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HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR ALL TO ENJOY P. 18
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CONTENTS
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WINTER 2023
ON THE COVER
The Broadmoor is a summer paradise but pulls out all the stops for the holiday season (Page 41). Photo by Colorado AvidGolfer
CAN’T WAIT FOR CABO Quivira Golf Club and Rancho San Lucas are los dos amigos of golf in Mexico’s Cabo San Lucas. By Jeff Wallach
FEATURES
‘TIS THE SEASON
Broadmoor at its Best// 41 Fresh off its first year as host of the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame and a year away from another major – the 2025 Senior Open – Colorado’s cornerstone resort is not taking a single detail for granted.
By Jim Bebbington
18// HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
We have all the cool gifts, gadgets and gear from Colorado establishments and beyond By Jim Bebbington and Suzanne S. Brown
DESTINATIONS 53// TUCSON is a winter’s haven
cool as ice// 48 Eric Schaupeter, the assistant golf pro at the University of Denver Golf Club, has spent decades moonlighting on the ice as a fill-in practice goalie for the Colorado Avalanche.
Tucson has long been a winter getaway for the Colorado golfer, but now there’s more reason to visit than ever By Jim Bebbington
36// a sonoran sanctuary Long before the pros show up for the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Scottsdale and its Fairmont Princess beckon the winter golfer.
By Mike Chambers
By Jim Bebbington
SIDE BETS 32// FAREWAYS
As golfers multi-task this winter and hit the slopes, Vail offers an unparalleled culinary experience By John Lehndorff
24// nice drives
2023 Grand Wagoneer L, Range Rover Sport & Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid By Isaac Bouchard
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PG. 56
DEPARTMENTS 8// FORETHOUGHTS There is something about high standards – for ourselves and others – that makes being around excellence so appealing
10// THE CGA Gary Potter is an attorney, golfer and long-time advocate for the game By Kayla Kerns
12// THE GALLERY CU’s Anne Kelly steps down as women’s golf coach; Golf Course owners gather to talk water; The Colorado PGA Awards the best; and Coloradans play in Q-School
64// blindshot The founding members of Rodeo Dunes met for the first time this October on the wind-swept grounds By Jon Rizzi
Colorado AvidGolfer
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For reservations, call 800-848-7893 Ask for Colorado Avid Golfer Package (Code AVID) This offer is valid 12/11/23 – 2/28/24
Room choice is based on availability at the time of booking Blackout dates may apply Not valid for groups of 10 rooms or more
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WINTER 2023 | VOLUME 22, NUMBER 7 coloradoavidgolfer.com PRESIDENT & GROUP PUBLISHER ALLEN J. WALTERS PARTNER
CHRIS PHILLIPS CONTENT DIRECTOR
JIM BEBBINGTON
SALES, MARKETING & ADVERTISING vp of sales & marketing
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golf passport & special events manager
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BRENNA FARRELL editor-at- large
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ISAAC BOUCHARD style editor
SUZANNE S. BROWN office and operations manager
JULIE KRUEGER contributors
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Colorado AvidGolfer (ISSN 1548-4335) is published eight times a year by Baker-Colorado Publishing, LLC, and printed by Publication Printers Corp. 9350 E. Arapahoe Road #210, Greenwood Village, 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 © 2023 by Baker-Colorado Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Postmaster: Send address changes to Colorado AvidGolfer, 9350 E. Arapahoe Road #210, Greenwood Village, CO 80112. The magazine welcomes editorial submissions but assumes no responsibility for the safekeeping or return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, artwork or other material. magazine partner of choice:
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WINTER 2023
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Forethoughts
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Letter from the Editor
SHOWCASING THE BEST We all know the end of civilization began when they started putting erasers on the ends of golf pencils. And yet we soldier on. For many of us, high standards are part of the appeal of golf. You put your score down – good or bad – and you hold your head high. That’s why in this month’s edition of AvidGolfer we are taking pride in featuring people and places that work overtime to excel.
