Divot Mix

"How's my name going to fit on that thing?" -- Mark Calcavecchia on the claret jug, after winning the 1989 British Open at Troon

Ortiz-Patiño gets 214-year-old golf ball

According to BBC News online, Jamie Ortiz-Patiño, owner and superintendent of Valderrama Golf Club in Spain, was the highest bidder for a golf ball made in 1790 by Wil Robertson, father of Allan Robertson. Allan was known as the foremost golfer of his day and employed Old Tom Morris in the family business making feather golf balls.

Made of leather and feathers, it is inscribed, "Presented to Rev. H.M. Lamont by J.W. Inglis C.b, an old student in St. Andrews, 18**."

It had been expected to fetch about £20,000 in the auction at Lyon and Turnbull's sporting sale in Edinburgh. The final price was £24,000, or roughly $45,000.

The other side of the ball is inscribed with, "This ball was made by Wil. Robertson, 1790, Father of Allan the famous golfer one of the early members of St. Andrews Golf Club."

Titus Kendal, Mr. Ortiz-Patiño's London-based dealer, said, "My client wanted the golf ball for his collection because of its age and unusual history, along with its links with golfer Allan Robertson."

Ortiz-Patiño is also a member of the advisory council for the Environmental Institute for Golf.

For the whole story and photo of the ball, visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3884793.stm .

GCSAA announces 2004 Legacy Award recipients  

Twenty high school and college students, all sons, daughters or grandchildren of GCSAA members, have been named 2004 Legacy Award winners.

The Legacy Awards, funded by Syngenta Professional Products and administered by The Environmental Institute for Golf, are available to GCSAA members' children and grandchildren who are enrolled full time at an accredited institution of higher learning, or who have been accepted at such an institution for the next academic year.

Since the program began in 1991, 170 winners have been recognized with awards totaling more than $250,000. An independent committee of six educators and/or college administrators selected the 2004 winners based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, community involvement, leadership, outside employment and an original essay.

This year, 131 applications (74 college and 57 high school) were received, up 27 percent from last year. Eight $1,500 scholarships went to graduating high school seniors while 12 went to students currently enrolled in college.

"Syngenta Professional Products values the hard work and dedication of the golf course superintendent and the GCSAA," said Joe DiPaola, Ph.D., golf market manager. "The Legacy Awards are one way that Syngenta can honor superintendents and their families with scholarship support for their higher education aspirations."

"It's outstanding for these students to be recognized for their achievements, but the motive behind the Legacy Awards program is to do something for golf course superintendents," said GCSAA President Mark J. Woodward, CGCS. " We are fortunate to have the support of Syngenta to provide the opportunity to give back to GCSAA members and help their children and grandchildren."

The complete list of winners is online at http://www.gcsaa.org/news/releases/2004/july/legacy.asp .

USGA offers Rules of Golf animations

Whether you're a novice or an expert golfer, the United States Golf Association says it has a new way to help you visualize and understand how the Rules of Golf are applied.

The Rules of Golf Animations are a 3D aid developed by Immersion Media Sports in Fayetteville, N.C., and narrated by longtime broadcaster Roger Twibell. A total of 26 animations will be available that can be viewed repeatedly. To see the animations currently available visit, http://www.usga.org/playing/rules/animations/index.asp .

Arnold Palmer, Alice and Pete Dye named ASGCA Fellows

Three of the brightest names in golf and golf course architecture—Alice and Pete Dye and Arnold Palmer—were elected Fellows of the American Society of Golf Course Architects at the society's annual meeting on Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Alice and Pete Dye both served as ASGCA presidents and welcomed Society members to their Long Cove and Harbour Town courses during the meeting.

Palmer, already an Honorary Member by virtue of receiving the Donald Ross Award for his many contributions to the game, has been in the golf design business for more than 30 years and has courses bearing his name all around the world.

ASGCA President Bill Love said, “It was fitting that three of the biggest names in the profession became Fellows at the same meeting. We value their experience and friendship.”

Among the courses designed by the Dyes are: The TPC at Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.; Crooked Stick Golf Club, Indianapolis, Ind.; Whistling Straights, Kohler, Wis.; PGA West, Palm Springs, Calif.; and The Ocean Course, Kiawah Island, S.C.

Palmer Course Design's credits include: PGA West Palmer Course, La Quinta, Calif.; Kildare Hotel & Golf Club, Straffan, Ireland; Palmer Course at Geneva National, Lake Geneva, Wis.; Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club, Blaine, Wash.; The Village Course at Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii; and Whistler Golf Club, British Columbia, Canada.