AZ Golf Insider Digital Edition - September 2023

AZ GOLF INSIDER Digital Edition

2023 OVERSEED SCHEDULE

Desert Highlands Golf Club Scottsdale, Ariz.

From the Executive Director’s Desk

by Joe Foley

Desert Highlands Golf Club has no shortage of mind-blowing views. From the elevated first tee, you get a wide-open view of much of the Valley, including the Phoenix skyline. Meanwhile, Pinnacle Peak serves as the backdrop for much of the course, towering over the 14th hole as players approach the green.

For nine days this past August, our team and the players soaked up these views during the 2023 Arizona Women’s Amateur Championship and the 99th Arizona Amateur Championship. The club, its wonderful members, and the competition itself did not disappoint.

When our team plans the state amateur championships, we look for every opportunity to elevate the events and provide players with the best experiences possible. Given the scale of our recent state amateurs, doing so would be no easy task, but Desert Highlands lived up to the hype in every way.

The Club received rave reviews from players, and we couldn’t be more thankful to the staff, volunteers, club members and players who all made the championships possible.

As for the golf, the Jack Nicklaus Signature design served as a true test of golf to determine the state’s best amateur players. In the end, Arizona State University star Ashley Menne and Chandler’s Mahanth Chirravuri stood above the rest, each closing the door with dramatic finishes on the 18th hole – for Menne, an unforgettable holed chip shot off the flagstick and for Chirravuri, a 25-foot eagle putt for the 1-up win.

These championships closed the book on another stellar sum-

AZ GOLF Insider Digital Edition

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS

PRESIDENT................................................. Tim Brown

VICE PRESIDENT.....................................John Souza

VICE PRESIDENT ............................ ...Tim Hulscher

SECRETARY...........................................Jackie Bertsch

TREASURER...........................................Vera Ciancola

GENERAL COUNSEL.............................. Greg Mast

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Dr. Harry Cavanagh Jr., Joe Foley, Tameka Fox-Hartman, Bryan Hoops, Mark Jeffery, Leslie Kramer, Ann Martin, Scott McNevin, Jay Pennypacker, Rod Tomita, Victoria Totlis

AGA STAFF

mer tournament season. Our staff and volunteers worked tirelessly throughout the sweltering heat to provide top-tier events for our membership. A few pages ahead, you can read a full recap of the last few months of tournaments.

Now that August has slipped away like a moment in time, golf facilities and golfers alike are looking ahead to their winter seasons. To help your planning efforts for winter and fall golf, you can find the “Overseed Schedule” in this edition of AZ Golf Insider. It is also available on our website, azgolf. org, as a PDF download for easy access when making your golf plans. Hopefully, this tool serves you as well and allows you to play a few more courses this winter in the Valley.

Please also enjoy a feature on Arizona’s own Jane Spicer, whose creation of Daphne’s Headcovers is one of the best stories in the industry. And we remember 2019 Arizona Golf Hall of Famer John Davis, who passed away recently after a courageous battle against cancer.

Until next time,

Joe Foley, David Bataller, Anj Brown, Le Ann Finger, Amy Fruhwirth, Brandon Genson, Sharon Goldstone, Lainie Hallows, Vivian Kelley, Kathy Laux, Mike Mason, Meagan McEnery, Derek McKenzie, Chris Montgomery, Robyn Noll, Austin Pelias, Everett Priddy, Logan Rasmussen, Katie Shershenovich, Daniel Shoup, Peg Tanner, 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................................ Brandon Genson

CONTRIBUTORS

Joe Foley, David Bataller, Anj Brown, Robin Farran, Brandon Genson, Lainie Hallows, Todd Kelly, Jeff Locke, Tom Mackin, Katie Shershenovich, Brian Whitlark

TOURNAMENT RECAP

Ashley Menne’s (pictured) win in the 2023 Arizona Women’s Amateur Championship is highlighted in the AGA Summer Tournament Recap edition.

ON THE COVER

The iconic Pinnacle Peak serves as a beacon of sorts at the host of the 2023 Men’s and Women’s Arizona Amateur Championships, Desert Highlands Golf Club in Scottsdale. Stunning panamoramic views are featured on every hole of its challenging Jack Nicklaus Signature design.

IN MEMORIAM: JOHN DAVIS

2019 Arizona Golf Hall of Fame inductee John Davis, one of the best golf writers the industry has seen, is remembered after passing away recently.

ENTREPRENEUR AT HEART

Phoenix’s Jane Spicer has built Daphne’s Headcovers into an industry icon - and she built it from the ground up.

2023 OVERSEED SCHEDULE

Start making your fall and winter golf plans across Arizona with the AGA’s annual Overseed Schedule!

2023 Overseed Schedule

A summer season that has seen record temperatures across most of Arizona is slowly coming to a close. And for players in The State of Golf, that can only mean one thing: Overseeding is right around the corner! As we know, 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. We encourage AGA Members to reference the dates and locations in this schedule to plan out your epic fall and winter golf schedule across the region!

