Spring 2015

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Grabbing Headlines, Beating Deadlines

As The Club at Ravenna re-tees with new leadership, course changes, and expanded realty options, prospective members are now officially on the clock.

Y

By Joe Grant can’t spell Ravenna without rave, a word that describes the reviews the club has generated since the day it first swung open its gates in 2007. Embracing 634 rolling acres of mature forest, red sandstone monoliths and riparian seclusion near Waterton Canyon, the club clearly occupies one of the most spectacular settings in a state teeming with them. Anyone who tours the property can immediately understand why the Jay Morrish-designed course immediately became one of Golf Digest’s Top 10 New Private Courses. Additionally, it has ranked 33rd among Golfweek’s 100 Best Residential Courses for the last two years. ou

Alas, like many clubs that opened on the brink of the recession, Ravenna endured

the rocks and eddies of a swiftly changing economy. With that chapter now closed, Ravenna is back to making the kind of news befitting a club that delivers “life’s reward” to its members.

Newsmakers The club’s new buzz began a year ago when it hired highly regarded General Manager Stan Spraul from Southern Highlands Golf Club in Las Vegas. With a focus on delivering exceptional member experiences, Spraul has enriched the club’s programming by staging multicourse vintner dinners with California winemakers like Andrew Geoffrey Vineyards and Montagna Napa Valley (and member-preferred bottle pricing); live music every Thursday year-round; vodka and caviar tastings; and weekly Sunday brunches.

On the executive leadership level, last fall Lazarus Investments’ Kevin Collins—a Ravenna member and resident who was instrumental in putting the club on firm financial footing— took over operations as managing partner, and realtor Dale Schossow of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty became the managing director and exclusive listing broker. Schossow, who also lives at Ravenna, has been involved with the project since its inception and has sold 145 homesites and dozens of custom homes there.

In terms of golf, Ravenna’s most recent coup came this January, when it announced the hiring of George Kahrhoff, former golf professional at The Country Club at Castle Pines, as the director of golf operations. A nationally recognized PGA member,

er things, widening the approach on the first hole, eliminating bunkers (such as the one 50 yards short and left of the 14th green), and manicuring the ravine on 18 to offer better visibility of the hole from tee to green.

“We’ll never take the challenge out of Ravenna,” Datwyler says, referring to the course’s original 149/75 slope and course rating from the tips, “but the changes—we are removing some bunkers and widening the fairways in all the right areas—will improve the playability and enjoyment of the course for players of all handicap levels.”

“Our goal isn’t to redefine Ravenna’s stunning beauty,” says Atkinson, “but to allow the course to connect with more golfers and let the character of the setting be what you remember most about playing there.”

grouNdbreakers “2015 is going to be big—very, very big,” says Schossow, who is basing his forecast on the presence of the development’s two newest builders, Remington Homes and Thomas Sattler Homes, both of which have recently broken ground on new models.

Kahrhoff says he’s “extremely excited to participate in making Ravenna one of the elite ‘must-join’ clubs in Colorado.” Ravenna, he says, will gain great exposure from hosting the Colorado Golf Association Senior Match Play in June and the NCAA Division II Regional Crossover Invitational in April. “And that’s only the be ginning.”

Course ChaNgers Players in those tournaments and members will be playing a course that has undergone refinements under the guidance of Kevin Atkinson of Phelps-Atkinson Course Design.

Working with Golf Course Superintendent Steve Datwyler, who came from Colorado Golf Club, Atkinson softened the course by, among oth-

Remington Homes will construct 35 luxury ranch-style golf villas behind the Dakota Hogback near the 10th green. The 2,200+ square-foot structures start from the low $700,000s. Attracted by the spacious floor plan and the rare opportunity to own at Ravenna for less than $1 million, buyers have already put in reservations. Noted for its luxury custom projects, Thomas Sattler Homes broke ground January 30th on its new Mediterranean Collection along the 1st, 2nd and 18th fairways in Corda Bella, one of the Ravenna’s 10 enclaves with names suggestive of the Italian countryside.

The Colorado countryside, of course, lacks for nothing, and all of Ravenna’s homes, while following broad Mediterranean-style architectural guidelines, are carefully sited to blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment. With a final build-out calling for fewer than 300 homes, the opportunity to live amid what Schossow calls “the magic of the west, surrounded by stunning landforms and wildlife with Denver just 20 minutes away,” is evaporating every day.

deadliNe-beaters Ravenna members don’t have to own property in the development to enjoy membership privileges. The club has adjusted and designed new presidential, full golf, junior, corporate and national membership initiation fees to incentivize early commitments based upon a pre-clubhouse construction offer.

Additionally, the club’s provisional membership—or what Membership Sales Director Erik “Hack” Haberland calls a “trial” membership—allows a limited number of

“Prospective members should hear the clock ticking louder each day.” families to enjoy full membership privileges for one year. “It is truly a once-ina-lifetime opportunity, and I have been given the privilege of selling a handful of these to a select few,” says Haberland.

“What an opportunity to get into Ravenna on the ground floor.”

Under the provisional membership program, members begin paying monthly dues April 1st. There are no playing restrictions and membership privileges extend to all family members under the age of 26 living at home. At the end of the following March, the provisional member decides whether to continue, no obligation.

“Ravenna has never been positioned better as a value in the Front Range market,” Schossow says from his many years of experience with the property. “This offering will clearly not last long.”

He’s right. Listening to all the big news coming out of The Club at Ravenna, prospective members should also hear the clock ticking—louder by the day—as time runs out on their chance to become a member at these pre-clubhouse construction prices.

For real estate inquiries, contact Dale Schossow (303-919-7176; dale.schossow@ sothebysrealty.com). For membership, contact Erik “Hack” Haberland (720-400-9673; ehaberland@ravennagolf.com). For general information, visit ravennagolf.com or call 720-956-1600.

THE IMPORTANT THINGS IN LIFE SHOULD NEVER HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE WEEKEND. At Water Valley, they don’t. We put the river, lakes and fairways at the very heart of our community, right smack in the middle of every day life. We added The Sand Bar, everyone’s favorite watering hole, and the award-winning Pelican Lakes Restaurant. With three major cities only 20 minutes away and wonderful Windsor right next door, the things you value most can happen even on a week night.

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Luxuriously appointed rooms. Sumptuous cuisine.

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The Lodge and Villas at Flying Horse, is now accepting reservations in advance of its grand opening.

• 4 Luxury Guest Villas Opening Spring 2015 • 40 Luxury Guest Rooms Opening Fall 2015 • 10,000 Sq. Ft. of Indoor Conference & Meeting Space with additional Outdoor Event Space

In Life, As In Golf, Club Selection Is Everything.

While Flying Horse is renowned for its golf, our award-winning club has been said to rival the finest resorts of Europe. If your soul yearns for offerings and services so handsome, so complete, so luxurious they defy comparison, The Club at Flying Horse is your choicest of choices.

of Flying Horse.

Born of legend, bred for pleasure, Flying Horse is a place of extraordinary possibilities.

With breathtaking views, beguiling recreational amenities, magnificent custom-crafted homes by the area’s most celebrated builders, luxury guest accommodations, and yes—a pulse-fluttering 18-hole championship golf course designed by the legendary master, Tom Weiskopf—this storybook community reflects the absolute finest in luxury.

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Bold. Beautiful. Wildly Original.

Vo

In Every Issue 2015

Contents

12 Forethoughts

Bigger than the CAGGYs. By Jon Rizzi

Spring

14 ’Net Score

Get social at Spring Training

21 The Gallery

Plans for a “Century of Golf,” comic Bob Meddles, Evans Scholars, more.

100 The Games

of Golf

Halls of Fame.

Player’s Corner

27 Play Away

Georgia’s Golden Isles. By Tom Ferrell

Features 34 Lesson

A Course in Practice.

By Trent Wearner

36 Profile

Rick George brings the PGA TOUR to CU.

By D enny Dressman

52

2015 CAGGY Awards

You select the best in golf in 53 categories.

92

A 21st Century Fox

Sidebets

Four years of private ownership have taken Longmont’s Fox Hill Club out of the woods and into the future. By Jon Rizzi

Old Major Seafood, Swine and Wine.

By Gary James

96

43 Fareways

46 Tapping In

Loveland’s craft brews.

By Cody Gabbard

48 Nice Drives

32 Gear The Ball Wars.

By Jon Rizzi

The new Bentley Continental V8 S Convertible and Audi S3.

By Isaac Bouchard

The Santa Fe Grail

Boasting New Mexico’s most coveted tee times, the private Las Campanas also rates as one of the Southwest’s most desirable enclaves. By Jon Rizzi

59

How to Ace Your Event

2015 Tournament Planning Special

79

“Play Golf!”

A Golfer’s Guide to Spring Training in Arizona

CAGGY DEAREST: Hole 8 at Sanctuary, voted Best Course to Hold a Charity Event. (p. 52)

8

Colorado AvidGolfer | Spring 2015

coloradoav i dgo lf e r.c o m

Living On

The Green

C O LO R AD O G O LF C LU B

Spring 2015 Volume 13, Number 8 publisher

Allen J. Walters editor

Jon Rizzi associate publisher

Chris Phillips art director

Jeremy Cantalamessa

Pro Tournament-worthy Course, Pikes Peak to Longs Peak Views Set Tone for Life at CGC

W

hen Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw designed Colorado Golf Club they believed it would wow people. Shortly after it opened in 2006 they were proven right. GOLF ranked it #1 in its Top 10 New Private Courses 2007. It landed sixth on Golf Digest’s Best New Private Courses and in 2010 Golfweek rated it #2 on its Best Residential Courses list.

As members, we wholeheartedly agree and have assisted many clients in making the decision to either purchase a home site

7750 Preservation Trail, Colorado Golf Club 6 Bedrooms, 10 baths, 17,437 sf

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where they can have their home built or to buy an existing residence. This gated community’s course is so spectacular that only a few years after it opened it hosted the Senior PGA Championship and in 2013 the Solheim Cup was played here.

Of the community’s many qualities, accessibility is one of the main draws.

Between Hess Road, RidgeGate Parkway and E-470 you can be in the Tech Center in 20 minutes. Chef Bob’s cuisine, a new swimming pool and an active social calendar underscore the reasons to own.

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Blueprints for two spec homes have been approved—a process that takes four to six months—so those buyers could have their new homes started almost immediately. One home site has amazing Pikes Peaks views, the other is in the woods overlooking the par 3 course. There are just really great options for buyers.

Allow us to assist you in finding your golf home by calling today.

editor-at-large

Tom Ferrell

automotive editor

Isaac Bouchard contributors

Sam Adams, E.J. Carr, Tony Dear, Denny Dressman, Sue Drinker, Dick Durrance II, Chris Duthie, Gary James, Ted Johnson, Kaye W. Kessler, Todd Langley, Kim D. McHugh, Jerry Walters digital and social media manager

Kate Stromberg office and operations manager

Cindy P. Nold projects and special events manager

Ryan McLean p r i n c i pa l s

Ray L. Baker, C. Don Baker, Dick B. Baker Advertising Inquiries: cindy@coloradoavidgolfer.com Editorial Inquiries and letters: jon@coloradoavidgolfer.com Customer Service and Subscriptions: 720-493-1729 Mailing address: 7200 S. Alton Way #A-180, Centennial, CO 80112 FAX: 720-482-0784 Newsstand Information: 720-493-1729

Engage Online:

facebook.com/coloradoavidgolfer @coloavidgolfer youtube.com/user/coloradoavidgolfer instagram.com/coloradoavidgolfer c o l o r a d oav i d g o l f e r . c o m Colorado AvidGolfer (ISSN 1548-4335) is published eight times a year by BakerColorado Publishing, LLC, and printed by American Web, Inc. Volume 13, Number Eight.

7200 S. Alton Way #A-180, Centennial, CO 80112. Colorado AvidGolfer is available at more than 250 locations, or you can order your personal subscription by calling 720-493-1729. Subscriptions are available at the rate of $17.95 per year. Copyright © 2015 by Baker-Colorado Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Postmaster: Send address changes to Colorado AvidGolfer, 7200 S. Alton Way #A-180 Centennial, CO 80112.The magazine welcomes editorial submissions but assumes no responsibility for the safekeeping or return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, artwork or other material.

m a g a z i n e pa r t n e r o f c h o i c e :

Jack O’Connor The Denver 100 303-880-8561 Den100.com

Jim Romano RE/MAX Professionals 303-809-8822 EliteHomeSalesTeam.com

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Spring 2015

Premier

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Forethoughts

Bigger than the Caggys

I

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Spring 2015

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F O R E T H O U G H T S P H O T O BY T e d M c I n tyre

love our CAGGY Awards. They represent your picks for the best in Colorado golf. This year’s winners contain a number of surprises, which you can see for yourself by turning to page 52.

Speaking of surprises, that will be the only mention of the CAGGYs in the column. Instead, I’m going to use the space to reflect on the two industries in which I work—magazine publishing and golf. Both seem to be obsessed with their own demises.

The former frets that every new technology—first radio, then television, the Internet, tablets and smartphones—somehow will spell the end for paper and ink as the preferred purveyor of illumination and information. Even the venerable National Magazine Awards now have digital categories.

The bottom-line impact of this latest electronic sea change has prompted a number of major international publishing companies to blur the once-sacred line between journalism and advertising by setting up “content studios” that put editorial to work for advertisers. As a result, the user (formerly known as “the reader”) doesn’t necessarily know if the “article,” “listicle” or “charticle” is actually an infomercial. In catering to others’ brands, these companies risk diluting the integrity of their own.

Let’s look at the national golf industry, which cites among its apocalyptic bellwethers a 20 percent decline in nationwide participation since 2003 and an average of 130 course closures in each of the past five years.

I’m as vigilant about ensuring golf ’s survival as I am about upholding editorial integrity. I consider myself one of the sport’s stewards, but ever since we started this enterprise, nary a year has passed without some dire forecast and the drumbeat of “grow the game.” Often that drumbeat sounds a lot like Chicken Little clucking. However well intentioned, many “grow the game” strategies (e.g. footgolf, manhole-sized cups) risk diluting the sport’s longterm “brand” value in the name of short-term revenue generation.

Wait, did someone say generation? The attention-deficient “Millennials” represent golf ’s latest bête noire. This group comprises 25 percent of the golfer population and spends more than $5 billion annually on the sport. But, while the total number of golfers has hovered around 25 million since 2011, participation among these 18-to-34-year-olds has dropped by 13 percent since 2009.

Ministering to Millennials and their successors came up at February 10’s G4 Golf Summit at The Broadmoor. This second annual “Coming Together of the Golf Industry” involved leaders from the Colorado PGA, Colorado Golf Association, Colorado Women’s Golf Association, the Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents Association, and the Mile High Chapter of the Club Managers Association of America—as well as representatives from national organizations, including PGA of America CEO Pete Bevacqua.

I applaud Colorado’s golf leaders for convening the G4 and also for teaming up this year to celebrate “A Century of Golf ” (see page 21 for more). This issue was on press during the G4, so you won’t see an account of it in these pages. However, I’ve already posted my reports on Twitter and our Website.

No paper, ink—or sponsorship—required.

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Ready for #RoxSpring. Are you?

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Use this hashtag to share your best Spring Training moments with us!

INFO

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Spring Training’s upon us and the Rockies are going to rock AZ. What’s going on in the Valley of the Sun? Check it out through the lens of these Instagram users.

Root, Root, Root for the Home Team!

DIALOG

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Antler Creek, Falcon

$28

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Broadlands, Broomfield

$38

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$30

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Colorado National, Erie EXCLUSIVE

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Mon-Thurs anytime, Fri-Sun after 12pm; (season 3 Fri-Sun after 11am)

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CommonGround, Aurora* EXCLUSIVE

$45

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$30

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Mon-Thurs before 4pm, Fri-Sun after 12pm

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Fitzsimons, Aurora EXCLUSIVE

$26/$30

$26/$30

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Mon-Fri after 11am, Sat-Sun after 1pm; Season 3 Saturday-Sunday after 12pm.

Yes

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Foothills, Denver

$34/$47

$34/$47

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Yes

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Four Mile Ranch, Cañon City

$30

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Green Valley Ranch, Denver EXCLUSIVE

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Shoulders: Mon-Thur before 9am, after 12pm, FriSun after 2pm Peak: Mon-Thur before 9am, after 1pm, Fri-Sun after 2pm

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Heritage at Westmoor, Westminster

$45

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Monday-Friday anytime, Sat-Sun after 1pm

Yes

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Heritage Eagle Bend, Aurora

$34/$40

$49$55

$34/$40

Mon-Thur anytime, Fri-Sun after 12pm

Yes

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Highland Meadows, Windsor

$34

$44

$34

Mon-Thurs after 12pm, Fri-Sun after 1pm

Yes

3

Highlands Ranch Golf Club,

$47/$58

$57/$68

$47/$58

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The Homestead Golf Course, Lakewood

$36

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The Greg Mastriona Golf Course at Hyland Hills (Gold Course), Westminster EXCLUSIVE

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Murphy Creek, Aurora EXCLUSIVE

$35.50/ $43

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Mon-Fri after 11am, Sat-Sun after 1pm

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Omni Interlocken, Broomfield

$55

$65

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Pine Creek, Colorado Springs

$39

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$23

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3

Saddle Rock, Aurora EXCLUSIVE

$37.50/ $45

$37.50/ $45

$37.50/ $45

Mon-Fri after 11am, Sat-Sun after 1pm

Yes

3

South Suburban Par 3, Centennial*

$9

$9

$9

Mon-Thurs anytime, Fri-Sun after 12pm

Yes

Unlimited

Sumo Golf Village, Florence

$22

$27

$22

Any day after 12pm

Yes

2

Thorncreek, Thornton

$40

$40

$40

Mon-Thurs anytime, Fri-Sun after 3pm

Yes

Unlimited

Todd Creek, Thornton

$40

$45

$40

Mon-Fri after 10am, Sat -Sun after 1pm

Yes

3

Walking Stick, Pueblo

$32

$32

$32

Mon-Thurs anytime, Fri-Sun after 12pm

Yes

Unlimited

Mountain Courses

1/1–5/31

6/1– 8/31

9/1– 12/31

Available Tee Times

Breckenridge Golf Club, Breckenridge*

$75

$99

$75

Shoulder Seasons: Any day, anytime. Peak Season: Sun-Thurs after 12pm.

Yes

3

The Bridges, Montrose EXCLUSIVE

$30

$53

$30

Mon-Thurs anytime, Fri-Sun after 9am

Yes

2

Cedaredge Golf Club, Cedaredge

$35

$40

$35

Any day, anytime

Yes

Unlimited

Eagle Ranch, Eagle EXCLUSIVE

$35

$55

$35

Any day after 11am

Yes

2

Eagle Vail, Avon

$55

$99

$55

Mon-Thurs after 11am, Fri-Sun after 12pm

Yes

3

Golf Granby Ranch, Granby

$54

$54

$54

Anyday after 11am

Yes

Unlimited

Grand Elk, Granby

$32/$39

$45/$54

$39/$45

Mon-Thurs after 11am, Fri-Sun after 12pm

Yes

3

Grand Lake, Grand Lake

$40

$50

$40

Any day after 11am

Yes

3

Haymaker, Steamboat

$45

$56

$45

Any day after 11am

Yes

3

Keystone Ranch, Keystone

$69

$90

$69

Any day, anytime

Yes

Unlimited

Lakota Canyon, New Castle

$59

$70

$59

Mon-Thurs anytime, Fri-Sun after 11am

Yes

3

Pole Creek, Tabernash

$50

$50

$50

Mon-Thurs after 11am, Fri-Sun after 12pm

Yes

Unlimited

The Raven at Three Peaks, Silverthorne

$55

$89

$55

Any day after 12pm

Yes

Unlimited

Redlands Mesa, Grand Junction

$70

$70

$70

Any day, anytime

Yes

3

The River Course at Keystone, Keystone

$75

$105

$75

Any day after 11am

Yes

Unlimited

Tiara Rado, Grand Junction

$35

$35

$35

Mon-Thur anytime, Fri-Sun after 12pm

Yes

3

Vail Golf Club, Vail

$50

$89

$50

Sun-Thurs after 1pm

Yes

3

* * * *

Weekend Play

Total Rounds

Total Rounds

CommonGround offer: Must be CGA, CWGA or Golf Passport Plus member to get rate Family Sports: 9 Hole Executive Course South Suburban: Par 3- Cart not included Some seasons may vary

Go to coloradoavidgolfer.com for complete details.

