Foot Joy Give Away

Hey Folks, Foot Joy is giving away their brand new hi tech golf socks. Huh? Hi Tech Socks, but entry is free, and you can win free golf socks. It's worth 2 minutes of your time I am sure.

http://www.footjoy.com/contest/falltechsof2009/entry.asp


Anatomically Shaped

Anatomically shaped foot-beds provide enhanced cushioning in targeted areas of high impact.

Cradle Support

Provides support in all the right places, designed to conform and cradle the foot for maximum stability.

Breathable Mesh

Breathable mesh inserts are strategically positioned in key areas to boost ventilation.

Lycra® / Spandex

Lycra/ spandex provides excellent fit and superior stretch and recovery. Used in FootJoy socks.

Dri-Lex Moisture Control Technology

Dri-Lex helps lift moisture and vapor off the skin, allowing for a drier, more comfortable sock.

Targeted Cushioning

Provides additional cushioning in both the toe and heel areas.

Reinforced Heel

FootJoy reinforces the heel of its socks by double-layering the heel area which provides support and cushioning in a known high abrasion area.

Comfort Seam™

Comfort Seam is FootJoy’s exclusive enclosed toe seam for advanced comfort and fit.

First Tee Program Creates Winners in Life

Here is a little story from a poster on golfrewind.com about his story and How the First Tee Program has changed his life. First Tee not only teaches youth golf, but life lessons, manners, courtesy, morals, and about life and how to live. I am proud to say my Daughter is enrolled now and loves it. Her Coach, "Mr Pat" is not only a great teacher, but a nice man who puts up with no crap, and teaches children control and respect, something it seems our society is missing a lot of lately.

First Tee of Hampton Roads can be contacted at:

Telephone (757) 563-8990
FAX (757) 563-8992
E-mail firstteevab@att.net
Regular Mail

The First Tee of Hampton Roads YMCA
2400 Tournament Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456



STOCKTON - Golf will take Ryan Ortiz on an unforgettable experience later this month.

The 17-year-old senior-to-be at Weston Ranch High has been selected to participate in the Life Skills and Leadership Academy through the First Tee of San Joaquin, a program that provides golfing equipment and promotes character development to area youth.

"I never knew First Tee could give me this opportunity," Ortiz said Wednesday during a break from practicing at Van Buskirk Park Golf Course. "I never knew golf could take me this far."
The program




First Tee of San Joaquin

Information: (209) 915-8300 or thefirstteesanjoaquin.com

Ortiz and 93 others from First Tee chapters around the country, as well as Ireland and Singapore, will participate in the academy from July 28 to Aug. 4 at the University of Oregon in Eugene. Each participant was nominated by his or her chapter and selected based on their achivements and answers to an application that included essays. The golfers, ages 13-17, will live in dorms, learn leadership skills, receive instruction, and meet people from different walks of life.

"I most likely will get something out of the academy to help me be a role model to someone who needs one," said Ortiz, whose 11-year-old stepbrother, Michael, also is in the First Tee of San Joaquin. "When I was little, my dad was a big role model. I was driven by that. I want to be that for someone else."

Ortiz lost his role model about two years ago when his father, Miguel Angel Ortiz, died from kidney failure. Though Ryan's parents split up when he was very young, he visited his father almost every weekend in San Jose. Miguel's death had a profound effect on Ryan.

"Right after my dad passed, I gave up on everything," said Ortiz, who moved from Milpitas to Stockton with his mother, Nora Ortiz Abenojar, and stepfather, Meliton Abenojar, when he was in the sixth grade. "For a week, I couldn't eat."

Eventually, Ryan wanted to honor his father by committing himself to something positive. He chose golf, the game he was exposed to while in the eighth grade by his stepfather, but had not previously taken seriously. Ryan joined the First Tee of San Joaquin at Van Buskirk and now plays almost every day. Last season, Ryan was the top player on the Weston Ranch golf team with scores consistently in the low 40s for nine holes.

"All of his sadness is gone when he plays golf," Nora said. "He forgets about all of that when he's playing."

Ryan not only has embraced the instruction provided by the First Tee, he has applied the program's nine core values (honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment) to his life. The most meaningful to him is perseverance.

"I was probably extremely immature before my dad died," Ryan said. "If I worked on something and if it didn't turn out the way I wanted, I'd give it up. In golf, you have to practice and if you do, you'll see results."

Meliton has seen the results.

"His behavior has become more mature since he's been attached to this organization," said Meliton, who works for New United Motor Manufacturing Industries in Fremont. "He's becoming so active and doing much better through sports. I know he has big dreams."

Ryan hopes to play golf at Delta College and perhaps earn a scholarship to a four-year university. His experience in Oregon certainly will motivate him to follow his dreams.

