State Sen. Michael S. “Mike” Bennett (R), sponsoring the Senate Resolution, acknowledged that “the golfing industry makes enormous contributions to our state and impacts jobs, commerce, economic development, and tax revenues for a large number of Florida’s communities and industries.”

Annually, the size of Florida’s direct golf economy is approximately $7.5 billion (data based on 2007 study by SRI International). Golf brings visitors to the state, spurs new residential construction, generates retail sales and creates demand for a myriad of goods and services. When the total economic impact of these golf-related activities is considered, Florida’s golf industry in 2007 generated approximately:

• $13.8 billion of direct, indirect and induced economic output
• $4.7 billion of wage income
•  More than 167,000 jobs

“Golf has a dramatic impact on our State,” said Florida Governor Rick Scott. “Florida is the #1 golfing destination in the world, everything that we are doing to draw people and promote our state involves golf.”

The 2012 Florida Golf Day featured attendees from the Florida Golf Impact Task Force including: The PGA of America, PGA TOUR, LPGA, USGA, Club Managers Association of America, National Golf Course Owners Association, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, World Golf Hall of Fame, World Golf Foundation, The First Tee, Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association, Florida Turfgrass Association, Florida Chapter of Club Managers Association of America, North Florida PGA Section, South Florida PGA Section,  Florida State University’s PGA Golf Management University Program, Florida Junior Golf Council and Golf Channel.

An interactive swing zone was set up at Waller Park, on the west side of the Capitol, featuring North Florida PGA Professionals and David Leadbetter, a renowned PGA Professional and coach to several prominent PGA, European, LPGA and Champions Tour players. Throughout the day, members of the golf industry met with key legislators, state agency heads and members of the Governor’s Office to stress the importance of golf in Florida.

“With more than 1,100 golf facilities in Florida, there are 167,000 people who are employed because of the golf industry in the state,” said PGA Chief Executive Officer Joe Steranka. “Golf is enjoyed by millions who visit the wonderful courses throughout Florida, as well as those of us who live here. It’s a great game, and we also want elected officials and agency personnel in Florida – whether they’re making the decisions on legislation or writing a law for this country – to recognize that we have a very good economic model for those whose livelihoods depend on golf.”

Florida Golf Economic Highlights (based on 2007 SRI Study):

Golf Facility Operations
In 2007, more than $3.4 billion in revenue was generated among Florida’s:

• 1,128 golf courses,
• 75 stand-alone ranges
• 84 miniature golf facilities

This level of revenue is comparable to the revenues of all other major spectator sports in the state combined—football, baseball, basketball, hockey, auto racing and soccer.

Major Tournaments and Associations

Florida is home to the:

• PGA TOUR, in Ponte Vedra Beach
• LPGA, in Daytona Beach
• The PGA of America, in Palm Beach Gardens
• The First Tee, World Golf Hall of Fame and World Golf Foundation, all in St. Augustine.

In 2012, Florida will host multiple professional golf championships, including six PGA TOUR events featuring THE PLAYERS Championship and World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship; as well as three Champions Tour events; two Nationwide Tour events; and one LPGA Tour event.

Enabled Industries

Hospitality/Tourism: In 2007, SRI estimates golf-related tourism spending in Florida was $1.71 billion ($1.57 billion from domestic visitors; and $0.14 billion from international visitors). This is based on the following golf-trip and associated-expenditure data for Florida residents and non-residents

• An estimated 2.03 million day trips—with average spending of $62 per day
• An estimated 3.17 million domestic overnight trips—with average spending of $454 per trip
• An estimated 0.29 million international overnight trips—with average spending of $476 per trip.

The average length of a domestic overnight trip in Florida is more than five days, significantly longer than other states.

Click here for live audio from CEO of the PGA of America, Joe Steranka.

We appreciate everything you do to grow the game of golf!

This is the first show that Dennis has performed at Deerfield Park Elementary, and students hope that it will not be his last. The show began with a special performance by Dennis’ super dog and best friend, Bucky. After Bucky tried to steal the show, Dennis took the stage to show the students his amazing ability to strike a golf ball while sitting in his swivel chair, along with many other great tricks.

Outside of the amazing talents that Dennis has and the trick shots that he performs; it is the message that Dennis conveys that is most important. His message of inspiration and desire to preserver no matter what life brings your way. Dennis’ message is conveyed through his show, by showing even though he does not have use of his legs, he can still do what he loves most, play golf!

