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GINGER HOWARD – June 2012

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

Ginger HowardGINGER HOWARD

Blog: June 2012

Hello!

It’s June and Summer is finally here! Boy, I’m excited for all the tournaments lined up this month and so on. June is an exciting and special month for me because just last year I won my first debut tournament as a professional! Remember that?

symetraTourThis Summer will be packed with a bunch of events on the Symetra Tour from Indiana, Iowa, Illinois and Michigan. After that I’ll have a bit of a break then I’ll be back to the consecutive tournaments until September!

I enjoy it though. Getting to travel around the world with my dad makes this whole experience a lot more worth while because it’s great to have a bit of family still with me! Although I’ve obviously been keeping in touch with the rest of the crew in Florida. Robbi and I have been using FaceTime and have been texting 24/7 so it kind of feels like she’s still with me. 🙂

gingerhoward6Right now I am currently ranked 8th on the Symetra Tour money list for the “Race To The Card” and there are 11 events left for the season. I’ll let you know how I finish up in this stretch! Thank you for all the support!

May God Bless!

I’ll see ya next month!

Also remember, I have more exciting news! I just created my very own account on Twitter! Follow me on Twitter @GingerTHoward for the latest personal updates about my golf and such. And on Facebook at the link below!

twitterGingerHoward_golf-copyfacebookGOLF

Thank you all for the support!

Ginger Howard
Professional Golfer

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GINGER HOWARD – June-November 2012

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

Ginger HowardGINGER HOWARD

Blog: June-November 2012

Hello!

It’s June and Summer is finally here! Boy, I’m excited for all the tournaments lined up this month and so on. June is an exciting and special month for me because just last year I won my first debut tournament as a professional! Remember that?

symetraTourThis Summer will be packed with a bunch of events on the Symetra Tour from Indiana, Iowa, Illinois and Michigan. After that I’ll have a bit of a break then I’ll be back to the consecutive tournaments until September!

I enjoy it though. Getting to travel around the world with my dad makes this whole experience a lot more worth while because it’s great to have a bit of family still with me! Although I’ve obviously been keeping in touch with the rest of the crew in Florida. Robbi and I have been using FaceTime and have been texting 24/7 so it kind of feels like she’s still with me. 🙂

gingerhoward6Right now I am currently ranked 8th on the Symetra Tour money list for the “Race To The Card” and there are 11 events left for the season. I’ll let you know how I finish up in this stretch! Thank you for all the support!

May God Bless!

I’ll see ya next month!

Also remember, I have more exciting news! I just created my very own account on Twitter! Follow me on Twitter @GingerTHoward for the latest personal updates about my golf and such. And on Facebook at the link below!

twitterGingerHoward_golf-copyfacebookGOLF

Thank you all for the support!

Ginger Howard
Professional Golfer

Send Ginger A Comment!

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VERN BURNS – August-October 2011

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

vernburnsVERN BURNS
Former Mini-Tour Player
reporting from Afghanistan
in the middle of a war zone

Blog: August-October 2011

Coach Says, “You’re Ready to Compete.”

I had worked feverishly to learn every aspect of the golf game–thousands of practice balls on the range, countless hours of pitching, chipping and putting drills had left me with an eagerness to start competing.

After practice on a Friday night, I asked my coach, Herb Triplett, “Where do I start?” He suggested that I join a mini-tour in order to hone my skills and “See what you got!”

I searched the local Florida rags (newspapers/ magazines) for a place to play. I thought, “Hey, I’m better than many guys around here and I’ve worked hard. Why not?”

I found The Cadillac Classic Series Tour out of Texas. I began the contact ritual for an event in New Orleans by making calls to the tour administration for the official schedule, practice round schedule, course location, airlines, hotels and car rentals.

I was just as ‘green’ as I could be, but excited like my first day of elementary school! I was also concerned about getting time off from work; because I had already exhausted my sick days, vacation days, killed two uncles (figuratively speaking), an aunt (again, figuratively) and, an imaginary brother, all in my quest to continue practicing and playing rounds with friends in other states.

So I thought, if I can ‘sneak out’ of the office on next Tuesday morning, jump on a plane, play a practice round late Tuesday afternoon, and an early one on Wednesday, I would be familiar with the course.
–I, of course, would have to find a ‘sick’ relative in order to miss work for the rest of the week, but pro golf was calling. I HAD to go.

Off I went to New Orleans, confident, eager and excited. I arrived only to find that my clubs hadn’t. I didn’t worry too much; the airlines said they should arrive in an hour on another flight. It’s getting late–but hey, I’ll just skip a few holes and get to those tomorrow. Finally, the clubs showed up and I had wisely used the hour to get my rental car. Nevertheless, I was a little less excited, because I had “Murphy’s Law” on my mind now.

Off to the hotel I drove, with perfect directions and on a beautiful afternoon. At the hotel, I gave my reservation number and asked could I just leave my bags for someone to place in my room because I needed to get to the course. The receptionist asked, “Are you one of the pro golfers?” My chest expanded ever so slightly, and I said, “Yes,” with a smile.

What excitement the airlines whittled, I was back and I knew I had picked the right profession for myself. I was off to my practice round, just a few miles away. I didn’t know any of the other pro’s playing practice rounds, but I just got out there and watched and learned. –Did I tell you this was my first-ever ‘practice round’ for a tournament?

Certainly one guy sensed it and asked, “Come on, go around with me.” He was a tall African American man with a bit of a gut. I thought, hey I can take this guy!! (Did I tell you it was a practice round?) He complimented me on my swing a few times and made a few suggestions, as well.

