AZ Golf Insider - February 2019

AZGOLFINSIDER Preview 2019

Destination Kohler With the 2020 Ryder Cup on the way, NOW is the time to visit this fabulous foursome of courses

Q&A

WITH ASU’s HERM EDWARDS

SUN CITY

SCOTTSDALE - FLW SUPERSTORE

EAST MESA

ORACLE - TUCSON

10001 West Bell Road, Ste #118 623-972-0171

8720 E. Frank Lloyd Wright 480-483-1800

801 S. Power Road, Ste.#115 480-985-0601

4230 N. Oracle Rd., Ste #180 520-293-1381

GILBERT - SAN TAN

PHOENIX - CAMELBACK

CROSSROADS - TUCSON

2716 S. Market Street 480-963-9441

3217 E. Camelback 602-957-0001

4861 E. Grant Rd #161 520-721-2111

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SCOTTSDALE - FLW SUPERSTORE 8720 E. Frank Lloyd Wright 480-483-1800

GILBERT - SAN TAN 2716 S. Market Street 480-963-9441

PHOENIX - CAMELBACK 3217 E. Camelback 602-957-0001

ORACLE - TUCSON 4230 N. Oracle Rd., Ste #180 520-293-1381

SUN CITY 10001 West Bell Road, Ste #118 623-972-0171

CROSSROADS - TUCSON 4861 E. Grant Rd #161 520-721-2111

EAST MESA 801 S. Power Road, Ste.#115 480-985-0601

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SUN CITY

SCOTTSDALE - FLW SUPERSTORE

EAST MESA

ORACLE - TUCSON

10001 West Bell Road, Ste #118 623-972-0171

8720 E. Frank Lloyd Wright 480-483-1800

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4230 N. Oracle Rd., Ste #180 520-293-1381

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PHOENIX - CAMELBACK

CROSSROADS - TUCSON

2716 S. Market Street 480-963-9441

3217 E. Camelback 602-957-0001

4861 E. Grant Rd #161 520-721-2111

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SUN CITY

SCOTTSDALE - FLW SUPERSTORE

EAST MESA

ORACLE - TUCSON

10001 West Bell Road, Ste #118 623-972-0171

8720 E. Frank Lloyd Wright 480-483-1800

801 S. Power Road, Ste.#115 480-985-0601

4230 N. Oracle Rd., Ste #180 520-293-1381

GILBERT - SAN TAN

PHOENIX - CAMELBACK

CROSSROADS - TUCSON

2716 S. Market Street 480-963-9441

3217 E. Camelback 602-957-0001

4861 E. Grant Rd #161 520-721-2111

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AZGOLFINSIDER Inside this issue

PREVIEW 2019

FEATURES

18 Cover Story

DESTINATION KOHLER | By Joe Passov

The Wisconsin stronghold has it going, with four highly regarded golf courses and a Ryder Cup on the way.

14 19th HOLE: EAST VALLEY AWESOME | By AZGOLF Insider Staff

It’s all in the Gold Canyon neighborhood for Mountain Brook Golf Club and Gold Canyon Golf Resort.

22 BACK NINE WITH HERM EDWARDS | By Bill Huffman

Believe it or not, Edwards loves to play and talk golf almost as much as football.

24 FORTY YEARS OF ANTIGUA | By John Davis

16

Fashion changes almost every year, which keeps Antigua trending for four decades.

28 PATRIOT WILL ADD A WOMEN’S FIELD | By John Davis

Cindy McCain, Isaiah Jackson highlight 2018 tournament.

ARIZONA GOLF ASSOCIATION NEWS

30

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

35

GOLF FORE AFRICA

36

JGAA

37

FIRST TEE

38

RULES AND HANDICAPPING

40

ARIZONA SCOREBOARD

28 DEPARTMENTS

8

A LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | By Ed Gowan Where the Arizona Golf Association is heading in 2019.

10 MEMBERS ONLY

| By AZGOLF Insider Staff Local products, places and things you need to know.

12 SPIRITS OF THE GAME

| By AZGOLF Insider Staff New year brings flavors as diverse as those who sip them.

6 | AZ GOLF Insider | PREVIEW 2019

By Lorraine Thies

10 16 THE BUSINESS OF GOLF

| By Bill Huffman Jack Grace Golf Shoes pick up traction.

39 GOLFSTRETCH

| By Adam Swanson Get fit for 2019.

42 MOVERS & SHAKEUPS

| By Bill Huffman The Women’s Golf Expo returns for a third year at Kierland.

44 OUT OF BOUNDS

| By Tom Mackin 9 steps to a better game.

ON THE COVER Destination Kohler might be the hottest golf property in the game these days, with four world-class courses and a Ryder Cup on the way.

To read AZ GOLF Insider online, visit azgolf.org.

TALK TO US! Send a letter to the editorial staff of AZ GOLF Insider and we may publish it in the next edition. E-mail letters to BackspinMediaGroup@gmail.com. www.azgolf.org

A UNIVERSITY CHAMPIONSHIP Golf Course in the Heart of Phoenix

Grand Canyon University proudly presents the Grand Canyon University Golf Course masterfully redesigned by the renowned architect John Fought. The course is a plush parkland oasis of green fairways and mature trees nestled in the heart of Phoenix. GCU Golf Course invites local players and visitors of all levels to a one-of-a-kind affordable golfing experience.

5 9 0 2 W. I N D I A N S C H O O L R O A D | P H O E N I X , A Z 8 5 0 0 3 G C U G O L F. C O M | 6 2 3 - 8 4 6 - 4 0 2 2 18GLF0056

From the Executive Director

By Ed Gowan

AWGA keeps charitable component; AGA will house group’s golf activities

T

he AGA and AWGA completed their integration Jan. 1 as mentioned in past newsletters and the press releases.

AZGOLF Insider will now encompass all the joint activities for Arizona golfers beginning with this issue and expanding coverage into future issues.

Mary Pomroy is now the AGA’s Chief Operating Officer while continuing to support the reorganized AWGA as a charitable organization in its activities. Following are her perspectives for the integration just accomplished and the new vision.

We called our consolidation an “integration” and not a merger because the AGA and AWGA are not one entity. Rather, the AGA now houses the golf activities supported by a single staff devoted to all of Arizona golf’s members and activities for men and women while the charitable efforts of AWGA and the Arizona Golf Foundation will continue separately.

The AWGA’s programs will continue and expand under former AWGA staff leadership, coordinating with AGA’s programs and activities, which should benefit all golfers.

By assisting each other

AZGOLFINSIDER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS PRESIDENT............................................................................. Mike McWilliams 1ST VICE PRESIDENT .................................................................Bill Burgesser 2ND VICE PRESIDENT .....................................................................Bill Phipps SECRETARY ................................................................................Bob McNichols TREASURER ........................................................................................Tim Brown EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS Tim Brown, Bill Burgesser, Vera Ciancola, Michelle Cross, Barbara Fitzgerald, Ed Gowan, Mark Jeffery, Jerry Huff, Tim Hulscher, Mike Kane, Leslie Kramer, Ann Martin, Scott McNevin, Bob McNichols, Mike McWilliams, Suzy O’Hara, Judi Polidori, Mary Pomroy, Juna Rowland, John Souza

and combining some roles, staff will be more efficient and be able to create better services for both memberships.

The new AWGA will continue the charitable aspects of what the AWGA has been doing for years as a standalone, public charity.

The board of directors plans to support the same programs in 2019 as they supported in prior years: • High School Girls Golf — Build a TEAM. • Junior Golf Association of Arizona.

• The First Tee programs in Phoenix and Tucson.

• LPGA-USGA Girls Golf programs of Phoenix and Tucson.

• The Arizona Silver Belle Championship.

• PGA Junior League of Northern Arizona.

When you are asked to contribute to the AWGA, know that the support you provide goes directly to these and other important initiatives that ensure the future of our golf community and that enable us to

8 | AZ GOLF Insider | PREVIEW 2019

share the many ways that golf enriches our communities and our lives.

The AWGA was the leading women’s golf association in the country, but the time for men and women being segregated is past. There still is, and in my opinion always will be, an important need for separate events for women and men, but having joint administration will benefit both. We need to ensure that each gender continues to have a strong voice in the structure of their events and competitions.

We need to ensure that communications are focused on the audience, whether they are messages for men, women, or both. But, the business and technical aspects of managing the association is not gender specific, and will be more efficient, effective, and produce better results as a combined entity.

“I can’t wait to begin the next chapter of Arizona golf together with the rest of our golf community.” n

Mary Pomroy & Ed Gowan

AGA STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.................................................................... Ed Gowan CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ..................................................Mary Pomroy STAFF......................................................................Anj Brown, Le Ann Finger, Michelle Evens, Jim Franko, Paris Garcia, Sharon Goldstone, Erin Groeneveld, Vivian Kelley, Mike Mason, Derek McKenzie, Robyn Noll, Betty Saltzgiver, Alex Tsakiris, Susan Woods PARTNERSHIP CONTACT............................................. Chris Montgomery NATIONAL ADVERTISING CONTACT .................................... Brian Foster *Denotes independent contractor THE AZGOLF INSIDER STAFF PUBLISHER.....................................................................................Mark Nothaft EDITOR-IN-CHIEF .........................................................................Bill Huffman DESIGNER............................................................................Carl Bezuidenhout AGA EDITOR.................................................................................Lorraine Thies SENIOR EDITOR ................................................................................John Davis REAL ESTATE EDITOR ...................................... Gremlyn Bradley-Waddell FOOD EDITOR ................................................................................Carey Sweet GENERAL ASSIGNMENTS .......................................................... Jeff Heisner PHOTO EDITOR ......................................................................... Jane Zarzynski SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER .......................................................Dennis Scully SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER ........................................................Wade Moran CONTRIBUTORS .......................... ......................Ed Gowan, Lorraine Thies, Scott McNevin, Tom Mackin, Joe Passov, Cori Matheson ADVERTISING GRAPHIC DESIGNER ........................................ Steve Copas For magazine inquiries, backspinmediagroup@gmail.com BACKSPIN MEDIA GROUP PRESIDENT.......................................................................................Bill Huffman GENERAL MANAGER ................................................................Mark Nothaft BackspinMediaGroup@gmail.com AZGOLF Insider, is published four times a 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. AZGOLF Insider is offered on a subscription basis for $12.95 annually. Individual copies may be obtained by forwarding $5 to the address below.

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

Official Ball of The Arizona Golf Association.

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Members Only < Walk like a pro

PGA Tour pros Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen and others rely on the stability, traction and exceptional fit of Footjoy’s next generation of high-performance Pro/SL golf shoes, and your game no doubt would benefit as well. The superior feel of fine-tuned foam for supple cushioning and a perimeter-weighted outsole design provide outstanding stability and comfort as you address your next shot.

The ChromoSkin leather, developed by Pittards of England, is lightweight, durable and 100 percent waterproof, which will come in handy when you’re fishing your Titleist out of the drink.

$160 • Available at Van’s Golf Shops. worldwidegolfshops.com

> Tucson getaway

With the excitement of the Super Bowl, Barrett-Jackson and WMPO behind us, it’s time to decompress and head south to the Old Pueblo and immerse in golf and luxury at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, home to two world-class Tom Fazio golf courses, and their signature “Putt and Pamper Package.” For you, take in the views of the Mountain Course at the most photographed hole west of the Mississippi, the amazing No. 3. For her, a treatment at the Lakeside Spa and the healing benefits of indigenous treatments like the Aloe Vera and Blue Corn Healer. Rates include sumptuous accommodations, a daily round for one and daily spa credit through April 30.

Rates vary • loewshotels.com

< A toast to the game

Combine two of our favorite pastimes into one tweedcovered, golf-inspired whiskey flask from Oregonbased Seamus Golf Co. The Red Stuart Tartan Wrapped Flask from Seamus staves off that early tee-time chill or is readily available for that last-hole toast. Each item is made to order but ships out within five to seven days. Add a personalized leather label with your initials or name, and fill with your favorite aged Scotch or Irish whiskey as a U.K. nod, or keep it 100 percent American with a Kentucky bourbon.

$55 • seamusgolf.com

> Her’s and his

Loving golf couples this season sport matching Callaway Opti-Dry stretch polo shirts, which look great both on and off the course. Available in a variety of colors and solid or striped patterns, the classic high-quality polos are a must-have in both his or her closet. Made of 95 percent polyester and five percent spandex, the Opti-Dry fabric allows a full range of motion, wicks moisture away and shields from the sun. The ribbed collar, threeand five-button plackets, and hallmark logo offer nice, stylish touches.

$50 • callawaygolf.com 10 | AZ GOLF Insider | PREVIEW 2019

< Pinpoint accuracy

All of the bells and whistles of Bushnell’s industry-leading golf rangefinder technology are packed into the innovative Pro X2. The company’s Slope-Switch Technology gives golfers compensated distance based on the hole’s incline/decline for extreme accuracy but turns off when needed for USGA compliance. Useful, too, is PinSeeker with JOLT Technology to eliminate any doubt that you have locked onto the flag. All of this excitement, including 6x magnification and the Fast Focus System, is wrapped in fully waterproof metal housing. Point, survey, swing.

$480 • bushnellgolf.com

> Target is in sight

The designers at venerable eyewear maker Oakley thought of everything when creating Targetline. Deeper lenses offer an expanded downward view, side shields prevent unwanted sunlight from affecting your view, curved outer edges of the frames make room for the all-important golf hat and, of course, the company’s patented Prizm high-contrast lenses are designed specifically for golf. Colors and details are more vibrant while Prizm filters out harsh glare and distracting colors.

$150 • oakley.com

< Win more skins

Former U.S. Open winner Rory McIlroy studied with renowned instructor and two-time PGA champion Dave Stockton, and credits much of his success with the putter to that of Stockton’s sage teachings. You, too, can trim scores and save more pars by delving into the advice within Unconscious Scoring: Dave Stockton’s Guide to Saving Shots Around the Green. McIlroy wrote the forward and Hall of Famer Lee Trevino the preface.

Stockton enters a world of visualization, high and low shots, bunker play, practice drills and, of course, putting.

Hardbound $27, Kindle $15 • changinghands.com

> Imported steel

The precision and quality are apparent before even swinging Mizuno’s standout JPX919 Tour irons. A more compact and streamlined design is amazingly stable for its size, demonstrated in its tight dispersion patterns from off-center strikes, the critical benchmark for elite-level shotmakers. These characteristics spill over into your game for more accurate shots and lower scores. Single-billet forged carbon steel from Hiroshima, Japan, makes for the softest feel on the market.

