Arizona Golf Insider - December 2021

ARIZONAGOLF INSIDER

Los Cab Rediscovered

Wickenburg’s Historic Golf Club and Dude Ranch Resurrected

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contents AZ Golf News

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40 COVER STORY - LOS CAB REDISCOVERED | By Joe Passov The iconic Los Caballeros Golf Club in Wickenburg is now under new ownership, combining with Rancho de los Caballeros dude ranch to give the term Stay & Play a whole new look.

KEN TANIGAWA: COMING FULL CIRCLE | By Tom Mackin The 2015 AGA Player of the Year, Ken Tanigawa’s meteoric rise to PGA TOUR Champions Rookie of the Year, major winner and tour stalwart has been nothing short of remarkable.

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AAG FINDS TRACTION IN WATER USE AND YOUTH PROGRAMS As detailed by the Arizona Alliance for Golf (AAG), golf has real economic incentive to continue smart water management, engage in turfgrass and seed research and implement best practices.

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THE TOWN & GOWN | By Joshua C. Evenson The fifth installment of the series, St Andrews and its Town and Gown are discussed as one of the many reasons the golf destination has continued to thrive.

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MEMBERS ONLY AGA NEWS 19TH HOLE

ARIZONAGOLF INSIDER

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RULES

By Jeff Rivard 2019’s Rules update simplified language, but also reflected what many recreational golfers thought the Rules said anyway.

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OUT OF BOUNDS

By Ed Gowan Golf’s explosion in popularity over the past two years will be wasted if a few important details aren’t addressed sooner than later.

Los Cab Rediscovered

Wickenburg’s Historic Golf Club and Dude Ranch Resurrected December 2021

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Departments

Arizona Golf Insider

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SIGNATURE HOLE

ON THE COVER

Just one of the many ways Los Caballeros is not your average track: Twice daily, horses from the nextdoor dude ranch run parallel to the 16th hole, to and from the corral to their nighttime pasture.

Th Now Ga e S loca in ho ted i ey p n Ra s at nc h

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS

From the Executive Director

BY ED GOWAN

PRESIDENT ........................................... Bob McNichols VICE PRESIDENT .......................................... Tim Brown VICE PRESIDENT ...................................... Michelle Cross SECRETARY ...............................................John Souza TREASURER ............................................ Tim Hulscher GENERAL COUNSEL ......................................... Greg Mast

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

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his issue of Arizona Golf Insider has several articles to engage your interest. Travelin’ Joe Passov details why Los Caballeros in Wickenburg returning to prominence is worthy of a special celebration; golf course water-use strikes a different note, one also worth of serious consideration; Tom Mackin shares a look at the fairy-tale ascendency of Ken Tanigawa from businessman/part-time golfer to the upper ranks of the Champions Tour; we take a deep-dive into etiquette; and, as always we finish with the a provocative ‘Out of Bounds.’

Los Cab’s restoration is golf’s version of the Prodigal Son story. The course is aiming to resurrect its image as an annual must play for all serious golfers. Toss in the “Running of the Horses” and the Guest Ranch right out of a John Wayne western makes its return most welcome. It’s high on our list for a future Championship.

We understand the future of water use in Arizona is necessarily on the minds of our legislators – as it should be.

Golf has its place, and the collective industry is more than willing to do its part, as it has been doing for the last 35 years. The issue is clearly that decisions should be made on facts, not perceptions. Over the next several issues, Arizona Golf Insider will share the various reasons for maintaining reasonable access to water. This edition explores a future that shows golf’s commitment to solutions.

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From winning the Arizona Amateur twice to the USGA Senior Open, it’s been quite a ride for the quiet and humble friend of the AGA. Ken Tanigawa amazed his amateur opponents with his consistency and ball-striking. On the Champions Tour, his meteoric rise to prominence was both unexpected and dramatic, especially with the eagle-three finish at Pebble Beach for his first victory.

Celebrate with us the new-but-delayed Hall of Fame class of the Desert Mashie Golf Club, John Gunby, Tina Tombs and Mark Woodward. Their stories were told last year but bear mentioning again. Add along our Players Cup Champions, foretelling another great year for competitions along with the expanding member event schedule; and the expanding travel program featuring Scotland and the 150th Open Championship, foretelling many more great experiences for us this coming year.

Make a New Year’s resolution to play at least one more Arizona course you haven’t yet experienced, and write us about your experience. We can’t wait to see what the coming year brings.

Ed Gowan, David Bataller, Anj Brown, Alexa Cerra, Le Ann Finger, Tim Eberlein, Amy Fruhwirth, Ryan Hyland, Alex Gelman, Sharon Goldstone, Lucas Kauffman, Vivian Kelley, Kathy Laux, Mike Mason, Meagan McEnery, Derek McKenzie, Chris Montgomery, Robyn Noll, Logan Rasmussen, Peg Tanner, Alex Tsakiris, Susan Woods Partnership Contact ................................Chris Montgomery cmontgomery@azgolf.org - (602) 872-7011 National Advertising Contact ........................... Brian Foster bfoster@azgolf.org - (602) 909-7799

AZ GOLF INSIDER STAFF

EDITOR IN CHIEF ..................................... David Bataller AGA EDITOR ................................................Anj Brown CONTRIBUTORS ............................Ed Gowan, David Bataller, Anj Brown, Alexa Cerra, Josh Evenson, Jeff Locke, Tom Mackin, Scott McNevin, Joe Passov, Jeff Rivard

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

LISA GRANNIS, ROBYN LAMBERT, MORGAN MCCLELLAN MICHELLE SCHNEIDER, DEIDRA VIBERG PRODUCTION MANAGER .................................Deidra Viberg CREATIVE DIRECTION ............................. Haines Wilkerson, Hither & Wander Inc. ART DIRECTION ........................................ Michael Min FOR PRINT ADVERTISING SALES CONTACT: SALES@ONMEDIAAZ.COM Arizona Golf Insider (ISSN 2765-9054) is published four times per year by the Arizona Golf Association. It is supported by members’ dues, utilizing $5 per member per year. We welcome all editorial submissions, including letters, but assume no responsibility for the loss or damage of unsolicited material. They will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Views expressed within these pages do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or official policies of the Arizona Golf Association. No part of this magazine is intended as an endorsement of any equipment, publication, videotape, golf course, or other entity. No part of this magazine may be reproduced for use as an advertising, publicity or endorsement item without written approval of the AGA. Arizona Golf Insider is offered on a subscription basis for $12.95 annually. Individual copies may be obtained by forwarding $5 to the address above. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Arizona Golf Association, 7600 E. Redfield Road, Suite 130, Scottsdale, AZ 85260-1101

SIGNATURE HOLE

Eagle Mountain Golf Club Like all holes at Eagle Mountain Golf Club, the 18th has a fitting nickname: “That’s Golf.” Dropping 100 feet from tee to green, the 18th at the Fountain Hills favorite features panoramic views of the East Valley, with Red Mountain seen prominently to the south.

Aim for the left side of the fairway off the tee, as the Scott Miller-designed terrain slopes to the water just past a set of bunkers on the right. Only the second of two holes on the course to have water in play, the 18th will leave players with one last stunning view at one of Arizona’s most scenic golf courses.

SIGNATURE HOLE HOLE #18 PAR 4

420 YDS

Club selection off the tee is crucial to closing out the round on a high note. Finding the fairway is paramount – avoid an approach over water or with an uneven lie to leave a better shot at a birdie putt.

Your favorite post-round beverage at The Grille will taste so much better if said putt is drained.

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COVER STORY

Rancho de los

Caballeros

Arizona’s finest guest ranch sparkles with new vitality WORDS BY JOE PASSOV

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COVER STORY

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David Bataller

alking off the 16th green at Wickenburg’s Los Caballeros Golf Club—known affectionately as ‘Los Cab’—is typically a tranquil experience, often library quiet, cocooned by the pristine desert.

At four o’clock in the afternoon, however, everything changes. A ranch hand emerges to close two gates, on either side of a wide, sandy path, halting anyone who had entertained the idea of progressing toward the 17th tee. First, you hear it—a rumbling. Then, dust rising and the pounding of hooves. Your pulse quickens, as from around the bend, up to eighty horses run by, heading from their corrals at the adjacent Rancho de los Caballeros guest ranch to their night pasture. After ten minutes, the show’s over. The gates open, and exhilarated, you proceed. Wow. What a pure taste of the Old West. Welcome to Rancho de los Caballeros.

