

So on a typical Sunday afternoon where can I find you?

You can find me teaching at the Aspetuck Valley Country Club in Weston, Connecticut.

What do you drink out on the course to stay hydrated?

Lots of water mixed with Amino Vital.  This product really helps me to stay focused and energized during a round of golf.  I have been using this product for about two years and I have definitely seen a difference in my play, especially coming down the stretch of the back nine.

How important is a golfer’s fitness in today’s game?

Well, since golf is one of the worst sports for your body I would have to say that fitness is extremely important for any caliber of golfer.  From touring professional to the weekend player, it is a proven fact that having a sound golf-specific regimen will allow you to play longer in life with less potential for injury.  A fit golfer will have a better chance to shoot lower scores…what are you waiting for?  Seek out a local fitness professional, preferably TPI Certified, and have them develop a program that is in line with your golfing goals.

Explain your typical workout routine.

Cardiovascular, abdominal work, golf-specific stretching followed by weight training.  Stretching is the key, stretch as much as possible to keep your muscles loose and limber.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Playing the best golf of my life.  I will let you figure out the details.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

As a person who put his best foot forward in order to accomplish his goals.

I always let the bands that I interview get the last word. Why not you? Go.

Protect your dreams!

That addiction has carried over into an absolute love for the game and a passion for playing as many courses as I can. Similar to how I dislike drinking the same bottle of wine twice, I hate playing the same golf course twice. I want to get out there, experience as much as I can, and play as many tracks as possible. Not to mention the places I get to see and the cities I get to visit along the way. The travel portion of a golf trip is just about as exciting as playing.

This summer I decided to take a trip north. We went way north, all the way to Roscommon, Michigan. From Indianapolis it was about a seven hour drive. And trust me, it was a boring seven hours. Through Indiana you get pretty much cornfields and gas stations. When you hit Michigan, the terrain gets a little nicer, but rather than cornfields you get forests and lakes. Still a pretty boring drive. And we made most of ours at night, so it didn’t really matter much anyway.

When we got to Roscommon, and lost cell phone service for the next four days, I knew we were in the middle of nowhere. Upon our extremely late arrival, I was forced to pick up a late check-in package at the clubhouse. Sheryl Hugill and I were at Forest Dunes Golf Club. Here we would spend the next four days relaxing, playing golf, drinking various microbrews in the clubhouse bar, and chatting with two people who would soon become good friends of ours. Welcome to Forest Dunes.

Where is Forest Dunes?

Forest Dunes Golf Club is located in northern Michigan in the small town of Roscommon. Here in Roscommon there is not much to do. Well, besides golf. But in Roscommon you are reminded of the great American Midwest town. There are a handful of stores, most of them locally owned, a few gas stations, and a bunch of hole-in-the-wall bars and restaurants.

One day, looking for a place to grab some lunch, we did manage to make it into town to experience one of these holes in the wall. We ended up at Fred’s of Roscommon. This place was neat, actually, as it was a restaurant, bar, and bowling alley all wrapped into one. After ordering a couple lunch specials, we took some time to pet the huge buffalo head hanging on the wall and grab a view of the parade going on outside. It was the 4^th of July weekend after all.

If you are coming from the south, prepare for a long and boring ride. You can take interstate 69 all the way up until you reach 127, which will take you pretty much into Roscommon. It’s not that the city is hard to find necessarily, it’s just literally in the middle of nowhere. When we left 3G cell phone service, I got scared. But when we lost cell phone service all together I was even more frightened. We ended up going three days straight with no cell phone service. The only thing that kept us sane was the Wi-Fi offered in the clubhouse.

What is Forest Dunes?

A great experience, that is what Forest Dunes is. Imagine looking from an aerial view of the Huron National Forest. Look down, and all you see is trees, trees, and more trees. Now imagine that a golf course was just picked out of the middle of the forest. There you have Forest Dunes.

The highlight of Forest Dunes is the golf course. The course was designed by Tom Weiskopf. Tom used to play on the PGA Tour, but has made quite a name for himself designing golf courses. Forest Dunes is said to be one of his best designs yet.

Accommodations

If you are planning on staying at Forest Dunes, prepare to be impressed. There is not a hotel there. There is actually not a hotel anywhere near Forest Dunes. But that’s okay. You can just stay in one of the many homes located on the property. While there we stayed at the Buck, one of the homes sitting right on the water. No, not the ocean, but a manmade lake. There are actually a few manmade lakes at Forest Dunes, some just for looks, some meant for fishing (ice fishing in the winter) and others meant for boating and swimming. We didn’t get in the water while we were, but we sat out on the beach and read a few nights.

The house we were in had two double beds in one bedroom, a two-car garage, a king size bed in the master suite, a full kitchen, a view of the water, and much more. It literally was a house. I told Sheryl when we got there, “Pretty nice hotel room, don’t you think?”

One thing about Forest Dunes, besides its utter beauty and location, is how safe it is. I was a little worried when we got there, as the doors were all open and the lights were all on. But after asking Jennifer Middleton—the membership director at Forest Dunes—about the safety, she assured me we would be fun. She said that she hasn’t even locked her doors in six years! Refreshing as how I lock my doors when I run to get something from my car!

Amenities

Do you like the outdoors? I hope, because that is where you will spend most of your time here. If you like to fish, grab your pole and head over to Lake AuSable. They keep this lake stocked full of fish for that reason and you can fish all year round. Donny Fisher—the head pro at Forest Dunes—said that every winter you can find just as many people ice fishing as you can during the summer when the weather is nice!

If fishing is not your thing, then jump in one of the many random canoes just lying on the beach. They are sort of a first-come, first-serve kind of a thing, but that doesn’t stop people from taking a spin around the lake. Be careful though, the lake gets quite deep, and from the beach it tends to slope off quite quickly as well.

Don’t like splashing in the water? Then why don’t we go for a bike ride? There are trails everywhere at Forest Dunes. There are also volleyball courts, horseshoes, and more. There is always something going on, even when there is nothing going on.

Need to relax? Well, let’s just head over to the spa shall we? The spa has only been around for a little over a year, but you can get the true VIP treatment here. From a simple massage to hand and foot therapy, the Forest Dunes spa is ready for you to spend a relaxing day letting go. The spa is only open for reservations, so make sure you make an appointment soon.

If you are in need of some exercise, then head over to the fitness center. Located on the second floor of the clubhouse, you will find a huge workout facility offering yoga classes, fitness equipment, treadmills, and more. Of course, while we were there we decided against working out. There were just too many other things to do! This is a great benefit to the members though, and one that is used by a lot of folks.

If you are like me, and just have to have the Internet at your fingertips, then take advantage of their full service business center. The clubhouse also has free Wi-Fi for members and guests and allows you to stay in touch with folks back home or to check your email while on the road. Note that the homes do not have Wi-Fi, or cell phone service for that matter, so make sure to take advantage of the Wi-Fi offered here. I spoke with Donny about that actually, and he said they are in the process of getting Wi-Fi to the homes. (They do have satellite television in the homes though!)

If none of that suits your fancy, and you are still looking for something to do, you can jump in the car and find a wide range of other activities nearby.  Like to gamble? Then head to a casino. You can also go horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and more. Again, there is always something to do here at Forest Dunes, no matter how secluded it might be.

Golf Course

Oh boy, here we go. This is the main reason why I came to Forest Dunes. The golf course at Forest Dunes is the main reason most people come here. Well, that and the view.

