A Man Who Whacks Up The Pine Courses of Pine Lakes.

THE TRUTH ABOUT SPORTS!!!

By Jock MacKenzie – twice voted one of 50 best radio sports broadcasters in the United States.

A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still gently allows you to grow.If any words could describe a superb golfer, it would have to be that of John Sbordone, who whacks up the Pine Courses of the Pine Lakes string in Palm Coast.

In the year’s I’ve known Sbordone, it was that of a teacher, a highly knowledgeable person who spent his time with many on the stage and does to this day. Even though his golf is always Cypress, I found him one day all by himself at the Pine Course, just sitting their and enjoying life as it should be. My eyes popped and I had the enjoyment all by myself.I wondered, how does this wonderful, dedicated and talented man be alone at a golf layout he rarely plays but their he was, enjoying the site, marveling the golf layout so many of us enjoy.

Sbordone, who is truly a first class finisher on or off the golf course, adds to his golf skills week after week. Then he goes about teaching students the skills they should use, how students on the stage should perform, never a spoken word about golf. This fascinating man can bring young people off the street, the young who want to perform as he does the regular Palm Coast people and make them happier than all get out.

Sbordone’s life is the stage. His sideline is golf. To the rest of us he is a hero. If you are a Palm Coaster and never known how to perform call John Sbordone. You will just have spoken with one of the finest gentlemen in the United States.

Yes, I have known John Sbordone over tons of years and can tell you truthfully he is the best, the talented golfer who is equally good on the stage or off it. John Sbordone, who offers stage lessons ten times per week, a special talent who will cater to all Palm Coasters who want to perform on his stage or your stage. Trust me. When meeting John Sbordone, you have just met the perfect gem in the United States!

THE TRUTH ABOUT SPORTS!

By Jock MacKenzie – twice voted one of 50 best radio sports broadcasters in the United States.

Time is like a river.  You cannot touch the water twice because the flow that has passed will never pass again.

So be it by a golf group playing this wondrous game at Pine Lakes and Cypress Knoll.  Sludgehammers is the name by which they go, a take off from visitations by that group while residing in Staten Island, NY.

I’ll always remember standing outside at Palm Harbor in my first or second year here wondering deeply if I would be admitted as a Sludgehammer or thrown to the wolves as a non-admit-tee.

Tony Maltese was my lead guy then just as he is now when we played this fascinating game at Pine and Cypress.  when he came out from the meeting at Palm Harbor, the popular golf site of those days, he was all smiles and that made my day.  I was “in”, and have been since 1996.

While Staten Island was the main lift-off site for the majority, Maltese was flat-out a Brooklyn, NY Dodger and is such to this day.

However, that is just one side of this band of golfers, most of whom had Staten Island as their residence. they played and challenged this marvelous game in Pennsylvania and other sites that would give them a terrific game of golf. 

We also should note that a ton of beer was part of every game and probably still is, excluding of course, Brooklyn’s Maltese.

One notation that might surprise you is the golf ability of Jim Canfield. 

I watched him work his heart out to become the first Mayor of this City and he did it when the position did not exist.  He wanted the City to have a strong leader when it became a reality and he was willing to work his heart out to accomplish that. 

What we never knew is that the guy was an outstanding golfer and is to this day.

I watched him slug the Unbitten apple like a pro and can’t help but be reminded that this marvelous leader  was first and foremost a Mayor, never realizing that he was as good as he is while slugging the apple at Pine Lakes and Cypress Knoll.  Truly, Canfield was and is a very special person.

On the other side of the coin, when I look around the days now during the games played I am always reminded of one of the nicest, most capable golfers one could ever meet.

He goes by the name of Stewart Manthey, a leader, a good player and golf dedicated. He can be a winner at Pine Lakes and Cypress Knoll. but in reality, he is one who loves the game of golf and proves it when he comes off the turf and uses his remarkable ability to make sure that all is done properly.

Most importantly, he is a leader. week in and week out Manthey does whats right for golf but especially for those of us who look his way when a decision is on the hook.

The Sludgehammers boast marvelous people led by Jake Jacoby, easily considered the nicest person this side of the east and one of the best golfers chasing the famed Harry Davis. Also on our list of pride is Kee Ree, a graduate of Tuft’s University located close to Boston, Mike Joyce, a remarkable guy with a career spent in Russia and a terrific golfer, Billy Johnson, a true and fascinating player who spent his entire career in Staten Island.