Amid images of cowboys and cookouts and riding horses into cactus-silhouetted sunsets, it’s no stretch to call Rancho de los Caballeros the most iconic Old West vacation retreat in Arizona. Celebrating its 74th year, this venerable resort ranch is once again riding high in the saddle, thanks to an investment infusion from some passionate old friends. With its legendary equestrian program, dynamic new activities, upgraded dining, charming, upscale accommodations and a superb, refurbished championship golf course, Rancho de los Caballeros is galloping toward a new era of glory.

Run by the Gant family from inception until early in 2021, the fabled, historic guest ranch had become indisputably tired. Fortunately, the new owners—Sandy and Sally Cutler from Cleveland, Lanny and Sharon Martin of Denver and Sandy and Christine Kemper from Kansas City--were as enamored with Rancho de los Caballeros as the Gant family had long been, and for good reason: They had cherished the ranch as visiting guests and homeowners for years. Sandy Cutler first checked in as a six-year-old, in 1957.

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COVER STORY

Cutler and his partners have a pretty simple mission: honor the history and traditions of the dude ranch, but also update the facilities and activities to meet the expectations of the modern resort guest. “The jewel got dusty,” Cutler told Arizona Golf Insider. “It needs to be polished up.”

To achieve that, Cutler and his partners have embarked on a three-year refurbishment and enhancement project that will touch every corner of the ranch. Already in place are eight room renovations, a new meeting conference room, a new fitness center, a revamped entry to the main lodge, a walled-in yard outside the main lodge that encompasses a new event lawn which is ideal for weddings and kids’ activities, a new sporting clays facility, spa improvements, expanded skeet and trap shooting and archery, pickleball—and there’s plenty more planned.

The dining experience has already been significantly upgraded, no surprise considering Cutler owns a four-star French restaurant in his hometown of Cleveland. “We’re taking the food and beverage program up to a very different level,” said Cutler. “All three kitchens have been totally redone, we’ve created a wine list and we’ve hired a wonderful young executive chef, Jacob Ellis, who trained under Beau MacMillan in Scottsdale as well as at the St. Regis San Francisco.”

While the ambitious additions will undoubtedly elevate Rancho de los Caballeros, it’s the old-fashioned horse activities that Cutler treasures most.

“We’re really expanding the riding program,” said Cutler. “We totally gutted and rebuilt the corrals, both for safety and also to offer more variety in the riding options. We realize that not everybody wants to do the same thing every day. We want families spending time together, whether on horseback or in the dining room, but we also recognize that people like to be busy having fun. That’s why we’ve added a new slate of activities beyond horses, so that you could do something different every day. If ever there was a place to put your phone away, other than to take pictures, it’s here. This is a place to build memories.”

While the equestrian program is unquestionably the main attraction at Rancho de los Caballeros, the golf component is so good, it would be the star of the show anywhere else. Once ranked among the state’s top five 18 | ARIZONA GOLF INSIDER |

DECEMBER 2021

courses by Golf Digest, it had floated completely off the radar. Under the direction of Van Batchelder, the hidden gem is shining again.

“I had two goals when I returned here,” said Batchelder, who formerly served as Head Pro/GM from 1988-1997. “First, not to lose the local flavor— this is Wickenburg, not north Scottsdale—and second, to bring the layout back to a player’s golf course.”

While it’s a work in progress, Batchelder and the new ownership are clearly succeeding. Local flavor? Check out the pro shop, likely the only one in golf that sells Stetson boots, jeans, cowboy shirts—even a saddle. At the Clubhouse Grill, indulge in a Prickly Pear Margarita, made from Prickly Pear fruit plucked from onsite cacti in July and August.

By a “player’s course,” Batchelder means a track that is respected by his low-handicap peers for its honest challenge, superior conditions and attention to detail. Ownership is fully committed on that front, with initial capital investments in repairing and upgrading equipment, rebuilding the entire maintenance operation and performing an aggressive overseed. Rental club sets have been replaced, the presentation of tee boxes and the range have been streamlined and a new GPS-equipped cart fleet is on the way.

Los Cab is the rare bird that appeals equally strongly to higher handicappers as well as to the scratch set. More than a few uphill shots and elevated greens that generally slope back-to-front demand superior ball-striking and short-game prowess. “The number one rule for success at Los Cab,” says Batchelder, “is never be above the hole.” Wise words if you’re looking to go low.

Yet, those with less skill are entertained and engaged throughout the round not only by the stunning desert and mountain surrounds, but also by wall-to-wall grass on every hole from tee to green, a refreshing throwback to classic golf. Architects Jeff Hardin and Greg Nash built Los Cab in two phases, with the front nine debuting in 1979 and the back nine joining in 1981. Both appeared before the onset of the state’s water restrictions in the late 1980s that regulated the number of turf acres that could be irrigated. “There’s not one forced carry—you can roll it on every hole,” says Batchelder. “No matter how you play, you can get around here.”

Inn mountain vistas are there from The friendly, grassy width Hassayampa and eye-pleasing

COVER STORY

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COVER STORY

“

Los Cab is the rare bird that appeals equally strongly to higher handicappers as well as to the scratch set. More than a few uphill shots and elevated greens that generally slope back-to-front demand superior ball-striking and short-game prowess.

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”

David Bataller

David Bataller AZGOLF.ORG

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COVER STORY

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COVER STORY

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Horses, hats and hospitality are dead center. If you don’t do those these three things right, you don’t have a guest ranch.

”

David Bataller

David Bataller

the opening hole, a 415-yard, slight dogleg-left par 4 that sports an elevated tee, desert to the left and the Bradshaws beyond. Unquestionably, the greatest par-4 is the 448-yard 16th. From a hilltop tee that lets the golfer soak every aspect of the whole property, the journey features a wonderfully rumpled fairway, mesquite trees on the left, a pond on the right and 60 to 80 yards from the green, a funky tall yucca jabbed into a bunker. It’s delightful in every way, until you post your score, because the small, propped up green doesn’t yield many pars, let alone birdies.

Of course, if you’re nearby about 4 p.m., you’ll soon forget about scores.

That’s when the horses run by. One late afternoon this past September, Batchelder encountered a foursome coming off the green. They took in the stirring herd scene together. Batch asked, “Any other golf course you guys play where this happens?” One man replied, “Nope. And that’s why we’re here.”

Most lauded at Los Cab is its collection of stellar par-5s, perhaps the best in the Southwest. The standout is the 605-yard, roller-coaster ride 13th, with Vulture’s Peak in the background that has only twice been reached in two, by Dan Pohl and by John Daly. Close behind is the 561yard 18th, which plays downhill, downwind and down-sun—with only a

phalanx of bunkers preventing golfers from finding the green in two shots.

And here’s a news flash—the acclaimed par-5 quartet has just gained a new sibling, with the 452-yard, par-4 17th having recently been converted to a 490-yard par-5.

“The hole was uphill, into the wind and played to one of the smallest greens on the course,” said Batchelder. “Frankly, it was too tough and not every exciting. The changes will give players another chance at a birdie on the closing stretch.” Los Cab now will play as a par 73, one of about 400 courses around the world to do so.

For Sandy Cutler and his partners, the history and traditions at Rancho de los Caballeros are cherished. The only necessary transformation has been upgrading the quality and variety. “We want it to remain a genuine guest ranch, one with wonderful food and golf,” he says. “Horses, hats and hospitality are dead center. If you don’t do those these three things right, you don’t have a guest ranch.”

Rest assured, Mr. Cutler. With the restoration of a fabled past and the building blocks in place for a bold, exciting future, Rancho de los Caballeros is in for one sweet ride.

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PLAYER PROFILE

KEN

TANIGAWA COMING FULL CIRCLE WORDS BY TOM MACKIN

E

ver walk away from something you love? Turn your back on it completely? Scottsdale resident Ken Tanigawa did that with professional golf. Without any regrets, either. Slowly but surely though, the game pulled him back in again, resulting in success beyond his wildest dreams.

After graduating from UCLA in 1990, Tanigawa grinded it out on multiple professional tours around the world, including in his native Japan, without reaching the winner’s circle. But it was a disappointing performance in the final stage of the 2003 PGA TOUR Qualifying School that convinced him a life change was necessary.

“That was kind of my shot but I played lousy,” he said. “I got status on the Nationwide Tour but played just horribly there. I kind of knew that might be the swan song, so I had one foot in and one foot out, which is no way to play. But you do anyway. You make a decision, so like any smart boss you fire the unproductive guy. That was easy when you look in the mirror and say you’re playing pretty lousy. There’s a lot more to life. I made the decision to move on from golf.”

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KEN TANIGAWA POSES WITH THE KACHINA TROPHY AFTER WINNING THE 93RD ARIZONA AMATEUR AT MOON VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB IN 2017.

hy at 7.

The “Stadium Stretch” at TPC Scottsdale during the WM Phoenix Open consisting of 15, 16, 17 and 18.