When we first arrived to Forest Dunes, it was after midnight and all I could see were the lights around the clubhouse. I stopped in, grabbed our late check-in package, and headed to the house. We did see a deer when we were pulling out of the parking lot. But needless to say, we didn’t get a good view of the golf course. I wouldn’t get the chance to see the golf course until Saturday morning. Donny and I had an early tee time.

When the sun came up the next day, I awoke excited to get on the golf course. Being a Troon course, I knew it would be in great shape, but I was not ready for what was in store for me. When I first pulled up, there were only a few cars in the parking lot. I would later learn that is pretty typical as the course only gets around 10,000 a year.

I had not met Donny until that morning, but had seen pictures of him on Facebook. So, after saying hello to the greeters, I headed into the clubhouse to just kill some time. I was about a half an hour early, so I figured why not. As soon as I walked into the clubhouse, Donny walked out of his office to introduce himself. From there, it was off to the practice facility.

Most Troon courses I have played, if not all Troon courses I have played, have immaculate practice facilities. From the multiple targets on the driving range to the undulating practice greens, these facilities are usually taken care of just like the golf course itself. Forest Dunes was no different. When we got to the range, sitting to the left hand side of the massive clubhouse, I was in awe of the view from here as well. Behind you was the golf course, in front of you the practice range. This range is neat because you can hit balls from either side.

Donny said that both sides of this driving range offer unique shots to work on. From where we were hitting, there were about five pins in reach. I hit my usual wedges to start, then a few seven irons, a handful of three iron shots, and back to the wedges. One of the greens that was out in the distance was guarded by a bunker and an overhanging tree. Donny explained to me that hitting shots that you might actually see on the course makes all the difference.

We didn’t get a chance to putt before our round; it was off to the first tee. I had not hit a driver on the range either so I was a little nervous I might yank it into the high grass. But I didn’t. I placed the ball right down the middle. I caught it a little thin, but the ball ran for quite a while on the hard, yet smooth fairways. It left me with a seven iron onto the green. I yanked it, again blaming it on the tense muscles, into a greenside bunker. From there I would hit out to about ten foot, two putts, and happily walk to the net hole with a bogey.

I actually didn’t mind starting off with a bogey. I was just happy to be there, playing golf, and being able to take in all the sights and sounds of Forest Dunes. From there, I would bogey the next, then the next, and then hit a streak of pars.

On hole two, before I get too far into the round, we saw some wild turkeys just off the side of the fairway. I had seen a turkey before, sure, but not on the golf course. Never mind the deer that would later run right beside the fairway on hole sixteen. Donny said the later in the season it gets, the more wildlife you see. They even have guys hunting out here in the fall and winter.

The front nine was fun. Hole eight had to have been my favorite on the front side. It had a great view for your second shot. It went downhill, toward a lake, and had the clubhouse in the background on the left with trees and forest on the right. From there, hole nine would have you hitting over that same lake to a small green to finish with a par three. Donny said no matter what the distance says, hit a club, if not two clubs extra. There was wind over that lake that you just didn’t feel from the tee box. (Playing with someone that had the local knowledge like Donny did made my day even that more enjoyable. Better yet, I was playing with a guy who had local knowledge and was a professional. It couldn’t get any better.)

By the time we hit the back nine, I was ready to make some birdies. That sadly never happened, but I did start hitting some better shots on the back. The back actually starts off with a short, almost reachable par four. However, there is trouble right, trouble left, and with a split fairway you almost want to hit an iron off the tee. Of course, I took out a driver and ripped it into the junk on the right. I did manage to get out and up and down for a par.

The back nine is nothing like the front. On the front side trees and tight fairways surround you. And while there are a couple of tight fairways on the back side, it is a lot more wide open. The backside, just as pretty as the front, proved to be the easier of the two sides for me. Maybe I was starting to putt well, I don’t know. But by the time we got to hole sixteen, I was just so overcome by the golf course all I wanted to do was camp out on one of the tee boxes.

We got to the last hole, I ripped a driver left, and ended up finishing with a bogey six. But not really. Here at Forest Dunes, you have one more hole to play after you finish your eighteen. Most golf courses consider the bar inside the clubhouse to be the nineteenth hole. But not here. Here you play one more. The hole, titled the Bye Hole, is setup to settle bets. So if you are done and tied, well, no more.

This hole is pretty cool. Water comes into play, as does a bunker. But this bunker is not your typical bunker. This bunker is in the center of the green! You might have seen this a few times on the PGA Tour as they have some holes with a bunker in the middle of the green. But it is a sight to see from the tee box.

When the round was over, we all shook hands (Donny’s apprentice joined us on the back side) and headed into the bar for a bite to eat and an ice-cold microbrew. I ordered a wedge salad, a club sandwich, and a blackberry stout to drink. It was the perfect end to a perfect round of golf. I ended up shooting 82 that day, and while I would have liked to be lower (excluding that nine I had on the front side), I will take it. And apparently I beat Donny. But I think he let me win.

Restaurant

As if the golf course was not enough. They had to go and throw a restaurant into the mix. And you all know how much I like to eat. So after our round, I had my first chance to see the restaurant and to take a gander at the menu. When I sat down, I was handed an over sized menu on card stock. I was a little surprised the menu was not a tad bit nicer than this. Especially considering where we were. But I quickly saw past that and started reading the menu. I was immediately turned to the wedge salad.

I ordered that, and while Donny decided what he wanted for lunch, I also snagged a club sandwich. Based on Donny’s recommendation, I thought I would give it a shot. Oh yeah, and the blackberry stout. Imagine taking Guinness and mixing in a handful of blackberries just to give it that added kick of flavor. Yeah, they have that…on tap. I also had another beer that I had never heard of, but nothing could top the blackberry beer.

When the salad arrived I was ready to dig in. I poured my bleu cheese dressing all over it and went to town. And it was delicious. If you have never had a wedge salad, I must suggest you drop what you are doing and go get one. Right now! They are that good. And by the time the club sandwich came, I was ready for another beer. And I finished the club, don’t you worry. It was equally delicious. I would later learn that they had a new food and beverage director and he is bringing in a lot of ideas for the menu. I must say, if this is what is to expect from the new menu, appearing in early August, then you are in for a treat.

By the time we got to dinner a few hours and a nap later, I was hungry again! I was looking over the entrees and had no idea what to order. They had some interesting menu items on their dinner menu, including roasted duck in a chocolate chili glaze. That is what I ended up getting, and it was the tenderest duck I have ever eaten. It was just enough to satisfy. I had another one of those beers, and sat back after dinner satisfied. Of course, Sheryl ordered dessert.

She ordered a slice of cheesecake, one of her favorites. Donny and Jennifer also ordered dessert. I had another beer. I am telling you, this blackberry stout is really that good! By the time we were done eating, I think everyone was ready to just enjoy a nice Saturday night in. Sheryl and I headed back to the house to read on the beach by the water. It was a great way to end a perfect day of golf, food, and friends.

Surrounding Area

I wish I could tell you there is a lot of stuff to do around Roscommon, but I can’t. That’s because there isn’t. But for someone like me, who just wants a place to relax, lie on the beach, and get in a few rounds of golf, it is a perfect destination. Sure, there are a few shops here and there in downtown Roscommon, but nothing worth getting excited about. We did walk through one of the local grocery stores, and had lunch in one of the local hangout spots, but again, it is a small town, with nice people all around, and not much to do besides relax.