Eight-piece set $1,200 • mizunousa.com www.azgolf.org

PREVIEW 2019 | AZ GOLF Insider | 11

SPIRITS OF THE GAME

By AZ Golf Insider Staff

> Spirit of Japan

Mix it up this season with an exotic elixir new to the United States — Rihei Ginger, a rice, barley and ginger-based spirit from Japan’s 110-year-old Ochiai Distillery. The company is known for making shochu, Japan’s version of vodka, using premium rice, barley and sweet potatoes. With flavorful Rihei Ginger, 20 percent of the aromatic root herb is used in the process, resulting in other worldly flavors and scents. Clean, dry, interesting. Enjoy neat, on the rocks, with club soda or mix with mint and bit of sugar for an awesome spin on a mojito.

$55 • vineconnections.com

> To ‘Game of Thrones’

In celebration of the final season of the criticallyacclaimed HBO series, “Game of Thrones,” venerable scotch producer Johnnie Walker is proud to introduce “White Walker,” a new blend inspired by the White Walkers beyond “The Wall” and that “Winter is Here.”

The limited edition bottle utilizes thermo-chromic ink to give fans a frosty surprise message when frozen. With flavor notes like caramelized sugar, vanilla, and fresh red berries, White Walker by Johnnie Walker makes for a delicious pour. Obviously, the new blend is best served ice cold.

$39 • johnniewalker.com

< Yes, we’re drinking Merlot

<

Beautiful blonde

If salads and cheese are on the apres golf menu, perhaps a high-end white is the right call.

Chill and pour classic 2017 Nickel & Nickel Truchard Vineyard Chardonnay, a beautiful expression of this grand dame variety from the Carneros region of Northern California, which straddles Napa and Sonoma valleys. Ripe pear, pineapple and hallmark mineral notes tickle your nose and transfer to the palate. The rich and creamy mouthfeel perfectly complements charcuterie or anchovy-loaded Caesar salad.

$55 • nickelandnickel.com

12 | AZ GOLF Insider | PREVIEW 2019

Its name may evoke the 48th state, but you will want to run with the bulls after sharing 2015 Arinzano Merlot from Spain with your weekly foursome. This respected producer situated in the northeast section of the country between the classic Rioja growing region and Bordeaux in France possesses its own superior terroir and fruit influences in the Pyrenees foothills. The velvety, yet lively, all-organic Merlot spent 14 months in French oak and conjures cherry-spicy and earthy impressions. Perfect with the burgers you’re grilling for your guests.

$20 • arinzano.com

Where to buy These selections and others are available at fine wine and spirits retailers like Total Wine & More, BevMo and AJ’s Fine Foods Valley-wide. www.azgolf.org

THE 19TH HOLE

By AZ Golf Insider Staff

MOUNTAIN BROOK GOLF CLUB

Mountain Brook Golf Club’s Prospector restaurant serves up mainstays like fresh salmon, shrimp cocktail and braised short ribs along with an outstanding view.

FOOD/WINE

GOLD MINE MOUNTAIN BROOK, GOLD CANYON OFFER TASTY 1-2 PUNCH FOR FOODIES

“T

here’s gold in them thar hills!” It is a line that was corrupted from a Mark Twain novel entitled “The American Claimant,” but it could easily hold up when referring to a trio of revitalized 19th holes in the Gold Canyon neighborhood, at the base of the Superstition Mountains.

Yes, there’s gold in them thar 19th holes, and it comes in the form of some very comforting food. Chances are Jacob Waltz, the legendary prospector who is linked to the Superstitions’ fabled Lost Dutchman’s Mine, would have given a nugget or two to dine at the Prospector at Mountain Brook Golf Club or the Bar & Grill/Kokopelli’s at Gold Canyon Golf Resort.

The Prospector at Mountain Brook

For a 19th hole at a golf course, the Prospector at Mountain Brook Golf Club serves a lot of non-golfers. In fact, the neighborhood that sits between Mountain Brook and Gold Canyon Golf Resort on the lower slopes of the Superstitions is full of guests who don’t know a Titleist from a Pinnacle.

We discovered this phenomenon during a recent visit to the Prospector. Small but cozy, four of the seven tables in the dining room had “RESERVED” signs on them. It’s a very in-demand eatery, said our server Anita.

“Yes, we do get a lot of golfers,” she observed.

“But really, the entire Gold Canyon neighborhood dines here often.”

14 | AZ GOLF Insider | PREVIEW 2019

There is extra room, too.

The patio, which is nestled against the restaurant and overlooks the putting green and range, has probably another 15 tables. But on this cold night, everyone was packed inside and having a festive time. You could tell people knew each other by the laughter coming from the brand-spanking new bar.

According to the food and beverage manager, Ian McConville, “We took what was basically a walk-up counter and turned it into a restaurant that serves highquality food at affordable prices.” McConville, like Chef Michael, came from Trilogy at Power Ranch. Those two courses — Mountain Brook and Trilogy — along with Dove Valley Ranch are owned by Minnesotan Ryan Thompson and his family. Thompson purchased Mountain Brook in July, and the old 19th hole was gutted with the Prospector opening in November.

“What we’re trying to employ here is Ryan’s philosophy of walk before you run; to do it right the first time; to continue to improve,” said McConville of the owner/ head honcho, whose family also owns Geneva Golf Course in Alexandria, Minn.

That one-brick-at-a-time approach has turned out some solid initial results, like the braised short ribs ($19.79) we ordered complete with roasted red potatoes and veggies.

Other dinner mainstays that are big on the Prospector’s small menu include fresh salmon ($17.89) in lemon beurre blanc and housemade meatloaf ($12.79) slow-cooked with homemade brown gravy.

According to McConville, it’s also hard to beat the Prospector’s “good, oldfashioned Reuben or our amazing build-a-burger.”

The Reuben ($13.49) is a big stack of corn beef topped with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing served on grilled marbled rye.

The build-a-burger ($12.49) is a half-pounder with a choice of 12 toppers. The first three are free, but additional toppers are $1 apiece after that.

McConville’s tip for breakfast — the Prospector ($12.95), of course. It’s your all-American breakfast of two eggs any style, hash browns, toast and your choice of bacon, ham or sausage. But there also is a Goldmine ($9.79) and Burro ($8.71) that look interesting.

Instead of being “occasionally open,” as in the past, the restaurant is quite www.azgolf.org

Gold Canyon Golf Resort Kokopelli’s/the Bar & Grill

When it comes to excellent food and drink, a lot of the neighborhood in this neck of the Superstitions heads for Gold Canyon Golf Resort and its two rock-solid 19th holes — Kokopelli’s Restaurant and the Bar & Grill. These days, the almost Wild West-like retreat high in the desert mountains even sports a new look, as the Bar & Grill has undergone a total renovation that gives it a modern, sleek vibe, much like the resort’s new pro shop.

Kokopelli’s was renovated a little over a year ago.

“Fresh, fun and enjoyable” is the way restaurant manager Jennifer Barnett describes the Bar & Grill, which also opened recently.

“And everyone loves the changes,” Barnett adds.

Why not? When something that’s very good to start with gets even better, you’ve got to go for it, right? Just as cool, you can order anything off either menu, so guests can select the laidback atmosphere of the Bar & Grill or a more formal presentation at Kokopelli’s. www.azgolf.org

GOLD CANYON GOLF RESORT

busy seven days a week, with dinner served Tuesday through Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. Oh, yes, and there’s one last thing to savor about the new Prospector, and it hangs from a sign on the new walls of barn wood, exposed brick and metal-camp lighting that pays homage to the prospectors of yesteryear.

“It’s Always Happy Hour!”

That’s good when your wine list includes such smooth bottles as The Pessimist ($11 a glass, $40 bottle). Surely, Waltz would have loved that back in the day when he and his pick ax-laden mule roamed the neighborhood.

A third dining option at Gold Canyon Golf Resort – The Ledge.

It is a rather large, impressive menu that starts with appetizers that are the perfect ending for a round of golf. Crispy wings with hot, medium or mild sauce ($15) are among the most popular, but the bruschetta is top of the line, complete with Roma tomatoes, roasted garlic, shallots and Buffalo mozzarella, served on Parmesan toast dabbed in balsamic ($11). If that’s not enough to get you started, you can’t go wrong with the ahi crudo ($19) that features a scrumptious stack of seared sashimi-grade tuna, spring mix, sesame seeds, capers, citrus vinaigrette, Sriracha on a bed of crispy Chinese noodles. It rocks.

The kitchen, under the watchful eye of Chef Sergio, makes a supreme salad, too. There’s the Kokopelli Berry, which blends spring mix, fresh strawberries, bacon, roasted beets, candied pecans and goat cheese with raspberry vinaigrette ($16).

Or how about the Bang-Bang Shrimp Caesar ($20), which starts with romaine tossed in sweet chili sauce, Romano

cheese, banana peppers, garlic croutons and a mouthwatering Caesar dressing.

Entrees are as diverse as the resort’s two golf courses — the mountainous Dinosaur and low-lying Sidewinder. Probably the most popular is the osso bucco ($32), a braised pork dish that is finished with cremini mushrooms and served over creamy mashed potatoes and veggies. Other offerings of interest include baby back ribs ($17 half rack, $32 full) served with French fries and coleslaw and a tangy barbecue sauce, and mahi-mahi tacos ($18) complete with cabbage, fresh pico, guacamole, chipotle crema and Cotija cheese alongside coleslaw and fries.

No doubt your most difficult decision will be where to enjoy your lunch or dinner? But here is another conundrum. Which bottle of vino do you order off Gold Canyon’s extensive wine list that features 11 whites and 13 reds, priced from $34 to $200? Here is our suggestion: If you dine at Kokopelli’s, go for a nice bottle of red. But if you choose the Bar & Grill,

which features a glistening, four-inch thick quartz bar, seven flat-screen TVs and all-new tables and chairs, there are great beer options, including local beers from Barrio Brewing ($5). Or maybe you’re more in the mood for a Turtle Dove martini ($14) or a blue (agave) margarita ($14).

There’s even a “daily menu” that features dinner specials from Chef Sergio.

On the day we visited, those specialties included elk tenderloin ($39), surf & turf kabobs ($28), fresh catch halibut ($34) and shrimp Alfredo ($27). And, yes, Gold Canyon does serve breakfast every morning in Kokopelli’s, as well as a Saturday brunch ($16.99 per person) and Sunday/holiday brunch ($21.99).

There’s even a third dining area called The Ledge, where you can sit outside and gaze at what looks like the Old West for literally hundreds of miles to the south and the west. The Ledge is amazingly panoramic, and it’s located smack dab between the Bar & Grill and Kokopelli’s.

Oh, if only Ol’ Jacob had so many options 150 years ago. Who knows? Maybe his aforementioned Lost Dutchman’s Mine might not have been lost. n DETAILS The Prospector At Mountain Brook Golf Club 5783 S. Mountainbrook Dr., Gold Canyon 480-671-1000 www.mountainbrookgolfclub.com Kokopelli’s At Gold Canyon Golf Resort 6100 S. Kings Ranch Road, Gold Canyon 480-982-9449 www.goldcanyongolfresort.com

PREVIEW 2019 | AZ GOLF Insider | 15

By Bill Huffman

JACK GRACE GOLF SHOES

THE BUSINESS OF GOLF

JACK GRACE GOLF SHOES

Jack Grace films a commercial for its men’s and women’s Innovator saddle shoes at a local Scottsdale resort (left). Jack Grace owner Bart Walker and his family, including wife Erinn, daughter Ellie and son William. The name Jack Grace derived from Ellie’s and William’s middle names.

A family story:

Jack Grace Golf Shoes

B

art Walker was just a young man, a husband with two kids and a wife and a great job working for U.S. Bank, when the lightbulb went on. He had always had this unexplainable thing for shoes as well as a love affair with the game of golf. Walker decided that he was going to invent the best golf shoe to ever hit the market.

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“I didn’t start out to own a shoe company, but I was overly curious about trying to build a better golf shoe,” said Walker, 39, who began his quest in 2014.

“So I sat down at our kitchen table and chopped up some of my golf shoes – no big deal because I had 15 to 20 pairs -- took the chopped-up pairs to a shoe tailor and asked him: ‘How can I make a better shoe?’ ”

Five years later, Walker is finally beginning to get an answer as the owner of Tempe-based Jack Grace Golf Shoes. It takes a lot of work, a lot of hustle, a strong commitment, a good team behind you, and a lot of money!

Oh, yes, and you need a plan and a product, which in Walker’s case led to the Jack Grace Innovator golf shoe for men and women. A hot-selling saddle shoe that has logoed and interchangeable saddles and is much different than what the big boys like Nike, adidas and Footjoy are doing these days.

“First and foremost, and I can’t tell you why, I’ve always loved shoes, dating back to when I was a kid,” said the long-time Phoenix resident who graduated from Arizona State.

“As a single guy I collected golf shoes, but as I grew older, got married and had a couple of kids, I realized I didn’t need 15 to 20 pairs of golf shoes.

Even so, I kept buying them, especially saddle shoes and shoes of quality.”

Golf had been in Walker’s veins, ever since his first job at Club West, where he washed carts and picked the range while attending Mountain Pointe High School. And even though www.azgolf.org

JACK GRACE GOLF SHOES

The Innovator golf shoe by Jack Grace boasts state-of-the-art traction and turn (above) along with cool color saddles like Kapalua (above top), baby blue (upper right) and Houndstooth (right).

salespeople, consultants, marketing experts and graphics designers.

“Me? I’m the architect of our shoes,” Walker explained. “It comes out of my brain, and then someone else builds it for us.

“How would I describe the shoe? The Innovator is a modern interpretation of a classic saddle shoe. It’s most unique feature is the Innovator’s interchangeable saddles, which work from a combination of Velcro and magnets. What I’m proud of is our shoes have an athletic style, they’re very comfortable -- like the best brands -- and we have a strong bottom unit that places attention on the outsole, the midsole and the insole.”

Walker originally intended to have the Innovator manufactured in this country, but financial considerations made it necessary to work/buy overseas.

As for the price, $160, that’s pretty much right down the middle of the fairway for golf shoes, although the interchangeable saddles that sport those special logos, cost $30 to $40 per pair.

“We’ve had some great things happen lately, like we sold shoes to

JACK GRACE GOLF SHOES

JACK GRACE GOLF SHOES JACK GRACE GOLF SHOES

he enjoyed his job at the bank, and the salary that went with it, he asked another question: “Is this all there is?”

