An Unparalleled Golf Experience

As the warmth of spring approaches, so does an exciting lineup of golf programming at The Grove, a private, gated golf community in College Grove, Tennessee. From seasoned players to budding enthusiasts, there's something for everyone to look forward to this season. Let's take a sneak peek at the thrilling events awaiting our members: Men's Events: Calling all gentlemen to partake in the excitement of "The Duel" Match Play Event from May 1st to September 20th. With four flights engaging in a single-elimination Match-Play format, participants will vie for victory until a champion is crowned in each flight. Additionally, don't miss out on the camaraderie and competition of the Men's Member-Member event from May 16th to May 18th, promising three days of fantastic golf, delectable cuisine, and unforgettable camaraderie. Women's Events: Ladies, gear up for the thrill of "The Duelette," a part of the 2024 Women's season-long match play events taking place from May 1st to September 30th. Join us for the inaugural Duelette Match Play Event, where flights will engage in a single elimination match play format until champions emerge. Plus, mark your calendars for the 2024 Ladies Member-Guest event, the Ladies Grove Gallop, on April 30th to May 1st. It's a fantastic opportunity for a fun and casual golf event coupled with two days of camaraderie at The Grove Club, themed around horses and cowgirls. Junior Events: Young golfers at The Grove are in for a treat with a lineup designed just for them. The Wee Tees Golf Clinic series caters to members aged 4-6, providing a fun and educational environment to develop foundational skills. They'll learn the basics from putting to full swings while having a blast with their peers. For juniors seeking more structured training, our After School Spring Clinics offer a comprehensive curriculum focused on honing technique and strategy. From coaching to practicing, it's a holistic approach to nurturing young talent. And let's remember the Juniors Super Sunday Clinic, a dynamic session designed to take budding golfers on a journey from tee to green. They'll discover the thrill of sinking that perfect shot through gamified learning and hands-on instruction. LIV Golf at The Grove But the excitement doesn't end with our club events. The Grove is gearing up for an extraordinary opportunity as we prepare to host one of the twelve regular season events for the prestigious LIV Golf League in 2024. As the anticipation builds, we invite our golf enthusiasts to mark their calendars for June 21st to June 23rd, when The Grove's illustrious course will serve as the stage for top-notch players and thrilling competition. Golfing at The Grove At The Grove, spring isn't just a season—it's an invitation to elevate your golf game, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned pro or taking your first swing, there's no better time to embrace the joy of golf than now. See you on the fairways!

Excitement is building in the golfing world as The Grove, a Greg Norman golf course, has been officially announced as one of the twelve regular season event stops for the highly anticipated LIV Golf League in 2024. Golf enthusiasts can mark their calendars for June 21st to June 23rd, when The Grove's course will host top-notch players and thrilling competition. Unveiling the Schedule The announcement came on November 22nd when the league unveiled its schedule for the 2024 season. The LIV Golf League, known for its global reach, will feature its first 12 regular season events across eight different countries. This season promises to bring the sport to both new and familiar markets around the world. Greg Norman, the Commissioner and CEO of LIV Golf, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, stating on the LIV website, “LIV Golf is the truly global golf league that the sport and its fans deserve. We’re thrilled to announce an exciting slate of events that reflects our commitment to bringing world-class players and premier competition to new and repeat markets every year." LIV Golf League's Rapid Rise The LIV Golf League, launched in 2022, has quickly gained traction in the golfing community. Financed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the league has two-time British Open champion Greg Norman as its public face. The name "LIV" is a nod to the number of holes (54) played at LIV events, offering a unique and dynamic approach to the traditional 18-hole format. Top Players, New Venues, and Global Presence The 2024 regular season schedule promises to bring some of the top players in professional golf to new and exciting venues. According to LIV Golf, the notable participants include 2023 Individual Champion Talor Gooch, 2020 U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, five-time major champion Brooks Koepka, World Golf Hall of Famer Phil Mickelson, and many more. With events spanning the globe, LIV Golf continues to fulfill its goal of creating a worldwide league that inspires progress and attracts new fans to the sport. Norman is confident that the upcoming season will not only meet but exceed these objectives, building on the success of the league's first full season in 2023. LIV in Nashville, TN As golf enthusiasts eagerly await the kick-off of the 2024 season, The Grove's inclusion in the regular season lineup adds another layer of prestige to this burgeoning global golfing spectacle. With Greg Norman at the helm and top-tier players competing at iconic courses like The Grove, LIV Golf is set to captivate audiences and leave an indelible mark on the world of professional golf. For those eager to secure their spot, visit the LIV site and become a LIV X member for early access when tickets are released. Read the full LIV Golf article here.

Korn Ferry Tour Returns to The Grove, Nashville's premier private club community. The excitement is building as the Simmons Bank Open for the Snedeker Foundation prepares to make its grand return to The Grove from September 14th to 17th, 2023. This prestigious event is one of the four Korn Ferry Tour Finals tournaments and promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent, competition, and charity. Renowned as the Korn Ferry Tour's 2022 Tournament of the Year, the Simmons Bank Open is set to make event history by being broadcast for the first time on the Golf Channel. Fans worldwide will have the opportunity to witness the incredible skills of 144 of the Tour's finest players, all competing for an impressive and record-breaking tournament purse of $1.5 million.   Battle for PGA TOUR Cards Earlier in August, the Korn Ferry Tour announced a strategic shift to a four-tournament Finals structure, each boasting a lucrative purse of $1.5 million. This new format will follow an elimination process, similar to the PGA TOUR's prestigious FedExCup Playoffs. The Simmons Bank Open, as the second Final tournament, will feature a field of 144 players, providing an intense battle for the coveted PGA TOUR cards. The third event will have 120 players, and only 75 will advance to the much-anticipated finale in late September. Altogether, 30 PGA TOUR cards will be awarded after the Finals.   Supporting The Snedeker Foundation Beyond the thrill of competition, the Simmons Bank Open holds a deeper purpose. The Simmons Bank Open has proudly supported The Snedeker Foundation as its official charitable beneficiary for several years. Established in 2012 by the renowned FedExCup Champion and nine-time PGA TOUR winner Brandt Snedeker, along with his wife Mandy, the foundation is dedicated to positively impacting various social and athletic endeavors in Middle Tennessee. Additionally, through initiatives like The Sneds Tour, a statewide junior golf tour in Tennessee, the foundation provides an invaluable opportunity for kids to learn, play, and embrace the sport while making it affordable and accessible. Since its inception, the partnership between the Simmons Bank Open and The Snedeker Foundation has exemplified the true spirit of sportsmanship and philanthropy. By supporting crucial causes like Our Kids and empowering young golf enthusiasts through The Sneds Tour, the foundation has positively impacted the lives of many in the Middle Tennessee community. This enduring commitment to creating a brighter future and fostering a love for sports among young generations has made the Simmons Bank Open an event that showcases top-tier golfing talent and celebrates the power of giving back.   Fan-Favorite Events at the Simmons Bank Open Adding to the excitement, the Simmons Bank Open will feature several fan-favorite events. The Sandtrap, an entertaining attraction, invites fans to test their golfing skills on a floating guitar-shaped island green. This year, the Sandtrap area is expanded to offer even more fan activities, food, and beverage options, along with a 60x60 elevated platform for socializing and enjoying the action-packed golfing moments. In 2023, attendees can look forward to two exciting new hospitality areas at the Simmons Bank Open. The RTIC Tailgate Village will be the ultimate destination for golf enthusiasts and college football fans, with large screens broadcasting both sporting events in a tailgate-themed setup. Additionally, The Piggy Bank, presented by Cooper Steel, is set to be an exclusive hospitality zone, treating visitors to daily tastings from top Nashville chefs, unique cocktail pairings, live music, and exclusive merchandise.   Countdown to the 2023 Simmons Bank Open For those eager to secure their spot at this year's Simmons Bank Open, tickets are now available at www.simmonsbankopen.com. Additionally, the event will show gratitude to active and retired U.S. military personnel, first responders, and healthcare workers by offering free admission with proper identification, courtesy of Servpro. As the date approaches, the anticipation grows for the 2023 Simmons Bank Open. Not only will it showcase top-tier golfing talent vying for glory, but it will also be a celebration of camaraderie, philanthropy, and unforgettable fan experiences. Golf enthusiasts, charity supporters, and sports fans alike should mark their calendars and prepare for an extraordinary event that embodies the true spirit of the sport and the community it serves.   [ngg src="galleries" ids="71" display="basic_thumbnail"]The Grove, home to Williamson County’s only professional golf tournament.

College Grove, TN – The PGA TOUR held its annual Tournament Meetings on December 7, 2022. The event culminated with a season-ending award ceremony during which the Simmons Bank Open for the Snedeker Foundation earned the 2022 Korn Ferry Tournament of the Year Award. The illustrious event, now in its sixth season, is held at the prestigious private golf club community The Grove, located in College Grove, TN,  The Grove, located just outside the greater Nashville area and minutes from Franklin, TN, is a 1,100-acre gated community offering a distinctive private club lifestyle and the region's most comprehensive amenity and recreational offerings. In May 2022, The Grove Club hosted the 2022 Simmons Bank Open, the only professional-level golf event in Williamson County. “This award is a true testament to the hard work of everyone involved in the tournament, who put in countless time and resources to run a first-class event. A golf tournament is only as successful as the golf course and the people involved with it, and we couldn’t ask for better partners than The Grove and its members. It takes the support of everyone involved, so this award belongs to everyone in The Grove community. Mark Enderle, Mike Green, Doug Oubre, Sean O’Connell, and the entire staff at The Grove are so intricately involved in the entire process of the Simmons Bank Open, and we couldn’t do it without them. So, from my chair, congratulations and thank you,” said Tennessee Golf Foundation President Whit Turnbow. “I have no doubt that this tournament will continue to improve because of the Tennessee Golf Foundation's hard work and passion and incredible staff. Players raved all week about the outstanding course conditions at The Grove, which were only rivaled by the great food and southern hospitality of the staff. The passionate fans came out in force and created an incredible atmosphere all week… it’s truly inspiring to see the positive impact the tournament has made – and will continue to make – in the Nashville community for years to come. When people ask about the best event on the Korn Ferry Tour, the Simmons Bank Open is certainly top-of-mind and one that will battle for that title annually.” Alex Baldwin, Korn Ferry Tour President The Simmons Bank Open for the Snedeker Foundation will be a Korn Ferry Tour Finals tournament in 2023. The dates for the tournament are September 14-17, 2023, at The Grove in College Grove, Tennessee.   About The Grove The Grove, a private, gated golf community located in College Grove, Tennessee, offers an unparalleled golf experience.  The community’s course and club have quickly gained a reputation as one of the state's premier private golf facilities. The course features Zoysia fairways and Bermuda greens, kept in championship playing condition year-round. It plays to a length of 7,300 yards from the championship tees. For more information on The Grove, please visit GroveLiving.com The Simmons Bank Open  The Simmons Bank Open for the Snedeker Foundation– formerly the Nashville Golf Open – was first held at Nashville Golf and Athletic Club in 2016. Boston native James Driscoll was the inaugural champion that year. Winners since then have included Lanto Griffin (2017), Cameron Davis (2018) and Robby Shelton (2019). Simmons Bank was introduced as the tournament's title sponsor for the next eight years on Feb. 11, 2020. It was announced on Oct. 29, 2020, that the tournament would move to The Grove in College Grove, Tenn., beginning with the 2021 tournament. Also beginning in 2021, the Tennessee Golf Foundation – a nonprofit organization promoting golf and its life-enhancing values statewide – took over the Simmons Bank Open operations. The 2022 Simmons Bank Open was won by Brent Grant, who is now a rookie on the PGA Tour. Simmons Bank Simmons Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Simmons First National Corporation (NASDAQ: SFNC), a Mid-South based financial holding company that has paid cash dividends for 113 consecutive years. Simmons Bank operates more than 230 branches in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. Founded in 1903, Simmons Bank offers comprehensive financial solutions delivered with a client-centric approach. In 2022, Simmons Bank was named to Forbes list of "America's Best Banks" for the second consecutive year and to Forbes list of "World's Best Banks" for the third consecutive year. The Snedeker Foundation The Snedeker Foundation has been the official charitable beneficiary of the Simmons Bank Open since 2017. Founded in 2012 by FedExCup Champion and nine-time PGA TOUR winner Brandt Snedeker and his wife Mandy, the Snedeker Foundation supports a variety of social and athletic endeavors in middle Tennessee, including: Our Kids, which provides expert medical evaluations and crisis counseling services in response to concerns of child sexual abuse, and The Sneds Tour, a statewide junior golf tour in Tennessee that allows kids to learn, play and enjoy the game while also making the sport affordable and accessible The Tennessee Golf Foundation   The TGF operates out of Golf House Tennessee, located in Franklin, and is home to the state's governing bodies of golf – the Tennessee Golf Association, the Tennessee Section PGA and TGF Junior Golf. Golf House Tennessee also features The Little Course at Conner Lane, a state-of-the-art learning center with a nine-hole, par-three course and driving range, with programming for all ages and skill levels. The TGF focuses on initiatives for juniors, veterans and the disadvantaged, with such offerings as the Sneds Tour – a statewide junior tour – Special Olympics, PGA HOPE, The First Tee, Tennessee Middle School Golf and the Scott Stallings Kids Play Free Program.

