Deep Well and Bluffton Self Help Receive Food, Cash Contributions from Tradition Hilton Head

The Deep Well and Bluffton Self Help received hundreds of food items and $600 from Tradition Hilton Head on Tuesday, helping the charitable organizations assist needy families during the holiday season and unusually difficult economic times.

Nearly 800 items of non-perishable food items were delivered to the organizations, along with $300 each, on Tuesday, December 16, bringing the total of donated food items to nearly 1,800 from Tradition Hilton Head’s two recent Holiday Home Tours.

The charitable organizations said the contributions are doubly significant now, during a recession and the holiday season.

“I have been with Deep Well for eight years now, and I haven’t seen a Christmas with more families needing help,” said Lynn Dezeeuw, the Hilton Head-based organization’s president. “These contributions could not have come at a better time. This is a God send.”

Marty Sauls, public relations director for Tradition Hilton Head, said the community wanted to make an extra effort to help people in an economically difficult time.

“These are tough times for people, and we all need to pitch in,” Sauls said as he helped unload two SUVs loaded with food items donated at Dec. 13’s home tours. “With so many families in need of food and clothing, we all need to pull together.”

Linda Kaufman, president-elect of Bluffton Self Help, said she appreciates Tradition Hilton Head stepping up to help families throughout the Lowcountry.

“We are grateful for everything Tradition has done,” she said. “We have a volunteer who heard about us through Tradition and now is working with us three or four days a week.”

A total of approximately 1,200 people who toured model homes at Tradition Hilton Head on Nov. 22 and Dec. 13 were invited to donate a food item to receive a gift certificate for a complimentary round of golf at the community’s Traditional National Golf Club. Most of the visitors brought several items of food each, Sauls said. Visitors also were registered to win a year’s membership to Tradition National Golf Club.

Tradition Hilton Head’s Eco-Friendly Water Reuse Partnership with BJWSA is First of Its Kind in S.C.

Tradition Hilton Head, a 5,300-acre, master-planned, sustainable green community, has joined with the Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority to provide the water utility’s first water reuse service for residential irrigation here.

While BJWSA has been a leader in reusing reclaimed water for irrigation of commercial areas and golf courses, Tradition Hilton Head is its first residential reuse project. BJWSA will supply reclaimed water for all of Tradition Hilton Head’s irrigation needs, including residential lots, common areas, landscaped medians and the community’s 18-hole Tradition National Golf Club.

“We are excited to join with Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority in this green and environmentally friendly initiative, which exemplifies Tradition Hilton Head’s efforts and commitment to being sustainable and green,” said Bob Swift, General Manager of Tradition Hilton Head.

“Our parent company, Core Communities, has a long and distinguished history of reclaiming water for irrigation of public green areas and golf courses as a significant way to conserve water,” Swift said. “Tradition Hilton Head reuses not only collected stormwater runoff for irrigation but also water recovered from BJWSA’s treatment plant - water that has been treated to standards that allows safe reuse.

“Essentially, treated water from BJWSA will supplement the stormwater runoff we collect at Tradition Hilton Head,” he said, noting that reclaimed rainwater is used for irrigating residential lots, public green spaces and Tradition National Golf Club, in addition to keeping lakes and lagoons filled.

The Tradition irrigation system is not only a BJWSA first, but the first system of its type in South Carolina, according to BJWSA. In the hot, humid Lowcountry climate, irrigation causes a huge increase in water usage during the summer months, and water reuse for residential irrigation is a significant step forward in using an alternative water source and reducing the peak demand on our drinking water system, BJWSA officials said.

For many years, BJWSA has been providing treated wastewater to golf courses for much needed irrigation — a win-win solution for this water-hungry industry. BJWSA serves 12 golf courses overall.

Tradition Hilton Head Holiday Home Tour Brings in Large Donation for Deep Well and Bluffton Self Help

A Holiday Home Tour at Tradition Hilton Head on November 22 brought in a crowd of more than 500, with each visitor bringing a minimum donation benefiting local charities Deep Well and Bluffton Self Help.

Tradition Hilton Head invited participants to bring at least one non-perishable food item and tour homes from several of the area’s most respected builders. Complimentary golf clinics were offered and guests were registered to win a year’s membership to Tradition National Golf Club.

“The Sales Center was overflowing with donations,” said Tradition General Manager, Bob Swift. “We saw this as an opportunity to invite people to see what Tradition Hilton Head is all about while benefiting two worthy, local organizations. We were thrilled with the turnout and community response.”

Deep Well Board Member, Hank Noble, said “I can’t tell you how much we appreciate Tradition Hilton Head and its awareness of the community’s needs. It’s remarkable how the need for food has increased so dramatically in this year alone and we appreciate Tradition’s willingness to make a difference and host events like this that reach out and help the community.”

A second Holiday Home Tour is scheduled for December 13 with non-perishable items again benefitting Deep Well and Bluffton Self Help. For more information on Tradition Hilton Head or the upcoming Holiday Home Tour, call 843-208-5333 or visit www.TraditionHH.com.

Tradition Hilton Head Residents Receive ‘Insider Access’ to Renowned PGA Village

Purchasers of homes in Tradition Hilton Head, the 5,300-acre, master-planned, sustainable community here, will receive preferred membership access to the world-renowned PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Fla., at preferred member prices.

Tradition Hilton Head General Manager Bob Swift said his community’s property owners will be able to play all three courses at PGA Golf Club, each rated “excellent” in the Zagat Guide listings of “America’s Top Golf Courses,” plus the Jim Fazio-designed championship course at PGA Country Club. He said they will also have privileges for lessons at the PGA Learning Center – the only 5-Star rated learning facility in the world.

Swift explained that the privileges have been arranged because Tradition Hilton Head’s sister community Tradition Florida has an on-going affiliation with PGA Village. “You might say it’s another great perk of ownership at Tradition Hilton Head,” said Swift. “Our property owners can travel to Florida for a little golf vacation and use PGA Village as their home base!”

Other benefits include having year-round complimentary access to the PGA Country Club’s other amenities, including dining and the tennis and swimming complex. Golf Digest recently named PGA Village among the “75 best golf resorts in North America”. Both Tradition Florida and PGA Village are located in Port St. Lucie.

“For golf enthusiasts looking for an ideal place to settle down, this opportunity is really special,” said Swift. “Not only do they have an outstanding course of their own, in one of America’s premier golf destinations, the Lowcountry of South Carolina, but they can also participate in these remarkable Florida facilities.

Tradition Hilton Head is home to an outstanding new championship course -- Tradition National Golf Club, which is a Tommy Fazio design that has already hosted the first-ever college golf combine sponsored by Under Armour and the Honors Cup Pro-Am Tournament. Tradition Hilton Head also boasts a Par-3 course plus a 26-acre learning and practice facility.

Launched in 2007, Tradition Hilton Head is planned for more than 9,000 residences to be built over the next 15 years. It is a community committed to sustainable development and has already received nationwide recognition for its eco-friendly land planning. The community has voluntarily embraced numerous environmental mandates and served as site of the first “HGTV Green Home” this year.

The community will feature a variety of neighborhoods and housing styles along with shopping, dining, services and recreation facilities in village complex.

Tradition Hilton Head is located at 3171 Independence Boulevard, Hardeeville, S.C., 29927. For more information, call (866) 459-1422 or visit www.traditionhh.com on the Internet.