Immediately following the performance Jersey Mike’s Subs was on site providing lunch to all those who attended the show. This performance would not have been possible without the support of Dennis’ partners Jersey Mike’s Subs, Jelly Belly, and The First Tee; along with PGA Professional Don Law, his wife Diana, the entire staff at the Don Law Golf Academy.

About Dennis Walters

Growing up Dennis’ dream was to play on The PGA Tour. After a tragic accident in 1974, Dennis was left paralyzed from the waist down. This accident was difficult for Dennis as he began to find out that there were a lot of things he couldn’t do.  One thing Dennis knew was he would never give up playing golf, and that is when his never say die attitude was developed, which lead to his new career.

About South Florida PGA Foundation

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the South Florida community, with a focus on junior golf, education and scholarships, and charitable gifting.  The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization comprised of over 1,600 men and women PGA Professionals dedicated to growing participation in the game of golf.

About Deerfield Park Elementary

The mission of Deerfield Park Elementary School of Performing and Visual Arts is to teach children important life skills, which will promote success in reaching their maximum potential in a safe and orderly environment.  With a supportive community partnership, we will meet the diverse needs of our students and the challenges of a changing society by integrating the arts with academics.

For the past seven years, with the help of PGA Professional Don Law, his wife Diana, the entire staff at the Don Law Golf Academy, and Walters’ sponsors Jersey Mikes and Jelly Belly, thousands of young children in Palm Beach County have had an opportunity to be wowed by Dennis’ show and this time it will be no different.

Dennis’ show will last one hour and will features the most amazing golf tricks, a message of inspiration, along with a special performance by Bucky, Dennis’ super dog and best friend.  Bucky is best known for his uncanny ability to correctly answer questions by barking out the answers. I think you need to say this sentence with using the word “answer” once.

The show is fun, but most importantly it conveys an important message to youth.  Dennis challenges each student to follow their dream in life, and motivates them with his talents.  Each and every show he states, “I’m not talking about a dream you have at night. To me a real dream is having a positive thought in your head and in your heart and doing whatever it takes to make that come true. Also, if you have a dream and it doesn’t work out, never stop dreaming; get a new dream!

About Dennis Walters

Growing up Dennis’ dream was to play on The PGA Tour. After a tragic accident in 1974, Dennis was left paralyzed from the waist down. This accident was difficult for Dennis as he began to find out that there were a lot of things he couldn’t do.  One thing Dennis knew was he would never give up playing golf, and that is when his never say die attitude was developed, which lead to his new career.

About South Florida PGA Foundation

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the South Florida community, with a focus on junior golf, education and scholarships, and charitable gifting.  The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization comprised of over 1,600 men and women PGA Professionals dedicated to growing participation in the game of golf.

About Deerfield Park Elementary

The mission of Deerfield Park Elementary School of Performing and Visual Arts is to teach children important life skills, which will promote success in reaching their maximum potential in a safe and orderly environment.  With a supportive community partnership, we will meet the diverse needs of our students and the challenges of a changing society by integrating the arts with academics.

Derron Peyton of Boynton Beach, 2011 Player of the Year, continued his momentum from the 2011 season to capture the first Overall title of the year. Peyton shot a two under, 68, on Sunday to come from behind and claim victory with a two-day score of 142. Evan DeRoche of Key West, and Dominick Vennari of Stuart, tied for 2^nd place with a two-day score of 143.

In the Girls Overall division, Alexandra Papell of Boca Raton, 2011 The Honda Classic Most Improved Player, claimed her title with a two-day score of 150; a seven shot lead over her competition. Ashley Burke of Boynton Beach and Shyanne Lovan of Wellington, tied for 2^nd place with a two-day score of 157.

Eduardo Blochtein of Delray Beach claimed the Boys 12-13 title by shooting a 148. Finishing tied for 2^nd place with a 149 was David Giandomenico of Boynton Beach and Andrew Kozan of Palm Beach Gardens.

In the Girls 12-13 division, Valeria Sofia of Hallandale Beach, followed up her December win with another win this weekend. Sofia had a two-day score of 154. Story Shaw of West Palm Beach finished 2^nd with a 159. Coming in 3^rd with a 167 was Jaci Cruz of Coconut Creek.

