GOLF TIPS: DUSTIN JOHNSON AND MISS AMERICA • GOLF GEAR – WHAT IS BOUNCE?
NOV/DEC 2020
THE YEAR IN GOLF YOUNG GUNS STAKE THEIR CLAIM HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE OUR FAVORITE THINGS TO GIVE GOAT HILL PARK DAY BY DAY
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EDITOR’S NOTE
GREAT HOLIDAY GOLF BOOKS: THE HERBERT WARREN WIND AWARD
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f you’re in search of the perfect holiday gift for the favorite golfer in your life, look no further than the USGA’s Herbert Warren Wind Book Award which honors outstanding contributions to golf literature each year. Named in honor of the great American golf writer, the award acknowledges outstanding research, writing, and publishing about golf and aims to broaden public interest in the game. This year’s recipient is Kevin Robbins’ The Last Stand of Payne Stewart, which brilliantly recounts the story of Stewart’s last season on the PGA Tour in 1999, including his thrilling U.S. Open victory at Pinehurst, through his tragic passing. “Written off as a pompous showman past the prime of his career,” according to the book description, “Stewart emerged from a long slump in the unforgettable season of 1999 to capture the U.S. Open and play on the victorious U.S. Ryder Cup team. He appeared to be a new man that summer: wiser, deeper, and on the verge of a new level of greatness. Then his journey to redemption ended in October, when his chartered Learjet flew aimlessly for more than a thousand miles, ran out of fuel and crashed to earth in a prairie in South Dakota.” Other recipients include: Robbins’ Harvey Penick: The Life and Wisdom of the Man Who Wrote the Book on Golf, which tells the story of the late golf coach, competitor, and instructor who in 1992 with Bud Shrake penned Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book: Lessons and Teachings From a Life-time, considered by many to be the quintessential golf advice and instruction book. Robbins provides the first biography of “the iconic Texan” who caddied for Francis Ouimet and played with Ben Hogan and Bob Jones, shaped Ben Crenshaw, and distilled his golf wisdom into The Little Red Book, bringing “simplicity to a complex yet beloved game.” Kevin Cook’s Tommy’s Honor: The Story of Old Tom Morris and Young
Tom Morris, Golf’s Founding Father and Son. “The son of a weaver and maid, Old Tom Morris went from apprentice golf-ball maker to the Grand Old Man of St. Andrews. Along the way, he won the Open Championship four times and fathered a son, known as Young Tom, who broke all his father’s records yet died in his twenties at the height of his fame and only a few months after his wife died in childbirth.” “Golf history claims Young Tom died of a broken heart, and while Cook sets the record straight on that point, the heartbreaking essence of the story will not be reduced to pulmonary embolisms. Beyond telling a tragic story of supreme athletic accomplishment, Cook shows how golf, though quickly claimed by the aristocracy, had its roots in the working classes. “Golf history at its absolute best.” By Bill Ott. John Strege’s When War Played Through: Golf During the Great Depression. World War II transformed the American home front and golf was no exception. The course at Augusta National became a farm to ease food shortages, Ben Hogan and Sam Snead were drafted, and Bobby Jones enlisted. Rubber rationing forced pros and amateurs alike to play with well-worn golf balls—and created a black market for new ones. The 1942 U.S. Open was canceled, replaced by the Hale American Open—whose winner, Ben Hogan, was awarded $1,000 in war bonds while golfers across the country raised millions of dollars for the war effort. Other recipients include Mark Frost’s The Greatest Game Ever Played; David Owen’s The Making of The Masters, and James Dodson, American Triumvirate: Sam Snead, Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan and the Modern Age of Golf. Stay well and enjoy your walk! Suzy Evans, J.D., Ph.D.