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You’ve seen them all over the game but here’s one example that blew me away. This fall we here at AvidGolfer held our final member play day at Cherry Creek Country Club. It was a cool Denver morning, and a bunch of us were setting up our tables to greet our guests when what we really wanted to do was huddle around our warm coffee mugs. Then a woman who worked at the club walked up and introduced herself just as Karen. She helped us set up things, asked if anyone from our staff or the club needed anything, and was genuinely helpful. It wasn’t until much later that I learned this was Karen Hart, the president and owner of the club. It suddenly all made sense. We held great events all summer at some fantastic courses. Nowhere did we find pristine conditions like at Cherry Creek CC. The grounds practically glowed green, and the clubhouse – on a Monday when most of the staff had the day off – was warm and inviting. That doesn’t just happen; it starts at the top. So this issue we sought to showcase the best. In Colorado, that begins with The Broadmoor.
John Pavlakovich
For more than 100 years the club has offered five-star service at its hotel, on its course, and throughout its grounds. We wanted readers to get a chance to see what the big deal is, and why the facility continually receives accolades and is asked to host major golf championships. Then we continue our tour of the best that golf provides with a visit to Tucson. The city in southern Arizona is already a favorite of Colorado golfers in the winter. But it is impressive to see how hard the course operators and the city work to keep the popular destination at the top. We also visit the operators of Scottsdale’s Fairmont Princess resort to learn how they maintain their top game while one of their biggest partners – the neighboring TPC Scottsdale course – hosts one of the rowdiest golf tournaments of the calendar year. If you’re going to the Waste Management Phoenix Open, the unofficial kick-off of spring golf, you’ll want to read what we found. Lastly, our readers have been blessed for years with a lot of great writing. But I don’t think there is anyone who regularly provides a fascinating combination of deep knowledge, insight and readability like food writer John Lehndorff. John is simply a pro’s pro. This month he takes us on a culinary tour of Vail, as many of us golfers will likely be making at least one weekend sojourn there at some point this winter. So please enjoy our coverage. I hope you take something from each article that helps you make the right choice for yourselves with your golf time and money. And in the end, keep your own standards high – practice, play with good people, thank the folks who make the game possible, and by all means ignore the eraser on those pencils.
-Jim Bebbington
NMLSR ID: 801982 Sr. Mortgage Consultant Cell: 720-308-2507 John.Pavlakovich@phmloans.com JohnPavlakovich.phmloans.com 215 Saint Paul St, Denver, CO 80206
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(L-R): JOHN BEBBINGTON, JIM BEBBINGTON, JOHN VANDERLAAN//
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WINTER 2023
The CGA
Serving All Colorado Golfers
GOLF COMMANDER By Kayla Kerns
Golf is just a small portion of Potter’s busy life, though. His friends call him “Commander” and he works as an attorney at his own firm, Meurer & Potter. A devoted family man, Potter doesn’t take anything for granted.
KK: What made you fall in love with the game? GP: That same buddy of mine said, “Well, why don’t you get a job with me at Cherry Hills?” That was in 1960 (U.S. Open, Cherry Hills Country Club). So, I started working the grounds crew at Cherry Hills during the day and I’d get off at 3 p.m. Then they would let us play the course if we didn’t let any of the members see us. I would head home to Wheat Ridge, where I was living with my folks, around 5:30 p.m. Then, there was a driving range over by Regis College, that a guy by the name of Ted Hart owned, and he let me hit balls till around 10 p.m. as long as I picked up the range. This was before daylight savings of course. Before I knew it, the U.S. Open came around. I saw Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Gary Player, and Arnold Palmer while I was mowing. And when you see people play at that caliber: flying the ball where they want them to, that was what hooked me. I went out for the golf team the next year at Regis and made the team.
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During that period, we also took on the handicapping business and a point list. We were also starting the course slope-rating with the USGA. I even started having my clients volunteer as spotters and rules officials for our tournaments. KK: What was the highlight of your career? GP: Hasn’t happened yet. I am still waiting for it. As you know, you do something, and you win or get an A+ on a test. Then the next morning you wake up and you think, “Now what am I going to do?” So, I had a lot of wins, but I am always looking for the next one. Winning the first Parent-Child Championship with my son Matt was exciting. Then qualifying for the U.S. Mid-Amateur in 1984 was pretty exciting. I would have to say, being inducted into the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame in 2012 was a big highlight. You don’t recognize or appreciate those accomplishments as they happen, though. And I still think about all those free-throws I made during basketball games growing up. Those were my highlights.
