September - South Florida PGA Golf

TOPICS NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 22 NO. 6 - SEPTEMBER 2012
THIS ISSUE:
ALAN MORIN AND PAUL SCALETTA AT THE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP
ASSISTANTS CHAMPIONSHIP
JUNIOR TOUR NEWS

CHIP SHOTS
NEW MEMBERS
The South Florida PGA would like to welcome the following new members to the Section:
Travis A. Olson, PGA A-8 Old Marsh Golf Club
Justin Bertsch, PGA A-8 Hideout Golf Club
NEW APPRENTICES
The South Florida PGA would like to welcome the following new apprentices to the
Section:
Ross Brown B-8 North Palm Beach CC
Joseph McGeean B-8 Lost Lake Golf Club
Thomas Chance B-8 Deer Creek Golf Club
Clint Jones B-8 Palmetto Golf Course
2012 PATRIOT GOLF DAY BENEFITING THE
FOLDS OF HONOR FOUNDATION OVER LA-
BOR DAY WEEKEND
Patriot Golf Day has become an entire weekend event over
Labor Day weekend in 2012 in which participating clubs add
one extra dollar to their greens fees in a donation to the Folds
of Honor Foundation.
Patriot Golf Day is the flagship fundraiser for the Folds of Honor
Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides postsecondary
educational scholarships for the children and spouses of military men and
women disabled or killed while serving in our nation’s military forces. On Labor Day
weekend, golfers across the country are asked to add an extra dollar to their greens fees
to fund Folds of Honor scholarships. Although our promotion for Patriot Golf Day is and
will always be Labor Day weekend, anyone can raise funds or collect donations for PGD
at any time of the year. The South Florida Section PGA has chosen to utilize two key time
points in an effort to fundraise.
Golf facilities in South Florida have been called to honor the Patriot Golf Day fundraising
mission not only over this Labor Day weekend, but also over Veterans Day weekend November
10-11, 2012. All fundraising efforts over these two weekends will directly benefit
the Folds of Honor Foundation and it’s worthy cause.
According to the Patriot Golf Day Mission statement as found on their website at www.
patriotgolfday.com/mission, the inaugural Patriot Golf Day in 2007 was started by Major
Dan Rooney, Founder of the Folds of Honor Foundation, F-16 Pilot, PGA Professional,
and USGA member. On Labor Day 2007 Rooney asked golfers to add $1 to their greens
fees. His request resulted in donations of more than $1.1 million from more than 3,200
golf facilities. In the last five years, golfers nationwide have been instrumental in raising
more than $12.8 million through Patriot Golf Day events resulting in over 2600 recipients
in all 50 states and 41 PGA sections.
It’s not too late to join over 200 facilities in South Florida that have already registered to
participate in Patriot Golf Day 2012! CLICK HERE for more information on how to register
your facility to participate this year.
PHIL BERRY ANNOUNCES DEPARTURE AS PGA EMPLOYMENT
CONSULTANT
Effective December 31, 2012, Phil Berry, PGA Employment Consultant
for the Georgia, North Florida, and South Florida Sections, will
be leaving his position of eleven years. Over the past decade, Berry
has taken an active roll in coaching fast pitch girl’s softball and will be
pursuing this passion by starting a softball program at his alma mater,
Harding University and becoming the very first head softball coach in
the school’s history.
“It has been my privilege and pleasure to serve the professionals and
employers of the South Florida Section over the past eleven years.”