By Bob Highfill
Record Sports Editor
July 09, 2009 6:00 AM

The VB Golf Crew

Here is the information on forming a Virginia State Golf Association Golf Club. At the bare minimum we will have a way to officially track our handicaps, discounted golf cards for everyone and another way to use our groups power in getting the best rates for all our members and all our trips, big or small.:

VSGA Recreational Golf Clubs (Form or Join)

FORM A CLUB

Any group of 10 or more people who share a passion for the game can form their own VSGA Recreational Golf Club.

Each prospective new club must fill out an APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP and return it to the VSGA office along with a copy of its BYLAWS (sample bylaws attached) a club roster, as well as a check for $230, which represents annual club dues ($50) and fees ($18 per person) for the club’s first 10 members. Additional per member pricing of $18 per golfer per year applies.

Please reply back to me, and lets get the ball rolling with ten people.

Welcome aboard Hireko Golf

Hireko Golf

Cutting Edge Custom Golf Clubs, Factory Direct!


Since 1980, Hireko and Dynacraft Golf have served the golf community. Our accomplishments include offering the internet’s first online golf club component shopping site, creator of the Dynacraft Shaft Fitting Index, publisher of multiple how-to golf component books and we now offer a FREE! online interactive clubfitting module that enables golfers to purchase the ultimate set of custom fit golf clubs. For over 26 years, Hireko and Dynacraft have earned the reputation as one of the most dependable, courteous, and knowledgeable in the golf industry. Our Technical Support staff has become legendary for it’s depth of golf wisdom and quick response time.

Hell's Point Golf Club Review

Saturday, myself, Bob Garrison, John Hadzima and Tommy "Bunker Shots" Krotzer set out to play Hell's Point on the warmest day of the year. It was about 98 and 110% humidity, nice conditions to play. We figured this a good "warm up", no pun intended, for Myrtle Beach.

The course, tee, boxes, fairways, and greens, was in fantastic shape. We had a lot of heavy rain the 2 days before, and we figured it to be wet, but they improved the drainage a few years back, and it really shows. The Par 3's on this course are all a guarded challenge, but of course, on the last day of the El Burro Loco Bet, Chef birdies one and now I owe him lunch there in Myrtle. My only chance to even up with him is to birdie a hole a Long Bay, maybe the toughest course at MB..great!

We couldn't even drink a beer the course was so hot. I drank two Power Aids, and 4 bottles of water, never went to the bath room once, and sweated it all out.

Let me also state, the crew at Hell's Point is top notch, friendly, helpful, very nice looking cart girl and they were not upset at me being 10 minutes late. Thanks guys, see you again this summer!

A must play if you come to Virginia Beach for vacation. This course is the hidden gem of the beach, no houses, wild life, quiet and inviting.

Caldonia, Pride of Myrtle Beach Golf

Caledonia is one of the Grand Strand’s most acclaimed layouts, gaining top 100 accolades from every substantive list, and many players will tell you it’s their favorite Myrtle Beach golf course.

The expectations of players that turn onto Caledonia Drive and travel nearly a half-mile to the course’s clubhouse are higher than the soaring oak trees the line both sides of the road. Caledonia faces the daunting task of being the course everyone circles on their itinerary, and it always seems to deliver.



“It will exceed your expectations every time,” said Al Serafino, a Brookville, Md. resident. “You get excited every time you play a new course and it always seems to not live up to the hype, but here it’s just the opposite. We love it.”

The late Mike Strantz was denied the opportunity to assemble an extended resume as an elite golf course architect due to the ravages of cancer. But Strantz was supernova on the architecture scene, shining brightly during more than a decade-long stint working on his own. Renowned as equal parts artist and architect, much of Strantz’s lofty reputation is derived from his work at Caledonia (official site).

The Pawleys Island course was Strantz’s first design and he was given complete autonomy. Set on property that a thriving rice plantation called home through most of the 19th century, Strantz crafted a course that is as good technically as it is beautiful.


A 6,500-yard, par 70, Caledonia isn’t exceedingly long, but it is a thinking man’s golf course that delivers one memorable hole after another. Players shouldn't’t be fooled by the distance, three front nine par 3s, make the course seem a little shorter than it plays. Caledonia has several meaty par 4s, particularly on the back side, and isn’t susceptible to being gouged by anyone with a new driver and a sleeve of Pro-V1s.

Caledonia has greens that are three clubs long (60 yards) in some instances and are typically defended by sand, water or even the centuries old oak trees on the property. Ranked among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest and the Top 100 You Can Play by Golf Magazine, Caledonia is a second shot course.

With the size of some of the greens, a 100-foot putt isn’t inconceivable so a precision iron game goes a long way towards a good round.

The layout at Caledonia has been deservedly lauded, but it’s only part of the story. Starting with the alley of oak trees (which is longer than Magnolia Lane at Augusta National) leading into clubhouse, Caledonia has an aesthetic charm that few courses in the country can match. After a stunning drive to the clubhouse, the scent of the flowers, which seem to bloom throughout the year, is noticeable before players get to the antebellum style clubhouse.