CALIFORNIA GOLF + TRAVEL PUBLISHER Eric Woods EDITOR Suzy Evans, J.D., Ph.D. ART DIRECTOR Long Tran ASSOCIATE EDITORS Mike Stubbs, Ed Travis SENIOR WRITERS Randy Youngman, Jim Dover, Tom LaMarre CONTRIBUTORS Ian Leggatt, Ed Vyeda, Leonard Finkel, Tom Stankowski, Ken Lane PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael Weinstein, Tom Neas, Mark Susson, Channing Benjamin TRAVEL EDITOR Larry Feldman EQUIPMENT EDITOR Scott Kramer, Ed Travis WINE + GOLF John Finney, Matt Palaferri CONTRIBUTING INSTRUCTORS Eric Lohman, Kris Moe, Perry Parker, Ted Norby, Scott Heyn, John Ortega, John Burckle Accounting Jep Pickett
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California Golf + Travel is published by Golf Lab Media LLC 1224 Village Way, Ste. D, Santa Ana CA 92705 Phone: (714) 542-4653 website: www.CalGolfNews.com California Golf + Travel is published bimonthly and distributed to California golf courses, country clubs, practice facilities, golf retailers, hotels, and resorts Entire contents of this publication is copyrighted Golf Lab Media LLC 2015, all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner in whole or in part without the written permission from the publisher. For subscriptions, go to calgolfnews.com and sign up online or send your name, address, phone number, and $20 to Golf Lab Media at the Above address. For advertising opportunities and editorial information: Please call (714) 542-4653 or email to info@calgolfnews.com
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CALIFORNIA GOLF + TRAVEL MAGAZINE
30
CONTENTS
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10
NOV/DEC 2020
8
Editor’s Note
USGA Herbert Warren Wind Award
12 The Year in Golf Young Guns Stake Their Claim 18 Goat Hill Park Day By Day 20 PGA HOPE
34 NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2020 VOLUME 24, ISSUE 4
Helping Our Patriots Everywhere GOLF TIPS: DUSTIN JOHNSON AND MISS AMERICA • GOLF GEAR – WHAT IS BOUNCE?
22 Holiday Gift Guide NOV/DEC 2020
Our Favorite Things to Give 26 Golf Tips Dustin Johnson and Miss America 30 Golf Gear What is Bounce? 34 M. Special Good Beer. Every Time.
THE YEAR IN GOLF YOUNG GUNS STAKE THEIR CLAIM HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE OUR FAVORITE THINGS TO GIVE GOAT HILL PARK DAY BY DAY
On the cover: Bryson DeChambeau celebrates after winning the 2020 U.S. Open at Winged Foot Golf Club Photo Courtesy: USGA
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2020
YOUNG GUNS OF 2020: SEASON WRAP UP
Matthew Wolff tees off on the sixth hole during the third round at the 2020 U.S. Open 12
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PHOTO: DARREN CARROLL/USGA
Bryson DeChambeau holds the trophy after his six stroke victory at the 2020 U.S. Open at Winged Foot Golf Club (West Course) in Mamaroneck, N.Y. By Tom LaMarre ith Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson starting to fade, several of California’s young guns stepped up in the first two majors of 2020 that were postponed because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Bryson DeChambeau, 27, of Clovis in California’s San Joaquin Valley, earned his first major title when he ran away with the 120th U.S. Open by six strokes over Matthew Wolff, 21, of Agoura Hills at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y. Xander Schauffele, 26, of La Jolla and San Diego State gave California another player near the top of the leaderboard by finishing alone in fifth place. In addition, DeChambeau is revolutionizing the game with his 350-yard-plus drives after putting on close to 50 pounds of muscle in the last few years. “I think I’m definitely changing the way people think about the game,” said DeChambeau, who claimed his seventh victory on the PGA Tour since 2017 by winning the U.S. Open. “I think the next generation that’s coming up into golf, hopefully, will see this and go, ‘Hey, I can do that too.’ “I hope that inspires people to say, ‘Hey, look, maybe there is a different way to do it.’ Not everybody has to do it my way.” In addition, Collin Morikawa, 23, of La Canada Flintridge and Cal claimed his first title in the Grand Slam events by winning the PGA Championship by two strokes at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco. “I’m on cloud nine, I don’t know about you guys, but yeah, I’ve believed in myself since day one,” said Morikawa, who was playing in only his second major and claimed his third PGA Tour title since leaving Cal in mid-2019.