HopeKids Middle Tennessee and The Grove, event host and presenting sponsor, are pleased to announce the 2nd Annual Charity Golf Classic raised more than $80,000 for the organization. The mission of HopeKids is to provide an ongoing calendar of free events, activities, and a powerful, unique support community for families who have a child with cancer or other life-threatening medical conditions. This hugely successful event, held on August 30th, is the largest fundraiser for the newest HopeKids chapter that launched in 2019. This year’s tournament was held at The Grove Golf in College Grove, a private club community, where a capacity field of 120 golfers participated. Special guest and former NFL wide receiver Eric Decker, was joined by Josh Taylor, national president of HopeKids – along with other notable supporters. HopeKids parents Dustin Pack and Meagan Glover each shared their own family’s story with golfers, and the value HopeKids provides by connecting families to others on a similar journey. Trace Construction provided generous support as the Title Sponsor for the Golf Classic, with The Grove serving as the event host and Presenting Sponsor. Ben Jenkins provided leadership as tournament director and is also a State Board member of HopeKids Middle Tennessee. Top-tier sponsors included: BORO Nissan, U.S. Bank, Puryear Newman & Morton, Lehman Title & Escrow, Hatcliff Construction, Legend Homes, and Wheeler State Farm Agency. The successful online auction featured several items of celebrity signed memorabilia, a private songwriter night with Neil Thrasher and Kelley Lovelace, wine loft experience at Arrington Vineyards, Jessie James Decker concert package, Titleist TS2 Driver, golf foursomes, Judith Hill photo session, Kendra Scott jewelry, and a variety of gift certificates donated by local businesses. On-course contests featured Chelsea Kinard, LPGA with Beat the Pro, Kyle Blakely, PGA with Drive for Show, Nelson Mazda’s Hole-in-One and Par-3 contests; and Jude Lenahan from The Grove hosted a Swing Analysis Clinic before the round. The winning teams for this year’s tournament included:1st Place (pictured)- Jeremy Stover, Nolan Ray, Taylor Hancock, Trevor Tummins2nd Place - Travis Dumke, Fernando Mechereffe, Patrick LaBaugh, David Roy3rd Place - Brad Dixson, Adam Hughes, Clint Ing, Barry Brewer HopeKids is a nonprofit organization that is unique in providing free activities and programs for the whole family, the whole time, ensuring siblings are not unintentionally overlooked, while also providing date-nights and other fun events for parents too. We create a unique and powerful support community by providing opportunities for connection with those facing stressful and challenging times when their child has a life-threatening medical condition. HopeKids, Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 organization. For more information on HopeKids, please contact Deb Sandvik (615-430-9190). *Event photos provided by Don Claussen, Trap the Light Photography

The PGA Junior League Program at the Grove was offered this summer during June and July in its 6th year as part of our growing Junior Golf Program. PGA Junior League is a fun, team-oriented and engaging way for juniors to learn the game of golf. The program is designed for girls and boys ages 9-13 who would like to play team-style golf while receiving instruction from local professionals. This year’s Grove team included 12 juniors, 7 of whom returned to the team from last year. The team started the season with great success with an undefeated record after playing 3 matches (when this article was written). Our players were in a league this summer with Old Fort Golf Course, Indian Hills Golf Course, and Stones River Country Club. Each of these clubs have great talent, and the Grove juniors have enjoyed getting to meet and play against other kids in the area. Team leaders demonstrated leadership skills at practice and during matches, patience, encouragement to their teammates, set a great example on the golf course, and always displayed good sportsmanship. [ngg src="galleries" ids="68" display="basic_slideshow"]The Stampede / Summer 2022: The exciting growth our Club and Community has incurred over the last two years continues to prompt the evolution of Club events and operations to accommodate our new membership size and expectations. This year’s Men’s Member-Guest Annual Stampede Event was reimagined resulting in two identical events that will be offered in 2022; a Summer Stampede held in June, and a Fall Stampede that will be held in September. The Summer Stampede welcomed 140 players and proved to be a success! It was an exciting three days of competition and camaraderie.

COLLEGE GROVE, Tenn. (Feb. 16, 2022) – The future stars of the PGA Tour will return to middle Tennessee in just over two months. The Simmons Bank Open for the Snedeker Foundation will be held May 5-8 at The Grove.  Media day for the Korn Ferry Tour tournament was held Wednesday in the clubhouse at The Grove. Dignitaries for Simmons Bank and the Tennessee Golf Foundation – which handles operations for the event – joined 2012 FedExCup champion and Nashville native Brandt Snedeker at the podium to recap last year’s tournament, as well as highlight what fans and players can expect in 2022. “I think the biggest reason it was a success is because of the people involved in it,” said Snedeker, whose family foundation is the main beneficiary of the tournament.  “This is a growing event that is only going to get bigger and better.  All the feedback I got from players last year is that it was the premier event on the tour.  I’m just a conduit to try and bring people together to benefit a great cause and raise a bunch of money for people in middle Tennessee.” “Simmons Bank has been a phenomenal sponsor.  They’ve really came through for us and want to make this the premier tournament on the Korn Ferry Tour.  After our first year, I know we can do it.  Everyone involved last year did an unbelievable job.  I think we’re moving in the right direction, showing off how good Nashville is at hosting events. During the media day, Tennessee Golf Foundation president Whit Turnbow and Simmons Bank Nashville market president Paul Craig presented Snedeker with a check for $250,000 for the Snedeker Foundation, based off proceeds from the 2021 Simmons Bank Open. “Unbelievable,” Snedeker said.  “I’m really excited about what it will do for our foundation and be able to give back to those in need in middle Tennessee.  I can’t thank Simmons Bank and the Tennessee Golf Foundation enough for deeming us worthy of this donation, and now it’s our job to be great stewards of that and make sure it gets back into the community.” Turnbow talked about how vital it was to have someone like Brandt Snedeker involved in the efforts of not on the Simmons Bank Open, but all junior golf initiatives across Tennessee, to insure their successes. “Sneds is the best,” said Turnbow.  The Tennessee Golf Foundation and The Snedeker Foundation work closely together on the Sneds Tour – a statewide junior golf tour that caters to kids ages 4-19 of all skill levels. “He doesn’t just put his name on it. He’s actively involved in what the long-term vision of that tour looks like, and it’s the same with the Simmons Bank Open.  We don’t do anything that Sneds doesn’t have input in.  His involvement is much deeper than I think people realize.” Simmons Bank Open tournament director Mike Hammontree stated that attendance was over 12,000 fans for the 2021 Simmons Bank Open, despite several challenges involving inclement weather throughout the course of tournament week. The tournament raised over $275,000 for charities, including The Snedeker Foundation, Our Kids, The First Tee, FrankTown Open Heart, and Puppies & Golf.  Additional charities will be beneficiaries in 2022. Some of the other highlights coming in 2022, according to Hammontree: The Simmons Bank Open will partner with Hero Hut, a non-profit organization focusing on building community for veterans and first responders through collaborative spaces at events nationwide. The Hero Hut will feature food and beverage hospitality for our community heroes and their families, as well as local resources and networking opportunities available to veterans. https://www.herohut.org. Simmons Bank Open and the Korn Ferry Tour have issued a special exemption to Tim O’Neil, a member of the Advocates Pro Golf Association Tour (APGA), which was established in 2010 with the mission of preparing minority golfers to compete and win at the highest level of professional golf. The Simmons Bank Open will partner with Kulture City to make the the tournament a Sensory Inclusive environment. Kulture City is the leading non-profit for sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities. Kulture City will have a Sensory Activation Vehicle on site for any spectator needing a quiet place during the tournament, as well as provide Sensory Bags for those in need. https://www.kulturecity.org. The Simmons Bank Open has partnered with Nashville based Hattie B’s to donate meals to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. For each registered volunteer at the 2022 Simmons Bank Open, Hattie B’s, Simmons Bank, and the Simmons Bank Open will each donate four meals, with the goal of providing 30,000 meals to Second Harvest of Middle Tennessee. You can register to be a volunteer at www.simmonsbankopen.com/volunteer. On Friday, May 6th, the Simmons Bank Open will host “Foundation Friday” at The Sandtrap, celebrating local non-profits that specialize in providing support for children and families in our community. For a donation, fans will be able to participate in unique activations with Kulture City, the Jordan Thomas Foundation, Safe Haven Family Shelter and more. Proceeds from the day will go to support these foundations as well.   The popular Sandtrap area will return, and be expanded, in 2022, including the floating island green and food trucks adjacent to No. 14 green. Tickets for the 2022 Simmons Bank Open go on sale March 1. Throughout the tournament all active and retired U.S. Military, National Guard, Reservists, Veterans, First Responders, and Healthcare Workers will be admitted free with proper identification at the main gate. Also, any junior will be admitted free with a paid adult. Tickets can be purchased at SimmonsBankOpen.com.  QUOTE FROM KORN FERRY TOUR PRESIDENT ALEX BALDWIN ON THE SUCCESS OF THE 2021 SIMMONS BANK OPEN: “The success of the inaugural Simmons Bank Open for the Snedeker Foundation in 2021 cannot be understated. Every aspect of the tournament exceeded expectations, and this tournament has quickly emerged as a favorite of our players. I have no doubt that this tournament will continue to get better and better because of the hard work and passion of the Tennessee Golf Foundation and their incredible staff. Players raved all week about the outstanding course conditions at The Grove, which were only rivaled by the great food and southern hospitality of the staff. The passionate fans came out in force and created an incredible atmosphere all week, and it’s been great to see Austin Smotherman, this year’s champion, teeing it up on the PGA TOUR after earning his card. Working closely with Brandt, the Snedeker Foundation and Simmons Bank, it’s truly inspiring to see the positive impact the tournament has made – and will continue to make – in the Nashville community for years to come. When people ask about the best event on the Korn Ferry Tour, the Simmons Bank Open is certainly top-of-mind and one that will battle for that title annually.”  Source: Simmon Bank Open posted on February 18, 2022 by Darren Reese

The Grove is excited to announce that our Head Golf Professional & Director of Instruction, Jude Lenahan, is a new member of the TaylorMade National Council! TaylorMade National Council is a prestigious group of 50 coaches and club fitters that were hand-selected by TaylorMade. This honor will include an annual trip to TaylorMade headquarters to meet with management teams as well as club and ball engineers to discuss future products and how to improve them for our golf members. “I am honored to represent The Grove on a National Level and I’m excited to have access to these tools that I can share with the membership to help us achieve all of our goals on the golf course.” - Jude Lenahan As a National Council Member, The Grove will have access to everything that TaylorMade offers for club fittings and coaching. Congratulations, Jude on this great accomplishment!