PLAYER PROFILE

That meant investing, along with his older brother Masahiko, in a Japan-based company that manufactures the private label collections of major department stores. Two years later the brothers bought out other investors to run the company themselves.

After he and his wife moved to Arizona in 2005, Tanigawa continued to work on the business, traveling to Japan six to eight times year and spending whole summers there with his family. By 2010, things were running smoothly enough that he decided to apply for reinstatement as an amateur.

He quickly became a force to be reckoned within the state, winning the Arizona Mid-Amateur in 2014 and 2015 and the Arizona Amateur in 2015 and 2017.

“That was fun to compete in amateur golf because you’re playing for no other reason than just to play,” he said. “It got the competitive juices going a little bit.”

So did playing at Whisper Rock, the private club in North Scottsdale where Tanigawa is a member along with many other Tour pros. “I was playing and competing with the Geoff Ogilvys, Paul Caseys and Kevin Streelmans of the world up there,” he said. “They’re the ones who planted the seed for me to try for the Champions Tour when they knew I was approaching 50. They egged me on. I was like yeah, whatever. To win the Arizona State Amateur and then bridge the gap to beat a Fred Couples or Vijay Singh is quite a chasm. But if I hadn’t won the state events, I wouldn’t have ever entertained the thought. If you can’t win at the state level, there’s no way I’m going to get better all of a sudden and beat those guys. I was very cognizant of that.”

Turned out that the finals of the 2017 Champions Tour Qualifying would be played at TPC Scottsdale Champions Course, right near his home, so he entered. After making it through the first stage, he finished at 17-under in the finals to claim his Champions Tour card and turn pro again.

“It was easier because if I didn’t get my card, it wasn’t going to change my life. There was only upside,” he said. “My wife was super excited and our kids were supportive. It was unbelievable, but now what do I do? I didn’t have a strategy with my brother regarding the business.”

After sorting that out (“Now when we talk my brother wants to know everything about golf and I want to know all about the business.”), Tanigawa viewed his place on the 2018 Champions Tour as a one-year deal. “I 26 | ARIZONA GOLF INSIDER |

DECEMBER 2021

Adrian Kraus/AP

would play in every event I could and enjoy the year,” he said. “I knew there would be a huge learning curve not just from a playing standpoint, but also from a comfort level.”

The fun began with a Top-10 finish in his first tournament and then grew exponentially later that year when he won the PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach, clinching the victory with a dramatic eagle on 18.

“To hit three prefect shots on such an iconic hole at such an iconic venue, and on a course that I love, I couldn’t have written it any better than that for my first win.”

Later that night Tanigawa dined with some friends at The Lodge overlooking the 18th green and found himself thinking, ‘Wow, what did I just pull off?’ “Even to this day it gives me a smile and some chills to look back on it.”

Winning at age 50 also came with a different perspective. “I loved the

KEN TANIGAWA WON THE SENIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT IN 2019

PLAYER PROFILE

“

Why keep playing? I enjoy it, because I can, and also there’s the challenge of finding more meaning in what I do...

”

A FINAL-ROUND EAGLE ON THE 18TH HOLE AT PEBBLE BEACH HELPED KEN TANIGAWA WIN HIS FIRST PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS TITLE IN 2018.

win but it was so surreal from where I had been,” he said. “Going from playing my first Arizona State Amateur at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes when it felt like 180 degrees and then to winning, it’s not so much that I wanted more wins as it was ‘Wow, I did it.’ I could have gone back to my whole other life.

If I had won at age 28, then it would have fueled the fire to want more. But being at a different stage in my life, if that was my last win or last year on Tour, I could have been at peace with that.”

It turned out to be neither his last win nor his last year as a Champions Tour member. An even bigger win came less than a year later at the 2019 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York. Tanigawa, one of only three players to finish under par in the tournament, edged out his playing partner and former UCLA teammate Scott McCarron by one stroke to claim the major title.

“The money isn’t quite as big (as the PGA Tour) on the Champions Tour,

but when you go to a tournament site it’s not about the fun,” he said. “They’re all trying to compete and win. It’s in their DNA. They can’t just go and have kicks and giggles golf. That’s not the case at all.

They’re all in when they play.”

For Tanigawa, professional golf is all about playing really good bad golf. “My ‘A’ game is good enough to win, but is my ‘B’ game better than Bernhard Langer’s? No. Guys like him just know how to score, and they can do that playing not very well.”

PGA TOUR Having far exceeded his original one-year plan for playing on the Champions Tour, the 53-year-old (who says he had an awful 2021 season that he simply cannot end his career with that) acknowledges he has done more that he ever dreamt he would have.

“Why keep playing? I enjoy it, because I can, and also there’s the challenge of finding more meaning in what I do. I could call it a day, walk away and live fine without having to worry about working on my game, but I’m kind of young to retire. I’m still looking for the inner reasons to keep fighting out there. I’m still figuring that out.”

Trophies from his two Champions Tour wins, which he keeps in the office of his Scottsdale home, are reminders of how far he has come.

“They are nice to see and mean the world to me from a golf perspective,” he said. “To go from playing to walking away to doing fine in the business world and then full circle back to pro golf. It’s a pinch me moment. I feel pretty lucky and appreciate having had those opportunities. My daughter tells me, ‘Dad, you went out and did it. Be proud.’ It’s pretty cool.”

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GOLF SCIENCE

Arizona Alliance for Golf

Finds Traction in

Water Use and Youth Programs

W

ater conservation has always been a priority in Arizona.

With more than 80 percent of the state’s land offering arid or semi-arid climate conditions, it only makes sense the people who call the Copper State home take water management extremely seriously.

In fact, Arizona leads the nation in rigorous water conservation efforts, maintaining a 100-year assured water supply to meet the needs of current and future generations who wish to work, live and play golf in Arizona.

The golf industry – and the Arizona Alliance for Golf (AAG) which represents a coalition of golf organizations – is among the leaders in Arizona’s water stewardship, financing and commissioning the most up-to-date, evidence-based water impact study in the state. That study outlines not only the golf industry’s water use, but also the enormous economic impact, job creation and tax revenue generated from the game.

Yet despite Arizona’s leadership status on water conservation and reclamation – and the Arizona golf industry’s commitment to the same – in 28 | ARIZONA GOLF INSIDER |

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Longbow Golf Club Ken Easley

©USGA

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GOLF SCIENCE

Papago Golf Club

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August, U.S. officials declared the first-ever water shortage from the Colorado River which will cause Arizona to reduce water usage by 18 percent beginning in 2022. And while this forced water cut will not immediately impact municipal or residential uses in the short term, golfers should take notice of how close the game of golf is being pushed towards the proverbial chopping block.

Most recently, the Alliance has been engaged in discussions with the state of Arizona for the 5th Management Plan, the next step in the state’s water management process. That process will continue into 2022 as new guidelines for groundwater usage are established.

Working in collaboration with Arizona Department of Water Resources and other stakeholders, the Alliance submitted concepts that would meet the state’s objective of reducing golf’s groundwater usage, while implementing a more data driven and science-based approach for future golf water allocations.

There’s no doubt sustainable water stewardship has always been inextricably linked to golf course management in Arizona, and the AAG supports continued smart water management and industry’s participation in water usage reductions. As seen in the accompanying infographic, golf has real economic incentive to reduce water use, engage in turf grass and seed research, and implement best practices.

Sure, the game of golf is an enjoyable, healthy pastime which generates an enormous amount of revenue for the state and prompts cutting-edge research into water stewardship. But arguably more importantly, the impact of golf extends into after school programs which promote healthy choices, encourage social engagement and teach critical life skills for students all over the state, including rural areas and underserved communities. The AAG recognizes the importance of

GOLF SCIENCE

these programs and actively works with lawmakers and industry leaders to grow these programs.

Organizations like the Junior Golf Association of Arizona promotes character development programs through the game of golf, and helps develop leaders of the future through teamwork, camaraderie and cooperation. The First Tee-Phoenix – another youth-oriented golf organization – teaches life skills through the game of golf like perseverance, judgment, accountability, honesty, confidence and responsibility. Recently, the AAG worked with the Governor’s Office to secure funding for these organizations.

In a clear commitment to the game of golf and the young leaders the game produces, Governor Doug Ducey recently announced a $375,000 grant to expand the work of the First Tee-Phoenix and promote healthy choices of the individuals it serves.

“Organizations like First Tee help our state build new safety nets to support vulnerable kids and families,” said Governor Ducey. “Remaining active, fostering social relationships and learning new skills are great ways Arizona kids can prepare for their futures and lead healthy lives. In Arizona, we will continue to support kids in need — and I thank the team at First Tee for all they do.”

