AZ Golf Insider Digital Edition - September 2021

AZ GOLF INSIDER Digital Edition

SEPTEMBER 2021

2021 OVERSEED SCHEDULE AN INSIDE LOOK AT WE-KO-PA WINTER PREPS

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - Saguaro Fort McDowell, Ariz.

KRIS MARSHALL WINS 97TH ARIZONA AMATEUR

From the Executive Director’s Desk

by Ed Gowan

E

nclosed you will find the anticipated schedules for overseeding throughout Arizona Golf. We enjoy sharing this information with all so you can plan your fall golf.

We say “anticipated” as circumstances, weather and water availability can impact when courses actually do the overseeding. There are considerations this year which likely will cause some courses to vary from their current plans. Among them are the current monsoon rains, among the best in memory, which have made our immediate water issues seem irrelevant; but, the recent statement that the State of Arizona will implement drought restrictions beginning in October may affect many. Lastly, courses may choose to either delay their process while removing turf or decide to reconsider areas of coverage in anticipation of future drought restrictions on the table. You will see more of this information in the future through the Arizona Alliance for Golf (all AGA members are complimentary members of AAG) as we fight for the future of golf in the desert.

We have several articles of interest inside, especially our tournament results from the Summer and Fall schedules. A few dates to remember are the Hall of Fame Dinner November 23rd at Paradise Valley CC with recipients John Gunby, Tina Tombs, Mark Woodward and the Desert Mashies; the Club Team Cham-

season. Take advantage while you can, as the winter promises to be busy with more corporate golf returning on top of the demand we experienced all of last year... great for Arizona.

AZ GOLF Insider Digital Edition EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS PRESIDENT.................................... Bob McNichols VICE PRESIDENT.................................. Tim Brown VICE PRESIDENT ......................... Michelle Cross SECRETARY.......................................... John Souza TREASURER...................................... Tim Hulscher GENERAL COUNSEL............................ Greg Mast

pionship at Seville on December 6th (Entries for the two-player teams in September, qualifying rounds in November). The rescheduled trip to Danzante Bay at the end of January (27-30) will begin taking reservations once American Airlines confirms flight schedules next month. We have an interesting summary of Fall preparations from We-Ko-Pa to explain a golf course perspective on overseeding.

Note also the STK promotion, now one of our partners. They hosted our first “Pairings Party” ahead of the amateur, a practice likely to continue with Majors in 2022. Look for more on the return of Los Caballeros, twenty-five years ago a “must play” for every good player at least once a year. After falling into the ranks of the forgotten due to lack of interest by ownership and poor conditioning, this wonderful and challenging course is rising from the grave thanks to new ownership who love golf.

The renovations have begun, reminding us that a great golf course can be playable for everyone… just pick the right tees!

The good news is that many courses now are offering playing options through the AGA’s UnderPar offerings for the early Fall

SEPTEMBER 2021

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS Jackie Bertsch, Vera Ciancola, Barbara Fitzgerald, Bryan Hoops, Jerry Huff, Mark Jeffery, Mike Kane, Leslie Kramer, Ann Martin, Scott McNevin AGA STAFF Ed Gowan, David Bataller, Anj Brown, Alexa Cerra, Le Ann Finger, Tim Eberlein, Caleigh Essert, Ryan Hyland, Sharon Goldstone, Lucas Kauffman, Vivian Kelley, Mike Mason, Derek McKenzie, Chris Montgomery, Robyn Noll, Logan Rasmussen, Alex Tsakiris, Susan Woods PARTNERSHIP CONTACT Chris Montgomery.................... (602) 872-7011 NATIONAL ADVERTISING CONTACT Brian Foster.................................. (602) 909-7799 THE AZGOLF INSIDER STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF.......................... David Bataller AGA EDITOR.......................................... Anj Brown CONTRIBUTORS David Bataller, Anj Brown, Ed Gowan, Rob Myers, Ben Reynolds, Gary Van Sickle

Arizona Golf Association 7600 E. Redfield Rd., Suite 130 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (602) 944-3035 www.AzGolf.org ISSN 2765-9046

AZ Golf Insider Digital Edition

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ON THE COVER The split fairway of We-Ko-Pa Golf Club’s 14th hole on the Saguaro course gives players a risk-reward proposition from the tee: Find the narrower fairway to the right for a chance at getting home in two, or take the safer route to the wider fairway on the left and play for a birdie.

2021 OVERSEED SCHEDULE

Lonna Tucker

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Don’t miss a chance to plan the perfect fall Arizona golf season with the latest Overseed Schedule from almost every golf course in the Grand Canyon State.

OUT OF BOUNDS Gary Van Sickle dives in -- or is it flies in? -- to the latest golf course phenomenon taking off across the country: Drone deliveries.

Apparently, the future really is now.

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FIT LIFE AT THE PGA TOUR SUPERSTORE The new-look PGA TOUR Superstore Studio is giving Arizona golfers the chance to get fitted in clubs that best suit their respective swings. We put one of our own AGA Members through a driver fitting and came away impressed with the results.

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TOURNAMENT RECAP Kris Marshall’s win at the 97th Arizona Amateur Presented

by PXG highlighted an outstanding summer of tournament golf for the AGA. Take a look at our latest leaderboards.

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AZ Golf Insider Digital Edition - SEPTEMBER 2021

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The AGA Wants You to #MakeGolfYourThing Make Golf Your Thing is a new golf industry movement intended to encourage and welcome new players to the game. Whether you’re new to the sport or want to introduce others to your favorite activity, golf facilities across the country are making it easier than ever to get you, your friends and your family on the course to experience the thrill of the game! Click on the video to check it out!

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AZ Golf Insider Digital Edition - SEPTEMBER 2021

AWGA

IMPACTING THE ARIZONA GOLF COMMUNITY ONE SWING AT A TIME!

2021 ias

er Am s l r Gi ior n u 1J 202

Cup

Mary

Cave

Cup T eams

The Arizona Women’s Golf Association was pleased to once again fund both the 2021 Arizona Junior Girls Americas Cup Team and Mary Cave Cup Teams and wants to congratulate them for their outstanding play!

The Jr. Girls Americas Cup Team of Aaryanna Morris, Calynne Rosholt, Mackenzie Cooper, and Jennifer Seo finished 5th in this year’s event.

The Mary Cave Cup Team of Sydney Bryan and Mattison Frick finished 2nd and the Team of Raegan Capizzi and Zoe Newell finished 3rd.

Congratulations Ladies!

2021 Overseed Westbrook Village Golf Club Peoria

Schedule

In Arizona, the approaching fall season means one thing for golfers across the state: Overseeding!

Many Arizona golf courses close for an extended period of time to allow their grass to transition from warm-weather Bermuda to cool-season Rye. The Arizona Golf Association has you covered: Take a look at our comprehensive 2021 Arizona Overseed Schedule before booking your next starting time, and plan out an incredible golf season in advance!

500 Club - 18 September 27 - October 7 500 Club - Futures September 20 - October 7 Agave Highlands Golf Course September 13 - September 30 Aguila Golf Course October 4 - October 17 Ahwatukee Country Club October 18 - November 1 Alpine Country Club Does Not Overseed Alta Mesa Country Club October 11 - October 27 Ancala Country Club October 4 - October 2 Antelope Hills Golf Club - North Does Not Overseed Antelope Hills Golf Club - South Does Not Overseed Anthem Country Club - Ironwood September 7 - October 18

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Anthem Country Club - Persimmon October 11 - November 5 Apache Creek Golf Club Call the Course Apache Stronghold Golf Club Does Not Overseed Apache Sun Golf Club Call the Course Apache Wells Country Club October 4 - October 23 Arizona Biltmore Golf Club - Adobe October 4 - October 24 Arizona Biltmore Golf Club - Links October 25 - November 14 Arizona Country Club October 11 - November 2 Arizona Golf Resort Call the Course Arizona Grand Golf Course October 17 - November 5 Arizona National Golf Club September 27 - October 14

AZ Golf Insider Digital Edition - SEPTEMBER 2021

Arizona Traditions October 4 - October 17 Arrowhead Country Club October 4 - October 22 Arroyo Dunes Golf Course Call the Course Aspen Valley Golf Club Does Not Overseed Augusta Ranch Golf Club October 4 - October 14 Bear Creek Golf Complex - Bear October 4 - October 21 Bear Creek Golf Complex - Club October 25 - November 5 Bellair Golf Park Opens October 31 Bison Golf Club Does Not Overseed Blackstone Country Club October 4 - October 28 The Boulders Golf Club - North October 11 - October 29 The Boulders Golf Club - South September 20 - October 10 Briarwood Country Club October 3 - October 24 Camelback Golf Club - Ambiente September 27 - October 16 Camelback Golf Club - Padre October 18 - November 6 Canoa Ranch Golf Club September 27 - October 11 Canyon Mesa Country Club Does Not Overseed Capital Canyon Club Does Not Overseed Casa Grande Muni October 1 - October 18 Cave Creek Golf Club October 11 - October 23 Cerbat Cliffs Golf Course Call the Course Chaparral Country Club Call the Course The Club at Chaparral Pines Does Not Overseed Cimarron Golf Club October 11 - November 1

SEPTEMBER 2021

Cobre Valle Country Club August 23 - October 1 Cocopah Golf Resort Call the Course Coldwater Golf Club September 20 - October 4 Continental Golf Club - Flagstaff Does Not Overseed Continental Golf Course - Scottsdale October 4 - October 15 Copper Canyon Golf Club - Lake October 18 - November 1 Copper Canyon Golf Club - Mountain September 20 - October 4 Copper Canyon Golf Club - Vista October 4 - October 18 Coronado Golf Course Call the Course Corte Bella Golf Club October 4 - October 22 Cottonwood Country Club October 4 - October 25 Country Club of Green Valley Call the Course Coyote Lakes Golf Club September 24 - October 5 Coyote Trails Golf Course Does Not Overseed The Links at Coyote Wash October 4 - October 17 Crooked Tree Golf Course September 27 - October 16 Dave White Golf Course October 1 - October 18 The Country Club at DC Ranch September 27 - October 21 Deer Valley Golf Club – Sun City West September 23 - October 19 Del Lago Golf Club September 22 - October 8 Dell Urich Golf Club October 25 - November 6 Desert Canyon September 19 - October 15 Desert Forest Golf Club September 27 - October 18 Desert Highlands Golf Club September 27 - October 18