Holiday Home Tours at Tradition Hilton Head Benefit Deep Well, Bluffton Self Help

Tradition Hilton Head will host two Holiday Home Tours November 22 and December 13 benefiting Deep Well and Bluffton Self Help.

Visitors are invited to bring a non-perishable food item and complete the home tour to receive a gift certificate for a complimentary round of golf at Tradition National Golf Club. Complimentary golf clinics also will be offered at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. both days of the event.

“This is an opportunity for visitors to see what Tradition Hilton Head is all about while benefiting two local charities that are so vital to our community, especially this time of year,” said Bob Swift, General Manager

Homes from several of the area’s most respected builders will be open for tours. Visitors also will be able to register to win a year’s membership to Tradition National Golf Club.

All donated non-perishable food items will be given to Deep Well and Bluffton Self Help and Tradition Hilton Head will make a match to the contributions collected.

For details, call 843-208-5333 or visit www.TraditionHH.com.

Tradition National Golf Club Hosts First USCB Sand Sharks Golf Tournament

Please click here to view photos and information from Nov. 8-9's first J. Lindeberg-University of South Carolina Sand Sharks College Golf Tournament at Tradition Hilton Head's Tommy Fazio-designed Tradition National Golf Club in Hardeeville, S.C.

HARDEEVILLE, S.C. – Tradition National Golf Club hosted the first J. Lindeberg-USCB Sand Sharks Classic golf tournament here Nov. 8-9.

The USCB Sand Sharks men’s team won out over a strong competitive field of college teams, including Savannah College of Art and Design, Berry College, Webber International University, and Edward Waters College.

The USCB women golfers came in second among competitors from Northwood College, Spartanburg Methodist College, SCAD, Berry and Webber International.

“It wasn’t a huge field, but it was a very, very competitive one,” said USCB Coach Shane LeBaron. “Several teams, including Berry and SCAD, are in the top 20. I’m very proud of how well our guys did on their home course.”

Tradition National Golf Club is USCB’s golf team home course. “We are thrilled that Tradition National is hosting our team,” LeBaron said. “It’s a world-class course with wonderful practice facilities and a neat par-3. We are able to practice at Tradition a couple of days a week, and it’s just down the road from our campus.”

Even though it rained a bit early Saturday, “the course was in excellent condition,” he said. “The greens were absolutely perfect.”

David Wilding, director of golf at Tradition National, commented that Tradition Hilton Head and Tradition National Golf Club were honored to host the first-ever USCB Sand Sharks Classic tournament and look forward to the continued growth of the event.

“We are pleased to have USCB playing Tradition National as its home course, and we congratulate their fine golfers on this weekend’s big win,” he said. “We look forward to future USCB events and golf tournaments.”

Final scorings for the two-day event are:

Men

USC Beaufort
295-282--577

Berry College
294-290--584

Savannah College of Art and Design
295-292--587

Webber International
301-294--595

USCB "B" team
313-302--615

Edward Waters
341-319--660

Women

Berry College
322-326--648

USC Beaufort
327-322--649

Savannah College of Art and Design
335-324--659

Northwood
326-339--665

Webber International
366-356--722

Spartanburg Methodist
352-374—726

Individual men

George Thacker, USCB, 71-69--140
Loren Bunting, SCAD, 72-70--142
Samuel del Val, Berry, 70-72--142
Jon Pannone, USCB, 74-69--143
Jack Bingham, USCB, 74-70--144
Aaron Hwang, USCB, 74-72--146
Sam Curtis, Berry, 73-73--146
Mike Becktor, SCAD, 73-73--146
Grey Haddon, Berry, 74-73--147
Jaren Goode, Webber, 77-70--147

Individual women

Callie Bennett, Berry, 74-80--154
Katina Ruest, SCAD, 75-80--155
Jayne Curtis, Berry, 78-79--157
Cande Villar-Urquiza, USCB, 81-77--158
Kelsey Klatt, SCAD, 81-78--159
Ceci Rezk, Northwood, 78-82--160
Adriana Saavedra, USCB, 79-81--160
Brittany Cheek, USCB, 84-81--165
Sophie Henke, USCB, 83-83--166
Gaby Chacon, Northwood, 80-86--166
Gwen Wiencek, Berry, 87-79--166

Tradition Hilton Head Celebrates ‘Harvest of Values Home Tour’

Tradition Hilton Head announced its Harvest of Values Home Tour on Oct. 24, 25 and 26 here.

Hundreds of families and couples toured many of the eco-friendly showcase homes by preferred builders, were presented video plans for the 5,300-acre, master-planned, sustainable green community and its all-inclusive Town Village, and participated in complimentary golf clinics given by acclaimed PGA Professional David Wilding and his Tradition National Golf Course staff.

“We want to thank all of our neighbors and visitors to the Lowcountry for touring Tradition Hilton Head and learning more about its green sustainable master-planned community,” said General Manager Bob Swift.

Tradition Hilton Head’s green homes are energy-efficient and will save homeowners money in heating, cooling and irrigation costs, Swift said. Plus, a green home retains and increases their values over time, he said.

“Plus, green sustainable living is the way to go in protecting and living in harmony with the environment,” Swift said.

Wilding, Tradition National Golf Course’s Director of Golf, said he was pleased to offer the complimentary golf clinics.

“Tradition National Golf Course was able to showcase its 35-acre practice facility and six-hole par three course by offering complimentary golf clinics given by myself and our apprentice PGA Professional Steven Lewis,” Wilding said. “The clinics were offered on both Saturday and Sunday, twice daily. Due to the popularity of our facility, more clinics will be coming along in the future.”

For more information, contact Martin Sauls IV, Tradition Hilton Head Public Relations Director, at 208-5300, or visit www.TraditionHiltonHead.com on the Internet.

Tradition National Golf Course brings end to local amateurs’ 23-year losing streak against pros

College golfer Chris Lane putts on the second green at the 2008 Honors Cup at Tradition National Golf Course here earlier this month. Twelve area amateur golfers ended a 23-year losing skid to area pros in the annual golf tournament. The amateurs won 4 ½ to 1 ½ in the 36-hole tournament. The Honors Cup is an annual Ryder Cup-style match between the top 12 PGA professionals in the Hilton Head Island PGA chapter and the top 12 players in the Hilton Head Island Amateur Golf Association. To make the teams, players earn points in the HHIPGA Professional's Championship and the Hilton Head Open.

Tradition National Golf Course Hosts 2008 Hardeeville Catfish Festival Golf Tournament Benefiting City’s Public Library

The 2008 Hardeeville Catfish Festival Golf Tournament will tee off at one of the Lowcountry’s newest and finest golf courses, Tradition National Golf Course, on Oct. 24.

All proceeds from the Tradition Hilton Head-sponsored tournament will support Hardeeville’s public library, including the purchase of new books and other media materials, and services, such as summer reading programs for children.

Golfers may register as four-person teams or play as individuals. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 24, a Friday. Tradition National Golf Course, a Tommy Fazio championship design, will open its practice facility at 11:00 a.m. on that day. A shotgun start begins the tourney at noon.

Individual entry fees are $75, four-member teams are $300, and hole sponsorships are $250.

For more information or to pre-register, call the City of Hardeeville at 784-2231.

