Tip of the Month

November 2006

By John Pallot
Director of Instruction

History Repeats at the Biltmore

During WW II the US government took over the Biltmore and converted it into an emergency, make shift, G.I. VA hospital. Many thousands of injured and sick military service personnel were treated here. In 1968, 22 years after the end of WW II, no longer needing such a facility, the VA shut the hospital down.Originally built in 1925 in grand European style to cater to the luxurious lifestyles of the rich and famous, The Biltmore was left in the lurch, unused, and abandoned to rank and ruin. Only the ghosts said by some to be in possession and an occasional Coral Gables police patrol set foot into the moldering property. That is until 1972 when the US government sold the Biltmore Hotel and golf course to the City for $1.00 and other valuable considerations.A great controversy ensued between the citizens of our city, vehemently splitting into two sides. One side said raze The Biltmore; the other side saying it’s well worth the money to save and restore such a beautiful landmark structure, to bring it back to life. All who have seen The Biltmore since the debate was settled knows which side won. Although it’s been several decades since the grand dame Biltmore was a hospital it still has healing powers.

Here’s where history repeats itself.The City of Coral Gables, The Biltmore Hotel, The VA, and the John Pallot Golf Academy have begun a program that honors Coral Gables war veterans who have returned home from serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Participants receive free green fees for a year at the Biltmore and lessons each week at the John Pallot Golf Academy. Range balls, rental clubs and unlimited use of the practice area are also included. Coral Gables resident Doug Hafner, a veteran himself, came up with the concept and asked fellow golfer Paul Magalian, the Associate Director for the Miami’s VA Healthcare System for help. With the VA on board, Hafner contacted the city of Coral Gables. With Commissioner Bill Kerdyk, Jr. as his point man the participation of Jason Epstein, Head Professional at the Biltmore, and John Pallot, Director of Instruction at the John Pallot Golf Academy were enlisted.The program, which began October 21, is not only an expression of gratitude for war heroes but an innovative rehabilitation program for injured combat veterans in need of physical, mental, and emotional therapy. Learning and practicing golf on the beautiful grounds of the Biltmore will allow local heroes frayed by the traumas of war to lower stress and anxiety levels thus enabling a full return to civilian life.

All of the current veteran participants are beginning golfers.However this month’s tip involves two important fundamentals helpful to all golfers at any level.

1) Proper set-up.When addressing the ball make sure your spine is tilted slightly to the right. Notice how the left shoulder is slightly higher than the right shoulder. Even your left hip is slightly higher than the right hip. When swinging the club on the backswing your weight must pivot to the right to strike the ball effectively. Setting up correctly encourages a proper pivot.

2) Use the Criss Cross Drill to develop your proper weight shift as you pivot on the backswing.Place a club on the ground against your right instep perpendicular to the target line. Hold a club parallel to the ground. Cross your arms across your chest with the club.

Assume your golf posture with your left shoulder slightly higher than the right shoulder. Feet shoulder width apart.Now pivot, so as the two clubs match up. Your shoulders turn 90 degrees; your right knee remains flexed. You want to feel 95% of your weight on your right heel. This is your ideal backswing pivot.As a training drill hold this position for ten seconds and repeat five times.Make this set-up and drill a part of every practice session. You’ll get immediate improvement.

Thanks to all veterans. It is our desire at The Biltmore to do a little for you heroes who have done so much for the rest of us.