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Desert Hills Golf Club - Green Valley September 27 - October 15 Desert Hills Municipal - Yuma October 4 - October 23 Desert Mirage Golf Club October 11 - October 29 Desert Mountain - Apache Does Not Overseed Desert Mountain - Chiricahua Does Not Overseed Desert Mountain - Cochise Already Overseeded Desert Mountain - Geronimo Already Overseeded Desert Mountain - Outlaw October 2 - November 1 Desert Mountain - Renegade Does Not Overseed Desert Mountain - Seven October 2 - November 1 Desert Sands Golf Course October 3 - October 14 Desert Springs Golf Club October 16 - November 5 Desert Trails Golf Club – Sun City West October 21 - November 16 Dobson Ranch Golf Club October 11 - October 22 Dorado Golf Club September 20 - October 4 Douglas Golf & Social Club September 27 - October 17 Dove Mountain - Highlands September 28 - October 17 Dove Mountain - Saguaro August 30 - October 31 Dove Mountain - Tortolita August 30 - October 31 Dove Mountain - Wild Burro August 30 - October 31 Dove Valley Ranch Golf Club September 26 - October 14 The Duke at Rancho El Dorado October 4 - October 18 Eagle Mountain Golf Club October 18 - November 3 Echo Mesa Golf Club - Sun City West September 23 - October 19

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El Conquistador Golf Club - Cañada October 11 - November 1 El Conquistador Golf Club - Conquistador September 20 - October 11 El Conquistador Golf Club - Pusch Ridge Opens November 1 El Rio Golf Club - Mohave Valley September 5 - September 26 El Rio Golf Course - Tucson October 11 - October 22 Elephant Rocks Golf Club Does Not Overseed Emerald Canyon Golf Course September 10 - October 14 Encanterra Country Club October 4 - October 29 Encanto Golf Course October 18 - October 29 The Estancia Club September 26 - November 2 Falcon Dunes Golf Club October 18 - November 2 FireRock Country Club October 4 - October 24 Flagstaff Ranch Golf Club Does Not Overseed Foothills Golf Club Call the Course Forest Highlands - Canyon Does Not Overseed Forest Highlands - Meadow Does Not Overseed Forty Niner Country Club September 20 - October 5 Fountain of the Sun Country Club September 28 - October 18 Francisco Grande Hotel & Golf Resort Opens October 8 Fred Enke Golf Course October 17 - October 29 Gainey Ranch Golf Club - Arroyo Opens October 25 Gainey Ranch Golf Club - Dunes Opens October 25 Gainey Ranch Golf Club - Lakes October 11 - November 8 The Gallery Golf Club - North October 1 - October 10

AZ Golf Insider Digital Edition - SEPTEMBER 2021

Starr Pass Golf Club Tucson

The Gallery Golf Club - South October 1 - October 10 Gold Canyon Golf Resort - Dinosaur Mountain October 10 - October 28 Gold Canyon Golf Resort - Sidewinder September 12 - October 7 Golf Club of Estrella October 4 - October 22 Grand Canyon University Golf Course October 12 - October 29 Grandview Golf Club - Sun City West October 21 - November 16 Granite Falls Golf Club - North October 6 - October 28 Granite Falls Golf Club - South Opens October 25 Grayhawk Golf Club - Talon September 20 - October 3 Grayhawk Golf Club - Raptor October 12 - November 3 Great Eagle at Happy Trails Golf Resort October 4 - October 18 Greenfield Lakes Golf Course Call the Course Greenlee Country Club Call the Course Haven Golf Course September 17 - October 2 Hayden Municipal Golf Course Call the Course Hillcrest Golf Club September 18 - October 4 Huukan Golf Club Opens October 1

SEPTEMBER 2021

Ironwood Golf Course September 20 - October 11 The Golf Club at Johnson Ranch September 26 - October 9 Ken McDonald Golf Course October 18 - November 1 Kierland Golf Club - Acacia September 27 - October 11 Kierland Golf Club - Ironwood October 11 - October 29 Kierland Golf Club - Mesquite September 13 - September 27 Kino Springs Golf Club Opens in 2022 Kokopelli Golf Club October 11 - October 23 La Paloma Country Club - Canyon October 12 - October 25 La Paloma Country Club - Hill September 20 - October 2 La Paloma Country Club - Ridge October 2 - October 12 Lake Havasu Golf Club - East Call the Course Lake Havasu Golf Club - West Call the Course Lake Powell National Golf Club Already Overseeded Las Barrancas Golf Club September 20 - October 11 Las Colinas Golf Club Call the Course Las Sendas Golf Club October 4 - October 23

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Laughlin Ranch Golf Club September 7 - October 1 Legacy Golf Club October 11 - October 29 Legend at Arrowhead September 27 - October 15 Legend Trail Golf Club September 13 - September 26 Leisure World - Coyote Run October 11 - November 1 Leisure World - Heron Lakes October 11 - November 1 Lone Tree Golf Club October 4 - October 22 Longbow Golf Club October 11 - October 27 Lookout Mountain Golf Club September 20 - October 6 Los Caballeros Golf Club Call the Course Los Lagos Golf Club Call the Course McCormick Ranch Golf Club - Palm October 24 - November 12 McCormick Ranch Golf Club - Pine September 19 - October 8 McDowell Mountain Golf Club September 27 - October 13 Mesa Country Club October 4 - October 29

Mesa Del Sol Golf Course October 3 - October 11 Mesa View Golf Course Does Not Overseed The Mirabel Club Call the Course Mission Royale Golf Club October 1 - November 1 Moon Valley Country Club October 11 - October 29 Mountain Brook Golf Club October 3 - October 21 MountainView Golf Club at Saddlebrooke September 27 - October 10 Mountain Shadows Golf Club September 23 - October 12 Mountain View Golf Course at Ft. Huachuca September 27 - October 10 Mt. Graham Golf Club Does Not Overseed Oakcreek Country Club Does Not Overseed Oakwood Country Club - Lakes September 20 - October 11 Oakwood Country Club - Palms October 11 - November 6 Oakwood Country Club - Sonoran October 11 - November 6 Ocotillo Golf Club - Blue September 20 – October 4

Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club Maricopa

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AZ Golf Insider Digital Edition - SEPTEMBER 2021

Ocotillo Golf Club - Gold October 5 – October 19 Ocotillo Golf Club - White October 20 - November 5 Orange Tree Golf Club September 26 - October 8 Oro Valley Country Club October 4 - October 26 Painted Mountain Golf Resort September 20 - September 30 PalmBrook Country Club Call the Course Palm Valley Golf Club - North October 14 – November 3 Palm Valley Golf Club - South October 14 – November 3 Palm Valley Golf Club - West October 14 – November 3 Palo Verde Country Club - Sun Lakes October 6 - October 20 Palo Verde Golf Club September 27 - October 18 Papago Golf Course October 4 - October 23 Paradise Valley Country Club October 11 - November 2 Paradise Valley Park Golf Course October 4 - October 19 Payson Golf Course Does Not Overseed Pebblebrook Golf Club - Sun City West July 21 - July 27 PebbleCreek - Eagles Nest Golf Club October 4 - October 24 PebbleCreek - Tuscany Falls - East October 11 - October 31 PebbleCreek - Tuscany Falls - West September 27 - October 17 Peoria Pines Golf & Restaurant October 6 - October 16 The Phoenician Golf Club September 26 - October 16 Phoenix Country Club October 4 - October 29 The Pine Canyon Club Does Not Overseed Pine Shadows Does Not Overseed

SEPTEMBER 2021

Pinetop Country Club Does Not Overseed Pinetop Lakes Golf & Country Club Does Not Overseed Pinewood Country Club Does Not Overseed Pinnacle Peak Country Club September 27 - October 22 Poston Butte Golf Club October 4 - October 23 Prescott Golf Club Does Not Overseed Preserve Golf Club - Preserve October 11 - October 31 Preserve Golf Club - Mountain September 27 - October 10 Pueblo del Sol Golf Club Call the Course Pueblo El Mirage September 27 - October 18 Quail Creek Country Club - Coyote September 20 - October 12 Quail Creek Country Club - Quail September 20 - October 12 Quail Creek Country Club - Roadrunner September 20 - October 12 Quail Run Golf Club - Sun City September 27 - October 16 Quailwood Greens Does Not Overseed Quarry Pines Golf Club September 16 - October 2 Queen Valley Golf Club Call the Course Quintero Golf and Country Club September 20 - October 15 Rancho Manana Golf Club September 13 - October 3 Randolph North Golf Course September 19 - October 1 Raven Golf Club - Phoenix October 4 - October 22 Red Mountain Ranch Country Club September 26 - October 15 Refuge Golf Club Does Not Overseed The Rim Club Does Not Overseed

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Rio Verde Country Club - Quail Run October 18 - November 12 Rio Verde Country Club - White Wing October 4 - October 25 Riverview Golf Course - Bullhead City September 9 - September 28 Robson Ranch Golf Club October 1 - October 30 Rolling Hills - Tempe October 4 - October 15 Rolling Hills- Tucson October 6 - October 26 Royal Palms Golf Course September 26 - October 11 SaddleBrooke Golf Club - Catalina September 20 - October 10 SaddleBrooke Golf Club - SaddleBrooke October 4 - October 24 SaddleBrooke Golf Club - Tucson September 27 - October 17 Saddlebrooke Ranch Golf Club September 27 - October 18 San Ignacio Golf Club September 30 - October 17 San Marcos Golf & Country Club September 27 - October 13 San Pedro Golf Course September 20 - October 7 Scottsdale National Golf Club - Bad Little Nine Does Not Overseed Scottsdale National Golf Club - Mine Shaft Does Not Overseed Scottsdale National Golf Club - The Other Course Does Not Overseed Scottsdale Silverado Golf Club September 19 - October 3 Sedona Golf Resort Does Not Overseed Seven Canyons Golf Club Does Not Overseed Seville Golf & Country Club October 11 - November 6 Sewailo Golf Club September 20 - October 11 Silver Creek Golf Club Does Not Overseed Silverbell Golf Course September 19 - October 2

