Southwest Florida golf column: North Naples wins Life Skills Cup at First Tee tournament
Greg Hardwig
Over 80 parents and players attended The First Tee of Naples/Collier Middle School Golf Championship on Saturday at Quail Village.
The new Life Skills Cup, modeled off the FedEx Cup. At each match players answered questions involving the 9 Core Values and Life Skills and applied the same during the match as well as at school and at home. Each week for five weeks, the teams received activity sheets with different Rules of Golf, golf etiquette as well as two core values to define. The team that had the most participation in both areas received the Life Skills Cup.
North Naples Middle School won it -- coach Scott Piper and players Regan Bumpous, Alex Gruel, Davis Piper, Matt DeRienzo, and Payton Balliet.
In the actual tournament, Community School won the Gold Division title with a 156, followed by Oakridge with a 161, and Collier with a 166. Jordan Law won the individual title with a 31, followed by Noah Kent and Charlie Davis (35s) and Willem Jaron (36). Pearl Jenkins shot a 36 to win the girls title.
In the Silver Division, Pine Ridge won the title with a 175, followed by Knights (177), North Naples Middle (197) and Royal Palm (197). Luke Bower won the individual title with a 37, followed by Charlie Bublitz (41), Brady Johnson and DeRienzo (43s). Rebecca Davis won the girls title with a 40, followed by Olivia Annoye (48) and Alexis Richardson (57).
More U.S. Open qualifiers: Daniel Mazziotta won the local qualifier at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Silver Lakes in Glencoe, Alabama, on May 3. Mazziotta shot a 65.
Naples' Kaleb Johnson, who plays at Michigan State, tied for medalist honors with a 69 at Muskegon Country Club on May 7.
Former tour player Dudley Hart tied for second with a 67 at The Founders Club in Sarasota on May 7.
They join Naples' David Morgan and Fort Myers' Jonathan Lowrey and Mike Andre as Southwest Florida golfers who made it out of local qualifiers. The 36-hole sectional qualifiers are June 4.
Mini-golf family fundraiser: The Lee County Homeless Coalition will host its inaugural mini-golf family fundraiser at Alico Family Golf and offer a chance to win $1 million with a hole-in-one challenge.
The fundraiser is Saturday, June 9 from 2 to 9 p.m.
“This year, we saw an increase in the number of homeless individuals and families, which largely can be attributed to the prolonged effects of Hurricane Irma,” explained Janet Bartos, executive director of the Lee County Homeless Coalition. “We have seen an increase of 257 individuals homeless because of the hurricane and a total increase of 68.91 percent from last year. We estimate that there are nearly 2,957 people homeless in Lee County."
In addition to the mini-golf, tickets include a free meal and drink, unlimited rounds on the nine-hole short course, unlimited buckets of balls, SNAG golf for kids and beginners.
The hole-in-one challenge will be from 167 yards. A closest-to-the-hole qualifier will bring it down to three finalists for the $1 million shot.
Ticket prices are as follows and can be purchased online at leehomelessminigolf.eventbrite.com: Adult $25 in advance or $30 at the door; Children under 13, $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
Southwest Florida Seniors: Dan Heaslip Windstar on Naples Bay shot a 2-under-par 70 to capture the first event of the year for the Southwest PGA Chapter Seniors at Wyndemere Country Club on Monday.
Tony Kelley of Island Country Club was second with a 71. There was a three-way tie for third place with Wyndemere's Tim Miller, Dennis Meyer of Dennis Meyer's Golf School, and J.C. Anderson all shooting 72s. Gary Keating of Shell Point shot a 73 to finish sixth, and Mike Dopslaff of San Carlos had a 74 to place seventh.
Royal Poinciana record: Justin Bertsch, a pro at the Hideout, shot a course-record 60 at Royal Poinciana in Naples over a week ago. Hideout presented Bertsch with a signed flag last Wednesday. He had 12 birdies and no bogeys.
