ARIZONA GOLF
FRESH PERSPECTIVE
We all know the smallest tweak can make all the difference, seemingly causing a chain reaction of outcomes. This issue is built to do just that – to pull back the curtain and reveal how a diverse collection of players all enjoy the same game, golf.
Cheers to a fresh perspective - a culmination of rejuvenated playing surfaces, new found recognition of a historical game, new beginnings, and major breakthroughs.
CO NTRIBU TORS
Editor In Chief
Preston McFarland
Creative Director & Editor Alex Johnson
Art Director & Designer Tyler Flanagan
Writers Trevor Faylor
Scott Fluhler
Brandon Genson
Alex Johnson
Preston McFarland
Billy Moulton
Katie Prendergast
Photographers
We exist to connect golfers with the greatest game on this green earth.
As the governing body of Arizona golf, we continuously strive to elevate sport and unlock access for all levels of playersembracing the beginners’ road to refinement while celebrating competition amongst champions.
For more playing opportunities, visit AZGOLF.org or contact us at:
602.944.3035 | info@azgolf.org
Inside Front & Back Cover
Other Contributors
Brennan Asplen
Brandon Genson
Josh Hanson
Alex Johnson
Johnnie Izquierdo
Tanner Kalin
Chris Leach
Preston McFarland
Christian Petersen
Michael Williams
Lisa Abelar
Amy Fruhwirth
Cover Photo by Michael Williams
Photos by Alex Johnson
THANK YOU ARIZONA
Well, $208 million to be exact. The Thunderbirds proudly raised a record $17.5 million for charity from the 2024 WM Phoenix Open, surpassing the 2023 record total and making history in the process. This milestone, which pushed total charitable giving beyond $208 million in the tournament’s 89-year history, reflects the unwavering support from our communities, sponsors, volunteers, and the greatest fans in golf.
Make room for happy living.
This three-row SUV has it all. Available powerreclining second-row captain’s chairs, dual wireless phone charger and front-and-backopening center console that everyone can access are more than part of our redesigned SANTA FE. They’re changes that luxuriously accommodate the way you navigate life.
All this plus the Earnhardt No Bull Way of doing business that’s made us a trusted name in the Valley since 1951. Still offering world class service and our famous low prices. The way Tex did it and that’s a family tradition that’s never going to change.
Before & After
Overseeding
September 22nd
SE EDED.
EDED.
Talking Stick Golf Club Piipaash Course
October 10th
PHOTOS BY JOSH HANSON
PUTTING LAB DESIGN
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Together we craft a one-of-a-kind milled putter custom fit and custom built to your game. Just about anything you can imagine, we can make happen. It’s the same process our tour players experience, so think creatively.
A tour-preferred deep face-milling technology produces a soft feel for precision and control. Tour-player insights combined with six decades of engineering expertise ensure a choice to match your stroke and eye.
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ADAPTIVE.
When the Arizona Golf Association (AZ GOLF) held its first Adaptive Open Committee meeting last September, we weren’t simply looking to check a box in the name of inclusion. Our goal was to create a top-tier, championship experience, complete with the same prestige and attention to detail as any other AZ GOLF event.
Now, with the Arizona Adaptive Open just weeks away, AZ GOLF is proud to see the culmination of over a year of dedication come to life. Along the way, AZ GOLF learned plenty as this vision became a reality, but one undeniable truth stood out: true success is only possible when an entire community comes together.
The Arizona Adaptive Open is truly a collective effort, receiving invaluable support from the Phoenix staple, Papago Golf Club, to dedicated volunteers to AZ GOLF’s Adaptive Open Committee and a handful of Southwest Section PGA Professionals.
PAPAGO GOLF CLUB
“Open to All”
Nestled in an enclave of red rocks in Phoenix, Papago Golf Club is much more than a scenic backdrop for the Arizona Adaptive Open. Led by General Manager Daryl Crawford, Papago Golf Club and its staff have lived by their “Open to all” mantra as they have gone above and beyond to ensure that AZ GOLF has a site to host a proper championship experience.
Between their enthusiasm and history as a go-to host of AZ GOLF events, USGA qualifiers, and prestigious collegiate and professional tournaments, Papago Golf Club was the ideal venue to stage the inaugural Arizona Adaptive Open.
VOLUNTEERS
The Heart & Soul
None of AZ GOLF’s events are possible without an incredible volunteer base. The Arizona Adaptive Open requires an exceptionally great volunteer turnout to ensure that players can focus solely on competition – and our community decided to rise to the occasion.