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The Silverleaf Club October 1 - November 1 Skyline Country Club September 20 - October 19 Snowflake Golf Course Does Not Overseed Springfield Golf Club October 4 - October 19 Stardust Golf Club - Sun City West Opens October 19 Starfire Golf Club - The King Front 9 September 26 - October 11 Starfire Golf Club - The King Back 9 September 12 - September 27 Starfire Golf Club - Mulligan Nine October 11 - October 25 Starr Pass Golf Club - Coyote September 20 - October 4 Starr Pass Golf Club - Rattler October 25 - November 13 Starr Pass Golf Club - Roadrunner October 7 - October 25 Sterling Grove Golf and Country Club October 11 - November 1 The Stone Canyon Club September 26 - October 28 Stonecreek Golf Club October 4 - October 16 Stoneridge Golf Course Does Not Overseed Sun City Country Club September 27 - October 21 Sun City Lakes East Golf Club October 18 - November 6 Sun City Lakes West Golf Club September 27 - October 16 Sun City North Golf Club September 27 - October 16 Sun City Riverview Golf Club October 18 - November 6 Sun City South Golf Club October 18 - November 6 Sun Lakes Country Club October 11 - November 1 Sunbird Golf Club October 9 - October 26 Sundance Golf Club Overseed Complete

AZ Golf Insider Digital Edition - SEPTEMBER 2021

Sunland Springs Golf Club - Four Peaks Call the Course Sunland Springs Golf Club - San Tan Call the Course Sunland Springs Golf Club - Superstition Call the Course Sunland Village East October 10 - October 29 Sunland Village Golf Club October 3 - October 14 Sunridge Canyon Golf Club August 1 - October 1 Superstition Mountain Golf Club - Lost Gold October 9 - November 5 Superstition Mountain Golf Club - Prospector September 13 - October 8 Superstition Springs Golf Club October 4 - October 16 Talking Rock Golf Club Does Not Overseed Talking Stick Golf Club - O’Odham October 17 - November 14 Talking Stick Golf Club - Piipaash September 26 - October 14 Tatum Ranch Golf Club October 4 - October 22 Terravita Golf Club October 4 - October 29

The Club at Prescott Lakes Does Not Overseed The Views Golf Club September 20 - October 11 Tierra Grande Country Club Call the Course Toka Sticks Golf Club October 13 - November 5 Tonto Verde - Peaks Course October 4 - October 29 Tonto Verde - Ranch Course September 13 - October 11 Torreon Golf Club - Cabin Course Does Not Overseed Torreon Golf Club - Tower Course Does Not Overseed Torres Blancas Golf Club September 7 - September 20 TPC Scottsdale - Champions September 20 - October 4 TPC Scottsdale - Stadium October 4 - October 23 Trail Ridge - Sun City West September 23 - October 19 Trilogy Golf Club at Power Ranch October 11 - October 29 Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia September 27 - October 15

Eagle Mountain Golf Club Fountain Hills

SEPTEMBER 2021

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Troon Country Club October 11 - November 2 Troon North Golf Club - Monument October 7 - October 22 (Closed October 3-7) Troon North Golf Club - Pinnacle September 19 - October 7 (Closed October 3-7) Tubac Golf Club - Anza October 18 - November 14 Tubac Golf Club - Otero September 6 - September 26 Tubac Golf Club - Rancho September 27 - October 17 Tucson Country Club October 4 - October 28 Tucson National Golf Club - Catalina October 4 - October 25 Tucson National Golf Club - Sonoran September 20 - October 11 Tucson Estates Golf Club September 27 - October 11 Twin Lakes Golf Club October 4 - October 30 Union Hills Golf and Country Club October 12 - October 29 Valle Vista Country Club Does Not Overseed Ventana Canyon Golf Club - Canyon September 20 - October 10 Ventana Canyon Golf Club - Mountain October 11 - October 30 Verde River Golf & Social Club October 11 - October 29 Verrado Golf Club - Founder’s Course October 9 - October 28 Verrado Golf Club - Victory Course September 20 - October 8 Viewpoint Golf Resort September 30 - October 21 We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - Cholla October 11 - October 28

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We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - Saguaro October 4 - October 21 Westbrook Village - Lakes October 18 - November 6 Westbrook Village - Vistas October 4 - October 23 Western Skies Golf Club October 17 - October 30 Whirlwind Golf Club - Cattail October 11 - October 28 Whirlwind Golf Club - Devil’s Claw September 20 - October 7 Whisper Rock Golf Club - Lower Call the Course Whisper Rock Golf Club - Upper Call the Course White Mountain Country Club October 18 - October 31 Wickenburg Country Club September 13 - October 1 Wickenburg Ranch – Lil’ Wick October 18 - November 4 Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club October 4 - October 25 Wigwam Golf Club - Blue September 27 - October 17 Wigwam Golf Club - Gold October 11 - October 31 Wigwam Golf Club - Red September 20 - October 10 Wildfire Golf Club - Faldo October 11 - November 5 Wildfire Golf Club - Palmer September 20 - October 11 WillowBrook Golf Club September 27 - October 16 Willowcreek Golf Club- Sun City October 18 - November 6 Yuma Golf & Country Club November 1 - November 18

AZ Golf Insider Digital Edition - SEPTEMBER 2021

Preparing for Winter Playability at

Cholla’s second hole is a winding, double-dogleg par-5 which requires excellent placement on every shot off the tee and on approach to score.

Editor’s Note: With Arizona’s Peak Golf Season rapidly approaching, our friends at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club in Fort McDowell gave us an inside look into the preparations undertaken by one of the top 36-hole facilities in the region. There is a lot more to learn than meets the eye. Enjoy! ~ David Bataller, AZ GOLF Insider Editor in Chief

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AZ Golf Insider Digital Edition - SEPTEMBER 2021

by Ben Reynolds

Player-Experience Coordinator - We-Ko-Pa Golf Club

We want our players and guests to have the experience they’re looking for and something that matches the value of the land itself and creates a unique test based on each player’s unique playing ability. But we also want the golf experience to remain at the same, extremely high level regardless of the season. Simply bringing a tee box up further in the winter could actually make the landing zone much tighter, which, for resort guests, will make for a less enjoyable round. For the championship player, a dead-solid-perfect, 300-yard drive in the summer might roll out to only 285 yards and instead of carrying that bunker, the player is now penalized for hitting their best shot. Without careful consideration of all these variables and a player-first mindset, the experience could differ from season to season.

On overall playability at We-Ko-Pa: The Cholla course – coming up on its 20th anniversary in December – embodies some of architect Scott Miller’s favorite design philosophies. Traditional landing zones are relatively large. Trouble is easily identified, well defined and not terribly penalizing. And if players don’t feel comfortable over the ball and want the added benefit of a bail-out area, they can usually find it fairly easily. Cholla is more “traditional desert golf” than its Saguaro counterpart. There are some forced caries and clear landing areas – especially on par-5 second shots. Unlike other Scott Miller tracks, however, Cholla is not an ultra-forgiving “resort” course. Players will have to pick their spots.

One of the more interesting things about Cholla is there is always a “tiger line” in that every tee shot presents a risk/reward opportunity cut a corner. You can always play to the middle

Overseeding season is upon us, and golf courses throughout the Southwest and other Southern regions are preparing for milder temperatures, dormant bermudagrass and lush, deep-emerald rye fairways. The resulting iconic two-toned grass pattern players are accustomed to here in an Arizona winter represent not only a change in aesthetics of the golf course, but also a possible change in playability of the golf course if left unattended. Winter grasses, timely shadows and cooler temperatures affect the player experience in an understated, yet noticeable way. And to ensure each player who steps on the first tee has an unparalleled experience, the agronomy team and course operators make subtle changes to their day-to-day operations – and the golf course – to match the shift in season and deliver consistent playability throughout the entire year.

Especially in the winter, the agronomy staff picks up extra responsibilities. They are not only charged with creating and maintaining exceptional playing conditions that match the uninterrupted serenity of the untouched Sonoran Desert for which We-Ko-Pa is known. They also must think about how seasonal changes affect how a player interacts with the course itself during the round. Winter temperatures affect how far the ball will carry which impacts landing zones. Dormant bermuda surrounding bunkers will affect how often a ball will roll into the hazard. And shorter playing windows due to seasonal changes in daylight condenses the playing window which puts extra pressure on the fairways. Operators and greenskeepers must account for all of that.

The best example of these subtle changes is how we choose to setup the tee boxes and how the courses play from each set. The tees from which many resort guests and snowbirds play are roughly a combined 1,000 yards from the back tees by the time the round is over. It would be easy to just move everything up and take all the teeth out of the course for those playing from the forward tees, but that experience isn’t exactly what players are looking for at We-Ko-Pa. Sure, shorter holes make for a more manageable round, but We-Ko-Pa Golf Club golf wouldn’t be fun if it was easy. If the round isn’t an interesting challenge and an Seasonal changes affect more than just grass, as seen by the shadows cast by excellent walk in the park, it won’t match the setting western sun on the ninth hole of the Cholla Course. the value players expect from We-Ko-Pa.

SEPTEMBER 2021

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bunker is eating up a lot of C+ tee shots” and we took it in a little bit on the left side so more shots ended up in the fairway, that hole would lose some of the charm and thousand-year-old natural flow that makes the property so wonderful and popular.

Another non-typical thing for Scottsdale golf you’ll find at We-Ko-Pa’s Saguaro course – Links-style design. The course is built for walking and guests can play any shot you would normally play on the East coast, like low runners.