Scott Robertson Memorial: Three golfers from Naples competed in the 35th tournament at Roanoke Country Club in Roanoke, Virginia, over the weekend. The tournament was shortened to 27 holes due to weather. James Tureskis tied for 29th at 3 over, Jayson Iten tied for 66th at 8 over, and Harrison Ornstein tied for 70th at 9 over.
Minor League Golf Tour: Naples' Ryan Celano shared the top spot on May 17 with three others after a rain-shortened 12-hole event with a 4-under-par 42.
Impact Zone Golf: Upcoming events -- Men's Operation 36 Program, $44 start at per week May 16-June 20. Call 239-236-5536; Golf Fore Ladies Clinic with Ellen Ceresko at Tiburón, topic: scoring, uneven lies, $35 per person, 11 to 11:45 a.m., May 28; Juniors, PGA Jr. Summer Camp registration open. Impact junior camps the weeks of June 11 and Aug. 6; PGA Junior League, ages 13 and under, entry deadline May 20, www.sfpgajuniorgolf.com/jr-league/ and select Impact Zone Junior Golf Academy at Tiburón; Drive, Chip and Putt Training Series, ages 7-15, May 17-June 28 at Tiburón, Thursdays 4 to 6 p.m., $35 per session (4 or more sessions, $30 per person).
Call 239-236-5536.
Men's Summer Interclub: at Royal Palm, (5-18) -- 1st Flight: 1. Clark Yoder (Foxfire)-Steve Pearson (Olde Cypress)-Dave Abernethy (Naples Lakes)-Wayne Backus (Gateway); 2. Peter Howitt (TwinEagles)-John Gittings (Royal Palm)-Barry Murphy (Foxfire)-Gregg Sundeen (Wildcat Run); 3. Malcolm Turner (Lely Classics)-Kelly Horner (Naples Heritage)-Glenn Mallory (TwinEagles)-Roger Lussier (Heritage Palms); 2nd Flight -- 1. Joe Labak (Foxfire)-Frank Nistico (Royal Wood)-Joe Giampa (Countryside)-John Mullen (Lely Classics); 2. Mike Riney (TwinEagles)-Vin Wepprecht (Glen Eagle)-Ray Ginardi (Countryside)-George Smothers (Heritage Palms); 3. Belden Burns (Foxfire)-Tim Kraus (Windstar)-Andrew Gasworth (TPC Treviso Bay)-Dan Seaton (Olde Cypress)
Next event: Friday, May 25 at Bonita Bay Club in Bonita Springs.
To submit an item, send an email to ghardwig@naplesnews.com.
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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: 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.
Jim Lynch Golf Classic
Info: The 29th annual tournament will be at Kensington Golf & Country Club on Saturday, June 3. Registration is at 7 a.m., with a breakfast from 7 to 8:15 a.m., and an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. Lunch will be at 1 p.m. The American Culinary Federation Caxambas Chapter of Naples & Marco Island presents the tournament, which raises money for young culinary students in Southwest Florida. Sponsorships are available for $100. The entry fee is $125 or for lunch only is $25.
Contact: acfnapleschefs.org or call Ralph Feraco at 438-6575 or chefrf@kensingtoncc.com.
JUNIORS
Alico Family Golf
Contact: Kraig@alicofamilygolf.com or Trey@alicofamilygolf.com
The First Tee of Naples/Collier
Info: Summer programs -- First Tee Junior Tour, 18-hole tournaments for juniors 12-18, $100 fee for five tournaments, Schedule -- June 14, Naples Heritage; June 21, The Club Pelican Bay; June 28, Hideout; July 12, Golf Club of the Everglades; July 19, TBD; July 26, Parent/Junior tournament; Summer camp ($90 a week), June 11-15 (Beginner), Quality Inn & Suites Golf Resort, 8 a.m. to noon; June 18-22, (Beginner), Panther Run, 8 a.m. to noon; June 25-29 (Advanced), Golf Club of the Everglades, 8 a.m. to noon; July 9-13 (Beginner), Island Club, 8 a.m. to noon; July 16-20 (Beginner) Vasari, 8 a.m. to noon; July 23-27 (Beginner), Quality Inn & Suites Golf Resort, 8 a.m. to noon.
