California Golf + Travel Winter 2023

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WILLIAM P. BELL & SON BUILDING CALIFORNIA GOLF

MADRID GOLF WITH A CAPITAL M

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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

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WOODROW WILSON, WORLD WAR I, AND GOLF

On May 7, 1915, a German submarine torpedoed the British passenger liner RMS Lusitania en route from New York to Liverpool. Attacked without warning, the ship sank quickly, killing 1,198 civilians, including 128 Americans.

Woodrow Wilson immediately denounced the sinking of the Lusitania in harsh, threatening terms, demanding that Germany pledge to never launch another attack on citizens of neutral countries, even when traveling on French or British ships. Germany agreed, but only temporarily. In March, 1916, a German U-boat torpedoed the French passenger liner Sussex, causing a heavy loss of life and injuring several Americans.

Two months later, in what’s known as the Sussex pledge, German officials announced they would no longer sink Allied merchant ships without warning but made it clear that they would resume submarine attacks if the Allies refused to lift their blockades of food and raw materials bound for the Central Powers.

Despite further provocations, Wilson still hoped for a negotiated settlement until February 1, 1917, when Germany resumed submarine warfare against merchant ships, including those of the United States and other neutral countries. In response, Wilson broke off diplomatic relations with Germany.

Then, on February 25, the British intercepted and decoded a telegram from Germany’s foreign secretary Arthur Zimmermann to the German ambassador in Mexico. The so-called “Zimmermann Telegram” proposed that in the event of war with the United States, Germany and Mexico would form an alliance. In return, Germany promised to regain for Mexico its “lost provinces” of Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico.

The release of the Zimmermann Telegram ignited a public furor that was further enflamed by the loss of three U.S. merchant ships to German submarines. After much discussion, Wilson appeared before a Joint Session of Congress on April 2, 1917 and asked for a Declaration of War against Germany.

By the time the United States entered the war, German submarines were taking a catastrophic toll on supplies of provisions being shipped to Britain. In response, the British admiralty established a system of convoys in which merchant ships were grouped together and provided with warship escorts through the most dangerous stretches of the North Atlantic.

The convoys had a dramatic effect. By the end of 1917, the tonnage of Allied shipping lost each month to German U-boat attacks plummeted from one million tons in April to 350,000 tons in December. And while other factors were at play, the increase in provisions helped stiffen the resolve of Allied troops and thwarted Germany’s attempt to force Britain’s surrender.

So what does this have to do with golf? Not much! Except to say that Woodrow Wilson began playing upon his doctor’s advice to get outside and exercise at the age of 56, ultimately making “the game a daily ritual” and playing more rounds than any president. On the course, according to Sports Illustrated, Wilson was not called President Wilson but just Mr. Wilson who just came to play and “asked for no special favors and reasoned that all club rules applied equally to him as to others.

“Wilson was just a good fellow when he came on the links,” a friend said. “He forgot all about his office duties and just came out to enjoy himself. He and his friend and physician, Doctor Grayson, always came together, and they had some hot games, I’ll tell you. Both shot somewhere around 90. There was nothing snobbish about Wilson. He was just the same as you or I. He was always jolly. When he sliced his ball into the rough, he took it all as part of the game and never complained.”

In 1916, Wilson ran against Charles Evans Hughes in the presidential election. The day after the election, Wilson was on the course when he received urgent news that he had carried California and his reelection was assured. Wilson gave a smile, and continued with his round.

Enjoy your walk,

Suzy Evans, J.D., Ph.D.

2022 SCPGA AWARD WINNERS

SEIKO MATSUYAMA of Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo received the SCPGA Youth Player Development Award for an SCPGA professional who reflects the image and qualities that juniors can emulate and provides opportunities for juniors to learn and play golf.

JIM GORMLEY of Palos Verdes

Golf Club in Palos Verdes Estates has been selected Southern California Golf Professional of the Year for 2022 for his overall performance as a golf professional, for leadership, service, promotion and performance in the game of golf.

Gormley previously was chosen 2018 Golf Professional of the Year by the American Junior Golf Association, which honors a golf professional who displays unwavering support of the AJGA and junior golf by creating a memorable tournament experience for players, families, staff and volunteers.

In 2022, Gormley played on the winning team in the SCPGA Senior Division Kickoff Classic on the North Course at Los Serranos Golf Club in Chino Hills, and won the SCPGA Professional-Junior Championship alongside Kyle Wada at the Golf Club of California at Fallbrook, in addition to posting six other top-10 finishes.

BLAKE JIRGES of Coto de Caza

Golf and Racquet Club was chosen SCPGA Teacher and Coach of the Year for excellence in golf instruction and coaching, along with overall performance as a golf professional.

THOMAS CHU of San Diego Country Club received the SCPGA Assistant Club Professional of the Year Award, which is awarded for overall performance as a golf professional in leadership, service and promotion of the game of golf.

JOHN KULOW of South Hills Country Club in West Covina was winner of the Tom Addis PGA Professional Award for special recognition to outstanding service and contributions to developing and improving educational opportunities for PGA golf professionals in Southern California.

PETRA COLE of Coronado Golf Course was presented the SPCGA Player Development Award, which goes to a PGA Professional for extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in the area of player development.

JIM DENNERLINE of Heroes Golf Club in Los Angeles was given the SCPGA Patriot Award, which goes to an SCPGA pro 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 State of America.

ERIK BROWN of Stadium Golf

Center in San Diego received the SCPGA Clubfitter Award as a PGA golf professional who is an expert in the field of club fitting. Some of the considered criteria for this award are promoting club fitting at their facility and helping both PGA members and assistants further their knowledge on the effects of properly fitted equipment.

TOM SOM of Arrowhead Golf Course in Oceanside was given the Bill Strausbaugh Award, which is presented to a PGA member who, by his or her day-to-day efforts, has made significant contributions through the mentoring of PGA Professional’s employment.

Other awards went to KEITH MURAKAMI of Trump National Golf Club in Palos Verdes Estates as SCPGA Merchandiser of the Year in the Resort Category; KEVIN WONG of Rolling Hills Estates in Rolling Hills as Merchandiser of the Year in the Private Club Category, and JASON BEATTY of Encinitas Ranch Golf Course in Encinitas Ranch as Merchandiser of the Year in the Public Club Category.

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

Player of the Year

MICHAEL BLOCK, PGA, Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club

Women’s Player of the Year

DR. ALISON CURDT, PGA, Wood Ranch Golf Club

Senior Player of the Year

Rick Garboski, PGA, Golf Development Complex

Super Senior Player of the Year

PAUL WISE, PGA, Hillcrest Country Club

APA Player of the Year

RYAN NOMURA, Spanish Hills Club

Women’s Senior Player of the Year

MARIANNE HUNING, PGA, Bel-Air Country Club

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS

JORGE BADEL, PGA • KEVIN MARTIN, PGA

BOB LIVINGSTONE

These award winners were celebrated for their accomplishments at the 2022 SCPGA President’s Dinner at Newport Beach Country Club.