Tradition Hilton Head Introduces General Manager Bob Swift to Jasper County Business Leaders

TRADITION HILTON HEAD, HARDEEVILLE, S.C. – Tradition Hilton Head, the 5,300-acre master-planned, sustainable community, hosted a ‘meet and greet’ for General Manager Bob Swift at the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Business After Hours at Tradition Hilton Head on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

Approximately 150 Jasper County business people and community leaders attended the function. Ridgeland’s Shannon Tanner provided music at the event.

In photo 1, Tradition Hilton Head General Manager Bob Swift talks with Jasper County Chamber of Commerce members, business people and community leaders at the Chamber's Business After Hours hosted by Tradition Hilton Head on Tuesday Sept. 30.

In photo 2, Martin Sauls IV, Tradition Hilton Head Director of Public Relations and President of the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce, introduces Chamber members, business people and community leaders to Tradition Hilton Head’s General Manager Bob Swift at the Chamber's Business After Hours hosted by Tradition Hilton Head on Tuesday Sept. 30.

Tradition National Golf Course Hosts Biggest Ever Annual Jasper County Chamber Golf Tournament

Proceeds Provide $4,000 in Scholarships to Outstanding High School Students

TRADITION HILTON HEAD, HARDEEVILLE, S.C. (Sept. 29) – A record number of golfers participated in this week’s annual Jasper County Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, held for the first time at Tradition Hilton Head’s Tradition National Golf Course.

The benefit raised $4,000 in scholarships that will be divvied up among four outstanding students from each of Jasper County’s four high schools, Hardeeville High, Ridgeland High, Thomas Heyward Academy and Abundant Life Academy.

Nearly 100 golfers played 18 holes at Tradition National on Wednesday, Sept. 24.

“What an outstanding turnout,” said Martin Sauls IV, chairman of the Jasper Chamber of Commerce. “Last year, we had 13 three-some and four-some teams, and this week we had 25. We nearly doubled last year’s field. I think a lot of the golfers wanted to come out and see this wonderful and challenging course.”

Golfer Parks Moss said he was impressed by the course, a Tommy Fazio championship design.

“It is gorgeous and should be a point of pride for Hardeeville, Jasper County and all of the Lowcountry,” Moss said.

Golfer Keith Horton said he was surprised by the turnout since it was on a weekday, but surmised that many of the golfers wanted to play the new course.

“Last year’s was on a Saturday, and there wasn’t nearly the turnout, and previous tournaments had to be held in Hampton County because Jasper County hasn’t had a world-class, 18-hole golf course until Tradition National,” Horton said.

David Wilding, Director of Golf at Tradition National, kept the registration and shotgun start for nearly 100 golfers orderly and organized.

“I am thrilled with the turnout,” he said. “We could not have asked for better participation from the community or finer weather.”

State Sen. Clementa Pinckney attended the benefit golf tournament but didn’t play.

“I don’t golf but I wanted to come out for this great benefit that Tradition and the Jasper Chamber have sponsored for our community and for our high school students,” Pinckney said.

Pinckney also commended Tradition and its golf course for conserving natural resources through stormwater runoff, which is captured and used to irrigate the course, open areas and parks.

“I just came from a meeting where community leaders and state legislators were talking about these very issues of sustainability and building green, which is perfectly typified by what is going on here at Tradition Hilton Head,” Pinckney said.

On Oct. 24, Tradition Hilton Head and Tradition National Golf Course will host the 2008 Hardeeville Catfish Festival Golf Tournament, which benefits the City of Hardeeville’s Public Library. For information or to pre-register, call the City of Hardeeville at 784-2231.

SN Digital provides easy ways to live green at new Web site Ecologue.com

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pulling together the expertise of popular Scripps Networks brands including the leading media brands in home & food - HGTV and Food Network – SN Digital announces the launch of Ecologue.com, a green living hub dedicated to enabling and inspiring healthy, practical, eco-friendly changes to homes, gardens and everyday life. (http://www.ecologue.com)

HGTV's first-ever Green Home was built at Tradition Hilton Head in Hardeeville, S.C.

Offering access to the broad spectrum of Scripps Networks home design experts including everyone’s favorite green handyman, Carter Oosterhouse; along with bringing together unique experts such as eco-designer and architect Michelle Kaufmann and the green gurus at Natural Home and Plenty magazines, Ecologue.com is a friendly spot on the Web that helps individuals find their own shade of green – the one that fits their life.

Tradition National Golf Course Hosts 4th Annual Jasper County Chamber Golf Tournament September 24

Tournament Proceeds Will Help Fund Scholarships
for Outstanding High School Students


The Jasper County Chamber of Commerce will sponsor its 4th Annual Golf Tournament on September 24 at Tradition National Golf Course, Tradition Hilton Head, in Hardeeville.

A portion of the proceeds will support the Chamber's Student Scholarship Program, which provides a $500 scholarship to an outstanding student in each of Jasper County's high schools.

The tournament fee is $75 per player or $300 per team, and the format will be a four-player captain’s choice. A club sponsorship fee is $400, which includes one four-player team, and a hole sponsorship sign. The fee for a hole sponsorship is $125. Deadline for a hole sponsorship is September 17. All fees include lunch and beverages.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. with a shotgun tee time at 9:30 a.m. Raffles and mulligans will be sold and prizes will be awarded.

This is a great opportunity to meet other Chamber members in a casual setting. Players do not have to be a member of the Chamber to participate. Proper Country Club attire is required.

For more information or to register to play, contact the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce at 726-8126.

Bob Swift Named General Manager For Core Communities’ Tradition Hilton Head

Hardeeville, SC -- Core Communities has announced Bob Swift as General Manager of Tradition Hilton Head, its 5,300-acre master-planned community here.

Swift brings more than 25 years of experience in development, marketing and management of high end recreational and residential master-planned communities of which several have been nationally recognized for their environmentally responsible development.

“Bob’s record of achievements in our industry is significant,” said Core Communities’ President, Pete Hegener. “We are looking forward to him building upon the recent successes of our South Carolina community.”

Swift assumes the responsibilities of David Page, who leaves Tradition Hilton Head to take another position with Core Communities, which is headquartered in St. Lucie, FL.

“I’m looking forward to this tremendous opportunity and challenge,” said Swift. “Tradition Hilton Head is positioned to be a truly remarkable sustainable community that may one day be known as being among the best planned developments of its time.”

Much of Swift’s experience has been focused on environmentally responsive development and management. He coordinated the development of Indian River Club in Vero Beach, FL with its strong emphasis on environmental preservation. As a result, the Club was one of the first to receive Audubon International’s highest certification as a “Signature Sanctuary.”

Swift was later co-founder and CEO of The Audubon Partnership for Sustainability, a not-for-profit advisory firm which provides direction and leadership for sustainable real estate development practices. His motto then, as now is: “Good environmental sense always makes good economic sense.”

A native of Charlottesville, VA, Swift and his wife, Macy, currently live in Camden, SC and are looking forward to “getting settled quickly in the South Carolina Lowcountry.” They are proud owners of four retrievers.