Colorado Golf Hall of Famer Gary Potter, a Boulder native and emeritus member of the Colorado Golf Association board, plays about 150 rounds of golf in the state each year, often at Denver Country Club, his long-time home club. His on-course accomplishments include club championship wins, invitational wins, amateur championships, stroke and match play championships, and 10 CGA team championships with assorted partners.
KK: When did you first become involved in golf? GP: I got involved probably about 1960. At the time, I was playing college baseball and basketball for Regis College. Our baseball coach, Joe B. Hall, was also our basketball coach. He told us to take two or three weeks off baseball, so one of my buddies said to me, “Why don’t you go out for the golf team?” I said, “Well, that’s a stupid sport.” I did find an old set of clubs that Dad had in the garage and went out for the golf team. I hit one shot on number 14 at Willis Case that went probably twice as far as any baseball I had ever hit. I still have that old club today.
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KK: What is your current role with the CGA? How did you get involved? GP: I am currently an Emeritus Director of the CGA. Dr. Homer McClintock and Sonny Brinkerhoff introduced me to the organization. They wanted younger people on the CGA Board in 1973. We only ran about two or three tournaments. When I became Tournament Director of the CGA, I increased the number of tournaments.
KK: How did you balance work, family, and golf? GP: Thank goodness everyone in the family liked to play golf and sports. And I coached probably 60 youth sports teams (football, basketball, baseball, volleyball) over a span of 33 years and was the athletic director of St. Benedict’s School. KK: If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self and younger generations, what would it be? GP: Keep it simple.
Gary Potter on the first tee at Bear Creek Golf Club in May, 1984. Pictured are Gary Potter, Arnold Palmer, and Ron Reeves (Gary’s buddy from law school), and Bear Creek’s head pro. “On the last hole, I birdied to win the match. And I said to Arnold Now that’s what golf’s all about” (his own saying) and he burst out laughing. To this day I still have the scorecard proving that he owes me $5. He was such a good guy.”
CHANGE OF COURSE Golf in Tucson means a break from the average links. Challenge your game on daring desert layouts or hit it long on fairways that host the champions. Whatever your style, Tucson has it in the bag.
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The Gallery
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News | Notes | Names
Pictured Above: Fun times at Valley Country Club during our Holiday Gift Guide photo shoot
Storied Head Coach Retires
CU’s Kelly steps down after 27 years as women’s golf coach By Jim Bebbington For the first time since 1997 the University of Colorado women’s golf team will have a new head coach next year. Anne Kelly began as head coach in Boulder in 1997, only the second head coach in the program’s history. She stayed through nearly three decades, growing the team’s reputation and performance. When Colorado moved to the PAC-12 in 2011, her team went along with it, raising its game still more to compete in the most competitive women’s golf league in college. Buffs teams had their best season under Kelly in 2012, winning three tournaments and making the NCAA Championships for the first time. “I’m happy. It is my choice and I’ve had a long, good career at CU,” she said. “It kind of hit me over the summer and it seemed like the timing was right and things were in good shape.” Current associate head coach Madeleine Sheils has been named as Kelly’s successor.
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Kelly, 62, was born in Aspen, but grew up in Texas playing alongside her father on local courses. She played on the LPGA tour before she began coaching and landed in Boulder after a short stint at UNC Greensboro. “It was always my dream,” she said. What do golf head coach’s do? “You’re a psychologist; you’re a nurse; you’re a shuttle driver, a travel agent,” she said. Increasingly what she did, however, was recruit talented players to see Colorado as a place where they could grow their skills and achieve their goals. This was during an era when women’s golf teams were launched at many schools, and the women’s game grew in visibility. “Recruiting is much more intense and more involved and with the internet and social media and it’s definitely changed a lot,” she said. “Now they can just post on their page. It’s become way more world-wide. There are more good players. It’s been fun . It’s definitely growing.”