Berry stated in an official release to the memberhsip. “I will treasure the relationships
I have developed, even as I move on to a new challenge in a different arena. I hold
your Section, Section Staff, Section Officers, Section Board Members, Chapter Officers,
Chapter Board Members, and the PGA Professionals in the Section in high regard, and
CONTACT
SOUTH FLORIDA SECTION
186 Atlantis Boulevard
Atlantis, FL / 33462
PHONE / FAX
561-729-0544 / 561-729-0914
EMAIL
sflorida@pgahq.com
WEBSITE
www.sfpgagolf.com
PRESIDENT
Brian Peaper, PGA
VICE PRESIDENT
Warren Bottke, PGA
SECRETARY
Mark VanDyck, PGA
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Steve Cox, PGA
SOUTHERN CHAPTER PRESIDENT
Dick McNeill, PGA
SOUTHEAST CHAPTER PRESIDENT
Neil Lockie, PGA
SOUTHWEST CHAPTER PRESIDENT
Ben Bryant Jr., PGA
ISLAND CHAPTER PRESIDENT
Brian Shaver, PGA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Geoff Lofstead
ADVISORY BOARD
Paul Anderson
Rick Bayliss
Steve Sponder
Ken Kennerly
Matt Lambert
Peter Lund
1

CHIP SHOTS
PROS ON THE GO
Professional TO FROM
Paul Zurek, PGA A-1 -Ironhorse CC, West Palm Bch A-8 – Ironhorse CC, West Palm Bch
Robert Riley, PGA
A-1 – Spring Lake Golf Resort, Sebring Michigan Section
Gene Powell III, PGA A-11 – PGA of America, PB Gardens A-1 – Southern Ohio Section
Kevin Thompson,PGA unattached A-1 – Forest Glen CC, Naples
Mike Melton, PGA
A-1 – Lost Lake Golf Club, Hobe Sound A-8 – Lost Lake Golf Club, Hobe Sound
Randy Weber, PGA A-13 – Bonaventure CC, Weston unattached
John S. Newkirk, PGA A-11 – PGA of America, PB Gardens SO Ohio Section
John Alfuth, PGA A-1 – Shell Point Golf Club, Ft. Myers A-8 – Shell Point GC, Ft. Myers
thank all of you for your support over the years.”
We wish Phil a very fond farewell and the best of luck in his new endeavors
in the coaching arena. His guidance and friendship will be missed
by many. Congratulations to Phil in his new career opportunity and best
wishes for the future.
DON LAW HONORED WITH NATIONAL JUNOR GOLF
LEADER AWARD
Don Law, PGA has been named the 2012 National
Junior Golf Leader. After being a finalist for this national
recognition in both 2009, 2010, and 2011,
Law has been awarded this highest honor by the
PGA of America.
No stranger to receiving awards at the Chapter and
Section level, Don has previously been recognized
as the Section’s Junior Golf Leader in 2001, 2007, 2009 and 2010. In
addition, Law was named the Southeast Chapter Junior Golf Leader in
2001 and 2008. Don Law was also recognized as the SFPGA Professional
of the Year in 2011. This is his first award at the national level, and Law
is honored to be recognized as the PGA of America’s Junior Golf Leader
in 2012.
“I feel exceptionally honored to have been selected among other PGA
members who contribute so much to the growth of our game,” says Law
about his national award recognition. “To be recognized at the National
level makes me extremely proud to represent our Section where junior
golf has been a priority for many years. The journey has really been
about my love of the game and my desire to give back. It’s about the
wonderful relationships I have formed over the years with the juniors as
well as my fellow professionals.To serve our Section and our community
has been a blessing in my life.”
The South Florida Section PGA are excited and proud to see Don be nationally
recognized for all of his wonderful achievements and leadership
in Junior Golf in South Florida. He has earned this honor in every way,
and we congratulate him on his great success.
SOUTH FLORIDA PROFESSIONALS
COMPETE AT THE 2012 PGA CHAMPI-
ONSHIP AT KIAWAH
Alan Morin, PGA of The Falls Country Club, and 2011
SFPGA Player of the year, and Paul Scaletta, PGA of
The Bear’s Club in Jupiter admirably represented the
South Florida Section PGA at the 2012 PGA Championship
at Kiawah Island, South Carolina on August 9-12. Their tremendous
play and hard work earned them a chance to compete against a field
of the world’s best competitors. We congratulate them for their performance
and their wonderful accomplishment at this year’s championship.