2015 Member Privileges. All rates include a cart. Visit coloradoavidgolfer.com for complete details regarding rates, available tee times, number of rounds and reservation policy. Tee time requests are on a space available basis to Golf Passport members and participating courses’ rain check policies will apply. The golf offers are good from January 1, 2015–December, 31 2015, excluding holidays, special events, tournaments or closure to environmental or economic conditions. Mountain seasons may vary slightly. The Golf Passport is limited to one per person and is non-transferable. Prices do not include sales tax. Some courses may require a credit card to secure a tee time prior to play. If a tee time is cancelled, the golf course may charge for its discounted fee. Colorado AvidGolfer reserves the right to make reasonable modifications to the Golf Passport, effective upon notice by e-mail or first class mail to the Golf Passport member. A Golf Passport member may reject any such modification by responding in writing to Colorado AvidGolfer and returning the Golf Passport within ten (10) days. The Golf Passport member will receive a prorated refund. The Golf Passport member agrees that he or she is not entitled to any additional compensation. Colorado AvidGolfer disclaims all liability for damage or loss or property or injury to any person occurring while using the Golf Passport. The subscription expires with the Winter 2015 issue. One subscription per household. If ordered online, please allow up to 10 days for delivery of your Golf Passport.

co l o r a d o a v i d g o l f e r. c o m

Spring 2015 | Colorado AvidGolfer

19

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NAMES

| NOTES

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P hotogr a ph by e j c a rr

theGallery

Investing in Century Links

W

ith the 1910 Trans-Mississippi and 1912 Western Amateur having both taken place at Denver Country Club, championship golf in Colorado predates the 1915 establishment of the Colorado Golf Association. But as the USGA’s sanctioned caretaker of handicapping and course rating and as the organizer of more than 50 official state tournaments annually, the CGA will

co lo r a d o a v i d g o l f e r. c o m

LOGO KNOWLEDGE: The Colorado Golf Association’s marketing and public relations committee chairs Bill Pearson (left) and Buddy Noel preview the new CGA marque.

throughout 2015 use its milestone birthday as a catalyst to celebrate golf ’s present and help fortify its future for the next 100 years.

“We’re celebrating a ‘Century of Golf ’ rather than just our centennial,” says CGA Executive Director Ed Mate. “And central to this yearlong celebration are the three I’s: Impact, Image and Investment.”

Impact, he says, “means elevating our working relationships with our allied association partners to strengthen and sustain the positive impact of the game on generations to come.” Those partners include the Colorado Section PGA, Colorado Women’s Golf Association, Colorado Open Golf Foundation and the Rocky

Mountain Golf Course Superintendents’ Association. “We are going to work collaboratively as a golf community to make the greatest impact,” Mate says.

“Image” is the most visible and immediate manifestation of the Century of Golf initiative. The organization has a new logo and brand identity, thanks to the CGA’s public relations and marketing committees—headed, respectively, by Bill Pierson and Buddy Noel—which worked seamlessly with the Denver-based agency Adrenalin to shed the old logo’s pine needles and communicate both Colorado’s geographical uniqueness and the organization’s stewardship of traditions and the future of golf. The logo is being unveiled February 20-22 at the Denver Golf Expo.

Spring 2015 | Colorado AvidGolfer

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theGallery KID’S PLAY: The CGA has rebranded the CJGA as part of the Century of Golf.

or 100 courses during the year. “100 strokes in a round doesn’t count,” jokes Mate. “The goal is to get the golf community across the state to play golf for a purpose.”

Additionally, for both posterity and potential proceeds, the CGA has commissioned “A Century of Golf in Colorado,” an original piece of fine art from Lee Wybranski, whose oeuvre has graced the official commemorative posters of numerous major championships. Scheduled for completion in late May, the work will be made available for purchase in limited edition prints. “We have not decided what we are going to do with the original piece of art,” Mate says when asked whether it will be auctioned.

The Century of Golf activities will climax November 14 with a gala celebration featuring Jack Nicklaus and other celebrities from Colorado’s rich golf history. Emceed by Golf Channel’s Tim Rosaforte, the gala portends to generate $150,000 in net revenue for the Colorado Golf Foundation.

“This year we’re coming up for air and making culture shift towards more philanthropic activities,” says Director of Development Ryan Smith.

“We’re seizing on the centennial to position the CGA, our allied associations and the Colorado Golf Foundation for the next 100 years,” Mate elaborates. “We want to ensure the game is both around and thriving.”

“Investment” pivots mainly on the introduction of high-level sponsorships (Westerra Credit Union is the first to sign on) and cultivating a culture of philanthropy through the Colorado Golf Foundation. Founded in 2012 with a $2 million lead gift from George Solich, the nonprofit CGF funds “Colorado-based golf organizations and programs that use golf to build important life skills and character, with an emphasis on instilling hard work and self-reliance in young people.” The foundation funds such programs as the CommonGround Golf Course-based Solich Caddie and Leadership Academy and Hale Irwin Elite Player Program, PGA REACH, LPGA Girls Golf, Golf In Schools and the Evans Scholarship program, as well as dozens of community and wellness programs and nonprofits that wish to expose disabled or disadvantaged children and adults to the benefits of golf.

To support the Colorado Golf Foundation, the CGA will hold a season-long “Century of Golf Challenge,” a fundraising event centered around the number 100. Participants generate money through donations pledged for a golf-related activity of their own creation that involves the number 100. Mate, for example, will caddie 100 loops and ask donors to pledge $30 per bag, his rate while a caddy at Denver Country Club almost 30 years ago. You might want to play 100 holes in a day

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Spring 2015

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theGallery CLUB ACT: Meddles drives for laughs in his literary debut.

Last Comic Hacking Both ursine and erudite, Arvada resident Bob Meddles is also pretty damn funny. His award-winning comedy annually lands him 150 shows across the country, including regular performances at West Woods Golf Club, where he is serving his second term as president of

the men’s club.

“Zero,” he says, isn’t his handicap but the amount of golf material he currently includes in his act. But that hasn’t kept the one-time newspaper editor from writing The Hacker’s Guide to Golf, one of the funnier golf books in recent memory. “I truly am a hacker,” he says by way of explaining his 16.6 index, “but that

doesn’t take away from the charm of the game.”

Dividing the book into 18 essays, Meddles breezes through humorous takes on lessons, equipment, putting, and sandbaggers (“Becoming one will allow you to cull your Christmas card list more quickly than if you were to become an Amway agent.”).

Like Dave Barry, his literary inspiration, Meddles sashays through the minefield of predictability to which golf humor so easily lends itself. He confesses to stepping out on his longtime pitching wedge companion, and takes on the “naturalness” of the golf swing. “It was developed by shepherds in Scotland,” he writes, “and you can imagine what kind of unnatural things lonely shepherds are capable of.”

Subtitled “Stories of Golf and the People who Play it…Badly,” The Hacker’s Guide to Golf ($15) is the debut book by Meddles, who first performed comedy in 2006 at Denver’s now-defunct Kazmos (“I think the ceiling was held up by cigarette smoke,” he quips). He likens performing standup to playing golf. “It’s all up to you,” he says. “It’s you and

the mic; it’s you and the course.”

And, Meddles says, a course judges you in the same way an audience does. “If a path doesn’t present itself,” he says with a laugh, “then get out your machete and keep hacking.” bobmeddles.com

GOLF by NUMBERS 11

Colorado high school seniors who caddied at local courses have earned an Evans Scholarship, each valued at more than $70,000 if renewed for four years, at the University of Colorado. The Illinoisbased Western Golf Association, which partners with the CGA and CWGA in supporting the program, selected the recipients at a Colorado Evans Scholars Selection Meeting Jan. 28 at Denver Country Club. The scholars will live in the CU Evans Scholars house. The finalists (and the clubs at which they caddied) are: Josh Aguilar-Wynn, William Butler and Keane

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Spring 2015

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STIR

YOUR SENSES. CAPITOLISTS: Last year’s We Are Golf coalition in Washington, D.C.

McClintock (caddies at Cherry Hills Country Club); Geovani Castillo (caddie at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club); Kade Hiller (caddie at Ballyneal Golf Club); Rachel Knobbs (caddie at Broadmoor Golf Club); Michael O’Hearne (caddie at Boulder Country Club); Cameron Payseno (caddie at Lakewood Country Club); Dominic Perea (caddie at Denver Country Club); Rene Rosa (cadJosh Aguilar-Wynn die at Roaring Fork Club) and Arthur Zabronsky (caddie at Colorado Golf Club). Additionally, both Aguilar-Wynn and Perea graduated from the Solich Caddie and Leadership Academy at CommonGround Golf Course in Aurora. colorado.evansscholars.org

8

teenagers—or maybe more—will again participate in the Junior Caddie Program at Fort Collins Country Club. Now in its second year, the program operates in conjunction with the Spike Baker Chapter of the Solich Caddie & Leadership Academy. For caddying 12 rounds per month each caddie earns $400 a month, paid by the Solich Academy, which started in 2012 at CommonGround Golf Course in Aurora. “The Solich model works,” says FCCC PGA Director of Golf John Hanrahan. “The stipend, which eliminates charging caddie fees, removes any financial barrier from members taking a caddie.”

But, he adds, “The members really got behind the program, and a lot of our kids killed it on the tip side.”

Hanrahan also attributes the success of the co l o r a d o a v i d g o l f e r. c o m

program to the support of parents who have to drive their kids, as well as to a change in the club’s culture. “I started a caddie program here 15 years ago, but at the time 95 percent of our membership took carts and had little interest,” he says. “Now, at least 35 to 40 percent of our members walk; it’s part of their active Colorado lifestyle.” The membership formed a caddie committee and donates to the program. Hanrahan, a former looper at Omaha Country Club, notes that a number of his charges “were the children of Evans Scholars.

But they all come in like deer in the headlights.

Watching their personalities develop and confidence grow over the summer is amazing.”

The Spike Baker Chapter takes its name from the late Colorado Golf Hall of Fame member, whose son, Scott, sits on the club’s caddie committee. greatfortcollinscc.com

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billion represents the total economic impact of golf in America, including direct, indirect and induced impacts. Colorado accounts for $1.7 billion of that amount. Those numbers come from We Are Golf, a coalition of the game’s leading associations and industry partners that will convene April 15 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. for the eighth annual National Golf Day. Last year’s event produced more than 120 scheduled Congressional meetings. Attendees, such as GolfTEC Founder and CEO Joe Assell, communicated to Members of Congress, the Executive Branch and regulatory agencies the game’s economic, charitable and environmental impact, as well the game’s health and wellness benefits and its affordability and accessibility. The lobby will follow a similar agenda this year, according to Steve Mona, CEO of the World Golf Foundation and administrator of We Are Golf. “The primary goal as an industry,” he says, “is to make sure our voice is heard in Washington, D.C. to ensure laws and regulations that impact the golf industry are fair and appropriate.” wearegolf.org CAG

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Spring 2015 | Colorado AvidGolfer

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A perfect pairing ROUND 1: 18 HOLES SURROUNDED BY STUNNING BACKDROPS ROUND 2: RELAX IN COLORADO’S WINE COUNTRY

Indulge in our reds, whites and greens. Come discover for yourself why people return again and again to Colorado’s Wine Country to golf at Tiara Rado Golf Course and The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa in Grand Junction.

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| LESSONS PROFILES

| T R AV E L

P h o t o g r a p h C O U RT E S Y O F S E A I S L A N D Res o rt

playersCorner

travel

On Golden Isles

REST ASHORE: The 5-Star Cloister at Sea Island sprawls along Village Creek, with the Atlantic Ocean just beyond.

Georgia’s historic Jekyll, St. Simons and Sea islands magically bridge the past with the present and family-friendliness with TOUR-quality golf. By Tom Ferrell

T

he 19th-century poet Sidney Lanier was something of a patron saint in my South Georgia childhood. More than every now and then, my father would load us into the station wagon in Waycross, skirt the eastern edge of the Okefenokee Swamp and pilot us through the pines until the forest gave way to a vast expanse of golden marshes and shimmering water. And there, the majestic Sidney Lanier Bridge rose above the wide river and estuary, and the crossroads—make a right to Jekyll Island or head over the bridge into Brunswick before turning toward Saint Simons—distilled the day’s destination.

To signal our arrival on the coast, my father would then raise his voice above the family din to recite a line or two of The Marshes of Glynn, Lanier’s ode to the magical scape: On the firm-packed sand, Free By a world of marsh that borders a world of sea.

Long before I first teed up a golf ball on the seemingly ancient

co l o r a d o a v i d g o l f e r. c o m

first tee of the Walter Travis-designed nine-hole Grand Dunes course on Jekyll Island, I had learned that the storied history of these islands was a part of my own. Bobby Jones had played the courses here and across the Sound at Sea Island. Walter Hagen.

Tommy Armour. My father’s favorite, Slammin’ Sammy Snead.

They had all come here, to our little corner of the world. Barely able to hit the ball 100 yards, we were already connected to the greats by a bridge to the past.

We walked the same beaches that had borne the steps of Carnegies, Vanderbilts, Mellons, Cranes and DuPonts. These islands had hosted roaring parties for visiting dignitaries before the Great Depression turned out the lights on the 1920s. Just a few years later, the islands literally turned out their lights when the Navy reported that German U-boats lurked in the waters just offshore. Jekyll Island, once the private reserve of the rich and famous, became a ward of the state (so it is even now).

Saint Simons and the magnificent Sea Island Resort went dark but emerged stronger than ever after the war.

The Golden Isles were an exotic and mysterious world and Spring 2015 | Colorado AvidGolfer

27

player’sCorner THREE BY THE SEA: A trio of distinct course designs adds to Sea Island’s appeal.

grounds. Or see how much you can save—and create possibly the leastexpensive high-quality golf vacation in America—by taking up at any of several quality hotels on the island.

This spring, a new era of Jekyll Island will commence with the opening of a spectacular oceanfront resort, the Westin Jekyll Island, which

Jekyll Island In a world of glitz and glamour, Jekyll Island is an anomaly. Owned and operated by the State of Georgia since 1947, Jekyll boasts the same unspoiled beaches that soothed stressed-out Yankee tycoons all those years ago.

Recall those days when you check into the beautifully restored Jekyll Island Club Hotel in the heart of “Millionaires Village.” Spring for the suite in the hotel’s turret, or just soak in the old-school charm of the woodpaneled bar and the oak-studded

28

WATER WORLDS: Sea Island’s Plantation Course (top) and Cloister Beach Club.

features 200 rooms and suites, many with ocean and dune views, along with full resort amenities.

Wherever you stay while on the island, you’ll no doubt be talking about golf at the end of the day. Jekyll Island sports 63 holes, and 54 of them begin and end at the nondescript brick clubhouse off Captain Wylie Road.

Colorado AvidGolfer | Spring 2015

also designed the complex’s third course, Indian Mound, which features interesting elevation changes and generous landing areas. But take note—proper placement of tee shots is essential in order to leave yourself birdie chances on the huge, rollicking greens.

Finally, step into golf ’s Golden Age by taking on Great Dunes, the

remaining half of what was once a complete 18-hole oceanfront course built by the “Old Man,” Walter Travis just after the turn of the 20th century. Savor the classic par-5 fifth, with its “Mae West” approach between two rolling sand dunes. The par-3 sixth is short but mighty, playing along the dune line with the beach to the left and an ever-present wind.

There may be no better value than Jekyll Island Golf Club, where 18hole rates (with cart) clock in at $49 and same-day replays are available for $25.

Sea Island Resort Every summer, my parents would steal away to celebrate their wedding anniversary in grand fashion in one of the lavish rooms at the historic Mediterranean-themed Cloister hotel, part of the inimitable Sea Island Resort. To venture onto Sea Island is to enter a bygone era, one of tradition and grace, where guests still dress for dinner and where quiet leisure time is still en vogue.

Anchored by The Cloister, Sea Island Resort opened in 1928 and has been a perennial winner of the very highest travel honors, including the prestigious Forbes Five-Star award.

Guests can take part in eco-tours, relax at the Sea Island Beach Club or even go horseback riding on five miles of private shoreline. But some of the golf guests never get that far— as they opt for the immersion of the opulent 40-room Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club.

Located on Saint Simons Island, not far from the village, with its stately lighthouse and charming shops, Sea Island Golf Club is home to the McGladrey Classic on the PGA TOUR, which serves as a hometown stop for island residents Davis Love III, Brandt Snedeker, Matt Kuchar, Zach Johnson and Jonathan Byrd, among others.

Rub elbows with them and other TOUR pros at the extensive Performance Center, home to some the game’s leading instructors. And when you feel your game is in shape, check out the two courses—Plantation and Seaside—that begin and end at the Lodge.

In 1998 Rees Jones completely renovated the original Walter Travis design when he routed the Plantation Course along tidal creeks and through stands of rare Georgia coloradoavidgo lf e r.c o m

P h o t o g r a p h s C O U RT E S Y O F S E A I S L A N D Res o rt

yet so close to home. It is that mystique that has made South Georgia’s barrier islands one of America’s most beloved vacationlands. Whatever your sense of style— from camping at Cumberland Island National Seashore to eco-tourism lodges on small private islands (hammocks, we call them) to the five-star luxury of Sea Island and its revered Cloister Hotel and breathtaking Sea Island Golf Club to perhaps the country’s finest budget golf and beach destination, Jekyll Island—the Golden Isles region is ready to become part of your own and your family’s history.

My love of traveling for golf was born of those short trips to the Golden Isles. First came those ninehole loops with my father on Jekyll’s hidden gem. Then came 45-hole days with my brother in the sweltering summers, when we were such a common sight that some took us for the head pro’s kids. A few years later, while caddying for an older friend during 1977 US Amateur qualifying at Sea Island, I heard the news: Elvis was dead.

So forgive me if I take this destination a bit personally.

Test your mettle at Oleander, long regarded as the toughest of Jekyll’s three 18-hole tracks. Dick Wilson, the hard-drinking and curmudgeonly disciple of Robert Trent Jones, Sr., took Oleander from the piney woods toward the sea, where the winds play havoc with misjudged or mishit shots. There, Oleander abuts the earlier work of Walter Travis at Great Dunes before turning back inland. Notice the trademark “runway tees” of the penal school of design in this rare example of 1960s architecture unsullied by residential development. Oleander hosted PGA TOUR qualifying as late as the early 1980s, earning its reputation for toughness.

Wilson’s protégé Joe Lee authored the island’s other two championships layouts. Pine Lakes weaves through stands of tall longleaf pines, demanding accuracy both off the tee and on approach shots to often-tiny greens.

A recent Clyde Johnston spruced up the bunkers and reclaimed some areas that had grown in over time. Lee

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Spring 2015

Nearby Getaways Visitors to the Golden Isles have access to countless outdoor activities. The unique and fascinating Okefenokee Swamp Wildlife Refuge is just an hour away. Even closer is the picturesque river town of Saint Mary’s, where you can catch the ferry to Cumberland Island National Seashore, an undeveloped barrier island where horses run wild on 120-foot high dunes. And if you still haven’t gotten your fill of golf, make a call to the private Brunswick Country Club, a fabulous Donald Ross design recently restored by the Love brothers.

Resorts and vacations spots didn’t always rely on the spectacular for their appeal. Sometimes they simply offered a place where family and friends could escape the every day, slow down and enjoy each other. That’s what the Golden Isles have meant to me throughout my life. I will always be looking forward to another return to that special place where the forest ends and the coast world begins, to recall the rhapsodies of Sidney Lanier and the timeless beauty of the Marshes of Glynn. CAG Tom Ferrell is Colorado AvidGolfer’s editor at large.

INFO TO GO Jekyll Island Club Hotel jekyllclub.com Jekyll Island Golf Club golf.jekyllisland.com Sea Island Resort seaisland.com

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P h o t o g r a p h C O U RT E S Y O F S E A I S L A N D

longleaf pines. You might catch a glimpse of porpoises in the adjacent sound. And while the course doesn’t play particularly long—tipping the scales at 6,687 yards from the back tees—its sea-level location and numerous water hazards demand a disciplined approach and the throwback virtue of patience.

