AZ Golf Insider - February 2020 by Arizona Golf Association

AZGOLFINSIDER Preview 2020

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

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

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

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

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AZGOLFINSIDER Inside this issue

PREVIEW 2020

FEATURES

18 Cover Story

FOUNDERS CUP CELEBRATING 10 YEARS | By Ron Sirak

On the 70th anniversary of the LPGA, the Founders Cup turns 10.

16 FRONT NINE WITH COYOTES CLAYTON KELLER | By John Davis

Coyotes MVP mixes hockey and golf to perfection.

22 PATRIOT ALL-AMERICA | By the AZGOLF Insider Staff

Georgia Tech’s Noah Norton bags prestigious collegiate tournament.

40 BAJA FRESH | By Joe Passov

Mexico’s Cabo San Lucas sizzles with newly built, accessible golf courses.

22 ARIZONA GOLF ASSOCIATION NEWS

24 2019 PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

27 WOMEN’S GOLF 29 MEMBER ZONE 30 GOLF LOSES TWO LOCAL ICONS

32 RULES AND HANDICAPPING 34 ARIZONA SCOREBOARD

DEPARTMENTS

A LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | By Ed Gowan

Questions surround the 2020 season.

10 MEMBERS ONLY

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

12 SPIRITS OF THE GAME

| By the AZGOLF Insider Staff A taste of the Grand Canyon state’s high quality wines and spirits.

10 14 THE 19TH HOLE

38 MOVERS & SHAKEUPS

| By Bill Huffman & Joe Pasov Lennar’s latest idea features putting links, ‘Seven’ debuts at Desert Mountain Club.

44 OUT OF BOUNDS

6 | AZ GOLF Insider | PREVIEW 2020

| By the AZGOLF Insider Staff We-Ko-Pa’s incredible 19th holes, as well as Fort McDowell Adventures.

| By Gary Van Sickle Wouldn’t it be a miracle in golf if this happens in 2020? Some interesting topics are explored.

ON THE COVER

The 10th anniversary of the local tournament, the Founders Cup, coincides with the 70th anniversary of the LPGA.

To read AZGOLF Insider online, visit azgolf.org. Talk to us

Send a letter to the editorial staff of AZGOLF Insider and we may publish it. E-mail letters to backspinmediagroup@gmail.com. www.azgolf.org

If it’s not Tour-quality, it’s not worth it. T O U R

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From the Executive Director

By Ed Gowan

AZGOLFINSIDER

Excitement building for ‘questionable’ 2020 season

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS PRESIDENT......................................................................... Bill Burgesser VICE PRESIDENT..............................................................Bob McNichols EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS VICE PRESIDENT ....................................................................Tim Brown PRESIDENT............................................................................. Mike McWilliams 1ST VICE PRESIDENT .................................................................Bill Burgesser SECRETARY.......................................................................Michelle Cross 2ND VICE PRESIDENT .....................................................................Bill Phipps TREASURER. ........................................................................Tim Hulscher

ormally I begin the AZGOLF Insider opening with thoughts about the coming months in Arizona golf. This issue, I have more questions than perspectives. What are your thoughts about this year in golf? First, we have this new World Handicap System. Has it affected you in any way? Most golfers should be seeing little change, except in the daily playing handicap — which makes more sense in competitive events. It will take another half-season to edge out the fringe players whose handicaps don’t represent actual ability (and I happen to be one of them). What do I mean? Simply, it refers to those who play better in competition than others. Some are really sandbaggers who intentionally try to have higher handicaps than they deserve. Then there are others — like myself — who just play better under pressure. My handicap now reflects ability, being lower than casual play would indicate. You? Second, we have a new AGA — men and women together with combined programs. Has it made your golf experience better? Do you have the AGA app for your smartphone? Have you looked at our partners’ deals and discount offerings? Have you looked at the golf travel opportunities we’re promoting? (Don’t forget the bucket list 2021 British Open at St. Andrews with a member price far under market.) What about the AGA Scramble Days and Just for Fun outings and social events? If not, you’re missing out on a variety of golf experiences.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER.................................................Tim Eberlein AGA STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.................................................................... EdFinger, Gowan STAFF............................................................ Anj Brown, Le Ann CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ..................................................Mary Pomroy Michelle Evens, Brianna Gianiorio, Paris Garcia, Sharon Goldstone, STAFF......................................................................Anj Brown, Le Ann Finger, Erin Groeneveld, Vivian Kelley, Mike Mason, Derek McKenzie, Michelle Evens, Jim Franko, Paris Garcia, Sharon Goldstone, Robyn Noll, Alex Tsakiris, Susan Woods Erin Groeneveld, Vivian Kelley, Mike Mason, Derek McKenzie, PARTNERSHIP CONTACT...........................................Chris Montgomery Robyn Noll, Betty Saltzgiver, Alex Tsakiris, Susan Woods NATIONAL ADVERTISING ....................................Brian Foster PARTNERSHIP CONTACTCONTACT. ............................................. Chris Montgomery NATIONAL CONTACT .................................... Brian Foster USGA P.J. ADVERTISING BOATWRIGHT JR. INTERN...........................Kylie Shoemake

8 | AZ GOLF Insider | PREVIEW 2020

SECRETARY ................................................................................Bob McNichols TREASURER ........................................................................................Tim Brown

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Jackie Bertsch, Vera Ciancola, Barbara Fitzgerald, Ed Gowan EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS Mark Jeffrey, Huff, Mike LeslieMichelle Kramer Cross, Barbara Tim Brown, BillJerry Burgesser, VeraKane, Ciancola, Fitzgerald, Ed Gowan, Mark Jeffery, Jerry Huff, Tim Hulscher, Mike Ann Martin, Scott McNevin, John Souza Kane, Leslie Kramer, Ann Martin, Scott McNevin, Bob McNichols, Mike McWilliams, Suzy O’Hara, Judi Polidori, Mary Pomroy, Juna Rowland, AGA STAFF John Souza EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR............................................................. Ed Gowan

Third, are you looking forward to the PGA Tour season: majors, Ryder Cup, Tiger this and that, as well as some young phenom coming out of nowhere? I can tell you I am. This season, unlike most others, has more to anticipate and probably more surprises than any of us can imagine. We’re also on tap for the Summer Games in Tokyo. I can’t wait! What do you anticipate? And finally, putting on my USGA rules cap, are the new Rules of Golf making it easier for you to play, or is your game the same as always? All of these questions are interesting in that there have been more changes and unexpected outcomes than perhaps ever before. Please let us know. Answer our surveys (win prizes), travel with us and play at least one more round of golf than last year at an Arizona course you haven’t played before. There are over 300 such experiences just waiting for you in 2020. I just might see you at one of them. And, finally, take a look inside AZGOLF Insider to read about the AGA’s 2019 award winners, bunker education, the new Cabo, the incredible 19th hole options like We-Ko-Pa and its Fort McDowell Adventures, plus the always unique “Out of Bounds” from Gary Van Sickle. In other words, cheers to a brilliant 2020 season. n

*Denotes independent contractor

THE AZGOLF INSIDER STAFF

PUBLISHER. .........................................................................Mark Nothaft THE AZGOLF INSIDER STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF................................................................Bill Huffman PUBLISHER.....................................................................................Mark Nothaft DESIGNER...................................................................Carl Bezuidenhout EDITOR-IN-CHIEF .........................................................................Bill Huffman DESIGNER............................................................................Carl Bezuidenhout AGA EDITOR.............................................................................Anj Brown AGA EDITOR .................................................................................Lorraine Thies SENIOR EDITOR. ...................................................................... John Davis SENIOR EDITOR ................................................................................John Davis REAL ESTATE EDITOR.................................... Gremlyn Bradley-Waddell REAL ESTATE EDITOR ...................................... Gremlyn Bradley-Waddell FOODEDITOR EDITOR..................................................................................Carey ..................................................................... Carey Sweet FOOD Sweet GENERALASSIGNMENTS ASSIGNMENTS.....................................................Tom GENERAL .......................................................... JeffMackin Heisner PHOTO JaneZarzynski Zarzynski PHOTOEDITOR EDITOR........................................................................... ................................................................Jane SENIOR .......................................................DennisScully Scully SENIORPHOTOGRAPHER PHOTOGRAPHER...................................................Dennis SENIOR ........................................................Wade Moran SENIORPHOTOGRAPHER PHOTOGRAPHER................................................... Wade Moran CONTRIBUTORS .......................... ......................Ed Gowan, Lorraine Thies, CONTRIBUTORS....................................................Ed Gowan, Anj Brown Scott McNevin, Tom Mackin, Joe Passov, Cori Matheson Erin Groeneveld, Scott McNevin, Tom Mackin, Joe PassovSteve Copas ADVERTISING GRAPHIC DESIGNER ........................................ CoriFor Matheson, Garyinquiries, Van Sickle magazine backspinmediagroup@gmail.com ADVERTISING GRAPHIC DESIGNER......................................Steve Copas

BACKSPIN GROUP ForMEDIA magazine inquiries, backspinmediagroup@gmail.com PRESIDENT.......................................................................................Bill Huffman GENERAL MANAGER ................................................................Mark Nothaft BACKSPIN MEDIA GROUP BackspinMediaGroup@gmail.com

PRESIDENT...........................................................................Bill Huffman

AZGOLF is published four times a year by the Arizona GENERALInsider, MANAGER..........................................................Mark Nothaft Golf Association. ItBackspinMediaGroup@gmail.com 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 AZGOLF Insider, is publishedmaterial. four timesThey a yearwill by the Golf Association. damage of unsolicited not Arizona be returned unless It is supported bybymembers’ dues, utilizing $5stamped per memberenvelope. per year. We welcome accompanied a self-addressed, Views all editorialwithin submissions, but necessarily assume no responsibility expressed theseincluding pages letters, do not reflect thefor the loss or of unsolicited material. They will returned Golf unless opinions of damage the editors or official policies of not thebeArizona accompanied No by a self-addressed, envelope. expressed Association. part of thisstamped magazine is Views intended as within an these pages doofnotany necessarily reflect thepublication, opinions of thevideotape, editors or official endorsement equipment, golf policies or of theother Arizonaentity. Golf Association. No part this magazine is intended course No part of ofthis magazine may as bean endorsementfor of any equipment, publication, videotape, golfor course or other entity. reproduced use as an advertising, publicity endorsement No part of this magazine be reproduced for use as anAZGOLF advertising,Insider publicityisor item without writtenmay approval of the AGA. endorsement without written approval the AGA.annually. AZGOLF Insider is offered offered on aitem subscription basis for of$12.95 Individual on a subscription basis for $12.95 annually. Individual copies may bebelow. obtained by copies may be obtained by forwarding $5 to the address 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

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Keep track of energy and hydration levels as well as access to 41,000 full-color CourseView maps around the world with Garmin’s rugged yet sophisticated Fenix 6 sapphire GPS watch. Featuring an always-on display that is 18 percent larger than previous models, the Fenix 6 is like playing with a physician, monitoring your breathing, pulse, oxygen absorption and other metrics. It also keeps you plugged into course conditions, weather, distances and more.

$800 • WorldwideGolfShops.com.

> Getting relief

Be green, play green

Hey, golfers, you don’t have to start your round with a pain in your neck, back, legs or joints. Physician’s Choice CBD is the most effective CBD product on the market today. Formulated by two doctors from Scottsdale who have over 32 years of experience treating pain, Physician’s Choice CBD is the creation of Dr. Peter Kubitz and Dr. Julian Grove. Just as cool, it really works on your body’s most problematic areas. And best of all, AGA members get a 20 percent discount when ordering from the Physician’s Choice website. Just use the promo code AZGA.

Tell your better half that you’re helping to save the planet when you come home with the new Sun Mountain Eco-Lite stand bag, $45-$145 • pccbd.com made of material derived from approximately 25 20-ounce plastic bottles. Stylish and lightweight, Eco-Lite weighs less than 4 pounds yet delivers on performance and convenience. Find easy access to your gear with six pockets, carry-assist grab loops and a 9-inch opening. One pocket is velour-lined for valuables, while others are oversize for apparel or to accommodate a hydration sleeve.

$220 • SunMountain.com

Golf on the rocks

Surround yourself in the red-rock splendor of Sedona this season at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock with the vista-inspired Stay and Play Package. The property overlooks No. 18 at legendary Sedona Golf Club, a Gary Panks design and one of the state’s most iconic. The package includes one round of golf with cart per person, $50 food and beverage credit, a balcony or patio guest room accommodations, fitness center and spa access, fitness classes for two, discounts in the spa and golf shop and more.

Rates vary and are based on double-occupancy. • SedonaGolfResort.com 10 | AZ GOLF Insider | PREVIEW 2020

> Ready to strike

Imagine the horror in the eyes of the rest of your weekly foursome when you unveil the potent new Cobra King Speedzone Xtreme driver that created considerable buzz ahead of its January launch. “I worked closely with Cobra’s R&D team on the look of the CNC-milled Infinity face,” says Tour pro and Cobra devotee Ricky Fowler. “I love how the club looks at address, and the increase in ball speed is incredible.” The face and newly designed T-bar speed chassis delivers excellent stability and feel at impact, along with the 360 carbon-wrap crown that saves 25 grams of discretionary weight. Weight is positioned low and wide to improve stability, so off-center hits fly longer and straighter. Preorder at Van’s Golf Shops statewide.

< Retro cool

Show a high degree of style and solid judgment walking the course in Gallavanter golf shoes from G/FORE. You’ve probably seen two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson striding in a pair of the cap toe version and wondered if the premium leather shoe with an ultralightweight sole, spikeless cleat design and washable antimicrobial, triple-dense foam cushion footbed is for you. The answer is a resounding “yes.” Stripe, pintail, grosgrain and camo sole versions also are available in varying combinations of black, white and charcoal.

