Working for IMAVEX has given me access to some of the biggest names in the world of golf. To give you an idea, while in Orlando I met with Martin Hall, Henry Brunton, Mike Bender, Jason Sutton, Mark Sweeney, Jeff Ritter, Peter Kessler, Dylan Ross, Lorin Anderson, and many more. We got in Monday and were in meetings from the time we got there until we left for the airport. We literally left a meeting and grabbed a cab.

Golf Business Network

We work closely with the Golf Business Network, and not only manage their website but also several of their members. GBN has a room during the show, and we set up in there. It also allows us a place to call home for meetings and also schedule meet-and-greets. There is a cocktail party in the room (known as the GBN Clubhouse) every night allowing for networking. I try to take full advantage of that by passing out and collecting business cards left and right.

Other vendors set up in the GBN Clubhouse too. Brands like the Greg Norman Collection and Fairway & Greene have booths to showcase their offerings to GBN members. IMAVEX also has a pretty sweet discount for members. Anyway, they hold several meetings and round table discussions in the room, and we love being able to out our booth up there.

We have a great relationship with GBN, and without guys like Lorin Anderson, Bob Mulcahy, and Grant Way, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

Networking Events

One of my favorite things about the show are the networking events. From cocktail parties to meet-and-greets, the PGA Show is a great place to meet the movers and shakers in the game of golf. On Wednesday night, I went to the Brick House Tavern + Tap (they have a great beer selection) for the Junior League meet-and-greet. My close friend Jackie Cannizzo is affiliated with the Junior League, and they had a huge announcement the Friday of the Show. I ended up running into several people I knew including Dennis Sales, Sara Dickson, and Kate Temptesta. I actually hadn’t met Kate until this week but we ran into each other several times.

The mixer was fun, and I’m glad I went. Junior golf is a huge part of the game and tomorrow’s lesson and private club member is a junior. The sooner pros realize that the better. I couldn’t be more proud of Jackie for her attention to the project.

On Thursday night, I was back at the Brick House for another meeting. John Graham, a Twitter superstar, holds one of these every year, and I wasn’t missing this for the world. I ended up meeting tons of people I had only communicated with online. I ended up meeting and chatting with Jason Helman, Rob McGill (love that dude), Brandon Stooksbury, Megan Padua, Aaron Olson, Andrew Marr, Kirk Oguri, and many more. It was fun putting a face to a tweet. I must admit I knew more Twitter handles than I did names!

Show Floor

Last year I didn’t even make it to the show floor. This year I walked around a little bit to see what’s new in the industry. From golf balls to gloves, you can find a little bit of everything here. You can even buy stuff like shafts, balls, towels, and more. If you’re lucky, you will get some free stuff from some of the vendors. Some of the booths, like the Callaway, Taylor Made, Puma and Titleist booths were massive. I’m talking ridiculous setups that you could get lost in. A lot of them have open bars so you can grab a drink while walking around the floor.

On Wednesday, I was walking around and ran into Butch Harmon. I had never met Butch, only in passing, but stopped to say hello. I also ran into Yani Tseng, Alexis (Lexi) Thompson, Natalie Gulbis, Kristina Kim, Brad Faxon and several other pros. It’s neat to be walking around and see Dave Stockton or Scotty Cameron just hanging out on the show floor.

Eating Out & Lodging

When we travel like this, we eat out a lot. When we got in on Monday, we went to The Crab House. Steve loves this place, and while it’s not the best seafood I’ve ever had, it’s solid, and I highly recommend the macadamia nut crusted Mahi Mahi.

On Tuesday, my good friend Greg came to visit me. He recently moved down to Florida and was only a couple of hours away. He drove up, and we had lunch. It was good to see him. I miss hanging out with him.

Wednesday we met Grant at Hooters and ended the night at Miller’s Ale House. Miller’s is sweet, and has a very open and inviting atmosphere. Every time I am in Orlando I try to swing by there. The place is always busy, regardless of what’s going on at the convention center.

For lodging this year, we stayed at the Hampton Inn. Last year we stayed at the Holiday Inn Castle, but this year we were much closer to the Orange County Convention Center. It was close enough to walk, and we got a GBN discount for staying there. The room was nice, and the hotel had free Wi-Fi. They also had a sweet breakfast every morning. I didn’t get to enjoy it, but the guys did and were impressed. The hotel lobby also allowed for a place to meet people.

The PGA Show is just a ton of fun and a great place to meet new people, to network with everyone, and to see the latest and greatest in the world of golf. The older I get, the more I get dragged in to this industry… and I couldn’t see myself working in any industry but this one. As they always say… FORE!!!

Have you ever been to the PGA Merchandise Show?

You are originally from Sterling Heights, Michigan. I have played some golf up there in Roscommon. Are you familiar with Forest Dunes Golf Club?

Forest Dunes Golf Club… what a great place! The course is quite beautiful… that is a Tom Weiskopf design. We highly recommend it as a place to stop either on the way up to the Boyne Courses or on the way home. It has pretty high accolades as well from Golf Digest – top 100 golf course, top 20 public course, and currently ranked #4 in the state of Michigan.

You had a ton of success early on. That led you to New Mexico. You actually have a degree in golf course management in New Mexico State. Did you play golf there as well?

Well, I did… but not college golf.  I arrived at New Mexico State University‘s PGM Program in 1991, in the infancy of the program. At the time I went, there were only two other schools to get a PGM degree from – Ferris State University and Mississippi State University.  So I chose the warm weather to play golf year round and work on my studies.

Within my first semester at NMSU I decided to turn professional. Along with four other class mates, we helped design the NMSU PGM Tour. We went all around Las Cruces and acquired sponsors and set up our own tournaments. It was our feeling that playing professionally was a very important part of being a PGA member so this would be a great training ground for things to come. Since that time a tournament program has been in place.