The Tee Up Healthy Students Program utilizes golf to provide educational programs that build character, instill values and promote healthy choices. The Governor’s investment of federal funding will help fund a virtual curriculum, sports equipment, potential transportation support and other program needs in Title 1 schools, benefiting students and families in need.

To join the thousands of Arizona golfers who are part of the Arizona Alliance for Golf, visit azallianceforgolf.org.

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There’s no doubt sustainable water stewardship has always been inextricably linked to golf course management in Arizona, and the AAG supports continued smart water management and the industry’s participation in water usage reductions.

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Dave Baysden

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TRAVEL

T The

Town & Gown WORDS BY JOSHUA C. EVENSON

hose who intimately know St Andrews understand that it’s all about the Town & Gown. Golf has long been at the center of all local affairs, and is inseparable from every-day life.

For others, it’s all about making the pilgrimage to the oldest course at the Home of Golf. Or, perhaps, embarking on a journey to a sacred place for parishioners of various kinds to students of all ages seeking knowledge and wisdom — or even grace.

Visitors - who share a common passion for all things St Andrews - are often affectionately referred to as ‘kindred spirits’ by locals.

St Andreans have cherished, fashioned and protected this seaside village for more than a thousand year. Along the way, happenings in the town has ebbed and flowed with time, staying largely the same while evolving in a slow, deliberate way over centuries.

St Andrews is royal and ancient, humble and quiet, modern yet timeless, for sinner and saint alike, and global - yet nearly confined five primary streets — with little more than one road out and the same road back again.

This quaint seaside town can feel as quiet as the Old Course upon first snow or as busy as Oxford Street in the center of London.

TOWN & GOWN EXPLAINED

The phrase ‘Town & Gown” has evolved over 600 years — as many of us know, they have been intertwined from the start - with the University of St Andrews “the gown” - growing hand-in-hand with the game of golf and St Andrews.

The phrase Town and Gown probably originated in a local pub in St Andrews; or, perhaps one of the local golf clubs. It may have started as a reference and then may have become commonplace to refer to the two parts as being separate but one.

The University is diverse and global, attracting students from nearly 150 countries. Professors, students, and everything in between are not strictly local. We are for a time... always welcome, but still visitors.

Strictly speaking, the gown is a reference to students or academics that wear their gowns around town. For students, it is a red scarlet gown, worn four different ways to signify if they are first, second, third, or fourth-year students.

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TRAVEL

Robert Kelsey

Dave Baysden

Many locals appreciate the quiet and quaint town that St Andrews has always been. Others appreciate the diversity.

Many have a balanced perspective somewhere in between.

Either way, it is the local St Andrean that has protected and pruned the place for centuries. There are many old local families. Simply study a yardage of the Old Course and you’ll quickly come to understand what this means — Cheape’s Bunker, Granny Clark’s Wynd, The Principal’s Nose, or Miss Grainger’s Bosoms.

All in all, I would suggest that the idea of Town & Gown is largely an affectionate phrase. St Andrews has thrived during hard times thanks to the University, golf, and the swaths of visitors that make the journey. But it is the local that has helped the town to continue on when times were toughest.

CLUBS & COURSES

St Andrews has seven golf clubs and eleven courses. De34 | ARIZONA GOLF INSIDER |

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pending on how you categorize the number of clubs and courses, based on proximity, type or any other category you choose, there are many more. For example, the University of St Andrews has many golf clubs of its own.

The seven clubs mentioned above include The Royal & Ancient Golf Club (1754), The St Andrews Golf Club (1843), The St Andrews Ladies Putting Club (1873), New Club (1902), St Rule Club (1896), Thistle Club (1817) and The Duke’s (1995) — each of which is unique.

The eleven courses include the seven managed by St Andrews Links Trust: Balgove, Jubilee, Old, New, Eden, Strathyrum and Castle. Others are also considered local: the Torrance and Kitticks courses at Fairmont, Duke’s, and Kingsbarns. I might argue the correct number is twelve, including the Ladies Putting Course – the Himalayas, an experience all should embrace at least once.

Embodied in all these is the heart of what Darwin wrote about each week, and Rice summarized in his quote above.

THE TOWN MATCH

The ideal example of the heart of St Andrews is the Town Match.

Near the date of The Autumn Meeting each fall, a one-of-a-kind match is played. The primary local clubs go head-to-head with The Royal and Ancient Golf Club playing foursomes matches (alternate shot for one point each), approaching six hundred of them! This match has been played on more than one hundred occasions. Upon completion of the match, there is a home and home visit to each club to share a beverage of choice (favorites being ginger beer, Tennent’s, kummel, G&T, or red wine) often followed by dinner at a favorite local restaurant.

Why is the Town Match so unique? Well, there are countless reasons, but I will endeavor to share a few of my personal favorites. Hundreds of golfers from all over the world congregate to participate. They come from all walks of life, sharing one primary thing: a love of the town of St Andrews while

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TRAVEL

Golf is 20 percent mechanics and technique. The other 80 percent is philosophy, humor, tragedy, romance, melodrama, companionship, camaraderie, cussedness, and conversation.

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Robert Kelsey

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TRAVEL FUN FACT: The Town Match trophy is the Bobby Jones Casket, donated in his memory.

Robert Kelsey Robert Kelsey

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Dave Baysden

being a Member of one of the local clubs. The Town Match reminds me of the matches the Morris Family played against the Park Family more than a century past, only much larger.

For this reason alone it is worthy of reverence for any person who appreciates the history of golf.

FOR ST ANDREWS INSIDER

Before concluding, one must make the reader aware of a special once-a-year opportunity: the chance for a free guided tour of The Royal & Ancient Golf Club clubhouse. The event takes place on Saint Andrew’s Day, each November 30th. Local members and/or staff of World Golf Museum will take each visitor from room to room of the club, showing them some of golf’s most treasured works of art, from golf’s first paintings to featheries made by Old Tom himself.

Another day not to miss is Sunday. Many folks do not know that the Old Course is closed every Sunday (except

Michael Klein

Dave Baysden

Open and Dunhill weekends) for Sabbath. It is a time for the course to rest. At this time it is the townsfolk’s park. Anyone can walk the links free of charge. It’s a good time for people to search for golf balls, some of which can often be retrieved Robert Kelsey for a requested one pound donation at Holy Trinity Church — if you’re in dire need of an inexpensive golf ball, as many of us were at times during our university studies.

CLOSING

If fortunate enough to travel Scotland next summer for the 150th playing of The Open Championship, we wish you well and hope you have chance to tour one of St Andrews’ golf clubs. If you don’t make it inside this visit, please do take the time to view each one from the 1st or 18th fairways of the Old Course — or The Links, the road that runs the length of the 18th — for they are the collective home to our game.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: While deliberating about what approach to take in writing this piece, I decided the most appropriate way forward was for it to be conversational and experiential, mostly; along with some history, stories and other things that allowed the mind to reminisce, wander and even dream. For me, an ideal approach is akin to many of Bernard Darwin’s writings, for he is among my favorite golf writers. Why? Because he wrote about daily life, as though he was your friend — encouraging the reader to imagine that you were where he was, or at least you wanted to be. His words became story time.

In addition, I have long been a daily reader of The Writer’s Almanac.

On November 1st - a day that happens to be my birthday - I noticed the first golf reference I’ve seen in years — other than any mention of or reference to the game by Billy Collins - the golf-loving American poet. I learned that I share this day of birth with the late writer Grantland Rice - one of America’s beloved sports writers of the twentieth century. He, like Keeler, often wrote of Bobby Jones.

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TOUR STOP

Courtesy of The Thunderbirds

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TOUR STOP

The

2022 Waste Management

Phoenix Open

Calendar of Events and Spectator Tips

Saturday February 5th The 2022 edition of the Waste Management Phoenix Open gets an earlier start this year with the first big event starting Saturday before tournament week.

The first ever “Concert in the Coliseum” kicks off the festivities featuring country music stars Old Dominion and Thomas Rhett performing on a massive stage that will be built in the middle of the 16th hole fairway strictly for this special Saturday show. >> Monday. WM Phoenix Open week officially begins on Monday, February 7, with practice rounds for PGA TOUR professionals and the Carlisle Companies Pro-Am. Plus, thanks to Ford Free Days – back again after last year’s hiatus – admission is FREE courtesy of Your Arizona Ford Dealers.

Courtesy of The Thunderbirds

>> Tuesday. Aside from the actual PGA TOUR action Thursday-Sunday, no day at the WM Phoenix Open is more jam-packed than Tuesday at TPC Scottsdale.