NCPGA 2022 AWARD WINNERS

GENE BAKKUM of Metropolitan Golf Links was awarded the NCPGA 2022 Youth Player Development Award, awarded to PGA Professionals who provide opportunities for juniors to learn and play the game of golf through coaching and education.

CONNOR MCDANIEL of Montreux

TED ANTONOPOULOS is recognized as the NCPGA 2022 Golf Professional of the Year. Ted has been Head Golf Professional for 42 years, serving as Head golf Professional at Mayacama Golf Club for the past 22 years. This is the highest honor the Section can bestow upon a PGA Professional. Awarded to a Professional who displays the finest exhibition of spirit, determination, business acumen, professionalism, promotion of the game of golf as well as service to the Section and the Association.

His career began in 1981 as an assistant professional under Ben Doyle at Carmel Valley Golf & Country Club with stops at TPC Sawgrass, PGA National Golf Club, Fisher Island Club and more but Mayacama is where his legacy can be most defined.

His work in the rules of golf has him assisting PGA and LPGA Players at the Major Championships, as well as fellow NCPGA Professionals on a local basis. He has achieved “Expert Status” according to the criteria set forth by the USGA and the PGA of America and proudly represents the NCPGA and his club as the Vice Chairman of the PGA of America Rules Committee.

Golf & Country Club was awarded the NCPGA 2022 Assistant Associate of the Year, awarded to Assistant Professional or Associate for their overall performance as well as leadership, service to the Section, and promotion of the game of golf.

JARED BUTTS of Will Robins Golf was awarded the NCPGA 2022 Player Development Award, awarded to the PGA Professional for their extraordinary and exemplary contributions to player development and promotion of the game.

WILLIAM ROBINS of Will Robins Golf was awarded the NCPGA 2022 Teacher & Coach of the Year, awarded for excellence in all facets of instructing the game of golf in conjunction with their overall performance as a PGA Professional.

MATTHEW DACHOWSKI of Lake Merced Golf Club was awarded the NCPGA 2022 Golf Course Superintendent of the Year, awarded to an individual for their service and contributions to the game of golf within the Northern California Section PGA.

ANDREW WORKMAN of the Northern Nevada Golf Association was awarded the NCPGA 2022 PGA Professional Development Award, awarded for outstanding service and contributions in the developing and improving educational opportunities for the PGA Professionals.

CAROL PENCE was awarded the NCPGA 2022 Bill Strausbaugh Award, awarded to a PGA Professional who has shown outstanding integrity, commitment to mentoring fellow professionals, and who has made a significant impact on the careers of the PGA Professionals.

TIM BURR of Blackhawk Country Club was awarded the NCPGA 2022 Patriot Award, awarded to the PGA Professional who personifies patriotism and demonstrate unwavering commitment and dedication to those who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America.

DAVID ZORN of Silverado Resort & Spa was awarded the NCPGA 2022 Resort Merchandiser of the Year, awarded to PGA Professionals who have demonstrated superior skills as a merchandiser in the promotion of golf.

TOM REZENDES of the NorCal Golf Academy was awarded the NCPGA 2022 Club Fitter of the Year, awarded to the PGA Professional who has exhibited great knowledge in club fitting while striving to improve the game through the use of properly fitted equipment.

KELSEY JO HOLSTEN of Monterey Peninsula Country Club was awarded the NCPGA 2022 Private Merchandiser of the Year, awarded to PGA Professionals who have demonstrated superior skills as a merchandiser in the promotion of golf.

RICHARD DAVISION of Richard Davision Golf was awarded the NCPGA 2022 Salesperson of the Year, awarded to an individual for their service to the PGA Professionals, their merchandising team members, and the NCPGA Section.

NCPGA 2022 PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

Player of the Year

TOM JOHNSON, PGA of The Olympic Club

Women’s Player of the Year

KATHERINE MARREN, PGA of Quail Lodge & Golf Club

Senior Player of the Year

MIKE WOODS, PGA of Haggin Oaks Golf Complex

Super Senior Player of the Year

SCOTT HOYT, PGA

Assistant Associate Division Player of the Year

JOHN CRATER III, PGA

These award winners were celebrated for their accomplishments at the 2022 NCPGA Annual Awards Dinner at Green Valley Country Club.

EARLY INVITEES FOR THE FOURTH AUGUSTA WOMEN’S AMATEUR

Amari Avery of Stanford and Brianna Chacon of Oregon and Whittier were on the list of the initial golfers invited to play in the Fourth Annual Augusta Women’s Amateur at famed Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters, in Augusta, Ga.

Top-ranked college Rose Zhang of Stanford also could be in the field after tying for 12th despite a broken toe last year, as long as she does not turn pro.

Avery (pictured), a sophomore from Riverside who is No. 6 in the Women’s World Amateur Golf Rankings and was named an All-American as a freshman, captured the 2022 NCAA Women’s West Regional, one of her four victories last year.

“Honestly, I would say I never saw it coming,” Avery told Golf Channel after being selected to the Augusta tournament last year, when she tied for fourth. “This (tournament) has only been around for four years, so obviously this wasn’t like a dream of mine or anything. But this is a huge event. It’s probably the biggest amateur event in women’s golf, I would say.”

USC Women’s Golf took to Twitter this time to make the announcement, writing: “@anwagolf with the exciting news, Amari Avery is invited to the prestigious tournament for the third time! She tied for fourth last year, can’t wait for this year’s event. #FightOn.”

Chacon, a senior for the Ducks, won the 2022 NCAA Women’s Southwest Amateur at Albuquerque, N.M., becoming the first player in Oregon history to claim an NCAA Regional title, and was selected second team All-American.

Chacon’s Oregon teammate Hsin-Yu (Cynthia) Lu, a junior from Taiwan, also was selected to play at Augusta.

Oregon Women’s Golf said on Twitter: “Heading back to Augusta. Congratulations to @briiichacon and Hsin-Yu (Cynthia) Lu on being invited to the Augusta National Women’s Amateur for the second year in a row! #GoDucks.”

Clemente is a 14-year-old high school freshman who has won more than 130 times in her junior career, including four world championship events, and is the top-ranked girls amateur in the United States.

“I’m so excited to be invited to the Augusta National Women’s Amateur this year,” said Park, who is eighth in the Golfweek/Sagarin Collegiate Women’s Rankings. “This was one of my biggest goals starting my senior year. It took a lot of patience and hard work to get to where I am today in my golf career and this invite is one of my biggest achievements.

“I can’t wait to go and compete with the best amateurs around the world and have an experience of a lifetime.”

The rest of the 72-player field will be selected from the Women’s World Amateur Golf Rankings, while a handful of exemptions and special invitations will round out the field.

The fourth Augusta Women’s Amateur will be played March 29 and 30 at Champions Retreat Golf Club in Augusta, and the entire field will play Augusta National for an official practice round on March 31.

The final round will take place at Augusta National on April 1 with only players who made the cut.

Others on the early invitation list include Duke teammates Erica Shepherd, Phoebe Brinker and Anne Chen; Charlotte Heath, Amelia Williamson and Lottie Woad of Florida State; Amanda Sambach, Jennifer Cleary and Beth Lillie of Virginia; Jennie Park of Texas A&M, Maisie Filler of Florida, Julia Lopez Ramirez of Mississippi State and Gianna Clemente of Warren, Ohio.

