June 12th

Willoughby Golf Club hosts The First Tee of the Treasure Coast

Willoughby Golf Club hosted The First Tee of the Treasure Coast June 12th & 13th. The program partners with Boys and Girls Clubs, the YMCA and the East Stuart Community Center to introduce the game of the golf to area youths. Willoughby members Jerry Tankersley, Mary East, Janet Walsh and Golf Pro Don Martin worked with 12 kids over the two day period. Click here to view the photo gallery.

WGC participates in first annual HOH Food Drive

During the week of April 6th, Willoughby Golf Club held its first-ever food drive for House of Hope and donated more than 500 pounds of food and $200 in funds. Our efforts will go a long way to feeding the hungry in our community. Thank you for your generosity!

From left to right: Steve Robkin from House of Hope, Charlene Roberts, Ellen Ramil, and Mike Grinnell.

The WWGA & Niners teamed up to organize a golf tournament, raffle and luncheon to raise money for Friends In Pink (formerly Pink Tie Friends), a non-profit organization that raises funds and awareness for those battling breast cancer. According to Carol Blochlinger, Event Chair, the tournament attracted 79 players (55 18-holers and 24 9-holers), gathered 39 sponsorships for 18 holes (at $50 a hole) and raffled off gift certificates, accessories, gift baskets and more. 

February 6th, 2014

Stuart Magazine featured the club twice in its February 2014 issue. On page 24, the magazine highlighted Willoughby as a wedding destination. On page 139, WGC  is mentioned as the venue for the Mary's Shelter Golf Tournament held in December. 

Click here to view a digital copy of the magazine.   

January 27th, 2014

A recent article in Florida Sportsman magazine named Willoughby Golf Club as one of 11 Top Florida clubs and resorts that allow fishing and possess good to excellent bass waters. Click here to read the article in its entirety. Willoughby is mentioned on page 51.  

January 17th, 2014

Executive Chef Jimmy Cunningham took part in the 'Great Chef Adventure', the Samaritan Center's signature event  -- an annual luncheon that raises funds for the intervention program that's been serving the needs of Martin County youths for more than 45 years. 

Click here to view the entire story as it appeared on TCPalm.com.

December 6th, 2013

The Christmas spirit was in full swing earlier this month at Willoughby Golf Club. Keeping a 25-year tradition alive, members donated more than 100 toys to students at Indiantown’s Hope Rural School.

On December 6th, Hope Rural kindergarteners arrived at the Club dressed as Victorian-era carolers. Their eyes widened at the sight of bikes, laptops, dolls, action figures and instruments piled under the Clubhouse Christmas tree. After entertaining members with several classic holiday tunes, they enjoyed a pizza & sundae party.

School Director Sister Mary Dooley said when it comes to Hope Rural School, Willoughby Golf Club’s generosity abounds year round.

“Christmas is not just one day for our Willoughby friends,” she said. “They’ve supported our mission of education for many, many years. I will say that the level of love and generosity is certainly heightened during the actual Christmas season, as they light up the lives of our children and their families with fun and exciting toys and bicycles.

“Love linking love, joy linking joy, kindness linking kindess – isn’t that what the season is all about?”

Click here to view the photo gallery 
 

November 30th, 2013

Willoughby Tennis Pro donates time to Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida

Willoughby's Director of Tennis spent a recent weekend teaching Girl Scouts the fundamentals of tennis at Camp Welaka in Tequesta.

November 21st, 2013

Only survivor of first Masters turns 103

Story appeared on GolfChannel.com

Samuel Henry "Errie" Ball, the only surviving player from the first Masters in 1934, turned 103 on Thursday.

Ball, born in Bangor, Wales, celebrated a day early with family and friends at the Yacht & Golf Club in Stuart, Fla. Among those attending were Ball's wife, Maxie, 99; former PGA District 6 Director Bruce Patterson of Butler National Golf Club in Oak Brook, Ill.; and PGA Director of Golf Gerry Knebels of Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart. Patterson worked under Ball for 13 years and Knebels four at Butler National.

