Southwest Florida golf column: Calusa Pines stays in Golfweek's Top 25 courses
Greg HardwigNaples' most decorated golf club is still in Golfweek's Best Modern Golf Courses.
Calusa Pines Golf Club even moved up a spot to No. 24 in the magazine's "annual Best" released last week.
The members of Golfweek's course-ratings panel continually evaluate courses and rate them based on 10 criteria. They also file a single, overall rating on each course. Modern courses are those built after 1960.
Those overall ratings on each course are averaged together to produce a final rating for each course. Then each course is ranked against other courses in its state, or nationally, to produce the final rankings.
Calusa Pines has a 7.71 rating. It opened in 2001 and was designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry.
The North Naples layout was No. 91 on Golf Magazine's 2017-18 ranking of the Top 100 Courses in the U.S., and stayed at No. 3 in Florida in Golf Digest rankings earlier this year. The magazine had ranked Calusa Pines 96th in its America's 100 Greatest Courses.
More: Calusa Pines, Naples National ranked among state's best courses
Liberty Mutual Invitational: The inaugural Liberty Mutual Invitational benefiting Swinging With Purpose will be held at Quail West Golf and Country Club on Sunday, May 6.
World Golf Hall of Famer Nancy Lopez will attend the tournament. The field of 136 players is full, but tickets are still available for the reception that will begin at 5 p.m.
Proceeds will benefit multiple organizations who are serving women, girls and children in the community. Those interested may register at www.swingingwithpurpose.org.
For more information or questions,email Admin@swingingwithpurpose.org.
More:Nancy Lopez, Chris DiMarco looking forward as they come to Naples
Vasari Cares Foundation: On April 16, the Vasari Cares Foundation partnered with Mercedes-Benz of Bonita Springs to present The Mercedes-Benz Dealer Championship.
This was the first-ever fundraising event for the charitable foundation that was formed in 2017 to enable the Vasari community to support local area nonprofit organizations.
The Foundation’s financial objectives were exceeded with over $42,000 raised. These funds will be shared by the designated charities The Golisano Children's Hospital, Collier County Habitat for Humanity and the Bonita Springs Assistance Office.
As part of The National Mercedes-Benz Dealers Championships, Vasari Country Club hosted 124 golfers in a 2-person net best ball. The overall event winners were Kathy and John Carroll with a net score of 55. They are eligible to compete in Dallas in December in the National Finals representing Vasari Country Club and Mercedes-Benz of Bonita Springs. All expenses will be paid by Mercedes-Benz USA.
Men’s winners were Jack Rustico and Bob LaPerriere with a net score of 58. Julie Mans and Debbie Sovran carded a net 60 to win the women’s competition.
Naples PGA Tour Superstore: In celebration of National Golf Day on Wednesday, the Naples store will be offering two, 1-hour free clinics to customers -- the first at noon and the second at 6 p.m. All participants in the clinics will receive a voucher for a free 45-minute golf lesson to be used at a later date with one of the in-store professionals.
The Naples PGA TOUR Superstores is located at: 2135 Tamiami Trail North. For more information, visit www.pgatoursuperstore.com.
Golden Gate Kids Camp Tournament: Set for Saturday, May 19 at Hammock Bay and is presented by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Golden Gate Patrol District and Golden Gate Kiwanis.
The event will support education and sports summer scholarships in the Golden Gate area. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start.
To register for the golf tournament or become a sponsor, contact Paul Cabral at
0792@colliersheriff.org or 239-252-9200, or go to http://birdeasepro.com/Kidsclubkiwanis.
Nantz thanks Venturi: Broadcaster Jim Nantz has been named the 2018 recipient of the Ambassador of Golf Award. The Ambassador of Golf Award is presented annually by Northern Ohio Golf Charities to a person who has fostered the ideals of the game on an international level and whose concern for others extends beyond the golf course.
Nantz joins two former CBS colleagues, his longtime producer, Frank Chirkinian (1989), and Ken Venturi (1998), his former lead analyst, as recipients of the Ambassador of Golf Award. Venturi was a longtime Marco Island resident and died in 2013. Nantz inducted Venturi, who was ill and couldn't attend, into the World Golf Hall of Fame earlier that year.
"I truly consider this to be one of the greatest honors of my career,” Nantz said in a release. “I've attended this celebration many times and will never forget being there to see how much it meant to Frank and Kenny. The game of golf has been a blessing in my life and to be able to live out the childhood dream of covering the PGA Tour, well, I'm a lucky man. There are no words to express the depth of my gratitude for this recognition."
Nantz will be honored during a presentation in the Main Dining Room at Firestone Country Club at 6 p.m., on Wednesday, Aug. 1.