For the purist, the Seaside Course is Sea Island Golf Club’s main attraction.

In 1929 the designing duo of Harry Colt and Charles Alison ranked alongside Alister MacKenzie and Donald Ross as the world’s most famed course architects.

The nine-hole layout they created utilized timeless angles and deceptions. Tantalizing PURE GOLF: The rugged Seaside Course is a PGA TOUR stop. lines often led to disaster, and the par-4 seventh hole—a favorite of native Georgian and along tidal marshes and the St. Simons Sound and frequent Sea Island visitor Bobby Jones—became a annually hosts the McGladrey. mainstay on any list of best holes in golf.

More recently, Sea Island acquired another Updating classics is indeed an enterprise fraught property not far from the Sea Island Golf Club. with peril. And though Tom Fazio may have Originally wrought by Joe Lee, Davis and Mark some critics among fans of Golden Age architec- Love transformed the Retreat Course into a ture, his work at Seaside, completed is impressive. sporty layout that takes it easy on resort guests Incorporating the Colt and Alison nine with a while still packing a punch from the back tees. less-acclaimed nine built by Joe Lee in 1974, Fazio And should you have the right private-club in 1999 reinforced natural dunes to challenge the pedigree, by all means arrange to get on the golfer with small but impactful elevation changes. Rees Jones-designed Ocean Forest Golf Club, Borrowing from Golden Age master Chandler a Walker Cup venue that memorably traverses Egan’s work at Pebble Beach, he created artificial wetlands, tidal marshes, woods, dunes and dunes and waste areas to add to the coastal feel. the Hampton River before finishing along the The result is a 6,883-yard, par-70 layout that plays Atlantic shoreline.

player’sCorner

gear

The Soft War In this year’s battle of the balls, the harder they come, the harder they’ll sell.

By Jon Rizzi

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ost avid players aren’t orb-livious. They know golf balls aren’t one size fits all. They also know the key factors—distance, feel, spin and control— largely depend on swing speed and the ball’s compression rating. Slower swingers (less than 90 mph) theoretically should use “softer” low-compression balls to get more distance; high-compression “harder” balls work well for low-handicap players whose swing speeds are fast enough to sufficiently compress the ball and shape and control their shots.

This year three companies—Callaway, Titleist and Wilson—are touting breakthrough technologies that combine low-compression softness with tour-quality performance and feel. Each is going into battle with weapons they claim are “the softest yet.” Let’s take a look:

CALLAWAY CHROME SOFT ($50) [ Phil Mickelson loves this ball so much, Amy should be jealous. ] • Its SoftFast Core and drag-reducing HEX dimpling produces low-spinning drives that fly high and get small in a hurry.

• The low 65 compression allows even higher-handicappers to compress their iron shots, producing the kind of Tour juice usually reserved for the pros.

• Its soft feel and Tour Urethane cover improves the ability to spin and control aggressive shots into the green.

TITLEIST PROV1 ($62) and PRO V1x ($62) [ The flagships of Golf’s “#1 ball” soften up to solidify market share. ] • The three-piece Pro V1 and four-piece Pro V1x each have compression-unrated “ZG Process Technology” cores that allow even slower swingers to benefit from greater distance and feel.

• Core and cover improvements produce lower, more penetrating drives from the Pro V1 and higher, steeper and faster ones from the V1x.

• Both have a softer yet no less durable urethane cover than their predecessors, which equates to improved feel, more spin on short shots and improved control.

WILSON STAFF DUO ($25), DUO SPIN ($32), and FG TOUR ($45) [ Better known for tennis, the brand Arnie made famous stages a rally. ] • The two-piece DUO’s wee 29 compression helps make it long off the tee and workable around the greens; the three-piece DUO Spin (35 compression) also produces driving distance but its soft inner mantle increases spin and control with irons and wedges.

• At 70 compression, the 4-piece FG Tour Euethane drives smooth, straight and long with minimal spin for added distance, while its 318-dimple, urethane cover delivers excellent spin and control off the fairway and around the greens.

• So confident is Wilson in the FG Tour Urethane that the company is offering a money-back guarantee. CAG

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player’sCorner

lesson

AOne Course in Practice way to take your game from the range to the first tee.

By Trent Wearner

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olf is the worst practiced sport in the world. Unlike other sports—where athletes prepare the skills needed for what will be encountered in a game, event, or match— golfers practice under conditions far easier than what they find on the course: flat lies, multiple tries, no need to get over bad shots, no consequences, no scoring system, no pressure. Technique and mechanics dominate “practice,” and this lack of realistic preparation leads to an unbearable amount of pressure and anxiety when on the course.

You can’t take your practice to the course because you’re not bringing the course to practice.

Make your practice sessions as similar to—or more challenging than—what you experience on the course. Below is a perfect example of how to do just that with your putting game.

Game Title:

Pull back

Rules • On a putting green, start with the first hole 20 feet away, the second hole 30, and the third, 40. Repeat the loop three times for a total of 9 holes

Benefits 1. Your attitude on each of your first putts will begin to change from trying to lag it to trying to hole it.

2. It’s inevitable that you’ll have a number of short putts that you’ll be grinding on because you don’t want to miss because there’s no guarantee of an easy tap-in 3. When playing an actual round on the course you obviously won’t draw the ball back. This makes your on-course play feel easier and anytime it feels easier on the course you know you’ve done something great for your game during practice.

Swing Sequence ›››››››››››››››››››› Everybody wants to string good shots together during a round. So try to do the same on the range—but NOT with the same club. Instead, vow this year to switch clubs with every ball you hit. It’ll make a huge difference in your on-course performance. For more games, visit golfscrimmages.com.

Trent Wearner recently won his second Colorado PGA Teacher of the Year award and was also rated by his peers as the #1 Teacher in Colorado as published by Golf Digest. He has also joined an elite group of teachers as a Golf Channel Academy Lead Coach. He has had 24 students qualify to play in National USGA Events, and eight High School State Champions including four in the last four years. TrentWearnerGolf.com or GolfScrimmages.com; 303-645-8000. CAG

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Spring 2015

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p h o t o g r a p h s by j e r e m y c a n ta l a m ess a

• For each hole, if your first putt goes in the cup you score a one. If it doesn’t go in, you must draw the ball back one putter’s length in line with the ball and the hole. If that putt goes in, you score a 2.

If it misses, you must draw the ball back one putter’s length again continuing in this same manner until you hole the putt. Total the number of putts it takes you on all nine holes and try to lower it the next time you play.You can also track these practice games at golfscrimmages.com

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profile

Building a Winner A lot of golf and a little baseball helped prepare CU Athletic Director Rick George to lead all sports, not just football.

By Denny Dressman 36

Colorado AvidGolfer | Spring 2015

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resident and CEO of the Fore!Kids Foundation. Executive vice president and chief of operations for the PGA TOUR. President of The Champions Tour. Chief operating officer of the Texas Rangers.

As Rick George settles into his latest dream job—Director of Athletics at the University of Colorado—he is drawing on formative experiences from all those heady stops along the career path that in August 2013 led him back to Boulder, where 25 years earlier he had served as recruiting coordinator and assistant athletic director for football operations for coach Bill McCartney during the Buffaloes’ run to the 1990 national championship.

“Pretty early in my career I said I wanted to be an AD or a general manager in the NFL,” he muses in his Dal Ward Center office. “Never got either one of them until 13 months ago.”

Quickly then, he acknowledges: “No question.

Every place I’ve been, I learned something that prepared me for this.”

From managing a successful nonprofit to operating a thriving golf tour to running a $270-$280-million payroll, George accumulated the kind of experiences that appealed to CU Chancellor Phil DiStefano when he decided to make a change in the athletics director position.

Given the university’s continually rising $62 million athletic budget, and knowing it needed new facilities, DiStefano says he was looking for someone who had a track record in the business world and also knew athletics.

“Rick’s name came up many times,” the chancellor says. “I knew Rick when he was here as recruiting coordinator under coach McCartney.

I had followed his career, and knew he was doing very good things from the standpoint of business acumen—having an understanding of how to raise money, get more sponsorships. With The Champions Tour, he increased sponsorships and coloradoavidgo lf e r.c o m

P HOTOGRA P H C O U RT E S Y O F TH E U N I V E R S I T Y O F C O L ORA D O

BIG TICKET: George directs a multimilliondollar upgrade to CU’s athletic facilities.

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at CU. Not only does he know the coaches, he also knows the studentathletes. He’s very busy, but if he’s in town he’ll be out supporting whatever team is playing. I applaud him for that.”

“Our players are essentially independent contractors,” Finchem says.

“They are responsible for themselves, versus being in a team situation. So they have their own questions, their own issues, their own interests. Rick

GRACIOUS GEORGE: As Champions Tour president (left), with 2004 Rookie of the Year Craig Stadler and PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem.

A practice George brought with him from the PGA TOUR has contributed greatly to his interaction with CU’s student-athletes.

“Meeting with players and hearing them out—we did a lot of that at the PGA TOUR,” he says. “Whenever I would go on the road, Tuesday was a player day because that was a practice day. So that day I spent the whole day doing nothing but visiting with players, hearing what their thoughts were. Then, later, we would always take a group of younger players and older players to dinner to get their feedback, their input on what we were doing.”

George does the same thing with CU’s student-athletes. Twice a semester he meets with the team captains of every team, about 40 people.

“What I try to do is share what we’re doing in our department— here’s what our goals and objectives are; here’s what our core values are; here are my expectations of you as a captain; your expectations of me as an AD should be this. We talk through all of that. And I get their thoughts on their needs and concerns, to make sure we’re providing the experience they need.”

PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem sees those meetings as an example of the communication skills that George exhibited with golf professionals.

Colorado AvidGolfer | Spring 2015

was very effective at earning the players’ trust by establishing a personal connection where they were comfortable dealing with him and talking about any concerns they might have related to the TOUR.”

Buffing It Up

What a difference more than two decades can make.

Dal Ward Center—price tag $14 million—was under construction when George left CU for a coaching opportunity at Vanderbilt in January 1991. Dal Ward opened eight months later, heralded by the university as a “multi-functional, stateof-the-art structure” that was “one of the top facilities anywhere in college athletics.”

By the fall of 2014 it took a small army of flagmen to direct traffic around the construction site next to Dal Ward as work proceeded on what has become a $156 million project to expand and modernize the CU athletics complex. The scene symbolized how things changed in the quarter-century since George was last there, and how things are changing, more and for the better, now that he’s back and in charge.

Past its prime, Dal Ward and adjacent Folsom Field must be upgraded—then exploited—if George is to elevate the CU sports program to across-the-board PAC 12 competitiveness. This he has to do while

balancing the Athletic Department budget. It’s a lesson he learned with the Rangers, who won two American League pennants while he was right-hand man to club president and Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan.

“Being at the Texas Rangers really gave me more of a sense of big budgeting and being responsible for the whole thing,” George says.

“If you don’t hit the budget there, somebody’s writing a check. And you don’t want your owners writing checks. So we looked at how we could monetize our business, and we created an entity there called Rangers Enterprises that was really focused on non-game day business.”

So, fresh off his Texas Rangers experience, George immediately put the brakes on the original, less ambitious version of the athletics complex project that had been presented to the CU Board of Regents six months earlier. He says he needed more time to evaluate the entire project.

He sought input from all corners of the athletics department—including the cross-country coach, the women’s ski team and the head of sports performance—and incorporated many suggestions. The revised project now includes renovation of 78,200 square feet of space and the addition of another 306,000.

Added will be club seats, loge boxes and other premium seating at Folsom Field, and an 8,000-square foot Touchdown Club in the north end zone; a 100-yard indoor football practice facility, with a six-lane, 300-meter perimeter track; a high performance sports center; locker rooms for sports teams that didn’t previously have them; upgraded sports medicine, strength training and study facilities; and an enhanced dining area called the Champions Club that will be more than just the athletes’ training table.

“We’re going to be able to monetize the Touchdown Club on a daily basis, and during game days,” George says. “We’ll also utilize the Champions Club on game day.”

George also hired Lance Carl, one of his recruits who was a key figure in CU’s landmark 20-10 upset of then third-ranked Nebraska in 1986, “to focus on non-game day business.”

Last October’s preseason game between the Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers at the Coors Events Center was Carl’s idea, a preview of coming attractions as he focuses on coloradoavidgo lf e r.c o m

P HOTOGRA P H BY S ta n B a d z / P GA TO U R

increased the revenue coming in. He did that same thing with the Texas Rangers. He really turned that organization around.”

Now 54, George didn’t concern himself with fundraising or other sports when he was at CU in his late 20s. After working as a football recruiter for his University of Illinois alma mater, he came to Colorado to head up recruiting and football operations for McCartney. Period.

“When I was here with football,” he recalls, “all I was worried about was 11 Saturdays and the bowl game. We had a mission and Mac had a vision, and we worked to that.

Somebody asked me, ‘Did you have to deal with this or this or this,’ and no, I didn’t. We met with the director of admissions, and that was pretty much it. Now, there’s so much more.”

George’s new job requires that he show an interest in all sports involving CU student-athletes, and he has found that he enjoys soccer, volleyball, lacrosse, tennis—you name it. He went to a cross-country invitational at Stanford, and is excited that CU will host the PAC 12 Women’s Golf Championship in April at Boulder Country Club.

“I have more respect for all our sports,” George says. “I’ve found I love them all. It’s fun to be around the young people who are busting their tails and representing us in such a great way.”

CU women’s golf coach Anne Kelly has experienced first-hand George’s commitment to the sport to which she has devoted her energies since 1997.

“He doesn’t have a lot of interaction with our team because he’s so busy,” she says. “But he knows our players, and he knows how we’re doing.”

Kelly tells how George, new on the job, spent four or five hours at the team’s annual fundraiser, meeting everyone and greeting the team.

“The next year, he couldn’t play but he bought a foursome to support us,” she says. “It’s nice to have an athletics director who has a background in golf and understands all the outreaches through golf.”

“When we talked about hiring him, it was to work on the facilities and make sure we could compete in the PAC 12, especially in football,” says DiStefano. “But Rick knows more about the Olympic sports than I think any other AD I’ve known

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bookings when the current construction is completed.

“We want to emphasize what we are doing on non-game days to generate core revenue, nontraditional revenue, that helps pay the bills,” George says.

Developing new sources of income is essential, but George knows football will always generate the most money.

“One of the things we have to do a better job of is providing more resources for all of our sports,” he says. “How do you do that? The reality is that football has to be successful. That’s just the fact. It has to be successful. It’s vital to all our programs.

“And so we’re talking about getting football going in the right direction, where we’re getting closer to that 50,000 than 40,000. When you put 50,000 people in the stadium, the ticket revenue you generate, the exposure you generate, the corporate sponsorships you generate, the donations you generate—are significant.”

George spends more than half his time fundraising. He is in Denver often, meeting individuals and groups, and he hits the road a lot. Golf can lubricate those relationships, but he admits his game is a casualty of his schedule; he’s a 16 and trending upward.

What is headed in the right direction, however, is the perception of the university’s sports programs.

“When I came in here, there were a lot of people who were mad about something. What I tried to do was to get everybody focused on ‘Why do you love CU?’ It really centers around the student-athlete and what these young people are doing in the classroom, on the playing surface, out in the community—how they represent us.”

Now, he says, people are asking, “How can we help?”

Still, it’s different now than it was 25 years ago.

“Back in the day, there were donors; today there are investors in your program,” he explains. “They want to know what you’re doing. They want to know how they can invest, and see what their investment does. What we’re showing them is we graduate 83 percent of our student-athletes; we had an academic performance rating of 983, and seven teams had a thousand; we won the PAC 12 Humanitarian Award for what our student-athletes are doing off the playing surface; we had 15 of our 17 sports teams go to the postseason. We’ve just done some really good things, and we’ve got a vision for the long term that develops facilities that allow us to provide for student-athletes.”

DiStefano attributes George’s success as a fundraiser to a character trait he first spotted in George 25 years ago, when DiStefano was a dean.

“I knew Rick as a member of McCartney’s staff,” he says. “What always impressed me was the recruits he brought in, after they quit playing for Coach McCartney, still keep in touch with Rick.

That tells me there was a great deal of trust. I’ve had a number of people say that to me. He’s someone

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Spring 2015

who is trustworthy and has a great deal of integrity.

When people have that kind of trust, they are more willing to give their support.”

Some have second-guessed CU’s entry into the PAC 12 Conference. George calls it “a great move,” and backs up that belief with several compelling reasons. Without mentioning well-documented financial benefits, he cites shared research capabilities with the 11 other conference schools, a large alumni base on the West Coast, and the reach of the PAC 12 television network, which enables parents to watch the sons and daughters compete.

Local golf fans will realize a double benefit April 20-22, when the women’s golf conference championship comes to Boulder Country Club.

“Anyone who comes out to watch will see many of America’s best women amateurs,” Anne Kelly says, noting the added attraction of free admission.

“The PAC 12 is the toughest conference in women’s golf. Nine of the 11 teams in the conference were selected for postseason play last year. Seven of the 11 were in the national top 20.”

George still has his 1991 Orange Bowl badge, a memento from the national championship game.

But, he says, “I’m not a big believer in going back to the past. I’m more a believer in looking at your opportunities, and how are you going to outcoach and outperform other teams?”

As inspiration, he doesn’t recall the exploits of Coach Mac or Charles Johnson, but of Tiger Woods at the 2007 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

“I remember giving him the trophy on the green at Firestone after Rory Sabbatini had made that comment about Tiger being more beatable than ever. Rory led by a stroke after the third round, and Tiger wound up beating him by eight strokes. I remember thinking, ‘Man, that guy’s a competitor.’

“At CU, we’re trying to create a culture of being competitors and winning championships—in all of our sports.” CAG Contributor Denny Dressman, a member of the Denver Press Club Hall of Fame, has authored five books (comservbooks.com).

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P HOTOGRA P H BY S ta n B a d z / P GA TO U R

Making It Rain

LEI IT ON HIM: In 2004, George congratulated Arnold Palmer on his 50th anniversary as a professional golfer.

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CENTRAL PORK: Old Major’s musthave charcuterie plate can carry such house-cured delights as finnocchiona, lardo and porchetta di testa.

Swine Dining When it comes to fresh-from-the-farm fare, Denver’s pork-centric Old Major delectably hogs the stage. By Gary James OLD MAJOR “Farm-to-table” has quickly become an overused term, verging on a mass marketing gimmick at some restaurants. But cynics can find the untainted spirit of the movement at Old Major. It’s a philosophy of cooking and sourcing, central to how exceptionally executed food can really taste. Or, as My Brain Waiting to Eat Bacon explains it, this Highlands eatery is the shrine for devout pork-centric worship.

Justin Brunson, owner and executive chef of Old Major— named after the respected elder pig in George Orwell’s novel Animal Farm—has racked up numerous culinary awards. He started Denver’s two sensational Masterpiece Delicatessens, and he’ll open another restaurant in May in Denver’s booming Union Station district. “Creating and opening a restaurant is a big adrenaline rush—it’s hard, but I love it,” he says. co l o r a d o a v i d g o l f e r. c o m

Born and raised to a farming family in Iowa, Brunson spent his childhood gardening, hunting and fishing—call it a school of “higher loining.” (Which jokes do pigs like best? The corniest ones!) So Old Major takes him back to his farming youth, what he calls “contemporary farmhouse cuisine.” “Even the building,” he says, noting the somewhat rustic/industrial decor with a wave of his arm, “is a fancy barn.”

The menu, the 13th in two years, changes as the seasons do.

When possible, product and ingredients are locally sourced from farmers and fishermen committed to sustainability. Want to get the affable Brunson riled up? Ask him how other restaurants can have corn or tomatoes on their menus in July. “Not possible with Colorado’s growing season,” he says. “We have our own 2,000-square-foot garden, where we grow quirky herbs and flowers and seed pods—4,000 pounds of produce Spring 2015 | Colorado AvidGolfer

43

sideBets SAVORY SLIDERS: The cheddary Ham and Biscuits.

a year. I like getting vegetables with extra dirt on ‘em.”

But while it’s relatively easy to get farm-to-table vegetables, meat regulations are strict. They dictate that animals must be processed (slaughtered, gutted and cleaned) at a U.S.D.A.-approved facility before entering the commercial market.