IT’S A GIRL!
Congratulations to Drew
Pierson, PGA and his
wife Lindsey on their
new addition!
Kennedy Ava Pierson
Born: 8/14/12 @ 8:06
pm
7 lbs 9 oz
20 inches long
IT’S A BOY!
The SFPGA Congratulates
John Wade, PGA
and his wife on their
new addition!
James Parker Wade
Born: 8/9/12
7 lbs and 12 oz
IT’S A GIRL!
The SFPGA Congratulates
Jon Arthur, PGA
and his wife on their
new addition!
Juliana Marie Arthur
Born: 8/16/12
7 lbs 9 oz
20.5 inches long
2

CHIP SHOTS
BEST PRACTICES
ATLANTIS, Fla. -- In the
true spirit of growing the
game, The Rookery at Marco,
in Naples, Florida offered
a great way to get local families
out to the course to play
and learn the game of golf in
August by hosting their fifth
annual Family Golf Festival. By encouraging participation in the
event to golfers of all ages and abilities, the Marriott International
Family Golf Festival provides an opportunity for families to learn
the game together. Held on August 18 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM,
the event featured a putting clinic, putting competition, full-swing
clinic and demonstration, and a 9 hole event with prizes awarded
for closest to the pin.
The end of the full-swing demonstration allowed for the participants
to hit a few balls and get one-on-one swing advice from a PGA
certified professional at the facility. The highlight of the day was a
seven hole putt-putt course constructed on the practice green that
held a putting contest for the event participants. The winner of the
putt-putt competition won a free lesson from a Marco Island Marriott
Golf Resort, PGA Professional. At the conclusion of the clinic
and the contests, everyone had the opportunity to get out on the
course for a family golf experience.
In addition to an entire morning of golf instruction, participants also
received a coupon for a return visit to the facility anytime before
September 30 at a lowered rate. This coupon also includes an opportunity
for kids to play for free with an adult. They also offered
free hot dogs and drinks to all of the participants and their family
members. Going on it’s fifth consecutive year, this event drew
around 40 members of the community to The Rookery at Marco.
“I think this is a very valuable piece of business we do,” said head
PGA Professional Bryan Berryman. “Not only are we growing the
game and allowing kids to come out to see a championship course,
we are also creating a relationship with the parents and grandparents
of the kids for future interest in the club itself.”
By creating relationships with the incoming youths, the club is able
to make valuable connections with families that may be interested
in coming back to the club as members in the future. Promoting the
game as a fun family sport is an important piece of promotion and
can be beneficial both the families who are able to discover a new
family pastime as well as the courses who gain membership.
“It is always nice to see the kids coming back each year and seeing
how each of them have developed their game over the years,”
states Berryman. Continuing this tradition is an important developmental
component for the Marco Island Marriott Golf Resort. It
continues to be a rewarding experience for both the staff and the
event participants each year.
“QUOTE”
OF THE MONTH
“In golf,
as in life,
it is the follow
through that makes
all the
difference.”
-Anon
GOLF 2.0
TIP OF THE MONTH
Generating new clients is
one of the biggest goals of
the Golf 2.0 initiative and a
goal of every PGA teaching
professional in the nation.
Generating new golfers is as vital to keeping the industry
alive as it is to keeping PGA professionals in business. To
get new clients, why not try to start thinking outside of the
box and go after a new demographic of clientele that may
never otherwise find their way to your facility. To generate
new customers, and potential new members, try getting
involved in local community projects and functions. Offer
free lessons as raffle items at local charity events, or put
on a free, short clinic at your next church picnic. You could
invite one of your current clients to bring three friends who
are new to the game in for a free lesson in exchange for a
free session. To generate new membership, try to generate
interest in new areas. Sacrificing one free group lesson
may in turn generate five new full time clients. Becoming a
friendly face in the community can help to grow the game
and grow your clientele. For more tips on how to grow the
game and grow your clientele, CLICK HERE.