WINTER 2023
Asked about the things she is most proud of she rattles off the names of players who are now doctors, business leaders, and some professional golfers. But she said she is proud they all used their CU experience to reach high. Emily Tally, CU’s Athlete of the Year in 2012, went on to the Epson Tour and won the 2014 series of the Golf Channel’s ‘The Big Break.’ Jenny Coleman, who played on the team through 2014, is on the LPGA this year and has played professionally ever since leaving CU. 2010 graduate Dominique Kushneriuk (nee: Pytlewski) is a physician specializing in internal medicine. Anne Kelly, right, with the 2018/2019 CU Buffs squad at the NCAA regional: L-R: Kelly, Kirsty Hodgkins, Alisha Lau, Robyn Choi, Gillian Vance and Brittany Fan.
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Front Row (L-R): Cathy Matthews-Kane; Pamela Smith; Alice Plain; Theo Gregory, Marcus Gillmor; Bryan Collins, Stuart Bruening Back row (L-R): Tom Connell, Greg Bryan, Tyler Lowry, Andy Connell, Randy Meyers, Sherry Andonian, Bob Doyle, Kelly Jo Wykes, Bill Hughes, Trent Wearner, Geoff Keffer, Ed Oldham
PGA Honors
The 2023 Awards Gala was held at Cherry Hills Country Club in early November By Jim Bebbington Each year the Colorado PGA awards members for leading efforts to improve the golf experience for players. The awardees are nominated by their peers and represent the best in the Colorado PGA’s membership in their work to help people enjoy and learn the game.
AWARD WINNERS GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR: Bob Doyle, PGA Life Member TEACHER OF THE YEAR: Ed Oldham, The Ranch Country Club ASSISTANT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR: Marcus Gillmor, Fort Collins Country Club
In addition, Colorado PGA President Cathy Matthews-Kane this fall was named to serve a three-year term as a PGA of America Board of Directors member, representing Colorado, Rocky Mountain, and Utah PGA Sections. Matthews-Kane is the General Manager of The Country Club of Colorado and has been a PGA member for over 15 years.
PRESIDENTS AWARD: Stuart Bruening, Southwest Greens LLC
She has served in local volunteer roles as a Board Member for the PGA REACH Colorado Foundation, finance committee and employment committee. Matthews-Kane also sits as the co-chairman of the National Employment Committee. She is a Certified PGA of America Professional in Executive Management.
PUBLIC MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR: Tyler Lowry, Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club, Ft. Carson
BILL STRAUSBAUGH AWARD: Jeff Ulvedal, Ptarmigan Country Club ED KELBEL AWARD: Bryan Collins, GOLFTEC headquarters WARREN SMITH: Alice Plain, Vail Golf Club PATRIOT AWARD: Bill Hughes, Country Club of The Rockies PLAYER DEVELOPMENT: Randy Meyers, Foothills Parks and Recreation District YOUTH PLAYER DEVELOPMENT: Trent Wearner, Trent Wearner Golf Academy PRIVATE MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR: Greg Bryan, Roaring Fork Club NOBLE CHALFANT AWARD: Tom Connell, Life Member; and Ralph “Rip” Arnold, Deceased SALESPERSON OF THE YEAR: Kelly Jo Wykes - Travis Mathew SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR: Pamela Smith - Denver Golf ASSOCIATE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Tom Connell, The Ridge at Castle Pines North SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Matt Schalk, general manager, Colorado National Golf Club ROLEX WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Sherry Andonian, Valley Country Club ROLEX DOW FINDTERWALD PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Geoff Keefer, Lakewood Country Club
coloradoavidgolfer.com 13
The Gallery
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News | Notes | Names
BATTLING BACK
Jim Knous working his way through Q-School to regain his tour status By Jim Bebbington Jim Knous of Lakewood knows what he’s in for when he goes to Q-School. Knous has played on the PGA and Korn Ferry and other tours for a decade. This fall he made his sixth trip to Q-School. Knous played in the Savannah, Georgia, regional round - Round 2 - hoping to qualify for the Q-School final round, which will be held Dec. 14 to 17 at the TPC Sawgrass and Sawgrass Country Club courses in Florida. At the finals, the top-five finishers earn PGA Tour cards for 2025. The next 40 get the most exemptions for the 2024 Korn Ferry Tour events, and everyone in the finals gets some sort of tournament exemptions for the Korn Ferry or Latin America Swing of the PGA Tour. Knous finished his second stage tied for 36th, ending his Q-School for 2023. In an interview, Knous, a graduate of the Colorado School of Mines, said he played in the Q-School every year from 2012 through 2016 when he finally earned his PGA Tour card. A wrist injury he suffered in 2019 during the RBC Canadian Open sidelined him. Surgeries followed, and he worked last year to get back in competitive shape.
