Southwest Florida golf column: Naples' Vivian Guite picked for The First Tee Par-3 tourney
Greg Hardwig
Vivian Guite from The First Tee of Naples/Collier has been selected to attend The First Tee National Par-3 Championship held at The Kanawha Club in Richmond, Virginia, this week.
Guite is one of 32 teen participants -- 16 boys and 16 girls -- from The First Tee selected to play in the 36-hole individual stroke play competition. At the conclusion of the 36 holes, a male and female par-3 champion will be determined.
The participants also will take part in activities that incorporate The First Tee’s Nine Core Values and other life skills learned through its programs and the game. Teens will also experience dorm living during their stay on campus at the University of Richmond.
“We are extremely proud of Vivian and her many accomplishments not only while participating with our chapter but also the accomplishments she has achieved in school and her involvement within our community” said Cindy Darland, Executive Director of The First Tee of Naples/Collier. “We are confident Vivian will represent our chapter well at The First Tee National Par-3 Championship.”
Guite, 15, is a rising junior at Naples High School. She has been active with The First Tee of Naples/Collier for six years, and is currently Eagle Level. Guite participates in fundraising events such as The Chubb Classic–Golf to Paradise Champions Challenge, The First Tee Invitational at Calusa Pines, and the Heart Walk and Relay for Life.
She also volunteers as an assistant coach for The First Tee Middle School Golf Team at Gulfview Middle School.
Guite was a Daily News All-Area finalist for the Girls Golfer of the Year award.
Guite was selected for The First Tee National Par-3 Championship through a national application process. Applicants that met the participation criteria were reviewed by a national committee that scored based on essays, involvement with The First Tee and letters of recommendation.
More:2017 Naples Daily News All-Area Girls Golf Team
South Florida PGA Pro-Assistant Championship: The teams of Jeremy Wells and Trey Sones of Alico Family Golf in Fort Myers and Chris Phillips and Jordan Burke of Cypress Woods in Naples were part of a three-way tie for the title after a playoff ended due to darkness. The teams, plus Roger Kennedy Jr. and John Bednar of Country Club at Mirasol, were declared tri-champions since the playoff could not be completed, even though Phillips and Burke dropped out with a bogey on the second playoff hole.
“Because we were not able to finish the playoff and determine a champion, we had to revert back to 27-hole scores, which means there were tri-champions,” South Florida PGA executive director Geoff Lofstead said. “In my tenure, we have never had this happen.”
The three teams tied at 11-under 97 in the 27-hole event that featured best ball, alternate shot and scramble formats for nine holes on the Wanamaker and Ryder courses. Play was stopped for almost three hours because of lightning.
“I thought Geoff and the staff did a great job of getting the tournament in," Sones said. "There were a couple of tight swings in the playoff, but it was a lot of fun.”
Gene Fieger and Joshua Paulhus of the Club at Pelican Bay, Jonathan Pazdera and David Guy of Cypress Lake, Jonathan Sutera and Justin Smith of Bonita Bay West, Chris Shultis and Gyles Robin of Verandah Golf Club were part of a seven-way tie for fourth at 10 under.
More:Southwest Florida golf column: Florida State football coach Willie Taggart coming to Naples
South Florida Senior Series: The Club Pelican Bay's Gene Fieger won in a playoff over Dan Heaslip of Windstar on Friday at Verandah Club in Fort Myers.
Both shot 5-under-par 67s. Fieger won with a birdie on the second playoff hole after both parred the first hole. Fieger hit a knockdown wedge to two feet after Heaslip just missed holig out for birdie from the bunker.
J.C. Anderson of Bonita Springs as third with a 68, and John Lee of Imperial, Jerry Tucker of Stuart, and Peter Oakley tied for fourth with 69s. Naples' Eric Booker and James Dunn of Coral Oaks tied for seventh with 71s, and Mark Hamstra of Kelly Greens, Tim Miller of Wyndemere, and Dennis Meyer of Dennis Meyer's Golf School all had 72s.
Steve Benson, a PGA Life Member, won the Super-Seniors with a 71.
Tamulis, Martin: The two Naples golfers, who play out of Grey Oaks and The Club Pelican Bay, respectively, tied for 28th in the ShopRite LPGA Classic. Martin move dup two spots to 54th in the season-long Race to the CME Globe standings, and Tamulis moved up a spot to 80th. The top 72 at the end of the season qualify for the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburón Golf Club at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in November.
Minor League Golf Tour: Naples' Geoff Moore finished second at PGA National, shooting a 69 to finish two strokes behind Kris Wilcoxon of Boca Raton and EAston, Maryland, who birdied the last two holes.
Wilcoxon and Moore each had five birdies, the former getting the winning edge in making only one bogey to Moore’s three. Wilcoxon collected $600 from the $2,200 purse. Moore was making just his sixth start. He received $515, including $35 in the skins game.
Men's Summer Interclub: Results at The Strand (6-8) -- First Flight: 1. Mike Barr (Wildcat Run)-Mitch Dario (The Strand)-Theo Neteler (Spanish Wells)-Roger Parsons (blind draw, Miromar Lakes); 2. Glenn Price (Royal Palm)-John Weatherwax (The Classics)-Doug Backus (Gateway)-Dave Abernathy (Naples Lakes); Second Flight: 1. Jim Raker (Wildcat Run)-Dale Glenn (Fiddlesticks)-Jim Lawn (Royal Palm)-Mahmoud Adam (TPC Treviso Bay); 2. Charles Beck (Countryside)-Dean Hoffman (Vanderbilt)-Barry Silver (Pelican's Nest)-John Mullen (The Classics); Results at Eagle Creek (6-1) -- 1. Ash Carlton (Vanderbilt)-Peter Brathauer (Heritage Bay)-Jim Schultz (Vasari)-Bill Barringer ( TPC Treviso Bay); 2. Buzz Pishkur (Miromar Lakes)-Peter Collins (The Classics)-Mark Yegge (Glen Eagle)- Ty Hartmann (The Quarry); 3. Jim Berrett (Windstar)-Jerry Phillips (Vanderbilt)-Martin Holland (Naples Lakes)-Ralph Richardson (Olde Cypress)
Next event, Friday at Golf Club of the Everglades.
Impact Zone Golf: Juniors -- PGA Jr. Summer Camp registration is open. Impact Zone Junior Golf Academy is running camps this summer at the Tiburón Golf Club during the weeks of June 11 through week of August 6. Camp runs from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. Call 239-236-5536 or 888.PGA.PLAY (888-742-7529); Drive, Chip, and Putt Training Series -- For ages 7-15. Training will specifically target each area of the competition. Training runs every Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. from May 17-June 28 at Tiburón Golf Club. Cost, $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.
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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 started. Remaining 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.
Seminole Spring Tour
Info: Featuring new football coach Willie Taggart will be on Monday, June 18 at Quail Creek Country Club. The tournament is presented by the Seminole Boosters, Inc., and The Seminole Club of Naples. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. A luncheon including Taggart will be at 1 p.m. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit Seminole Club of Naples and Seminole Boosters. The entry fee is $150 per person, or a lunch-only option is $30. Sponsorships are available.
Contact: Todd and Kathleen Burmeister at 641-2814 or 641-2816, or kathleeni3@aol.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 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 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. Remaining 18-hole schedule -- 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 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.
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.