Legends of Golf in Savannah, Georgia

View of the Savannah River from the Westin

Historic Savannah, Georgia combines the past and present in ways that will even charm the toughest northerner! Until experiencing a visit there in April, 2013, I had only flown in and out of the Savannah Airport in transit to Hilton Head. I had always said that I’d love to spend a little bit of time exploring, and my April visit was far too brief an exposure. That introduction to this small city, with southern charm as sweet as their tea, left me hoping to return in the near future to experience some of its many tour offerings.

We were in town with friends to attend the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf event at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa. It was amazing to see some of the famous players who are now missing the swing fluidity that once made them champions, but guess what? They’ve still got game. They may grunt and groan a bit when they swing or when they bend down to tee up the ball or retrieve a successful putt, but with all of that said, they are still impressive.

Whether one walked the course and followed a favorite player, or chose to sit in one spot and watch every group play one particular hole, it was a thrill to see these true legends. Some seemed very focused and serious, while others made it a point to banter with each other and with the small group of spectators who were present during the early part of the week.

Gary Player made huge points with us when he marched over to adorable, 91 year old Mary Pedigo following one of his tee shots and asked her, “So what was your lowest handicap when you were playing golf?” This sweet little lady was so thrilled, and I just happened to be standing right there to capture the moment of this touching gesture!

Gary Player chatting with Mary Pedigo

According to Mary’s granddaughter, Jessica Pedigo,“Grandmom played golf until she was 82 and still loves the game…especially the Legends players, as that is who she always watched play. Growing up, she taught my brother and me to play. We called it the ‘Rabbit Run’ because we would get on the course at 6 a.m. so we weren’t in anyone’s way, and we would always see rabbits out since it was so early.”

At one point during the tournament, Gary Player drove by in the cart, but he stopped and waved at Mary Pedigo and said, “Hey, pretty lady!” to which she responded without missing a beat, “Hey Gary, how are you?” as though they were old friends and she frequently ran into him.

It is awesome how fit and trim some of these older players are, and Gary is certainly one of those who falls into that category. Kudos to Gary Player for being personable as well!

Doug Sanders charming Mary Pedigo

Then there was Doug Sanders, who wowed the crowd with his colorful golf attire, right down to his purple golf shoes. He also chatted with Mary Pedigo, who was having quite a day out there at the tournament!

Then there was the 80ish player, who will remain nameless because I don’t want to get into trouble for ratting on him, but after his tee shot on one hole, he marched over to me as I observed from the opposite side of the ropes and began telling little jokes. He also said, “This is a tough way to make a living, but I have so many ex-wives that I have to pay alimony to!” Then after two or three more little remarks about his former mates, he looked me right in the eye and said, “So, if you get too tired, you can come to my room and rest!” Then he just marched over and climbed into his golf cart, and away he went. I know it was just part of his comedy routine, and it was rather comical given his age. Perhaps his sense of playfulness is why this anonymous player has so many ex-wives!

We enjoyed the time spent with our friends, Larry and Sharon DeCosmo, as well as Joe Daley, who was caddying for Ed Fiori. It was nice to see Ed and also Blaine McCallister, whom we remember from many years of charity golf events in the Albany, NY area. FYI--Blaine qualifies for that "fit and trim" category that I was mentioning earlier. Just sayin'.

We had the opportunity to watch Tom Watson, Ian Woosnam, Lee Elder, Lee Trevino and the venerable Jack Nicklaus--The Golden Bear in action on a course that was so lush it looked like a flawless grass carpet. One evening at dinner, Roger Maltbie was seated directly across from us and was extremely congenial to us and to fans who asked for a photo with him before he exited the restaurant.

A huge thank you to Mary and Jessica Pedigo for joining us on the blog today! It was a spectacular April day at the Savannah Legends of Golf, and one that will always remain memorable. 

In the next post I’ll fill you in on our mini-visit to the amazing city of Savannah!

Mary Anne Benedetto
Author/Speaker
http://www.awriterspresence.com

Naples = Paradise

Naples, Florida--What’s not to love? Imagine massive green palm trees, spectacular white sandy beaches that reach out to meet the warm, turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico and plentiful upscale restaurants, shops and communities.

 Named by developers after the lovely Italian city of Naples, this area seriously has it all. With average January and February temperatures reaching the mid-seventies and the average lows only dipping to the mid-fifties, it is a temporary home to snow birds from Chicago and the mid-west, as well as Canadians and northeasterners.

Tourism is their industry, and the traffic during January through March proves it. I have to admit that when I visited Naples in March, 2013, an unusual cold front had crept in, and one full-time resident announced, “I don’t even have clothes for this kind of cold weather!” The chilly spell didn’t last long, however, and life was soon back to perfectly normal in sunny Naples.

Visitors and residents are blessed with a multitude of options for filling their time. There are an infinite number of tours, attractions and activities. Naples has a Hop-on/Hop-off narrated trolley tour, Everglades excursions, nature preserves, casino cruises, a Murder Mystery Dinner Train, water sports of any type that you could hope for, express boats to Key West, para-sailing, wine vineyards, Jet Pack Adventures, riverboat cruises, fishing expeditions, a pirate cruise, ample opportunities for golf and mini-golf and close proximity to peaceful Sanibel and Captiva Islands, known for the best shelling around and sunsets so moving that they will seem almost like a spiritual experience.

 If all of that doesn’t get your vacationer’s heart pumping, consider that the Naples vicinity is a mecca for showcasing the arts. Offering opera, a regional orchestra, Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts, art and craft shows, dinner theatre and much more, there is no need for arts withdrawal while staying in this community. The shopping barometer represents high levels of fabulous shopping to satisfy the tastes of even the most discriminating. From the Miromar Outlets to the Village on Venetian Bay, the Waterside Shops, Mercato, downtown Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South stores and boutiques, charm is exuded from every corner.