Approximately 80 volunteers are planning to donate their time prior to the event to learn best practices for assisting at an adaptive golf event. During the clinic and championship, volunteers will aid in a number of ways, from greeting players to managing registration, regulating Rules, pulling flags, and raking bunkers. Due to the incredible dedication and can-do attitude of our volunteers, tournament competitors will be able to focus their attention exclusively on playing their best
LOCAL SOUTHWEST SECTION PGA TEACHING PROFESSIONALS
Growing the Game
Several local, Southwest PGA teaching professionals will put their skills and knowledge to use while leading the pre-championship clinic, with the aim of introducing the game to individuals who may not have previously viewed golf as a viable option. Those who have prior experience teaching adaptive golfers and running adaptive golf clinics themselves have shared their expertise with AZ GOLF to ensure the clinic is conducted properly while providing immense value to attendees.
At the heart of everything AZ GOLF does is a commitment to growing the game for all demographics of golfers. By sharing their time and expertise, our local professionals are playing a vital role in furthering this mission.
ADAPTIVE OPEN COMMITTEE
Our Trusted Advisors
AZ GOLF always wanted to create the most authentic championship experience possible and set a new standard for state-level Adaptive Opens. Achieving this vision would not have been possible without the support of the local adaptive golf community.
Since the first committee meeting, a group of local adaptive golfers have consistently participated in calls, sharing their insights to ensure the Adaptive Open reaches its full potential. A few have gone the extra mile to provide AZ GOLF with insights by participating in a One-Day Series at Papago Golf Club and test driving the course using a SoloRider.
PING
The Power of Partners
As the presenting sponsor of the Arizona Adaptive Open, PING will have a strong presence throughout the event, but they’ve made it clear that their focus is on growing the game.
PING’s financial support has enabled AZ GOLF to host a world-class championship, offering some of the best adaptive golfers in the world an exceptional experience at the state level. By donating clubs for the clinic, PING is giving people who may have never considered golf as an option the opportunity to discover the game — and to potentially develop a lifelong passion for it. With PING Adaptive Golf Coordinator and Master Fitter Bryan Rourke on hand, clinic participants will be offered expert guidance, setting them up for success.
UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION (USGA) A Blueprint for Success
Learning from those who have already succeeded is essential to the organization of any event. When it comes to adaptive golf championships, nobody understands the process better than those who have hosted them at the highest level. The USGA has been crucial in guiding AZ GOLF through the planning process.
While our Championships team was in Kansas for this year’s U.S. Adaptive Open, the USGA was able to provide valuable insights and real time learnings that AZ GOLF could implement into our very first championship. Members of their staff, like Colton Dean from the USGA — who organized Georgia State Golf Association’s inaugural Adaptive Open — have been a phone call away through the entire process. That support has been an invaluable resource to ensure AZ GOLF puts on a successful event.
TEE OFF FOR A CHAMPIONSHIP
There are many more who have made the inaugural Arizona Adaptive Open a reality. From everyone at AZ GOLF, thank you to everyone who helped bring this vision to life. Because of your support, we anticipate this event being the first of many to come. We look forward to welcoming the entire Arizona golf community, and beyond, to the clinic on December 9th and the championship on December 10th & 11th at Papago Golf Club. Let’s play some golf.
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HOMEGRO WN.
“Matt wasn’t one of those destined-to-begreat kids, the superstars who’ve been untouchable their whole lives,” Scott McCarty, Matt’s father, reflected while watching his son compete on TV in his fourth-ever PGA Tour event. “His story is about perseverance. He’s a normal kid, he worked hard, and he was surrounded by the right people. Truly self-made.”
Matt McCarty is a 26-year-old, “normal kid” from Scottsdale whose rise on both the Korn Ferry Tour (KFT) and PGA Tour has been nothing short of meteoric. In a span of six weeks, Matt won three Korn Ferry events, claimed the KFT points leader title, and earned an immediate promotion to the PGA Tour. And at the PGA’s Black Desert Championship in October, his second event post-promotion, Matt earned his first Tour victory.
“It happened so fast. It’s only been since Sunday, and here it is Friday and I don’t know if it’s sunk in,” Scott shared.
But as you dig in more to Matt’s story, you’ll find that as opposed to the professional golfers who were destined for the Tour from a young age, Matt’s path feels all too…normal.
WORDS & PHOTOS BY SCOTT FLUHLER
A NORMAL ARIZONA KID
“When I was growing up, I did everything: basketball, football, baseball. Golf was basically what I did during summer,” Matt said. “I was an outside kid. I think I was the last generation that grew up without devices. Sure we had video games, but was never super into that. We were a pretty active family as a whole.”
Like many kids around Arizona, or the country, being outdoors and playing sports played a critical role for Matt in his youth, allowing him to learn the value of hard work and how to be a good teammate.
“At an early age, he had a natural swing that came easy to him. He was unique being left-handed despite playing everything else right-handed,” Scott said. “The AJGA program was a great opportunity for Matt to play, travel and see how good he was. When you’re playing that competition, you have to be willing to work on areas of your game that need to get better. Practicing with a purpose.”