“It’s something you can’t duplicate,” Todd Weldon, the only head pro Caledonia has ever known, said of the oak trees serve as an introduction to the course. “The feeling you get when you drive in, you know you are going to be in for something special and we don’t take that for granted. We take care of those trees like we take care of the clubhouse.”

Actually, everything is taken care of at Caledonia. From the first tee box to the last flower bed, every inch of the property is maintained as if it’s the most important.


Golfers don’t book tee times because of the clubhouse, but like the landscaping, the fish shed (which is still in use for private parties, and the oak trees, it contributes to the ambience at Caledonia. The clubhouse offers a magnificent view of the marsh and the stunning 18th hole. Golfers gather on the deck, drink in hand, to watch people finish and it’s a picturesque way to finish a round of golf.

Par 3s
Caledonia has five par 3s, including three on the front side, and they are an interesting, if not exceedingly long group of holes. The longest par 3 plays 187 yards from the tips, but lack of distance shouldn't’t be confused with lack of challenge.

A prime example is the 187-yard third hole. The green is 56 yards deep and shaped like a landing strip. The green has three levels and a waste bunker that runs from the tee through the right side of the green. It’s not exceedingly difficult to find the third green but getting down in par is a challenge.

Based on pin position and where the tee box is set up, the 157-yard sixth hole could require as little club as a nine iron or as much as a six, and therein lies the beauty of the course. The challenge varies and golfers have to be aware of changing dynamics.

The ninth hole is short at 118 yards, but exceedingly pretty. The oak trees that frame the back of the hole were the inspiration for Caledonia’s logo, which was also a Strantz design.

The back nine par threes – No. 11 and No. 17 – are equally memorable. The 11th, which features a creek that meanders between the tee box and green, is one of the course’s most photographed holes. The green is longer than it is wide and the creek comes into play on the left side, so players should always aim right to minimize risk. The 17th is defined by the waste bunker that surrounds the green. Stay out of the bunker and a possible par awaits.

Par 4s
Anyone that thinks 6,500 yards is to short likely hasn’t played Caledonia’s par 4s from the Pintail (or back) tees. Holes 12 through 16 are the course’s most challenging stretch. Only the 13th hole, which features a 90-degree dogleg and plays 398 yards, is less than 415 yards.

The 16th hole is the course’s toughest. A slight dogleg right, it plays 417 yards and has a bunker on the left side that virtually eliminates any chance of par. Throw in a large pond on the right side and a green that is narrow in the front, and a significant challenge awaits.

Any discussion of Caledonia’s par 4s has to include the 18th. The approach on the closing hole requires a shot over water with the clubhouse deck – typically full of people – looming in the background. In theory it’s not the most difficult hole on the course, but with all your buddies watching on the deck, the pressure is turned up. It’s a great finishing hole.

The easiest hole is the 376-yard first hole, the course’s shortest two-shotter. Strantz gives everyone a chance to get off to a good start. Any golfer that finds the fairway (and three bunkers on the left can make it difficult) will have a short iron into an accessible green.

Par 5s
Caledonia only has three par 5s but they are an enjoyable collection of holes. Strantz allowed players to ease into the layout on No. 1, but the second hole is a 570-yard par 5, the course’s longest. It’s a true, three-shot hole. With no water, the risk of hazard is minimized but anyone that records par will sign the card with a smile on his or her face.

The eighth is the classic gambler’s hole. At 528 yards from the tips, it is accessible in two to anyone that clears the three bunkers on the right hand side. The bunkers are approximately 260 yards from the tee so it takes a good poke. Anyone with dreams of making eagle also has to consider the pond directly in front the two-tiered green.

While the eighth can be reached in two, discretion is typically the better part of valor.

The 553-yard 10th hole also offers the possibility of going for the green in two for long hitters, but it’s fraught with risks. The fairway runs down into the green but a pair of nasty bunkers on the left are to be avoided at all costs. Like so many holes, don’t be fooled by distance on the 10th. Unless you are a superior player, layup to a distance that provides you a comfortable wedge and be happy with par (or better with a great shot).

Verdict: Golf Digest, Golf Magazine and Golfweek all rank Caledonia among not just the best courses in the Myrtle Beach area but the best in the nation, and Caledonia deserves every accolade it receives.

It’s a superb golf course surrounded by the type of natural environment that every bulldozer Pete Dye has ever touched couldn't recreate. From the oak trees upon entry to sitting on the clubhouse deck watching friends finish on 18, Caledonia delivers on the expectations golfers have.

There is no better judge of golf course than the people who play it.

“Caledonia is great,” said North Carolinian Robbie Robinson, who has returned to the course for years. “You better get your tee time here because if you miss Caledonia, you’ve missed one of the greatest courses almost any place (in America).”

Enough said.

Repost from www.golfholiday.com and written by Chris King (the Myrtle Beach Course Reviewer!)

Virginia Beach Area Golf Deals

I wanted to gather some information and get to everyone, some of the good afternoon/twilight deals for the Summer at the better courses around our area, the Tidewater of Virginia.