I watched how he mapped the greens and played additional shots. After about 5 holes he says to me, “My name is Bobby Stroble.” I squinted a bit and said, “I’m Vern Burns.” I walked to the next tee thinking, I heard that name somewhere…. Oh well, I said to myself, as I struck my tee shot. He looked at me and said, “I have things to do and I’ll see you later.” Perplexed this time, I thought, I stroked the shot down the middle what’s wrong with him!!! As he drove off in his cart I had this feeling like, there’s something I should be doing to prepare, but what?

I played the remaining holes by myself and headed back to the hotel. Upon arrival, I notice my bags were still at the front desk. The shift had changed and there wasn’t anyone there from earlier in the day. I asked, “I’d like to pick up my room key, this is my luggage I left earlier.” The new agent looked at me with the coldest face and said–with an Indian accent– “There’s no room for you!!” I knew she didn’t mean it like I was begging to “squat”, or did she?

After much broken English, I find that my room was given away. Well, a convention was in town and I got bumped. Yes, even with a reservation. The conventioneers were paying twice my room rate and the hotel was accommodating them.

Back to the car I went, luggage in tow, looking for a room. I drove around New Orleans for 3 hours with no luck. I decided to pull into a hospital parking structure. I parked on an upper level in the corner and fell asleep. At 3:00 a.m., a guard tapped on the window and said, “You can’t sleep here.” I told him, “I have a family member in intensive care. I want to wait here.” (Another relative I’ve doomed.) He said fine.

At sunrise, I was back at the course for a quick shower in the locker room and a practice round. Then, back to the hospital parking structure after dinner for some sleep.

When I arrived at the course for my tee time, there on the range was my name on a sign in the grass, a fresh pyramid of balls and spectators in the stands facing the range. All of a sudden it hit me “Vern, are you really ready for this!” Doubt had arrived–not a good thing. A fan said, “Hey Vern, go get ‘em.” I didn’t know this guy from Adam, but tipped my hat and went to my spot on the range.

My coaches’ voices were all over the place in my head and I simply tried not to let the party in my head show on the outside. Earl Woods and Herb Triplett was all I could hear, now.

I took a minute, rumbled through my bag, and settled down–so I thought. I picked up a 9 iron to hit a few balls and get loose. I shanked the first one straight right! “What???” I said. I shanked the second one, and the third, and the fourth. Frantic, embarrassed and confused, I put the club down and called my coach Herby on my cell phone right there and frantically told him the problem, where I was and who was watching.

He said, “Put the phone on speaker and sit it near your ball and hit 3 shots.” I did just that, and picked up the phone, Herby then said to me, “Your hands are too fast and you are too nervous. Calm down. It’s just a game.” After his voice and advice, I began to strike the ball like I belonged. Off to the first tee. It’s time!

My name was called, a few claps ensued and I nervously hit a good tee shot. A decent approach left me with a 12 footer for birdie. I hit the putt and it went 8 feet by the hole….Wait, wait! These aren’t the same greens I practiced on for the last two days, I said quietly.

The greens had gone from about a 7 to an 11 on the stamp meter overnight! By the 7th hole, I was afraid to pull the trigger. By the end of the round I had carded an 86…. I was crushed. I called Herby from the car (the Chevrolet Inn) and told him the greens turned to ice! His only reply was, “Welcome to pro golf!” I dreaded the round the next day. As always, the next day came and I shot 42 on the front. I thought, “I need a bigger boat.” I made the turn and on hole #10 I decided, “Let’s just get this over with. I ‘wanna go home!!! I felt like I had a knife in a gun fight!

Then something interesting happened. Not caring and just wanting to go home, I hit fairways and greens at will. No fear of putting and I didn’t care what people thought. I finished my final 9 at 1 under. I didn’t have to call Herby this time, heck the scores were on the Internet! He called me and said, “You have no idea what you’ve done Big Man”. I said to him “Yes I do, I missed the cut!” He said NO, you just learned out how to play competitive golf.”

Below, some photos from my recent album.

vernburns_kuwait3vernburns_kuwait1vernburns_kuwait4vernburns_kuwait2

All the best,
Vern Burns

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VERN BURNS – December 2011

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

vernburnsVERN BURNS
Former Mini-Tour Player
reporting from Afghanistan
in the middle of a war zone

Blog: December 2011

‘Tis The Season!

2011, an amazing year winding down and I for one am extremely grateful to have life. For me, and many others, the simple yet powerful feeling of gratitude is enough.

vern4Having the opportunity to play golf, myself and with many readers, is such a privilege that during this time I can only give thought to those who have not the means (or ability) to explore, play and be a part of this wonderful game. Having said that, I will share my gratitude with you in hopes that we remain humble and grateful for this time, and for the lives lived before, and after us, in this great game of golf.

To the Peete Browns, Bill Spillers, Ted Rhodes, Calvin Peetes, Charlie Siffords, William ‘Bill’ Powells, Jim Thorps, Chuck Thorpes, Jim Dents, Bobby Strobles, Ben Davis’, and my main man Wiley Williams, I’m truly grateful.

To all the numerous individuals over the years who told me I couldn’t play at a higher level! I’m grateful!

To the tens of golfers who helped me when I didn’t know how to hold a club at 37-years old. Thank you so very much!

To the private and semi- private golf courses that turned me away—green fees in hand, from playing a round of golf. I truly thank you.

To the people that promised me sponsorship, and after I beat their prized pupil denied me, and asked that I empty my brain and teach their protégé how to play, I thank you always.

