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CALIFORNIA GOLF + TRAVEL MAGAZINE

CONTENTS

WINTER 2022 VOLUME 26, ISSUE 1

WINTER 2022

14 Editor’s Note Golfers-in-Chief 16 College Golf California Golfers Dominate 20 PGA Golf Show The Major of Golf Business 22 PGA National Award Winners Mulligan and Grohman 26 LPGA West Coast Swing Five Southern California Golf Tournaments 30 The Grind Chasing A Dream 34 Inside the Gates Palos Verdes Golf Club 38 Equipment New Gear For 2022 44 Golf Instruction Improve Your Game 48 Spirits Hotel California Tequila 50 Wine Chalone Vineyard Estate

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38 CALIFORNIA GOLF + TRAVEL PUBLISHER Eric Woods EDITOR Suzy Evans, J.D., Ph.D. ASSISTANT EDITOR Laird Hayes 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 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 2021, 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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EDITOR’S NOTE

FIRST OFF THE TEE AND GOLFERS-IN-CHIEF While Donald Trump’s round of golf with Tiger Woods in 2019 made national headlines, Tiger’s round with Barack Obama in 2013 also caused quite a stir. Although scores remain top secret, what’s not so secret is that many American presidents have been avid golfers. According to Don Van Natta’s First Off the Tee, the ways in which presidents have played the game reveals a lot about their character. Dwight Eisenhower played more than 800 times during his eight years in office and had a putting green installed on the South Lawn of the White House. A member of Augusta National Golf Club, Ike broke 80 on a dozen occasions and the Eisenhower Pine, once located on the 17th hole, was named after him. Ike hit the tree so many times that, at a club meeting in 1956, he proposed that the tree be cut down. Not wanting to offend the president, the club’s chairman adjourned the meeting rather than reject the request. John F. Kennedy was a serious golfer but didn’t want to be seen playing because he wanted to contrast his image with Ike’s reputation of “golfing his way through the presidency.” JFK and his aides reportedly made a lot of hay out of Ike’s constant playing and dubbed him “Duffer in Chief.” As for LBJ, Van Natta says that he “really tore it up” on the course and would take 300, sometimes 400 swings, in a round. “He just wanted the feel of one perfect shot,” Van Natta notes, “and if it took 400 swings to do it, he was going to do it. He was the president and nobody was going to get in his way.” Ronald Reagan only played the game about a dozen times while in office, but he loved putting around the Oval Office and aboard Air Force One. But nowhere does golf run deeper than in the Bush family bloodline. George H.W. Bush’s maternal grandfather, George Herbert Walker, served as president of the USGA in 1920. A single-digit handicapper, he donated the Walker Cup, the trophy awarded to the winning team in the biennial matches between leading amateur golfers from the U.S. and Great Britain/Ireland. And 41’s father, Senator Prescott S. Bush, was a scratch golfer who served as president of the USGA in 1935 while George W. Bush, who succeeded his father as honorary chair of the First Tee in 2012, was the 2021 recipient of the Ambassador of Golf Award. As for Bill Clinton, Van Natta says he “followed the rules for about a hole and a half. Then...started taking these do-over shots, gimme putts and, at the end of the 18 holes, it took him about 200 swings to score an 82.” And as for Barack Obama, an article in Time magazine notes that he took up golf “as a relaxing alternative to basketball...but now that his game is out of the closet, it is clear that he duffs in much the same way that he tries to govern.” Wellington Wilson, Obama’s longtime golf buddy, is quoted as saying, “You can really tell a person’s personality by the way he plays golf. He just goes with the flow. Not too high. Not too low.” And the differences between the 45th and 46th presidents’ approaches to the game could not be more stark: Donald Trump reportedly spent at least 308 days on a golf course during his one term of office (nearly a year!) whereas Joe Biden has reportedly played only nine times during his first year in office. And there you have it—First Off the Tee and Golfers-in-Chief! Enjoy your walk, Suzy Evans, J.D., Ph.D. 14

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MEN’S COLLEGE GOLF

PEPPERDINE WAVES ARE A THREAT TO REPEAT

Pepperdine Men’s team won the Golf Club of Georgia Collegiate Invitational, Head Coach Michael Beard, Assistant Coach Blaine Woodruff, Joey Vrzich, Derek Hitchner, William Mouw, Joe Highsmith, Dylan Menante, Ian Maspat

efending NCAA champion Pepperdine has started the season strong with three finishes in the top 10, including a victory in the Golf Club of Georgia Collegiate, but the Waves might have run out of gas trying to defend their title in the East Lake Cup. Only day after winning at the Golf ClDefending NCAA champion Pepperdine, which last year claimed the title for the first time since 1997, is a threat to repeat this season, sitting at second in the Golfweek/ Sagarin Rankings as the Spring Season gets underway. The Waves, who defeated Oklahoma to win the national title a year ago under Coach Michael Beard, have several players returning from last year’s team, even though they lost redshirt senior R.J. Manke, who transferred to Washington and is ranked second in the nation. “Not many teams get the opportunity to start the season in defense of a national title,” Pepperdine associate head coach Blaine Woodruff 16

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said. “That’s a privilege, but at the same time you can’t make it a focus. Our job is to keep trying to get better each day, just one percent each day, and see where that takes us. Every event that we play, we’ll be a target because of our success last season. “But our guys understand the level of commitment that it takes to win, and we’re excited to see them accept those challenges in a positive way. It’ll be a different team dynamic than last year, but we have six really good players–four of them from the NCAA lineup last year–and it will be their job to maintain the standard that they know is required to play at an elite level.” Pepperdine won the Golf Club of Georgia Collegiate, finished eighth in the Fighting Illini Invitational, were fifth in the Colonial Collegiate and beat Arizona State, 3 and 2, to finish third in the East Lake Cup during the Fall Season. The Waves were second in the Southwestern Invitational to start the Spring Season and tied for sixth in the Amer Ari Invitational in Hawaii.