Turns out, it wasn’t. Walker quit his job, took a year to produce his first golf shoe, met with a patent attorney and ended up raising a little over $100,000 in investment money, the majority coming by liquidating his own 401K. His mother was his first and biggest investor outside of Bart, with a contribution of $10,000.

“I remember my wife asking me, ‘Why would you want to do that (invent a golf shoe)?” Walker recalled. “But after the birth of my daughter, I just remember that I was on a mission to figure out what I really wanted to do.”

So Walker kept at it and finally his golf shoe started to take shape.

Despite running it by several major shoe companies, no one was interested in Bart Walker’s golf shoe. It didn’t stop him, as he contacted a patent attorney and got in touch with an Oregon-based company called Your Proof of Concept, who had worked with Nike and adidas.

They told him they needed a name to brand, and Walker came up with a beauty that he credits to his first two children.

“Ellie’s middle name is Grace and my son is William Jack,” said Walker, who recently had another baby boy with wife Erinn. “My consultants liked Jack Grace.”

And Jack Grace shoes were born in an old, 1,700 square-foot, former LDS seminary building in Ahwatukee. Walker rented it from a friend, who had bought the building and didn’t know what to do with it.

“It was really ‘mom & pop’ at that point, with my wife teaching school and me running around in that little building every day,” said Walker. “I spent all my time for a year and a half in that little building, and somehow still found time to build a website.”

A critical move, as the majority of Jack Grace’s early sales came via the Internet, although there have been more group/corporate sales lately. Having your own logo on your golf shoe apparently is very appealing to some people. But after 5,000-plus shoes and counting, it was time for a bigger building. Last October, JG moved into a 3,600 square-foot warehouse in Tempe. In only two years, not only had Walker doubled his space, he had accrued 12 employees that included

the Sanderson Farms Championship, which was our first tour event,” Walker reported. “We also sold some shoes to the LaTrobe Classic at Bay Hill, and working with Arnie’s people was a real treat.

“But probably the coolest thing of all is that we recently got an order from U.S. Bank. Those guys were my first employer and now they’re buying shoes from me.”

In just five years, it’s been a long and winding road for Walker. But if he had a chance to do it all over again, would he have stuck with U.S. Bank?

“Here’s what I can tell you,” he said. “I’m working on a new shoe, but making shoes is a tough road.

“I still love golf, but I’m working on another project – a shoe project – that is nongolf. And it certainly would have been easier to have started with a casual shoe or sandal rather than a golf shoe. But, hopefully, I have learned some great lessons that will get us swimming downstream soon.

“But, no, I wouldn’t change a thing.” n www.jackgraceusa.com.

Four of A Kind

COVER STORY

WITH THE 2020 RYDER CUP ON THE WAY, CELEBRATE KOHLER’S INCREDIBLE QUARTET OF GOLF COURSES

N

EARLY 35 YEARS AGO,

the green-hued light bulb went off for plumbing titan Herb Kohler.

He needed a golf course to enhance the amenity package at his new American Club hotel in the Wisconsin heartland, 60 miles north of Milwaukee. Enlisting the services of golf’s hottest architect, Pete Dye, they created Blackwolf Run, which opened in 1988. Quickly the layout zoomed to the top of every public and resort course ranking—and Kohler and Dye were only getting started.

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JOE PASSOV

The creative juices between these two fast friends helped produce and refine three more stellar 18-hole tracts over the next 13 years, including Whistling Straits, host to three PGA Championships. Pair the 72 Dyedesigned holes with The American Club, Kohler’s five-star, five-diamond resort, and it’s easy to see why many discerning travelers identify Destination Kohler as the finest golf resort in North America. And with the 2020 Ryder Cup slotted at Whistling Straits, the first American public-access course to host the Cup since 1991, now is definitely the time to visit.

“The excitement has been building,” said Dirk Willis, GM & group director, Kohler Golf. “We’ve seen an uptick, as expected, in demand to experience the course, as well as guests interested in talking with our staff about the Ryder Cup.” Kohler gave Dye his marching orders when it came to plotting the Straits course: “I want it to look like it’s in Ireland.” With eight holes draped atop bluffs overlooking vast Lake Michigan (which the caddies call the “Sea of Wisconsin”), 70-foot-tall sandhills that are garbed in tall, tawny-colored native fescue grasses, firm-and-fast rippled www.azgolf.org

COURTESY OF KOHLER CO.

By

This portfolio of golf eye candy includes the Straits Course at Whistling Straits (above), the River Course at Blackwolf Run (top), the Irish Course at Whistling Straits (middle) and the Meadow Valleys Course at Blackwolf Run.

COVER STORY

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brawnier brother. In some ways, with its heaving inland terrain studded with scary bunkers and towering sand hills, it conjures up Emerald Isle classics such as Waterville and Ballybunion. In other ways, it’s hand-of-man, made-inthe-U.S.A. modern golf, with multiple carries over creeks and ponds.

Situated adjacent to The American Club, Blackwolf Run’s River course was crafted from glacially carved hills and valleys. It’s well-wooded without being claustrophobic and is slashed with streams and a twisting arm of the Sheboygan River. Holes 1-4 and holes 14-18 were part of the original Blackwolf Run spread, but it’s the newer holes over more dramatic terrain that you’ll remember most, notably the 337-yard, par-4 ninth, with its myriad options. The ligament-snapping rough and Dye’s familiar, intimidating railroad ties shoring up lakes and bunkers add to the challenge.

Nine holes of Kohler’s original Blackwolf Run were siphoned off to form holes 10-18 on the Meadow Valleys course—and they’re marvelous. They’re also used when big events come to town, such as the 1998 and 2012 U.S. Women’s Open, as part of the tournament layout. Potential scorecard wreckers such as the 423-yard, par-4 14th, with its daunting approach above the river and the 227-yard, all-carry, par-3 15th would be all-stars at any property.

There aren’t many poker hands that beat four-of-a-kind. Likewise, there aren’t many public-access course complexes that can top Destination Kohler. Toss in The American Club hotel and a dazzling array of amenities and attractions, and you have resort golf’s version of a royal flush. And the top card in the deck is that upcoming Ryder Cup. “We are incredibly proud to be bringing one of the world’s largest sporting events, and likely the largest Wisconsin has ever seen, to the State,” said Willis. “All eyes around the world will be on Whistling Straits and Wisconsin—we know that we’ll show the world an incredible Ryder Cup.” n Joe Passov is the 2019 Donald Ross Award winner as presented by the American Society of Golf Course Architects. His lives in Cave Creek.

WISCONSIN Whistling Straits Golf Course Balckwolf Run Golf Course

Sheboygan

Lake Michigan MILWAUKEE Whether it’s five-star dining (right) or a world-class spa (below), Destination Kohler provides everything you need for a great buddies’ trip. That includes four fabulous golf courses in the Straits and Irish courses at Whistling Straits, and the River and Meadow Valleys courses at Blackwolf Run.

COURTESY OF KOHLER CO.

fairways, relentless breezes, more than 1,000 bunkers(!) and a walking-only policy, this is Ireland—or maybe Ireland on steroids, given the Straits’ gargantuan back tee length of 7,790 yards.

As with any heralded Scottish or Irish tournament links, calm, warm conditions can yield low scores at Whistling Straits.

Witness Jason Day’s remarkable duel with Jordan Spieth at the 2015 PGA Championship, when Day’s 20-under-par 268 nipped Spieth by three. On the other hand, when the wind blows, it can play as tough as Carnoustie. Just look at Tom Watson, who blew up to a back-nine 43 to lose the 2007 U.S. Senior Open there.

Of course, the 2020 Ryder Cup will be contested as match play, so disasters will only cost competitors a loss of hole, not the entire tournament. Still, in late September, when the Ryder Cup will take place, anything can happen, especially with the fearsome lineup of holes that will greet players. For fans and sponsors as well as the players, this could be the greatest Ryder Cup stage in history.

“We are essentially constructing a small city at Whistling Straits,” said Willis. “The natural drama of the course and the land on which it sits will add up to an unparalleled Ryder Cup experience for competitors, spectators and TV fans. This excitement is palpable with our initial 30-person corporate hospitality offering and recently announced expanded offerings. We are humbled with the response.”

So consistently strong and scenic are Nos. 1 through 18 that it’s tough to pick a standout hole. Yet, one can’t help but hope that many matches reach the par-3 17th. Maxing out at 249 yards, the hole features massive sand dunes and bunkers submerged 20 feet below the green. Yank it left and you might find Lake Michigan. Fade it short or right and more tangled grass and dunes will gobble up your ball. Hit it pure—or else.

With your Tour-level caddie alongside, your round on the Straits will be thrilling, no matter what you score. Having said that, you can’t miss Kohler’s other three courses.

The Straits’ on-site sibling is the Irish course, completed by Dye in 2000. It, too, shares Top 100 publiccourse honors, but even with its name, it’s quite different from its older,

www.azgolf.org

Not unexpectedly, for a company that specializes in premium bath fixtures, the spa at Destination Kohler is world-renowned.

“Kohler Waters Spa is known as an industry leader in hydrotherapy and harnessing the power of water,” said Garrett Mersberger, director of wellness for Kohler Co. “All of our spas offer a water experience, whether in a service or throughout your stay at the spa. Our aim is to help heal and cultivate through the water.”

Perhaps unexpected is the rising popularity of the Kohler Waters Spa among men. Favorites include the Woodsman Massage, created specifically with men in mind to alleviate muscular pain and reduce tension. Rain Man is another requested item, from the spa’s hydrotherapy treatments. Designed for men, it consists of a warm KOHLER custom Vichy shower experience that features hot stones on the back and feet and a full-body exfoliation.

“We have leaders in the wellness industry—from spa associates creating unique services based on our expertise in hydrotherapy, to certified yoga and cycling instructors who help build your personal wellness experience,” said Mersberger. “We work hard at Kohler, along with our wellness concierge, to

determine the best path and activities to help you achieve your wellness goals.”

Dining is a treat at Kohler. Gourmet cuisine is on tap at the Immigrant Restaurant, and this being Wisconsin, the cheese selection is world-class. Still, don’t miss the casual fare and craft beers at the Horse & Plow—and splurge for the beer-battered Gibbsville cheese curds. For a post-round dessert sensation off the Whistling Straits pub menu, dig into the best sticky toffee pudding this side of the Atlantic. And the perfect post-round group activity?

A whiskey tasting at The Winery Bar. Power shopping at the Shops at Woodlake, kayak paddling down the Sheboygan River at River Wildlife, river and lake fishing and fitness classes at Sports Core are among the other enticements—provided you’ve got any extra energy after dueling with 36 holes.

Americanclubresort.com

COURTESY OF KOHLER CO.

Off-course delights

Lodging & packages Destination Kohler offers a variety of accommodations for every taste and budget.

Traditionalists should make every effort to stay in the main building—The American Club—at least once, at a classic Tudor structure that once housed Kohler’s immigrant employees. The sense of history and character is amazing. As one would expect from the industry leader in plumbing products, the bathrooms—faucets, shower heads, tubs and sinks—are without peer.

Those preferring some extra space and unbeatable spa access stay across the street in the Carriage House annex, while value-minded golfers stay down the street at the Inn on Woodlake, a handsome facility in its own right.

The Inn recently expanded to offer two- and four-bedroom suites with common areas, ideal for golf groups who want to maximize time with each other on and off the course. The Sandhill Cabin, 10 minutes away, offers the ultimate in privacy.

Destination Kohler offers a fistful of golf packages that allow excellent flexibility for your group, big or small. The Dye-Abolical package, named after course designer Pete Dye, offers guests the opportunity to experience all that Kohler Golf has to offer.

Included is three nights’ lodging, golf on all four courses, cart and caddie fees where they apply, welcome logo gift, replay rounds where available, golf lesson and much more.

For a worthy splurge, the Ultimate Buddies Trip add-on (for groups of 12 or more) serves up such potential niceties as group shirts, locker room nameplates and a 19th hole celebration hosted by a Kohler PGA professional, among the many options.

Americanclubresort.com

www.azgolf.org

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THE

BACK

NINE HERM EDWARDS JR.

‘BEAUTIFULLY FRUSTRATING’ Monterrey Peninsula left lasting golf impact on ASU’s football coach

F

or a guy who has spent his entire career in football, Arizona State Coach Herm Edwards sure loves to play — and watch — the game of golf. He’s pretty good at it, too, despite not taking up golf until well into his NFL career.

Then again, what would you expect from a kid who grew up in Seaside, Calif., where he was a standout at Monterrey High School? Seriously, how many golfers do you know besides Edwards, who played his first round at Pebble Beach Golf Links and his second round at Cypress Point?

OK, maybe that sounds a little hard to believe, but welcome to the world of Herman Edwards Jr. — coach, inspirational speaker and author.

“Growing up on the Monterrey Peninsula, you can’t help but know about the game of golf,” said the 64-year-old Edwards. “My father was in the service at the time, so I didn’t get to play golf but I knew about the Crosby Clambake.”

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NBC SPORTS

By Bill Huffman

Believe it or not (again!), years later when he was an All-Pro cornerback with the Philadelphia Eagles, Edwards was invited to play in the Clambake.

Except for one small problem — Edwards didn’t have any clubs and had yet to play his first round of golf.

“I ended up borrowing a set of PINGs from my buddy and played in it. I don’t remember the year,” recalled the energetic Edwards, who played in the NFL for 10 years and coaching for eight more, taking the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs to the playoffs four times.

“I don’t remember how I played in the Crosby, but I swung hard and I seemed to hit my irons OK enough.

The next time I played was at Cypress Point with (Australian pro) Peter Senior, who I’d become friends with through the Crosby. I remember Peter asking me why I didn’t have any woods in my bag and I told him because I can’t hit them like my irons.

“I also remember we got to the fourth hole, which is right after that little, beautiful par 3, and there was this guy in the fairway taking all kinds of time, and I said to Peter, ‘You want me to hit one down there and get him moving?’ And Peter said, ‘No, no, no!’ Turns out the guy in question was Bernhard Langer.” (Laughter) These days Edwards doesn’t get as much time as he’d like to play and watch golf because he’s too busy coaching the Sun Devils. In just one year, he’s become the darling of the Pac-12 media for his witty retorts but still is down to earth enough to take a few minutes to talk with AZGOLF Insider about the game he calls “beautifully frustrating.”

What do you like about golf?