However, if I had to single out one Sludgehammer for special attention it would be Bob Ross.

I have played the game with this remarkable golfer dating back to the first days of Palm Harbor when golfers from all sources made it a point not to miss this special day and loved every minute.  In my book and in tons of others he is a true Hall of Famer.

You may have guessed that I saved the best for last.  I did that because in all years of my golf life I have never come across a wonderful human being the equal of George Rhatigan.

He could hit the ball straight and true in every match.  It was common for him to say, “My brother is the best golfer.” I don't know his brother but I do know that few in this world can match what he does on our golf courses.

Rhatigan cant play the golf game anymore because of an injured shoulder and arm but he never misses greeting player by player at games end.

One thing I do know about George Rhatigan:  When God hit the round table for golfer’s his choice was easy:

George Rhatigan of Staten Island and Palm Coast was the only number on the table!

Golf is a wonderful game.  Please don't lose yours.  Play a game that gives you joy and satisfaction and makes you a better person. 

Be a George Rhatigan and you'll quickly learn that golf is a very special game.

He played with enthusiasm, played with freedom and played a game that still enriches life.

Finally, when the world socks you in the gut, become a George Rhatigan, one of the nice and very special guys in this world.

"Your time will be up, and you won’t be able to play anymore."

THE TRUTH ABOUT SPORTS!!!

By Jock MacKenzie – twice voted one of 50 best radio sports broadcasters in the United States.

The following came my way from Ron Atkinson, a good and close friend from prince Edward Island, Canada.

Ron made annual golf visits to palm Harbor many times in the past where we met for the first time.  he is still in Canada following the death of his wife but, thank heaven, we continue the friendship that started out in palm coast many years ago.

he wanted us to know about the privilege of playing golf via a letter from a “former” golfer who no longer can play but has reflected on his years in golf and would like the rest of us to think about how we approach the game now: good, bad or indifferent.

when I read a golfer’s writing for the first time tears began to form because I know it could happen to me despite those beautiful pine & cypress courses in palm Coast to play.  nah, I keep thinking, not me, i will be like the golfer in Portland, Maine who played the green every day, never missed once.  not, that is, until they found him at the club’s bar instead of enjoying the green.  he had called the end of the day at age 100 and settled his round tossing down his favorite drink.

when I tracked down this story i came away with the thought that, yes, I want to go to one hundred like this amazing golfer in the state of Maine even though I know this wouldn’t happen. who knows?  maybe it will be for me, for you and especially the good guys and gals i will long remember because of their ability on the links

I know this: as time works its special way of doing things, my golf at two beautiful golf courses in Pine & Cypress right here in Palm Cost are places I will remember all the way to the man upstairs.

Please read the heart-felt words of this golfer in Canada because what he says now may be what you will be saying when time has its way. . .

He wrote "I cant play golf anymore. I tried to swing the club the other day but my body would not cooperate.  The best I can do now is sometimes take walks on the course. my eyes are not as good as they used to be so I don't see much.  I have a lot of time to sit and think now and I often think about the game.

Golf was my favorite game.  I played most of my adult life, thousands of rounds.  As I look back, I guess I had it pretty good but now that i cannot do it any more i wish i had done it differently.

its funny, but with all the time i spent playing golf I never thought i was a real golfer.  it does not make much sense since I scored better than average and a lot of people envied my game.

I met a whole lot of different people out on the course.  that was one of the best things about it. So why am I writing this letter, just to complain?  its like i said, my golfing was not that bad.  I really do not want you getting to my age and feeling the same regrets that i am feeling now.

I wish I could have been a better playing partner.  i was not a bad person to be with but i wish i had been friendlier and got to know people better.