$450 • CobraGolf.com

$225 • Gfore.com

> European styling

Zip up but don’t slow down on those chilly mornings with Cutter & Buck’s Annika particle fleece, a true performance outer layer made of CB DryTec 50+ UPF fabric for excellent moisturewicking and UV protection. From the line named for LPGA great Annika Sorenstam, the jacket’s flatlock seaming and stretch polyesterspandex characteristics give you the freedom to play without chafing. Available in black, white, shine blue and sport coral.

$140 • CutterBuck.com

> His style

And while she’s looking good, you’re equally dapper in CB’s Traverse Stripe half zip, also designed with the company’s proprietary DryTec 50+ UPF fabric. Other features include a mock neck for temperature regulation, flatlock seams for comfort and reflective tape trim for low-light visibility.

$115 • CutterBuck.com www.azgolf.org

PREVIEW 2020 | AZ GOLF Insider | 11

SPIRITS OF THE GAME

By AZGOLF Insider Staff

> Two heads better than one

With so much attention focused on the Verde Valley wine scene, sometimes we lose sight of Arizona’s original wine-growing region south of Tucson. Stop in at Dos Cabezas Wineworks near Benson the next time you play San Pedro Golf Course and hoist winemaker Todd Bostock’s eighth iteration of Aguileon, an assertive red blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Tart red fruit and forest spice co-mingle in a deep red package.

> Gold rush

Next time you get your kicks on Route 66 near Kingman, stop at unassuming Desert Diamond Distillery near the airport and sample John Patt’s awardwinning selection of fine rums, including Gold Miner. The sweet agave nectar serves as an ideal foundation for this smooth spirit made in a stateof-the-art Arnold Holstein still from Germany. Sip on the rocks or neat and you will think you have struck gold. Also try Triple-D’s 7-year-old whiskey, vodka and other specialty rums.

$32 • DesertDiamondDistillery.com

$30 • DosCabezas.com

< Sweet heat!

The taste of the desert also comes through in Arizona Distilling Company’s Desert Durum Wheat Whiskey, a 92-proof blast of sweet heat that we savor year-round. Made with desert durum wheat grown near Casa Grande, this virtually one-of-akind spirit “was way different from what we expected,” says partner and master distiller Jason Grossmiller, noting that most American whiskeys are made with rye, or 51 percent corn in the case of bourbon. ADC’s Desert Durum Wheat maintains a sweet and spicy profile of figs, pecan pie, peppercorn and bakery-allspice impressions.

$33 for 375-ml bottle • AZDistilling.com

> A nod to France

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.

From the outside looking in, most would call Sam Pillsbury a jack of many trades: an acclaimed film- and winemaker, homebuilder, sailor, cowboy, scholar, musician, the list goes on. We’re just glad he put down roots in Arizona and has been producing outstanding wines in Cochise County for the past two decades. One of his favorites each year is the France-inspired Roan Red, indeed a decidedly “Rhone-an” blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, organically grown, and aged for 11 months in French and American oak. The 2017 release is easy to drink and loaded with fresh strawberry-raspberry notes.

$32 • PillsburyWine.com

12 | AZ GOLF Insider | PREVIEW 2020

www.azgolf.org

THE 19TH HOLE

By AZGOLF Insider Staff

COURTESY FORT MCDOWELL ADVENTURES

La Puesta (left), which translates into “setting sun,” is the large group venue at Fort McDowell Adventures, serving up to 1,500 patrons. It seems like the grill is always busy at FMA (below), cooking up fabulous steaks and swordfish shown here along with a multitude of other offerings. When the meats are done to perfection, they are served in a dazzling, open-air courtyard (below left).

COURTESY FORT MCDOWELL ADVENTURES

FUN TIMES AT WE-KO-PA, FT. McDOWELL ADVENTURES

hen it comes to 19th hole options, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is the host with the most — We-Ko-Pa Grille, Saguaro Grille and for those who are, well, adventurous, Fort McDowell Adventures. How does that work? With a lot of ease, as service

14 | AZ GOLF Insider | PREVIEW 2020

at We-Ko-Pa always has been the club’s calling card. That starts with longtime general manager Matt Barr, who handles the traditional clubhouses on the Cholla and Saguaro golf courses. “We really do have some unique alternatives,” said Barr, who is entering his 15th season at the highly rated facility owned by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. “And they are all inspired by the Yavapai culture.” The We-Ko-Pa Grille is separated from the pro shop by an open-air patio and serves up lots of 19thhole type foods like carne asada street tacos ($14) and a pound of Buffalo-styled wings ($12). Or try the We-Ko-Pa foursome that includes wings, queso dip and chips, potato skins and jalapeno corn fritters ($20). Saguaro, which is smaller but just as well done, counters with a choice of six sandwiches, the most popular being the cheeseburger ($7) and kosher dog ($5). Both are served up with some very tasty homemade chips. www.azgolf.org

www.azgolf.org

COURTESY FORT MCDOWELL ADVENTURES

Cowboy cookouts are always a popular activity at Fort McDowell Adventures even if there is just the two of you (right). Of course, if you stick around the golf club, it’s hard to beat the amazing bacon burger (below) at We-Ko-Pa.

COURTESY WE-KO-PA GOLF CLUB

And then there is Fort McDowell Adventures, which is a whole other world. Located about a mile north of the golf course off the Beeline Highway (Arizona Route 87), you will find an adult adventure park that just might be the bestkept secret in Arizona. “It certainly is an amazing place to hold a tournament after-party or a corporate outing, or do team building,” Barr said of FMA, which offers three staging areas in La Puesta, Rosa’s Ranch and Dirty Doc’s Saloon. La Puesta, which means “setting sun,” can hold up to 1,500 people, while Rosa’s Ranch and Doc’s are offered to smaller parties and are perfect for tournaments that range from 12 to 144 golfers. All three boast great food and drink, as well as enough activities to satisfy even the most seasoned adventurer. That list includes tethered hot-air balloon rides, hay wagon rides, Green Zebra (off-road) rides, cowboy cookouts, horseback riding, hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, camping, jeep tours and even cattle drives. For those who don’t mind another short drive (by car), FMA offers cruises aboard the Desert Belle tour boat on nearby Saguaro Lake. But let’s say your party would like to stay near the food and drinks. Hey, no problem as FMA offers more activities and sideshows than you can possibly take in. That list includes Native American hoop dancers and drummers, as well as country western cowboy bands “from around these parts.” There also are strolling musicians, face painters, caricaturists, saloon girls, cowboy shootouts, fireworks, a branding booth and, yes, even a “photo bull.”

Naturally, all of these adventures and activities come with a price. But for those who customize their package with six options or so, the bill usually comes in at about $2,350 to $3,000 for about three hours of entertainment. Or long enough to quench the needs of even the most party-hearty participants. “I’d say if you customize your activities and select one of our lunch or dinner menus for your group, you’re probably looking at about $100 per person,” Barr estimated. “I mean the facility has so many bells and whistles, and you get a lot for that ($100 per person).” The food is delicious, a mouth-watering mix of meats, veggies, fruits and desserts that come with a lot of local knowledge, said Craig Benell, who is the head of FMA.

“Everything about Fort McDowell Adventures comes with that rich Yavapai history and culture,” noted Benell of the park that opened in 2014. “Yes, we can do those cowboy chic cookouts under the stars, but we can also do anything from lobster and steak on the grill to just your average hamburger and hot dogs — and make every one of them special.” The menus for FMA are simply off the charts. Perhaps the most popular is the amazing barbecue lunch/ dinner that includes pulled pork, smoked brisket, baby back ribs and “smoasted chicken.” What is smoasted chicken? That’s roasted chicken that is slowly smoked over a hickory fire with a tenderness that is unheard of when it comes to poultry. That lunch or dinner, which

ranges from $36 to $62 per person depending on how many options are involved, comes with a smorgasbord of up to seven salads and nine sides and includes six desserts that are all homemade. You will definitely want to include the incredible a la mode cobblers that come in apple, cherry or peach. Libations also play an integral role in a fun lunch or dinner at Arizona golf’s most one-of-a-kind 19th hole, as Tequila Sheila oftentimes makes her rounds along with her pal the Beer Burro. It’s food and drink with a view, as both La Puesta and Rosa’s Ranch are pure Arizona with lots of desert flora, fauna and panorama, a theme that was initiated by the Yavapai Nation’s golf courses when they opened in 2002. n DETAILS We-Ko-Pa Grille, Saguaro Grille 18200 E. WeKoPa Way Fort McDowell, AZ 85264 (480) 836-9000 wekopa.com Fort McDowell Adventures 14803 N. Hiawatha Hood Road Fort McDowell, AZ 85264 (480) 789-5302 fortmcdowelladventures.com

PREVIEW 2020 | AZ GOLF Insider | 15

THE

FRONT NINE

CLAYTON KELLER

SLAPSHOT

COURTESY ARIZONA COYOTES

Coyotes’ MVP mixes hockey, golf to perfection By John Davis

layton Keller is the first to admit that he is better at shooting a puck in the net than hitting a golf ball on a green. However, he has shown that he is quite adept at both as a scratch golfer and one of the brightest young stars in the National Hockey League. Keller, 21, was selected seventh overall in the 2016 NHL draft by the Arizona Coyotes and quickly proved it to be a wise pick. Displaying a “Keller instinct,” he led the team in scoring each of his first two seasons and is in position to make it a three-peat in 2020. He set virtually every Coyotes rookie scoring record, was named the team’s most valuable player and was a finalist for the Calder Trophy, given to the most proficient first-year player in the NHL. Last season, he became the youngest All-Star in franchise history. Keller, who led his Boston University team in scoring as a freshman, is known as a rink rat and always is one of the last players to leave the ice after practice. The team rewarded that performance and dedication with a rare eight-year contract extension in September that is worth $7.15 million per season and runs through 2028. The rigors of an NHL season leave little time for golf, but when it ends, he and several teammates hit the links around the Valley in a game he began playing at 8 years old in his hometown of St. Louis. At 13, he made his first hole in one and, since moving to Arizona, 16 | AZ GOLF Insider | PREVIEW 2020

As a scratch golfer, Arizona Coyotes star Clayton Keller carries a big stick.

has teed it up with the likes of PGA Tour players Chez Reavie and Colt Knost. Last year, he participated in a Special Olympics event at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, where he was paired with Amy Bockerstette, a collegiate golfer and disabilities advocate with Down syndrome. Bockerstette is the first person with Down syndrome to receive an athletic scholarship to attend college. She plays her golf at Paradise Valley Community College in Phoenix. The next day, Amy captured the hearts of the golf world by making a par on the famous 16th hole, which she played with Gary Woodland in the pro-am. A video of their interaction, in which Amy repeatedly said, “I got this,” went viral and has garnered more than 44 million page views. Recently, AZGOLF Insider caught up with Keller to talk about his two favorite sports, life in the NHL and the state of the Coyotes. What was your introduction to golf? When I was real young, my dad used to play on weekends with his work buddies. So I started tagging along and took lessons to try and get better, and I still see that same guy

when I’m back home. He follows my career, so I stay in close contact with him. I used to go with my dad to this short-game practice area, where he would hit 400 balls a day, just chipping and putting for hours at a time. That’s how I developed a good short game and that’s really the best part of my game. When the Coyotes drafted you, were you excited to be going to an area with great golf? Definitely. That was a big-time bonus for sure. I was so excited to be here, first of all, to play hockey. And then knowing there are so many great courses, plus having the Waste Management Phoenix Open here, that was just one more great reason to be able to come here and play.

So, you made a hole in one when you were 13? Yes, I did, and it was pretty cool. I was golfing with my dad and two of his work buddies. It was kind of a windy day out and I had about 160 yards, hit a 6-iron and it went right in. I had been playing for about five years when that happened, and the best part about it is that I was golfing with my dad at the time.

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How competitive is it when you golf with your teammates? Schmaltzy (Nick Schmaltz), Brad Richardson and I are all scratch players, but we have three or four other guys on the team who are all really good golfers and all of us love to play when we get the chance, so we have some pretty good matches. It’s definitely competitive but we usually play two-man teams and try to keep it fun. It’s great to have so many teammates who are really into it and are such good players.

COURTESY ARIZONA COYOTES

So what is it about hockey that translates so well to golf? I think maybe it’s the handeye coordination, and when you shoot a slapshot, that motion is very similar to the golf swing. For me, it’s a little different than it is for some guys because I am a lefty in hockey and shoot the puck left-handed but I play golf righthanded. That’s just the way I grew up playing the two sports, but it’s still kind of the same motion so it works for me.

Arizona Coyotes MVP Clayton Keller and Coyotes mascot Howler teamed up with Internet sensation Amy Bockerstette at last year’s Waste Management Phoenix Open (above). As a kid, Keller (left) got into golf, scoring a hole in one at the tender age of 13.