500 Club

September 25 – October 6

500 Club – Futures

September 18 – October 6

Agave Highlands

September 15 – October 1

Aguila Golf Course

October 2 – October 15

Ahwatukee Country Club

October 2 – October 15

Ak–Chin Southern Dunes GC

October 16 – November 2

Ak–Chin Southern Dunes GC – #miniDunes

October 16 – November 2

Alpine Country Club Does Not Overseed

Alta Mesa Country Club Does Not Overseed

Ancala Country Club

October 2 – October 23

Antelope Hills Golf Courses – North Does Not Overseed

Antelope Hills Golf Courses – South Does Not Overseed

Brandon Genson

Verrado Golf Club - Victory

Anthem Golf & Country Club – Ironwood

September 18 – October 16

Anthem Golf & Country Club – Persimmon

October 9 – November 3

Apache Creek Golf Course

September 25 – October 2

Apache Stronghold Golf Course Does Not Overseed

Apache Wells Country Club

October 2 – October 19

Arizona Biltmore Golf Club – Adobe

August 8 – November 1

Arizona Biltmore Golf Club – Links

November 1 – December 1

Arizona Country Club

October 5 – November 2

Arizona Golf Resort

October 3 – October 24

Arizona Grand Golf Course

October 16 – November 8

Arizona National Golf Club

September 25 – October 14

Arizona Traditions Golf Club

October 2 – October 15

Arrowhead Country Club

October 10 – October 26

Arroyo Dunes Golf Course

October 2 – October 20

Aspen Valley Golf Club Does Not Overseed

Augusta Ranch Golf Club

October 1 – October 15

Bear Creek Golf Complex – Bear

October 2 – October 19

Bear Creek Golf Complex – Cub

October 23 – November 5

Bison Golf Club Does Not Overseed

Blackstone Country Club

October 2 – October 26

The Boulders – North

September 18 – October 8

The Boulders Club – South

October 9 – October 29

Briarwood Country Club

October 1 – October 22

Butterfield Golf Course

October 4 – October 20

Camelback Golf Club – Ambiente

September 25 – October 13

Camelback Golf Club – Padre

October 16 – November 3

Canoa Ranch Golf Club

September 25 – October 25

Canyon Mesa Country Club Does Not Overseed

Capital Canyon Club Does Not Overseed

Casa Grande Municipal

October 2 – October 23

Cave Creek Golf Course

October 9 – October 22

Cerbat Cliffs Golf Course Does Not Overseed

Chaparral Country Club

Closed through September 6

The Golf Club at Chaparral Pines Does Not Overseed

Cimarron Golf Club

October 1 – October 21

Cobre Valle Country Club

August 28 – September 10

Cocopah Golf Resort

September 25 – October 23

Coldwater Golf Club

September 18 – September 30

Continental Golf Club – Flagstaff

Does Not Overseed

Continental Golf Course – Scottsdale

October 9 – October 21

Copper Canyon Golf Club – Lake

September 18 – November 17

Copper Canyon Golf Club – Mountain

September 18 – November 17

Copper Canyon Golf Club – Vista

September 18 – November 17

Coronado Golf Course

Call the Course

Corte Bella Golf Club

October 2 – October 20

Cottonwood Country Club

October 9 – October 30

Country Club of Green Valley

September 25 – October 24

Coyote Lakes Golf Club

September 22 – October 3

Coyote Trails Golf Course

Does Not Overseed

Coyote Wash Golf Course

October 2 – October 20

Crooked Tree Golf Course

October 2 – October 20

Dave White Golf Course

October 2 – October 23

The Country Club at DC Ranch

September 25 – October 20

Deer Valley GC – Sun City West

October 26 – November 20

del Lago Golf Club

September 18 – October 2

Dell Urich Golf Course

September 18 – October 6

Desert Canyon Golf Club

October 2 – October 26

Desert Forest Golf Club

October 9 – October 30

Desert Highlands Golf Course

October 1 – October 30

Desert Hills Golf Course – Green Valley

September 25 – October 11

Desert Hills Golf Course – Yuma

October 2 – October 20

Desert Mirage Golf Course

October 10 – October 26

Desert Mountain – Apache

Already Completed

Desert Mountain – Chiricahua

Already Completed

Desert Mountain – Cochise

September 1, 2023 – September 1, 2024

Desert Mountain – Geronimo

Already Completed

Desert Mountain – Outlaw

October 2 – October 23

Desert Mountain – Renegade

June 5 – September 24

Desert Mountain – Seven

September 18 – October 1

Desert Sands Golf Course

October 2 – October 13

Desert Springs Golf Club – Cimarron

October 1 – October 21

Desert Springs GC – Granite Falls South

October 15 – November 4

Desert Springs Golf Club

October 3 – October 23

Desert Trails GC – Sun City West

September 28 – October 23

Dobson Ranch Golf Course

October 9 – October 19

Dorado Golf Club

September 18 – October 2

Douglas Golf & Social Club

Call the Course

Dove Mountain – Highlands

September 25 – October 15

Dove Mountain – Saguaro

Currently Closed – April 1, 2024

Dove Mountain – Tortolita

October 1 – October 19

Dove Mountain – Wild Burro

September 12 – October 1

Dove Valley Ranch Golf Course

September 24 – October 15

The Duke at Rancho El Dorado

October 2 – October 15

Eagle Mountain Golf Club

October 16 – November 1

Echo Mesa Golf Course – Sun City West

September 28 – October 23

El Conquistador CC – Cañada

Currently Closed through October 16

Aguila Golf Course

Brandon Genson

El Conquistador CC – Conquistador

October 16 – November 6

El Conquistador CC – Pusch Ridge

Currently Closed through October 24

El Rio Golf Club (Mohave Valley)

