TOPICS NEWSLETTERVOLUME 22 NO. 6 - SEPTEMBER 2012

THIS ISSUE:ALAN MORIN AND PAUL SCALETTA AT THE PGA CHAMPIONSHIPSECTION CHAMPIONSHIPASSISTANTS CHAMPIONSHIPJUNIOR TOUR NEWS

CHIP SHOTS

CONTACTSOUTH FLORIDA SECTION186 Atlantis BoulevardAtlantis, FL / 33462

PHONE / FAX561-729-0544 / 561-729-0914

EMAILsflorida@pgahq.com

WEBSITEwww.sfpgagolf.com

PRESIDENTBrian Peaper, PGA

VICE PRESIDENTWarren Bottke, PGA

SECRETARYMark VanDyck, PGA

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTSteve Cox, PGA

SOUTHERN CHAPTER PRESIDENTDick McNeill, PGA

SOUTHEAST CHAPTER PRESIDENTNeil Lockie, PGA

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER PRESIDENTBen Bryant Jr., PGA

ISLAND CHAPTER PRESIDENTBrian Shaver, PGA

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORGeoff Lofstead

ADVISORY BOARDPaul Anderson Rick BaylissSteve SponderKen KennerlyMatt LambertPeter Lund

NEW MEMBERSThe South Florida PGA would like to welcome the following new members to the Section:

Travis A. Olson, PGA A-8 Old Marsh Golf ClubJustin Bertsch, PGA A-8 Hideout Golf Club

NEW APPRENTICESThe South Florida PGA would like to welcome the following new apprentices to the Section: Ross Brown B-8 North Palm Beach CCJoseph McGeean B-8 Lost Lake Golf ClubThomas Chance B-8 Deer Creek Golf ClubClint Jones B-8 Palmetto Golf Course

2012 PATRIOT GOLF DAY BENEFITING THE FOLDS OF HONOR FOUNDATION OVER LA-BOR DAY WEEKENDPatriot 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 Hon-or Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides post-secondary 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 No-vember 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 Consul-tant 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 1

CHIP SHOTSPROS ON THE GO

IT’S A GIRL!Congratulations to Drew Pierson, PGA and his wife Lindsey on their new addition!

Kennedy Ava PiersonBorn: 8/14/12 @ 8:06 pm7 lbs 9 oz20 inches long

IT’S A BOY!

The SFPGA Congratu-lates John Wade, PGA and his wife on their new addition!

James Parker WadeBorn: 8/9/127 lbs and 12 oz

IT’S A GIRL!

The SFPGA Congratu-lates Jon Arthur, PGA and his wife on their new addition!

Juliana Marie ArthurBorn: 8/16/127 lbs 9 oz20.5 inches long

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 endeav-ors 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 na-tional 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 na-tionally 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 Champion-

ship 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 perfor-mance and their wonderful accomplishment at this year’s championship.

Professional TO FROM

Paul Zurek, PGA A-1 -Ironhorse CC, West Palm Bch A-8 – Ironhorse CC, West Palm BchRobert Riley, PGA A-1 – Spring Lake Golf Resort, Sebring Michigan SectionGene Powell III, PGA A-11 – PGA of America, PB Gardens A-1 – Southern Ohio SectionKevin Thompson,PGA unattached A-1 – Forest Glen CC, NaplesMike Melton, PGA A-1 – Lost Lake Golf Club, Hobe Sound A-8 – Lost Lake Golf Club, Hobe SoundRandy Weber, PGA A-13 – Bonaventure CC, Weston unattachedJohn S. Newkirk, PGA A-11 – PGA of America, PB Gardens SO Ohio SectionJohn Alfuth, PGA A-1 – Shell Point Golf Club, Ft. Myers A-8 – Shell Point GC, Ft. Myers

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CHIP SHOTS“QUOTE” OF THE MONTHBEST PRACTICES

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 gener-ate 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.

GOLF 2.0 TIP OF THE MONTH

ATLANTIS, Fla. -- In the true spirit of growing the game, The Rookery at Mar-co, in Naples, Florida offered a great way to get local fami-lies 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 Mar-riott 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 op-portunity for kids to play for free with an adult. They also offered free hot dogs and drinks to all of the participants and their fam-ily 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 grandpar-ents 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 see-ing how each of them have developed their game over the years,” states Berryman. Continuing this tradition is an important devel-opmental 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.

“In golf, as in life,

it is the follow through that makes

all the difference.”

-Anon

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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.

Williams was the Palm Beach County Golf Association’s senior player of the year the past two sea-sons, winning seven times.

Special thanks to the professional staff at Bear Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach for their sup-port of this successful event, especially Director of Golf, Ted Strelec, PGA, and Head PGA Profes-sional Toby Hill.

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 seven-teenth 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 Champion-ship, 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.

TOURNAMENT NEWS

FLORIDA SENIOR OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

ASSISSTANTS CHAMPIONSHIPPRESENTED BY

SUPPORTED BY David Ladd, Mark VanDyck, Director of Golf, and Champion Chris Trout, PGA

SUPPORTED BY

IN ASSOCIATIONWITH

Ted Strelec, PGA and 2012 Florida Senior Open Champion Pete Williams

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STUART, FL – Chad Kurm-el, 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 Cham-pionship when Kurmel topped 162 entries playing for a $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 My-ers, 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 Kur-mel 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.