There are some bigger cities nearby. When I say nearby, remember we are about five miles from cell phone service here. A good hour, hour and a half drive will have you in a number of casinos. You can even head over to Traverse City, about an hour and a half from Roscommon, to visit the cherry capital of the world. While we were in town they were having the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City. Sheryl tried to go on Saturday, while I was playing golf, and ended up coming back because traffic was so bad. But according to Donny, Traverse City is a great town. He compared it to Scottsdale, Arizona, only in Michigan.

If you come to Michigan, or to Forest Dunes for that matter, just bring some good books, a board game or two, maybe a DVD, and an open mind. This truly is a place where you can leave your doors unlocked at night.

Press Coverage & Awards

Forest Dunes is not as secluded as you might think. They have been recognized by various magazines and media outlets for the facility, the golf course, and more. Below you will find a list of just a handful of the media coverage Forest Dunes has had recently:

2010

• Golf Week Magazine: Best Residential Courses in (America) – #30 Forest Dunes
• Golf Week Magazine: Best Modern Courses in (America) – #90 Forest Dunes
• Best Courses you can play (Michigan) – #3 Forest Dunes

2009

• Golf World Magazine: Readers’ Choice Awards (America) – #1 Forest Dunes
• Golf Week Magazine: Best Modern Courses in (America) (1960 – Present) – #82 Forest Dunes
• Best Courses you can play (Michigan) – #2 Forest Dunes
• Best Residential Courses (America) – # 24 Forest Dunes
• Golf Digest: 2009/2010 America’s Greatest Public Courses – #18 Forest Dunes
• 2009/2010 America’s Greatest Courses Overall (Michigan) – #6 Forest Dunes
• 2008/2009 Best Places to Play – 4 1/2 Stars

As you can see, some of these publications are serious business. From being featured on the front cover of Great Lakes Midwest Golf Life to having an all out featured article in Golfweek’s Definitive Guide to The Golf Life, this club means business. How cool would it be to work at a place that has been recognized by Golf World Magazine as the #1 Reader’s Choice Award?

Faculty & Staff

Nice would not even begin to describe the people at Forest Dunes. I had first been introduced to Forest Dunes through my work, but had no idea it would turn into friendships and a chance to visit the property. I had been in contact with Jennifer, the membership director, for a few months before I headed north. I had chatted with Donny here and there, and we were Facebook friends, but never had communicated as much as we did during our stay.

When I got out of my car on Saturday, my first chance to meet anyone from the club, I was greeted with a friendly hello and was offered assistance with my golf bag. I felt like royalty or something. It seemed that even the guys handling the carts had a genuine interest in my enjoyment at the club. Not to mention the guys working in the pro shop and the ladies tending the bar – even the servers, for that matter. Everyone was just so darn nice.

Donny and I had the chance to play on Saturday, so we got to know each other quite well during my trip. He and his wife even invited Sheryl and me to watch the fireworks with them on Sunday evening. He said he knew just the spot to take us and would pick us up around 9:00 PM. Long story short, he did know a great place. Good thing he had four wheel drive. We ended up literally on the top of a mountain. Now, granted it was only a few thousand feet high, but we ended up watching fireworks displays from about the best spot possible. We saw roughly six or seven different fireworks displays that night. We could see that far. It was a great way to spend the holiday, that’s for sure.

The moral of the story is, the people at Forest Dunes are not just nice, they are genuine. They care about their job, they care about the people who play the course and that eat at the restaurant, and they truly cherish the relationships they build. I am happy to have met the people that I did and I look forward to growing better friends in the future with all of them.

Do you like to play golf? Maybe you just like good food and enjoy being treated like a king or queen. Or perhaps you just like to relax, read a good book, and go for a quick swim right off your back deck. Whatever the case may be, go to Forest Dunes. This place is hidden, in the middle of nowhere, and lacks the luxuries like cell phone service and Wi-Fi that you get at home. But that is just part of it and even adds to the enjoyment of spending a weekend away. I will be back, rest assured, and I will be taking friends with me when I go. I want as many people to experience Forest Dunes as they can. Thank you to Donny, Jennifer, and the rest of the Forest Dunes staff for providing me with a unique and nearly perfect weekend. Fore!

Another Cool Design has worked with quite a few companies here in the Indianapolis area, and they take their work very seriously. Their head man, Nathan Karamanski, spends his time planning shots and instructing his parents, John and Victoria Karamanski, where to go for the next shot. They are some of the hardest working people in this city and with the help of Paul’s smiling face and a bunch of great local restaurants to facilitate, out comes a professional video and an experience like none other.

I have not been to a PPGE event in a while. But this one was special. Having thrown an event for my blog at Pinheads Entertainment Center, located just off of state road 37 and 141^st street, I was approached by John and Victoria. They were there supporting my blog and asked if I would help schedule a PPGE event there. They were impressed with the facility, and wanted an excuse to work with me. Long story short, I scheduled a meeting with a couple managers at Pinheads, and the rest is history. (I won’t tell you that John and Paul showed up a half an hour late and I had already sold them on the idea before they showed up!)

Since that meeting, I have been asked to help bring more local establishments to light, and am working with a handful of other restaurants to make that a reality. But back to the event, held at Pinheads on Thursday, June 24^th, 2010.

If you have ever attended a Paul Poteet event like this, then you know that they start quite early. Most of these, if not all of them to date, have started at 4:30 PM. They ask that the restaurant give them their slowest night so they can have free range of the venue to record and to take photos, and most places that tends to be weeknights. But, at Pinheads, they decided to do it on a Thursday evening. And they also decided to not have it begin until 5:00 PM. The event still lasted only two hours, but starting a half an hour later allowed more people the chance to make it there after work.

When I first got there I saw Another Cool Design shooting the outside of the building as well as the sign hanging out front. They were also shooting a brand new Chevy Camaro parked out front. Paul has been working with Hare Chevrolet on some promotion work, and this was just another way to spread the word. I later asked Paul how fast he has driven the thing, and he laughed and said, “When I hit 65, I lay off because I am afraid I would wreck the thing.” So not fast enough, I say!

Once inside Pinheads, I noticed some people gathered around one of the VIP suites at the back of the facility. But before I could get back there, I was whisked away by Kevin Walter, operating manager at Pinheads. He and I chatted about the potential turnout, the food that they would be preparing, the use of the facility for the event, and even talked about some private lessons he would be giving throughout the evening. It sounded too good to be true.

I made my way to the back of the building on my way to the VIP suites. Before I even made it into the suites, I had to grab a plate. The food was lined up all along the back bar and into the suite itself. There were people on the four lanes inside the suite bowling, and the entire south side of the bowling alley had been reserved for the event. With over twenty lanes open, nearly all of them full of guests having a blast throwing strikes, it was just a sight to see.

After snacking on some cheese trays, some meatballs, and a handful of Pinheads’ signature salads, I grabbed a seat to watch the evening unfold. Before the night was over, I chatted with Dave Smiley for a bit. I finally met John Cannon of My Car Doc. I shared in some stories with John and Victoria, and managed to meet a handful of local photographers who were covering the event. Before the night was over, I even stopped to chat with Sandy Ott Rusk. She was there interviewing Paul for Radio Mom, and after John introduced the two of us, she wanted to interview me too!