First up, is the 2 courses at Bay Creek on the Eastern Shore. The drive is well worth it as these courses are always in fantastic shape:
Twilight Rate-55.00 for 18 w/cart
Sunday and Monday after 12pm
Tuesday through Saturday after 2pm


Next, a very under valued Cypress Point, which at one point a few years ago, was talking about going private. This course is in great shape and a very nice lay out. A lot of condos and house, but they really don't intrude into the the course:



Cypress Point Rates Click Here for: Tournament Packages

Monday through Friday

Local Resident Non-Resident Guest of Member

6 am - 9 am $30 $30 $30

9 am - 1 pm $39 $45 $33

1 pm - 3 pm $35 $35 $33

3 pm until Close $33 $33 $33

9 holes $23 $25 $23

Saturday, Sunday & Holidays

Local Resident Non-Resident Guest of Member

6 am until 1 pm $49 $58 $42

1 pm until Close $35 $35 $35

9 holes after 1pm $27 $27 $27


Hell's Point, always a locals favorite and always in tip top shape. The course is worth many rounds in a summer:
Twilight rate: after 12pm everyday: 39.00


Another under rated club in the are, I guess due to it's location and usually a long drive for most, Nansemond River Golf Club. Along the James river, great scenery, and an awesome layout.
Weekday Twilight Rate: After 12pm 29.00
Weekend Twilight Rate: After 12pm 39.00


River Front, another course along the James River, and always in great shape. Again, the drive from the Beach area is long, but well worth it:
Twilight (Weekdays) (After 2 PM) $35.00
Twilight (Weekends & Holidays 1pm - 3 PM $47.00
Twilight (Weekends & Holidays after 3 PM 37.00


One of my favorite local courses, the Signature at West Neck. Now this course defines good greens keeping and conditions. A must play if you come to Virginia Beach, and not a long ride from the resort area.
Twilight Rate: After 3pm everyday 49.00 (also GPS in carts)

Could you introduce yourself, and let us know what’s the name of your business?
I am Craig Stewart owner of Your Golf Ball Shop on Indian River road.

Where is Your Golf Ball shop located, it’s web site and contact information?
Your golf Ball Shop
6229 Indian River Rd
Virginia Beach Va 23464
757 368-0700
yourgolfballshop.com

Describe how you got into the business, and your golf business history?
I was trained as a Navy diver in 1976. Dived diamonds off the west coast of Africa and commercially. In 1988 a friend suggested golf ball recovery as a way of becoming self employed. It took several years before we opened our store but have developed a great base of local customers.

Describe a typical day for you at work:
I am diving at least 4 days per week March thru November. We wash and process the balls as fast as we can for resale. The lower grades are either striped for driving range balls or sold as shag balls and the best of them are packaged for our shop.

Tell us a little bit about your new location, and how you have expanded your business from just golf balls:
Our customers have actually guided us into the inventory we have now. When some golfer asks us if we carry a particular product we take note and try to find a variety that will not break the bank.

Where do you see the golf market going in the next 5 years?
It appears that there was an over expansion of golf courses and now we are seeing a retraction. I think however that growth will again pick up especially where they develop homes around the course. As the Boomers retire they will be looking for this in larger numbers.

What plans do you have for you and your business for the next 5 years?
Right now we are trying to establish this location. My goal is to pay for the building and keep growing that base of really great customers, we have been fortunate with the kind of folks that have supported us to date.

How do you guys manage to find and get all those used golf balls?
I spend an inordinate amount of time on the muddy bottom of our golf courses ponds. We offer value to the golf course for this privilege by supplying range balls, jar balls, cash or services.

What is your favorite local course, and favorite non local course to play?
To be politically correct I think it is best to avoid this question, however I do work two beautiful golf courses in Ocean City MD. Rum Point and Lighthouse Sound.

Give us some personal information about yourself, married? Grew up here? How long have you been in the golf industry? Etc.
I grew up in beautiful Cape Town South Africa. Left there during the apartheid era. Married to my wife Donna an elementary school. I have been diving golf balls for over twenty years now! I think I need to sit down.

Anything you want to share with us?
Yes! We really appreciate the support we get from our customers. Our goal is to, obviously stay afloat, but also to make the game a little less expensive. If we can have fun doing so we will have achieved our goal.

Lastly, give us your “Deal of the Week” that we can pass onto the reader:
Our best deal, I feel, is the “value grade” Prov1 ball. This sells for $11.95/doz for the 2007 Prov1 and $14.95/doz for the 2008. These balls are near top grade and very playable.
Ladies balls are locked in at $6.95/doz. We have lots of other goodies like towels under $5 and gloves under $7 ea. Grips installed from as low as $4.


Thanks for your Time!
Thank you for the interest.

Deal of the Week

Wow, the Taylor Made Tour Burner Driver (2008 edition) was a 399.00 retail club when it came out. But, Taylor Made has moved onto R9s now, and this once Driver Model leader, is now in the close out bin, 129.99!!!