I see you do online lessons for $29.95. What does an online lesson entail?

The online lessons are very unique. At Boyne Mountain we teach people from all over the world that come to visit. This is a great opportunity to keep their golf games sharp as well as attract new students. The lesson is simple… a student just emails his or her swing to me and I evaluate what they need to do. I then send a video back to them with drills and tips to make them better. The program has been a great success and I will continue to offer this service.

You started in Michigan. You have been all over, from Florida to Arizona. Now you are back in Michigan. Does it feel good to be home?

It was nearly four years ago that we moved back home, and it does feel great. Sharing good times with family and friends is the best. Of all the places I have been, northern Michigan is hands down the best place for golf.

Since you are from Michigan, are you a Michigan State fan?

Funny you ask. For those of you who don’t know, the state is heavily divided on Michigan/Michigan State game days. I have to say I am a huge Michigan fan. Of course, I grew up in the days of Bo and Anthony Carter and attended U of M’s Golf Camp as a teenager. Go “Blue Baby”!

You have a pretty impressive resume. You are quite the player. Do you still play a lot of golf?

I do play as much as I can, as it is part of my job. I am very lucky that Boyne feels that way as well. At the same time, I love spending time with my wife and daughter so there is always a balance between work and family time.

What’s your favorite golf course? You’re not allowed to say the one you work at!

Okay, not Boyne Mountain… then I will have to go with my new favorite course as Kingsbarns Golf Links. What a beautiful place.

You used to hold the course record at Shanty Creek Resort-The Legend. Is that record still intact?

Yes it is. I set the course record during the 2001 Michigan PGA Championship with a bogey free 63. Certainly the highlight of my career.

A lot of guys have newsletters, but you have branded yours. Tell me a little bit more about Chip Shots. How often do you send that out?

Chip Shots is a brand new idea that have new blog posts, videos, and everything else going on instruction wise here at Boyne Mountain. I will send this newsletter out monthly. It’s just another way to keep in contact with everyone.

Starting with your driver, and working your way through the bag… even the golf ball, what’s in your bag?

• Driver – PING G20 8.5 Degree Driver, PING Tour Stiff Shaft
  
• 3 Wood – PING i15 14 Degree w/Aldila Proto By You 65S
  
• Hybrids – PING i15 17 & 20 Degree
  
• Irons – PING G20 Irons 4-PW KBS Tour Stiff w/Cusion Insert
  
• Wedges – PING Tour S Rustique Wedges 54, 60 Tour Stiff w/Cusion Insert
  
• Putter – Scotty Cameron Mil-Spec 33 Inches
  
• Ball – Titleist ProV1

What is the MFG Players Club?

The MFG Players Club was designed to connect socially with people online. To become a member of the club you must “like” Mike Fay Golf on Facebook or follow Mike Fay Golf on Twitter. You must also “like” and or follow Boyne. If you do those things, you get discounts on my training aids, exclusive tips and drills, notified on all things Mike Fay Golf, and be entered into a drawing for a free video lesson.

You are running a pretty solid social media campaign. You are on Facebook and Twitter. Are you using anything else? Are you having more luck with Twitter or Facebook?

To compliment Facebook and Twitter, I have a channel on YouTube for golf instruction and I am on LinkedIn. Hands down, for me right now, most of my success has been Twitter. With hosting a weekly show I have not had much time to do very much on Facebook. That being said, now I can get Facebook rolling. It will be fun no doubt!

I am Tiger’s biggest fan… who are some of your favorite players on the PGA Tour?

Counting out Tiger, I like to watch Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson, Ricky Fowler, Steve Stricker, Retief Goosen, and Graeme McDowell. I also hope to see more of Lee Westwood on the PGA Tour next year.

Tell me a little bit more about Ask The Pro.

Ask The Pro is a show I started on Twitter last April; it has grown ever since. The purpose of the show is for both professionals and amateurs to connect on all topics of golf. The slogan for Ask The Pro is “Where the world’s top instructors help you with your game.”

Here’s how I do it… I collect questions every week from both professionals and amateurs. These questions are sent directly to PGA professionals on Twitter, as well as experts in their field pertaining to golf. Then I RT the answers for all to see. The knowledge collected really benefits everyone in the long run. Plus on Twitter, you only have a few characters to get your point across so you better have a meaty answer. I know I have learned quite a bit over the last year and it sure has been fun running it.

Your lesson rates are public. It seems like a lot of guys do that. When it comes to setting your rates, do you do that or does the club?

My lesson rates are set by Boyne and I. We have designed instruction programs for members as well as the visitors to our resort.

Is Boyne Mountain Resort public or private? Are you able to work with golfers that are not members?

Actually Boyne Mountain Resort is part of Boyne Resorts. BR operates nine golf courses here in northern Michigan. Boyne has the Country Club of Boyne with golf and social memberships available. In addition to the CCB, we have regular resort play for the public as well as golf outings. We also run a number of state tournaments on our courses. I am available to teach everyone and it’s a super place to work.

In your opinion, how has technology changed the way you teach the game?

I know for sure that technology has changed a number of things. First let’s start with equipment. It is easier than ever to hit today’s big headed drivers and irons with a ton of bounce. The golf ball flies straighter too. Now with all these new long and belly putters with alignment aids it’s easier to putt as well. As far as equipment goes, we are waiting for the next “big thing”.

Technology has changed golf instruction greatly just over the last few years. The use of high tech computers has changed what we thought we knew with the golf swing. Such technology as TrackMan, SAM PuttLab, and AimPoint Technologies are just to name a few. It is through this technology we become better teachers for our students.