So as McCarty entered high school, Desert Mountain in Scottsdale, his passion for the sport led him to join the school’s team and focus his time solely on golf.
“When he was a freshman, they made the state championship but he was sixth on a five-man rotation. We still had him walk
around out there to watch the team play. It kicked him in the butt,” Scott said. “As his dad, I could see it was a turning point. He didn’t want to be on the outside looking in.”
Matt remembers the experience as a good introduction to competition. And he relished the camaraderie that developed between him and his teammates.
“It’s so much better when you can succeed with a group versus by yourself ,” he said. “I had a good group of buddies on that Desert Mountain team, Chase Wicklund and David Ricciardelli both ended up playing Division 1 golf. We played together for four years. Spent a lot of time growing when we were younger at McDowell Mountain and Ancala. Competing, trying to take two, three, four dollars off each other at a time. The hunger you get from that is what I learned at that point.”
Every year, Matt got better and better. And by his senior year, the team won the state title and Matt tied for the individual title before losing in a playoff. His commitment and determination to learn from his mistakes became a defining trait of McCarty’s approach to the game as he went on to play at Santa Clara University and, eventually, as a professional.
LEARNING TO BOUNCE BACK
“I think some kids are naturally competitive and Matt’s competitive at anything: cornhole, pool, shooting baskets, whatever,” Scott said. “And that carries over as a professional, particularly his competitiveness internally and seeking his own best… he won’t be satisfied until he accomplishes that.”
A key distinction to Matt’s drive is not just a competitive spirit with those around him but rather a competition with himself. It’s a drive that has helped him reframe challenges and setbacks as not simply obstacles but opportunities to learn.
And as you consider the reasons behind Matt’s professional success, it may be one of his true X factors.
Scott recalls Matt’s early years on the Canadian and Korn Ferry Tours, even looking back to his freshman year in high school. Every year, Scott said, he’s gotten noticeably better.
“The first year on the Korn Ferry Tour, for instance, he knew he was too short off the tee. So he spent time bulking up, getting higher swing speeds, improving his flexibility to carry it another 10 to 15 yards with his driver,” Scott said. “And it made a difference.”
Beyond bettering his physical game, Matt’s mental game continues to grow as well.
“The term is ‘bounce back’, good hole to bad hole or tournament to tournament, it’s a skill to learn how to do that,” Scott said, recalling when, earlier this year, Matt lost a threestroke lead in the final round at a Korn Ferry event in Colorado. “A couple years ago, that would’ve bothered him. But that night we went out for pizza and beer and I said, ‘You know you gotta catch a flight to Missouri.’ I didn’t expect the bounce back, but in talking with him that night, I knew it wasn’t a setback. He’d turn it into motivation.”
That next weekend, Matt won.
“Knowing that good things will happen if you just stick to the process, trust yourself, and trust what you’ve been doing…you have to keep that perspective at any level,” Matt said.
“It’s literally just a game. It’s about getting the ball in the hole as fast as you can and having fun with it.”
That win kicked off a consequential series of three wins that ultimately earned him his PGA Tour card.
“The hard times are how you get to the top of the mountain…and he still hasn’t plateaued,” Scott said with a knowing grin.
SURROUNDED BY THE RIGHT PEOPLE
Matt’s success is also a testament to the network of support he’s gathered along the way, with each individual playing a role and leaving their fingerprint on what makes Matt, Matt.
“ It’s important to have people around you that point you in the right direction. I am really lucky I have such a great family and team around me. It’s a big part of it,” Matt said.
Scott believes, without a doubt, that the most influential and most positive person in his son’s golf life was his instructor, David Williams, who came recommended through a friend at Dobson Ranch.
I’ll never forget, it was July 4th at McCormick Ranch. Matt was 12 or 13 and we showed up at 8 a.m. It was hot as Hades. But even after three or four hours they were still out there talking and hitting balls,” Scott said of Matt and David.
Scott mentioned the importance of finding somebody to not just guide his swing but also the mental aspects of the game. And the relationship continues to this day. The two speak their own language and despite having to schedule lessons over video more now than before, Dave can still “pick up on his swing from 200 yards away.”
Another key influence for Matt is his caddie and fellow Santa Clara University teammate, Devrath (aka Dev) Das.
Dev and Matt were part of a larger group from the team that lived in the “Golf House” at Santa Clara and the caddie discussions began jokingly during their junior and senior years as they dreamed of the professional days to come.
During Matt’s time on the Canadian tour and Q School, Scott manned the bag. But once he had earned full-time status on the Korn Ferry Tour, he needed a longer term option. Matt rang up Dev and the two have been a step-in-step ever since.
“Most player-caddies are like, ‘Hey what time are we meeting to warm up?’ and afterwards it’s ‘I’ll see ya in the morning,’” Scott said, mentioning that Matt and Dev have a different type of connection. “Those guys literally travel together, stay in the same Airbnb. That’s what Matt needs. He doesn’t want to go back to the hotel and sit by himself. He wants someone to play video games, watch sports, grab a bite with. It makes it more fun.”
