Errie Ball to be featured in "Golf in America"

Willoughby’s very own Errie Ball will be featured in “Golf In America” on Tuesday, July 13th at 9 pm, on the Golf Channel.

Please be sure to set your DVD players/TiVo so you don’t miss it. Once we receive a copy from the producer, we will post the story on the Willoughby website.

Enjoy the show!!!

Congratulations are in order for two of Willoughby’s residents

Art Davie and George Lehach.

We thank them both for representing Willoughby so well.

For more on their stories see the attached

• Art Davie - A Guy You Can Count On
  
• George Lehach - Lehach begins tenure as chairman of the board for Martin Memorial
  

“Golf In America”, shoots in Willoughby.

As many of you probably noticed, last week we had the producer and crew of the Golf Channel

shooting their show “Golf In America” right here in Willoughby. No surprise to anyone, besides the beautiful backdrop of Willoughby’s golf course, the real star featured was the one and only, Errie Ball.

We are so lucky to have him.  What a trooper he was.  You will see for yourself when it airs on Tuesday, July 13 on the Golf Channel.  I will email everyone a reminder as we get closer to the date.

Enjoy your summer!

Willoughby Gives Back!!

Willoughby gives back to the community. Last month Willoughby’s Garden Club made a beautiful vegetable garden for the children of The Hope Center for Autism. One of the classes of the Hope Center will be instructed on the art of cooking to teach the children the basics on how their parents fix their meals, emphasizing the importance of healthy and nutritious eating habits. As Stacie Routt, Director of the Hope Center, said, “Now the children will have a beautiful vegetable garden to help take care of and enjoy. Thanks to Willoughby.  Community support is the longevity and success of the Hope Center.”

During Holy Week, the employees of Willoughby Golf Club got together and had a Food Drive for the less fortunate than us. In a week we collected over 100 lbs. of food, a TV and some other miscellaneous items for the House of Hope. The House of Hope feeds, clothes, and helps Martin County’s poor. After hearing the statistics of homeless in our own county, Willoughby’s employees felt the need to help. There are over 500 adults, and about 270 children that are homeless and live in colonies, similar to the one behind Walmart. The employees of Willoughby were happy to make a difference.

Willoughby Resident In This Month’s Florida Realtor Magazine

Martin County is one of five healthiest counties in Florida

By Tyler Treadway

Martin County is one of the top five healthiest places in the state and has the highest quality of life.

That’s the finding of the County Health Rankings released today in Washington by the University of Wisconsin’s Population Health Center and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The rankings are intended to help public officials and communities identify strengths and weaknesses relative to other counties within the state. Because some of the measures used in the rankings are not available in all states, comparisons across state lines are discouraged.

“We hope this kind of checkup will mobilize community leaders to take action and invest in programs and policy changes that will make their counties healthier places to live,” said Dr. Patrick Remington, associate dean for public health at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

Martin County ranked fifth among the state’s 67 counties in overall health, called “health outcomes” in the rankings. Researchers used five measures to assess “health outcomes” for people living in each county:

• the rate of people dying before age 75;
• the percentage of people who report being in fair or poor health in federal surveys done between 2002 and 2008;
• the number of days people reported being in poor physical health;
• the number of days reported in poor mental health;
• the rate of low-birth-weight infants.

A contributing factor to overall health, according to the rankings, is morbidity, or quality of life; and in that category, Martin County ranked No. 1 in Florida.

Martin County ranked fourth in health factors. Those factors include smoking, obesity, binge drinking, rates of high school graduation, violent crime and unemployment, concentrations of liquor stores and fast-food outlets, poverty rates and access to primary care.

Mark Chittum, administrator for the Martin County Health Department, said the No. 1 ranking for quality of life “jumped out at me. It’s very gratifying to be one of the healthiest counties in Florida. But these aren’t the health department’s numbers, they’re the community’s numbers. It takes a lot of people to make such good news happen.”

Chittum called the rankings “a good way to look at where we are and where we want to go. It’s not anything where we can rest on our laurels.”