The next South Florida PGA Junior Tour event will be held March 17-18 at Miccosukee Golf and Country Club in Miami, FL.

The South Florida PGA Junior Tour is proudly presented by The Honda Classic and supported by Allianz Championship, Club Med Golf Academy, Don Law Golf Academy, Palm Beach County Sports Commission, The Men’s Fun Group at Mirasol, and Titleist.

The South Florida PGA Junior Tour, run under the South Florida PGA Foundation, is committed to its mission of keeping membership and tournament-related costs low while providing first-class quality golf at seventeen championship venues throughout South Florida over the course of the Junior Tour season.  For more information on the Junior Tour, please visit the South Florida PGA website at www.sfpgagolf.com and click on Junior Golf.

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the South Florida community, with a focus on junior golf, education and scholarships, and charitable gifting.  The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization comprised of over 1,600 men and women PGA Professionals dedicated to growing participation in the game of golf.

For complete event results, click here.

On Saturday and Sunday, February 4-5, one-hundred and four junior golfers will compete at Club Med at Sandpiper Bay in Port St. Lucie, FL.  The first event of the 2012 South Florida PGA Junior Tour season has a very strong field.  Competing this weekend are the following: 2011 Boys 14-18 Player of the Year Derron Peyton of Boynton Beach, 2011 Ed Ficker award winner Jackson Shoenfelt of Boyton Beach, 2011 Girls 12-13 Player of the Year Emily Faulkner of Palm City, as well as Port St. Lucie residents: Jackson Huang, Taylor Sukmana, and David Torres.

This 36-hole, stroke play event is a 9am shotgun start both Saturday and Sunday.  Players will be re-paired on Sunday by low score.  Awards will be given to the first through third place winners in each age division (Boys/Girls 12-13, 14-15, 16-18) as well as to the overall boy and overall girl winners of the event on Sunday, following play.  All South Florida PGA Junior Tour events are ranked by the national Junior Golf Scoreboard ranking system.  Pairings are now available on the South Florida PGA website.

The SFPGA Junior Tour presented by The Honda Classic is a membership-based tour open to boys and girls ages 12-18 in South Florida with the aspirations and skill levels to compete at the High School and Collegiate level and features some of South Florida’s most talented junior golfers.  The schedule for this season includes a wide array of first class facilities in South Florida.

The South Florida PGA Junior Tour is proudly presented by The Honda Classic and supported by Allianz Championship, Club Med Golf Academy, Don Law Golf Academy, Palm Beach County Sports Commission, The Men’s Fun Group at Mirasol, and Titleist.

The South Florida PGA Junior Tour, run under the South Florida PGA Foundation, is committed to its mission of keeping membership and tournament-related costs low while providing first-class quality golf at seventeen championship courses throughout South Florida over the course of the Junior Tour season.  For more information on the Junior Tour, please visit the South Florida PGA website at www.sfpgagolf.com and click on Junior Golf.

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the South Florida community, with a focus on junior golf, education and scholarships, and charitable gifting.  The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization comprised of over 1,600 men and women PGA Professionals dedicated to growing participation in the game of golf.

With the help of six South Florida PGA Professionals, the Smiling Fore Life Program has touched over 600 young children throughout the South Florida community.  It has given children an opportunity to learn a new sport, get outside, and clear their mind from the challenges they are facing.  This grant will help this program continue to grow and impact the lives of more children throughout the community.

For more information about the Smiling Fore Life Program and the Florida Junior Golf Council please read below.

About Smiling Fore Life

In April 2010, the South Florida PGA Foundation created Smiling Fore Life, a program encouraging SFPGA Professionals to visit local children’s hospitals weekly. These visits help bring golf into children’s lives who may be experiencing hardship, and allows children an opportunity to forget about their challenges and enjoy a fun and new activity.

There are currently three hospitals participating in this program, Joe DiMaggio Children’s hospital in Hollywood, Florida,  St. Mary’s Parent-Child Center in West Palm Beach, and the Childrens’ Hospital of Southwest Florida in Fort Myers.  The program affords SFPGA Professionals the opportunity to get more involved in the local community. www.sfpgagolf.com/foundation/

About the South Florida PGA Foundation

The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the South Florida community, with a focus on junior golf, education and scholarships, and charitable gifting.  The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization comprised of over 1,600 men and women PGA Professionals dedicated to growing participation in the game of golf.