Tradition Hilton Head hosts U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson for Jasper marine terminal status update

Tradition Hilton Head, Hardeeeville, S.C. – Tradition Hilton Head played host to U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson and his Washington and South Carolina staff for a meeting on the status of South Carolina’s and Georgia’s joint deepwater maritime terminal on the Savannah River south of Hardeeville on Aug. 21.
About 50 people attended the meeting in a Cornerstone Homes house at Tradition Hilton Head. Members of the Savannah River Maritime Commission, including Martin Sauls IV of Tradition Hilton Head, and the Jasper Ocean Terminal Joint Project Office, including Bill Bethea, a Beaufort County attorney and former member of the S.C. State Ports Authority’s board of directors, led the marine terminal update meeting.
Savannah River Maritime Commission members were appointed by Gov. Mark Sanford to represent South Carolina’s interests in navigability, depth, dredging, wastewater and sludge disposal, and related issues in regard to the use of the Savannah River as a waterway for ocean-going cargo vessels.
The Jasper Ocean Terminal Joint Project Office was formed by South Carolina and Georgia to move the project forward, including overseeing feasibility studies, business planning, environmental assessments and the release of federal easements on the property.
Photo, from left, Martin Sauls IV of Tradition Hilton Head and member of the Savannah River Maritime Commission; U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson; and Bronco Bostick, mayor of Hardeeville.

A couple of photos from first ever Under Armour College Golf Combine at Tradition Hilton Head's Tradition National Golf Course in Hardeeville, SC

Mark Gonsalves, CEO, Hank Haney IJGA, blogs about first Under Armour College Golf Combine at Tradition Hilton Head

A blog post on the Under Armour College Golf Combine at Tradition Hilton Head's Tradition National Golf Course, Mark Gonsalves, CEO, Hank Haney IJGA, Hilton Head

First-Ever College Golf Combines
Yesterday may have been a historic day for golf. The first-ever College Golf Combine to place at Tradition National Golf Course in Hardeeville, SC, just outside of Hilton Head Island.

With 100 girl and boy junior golfers participating in the two-day event and 40-plus coaches from Division I, II, III and NAIA scouting potential talent for their programs, the combine represents an additional tool available to both player and coach alike.

Combine organizers developed a series of skills assessments which allows recruits to hit every shot in their bag under pressure, plus they get out on the course for 18 competitive holes of golf.

Read more here on Mark's blog
http://ijga003.blogspot.com/2008/07/first-ever-college-golf-combines.html

First-ever College Golf Combine A Hole in One at Tradition National Golf Course

TRADITION HILTON HEAD, Hardeeville, S.C. (July 28, 2008) – A global assembly of aspiring golfers gathered for the first-ever College Golf Combine at Tradition Hilton Head here today to get expert advice and hopefully catch the eye of a college recruiter.

More than 100 high school golfers from as far away as Singapore, Panama and Trinidad, as well as from numerous states, participated in the combine, designed to bring them exposure so they may continue playing golf at the collegiate level and earn a degree.

The golfers, boys and girls ages 13 to 18, resume the unique golf experience at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow. The two-day combine is organized by the International Junior Golf Tour in association with UNDER ARMOUR, and Hank Haney’s International Junior Golf Academy based on Hilton Head Island.

Combines new to golf

“This event is the first of its kind for golf. Many other sports, like football, basketball and baseball, have this type of combine, but golf never has had one before,” said Chris Gibbs, event coordinator for the College Golf Combine. “It’s a great opportunity for young golfers to get a precise idea of how each part of their golf game stacks up. We believe it will help players take their games to the next level.”

Gibbs congratulated the staff of Tradition Hilton Head and Tradition National Golf Course for the success of the event.

“Tradition Hilton Head’s golf staff has made the event flow without a hitch,” Gibbs said. “The set-up, coordination and execution of all the moving parts of this event have been excellent.”

“For the kids being given this opportunity under these special conditions is just outstanding for their games and their future careers,” said Mark Gonsalves, CEO of International Junior Golf Academy. “This is an excellent venue in which these young golfers can increase awareness of their game.”

Experience of a lifetime

Omar Tejeira, a 17-year-old from Panama, said the event at Tradition National Golf Course is an “experience of a lifetime.”

“I can see walking away from this with a much better idea of my strong and weak points.” Talking as his father watched him hit practice drives, Omar said, “I had no idea this was such a beautiful golf course. I’ve played several junior tournaments around the Southeast, and this course is on par with every course I’ve played.”

The two-year-old course was designed by Tommy Fazio.

“This college combine is a wonderful opportunity to help young golfers from all over the country and the world, and helps put out the word about our fantastic golf course,” said David Wilding, director of golf at Tradition Hilton Head National.

“It reinforces the fact that a young, vital community and golf course here at Tradition Hilton Head can successfully host an international golf event.”

Tradition Hilton Head has invited the College Golf Combine back next year.

“We feel that all of the golfers, the families and the coaches will learn a lot from this ground-breaking golf combine, and we hope to see them back next year,” said Martin Sauls IV, public relations director of Tradition Hilton Head.

Tapping college coaches’ interest

Frank and Debbie DeRosa drove their nephew Jesse Bingaman down for the combine from Pennsylvania. “Conceptually, this event is great,” Debbie said. “We were interested in seeing how much interest college golf coaches have in these young golfers.”

Apparently, there is a lot of interest: two dozen college coaches were registered for the combine. They can meet and talk to golfers during restricted times.

“An event like this for young golfers is a long time coming,” said Kyle Mack, golf coach at Young Harris College in north Georgia and head golf professional at a golf club near the college. “This broadens their opportunity to showcase their golfing skills and hopefully will help them get a golf scholarship, or at least learn how to go about it.”

Russell Stephens, father of 17-year-old golfer Jordan Stephens of Trinidad, said the combine is a splendid opportunity for junior golfers to compare their skills with other players their age. “Jordan has played in tournaments, but this combine gives golfers the chance to see how each element of their game stands up with other players,” he said.

How it works

The combine basically breaks down each part of the game – from putting and chipping to driving and bunker play – with scorers keeping tabs on each golfer’s performance. Golfers also head out on the course to show scorers how they can manage course play. Scores are then made available to the players, their families and college coaches.

On Tuesday, the golfers continue their scoring performance events, with an 18-hole tournament rounding out the combine.

Joey Pizetoski, a 17-year-old golfer from Davidson, N.C., and 18-year-old golfer Taylor Klein of Great Falls, Va., chatted after they went through a putting performance event.

“This is so much more different than the junior tournaments we play,” Joey said. “I was surprised the way it is set up. It’s a lot more helpful to our games than just competing head-to-head with other players.”

Taylor said the combine gives young golfers an extra shot of confidence in their game.

“We get to see how well various parts of our game are working and what needs improvement, and you get to meet and work with other kids on a more personal level than at tournaments,” he said. “And, we’re given the chance to talk to coaches about going to college and what that will require. I definitely want to get a college golf scholarship.”

Scores and other information on the College Golf Combine at Tradition Hilton Head are available at www.golfstat.com.

College Golf Combine on the Web: www.collegegolfcombine.com

First-ever College Golf Combine Tees off at Tradition National Golf Course July 28-29

WHO: Tradition National Golf Course, a Tommy Fazio design, hosts the first College Golf Combines in association with the International Junior Golf Tour and Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy, sponsored by UNDER ARMOUR and Callaway Golf.

WHAT: Junior golfers from across the country and around the world will be given an exciting, new opportunity to be evaluated by college coaches.

WHEN:
July 28, Monday, 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. check-in at Tradition National Golf Course; 7:30 - 9:45 Girls & Boys Tee Times #1 and #10; 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Boys skills assessment at driving range, short game and putting green; 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. lunch; noon - 2:15 p.m. Boys Tee Times #1 and #10; 1 - 5 p.m. Girls & Boys skills assessment at driving range, short game and putting green; 6:30 - 8 p.m. barbecue dinner; 7:30 p.m. guest speaker.
July 29, Tuesday, 7 - 9:15 a.m. Boys Tee Times #1 and #10; 8 a.m. - noon Girls & Boys skills assessment at driving range, short game and putting green; 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. lunch; 11:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.; Girls & Boys Tee Times #1 and #10; noon - 4 p.m. Boys skills assessment at driving range, short game and putting green; 3 - 7:30 p.m. individual meetings with coaches.