September 3 – September 22

El Rio Golf Course

October 9 – October 27

Elephant Rocks Golf Course

Does Not Overseed

Emerald Canyon Golf Course

September 24 – October 16

Encanterra Country Club

October 2 – October 27

Encanto Golf Course

October 16 – October 29

The Estancia Club

September 25 – October 31

Falcon Dunes Golf Course

October 16 – October 30

FireRock Country Club

October 2 – October 22

Flagstaff Ranch Golf Club

Does Not Overseed

Foothills Golf Club

October 2 – October 16

Forest Highlands – Canyon

Does Not Overseed

Forest Highlands – Meadow

Does Not Overseed

Forty Niner Country Club

September 25 – October 10

Oakcreek Country Club

Brandon Genson

Fountain of the Sun Country Club

October 2 – October 23

Francisco Grande Hotel & Golf Resort

Closed Currently – October 6

Fred Enke Golf Course

October 9 – October 28

Gainey Ranch – Arroyo Nine

October 8 – November 6

Gainey Ranch – Dunes Nine

October 23 – November 13

Gainey Ranch – Lakes Nine

October 8 – November 6

Gallery Golf Club – The North

October 9 – November 6

Gallery Golf Club – The South

September 18 – October 16

Gold Canyon Golf Club – Dinosaur Mountain

October 10 – November 2

Gold Canyon Golf Club – Sidewinder

September 11 – October 5

Golf Club of Estrella

October 9 – October 27

Grand Canyon University Golf Course

October 10 – October 26

Grandview Golf Course – Sun City West

September 28 – October 23

Granite Falls Golf Course – North Course

Opens Oct. 24 after redoing greens

Granite Falls Golf Course – South Course

October 15 – November 4

Grayhawk Golf Club – Talon

September 25 – October 9

Grayhawk Golf Club – Raptor

October 9 – November 3

Great Eagle @ Happy Trails GR

Call the Course

Greenfield Lakes Golf Course

October 2 – October 16

Greenlee Country Club

Call the Course

Haven Golf Course

September 15 – September 30

Hayden Municipal Golf Course Call the Course

Hillcrest Golf Club

September 27 – October 20

Huukan Golf Club

Call the Course

Ironwood Golf Course

September 25 – October 16

The Golf Club at Johnson Ranch

September 27 – October 7

Ken McDonald Golf Course

October 23 – November 3

Kierland Golf Course – Acacia

October 2 – October 17

Kierland Golf Course – Ironwood

September 18 – October 2

Kierland Golf Course – Mesquite

October 17 – November 3

Kino Springs Golf Club

Call the Course

Kokopelli Golf Club

October 7 – October 20

La Paloma Country Club – Canyon

October 9 – October 26

La Paloma Country Club – Hill

September 11 – September 24

La Paloma Country Club – Ridge

September 25 – October 8

Lake Havasu Golf Club – East Course

September 18 – October 6

Lake Havasu Golf Club – West Course

October 9 – November 1

Lake Powell National Golf Course

Does Not Overseed

Las Barrancas Golf Club Call the Course

Las Colinas Golf Club

October 15 – October 31

Las Sendas Golf Club

October 2 – October 21

Laughlin Ranch Golf Club

September 10 – September 30

Legacy Golf Club

October 16 – November 2

Legend at Arrowhead

September 25 – October 13

Legend Trail Golf Club

September 18 – October 2

Leisure World – Coyote Run

October 2 – October 23

Leisure World – Heron Lakes

October 16 – November 6

Links at Queen Creek Call the Course

Lone Tree Golf Club

October 9 – October 26

Longbow Golf Club

October 9 – October 27

Lookout Mountain Golf Club

September 25 – October 11

Los Caballeros Golf Club

September 11 – October 12

Los Lagos Golf Club

Does Not Overseed

McCormick Ranch – Palm

October 22 – November 10

McCormick Ranch – Pine

September 15 – October 5

McDowell Mountain Golf Club

September 25 – October 13

Mesa Country Club Call the Course

Mesa Del Sol Golf Course

Does Not Overseed

Mesa View Golf Course Does Not Overseed

The Mirabel Club

September 18 – October 16

Mission Royale Golf Club

October 1 – October 15

Moon Valley Country Club

October 9 – October 27

Moon Valley Country Club – Moon Walk

October 9 – October 27

Mountainbrook Golf Course

September 18 – September 27

|

MountainView Golf Club @ Ft. Huachuca

Already Completed

Mountain Shadows Golf Course

September 18 – October 6

MountainView Golf Club @ Saddlebrooke

Already Completed

Mt. Graham Golf Course

Does Not Overseed

Oakcreek Country Club

Does Not Overseed

Oakwood Country Club – Lakes

October 9 – November 2

Oakwood Country Club – Palms

October 9 – November 2

Oakwood Country Club – Sonoran

October 9 – November 2

Ocotillo Golf Club – Blue

September 11 – October 2

Ocotillo Golf Club – Gold

October 2 – October 16

Ocotillo Golf Club – White

October 16– November 3

Orange Tree Golf Club

September 23 – October 7

Oro Valley Country Club

September 25 – October 10

Painted Mountain Golf Resort

September 17 – September 29

Palm Valley Golf Club – North

October 4 – October 19

Palm Valley Golf Club – South

October 20 – November 5

Palm Valley Golf Club – West

September 18 – October 3

PalmBrook Country Club

September 25 – October 9

Palo Verde Country Club – Sun Lakes

October 2 – October 23

Palo Verde Golf Course

October 2 – October 15

Papago Golf Club

October 16 – November 5

Paradise Valley Country Club

October 16 – November 6

Brandon Genson Longbow Golf Club

Paradise Valley Park Golf Course

Call the Course

Payson Golf Course

Does Not Overseed

Pebblebrook Golf Course – Sun City West

October 26 – November 20

PebbleCreek Golf Resort – Eagles Nest

October 22 – October 23

PebbleCreek Golf Resort – Tuscany Falls East

October 9 – October 30

PebbleCreek Golf Resort – Tuscany Falls West

Opens in Mid–October

Peoria Pines Golf & Restaurant

Call the Course

Phoenician Golf Club

October 2 – October 19

Phoenix Country Club

October 2 – October 26

The Pine Canyon Club

Does Not Overseed

Pine Shadows

Does Not Overseed

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 26

Poston Butte Golf Club

October 2 – October 20

Power Ranch Golf Club

October 15 – November 1

Prescott Golf Club

Does Not Overseed

Ventana Canyon Golf Club - Mountain

Preserve Golf Club – Preserve Call the Course

Preserve Golf Club – Mountain Call the Course

Pueblo del Sol Golf Course Does Not Overseed

Pueblo El Mirage

September 16 – October 13

Quail Creek CC – Coyote Nine Does Not Overseed

Quail Creek CC – Quail Nine Does Not Overseed

Quail Creek CC – Roadrunner Nine Does Not Overseed

Quail Run Golf Course – Sun City

Sept 25 – October 14

Quailwood Greens Does Not Overseed

Quarry Pines Golf Club

September 15 – October 3

Queen Valley Golf Club Call the Course

Quintero Golf and Country Club

September 25 – October 19

Rancho Mañana Golf Club

September 18 – October 9

Randolph North

October 9 – October 28

Raven Golf Club – Phoenix

October 9 – October 26

Red Mountain Ranch Country Club

September 24 – October 8

Refuge Golf Course Does Not Overseed

The Rim Club Does Not Overseed

Rio Verde Country Club – Quail Run

October 16 – November 5

Rio Verde Country Club – White Wing

October 2 – October 22

Riverview Golf Course–Bullhead City

September 18 – October 18

Robson Ranch

October 2 – October 9

Rolling Hills– Tempe

October 16 – November 2

Rolling Hills– Tucson

October 4 – October 20

Royal Palms

October 10 – November 1

SaddleBrooke One – Catalina

October 2 – October 23

SaddleBrooke One – SaddleBrooke

September 18 – October 9

SaddleBrooke One – Tucson

September 25 – October 16

Saddlebrooke Ranch Golf Club

September 18 – October 29

San Ignacio Golf Club

September 27 – October 16

San Marcos Golf & Country Club

October 2 – October 18

San Pedro Golf Course

September 25 – October 15

Scottsdale National GC – Bad Little Nine Does Not Overseed

Scottsdale National GC – Mine Shaft Does Not Overseed

Scottsdale National GC – The Other Course

Does Not Overseed

Scottsdale Silverado Golf Club

September 17 – September 30

Sedona Golf Resort

Does Not Overseed

Seven Canyons

Does Not Overseed

Seville Golf & Country Club Call the Course

Sewailo Golf Club

October 30 – November 19

Silver Creek Golf Club

Does Not Overseed

Silverbell Golf Course

September 18 – October 7

Silverleaf

September 18 – October 6

Skyline Country Club Call the Course

Snowflake Golf Course

Does Not Overseed

Snowflake Golf Course – West 9

Does Not Overseed

Springfield Golf Resort

October 2 – October 17

Stardust – Sun City West

October 26 – November 20

Starfire Golf Club – The King Front 9

September 24 – October 9

Starfire Golf Club – The King Back 9

September 10 – September 24

Starfire Golf Club – Mulligan Nine

October 9 – October 22

Starr Pass – Coyote

August 18 – October 1

Wigwam Golf Club - Gold

Brandon Genson

Starr Pass – Rattler

October 2 – October 15

Starr Pass – Roadrunner

October 16 – November 3

Sterling Grove Golf + Country Club

October 9 – October 29

The Stone Canyon Club

September 25 – October 26

Stonecreek Golf Club

September 30 – October 14

Stoneridge Golf Course

Does Not Overseed

Sun City Country Club

October 2 – October 20

Sun City Lakes East Golf Course

October 16 – November 4

Sun City Lakes West Golf Course

September 25 – October 14

Sun City North Golf Course

Does Not Overseed

Sun City Riverview Golf Course

October 16 – November 4

Sun City South Golf Course

October 16 – November 4

Sun Lakes Country Club

October 9 – October 30

Sunbird Golf Resort

October 7 – October 29

Sundance Golf Club

September 24 – October 7

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 7 – November 1

Sunland Village Golf Club

October 2 – October 16

SunRidge Canyon Golf Course

August 1 – September 30

Superstition Mountain G&CC – Lost Gold

Currently Closed through October 9

Superstition Mountain G&CC – Prospector

October 9 – November 6

Superstition Springs Golf Club

October 1 – October 15

Talking Rock Does Not Overseed

Talking Stick Golf Club – O’Odham

October 15 – November 2

Talking Stick Golf Club – Piipaash

September 24 – October 12

Tatum Ranch Golf Club

October 9 – October 27

Terravita Golf Club

October 1 – October 30

The Club at Prescott Lakes Does Not Overseed

The Views Golf Club

September 18 – October 8

Tierra Grande Country Club Call the Course

Toka Sticks Golf Course

October 16 – November 2

Tonto Verde – Peaks Course

October 2 – October 23

Tonto Verde – Ranch Course

October 9 – October 30

Torreon Golf Club – Cabin Course

Does Not Overseed

Torreon Golf Club – Tower Course

Does Not Overseed

Torres Blancas Golf Club

September 6 – September 25

TPC Scottsdale – Champions

September 18 – October 5

TPC Scottsdale – Stadium

October 2 – October 23

Trail Ridge – Sun City West

September 28 – October 24

Trilogy Golf Club @ Vistancia

October 2 – October 21

Troon Country Club

October 9 – October 31

Troon North Golf Club – Monument

October 1 – October 20

Troon North Golf Club – Pinnacle

September 17 – October 6

Tubac Golf Resort – Anza

No Closure – Slit Seeding

Tubac Golf Resort – Otero

September 1 – November 27 (Redoing Greens)

Tubac Golf Resort – Rancho

September 11 – October 1

Tucson Country Club

Currently Closed for Renovations

Tucson National – Catalina

October 2 – October 23

Tucson National – Sonoran

September 18 – October 9

Tucson Estates Golf Club

September 25 – October 10

Twin Lakes Golf Course Call the Course

Union Hills Golf and Country Club

October 10 – October 27

Valle Vista Country Club

Does Not Overseed

Ventana Canyon – Canyon

September 18 – October 9

Ventana Canyon – Mountain

October 9 – October 28

Verde River Golf & Social Club

October 2 – October 23

Verrado Golf Club – Founder’s

October 14 – November 4

Verrado Golf Club – Victory

September 25 – October 13

Agave Highlands Golf Course

September 15 – October 1

Viewpoint Golf Resort

September 25 – October 15

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club – Cholla

October 2 – October 19

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club – Saguaro

October 9 – October 26

Westbrook Village Golf Club – Lakes

October 16 – November 4

Westbrook Village Golf Club – Vistas

October 2 – October 21

Western Skies Golf Course

October 17 – November 4

Whirlwind Golf Club – Cattail

September 18 – October 6

Whirlwind Golf Club – Devil’s Claw

October 9 – October 27

Whisper Rock Golf Club – Lower

October 1 – October 15

Whisper Rock Golf Club – Upper Currently Closed for Renovations

White Mountain Country Club

Does Not Overseed

Wickenburg Country Club

September 9 – September 29

Wickenburg Ranch – Lil Wick

October 9 – October 31

Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club

October 9 – October 31

Wigwam Golf Club – Blue Course

October 21 – November 11

Wigwam Golf Club – Gold Course

October 7 – October 28

Wigwam Golf Club – Red Course

September 23 – October 14

Wildfire Golf Club – Faldo

October 16 – November 12

Wildfire Golf Club – Palmer

September 25 – October 16

WillowBrook Golf Club

Does Not Overseed

Willowcreek Golf Course – Sun City

October 16 – November 4

Yuma Golf & Country Club

October 9 – October 31

Desert Mountain Club - Outlaw

Brandon Genson

GOLF DRIVING TOURISM FOR SCOTTSDALE AND ARIZONA

SCOTTSDALE AND GOLF FIRST BECAME SYNONYMOUS 100 YEARS

AGO as visitors chipped and putted from oiled dirt courses in the shadow of Camelback Mountain. Since then, Scottsdale has swung its way into the Golf Hall of Fame thanks to the destination’s championship courses, world-class events, and access to over 200 courses in the region.

visitors play the nation’s top courses surrounded by towering saguaros and lush Sonoran Desert landscape all year long – even when other parts of the country experience the bitter cold.

Today, Scottsdale is known as the “World’s Finest Golf Destination,” an unparalleled destination that pairs unique landscapes that few can match with an impeccable hotel and resort roster, 330 days of annual sunshine, and a year-round median average temperature of 70 degrees. That means

Recent years have brought about a renewed passion for the sport, and Scottsdale is uniquely positioned to attract golf travelers of all ages, abilities and budgets thanks to the amenities offered on and off the green. Once visitors pack up their clubs for the day, they have plenty of options to choose from for a post-round drink, meal or activity. In this way, golf travelers support many segments of the tourism industry during their stays, including resorts, restaurants, bars, shops and attractions. According to the Arizona Alliance for Golf, golf visitors spend nearly three times as much as general visitors, helping contribute to the state’s $6 billion golf industry that supports the livelihoods of 66,200 people.

Golf has long been a tourism driver for Scottsdale, and the industry continues to

thrive in the Valley of the Sun. Geographic location data reveals approximately 22% of Scottsdale’s out-of-state visitors stopped by at least one of Scottsdale’s golf courses in 2022. Some of those visitors likely attended a special event, from the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships held at Grayhawk Golf Club in recent years to the annual WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. By drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators each year, the Phoenix Open injects over $450 million into the state’s economy, according to Arizona State University.

