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True Temper Dynamic Golf Mid Shafts Deliver Top Performance

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True Temper Golf was originally known as the American Fork & Hoe company. But with the golf swing being more graceful than the stab-and-grab motion of garden tools, the name was changed to True Temper in 1949. The Dynamic steel shaft was introduced in 1942 and remained that way until 1980 when it became Dynamic Gold. For the past 44 years, more professional and amateur golf tournaments have been won with Dynamic Gold shafts than any other shaft on the market.

Scott Hennessy has been the President and CEO of True Temper since 1998. He says that “the steel shaft has remained the market leader for all these years because of its consistency.” The company also owns prominent graphite shaft companies Grafalloy, Project X and most recently became the owner of Aerotech, maker of SteelFiber shafts. True Temper produces 80,000 to 100,000 shafts a day in a variety of weights, flexes, and ball flights.

Recently, True Temper launched an iteration of its popular Dynamic Gold shaft, The Dynamic Gold Mid was built specifically for the golf clubs of today and blends seamlessly with the latest golf ball and equipment technologies. True Temper uses a unique shaft geometry that creates a stiffer mid-section along with an active tip section to help increase launch angle and increase spin compared to other Dynamic Gold shafts True Temper has always been known for making some of the heaviest shafts on the market; many of them weigh around 130g. These shafts are available in three weight classes:  light (100g), mid (115g), and tour (130g), and in regular, stiff, and extra stiff flexes.

Among the many aspects of the golf shot that are greatly affected by the shaft are tempo, trajectory, and spin. Tempo greatly affects how well – or poorly – you hit a golf shot. It affects how the shaft loads and unloads for each shot and plays a big part in which shaft is best for you. The Dynamic Gold Mid shafts are best suited for a player with a moderate tempo. If you tend to have a fast backswing followed by a fast downswing these probably aren’t the right shafts for you.

I recently picked up a set of Takomo 201 iron heads and installed the new Dynamic Gold Mid shafts on them. After hitting about 10 shots, I realized that everything True Temper claimed about the shaft was indeed correct. The ball jettisoned off the clubface, flew a little higher and further than I’m used to, and reacted nicely on the green. I’m convinced that if I stay with this setup long enough I will also see improvements in ball shaping and workability. They could easily find their way into my bag on a more permanent basis!

The biggest change with the new True Temper Dynamic Gold Mid iron shaft is the stiffer midsection. The active tip increases the ability to feel the clubhead without losing clubhead speed. I didn’t see or feel it at first, but after hitting about 20 shots on the range, I noticed a slightly higher ball flight and a little more distance.

The bottom line is that with the new Dynamic Gold Mid Shafts, you’ll get medium spin and medium trajectory. The Dynamic Gold Mid is a great option for golfers with a moderate tempo who want extra launch and a bit more control from their iron shots. Only consider these shafts if you want a shaft that’s lighter, faster, and game-changing and can help you to take your game to the next level. You can visit their website at www.truetempershafts.com.

 

Srixon Z 785 Driver – Tour Proven, Public Approved

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PGA TOUR Professional Keegan Bradley says: “This driver’s faster. This driver’s longer. This driver’s better. It’s really coming off hot and straight. It’s very forgiving and the sweet spot is really big.”

Bradley’s talking about Srixon’s new Z Series drivers, clubs that will boost your speed and distance off the tee thanks to a Ti51AF Cup Face. This cup face is the thinnest, lightest, strongest, and hottest driver face Srixon has ever put on one of their clubs.

In addition to its hottest face ever, the Z 785 Driver promotes a low-spin, penetrating trajectory in a tour preferred look and profile. The weight has been transferred to the perimeter and a lightweight carbon crown offers more forgiveness and less offline dispersion. This new carbon crown is 65% less dense than the previous titanium crown and Cleveland claims it is stronger than even premium composite crowns. The focus these changes is to make the hitting area as large as possible.

In spite of it’s beautiful shape, the Z 785 driver has all the forgiveness most players will ever need.  The head is compact and symmetrical, precisely what golf purists prefer.  For the most part, the clubhead is a glossy black color, with the carbon fiber crown providing a little bit of contrast however once you get ear the clubface, it’s back to black for less distraction.

Performance is everything. Ball speed, spin, and launch all stay pretty consistent even if your shot striking is all over the face. Well struck drives tend to have a medium to high launch, low spin rate and a piercing trajectory. The lower spin rate can be attributed directly to the stock Hand Crafted Project X HZRDUS Black shaft. Unlike stock shafts in many off-the-rack drivers, the HZRDUS Black shaft is meticulously hand crafted in Project X’s San Diego prototype lab. Handcrafted shafts have higher tolerances and are held to higher standards, meaning you are getting a premium shaft at a not so premium price. HZRDUS Black is perfect for stronger and more aggressive golfers and features increased stiffness along the full length of the golf shaft. It also allows you to shape shots both ways while maintaining consistent trajectory and distance. A Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 grip is also standard equipment.

The sound produced at impact is surprisingly quiet, a welcome change from the many cannon-sounding drivers on the market. As impressive as the sound is – or isn’t – the feedback is that much more. Shots not hit in the middle of the clubface seem to fly almost as far as those perfectly struck.