WHERE: Tradition National Golf Course, Tradition Hilton Head, Hardeeville, S.C., U.S. 278 25 miles west of Hilton Head Island and one mile east of Interstate 95's Exit 8.

WHY: In an effort to provide college golf opportunities for all junior golfers, the first-ever College Golf Combines will bring exposure to junior golfers seeking to continue their golf careers at the collegiate level and earn a degree.

TRADITION HILTON HEAD, Hardeeville, S.C. -- In an effort to provide college golf opportunities for all junior golfers, UNDER ARMOUR, in association with the International Junior Golf Tour and Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy on Hilton Head Island, is sponsoring the first-ever College Golf Combines that will bring exposure to junior golfers seeking to continue their golf careers at the collegiate level and earn a degree.

Two combines will unite junior golfers and college golf coaches from Division I, II, III, NAIA and junior colleges. An East Combine is scheduled for July 28-29 at Tradition Hilton Head’s Tradition National Golf Club in Hardeeville.

The following week, a West Combine is slated for Aug. 4-5 at East Valley Golf Club in Beaumont, Calif.

“With more than 100 recruits already registered from throughout the United States and around the world, the East Combine has been very well received as a new opportunity for junior golfers to be evaluated by college coaches,” said Tournament Director Stephanie Gelleni.

University of South Florida women's golf coach Marci Kornegay said the golf combine will benefit young people as well as colleges’ golf programs.

“What a great service for college golf coaches to be able to observe future players hitting an assortment of skills shots in a pressure situation,” she said. “This golf combine idea is long overdue and could be one of the biggest tools for collegiate recruiting.”


Event: 2008 UNDER ARMOUR College Golf Combines

Date: July 28 & 29, 2008

Time: All Day

Location: Tradition National Golf Club in Hardeeville, S.C.

Participants: Recruits from 2008 through 2013 classes – 78 boys & 23 girls as of July 10

Organization: College Golf Combines in association with the International Junior Golf Tour

Title Sponsor: UNDER ARMOUR

Golf Ball Sponsor: Callaway Golf

Web site: www.collegegolfcombine.com

Purpose: These first college golf combines – one on the East Coast, a second on the West Coast - will bring exposure to junior golfers seeking to continue their golf careers at the collegiate level and earn a degree - junior golfers will be evaluated by college golf coaches from the Division I, II, III, NAIA and junior college levels - the combines will give all juniors an opportunity to be evaluated by more than 40 college coaches already registered, at a fraction of the summer tour cost.

Format: Awards will be given in two divisions for both boys and girls – 2008-2009 and 2010-2014. The combine will have skills assessment both days that will include: 10 and 20 yard bunker shots, chip and pitch shots, putting from 5-10-20-40 feet and 100-125-150 yard shots. The first day on the course will include: two driving holes, 60 yard bunker shot, par 5 lay-up to 110-85 yards, greenside chip/pitch shots, multiple tee shots on par 3s and a challenging 19th hole. The second day will be an 18-hole tournament.

HGTV Green Home 2008: Winner Walkthrough Video

http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/07/first_look_winner_walkthrough.html

Posted by kwalters – July 23, 2008 10:06 AM

The winner walkthrough video is here! Watch Marsha Coulthard tour her new house in Tradition Hilton Head, in Hardeeville, S.C.
Courtesy, HGTV

First-ever College Golf Combine Held at Tradition National Golf Course

TRADITION HILTON HEAD, Hardeeville, S.C. -- In an effort to provide college golf opportunities for all junior golfers, UNDER ARMOUR, in association with the IJGT and Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy on Hilton Head Island, is sponsoring the first-ever College Golf Combines that will bring exposure to junior golfers seeking to continue their golf careers at the collegiate level and earn a degree.
Two combines will unite junior golfers and college golf coaches from Division I, II, III, NAIA and junior colleges. An East Combine is scheduled for July 28-29 at Tradition Hilton Head’s Tradition National Golf Club in Hardeeville.
The following week, a West Combine is slated for Aug. 4-5 at East Valley Golf Club in Beaumont, Calif.
“With more than 100 recruits already registered from throughout the United States and around the world, the East Combine has been very well received as a new opportunity for junior golfers to be evaluated by college coaches,” said Tournament Director Stephanie Gelleni.
University of South Florida women's golf coach Marci Kornegay said the golf combine will benefit young people as well as colleges’ golf programs.
“What a great service for college golf coaches to be able to observe future players hitting an assortment of skills shots in a pressure situation,” she said. “This golf combine idea is long overdue and could be one of the biggest tools for collegiate recruiting.”
Combine Contact:
Visit www.collegegolfcombine.com on the Web, or
Call Stephanie Gelleni, (818) 878-9544
Email stephanie@collegegolfcombine.com

Keeping it 'green' and energy-efficient at Tradition Hilton Head

Courtesy of the Island Packet of Hilton Head Island, S.C.
http://www.islandpacket.com/opinion/story/547271.html
Keep all options open for conserving energy
Communities should make it easier to install solar, other alternative energy systems.
Published Friday, July 11, 2008

Every set of covenants written has a mechanism for changing them. Communities whose rules preclude installing solar and wind energy devices should look at doing just that.

The ability to change covenants recognizes that circumstances change and rules that made sense 10, 20 or 30 years ago may not make sense today. With today's high energy prices and the critical need to reduce our reliance on oil, we should be looking at ways to encourage alternative energy sources, not discouraging them.

We urge homeowners associations where such attached structures are prohibited to start the process now to change the rules. At a minimum, associations should develop guidelines to look at such applications individually to ensure that architectural and aesthetic standards are met.

We don't have to sacrifice aesthetics for energy efficiencies, and we should encourage the latter.

Palmetto Electric Cooperative, after initially turning down the idea, is now on board with "net metering." The pilot program allows customers to sell excess electricity generated by solar or other alternative energy systems. Utilities like Palmetto Electric were required to look at offering the program under the federal Energy Policy Act of 2005.

The idea didn't generate much interest at first, but "we think it's the right message to send," said Jimmy Baker, the cooperative's vice president of marketing and public relations.

Baker said cooperative customers who are interested in net metering should make an appointment to discuss the program and their plans. Right now, the only home participating is the HGTV Green Home in Tradition Hilton Head in Hardeeville.

Baker cautioned that the cost of renewable energy systems and the amount of excess electricity they generate makes for a long payback. How quickly someone can recoup their costs for such a system depends on the energy source and how much electricity it generates.

But net metering will allow customers to recoup at least some costs through the sale of excess energy, and we applaud the cooperative's change of heart on net metering.

We must set aside outdated conventions when it comes to alternative energy and green building. Beaufort County officials tried to do that with a workshop on sustainable energy last month. Those attending brainstormed ways to conserve energy and tap alternative power sources.

Some ideas that emerged were:

• Expanding mass transit.

• Buying hybrids for use as county vehicles or use those that run on biodiesel.

• Using more video conferencing to reduce travel expenses for both county employees and agencies that work with the county.

• Giving tax breaks to residents with solar panels or small wind turbines that generate power.