As the destination marketing organization for the city, Experience Scottsdale positions Scottsdale as a premier golf destination and keeps the area’s golf courses and events top of mind with visitors and locals alike.

THE SHORT COURSE AT MOUNTAIN SHADOWS

TROON NORTH GOLF CLUB

Entrepreneur at Heart

Jane Spicer builds Daphne’s Headcovers from the ground up

by Tom Mackin FOR GGPWOMEN

A bright red 1973 Volkswagen. That was the used car 16-year-old Jane Spicer had her eye on growing up in Phoenix, Ariz. But the money she made from selling handmade puppets at the time did not match the asking price.

So her mother, Daphne, knowing her daughter was very goal-oriented (and still is), offered her a deal: Sell a certain amount of golf club headcovers, a product suggestion from one of her puppet-buying customers, and Daphne would buy the car for her. Spicer met that goal and earned more than just a car; she found a career and created a company.

Almost half a century later, Daphne’s Headcovers has produced millions of mostly animal-themed

headcovers. More than 200 models – from black Labs to a bloody mary, a tiger to a taco – have been sold in 75 countries around the world.

“The goal has always been to be the best company, not the biggest,” Spicer said. “But one of the things that has helped us grow is consistent quality. We’re the only headcover company out there that has a lifetime guarantee. If you come back 10 years from now and an eye fell out or something happened, we’ll repair it.”

That commitment has resulted in generations of families buying the colorful products.

“When my mom passed away in 1996, I put her signature on the headcovers to make sure she was always with us,” Spicer said. “People say to me all the time, ‘How can you put a lifetime guarantee on a product that’s a fabric and will wear out?’ Well, it

has my mom’s name on it. The other aspect is doing what we say. Basically, we’ve done what our moms have taught us: Tell the truth if you make a mistake, apologize if you’re going to do something, and don’t do it. We get accolades all the time for that, which shocks me. We’re just doing what we were all raised to do.”

Since making her first headcover sales to Pete Robbeloth, the director of golf at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix 45 years ago (the two keep in touch to this day), Spicer has constantly adapted her business to the changing nature of golf equipment. Driver heads kept growing in size, and then hybrids gained new popularity. Her sourcing for materials has also taken her far from Arizona.

“I’m constantly looking for a better thread, or a fur with a better feel,” she said. “That search is worldwide now. I can’t find any of that here in the U.S. For years I had all my eyes made in Italy. Now it rotates where the manufacturers are. We produce the products in Phoenix, China and Indonesia, and do most of the shipping from our Phoenix warehouse.”

A defining moment came at the 1997 Masters Tournament when Tiger Woods won his first major with a Daphne’s tiger headcover, purchased by his own mother, Kultida, atop his driver. The company grew 400 percent in one quarter after that, thanks in part to an order of 30,000 for the headcover that became known as “Frank.”

“We were just getting ready to move into our current headquarters (in north Phoenix) and got that order,” Spicer recalled. “I thought they were joking. They wanted premium service and would pay more than the asking price. Making stuffed toys, you get a lot of lulus who call. I thought this was one of those. So I said, ‘We will do it, but send a check for 50 percent up front.’ And they did the next day. That was remarkable. It helped in so many ways. It was an incredible gift after my mom had passed and I was frozen in grief. Then I got so busy and knew she would have been thrilled.”

Spicer gives back in multiple ways. She avidly supports animal rescue programs, donating countless headcovers for charity golf outings. Sales of a giraffe headcover have gone to a group that builds wells in Africa, where Spicer will travel to in June. She has mentored dozens of women, up to five at time, and also speaks to entrepreneur classes at Arizona State University, where she pulls no punches.

“As an entrepreneur, you make it up as you go,” Spicer said. “People will say, ‘That’s great,’ or, ‘That’s the dumbest idea I’ve ever heard. Animal headcov-

ers?’ So you have to make your way. If you’re lucky enough to bump into people who can guide you, that’s great. But I think the idea of being an entrepreneur scares so many people. It’s the unknown. People project their fear onto you. You have to be brave, unwavering and have tenacity. Not everybody is cut out for it. You have to take the risk.”

Spicer has hopes that her family members (her son directs the company’s website, www.daphnesheadcovers.com, and advises on social media efforts; her daughter currently studies psychology in college) might take the CEO reins of the company someday. But right now, the job is no longer all-consuming for her. Well, almost.

“I have gotten some balance,” she admitted. “I take most weekends off and travel quite a bit. But I incorporate Daphne’s wherever I go. It’s nice not to be grinding 24/7, and I have surrounded myself with really good people. So that certainly helps.”

She is encouraged by what she sees in the next generation of entrepreneurs.

“What I love about this generation is they’re more accepting. They also have a broader view, and you have to have that as an entrepreneur,” she said. “You have to focus on your product, but things

are changing all the time. It’s like sailing. You set a waypoint but the wind is changing, the ocean is moving, there’s a current. That’s being an entrepreneur. There’s so much behind the scenes that no one sees, and that’s not sexy. It’s the person who wakes up in the middle of the night thinking of different ways to make things better, who goes in on weekends and misses birthday parties and weddings, who makes it.”

After almost half a century in the golf industry, she’s also thrilled by a particular demographic development.

“There are so many more women playing golf now, and I’m seeing groups of women of all ages golfing,” Spicer said. “I really like that. Instead of going out together to drink mimosas at lunch, now groups of women are going out to play golf. That just delights me. It’s such a great sport.”

The business side has changed as well, according to Spicer.

“When I entered the industry, most of the women were wives of the pros, with a few exceptions,” she said. “Now there are many women who run companies, golf shops, etc. Also, there are now great organizations like Women in the Golf Industry (formed in 2001) where women can come together to grow and learn about our industry.”

As for that Volkswagen? She kept it through her time at Northern Arizona University but then broke the front axle while driving around a golf

course under construction. These days she drives a Porsche and has no intention of slowing down.

“I love this,” she said of her role at Daphne’s. “I plan to live until I’m 103. Even if they have me up front answering the phone, I would delight in that.”

STORIES ABOUT WOMEN’S GOLF GO LARGELY UNTOLD. UNTIL NOW.

INTRODUCING GGPWOMEN. THE BEST STORIES ABOUT THE WOMEN’S GAME.

ARIZONA GOLF ASSOCIATION MEMBERS: CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT GGPWOMEN FOR JUST $48 ANNUALLY - NO COUPON CODE NEEDED.

TROON SELECTED TO MANAGE TUCSON’S STARR PASS GOLF CLUB

Tucson (TROON) – Troon®, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, is pleased to announce it has been selected to manage Starr Pass Golf Club, a 27-hole resort facility in Tucson, Ariz. Troon Golf, the resort and daily-fee division of Troon will manage the golf operations, agronomy, food and beverage, retail, and sales and marketing.

Starr Pass Golf Club is the golf offering of the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, features three 9-hole routings – Roadrunner, Rattler and Coyote, and home to Catalina BBQ Co, a celebrated Southwestern inspired barbeque restaurant. Robert Cupp and PGA TOUR professional Craig Stadler designed the original 18 holes in 1987. Then in 2003, Arnold Palmer was brought in to add another nine holes and refresh the previously existing 18-hole experience. Set against the Tucson Mountains, each of the three layouts have dramatic elevation changes, are surrounded by iconic saguaro cacti, while crisscrossing multiple desert arroyos and ravines. Contrary to its rugged Sonoran Desert setting, Starr Pass is located just minutes from downtown Tucson and the Tucson International Airport.

In April 2023, Southwest Value Partners, a privately held real estate investment company with offices in San Diego, Tucson and Scottsdale, acquired the 575-room JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa.

Marriott will continue to lead resort operations, while Troon will manage golf operations.

“Having partnered with Troon on a number of projects, they were a natural fit to lead the golf operations at Starr Pass,” said Mark Schlossberg of Southwest Value Partners. “We share Troon’s philosophy of uncompromising service and quality, and are delighted to have them help put the shine back on one of the state’s finest golf resort properties.”

Starr Pass Golf Club has been a host to the PGA TOUR’s Tucson Open and has played host to many golf legends including Palmer, Phil Mickelson, Payne Stewart, and Nancy Lopez. Starr Pass is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, demonstrating a high degree environmental stewardship.

“We are thrilled to be working with Starr Pass, one of Arizona’s iconic golf properties,” said Troon Executive Vice President Rob DeMore. “Together with Southwest Value Partners, we look forward to enhancing all elements of the Starr Pass experience from golf operations and agronomy to guest service and food and beverage.”

