His Excellency President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo declared the 2017 3e Actuaries Open officially open when he visited the Presidential Course in Mongomo, Equatorial Guinea ahead of the opening round.
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Dates Played: Saturday and Sunday, November 4, 5, 2017
Daytona Beach, Florida
L.P.G.A. International Golf Courses – Championships and Legends
26 Ladies, 175 Men = Total 201 players
Love GolfTec
Founder & Tournament Director Vernon Echols
Men’s Championship Flight 72-80
- Deontey Kenner 72-75=147
- Terrain Gill 74-74=148
- Richard Degree 77-72=149
- Barry Reading 76-79=155
- Alvin Thompson 78-80=158
- Fredrick Jones 78-81=159
- Al Dean 80-82=162
- Maurice Brown 80-84=164
- Andre Robinson 76-91=167
- Kendu Dunlap 76-97=173
Men’s First Flight 81-87
- David Bland 82-75=157
- Willie Miles 82-81=163
- Martin Kershaw 85-79=164
- Gerald Price 85-82=167
- Vincent Harris 84-83=167
- Jason Jenkins 86-83=169
- Keith Holland 86-85=171
- Kevon Best 81-91=172
- Ricky Brown 87-87=174
- Scottie Wilson 87-89=176
- Emond Thornhill 87-89=176
- Depriest Bowers 87-89=176
- Charles Mayo 84-93=177
- Bobby Spivey 86-92=178
- James Boulware 86-94=180
- Terry “Turkey” Garrett 81-99=180
- Mike Smith 83-99=182
Men’s Second Flight 89-93
- Craig Brown 91-85=176
- Mitchell Smith 89-91=180
- Charles Owens 89-92=181
- Greg Collins 93-88=181
- Monte Ross 89-93=182
- Joseph Simon 92-90=182
- Antoney Trenfield 91-93=184
- Harvey “Doc” Harris 93-94=187
- Gary Passmore 93-95=188
- Randy Floyd 93-96=189
- James Gant 91-98=189
- Larry Craig 89-101=190
- Giovanni William 89-103=192
- Marlo Wicker 90-108=198
- Jimmy Sullivan 89-110=199
- Mike Ingram 91-NS=DNF
- Calvin Griffin 93-NS=DNF
Men’s Third Flight 94-99
- Timothy Massey 94-92=186
- Darryal Watts 96-90=186
- Ron Crockett, Jr. 95-93=188
- James Thompson 94-95=189
- Don Jenkins 96-93=189
- Willie Spivey 99-91=190
- Willie Daniel 94-97=191
- Ricky Williams 98-94=192
- John Johnson 94-98=192
- Ray Johnson 95-97=192
- Richard Chapman 96-98=194
- William Foust 98-97=195
- Martin Hubert 97-100=197
- Dino Miliucci 94-104=198
- Dennis Williams 96-103=199
- Lindrell Blackwell 95-113=208
- Chuck Crockett 98-121=219
- Edward Ottey 97-NS=DNF
- Joe Jenkins 99-NS=DNF
Men’s Fourth Flight 101-131
- Willie Miles, Jr. 101-85=186
- Brione Burrows 102-96=198
- Rowland Brown 112-86=198
- Ron Denson 102-97=199
- Mar McFadden 104-101=205
- Dennis Morgan 102-104=206
- Chuck Ware 104-103=207
- Daniel Cash 104-104=208
- Andre Pope 103-106=209
- Danny Sullivan 103-107=210
- Hollis Bush 103-109=212
- Marcus Strange 101-112=213
- Tracy Miller 101-118=219
- Maurice Bell 111-112=223
- James Garland 107-117=224
- Franklin Jordan 111-114=225
- Leonard Green 103-126=229
- Lloyd Frasier 131-139=270
Senior Men Championship Flight (55-63) 77-84
- Walt Worthen 77-70=147
- Gregory Renfroe 79-73=152
- Patrick Gordan 79-73=152
- Gerald Allen 77-78=155
- Ed Williams 79-78=157
- Charles Ponder 81-80=161
- C. Clarke 84-77=161
- Daniel Oliver 84-79=163
- Wayne Richardson 83-85=168
Senior Men First Flight (55-63) 86-97
- Amos Captain 86-79=165
- Carl Walker 87-80=167
- Jeffrey Ferguson, Sr. 88-81=169
- Roderick Tharpe 90-82=172
- Benny Stormer 91-84=175
- Carlos Salyers 89-87=176
- Eddie Lamar 90-86=176