After she and I chatted, Paul and company were wrapping up. They had been filming for about four hours straight and covered the arcade, the bowling alley, the duckpin bowling alley, Louie’s restaurant, and more. Not to mention the endless list of dishes that they filmed form the Pinheads kitchen. I saw people going back for seconds, and asked a handful of folks their thoughts on the food. Everyone was impressed with the food, the service from the Pinheads staff, and the facility itself.

I asked John Cannon, who I have seen at numerous other Paul Poteet events, how thoughts on the evening.

“This is so much fun,” he said. “This the most fun we have had a Paul Poteet event to date. Great facility and incredible food. We couldn’t be happier.” His wife agreed as well and she was excited that she could bring her children to an event and not have to watch their every move. Stick them on a lane, and let them bowl!

This is just another example why these Paul Poteet events are so much fun. They are continuing to introduce the community to new locally-owned restaurants, and even places like Pinheads where you can do more than just eat delicious food and enjoy fabulous beverages. So, until the next Paul Poteet’s Gotta Eat, get out to Pinheads and spend an evening with your family, enjoying the many things they have to offer. From bowling to the arcade, pool tables and more, you can spend an entire evening there. Don’t forget to grab a pair of bowling shoes before you step up to the lanes!

Most players in Major League Baseball today will play growing up, participate in summer leagues, play through high school and college, and find themselves in minor league ball for some Major League club. The better players will skip the minors all together and end up going straight to the big leagues. And the players who win the chance to play in the “big show,” as they call it, will get the chance to play ball the way it was meant to be played.

A regular baseball season is 162 games. This does not include spring training or the playoffs. The season starts in early spring, and ends in October. I wonder if that is where Reggie Jackson got his name, Mr. October? Players are on the road all the time, staying in hotel rooms and soaking in bathtubs filled with ice. It is a game that truly wears on the players and can make for a sore old man before the age of forty.

All of that aside, the game has a unique set of rules that does not really apply to other sports. The general rules are quite simple, however. You play nine innings, with the home team always getting the last at-bat in case of a tie. You play three outs per side, with a total of six outs per inning. The teams will have nine players with the option to sub at any point during the game and the pitchers will throw a similar amount of balls before they are replaced with a fresh arm.

I could spend all day talking about the rules of baseball, but I will save you by saying that there is also a set of rules that you won’t find in any rulebook. There is a certain set of rules unwritten, sometimes even unspoken. That is, of course, until they are broken. Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees recently broke one of those unspoken rules by walking across the pitchers mound after being thrown out in between second and third base., thinking he was just taking the shortest path back to the dugout. The pitcher for the other team went haywire. He started screaming and Rodriquez, and angrily threw his glove once he made it back to his dugout.

Swinging for the Fences

Back to back home runs in any game can be exciting for the fans. It does, however, make the opposing pitcher seem to be worthless and force the coach to consider pulling the pitcher. But, did you know that it is an unwritten rule for a player to not swing at the first pitch after back-to-back home runs? This is, of course, like all of these unwritten rules, not actually taken seriously by most but, like A-Rod found out a few weeks ago, the players take them seriously.

Why would you not swing at the first pitch if it were right down the middle? Well, it is just common courtesy to opposing pitcher to just not swing. Granted, most players have the mentality that they are out there to win and are going to do whatever they can to score the most runs possible. But even if it was only two one-run homers, it will make you look like a much better sportsman.

Ouch, That Hurt!

It happens in almost every game and is something that nearly all batters will face. Getting hit by the pitch is not enjoyable for anyone. Most MLB pitchers will throw the ball close to 100 miles an hour and getting hit with a little cowhide-covered ball is not going to feel good. But, as most MLB players will say, if you get hit, suck it up and take your base.

Pete Rose, one of the best baseball players ever to play the game, used to run to first base as hard as he could after he was hit by a pitch. He would also run as hard as he could after a walk. This, for the sake of being hit by the pitch, was to shake it off and not give the opposing pitcher the satisfaction. It is a macho thing to do, as most players will argue, and just part of the game.

Respect Your Umpire

When on the field, the only person you need to worry about is the umpire. The umps decide whether that last pitch was a ball or a strike, fair or foul. They are the ones that have the final decision in any rules inquiry while on the field. You will see tons of clips on YouTube or even ESPN of managers and players alike arguing with umpires after a missed call. It usually solves nothing, often ending in ejection from the game, and puts a sour taste in that umpires mouth for future games.

There are some pretty good scenes where managers, like Lou Piniella, get so upset they begin kicking dirt on the umpires, or pull out one of the bases and toss it across the field. Most of these antics happen once the player or manager has already been kicked out of the game. It helps them get the last word, if nothing else. But it is just assumed that you will treat these guys like a boss or your superior. They are the ones that eventually have the last say, so make sure you treat them with respect while on the field.

Shh! Don’t Say Anything!

There comes a time in every pitcher’s career where he will face the chance to have a no hitter. A no hitter is a game where the pitcher plays all nine innings and will throw a lot more than his fair share of pitches. A no hitter is a game where the pitcher does not give up a single hit. Now, he can give up a walk or two, and even have runs scored during a no hitter, but no ball will make contact with a bat.

Even harder than a no hitter is a perfect game. There have only been a handful of those thrown in the history of baseball. A perfect game is where no man is ever on base. No wild pitches, no walks, hits, nothing. I have actually seen two perfect games thrown, one in person. It is truly a moment in history and one that is taken very serious by players and their adversaries. As a matter of fact, EA Sports just gave away $1 million to a young man for throwing a perfect game on his Xbox 360. The game, Major League Baseball 2K10, is said to be so hard that no one can throw a perfect game. They offered this prize as a way to test their difficulty. It took this kid less than a week to win the million bucks.

But when a pitcher is getting close to a no hitter, or a perfect game for that matter, under no circumstance do you talk about it. You might hear an announcer say something about it, but no one on the field is supposed to mention it. That will jinx the pitcher and the streak will break. So the next time you see a game getting to the seventh or eighth inning with out any hits, just keep your mouth shut.

There are many more unwritten rules for baseball. There are actually so many that Jason Turbow wrote a book about it. The Baseball Codes takes a look at the unwritten and unspoken rules of baseball, and breaks down each one. He explains why these rules are put in place, and even gives examples where these rules have been broken. I am sure he was proud to see Alex Rodriguez walk across the mound in a recent game. So if you play baseball, make sure you know not only the rules of baseball but also these unwritten rules of the game.

Note that A-Rod claimed to not know of this unwritten rule that he broke. He said that he had never heard of such a thing.

How long have you been playing golf?

I started playing golf when I was six years old.  I would practice in our yard with my brother and dad.

What is your first memory of the game?

I would always practice around the house.  My first significant memory was attending the 1987 Ryder Cup at Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio with my dad, my mom and my brother.  That was the first time I received an autograph from the “Golden Bear” Jack Nicklaus. I also remember the European team celebrating their victory on the 18th green.

Did you, or do you currently, play any sports other than golf?

As a kid, I played soccer for six+ years, karate for six+ years and then I just wanted to focus on golf full-time.  I also snow skied throughout middle school and high school.  In High School I played four years of varsity golf.

Ever had a hole in one?

Still waiting on one.

What is your lowest round you have ever shot?

My lowest 18-hole round in competition is a 72 when I was junior in high school.   I consider myself an average player.  Since I was about thirteen years old, I knew that I wanted to become a PGA Club Professional.  I love/enjoy being around the golf course.

What about the highest?

Not sure, only focus on the positive rounds.  I’ve learned a lot since my junior golf years.  Now that I do not play as much, I enjoy the game much more.  It is a privilege to play, no reason to get frustrated.