For more information on Star Pass Golf Club, visit www.troon.com/locations/starr-pass-golf-club

Troon

Experience the Unforgettable

AT PEBBLE BEACH GOLF LINKS

Troon Events, in collaboration with Cobra Puma and our amazing host venue in Pebble Beach, are excited to welcome 216 players, 72 PGA Professionals to the 2024 Cobra Puma Pro Am.

This 6 day, 5 night Pro Am features 4 rounds of golf (Pebble Beach, Spanish Bay and Spyglass), numerous hospitality and dining events and luxury accommodations at the Inn at Spanish Bay.

FEBRUARY 13-18, 2024

• 5 nights luxury accommodation at the Inn at Spanish Bay

• 4 rounds of golf (Wednesday-Saturday) on Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill and Spanish Bay

• Breakfast daily (Wednesday-Sunday)

• Welcome Reception (Tuesday Night)

• Awards Banquet and Dinner (Saturday Night)

• Hospitality events (Wednesday and Thursday Nights)

• A professional purse. Top six (6) overall teams and Top six (6) Professionals will win

• A welcome gift of Cobra Puma product valued at $750

• Tournament Prizes valuing over $1,000

PACKAGES START AT $ 9,369 ++

COBRA PUMA PRO AM

ALL IN ON FIGHTING ALGAE

by Brian Whitlark USGA REGIONAL DIRECTOR - WEST REGION

In hot areas of the West, summer can take a real toll on bentgrass and Poa annua greens. Turf is often the weakest in low-lying areas where water collects and the soil remains chronically wet. As the turf weakens and density thins, algae gains a competitive advantage and can take over. The algae forms a dense, thin mat layer that sheds water, prevents turf recovery and hinders seeding.

For courses with immediate algae concerns, this mat layer must be broken-up to facilitate recovery. On a recent USGA Course Consulting Service visit in southern Arizona, I saw the agronomy team using a simple and easy hand-held tool to break up the algae crust and place seed in the dimples. Then the team applied a thin layer of sand to protect the seed and help further degrade the algae. They used the rounded side of a bunker rake to lightly work the sand into the thin areas. Seed can be sowed to aid recovery, but experience shows that the existing

bentgrass or Poa annua will recover more rapidly than the seed will germinate if, and only if, the algae layer is broken.

For those courses who experience algae problems in the same areas every year, you may want to consider the following long-term prevention strategies:

• Turn off the water. Yes, this is a simple and blunt recipe for improvement but it works. Ensure there is no overspray onto greens from the surrounds, approach or rough sprinklers. Reduce irrigation frequency on greens and/or lower run times on strategic sprinklers to allow problem areas to dry between irrigation events. Plan to use soil moisture meters and hoses more often.

• Remove collar dams. Oftentimes, algae is found where water is trapped on greens due to elevated collars. Lowering the collar or rough elevation is no easy task and you should consider hiring a golf course construction company to complete this work in

A simple hand-held tool can be used to punch small holes in the algae mat. Then you can follow with sand and seed to encourage recovery.

a timely manner and to ensure the adjusted area ties in well with the surrounding grade.

• Regrade the green and green surrounds. While this tactic will require temporary closure of the green, or at least a portion of the green, regrading to provide positive surface flow may be necessary to eliminate low-lying areas that impound water. A qualified architect and golf course construction company should be contracted to complete such a project. Please reach out to your regional USGA agronomist for assistance.

• Install a perimeter drain. Courses built decades ago may not have a perimeter or “smile drain” in all low-lying areas around a green, or the drain may have been installed several feet

from the edge of the green cavity. Installing a perimeter drain may help, but providing positive surface drainage is more impactful.

It can be frustrating to see areas on a green thin out and succumb to algae every year. In my experience, 90% of the time such areas are located at the perimeter of greens where water accumulates. In the short term, break apart the algae, apply sand and then hand water or use a portable, low-precipitation sprinkler to encourage recovery. In the longer term, change watering practices and facilitate positive surface flow to prevent chronically wet conditions.

Editor’s Note: This article appeared in the August 4, 2023, West Regional Update of the USGA Green Section Record. To subscribe to the electronic version of the USGA Green Section Record, click here.

USGA

Anthracnose and algae on a bentgrass and Poa annua putting green.

Click Here for more from the USGA Green Section Record ‒including the latest articles and videos on sustainable management practices that produce better playing conditions for better golf.

POWER RANCH GOLF CLUB REOPENING AFTER STUNNING GREEN RENOVATION

A $ 2 . 6 M i l l i o n I n v e s t m e n t i n E x c e l l e n c e a n d E n v i r o n m e n t a l R e s p o n s i b i l i t y

T h e w a i t i s a l m o s t o v e r f o r a v i d g o l f e r s a n d e n t h u s i a s t s a l i k e a s P o w e r R a n c h G o l f C l u b p r o u d l y a n n o u n c e s i t s g r a n d r e o p e n i n g t h i s f a l l . A f t e r a n e x t e n s i v e $ 2 . 6 m i l l i o n g r e e n r e n o v a t i o n p r o j e c t , t h e c l u b w i l l b e s e t t o w e l c o m e l o c a l a n d a n n u a l v i s i t o r s t o a n e n h a n c e d a n d e n v i r o n m e n t a l l y r e s p o n s i b l e p l a y i n g e x p e r i e n c e .

B E F O R E

R E V I T A L I Z I N G C O U R S E C O N D I T I O N S

B y r e p l a c i n g t h e g r e e n s , g r e e n s i d e b u n k e r s , a n d s u r r o u n d i n g i r r i g a t i o n y e a r - r o u n d c o u r s e c o n d i t i o n s w i l l i m p r o v e d r a m a t i c a l l y ! G a r y B r a w l e y , l e a d C o u r s e A r c h i t e c t , w a s t a s k e d t o c h a n g e t h e g r e e n s ' s i z e , s h a p e , a n d c o n t o u r i n g w h i l e a d d i n g n e w p i n n a b l e l o c a t i o n s .

" T h e r e i s d e f i n i t e l y s o m e f u n o u t t h e r e ! "

- G a r y B r a w l e y

F

O R U N P A R A L L E L E D E N J O Y M E N T

T h e n e w g r e e n s w e r e p l a n t e d w i t h T i f f E a g l e B e r m u d a . T i f f E a g l e w i l l p r o v i d e a m o r e p l a y a b l e s u r f a c e a l l s u m m e r a s w e l l a s t h r o u g h t h e w i n t e r - t o - s p r i n g o v e r s e e d t r a n s i t i o n . T h e n e w b u n k e r s a r e b l e n d e d w i t h 5 0 % s i l i c a s a n d g i v i n g t h e m a w h i t e r a p p e a r a n c e a n d g r e a t p l a y a b i l i t y .

"One of the greatest things about a golf course renovation is seeing the transformation from what was there to the new. There is a lot of carnage in between, however the end result is a lot of people working very hard to bring the vision to fruition.

The most memorable takeaway from this project came from the conversations amongst the teams. Routinely, a team member would say “this may be my favorite green. ” The interesting twist is that this happened at almost every green! The pinnacle being the project green shaper saying the last green we completed (hole #6) was his favorite."

While striving for excellence in course conditions, Power Ranch Golf Club also remains committed to environmental responsibility The installation of a new greenside irrigation system throughout the course is a key factor to manage water resources With over 2 miles of new irrigation, the latest technology has been incorporated to ensure consistent irrigation coverage. This will eliminate wet and dry spots in the green complexes, allowing for increased control in areas where the water demand varies. Irrigation water will be saved by improved stewardship with a by-product of excellent turf health and playability

All USGA specifications were adhered to during construction. Each putting surface was dug to a depth of 14 inches. After the drainage installation, a base consisting of 4 inches of pea gravel, followed by 10 inches of sand and fired clay was added. This composition will assist in water conservation while providing stronger root and plant growth

Water responsibility begins before a single drop of water touches the grass Beginning in 2021, Power Ranch Golf Club completed a well rehabilitation project In 2022, the first phase of the pond renovation took place, with phase two scheduled for 2024 The pond renovations consist of installing a new liner and adding a concrete edge to the pond, creating a four-foot safety ledge. The new liner and concrete will greatly reduce water loss due to seepage. The concrete edge will also reduce turf erosion due to the rise and fall of the water levels.

With the upcoming grand reopening of Power Ranch Golf Club, we would like to thank Gary Brawley Designs, National Turf, Marvin Mills Irrigation and the Power Ranch Golf Club maintenance team. Everyone worked together in the extreme Arizona heat to deliver an amazing green and bunker renovation

RECAP TOURNAMENT

Take a look back at the AGA’s Summer 2023 leaderboards to date!

2023 ARIZONA WOMEN’S AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

Desert Highlands Golf Club | Scottsdale

GROSS DIVISION

CHAMPIONSHIP

T23.

T26.

T26.