- Bernard Jackson 88-90=178
- Rudy Richmond 95-85=180
- Sonny Bailey 93-89=182
- Donald Young 93-89=182
- Curtis Clingman 95-93=188
- Jack Ware 93-96=189
- John Purnell 93-96=189
- Robert Williams 97-NS=DNF
Senior Men Second Flight (55-63) 88-115
- Carlos W. Morgan 102-88=190
- Tommy Canter 100-94=194
- Jeffrey Hunter 106-93=199
- Joe Smith 111-104=215
- Ronald Bembry 112-107=219
- Ronald Miller 116-105=221
- Arcidus Baums 112-115=227
Golden Senior Men Championship Flight (64-72) 80-89
- Nathaniel West 80-75=155
- Tony Banks 84-74=158
- Harold Varner, Jr. 89-81=170
- Billy Smith 89-83=172
- Hazel Barnes 86-86=172
- William McCoy 85-89=174
- Charles Sifford 85-89=175
- Charles Whitfield 87-93=180
Golden Senior Men First Flight (64-72) 90-99
- John Archie Brown 92-78=170
- Jerry Ellison 90-84=174
- Eddie Chambers 94-83=177
- Pink Degree 90-89=179
- Ronald Gibson 97-83=180
- Tommy Simpson 95-88=183
- James Hicks 97-86=183
- Sam Burkes 99-86=185
- Allan Williams 95-91=186
- Clarke Patson 92-94=186
- Samuel King 94-98=192
- Henry J. Charles 99-94=193
- Moses Trappio, III 97-96=193
- James Smith 97-96=193
- Harold Mims 96-100=196
- Thomas Jenkins 98-100=198
Golden Senior Men Second Flight (64-72) 100-119
- Eugene Cook 101-82=183
- Allen Smith 102-83=185
- Marshall Benson 100-86=186
- Sam Fleming 101-92=193
- Edward Smith 97-98=195
- T. Holley 100-96=196
- Hugh Jones 109-88=197
- Edward S. Smith 111-98=209
- Curtis Niles 103-108=211
- Al Taylor 110-102=212
- James Bowditch 113-105=218
- William Prillerman 113-113=225
- Joseph L. Williams 119-115=234
Super Golden Senior Men Championship Flight (73-Up) 83-96
- James Jenkins 83-81=164
- David Williams (Atlanta) 84-83=167
- Howard Trapp 86-82=168
- William Currence 86-83=169
- John W. Smith 92-78=170
- Frank King 88-86=174
- Ronald English 90-89=179
- James “Shorty” Williams 94-88=182
- John Alexander 98-88=186
- Jerry Powell 96-90=186
- Virgil Wynn 90-97=187
- Ron Crockett, Sr. 96-99=195
- Harold Cundiff 89-106=195
Super Golden Senior Men First Flight (73-Up) 101-116
- Dennis Davis 101-91=192
- Fred Woods (Greenville) 103-92=195
- Bill Neal 101-97=198
- Earl Winfrey 104-99=203
- Willy Miller 109-95=204
- Donald Sparks 108-101=209
- Richard Archer 108-103=211
- Jack Thompson 107-104=211
- George Everett 111-105=216
- Vic Wheeler 108-110=218
- Earl Seagle 116-105=221
- Al Green 107-114=221
- Harold Brown 107-114=221
Ladies Flight 99-120
- Melissa Williamson 99-103=202
- Ann Wynn 101-103=204
- Natasha Williams 109-110=219
- Doris Bush 117-120=237
- Quinda Kershaw 120-123=243
Senior Ladies Flight (51-60) 87-122
- Marcia Leath 87-92=179
- Yvonne Sandoval 95-97=193
- Denise Wiley 95-99=194
- Joyce Perry Ware 96-100=196
- Christy McCauley 106-107=213
- Selina Best 1105-123=228
- Pinky Carr 118-117=235
- Rose Dunlap 122-125=247
l Senior Ladies Flight (61-Up) 94-117
- Cynthia Joubert 97-101=198
- Darlene Cooper 94-105=199
- Phyllis Stevenson-Jenkins 108-93=201
- Elizabeth Massanin 104-98=202
- Dee Jones 101-109=210
- Rosetta Smith 104-109=213
- Cheryll Smith-Martinez 106-110=216
- Bunny Schaffer 107-110=217
- Janet Contee 115-109=224
- Shirley King 115-115=230
- Shirley Williams 114-121=235
- LaDonna Prillerman 115-122=237
- Stephanie Turner 117-121=238
Closest to Pin Ladies Jones Course
#6