It did not go well. “Yeah, it was certainly was not my best year,” he said. “It was a weird year. Looking back on it I wasn’t prepared going into the year. We obviously had a terrible winter. I just didn’t do enough to get to warm places to prepare myself for that early start in January on the Korn Ferry tour.” A back injury flared up and sidelined him for part of the season, and his scores did not head back into the 60s until late in the season. “I never got anything going, never got really on a roll. Every time I made a cut on the Korn Ferry tour I’d finish 50th or 60th which gets you nowhere fast.” But he has begun working with a new swing coach – Nick Clearwater at GOLFTEC headquarters in Denver – and a new physical trainer. The results began to show in October when he made it through the first round of Q-School. He was on the cusp of falling out of contention when he settled in to make the cut.
“I did forget how kind of stressful and how much anxiety you feel into round threes and round four and Q-School especially since I was kind of right on the number going into those rounds,” he said, “It’s definitely a stressful deal. Really, you don’t want to be here if you don’t have to. But like all the psychologists say: one shot at a time. I mean it literally comes down to sometimes I’m walking down the fairway saying ‘left, right, left, right, left, right’ with my feet.” Knous’ has shown throughout his career what he is capable of. He shot a 60 in the final round of the 2010 CGA Amateur at Boulder Country Club to force a playoff with a local 16-year-old phenom named Wyndham Clark. Clark won on the second playoff hole by draining a 30-foot birdie. “We’ve had plenty of battles over the years and it’s fun to see him succeed,” Knous said. One of the aspects of Clark’s year that Knous said he admires is his confidence. Clark, who was winless on the PGA Tour before breaking through this year at both the Wells Fargo Open and the U.S. Open, made a small kerfuffle during the Ryder Cup when he said in an interview that he believed he was the best golfer in the world. Knous said that only makes sense; you cannot compete on the PGA Tour if you don’t believe that. “That’s what all of us have to think,” he said. “That’s what I have to think, He might have said it and some people might have gotten angry but he believes it and you know he’s going to work hard to get there. So I’m kind of the same way I I do believe I have the gifts and the talent to to get there so I just got to keep working every day to to get there.”
OTHER COLORADANS IN Q-SCHOOL Other Coloradans who went through Q-School’s second round include AJ Ott of Fort Collins and Jackson Solem of Longmont – both in the RTJ Highlands/Marshwood regional in Dothan, Ala -n either advanced to the finals - and Davis Bryant from Aurora and Chris Korte from Littleton, playing at Valencia Country Club in California.
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2024 LINCOLN NAUTILUS COMING SOON**
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THE GOLF BROS
Water World
Saddleback’s O’Malley spearheads efforts to ensure Colorado River Valley Region Golf Courses have a healthy future By Jim Bebbington When Whitey O’Malley looks out the clubhouse window at his Firestone golf course, Saddleback Golf Club, he sees a thirsty business. Like all golf courses, Saddleback’s fairways, greens and tee boxes need a steady supply of water. O’Malley is on the forefront of the effort to ensure golf courses like his get what they need – but not a drop more. The golf industry in the Colorado River valley region – on both sides of the Continental Divide – is coming to grips with the fact that further water restrictions could affect their communities in the years to come, Whitey said in an interview this fall. That is why he used his other role – as a board member of the National Golf Course Owners Association – to help put on a symposium this fall in Las Vegas on how the Colorado River basin courses can stay green. “It’s not as much to me as what I represent as a board member,” he said. “It is going to be an issue for Saddleback and Firestone. But it’s not really as much as an issue as it is for some of our members who may not be aware of the complexity and immediacy of the issue.” It matters to everyone, but it really matters to the courses well downstream from the Rockies – in Nevada and Arizona.