To the people that drove past me on the street when I had to walk home from the course. Because I had no car and golf was more important than driving…I wave thank you.

VernBurnsblogNov2011P1000403To the Mr. Nicklaus’, Palmers, Floyds, Couples’, Trevinos, DiMarcos, Singhs, Loves, Thorpes, Jansens, Dailys, Irwins, and Sorenstams; I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I watched and studied you all. I learned from a far. I took what I could execute and mimicked your actions. I traveled to play the same grounds and dreamed as I walked through the halls to feel a piece of what it was like. I took you all with me to the range every night and day and you were teaching me.

To the beautiful souls who allowed me to play for free the countless rounds of golf because, they saw my determination and they truly wanted me to succeed, my deepest love goes out to you.

To all the men who hustled me and handed me my lumps while early on in the game, Thanks goe out to you.

To those men and women who invited me to play in their group on the many occasions when I went to play alone, you were more than gracious and I applaud you.

To the salesmen and women who gave so much above, and beyond what I paid for to simply encourage me to keep going when I couldn’t afford better equipment, you are wonderful human beings. And I cannot thank you enough.

To Scott Kawagucchi at Cleveland Golf, you are an incredible human being and I thank you.

To Club Glove, Descente Clothing, and Whole 9 Golf. I tip my hat and bow to your loyalty….Much gratitude to you all.

vernburnsblogdec2011_Ahiranna3 vernburnsblogdec2011dTo my daughters Ahrianna (far left) and Jessica (right) and my adopted daughter Kearra, give thanks this season, for next year we will be even better. More love, communication and special times for us all. I love you ladies for your good hearts and consistent efforts in life.

And to God and the Universe during this Holiday Season may we all be grateful and thankful to the powers that guide us and provide for us.

To Ragi, thank you for the quote; no matter how long you can stretch a dog’s tail, it will always have a bend in it….Thank you my Hindi friend, much love to you.

Enjoy your celebrations, eat well, play golf and love hard. Please find more than one thing to be thankful for.

vernburnsblogdec2011avernburnsblogdec2011bvernburnsblogdec2011c

 

 

 

As I watch the eclipse of the moon from my tent, I am truly grateful to share with you my thoughts and my experiences. And I’m grateful that you take the time to read my Blogs.

To my readers:

Be good to you!!!

All the best,

Vern Burns

Send Vern A Comment!

Below, some photos from my recent album.

vernburns_kuwait3vernburns_kuwait1vernburns_kuwait4vernburns_kuwait2

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VERN BURNS – January-June 2012

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

vernburnsVERN BURNS
Former Mini-Tour Player
reporting from Afghanistan
in the middle of a war zone

Blog: January-June 2012

Was It Worth It?

With only a couple weeks left in Afghanistan I have to ask myself; Was it worth it?

vernburnsblogjan2012_AI have shared with you about the people of the Middle East, from Saudi, Kuwait, Dubai, and Afghanistan—Their culture, religion, simplicity of life and opulence of the oil rich country. To experience war in a land with a people that have fought for years, declaring religious rights, moral rights, territorial rights and the rights of the extreme has been priceless.

vernburnsblogjan2012_BDeveloping an understanding, first hand, of a people, whose rivers of passion far exceeds that which I’m accustomed to. With western civilization ingrained I attempted to only “wet my feet” yet, I found the impossible. I didn’t speak the language of Farsi. I don’t look Middle Eastern. I only held a golf club and a golf ball and nothing else mattered.

Communicating was simple (and I was not considered different). They wanted to learn golf, pure and simple. No concern about the right clothes, the right shoes or where we were. “Try, Try,” they would say to me. With that unmistakable passion, loud, almost shouting and seemingly demanding, “Try, Try!!!” They are human beings born in a third world country not exemplary of the media’s portrayal.

vernburnsblogjan2012_CThis is behind the scenes, the regular Afghani who simply wants to work and not fight. Not extremists by a long shot. These are the people we are fighting for and believe me, they are genuine, good hearted people. They are men who work for 5 to 10 dollars a day and their eyes were filled with the joy of something new. Never mind the unthinkable, yet real happenings, that if they are caught at the end of the work day by extremists outside the gates, they lose their lives by the act of beheading.

vernburnsblogjan2012_DI have had the unique opportunity to interact, teach and look into the eyes of a man that, for his family, physically runs out at a certain time to avoid capture. To change, to affect a moment in these men’s lives with a golf club and a golf ball is PRICELESS! So was it worth it? Bet on it! Every second! A resounding YES!!

vernburnsblogjan2012_EA few of them had unbelievable adaptability to the game of golf, and a hand-eye coordination that was jaw dropping. My eyes welled as I watched and instructed. I was moved by their efforts and relentlessly pursuit of striking the golf ball. “Again, Again,” they told me, in order to keep going until it was right. And when they felt the soft power of a good shot; WOW…. We afterwards would run to gather up the golf balls for the next try and some more instruction.
All the men did not return the next day. We only speculate as to why.

I personally hope to see them again and find that they are alive. You could simplify the time and call it “bonding”. Oh, but it was so much more. I for one never thought the game of golf would transcend war. Language yes, race ultimately. Yes, physical and mental challenges, certainly. To reveal and connect the values, the most important values of being human, to me, for you, I can now say “YES”.

vernburnsblogjan2012_FSoon I’m headed to Peru and Colombia. Golf is certainly there and well alive. With Farsi being a difficult language for me, Latin American Spanish—with a little Portuguese thrown in, will be a welcome change.