3

TOURNAMENT NEWS
PRESENTED BY
SUPPORTED BY
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.
– Chris Trout, PGA of
Cypress Lake Country Club won the National Car Rental
South Florida PGA Assistant Championship presented by
COBRA PUMA GOLF August 6th & 7th at Fort Lauderdale
Country Club – North Course in Plantation, Florida. Trout
followed up an impressive opening round 64 with a one over
par round 73 during his second round, three strokes clear of
his nearest competitor, David Ladd of Champions Club who
finished at 4 under par 140 for the tournament.
By winning, Trout qualified for the 36th National Car Rental
PGA Assistant Championship presented by COBRA PUMA
GOLF, Nov. 1-4, at The PGA Golf Club (Wanamaker Course)
in Port St. Lucie, Fla. The facility will be hosting its seventeenth
consecutive PGA Assistant Championship. Also qualifying for the Championship were Carl
Hayes of Woodfield Country Club, Adam Kolloff of the Jim McLean Golf School, Chris Stanko of
the Fox Club and Drew Pierson of Naples National Golf Club.
2011 Champion, Richard Terga, exempt for the 36th National Care Rental PGA Assistant Championship,
shot a two day total of 149.
A big thanks to the professional staff at Fort Lauderdale Country Club including General Manager,
Michael O’Brien, PGA and Mark VanDyck, PGA, Director of Golf, for hosting this year’s Assistants
Championship presented by COBRA PUMA GOLF.
FLORIDA SENIOR OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
IN ASSOCIATION
WITH
SUPPORTED BY
ASSISSTANTS CHAMPIONSHIP
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.
– Pete Williams of Juno
Beach has become the first amateur to win the title in the
36-year history of the Florida Senior Open golf tournament.
Williams, 53, a pilot for United Air Lines, survived a bizarre
final three holes to win by four strokes with a final round of
68 for 204 on the Lakes course at Bear Lakes Country Club.
Two former champions tied for second at 208 to share low
pro honors. Ed Sabo, 63, of Tequesta, the winner in 2000-
01, closed with his second straight 68, while Gene Fieger,
52, head professional at Hideout Golf Club in Naples, shot
69, matching his first round score, also on the Lakes. He
was the 2010 champion.
This was Williams’ first start in the Florida Senior Open, which had been played at the Naples Beach
Hotel & Golf Club the previous 35 years, or since 1977.
“Any victory is a big deal but to beat all the pros is something special,” Williams said. “Of course, the
golf ball doesn’t know whether an amateur or a pro is hitting it.” The starting field of 156 players 50
years and older included 91 pros and 65 amateurs.
Overall, “He played great, made a lot of good putts,” Fieger said of Williams.
David Ladd, Mark VanDyck, Director of Golf, and Champion Chris
Trout, PGA
Ted Strelec, PGA and 2012 Florida Senior Open Champion Pete
Williams
Williams was the Palm Beach County Golf Association’s senior player of the year the past two seasons,
winning seven times.
Special thanks to the professional staff at Bear Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach for their support
of this successful event, especially Director of Golf, Ted Strelec, PGA, and Head PGA Professional
Toby Hill.
4

TOURNAMENT NEWS
PRESENTED BY
SUPPORTED BY
2012 SOUTH FLORIDA PGA
PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
STUART, FL – Chad Kurmel,
PGA of Boca Raton got
two wins for the price of one Wednesday, August 22, during
South Florida PGA competition at Sailfish Point Golf Club.
The Director of Golf at Boca Grove Golf and Tennis Club,
Kurmel, 41, made clutch pars on the last two holes for a
final round of five under par 67. After a pair of 69’s earlier
in the week, he finished at 205 to win by two strokes. After
three consecutive birdies, Kurmel hit his second shot out of
bounds at the fifth hole for a double bogey. He added four
birdies on the back nine.
