April 2003 - Island Vibe Business Golf course designer Clyde Johnston makes the grade Most teenagers pass notes in class – no mystery about that. At 14, however, passing designs for golf courses is not something most teens do when they get bored in history class.But that’s exactly how one Hilton Head Island designer started. Clyde Johnston, who has been designing golf courses for 30 years, said while most of his peers were passing notes about who liked whom during class, he and a friend would design holes for golf courses, a passion his dad instilled in him at an early age. “The day my dad said I could make a living at designing golf courses, I said, ‘that’s it, that’s what I’m going to do,’” Johnston said with a laugh. Since that time, Johnston has completed 30 golf courses and 19 renovations of courses around the country. His love for the sport was spurred by his father, C.B. “Johnny” Johnston, who was Arnold Palmer’s coach at Wake Forest University in the late 1940s and early 1950s and who would design courses in their basement for fun.

“I grew up in golf and love the game,” Johnston said. “My dad had a drafting table in the basement where he would design courses, and he did it basically for free. He designed courses to get people interested in golf.” But designing is not the only aspect of golf Johnston loves. He is also the vice president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, an organization that is about education, he said. “I want (the ASGCA) to continue our efforts in the environmental arena, and that means not only educating course superintendents, but educating the public on what happens during golf course construction,” Johnston said. “There are a lot of chemicals that can’t be put on a golf course that the general public can buy at Wal-Mart and use on their yards.” Johnston believes golf course design and environment go hand-in-hand. “I’ve always felt like the golf course should fit the land, not the other way around,” he said. “Honor what’s there, and it’s going to look better. From the day I first walk on a piece of land I think about how it’s going to fit into the environment. Aesthetics is a very dominant factor in golf course design.” While educating the public about the environment, the ASGCA also does what they call Remodeling University, which gives golf course superintendents information before construction ever begins. They have presented the program in major cities in the United States and are currently developing an online version for golf course superintendents for their continuing education. According to Johnston, the plan is to keep adding phases so it becomes more detailed, much like an internet course a college offers. For all the courses he has conceived along with his position on the executive committee of the ASGCA, Johnston said he still has a love for design and is never completely satisfied with a course. “I take all of (the designs) personally,” he said. “I look at a golf course as if I’m getting ready to birth 18 young children. It’s a fun process to watch them mature.” Johnston said he takes pride in creating something on such a large scale that will endure for many years. “When you reach satisfaction, that’s when mediocrity sets in,” he said. “I look at the finished product and ask what could have been done differently. I try to determine if I could have done something better. You can always do better.” – Simon Croft For more information or to view Johnston’s course designs, visit his website at www.clydejohnston.com Organizations JUSTICE FOR ALL Lawyers lead a merry chase for a serious cause Picture local lawyers popping out from behind the sand dunes, sporting coats and ties, briefcases in tow, being chased down the beach by area athletes. LowCountry Legal Aid, Inc. will sponsor its third annual Attorney Chase, a 5 K race and walk, starting at 8 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Oceanfront on May 10. The event is the primary fundraiser for the non-profit organization that provides free legal services to low income people in the greater Hilton Head Island area. The dream of local attorneys Maureen Coffee Edri and Keri Jordan Olivetti, the LowCountry Legal Clinic opened its doors in August, 2002, thanks to a grant from the Hilton Head Island Foundation. The clinic offers representation, advice and education to people whose incomes are 125 percent of the federal poverty level or below. Retired attorneys volunteer their time, sharing their knowledge and expertise as a service to the community, with major funding coming from local charitable organizations as well as individual contributors. Registration for the race begins at 7 a.m. on race day. The entry fee is $25, ($20 before May 5). Refreshments, T-shirts and prizes will be provided. Special awards for tagging one of the elusive attorneys. – Linda Smith For more information about the race or about the services