Years ago, I frequented the home of Topper and Alice Carew in California. Alice has since passed, however, around her home she had taken and framed the most wonderful pictures of Lima, Peru. Every day I would admire her enlarged photographs and say, “One day I will see that place!” Topper, during those days was busy with his job as the creator of the very popular “Martin” television show. I never hinted that I wanted to see Peru, even after all the conversations with Topper and Alice. The interesting point here is that I had just begun to play golf; well, I was one week into the game (smile).

vernburnsblogjan2012_GI purchased a 9 iron, 3 wood and a putter, from a mixed barrel of clubs and they were in the back seat of my Volkswagen. I didn’t have enough money for anything else, but I was sure that I would somehow get all the equipment I needed. Leaving the Carew house after working on their phones, I noticed a dumpster out front that contained the old drywall, roofing shingles and trash from remodeling that was being done on their home.

I was rushing to go practice with my 3 clubs and while driving away, I noticed a golf bag in the dumpster. I never knew Tooper or Alice played golf! I was ashamed to go inside and ask, for fear of my financial position; but I thought, “Hell they know I’m broke!” So, I went back, rang the doorbell and when Topper answered I used everything I had to get over my humility and ask, “Topper, can I have that golf bag in your dumpster?” When Topper said “Sure,” I climbed up in that dumpster, over all of the trash and dirt, grabbed that golf bag and cherished it!

On the way to the practice range I let the tears roll down my face, and didn’t care who saw me. I had a wire hanger rigged to my gas pedal (because the cable was broken) so I couldn’t give the car gas with the foot pedal. That newly claimed golf bag sat in the passenger seat like it was my afternoon date. At stop lights I would use my hand to wipe some of the dirt and trash off MY very own golf bag. Ultimately I used the t-shirt covering the seat— which was holding the stuffing and springs in the seat. “I don’t care,” I thought, I’ll get another t-shirt from somewhere.

As I write to you now, with tears in my eyes, that fateful day, I learned what being grateful was all about…. I WAS TRULY GRATEFUL!!! Thank you Topper Carew, wherever you are, you never knew, or maybe you did….
So for those who read my blog, keep giving. You never know!

I am truly grateful to share with you my thoughts and my experiences. And I’m grateful that you take the time to read my Blogs.

To my readers:

Be good to you!!!

All the best,

Vern Burns

Send Vern A Comment!

Below, some photos from my recent album.

vernburns_kuwait3

vernburns_kuwait1

vernburns_kuwait4

vernburns_kuwait2

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VERN BURNS – July 2012

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

vernburnsVERN BURNS
Former Mini-Tour Player
reporting from Afghanistan
in the middle of a war zone

Blog: July 2012

Integrity

The game of golf should always be synonymous with the word Integrity. The rules and exceptions are in place to maintain this Integrity to keep the game fair as it pertains to its participants. Now the course itself will seem unfair in many cases. Especially when YOU make an error in judgment or miscue a shot.

integrityMany players look around immediately after an errant shot or look at the club to place blame on something other than themselves, their lack of practice, lack of focus, lack of lessons, someone made a noise, someone moved, or perhaps the beer ingested during the round. Of course there are those golfers who simply expect high scores and horrible results and use the excuse “I don’t do this for a living”….

I truly wish that golfers would stop trying to change the integrity of this wonderful game by changing the rules! We have all encountered and personally know these players. Many of you are who I am about to speak of.

The Man or Woman who tees their ball up in front of the markers breaks a rule. STOP IT!!! It’s a rule. It levels the playing field by making the course consistent in length for every player.

golfballsandThe Man/Woman who hits a good drive down the middle of the fairway yet has this unbreakable habit of ‘Rolling the ball’ for a better lie.
STOP IT!!!

It’s a rule. Many claim that the course isn’t in great shape and we should be able to roll the ball if you hit the fairway. A sort of ‘reward’ for a good shot, the so called player will say. No, No, No–you play a ball where it lies!!

If it rolls into a divot repaired with sand PLAY IT!! If you don’t know how to hit the shot, go and get some practice. Those of you out there who place a coin to the side of your ball, when marking your ball on the green, then when it’s your play you place the ball in front of your marker? That is an infraction of the rules!!!

golfballmarkWhen marking the ball you must place the ball in the exact place from where it was lifted. Many of you actually gain a little more confidence by, depending on the size of the marker, moving the ball an inch closer to the hole before putting, being “SLICK” actually CHEATING!!!

Those of you who tee up a Top Flight and when you get to the green place down a Titleist because it’s better for you to putt with. STOP IT!!! Play one ball from the tee until the ball is holed.

lostgolfballAll of us know the player that ‘NEVER’ LOSES A BALL!!!– You strike the ball into the trees and all the other players, stop helping you look for it. And then you yell, “Here it is!!!”. STOP IT!!

Sew up the hole in your pocket (from where you dropped another ball) or acquire some kind of decorum and integrity about YOURSELF!!!

I have seen men strike a ball out of bounds; I watched the ball bounce down a road on the other side of a fence and as we approach the area the man yells, “Here it is!! It must have hit the fence and bounced back in.” This person will then stand there and argue adamantly with you in order not to take a penalty stroke, STOP IT!!!

I personally handle this type of situation by NEVER playing with that individual again!! It’s a shame that we have golfers who will bend the rules, make up their own rules, and move a ball when no one is looking. It’s bad for our youth when learning the game and it’s pitiful for a grown man or woman to approach a game in this manner when your true opponent is the actual course. And it is tragic that anyone will LIE TO THEMSELVES while playing a game of golf!!