The Internet has changed the way we learn as teachers and players. Using the Internet to communicate ideas has opened up a whole new way to improve your game. For example I use V1 to send my students drills and reinforcement of what we do in lessons. Nothing is better… not even taking notes.

Let’s say I book a lesson with you… how does that first lesson go? Walk me through our first encounter.

During my first lesson I evaluate what is going on with your golf game. Next, I make a plan of attack and set goals with you that you can reach. Once we figure all that out, it’s time to get to work! Don’t kid yourself, it’s work to become better at golf. I think it’s important that you have an understanding of what you are doing now and what we can do better. That’s why I use video equipment to show you what I see. Then we use drills and training aids to develop new feelings. Then we will go back and use video again to see what has changed. I often say, “What you feel and what you are doing are two entirely different things.”

We finalize most lessons with a video of what we did that day along with drills. That way when things start to go wrong on the course, you can always go back and figure it yourself. The greatest gift I can give you is to teach you how to make yourself better.

FORE Ladies Only is a great idea. Tell me a little bit more about that program.

FORE Ladies Only Clinic Series is a ladies only program that I started four years ago. The program is designed for all ladies and abilities. It has no topic… that’s right, no topic. When ladies come to the hour long clinic, they get to choose what they want to work on, not what I want to work on. The ladies really seem to enjoy it and we have had good success with the program.

You are also running a YouTube campaign. I notice you give away a lot… swing tips and so forth. Do you ever feel like you are giving away too much? It’s a fine line, I’d think.

I do separate video shoots for both my students and for YouTube. YouTube drills and tips are intended for all golfers. I save the really good ones for my students. YouTube is just another great way to promote where I work, as well as for golf instruction. Most people would like to know where they are going to take lessons. It just shows them how beautiful northern Michigan really is.

You have relationships with PING, Julie Meadows Photographer, The YMCA… that’s awesome that you are working with all these folks. How do these relationships form?

I have been on PING’s staff for the last few years. I have had a great relationship with PING since the days I played on the mini tours and lived in Phoenix. PING is first class all the way! JMP is a local photographer that also happens to be my sister-in-law. She handles some of my photography and photo shoots for my blog and magazines. And the YMCA relationship was formed with the idea that golf can be played year round. I host clinics for both ladies and juniors throughout the year. We use college and high school gyms in the winter and the Boyne Mountain Learning Center in the summer.

Meleski Productions is another video and photo company that I use as well. Being an avid golfer himself, Mike Meleski came to me with the idea that he wanted to shoot video on golf instruction and maybe learn a little along the way.  It’s been a great relationship.

Man… you blog too! How often do you write?

Oh yeah, I blog too! I don’t write as much as I would like though. I definitely blog more in the winter than I do in the summer. I try to get at least a couple out a month.

Man, Boyne Mountain looks incredible. Do you ever get sick of those views?

Most people would take it for granted, but I don’t. It is a sweet place to be. Playing two golf courses down the back side of the mountain and looking at Deer Lake all day is very peaceful.

Will I see you in Orlando at the PGA Merchandise Show?

Yes, I will be attending this year’s show. It will be a great place to meet and connect with all the people I have met through social networking. I can’t wait.

There are SO many guys out there doing the same thing you are… do you ever see it as competition? A trend these days is sharing information… do you hide it or are you willing to give it away?

I know many guys are doing all this stuff to attract more students and customers. But I have a different take… the game is suffering now. With the economy and less golfers playing for the past few years, we are all in the same boat. If we don’t do these things for the game, all the golf courses as well as our jobs will be gone.

As far as sharing information, that’s been done for years amongst golf professionals. There’s a level of respect that most golf professionals share. We all know who the best player is, the best teacher is, the best merchandiser. Most pros won’t think twice just to pick up the phone and ask for a little help. It’s because of respect. It’s in our game.

Um… you’ve been to St Andrews. That’s the HOME of golf. What was that trip like?

Where do I start? Here is the best way for me to describe it… for a golf professional that has given his life to the game going to St Andrews would be like a priest going to the Vatican. I didn’t think it would feel this way but it did. This trip was planned ten years ago, with just four of us. These guys were my college roommates as well as PGA professionals. We sat down well before weddings and children came into our lives and made a deal that we would all go this year. We all turn 40 this year, by the way. Now can you see why I had a tear in my eye when I crossed the Swilcan Bridge and slapped my 2^nd onto 18. I have a blog post planned for next week about our trip, where we went, and the people we met. It’s a great story.

There is a list of the top 100 teaching pros… but how does that list affect how you operate? Does being on that list change the way pro books lessons? Does that list affect how much a pro can charge?

The top 100 list is another way for us to learn. Learn who is great at what they do. Of course being listed in Golf Digest would change many things. You would probably have more business and need more instructors. Of course the charge would go up.

Let’s look ahead a little bit… what’s 2012 look like for you?

2012 looks pretty exciting. I am looking forward to starting some new golf instruction programs to go along with the ones I already have. I will continue to brand Mike Fay Golf through all social formats. I plan on playing in a few more tournaments and have some fun making people play better golf.

I like to listen to music when I practice. Do you listen when you practice? If so, what are you jamming to?

I like to listen to many different types of music. I jam on old school rap and hip hop. Plus a little country.

Thank you so much for taking the time Mike! Man, this was fun! Thanks to Twitter for introducing us, too. We need to meet in person one of these days. In all of the interviews that I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.

In all my twenty plus years of being a golf professional, there is one thing that keeps me going… making people smile. Whether it’s helping people make a few more putts or to see the look on someone’s face who just hit it off the ground for the first time… I love it! It is what drives me every day. Also, thank you for this opportunity Ricky. It sure has been fun and you really made me think.