How many rounds a week do you play?

Very good question. It fluctuates based upon business levels at the club.

So, you might be working for one of the nicest and most talked about courses in the game. What is like working for the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course?

I am honored and privileged to have the opportunity to be employed at TPC Sawgrass.  It is a very special place being the home of the PGA Tour and The Players.

I am sure you have had the chance to meet many of the games great players. Anyone stick out more than another?

I had the opportunity to meet Phil Mickleson in the Champions Locker Room after his 2007 Players victory.  I also had the privilege to meet Tiger Woods at the 2008 “Tee It Up with Tiger” presented by Nike Golf.

I told myself a few years back I am not allowed to die before I have a meal with Tiger Woods. Have you ever had the chance to sit and chat with Tiger? (Note that I am his biggest fan. I will argue that with anyone!)

As I mentioned above, I had the opportunity to meet him on the 10th tee of the Trump National Golf Club LA.  I was impressed with how he took time to say hello to each participant in a sincere manner.  A very cool experience!

Where are you originally from?

I am from Strongsville, Ohio. It is a suburb of Cleveland.

You seem to work with a bunch of really nice individuals including your general manager Mr. Bill Hughes. Tell me what it’s like working with a team of well-oiled machines like Mr. Hughes.

That is a very good question.  It is a privilege to work around such a passionate/dedicated group of people.  Everyone on our team is focused on creating a magical expereince for our members and guests.  Everyday Bill comes with a “Can Do” positive attitude.  He is always trying to bring the best out of individuals, department and club as a whole.  There is never a day that Bill does not bring a 100% passion for TPC Sawgrass and PGA Tour.  I’ve been extremely blessed to have a great group of PGA Professionals that have been mentors to me.  They taken an interest in my career and have been a tremendous help along the way.  I hope I can have the same impact in my career.

How many balls have you hit in the water on hole 17?

Only positive thoughts…do not count.

What are you doing during the week of the Player’s?

Our #1 goal is to offer a memorable expereince to our PGA Tour players and their families.  My goal is to support the golf operations and the Players Championship Team.

So I want to come back to the club and play a round with you and Mr. Hughes. Any chance we can make that happen before the year is out?

Please let me know when you are visiting the Jacksonville area.

What is in your bag? (I am talking everything from the driver to the putter and everything in between.)

907D2 driver, 906 F2 3-Wood – 15 degree, Titleist Hybrid 585-H – 19 & 24 degree, Titleist AP2 Irons, Vokey Wedges 54 and 60 degree, Scotty Cameron, Studio Select Newport 2, Titleist Pro VIx (Initials – MEB), Titleist Players Glove, Foot-Joy Shoes – Dry Joys and Icons. That’s everything!

How much TPC Sawgrass merchandise do you own?

The majority of my clothes have the TPC Sawgrass logo.  There is no reason to shop at another store.  Our golf shop has just about everything available to the customer.  Recognized as Best 100 Golf Shop by Golf World in 2009.

You look to be pretty young. When did you first become a pro?

When I was eleven years old I started at Columbia Hills Country Club as a caddie.  That same year I was practicing at a local public course. (Pine Hills Golf Club)  The PGA Head Golf Professional saw me on the practice range.  He asked if I wanted to work for free golf and a sleeve of practice balls per week.  I took the job right away, shagging golf balls on the range every Saturday and Sunday.  After two years, I was promoted to work the golf carts as a starter.  I worked at Pine Hills for seven years and completed my first college internship at the club.  I started at Coastal Carolina Univeristy, Conway, South Carolina, in the fall of 1998.  In 1999 I had a very lucky break and had the opportunity to work at TPC Myrtle Beach.  I started on the practice facility and moved up to the outside operations department. My senior year of college I was offered a full-time position as Assistant Golf Professional.  In 2004 I had the opportunity to interview at TPC Sawgrass for the Assistant Golf Professional position.  In December 2005 the Head Golf Professional left for a new opportunity.  At that time, I had the opportunity to improve my knowledge and develop my experience as a golf professional.  My goal was to increase my value in the TPC Network and hopefully prepare myself for a Head Professional position in the TPC Network.  I was very lucky to have people that believed in my abilities.  I have been very fortunate to have a team that supports the core values and club mission.  In May 2007 I was promoted to Head Golf Professional.

I graduated from Coastal Carolina Univeristy, BSBA in Marketing speciliazing in Professional Golf Managment.  Elected to PGA of America membership in May 2004.

Who is your favorite PGA Tour player?

When I was a kid, Jack Nicklaus and Fred Couples.  Now, I have an interest in the local players that call TPC Sawgrass home.  Vijay Singh, Jim Furyk, Fred Funk, Frank Lickliter and the other thirty some players that live locally.

How many days a year can you actually play golf in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida? (They say you can play 360+ days a year in Scottsdale. I just want to compare!)

The TPC Sawgrass (The Players Stadium and Dye’s Valley Course) is open 365 days per year.

I can’t afford it, but what sort of benefits do members get?

TPC Sawgrass Social Club Membership

The TPC Sawgrass Social Club Membership provides you with access to bring guests to TPC Sawgrass for breakfast, lunch and casual dinner service in Nineteen and access to Champions, the formal, members-only dining room, for dinner. Benefits include exclusive, member-only pricing, a 20% discount on a la carte and wine by the bottle menus for parties up to eight. You’ll also receive a $300 credit towards food and beverage purchases to be used during the annual term of your membership. Social Club members will also be able to enjoy occassions by invitation, such as wine dinners hosted by renowned wine makers, themed dinners, events and holiday functions.

When it’s time to play the game, Social Club members will have access up to forty-eight in advance to The Players Stadium Course or Dye’s Valley Course with a 10% High Season discount and a 25% Summer Season discount. Other Social member discounts include 20% savings on merchandise in the full-service golf shop and a 20% discount at the Tour Academy. In addition, both you and your spouse will enjoy charge privileges at the TPC Sawgrass.

You may upgrade to a Social Associate Membership for an additional $450, which allows you to book golf fourteen days in advance for members appreciation rates. The member’s first round of golf on The Players Stadium Course is included with this upgrade.

TPC Sawgrass Social Club Membership

Annual dues are $500 for a one-year membership.

Dye’s Valley Annual Pass

As a Dye’s Valley Course Member, privileges will be extended to your spouse and dependent children up to the age of 25, and is non-transferable. Annual dues are $2,400*. Renewal dues are billed annually.

Members play for cart fees only when playing Dye’s Valley and receive member appreciation rates when playing The Players Stadium.

* Member pays cart fee only on Dye’s Valley Course

* May make starting times up to 10 days in advance on Dye’s Valley Course and

*7 days in advance on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course

* Accompanied guests pay 25% less than current seasonal guest fee

* Engraved bag tag for new members

* Dining room and banquet facilities available for daily use or private and group functions

* Use of practice facilities; Practice balls are supplied when playing a round of golf

* Use of daily lockers during your visit

* Forecaddies, Double bag and single carry caddies available upon request

* Members receive a 20% discount on dining, Golf Shop merchandise, and TOUR Academy Lessons, club fitting, and repair

Member Appreciation Rates when playing The Players Stadium Course:

* Bring one to three paying guests, Member pays $50 golf fee.

I just can’t get over the fact that you are the head pro at the TPC Sawgrass. I want your job!