Longest Drive Ladies Jones Course
#18 Ann Wynn
Closest to Pin Senior Ladies Jones Course
#14
Longest Drive Senior Ladies Jones Course
#2
Closest to Pin Golden Senior Ladies Jones Course
#3 Darlene Cooper
Longest Drive Golden Senior Ladies Jones Course
#7 Phyllis Stevenson-Jenkins
Skins Ladies Small Pot
#3 Darlene Cooper (Birdie)
#6 Joyce Perry Ware (Birdie)
#11 Cynthia Joubert (Birdie)
#12 Selina Best (Birdie)
#14 Denise Wiley (Birdie)
#18 Ann Wynn (Birdie)
Skins Ladies Big Pot
#3 Darlene Cooper (Birdie)
#6 Joyce Perry Ware (Birdie)
#11 Cynthia Joubert (Birdie)
#12 Denise Wiley (Birdie)
Skins Open Flight Small Pot and Big Pot Same Winners
#2 Kendu Dunlap (Birdie)
#3 Mike Smith (Birdie)
#11 Deontey Kenner (Birdie)
#12 Ricky Brown (Birdie)
Skins Senior Flight Small Pot and Big Pot Same Winners (#17 Chuck Ware Small Pot Birdie)
#6 Andre Pope (Birdie)
#7 Jack Ware (Birdie)
#9 Daniel Oliver (Birdie)
#10 Patrick Gordon (Birdie)
#11 Walt Worthen (Eagle)
#12 Ed Williams (Birdie)
#14 Andre Pope (Par)
#15 Sonny Bailey (Birdie)
#16 C.C. Clarke (Birdie)
Skins Golden Senior Small Pot
#2 Harold Varner, Jr. (Birdie)
#4 Nathaniel West (Birdie)
#11 William McCoy (Birdie)
Skins Golden Senior Big Pot
#2 Harold Varner, Jr. (Birdie)
#4 Nathaniel West (Birdie)
#11 William McCoy (Birdie)
#13 Billy Smith (Birdie)
#15 James Smith (Birdie)
Skins Golden Super Senior Small Pot
#9 Ron Crockett, Sr. (Birdie)
#10 Ron Crockett, Sr. (Birdie)
#14 James Williams (Birdie)
Skins Golden Super Senior Big Pot
#9 Ron Crockett, Sr. (Birdie)
#10 Ron Crockett, Sr. (Birdie)
#17 Frank King (Par)
Gerald Price Skins Game Thursday, November 2, 2017, Cypress Head Golf Course, Port Orange, Florida
Open 19 Players, Senior 14 Players total 33 Players
Open
- Al Dean 68
- Jessie Allen 74
- C. Clarke 75
- Terrain Gill 77
- Carl Walker 78
- Patrick Gordon 78
- Kevon Best 83
- Gerald Price 84
- Depriest Bowers 84
- Razor 85
- Vincent Harris 85
- Richard Degree 86
- Carlos Morgan 88
- Daryal Watts 90
- Kendu Dunlap 91
- Jason Jenkins 92
- Ron Crockett, Jr. 100
- Rowland Brown 104
- Alvin Thompson NS
Seniors
- Greg Renfroe 72
- Tony Banks 78
- Mike Smith 82
- Charles Owens 86
- Danny Oliver 87
- Harvey “Doc” Harris 91
- James Bowditch 94
- Harold Varner, Jr. 95
- Ray Johnson 99
- King Whitner NS
- Sammy Sentor NS
- Ricky “57” Jackson NS
- Shack Wiggins NS
- Anthony Fields NS
Closest to Pin
#6 Ricky ‘57” Jackson
#7 Carlos Morgan
#12 C.C. Clarke
#16 Harvey “Doc” Harris HOLE-IN-ONE
Skins
#5 Depriest Bowers (Birdie)
#11 Al Dean (Birdie)
#16 Harvey “Doc” Harris (HOLE-IN-ONE)
#17 Al Dean (Birdie)
Senior Low Score
Greg Renfroe 72
Open Low Score
Al Dean 68
Friday, November 3, 2017, LPGA Golf Course, Daytona Beach, Florida
50 Players
- Jessie Allen 72
- Patrick Gordon 76
- Daryal Watts 80
- Richard Degree 80
- Martin Kershaw 80
- Al Dean 81
- Ton Johnson 81
- Terrain Gill 82
- Gerald Price 82
- Danny Kenner 83
- Keith Holland 83
- Kevon Best 83
- C. Clarke 84
- Mike Smith 85
- Alvin Thompson 85
- Vincent Harris 85
- Carl Walker 86
- Wayne Richardson 86
- Marcia Leath 87
- Jerry Daniel 88
- Kendu Dunlap 89
- Craig McCorvey 89
- Rowland Brown 90
- Benny Stromer 91
- Carlos Morgan 91
- Pink Degree 91
- Ricky Wallars 91
- Scottie Wilson 92
- Tony Banks 92
- Ray Alexander 93
- James Boulware 93
- Ron Crockett, Jr.