Asked the secret of his longevity, Ball said, "Live by moderation." He also noted that "since last week I now have a beer every day. Doesn’t matter what brand.”

Asked why he switched from his trademark Dewar’s scotch, he said with a wink, “I felt it was time.”

November 3rd, 2013

Willoughby raises $2,100 for Folds of Honor
during Reunion Weekend

Reunion Weekend Chairs Mary East & Lucy Kiggins

October 19th, 2013

For the fourth consecutive year, the Willoughby Golf Club “Willoughby Walkers” participated in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. The event was held Saturday, October 19th at Memorial Park in Stuart.
The team, which included four breast cancer survivors, walked 3.1 miles in honor of friends and family who have battled the disease. Willoughby Walkers also raised $3,160 for the American Cancer Society to fund breast cancer research, provide information, services and access to mammograms for women who need them.
“Thank you to all those who supported our team by walking or donating funds to sponsor our team,” Jo Lunsford, Willoughby resident and team coordinator, said. “Your efforts will aid the fight to end breast cancer.”

 Click here to view the Oct. 29th Luminaries article.

The Willoughby Walkers participated in the 'Making Strides Against Breast Cancer' walk on Oct. 19th.

Willoughby Golf Club reopens golf course with new fairways and tees

Willoughby Golf Club members celebrate the reopening of the refurbished golf course October 15th.

Golf Course Superintendent Jason Riley said the renovation will enhance playing conditions for Willoughby members and their guests. 

“Providing our members with the best possible golf experience is a priority for us,” he said. 

More than 100 members were on hand for the Oct. 15th debut,  and kicked off the event with a Continental Breakfast at the revamped Starter Building. 

“After regrassing our tees and fairways, there are no longer any bad lies in Willoughby…unless you count the times when some members are asked for their handicaps,” Willoughby member and golfer Art Markey said.

Willoughby plays about 6,731 yards from the tips and has water on nine of the 18 holes. The course is known for offering a championship layout within a scenic setting. 

The $2.5 million project caps off Willoughby’s three-year capital improvement plan that included a renovated Clubhouse and men’s and ladies locker rooms. All improvements are now in place – just in time for its 25th anniversary.

“This three-year, multi-million endeavor was possible because our members recognized the importance of reinvesting in their community,” General Manager Michele Reilly said. “A pristine golf course and gorgeous Clubhouse are just part of what makes Willoughby great. Our active social calendar, exciting dining options and cameraderie of the membership are other reason why our members love where they live.” 

Willoughby Golf Club’s annual membership programs offer flexible options for every type of golfer. It recently launched a Corporate Membership Program that gives area professionals access to the Club for Corporate Golf Outings, Board Retreats, Breakfast Meetings, Business Workshops, Company Holiday Parties, Seminars and more. 

For more information or to schedule a personal tour of the new-and-improved Willoughby Golf Club, please contact Michele Reilly at (772) 220-6000 or visit ​www.willoughbygolfclub.com.

This story also appeared on TCPalm.com.

Sept. 10, 2013 -- Willoughby Golf Club, a private golf club located on Willoughby Boulevard in Stuart, is pleased to offer its new Corporate Membership Program to the public.

The Corporate Membership Program is geared toward business professionals looking to interact with clients and colleagues in an ideal setting. A Corporate Membership consists of a minimum of two designees and a maximum of four designees. (Spouses are welcomed).

Corporate Members will enjoy opportunities for Corporate Golf Outings, Board Retreats, Breakfast Meetings, Business Workshops, Company Holiday Parties, Seminars and more. No Food and Beverage minimum spending is required and there is no charge for use of Corporate Meeting rooms.

CORPORATE DINING
Members receive full Clubhouse privileges and three complimentary rounds of golf with an option to purchase a golf package.:

CORPORATE GOLF

Membership Director Maria Reich said the Corporate Membership Program is one of several initiatives by Willoughby Golf Club to keep pace in the competitive private golf club industry.