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This has been a big year for you. You recently changed jobs. Tell me about your new job at the Carmel CC.

Yes, it has been a big year. I am now the Director of Instruction at Carmel CC. I am so excited for the opportunity to share my passion for helping people and create my own programs and schools for the membership to enjoy. They are so hungry for the opportunity to learn and enjoy the game. We have 1,350 members, 2 great golf courses and it is a very active membership. I have a dual bay learning center that I am looking forward to upgrading and putting my personal touch on which is very cool. The membership is dedicated to making the golf academy the best it can be and I am looking forward to seeing what I can do with it. It is a blank canvas right now. I am in charge of all the instruction, training of the staff and they are allowing me to be creative with the programs and new technology that I am bringing which is new and exciting for the club. I have been working and preparing for a job like this my entire career and I love it so far.

What were you doing before you came to Carmel CC?

I started out as an assistant professional at a couple of clubs in West Virginia learning the business. I moved to Charlotte in 1997 and was the Head Golf Professional at the NorthStone Club for 3 years. I quickly figured out that my passion was in teaching and coaching and not running the shop or merchandising. I started to pursue my passion for teaching when I joined the Dana Rader Golf Schools where I worked for 12 years. The ability to give a ton of lessons and learn from one of the best (Ms. Rader) was a huge step for me and my career.

Are you working more or less? I bet the lessons are more intimate at a country club.

Although I have more control over my schedule and can work whatever hours that I want, I am probably working more right now than I did before because I am new and that there is so much more that I have to do off of the lesson tee. I spend a lot of time creating schedules for schools and groups, coming up with different programs and just getting to know the members better. The big thing that I wanted to do was to be available for the members and show them that I care about them and their golf game. I have spent a lot of time at different club functions such as member guest and ladies golf luncheons meeting as many people as possible. Walking the practice tee introducing myself and giving out free advice when asked has been a big help. They seem to really appreciate it as the feedback has been very positive.

What’s the first lesson like for you? Walk me through the first hour with you.

Great question. The first 10 minutes I interview the student. I try to ask open ended questions in order to gain as much information that I can because that will steer me in the direction that I need to go with the individual. For example, what is your handicap? Do you have any physical limitations, medical history, etc.? What is your big miss or the shot that you want to get rid of? What ball flight do you desire? And most important, WHAT IS YOUR GOAL? I see too many teachers moving in the direction that the teacher wants to go instead of what the  student needs. This also lets the student know that I care about their aspirations and it gets them relaxed and comfortable being there. It is nerve racking for them to hit balls in front of a coach so I want them to feel comfortable with me.

Next I would video your swing or short game shot, putt, etc. and we would sit down and go through what I see and start to organize a plan of attack for the changes that I think we need to make that match your goal for the lesson. This is a critical stage because I don’t try to point out everything I see, just the vital few that I want to work on and I make sure I explain WHY we are making these changes so they make sense to the student. Then we go to work. I am a very hands on teacher. I like to manipulate the student into positions so that they feel the correct move or position. I think that this is a lost art with coaches and I think it is why I am able to get quick results. It allows me to get into the students learning style quicker as they see it on the video and feel it as I move them. Just telling them does very little as far as changing motor patterns. This also allows the student to give me constant feedback on their perception of what they feel. I can then use their words instead of just how I would describe the change. More of a student centered approach. I then give constant feedback on just the area that we are working on to keep them on task. I will subscribe a drill to work on and then finish up by sending the student their before and after video with voice over reiterating what we covered in the lesson. Allow them to ask questions to make sure there is no confusion and give them a glimpse of how the next few lessons will go. I.E. short game, putting on course. Serious students want a plan and it’s my job to give it to them. I can guarantee you will leave hitting the ball better and have a clear idea of what is going on when you don’t.

Are golfers that are not members at Carmel CC allowed to get lessons with you?

Yes. I can work with non-members. A lot of my students have followed me from my previous job, which has been nice. I have some mini-tour players and elite juniors that have been out to see me. My first priority is taking care of the members but it is nice to be able to fill in the gaps with some regulars that you have worked with for several years.

That golf course is gorgeous, by the way. Speaking of pretty golf courses, what’s the best course you have ever played? What did you shoot?

Wow, tough question. There are many on my list that I haven’t played. As for the ones I have played, my favorite is a tossup between Charlotte Country Club and Carmel South here at the Carmel CC. I am a traditionalist when it comes to courses. I don’t like the tricked up venues just the places that reward good golf. Honorable mention would be Grandfather Golf & Country Club, Diamond Creek and Quail Hollow Club. I think 69  is my low at Charlotte CC but I haven’t played it that often. I have only played the redesigned Carmel South once and it is spectacular. Career low is 65 back when I used to play a little more.

This is something I want to learn more about with the PGA teaching pros that I talk to. In your opinion, what’s the difference between teaching and coaching?

Great question. It is very much like the difference between blocked practice and random practice. This is  how I guide a student through the learning process. Teaching is helping the student make physical changes to their pattern (a swing change) which is very much a conscious part of the learning process. You have to think about the changes because they are new and not habitual. Coaching is more to do with helping them get the changes to the golf course (unconscious). Situational training: pre-shot routine, course management, helping them develop practice habits that match the way they play. Most teachers and students get stuck in blocked (mechanical) practice and never learn how to play the game. Great coaches also know how to motivate. When to be tough on their players and when to encourage. It is an acquired skill.  Expert coaches understand how to teach both. This is an area that I have tried to improve in and have seen better results especially in my tournament players.

You are a great writer. I have been following your blog for ages. When you sit down to write a new blog post, do you already know what you want to write about? Where does your motivation come from for a new post?