Given the current economic situation, Chittum said, “we need to ensure that needed programs and services are supported in order to continue to have a healthy community.”

Chittum said the Health Department is leading an effort to develop a Community Health Assessment to evaluate community health needs and utilize that information to support or implement health-related programs. Joining the effort are representatives from the United Way, Martin Memorial Health Systems, the Children’s Services Council, Volunteers in Medicine, Martin County government, the Council on Aging and the Healthy Start Coalition.

As for other counties on the Treasure Coast, Indian River ranked sixth in health outcomes and 12th in health factors; St. Lucie ranked 30th in health outcomes and 48th in health factors.

Lee Bowman of Scripps Howard News Service contributed to this report.

Willoughby Featured in this months Stuart Magazine

Click here to view the full cover.

Willoughby Awarded “Best for Club Life” by LINKS Magazine Home to 99-year-old Errie Ball, the secondoldest PGA professional and the last surviving participant of the first Masters in 1934, Willoughby sits between Palm Beach and Vero Beach—ideal for those seeking a lower-density Florida lifestyle. Click here to view the full cover.

Statue of Pro Unveiled at Golf Club

Errie Ball, left was recently honored at Willoughby Golf Club with a bronze bust by sculptor Geoffrey Smith.

For Hometown News

MARTIN COUNTY - The community recently honored Errie Ball, 99, the golf pro emeritus at Willoughby Golf Club, with bronze bust by sculptor Geoffrey Smith.

Mr. Ball, who was joined by his wife, Maxey, and his children, and grandchildren, is the lone survivor of the players in the very first Masters in 1934.

Mr. Ball has been affiliated with Willoughby since it opened in 1989 under the leadership of Erling Speer.

Mr. Ball is a native of Wales and began playing golf very early. When he was 15, he played in the British Open and was recognized as the youngest contestant ever to compete. Now, he is recognized as being "the last man left standing" from the first Masters in 1934.

The unveiling of the bronze bust was the beginning of the annual homecoming party for seasonal and year-round residents of the club.

The statue is located by the first tee and serves to remind all golfers what golf is all about and the lessons Errie has taught about golf and life, said Arnie Eckelman, Willoughby president.

Mr. Ball remains active at Willoughby, both as a teacher and a golfer.

Errie Ball honored by his friends at Willoughby

John, left, and Kathy Gorman of Vero Beach congratulate Errie Ball at the dedication of a statue of Ball, created by local artist Geoffrey Smith, at the entrance to the first tee at the Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart on Sunday. More than 200 people came out to honor the Masters legend. Ball, who will be 99 on Nov. 14, is the Golf Pro Emeritus and instructor at the course since it opened in 1989. "He's an icon in the world of golf," said Erling Speer, developer and founder of Willoughby Golf Club. "But most importantly, he's an outstanding human being and a perfect gentleman."

STUART — Errie Ball gazed in awe at the sculpture. The bronze image of Ball stared right back at the 98-year-old golfer.

“That was some time ago,” Ball said of the bust. “When I was a lot younger.”

The Willoughby Golf Club unveiled the sculpture Sunday evening in front of a few hundred guests. The ceremony honored Ball for his two decades of service to Willoughby and for his remarkable golf career. Ball stands as the last surviving member of the of the inaugural 1934 Augusta Invitational — known today as The Masters.

Born in 1910 in Bangor Wales, Ball turns 99 on Saturday. But the bigger celebration came this weekend in front of the Willoughby golf course’s first tee.

Wearing a peach-colored collared shirt and a black sports coat, Ball posed with guests next to his grinning likeness. Ball even joked that rubbing the sculpture’s flat-brimmed cap would guarantee golfers a round of 1-under-par. Maxie, Ball’s wife of 73 years, stood next to her husband carrying a bundle of roses. His grandchildren also watched the event unfold.

Sculpted by local artist Geoffrey Smith, Willoughby Golf Club pro Gerry Knebels said the bust was to commend Ball for his help teaching golf in Stuart since 1989 — and for his many on-the-course accomplishments. Even though he no longer plays, Ball still teaches at the course multiple times a week. Knebels added Ball’s memory remains as savvy as his golf instructions.