PHOTO: DARREN CARROLL/USGA
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PHOTO: ROBERT BECK/USGA
2020
Xander Schauffele tees off on the second hole during the first round at the 2020 U.S. Open “Any time you’re in the conversation of the greats, Jack, Rory (McIlroy), Tiger, no matter who it is, if you’re in that conversation, you’re doing something well. It doesn’t stop here. I’ve got a very good taste of what this is like, what a major championship is like.” The PGA Tour posted on its Twitter page: “The California kid is the new star in the game of golf!” @Collin_Morikawa is the winner of the 2020 PGA Championship.” DeChambeau and Wolff finished in a tie for fourth in the PGA, while Schauffele and Cameron Champ, 25, of Sacramento tied for 10th. DeChambeau, Morikawa and Schauffele have taken up residence in the top 10 of the World Golf Rankings along with Patrick Cantlay, 28, of Los Alamitos and UCLA. Shauffele has four victories on the PGA Tour in the last three years, including the 2017 Tour Championship, the WGC-HSBC Champions and the 2019 Sentry Tournament of Champions. He has finished second six times since that last victory and should break through again soon. 14
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Cantlay outplayed second-ranked Jon Rahm of Spain and third-ranked Justin Thomas in the final round to claim his third PGA Tour victory the Zozo Championship at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks in October. In addition, Cantlay won the 2017 Shriners Hospitals for Children Open and Nicklaus’ Memorial Tournament in 2019, also finishing in the top 10 of two majors in 2019 and tying for 21st in the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. Wolff is the leader of the really young guys, having won the 2019 3M Open after leaving Oklahoma State, where he earned the 2019 Haskins Award as the best player in NCAA Division I golf. He is knocking on the door of the top 10 in the world rankings. There are others, including Champ, who won the 2018 Sanderson Farms and the 2019 Safeway Open; Max Homa, 29, of Valencia and Cal, who captured the 2018 Wells Fargo Championship; Aaron Wise, 24, of Lake Elsinore, who won the 2016 NCAA Division I Individual title playing for Oregon and the 2018 Byron Nelson Invitational on the PGA Tour; Beau Hossler,
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PHOTO: CHRIS KEANE/USGA
In the amateur ranks, Rose Zhang, 17, of Irvine defeated defending champion Gabriela Ruffels, 20, of Australia and USC with a par on the second playoff hole to claim the 120th United States Women’s Amateur Championship in August at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Md. Zhang, who has committed to Stanford, also won the 2020 Rolex Girls Junior Championship at Dalhousie Golf Club in Cape Girardeau, Mo., and was named winner of the 2020 Mark H. McCormack Medal as the best woman amateur golfer in the world. A year earlier, Zhang was selected 2019 Rolex Junior Player of the Year by the American Junior Golf Association. Mickelson turned 50 this year and showed this year he still has it, winning the Charles Schwab Series at Ozark National and the Dominion Energy Charity Classic, joining Arnold Palmer, Bruce Fleisher and Jim Furyk as the only players to win their first two starts on the PGA Tour Champions. Lefty still plays on the PGA Tour, too, and as a tease for the 2021 season in California, he will make perhaps his final legitimate bid to complete the Career Grand Slam in the 121st U.S. Open on June 17-20 near his home in San Diego at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, where he has won three times as a pro.
25, of Rancho Santa Margarita, who lost a playoff to Ian Poulter of England in the 2018 Houston Open; Patrick Rodgers, 28, of Stanford, who won on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2015 and lost in a playoff to Charles Howell III in 2018 RSM Classic, and Maverick McNealy, 24, of Portola Valley who tied the Stanford record of 11 victories set by Woods and tied by Rodgers, and last season posted three top-10 results including a tie for fifth near home at Pebble Beach. In addition, John Catlin, 29, of Sacramento captured the Estrella Damm Andalucia Masters and the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open on the European Tour in 2000 after winning seven times in Asia earlier in his career. On the LPGA Tour, Danielle Kang, 27, of Westlake Village and Pepperdine moved into the top five of the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings by winning the LPGA Drive On Championship and the Marathon Classic in August. Kang has five LPGA victories in the last four seasons. “I mean, I won two weeks in a row, so that’s good,” said Kang, who captured the first two LPGA Tour events following the shutdown caused by the pandemic. “I’m really proud of all the work that I did during the off time, all the work that I did with Butch (Harmon) and all the workouts that I put in. “I really utilized that time, and I’m proud to come out during this quarantine and be able to execute my game the way I wanted to. That’s what I’m most proud of.” Other winners on the LPGA Tour this year included Sophia Popov, 28, of Germany and USC in the AIG Women’s Open at Troon Golf Club in Scotland, and last year Bronte Law, 25, of England and UCLA won the Pure Silk Championship and lost in a playoff to Sei Young-Kim of South Korea in the LPGA Mediheal Championship. 16
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PHOTO: CHRIS KEANE/USGA
Rose Zhang with the trophy after winning the 2020 U.S. Women’s Amateur at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Md.