FIRST FLIGHT

NET DIVISION

CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT

SECOND FLIGHT

FIRST FLIGHT

SECOND FLIGHT

99TH ARIZONA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

STROKE PLAY QUALIFYING

Kaya Kshatriya finished strong with a -4 (68) to capture the Net Division at the 2023 Arizona Women’s Amateur Championship.

Brophy Prep senior Tyler Spielman, committed to play at Auburn University next year, won Stroke Play Qualfying Medalist at -9 over two days.

Phoenix’s Adam Miller led after day one of Stroke Play Qualifying, firing a -7 (65) at Desert Highlands Golf Club in Scottsdale.

ROUND OF 64

Tyler Spielman def. Matt Neils, 3 & 2

Hayes Dupree def. Dayton Federley, 4 & 3

Joe Neuheisel def. Camden Braidech, 3 & 2

Dalen Demary def. Dustin Semenza, 6 & 5

Brasen Briones def. Abe Candelaria, 20 holes

Jonathan Beaty def. Johnny Walker, 5 & 4

Kiko Coelho def. Kobe Valociek, 19 holes

Davis Johnson def. Hector Nevarez, 6 & 4

Will Evans def. Matthew McDougall, 3 & 2

William Carlson def. Ryan Pelletier, 5 & 3

Riley Schank def. Adam Walicki, 21 holes

Jake Chanen def. Brayden Bozak, 7 & 5

Kris Marshall def. Jimmy Albright, 6 & 5

Jeff Benton def. Henry Dall, 1 up

Troy Anderson def. Danny Selby, 1 up

Jack Dozer def. Ben Esparza, 1 up

Jonathan Curran def. Rayce Matthews, 6 & 4

Joseph Lloyd advanced vs. Kurt Watkins

Mahanth Chirravuri def. Mike Brenneman, 1 up

Brad Wayment def. Holden Huff, 2 & 1

Adam Miller def. Erik Andersen, 4 & 3

Johnny Carey def. Grant Cesarek, 3 & 1

Brian Blanchard def. Stephen White, 2 & 1

J.J. Gresco def. Paul Brown, 6 & 4

Joe Neuheisel (left) defeated Camden Braidech, 3 & 2, in the Round of 64 ‒ a rematch of the 2022 Championship Match, also won by Neuheisel.

Nick Kling def. Cole Finch, 5 & 3

Dillon Dean def. Sam Engel, 1 up

Max Schwarz def. Michael Martin, 4 & 3

Warner Beach def. Trevor Lewis, 1 up

Allan MacDonald def. Joey Geary, 4 & 2

Damon Vilkauskas def. Russell May, 3 & 2

Cade Anderson def. Cody Massa, 3 & 2

Gabriel Salvanera def. Tucker Clark, 1 up

ROUND OF 32

Tyler Spielman def. Hayes Dupree, 4 & 3

Dalen Demary def. Joe Neuheisel, 20 holes

Brasen Briones def. Jonathan Beaty, 1 up

Kiko Coelho def. Davis Johnson, 3 & 1

William Carlson def. Will Evans, 1 up

Jake Chanen def. Riley Schank, 3 & 2

Kris Marshall

Jeff Benton, 7 & 6

Jack Dozer def. Troy Anderson, 3 & 2

Jonathan Curran def. Joseph Lloyd, 2 & 1

Mahanth Chirravuri def. Brad Wayment, 5 & 3

Johnny Carey def. Adam Miller, 19 holes

Brian Blanchard def. J.J. Gresco, 2 up

Nick Kling def. Dillon Dean, 2 & 1

Max Schwarz def. Warner Beach, 20 holes

Allan Macdonald def. Damon Vilkauskas, 2 & 1

Cade Anderson def. Gabriel Salvanera, 2 up

ROUND OF 16

Tyler Spielman def. Dalen Demary, 1 up

Kiko Coelho def. Brasen Briones, 5 & 4

Jake Chanen def. William Carlson, 20 holes

Kris Marshall def. Jack Dozer, 3 & 2

def.

Arizona State University star Kiko Coelho (left) took down 2021 Arizona Amateur Champion Kris Marshall in the Semifinals, 3 & 1.

Mahanth Chirravuri def. Jonathan Curran, 7 & 5

Brian Blanchard def. Johnny Carey, 2 up

Max Schwarz def. Nick Kling, 4 & 3

Allan Macdonald def. Cade Anderson, 2 up

QUARTERFINALS

Kiko Coelho def. Tyler Spielman, 1 up

Kris Marshall def. Jake Chanen, 2 up

Mahanth Chirravuri def. Brian Blanchard, 19 holes

Max Schwarz def. Allan Macdonald, 6 & 4

SEMIFINALS

Kiko Coelho def. Kris Marshall, 3 & 1

Mahanth Chirravuri def. Max Schwarz, 3 & 2

CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Mahanth Chirravuri def. Kiko Coelho, 1 up

In an epic Championship Match that will be talked about for years to come, Chandler’s Mahanth Chirravuri won the final hole at Desert Highlands Golf Club in Scottsdale to win the 99th Arizona Amateur Championship. The Pepperdine transfer was tied with Arizona State’s Kiko Coelho on the 18th tee, but made a 25foot eagle putt to win the match, 1-up, and take home the coveted Kachina trophy.

2023 SOUTHERN AMATEUR

Omni Tucson National Golf Club

Catalina Course | Tucson (Par 73)

OPEN DIVISION

Jonathan Khan came back from a four shot deficit to win the Open Division of the 2023 Southern Amateur at -6 overall.

SENIOR DIVISION

LEGENDS DIVISION

John Chiesa held on for a one stroke win in the Senior Division of the 2023 Southern Amateur, winning by one shot over David Galbraith.

Carl Juengst won the Legends Division of the 2023 Souther Amateur after outlasting Steve Zalewski and Tim Blau in a two-hole playoff.

2023 MIXED STIX

Oakcreek Country Club | Sedona

GROSS DIVISION

CATHEDRAL ROCK FLIGHT

SNOOPY ROCK FLIGHT

BELL ROCK FLIGHT

COFFEE POT FLIGHT

Nathan Epaul and Kirsty Hodgkins went low for two straight days, shooting 64-60 to win the Mixed Stix Gross Division by six strokes at -20.

BELL ROCK FLIGHT

NET DIVISION

CATHEDRAL ROCK FLIGHT

SNOOPY ROCK FLIGHT

COFFEE POT FLIGHT

Bailey O’Brien and P.J. Greene won the Net Division of the 2023 Mixed Stix by two shots over Kat and Kenneth Vickers at Oakcreek Country Club.

2023 ARIZONA MATCH PLAY

STROKE PLAY FOR MATCH PLAY SEEDING

SENIOR DIVISION

Paul Brown beat Abe Candelaria 2 & 1 in the Championship Match of the Arizona Match Play Open Division at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes.

