PGA MUSEUM OF GOLF SPEAKER SERIES PRESENTS CLUBMAKERS HALL OF FAME MEMBER JACK WULLKOTTE

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – Professional Clubmakers Hall of Fame Member Jack Wullkotte, who made golf clubs personally for Jack Nicklaus for nearly four decades, as well as for the likes of Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Greg Norman, Curtis Strange, Nick Faldo, Bob Toski and Louise Suggs, will be the next featured speaker in the PGA Museum of Golf Speaker Series at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Wullkotte, who has been in the golf business since starting as a caddy in 1940, will take part in a special fireside chat on Tues., Dec. 6, from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m., in the Museum, located at I-95, Exit 121 (St. Lucie West Blvd.). The event is open to the public with complimentary admission.

In 1947, Wullkotte began a storied career at MacGregor, designing golf clubs for many of the legends of the game before becoming Nicklaus’ clubmaker in 1974. He retired from Nicklaus Companies earlier this year to work for Club Masters, a renowned clubfitting firm in North Palm Beach, Fla. In addition to the Professional Clubmakers Hall of Fame, Wullkotte is a member of both the Palm Beach County Golf Association Hall of Fame and the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame.

Attendees will also be able to review the Museum’s new exhibits, which include a 6-foot tall mannequin fitted with the attire Keegan Bradley wore to win the 93rd PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club in August; plaques and memorabilia honoring the seven recent inductees into the PGA Golf Professional Hall of Fame; and a tribute to the PGA Cup, featuring the Llandudno International Trophy, which was retained by the United States over Great Britain & Ireland in September.

While Museum hours are typically 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday, through Christmas, the facility will be specially opened for the Speaker Series event. Admission is free year-round.

For more information, please visit www.pga.com/museum or call 800-800-GOLF (4653). The PGA Museum of Golf is located at 8555 Commerce Center Drive, adjacent to the PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance, in PGA Village.

Verano realtor event gathering

Nearly 65 real estate brokers in the Treasure Coast recently attended a special broker event at PGA Village Verano, intent upon learning more about the stability of Kolter Homes in the marketplace and visiting the community’s clubhouse.

It was a perfect evening, as the brokers enjoyed the sunset on the lanai overlooking the resort pool, and toured the clubhouse, including the indoor lap pool at the state-of-the-art fitness center that is open to the residents of PGA Village Verano. Kolter Homes’ sales executives said the enthusiasm was contagious, and the brokers were “excited to see a committed builder build an exceptional facility like we have at PGA Village Verano.” For more information and photos from this event, please visit Kolter Homes on Facebook.

A number of area realtors gathered for drinks at good times at Verano.

PGA Village Golf Club

Nowhere else on the Treasure Coast of Florida can residents of a gated community enjoy the beauty of three championship golf courses and not have to pay to keep them mowed, manicured and maintained.

Nowhere else but PGA Village Verano, whose next door neighbor just happens to be the PGA of America’s own PGA Golf Club, where PGA Professionals come to learn all the new teaching techniques, and everyday golfers flock to play a round on one of the three signature golf courses or hone their skills at the PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance.

And that’s not all.
• Residents of PGA Village Verano have special access to PGA Golf Club via a new golf cart trail and special privileges as well.
• Residents can also enjoy their own clubhouse, complete with fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, Har-Tru tennis courts, even a bocce court.
• All this, and homes beginning in the mid-$200,000s, with large kitchens, private master suites, wide open entertaining areas, dens, even golf cart storage in some of the garage spaces.

Want to learn more? Visit VeranoFlorida.com or call 772-345-5041.