Gabriela Ruffels watches her putt on the first green during the semifinal round at the 2020 U.S. Women’s Amateur
STUNNING PERFORMANCE.
The all-new TR21 X Irons. Distance and forgiveness meet stunning beauty. Discover more at us.honmagolf.com California Golf + Travel
SUMMER 2020
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GOAT HILL PARK
DAY BY DAY By JOHN ASHWORTH ike everyone else, the uncertainty of “what do we do now?” hit us hard. Being accessible and affordable at Goat Hill Park in Oceanside translates to operating on a slim budget. When we were forced to shut down on April 1, we had no choice but to furlough everyone except our Superintendent Laz and two other crew to maintain the course. We had enough resources to last a few months, but not much longer. Fortunately, Goat Hill Park is much more than just a golf course. It’s an inclusive community of likeminded people who share the passion of golf and social recreation. When we “Saved Goat Hill” in 2014, it was in dire straits, and, from the beginning, our motto (coined by Laz) was: “Day by Day”—meaning that every day we put in the effort to make it better and more enjoyable for all levels of golfers and visitors alike. We keep a running list of improvement projects that would add to the experience, and, when we can afford to take them on, we do so. But with this pandemic closure and an uncertain
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future, we were left to consider what will happen next. What happened was magic! There’s a hillside to the right of our 12th fairway that was packed with a 100-yard wall of very tall and unsightly weeds. My good friend and ex tour player Simzy (Michael Sims) and I stared at these weeds the day after we closed and agreed to get busy to remove them and plant a grove of dwarf fruit trees: Why not, right? We quickly put out the word that if anyone wanted to join in and get outside, socially distance, and get dirty—we had the spot. Two weeks later, those weeds were gone and in their place are now 18 dwarf fruit trees. Thanks to our loyal community of people who take pride in the Goat as their home track, we reopened on May 1 and brought back our entire staff. The pent-up demand for golf was absolutely incredible! The flood gates opened and the course was in the best shape it had ever been, and for the next four months, we set records each month for the most rounds we had ever done.
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Back in black with an approved PPP loan and SBA loan, we went to work on our list of projects with high intensity with our crew and eager volunteers. When the dust settled, we had enlarged and rebuilt ten tee boxes and three green surrounds, built two new staircases, and poured about 500 linear feet of new concrete cart paths and added a couple of
acres of sod in areas of importance for erosion control and better lies. Our other motto at Goat Hill Park is “World Class, Working Class. It comes from our belief that golf should be accessible to all. If there is one thing that we’ve learned during this period it is how important the
game of golf can be to add value and balance to life in the form of exercise and recreation. Golf is a refuge from the madness and quick pace of the outside world and a place to clear your head in order to balance the challenges life heaps on all of us. Long live Golf!…Viva La Goat!
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PGA HOPE DAY
PGA NATIONAL DAY OF HOPE
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he Northern California PGA Foundation hosted military veterans in the PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) golf program in a Veterans Drive, Chip & Putt Competition presented by Wells Fargo, in conjunction with 4th Annual PGA National Day of HOPE on Veterans Day. The NCPGA Foundation Veteran Drive, Chip & Putt competitions took place at Chardonnay Golf Club in Napa and at Mariner’s Point Golf Center in Foster City, with 50 veterans at each location competing in longest drive, closest chip to the hole and putting competitions. “We believe we owe it to every veteran to help them return from their service and re-engage fully with their families and communities to lead a healthy, healed life,” said Len Dumas, PGA, who is Chairman of the Board for the NCPGA Foundation.
