Once in a Lifetime Experience with Sergio Garcia
The closest most golf fans get to the PGA TOUR is from the gallery at a tournament.  Recently, 19-year-old Caleb Remington of Woodstock, Illinois got even closer, when he was treated to a unique inside-the-ropes experience with Spain’s Sergio Garcia, the No.5 player in the World, during the St. Jude Classic at TPC Southwind in Memphis.

Despite suffering from Cystic Fibrosis, Caleb is currently enrolled at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, and is a member of the school’s golf team. His wish began in the TaylorMade equipment truck, where he had the chance to observe and assist Garcia in tinkering with his equipment.  The two then went to the practice range, where Caleb got an up-close and personal look at one of the world’s best at his craft. The time on the range concluded with a private lesson from Garcia.  Caleb then enjoyed the extraordinary opportunity of walking inside-the-ropes on the course with Garcia. It was the opportunity of a lifetime for Caleb, whose brother, two sisters and parents accompanied him on the trip to TPC Southwind.

Caleb and his family also received photos, autographs and gifts from Garcia and his team. The gifts included a one-of-a-kind adidas staff golf bag, identical to the one Garcia uses in competition.

The experience is etched in Caleb’s memory for many years to come. 
           
“Meeting Sergio Garcia was absolutely amazing and surreal!  My favorite part of the trip was the fact that Sergio talked to me like I was just one of his buddies.  Actually, even after my Wish, he picked me out of the crowd and said ‘Hey Caleb’ and then came to talk with me.  I felt like I was on top of the world… one of the greatest golfers in the world knows MY NAME!”



Exclusive Invitation from TPC Sawgrass

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, TPC Sawgrass has a package suited to your needs.

Groups of 10+ Play & Stay from $210*
Buddy Trips from $190*

Take advantage of either special offer and you will receive a $25 Resort Credit per day for use on your next visit.

Book by calling 1-877-416-GOLF

Group Package

  • 3 night room accommodations
  • 3 rounds of golf
  • $25 Resort credit, per night stay
  • Customized room keys
  • “Buddy Group” specialist
    • Pro-actively contact group prior to arrival in an
      effort to coordinate all group needs.
    • Provide a V.I.P. 5 star experience
  • Customized Arrival Packet
    • Discount resort wide for retail and services
      effort to coordinate all group needs.
    • Bounce Back offers
  • Complimentary Sunset Cocktails at Cabana Beach Club
  • Golfer’s Delight Breakfast
    • Breakfast provided by Room Service prior to
      departure for golf.
  • Tour Academy – V.I.P. tour of the facility
  • Tournament Management & Scoring
  • “Lesson of the Day”
  • TPC Sawgrass logoed bag tag

Buddy Trip Package

  • 3 night room accommodations
  • 3 rounds of golf
  • Sawgrass/ TPC monogrammed towel and ball amenity
  • Tour Academy – V.I.P. tour of the facility
  • 1 hour golf clinic
  • 20% off retail at TPC Sawgrass Pro Shop
  • $25 Resort credit
  • Kids play free (after 3pm, accompanied by adult)
  • Sunset Cocktails at Cabana Beach Club

*Pricing listed is based upon double occupancy, per person per night. Some restrictions may apply.


Long Bunker Shot
By John Stahlschmidt

Without question, one of the most challenging shots in golf is the long greenside bunker shot. Most of the time the ball ends up plopping down short of the green or it is bladed over the green.

Most golfers attempt to hit this shot using their sand wedge, but it can be a lot easier to pull off with a 9-iron or even an 8-iron. By using one of these clubs the ball carries a lot farther in the air with the same amount of effort as when using the sand wedge.

To play the shot, position the ball slightly forward in your stance, open the clubface in soft sand and square the clubface to the target from hard or wet sand. Use your normal full-swing grip while setting the shaft a bit more upright and slightly backwards in your address position.

Take a long, lazy swing and enter the sand 2 inches behind the ball while swinging to a full finish. Attempt to splash the sand onto the green as you would with a sand wedge and you should see much improved results.

John Stahlschmidt  is the Head Instructor for the TOUR Academy at the TPC Scottsdale.
Email John with comments at johnst@touracademy.com

Visit us on the web or call 1-877-333-2002 for a TOUR Academy near you and be sure to check out our TOUR Academy Blog on PGA TOUR.com