To Matt, it was important to have someone that he not only trusted, but also had the familiarity and comfort to be able to say the tough but honest things mid-round and keep him on track.
BONDED BY A COMMON PASSION
The role Scott has played in Matt’s golfing journey, as his father, can’t be overstated.
“It’s impossible not to intertwine the role my dad has played in both my development as a person and as a golfer,” Matt said. “He told our family to be passionate about what you’re doing and try your best at everything, all while encouraging me to still be a kid and have fun.”
Part of those roots can be tied directly to AZ GOLF. Scott and Matt played in the Father Son Championship every year from 2008 to 2022.
“It was my favorite thing I did with Matt each year,” Scott said.
The tournament, held each June in Prescott, features over 500 father-son pairings hailing from all regions of Arizona.
“I remember playing in that with my dad,” Scott said. “I could see one day where Matt plays in that with his son. It’s a really special event that had an impact on our relationship.”
LOOKING AHEAD
As he speculated what was next for his son, Scott couldn’t help but joke about Matt’s winning outfit at Black Desert and the outsized importance of what earning a trip to the Masters meant.
“I don’t think that’s truly sunk in yet, that he will be playing the Masters,” Scott said. “The joke in our inner circle when he wore a green shirt and green PING logo hat on Sunday at Black Desert, this is about getting into the Masters. So when he won, sure the money was there, but I know the first thing that came into his mind was, ‘I’m in the Masters now.’”
But don’t let the Masters love fool you, Matt’s return to Arizona as a card-carrying PGA Tour member at the Phoenix Open ranks just as high. Matt said he expects the experience to be surreal.
“So many family and friends there. It’ll be fun to see all the support following along at a course I feel comfortable with and have been attending since I was a kid. Something you’ve always dreamed about doing,” he said.
Scott joked that Matt will have to come up with something unique to give away on the famed 16th hole.
“Have a little bit of fun out there,” Scott said. What stands out most about Matt’s story is just how familiar his journey felt. He fell in love with the sport, as a kid, just by playing it.
“It had nothing to do with money or playing in bigger tournaments,” Matt said. “It was about going out there and hitting the ball around to see how well you can do.”
His humility shines through in the way both Matt and his father describe his game. There were no childhood appearances on talk shows. No private planes to training facilities. Just a normal Arizona kid who spent his summers hitting it around with his dad and friends.
But when you consider the alchemy of factors at play, a supportive family who nurtured a passion for the game, an instructor who shepherded Matt’s game through formative high school years and beyond, and a constant battle of adversity that forced him to recognize the value of bouncing back, it’s a perspective we can all relate to and see ourselves in.
And it’s why we’ll be cheering for him every step of the way. See you in Phoenix, Matt.
Hole Hike
Canyon Mesa Country Club
Oak Creek, Arizona
OCTOBER 1, 2024
PHOTOS BY ALEX JOHNSON & PRESTON M c FARLAND
GO LF.
Golf is odd - seemingly a bubble. For some a bug, for others a stigma. For all, a means to connect. At least one ball, 14 clubs, 18 holes. Seems simple enough?
Nope. There are Rules. Rules for every scenario, playing condition, and skill level. Rules that protect, guide, and govern to ensure you play the same sport that I do. These rules are important yet somehow have very little barrier on how and why you (the player) enjoy the greatest game on this green Earth. So, there must be something real special about a sport that’s survived nearly six centuries?
Oh yes, this “game” has been refined and modernized to feed every aspect of what makes us human: competition, connection, and critique.
PHOTOS BY TANNER KALIN
Chalk it up as you will but I can guarantee you, however you choose to personally simplify it, golf is more than that. Each player holds their own perception and perspective, seemingly shifting with each round played — with your best round ever painfully followed by your worst. It makes no sense but makes perfect sense at the same time. Regardless, this game gives more than it takes, effortlessly providing opportunity for all who partake.
A perfect example of player perception and perspective is Mr. Ron Pettis, a.k.a. The Golfing Barber.
Pettis grew up in and still has strong ties to Atlanta, where he played just about every sport (except golf). Reason being, whether we like it or not, golf still holds some stigma tied to class and color. It’s wild to think that stigma alone acts as a larger barrier to entry than cost or the stacked tee-sheet narrative sprinkled across every golf conversation since the 2020 golf boom.
For Pettis, golf wasn’t of much interest up until the last 18 months. As it turns out, he hadn’t even given
it a first thought let alone a second, and wouldn’t until a cross country move in 2018 positioned him in Kauai, Hawaii. On the island, two years into his barber career, he split his time between two shops: Parlor Kauai and a chair at the Kukui’ula Country Club. Still golf didn’t have a seat at the table or maybe, Pettis didn’t have a seat at golf’s table. Pettis saw moments like this as an opportunity to connect, meet people, and learn about their story (the DNA of everyone’s go-to barber).