The champion will receive exceptions into three majors–the U.S. Women’s Open, the AIG Women’s Open and for the first time, the Chevron Championship.

Previous winners include Anna Davis of Spring Valley, who claimed the title last year, Tsubasa Kajitani of Japan in 2021 and Jennifer Kupcho in 2019. The tournament was cancelled in 2020 because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Amari Avery of Stanford

LPGA IS COMING TO LA

Los Angeles Set

to Host Multiple LPGA Tour

Events This Spring with the DIO Implant LA Open in March and the JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro in April

TheLPGA Tour returns to Southern California this spring with multiple events in Los Angeles. The DIO Implant LA Open, taking place at Palos Verdes Golf Club in Palos Verdes Estates, is set to take place March 30-April 2, followed by the inaugural JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro, hosted at historic Wilshire Country Club in Hollywood, April 27-30.

The DIO Implant LA Open marked the return of the LPGA Tour to Los Angeles in more than a decade when the tournament made its debut in 2018. In 2022, Japanese star Nasa Hataoka captured her sixth LPGA Tour win at -15, taking a five-stroke victory over Australian Hannah Green. Brooke Henderson (2021), Minjee Lee (2019) and Moriya Jutanugarn (2018) also hold DIO Implant LA Open titles.

In 2023, the DIO Implant LA Open is moving to its new home, Palos Verdes Golf Club, often referred to as the “hidden gem” in Southern California. A field of 144 of the world’s best female professional golfers will compete for a share of the $1.75 million purse, an increase of $250,000 from 2022. Palos Verdes Golf Club has a rich history in hosting women’s golf events, including the Palos Verdes Championship presented by Bank of America in 2022, with Marina Alex capturing her first LPGA Tour win since 2018. Palos Verdes also has hosted the Therese Hession (formerly the Northrop Grumman) Regional Challenge women’s collegiate championship for the past 26 years.

One month later, the inaugural JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro takes center stage at Wilshire Country Club in the heart of Hollywood. The

championship also will feature 144 of the world’s best female professional golfers competing for a share of the $3 million purse, one of the largest purses on the LPGA Tour schedule outside of the major championships and the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship. Wilshire Country Club is one of a select few venues to host events on the LPGA Tour, PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions.

Tickets for both events are now on sale, including hospitality and grounds passes offering a wide degree of entertainment and access. For ticket information on the DIO Implant LA Open, visit www.la-open.com and for the JM Eagle LA Championship, visit www.jmeaglelachampionship.com.

PHOTO: GETTYIMAGES/HARRY HOW

PHOTO: GETTYIMAGES/MICHAEL OWENS

51 ST CATALINA JUNIOR GOLF TOURNAMENT

Catalina Island Country Club and Golf Course, which opened in 1892 and is the oldest operating course west of the Mississippi, will host the 51st annual Catalina Junior Golf Tournament on April 22-23 for boys and girls aged 9-to-18 years.

The 36-hole tournament will be played on the nine-hole, 2,100 yard course that has two different sets of tees to provide a challenging 18-hole test with five par-4 holes and four par-3s that play to a par of 64.

The course in Avalon, designed as a three-hole layout by John Duncan Dunn in 1892, was expanded to nine holes in the early 1900s and nine new tees were added in 1929 so that 18 holes could be played.

Catalina Island Golf Course is long and narrow, with small greens and deep bunkers, and plays through a canyon toward the Pacific Ocean, with stunning views of Avalon Bay and the Catalina Casino.

“The second left-hand canyon opens into Avalon Valley,” Millspaugh & Nottall wrote in Flora of Santa Catalina in 1923. “Its entrance is at the point where the golf course crosses Avalon Run. The lower end is very narrow and the slopes steep. It soon begins to rise

sharply and terminates at the face of a bluff some distance below the top of the mountain. The soil is rich, the canyon well wooded, and was found to be a good collecting field. The bed is dry except during the rainy season.”

Lolo Saldaña, through the Catalina Men’s Golf Club, began the Catalina Island Junior Golf Tournament in 1967 and among the junior golfers who played in the event and went on to great fame include Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Amy Alcott, Corey Pavin, Craig Stadler, Bob May, John Cook, Rickie Fowler, Sydney Michaels, and Max Homa, to name just a few Southern California greats, who have all said holds great memories and it being the most fun of all the tournaments they played in. Woods, from Cypress and considered by many to be the greatest golfer of all-time, first played in the tournament at age 5 and was filmed by “That’s Incredible”. He returned to Catalina in high school to play interscholastically.

Catalina Island Golf Course also hosted the Bobby Jones Invitational Tournament from 1931 until 1955, featuring such celebrities as Mickey Rooney, Johnny Weissmuller, Vince Petrie Duke D’Arcy and many more. Lolo Saldaña, founder of the Junior Tournament, is the only island native to win the Bobby Jones tournament, which he did in 1951. He continued on to a successful college career competing against such players as Ken Venturi and Billy Casper.

In addition, the PGA Tour hosted the Catalina Open in the 1920s and 1930s, with 20-year-old Horton Smith’s winning score of 245 in 1928 representing the lowest 72-hole total in the history of professional golf and beating Walter Hagen by one stroke.

The Catalina Junior Golf Tournament is for players of all abilities and is a non-profit event with proceeds going to support Catalina Junior Golf. The tournament’s goal is to provide a fun yet challenging event that encourages young golfers and their families to return to Catalina year after year and create memories that last a lifetime.

For tournament information, visit www.catalinajrgolf.com.

Tiger Woods (left) was one of many great players to participate in the Catalina Junior Golf Tournament.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO PLAY COLLEGE GOLF

By Don Silk

I get calls, all the time, from high school golfers and their families asking if they have what it takes to play college golf. The problem is that there is no way to answer that question without digging deeper. Junior golfers that want to play in college have many variables to think about besides the scores they are putting up. Nearly every junior golfer that is playing tournament golf dreams of playing college golf. According to the NCAA, there are roughly 229,000 boys and girls in America that play high school golf. The math shows less than 2% will have the opportunity to play D1 and less than 6% will get the chance at any level.

So, what does it take to get recruited and play college golf?

SCORES

Golf is a game where you cannot fake your ability. You can either shoot the numbers, or you can’t. Obviously, the higher the program’s status is in their division, these numbers get more important. Fortunately, there is an amazing number of opportunities for golfers to play DII and DIII, NAIA, and JUCO.

ACADEMICS

Academics are a huge factor in recruiting for several reasons including:

1) Making sure an athlete can maintain their grades and handle course loads with staying academically eligible.

2) Academics can help the athlete get more scholarships to offset tuition costs that athletics can’t cover.

CHARACTER

Character is extremely important to coaches. Every coach I talk to about a prospect, one of the first questions asked is, “What kind of kid are they?” Character and work ethic means a lot because the coaches do not have time for troublemakers and athletes that cause drama.