It’s the only game I’ve ever played where the ball doesn’t move. All the other sports I was involved with the ball moved. But I love it because you meet so many interesting

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Herm Edwards Jr. is a frequent participant in the American Century Championship in Tahoe -- when he’s not coaching ASU football (below).

people. I play with John Daly quite a bit. He’s one of my best friends. And every time I see Peter Senior, we never stop laughing about Cypress. . . . But the reality is this is the hardest game ever created. I can hit three good shots in a row, and think I’ve got it figured out. And then I’ll hit one crosswise, and it’s like, ‘What’s that?’ ” Have you had any lessons since you took up the game?

“Hank Haney is a good friend of mine, and he gave me my first lesson.

I’ve also done his radio show with him. . . . You know, I just love to talk golf and learn about the game. And that’s kind of funny, because I play in all of these proam events in Tahoe and other places, and all these pros want to talk about with me is football.” (Laughter) What kind of a player are you these days? Do you carry a handicap?

“No handicap, but when I’m playing well I usually shoot in the 8082 range. My best score was 75, but you’re hurting my brain now, asking me where I shot it. All I remember is it’s up there around (Payson), one of those private clubs (Chaparral Pines or Rim Club). . . . I could probably be a better player, but I only play maybe 25 times a year, and that actually would be a lot for me. You have to play more and practice more if you want to be good — like any sport — and I don’t.”

NBC SPORTS

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What’s in Herm Edwards’ bag these days?

I’ve got a PING driver, 3-wood, Rescue club and irons, but I only use 12 clubs (instead of 14) because those other two clubs would just be in the way. I usually play a Titleist (ball) or something good. My only requirement, if you know me, is that the ball be traditional white in color and not one of these yellow or pink balls. I guess I’m a traditionalist.”

13

You are known for your enthusiasm as a football coach, a player and the author of “You Play to Win the Game.”

Do you get pumped up for golf like you do football?

“Oh, yeah. I talk to the ball. (Laughter) I threaten it, like: ‘If you don’t go straight, I’ll put the other guy (ball) in the game.”

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ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

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What have you learned about golf that might be different from other sports?

“Great question. You know, I really enjoy that four hours or so that you spend with people on the golf course.

You learn a lot about that person.

And when I’m done playing that day, I know if I’m ever going to play golf with that guy, or those guys, again.”

15

Do you go on golf trips with your buddies or are you too busy?

“I’m a lucky guy, and for the past four or five years now I’ve got to play Augusta (National) with my friends Ozzie Smith, Joe Carter, Marcus Allen, Bo Jackson and Fred McGriff (all former pro athletes in baseball and football).

We’re hosted by George Hobbs from E-Z-Go Golf Carts, and it’s a lot of fun.

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We also get to play (nearby) Sage Valley, which you don’t hear much about, but it’s a beautiful golf course down there.”

Have you had a chance to play with any of your ASU players?

I have not yet, but I’ve played with some of my players before.

And I tell all my guys to pick up the game, because it’s something you can play your entire life, and it’s a great game for so many reasons.”

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Have you ever played in the Waste Management Phoenix Open?

“Not played, but I do attend.

I love that deal because I know a lot of those guys out there on tour. I’ve probably gone two or three times. I love to tag along with Phil (Mickelson) and bother him.” (Laughter) n

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ANTIGUA CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF SPORTS APPAREL SUCCESS

By Tom Mackin In 1979 Fuzzy Zoeller became only third player to ever win the Masters in his first appearance. That same year, in a tiny office near the Scottsdale Airport, another rookie made its debut in the golf apparel industry.

The company was called Antigua, and four decades later it has carved out an impressive position in both the golf and sports apparel categories. Ron McPherson has been there every step of the way. After joining the company as its first employee, he was named president in 1997 and became CEO in 2003.

THROUGH THE YEARS AT ANTIGUA

Antigua consummates first license agreement with the NFL. Payne Stewart wins PGA Championship wearing Antigua/ NFL apparel at Kemper Lakes in Chicago.

Antigua is chosen by Captain Tom Watson to provide uniforms and other apparel for the 1993 U.S. Ryder Cup team.

Annika Sörenstam wins U.S. Women’s Open at Broadmoor Golf Club wearing Antigua apparel.

1979

1982 1984-86 1989 1991 1993 1994 1995

Company founded in Scottsdale.

Expanded sales Opened account with Pebble Beach force to cover for 1982 US Open. United States.

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Antigua negotiates license arrangements with MLB, NBA and NHL. Antigua signs licensing agreement with Tournament Sports Marketing in Canada.

Payne Stewart wins the U.S. Open at Hazeltine National Golf Club wearing Antigua apparel.

Billy Mayfair wins the Tour Championship at Southern Hills wearing Antigua apparel. www.azgolf.org

“We’re trying to bang heads against the international behemoths like Nike, Adidas and Under Armour, so we have to pick our spots,” he said of Antigua, which has 320 employees and a team of independent sales people.

“The reason why we’re still relevant in this industry is the way our business model still works. It’s getting harder because of labor costs, but we have inventory here, it’s on trend, and we can deliver it very quickly with a logo.”

McPherson has seen plenty of styles and materials come and go over the past four decades.

“In 1979, when you played golf you wore clothing that was specific to golf,” he said. “If you wore that in other parts of your life, it didn’t necessarily fit in. Things like Sansabelt pants with a two-piece, non-fused collar shirt that had saddle shoulders and a chest pocket was the golf uniform of the day.”

Cotton blends were the fabric du jour of the 1980s and 1990s. Then in the early 2000s performance fabrics — improved polyester blends featuring spandex and nylon — made their mark. “The biggest thing that changed the golf business from a fabric perspective was watching the great athletes in cycling,” said McPherson, who was inducted into the Arizona Golf Hall

of Fame in 2011 and the Southwest PGA Hall of Fame last year. “They wore cotton which held moisture. But then they started wearing the very sleek polyester products with wicking capability. That moved into golf and all kinds of markets.”

Signing a licensing agreement with the NFL in 1989 was a critical step in the company’s evolution. “That was a really big deal,” said McPherson. “It continues to have reverberations today, because we are still an NFL licensee. While we were known a little bit because of the green grass sector, that deal got us out there where people started saying, ‘Who are these guys and where did they come from?’”

The deal came about because of a need to diversify beyond just golf. “We could see based on the general sales trend in golf, where you have a peak in March and April, a little bit of a drop off in the summer, and then a slight peak in September, that we had lulls of getting product on our machinery,” he said. “So we needed to find other compatible businesses to fit those gaps. The sports business was the biggest target because of the back-to-school scenario in June, July and August that fit in perfectly for our production cycle. Our colors and ability to decorate really fit in with sports. And fans want products with their team logos.”

Antigua moves its operation to a new 110,000-square-foot building in Peoria, AZ.

Antigua receives Outstanding Partner Award from Delaware North Companies for Licensed Sports product sales and service.

Mark Brooks wins the PGA Championship at Valhalla wearing Antigua apparel.

Antigua.com goes interactive.

1996 1997

1999 2000 2001 2003 2004 2006

www.azgolf.org

Antigua named for the fourth time a Ryder Cup preferred partner by the PGA of America.

Antigua honored with International Platinum Partner Award in Corporate apparel industry.

Antigua extends its Antigua majority presenting partnership interest purchased by in GOLF RETIREMENT Ashley NA a subsidiary PLUSTM with the of Sports Direct in the | United Kingdom. PREVIEW 2019 AZPGA GOLF Insider | 25 of America.

really hard to get those. It’s like running for re-election; you have to get those renewed generally every three years. We now have all the ones that count, including NASCAR and some professional soccer, too. That puts us into a position to go to large sporting goods distributors and show that we’re a year round opportunity with the products we create. We did lose the NFL for a 10-year stretch from 2002 through 2012 (when the league signed an exclusive deal with Reebok). But we got it back and have had it ever since, renewing it again this past November for another three-year deal.”

The association with professional golfers has been a constant throughout the Antigua’s history, including outfitting numerous U.S. Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup teams.

“The value is hard to measure but I think it’s important,” said McPherson. “We always get the questions about who is wearing our gear on the Tours. It’s part of the golf business. We’ve had major winners like Payne,

The NFL deal also brought about a relationship with Antigua’s most high-profile spokesperson.

“When we met with Frank Vuono at NFL Properties, he had an idea to promote the NFL through another sports figure,” said McPherson.

“He focused in on Payne Stewart because of his panache. We got chosen to do the apparel.”

McPherson has fond memories of spending time with Stewart, who died in a October 1999 plane crash. “He was a cool guy.

I remember he came into town for a photo shoot at the old Pima Golf Resort. We went there and Payne walked into the golf shop wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Jim Mooney, the head pro, looked at me like, ‘What are you doing?’

He thought I was pulling his leg. Then Payne changes into his outfit, walks out in his knickers, and suddenly he’s Payne Stewart.”

In 1991 Antigua inked licensing deals with Major League Baseball, the NBA and the NHL. “We didn’t want to be a onetrick pony with only the NFL,” said McPherson. “We worked

Antigua CEO and president Ron McPherson named recipient of the Ernie Sabayrac award by the PGA of America. Antigua consummates license agreement to design and distribute apparel and accessories under the Slazenger and Dunlop brands.

Antigua celebrates 30 years serving the industry. named official apparel of the Golf Channel Am Tour.

Antigua CEO and president Ron McPherson inducted into AZ Golf Hall of Fame.

Record year in overall sales lead by significant growth in Licensed Sports Division.

Antigua provides USA Team uniforms for Solheim Cup matches in Colorado. Stacy Lewis wins the Women’s British Open wearing Antigua apparel!

Antigua serves as Official Golf Apparel Licensee for U.S. Solheim Cup Team.

Antigua expands its E-Commerce fulfillment service to major online retailers.

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Antigua is featured in Apparel Magazine and announced as one of The Apparel All-Star Winners nominated by Lawson.

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Named Official Golf Apparel Licensee for 2011 U.S. Solheim Cup

Antigua acquires NFL License for the second time in its history.

Antigua is one of five brands available in the NFL Experience at www.azgolf.org the Super Bowl.

Mark Brooks, Annika Sorenstam, and more. In the last several years we’ve had more of an LPGA influence (including major winner Stacy Lewis) since we’re trying to grow the footprint of our women’s business.”

The market for the company’s golf products split via gender lines, according to McPherson.

“Women are collection buyers. They look for a shirt that goes with a top, etc. The guys are item buyers and that hasn’t changed since 1979. But the dominant product in the golf shops today, just like it was 40 years ago, is the men’s golf shirt. It still makes up a hefty percentage of the overall apparel sales.”

Antigua’s offices have grown dramatically over the years. After starting in a tiny office (with two desks and one embroidery machine) on East Evans Road next to Scottsdale Airport, the company moved to a larger facility on nearby Acoma Road. From 1984 to 2001, the company was housed in a 50,000-square-foot facility near Via Linda and 90th Street. In 2001 it moved to its current Peoria location, where it occupies a custom-built facility that totals 110,000 square feet and uses a nearby 12,000-square foot storage facility.

Products are designed and developed in Peoria before being produced in 25 mills around the world, mostly in Asia.

“Our success all starts with our people and a culture of taking care of our customers,” said McPherson, a strong supporter of junior golf in the Valley. “That’s allowed us to get through some pretty funky lines of apparel and trends (including the very vivid Southweststyle prints of the early 1990s). Sean Gregg has been our head of product development since 2003. His philosophy is we stay on trend, but we don’t set the trend. Our team studies colors from other businesses around the world and interpret that with the world of golf. Our 2019 men’s line is very pastel and the women’s apparel is very floral. It’s spot on the current overall trends.” n Tom Mackin writes for numerous golf publications. He lives in Scottsdale.

Antigua continues to service the NFL Experience, MLB All-Star Game, NHL Stanley Cup and NBA FanFest. Brittany Lange, Antigua Tour Player wins U.S. Open.

2016

www.azgolf.org

Antigua CEO and president Ron McPherson inducted into the Southwest PGA Hall of Fame.

Antigua signs distribution agreements with Axis Golf in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji and with ACI Brands in Canada.

2017 2018 2019 Antigua serves as lead vendor and uniform designer for 2017 Solheim Cup. Holiday E-commerce fulfillment sales hit record sales level.

Antigua will celebrate 40 years of service to the golf, licensed sports and corporate apparel markets.

PREVIEW 2019 | AZ GOLF Insider | 27

AGA NEWS

PATRIOT ALL-AMERICA INVITATIONAL

AGA NEWS

MICHAEL JORDAN

Isaiah Jackson from the University of Memphis captured the Patriot All-America Invitational by a convincing three shots.

Patriot already focused on adding women’s field Cindy McCain, Isaiah Jackson highlight 2018 n BY JOHN DAVIS

I

n just eight years, the Patriot All-America Invitational has established itself as one of the top amateur golf events in the country, but it is about to take another jump in prestige in 2019.

If all goes as hoped, the event will add a women’s division to the competition that features All-Americans

from around the United States and top-rated collegians from Europe.

“Every year it gets a little bit better and a little bit bigger,” AGA executive director Ed Gowan said. “More people are getting involved and the growth has been gradual but steady. Adding a women’s event will give us a whole new dynamic.

“The Women’s Golf Coaches Association is very interested in being part of it. We’ve had initial discussions and I anticipate that it will happen in 2019.”

The growing popularity of the event was evident in the

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tournament that ended Dec. 31,despite frigid weather for the final round of competition.

Isaiah Jackson from the University of Memphis posted a three-shot victory on the Gold Course at The Wigwam, capping a week that saw increased attendance, new spectator venues and an impressive opening ceremony with Cindy McCain as the featured speaker.

The West Valley Mavericks civic organization took the reins as tournament host this year and, with guidance from the Phoenix Thunderbirds, showed determination to promote and grow the event.

Their initiatives for 2018 included adding a skybox behind the 18th green with sweeping views of the course, a merchandising component and a Salute to

Service platform for military members and veterans, taking its cue from the Patriots Outpost at the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

Among other things, they plan to double the size of the skybox and add full hospitality to that venue in 2019. Tournament chairman Justin James noted that other West Valley communities have gotten involved in supporting the event, along with the host city, Litchfield Park.

“We had a vision of what we want the tournament to become that we put in place,” James said. “We’re very proud of that and next year we’re going to make it even better.

“It certainly helps when you have the support of the surrounding communities and Luke Air Force Base, which has been a wonderful partner and wants to expand its role.”