At first glance, the Z 785 driver seems to be modestly adjustable, however unscrew the clubhead and that perception changes dramatically. The Z785 features QTS, short for Quick Tune System.  Adjustments to the hosel allow you to add or subtract 1 degree of loft and modify the lie angle by as much as 2 degrees up or down.  The instruction manual included with the driver provides excellent guidance on how exactly to fine tune the driver. The Z 785 driver is available in two lofts: 9.5° and 10.5°.

That’s not the only adjustable feature on the Z 785 driver. There’s also an interchangeable weight in the back of the club that allows you to change the swing weight. The 12g weight is standard, however weights from 4g – 16g are also available.

Apart from a great looking club, Srixon has also included a great looking head cover, in red leather! Stick the name EVERLAST on it and you’d swear you have a boxing glove!

As far back as I can remember, Srixon has been a golf ball company, however the last few years have seen their stock rise as a contender within the equipment industry. With their latest release of drivers, woods, hybrids and irons, Srixon is poised to make a dent in that market as well. Give the new Z 785 driver a try and see for yourself how good it feels. Srixon is so sure that they’ve produced a winner that they’re offering a 60-day money back guarantee. For more information, visit the Srixon website at www.srixon.com.

Tour Edge Hot Launch C524 Driver – A Lot of Technology at a Bargain Price

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Every January for the past twenty years, I would pick up the latest issue of Golf Digest to see what new equipment had made it onto their Hot List and then head to the PGA show in Orlando to check it out. And each year the new gear from Tour Edge received rave reviews. They were virtually unheard of; probably because they didn’t do any PGA TOUR  endorsements. The Champions TOUR was another story; players like Bernhard Langer, Scott McCarron, and Ken Duke were all playing some type of Tour Edge club. This year Bo Jackson has been added as a spokesperson.

About seven years ago I had a falling out with my Ping G30 irons and picked up a used set of Tour Edge Hot Launch HL2 irons. I hit them solidly and was excited to get away from the wide soles of the PINGs. I found that with the Tour Edge irons, not only did I gain some highly coveted distance but my shot dispersion and accuracy were a lot better too. The low price was a bonus! I was now officially a believer in the quality of Tour Edge golf equipment.

After retiring a couple of years ago, I decided that I would treat myself to a new set of irons as a retirement gift.  After testing a few different models, I chose the Tour Edge C522 iron/hybrid combo set. The Tour Edge website let me customize the clubs and I put together a set that included a 4-5-6 hybrid and a 7-PW irons, graphite senior shafts, and 2 extra wraps on the grips.  The complete set was less than $600, considerably less than the $1,200 – $1,600 I would have spent on one of the “big-name” brands.

The C522 irons were both forgiving and accurate, and the hybrids quickly became my go-to clubs.  Not only had I found a set of irons that improved my golf game, but I’d also found a club manufacturer that offered a great product at a tremendous value. They had earned my respect!

This year I decided it was time to replace my PING driver so I immediately got on the Tour Edge website. I was looking for a driver that would give me an extra 15-20 yards (aren’t we all).  I did my research and not having the swing speed to benefit from the Exotics line, I opted for Tour Edge’s C524 driver. Not only did I find those extra yards, but I didn’t lose any of the accuracy I had previously come to count on with my PING driver.

Tour Edge’s C524 driver is loaded with technology. Their engineers have brought the Ridgeback Tech concept from their Exotics line to their Hot Launch clubs and placed the Ridgeback rail on the crown. The Ridgeback rail serves two purposes, First, it increases the structural properties of the clubhead to produce more power across the entire face, including the extreme perimeters. Secondly, when you address the ball, the Ridgeback becomes an alignment tool that increases accuracy.

The back weight is strategically placed in the extreme rear of the clubhead giving it more mass at the extreme trailing edge of the clubhead. It creates an extremely high MOI rating and a lower and deeper CG position. This gives you more forgiveness off the face at impact. And makes it easier to launch the ball higher.

Tour Edge’s Diamond Face VFT technology is a breakthrough in face technology and features 37 different thick and thin diamond shapes (mini-trampolines) behind the face. This produces faster ball speeds and better performance on off-center hits. It also reduces spin.

The 6-4 Titanium head features a deep 360° Cup Face design, increasing the amount of face flexing on off-center hits to achieve higher ball speeds and create a more solid feel.

Tour Edge’s Hot Launch line is well-known to price-conscious golfers, but these clubs are so much more than that.  They are packed with industry-leading technology and a great look, sound, and feel all at a bargain price. All Exotics and Hot Launch clubs are hand-built in Batavia, Illinois. They have a lifetime warranty and a 30-day play guarantee. To find your next set of Tour Edge golf clubs, visit them online at www.touredge.com.

RIPIT Golf Grips – Express Yourself

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Golf grips are often overlooked and taken for granted. Although they are your only connecting point to the golf club, we let these black pieces of textured rubber get dirty, worn down, cut up, and abused. No one seems to change them as often as they should.

One way to pay more attention to your grips is to replace what you’re currently using with something more easily noticed. That’s where RIPIT Grips come in.

RIPIT caters to the new generation of golfers who don’t mind being noticed. They may be wearing flashy – not trashy – golf apparel, footwear, colorful golf gloves, or sporting a vibrantly colored golf bag. Or all of the above. What they tout means a lot, hopefully, they’ve got the game to back it up! Think of it like the passion of teeing off last in a major on Sunday meets the remnants of a wild Saturday night!

