Previewing the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage Tournament

The Masters is now behind us and it is time for golfers to return their focus to the heart of the PGA Tour season. The US Open is now less than two months away and there is no shortage of big tournaments between now and then, starting this week with the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town.

The par 71 course was designed by Pete Dye and brings a Scottish feel to the United States. While the tournament takes place just one week after the Masters, it still features some of the top golfers in the game, including several tour pros that had a shot at winning the green jacket on Sunday. Here is a look at some of the golfers competing in this weekend’s event.

Golf2-1Luke Donald has had a lot of success at Harbour Town. From 2009-2011, the Bears Club resident has two second and a third place finish and is coming off a top 25 finish at Augusta last week. Ernie Els has not had a lot of recent success at the RBC Heritage, missing the cut the last two times he has played the event. The Jupiter resident has gotten off to a good start in 2013 though. He tied for 13th at Augusta last weekend, his best finish on the year. He also led the tournament in both putting and par-5 scoring and is sure to be a favorite this week.

This weekend’s event features the 36-hole and 54-hole leaders at the Masters as well. Jason Day held the lead at Augusta heading into the weekend at Augusta. He even regained the lead briefly on the back nine on Sunday. He ended up finishing third and history says he will have more success this weekend. In 2011, Day was the Masters runner up and came to Harbour Town to record a top ten finish. Brandt Snedeker took the lead into Sunday at Augusta before settling for a sixth place finish. Traditionally he has had success at Harbour Town, including a victory at the event in 2011. Both he and Day will be co-favorites heading into the weekend.

For more information on the RBC Heritage tournament visit www.pgatour.com.

How Local Golfers Did at the Masters

The 2013 Masters is in the books and as always it turned out to be quite a historic event. Adam Scott won the green jacket, ending his major championship winless streak at 47. He also became the first Australian born player ever to win the Masters. While none of the local golfers won the prestigious event this year, they had and impressive showing this week, with many of them finishing high on the leader board.

Augusta National-1Tiger Woods had the best finish out of all the local golfers. The Jupiter Island resident fell just short of his 15th major title, but it wasn’t because lack of effort. After an unfortunate series of events on the par 5 15th hole on Friday that ended up resulting in a two stroke penalty handed down by the Augusta National scoring committee, Woods recovered by shooting 70 on both Saturday and Sunday. He got into contention for a little bit on Sunday before settling for a fourth place finish.

Like Woods on Friday, Lee Westwood shot a 73 on Saturday. The Old Palm resident recovered nicely on Sunday though, as he shot a 71 on Sunday, finishing the tournament at 3-under and in a tie for eighth. Ernie Els struggled a little on Friday and Saturday. The Jupiter resident shot a 69 on Sunday, which was one of the lowest of the day, one of the lowest rounds of the day and finished the tournament in a tie for 13th. Loxahatchee River resident Dustin Johnson joined Els in that group at 1-under and also in a tie for 13th.

Rory Mcllroy came into Augusta off an impressive second place finish in Texas. He continued his solid play by recording his best two consecutive rounds of the year on Thursday and Friday. He was in contention going into the weekend until a round of 79 on Saturday ended any chance of him getting his first green jacket. He finished the tournament on a high note, shooting 3-under on Sunday to finish in a tie for 25th. Also in that group with Mcllroy, was fellow Bears Club member Luke Donald, Old Palm resident Charl Schwartzel, and Hobe Sound resident Freddie Jacobson.

For a complete recap of the Masters, including a full results list, visit www.pgatour.com.

PGA of America To Introduce National Drive, Chip, and Putt Competition

On Monday the PGA of America in collaboration with the USGA announced the creation of the Drive, Chip, and Putt Championship. Much like the NFL’s Punt, Pass, and Kick Competition, the PGA’s version will test junior golfers on their ability to hit drives, chip shots, and putts.

The event will begin with 110 local qualifiers and feature an estimated 17,600 participants. Regional qualifying will then take place at 11 venues across the country with 88 finalists advancing to the finals from four age groups. The finals will take place at Augusta National the Sunday before the Masters and will be aired on the Golf Channel.

Golf2-1Players will drive into a fairway that is 30 yards wide, have three chips from 3 to 10 yards, and putt from 6, 15, and 30 feet, with points being awarded based on proximity to the hole and length of each drive. The competition is open to boys and girls ages 7 to 15 and is being started in hopes that the event will increase junior participation in golf.

In addition to the increased interest in junior golf, the Drive, Chip, and Putt Championship will allow patrons on the Augusta National property on a day when the property is normally closed to the public.

Local qualifying events will take place at courses in 19 states and Washington, D.C from June 1 to July 15th and regional qualifying will be conducted from August 1 to August 31st at courses in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

For more information about the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship, including official rules, qualifying sites or to register, please visit www.DriveChipandPutt.com.

Golf Club of Jupiter Provides Golfers a Relaxing Day on the Course

This 18-hole championship course is one of the oldest golf clubs in Jupiter and represents the laid back nature of the area.

Frenchmans Reserve (4)-1Featuring Luscious fairways and greens, the par 70 course offers four sets of tee boxes, catering to golfers of all ages and levels. From scratch golfers to those who play the occasional weekend round, the Golf Club of Jupiter features an excellent and challenging course design.

Designed by Lamar Smith and opened in 1981, they offer a driving range and practice putting green. The Golf Club of Jupiter also features a fully stocked pro-shop with top notch service and full equipment rentals.

For those that are looking to improve their game the Golf Club of Jupiter features an on staff golf pro with lessons available daily bu club pro Bobby Dodson.

For more information, including tee times and membership prices, visit the Golf Club of Jupiter website at www.golfclubofjupiter.com.

Jupiter Pointe Paddle Boarding- MUST DO!

Jupiter Paddle Boarding Try the newest trend Jupiter has to offer, SUP! SUP stands for stand up paddle boarding and it has been long adored by Floridians. In the past few years, paddle boarding has gained great interest from Jupiter locals and tourists. If you enjoy the water, sun and adventure you have to try standup paddle boarding at Jupiter Pointe Paddling at the Jupiter Pointe Club and Marina.

The paddling packages and tours that are offered at Jupiter Pointe Paddling are amazing! You can do anything from guided tours to yoga classes on the stand up boards.

SPECIAL TOURS:

Island Tours– held every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 11 am. The island tours are 90 minutes and guided.

Full Moon Tours– 90-minute, guided tours cruising the water on clear nights underneath the stars. A drum circle, bon fire and a cash bar follow the moon tours.

Doggie Paddle– open to dogs who enjoy the water! They take place every Saturday at 4 pm.

SUP Classes– 1 hour classes that incorporate yoga, cardio and core on the standup boards. Caution, this class is a challenge!

SUP & SIP– Adults only! They are fun focused, as they offer a 2-hour paddleboard or kayak rental as well as 2 complementary drinks at Wylder’s.

Blowing Rocks Eco Tour– every first Wednesday of the month from 9:30am- 11:30am. It is a 2-hour paddling tour of the nature preserve at blowing rocks, where you will search for turtles, porpoises, manatees and tropical fish.

Paddle Parties– Paddle Parties are perfect for kids’ birthday parties. Up to 10 kids can paddle, swim and eat at Wylder’s. The tours are guided and truly offer a unique way to celebrate!

Paddle Board in Jupiter If you haven’t tried paddling, you have to add it to your list! Paddle boarding is a great way to exercise with low impact, its fun and even educational.  Stand up paddling has been a way of life for islanders like Hawaiians and those who love the tropical life, like Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locals. Learn more about SUP and setting up your tour at Jupiter Pointe Paddling!