“In these times, it’s important to think ‘out of the box’ when devising new programs,” Reich said. “Our goal with the Corporate Membership Program is to get on the radar of local movers and shakers. The more we introduce people to all the amazing things our club has to offer, the better we position ourselves in terms of potential house sales, golf memberships, corporate holiday parties and the like.”

For more information about Willoughby’s Corporate Membership Program or to schedule a personal tour, please contact Mackenzie Raehm at (772) 221-2509.

Willoughby Golf Club's City of Stuart Four Ball Golf Championship raises $18,000 for charity

City of Stuart Four-Ball Championship Committee members Mike Blankenship, Willoughby Golf Club Board Member George Lundstadt, Community Services Advisory Board Chairperson Kali deWindt, Committee Co-Chairman Dana deWindt, City Manager Paul Nicoletti and City Commissioner Troy McDonald. Not pictured are Crystal Stiles and Committee Co-Chairman Robin Hicks-Connors.

Gerry Knebels, PGA professional and director of Golf at Willoughby Golf Club, said that the 2012 City of Stuart Four Ball Championship, which took place recently at Willoughby Golf Club, raised more than $18,000 for the 10th Street Recreational Complex in Stuart.

The annual golf tournament, which raises funds for children’s programming at the 10th Street Complex and home of the Stuart branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, nearly doubled its profits from 2011.

The charity golf event, which featured a format of two-person, best ball with Championship and Handicap divisions, drew a crowd of 72 participants.

Roy MacDonald and Guy Keenan shot a score of 67 to win the Championship Division, which was open to players with amateur status. Bernie Sensale and Roger Loeffelbein took first place in the Handicap Division with a score of 61.

The East Stuart Youth Initiative’s collaborative efforts consist of multiple agencies including the City of Stuart Community Services Division, Stuart Police Department, Boys and Girls Clubs of Martin County and Tykes and Teens.

Currently, more than 100 schoolchildren take part in the afterschool program at the 10th Street Recreational Complex which offers the opportunity to receive help with homework and participate in a variety of activities including golf, judo, tennis, soccer, creative dance, music, arts and crafts, photography, and much more.

“We are so pleased with the growth and success of the City of Stuart Four Ball Championship,” said committee co-chair Dana de Windt. “I would like to thank my fellow committee members, Willoughby Golf Club, our generous sponsors and tournament participants for their support of the 10th Street Recreational Complex, a spectacular place that offers young and deserving children in our community a safe environment to learn, grow and thrive.”

Sponsors of the City of Stuart Four Ball Championship included Fier Eye Care and Surgery Center, Gunster Yoakley, West Construction, Gulfstream Business Bank, Culpepper & Terpening Inc., Manero’s, Kast Construction, Captec Engineering, Seacoast National Bank, Gehring Group, John Roberts Family and the deWindt Family, among a host of additional donors and contributors.

Please click here to view this story on TCPalm.

Willoughby Golf Club Announces
New Summer Membership Promotion

Maria Reich, membership director of Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart, is pleased to announce the private club’s summer membership promotion, available May 15 to Sept. 30 at one low rate with the option to extend beyond summer through the “17 months for the price of 12” promotion.

Included in the summer membership is unlimited family golf and range privileges, as well as use of Willoughby’s tennis facility, and large, heated lap swimming pool. Summer members will also enjoy fine and casual dining in Willoughby’s recently renovated clubhouse, as well as social gatherings at the Point Bar, multipurpose wine room and on the outdoor patio.

Last summer, Willoughby’s Clubhouse underwent a $1.85 million renovation.

“With the completion of our clubhouse renovations, we are excited to offer a number of programs this summer beginning with the membership promotion and upcoming Club Kids Camp,” said Maria Reich, membership director of Willoughby Golf Club. “At Willoughby, our members love where they live and play – and we look forward to a great summer.”

Willoughby’s new summer membership option is geared for families, which includes husband, wife and any children under the age of 23 either living at home or attending school.