LEGENDS DIVISION

MATCH PLAY

OPEN DIVISION

Round of 32

Rob McIver advances via bye

Paul Brown advances via bye

Jim Ignoffo advances via bye

Michael Leonard advances via bye

Mike Brenneman advances via bye

Erik Andersen advances via bye

Greg Cesarek def. Steve Harsha, 7 & 5

Grant Cesarek def. Andrew Atkinson, 1 up

Ben Esparza def. Shiu Chan, 6 & 4

Mike Davidson def. Michael Sciacero, 3 & 2

Steven Davis def. Johnse Good, 2 & 1

Abe Candelaria def. Brent Landen, 3 & 2

Ben Bradford def. Adam Geis, 5 & 4

Ted Elliott def. Rayce Matthews, 2 up

Marty James def. Matt Gomez, 19 holes

Jacob Moncayo def. Gatjeak Gew, 1 up

Round of 16

Rob McIver def. Greg Cesarek, 5 & 4

Ben Esparza def. Grant Cesarek, 5 & 4

Paul Brown def. Mike Davidson, 1 up

Steven Davis def. Jim Ignoffo, 2 & 1

Abe Candelaria def. Michael Leonard, 2 up

Ben Bradford def. Ted Elliott, 2 up

Mike Brenneman def. Marty James, 5 & 4

Erik Andersen def. Jacob Moncayo, 4 & 3

Quarterfinals

Ben Esparza def. Rob McIver, 3 & 1

Paul Brown def. Steven Davis, 5 & 3

Abe Candelaria def. Ben Bradford, 20 holes

Erik Andersen def. Mike Brenneman, 2 & 1

Semifinals

Paul Brown def. Ben Esparza, 2 & 1

Abe Candelaria def. Erik Andersen, 2 & 1

Finals

Paul Brown def. Abe Candelaria, 2 & 1

SENIOR DIVISION

Round of 32

Tim Case advances via bye

Alex Stamey advances via bye

Jeffrey Daly advances via bye

David Honerkamp advances via bye

Jeff Benton advances via bye

Marc Apps def. David Galbraith, 1 up

Richard Lay def. Clay Baldwin, 7 & 6

Jeff New def. John Van Deventer, 1 up

Jack Henning def. Mark Thompson, 2 up

Jon Kemp def. Steve Mindak, 3 & 1

Lee Decof def. John DelBrocco, 1 up

Mark Ohlendorf def. Scott Smith, 3 & 2

Michael Dlugos def. Martin Aldecoa, 5 & 4

Michael Healey def. John Hernandez, 2 & 1

Bruce Pape def. Chuck Cupples, 7 & 6

Steve Geesling def. Brad Kryger, 6 & 5

Round of 16

Tim Case def. Marc Apps, 5 & 4

Richard Lay def. Jeff New, 3 & 2

Alex Stamey def. Jack Henning, 19 holes

Jon Kemp def. Jeffrey Daly, 1 up

Lee Decof def. David Honerkamp, 3 & 2

Michael Dlugos def. Mark Ohlendorf, 7 & 6

Jeff Benton def. Michael Healey, 3 & 2

Steve Geesling def. Bruce Pape, 2 & 1

Quarterfinals

Tim Case def. Richard Lay, 1 up

Alex Stamey def. Jon Kemp, 4 & 3

Michael Dlugos def. Lee Decof, 5 & 4

Jeff Benton def. Steve Geesling, 1 up

Semifinals

Alex Stamey def. Tim Case, 2 & 1

Jeff Benton def. Michael Dlugos, 4 & 2

Finals

Jeff Benton def. Alex Stamey, 1 up

LEGENDS DIVISION

Round of 32

Dirk Maust advances via bye

Tim Blau advances via bye

Gary Fox advances via bye

Craig Bauley advances via bye

Richard Yeager advances via bye

Tim Bateman advances via bye

Gregory Lumsden advances via bye

Carl Juengst advances via bye

Rich Morrison def. Tim Smith, 3 & 2

Terry Ruzzo def. Marshall Gleason, conc. after 9

Jerry Marifke def. Scott Abel, 8 & 6

Bruce Burda def. Melvin Jorgenson, 2 & 1

Brad Starr def. Frank Ellenburg, 5 & 4

Jeff Benton beat Alex Stamey 1-up in the Championship Match of the Arizona Match Play Senior Division at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes.

Steve Whitehead def. Dave Camp, 5 & 4

Mark Gallaugher def. Willie Melancon, 5 & 4

Don Reycroft def. Bob Burton, 2 & 1

Round of 16

Dirk Maust def. Rich Morrison, 2 up

Tim Blau def. Terry Ruzzo, 2 & 1

Gary Fox def. Jerry Marifke, 21 holes

Craig Bauley def. Bruce Burda, 3 & 2

Brad Starr def. Richard Yeager, 21 holes

Tim Bateman def. Steve Whitehead, 1 up

Gregory Lumsden def. Mark Gallaugher, 2 up

Carl Juengst def. Don Reycroft, 3 & 1

Quarterfinals

Dirk Maust def. Tim Blau, 1 up

Gary Fox def. Craig Bauley, 4 & 3

Tim Bateman def. Brad Starr, 3 & 2

Carl Juengst def. Gregory Lumsden, 6 & 5

Semifinals

Dirk Maust def. Gary Fox, 5 & 3

Tim Bateman def. Carl Juengst, 2 & 1

Finals

Tim Bateman def. Dirk Maust, 3 & 2

Tim Bateman took home the Legends Division trophy at the Arizona Match Play, beating Dirk Maust 3 & 2 in the Championship Match.

Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club | Maricopa, Ariz. Host of the 2023 Arizona Match Play

by Todd Kelly GOLFWEEK ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR

John Davis, a 2019 inductee into the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame and sports journalist for nearly 36 years, died August 28 after a long battle with cancer.

Davis, 73, was a fixture on the Arizona golf scene for more than 20 years and witnessed firsthand the rise of the Phoenix Open. Phil Mickelson, a native of San Diego but a hero for Arizona State, became the face of the event, spearheading its massive growth into one of the world’s most highly attended sporting events.

And Davis was right there along for the ride. Over time, writer and golfer forged a friendship. A typical routine after a tournament round consisted of Mickelson signing autographs for 20 or 30 minutes, putting pen to paper for anyone and everyone who wanted one at TPC Scottsdale. It wasn’t an uncommon sight to see him and Davis later engaged in small talk, sharing a smile or two, catching up like two longtime friends.

Davis eventually stopped covering the tournaments, retiring in 2019, but he clearly missed the action. With many friends in the golf world, he could easily score a credential and would often swing by the media center to say hi to everyone.

IN MEMORIAM JOHN DAVIS

1950- 2023

At the Charles Schwab Cup in 2021, the first time Mickelson was eligible for the PGA TOUR Champions event, the two caught up once again at Phoenix Country Club, with Davis well into the throes of his cancer fight. The day before the tournament started, as Mickelson took questions in the media scrum, Davis stood off to the side and waited, his face covering a sign he was taking precautions about his health but wasn’t going to sit around the house all day.

When Lefty was done, he turned and saw Davis and the two spent the next 20 minutes catching up, Mickelson telling him to hang in there and keep fighting.

“John waged a battle over several years with cancer, and his friends were amazed at how much he endured and how many times he bounced back from devastating news,” said Bob Young, the Republic’s long-time Suns reporter and colleague of Davis. “But we knew he was a tough guy. He survived a stroke by dragging himself over a span of two hours across his living room to reach a phone, which he dragged off of a table to call 9-1-1.

“And when I was covering the Suns beat, I came into the press work room to find John typing with his right hand on his laptop while holding his left hand in the air. I asked him what was up and he said a scorpion had stung him while he was doing yard work. He said holding his hand up helped with the throbbing pain. I suggested maybe he should go home and

he said it would still be throbbing whether he was at home or work. He stayed and filed a sidebar and notes that night.”

Davis later had a heart bypass issue but continued to fight on, never complaining.

“During the dog days of summer, when not much was happening in the sports world, four sportswriters – John, Bob Young, Dale Hajek and I – would slip out of the office early and play a quick round at Encanto,” recalled Kent Somers, who said he and Davis competed for a time on their beats, Somers at the Republic and Davis at the old Phoenix Gazette. The two papers merged in 1997, bringing Davis to the Republic. “Well, to me, it was a quick round. To John, who was a solid player, it probably didn’t seem so quick. He never, ever complained about golfing with a hack like me.”

Davis moved to Phoenix in the mid 1980s, well before the population exploded and the city had just one pro team, the Suns.

“I found a picture, his grandma took a picture of him leaving in a U-Haul truck in August 1986,” said Kim Ewing, Davis’ niece, who said he started working for the Phoenix Gazette upon his arrival.

“He was wise, witty and humble, and worked tirelessly at WM Phoenix Opens, Masters, U.S. Opens, state amateurs – wherever he was assigned – to bring the most entertaining and accurate stories he possibly could to his readers,” said Bill Huffman, who proceeded Davis on the golf beat at the Republic. “And John always delivered, which is why he earned his spot in the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame.”

As luck would have it, many years later – and perhaps as karma for all his goodwill – Davis was among the lucky media members to have his name drawn to play Augusta National on the Monday after the Masters Tournament, a long-standing tradition.

Davis wore many hats during his journalism career. Many times it was that of a mentor.

“JD started out as one of the standards for me in the business and wound up becoming a dear friend who remained inspirationally positive through his health issues,” said Paul Coro, who came to the Re -

public as a young reporter in 1997. “As a mentor, he always had been encouraging and complimentary but made me feel more like a colleague by sharing stories and laughs. The way he worked earned the respect of pros, whether it was going way back with Dan Majerle, connecting quickly with Charles Barkley or having Phil Mickelson seemingly always pick up his calls. For a guy who was great with words, the ones I’ll treasure most were his kind ones about my girls as they grew up.”

While Davis spent considerable time covering the pro game, he always made an effort to be there at amateur events as well.

“He was an All-Star,” said Ed Gowan, who was executive director of the Arizona Golf Association for 37 years, retiring in 2022. “In order to get national recognition sometimes you have to call attention to yourself and he never did that. He was never after the roses. It was all about the subject.”

Born in Adrian, Michigan, on Feb. 23, 1950, Davis was drafted by the Army during Vietnam and was enlisted for two years. Years later, he purchased a second home in Traverse City, Michigan, and escaped the Phoenix heat in his later years to enjoy the midwestern summers at his cabin. Friends say he spoke a lot about his place there in recent weeks, hoping to visit one last time.

“Last week he was telling me how badly he wanted to return there for another summer,” Somers said. “It wasn’t to be, but, man, did he live a life.”

