Accessory maker Zero Friction has entered the rangefinder business with two pistol grip models having a range up to 1,000-yards, the Laser Pro and Laser Pro SM.
Fast Facts Laser Pro rangefinder:
Range up to 1,000 yards +/- 1 yard
LCD display with 6x magnification
Vibrates when locked on target
Scan and pin lock modes
Pistol grip handle
Weight 6.5 oz.
Waterproof carrying case
SM model measures slope
Laser Pro $229.99
Laser Pro SM $329.99
WYNTK:
Many serious players consider a laser rangefinder to be as much a part of their equipment as the glove they wear and the latest to enter this market segment is Zero Friction with two models, the Laser Pro and Laser Pro SM.
“We wanted to be in the laser business but didn’t want to make another ‘me-too’ palm-held unit,” said John Iacono, Zero Friction Founder. “What we really wanted was a pistol-style grip. It’s simple to use. It’s much easier to hold steady in your hand than a unit that sits in your palm. It vibrates when it locks in on the target. So, we ended up with exactly what we wanted: A unique product with impressive technology that fits our brand.”
Among features of this medium price category rangefinder is the comfortable rubber surfaced grip that makes the unit easy to use with one hand and the 6x magnification LCD display so that selection of a specific target such as a flagstick is readily accomplished.
The Laser Pro SM measures uphill and downhill slopes allowing the user to make any necessary compensations in club selection plus there is a magnet in the handle for attaching the unit to a golf cart or pushcart.
Zero Friction also includes at no charge with each of the rangefinders their smartphone distance measuring app with 36,000 courses preloaded.
As a visitor, there is plenty to do in Woodford County. First of all, there’s the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and one of Kentucky’s oldest bourbon whiskey distilleries, Labrot & Graham, where the Woodford Reserve brand is made. It’s located in the beautiful country outside the county seat of Versailles (pronounced VER-SALES). Then there’s the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum which provides an interactive experience of historic railroading in Kentucky. Inside, you’ll find a museum of historic railroad artifacts as well as an antique tour train. If you’re into the ponies. You can always take a guided horse farm tours which are available at many locations. If you’re a golfer you need to pay a visit to The Woodford Club in Versailles, KY, and play a round of golf on a course that will challenge you.
The Woodford Club plays 6,119 yards from the Blue tees with a course rating of 70.1 and a slope of 129. Move up a set to the Whites and the yardage drops to slightly less than 5,900 yards however the course rating drops only slightly to 69.2 with a slope of 126. Two other sets of tees, the Gold (5,331/66.0/117) and the Red (4,870/68.3/113) provide yardages and challenges that will make the round exciting and memorable for all. Just remember, when you’re in doubt of which tees to play, do what Jack Nicklaus suggests and Tee It Forward!
The 2nd hole is probably the most challenging par 3 on the course. From the White tees, the hole plays 174 yards uphill. Trees surrounding the green can come into play on any mishit tee shots and the bunker front right has seen its fair share of play.
Number 13 is a 166-yard par 3 and one of only a few holes with water. The tee shot is all carry over water into a wide green with a large tree on the right. Par is a good score here.
Before your round, get loosened up Woodford’s full-length driving range where you can hit every club in your bag. Move over to the practice putting green and stroke a few putts before heading to the first tee.
And it’s not your typical menu. A “must try” appetizer is the Tater Bombs, homemade tater tots with cheese and bacon, and two delicious dipping sauces. They are incredible. I also know that the Meatball Sub is delicious and won’t leave you hungry. They have several dinner entrees to choose from including steaks, seafood, and BBQ brisket.
on every facet of your game. The driving range, chipping green, and putting green are all conveniently located right behind the clubhouse. Cobblestone offers 5 sets of tees and can be played anywhere from 7,005 yards from the tips to 4,734 yards from the forward tees. The finishing holes on each nine are as different as can be. Number nine is a 375-yard par-four dogleg right that is the #1 handicap. It’s a tight hole with considerable elevation changes. The 18th hole is a 495-yard par 5 that is handicapped as the easiest hole on the layout. It’s not often that a par 5 is handicap #18Sand can come into play on the left side if you pull your tee shot. Play your layup shot down the left side to give yourself a clear shot downhill into a green that is well protected by bunkers.