Brunson buys the best animals around ($60,000 in pigs a year from one family), and Old Major’s inhouse, nose-to-tail butchery program makes the most of these heritage-raised meats.

The pigs, 32 of them a week, come in on Tuesday morning, cut in half lengthwise; they can vary in weight as much as 75 lbs. They are butchered in-house, taking two people three hours to break one down into pieces—ribs, front shoulder, belly, loin and ham. Witnessing the artisanal butchery, I thought, “I never sausage a body.” Old Major uses every bit of the animal except the snout, even rendering all the fat to make lard for baking and confit. Old Major also cures in-house—you’ll see the charcuterie chamber in the dining room, systematically placed for prolonged ogling; Brunson claims to have hams that have been hanging in their stockinettes for over three years.

There are two must-dos at Old Major, falling under the aegis of chef de cuisine Kona Bobek.

The first is the Old Major Charcuterie Plate—no cheeses on this board. On recent visits, I’ve enjoyed a fennel-based salami (the flavor further enhanced with wine, salt, pepper, cayenne and paprika—when I become pope, it will be the new communion wafer); lardo (fatback cured with herbs and spices, which transforms it into creamy, fragrant slabs) thinly sliced and draped over bruschetta; and face meat rolled up like a classic Italian porchetta di testa and sliced. The latter was a mouthwatering adventure, with different tastes and textures, almost buttery.

The Nose to Tail Plate is the other outstanding dish, stacked with incredible, unforgettable pork.

At various times, I’ve consumed a pork meatball with lardo draped over it, braised pork belly,

MAJORDOMO: Owner and top toque Justin Brunson.

Gary James is a Boulder-based food and music writer. Read more of his reviews at coloradoavidgolfer.com.

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Spring 2015

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smoked rib (pork rib confit smoked then cooked in their own fat), crispy ears (if my papal candidacy fails, I’d run a movie theater and serve them instead of popcorn), smoked ham, even coppa (the tender and flavorsome pork neck muscle, cooked as a steak). On my last visit, the plate was served with a polenta Sunday gravy (a red marinara sauce with a mixture of meats in it with creamy polenta), broccoli rabe and Parmesan.

So put your palate in the hands of Old Major.

This passionate, tight-knit group is fiercely proud of their concepts, from the brunch program to the cocktail program to the wine program. The latter is formidable; wine connoisseur and entrepreneur Ben Parsons from Denver’s Infinite Monkey Theorem produces the exclusive Old Major red and white wines.

But my heart and stomach belong to Nadine Donovan, the head pastry chef who produces amazing breads and desserts. A signature dish is Ham and Biscuits—the house-smoked ham on her cheddar cheese and chive biscuits, garnished with red pepper jam. She’s also responsible for the complimentary pretzels served with mustard butter, but save room for her truffles, replete with the Old Major logo and typeface on them. I had visions of Oompa Loompas in the back with tiny paintbrushes, but she divulged the process—cocoa butter transfers are printed and added onto chocolate to create the customized edible design.

If you’re not looking to pork out, the rest of Old Major’s menu focuses on a handful of simple, savory dishes, letting the quality of the ingredients and the attention to detail shine through. There’s a selection of sustainable seafood (Iowa boy Brunson can’t wait until walleye season), and I recommend the suitably hearty Rabbit Pappardelle (broad, flat ribbons of pasta with tender braised meat). This ambitious and interesting food––“deformalized fine dining”—doesn’t come cheap. But, hey, if pigs could fly, bacon would go up! 3316 Tejon St.; 720-4200622; oldmajordenver.com CAG

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tappingIn

Mariana Butte leads to even better ones off the course.

By Cody Gabbard

A

s both a golf aficionado and Certified Beer Server (the beer world’s version of a sommelier), I often find my weekends revolve around looking for distinctive courses and partaking in well-crafted local brews. Lucky for me—and you—Colorado boasts an abundance of both.

Ranked among the nation’s Top 10 Golf States by Golf Digest, Colorado also has the highest number of craft breweries per capita in the U.S. And every one of those breweries has a story behind it that is reflected by the local community and brewmasters who literally put their fingerprints on each pint.

I found all this and more on a fall trip to Loveland, the home of scenic golf and a vibrant local brewing scene.

Nestled between the Boulder and Ft. Collins metro areas, Loveland feels like a mountain town in the suburbs. Within its 25 square miles lie three golf courses, the crown jewel being Mariana Butte, a dramatic 22-year-old Dick Phelps tour de force with stark elevation changes from tee to green, and twists and turns that reward bold tee shots and punish errant mistakes.

Your day starts with a wide-open view of the Front Range as well as a wideopen fairway leading to a reachable par five.

Don’t expect many birdie opportunities after the first hole, with water coming into play on more holes than not, and pin placements that garner the envy of the toughest championship holes.

A mid-range par three welcomes you to the wonderfully rustic back nine at hole eleven, with a 100-foot drop from tee to green, and the Big Thompson River lying just twenty feet beyond the green for those who don’t club down an iron or two.

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Spring 2015

namon and marzipan. Equally novel is the Doppelgänger, a doppeled red ale into which Currie theatrically pours sweetened espresso and a half-ounce of cream.

Ever heard of marshmallow root? Neither had I, but I now know it melds fantastically with the dark, roasty flavors of a stout, imparting earthy and licorice notes.

Currie is likely to be behind the bar during your visit, and will happily tell you about his concoctions, as well as a few old brewing tales along the way, including his dealings with “The Colonel,” the first proprietor of brewing ingredients in the area. Currie has been brewing since 1985, and was at the epicenter of homebrewing in Boulder County when the father of modern homebrewing, Charlie Papazian, began his now nationally published newsletter, Zymurgy. The years of experience have led Currie to offer some of the most distinctive brews in the region, leaving all pomp and aesthetics behind to highlight beer that not only tastes great, but makes you re-think what makes a good brew.

For a more traditional, yet equally enjoyable pint, Grimm Brothers Brewhouse coloradoavidgo lf e r.c o m

P h o t o g r a p h c o u rt esy o f B U C KHOR N BR E W E R Y

Wild Brew Yonder A rollicking round at Loveland’s

Another 100-foot drop from tee to green awaits you at the par-3 14th. Although considerably shorter than the other par 3s, the tee shot requires some finesse when deciding whether to club down or shorten up your swing.

Mariana saves its best for last, with the final stretch of holes winding through a less-populated area of jutting red rock, brush, and fairways reminiscent of old plantations overgrown with centuries-old trees lining the roadways. Playing holes 1517, which run along the Big Thompson River, I’d never know they’d been closed for nearly seven months after the September 2013 floods. I could detect no damage; they were in great shape.

Hole 16’s tee shot overlooks two intersecting waterways that resemble an abandoned rock quarry more than a golf course, leaving the knees quaking before you send your first shot to a forgiving fairway on this double-dogleg par 5.

As payback for all those plunging tee shots, hole eighteen (aptly nicknamed “Devil’s Backbone”) finishes with a continuous climb to the green, located 80 feet above the fairway.

Whether you wish to fete or forget your round, head to Mariana’s independently owned restaurant, the Wapiti Colorado Pub, which features one of the widest selections of beers likely found in the entire state. “The Colorado 100” as the beer list is called, all hail from Colorado (that one Bud Light tap could technically have a Fort Collins provenance). In addition to the diverse selection of local brews, The Wapiti offers monthly beer dinners, pairing food with local brews from Grimm Brothers, Boulder Beer, Ft. Collins Brewery and many others.

Following a can of Oskar Blues Brewery’s Gubna Imperial IPA, I left The Wapiti and went in search of my next libation.

With Loveland boasting eight breweries—all claiming to buck the norm in both ingredients and culture—the decision required some trial and error to find the ones that actually delivered a truly unique experience.

Owner/Brewer/Bartender Dave Currie of Buckhorn Brewers does little boasting, however his eclectic selection of beers does it for him. A true diamond in the rough, Buckhorn leaves behind all pretensions. Compared to your typical mahogany-lined bar, the taproom is more like a glorified homebrewer’s laboratory gone mad. The tap handles are made of tin foil and paper, but the elixirs that come out of them is pure gold.

The beers here aren’t constrained by the demand for fizzy, yellow macro impersonators or mightily hopped IPAs; in fact, some contain no hops at all. Currie utilizes gruits—ingredients that predate the use of hops and are normally found in drinks from the Middle Ages or in herbal liqueurs. Juniper boughs and fruit peels comprise just a handful of the herbs and spices used, however they aren’t included as a commercial gimmick. The range of ingredients enhances and blends with traditionally styled beers, such as one Currie made for a local medieval festival, Jester’s Ale. This hazy, amber ale evokes aromatic sensations one might find in a spiced cookie, with flavors of toasted almond, cin-

Ale called Little Red Cap. When I look at my notes, the words “refreshing” and “well-made” appear next to most of Grimm’s offerings, all of which pay high homage to their Teutonic heritage. They also embody the same sense of craftsmanship and individuality that have come to define Colorado’s beer and golf landscape.

CAG

Home-brewer and freelance beer writer Cody Gabbard contributes regularly to the Boulder Weekly. His Tapping In column will appear regularly in Colorado AvidGolfer.

P h o t o g r a p h S c o u rt esy o f B U C KHOR N A N D GR I MM BROTH E R S BR E W E R I E S

DARK STARS: Grimm Brothers’ Fearless Youth Dunkel Lager (left); Buckhorn’s exotic Doppelgänger.

provides another option. As soon as you walk through the door it is immediately apparent that Grimm, like Buckhorn, is a local’s brewery.

While I work my way through a flight of beers I observe a table full of patrons not only enjoying their brews, but also making their way behind the bar and helping out the staff.

Grimm fully embraces its locals, who in part, do their own part in volunteering. The long and narrow tables suggest a mini German beer hall, further perpetuating the ambiance of community. Most of Grimm’s beers are traditional German styles, including a Pilsner, a Dunkel Lager, and an award-winning Alt Style

Mariana Butte Golf Course

701 Clubhouse Drive, Loveland 970-669-5800 cityofloveland.org Wapiti Colorado Pub

701 N. Clubhouse Dr.. Loveland

970-635-1985 thewapitipub.com/loveland Buckhorn Brewers

4229 W. Eisenhower Blvd, Loveland 970-980-8688 facebook.com/BuckhornBrewers Grimm Brothers Brewhouse

623 N Denver Ave, Loveland

(970) 624-6045 grimmbrosbrewhouse.com

#THEREISAPLACE

With no off season Just because the snow starts to fly doesn’t mean you have to winterize your golf clubs. This winter golf destination offers custom packages to fit any golfer’s schedule, skill level and pocketbook. Daily direct flights on United make getting here a cinch!

Visit RedRockGolf.com to see how affordable and easy a getaway can be.

co l o r a d o a v i d g o l f e r. c o m

R ED R OCK G OLF . COM 888.345.2550

Spring 2015 | Colorado AvidGolfer

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sideBets

niceDrives

fires an entry-level salvo. By Isaac Bouchard 2015 Bentley Continental V8 S Convertible EPA ratings: 14/24mpg; 17mpg combined Price as tested: $257,895

T

he question is as predictable as a Bill O’Reilly commentary on Obamacare.

Within seconds of finding out I write automotive reviews, people ask, “So which car’s your favorite?”

Leaving aside the idea of a LaFerrari, Porsche 918 or McLaren P1, I have a stock answer: The Bentley

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Continental Convertible.

So it was with relish that I watched the temperature climb into the 60s during a recent January weekend and dropped the top on the latest V8 S model of the bestseller from Crewe.

Here are the reasons I so love it: 1. The Continental looks simply smashing: imposing and expensive, elegant yet just slightly over the top. The V8 S’s blacked out grill, subtle ground effects and hunkered stance only emphasizes the Bentley’s coiled menace.

2. Opening the door overwhelms your olfactory organs with the unmistakable essence of superbly trimmed and stitched leather hides, which cover almost every surface. Donated by a herd of pampered bovines, there is hardly a cockpit like it in

P h o t o g r a p h c o u rt esy o f B E N T L E Y

The Power and the Glory Bentley fortifies its hegemony as Audi

KING OF THE ROAD: The latest Bentley Continental droptop.

our modern, mass-produced mill. It’s like wearing a custom-made Kiton suit after only ever having shopped at Macy’s. Also, there’s room for four friends and the trunk is useful for a weekend journey, unlike many convertibles with folding metal roofs.

3. The V8 S just might be the sweet spot in the Conti lineup. With 21 more horses and 15lb-ft more torque than the normal V8, the S sits between the V8 and W12 engine’s outputs. Its 4-liters and two turbos generate 521hp and 502lb-ft and motivate 5500 pounds of steel, aluminum and to 60mph in about 4 seconds; more impressive is that it will crack the ton in under 10. While the V8 only weighs about 100 pounds less than the 12, all that missing mass is over the front axle, thereby

coloradoavidgo lf e r.c o m

sideBets

imbuing the S with a measure of alacrity in turns missing from its brethren.

4. The bent eight simply sounds sportier than the bigger engine, with a more complex, engaging backbeat to its ministrations—here enhanced by a sports exhaust option. To get the most out of the woofly mechanical symphony, drop the multilayer top (at speeds up to 20mph). Roof in place, this convertible is functionally as quiet as the hard top.

5. It rides well over the pocked roads of the metro area, yet when you stiffen the shocks does a passable impression of a sports car.

6. All wheel drive means you can use the Conti year round; not only did I enjoy the brief burst of spring-like weather but also took it skiing. The V8 S simply demolished I-70’s passes, its twin blowers making up for the thin air and the car’s commanding visage moving left-lane dawdlers aside like the hand of Zeus shoving mortals off to Hades.

7. In a world of six-figure Audis, BMWs and Mercedes, the Continental still stands out as indisputably special.

8. It’s a bloody Bentley!

INSIDE AND OUT: The Bentley’s rarefied cockpit (above); Audi’s taut, strong, no-nonsense stance.

P h o t o g r a p h S c o u rt esy o f B E N T L E Y A N D AU D I

2016 Audi S3 EPA ratings: 23/31mpg; 26mpg combined Price as tested: $52,095 The new S3—a hot-rodded version of Audi’s very successful entry-level four door—is not only a well resolved sports sedan in its own right but also a fond reminder of the original B5-series S4, a vehicle of almost exactly the same size.

While Europeans get three- and five-door hatch versions, we must make due with only the trunked edition. This isn’t such a bad thing, as it is clearly the best looking version of the 3, with taut lines, exquisite detailing in the lights and grill and a buttoned-down, no-nonsense stance.

Inside, the S3 carries over the restrained yet elegant simplicity of all the A3s; most everything you see and touch is of suitably high-quality materials, including the jet thruster air vents and flat-bottom steering wheel. About the only nits are seats that lack the kind of lateral support needed to counter the S3’s high-g cornering capacity and tight back seat accommodations.

The S3’s AE888 2-liter is a beefed up version of the four-cylinder motor that powers everything from various VWs to the forthcoming TT, with outputs of 292 horsepower and a stout 280lb-ft of torque, available at a low, 1,900rpm.

While there is some turbo lag, it is masked to large degree by the intuitive tuning of the standard six-speed paddle-shift twinclutch gearbox. Once boost builds, the S3 roars off, clawing for traction through all four wheels

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on its way to 60 in just 4.4 seconds and accompanied by a rorty soundtrack that can be enhanced or subdued via a Drive Select system that also adjusts steering weighting, throttle response and (in the case of the test vehicle) ride quality courtesy of the magnetic shock absorbers.

Given the S3’s performance, the ride is actually very composed and smooth—though not that quiet—while in Comfort mode, thanks to those magical dampers. Yet the ride can be stiffened almost instantaneously to create a fiercely tied-down control of body motions when needed.

Steering precision is excellent, and this latest Haldex clutch, front drivebased quattro system transfers power fore and aft much faster than its predecessor. The Audi’s brake performance excels in street use, with superb modulation. Understeer is the S3’s default handling limit, but it happens only at very high speeds on dry surfaces; low-friction surfaces demonstrate more of a willingness to rotate and engage with the driver.

Combining a playful yet practical driving experience with stylish, high quality design, the S3 is a terrific all-season performer, just as its spiritual forebear, the B5 S4, was a decade ago. CAG Read more of Isaac Bouchard’s automotive writing at coloradoavidgolfer.com and nicedrivz.com. coloradoavidgo lf e r.c o m

THREE STUNNING JW MARRIOTT RESORTS. SIX AWARD-WINNING GOLF COURSES. DISCOVER THEM ALL, ONLY IN ARIZONA.

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Six unique restaurants and lounges.

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5350 E. Marriott Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85054 jwdesertridgeresort.com @jwdesertridge

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453 casitas and 27 suites.

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Camelback Golf Club featuring the new $10 million Ambiente course and the Arthur Hills Padre course.

31,000 sq. ft. Spa at Camelback Inn. Full-service fitness center and classes.

Six unique restaurants and lounges.

Live entertainment nightly.

540 guest rooms and 35 suites.

Water Collection featuring two pools, waterslide, lazy river and splash pad.

Championship golf and tennis facilities at Starr Pass Golf Club.

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Five unique restaurants and lounges.

5402 E. Lincoln Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85253 camelbackinn.com

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CAGGY AWARDS

THE BEST IN COLORADO GOLF

Did This Course Win a

CAGGY? Does a Bear Dance in the Woods?

INTO THE PAW: Hole 6 at The Golf Club at Bear Dance

From clubs & courses to teachers & travel,

you honor

the best in Colorado golf

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coloradoavidgo lf e r.c o m

PUBLIC/RESORT Best Denver Region Course

Best Western Slope Course

Reader’s Choice 1. The Golf Club at Bear Dance, Larkspur 2. Colorado National Golf Club, Erie 3. The Ridge at Castle Pines North, Castle Pines

Reader’s Choice 1. The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa, Grand Junction 2. Dalton Ranch Golf Club, Durango 3. Lakota Canyon Ranch Golf Club, New Castle

Staff Picks* Bear Dance Green Valley Ranch Golf Club, Denver The Ridge at Castle Pines North

Best Front Range/ Northeast Course

STAFF PICKS* The Bridges Golf & Country Club, Montrose Lakota Canyon Redlands Mesa

Best Public Golf Course Food

Reader’s Choice 1. Mariana Butte Golf Course, Loveland 2. Pelican Lakes Golf & Country Club, Windsor 3. Highland Meadows Golf Course, Windsor

(Staff Pick)

The bridges golf & country Club

Staff Picks* The Golf Club at Fox Acres, Red Feather Lakes Mariana Butte Pelican Lakes

Best Environmental Stewardship Course Reader’s Choice 1. Bear Dance 2. Applewood Golf Course, Golden T-3. Pole Creek T-3. The Broadmoor

Best Mountain Course Reader’s Choice 1. Pole Creek Golf Club, Winter Park 2. Red Sky Golf Club (Fazio), Wolcott 3. The Raven at Three Peaks, Silverthorne

STAFF PICKS* Green Valley Ranch Haymaker Golf Course, Steamboat Springs The Heritage Golf Course at Westmoor, Westminster

Best Ego-Booster

STAFF PICKS* Keystone Ranch Golf Course, Keystone Red Sky (Fazio) Red Sky (Norman), Wolcott

Reader’s Choice 1. Red Hawk Ridge, Castle Rock 2. Park Hill Golf Course, Denver 3. Applewood

Best Southern Course

STAFF PICKS* Aurora Hills Golf Course, Aurora City Park Golf Course, Denver Willis Case Golf Course, Denver

(Co. Springs and Below)

Reader’s Choice 1. The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs 2. Walking Stick Golf Course, Pueblo 3. Four Mile Ranch Golf Course STAFF PICKS* The Broadmoor Country Club of Colorado, Co. Springs Walking Stick

co l o r a d o a v i d g o l f e r. c o m

Best Practice Facility Reader’s Choice 1. Colorado National 2. Green Valley Ranch 3. Broken Tee Golf Course, Englewood STAFF PICKS* Colorado National Green Valley Ranch Murphy Creek Golf Course, Aurora

Best Bet-Settler (18th Hole)

Reader’s Choice 1. Colorado National 2. Green Valley Ranch 3. Bear Dance STAFF PICKS* Fossil Trace Golf Club, Golden Green Valley Ranch The Ridge at Castle Pines North

Best Conditions (Public)

A

t The Bridges in Montrose, it’s hard to compete with the snow-capped panoramas of the San Juans, but the fare at the club’s Remington’s Restaurant comes close. Executive Chef Roberta Masden and Food and Beverage manager Rick Crippen have stylishly bridged casual and fine dining with an award-winning wine list paired with such culinary chefs d’oeuvre as Pistachio Pork Tenderloin with Rosemary Peach sauce (above), Smoked Duck Crepes in cherry brandy and an ever-evolving menu of locally sourced game, beef and lamb, freshwater fish and farm-fresh vegetables. Tasty. montrosebridges.com

Reader’s Choice 1. Colorado National 2. Bear Dance 3. Riverdale Golf Courses, Brighton STAFF PICKS* Colorado National Green Valley Ranch The Ridge at Castle Pines North

*Staff selections throughout are arranged alphabetically.