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Senior Joe Highsmith, ranked 14th in the nation, claimed his second college victory in the Golf Club of Georgia Collegiate and has finished in the top 10 three times, while redshirt senior Joey Vrzich is ranked 29th and senior Derek Hitchner is ranked 40th. The Waves also return juniors Dylan Menante, ranked 66th, and William Mouw from last year’s NCAA title team. Stanford is ranked No. 9, led by 23rd-ranked Karl Villips and 35thranked Michael Thorjbornsen, while San Francisco is No. 48 topped by 105th-ranked Toby Briggs, and UCLA is No. 50. Other California teams in the top 100 are No. 51 San Diego State, No. 56 UC Davis, No. 74 University of San Diego, No. 78 Loyola Marymount, No. 79 San Diego State, No. 80 St. Mary’s and No. 95 USC. Other players in the rankings include No. 17 Thomas Hutchison of UC Davis, No. 100 Barclay Brown of Stanford and No. 101 Jackson Rivera of USC.

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WOMEN’S COLLEGE GOLF

NO. 1 RANKED CARDINAL WOMEN WIN FIRST FOUR TOURNAMENTS

op-seeded Stanford was upset by No. 8 Arizona in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Women’s National Golf Championships last year, but the Cardinal are back and seemingly better than ever. The Cardinal, top-ranked in the Golfweek/Sagarin national rankings, captured all four tournaments they played during the Fall Season—the Molly Invitational, the Windy City Collegiate Classic, the Stanford Intercollegiate and the Pac-12 Preview. Stanford added Rose Zhang, a freshman from Irvine, who was the No. 1-ranked women’s amateur golfer in the world before heading for The Farm, and now is No. 1 in the Golfweek/Sagarin Women’s College Individual Rankings. “For me, I’m learning so much just to watch a player like this in action,” Coach Anne Walker said of Zhang. “Her patience is unreal.” Said Zhang, who won all three events she played in the Fall, said:

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“It’s truly amazing. When I came to college, I didn’t really expect to shoot a certain score or place a certain finish.” Stanford also has sophomore Rachel Heck, the defending NCAA individual champion, who is off to a slow start and ranked only 42nd in the nation, fifth-ranked Brooke Seay, 10th-ranked Aline Krauter, 19thranked Caroline Sturdza. The five Cardinal players mentioned above plus Angelina Ye and Stanford recruit Megha Ganne all have been invited to play in the 2022 Augusta National Women’s Amateur at Augusta National Golf Club in April. “This team is so special in many ways but having six current players invited to the Augusta National Women’s Amateur is a testament to their hard work, commitment and consistent play over a long period of time,” Walker said. “In a short three years, the ANWA has become the pinnacle of women’s amateur golf and we are incredibly

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Stanford freshman Rose Zhang (pictured) is the No. 1-ranked women’s amateur golfer in the world proud to have such strong representation this year, it speaks volumes about the strength of our roster. We are all excited for April and can’t wait to see how they fair, along with incoming teammate Megha Ganne, on the hallowed greens of Augusta National.” Stanford begins the Spring Season on Feb. 14 in the Lampkin Invitational at The Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe. Other California teams in the Top 50 of the Golfweek/Sagarin Rankings are No. 13 San Jose State, No. 15 UCLA, No. 16 USC and No. 42 California. Players in the Top 50 of the Individual Rankings include No. 4 Cindy Kou of USC, No. 22 Katherine Muzi of USC, No. 25 Natasha Andrea Oon of San Jose State, No. 30 Emma Spitz of UCLA, No. 35 Antonia Malate of San Jose State and No. 50 Alessia Nobilio of UCLA.

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PGA SHOW

PGA SHOW IN TRANSITION

By ED TRAVIS

he 69th PGA Show was held January 25 through the 28th in Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) with most attendees voicing the opinion, “It’s great to be back.” They were referring to the hiatus in 2021 when the Show, due to the pandemic, was held virtually, a dissatisfactory format to many and not worth repeating. The PGA Show is the primary annual gathering of the golf industry with its roots going back to 1954 in a Dunedin, Fla. parking lot where a few golf companies displayed products from car trunks. Over the years it 20

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has grown dramatically becoming “The Major of the Golf Business” with some 40,000 PGA Professionals, industry members and media attending the 2020 edition held as it has been for several years in the cavernous million square feet of the OCCC. The Show serves several purposes for the PGA of America including continuing education sessions for its members and at the same time providing equipment, apparel, gear and golf service companies ready exposure to club Professionals and retail buyers. Many apparel and service companies use the Show to write orders for the coming season as do smaller or

boutique club makers, but the larger equipment companies do not since most of their clubs and balls are preordered. MAJOR NETWORKING Not to be overlooked though is the other major reason industry members continue to attend year after year and that is the opportunity to meet-and-greet old and new friends plus as a networking event the Show is a must for those wishing to assess the state of the industry. The Covid crisis however changed the old ways of thinking. Last year’s Show proved to be less than enthusiastically received with several industry veterans telling me the virtual meeting format was unsatisfactory after attempting to sit through sessions staring at their computer screens. The PGA said frankly they expected the 2022