Approaching the end of his time in Kauai, Pettis looked forward to a new, very different landscape but didn’t pass on the chance to tap into connection. When he asked one of his highly successful regulars for advice, Pettis was taken back by the simplicity of his response.
“Golf.”
No more, no less. As Pettis pressed, his client gave a more descriptive answer. “Start playing golf,” the client said. That was enough direction for Pettis. [one step towards a change in perspective]
Little did he know of the weight and influence those words would have on his family’s future life in Arizona.
“I honestly didn’t know that Arizona was one of the meccas in golf. So, it kind of seemed like everything happened coincidentally. Everything just fell into place,” Pettis said.
With the move, golf brought an opportunity to transfer his cutting skills from Kukui’ula Country Club to a chair as the first resident barber at the prestigious Silverleaf Country Club in Scottsdale. It all came together thanks to an introduction from one club to another.
Simply put, Pettis did not, and still does not, fit the traditional golfer mold. Did it bug him? Not in the least. He took this as an opportunity to impress, settle into his new home, further weave himself into the local golfing community, and maybe pick up a club.
Needless to say, Silverleaf provided a warm welcome. Adding Pettis to the mix, Silverleaf further elevated the golfer experience and expected amenities of your local country club. For club members, it meant a fashionable first impression, solid conversation, and a damn good fade. For Pettis, it meant access to free golf on Fridays. [another step towards a change in perspective]
Arizona golf quickly caught the eye of this up and coming golfer and his family. Safe to say, Pettis caught the eye of Arizona golf too. His idea of an on-course experience was vastly widened as local golf apparel powerhouses like Bad Birdie and Devereux Golf sought to include the Pettis fam in their marketing campaigns.
“Ron and his family provided a fresh and unique image of where golf is heading. The industry is not only driven by skill, but now includes external factors like fashion, with greater weight on personality and personal demeanor. Lucky for Ron, he’s got a pulse on all of the above,” said Robert Brunner, co-owner of Devereux Golf.
Speaking of, Pettis was never a “fake it ‘til you make it” type of guy. He put in the work with his sights set on the player archetype of Mr. Fred Couples.
“Whether it be stylistically or the way I play, I try to model my game after Fred Couples. And I know that’s probably not the popular answer that most people think of and that’s fine. I got some big inspiration from Fred. Oh, and Schoolboy Q,” Pettis said. “When I saw him at the Malbon tournament, I was like, ‘Okay, yeah, I gotta play.’ It also gave me a sense of peace. What a chance he got, to stop the negative things that he was doing in his life and step forward into something positive. And then his game. You have to dedicate a lot of time to get at least halfway decent. So, you don’t have time for anything negative.” [safe to say a massive step in a now changed perspective]
That approach, the one he noted worked for Schoolboy Q, worked for Pettis, too. Barrelling down to a 12 handicap and a personal best of 79, all within a year and a half of playing, is an absolute feat. A feat that might spark envy from those still trying to break 90 after playing for years *cough cough.*
Disgusting right? All that progress that was made. And so fast. How does that happen?
thought clarity has a major impact on your golf game and ability to improve, think again. Just don’t think too hard about it. *there goes your mental clarity*
Yes, Pettis’s ability is admirable and he’s shaving strokes at an unheard of pace, but that’s not what keeps him tied to the game. Pettis now believes golf provides a more wholesome return than the scorecard.
“I feel like golf is whatever you want it to be. It can do so many things for you. As far as mindset building, it humbles you and calms you down. My perspective on this game is a really big lesson in life,” Pettis said. “Not everything goes your way and you have to be okay with that. That’s what I’ve learned from it. In the direction that this game is moving, I feel like we can get a lot more people to start playing. A lot of people need a morph in mindset.”
“I grew up playing sports, but unfortunately my mechanics did not transition [to golf] as well as I would have hoped,” Pettis said. “There’s certain perceptions of the game. You know, like a lot of old school cats that say to stay off YouTube, you can’t learn anything from YouTube. But it can literally teach you anything. I just chose one person to watch that I liked and went from there.”
Not exactly the secret sauce I was expecting.
Another theory about his rapid success that is worth pontificating is that this man exudes positivity. For those of you who don’t think your mentality and
A shift in mindset, or in this case, an intro to the golf mindset is something Pettis has weaved into the upbringing of his son.
“My son likes doing anything I like to do. He sees me play golf, he wants to play golf. I’m really excited for that. Especially with him being so young. With me starting at 29, man, who knows where I would have been if I started at 6,” Pettis said. [how’s that for a change in perspective?]
Let’s revisit, but this time a bit different.