We are excited to announce the opening of The Grove Learning Center, the newest home of the Middle Tennessee State University’s Men’s Golf Team. This is a state-of-the-art center that includes TrackMan Suites, BodiTrack Pressure Mat, video capture with live real-time feedback, and full line of fitting equipment from TaylorMade, Callaway and Titleist. The TrackMan suite allows you to view all trackable ball and club head data which will allow our professional staff and TrackMan data to discover all the potential your golf swing has to offer. The BodiTrack Pressure Mat will optimize your power and efficiency to measure the pressure, velocity and dynamic force of your golf swing through its portable and powerful solutions. The combination of TrackMan software with live feedback and real-time video capture will allow you to see your golf swing like never before and track your swing progression between lessons. Teaching professionals at The Grove will be able to fully record your lessons and help you reach your golf goals at a timely pace by having access to all recorded lessons for future reference.  The Grove Learning Center is available to members only through lessons and club fittings with our professional staff. Please stop by the Golf Shop or give them a call at (615) 386-3032 to schedule a tour and learn more about the Learning Center. [ngg src="galleries" ids="57" display="basic_imagebrowser" display_view="default-view.php"]

After four rounds of riveting competition at the Simmons Bank Open for the Snedeker Foundation, Austin Smotherman’s late chip-in secured him the spot as a crowned champion on that Sunday afternoon after a third consecutive 3-under 69 to close out a three-stroke victory. Tying for second place was Cark Yuan and Paul Haley II, both finishing 13-under with an overall score of 275. David Skinns positioned himself in fourth with an overall score of 276 after four rounds, finishing 12-under. For Skinns, he was able to secure his highest finish since winning the 2018 Pinnacle Bank Championship presented by Aetna when he shot even-par 72. Breakdown of Each Round In the 2021 Simmons Bank Open opening round, Stephan Jaeger and Nick Hardy shared a lead at 7-under 65. Jaeger was seeking to secure his third win in hopes of a promotion to the PGA TOUR. Amateur Cameron Tankersley made a strong introduction to his first professional tournament, sinking three birdies and shooting an even-par 72. In the second round, Austin Smotherman started moving his way up the leaderboard while carding a 3-under 69 securing a one-stroke lead going into the weekend. This marks the second 36-hole lead of his Korn Ferry Tour career. Just behind him was Andrew Novak recording a 7-under 65 after an impressive play of a hole-out eagle, tap-in eagle, and a hole-out birdie. Tankersley made another showstopping performance to make his first professional tournament cut after making three straight birdies on the back nine. Round three delivered tight competition as Brent Grant shortened the lead between himself and co-leader Smotherman after Grant shot an impressive 8-under 64 heading into Sunday’s round. This performance would help him earn a share of the 54-hole lead after Smotherman recorded 3-under 69, with the hopes of accomplishing his first Korn Ferry Tour win. The final round of play crowned Smotherman the winner of the 2021 Simmons Bank Open after his impressive chip-in birdie. This rewarded the player his first Korn Ferry Tour win by three strokes, with Carl Yuan and Paul Haley II placing themselves T2. Andrew Novak added to the excitement of the weekend as he locks down his fifth consecutive top-10 finish. This finish tied Will Zalatoris, the most recent second-place finisher at The Masters, for the longest streak of the 2020-21 season. More to Note The tournament at The Grove held the players to high standards with some of the most difficult holes in the season. Overall, Hole 3 resulted in 43 birdies, 83 bogeys, and 36 double bogeys or worse claiming the victory of the toughest hole of the tournament. The scoring average for the front nine was 36.583, and 35.561 for the back nine average. In total, the average score of the tournament was 72.143. The weather became a challenge for the players throughout the tournament while enduring two delays, rainy weather, and windy conditions. It was mostly cloudy with scattered thunderstorms, temperatures hitting a high of 75 degrees, and winds recorded around 18-25 mph. A Weekend Well Spent The Simmons Bank Open for the Snedeker Foundation marks the eighth event of 2021 and the 31st of the 2020-21 combined season. The combined season will conclude with 25 PGA TOUR cards awarded in August at the 2021 Pinnacle Bank Championship presented by Aetna, with an additional 25 cards awarded at the conclusion of the 2021 Korn Ferry Tour Finals. The tournament went on to be a success thanks to the hundreds of spectators, players, and staff who spent their time out enjoying the excitement of the Korn Ferry Tour. The proceeds collected from this event benefited the Snedeker Foundation and totaled around $250,000 for the foundation. The Snedeker Foundation, created by 2021 FedExCup champion Brandt Snedeker and his wife Mandy, has worked hand in hand with the Simmons Bank Open since 2018 supporting a variety of social and athletic endeavors for the underprivileged children in Middle Tennessee and beyond.

How to Start Your Takeaway The motion you want off the ball is a pushing back movement by the left hand. This creates a straight start to the swing and wide extension. It also gets the left shoulder turning back so the upper body starts to coil against a stable lower body. The left hand is a good focal point because the hands are the only parts of the body on the club. In fact, think of the back of the left hand as the club face: If the hand stays steady, so does the face. A square face going back boosts your chances of getting back to impact square, which is the goal. Here is a drill to help: 1. Place your right hand under your left hand with your palm facing the target. 2. Now use the back of your right hand to push the club back. Let the club stay very square when you take it away. 3. To check that the face is square place an alignment rod in the ground behind you on the target line that matches the angle of your spine at address. 4. From here you can keep the same structure in your arms and allow the club to hinge as you turn back to the target. 5. Now on the downswing stay lead side dominant and start the downswing with your lead hand as you rotate and get back to the ball! Give this a shot to see immediate results!

From May 3-9, The Nashville Predators, a NHL team based in Nashville, Tennessee, are teaming up with the Tennessee Golf Foundation - a nonprofit organization that promotes golf and its life-enhancing values statewide - to sell tickets, premium hospitality, and sponsorship packages for the 2021 Simmons Bank Open for the Snedeker Foundation. This event will take place during the Korn Ferry Tour at The Grove, and will feature two Pro-Ams. The Grove is regarded as one of the state’s top private golf facilities. Featuring Zoysia fairways and Bermuda greens, the course stretches 7,300 yards long from its championship tees and seamlessly incorporates the natural landscape into its iconic design. As Middle Tennessee’s only PGA TOUR-sanctioned tournament, the partnership with the Nashville Predators, The Grove Club, and other sponsors will strive to create a great environment to give back to the Tennessee community and Snedeker Foundation. Prior to four rounds of tournament play, there will be a number of events in the first half of the week including a Sneds & Friends Welcome Party at Topgolf, The Sneds & Friends Pro-Am, and the Official Simmons Bank Open Pro-Am. This foundation has worked hand in hand with the Simmons Bank Open since 2018 and is looking to align its missions with the Nashville Predators Foundation. The goal is to support a variety of social and athletic endeavors for underprivileged children in Middle Tennessee and beyond. The proceeds collected from this event will benefit the Snedeker Foundation; the foundation created by 2021 FedExCup champion Brandt Snedeker and his wife Mandy. “We are excited to host the Simmons Bank Open,” said Mark Enderle, partner at The Grove. “Providing the opportunity for young golfers to learn and grow in their game and fostering the next generation of passionate players is core to the mission of The Grove.”

Grove Kids are one of the most important groups in our Community. And Golf is offering so many ways for today’s youth to get involved and learn to love the game of a lifetime. In 2020, even in the midst of a pandemic, we had over 75 kids, ages 4-17, participate in our programs. We anticipate that number will greatly increase this season as we have had even more families join our community and want to become a part of our programs. This effort has been led by Hannah Skelley. Since joining The Grove, Junior Golf Instructor Hannah Skelley has made it her mission to make The Grove the club with the best junior golf opportunities in Middle Tennessee. “When a new family moves to our area and asks, "Where is the best place to get my child involved in junior golf?", I want that answer to be, without a doubt, The Grove!" Hannah is supported by an entire Golf Staff led by Doug Oubre and Jude Lenahan. Jude in particular has created a teaching practice that attracts people of all ages and skill levels. Hannah and Jude work together to nurture the Grove Kids, helping them reach their individual goals. For kids, the sky is the limit in this great game. The Junior Golf Programming at The Grove offers so many ways for our young ones to get involved. All of our clinics focus on skills such as putting, chipping, full swing, irons, drivers, hybrids, bunkers, aim, alignment, and more. We also discuss values such as honesty, respect, leadership, and teamwork. Activities include: Wee Tees program, starting at ages 4-6. This program offers monthly clinics and two golf camps, one in June and one in July. Junior Golf Program, ages 7-15. This program includes monthly clinics (boys and girls), a girls golf class, an open range night for parents and children to come out, hit on the range, and ask questions, and two golf camps in the summer. PGA Jr. League, ages 9-13. This program runs from early June to late July and is for our more advanced juniors looking to gain that extra bit of experience as they enter middle school and high school golf. Matches are played in a 2-person scramble against 2 players from another club. This is a great way to teach our young players the importance of communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Grove Kids League, ages 9-13 for kids who did not play PGA Jr. League and who are not playing middle school golf. It's an 8-week program from August through the end of September with weekly practices, intrasquad scrimmages, skills challenges, and more. This program is designed more for our beginner golfers who are looking to be a part of a team and gain knowledge of some of the basics of golf while meeting other kids their age! There have been countless moments of pride in our junior golfers. The 2020 PGA Jr. League team won their first 5 matches of the season. This was an incredible achievement moving forward from previous years. On the same note, The Grove had over 30 individual combined tournament wins of juniors ages 10-15. These wins extend across the Sneds Tour, the Mid-South Golf Series, and other juniors tours across the Southeast. Seeing so many of our juniors succeed in such a big way is something that we all celebrate! Some of the events rolling out in 2021 include: weekly golf clinics for all ages and levels of experience, Junior Club Championship, Parent-Child Scramble, Golf Camp (June & July), PGA Jr. League, Grove Kids League, & The Junior Golf Winter Fitness Program. If there are any programs that you are interested in or questions that you may have, please contact Hannah Skelley ([email protected]) or Jude Lenahan ([email protected]). [ngg src="galleries" ids="48" display="basic_slideshow"]

The Grove's 2020 Duel Match Play Championship has recently concluded.  Many thanks to all who participated this season and congratulations to our Bracket Winners.  If you see our winners around the Club, please take a moment to congratulate them on their accomplishment!   Scratch Flight Winner (16 Players Flight) - Tyler Shellnut (Defeated Jonathan Hunter in final match)   Blue Tee Flight Winner (32 Player Flight) - John Brannan (Defeated Ryan Pewett in final match)   White Tee Flight Winner (16 Player Flight) - Tony Richardson (Defeated David Latture in final match)  

After a one-year hiatus due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Simmons Bank Open for the Snedeker Foundation will have a completely new look to it when it returns in 2021. The Korn Ferry Tour has announced the tournament will be held May 3-9, 2021 at The Grove – a premier golf course located just south of Nashville in College Grove. The Tennessee Golf Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes golf and its life-enhancing values statewide, will operate Middle Tennessee’s only professional golf tournament. “As one of the leaders in golf in the state of Tennessee, we were honored that the Snedeker Foundation, the PGA TOUR and the Korn Ferry Tour would look to us to help move the event in the direction they see it going in the future,” said Whit Turnbow, executive director of the Tennessee Golf Foundation. “Brandt [Snedeker] has a great vision for what he wants this event to be and certainly it’s come a long way in the first five years. We look forward to elevating this event to a new level.” The 2020 Simmons Bank Open was scheduled for April 30-May 3 at Nashville Golf and Athletic Club, which hosted the first four editions of the tournament. Formerly known as the Nashville Golf Open, the tournament was renamed the Simmons Bank Open earlier this year in recognition of its new title partner. Simmons Bank will be entering the second year of an eight-year agreement with the tournament in 2021. “We are proud to be associated with the Korn Ferry Tour and the Snedeker Foundation,” said George Makris, chairman and CEO of Simmons Bank. “Since 1903, Simmons Bank has been helping our communities realize their dreams – we can’t think of a more appropriate partnership than with the Korn Ferry Tour, which allows professional golfers to reach for their dreams while inspiring others to do the same.” The Simmons Bank Open will continue to benefit the Snedeker Foundation, which was founded by 2012 FedExCup champion Brandt Snedeker and his wife Mandy in 2015 and has distributed more than $1 million to various charities in middle Tennessee during that time. “I’m really excited to have the Tennessee Golf Foundation involved with my hometown event,” Snedeker said. “It’s a perfect fit. Very rarely do you have two like-minded organizations with a purpose of impacting the local community in a positive way and doing it with integrity. It just so happens the vehicle we are using to raise money and impact the local community is golf. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.” The transition to The Grove in 2021 puts the spotlight on another premier venue in middle Tennessee. The Grove is regarded as one of the state’s top private golf facilities. Featuring Zoysia fairways and Bermuda greens, the course stretches 7,300 yards long from its championship tees and seamlessly incorporates the natural landscape into its iconic design. “We are excited to host the Simmons Bank Open,” said Mark Enderle, partner at The Grove. “Providing the opportunity for young golfers to learn and grow in their game and fostering the next generation of passionate players is core to the mission of The Grove.” The Tennessee Golf Foundation, located in Franklin, is home to the state’s governing bodies of golf – the Tennessee Golf Association, the Tennessee Section PGA, TGF Junior Golf and the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame. Golf House Tennessee also features The Little Course at Conner Lane, a state-of-the-art learning center with a nine-hole, par-three course and driving range, with programming for all ages and skill levels. The Tennessee Golf Foundation focuses on initiatives for juniors and the disadvantaged, with such offerings as the Sneds Tour – a statewide junior tour – Special Olympics, PGA HOPE, The First Tee, the Tennessee Middle School Golf Association and Scott Stallings Kids Play Free Program. For more information about the Simmons Bank Open, visit Simmonsbankopen.com This article was originally published on https://simmonsbankopen.com

Source: Daily News Journal The Grove is proud to unveil our state-of-the-art golf facility that will be home to the Middle Tennessee State University Men's Golf Team. The $1 million, 3,851 square-foot project broke ground August 15th and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. "This project is a huge step forward for Middle Tennessee Athletics, moving both of our golf programs to the forefront in college golf in terms of facilities," MTSU athletic director Chris Massaro said in a school release Sunday. "The Grove is an elite golf course, and we believe that the addition of an elite facility gives Blue Raider golfers one of the best places in the country to call home. Our donors provided tremendous support in making this facility possible, and for that we can't thank them enough." The new facility features several amenities that will give MTSU golfers the opportunity to practice year-round. There will be three indoor hitting bays as well as an indoor putting green with multiple slope changes. Two of the indoor hitting bays will include TrackMan simulator studios featuring more than 90 different courses that can be played virtually. Other features include a players lounge, locker rooms, coaches offices, storage facilities, training facilities and a study area. "Our new golf facility is going to be an outstanding asset, and would also not have been possible without the resources and help of The Grove and its staff, former coaches Whit Turnbow and Brennan Webb for their foresight in starting this project, and the current head coaches of both of our golf programs in Mark McEntire and Chris Adams." "From a collegiate golf standpoint, having a home course that is a top-ranked golf course with what will be the finest training facility in the state is a game-changer on many levels," McEntire said. "Not only will this help with recruitment, gaining the ability for year-round play and training gives our players a definite edge." "I think we are extremely fortunate to have this type of facility on such a great course and to be able to use it for practice whenever we need to, during nice weather but especially during those winter months," Adams added on. "I have seen a lot of nice facilities, but I truly believe that when completed this will be one of the top facilities around. To have this exceptional facility on an outstanding, championship golf course – it just doesn't get any better."