General admission is once again free to see the world’s

best players conduct their practice round, and kids from all over the Valley will take part in the R.S. Hoyt Jr. Family Foundation Dream Day activities. Dream day features motivational speeches

by PGA TOUR professionals and local sports legends, a junior golf clinic presented by PING and a trick-shot golf show on the driving range of TPC Scottsdale’s Champions Course benefitting kids from all over the Valley who love the game of golf.

After the Dream Day festivities is the San Tan Ford Special Olympics Putting Challenge on the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course putting green. This unqiue just-for-fun putting contest features Special Olympics Arizona athletes, celebrities, sports stars and business leaders competing for top honors and is open to all ticket holders and media. >> Wednesday. Wednesday begins the ramp up to the official PGA TOUR event in style with the extremely popular Annexus Pro-Am which pits some of the most recognizable celebrities and professional athletes in the world alongside the PGA TOUR’s

best. Past attendees include the most decorated Olympian of all time Michael Phelps, NFL hall of famers Emmitt Smith and John Elway, country music star Darius Rucker and more! Make sure to stick around after the Pro-Am for the Phoenix Suns Charities Shot at Glory – a unique closest-to-the-pin contest for a chance at $1 million for charity at the famed and iconic 16th-hole coliseum.

Wednesday also is the opening night of the ever-popular Coors Light Birds Nest – a concert series unlike anything else on the PGA TOUR. Widely popular DJ, songwriter and producer Diplo and American country music sensation Cole Swindell will hit the stage on Wednesday night. Gates open at 3:30 p.m. and seasoned veterans of the Birds Nest will be treated to a new, outdoor entry area with food trucks, games and plenty of room to get the party started. >> Thursday. The WM Phoenix Open officially gets underway on Thursday, February 10 with the first round of “The People’s Open.”

One of the new general admission venues – and arguably one of the best places to catch the ©USGA action – is

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Calendar of Events and Spectator Tips the all-new Taylor Morrison Fairway House. The Fairway House Presented by Taylor Morrison is a massive structure dedicated to providing the greatest fans in golf, the greatest views in golf. Sitting at the highest point on the course with 36,000 square feet of space, the Fairway House provides an incredible general admission experience with amazing views of four holes.

Thursday night at the Coors Light Birds Nest brings American country music star Sam Hunt with Special Guest and multi-platinum recording artist Russell Dickerson. Hunt is well-known for slipping hip-hop phrasing and modern R&B rhythms into country-pop songs, marking a significant generational shift in country music. Since the launch of his career, Hunt has quickly earned recognition from both inside and outside the country music community and has been honored with numerous awards, including one American Music Award and one CMT Music Award, as well as nominations for Billboard Music Awards and GRAMMY Awards.

Courtesy of The Thunderbirds

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>> Friday. Friday at “The People’s Open” brings secondround action featuring the PGA TOUR’s best jockeying for position atop the leaderboard, and for those with Clubhouse badges, a brand-new venue. What was once “The Clubhouse” has been completely redesigned and reimagined with an elevated experience throughout the venue with food and drink curated by the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. The 1937 Club will deliver an experience, that the best finishing hole in all of golf, deserves.

Friday also brings the third night of the Coors Light Birds Nest and four-time GRAMMY award winning rapper and songwriter Macklemore. The popular hiphop artist earned his four GRAMMY’s in 2014, which include wins for Best New Artist, Best Rap Album (The

TOUR STOP

Heist), and Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song for his hit single “Thrift Shop”, one of his two No. 1 singles that year. He also earned two American Music Awards in 2013 for Favorite Rap/ Hip-Hop Artist and Favorite Rap/ Hip-Hop Album (The Heist), as well as Billboard Music Awards in 2013 and 2014 for Rap Song of the Year (“Thrift Shop”) and Top Rap Song (“Can’t Hold Us”). >> Saturday. Moving day at the WM Phoenix Open is the place to see and be seen and popular venues are getting a facelift for the 2022 event. For all die-hard golf fans, The Greenskeeper is back and completely renovated for unparalleled golf viewing potential and an immersive fan experience on the 18th Fairway.

With the support of The TPC Scottsdale, The Thunderbirds made a significant investment in the greatest hole in golf last summer – the iconic par-3 16th. A massive landscape restructuring on the east side of 16 was completed, allowing for a total of 50 new loge suites, all accessible on a one level concourse.

And if that wasn’t enough,

The Thunderbirds are very excited to welcome a new premier sponsor – and a new venue – to the Open in 2022.

The WM Phoenix Open’s official sports betting partner, Draft Kings will host fans all week between the 10th and 17th fairways – so make sure to “take the over” on Saturday fun.

Rounding out the Coors Light Birds Nest lineup is Norwegianborn music producer DJ Kygo, along with special guests Sam Feldt and Forester, who will take to the stage on Saturday, Feb. 12. Kygo has established himself as a household name thanks to his widely popular remixes, sellout shows in North America and Europe as well as headline performances at Coachella and Ultra Music Festival. >> Sunday. Big-game Sunday also is the final round of “The People’s Open” where one PGA TOUR professional will hoist the Waterford Crystal Thunderbird Trophy and be crowned the 2022 winner of the WM Phoenix Open. Stick around for the trophy ceremony on the 18th green and make sure to get home safe.

Courtesy of The Thunderbirds

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JUNIOR GOLF

JGAA HONORS JUNIOR GOLFERS AT 2021 AWARD EVENT WORDS BY JEFF LOCKE

Jennifer Seo is the Girls Championship Player of the Year

A

t an annual event held November 30 at Papago Golf Club in Phoenix, the Junior Golf Association of Arizona (JGAA) announced the 2021 Player of the Year Awards and Sportsmanship Awards across five age divisions.

“Congratulations to everyone who made the list,” said Scott McNevin, Executive Director of the JGAA. “The 2021 season was anything but typical, and we applaud not only these award winners, but all the junior golfers who competed this year under unusual, and sometimes challenging, circumstances.”

In the Boys Championship division, Gilbert’s Rylan Johnson posted five wins, including three straight, in 13 tournaments entered to take Player of the Year. Set to play college golf at Oregon State, the 18-year-old went low twice this season, shooting rounds of 9-under-par en route to victory at the Scottsdale City Junior Championship (62) and Mesa City Championship (63) two weeks before. In the five highly competitive PING Junior Masters Series (PJMS) tournaments, Johnson posted three T5 finishes, with his best finishes, T3 and solo-third place, respectively, at the Willie Low Invitational and Fisher-Bryan Invitational. He finished the season in fifth place for Scoring Average, with an aggregate total of 68.96 across 25 rounds.

Jennifer Seo earned Player of the Year honors in the Girls Championship division, racking up four wins in 13 tournaments entered. She pulled off her biggest win at the final PJMS tournament of the season, the Willie Low Invitational. Leading up to her win, the 16-year-old also performed well in the four preceding PJMS tournaments, placing T3, T4, T5 and T2 before breaking through. Her lowest round of the season came at home – the Chandler resident shot a 4-under-par 66 en route victory at the Chandler City Junior Championship. Seo’s 72.42 scoring average over 26 rounds places her in 4th place overall for the season.

Anawin Pikulthong

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JUNIOR GOLF

2021 JGAA Award Recipients PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Boys Championship: Rylan Johnson – Gilbert Girls Championship: Jennifer Seo – Chandler Boys 15 – 18: Nicholas Lippe – Chandler Girls 15 – 18: Lily Huether – Tucson Boys 13 – 14: Ajay Morris – Avondale Girls 13 – 14: Aubrey Hilgers – Litchfield Park Boys 11 – 12: Zachary Schaefer – Tucson Girls 11 – 12: Hannah Nguyen – Phoenix Boys 10 & Under: Henry Newkirk – Scottsdale Girls 10 & Under: Beau Ellington – Paradise Valley

MOST IMPROVED AWARDS

Boys: Chase Rogers – Litchfield Park 2020 – 87.67 2021 – 78.57

Rylan Johnson wins Boys Championship Player of the Year

Joseph Lloyd

JGAA membership registration is now open for the 2022 season for only $90 (additional tournament fees apply), and families with more than one JGAA member receive a $20 credit to use for future tournament fees. 2022 tournament registration for January and February events is open as well.

Membership also includes enrollment in Youth on Course, a money-saving program that allows JGAA members to play more than 20 local golf courses (1,600 nationwide) for as little as $5.

To register or learn more, visit jgaa.org, or contact Scott McNevin by email at smcnevin@jgaa.org or by phone at (602) 944-6168.