Thank you for the compliment. I enjoy writing and sharing. I usually get my ideas as I am on the lesson tee. When I am working with a student it usually just hits me and it eats at me until I write about it or shoot a video about it. I don’t plan very well like most bloggers which is why I tend to be streaky with my writing. I once wrote 20 blogs in 20 days (“20 days with the Guru”) just to get some momentum and to see if I could write something meaningful for that many days. I also get ideas from other coaches and blogs that I follow.

You know me and Tiger go way back… do you think he will break Jack’s record?

You are the biggest Tiger fan I have ever met, that’s for sure. I know he has had his struggles but I believe if he can stay healthy into his late 40s that he will break the record. He is starting to show signs of improvement especially in the Presidents Cup. If he would come and take a putting lesson from me I think he would for sure; just kidding. He is just too talented not to win at least 5 more.

You recently had a day with John Graham. Tell me more about that experience and what you learned from using the Aim Point Technologies.

John is great. One of the smartest coaches out there and he has really embraced AimPoint Technologies and taken it to another level. AimPoint is a green reading system that allows you to make a few calculations, look at a chart and figure out exactly how much your putt will break. Mark Sweeney is a genius for coming up with it and I am honored to be getting certified to teach the system. John did my training and I will be officially certified in the spring. As for what I learned… it is not as difficult as I thought it would be and it doesn’t take as much time to do once you develop a few basic skills and practice. Spending time with John is always great as we are able to share ideas about coaching. He keeps me on my toes and I am so much better because of the time that we spend together.

Starting with the driver and working your way through the rest of the bag, including the golf ball, what’s in your bag?

I am a Titleist Staff Member.

• Driver – 910D3 10.5 with a Diamana white board stiff shaft
• 3W – 910 Fd 15 degree
• Hybrid – 910h 17 degree
• Irons – CB forged 4 – pw
• Wedges – Vokey (50, 56 and 60 degree SM4 series)
• Putter – Coutour Bolt custom putter (33.25 length/365g head)
• Golf Ball – Pro V1x (with Guru on the side)

You have seen a ton of success with Twitter. I have the mentality “don’t think, just tweet”. You seem to have the same sort of thought process. I love it! Outside of Twitter, are there any other social media sites that you have seen success in?

Thanks; yes I am a random tweeter… very similar to my blogging style. I use what I call the “four corners of social media”. Facebook, Twitter, WordPress and YouTube.

YouTube has been my biggest success coupled with my blog. 2 years ago, I created my own TV show called “Guru TV” which has been very popular among my students and even across the world. I picked up a lot of business because of someone checking out my videos or reading my blog. That has been very flattering. I probably spend more time on Twitter talking to other coaches and sharing information. I use Facebook to promote my blog and videos, but YouTube seems to be the most popular. So many golfers are spending time on the computer looking for free tips so I have no problem providing them with good information. It gives them some insight into what I am like and makes me more real and accessible. I try to convey that the videos are just ideas; you have to actually see me in person to get the good stuff. Social media has changed the game, that’s for sure. Students want you to be available and I have no problem with that. To be successful you have to be there and I want to be where the people are.

I know you like wine. What’s your favorite wine?

I enjoy trying different wines but I always tend to go back to a few of my favorites. I like Italian wines such as Monte Antico. French wine… anything Cotes du Rhone region is solid. My favorite right now is Louis M. Martini cab Napa Valley 2008 and Bridgeman Cab (Washington).

You are a D-Plane certified instructor. What does that mean? I am not sure I have seen that before.

That is a certification that Rich Hunt (richie3jack.com) came up with for instructors that understand D-Plane and that use the principles in their teaching. D-Plane (descriptive plane) is simply  3D ball flight. It’s what happens when the ball and clubface collide. Understanding correctly what creates ball flight is imperative for any instructor. It has allowed me to make the correct changes in the right order much faster than ever before. TrackMan and launch monitors have allowed us to confirm these ideas much more accurately so there is much less guessing for the teacher. It is currently the only list that I am on so I think it is pretty cool.

Do you do playing lessons?

Yes, as much as I can. I think it is helpful for me as a coach to see how my students play on the course because we don’t always get the entire picture of the their games on the practice tee. It is also a place where I can help them with their mental games and course management. I like to include at least 2 hours out of 8 lessons on course if possible.

What’s The Guru Project?

The Guru Project was an idea that I had to try to help a certain golfer that lived far away and couldn’t come and see me. I had him shoot video of each are of his game and I basically gave him a virtual lesson. I sent video of me demonstrating what I wanted him to work on with drills and such. Kind of a Haney project, over the internet. It went pretty well as he improved. Still not as good as the real thing, but it was fun. I need to do another one.

Golf pros are always teaching… but I bet you are always learning too. I am sure you have had some golf lessons in your life. What teaching pros have you worked with in the past?

I think taking lessons is a great way to learn. It helps me to be in the shoes of my students and reminds me of how hard this game really is and how hard it is to make a swing change. I haven’t taken as many lessons as I would have liked but I have observed tons of top teachers giving lessons. I have worked with Todd Sones and Mike Shannon on putting. I have worked with Kevin Sprecher, Jason Carbone, and Dana Rader… of course. Jim McLean, Charlie King, Chuck Evans, Jim Hardy, Chuck Cook, and Martin Hall have had a tremendous influence on me. There are so many more that I didn’t mention but I have either spent time with, watched them present or watched video of them teaching. Then of course there are my guys on Twitter. John Graham (@JohnGrahamGolf), Jason Helman (@jasonhelmangolf), John Dochety (@johndochety), Dennis Sales (@DennisSalesGolf), Sara Dickson (@Sara_PGA) and Rob McGill (@GolfProRob). Just too many to list. I have learned so much from all of these guys and continue to do so.