RIPIT grips are designed in Australia and are designed to outperform other grips and will help you play your best. They are made of multi-compound rubber, giving them a great feel with just the right amount of tack and a relaxed taper from the butt end to the bottom of the grip. They may feel a little firmer than the grips you currently use, but it takes only a few swings to get comfortable with them. The deep grooves come in handy in wet weather.

RIPITs come in over 18 designs – another eight for putters – and can be purchased as a single grip or in a package of different designs. Most grips are available in a multitude of colors. With names like The Squiggle, Pin-Up Hunting, and Sparkling Snake, your toughest decision might be which design to choose. At $18.50 for a single grip, many players will find RIPIT Grips a little on the pricey side.

It’s a fact that the grip is your only connection to the golf club, which serves as an extension of your body. Now you can connect that bright red golf glove to a grip as bold as you are. For more information or to order a set of RIPIT grips, visit their website at www.ripitgrips.com.

The Denison Golf Club – A Donald Ross Masterpiece in Central Ohio.

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Almost 100 years ago, local railroad and coal magnate John Sutphin Jones was looking for something that would be a good compliment to his Granville Inn. He decided that a golf course would make the most sense, so he hired world-renowned Scottish golf course architect Donald Ross to design and build his golf course.  The new Granville Golf Course opened for play in 1925 and is still very popular to this day.

The Granville Golf Course – better known these days as Denison Golf Club – has long been recognized as one of the best public courses in the Midwest.  Ross stuck to his philosophy of using as much of the land’s natural topography as possible and with Granville’s naturally rolling wooded and hilly terrain, the task was easy. Tight, sloped fairways lead to firm and fast Bentgrass greens, and the 63 strategically placed sand bunkers will keep you honest.

In 2014, Denison University became the proud owner of The Granville Golf Course when it accepted the course as a gift from the six stockholders of The Granville Golf Course Company. This gave the university ownership of both The Granville Inn and the golf course, just like it was almost a century ago! The decision was made immediately to make it a public golf course.

Like most Donald Ross courses, what Denison lacks in length, it makes up for in challenging approach shots and small greens. Ross’s belief that a golf course should take full advantage of natural hazards before creating one is on full display here, with woods and water coming into play on several holes.

Denison Golf Club offers golfers five sets of tees with yardages ranging from 5,157 to 6,559 yards. Par here is 71. The Blue Tees  (6,210 yards) with a moderate slope of 132 provided a good challenge and still let me leave with a little dignity. Choose the yardage that best suits your game and you’re sure to enjoy this Donald Ross Classic.

Before Denison took over, the golf course had fallen on some bad financial times. To keep the course afloat, some of the land was sold to a real estate developer and three of the best holes on Ross’s original layout were replaced with three holes that ran through part of the community. The only “complete hole” that was part of this land grab was the 16th, considered to be the club’s signature hole. I read somewhere on the Internet that within the next few years, Denison is considering hiring a well-known golf course architect to redesign holes 14 – 16 and tweak some others.

The last three holes are some of the most memorable golf holes I’ve played in Ohio. Number 16 is a short 324-yard par 4 that requires accuracy off the tee. Large pine trees frame the narrow landing area of the fairway. Your approach shot is blind and plays uphill into a small, round green that slopes from back to front and is protected by a lone bunker front right. You’ll need pinpoint accuracy to hold the green!

The par 3, 17th hole plays 147 yards into a green tucked away in the hillside. Missing the green to the right is not good because the severe slope will send your ball down the hill and leave you with a tough up and down for par. The green slopes from back to front and can make a shot from the front-right bunker very challenging.

If anyone has ever told you about their favorite hole at the Denison Golf Club, it’s probably Number 18. It is easily the club’s signature hole. As you stand on the tee box, forget about golf and take in all this refreshing view has to offer. You tee off from a very elevated tee box downhill to a fairway framed with bunkers on either side of the landing area. From up here, it seems the ball will stay in the air forever. A well-struck drive that finds the fairway will leave you with a short-iron approach shot into a small well-undulated green with a single bunker back right. Par is a great way to end!

Warmups are not overrated, and Denison has a full-length driving range where you can hit every club in your bag before heading to the first tee. There’s also a practice putting green where you can get an idea of what you can expect on the course.

After your round, stop by the Bistro at Denison Golf Club. It’s a great place to relax with friends and enjoy one of The Bistro’s craft beer selections as you tally your winnings. The Bistro also offers a variety of appetizers, hot sandwiches, and breakfast sandwiches for those early morning rounds.

If you enjoy playing the Denison Golf Club as much as I did, you may want to consider a membership. Denison offers an Unlimited Season Pass that includes cart fees for $3,200. That’s golf 7 days a week from dusk to dawn. Denison also offers a 5-day (Mon – Fri) pass, a Twilight Season Pass for those who prefer to play in the late afternoon, and a Junior Season Pass. Other family members can be added to any pass for an additional fee.

For more information on the Denison Golf Club or to book your next round, give them a call at (740) 587-GOLF (4653) or visit them online at www.denisongolfclub.com.

The Preserve Golf Club at Tara – New Owners Are Returning The Club To Its Glory Days

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When his family purchased the Preserve Golf Club at Tara a few years ago, Krishna Persaud wanted to create a place where community residents could gather and take pride. He also knew that for that to happen, big changes had to be made.