At The Grove, we believe the core values one takes away from golf, such as honesty, sportsmanship, integrity, and respect are valuable life skills. The old adage that children are our future holds true for the game of golf as well, and that is why we began The Grove Junior Golf Program exclusively for our residents, where kids can participate in clinics, camps, private instruction, and even our PGA Junior League team. We are honored to be trusted with growing the game with these remarkable young players and proud to report that The Grove’s PGA Junior League Team is flourishing. The excitement, dedication, and energy these young players bring to the Club is palpable. It is our intention to harness this excitement, to welcome new players to the game, to encourage and grow players, of all ages and skill levels, to exceed their own expectations. It is our intention to become the best Junior Golf Program in the state of Tennessee. We will achieve this goal by continuing to make learning golf fun and rewarding. Golf Instruction  Junior golf instructors, Jude Lanahan and Hannah Skelley introduce our young players to the fun and rewarding game of golf with one-on-one sessions, sports camps and group clinics with skill-based games and activities, friendly competitions, and weekly practices with our PGA Junior League team. PGA Junior League The PGA Junior League is a team sport with emphasis is placed on teamwork and communication. The Grove participants have been playing exceptionally well this summer. “The players work so well together, they’re great team players,” says Junior Golf Instructor Hannah Skelley. “These young players range in experience, from the very experienced to the fairly new, but talented. The dedication and sportsmanship these young players show is incredible. It is rewarding to see the more experienced players coaching the less experienced players and offering words of encouragement.” The Grove is an active participant in the PGA Junior League’s Sneds Tour, Tennessee's premier junior golf tour for golfers ages 4-19. The Grove PGA Junior League team has 13 kids participating in the Sneds Tour, with a four to one winning record. 2020 our winners include: Jake Eickoff: 4 Individual Tournament Wins Jentry Eickoff: Shark Division Winner, 18-hole winner, 1 Tournament Wins, Junior Club Champion Brayden Bennett:  3 Tournament Wins Brooke Bennett: 3 Tournament Wins, 5 Top 3 Finishes, Junior Club Champion, Shark Division Winner Kellan Spaude: 3 Tournament Wins Gabby Diaz: 2 Sneds Tour Wins, 2 Top 3 Finishes Elizabeth Bowman:  1 Sneds Tour Win, 2 Top 3 Finishes, Junior Club Champion: 18 Holes  Girls Junior Golf  The Grove Junior Girls have had some great tournaments of the 2020 season. We would love to spotlight them and congratulate them on a few of their accomplishments! Of the 5 Sneds Tournaments Brooke Bennett (11) has played this year, she has won 3 and finished in the top 3 for all 5. Her wins came at Harpeth Valley, The Little Course, and Cedar Crest. More importantly, Brooke has been dedicated to doing 50 up and downs a day. This has made a huge impact on her game over the past few weeks. She took 99 minutes to get 50 up and downs on her first day, and recently it only took her 54 minutes. On the course, this has translated from a 99, to a 93, to an 85! She reduced her putts from more than 40 to 31 on 9 holes. Another one of our Junior Girls, Elizabeth Bowman (13), has competed all Summer in the 18-hole division of both the Junior Club Championship, and Sneds Tour events. She placed 1st in The Grove Junior Club Championship, second at Champion's Run, and third at both Harpeth Hills and Sewanee Golf Course. She is finishing her season this week in a two-day event. Finally, Gabby Diaz (13) has made a great showing for Junior Golf at The Grove. Gabby has had 2 first place finishes at Cheekwood Golf Course with a score of 40, and at Ted Rhodes with a score of 43. She’s also placed 3rd in two other tournaments and missed third place by one stroke in two others. Junior Golf Clinics For players ages 4-17 that are new to the game or not quite experienced enough for PGA competition level, we offer Grove Kids League clinics. These clinics are an excellent opportunity to improve skills and learn the fundamentals of the game. Clinics are great for beginners, strengthen collaborative efforts, a really fun way to dip your toes into the game of golf. Currently, there are approximately 50 kids in the grove junior training program. With a maximum of 8 players in a clinic, the popularity of our junior program has resulted in a waitlist for most clinics. The Growth of a Young Grove Golfer  “It is amazing that these kids put in so many hours of practice and at such a young age,” Skelley explains. “They just love it! One of our players, Cooper Mueller, is in his first year with the PGA junior league. We started working with him one-on-one in lessons. His improvement from May until now is amazing! Cooper works so well under pressure.”  One morning Cooper’s dad woke up to find him on the treadmill at 6:30am. When asked what he was doing Cooper replied that he wants to get golf ready. He was excited to be a part of the team and didn’t want to let them down. He knows his teammates rely on him and wants to continue to grow and excel. Cooper now works with younger kids in junior clinics to share his experience and provide encouragement. These young players have formed meaningful friendships, they have fun and have the drive to win, but at the end of the day they have a strong support group that will always be there for each other. Looking Toward the Future Hannah hopes to see the Junior Golf Program expand from 1 PGA team to 2 next year. We hope to encourage our young players to take the lessons learned here at The Grove and continue on to participate in high school golf, the Sneds tour, then onto college scholarships. We are so proud of the progress of all our Junior Golfers here at The Grove and can’t wait to see what the future holds for each of them!

The Grove has had a great first few weeks of the summer junior golf season. We are so excited to announce that we have had a handful of wins recently. To start, we have a number of juniors who play in the Sned’s Tour events around middle Tennessee. Jake Eickhoff (11) has won two times so far. His wins have been at Cedar Crest Golf Course with a score of -2 and a tie for 1st with our own Grove junior, Brayden Bennett (10), at Percy Warner Golf Course. Both Jake and Brayden shot even par at Percy Warner. Kellan Spaude (10) won at Cheekwood Golf Course with a score of -3. Finally, Jentry Eickhoff (3) won at Champions Run Golf Course with a score of +3. Similarly, our PGA Jr. League season has gotten off to a great start! We are undefeated with a season record of 2-0. We have 5 more matches to go this season and are excited about the momentum that has us off. Our juniors plan to continue competing across middle Tennessee through the end of the summer and we wish them the best of luck! [ngg src="galleries" ids="46" display="basic_slideshow" autoplay="0" arrows="1"]

We are excited to announce the addition of Hannah Skelley to The Grove team. Hannah will be joining the Grove as the new Junior & Women’s Golf Program Coordinator and Instructor. Hannah is a native of Portland, Tennessee. Hannah’s passion for playing and teaching golf was inspired by her father’s love of the game. She played as a member of the Portland High School Golf Team and earned a golf scholarship to Freed-Hardeman University. She garnered many accomplishments during her college career, setting scoring records, winning tournaments, qualifying for a national championship and being named 2013 Conference Player of the Season. Upon graduation, Hannah pursued a career in teaching and coaching at the high school and middle school level, all while furthering her golf instruction skills through the LPGA. She is currently a Level II Certified Teaching Professional. Hannah resides in Rockvale, TN and is recently married. She and her husband Ryan love to play golf and exercise together as well as spend time with friends and family.

Jude Lenahan is the Head Golf Professional and Director of Instruction at The Grove. His philosophy about golf is informative and simple. Students will leave with a clear understanding on how to better their game utilizing effective techniques with improved biomechanics. Certifications in Trackman and Boditrak combined with a passion for learning allows Jude to stay at the forefront of golf and teaching technology to provide his students with all the tools available to achieve their goals. Jude currently teaches juniors, beginners, low handicaps, Division I Collegiate golfers, and Tour Professionals.  Contact Jude today to discuss a strategy to improve your game and lower your scores.  

We had another #Remarkable day of golf at the Eve of The British Open Par 3 Event! 32 members of all skill levels participated in the 9-hole individual stroke play event. With such a great turnout, the competition was tough and stakes were high. John Krieg took home the win in the Gross Division while Karl Kokko claimed victory in the Net Division. In addition to his big win, Kokko was a stand out player winning two On-Course Contests (Closest to Hole #2 and Closest to Hole #6). Thank you to all who participated and congratulations to all of our winners and runners-up!  Gross Division 1st Place - John Krieg (Score - 24) 2nd Place - Vaden Landers (Score - 26) 3rd Place - Chris Nielsen (Score - 27) Net Division 1st Place - Karl Kokko (Score - 21) 2nd Place - Bill Brooks (Score - 24) 3rd Place - Mike Belsante (Score - 24) On-Course Contests Closest to Hole #2 - Karl Kokko Closest to Hole #6 - Karl Kokko

The rescheduled Junior Club Championship was an incredible success! A large crowd gathered to watch 12 of our junior golfers hit the links for a remarkable day of camaraderie and competition. Grant Clark and James Korjenek went head to head in the 18 Hole Boys Division with Grant taking home the win! Four participants of our largest group, the 9 Hole Boys Division, remained in close competition throughout the championship with Jentry Eickhoff prevailing. The 9 Hole Girls Division ended with a dramatic finish as Elizabeth Bowman and Brooke Bennett were tied with a score of 39 after 9 Holes. Brooke Bennett came out victorious after a playoff on Hole number 1.    Participants:  18 Hole Boys Division Grant Clark  James Korjenek   9 Hole Boys Division Brayden Bennett  Jake Eickhoff  Jentry Eickhoff  Blake Goode Brown Nielsen TC Schreiber    9 Hole Girls Division Brooke Bennett Elizabeth Bowman  Gabby Diaz  Warner Eickhoff    Champions:  18 Hole Boys Division Champion Grant Clark - 77    9 Hole Boys Division Champion Jentry Eickhoff - 41   9 Hole Girls Division Champion Brooke Bennett - 39 [ngg src="galleries" ids="28" sortorder="239,240,241,242,243,236,238,237" display="basic_slideshow"]

Our annual “Stampede” Member-Guest Invitational was a smashing success this year - per usual. Between the Welcome Fish Fry, Casino Night, and a bit of friendly competition out on the course, it has left us dreaming about next year! We thank everyone for coming out and congratulate the list of winners and runners-up below. 2019 Stampede Champions – Ben Elder & Kit Harbuck 2019 Gross Division Winners – Dustin Stromsness & Payne Denman (with Dane Stromsness) Bobby Jones Flight Winners – Chris Nielsen & Brown Smith with Director of Golf Doug Oubre Runners-Up – Mike Maynard & Robert Loudermilk Byron Nelson Flight Winners – Ben Elder & Kit Harbuck Runners-Up – Todd Rollins & Paul Fox Arnold Palmer Flight Winners – Jud Wells & Jason Geiger Runners-Up – Steadman Nall & Mark McBroom Cary Middlecoff Flight Winners – Tom Frautschy & Lynn Kunkle Jack Nicklaus Flight Winners – Bill Orellana & Richard Pavlasek Flight Runners-Up – Karl Kokko & Todd Harrison Gary Player Flight Winners – Ryan Pewett & Chad Hankins Tiger Woods Flight Flight Winners – Jeremy Lange & Steve Brunett Runners-Up – Steve Nestel & Neil Schroeder Ben Hogan Flight Winners – Dustin Stromsness & Payne Denman Runners-Up – Gary Slayden & Mark Knecht Cary Middlecoff Flight Winners – Tom Frautschy & Lynn Kunkle Runners-Up – John Krieg & Matt Ramsey Gary Player Flight Winners – Ryan Pewett & Chad Hankins Runners-Up – Tommy Vaught & David Shaub [ngg src="galleries" ids="27" exclusions="235" display="basic_slideshow"]

A special congratulations to Grove member, Dick Horton who was recently inducted into the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame. Dick Horton led golf initiatives in Tennessee from 1973 to 2018. During these 45 years, he served as the Executive Director of the Tennessee section PGA and Tennessee Golf Association (1973-2007), as well as President of Tennessee Golf Foundation (1990-2018). Horton's career highlight came in 1995 when he created Golf House Tennessee and The Little Course. Built on 15 acres in Franklin, Golf House became the home of golf in the Volunteer State. Under his leadership, it grew into the hub for every major statewide golf organization including the Tennessee PGA, Tennessee Golf Association, Tennessee Golf Foundation, GCSAA, CMAA, TNPGA Junior Golf Academy, The First Tee of Tennessee and The Vinny. Through Golf House, Horton's vision of a collaborative golf culture came to fruition and served as the gold standard for states and their various golf associations all across the country. From a one-man office to the current permanent home site at Golf House Tennessee, Horton is one of the most influential individuals in Tennessee golf history. His 45 years of leadership steered the state associations in the modern age of the game, and his fingerprints will forever be imprinted on Tennessee golf's past, present and future. Dick joins our Golf Course Superintendent, Joe Kennedy in the Hall of Fame, inducted in 2017. More on Dick's 45-year history in Tennessee.

