Virginia Golfer Nov / Dec 2019 | Page 4

Contents NOV/DEC 2019 FEATURES 14 24 28 From the fringes of professional golf to earning an invite to The Masters, how Blacksburg’s Lanto Griffin made his second chance on the PGA Tour count. A pair of VSGA members and self-professed golf nerds have built a new-age lifestyle around an old-boys’ tradition. Ireland native turned Warrenton resident Barry McMahon is teaching the game that saved his life. Lanto’s Leap Sugar Rush Barry’s Breakthrough AROUND THE COMMONWEALTH DEPARTMENTS 5 One World, One System RULES Set to debut in January 2020, the World Handicap System will ensure equitable competition across the globe. 12 Accidents Happen I accidentally moved my ball. What do I do now? GREAT HOLES CHAMPIONSHIPS 8 T  he Fall Finish Recapping the winners of the closing stretch of VSGA championships in 2019. NEWS AND NOTES 10 State Open Seeks New Home The 2020 event will be the last held at Roanoke’s Ballyhack Golf Club. 13 No. 8 at The Highland Course at Primland This downhill par-3 provides a major challenge at one of southern Virginia’s most picturesque venues. VIRGINIA EXPLORER 30 South Carolina’s Island Playground As the 60th anniversary of Hilton Head Island golf approaches, the “Golf Island” is getting better with age. INSTRUCTION 34 Get in Great Golf Shape To improve your game, fitness and instruction should go hand in hand. EQUIPMENT 38 Wish List Buying the golfers in your life a thoughtful gift has never been easier. MY TURN 40 A Familiar Voice For Virginia Beach native Carl Paulson, radio is home. inside THE BEST OF 2019: VSGA’S GOLFERS OF THE YEAR Virginia Golfer HILTON HEAD ISLAND: TRAVELING TO SOUTH CAROLINA’S PRESTIGIOUS GOLF PLAYGROUND Offi cial publication of the Virginia State Golf Association as a service to its more than 72,000 members. NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2019 $2.95 vsga.org Lanto’s Leap Virginia’s own Lanto Griffin is flying high after his first PGA Tour win ON THE COVER: Lanto Griffin’s moment of triumph Oct. 13 at the Houston Open. (AP photo) Lanto Griffi n entered a new chapter of his career by winning the Houston Open on Oct. 13. 2 V I R G I N I A G O L F E R | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 19 vsga.org