When the Persaud family purchased the course in 2020, they were behind the eight ball right from the start. Before permanently vacating the property, the former owners – who own several courses in SW Florida – came in and cherry-picked the maintenance equipment and distributed it to their other courses. They had also failed to put down any fertilizer or pre-emergent in months.

Because of the former owner’s neglect, the course’s condition had been deteriorating slowly but steadily for more than a decade. Persaud realized he had to spend money to make money and started with a “mini-revitalization” of the golf course.

Chemicals were applied to every square inch of the golf course to kill weeds that were running rampant. For a while after the treatment, some fairways didn’t have any grass. They also did their best to kill weeds on the greens without killing the greens. Then a pre-emergent weed killer was applied to prevent them from coming back. Other improvements included redoing seven tee boxes: stripping them bare, resodding them, and putting fertilizer down.

One thing the Preserve Club at Tara has going for it is a beautiful two-story, Old Florida-style clubhouse. Shortly after purchasing the property, Persaud added a happy hour which continues to gain popularity. He has also sought input from golfers and patrons about what they would like to see on the menu and made the appropriate changes.

The previous owners did not use the clubhouse to promote social events or to bring the community together; it was primarily used by golfers looking for a drink and maybe a quick bite to eat before and after their rounds. Persaud and his staff wanted the clubhouse to be a meeting place for the community. Plans are in the works for karaoke nights, Zumba and yoga classes as well as painting and sewing get-togethers.

The Ryder Cup Grille is open daily and offers a deli-style menu as well as a fully-stocked bar with a variety of beers on tap. After your round, sit back, relax, and watch your favorite team on their big screen TV. They also offer meeting space that can accommodate up to 80 guests.

As far as golf is concerned, the Preserve at Tara has nice practice facilities. There’s a natural grass range with aqua target greens ranging from 100 yards to 250 yards, so you can work out the kinks with your irons, fairway woods, and driver. There’s a short game area where you can practice your pitching, chipping, and bunker shots, and an 8,000 square-foot putting green that rolls just like the ones you’re about to encounter – perfect and true.

The golf course opened in 2000 and was designed by renowned golf course architect Ted McAnlis. Five sets of tees create a suitable yardage for just about any level of golfer. The course can be played anywhere from 7,00 yards from the Eagle Tees for more accomplished golfers to 5,065 yards from the Hummingbird Tees for juniors, seniors, and ladies. Pick the tees that best suit your game and you’re sure to enjoy yourself.

Appropriately, each tee box is named after a bird (Eagle, Hawk, Heron, Oriole, and Hummingbird) giving some insight into the wildlife you’ll encounter as you make your way around the golf course. Given what I saw when I played the course, the next tees they add should be named Gator!

In designing the golf course, McAnlis did a tremendous job of keeping the natural beauty and surroundings intact. Wetlands blend seamlessly into the design which is important since they are present on every hole. Some holes are tree-lined with plentiful landing zones off the tee, others have ancient oaks and towering pines bordering the tight fairways. The green complexes are mildly mounded green and usually offer plenty of room to recover from poorly hit approach shots. Most greens are open in front, promoting the senior Florida golfer’s favorite shot, the bump and run! Although several dogleg holes offer a risk/reward opportunity, in my humble opinion the risk greatly outweighs the reward!

With over 50 ponds dotting the layout, The Preserve Golf Club at Tara is a great test of target golf. With water or wetlands on every hole, players who aren’t making good decisions or striking the ball cleanly will go through a lot of golf balls. Conversely, if you can make it around the course with the same ball, you’ve probably shot a pretty good round.

The challenge begins right from the start on the first hole, a 365-yard dogleg right, par 4. Water comes into play on the right – not a good place for most golfers – as does a sand trap. There’s a second trap on the left side as well. A good drive will leave a short iron into a slightly elevated green protected on the right side by sand and the opportunity to get off to a good start.

Number 2 is a challenging par 3 that plays 145 yards. It requires a forced carry of about 130 yards over water onto an elevated green fronted by sand bunkers on either side. Anything long is a tough up and down for par.

The three finishing holes are considered by many golfers to be the best in the area. Number 16 is a 490-yard par 5 with a dogleg to the right. It requires a 150-yard forced carry off the tee that lands short of the fairway bunker on the left. From there you’ll notice that the fairway gets very narrow and if you don’t make it past the trees on the right, the task just gets tougher. Ponds guard both sides of the landing area on your layup shot and bunkers adorn both sides a little closer to the green.

Seventeen is a 205-yard par three that often plays into the winds that blow off the Gulf of Mexico. There’s water on either side so be sure to hit your tee shot crisply!

Your round ends with a 410-yard, par 4, dogleg right that requires a tee shot over water that avoids the bunker on the left and the second pond on the right. A good drive is still going to leave a long to mid-iron into the green which is protected in the front left by a large bunker. It’s a fitting way to end a fun round!

The Preserve Golf Club offers a variety of memberships designed to fit your needs. Single, couples, and senior memberships are available and include unlimited golf, advanced tee times booking, USGA handicapping, inclusion in club-sponsored golf events and so much more. Currently, there are no initiation fees, assessments, or monthly minimums. Check the website for more details.

