Previewing The Course At Augusta National Golf Club Part III of III

Augusta National Golf Course – Architectural Features
Crow’s Nest: Available for amateurs wishing to be housed there during the Masters Tournament, the Crow’s Nest provides living space for up to five individuals. Rising from the approximately 30 by 40-foot (12 m) room is the clubhouse’s 11-foot (3.4 m) square cupola. The cupola features windows on all sides and can be reached only by ladder. The Crow’s Nest consists of one room with partitions and dividers that create three cubicles with one bed each, and one cubicle with two beds. There is also a full bathroom with an additional sink. The sitting area has a game table, sofa and chairs, telephone and television. Placed throughout the Crow’s Nest are books on golf, and lining the walls are photos and sketches depicting past Masters and other golf scenes. To get to the Crow’s Nest, golfers must climb a narrow set of steps.
Eisenhower Cabin: One of ten cabins on the Augusta National property, it was built by the club’s membership for member Dwight D. Eisenhower after his election as President of the United States. The cabin was built according to Secret Service security guidelines, and is adorned by an eagle located above the front porch.
Founders Circle: A memorial located in front of the course’s clubhouse, at the end of Magnolia Lane. Plaques at Founders Circle honor Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts.
Hogan Bridge: A bridge over Rae’s Creek that connects the fairway of hole 12 to its green. It is constructed of stone and covered with artificial turf. The bridge was dedicated to Ben Hogan in 1958 to commemorate his 72-hole score of 274 strokes five years earlier, the course record at the time.
Magnolia Lane: The main driveway leading from Washington Road to the course’s clubhouse. The lane is flanked on either side by 61 magnolia trees, each grown from seeds planted by the Berckman family in the 1850s. Magnolia Lane is 330 yards (300 m) long and was paved in 1947.
Nelson Bridge: A stonework bridge over Rae’s Creek that connects the teeing ground of hole 13 to its fairway. In 1958, it was dedicated to Byron Nelson to honor his performance in the 1937 Masters.
Par Three Fountain: The Par 3 Fountain is next to the No. 1 tee on the Par 3 course. The fountain has a list of Par 3 contest winners, starting with Sam Snead’s win in 1960.
Record Fountain: The Record Fountain was built to commemorate the 25th anniversary of The Masters. Located left of the No. 17 tee, it displays course records and Masters Tournament champions.
Sarazen Bridge: A bridge over the pond on Hole 15 that separates the fairway from the green. Made of stone, it was named for Gene Sarazen for a memorable double eagle in the 1935 Masters Tournament that propelled him to victory.
Important Note: There are currently no female members of Augusta, although women are able to play the course as guests of a member. The club’s lack of female membership received national attention in 2002 when Martha Burk, chairperson of the National Council of Women’s Organizations, publicly challenged the club’s stance. Pressure placed upon corporate sponsors of The Masters over the 2002 controversy led the Club to voluntarily broadcast the 2003 and 2004 tournaments without commercials.
Notable members
 Bill Gates, co-founder and chairman of Microsoft
 Warren Buffett, American businessman and one of the world’s wealthiest individuals
 Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric
 James D Robinson III, former CEO of American Express
 Harold “Red” Poling, former CEO of the Ford Motor Company
 John T “Jack” Lupton, former Coca Cola bottling magnate and member of Forbes 400 List
 Carl Sanders, former Governor of Georgia
 Sam Nunn, former United States Senator
 T. Boone Pickens, Jr., well known oil tycoon and member of Forbes 400 List
The Green Jacket
Every member of Augusta National receives a green sports coat with the club’s logo on the left breast. The idea of the green jacket originated with club co-founder Clifford Roberts, who wanted patrons visiting during the tournament to be able to readily identify members. The winner of each year’s Masters Tournament receives a green jacket and can play in every subsequent tournament. The jacket is presented to the new winner by the winner of the previous tournament. If the previous champion is unavailable, then the current chairman acts as the presenter.