SFPGA Junior Challenge Tour: Naples' Addison Klonowski was seventh in the Girls 13-18 Division at Weston Hills Country Club, shooting an 80 in the rain-shortened event. Vivian Guite of Naples was 16th with an 86.
In the Boys 13-18 Division, Naples' Chad Tracy was eighth with a 77. Michael Stott of Naples was 36th with an 86, and Cape Coral's Gregory Moore was 48th with a 90.
Impact Zone Golf: May 9-June 13, six-week Men’s Operation 36 Group Program, open to the public, led by IZG staff instructor Bernard Sheridan at Tiburón Golf Club. To register for a free information session on Wednesday, May 2 at 5:30 p.m. in the clubhouse, call 239-236-5536; Juniors -- Registration is open for Summer PGA Jr. Camps at PGA Jr. Camps at the Impact Zone Golf Academy at Tiburón. Impact Zone Junior Golf Academy has teamed with PGA Jr. Camps for the 2018 Summer Camp season, combining curriculum from the PGA of America, Operation 36, and Impact-Based instruction. IZG Junior Coaches will be teaching half-day, full-day, and competitive overnight camps, offered throughout the summer. Ages 6-17. Call 888-PGA-PLAY or 236-5536; Drive, Chip, and Putt Training -- Ages 7-15, open to the public. Training will specifically target each area of the competition and is designed to prepare juniors through weekly simulated competitions utilizing Trackman Technology. Training runs every Thursday 4 to 6 p.m. from May 17-June 28 at Tiburón Golf Club. Price: $35 per session; 4 or more sessions $30 per person. Sign up for local qualifiers at www.drivechipputt.com.
To submit an item, send an email to ghardwig@naplesnews.com.
■ ■ ■
A rundown of other activities and events follows:
CHARITY
QBE Shootout Summer Series
Info: The series that features tournaments with two golfers playing the three formats in the PGA Tour's QBE Shootout has opened registration. The schedule: May 19, Tiburón Black, 12:45 p.m.; June 30, Kensington, 8:30 a.m.; July 21, Hammock Bay, 8:30 a.m.; Aug. 18, Raptor Bay, 8:30 a.m.; Sept. 8, The Quarry, 8:30 a.m.; Oct. 6, Tiburón Gold, 12:45 p.m. A portion of the proceeds benefits CureSearch for Children's Cancer.
Contact: shootoutsummerseries.com, email kroundy@teamwass.com, or call 254-9770.
Wounded Veterans Relief Fund Tournament
Info: Saturday, April 28 at Hammock Bay Country Club. Registration and a boxed lunch will be at 10 a.m., followed by a putting contest at 11 a.m. and a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start for the scramble. A live auction follows the tournament. There also will be a helicopter ball drop. The tournament entry fee is $250. Sponsorships are available.
Contact: Randall Denman at (917) 623-8271 or randalldenman@gmail.com.
Southwest Florida EWGA Pro-Am
Info: The 15th annual pro-am will be held Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29 at Quail Creek Country Club in Naples. The pro-am field is full with 36 teams, but attendance is still open to attend the Saturday night reception dinner. This year’s theme is “Golfing with the Stars.”
Contact: Lori Drumm at loridrumm@hotmail.com or call 239-304-0579.
Lipman Classic
Info: The fundraiser for Redlands Christian Migrant Association is scheduled for May 5 at Naples Heritage Golf & Country Club. Golfers will receive a continental breakfast and buffet lunch, with door prizes galore. Sponsorships range from $225 for an individual golfer up to the $10,000 title sponsorship held by Lipman Family Farms.
Contact: Kathleen Roehm at (863) 781-2874, send an email to cr@rcma.org or check online at www.rcma.org.
Gold Ribbon Classic Tournament
Info: Candlelighters of Southwest Florida will host the 23rd annual tournament at Bonita Bay Club East in Naples on Saturday, May 12. Registration starts at 8 a.m., with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. The entry fee is $150. The tournament was originally scheduled for September, but was postponed due to Hurricane Irma. Preregistration is required.
Contact: www.CandlelightersSWFL.org or call (239) 432-2223.
JUNIORS
Alico Family Golf
Contact: Kraig@alicofamilygolf.com or Trey@alicofamilygolf.com
First Tee of Naples/Collier
Contact: thefirstteenaplescollier.org, Derek Clemmensen at 331-1800 or tftnaplesleederek@yahoo.com.
Impact Zone Golf Juniors
Info: Junior Academy's Operation 36, after school at Tiburón. Development program pairs Impact Zone-based teaching. Weekly classes, on-course lessons and weekend tournaments. Packages start at $140 per person per month. Ages 7-18.
