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 A Sign of the Times
Another sign that the economy and the weather have taken a toll on golf in the area came in a recent announcement from Bobby Jones Golf Club.
The club is extending its hours and discounting the fees.
The “Some Like It Hot” special is now running daily 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., with a round of 18 holes, including a riding cart listed at half-price, $13.50. In the event of inclement weather, no rain checks or refunds will be provided.
For those who prefer the cooler temperatures in the early morning and evening, course hours have been expanded as of Wednesday. The club is opening 30 minutes earlier with the first tee time at 6:30 a.m. The last tee time will be one hour later at 7 p.m. The pro shop will stay open until 7 p.m.
The Bobby Jones Golf Club is a 45-hole municipal facility with three distinct courses: the American, a par-71 course; the British, a par-72 course; and the Gillespie Executive Course, a 9-hole par-30.
To book a tee time, contact the Bobby Jones Golf Club at 941-365-GOLF or visit www.bobbyjonesgolfclub.com .
A Quickie Tip
 Golf always has and always will be a game for life, Even in recessionary times, golf is one of the pure forms of affordable entertainment. Being in the golf business for more than 22 years, I am constantly asked, “How can I have a lower handicap and improve my golf game.”
The answer lies within the friendly confines of every golf course. Utilize your practice facility. Cut down on your rounds played during the week. Spend a few hours a day a couple of times a week and practice.
To lower your handicap and improve your game, visit your driving range and always, always spend twice as much time on your short game (chipping, putting) as you do beating range balls.
In one month’s time I’ll guarantee that your handicap will drop three to four strokes. To stretch your dollar and continue playing and enjoying the game we love, spend a little more time at your practice facility and a little less time posting rounds.
At Lake Venice Golf Club, we realize the tough economic issues that everyone is now facing and try to keep this great game affordable. Range balls are $3. Playing after noon with a cart is $20. Walking after 3 p.m. costs $11.
Quickie Tip provided by Rod Parry, general manager of Lake Venice Golf Club.
Upcoming Events
- Qualifying for the Florida Open is Monday at Sara Bay Country Club and some 62 area amateurs and pros are entered.
- The Southwestern Chapter of the North Florida PGA Championship will be held Monday and Tuesday at The Oaks Club in Osprey. Mark Rummings of IMG Academies is the defending champ.
- The Florida State Women’s Golf Association’s State Amateur Stroke Play Championship will be held July 10-12 at Laurel Oak Country Club. Many of the best women’s amateurs in the area are entered, including Wendi Golden, the 2008 No. 1 ranked amateur in Florida. She is from Lakewood Ranch and plays out of The Meadows CC.
The Lake Venice Golf Club two-man championship will be held July 11-12. Entry fee is $75. The first day will be a two-man scramble, followed by a two-man best ball on the second day. Perks include tee prizes, hats, visors, range balls, continental breakfast both days and a buffet following the final round. Call 488-3948 or 488-9008 to enter.
- Sara Bay is hosting the “Hardest Day of Golf” on July 18. It is open to members, reciprocal club members and their guests. Contact Daren King (355-6544) for more info.
State Amateur: IMG Student Finishes Second
 Blake Soni, who attends IMG Academies, placed second in the Florida State Amateur last weekend in Ponte Vedra Beach.
Soni finished nine strokes behind Blayne Barber of Lake City.
“Blake has really improved his swing this year by improving on his fundamentals,” said Dan Saylor, his instructor at IMG.
The four-day tournament was played on the Players Stadium Course and the Sawgrass Country Club.
Byron White, a Lakewood Ranch High School grad, was tied with Barber for the lead after the first round. White posted seven birdies for 67. White attends Nova University. White finished well behind the winner with a four-round total of 295.
Tommy Mou of IMG was at 294, and Chris Kennedy of Lakewood Ranch was at 297. On the weekend of June 12-14, Mou won the Florida State Public Links Championship at Grande Pines Golf Club in Orlando with a 12-under-par 204.
This fall Mou will be attending the University of Florida on a golf scholarship.
Celebrity Quote
After all these years, it's still embarrassing for me to play on the American golf tour. Like the time I asked my caddie for a sand wedge and he came back 10 minutes later with a ham on rye.
- Chi Chi Rodriguez
Contact Mark Cardon at
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or at (941) 921-4121
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