Grammy-Nominated R&B Artist Will Downing Returns to South Florida

After Tonight Tour

As South Florida gets ready to welcome back Grammy-nominated R&B/Jazz balladeer Will Downing to the sunshine state. Jazz fans everywhere are all celebrating his return to the stage. Will Downing will be appearing on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at the he Fourth Annual Jazz In The Gardens to be held at the Dolphins Stadium. Also appearing on the March 28th lineup are Anthony Hamilton, Common, Erykah Badu and Roy Ayers. Sunday March 29th will showcase the like of Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Kenny G, Jonathan Butler, Angelique Kidjo, and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds. These artists are no stranger to the South Florida area and music fans from all walks of life who will travel to this two-day festival no doubt have there favorites.
Will Downing who is definitely a crowd “teaser and pleaser” is working to promote his latest album – “After Tonight”. The number thirteen is never a lucky one, but Will Downing has proved it to be his lucky charm. Even though he has enjoyed significant success with his other albums, album number thirteen was the one, where he had to put more than just creativity and his raspy voice to work.
Downing suffered a setback, after being diagnosed with an auto-immune disease known as “Polymyositis”. Polymyositis is an inflammatory muscular disease, which causes severe muscle weakness and fatigue. But instead of succumbing to this illness, he managed to put together one of his best album to date, by exhibiting the courage and determination that we all hope we had in our darkest hour. This album entitled “After Tonight” is jammed packed with his repertoire of classic ballads coupled with his silky smooth voice. After Tonight is not just your regular Will Downing album, but a compilation of songs that will definitely stir your imagination and help you to fall in love over and over again. The ten-song compilation has musical arrangement, melodies, and vocals made for each other. There is a song for what ever mood you are in on this album.
Downing reunited with his long time co-producer, Rex Rideout, collaborated on a musical journey which has led to the success of this monster undertaking. The work he put in on this album was extremely challenging, but it is evident from nothing musically vocally was left behind. The Skip Scarborough penned classic “No One Can Love You More” made famous by the late Phyllis Hyman, is one of two cover tunes which Downing performed on the compilation. This rendition featured sax man Gerald Albright, a long time friend. The other cover tune is the Bill Withers classic “You Can’t Smile it Away” which features Kirk Whalum. Downing’s wife, Audrey Wheeler-Downing and Noel Goring teamed up with Will to compose the track “God Is So Amazing.” Knowing all that Will Downing endured while making this album, this track sums it all up. Will Downing performance in Miami Gardens this Saturday is a must see.

The World Golf Championsship/CA Championsip A Recreational Golfer’s Point Of View

If you are a recreational golfer who has dreamt of being within the ropes with some of the world’s top players – going toe to toe, then staking out the scene at the CA Championship at Doral Golf Resort in Miami, Florida could have you half way there. But I am not your average recreational golfer, I carry a 9 handicap and swing like the guys on tour, down side is my short game needs work. So in watching the practice rounds and visiting the practice areas for the past few days, you can understand why I am a blogging golfer versus a player on tour.

All Hail The King

This game of golf takes some special skills, some of which I have and some of which I don’t. Like Allen Iverson, I am not big on practice; I do not envy VJ Singh, who is rumored to practice eight hours a day whether he is playing or not. I am no Tiger either, my club head speed is no way near his, and I can’t sink a 60-foot putt. I do not have the wiggles like Sergio and I am not as cool as Stephen Ames, however I may be Caribbean enough. For these guys, as far as I can tell they work day in and day out to polish the skills that we all dream about. Whether it’s the mental game, course management or that extra half of hour they put in after every round it all adds up.

The Dark Horse

So this week as I follow these guys during their round, I will try to write about the ways that we are different even though I am girl. I will watch the balls split the fairways, I will enjoy a water shot, I will agree and disagree with the lay-ups and of course I will admire the 300 yards drives. Not to mention I will compare the swings of Adam Scott and Tiger Woods and will see if VJ Singh putting game is back. Until then Fore!!!!!

