Florida Golf Communities
Masters Tee Times For Thursday and Friday
Lee Westwood, Jim Furyk, and Mike Weir (9:06am Thursday and 12:13pm Friday)- Old Palm resident Lee Westwood will look to give himself an early birthday present as he tries to win his first major. Mike Weir will look for his second career green jacket after winning the Masters in 2003. Jim Furyk is only playing a part time schedule this year but has already made splashes early, including giving Tiger a putting lesson before WGC at Doral which Woods won.
Charl Schwartzel, Webb Simpson, and Peter Hanson (9:39am Thursday and 12;46pm Friday)- Westwood’s neighbor in Old Palm, Schwartzel won his first green jacket in 2011. Webb Simpson is the reigning U.S. Open championship and will look to capture his first Masters title. Hanson finished third at Augusta last year and will look to capture his first major.
Bubba Watson, Ian Poulter, and Steven Fox (10:34am Thursday and 1:30pm Friday)- Watson is the defending champion and will look to be only the fourth player ever to successful defend his Masters title. Poulter will be one of the many golfers looking to capture their first major title. Fox is one of six amateurs competing in this years event.
Tiger Woods, Luke Donald, and Scott Piercy (10:45am Thusday and 1:41pm Friday)- Woods, Jupiter Island, is already a four time Masters champion and will look to capture his 15th majors title. Donald (Bears Club) is the former number 1 golfer in the world. Piercy will be making his Masters debut.
Rickie Fowler, Jason Day, and Padraig Harrington (10:56am Thursday and 1:52pm Friday)- This will be Fowler’s (Loxahatchee River) third trip to Augusta where he will look to crack the top 10 for the first time. Day finished 2nd behind Scwartzel in 2011. Harrington has won three majors in his career but has yet to capture that green jacket.
Ernie Els, Steve Stricker, and Nick Watney (12:13pm Thursday and 8:55am Friday)- Jupiter resident Ernie Els is a four time major winner, including the reigning British Open Champion and will look to get his first Masters title. Stricker has not played the event since 1999 when he finished in a tie for 38th. Watney will look to improve on his 32nd place finish last year.
Phil Mickelson, Louis Oosthuzien, and Martin Kaymer (1:30pm Thursday and 10:23am Friday)- Mickelson, the three time masters champion, will unveil his new “Frankenwood” this week in his quest to get green jacket number four. If it wasn’t for the miracle shot Bubba Watson hit during last year’s playoffs, Oosthuzien (Old Palm) would be the one defending his title. Kaymer has a major championship under his belt but has only made the cut at Augusta once since 2008.
Rory Mcllroy, Keegan Bradley, Freddie Jacobson (1:41pm Thursday and 10:34am Friday)- Mcllroy (Bears Club) has one at least one major the last two years and has his eyes on the green jacket. Bradley (Tequesta) made his masters debut last year and with a majors win already to his name you can’t count him out this week. Jacobson (Hobe Sound) has only played at Augusta three times in his career and is looking to capture his first major.
To follow all the action at Augusta National this weekend visit www.pgatour.com.
Previewing The Masters Tournament
It is widely referred to as the biggest golf tournament on the PGA Tour Season. While people might debate that, there is no debate that the tradition involved in The Masters is incredibly unique to Augusta National. From the famed green jacket, to the azaleas, Amen’s Corner, the pimento cheese sandwiches, and the Wednesday Par 3 Contest, The Masters is full of rich tradition both inside and outside of the ropes. Just like every year, this year’s first major is filled with the top golfers in the world. Here is a look into the field, including some of the local golfers that are participating.
Tiger Woods (Medalist)- Woods has recorded four of his 14 major victories at Augusta Nation but has not won a major since his last Masters win in 2005. After re-working his game over the past few years he appears to be back to his old ways with three tour wins already to his name this year. The odds on favorite to win the tournament, Woods has never missed a cut at Augusta as a pro. If he can continue to dominate on the greens it will be hard for anyone to prevent him from winning major number 15.
Rory Mcllroy- Mcllroy has quickly won two majors already in his relatively young professional career, but he is still haunted by his finish at Augusta in 2011. The Palm Beach Gardens resident has had a rough start to the season but has put together two good weeks of golf including a second place finish last week at the Valero Texas Open. It was at that event that he recorded his first round of the season where he shot under 70 and seems to be getting his game back just at the right time. He will look to make people forget about 2011 this week as he goes for his first green jacket.
Charl Schwartzel- After Bubba Watson’s historical win last year, a lot of people forget that Schwartzel has a green jacket of his own. The 2011 Masters champion and Old Palm Resident enters this weekend having quietly recorded 12 consecutive top 25 finishes. Schwartzel will look to continue his impressive play this week as he looks for his second career major win.