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. JGPA Summer Golf Camps -- Half-Day, cost $225, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to noon, ages 5-16; Full-Day, cost $450, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., ages 5-16; 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. Five additional spots just opened for each camp. 2018-2019 After-School JGPA Group Program (August 2018 - May 2019). Monday-Friday, 12 group sessions to choose from (Enrollment open for 120 juniors, very limited availability). $150-$400/month, Private coaching also available.
Contact: Call or text JGPA Academy Director Spencer Graham at (561) 339-4688, or email infoJGPA@gmail.com.
LPGA Girls Golf
Info: High school/middle school (advanced) -- June 2, Hunters Ridge, iron shots, 9-hole shambles, 10:30 a.m.; June 9, Copperleaf, putting, 9-hole best ball, 10:30 a.m.; June 16, Spanish Wells, chipping, 9-hole match play, 10:30 a.m.; June 23, Spring Run, sand shots, 9-hole stroke play, 10:30 a.m.; June 30, Pelican Sound, fairway woods, 9-hole Stableford, 10:30 a.m.; July 7, Hideout, swing videos, 9-hole stroke play, 10:30 a.m.; July 14, Country Club of Naples, pitching, 9-hole alternate shot, 10:30 a.m.; July 21, Quail Creek, chipping contest, 9-hole best ball, 10:30 a.m.; July 28, Stonebridge, swing videos, 9-hole shambles, 10:30 a.m.; Aug. 4, Spring Run, swing videos, 9-hole match play, 11 a.m.; Aug. 11, The Club at Pelican Bay, putting contest, 9-hole Stableford, 10:30 a.m.; Aug. 18, Wildcat Run, 3-hole scramble, 3-hole best ball, 3-hole alternate, 10:30 a.m.; Aug. 25, Wildcat Run, 18-hole Pro-Junior and awards party, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Oct. 27, Moorings, Halloween Scramble/Party, 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.; Dec. 15, Naples Grande, Christmas Scramble/Party, 2:30-6:30 p.m.; Elementary/middle school (just learning the game) -- 9 weeks of instruction and play Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. -- June 6, at Spanish Wells; June 13, 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25, Aug. 1, 8 at Worthington.
Contact: Janie Huling at janiegolfpro@embarqmail.com or 239-390-1619.
Southwest Florida Junior Golf Association
Info: Registration is open. There are both 9-hole and 18-hole schedules. 18-hole schedule -- June 4, Kelly Greens; June 11, San Carlos; June 18, Stoneybrook; June 27, Copperleaf; July 4, Off; July 11, Wildcat Run; July 17, Countryside; July 31, The Strand; Aug. 6, Legends. 9-hole schedule -- June 5, San Carlos; June 12, Stoneybrook; June 19, Pelican Sound; June 26, Cross Creek; July 4, Off; July 10, Spring Run; July 17, Landings; July 31, Myerlee; Aug. 6, Whiskey Creek. The deadline for the first events is May 20 for the 18-hole and May 22 for the 9-hole. The schedule ends with the Nolan Henke/Patty Berg Junior Masters from July 25-27 at Stoneybrook Golf Club in Estero.
Contact: swfjga.org.
AREA ORGANIZATIONS
Alico Family Golf Center
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.
Bobby Clampett’s Impact Zone Golf Academy at Tiburón Golf Club: Private instruction available daily by Bobby Clampett, PGA Tour Winner and PGA Master Professional or his Academy staff. Junior, Men’s and Ladies programming available. Call 239-236-5536 or visit www.impactzonegolf.com.
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.