As you will see, the golf course is still a work in progress, but conditions seem to be improving on a daily basis. To get an idea for yourself what the future holds, you can book your next round by calling (941) 756-2944 or booking online at www.golfthepreserve.com. Persaud and his staff are on a mission to make the club a success, after all the residents’ home value depends on it. The pressure’s on!

Foxfire Country Club – Go on a Permanent Vacation

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As a kid growing up in a few of the northern states, I dreamed of retiring, moving to a golf community somewhere in the Sunshine State, playing golf, and living happily ever after! As I got older and moved through the workforce, that was the same dream shared by just about everyone I ever played golf with.

On a recent trip to the Naples area, I came across a community that more than fills the bill. The community is home to more than 900 residents and has a very robust calendar of social and recreational activities including tennis, bocce ball, and yoga. You can spend time in the fitness center or relax in one of the 19 community swimming pools. You can be a part of the social scene at trivia or karaoke night and enjoy theater trips and themed parties. Plus, you can enjoy both fine and casual dining on property. It’s like living life on a permanent vacation. Oh, did I mention that there are 27 holes of Arthur Ross-designed golf?

The community I’m talking about is Foxfire, which is located just east of U.S. Highway 41 in Naples and is bordered by Radio Road to the north and Davis Road to the south, with easy access to both downtown Naples and I-75. The beautiful Gulf Beaches are a mere 10 minutes away and shopping is within walking distance.

History of Foxfire Golf & Country Club

In March 1982, U.S. Homes announced plans to build a “Planned Community with Country-Club Living.” The development was to be located north of Davis Boulevard on 320 acres in an area formerly known as King’s Lake North. U.S. Homes commissioned Arthur Hills to design a golf course around a Florida-shaped lake, which would become his trademark.

Seventeen months later it was plain to see that this new community – dubbed Foxfire – was starting to take shape. Roadways were being laid out and the outline of the golf course could be seen. Home lots had been subdivided and construction had begun.  The first residence was sold in January 1984 and by June, home sales had far exceeded expectations. A year later, the golf course opened for play. By 1987, all 925 units (condominiums, verandas, villas, and single-family homes) at Foxfire had been sold, two years ahead of schedule. This was a new record for selling out a development in Florida.

Foxfire’s early popularity can be chalked up to two things:  an equity membership in the country club was included in the price of each property, and the Arthur Hills golf course was the epitome of premium quality and high standards. That continues to this day.

Unfortunately, because of the high volume of golfers, tee times were hard to come by, upsetting many of the residents/members. A decision was made to bring Arthur Hills back to build another nine holes and in 1995, the new 9-hole layout opened with enough room left over for 6 more home lots.

Over the years, the golf course has undergone several renovations which has now morphed into the beautiful, well-conditioned course you find today. In 2003 all 27 greens were rebuilt to USGA specifications and completion of a new 20,000-square-foot clubhouse was completed in 2005. The second and final phase of the master-planned restoration project was completed in 2013 when all 27 greens were re-graded, and all bunkers were rebuilt. Tee boxes were touched up and new ones were added on all 27 holes and 12 holes received major fairway renovations.

Another ten-year rolling plan was recently completed. This renovation focused on landscaping improvements to the golf course and common areas and included a new irrigation system and golf carts.

Foxfire Golf & Country Club is a private club and the only way to join this private golf club is to buy a home. This gives you access to all of Foxfire’s amenities with no initiation or membership fees due upon joining the club.

The Arthur Hills Golf Courses

The golf courses are very popular – to the tune of about 65,000 rounds each year. Having 27 holes is a real bonus because it is the same as having three championship 18-hole layouts in one location. You’re not going to tire of playing the same 18 holes over and over again. Many of the members/residents are “snowbirds,” so the course stays busy from January through April each year. Each course has five sets of tee boxes, so finding a suitable distance to play from is never a problem.

Each of the nine-hole courses is unique in its own right. The Red Course requires accuracy not only off the tee but on approach shots as well. Water comes into play on at least 7 holes. The water hazards and sand bunkers are strategically placed in landing areas and around the greens. The dogleg left, par 5, 3rd hole is the #1 handicap, with water down the entire left side. Playing your tee shot and layup shot down the right will take the water out of play and give you the best angle into the green, which is relatively flat.

The Blue Course is referred to by many members as “The Original Back Nine.” It is best played with strategy and patience. Water comes into play on each of the nine holes with water surrounding or abutting at least 6 greens. Nowhere is this more prevalent than on the 7th hole, with three separate lakes that need to be navigated. It’s a long par 5 that is (at least) a three-shot hole for most players. Favor the left side off the tee then play your layup shot between the other two lakes and leave yourself a short chip shot into an angled green with many subtle slopes. It’s protected by a bunker on the left and water on the right. It’s a fun and challenging hole that claims a lot of golf balls!

The Silver Course is carved from the native Florida vegetation in the area. Once again, water is the predominant variable, coming into play on 7 holes. The course is defined by the beautiful preserve areas which add definition to several holes. It is easily the most picturesque of all the layouts, but don’t let that psyche you out. Case in point, the short, 322-yard par 4, 3rd hole, which is handicapped the toughest on this side. It offers different options off the tee; big hitters can try and go for the green, while the rest of us will lay up down the right side. This will leave a short iron or wedge into a slightly elevated green which slopes from back to front.