Most importantly, the victory counts as the Section Championship
when Kurmel topped 162 entries playing for a
Nike Golf Representative, Pete Byman, FootJoy Representative, Mark
Debien, Chad Kurmel, PGA, Nike Golf Representative, Phil Lugo, and
Titleist Representative, Don Goering
$63,000 purse, both records in the 34-year history of the SFPGA. It also gives Kurmel his second
victory in a qualifier for the PGA of America Professional National Championship, the first coming in
2004 at Naples Grande Golf Club. It the first time the two tournaments, the Section Championship and
Professional National Championship qualifying, have been combined since 1996.
The PGA 46th Professional National Championship is scheduled next June at the Sunriver Resort in
Oregon.
Kurmel received $5,095, his largest check ever. “That will probably go right into a kitchen remodeling
fund,” he said with a smile.
Tied for second at 207 were Jay Westerlund, an assistant at the Club at Renaissance, Fort Myers,
who closed with 65 on eight birdies and a bogey; Paul Scaletta, an assistant at The Bear Club,
Jupiter, who had 68 with seven birdies and three bogeys; and former champion Gene Fieger, head
professional at Hideout Golf Club, Naples, on 70 with three birdies and a bogey.
Kurmel and Scaletta were tied after the former birdied the 16th hole from about 15 feet. Then as Kurmel
made par putts of 6 and 5 feet at the 17th and 18th holes, Scaletta’s five foot par putt at No. 17
horseshoed in and out of the cup, then his approach at 18th landed in the front of the bunker in front
of the green, leaving him with a nearly impossible recovery shot to save par.
“It was a big win against a solid field,” Kurmel
said. “I haven’t been able to play much the last
two years. I had shoulder surgery in May, 2010,
and most of last year I was trying to settle into a
new job.” This was his sixth SFPGA victory since
2004.
Special thanks to presenting partners Club Car,
Mercedes-Benz, and Omega, along with support
partners Titleist/FootJoy, Callaway Golf, Nike Golf,
TaylorMade adidas Ashworth, and The PGA Tour.
Front row left to right --
SFPGA President Brian Peaper, Nike Golf Rep Phil Lugo, Mike San Filippo, PGA, Chad
Kurmel, PGA, David Kent, PGA, Dennis Meyer, PGA, Chris Kaufman, PGA, Jay Westerlund,
PGA, Paul Scaletta, PGA, Titleist Rep Don Goering, Alan Morin, PGA
Second row left to right -- Gene Fieger, PGA, Nike Golf Rep Pete Byman, Jim Karr, PGA,
John Lee, PGA, FootJoy Rep, Mark Debien, Joe Allinder, PGA, Frank Dobbs, PGA
CLICK HERE to see a complete list of all qualifiers
for the 2013 Professional National Championship
and for complete results from the event.
5

JUNIOR TOUR NEWS
PRESENTED BY:
SUPPORTED BY:
JUNIOR TOUR #10 - BREAKERS REES JONES
ATLANTIS, FL – The
South Florida PGA Junior
Tour presented by the Honda Classic hosted Event #10 at the
Breakers Rees Jones course August 2. The second round of the
event was rained out, making all first round scores final.
Jonah Wasserstrom of Hollywood claimed his first Overall Boys
title by shooting an opening round of five under par, 67. In the
boys 16-18 division, Mike Anderson of Parkland, claimed first place
with a score of 70. Finishing second, was Steven LaMay of Parkland
with a 71. Coming in third with a score of 72, was Morgan
Hobbs of Tequesta. In the boys 14-15 age division, tying for first
place with a 75 was Joshua August of Boynton Beach and Stefano
Gabriel Butti of Palm City. Finishing third with a 76 was Jackson
Shoenfelt of Boynton Beach.
Andreina Merchan of Weston claimed her second Overall Girls title of the year with a 74.
Placing first in the girls 16-18 division, was Katelin Glass of Lake Worth with a 77. Tying for
second place with a 79 was: Caitlin Huiting of Pompano Beach, Janelle Johnson of Royal Palm
Beach, and Ashley Turnquest of Loxahatchee. In the Girls 14-15 division, Kaely Krayeski of
Wellington finished first with a 78. Lea Himpens of Port St. Lucie finished second with a 79.