Girls: Delaney Stamp – Anthem 2020 – 97 2021 – 83.50

SPORTSMANSHIP AWARDS

Boys Championship: Wyatt Chapman – Gilbert Girls Championship: Kendall Hayward – Mesa Boys 15 – 18: Oliver Corwon – Oro Valley Girls 15 – 18: Grace Rubelsky – Phoenix Boys 13 – 14: Matthew Lee – Paradise Valley Girls 13 – 14: Mallory McRee – Tucson Boys 11 – 12: Jack McDonough – Chandler Girls 11 – 12: Phoebe Brethower – Chandler Boys 10 & Under: Dominic Bustos – Phoenix Girls 10 & Under: Hayden Nguyen – Peoria

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Bill Evans

HOLE-IN-ONE AWARDS

Ben Carr – 2/21/2021 Phoenix Metro Junior Championship No. 12, Stonecreek Golf Club 192 yards, 5-iron Brady Sheridan – 2/21/2021 Phoenix Metro Junior Championship No. 7, Sun City North Golf Course 175 yards, 8-iron Karissa Flores – 3/20/2021 Desert Mashie Championship No. 14, Encanto Golf Course 145 yards Matt Herberger – 4/25/2021 Tucson Conquistadores Spring Classic No. 12, Silverbell Golf Course 175 yards, 8-iron Parker Servoss – 6/2/2021 Tucson City Junior Championship No. 2, Randolph Golf Complex – Dell Urich 170 yards, hybrid Reid McNulty – 6/9/2021 Antigua Milt Coggins AZ Junior Stroke Play No. 11, Papago Golf Course 146 yards Collin Welle – 7/7/2021 Prescott City Junior Championship No. 8 at Antelope Hills Golf Complex – North Course 165 yards, 8-iron

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WOMEN’S GOLF

AWGA: Changing Lives Through the Gift of Golf WORDS BY ANJ BROWN

T

he Arizona golf community’s help is needed now more than ever to keep women’s golf in Arizona healthy and vital. As a non-profit 501(c)3 public charity, governed and fully led by volunteers, the Arizona Women’s Golf Association (AWGA) remains committed to furthering the many positive ways golf impacts our respective communities. To do this, the AWGA provides financial and volunteer support throughout the state for youth programs that emphasize the life skills, health, well-being and educational opportunities acquired by playing golf.

Your donations provide financial support to several important boys’ and girls’ golf programs, including the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf program, the Junior Golf Association of Arizona, the First Tee Program, the PGA Junior League, the Arizona Silver Belle Championship, and

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WOMEN’S GOLF

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This fund will provide academic scholarships for these girls to continue their education in an accredited trade school, junior college, or fouryear college.

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our premiere program, the High School Girls’ Golf Build a Team program.

Since 2012, the AWGA has provided funding directly to public high schools in Arizona through a grant program designed to encourage and support the establishment of girls’ golf teams. In 2021, 25 public high schools across the state received the Build a Team grant!

These teams would not exist, let alone thrive, if it were not for your support. The Build a Team program for

high school girls’ golf is managed in partnership with the Arizona Golf Association (AGA). The AGA provides the staff support, while the AWGA provides the funding directly to the schools along with the volunteer advocates who provide encouragement, support and connection to the community for the teams and the coaches. This enables them to learn and represent themselves and their schools through golf, the most impactful of sports.

The student population at our adopted schools is predominantly young people whose parents do not play golf, and who would likely never touch a golf club if we did not provide this opportunity. We cannot do it without your support! Your donations pay for equipment, uniforms, and golf lessons by LPGA and PGA golf professionals, helping give these new players the ability to succeed on the golf course and helping them build the confidence to succeed in life. To see a list of the 2021 grant recipients, visit awga.org.

This past fall, the AWGA introduced a new program as an additional way to support female golfers graduating from Arizona High Schools in 2022 and beyond, called the AWGA Scholarship Fund. This fund will provide academic scholarships for these girls to continue their education in an accredited trade school, junior college or four-year college. More details will be available shortly.

Join the AWGA in changing lives through the gift of golf this holiday season by making your generous taxdeductible donation to the AWGA at awga.org/donate. Any amount you can afford is appreciated and 100% of your donation will be used to make a difference in the life of a young person.

Thank you for your support!

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HALL OF FAME

T Arizona Golf Hall of Fame Welcomes 2020-2021 Inductees WORDS BY DAVID BATALLER 50 | ARIZONA GOLF INSIDER |

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he Arizona Golf Hall of Fame Committee announced four inductees to the 2020-2021 Class at a dinner November 23 at Paradise Valley Country Club.

The class was comprised of three modern candidates selected by the Voting Delegates: John Gunby, Tina Tombs and Mark Woodward; and one Legacy candidate by the Selectors Committee: Desert Mashie Golf Club. The Legacy Division recognizes those in Arizona who have made contributions to golf, but due to the historical nature and having occurred decades ago their impact is not known to modern voters.

HALL OF FAME

John Gunby Southwest Section PGA Professional A 2017 recipient of the AGA Champion of Golf Award recognizing “Selfless lifetime service to the Game of Golf in Arizona,” John Gunby’s dedication to serving the game for the last 40+ years is welldocumented and recognized by his peers. He has orchestrated a fundraising golf tournament for the Wounded Warriors Foundation on Veterans Day, and has been involved from the creation of the Southwest PGA’s and the national PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) initiative, including orchestrating a PGA HOPE Comedy Show to raise funds for

PGA HOPE programs.

In 2019, Gunby received the Southwest PGA Patriot Award, which bestows special recognition on a PGA Professional who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States.

The 2013 Southwest PGA Golf Professional of the Year, Gunby was recently announced as an enshrinee into the 2019 Southwest PGA Hall of Fame.

“I am deeply indebted to all those involved with golf in Arizona, as they have made such a positive difference in my life and the lives of countless others,” said Gunby. “The acronym GOLF so appropriately stands for: Great Opportunities, Lifetime Friends. Thank God for the wonderful game of golf.”

Tina Tombs Professional Golfer and Instructor A two-time NCAA All-American in 1984 and 1985 at Arizona State University, and an ASU Hall of Fame inductee in 2006, Tina Tombs competed on the LPGA Tour after graduation and won the 1990 Jamie Farr Toledo Championship. She has been a member of the LPGA ever since, as a competitive player on the tour and now on the Legends Tour, and as an accomplished teaching professional.

In 2014 and 2018, Tombs was named the LPGA National Teacher of the Year. She earned the Arizona Golf Association’s Updegraff Award in 2017, given annually to the person who “… by his or her actions and accomplishments exemplify the Spirit of the Game.” Other

awards include 2014 and 2018 LPGA Central Section Teacher of the Year; 2015 Marilynn Smith Service Award; Golf Digest’s Best Teachers in Arizona, 2017-20; Teaching and Club Pro’s Top 50 LPGA Teachers, 2017-20; and GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher since 2019.

“When I think about my career, I feel overwhelmed,” said Tombs. “I have put my heart and soul into this game.

I am blessed to have received so much from the game of golf and its beautiful community. I wake up every morning and I am filled with gratitude, even more so after this year, that my office is the golf course. It is the honor of my career to be recognized by the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame!”

Mark Woodward Superintendent Mark Woodward is a Certified Golf Course Superintendent/Director of Agronomy (CGCS) who has over 50 years of experience in many facets of the golf industry, 45 of those in Arizona. His diverse career has included both stints as a Superintendent and Administrator, most recently serving as the Director of Agronomy at Whisper Rock Golf Club in Scottsdale.

As the City of San Diego’s Golf Operations Manager in 2005, Woodward was responsible for preparing the Torrey Pines South Golf Course to host the 2008 U.S. Open, working closely with the United States Golf Association (USGA). For his efforts

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at Torrey Pines, Woodward was recognized by Golf Inc. Magazine as one of golf’s “Most Admired Operators” in 2006 and in the Top 35 “Most Powerful People in Golf” in 2008 and 2009. He served as CEO of the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America (GCSAA) from 2008 through 2010, and was a Senior Vice President of Operations for Scottsdale-based OB Sports Golf Management from 2013 through 2017. Woodward served on the Cactus and Pine Golf Course Superintendents Association board of directors on three separate occasions dating back to the 1980’s, and currently as President.

“I was extremely humbled and taken a little off-guard to be selected for this honor,” said Woodward. “By far, the most rewarding part of my career in golf has been all the inspirational people I’ve met and worked with. They are the true foundation of the golf industry.”

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Carolyn Suttles and Booker Evans

>> LEGACY DIVISION Desert Mashie Golf Club Industry Leader During the years of segregation when golf was a restrictive game and most courses were prohibitive or private, a group of ten professional African American men – the Desert

DECEMBER 2021

Mashie founding fathers – came together and challenged that limitation. The Desert Mashie Golf Club was founded in 1946 as an organization “for all persons interested in golf regardless of race, or ethnicity,” one of the oldest independent clubs in Arizona. They stated

the organization did not practice, permit or condone segregation or discrimination in any form because of color, race, creed, religion, national origin or gender orientation in order to foster their love of golf and expand the sport in the community.