- Depriest Bowers 94
- Ben Branlsford 94
- Melissa Williamson 95
- Frank Jordan 96
- Jason Jenkins 96
- Ray Johnson 97
- Derrick Porter 97
- Danny Oliver 99
- Razor 101
- Mitchell Smith 101
- Harold Varner, Jr. 101
- Natasha Williams 107
- James Bowditch 109
- Shag Williams NS
- King Whitner NS
- Ricky “57” Jackson NS
- Anthony Fields NS
Closest to Pin
#3 Benny Stormer
#7 Jerry Daniels
#12 Ricky “57” Jackson
#17 Ricky Wallars
Skins
#5 Patrick Gordon (Birdie)
#6 C.C. Clarke (Birdie)
#14 Craig McCrovery (Birdie)
#15 Keith Holland (Birdie)
You have no doubt already heard that new golf rules will come into effect on January 1st, 2019. This will be the most major revision of the rules for more than 30 years. The review process is still underway and therefore exactly what will change has not yet been decided. However, here we share a video from Expert Golf of International Rules Official Yves C. Ton-That who has picked out the five most important— and most likely— rules changes.
It’s never too early to start the search for scholarship prospects and College Golf Camps provides an exceptional educational opportunity for junior golfers.
The upcoming College Golf Camps showcase for 2018 will offer and a great start for Junior golfers to learn from college golf coaches, experience the competitive spirit with college golf coaches and interact with college golf coaches with the goal of improving as a golfer. At their golf camps, junior golfers are offered the opportunity to show off their golf skills and have a chance to be able to communicate with coaches, face to face, in a relaxed atmosphere.
WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING
“I only wish we had heard about CGC earlier! This camp should be a “must attend” event in your college golf preparation program. The one-to-one coach time is invaluable and the presentations, eye-opening”
Developed in conjunction with NCAA coaches, College Golf Camps of America (CGC) is the first privately operated multi-college Junior Golf Camp in the world. College Golf Camps allow college golf coaches to instruct, evaluate, engage and interact with Junior Golfers from all over the world.
DATES:
January 20, 2018 Texas State University
January 13, 2018 Florida – Florida State – South Florida – Junior Golf Exposure Camp
February 11, March 25 & May 6
USC Chris Zambri Junior Golf Exposure Camps
College Golf Coaches Attending: ACC, PAC 12, SEC, BIG 10, BIG 12
Junior Golf Exposure Camps are where campers can learn, compete, showcase, interact and gain exposure to College Golf Coaches.
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It’s been a hot topic in recent years, whether or not PGA Tour players hit the golf ball too far. The subject has been discussed by just about all the Pros, many tournament venue hosts, and even championship sponsors who help bankroll these multi-million dollar events. All, weighing in with their opinions, that span the game, positive and negative.
Among them, Tiger Woods, Brad Faxon, Brandel Chamblee, Mike Davis, and Wally Uihlein have conceded their views.
HOW FAR IS TOO FAR?
Firstly, exactly how much distance by the golf ball is too much distance? Where does the judgment of ‘too far’ actually come from? Does going ‘too far’ on the course weaken the contest of the sport? Does it lessen the viewing pleasure of the millions of golf fans who tune in to watch or faithfully attend the tournaments? At what point, exactly, is it determined that the technology used in the development of new golf balls have impacted the true veracity of the game?
Time and progress tend to go hand-in-hand. For instance, just 50 years ago, it would take a handwritten, stamped letter, that was dropped into a post office in New York City, 5-6 days to arrive in Los Angeles, Calif. Today, we send letters, through electronic means, that reach their destination in an instant, at the stroke of a key.
A NEW GAME CHANGER
Earlier in his professional career, Harry Vardon, a professional golfer from the Bailiwick of Jersey, won The Open Championship a record six times and also won the 1900 U.S. Open. He—and many other competitorss— played solely with “The Vardon Flyer,” the gutta percha golf ball that bared his name. The ball was invented in 1848 and was widely used by professional golfers until the early 1900’s when a different ball came into the forefront.
Haskell Rubber ball.
This new, revolutionary golf ball that took the industry by storm was the Haskell Rubber ball. Avid golfer Coburn Haskell and an employee of the B.F. Goodrich Company in Akron, Ohio, Betrum Work invented it together. In making its debut as the first-ever rubber golf ball, it changed the game forever.
The Haskell Rubber ball enhanced shot performance and increased distance. Yet, switching to the new ball took was not immediately accepted by top players, and even Harry Vardon took almost 10 years to make the switch. Perhaps, in those days, players and industry professionals were having the same discussions back then that we are having today.
Patterns of how technology is continuing to change the way sports is played can be seen everywhere. And, throughout golf history, the golf ball has always come out on top.
WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL?
So why now is it such a big deal the golf ball is going too far? If you compare the scoring average of those on the PGA Tour to the driving distance and length of the golf course, the data is difficult to accurately assess before 1980.
From 1980 to present time, the PGA Tour tracked this information. If you take a look at the past 37 years here is what you’ll discover. Since 1980, the median scoring average on the PGA Tour has gone from 72.3 to 70.995 in 2016. That is a change of a change of 1.8 percent over 37 years or put it this way, a difference of 1.305 shots. The lowest scoring average on the PGA Tour has gone from 69.73 to 69.17. That is a difference of 0.56 strokes or an 0.8 percent of change. Indeed, this shows that scoring average has gotten better. But is this increase in scoring averages a direct result of further travel by the golf ball?