Golf has always had the element of gambling. A friendly two dollar bet at the country club or “muni” will always be. It is imperative that integrity is placed on this area. When a golfer gambles the “Gentleman’s/Woman’s Game” has now placed character in the bowl with integrity, fairness and honor.

golfgamblingI’ve seen bets in the thousands of dollars. I’ve seen all the situations mentioned in this blog amplified.

I’ve seen a man go into his golf bag, remove a gun and threaten the life of another golfer for not paying a wager. I’ve also seen grown men run to the parking lot so fast after losing a bet that they left their golf clubs behind.

I’ve seen men physical fight because their egos and pride had gotten the best of them and, like children, they couldn’t see any aspect of reason.

The Game, The Rules, Your Integrity….

Why do we change the rules to favor a situation? Is it because we want to win at any cost? Is it because we’ve always changed games in life, i.e. Dominoes, Bid Whist, Monopoly, Gin Rummy…. When you visit someone’s home and a game is at hand there is always some “TWIST”!! And someone always yells out “WELL THAT’S THE WAY WE PLAY!!!” and the look on their face says if you don’t like it, don’t play!!!

Or, is it society that has conditioned us to read between the lines and find the loopholes or use any means to gain an advantage. Certainly this does not apply to all people; however, when it comes to golf I truly hope that YOU maintain YOUR INTEGRITY!!!

I am truly grateful to share with you my thoughts and my experiences. And I’m grateful that you take the time to read my Blogs.

To my readers:

Be good to you!!!

All the best,

Vern Burns

Send Vern A Comment!

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DARA BROADUS – March 2012

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

Dara-Broadus_2DARA BROADUS

Blog: March 2012

Have you noticed? I’ve been a tad out of touch lately (a few years, to be more accurate). I did not intend to venture off for so long—and perhaps didn’t venture off at all, depending on who you ask. But there’s something quite special about a ‘return.’

daralogoIf we are just meeting for the first time, I’m Dara Broadus, a professional golfer and beloved instructor with a penchant for everything great— I have taken on hot yoga over the last few years, and it’s great for me; Family and business have been the impetus behind recent travels to Toronto, and that’s great; I enjoy golf, travel, chatting with close friends, redecorating my new house, and so many other hobbies and joys too numerous to list—all great.

My attention draws near my celebrity golf tournament during this time of year—the 6th Annual Impact Celebrity Golf Weekend will be contested June 9-11 in Atlanta. Already Ame & Lulu, Sabona, Leo Marshall, Mulholland, and Girls Golf have joined me again along with about 50 others, helping make the silent auction an annual success.

I’m also collaborating with writer Jim Williams on a children’s book that will be released in July 4, 2012. This is a project near and dear to me, and one both children and adults will find delightful.

Working closely with the wonderful ladies of the Executive Womens’ Golf Association has been wonderful this Winter. I have watched them evolve into more confidence golfers. And my junior academy is continuing strategic partnerships with other youth-based organizations like Sporty Girls, Big Brother, Big Sisters, and the YMCA to provide young people with year-round enrichment and access to golf and valuable learning resources.

These are truly exciting times for me and my staff and I look forward to keeping you updated each month!

Dara Broadus
DaraBroadusGolf.com
or friend me on Facebook

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CHRIS ARCENEAUX – August-September 2013

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

Chris-Arceneaux-4CHRIS ARCENEAUX
Blog: August-September 2013

Bring Golf To Abbeville, Louisiana
Youth Empowerment Day

darby_foundation_Abbeville_youth-empowerment-dayAbbeville Mayor Mark Piazza presents Chris Arceneaux with a signed proclamation during a press conference promoting the Darby Foundation golf program. Councilman Wayne Landry (far left) and the Darby Foundation’s Brandon Gunnings also attended.

I left Louisiana in the mid 1990s and headed to New York to “DREAM BIG”. Those dreams came true for me, as a Lafayette native with strong family ties to Abbeville. I became a professional golfer and successful businessman. That success did not satisfy me because I wanted to give something back.

Ichris_arceneaux_0918 achieved this by creating the Darby Foundation, named in honor of my late father, Frederick Darby of Abbeville, LA. The Foundation’s goal has been to use golf as a tool to teach life lessons. I am committed to create life skills and golf programs for Abbeville and Vermilion Parish.

“That’s what it’s about,” It’s about the kids. We came here in May to reach out and share some of the great things we wanted to do. Through fundraising efforts, the goal is to establish programs in each state, distribute 100 sets of golf clubs and get kids in the program.” “I’m going to continue to work with sponsors and others to get this program going.”

chris_arceneaux_abbeville-la1The Darby Foundation held the first Youth Empowerment Fun Fest and Back-To-School Program on Saturday, August 3rd from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Abbeville Public Library.

It was a Hugh success. Vermilion Parish Police Juror Ronald Darby and Abbeville City Councilman Wayne Landry took part in the day’s event. It was exciting to speak and share my journey.”

Fifteen-year old, New York native, Brannon Gunnings, began learning golf through the Darby Foundation two years ago. Gunnings told the audience, “If you would have asked me about golf two years ago, I would have said I don’t think so. But, thanks to Mr. Chris Arceneaux, I have not only learned golf but learned how to chase dreams. “Everything that you think could happen can happen if you chase your dreams.” Brannon was presented with an award naming him the first “Youth Ambassador” for the Darby Foundation.