Noble Hawk is another “must-play” in the area and it too has received its share of recognition. Golf Digest Places to Play awarded them 4 out of 5 stars. Course owner Tim Dykstra thinks Noble Hawk is one of the most unique courses in the area and after playing a round on it, I think he may be right.
Each side has its own risk/reward hole. The 7th is listed on the scorecards at 295 yards but plays downhill. Sand and water divide the fairway and while it is drivable and gives up the occasional eagle, playing for birdie is a more prudent idea. Number 14 is a very narrow but short par 4 that plays 299 yards. An iron or fairway wood off the tee is the smart play. The slope of the fairway will funnel the ball back to the middle and leave a short iron into one of the course’s smallest green. Brains over brawn will yield a better score.
The third course in the triumvirate of must-plays is Glendarin Hills. Glendarin offers more of a resort-style course, that takes you through meadows and woodlands. The course features a lot of rolling terrain and wide-open landscapes. Glendarin Hills measures over 7,000 yards from the back tees, 7,055 to be exact, with a course rating of 74.6 and a slope of 140. At 6,283 yards (70.7/131) the White Tees will give the average golfer all he can handle and still allow him to leave with a certain amount of dignity! In all, there are 5 sets of tees that create a manageable distance for every level of golfer. Before your round, warm up on Glendarin Hill’s full-length driving range and stroke a few putts on the practice green.
The Fort Wayne area is poised to be the host of a multi-venue golf tournament like they do in Myrtle Beach and Mesquite, Nevada. They have the courses and accommodations to pull it off and with a little participation from local restaurants I’m confident it would be a success. Great Indiana Golf has put together some great golf packages that include some of the best golf courses Indiana & SW Michigan has to offer together with overnight accommodations at the Best Western Kendallville Inn. For more information or to book your next Indiana golf vacation, Visit them online at 
Tellico Village has become one of the premier senior planned retirement communities in the southeast. In addition to golf and boating, Tellico Village offers residents a wide array of recreation facilities and activities. The Wellness Center is a 27,000 square foot facility with all of the resources you’ll need plus the bonus of a spectacular view of the Smoky Mountains. There’s a six-lane, 75-foot indoor swimming pool and a smaller, warm-water therapeutic pool. The large exercise room has an indoor walking track as well as cardio and weight equipment. In the spacious fitness class studio, you’ll find a wide variety of dance and movement classes, yoga, and Tai Chi. If you like racquet sports, you’ll enjoy four Har-Tru tennis courts and eight pickleball courts.
Toqua opened in 1987 and was nominated by Golf Digest as a “Best New Course” that same year. Toqua underwent an extensive renovation in 2008 and golf aficionados now consider the layout a classic design and is built within an exquisite natural setting. Several holes play along Tellico Lake while others wind their way through hills and valleys. This course approaches 7,000 yards from the tips but can play as short as 4,200 yards from the “play it forward” tees. No matter your skill level you’re sure to find a set of tees to match your game. Memories of the 14th hole will last a while. It’s fairly short as par 4s go and long ball hitters will find it drivable. You play your tee shot over a small finger of Tellico Lake with the lake also making up the left side of the fairway. The green is well-protected with bunkers so unless you’re going for the green, hit something that will leave you short of them. Hit a good pitch shot and make birdie that way. It’s a fun hole.
Before your round, warm up on Toqua’s full-length driving range; there’s also a short-game area and practice putting green. Afterward, visit the Toqua Sports Bar and Grill. In addition to your favorite libations, they feature such tantalizing dishes as Fajitas, Mahi Tacos, and Pan Seared Atlantic Salmon. There’s also a full slate of desserts.