The Battle at The Grove, our annual Ryder Cup-style tournament was held on October 21st and 22nd. 24 members qualified to play and were split into two teams (Blue and Red) of 12 each with team captains to battle it out as champions of The Grove.   It was a chilly weekend for The Battle at The Grove, but a great time was had by all!  The Blue Team managed to outscore the Red Team (5 - 1) in Four-Ball Matches, (4 - 2) in Foursomes Matches and (7.5 - 4.5) in Singles Matches for a Final Score of (Blue 16.5 - Red 7.5).  Thanks to all our participants and we hope to continue this great tradition! 2018 - Blue Team Champions: Captain - Tony Richardson, Co-Captain - Jude Lenahan Spencer Provow, Steve Elder, Ted Abajian, John Frisk, Matt Anderson, Bill Orellana, John Krieg, Trevor Cobb, Chip Churchill, Mike Belsante and Robbie Cleveland

We had a blast with our Junior Golfers at the 2018 Junior Club Championship held on June 19th. For the younger Juniors, there was a 9-hole Medal Play competition while the more experienced Juniors played an 18-hole Medal Play competition. Huge thank you to our Juniors for participating in this year’s event and congrats to the winners of the  2018 Junior Club Championship: [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="yes" overflow="visible"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="no" center_content="no" min_height="none"][ngg_images source="galleries" container_ids="20" display_type="photocrati-nextgen_basic_slideshow" gallery_width="600" gallery_height="400" cycle_effect="fade" cycle_interval="1" show_thumbnail_link="0" thumbnail_link_text="[Show thumbnails]" order_by="sortorder" order_direction="ASC" returns="included" maximum_entity_count="500"] 18-Hole Boys Cason Hill (pictured in between Lorne Steele and Nash Bostelman) 9-Hole Girls Catherine Schreiber (pictured next to Gabby Diaz) 9-Hole Boys Blake Goode (pictured next to Reid Bostelman)  [/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

We had a great time at The Stampede 2018, our annual men's Member-Guest golf event, which was held June 28th through the 30th. We would like to thank everyone who participated in this year's event as well as acknowledge those who received awards! The winners of The Stampede 2018 golf event are: [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="yes" overflow="visible"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="no" center_content="no" min_height="none"][ngg_images source="galleries" container_ids="19" display_type="photocrati-nextgen_basic_slideshow" gallery_width="400" gallery_height="600" cycle_effect="fade" cycle_interval="1" show_thumbnail_link="0" thumbnail_link_text="[Show thumbnails]" order_by="sortorder" order_direction="ASC" returns="included" maximum_entity_count="500"]   2018 Champions - Steadman Nall & Mark McBroom 2018 Gross Division Champions - Spencer Provow & Jonathan Burns Hogan Flight Winners - Johnny LaPonzina & Rick Luzar Hogan Flight Runner's Up - Spencer Provow & Jonathan Burns Jones Flight Winners - Ben Elder & Kit Harbuck Jones Flight Runner's Up - Vaden Landers & Marty McLeary Nelson Flight Winners - Barry Kemp & Matt Clinard Nelson Flight Runner's Up - Trevor Cobb & Mike Lincoln Palmer Flight Winners - Steadman Nall & Mark McBroom Palmer Flight Runner's Up - Steve Morrissey & Mike Taylor Nicklaus Flight Winners - Brent Goode & Matt Butler Nicklaus Flight Runner's Up - Brent Coleman & George Fincher Middlecoff Flight Winners - John Krieg & Matt Ramsey Middlecoff Runner's Up - Mike Lister & Corky Clifton Player Flight Winners - Todd Larrabee & Harry Larrabee Player Flight Runner's Up - Bill Burch & Lloyd King Woods Flight Winners - Diego Fua & Ben Pyron Woods Flight Runner's Up - Michael Belsante & Matt Belsante Proximity Awards - Day 1 Closest to the Hole #3 - Ben Elder Closest to the Hole #5 - Gary Rolison Closest to the Hole #13 - Ben Elder Closest to the Hole #15 - Corky Clifton Proximity Awards - Day 2 Closest to the Hole #3 - Kit Harbuck Closest to the Hole #5 - Bill Orellana Closest to the Hole #13 - Richard Pavlasek Closest to the Hole #15 - Vaden Landers [/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

The Grove hosted the 70th Annual Tennessee State Open May 22-24, 2018. 144 professional and amateur players converged at The Grove to compete for the title of Tennessee State Champion. The top three finishers from this year’s event are part of the Rewards Program, an exclusive partnership between The Grove and the Tennessee Golf Foundation to support collegiate golfers pursuing a pro career. Joey Savoie (finished 10-under par) and Eric Ansett (finished 7-under par) claimed the top two spots among amateurs, and Chas Narramore finished third among professionals. Savoie is the first amateur to win the Tennessee State Open since 2012. Narramore tied for 3rd place with Michael Nagy at 5-under and split the top monetary prize for the pros, which ended up being $7,500 for each of them. Jude Lenahan, Golf Professional at The Grove says, “According to the players we spoke with the course was set up very fair. The hole locations were fairly easy and the wind was down all three days. Combine that with lift clean and place all three rounds and they felt like they had a chance to make a lot of birdies.” Jude continues “The players that really struggled were the ones where the speed of the greens gave them fits. Several of the better players who have played in multiple Web.com Tour events this year said this was the best course they have played all season, by far. In every TGA or NCAA event, we have held at The Grove the best player (highest ranked) in the field has won. That tells you all you need to know about the quality of the course and how it forces you to hit shots and have control of your golf ball.” Getting chosen to host the Tennessee State Open further solidifies The Grove as a leading private golf course in the region. The design of The Grove’s world-class golf course provides both a challenging and enjoyable experience for golfers of even the highest skill levels. The Grove is proud of the hard work of our staff to maintain The Grove’s reputation for a world-class golf experience. Take a look at how the field performed on our course with our hole-by-round breakdown, HERE [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="yes" overflow="visible"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="no" center_content="no" min_height="none"] [ngg_images source="galleries" container_ids="18" exclusions="179" sortorder="174,175,183,180,177,178,179,182,181,176" display_type="photocrati-nextgen_basic_slideshow" gallery_width="600" gallery_height="400" cycle_effect="fade" cycle_interval="1" show_thumbnail_link="0" thumbnail_link_text="[Show thumbnails]" order_by="sortorder" order_direction="ASC" returns="included" maximum_entity_count="500"]  Photos via Tennessee Golf Association[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

The final stage of the Web.com Tour’s Qualifying Tournament came to a close on Sunday, December 10th and two members of The Grove Rewards Program, Kent Bulle, and Grant Leaver found themselves in the top 45 after the final round. Their finish secured them both a spot on the 2018 Web.com Tour, which is one step closer to the ultimate goal of securing PGA Tour membership. Bulle, who finished in the top ten will be guaranteed entry into the first 12 events of the 2018 regular season, and Leaver is guaranteed entry in the first 8 events after his finish in the top 45. This is not the first run in with success for either of these young golfers, as Bulle is a two-time Argentinean Open Champion and Leaver was crowned the Tennessee State Open Champion in 2010. However, qualifying for the Web.com Tour means playing your way through the infamous Q-School. Take it from Kent, this is no easy task, this was his 7th attempt to make the cut at Q-School, “The biggest thing about Q-School, especially in the final stage is that you’re playing for your whole career. Those four rounds potentially determine what you do for the next year and perhaps for your entire career,” explains Bulle. Grant Leaver felt the pressure of Q-School as well after not getting off to the start he wanted, shooting 2 over in the first round. Leaver shot a very impressive 63 in the last round to finish 9 under par. The Grove is very proud to have these young players as part of The Grove’s golf family, through The Grove Rewards Program. “We take great pride in their achievements and support them through their losses. It’s a long-term relationship,” says Grove Partner Mark Enderle About The Grove Rewards Program The Grove Rewards Program is an invitation-only group of aspiring golfers who have been identified based on research, relationships with college coaches, player talent and academic performance. The Grove offers this select group of young golfers a home course where they can hone their skills and support one another on their way toward national ranking. When asked how it feels to see other members of The Grove Rewards Program succeeding, Bulle revealed that, “…it gives you a little extra motivation when you see them doing so well; the confidence to know that you can accomplish the same thing.” Learn More Click HERE to learn more about The Grove Rewards Program

The Grover Charity Golf Event, Concert and Dinner raised over $100,000 to support the continued efforts of community nonprofits Agape Animal Rescue, Williamson County Animal Center, and The First Tee of Middle Tennessee. The Grover Concert, Silent Auction and Dinner Excitement filled the air as people began to arrive via trolley to the Manor House in anticipation of The Grover concert featuring performances from Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Steve Cropper, and Lee Brice, as well as performances from songwriters Kelley Lovelace and Neil Thrasher. A plethora of unique items including a signed guitar from Carrie Underwood and signed hockey stick from former Nashville Predator, Mike Fisher were auctioned off to the highest (silent) bidder. Other items included in the auction were a signed pin flag from the 2017 Masters Champion, Sergio Garcia, signed Vince Gill lyrics, a signed football helmet from Tennessee Titans Quarterback Marcus Mariotta, and much more! Folks browsed the silent auction items while enjoying a dinner and cocktails on the Manor House lanai overlooking the concert stage. As stars began to take their place among the night sky our musical guests took to the stage and guests enjoyed songs from some of the biggest names in country music. [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="yes" overflow="visible"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="no" center_content="no" min_height="none"] [ngg_images source="galleries" container_ids="11" sortorder="75,82,73,74,76,77,78,79,80,81,83,84,85,86,87,88,89,90,91,92,93,94,95,96,97,98,99" display_type="photocrati-nextgen_basic_slideshow" gallery_width="600" gallery_height="400" cycle_effect="fade" cycle_interval="1" show_thumbnail_link="0" thumbnail_link_text="[Show thumbnails]" order_by="sortorder" order_direction="ASC" returns="included" maximum_entity_count="500"]  The Grover Golf Tournament The Grover Golf Tournament began the next morning as 25 teams of 4 teed it up on our course for prizes and bragging rights, but most importantly to support our community partners Agape Animal Rescue, Williamson County Animal Center and The First Tee of Middle Tennessee. Following the tournament, participants gathered on the Manor House back porch for an awards ceremony and cocktails. [ngg_images source="galleries" container_ids="12" exclusions="104,115" display_type="photocrati-nextgen_basic_slideshow" gallery_width="600" gallery_height="400" cycle_effect="fade" cycle_interval="1" show_thumbnail_link="0" thumbnail_link_text="[Show thumbnails]" order_by="sortorder" order_direction="ASC" returns="included" maximum_entity_count="500"]  Raising Money for Great Causes We are proud to announce that we have exceeded our goal of $100,000 in funds to be divided between our community partners. These funds will go towards various initiatives such as providing college scholarships and finding homes for abandoned cats and dogs in our community. On behalf of everyone at The Grove, we would like to thank our sponsor, The Jaeckle Centre, as well as all those who contributed to our silent auction, and our musical guests Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Steve Cropper, Lee Brice, Kelley Lovelace and Neil Thrasher. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the hard work of so many. The outpouring of support we have received during this event speaks to the strength of our local community and we look forward to continuing our tradition of giving back during future events at The Grove. [/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Join us for our annual charity golf event, concert and dinner, The Grover on September 24th and 25th sponsored by the Jaeckle Centre. Proceeds from the Grover will benefit Agape Animal Rescue, The First Tee of Middle Tennessee, and the Williamson County Animal Center.  September 24th On Sunday, September 24th we will be hosting a concert featuring Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, and friends, plus songwriters Neil Thrasher and Kelley Lovelace, followed by a dinner and silent auction at The Manor House. Some of the items included in the silent auction are a signed guitar from Carrie Underwood, Mike Fisher signed hockey stick, signed Vince Gill lyrics, and more!  Tickets for the concert, silent auction and dinner are $125 and can be purchased here: https://bit.ly/2et5g0r September 25th Tee it up on our premier course on Monday, September 25th for our annual golf tournament, with lunch served at 11:00 am and a shotgun start at 1:00 pm followed by awards and cocktails on The Manor House back porch.  The Grover Golf Tournament Registration is $2,000 per team, which includes 4 players, Sunday evening concert and dinner with spouse, golf, lunch, prizes, and awards after play. Tee sponsorships are $350 per hole and include 2 concert tickets. Tee sponsorship, plus team registration is $2,200.  To register for the Grover golf tournament click here: https://bit.ly/2gt9vtF  Please call (615) 368-3044 with any questions! Hope to see you there!