CAGGY AWARDS

THE BEST IN COLORADO GOLF

Spring 2015 | Colorado AvidGolfer

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2. Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club, Aurora 3. Applewood STAFF PICKS* Applewood Homestead at Fox Hollow, Lakewood Willis Case

Best Après-Golf Experience Reader’s Choice 1. Colorado National 2. The Broadmoor 3. Pole Creek STAFF PICKS* Bear Dance Fossil Trace The Ridge at Castle Pines North

Best Pace of Play (READER’S CHOICE)

vail golf Club

“O

ur motto is, ‘Play in 4:07 so you can enjoy the rest of your day.’” So says Vail’s PGA Director of Golf Alice Plain, who five years ago instituted a counteroffensive against slow play. Faced with five-hour rounds, Plain hired renowned pace-of-play consultant Bill Yates, who said instituting certain practices would cut an hour off the length of a round. Every 10 minutes, the starter explains the expectation, and two marshals enforce it. The pace applies to walkers, riders and Golf Bikers. The only exception, cartpath-only, changes the allotted time to 4:25. Vail’s five-month season now sees nearly 5,000 rounds per month. vailrec.com/vail-golf-club

Best Conditions – Resort Best Food Reader’s Choice 1. The Broadmoor (East) 2. Red Sky (Norman) 3. Omni Interlocken Golf Club, Broomfield STAFF PICKS* The Broadmoor (East) Red Sky (Fazio) The River Course at Keystone, Keystone

Best for Families Reader’s Choice 1. Colorado National 2. Broken Tee T-3. CommonGround Golf Course, Aurora T-3. S. Suburban/Family Sports, Centennial STAFF PICKS* Family Sports Green Valley Ranch The Greg Mastriona Courses at Hyland Hills, Westminster

AWARDS

Reader’s Choice 1. Colorado National

Reader’s Choice 1. Arrowhead 2. Pole Creek 3. Bear Dance STAFF PICKS* The Club at Cordillera – Summit Course, Edwards The River Course at Keystone Redlands Mesa

Best Wildlife Experience Reader’s Choice 1. Arrowhead Golf Club 2. Bear Dance 3. Estes Park Golf Club, Estes Park STAFF PICKS* Breckenridge Golf Club, Breckenridge Pole Creek Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club, Steamboat Springs

STAFF PICKS* The Bridges Colorado National Keystone Ranch, Keystone

Best Wedding/Party Venue Reader’s Choice 1. Arrowhead Golf Club, Littleton 2. Colorado National 3. Broadmoor

Best Course for Seniors

STAFF PICKS* Inverness Golf Club, Englewood Keystone Ranch Lake Valley Golf Club, Niwot

Reader’s Choice 1. Heritage Eagle Bend 2. Colorado National 3. Applewood

Best Value

Best Course for Women

CAGGY

Reader’s Choice 1. Colorado National 2. Broadmoor 3. Bear Dance

Best On-Course Views

Reader’s Choice 1. Riverdale 2. CommonGround 3. Colorado National

STAFF PICKS* Heather Gardens Golf Club, Aurora Heritage Eagle Bend Indian Tree Golf Course, Arvada

STAFF PICKS* Heritage Eagle Bend Saddle Rock Golf Course, Aurora Wellshire Golf Course, Denver

Best to Walk Reader’s Choice 1. Applewood 2. City Park 3. CommonGround STAFF PICKS* Aurora Hills Indian Peaks Golf Course, Lafayette Lone Tree Golf Club, Lone Tree

THE BEST IN COLORADO GOLF

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Spring 2015

*Staff selections throughout are arranged alphabetically.

coloradoavidgo lf e r.c o m

Best Charity Tournament Venue

PRIVATE

Reader’s Choice 1. Colorado National 2. Arrowhead T-3. Bear Dance T-3. The Ridge at Castle Pines North

Best Front Range/ Northeast Club

STAFF PICKS* Colorado National Green Valley Ranch Omni Interlocken

Reader’s Choice 1. Ballyneal Golf Club, Holyoke 2. The Fox Hill Club, Longmont 3. Ptarmigan Country Club, Fort Collins STAFF PICKS* Ballyneal Fox Acres Harmony Club, Timnath

Best Denver Region Club Reader’s Choice 1. Glenmoor Country Club, Cherry Hills 2. Cherry Hills Country Club, Cherry Hills 3. Castle Pines Golf Club, Castle Pines STAFF PICKS* Castle Pines Golf Club Cherry Creek Country Club, Denver Cherry Hills

Best Mountain Club Best Service Reader’s Choice 1. Broadmoor 2. Colorado National 3. Pole Creek STAFF PICKS* Bear Dance Beaver Creek Golf Club, Beaver Creek Red Hawk Ridge

Most Underrated Course Reader’s Choice 1. Heritage Eagle Bend 2. Dalton Ranch 3. Pole Creek STAFF PICKS* Lone Tree Red Hawk Ridge Sonnenalp Golf Club, Edwards

Best Pace of Play Reader’s Choice 1. Vail Golf Club, Vail 2. Fox Hollow Golf Course, Lakewood 3. Green Valley Ranch STAFF PICKS* Fossil Trace The Olde Course, Loveland Vail Golf Club

Reader’s Choice 1. The Club at Cordillera, Edwards 2. Country Club of the Rockies, Edwards T-3. Roaring Fork Club, Basalt T-3. Aspen Glen Club, Carbondale STAFF PICKS* Adam’s Mountain Country Club, Eagle Cordillera Red Sky

Best Western Slope/ Southwest Club Reader’s Choice 1. Glacier Club, Durango 2. Telluride Ski & Golf, Telluride 3. Bookcliff Country Club, Grand Junction STAFF PICKS* Bookcliff Glacier Telluride

Best Southern Club Reader’s Choice 1. Broadmoor Golf Club 2. The Club at Flying Horse, Co. Springs 3. Pueblo Country Club, Pueblo STAFF PICKS* Broadmoor Country Club of Colorado Flying Horse

Best Value Reader’s Choice 1. Fox Hill 2. Valley Country Club, Centennial 3. Red Rocks Country Club, Morrison STAFF PICKS* Blackstone/Black Bear, Aurora/Parker Flying Horse Lake Valley

Best Overall Experience Reader’s Choice 1. Glenmoor 2. Castle Pines T-3. Broadmoor T-3. Cherry Creek STAFF PICKS* Flying Horse Glacier Club Pinehurst Country Club, Denver

Best for Families

Best Denver Region Private Club (READER’S CHOICE)

glenmoor country Club

C

all it a coup, but the “other” Cherry Hills Village club surged to the top of the leaderboard in this and “Best Overall Experience” categories. Long known for its familyfriendliness, the expert golf instruction of Steve Beach and gourmet fare of Penelope Wong, the 30-year-old club also boasts a resort-like swimming area (complete with cocktail cabana), massage services and a 45,000-square-foot clubhouse. The tight, water-lined Pete Dye layout takes no prisoners, and members insist it makes them better players. Small wonder that, even with a $75,000 initiation, the club has a waiting list to join. glenmoorcc.org

Reader’s Choice 1. Fox Hill 2. Glenmoor 3. Valley STAFF PICKS* Flying Horse Pinehurst Red Rocks

CAGGY AWARDS

THE BEST IN COLORADO GOLF

co l o r a d o a v i d g o l f e r. c o m

*Staff selections throughout are arranged alphabetically.

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STAFF PICKS* Blackstone Country Club, Aurora Lakewood Country Club, Lakewood Red Sky

Most Coveted Invitation Reader’s Choice 1. Cherry Hills 2. Castle Pines Golf Club 3. Sanctuary

Most Underrated Club

Best Fitness Instructor (READER’S CHOICE)

Reader’s Choice 1. Fox Hill T-2. Valley T-2. Flying Horse 3. Red Rocks

Dillon Johnson, RallySport Boulder

Best Locker Room Reader’s Choice 1. Castle Pines Golf Club 2. Cherry Hills 3. Colorado Golf Club STAFF PICKS* Cherry Creek Flying Horse Lakewood

I

n his popular Golf Conditioning Program, Dillon Johnson challenges his clients’ minds as much as their bodies, believing the connection between the two will make them more prepared and confident on the golf course and in everyday life. “Golf is one of the most physically intense sports out there,” says the Level 2 Titleist Performance Institute Certified Fitness Professional. “Golfers must be balanced, flexible, powerful, strong, stable, consistent—for five hours.

We can do so much for our game and life by simply preparing our body and mind for the demands we place on them.” rallysportboulder.com

STAFF PICKS* Castle Pines Golf Club Cherry Hills Eagle Springs Golf Club, Wolcott

Best Clubhouse

AWARDS

Best Instructor – Men

Reader’s Choice 1. Dennis Murray, Valley 2. Paul Lobato, Meridian Golf Club, Englewood 3. Nathan Morris, GolfTEC-DTC STAFF PICKS* Ed Oldham, The Ranch Country Club, Westminster Charlie Soule, Green Valley Ranch Golf Academy, Denver Reggie Sanchez, GolfTEC-DTC

Reader’s Choice 1. Castle Pines Golf Club 2. Colorado Golf Club 3. Flying Horse STAFF PICKS* Adam’s Mountain Cherry Creek Country Club of Castle Pines, Castle Pines

Best Course to Hold Tournaments Reader’s Choice 1. Sanctuary, Sedalia 2. Pinehurst 3. Valley

STAFF PICKS* Cherry Creek Flying Horse The Club at Pradera, Parker

Toughest Test Reader’s Choice 1. Castle Pines Golf Club 2. Colorado Golf Club 3. Bear Creek Golf Club, Denver STAFF PICKS* Castle Pines Golf Club Cherry Hills Colorado Golf Club

Best Food Reader’s Choice 1. Glenmoor 2. Castle Pines Golf Club 3. Broadmoor

CAGGY

INSTRUCTION

STAFF PICKS* Castle Pines Golf Club Country Club of Castle Pines Red Sky

Best Instructor– Women Reader’s Choice 1. Perry Holmes, Colorado National 2. Sherry Smith, Valley 3. Stef Ferguson, Green Valley Ranch Golf Academy STAFF PICKS* Elena King, ExperienceGolf, Aurora Lana Ortega, Lana Ortega Golf, Denver Sherry Smith, Valley

Best Instructor –Juniors Reader’s Choice 1. Matt Schalk , Colorado National 2. Steve Beach, Glenmoor 3. Dennis Murray, Valley

THE BEST IN COLORADO GOLF

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Spring 2015

*Staff selections throughout are arranged alphabetically.

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STAFF PICKS* Rick Timm, Timm Golf Academy Trent Wearner, Trent Wearner Golf Academy Doug Wherry, Jake’s Academy

Best Golf Fitness Instructor Reader’s Choice 1. Dillon Johnson, RallySport, Boulder 2. Dee Tidwell, Colorado Golf Fitness Club, Greenwood Village 3. Stacy Montgomery, New Directions Personal Training, Denver

STAFF PICKS* JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge/Wildfire Golf Club Fairmont Scottsdale Princess/TPC Scottsdale Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

Best Golf Experience – Tucson Reader’s Choice 1. The Gallery Golf Club 2. The Lodge at Ventana Canyon T-3. Ritz-Carlton-Dove Mountain T-3. Westin La Paloma STAFF PICKS* Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain Sewailo Golf Club at Casino Del Sol Tubac Golf Resort

Best Golf Experience– New Mexico STAFF PICKS* Dillon Johnson Dee Tidwell Neil Wolkodolff, Denver Center for Health & Sport Science

Best Mental Game Coach

Reader’s Choice 1. Paa-Ko Ridge, Sandia Park 2. Sandia Golf Resort, Albuquerque 3. Piñon Hills Golf Course, Farmington STAFF PICKS* Black Mesa Golf Club, Santa Fe Paa-Ko Ridge Sandia

Reader’s Choice 1. Trent Wearner 2. Denise McGuire, In The Zone, Denver 3. Scott Ough, GolfTEC, Boulder

Best Colorado Stay & Play

Best Golf Experience– Mexico Reader’s Choice 1. Cabo del Sol, Los Cabos T-2. Diamante, Cabo San Lucas T-2. One & Only Palmilla, Los Cabos 3. Estrella del Mar, Mazatlán STAFF PICKS* CostaBaja, La Paz Diamante Punta Mita, Puerto Vallarta

STAFF PICKS* Elena King Denise McGuire Geoff Grieg, Green Valley Ranch

TRAVEL

STAFF PICKS* Cascata, Boulder City Coyote Springs Golf Club, Coyote Sgs. Shadow Creek

Best Overall U.S. Golf Experience

Best Golf Experience – Mesquite/St. George

Reader’s Choice 1. The Broadmoor 2. Keystone 3. Red Sky

Reader’s Choice 1. Wolf Creek Golf Club, Mesquite, Nev. 2. Coral Canyon Golf Course, Washington, Utah T-3. Conestoga Golf Club, Mesquite T-3. Sand Hollow Resort, Hurricane, Utah

STAFF PICKS* Broadmoor Red Sky Rollingstone Ranch

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Reader’s Choice 1. Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North 2. We-Ko-Pa Resort, Ft. McDowell 3. The Boulders, Carefree

Reader’s Choice 1. Shadow Creek Golf Club 2. The Wynn Golf Club 3. Paiute Golf Resort

Reader’s Choice 1. Pebble Beach, California 2. Bandon Dunes, Oregon 3. Pinehurst, North Carolina STAFF PICKS* Bandon Dunes Kapalua, Hawai’i Kohler, Wisconsin

Best Overall U.S. Value Reader’s Choice 1. RTJ Golf Trail, Alabama 2. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 3. Branson, Missouri

Best Overall U.S. Golf Value (READER’S CHOICE)

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Alabama

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roving Colorado golfers do travel east of the Mississippi, you voted Alabama’s 22-year-old, 468-hole golf gauntlet the best bang for your buck. The trail’s 26 courses run from Muscle Shoals in the north to Mobile in the south, and there isn’t a dog track in the bunch. You want value? A round at Grand National in Opelika, which hosts a PGA TOUR event this July, starts at $65 during high season. Factor in perpetual specials, many including luxurious lodging and multiple rounds, and you can’t beat it. Flights into nearby Atlanta rather than Birmingham also keep down the price. 800-949-4444 rtjgolf.com

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*Staff selections throughout are arranged alphabetically.

Spring 2015 | Colorado AvidGolfer

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S pe c i a l A d v e rt i s i ng S e ct ion

2015

tournament guide

Ace Your Next Event!

Make Green Valley Ranch Golf Club, home of the Colorado Open Championships, the site of

your tournament.

Dozens of

Tips and Techniques for planners and players

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Get Creative!

Look into how to make your event more fun and profitable.

By Todd Hall FLATSTICK FUN: Putting contests bring folks together.

Scramble, shamble, best ball, string: the average tournament coordinator can rhythmically recite these words with the enthusiasm of the economics teacher played by Ben Stein— “Anyone? Anyone?”

—in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

W

ake up, people!

Charity golf tournaments aren’t just about the golf. They’re about having fun—and generating as much money as possible for a good cause. That’s why I always tell tournament coordinators to investigate all their options. I tell them to think of all the ways their guests can enjoy themselves and potentially generate more revenue.

At Green Valley Ranch Golf Club, we’ve come up with some “out of the tee box” ideas to help you up the fun quotient and fatten the bottom line.

Don’t rely on registration fees and sponsorships to make money. Registration and sponsorships should cover your costs. If you net more,

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consider it gravy. Increasing prices creates barriers to entry you can ill afford to have.

Kid around. Stage a parent-child tournament in conjunction with your charity. We do this on our Par-3 course, and they can occur on the same day as your big event or something completely separate. This is a feel-good experience for all involved and something that appeals to sponsors.

Let the children play. We are blessed at Green Valley Ranch to have a First Tee Program, so we often have participants in that program on the course to hit shots for people. Charge a small amount. Who can say no to a kid—especially one whose shot will end up closer to the pin than yours will?

Get the Group Together. There are a lot of really fun ways to start your event off in a positive, fun direction.

Stage a “Putt-Off.” This is one of our favorite contests because it sets the mood for fun. Before the day’s round of golf begins, every participant surrounds one hole on the practice green. After listening to the announcements, sponsor thank-yous, and being told to remember what ball they are playing, the participants on the count of three all putt at the same hole. Mass chaos ensues, balls knock each other away, and whoever holes their putt wins a prize (preferably from the sponsor of this contest.)

Ball Drop. It is similar to the Putt-Off except all the balls are dropped down on to

CHILD THINGS: Can make events sing.

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WINED AND ALIGNED: Have each player donate a bottle for auction and receive a pre-round tip or two.

one hole from up above. Helicopters and fire trucks work really well. Whomever’s ball goes in the hole wins the grand prize.

Putt for Dough. A lot of tournaments have Hole-inOne insurance but how about raffling off a chance for one or more players to have an opportunity to sink a long putt (40 feet) for $10,000 or more. One person gets rich, each tournament participant gets a small prize and everybody is happy.

Remember the nongolfers. Speaking of barriers to entry…Many charityminded people don’t participate in golf events because either they don’t play or they play poorly and don’t wish to embarrass themselves. At Green Valley Ranch, we say, why not include them by staging a golf lesson and then letting them play our par-3 course? They pay the same or slightly lower registration fee than the 18-hole participants, but they don’t have to bring clubs or be out on the course for five hours. That can translate to 30 extra people at your event. Sell a sponsorship to pay for that portion of the day, and you make money and get

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the feel-good halo effect from supporters you would not have had at the event.

Line ’em Up. Have members of the golf professional

staff walk the practice range, assisting participants with their swings. Every golfer could use a tip here and there, especially when it comes from a professional instructor.

Hurry, hurry. People love fun contests that can save strokes—and, more significantly, save time. Pace of play is vital to an enjoyable tournament experience:

Speed hole: Establish one hole where the amount of time and not the number of strokes determines your score. Players are strategically placed on the fairway and green. The volun-

teer on the tee box has a giant flag (great sponsorship opportunity) that signals the ball has been teed off. The volunteer on the green then starts their stop watch as players try to get the ball in the hole as quickly as possible. A speed hole usually takes less than five minutes to execute.

Manhole: Put an 8-inch cup on one or two holes. Eagles

and birdies should follow, especially on drivable par 4s and reachable par 5s.

Multiple Holes: Have three holes cut into one or more greens. Players can putt to whichever hole is closest or offers the most direct line.

Wine ’em Up. Kevin Laura, my colleague at Green Valley Ranch who runs the annual Jack A. Vickers Invitational hosted by John Elway, suggests having each participant in the event bring a bottle of wine ($25 minimum value) to registration. Each bottle is marked with the name of the donor.

During the après-golf activities, the entire lot of wine is auctioned off to one bidder. At a 100-person outing, that $2,500 worth of wine could go for as much as $7,500.

These comprise just a few of the many options a course like Green Valley Ranch can provide.

Be sure to investigate all the different ways you can add fun to your event and monetize as many of those ways as you can.

Todd Hall is the director of sales and marketing at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club. Reach him at 303-371-8725; THall@gvrgolf.com

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AND SEE WHY...

Heritage Eagle Bend has won numerous CAGGY Awards from Colorado Avid Golfer Magazine, including Reader’s Choice for Best Course for Women and Best Course for Seniors. Come visit us and see why everyone is talking about the friendly, inviting environment of Heritage Eagle Bend.