You have been nominated three times for the Top 100 teacher list by Golf Magazine. What’s holding you back? Why aren’t you on that list?

Good question. I wish I knew. I feel like that I am talented enough to be on that list and should be on it, but I guess it just isn’t my time yet. There are so many teachers that could be on there that aren’t. The feedback I have received from the magazine is that I need to write a book which I am in the process of doing and the fact that I haven’t won teacher of the year in my section, which I have been nominated 6 or or so times (lost count)… so I can understand that. I just keep trying to improve my skills and help my students and the lists will take care of themselves. If it is meant to be it will happen but I don’t think it defines my career, although it would be nice to be recognized.

I know there are 100 guys on that list, but in your honest opinion, from what you know about the game of golf, who is the best teacher in the world and why?

Wow, tough question. I think there are too many variables to figure out who is the best, because the playing field is not level. We are all teaching different students. It is tough to track who is getting better and who is not. Are the best teachers the ones with the high profile tour players, I don’t necessarily think so. There is probably some guy in parts unknown who doesn’t care about or even knows about the top 100 list who is getting incredible results from his players. My philosophy is if your students are getting better, you are a great teacher. If they are not, you need to change what you are doing. So if I had to pick one guy  it would be…? Why not the Guru? I don’t know, too tough to call.

Did you play high school and college golf?

Yes. I started playing when I was 12. I played in high school and then went on to play at Glenville State College in West Virginia.

I am not familiar with the Tarheel Tour. Is that a North Carolina thing?

It is. Probably the fastest growing mini-tour. It is right up there with the Hooters Tour as far as talent. There are PGA tour winners playing out there such as Tad Fujikawa, Erik Axley. Tommy Gainey played out there before getting his card. Great breeding ground for young aspiring tour players.

You know, it’s pretty neat to open a golf magazine and see your face there attributed to an article. What magazines do you write for, and how do you land a gig like that? That’s pretty cool!

For the past 3 years I have written full time for Golf Illustrated which has been very cool. I do a big article a year and write a bi-monthly column as well. I have written for other small mags and websites as well, like PubLinks Magazine, Metrolina Golf, The Turn Magazine, TravelGolf.com and GolfInstruction.com. Trying to break into the bigger ones so if you have any connections help a brother out.

Are you playing a lot of golf these days?

I play mostly with my 10 year old son, who has really started to enjoy the game. That has been a blast. I don’t play as many section events as I used to because of my busy teaching schedule, but I miss that part of the business. I love to compete so hopefully with my new position I can play a few more tournaments. We will see.

Will I see you in Orlando at the 2012 PGA Merchandise Show?

Absolutely. I use the PGA Merchandise Show mostly to network, catch up with other pros and see the latest and greatest training aids. Of course I can’t miss the annual “tweetup”. That’s where we first met. I also am getting ready to join the Golf Business Network, so I look forward to the educational opportunities that will bring at the PGA Show.

You do a lot of speaking engagements. Do you get nervous before you get up there to talk? You are an expert in this (or a guru I should say), so I would imagine it comes naturally.

I am glad you asked that because although I consider myself a decent speaker, it wasn’t always that way. I consider myself a trained extrovert, which means that I have worked extremely hard on my presentation skills. I use to be so backward and shy that you wouldn’t believe it. My wife likes to tell the story of when I wouldn’t even order food at the drive through at McDonald’s because I was so shy. But I knew that to reach my goals as a top teacher that I had to improve in that area so I took classes from places like Toastmasters International. I practiced in the mirror. I videotaped myself teaching and giving presentations (which I highly recommend) until I started to improve. I have a long way to go but no I was not a natural. I still get nervous, but I enjoy it now because it is such a part of my job. The best advice I can give anyone is to practice and prepare. You are only nervous if you are not prepared or not comfortable with the material you are presenting.

I see you have a ton of blogs in your blogroll. Do you read all of those? (I really like John Graham’s blog.) I try to keep up with most of them but mostly I just want to help others get exposure to their stuff.

Yeah, John’s blog is high on my list. His is packed with tons of great info.

Are you TPI certified?

I am not. I have been to enough seminars and worked with certified trainers to effectively screen my students, which I feel is important. I send my students to a certified TPI fitness trainer because he has more time to work with their bodies. I just give him feedback on what I need them to do and he helps their bodies do it. I used to think I could make my students do anything but if there are weak links physically, they can’t make the change. Great stuff for sure.

I know you just got started at the Carmel CC, but what’s next for you? What’s the immediate future hold for Jason Sutton?

Good question. I am so blessed to be at Carmel. I could definitely see myself finishing my career there, but you never know. I just want to keep getting better and improving. I want to get more involved in the education of young teachers whether it’s in the PGA or some other realm because I really enjoy the mentoring process and giving back. I want to finish my book and I would love to travel all over the world and teach. In the meantime, I am just focusing on helping the student in front of me get better.

Jason, it’s been so much fun talking with you. You are an inspiration, and a great friend. I appreciate the time! In all of the interviews that I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.

My goal is to leave a legacy so that my family will be proud of all of the hard work that I have put in over the years. I don’t want to ever get complacent in my work or my life but always strive to get better. My goal is to be in as many testimonies as possible because that would mean that I might have helped someone reach their goals just like all of the people that helped me along the way. Ricky, thanks so much for allowing me to share my story. You are the best and keep up the great work.

Click here to follow Jason Sutton on Twitter.

Click here to watch Jason Sutton on YouTube.

Rory Makes an Early Statement

Rory McIlroy, a twenty-two year old kid from Hollywood, Northern Ireland, started the week off firing a smooth 65. He followed that up with solid 66 and fired 68 on Saturday. He took a HUGE lead into the final round, starting off with a birdie on the first hole on Sunday, Father’s Day. He was on cruise control all day long. He looked confident and managed to pull out another great round of golf shooting 69 on Sunday.