The golfer’s perspective is odd. As simple as upbringing, a new take on an old game, or an outlet to escape from our own mentals. It holds a purity within each player, completely unique and never truly comparable to the next. Regardless of your golf perspective, there’s a valuable lesson to be learned: Don’t you dare put someone in a box, unless of course, they just hit a bogey. We are all at different places within our golfing journey and who’s to say your route is OB.
And now, if I may offer one simple piece of advice, it would be this: GOLF.
MAYAN PALACE
PUERTO PEÑASCO, MX
Recently inducted into the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame, LPGA Tour Champion and current Championships Manager at AZ GOLF, Amy Fruhwirth gets us dialed in for the big stick.
Admittedly not a long player off the tee, Fruhwirth made up for it with her accuracy - hitting a high percentage of fairways in regulation. And I don’t know about you but I’m tired of chasing balls into the desert. I’d love to see more fairways, especially these beautiful, rich green ryegrass fairways that overseeding has blessed us with. Wouldn’t you?
Where should the ball be positioned in my stance? Does the positioning of my feet change when hitting driver?
RIGHT-HANDED GOLFER
RIGHT-HANDED GOLFER
The direction of your feet never changes, you always want to be aiming at your target. (Remember the train tracks from last time?)
If you want, you can widen your stance a little bit more than normal for your driver. The ball should be more forward in your stance, aligned with the inside of your front heel. We avoid lining it up with your toe because your front foot might flare open a bit, the heel will stay in that position. The ball is more forward in your stance because you have a longer club which will bottom out more forward in your stance.
What about my shoulders? What adjustments should I make?
Your lead shoulder should be slightly higher than your rear shoulder. This will help you get extended through the ball. But be careful not to open your shoulders.
How high should I tee up my ball?
You’ll want to tee the ball higher than you would for other clubs. This is because you want to hit the ball on the upswing when hitting your driver. I like to tee my ball about a half ball above the peak of the driver’s head.
How should I address my tee ball?
Everything you do should be target oriented. Take your practice swing behind the ball and always walk into your shot. You should be fixated on your target - a stripe in the fairway, a tree, whatever it is, lock in on that target.
DRIVE.. DRIVE. DRIVE DRIV
And what about the takeaway, is it any different than my other clubs?
Nope. You want to keep your hands in front of your belly button for as long as you can. Your arms stay straight and your wrists locked until the club is parallel to the ground, then a slight wrist hinge comes into play allowing you to reach the peak of your backswing.
Try this at home: Place the butt of your driver in your belly button and then set up your grip on the shaft like you would for your normal swing. Your arms and wrists should be locked. Now practice your takeaway by rotating your shoulders/torso back. You won’t be able to get to the peak of your backswing but this helps you feel how stable and locked out your takeaway should be while building muscle memory.
WORDS BY BILLY MOULTON
PHOTOS BY ALEX JOHNSON
Welcome to Sierra Vista Golf Center at Pueblo del Sol, a private club with public access.
Nestled on the southern edge of the Sonoran Desert just south of Tucson, the former Pueblo del Sol Country Club (PDSCC), is a hidden gem in Sierra Vista. And recently, PDSCC was rebranded as Sierra Vista Golf Center at Pueblo del Sol (PDS), opening its doors to the public. This historical property is undergoing a remarkable transformation, offering an inviting experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Sierra Vista Golf Center has officially arrived.
Originally designed in 1973 by Chris Gray and Forrest Richardson, the Pueblo del Sol course provides a challenging yet enjoyable golfing experience. Its 18 holes wind through estates, featuring Joshua Trees casually standing near fairways, collections of prickly pear cacti and cholla mingling near teeing areas, and decades-old oak and willow trees crowding around the greens and lining sides of fairways. Who doesn’t love a little desert golf down south?
Each hole presents unique challenges, rewarding great shots while punishing those who may go for a swinging draw but hit the dreaded straight ball instead.
The course caters to golfers of all abilities, featuring a variety of teeing areas and well-maintained fairways. Notably, it boasts Southern Arizona’s only wall-to-wall bentgrass fairways. If you’re a fan of high-altitude golf, prepare to launch your pitching wedge well over 150 yards, since the course sits at an impressive 5,000 feet above sea level. As they say, “Altitude is gratitude.”
With new ownership hailing from Phoenix, and boasting experience in markets all over the country, Paradigm Golf Group is excited for their new opportunity in Southern Arizona. Paradigm’s mantra has always been to make golf fair and fun. Their focus with past courses has been to shift the culture, marketing and experience to be more approachable, upbeat and entrepreneurial versus traditional, while still remaining true to the game.