Thank you – It’s an honor and privilege to carry the tradition of TPC Sawgrass.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I would be very happy with being the Head Professional at TPC Sawgrass.  I think it’s a position that should have stability and consistency.  My next career goal is to be a General Manager with the TPC Network.  I would like to accomplish this in five to eight years from now.

What do you, as a professional, want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

Another very good question. Give back to the game that has been very good to me.  Recruit, hire, and train PGA Professionals for their next career step.  Hopefully they will filled prepared and ready for their next opportunity.

I always let the bands that I interview get the last word. Why not you? Go.

What do you enjoy most about your blog writing? And why?  What are your career goals and aspirations? Thank you for including me on your blog and enjoy the Players!

I was not a fan of golf at the time, as baseball had consumed my life. Not having been watching the golf tournament for a few minutes, I saw a long and winding putt fall into the hole. The camera panned to a tall, slim black man giving some sort of a fist pump, as he was excited that he had made the putt. He was wearing khaki shorts and a straw hat. The man that made that putt was Tiger Woods and he was playing the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

That day I went from being a baseball fanatic to being addicted to the game of golf. I began playing, hitting balls every chance I got, and eventually ended up playing in college for Marian University. Every time I think about Tiger Woods, I am taken back to that day where I saw him drain that putt. Later, in 1999 when Tiger Woods began what has proven to be one of the most successful video games of all time, they have featured the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course as one of the courses.

Recently I was given the opportunity to travel with my company down to Amelia Island, Florida for a golf conference. The conference, the annual Golf Inc. Magazine Conference, was business as usual and a long, educational few days of seminars and meetings. We were there as an exhibitor and also as a thought leader in the golf industry for the services and solutions that we offer. Where this conference was being held landed us only a thirty-minute drive from TPC Sawgrass.

We arrived on in Jacksonville on a Sunday afternoon and thought about heading over to the course. But we got in late and thought we might travel that way on Monday morning before we set up for the show. But come Monday morning, by the time we had finished setting up it was too late to go. But I wasn’t giving up hope of seeing one of the most famous golf courses in the world. So what did I do? I simply picked up the phone and called the golf course to see if we could schedule a tour of the facility for that Wednesday.

You see, the meetings were over in the early afternoon on Wednesday and we wanted to make sure to see the golf course. And we didn’t leave until Thursday morning so we had all the time in the world on Wednesday to see that golf course. I wanted to make sure I made every minute of this trip, and seeing Sawgrass would be a somewhat dream come true. Especially including the history that Tiger has there.

When I first called the golf course the Director of First Impressions picked up the phone. I explained to her that I was a blogger from Indiana and that I wanted to come see the facility. By happenstance, my company’s CEO is also a budding photographer, and he wanted to shoot some photos. She seemed interested and I was transferred to the general manager of the golf course for further clearance. I spoke with Mr. Bill Hughes and he stated that we were more than welcome to come in and see the facility. He invited us in on Wednesday at 4:00 PM to see the clubhouse, the driving range, and a few holes out on the golf course.

The rest of the week went by with us making conversation surrounding TPC Sawgrass. I, as well as the others guys in our party, were excited to see the facility. It was a long wait getting from Monday afternoon until Wednesday evening.

Come Wednesday, when the meetings had all ended, we were headed to the golf course. An hour or so later we entered Ponte Vedra Beach and found the entrance to what is known as Sawgrass. It had a guarded gate and we needed further clearance to even get in the front gate. However, my name was on a roster from the golf course and we were allowed access.

See, in Sawgrass there is more than just the TPC Stadium Course. This is also where the PGA headquarters located. Also, I would later learn, it is where five or so PGA Tour players make their home. Vijay Singh, for example, lives right behind the driving range while Jim Fuyrk also lives on one of the holes on the golf course. Being as they have year round playing conditions, it makes sense for these guys to reside on here. There were actually a handful of PGA players there when we were at the golf course. Of course, we never did get to see them, but it was the mysterious factor that made it even more exciting.

When we finally found the golf course, we traveled through a long and winding main entrance to the parking lot. We got out, stretched our legs, and make our way to the clubhouse. The first thing you notice is the sheer size of the facility. It was almost like looking at a mansion or something standing right in front of us. We snapped a few images and walked in to get started on our tour. That is when our tour guide, Mike, greeted us. (I do not recall Mike’s last name.)

Mike walked us over to the Director of First Impressions and she gave him clearance to begin the tour. We started with the clubhouse since that is where we met Mike. First he discussed the huge paintings that were all over the walls. These paintings were huge, all from the same artist, and were all donated to the clubhouse as well as to the TPC Sawgrass. They are of repeat winners of the Player’s Championship and one of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson from Tiger’s only Player’s Championship victory.

The Player’s is what most call the fifth major of the season and holds the deepest field of the year. Only a handful of people have won this event twice. That list includes Steve Elkington, Fred Couples, Jack Nicklaus, Hal Sutton, and Fred Couples. Like I said, there is also a huge painting of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson from when Tiger won his only, to date, Player’s in 2001. During that event you might remember the announcer saying, in regards to the putt he made in 17, that it was, “Better than most.”

We then made our way to the President’s Room. Here you will find a table, some chairs, and the President’s Cup. The cup sits there when the United States owns it, and last year the US won it back from Europe. It was neat to see, not as big as I thought, and was sitting among a room filled with history. Mike had said this room was filled with memories and each year the greats of the game meet here for conversation and recollection each year before the Player’s.

Then we made our way to the player’s locker room. We were told that it was private, that we were not allowed to go in there, but since it was slow and we were huge golf fans, Mike walked us back. Granted, he could have been able to take us back there the entire time, but never the less it was awesome to see. In this room there were lockers for all of the greats of the game. I found myself standing in a room that I could hope to be nothing less than a fly on the wall. I stood only inches from Tiger Woods’s locker. Yes, I touched the handle on that locker to be that one more step closer to the living the life that Tiger leads.

Then we walked down past the 19th Hole, the in house restaurant where they serve food and drinks to the general public. Here Mike said players gather after their rounds for a drink, some food, and a priceless conversation. It was neat to see a room where you know guys like Tom Watson and Fred Couples have talked about their rounds.

Then we saw the line of clubs that were all down one wall of the 19th Hole. Mike said that each year the winner is asked to donate a club to the course. The club that is donated is said to be the club that the player felt helped him win the event. In this row of sticks you see drivers, three woods, irons, wedges and even putters lined up side by side. Tiger left his 56-degree Scotty Cameron sand wedge. It was when he was still with Titleist and is actually the exact same wedge that I play. I touched the grip just to be safe. (Players are also asked to sign the club somewhere for keepsake.)

Now it was time to see the Hall of Champions. This is an underground tunnel from the clubhouse to the first there allowing players to escape the craze of fans and autographs. Also down here was the caddy area where all of the club’s caddies hang out and spend their free time between rounds. It was neat to walk down this hallway as on either side you could also see high-resolution professional photos from all of the winners of the Player’s. The club at the TPC Sawgrass puts a ton of attention into their winners and treats them with the up most respect.

Then we walked back upstairs and got the chance to see what the original Player’s Championship trophy looked like. The old trophy is huge! However, the new trophy, which I would later see on display in the pro shop, is much smaller and is made of solid crystal. A major improvement from the old black beast they used to give away.