Premier South Florida Jazz Event Enter Its Fourth Year

The City of Miami Gardens has just released their mega star-studded lineup for the 2009 installment of Miami Gardens’ own music fest billed as “Jazz In The Gardens”. The fourth edition of this now popular music fete is set for March 28 and 29th on the grounds of the Dolphin stadium. The two-day festival will be a one stop shop for music fans of all ages, as there will be something for everyone to enjoy. The March 28th lineup includes: Anthony Hamilton, Common, Erykah Badu, Will Downing, Roy Ayers. The final day of the festival will see artists such as Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Kenny G, Jonathan Butler, Angelique Kidjo, and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds. These artists are no stranger to the South Florida area and music fans from all walks of life who will travel to this two-day festival no doubt have there favorites.
Kenneth Gorelick’ known only as Kenny G to his million of fans worldwide started with a job as saxophone soloist for Barry White’s Love Unlimited Orchestra in 1973 at the age of 17, when White was impressed by his mastery of the blues scale. Kenny was also studying for a major in accounting at the same time. After being rejected as a music major from Central Washington University, he went on to get a degree from University of Washington and played with the funk band Cold, Bold & Together before becoming a credited member of The Jeff Lorber Fusion. He began his solo career after his period with Lorber. In 1982, Kenny G signed with Arista Records as a solo artist, after label president Clive Davis heard his rendition of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen”. He has released many solo albums and collaborated with various artists including Andrea Bocelli, Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, Natalie Cole, Steve Miller (which marked the only time he appeared on a rock and roll album), Dudley Moore, Michael Bolton, Celine Dion and Aretha Franklin. Influenced by the likes of saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr. and the lyricism of Barry Manilow, his own albums are usually classified as smooth jazz. He received success quite early on, with both G Force and Gravity, his second and third studio albums respectively, achieving platinum status in the United States.
Will Downing is an American singer-songwriter and producer. Downing’s recording career has won a loyal audience of contemporary jazz and R&B fans with albums and concerts that have showcased his rich baritone vocals and unique interpretations of R&B and pop classics that stretches back to the early 1980s. After about two decades of making approximately sixteen solo albums, this crooner showed extreme courage, even though Will was sidelined with the devastating auto-immune disease known as Polymyositis, he managed to release his lastest album entitled After Tonight. South Florida music fans will embrace him with open arms as their musical ear will be in for a treat.
Erica Abi Wright born February 26, 1971 better known by her stage name Erykah Badu, is a multiple Grammy-winner American soul singer and songwriter, whose work encompasses elements of R&B, hip hop and jazz. She is best known for her role in the rise of the neo soul sub-genre, and for her eccentric, musical stylings and sense of fashion. Erykah also known as the “First Lady of Neo-Soul”. Early in her career, Badu was recognizable for wearing very large and colorful headwraps. For her musical sensibilities, she has often been compared to jazz great Billie Holiday. Her musical success stems over the following albums Baduizm (1997), Live (1997), Mama’s Gun (2000), Worldwide Underground (2003), New Amerykah Part One (4th World War) (2008), New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) (2009)
Anthony Hamilton was born January 28, 1971 in Charlotte, North Carolina is an American R&B, soul, and neo soul singer, songwriter, and record producer who rose to fame with his platinum-selling second studio album Comin’ from Where I’m From (2003), which featured the singles “Comin’ from Where I’m From” and “Charlene”. Hamilton first discovered his talent while singing in his church’s choir at age ten. In 1993, he left Charlotte and headed to New York City, where he signed with Andre Harrell’s Uptown Records. He was first introduced to mainstream audiences with his singing of the chorus on Nappy Roots’ 2002 “Po’ Folks”, which earned a Grammy Award nomination for “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration” in 2003. He is also featured on Jadakiss’ 2004 hit “Why” (which was also nominated for “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration”, in 2005) and two of 2Pac’s remixed songs, 2002’s “Thugz Mansion” (7 Remix) and 2006’s “Dear Mama” (Frank Nitty Remix). Hamilton’s first compilation album, Soulife, is composed of songs recorded during the early part of Hamilton’s career and was released in June 2005. Ain’t Nobody Worryin’, his gold-selling third studio album, was released on December 13, 2005.
Ayers grew up in a musical family. At the age of five, Lionel Hampton gave him his first pair of mallets, which led to the vibraphone being his trademark sound for decades. The area of Los Angeles that Ayers grew up in, now known as “South Central”, but then known as “South Park”, was the epicenter of the Southern California Black Music Scene. On any given day, Roy would have been likely to be exposed to music as it not only emanated from the many nightclubs and bars in the area, but also poured out of many of the homes where the musicians who kept the scene alive lived in and around Central. Thomas Jefferson High School, from which Ayers graduated, gave to the music and jazz worlds some of its brightest stars, such as Dexter Gordon. Ayers was responsible for the highly regarded soundtrack to Jack Hill’s 1973 blaxploitation film Coffy, which starred Pam Grier. He later moved from a jazz-funk sound to R&B, as seen on Mystic Voyage and especially the title track from his 1976 album Everybody Loves the Sunshine.
The Concert will see other greats as South African Singer/Songwriter Jonathan Butler, Common, Maze featuring Franky Beverly and Angelique Kidjo.
Jazz in the Gardens, in just three years, has become one of the premiere jazz festivals in South Florida; raising the bar each year with its star studded line up. The jazz festival, with attendance levels expected at 20,000 this year, delivers a diverse mix of music genres that range from Jazz, R&B and Caribbean sounds.
Circle One Marketing and Concertz Event Management, Inc., fresh off the heels of their success with last year’s festival is once again at the helm with this year’s installment. The strong leadership of Mayor Shirley Gibson has taken The City of Miami Gardens in just three years, taken Jazz in the Gardens to unprecedented levels of notoriety and reputation. Last year’s phenomenal success included growing the attendance by 350% over the first year. With the tremendous line-up of artists, on-site attractions, tight event management and massive local, regional and national promotional efforts, this year’s attendance is expected to top 20,000, up more than 200% over 2007.
Jazz in the Gardens is presented by The City of Miami Gardens and Dolphin Stadium and sponsored by The Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa, Shula’s Hotel & Golf Club, Macy’s, Southern Wines & Spirits, HOT 105 and Tootsies Caberet.