In return, James said, the event has drawn more attention to the Mavericks.

“No doubt about it,” he said. “We are in our seventh year as a foundation, so we’re still in our teenage years. We’ve made it past the childhood years of establishing a club and now the next generation is taking over and we are getting our name out through this event. That will help us to do more great things for the community.”

Troops from the Navy, Marines and Air Force took part in the event, including tending the flag on the 18th hole, where players greeted them with handshakes and thanked them for their service as they left the green during each round. www.azgolf.org

AGA NEWS

Players also toured Luke Air Force Base, with some taking turns in a flight simulator.

The event began with an impressive opening ceremony that featured a flyover of F-35 fighter jets from Luke, a descent by members of the Air Force Wings of Blue parachute team and an emotional appearance by the widow of the late Sen. John McCain.

“One thing he always said was to do the right thing.

It might not be the most popular thing, but do the right thing. Do what’s best,” Cindy McCain told the players.

“I hope that if you learn anything from this experience, you learn that your best is important, not only by playing a good game but by playing a fair game that means so much to people around the world. So you should do it at your best and do it with honor. Those things are important and my husband would be the first to tell you to hold your head high and be the best you can be.”

One element of the event is that each golfer carries a bag with the name of a fallen or severely injured military member and those bags later are auctioned, with proceeds going to the families of those soldiers. www.azgolf.org

After her address, McCain was presented with a golf bag bearing the name John McCain, U.S. Navy Captain. She gasped when she received the bag and, James said “really struggled to keep it together. She obviously was touched.”

“That was something that we really couldn’t ask for and yet it happened,” Gowan said of her appearance.

“It was very special and I can’t imagine how hard it was for her to do that.

“It was so impactful and she was right to the point in talking to the players, and I loved how she related John McCain’s thoughts about commitment to what they are doing with their lives. I thought it was very poignant.”

Jackson braved rainy, windy conditions in the final round, with temperatures in the low 40s, shooting even-par 70 to finish at 5-under 205.

That gave him a three-shot victory over Quade Cummins of Oklahoma and Alex Scott of Grand Valley State. Jack Ireland of UCLA set the tourney record by shooting 7-under 63 despite the brutal conditions to finish in a tie for fifth, five shots behind.

“Honestly, throughout the day, I had no idea where

This year’s field for the Patriot All-America takes time for a group photo at Luke Air Force Base, and Cindy McCain (below), the widow of former U.S. Sen. John McCain, was the guest speaker.

MICHAEL JORDAN

MICHAEL JORDAN

PATRIOT ALL-AMERICA INVITATIONAL

I was at on the leader board,” Jackson said after his wireto-wire victory. “Coming off 18, everybody started clapping when I made the par putt, so I just assumed I had won. I didn’t know I was in the lead by three.”

Jackson said his “hands went numb” for a four-hole stretch on the front nine but it didn’t stop him from joining a winners list that includes PGA Tour phenom Cameron Champ. The victory includes an exemption to the Web.Com Tour’s Wichita Open in June.

Making it all the more special, Jackson was playing with the name of his greatgrandfather, Willie B.

McGill, who was killed in combat in 1944, on his bag.

Ireland’s round of 63 was startling considering the weather, which he called “probably the coldest and toughest conditions I’ve ever played in.”

He finished his round on the front nine with a score of 31, including four straight birdies starting on the fourth hole.

“I was just trying to focus on where I needed to hit it, rather than where not to hit it, and keep it underneath the hole,” Ireland said.

It was a theme that held up well for the eighth edition of the ever-aspiring Patriot All-America Invitational. n

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ARIZONA NEWS

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

‘Tui’ wins AWGA POY – for 14th time!

2018 AWGA PLAYER OF THE YEAR

OPEN DIVISION TUI SELVARATNAM

AWGA

My goal is to try to find a little more practice time and continue to play at a level where I can compete for more championships.

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AWGA

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t this rate, the AWGA might have to rename its Player of the Year award the “Tui Award.”

Thuhashini Selvaratnam, who is fondly known as Tui, claimed the award for the 14th time with yet another banner year in 2018. It was the third consecutive time she has done so, after winning it 11 straight times, from 2001-2011. Between those stints, she took a three-year break to play the role of first-time mom.

“Getting back into competition three years ago was a lot of fun,” she said. “I still love the game.

I just don’t have as much time to play and practice now with the baby and my work schedule.”

Selvaratnam, who is associate athletic director and co-coach of the powerhouse Xavier Prep girls golf team, didn’t notch many wins but knocked on victory’s door several times in AWGA events in 2018.

She reached the final of the state match play

before losing to EmbryRiddle sophomore Jessica Williams, was runner-up in the AWGA Four-Ball and Phoenix City championships and was state medalist at the U.S. Women’s FourBall qualifier and the U.S. Women’s Amateur qualifier.

Selvaratnam, a native of Sri Lanka, helped ASU win three national titles and made history by becoming the youngest player to win a national title at age 12.

“It’s starting to make me feel a little old now, because there are so many college and high schools players in the majors and those are the ones I usually sign up for,” Selvaratnam said. “But at least I can say that I can still compete with them, so that is rewarding.

“My goal is to try to find a little more practice time and continue to play at a level where I can compete for more championships.” www.azgolf.org

ARIZONA NEWS

AWGA

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

2018 AWGA PLAYER OF THE YEAR

SENIOR DIVISION LIZ WAYNICK

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iz Waynick distinguished herself in national events, and made a little history along the way, in becoming the AWGA Senior Player of the Year in 2018.

It was the second such award for Waynick, who pulled off a rare double in www.azgolf.org

2012 by winning both the Player of the Year and Senior Player of the Year titles.

In state events, her highlights in 2018 were winning the Arizona Women’s Senior championship and finishing second to Kim Eaton in the Arizona Women’s Match Play.

On the national level, she was second in local qualifying and first in sectionals for the U.S. Senior Women’s Open and third in Women’s MidAmateur qualifying.

She also made history by being the first golfer ever to register for the U.S. Women’s Senior Open, which was a new event in 2018.

“I got there early and just happened to be the first one to show up for registration,” she said. “So that was pretty special, but just playing in the Senior Women’s Open was really the highlight of the year for me. It was just a great experience.”

Waynick was preparing to undergo surgery to repair an elbow tendon as 2019 started and said it might take awhile to get back into the swing of things.

“I’ll probably be out of action for about six months, but as soon as possible, I’ll be back in it,” she said. “I really love golf. It’s still a lot of fun, and as long as it’s fun, I’ll keep playing and competing.”

Playing in the Senior Women’s Open was really the highlight of the year for me.

It was just a great experience.

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ARIZONA NEWS

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

Walicki, Hoops, Benton, Brown, Preston come up big for POYs 2018 AGA PLAYER OF THE YEAR

OPEN DIVISION

ADAM WALICKI

AGA

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hen he regained amateur status in 2009, Adam Walicki figured a Player of the Year award would soon follow. It took nearly a decade, but Walicki reached that goal in 2018.

The Michigan native and former Gateway Tour player won the Players Cup and Short Course events, finished second in the Northern Amateur, Phoenix City Amateur and Arizona Four-Ball, and took third in the Arizona Stroke Play.

For good measure, he also won the San Diego Amateur and qualified for the fourth time for the U.S. Mid-Amateur, marking his 10th USGA event.

“It’s been a goal of mine to win Player of the Year, and something I’m very proud

of and have been looking forward to achieving,” he said. “As soon as I got my amateur status back, it became a goal and I thought I would be raking them in, but it turned out to be tougher than I figured.

“There is plenty of quality competition at the AGA level and should be with all of the great players and former pros we have here. I really think we have the best mid-am events in the nation. We have the weather and an abundance of good courses,

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I really think we have the best midam events in the nation. We have the weather and an abundance of good courses, which attracts good players

which attracts good players.”

A self-proclaimed tinkerer, Walicki played on the Gateway Tour in 200506, then walked away from golf for two full years. He returned to competition

in AGA events in 2009.

“For me, it always boils down to putting, whether I can compete and win,” he said. “This year, I got some things figured out so was able to post some better finishes.”

www.azgolf.org

ARIZONA NEWS

AGA

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

2018 AGA PLAYER OF THE YEAR

MASTERS DIVISION BRYAN HOOPS

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fter sitting out all of the previous year to recover from spinal surgery, Bryan Hoops came back strong in 2018, posting 10 top-five finishes, including another AGA major championship, to capture the Masters Division Player of the Year award.

He was edged out by Adam Walicki in a close vote for Open Player of the Year.

Hoops, 49, won his third Arizona Mid-Am and the San Tan Amateur, and finished second in the Northern Amateur by one shot. He also reached the quarterfinals of the Arizona Amateur, qualified for the U.S. Mid-Amateur for the 11th time and was medalist in local qualifying for the U.S. Open. For good measure, www.azgolf.org

he advanced to the final stage of qualifying for the PGA Tour Champions.

“I was completely happy with the year,” said Hoops, who was AGA Player of the Year in 2005 and ’16.

“Going from a wheelchair and therapy for six months just to be able to pick up a shampoo bottle and wash my hair was tough.

“So to be able to come back and play some pretty good golf certainly was gratifying. I didn’t expect a lot of the things I was able to do and I am very thankful for that.”

Hoops underwent surgery to repair three collapsed cervical vertebrae, an injury that occurred in his sleep.

“They were old injuries from my youth that caught up with me,” he said. “The vertebrae were worn down and had splintered and cracked. One night I rolled over and they just collapsed.

“Just to be able to come back and play was a real blessing, so to be able to win a few events and another award is pretty rewarding. It’s all good.”

2018 AGA PLAYER OF THE YEAR

SENIOR DIVISION JEFF BENTON

J

eff Benton comes from a golfing family and continues to hold up his part of the tradition of excellence it has established.

Benton, 55, posted six top-five finishes, including two victories, to earn the Senior Division Player of the Year Award in 2018, one year after capturing that honor in the Masters Division.

“Being a weekend golfer, it’s hard to always play as well as you think you should,” Benton said. “But all things considered, it was a good year. I’m just trying to keep up with the kids.”

Benton’s daughter, Kaylee, who plays for the University of Arkansas, reached the

semifinals of the U.S. Women’s Amateur and played in the U.S. Women’s Open in 2018. His two sons also were standout college golfers.

The Arkansas native won his division of the Northern Amateur and the Phoenix City Senior championship.

He also took second in the Arizona Senior Stroke Play and Players Cup, was third in the Southern Amateur and tied for fourth in the Arizona Senior Open, conducted by the Southwest Section of the PGA. “There isn’t one part of my game that is really exceptional,” he said. “The thing I am really good at is hitting fairways, and I hit it just far enough to be effective. I also get up and down pretty well, and those are all things you really need in AGA events because the competition is awesome.

“In my division in particular, it is really robust, and that’s what makes it fun because you know there are 12 or 15 guys who can win every event.”

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ARIZONA NEWS

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

two more titles late in the season. “I really didn’t play in a lot of AGA events until I got older, so winning a major was pretty special.”

What made it more eventful is that he overcame a two-stroke penalty in the first round after he and his

playing partners realized they had hit from the wrong tee on a par-3 hole. On the second playoff hole, Brown nearly holed his approach shot, which stopped 18 inches away for the winning birdie putt.

To earn the Player of the Year title, Brown had to slug it out with Don Reycroft, edging him 1-up to win the divisional match play and by one shot in the Northern Amateur.

Reycroft topped Brown by one shot in their division of the Players Championship.

“Don and I really battled it out, and the award easily could have gone the other way,” said the former ASU golfer. “But overall I am pleased with the year. Late in the season I played very well, and I still think I can get better, even though there are times when my body might tell me otherwise.”

“Once you play well in one of their majors, you really get the bug to do it again,” he said. “Match play seems to be my thing. Growing up, there weren’t many match-play tournaments, but I have always been a pretty consistent golfer, and

I discovered that consistency really pays off in those events.

“Playing in the U.S. Senior Amateur when I was 64 is probably the highlight of my golfing career, but I really enjoy the AGA events. The competition and camaraderie make it a lot of fun.” n

2018 AGA PLAYER OF THE YEAR SUPER SENIOR DIVISION

RUSTY BROWN

LEGENDS DIVISION TOM PRESTON

T

o say Tom Preston made the most of his limited golf schedule in 2018 would be a huge understatement.

Preston, 71, played in just four AGA events, winning two majors, the Arizona Senior Stroke Play

Arizona Publinks) in a threeway playoff at Randolph Golf Complex in Tucson.

“At the tender age of 61, I finally won an open major, so that obviously was the highlight of my year, and really my golfing career,” said Brown, who earned

and Divisional Match Play.

In the other two, he tied for first in the Northern Amateur and Players Cup but lost both in playoffs.

“I usually only play in a couple a year, but after winning two majors early in the season, someone mentioned to me that with a couple more events, I might be able to win a Player of the Year award,” Preston said.

“I had never been Player of the Year, so I decided to give it a try and it worked out.’

Preston, who grew up in Spencer, Iowa, and moved to Arizona in 1974, entered his first AGA event at 55, winning a divisional match-play title, and has added three more victories in that event.

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AGA

2018 AGA PLAYER OF THE YEAR

AGA

D

ivisional Player of the Year awards have become familiar for Rusty Brown, who captured his second in a row and fifth overall in 2018, but there was a new experience that made this one more special.

Despite all of his victories over the years, Brown had never won an open title until he took the AGA Championship (formerly

www.azgolf.org

ARIZONA NEWS

CHARITY EVENT

Golf Fore Africa returns to Tonto Verde in March

THE

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etsy King’s Golf Fore Africa charity is on an urgent campaign to bring clean water to the impoverished continent, and King’s biggest fundraiser of the year will take place Monday, March 18 at Tonto Verde Golf Club. Last year the one-day pro-am that features 44 current and former LPGA pros raised $400,000 in its first year at the private club located among the scenic hills of Rio Verde.

“Clean water is the first step in helping these impoverished people, if you want to do it right,” said King, who last year raised $1.8 million for water on the second-largest continent on Earth. “For these people (in Africa), mostly women and children, it changes everything and then good things just seem to snowball.”

King, a Scottsdale resident who is in the LPGA, World and Arizona golf halls of fame, has been on a mission for 12 years to achieve this goal, which also includes improved sanitation and hygiene education. The winner of 34 LPGA tournaments, including six major championships and back-to-back U.S. Women’s Opens, Golf Fore Africa has raised an amazing $7.2 million that has gone mostly to building hand-pumped wells and mechanized water systems.