Show to be less well attended than the last one onsite in 2020 but longtime observers we talked with were surprised by this year’s dramatically smaller size. Comments about companies staying away due to the unknowns around the progress of the pandemic miss the point. These decisions are made often months in advance and generally are not subject to the latest headlines on the evening news about infection rates and other data. SOME NUMBERS • Figures are not available at this writing, but a reasonable guesstimate is one-half the number of attendees—in the range of 20,000 • According to the Show’s website there were 578 exhibitors compared with roughly 1,000 in recent years • Demo Day often has had 100 par-

ticipating companies and this year 40 were on hand • Of the 12 largest equipment companies only Bridgestone exhibited and two of the largest apparel companies, Nike and Adidas, chose not to have displays. Some are of the opinion the 2022 Show was the final gasp of a dying event, one that has lost its viability and relevance. We don’t agree though this year’s Show was a good example change is needed and the PGA has said as much. For instance, registration is one service that needs serious help with hundreds waiting in line the first day to be processed for a badge. The net effect was frustration by those doing the registering and those wanting to register. The bigger question though for attendees and exhibitors is how the expense of travel and loss of time can be justified. Continuing education courses run by the PGA for the benefit of members, there were 36 on the schedule this year, are already being run at the local section level both virtually and in person. Expanding the local and regional schedules can potentially remove a major reason for club professionals to take a midwinter break in Orlando. RETURN ON INVESTMENT Golf marketers especially the club and ball companies who in the past have occupied huge amounts of Show floorspace in light of the experience of the 2021 virtual Show have reassessed their budgets. This isn’t inside knowledge just an appraisal of the 11 largest manufacturers deciding to not spend the millions of dollars for a booth and their personnel spending a week doing something that may not provide an acceptable return on investment. Often particularly equipment company executives have proudly talked about “supporting the PGA of America and club Professionals” by coming to the Show but the truth is different. The old saying “getting a bang for your buck” applies and though the PGA of America has indicated the no-shows will return in 2023 we are not certain that will be the case. An optimistic guess is most will but not make as large an investment of time and money. They will be doing an even more critical assessment of the potential return.

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SCPGA

PHOTO COURTESY OF SCPGA

Jamie Mulligan: 2021 PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year

amie Mulligan started his career at the historic Virgina Country Club in the early 1980s. Shortly after, he was the Head Professional at Skylinks Golf Course in Long Beach, and eventually Director of Golf for both Skylinks and nearby Recreation Park Golf Course. During his tenure at these properties, Jamie founded the Smooth Swing Golf School (which had over 8,000 different participants) and the Jamie Mulligan Junior Golf Camp. He worked in conjunction with the late Payne Stewart to open Coyote Hills Golf Course. In 2000, he returned to VCC, where he continues to work diligently to grow the game of golf. Jamie’s involvement in growing the game through juniors, women, minorities, seniors and the disabled is shown not only with programs that he has established, but through his everyday philosophy. Jamie’s culture of teaching involves analyzing individuals physical and mental capability in order to help them achieve their potential. The Jamie Mulligan Junior Camp helped junior golfers of all ability improve their game. The camp reiterated to the juniors that they all had high thresholds and the power to not only reduce their handicap, but have fun while doing it. Not every junior had the same swing, but every junior was shown how to use their assets for the better. The shirts of the golf camp said “Future Tour Player” on them. This gave juniors belief and confidence in 22

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Jamie Mulligan (above left) with LPGA Tour member and SCPGA Junior Tour Alum, Melissa “Mo” Martin. Jamie was awarded the 2021 PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year for his outstanding services as a golf teacher, innovator and coach. themselves as well as know the excitement of golf. These principle and fundamentals are used currently in VCC’s Summer Junior Golf Program. In addition, for over ten years, Jamie has held the largest junior clinic on the PGA TOUR during the LA Open at Riviera CC. This clinic is done in conjunction with The First Tee and Tiger Woods Foundation. Jamie has earned several teaching accolades in the Southern California Section and Metro Chapter. He is also proud member of four halls of fame, including the SCPGA Hall of Fame. Jamie has taught and consulted with Gary Hallberg, World Golf Hall of Famer Amy Alcott, Mark O’Meara, Craig Barlow, FedEx Cup Champion Bill Haas and Bill Lunde. Throughout his career, he has taught four different #1 World Amateurs. The stable of players that he coaches includes John Cook, Paul Goydos, John Mallinger, Luke List, Veronica Felibert and Patrick Cantlay. Jamie has been working with most of his players since their early days playing junior golf and has groomed and prepared them to compete on golf’s highest stages. He also consults with the Long Beach State Golf Program, where he was a collegiate athlete.

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SCPGA

JOE GROHMAN

2021 PGA of America Patriot Award J

oe Grohman, a Southern California PGA Section Member and the PGA Director of Instruction at Old Ranch Country Club, in Seal Beach, California, is the recipient of the 2021 PGA of America Patriot Award. The honor is granted to a PGA Professional who personifies patriotism through the game of golf, and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America. Born and raised on Air Force Bases and the Head Golf Professional at a Military Golf Course for over 20 years, Grohman feels a sense of kinship and duty to do all that he can for our current and former Men and Women in uniform. Grohman is an esteemed member of the Southern California golf community and gained early notoriety as the Head Professional at Navy Golf Course where he helped coach a young Tiger Woods. Over the years Grohman has been able to organize and run worthwhile clinics for them and is committed to continue on this path of serving the military through regular and rehabilitative golf clinics. In addition, he is committed to creating more event opportunities (both in and out of state) with the goal that the exposure to PGA professionals will generate them to start a program at their course. Joe has been our Patriot award winner for the past 24

