GOLF LAMGA By David Kubissa This is the second of two conversations with the Lake Ashton golf pros who support LAMGA throughout the year. Matt Auen was the head professional at Lake Ashton from 2018 to 2023 when he retired. Since then, he has worked parttime in the Pro Shop while continuing to give lessons, help with tournaments and work with LAMGA. Where did you play your first round of golf, how old were you and with whom did you play? Maple Dale Country Club in Dover, Delaware, with my Dad. I was 6 years old. What motivated you to become a PGA professional, and what do you like most about the job? Working at a country club growing up and observing my mentor and teacher, Rick McCall. I had a successful high school career and truly love the game. I love the environment, varied responsibilities, and the daily personal interactions. Teaching and coaching and seeing someone improve is very rewarding. I also enjoy not being tied to a desk and spending part of the workday outside. Where did you work before coming to the Lake Ashton Golf Club? Country Club of Virginia in Richmond, Imperial Lakes in Lakeland, The Vinoy Golf Club in St. Pete, and the Bayou Club in Largo. I also was director of golf and general manager at Laurel Oak in Sarasota for 16 years. When you get a chance to practice, what are your favorite drills? I enjoy on-course practice the most where you can repeat shots and see and reinforce improvement. As for drills, I like swing progressions – ¼ swing to ½ swing to ¾ swings to full swings. Most people find their ¾ swings the most solid and consistent. On the putting green, I like using two balls to play from hole to hole with every hole being a Par 2. Keep track of the score vs. par and repeat several times to improve the score. 40 Red Hoagland Challenge: Leaderboard through July 31: 1. Steve Kettells, $143; 2. Mike Krigelski, $137.75; 3. Denis Mulhearn, $132.75; 4. Jim Salb, $132.40. Sponsor salute: Thanks to the following businesses and groups for supporting LAMGA: Art’s Golf Cars, Bargain Carts, Brewer Sales and Service, Jr Golf Carts, Lake Ashton Golf Management, Lake Ashton Ladies Golf Association, McCarty’s Carts, Performance Golf Carts, Turner Furniture & Mattress, S.G. Computer Services. SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION ALL STAR GRILL 2019 SR 60 E., Lake Wales, FL 33898 (833) 679-9689, allstargrillfl.com Hours: Sunday - Thursday 11 am - 10 pm Friday & Saturday 11 am - 12 pm Happy Hour 2 - 7 pm Two time champions for best wings! Dine in or take out. Full bar with TVs, NFL Ticket, pool tables, darts, games. CHERRY POCKET STEAK N SEAFOOD SHAK 3100 Canal Rd., Lake Wales FL 33898 (863) 439-2031, cherrypocket.com Hours: Sun-Thurs 11 am-9 pm, Fri & Sat 11 am-10 pm. We offer Indoor & Outdoor Seating, Pick-Up, & Delivery THE CROOKED BASS GRILL & TAVERN 1010 N. Scenic Hwy., Babson Park, FL 33827 (863) 589-5887, crookedbass.com Hours: Mon - Thurs 11:30 am-8 pm; Fri & Sat 11:30 am-9 pm; Sun 12-7 pm We serve delicious Seafood, Steaks (including Prime Rib), Burgers, Pizza, Salads, Chicken, Pork Chops, Pasta, Wings, AYCE Specials & a Full Liquor Bar. SIZZLING GRILL - STEAK & SEAFOOD 21400 US 27, Lake Wales, FL 33859 (863) 676-4898, sizzlinggrillfl.com $5 OFF the purchase of $50 or more Lake Ashton: Get a Free Mini dessert with purchase of $30. Bring this coupon to redeem.
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