I don’t feel bad for not watching when Tiger’s not playing. He’s one of the main reasons I got into golf in the first place. But that doesn’t mean I don’t respect the others guys on tour and their ability to swing a golf club.

I have nothing but good things to say about Rory, his game, and his win here at Congressional Country Club for the 2011 U.S. Open. The kid made some big putts, managed to hit a ton of fairways and greens, and deserved to win this event. He was calm, cool, and collected. He looks a lot older than twenty-two years old on television. (Did you know he went to see Hangover II on Friday to stay focused with his lead going into the weekend? He also set the record for the lowest score after 36 holes.)

Tiger & the Young Guns

That doesn’t mean I didn’t miss Tiger this weekend. It just means that the older he gets, and the better these kids get at the game he once completely dominated, the more I realize I need to at least pay attention to what they are doing on the course. One day Tiger will retire. I have accepted that. If this knee doesn’t get any better, it will be much sooner than later when that happens.

When Tiger does retire, I will have to find a new favorite, because the game means more to me than just one player. He got me here… but guys like Rory will carry me through the years.

Congratulations Rory. Enjoy this win… it won’t be your last, I am sure of that.

Tiger also complained about issues with his Achilles tendon. Not sure what the scoop is there, but apparently he was trying to NOT hurt his knee further and ended up causing more damage. If you remember, back in April at Augusta he hurt himself late in the tournament. He still managed to take 4^th place. Granted, he has won a major with a broken leg. (Literally, his leg was technically considered broken.)

So what does this mean for Tiger? Just this week he said he would be playing in the US Open. But is he ready? He hasn’t won in nearly two years, and is making a fool of himself on the golf course. I knew as soon as he pulled out of THE PLAYERS that the media would have a field day. If you watch his post round interview, the guy just seems pissed off at everyone.

If the guy is truly hurt, then fine… leave him alone. I know that I won’t watch golf unless he is playing. I know I’m not alone on that one, either. There is a lot of speculation that Tim Finchem forced Tiger into playing in THE PLAYERS. Of course, Finchem denies this all day long, but think about… how many more tickets to you think they sold to that event simply because Tiger was playing? Tiger Woods isn’t bigger than golf, I’m not saying that… but he is the reason a lot of people even give the game a chance.

So what should Tiger do? I think he needs to take a step back, and get right… get right with himself. The marriage is over, and he has moved on. Of course, he’s dating his agent’s daughter… but still. (I do think its funny she is only 22 years old and looks JUST like Elin.) He needs to get his knee healthy, and get his mind back in it. Bubba Watson called him out last week. And he was right… Tiger is not the same man he was last year, let alone whom he was when he first came out on tour.

Tiger, if you are reading this… take the rest of the year off. No one is afraid of you anymore, and that’s okay. Get healthy, both physically and mentally, and let’s come back in 2012. Win your final few majors, and retire as the greatest player in the world. You have 10, maybe 12 competitive years left. Don’t waste them hurt watching from the sidelines. Spend those years breaking Jack’s record and winning golf tournaments.

Will Tiger still break Jack’s record?

Highlighted were players like Phil Mickelson who is well on his way to becoming the world’s number one ranked player and Tiger Woods who is fresh off a devastating finish at the WGC-Bridgestone the previous week. Both these players, and many more, were featured throughout the week and into the weekend as the PGA handed over another Wanamaker trophy.

The trophy went to Martin Kaymer, a twenty-five-year-old from Germany. He played some great golf and managed to get himself into a playoff with long-ball hitter Bubba Watson. But when Dustin Johnson came to the 18^th tee, he had a one shot lead heading the pack at twelve under par. An arrant tee shot, landing some twenty yards right of the fairway, would later lead to a bogey finish. This would put him into a playoff with Kaymer and Watson.

Whistling Straits, designed by Alive and Pete Dye, features over 1,200 bunkers. Because of this the PGA had made sure all players and rules officials were aware of the rules of golf in regards to bunkers. If you play golf then you know there are a few rules you must follow. One of the most basic things to remember is you are not allowed to ground your club until you hit the golf ball. If you ground your club before in a bunker it is a two shot penalty. Most golfers know this, especially PGA Tour players.

On 18, when Dustin Johnson his hit tee shot way right, he would just be lucky to find the ball, let alone get a good lie. Where he hit spectators and sure enough surrounded the ball, he had a good lie. His ball ended up in a section of the course that has been trampled down by spectators all week long. The ball was sitting up and he had a shot at the green.

Dustin grabbed a club from his bag, took his stance, and grounded his club. The video shows that as soon as he grounded his club he backed off and made notice to a shadow that was affecting his thought process. He carried on and managed to hit the shot up by the green. From there he would fail to get up and down and would be forced into a playoff with the other two competitors.

Before they could even tee off, someone called his attention back to the area in which he had hit his second shot. Dustin was in a bunker. One of the many bunkers on the course, and one that had been walked in all week from onlookers trying to get a good view of the action on the course. Eventually he would suffer a two shot penalty and end up finishing in a tie for fifth place.

All day I have been hearing about this incident. Even yesterday, after they called attention to the rules violation, more attention went to Dustin than did the winner of the championship. Dustin was upset and all of the media attention went to the locker room just trying to get a piece of his story.

What bothers me is he broke a rule. Golf is one of the greatest games on earth and has a rulebook as thick as a phone book. But just the same, he broke a rule. Golf is based on tradition and the rules of golf are held very close to those players who take the game seriously. While I take the game of golf seriously, I break some rules from time to time. But I am not a professional athlete playing on the PGA Tour with a one shot lead going into the final hole of a major championship.