Chris_Arceneaux_abbeville-la1bCity officials in Abbeville are strongly supporting me in my goal to bring what I started in New York through the Darby Foundation into their area. Abbeville Mayor Mark Piazza thanked me on Wednesday, saying: “We are happy to have Chris in our community. His program is going to be wonderful for our kids and we are excited about it. We wish him the best of success.”

Piazza also presented me with a beautiful proclamation, declaring Aug. 1, 2013 as “Golf for Kids Program” day in the City of Abbeville! “DREAM BIG” That’s all I can tell you. That’s my motto.

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CHRIS ARCENEAUX – October 2013

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

Chris-Arceneaux-4CHRIS ARCENEAUX
Blog: October 2013

Announcing The
Chris Arceneaux Golf Academy!

As a Professional Golfer and Founder of the Darby Foundation and someone with over 30-years of experience in golf, and the industry that surrounds this great game, I am pleased to announce my decision to launch the “Chris Arceneaux Golf Academy” this fall season.

alvertaBgrayMiddleSchoolMy endeavour will launch on Monday, October 21 at 7:00 p.m., at the Alverta B. Gray Middle School located at 70 Greenwich Street in Hempstead, NY 11550.

On that evening, I will lead a presentation consisting of critical factors which include, academic requirements, scholarship opportunities and training and tournament preparation. The mission of the “CHRIS ARCENEAUX GOLF ACADEMY” is to impact the lives of young people by providing children with life enrichment experiences and opportunities through the game of golf; by promoting character development and instilling core values such as self confidence, self determination and respect for one self and others which are critical to becoming good citizens of the United States.

Principal_Hank_Williams_Alverta_B_Gray_Middle_SchoolJoining me for the launch will be school Principal Hank Williams (photo L.).

We will host a special seminar and introduce students to a lifetime of learning program that is designed to teach juniors long-term athletic development. I am excited about this new venture and believe that my work will help bring another generation of talented golfers into the game. If you would like more information, go to www.chrisarceneauxgolfacademy.com

Teaming up with me, to launch this Pilot Program, will also be the Founder/CEO of SG Products Inc., Mr. Eugene Mallory (photo L.) inventor of the GurfBall® Training System (GTS). The mission GTS is to reduce the high cost of introducing thousands of young children to golf while using core concepts as a way of building character and exposing them to the wonderful world of golf. GurfBalls® and GurfMats™ will be donated by SG Products for this Pilot Program. For more information on these products please go to www.GurfBall.com.

chris_arceneaux_0918Many of you have followed my progress and know my history of working with youth. I am proud of having such extensive experience in this area and I have worked hard to continue to grow my involvement. You may recall that I started The Darby Foundation four short years ago, after spending the last decade playing and teaching as a professional golfer.

I have been a part of successful enterprises, worked as an accomplished businessman, motivator, entrepreneur, educator, celebrity judge, philanthropist, ambassador and spokesperson on radio and TV commercials. Yes, my ventures have been spread far and wide, and, have made an impact on young and old. These are just a few of my many accomplishments and I believe that my limitations for the future are boundless.

DarbyFounationThe Chris Arceneaux Golf Academy After School and Summer Junior Programs offers an exciting way to expose golf to juniors of all ages and ability levels. The program also provides a new approach to teaching golf and helping youth learn the game while having fun in the process.

I am particularly eager to share with you that the series will be offered by golf coaches and golf professionals in a group environment. The Chris Arceneaux Golf Academy links fundamental golf motion into play creating lifelong golfers! It’s just that simple—and just plain FUN and kids love it.

The after school and summer clinics will take place throughout the season and be segmented according to age group. Each learning session will provide golf equipment and memorable golf experiences, fitness training and education on nutrition. I plan to include plenty of opportunities for on-and-off course athletics. These golf skills will be the basis for youth learning golf along with good sportsmanship and open play.

I cannot overstate just how happy I am to share this good news with you on the launch of my academy and of my supportive participating partners. For more information, or to register your school, community center or organization please visit www.chrisarceneauxgolfacademy.com or contact me at 917-697-7958. I’ll be happy to talk with you about any special needs your youth may have. Website coming soon!

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ANTHONY L. WILKINS – November 2013

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

Anthony_L_WilkinsANTHONY L. WILKINS
Blog: November 2013

“How Do You Get Your Golf Fitness?”

Importance of Fitness

The sporting world has long since looked to fitness as a way to improve and maintain athletic performance. But it seems as if golf did not really catch on to the importance of fitness until about 15 or so years ago. It used to be looked upon as a bad idea to try to strength train and build muscle while attempting to improve your golf game. It was believed that doing so would inevitably alter your swing in some irreparable way. The belief was that there could not possibly be a way to strength train to become a top notch golfer without looking like a bodybuilder.

But now we are much wiser thanks in large part to many of the younger golfers who have come onto the scene and shown just how beneficial strength training can be. You now see golfers in large numbers touting how adding strength training and conditioning to their daily routines has renewed or extended their golf careers.

The four key ingredients of fitness from a golfing perspective that you NEED to focus on are:

• Flexibility / Mobility
• Balance
• Core Strength
• Endurance

Focusing on the aforementioned elements in a consistent manner will have you well on your way to developing a fitness foundation that can last the rest of your life.

Flexibility / Mobility

If I had to choose the most important of the four key ingredients of fitness then flexibility/mobility would be number one. Your ability to move in some parts of your body as well as your ability to stabilize other parts will determine how well you are capable of performing as a golfer. Keep in mind that some golfers are simply blessed with great mobility and flexibility while most golfers will have to work to keep or create it.