of LowCountry Legal Aid, Inc., to volunteer or make a contribution, call 341-9222. News FIRST COURSE Locals Give Slovakia a Gray Bear Living in a golf mecca such as Hilton Head, host to dozens of wonderful courses, makes it difficult to fathom an entire country without so much as a simple chip-and-putt facility. Such was the case for Slovakia until two Hilton Head Island based golf course designers packed their bags for a property survey of a nation formerly part of the Russian eastern block country Czechoslovakia. So how did locals Skip Malek and Bob Walton land the roles of “golf ambassadors” and become instrumental in the creation of the Gray Bear, Slovakia’s very first course? Malek, the director of golf instruction at the Golf Academy at Sea Pines, taught two Slovakian students whose father had an interest in promoting the game in his country. In 1998, Malek accepted his invitation to visit Slovakia, look at two pieces of property and discuss course construction with Vlado= Sotak, chairman of a prosperous ski resort named Tale. Sotak had a desire to attract more summertime visitors and aid the growth of his community. In October of ’98, Malek invited Walton, his friend of 20-plus years and design partner of International Golf Course Design (founded in ’98), to visit Slovakia. The deal was sealed just a few months later. Sotak explained, “We chose Bob and Skip for many reasons. Golf was new to our= country. We needed a world-class golf facility, but we also needed to learn about the game. Along with their ability to design and construct great courses, they seemed very willing to share their wealth of knowledge and experience related to golf – to give us a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the game. We made the right decision.” The Gray Bear course, strategically situated in a secluded valley of the Tatrus Mountains within the Slovak National Forest, features rolling terrain lined with 100-foot fir trees and native strains of fescue grass for a Scottish-links feel. Said Walton, “We felt it was important to create a traditionally styled walking course that embraced the natural surroundings.” Measuring 6,925 yards from the championship tees, with a par of 71 and a USGA slope index of 144, the Gray Bear offers challenging play for more adept golfers, but also an enjoyable round from the front tees (about 5,000 yards). The experience has been referred to as challenging and “magical.” Tony Jacklin, a World Golf Hall of Fame inductee, has compared Gray Bear to topnotch facilities like Pebble Beach, stating that “in time, Gray Bear will be recognized as one of the great golf courses of Europe.” Now that Slovakia has had a hole-in-one experience with its first course, Walton says designing is under way for a second with construction due to begin in 2004. And they’ll juggle that in between many other impressive projects, including the completion of a new course in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Not bad for a couple of boys from Pittsburgh! – Blanche L. Tomaszewski Bob Walton is a golf course designer with more than 20 years of real estate development experience and is an accomplished golfer who has traveled the world studying and playing courses. Course design became his profession following a collaboration with Bruce Devlin to design and construct the highly acclaimed Secession Golf Club in Beaufort, S.C. Walton is particularly fond of classical designers such as Colt, Mackenzie and Ross. Skip Malek, a Class A golf professional for 27 years, has been honored as the “South Carolina Golf Professional of the Year.” A student of golf history and architecture who just missed qualifying for the PGA Tour, Malek has played most of the top U.S. and British courses and was involved in the design and construction of two exceptional Hilton Head area courses. For more information, contact Mark Brown & Associates at 815-9366 or mbrown@aol.com.Golf ambassadors Bob Walton and Skip Malek, founders of International Golf Course Design, gave Slovakia its first taste of golf and prepare to serve the second course. Lifestyle Substance abuse, particularly of alcohol and prescription drugs, among adults age 60 and older is one of the fastest growing health problems facing the country. The signs of alcohol dependence and drug abuse can be different in adults 60 years old and older than in younger people. Seniors often live alone, so no one may notice the severity of the problem. Many are retired, so they don’t have work related problems stemming from their chemical use. Also, signs of substance abuse can be easily confused with or masked by other conditions typically seen in the older population, such as deficits in cognitive and behavioral function. Three age-related changes significantly affect the way an older person responds to alcohol: decrease in body water; increased sensitivity and decreased tolerance to alcohol; decrease