ATHLETIC ABILITY

Athleticism is not always something that is associated with golf. But golfers who are athletic can stay healthy and can maintain their play even if their swing needs adjusting. Adjusting in the middle of the round is one of the most important attributes of any top golfer.

Getting recruited in golf may sound like a difficult task, but it is NOT if

you have the right people helping you through the process. Don’t let your lack of knowledge and exposure be the reason that you did NOT get the opportunity to play in college.

WILLIAM P. BELL & SON

completion of the North and South courses at Torrey Pines on that 100 acres.”

In total, the Bells designed or redesigned more than 300 courses in ten states, an astonishing number by any measure, one exceeded by only a handful of other practitioners, but that they did it in California was phenomenal.

William Park Bell was born in Canonsburg, Pa., 1886, and moved to California in 1911, when he served as caddie master at Annandale Golf Club in Pasadena and then greenskeeper at Pasadena Golf Club.

Billy Bell Sr. went on to serve as a construction superintendent for renowned golf course architects Willie

THE ARCHITECTS THAT BUILT CALIFORNIA GOLF

Famed

golf course architect William Park Bell had designs on creating a magnificent layout on the scenic cliffs above the Pacific Ocean north of San Diego, but unfortunately Bell passed away in 1953 before the course could be created and he left behind a number of incredible layouts.

Fortunately, his son William Francis Bell also was in the golf course design business and he followed his father’s plans and dreams to create the incredible South and North Courses at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, which have hosted major championships and where the PGA Tour hosts the Farmers Insurance Open every year.

Originally, the land on which Torrey Pines in located was the home of the U.S. Army base Camp Callen, where American soldiers prepared for World War II. “Before his death in 1953, legendary course architect William F. Bell had envisioned the design of a wind and sea swept golf course that would afford golfers both rugged play and breathtaking surroundings,” the City of San Diego Parks and Recreation wrote.

“A special city election in 1956 resulted in about 100 acres of what used to be Camp Callan being set aside for the construction of a public golf course, with the rest of the land given to the State of California. Before the decade was out, Bell’s son, William F., would ensure his father’s vision was realized by overseeing the

1926 at Riviera Country Club from left to right: Bell Sr., George Thomas, Alistair MacKenzie

Watson and George Thomas Jr., collaborating with Thomas on his great classic designs of the 1920s, including Bel-Air Country Club in Los Angeles, Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades and Los Angeles Country Club.

Then, Billy Bell went out on his own in the 1930s and designed two golf courses at Brookside Golf Club in Pasadena on the grounds of the Rose Bowl, La Jolla Country Club, San Diego Country Club and Hacienda Golf Club in La Habra Heights.

During World War II, Bell was a turf consultant to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and following the war, he was joined by his son in the family design business, which was known as William P. Bell and Son.

William Francis Bell, known as Billy Bell Jr., was born in Pasadena in 1918 and graduated from USC before joining his father’s business. Bell Jr. and his father collaborated on a number of well-known courses, including the Bakersfield Club and Newport Beach Country Clubs.

After Billy Bell died in 1953, leaving behind his vision for the design of Torrey Pines, Billy Bell Jr. went on to design some of Southern California’s best-known layouts, including the Sandpiper Golf Club in Goleta, Industry Hills Golf Club in the City of Industry and Bermuda Dunes Country Club.

Stanford Golf Course

Stanford Golf Course

“The Bells were always known as ‘Billy,’ both father and son,” said Forest L. Richardson, another noted California golf course designer. “My mentor, Jack Snyder, knew both me, but mostly the younger, William F. Bell.

“At Papago Golf Course in Arizona, Bell had been hired to design the course, but needed someone to be on site during construction. That job was given to Jack, who took Bell’s routing and brought it to life for one of the West’s most important public courses—and one of the first to be carved out of the native desert.”

When Billy Jr. was designing Los Coyotes Country Club in Buena Park during 1958, he brought along his mother, Anna, for a meeting with course officials. After taking a long, focused look at the proposed layout, Anna excused herself from the meeting.

The Los Coyotes owner said to Billy Jr: “It’s interesting that you brought your mother.”

Bell replied: “I don’t think you understand. We’re partners. She used to help my dad with all the routings.”

Billy Bell Jr. passed away in 1984, but not before he and his father left their legacy forever on the California golf landscape.

“William P. Bell, known as “The Bunker Man’, would lay bed sheets on the ground so he could visualize bunkers from approaches and the tee,” Richardson said. “This was during his work with the great George C. Thomas, Jr.

“Both the Bells were known for the ‘potato chip’ greens. Often rather simple in shape, yet with swooping sides and backs extending to mounds that would surround greens. Very often we find unused triangles of land in Bell routings. It’s my opinion that these were leftover areas when the Bells would take great care to angle holes to there would be a variety of views and orientations to wind.”

“I have had the fortune to work on the few courses both men contributed to. This time period— the late 1950s—was when William F. joined his father and began his career in design.”

Golf Group limited wrote: “Together, the Bells dominated the golf course building and remodeling market in the western United States and Hawaii. The elder Bell, along with the likes of Donald Ross, Robert Trent Jones, Sr., and Perry Maxwell, was a founding member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, serving as president in 1952…Following his father’s death, the younger Bell continued the successful golf course architecture practice and retained the company name of “William P. Bell and Son” in his father’s honor.”

Golfers in California and beyond should appreciate what the Bells did for them.

Complete list of William F. Bell courses: williambellsociety.wordpress.com/william-f-bell-courses

Complete list of William P. Bell courses: williambellsociety.wordpress.com/william-p-bell-courses

Stanford Golf Course

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BLOCK’S CAREER YEAR

HONORED AS PGA PROFESSIONAL

PLAYER OF YEAR

By RANDY YOUNGMAN

During the height of the pandemic, Michael Block was so depressed about the state of his game that he wondered whether it was time to end his record-setting SCPGA playing career and concentrate on his job as head professional at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo.

He wasn’t playing very well, and he wasn’t having much fun, so he wondered if he instead should start giving more lessons to players half his age, kids who were out-driving him, anyway.

Block, now 46, says his wife, Val, also asked if he should retire from competitive golf while he was on top—after a

decade of dominance and brilliance as the unquestioned best player among the hundreds of club professionals in Southern California.

He concedes he had serious doubts, too.

“Am I really done?” Block remembers thinking to himself.

Fast-forward to 2022. The same Michael Block found out just before Christmas that he had won the PGA of America’s national PGA Professional Player of the Year honor, to go along with his record ninth Southern California PGA Player of the Year award and his fifth in a row, another record. Done? So much for that silly notion.

Block answered his own question with a career year, culminating with reaching the pinnacle of his profession as the top player among thousands of certified PGA of America club pros across the country. He was only the second national PGA Professional POY from the Southern California Section since the award was established in 1984, joining 1999 winner Robin Freeman.

“It was an unbelievable year,” said Block, who finished the 2022 season with 1,007.5 points in the national season-long points race, well ahead of runner-up Jesse Mueller of the Southwest Section (825 points).

