GOLF IN FLORIDA

GOLF IN FLORIDA

By Jock MacKenzie: Four Radio Broadcast honors including two as one of 50 best radio broadcasters in the United States.

I’ll never get over a good friend golfer telling me that he prefers play the Gary Player golf layout than all other courses here. That’s Cypress where Michael Tsouklaris does a terrific job treating everyone, like a favorite brother.

When I asked the golfer why this particular one he responded: “It has less bunkers than most other courses.” And by golly, the more I play, the more I search for answers he’s 100% per cent right.Now don’t get me wrong.  Palm Coast, the Dunes, Coventry, Grand Reserve, River Bend and more are special elements – very special in mine and other books.Wherever you reside, if you are planning a special golf trip from wherever, turn the book and take one hard look at what we have here. We in Palm Coast are lucky golfers in every regard.

If you are willing to meet one of the nicest and most efficient people of your life make a stop at Publix on, Belle Terre There you hopefully will come face to face with Pharmacist Dr. Anthony Rappa.Dr. Rapp is the Pharmacy manager but far more than that. He is a Professor at Florida State but gives two days of his life each week in Palm Coast for each of us who need his ability for one illness or another.

He is one of two twin bothers and a Doctor of Pharmacy but more important than that, he is one of the nicest and most caring and intelligent people you ever will be lucky to know.

My point is this: If you need pharmaceutical help, head for Publix at Bell Terre and call yourself all time lucky for knowing the most intelligent and nicest person you’ll ever be lucky to meet.  When you have a few free moments take a jaunt to Publix, walk up to the Pharmacy and say, “Thank you, Dr. Rappa, thank you being a blessing to those of us in Palm Coast.

Dr. Rappa may or may not be called a full scale doctor (and he is) but the day following my visit I went to play my favorite golf course, Pine Lakes, and shot the best score of the year! Doctor or not, Anthony Rappa is one special guy on or off the fields of our wonderful game.

There’s another golf course here that is getting far too little recognition although one of these days it will burst out with men and women clamoring to play.  It’s Grand Reserve, where the last time I played it was like being at a perfect picture show. The course is like a dream. It caters to both men and women equally, has ladies leagues on Monday and Friday, men’s league on Wednesday and regular play any time.

One thing I can assure you of: Grand Reserve is a legend in golf building and a dream to play. Go try me out and see for yourself. Some say it can be easier to play, others say “baloney”, some holes are just as tough as any golf course from Florida to New England. Whatever, it’s a beauty to have at our beck and call.

Come and play if only to see for yourself.