The club defined its purpose, commitment and outlined a program for growth, with five objectives established: >> To provide instructions and clinics for its members >> To provide organized competition for its members >> To promote a golf program for youth >> To promote a program for women >> To develop better public relations in the total golf community “We are so honored and grateful to be named to the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame,” said Carolyn Suttles, former Desert Mashie Club President. “The mission of Desert Mashie has always been about our Junior Golfers. The fact that we have helped send young people off to college - and the alumni from our Junior Program - to work not only in golf but in a myriad of professional careers, is proof of the impact our organization has had on this community.”

CHANGE OF COURSE Golf in Tucson means a break from the average links.

Challenge your game on daring desert layouts or hit it long on fairways that host the champions.

Whatever your style, Tucson has it in the bag.

FIND YOUR COURSE AT

VisitTucson.org/Golf

Verrado Golf Club

In the shadows of the White Tank Mountains, just a short drive west of Phoenix, lies 36 holes of championship golf designed by PGA Tour star and Ryder Cup Captain, Tom Lehman. Verrado Golf Club includes two thrilling layouts, the Victory Course and Founders Course, and with their breath taking views and natural beauty they will leave you wishing for another chance to visit. Come visit us today!

Victory Course

Founders Course

VerradoGolfClub.com (623) 388-3000

Ventana Canyon

Tournament Schedule DATE

COMPETITION SITE

HOST SITE

TOURNAMENT

JANUARY Jan. 14 - 16 Women’s State Medallion Oakwood Country Club Women’s Tournament Jan. 14 - 17 Latin America Amateur Lima Golf Club - Lima, Peru USGA Championship Jan. 16 - 17 Copper Cup (ASU Men) Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club Collegiate Jan. 22 - 23 Arizona Short Course Augusta Ranch Golf Club Men’s Tournament Jan. 24 - 25 U of A Men Tucson Country Club Collegiate Jan. 24 - 25 ASU Women Superstition Mountain Golf and CC Collegiate FEBRUARY Feb. 21 Women’s Season Opener Longbow Golf Club Women’s Tournament Feb. 20 - 22 Loyola Collegiate Palm Valley Golf Club Collegiate Feb. 26 - 27 San Tan Amateur TBD Men’s Tournament Feb. 28 - Mar 1 GCU Women Grand Canyon University Golf Course Collegiate MARCH Mar. 12 - 14 Clover Cup (Notre Dame Women) Longbow Golf Club Collegiate Mar. 14 - 15 GCU Men Grand Canyon University Golf Course Collegiate Mar. 17 - 20 AGA Championship Aguila Golf Course AGA Championship Mar. 18 - 19 NIT - U of A Men Tucson National Golf Club Collegiate Mar. 25 - 27 PING ASU Invitational - ASU Women Papago Golf Club Collegiate Mar. 22 - 23 Mayan Palace Vidanta Golf Course AGA Member Day APRIL April 15 - 16 ASU Thunderbird Invitational - ASU Men Papago Golf Club Collegiate April 17 - 19 RMAC Championship Whirlwind Golf Club Collegiate April 18 - 19 Women’s Four-Ball Championship Briarwood Country Club Women’s Championship April 21 - 24 Arizona Stroke Play Championship Lone Tree Golf Club AGA Championship April 25 U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier Phoenix Country Club USGA Qualifier April 30 - May 4 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Grand Reserve GC-Rio Grande, Puerto Rico USGA Championship MAY May 5 U.S. Open Qualifier #1 Sewailo Golf Club USGA Qualifier May 9 U.S. Open Qualifier #2 Phoenix Golf Club USGA Qualifier May 12 U.S. Open Qualifier #3 Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club USGA Qualifier May 16 U.S. Open Qualifier #4 TBD USGA Qualifier May 14 - 15 Mayan Palace Vidanta Golf Course AGA Member Day May 20 - 21 Falcon Amateur / AZ Amateur Qualifier #1 Falcon Dunes Golf Course Men’s Tournament May 14 - 18 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball CC of Birmingham, AL USGA Championship May 24 U.S. Senior Open Qualifier Papago Golf Club USGA Qualifier May 31 - Apr 3 Arizona Divisional Stroke Play Championship TBD Men’s Tournament JUNE June 2 - 5 U.S. Women’s Open Pine Needles, Southern Pines, NC USGA Championship June 4 - 5 Father & Son Antelope Hills Golf Courses AGA Member Day June 6 AZ Amateur Qualifier #2 TBD Men’s Tournament June 9 - 12 Arizona Mid-Amateur Championship Grand Canyon University Golf Club AGA Championship June 15 Heather Farr Trophy Matches TBD Women’s Championship June 16 - 19 U.S. Open The Country Club, Brookline, MA USGA Championship June 20 AZ Amateur Qualifier #3 Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club Men’s Tournament June 20 U.S. Junior Amateur Qualifier TBD USGA Qualifier June 20 U.S. Girls’ Junior Qualifier TBD USGA Qualifier 54 | ARIZONA GOLF INSIDER |

DECEMBER 2021

AGA TOUR Events

Women’s Championships and Tournaments

USGA Qualifier

AGA Team Events

AGA Scramble/Member Days

Senior Cup Series

Collegiate Events

USGA Championship

Men’s Tournament

DATE

COMPETITION SITE

June 22 June 23 - 26 June 25 - 26 JULY July 6 July 10 July 11 - 12 July 18 - 23 July 18 - 19 July 20 July 23 - 24 July 25 - 30 July 30 - Aug. 4

U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Qualifier TBD U.S. Senior Open Saucon Valley CC, Bethlehem, PA Southern Amateur / AZ Amateur Qualifier #4 Tucson National Golf Club

USGA Qualifier USGA Championship Men’s Tournament

U.S. Women’s Amateur Qualifier AZ Amateur Qualifier #5 U.S. Amateur Qualifier #1 U.S. Girls’ Junior U.S. Amateur Qualifier #2 U.S. Senior Women’s Open Qualifier Mixed Stix Tournament U.S. Junior Amateur U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur

TBD Longbow Golf Club Longbow Golf Club Club at Olde Stone, Bowling Green, KY TBD Pinnacle Peak CC Oakcreek Country Club Bandon Dunes, Bandon, OR Anchorage GC, Anchorage, AK

USGA Qualifier Men’s Tournament USGA Qualifier USGA Championship USGA Qualifier USGA Qualifier Women’s Tournament USGA Championship USGA Championship

U.S. Senior Amateur Qualifier U.S. Women’s Amateur 97th Arizona Amateur Championship Women’s State Stroke Play Championship U.S. Amateur U.S. Mid-Amateur Qualifier U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Qualifier Arizona Divisional Match Play Championship U.S. Senior Women’s Open U.S. Senior Amateur

TBD Chambers Bay, University Place, WA TBD TBD Ridgewood Country Club - Paramus, NJ TBD TBD Talking Stick Golf Club NCR Country Club, Kettering, OH Kittansett Club, Marion, MA

USGA Qualifier USGA Championship AGA Championship Women’s Championship USGA Championship USGA Qualifier USGA Qualifier Men’s Tournament USGA Championship USGA Championship

AUGUST Aug. 1 Aug. 8 - 14 Aug. 8 - 13 Aug. 15 - 17 August 15 - 21 August 18 Aug. 19 Aug. 22 - 26 Aug. 25 - 28 Aug. 27 - Sept. 1

HOST SITE

SEPTEMBER Sept. 7 - 9 Women’s State Senior Championship Tonto Verde Golf Club Sept. 10 - 15 U.S. Mid-Amateur Erin Hills, Erin, WI Sept. 12 Goldwater Cup Matches Phoenix Country Club Sept. 15 - 18 Arizona Four-Ball Championship Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club Sept. 15 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Qualifier TBD Sept. 19 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Qualifier Arizona Country Club Sept. 25 - 30 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Fiddlesticks Country Club, Fort Myers, FL OCTOBER Oct. 2 - 3 Women’s Scotch Play Tournament TBD Oct. 9 - 11 Arizona vs. Utah Shootout In Utah Oct. 22 - 23 Mayan Palace Vidanta Golf Course Oct. 29 - 30 Northern Amateur Oakcreek Country Club NOVEMBER Nov. 6 - 7 Women’s Partners Tournament Tubac Golf Club Nov. 12 - 13 AGA Players Cup Championship TBD Nov. 12 - 13 AGA Women’s Players Cup Championship TBD DECEMBER Dec. 4 - 7 SW Team Challenge/Dual in the Desert TBD Dec. 29 - 31 Patriot All-America Wigwam Golf Resort - Gold/Blue Courses

TOURNAMENT

Women’s Championship USGA Championship AGA Team AGA Championship USGA Qualifier USGA Qualifier USGA Championship Women’s Tournament AGA Team AGA Member Day Men’s Tournament Women’s Tournament AGA Championship AGA Championship AGA Team Collegiate

SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

2022 ARIZONA GOLF ASSOCIATION

make your story to tell.