Technically, that means Block ranked No. 1 out of 29,000 club professionals in 14 regional districts and 41 geographical sections of the PGA of America.

“It’s such a great honor ... especially when you think there are 29,000 pros around the country,” said Block, who was scheduled to receive the official PGA Professional POY trophy and a Rolex watch from the PGA of America during a ceremony and celebration at Arroyo Trabuco in early 2023.

To achieve his latest and most prestigious POY distinction, this is what Block did in 2022, as pandemic restrictions eased, his game returned to form, and his self-doubt vanished:

 He won the Southern California PGA Section Championship for the third time, earning a berth in the PGA Tour’s 2023 Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. (He missed the cut by three shots in January, but finished ahead of the two tour pros in his threesome and beat dozens of

tour pros with a 1-over 73 on the challenging South Course during 30-mph winds in the second round.)

 By winning his ninth SCPGA Player of the Year title, based on a points system from competitions during the calendar year, he broke a tie with Chris Starkjohann for the most career POY titles in the history of the SCPGA. It also earned him a berth in the PGA Tour’s 2023 American Express Championship in La Quinta. (He was on the leaderboard the first two days, thanks to 7-under 65 in the opening round on the Nicklaus Tournament Course, but missed the 54-hole cut of 10-under by three shots.)

 He extended to 11 years his impressive streak of qualifying for at least one PGA Tour event. All told, he has qualified for 24 PGA Tour events,

including two U.S. Opens and four PGA Championships, including the 2023 PGA Championship at Southern Hills.

 He finished second in the 312-player PGA Professional Championship at Barton Creek in Austin, Texas, helping him earn a spot on the prestigious 10-man U.S. team for the PGA Cup in September, a biennial PGA of America-organized competition patterned after the Ryder Cup in which a team of U.S. club professionals plays against a team of club pros from Great Britain and Ireland.

Block went 4-1-0 to lead the U.S. to a 15½-10½ victory at Foxhills Resort & Club in suburban London, the highlight of which was rallying from 4 down with 6 holes to play on the strength of five birdies to win the opening singles match for the U.S. “One of my goals was to play for the U.S. team in Europe, and it was such a great experience,” Block said. “Our team was amazing.”

 After his singles match in London, Block rushed to Heathrow Airport so he could make the Southern California Section Championship that began the next day at El Niguel Country Club in Laguna Niguel. After overcoming understandable jet lag in the opening round, Block won the 54-hole event by five strokes.

 Not to leave anything to chance, Block went to Port St. Lucie, Fl., in December for the PGA Tournament Series and won another event to pick up valuable points in the POY race.

“I probably didn’t need to go to Florida, but I didn’t want to risk it and have somebody jump me (in the standings),” he said.

In 2022, the year the best club golf professional in Southern California also became the best in the nation, Block also shot a career-low 58 in a member-guest event at Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club in Orange County.

“It was an amazing year, and winning the national Player of the Year was one of my goals for a long time,” Block said. “My bosses at Arroyo Trabuco—Matt Donovan and Geoff Cram—have been so supportive. And I’m very blessed to have a club that supports me and a wife and family that supports me, when I have to travel as much as I do.”

What’s next for the reigning national PGA Professional Player of the Year?

“I know I’m 46, but I think overall this was the best year of my career.” Block said. “And I really feel my best golf may be yet to come.”

Is there anything he hasn’t done?

“The only other goal I haven’t achieved is to make a cut in a major,” Block said. “And now I have the confidence I can hang with these (tour pros).”

You don’t have to tell Michael Block that the 2023 U.S. Open will be contested on the North Course at LA Country Club in June.

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GOLF WITH A CAPITAL M ...

MADRID COULD WELL BECOME THE SPANISH CAPITAL OF GOLF

Madrid is a lot of things … it’s the capital of Spain for one but it’s also vibrant, it’s colourful, it’s busy, it’s bustling with joy. It has fabulous gastronomy, plenty of bars, many restaurants, entertainment and shopping. It’s both the commercial as the political capital of Spain. It’s of course known for football with Real and Atletico and has one of Europe’s most successful basketball teams.

What it is not known for … yet … is golf. Yes, they have had the Spanish Open for a number of years but does that really relate to the golfer abroad whose first point of call remains the sunny beaches of the Costa Del Sol?

This is about to change as the Madrid Golf Association together with the Madrid Tourism Authorities sees merit in diverting some of that golf tourism money to the capital itself.

Let’s face it, golf tourists bring their hard-earned cash with them and when on site, they spend and that’s where the interest lies.

It is also a fact that Madrid has plenty of golf to choose from. With close to 20 golf courses all within 30 min from the city centre, from the ultra-exclusive Golf Santander and La Moraleja to the home of Spanish Golf, the Centro Nacional, golf tourists are spoiled for choice.

GOLF AND HISTORY COMBINED.

We started our journey at Real Club de Golf La Herreria, a traditional tree-lined layout dating back to 1966 and overlooked by the impressive El Escorial monastery. Give or take an hour northwest of Madrid, this is an undulating course where precision is the main requirement. Pay attention as you will see deer crossing the fairways and with many raised greens, it offers a delightful round of golf on a course that has matured over more than 50 years.

The 4* Hotel Exe Victoria Palace in the nearby town of El Escorial provides honest accommodation all within walking distance of several lively bars and restaurants.

Onto the next day when we moved closer towards Madrid and played the La Dehesa Club. A family operation with country club aspirations where families have a choice of activities with golf being the main attraction. The front 9 is the more open while the back 9 is laid out inside a nature reserve next to the local river. Famous Spanish professional Manuel Pinero was in charge of creating a competitive layout with tight fairways and big greens. There are some very challenging holes on this course where nothing but perfect shots will give you the desired stableford points.

NIGHT FEVER, NIGHT FEVER, NIGHT FEVER…

Madrid, as does Spain in general, really comes to life at night with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.

It is an unbelievably vibrant city. Venture out on any night and the streets are full of people, families with kids, groups of girls and boys, and older people enjoying the tapas. The whole atmosphere draws you in its slipstream

Centro Nacional

to and he could. Following Mr Botin’s death, the course became somewhat of a white elephant and the bank has now opened it for green fee play to offset some of the expense.

One has to present ID before entering the premises but once there, the course is truly magnificent. It’s an ‘out and in’ layout with several lakes and can be stretched to just over 7,500 yards. Choose the more playable tees and you’re in for a treat.

The course is always impeccably conditioned and has entered into the top 10 I’ve played. I would go back in a heartbeat.

GOLF IN MADRID.

Madrid was really never a destination associated with golf. Spain has plenty

and you suddenly feel good about things. We headed to the ‘Mercado de San Miguel’ for some food and drink and it didn’t disappoint. One can eat and drink almost anything you wish for and the place is loud and … well, Spanish.

It’s next to the ‘Plaza Major’, the main square for some sightseeing and where you can find small bars within the confines of the walkways.