Taking a look at the driving distances, the median driving distance on the PGA Tour in 1980, was 256.7 yards. This rose to 290.1 yards in 2016. With is and advancement of 33.4 yards over 37 years, or about 1 yard per year. Percentage-wise, the change is a difference of 13 percent.
In 1980, the average was 274.3 yards for the longest ball striker. In 2016, the longest hitter averaged 314.5 yards, an improvement of 40.2 yards. That’s a percentage change of 14.6 percent. Yes, the ball was soaring a whole lot farther in 2016 versus 1980, as PGA Tour players played, however, the scoring averages haven’t changed that much. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the length of golf courses has also increased?
Well, for now, the discussion continues, because, as we all can see, golf ball technology is on a roll that aims at only gaining further distance for players.
Using revolutionary PWRFRAME technology foam, PUMA Golf TITANTOUR IGNITE Disc Shoes – Special Edition, provides more energy return, responsive feel, added cushioning and superior step-in comfort. Skip the lace-tying and effortlessly slip into these full-grain leather shoes.
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Barbados born, Berklee School of Music-educated saxman Elan Trotman takes his jazz performances to another level of expectation. His “all in” attitude gives listeners a place in the melodies that precedes what other jazz saxophonists have attempted to do. This is somewhat gasping, being that the woodwind whisperer only launched his solo career in 2001.
Take his debut Memories collection was a mixture of cool-sounding jazz with steel pan-driven undercurrents of Caribbean and rich gospel music.
If you check out his Let’s Have a Good Old Time, this groove is uptempo, moving and is also speckled with a bit of gospel/jazz. The Gospel According to Jazz series inspired by renowned tenor Kirk Whalum was an inspirational part of himself on “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright.”
Elan can switch up his sexy music style at will. He kicks it from classic jazz to Reggae island mode, to old-school R&B without so much as a wink. He is totally in control of the entire audience experience and he panders, without shame, to give them more than they have expected.
In his 15-track funk This Time Around–his most accomplished and in the pocket set to date–Troutman makes no excuses for the heavy dance appeal that shakes out of the music.
RELATED ARTICLE: Bert Cody Piggott MD, the Musican Physician
“I enjoy the genre and the concept but I also break some of the rules because this is how I play live, bringing all of my different influences into the music,” Troutman told Jazz Monthly during an interview.
As a musician, Troutman has been around the world with his music, giving pleasure to audiences of all kinds. So, he’s not afraid to engage withmusicall geniuses or novices, and his popular Facebook page attests to that.
When AAGD asked Troutman about his music and the new generation of listeners, here’s what we got:
Q: How do you believe your music is gaining traction with millennials?
A: I see an opportunity right now in the market to introduce jazz to younger audiences. My style of jazz incorporates Caribbean rhythms from my roots and skillful horn textures, and I continue to try and showcase that jazz has a place in contemporary music. I have a sizable fan base of millennials and work to educate middle school and high school kids about jazz so that they will have a greater appreciation for the art-form and keep the genre alive for future generations. I think social media and the internet has allowed for more millennials to discover music they might not ordinarily hear on top 40 and urban stations and I am grateful for that.
Q: What music, or project, are you currently working on that is planned to release next?
A: Right now I am touring and doing the things that inspire my music – traveling and visiting my family. I also have a lot of business to take care of in preparation for the Jazz Festival. I usually start writing over the holidays once things slow down. My latest single “Island Gal” is still in heavy rotation on radio stations across the country so I’m really enjoying its success before getting back in the studio. I am scheduled to do some touring dates in 2018 with Bernie Williams, so I’m looking forward to that.
Troutman’s 4th Annual Jazz Excursion and Golf Tournament will be held October 6-9, 2017 during the Columbus Day Weekend. This newest and hottest Jazz Golf Getaway gives golfers an opportunity to enjoy both activities in the charming destination of Barbados. And, Troutman has invited some of his most special friends to join him including Julian Vaughn, Will Downing, Jeanette Harris, Brian Simpson, Marion Meadows, and Barbados’ own Queen of Soca Alison Hinds, and a host of others.
Most certainly, Troutman has brought much good music, and entertainment, to the world in which he now rocks and rules.
Charles Calhoun, a.k.a. “The ShadeTree Pro”, provides golf instruction to Mr. Charles Williams, working with him on getting into the low point of the swing and into the trail leg. “Sometimes golfers are so focused on getting into their front side until they are not paying attention that the left hand, and arm, has got to cross the trail side first, before it can get to the front side. This is called ‘getting into the house,’” says Calhoun.