Most Golf Retailers have it for sale at this price, attached is Golf Galaxy's link:

http://www.golfgalaxy.com/galaxy/product.asp?pf_id=TaylorMadeTourBurner2008MensDriver&path=Your+Choice+Drivers+129.98&search_handle=QT1Zb3VyIENob2ljZSBEcml2ZXJzIDEyOS45OH5CPVlvdXIgQ2hvaWNlIERyaXZlcnMgMTI5Ljk4fkQ9MzB_ST1QcmljZX5LPTR_TD0xfk09MX4&scid=SearchResults&spoffset=1&s_id=0

Not sure how you can go wrong at this price for this driver!! Especially a Tour Edition!

Comming Summer 2010, a Block Buster!

Ok, well, it may not be a Block Buster for everyone, but it sure will for me. I am going to be organizing and running a Charity Golf Tournament in the early summer, 2010.
I am going to be needing a lot of help of course, from friends, contacts, and social club members, and most of you don't know it yet.

I am in talks with the course I want it held at, but it's so very early, I don't want to talk specifics, but I have a wealth of experience I can draw upon friend wise who have done this very same thing. I also want to make this very enjoyable, while raising as much money as possible for the two charities I have in mind, but will name later when everything is in place.

I will be calling in all favors, sponsors, and help I can. I will be setting up a board to supervise the planning very soon. So, if your someone with experience and want to help, please respond so I can talk with you.

Virginia's Top 10 Courses You Can Play

The top 10 courses, per golf week, that you can play in our good old state of Virginia! Pictures of The Homestead, rated high on the national lists as well.

Virginia

1. Homestead Resort (Cascades), Hot Springs (No. 47 c)




2. Highland Course at Primland, Meadows of Dan (m)
3. Blue Ridge Shadows, Front Royal (m)*
4. Royal New Kent, Providence Forge (m)
5. Golden Horseshoe (Gold), Williamsburg (m)
6. Homestead Resort (Lower Cascades), Hot Springs (c)
7. Riverfront GC at Harbor View, Suffolk (m)
8. Bay Creek GC (Nicklaus) Cape Charles (m)
9. Kingsmill (River), Williamsburg (m)
10. Independence, Midlothian (m)

Tidewater Golf Club to make much needed improvements

Tidewater has always been known as one of the most scenic golf courses in all of Myrtle Beach. They just announced they will be closing for 4-6 weeks to make some much needed improvements to the course. This past spring the course struggled with some of it’s conditioning, especially on it’s tee boxes. They plan to completely renovate the tee boxes to bring the course back up to the reputation and splendor it deserves. In addition to the tee boxes, drainage and some erosion control work is planned.




We are excited to see that Tidewater is taking the big step of closing to make all the necessary changes. It’s a short term loss, but definitely a long term gain. Tidewater has always been one of the top courses in Myrtle Beach and perennially on Golf Digest’s Top 100 courses you can play. The course should be back open by August 1st.

Lesson 3

Well golf fans, Lesson three from PGA Professional Dave Stacy is in the books. I had my lesson again on my lunch break Friday June 5th (who needs to eat any way??)

This time, I came in feeling a little confident in my irons, but none in my driver, so we worked on it the whole lesson. After a few swings, we looked at the video, and say my take away, and coming into the hitting position was actually great. I had something to be proud of, but what followed was trouble. I was not turning my wrists over, not "shutting the gate" so to speak.

Out came the heavy driver aid, and a sleeve for my left arm, seems I am letting it break down. After swinging a few, I started trying my best to turn the wrists and keep the left arm straight. It seemed to click half way through, and I started hitting straighter drives. I left the lesson feeling confident again, but a Sunday round at Kempsville Greens was in store, and of course, it's terrible conditions. The course is a dog track.

I played with my buddy Chef, and Kevin Nicholson, and our friend Steve Esposito (a 1 handicap). He watched me spray the ball all day, and worked with me. Seems I was not pulling my hips through, just thinking of too many things at one time. Towards the finial 5-6 holes, I suddenly figured it out, and boom, I was driving and playing it well.

I have one more lesson with David planned for Friday the 19, for a general tune up. Then it's off to Myrtle Beach for the annual trip on the 24th.

Thanks David Stacy again for another great lesson!

Willbrook Planation Golf Course Review

A small shameless report of a review of Willbrook, since it is slated on our Myrtle Beach Trip, and I know Craig loves this course, I thought I would share it with you. Much thanks to Craig and the great blog he has going.



Myrtle Beach is known for all of the courses along the Grand Strand and if you happen to read any of blog post in Craig`s Corner than you will know that I’m a big fan of the History of Golf. It does not get more historic than Willbrook Plantation, with five sets of tees, measuring 7,155 yards from the championship tees and 4,956 from the front tees.