A gated golf community needs great practice facilities and Foxfire lives up to expectations. The Celebration Bermuda natural grass driving range has modern artificial tees and five target greens that simulate on-course scenarios. It’s full-length, so you can hit every club in the bag. The range is conveniently located near the clubhouse, pro shop, and grille room patio and is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

In addition to a full-length driving range, there’s a short-game area that features two putting greens and a separate pitching and chipping green. You’ll also find a greenside practice bunker over at the pitching and chipping area. The practice greens are covered in Tif-Eagle Bermuda Grass which you’ll be putting on during your round.

If you’re heading to Florida and are ready to make a major life change, Foxfire Golf & Country Club in Naples is worth checking into. Visit them online at www.foxfirecc.com.

Golf, Bourbon, and the Kentucky State Parks

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What do you get when you mix golf and bourbon? For most players, it’s a forgettable score, but in Kentucky, it’s a winning combination for tourists! Here, you can mix the golf courses at several Kentucky State Parks with nearby members of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and create memorable results.

The Kentucky State Parks have a lot to offer golfers with challenging and scenic golf courses all over the state. Many offer lodging and several are within easy driving distance of each other. The Kentucky State Parks website has made it easy for you to plan your next round of golf at one of these facilities or even book a cabin and make it a buddies or couples golf trip. They have separated the parks into three regions, East, Central, and West.

The Central region is home to four fantastic golf courses, Dale Hollow in Burkesville, My Old Kentucky Home in Bardstown, Barren River Lake in Lucas, and Lincoln Homestead in Springfield. While Dale Hollow seems to grab most of the spotlight, the other three are definite considerations when putting together a multi-round trip.

If you’re going to indulge in such an excursion why not start at the top? My Old Kentucky Home State Park is located in Bardstown, KY which is considered by many to be the heart of the Bourbon Trail. The golf course underwent a complete reconstruction and redesign several years ago, and the results are quite impressive. In 2008-09, My Old Kentucky Home Golf Course was recognized by Golf Digest, receiving four stars as a “Best Places to Play.” The scenery, playability, and challenge make it well worth a visit.

Senior golfers seem to favor My Old Kentucky Home because from Tee 3, the course plays 5,008 yards with a slope of 109. From the back tees, it plays 6,413 yards with a course rating of 71.2 and a slope of 129. Move up to Tee 2 and the yardage drops significantly but the slope remains relatively high (5,749/122).

According to Andrew Wolfe from the Kentucky Department of Parks, they are nearing completion of the Better Billy Bunkering project that the Parks Department started several years ago. The Bentgrass greens are in incredible condition, they are well-undulated and roll true.

The front nine at My Old Kentucky Home Golf Course is a perfect blend of bomb it off the tee, target golf, and finesse shots. Several holes are wide open off the tee, but as you get closer to the green, the fairways narrow, putting an emphasis on accuracy.

The back nine is amazing;  especially the par 3, 14th and par 3 16th holes. From the back tees, they play 171 and 210 yards, respectively. Don’t let the length intimidate you, each hole plays straight downhill, making it considerably shorter. Par is still a great score on either one.

Now for the good news: There are several large and small distilleries within a 25-minute drive of My Old Kentucky Home Golf Club including Heaven Hill, Barton, Jim Beam, Makers Mark, Bardstown Distilling Company, Lux Row, Preservation, and Willet.  Hit a big slice on the 5th hole and you’re in the parking lot of Heaven Hill!

My Old Kentucky Home offers bourbon tastings throughout the year. The 1792 Guided Bourbon Tasting includes 4 of Barton Distilleries’ finest selections from the 1792 lineup.  Other tasting experiences can be found at the park in a beautiful and historical setting. The nearby Volstead Bourbon Lounge and the famous Talbot Tavern are wonderful places to sample several select bourbons, all in one location.

Lincoln Homestead Golf Course may be slightly off the beaten path but it’s still only 30 minutes away from My Old Kentucky Home. The course was designed by world-renowned architect Perry Maxwell and his son, J. Press Maxwell. As you make your way around the course you’ll encounter rolling fairways with modest elevation changes, beautiful lakes, an abundance of wildlife, and terrific views. The small, Bentgrass greens are incredible with subtle undulations and roll smooth and true.

There are five par 3 holes on this par 71 golf course and are all challenging. The 5th hole plays 195 yards from Tee #2 and is all carry over a grassy valley. Number 8 is a carbon copy of the 5th, although it plays about 35 yards shorter. The back nine starts with another par 3 that plays 205 yards and at 204 yards, the 14th hole is a mirror image, that plays in the opposite direction. It’s dead straight so pick the right club and swing away.

A couple of holes had alternate greens, which was an interesting twist. No matter your skill level, the course is fun and challenging, and with extremely affordable – some might say downright cheap – greens fees Monday – Friday it’s one of the best golf bargains around!

Bourbon enthusiasts will find several famous distilleries near the golf course:  Four Roses, Wild Turkey, and Buffalo Trace, the oldest continuously operating distillery in America. Lincoln Homestead is an ideal stopping point between the Frankfort/Lawrenceburg area and Bardstown, KY.

With two State Park golf courses within an easy drive of each other, they make for a great weekend getaway with the guys, gals, or significant others. Although neither Lincoln Homestead nor My Old Kentucky Home State Parks offer accommodations (other than campsites), there are a myriad of hotel options, VRBOs, and quaint bed and breakfasts.