For more information about Willoughby’s summer membership promotion, please contact Mackenzie Raehm at 772-220-6000 or [email protected]. Also, to learn more about Willoughby Golf Club, please visit http://www.willoughbygolfclub.com.

Please click here to view the story on TCPalm.

Errie Ball, Willoughby's Golf Professional Emeritus,
still making the cut at 101

by Bill Meredith, Palm Beach Post

Samuel Henry "Errie" Ball, the PGA Professional emeritus at Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart, no longer drives there every day. He now appears a few times per week, but it's always an event.

"He just pulled up," said membership and marketing director Maria Reich on a recent morning, rushing outside to walk in with him.

He's then greeted by additional club members, staff and well-wishers.
And there are valid reasons for the adulation, assistance and his decreased schedule.
Ball, you see, is 101 years old. Yet, as the last surviving member of the 72-man field at the inaugural 1934 Masters tournament in Augusta, Ga., he still drives to Willoughby from his home at the Stuart Yacht and Country Club.

The native of Bangor, Wales, ended up in America's Deep South courtesy of his uncle Frank Ball, who was the PGA head professional at East Lake Country Club in Atlanta.
"I moved over here in 1930," Ball said, "and was an assistant at East Lake before becoming an apprentice. It took some time to get used to the Georgians, and to the heat after being used to so much rain in Wales."

Returning on an ocean liner after competing in the British Open a few years later, he met his future wife, Maxwell "Maxie" Wright of Virginia.

Now 97, she was coming back from a European vacation after her college graduation. They married in 1936, making Ball a U.S. citizen, but they had to improvise beforehand.
"We were both engaged to other people when we met," Ball said. "That was a bit tricky to get through, but it's worked out. We've been married for 75 years."

Legendary golfer Bobby Jones invited Ball to compete at Augusta in 1934, not long after Ball had gotten his first head professional post at the Mobile Country Club in Alabama. He would compete at the Masters again in 1957.

"I played three pretty good rounds in '34," Ball said, "but missed the cut by two strokes in '57."

Still, his career accomplishments include additional head pro status at Farmington Country Club (in Charlottesville, Va.); an Atlanta Open title, plus Southeast and Southwest PGA Section championships and teaching stints from Vero Beach to Tucson, Ariz.

A member of the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame, Ball also won three Illinois PGA Championships, and was head pro at both Oak Park Country Club and Butler National Golf Club.

He started giving lessons at Willoughby in 1989, but has stopped because of issues with his balance. Yet he still offers golf tips and opinions, including his favorite all-time golfer (Jones), course (Pine­hurst in North Carolina), and whether Tiger Woods will break Jack Nicklaus' career record of 18 major victories ("Not if injuries knock him out of tournaments with good scores.").

Upon his induction into the PGA Golf Professional Hall of Fame last year, Ball quipped that two scotches before dinner was his secret for longevity.

He's scaled that back as well. "It's about 1 1/2 now," he said.

Please click here to read the story on the Palm Beach Post website.

Willoughby Golf Club Raises Funds for Pink Tie Friends

Judi Gettier (LEFT), President of WWGA, and Joan Tonra (RIGHT), Chair of Pink Tie Week at Willoughby Golf Club, present a check to Judy Schilder (CENTER), President of Pink Tie Friends, at the private Club in Stuart on March 5, 2012.

On March 5, 2012, Judi Gettier, Women's Western Golf Association (WWGA) President, and Joan Tonra, Chair of Willoughby Golf Club's 2nd Annual Pink Tie Week, presented Judy Schilder, President of Pink Tie Friends, with a check for the amount of $6,250, raised at the Pink Tie Golf Tournament on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at Willoughby Golf Club.

For the past few years, Pink Tie Friends has been the chosen beneficiary of the annual golf tournament, which is part of a series of events held at Willoughby Golf Club to raise funds and awareness for the local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial support for uninsured or under-insured breast cancer patients on the Treasure Coast.