• Exploringsuchtechnologies as turbines that generate power from the tides and biomass boilers to generate power.

A panel created by Gov. Mark Sanford last yearhas come up with50 recommendations on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Climate, Energy and Commerce Advisory Committee plans to issue its report later this month. The Charleston Post & Courier reports that among its recommendations are:

• Developing energy efficiency programs to help residential, commercial and industrial consumers reduce energy use.

• Drafting a renewable energy portfolio, which would include new nuclear energy proposals.

• Improving development patterns and upping efforts to reduce transportation pollution.

Rep. Ben Hagood told the Post & Courierthe recommendations would need to be instituted through legislation, regional planning, new policies, executive orders, tax incentives and credits, community interest and local government ordinances.

The report is to be posted on the Internet, and the public will be invited to comment. That feedback will be used for a final report that is expected this fall.

Addressing energy conservation clearly is a multipronged process. No one idea holds the answer, but the more options we have, the better our chances for success.

Florida Woman Handed Key to Tradition Hilton Head’s First-Ever HGTV Green Home

HARDEEVILLE – (Friday, June 27, 2008) Marsha Coulthard, a Bradenton, Fla., medical billing clerk who once lived in Bluffton, got her first look at and the key to her new HGTV Green Home at Core Communities’ Tradition Hilton Head in Hardeeville on Friday.

Dozens of HGTV designers, Green Home sponsors and suppliers and Tradition Hilton Head officials applauded as Coulthard walked up the front steps to the new home she won after her name was drawn among more than 21 million mail-in and online entries this spring.

“My house, it’s so pretty,” said Coulthard as she dabbed away tears with a tissue. “It’s all just too much.” She was joined by her son, Matt Souligne, also of Bradenton. HGTV Green Home Designer Jack Thomasson handed Coulthard the key to the eco-friendly, sustainable home.

Also, officials from General Motors in Detroit gave Coulthard keys to a 2008 Hybrid Yukon.

Coulthard and Souligne were then given a tour of their new home by Thomasson and co-designer Linda Woodrum, a Hilton Head Island interior designer.

Tradition Hilton Head Public Relations Director Martin Sauls IV welcomed Coulthard and Souligne to their new home.

“We are excited to have you as a member of our family here at Tradition Hilton Head,” Sauls said. “And Core Communities congratulates HGTV and all of their sponsors who helped build this wonderful home which serves as a symbol of Tradition Hilton Head’s commitment to building with respect and protection of the environment.”

Sponsor representatives on hand for Friday’s Green Home key presentation were Shaw Industries Inc., Sears, General Motors, SCJ, Kohler, Caesarstone and Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp.

In addition to the fully furnished home and the GMC Yukon hybrid, Coulthard also was given an electric Club Car golf cart by Tradition Hilton Head. The golf cart’s battery is recharged by electricity provided by roof-top solar panels, which also serve as supplemental power for the home. The home is a 2,000-square-foot Lowcountry cottage style, three-bedroom, two-story design by Savannah architects Dawson Wissmach.

The entire prize package is valued at approximately $850,000.

Tradition Hilton Head is a 5,300-acre master-planned, sustainable community in Hardeeville.

Photo caption: Marsha Coulthard is handed the key to her new HGTV Green Home in Tradition Hilton Head in Hardeeville by HGTV’s Jack Thomasson on Friday, June 27.

Florida Resident Wins HGTV Green Home in Tradition Hilton Head

Florida Resident Wins First HGTV Green Home Giveaway 2008(SM)

BRADENTON, Fla., June 8, 2008 /PRNewswire

"Forever, it will change my life forever ... in a good way," said a jubilant Marsha Coulthard when learned she was the winner of the first ever HGTV Green Home located in the new development of Tradition Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Coulthard, a 43-year old medical billing clerk and green enthusiast from Bradenton, Florida, was at home with her son and parents when HGTV's Chi-Lan Lieu knocked on the door to let her know that she won the HGTV Green Home grand-prize package valued at approximately $850,000. Her excitement at receiving the news was televised on the HGTV Green Home Giveaway 2008 special on Sunday, June 8.

"I'm so excited. I can't tell you," said Coulthard. "I entered almost every day trying to win the home."

Coulthard, an avid HGTV viewer whose name was drawn from more than 21 million entries, previously lived in nearby Bluffton, S.C., and is excited for a chance to return to the area. Her excitement about the home is not only the location, but also the fact that it is green as she makes an effort to recycle, reduce and reuse. Her grand-prize package includes the new, eco-friendly and fully furnished low-country style cottage with just over 2,000 square feet along with a 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid.

"We were thrilled with the response to the first annual HGTV Green Home," said Jim Samples, president of HGTV. "The number of entries far exceeded our expectations and demonstrated that our viewers have an interest in pursuing a greener lifestyle. It is incredibly gratifying to HGTV to see that consumers turn to both the network and to HGTV.com as resources for accessible and eco-friendly approaches to living."

Located in the City of Hardeeville's Tradition Hilton Head, a 5,300-acre master-planned community near the popular beach resort of Hilton Head, the HGTV Green Home includes three bedrooms and two and a half baths and features both construction and design elements that are known to contribute to an energy efficient, cleaner and even healthier living environment.

"Tradition Hilton Head was the perfect community for our first-ever HGTV Green Home," said Samples. We wanted to select a community that demonstrated that you can live responsibly in a desirable location with modern amenities and the response to the giveaway indicated that we were successful."

Bluffton Today blogs about Tradition Hilton Head's HGTV Green Home winner

Bluffton's hyperlocal Bluffton Today.

All eyes on HGTV Sunday evening to see who won the Giveaway Green Home at Tradition Hilton Head

Excitement is building for this Sunday evening’s announcement of the winner of the first-ever HGTV Green Home, located right here in the heart of the Lowcountry at Tradition Hilton Head.

“I hope everyone in the Lowcountry who loves homes and new communities tunes in to the show Sunday,” said Martin Sauls IV, public relations director for Tradition Hilton Head, the 5,300-acre master-planned, mixed-use, sustainable community in Hardeeville being developed by Core Communities.

“Anyone who is interested in new building designs and technologies, especially the new ‘green’ wave of building, should watch this show,” he said.

“The national exposure Tradition Hilton Head and Core Communities have received throughout this joint venture with HGTV has positioned our company as one of the most innovative in green technology and sustainable concepts in today’s market,” Sauls said.

The winner of the Tradition Hilton Head green home has been notified but is being kept secret until Sunday evening. “The show Sunday promises to be a nail-biter,” Sauls said.

The HGTV Green Home Giveaway winner special airs at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

HGTV has been amazed at the public response to the green home program.

“We were thrilled with the response to the first annual HGTV Green Home at Tradition Hilton Head,” said Jim Samples, president of HGTV. “The number of entries far exceeded our expectations and demonstrated that our viewers as well as our advertisers have an interest in pursuing a greener lifestyle. It is incredibly gratifying to HGTV to see that consumers turn to both the network and to HGTV.com as a resource for accessible and eco-friendly approaches to living.”

HGTV said 21 million entries were received to win the green home, a package valued at approximately $850,000. People could enter to win online once a day.

Tradition Hilton Head and Core Communities are creating an environmentally responsible community that attracted the attention of HGTV, leading the channel’s executives to choose the development for its first green home.