Even though Barren River Lake State Resort Park in Lucas, KY is a water lovers’ paradise, the golf course offers a great challenge in a relaxing setting. The course winds its way around forests and rolling hills and through valleys near the shore of Barren River Lake. Although the course doesn’t have nearly the elevation changes you’ll find at My Old Kentucky Home, it more than makes up for in sloping fairways. Holes 3 – 8 offer fantastic views of the lake and the back nine is carved out of the surrounding forest. Head Golf Professional Cody Goodwin refers to the first three holes as qualifying holes, preparing him to take on his favorite hole, the par 5, 4th. At 464 yards from the back tees, it’s a short par 5 by today’s standards. The fairway slopes severely from right to left so a good drive down the right side will leave the best angle into the green and the chance to play the same ball again. It becomes a moot point if you can carry your tee shot 260 yards. The green sits about 30 feet above the lowest point of the fairway with a huge mound just to the left, which can wreak havoc should you hit it on your approach shot. Double bogeys are more common than birdies on this “short” par 5!

After your round, take a tour of the Dueling Grounds Distillery in nearby Franklin, KY. Car enthusiasts can make the short drive to Bowling Green, KY, and visit the Corvette Museum. There’s always Mammoth Cave National Park, the world’s longest cave system.

Barren River Lake State Park offers both lodge rooms and cottages that are perfect for foursomes and smaller groups. There is also a full-service bar and restaurant in the main lodge building making it a great place to stay, play golf, enjoy the lake, and commune with nature!

For more information on these or any other Kentucky State Park golf facility, visit their website at www.parks.ky.gov/golf.

Indian Spring Country Club – A Return to Days Gone By

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The community of Indian Spring in Boynton Beach, Florida has been a popular community for golfers and recreation seekers since the 1990s. Indian Spring Country Club features two championship golf courses, 26 Har-Tru™ tennis courts, an Olympic-size pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a modern 52,000-square-foot Clubhouse with a dining room that can seat up to 450. What else do you need?

Development of this 55+ gated golf community of Indian Spring in Boynton Beach, Florida began in 1981 and wasn’t completed until 1998. Within the gates are 1,901 homes nestled within 24 neighborhoods, many with their own outdoor pool and small clubhouse. Each community has a wide variety of home styles including single-family homes, attached villas, townhomes, and condos.

For years, membership was strong, and the club flourished. Over time, competition became fierce as more and more private, gated golf communities were built in the area. As time passed, Indian Spring Country Club faced a common problem: while residents were aging and club membership was dwindling, maintenance costs were rising, and debt payments remained steady. This happened to several communities in the area and many golf courses were being sold to real estate developers.

Rather than let things continue to play out, the leaders and members of Indian Spring Country Club took a proactive approach. In 2017, club members voted 221-2 to sell the country club and all of its assets to Concert Golf Partners. Concert Golf then started to do what they do best: turn around floundering private clubs. Since the golf courses needed very little, Concert Golf started with improvements to other amenities such as expanding and renovating the fitness center and upgrading the reception area and outdoor dining space.

The golf courses were designed by the team of Robert von Hagge and Bruce Devlin. Both courses opened for play around 1980 and went through a redesign by South Florida native Kip Schulties in 2004 and 2005.

The West Course at Indian Spring Country Club offers golfers 5 sets of tees with yardages ranging from 6,555 yards for more accomplished golfers to 4,464 yards for juniors, seniors, and ladies. Water comes into play on 13 holes and can wreak havoc on what may have been a good round!

The 9th hole is the course’s #1 handicap for both men and women. From the Blue Tees, it plays 414 yards and offers both the easiest tee shot on the course followed by the most difficult approach shot. The landing area off the tee is extremely generous and playing it as close as you can to the fairway bunker on the left will leave your best angle into the green. Your approach shot will require a mid to long-iron or hybrid into a narrow and well-undulated green protected by sand short of the green and on either side as well as water on the right.

The East Course is over 500 yards longer from the back (Gold/Championship) tees, playing 7,070 yards. Juniors, seniors, and ladies can play the course as short as 4,482 yards. Pick the distance that best suits your game and you’re sure to enjoy yourself!

Number 3 on the East Course is a 358-yard par 4, dogleg left that is handicapped #1. There’s all kinds of trouble on this hole in the form of water, sand, trees, and houses if you push your drive too far right. It also requires accuracy off the tee and, if you can hit your tee shot in the middle of the fairway and short of the water, you should do OK. Water crosses the fairway about 90 yards short of the elevated green.

The par 3, 9th hole may be the East Course’s signature hole. From the White Tees, it plays 148 yards and is all carry over water. There’s a large sand trap between the water and the elevated green and a second back left. It’s as beautiful as it is challenging.

In addition to 36 holes of fun, challenging golf, Indian Springs Country Club also has a great practice facility. There’s a full-length driving range, a large chipping green adjacent to the 18th tee, and a large practice putting green.

The staff of golf professionals at Indian Spring CC are dedicated to seeing that you get everything you want out of your golf game. If you just want to use your golf membership to play an occasional round of golf and meet other members, the staff will see to it that you are paired with like-minded members. If you want to improve your game, they are available for one-on-one and group golf lessons and club fittings to help you achieve your goals.  The staff oversees programs for ladies, men, seniors, and couples to ensure Members and guests make the most of Indian Spring’s golf amenities.