in the metabolism of alcohol in the gastrointestinal tract. As lean body mass decreases with age, total body water also decreases. Because alcohol is water-soluble, this change means that for a given dose of alcohol, the concentration of alcohol in the blood system is greater in an older person. Therefore, the same amount of alcohol that previously had little effect can now cause intoxication. The decrease in gastric alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme in the gastrointestinal tract exacerbates the problem, causing alcohol to be metabolized more slowly, increasing strain on the liver. Another factor is that the population over 65 takes more prescription and over-the-counter medication than any other age group. When alcohol and medications are combined, they can compete for the enzymes drug by altering its availability. A single drink or several drinks over several hours may inhibit a drug’s metabolism by competing for the same set of enzymes. In the same manner a drug can interfere with alcohol, causing the alcohol to remain in the body longer. Because alcohol and medication abuse and dependence problems are often mistaken for other conditions associated with aging, they may go undiagnosed and untreated. Health care providers who suspect an alcohol problem in an elderly patient should refer that person to treatment. Families also need to be aware of the symptoms of abuse. Following are some signs typical of older adults: tremors and shakes; unexplained bruises; less able to handle routine chores; memory loss; drinking in spite of warning labels on medications; drinking despite health substance abuse professional. Detoxification of alcohol and certain drugs is especially dangerous for the elderly. Medical supervision in a facility specializing in alcoholism and drug addiction is recommended. Treatment outcome for the elderly is favorable. Recovery may take longer due to slower ability to process new information or difficulty accepting that they are addicted. Some have been “social drinkers” throughout their lives. Alcohol and drugs have never been a problem before, so the denial process may be strong. But the process works. When they return home after treatment, they realize they have been given back their life and that life is worth living. For more information: www.health.org, www.nida.nih.gov, www.niaaa.nih.gov. – Pat Radcliff Golf/Tennis The Long Cove Club of Hilton Head will host the 2003 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship to be held October 11-16. This important event began in 1987 and became the 13th national golf championship conducted by the United States Golf Association. The purpose of this championship was to provide a national competitive arena for women amateur golfers age 25 and older. In order to be eligible for the 2003 event, participants must possess a USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 9.4 and submit an entry form by August 6. The top returning players, 2002 semifinalists, are automatically eligible for the 2003 event and include Kathy Hartwiger of Birmingham, AL., Lyn Nelson of Half Moon Bay, Calif.., Ellen Port of St. Louis, Mo. and Lisa Desimore of Carmel, Calif. The field will also most likely include former U.S. Women’s Amateur champions Anne Sander (’58, ’61, ’63) of Seattle, Wash. and Carol Semple Thompson (’73) of Sewickley, Pa. The former U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur champions expected to join Hartwiger, Nelson, Port and Desimore, include Laura Shanahan-Rowe (’01) of Bedford, N.H., and Martha Lang (’88) of Mandeville, La. The Long Cove Club course, designed by Pete Dye, will be set up at 6,029 yards with a par of 35-36-71. The women will compete for the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship trophy – a sterling Revere bowl that remains in the champion’s custody for the ensuing year. The USGA and the membership of the Long Cove Club expect to receive more than 500 entries and invite the general public to attend this exciting tournament free of charge. All ages are welcome. – Blanche L. Tomaszewski To obtain starting times and additional information, please visit the USGA Web site at www.usga.org or call media contact Craig Smith at 908-234-2300, ext.1040. COURT REPORT April officially ushers in prime-time tennis on Hilton Head for players of every age and ability. Enthusiasts will find plenty of action on the court and in the stands. If you want an up-close and personal view of how the pros do it, head over to Daniel Island in Charleston to see the women’s professional tour players compete in the Family Circle Cup, April 5-13. For tickets, call (800) 677-2293. Right here at home, pick up some pointers by watching some of your favorite local teaching pros compete in free exhibition matches every Monday evening. Stop by Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center at 5:30 p.m. or the Van