The first thing many golfers may think of when they hear flexibility or mobility is their ability to turn during their backswing. Although you will need to have good mobility in your thoracic spine in order to make a big turn, you will just as importantly need to have mobility in your hips and ankles to use that big turn effectively.

There are many ways to either maintain or increase your mobility/flexibility. The first method is static stretching which most of us are familiar with from most of the other sports that we’ve played in our lives. You get into a stretched position and hold it for 20-30 seconds and then move on to the other side or another body part.

The second method is dynamic stretching. This is similar to static stretching but in dynamic stretching you are continuously moving. There is never a time where you will hold a stretch for more than a second or two and then you move on. In dynamic stretching you will also count repetitions where as static stretching is usually done once and then you are finished with that body part. Also, dynamic stretching will work on raising your core temperature as well as waking your central nervous system up. This is all in an effort to get ready for the movements of your intended sport.

The final method is done on a foam roller or a roller of any semi-hard material. The technical term for what you are doing is Self-Myofascial Release or SMR. You are using a foam roller to apply pressure with your own body weight. You simply apply pressure to places that are tender and release the muscle fascia from its ‘tightened’ state. It is often referred to as the ‘poor man’s massage’ and can be done before physical activity or even as a recovery from your sport.

There are many benefits of SMR as listed below:

• Corrects muscle imbalances
• Improves joint range of motion
• Relieves muscle soreness and joint stress
• Maintains normal functional muscle length

The methods that I’ve listed are not the only options available to you and I encourage you to find something that works for you. The most important message for you to understand is that you should be doing something to work on your flexibility and mobility. Unfortunately, it is true, if you don’t use it you WILL lose it!

Balance

Another important part of any consistently successful golf swing is how balanced the golfer is at all times. You most likely have heard that you must coil and uncoil around your body to create an on plane golf swing. Of course that is a lot easier said than done. From sliding to swaying, golfers use so many swing manifestations as possible to get their club away from and back to the ball in one piece. Having a balanced swing is simply a small part of the equation as inevitably the same golfers will have other physical limitations that contribute to loss of his/her balance.

Even professional golfers are not always in balance as it would be hard to think that the human body could be balanced at all times and especially when we are really looking for it to be balanced the most. The key is to create as stable a platform as you possibly can so when your swing is not as balanced as you would like it to be you can still make consistent contact and play fairly well.

One of the best ways to work on your balance is to use single-legged exercises. They can range from a simple single leg stand for time to a more complex single leg squat. Very seldom in the sporting world are we ever on two legs for an extended period of time and golf is no exception. From shifting your weight to your right leg (right-handed golfer) during your back swing to shifting your weight to your left leg in your follow through, having and maintaining good balance will make both cases much easier.

You can even take balance a step further by adding a dynamic component to your single leg training. Simply move more laterally while completing an exercise and that will force you to quickly adapt to your new positioning just to make sure that you remain standing.

Core Strength

For quite some time the terms ‘core strength’ have been at the forefront of the fitness world. But unfortunately when most people hear those words they only think of how strong or defined they can make their abs. Interestingly enough, the core of your body is essentially the entire trunk of your body and it is not only in the front of your body but it works its way all of the way around your body as well. In order to build complete core strength, you will have to use the entire musculature of your core to make it work.

When it comes to golf, there is NOTHING that you do that does not involve your core muscles. As the main support system for your body’s physical stability your core is always at work. From its obvious use when you swing a club from beginning to end to sinking a 3-foot putt, your core is always doing its job. Your core muscles also help you to maintain balance when shifting your body in any direction as well as when you are trying to execute a shot from an awkward lie.

Building core strength is a lot simpler than you may have ever experienced in any gym or even on television. Sadly, most of the world has bought into the idea that if you would like to increase your core strength or get a flatter stomach that you have to do a ridiculous amount of crunches or crunch-like abdominal exercises. This just isn’t the case as the crunch the way it is often performed does more harm to your back and very little to your core muscles in the first place.

By simply holding the plank position you will work your ENTIRE core musculature while keeping your lower back much safer in the process. Keeping your lower back as safe as possible should be the number one goal for any golfer attempting to increase their core strength through exercise. Finding core exercises in a magazine or on the internet is the easy part. The confusion and injuries come in when the exercises are not applied correctly to the fitness level of anyone trying to do them.

Endurance

When most people hear the word ENDURANCE what comes to mind is someone running a long distance. Although this is true more often than not, golf endurance is not exactly the same thing. When running you usually begin at a specific point and attempt to maintain your ability to complete your entire trip or distance without stopping. You subsequently begin to build your endurance by completing progressively longer distances each time that you run.

Golf endurance is similar in many ways to running endurance. For starters, the there are defined beginning and ending points in both for the athlete to complete. The goal in golf is always to complete each round at as high an energy level as possible. Runners want to finish each race with as much of a push at the end as possible.

Both sports have defined measures at the end of each that give instant feedback to how well the participant was able to accomplish their task. In golf, finishing the round with a good score is similar to a runner finishing a distance with a good time.

In addition, golf and running both become more mentally challenging the longer you participate in each activity. The longer you run and the more holes you play will take a mental toll on your performance. You ability to remain focused for the duration will greatly improve your overall outcome each time.

The one major difference between running and golf is the amount of cardiovascular exertion exhibited during the two sports. Running any distance will inevitably stress your cardiovascular system on a consistent basis. The game of golf on the other hand will come nowhere close to reaching the same amount of consistent cardiovascular exertion.