“Patriot Golf Day is a celebration of what has taken place over decades of the history of The PGA of America,” said Steranka, who traced The PGA’s historic connection to the military back to World War I, when PGA members raised funds to provide an ambulance to support the troops. “This year, we will cross over $10 million raised for the Folds of Honor Foundation through Patriot Golf Day, which has provided more than 2,000 scholarships for the families of military veterans, and The PGA of America is delighted to take part.”
“I am so incredibly proud of what The PGA of America and PGA Village have accomplished to bring awareness and honor to the brave men and women who have served so honorably in our United States Military,” said Bob Baldassari, PGA senior director for player development, and emcee of Patriot Golf Day festivities at PGA Village since the launch of the charity event in 2007. “For those who perished in the fight to protect our freedoms and gave the ultimate sacrifice, this is why we work so hard each year to make Patriot Golf Day such a great success.”

Maj. Pulido gave an inspiring speech of what the day means to our nation’s heroes. “How great it is to stand in front of you so honored and humbled,” said Pulido. “PGA Professional Maj. Dan Rooney, my leader and friend—and the Founder of Patriot Golf Day—taught me the importance of honoring men and women in uniform, past, present and future, and we are so humbled by the incredible support of the 27,000 men and women of The PGA of America and the role they play in providing for the families of wounded and killed military veterans.”

Each year, Patriot Golf Day offers a new twist, and this year featured the first-ever Patriot Golf Day charity concert, which PGA Village hosted on Friday night at nearby Digital Domain Park, the spring training home of the New York Mets. The headline act was national recording artist Ricochet, which had a No. 1 hit in the 1990s with “Daddy’s Money” and featured Dwayne Dupuy—a PGA Professional for Dick’s Sporting Goods in Nashville—on keyboards, vocals, drums and trumpet. “My two passions are music and golf,” explains Dupuy, who performs in approximately 60 shows a year nationwide. “As I got older in the music industry, I wanted to try a new option and career, and I thought about how awesome it would be to become a PGA Professional.  And to play a Patriot Golf Day concert right down the street from where I take my check points [a multi-year series of benchmark requirements for PGA membership that are administered at the nearby PGA Education Center], I couldn’t be more proud.”

The concert also featured performances by local band Boss Groove and the Avenue D Choir. Meanwhile, a special flyover by a WWII-era squadron plane kicked off the annual opening ceremonies, which featured speeches by Steranka, Maj. Pulido, Rep. Tom Rooney and State Rep. Gayle Harrell. “It is important that we remember everyone that keeps up safe and free,” said Rep. Rooney, who serves on the U.S. House Armed Services Committee and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
On Saturday, the traditional John Shimkonis Memorial Medal Golf Tournament at PGA Golf Club was held in honor of the first PGA Professional to sacrifice his life while serving his country, hosted a field of more than 100 participants. Other weekend events included: Charitable Flag Day and Point Quota golf tournaments; 10-minute golf lessons in exchange for donations to the Folds of Honor Foundation at the PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance; a blood drive on The Big Red Bus; and family golf events.
Meanwhile, back at Digital Domain Park, the St. Lucie Mets auctioned off red, white and blue Patriot Golf Day jerseys that featured insignias from The PGA, Patriot Golf Day and the Florida Air National Guard. The uniforms were worn by members of Ricochet and by St. Lucie Mets players during a doubleheader. The jerseys were then autographed and auctioned off to fans, raising additional funds for the cause. An impressive fireworks display capped off the evening.
“What a great day to be American!” declared Pulido.

There will be also ceremonies featuring Grand Marshals PGA Chief Executive Officer Joe Steranka and Folds of Honor Foundation vice president Maj. Ed Pulido – who earned a purple heart after losing his leg while serving in Iraq. U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney and Florida State Rep. Gayle Harrell are also scheduled to speak. The night will kick off with family golf activities beginning at 6 p.m. Individual concert tickets are available for $15 for the lower bowl; and $12 for the upper bowl. As a special gift to the community, kids 17 and under will be admitted to the concert for free with a paying adult. Concert tickets only are available at the Digital Domain Box Office at 772-871-2115.

Fellow Purple Heart recipient Staff Sgt. Trevor Glanville and his wife Folds of Honor Scholarship beneficiary Lorna McRae Glanville, of Port St. Lucie, will be honored as part of the celebration. Lorna received the scholarship after her husband returned from his second tour of duty in Iraq with serious injuries to his brain and foot. Glanville is using the funds to help pay tuition for classes via the University of Phoenix online, as she tends to her husband at home.