der Meer Shipyard Racquet Club at 5:45 p.m. Refreshments and door prizes add to the fun at both locations. If you would rather be in on the action, South Beach Racquet Club hosts the annual Billy Bob Century Cup Doubles Tournament April 24-27. Enter men’s, women’s or mixed doubles, combining the ages of the partners to determine divisions: 80, 100, 120 or 140. (If you’re 40 and your partner is 60, you would play in the 100 division.) Entry forms are available at most island clubs. For more information, call Dennis Malik at 342-5141. Local players and visitors from all over the world know that our island is blessed with many fine tennis facilities. Port Royal Racquet Club recently received the Outstanding USA League Tennis Facility Award from the USTA Southern Section South Carolina. The award was presented during the annual meeting of the Tennis Association of Hilton Head Island (TAHHI). The Port Royal Racquet Club is also starting a new Advanced Junior Program. Stan Smith and Van der Meer offer programs for world-class juniors, but until now there haven’t been many opportunities for high school and tournament players who have not quite reached that caliber. Held every Monday and Wednesday from 4-5pm, the advanced junior clinics at Port Royal are only $10 each. For more information, call 686- 8803. For the younger set, the Island Recreation Center’s spring after-school program starts the week of April 14. Students are separated by age categories. For six weeks, grades 1-3 play Monday and Wednesday from 3:45-5:15 p.m.; grades 4-6 play the same time on Tuesday and Thursday; and grades 7 and up play Friday from 3-4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9-10:30 a.m. Six weeks of group instruction for only $60 is a great deal. For more information or to register, call the Rec Center at 681-7273. – Peggy Edwards Focus ANGUS COTTON Cotton says humor is the fabric for success. With a name like Angus Cotton you gotta wear plaid. Actually, he wears two plaids: one for the historically famous Cotton clan and another for the Heritage Classic. The latter plaid is derived from the Fraser tartan, as well it should be. Only a few years after arriving on Hilton Head, Cotton, along with Joe Fraser and other island leaders, co-founded the Heritage Classic Golf Foundation. They needed to raise a million and a half dollars to keep the PGA tour coming here to Harbour Town Golf Links. Cotton approached his business associates and friends and asked for pledges in $100,000 increments. In an incredibly short period oft time, he had the full amount. He has continued to serve as treasurer of the foundation“ to be sure that money is used the way it ought to be used.” Steve Wilmot, tournament director, said he “has had the pleasure of working with Cotton for 18 years.” He added, “His experience in hospitality and in food and beverage is invaluable to me. He has definitely been instrumental in the success of the tournament. He has a wealth of knowledge.” Cotton has also served as tournament chairman, overseeing every detail and, at the same time, keeping between 1,200 to 1,500 volunteers happy and coming back to serve each year. The Cottons moved to Hilton Head in 1980. During the next year, Angus oversaw the completion of the Marriott Resort in Shipyard while coordinating a move into his new home in Sea Pines – both events happened within a week of each other. Employed by the Marriott Corporation for 26 years, Cotton rose from vice president of food and beverage to the corporate office of Marriott Corporation and became executive vice president of Marriott Hotels International. When he retired in l989, this thoroughly Scottish man did not take up bagpiping or hammer throwing but, instead threw himself into making Hilton Head an even better place for everyone. He co-founded the Greater Island Committee, Leadership Hilton Head, and Sea Pines Associates. He has also served on the boards of directors of the Chamber of Commerce, The Community Playhouse, Sea Pines Associates, The Seabrook Retirement Community, and as President of the United Way of Beaufort County. In 1988, both Cotton and his wife Beverly were selected as Citizens of the Year. The following year, the First Presbyterian Church, where he and Beverly have each recognized Angus Cotton for the same honor. The Governor of South Carolina honored him with the Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest civilian award. So what has Angus Cotton done lately? This award-winning citizen is chairman of commissioners for the Technical College of the Low Country, a two-year college located in Beaufort. It follows that he was selected last year as the Outstanding Trustee of the Association of Community Colleges in all Southern states. He readily shares the secret for his success as a businessman and as a private person: “Keep your sense of humor; it balances out the extraneous.” – Margaret Greer