I am now inside a lot now and miss the beauty of the outdoors.  for years when i was walking, i wish i could have been a better playing partner. I wasn't a bad person to be with but i wish i had been friendlier, laughed and joked more and given people more encouragement.

it was my favorite game.  i played most of my adult life, thousands of rounds, thousands of hours practicing.  as i look back, i guess i had a good time at it.  now that i cant do it anymore, my wish is that i had done it differently.

it is a wonderful game. please do not lose yours.  play a game you want to play.  play a game that gives you joy and satisfaction and makes you a better person to your family and friends.  play with enthusiasm, play with freedom.  appreciate the beauty of nature and the people around you.  realize how lucky you are to be able to do it.

play a game like golf that enriches your life and do not waste a minute of it. play with freedom.  someday it will be gone.

so why am i writing this letter anyway, just to complain?  no, as i said, my golfing experience wasnt that bad but it could have been so much better, and i see that clearly  now.  i don't want you getting to my age and feeling the same regrets i am feeling now.

i wish i could have played the game with more joy, more freedom.  i was always so concerned with doing it right that i never seemed to be able to enjoy just doing it all.

i wish i could have been a better playing partner.  i was not a bad person to be with but i wish i had been friendlier and gotten to know people better.  i wish i could have laughed and joked more and given people more encouragement.  i wish i could have made more friends and had a better time.

i am inside a lot now and i miss the beauty of the outdoors.  for years when i was golfing i walked through some of the most beautiful places on earth, and yet i don't feel i really saw them, beautiful landscapes, trees, flowers, animals, the sky and the ocean.  how could i have missed so much?

it is a wonderful game.  please, don't lose yours.  play a game that you want to play.  play a game that gives you joy and satisfaction and makes you a better person to your family and friends.  play with enthusiasm, play with freedom.  appreciate the beauty of nature and the people around you.  realize how lucky you are to be able to do it.  all too soon, your time will be up, and you won’t be able to play anymore.  play a game that enriches your life. don’t miss a minute of golf.  someday it will be gone!"

                          

My Best Friend Demanded I Drop Everything For The Game Of Baseball

THE TRUTH ABOUT SPORTS!!!

By Jock MacKenzie – Twice voted one of 50 best radio sports broadcasters in the United States.

 When the world socks you in the gut, a bad day on the golf course maybe, think of the best friend any of us would be lucky enough to have and let the ball roll from there.

My best friend was a sports columnist, Leo Cloutier by name, who came to my house every week demanding that I drop all I had on tap and join him along with others in a game of baseball

That was when he was a star writer in his home town newspaper. He later became big time in that field so much so that Ted Williams of the Red Sox gave him the car he drove when devoted fans at fenway park gifted a new auto.

The thing about Leo that stays with me was his belief by everyone whether baseball, golf or whatever, is this dictum he used in life. When things went bad he used it. When his sports ability shone like the brightest star, Leo loved speaking it at each turn. Simply said, on each occasion it was “With malice towards none!”

He wrote that belief in column after column because he believed in it and, in actuality, it had become part of his life.

So I ask, what does this have to do with we gofers coming off the links today – especially with individual golf prices happily cut in good sized numbers at both Pine Lakes and Cypress Knoll to a point that you may want to consider joining yourself.  We are enjoyed and happy when playing the game well but when the day is not ours with plenty of available turns the smiles of happiness are too often missing.

I have done it.  Members of my “Sludgehammer” Group at Pine & Cypress have done it. countless other groups in Palm Coast have done it.  We love to boast and smile with what we did but rarely do we think how lucky we are to be on this beautiful grass for hours and then brighten the rest of each day with friends.

However, never in all these groups do I hear “With malice toward none!”

My friend Leo is up there somewhere and I will always believe he is watching us like a bird.

To Leo, enjoying the sport is what counted, whether it be golf, baseball tennis or whatever.  When I get home after a good or bad day on the Pine or Cypress courses I stop and think of my late friend Leo and the words loosen all the anger by nightfall.

Try it.  When the world socks you in the gut, think of my friend Leo and the thousands of times he wrote and spoke those special words: “With Malice toward None! In most cases including myself, life and sports will take a huge turn toward the better!  These few words have so much good meaning for all of us that you may want to consider sparking your day with it.

Wish it and speak of it, do as you prefer.

But always remember, “With Malice Towards None!

Hey! What was good enough for Ted Williams will always be good enough for me.

Including Leo Cloutier’s “With Malice Towards None!”

THE TRUTH ABOUT SPORTS!!!

THE TRUTH ABOUT SPORTS!!!

By Jock MacKenzie – Twice voted one of 50 best radio sports broadcasters in the United States.