BANCO (GOLF) SANTANDER

I’ve never played golf inside a commercial headquarters before. The bank was founded in 1857 and really thrived under the leadership of Emilio Botin. The bank moved to its new headquarters just outside of Madrid back in 2004. A keen golfer, Mr Botin. decided to engage Rees Jones to design a US Style golf course just outside his office, because … well, because he wanted

of those but from what I’ve seen, the combination of the city and the variety of courses dotted around the outskirts makes this a compelling alternative.

We went to Europe’s biggest member club, Real Club La Moraleja, which offers its 6,000 members four Jack Nicklaus-designed courses, a serious pedigree. We played Campo 4 and together with Campo 3 (A Nicklaus Signature), a 36-hole complex that soon will be completed with a massive clubhouse overlooking the 4 holes that finish every 9-hole loop. It’s not easy to get a tee time at La Moraleja but try and you get rewarded with some of the finest golf in Europe. Campo 1 was the first Nicklaus-designed course in Europe back in 1975.

La Dehesa Club

Golf Santander

Real Club de Golf La Herreria

The afternoon round was on the JM Olazabal-designed Retamares Golf. Host to a number of professional tournaments (LET and Challenge), the course is laid out next to the Sierra de Madrid, the higher plains outside the city. It’s tricky in places and there is a certain benefit to having played it before. The front 9 plays around a hill and offers fabulous views of the surrounding countryside. The final stretch is extremely challenging in order to keep a score going.

5-STAR BOUTIQUE LUXURY

There are more than enough hotels in Madrid but not many are better than the Hotel & Spa Urso Madrid. A proper modern 5-star, built inside the renowned ‘Papelera Española’ which showcases the royal character of the bourgeois architecture of Madrid. You immediately get sucked into the Madrid nightlife when you walk outside the hotel.

Visit www.hotelurso.com/en for more information.

JOHN RAHM AND CO.

The final course of the week was the ‘Centro Nacional’. The course owned and managed by the Spanish Golf Federation was designed by Dave Thomas and formed part of an urbanisation project on the outskirts of Madrid. Built on, what previously was a garbage dump, the design is very links-like. It embodies the whole ethos of making golf an accessible sport with a massive driving range packed with technology and with people of all ages, gender and ability playing or learning golf. It does highlight why Spain consistently produces major winning golfers.

Jon Rahm grew up playing the course and was victorious when the Spanish Open was held here back in 2018. You can spray it a bit and in places, which can be dangerous for other people on the course. Fabulous greens and the views of the Madrid high rise make this a great course.

Madrid is easily accessible from many of the US Airports and with the airport on the North side of the city … aka the golf side, you will very quickly be teeing it up after landing. Everything is within easy reach and the city is pretty much walkable.

For more information about golf in Madrid, where to go and play, and possibly putting a trip together, contact the association of golf courses in Madrid via javierbarrena@jgolf18.com and look at their website

asociacioncamposgolfmadrid.com/es

Real Sociedad Hípica

Real Club La Moraleja

Retamares Golf Club

The Super Bowl of Golf Equipment

By ED TRAVIS

It’s that time of year again when club professionals, suppliers and golf industry members gather for the PGA Show in Orlando. California Golf + Travel staffers attend each year to help our readers sift through the hundreds of offerings to be seen at the show. Here, broken down by manufacturer, is our report.

BETTINARDI GOLF // This high-end putter maker is showing the new Queen B series of four new models in a caramel coper color with a glare resistant PVD finish. Heads are milled from 303 stainless steel having a redesigned “Mini Honeycomb” face milling pattern with smaller features. The Queen B series is comprised of two modern blade shapes and two mid-size mallets. Each of the four retails for $430

CALLAWAY GOLF // The new club family from Callaway is called Paradym denoting a “paradigm shift” in the thinking about the interplay between distance and forgiveness. The drivers have a forged carbon fiber sole with a triaxial carbon crown plus a new design for the internal Jailbreak stiffener. There are three driver models each selling for $599.99 with the Paradym Triple Diamond having multiple PGA Tour Wins already this year.

Paradym irons are a hollow head construction filled with urethane microspheres and an AI-designed forged 455 face cup in what Callaway calls a Speed Frame. The regular Paradym model is for better players and with its 67g of tungsten plus strong lofts could properly be tagged as a distance iron. The Paradym X for recreational players uses 79g of tungsten inside and outside the head. Both models are priced at $200 per iron.

CLEVELAND GOLF // Cleveland is known for wedges and the new RTX 6 ZipCore wedges are worth consideration by players at every skill level. ZipCore refers to their proprietary low-density construction that gives more distance with higher spin, control and feel. Grooves are deeper and more closely spaced complimented by a laser-milled series of lines for more spin even in wet conditions. Four loft-dependent sole grinds. $169.99 each

COBRA GOLF // The mantra for Cobra’s Aerojet drivers was to lower downswing aerodynamic drag with more efficient head shaping and there’s a new 13g internal stiffener called a PWR-BRIDGE in the three new driver models each priced at Aerojet LS for better players has two changeable sole weights, the MAX model has weights in rear and heel, while the regular game-improvement category Aerojet has a fixed 12-gram rear weight.

The game-improvement Aerojet irons also use the internal PWR-BRIDGE idea but in the irons, it is a massive 70g and serves to stiffen the head plus allow the face to fully flex, just as in the driver. The heads are hollow and filled with injected polymer plastic and the face is a variable thickness construction. Both variable and One Length models are available. Set of seven irons with steel shafts $999

We and others we talked to were impressed by Cobra’s forged King CB and King MB models. The five-step forging is done to ensure the steel grain structure of the head has a crisp confidence-building feel. The CB (cavity back) and MB (muscle back) will appeal to low handicappers and feature the identical loft gapping so a combination set of the more forgiving CBs in lower lofts and higher loft MBs is possible. Set of seven $1199.

FULL SWING // The Full Swing Kit is endorsed by several big-name PGA Tour stars including Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth. Priced at $4,999 this compact launch monitor has a customizable heads-up display providing 16 data points of club and ball performance. The battery is rated for five hours of use and we liked the video alignment feature using buttons on the unit or in the free smartphone app.

GEARBOX SPORTS // Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. and well represented at the PGA Show since many golf facilities have courts and Gearbox was front and center with sport-specific eyewear and paddles. We liked the CX14 Ultimate Power model paddle ($249.99) which has a proprietary carbon fiber core and a textured surface to produce more spin on every shot. Just 8.5 oz. there is a choice of two shapes.

HYPERICE // Many, if not most golfers, will soon or later have a “bad back” and to alleviate the discomfort the Venom 2 bet is an advanced therapeutic device than can be worn anywhere anytime. It is a waist wrap combining heat with vibration to loosen muscles with a choice of three temperature settings and three massage strengths. A partner of the PGA Tour, the Venom 2 weighs only 2.3 lbs. and retails for $249.

ODYSSEY GOLF // This Callaway division with the reputation for cutting edge thinking has announced the Odyssey White Hot Versa line of putters with the original White Hot face insert that started a trend now followed by many makers. The Versa look has returned and is black and white with the company saying it’s all about helping users line the face up properly. Seven new head shapes making use of their Red Stroke Lab shaft starting at $259.99.