In conclusion, there is no magic pill for maintaining a golf-healthy body, just simple adherence to a health and fitness protocol on a regular basis. Now it is your turn to get started!

Talk to you again, soon.

Anthony

Anthony L. Wilkins is a national Academy of Sports Medicine & Titleist Performance Institute Certified Personal Trainer an avid golfer from New Jersey who currently resides in the metro Atlanta area with his wife and son.
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ANTHONY L. WILKINS – December 2013

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

Anthony_L_WilkinsANTHONY L. WILKINS
Blog: December 2013

“All I Want For Christmas”

Well it is that time of the year again. It is time to shop for the perfect gift for your favorite golfer. Now you can approach this situation in one of two ways:

1) You can go out on your own and buy a gift that you think will be perfect for the golfer in your life or you can;

2) Attempt to remember something that they told you over the past year that they actually want.

Going out on your own has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, you may be able to find the one gift or gifts that make you look like a superstar at Christmas. You end up finding exactly what they wanted even if they didn’t know they wanted it at the time. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case when it comes to golfers. Golfers are a specialized breed and everything that they do regarding their sport is in turn just as specialized.

When we are looking to purchase something on our own we will research it, price it, compare it to other similar items and take the time to go test it out if we can. When it comes to getting a new piece of golfing equipment it is just that serious! Unless you happened to overhear exactly what we are looking for, with its exact specifications, you may just want to steer clear of making such a purchase. Chances are that you will end up getting something that is not quite right in some way and it is hard for a golfer to fake getting a gift that does not meet the specs.

If you have been diligent throughout the past year and have been able to get a good idea of what to get then you are ahead of the game. This does not mean that you are good to go but it does mean that you are a lot better off for at least paying attention. Hopefully over the past year you were able to come up with a few options as golfers change their minds as to what equipment they want faster than they can pick up a gimmie putt. Just like our game, equipment is changing faster and faster each day and of course we want to stay up to date with the latest and greatest. We get it, golf may not be your obsession like it is ours so we do understand if you are not as excited about the latest edition of hybrid clubs as we are. But if you magically come up with something at Christmas that we can and will use then you have hit the jackpot.

My advice at this stage in the game is to do some research if you haven’t already. We can always use new golf balls which are pretty easy to figure out but you have to make sure that you do get the right brand and model. Check the status of our golf wardrobe. A fancy new shirt representing our favorite football team can go a long way. What I would stay clear of is attempting to buy ANY sort of club unless he or she has specifically given you EXACTLY what to buy. Our clubs are very personal and buying a new one is our own admission that we need to get better. Lastly, when all else fails you can simply ask for a few ideas so that all is right on Christmas day.

Happy holidays and I will talk to you again, soon.

Anthony

Anthony L. Wilkins is a national Academy of Sports Medicine & Titleist Performance Institute Certified Personal Trainer an avid golfer from New Jersey who currently resides in the metro Atlanta area with his wife and son.

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ANTHONY L. WILKINS – January-February 2014

by Debert Cook
written by Debert Cook

Anthony_L_WilkinsANTHONY L. WILKINS
Blog: January/February 2014

“The Belly of the Beast”

The sport of golf has come under much scrutiny as of late due to the recent ruling banning the use of the belly putter. Those golfers against the putter’s use view it as a form of cheating as no other club is allowed to be anchored to the body in any way and doing so gives the golfer a distinct advantage. Those for the use of the belly putter tout its ability to assist a golfer with stabilizing their putting stroke to help them focus on making more putts. This is especially true of amateur golfers all over the world who have developed the ‘yips’ when it comes time to pull out the flat stick.

I for one have no problem with either decision as I feel that no matter which kind of putter you decide to use, you still have to stand over your ball and sink the putt. But what I think this decision has done is bring up more important disparities in the game of golf.

When you think of sports like basketball, football, baseball, tennis and many more you can easily view them on two major levels. On one hand they are being played by high level athletes and on another hand they are being played by amateurs of varying skill levels. At no point do you ever consider that between the two levels that there are major differences as to how the sports are being played other than the level of skill used to do so. The equipment is used is pretty much the same from amateur up to the professional level athlete. At the same time, the respective fields as well as the equipment needed to play each sport do not have a wide variance in them.

Golf on the other hand is a completely different animal all together. First, the field or in this case the courses that professionals use are vastly different from those that amateurs are supposed to play. Yes, an amateur can play on the exact same courses as the professionals but we all know that scoring as well as a professional does on a course of the same length pretty much makes even attempting to do so a fruitless effort. Secondly, from the clubs, to the balls and a few other pieces of equipment in between, amateurs are blatantly told that so much of it is ‘tour’ rated. This basically means “Use at your own risk as you are probably not good enough to do so in the first place.”

This latest belly putter decision is where the line should be drawn. So many amateurs and even some professional golfers rely on belly putters in order to simply be able to keep playing the game due to physical limitations. With all of the differences between the two groups, attempting to force everyone to play by the same rules on uneven playing fields simply does not add up.

Golf has been in quandary about how to grow the game and I think that taking away things like the belly putter from amateurs is not going to make things better. No, I am not for trying to make the game and its rules ‘easier’ in order to get people to play as they will inevitably only follow the rules that they want to anyway. I just think that putting in place a rule that takes the game of golf away from those that have been playing it for years is not the answer.

Well, until next time,
Anthony

Anthony L. Wilkins is a national Academy of Sports Medicine & Titleist Performance Institute Certified Personal Trainer an avid golfer from New Jersey who currently resides in the metro Atlanta area with his wife and son.

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