"The members of Willoughby Golf Club value the importance of the work that Pink Tie Friends does in our own community," said Judi Gettier, President of WWGA at Willoughby Golf Club. We are honored to once again contribute our support and financial aid to this remarkable organization," Gettier added.

Please click here to view the story on TCPalm.com.

Ocean Village Pro to Pro Playoffs

Congratulations to our tennis pro Dan Stover winning the Ocean Village Pro benefiting Hospice of the Treasure Coast. This very competitive event has drawn a strong field in the past with such competitors as Mardy Fish currently ranked #8 in the world when he was just an up in comer. Dan Stover and his partner beat North River Shores’s Scott DeCoste and Colter DeCoste in the finals last Sunday. Colter is currently ranked as a top 20 junior here in Florida. Also a special thanks to Willoughby member Dan Warner for being an integral part of this 25 year event.

Adam Fox Records Double Eagle on 17

Adam Fox
(Photo from http://www.pgatour.com/golfers/028070/adam-fox/)

Willoughby Golf Club is pleased to share that Adam Fox,
while home for a visit with parents, Erling & Susie Speer,
recorded a double eagle on Hole 17 of
Willoughby's course using only a driver and pitching wedge. 
Congratulations Adam!

Willoughby Members and Friends,

Please enjoy the article below, originally published on February 11, 2012 by Mike Morgan with Barron's Online, about the latest happenings in real estate throughout Florida, as well as the Treasure Coast and surrounding areas.  Martin County was noted for its existence as a relatively low-growth market with good schools, a no-high-rise policy and magnificent choices for owners and investors.

Please click here to view the article on Barron's Online.

Good News Corner:  Positive Outlook for Martin County Real Estate
Time to Buy in Florida.. Carefully
By Mike Morgan

Is the Florida housing hurricane starting to blow itself out? Yes and no. It depends upon area, demographics, age of properties, levels of tourism, commerce and industry, as well as dozens of other issues that most buyer-owners and investors never bother to consider.
Whatever you do, don't buy the hype. For example, there is nonsensical talk of another wave of condo growth from the overreaching developers who were responsible for more condo failures than any other group in the state.

 Beware developers' hype, a veteran Sunshine State real-estate broker warns, especially in over-condoed areas like Miami.

I work with hedge funds, investment groups and individual buyers, so I get to see all sides of real-estate deals, and what's underneath the table. Most of the big property investors have a motto: "Extend and pretend." That is, extend the mortgages on properties in their portfolios and pretend that prices are much higher than they are in reality.

But for the average person interested in purchasing single units, to either occupy or rent out, there finally is a new and positive reality. Prices have fallen enough so that I can finally tell clients to buy carefully. I don't say go out and buy the junk condos being peddled in Miami or one of the hundreds of single-family homes sitting empty in areas like Port St. Lucie and Cape Coral. Real-estate shoppers must do their homework, and not rely on an agent who works solely on commission. Take away the incentive to make a sale at all costs, and you start getting real numbers, real inspections and agents who will tell you when a property isn't right for you.

At the moment, Florida offers an unusual window of opportunity for individual buyers and investors. Interest rates are low, prices are down by 50% or more, and sellers are anxious. The picture is a bit clouded by the South Americans and Europeans, who fear currency collapses in their homelands and are buying without regard for quality, maintenance costs or resale value. Russians flush with cash are purchasing indiscriminately in South Florida. Many are buying condos in overbuilt markets that didn't plan for explosive growth. Traffic, crime, health care and education are all taking a turn for the worse in these places.   

Jupiter Island, toward the southern edge of Florida's Treasure Coast, is among the areas worth considering, says the author.

Canadians, flush with the very strong Canadian dollar, are also buying, but they are far more discerning. For the most part, they are avoiding South Florida and looking for better value, more amenities and future appreciation north of there. U.S. baby boomers on the edge of retirement and looking for serenity—not the hustle of Miami, Naples, Tampa and other overbuilt markets—also are buying.