Did that feel even better when Amy’s story went viral? Oh, that was so great. The first time I saw the video where she played

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COURTESY ARIZONA COYOTES

What was the Special Olympics experience like for you? It was a great experience to be able to represent the Coyotes and spend time with those Special Olympics athletes and help put a smile on their faces. It’s such a great opportunity to represent the team and make their day a little better. That’s a huge part of our team and our sport, giving back to the community, and it helps us to grow hockey here in Arizona. Plus, having that interaction with the kids who are out there. We do a lot of other things, like hospital visits and helping build playgrounds for kids. I love doing those kinds of things. It’s a nice break from the usual routine, and it’s a good feeling to be able to do something for others in the community.

where I wanted to go and that definitely helped me get where I’m at. The NHL is really a dream come true. You can’t take anything for granted because these players are the best in the world. That’s what I thought it would be and that’s what it is. I just try to learn as much as I can from all the other guys in the locker room who’ve been there and some have won Stanley Cups. It has been a great experience to learn from them. the 16th hole with Gary Woodland and parred the hole out of a bunker … that is such a cool thing to see. I really enjoyed meeting her and then seeing her do that, it was pretty awesome, and I’m sure it brought some attention to Special Olympics. She is such an amazing girl, and it really kind of makes you feel good inside to see something like that, the way the whole thing happened. What has your NHL experience been like to this point? It’s crazy because you grow up dreaming about it and working to get better and make it to this point, especially being a smaller guy like I am. I knew I had to work even harder to get

Why has this year’s team been so successful and what do you see for the future? We have such a special group. This is the closest group of guys I’ve ever played with. Everyone gets along with each other. We go do dinner, we laugh, we do everything together and no one is out of the mix. We’re so comfortable with each other, and we battle hard on the ice together. I think that’s the biggest thing. It’s what it takes to be a team. It’s the reason we’re having success and the reason why the future looks bright for this team. I think we have something pretty good going. We just need to keep it going. n

PREVIEW 2020 | AZ GOLF Insider | 17

LPGA’s dream becomes reality Founders Cup celebrates 10th anniversary after Whan’s wizardry reinvented Phoenix BY RON SIRAK

COURTESY LPGA

American star Nelly Korda flips a chip to the 18th green at Wildfire Golf Club during a past Founders Cup. Legends like Babe Zaharias (upper left) and Louise Suggs (lower right), shown here with comedian Bob Hope, helped to pave the way for the LPGA and, ultimately the Founders Cup. The LPGA celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, while the Founders Cup salutes its 10th anniversary.

hen Mike Whan took over as LPGA commissioner in January 2010, the schedule was riddled with holes. At only 24 events, it was the thinnest itinerary since 1971. One of the most glaring omissions was Phoenix, the first time since 1979 that the Valley of the Sun was dark for the LPGA. Returning that golfpassionate market to the Tour was one of Whan’s top priorities.

With one bold move — some said crazy at the time — Whan added a new event for 2011, restored the Phoenix stop and, in the Founders Cup, created a celebration of the history of the oldest professional sports 18 | AZ GOLF Insider | PREVIEW 2020

organization for women. It was a winwin-win situation, although it would take time to establish that success. While hindsight always has 20/20 vision, looking back now, the Founders Cup was a brilliant idea. That 2020

is both the 70th anniversary of the founding of the LPGA by 13 bold women in 1950 and the 10th year of the Founders Cup makes this edition of the event doubly special. Phoenix was an LPGA stop for 30 years before missing the 2010 season, with tournaments existing under 10 names on six courses. The event started at Hillcrest Country Club in 1980 and went to the Arizona Biltmore Country Club in 1983. From 1987 through 2003 it was at Moon Valley Country Club all but one year before going to Superstition Mountain Golf Club in 2004-08 and ending at Papago Golf Club in 2009. www.azgolf.org

COURTESY LPGA

COVER STORY

The late Marilynn Smith and Shirley Spork (left), shown here during Founders Cup week, were key motivators in the early years of the LPGA. Also playing major roles after the LPGA was founded in 1950 were Marlene Hagge, Babe Zaharias and Alice Bauer (center), as well as the great Patty Berg (right). Hagge and Bauer were sisters.

Brittany Lincicome tees off on the first hole at Wildfire Golf Club in Phoenix while competing in the Founders Cup.

Now it thrives at the Wildfire Golf Club at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa. There may be no tournament that so vividly represents the growth of the LPGA under Whan than the Founders Cup. From two dozen events with a combined purse of $41 million in 2010, the Tour has grown to nearly three dozen stops with more than $75 million on the line. “I had three significant goals for the Founders Cup and two wishes,” Whan says. “I wanted to ensure the drive/ passion/persistence of our founders remains embedded in our current players and staff. And I wanted to celebrate www.azgolf.org

those that led before us, not just players but teachers, sponsors, stakeholders.” Whan also wanted the Founders Cup to raise money for the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf program. “If our founders taught us anything, it was to reject status quo as the best it can get and drive to leave the game better for young women,” he says. Among Whan’s wishes were that the Founders Cup show fans the unique personality of LPGA players as well as to build a long-term home for the Tour in Arizona. It appears as if Whan has met his goals and realized his wildest wishes. To create the Founders Cup, Whan took a bold step. The cash-strapped

Tour played the first event without cash payment to the players. Instead, half of the $1 million purse went to charity with the other half designated for charities of the top-10 finishers. Still, virtually all of the eligible players showed up. Almost as a form of instant validation, the first winner was a legend — Karrie Webb, an LPGA and World Golf Hall of Fame member who also won the Founders in 2014. Webb set the tone as seven of the eight winners have a combined 26 major titles. The only champion without a major, Sei Young Kim, has 10 LPGA titles, more than any active player without a major. PREVIEW 2020 | AZ GOLF Insider | 19

Missing Marilynn Passing of local legend Smith weighs heavy on Founders Cup By Ron Sirak

efore the Founders Cup, there was the Marilynn Smith Charity Pro-Am. Beginning in 2009 at Pebble Creek in Goodyear, Smith’s event has raised nearly $1 million in college scholarship money for young women. This year, the 11th Pro-Am will be at Wildfire Golf Club on Sunday, March 15, kicking off Founders Cup week. Only this year, Marilynn won’t be there. Smith, one of the 13 women who founded the LPGA in 1950, died April 9, 2019, just four days shy of her 90th birthday. At every Founders Cup, Marilynn was among the founders and pioneers who would sit behind the 18th green to greet players after their rounds. Smith’s smile, which energized the tournament, will be missed. Marilynn created her scholarship fund because she could not get financial aid while playing golf at the University of Kansas. When her father asked legendary athletic director Phog Allen for travel money to play in the 1948 Women’s National Intercollegiate Golf Tournament, Allen replied: “Mr. Smith, it’s too bad your daughter is not a boy.” That rebuff provided Smith lifelong motivation. “Meeting Marilynn, Shirley (Spork), Louise (Suggs) and Marlene (Hagge) was the inspiration behind the Founders Cup,” said LPGA Commissioner

Marilynn Smith, shown here early in her career, had a beautiful swing and a personality to match. In fact, she was nicknamed “Miss Personality” by her peers.

Mike Whan. “I realized their stories and insights might be lost on future generations. I wanted every player to have a similar relationship with these incredible women. While I’ll miss her almost daily calls, I am 100 percent certain that her spirit is alive and well within the LPGA.” Marilynn did more than greet the players during the Founders Cup. She also thanked the volunteers, chatted up spectators, signed autographs, posed for photos and filled the notebooks of any reporter who stopped to ask her a question. “Marilynn was larger than life,” said Founders Cup tournament director Scott Wood. “There was no better ambassador for the game and the LPGA. Her absence has already created a huge void Tour-wide and will be especially felt in March. She was our brightest light, our leader during tournament week. You could feel her million-dollar smile across Wildfire all week.” From the very beginning, Debbie Waitkus, president of Golf for Cause, was tournament director for Marilynn’s Pro-Am and became one of her closest friends.

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“Working with Marilynn was not an isolated event experience,” Waitkus said. “We were part of each other’s lives. She walked right past the metaphorical welcome mat at my front door and sat down at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee and we never stopped chatting.” No one was a stranger to Marilynn for long. Spork, her friend since 1947 and LPGA co-founder, says they’d pull into a gas station while driving to a tournament and Marilynn would give money to a stranger to buy a new pair of shoes. In a similar way, she gave of herself during the Founders Cup. “The Founders will be glaringly different on its 10th anniversary,” Waitkus said. “As the players finish play, they’ll miss speaking with Marilynn. They’ll miss the connection with one of the best role models the LPGA ever had.” Everyone who attends the Founders Cup will miss that connection. But preserving the spirit of Marilynn Smith and keeping her memory alive is what the Founders Cup is all about.

The Phoenix stop always has produced great champions and moments. Laura Davies captured the title a record four times in a row at Moon Valley, the very site where Annika Sorenstam carded the LPGA’s only 59. The list of other LPGA Hall of Famers who have won this event in Phoenix include Beth Daniel, Betsy King, Pat Bradley, Patty Sheehan, Juli Inkster, Se Ri Pak and Inbee Park. Each year, the history of the Tour is handed off to the next generation as founders like the late Louise Suggs and Marilynn Smith, and now Shirley Spork and Marlene Hagge sit behind the 18th green and greet players as they finish. Each year, pioneers like Kathy Whitworth, JoAnne Carner, Nancy Lopez, Sheehan, King and Bradley are honored. “Initially, I simply wanted a venue that would make it easy for our founders/pioneers to be part of the action and a place other sponsors would want to come to be part of the celebration,” Whan says. “Desert Ridge was incredibly accommodating and continues to roll out the red carpet to our Tour.” Since 2015, the person at the helm for the Founders Cup has been tournament director Scott Wood, who is well aware of both the importance of the Phoenix market to the Tour and the passionate relationship the players, many of whom live in the area, have with the community. “The LPGA has established itself through the years as a must-attend event for Valley residents and visiting fans,” says Wood. “Phoenix is a hot bed for golf on so many levels, and to have the support of its residents, visitors and the local business community the past 40 years means everything to us.” While the Founders Cup serves as an important device with which to educate today’s players about yesterday’s stars, this Tour stop also provides the current generation of players a window into the unique relationship the LPGA has with those who have followed the Tour for decades. “I hear stories from longtime LPGA fans all the time about their experiences at Moon Valley and Superstition Mountain, the excitement the players www.azgolf.org

COVER STORY generated, and how accessible and friendly they were,” Wood says. “I also hear stories about how they (mostly men) feel they can relate to the women’s game better. How it’s easier to follow their swings, tempo, and that at times it’s more enjoyable to watch than the men’s game.” Wood says the Founders Cup provides a special connection between the past and the present for both the fans and the players. “Time is our most precious commodity and I think many of today’s players understand that, so they go out of their way to introduce themselves (to the legends) whenever they can,” Wood says. A decade ago, Whan took over a tour ravaged by the Great Recession. In every way imaginable, it could not be more appropriate — or ironic — that the cornerstone of the Tour’s recovery was the Founders Cup, the tournament that honors those 13 women who created an enduring institution. What started as a dream wrapped in wishes is now a reality. On the LPGA’s 70th birthday, the 10th Founders Cup has eased into its special place

IF YOU GO

LPGA Founders Cup When: March 16-22 Where: JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Wildfire Golf Club What: 72-hole LPGA tournament for a $1.5 million purse Tickets: Good Any Day ($25 on website, $32 at gate); Weekly badges $70; Pioneer Pavilion $55-$95 per day

in the Tour’s history, celebrating the past, recognizing the present and paving the way to the future. n Ron Sirak has covered the LPGA for 32 years and is recipient of the PGA of America Lifetime Achievement in Journalism Award and the LPGA Media Excellence Award. Along with renown teachers Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott, he co-authored the “VISION 54” trilogy of books.

CHANGE OF COURSE Golf in Tucson means a break from the average links. Challenge your game on daring desert layouts or hit it long on fairways that host the champions. Whatever your style, Tucson has it in the bag. FIND YOUR COURSE AT

VisitTucson.org/Golf

Ventana Canyon Mountain Course #3

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PREVIEW 2020 | AZ GOLF Insider | 21

Georgia Tech’s Norton bags Patriot All-America

atriotism is the thing that sets the Patriot All-America Invitational golf tournament apart from all others, and it was on full display once again in the 2019 event. The tournament was created in 2011 as a way to give college golfers their own “bowl game” and to honor fallen and severely wounded soldiers through the Folds of Honor Foundation. The names of those soldiers are placed on the PING bags that competitors carry throughout the tournament at Wigwam Golf Resort in Litchfield Park. Those bags later are sent to the schools of the golfers and are auctioned to raise funds that benefit Folds of Honor recipients. This year’s field featured 84 golfers, and each of the U.S. military academies was represented. Noah Norton of Georgia Tech shot a final-round 68 to win the event that ended Dec. 31, finishing at 7-under 203.

That was one shot better than a trio of players, including Mason Overstreet of Arkansas, who captured the title in 2017. Mason Andersen of Arizona State shared the lead after two rounds but a final-round 71 dropped him to seventh place, three shots behind. He was one of three ASU golfers in the field. Norton’s winnings include an authentic leather Air Force jacket, a commemorative F-35 replica and flight suit, and an exemption to the Wichita Open on the Korn Ferry Tour in June. Three Patriot tournament alumni have won that Wichita event. To date, 21 current PGA Tour pros have played in this tournament, accounting for 31 tour wins, including four major championships. Included are the names of Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, Daniel Berger, Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Champ and Ollie Schniederjans. n From upper left (first page, clockwise): Georgia Tech’s Noah Norton accepts the Patriot trophy from West Valley Mavericks president Jason Khan; the traditional flyover to start the event; the boys on the bus bound for Luke Air Force Base; a Wings of Blue parachutist; a participant from the junior clinic. Second page from top: ASU’s Mason Andersen tees off, as does Vanderbilt’s William Moll (lower left) and the University of New Mexico’s Sam Choi (lower right). Norton exalts after a birdie (lower middle). MICHAEL JORDAN PHOTOS

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PREVIEW 2020 | AZ GOLF Insider | 23

AGA NEWS

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

AGA NEWS

Walicki repeats as POY

Adam Walicki

2019 AGA PLAYER OF THE YEAR

OPEN DIVISION ADAM WALICKI

t took nine years of AGA competition for Adam Walicki to secure his first Player of the Year award in the Open Division. The second came much quicker as Walicki became a backto-back winner in 2019. “I think the first one probably felt a little better because it took so long

and I was so anxious to get it,” Walicki said. “Maybe that relieved some of the pressure and made the second one a little easier, although it’s never really easy because we have so many good players here.” Walicki got off to a fast start in 2019 by winning the San Tan Amateur in comeback fashion, shooting 65, which marked his best round of the year. He closed out the season by finishing second in the Northern Amateur and sixth in the Players Cup. He also reached the quarterfinals of the Arizona Amateur before being eliminated, and was an alternate in both the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Mid-

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Amateur, which he has played in four times. “That was the one disappointment because that is one of my goals, to make it into at least one of those national events every year and I didn‘t quite get it done,” he said. “But there were a lot of positives to the seasons, too. “I always strive to finish in the top 10 of every event I play and being able to do that in several state events was pretty satisfying.” The Michigan native competed on the GatewayTour in 2005-06, then walked away from golf for two full years. After regaining his amateur status, he returned to competition in AGA events in 2009.