“Each year we pay homage to true American heroes at PGA Village,” said Bob Baldassari, PGA senior director of Player Development Programs, for The PGA of America. “As we celebrate five years of Patriot Golf Day, we will once again raise funds for the families of those who have given everything. We invite everyone out to PGA Golf Club and to Digital Domain Park for the charity concert to make a difference for our troops and their loved ones.”

“The scholarship means everything to me, as before I ever received a Folds of Honor Scholarship, I was dropped twice from school because of the cost,” said Lorna McRae Glanville, who is pursuing a degree in Psychology. “When I got the scholarship letter, I was so elated that I must have jumped up and down and yelled, ‘Yes!’ at least ten times.”

On Sat., Sept. 3, Patriot Golf Day festivities move to PGA Golf Club, for the annual parade and Opening Ceremonies, as well as the John Shimkonis Memorial Medal Golf Tournament to benefit the Folds of Honor Foundation, BBQ lunch and prizes at PGA Golf Club. That evening, Patriot Golf Day celebrations will then move back to Digital Domain Park for a St. Lucie Mets game at 7 p.m., followed by post-game fireworks. Both the players and Ricochet band members will wear special Patriot Golf Day uniforms that the Mets will autograph and auction off throughout the weekend to raise money for the Folds of Honor Foundation.

The charity golf event is $125 and is part of a package that includes tickets to the concert, 18 holes at PGA Golf Club, BBQ lunch, prizes, St. Lucie Mets game ticket and Folds of Honor Foundation donation. In appreciation of their service, both Active and Retired Military members will pay a special $65 rate. To reserve your Patriot Golf Day Weekend Package, call 800-800-GOLF (4653).

The nearby PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance will offer free 10-minute golf lessons on Sat. Sept. 3 from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., with a $10 donation to the Folds of Honor Foundation. A virtual closest-to-the-pin contest on the Sirgul Golf Simulator will also take place as a fund-raiser, with a chance to win Callaway fairway woods. The Big Red Bus will be on hand for blood donors from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and there will be a charity raffle throughout the weekend to win a Callaway Octane Driver. Meanwhile, the PGA Museum of Golf will showcase a new special exhibit that pays tribute to the first five years of Patriot Golf Day, with free admission.

A charity Flag Day Tournament will follow at PGA Golf Club on Sun., Sept. 4; and an Individual Point Quota tournament will be conducted on Mon. Sept. 5. Both events will feature a closest to the pin contest on all par-3 holes.

For tee times, reservations and information about Patriot Golf Day Weekend, please call 800-800-GOLF (4653) or visit www.pgavillage.com/stlucie. Both PGA Village and Digital Domain Park are located off of I-95, Exit #121 in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Patriot Golf Day Events:
Fri., Sept. 2 7 p.m. Patriot Golf Day Charity Concert and Opening Ceremonies
with Country Music Superstars Ricochet, Local Favorites Boss Groove
and the Avenue D Boys Choir, plus family golf activities – Digital Domain Park, Port St. Lucie
$15 Lower/$12 Upper/Kids 3 and Under – Free 772-871-2115

Sat., Sept. 3 8 a.m. 5^th Annual Parade, Ceremonies, Charity Golf – PGA Golf Club
Grand Marshals – PGA Chief Executive Officer Joe Steranka
Maj. Ed Pulido, VP Folds of Honor Foundation, Purple Heart Recipient
Golf, Concert, BBQ Lunch, Mets Game Pkg. – $125 Parade – Free
(800) 800-GOLF (4653) www.pgavillage.com/stlucie

Sat., Sept. 3 9 a.m. 10-Minute Golf Lessons with $10 Donation, Closest-to-the-Pin Contest, Raffle
and Blood Drive
PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance

Sat., Sept. 3 4 p.m. St. Lucie Mets vs. Palm Beach Cardinals (DH) with post-game fireworks
Mets players will autograph and auction special Patriot Golf Day Jerseys -
Digital Domain Park (Ticket included in Concert, Golf, Baseball package)
800-800-GOLF for package; (772) 871-2115 for individual tickets

Sun., Sept. 4 All Day Charity Flag Day Tournament – PGA Golf Club – (800) 800-GOLF for details

Mon., Sept. 5 All Day Point Quota Tournament – PGA Golf Club – (800) 800-GOLF for details

Fri-Sun, Sept 2-4 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Patriot Golf Day Exhibit – PGA Museum of Golf – Free

About The PGA Golf Club:

The Ryder, Wanamaker and Dye Courses form a trio of world-class courses at the PGA Golf Club,
at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Named by Golf Digest as one of the “75 Best Golf Resorts in North America,”
PGA Village also features the award-winning, 35-acre PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance and
PGA Museum of Golf. The PGA Golf Club exists to be one of the premier public-access resort facilities in America, complete with a Private Members Club, and also serves as the home club for our 27,000 PGA Professionals.
For more information, please visit www.pgavillage.com.

About The PGA of America:

Since 1916, The PGA of America’s mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.

By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry.

By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public’s interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.

About Patriot Golf Day:

The Folds of Honor Foundation’s primary fundraiser is Patriot Golf Day, the largest grassroots golf platform in the country. With the support of The PGA of America and USGA, Patriot Golf Day has generated more than
$8.6 million from more than 4,200 golf courses in just four years.
Maj. Dan Rooney, founder of Folds of Honor, started Patriot Golf Day in 2007, by asking golfers to add $1 to their greens fees in support of the Folds of Honor Foundation. Since then, the concept has grown to include a number of supporters and fundraising efforts. In 2011, The PGA and USGA will continue to support the cause by encouraging their collective membership to participate and promote participation on a national scale through the airing of public service announcements during the PGA Championship and US Open.
Patriot Golf Day 2011 will again be held during the Labor Day weekend, September 2-5. If you are interested in joining our mission to empower the lives of these deserving military families with educational opportunities, please contact the Folds of Honor Foundation or sign up to participate at www.patriotgolfday.com

About The PGA Village Verano:

PGA Village Verano, is an all-inclusive, full-service, luxury resort-style community featuring Club Verano which offers first class facilities and amenities.  PGA Village Verano includes stunning championship golf at the nearby PGA Golf Club, and features spectacular views of the PGA Golf Club’s Wanamaker Course.

Everyone is enjoying the social atmosphere at Verano

More than 80 residents attended the Kolter sponsored barbecue in the clubhouse at PGA Village Verano on April 26. 

What's a BBQ without a little rain?

 Even the heavy rains couldn’t dampen the party atmosphere and everyone had a great time.

The clubhouse was packed with residents old and new. Hot dogs, burgers and assorted drinks, decorations and service items were provided by Kolter, while residents brought their favorite dishes to pass potluck-style. The event started promptly at six p.m. and continued well in to the evening, with residents eating, drinking and making merry despite the storm raging outside.

New friendships were made and recipes exchanged over dinner, where many residents were overheard discussing their interest and excitement at the announcement that two new models will be available in the newly opened Phase II. The Bella Sera and Collina models are new to the Verano portfolio and sure to spark plenty of interest in potential new buyers. Residents reported that they are looking forward to seeing construction progress in Phase II, and anxious to meet the new friends and neighbors who will make such a welcome addition to the Verano community.

PGA Village Verano is one of the few new construction communities whose atmosphere echoes the welcoming neighborhood feel of an earlier era. From the Amazing Verano Race to the smaller events, parties, picnics and barbecues that go on all year long, Verano is reminding residents what it really means to be a neighbor, and the fun of all those “block parties” and neighborhood barbecues they grew up with. With its warm, welcoming people, access to PGA golf, its wide range of floor plans and luxurious high end finishes and amenities, all at affordable prices, it’s no wonder PGA Village Verano is one of the most popular communities in Port St. Lucie – and with Phase II now underway, it looks as though its popularity, like its friendships, is only going to grow.

