Year: 2019

STUDENTS ENJOY THE HONDA CLASSIC SATURDAY PRO-AM

Program Director Connie Capanegra teamed up with three of our Chapter students- Tan Ritthisorn, Makenna Bernstein and Felipe Obando and played with PGA TOUR player Dylan Frittelli the Saturday morning of tournament week at the Palmer Course at PGA National. A second team included Chapter students- Jacie Goodman, Zoe Shamy and Landon Murray with Executive Director Carl Mistretta. They played with PGA TOUR player Roberto Diaz. “What an incredible experience!” exclaimed Palm Beach Gardens High School varsity golfer Jacie Goodman. “We had a great time and I learned a lot about what it really takes to play professional golf. The food and gifts were awesome. We even received a gift suitcase.” Carl’s team beat Connie’s team 59 to 64 to finish in third place and claim a trophy. “We had a bet and now Connie owes me lunch,” said Carl after the victory. “She really hates losing and I am going to order lobster!”

UTC CONTINUES GENEROUS SUPPORT OF VETERANS PROGRAMS

For the sixth consecutive year, United Technologies has provided our Chapter with a generous grant benefitting our programs serving Veterans with disabilities. A check was presented in the amount of $35,000 in the Patriots Outpost (the tournament’s military appreciation tent sponsored by UTC) in the presence of hundreds of Veterans. “United Technologies continued generous support has allowed our Veterans golf programs to expand every year,” said Bobby Hendel, Chapter President. “Our UTC sponsored year-round golf programs for Veterans and the Patriots Outpost are a great way to thank our nation’s heroes.” In honor of the men and women who have and are currently serving our great nation, The Honda Classic in partnership with United Technologies offers complimentary tickets for Active Duty, Reservists, Retirees, their registered Dependents and Non-Retired Veterans Thursday through Sunday of tournament week. Tickets also provide access to the United Technologies Patriots Outpost hospitality pavilion overlooking the signature par-3, 17th hole where complimentary lunch and snacks will be provided each day. Pictured above with chapter Directors, Coaches and Veterans: UTC staff members Tom Vining, Mary Milmoe, Beth Amato and Matt Enochs.

DUFNER DONATES A HUNDO TO OUR CHAPTER!

Minutes before The Honda Classic Junior Clinic was set to begin, Jason Dufner was practicing with a longtime friend from Auburn University, Dominic Bozzelli. Sebastian Ayala (pictured above with Dufner) attending the clinic, asked Dominic for his autograph. Seconds later Dufner points to Dominic and tells Sebastian, “I’ll give you a hundred bucks if you can tell me his name.” Without hesitation, Sebastian answered correctly, and Jason paid up! Sebastian then utilized one of our Nine Core Values- Judgement and donated the money to our Chapter. Thanks to Sebastian and Jason!

GRAEME MCDOWELL AND DENNIS WALTERS ROCK THE JUNIOR CLINIC

Hundreds of Chapter participants and area students visited The Honda Classic on Tuesday afternoon of tournament week for our annual Junior Clinic. PGA TOUR Professional, Graeme McDowell joined the students for an afternoon of hitting shots and answering questions. Newly inducted World Golf of Hall member Dennis Walters put on a fantastic show with Superdog Bucky. Graeme and Dennis signed many autographs and took tons of pictures with the students.

MITCHELL CAPTURES FIRST VICTORY AT THE HONDA CLASSIC

Congratulations to PGA TOUR Professional Keith Mitchell for winning the 2019 Honda Classic with a birdie on the 18th hole to defeat Brooks Koepka and Rickie Fowler. “It’s all about creating the finest fan experience that we can,” Honda Classic Executive Director Kenneth R. Kennerly said. “Each year we challenge ourselves to make this event better and we have been fortunate that we continue to gain support from the local community. It’s more than just a golf tournament now. The Honda Classic is a fixture in the community that people look forward to every single year.” The 2020 Honda Classic will be played February 24-March 1, 2020.

JUNIOR CLINIC FEATURES GRAEME MCDOWELL & DENNIS WALTERS

Please join us for a fun afternoon at the Junior Golf Clinic, featuring PGA TOUR Professional and U.S Open Champion, Graeme McDowell. Also enjoy a spectacular golf show by PGA Hall of Famer, Dennis Walters, and tricks by super dog Bucky! These two icons of the game will share insider tips and stories from their years of experience on the PGA TOUR and traveling around the world. WHEN: Tuesday, February 26, 2019 TIME: 4:00 PM WHERE: Champion Range- PGA National Resort & Spa FREE FOR CHILDREN 15 & UNDER PARKING: Proceed to PGA National Clubhouse and tell security you are attending the Junior Clinic and parking is FREE and ON-SITE! Graeme McDowell calls Northern Ireland his homeland, but resides in Orlando, Florida. He is well known for winning the 2010 U.S Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Graeme has won 10 events on the European Tour and 3 events on the PGA Tour. He has represented Ireland World Cup and has been a member of 4 European Ryder Cup Teams. Graeme is also known as “G-Mac.” Dennis Walters is one of only eleven honorary lifetime members of The PGA of America. In 2008, The PGA of America presented him with their highest honor, The Distinguished Service Award. In 2018, The USGA presented him with its highest honor, the Bob Jones Award. Presented annually since 1955, the Bob Jones Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates the spirit, personal character and respect for the game exhibited by Jones, winner of nine USGA championships.

