SEBRING — It's hardly a laughing matter, but Sam Timms can't help but let out a nervous chuckle. The sub-par economy and high-priced gas have taken a divot from local golf courses' bottom lines. "We're struggling," said Timms, director of golf at Highlands Ridge in Avon Park. "The reason I laugh is because our company's based out of Orlando, and our bosses were here today going over different numbers and where we obtain play. ...more

July 6, 2008

Nobody understands the workings of the Tampa Sports Authority's three municipal golf courses - Rocky Point, Rogers Park and Babe Zaharias - like newly appointed director of operations Kennie Sims. ...more

July 3, 2008

Every time we realize we are being paid to golf, we chuckle. It's a dream come true, really, for both Joe and me. There's work involved, sure, but we're certainly not punching a clock, and most of the time it doesn't feel like work. ...more

June 23, 2008

Palma Ceia Country Club golf professional Gil Gonsalves leaned forward in a chair, lowered his voice as if passing a secret, and cringed at the memory. It was back in May 1974 and Gonsalves - born and raised in Bermuda before finishing high school in Rhode Island and getting into the golf business - had been invited to interview at the exclusive South Tampa club. ...more

February 21, 2008

A once-popular and pristinely landscaped golf course is slowly turning into a weed-infested eyesore and many of the surrounding homeowners are furious their property values are inevitably going to come down. ...more

December 4, 2007