“The criteria we have put together in the AGA is a true assessment of who was the Player of the Year,” he said. “I think it’s become a more accurate representation of how guys have played throughout the year, which favors more people. So to come out on top of that is a good feeling. “I have looked through the records to see who has won Player of the Year and how many times, so I have a good feel about that. Each one really means a lot because it’s so hard to win them. So even though the first one was probably a little more special, this one isn’t far behind because I know how few guys have done it more than once.” www.azgolf.org

AGA PHOTO

Wiemiller, Benton, Blau also come up big in 2019

AGA NEWS

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR 2019 AGA PLAYER OF THE YEAR

MASTERS DIVISION AARON WIEMILLER

www.azgolf.org

Aaron Wiemiller “There’s a really strong field of players here and that has contributed to my improvement. It has pushed me to get better and more mentally focused. “I never thought I would win an award like this. It’s always been a dream of mine, so playing well this past year was pretty rewarding. The mental aspect of my game has gotten much better, being able to move on from mistakes when I make them, and that has made a big difference.”

2019 AGA PLAYER OF THE YEAR

SENIOR DIVISION JEFF BENTON

layer of the Year awards are getting to be routine for Jeff Benton, who secured his third in a row in 2019 by putting together a solid season, capped off by winning his division of the Players Cup Championship. Benton, 56, also won POY honors in the Senior Division

There’s a really strong field of players here and that has contributed to my improvement. AGA PHOTO

AGA PHOTO

aron Wiemiller says that once he started winning the game between his ears, his game on the golf course got much better, and that showed in 2019 when he earned the Player of the Year Award in the Masters Division. Wiemiller, a retired police officer from Minnetonka, Minn., didn’t play high school or college golf, but he has made his mark in both the Minnesota Golf Association and the AGA. “When I was 13, a good friend suggested going to hit golf balls one day and I was hooked immediately,” he said. “I grew up on a ninehole, semi-private course, and I remember spending my days as a kid on that course from sunup to sundown.” He moved to Arizona in 2013 and, after rehabbing a work-related knee injury, began playing in AGA events. Wiemiller got his 2019 season rolling by tying for fifth in his division of the Senior Stroke Play and followed that up by winning the Falcon Amateur. “Compared to Minnesota, the AGA events are much more competitive,” he said.

Jeff Benton PREVIEW 2020 | AZ GOLF Insider | 25

AGA NEWS

in 2018 after claiming the Masters Division title in 2017. “This one was pretty special because I had such a great year of golf,” said Benton, who played most of his events in the Open Division. “I actually came close to winning it in the Open Division, which is pretty gratifying considering all the good young players they have.” Benton, an Arkansas native, also finished second in the Falcon Amateur and Senior Stroke Play for the fourth year in a row, and was third in the Southern Amateur. He was medalist in local qualifying for the U.S. Senior Amateur and finished as low amateur in the Arizona Senior Open. Benton is the head of a golfing family, with three children who were standout college golfers. His daughter Kaylee was an All-American last year as a senior at Arkansas, where she was an honor student, and played on the Palmer Cup team. “My plan this year was to play in open events with strong competition to try to get ready for the Senior Amateur,” he said. “There are so many good players here in Arizona so I felt privileged to win the qualifier and make it to the national event. “Winning three (POY awards) in a row is pretty special, but I know that winning a fourth one will be even harder.”

AGA PHOTO

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

Tim Blau

2019 AGA PLAYER OF THE YEAR

LEGENDS DIVISION

Consistency really is the key to it, and I was able to put together very consistent finishes in the big events.

TIM BLAU

im Blau earned his second Player of the Year award, but 2019 also was a year of firsts, which were equally gratifying for the Wisconsin native. Blau, 68, also won the Legends POY award in 2017 but competed in 2018 in the Senior Division due to a change in the age criteria. “Consistency really is the key to it, and I was able to put together very consistent finishes in the big events,” Blau said. “It’s always a challenge but I still enjoy

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practicing and hit a lot of golf balls, which I’m sure has made a big difference.” Blau won his Divisional Match Play event, 1-up, over Murph Mitchell; finished second in Senior Stroke Play, the Southern Amateur, Northern Amateur and Players Cup; was third in the Falcon Amateur; and fifth, with partner Kevin Gregory, in the Arizona Four-Ball. For good measure, he won the senior division of the Mesa City Amateur. The retired stockbroker, who now works with

cryptocurrencies, also carded his first hole in one in 60 years of golf while shooting a 64 at Dobson Ranch, which marked the first time he has shot his age or better. “Murph also had a great year and we really kind of battled it out the whole season for the points lead,” he said. “Either one of us could have won it, so I was fortunate to come out on top. I’m still having a lot of fun playing, and as long as I am able, I’m going to keep playing.” n

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ARIZONA NEWS

WOMENS GOLF

COURTESY SILVER BELLE

Schuster prevails in Silver Belle

Katherine Schuster, a 16-year-old from North Carolina, holds the Kachina signifying her big win in the 49th annual Joanne Winter Arizona Silver Belle Championship.

atherine Schuster, a 16-year-old from North Carolina, captured the 49th annual Joanne Winter Arizona Silver Belle Championship held in late December at Longbow Golf Club in Mesa. The final round proved to be a tight race. Schuster, who shared thet firstround lead with 19-year-old Sophie Guo of Irvine, Calif., led by a stroke going into the final round. Schuster and Guo went back and forth throughout the day making for an exciting finish. Schuster pulled ahead to shoot an impressive 6-under par 65 for a three-day total

of 7-under 206. Guo carded a final round 68, two shots back at 208. Makenzie Niblett, 16, from Austin, Texas was the only other player to finish the event under par (212). All competitors played Longbow’s par-71 layout at 6,147 yards. Champions were crowned in five divisions, including Leigh Chien of Irvine, Calif. (14 and under age group); Mackenzie Niblett of Austin, Texas (15-16); Lana CalibusoKwee of Wailuku, Hawaii (17-18); Guo of Irvine, Calif. (19-23). The Silver Belle will celebrate

its 50th championship later this year at Briarwood Country Club in Sun City West. The event is scheduled for Dec. 27-30. The Silver Belle has grown into one of the premier amateur events for young women from across the United States and around the world. The results from the championship earn many players points toward their World Amateur Golf Ranking. Schuster joins an impressive list of past champions, including Cathy Gaughan Mant (1971), Mary Bea Porter-King (1973), Jenny Lidback (1981), Danielle Ammaccapane (1984), Emilee Klein (1991), Yani Tseng (2005), Angel Yin (2011) and Yealimi Noh (2017). For a complete list of past champions or more information, visit azsilverbelle.com. n

DISCOVER Beautiful Scenery - Exceptional Golf

Two 18-hole Championship Golf Courses and State-of-the-Art Amenities Two distinctly different playing experiences Established Golf Programs Personal golf cart use with no trail fee Temporary Trial Membership available Practice facility renovation ﬁnished September 2019 Private access to 21,000 acre McDowell Mountain Park Fitness center featuring weekly classes 18-hole natural grass putting course Dine at the 4-Time Award Winning Mesquite Grill Experience the Tonto Verde golf lifestyle Call: (480) 689-9697 or Visit TontoVerde.org

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PREVIEW 2020 | AZ GOLF Insider | 27

ARIZONA NEWS

JUNIOR GOLF Profiles

Tucker Clark

Maya Benita

Phoenix resident Tucker Clark, set to play for Notre Dame in the fall, was named to the 2019 Rolex Junior All-America team in the honorable mention category. Forty-eight boys receive this prestigious honor across first-team (12), second-team (12) and honorable mention (24) divisions. Currently 28th in the Rolex AJGA rankings, Clark finished tied for third in the Rolex Tournament of Champions at PGA National Golf Resort in late November. He also finished second at the Sergio and Angela Garcia Foundation Junior Championship in March. Altogether, Clark finished top-25 in six of eight AJGA tournaments entered in 2019.

Tucson’s Maya Benita, who will play close to home at the University of Arizona, made the AJGA Scholastic Junior All-America team. She is among 24 of the nation’s brightest minds who demonstrated the ability to excel not only on the golf course, but also in the classroom and community. Benita amassed a 4.83 GPA along with a 35 on the ACT while turning in her best AJGA performance in June: second place at the Hale Irwin Colorado Junior. She notched two other top-25 finishes in the five AJGA events she entered in 2019.

Profile

Catherine Seder Catherine Seder from Phoenix was selected as one of 18 girls from across the U.S. to represent LPGA-USGA Girls Golf at the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions in Orlando in mid-January. Seder submitted an eye-catching essay for the “Diamond Resorts Drives On for the Future” essay contest to earn the trip to the LPGA’s season-opening event. Seder said in her essay: “To me success is knowing that I did my best and I have no regrets, no matter the outcome.” Seder also was recognized for the commitment, character and energy she brings to Girls Golf of Phoenix with a coveted Golden Flamingo award for 2019. She received the honor at the local chapter’s Golden Tees ceremony in December. 28 | AZ GOLF Insider | PREVIEW 2020

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ARIZONA NEWS

Legendary volunteer Doc Graves passes at 88

ne of the legends of Arizona golf, Robert “Doc” Graves, died Dec. 13. A longtime resident of Ahwatukee, Graves was 88 years old. Graves was well-known throughout the Arizona Golf Association community for being the ultimate volunteer as well as an outstanding rules official. He was the AGA’s Volunteer of the Year in 1992, and today has two AGA awards that bear his name — the Doc Graves Volunteer of the Year Award and the Doc Graves Mid-Amateur Trophy. Graves was presented with the prestigious Dr. Ed Updegraff Award in 1999, which is the highest honor given by the AGA, for his demonstration of the true “spirit of the game.” He was inducted into the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame in 2004. Among his many accomplishments within the organization, Graves and his partners Bob Warren and Al Potts rated the majority of Arizona’s nearly 400 golf courses. Ed Gowan, executive director of the AGA, called Graves “the ultimate volunteer,” noting that Doc’s dedication and service was unmatched. “Doc was truly concerned for everyone he met,” Gowan said. “He was a friend to all, and an exemplary model for all to emulate.” According to his wife Barbara, Doc

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AGA PHOTO

OBITUARY

Doc Graves

was born and raised in St. Louis and attended the University of Missouri for a year before enrolling and graduating from Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis. Doc and Barbara met while both were working at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center near Denver. In 1955 they were married, and Graves practiced chiropractic medicine in Denver until he retired early in 1979 due to a service-connected disability. “He was always a golfer, and so we decided to move to Phoenix, where the plan was for us to play golf every day,” Barbara recalled with a laugh. “It ended up that he played golf every day, and he got me a job (as a Realtor). “But that was OK, because Doc took care of the house and I still got to play some golf when I wasn’t working for the next 19 years.” Doc could play the game, as evidenced by the fact that he once held the record at Ahwatukee Country Club with a 9-under 63. And his 49 at Ahwatukee Lakes will stand as the course record forever as the former executive 18 that once played to a par 60 no longer exists. “I’ve shot my age a couple of dozen times,” he once said of his golf career. “But I’m not the only golfer in the family. My wife, Barbara, recently got her fourth hole in one, and she lets me know it. I’ve never had one in 63 years

of playing the game, although I have had a couple of (double-eagle) 2s on par 5s.” Besides being a golfer, rater and rules official, Graves was a brilliant character who was admired and loved by most everyone who knew him. And he never disappointed with a quip or a joke. For instance, Doc had this to say upon his induction into the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame. “I’ve been in every nook, every cranny, every gully and on every mountaintop of every golf course in this state,” he said with obvious pride. “And during that time, I’ve gone through 13 cars while driving over 500,000 miles (for the AGA), and I didn’t ask for a dime! Why (the AGA) pays these guys to do that now. It’s the craziest thing I’ve ever seen in my life.” Barbara Graves said that was the thing about Doc that everyone admired. “He was never afraid to be the butt of the joke,” she said. “And he liked to tell jokes because that made people happy, and Doc always liked to be around happy people.” Doc and Barbara raised three children and have four grandchildren. She said that Doc, who was a corporal in the Army, was buried during a “simple military burial” and that a celebration of life will be forthcoming from the family. n www.azgolf.org

ARIZONA NEWS

OBITUARY

ASU PHOTO

Jack Nicklaus presented former ASU coach Randy Lein with his CGCAA Hall of Fame plaque in 2008.