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“PGA HOPE, our flagship program, enables veterans to enhance their physical, mental and emotional well-being through the social interaction that the game of golf provides.” PGA HOPE is a national program which introduces golf to military veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. Golf has become a therapeutic part of the rehabilitation process for many veterans living with disabilities, and PGA HOPE has helped thousands assimilate back into their communities through the social interaction golf provides. The Northern California PGA Foundation is home to one of the largest PGA HOPE programs, with nine locations impacting more than 600 veterans every year. The program, which is fully funded by the Foundation (and supported by PGA REACH) and features six-week
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instructional golf clinics followed by a graduation and on-course golfing opportunities, is offered cost-free for military veterans. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, and in accordance with CDC and health department guidelines, the NCPGA Foundation was unable to host the PGA HOPE Rally Scramble, an annual charitable golf tournament featuring 124 veterans. Instead, the NCPGA Foundation created the Drive, Chip & Putt competition. “Wells Fargo is committed to support service members, veterans, and their families,” said Jason Henderson, district manager and retired senior leader in the United States Air Force Reserves. “As a fellow veteran, I am excited that we are sponsoring this competition for veterans.” In support of the 2020 PGA National Day of HOPE, PGA REACH launched a campaign through the GoFundMe Charity platform, for contributions to the NCPGA Foundation, in support of PGA HOPE’s Northern California programming. For additional information on the Northern California PGA Foundation, visit ncpgafoundation.org.
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80 WORLDWIDE TOUR WINS AND COUNTING... MUNI HE
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EQUIPMENT
Our Favorites THE GIFTS WE’D LIKE TO RECEIVE By ED TRAVIS t’s that time of year again. The time to decide the best Christmas gift for the golfer in your life. If you, like us, are sometimes “gifting challenged” here is California Golf + Travel’s guide to help. It was compiled after lots of research and many hours of discussion but to be honest in the end came down to what we ourselves would like to receive and give for the holiday to that special linkster.
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Bettinardi Golf BB8-Wide Putter Bob Bettinardi has an enviable reputation as a putter maker and his new BB8 Wide is a great example. Starting with the classic BB8 head shape the Wide model has a bigger flange which gives a longer sightline and more compressed shoulders. Milled from soft carbon steel the finish is the great looking Glacier Black. Head is 350 grams; toe hang is moderate and there is a standard plumber’s neck. $299.99 at Bettinardi.com.
Volvik Vivid Golf B Tired of plain white golf balls try the Volvik Vivid with a choice of eight vibrant colors. The three-piece 75 compression is ideal for moderate swing speeds (70 to 100 mph) and features Volvik’s easy-to-see patented matte finish plus the Volvik Alignment System. The 322-dimple ionomer cover gives seven percent more spin greenside and lower driver spin. From Nov. 6 to Jan. 4 buy two dozen for $55 at Volvik.com.
Cleveland RTX ZipCore Wedges The popular RTX wedge line has been updated with some significant changes from the previous RTX 4 starting with a cavity inside the head filled with a low-density material. This has the effect of moving the center of gravity towards the perimeter and raising the MOI or resistance to twisting both high and low on the face. Priced at $150 with a variety of lofts and grinds. Lots more details and options at ClevelandGolf.com.
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G/FORE Killer T’s Shooie Putter Cover Here’s a putter or utility cover you won’t see very often. Shaped like a high-top sneaker complete with laces it features G/FORE’s popular skull and Ts emblem on the exterior. The outside is all leather while the inside is a polyester lining for sure clubhead protection and “I SUCK AT GOLF” is even printed around the outsole. The high-top style means a secure fit every time. See at GFORE.com. Price is $95 each.
Honma TR21X Irons Honma has completed the TR family with the new TR21X irons that have a hollow foam-filled body and built for use by “competitive to mid handicap players.” Weighting is low in the clubhead thanks to an internal bar of tungsten which helps give the performance needed in the players-distance category. These very good-looking irons are also ideal for mixed sets. $188 each with steel shafts and $212 each in graphite. HonmaGolf.com
MGI Zip Navigator Electric Golf Caddy Walk the course and play shots under less fatigue with the MGI Zip Navigator Electric Golf Caddy. Designed with a full directional remote control that delivers precise steering even over hilly terrains, the Zip Navigator features a Patented Gyroscope Straight Tracker Technology that automatically tracks the unit on a straight course. The Zip Navigator has twin motors powered by a 380Wh 24v lithium battery and folds compactly for easy transportation. $1,495 at mgigolf.com. California Golf + Travel
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EQUIPMENT
LA Golf TPZone Putter Shaft The high stability TPZ shaft from LA Golf has low torque and high stiffness that does away with the flexing or twisting during the stroke seen in the usual putter shaft and gives the control needed on putts of any length particularly those of a distance when a longer stroke is required. Vibration is dampened by a constrained layer and fibers of the synthetic polymer called zylon. See all the details at LAGolfShafts.com.