Lonna Tucker Players won’t be penalized too badly for missing greens Cholla’s eighth hole is a downhill, dogleg-right par- 5 with extraordinary views. A well-placed by a few feet and, the approtee shot gives players a greatat chance to get home in two. priate shot shaping will serve you well on Saguaro. or layup, and players will have a great time if that’s their style. There are a few extra scoring The routing and playing-style differences opportunities out there, however, if you can cut between Cholla and Saguaro are noticeable, but a few corners while staying in the fairway. the commitment to an unbelievable experience, and attention to detail, is the same throughout On the Saguaro side, the first time out can the entire property, regardless of season. And as present a little change-up for people who are we inch closer and closer to yet another incredeither used to traditional desert golf, or they ible winter golf season here in the Valley of the haven’t played a Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw Sun, let’s not forget the exceptional work – from design before. We try at all times to keep that exceptional people – that goes into creating an wonderful, natural aesthetic the prolific design unforgettable round. duo worked so hard to build into the property without letting it get so overgrown it loses the reason for it in the first place. There’s a sweet spot there we’re constantly checking and rechecking.

On Saguaro, we strive for the intended, seamless transition from fairway to rough, rough to trouble and trouble to natural desert. We work tirelessly to make sure it plays how it was intended to play and looks like it was indented to look regardless of season. Coore and Crenshaw didn’t move any dirt to complete the design on Saguaro, so the dips, turns, arroyos and elevation changes have Lonna Tucker been there for hundreds if not thousands of years. If we The view from the green on Saguaro’s eleventh hole offers dramatic views of Red Mountain in the came out and said “well, this distance, the untouched Sonoran Desert and the adjacent We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort.

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AZ Golf Insider Digital Edition - SEPTEMBER 2021

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The AGA Collection and more with Member Benefit Code: AGA21 SHOP THE COLLECTION

Studio Master Fitter Joe Pike (left) looks on as AGA Member Matt Walls hits balls during a recent Driver Fitting at a PGA TOUR Superstore Studio in Scottsdale. The PGA TOUR Superstore Studio is giving AGA Members a free Iron Fitting. Show proof of membership and book by 9/30/2021.

FIT LIFE AT THE

by David Bataller

AZ GOLF Insider Editor in Chief

We all want to play our best golf possible, every time we step on the course. We also know this never happens, but we’ll do anything to get that certain competitive edge over our buddies.

Enter the PGA TOUR Superstore Studio.

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including Trackman software in every hitting bay, as well as the latest equipment from all major manufacturers, the Studio helps players get fit into the clubs that best work for their respective swings. From driver to fairway woods, irons to wedges, and all the way to the putter - every club

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in your bag can be fit to your game.

The Arizona Golf Association decided to give one of its members a Driver Fitting, to see exactly what goes on in one of these sessions. Matt Walls of Scottsdale plays to a 16.2 handicap index, and has recently invested more time and resources into improving as a player. When the dust cleared from his fitting, he gained 30 yards of carry and 50 yards of total distance, just from swinging a driver built to his swing. All data from the fitting was then sent via email for future reference.

The following is an interview with Walls and Joe Pike, the Master Fitter at the PGA TOUR Superstore’s Shea and 101 location in Scottsdale.

There is also a PGA TOUR Superstore Studio at Scottsdale Road and Mayo Blvd.

AZ Golf Insider Digital Edition - SEPTEMBER 2021

Before arriving at PGA TOUR Superstore, what did you think a fitting entailed?

Matt Walls: I thought it would be trying out a couple different heads and different shafts then look at the tracers, and just going with whatever numbers were best. I wasn’t expecting to learn so much about my swing and how it (negatively) affected performance.

What were you hoping to get out of the fitting? Any specific goals?

MW: I have a tendency to slice and that gets me in a lot of trouble. While I didn’t expect a fitting to fix my swing, I hoped to see more balls in play than my current driver and a little extra distance never hurts. I was really curious to see whether I was playing the proper loft and shaft flex. I’d been noticing at the driving range that, with my gamer, the ball seemed to fall out of the air with little roll. I tried dialing down the loft on my driver and moving the ball more forward or back in my stance, but I wasn’t seeing any real improvement in flight.

Joe Pike: This is a really key aspect of club fitting. As the fitter, we really want to know what your goals are, and trying to be specific while realistic. Matt mentioned the ball was going really high, and would often plug in the fairway.

He also mentioned the huge slice, and not many balls in play. The next part is letting Matt get warm, and then hit his driver to see if we are getting a similar result inside on the simulator as we are outside. Once we did see that, it is

“The progression was really fun to experience. I went from my gamer with underwhelming results to something that was tuned for my swing.”

-- Matt Walls

very important to me personally to help educate my client as to the “Why & How” we are getting these results, and what we are going to do with the equipment in order to change the results.

What were your first impressions?

MW: First off, the studio looks amazing and impressive. After a few swings with my gamer, Joe could see the challenges ahead. We discussed my preference in appearance, address, club weight, sound, and feel off the face. We also discussed brand preference and we started out with what I wanted to try first (Ping G425 and TaylorMade Sim2 Max). When Joe selected the next club head, we saw a big change in swing data, which instilled a lot of confidence in him for me.

JP: It is really important to note: We are not biased toward any brand.

We fit the golfer with the equipment that best suits them. Sometimes it is the brand they prefer, sometimes it isn’t. Everything is about the data from a performance standpoint. The final contest comes down to customer preferences (Looks, Sound, Feel, A drawer of driver heads containing variations of models from multiple brands. In Price).

Matt Walls’ fitting, he hit balls with six different driver head/shaft combinations.

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along with the data. It was very easy to provide feedback after a couple shots with a new setup.

By just answering some simple questions Joe worked through a large array of models and shafts.

JP: Feedback is the most important thing here. Customers don’t need to know all the terminology, this is very basic input here. “Heavy, light, very soft and flexible, very firm and harsh.”

Nothing needs to be over detailed. We know most of our customers are 8-20 handicap golfers. Very rarely do we get a tour player or elite level amateur. While we can take care of an elite player, there are just much more 20-handicap golfers than Scratch golfers.

What was your favorite part of the entire process?

MW: The progression was really fun to experience. I went from my gamer with underwhelming results to something that was tuned for my swing (including any flaws). I also learned a ton about the physics of the golf ball - I could see how the changes in spin rate, height, and landing angle greatly improved my results.

JP: Education is key. Learning about how and the why. However, not every client wants to get that in depth and we skim the surface.

What surprised you the most about the entire process?

MW: The results! My average carry distance went up 30 yards and average total distance went up 50 yards! We also tightened the dispersion. I went from a 9.5* stiff to a new driver tuned to my swing at 7.25*, 1.5* upright and extra stiff shaft - which had very different characteristics from my gamer. The results were dramatic.

JP: I want to make sure this is clear: These results are possible, but are not always the case. Matt’s results are above average.

How comfortable are you with the conclusions you reached with your fitter?

MW: Extremely comfortable. Joe took the time to explain the data to me, what the impact was on ball flight and distance, and narrowed it down to two clubs. While one club did have better numbers, it just didn’t pass the eye test for me. We talked Joe Pike (right) explains data recorded by Trackman during Matt Walls’ about having confidence in the club while Driver Fitting. Pike says communication is a crucial aspect of the process.

When going through the fitting, what stood out to you about the process?

MW: Joe made the entire process really easy to figure out what I liked - appearance at address, weight, feel, and anything else I liked. As the fitting progressed, Joe started narrowing down lofts, shaft weight, and clubheads, and we progressed to a point where he was trying to fine-tune everything. I think I went through about six different clubs until we found one I liked and worked from a data standpoint. As we starting comparing the data from my gamer to the new models I was trying, it was really shocking to see the difference. Distance (both carry and total) were up, but more importantly, I was getting more shots that would be in play.

JP: Every golfer dreams of longer and straighter results. This doesn’t always happenIn Matt’s case getting him straighter actually increased his distance substantially. Remember, a ball in play is much more important than hitting one longer and crooked. We hate seeing “$4 swings” indicating a 1 swing O.B. lost ball. No penalty strokes is the fastest way to cut strokes off your score.

How much were you able to give feedback during the process?

MW: I basically was just able to tell Joe what I liked about the club - like appearance, feeling off the face, and if it felt too light or heavy. From there, Joe just took my feedback and ran with it

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AZ Golf Insider Digital Edition - SEPTEMBER 2021

standing over it, and that it you can’t rely on the numbers one-hundred percent of the time.

At the end of the day, I have to be comfortable with the club in hand.

JP: This is the goal of every fitting!

Overall, were you happy with your fitting?

MW: Extremely happy. First I learned a ton about my swing. Seeing all the numbers (spin rate, landing angle, smash factor) helped me understand how my gamer was underperforming, and that my swing didn’t match up with my club. I walked out the door with a driver that instilled confidence, had big improvements in all areas and moved me closer to hitting optimal numbers.

Would you recommend the process to another golfer looking to get dialed in with any part of their golf bag?

MW: Absolutely. I always felt I wasn’t playing up to my potential driving numbers and a poor swing is the culprit. But the fitting showed I could make substantial improvements with playing the right club. I can’t imagine ever buying another club without going through a studio fitting.

SEPTEMBER 2021

Joe Pike (right) sifts through data from six different drivers used by Matt Walls during his fitting. All data was emailed directly to Matt.

CLICK HERE to book* an AGA Member Exclusive offer of a FREE IRON FITTING ($99 Value!) *Must show proof of membership. Book by 9/30/2021

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Luxurious Living Right on the Golf Course

Acclaimed golf courses with breathtaking views.

Imagine stepping from your back door onto a Jack Nicklaus designed fairway just steps away from the first tee. Now you can make your dreams a reality. Golf course homes and homesites are currently available with views of the 27-hole course at The Golf Club at Dove Mountain and the two 18-hole courses at The Gallery Golf Club.

Expertly crafted homes within a resort-lifestyle community.

Dove Mountain’s preferred builders offer available luxury homes or will help you create a new home.

You can choose from one- to seven-acre homesites within this stunning resort-lifestyle community, which features 50+ miles of Tortolita Mountain trails, the amentities of the 5-star Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain Resort & Spa, and all just minutes from downtown Tucson.

Learn more about the Dove Mountain community at DoveMountain.com or call 520.572.8000.

Dove Mountain’s new golf course homes now available Dove Mountain is excited to announce the opening of a new neighborhood with golf course homes by Fairfield Homes. Fairfield Homes is a much soughtafter Southern Arizona builder widely known for its elegant homes designed and created to capture stunning golf course, mountain, Sonoran Desert landscape and sunsets views.