No one could blame the hysteria that fell among the band of leaders who purchased full ownership of three golf courses in Palm coast in the early part of this year.

Flags were flying and enthusiasm was at its highest.  These men and women were walking on air as they abounded with enthusiasm over full ownership of golf courses that had been at top level for decades.

Then the rains came.  it rained in the morning, rained at night. The rains fell nearly every time they and those who worked there tried to put together unmatchable golf games.

Yes, i am fully aware that things happen when those running the show are trying their best. However, whacking them in the morning, whacking them at night, whacking them day after day is a little too far over the hill.

How the owners and leaders prevailed is difficult to imagine. how they carried on with this mess of rain pouring down day after day is difficult to fathom.

For the owners and those who worked at the pine and cypress courses it was always, “Are you ready for some golf?

They refused to give up, not this team.  Leaders like Henry Angle, Brian Malanson and Dora Garcia who is busier than a coat hanger at this time while signing members for this coming year.

I was among those who came to Palm Coast in 1995 and never did I view the onslaught that befell this new ownership.  The constant rains - rain in the morning, rain at night - was enough to put the clubs in a bag and simply give up.  But truthfully, not these people, not this group of owners.  They put the hammer down and hung in there like no one I have seen in action before except for we Americans who fought in war day after day.

Now their day may finally have arrived.  It simply cannot rain day after day any longer than it already has. 

So, with all the golf I’ve seen and played in my life I know it is now their time to play this marvelous game without either being sent back home or whacking away in slush.

Frankly, and from the heart, the owners of The Grand Club of Palm Coast will have golfers who are out there with smiles and joy like it always was and should be now.

Please remember, time is like a river.  No one can touch the water twice, because the flow that has passed will never pass again.

Enjoy every moment of life like never before.  Reach into your bag for the golf club of choice and do it with the smile that only a golfer knows.

Your time is now because the Henry Angle’s, the brian melansons, the Dora Garcias and more are ready to show you the time of your life at two beautiful golf courses named Pine Lakes and Cypress Knoll but in reality the Grand Club of Palm Coast!

Garcia, by the way, is presently busier than a ten armed paper hanger.  With a new and attractive membership rate, the Club is zooming with entries.

More simply said, the Grand Club has hung in there long enough to win the old ball game and time is now on their side!

THE TRUTH ABOUT SPORTS!!!

THE TRUTH ABOUT SPORTS!!!

By Jock MacKenzie – Twice voted one of 50 best radio sports broadcasters in the United States.

I’ve heard it said that golf is the only sport in which a competitor will put down a cigar to eat a hot dog.  not being a smoker, i can’t verify that but the hot dog will get me after every 18-hole round at pine lakes or cypress knoll.

The most important wordage of all, however, came from golf tour spokesman Peter Kostis. when he stated the FOLLOWING, our ears began to pop: “Golf simply cannot grow unless we can get kids out onto the golf courses!”

we have youngsters in high school who show us great talent but once graduating we seem to lose track of those fasinating golf swings.

but then i thought, whoa buddy, have you looked at what the grand club is doing?

little by LITTLE, i began to view the young talent that director of golf mike tsouklaris has brought to the grand club and to palm coast in general.  i mean these golf professionals are good, very good, in the office or on the links.  and he has done it carefully despite bouts of rain the likes of which has not been seen by me and the thousands who left new england, staten island, philly and anywhere else you care to name.

One of the young troopers i have come to know is rick vaders who joins the team at pine lakes for morning duty.

if you can believe this, vaders was on the hitting range at the age of four.  he was on the links taking lessons somewhere around the age of 10 and turned pro at the age of 19.  and now here he is as one of the tsouklaris troopers.

nothing of this nature, of course, simply happens.  vaders credits his grand father in philadelphia for his golf ability now.  he told me proudly, “i would not be in this without my grand father in philadelpia.”

vaders had moved to key west when his grandad passed away while in hi 80’s but he pays tribute to this day.

in his golf bag is a one iron that stays there and is never used.  vaders said, “it will always stay there to honor my grand father!”

he makes no bones about how much he loves pine lakes.  he says, i live here with my parents, i golf here, i teach the game here and i don’t want to go anywhere else.”

he turned pro at the age of 19 and that’s when tsouklaris hired him.

vaders, as one of the tsoukaris specials, works a morning shift at pine lakes but is through around 12 p.m. and heads for the range where he teaches the many who value his ability.

what’s his lowest score for 18 holes?  He shot a round of 68 and at the Pine is always in the low 70’s.

more importantly, he loves the golf course, his family lives on the golf course including himself and every one of them love it here.

and all of this became possible because rick vaders worked for and got his pga ticket at the age of 19.

but don’t ever forget, it’s the solid staff at the grand club, the knowledge and work of tsouklaris, henry angle and brian melanson, that know exactly which way the cup must spin to make these golf courses among the best in florida!