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8 years. He is currently working as the head golf professional at El Dorado Park in Long Beach. He has recently been selected as one of the 4 new National Trainers for PGA HOPE! Grohman currently serves as a National Trainer for PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), the signature military program of PGA REACH. In this capacity, he is responsible for delivering PGA HOPE golf training seminars to PGA Members nationwide. The simulated training sessions are designed to ensure all PGA Professionals teaching PGA HOPE provide a safe environment and are comfortable using adaptive equipment while instructing Military Veterans living with physical or cognitive challenges. An eight-time recipient of the Southern California PGA Section Patriot Award (2014-’21), he has also been honored with the Section’s Youth Player Development Award (2017), Bill Strausbaugh Award (2016), Merchandiser of Year (2014), Golf Professional of the Year (2013) and President’s Award (2012). Grohman has also chaired the SCPGA Diversity and Inclusion Committee since 2009. In 2010, he was recognized with the Armed Forces Recreation-Special Citation Award-the U.S. Navy’s highest award for civilian recreation employees. Grohman was elected into the Long Beach Golf Hall of Fame in 2016.

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WEST COAST SWING

Swing The PGA Tour is in the middle of its West Coast Swing, and the LPGA Tour will have its own version this season. It starts with the JTBC Classic presented by Barbasol on March 24-27 at Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad, followed by the Chevron Championship on the Dinah Shore Tournament Course at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage on March 31-April 3. This will be the final time the first major of the year will be played at Mission Hills. It will be the first time that the Los Angeles area has hosted back-to-back LPGA Tour events. 26

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After a week in Hawaii for the Lotte Championship on a course yet to be determined, the LPGA Tour will be back in Southern California for the JTBC LA Open in its fourth season at Wilshire Country Club in Los Angeles on April 21-24, and the inaugural JTBC Championship at Palos Verdes Golf Club in Palos Verdes Estates April 28-May 1. Inbee Park of South Korea will be the defending champion at Aviara, while Patty Tavatanakit of Thailand won last year at Mission Hills and Brooke Henderson of Canada claimed the title a year ago at Wilshire. Those tournaments are part of a record-setting LPGA Tour schedule which includes 34 official events in 12 U.S. states and nine other countries, including Canada, China, Japan and Taiwan, four countries that the LPGA did not visit the last two seasons because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

PHOTO: PARK HYATT AVIARA RESORT

LPGA West Coast

PHOTO: OUTLYR

Palos Verde Golf Club

PHOTO: BEN SOLOMON/OUTLYR

Wilshire Country Club

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES/METADATA

Brooke Henderson

Aviara Golf Club

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WINTER 2022

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PHOTO: BEN SOLOMON/OUTLYR

The LPGA Tour purses for this season total $85.7 million, up from the 2021 amount of $67.5 million. Nine tournaments have announced purse increases, including the Chevron Championship ($5 million, up $1.9 million), the AIG Women’s Open ($6.8 million, up $1.3 million) and the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship ($7 million, up $2 million). “I’m just very thankful for all the sponsors putting up more money and our purses getting bigger,” said Danielle Kang of Westlake Village and Pepperdine, who added that she is happy to be playing more events in California. “Players are getting better. It’s just LPGA is growing in the right direction. It takes a village to help; we can’t just do it alone. “ ... Our new commissioner, Mollie (Marcoux Samaan) has an amazing vision, and I’ve really appreciated the time that she’s taken to talk to me personally, et cetera. I’m really excited for where the LPGA is headed. I’ve been on tour for over 10 years now, so how far it’s come in the last 10 years is pretty incredible. It’s getting bigger and better.” The LPGA season opened with three events in Florida, with Kang winning the Hilton Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf and Country in Orlando, Fla., Lydia Ko of New Zealand capturing the Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio Golf Club in Boca Raton, Fla., and Leona McGuire of Ireland claiming her first LPGA Tour victory in the LPGA Drive on Championship at Crown Country Golf and Country Club in Fort Myers, Fla. It doesn’t get much better than that, but it just might. “The stage is set for 2022 to be one of the most exciting years in the history of the LPGA Tour, with the addition of new events, the largest total purse ever, over 500 hours of broadcast television and a collective commitment to being the leading women’s professional sports property in the world,” Commissioner Marcoux Samaan said. Get ready for it, Southern California.

PHOTO: BEN SOLOMON/OUTLYR

WEST COAST SWING

THE GRIND

CHASING A DREAM

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By Alan Shipnuck he gulf has never been wider between golf’s haves and havenots. As the PGA Tour grows ever more decadent, the game’s minor leagues have become increasingly cut-throat. A seemingly endless number of players can shoot 62 on any given Sunday, but many of them are living paycheck-to-paycheck, clawing and scraping for career survival. This is where the real drama of professional golf can be found. At the Fire Pit Collective, an emergent golf media company founded in 2021, their diverse cast of content creators are drawn to dreamers, long shots, underdogs, grinders. And now the Collective is committed to telling their stories in an immersive way. This spring they will roll out “The Grind,” an episodic streaming series that will bring to life the struggle, the stress and the occasional triumphs of a diverse group of pros and elite amateurs, each of whom is chasing something different. All of these golfers have agreed to grant cameras all-access into their lives. “The Grind” will be real, raw and uncensored. And it’s more than just a show; podcasts and written features will take fans even deeper into the worlds of these protagonists. It will be all hands on deck for the Fire Pit talent: Matt Ginella, Ryan French, Laz Versalles, Colt Knedler, Jordan Perez, Mark Godich, Ellen Cannon, Ben Van Hook, this correspondent and others will be contributing to the read-watch-listen content, with Alex Upegui overseeing production and Marco Escalante leading the postproduction team. “The Grind” is a big part of what will be a big year for the Fire Pit, which was created by Ginella, Upegui and Shipnuck to provide more authentic and soulful content than what was being offered by the corporate golf media. Two other projects will celebrate the soul of the game: municipal courses, and the diversity of those who play, and love, golf. “Migrations” is an episodic series that will track the experience of Black golfers in America’s big cit-

ies, while “Bubba Versus” will follow Gerry Lester Watson Jr. (and his pals) as the two-time Masters champ tries to set the course record at a variety of charming, scruffy munis. They will roll out exclusive excerpts and podcasts around the anticipated launch of my book on Mickelson — “PHIL: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf’s Most Colorful Superstar.” U.S. Open champ Geoff Ogilvy, an investor in the company, will be coming online with his own podcast and video