Linksoul Hybrid Messenger Bag This classy backpack is the first in Linksoul’s new Travel Collection and the unique design is roomy and versatile. Use the main strap to carry it across the body as a handy large messenger bag ideal for business or pull out the packable straps and convert it instantly to a travel-ready backpack. Durable cotton canvas with leather accents 11.5 inches by 17.5 inches by 5.25 inches. Two color choices $150 Linksoul.com.
Olukai Nānā Hele Boots Chukka boots are both classic style favorites and practical footwear for the outdoors. Described as a sneaker-meets-slipper boot there is a shearling forefoot lining, waterproof leather upper and a rubber outsole for positive grip in most any conditions. The Nānā Hele has a soft gel insert with a removable and washable wool-blend footbed cover. A pair is $150 and there is a choice of three colors. See details at Olukai.com.
KBS CT Tour Putter Shaft The design of the KBS CT Tour Putter Shaft featuring a stepless construction with a stiffer structure, constant weight, and a firmer tip section was accomplished with input from touring professionals from around the world. Overall weight is 120 grams with 0.355-inch, and 0.370-inch tip options along with four color choices and three bends. The CT Tour maximizes energy transfer for a consistent smooth feel and maximum distance control. Additional information may be found by visiting KBSgolfshafts.com.
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Muscle Hammer Here’s a new way to reduce muscle discomfort, tension and imbalance. It is a percussion therapy device that helps manage pain for everyone from golfers to the desk bound to athletes-in-training. Muscle Hammer can give immediate relief by percussing muscles at speeds up to 3,200 beats per minute with a penetrating distance of about one-half inch. Prices start at $300 with case and five tips at MuscleHammer.fit.
B U I L T FOR
DISTANCE
Love Bags Here is just the thing for carrying cold beverages or food whether to the course, the beach or the big game. The Chill Cooler is a generous 8 inches by 13 inches by 8 inches with a shoulder strap. We also like the Party of 2 Wind Cooler padded tote perfect for keeping your favorite wine at just the proper temperature. Sealed seams and a pocket for bottle opener and other goodies. Either is $34.95 LoveBags.com.
Vessel Player III Stand Bag Rebuilt from the ground up, Vessel’s Player III stand bag has the features we want in a premium golf bag. Made from highest quality synthetic leather with rain hood and carbon fiber legs, a choice of a 6-way or 14-way top is offered. Vessel’s Equilibrium 2.0 updated carry strap is standard. Five colors to choose from and while supply lasts a cart strap sleeve and microfiber towel are included. $375 VesselBags.com.
Max Distance with FastLayer Core. Ultimate stopping power with SeRM Urethane. It’s a totally new, totally different Z-STAR Series.
# B U I LT F O R D I S TA N C E
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GOLF TIP
ALWAYS BE AN ATHLETE T
PHOTO MICHAEL WEINSTEIN
his image of Kira Dixon “Miss America 2015” at the top of her backswing is a great example of playing golf athletically no matter your size or frame. Kira’s feet and lower body are solid with the ground and her full shoulder turn transfers the majority of her weight behind the ball and onto a well-balanced athletic right leg. This is an outstanding position that all golfers should strive to obtain.
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DRINK RESPONSIBLY
DJ GOLF TIP
IMPACT!
PHOTO MICHAEL WEINSTEIN
The crucial point in a golf swing that we all strive for. But for so many golfers they really don’t understand how to get there. Most high handicappers hit from the top where the shoulders and club out race the hips and lower body. The truly great players initiate the downswing with their lower body and then the club and shoulders follow the lower body. Look at Dustin Johnson at impact. His hips have turned sooner than his shoulders. Key is hips are open to the target at impact and shoulders are aimed down the target line. DJ shows this perfectly.