Golf course luxury homes.

Fairfield Homes has 61 golf course lots available and offers three popular floorplans, as well as semito full-customization options including RV garages available on select models. Home prices start at $601K and residences offer 3-6 bedrooms, 2.5 to 4.5 bathrooms, 3-5 vehicle garages, and a square footage range of 2700-3795.

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A stately entry door, tall ceilings, glass sliders and elegant tile flooring throughout lead to a stunning kitchen with granite slab countertops, lavish bathrooms and spacious bedrooms. The homes continue to make a statement through every window where gorgeous desert views are on display from dawn to dusk.

Enjoy this elevated lifestyle community.

At Dove Mountain we are proud to offer a variety of luxury lifestyle selections with home prices beginning in the high $200Ks. What our neighborhoods all share is a fantastic location at the foot of the Tortolita Mountains that affords residents privacy, serenity, breathtaking scenery and an abundance of outdoor recreation, not to mention access to the world-class amenities of the 5-star Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain Resort & Spa.

Learn more about the Dove Mountain community at DoveMountain.com or call 520.572.8000.

TOURNAMENT

RECAP

Take a look at the latest leaderboards of AGA Championships!

SOUTHERN AMATEUR The Gallery Golf Club (North) - Marana, Ariz.

OPEN DIVISION Pos. Player R1 R2 F 1 Jake Carlson 72 67 -5 2 Reece Nilsen 67 74 -3 3 Kyle Peterson 68 74 -2 4 Ryan Tjeerdsma 73 70 -1 T5 Greg Cesarek 72 73 1 T5 Grant Cesarek 72 73 1 T5 Raymond Gresalfi 72 73 1 T5 Jando Hernandez 70 75 1 T9 Brett Rinker 75 71 2 T9 Sean O’Donnell 70 76 2 T11 Tyler Wooldridge 73 74 3 T11 Brett Howard 69 78 3 T11 Frankie Lin 74 73 3 T14 Erik Andersen 80 68 4 T14 Warner Beach 75 73 4 T16 Beckett Carlson 75 74 5 T16 Garrett Olson 74 75 5 T18 Shankar Natarajan 72 78 6 T18 Jonathan Curran 68 82 6 T20 Jake Davison 73 78 7

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Jake Carlson’s final round -5 (67) proved to be the difference, erasing a five-stroke deficit to claim the Southern Amateur Open Division.

T20 David Scott 71 80 7 T22 Simon Trebon 74 78 8 T22 Joey Degroff 73 79 8 T22 Andy Knoll 73 79 8 T22 Samuel Salisbury 73 79 8 T26 Matthew Fimbres 71 82 9 T26 Gavin Defisser 74 79 9 T28 Ajay Morris 79 75 10 T28 Travis Bailey 77 77 10 T28 Jack Algya 75 79 10 T28 Abe Candelaria 75 79 10 T32 Kendall McCain 80 75 11 T32 Ryan Pelletier 79 76 11 T34 Rod Kasperson 80 76 12 T34 James Phillips 79 77 12 T34 Taylor Loken 78 78 12

AZ Golf Insider Digital Edition - SEPTEMBER 2021

T34 Gatjeak Gew 77 79 12 T38 Connor Wierman 83 74 13 T38 Jordan Bastian 81 76 13 T38 Matt Powell 73 84 13 41 Jacob Dinkel 80 78 14 T42 Matt Neils 83 76 15 T42 Matthew Peterson 87 72 15 T42 Charlie Curtis 81 78 15 T42 Micheal Cowan 79 80 15 T42 Tanner Olson 84 75 15 T42 Alejandro De Zavala 76 83 15 T48 Kyle McCain 84 76 16 T48 Brent Landen 79 81 16 T48 Trueman Park 73 87 16 T51 Chris Felix 82 80 18 T51 Zach Smith 81 81 18 T51 Wade Henry 74 88 18 54 Matthew Gomez 78 85 19 T55 Fernando Astiazaran 81 83 20 T55 Caden Truelick 80 84 20 T55 Mason Quagliata 83 81 20 T55 Matt Bergstrom 78 86 20 T55 Rob Stratton 78 86 20 60 Jacob Bastian 84 81 21 61 Kyle Penny 85 82 23 62 Jason Mcglone 82 86 24 63 Johnse Good 74 95 25 64 Eric Hansen 83 87 26 T65 David Fairley 80 93 29 T65 Justin Galvez 77 96 29 67 Brendan Quinn 88 86 30 T68 Johnny Harman 95 80 31 T68 Payne Moses 86 89 31 T68 Kyle Price 85 90 31 T71 James Hamilton 86 91 33 T71 Nick White 84 93 33 T73 Kristian Osuna 93 85 34 T73 Julian Ophals 91 87 34

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75 Max Engel 76 Jason Galvez 77 Loudin Haspert 78 Tanner Lowry

89 90 35 87 94 37 94 90 40 98 94 48

MASTERS DIVISION Pos. Player 1 Paige Peterson T2 Eric Goldapske T2 Scott Smith 4 Sean Omalley 5 Chad Hossack 6 Trevor Hopkins 7 Jason Watton 8 Tom Sinak 9 Kevin Hoskins

R1 R2 F 74 74 4 77 72 5 71 78 5 78 74 8 79 75 10 84 71 11 87 78 21 84 85 25 87 86 29

Paige Peterson’s back-to-back rounds of +2 (74) were just enough to win the Southern Amateur Masters Division by a shot.

SENIOR DIVISION Pos. Player 1 Brad Wayment 2 Marc Apps T3 Steve Geesling T3 David Galbraith 5 John Schaller

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R1 R2 F 72 74 2 75 73 4 76 74 6 72 78 6 82 71 9

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6 Jeff Benton 7 Clay Baldwin T8 Bruce Pape T8 Jorge Reza 10 Steve Zalewski 11 Ray Plewa 12 Craig Bauley 13 Dave Darling 14 Mike Defisser

79 75 10 74 81 11 82 74 12 79 77 12 78 80 14 87 77 20 80 85 21 99 88 43 105 105 66

ARIZONA WOMEN’S MID-AMATEUR Talking Stick Golf Club (O’odham) - Scottsdale, Ariz.

Pos. Player R1 1 Mari Miezwa 74 2 Breinnan Kribel 78 T3 Kimberly Eaton 77 T3 Tui Selvaratnam 76 5 Mia Yohe 77 6 Robin Krapfl 81 7 Samantha Postillion 75 T8 Judy Penman 84 T8 Shelby Martinek 73 10 Katerina Prorokova 78 11 Teri Hoeft 83 12 Carol Martin 89 13 Donna Spencer 104

R2 72 74 83 80 80 78 84 77 84 84 86 88 96

R3 73 72 73 77 77 81 83 82 86 82 85 80 99

F 9 14 23 23 24 30 32 33 33 34 44 47 89

Brad Wayment’s first-round E (72) was enough cushion to hold off a stacked leaderboard in the Senior Divison of the Southern Amateur.

LEGENDS DIVISION Pos. Player R1 R2 F 1 Charlie Horn 71 72 -1 2 Frank Ellenburg 75 71 2 3 Murph Mitchell 75 72 3 4 Jeffrey Zieky 72 76 4 5 Steve Whitehead 76 73 5 T6 Rich Morrison 78 73 7 T6 Steve Russell 74 77 7 8 Bob Burton 76 76 8 9 Tim Blau 82 73 11 10 Brad Starr 81 76 13 11 Warren Cohen 82 79 17 12 Melvin Jorgenson 80 84 20

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Charlie Horn’s outstanding 71-72 was good enough for -1 overall, and a three-shot win over Frank Ellenburg in the Legends Division.

AZ Golf Insider Digital Edition - SEPTEMBER 2021

Mari Miezwa’s steady 74-72-73 helped her defend her Arizona Women’s Mid-Am title at Talking Stick Golf Club’s O’odham Course.

ARIZONA MEN’S MID-AMATEUR Talking Stick Golf Club (O’odham) - Scottsdale, Ariz.

Pos. Player R1 R2 R3 F 1 Bryan Hoops 66 65 68 -11 2 Adam Walicki 69 68 67 -6 T3 Michael Garden 70 72 63 -5 T3 Kristoffer Marshall 74 66 65 -5 5 Joey Pirmann 72 67 68 -3 T6 Micheal Martin 75 70 63 -2 T6 Shankar Natarajan 72 68 68 -2 T8 John Bearrie 71 71 67 -1 T8 Tom Meissner 70 69 70 -1 T8 Kurt Watkins 69 69 71 -1 11 Brett Howard 70 70 71 1 T12 Travis Childress 71 72 70 3 T12 Abe Candelaria 69 73 71 3 T12 Mike Wagner 68 68 77 3 T15 Jesse Lawrence 73 70 71 4 T15 Matt Andrews 72 70 72 4

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T15 T18 T18 T18 T18 T18 T23 T23 T23 T23 T23 T28 T28 T28 T28 32 T33 T33 T33 T36 T36 T36 T36 T36 T41 T41 T41

Tyler Wooldridge 72 70 Jimin Yoo 76 70 Taylor Loken 72 73 Sean O’Donnell 72 72 Clint Oleson 75 68 Ellison Keomaka 70 71 Will Evans 76 70 Sahand Vahilzadeh 74 71 Matthew McDougall 74 70 Kaden Larkey 70 70 Matt Neils 70 70 David Scott 74 72 Mike Davidson 74 71 Matthew Riggs 75 68 Jim Ignoffo 69 73 Ryan Pelletier 76 71 Joe Lucidi 75 72 Ryan Tjeerdsma 72 73 Steve Harsha 74 70 Jimmy Hilton 75 73 Paul Brown 75 72 Jarrett Foote 73 73 Ted Elliott 73 73 Tom Sinak 73 72 Grant Cesarek 72 76 David Honerkamp 74 73 Alec Miller 72 74

72 69 70 71 72 74 70 71 72 76 76 71 72 74 75 71 72 74 75 72 73 74 74 75 73 74 75

4 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 8 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 11 11 11