Also in the clubhouse, right across the way from the crystal trophy is the FedEx Cup. Tiger has won this two of the three FedEx Cup events. It is nice, the folks at Tiffany and Co. created it. It weights thirty-five pounds and it is nice to think that Tiger has won, held, and kissed this trophy now twice. Note that Tiger was out with an injury the second year of the event and did not participate in any o the tournaments. (The FedEx Cup is a season long playoffs for the players and was introduced three years ago as a way to draw more eyes to the game of golf.)

Now it was time to see the golf course. We headed outside, snapped a few more pictures of the clubhouse, and then jumped on a six-man golf cart. Mike pulled away and took us to the roundabout just before the driving range. Here there is a large oval monument showcasing all of the previous winners and the flag of their respective country of origin. Also there are high flying flags of the previous winners country. There is so much history here at the TPC as well as so much homage to the players who win here.

We drove past the driving range and I asked about where the PGA players actually hit balls. This, sadly, was on the opposite side the range and out of our direct sight. The tour players spend so much time here that they wanted a place for them to have no worries about where to hit balls and to work on their games. So, as we drove by I saw a few guys on the far side of the range and it made my mind run wild with which it could be. Mike did say that Tiger likes to just show up at the golf course unannounced. I will never know if Tiger was on the range that day, but it fun to imagine one of those players was he.

Then we saw a smaller secondary clubhouse, which was originally built as a place to hold the caddies in between rounds and as a snack bar in between nines. This small building was just past the 18th green and had a story all of it’s own. Mike said that the building is now used as the scorer’s tent where the official scores are tallied. After each round the players will go in, sign their scorecards, and then sign a few autographs where fans can gather outside. The second story, however, is a part of what you see on TV. NBC wanted a place to hold their interviews to the TPC build a sound proof booth on the second floor of this little building for this very reason.

Hole 18, from the green going the opposite direction, does not look like hard of a golf hole. Well, that changes when you make your way to the tee box. Standing on the tee, all you see is water. The entire left hand side is water and there are woods to the left. It is a very tough decision what club to hit, especially on Sunday.

Mike said that a ton of balls actually end up on the right hand side somewhere in the woods due to the guys not wanting to hit it in the water. The hole also plays over 450 yards and to me, that is pushing a par five. But for the players on the tour it is a typical par 4. (I guess when you hit the ball as far as these guys do; a hole of this length plays fairly short.)

We then moved on to the famed 17th hole. This is known as one of the single most famous hole in golf. This is also called the island green by most and serves as a way for the TPC to collect a range of golf balls on a daily basis. The TPC Stadium Course gets over 40,000 rounds a year and according to Mike, the average golfer will hit three balls into the water before getting one to stick on the green. Imagine that. Three balls, six strokes, and you are not even putting yet. The hole is only 137 yards too!

The course was designed by one of the most famous course designers of all time, Mr. Pete Dye.  When he got to hole 17 he did not intend for it to be an island green. But, after his wife talked him into it, the hole ended up being short and intimidating finishing hole. Even guys on the tour hit balls into the water here. Mike said the main reason for this is that the wind blows in from the right to the left but you cannot feel it on the tee. He was right. You cannot feel anything on that tee box. But after a handful of photos we moved on to the 16th hole.

On 16, a long par five, you can see nothing but trees on either side. The trees on the left, on Tiger Woods EA Sports video games, I can hit over and have a wedge into the green. But with water on the right and trees left PGA players tend to hit a three wood just to make sure they have a shot into the green. Mike actually took us over to a spot in the trees on the left where Davis Love III had hit a three wood one year when he was two shots up heading into 16. This shot was about 180 yards from the green, in the trees, and behind the water for a shot to the pin. But, Davis hit a 6 iron, through the trees, over the water, and ended up about ten foot from the cup. He made the putt for eagle and would later win the event.

Mike then proceeded to drive us around the course on our way back to the clubhouse. He thanked us for coming in and even said it was nice that we came so late as his mother in law was in town. We all laughed and he wished us a good day at the clubhouse as we said our goodbyes.

After Mike had left, we all walked around snapping even more images of the clubhouse. A couple of the guys went on a shopping spree in the pro shop while I headed back to the Director of First Impressions to ask for Mr. Hughes to come downs so that I could meet him. He did, we shook hands, and formed a relationship that I hope lasts a lifetime. I am actually looking to go play the golf course sometime later this year and have scheduled an interview with the head professional.

Regardless of the time spent at the Golf Inc. Conference and the experience of meeting some of the industries top thought leaders, seeing TPC Sawgrass made the trip worthwhile. Walking on the same fairways and opening the same doors as guys like Tiger and Phil gives me a desire to play more golf. Golf is all about tradition and playing a game that holds a set of rules a mile long. Seeing golf and how it is treated at a level like this, the absolute top level of the sport, makes being and working in this industry that much more special. Thanks to Mike for the tour, to Bill for setting this all up, and to the PGA for building and establishing a course with such magnitude as this one. This was a trip that has created memories that will last a lifetime.

Just because I live in Indiana—Indianapolis at that—does not mean that I have to be a fan of the team that just happens to be from my home town. The Indianapolis Colts actually started in Baltimore. So, did everyone who lives in Baltimore have to root for the Colts and then stop cheering for them when they left and were no longer a Baltimore hometown team? You might argue that I lack hometown pride. But does following a football team that just happens to have the name of my city attached to it truly mean that I have hometown pride? In the end, the game itself is a form of entertainment. It is no different than turning on the TV and watching an episode of Heroes. Sure, the TV show might make me laugh or cry, but in the end, all it did was to serve as a way to waste my time for visual entertainment. Football is no different. I am the same person when the TV show is over and you are the same person when the football game is over.

You might think that having this point of view on football, and with the Indianapolis Colts being in the game, that I would stay as far away as I could Sunday afternoon. But, I ended up at a Super Bowl party on the south side of Indianapolis. I was invited to join my girlfriend and her best friend, as well as a few others close to the hostess, for the big game. I headed down a little after noon on Sunday to get the party started right. Or so I thought. We ended up going to see a movie before the game. This is no big deal as I am a huge movie buff, and we actually saw one that I not only had no idea what it was about, but also that I had not seen before. That is rare if you know me and film. So we headed off, me and three girls, to see the Lovely Bones. (The film was actually pretty good. It had an OK cast but the script was pretty epic and even managed to throw some science fiction in there that made it seem a little more entertaining.)

After the movie we headed back to the 168 inch screen to watch the game, but more importantly the commercials. You see, this is my way of watching the Super Bowl and not having to be a sports fan to do so. I just claim that I am not, in fact, at a Super Bowl party but rather a Super Commercials party. It works, it gets a laugh, and I get to eat, drink, and be merry while the game breaks. This year there were actually forty-eight minutes of commercials. (If you take that times the three million that it took to land one of those thirty second time slots, the commercials alone cost companies $288 million.) Unfortunately, none of the commercials this year were really all that great. There were a couple of funny ads, a serious one or two, and nothing that really had me on the floor laughing out loud. I hope this was money well spent for these companies.

But the reason that I decided to begin talking about the Indianapolis Colts and Super Bowl XIV was not for the fans. It was not for the players, the coaches, or the final score of the game. (I would like to say congratulations to the New Orleans Saints and to Drew Brees for simply outplaying and outcoaching the Indianapolis Colts. You guys truly deserved that victory.) I am here because I am embarrassed for all of you Colts fans. You people walk around preaching to me about how I should be a fan of this team. You have your reasons and even get defensive when I say I am not a fan. But the way your quarterback walked off the field after this year’s Super Bowl, you should all be ashamed to call them your team.