The Dan Maples design which opened in 1988 was built on two rice plantations dating back to the 18th century. Located on the south end of Myrtle Beach, Willbrook Plantation is surrounded by the marsh along the Waccamaw River, live oak trees draped with Spanish Moss, and a mixture of changeling holes with amazing scenery that helped win Willbrook Plantation a # 25 ranking in the “Top 50 Courses for Woman”. Travelgolf.com also voted Willbrook as on of the “Top Marshy Courses for Myrtle Beach Golf”.



The condition of the golf course was excellent as the over seeding took very well for the tees, fairways and greens. The course itself requires you to hit every shot in your bag. The holes are very generous off the tee with the exception of the first hole which makes you hit a laser off the tee just to have a 2nd shot, as the marsh runs down the leftside and up to the green. This great opening hole is among one of the “The 100 Greatest Holes along the Grand Strand,”. Another one of these award winning holes is the Par 5, 15th hole. Along dog leg left forcing you to work the ball left to right (For any readers that have played with me know I like to hit the big draw). Your second shot is an up hill narrow hitting area over marsh to a green with a bunker guarding the front face. This intimidating hole is the #1 handicap for men and woman.




Overall, Willbrook Plantation is on my list of, must plays for Myrtle Beach golf and has slowly become a favorite of mine. From the Historical markers telling you the history of the course to the wildlife in the natural setting which was originally 2,400 acre tract of land granted by the Lords Proprietors to Robert Danial in 1711 and sold to the legendary Percival Pawley in 1722, Willbrook is a true test of golf as designer Dan Maples called it “One of My Best”.

A special Thank You to the Myrtle Beach National Company, Head Golf Professional Kevin McGuire and the entire Willbrook Staff for inviting me to play.

I would also like to giving a standing ovation to Mr. Kenny Giles, Superintendent of Willbrook. The golf course was in EXCELLENT CONDITION, from tee to green.

What is Fun for You on the Course?

Let me start off by saying, I love Golf . That's very general, but I love the sport, the time outside, the surroundings, the time with friends and a few drinks on the course.

Which brings me to the point, and rather fast I might add. Drinking on the course , is that a yea or a nay for you? I personally believe that golf is a sport made for relaxation, not what we see on TV, the pressure filled world of professional golf. 80% of the people who play golf today will never play at that level, most will never break 80, but we all try. I learned a long time ago, I wasn't going to be a great golfer, maybe good at times, but never great. I recently have taken some lessons and have been trying to play better, but I still know, I am out there for fun.

Every great golf experience comes from my group trips to Myrtle Beach with the fellas. Good times, a bunch of guys golfing, blowing off steam and the pressure of work, to act like we are all 20 some again. I can't remember a trip where we didn't keep the cart girl busy, and heaven help us if they had a full bar on the cart (Rest in Peace Bay Tree, we miss you) Now most of the times, it's a few beers, relaxing, unwinding, and the drinking continues at the pool or condo later.

Sometimes we have gone a little heavier, and the practical jokes ensure. Now, we have never slowed play, respect the course and the staff, but we play golf and drink. I would love to hear everyone's opinion and thoughts on drinking on the course. I mean if they didn't want you to, they wouldn't have those those young, nubile cart girls running around with icy cold beers would they? (they know how to sell don't they?)

Good Golf News, Finially

Eastport Returns as The Valley Club

Anytime, in this economic climate, we can get some good news in golf, we sure as hell take it. A local's favorite has returned, along with this spring's reopening of the Grand Daddy, Pine Lakes . Golfer rejoice, we got some good news finally!

LITTLE RIVER, SC – Closed since January ‘07, Eastport Golf Club reopened on Saturday, December 20 under the new name of The Valley Club at Eastport, something many on the Grand Strand have been patiently awaiting. The golf course has been closed for nearly two years and the residents of Eastport were teased for several months, as the reopening of the golf course was postponed several times.

The Valley Club at EastportAlthough there have been some improvements, there have been no real changes to the 20-year-old Dennis Griffith’s design, a bridge across the pond from the 14th tee to the fairway has been rebuilt and nearly 800 tons of sand was brought in to redo bunkers. Mini-Verde Bermuda grass greens have been over seeded with Poa Trivialis for the winter.

“I certainly would say everyone in our community is just thrilled things have worked out the way they have, the course is looking absolutely gorgeous,” said Metzger, president of the Eastport Community Association.

The 6,200-yard golf course was closed due to former owner Mel Graham of Charlotte, NC wanting to redevelop part of the course, but homeowners fought him in court, claiming Graham signed an agreement to retain the course when he purchased the property. Graham sold in May to an ownership group that includes turf products store owner Frankie Vereen and members of his family. They will operate the course under JMJ Golf Management, which operated Cypress Bay Golf Club under a management agreement from 2004-2007.

The Vereen family hoped to host play as early as September, but in order to allow the grass to grow in, pushed the opening date back. JMJ is now satisfied that the golf course is ready for play. “I’m ready to see some people out there playing and enjoying it, we’re not quite where we want to be, but we’re close,” said JMJ partner James Jackson.