Tying for third place with an 81 was: Alejandra Merchan of Weston, Emily Faulkner of Palm
City, and Samantha Haubenstock of Weston.
Jonathon Cachon of Weston claimed the boys 12-13 title with a 74. Finishing second with a
75, was Miles Castoro of Fort Lauderdale. Coming in third was Andrew Kozan of Palm Beach
Gardens with a 76.
Winning the girls 12-13 title was Andie Shukow of Boca Raton with a 77. Tying for second
place with an 81 was Hannah Leiner of Pompano Beach and Julia Matzat of Parkland. Many
thanks to the staff at Breakers Rees Jones for all their hard work, especially, Danny St.
Louis, PGA.
JUNIOR TOUR #11 - QUAIL VALLEY
ATLANTIS, FL – The
South Florida PGA Junior
Tour presented by the Honda Classic hosted Event #11 at Quail Valley
Golf Club August 11-12, in our second all boys event of the year.
Head Professional Danny St. Louis,
Andreina Merchan, Jonah Wasserstrom,
and club member Andres
Galarraga
Michael Anderson of Parkland won his second Overall Title of the
year with a final score of 7 under par, 137. In the Boys 16-18 division,
Zachary Smith of Palm Beach Gardens finished first with a 139.
Coming in second was Luke Graboyes of Palm Beach Gardens with a
141. Tying for third place with a 143, was Cole Thompson of Sebastian
and David Torres of Port St. Lucie.
Michael Anderson & Head PGA
Professional Don Meadows
In the Boys 14-15 division, tying for first place with a 142, was Michael Graboyes and Michael
Conforti, both of Palm Beach Gardens. Finishing tied for third place with a score of 144, were
Chase Cutshall of West Melbourne and Daniel Whelan of Coral Springs. Big thanks to Don
Meadows, PGA and his staff for hosting the event.
6

JUNIOR TOUR NEWS CONTINUED
2012 JUNIOR RYDER CUP ACADEMY
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.
— In June, 83 junior golfers representing 40 PGA Sections and select
charitable associations participated in the 2012 Ryder Cup Junior Academy
at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie. Developed in 2011 in response
to the recommendations of past Ryder Cup Team Captains, The Junior
Ryder Cup Academy helps juniors experience the passion of the Ryder
Cup, and desire to achieve greatness by improving their lives through the
game of golf. The academy focuses on playing and competing in both
stroke- and match-play formats. Special guests during the week included,
U.S. Ryder Cup Legends Billy Casper and Dow Finsterwald.
The South Florida Section was proudly represented by Junior Tour members
Robert Butler of Estero, and Katelin Glass of Lake Worth. Both
juniors had an amazing week, getting to meet juniors from all across
the country, and had a once in a lifetime opportunity to spend time with
award winning instructors and past Ryder Cup Captains. When asked about his week at the academy,
Robert Butler stated “I couldn’t have imagined what this week would be like.” It is truley an
experience they will remember for the rest of their lives.
PGA of America President Allen Wronowski stated that they had a tremendous year at the Ryder
Cup Academy again this year. “It was wonderful to see first-hand the impact this initiative had on a
special group of junior golfers from across the country. The wonderful input of our past Ryder Cup
Captains give junior golfers a rare opportunity to learn more about the game of golf and its values
beyond the competitive arena. We are confident that the Academy will continue to offer positive
impressions to help build our great game.”
The Ryder Cup Junior Academy is a week-long program that emphasizes the PGA Sports Academy
in a variety of skills, including playing and competing in both stroke- and match-play formats, swing
mechanics, competitive course management, as well as fitness and physical assessments. Highlights
of the week included a Captains’ Clinic, Captains’ Dinner and golf instruction from award-winning
PGA Professionals.