“He starts reminiscing back to the 1951 U.S. Open, and it’s all coming back with great clarity,” Knebels said. “You’re just amazed at his sharpness.”

Ball’s golfing achievements stretch all the way back to 1926. At age 15, he became the youngest contestant ever in the British Open. The legendary Bobby Jones won the event, and eventually started mentoring Ball. Jones convinced Ball to work for him in the United States.

Ball’s decision to move overseas paid off. In 1934, Ball earned a spot playing on Jones’ course in Augusta, Ga. as a part of the first-ever Masters championship. Ball finished in a tie for 38th. In 1957, Ball played the Masters a second time. The 23-year gap between tournaments serves as the longest time between appearances in the Masters. Fifty-two years after his most recent Masters experience, Ball is still excited to teach others his game.

Ball mentored Knebels in the early 1980s, in the same way Jones taught Ball. Once Knebels was named pro at the newly-founded Willoughby Golf Club, Ball hinted he’d like to be involved. And in 1989, Ball earned a spot as the club’s pro emeritus.

Many of the event’s guests went up to Ball and thanked him for his golf tips. Several claimed they owned their entire game to Ball. After so many years of service to the game of golf, the Willoughby community wanted to give something back to Ball.

“It’s wonderful,” Ball said. “I didn’t expect this at all. A big surpriseI got a lot of friends.”

PGA Professionals Bud Lewis and Errie Ball Cross Over Into New Territory of PGA of America Membership, Surpassing Legendary Gene Sarazen's Longevity Mark

Bud Lewis has been a PGA member for 78 years and 5 months, while Errie Ball has served 78 years, 3 months and 23 days.

PGA Professionals Joseph "Bud" Lewis of Wyncote, Pa., who celebrated his 101st birthday last August, and Errie Ball of Stuart, Fla., 98, the last surviving participant of the first Masters, each recently achieved another milestone in their respective golf careers.

The twosome surpassed legendary Gene Sarazen as the longest serving members of The PGA of America. Lewis has been a PGA member for 78 years and five months, while Ball has served 78 years, 3 months and 23 days.

Sarazen, who died in 1999 at age 97, had served 78 years, 1 month and 28 days up to his death.

Lewis, who served for 37 years at Manufacturers Golf and Country Club in Fort Washington, Pa., is a weekly bridge participant at his old club, where he also rests in a golf cart and gives tips to both friends and family members.

"The Philadelphia PGA Section is proud to be the home of PGA Professional Bud Lewis. As we now know, Bud is the oldest living PGA member and the PGA member with the longest service record in the history of our Association," said Philadelphia PGA Executive Director Geoffrey Surrette. "Bud is the consummate professional and always quick to help anyone with their game. On behalf of the entire Philadelphia PGA Section, we congratulate Bud and his family on his lifetime of accomplishments and service in the game of golf."

Ball served and contributed to the game of golf for over 44 years as a head professional at Oak Park (Ill.) Country Club, Tucson (Ariz.) Country Club and John's Island near Vero Beach, Fla. He was the first director of golf at Butler National Golf Club when the club opened in 1972. In 1990, he began teaching regularly at Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart, Fla., where he remains today.

"We are extremely proud to have Errie as a member of the Illinois PGA Section," said Illinois PGA Executive Director Michael Miller. "Errie is an iconic figure in the history of Illinois golf. To this day, decades after his active career as a PGA club professional concluded, the image and persona that Errie has displayed throughout his lifetime continues to stand as the benchmark for today's PGA Professional."

Ball also was the youngest competitor in British Open history, playing in the 1926 Open at Lytham and St. Annes at age 16. He played in the first Masters in 1934 and again in 1956.

He qualified for the U.S. Open 20 times, the PGA Championship 18 times and held PGA Section titles in the Southeast, Arizona, and Illinois.