CLICK HERE to see a complete list of all qualifiers for the 2013 Professional National Championship and for complete results from the event.

TOURNAMENT NEWS2012 SOUTH FLORIDA PGA

PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPPRESENTED BY

SUPPORTED BY

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 Wester-

lund, PGA, Paul Scaletta, PGA, Titleist Rep Don Goering, Alan Morin, PGASecond 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

Nike Golf Representative, Pete Byman, FootJoy Representative, Mark Debien, Chad Kurmel, PGA, Nike Golf Representative, Phil Lugo, and

Titleist Representative, Don Goering

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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 Park-land 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 NEWSJUNIOR TOUR #10 - BREAKERS REES JONES

JUNIOR TOUR #11 - QUAIL VALLEY

PRESENTED BY:

SUPPORTED BY:

ATLANTIS, FL – The South Florida PGA Junior Tour presented by the Honda Classic hosted Event #11 at Quail Val-ley Golf Club August 11-12, in our second all boys event of the year.

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 divi-sion, 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 Sebas-tian and David Torres of Port St. Lucie.

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.

Michael Anderson & Head PGA Professional Don Meadows

Head Professional Danny St. Louis, Andreina Merchan, Jonah Wasser-strom, and club member Andres

Galarraga

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JUN

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CON

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2012 JUNIOR RYDER CUP ACADEMY

PGA JUNIOR LEAGUERS ADVANCE TO WORLD SERIES

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — In June, 83 junior golfers representing 40 PGA Sections and select charitable associations participated in the 2012 Ryder Cup Junior Acad-emy 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 includ-ed, U.S. Ryder Cup Legends Billy Casper and Dow Finsterwald.

The South Florida Section was proudly represented by Junior Tour mem-bers 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 acad-emy, 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.

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 Na-ples, FL All Star team 8 1/2 to 3 1/2 on Sunday to claim the Southeast Regional Championship.

We congratulate SFPGA Junior Tour members, Matthew Glenn, Michale Checo, Sarah Noonan, Grif-fin 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.

South Florida representative Kaitlin Glass and historic Ryder Cup Captains

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At last month’s South Florida PGA Pro-fessional Championship, the rules committee had to asses a penalty of disqualification for a breach of Rule 4-3c. Penalties of this na-ture 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

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 compo-nents 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? Deci-

sion 4-3/1 says, “The term “normal course of play” is intended to cover all reasonable acts but

specifically excludes cases of abuse. In addi-tion 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 strik-ing 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 con-fusing. 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.

would give the player any advantage. Appen-dix 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, be-fore 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 con-cealing 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 DIRECTORANDREW MILLER

REALLY???

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NEW AND UPCOMING

UPCOMING JUNIOR EVENTS

JUNIOR TOUR EVENT #13September 15-16, 2012

@ Wycliffe Golf and Country ClubPresented 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

UPCOMING CHAPTER EVENTSUPCOMING SECTION EVENTS

SENIOR SECTION CHAMPIONSHIPSeptember 6-7, 2012

@ St. Andrews Country Club - Old CourseSupported By:

The PGA Tour, Southworth Homes, Mercedes-Benz

PRO-JUNIORSeptember 8, 2012

@ Polo Club of Boca RatonSupported By:

SNAG Golf

PRE PGA TOUR Q-SCHOOLSeptember 11-13, 2012

@ Bear Lakes Country Club

GLOBAL GOLF SALES CUP September 24

@ Old Marsh Golf ClubPresented By: Global Golf Sales

Global Golf Sales Cup Series #4@ Fiddlesticks Country Club

September 10, 2012

Chapter Stroke Play Championship@ Hideout Golf Club

September 17-18, 2012

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 ClubSeptember 14-16, 2012

Sponsored By: Callaway Golf

PRO-JUNIORDon’t forget to register your team for this

year’s PRO-JUNIOR event!

THE POLO CLUB OF BOCA RATONSEPTEMBER 8Supported By:

SNAG golf

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• Waiver of implementation fees for new clients; a $2,500-$3,000 value

• Free training and resources for all PGA members, wwhether or not you’re an Oasis client

• - Oasis Staff Sourcing discounts of 20% to 50%, including full recrut ing, online advertising, pre-employ ment screening tools

• - Off-the-shelf Federal employee handbook written for golf and country clubs

• Oasis Working Advantage discounts for your club employees

• Golf Retirement Plus incentives• Your PGA Section benefits financially

when you contract with Oasis• To learn more, visit the Oasis page on

PGALinks.com - Benefits

American Express Rewards Cardfrom Bank of America

• No annual fee• Earn 1 reward point for ever $1 in

net retail purchases• Golf Retirement Plus incentives• Your PGA Section benefits financially

when you activate your rewards card• To apply, visit the American Express

Rewards Card page on PGALinks.com - Benefits

Official Equipment Rental Partner

• Minimum 15% savings on equipment rental

• Assigned National Account Manager• Golf Retirement Plus incentives• Your PGA Section benefits financially

when you purchas under the PGA’s account

• For more infomation, visit the United Rentals page on PGALinks.com - Benefits

Official Soft Drink, Bottled Water, Iced Tea & Sports Drink

• National account fountain pricing• competitive bottle and can pricing• Golf Retirement Plus incentives• Your PGA Section benefits financially

when you purchase PepsiCo pro-dicts under the Pepsi/PGA Program (Parent #5425)

• Contact 1-866-PEP-GOLF (866-737-4653) for more information

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