About Florida Junior Golf Council

Created in 2002 by the Dade Amateur Golf Association, the Florida Junior Golf Council was formed for the benefit of Florida’s junior golf programs. Through the efforts of Charlie DeLucca, the founder of the Dade Amateur Golf Association, and golf advocates throughout the state, the “Golf Capital of the World” license plate was passed into law by the Florida legislature and Governor Jeb Bush.

The revenue derived from the “golf license plate” is used to assist organizations in the State that offer instruction and playing opportunities in conjunction with education in golf’s core values of integrity, honesty, personal responsibility and sportsmanship. Funds are also used in support of junior golf initiatives serving the disadvantaged and disabled.

The FJGC has a Board of golf advocates who oversee the grant process. This Board is actively assisted in its evaluation process by the Florida State Golf Association, a non-profit organization that has served as the governing body of the game in Florida since 1913. www.fjgc.org

A new Exception is added in 2012 that exonerates the player from penalty if his ball
moves after it has been addressed when it is known or virtually certain that he
did not cause the ball to move. For example, if it is a gust of wind that moves
the ball after it has been addressed, there is no penalty and the ball is played
from its new position.

In this situation, a player would play the ball where it lies in its new position with no penalty.

A big thank you to all of our speakers:

Tara McKenna – Florida Gulf Coast University (Director of PGA Golf Management Program)
Joe Vogel – Florida International University (Head W. Coach)
Angelo Sands – Florida Atlantic University (Head M. Coach)
Sarah Trew – Florida Gulf Coast University (Head W. Coach)
Julie Garner – Rollins College (Head W. Coach)
Monique Garcia – Florida International University (Assistant Compliance Director)
Brooke McPoyle – Student-Athlete
Denise Jakows – Parent of a Student-Athlete

Thank you to all the parents and juniors who came out to our College Seminar this past Saturday. We hope we were able to answer all of your questions.

For your convenience we have created a college resources section of our website under junior golf, where you can find useful websites and handouts from the 2012 College Seminar. Please click here to view this information.

Chuck, a regular student at Dave’s Monday lessons, is a former golfer and happy to have the ability to swing a club again, thanks to the Paramobile. “I had a good drive back in the day, and I’m working on it each week with Dave. I’m looking forward to getting out on the golf course and playing a regular hole. I haven’t been a regular golfer since my wife made me choose between golf and my eight children!” joked Chuck.

Mickey, another of Dave’s students, also cracked jokes as Dave and an assistant strapped him into the chair. “I never played golf before, but I played a lot of baseball. This chair is something else… the first time it stood me upright I almost passed out! I don’t do a lot of standing on my own these days.”

The therapeutic benefits of the golf game for physically limited players are immense. It stimulates the metabolism, stretches the muscles, reduces spasticities and enhances the mobility of their joints. The all-terrain Paramobile with its patented stand-up device combines practical know-how with innovative ideas for maximum playing fun. Its unequalled stability when the golfer is hitting the ball enables performance that is comparable to those of non-handicapped players.

“This device actually offers even more than the ability to golf. You can take it out on the beach or take it fly-fishing! Believe it or not, the wheel design on the Paramobile actually causes less damage on the green than this sneaker I’m wearing,” said Dave. “There are less limitations for disabled players now more than ever.”

Dave first learned of the Paramobile when he saw golfer Anthony Netto using one at the Honda Classic in 2010. After discussing the details, the Florida Golf Council’s License Plate Program purchased a Paramobile for The First Tee of the Palm Beaches. “They aren’t cheap, but they are incredibly functional. Paramobiles run around $20,000,” said Dave.

Dave teaches lessons weekly using the Paramobile and plans to take his students out soon to play a regular hole of golf at the First Tee’s location in West Palm Beach.

The South Florida PGA is proud to further the mission of the First Tee and the PGA Professionals that work to support its mission. “Dave is a great example of the charitable work that is done on a daily basis throughout South Florida by PGA Professionals and this program demonstrates how important golf can be in the rehabilitation process. This is an illustration of what the First Tee of the Palm Beaches does in the community in addition to their great work at the Michael B Finnegan learning center in Dyer Park,” said Geoff Lofstead, Executive Director of the South Florida PGA.