Ex-ASU golf coach Randy Lein dies at 69

ormer Arizona State men’s golf coach Randy Lein, who led the Sun Devils to the NCAA Championship in 1996, died in late December in Scottsdale. He was 69. Lein (pronounced “Line”) coached at Arizona State for 18 years, from 1993 to 2010. He also coached at USC from 1983 to 1992. During that time, his teams won 67 tournaments, including 10 Pac-10 Championships. Eight of those conference titles came at ASU, including a record six in a row from 1995 to 2000. Lein was selected as Pac-10 Coach of the Year on seven occasions, including five times at ASU. As a result, he was honored as the Pacwww.azgolf.org

10’s Coach of the 20th Century and inducted into the College Golf Coaches Hall of Fame in 2008. “Randy really cared about his players,” former ASU women’s coach Linda Vollstedt said of Lein, whom she worked alongside of during his 18year tenure with the Sun Devils. “Coaching was his passion; he loved helping his players develop not only as golfers but as people. His players were his family, and he stayed in contact with them and their families after they left the program. He was proud of their accomplishments.” ASU recognized Lein’s impact and honored his legacy during a celebration of life Jan. 20 at Papago Golf Course, the new home for Arizona State golf. A 2015 inductee into the Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Fame, Lein was remembered as a wonderful friend and mentor, as well as one of the nicest individuals you would ever encounter in the world of golf. Gifts in memory of Lein can be directed to the Coach Randy Lein Memorial Fund with the Sun Devil Club. n PREVIEW 2020 | AZ GOLF Insider | 31

RULES & HANDICAPPING

By Ed Gowan

@#&*# Or as they are better known to those who play the game of golf — bunkers

he “hazards” of the old Rules of Golf are now “penalty areas,” but in my mind, all bunkers are still hazardous. There’s no question that the concept of playing from sand originated in seaside Scotland, as no other game or area of the world takes such pleasure from sand pits. The word “bunker” first appeared in the Royal & Ancient’s Rules in 1812 without any explanation. It must have been part of the local lexicon, noting that what we now know as “loose impediments” could be moved away from the ball, “but nothing can be removed if it lie on sand or in a bunker.” Other clubs did not adopt the term for some time, although in 1815, the Links of Aberdeen Rules noted, “In playing out of sand or loose ground, the player shall neither beat down nor drew away the sand or soil from the ball.” A fact for some 200plus years in the rules that seems to be lost on some current players.

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The Perth Golfing Society adopted the word in 1825 in common fashion, indicating that although the word originated in the 1750s as a “sleeping berth,” the habit of sheep to bed down in sandy hollows that both removed the turf covering sand in the seaside dunes where golf was played and created the wonderful challenges we now replicate worldwide. In typical Scottish fashion, creating obstacles was easiest achieved by replicating the work of the sheep, and sand hollows proliferated as means of creating interest on otherwise open turf “fairways.” As winds often eroded or flattened edges, stacked turf borders both protected the outline of bunkers and added more challenge for golfers. As Robin Williams so eloquently noted, “They put a flagstick in the hole to give you hope, then put all sorts of @#&*# in the way” — a more colorful word for the bunkers we now love so well. Sand has become as much a part of golf courses throughout the world as

a putting green, as you will rarely find one without its sandy guardians. The words “putting green,” coincidentally, also appeared without explanation in the Rules of Golf in that same 1812 edition from the Royal & Ancient. But, that’s another story for the next issue. Here’s what you need to know today: 1. Don’t improve the lie of the ball, area of swing or line of play. 2. Don’t touch the sand either behind or in front of the ball. 3. Don’t test the condition of the bunker with a practice stroke or probing. Unlike the last 207 years, we can now move impediments from around the ball without affecting the lie, area of swing or line of play. If you’re interested in further exploring the significance of “@#&*#’s” in Scotland, why not join the Arizona Golf Tour for the 150th British Open at St. Andrews in 2021 and watch the world’s best attempt to navigate the 112 named bunkers on the Old Course! Then after the Open finishes, you’ll have the chance to experience them yourself. See the AGA website, AzGolf.org, for more information. n

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WHAT’S NEW IN THE GAME

By AZGOLF Insider Staff

Club Champion debuts fitting studio in Scottsdale

www.azgolf.org

The company has a unique coupling system used to combine any head and shaft together, so golfers hit the precise combination to be custom built for them. They are the only fitter in the country to offer 35,000 interchangeable head and shaft combinations on-site at all locations. Club Champion ambassador and world-renowned golf instructor David Leadbetter says, “It never ceases to amaze me that golfers buy clubs off the shelf and assume they’re right for them. Whether you’re a great golfer or a casual one, getting a custom club fitting is one of the quickest ways to improve your game.” The results back up that claim: A recent

Golf Magazine study showed the average Club Champion customer gained 22 yards off the tee, 15 yards with their irons and lowered their scores by three strokes. The Scottsdale fitting studio is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. n More information can be found at www.clubchampiongolf.com or by calling (888) 340-7820.

Ranked by Golf Digest as one of the 100 Best club-fitters for 10 years running, Club Champion recently opened its doors in Scottsdale.

COURTESY CLUB CHAMPION

ustom club fitter Club Champion opened its new fitting studio in Scottsdale in December. Located at 9015 East Via Linda, the store is Club Champion’s first location in Arizona. Club Champion fits, sells and builds custom golf clubs using brands like Callaway, TaylorMade, PING, Titleist, Cobra, Fujikura, Golf Pride and many more. The company delivers a Tour-level fitting that produces longer, more accurate shots with a nearly 100 percent satisfaction rate for golfers of any ability level. The new studio features two indoor hitting bays with TrackMan launch monitors for analyzing performance, a SAM PuttLab system to find the perfect putter, and a build shop for repairing and assembling golf clubs by hand. The roughly 3,000 square foot space also includes a demo matrix to display the head and shaft options that make up their 35,000 hittable combinations. “We are excited to bring the finest club fitting and building to Scottsdale,” said Joe Lee, CEO of Club Champion. “Our approach is proven and unbiased, with no promotion of any specific vendors. Our only goal is to find the best combination of components to help customers lower their scores and better enjoy the game.” Ranked by Golf Digest as one of the 100 Best Club Fitters for 10 years running, Club Champion hires experienced fitters who then receive an additional 150-plus hours of training, which is unmatched in the golf industry.

PREVIEW 2020 | AZ GOLF Insider | 33

ARIZONA NEWS

ARIZONA SCOREBOARD

AGA MEN’S TOURNAMENTS

ARIZONA GOLF ASSOCIATION 2020 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

PLAYERS CUP Raven Phoenix Golf Club November 9-10, 2019

DATE

Open Division Natarajan, Shankar...................... -9 Souza, John.................................. -8 Kertson, Tyler............................... -7 Lehman, Thomas......................... -6 Thomas, Chris.............................. -4 Evans, Davis................................. -3 Walicki, Adam............................. -3 Harris, Neil.................................... -2 Howard, Brett............................... -2 Martin, Michael........................... -2 Candelaria, Abe........................... -1 Hedman, Nick.............................. -1 Johnson, Greg.............................. -1 Powell, Matt...................................1 Holmes, Mitchell...........................2 Jiwa, Sadiq.....................................3 Wiemiller, Aaron............................3 Hansen, Eric...................................4 Ignoffo, Jim....................................4 Bradford, Ben.................................5 Kalis, Travis.....................................5 Lindsey, Stephen...........................5 Cesarek, Grant................................6 Gomez, Matthew..........................6 Hawkinson, Ty................................7 Hondula, David..............................7 Sciacero, Michael...........................8 Strang, Cooper...............................8 Ersek, Ace.......................................9 Mattson, Dylan..............................9 Duarte, Eric..................................10 Lahmar, Marco.............................12 Palubeskie, Austin.......................13 Gibbons, Brad..............................14 Good, Johnse...............................15 Evans, Kristopher.........................16 Walker, William............................19 Archuleta, Scott...........................21 Cheung, David.............................21 Nierman, Camden.......................21 Fullinwider, Cody.........................22

70 65 135 70 66 136 69 68 137 66 72 138 70 70 140 70 71 141 69 72 141 68 74 142 68 74 142 71 71 142 72 71 143 72 71 143 73 70 143 74 71 145 80 66 146 71 76 147 70 77 147 74 74 148 78 70 148 78 71 149 77 72 149 73 76 149 77 73 150 75 75 150 74 77 151 78 73 151 74 78 152 72 80 152 74 79 153 80 73 153 77 77 154 80 76 156 80 77 157 79 79 158 81 78 159 76 84 160 82 81 163 81 84 165 84 81 165 84 81 165 85 81 166

COMPETITION

HOST SITE

TOURNAMENT TYPE

FEBRUARY Feb. 15 Women’s Season Opener Briarwood Country Club Feb. 22 - 23 San Tan Amateur Alta Mesa Golf Club MARCH March 6 - 8 AGA Championship Aguila Golf Club March 28 - 29 Mayan Palace Member Day Mayan Palace - Puerto Penasco APRIL April 12 - 18 Peru Invitational Lima Golf Club - Lima, Peru April 20 - 21 Women’s Four-Ball Championship Talking Stick Golf Club April 23 - 26 Arizona Stroke Play Championship Lone Tree Golf Club April 26 AGA Scramble Day Golf Club of Estrella April 27 Senior Cup Series Falcon Dunes Golf Course MAY May 4 U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier TBD May 4 U.S. Open Qualifier The Country Club at DC Ranch May 6 U.S. Open Qualifier Seville Golf and Country Club May 7 U.S. Open Qualifier Sewailo Golf Club May 11 U.S. Open Qualifier Phoenix Country Club May. 11 Senior Cup Series The Legend at Arrowhead May 15 - 16 Falcon Amateur / AZ Am Qualifier #1 Falcon Dunes Golf Course May 18 Senior Cup Series Seville Golf and Country Club May 18 U.S. Senior Open Qualifier Arizona Country Club May 23 AGA Scramble Day Talking Stick Golf Club May 30 - 31 Western Am / AZ Am Qualifier #2 Yuma Golf and Country Club JUNE June 1 - 4 Arizona Senior Stroke Play Championship TPC Scottsdale - Champions Course June 6 - 7 Father & Son Championship Antelope Hills Golf Club June 8 U.S. Senior Women’s Open Qualifier Papago Golf Club June 12 - 14 Arizona Mid-Am / AZ Am Qualifier #3 Ocotillo Golf Club June 14 AGA Scramble Day Briarwood Country Club June 15 Senior Cup Series Las Sendas Golf Club June 18 U.S. Junior Amateur Qualifier Golf Club of Encanterra June 20 Weekend Classic Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club June 22 Senior Cup Series The Golf Club at Dove Mountain June 25 - 28 Women’s Match Play Championship Desert Mountain Golf Club - Outlaw Course June 27 - 28 Southern Am /AZ Am Qualifier #4 The Golf Club at Dove Mountain June 28 AGA Scramble Day Tatum Ranch Golf Club June 30 U.S. Women’s Amateur Qualifier Rio Verde Country Club U.S. Girls Junior Qualifier TBD

Masters Division Gregory, Kevin...............................9 Jacobus, Randy..............................9 Bowers, Adam.............................18 Vickers, Ken..................................22

77 76 153 76 77 153 83 79 162 79 87 166

Senior Division Benton, Jeff.................................. -6 69 69 138 Honerkamp, David....................... -4 71 69 140 Stamey, Alex..................................1 72 73 145

Thompson, Al................................2 Reycroft, Don.................................3 Brown, Rusty.................................4 Hernandez, John...........................4 Apps, Marc.....................................7 Decof, Lee.....................................10 New, Jeff......................................10 Wood, Ron...................................10 Geesling, Steve............................11 Chilton, Mitch..............................15

71 75 146 76 71 147 74 74 148 79 69 148 75 76 151 77 77 154 74 80 154 76 78 154 73 82 155 77 82 159

Women’s AGA TOUR AGA Championship / Women’s AGA Member Day AGA Team Women’s AGA Championship AGA Scramble Day Senior Cup Series USGA Qualifier USGA Qualifier USGA Qualifier USGA Qualifier USGA Qualifier Senior Cup Series AGA TOUR Senior Cup Series USGA Qualifier AGA Scramble Day AGA TOUR AGA Senior Championship AGA Member Day USGA Qualifier AGA Championship / Women’s AGA Scramble Day Senior Cup Series USGA Qualifier Mixed Senior Cup Series Women’s AGA TOUR AGA Scramble Day USGA Qualifier USGA Qualifier

Legends Division Ellenburg, Frank........................... -4 Blau, Tim...................................... -3 Mitchell, Murph............................. E Burton, Bob...................................2 Diede, Duane.................................7 Blair, Jack.......................................9 Eastlack, Tom...............................12

69 71 140 71 70 141 73 71 144 76 70 146 79 72 151 76 77 153 76 80 156

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ARIZONA NEWS

DATE

COMPETITION

HOST SITE

JULY July 1 - 2 U.S. Amateur Qualifier Ah Chin Southern Dunes July 7 Senior Cup Series Capital Canyon July 8 - 9 U.S. Amateur Qualifier Trilogy at Power Ranch July 11 - 12 Mixed Stix Tournament Seven Canyons Golf Club July 11 AGA Scramble Day Gainey Ranch Golf Club July 12 AZ Am Qualifier #5 Papago Golf Club July 18 Net Stroke Play Championship Oakwood Golf Club July 21 - 24 Pacific Coast Amateur Royal Colwood GC - Victoria, BC July 27 - Aug. 1 96th Arizona Amateur Championship Desert Forest U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Qualifier TBD AUGUST Aug. 3 Senior Cup Series Seven Canyons Aug. 5 U.S. Senior Amateur Qualifier Tonto Verde Golf Club - Ranch Course Aug. 10 - 13 Arizona Senior Match Play Championship Ah Chin Southern Dunes Aug. 10 Senior Cup Series We Ko Pa Golf Club - Saguaro Aug. 15 AGA Scramble Day Las Sendas Golf Club Aug. 17 - 19 Women’s State Stroke Play Championship Grayhawk Golf Club - Talon Course Aug. 17 U.S. Mid-Amateur Qualifier Trilogy at Vistancia Aug. 31 Senior Cup Series Phoenix Country Club U.S. Senior Women’s Am Qualifier TBD SEPTEMBER Sept. 5 AGA Scramble Day Ocotillo Golf Club Sept. 9 - 11 Women’s State Senior Championship Trilogy at Power Ranch Sept. 12 - 13 Arizona Four-Ball Las Sendas Golf Club Sept. 14 - 15 Women’s Scotch Play Tournament Flagstaff Ranch Sept. 17 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Qualifier Las Sendas Golf Club Sept. 21 Bob Goldwater Cup Matches Phoenix Country Club Sept. 21 Senior Cup Series Championship Gainey Ranch OCTOBER Oct. 5 - 6 Arizona - Utah Shootout The Club at Prescott Lakes Oct. 10 - 11 Northern Amateur Oakcreek Country Club Oct. 24 - 25 Mayan Palace Mayan Palace - Puerto Penasco NOVEMBER Nov. 15 - 16 Women’s Partners Tournament Ventana Canyon - Mountain Nov. 21 - 22 AGA Players Cup Championship Verrado Golf Club - Founders Nov. 21 - 22 AGA Women’s Players Cup Championship Verrado Golf Club - Founders DECEMBER Dec. 6 - 9 SW Team Challenge Rio Secco Golf Club - Las Vegas, NV