A look at the members of the "senior class" of PGA of America Professionals and their years of service:

Buelow prevails in State Amateur Stroke Play
TCPalm, Tuesday July 14th

PALM CITY — So much for a summer vacation.

While many high school graduates are kicking back before starting college, Alex Buelow is staying busy winning golf tournaments.

Sunday, Buelow wrapped up her second major title this year, winning the State Amateur Stroke Play Championship at Laurel Oak County Club in Sarasota. Buelow finished the 54-hole tournament with a 2-under-par total of 214 — four shots ahead of St. Augustine’s Carrie Rowe (218).

Buelow blew out to a quick lead in the opening round on Friday with a 6-under 66, then coasted home for the title despite an off day in the final round when she shot 78.

Click Here to Read the Entire Article >

Summer changes to your courses
Golf Notebook by James Stammer

That time of the year loathed by all golfers is here. Now is the moment when golfers across the land swear at every course superintendent in town.

By now, or within the next few weeks, every course will undergo aerification, as they ready themselves for the summer season and try to remove some of the compaction that came with the overly-dry winter and spring we've experienced.

Nearly every golfer despises this practice, including myself. It always seems that just when the course is at its best, it's time for major work to be done. When you look at the long-term benefits, however, it's easy to understand why aerification is a necessary evil.

Click Here to Read the Entire Article >

Television Interview with Errie Ball For those of you who missed the original viewing of Errie’s Interview on CBS this past May 3rd, we are happy and proud to be able to bring it to you. Thanks to today’s technology we have uploaded the interview in its entirety onto our website. So sit back and enjoy. Tell your friends about it too. Remember, Willoughby’s a great place to be... let’s not keep it a secret.

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The PGA of America Wants You to Play Golf America!
CBS Special Airs Sunday, May 3

Dont' Miss Errie Ball on Sunday
with a cameo appearance by Gerry Knebels!!

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - "Get Golf Ready," a new, fun and innovative approach to learning the game will be showcased in a CBS special, Sunday May 3, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. EDT. The program will utilize a "reality TV" format with six new and former golfers going through the Get Golf Ready steps while receiving instruction from leading PGA/LPGA Professionals.

Click Here to Read the Entire Article >

'I'm the last man standing' One player from '34 tournament remains STUART, Fla. --- The postman comes every business day to Willoughby Golf Club, dropping off another batch of requests for the last man standing. "It's unbelievable," Errie Ball said of the fan mail that trickles in from strangers. "Every day, a couple of letters to autograph." The 98-year-old never presumed that a letter he received 75 years ago would come to define his golden years. The letter was from his old friend Bobby Jones, and it was inviting him to a golf tournament he was starting at his new course in Augusta that spring... Click Here to Read the Entire Article >

Errie Ball, the only surviving competitor from the first Masters, goes to Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart, Fla., six days a week. (Chris Thelen/Staff)

98-year-old author
only player still living from inaugural Masters

Seventy-two men played in the first Masters, in 1934, and I'm the only one left. I'm looking at a picture of that field. Gene Sarazen is gone. Walter Hagen is gone. Charlie Yates is gone. Bob Jones has been gone for years. I was born in Bangor, in northern Wales, in 1910. Bob got me to this country, and Bob got me to the Masters...

Click Here to Read the Entire Article >

Errie Ball
At 98, PGA Professional Errie Ball, a competitor in the inaugural Masters, is still teaching the game he loves

There is no time capsule in sight when you step on the lesson tee with Errie Ball at Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart, Fla. But you can’t help but feel that you have been transported back to a time and age when golf ’s fundamentals were communicated face to face and not via video, DVD, training devices or infomercials...

Click Here to Read the Entire Article >

Adrienne Aldridge Sauerberg
Featured Artist on Art Associates of Martin Country, Inc.

Adrienne grew up in New Mexico, exposed to fine art and excellent artists. She has always cherished creative art, and had her own interior design studio. Now retired, she has time to explore the joy of watercolor painting. She enjoys the spontaneity watercolor affords the magic of working with watercolor, brush strokes, and luminous values. Each painting is full of surprises and challenges.