You might remember Dustin having thrown away the US Open at Pebble Beach earlier this year. He went into the final round with a huge lead and managed to just throw it away one shot at a time. Dustin is only twenty-six years old, so perhaps this is just another lesson well learned, but at the end of the day he broke a rule.

Dustin never once argued the violation, it was eventually left up to the rules committee. But you could tell by the way he approached the media he did not agree with the final call. I will give him credit that the area where his ball finished looked more like a waste area than a sand trap. You are allowed to ground your club in a waste area. But playing on a course with over 1,200 bunkers he might have thought to ask if he could ground his club before just assuming he was in a waste area.

I will stand by the rules of golf and by this decision. He broke a rule and had to suffer the consequences. There is no reason to keep talking about his mistake. How about we pay attention to the man that had the lowest score at the end of the week? Martin Kaymer is whom we need to be focused on here. Let’s all give a round of applause to Martin Kaymer, the winner of this year’s PGA Championship.

Did you see the tournament this past weekend? What did you think of the ruling? Was it a fair decision or was Dustin robbed of another shot at a major victory?

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!

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!

Tiger has a swing speed around 130-135 miles an hour. Imagine all of the golf balls he hits on the practice tee, not to mention in tournaments and practice rounds. He is a workout machine, but he can still get hurt like the rest of us. I wanted to take some time to discuss Tiger’s growing list of injuries and talk a little bit about how they might effect his game the older he gets.

Face

Tiger was in a single car accident last November just outside of his home in Windermere, Florida. He actually hit a fire hydrant and then ended up hitting a tree near the end of his driveway. However, I will let you decide what caused the accident. I ignore speculations that his wife was chasing after him. (I hate to say this, but the South Park episode where they make fun of Tiger and other cheating celebrities is quite funny.) In this crash Tiger suffered facial lacerations, and a busted up lip that required immediate medical attention. He was later released from the hospital, but had to visit after the accident to clean up all the cuts and bruises he suffered.

Eyes

In golf, you depend so much on your sight. Tiger, however, has now undergone laser eye surgery twice. He went through it most recently in April of 2007. Ever since his first surgery, early in his career, he had been complaining about squinting and massive headaches. The result was another surgery. Tiger is actually sponsored by LASIK. You can watch a video of him on their website explaining his operation and the success that he had once it was completed.

Neck

This is a big one for Tiger. He actually withdrew from the TPC Championship because of this injury. Some folks say that he was not really injured at all, and that he just didn’t want to finish in last place. However, I think this is a serious injury, and one that can creep back up if he is not careful.

The issue is an inflamed facet joint in his neck. The facet joint is actually located on either side of the neck, and is used to help stabilize the neck during movement. These joints are also used for extending, bending, and rotating the neck. The injury that Tiger suffered from earlier this year was said to be a “season ending injury.” However, Tiger was back in action only a few weeks later. This did not help the fact that half of the population thought he was faking it to begin with.

Leg

I am sure you remember this one. Tiger was playing in the final round of the US Open back in May of 2008 when he injured his knee. Because of the incredibly fast swing speeds he produces, this is not something to ignore. While playing in the final round, he tore his leg up so badly that it was actually considered broken in medical terms. He continued to finish the round, making a long putt on the last hole to force a playoff. He would later win that event after a few longer birdie putts found their way into the hole. He took some time off, had surgery, and managed to recover quite nicely from it.

Achilles

In December of 2008, again because of the quick swing speed, he tore his Achilles tendon. He began rehabilitation on the muscle and ended up being fine for the rest of the season. But again, like his leg and his neck, this is not an injury to ignore. This is a muscle used every time he takes a step, and when you swing a club over times a day, you need to have all the strength you can in that muscle.

Head

Too bad that stress is one of the leading causes of head and neck injuries. Tiger has suffered an immense amount of stress in his career. From an early age he has been traveling the world playing in tournaments, dealing with immediate fame when he turned pro back in 1996. Add the worry of multiple swing changes and teaching instructors, the passing of his father, and the latest sex scandal that he has found himself in the middle of. Just a few weeks ago, a lady said Tiger was the father of her eleven-year-old son. (I must admit that the kid does look an awfully lot like Tiger.)

Wrist

It was a while ago, but back in 1995, Tiger withdrew from the US Open after suffering a wrist injury. He was hitting a shot out of extremely deep rough, and that was that. The wrists are so crucial in getting a good rotation around the body, putting a lot of spin on the ball, and just simply swinging a golf club. As with the every part of the body, making sure these are in tip top shape is a must. I mean, have you seen him hit some of the shots he does? When Tiger gets into some deep rough, he always muscles his way out of it somehow. That eventually puts a lot of stress on his wrists.

Knee

Let’s get back to the legs. Tiger had ACL reconstruction on his left knee in 2008. This would actually prove to be Tiger’s fourth surgery on his knee. This came at the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines. It would later be revealed that Tiger had actually been playing for ten months with a torn cruciate ligament. He would later state that just walking was painful for him, let alone swinging a golf club. And you can see that in his face when he swings. Watch some coverage of that event and you will see what I am talking about.

Tiger is a prime position to simply fall apart if he is not careful. Granted, Tiger runs about five miles a day and lifts weights for about three hours a day, not to mention the balls he hits and the rounds he plays. He is not ignoring his health by any means. But health is one of the most valuable assets to a golfer. As long as Tiger can stay healthy, he will be fine. I just hope that he can get all of these major health issues out of the way and start hitting some more fairways pretty soon. Just be careful this year out there on the PGA Tour. Tiger is hitting the ball better than he has in two years. As soon as he figures out that putting stroke, he might not ever lose again. Go get them Tiger!

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!