Hayden Springer is the kind of underdog “The Grind” focuses on: he is trying to battle his way to the PGA Tour while he and wife Emma care for a young daughter with a rare chromosomal disorder. storytelling, and in December the FPC will journey to Australia to livestream and blow out coverage of the Sandbelt Invitational. More surprises await. French will be the patron saint of “The Grind,” hosting a podcast of the same name. (Perez and I— and my collaborator Christina Kim— will

At 38, with a young son at home, Mark Baldwin had given himself this year to finally make it, or walk away forever. California Golf + Travel

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THE GRIND yet they’ve kept the purses so small on the developmental tours that even players who have a good year lose money,” Ginella says. “That’s crazy. We want to see these players make enough to be able to earn a living and keep chasing their dreams.” GOLFTEC is a presenting sponsor of “The Grind” and will be giving free access to all of the featured players, which means a lot to a guy such as “Grind” protagonist Nick Biondi, who has often been forced to hit balls into a mattress in his basement, and other mini-tour aspirants who were recently stripped of their practice privileges at the Tour’s TPC courses. “Will they all be success stories? Obviously not.” Ginella says. “But these are the narratives that are far more compelling than the rich getting richer.” Let “The Grind” begin. And with it, a new era in the golf media. Nick Biondi is the classic Grinder: born to a drug-addicted mother and having never known his father, this longshot still chases the dream by hitting balls in his grandmother’s basement. consolidate our podcast efforts and regularly contribute to “The Grind” pod.) “There are so many great stories for us to tell,” says French, whose alter ego Monday Q Info has done much to stimulate fan interest in another side of the sport. “The biggest stars in the game get so much media attention, but it’s hard to care about their quote unquote problems. The players we’re going to focus on, if they don’t play well they’re out of a job. So many of them have overcome serious hardships. And they’re sacrificing so much just to give themselves the chance to have their heart broken yet again.” “The Grind” will give these competitors a little more to play for. The Collective will set up sponsored money matches and play-in games for spots in tournaments, including the Korn Ferry’s BMW Charity Pro-Am. They are creating a series of Fire Pit tournaments. (Think Big Money Classic…with actual money.) These events may not help a player’s status within the tiered structure of pro golf, but they will offer cash that can be life-changing for those chasing the dream. “The PGA Tour has had a monopoly on tournament golf, 32

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COURSE REVIEW

FALL 2021

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INSIDE THE GATES

Palos Verdes Golf Club

Southern California’s Hidden Gem

alos Verdes Golf Club in Palos Verdes Estates has been one of the finest private clubs in Southern California since it opened in 1924, with its 18 holes spread out over 213 acres on gentle slopes overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The course, which is challenging despite measuring only 6,462 yards from the back tees and playing to a par 71, was designed by golf course designing legends George C. Thomas and William Bell, who designed other classic courses in Southern California—Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Bel Air Country Club, the North Course at Los Angeles Country Club and Ojai Valley Inn Golf Course. Fore Magazine has said the course at Palos Verdes Golf Club is “enjoyable and challenging for players of all abilities,” and is “the hidden gem of courses in Southern California.”

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Palos Verdes Golf Club celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1999, a two-year renovation and enlargement of the clubhouse was completed in 2007, and the classic course underwent a major renovation in 2013 which included the addition of several new greens, tees, chipping areas and all new bunkers to improve the quality and challenge of play. The Palos Verdes course is a classic example of Thomas and Bell designs of the 1920s, with extensive use of natural hazards, and it rewards accuracy rather than length. Thomas and Bell used the natural terrain, barrancas, creeks, and hills while taking into account the prevailing westerly ocean breezes in designing this classic course. The relatively small greens, extensive bunkering and narrow fairways with strategically designed landing areas make it a challenge for golfers of all levels.

RHCC’s se

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INSIDE THE GATES

The front side is known as a classic perfect nine in that there are no two consecutive holes of the same par. Thirteen of the original eighteen holes had ocean views, and the 226-yard, par-3 fourth hole plays downhill to a two-tiered green surrounded by bunkers, and is framed by snow-capped Mt. Baldy during the winter. It might be the best of four impressive par-3s on the course, but that opinion is up to the golfer. Golf writer Robert Fagan has called the 413-yard, dogleg right third hole “one of the best par fours in Southern California!” The approach shot plays to a

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small green that is well-bunkered with trees hanging over the left side of the green. With six sets of tees, Palos Verdes is challenging yet playable for all golfers. Palos Verdes Golf Club also offers a highly rated restaurant that is open to the public, plus banquet facilities with catering options, a bar and card room which offer fantastic views of the golf course and the Southern California coastline, plus luxury locker rooms. But the biggest feature of Palos Verdes Golf Club is its classic course.