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JAN/FEB 2020
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GOLF GEAR
Demystifying Sole Grinds with the All-New RTX ZipCore Wedge A
ny product marketer knows: customers want a frictionless purchase with very few choices that are easy to make. Purchasing wedges, however, is as far from easy as you can get, and anything but frictionless. Selecting the right brand and model is hard enough. And then comes the Sole Grind—the pop quiz of wedge shopping. The choices are daunting and the differences seem subtle, so the question naturally arises: do sole grinds really matter? But the thing is, around the greens, the right grind can be the deciding factor between jaw-dropping success and embarrassing failure. The difference is that real. And it’s why Cleveland Golf engineers have spent decades honing our grind offerings to perfection. The good news is, we’re here to help. And we’ll start with the biggest ques-
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tion: why all the choices? To answer that, look no further than your latest round. How many different short game shots did you encounter? 10? 15? Each with a unique lie, varying yardage, and different stance? The short game is never the same twice and a wedge has to bring the versatility you’ll need to manage all those shots. Then there’s personal preference. Whether you like to stick it close, hit a bump and run, or anything in between, that preference is best served by a sole grind that facilitates your play style. Take the RTX ZipCore, for instance. Our 56° comes in a Low Sole, Mid Sole, and Full Sole, and the right choice comes down to how you prefer to play. With the Low, we grind material off the wedge’s trailing edge (that’s the back half of the sole). It boosts your versatility because it means you can open or
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close the face however you like without hitting it thin. But what if you like to hit your 56° with square face shots more often than not? Then the Mid’s V-shaped sole gives you the balanced performance you want, with leading edge bounce that glides over turf to avoid the chunk. And what about those players who reach for the 56° whenever they’re in a bunker or thick rough? The Full’s rounded sole surface actually increases bounce as you open the face, making those tough escapes that much easier. And all those options are available to you in just the 56° RTX ZipCore alone! So, no, sole grinds aren’t the easiest landscape to navigate. But if you take the time to make the right choices, you’ll have tools that work with your short game, not against it. And there’s more good news: our team is always hard at work developing new tools to help you make the right choices. And you’ll find those tools at ClevelandGolf.com. Explore our grind descriptions, watch our product videos, and get the resources you need to make the right choices for your game. In the end, you’ll hit the course with a set of wedges perfectly tuned to your style and that’s the best recipe for confident, blissful golf.
Meals To-Go Contactless Pick-Up
Thanksgiving To-Go
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INSTRUCTION
GOLF LAB ACADEMY
A GREAT PLACE TO LEARN
T
echnology has come a long way since 1987 when Golf Lab Academy founder Eric Woods began teaching indoor video lessons. Back then, instructors would use VCR machines and rulers as straight edges and felt tip pens to draw lines on TV screens to explain the fundamentals. Golf Lab Academy is now located only minutes away from Roger Dunn Superstore in Santa Ana, CA. The studio has quickly grown into one of the top teaching and training facilities in California. The instructors at this spacious indoor studio have more than sixty years of combined teaching experience and utilize cutting edge technology to create an experience that makes learning and improving quicker, easier, more effective, and enjoyable. “The Golf Lab was built by playing and teaching professionals to create an environment that allows us to teach in a way that helps students see and understand how the fundamentals work and can affect the rhythm, motion, and trajectory of each swing,” Woods explained. “The fundamentals are simple, but can be difficult to explain, especially without the use of slow-motion video. A golf swing only takes a second,” he adds, “but there are a lot of moving parts, so not only can it be challenging to explain what stu-
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dents need to do to improve, it can be difficult to identify the issues.” From the street, Golf Lab Academy might look unassuming, but once inside, students are amazed to see a 1,500 square foot studio with a spacious hitting area, full bar, and multiple flat screens. “When we moved out
Director of Instruction ever since.” John’s stellar resume speaks for itself with 80 professional wins and more than 30 years teaching experience, and all his students would agree that he’s an outstanding instructor who has the ability to teach touring professionals as well as teenage beginners.
"The fundamentals have never been easier to learn with access to such powerful tools as high speed video cameras and software that allows instructors to draw lines and compare each student to top PGA players today." of the Roger Dunn store, I decided to build a teaching studio for my friends and me,” Woods said, “one that had the capacity to train touring pros but with a fun and relaxing vibe. Not only is the studio extremely private for one-on-one teaching experiences, it can comfortably accommodate groups of up to 16 people.” A few months after the studio was completed, Woods’ good friend and talented player John Burckle asked if he knew of any places looking for an instructor. “I kind of laughed and asked him to come over to my office to see what I just built,” Wood said. “He came into the studio and has been
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Another Golf Lab instructor is Dan Kupfer, who plays professionally and is a Master Club Fitter at Worldwide Golf Shops. As for Woods: he played professionally for ten years, winning backto-back money titles on the Canadian Tour and was the first American to win the South American Tour money title. He also held touring cards in Australia, Asia, and South Africa. Bottom line: the Golf Lab has all the cutting-edge technology and tools to help golfers of all ages and skill levels improve, but it’s the instructors that make it truly special. Visit golflabacademy.com for more information.