Call or visit PGA Village Verano today to find out how you can get your own piece of the modern community with the timeless neighborhood feel – PGA Village Verano.

About PGA Village:
The Ryder, Wanamaker and Dye Courses form a trio of world-class courses at the PGA Golf Club, at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Named by Golf Digest as one of the “75 Best Golf Resorts in North America,” PGA Village also features the award-winning, 35-acre PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance and PGA Historical Center golf museum. The PGA Golf Club exists to be one of the premier public-access resort facilities in America, complete with a Private Members Club, and also serves as the home club for our 28,000 PGA Professionals. For more information, please visit www.pgavillage.com.

About The PGA of America:
Since 1916, The PGA of America’s mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.

By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry.

By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public’s interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.

About Audubon Lifestyles
Audubon Lifestyles is a non-profit organization based in the Principles for Sustainability, believing that the most natural way to foster sustainability is by working to balance the triple bottom line of people, profit, and planet. Operating with the main purpose of benefiting society, Audubon Lifestyles delivers sustainable programming, services and certifications that are cost effective and reduce risk. Their goals include supporting the work of other not-for-profits involved in sustainability on local, regional, national and international scales, and believe that every person plays an important role in regard to the future of our planet. This includes roles at home, at work and in society at large. It is incumbent on each of us to make positive contributions toward the common good by being socially, environmentally and economically responsible where we live, work and recreate. To learn more, visit www.audubonlifestyles.org.
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Owned and operated by The PGA of America, PGA Golf Club showcases 54 holes of Championship golf designed by Tom Fazio and Pete Dye. Along with the nearby PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance instruction, practice, technology and fitness golf park; and the PGA Historical Center golf museum, the home of the Ryder Cup Trophy, PGA Golf Club is part of PGA Village, which is ranked among America’s “75 Best Golf Resorts” by Golf Digest.

In addition, the facility’s complimentary six-hole Short Course features holes 35-to-60 yards long, which makes for a great setting for beginners and young children to learn the game; gives juniors with a limited amount of time available the ability to play golf; and offers advanced players a means to focus on their short game. Meanwhile, PGA Golf Club also offers an innovative family golf “pay-per-hole” program year round, where parents can play golf with their children starting at $7 for one hole on up, depending on the size of the family and number of holes played.

“You are never too young to learn the game, as well as the important fundamental lessons, such as courtesy, proper etiquette and respect that comprise the integrity of the game for golfers of all ages,” said Bob Baldassari, PGA general manager for PGA Village, which encompasses PGA Golf Club. “With ‘Home to the Pros, Free to America’s Youth,’ young golfers 18-and-under of all skill levels have a special opportunity to experience PGA Golf Club for free all summer long, as they enjoy The PGA of America’s home to golf for juniors and adults alike.”

Parents may accompany more than one child in their group. For tee times, reservations and more information, please call (800) 800-GOLF. Be sure to ask for the “Free Youth” special. Rounds of golf can also be reserved on www.pgavillage.com/stlucie.

About PGA Village
The Ryder, Wanamaker and Dye Courses form a trio of world-class public courses at PGA Golf Club, at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Named by Golf Digest as one of the “75 Best Golf Resorts in North America,” PGA Village also features the award-winning, 35-acre PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance and PGA Historical Center golf museum. PGA Golf Club exists to be one of the premier daily fee facilities in America, and to serve as a home club for our 28,000 PGA Professionals. For more information, please visit www.pgavillage.com.

About The PGA of America
Since 1916, The PGA of America’s mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.
By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry.

By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public’s interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.

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The PGA of America, 100 Avenue of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418

 The entries will be posted on our Facebook, Twitter, and our blog.  The two entries that receive the highest number of comments and likes will each a bouquet of flowers sent to their favorite mom.  It’s our way of recognizing all the wonderful women who call themselves mothers.