EQUIPMENT

SPRING IS COMING AND SO ARE NEW GOLF PRODUCTS By ED TRAVIS or avid golfers this is the time of year to evaluate whatever equipment they have been using with an eye to improve their games and making golf more fun by taking a look and trying out the newest products. California Golf + Travel talked with our contacts at equipment and apparel companies to research the latest

product introductions and also travelled to Orlando, Fla. for the PGA Show, the “Major of the Golf Business,” in our effort to supply meaningful information for our readers. Here are a few of the clubs, balls, bags, carts and apparel that caught our attention, and we think you will agree are worth evaluating as you prepare for the 2022 golf season.

Callaway Golf Rogue ST Max Driver The four members of the Rogue ST Max family of drivers include one to help every level of player from the Max standard game-improvement model through the Max D designed to straighten out our bad slices and the two better-player models, Max LS and Max LS Triple Diamond. All have a large tungsten Speed Cartridge in the rear perimeter and make use of an artificial intelligence-designed Flash Face. $550

Cleveland Golf CBX ZipCore Wedges Cleveland knows hitting wedge shots well, in control and the right distance is key to scoring well and as their ads say, “All you wanna do is chunk a little less. Skull a little less. Duff a little less.” The ZipCore design is a hollow area in the hosel and heel that allows head weight to be shifted plus a TPU insert inside to dampen vibrations making them easy to hit and the groove pattern has been improved. $149 steel shaft

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GOLF GEAR Getting fit by a trained professional is the key to finding just the right clubs for your game. New ones won’t necessarily be what the pros on the PGA Tour are playing or that driver of your buddy’s that you hit great one time. Our message as always is “get fit” and that includes finding the correct ball to give maximum distance and control.

Bettinardi Golf Inovai Putter Bettinardi’s Inovai putter line has added a high M.O.I. compact mallet, the 8.0, milled from 303 stainless steel and 6061 military grade aluminum. Engineered with input from Tour players the prominent wings help with forgiveness and stability for the attractive black anodized head. Their Roll Control Face milling is standard and there are three neck options, spud, slant, and for the first time an armlock model. $400

Wilson Golf Triad Golf Ball This three-piece ball is a high MOI design with a thin urethane cover and their patented internal construction. To achieve the high MOI, i.e., torsional stability, weight was moved from the core to the mantle and cover which means it spins less off the driver and finds more fairways. The Triad is designed for use by players with medium fast swing speeds wanting short game control and tee ball distance. $40 dozen

Tour Edge Golf Exotics E722 Driver With and extremely high MOI the game-improvement E722 is very forgiving and incorporates unique features. The Ridgeback crown has a titanium center strip running from the face to the rear flanked by large panels of carbon fiber. The titanium continues around to the sole where it connects with a sole rail and this construction allowed the addition of a 30-gram backweight to help create better launch characteristics. $400

XXIO 12 Driver The XXIO 12 driver is a “more-distance” solution for those with slow to moderate swing speeds using a super light shaft of just 41 grams and a 31-gram counterbalanced grip. This makes total club weight just 282 grams, much less than most drivers, allowing it to be swung faster with less effort. The ActivWing head is shaped for less wind resistance and the flexible cup face is mounted in what XXIO calls a Rebound Frame. $700

Cobra Golf King LTDx Drivers Cobra’s top of the line King LTDx drivers use sophisticated engineering and materials to product more distance and accuracy. The crown is very light carbon fiber and compliments the PWR-COR technology which uses internal and external multi-material weights. The H.O.T. face is new as well and features a variable thickness construction with 15 zones to maximize ball speed over the entire area. $499

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EQUIPMENT

CARTS AND BAGS Walking your round has become more popular with lots of people carrying their bag or if not using a cart or trolley. Here are some bags, push carts and electric caddies we like and can recommend.

BatCaddy X3R Electric Golf Caddy This quality electric caddy has two 200W motors and the remote controls nine forward and reverse speeds plus there’s a downhill auto-speed. There is a battery level indicator and a freewheel mode when the power is off plus braking uses a safe electronic system. The X3R folds down for transport to 24” x 12” x 35” and weighs 23 lbs. $850

MGI Zip Navigator Electric Caddy The three-wheel Zip Navigator is controlled by a remote so its speed may be matched to player’s walking pace and downhill speed is automatically slowed plus there’s a foldable rear fourth wheel for stability on rough ground. Power comes from two 230-watt motors and a lithium 24-volt battery. Weight with the battery installed is 35 lbs. and the unit folds for transport to 27.5” x 18.5” x 16.5 “. Black or Titanium Grey $1,495.

Vessel VLX Carry Stand Bag Vessel designed the VLX Carry Stand Bag for on-the-course performance with handy features you will appreciate. Made from synthetic leather the weight is only 4.65 lbs., and the 7” x 7” top is 4-way with full length dividers. The double strap makes for easy carrying and the bag’s base rotates for stability when put on the ground. Each of the five pockets has a waterproof zipper and the VLX comes with a rain hood. $335

Srixon Z Stand Bag Here’s a distinctive carry stand bag in a bright green camouflage and there are three other colors from which to choose. The 8 ½” top has four dividers for your clubs and the bag tips the scale at just 5.5 lbs. The dual strap utilizes a comfortable suspension system and there’s a mesh hip pad. Five pockets for your stuff include a velour lined one for valuables with a waterproof zipper. $250

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Sun Mountain Golf Speed Cart V1R When the three-wheel Speed Cart came on the market in 1999 it was a sensation. It’s continued to improve with each subsequent version and the 2022 V1R model is the newest. The V1R still uses Sun Mountain’s efficient twostep folding and is light at just 17.95 lbs. Folded size of 37” by 16” by 13” makes it easy to get in and out of a car trunk. The handle and mesh tray have also been updated. Ten color choices. $270

Cobra Ultralight Sunday Bag Only 3.8 lbs., three full length dividers, five pockets including one full length for apparel and a lined valuables pocket. What more could you want when taking the kids out for a few holes or a quick nine after work. Built to last with a stand that spreads nice and wide for stability on most any terrain. The dual strap makes for easy carrying and there’s are top and bottom handles for in and out of the car trunk. $129

Big Max Blade IP Golf Trolley The Blade IP is a very slim design threewheeler weighing 14.33 lbs. For transport it goes down into one of the smallest and flattest sizes around in a simple one-fold step. The upper bracket accepts any size bag, and the lower bracket takes either a stand or carry bag or tour-size bag. The foot-activated brake locks both rear wheels so stopping on a slope never is a problem. Organizer panel on handle. Priced at $350.