She has enjoyed workshops with Tom Lynch, Evelyn Boren, Judy Wagner and Peggy Meissner.

Click Here to Read the Entire Article >

PGA Teaching Pros Look Ahead by Looking in the Past
By Jerry Potter, USA TODAY

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The future of golf instruction might come from lessons of the past if Mike Hebron and Susan Berdoy Meyers can get their message across to the pros attending the PGA Teaching and Coaching Summit this weekend.

Hebron helped organize the first summit in 1988, but his ideas on instruction have changed dramatically.

"For 20 years I've taught the wrong things," Hebron said Thursday at the PGA Learning Center. "I knew everything about the golf swing, but I didn't know anything about how people learn."

Hebron is a former PGA Teacher of the Year, who has written many books about instruction, but he's releasing a new book that talks more about how to learn than what to learn.

"There are only a few things that you have to do when you're hitting a golf ball," he said. "You have to swing the club on plane through impact, and you have to swing the club so the shaft reaches impact before the club face. That's the way the club has been designed to work."

Click here to Read the Entire Article on the USA Today Website >

Scene and Heard: Ball, 98, shares his lifetime of learning
PGA Website

Errie Ball, with co-host Laird Small, prompted a pair of standing ovations in his 30-minute presentation. (Photo: The PGA of America)

Errie Ball wowed the crowd with his walk through golf's history from the very first Masters (he played in it!) to the modern day. Plus, co-hosts Laird Small and Suzy Whaley are soaking up everything they can, and more.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Of all the presenters and luminaries from the world of golf who presented at the Summit, perhaps none commanded the presence of Errie Ball, 98 years young and best known for being the lone surviving member of the field from the very first Masters golf tournament.

Ball, along with Summit co-host Laird Small, guided the audience through the evolution of the game, complete with anecdotes about his relationship with golf greats such as Bobby Jones, Sam Snead and Walter Hagen.

Ball's insight had the assorted teachers engrossed; from his thoughts on the swing (best to have a firm left side), equipment (shaft improvements have made the game and easier), the grip (essential to a good swing) and life lessons from golf (Treat your partners with respect -- you'll make more friends and fewer enemies on the golf course.)

Ball was also presented with a new driver and personalized golf bag from Callaway Golf, and he christened the driver with a couple of impressive shots for the crowd. Though only 30 minutes in length, the presentation created many "favorite storie" for the crowd and prompted two standing ovations.

Click here to Read the Entire Article on the PGA Website >>

Errie Ball, Second Oldest PGA Professional, Marks 98th Birthday With Golf Legend Jack Nicklaus and Bobby Jones' Grandson
PGA Website

PGA Life Member Errie Ball of Stuart, Fla., the last surviving member of the original Masters field, joined Jack Nicklaus at a golf clinic for youngsters who are members of The First Tee of Broward County [Fla.]. Ball will be among the presenters at the 11th PGA Teaching & Coaching Summit next month.

PGA Life Member Errie Ball of Stuart, Fla., the last surviving member of the original Masters field of 1934, celebrated his 98th birthday on Nov. 14, with golf legend Jack Nicklaus and a descendant of a golf idol of both – Bobby Jones.

Ball, who will be a guest presenter Dec. 7, at the 11th biennial PGA Teaching & Coaching Summit in Port St. Lucie, Fla., renewed his acquaintance with Nicklaus while the two reminisced about golf's progress and its future. Ball is the second-oldest living and current second-longest serving PGA Professional with 77 years as a PGA member.

Nicklaus hosted Ball at The Bear's Club in Jupiter, Fla., while giving a golf clinic for youngsters who are members of The First Tee of Broward County. Following the clinic, Ball, who continues to practice and to teach at Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart, Fla., addressed the youngsters and hit several shots.

"This was a special day," said Ball. "I've met Jack several times before and I enjoyed how he gives a clinic for the kids. Those kids don't realize it now, but some day they will understand what it meant to have had golf's greatest player give them a personal lesson."