Also in the market are South Floridians moving north for better schools, less crime and a better quality of life. For the first time in years, they are buying oceanfront homes and condos along the Treasure Coast (which stretches along the Atlantic, from Jupiter and Hobe Sound up to Sebastian) and the Space Coast (just above it). The key is finding locales that didn't participate in the 2003-2007 housing bubble, because they were either established or low-growth areas. Stay on the coasts and away from the interior's glut of single-family homes and gated communities.

Look at the barrier islands north of Palm Beach County, such as Hutchinson Island, which has everything from one-bedroom oceanfront condos to 20,000-square-foot mansions. Don't buy the story that Miami's popularity will jump because the area is getting casinos. There is no infrastructure to build casinos in Miami. Traffic and crime are already a problem there; the city doesn't need more. If Florida licenses additional casinos, they will generally be in run-down areas where land is cheap and roads can be built to handle the traffic. Developers stuck with Miami condo towers are selling the sizzle of casinos without the steak.

Biotechnology is actually Florida's brightest star, getting brighter by the nanosecond. There are three main centers: northern Palm Beach County, St. Lucie County and the Orlando area. If you want the best of all worlds, look at the area between northern Palm Beach County and St. Lucie County. In the middle sits Martin County, with good schools, a relatively low-growth market, a no-high-rise policy and magnificent choices for owners and investors.
Buyers, do your homework.

For years now in Florida, the trend hasn't been existing-home sellers' friend. Sales have risen recently as bargain hunters have swooped in.

MIKE MORGAN, a Florida real-estate broker, has written previously for Barron's on the state's housing woes. E-mail: [email protected]

Congratulations to Alice Mostoff

Not only was her beautiful art displayed here at Willoughby, but tomorrow Friday, Feb. 3rd, two of her pieces have been chosen to be displayed at the 7th Annual Juried Art Exhibition, presented by The Elliott Museum and sponsored by Northern Trust.

For more information on the reception please call Linda at the Elliott Museum 225-1961 ext 110.

Exhibit is open to the public beginning February 6th - March 6th 2012.

Monday through Friday 10 am to 3 pm.

Northern Trust
2201 SE Kingswood Terrace
Monterey Commons

Gerry Knebels, left, George MacLean, Gerald Tankersley, David Prentiss and Don Gaydos
 (Submitted, Society Scene / January 17, 2012)

Golfers from across the country hit the greens at the Mary's Shelter "Second Annual Golf Classic," which was held at Willoughby Golf Club on Dec. 16. For the second year in a row, Chair Peter W. Thompson oversaw a sold-out event, raising $40,000 to support residential services and programs for homeless pregnant women and their babies. Golfers competed in a variety of activities, including "Long Drive," "Closest to the Pin," "Beat the Pro," "Yellow Ball" and a "Hole-in-One Contest" sponsored by Carl's Buick.
Dinner and an awards ceremony were held following the tournament and prizes were presented to the top foursomes.

Event sponsors included: Signature Consultants; Flanders Corporation; ZeroChaos; Shutts & Bowen, LLP; Dynaric, Inc.; Huron Consulting; The Artwell Companies; Moore & VanAllen; Comvest Group; Magellan Group; Mombach, Boyle & Hardin, P.A.; Heritage Global Partners; Northern Trust; Restoration X; Coast 101.3 FM; Fenton Lang Bruner & Associates; Schoppe Foot & Ankle; MIS Consulting; Carmela's; Berger, Toombs, Elam Gaines & Frank; Christopher Johnathon Designs; Riverview Cosmetic Dentistry; and Romagosa Dermatology Group.

Mary's Shelter provides residential and nonresidential services for pregnant women and their babies who are in need of a supportive environment because of a lack of suitable housing or favorable family relationships. Through personalized counseling and educational programs, Mary's Shelter prepares mothers with newborns for independent living and a vision of hope for the future. Mary's Shelter, the fifth shelter of its kind in the nation, serves women throughout Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast.