Contact: RSVP to info@impactzonegolf.com.
Junior Golf Performance Academy
Info: At Quail Creek Country Club. After-School Group Program (August-May). Openings available for Beginner to Advanced juniors from ages 5-15, Monday-Friday, 4 to 5 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Currently has 96 of120 junior time slots reserved, with 24 spots remaining for March-May before Summer Golf Camps start. 1-Hour Sessions priced monthly from $140/4, $265/8, $315/12. New JGPA Saturday Groups starting soon. Golf camps -- Half-day, cost $225, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to noon, ages 5-15; Full day, cost $450, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., ages 5-15; Dates, June 11-15, June 18-22, June 25-29, July 9-13, July 16-20, July 23-27, July 30-Aug. 3, Aug. 6-10.
Contact: Call or text JGPA Academy Director, Spencer Graham, at (561) 339-4688, or email infoJGPA@gmail.com.
AREA ORGANIZATIONS
Alico Family Golf Center
Info: The 8th annual PGA H.O.P.E. (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program running for seven weeks during the months of April and May. The free program is open to all veterans in Southwest Florida and is held every Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. The seven classes run for two hours and consist of golf instruction, on-the-course practice as well as a finale golf tournament and barbecue on the final, seventh week. Remaining dates: April 30, May 7, 14, 21; Format: 2 to 2:45 p.m., food and social time; 2:45 to 4 p.m., clinic and 9-hole short course play.
Contact: 334-4653 or alicofamilygolf.com, www.alicofamilygolf.com/pga-hope/
Southwest Amateur Series
Info: Men’s circuit through the Florida State Golf Association features 36-hole individual competitions, with $130 entry fees.
Contact: fsga.org
SWFL Executive Women’s Golf Association
Contact: Patty Gift, patty.gift@raymondjames.com, 287-5672; Mourine White at mourinew10@comcast.net, 262-5948, swflewga.com.
Valencia Leagues
Info: Men’s league Saturdays at 8 a.m.; ladies league Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Contact: 352-0777, ValenciaGolfandCountryClub.com
World Golfers Amateur Tour-Southwest Florida
Info: $189 per year.
Contact: wgatusa.com or email Jim Stockman at jim@worldgolfersusa.com
INSTRUCTION, ETC.
Alico Family Golf Center: Thursday Ladies Class, 9 to 10 a.m., $25 per person with golf instructor Debbie Keim (508) 737-3004, deb@alicofamilygolf.com. Keim has 25 years of experience and was head professional at Paul Harney Golf Course in Falmouth, Massachusetts, for the past four years. Lesson rates are $60 for 30 minutes, $100 for an hour, $160 for 3-pack of 30 minutes, $275 for 3-pack of 60 minutes, or $20 additional person lesson. Contact Kraig Feighery at kraig@alicofamilygolf.com or 231-2036 or 334-4653.
APEX Golf: State-of-the-art training studio combining the skills of a golf pro and a physical therapist to improve the body and golf swing. The studio has a high-definition golf simulator, a K-Vest golf swing analyzer, video, and strength and flexibility testing software. APEX offers a free 30-minute analysis of the body and swing. Call 337-2739.
Susan Bond: Bond is an instructor at The Links of Naples, and is a quarter-century member of the PGA of America. She also is a New England Section award winner in multiple categories. Call 417-1313.
Mike Dopslaff Instruction: PGA professional Mike Dopslaff, a four-time Southwest Florida PGA Player of the Year, provides instruction. Individual, group lessons at San Carlos Golf Club. Emailgolfslaff@aol.com.
Rodney Bungartz Lessons: At Arrowhead Golf Club. Call 348-5929.
Jon Butler Golf: Offering 2- and 4-day golf schools, short game schools, clinics, private lessons and on-course playing lessons. Call 239-821-8447, jonbutlergolf@gmail.com, www.jonbutlergolf.com
Mike Calbot International Golf Studio & Triad Golf Schools: New home at Raptor Bay Golf Club in Bonita Springs. Full and half-day schools are offered. Instructional packages are one, two or three days. All instruction is by appointment only. Private instruction and playing lessons also available. More than 35 years of instructional experience. Call 482-0900 or visit www.golfdoctorusa.com.
John Carroll Lessons: Former Club Pelican Bay professional John Carroll is at Talis Park Golf Club in North Naples. Carroll was at Pelican Bay for 29 years. He is available for instruction Tuesdays through Saturdays. To make an appointment, call 597-3561 or 860-8470.