Click here to Read the Whole Article on the PGA Website

Inner drive: Alex Buelow All- Area Girls Golfer of the Year

ALL-AREA GIRLS GOLF TEAM

TC Palm > PrepZone
By Laurel Pfahler ( Contact )
Thursday, November 20, 2008

Alex Buelow didn't have to come back.

There was some speculation this summer that the Martin County golfer would forego her senior season to focus on a potential future professional career.

But Buelow wanted to finish her high school career, which she topped off in dominant fashion. After earning district and regional titles and a third state medal, she is the 2008 Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers All-Area Girls Golfer of the Year.

“I really wanted to play high school golf to represent my school and my community,” Buelow said. “We thought about it last year, maybe seeing about going to Q-school, but I wanted to play high school, go to college and hopefully after that go pro.

“I’m happy with how things turned out.”

Her decision to return was well-worth it.

Buelow, who won state titles in 2005 and 2006, played in a fourth state tournament with the Tigers and added another award to her mantel as the Class 2A runner-up. Last week, she signed to play for Division-I Stetson University.

Martin County coach Skip Morgan says Buelow is a true team player.

“When you have a kid like Alex Buelow that doesn’t need to play high school golf, you have to respect how much she loves her team and her school,” Morgan said. “She didn’t have to play, but she represents Martin County and her team, and she cared enough to play.”

A professional career is still in sight for Buelow. It is something she began thinking about at a young age, not long after picking up a club for the first time at the age of 7.

While the other kids were talking about being doctors, firefighters and teachers, Buelow knew she wanted to play on the LPGA Tour.

“I watched golf on TV even when I was younger, and I knew I wanted to be a professional probably by the time I was 9 or 10,” Buelow said. “I think I have papers from third grade saying I wanted to be a golfer for my career.

“Now I’m 18, and it’s still what I want to do.”

Click here for the Stuart News full story 

Willoughby in the MetGolfer Magazine, November Florida Living Issue

Willoughby Golf Club

In Stuart Florida, the boating and sailfish capital of the world, you'll find a variety of private golf club communities, but none quite like this one. Situated on 403 acres of quiet nature preserves, peaceful lakes and a championship Arthur Hill's golf course, Willoughby is home to a diverse group of proactive golf enthusiasts from around the world. To those who have chosen Willoughby, comparing our community to other golf developments is like describing the difference between a house and a home...

Read the Full Article at the Met Golfer website >>
(Single Click to Zoom)

Vero Beach earns district crown in girls golf

TC Palm > PrepZone
By Laurel Pfahler
Tuesday, October 14, 2008

FORT PIERCE — The Vero Beach girls golf team kept its win streak alive and ended Martin County's six-year reign as district champions — just barely.

The Fighting Indians finished the regular season 12-0 and built on that success by edging the Tigers by one stroke, 355-356, in the District 17-2A tournament at Gator Trace Golf and Country Club Monday. Vero Beach's last district title was in 2001.

"It's very exciting," Vero Beach coach Theresa VanDerMolen said. "Words can't explain it — ecstatic. It feels awesome, especially being so close. I was just hoping the girls would pull through and they did."

Martin County's Alex Buelow won her third individual district title with a 5-over 77 in slow green conditions and has been a part of the last three team titles.

The Tigers still will advance to the Region 6-2A tournament Monday in Merritt Island, along with third-place South Fork and three area individuals — Port St. Lucie's Katie Agostin, Centennial's Meghan Pieler and Treasure Coast's Megan Johnson.

"It's definitely disappointing (to lose by one stroke)," Buelow said. "We all left strokes out there, and I certainly could have helped more. It happens, but we are advancing. That was our main goal so we're excited about that.

Click here to read the entire article at TCPalms.com

Stuart named most beautiful city for its size by America in Bloom

TC Palm > Martin County News
BY JIM MAYFIELD Correspondent
Tuesday, October 7, 2008

STUART — The city clinched top honors Saturday as America's most beautiful city for its size in the national America in Bloom competition.

