Fort Myers, FL (Wednesday, August 13, 2008): In the 1970s, Mike Calbot, an internationally recognized golf instructor and trick shot artist based in Estero, Florida, won three unusual golf tournaments. Instead of playing a round of golf with a full bag of clubs, Calbot won tournaments in Germany, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin where all of the participants played using just one club. That’s right, the same club off the tee, in the fairway, and yes, to putt on the green.
Some 30 years later, Calbot is at it again.
Next week, he’ll compete in the The Papa John’s Pizza One Club World Championship on August 18th at The Standard Club golf facility in Alpharetta, Georgia. Once again he’ll attempt to win a tournament using just one club–a forged six iron. But this time, Calbot is no spring chicken. He’s a seasoned golf professional in his late 50’s. And he thinks he’s got a good chance to recapture the title.
“When you’re playing golf with one club, your attitude is different. You’re going to miss some shots. But it’s about feel and technique,” Calbot said.
Calbot has had a lot of practice refining his technique with the one-club concept. As an internationally touring golf trick shot artist, Calbot frequently opens his shows and demonstrations using just one club to hit shots in a variety of lengths and styles.
“I warm up using just one club. In my exhibitions, I show people what can be done with only one club. It’s golf at its purest,” Calbot said. “One of my strong suits is ball control and it allows me to show off my skills.”
Known as “The Golf Doctor,” Calbot runs the Mike Calbot International Golf Studio & Triad School, headquartered at Old Corkscrew Golf Club in Estero, Florida. Along with his career as a trick shot artist, Calbot is a professional teacher who works with players on the European PGA Tour, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour. He also hosts a long-running golf tips show on the Fort Myers, Florida, television station, WINK-TV.
The 36-hole One Club World Championship event has a guaranteed cash purse of $20,000 dollars and is sanctioned by the Georgia PGA. The event benefits the Special Olympics. For more information visit: www.oneclubgolf.com .
“I’m excited about the tournament because I teach people on a competitive level. But this feels different to me. It feels like a trick shot show and that’s what I do all over the world. It feels comfortable to me, something that I’ve got a knack for. I think I can compete with anyone at this venue. God blessed me with the ability,” Calbot said with a smile. “Little white ball, one golf club.”
Calbot endorses environmentally friendly SeaDwarf Seashore Paspalum turfgrass from Environmental Turf for use on golf courses from tee-to-green. He said he chose to endorse SeaDwarf for two reasons: the golfer-friendly playability of the grass as well as its low water/low fertilizer properties. For more information on SeaDwarf Seashore Paspalum visit: www.environmentalturf.com .
For more information on Mike Calbot, visit: www.webgolfdoctor.com .
Contact:
Stacie Zinn
239-398-4224
stacie@environmentalturf.com
Mike Calbot
239-849-3352
mikecalbot@golfdoctorusa.com