After a visit, we’re sure you’ll feel the same way.

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Before, During &After Tips for having

a successful event

By Zach Patterson

P

Before lan ahead.

Sometimes a year out gives you just enough time. Design and use a written timeline.

Stick to it.

Pick the right course. Look at courses that are well known in the marketplace and will draw participants. While this can often up your price per player, you will probably attract more participants.

Be detailed-oriented. It’s the little things that will make players come back for the following year’s event. The gifts should be unique; nobody wants another hat, shirt or ball towel. Be sure to go over everything with the course—from dietary restrictions to who puts the water and chilled towel in every cart. Don’t assume the staff “will take care of it.”

Advertise. You don’t have to have a PGA Tour event’s budget to advertise through traditional channels. Partnering with a media outlet provides a much greater reach than your event could normally afford. Approach a radio or television station, newspaper, or magazine about being your Title or Presenting Sponsor in exchange for ads promoting your event.

Create a memorable invitation. The ubiquity of texts and emails has made the impact of an actual paper invitation far more profound. Then start with the emails and social networking.

Use e-tools. Get Facebook friends to

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t o u r n a m e n t

“like” your event, chat it up and regularly update its status. Tweet about it often, but don’t sell it too hard; rather, communicate enthusiasm and anticipation. Be sure to link to the event on the Website of the host or sponsoring company, charity, golf club, etc. Create a simple one-page Web site for your event. Market to members of the host club or course, offering an incentive (lower entry fee, extra benefits) to participate.

Don’t be shy. Not only should you garner support from your company or the charity’s board of directors, but also make sure they are soliciting each of their vendors, boards and everyone else affiliated with them.

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understands their day of responsibilities.

This only offers them a greater chance at enjoying the big day!

Give specific jobs. Who deals with team no-shows or additions? Who is spotting on prize holes? Who is handing out the goody bags?

Look for threesomes. Invariably, one or two people don’t show. Always have a rule in place for threesomes.

Depending on the format, make sure your solution keeps things fair.

Collect entry fees upfront.

This will ensure players will show up and they are committed to the event. It also prevents long waits at the registration table.

During Have as many prizes as possible. There’s nothing worse than the winning team receiving a prize and everyone else crying in their beers. Try having a contest on every hole—not just “closest to the pin” or “longest drive,” but fun contests like “closest to the water without going in” or “closest to the pin out of a greenside bunker.”

HYDRATE YOUR PLAYERS. Have plenty of water and other liquids available in the cart and on the course. Although a Spanish study claims beer hydrates better than water, we can’t endorse putting a brew in every cart’s cup holder.

After Offer a discount. Before they leave, have your guests pre-register for next year’s tournament.

Hold a postmortem. Once the numbers are in, convene the board to review financials and gather feedback for next year’s event. There’s always room for improvement!

Don’t go it alone. The biggest threat to the success of any golf tournament is not having people know their jobs on the day of the event. Too many times I’ve seen the tournament head flustered or overwhelmed due to changes, surprises or any curveball thrown their way. Put together a committee and make sure everyone on it

Have a thank-you dinner for volunteers. Show your appreciation for those who made you look good.

Zach Patterson PGA is the tournament coordinator at The Ridge at Castle Pines North.

Reach him at zpatterson@troongolf.com; 303-688-0100.

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Charity Golf International is a Premier Fundraising, Professional Long Drive, and Entertainment Organization.

ZERO OUT OF POCKET COST TO YOUR FOUNDATION. GUARANTEED REVENUE AND ENTERTAINMENT! Charity Golf International has been able to generate over 6.7 Million Dollars in generous contributions at over 1400 Charity Golf events since 2012.

Founder of Charity Golf International

BOBBY BRADLEY

TREVOR CONSAVAGE

VINCE CIURLUINI

1st Round Draft Pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1999

2013 RE/MAX Women’s World Champion

HEATHER LEMASTER

3 Time International Women’s World Champion

8 RE/MAX World Championship Appearances

2014 RE/MAX Women’s Runner-Up

Raised over $1,000,000.00 for charity since 2007

Played college basketball at Indiana State University

Professional Golf Trick Shot Entertainer

MICK YELOVICH

Finished 3rd at the 2009 RE/MAX World Championships

6 RE/MAX World Championship Appearances

6 RE/MAX World Championship Appearances

2014 RE/MAX Super Senior World Champion

7 RE/MAX World Championship Appearances

9 RE/MAX Final 8 Appearances in 3 Divisions 18 RE/MAX World Championship Appearances

KYLE BLAKELY

2010 LDA Tour Tennessee Shootout Champion 2012 APG Tour Master of Long Drive Champion

Founder of Mutant Golf

JOSH CREWS

5 RE/MAX World Championship Appearances Participated in over 250 charity golf outings since 2012

www.charitygolfintl.com

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Bombs for the Greater Good

Charity Golf International literally drives revenue.

I

magine scoring a doubleeagle with a sand wedge—or maybe even a putter—on a 520-yard par-five.

That rare opportunity often awaits guests at events in which a representative from Charity Golf International participates. Even better, what also awaits the event organizer is a nice windfall of contributions to the charity.

Co-founded in 2012 by seven-time RE/MAX World Long Drive finalist Bobby Bradley, Charity Golf International is a professional long drive entertainment company that helps raise money and provide entertainment for 501(c)3 organizations.

Thirteen long drive champions— with more than 50 trips to the RE/ MAX World Long Drive finals between them—currently comprise the CGI team. That includes Heather LeMaster, a three-time Women’s Long Drive champion, as well as Trevor Consavage, Vince Ciurluini, Josh Crews, Rob Oristaglio, and Kyle Blakeley. Last year they participated in 780 tournaments across the United States and Canada. In the company’s three years of existence it has raised more than $7 million in charitable donations.

“The beauty of our business is there is no cost to the charity,” says co-founder and owner Chris Carey.

“Our appearance fee is usually covered by hole sponsor or a share of the proceeds of what we generate on the tee box. We’ve generated as much as $30,000 at one event. That’s found money for the charity.”

How it works is straightforward.

One or two TGI entertainers position themselves on the tee of a long par-

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five and announce to each group that they’re there for the charity, will hit for the group and there’s no obligation to make a donation.

But after watching the long driver crush a ball more than a quarter-mile, and then hearing that holing out the second shot from the fairway will result in a free vacation for two at, say, Pebble Beach, participants find themselves opening their wallets to the charity representative stationed by the tee.

And if the charity doesn’t want to hit up guests while they’re out on the course, CGI makes an arrangement that’s “financially advantageous” for all involved.

As you’d expect, the CGI entertainers have big, engaging personalities and nicknames like “Macho Man.” Most will also do a trick shot or two.

The company has also hired performers such as the inspiring trick shot artist and five-time cancer survivor Ben Whitter to perform his 30-minute show for a flat fee he then donates to charity.

Last year CGI did 25 events in Colorado, a number Carey anticipates increasing. “Denver’s one of the top five charity golf markets in the country,” he notes.

The other benefit of enlisting CGI, Carey says, is that “It absolutely speeds up play for the day. It would take most groups three shots to equal one of these guys’ drives. In a scramble format, that’s huge.”

Reach Charity Golf International (charitygolfintl.com) at 800-818-0901 or events@ charitygolfintl.com.

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experience Colorado 2015 Season Tickets Now On Sale!

Considered one of the best golf experiences that Colorado has to offer, The Ridge invites golfers to enjoy a high country adventure at the foot of Colorado’s infamous Front Range. Located just south of Denver, The Ridge is an awardwinning example of Tom Weiskopf’s fluent, well-proportioned layout where sight lines stretch south to Pike’s Peak, Devil’s Head and Mt. Evans in the west.

Season Ticket booklets will be available in limited quantities and will sell out quickly. Call today!

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Charity Week at The Ridge July 6-10, 2015. Call 303.688.4301 for more details and to book your charity event today!

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2015 SeaSon TickeT BookleTS are now availaBle! Program details:

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Proceed With Caution

W

e all want to distinguish our tournaments.

But sometimes, in the name of novelty, tournament directors think too far outside the box.

Worst Ball

Format: Reversing the normal scramble format, players must play from the worst, rather than best, shot at each turn. Hilarity should ensue, as four players will be inevitably be hitting from behind trees, out of cattails and deep rough. Good players will feel challenged; novices will feel compassion.

Reality check: This might be funny on one hole during an event, but not 18. If a best-ball scramble averages around five hours, a worst-ball one could turn into the longest day of your life. Besides, who wants to hit from bad lies all day?

Three-Club Scramble

Format: Each player is only allowed to play with only three golf clubs, including put-

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ter. You have to plan and execute a shot with an unusual club (i.e. hitting driver off the fairway).

The idea is to have players pick the clubs with which they are most comfortable—should long hitters bring their driver or 3-wood? Which iron or wedge? Should you bother bringing a putter?—and preferably not duplicate what’s in a teammate’s bag.

Reality check: This format, which potentially could help players develop creativity, teamwork and shot-making skills, could lead to more frustration than fun, depending on the group. The pressure will be on each player to bring the skill inherent to his or her club selection. The one bringing the driver had better be long and straight; the one with the putter had better drain everything.

Club Draw

Format: Print the name of each of the 14 clubs on a piece of paper and place them in a gift bag. For each shot, have one player draw one of the names. That is the club each player will have to use for that particular shot. This results in some really challenging shots, such as trying to tee off with a putter.

Reality check: It has great potential— until you consider the logistics of having each group carry a bag containing 14 pieces of paper

and drawing from it before every shot over the course of 18 holes of golf. However, employing this format on one or two holes creates a nice diversion as well as a potential sponsorship and a prize opportunity for the teams with the lowest score.

Peoria and Callaway

Format: These aren’t as much formats as they are one-day handicapping systems used when most of the field does not have legit indexes. Both systems are based in certain part on luck and allow a “handicap allowance” to be determined and then applied to each golfer's score. The Peoria involves the tournament organizer secretly preselecting holes and, after play, comparing the team score on those holes to par to create a team handicap then deducting from the gross score. The Callaway employs something akin to an actuarial table.

Reality Check: Most hate the Peoria system because it’s all about luck of the draw and only accounts for a team’s performance on secretly selected holes. The Callaway, which complicates things further with its chart, compresses the spread of gross scores but usually the team with the lowest gross score finishes with the lowest net, which leaves many to think, why bother?

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Excellence An OldExists at Red Hawk Ridge A Golf Digest Top 100, Jim Engh course minutes from the Denver Tech Center, in Castle Rock

COUNTRY CLUB

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At public course prices.

MOUNTAIN-STYLE

play

Along I-25 in the Front Range.

Fashioned BarnRaising Raccoon Creek’s new event space is “upscale country.”

W

ere you raised in a barn? Probably not, but now you can certainly get married in one.

Known as one of the Denver Metro’s better public layouts, Raccoon Creek Golf Course in Littleton this May will unveil The Barn, an elegantly rustic structure that can accommodate as many as 200 guests in a 3,200-square-foot reception area appointed with exposed wood walls and beams, tasteful chandeliers and market lights. The Barn’s fully outfitted commercial kitchen will cater events— which can spill onto the adjacent lawn—and the structure features a private “groom’s loft” as well as a perch in the structure’s hayloft from which guests of honor can address the attendees.

Regulars at the course might remember the big red building, located on the south side of the property, as home to the golf carts. Before that, however, it served as a milking barn on the Grant Ranch, a property purchased by James B. Grant in 1878, five years before he became Colorado’s third governor. After selling and then repurchasing the property during the Great Depression, the Grant family still owns the vast acreage, including the 1983 Dick Phelps-designed golf

Let us host your 2015 tournament Call 720-733-3504 to schedule a visit or for more information.

For tee times and other information: 720-733-3500 or redhawkridge.com.

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course, clubhouse and Grove Restaurant.

Two years ago, Raccoon Creek General Manager Don Allen went to Newell Grant and members of the family with the idea of converting the big red barn into “an upscale wedding venue in a country atmosphere.” The carts would relocate to a new home on the north side of the property, closer to the clubhouse. His plan—which also called for razing the barn’s unattractive lean-to and constructing a separate Bridal Cottage next to an outdoor area to stage ceremonies—met with enthusiastic approval.

Work began in earnest last September; the facility will open in May. “We’ve always said Raccoon Creek is a unique property in the city,” Allen says of the scenic idyll at Bowles and Wadsworth. “Nobody understands how beautiful it really is.” They will this summer, when The Barn at Raccoon Creek starts hosting some of the 43 weddings and events (basic pricing ranges from $1,500 to $5,500) that sales director Abby Nurre has already scheduled for 2015.

“The Barn’s rustic yet elegant atmosphere is perfect for any Colorado wedding,” Nurre says, “and the interesting history behind the property truly makes it a one-of-a-kind, visually stunning experience unique to the Denver Metro area.” In addition to The Barn, the property’s other original farm buildings—such as the richly textured granary across from the Bridal Cottage—and objects like wooden wagons suggest the area’s agrarian heritage. They also make the perfect props for cool wedding photos.

The Barn at Raccoon Creek welcomes charity golf tournaments as well, but both Allen and Nurre aren’t counting on too many of those.

“Golf is on the north end of the property, and The Grove does a great job catering to golfers and tournaments,” Allen explains. “Weddings and events at The Barn will take place on the south end. It’s a one-stop shop with its own kitchen. It won’t tie into the tournaments too much.”

For more information, contact Abby Nurre (303-932-0199 x257; events@raccooncreek.com.) or visit TheBarnatRaccoonCreek.com.

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Magnificent views, unparalleled service and 45 holes of challenging golf await you in Lakewood.

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Questions to Consider

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ore than 200 charity golf tournaments take place every year in Colorado—many on the same day.

What’s a philanthropic golfer to do? To keep a realistic tournament schedule, he or she needs to consider the following.

WHERE? Charity tournaments often provide the only opportunity many of us get to play exclusive courses like Castle

Pines Golf Club, Sanctuary, Cherry Hills or Colorado Golf Club. That opportunity won’t come cheaply, but how often will it come up, especially in the name of a good cause?

(We’re talking the charity, not your bag tag collection.)

CAUSE? Did you lose a close friend or relative to heart disease? Does someone you know have Parkinson’s? Do you want to help wounded veterans or end homelessness, poverty and child abuse? Support something to which you have personal connection.

PRICE? Tournament entry fees cover more than a green fee. Look for the biggest bang for your buck. Does the price include one or two meals? A box lunch or buffet? Is the event known for its gift bag? Is the experience worth the price of admission?

CONNECTION? Playing an event among prospective or current business contacts can advance your career. Declining one that benefits a friend’s favorite cause may create a rift. One option: Play in the business one and donate to your friend’s charity.

STATUS? Certain tournaments carry more prestige than others do. Whether it’s for networking purposes, bragging rights, or just to add some high-status swag to your collection, don’t pass up a coveted opportunity.

FORMAT? If you’re a competitive golfer, the scramble format can be frustrating and painfully slow. You’d prefer a best ball, where everyone plays his or her own ball, or even a shamble, where players play their own ball from the best drive of the group.

TRADE? Never underestimate the value of in-kind donations. Tournament organizers often accept these in exchange for entry fees, making barter a great way to stretch your charity tournament dollar.

FUN? Does the tournament offer anything quirky or distinctive that makes it more than 18 holes of golf? A unique format? A reputation for awesome gifts?

A trick-shot artist? Entertainment? Nongolf activities for the family?

TRADITION? Whether it’s to support a cause, spend time with good friends, or out of sheer force of habit, many people play in the same tournaments every year. If you like the event and the people, there’s nothing better than teeing it up with friends in the name of a worthwhile cause.

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Cactus League Special

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golf!

SWING TRAINING? Rockies Gold Glove Third Baseman Nolan Arenado at Talking Stick Golf Club in Scottsdale. (Photograph by Ryan McKee/Clarkson Creative)

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Cactus League Special

s e c t i o n a d v e r t i s i n g

O

f Major League Baseball’s 30 teams, only one had a more anemic winning percentage than the .407 posted by your 2014 Colorado Rockies. The lowly Arizona Diamondbacks, slithered in at .395, two games behind Colorado, the team with which they share a Spring Training facility.

That means the Rockies are the best team to play its Cactus League home games at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. And speaking of hollow victories: Tulo & Co. have actually posted winning records in each of the past five Cactus League seasons.

But, as proven by last year’s improbable run by the Kansas City Royals, baseball is as fickle as Colorado’s March weather. Last season, the Rockies finished first in the Major Leagues in slugging percentage, second in batting average and third in runs scored. And their pitching? 29th or 30th in every major category.

Luckily for baseball fans, the Rockies and 14 other Major League Baseball teams—including the two that played in last October’s thrilling World Series—train within a 35-mile radius in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. And luckily for golfers, more than 200 courses populate that region alone. This guide lists some of the golf, lodging, dining and activity options closest to each team’s ballpark.

Many of them overlap because nothing is more than an hour’s drive from anything else. Go and you’ll understand the meaning of the expression “Cactus Makes Perfect.”

Colorado Rockies/ Arizona Diamondbacks Salt River Fields at Talking Stick 7555 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale saltriverfields.com; 480-270-5000

Golf Club (wildfiregolf.com; 888-705-7775), adjacent to the JW Marriott Desert Ridge. A straight shot west delivers you to the twin masterworks at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (wekopa.com; 866-6607700), while another two 36-hole treats await north of town: the Tom Weiskopf-designed Pinnacle and Monument courses at Troon North Golf Club (troonnorthgolf.com; 480-585-5300) in North Scottsdale; and Jay Morrish’s North and South Courses at The Boulders Club (bouldersclub.com; 480-488-9028) in Carefree.

STAY

For convenience to everything, you can’t top the $440 million Talking Stick Resort (talkingstickresort.com; 866-877-9897) adjacent to the fields and courses. The resort includes 497 guest rooms, eight restaurants, a 240,000-square-foot casino, an expansive pool/ garden area with 20-plus cabanas and a worldclass, 13,000-square-foot, open-air spa. The majestic, sprawling luxury compound of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (fairmont.com/scottsdale; 866-540-4495) features 830 stately guest rooms, suites and casitas, superb restaurants, five swimming pools and a spa with a rooftop oasis, waterfall and private courtyard.

At the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, (kierlandresort.com; 480-624-1000), pay a visit

SIGN OF SPRING: Tulo and fans

Hands down, three of the best are at The Princess: La Hacienda, Bourbon Steak, and Ironwood.

The latter makes a memorable shrimp and lobster grilled cheese sandwich. The beautiful, brilliant Deseo at the Westin Kierland serves such inspired South American dishes as Millionaire Tacos (yucca tacos with lobster, ahi and Hamachi) and a savory bone-in pork chuleta, as well as the colorful canvases of Cuban artist-in-residence Nelson Garcia-Miranda. At Grayhawk Golf Club, Isabella’s Kitchen delivers American Italian favorites surrounded by the beauty of the Talon Course, while Grayhawk’s Quill Creek Café, offers a traditional American menu with everything from steaks to sandwiches. Also at Grayhawk, Phil’s Grill—a sports bar named for one-time Grayhawk regular Phil Mickelson—serves elevated pub fare and Phil

TPChanges

Watching this year’s Waste Management Phoenix Open, you might have noticed changes to the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course, particularly on the much narrower 18th. Tom Weiskopf authored the $15 million in modifications, which include the relocation of four greens and the resurfacing of all 18, relocating and reshaping bunker complexes and re-grassing all teeing areas. Also new is Toro, the clubhouse restaurant. The Richard Sandoval creation fuses the distinct flavors of South and Central America with ingredients from Japanese and Chinese Peruvian cultures. Don’t miss the suviche (sushi and ceviche) bar or a cocktail made from one of 110 varieties of rum. tpc.com/scottsdale

PLAY

Before catching nine innings, get in a quick 18 holes at one of the two superbly conditioned courses at Talking Stick Golf Club (talkingstickgolfclub.com; 480-860-2221), which offers two Coore/Crenshaw courses: the more open “links-style” North course and the tree-lined South. Adjacent to the Scottsdale Princess is TPC Scottsdale (tpc.com/Scottsdale; 888-877-9193), whose Stadium Course (see box) annually hosts the highest-attended golf tournament in the world, the PGA Tour’s Waste Management Open. The Stadium costs $299 for a round; the TPC Champions is half the price and every bit its equal. A former Tour stop, Grayhawk Golf Club (grayhawkgolf.com; 480-502-2075) is home to the Tom Fazio-designed Talon and Raven courses.