A GOLF COURSE YOU’LL LOVE!!!

Dreams do not have to be given away but father time took some pretty good swings at the Grand Club’s pine and cypress golf courses and a full bag of many more from river bend to grand reserve and all in between with rain that simply would not stop. 

the grand club, to my way of thinking, took the heaviest belt because these new owners are working their hearts out to make these exceptional golf courses the best in Palm Coast and beyond.  but their dreams and hard work go down the tubes as it does for those of us who love to play the wonderful game that is golf because of the constant onslaught of rain.

but knowing many of them as i do, - golf enthusiasts like Henry Angle, Michael Tsouklaris and Brian malanson - they’ll swing back better than ever and the format is already underway via brand new golf carts that members here and those from the north including montreal, canada will enjoy more than ever. 

Pine and cypress are two beautiful golf courses – the first built   by arnold palmer and the second by gary player.  both were designed for us to enjoy, and by golly, playing either or both is top drawer.

i arrived in palm coast at the urging of bob and sylvia jones way back in late 1995.  the population then, i believe, was about 20,000 and possibly less.  but in all this time Pine, Cypress and others have never suffered the endless rain that fell on us this summer.

few may not be aware today that these golf courses, the roads, a beautiful hotel, were built and managed by itt. they designed every highway, managed every course including palm harbor, pine, cypress knoll and yes, even matanzas of that era and beyond.

but in all that time we have never seen or had to dawn rain garments such as we’ were called upon this summer.

there is an old saying seldom used that pretty well describes this marvelous game we play: “golf can best be defined as an endless series of tragedies obscured by the occasional miracle followed by a good bottle of beer!

If I wasn’t an alcohol purist I’d drink to that day by day!

SBORDONE AND CANFIELD

John Sbordone is an expert at organizing and directing stage plays of the first order.  it’s his life and a superb director for the best from new york to palm coast.

he’s also a golfer, an avid player, although he rarely admits it.  for the many years we met in golf situations he consistently asked me, “why can’t i break par!”

break par?  my word, the guy’s a demon on or off the links.  every time i get a look at golf results there is john sbordone at the top of the winner’s circle probably muttering to himself, “why can’t i break par?” 

meanwhile, the latest results from Director bob schultz shows him in first place ten numbers ahead of terrific golfers like david ragsdale and mickie mann.  and he does it week after week.

don’t you wish you could break par like that?  i know i would.  either that or join one of his stage groups where he probably also consistently mutters, “why can’t i break par?”  break par?  Hell, he smashes it to ribbons!

jim canfield is the other part of the story.  this native of staten island, new york, who grew into life as an orphan became the first mayor of palm coast and served a growing community for two terms. 

i was so lucky to enjoy part of his first campaign.  i took him to radio stations where we could get the word out and continued his speeches even to small groups that we attended.

thus, jim canfield became the first official mayor of palm coast and still helps out when he can to this day.

is he a golfer, a good golfer?  you bet he is, although he wouldn’t admit it.

playing pine and cypress courses as does sbordone, canfield is a demon on par three holes.  while you or i may be sweating out the numbers canfield’s golf ball is usually seen four or five feet or less from the pin. 

basically, jim canfield is one very special guy – golfer or person – and all of palm coast should feel lucky to have him here.

stop and think for a moment, how many men do you know came into life as an orphan, educated themselves including college, took on a top job as an educator, came to palm coast and twice became a top-rated mayor?

jim canfield, my friends, is one of the nicest persons in the united states.  we of palm coast are lucky to have him and should the grand club post another hall of fame event this former major leads the pack.

thank you, jim canfield, for being the wonderful person you are and that comes out in spades from the Sludge hammer golf group he plays with and for at the grand club.