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EQUIPMENT

APPAREL A friend once told me, “If you can’t play good, dress good,” but the truth is the right shoes or jacket can make the difference between enjoying a round or enduring four uncomfortable hours outdoors.

Straight Down Kodiak Vest A hooded vest is always handy to have for rounds when the temperatures are less than balmy, and the Kodiak Vest is a great choice. The quilted insulation is an alternative-down thermal polyester that keeps body heat in while the outer shell and inner lining are nylon to keep rain and wind out. The hood has a draw string if needed and the vest folds down to pack in an inside pocket. Choice of indigo or black $180.

Linksoul Hilgard Quilted Down Jacket Here’s a three-season jacket filled with down for great warmth but because down isn’t bulky this quality-made jacket can be worn under a shell as well as by itself. Travelling with the Hilgard is also a cinch since it folds into an interior pocket for packing into your golf bag or duffel. All nylon with an adjustable waist there’s even a chest pocket with button closure. A classic style pictured in Grey Elm it also comes in Dark Navy. $198

G/Fore Luxe Staple Mid Pullover This pullover of soft tech Jersey with a bit of cotton is meant to be a mid-layer and is great either on or off the course. Sleeves are a raglan construction, and the banded hem is a nice touch of detailing. The material--82% polyester, 14% cotton and 4% Spandex--is convenient to care for since its washable and only requires a low temperature tumble drying. Select from three colors $155.

Sun Mountain Second Layer This lightweight, soft pullover is just what is needed when the weather is a bit questionable and may be worn either by itself or as a base layer under a rain jacket. The 4-way stretch will not bind even the most athletic swings and it has thermal properties to keep your core warm. Add to that the polyspandex fabric is also breathable and moisture wicking makes it a favorite. Choice of eight colors $70

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True X Linksoul Knit II Golf Shoes Made in collaboration with True Linkswear the Knit II is lightweight shoe with all day comfort. It is high-performance featuring a “sock-like feel” and is constructed for long life durability with the plastic cleat soles providing traction when you need it. Insoles exhibit original artwork, and each pair comes in a matching shoe bag. The Knit II upper is made of 90% poly and 10% Spandex pictured here in Charcoal. $159 pair

The NEW COBRA LTDx Driver features PWR-COR technology which reinvents the internal weighting system, delivering explosive ball speed and raw power.

GOLF TIP

CHIPPING MADE

SIMPLE By JOHN BURCKLE Photos MICHAEL WEINSTEIN Use the fundamentals to make chipping easier. Chipping doesn’t have to be difficult if you’ve got the correct technique. To many golfers approach the short shots as if it’s a miniature long swing, which means they set up to the ball as if they were hitting a full shot but make a little swing. Let’s look at how the best golfers set up to hit simple chips. First get your feet close together and most importantly put 90% of your weight on your lead leg. Notice in (photo 1) of Jhonattan Vegas you can see his weight is on his forward leg even though the ball is sitting in down deep rough. While maintaining he’s weight on his forward leg, he swings his arms and club back together keeping the hands quiet and his weight firmly on his on top of his forward leg. At impact (photo 2) he maintains perfect balance on the forward leg. This allows the club to approach the ball at a slightly descending angle and allows the club to contact the ball first and ground second which will pop the ball out of the rough and onto the green. If your weight starts to lean towards your back leg the club will tend to scoop the ball and make poor contact resulting in a bad chip. In the third photo you can see how he keeps the triangle of the shoulders, arms and club moving all together into the finish. His motion stayed connected and his weight never wavered from his lead leg. So next time you practice chipping make it simple by learning these few easy steps.

ONE 44

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THREE TWO JOHN BURCKLE – Director of Instruction at GolfLabAcademy.com • 25 Years Teaching Experience • 80 Professional Wins •6 X Golden State Tour Order of Merit Champion

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GOLF TIP

EXAMINE YOUR FINISH TO BETTER RESULTS By JACKIE RIEGLE Why does it matter how you finish your swing if you’ve already hit the ball? Well, the finished position can give you evidence of what happened in the swing that can help improve your technique.

COMMON Most common finished position amongst amateurs – Weight on the back foot, hips not fully rotated and weight behind the ball – This will tell you that you need more lateral toward the target movement in your swing as you want to finish with your weight & hips forward and more extension of the body. 46

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Second most common finished position – Posture is too upright, weight more on trail side, arms disconnected from the body and high. This player needs to have a better understanding of tilt and rotation through impact to maintain spine angle and improve impact.

IDEAL Ideal finished position – Balanced, hips rotated with belt buckle facing the target. Spin angle is still maintained with weight pushing through lead leg, arms are connected to the chest. The goal is to feel very sturdy in this position. Pay attention to how you complete your swing to improve your game! This topic can be a complicated subject and one you should discuss with your PGA Coach. Looking for one? Visit PGA.com to find a PGA certificated coach in your area! If you like my tips, visit our YouTube channel for more lesson content titled our Monday Mulligan Series (youtube.com/monarchbeachgl).