PING // The G430 drivers, fairway woods and hybrids attract lots of attention especially the drivers which replaced the popular G425 model. The G430 Max driver will be the selection of most recreational players. It has a variable roll radius face, a variable thickness forged face and redesigned internal ribs. This model and the super game-improvement G430 SFT are $600 each while the better player G430 LST is $630

The companion G430 irons are in the game-improvement category and have cast stainless steel heads and faces. Tungsten weighting has been placed in the heel and toe screw, but the newest feature is the PurFlex cavity badge comprised of seven pieces or zones that flex differently. This design helps preserve ball speed across the entire face that is thinner than the previous G425. $170 per iron steel, $185 graphite.

PHIGOLF 2 // The Phigolf 2 allows practice from any location with 3D swing analysis on a smartphone or tablet plus output can be mirrored onto a television. No need for a net or mat. Simply put the 9-axis sensor to the weighted swing trainer or a club, make a Bluetooth connection to any mobile device and swing. The Phigolf simulator app includes nine courses and supports WGT and E6 apps.

Weighted club and sensor $299

SRIXON // The second version of the ZX metalwoods carry the Mk II tag and the series includes drivers, fairway woods and hybrids. The three drivers, each priced at $499.99, have Srixon’s Rebound Frame, a two-zoned flex design, plus a titanium crown and a variable thickness Ti51AF face. The ZX 5 Mk II is a game-improvement category and has a rear 8g changeable weight and the hosel is adjustable.

ZX Mk II irons also offer three categories. Soles use the Tour V.T. profile and groove widths are progressive. The ZX4 Mk II super game-improvement and the ZX5 Mk II game-improvement category models have the Srixon MainFrame design with a variable thickness face while the ZX7 Mk II for better players has a forged interior ridge located behind the face. Set of seven irons $1200 with steel shafts and graphite.

Z-Star Series balls are the eighth iteration of Srixon’s popular premium category ball offering. The Z-Star, Z-Star Diamond and Z-Star XV all feature a softer gradational density core for more distance with soft feel, the Spin Skin+ coating to produce added scoring shot spin and a lower aerodynamic 338 dimple pattern. Also in the series are the split color models called Divide. All are priced at $47.99 per dozen.

TAYLORMADE GOLF // Though not at the PGA Show

TaylorMade has introduced new Stealth 2 drivers building on the success of last year’s model. The Stealth 2 Plus $629.99) for better players has a 15g sliding sole weight while the game-improvement Stealth 2 ($599.99) uses a 25g skirt weight. At the same price is the Stealth 2 HD targeted for those wanting a super game-improvement driver with a draw bias from changeable skirt and heel weights.

Stealth HD irons are also a super game-improvement model such as preferred by ladies and seniors. It makes use of TaylorMade’s Cap Back construction with a draw bias weighting. For improved ball launch the center of gravity is very low in the head and the overall profile is sensibly smaller. Since the design is so efficient in producing the correct trajectory lofts are 2° weaker. Seven iron set: $999.99 steel, $1099.99 graphite.

TaylorMade’s better player iron line the P700s have a revised P770 and the all new P7MC and P7MB. Though the P770s have a smaller head they retain the hollow foam-filled construction and internal tungsten weighting. The forged P7MCs (muscle cavity back) and P7MB (muscleback) have the same loft progression so combination sets with P7MC long irons and P7MB short irons are possible. Set of seven irons $1,299.99

Spider putters from TaylorMade have been a favorite on the PGA Tour since first introduced and for 2023 they have announced the Spider GTX and Spider GT Max models. The GTX is milled from 6106 aluminum and has the True Path Alignment top graphic. GTX Max has two three-position 40g sliding tungsten sole weights for player- preference fitting. The GTX is priced at $349 and the GTX Max at $449

TOUR EDGE GOLF // The new Exotics 723 metalwood family, just as last year’s 722 models, have two series of drivers, fairway woods and hybrids. The C723 drivers are targeted at better players wanting low spin distance and the E723s for recreational players. Both have the Flight Tuning System which in the 445cc C723 ($499.99) is two-tiers, a front weight with a sliding back weight while the E723 ($449.99) has a sliding weight on the rear edge.

Exotics C723 irons, a player’s distance iron, have a more compact head with TPU injected into a hollow body pocket and the L-cup face is plasma welded to the head. The E723s have a 360° undercut that lowers the center of gravity for higher launch and more ball speed across the entire face. C723s are offered at $129.99 each with steel shafts – $144.99 graphite and the E723’s are $99.99 each steel and $114.99 graphite.

-STUDIO STOCK SERIES -

TOUR PERFORMANCE FOR ALL

Having amassed over 100 professional Tour wins since 1998, Robert J. Bettinardi has perfectly re-engineered the 2023-2024 Studio Stock Series with ultimate performance in mind.

TITLEIST // The biggest announcement from Titleist for 2023 is the new Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls which dominate the professional tours and are recreational players top picks. Both have a cast thermoset urethane cover with spherically tiled tetrahedral dimples and the core has a progressive gradient. The lower spin three- piece Pro V1 and firmer feeling four-piece Pro V1x are each $55 are dozen.

Titleist displayed the new TSR line of metalwoods at the Show with lots of interest by attendees in the four TSR driver models. All have a variable thickness face and heads were aerodynamically reshaped for less drag plus making use of sole weights. The TSR1 (ultralight super game-improvement), TSR2 (game-improvement category), TSR3 (better player category) and TSR4 (430cc better player category) sell for $599 each.

The latest Vokey Design wedges are the SM9 which are now available in an extremely durable titanium carbide vapor black finish. SM9 (spin milled) are well known for the range of sole grinds offered to match playing conditions and the user’s swing. The center of gravity is progressively placed in the head for added control and the grooves have been sharpened for more consistent spin. SM9 Jet Black Premium wedges $249

VESSEL GOLF // The Sunday III or third iteration of Vessel’s Sunday carry bag was a hit with everyone looking at it. Made from synthetic leather with three-way 8-inch mesh lined dividers it weighs in at 5.8 lbs. The double strap is self-adjusting and quickly converts to a single carry strap if desired. Stand legs spread wide for stability and there are six pockets for gear plus an umbrella holder. The Vessel Sunday III bag

Winter Golf Wear

By ED TRAVIS

Golf in the winter can be lots of fun. Courses are less crowded, tee times are easier to schedule and all that’s required is the proper clothing. Think layers since as the day progresses temperatures are sure rise and shedding and outer jacket or sweater can make the round much more enjoyable. Here are some items we like and can recommend if you are looking to hit the links before spring gets here.

Castore Club & Resort

The Long Sleeve Mock Turtleneck offers several very nice features and at $65 fits most any budget. It’s seamless which means it is comfortable and easily moves during the swing. Mesh ventilation provides additional comfort with just breathability needed to move perspiration away from your body. Construction of this useful underlayer uses sophisticated body mapping technology.