The Grove PGA Junior League team concluded their 2017 season with a home course match on Thursday, July 20th. The team competed against the team from The Little Course at Aspen Grove. Unfortunately, despite a valiant effort, their season ended with a loss. However, on a positive note, The Grove team saw a marked improvement during the 2017 season with several new faces and most of our 2016 roster returning. The 2017 PGA Junior League Season The juniors enjoyed learning the game of golf in a fun environment open to all experience levels. The players displayed great sportsmanship throughout their matches while supporting their playing partners and fellow teammates. Several of the players experienced competitive golf matches for the first time through the PGA Junior League. Everyone had a great time this season and couldn't wait to get back on the golf course after each match. The most rewarding aspects of the Junior League team are the friendships and the values that are formed on the golf course throughout the season. Coach Elaine Pearce is already looking forward to next season and she can't wait to observe the team's continued progress. 2017 The Grove PGA Junior League Team Record 1 Win, 2 Losses, and 1 Tie in 4 Matches June 8 at The Little Course - Little Course 9.5, The Grove 2.5 June 20 at Old Natchez - The Grove 9.5, Old Natchez 2.5 June 29 vs Westhaven - The Grove 6, Westhaven 6 July 20 vs The Little Course - Little Course 8, The Grove 4 2017 PGA Jr League - Team Grove Roster Elizabeth Bowman Hunter Brackin Tyson Cobb Evan Davis Cason Hill Nico Jaeckle Reid Lackie Wilkes Marlow Matthew McCarter Finn McConnell Brown Nielsen Catherine Schreiber TC Schreiber Luke Washburn Tommy Wells

The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship. If you’re the parent of a junior golfer it is probably safe to say you know exactly what this golf competition is all about. Since its founding in 2014, this annual event has grown into a phenomenon. Parents sign their children up to compete months in advance and most plan summer vacations around it. For those of you who may not know, the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship started as a joint initiative of the Masters Tournament, United States Golf Association and The PGA of America. It is a free nationwide junior golf development competition aimed at growing the game by focusing on the three fundamental skills employed in golf. Aspiring junior golfers from across the nation compete in local qualifiers held in all 50 states. Those lucky enough to advance move forward to Sub-Regionals, like the one being hosted by The Grove on Thursday, July 27, 2018. “This is a big day for ninety-six aspiring junior players. These young players, ages 7-15, have made it through their local qualifying round to compete here at The Grove, each hoping they have what it takes to make it to the next qualifying round—the regionals in Ooltewah, Tennessee… which is the final step before the big prize, the Finals held during Masters’ week at famed Augusta National,” said Doug Oubre, Director of Golf at The Grove. “We are very excited to host this exciting event and show our support for the next generation of golfing greats.” The National Finals is conducted at Augusta National Golf Club the Sunday before the Masters Tournament and is also broadcast live by Golf Channel. [ngg_images source="galleries" container_ids="21" display_type="photocrati-nextgen_basic_slideshow" gallery_width="600" gallery_height="400" cycle_effect="fade" cycle_interval="1" show_thumbnail_link="0" thumbnail_link_text="[Show thumbnails]" order_by="sortorder" order_direction="ASC" returns="included" maximum_entity_count="500"]

For the second year in a row, ten professional golfers from the Web.com Tour have been invited to compete in the Future Stars Shootout at The Grove. Some of the Web.com Tour’s best and brightest will tee it up on our course on Tuesday, June 27th to compete for $13,000 courtesy of The Grove. The public is encouraged to attend this exciting event and support these up and coming golfers on their way to the PGA Tour. Giving Back Each of the participants in this year’s event agreed to donate a portion of their winnings to The First Tee of Tennessee. The Grove frequently partners with The First Tee to further the organization's mission of impacting the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Our 2017 Future Stars • Jason Millard - Middle Tennessee State University • Stephan Jaeger – University of Tennessee at Chattanooga from Munich Germany • Keith Mitchell – University of Georgia • Rick Cochran - Middle Tennessee State University • Kent Bulle - Middle Tennessee State University • Wes Roach – Duke University • Adam Schenk – Purdue University • Chris Baker – Iowa State University • Tommy "Two Gloves" Gainey – Central Carolina Technical College * Tenth participant TBD The Grove Rewards Program Two of this year’s participants, Jason Millard and Kent Bulle are members of The Grove’s Reward Program. This invitation-only program through the Tennessee Golf Foundation offers promising young golfers a home course where they can hone their skills and support one another on their way toward national ranking. You can learn more about The Grove’s Reward Program, HERE Schedule of Events (Public Welcome) 2 p.m.— Junior Clinic The pros share tips with junior league and youth players. 3-6:30 p.m.— 9-Hole Shootout Ten players will compete in a shootout competition. At 6:30, players will participate in the "Closest to the Hole" competition from the Manor House to the 18th green. 6-8 p.m.— Player Meet and Greet Join us for a player meet and greet with hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.

Thirteen teams representing the best of colligate men’s golf from across the country teed it up at The Grove last month for the 2017 NCAA Men’s Golf Regional. The Grove partnered with Middle Tennessee State University to host a field including Vanderbilt, Texas Tech, and Clemson in the first NCAA regional hosted by MTSU since 1979. [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="yes" overflow="visible"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="no" center_content="no" min_height="none"] [ngg_images source="galleries" container_ids="8" exclusions="36,42,43" sortorder="48,37,35,46,44,38,39,50,40,41,49,45,47,36,43,42" display_type="photocrati-nextgen_basic_slideshow" gallery_width="600" gallery_height="400" cycle_effect="fade" cycle_interval="2" show_thumbnail_link="0" thumbnail_link_text="[Show thumbnails]" order_by="sortorder" order_direction="ASC" returns="included" maximum_entity_count="500"] Getting The Grove Regional Ready Preparation for this prestigious event began in 2015 after The Grove was selected as one of six sites to host a NCAA regional from a field that included bids from courses across the country—solidifying The Grove as a nationwide premier golf facility. "To secure a bid like this for that prestigious of an event, you have to have a world class golf course. The Grove fits that; they check all the boxes in regards to the golf course, the amenities, the staffing and things that need to be in place," said Whit Turnbow, MT senior associate athletic director. The NCAA Men’s Golf Regional at The Grove The course at The Grove did not disappoint. Golfers were met by formidable challenges at every turn that set the stage for an exciting three days of golf, with green speeds and winds increasing with each round. After three hard fought rounds, Middle Tennessee found themselves sitting in sixth place, one spot away from a trip to the NCAA Men’s Golf Championship. "To think where we were a year ago, to be disappointed to finish sixth in a regional is pretty astounding to think about how far we've come and the hard work these guys have put in," said MT Head Coach Brennan Webb. Settings The Bar [embed]https://www.facebook.com/BlueRaiderAthletics/videos/10154748167578790/[/embed] Coach Webb also praised The Grove for providing a sterling example of how to host a NCAA regional. "It was just a phenomenal job done by everyone associated with The Grove Club and MT Athletics," … I think I've been to nine regionals as a coach or player and I know I'm biased, but this is the best one I've ever been to. I'm just proud of everybody, proud to be associated with MTSU and really excited about the future." The Grove is looking forward to continuing our relationship with Middle Tennessee State University and the NCAA. We are confident that after displaying the caliber of professionalism and dedication that everyone at The Grove and MTSU took in hosting a NCAA Regional, it won’t be another 38 years before another NCAA tournament comes to The Grove. Discover more about Golf at The Grove, HERE[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

The Grove is proud to partner with Middle Tennessee University Men’s Golf to host the 2017 NCAA Men’s Golf Regional Tournament. The MTSU Blue Raiders will join Vanderbilt, Texas Tech, Clemson, Georgia, Missouri, Lipscomb, Kennesaw State, UCF, TCU, Troy, East Tennessee State and Harvard at The Grove vying for the top five places, which will qualify them to move onto the NCAA Championship. 2017 NCAA Men's Golf Regional The College Grove regional marks the first NCAA regional hosted by Middle Tennessee University since 1979, and one of the only times in recent history where four teams are participating in their home state. "It all starts with the golf course," Whit Turnbow, MT senior associate athletic director, and former golf coach, said in a recent interview. "To secure a bid like this for that prestigious of an event, you have to have a world class golf course. The Grove fits that; they check all the boxes in regards to the golf course, the amenities, the staffing and things that need to be in place." Why The Grove? The Grove golf course in Middle Tennessee was named the 2016 Private Golf Course of the Year by the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Being selected to host an event such as a NCAA Regional solidifies The Grove as a nationwide premier golf facility. Turnbow explained that "The Grove is ahead of growing schedule because of the mild winter, so the rough will be up and greens will be firm and fast. If they get good weather, I think you can expect a really good test of golf.” The stage is set for the 2017 NCAA Men’s Golf Regional Tournament at College Grove, which will tee off on May 15th through the 17th. Make plans to attend and experience the finest Private Golf Course in Tennessee at The Grove! Admission for spectators is free and shuttle service will be available. More Information Keep up with the latest from MTSU and the rest of the field, HERE Get tournament details, and directions, HERE

Doug Oubre is The Grove’s Director of Golf and he joined The Grove team in February 2014. How did you get started playing golf, what got you interested? Golf began for me at the early age of 4 years old. My dad has always had the golf bug and the only way for him to get out to play was to take my brother and me with him to the course. I wasn’t sure if I liked it much at first because I was always getting scolded for not knowing the proper etiquette and how to behave on a golf course. After learning etiquette the hard way, I decided it was a pretty fun sport and something that my brother and I could play together, even though he was almost two years older than me. Once we got “the bug”, we spent every waking moment outside of school at the golf course. I even began working at the course at the age of 12 and worked my way into managing the small Pro Shop at the age of 18, until I went on to college. I have the record there of being the youngest player to shoot a score in the 60’s, with a score of 69, at the age of 13. It’s always been pretty fun for me because even though I was small in stature, I could compete with the big guys, which is not the case in most sports. What is the most rewarding thing about your job? The friendships that I get to form with people that I probably would not have ever met without the opportunities in the game of golf and employment at The Grove. We are still in the early stages of development, but I believe we already have a great group of caring people who have chosen to make The Grove, their home. “I really enjoy my work at The Grove. Every day is new and interesting. I am always focused on the member experience. If someone is displeased about any aspect of The Grove, I find out why and do everything within reason, to improve their time with us. I enjoy playing golf with the members and building those relationships with them and their families”- Doug Oubre, The Grove’s Head Golf Professional Any advice for someone who is too intimidated by the game and never played? Just understand that everyone has been where you are as a beginner. Golf is a process and it does not come easily for most. It takes work. If you don’t take yourself too seriously, it could be a game or hobby for a lifetime. What are your goals and aspirations for golf at The Grove? I want to provide the best possible golf and club experience in the Southeast to our members and their guests. Golf courses can be memorable for their layouts and design and conditioning–which are all important. Unfortunately, these days, clubs disregard the service aspect. I want to impress our golfers with our service and I want them to remember how they are treated by our team. I stress to my staff the importance of building relationships. This is a key ingredient to achieving this goal. We don’t want to be a stuffy club, where people don’t feel welcome. That’s a recipe for disaster. What do you find most unique about the course and club at The Grove? The Grove course in Middle Tennessee is spectacular and is in the best condition of any club in the state. I can’t think of any other club in the state of Tennessee that has the total package that we offer; spectacular golf, food, and service. We have a set of amenities that is second to none, from the spa, swimming, tennis, fishing, fitness center, equestrian center, The General Store, kids’ camps and more. What a great place to be a part of! Are you working on any new programming, improvements or golf events for 2017? Golf for men is pretty consistent at this point. In 2017, we remain focused on growing the ladies and junior participation in the game of golf. We are excited about the ladies clinics and junior clinics that are scheduled, as well as growing the participation on our PGA Junior League team. We are all about growing participation in the game for all segments and skill levels.