Warning*Warning*Warning--shopping is not for the faint of wallet unless you happen to be here in the summertime off-season.

Florida is Florida, but there is something special about Naples that will keep pulling you back year after year as long as your budget enjoys ample cash flow. It is about as close to being in paradise as one can find on this earth.

The Village on Venetian Bay

Venetian Bay

Tampa is Hopping

Tampa, Florida is a coastal city with much to offer in every season. I was recently there for a few days and discovered a fascinating downtown area.

The 2010 census reports a population of 335,709 for Tampa, but other sources which include the entire Tampa Bay area state that there are 2.7 million residents.

During a visit to the nearby downtown library, I came across a book entitled Tampa on My Mind by Kimberly Williams, Greg Thomas, Ronald Williams and Cheryl Borman. With accompanying photos, I discovered some interesting facts about Tampa. It was originally a remote military outpost called Fort Brooke, cleared from a dense jungle in 1824. That’s difficult to imagine today with its tall buildings which house offices, restaurants, museums, theaters, courthouses and residences.

One fascinating structure is the Sykes Building, one of the tallest limestone buildings in the world. My research revealed that its cylindrical design was intended to symbolize a lighthouse. This building is home to a wonderfully classy restaurant called Malio’s Prime Steakhouse at 400 N. Ashley Drive. See http://www.maliosprime.com. With a lovely view of the Hillsborough River, the Riverwalk and the University of Tampa’s 105 acre campus, the Sykes Building and Malio’s are in a fabulous location.

What does the Tampa area have to offer? Let me count the venues. No, that is totally impossible. Just trust me when I tell you that there are numerous choices including, but not limited to: Busch Gardens, beaches, canoe and kayak excursions, helicopter tours, boat rentals, fishing charters, golf, dining cruises, museums, zoos, an aquarium, pro sports, baseball’s spring training events, Big Cat Rescue, performing arts activities, art and craft fairs, and the largest port in Florida with a multitude of cruise options. No one could be bored in Tampa unless they are glued to their sofas.

While the downtown area has seen amazing revitalization, one interesting aspect that I discovered was that there is virtually no shopping there. One must travel away from the downtown in order to locate department stores, shops and boutiques. That was the only treasured activity that seemed to be oddly missing.

Tampa Bay area's got it all going on, and a visit during the winter months can be a welcome break from the snow or frigid temperatures of the north. With bright, blue skies and occasional puffy, white clouds northerners think it's a mighty fine place to be--even if a cold front makes the Floridians shudder. While the typical pleasant temperatures entice a large population of snow birds, Tampa is an ideal location for many to call home from January through December.

From Italy with Love & Limoncello

This blog was actually started following a 2011 trip to Italy. After many requests and some extra tidbits added, a book has now been released to detail the events of this adventure. Available now in paperback, Kindle and Nook formats, readers can travel with us along this amazing journey. From Italy with Love & Limoncello will warm your heart as you sing, dance, dine and shop with us throughout three regions of Italy. Come on along and join us for the vacation of a lifetime in From Italy with Love & Limoncello! Visit http://www.awriterspresence.com for links to all formats and various purchase options. Ciao!

The Golden Isles of Coastal Georgia

When you envision of the state of Georgia, what scenery enters your mind? Would it be navigating the overcrowded highways in the Atlanta area? The colorful flowers on the course and lush fairways of Amen Corner at Augusta, home of the famous Masters Golf Tournament?

While we don’t generally think of it as being a coastal state, one source indicates that Georgia actually has 192.63 miles of coastline. From Brunswick to the four islands comprising The Golden Isles, there is much territory to explore, dining to relish, golf to frustrate or delight, bicycles and horses to ride, fish to catch, beaches to stroll, spectacular scenery to photograph, and so much more. Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and Little St. Simons Island welcome you for a well-deserved period of rest or recreation.

During a September, 2011 visit to The Cloister at Sea Island, I was pleasantly surprised to find a spacious room at The Beach Club, beautifully manicured grounds, accommodating staff, a massage experience at the 65,000 square foot spa  & fitness center that could sooth and relax even the most stressed out bodies, five miles of private beach, three swimming pools, and an all around peaceful, romantic hideaway.

Just a few of the organized activities on tap during the week were an ecumenical Sunday service in the Cloister Chapel, swimming lessons, programs for children, fitness classes, personal training, nutritional consultations, sailboat rentals, rides and lessons, tennis, golf, horseback riding including beach rides, wooded trail rides and private lessons, fishing lessons, clay target shooting, dance lessons, and on and on!

 

With an average high of 60 degrees and an average low of 43 during January, and July charting an average high of 91 and low of 75, the month of September offered warm days and comfortably mild evenings during our visit.

Walking around the property was a pleasure, and our group was treated to a facility, kitchen, and wine cellar tour, which was informative as well as entertaining. The beauty of this location is that you can be as enthusiastically active or shamelessly lazy as you wish, and no one will object. It’s your time, and your respite from the real world. 

Chef Daniel taking time from his busy day!

From an exploration of the lighthouse and Maritime Center on St. Simons Island, salt marsh kayaking and boat tours at The Cloister, to meandering around the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, a National Historic Landmark where America’s wealthiest families were known to winter at the turn of the century, the natural beauty of The Golden Isles will call your name to return time and time again.

 Treat yourself—you deserve it!

I'll be seeing you soon with another amazing location to share. Wishing you all a happy, healthy, blessed, travel-filled new year!!