ABOUT CHARLES CALHOUN Charles Calhoun, AKA the ShadeTree Pro, is a golf and teaching instruction and former contestant on the original series of The Golf Channel’s “The Big Break.” He is the author of “The Shadetree Pro” and resides in Orlando, Fla. Follow him on Twitter.
Just a few months ago, Tiger Woods wasn’t sure if he’d ever play competitive golf again, but after a promising return to action he is already plotting an assault on the majors in 2018.
Woods’ pain-free comeback at the Hero World Challenge prompted the sport’s biggest name to claim he is “excited” about the future.
Making his long-awaited return from a fourth back surgery — it was his first tournament for 301 days since pulling out the Dubai Desert Classic in February — Woods posted three sub-70 rounds at the Albany Club in the Bahamas to finish in a tie for ninth place in the 18-man field.
He may have finished 10 shots behind winner Rickie Fowler but Woods’ eight-under-par total was good enough to beat world No.1 Dustin Johnson, FedEx Cup winner and world No. 3 Justin Thomas and US Open champion Brooks Koepka.
Major schedule
The performance lifted Woods from 1,199th to 668th in the world golf rankings, but more crucially, the 41-year-old was swinging freely with no sign of the back pain that has hampered him in recent years.
“I’m excited,” said Woods, who’s had eight long-term injury layoffs for various ailments since winning the last of his 14 majors at the 2008 US Open.
“My expectations are we’ll be playing next year. We’re going to figure out what’s the best way for me to build my schedule for the major championships.
“I don’t know what golf courses I’ll be playing and what’s the best way to go about it. We’ll sit down with the whole team and we’ll figure it out — where I’m going to start, how much I’m going to play, rest periods, training cycles, the whole nine yards.”
‘Frustrated’
Woods, who remains four majors behind Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18, had a vertebrae fusion in his lower back in April, and admitted before the Bahamas event that he had no idea how he was going to play.
But he twice tied for the lead Friday and wasn’t holding back, regularly outdriving his younger playing partners who have taken over the sport in his absence, including Thomas, who is one of the biggest hitters on the PGA Tour with an average of 309.7 yards last season.
“It’s nice to get back out there where I can take it over a couple of corners and extend one on the par 5s,” said Woods, who joked before the event that his two young children view him as a “YouTube golfer” because they never saw him in his pomp.
“I was a little frustrated with my iron game; that has been the hallmark of my career. It’s still surprising how far I’m hitting it, and I have to make those adjustments.
“You add in the adrenaline, and you’re thinking there is no way you hit it that way. Those are things I have to get a hold of. Overall I am very pleased.”
‘Same Tiger’
Although this was not a full-field event and it was played on a relatively easy course — there are five par 5s on the Albany track — there is a sense there is something different about this latest comeback by Woods, who has won 79 times on the PGA Tour.
With the exception of a rough patch during his third round on Saturday — he was four over for his front nine in windy conditions — he seemed in control of his game and showed signs of the old magic that made him into what many consider to be the greatest player of all time.
“If you’ve been asleep for the last eight years and you woke up and the last time you saw Tiger Woods play was in 2009 you’d think, ‘what’s the big deal? That’s exactly the same guy,'” said Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee after round one.
“This is the best I’ve seen him swing since before all the injuries and before all that stuff that everybody would rather really not want to talk about.
“His ball speed on one shot was 178 mph, another shot was 180 that’s about a 96 mph fastball. That is big league stuff. The last time Tiger played, his clubhead speed was 114 mph. That basically translates to a 10, 12 mph difference in ball speed.
“This is Tiger Woods feeling good, swinging good.”
Read more by David Stokes at CNN.com
Garvis Reynard Leak is 2017 “Inventor of the Year,” as designated by the African American Golfer’s Digest. The Winston-Salem, North Carolina native is the creator and mastermind behind his “Taking Off” Golf Platform, a patented training aid designed to help golfers visualize golf ball movement.
Leak, 55, retired from the Air Force after serving 26 years and currently lives in Dayton, Ohio. It was while he was stationed in Misawa, Japan, that he developed an interest in the game and began playing golf.
Currently, Leak is a high school golf coach in the Dayton Public School System (Ponitz CTC). Prior to that, he coached golf with The First Tee Golf Program (Greater Miami Valley, Dayton Ohio) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and was with the City of Dayton for 10 years. By profession, Leak extends his expertise as a LifeCoach/Financial Coach. After several years of teaching—and hundreds of golf rounds—his creativity and ingenuity resulted in the development of his unique golf training aid.
Catching up with the busy entrepreneur, Leak shared insight into the success of the product.
How did you come up with the idea for your product?
“After watching golf videos/TV, and hearing statements by instructors, trainers, and coaches, about the ‘launching’ of the golf ball, I pondered for a long time, and, realized the golf ball actually does “TAKE OFF” similar to an airplane. It starts on the ground, flies, and lands on the fairway (sometimes).”