A snack bar is open and apparel with The Valley Club at Eastport logo is for sale in the pro-shop. Jackson said the club has a membership plan, and walk-in rates will begin at $35, however spring and summer rates have not been determined at this time. “We’ll play it by ear and see what everybody else is doing with their rates and match them,” said Jackson.

A Grand Opening will be scheduled after the New Year. The new pro shop phone number is 843-427-4424.

My Second Golf Lesson

Friday May 29th was my second lesson with PGA Pro David Stacy , who teaches at the Virginia Beach Golf Galaxy. I left my first lesson with a totally different and new swing, hit the range 4 times, and played 1 so so round. I was confident after the first lesson, and it was shaken a bit on the course, but I still feel I am moving in the right direction.

Lesson two started with the 6 iron again, a few swings, and David discovered I wasn't turning my hands over still, something I have found hard to do. We worked with a couple training aids, modified my grip just a little, and it started to click.

Next step was the driver. After a few swings, we moved the ball further up in my stance, and started with about 80% of my weight on my back foot, and then powering through the ball. It felt better right away. Turning the hands over remains the key for me, and something I need to work on the most. I will be seeing the driving range a lot this week.

I have my third lesson this Friday, and hope have improved the swing. I also traded in the Taylor Made 07 Draw Driver this weekend. I want to fix my swing through practice, not the band aid fix that a draw driver is. I bought the Adams Speedline Driver, along with the free 3 fairway/hybrid. My usual swing speed is is around 92-93mph, with the Speedline, I am at 101mph, a big, big difference as advertised.

Can We Come Up with Something Better?

Spring has sprung, and Summer is on it's way, the golf season is in full "swing." During this time period, there are a lot of charity events that raise a lot of money for great causes. Kudos to all those who organize, run and play in these events, it's a great way for us golfer's to enjoy the sport we love while doing something worth wild.

I am not going into the details of the event I am going to try and organize next Spring, as all the details are not worked out, and the group I want to run it for, I am not a formal member yet, but I will pull this off.

I am here today to try and come up with a better scoring system for these events. The usual four man best ball is great, but I want something a little different. My idea is the reverse of the usual 100-150 a man for the tournament, I want to start low for entry fee, very low, a discounted rate from the course, so lets use 30.00 a man as a base line. I wanted to propose a scoring system that you donate to the Charity by score. The better you score, the less you agree to give, the worse, the more. Now, I want to tweak this also. The worst Score actually wins some money back, and the Best Score gets some great prizes, but pays a set amount, lets say 100.00 per man for the Charity. Everyone else is paying in between those numbers. The usual gimmicks, Muligans, a Throw, can be bought per hole, for lets say, 10.00 a team for 1 and limit 1 a hole. This should give every a shot at getting a low score and a very close leader board. Closet to the Pin still in play, Long Drive, etc, all in play.

The end of the tournament, the usual cook out, food, beverages for adults, but I want there to some incentive to stick around to the end. An Award for the person, and the team, that Donated the most to the Charity, along with free admission to next years event. Those who paid out the most get the "most."

I would love to hear what people think of this idea, especially those who have ran Golf Events before!!!

Our Prayers are with the Mickelson Family

I had just heard the news, and it brought me back to a time 4 years ago, when my mother passed away after a year long battle with cancer. It is nothing I would wish on my worst enemy. I want to let the family know my family's prayers are Amy, Phil, and their whole family.

I also think Phil is a classy guy for stepping aside from the tour, it's the right thing to do, and confirms of what I thought Phil was like. He is a golf Ambassordor and now maybe, God willing, will help raise awareness and lets find a cure cure for Cancer!




Phil Mickelson's wife, Amy, has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and the three-time major champion said Wednesday he will suspend his PGA TOUR schedule indefinitely.

According to a release from Mickelson's management company, his wife was to have more tests but begin treatment with major surgery as early as the next two weeks.

"We are saddened by the news of Amy Mickelson's diagnosis but are hopeful that with the support of Phil and her family and friends, she will come through this difficult time," PGA TOUR commissioner Tim Finchem said. "The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected with the PGA TOUR are with the Mickelson family."
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Amy and Phil at a Lakers game last week.
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Amy and Phil Mickelson at a Lakers playoff game last week.
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Amy and Phil through the years
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Amy, Phil at Start Smart charity

Mickelson, the third-ranked player in the FedExCup standings and the No. 2 player in the world with 36 career PGA TOUR victories, was to play the HP Byron Nelson Championship this week before defending his title next week at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial.

According to HP Byron Nelson tournament director Charley Spradley, Mickelson was in the Dallas area, preparing for this week's event, when he received the news.

"I'm not disappointed," Spradley said when asked about not having Mickelson in this week's field. "I'm encouraged by his decision. You guys know this: We're all about kids and families, and we would have made exactly the decision that he did, I hope. ... It's news that would cause us all to have proper concern for Phil, Amy, his wife, and their extended family, and that's where our concern lies."