Sierra Vista Golf Center at PDS is eager to welcome golfers from near and far. Snowbirds, take note: in addition to your Phoenix plans this winter, take a drive down south on the I-10 to experience one of the friendliest communities around. Here, residents know each other by name, and life — but not play — moves at a more relaxed pace compared to the hustle of the bigger cities up north. Expect friendly neighbors, a variety of mom and pop restaurants and bars, and a strong sense of community, where you can borrow a quart of milk from a neighbor on a Sunday morning without hesitation.
The town’s proximity to the Huachuca Mountains offers an abundance of outdoor adventures, from hiking and biking to stargazing. It’s a paradise for nature lovers, with parks, trails, and wildlife preserves just a stone’s throw away. But if you ask me, there’s a golf course calling my name.
Vegas, Dahlstrom is determined to bring a similar transformation to Sierra Vista.
Dahlstrom’s approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the game and a passion for creating a welcoming environment. By fostering a sense of community and emphasizing the joy of playing golf, he aims to challenge the traditional stereotypes often associated with the sport - and he’s exceptional at what he does.
“One significant challenge in transitioning a private golf course to public access is overcoming perceptions of exclusivity,” Dahlstrom said.
Miss me with the nature walks, I’m here to go low.
Joe Dahlstrom, the visionary behind the transformation of Sierra Vista Golf Center at PDS, has a clear mission to make golf more inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable for players of all levels.
With a proven track record of success after revitalizing Dobson Ranch Golf Club in Mesa, Palm Beach National in Florida, and Bali Hai in Las
He said he and his team at Paradigm Golf Group have addressed this by engaging actively with the local community and emphasizing the course’s commitment to inclusivity, which is a practice implemented at every other property of theirs.
“We’ve assured previous members that the experience will remain premier. Through open dialogue and transparent communication, we’ve built trust and excitement among both existing members and potential new golfers,” Dahlstrom said.
What truly excites me about Sierra Vista Golf Center at PDS is its shift from private to public access. This is every golfer’s dream. Pristine greens, untucked shirts, potentially some Pepto Bismol in the locker room and popcorn machines in the bar with no annual fees?
You gotta be kidding me!
And when you’re in the grill area, trust that Chef Sean has you covered. This place is going to be a post-round paradise as Dahlstrom plans to tee up a food truck and merch trailer in the near future, in addition to the grill and pro shop.
with InRange technology for our driving range,” Starke said.
Personally, nothing makes me feel more like a pro than tracking my pre-round swing stats, even if those monitors are telling me all sorts of things about my slice and downward attack resulting in astronomical spin rates.
So kick back, untuck that shirt, turn up the music, and respect the course while having a great time. If you need to take a call, do it knowing no one will slap a fine on your account at the end. The only rules are those of the game of golf, and we never break those. In fact, Dahlstrom’s team is passionate about introducing and teaching the game of golf to juniors, which includes the Rules.
You might be thinking: “This place sounds awesome, what else do I need to know?” We asked Matt Starke, VP of Partnerships at Dobson Ranch Golf Course, who is helping spearhead the transition, that exact question.
“First and foremost, this course will never be closed for overseeding. We have Kentucky bentgrass fairways and we’re open year-round. Plus, we’re the only golf course in Southern Arizona equipped
Paradigm proudly places a strong focus on junior golf at all of their properties, something that a lot of courses are wary of investing too heavily in. Since taking the helm at PDS, they’ve launched the Pops Jr. Golf Program. This program attracted over 50 junior golfers in its first weekend alone, showcasing the growing interest in the game amongst younger generations. The turnout on this one day alone had more juniors on the course at one time than one Sierra Vista city council member had seen in the past 10 years.
“The same program at Dobson Ranch in Mesa sometimes sees up to 400 youth golfers participating. By providing opportunities for kids to learn and play golf, Sierra Vista Golf Center is welcoming the next generation of golfers and ensuring the sport’s continued popularity in the community,” said Dahlstrom.
Dahlstrom recognizes that the historical challenges of golf: high costs, difficulty, and exclusivity, can deter many potential players. He’s addressing these obstacles.
“Sierra Vista Golf Center is focused on creating a more accessible and welcoming atmosphere. By offering affordable rates, beginner-friendly programs, and a supportive community. We are aiming to break down barriers and encourage more people to give golf a try,” Dahlstrom said.
One area where this approach has proven successful is the InRange driving range, which has drawn in many who aren’t yet ready to tackle the first tee.
“We’ve seen an influx of individuals that come to the InRange driving range with no intention of ever seeing the first tee. We love to see that and hope they can learn what they need to so they can make their way over to the starter,” said Dahlstrom.
Admittedly skeptical of the opportunity at first, Dahlstrom and his wife Amy, were reminded of their
small hometowns in Wisconsin and California. That small town aura is what ultimately sealed the deal and the Dahlstroms believe that the “hometown course” vibes are important to the local community because they create a sense of camaraderie and shared experiences that differs from the typical resort golf atmosphere in other parts of Arizona.