Club Team Championship Moon Valley Country Club December 9, 2019 Championship Flight MacDonald, Allan + Isner, Josh..................-11 61 Sciacero, Michael + Bentzinger, Nik.............-7 65 Gribbons, Bryon + Lesperance, Jon..............-6 66 Hill, Clayton + Foote, Jarrett..........................-6 66

Gorman, Patrick + Bojalad, Rick...................-4 68 Atkinson, Andrew + Childress, Travis............-4 68 Rizzo, Brian + Rizzo, Tyler..............................-2 70 Comolli, Charlie + Martens, Ted....................-1 71 Parker, Corey + Reap, Chris..............................E 72 Kriz, Jonathan + Beverly, Brad........................1 73 Jones Flight Butler, David + Foley, Ryan.....................-13.22 58.78 Hietala, Dwight + Roche, Bud.................-8.25 63.75

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Hogan Flight Thursam, Jeff + Thursam, Tyler..............-11.55 60.45 Agard, Barry + Beeney, Ryan...................-9.75 62.25 Bryant, Robert + DeKraker, Stacey...........-9.73 62.27 Brzys, Steve + Chilton, Logan..................-9.56 62.44 Morris, Cecil + Windsor, Richard..............-8.28 63.72 Best, Dan + Attanasio, Russ.....................-4.86 67.14 Brazil, Joe + Bradley, Gerard....................-3.08 68.92 Wampach, Kurt + Archer, Patrick.............-2.49 69.51 Redger, Dale + Lara, Chuy......................... 1.51 73.51

TOURNAMENT TYPE USGA Qualifier Senior Cup Series USGA Qualifier Mixed AGA Scramble Day AGA TOUR AGA TOUR / Women’s AGA Team AGA Championship USGA Qualifier Senior Cup Series USGA Qualifier AGA Championship Senior Cup Series AGA Scramble Day Women’s USGA Qualifier Senior Cup Series USGA Qualifier

Nelson Flight Bingold, Phil + Shaffer, Chuck...............-10.79 61.21 Van Natter, Tony + Ward, Tim...................-9.73 62.27 Marchese, Benny + Santistevan, Bill.......-9.68 62.32 Henson, Jeff + Caporrimo, Marc..............-7.11 64.89 Larson, Kurt + Koebnick, Jeff...................-4.69 67.31 French, RB + White, Mitch...........................0.5 72.5 Fjosee, Dave + Thachuk, Terry................... 1.45 73.45 Williams, Gary + Heinz, Chris................... 2.53 74.53

AGA Scramble Day Women’s AGA TOUR Women’s USGA Qualifier AGA Team Senior Cup Series

Sarazen Flight Conrad, Walt + Hardy, Shawn..................-8.26 63.74 Newsom, Chuck + Welch, Tim.................-7.39 64.61 Snodgrass, Bob + Jorgensen, Chad...........-5.2 66.8 Berigan, Roberto + VanAlstine, Kyle..........-5.1 66.9 Rogers, Steve + Rogers, Mike...................-5.08 66.92 Kuemper, Bill + Robertson, Ray.................-4.5 67.5 Fabos, Alan + McEwen, Steve..................-4.19 67.81 Covington, Dan + Kethan, Dennis...........-3.17 68.83 Sheard, Jim + Sattig, Pete........................-3.12 68.88 Smith, Stan + Cave, Bob...........................-1.11 70.89

AGA Team AGA TOUR AGA Member Day Women’s AGA Championship AGA Championship AGA Team

Gonzalez, Greg + Hitchcock, Andrew......-7.72 64.28 Renli, Tom + Pape, Bruce...............................-7 65 Demary, Dalen + Keen, Jeff......................-4.68 67.32 Ferreira, Victor + Dicello, Jim....................-4.19 67.81 Maldonado, Mario + Spruce, Jeremy......-4.17 67.83 Elliott, Ted + Fowler, Brandon..................-3.88 68.12 Hess, Carl + Healy, Kevin..........................-3.22 68.78 Baker, Randy + Wojack, Alex..................... 0.23 72.23

Super Senior Flight Jones, Alton + Murphy, William............-14.41 57.59 Mapey, Jim + Lynn, Greg.......................-12.62 59.38 Katz, Stuart + Fines, Kal.........................-11.72 60.28 Donnelly, Bob + Zink, Don.......................-8.48 63.52 Jones, Jeff + Holt Jr., Charles....................-5.83 66.17 Treece, Jerry + Kenney, Kyler....................-5.69 66.31 McGarry, Russell + Spehar, John.............-5.06 66.94 Nagel, Wally + McConnell, Michael.........-1.37 70.63

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PREVIEW 2020 | AZ GOLF Insider | 35

ARIZONA NEWS

ARIZONA SCOREBOARD

Southwest Team Challenge Rio Secco Golf Club, Las Vegas December 9-11, 2019 Team Stableford points Utah Golf Assoc. Team 1........................................ 87 Arkansas................................................................ 61 Utah Golf Assoc. Team 2........................................ 56 Utah Golf Assoc. Team 3........................................ 48 Wyoming............................................................... 44 Arizona Golf Assoc. Team 1................................... 43 Utah 1.................................................................... 33 Utah 2.................................................................... 30 Arizona Golf Assoc. Team 2................................... 15 Mississippi..............................................................-7 AGA Short Course Oakwood Country Club, Sun Lakes January 4-5, 2020 Miller, Adam................................ -6 Harris, Neil.................................... -5 Brown, Rusty............................... -3 McIver, Rob.................................. -2 Baylon, Brent............................... -2 Yoo, Jimin..................................... -2 Apps, Tyler.................................... -2 Quagliata, Mason........................ -2 Brown, Steven............................. -1 Candelaria, Abe........................... -1 Escobedo, Josh............................. -1 Holmes, Mitchell......................... -1 Stamey, Alex................................ -1 Peterson, Paige............................ -1 Kellaney, Kenneth.......................... E Strang, Cooper...............................1 Watton, Jason................................1 Anderson, Cade.............................2 Blau, Tim........................................2 Healey, Michael.............................2 Bradford, Ben.................................2 Hernandez, John...........................3 Powell, Matt...................................3 Tomita, Rodney..............................3 Benton, Jeff....................................3 Apps, Marc.....................................3 Hawkinson, Ty................................5 Haberern, Michael.........................5 Ogrin, Bailey..................................5 Schaller, John.................................5 Wood, Cal.......................................5 Levos, David...................................5 Yehle, Ben......................................5 Gregory, Kevin...............................5 Plewa, Ray.....................................5 Wade, Dominic..............................5 Reycroft, Don.................................6 Perez, Ruben..................................6 Mitchell, Murph.............................6

62 66 128 67 62 129 65 66 131 63 69 132 64 68 132 65 67 132 67 65 132 67 65 132 64 69 133 66 67 133 67 66 133 67 66 133 67 66 133 69 64 133 68 66 134 68 67 135 69 66 135 67 69 136 67 69 136 70 66 136 71 65 136 67 70 137 68 69 137 68 69 137 69 68 137 71 66 137 66 73 139 68 71 139 68 71 139 68 71 139 69 70 139 70 69 139 71 68 139 73 66 139 73 66 139 74 65 139 68 72 140 69 71 140 71 69 140

Morrison, Rich...............................6 Tjeerdsma, Ryan............................6 Wagner, Mike.................................6 Baylon, Romy................................7 McCool, Robin................................7 Cohen, Warren...............................7 Cheung, David...............................8 Wall, Kevin.....................................8 Alger, Frank....................................9 Gomez, Matthew..........................9 Bailey, Wayne.................................9 Nash, Dave...................................10 Kasperson, Rod............................10 Chilton, Mitch..............................11 Bailey, Travis.................................11 Roser, Brian..................................11 Smith, Jared.................................12 Augustyniak, Andrew.................12 Decof, Lee.....................................12 Harsha, Steve...............................12 Grayson, Richard..........................13 Nierman, Camden.......................13 Christenson, William...................13 Hoskins, Kevin..............................14 Brown, Paul..................................14 Ersek, Ace.....................................15 Davis, Dakota...............................15 Blair, Jack.....................................15 Richardson, Doug........................15 Forbes, Steve................................16 Sciacero, Michael.........................18 Engel, Max...................................19 Cardon, Joseph............................19 Reasoner, Craig............................27

71 69 140 71 69 140 74 66 140 69 72 141 71 70 141 73 68 141 66 76 142 71 71 142 67 76 143 68 75 143 69 74 143 68 76 144 69 75 144 72 73 145 74 71 145 75 70 145 72 74 146 73 73 146 73 73 146 77 69 146 69 78 147 74 73 147 76 71 147 74 74 148 80 68 148 70 79 149 73 76 149 76 73 149 76 73 149 74 76 150 77 75 152 71 82 153 78 75 153 78 83 161

WOMEN’S TOURNAMENTS

Women’s Scotch Play Tournament Tubac Golf Resort, Tubac September 27-28, 2019 First Flight Leigh Klasse / Kim Eaton................-6 67 69 136 Molly Steffes / Tori Totlis.................. 4 73 73 146 Lisa Smego / Judy Miller................. 7 73 76 149 Second Flight Wei Bedell / Mary Morris..............16 80 78 158 Nell Brownell / Lisa Odonnell.......22 80 84 164 Third Flight Jan Rintala / Ginna Riggall...........26 84 84 168 Fourth Flight Barbara Ross / Jacki McCue..........49 101 90 191

36 | AZ GOLF Insider | PREVIEW 2020

Women’s Partners Tournament Torreon Golf Club, Show Low October 15-16, 2019 Team Stableford Points Total First Flight Lisa Smego / Susan D Basso..................46 58 104 Molly Steffes / Tori Totlis.........................37 60 97 Second Flight Doreen Schroeder / Kim Parker..............35 45 80 Bonnie Marsh / Lisa Odonnell...............29 48 77 Ann Riekena / Odette Rose....................20 44 64 Third Flight Jacque Twitty / Tina Donovan...............27 34 61 Fourth Flight Barb Erhart / Robbin Banicki.................25 32 57

home of the 90 day satisfaction guarantee } club repair } trade-ins } great selection } great service } free computer club fitting } serving az since 1963 } 7 arizona locations

Patriot All-America Wigwam Golf Club December 29-31, 2019 Norton, Noah........................-7 Overstreet, Mason................-6 Suber, Jackson......................-6 Choi, Sam..............................-6 Vrzich, Joey...........................-5 Perkins, David.......................-5 Andersen, Mason.................-4 Jackson, Palmer....................-3 Taylor, Zack............................-3 Lee, Junmin..........................-2 Davenport, Reid....................-2 Oyo, Shiryu (Leo)..................-1 Kinney, Tripp.........................-1 Wagoner, Blake.....................-1 Huff, Graysen........................-1 Hall, Ryan..............................-1

70 69 68 68 69 64 67 71 70 71 69 71 72 71 70 70

65 68 203 67 68 204 68 68 204 69 67 204 71 65 205 71 70 205 68 71 206 71 65 207 71 66 207 70 67 208 69 70 208 72 66 209 70 67 209 68 70 209 68 71 209 67 72 209

Schaake, Alex...................... -1 Gerard, Ryan..........................E Laskin, David.........................E Wolcott, Hunter.....................E Brightwell, Jonathan............E Hogan, Kyle...........................E Mathers, Drew......................E Banke, Christian....................E Baumgarten, Bryan.............. E Mueller, Ferdinand............ +1 Lai, Eddy............................ +1 McAllister, Logan.............. +1 Feagles, Michael............... +1 Eichhorn, Hunter............... +2 Johnson, Garrett................ +3 Jackson, Isaiah.................. +3 Starzinski, Dan.................. +3 Stark, Brian........................ +3 Li, Jason............................. +3 Menante, Dylan................ +4 Cummins, Quade.............. +4 Erickson, Dan..................... +4 Sale, Julien........................ +4 Ott, Harrison...................... +4 Soosman, Spencer............ +4 Clegg, Ford........................ +4 Gueant, Tom...................... +5 Sisk, Cameron................... +5 Soetarso, Fadhli................. +5 Moll, William..................... +5 Gonzalez, Paul................... +5 Bennett, Sam.................... +6 Stirn, Zan Luka.................. +6 O’Hagan, Max................... +6 Ryan, Logan...................... +7 Cassidy, Nicolas................. +7 Chatfield, Davis................. +7 Eubank, Skyler.................. +7 D’Souza, Leon................... +7 Brown, Evan...................... +7 Ostrom, Hunter................. +8 Fahy, Alan.......................... +8 Snyder, David.................... +8 Keefer, Johnny................... +9 Willis, Cameron................. +9 Perico, Julian..................... +9 McCarthy, Joshua.............. +9 Hicks, David..................... +10 Osgood, Cade.................. +10 Svard, Elis........................ +10 Hill, Allan......................... +12 Castille, Peri’Don............. +12 Garbee, Thomas.............. +12 Sylven, Joel..................... +14 Carver, Logan.................. +14 Amlung, Clay................... +14 Smith, Brandon............... +14 McKee, James................. +15 Mishoe IV, James............ +15