Two of the holes that bring the lake into play are Numbers 9 and 10 which happen to be the #1 and #2 handicaps. Number 9 is a 369-yard par 4 dogleg left that requires both accuracy and distance control off the tee. Not putting your tee shot in the right place can leave an awkward lie. It’s a three-tiered, downward-sloping fairway so pray for a flat lie! A good drive will leave around a 140-yard approach shot over the lake into a green that is a lot wider than it is deep. A left-side pin placement is especially difficult as it is guarded with a small bunker. It’s one of the most challenging holes on the course.
Whether you play the course or not, you have to eat a meal in the Tanasi Bar & Grill; it’s anything but your typical clubhouse food. Try salads such as the Fried Chicken Cobb Salad or the Strawberry Chicken Salad. For your main course, you can’t go wrong with the catfish, meatloaf, or their signature ribs. All come with a couple of sides and portions that will have you loosening your belt. After dinner, ask for one of pastry chef Miss Kat’s delectable creations such as caramel apple bread pudding. You’ll be amazed.
serene, natural setting with several holes offering beautiful panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains. There are a couple of things that differentiate Kahite from Tellico’s other two tracks. The first is the number of bunkers, all well placed. There are 93 bunkers in all, with 12 of those being on the 18th hole. Perhaps the most notable characteristic of Kahite is the 808-yard (back tees) par 6 9th hole. Although it’s a long – OK really long – hole, it’s fairly straightforward. If you can keep it in play for four straight shots and hit it straight, you can score well.
There are many reasons why people retire and move to Tellico Village, but the main reason is its affordability. Tennessee tends to have one of the lowest costs of living in the country, meaning your retirement dollars go a lot further. Furthermore, there is no state income tax or state estate tax, no personal property taxes or school taxes, and low taxes on tobacco, gasoline, and diesel fuel. All things considered, Tellico Village is a great location for active adults who want to concentrate on enjoying their golden years rather than worry about their financial situation. Check them out at 
If you’re familiar with Donald Ross courses you know that it’s not the length that will get you, it’s the approach shots and green complexes. Four sets of tees create manageable distances for every level of golfer. This Donald Ross masterpiece plays 6,559 yards from the Black Tees with a course rating of 71.2 and a slope of 130. Move up to the Blue (6,210/66.7/124) or White 5,530/65.8/122) Tees and the course becomes a little friendlier. Ladies typically play from the Red Tees (5,157/69.6/125) while seniors will have a good time from the Gold (5,335/65.8/122) Tees. Yardage and statistics are provided for the Ladies from the White, Gold, and Red tees.
Before or after your round, the Bistro at Denison Golf Club is a great place to relax and relive your round with a frosty cold beer The Bistro offers a variety of craft beer selections as well as several hot sandwiches, appetizers, and breakfast sandwiches!
Memorable Holes: Number 1, Par 4, 312 yards. This short par 4 has a wide fairway and offers a great way to get your round started on a good note. That will leave a short pitch shot into a small, elevated green that is fronted by four bunkers. A couple of them are about 30 yards short of the green so make sure you take enough club to get on the green. The green slopes back to front.
Number 16: Par 4, 305 yards. The 16th hole is far from the longest par 4 on the golf course but it’s one of the prettiest. Majestic pine trees on either side frame a fairway that meanders uphill to a green with a small bunker front right.
Before your round, warm up on Denison’s full-length driving range where you can hit every club in your bag. There’s also a practice putting green where you can get an idea of what you can expect on the course.
Many of the holes at Harbor Club feature undulating fairways with generous landing areas flanked by strategically fairway bunkers that absorb errant tee shots. Just about every hole is tree-lined, however, the trees are not densely packed, so you’ll most likely find your ball but may not have a shot. More often than not, you’ll find yourself having to punch out which makes par a lot tougher. Beautiful Lake Oconee provides stunning views and comes into play on four holes.