PGA JUNIOR LEAGUERS ADVANCE TO WORLD SERIES
ATLANTIS, Fla - Representing the Southeast
Florida region (13 & under), the combined
teams of Baci Golf & Fitness (Boca Raton),
The First Tee of the Palm Beaches (West Palm
Beach) and the Indian River Golf Foundation
Players Club (Vero Beach) won the Southeast
USA Regional Golf Tournament at Eagle Ridge
Country Club, Ocala, FL, Saturday & Sunday,
August 11th & 12th. In a better ball of partners
round-robin match play format....the ALL STAR
team defeated the Tampa, FL All Stars 8 1/2
to 3 1/2, tied the Macon, GA All Stars 6 to 6 in
Saturday’s competitions and defeated the Naples,
FL All Star team 8 1/2 to 3 1/2 on Sunday
to claim the Southeast Regional Championship.
South Florida representative Kaitlin Glass and
historic Ryder Cup Captains
We congratulate SFPGA Junior Tour members, Matthew Glenn, Michale Checo, Sarah Noonan, Griffin
Thompson, and Justin Cao and the rest of the team as it now advances to the 2012 PGA Junior
League Golf World Series to be played Friday - Sunday, September 14th - 16th at Cog Hill Golf Club,
Chicago, IL, captained by SFPGA Professional Roger VanDyke.
7

REALLY???
At last month’s South Florida PGA Professional
Championship, the rules committee
had to asses a penalty of disqualification for
a breach of Rule 4-3c. Penalties of this nature
are no picnic for rules officials to assess,
especial when the breach occurred through no
fault of the player. The situation occurred when
the player, finding himself just off the putting
surface choked down on his wedge and felt a
small indentation just under the grip. He had
already played several shots with his wedge
that day and never noticed the indentation since
it was concealed by the grip. He immediately
thought he had a problem and called over a
rules official.
Rule 4-3c states, “A player may use a club
damaged prior to a round, provided the club,
in its damaged state, conforms with the Rules.”
Unfortunately for this player, small indentations
in the shaft or a dented shaft do not conform
with the Rules. I know what you’re thinking,
how does a small dent or indentation make a
club non-conforming? After all, it’s not like it
would give the player any advantage. Appendix
II, under Clubs, says, “The shaft must be
straight from the top of the grip to a point not
more than 5 inches above the sole.” If a shaft
has a dent or small indentation, it is no longer straight, thus
it does not conform with the Rules. The penalty statement
to Rule 4-3 states that if a player makes a stroke with a
non-conforming club, he is disqualified.
Given the final nature of disqualification penalties, before
I ever asses one, I always double and triple check
by finding the correct verbiage in the Rule book or by
calling a fellow official or the USGA no matter the
circumstance. I particularly felt bad for this player
because apparently his club had been damaged in
his travels to the championship and due to the grip concealing
the indentation, he had no idea he was about to breach
a Rule.
Adding insult to injury, had the player noticed the damaged club
prior to making a stroke with it, he would not have been disqualified.
However, he would have been penalized two strokes for each hole
at which any breach occurred with a maximum per round penalty of
four strokes just for carrying the non-conforming club. After noticing
the damaged club he would have then had to declare the club out of
play to his marker or fellow competitor.
In continuing with the theme of the damaged club, let’s assume
for a second that the club was never damaged prior the round and
after making a stroke with the club, the shaft dented or bent. What
would the player’s options be? Well, Rule 4-3 states that a club
damaged during the round in the normal course of play may be (1)
used in its damaged state for the remainder of the round, the player
(2) may repair the club or have it repaired, or a third option available
SFPGA TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR
ANDREW MILLER
only if the club is unfit for play, (3)
replace the damaged club. The Note
to Rule 4-3 states, “A club is unfit for
play if it is substantially damaged, i.e;
the shaft is dented, significantly bent or
broken into pieces; the clubhead becomes
loose, detached or significantly deformed;
or the grip become loose. A club is not
unfit for play solely because the club’s lie
or loft has been altered, or the clubhead is
scratched.” The Note to this Rule informs
us that the player’s club is in fact unfit for
play and the player may replace the club
with any club provided, “the replacement
does not unduly delay play, and is not
made by borrowing any club selected for
play by any other person playing on the
course or is done by assembling components
carried by or for the player during
the stipulated round.” The player may
also play with the club in its damaged
state or try to repair the club.