Defending Champion Bryan Hoops’ three consecutive rounds in the mid-60’s earned a second straight Arizona Mid-Am title

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T41 45 T46 T46 T46 T46 T46 T51 T51 T51 T54 T54 T54 T54 T58 T58 60

Sean St. Clair 73 Jim Lieberthal 75 Clay Baldwin 73 Ryan Carr 74 Brent Landen 74 Brian Roser 72 Christopher Large 73 Geoff Olohan 77 Matthew Gomez 71 Randy Jacobus 74 Cameron Brady 75 Al Thompson 75 Joshua Escobedo 75 Travis Kalis 75 Rob Stratton 74 Ian Tucker 76 Rod Kasperson 74

72 73 77 76 75 75 73 72 76 70 75 75 74 69 75 73 73

76 74 73 73 74 76 77 75 77 80 77 77 78 83 79 79 82

The following players did not make the cut

Ben Bradford 77 74 - John DelBrocco 78 73 - Micheal Leonard 80 71 - Jordan Sayler 79 72 - Johnse Good 77 75 - Sean Griswold 75 77 - Chris Ichelson 74 78 - Gabe Ramos 79 73 - Tyler Rizzo 71 81 - John Turyn 74 78 - Christopher Dupuis 81 72 - Mitchell Stevens 75 78 - Blake Christianson 77 77 - Steve Mindak 80 74 - Eric Hansen 77 78 - Ty Hawkinson 77 78 - Jeff New 75 80 - Stephan Quartarone 80 75 - Scott Archuleta 77 79 - Jacob Dinkel 81 75 -

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11 12 13 13 13 13 13 14 14 14 17 17 17 17 18 18 19

11 11 11 11 12 12 12 12 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 16

Kyler Kearns 80 Jon Kemp 78 Bruce Pape 78 Jack Algya 77 Michael Dugan 80 Steve Geesling 80 DeWayne Thompson 81 Camden Nierman 81 Clint Wagner 83 Mark Breyfogle 84 Steven Davis 81 Matthew Dwight 80 Robert Dykeman 78 Brandon Heflin 78 Ryan Henry 84 Patrick Kisomanga 81 Ryan Busbee 80 Gatjeak Gew 81 Michael Haberern 80 Kyle McCain 82 Keenan Steele 79 James Woods 85 Brian Herring 78 Steve Russell 84 Chad Evans 80 Dustin Semenza 80 Ben Walter 88 Jacob Bastian 79 Carl Digennaro 80 Zachary Grace 80 Andrew Atkinson 86 Matthew Peterson 79 Kyle Price 80 Sean Demeter 88 Reginald Mason II 80 Bryan Krueger 85 Blake Snyder 85 Brett Dolin 89 Adam Geis 83

AZ Golf Insider Digital Edition - SEPTEMBER 2021

76 - 78 - 78 - 80 - 77 - 77 - 76 - 77 - 75 - 75 - 78 - 79 - 81 - 81 - 75 - 78 - 80 - 79 - 80 - 78 - 81 - 75 - 83 - 77 - 82 - 82 - 75 - 85 - 84 - 84 - 79 - 86 85 78 - 87 - 83 - 83 - 80 - 88 -

16 16 16 17 17 17 17 18 18 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 20 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 24 24 24 25 25 25 26 27 28 28 29 31

AGA WOMEN’S STATE STROKE PLAY Quintero Golf Club - Peoria, Ariz.

CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT Pos. Player R1 1 Ashley Menne 69 2 Carolyn Fuller 73 3 Alexis Linam 70 4 Makenzie Cooper 72 5 Maya Benita 74 6 Lorel Hayward 79 7 Maisy Alsen 79 8 Katherine Wilson 83 T9 Meghan Singh 79 T9 Brooke Beyer 74 T11 Lucy Hansen 82 T11 Emily Shimkus 78 13 Taylor Harvey 84 14 Elizabeth Simmons 83 15 Nicole Ewing 83 T16 Kelsey Baker 80 T16 Reyna Hernandez 83 18 Belle Balkan 88 19 Sarah Hameed 86

R2 79 74 78 73 74 73 77 74 79 80 79 81 80 85 83 90 82 81 88

R3 70 72 74 78 76 78 76 78 82 86 80 82 79 78 82 79 84 88 84

F 2 3 6 7 8 14 16 19 24 24 25 25 27 30 32 33 33 41 42

FIRST FLIGHT Pos. Player 1 Sue OConnor 2 Judy Penman 3 Lauren Brown 4 Robin Krapfl 5 Shannon Mason 6 Kiersten Cole 7 Linda Jett

R1 80 78 77 78 85 84 88

R2 79 79 80 77 81 81 84

R3 72 77 80 83 75 86 81

F 15 18 21 22 25 35 37

R2 90 87 93 99 118

R3 84 91 101 113 106

F 43 49 95 100 108

SECOND FLIGHT Pos. Player 1 Mary Lines 2 Lisa Odonnell 3 Lynn Bileti 4 Tami Harmon 5 Sandra Jones

R1 85 87 117 104 100

CLICK HERE FOR FULL RESULTS FROM AGA TOURNAMENTS THROUGHOUT 2021!

ASU Sophomore Ashley Menne defended her Women’s State Stroke Play title with a one-shot win at Quintero Golf Club in Peoria.

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97TH ARIZONA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP Presented by Grayhawk Golf Club (Talon) - Scottsdale, Ariz.

STROKE PLAY QUALIFYING Pos. Player

R1 R2 F 1 Joseph Lloyd 68 65 -11 T2 Jake Chanen 66 69 -9 T2 Reece Nilsen 68 67 -9 T2 Evan White 68 67 -9 T5 Anawin Pikulthong 68 68 -8 T5 Ben Lorenz 65 71 -8 T7 Cade Anderson 65 73 -6 T7 Matthew Braley 67 71 -6 T9 Jonathan Walters 68 71 -5 T9 Charlie Palmer 69 70 -5 T9 Brett Howard 72 67 -5 T9 Jonathan Curran 71 68 -5 T9 Cameron Barzekoff 70 69 -5 T14 Zach Smith 66 74 -4 T14 Kobe Valociek 68 72 -4 T14 Blake Lorenz 70 70 -4 T14 Austin Quick 68 72 -4 T14 Kristoffer Marshall 68 72 -4 T19 Jimin Yoo 70 71 -3 T19 Mason Domecq 67 74 -3 T21 Shankar Natarajan 72 70 -2 T21 David Scott 69 73 -2 T21 Dylan Mattson 69 73 -2 T21 Greg Cesarek 72 70 -2 T21 Adam Miller 71 71 -2 T21 Johnny Walker 71 71 -2 T27 Michael Garden 73 70 -1 T27 Joey Pirmann 73 70 -1 T27 Tyler Wooldridge 68 75 -1 T27 Andy Knoll 70 73 -1

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Joseph Lloyd captured Stroke Play Qualifying Medalist honors for the second straight year, finishing -11 over the two rounds.

T27 Damon Vilkauskas 75 68 -1 32 Alec Sankey 68 76 E T33 Tyler Randol 71 74 1 T33 John Bearrie 69 76 1 T33 Zack Missigman 74 71 1 T33 Rio Newcombe 72 73 1 T33 J. J. Gresco 72 73 1 T33 Evan Chien 72 73 1 T33 Nick Kling 71 74 1 T33 Sean O’Donnell 73 72 1 T33 David Honerkamp 71 74 1 T33 Ryan Plitz 75 70 1 T43 Joe Lucidi 72 74 2 T43 Jake Carlson 73 73 2 T43 Warner Beach 72 74 2 T43 Nick Hedman 75 71 2 T43 Kenneth Kellaney 72 74 2

AZ Golf Insider Digital Edition - SEPTEMBER 2021

T43 Raymond Gresalfi 72 74 2 T43 Mason Quagliata 73 73 2 T43 Rylan Johnson 69 77 2 T51 Bj Workman 74 73 3 T51 Jack Algya 73 74 3 T51 Davis Johnson 73 74 3 T51 Kyle Peterson 69 78 3 T51 Nick Beach 74 73 3 T51 Matthew McDougall 75 72 3 T51 Erik Henrikson 74 73 3 T51 Carl Miltun 68 79 3 T51 Scott Schlader 76 71 3 T51 Will Evans 75 72 3 T51 Zachary McDermid 75 72 3 T62 Joey Geary 72 76 4 T62 Jeff New 70 78 4 T62 Rob McIver 71 77 4 The following players did not make the cut Jon Lindquist Jeff Benton Jesse Lawrence Michael Leonard Todd Sapiro Murph Mitchell Brad Wayment Mark Ewing Max Schwarz Cole Wilczek Andrew Augustyniak Garrett Olson Kaden Larkey Christopher Large Christopher Chomyn Adam Walicki Tom Meissner Sean Omalley Travis Kalis

73 78 73 72 73 69 75 71 74 76 74 74 74 77 75 72 72 76 75

75 70 75 76 75 79 73 77 74 73 75 75 75 72 74 77 77 73 75

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 6

SEPTEMBER 2021

Jacob Letman Drake Mendenhall Rob Stratton Jason Castles Matt Andrews Dalen Demary Matt Powell Simon Trebon Trevor Olkowski Riley Brown Rayce Mathews Brian Roser Ryan Pelletier Travis Bailey Matt Neils Joey Degroff Camden Braidech Steve Mindak Matthew Hirshberg Jordan Murray Gatjeak Gew Jake Davison Abe Candelaria Jando Hernandez Bruce Pape Paul Brown Grant Cesarek Caden Christopherson Zack Holesinger

72 76 77 77 79 75 73 72 75 74 74 76 73 79 77 72 78 74 76 73 77 78 75 80 75 72 77 76 75

78 74 73 73 71 75 77 79 76 77 77 75 78 72 75 80 74 78 76 79 76 75 78 73 78 81 76 78 79

6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 10 10

Austin Quick

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Ted Elliott Zach Frye Randy Jacobus Rod Kasperson Ryan Vickers Cyrus Whitney Steve Harsha David Cheung

