A golf shipping service called My Baggage has named Florida the best state for golfers, based on a study that “analyzed the distribution of golf courses, driving ranges, tournaments, and golf coaches per 100,000 residents in every state, alongside the number of platinum clubs,” according to a news release. The study reports Florida has the highest number of PGA coaches, platinum clubs and the most amount of courses with 1,131. The rest of the top 10 states are 2. Colorado, 3. Arizona, 4. South Carolina, 5. Wyoming, 6. Pennsylvania, 7. New York, 8. Minnesota, 9. Illinois and 10. Maryland. For more information, visit MyBaggage.com.
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Tampa a top hockey city
The personal-finance website WalletHub released its report on the Best Cities for Hockey Fans in 2024, comparing 76 U.S. cities across 31 key metrics, including performance level of the city’s professional and college teams, minimum season ticket prices and stadium capacity, according to a news release. Here are the top 20 cities:
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Detroit, Michigan
- Denver, Colorado
- St. Louis, Missouri
- New York, New York
- Newark, New Jersey
- Tampa, Florida
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Sunrise, Florida
- Buffalo, New York
- St. Paul, Minnesota
- Washington, D.C.
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Chicago, Illinois
- Anaheim, California
- Dallas, Texas
- Glendale, Arizona
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Columbus, Ohio
For the full report, visit WalletHub.com/edu/best-worst-cities-for-hockey-fans/13283.
Saint Leo men’s tennis advances to semifinals
The top-ranked Saint Leo University men’s tennis team defeated Wayne State University 4-0 at the 2024 NCAA Division II National Championship quarter finals on May 22, advancing to the national semifinals. Their next opponent had not yet been determined at The Laker/Lutz News’ press deadline. More information and scores can be found at SaintLeoLions.com/sports/mens-tennis.
Top spots for outdoor workouts
Fitness website Lift Vault released a poll of fitness enthusiasts that ranked the top 150 outdoor fitness spots in the country, which they describe as “destinations offering breathtaking views that elevate the fitness experience,” according to a news release.
The top five spots are:
- Chautauqua Park, Boulder, Colorado
- Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, Nevada
- Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, Maine
- Olympic Discovery Trail, Olympic Peninsula, Washington
- Glacier National Park, Montana
Three Florida spots made the list:
- Fort De Soto Park, Tierra Verde
- Everglades National Park, South Florida
- Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne
The full list can be found at liftvault.com/scenic-sweats.
Best soccer cities
The personal-finance website WalletHub released its report on the Best Cities for Soccer Fans in 2024, comparing 300 U.S. cities with at least one college or professional soccer team across 52 key metrics, including minimum season-ticket price and performance on the pitch, according to a news release. Here are the top 20 cities:
- Los Angeles, California
- Seattle, Washington
- Portland, Oregon
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Orlando
- Washington, D.C.
- Kansas City, Missouri
- New York, New York
- Atlanta, Georgia
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Miami
- Cary, North Carolina
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Houston, Texas
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Columbus, Ohio
- St. Paul, Minnesota
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Boston, Massachusetts
- San Jose, California
For the full report, visit WalletHub.com/edu/best-worst-cities-for-soccer-fans/14207.
NBA Scholastic Coach of the Year
Jessica Hontz, a Starkey Ranch K8 teacher and Special Olympics basketball coach, has been named the 2024 Orlando Magic Jr. NBA Scholastic Coach of the Year, according to a post on the Pasco County Schools Facebook page. She won the award for her role in “the development of young people on and off the court, and providing a safe and positive basketball experience for them,” per the post.
Become a Florida angler
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is inviting the public to become a Florida Friendly Angler by completing a free online course at flseagrant.org/fisheries/florida-friendly-angler-certification-program. This self-paced program teaches new and experienced anglers about the best fishing practices, protecting fish habitat and marine fisheries management, according to a news release. Those who complete the course will receive an electronic certificate and a mailed weatherproof Florida Friendly Angler decal, the release says. The course also is offered in Spanish.
National Archery Tournament winners
The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) State Tournament was held on April 6 at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center in Gainesville, hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). NASP is an in-school program sponsored by the FWC that is designed to teach international-style target archery in physical education classes for grades four to 12, according to a news release.
The top-scoring male and female received a $5,000 scholarship from the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida and NASP. They were Daniel Thompson from Choctawhatchee High School who scored 286 and Adrienne Rambis from Tampa Bay Home Education Activities Team who scored 289, per the release.
USF’s new stadium
The University of South Florida will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its new on–campus stadium during the university’s Homecoming Week, Oct. 14 to Oct. 19, according to a news release. The university has selected Manhattan Construction Company, H.J. Russell & Company, and DuCon LLC to oversee the construction. The new stadium is expected to open in time for the fall of 2027.
Tennis and pickleball courts to be resurfaced
The city of Temple Terrace has passed a resolution to spend $71,000 to resurface the public tennis courts at 10901 Richlyne St. All six courts will be resurfaced for tennis, while three will additionally have lines for pickleball, according to a news release. The resurfacing is expected to begin sometime later this month or in May and will take a few weeks to complete.