THE PRESERVE & M O U N TA I N V I E W G OL F C LU B S

Winding through the beautiful canyons and foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, The Preserve Golf Club an 18-hole Championship Course gives you the feeling you're on top of the world.

With elevated tees and holes amidst dramatic boulders, the MountainView Golf Course presents an enjoyable challenge to novices as well as avid golfers. Located at a higher elevation than most golf clubs in Tucson, both courses are a terrific choice for a great day on the links, all year round. www.saddlebrookegolf.com

call for tee times and group rates MountainView Golf Club 520.818.1100 38691 S MountainView Blvd

The Preserve Golf Club 520.825.9022 66567 E Catalina Hills Drive

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22TC_AZ Golf Insider_Half Page.indd 1

10/20/21 12:04 PM

RULES OF GOLF

70 YEARS TO MODERNIZATION WORDS BY JEFF RIVARD

T

he Rules of Golf can be tracked historically in the lifetime of a super senior golfer. Let’s start with 1952. Joseph P. Dey, the USGA’s Executive Director, led the world of golf into the most unified set of Rules since the game was first played. The USGA and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Scotland led the charge.

The next key year, 1984, was a reorganization led by USGA Executive Committee member William J. Williams, Jr. (still active) assisted by Rules & Competitions Executive Director, P. J. Boatwright. The book then followed a more logical sequence, following a golfer around the course from starting tee to scoring area. More unification took place with a common Decisions of the Rules of Golf book, a casebook of incidents that explained the Rules.

The key issue forty-five years later (2019) was a simplification of overlapping situations and language that took the better part of ten years to achieve. In addition to simplification, the Rules became more forgiving. The language, grammar and style were also simplified. Several of those changes reflected what many recreational golfers thought the Rules said anyway.

LENIENCY >> Accidentally moving the ball while trying

to find or identify it is no longer a penalty >> Announcement to lift a ball is no longer

necessary, but a lifted ball must still be marked and not cleaned more than necessary to identify it. >> A ball in motion that accidentally hits a person or outside influence is no penalty, just play it as it lies. >> A ball moved creates no penalty if moved by natural forces, another player or outside influences; or, by the player on the putting green. The player is penalized only if it’s known or virtually certain that he or she is the culprit.

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RULES OF GOLF

>> Estimating the position of a ball to be re-

placed is OK, no exact spot to be determined. >> Loose Impediment removal – no penalty in bunkers or penalty areas unless the ball moves. >> Reasonable judgment – as long as the player actions are reasonable in determining a spot, point, line or area, all is OK even if later an error is discovered. >> Penalty areas. While many courses have identified long grass and woods as lateral hazards, the new Rules allow “any other part of the course (in addition to water) the Committee defines as a penalty area” validates the practice. Now that can include desert areas.

60 | ARIZONA GOLF INSIDER |

>> Repair any damage on the putting green but be careful of slow play. >> Leaving the flagstick in the hole without penalty. >> Substituting a ball during play is permitted any time in taking relief with or without penalty. >> Touching the line of play before a stroke is OK unless the area is improved. >> Carrying a non-conforming club is not a penalty unless it’s used.

SIMPLIFICATION >> Code of Conduct is in the Rules with penalties (decided by the Committee) >> Dropping – There was considerable debate

DECEMBER 2021

on this issue. One group advocated always placing the ball; dropping at knee-height was the compromise. Those who felt there needed to be some risk in determining a lie were mollified, but redropping is almost never necessary any longer. >> Pace of Play – 40 seconds for a stroke is recommended, now dealing with the messy problem. >> Relief Area – Where the ball is dropped and where it comes to rest must be the same place. I really miss the seven times a ball must be redropped, but that’s just me. >> Stroke & Distance – The player can always do that. >> Temporary Water – Never understood

what made water “Casual” before.

The moves toward leniency and simplification make the Rules easier to understand. The previous 34 are reduced to 24. The number of Definitions has increased to 70. There are no “exceptions” called Decisions any longer, but instead Clarifications included with the Rules in the Official Guide to the Rules of Golf.

There are always unintended consequences, and we know of a few. How they will be addressed with the next changes in the Rules for 2023. TV announcers have made errors, using language like “hazard,” but they never were all that knowledgeable anyway. n

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OUT OF BOUNDS

Out of

Bounds

WORDS BY ED GOWAN

62 | ARIZONA GOLF INSIDER |

DECEMBER 2021

Youth interest at the Patriot shows golf’s popularity.

OUT OF BOUNDS

G

“

The wave of golf tourism is growing to the Tiger-era heights of the late 90’s.

”

olf is again booming in Arizona. Former AGA President and longtime Thunderbird, Jim Frazier, once told me to remember that your greatest strength can also become your greatest weakness. That was never as true for golf as it is today, especially in Arizona.

Considering the root causes of this resurgence of interest in golf, current environmental challenges, and the history of the game, I am led to believe we are on the precipice with two directives necessary: support the resurgence with non-Covid-related marketing and communications, and expand education and re-education in the elemental aspects of the Game.

Golf became the ‘activity of choice’ due to Covid restrictions on the work environment, social interaction, and travel during 2020. While we were yet dealing with that during 2021, many golfers found solace on the links, renewing a past love. Where the time to play had become an impediment in prior years, now the time in nature became a welcome respite from the Trouble. Couple that with the knowledge that business had adapted to ‘work from home’ and teleconferencing, replacing a perceived negative with a positive result, and golf was again an acceptable use of time. Clubs and courses responded with MacGyver-like adaptations and services, and all golf was well. As we move into 2022, the world has found a path forward.

What has golf become now?

People have swarmed into the golf lifestyle with passion. Club memberships are almost unavailable here. Public course green fees are at an all-time high. The wave of golf tourism is growing to the Tiger-era heights of the late 90’s. Expanded media coverage has brought world-wide golf telecasts for both professionals and collegians to the entire sports audience. Equipment sales are rising in spite of the current supply-chain slowdown.

What could possibly be a weakness? Remembering my school Physics classes, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. We should investigate the possible areas of concern: water and the environment, government taxation and oversight, changes in consumer attitudes, influence of media, and the elements of the game itself that are disappearing.

Governmental affairs provide a challenging horizon. Golf brings in $4.6B (yes, Billion) each year to the economy while using just less than 2% of the water available for commercial use. It’s hard to argue this is not a great return. Now for the challenges, as a successful business always attracts the attention of legislators looking for additional funding as does visible irrigation in the desert environment.

Michael Jordan/@MJPropix

Media are both helpful and harmful to golf’s future through the visibility television brings, highlighting the competitions so many love to watch while again giving clear evidence of the use of water which, without the economic value created, would prove problematic. From both printed and digital advertising, golf’s followers are portrayed as privileged, which can create a negative image for those unaware of the game’s contributions to society, especially when Arizona’s tourism industry has a large stake in golf with nearly 35% of all rounds from part-time visitors.

The principal elements of golf: honesty and self-control, competition, strict rules applications and roots in public access, where six-hundred years ago the King played with a commoner, seem to be lost on the modern world, especially those looking to decry its value to society.

In ancient Rome, a Triumph was held to celebrate and honor a military commander with a special ceremony. While parading to the ceremony on a four-horsed chariot among thousands of admirers, a companion would whisper in his ear the “mememto mori” – that mortality approaches and that all fame is fleeting. So it may be with Golf today unless we remain aware and active.

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19TH HOLE

Red’s Bar & Grill at The Wigwam Resort Litchfield Park

64 | ARIZONA GOLF INSIDER |

DECEMBER 2021

Honored as having one of the best restaurant patios in the Phoenix area, Red’s Bar & Grill overlooks The Wigwam Resort’s Gold and Blue golf courses. Red’s relaxed vibe pairs nicely with an outstanding menu of delicious salads, awesome sandwiches, famous burgers and a rotating local craft beer selection. Named after the club’s venerated head golf pro of 42 years, Red’s is the perfect spot for post-golf replenishing or a family-friendly gathering. For directions and information, call Red’s Bar & Grill at (623) 856-1094 or visit wigwamarizona.com.