Stuart captured the award Saturday for cities with populations between 5,000 and 25,000 at America in Bloom's award ceremonies in Columbus, Ohio.

The competition was sponsored by America in Bloom, a national nonprofit dedicated to promoting nationwide beautification programs and community involvement through the use of plants, flowers and trees.

"We were ecstatic Saturday," said Stuart City Commissioner Mary Hutchinson, who attended the awards ceremony. "This was a huge community effort that started with a few citizens that knew about the competition, and it just took off from there. We're extremely proud of our city."

Click here to read the entire article at TCPalm.com

Ball to take first shot at Fed-Ex Cup finale By Laurel Pfahler of The Stuart News

Former professional golfer and Stuart resident Errie Ball, 97, will hit the ceremonial first tee shot Thursday to start the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta — the final event of the Fed-Ex Cup playoffs. In doing so, Ball will be returning to the club where he worked for his uncle — Frank Ball — when he first came to the United States from Wales in 1930. "It's going to bring back a lot of memories," Ball said. "It's been a long time since I was back in Atlanta. "I can't remember the years, but it's probably some 40-odd years ago." Ball, a member at Willoughby Golf Club, Stuart Yacht and Country Club and Piper's Landing, is the last living player who competed in the first Masters — played in 1934. He still practices and teaches at Willoughby. "Playing in the first Masters, that was quite a thrill," Ball said. "(Former Masters player) Charlie Yates died about two years ago and left me all alone. I think that's why they wanted me to come to Atlanta, because I am the last man standing, so to speak, of the first Masters." Ball's ceremonial tee shot will take place at 11:30 a.m. Thursday. The first two rounds of the event will be telecast by The Golf Channel, with NBC airing Saturday and Sunday rounds. Ball is expected to be featured in an NBC interview to be shown over the weekend. Palm City PGA players Ken Duke and Briny Baird are part of the elite 30-man field. "I've hit balls all my life, so I think I am able to hit it, but I don't know where the heck it will go," Ball said. Click here to view the article from The Stuart News

Stuart teenager stands tall against older competition

Join me in congratulating Liam Snyder our youngest member. He’s the son of Ward and Mary Jane, golf members of Willoughby since 2005. At 13 years of age, he’s been one of the top competitors in our area, and winner of JPT events. Today he stands tall against some older competition. Liam… We applaud you!! To read more about Liam, click here.

Willoughby featured in Hometown News' Golf Notebook

Private Club Opens Its Membership

By: James Stammer
Posted: 2008 Jun 06 - 03:56

How many of us have longed to join that exclusive, private club? We all want to tee it up on the other side of the fence every once in a while and see just how sweet the digs are at that club we drive by nearly every day.

One of those clubs happens to be right here in Stuart.

Willoughby Golf Club, one of our area's top private country clubs, enjoys a great reputation for golf, tennis and socializing. Many of us have played in a charity event hosted at the club and left wondering just when we'd return. Now, the club is opening its doors and inviting the neighbors to come on in.

Click here to read the full article at Hometown News

Hooray for Olene Stuart and The Pearls of Wisdom Committee

Good Press from the New York Times

A Town Loved for What It Is — and Isn’t

By CHARLES PASSY
Published: April 25, 2008

WHEN local residents talk about the lure of Stuart, a dot-on-the-map place on the southeast coast of Florida, they often start by noting what it lacks: as in buildings taller than four stories or a downtown fast-food restaurant.

But all that is meant to showcase what the city and area — Stuart is the seat of Martin County — really offers: uncluttered shoreline; a historic downtown with boutiques and chic restaurants; and a former silent-movie theater, the Lyric, that has been refashioned into a jewel of a contemporary performing arts center.

Perhaps most important, though, is the local population, which appreciates Stuart for what it is — and isn’t — and has fought hard to preserve its quiet, free-spirited character. “There are a lot of independent souls here,” said John Loesser, the longtime executive director of the 500-seat Lyric.

Click here to read the full article at the New York Times website

Remember…this is a great place to be, let’s not keep it a secret!!!