This course has several memorable holes. Brains over brawn comes to mind as you stand on the tee box of Number 3, “Stone Bridge,” a 345-yard par 4 hole that doglegs to the right. You can see the water on the right that will form the boundary once you hit the dogleg. Plan on hitting your tee shot no more than 200 yards and leave yourself a short to mid-iron into a long narrow green protected on the right by water.
go for the green but will require about a 220-yard carry over the field of wildflowers. The long way home will likely consist of an uphill layup shot on a fairway that doglegs left. A good layup will leave a slightly downhill approach shot to a large, well-protected green. Good scores can be had here, regardless of how you play the hole.
In addition to a fabulous golf course, Harbor Club has great practice facilities that include a full-length driving range with targets, where you can hit every club in the bag. There’s also a short game area and a large practice putting green. If you’re looking for the latest in golf fashion, the pro shop is home to some of the game’s top designers, including a large selection of logoed apparel.
Dinner is a special event; start with an appetizer like Jumbo Blue Lump Crab Cakes or that southern specialty Fried Green Tomatoes and then move on to a variety of tasty entrees such as Filet Medallions, Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf (everything’s better with bacon) or Crab Stuffed Grouper. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with the Chocolate Spoon Cake, layers of chocolate cake and chocolate pudding. Whatever you choose, it’s all good.
Harbor Club at Lake Oconee is a lot more than just a golf course, although for many that is the main attraction. Harbor Club occupies 1,000 acres along 9 miles of Lake Oconee coastline. In addition to the golf course, you’ll find a junior Olympic-sized swimming pool, outdoor lit tennis courts, a playground for the kids and grandkids, and a walking trail. If boating’s more your style, Harbor Club’s marina offers dry-stack boat storage, a convenience store, two boat ramps, and dining at the Boathouse Restaurant.
Number 18 is one of the most challenging holes on the course; if I were to name it, I’d call it “Twice Across the Creek.” You’ll need to hit across it with your tee shot, which shouldn’t be a problem unless you hit it over 260 yards or push it right. The creek crosses the fairway a second time just inside the 150 marker and the green is slightly elevated and well protected. At 395 yards from Tee 2, it takes two well-struck shots. Par is a good score here.
side that needs to be carried if you’re going for the green. The hole is best played with a hybrid or long iron short of the trap on the left and then an uphill pitch shot into the green. Number 10 is probably the most challenging hole on the golf course. It’s the longest par 4 on the course, playing 436 yards from an elevated tee box. A good drive will still require a long second shot uphill into an elevated green. Par is a good score here.
At 6,521 yards from the back tees, the length is not going to overpower anyone, however, a course rating of 72.7 and a slope of 130 are telltale signs that the course is no pushover. Tee 2 at 5,964 yards and a slope of 125 will give most golfers all they can handle. Mineral Mound Golf Course may be best played without a driver. Park Manager, Chris Cary, agrees: “Long off the tee can get you in a lot of trouble; you need to leave it in the bag on many of the holes.” Elevation changes and beautiful vistas are as commonplace as the deer you will see during your round. Stand on the green and look back up the fairway you just played; odds are you’ll see a deer or two! Views of Lake Barkley dot the landscape as you make your way around the front side, giving way to beautifully forested holes on the back.
The key to Dale Hollow is to hit the ball so that you can see it when it lands. Missing the fairway or trying to cut corners can result in lost balls or at least a long look in the woods. There isn’t a lot of water on the course – it only comes into play on two holes and once you get out on the course. You’re not going to see a lot of other players except maybe the group in front of you occasionally. A couple of bunkers – on #1 and #12 – are under construction as new Billy Bunkering is installed. When I found them, the Zoysia fairways were like hitting off of carpet and the greens held well and a lot of undulation to them.
These are just four of the thirteen golf courses that are part of the Kentucky State Parks. They are all beautiful, well maintained, and staffed by friendly, knowledgeable staff. All but Mineral Mound offer overnight accommodations as well as restaurants that serve great food in abundant portions. For more information or to book your next round or overnight vacation package, visit them online at 