LIV GOLF Orlando 2023

The new kid on the professional golf block LIV GOLF came to Orange County National the end of March, so I took a first hand look on Friday. The PGA has been on full anti-LIV propoganda the past year with their paid mouthpieces Rory, Tiger, Justin, Freddie, etc. For those who aren't aware what the PGA PIP program is all about, there is a $60,000,000 fund which they now arbitrarily distribute at years end to those members who best promote the PGA. No surprise that top 2022 PIP money last year went to Tiger at $15 million, Rory at $12 million, and Justin at $7.5 million. You now see why these guys are constantly on attack against LIV??

For those old enough to remember the AFL (1960-1970) and the ABA (1967-1976) who also challanged the established leagues, I don't recall all the animosity and hate that I'm seeing now. Both of them went out and paid huge sums for star players like Joe Namath, Len Dawson, Dr. J, Spencer Haywood, Moses Malone, David Thompson and hundreds of others. The new teams were funded by many successful entrepreneurs who offered the current players a different way of doing business. If the PGA had listened to player concerns and made the changes that LIV offered there would be no controvery. One year later the PGA has now upped some of their payouts to $20 million, have limited field, no cut events, just like LIV.

The recent Masters event proved the PGA propoganda machine wrong again in their accusations that LIV players wouldn't be competitive because of their limited schedule, only playing 54 holes no cut events, and wearing shorts. At the end of Masters week LIV took 3 of the top 4 spots and The Big Three PIP mouthpieces were at home watching from their couches. Rory was so despondent from another Masters failure that he didn't even show up for the following weeks designated event at Hilton Head, which may cost him several $$million in fines. Unfortunately, until the LIV players are awarded world points for their own events you will see fewer of them playing head to head in the future majors. Hopefully, if the PGA comes to their senses we will see a new Ryder Cup type event between the two groups just like the NFL and AFL did with the early Super Bowls.

As you can see from the photo's I took below, you can really get up close and interact with all the players. Music provided all over the course with an overabundance of staff made for a most enjoyable day. I loved the shotgun start that took no longer than 5 hours for everyone to be finished. The $5 million team event really did add to the exciting finish won by Brooks Koepka. I really see the younger golfers being much more drawn to LIV than the stodgy PGA. If LIV comes near you surely give it a try.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ESnTFmB5bxFtXtUW6 Please paste and copy photos. Go to SLIDESHOWS to view the Crooked Cat Course.

#903 Baytowne GC

Baytowne GC is another one of the four courses at Sandestin Resort, which was designed by Tom Jackson in 1986 and renovated in 2005 by the orginal designer. Holes 13-15 you must pass underneath a tunnel to access them on the beachside of the property. Here you will find the only semblance of elevation changes at the resort and one of the more challenging stretches. Conditioning was above average with nice bunker design but this course was not nearly as difficult as Burnt Pine. Water does come into play on 12 holes. GOLD

https://photos.app.goo.gl/HwtGKPmNbayaN3QG9 Please copy and paste.

#902 Burnt Pine GC

Burnt Tree GC at Sandestin was designed in 1994 by Rees Jones and is located in Miramar Beach, Fl. Sandestin Beach and Golf Resort is an upscale destination that includes four golf courses and access to the beautiful shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Burnt Tree is the top course, well conditioned and very challenging. As most Rees Jones courses are you will find a lot of eye candy in the bunkering, so along with an abundance of water it makes the flat terrain much more esthetic. One of the few disadvantages of living in Paradise is that most of the courses are pretty flat so it is rare to play one with any elevation. BLUE

https://photos.app.goo.gl/SjL2G9dLpDxFraDQ6 Please copy and paste to view.

#901 Capital City CC

Capital City CC founded in 1908, with the 18 hole course later designed by A.W. Tillinghast in 1935, Chris Gray update in 2015. The greens are firm, fast and pure, along with the rolling terrain and variety of holes makes this a must play. My favorite holes are 1,2,5,6,7,9,19,11,15,16,17, what a nice group of 3's and 5's. Even better are the friendly staff led by Eric Neihaus, and a value priced fee of $50. My top choice of courses played on my Spring Panhandle trip. BLUE

https://photos.app.goo.gl/yXRYbQMR22w2Usgw8 Please copy and paste to view.

Spring Break 2023 Trip

Heading up to Destin on the panhandle of Florida this week for my first of hopefully many golf trips this year. First stop will be at the Capital City Country Club in Tallahasse. It was designed by A. W.Tillinghast back in 1935. Next is the Sandestin Beach and Golf Resort where I will sample two of their four top tracks, Burnt Pine GC a 1994 Rees Jones design and Baytowne GC a 1986 Tom Jackson design.

"It is Health that is real Wealth and not pieces of gold and silver."- Gandhi

"If you want something you've never had, you must be willing to do something you've never done."- Thomas Jefferson