80 80 85 79 78 81 86 92

84 84 79 86 88 87 82 86

20 20 20 21 22 24 24 34

MATCH PLAY - ROUND OF 64 Matthew Braley

Tim Blau Sean St. Clair Ben Yehle Alejandro De Zavala Dave Aarons Marc Apps Eric Goldapske Matthew Schwab Erik Andersen Samuel Salisbury Matt Gomez Ellison Keomaka Brent Landen David Charos James Russo Camron Howell James Donley Jett Isoda Bobby Byars Carl Juengst Russell May Allan Johnson Ray Plewa Tom Sinak Michael Cowan Brian Merdinger Tim Case

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73 78 78 73 81 76 79 77 78 71 79 78 78 81 86 79 79 83 80 80 76 77 81 77 78 85 77

81 76 76 81 74 79 76 78 78 85 77 78 79 76 71 78 79 75 79 79 84 83 79 84 84 77 86

10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 12 12 12 12 13 13 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 16 17 18 18 19

Zack Missigman def. Andy Knoll, 4&2 BJ Workman def. Zach Smith, 7&5 Jimin Yoo def. Nick Hedman, 1 Up Ben Lorenz def. Scott Schlader, 4&3 Evan Chien def. Michael Garden, 2&1 Brett Howard def. Kyle Peterson, 5&3 David Scott def. Joe Lucidi, 20 holes Reece Nilsen def. Rob McIver, 7&5 John Bearrie def. Damon Vilkauskas, 3&1 Kobe Valociek def. Rylan Johnson, 1 Up Kristoffer Marshall def. Kenneth Kellaney, 4&3 Carl Miltun def. Cade Anderson, 5&4 Johnny Walker def. Nick Kling, 5&4

Evan White

AZ Golf Insider Digital Edition - SEPTEMBER 2021

Nick Beach def. Charlie Palmer, 2&1 Ryan Plitz def. Dylan Mattson, 2&1 Jake Chanen def. Joey Geary, 7&5 Evan White def. Will Evans, 1 up Tyler Wooldridge def. Rio Newcombe, 5&3 Cameron Barzekoff def. Jack Algya, 4&3 Mason Domecq def. Warner Beach, 21 holes Anawin Pikulthong def. Zachary Mcdermid, 6&5 Joey Pirmann def. J.J. Gresco, 5&4 Davis Johnson def. Jonathan Curran, 1 Up Shankar Natarajan def. Jake Carlson, 4&2 Tyler Randol def. Alec Sankey, 1 Up Mason Quagliata def. Blake Lorenz, 3&2 Austin Quick def. Raymond Gresalfi, 3&2 Matthew Braley def. Erik Henrikson, 5&4 Adam Miller def. Sean O’Donnell, 3&2 Jonathan Walters def. Matthew McDougall, 4&3 Greg Cesarek def. David Honerkamp, 7&6 Joseph Lloyd def. Jeff New, 3&2

ROUND OF 32 Reece Nilsen def. Zack Missigman, 6&4 BJ Workman def. Jimin Yoo, 3&2 Ben Lorenz def. Evan Chien, 21 holes David Scott def. Brett Howard, 5&4 John Bearrie def. Jake Chanen, 25 holes Kristoffer Marshall def. Kobe Valociek, 3&2 Carl Miltun def. Johnny Walker, 2&1 Nick Beach def. Ryan Plitz, 4&3 Evan White def. Tyler Wooldridge, 20 holes Cameron Barzekoff def. Mason Domecq, 1 up Anawin Pikulthong def. Joey Pirmann, 2&1 Shankar Natarajan def. Davis Johnson, 2&1 Joseph Lloyd def. Tyler Randol, 19 holes Austin Quick def. Mason Quagliata, 2&1 Matthew Braley def. Adam Miller, 3&2 Greg Cesarek def. Jonathan Walters, 2&1

SEPTEMBER 2021

Reece Nilsen

ROUND OF 16 Reece Nilsen def. BJ Workman, 3&2 David Scott def. Ben Lorenz, 1 Up Kristoffer Marshall def. John Bearrie, 19 holes Carl Miltun def. Nick Beach, 1 Up Evan White def. Cameron Barzekoff, 4&3 Anawin Pikulthong def. Shankar Natarajan, 3&2 Austin Quick def. Joseph Lloyd, 2&1 Matthew Braley def. Greg Cesarek, 1 Up

ROUND OF 8 Reece Nilsen def. David Scott, 3&1 Evan White def. Anawin Pikulthong, 5&3 Austin Quick def. Matthew Braley, 2&1

ROUND OF 4 Evan White def. Austin Quick, 2&1 Kristoffer Marshall def. Reece Nilsen, 2&1

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CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH Kristoffer Marshall def. Evan White 2&1

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Located in Old Town, STK Scottsdale overlooks the waterfront where guests can enjoy delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails and an elevated Happy Hour, along with an in-house DJ and chic décor. STK’s menu features reimagined classic American cuisine and steaks for lunch, weekend brunch and dinner.

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Happy Hour is offered Monday – Friday from 3:00pm – 6.30pm and showcases half off-specialty cocktails and bites – a great after work treat to enjoy on our wrap around terrace. Looking for weekend plans? STK Scottsdale offers an exclusive weekend brunch featuring $30 bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Marys, Veuve Clicquot specials and brunch classics with a twist.

Coming soon this Fall, STK Scottsdale will reveal a 2nd floor rooftop terrace with stunning views of the waterfront – the perfect space for a private party or corporate event. STK Scottsdale offers a memorable fine dining experience that keeps guests enjoying their evening from drinks to dinner to late night and beyond.

STK has locations in Atlanta, Bellevue, Chicago, Denver, Doha, Dubai, Ibiza, Las Vegas, London (2), Los Angeles, Los Cabos Airport, Mexico City, Miami, Milan, Nashville, New York City (2), Orlando, San Diego, San Juan, Scottsdale, and Toronto. The company continues to expand globally.

For more information about STK Scottsdale or to make a reservation, please visit www.stksteakhouse. com or call (480) 581-517.

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PLAYERS’ CORNER

with David Bataller

NO RANGEFINDER? NO PROBLEM.

Welcome to the first installment of the Players’ Corner, Corner a section of the AZ Golf Insider Digital Edition discussing golf equipment generating a buzz, that may be of interest to the AGA Membership.

Our friends at Bushnell Golf wanted to get my unpaid, unbiased thoughts on two of their newest handheld GPS devices: The new Phantom 2 GPS, and the Wingman GPS Speaker. They must have known they had a couple winners.

The Phantom 2 has a large display with easily readable numbers, and is equipped with a BITE magnetic mount to attach to the side of the golf cart, making it usable even without holding. But with six distances to hazards and layups available at the push of a button, as well as a movable pin feature to dial in yardage even more, I found myself confidently hitting to distances without using a rangefinder, thus indirectly speeding up my round at Eagle Mountain Golf Club in Fountain Hills. Time is of the essence to my golf game, and I noticed the difference.

PHANTOM 2 GPS

As for the Wingman GPS Speaker, a quick download of the Bushnell Golf App, and then an easy Bluetooth connection to my phone, and I was synced to the same yardages as the Phantom 2. Its thick BITE magnetic mount kept it secure to my cart, even at more than seven inches tall and two pounds in weight. With the push of the remote button on top I was told my distance to the green. And that’s not even the most impressive part of the Wingman. The sound coming from the speakers is equal to some of the more popular Bluetooth speakers on the market - which can’t give me yardage to the signature 10th hole’s green. Very impressive.

I wish I could give our readers a negative about either of these GPS devices. But I don’t have one. Just don’t forget them on your cart at the end of the round! Take a look at the video below for a thorough visual description, or read up on them at bushnell.com. My recommendation: Give them a go. There’s so much technology at your fingertips. You won’t be disappointed. ~ D.B.

WINGMAN GPS SPEAKER

Time to Rediscover

Los Cab

Opened in 1979, Los Caballeros Golf Club in Wickenburg remains one of the icons of Arizona golf. Built back in the day of steel-shafted persimmon drivers, Los Cab was considered one of the longest courses in the State at just over 7000 yards.

However, even today Los Caballeros will hold its own against the big hitters with demanding par 5’s, unique push up greens and distracting panoramic views. The genius in the design is not the length but rather that anyone one can play it. Five sets of tees, grass from tee box to putting green, and no forced carries means you can roll any shot or many shots, and still have a swing at the next one - very unusual compared to today’s modern courses.

There is even more to Los Caballeros than meets the eye. Did you know you can stay right here at the historic Rancho de los Caballeros Inn, a dude ranch founded in 1948? Established as one

SEPTEMBER 2021

of the original dude ranches that earned Wickenburg the ‘Dude Ranch Capital of the World’, The Ranch was a long-time winter haven from anyone escaping the cold of winter to the north.

With 79 rooms, 80 head of dude string horses and 20,000 acres for exploring, skeet shooting, pool, spa, hiking trails and tennis there is something for the whole family to do before meeting for the American Plan dinner in the evening. Or, perhaps the day ends with a cookout in the desert! Either way, the Ranch has been doing it for more than 70 years and knows how to do it right.

Come to play or come to stay. Los Caballeros will get into your blood where just one experience is not enough. To see what you’ve been missing go to loscaballerosgolf.com and ranchodeloscaballeros.com - or give us a call in the golf shop at (928) 684-2704. We’ll tell you about the AGA Overseeding Special starting on October 1, 2021!

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Troon

The renovated clubhouse at Pinetop Country Club now has a dramatic entry, open-air dining and all new restaurant equipment.

PINETOP COUNTRY CLUB UNVEILS RENOVATED CLUBHOUSE

by Rob Myers

Media & Communications Specialist - Troon

Pinetop Country Club in Pinetop, Ariz., recently unveiled its newly renovated clubhouse during a July 17th grand reopening celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony. The $3.75 million project was completed in June and focused on updating and expanding the clubhouse, which was originally built in 1965.