After most sporting events the two teams will congratulate each other on a good game. They will shake hands, smack hind ends, or even hug for a job well done, whether win or lose. I remember this even being instilled in me at a very young age. As far back as little league I remember having to line up after a game, regardless of the outcome, and being forced to high five the other team. So when I watch Peyton Manning, superstar quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, walk off the field and refuse to shake hands with anyone, not even the opposing quarterback, I lost a lot of respect for that man.

It takes a lot for a man who has lost a game to admit that he was outplayed. Granted, this was the single biggest game of the year, and although the Colts have been here and won in the past, they felt that they deserved it this year. But, in the end, they did not win the one game that mattered. Now, that is not saying anything negative about the Colts or the Colts season, but when it all comes down to it, the Saints had one hell of a season and played one of the best football games, overall, that I have seen in a long time. Drew Brees, already throwing the ball like a rocket out there, passed for thirty-two completions tying the NFL Super Bowl completions record. They also tied the record for coming from the most points behind with ten. (That seems so low to me that the biggest come from behind victory is only ten points. But that is the state and the Saints join that record.) The Saints even took quite a risk in performing an almost impossible onside kick that in my eyes was the turning point in the game and the reason why the momentum went back in their corner. The game, needless to say, was entertaining.

I will assume that some of you might argue the fact that it was a big game, the biggest of the season, the other team was going nuts, etc. and that Drew or any of the other players would have been impossible to get to. Well, regardless, I have seen championship games where the other players want that handshake, where the other players will seek out their competitors to shake hands, hug, and to share a few lines. Peyton did not do that. Peyton practically stormed off the field. (I am not saying that being in that same situation I would not do that myself.)

Now, before we all go hating on Peyton, note that he did in fact call Drew Brees later that night to congratulate him on his win. When asked his thoughts on the situation, Drew Brees said, “Peyton is a class guy.” So as much as I want to say that Peyton is not a true sportsman, he did gain some credit with the phone call. But, the image he left in the minds of all of those other guys on that field, both teams, and the fans that saw him leave the field without saying a word to anyone has left a sour taste in their mouths.

So does what Peyton did make a difference in his paycheck? Does what he did affect the way he throws a football? Does what he did have any effect on the way he performs on and off the field? Of course not, as what he did was simply an in the heat of the moment reaction to a loss that he and the rest of the city of Indianapolis thought they deserved. But, note Peyton, that your actions did not go unnoticed and that I have taken a greater look at how I perceive you as a player and as a sportsman. You have a responsibility on that field, and whether you win or lose, you need to make an effort to show that you are the better man. So congratulations to the New Orleans Saints, better luck next year Indianapolis (the Associated Press poll is already showing them as the favorite to win the Super Bowl next year), and here’s to yet another season in the National Football League!

Recovery Shots for the Next Decade

At this year’s event you will have the opportunity to sit through thirty sessions that will cover the full gamut of your business and help you on your most pressing needs. It’s time to see your business get ahead of the game.

Guaranteed Return on Your Investment

89% of past attendees rank it as a “good” value or better, with 64% ranking it “very good” or “excellent”. The folks at Golf Inc. are so confident that you will find the conference a good value that we offer a money-back guarantee*. They are sure you’ll feel you got your money’s worth that they will give you your money back if you find the conference was a “poor” value.

Best Speakers of any Golf Conference

94% of past attendees rank the quality of speakers as “good” or better, with 65% ranking them “very good” or “excellent”. And 91% agree that the speakers represent the industry’s leading operators, developers, and experts.

The Ultimate Networking Experience

Network throughout the conference with colleagues, industry leaders, and others. Their cocktail parties and other events are rated as the best part of the conference. “You always bring together a strong group of industry professionals in a great and intimate setting. Hard to find another conference that duplicates that kind of value,” a recent attendee wrote in an anonymous survey.

Lowest Rate in Years

They are offering their lowest attendee rates in more than five years. Get in for as little as $399 for one person, if you register before February 19th, 2010. You can register the second person in your party for only $199., and the third person for only $99.

Special International Development Symposium

Learn from international golf leaders on where to build now and what’s working in today’s economy. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear speakers from the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Bahamas.

Private Club Track: The Membership Dilemma – How to Stop the Bleeding

They have crafted a track especially for private clubs, board members and owners who are struggling with membership declines in this tough economy. Learn from experts who have success stories to share.

Outstanding Golf at Amelia Island Plantation

Play one of the four Audubon International certified golf courses beautifully designed along the coast. Enjoy the ocean, the weather, and work on your game while at this year’s conference.

This list should be more than enough to get you to the 2010 Golf Inc. Conference. If not, just take a look at the presentations that make up that list of thirty sessions. There are some industry thought leaders at this event and it will be a great value for you and your club by attending this year’s event. Plus, the round of golf, the cocktail parties, and the potential for all the relationships that you can build is invaluable. So go ahead and register and start planning your trip to Amelia Island.

*Money-back guarantee: Attendees will be sent a survey by email one week after the conference. If you rate the conference as a poor value you will be offered a refund of your purchase price.

Now, put yourself in the shoes of a potential state champion – Adam Van Houten. Five years ago, Adam was staring a state title right in the face. He had busted his butt all the way through high school hitting balls and putting many long hours away on the practice green. He was honing his skills to be able to say that he truly was the best in his state. In 2005, he was set to take the title, finishing with a seven-stroke lead in the state finals. He finished the round, signed his scorecard, and walked to the clubhouse.

Then Van Houten noticed that he had made a mistake on his scorecard. The person keeping score that day had written a 5 on a hole where Adam had actually received a 6. The final scored turned out correct, so Adam signed it. But, under the rules he signed an invalid scorecard. As soon as he signed the invalid scorecard, he should have been disqualified by the rules of the USGA. What should he do? Should he just keep quiet and see what panned out? Maybe no one will catch the mistake. After all, the final score came out correct, right?

Whose fault was this? Was it his playing partner’s fault for writing down the wrong score? Or was it his fault for not double-checking his score against the official scorecard. Regardless of whose fault it truly was, Adam had signed for an invalid score and risked losing the title one way or the other. If he admitted it, then he would lose the title and be disqualified, but he would feel better about himself in the future. He would hate himself now, sure, but in the future he would know he made the right decision. If he ignored it, becoming the newest Ohio state champion, he ran the risk of someone catching him in the future and then living with the turmoil of losing the trophy for cheating. What was Adam to do?

Adam sucked it up. He admitted that he had signed for the wrong score, was disqualified, and was not crowned as the state’s best. But, just when all is thought to be lost, a mere five years later, he was rewarded for his honesty. Adam received a spot on the Sports Illustrated Sportsmanship of the Decade list. And not only that, but the Ohio State High School Athletic Association honored him with a commemorative medal for his honesty.

So, the next time you are on the golf course, are you going to use the foot wedge to knock a ball out from under that tree? Are you going to take a 6 when you know you should really write down an 8? Are you going to fudge the numbers so your handicap goes down just a little bit before the choose up this weekend? Regardless if you are playing in a sanctioned tournament where the rules truly do matter, pay attention to why these rules were created in the first place. In some circles, rules were meant to be broken. But on the golf course, they are taken very seriously. Attitude, appearance, maturity, and honesty are important parts of the game. Adam Van Houten showed not only the state of Ohio that he was an honest and genuine individual but he inspired the number one sports magazine to consider him a true athlete.