Lee Westwood- Schwartzel’s neighbor in Old Palm, Westwood has had a lot of success at Augusta National. In his last three trips to The Masters, Westwood was finished third, 11th, and second. He has finished in the top five nine times, included twice at Augusta and will look to finally win his first career major. With his 40th birthday just two weeks away, the green jacket might just be the perfect gift.
Louis Oosthuizen (Old Palm)- Last year’s runner up to Watson, Oosthuizen did receive a crystal bowl to commemorate his 2 on the par-five second hole. Oosthuzien will look to forget about the playoff loss from last year as he looks to win his second career major.
Bubba Watson- The defending Masters champion has not won on tour since his historic win at Augusta last year. He has had a lot going on though as he and his wife adopted a son, started a family, and even moved into Tiger’s old house in Orlando. Watson will look to add to the list of Woods, Nick Faldo and North Palm Beach resident Jack Nicklaus and become only the fourth person ever to successfully defend his Masters title.
The Masters is played Thursday through Sunday with the Par 3 Contest played on Wednesday. For full masters coverage visit www.pgatour.com.
The Loxahatchee Club is One of the Top 100 Courses in the Country
Found in the heart of Jupiter, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at The Loxahatchee Club is often described as a “shot maker’s course”. Golfers of all skill levels will find this par 72 both enjoyable and challenging. Playing at 7,147 yards, The Loxahatchee Club was selected as the best new course by GolfDigest and one of the top 100 courses in North America.
The Club’s practice facilities allow members to practice playing shots to multiple targets on the driving range. In addition to the range, The Loxahatchee Club offers a short game area, two putting greens, bunkered target greens, and a temperature controlled, state of the art learning center where top PGA instructors help players of all skill levels.
Their state-of-the-art learning center features the most up to date V1 Pro 2010 Digital Coaching System utilizing three camera angles to view players’ swings. The V1 system allows instructors to keep in close contact with their students using The Loxahatchee Club’s Branded Academy. Students have the ability to send their instructors videos of their swings and receive feedback and analysis from home.
The activities center at The Loxahatchee Club features a fitness room, swimming pool, massage and treatments, tennis, and a wellness center. The fitness room houses over 20 machines and offer a personal training program. The tropical lagoon style swimming pool is heated year round and offers a snack bar that is open during peak times. The spa offers a variety of massages such a Swedish, sports, hot stone, deep tissue, thai yoga, and reflexology as well as facial and body treatments. Three lighted tennis courts are available and lessons and group tennis matches are available.
For more information on the Loxahatchee Club including membership information visit www.theloxahatcheeclub.org.
PGA National Is One of the Premier Facilities In the Country
Opened in 1981, PGA National is one of the premier golf courses in the country. Featuring the toughest course in Florida, PGA National offers five courses that are made for golfers of all levels. No matter what your level of expertise, PGA National offers a golf course that is both fun and challenging for all.
Located in beautiful Palm Beach Gardens, PGA National was voted the number one best buddies’ trip destination by golf digest. The Champions, Palmer, Fazio, Squire, and Estates courses populate the spacious grounds, each offering something unique to that specific course. All five courses were renovated or redesigned in 2012, giving them all a new and unique feel while still embodying the rich history and traditions. PGA National has hosted many PGA Tour events over the years including the Senior PGA Championship from 1982-2000, the 1987 PGA Championship, and the 1983 Ryder Cup.
The Champions Course has been the home of the Honda Classic since 2007. Featuring the famed Bear Trap, the Champions course was rated the toughest course in Florida by the PGA. The Palmer Course, named after Arnold Palmer who also designed it, is on eof the more forgiving of the five courses. It features the scenic par 5 18th, one of the more scenic par 5s on the property. The Fazio course was re-opened in November 2012. Formerly called “The Haig”, after five-time PGA champion Walter Haig, it is PGA National’s original course. Opened in 1980, the Fazio course “achieves that ideal balance where single-digit golfers will be fully challenged while higher handicaps will have a layout ideal for a day of enjoyable resort golf.” The Squire course, named after Gene Sarazen, is the shortest of the five courses. Known as the thinking man’s course, the Squire offer the ultimate test of accuracy and precision. The Squire is surrounded by natural areas and wildlife. The 5th hole even runs along part of a wilderness preserve that borders the PGA National community. The Estates course was designed by Karl Litten and presents an enjoyable mix of challenging and easier holes.