“They say that once you see Africa, it is life-changing, and it certainly was for me,” King said of her first journey to the country in 2006. “I saw a level of poverty like I’d never seen before. “(Poverty in Africa) is just so much more severe than the poverty you see here in the United States. In America, you don’t see no water, no sanitation and rampant starvation and sickness. A lot of people in Africa are lucky if they get five meals a week, and that all starts with dirty water and poor sanitation and hygiene.”

King said last year’s event on Tonto Verde’s Peaks and Ranch courses was a win-win.

“We put 22 groups on each course – four amateurs and a pro – and it made for great flow and a wonderful banquet following the golf,” said King, who many considered the best player in golf – man or woman – from 1984-89, when she won 20 times. “It really was a fun day, and I believe the members at Tonto Verde bought 18 of our 44 groups.” www.azgolf.org

BEST

CASUAL

IN

DINING

Betsy King

It will be an all-star cast again, as such LPGA headliners as Lydia Ko, Stacy Lewis, Juli Inkster, Laura Davies, Angela Stanford, Brittany Lincicome, Brittany Lang and Ryann O’Toole, to name just a few, will be participating.

Spots in the pro-am go for $850 and the day starts at 11 a.m. with practice and lunch followed by an awards dinner and silent auction. Other sponsorship opportunities include dinner ($15,000), lunch ($10,000) and corporate ($5,000).

“Last week we had a small event at Tucson Country Club where we raised $50,000,” King noted.

“We had a nice turnout down there of friends that included Lorena Ochoa, Steve Jones, Ronnie Black, Amy Olson and Ken Tanigawa.

“So that’s the idea, to move it around the country wherever we can and raise money for World Vision, which administers the funds and is the ‘boots on the ground’ in Africa. But this is our biggest golf event, and we’re hoping for a terrific turnout again.” n To register for the event or inquire about sponsorships, visit golfforeafrica.org.

MESA, AZ CHANDLER, AZ SCOTTSDALE, AZ CHARLESTONS.COM

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ARIZONA NEWS

JUNIOR GOLF

JGAA

10-time PJMS champ Ashley Menne is taking her stellar game to Arizona State.

PING Junior Master Series attracts top players for 2019

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of time,” said Scott McNevin, JGAA executive director. “PING’s support takes it to another level to better prepare our players for prestigious national tournaments, including college golf and beyond.”

This year, 25 JGAA members already signed national letters of intent to play college golf for universities ranging from UCLA to Lipscomb University and everywhere in between.

JGAA

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hose who want to be the best must compete against the best. That’s exactly what the Junior Golf Association of Arizona (JGAA) had in mind when it created the PING Junior Masters Series (PJMS) in 2015.

“Our goal is to provide a competitive place for aspiring players to play,” said George Getz, chairman of the board of the JGAA. “The PING Junior Masters Series allows kids to earn national-level points while serving as a launching pad for nationally chartered events.”

The five invitation-only tournaments feature limited fields of local boys ranked in the top 3,500 nationally and girls in the top 1,500 (Junior Golf Scoreboard) held at the Valley’s top golf courses, including The Wigwam Invitational presented by Warren Schutte Players Academy at Wigwam GC; Raven Invitational presented by Fisher Bryan Golf Academy at Raven GC; Thunderbird Invitational at Papago GC; AM&E Classic with Bryce Molder at Moon Valley CC; and Willie Low Invitational presented

by MJ Insurance at Phoenix CC. “The PING Junior Masters Series has gained momentum in a short period

Close to home, Xavier Prep’s Ashley Menne orally committed to play at Arizona State University.

She posted nearly 10 wins in PJMS tournaments in the past three years.

Jake Carlson, who will play this fall for Grand Canyon University, finished second twice in PJMS tournaments along with third- and seventh-place finishes for seven top-5s overall in 11 JGAA starts.

He also helped Team Arizona bring home the 2018 Hogan Cup Championship for only the second time in 50 years.

Tony Hendricks and Chaz Aurillia are headed to California to play golf for UCLA. Hendricks took home two victories and two third-place finishes in PJMS play, along with a couple of wins in 20162017, and Aurillia also played a crucial role in Arizona’s Hogan Cup victory.

Blake and Ben Lorenz, brothers from Peoria, posted PJMS wins: Blake at the AM&E Classic and Ben at the Raven Invitational. Blake is already playing for the University of Oklahoma, with younger brother Ben no doubt on the way.

Membership registration for 2019 JGAA season is already underway. Some advice for aspiring players who would like to compete in coveted PJMS tournaments: “Play Your Best.”

Visit JGAA.org to register. n

Grand Canyon University-bound senior Jake Carlson has played well throughout the the PJMS series, with two runner-up finishes. www.azgolf.org

ARIZONA NEWS

Thunderbirds continue support for First Tee

T

he First Tee of Phoenix received a $300,000 donation from the Thunderbirds, hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open. The gift will be used to expand and enhance the First Tee of Phoenix’s life skills operations, provide funds for membership scholarships and organizational supplies and training.

“We are very grateful for the continued support the Thunderbirds provide to our local chapter,” said Kevin Terry, executive director of the First Tee of Phoenix. “Without it, we would not be able to impact the community in the manner we do with the First Tee’s life skills programs, which currently serve more than 140,000 kids annually in Greater Phoenix at 17 participating golf courses and numerous community outreach programs.”

The bulk of the $300,000 gift will be allocated towards expansion of the First Tee of Phoenix’s life skills operations and program expansion. The life skills programs provides Maricopa County youth with training, golf equipment and lesson

JUNIOR GOLF

plans that integrate golf skills, motor skills and the First Tee’s nine core values (honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment). The gift will allow the First Tee of Phoenix to continue to reach and implement its teachings at all 17 program locations with plans for adding an 18th in 2019.

“The First Tee of Phoenix is so much more than simply a place for kids to learn to play golf,” said Carlos Sugich, president of the Thunderbirds. “It provides a fun and lasting way to stay active while strengthening bonds between friends and family.

And most importantly, it teaches valuable and practical personal skills with an immediate impact at school and social situations as well as a lifelong framework for growth into a productive member of the community as an adult.”

The First Tee of Phoenix is a 501c3 nonprofit organization created for the purpose of providing affordable access to golf and learning

facilities for young people in Maricopa County from all walks of life, particularly those who otherwise might not have an opportunity to play. As one of the largest chapters in the First Tee network impacting more than 100,000 youth annually, the First Tee of Phoenix offers classes, special monthly family events and tournaments as part of its programming.

Now with 17 locations in the Valley – Talking Stick, Desert Mirage, Papago, Longbow, Lone Tree, San Marcos, Cave Creek, Encanto, Palo Verde, Aguila, Palm Valley, Valley Golf Center, Augusta Ranch, The Legacy Golf Club, TPC Scottsdale, Briarwood Country Club and the Wigwam — The First Tee of Phoenix programming sites serve as conveniently located places for participants to learn valuable life skills and character-building lessons through creative activities and instructional programs that incorporate the fundamental teachings of golf. n For more information, call (602) 305-7655 or visit www.TheFirstTeePhoenix.org.

F O E G N CHA

E S R COU 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

www.azgolf.org

PREVIEW 2019 | AZ GOLF Insider | 37

RULES & HANDICAPPING

By Ed Gowan

New local rules options prove player-friendly

H

there is no fairway, the shortest teeing ground becomes the reference point.

This is a great option for most courses.

Second favorite, how about having a “maximum score” per hole for an event? That’s a new option for stroke play…just set a limit for each hole, such as 8, net double bogey, etc.

Others to consider: • Instead of out-of-bounds markings close to play, just declare those areas “no play zones” as either penalty areas (one-stroke relief) or ground under repair (free relief).

• Flooded bunkers can now be declared to be “in the general area” with free relief.

• Team members playing together can now give each other advice.

• A player can play on the course between stroke-play rounds, like member guest players having evening “emergency nines.”

• Wet areas could be “lift, clean and replace the ball.”

ave you started using the new Rules of Golf for 2019?

Has the course you play adopted any new local rules?

These are a few of the more interesting and helpful options.

First, my favorite for everyday play, an option to “stroke and distance”: For a two-stroke penalty, the player can play the next stroke from a point equidistant from the hole as where the original ball was lost or went out of bounds. That is essentially the same as a “good provisional” under the old rules with the same result as stroke and distance would have created.

Look at the two diagrams below, one for a ball lost before reaching the green and the second for one beyond the green. Notice the player picks two reference points: the original’s location and an equidistant point on the fairway.

The next stroke can be played from anywhere between the two points and not nearer the hole — see area inside the two dotted lines! On a par 3 where

These new options are made to improve pace of play and eliminate unnecessary penalties when the player really gained no significant advantage. Try these out yourself and see if they make your games or your favorite course more enjoyable! n

GOLF’S NEW RULES: STROKE AND DISTANCE A new Local Rule will provide an alternative to stroke-and-distance relief for a ball that is lost outside a penalty area or out of bounds. This new Local Rule will be available beginning January 1, 2019.

BALL OUT OF BOUNDS

LOST BALL 2 club-lengths

A

2 clublengths

B

A

C Out

If the Local Rule is in effect, you can still take stroke-and-distance relief, but you will now have the following additional option that comes with a penalty of two strokes:

A

C

ds oun

B

2 clublengths

of b

DETERMINE SPOT where your ball went out of bounds (left diagram) or is likely to be lost (right diagram).

B

FIND NEAREST FAIRWAY EDGE no closer to the hole.

C

DROP YOUR BALL IN SHADED AREA as defined on one side by a line from the hole through point A and on the other side by a line from the hole through point B, and not nearer the hole. The relief area is extended on both sides by two club-lengths.

38 | AZ GOLF Insider | PREVIEW 2019

This Local Rule is not intended for higher levels of play, such as professional or elite amateur level competitions.

www.azgolf.org © 2018 R&A Rules Limited and the United States Golf Association. All rights reserved

GOLFSTRETCH

By Adam Swanson

An exercise to take with you in 2019

F

or most golfers, a round of golf begins with the first shot. At best, we hit a few balls on the range and roll a few putts. Then it’s go time.

If you want to shave strokes off your handicap — and possibly take a few dollars off your weekly foursome in the process — the quickest way to get better is to warm up. I’m not talking about a few toe touches. I’m talking about the real thing: A dynamic golf warm-up program combined with a few quick and simple resistance exercises.

Paired together, a meaningful warmup routine can be accomplished in 20 minutes or less — and it can help you make a quantum leap in your golf game, no matter your skill level or your age.

How can I be so sure? Because helping golfers improve their game — and their health — is what I do for a living. I founded Golfstretch eight years ago as part of my personal pursuit of golf excellence. As a player, I saw a need for not only golf fitness, but for therapy as well.

Golfstretch is located in the Scottsdale Airpark and blends fitness and therapy to help you improve on the course by making you stronger, more flexible and more mobile off the course. We’ve seen golfers shave as many as 20 strokes off their game by showing them proper body mechanics and getting them into the correct positions in their swing.

We’ve also seen clients dramatically improve their quality of life off the course. We specialize in getting people out of pain, whether it’s an aching back, sore knees, or a balky shoulder. Clients have walked in the door in agony they’ve been living with www.azgolf.org

We’ve seen golfers shave as many as 20 strokes off their game by showing them proper body mechanics and getting them into the correct positions in their swing.

for months or years, only to end up pain-free by improving joint mobility, flexibility, stability, and strength. All of those factors add up big time when it comes to playing your favorite game.

Where should you start with your golf warm-up routine? Here’s one of my favorite dynamic warm-up exercises, one that helps get you loose from the ground up, helps improve your swing speed and your ability to get through the ball effortlessly:

Using a golf club held in both hands, step out with your right foot about 18 inches in front of your left foot. Next, bend forward from your hips to get your upper body into golf posture. Keeping your elbows locked, rotate your upper body to the right getting your left arm straight across your chest. You should accomplish this move by rotating through the thoracic spine. Make sure to keep your back left heel on the ground. If you’re doing this correctly, you should feel a small stretch in your left calf, a stretch in your right glute from an internal rotation, a stretch through your mid-back, and stretching sensations in the rear of your left shoulder and the front of your right shoulder. Repeat this movement stepping out at least 10 times. Make sure to do it in the reverse direction as well.

With 2019 already upon us, there’s no time to improve like the present. n

If you want to learn more about warm-up exercises, or book an introductory session at Golfstretch, visit www.golfstretchtherapies.com or call Adam Swanson at 480-269-1119.