CHRIS MILLER
EXPERIENCE WORLD CLASS GOLF
“BEST PLACES TO PLAY”
■ GOLF
BY GOLF TRAVEL ANNUAL
■ DINING AT BELLATRIX ■ MEETING FACILITIES
“TOP 10 BEST DESERT COURSES”
■ PGA GOLF INSTRUCTION
BY DESERT GOLF
Classic Club is managed by Troon Golf,® the leader in upscale golf course management.
TO BOOK YOUR TEE TIMES ONLINE
Classic Club is managed by Troon Golf,® the leader in upscale golf course management.
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CONVENIENTLY LOCATED OFF I-10 IN PALM DESERT
75-200 CLASSIC CLUB BLVD., PALM DESERT, CA 92211
760.601.3600
www.classicclubgolf.com/book_tt
Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club is an incredible 240-acre golf club that is ready for you to experience. Enjoy lunch or cocktails at O’Neill’s Bar & Grill. Schedule your special event in our beautiful Trabuco Ballroom that overlooks the 18th hole. 26772 Avery Parkway Mission Viejo, CA 92692 | 949.305.5100 | www.arroyotrabuco.com California Golf + Travel
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FOOD & BEVERAGE
M. SPECIAL. GOOD BEER. EVERY TIME
M
. Special is a collective of family and friends from across the world of beer, food, and entertainment. Each member contributes something special to help create a unique, fun experience, and, of course, some great beer. Founded in Goleta California in Santa Barbara County in 2015 by the Malloy and Miller families, the name M. Special is inspired by an old box race car that once raced in California. The portfolio of beers are diverse, ranging from our flagship M. Special American Lager, some amazing IPA's such as the Greatland IPA and Lazy Eye DIPA, to a rich and flavorful Dozer Brown Ale, and much more. You can find these beers at most local markets between San Luis Obispo and Orange County. You can also visit one of our taprooms in Goleta or Santa Barbara, where you'll find a welcoming space with lots of great times to be had seven days a week. Core Beer Lineup: M. Special American Lager Clean / Smooth / Refreshing 4.7% ABV A classic American Craft Lager dedicated to those that work hard and play hard. True to M.Special Brewing Co form, this beer is made with only the finest combination of malted barley, fresh hops, and yeast creating sparkle and flavor. Aged to perfection to provide a balanced, unbeatable flavor. It’s everything an American Lager should be. Lazy Eye Special Double India Pale Ale Dank / Party / Rewarding 8.5% ABV Huge hop aroma, flavor and balanced bitterness with Hints of caramel malt sweetness make this beer a treat for all occasions. Brewed in true west coast
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tradition of profiling hops in the beginning, middle, and end. Go big or go home! The Greatland Special India Pale Ale Fresh / Hoppy / Balance 6.5-7.2% ABV Do your nose a favor and enjoy the aroma of this beer before you drink it. It has been mashed low and slow to ensure a crisp clean dry finish that profiles the one and only thing that matters about this beer, the hops. Dozer Special American Brown Ale Flavorful / Refreshing / Unique 7.5% ABV This is truly a special beer that you don’t see everyday. We feel the Dozer Special provides the best of both worlds. Flavors and aromas of Malt, brown sugar, toffee, caramel balanced with a hoppy citrus and pine profile. Sabado Tarde Special Tangerine Ale Light / Refreshing / Citrus 4.7% ABV Sabado Tarde Tangerine Ale is a light and refreshing flavorful ale coming in at a drinkable 4.7% ABV, which means you can go the distance with this winner. It has a balanced body of malts and hops, and a slight aroma and flavor of tangerine. G-Town Grapefruit IPA Grapefruit / Hoppy / Goodness 7.2% ABV A collaboration with the Goodland Hotel in Goleta, this beer is bursting with the aroma and flavor of fresh grapefruit. Pairs well with a pool and friends.
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