What if the player, in disgust after a shot,
slams the club on the ground and in the
process dents or bends the shaft of the
club? Given that the players club was not
damaged in the normal course of play, the
player may not use or replace the club
for the remainder of the round according
to Rule 4-3b. To do so would result in a
penalty of disqualification.
A lot of the talk regarding damaged clubs
during the round centers on whether it
was damaged in the normal course of play.
When is a club considered to have been
damaged in the normal course of play? Decision
4-3/1 says, “The term “normal course of
play” is intended to cover all reasonable acts but
specifically excludes cases of abuse. In addition
to making a stroke, practice swing or practice
stroke, examples of acts that are in the “normal
course of play” include the following: removing or
replacing a club in the bag, using a club to search for
or retrieve a ball (except by throwing the club), leaning
on a club while waiting to play, teeing a ball or removing a
ball from the hole or in accidentally dropping a club. Examples
of acts that are not in the “normal course of play” include the
following: throwing a club whether in anger, in retrieving a ball,
or otherwise, “slamming” a club into a bag or intentionally striking
something (e.g., the ground or a tree) with the club other
than during a stroke, practice swing or practice stroke.”
There are a lot of working parts to Rule 4 that can make it confusing.
You have to determine when the club was damaged, by
whom and how it was damaged (normal course of play). The
answers to these questions will determine if the player gets to
continue playing or is headed home. Whenever I am presented
with a Rule 4 question, I always have to remind myself to take
pause before answering too quickly so I can ask myself the
three questions; when, who and how.
8

NEW AND UPCOMING
UPCOMING SECTION EVENTS
SENIOR SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP
September 6-7, 2012
@ St. Andrews Country Club - Old Course
Supported By:
The PGA Tour, Southworth Homes, Mercedes-Benz
PRO-JUNIOR
September 8, 2012
@ Polo Club of Boca Raton
Supported By:
SNAG Golf
UPCOMING CHAPTER EVENTS
Global Golf Sales Cup Series #4
@ Fiddlesticks Country Club
September 10, 2012
Chapter Stroke Play Championship
@ Hideout Golf Club
September 17-18, 2012
PRE PGA TOUR Q-SCHOOL
September 11-13, 2012
@ Bear Lakes Country Club
GLOBAL GOLF SALES CUP
September 24
@ Old Marsh Golf Club
Presented By: Global Golf Sales
UPCOMING JUNIOR EVENTS
JUNIOR TOUR EVENT #13
September 15-16, 2012
@ Wycliffe Golf and Country Club
Presented by The Honda Classic
Supported by Titleist, Don Law Golf Academy, Club Med
Golf Academy, Palm Beach Sports Commission, Allianz
Championship, and The Fun Group at Mirasol
Pro-Scratch Championship
@ Bear Lakes Country Club
September 14, 2012
The Palm Beach Open
@ Emerald Dunes Golf Club
September 15-16, 2012
Ocean Reef 2-Day Pro-Am
@ Ocean Reef Golf Club
September 14-16, 2012
Sponsored By: Callaway Golf
PRO-JUNIOR
Don’t forget to register your team for this
year’s PRO-JUNIOR event!
THE POLO CLUB OF BOCA RATON
SEPTEMBER 8
Supported By:
SNAG golf
9

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ARE YOU TAKING ADVANTAGE OF YOUR
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• Discover ways to participate by calling
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• Waiver of implementation fees for new
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• - Oasis Staff Sourcing discounts of
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PGALinks.com - Benefits
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Benefits
10