PREVIEW 2019 | AZ GOLF Insider | 39

ARIZONA NEWS

ARIZONA SCOREBOARD

AGA TOURNAMENTS 2018 Patriot-All American Invitational The Wigwam Golf Resort - Gold Course December 29-31, 2018

Jackson, Isaiah.................67 68 70 205 Cummins, Quade.............70 66 72 208 Scott, Alex........................68 67 73 208 Walsh, Thomas.................70 69 70 209 Laskin, David....................71 69 70 210 Ireland, Jack.....................77 70 63 210 Onishi, Kaito.....................72 67 72 211 Feagles, Michael..............71 67 74 212 Suber, Jackson..................69 67 76 212 McCarthy, Joshua.............69 74 70 213 Norton, Noah...................73 67 73 213 Gerard, Ryan.....................74 67 72 213 Reband, Garett.................73 68 72 213 Gonzalez, Emilio..............73 68 73 214 Mueller, Ferdinand...........72 72 70 214 Schaake, Alex...................75 71 68 214 Osborne, Charles..............70 70 75 215 Soosman, Spencer...........72 67 76 215 Arnett, Jacob....................73 70 73 216 Foley, Robert....................70 73 73 216 Widing, Tim......................70 72 74 216 Highsmith, Joe.................77 66 73 216 Wedgeworth, Jackson.....70 71 75 216 Gillard, Noah....................72 73 71 216 Capan, Frankie.................74 72 70 216 Hahn, Jordan....................69 69 79 217 Overstreet, Mason............67 73 77 217 Werbylo, Trevor.................69 74 74 217 Elmes, Riley......................74 66 77 217 Sisk, Cameron..................72 73 72 217 Sale, Julien.......................72 69 76 217 Yoshihara, Hide................73 70 74 217 Poole, Ashton...................74 68 76 218 James, Zach......................70 69 79 218 Gibson, Joshua.................71 76 71 218 Mullarney, Ronan.............72 73 73 218 Eichhorn, Hunter..............77 70 71 218 Smith, Brandon................74 72 72 218 Johnson, Mark.................71 73 75 219 Shore, Davis......................71 67 81 219 Staiano, Jake....................75 69 75 219 Svard, Elis.........................80 70 69 219 Ott, AJ...............................73 71 76 220 Hall, Ryan.........................75 75 70 220 Wegener, Cecil.................75 72 73 220 Gronlund, Ryan................72 71 77 220 Lee, Wonjun.....................73 71 76 220 Choi, Sam.........................74 68 78 220 Goodwin, Noah................75 70 76 221 Hofman, Noah..................74 70 77 221 Springer, Hayden.............75 74 72 221

Rafferty, Caolan................74 72 76 222 Wuethrich, Rob................75 71 76 222 Dutkowski, Alec...............74 71 77 222 Lind, Rasmus....................72 71 79 222 Mullan, Sean....................73 72 77 222 Laparojkit, Newport.........75 68 80 223 Vrzich, Joey......................76 71 76 223 Wilkinson, Brice...............72 78 74 224 Andersen, Mason.............78 70 76 224 Williamson, Justin...........76 76 72 224 Shephard, Stephen..........73 74 78 225 Callens, Peyton.................75 75 75 225 Hardman, Austin..............74 72 79 225 Baumgarten, Bryan.........74 75 77 226 Hitchner, Derek.................74 78 74 226 Davenport, Reid...............73 77 76 226 Tatom, Tate.......................75 75 77 227 Myers, Matthew...............75 77 78 230 Uhlig, Tyler........................76 76 78 230 Zikas, Nolan......................80 77 73 230 Kerr, Peter.........................79 73 79 231 Knop, Ryan.......................79 71 81 231 Song, James.....................77 72 82 231 Biata, Michael..................81 73 77 231 2019 AGA Short Course Wigwam Golf Resort - Blue Course January 6-7, 2019 Schwab, Matthew............59 Neville, Ted.......................64 Bagneschi, Tony...............61 Kertson, Tyler....................62 Fillmore, Robbie...............64 Benton, Jeff......................65 Schaller, John...................66 James, Justin....................68 Walicki, Adam..................67 Clark, Tucker.....................63 Brown, Rusty....................66 Thompson, Daniel............67 Candelaria, Abe................66 Powell, Matt.....................66 Perez, Ruben....................67 Hibbert, Justin..................67 St. Clair, Sean....................67 Tomita, Rodney................68 Mackie, James..................70 Wade, Dominic................71 Harris, Neil........................64 Evans, Davis......................67 Holmes, Mitchell..............67 Virgin, Eric........................68 Blau, Tim..........................66 Quartarone, Stephen.......66 Wall, Kevin.......................67 Larkey, Kaden...................70

62 121 59 123 64 125 65 127 66 130 65 130 65 131 63 131 65 132 70 133 67 133 66 133 68 134 68 134 67 134 67 134 67 134 66 134 64 134 63 134 71 135 68 135 68 135 67 135 70 136 70 136 69 136 66 136

Cesarek, Grant..................71 65 136 McIver, Rob......................67 70 137 Ellenburg, Frank...............68 69 137 Yoo, Jimin.........................68 69 137 Haberern, Michael...........70 67 137 Kayce, Daniel....................70 68 138 Galbraith, David...............70 69 139 Curry, Kevin......................70 69 139 Roche, Bud.......................70 69 139 Park, Trueman..................71 68 139 Briones, Timothy..............74 65 139 Celaya, Daniel...................70 70 140 Schlader, Scott.................66 75 141 McCool, Robin..................74 67 141 Gomez, Matthew.............70 72 142 Watton, Jason..................71 71 142 Brown, Steve....................73 69 142 Hopkins, Trevor.................70 73 143 Pancrazi, Mark..................72 71 143 Klein, Wade......................74 69 143 Apps, Marc.......................71 73 144 Nierman, Camden............73 71 144 Rose, DONALD..................74 70 144 Krasniewicz, Arthur.........69 76 145 Bain, Wyatt.......................71 74 145 Mentjox, Jonas.................72 73 145 Hibbert , David.................73 72 145 Spillum, Isaac...................73 72 145 Williamson, Cliff...............75 70 145 Ewell, Justin.....................72 74 146 Gonder, Tristen.................71 76 147 Macaluso, Tony.................73 74 147 Harsha, Steve...................76 71 147 Hoskins, Kevin..................77 70 147 Wood, Ron.......................76 71 147 Finn, Kenny......................70 78 148 Hansen, Eric.....................72 76 148 Landen, Brent...................73 75 148 Roser, Brian......................73 75 148 Wheeler, Michael.............81 67 148 Geesling, Steve.................70 79 149 Daher, Noah.....................71 78 149 Bailey, Travis.....................75 74 149 Hamby, William...............75 74 149 Cohen, Warren..................77 72 149 Stremmel, Hudson...........75 75 150 Reycroft, Don....................77 73 150 Defisser, Garrett................73 78 151 Berren, Scott....................74 77 151 Kazan, Ben.......................78 74 152 Bowers, Adam..................77 76 153 Hughes, Chris...................78 75 153 Hinkle, CJ..........................80 74 154 Kelber, T.J..........................78 77 155 Chor, Kevin.......................75 81 156 Gibbons, Brad...................80 79 159 Calderon, Alberto.............83 76 159 Galloway, John.................78 83 161

AWGA TOURNAMENTS

2018 State Medallion Team Tournament - 18 holes PebbleCreek Golf Resort (Goodyear) January 5-6, 2019 Flight 1 Alison Hurley / Debbie Zinser.........................141 Sheri Carter / Jan Boggs.................................144 Leigh Klasse / Vicki Lucas................................144 Karen Pultz / Maria Cockrum..........................148 Kim Eaton / Patricia Cook...............................150 Tori Totlis / Georgia Kennedy..........................152 Lynn Kuehn / Peggy Wadzinski......................152 Jean Cheszek / Debbie Shelton......................155 Flight 2 Brenda Heyink / Janet Batting.......................141 Valerie Demik / Marie Caldwell......................146 Kim Wyatt / Susan Hamm..............................147 Christine Giza / Jan Tobin................................150 Julie Walters / Cathy Eagleton........................153 Sue Durkin / Jody Reichow.............................154 Carol Sumner / Nancy Walter.........................155 Anita Wallace / Kathy Henderson...................155 Trix Baker / Kathy Tario....................................159 Jeannie Lallensack / Diana Sowlakis..............160 Dee Baker / Mary Sires...................................161 Kathy Hubert-Wyss / Nancy Hernandez........163 Joan Hopp / Judie Mcleod..............................171 Flight 3 Eun (E.J.) Yoon / Mary Dyrseth.......................142 Ginny Bartges / Colleen Hochstetler..............152 Louise Simpson / Sandi Siggins.....................153 Katy Kahler / Jody Epperson...........................154 Monique Bateman / Janet Szczerba..............156 Tana Wyrick / Darlene Lamb...........................157 Kelda Toliver / Cindy Moline...........................157 Terri Nelson / Bobbi Humeston......................158 Rosanne Wasilchuk / Jean Peacock................158 Robin Alvarez / Colleen Regnier.....................158 Teddi Lewis / Phyllis Border............................160 Bonnie Marsh / Joyce Kovacs.........................160 Jody Ault / Ruth Melena.................................161 Mary McKeown / Rose Rubio.........................162 Peg Wynkoop / Gloria Melby..........................163 Michelle Cross / Freida Sherman....................164 Cheryl Jones / Patti Ray..................................175 Flight 4 Doreen Schroeder / Kati Puhakainen.............148 Mary Kruse / Terri Paden.................................148 Juanita Rosenfeld / Jennifer Turner................149 Jill Amundson / Judy Haft..............................151 Kim Oh / Pamala Portillo................................152

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ARIZONA NEWS Lien Le / Jean Ramser.....................................153 Rosie Van Beek / Brenda Selleh......................153 Connie Simpson / Linda Gustafson................153 Marcia Grenier / Kathy Cea.............................154 Diana Gallegos / Mary Ann Hunt...................154 Lynda Jones / Terry Jung................................155 Sarah Seaboyer / Carrol Brown.......................156 Mary Lou Grooms / Rona Nitz........................158 Leslie Smith / Nancy Edwards........................158 Betsy Fredericksen / Amy Myers....................158 Lydia Couch / Donna Muller...........................159 Barbara Bodker / Eve Mcdermott...................160 Jo Barefoot / Betty Dieter...............................160 Connie Martin / Trudy Nowak.........................163 Kathy Kemp / Janey Kriekard.........................164 Doris Bayrak / Katherine Sandness................166 Flight 5 Mary Nelson / Nancy Howell.........................154 Lisa Carlisle / Cindy Wagner...........................154 Lori Prescott / Gail Kavanagh.........................156 Rosmarie Rachwalski / Penny Steever...........156 Bonnie Logelin-Meiers / Maxine Cornet........159 Ann Martin / Judy Grow.................................160 Brenda Brown / Connie Culley........................161 Connie Hansen / Sandra Munsell...................163 Andy Harper / Nancy Hurlburt.......................163 Karen Gilmore / Trish Carrel............................164 Julie Fraser / Heidi Miller................................168 Flight 6 Susan Gibson / Shirley Hill.............................150 Linda Hartsig / Kathie Coil..............................155 Cindy Seibel / Bobbie Alicea...........................155 Vickie Coates / Carol Morlock.........................158 Larie Hash / Becky Hazen...............................159 Suzanne Springer / Vicky Orr..........................160 Gayle Kyle / Ellen Alvarado.............................161 Christine Gaintner / Claudia Barnes...............163 Colleen Davis / Debra Swearingen.................166 Wendy Anderson / Hien Pedo........................168 Margaret Gouveia / Edie Copley.....................169 Pamela Hollenbeck / Judith King...................170 Patty Tochtrop / Pat Brown.............................170 Elissa Helfers / Sandie Stone..........................171 Pat Bilquist / Bonnie Harvey...........................178 Flight 7 Susan Vancers / Donna Lambrecht.................155 Patti Daily / Jo Anne Nix.................................157 Bobbie Johnson / Jean Dechristopher...........159 Mikki Rydell / Sandy Eeds..............................159 Glenna Ververs / Gladys Hill...........................159 Carol Pierce / Sarah Boyd................................163

Tore Resavage / Janet Welk-Forsch................164 Pat Robertson / Rhoda (Roe) Peloquin..........164 Janet Reckmeyer / Paula Palumbo.................164 Yoon Park / Susie Harnasch............................164 Karen Hughes / RoseAnn Wishner.................166 Emily David / Karen Bouse.............................168 Julie Larson / Marion Maby............................168 Kathy Sauter / Sarah Wolach..........................169 Maxine Moe / Gloria Hulina...........................170 Jonita Schofield / Scooter Kidwell.................171 Flight 8 Anne Boyd / Cindy Nelson..............................162 Christine Rinker / Bonnie Edwards.................163 Anne Lott / Connie Lemert.............................166 Bernita Barfield / Diana Varnell......................168 Leona Garrison / Sandra Stewart...................176 Vicky Mulinski / Theresa Schnack...................185 Liz Kenney / Angela Antilla............................187 Karrie Meiners / Gayla Kellogg.......................187 Karen Kuffel / Sandi Schmidt.........................190 2018 State Medallion Team Tournament - 9 holes PebbleCreek Golf Resort (Goodyear) January , 2019 Flight 1 Eden Carter / Christine LeCoutre.......................72 Sarah Jacobs / Linda Miller..............................78 Cheri Sipe / Pat Crane.......................................78 Judi Williams / Jeannie Sherlock......................81 Judy Christ / Carolyn Whitfield.........................82 Jan Topolski / Marci Yenerich............................86 Flight 2 Margaret Serafin / Deborah Willmer................75 Nancy Martin / Judy Coe..................................79 Donna Liddle / Mary Mcconaughey................80 Sharon Smith / Lynne Plaugher.......................81 Jan Dunbar / Pattie Horning.............................81 Kathryn Shepherd / Becky Barnett...................82 Joyce Parker / Linda Liberti..............................82 Joyce Sutay / Judy Hendricks...........................87 Kris Moran / Betty Symic..................................91 Flight 3 Sandy Krediet / Deb Burns...............................82 Diane Norgaard / Pam Grimwood....................84 Debra Webster / Char Lewis.............................87 Mary Swenson / Sherry Romer........................91 Mary Buchanan / Gerry Vogt............................92 Nancy Kamber / Mary Quigley.........................95 Linda Miles / Karen Koch................................102

JGAA TOURNAMENTS

2018 Winter Classic Sun City West - Grandview & Wigwam (Blue Course) December 1 - 2, 2018 Boys Championship Johnny Walker...............................70 69 139 Daniel Thompson..........................71 68 139 Nicholas Kling...............................70 69 139 Rylan Johnson...............................70 71 141 Joseph Lloyd.................................69 73 142 Brayden Bozak..............................71 72 143 Charlie Palmer...............................75 71 146 Ethan Dezzani...............................73 73 146 Anawin Pikulthong.......................73 73 146 Noah Nuez.....................................73 74 147 Kobe Valociek................................75 74 149 Charles Van Slyck..........................74 75 149 Cameron Kaiser.............................79 72 151 Ethan Klose...................................78 75 153 Torin Dezzani.................................77 77 154 Boys 11-12 Jet Johnson..................................78 74 152 Jai Agrawal....................................89 80 169 Shravan Ramesh...........................91 85 176 Ethan Zhang..................................94 85 179 Kaleo Cabardo...............................89 90 179 Boys 13-14 Carlos Astiazaran..........................73 76 149 Dallin Delgado..............................75 75 150 Jack Layman..................................84 75 159 Jake Webb.....................................84 75 159 Bradford Kahla Jr...........................79 82 161 Ryan Sefrioui.................................87 83 170 Aidan Flaherty..............................83 88 171 Austin Plunkett.............................95 87 182 Matt Paris......................................92 96 188 Daniel Morris.................................96 110 206 Boys 15-18 Tristan Kertesz...............................74 74 148 Rajveer Sethi.................................72 76 148 Riley Brown...................................77 75 152 Daniel Henely................................76 77 153 Colby Gramhill..............................75 79 154 Garrett Olson.................................75 81 156 Cade Seymour...............................83 75 158 Jordan Campbell...........................83 78 161 Nick Jackson..................................86 77 163 Tanner Olson.................................86 77 163