The Golf Shop is the place for all of your logoed apparel, equipment, and golf accessory needs from several of the industry’s most popular names. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, just ask, and they can probably special order it for you.

When it comes to dining, the club offers a dining atmosphere to fit everyone’s taste. Yin either a casual or elegant dining venue you’ll find a full menu of daily specials and delectable desserts, all with panoramic golf course and lakeside views.

Indian Spring also has a full social calendar throughout the year with new themed dinners and entertainers each season. Other social activities include watercolor and sculpting classes, guided day trips, dinner dances, and a wide variety of card games in the Men’s or Ladies’ card room.

Indian Spring Country Club’s Olympic-size swimming pool is the perfect place to relax after a workout or round of golf. The pool is heated during the cooler months and features a dedicated lap lane for those who are serious about their swimming. Water aerobics classes are popular too and offer a great way to stay in shape and get to know your fellow members.

As I mentioned, one of the first improvements Concert Golf made to the club was to overhaul the Fitness Center which is now state-of-the-art. As a member, you can participate in aerobics, strength training, stretching classes, and more at no additional charge. Star Trac equipment includes stationary bikes, treadmills, elliptical cross trainers, and treadmills. You can also strength train on their full line of Nautilus equipment and free weights. If you’re serious about getting in shape, you can work with one of the club’s certified personal trainers who are available to help you design a workout program and meet your fitness goals.

Like most clubs, Indian Spring offers a variety of memberships, actually more than most. Although membership is not required to live within the Indian Spring community, it is necessary if you want to use any of the amenities at Indian Spring Country Club. As an added bonus, a membership in Indian Spring automatically makes you a member at The Fountains Country Club, about 6 miles away. And that’s not all; you’ll also receive full member benefits at all 30 (and growing) Concert properties as well as more than 600 properties worldwide through Concert’s partnerships with The Executive Golfer and Links2Golf.

Membership categories include a Dual All-Inclusive Membership, Dual Full Golf Membership, and a Dual Afternoon Golf Membership which allows you to book tees times after 11 AM. There’s also a little-known Rental Membership which allows you to rent a unit on property and take advantage of everything the Country Club has to offer at a monthly rate. You can only participate in this program twice before having to make a purchasing decision. Social, Junior, and Corporate Memberships are also available. Give them a call for more information.

According to General Manager Lauren Kuhl, the club has a lot of Canadian members because Indian Spring offers the best “value” of any club in the area. Kuhl adds, “These people have done their research and found that even though they are only down for 6 months at a time, an annual membership at Indian Valley Country Club is more equitable than other clubs in the area that require huge initiation fees upfront. That’s what makes us the best value in the market!”

Indian Spring is located between Highway 95 and the Florida Turnpike, providing easy access to West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. You can make a day of it and visit one of the many beaches along Florida’s Atlantic Coast and Palm Beach International Airport is only a half-hour away. For more information on everything Indian Spring Country Club has to offer, give them a call at (561) 737-5544 or visit them online, www.indianspringcc.com. Here you can download their Lifestyle brochure which details everything going on at the club for the upcoming year. See for yourself what this value-rich club has for you.

Skort Obsession – Women’s Golf Apparel That’s Fun and Flattering

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Louise and Marisa Boffice have a passion for skorts – especially Louise. After seeing a woman riding a bicycle wearing a colorful short, she had an aha moment and came up with the idea of undershorts in a variety of colors and prints that complement the overall design. And Skort Obsession was born.

Over the years the Boffices have created clothing that makes a statement on the golf course. They combine fashion with functionality, ensuring you look your best while striding proudly down the fairway. They truly are designed with the modern woman in mind.

This year the ladies have added several new products and prints to their skort lineup including the Tee Time Pull-On Golf Skort. These skorts are sewn from a durable 4-way stretch Polyester/Spandex fabric and the pull-on style eliminates zippers and buttons which can create that nasty bump! They offer unmatched comfort and flexibility, and the breathable fabric keeps you cool during the most intense moments. Its flattering silhouette is a testament to the company’s commitment to style. The Tee Time Golf Skort features multiple pockets, giving you enough space to store those golf essentials and more. The built-in shorts provide added flexibility, allowing you to move freely and confidently. You can wear these skorts high on your waist for a short look or low on your waist for a longer length.

The Tee Time Golf Skort has a somewhat comical print and is available in several colors including Navy Blue, Fuchsia, and a new Blush color. Several other pull-on skorts are available in a variety of colors and prints including Peace Out, Margaritaville, Who Gives a Hoot, and Pickleball Slam, to name a few. They even have a print that supports Breast Cancer Awareness. For each one sold, Skort Obsession donates $5 to the Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation.

Skort Obsession also offers tops to complement their skorts and when paired together they almost create the appearance of a golf dress. These tops are offered in three designs – a sleeveless quarter zip, a sleeveless crew neck top, and a quarter-zip polo. All designs are crafted from a durable 4-way stretch with a fine smooth texture and are loose fitting and quick drying. Best of all, they’re machine washable. These three tops are available in a wide variety of colors and prints including Aqua, Black, Lime, Magenta, Marigold, Pink, Red, Royal Blue, White, and several fun prints! They are perfect for any combination of activewear; even perfect for that fun evening out!

For more information on Skort Obsession or to grow your wardrobe, visit www.skortobsession.com.