On top of the five courses that PGA National offers, they also offer a David Leadbetter golf academy, junior camps, and a club fitting lab. PGA National also has nine restaurants and bars and a world renowned spa. For more information on PGA National, including membership prices, visit their website at www.pgaresort.com.
Jonathan’s Landing Gives Residents and Members Top Quality Golf Options
Jonathan’s Landing is an upscale residential community in beautiful Jupiter, Florida. This premier golf and boating community offers pristine sports and fitness amenities, spectacular views along the Intracoastal Waterway, and exciting social events.
Jonathan’s Landing offers three challenging 18-hole championship golf courses, each with its own feel and ambiance. Recently renovated in 2005 and 2008, The Fazio Course was opened in 1985 and is a top course in south Florida. The course has played home to numerous USGA, Florida State, and Palm Beach County championship events.
The Village Course is one of the more unique Tom Fazio designed courses. The par 71 course plays at 6,616 yards from the tips, allowing golfers of all abilities the opportunity to challenge their games and enjoy the scenery. The final three holes are considered one of the toughest finishing combinations in the area. It is highlighted by the one-of-a kind ferryboat ride at the 526 yard par 5 17th hole. The ferryboat shuttles players and their carts across a boating channel.
The Hills Course at Old Trail requires accuracy more than power. This Arthur Hills designed award winning course is a shot maker’s dream course and caters to golfers that are thinkers more than power hitters. Playing at 6,301 from the tips, the par 71 course was built in 1991 and a great course for golfers of all abilities.
For more information on Jonathan’s Landing, including all the amenities the club offers and membership information visit their website at www.jonathanslanding.com.
The Loxahatchee Club Is One Of The Top 100 Courses In North America
Found in Jupiter and just minutes from the beach and shops, the Loxahatchee Club was selected by GolfDigest as one of the top 100 courses in North America.
The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at The Loxahatchee Club is often described as a “shot maker’s course”. Golfers of all skill levels will find this par 72 both enjoyable and challenging.
Their state-of-the-art learning center features the most up to date V1 Pro 2010 Digital Coaching System utilizing three camera angles to view players’ swings. The V1 system allows instructors to keep in close contact with their students using The Loxahatchee Club’s Branded Academy. Students have the ability to send their instructors videos of their swings and receive feedback and analysis from home.
The club’s practice facilities allow members to practice playing shots to multiple targets on the driving range. In addition to the range, The Loxahatchee Club offers a short game area, two putting greens, bunkered target greens, and a temperature controlled, state of the art learning center where top PGA instructors help players of all skill levels.
The activities center at The Loxahatchee Club features a fitness room, swimming pool, massage and treatments, tennis, and a wellness center. The fitness room houses over 20 machines and offer a personal training program. The tropical lagoon style swimming pool is heated year round and offers a snack bar that is open during peak times. The spa has a variety of massages such as Swedish, sports, hot stone, deep tissue, thai yoga, and reflexology as well as facial and body treatments. Three lighted tennis courts are available and lessons and group tennis matches are available.
For more information of The Loxahatchee Club including membership information visit their website at www.theloxahatcheeclub.org.
Ibis Golf and Country Club Offers Top Notch Golf
Golf at the Ibis Golf and Country is truly some of the best golf in south Florida. The golfing facilities at Ibis boast 3 courses designed by North Palm Beach resident Jack Nicklaus, and his sons Jack Nicklaus Jr. and Steve Nicklaus.
Opened in 1991, the Legend Course hosted the National Senior Club Professional Championship and the LPGA’s Office Depot 
Tournament. Golfweek Magazine named the Jack Nicklaus designed Legend Course one of the country’s most distinctive courses. The par 72 Heritage course spans over 7,00 yards. Built to give you a fair test of your golf skills, the course, designed by Jack Jr, was named the most women-friendly course in America by Golf for Women Magazine. The third course on the property is the Tradition course and was completed by Steve Nicklaus in 2001. The Tradition Course is a 7,130 yard par 72 course and features some of the game of golf’s original layouts. Open fairways, smaller greens, and Scottish brogues makeup the layout of this course.
Ibis features one of the premier practice facilities in South Florida. The practice facility covers over twenty acres and has two separate driving range areas with 80 hitting stations. All four corners of the practice area feature short game facilities. There are three chipping, pitching, and bunker areas and four Champion Bermuda Grass practice putting surfaces.
For more information on Ibis Golf and Country Club including membership information visit their website at www.ibisgolf.com.
Rory Mcllroy to Add Texas Open to Schedule
Rory Mcllroy has had a very up and down start to the 2013 season.With the Masters only one week away, the Palm Beach Gardens resident has chosen to add one more tune-up event to his schedule.