Alashan Cashmere

The Tee Time Half Zip Pullover for women is perfect for the golf course or anywhere else you want to look sensational and feel comfortable. Made in a light, cotton cashmere blend and featuring a half zip collar, it’s long sleeve and will be an attention-getter no matter the foursome. Available in seven colors so you won’t have to choose just one. A functional and fashionable addition to any wardrobe. $120

Linksoul

Students Golf

Looking for something unique in styling and attitude? Students Golf has pop-culture antifashion spirit with a strong dose of humor and a little irony. Students golfers don’t actually think something they wear is going fix their golf swing; they just want to look and feel good on the course Their Esterbrook Cardigan Sweater is a soft gauge full fashion knit cardigan and finished with a clear poly label. $120

The Kirkwall Down Hoodie is nice and warm and won’t weigh you down. The outer and inner shells are made from quality nylon and the filling is down with stitching to hold it in place. The quilted hood has a drawstring closure to keep the wind out and the warmth in plus there’s a bottom drawstring. Two outer pockets and two inner pockets keep items handy. Three color choices: Silver, Black and Mulch, each sell$198

Linksoul’s Wool-Cashmere Beanie is a must for golf in the cold. Wearers will appreciate the soft feel from the 30% cashmere and the warmth from the 70% merino wool. The design is has widely spaced distinctive ribs and features an inobtrusive Linksoul tag. Reviewers point out how comfortable the Beanie is plus being lightweight while retaining its shape. Four colors: Burgandy, Navy, Charcoal, or Heather Grey, at $52 each.

WILSON’S 2ND ACT

By JAMIE PUTERBAUGH

Most golfers marvel at how powerful and effortless pros hit the ball as they unwind their bodies in the follow through. While many players wish to emulate this, their backswing and balance can make that movement impossible. Here’s a tip to help you move your body properly, starting with the backswing.

The famous volleyball from the movie Castaway has been left without a gig for too long. Here, I’ll show you how you can use it to help your backswing.

The knees can be a less common method to understanding how to coil properly in a backswing. Using Swing Catalyst Pressure Plates, my students are able to see how their balance moves from start to finish. While I support that notion that the swing starts from the ground up, it’s also helpful to have functioning knees, hips and turn from your center to put the picture together.

Ok, that’s enough of my technical talk. Here is what we do - Let Wilson rest between your knees. It’s fine to narrow your stance to be more comfortable. I recommend deflating Wilson 10-20 percent to make it more comfortable as well. As you turn back, you should have the ball turning with your knees. Don’t try to merely “hold” the volleyball. Use the ball as training wheels teaching your knees to move around the circle. The left leg can move out and around, while the right leg works back and around. When I teach kids, I tell them that Wilson is the Sun while the knees are planets that orbit the Sun. That seems to be the easiest way for them to get it.

When the knees move around Wilson…presto! Your hips can turn with ease! Additionally, pressure can move properly in your feet. When you reach the top of your backswing, you’ll feel pressure in your right foot including the heel, and in your left

foot towards the big toe. From here, you are in a place where you can fire through and accelerate the club. Always remember: The better you can wind your legs and body up on the way back, the easier it is to fire your body on the way through.

Jamie Puterbaugh, PGA Aviara Golf Academy

RELEASE THE CLUB

These images of Jason Day, Tiger Woods, Jon

and Hideki

are excellent examples of how world-class golfers use the weight of the club head to create momentum through impact allowing the arms to naturally release away from the body as the rotation of the clubface makes the right-hand roll over the left causing the forearms to actually touch.

On a stock shot, great players try to never manipulate the clubface through impact. Instead, they avoid impeding the clubface path or rotation and use centrifugal force to square the clubface through impact. When players get hot, it’s not because their hand eye-coordination improves that day, it’s because they allow the clubface to square through tempo and once players have rhythm, they can repeat that swing all day.

ERIC WOODS

2-Time Canadian Tour “Player of the Year”

South American Tour “Player of the Year”

GolfLabAcademy@outlook.com 714-542-4653

Rahm,

Matsuyama

Hideki Matsuyama

Tiger Woods

Jason Day

Jon Rahm

Venice Matte Black Coastal Green Mirror Lens

VISIT COLIMA - VISIT ALTOZANO

A TRUE BALANCE BETWEEN GOLF AND AN EXCLUSIVE LIFESTYLE

Planning for retirement can be a daunting task. The equation that results in a desirable location with good year-round weather and affordable golf is hard to compute, especially when you are on a budget. But there are solutions. Enter Altozano, El Nuevo Colima. Situated in tropical Mexico, just 75 miles east of Manzanillo and at an elevation of 2,500 feet above sea level, el Nuevo Colima might just be the best budget find for Boomers and the soon to be retiring Gen X crowd.

THE DEVELOPMENT

Altozano is an upscale, highlysecure, gated golf community with homes and lots that flank a challenging 18-hole layout designed by Lorena Ochoa’s lifelong coach, Rafael Alarcon. Many of the lots are nestled near small lakes and ponds and many have dramatic canyon views with Volcan de Fuego in the distant background. Amenities include a modern

clubhouse, lap pool, gym, men’s and women’s locker rooms, tennis and paddle tennis, driving range and short game facility.

THE LOCATION

Colima is a small, provincial state with Old World charm but not lacking in modern conveniences. Walmart and Starbucks have several locations

and Amazon serves the area, as well. Many of the older streets run under massive tree canopies and the downtown area reminds one of a quaint, beautiful village in Spain. The weather is generally around 80 degrees with afternoon rain in summer and a California-style dry climate with a bit more humidity the rest of the year.

THE DEAL

Because Colima is located more than 75 kilometers from the ocean, foreigners can hold title without the need of the bank trust. Lots can be purchased to build your custom home at prices not seen in California since the early 1990’s. Most expenses of daily living are at bargain prices also. Dinner at a nice restaurant rarely tops $50 and domestic help is very affordable. Having some prior knowledge of Spanish is helpful but certainly not required. The Mexican people are warm and welcoming all over the country and Colima is certainly no exception.

Whether you cash out of California completely and go full ex-pat or use Altozano Colima as a second home, you will not be disappointed.

Find the place of your dreams. www.altozano-colima.com

Email - ventas@elnuevocolima.com

MARCH 30 - APRIL 2 | PALOS VERDES GOLF CLUB

MARCH 30 - APRIL 2 | PALOS VERDES GOLF CLUB

MARCH 30 - APRIL 2 | PALOS VERDES GOLF CLUB

LPGA TOUR RETURNS TO LPGA TOUR RETURNS TO

LPGA TOUR RETURNS TO LPGA TOUR RETURNS TO

LPGA TOUR RETURNS TO LPGA TOUR RETURNS TO

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

APRIL 24 - 30 |

APRIL 24 - 30 |

APRIL 24 - 30 |

WILSHIRE COUNTRY CLUB

WILSHIRE COUNTRY CLUB

WILSHIRE COUNTRY CLUB

ESCAPE! GOLF PACKAGE

The Crossings at Carlsbad golf course offers our resorts' guests a coastal environment with beautiful ocean views.

With our Escape! Golf Package you get to play a round of golf per night you stay and enjoy all of our Dual-Branded Resort Complex amenities.

The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa and Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa are the perfect destination for golf enthusiasts. Book Today!