THE FIRST TEE INVITATIONAL AT THE HONDA CLASSIC

The Monday after The Honda Classic, the Champion Course is yours for the taking! This is your chance to experience what PGA TOUR professionals do on Championship Sunday. The Champion Course will be set up in the same condition with the same pin placements as it was for the final Sunday tournament round the day before our event. SCHEDULE & FORMAT Monday, March 4, 2019 Time: 8:00 am Shotgun Start – Limited Field Location: PGA National Resort & Spa – Champion Course Format: 18 Holes, Two Players per team – Best Ball Team Event Prizes will be awarded for Gross and Net Divisions Tees:  Don’t worry, we do not play the TOUR Tees! (Special tee locations will be assigned for Seniors, Ladies and Juniors) ENTRY FEE & REGISTRATION $725 per person / $1,450 per team. Entry fee must accompany the registration form. Your tournament Entry Fee in includes greens fee, cart, practice balls, continental breakfast, awards luncheon, gift bag and a Honda Classic tournament hospitality. Each team member receives one (1) Champions Club credential providing access to the Champions Club hospitality pavilion (which includes food and beverages) for one weekend day of their choice at The Honda Classic, plus one preferred parking pass. Each player also has the option to purchase one additional hospitality credential. Please CLICK HERE for the tournament entry form.

SEE YOU AT THE HONDA CLASSIC!

The Honda Classic brings the world’s best PGA TOUR players to Palm Beach County, providing a week of entertainment for the entire community, with a greater goal of supporting South Florida charities, including our Chapter. To purchase tickets or for more information please CLICK HERE. Time is running out to enter Birdies for Children and a chance to win a 2019 Honda vehicle. Please CLICK HERE to enter, then scroll down and select The First Tee.

GREAT DAY AT THE PALM BEACH PAR 3

Earlier this year, Michael Pakradooni, President of Atlantic Refrigeration hosted a fun tournament at the incredible Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course. The event raised over $100,000 for our chapter. Guests were treated to breakfast, golf and lunch. Thank you to our title sponsor, Atlantic Refrigeration, who have been keeping The Palm Beaches’ pristine estates and private clubs cool and comfortable for over 50 years. Their reputation for honesty, quality and integrity has been earned with every residential or commercial air conditioning system they have installed, repaired or replaced since 1962. For more information, please visit their website at http://atlanticrefrigeration.cc/home.html Pictured above left: Bob Murphy joins Tournament Chairmen Pakradooni and Richard Ekey with the winning team of Bob Kramer, Danny Kramer, Paul Adkins and Mike Delose with the champions’ panel. Pictured above right: Murphy, Pakradooni and Ekey present the BIG check to chapter students and Coach Anthony and Coach Sherri.

NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH EVERY BALL COUNTS

Our Chapter has partnered with Every Ball Counts (EBC), which is home to many of our area’s best amateur and professional players. Co-founder, Vern McMillan, has opened the facility to allow our Birdie and Eagle Level participants to train at EBC. Players participated in pilot sessions which is open to active participants only starting February 23rd. EBC is the world’s first science-based and statistical data-driven training center. Located at The Estates Course at PGA National, this secluded setting offers players a unique goal-based training methodology that has been validated by PGA Tour players as well as elite and Olympic athletes for 30 years. EBC staff has had the pleasure of training athletes through 17 Olympic gold medals, 48 world championships, and over 125 Tour wins (including 8 majors). Their proprietary skill-based training program, combined with the latest technology, offers immediate results for players seeking their next level of success. Whether you’re an aspiring amateur, junior or Tour player, EBC has the right system in place to achieve your goal.

TOM PATRI VISITS DYER PARK FACILITY

Over the past three years, Tom Patri has donated is time and talent in visiting our Dyer Park students. Tom is one of Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Teachers in America and has been a leading voice in the golf industry for more than 30 years. Tom spent time with each one of our participants throughout all of the Life Skill Levels on a recent Saturday morning. He shared stories, life tips, and golf advice while interacting with our coaches and players. Special thanks to Tom Patri for his continued support over the years.