67 74 72 74 70 71 68 73 70 73 75 71 67 75 68 70 72 71 73 73 68 71 73 75 73 79 71 76 74 72 70 72 71 70 72 72 73 74 76 70 71 72 73 72 73 73 69 71 77 72 73 74 77 77 75 76 77 70 76

71 71 209 68 68 210 69 69 210 71 65 210 71 69 210 69 70 210 72 70 210 66 71 210 69 71 210 71 67 211 66 70 211 69 71 211 73 71 211 65 72 212 75 70 213 73 70 213 72 69 213 71 71 213 67 73 213 70 71 214 75 71 214 71 72 214 71 70 214 72 67 214 75 66 214 70 65 214 72 72 215 67 72 215 69 72 215 72 71 215 71 74 215 73 71 216 69 76 216 70 76 216 71 74 217 73 72 217 72 72 217 72 71 217 71 70 217 69 78 217 71 76 218 74 72 218 73 72 218 72 75 219 71 75 219 73 73 219 72 78 219 75 74 220 69 74 220 75 73 220 74 75 222 73 75 222 70 75 222 69 78 224 75 74 224 74 74 224 73 74 224 74 81 225 68 81 225

www.azgolf.org

ARIZONA NEWS

Scott, Eli........................... +16 Chen, Aaron.................... +16 Epson, Hunter................. +17 Wuethrich, Rob............... +18 Rebne, Ben...................... +18 Wu, Joshua...................... +22 Biata, Mike...................... +29 Accurso, John.................. +31

75 76 82 74 79 75 76 85

70 81 226 73 77 226 69 76 227 79 75 228 76 73 228 78 79 232 84 79 239 73 83 241

Joanne Winter Arizona Silver Belle Champioship Longbow Golf Club December 28-30, 2019 Schuster, Katherine............... -7 68 73 65 206 Guo, Sophie........................... -5 68 72 68 208 Niblett, Makenzie................. -1 70 70 72 212 Campos, Zoe........................... E 74 68 71 213 Duong, Quynn........................1 72 72 70 214 Chien, Leigh............................2 72 75 68 215 Calibuso-Kwee, Lana..............2 73 71 71 215 Menne, Ashley........................3 74 71 71 216 Avery, Amari...........................3 75 70 71 216 Laux, Madeleine.....................3 75 69 72 216 Bryan, Sydney.........................3 73 70 73 216

Shim, Ashely...........................3 71 70 75 216 Shoemaker, Bailey..................3 75 66 75 216 Han, Euna................................4 74 73 70 217 Dimayuga, Kamille.................4 76 71 70 217 Rosholt, Calynne.....................4 73 72 72 217 Adams, Kynadie......................4 70 72 75 217 Gomez, Lauren.......................5 73 76 69 218 Park, Brianna...........................5 72 75 71 218 Park, Ashleigh.........................5 74 73 71 218 Whitaker, Emma.....................5 75 70 73 218 Neale, Nicole...........................6 77 68 74 219 Weinstein, Mary.....................6 73 70 76 219 Whittaker, Megan...................7 72 77 71 220 Wright, Kenzie........................7 75 71 74 220 Summerhays, Grace...............7 72 73 75 220 Su, Kelly..................................7 76 67 77 220 Shang, Charissa......................8 76 73 72 221 Nguyen, Lauryn......................8 74 72 75 221 Choi, Faith...............................8 73 72 76 221 Liu, Yilin (Angela)...................8 73 72 76 221 Li, Katie...................................9 76 74 72 222 Borrelli, Annika.......................9 73 75 74 222 Gamble, Madelyn...................9 76 72 74 222 Matthews, Breyana................9 74 77 71 222 Zibilski, Reagan......................9 73 73 76 222

Navarrosa, Brianna.................9 71 73 78 222 Huh, Yoonjeong....................11 74 75 75 224 Kim, Lauren...........................11 75 73 76 224 Wang, Vanessa......................11 77 75 72 224 Liu, Michelle.........................11 82 73 69 224 Jin, Mika................................12 76 76 73 225 Fitzpatrick, Mikayla..............12 80 73 72 225 Hall, McKenzi........................13 82 68 76 226 Winans, Meagan..................13 77 73 76 226 Chen, Emma.........................13 74 75 77 226 Cao, Natalie...........................13 74 76 76 226 Kim, Alexis............................13 71 79 76 226 Hillary, Charlotte...................13 77 74 75 226 Cai, Jennifer..........................13 77 74 75 226 Frye, Laney............................14 72 78 77 227 Gomez Ortizibarra, Andrea..14 75 76 76 227 Royal, Meghan......................14 76 72 79 227 Zhu, Katherine......................14 75 71 81 227 Yen, Ashley...........................14 78 75 74 227 Bruch, Jocelyn.......................14 77 77 73 227 Todd, Kendall........................15 79 70 79 228 Schutte, Abbey.....................15 74 77 77 228 Lam, Chloe............................15 78 74 76 228 Misemer, Julia.......................15 80 74 74 228 Vesely, Kaylee.......................15 76 69 83 228

Smith, Caroline.....................15 75 80 73 228 Mission, Riana......................16 76 73 80 229 Winans, Libby.......................16 78 73 78 229 Avery, Alona..........................16 76 76 77 229 Garcia Rubio, Estibaly...........16 80 75 74 229 Ferreira, Montgomery..........17 77 74 79 230 Sutikto, Borina......................17 75 76 79 230 Frick, Mattison......................17 74 79 77 230 Feldman, Jackie....................17 79 75 76 230 Sy, Isabel...............................17 80 74 76 230 Benita, Maya.........................17 74 81 75 230 Vakasiuola, Alyzzah..............17 78 78 74 230 Harrison, Hannah.................18 80 74 77 231 Angosta, Kirstin....................20 77 77 79 233 Martin, Delaney....................20 82 78 73 233 Zweig, Avery.........................21 78 74 82 234 Ruffolo, Georgia....................21 79 77 78 234 Vogler, Shannyn....................21 81 77 76 234 Quihuis, Alexandra...............22 81 72 82 235 Stinchcomb, Katie.................23 78 80 78 236 Kiel, Natasha.........................24 82 78 77 237 Newell, Zoe...........................25 77 79 82 238 Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Keefe, Bridget....................27 78 81 81 240 Roller, Jenni...........................30 87 75 81 243

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

www.azgolf.org

PREVIEW 2020 | AZ GOLF Insider | 37

By Bill Huffman & Joe Passov

Heritage at Asante

Lennar’s latest idea will feature putting links ‘Seven’ makes its debut at Desert Mountain GC

hat could be the future of active adult golf communities — a putting course rather than a country club — is getting ready to make its debut later this month in Surprise. No surprise, really, considering the number of rounds played on golf courses throughout the U.S. has been down in 14 of the last 15 years. At least that was part of the logic when Lennar Homes, the nation’s largest homebuilder, decided to feature an upscale nine-hole putting course instead of a traditional 18-hole country club as its chief amenity at its new Heritage at Asante community. Lennar’s latest edition, which also will offer an option to purchase a private membership at nearby Briarwood Country Club, will have its grand opening on Feb. 22. Mike Dowell, a senior vice president 38 | AZ GOLF Insider | PREVIEW 2020

of sales and marketing for Lennar, is the man in charge of what could be a game changer for future communities that offer golf. Dowell, who grew up in the golf business in Wisconsin and Georgia, calls the putting course “an interesting solve” to some of the challenges that face today’s homebuilders. “First of all, the land consumption is only one acre for the putting course versus 90 to 100 acres for an 18-hole championship course,” Dowell pointed out. “Second, it will probably take less than an hour to play versus four-plus hours for a normal round of golf. “But most of all, it’s going to be special, with all the bells and whistles. We see it as championship putting course that people can enjoy with their children and grandchildren, as well as having lots of fun with friends.” With a price tag of $300,000, this isn’t your father’s putt-putt course. Remember those popular putting layouts made of green indoor carpeting and cement, and found in bowling alleys? Asante’s putting course, which is played on a tight artificial grass surface, has replica holes of some of the nation’s most well-known links. Or as Dowell noted, new homeowners will “almost feel the sea air” at the replicas of Pebble Beach’s seventh and 18th holes. They’ll also “feel the excitement” of holes 16, 17 and 18 at TPC Scottsdale. Other holes you might recognize include Augusta National’s testy 12th hole, and the iconic

island green at TPC Sawgrass’ 17th. “It’s going to be awesome, with real water, trees and vegetation flowing throughout,” Dowell said. “We’ve also got some beautiful bridges like the ones that go over Rae’s Creek (at the Masters).” Membership fees for the yet-to-benamed putting course are included in the homeowner’s HOA fee ($180 a month), which also includes a recreation/ fitness center, resort swimming pool/ Jacuzzi, pickle ball/bocce courts, dog park and trailheads surrounding a 50-acre park. For those who want to belong to Briarwood Country Club, a 10-minute commute away, Lennar is offering a 60-day unlimited membership, with fees ranging from $450 to $850 for those who ultimately join the club. Since 1954, Lennar has built literally thousands of communities. But this is the first-ever golf community anchored by a putting course with an option to belong to a course outside of the community. Part of the reason Lennar took this strategy, Dowell added, was because at Lennar’s Verrado community that also is located in the West Valley and includes two championship courses, less than 10 percent of the active adult homebuyers actually joined the golf club. “I think it’s going to be the right decision, because even without a golf course, we’ve had over 1,000 people join our waiting list (to purchase homes in February),” he said. “We are certainly excited by the interest.” www.azgolf.org

COURTESY LENNAR

MOVERS&SHAKEUPS

Naturally, not everyone would agree with such a concept. Just down the road in Surprise, Toll Brothers opened a new community in January called Sterling Grove, with a Nicklaus-designed golf course as its centerpiece. Sterling Grove, the course, is scheduled to open in January 2021. Coincidentally, it will be the first golf course to open in Arizona since Lennar opened Victory at Verrado in 2016. “We wish (Toll Brothers) all the success because, ultimately, it helps all of us in that specific market,” Dowell said of Sterling Grove. “But at this time, and with golf being kind of flat and people having such great demands on their time these days, we feel like this amazing putting course along with the option at Briarwood Country Club will be a very good fit for the new community.” Homes at Asante, located at 163rd Avenue and Grand, just north of Sun City Grand, are priced from the low $200,000s to the mid-$300,000s, and it will be one of the only golf communities in the country to offer next-gen homes for both first-time, regular and 55-plus active adult buyers. More information on Asante’s plans for the future can be found at lennar.com.

CREDIT

MOVERS It’s not as if Desert Mountain needed more enticements for its residents and members. This north Scottsdale private community is home to six Jack Nicklausdesigned championship courses, awardwinning clubhouses, miles of hiking trails and seemingly every other facet of a life

Seven Desert Mountain www.azgolf.org

well-lived. And then along comes a course SHAKEUPS that seems to change everything — Seven. Scottsdale’s Andrew McLaren The centerpiece of Seven Desert made a guest visit to the Silverleaf Mountain, a new upscale residential Club a memorable one. Playing in development, the 18-hole, par-54 the club’s annual Thanksgivinglayout bears the design imprint of Bill related event called the Turkey Brownlee and Wendell Picket. You might Shoot, McLaren recorded a hole in remember those names as the architects one — on the par-4 ninth hole. of Wickenburg Ranch’s par-3 funfest Playing in the unique format known as Li’l Wick. Ranging from 1,672 where one player in the foursome from the front tees to 3,114 yards from is the “Turkey” and the other three the tips, Seven fits perfectly into the play a best ball, McLaren pulled Desert Mountain family. It’s his driver and spanked it plenty challenging, perfectly 285 yards into the center of conditioned in bentgrass and the cup. Actually, McLaren strong on aesthetics with rockhad a more detailed report. and cactus-studded native “I knew immediately after areas, graceful mounding contact that I had hit a pure and water features, plus shot,” explained McLaren, a stellar mountain views. financial consultant who recently Still, it’s the post-round Andrew McLaren founded a new company called action that might be the St. Andrews Golf Solutions, most amusing. Seven’s sleek, modern which works with golf courses by gastropub clubhouse, with its collapsible evaluating data to boost revenues. glass walls, wows with its seamless “The ball headed straight for the indoor/outdoor setup. Similar to Li’l flagstick, landed just on the fringe, Wick, it offers the ideal opportunity and rolled towards the hole. We to mix golf, food and drink — take a could see the flagstick pretty clearly break, then do some more. Comfy on the slightly downhill hole, and it sofas, firepits and bocce courts enhance seemed that the ball had disappeared. the camaraderie, all coordinated by Our group had a forecaddie, and we personable Passion Graham, who could hear him shouting up by the was recently recognized by the Club green. It was pretty clear that I had Managers Association of America as just made a hole in one on a par 4.” one of the nation’s top young managers. Actually, most golfers who reference The good vibes are off the charts. an ace on a par 4 usually refer to For the fortunate members of Desert it as a “double eagle” or “albatross.” Mountain, the golf and other recreational But who can blame McLaren? options seem limitless. And for many “I was in shock. It was pretty crazy, these days, however, No. 7 is No. 1. with us on the tee and the forecaddie yelling from the green,” the 33-yearold said of his second ace, the first coming on a par-3 at Papago. “I was the Turkey on that hole, but we didn’t come close to winning the tournament,” he said with a laugh. “And because I made my hole in one on a par 4, and not a par 3 — where all the prizes were — I didn’t win anything.” But it was a great day. He got to meet Tony Finau, who congratulated him with an “awesome.” And Jon Rahm played in the Turkey Shoot. The PGA Tour superstars are members at Silverleaf. “And I had the pride of making an ace,” McLaren added regarding his visit of a lifetime to one of Arizona’s most elite clubs. n PREVIEW 2020 | AZ GOLF Insider | 39

GOLF GETAWAYS

By Joe Passov

COURTESY TWIN DOLPHINS

BAJA FRESH MEXICO’S LOS CABOS SIZZLES WITH NEWLY BUILT, ACCESSIBLE GOLF

s 1992 dawned, Los Cabos, Mexico, was little more than a sleepy, if much beloved sportfishing destination. A single, governmentowned nine-hole course serviced the needs of local and visiting golfers. Fast-forward 28 years. Today, the region populated by the towns of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas is a bona fide golf mecca, closing in on 20 courses. Make no mistake, Los Cabos is a pricey golf mecca, but a mecca, nonetheless. Its reputation on both fronts has recently been enhanced by the addition of three new courses, plus several more with expanded access. Bring your sticks and your pesos — and prepare to be amazed.