On any week other than March 16-23—when the course hosts the JTBC LPGA Founders Cup— you can play one of the two layouts at Wildfire

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Spring 2015

TPC Scottsdale

to the Scotch Library, highlighting more than 100 single malts and 25 blends, or take a ForeMax Golf Training class with trainer Steve Heller.

The 1,950-room JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa (jwdesertridgeresort.com; 800-835-6206) highlights an expansive spa, numerous pools and the unique Lazy River floating stream. Tucked into the Pinnacle Peak foothills, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North (fourseasons.com/scottsdale; 480-5155700) drips with sophistication and exclusivity.

EAT

The Scottsdale area overflows with dining options. The above resorts all feature top-tier restaurants worthy of a week’s worth of unique meals.

memorabilia. Other like establishments include Zipp’s (zippssportsgrills.com) and ever-popular Don & Charlie’s (donandcharlies.com).

DO

Shop the outdoor mall at Kierland Commons (kierlandcommons.com), or take the kids to CrackerJax Family Fun & Sports Park (crackerjax.com). For local live music, hit Martini Ranch (martiniranchaz.com). The classic Old Town Scottsdale club experience waits at a The Mint (themintaz.com), a former bank with a champagne bar, enormous alfresco lounge, and resort-style cabanas. The Thursday night ArtWalks along the galleries on Main Street are a 40-yearold tradition (scottsdalegalleries.com). colora do avidgo lf e r.c o m

SPRING TRAINING RATES FROM

229

$

*

NO DAILY RESORT FEE

Talking Stick Resort welcomes you and your teams back to Spring Training. During your visit, make the most of your time with us — the Valley’s top destination for dining, gaming and nightlife.

Book your stay today and see why we’ve been named “Best Casino” for three years in a row.

Across the street from the Colorado Rockies.

S COTTSDALE | 866.87 7.9897 | TALKIN G ST IC KRESO RT.C O M *Based on availability March 1-31, 2015. Not valid for groups or with any other offer.

Locally owned and caringly operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

a d v e r t i s i n g

s e c t i o n

Cactus League Special

San Francisco Giants Scottsdale Stadium 7408 E. Osborn Road, Scottsdale scottsdaleaz.gov/stadium; 877-473-4849

Play

In addition to being close to many of the same courses as Rockies and Diamondbacks fans are, aficionados of the 2014 World Series champions can tee off on the 27 Scott Miller-designed holes at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (kierlandresort.com; 480-922-9283). Nearby, you’ll find three more scenic nines authored by Ted Robinson at The Phoenician Golf Club (golfthephoenician.com; 480-423-2449), and another 36 holes on the Padre and Ambiente courses at Camelback Golf Club (camelbackgolf. com; 480-596-7050). Don’t overlook the Desmond Muirhead layouts at McCormick Ranch Golf Club (mccormickranchgolf.com; 480-948-0260) or McDowell Mountain Golf Club, a “family friendly and fun to play experience for everyone,” according to owner Phil Mickelson.

STAY

In addition to Talking Stick, Westin Kierland and the other lodging options listed for Rockies and D-Backs fans, look into The Phoenician (thephoenician.com; 480-941-8200), J.W. Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort and Spa (camelbackinn.com; 480-948-1700).

EAT

A worldly trove of nearby restaurant riches includes The Mission (themissionaz.com),

PLAY

Numerous courses sit within five minutes of Tempe Diablo Stadium. Enjoy the short (6,336 yards), scenic and snug layout at Arizona Grand Golf Course (arizonagrandresort.com; 602-431-6480). Due west of that are the Gary Panks-David Graham-designed Raven Golf Club-Phoenix (ravenphx.com; 602-243-3636), which features Georgia pines and multi-tiered greens, and another Panks design, The Legacy Golf Club (golflegacyresort.com; 602-3055550). For a real challenge, head to the 7,002yard Pete Dye-designed ASU Karsten Course (asukarsten.com; 480-921-8070), which features three of the state’s toughest holes.

STAY

The Arizona Grand Resort & Spa (arizonagrandresort.com; 877-800-4888) features 740 rooms, seven exhilarating acres of private waterpark fun, six unique dining venues and a fully equipped spa. The Phoenix Marriott Tempe at The Buttes (marriott.com; 602-225-9000) tucks into the rock outcroppings near the stadium, and the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort (wildhorsepassresort.com; 602-225-0100) boasts an equestrian center, spa, casino and the two Whirlwind golf courses.

We-Go-Play Formerly known as the Radisson Fort McDowell, the tribally owned We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center has rebranded itself to forge a closer affiliation with the award-winning 36hole We-Ko-Pa Golf Club. It’s a straight shot up the 87 from where the Cubs, Giants and A’s play—and 20 minutes from the Rockies’ home at Salt River Fields. Guests can take advantage of attractive stay-and-play packages, as well as exceptional dining at Ahnala Mesquite Room, treatments at Amethyst Spa, exciting casino gaming and myriad outdoor recreational opportunities such as horseback riding, standup paddle-boarding, river kayaking) through Fort McDowell Adventures. wekoparesort.com

EAT

Pull up a chair at Aunt Chilada’s or the Rustler’s Rooste, both at the Arizona Grand (arizonagrandresort.com; 877-800-4888); or check out Top of the Rock at the Marriott

We-Ko-Pa

design 15 minutes east of the stadium. Whirlwind, ASU Karsten and Raven-Phoenix are within the same distance west. The lushly tree-lined Superstition Springs Golf Club (superstitionspringsgc; 480-985-5622), presents a respite from desert golf.

STAY

Longbow

Rehab Burger Therapy (rehabburgertherapy. com), Jewel of the Crown (jewelofthecrown. com); Eddie’s House (eddieshouseaz.com) and FnB (fnbrestaurant.com).

DO

Check out Kazimierz World Wine Bar (kazbar.net; 480-946-3004) in Old Town Scottsdale (scottsdaledowntown.com), where the quaintness the galleries, shops and restaurants contrasts with the chic vibe of Scottsdale Fashion Square (fashionsquare.com), the largest mall in the Southwest.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM Tempe Diablo Stadium 2200 W. Alameda Drive, Tempe tempe.gov/diablo; 888-796-HALO

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Spring 2015

(marriott.com; 602-431-2370). Caffe Boa (cafeboa.com; 480-968-9112) and Quiessence at The Farm (qatthefarm.com; 602276-0601) are foodie paradises. There’s plenty on tap at Tavern on Mill (tavernonmill.com) and Four Peaks Brewing (fourpeaks.com).

DO

This is a college town! Shop on Mill Avenue (millavenue.com) and shoot pool at Mill Cue Club (millcueclub.com).

CHICAGO CUBS Sloan Park 2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa sloanpark.com; 800-THE-CUBS

PLAY

Most Cubs fans favor Longbow Golf Club (longbowgolf.com 480-807-5400), a highly decorated and dramatically bunkered Ken Kavanaugh

The plush Arizona Grand Resort & Spa (arizonagrandresort.com; 877-800-4888) and Phoenix Marriott Tempe at The Buttes (marriott.com; 602-225-9000) are both close.

Mesa abounds with solid national chains—all of which have Spring Training packages.

EAT

In addition to the Tempe restaurants listed in the Angels section, Diamond’s Sports Grille (diamondssportsgrille.com) bills itself as “the winter home of Chicago Cubs,” and R.T. O’Sullivan’s (rtosullivans.com) two locations have $3 bottles of Harp all the time. Vito’s (vitospizza.com) deep-dishes up Chicago-style pizza, and The Original Blue Adobe Grill (originalblueadobe.com) is a hidden gem.

DO

Get an authentic Old West experience at Rockin’ R Ranch (rockinr.net) or a Modern Western experience at the upscale Dana Park (danapark. com) or Mesa Riverview (mesariverview.com).

LAND ROVER

DENVER

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Cactus League Special

s e c t i o n a d v e r t i s i n g

Cincinnati Reds/Cleveland Indians Goodyear Ballpark; 1933 South Ballpark Way, Goodyear goodyearbp.com; 623-882-3130

PLAY

A John Fought-Tom Lehman collaboration, the voluptuous Verrado Golf Club (verradogolfclub.com; 623-388-3000) cozies up near the White Tank mountains 15 minutes northwest of the ballpark. A short drive north brings you to Palm Valley Golf Club (palmvalleygolf. com; 623-935-2500) with layouts by Arthur Hills

perience, head 45 minutes west to Wickenburg, home of the lush, rolling Rancho de los Caballeros Golf Club (ranchodeloscaballeros. com; 800-684-5030), or be one of the first to play Wickenburg Ranch Golf Club (see box). Golf bargains abound in this retiree hotspot: Hillcrest (hillcrestgolfclub.com; 623-584-1500), Coyote Lakes (coyotelakesgolfclub.com; 623566-2323) and two courses at Surprise Golf Club (surprisegolfclub.com; 623-584-6000).

STAY

Resort-wise, you’re looking at 20-30 minutes between the ballpark and The Wigwam, Rancho de los Caballeros, or any of the finer Glendale/Phoenix/Scottsdale properties.

In Surprise, The Windmill All Suites (windmillinns.com; 623-583-0133) ranks highest among the area’s economy hotels.

EAT

and Hale Irwin, as well as the mature 54-hole Wigwam Resort (wigwamresort.com; 800909-4224) in neighboring Litchfield Park. Twelve minutes south of the stadium, the Golf Club of Estrella (estrellagolf.com; 623-386-2600) provides Troon Golf quality at a great value.

Vogue Bistro (voguebistro.com) dishes up superb French cuisine and adds a Gallic flair to burgers and sandwiches. Go to The Irish Wolfhound (irishwolfhoundpub.com) for pints and pub fare. New York Flavor (newyorkflavor.com) slings great deli fare, and Fresh Wasabi (freshwasabisurprise.com) combines sushi with a sports bar.

STAY

DO

National chains with “inn” and “suites” in their names are always worth a look. For an upgrade, The Wigwam’s 440 acres and 331 intimate casitas and suites make it the perfect retreat (wigwamresort.com; 800-909-4224).

The nearby White Tank Mountains provide enjoyable hiking trails. Surprise’s Aquatics Center includes a 4,700-square- foot water play area.

EAT

The ballpark serves Stadium Mustard for Cleveland fans and Skyline Chili for a taste of Cincinnati. Bella Luna Ristorante (bellalunaaz.com) and two Japanese restaurants—Nakama (nakamaaz.com) and AH-SO (ahsoaz.com)—are the best non-chain options.

DO

Phoenix International Raceway (phoenixraceway.com) has a full slate of races and the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes skate in Glendale.

TM

Texas Rangers/Kansas City Royals Surprise Stadium 15850 North Bullard, Surprise surprisespringtraining.com; 623-222-2222

PLAY

Your best bets are The Wigwam (wigwamresort.com; 800-909-4224) in Goodyear) and Trilogy at Vistancia (trilogygolfclub.com/vistancia; 623-328-5100) in Peoria. For a classic golf ex-

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Spring 2015

Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox Camelback Ranch 10710 West Camelback Road, Glendale camelbackranchbaseball.com; 623-302-5000

PLAY

The three courses at The Wigwam (wigwamresort.com; 800-909-4224) are less than 10 minutes from the ballpark. Drive a bit further, you’ll find Palm Valley (palmvalleygolf.com; 623-935-2500) in Goodyear and Verrado Golf Club (verradogolfclub. com; 623-388-3000) in Buckeye. There’s also the active-adult Sun City Country Club (suncitycountryclub.org; 623-933-1353) and Sun City North Course (sunaz.com; 623-8763010). Talking Stick, Wildfire, Troon North and the other 36-hole facilities are also easily accessible by highway from Glendale.

Welsch’s Rose Acres (roseacres.us), a bedand-breakfast with pools, miniature horse racing, two chipping holes and putting greens.

EAT

Haus Murphy’s (hausmurphys.com) brings Bavaria to the desert with a biergarten and authentic German fare, and A Touch of European (atouchofeuropeancafe.com) does the same with hearty Polish food. Westgate (westgatecitycenter.com) offers 20 different dining options, including Calico Jack’s Cantina (calicojacksglendale.com), Gordon Biersch (gordonbiersch.com), Yard House (yardhouse. com) and Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville (margaritavilleglendale.com).

DO

Westgate offers plenty of shopping options.

Why not take in a Phoenix Coyotes game at Gila River Arena (gilariverarena.com)?

Bet the Ranch!

More than 40 miles separate the nearest Spring Training facility (Surprise Stadium) from Wickenburg Ranch Golf Club, and nearly seven years divide the private course’s 2008 completion and its opening this January. The wait has been worth it—the recession-induced interval allowed Architects Bill Brownlee and Wendell Pickett to make countless refinements—and so is the hour-long drive to get there. Stretching longer than 7,000 yards, Wickenburg Ranch’s layout crisscrosses the canyons and arroyos abutting Prescott National Forest and, thanks to the temperate climate, features satiny bentgrass greens all year round.

Through April, the public can experience this virginal gem for $95 a round.

Even better, you’ll receive club’s gift of a Travis Mathew polo and a Travis Mathew Pullover. To maintain a relaxed

private-club atmosphere, Wickenburg Ranch is closed Mondays and will limit play to 72 golfers per day. So get there now, before the opportunity disappears. wickenburgranch.com; 480-367-3610.

STAY

The major chains all have multiple inns and suites here. The aforementioned Wigwam Resort is in nearby Litchfield Park, as is the quaint

Wickenburg Ranch Golf Club

coloradoavidgo lf e r.c o m

Cactus League Special

s e c t i o n a d v e r t i s i n g

TM

Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres Peoria Sports Complex 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria peoriasportscomplex.com; 800-677-1227

PLAY

The heralded Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia (trilogygolfclub.com/vistancia; 623-3285100) and the Rees Jones-designed Quintero Golf Club (quinterogolf.com; 928-501-1500) make Peoria a legitimate golf destination. Plus, the 101 Loop makes just about any course accessible within 20 to 30 minutes.

STAY

Outposts of Comfort Suites, Hampton Inn and other national chains all represent here, and North Scottsdale’s resorts remain viable options. In Peoria, Cibola Vista Resort & Spa (cibolavista.com; 623-889-6700) boasts plush suites and casitas as well as an expansive lagoon pool with a three-story water slide for family fun and an exclusive adult pool area.

EAT

Arrowhead Grill (arrowheadgrill.com) and Cucina Tagliani (cucinatagliani.com) both lie about a mile from the Sports Complex and have great atmosphere. Unusual-suspect restaurant chains such as Dillon’s (dillonsrestaurant.com), Abuelo’s (abuelos.com) and Firebirds WoodFired Grill (firebirdsrestaurants.com) offer quality theme dining.

grandresort.com; 877-800-4888) and Saguaro (saguaro.com; 480-308-1100) all are within a 15-minute drive. Accommodations from the national chains abound.

EAT

In addition to the restaurants listed for the Chicago Cubs (page 82), savor the Cajun cuisine of Pier De Orleans (pierdeorleans.com) and enjoy the food and entertainment of the Old West at Rockin’ R Ranch (rockinr.net).

(phoenix.gov/recreation; 623-846-4022), a classic muni with plenty of mature trees, doglegs and great practice facilities.

DO

STAY

Bring the family to the Arizona Museum of Natural History (azmnh.org) or the inspiring I.D.E.A. Museum (ideamuseum.org). Take a cruise on canyon-walled Saguaro Lake aboard the Desert Belle (desertbelle.com) or Canyon Lake, courtesy of the Dolly Steamboat (dollysteamboat.com).

Don’t Even Think of Walking Here Although it rents kilts to players who want them and features a bagpiper to signal the end of each day’s play, few courses are as untraditional as the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. The course makes Golf Bikes, Segways and GolfBoards available to navigate the course. Climate-controlled carts are also an option. The novelties generate revenue and speed play. kierlandresort.com; 800-354-5892

Verrado Golf Club

Budget motels dot the area. Resort-and-spa options await east in downtown Phoenix at Royal Palms Resort & Spa (royalpalmshotel.com; 602-840-3610), JW Marriott Desert Ridge (480-293-5000; jwdesertridgeresort.com) and Arizona Biltmore (arizonabiltmore.com; 800950-0086).

EAT

Naturally the stadium serves brats, cheese curds and beer at every home game. For some down-home roadhouse food and a fun outdoor patio, hit Chelsea’s Kitchen (chelseaskitchenaz. com). Sylvia’s La Canasta (sylviasfiesta.com) dishes up authentic Mexican, and the Bikini Lounge (thebikinilounge.com) is iconic.

DO

Head to the West Valley or Peoria’s P83 Shopping District (visitpeoriaaz.com).

DO

Explore the final frontier with simulated flights at the Smithsonian’s Challenger Space Center (azchallenger.org). Sail, waterski or fish on beautiful Lake Pleasant.

Oakland Athletics Hohokam Stadium 1235 North Center Street, Mesa hohokamstadium.com; 480-644-4451

PLAY

The team’s relocation from Phoenix to the Cubs’ former home in Mesa exposes A’s fans to a whole new group of courses. The ASU Karsten Course (asukarsten.com; 480-921-8070) in Tempe is only 10 minutes west of Hohokam.

Longbow Golf Club (longbowgolf.com; 480807-5400) is 15 minutes east, and We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (wekopa.com; 480-836-9000) is a 20-minute drive north.

STAY

Tempe Mission Palms (missionpalms. com; (800-547-8705) offers a sweet Spring Training package. The Arizona Grand (arizona-

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Spring 2015

Westin Kierland’s Golf Bikes

Milwaukee Brewers Maryvale Baseball Park 3600 N. 51st Ave., Phoenix phoenix.gov/sports; 800 933-7890

PLAY

The Verrado Golf Club (verradogolfclub. com; 623-388-3000) is a straight shot west from the stadium on I-10. William Bell, who designed Torrey Pines, also did Maryvale Golf Course

One-Stop Scottsdale For a superb one-stop shop for all things Scottsdale (including Spring Training packages), contact the extremely helpful Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau (experiencescottsdale.com; 800-782-1117).

colorado avidgo lf e r.c o m

Cactus League Special

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B C H

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a d v e r t i s i n g

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Making Contact D. LOS ANGELES DODGERS/ A. CINCINNATI REDS/ CHICAGO WHITE SOX CLEVELAND INDIANS Camelback Ranch Goodyear Ballpark 10710 West Camelback Rd, Glendale 1933 South Ballpark Way, Goodyear camelbackranchbaseball.com; goodyearbp.com; 623-882-3130 623-302-5000 Closest Courses: Estrella, Palm Valley, Verrado, Wigwam ADD SPACE Closest Courses: Palm Valley, Sun City, Sun City North, Verrado, Wigwam TM

B. TEXAS RANGERS/KANSAS CITY ROYALS Surprise Stadium 15850 North Bullard, Surprise surprisespringtraining.com; 623-222-2222 Closest Courses: Coyote Lakes, Hillcrest, Rancho de los Caballeros, Surprise Golf Club, Trilogy at Vistancia, Wickenburg Ranch, Wigwam

E. MILWAUKEE BREWERS Maryvale Park 3600 N. 51st Ave., Phoenix phoenix.gov/sports; 800 933-7890 Closest Courses: Maryvale, Verrado F. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS Scottsdale Stadium 7408 E. Osborn Road,

Scottsdale scottsdaleaz.gov/stadium 877-473-4849 Closest Courses: Camelback, McCormick Ranch, McDowell Mountain, The Phoenician, We-Ko-Pa, Westin Kierland

G. LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM Tempe Diablo Stadium 2200 W. Alameda Dr.

TM

C.