“Tradition Hilton Head is the perfect community for our first-ever HGTV Green Home,” Samples said. “We wanted to select a community that demonstrated that you can live responsibly in a desirable location with modern amenities.”

On Monday, June 9, there will be an online video at www.HGTV.com of the winner answering questions posted by the public recently at the Web site.

Nearly 10,000 people toured the HGTV Green Home at Tradition Hilton Head from March 24 through May 18. Some 150 United Way of the Lowcountry agency volunteers conducted the tours. Tradition Hilton Head contributed $94,000 to the United Way of the Lowcountry from proceeds collected during the public tours of HGTV’s Green Home here.

Tradition Hilton Head Contributes $94,000 to United Way of the Lowcountry from HGTV Green Home Tours Proceeds

Tradition Hilton Head contributed $94,000 to the United Way of the Lowcountry from proceeds collected during public tours of HGTV’s Green Home here.
Nearly 10,000 people toured the HGTV Green Home at Tradition Hilton Head from March 24 through May 18. Approximately 150 United Way of the Lowcountry agency volunteers conducted the tours. HGTV is giving away the home, and people entered to win online through May 9. The winner will be announced during an HGTV special June 8 at 8 p.m.
On hand for Friday’s $94,000 contribution were Clarece Walker, president and CEO of United Way of the Lowcountry; Jack Alderman, chairman of the United Way board of directors; Jill Briggs, United Way executive vice president; David Page, president of Tradition Hilton Head; Martin Sauls IV, public relations director for Tradition; and about 40 United Way agency volunteers.
Walker said Tradition Hilton Head’s contribution is an excellent example of the business community’s support of United Way’s efforts to improve the lives of others.
“We are very grateful to Core Communities, Tradition Hilton Head and HGTV for providing this amazing opportunity for us to partner with them to help those in need in Beaufort and Jasper Counties,” Walker said.
“On behalf of United Way of the Lowcountry board of directors, partner agencies, volunteers, contributors, staff and most of all the people who will receive help and hope from the generous $94,000 contribution, we applaud Tradition Hilton Head’s generous community spirit,” she said. “Because of their commitment to the community, the 39 agencies funded by United Way will receive much needed funds to continue the great work they do everyday.”
Several United Way agencies received grants for providing volunteers to conduct the HGTV Green Home public tours. The grants were awarded on Friday to agencies according to the number of volunteers they provided and number of hours worked at the green home. Agencies and their awards are:
ACCESS Network – represented Friday by Letisha Scotland; $5,000 to provide case management, counseling, education and prevention services to people affected by homelessness, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and other public health issues.
American Red Cross Palmetto Chapter – represented by Debbie Szpanka; $6,630 to provide disaster relief, health and safety services, blood services and emergency food and shelter.
Beaufort-Jasper-Hampton Comprehensive Health – represented by Angela Gabriel Walton, $2,500 to provide septic tank installation for low-income families.
Boys and Girls Clubs of the Lowcountry-Ridgeland Club – represented by Anne Walker; $8,370 to provide after-school and summer programs for children in Jasper County.
Senior Services – represented by Patricia Jenkins and Jannette Williams; $2,500 to provide noon meals to elderly and homebound individuals.
Thumbs Up – represented by Kevin Latulip; $5,000 to provide early intervention services to children whose parents have special needs.
YMCA – represented by Mike Bostwick and Tracy Robinson; $5,000 to provide scholarships for families who can’t afford to pay membership fees and participate in the athletic, nutrition and childcare programs that improve the quality of life in our community.
Tradition Hilton Head, a 5,300-acre master-planned, mixed-use and sustainable community, is being developed by Core Communities, the award-winning developer of St. Lucie West, Fla., and Tradition Florida.
Page applauded the United Way’s work in the community and its agency volunteers who conducted the HGTV Green Home public tours.
“The United Way volunteers made the green home tours a great experience for people visiting the home,” he said. “They were knowledgeable, hard-working and courteous. They were great ambassadors to the thousands of people from all across the country who came here and toured the HGTV Green Home.”
Jack Alderman, chairman of United Way of the Lowcountry, thanked Tradition Hilton Head “for involving the United Way in the HGTV Green Home tours. It meant a lot to us, and the contribution to United Way is sincerely appreciated.”
Page said Tradition Hilton Head’s partnership with the United Way on the HGTV Green Home tours was a perfect fit.
“The United Way, like Tradition Hilton Head, is committed to nurturing healthy communities,” Page said. “We are dedicated to making Tradition Hilton Head a sustainable, environmentally friendly and socially healthy community.”
He said Tradition Hilton Head’s involvement with the HGTV Green Home helped showcase the development’s commitment to the environment, and that being a green community is the “willingness to contribute to the health and wellbeing of the surrounding region. That’s why the United Way is such a deserving charity to be involved with.”
Page noted that HGTV chose Tradition Hilton Head for its first green home over hundreds of other communities.
“HGTV could have chosen any community in the country for its green home, but they chose Tradition Hilton Head because of our commitment to environmental stewardship,” Page said. “Core Communities places great importance on protecting the natural environment in the communities we develop. Our new leadership in ‘green design’ is just part of the responsible way we choose to conduct business.”
Alderman said he is proud to be associated with a conscientious developer like Core Communities.
“Core Communities is widely recognized for its sustainable, eco-friendly and healthy communities,” Alderman said.
Tradition Hilton Head also features a “Green Preview Center” which serves to educate visitors about the significance of building green homes, developing green communities and making existing homes greener

Tradition Hilton Head’s free Tommy Dorsey Orchestra concert draws thousands of music fans

More than 3,000 people attended Tradition Hilton Head’s free Tommy Dorsey Orchestra concert at the Hardeeville community’s Tradition National Golf Course on May 18. Tradition Hilton Head hosted the concert as a way to thank people for touring the HGTV Green Home there. Nearly 10,000 people toured the HGTV Green Home from March 24 through May 18. HGTV is giving away the home, and people entered to win online through May 9. The winner will be announced during an HGTV special on June 8 at 8 p.m.

David Page is president of Tradition Hilton Head, and Martin Sauls IV is public relations director.

HGTV blog update about Tradition Hilton Head and Green Home

While we're waiting for June 8 to roll around -- when we'll finally hear who won the 2008 HGTV Green Home and the Get More Green Giveaway -- let's have some fun. Who's been to the Lowcountry? Have you shared your pictures and memories with us yet?

Here are some of our pictures from the staff's trip to the HGTV Green Home in January. Even though it was cold the week we were there, it was beautiful. We had a great time playing tourist in Bluffton, Hilton Head and Savannah, all a short drive from Tradition Hilton Head, where the home is located.

Bluffton is a charming little town that's experiencing a renaissance. Their main street is coming back to life with galleries, shops and homes and we were delighted by its Church of the Cross, one of the oldest churches in the state.

Hope you won HGTV's Green Home at Tradition Hilton Head!

The deadline to enter to win the 2008 HGTV Green Home in Tradition Hilton Head, SC., has come and gone, but you can still tour it through Sunday, May 18, until 8 p.m.

Internationally Acclaimed Tommy Dorsey Orchestra Brings Big Band Sound to Tradition Hilton Head May 18

Big band music lovers will swing to the sentimental sound of the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, led by renowned trombonist Buddy Morrow, at Tradition Hilton Head in Hardeeville, S.C., on Sunday, May 18, as part of a celebration of the closing of tours of the HGTV Green Home.

The highly successful tours of the eco-friendly home, featured on HGTV and which will be given away, are raising thousands of dollars for the United Way of the Lowcountry.