It was after this realization, Leak—who teaches and works with students and young people including students at Wright State University on goal setting, resilience, budgeting and management skills, decided to invent the “Taking Off” golf training product.
How much investment did your venture take to start up?
“The initial investment was nominal, it cost approximately $150.00.”
How did you come up with the name for your product?
“A lot of people are familiar with an airplane taking off, so I thought that “TAKING OFF” was a good fit for the platform.”
Do you have investors in your product?
“At the present time, I have no investors; however my outlook is working with potential investors to expand and bring awareness to the product, especially in schools. I truly believe the golf platform is a good product; So I decided to conduct business with the mindset of making a difference.”
Where is your product manufactured?
“It has been well documented that a lot of inventions, were started and made in a garage. At the present time, my product is manufactured in my garage/basement.”
“Taking Off” Golf Platform (White)
Who do you believe will benefit from your product?
“I believe all golfers (youth/beginners/adults) will benefit from this platform. If you are a new golfer, you can practice at the driving range or in the backyard. If you are a seasoned golfer, you can work on all aspects of your game.”
Measuring Rods
Does your product provide any instructional videos for customers who purchase it?
Yes, the platform comes with instructions and a measuring rod (12 inches) at no additional cost. Customers may
How much does your product cost?
“The cost of the youth/beginner platform (white) is $15.00. The cost for the adult platform (brown) is $15.00. Shipping/handling and taxes are not included in the price.”
Left: Brown “Taking Off “golf platform with measuring rod. Right: White “Taking Off” golf platform with measuring rod
Does the “Taking Off” Golf Platform come with any warranties or guarantees?
“If the platform is damaged during shipping/handling, we will replace it. A customer only needs to return the damaged platform to receive a replacement.”
How do people purchase your product?
“Purchases can be made on our website: takingoffgolf.com, to purchase the platform. Testimonials and videos can be seen on the Taking Off Golf Platform Facebook page”
Once purchased, how long does it take for the “Taking Off” Golf Platform to arrive to the customer?
“Once we received an order, it will take approximately 2-3 weeks for delivery, depending on the shipping destination.”
Leak made a special guest appearance at the 2017 PGA Merchandise Show & Convention, January 25-27, 2017, for a Meet-N-Greet in the Products & Services section at African American Golfer’s Digest Diversity Pavilion Booth #2991. The PGA Show is the golf industry’s leading event, where PGA Professionals & Golf Industry Professionals gather to discover the latest trends in golf equipment & technology, apparel & accessories.
Contact:
Garvis Leak
Founder & President
“Taking Off” Golf Platform
P.O. Box 24701
Dayton, OH 45424
Email:
[email protected]
William “Billy” Brent took to the center stage in grand form and with nimble humility when honored by The First Tee of Northwest Florida with their 2017 George H.W. Bush Shell Oil Volunteer of the Year award on November 11, 2017. The presentation was held during the General Session at The First Tee Network Meeting in Orlando, Florida. The award is given in recognition to a volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional service and commitment The First Tee by providing hands-on support with events, chapter operations and programs. The award letter arrived in September.
Billy Brent makes remarks during his acceptance speech.
Brent, known by friends as “Billy”, is this year commemorating his 14th year anniversary as a volunteer with The First Tee of Northwest Florida at the Osceola Golf Course, where he has been since the program first opened in 2004.
The former Army Airborne Ranger, now age 70, has served The First Tee as a Board Member and Mentoring Program Director (8 years) and as an annual donor.
“I first started with First Tee at Osceola Golf Course in June 2004, with the Pro and Director of Golf at Osceola, Mr. Adrian Stills. We were the first two First Tee Golf Instructors in Pensacola and the Panhandle, today, there are over 10,” says a dedicated Billy.
(l-r) Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of The First Tee, congratulates Billy Brent on his award.
However, Billy has done so much more—going beyond the normal call of duty, privately funding area students in need with scholarships for college right out of his own pocket. His lessons are intense and thorough and include chipping, putting and 40 to 50-yard pitch shots. Yet, he has never taken a fee, choosing instead to spend his own money to help keep junior golf programs going, even to this day.
A skilled golfer, known by the moniker “Mr. Smooth”, Billy racked up trophies and even earned his card and made it to the PGA Senior Tour. After several years, the certified Mediator, EEO Counselor and Advisor and a Union Official successfully taught junior and adult golfers while a member of the Par Four Golf Club.
On the course, his favorite recollections include caddying for legendary golfers such as the late Calvin Pete and Charlie Sifford to name a few.
(l-r) Marty Stanovich, Executive Director at The First Tee NWFL, Gloria Brent (Billy’s wife) and Sue Straughn, Anchor for Channel 3 WearTv
Billy joined the U.S. Army and served with honor and distinction in Vietnam and he is a Bronze Star recipient. Afterward, he worked professionally as an area manager for Goodyear, a District manager for Goodyear, a District Manager of the Pensacola News Journal and played professional golf for five years. He retired in December 2008, taking with him his keen wit, great sense of humor, and the ability to quickly spot and effectively solve problems.