For more information on resident services, volunteer opportunities or ways to support Mary's Shelter, visit http://www.MarysShelter.org or call 772-223-5000.

Please click here to view the story on SunSentinel.com.

Willoughby's Renovated Clubhouse
Featured in the Palm Beach Post

We are pleased to share an article about Willoughby Golf Club's
renovated Clubhouse that appeared in the Palm Beach Post on
Thursday, January 12, 2012 in the Neighborhood Post section. 

While the article is not yet available online,
please enjoy this scanned copy of the print version.

Willoughby Golf Club resident presented with the REALTOR® President's Special Recognition Award

One of our Willoughby Golf Club residents, Susan Gaieski, was installed as Secretary to the Executive Board for JTHS Association of Realtors Dec. 9. As part of the installation ceremonies program, Susan was presented with the REALTOR® President's Special Recognition Award in appreciation for service, support and assistance during her 2011 Directorship on the JTHS Board of Directors.

Currently, Susan is active in two Real Estate associations, Realtor Association of Martin County, and JTHS (Jupiter, Tequesta, Hobe Sound) Association of Realtors.

Willoughby Golf Club Tennis Professional, Dan Stover, Advances to Finals at 2011 USTA Florida Adult State Men's 30-50 Championships

Dan Stover and Vitaliy Pereverzev

Players battled through inclement weather to raise trophies in the men's 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 divisions in singles during the USTA Florida Adult State Closed Men's 30-50 Championships, held Oct. 26-30, 2011, at the Ibis Country Club in West Palm Beach, Fla.

"Despite the rain, we had great tennis," said Tournament Director Chuck Gill.  "Rain halted all or part of play Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so play was not held in most consolation, or any doubles divisions. All singles matches were completed on Sunday or Monday."

Loxahatchee's Greg Neuhart captured the 50-over title, defeating Joakim Berner of Delray Beach 6-3, 6-4 in the final.

The 45-over crown was won by Jupiter's Jeff Burnett, who in the final rolled past Ervin Mendel of Hollywood 6-3, 6-1. The "match of the tournament" according to Gill was Mendel defeating Jimmy Gatza in the semifinals 7-6(5), 6-7(5), 7-6(7).

Kam Kuchta of Boynton Beach won the 40-over final, defeating Todd Schlorf of Longboat Key 6-4, 6-2. Boca Raton's Diego Brunicardi won the 35-over final, turning back Dural's Brett Hall 7-5, 6-2.

In the 30-over final Vitaliy Pereverzev of Hallandale Beach, who in the semifinals toppled No. 1 seed Michael Halperin in three sets, defeated Dan Stover of Jupiter, FL in a battle of the heavy weights.

Funds Raised at 2011 Errie Ball Martin County Amateur Golf Championship Donated to Local High School Golf Programs

Willoughby Golf Club, represented by Errie Ball and Lucy Kiggins, presented The Pine School and South Fork High School Golf Teams with funds raised during the 2011 Errie Ball Martin County Amateur Golf Championship at Willoughby Golf Club and Stuart Yacht and Country Club on October 19-20, 2011.

The annual Golf Championship, which featured amateur status golfers throughout Martin County, Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast, was hosted by Errie Ball, Golf Pro Emeritus at Willoughby Golf Club and the only surviving member of the original Masters Tournament.

Willoughby Golf Club Unveils Clubhouse Following $1.85 Million Renovation

On Saturday, Nov. 5, Willoughby Golf Club unveiled its newly renovated Clubhouse at its Reunion Grand Opening Celebration to more than 350 members of the private Club. The $1.85 million refurbishment took approximately 3 months to complete and focused on improvements to member dining and social lounges, as well as the entrance, lobby and gallery.

In addition to the Reunion event, Willoughby hosted a preview for approximately 200 members and guests on Wednesday, Oct. 12, as well as a Real Estate Broker's Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 19 for area professionals and its first wedding in the newly renovated facilities on Saturday, Oct. 22.