Jackie Riegle, PGA Director of Player Development at Monarch Beach Golf Links Jriegle@monarchbeachgolf.com www.pga.com/coach/JackieRiegle

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LIFESTYLE

IT’S BEEN A GREAT YEAR FOR HOTEL CALIFORNIA TEQUILA I

n 2021, Hotel California Tequila was awarded a Double Gold Medal at the Sip Awards, a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and the Gold Medal of “The Best Fifty” Blanco Tequila’s. Recently the company also received a Gold Medal from Tequila Aficionado magazine for Legacy in packaging (bottle) as well as 100 percent Blue Weber Agave. Hotel California Tequila, which includes a volume 40 percent alcohol and all are 80 proof, is produced by hand from agave grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, and like the grapes of a fine wine, the agave that the tequila is made from can’t be separated from the land where it was grown. Rather than using commercial yeast blends engineered in a laboratory, Hotel California Tequila grows their own yeast in-house which requires constant supervision in the distillation process but delivers a much more complex taste in the tequila. The organic, 100 percent Blue Weber Agave that is used in making Hotel California Tequila has been carefully cultivated in the highlands of Jalisco for generations.

The company holds off harvesting the piñas until they are eight-to-10 years old, which provides a much higher sugar content and provides a smoother, more agave character flavor. “Never mind the goofy name and goofier bottles,” Christopher Null wrote in a review on the Drinkhacker website. “This is good, 100% agave, Highlands tequila that has partnered with the famous Baja hotel for its name and branding.” Hotel California’s Blanco tequila is an unaged tequila with a nose redolent of fine white pepper and warm tropical fruit, a cool feeling in the mouth, and a long, almost endless feeling that suggests more maturity that a typical unaged tequila. The sweet, floral agave provides great texture, structure and understated honey flavors. The company’s Reposado is aged for a minimum of six months in barrels that formerly held bourbon, and the finished tequila product presents elegant florals with sweet, lightly toasted vanilla. The Reposado is deep-toned in appearance and taste, boasting rich and fragrance in a smooth tasting

MEXICAN NEGRONI 1 oz Hotel California Tequila Blanco or Reposado 1 oz Campari 1 oz Sweet Vermouth Add all ingredients with ice, to a mixing glass. Stir to chill and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

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tequila that charms connoisseurs and newcomers. Anejo, the elder spirit created by Hotel California Tequila, is aged for 22-to-28 months in old bourbon barrels that creates an incredibly aromatic tequila with a spruce and Caramel nose accompanied by hints of vanilla and candied florals. Hotel California Tequila uses only the best water for all of its products, sourced from the Highlands of Jalisco. This pristine water, free of all impurities, guarantees and preserves the unique flavors of all the company’s products. All three Hotel California Tequilas come in a 750ml bottle size and are available in fine restaurants, bars, liquor stores and supermarkets throughout California. For more information, visit www.hctequila.com.

CHRIS MILLER

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Classic Club is managed by Troon Golf,® the leader in upscale golf course management.

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WINE SELECTION

CHALONE VINEYARD ESTATE By MATT PALAFERRI here are certain California wineries with a ton of history. Heitz, Mondavi, and Schrader to name a few. There are also many vineyards with pedigree attached to those wineries such as Martha’s Vineyard, ToKalon and Beckstoffer. Most wine drinkers, whether they are collectors or great spring-weather patio pounders of Sauvignon Blanc, have at least heard of these wineries and vineyards. I’d like to showcase a winery in Monterey, California. The oldest producing vineyard in Monterey, Chalone Vineyard Estate rests on the Gavilan Mountain Range and is named after the peak that was named after the indigenous Native American tribe, the Chalone. This area began its viticultural activity as far back as 1919, planting Chenin Blanc, and, during prohibition, the grapes were sold as sacramental wines. I would go thirsty if the only place I could get grape juice was at church, but that’s another story for another time. In 1960, the Chalone label was introduced and the winery we know today was born, and, in 1966, an area pioneer and legend Dick Graff made his first vintage under the Chalone label. Today, the Chalone Vineyard is the sole winery in the Chalone American Viticultural Area (AVA) which is a pretty cool thing to brag about. I could go on and on about the history of this winery, but let’s get to the root of the article and talk about the wine! When a friend brought me the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, I was pleasantly surprised on not only how great these wines are but how a few bottles wouldn’t cost you your car payment. We first tasted the 2019 Estate Chardonnay and I was blown away on how complex but simple this wine is. The first thing you pick up is this beautiful stone fruit on the nose. Peaches, apricot, white nectarine and then when you taste the wine, the mineralogy is screaming for food. Many wines taste better with food but this one can go either way and it’s fantastic. Hey, sometimes I just want to crack a bottle and drink the darn thing and don’t want to think about food. I’m not very complex and hate thinking too much as my friends will tell you. Make it easy on me and I’m

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happy and that’s just what this wine does. It’s a people pleaser for sure. Retail you should be able to fine somewhere around $20-25 and you won’t be disappointed. The 2019 Pinot Noir is another wine from Chalone that made this palate smirk with giddiness. This wine delivers everything you would want in a Pinot while being approachable and ready to roll. It’s aged in French oak for 12 months and is soft and pretty on the palate. Raspberry, stewed

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plum, hints of blueberry with earthy tones on the finish make it what a Pinot Noir is supposed to be. Complex and delicious all in the same glass. You should be able to find this wine for about $35.00 retail. After tasting these wines, I’m going to plan the few hours drive from where I am and check out the winery in person. They make many varietals and I can’t wait to make my palate happy with more adult grape juice from Chalone. Salute!

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