Dennis Clark Lessons: Clark, a PGA Master Professional and director of the Dennis Clark Golf Academy at the Marriott Marco Island Resort and Spa, works with developing juniors interested in furthering their careers to the collegiate level. Clark has helped several young men and women with scholarship recognition and go on to professional careers. He works with both advanced and new players, in either group or one-on-one sessions. All lessons and clinics are by appointment. Call 777-6043 or visit dennisclarkgolf.com.
Concierge Service of Naples: An off-site service free of charge to the customer. The service can make tee times year-round at private country clubs in Southwest Florida up to 60 days in advance. The fee is the normal guest rate, and golfers are not required to play with a member. Call 285-7457.
Coral Isle Golf Center: The teaching center on Collier Boulevard on the way to Marco Island has a weekly clinic schedule — Tuesdays, ladies; Thursdays, men; Saturdays, mixed. There is a short-game class Fridays, with advanced sign-up required. All start at 10 a.m. Call 732-6900.
Wayne Dahlstrom Golf Academy: Dahlstrom is conducting short-game clinics from 9 to 10 a.m. Fridays at Lakewood Country Club (775-0765) and Wednesdays at Riviera Country Club (774-2011) for $20 per person. The class is limited to six participants. Private and semiprivate full swing lessons also are available. Call Dahlstrom at 370-1047 or email wd.top100@gmail.com.
Gail Graham Golf: Gail Graham is a two-time LPGA Tour winner with over 35 years of golf experience. Game improvement programs for all ages and skill levels. Individual and Group Lessons. Clinics. Corporate events. Visit gailgrahamgolf.com, follow on Facebook (Gail Graham Golf) and Instagram (gailgrahamgolf).
The Golf Institute: Club fitting program includes evaluation based on series of tests, including frequency check and lie and loft angle. Putting evaluations also are available. Call 643-5895.
Phil Grear instruction: At Forest Glen. Call 354-1898 or 595-1120.
KISS Golf For Women Golf Schools: At Royal Poinciana Country Club. LPGA teaching professionals Lorie McCabe and her staff offer two- and three-day golf schools for women. Private instruction also is available. Call 1-888-451-KISS or 354-3633. The school’s website is www.kissgolfforwomen.com.
Spencer Graham: The Director of Instruction at Quail Creek Country Club (Guests Welcome) Rates are $225/Adults, $175/Juniors for a 1-hour Private Coaching Session. 3, 6 & 10 Hour Packages Are Available, Golf Course Playing Sessions Encouraged. Contact: Call or Text Spencer Graham at (561) 339-4688, or Email: grahamJGPA@gmail.com.
David Leadbetter Golf Academy: At LaPlaya Beach & Golf Club. Leadbetter is a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher. Academy programs include three-day golf schools and players’ schools, and a one-day mini-school. Private instruction and playing lessons also are available. Call 592-1444.
Dan Lockhart: Lessons at Fiddlesticks Country Club in Fort Myers. Lockhart can have lessons with the general public, even though Fiddlesticks is a private club. Rates are $135 for a 1-hour private lesson, $625 for a 5-hour lesson program or $1,150 for a 10-hour lesson program that includes a 9-hole playing lesson. Email dan44gt@pga.com.
Mediterra Golf School: Contact director of instruction Adam Bazalgette at adamb@clubmediterra.com or go to www.adambgolf.com.
Dennis Meyer’s Golf School: Moved to Hibiscus Golf Club. Offering golf schools, lessons, clinics. Private lessons available. Call 565-5954 or email foredjm@aol.com.
Naples Grande Golf Schools: Email mark@durlandgolf.com or call 784-2208.
On the Course Tee Times: Naples-based concierge service that partners with over two dozen public, semiprivate and private golf clubs across Southwest Florida. Specializes in arranging times on courses at discounted rates, and access to several private, members-only clubs. No service or membership fees charged. Call 690-6077.
Tom Patri Golf School: At Esplanade. Patri is a former South Florida Teacher of the Year and Met (N.Y.) PGA Teacher of the Year. Available to all skill levels, and juniors. Private instruction by the hour, half and full day sessions also. Short game specialist. Visit www.tompatri.com or email tpatri@mindspring.com.
Jim Sowerwine: The director of instruction at Pelican’s Nest Golf Club in Bonita Springs has been consistently voted as one of Florida’s top instructors by his peers by Golf Digest Magazine. Sowerwine has been voted “Top 10 Golf Professionals of Naples” by Gulfshore Life Magazine, and developed the Inside Approach Swing Trainer, awarded the No. 1 swing trainer two consecutive years by Golf Digest Magazine. Sowerwine offers private lessons, group instruction and playing lessons, and also specializes in short-game instruction. Contact him at jimsowerwine@gmail.com, 239-272-9631 or visit www.sowerwinegolf.com.