Following three years of careful planning and several months of construction, we are excited to share the end result with our members, guests and the Treasure Coast community, said Michele Reilly, General Manager of Willoughby Golf Club. Special thanks to Image Design and Kast Construction, our Plan was both beautifully designed and executed just in a time for our busy season, Reilly added.

The completed renovations, planned to accommodate the existing building footprint, include new wood flooring and enhanced lighting, as well as millwork trim, finishes and updated furnishings. Additional restorations to the main dining room, bar and multipurpose Willoughby room allow for a more functional flow, improved views, private dining and a central location for social gatherings.

For more information about Willoughby's completed renovations, membership options or to inquire about future events, please contact Mackenzie Raehm at 772-221-2509 or visit http://www.willoughbygolfclub.com.

Willoughby Golf Club Celebrates the Marine Corp Birthday!

Willoughby Fitness Instructor, Krissy Schmidt, Coaches Martin County High School Volleyball Team to Florida State 7A Title

The Martin County High School volleyball team is back on top again.

After winning a title in 2009 and finishing as runners up last year, the Tigers claimed the program's third state championship by beating Winter Springs, 23-25, 25-16, 25-13, 25-23, in the Class 7A final Saturday at Silver Spurs Arena. The school's first volleyball title came in 1994.

It's an awesome feeling, said Martin County senior outside hitter Nicole Walch, who dominated with 30 kills. Last year, it (stunk) to lose. This year, it's so much better.

The win was a drastic turnaround from Friday's semifinal win over St. Thomas Aquinas, when the Tigers came out flat and had to battle the entire way to fight off the Raiders.

This time, Martin County (27-5) looked like a team playing for a title with more energy, solid defense, fewer errors and better passing. Winter Springs (26-5), meanwhile posted a negative hitting percentage in the middle two games and finished with just a 7.6 hitting percentage overall, compared to Martin County's 21.8.

“I couldn't be more proud of the girls right now,Tigers coach Krissy Schmidt said. They played an amazing game and they played their hearts out.

It took a bit of a wake up call to give the Tigers the push they needed, though.

Martin County dropped the first game, despite nearly staging a comeback following an 18-13 deficit.

The first game we wanted it but we were playing not to lose, junior outside hitter Madisen Lyden said. Once we realized, ˜This is it,' we played with all our hearts and we cut down the errors on our side of the court.

The first-game loss also served as a reminder of last year's final, when Martin County folded after losing the opening set and East Lake went on to sweep the match. The Tigers weren't going to let that happen again.

Last year after we lost the first set, we got really down, and I think that's why we ended up losing last year, senior setter Mallori Moffat said. We didn't want that to happen again, so we came out with more fire in the second game. We wanted to win.

From there, Martin County held the momentum and took the middle two games with ease before fighting off the Bears in the last set.

"It was a battle," Bears coach Danny Eleutiza said. "We played a great team today."

The Tigers trailed 20-18 in Game 4, but Walch, who took control early with 12 kills in the first game, turned up the heat once more and accounted for five of the final seven points on kills for the win. She also had four aces on the day.

Walch said she had a little extra personal motivation. After Friday's semifinal, a television reporter commented that Walch looked better last year, and Walch wanted to prove her wrong.

Every player has an off game, so for people to ask me that, it definitely fueled me," Walch said. "I got pretty upset after that. Going into this game I knew I wanted to prove a lot of people wrong."

Though Walch was the dominant player on the floor, she had plenty of help from her teammates. Moffatt totaled 34 assists, and Lydon added 11 kills. Arianna Bethel (three kills, one aces, four assisted blocks), Danielle Dodge (two kills, two aces) and JoAnn Martin (21 digs, one ace) also contributed at crucial moments.

"It was an excellent effort by everyone on the team," Schmidt said. "Nicole had an excellent game, but you can't forget about the rest of the team that made that game the way that it was. Everyone on the team was on their game today."

Happy 101st Birthday to Willoughby’s Golf Professional Emeritus, Errie Ball!