Dallas native Scott Verplank, who played on two Ryder Cup teams and two Presidents Cup teams with Mickelson, said he received a text message from Mickelson on Tuesday night with the news.

"I think several of us got a text last night, but I got one at about 10 o'clock, and I had a hard time sleeping, just thinking about that," Verplank said. "My wife was already asleep next to me there, so when I woke up this morning she woke up for a minute, so I told her. So I think she's probably worried about it now. You know, hopefully it's early and hopefully they take care of it."

It was not certain if Mickelson would return in time for the U.S. Open on June 18-21 at Bethpage Black in New York, where he was a runner-up to Tiger Woods in 2002 and is beloved by golf fans in the New York area.

"Elin and I are deeply saddened to hear the news about Amy," Woods said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with her, Phil, the children and the entire Mickelson family."

Mickelson has already won twice in 2009. He has three other top-10 finishes, including a tie for fifth at the Masters. Mickelson's first TOUR win this year came at the Northern Trust Open where he successfully defended his title. He won his first World Golf Championships title at the CA Championship at Doral, outlasting Nick Watney for the title.

Amy Mickelson is among the most visible wives on the PGA TOUR, a former Phoenix Suns cheerleader who regularly walks during the rounds and mingles easily with the gallery. She was waiting with their three children by the 18th green at Augusta National in 2004 when Mickelson won his first major, and at Winged Foot in 2006 at the U.S. Open, his most crushing loss in a major.

One of the photos in the clubhouse at the HP Byron Nelson Championship is Mickelson walking with Amy when they were engaged in 1996 and Mickelson won the tournament.

The Phil and Amy Mickelson Charitable Foundation has been involved in several causes, including multiple contributions of $250,000 in continued support of the Hurricane Katrina relief effort, as well as the Start Smart program that provides needy youngsters clothes and school supplies each year.

They met in 1992 when Mickelson was a senior at Arizona State, a year after he won his first PGA TOUR event as an amateur. Amy knew nothing about golf at the time.

"I grew up in a tennis family, and when he told me he was a pro golfer, I thought he worked in the shop at a golf course," she wrote in Mickelson's book, "One Magical Sunday," after he won his first major at the 2004 Masters.

They were married in 1996 and have three children: Amanda, 9, Sophia, 7, and Evan, 6. Their first child was born the day after the 1999 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2., where Mickelson carried a pager and promised to leave if his wife went into labor.

Contractions began on Sunday, but she decided not to tell Mickelson as he tried to win his first major. He lost by one stroke when Payne Stewart holed a 15-foot par putt on the final hole, and Mickelson arrived home in time for the birth.

Sarah Strange, a breast cancer survivor and wife of former Ryder Cup captain Curtis Strange, said Amy Mickelson's ongoing personality would play a big part in her recovery.

"She's such an upbeat person, and I think she'll approach this in the same way, moving forward with confidence," Sarah Strange said. "I'm sure she's getting the best treatment they can find. An upbeat attitude plays such a key role in this, her own and those around her. I'll certainly be extending any experiences I've had, any questions she could ask me to keep upbeat.

"She was so supportive of me being a captain's wife," she said. "In return, she will feel that support from others."

TOUR pro Chad Campbell said his caddie's mother has fought breast cancer "and beat it so far, and my mother-in-law has had it. I think she's had it on two separate occasions, possibly even three, I can't remember for sure. But you know, it's just really tough. You feel for them, and it's a tough time. Hopefully they can get it all figured out."

The news was quick to reach Europe, where John Daly is playing in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

"That is so sad," Daly said. "She's a great girl. My prayers are out to her and Phil. Hopefully, everything goes well."

Great Golf deal, Play the Players Course

Not that us normal, every other weekend hackers can afford this, nor would we likely ever get a chance to play a course like this, but we can now. With the economy being so bad, these 400-500 dollars a round courses are HURTING. Pebble Beach, Pinehurst #3, and TPC Stadium Course, are offering huge discounted deals. Check out this deal I found on Golf Week. If every there was a chance to play these exclusives clubs, it's now.

Golfweek’s Best deals: TPC Sawgrass
Course: TPC Sawgrass – Stadium Course, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
Ranking: No. 1, Golfweek’s Best public-access courses in Florida; No. 16, Golfweek’s Best Modern Courses

The deal: If you want to play the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, you normally can expect to shell out upward of four bills (including the forecaddie fee), which makes it seem like you’re adding insult to injury when you inevitably dump a sleeve of Pro V1s into the pond at No. 17.

But from June 8 to Sept. 14, you can play Florida’s top public course twice – plus play a round on the sister Valley Course and stay two nights at the Sawgrass Marriott – for $628 per person. The rate is based on double occupancy.

Sure, it’s summer. Yes, we know it’s hot. Man up and hydrate liberally.

Web site: pgatourexperiences.com.