SEATTLE MARINERS / SAN DIEGO PADRES Peoria Sports Complex 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria peoriasportscomplex.com 800-677-1227 Closest Courses: Quintero, Trilogy at Vistancia

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Tempe tempe.gov/diablo; 888-796-HALO Closest Courses: Arizona Grand, ASU Karsten, Raven-Phoenix, The Legacy, Whirlwind

Colorado AvidGolfer | Spring 2015

H. COLORADO ROCKIES/ ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS Salt River Fields at Talking Stick 7555 N. Pima Rd, Scottsdale saltriverfields.com 480-270-5000 Closest Courses: Grayhawk, Talking Stick, The Boulders, TPC Scottsdale, Troon North, We-Ko-Pa, Wildfire I. OAKLAND ATHLETICS Hohokam Stadium 1235 North Center Street, Mesa hohokamstadium.com; 480-644-4451 Closest Courses: Arizona Grand, ASU Karsten, Longbow, Raven-Phoenix, Superstition Springs, The Legacy, We-Ko-Pa, Whirlwind J. CHICAGO CUBS Sloan Park 2330 W. Rio Salado Pkwy, Mesa sloanpark.com; 800-THE-CUBS Closest Courses: Arizona Grand, ASU Karsten, Longbow, Raven-Phoenix, Superstition Springs, The Legacy, We-Ko-Pa, Whirlwind CAG

• Arizona Grand Resort (arizonagrandresort.com; 877-800-4888) • ASU Karsten Course (asukarsten.com; 480-921-8070) • Camelback Golf Club (camelbackgolf.com; 480-596-7050) • Golf Club of Estrella (estrellagolf.com; 623-386-2600) • Grayhawk Golf Club (grayhawkgolf.com; 480-502-2075) • Hillcrest Golf Club (hillcrestgolfclub.com;623-584-1500) • Longbow Golf Club (longbowgolf.com; 480-807-5400) • Maryvale Golf Course (phoenix.gov/recreation; 623-846-4022) • McCormick Ranch Golf Club (mccormickranchgolf.com; 480-948-0260) • McDowell Mountain Golf Club (mcdowellmountaingc.com; 480-502-8200) • Palm Valley Golf Club (palmvalleygolf.com; 623-935-2500) • Quintero Golf Club (quinterogolf.com; 928-501-1500) • Rancho de los Caballeros Golf Club (ranchodeloscaballeros.com; 800-684-5030) • Raven Golf Club-Phoenix (ravenphx.com; 602-243-3636) • Superstition Springs Golf Club (superstitionspringsgc; 480-985-5622) • Surprise Golf Club (surprisegolfclub.com; 623.584-6000) • Talking Stick Golf Club (talkingstickgolfclub.com; 480-860-2221) • The Boulders Club (bouldersclub.com; 480-488-9028) • The Legacy Golf Club (golflegacyresort.com; 602-305-5550) • The Phoenician Golf Club (golfthephoenician.com; 480-423-2449 • TPC Scottsdale (tpc.com/Scottsdale; 888-877-9193) • Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia (trilogygolfclub.com/ vistancia; 623-328-5100) • Troon North Golf Club (troonnorthgolf.com; 480-585-5300) • Verrado Golf Club (verradogolfclub.com; 623-388-3000) • We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (wekopa.com; 866-660-7700) • Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (kierlandresort.com; 480-922-9283) • Whirlwind Golf Club (whirlwindgolf.com; 480-940-1500) • Wickenburg Ranch Golf Club (wickenburgranch.com; 480-367-3610) • Wigwam Resort (wigwamresort.com; 800-909-4224) • Wildfire Golf Club (wildfiregolf.com; 888-705-7775) coloradoavidgo lf e r.c o m

B R A N D E L’ S R U L E S F O R S C O T T S D A L E G O L F

1. NEVER FORGET YOUR CAMERA {Because the scenery is spectacular}

“One of the things I love most about golf in Scottsdale is the scenery.

Everywhere you look — it's just incredible. And, the Sonoran Desert isn’t bad either.”

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GOLF CHANNEL ANALYST AND SCOTTSDALE GOLF AMBASSADOR

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LONGBOW Mesa, Arizona longbowgolf.com/co 480.807.5400

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SEDONA GOLF RESORT Sedona, Arizona sedonagolfresort.com/co 928.284.9355

PALM VALLEY Goodyear, Arizona palmvalleygolf.com/co 623.935.2500

TEGAVAH Rio Verde, Arizona tegavahgolf.com/co.html 480.471.3232

MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN Scottsdale, Arizona mcdowellmountaingc.com 480.502.8200

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st 21 Century Fox

Four years into private ownership, The Fox Hill Club is out of the woods and positioned for a bright future.

By Jon Rizzi

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W Welded from p ieces

BLOOMS WITH A VIEW: A petunia bed attractively defines the water’s edge on Fox Hill’s 12th.

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of steel pipe, a 10-foot-high periscope adjoins the back tee on the 463-yard 9th at The Fox Hill Club in Longmont. It allows a view of the fairway and green beyond the crest of the hill so golfers don’t hit into the group ahead of them.

“Other courses with similar blind holes have an all-clear bell by the green, but people forget to ring it,” explains PGA Head Golf Professional Scott Stevenson. “This works much better.”

It works because it not only keeps things safe; it also keeps them moving. A stated two-hoursor-less-per-nine-holes pace of play is one of the myriad virtues of this 42-year old club and its 7,123 yards of old-school parkland golf, where mature cottonwoods, elms and oaks narrow the fairways, and six bodies of water define more than half the holes. Frank Hummel designed this deep-bunkered layout, and his small, subtly moving greens require a touch as delicate as those porcelain figurines that share his surname.

If anyone can read those greens, it’s my host Jim Brown, a Colorado Golf Hall of Fame board member who drains bomb after bomb en route to a smooth, one-over-par 71—“I can’t count it, though,” he says later, “because of a couple gimmes”—during a match where he and his partner, Terry Miller, thump Sanderson and me.

Fox Hill’s layout is the real winner on this day: tough and tight with holes of varying shapes, strategies and lengths that don’t repeat. Singling out one amounts to picking a favorite among my children, but the tough par-4 doglegs on Nos. 3 and 6 stand out, as do the vibrant petunia bed bordering the pond on the 373-yard 12th and the water that twice crosses the 433-yard 16th—as a pond off the tee, and a creek fronting the green.

And then there’s the polarizing 15th, the hole members either love or hate. Although it’s on the back nine, “it should be the number-one handicap hole,” says Stevenson without any argument from our group. The reasons are its length (487 from the tips), tightness (a lake runs from tee to green along the right; trees encroach from the left) and smallish green (some say it can’t hold

a long iron or fairway utility shot; others say the back-to-front slope makes it eminently receptive).

Women play it as a 423-yard par 5, the men as a 462-yard (from the blues) par 4. An informal poll of 14 members splits the vote between “best par4 on the course” and “too long, tight and tough.”

Holes like 15 make for a challenging test, made all the more enjoyable by immaculate playing conditions, courtesy of Superintendent Rich Parker, and ubiquitous flower plantings by botanist Tom Houk.

The entire ambiance of the club radiates a similar vibrancy. Juniors fill out the swimming, tennis and programs, and the clubhouse grille bustles with members and guests; it also welcomes diners from the general public who come to savor upscale pub grub at lunch or tuck into heartier fare like grilled trout with artichoke and parmesan fritters at dinner.

“The culture here is fantastic,” Brown says as I inhale a post-round “Proper Reuben.” “There are new members, longtime members, returning members, young families. They all want to be here.”

While clearly a cheerleader, Brown can also remember a time when members were not so happy, back when they owned the club. “Now that we don’t have a board of directors to deal with,” he says, “we don’t have politics and good business decisions are being made.”

KERR PACKAGE Brown is referring to the days leading up to the Fox Hill Country Club’s 2010 foreclosure, when the club routinely hemorrhaged money, racking up about $35,000 per month in losses. It deferred maintenance and regularly assessed—and reassessed—members who were resigning by the dozen. Owing the bank $4 million, the club went into foreclosure in December of 2010.

In February 2011, good news came when Colorado National Golf Club owner Stephen Kerr (pronounced “care”) and Boulder commercial developer Stephen Tebo bought Fox Hill for $3.9 million. The purchase spared the club from a foreclosure auction and put operational oversight in the hands of Colorado National’s Director of Operations Matt Schalk. “We’re not going to assess members for management shortfalls,” Schalk promised then. “It’s all going to be on us.”

True to his word, the new owners invested upwards of a half-million dollars to redress maintenance issues and improve the facility. Running it “like a business,” they eliminated numerous inefficiencies and consolidated operations whenever possible. Renaming it The Fox Hill Club, they upgraded the logo and signage along Highway 119, modernized the interiors, invested in new maintenance equipment, improved food service and made personnel changes. To leverage Spring 2015 | Colorado AvidGolfer

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FOX AROUND THE CLOCK: Fox Hill’s ninth-hole periscope; the number-one handicap, right-dogleg sixth; Head PGA Professional Scott Stevenson, who also serves as clubhouse manager.

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Spring 2015

purchasing power, they hired Arizonabased OB Sports, which also manages Colorado National, and counts two other Colorado courses among its 42-course portfolio.

They did not raise dues and kept the initiation at $3,000—even lowering it at times. Members could also enjoy cartfee-only reciprocal playing arrangements with Colorado National, Greeley Country Club and Fort Collins Country Club.

All good, right? Well, while the new energy excited existing members and attracted new ones, others surmised Kerr was planning to take the club public, “which couldn’t be further from the truth,” says Schalk.

Fact, however, can be stranger than fiction. In early 2012, as Fox Hill prepared to celebrate its 40th anniversary, the U.S. Department of Justice indicted Kerr on tax evasion charges. This prompted speculation that the club would again have to be sold, or, even worse, seized by the government.

None of those scenarios played out or will play out. The case eventually resulted in a 10-month sentence for Kerr and more scurrilous gossip about Fox Hill.

“To this day, I have people asking me where I’m going to play now that my club is closing,” says Brown. “Everyone thinks they know something. What they should know is that this club is getting better all the time.”

“I want to assure you that in no way are those developments going to impair or inhibit the operation and future of

The Fox Hill Club,” Schalk wrote in a letter to members shortly after the indictment. His story hasn’t changed in three years.

“People don’t pay attention that Steve Kerr is only a 50 percent partner,” he says. “We are extremely well capitalized— Steve Tebo is extremely successful and the ultimate silent partner. Every year we’ve invested heavily in improving the member experience at the club.”

WHAT’S AHEAD Those investments are paying dividends for the club and its members.

A collection of new Life Fitness machines sparkles in the freshly expanded fitness room. The club converted an underused part of the men’s locker room into a well-appointed member’s lounge, which opened last October. “This way they can settle their bets and get a little loud without disturbing families in the main restaurant,” explains Schalk. Currently called “The Bunker,” after a simicolorado avidgo lf e r.c o m

lar setup at Greeley Country Club, the lounge continues to look for an appellation all its own.

In the running: “The Foxhole” “The Den” and some other options.

This year, new cart paths will soon ribbon the course, and plans call for upgrades to the tennis and pool areas.

Thanks to special pricing and a referral program, the club signed up 60 new members last year, and currently has close to 400, counting both golf and social categories. Some are returning after seeing the positive direction the club is taking. Others, like Wendy and Ron Williams, are new. Avid golfers, the Williamses, who are moving north from Westminster, joined with their two children, aged 11 and 17, after months of shopping.

“Being around different clubs growing up, I think it’s good to have a wide range of ages and people,” Wendy explains. “My husband and I are in our mid-40s, and there are members older and younger than us, which makes it a good fit. It’s laidback and not stuffy, the people are extra-friendly. It’s also great for my kids to be around golf—because it’s a respectful game— and the type of people who play it. They don’t necessarily get that in school.”

The Fox Hill Club deserves a good amount of respect. Reports of this institution’s demise are not only greatly exaggerated; they’re just plain false. All it takes is some looking beyond the grillroom gossip to check the facts. And you don’t need a steel-pipe periscope to do so.

CAG

Jon Rizzi is Colorado AvidGolfer’s editor. As of February 1, full golf membership at The Fox Hill Club was $3,000, with $390 in monthly dues. For more information: 303-651-3777; thefoxhillclub.com. co lo r a d o a v i d g o l f e r. c o m

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Boasting New Mexico’s most coveted tee times, the private

Las Campanas also qualifies as one of the Southwest’s most desirable enclaves.

By Jon Rizzi 96

Colorado AvidGolfer | Spring 2015

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After 12 years of visiting Santa Fe, I finally arrived at Las Campanas, the ultra-exclusive 4,700acre community 10 miles west of the historic Plaza. It was dinnertime, and just outside the development’s gates, my wife and I joined some Campanians—including Las Campanas Food & Beverage Director Peter O’Brien, whom I remembered fondly from his days at Montrose’s Cornerstone Club—for a memorable repast at Arroyo Vino Restaurant. Starting with roasted shishito and padrón peppers served with Manchego cheese, we segued into prosciuttowrapped sweetbreads, a stuffed bone-in pork chop and Tuscan Chicken Roulade. We complemented it all with an arroyo—as in stream, not ditch—of vino.

By meal’s end, the multihued Santa Fe sunset had dissolved into the inky pitch of a new-moon night. One of our new friends ushered us through the security gates, leaving us at the driveway to the casita. Our phone flashlights led us through a mini-gauntlet of doors, gates, courtyards and garages to what we hoped to be our casita—and not one containing a sleeping family. We punched in a code and entered the impec-

cably appointed dwelling.

I’d always known it was hard to get on at Las Campanas. But getting in? Definitely user error on our parts, but I seriously doubt Jack Nicklaus had these issues.

That’s right. The Golden Bear, we’d heard, had bedded down in the same casita a few months before we’d arrived. He’d come to consult on some modifications to the Sunrise and Sunset courses, which he had originally completed in 1993 and 2000.

SUNRISE, SUNSET

Golf Digest now ranks, respectively, Sunset and Sunrise as the Nos. 1 and 3 courses in New Mexico. Sunrise hosted last year’s Trans-Mississippi Four-Ball Championship and both courses regularly welcome USGA Qualifying events. The club this year also expects to announce it will be hosting a 2017 USGA Championship.

Both layouts are impeccable and distinct, with spectacular views. As their names suggest, Sunrise routes east of the 46,000-square-foot clubhouse, towards the Sangre de Cristo Range; Sunset heads west towards the Jemez Mountains.

PGA Director of Golf Jason Epstein says members prefer the Sunrise’s rolling fairways and sweeping bunkers to the more undulant Sunset with its forced carries. Both tip out at more than 7,500 yards, with Sunrise clocking in at 7,626.

(Being a rhythm player, I kept tempo on the 19-acre practice range and throughout my rounds by humming a version of “Sunrise, Sunset” from Fiddler on the Roof: “Is this the little pond I carried?/Is this little ball I played?”)

Successfully cutting some

PATIO VIEW: Both courses finish on the same lake.

of Sunrise’s numerous doglegs can shrink the course to a degree, but prepare to take your medicine amid the junipers and piñons just off the fairway.

The left-bending 446-yard third ranks as the course’s toughest hole, with bunkers bordering the elbow and fronting an elevated green that requires an all-carry approach. A split fairway adds decision to the 423-yard ninth, while 12 is a beast of a parthree—247 heroic yards over water with a little bailout area to the right. Fifteen takes you 654 yards downhill through trees, bunkers and water towards a heavily guarded green.

With the exception of the fiddly 172-yard par-3 third, Sunset’s first five holes (three par 4s and one par 5) average 500 yards.

Before taking on another of the many forced carries on the breathtaking 432-yard seventh, be sure to stock up on peanut butter-stuffed celery stalks or any of the other complimentary goodies—including lip balm and sunscreen—available in the cottage off the sixth green.

Sunset is also one of those rare

par-72 courses with five par 5s and five par 3s. Three of each flavor, including par 4s, appear on the back nine, with the green on the par-5 12th having been relocated last year, reducing the hole’s length from 594 to 552 yards. A big drive can find the green on the downhill 369-yard 14th, but, it can easily find water as well.

Water lurks on both courses, and each closes with stirring, similar-length par 4s along the same fairway-long pond that also flanks the putting surfaces— both of which unfurl just beyond the patio of our plush casita.

WHAT A DISCOVERY!

That casita is one of two made available to prospective members and homebuyers by Las Campanas Realty as part of its Discovery Visit.

It’s a great deal: For $499, you can stay two nights and three days; play a round of golf or experience an hour at the Las Campanas World Class Equestrian Center. You also get to savor a gourmet dinner for two at the

PURPLE REIGN: The 17th on the aptly named Sunset course. co l o r a d o a v i d g o l f e r. c o m

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IT PAYS TO DISCOVER: A plush, 2,100-square-foot casita welcomes prospective members.

club’s Hacienda restaurant, work out on TechnoGym equipment in the fitness center and, of course, take a private tour of the community’s 12 neighborhoods.

Featuring myriad architectural styles— from pueblo to territorial to contemporary to ranch—and additional gated privacy, the neighborhoods comprise about 700 finished homes, with dozens under construction.

New and existing homes range from the mid-$400s to north of $4 million. Approximately 1,000 lots remain available. They start at $70,000, and Las Campanas Realty cur-

FROM THE TIPS: The Sunset’s par-4 7th.

rently includes an Equity Golf Membership with any home site purchased for $100,000 or more. That’s a $40,000 value; the member is responsible for $1,225 in monthly dues.

Residents are not required to join the club; nor is residency required for club membership. The majority of residents, in fact, don’t live there year-round.

Las Campanas’ club and real estate operations became separate entities as a result of the financial crisis. In 2008, after developer Lyle Anderson defaulted on a $1 billion mortgage, the Bank of Scotland took control of Las Campanas and four other high-profile developments. The members bought the club, debt-free, in May, 2010, and now own and operate all the amenities—the golf courses, clubhouse, 90-stable Equestrian Center, seven Classic Clay tennis courts, state-ofthe-art spa and fitness center, the indoor saline lap-pool and outdoor resort pool.

On the real estate side, in 2012 Dallasbased Cienda Partners bought the majority of the developed lots, as well as the community’s undeveloped areas and a commercial tract that will attract retailers

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DRESSAGE ENVY: The Equestrian Center.

to the development.

“We ended 2014 with 18 closed properties and are on track for three or four more this month,” Las Campanas Realty Sales Director Nancy Zepeda reported in February.

“We’ve had really strong activity. The Discovery Visit program has been a huge hit.”

BELLS ARE RINGING

The financial stability of the operation also holds enormous appeal, as does the overall quality of the operation. The clubhouse restaurant, under the supervision of O’Brien, Restaurant Manager Donn Wagner and Executive Chef Andrew Nichols, rivals any eatery in foodie-centric Santa Fe, and also hosts themed Wine Maker and Chef ’s Table dinners. Just looking through the extensive fitness, tennis and spa programming put together by Director Todd Shaw’s team is itself a workout.

In addition to two stellar courses, Las Campanas offers members year-round practice facilities in its 2,800-square-foot Golf Performance Center, complete with AboutGolf simulators and fitting services.

And how many clubs can boast of a full-on equestrian center with four full-time trainers, a 32,000-square-foot indoor riding hall, 90 stables, 12 horses for hire and enough space for dressage and jumping—and miles and miles of riding trails?

And to think, all this lies just 20 minutes from the quirky, historic, highly cultivated capital city of Santa Fe. We initially only wanted to play the courses at Las Campanas. But after a weekend in its thrall, we found the entire experience of the place that translates as “The Bells” resonated profoundly for both of us.

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Jon Rizzi is CAG’s editor. For golf information, visit theclubatlascampanas.com; for real estate, lascampanasrealty.com or call 505-986-2000. co l o r a d o a v i d g o l f e r. c o m

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Golf

Honor Thy Forebears Thirteen Colorado golf legends lead to Denver’s first Olympic gold medalist

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s Colorado AvidGolfer concludes its 13th year, and as the Colorado Golf Association celebrates its 100th, it seems only appropriate that we honor the 13 members of the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame who have also earned enshrinement into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame.

games Of

Fill in the names of the people pictured below. Then take the circled letters to identify the person at the bottom of the page.

1.

2.

PUZZLERS

3.

4.

TRIVIA

|

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

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_ ____ ___ ____ 8 _ ____ _ _____ 9 ____ ________ _ ________ _ ________ 10 _ _ _________ __ _ _______ 11 ______ __ _____ ___________ 12 _ ________

This University of Denver graduate, 1952 Olympic gold medalist and Colorado Sports Hall of Famer later served as the golf coach at his alma mater, Denver East High School.

THE ANSWER IS:

______

For the answer visit coloradoavidgolfer.com.

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2 3

4

5 6

13

______

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