The renovated clubhouse now has a dramatic entry, open-air dining, all new restaurant equipment, a high-performance pizza kitchen and a beautiful redesign of the dining and lounge

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spaces. The redesigned dining room has been expanded and now overlooks the newly-expanded lower patio through a wall of retractable window panels to provide a true indoor/outdoor dining experience. The dining room has new soft seating areas; a redesigned open beam ceiling that maintains the alpine feel of the historic clubhouse; a new climate control system; improved audio-video and lighting technology for dining and social events; and enlarged restrooms. The addition of a new performance kitchen expands and enhances the club’s culinary offerings. The new open concept dining feature integrates into the dining room, providing a sense of excitement for diners and enhancing the feel and interaction during their culinary experience.

The redesigned lounge offers a repositioned central bar to provide more seating and take advantage of the golf course views; a reimagined outdoor terrace experience with double door access from the lounge; an adjacent room with additional seating, TV’s and shuffleboard, and open access to the dining room.

AZ Golf Insider Digital Edition - SEPTEMBER 2021

The aforementioned patio has also been expanded in both width and length, and the new higher roof design fully maximizes the views and outdoor dining experience. The patio provides easy access to the putting green and lawn activity space for further enjoyment. Seating capacity has also been expanded for outdoor dining and access has been improved between the lounge, dining room, and lounge patio.

The clubhouse renovation project was voted on and approved by Pinetop Country Club members in August 2020. Construction began in October 2020, with a majority of the construction work taking place during the winter and spring.

During the reopening celebration, the club recognized and honored past club presidents, donors to the Next Generation Founders Club, and those who helped with the completion of the project, including Art Porter, member-project manager; Board Members; Redden Construction, general contractor for the project; and numerous other members and vendors. The evening celebration included culinary creations, wine tasting and live music.

“Pinetop Country Club has been my home in the mountains for over 30 years,” said Pinetop Country Club Board President Andy Munter. “I am so grateful for our Club and for the founders

of our Club who had the foresight and the commitment to make Pinetop Country Club a reality. I sometimes wonder how they would feel to know that thousands of members and guests have shared the joy of this wonderful place they created. Today, with the completion of our clubhouse renovation, our members have made it possible for future generations to bring their friends and family to this amazing place. Thank you to everyone who helped us on our journey to create a path for our next generation of Pinetop Country Club members.”

Pinetop Country Club was established in the early 1960’s as the cornerstone of the Pinetop Country Club land development project and is located near the town of Pinetop, centered in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. At 7,400 ft. in elevation, the mountain air is cool, and the golf course is nestled among tall pines, aspens and some beautiful summer homes. Country Club amenities include an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Milt Coggins, Sr., tennis and pickleball courts, and clubhouse restaurant and lounge. The club is owned by its members, through equity stock, and managed by Troon Privé, the private club operating division of Troon.

To learn more about Pinetop Country Club, visit their website at www.pinetopcc.com.

Pinetop Country Club

The new clubhouse at Pinetop Country Club was unveiled July 17, showcasing a $3.75 million project to update the original, built in 1965.

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OUT OF BOUNDS

by Gary Van Sickle

For the Arizona Golf Association The future is here and it’s disappointing.

For instance, where’s my flying car?

A documentary from the 1960s, “The Jetsons,” promised I’d be traveling by flying car by now. All right, so maybe it was just a cartoon. Either way, I’m still waiting. And there’s still no sign of bionic body parts that didn’t just fix Col. Steve Austin (“The Six Million Dollar Man”) in the 1970s, they made him better. The clock is ticking on those bionic knees I need so hurry up already.

Look, I’m willing to compromise.

Instead of a flying car, I’d accept a flying drone that could deliver drinks and hot food to me on a golf course. (And I could also use it to drop water balloons on the group in front of me that is playing too slowly.)

Luckily, this is not some far-fetched vision that won’t happen for decades.

(Are you listening, George Jetson and Mr. Spacely?) Drones are coming to golf, an idea that is ready to get off the ground, no pun intended.

Drones will be — or already are — doing a startling array of things,such as delivering emergency medicines or heart defibrillators to remote areas or accident scenes, dropping off Door Dash food or Internet orders, urban traffic monitoring, sanitizing outdoor stadiums or lifting items up that weigh as much as two tons.

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Valqari Earlier this year, AgEagle and Valqari demonstrated its innovative new drone delivery system to officials at Sun City Country Club to test it in a real-world use case.

AZ Golf Insider Digital Edition - SEPTEMBER 2021

Valqari Drones have multiple uses in golf. Would I like to devour a steaming fresh cheeseburger dropped from the sky before I tee off on the fifth hole, extra salt and pickles? Why, yes, I would. The concept is simple, the execution isn’t, but it has already been tested at Sun City Country Club in Sun City, Ariz.

Golfers ordered drinks and food on an app, a drone delivered it to one of four delivery stations, shaped like chimneys, located at key spots around the course. Once the drone released the package and left, the delivery station was activated, moving the package from the top of the landing station(chimney) to the bottom, where a golfer used an app to access it securely and retrieve the food and drinks.

The Sun City test, a collaboration between Valqari and AgEagle Aerial Systems, was a success.

There will be more testing to iron out some wrinkles but so far, so good.

“I was surprised, I thought some of our older golfers might be more stand-offish,” said Ryan Walsh, CEO and founder of Valqari, an award-winning company featured in The Wall Street Journal and other places that has solved the logistical problems in drone-delivery package retrieval. “We had a big audience, the average age was 60 or 65 and they all loved it.”

Of course they did. Guys love gadgets so golf courses that are early adapters to drones may attract customers just because of the novelty of drones. Would I play golf at a course just so I could experience ordering by drone? Absolutely.

“Any new technology creates a fascination and it could be a draw to go to a golf course to watch a drone carry a six-pack of beer,” said Sun City Country Club general manager Jamey Lewis. “I see drones as a supplement. We’ve got a beverage cart out there carrying snacks and drinks but it can’t carry hot food. The drones and the stations around the course can fill that gap for us. That’s what I’m excited about, expanding our hot food delivery service

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so it could be an addition to our bottom line.”

Drones don’t have many downsides The Valqari drones feature blades designed to reduce noise and as a result, are much quieter than the drones you could buy at an electronics store.

Lewis picked up drone-flying as a hobby a few years ago so he’s already an expert user. “The drones will be at an elevation that won’t disturb golfers,” he said. “The blades for these are so quiet, they’re hardly noticeable. That was a key factor for me in determining whether drones would be inconveniences or assets. It was a no-brainer - they can be in the air and you’d never know it.”

Courses that use drones will incur substantial installation costs, money that projections show should be recouped within a year due to increased business.

The drones will not be in the line of fire for golfers. Their flying routes will be high above the course and they drop straight down to the delivery station. Chances are very small that a drone would be hit by a stray shot or have something more serious happen, such as—nooo!--beer spillage.

An additional benefit of the drone delivery technology is that it can be used to monitor alcohol consumption, which beverage cart operators can’t do.

Tracking alcohol sales to specific customers could help make sure golfers aren’t over-served and safeguard a course from being liable in the case of an inebriated player having a car accident on a postround drive home.

The pandemic has changed the way some golfers utilize a course’s facilities. Lewis sees drones as a potential way to reclaim lost business.

“Right now, it’s a gamble whether golfers come in to use your restaurant after they play,” Lewis said.

“I see this as a guarantee of a way to sell hot food for golfers who won’t have to wait.”

Drones can also deliver additional golf balls, golf clubs, sun screen, hats or any merchandise from the golf shop.

“We have received interest from all over, including golf courses in the Midwest,” Walsh said. “Every course we’ve talked to has been all for this.”

No timetable is set but Walsh said we may see a few courses offer drone service before the end of 2021, an exciting thought.

“I’m in the drone business so some of the novelty has probably worn off for me,” Walsh said. “We’ll do a demo, like at Sun City, and when people are blown away by the drone, I think, Oh, I forgot—this is their first time seeing something like this.”

Drones, welcome to the future. Flying cars, what’s taking you so long?

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19th Hole

Post-Round Pick-Me-Ups

At The Adobe, it’s all about ice-cold beer.

Whether choosing a canned domestic or craft beer from the Grab n Go Fridge or sipping on a local craft brew from their rotating beers on tap, The Adobe likes to keep their beers fresh and interesting. The Adobe Barn Brew is a local favorite, while The Adobe’s “Six Pack Deal” – buy five cans from the Grab n Go Fridge and get the sixth can free – is a great way to sample different brews.

If you can’t make it to Red’s or The Adobe, enjoy these refreshing beverages at home by the pool or after your next round.

After a hot day on the golf course, we’re often searching for a beverage that will quench our thirst at the local 19th hole. An iced cold beer, a glass of water or a light cocktail are often the goto refreshments for parched golfers. Two of Arizona’s finest 19th holes, Red’s Bar & Grill at The Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park and The Adobe Restaurant at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club, have the perfect post-round pick-me-ups.

Mixologists at Red’s have developed the Berry Refresher, and as the name suggests, it’s refreshing and delicious. Berry Refresher recipe: • 1.5 oz Raspberry Vodka • 4 oz Sweet and sour • 2 oz Cranberry juice • 1 oz Sprite • 1 oz Seltzer water Add liquid ingredients into a large shaker with ice, shake, and pour over fresh ice and muddled fresh berries. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

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AZ Golf Insider Digital Edition - SEPTEMBER 2021

ET ONE FIVE NE ONE MEMBERSHIP FIVE COURSES ON

THE ADOBE COURSE

THE BLUE COURSE

THE GOLD COURSE

THE LINKS COURSE

THE RED COURSE

Memberships at The Wigwam and The Arizona Biltmore re G Golf Clubs include reciprocal playing privileges at both properties. The Wigwam Golf Club is home to three incred ncredible golf courses, including the award-winning Robert Trent Jones, Sr.-designed Gold Course. The legendary Ariz Arizona Biltmore Golf Club features two fun-to-play courses, centrally located in the heart of Phoenix.

602.955.9656 AZBiltmoreGC.com

623.935.3811 WigwamGolf.com

2400 EAST MISSOURI AVE. PHOENIX, AZ 85016

300 EAST WIGWAM BLVD. LITCHFIELD PARK, AZ 85340

ARIZONA BILTMORE MEMBERSHIP

WIGWAM GOLF MEMBERSHIP

5AkIRWAYS & K L A W / N RU

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