Since its inception, The Rewards Program at The Grove has played a vital role in supporting young golfers on their journey to the PGA Tour. Based on research, relationships with college coaches, player talent, and academic performance; young golfers are invited annually to utilize The Grove course as their home base. Providing a place to sharpen their skills and support one another on their quest for a national ranking. The Grove takes pride in each participant in the Rewards Program and to us, there is no better feeling than watching these young men and women accomplish the dreams that they have worked so hard to achieve. Kent Bulle, A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, has been a participant in the rewards program at The Grove since 2013 and recently won a heated playoff to secure a repeat victory at the VISA Open de Argentina, played in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This is no small feat, as Bulle will be the first winner of this event to receive an exemption that will allow him to tee it up during 146th British Open Championship at Royal Birkdale and the first reigning champion to defend his title at the VISA Open de Argentina since Angel Cabrera in 2002. Along with qualifying for the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, Bulle also qualified for the U.S. Open at Oakmont this summer. “Having played the U.S. Open this year, I’ve kind of seen that stage a little bit, “Kent told PGA.com, “I’m little more prepared than I was— I know The Open Championship will be a different feel than the U.S. Open, but I’m just excited to have that opportunity.” We look forward to helping even more young golfers like Kent through our Rewards Program at The Grove and we will be keeping up with all of Kent Bulle’s successes as he continues down the path towards the PGA Tour. For more information on the Rewards Program at The Grove, click here

Congratulations to the Red Team who were the winners of the Battle at The Grove last weekend! The red team won with a score of 17 to 7. The Captains of the red team were Jude Lenahan and Steve Elder. Other red team members included Tom Provow, Matt Anderson, Chris Nielsen, Todd Rollins, Bill Orellana, Barry Kemp, Trevor Cobb, Tony Richardson, Keith Pyle, Howard Greiner, Gary Bauer and Honorary Team Member Kevin Hobgood! “It was a great weekend and even better being on team Red for the W! I truly appreciate the camaraderie and group we have out at The Grove and feel fortunate to be a part of it. As always, special thanks to all the hard work from everyone involved on the staff this weekend. You guys hosted a great event and a lot of hard work behind the scenes to make it a special weekend for everyone involved. Thanks and a good week to everyone.” - Matt Anderson “From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you all for putting on such a great event for us in "The Battle". We are all so appreciative of your time, efforts and energy. We are also very humbled to have you be such an important part of this great family community.” - John Frisk

Thank you to all of our Ladies at The Grove who came out and participated in the 2016 Ladies Golf Fall Finale! We had a great time as we gathered together to talk about the season and how much everyone has improved their golf game. Over wine and hors d'oeuvres the ladies competed in a chipping contest and putting contests for prizes like a pedicure and putting lessons. Award Winners: Putting Contest: Chelsey Stromsness Putting Lesson: Vicky Hardt Chipping Contest: Jeanie Frautschy Chipping Lesson: Bonnie Nestel Crazy Putt: Maria Handley 2016 Season MVPs (most rounds played for Ladies Play Day): Maria Handley & Sandy Allison We can't wait to see all the new faces that will join in on the fun next season. For more information about The Grove Ladies Golf program contact Elaine Pearce at [email protected] or at 615-368-3032.

The second annual Grover Charity Concert and Golf Invitational will be held at The Grove on October 16th and 17th. You are invited to join us on the evening on October 16th for an intimate concert by country sensation, Randy Houser and friends, along with dinner and a silent auction to benefit Agape Animal Rescue and The First Tee of Middle Tennessee. The Grover Golf Invitational tees off on Monday, October 17th at 11:00 am with a Shotgun start and concludes with awards and cocktails on the Manor House Back Porch. Registration is $1,600 per team, which includes costs for all 4 players, concert with spouses, golf, lunch, prizes, tee favors, and awards. Those who wish to sponsor a tee can do so at $250 per hole, or as part of the team package for $1,800. We are very excited to support the mission of Agape Animal Rescue, which is to find a home for every adoptable animal in Middle Tennessee and to promote success in our young people through the values associated with golf with The First Tee. For more information, or to register email: [email protected]

The Grove is home to the most comprehensive amenity offering in Middle Tennessee, including the home of the Korn Ferry Tour Simmons Bank Open and a Rewards Program for collegiate golfers pursuing a pro career. The Grove offers a home course where these young golfers can hone their skills and support one another on their way toward national ranking. In addition to providing a home course for aspiring professionals, The Grove also hosts several collegiate Golf events throughout the year. Most recently, The Grove and Middle Tennessee State University played host to the event on September 18th through 20th. The field was comprised of 14 teams from 10 different states, including Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio, Louisiana, and Wisconsin. The players were welcomed with true Grove hospitality, spectacular weather, and impeccable course conditions. After 54 holes of play, Ole Miss University emerged as the 2016 Champions with a six-shot victory over runners-up Kennesaw State. Brayden Thornberry of Ole Miss captured the individual honors with scores of 71-69-71 for a total of 211(5 under par). The home team, Middle Tennessee State University, placed 4th out this field of heavyweights. MTSU Sophomore, Marcus Byrd, finished with scores of 74-70-71 for a total of 215(1 under par) for a third place individual finish. The Grove held its own against a very challenging field, as only 3 individuals finished under par. The course was set up at 7,300 yards and produced an average score of 75.10 over the 234 rounds that were played! The Grove is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to host a 2017 NCAA Regional Event in May as well as the 2017 Franklin American Mortgage Intercollegiate in September!

For promising golfers just graduating from college, the road to professional play can be daunting and financially draining. A few fortunate players may earn sponsorships, or belong to golf clubs that accommodate regular practice. But, for those without such means or membership, the dream of playing professional golf is often beyond reach. With this group of players in mind, The Grove, a top-flight golf community near Nashville, has developed the Rewards Program for collegiate golfers pursuing a pro career. By providing access to their premier course and practice facility, the Grove offers a home course where these young golfers can hone their skills and support one another on their way toward national ranking. “Golf has been intrinsic to my success in business, in life and in relationships,” says The Grove’s Managing Partner Mark Enderle who embraced the program as a way to “extend golf’s positive influence on young people who have demonstrated a high respect for the game.” By giving these players a home course and full access to club facilities, Mr. Enderle also admits these young golfers have become “a part of The Grove’s golf family. We take great pride in their achievements and support them through their losses. It’s a long-term relationship,” he says. Dick Horton, president of the Tennessee Golf Foundation, helps identify the players with real potential and reasonable dreams of going pro. He suggests this could be a game-changer for the prospective professional player. “There is a lost group of players who dream of playing professionally, but don’t have access to courses or training facilities that challenge their play and improve their game. The Grove connects those dots: bringing young men and women who have demonstrated their professional potential, to a course and facility that is world class.” The Rewards Program is invitation-only and acceptance is based on research, relationships with college coaches, player talent, and academic performance. It’s not a lifetime grant; rather it simply supports players as they work toward their professional ranking.And new players are invited annually. Presently, there are 10 participants in the Rewards Program, among them, Jason Millard and Kent Bulle, both graduates of Middle Tennessee State University, and participants since 2013. “There’s a draft for other sports, but not in golf,” says Mr. Millard, adding, “Some guys are immediately sponsored, but for those who aren’t, you just have to pay to play.” He credits the program for making him a better golfer and getting him to the next level. He earned status on the pgaweb.com tour in 2014 and will participate in 13 tournaments this year. “I’m very fortunate this program has been available to me. The Grove has been a terrific course and community and playing here over the past several years has definitely improved my game.” Kent Bulle agrees. “It’s a tough gig, bouncing from mini-tour to mini-tour, so it’s wonderful to have a place to call home. They welcome us with open arms, the staff and members alike. They’ve created a close-knit group of young golfers here who are all striving for the PGA tour.” Management and members of The Grove appreciate the impact of their hospitality and take personal pride when a Rewards Program participant makes the grade.

The Sneds Tour is Tennessee's premier junior golf tour for golfers ages 4-19 whose goal is to promote golf and its life-enhancing values to juniors in Tennessee had a tournament on June 16th at The Grove. Players had access to the driving range and range balls were stationed on the ranges for players. 9 kids played in the tournament and you can see their scores, HERE Here is a letter one of the amazing players wrote to The Grove after the tournament! We can't wait to have him come back to play again! Dear Mr Doug Oubre, My name is Andrew Cardosi. I wanted to thank you for allowing me to play your golf course,The Grove. I have never in my entire life played such a nice golf course. I felt like I was playing a PGA tour course, you know like the ones on TV. I bet I used my range finder over 70 times. I don't have good grass or fairway bunkers at home at the course I play. Also, thank you for the free range balls to hit at the practice range. Please thank all of your helpers and grounds crew. I hope to be able to play your course again next year. Y'all have good water too. It was hot! Yours in golfing, Andrew Cardosi Age 13 Sneds Tour Player Learn more about the Sneds Tour, here

Ten professional golfers from the Web.com Tour, a development tour for the PGA Tour, will compete in a Future Stars Shootout on The Grove's premier golf course on Tuesday, June 14. The public is invited to attend. Included on the roster are Steven Fox of Hendersonville, Tenn., University of Tennessee-Chattanooga alumnus and 2012 U.S. Amateur Championship winner Jason Millard of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Middle Tennessee State University alumnus and 2016 Tennessee State Open winner; Chas Narramore of Kingston, Tenn., Middle Tennessee State University alumnus; Hunter Stewart of Lexington, Ky., Vanderbilt University alumnus; Stephan Jaeger of Munich, Germany, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga alumnus; Keith Mitchell of Chattanooga, Tenn., University of Georgia alumnus; Trey Mullinax of Birmingham, Ala., University of Alabama alumnus; Jonathan Randolph of Brandon, Miss., University of Mississippi alumnus; Mark Silvers of Savannah, Ga., University of South Carolina alumnus; and Josh Teater of Danville, Ky., Morehead State University alumnus. Millard, Narramore and Stewart are members of The Grove's Rewards Program, an invitation-only agreement with the Tennessee Golf Foundation, where The Grove offers a home course and training facilities for young golfers to hone their skills and support one another on their way toward national ranking. Schedule of events (open to the public): • 2 p.m.: Junior Clinic The pros share tips with junior league and youth players. • 3-6:30 p.m.: 9-Hole Shootout Ten players will compete in a shootout competition. At 6:30, players will participate in the "Closest to the Hole" competition from the Manor House to the 18th green. • 6-8 p.m.: Player Meet and Greet Join us for a player meet and greet with hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. About The Grove The Grove is a private community in southeast Williamson County being developed by the Terra Verde Group. For more information, visit www.groveliving.com.

The Grove Golf Staff is excited to announce the addition of Elaine Pearce to the team. Most of our membership may know Elaine as the friendly face behind the bar in the Manor House, but what you probably don’t know is that she comes from a long line of Tennessee golfers. Elaine came to The Grove by way of Knoxville in 2015 where she left the corporate business world to follow her passion for craft cocktail mixology and bartending in a setting that has always felt like home. Elaine’s father is the Head Golf Professional at Champions Run Golf Course in Eagleville, TN. Her Great-Grandfather, Harold Eller, was the Head Golf Professional at Old Hickory Country Club for the better part of 30 years. The Eller family is considered by many to be the “first family of Tennessee golf”. Elaine’s Grandmother, Beverly Eller Pearce, and her sister, Judy Eller have both been inducted into the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame for their accomplishments in amateur golf. Elaine’s Mother, Connie Pearce, has helped run the Tennessee Golf Foundation and curated the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame for 25 years. While Elaine was a student at Middle Tennessee State University, she worked extensively for TN Junior Golf, the Ladies’ division of the TN Golf Association, and the TN Golf Foundation. These organizations are all based at the Golf House Tennessee in Franklin. Elaine graduated in 2009 from MTSU with a BBA in Business Management. Elaine is excited to bring the PGA Junior League to the Grove. The PGA Junior League is open to all of our junior members' ages 9-13 who would like to compete against neighboring clubs on our official Grove team. She is also excited to be kicking off regular Ladies’ Play Days throughout the season. She has set dates for Ladies and Junior clinics for the 2016 season and will be sending out more information about these events as they approach. Elaine assists our Professional staff with all Golf Operations and Golf Services. Elaine is responsible for the organization, scheduling, and promotion of our Ladies' Play Days, Ladies' Golf events, as well as our Couples' golf events. In addition, she is responsible for organizing and managing our Junior Golf programs at the Grove. We also have the PGA Junior League to the Grove. The PGA Junior League is a fun way for our junior golfers ages 9-13 to participate in team-style matches against other local clubs, all while learning more about golf. The PGA Junior League will be a great way for everyone to get involved and get to know each other this summer. "I am really looking forward to meeting all of our young members who want to learn more about the game of golf," says Elaine. You will find dates for our clinics, couples and junior events listed on the master calendar on our website and our daily "Today at the Grove" emails. Call golf shop at 615-368-3961 or email at [email protected] for more information.    