Pat Williams, Big Chief of The Thunderbirds, who stage the Phoenix Open every year said: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of legendary golf writer John Davis. John covered the Phoenix Open, golf in Arizona for four decades, was a great friend of the tournament, and really to the entire Thunderbird organization. Even after retiring, John would continue to come out to enjoy the Open and do what he loved, chatting it up with players, Thunderbirds, media, and really just anyone who wanted to talk about golf.

“John was a one-of-a-kind. He will truly be missed.”

John Davis at the 2019 Arizona Golf Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Click to view golf writer John Davis’ induction video for the 2019 Arizona Golf Hall of Fame.

Benets Options Help Attract and Retain Great Employees

Business owners in all industries are struggling with the current competitive job market. A recent survey of small business owners conducted by Helpside asked what their biggest concerns were heading into the end of 2023. Two of the biggest concerns were nding new employees and retaining current employees.

One way to stand out with employees is through customized benets packages. Each workplace includes unique individuals with diverse backgrounds and interests. So, why opt for a one-size-ts-all benets package? Instead, empower employees to choose their own customized benets package by providing benets options that are as unique as your employees. Doing this will help attract and retain the valuable employees you need to help your company thrive.

According to a MetLife survey, 73% of employees said having customized benets made them more loyal to their employers. Additionally, the survey found that 83% of employees would trade a small pay cut for better benets options.

Customized Employee Benets Examples

While every benets option won’t appeal to all employees, this list shows some of the solutions employers can use to demonstrate value to their workforce.

 Affordable health plans—Consider offering tiers of health plans, so each employee can choose the deductibles, co-pays, and premiums that make sense for their situation.

 Robust retirement plans—According to a Willis Towers Watson survey, 67% of employees would trade a pay cut for richer retirement benets.

 Life insurance—Providing employees with life insurance options can give them and their families peace of mind.

 Chronic condition management solutions— Chronic conditions affect millions of workers, so offering programs such as opt-in

diabetes management plans can help save participants’ health care dollars.

 Flexible scheduling—While not a traditional benet, schedule exibility is a highly sought-after perk that can help balance employees’ work and home lives.

Tips for Offering Customized Benets

Think about offering different types of health plans and a variety of supplemental options like life insurance, disability, 401(k), and accident coverage that employees can choose from. Many of these supplemental plans require little investment (if any) from employers, so they can be a great way to improve your overall benets package without increasing the cost to the company. Before you make any changes to your benets, learn from employees what they would like to see improved. Trying to please everyone may seem impossible, but the goal of offering a variety of benets solutions is giving employees choice. This allows you to empower each employee to choose the benets options that meet their nancial and healthcare needs, giving you a leg up on the competition when it comes to recruiting.

Clients of Helpside have access to a variety of employee benets plan options that each individual employee can choose from allowing employees to create their own customized benets packages that meet their needs and budget.

If you have questions about employee benets offerings, you can learn more at www.helpside.com/az-benets or contact us at marketing@helpside.com to discuss potential benets that can help satisfy the needs of your diverse workforce.

ROBIN’S ULES of ORDER

by Robin Farran

RULES OF GOLF EXPERT

Straight from the 2023 USGA Joe Dey Award recipient himself, test your knowledge of the Rules of Golf by answering whether the actions during the following scenarios are OK or NOT OK

Good Luck!

Incident 1

In taking lateral relief from a red penalty area, Player A tosses a ball on the ground (not a correct drop) in the relief area two times. Both times the balls roll into the water.

Player A then places another ball on the spot in the relief area where the second ball first touched the ground before that ball rolled into the water.

Player A played the ball from the relief area.

OK NOT OK

the second drop had landed in the relief area and the ball quickly rolled out of the relief area.

After several additional attempts to find a spot where the ball would remain at rest when placed, both in the relief area and outside the relief area, Player A found a spot outside the relief area not nearer the hole than the original spot of the ball in the bush where the ball would remain at rest.

Player A played the ball from outside the relief area, on the nearest spot, not nearer the hole where the ball would remain at rest.

OK NOT OK

Incident 2

Player A, in taking relief from a cart path, determines the correct one club-length relief area. When Player A drops the ball from knee height, the ball first touched the ground outside the relief area and comes to rest within the relief area.

Player A played the ball from the relief area.

OK NOT OK

Incident 4

Player A’s ball is on a sprinkler head in the general area. Player A correctly determines the nearest point of complete relief and the relief area. When Player A drops the ball from knee height, the ball hits Player A’s driver, lying within the relief area, and then lands in the relief area, and comes to rest in the relief area.

Player A played the ball from the relief area.

OK NOT OK

Incident 3

Player A’s ball is in a bush in the general area. The two club-length relief area is on a slope where the dropped ball is not likely to remain in the relief area. After the first two drops rolled out of the relief area, Player A placed a ball on the spot where

Incident 5

Player A’s ball, played to an elevated putting green, is embedded in the general area just beyond the putting green. Player A takes relief for an embedded ball and drops the ball in the relief

area in accordance with Rule 16.3b.

The first drop and the second drop both rolled out of the relief area toward the putting green. Player A placed a ball on the spot where the ball dropped a second time first touched the ground.

As Player A is considering the stroke toward the hole, the ball rolls down the slope onto the putting green and comes to rest about 12 inches from the hole. Player A holes the putt.

OK NOT OK

14.3b(4/1), listed in Additional Clarifications of the 2023 Rules of Golf, states that the general penalty applies under Rule 14.7a for having played from a wrong place.]

Incident 2: NOT OK - Player A did not proceed correctly as required by Rule 14.3b. When Player A dropped the ball in the wrong way, not in the relief area as required by Rule 14.3b(3), and did not correct the mistake, Player A gets a penalty of one stroke under Rule 14.3b(4).

Incident 3: OK - Player A proceeded correctly in accordance with Rule 14.3c(2).

Incident 6

Player A’s ball lies on the putting green about 10 feet from the hole. Player A marks the ball with a ball-marker and, as Player A considers the line of putt to the hole, a gust of wind moves the ball to a spot about 6 feet from the hole.

Player A putts and the ball comes to rest about 2 feet from the hole. Player A holes the next putt.

OK NOT OK

Incident 4: NOT OK - When a dropped ball hits any of the player’s equipment before it hits the ground, the drop does not count, and the player is required to drop again (there is no limit to the number of these incorrect drops). See Rule 14.3b(2). When Player A failed to correct the drop in the wrong way and played the ball from the relief area, Player A incurred a one-stroke penalty under Rule 14.3b(4).

Incident 7

Player A’s ball lies on the putting green about 10 feet from the hole. Player A marks the ball with a ball-marker, lifts the ball and considers the line of putt to the hole. Player A replaces the ball and does not pick up the ball-marker.

After a few minutes, a gust of wind moves the ball to a spot about 6 feet from the hole. Player A putts and the ball comes to rest about 2 feet from the hole. Player A holes the next putt.

OK NOT OK

Incident 5: NOT OK - Since the ball after being placed rolled onto another part of the course, Player A was required to replace the ball on the original spot. See Exception 2 to Rule 9.3 and the Definition of “Natural Forces”. Player A has played from a wrong place. Likely the Committee would decide that this was a serious breach, a disqualification if not corrected before making a stroke to start the next hole. If corrected, Player A gets a penalty of two strokes for playing from a wrong place. See Rule 14.7b(1) and the Definitions of “Wrong Place” and “Serious Breach”.

Incident 6: OK - As the ball had not been lifted and replaced, the spot was not reserved. See Rule 9.3 and the Definition of “Natural Forces”.

Incident 7: NOT OK - Since the ball had been lifted and replaced, the ball “owned” the spot until a stroke was made at the ball. The ball should have been replaced on its original spot. See Exception 2 to Rule 9.3. Player A has played from a wrong place and gets a penalty of two strokes under Rule 14.7.

Incident 8

Player A’s ball is in a small bush in the general area near a red penalty area. Player A decides to proceed under the lateral relief option for an unplayable ball and proceeds correctly under Rule 19.2c and drops a ball in the general area.

As Player A considers the next stroke toward the putting green, natural forces cause Player A’s ball to roll into the red penalty area in a playable location. Player A plays the ball into the fairway.

OK NOT OK

Incident 8: NOT OK - Once Player A had put the ball back into play under a Rule, the location (in whichever part of the course) the ball must be played from is that part of the course. When the ball was moved by natural forces to another part of the course (the penalty area), the ball should have been replaced. See Exception 2 to Rule 9.3. Player A has played from a wrong place and gets a penalty of two strokes under Rule 14.7.

Answers

Incident 1: NOT OK - Player A did not proceed correctly as required by Rule 14.3b. When Player A dropped the ball in the wrong way, failed to correct the mistakes and then placed the ball in the relief area, Player A gets a penalty of two strokes for a breach of Rule 14.3b(4). [Note: Clarification