There’s a sense of pride and community here that is different from anything Dahlstrom has ever seen. It’s a place where no one cares what your handicap is or what you do for a living.
“One of my favorite aspects of Sierra Vista Golf Center’s transformation is our commitment to creating a unique and enjoyable experience for golfers,” said Dahlstrom, emphasizing the importance of creating relaxed spaces that foster community. “By moving away from traditional country club stigmas, we’re positioning Sierra Vista as a destination for golfers seeking a more casual and enjoyable experience, while still honoring the traditions of the game.”
As Sierra Vista Golf Center at PDS continues to evolve, it’s positioning itself to become a thriving hub for golf enthusiasts in the region. With its commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and a focus on creating a positive experience, the course is prepared to attract golfers of all ages and skill levels with open arms. So why wait? Grab your clubs, prepare your playlist, and experience the welcoming spirit of Sierra Vista for yourself. We’ll be waiting for you.
I forgot to mention, it’s not far from Southern Arizona wine country either.
WORDS KATIE PRENDERGAST
PREPA
With incredible foresight, and in response to growing water supply concerns, Arizona leaders created the historic Groundwater Management Act in 1980 and launched a series of water conservation plans to ensure the state managed the water supply efficiently for ongoing and future growth. Beginning January 1, 2025, golf courses will need to comply with the Fifth Management Plan (5MP), which is the most stringent water allocation plan yet for all statewide water users, including the golf industry.
For context, the Arizona golf industry uses only 2% of the state’s water supply while returning $6 billion in economic impact statewide.
Rob Collins is the director of greens and grounds for Paradise Valley Country Club and he also serves as the president of the local chapter of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. According to Collins, Arizona golf is ready and will continue to lead the way in water stewardship.
“There’s a lot happening with new strategies to reduce water use in golf,” said Collins, the 2024 Arizona Golf Hall of Fame inductee and water committee chair for the Arizona Alliance for Golf (AAG). “Courses are taking out acres of turf, looking into new turf varieties, and changing their
overseeded acres and timing to reduce the amount of water used annually. In addition, local golf course architects are busy with plans to preserve the character of these courses while meeting the new water allocations. This might mean some significant changes, such as island tees and carries over desert landscape where there once was turf.”
New turf varieties, such as TifTuf bermudagrass, use less water during hot and thirsty summer months. In some cases, the golf courses adopting the new turf are choosing not to overseed because TifTuf performs well enough in the winter. For golfers, this means great fall conditions. Other courses are testing Zoysiagrass, which is another promising turf. Local trials suggest this hardy plant performs better than bermudagrass without overseeding, and the impact on golfers is less noticeable, especially when courses use turf pigments.
Evolving alongside the 5MP, some courses are electing to overseed later and transition back to bermudagrass earlier the following spring. This reduces water use without missing the benefits of overseeding, since actively growing overseeded ryegrass heals damage caused by play. However, simply reducing overseeded acres doesn’t save as much water as one might think.
PREPARED.
Along with agronomic innovation, ongoing leadership is critical to ensure the industry’s longterm vibrancy. The Arizona Alliance for Golf (AAG) was formed in 2020 in large part to lead the effort to balance the state’s need for increased water reductions while protecting the golf industry, even in light of the efficiencies already in place at Arizona golf courses.
According to a recent independent economic analysis, more than 40% of golf’s economic impact comes from golfers traveling to the state to enjoy Arizona’s world class courses. Kim Grace Sabow, President and CEO of the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association (AzLTA), has said that Arizona golf and Arizona tourism are intrinsically linked.
“We think of the golf industry as the heartbeat of Arizona’s tourism economy,” Sabow said. Water conservation at Arizona golf courses is a winwin – it adds to the industry’s legacy of sustainability while keeping Arizona golf courses a year-round draw for visitors from around the country and globe.”
As the 5MP was being developed, the AAG brought together experts within the golf industry as well as those impacted by it. The group worked together to
communicate golf’s water stewardship and leadership to the Arizona Department of Water Resources.
“Together we developed a framework that acknowledged the inherent water stewardship at the core of Arizona’s golf industry while working to mitigate impacts and challenges posed by increased reduction in the state’s water supply,” Katie Prendergast, AAG executive director, said.
While golf courses account for only 2% of the state’s total water usage, water stewardship is the foundation of the Arizona golf industry. That means innovation, investment, and an ongoing commitment to using as little water as possible will continue to be a focus for the state’s golf course water managers.
In short, Arizona agronomists will continue to lead the way.
“We have the best agronomists in the world in Arizona,” said Carmella Ruggiero, executive director of the local Cactus & Pine, GCSA. “They set national benchmarks for efficient water use while growing healthy turfgrass in extreme temperatures – no small feat. We’re proud of the track record we’ve established and we’re prepared to meet the challenges of the future.”
PHOTO BY JOSH HANSON