What Is Trackman and How does it work? The Trackman is a radar unit that tracks the trajectory of your golf ball from launch to landing. The ability to measure the full ball flight is essential to produce the highest quality data. The Golf Radar can pick up valuable information about your club head throughout the swing, giving a precise picture of the club in all positions, including impact. With this knowledge, you can easily determine how your club face or swing path needs to be manipulated. The technology used is called Doppler radar, and has been used in military applications to track missiles and projectiles since the 1960s.   How to use the Trackman to improve your game The Trackman technology provides you with the most accurate feedback in the industry. The Trackman numbers are divided into two main categories; ball flight data and club data. Here are some of the numbers it gives you: Launch Angle-Attack Angle-Spin Rate-Club Path Carry Distance-Total Distance-Club SpeedBall Speed-Face Angle A Trackman Professional (Me, Jude) has the proper knowledge of taking collected data from the trackman and applying that to a game plan to optimize the students swing and abilities. This is essential to understand and improve your golf swing. Regardless of level, all golfers can benefit from using Trackman as a part of their training. Working on your golf swing and resulting ball flight through your Trackman numbers and Trackman Professional, allows problem areas to be discussed, and identified, resulting in fast improvement.   Your Trackman Professional can also provide you with an in depth video analysis where actual club and ball flight data are merged with your swing in real time. The combination of video and Trackman data make it possible to see key element of your swing during impact that normally would be invisible through traditional video techniques. Watch The Trackman in Action: [embed]https://youtu.be/xEJlZQU99JE[/embed] #GroveLiving

The short game is a very important part of shooting lower scores. Golfers will have many shots around the green during a round of golf at The Grove. Shots around the green are played very differently based on the length of the shot and lie of the ball. A short chip shot from a tight lie around the green is one shot that strikes fear in the hearts of many Grove Members and Guests. Learning the right club selection and technique for this shot will make life around the greens much easier. With a little practice, you can begin to save par from any tight lie. Club Selection Select a lofted club with very little bounce. For most golfers, this will be a lob wedge or pitching wedge. Hitting a wedge with little bounce will allow the club to make a small divot when striking the ground, rather than bounce off the ground. Do not use a sand wedge off a tight lie because it is designed with too much bounce. Setup Set up to the ball with your feet close together and your weight mostly on your front foot (left foot for right-handed golfers). Position the ball in the middle of your stance and press your hands forward slightly. Pressing your hands forward and positioning your weight on your front foot will help you strike down on the ball. Backswing Swing the club back on a fairly upright path. A slightly more upright swing will help you strike down on the ball and make clean contact. Keep your backswing short and your weight on your front foot. Downswing and Impact Keep your hands pressed slightly ahead of the club as you strike down on the ball. You should make a very small divot off a tight lie. Follow through the same distance as your backswing and keep your weight on your front foot. Focus on the method and not "fear of what could happen" and you will see your short game shots improve quickly!

Golf Swing - Overview In golf, every player has a unique swing. However, there are basic fundamentals that are universal to hitting the ball well. By practicing these fundamentals, you can develop a more consistent swing and become a more consistent golfer. Tip #1 - The Proper Setup Before you swing the club back, you need to be set up for success. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and square to the target line. Grip the club and bend from the waist. Your weight should be equally distributed and your arms should be relaxed. When you have a proper setup it's much easier to make a proper swing. Tip #2 - The Takeaway A proper takeaway is important to starting the swing on the right track. Many golfers start the swing by whipping the club back with their hands. This motion leaves the rest of the body behind and throws off a golfer's timing. Start your swing by turning your shoulders back and keeping the clubface square. To check this, keep the grip of the club pointing at your belly button for the initial two feet of the swing. Tip #3 - Rotate Your Body Many golfers allow their hips to sway during the golf swing, rather than rotate. This causes all kinds of trouble and leads to a variety of mis-hits. Focus on your right hip and make sure it does not move laterally during the backswing. If you can rotate your hips without the right hip moving sideways, you will start to develop a more consistent swing. Tip #4 - Full Finish After hitting the ball, you want to make sure to swing through to a full finish. In a good finish position, you should have all your weight on your front foot and your chest should face the target. To develop good balance, try swinging to this position and holding the finish for three seconds. Author: Doug Oubre – Head Golf Professional

The First Tee, a program administered by the Tennessee Golf Foundation that works to positively impact young people through the lessons learned in the game of golf, was presented with a $46,022.24 check from The Grove at the Golf House Tennessee. The Grove, a lifestyle community in College Grove, donated all ticket sales from its recent Fall Festival of Homes to two area non-profits, the other being Happy Tales Humane. Pictured front row, left to right: Russell Byers and Jordan Byers, birdie-level program participants; Mike Green and Cindy Enderle with The Grove. Second row, left to right: Steve Merrill, senior vice president, Tennessee Golf Foundation; Jim Seabury, chairman, Tennessee Golf Foundation; Dick Horton, president, Tennessee Golf Foundation; and Mark Enderle with The Grove.

Jim Cotta traveled to Carlsbad, CA to attend the World Golf Fitness Summit by Titleist Performance Institute.  At this Summit, many fantastic lectures were given by some of the best strength coaches, golf instructors, physical therapists, doctors, nutritionists, and sports psychologists today.  Here is a brief summary of some of the lectures Jim had the privilege of experiencing. The Summit was kicked off by a very inspirational speech given by legendary football coach Dick Vermeil (former coach of the Eagles, Rams, Chiefs) The theme of his talk was “The Art of Coaching” which can be applied to all aspects of your life and how to be a leader. Some of his key points to being a great coach or leader are 1) make sure people know you care 2) lead by example 3) positive attitude & appreciation 4) have a plan 5) bring Energy 6) build relationships 7) be trustworthy and have integrity.  Now all of these ideas are things that we’ve probably heard before, but I believe Coach Vermeil really did live by these principles and is why he was so successful at every team he coached. Dave Phillips the co-founder of Titleist Performance Institute gave a talk on what the latest and greatest is in the technology world and gave me some great insight as to what can be useful for me and golf instructors and what is not.  We have recently seen that there are a lot of devices and gadgets out there that can give us a lot of information, but the real question should be what do we do with that information?  What truly is useful and what things just add to the confusion? Martin Hall, a golf teacher and has a show currently on the Golf Channel, gave a lecture about how important the hands and wrists are in the full golf swing. “He gave me some great insight to things that I can work on with my clients in the weight room,” says Jim. Tom House, a trainer who is probably the best in the world at working with athletes with shoulder issues and at increasing swing velocity, lectured on the training protocols he uses with professional baseball, football, and golfers.  I have already incorporated some of these protocols with my clients here at The Grove and are seeing positive results. Dr. Greg Rose, co-founder of Titleist Performance Institute, gave a very informative talk about back injuries in golf and how, as trainers and therapists, we can get people out of back pain and back to moving their bodies correctly again.  So many of us compensate when we have any sort of back injury, and he stressed the importance of getting out of those compensations before getting back into any activity, and especially the golf swing. Tom Pernice Jr. and his swing coach James Sieckmann presented a great short-game clinic on chipping.  James Sieckmann showed us some really interesting kinematic sequencing information of the best chippers in the game, and I was intrigued that it is actually the exact opposite of the full swing.  He also pointed out how important lower body stability is in the short game and that you should be working on that stability in your client’s fitness program as a trainer.

Golf courses are closing across the country as fewer and fewer people seem to have the time, money and patience to play the game, but across the Nashville region, golf communities are thriving. Doug Herman isn’t surprised. His company, Legend Homes, builds custom homes in Westhaven, the golf community in Franklin, and in the Grove, Middle Tennessee’s newest golf community located in southern Williamson County. “Not everyone plays golf, but they love the environment. It’s a lifestyle choice,” said Herman. Taylor Walker agrees. Even when he doesn’t have time to play the 18-hole course just steps from his door, his family enjoys the resort-style amenities at Foxland Harbor on the shores of Old Hickory Lake in Gallatin. “Even if you don’t play golf, it’s more walkable than your average neighborhood,” said Walker, who manages the Hendersonville branch of Wilson Bank & Trust. More than just golf In fact, the majority of homeowners in the region’s golf communities seem to be there for the lifestyle, not just the golf. Those communities include Westhaven, the Grove and the Governors Club in Williamson County, Foxland Harbor and neighboring Fairvue Plantation in Gallatin, and Five Oaks Golf & Country Club in Wilson County. In Robertson County, Milam Builders offers homes in the gated Pebble Brook community. Only 35 to 40 percent of the residents of a typical golf community actually play the game. That holds true at the Grove where, despite the community’s premier golf course, most residents are there for other reasons. Those include the pool, tennis and social activities at the clubhouse, said Mark Enderle, a partner in Terra Verde, the company developing the community. The Grove will have 820 custom homes when it is complete. More than 50 have been completed so far. The community is in College Grove near State Route 840. “These communities get labeled as golf communities, but they’re really lifestyle communities,” said Enderle. “You make your decision how to spend your leisure time. Our residents spend it where they live.” Stories about golf’s demise have persisted for years, he said. Time magazine, for example, reported that sales of golf equipment are down and more courses are closing than opening. Reasons include busy schedules that don’t allow for hours swinging a club at a little ball, the expense and the difficulty of learning the game. None of that affects golf communities, said Enderle. “They’ve been writing golf’s obituary for years,” he said. Compared to Atlanta and other cities, Nashville is “seriously under-golfed,” he said, with few opportunities to live along a course. “I’m looking for 800 people, really 400 people, who want to play golf.” A ‘safe haven’ The Governors Club, the gated and guarded community in Brentwood, offers golf, a full social calendar and something else — a “safe haven” for families, said general manager Jim Fitzsimmons. “It’s priceless. Your kids are safe,” he said. “Being inside your world here is comforting.” Regent Homes President David McGowan noticed that even non-golfers are interested in living in a golf community. Regent builds homes in Westhaven in Franklin. “A lot of people move here for the environment of the course, the green space,” he said. Goodall Homes Realtor Todd Reynolds said living in a golf community helps residents make the most of their free time even if they don’t play the game. The company built the Foxland Harbor home where Taylor Walker and his wife, Katherine Walker, live. It also builds in Fairvue Plantation. After moving back to Middle Tennessee, the Walkers didn’t want to buy a home in an ordinary subdivision. Instead, they were looking for “something a little different,” said Taylor Walker. At Foxland Harbor, they can walk to the clubhouse for social activities, dinner in the restaurant or to watch a game on television, he said. That convenience is the true advantage of golf communities, said Reynolds. “You’d make the assumption that most residents are golfers, but fewer and fewer are golfers. Golf communities attract people who like the lifestyle,” he said. “People don’t have time to relax. Here, it’s at their back door all the time.” Read the article as posted on The Tennessean

The 2020 Men's Club Golf Championship is in the books at The Grove, and what a wonderful weekend of tournament golf it was! The course was immaculate and the weather was perfect. We had a lot of great scores and it was truly thrilling watching Ben Elder birdie 18 to win the Club Championship by one shot! On behalf of everyone at The Grove, congratulations to Ben, and all of this year's champions! Here are the results of this year's Club Championship at The Grove: 2020 Mens Club Champion - Ben Elder Runner Up - Jonathan Hunter Championship Flight Net Champion - Gary Slayden Runner Up - Dustin Stromsness First Flight Champion - Jud Wells Runner Up - Kelley Lovelace First Flight Net Champion - Trevor Cobb Runner Up - Dave Kreps Second Flight Champion - Barry Kemp Runner Up - Spider Morrissey Second Flight Net Champion - Tim Wilbanks Runner Up - Chip Churchill Third Flight Champion - Rob Warren Runner Up - Jordan Quintana Third Flight Net Champion - Rick Stepien Runner Up - Ryan Pewett