Bernhard Langer Off To Fast Start In 2009

Bernhard Langer Off To a Fast Start

Champions Tour Player, Bernhard Lange and reigning Tour Rookie of the Year finished his final round four-under par – 68 on Sunday, January 25, 2009 in Kaupulehu-Kona, HI to hold off Andy Bean for a one-stroke win at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai Golf Club.
The cool, calm and collective, Langer trailed by one entering the final round, posting a 68 which gave him the win at 18-under-par and 198 for the tournament.
After the round, a smiling Langer said “there is nothing better than winning,” collecting a purse of $315,000 for the victory. Bean fired a six-under 66 to take second at 17-under-par 199. Jay Haas carded a two-under 70 to end alone in third at minus-15, while Jeff Sluman (70) and Mark McNulty (67) were one back at 14-under-par 202.
Second-round leader Brad Bryant stumbled to a three-over 75 to end in a share of eighth place. Bryant, the 2007 U.S. Senior Open champion, has led after two rounds on four occasions and has lost all four of those events. He has played in the last group 11 times and has won just one of those titles.

Langer’s come-from-behind win is the fifth in the last six years at this event. Things didn’t look good for Langer at the start. He bogeyed the second to fall three back. He and Bryant birdied the third, then Langer two-putted for birdie on four to get within two.

A par on the par-three fifth was good enough to give Langer a two-shot lead as Bryant found the water right of the green twice en route to a quadruple-bogey seven. That dropped Bryant to minus-13 and he didn’t recover from there.

A confident Langer two-putted for birdie on the seventh to remain two clear of Bean and Haas. Langer got up and down for birdie on 10 to move to 17-under, where he was one ahead of Bean, who eagled the 10th to briefly gain a share of the lead.

Bean bogeyed the 11th, then Langer rolled in a long birdie putt on 12. Langer stumbled to a bogey on the 13th to fall into a share of the lead with Bean, who birdied the 13th and 14th to get to 17-under.
Langer rebounded with a two-putt birdie on the par-five 14th to move one ahead at minus-18. Langer parred the final four holes to collect his fifth Champions Tour title.
Langer said that he did not watch the Leaderboard, instead he just hammered away at the course, which was probably a good idea since other players like Bean and Haas where footsteps behind.
Bean poured in three birdies in a four-hole span from the fourth to jump to 14-under, where he was one behind. He briefly grabbed a share of the lead with a 13-foot eagle putt on the 10th.
He stumbled to a bogey on 11 to slip to 15-under. Bean birdied 13 and 14 to grab apiece of the lead, but like Langer, he could only par the final four holes to finish one back.
“I couldn’t do any better. I played well today and I just needed a few more putts to fall,” Bean stated. “I’ve certainly started off well. I certainly hit a couple of bad shots this week, but all in all I had a good start.”

Other contenders on the final day were Gil Morgan with a 66 and John Cook with 68 who shared sixth place at 13-under-par 203. Bryant was joined in eighth place at minus-12 by Loren Roberts 68.
Gary Player, 73, broke his age for the third straight day. He carded rounds of 70-71-71 to share 27th place at minus-four. He has now bettered his age 12 times and matched it 12 other times on the Champions Tour.

Back From My Hiatus

My last blog entry occurred late last year, when I made a serious decision to take some time off to do some more pressing things, like become a volunteer for the Obama campaign. As a result of that wonderful experience, I found another calling and helped my community to invoke change for our country. But now that President Obama is well on the way to bring about change for our country, I figured that I would return to blogging, bigger and better than ever. Over the next few months I will try to catch up all the sports and music news and even a bit of politics too, so why not sit back ad relax and let me get you up to speed. Allow me to reintroduce myself through my posts on yes golf, football, music, especially jazz and a bit of fashion.

New Administration That Will In