After shooting a 71 at the Shell Houston Open on Sunday morning, Mcllroy took the short three hour drive from Redstone Golf Club to San Antonio, host of this weeks Texas Open. Held at the TPC San Antonio, this will be Mcllroy’s first time playing at the event and another example of the former number one golfer trying to get his game back to form before the year’s first major.
Mcllory made the decision on Friday afternoon over lunch after talking to his caddie J.P. Fitzgerald.
“I ended up thinking to myself, OK, let’s just do for these next couple of weeks what’s best for me,” Mcllroy said to reporters. “What’s best for me right now is competitive golf and playing rounds.”
This week will mark the first time since 2010 that Mcllroy will play the event the week before the Masters. Mcllroy will be joined in San Antonio by fellow Palm Beach Gardens resident Charl Schwartzel. The Old Palm resident has taken the last few weeks off, finishing in a tie for 16th at the WGC event in Doral. Schwartzel will look to have a good week as prepares for the trip to Augusta next week as well.
For more information on this week’s Texas Open including the full field list and leader boards visit www.pgatour.com.
Shell Houston Open Draws Big Names
There might be only one Augusta National, but the staff at the Redstone Golf Club has done their best to replicate the famed course as much as possible. The result is the star studded field that has showed up to play this week’s Shell Houston Open.
Ever since the Shell Houston Open became the lead-in tournament to the Masters in 2006, organizers of the event have tried to find a way to replicate the conditions at Augusta. The greens are hard and fast and the fairways are cut from green to tee just like at the Masters and more and more pros are starting to take notice.
This year in particular it switched dates with the Valero Texas Open, allowing even more of the big names, who usually like to take the week prior to the Masters off to rest and prepare, to participate in the event. Rory Mcllroy (Palm Beach Gardens), Brandt Snedeker, Phil Mickelson, Steve Stricker, and defending champion Hunter Mahan are all there. So are Old Palm residents Lee Westwood and Louis Oosthuzien. They will use the event as a final tune up for Augusta, and after playing the last month on Bermuda grass in Florida, will also be able to practice on faster and firmer greens that are more similar to ones they will see at the Masters in two weeks.
Some golfers will work on their putting, while others will work on their ball striking and short game. No matter what, the winner is the Shell Houston Open who will draw bigger crowds and TV ratings with the big name field.
Round one is under way and the tournament will conclude on Sunday. For full coverage of the Shell Houston Open, including an up to the minute leaderboard, visit the PGA Tour’s website at www.pgatour.com.
Tee Times For This Weekend’s Shell Houston Open
This Weekend the PGA Tour shifts its schedule from Florida to Texas as the season gears up for its first major in a few weeks. The first stop on the Texas tour will be the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Golf Club in Humble, Texas. The tournament will feature some of the top golfers locally and around the world. Here are a look at some of the key tee times for Thursday and Friday.
Lee Westwood and Louis Oosthuzien (8am on tee 1 Thursday and 1pm on tee 10 Friday)- The Old Palm residents will look to use the Redstone course as a tune up to prepare for the Masters. Westwood’s best finish at this event was a tie for eighth in 2010 while Oosthuzien has been climbing up the World Rankings in recent weeks and is ranked sixth in the world going into the weekend.
Rory Mcllroy, Dustin Johnson, Keegan Bradley (12:50pm on tee 1 Thursday and 7:50am on tee 10 Friday)- This star studded threesome features not only some of the best golfers in our area but some of the top golfers in the world. Keegan Bradley finished fourth in this event last year and will look at getting his first win of the season. The Tequesta resident is coming off a third place finish last week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and has three top five finishes in his last nine events. Rory Mcllroy (Bears Club) dropped to number two in the World Golf Ranking with Tiger’s win on Monday, but that is not phasing the Palm Beach Gardens resident. He took last week off but got plenty of practice at a local municipal course in Miami and is coming off a final round 65 at Doral. Dustin Johnson took last week off as well and is coming off a 12th place finish at Doral. The Loxahatchee River resident last played this event in 2009 and missed the cut.
Phil Mickelson, Hunter Mahan, Geoff Ogilvy (7:50am on tee 10 Thursday and 12:50 on tee 1 on Friday)- This group puts the last two winners of this tournament together. While none of the three are local residents, Mahan is the defending champion and Mickelson won in 2011. Both will try and improve off their finishes at The Arnold Palmer Invitational. Mahan finished in a tie for 21st, while Mickelson missed the cut.
For more information on tee times or to follow the tournament visit www.pgatour.com.
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