“A WELL DESERVED RECOGNITION”
Marty Stanovich, Executive Director of the First Tee Northwest Florida, gave Billy the opportunity to be an instructor for The First Tee Golf Skills and Life Skills curriculum that includes chipping, putting and 40 to 50-yard pitch shots. He says Billy’s recognition is well deserved.
(l-r) Former PGA Tour Commissioner Timothy W. Finchem congratulates Billy Brent.
“When you talk about a man who started his career jumping out of perfectly good airplanes in Vietnam as an Airborne Ranger, then came back, and worked as a computer programmer, then held a government job, but gave more time outside mentoring, teaching, creating a scholarship program; well, it’s all of the things that Billy does outside of the First Tee that truly make him worthy of this honor, ” said Stanovich.
Billy has served as a volunteer mentor for Navy youth at Saufley Field NAS, in Escambia County Schools and on the Board of Directors of ARC Gateway-The Association of Retarded Citizens. His solid reputation and outgoing personality have gained him an abundance of friends and he flourishes as a long-time member of the Toastmasters of America.
During earlier times Billy worked his 40-hours a week, full-time job, as IT Specialist/Computer Programmer for the U.S. Government at Naval Air Station Pensacola (21 years) and still made time for his volunteer service at The First Tee of Northwest Florida.
RELATED STORY: Pensacola’s Par Four GOLF Club Hits 40 Years
Billy believes that his generosity and leadership skills were instilled in him by his grandmother, Corinne H. Jones, a community motivator who built a recreation center from donations, then brought in teachers who taught local youth to play the donated musical instruments free of charge, if necessary. Billy learned three of them, the coronet, violin and piano. “You have to remember, when you’re working with kids, you also have to give them an incentive,” says Billy, who incentivized his golf students by first giving out dollar bills.
A true hero, mentor and icon in his own right, Billy has sacrificed much of his life for others. And, although he and his lovely wife of 28-years, Gloria, have no children of their own, they have raised nieces and nephews, showing them by example how to obtain success and happiness in life. The significance of Billy’s selection as Volunteer of the Year derives from within The First Tee itself, where there are 168 Chapters worldwide and more than 6000+ volunteers. This cherished and special honor for 2017 was bestowed upon Billy over them all.
VIDEO ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY WILLIAM “BILLY” BRENT
A vintage Tiger Woods press conference normally would consist of a lot of words but little meat for the media, who often left the interview room shaking their heads, according to a November 29, 2017 post by MoirningRead.com
On Tuesday at Albany Golf Club in New Providence, Bahamas, site of this week’s Hero World Challenge (tee times: http://bit.ly/2idhoEC), Woods presented a sympathetic figure as he talked about his return to competition after a difficult year. It was the most human and insightful he has been in a two-decade career of 79 PGA Tour victories, including 14 major championships.
A genuine and contrite Woods spoke about a life of pain, pills and desperation during the past four years. He expressed uncertainty about his future inside the ropes, but Woods also appeared to be the happiest that he has been in his personal life, maybe ever.
“I’m loving life now,’’ he said.
WOODS CELEBRATES 42 BIRTHDAY ON DECEMBER 30, 2017
Woods, who will turn 42 on Dec. 30, is restarting his career – again. That’s nothing new, given his numerous returns from past injuries – at this event last year after another lengthy layoff, in fact – but this time clearly seems different. He spoke about playing golf without pain and enjoying a game that he once dominated but during the past four years has been unable to play at anywhere near the highest level.
A vintage Tiger Woods press conference normally would consist of a lot of words but little meat for the media, who often left the interview room shaking their heads.
RELATED STORY: Fans Jubilant as Tiger Woods Plans to Make Return at Hero World Challenge
On Tuesday at Albany Golf Club in New Providence, Bahamas, site of this week’s Hero World Challenge (tee times: http://bit.ly/2idhoEC), Woods presented a sympathetic figure as he talked about his return to competition after a difficult year. It was the most human and insightful he has been in a two-decade career of 79 PGA Tour victories, including 14 major championships.
A genuine and contrite Woods spoke about a life of pain, pills and desperation during the past four years. He expressed uncertainty about his future inside the ropes, but Woods also appeared to be the happiest that he has been in his personal life, maybe ever.
“I’m loving life now,’’ he said.
Woods, who will turn 42 on Dec. 30, is restarting his career – again. That’s nothing new, given his numerous returns from past injuries – at this event last year after another lengthy layoff, in fact – but this time clearly seems different. He spoke about playing golf without pain and enjoying a game that he once dominated but during the past four years has been unable to play at anywhere near the highest level.
Read more by ALEX MICELI at MorningRead.com