The public is invited to the free open-air concert beginning at 5 p.m. on the lawn between the Green Home and Tradition Hilton Head National Golf Course’s Pro Shop. The public is encouraged to come early. Coolers will not be allowed but refreshments will be available. People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. The Green Home will be open for final tours until 8 p.m.

Tradition Hilton Head, a 5,300-acre master-planned, green and sustainable mixed-use community being developed by Core Communities of South Carolina, is presenting the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra concert as thanks to the community for supporting the United Way by touring the HGTV Green Home.

“People throughout the United States and overseas have taken tours of the HGTV Green Home, and through the purchase of tickets, they are supporting the United Way and its 39 agencies that work to make our community a better place to live,” said David Page, President of Tradition Hilton Head.

“They’ve also benefited in learning how they can make their homes and lives greener through Tradition Hilton Head’s Green Preview Center,” he said.

The Green Preview Center, located next to Tradition Hilton Head’s Welcome Center, is a state-of-the-art showroom which features many components of green construction practices used in achieving LEED Gold Certification.

“These green components can also be implemented into your new home construction here at Tradition from any of our preferred builders,” Page said.

Morrow is considered one of the world's great trombone players and is a frequent featured performer with bands of the big band era. Under his direction, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra retains the authentic sound and style of Dorsey while incorporating contemporary music into the repertoire. Morrow first played with Dorsey in 1938.

The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra is recognized as one of the best all-time big band dance bands. Dorsey, dubbed "the sentimental gentleman of swing," was a master at creating warm, romantic, and melodic moods. Perhaps his band’s most famous singer was Frank Sinatra.

Dorsey died in 1956.
For more information, visit www.TraditionHH.com and www.buddymorrowproductions.com

Columnist says Sun City Hilton Head should follow Tradition Hilton Head's lead

Please read Carl Lehmann's column in Bluffton Today, published April 24.
Here is an excerpt:
Sun City should be green with envy
In the olden days, being green was a pejorative used for people without experience. Today, being green is hip and fashionable. Of course, most people, including the Beloved and I, are still green when it comes to being green. However, we took the opportunity to learn more about being green by visiting the HGTV Green Home at Tradition Hilton Head. Just in case anyone does not know where that is, it is that huge new development on 5600 acres on U.S. 278 in Hardeeville where 9,300 homes will be built.

Everybody's blogging!

Bloggers are all about HGTV's Green Home (and giveaway) at Tradition Hilton Head!
They are popping up like spring flowers every day. Here are a few:

Pink a Doodle Doo blog (yes, that’s it’s name, and it’s kid-safe…)

Moon Dreams and Day Beams

The Bird’s Nest

The Stamford Wife

Sugar and Spice and Mostly Nice

Shelter, Creating a Home that Heals the Soul

Ingleside

Home TV

Ice Cream Mama

I'm in the Army too

Molly's Mom

Energy-saving features in the HGTV Green Home

Carolinas for Boomers

Nova Blog

Hooked on Houses

Holy Vataha

Simple + Green

Stacey Macioszek's Bluffton area real estate blog

A Green Community for the Green Home

(From HGTV.com)

Posted by kwalters – April 22, 2008 1:29 PM

Happy Earth Day! Looking for new ways to honor this big planet we call home? Why not start in your own neighborhood?

- Sign up at HGTV.com/changetheworld to volunteer for green projects in your community.
- Type in your zip code to find local green resources from the ever-growing list at ecologue.com.
- Carpool, take public transportation, bike or walk to work.
- Buy food from local farmers (your taste buds will thank you).

The Green Home is part of a planned community called Tradition Hilton Head, which is built around a town square. In addition to being a great place to watch concerts, play with your kids or hang out with your friends, a town square makes walking and biking easy, reducing our dependence on cars, which cuts gasoline use and decreases the space needed for parking.

Village Square will be anchored by the town's food market and will feature an eclectic variety of stores, cafes and restaurants; anticipated shops include a bank, microbrewery, coffee shop, pizza parlor and hair salon.

Tradition encourages homeowners to use cleaner forms of transportation by providing a golf cart with every home. And to promote a healthy lifestyle, Tradition features over 450 acres of lakes, parks and gardens, plus miles of trails for biking and walking. Golfers can play the Tradition National Golf Course, which is a member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses and is working toward being certified by the program.

Learn more about Tradition Hilton Head

For more on sustainable neighborhoods, visit the US Green Building Council's Neighborhood Development Rating System.

U.S. Green Building Council Will Tour
Tradition Hilton Head’s HGTV Green Home on Earth Day

HARDEEVILLE, SC (April 16, 2008) – The Savannah chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council will tour Tradition Hilton Head’s HGTV Green Home in observance of Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22 here.

Tradition Hilton Head’s developer, Core Communities, has long been recognized nationally for its commitment to environmental stewardship, placing great importance on building sustainable communities and protecting the environment.

And a great way to observe Earth Day is to take a close-up look at HGTV’s Green Home, HGTV’s first such project.

“The Green Home represents the focus that Tradition Hilton Head puts on being a sustainable, environmentally sensitive community”, said David Page, president of Tradition Hilton Head. “The Green Home is a testament to the fact that our community is looking to the future, not only in preserving the environment but in building homes that retain their value,” he said.

Page noted that being selected as the location for HGTV’s first Green Home demonstrates Tradition Hilton Head’s commitment to eco-friendly and energy efficient development.

“Tradition Hilton Head welcomes the Savannah chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, and we are confident their members will be pleased with what HGTV and Tradition Hilton Head are doing in this green revolution, which we believe is here to stay,” Page said.

Page emphasized: “Core Communities’ leadership in green design is just part of the responsible way the company has chosen to conduct business. He said “The excitement and interest about HGTV’s Green Home has been amazing since the home opened for tours on March 24. In less than a month’s time, some 5,000 tours have been conducted of the home.”

The U.S. Green Building Council is a non-profit organization which developed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a voluntary, consensus-based national rating system for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings.

The HGTV Green Home is LEED-certified. LEED addresses all building types and emphasizes state-of-the-art strategies for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials and resources selection, and indoor environmental quality. A practical rating tool for green building design and construction, LEED provides immediate and measurable results for building owners and occupants.

Vessela P. Valtcheva-McGee, chairwoman of the Savannah chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council and an architect with Dawson Wissmach, said she anticipates up to a hundred people to attend the reception at Tradition Hilton, and a large number of them to tour the HGTV Green Home.

“What better proof that sustainable design is on its way to becoming a standard when a network like HGTV decides they want to create a new show around it,” she said. “As advocates of sustainable practices and high performance buildings, we are thrilled to see the first ever HGTV Green Home in our very own back yard. Designed by a local architecture firm and built in a local development, the Green Home features the implementation of green principles in a traditional and appropriate architectural expression.”

Members of the U.S. Green Building Council include building owners and end-users, real estate developers, facility managers, architects, designers, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, product and building system manufacturers, government agencies, and nonprofits.

Savannah and Lowcountry members of the U.S. Green Building Council will tour the home from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

The public is invited to tour the HGTV Green Home daily through May 18. Proceeds from the public tours benefit the United Way of the Lowcountry. Call (843) 208-5300 or visit www.TraditionHiltonHead.com for more information.

Earth Day was first observed in the United States in 1970, the year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was established, and is celebrated worldwide on April 22.