Ryan Heinz....................................80 83 163 Jack Dozer.....................................82 85 167 Tomas Rohrborn............................78 89 167 Domonic Rodolico........................85 87 172 Zachary Frye..................................84 90 174 Girls 13-14 Kate Hauptman.............................82 79 161 Paige Hammarstrom.....................80 82 162 Alexis Vakasiuola...........................78 89 167 Brooke McGlasson........................83 85 168 Talia Gutman.................................87 83 170 Emily Lei........................................82 91 173 Brantlee Howard...........................88 86 174 Ella Crowson..................................95 88 183 Madison Kerr.................................91 93 184 Annika Miyata...............................93 103 196 Abigale Morris........................... 103 99 202 Kaley Maxey............................... 130 104 234 Girls 15-18 Breann Brennan............................85 79 164 Aubrey Waters...............................85 80 165 Elisabeth Axen..............................82 83 165 Rianna Garland.............................82 84 166 Drucelle Pedrosa...........................85 83 168 Lucy Hansen..................................84 84 168 Marsa Waite..................................83 85 168 Shanna Schuckman......................86 86 172 Kylie Franklin.................................84 89 173 Iman Abraham..............................85 89 174 Kendal Gutierrez...........................85 90 175 Caitlin Callaway.............................93 89 182 Caroline Axen................................88 95 183 Julie Huggins................................96 88 184 Vivianna Holguin..........................91 97 188 Girls Championship Carly Strole....................................71 72 143 Kylee Loewe..................................74 73 147 Gracie McGovern...........................74 73 147 Madeleine Laux............................71 77 148 Kailani Deedon..............................74 75 149 Millburn Ho...................................76 74 150 Maya Benita..................................73 77 150 Makenna Cabardo.........................76 75 151 Reyna Hernandez..........................76 76 152 Madeline Adam............................75 77 152 Mary Beth Doss.............................75 77 152 Alyzzah Vakasiuola........................73 79 152 Katie Stinchcomb..........................77 76 153 Lauren Garcia................................76 81 157 Mattison Frick...............................78 80 158

For complete Arizona Golf Association results and event schedules, visit www.azgolf.org

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PREVIEW 2019 | AZ GOLF Insider | 41

MOVERS&SHAKEUPS

By Bill Huffman

T

he third annual Women’s Golf Expo will take place Feb. 24 at Kierland Golf Club. That’s also the day that Scottsdale mayor Jim Lane has proclaimed “Women’s Golf Day of Scottsdale.”

The one-day event, which runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., is a major fund-raiser for the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf of Phoenix chapter. It’s somewhat fitting, since Sandy LaBauve, who founded Girls Golf of Phoenix, and Cori Matheson, its current director, are two of the hosts for the Women’s Golf Expo.

“Basically, the concept is to celebrate and connect girls and women through golf,” LaBauve said.

“As well as get those girls and women who are new to the game, to come out and see what it’s all about.

“So we’ll have lots of great clinics and wonderful instruction, and this year for the first time, we’re doing a helicopter ball drop to hopefully raise additional funds.”

As women’s Expo events go, this is the premier event in Arizona. Among those sharing their insights will be Tina Tombs, a two-time LPGA instructor of the year who helped LaBauve co-found this event; a team of teachers from VISION54, considered by many to be among the top women-friendly instructional academies in the country; and award-winning yoga/fitness instructor Katherine Roberts from Yoga For Golfers.

Also running full blast throughout the day will be equipment demonstrations from PING; a ball fitting from 42 | AZ GOLF Insider | PREVIEW 2019

Instructor Lindy LaBauve (top photo, purple shirt and shoes) conducts a clinic at the Women’s Golf Expo at Kierland. LaBauve is the oldest daughter of noted instructors Sandy and Mike LaBauve. Also pictured here on the left is the driving force behind the event: (from left) LPGA teaching professional Peggy Gustafson, Jill Stripe from Versatile Golf, two-time LPGA teacher of the year Tina Tombs, Top 100 instructor Sandy LaBauve and LPGA-USGA Girls Golf director Cori Matheson.

WOMEN’S GOLF EXPO

Longbow joins Troon Golf; new look at SunRidge Canyon

WOMEN’S GOLF EXPO

Women’s Golf Expo scheduled for Kierland

Titleist; a Taste of Kierland that will include food and drink specials; and, oh, yes, the helicopter ball drop, where one lucky winner will end up holding a ball worth as much as $3,000.

All of this is sponsored by the Arizona Women’s Golf Association, which also is helping to underwrite oncourse opportunities that day at Kierland.

To purchase the $40 ticket or to buy balls for the helicopter drop or for more information, just visit AZWGE.com.

According to Matheson, none of this would be possible without LaBauve, who founded Girls Golf of Phoenix in 1989, way ahead of what others were doing for young women at the time.

“Sandy is amazing,” Matheson explained. “She had the foresight 30 years ago to found the program, which has grown internationally to involve over 80,000 girls and almost 500 sites.”

Yes, it helps to have Sandy LaBauve on your side in anything, especially golf instruction. She is an annual member of Golf Digest’s Top 100 Instructors in America, and along with her husband Mike LaBauve, headlines big-time golf schools in Scottsdale and Aspen, Colo.

Hey, you could pay way, WAY more than $40 for Sandy LaBauve alone, so the Women’s Golf Expo is the real deal.

“It started out as a project for my daughter, Kristi, who was getting her degree at ASU in event planning,” LaBauve recalled, laughing. “So Tina and I got together and decided to make it happen.

“But it has become so much more.

It’s now just a neat day of discovery, where women can come together and connect through the game of golf.”

Added Tombs, who was national teacher of the year in 2014 and 2018: “The vision was always there to grow women’s golf and make it a safe environment for them to learn the game. And, of course, we wanted to raise funds for girls’ golf. www.azgolf.org

MOVERS Longbow Golf Club has made the big leap to Troon Golf, the Scottsdale-based management company that runs 360 courses in 35 states and 30 countries.

Longbow gives Troon a “Sweet 16” portfolio of courses in Arizona.

“Troon’s expertise in agronomy, food and beverage, marketing and delivering world-class service will enhance our entire Longbow Golf Club experience,” said Bob McNichols, developer and general manager of Longbow Business Park and Golf Club. “We’re excited about this big change to start the 2019 New Year.”

Longbow certainly has a strong reputation as a player in the golf community, hosting hundreds of events since McNichols bought the course in 2001 and had it renovated by the original architect Ken Kavanaugh. “(That) new Longbow Golf Club quickly turned into an Arizona gem

PRO TURF INTERNATIONAL

“Now we’ve gotten to the point where we’re looking at making this bigger, because the women who have participated really do love it. So it’s made a big impact and we’re hoping it can grow here and then grow nationally.

It could even become a part of LPGA tournaments throughout the country, and that would be wonderful.”

Sod walls in bunkers help reduce the cost of restoring bunkers after a rain, and they also keep the sand predominantly on the bunker floor, eliminating the need for a bunker liner.

that has played host to numerous competitive events including the AJGA Heather Farr Classic, LPGA Symetra Tour, USGA and professional events, as well as being a favorite course for both visitors and Arizona residents,” said Mike Ryan, chief operations officer for Troon. “We’re excited to be on board and look forward to enhancing and supporting this popular club, its host of fans and frequent players.”

Yes, it’s a win-win for both parties, especially Longbow which has done so much through the years for the Arizona golf community.

One of the new sod bunkers at SunRidge Canyon Golf Club. www.azgolf.org

SHAKEUPS Leave it to SunRidge Canyon Golf Club owner Don Misheff to give the bunkers at his course a “new look.” That’s right, Misheff had Pro Turf International install sod walls a la St. Andrews/Carnoustie in some of his most testy hazards.

“I always thought our golf course had a links-style look to it,” Misheff explained. “And when we decided our bunkers needed work, I recalled a conversation I had with the (original) architect, Keith Foster. “(Foster) said that if he had it to do over again, he wouldn’t have made such severe facing in the bunkers. So I came up with the idea of sod-walled bunkers . . . and we decided to give it a try.”

Fueled with the advice of his good friend/CBS broadcaster Gary McCord, Misheff not only went sod-ways, he also shrunk a few bunkers and eliminated others all in the name of golf sanity.

According to Kip Wolf of Pro Turf International, bunkers are the No. 1 maintenance issue for most golf courses. And with reduced maintenance staffs these days, bunker detail can be difficult to achieve.

“With the bunker sod wall work we did at SunRidge Canyon, it helps reduce the cost of restoring the bunkers after a rain and further contamination from trying to keep the sand on the steep faces” Wolf noted. “The sand now is predominately on the bunker floor, which eliminates the need for a bunker liner and makes maintenance much easier.”

If this is the beginning of a trend involving sod bunkers in the desert, it’s a timely one. Good move, Mr. Misheff! n PREVIEW 2019 | AZ GOLF Insider | 43

OUT OF BOUNDS

9

By Tom Mackin

Steps to a better golf season in 2019

C

oulda. Woulda. Shoulda.

You look back on every golf season thinking those words, don’t you? I know I do. Coulda practiced more. Woulda played better.

Shoulda hit more fairways and made more putts. You’ve got to look backwards to move forward. The former is easy. The latter? No so much. But it’s all out there in front of you. The fresh bucket of balls.

A clean scorecard. An open tee sheet. So here are nine things I plan on doing in 2019 in order to play better golf. Call it the front 9. The back 9 will have to wait until 2020. One year at a time, after all.

1

Get a new grip: It’s probably the least thought of part of your clubs, yet it’s the one you use the most. And they’re very simple to replace.

I’m guilty as charged. I have not changed my grips since I won my current set of clubs at a tournament in 2008. Sure, the arid desert doesn’t lend itself to sweaty palms, but a new grip is a better grip.

Which leads me to the next step. . . .

2

Buy new clubs: Or at least a new driver. The big stick starts the action on more holes than not, and if it’s not working well, then you’re essentially doomed. Technology has improved dramatically in the past decade. While I’m still not sold on urethane microspheres or soft-carbon steel when it comes to helping my game, if you really take a closer look, it can’t hurt, right? So now I’ve got my eye on some sweet, shiny new Titleist equipment, but not before I….

3

Get fit: I don’t mean in better shape (more about that later). I mean properly fit for those new clubs I’m going to buy. There are plenty of places in Arizona, especially in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, that will help all of us do that. HotStix, CoolClubs, 44 | AZ GOLF Insider | PREVIEW 2019

actually makes the game easier. “They took away good grooves so golfers can’t spin their wedges as much, and they won’t let people anchor their putters, which took away the long putter. But this is a good thing for golfers,” he said. “There’s no question in my testing that the percentage of balls staying in the hole is higher with the flagstick in than out.” Ideally it will slow down the fastballs I uncork every once in a while that rocket well by the hole.

And after I make more putts, I’ll walk off the green and benefit from.…

7 TrueSpec, GOLFTEC, etc. And if you want to get brand-specific, you can head to PING. And once I get fit and have the new sticks in hand I will.…

4

Practice more: Which really means practice at all. Didn’t do much of that in 2018. I’m not talking a bucket before a round. I mean dedicated sessions on the range or putting green without playing.

And it will be smarter practice. As in playing shots in the order I would play them on a particular hole or a course. But more practice means.…

5

Shaping Up: Flexibility equals power. Power equals distance.

Distance equals accuracy. Well maybe not that last part. But more stretching, especially pre- and postround, is on my menu this year. And while I’m elongating my hamstrings and firing up the glutes, I just might.…

6

Study the rules: There’s a whole new bunch of changes to the Rules of Golf and one of them (hopefully) might save you some shots. For me, I’m thinking it might just be keeping the flagstick in the hole while putting. I spoke recently to noted short game guru Dave Pelz, and he thinks it’s the first advantage the USGA has given back to golfers that

Proper parking: I don’t have many golf peeves, but inefficient cart parking is one of them. Doesn’t matter if it’s a cart path only day or not, leaving the cart in the wrong place leads to slow play. And no one likes slow play. In fact, to do my part, I plan on.…

8

Walking more: I know, I know. That’s not always possible on Arizona courses – too much distance between holes, too hot, and all that – but it doesn’t hurt to try. I always enjoy the stroll at places like the Westin Kierland Golf Club (riding a GolfBike there is a good workout, too), We-Ko-Pa and Grayhawk. While hoofing it means putting a dent in a facility’s cart fee revenue, if I’m walking, I’m healthier.

And if I’m healthier, then I’m going to….

9

Play more golf: All those previous things lead to this, don’t they? Time to put those new clubs with the new grips into play, especially since I’ll be more flexible and my game will be in better shape from practicing more and knowing the new rules. Whether you’re parking your cart in all the right places, or logging fairway miles with your own two feet, hopefully all of you will play more in 2019, too. n

Tom Mackin writes for numerous national golf publications.

He lives in Scotttsdale. www.azgolf.org

2019 Women’s Tournament Schedule Season Opener Omni Tucson National Golf Resort - Sonoran Course, Tucson February 9, 2019 Registration: Jan 2-25 Entry Fee: $240/team Weekend Classic Wickenburg Ranch & Social Club and Los Caballeros Golf Club, Wickenburg April 27-28, 2019 Registration: Mar 18-Apr 12 Entry Fee: $350/team Four-Ball Stroke Play Championship Alta Mesa Golf Club, Mesa May 6-7, 2019 Registration: Mar 25-Apr 19 Entry Fee: $350/team State Amateur Match Play Championship Superstition Mountain Golf Club - Prospector Course, Superstition Mountain June 11-14, 2019 Registration: Apr 29-May 24 Entry Fee: $220 Mixed Stix Seven Canyons Golf Resort, Sedona July 13-14, 2019 Registration: Jun 3-28 Entry Fee: $390/team State Amateur Stroke Play Championship Troon North Golf Club - Monument Course, Scottsdale August 5-7, 2019 Registration: Jun 24-Jul 19 Entry Fee: $195 State Amateur Seniors Championship Briarwood Country Club, Sun City West September 4-6, 2019 Registration: Jul 22-Aug 16 Entry Fee: $195 Scotch Play Tubac Golf Club - Anza & Rancho Courses, Tubac September 27-28, 2019 Registration: Aug 19-Sep 13 Entry Fee: $350/team Partners Torreon Golf Club - Tower Course, Show Low October 15-16, 2019 Registration: Sep 3-27 Entry Fee: $350/team Holiday Mixer TPC Scottsdale - Stadium Course, Scottsdale December 2, 2019 Registration: Oct 21-Nov 15 Entry Fee: $400/team

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