Twin Dolphin Montage The brightest new star in the Cabo golf constellation is Twin Dolphin Golf Club. Conveniently situated midway between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, Twin Dolphin is named nostalgically for a revered beachfront hotel that existed on the site from 1977 to 2006. The year-old, 7,156-yard course honors its namesake beautifully. It’s fun, thoughtprovoking and is loaded with stellar views and classic design accents. 40 | AZ GOLF Insider | PREVIEW 2020

Accompanying the Twin Dolphin experience is a laid-back vibe, perhaps no surprise given that Freddie Couples is both the course co-designer and a part-time resident. Couples collaborated with architect Todd Eckenrode of Origins Golf Design to create a throwback tract that melds seamlessly to the natural rolling terrain. It’s a true hillside desert course, framed by cactus and other spiny trees and shrubs, studded with strategically placed bunkers, crisscrossed by desert washes and backdropped by

Desert drama and the Sea of Cortez merge in spectacular fashion at Twin Dolphin’s par-3 11th hole (above). Following your round, the spa/pool at Montage Los Cabos awaits (inset).

rock outcroppings and ocean panoramas. Yet, the course isn’t at all penal. Wide landing areas, helpful speed slots and sideboards, numerous bailouts and a lack of forced carries into the greens make this pure fun for everyone. As Couples put it, “Sure we could have made Twin Dolphin play tougher, but I wanted a course that I would enjoy, and so could my 15-handicap pals.” Consider the deed done. Couples’ input figured prominently in the design, notably at the par4 second hole, a 389-yarder that slithers downhill and to the right. He widened the original green, softened the surrounding green complex and shifted the configuration to embrace a magnificent Sea of Cortez vista. www.azgolf.org

Costa Palmas Four Seasons On Cabo’s vast, secluded East Cape, 45 minutes northeast of SJD, the Los Cabos Mexico International Airport, a game-changer for the area opened in late November: Costa Palmas Golf Club. The Robert Trent Jones II design unfolds on an exceptionally varied, 7,221-yard journey. Jones artfully describes it as “a golf symphony composed of three movements and two transitions.” Amid a rippled expanse of sand that rises to nearly 130 feet, the linksy, walkable layout boasts staggering vistas of the Sea of Cortez and the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains. The opening six holes mimic a low-profile, Scottish experience in what Jones terms the layout’s “dunescape,”

where open entrances into the greens permit and even encourage groundhugging run-up shots. Holes 7 through 13 are “upland” as they twist through mesquite trees and bold bunkering amid mountain backdrops. The home stretch dazzles with brilliant blue backdrops and a marina that houses the kind of sportfishing boats that separate the haves from the have-nots. To step aboard Costa Palmas you’ll need to be a property owner or guest at the Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas. This seaside retreat features 118 guest rooms and 23 suites, plus all the niceties one expects from one of the world’s most lauded hospitality companies. Golf rates are a firm $450. costapalmas.com Guests at the new Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas (inset) enjoy exclusive access at a new seaside design from Robert Trent Jones II (below).

COURTESY COSTA PALMAS

Still, Freddie being Freddie, he claims his favorite hole is the range. It’s the ideal place for mellow, though meaningful practice. Targets staggered at a variety of elevations are backed by sea views. Also on the range are cabanas adorned with sofas and fridges, and your choice of four top-line brands of practice balls. What truly elevates Twin Dolphin, however, are the service levels, the Red Door food and beverage stations — one on each nine, which come with complimentary eats and drinks, comfy chairs and massive televisions — and the tranquil satisfaction that comes from being one of the only groups on a great golf course. Twin Dolphin is a private club, with membership available to owners of the upscale Montage Residences and to owners at the even more upscale Maravilla development. Book a stay at one of the 52 Montage Residences, or at the Montage Los Cabos hotel, an ultraluxe, 122-room property overlooking Santa Maria Bay, and Twin Dolphin can be yours, for Pebble Beach-like $425, plus a $50 forecaddie fee. twindolphinloscabos.com

www.azgolf.org

PREVIEW 2020 | AZ GOLF Insider | 41

Solmar Hotels & Resorts After a fistful of stops and starts, Rancho San Lucas is now playable, with an official grand opening slated for February. It was worth the wait. Located 15 minutes north of downtown Cabo San Lucas on the breezier Pacific Ocean side of town, this 7,260-yard, Greg Norman creation is mostly draped atop a desert hillside but also features a half dozen holes that front the ocean. The low-slung holes and tightly mown green surrounds encourage the ground-game attack, with the showstopping exception of the 168-yard, par-3 17th, where only an aerial approach will do to find the island green. Especially memorable are the lower-lying holes cocooned in dunes. Rancho San Lucas homeowners in this 834-acre community may join this private club. Outside play is limited to guests of Solmar Hotels & Resorts, including the on-site Grand Solmar Resort. You’ll fork over $158-$242 (check for current rates), plus a $50 forecaddie fee for the privilege of tackling one of the Shark’s most inspired designs. ranchosanlucas.com

COURTESY RANCHO SAN LUCAS

Rancho San Lucas

Greg Norman’s Rancho San Lucas bares its sharpest teeth at the stunning island green that serves as the course’s par-3 17th hole.

Bottom line Cabo’s exciting new trio of seaside courses all fit the pattern — they’re really private clubs, with limited access to resort hotel guests with fat wallets. But then, you didn’t book a Cabo golf

‘Stay and play’ just took on new meaning in Cabo

Mexico’s top-ranked golf course, the Dunes at Diamante, has been purely private since it opened in 2010, unless you were a weekly renter. Now you can play this aptly named layout by Davis Love — or its sibling, El Cardonal, the first completed design from Tiger Woods — by staying at either of two hotels that opened on property in 2019, Nobu or the Hard Rock. Fees are $320, plus $50 forecaddie fee. For the “new Cabo” experience, these lovely links are a bargain! diamantecabosanlucas.com

Rumors in 2014 were that Cabo’s most spectacular oceanside layout, the Jack Nicklaus-designed Quivira, would be completely private by 2020. The good news for visiting golfers is that the course remains accessible to resort guests at any of the four area Pueblo Bonito Resorts. Reasonable at $233-$380. quiviraloscabos.com

Also accessible, since 2017, is Tom Fazio’s magnificent Chileno Bay, which overlooks the Sea of Cortez at every turn. Stay at the Chileno Bay

42 | AZ GOLF Insider | PREVIEW 2020

vacation to pinch pennies. If you’re seeking outstanding ocean and desert scenery, superior service and course conditions and a near-guarantee of great weather, Cabo and its new breed of courses is worth the splurge. n

Resort and Residences, part of the exclusive Auberge Resorts collection, and you can play for a hefty $500 green fee. (caddie included). aubergeresorts.com/chilenobay

Puerto Los Cabos, the top championship resort course near the town of San Jose del Cabo, added a third nine in December 2017. Designed by Nicklaus, it can be combined with Nicklaus’ existing nine, or in tandem with the stunning Greg Norman nine. A smoking deal by Cabo standards at $150-$285. puertoloscabos.com

Soon to be less accessible is the Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol. Now known as the Cove Club, the best public-access course in Los Cabos for the past 25 years has undergone multiple renovations, taking a few holes off the sea and reworking others, in anticipation of going fully private in two years, save for tee times available for residence owners and guests of the new on-site Four Seasons and Park Hyatt Los Cabos hotels. Comes in at . . . $450. cabodelsol.com

www.azgolf.org

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PREVIEW 2020 | AZ GOLF Insider | 43

OUT OF BOUNDS

By Gary Van Sickle

Wouldn’t it be a miracle if this happens in 2020?

’m not going to make predictions about golf in 2020. (Hold the applause, please.) Those things have an annoying habit of not coming true. Instead, here are things I’d like to see happen in 2020 to make things interesting.

The Genius Bar This is last call for a miracle. Phil Mickelson gets a chance to achieve karmic justice and finally land his great white whale — the U.S. Open — when it returns to Winged Foot. You know what happened there in 2006. Mickelson had the Open in his back pocket. Then he hit driver off the 18th tee into the left trees and tried a heroic recovery shot through the trees that ended in a disastrous double bogey and Geoff Ogilvy winning. Mickelson famously concluded, “I am such an idiot,” and nobody argued. Mickelson turns 50 in June and still needs an Open to complete the career Grand Slam. The upside: He won at Pebble Beach last year at 48. The downside: After the Masters, he didn’t have a top-50 finish. The stats say his vaunted short game disappeared. He ranked 180th in scrambling, 139th in strokes gained putting and 183rd in putting from 8 feet. That’s not the Lefty we used to know. That said, Mickelson plays his best in majors when we have no expectations for him. Well, they’ve never been lower. Would I bet a dime on him to contend at Winged Foot? No. Would I like to see it? Yes, it would be like an inane Hollywood script, only real. If he pulled it off, he would be the opposite of an idiot.

Two-time two-timer Tiger Woods turned 44 in December right after tying Sam Snead’s all44 | AZ GOLF Insider | PREVIEW 2020

time victory mark of 82 in Japan and then looking like the best player on either team at the Presidents Cup. Maybe you’ve got Tiger Fatigue but some of us would enjoy seeing history made, like Woods become the first to win back-to-back Masters twice. Then, it would be delightful to watch the chaos if he won the year’s second major, too — the PGA Championship at Harding Park, where Woods captured

moment after golf had to scramble hard to stay in the Games. I’d love to have open qualifying, not world rankings, determine this year’s U.S. Olympic golf team so amateurs would have a chance, however slim, at a medal.

Skort and sweet The inaugural Augusta Women’s Amateur was so compelling, I want to see the ladies play more than just the final 18 holes at Augusta National Golf Club. Let these amateurs tee it up for all 54 holes at Bobby Jones’ storied track. They’re good enough as Jennifer Kupcho showed with her stellar 67. And how about starting any playoff at Amen Corner (the 11th, 12th and 13th holes)? America and I want more golf at our favorite holes.

Chip shots

a World Golf Championship event. No biggie going to Winged Foot: Woods would be hunting a Grand Slam AND be within one of tying Jack Nicklaus and his record of 18 majors. The TV networks would die for that. I’m sure we wouldn’t mind, either.

Golden moment The Olympics will take place in Tokyo this summer and chances are good that Woods will be on that U.S. team. But even if he’s not, expect these games to get a lot more attention than they did the first time around in Brazil two years ago. Rory McIlroy, who skipped the Rio Games, has committed to play, as has the defending gold medalist Justin Rose. It’s already shaping up to be a golden

Let’s see Brooks Koepka and Rory McIlroy take their budding rivalry into the majors over the next decade (since Woods can’t last forever … or can he?). Koepka scored a major and a Rory beatdown in Memphis; McIlroy won The Players and knocked off Brooks to win the FedEx Cup and Player of the Year. Whose serve next, gents? … Here’s hoping Matthew Wolff, the rookie from Oklahoma State with the unique golf swing, wins again. I’d enjoy hearing the same swing experts who dismissed Jim Furyk’s unusual arc explain why Wolff’s action won’t work while he keeps beating guys. … I’m hoping Patrick Reed makes the Ryder Cup team because, after the near-debacle in the Presidents Cup, I can’t get enough of those awkward moments he keeps creating. n

Gary Van Sickle writes about golf from his office in Pittsburgh. Read his weekly columns on morningread.com. www.azgolf.org

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PREVIEW 2020 | AZ GOLF Insider | 45

Scramble Days 2020 Schedule

AGA Scramble Days Presented by:

Oakwood Golf Club, Sun Lakes March 21 Registration Closes: March 17 Golf Club of Estrella, Goodyear April 26 Registration Closes: April 22 Talking Stick Golf Club, Scottsdale May 23 Registration Closes: May 19 Briarwood Country Club, Sun City West June 14 Registration Closes: June 10 Tatum Ranch Golf Club, Cave Creek June 28 Registration Closes: June 24 Gainey Ranch Golf Club, Scottsdale July 11 Registration Closes: July 7 Las Sendas Golf Club, Mesa August 15 Registration Closes: August 11 Ocotillo Golf Club, Chandler September 5 Registration Closes: September 1

• AGA Scramble Days are two person scrambles and include green fees, cart and AGA gift bag • | PREVIEW 2020 46 | AZ GOLF Insider @AZGOLFassoc

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AZ Golf Insider - February 2020

Articles inside

ARIZONA SCOREBOARD

OUT OF BOUNDS

MOVERS & SHAKEUPS

BAJA FRESH By Joe Passov

RULES AND HANDICAPPING

THE 19TH HOLE

2019 PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

PATRIOT ALL-AMERICA By the AZGOLF Insider Staff

Cover Story FOUNDERS CUP CELEBRATING 10 YEARS By Ron Sirak

FRONT NINE WITH COYOTES CLAYTON KELLER By John Davis

GOLF LOSES TWO LOCAL ICONS

WOMEN’S GOLF