But O’Malley said that the forecasts for the future of the Colorado River basin mean that communities down stream – Phoenix, Las Vegas and other major communities – may see residential-level restrictions in the years ahead. Now is the time, he said, for the golf businesses there to get their usage as tight as possible and be ready to tell their communities what they are doing. “I see water being an issue for everyone in the future,” he said. “I’m hoping they become more aware and are ready to address the issues that are coming down the pike. Mostly public perception is going to be extremely important when you have a large segment of the population down there curtailed. If homes get curtailed and they drive past a 90-acre golf course with lush green grass (course owners) will want to be proactive about water usage and be at the forefront of things.” The Colorado Basin Golf and Water Summit, held in October, addressed what is on the horizon of water research, policies, and the current state of the water table. O’Malley said the goal of the symposium was to start regular, ongoing conversations across the golf owning community to articulate what they’re doing. He said his course is continually updating its water distribution, and is looking at new watering systems that would irrigate just tee-box tops, in order to preserve even more.
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Class 5A: Player of the Year: Charlie Tucker, Rock Canyon High School. Coach of the Year: Dave Vahling, Rock Canyon High School. State Champs: Rock Canyon High School Class 4A: Player of the Year: Noah Richmond, Montrose High School. Coach of the Year: Brad Garrett, Evergreen High School. State Champs: Evergreen High School Class 3A: Player of the year: Om Mathur, Peak-to-Peak High School. Coach of the Year, Rick Meis, Resurrection Christian High School. State Champs: Resurrection Christian High School coloradoavidgolfer.com 17
Colorado
Holiday Gift Guide
PHOTO LOCATION: VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB//
Buying gifts for golfers should be pretty easy. Have you seen how some of us dress? It’s not like we’re picky. However, if YOU are picky and want to outfit the golfer in your life this year’s gift guide is a two-parter. Without leaving the state of Colorado there are a host of clothes, gear and gifts made right here that any golfer would appreciate. Then, there is the best of the rest.
LOOKING GOOD ON THE COURSE Left, Men’s and women’s floral tops: $64.95. Above, men’s Player Preferred Waffle Print pullover, $89.95. Pinsandaces.com
PHOTO LOCATION: VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB//
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THE RIGHT BAG University of Colorado Bucket Cooler golf bag, $309.99; CU Team Effort headcovers, $69.99, PGATourSuperstore.com; Sassy Caddy Seaside cart bag, $369, SassyCaddy.com; Pins and Aces Beer Sleeve, $19.95, Player Preferred flat ash golf bag, $299.95, CU and CSU clubhead covers, $49.95, pinsandaces.com
ON THE COURSE Edel fitted SMS and SMS Pro irons, $249.99 per club. Edelgolf.com. Player Preferred Waffle Print pullovers, $89.95. Pinsandaces.com
C PHOTO LOCATION: VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB// PHOTO CREDIT: CAG
A
PHOTO LOCATION: VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB//
PHOTO LOCATION: VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB//
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(A) COLORADO SPIRITS Colorado spirits: 10th Mountain Bourbon, $59.99; Rocker Rye Whiskey, $65; Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey, $42.99; Dona Loca Mezcal, $49.99; Turnbuckle Distillery Blue Corn Bourbon, $55; Stranahan’s Original Single Malt Whiskey, $63; 10thWhiskey.com, RockerSpirits.com, Breckenridgedistillery.com, donaloca.com, turnbuckledistilling.com, shop.stranahans.com
(B) PURSES AND SATCHELS Cobalt blue leather backpack, $145; Victoria beverage tote, $36; Milan tote bag, $99. SassyCaddy.com
PHOTO LOCATION: VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB//
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The
More The Merrier IN STEP Gift the guy who wants shoes that showcase his personality as well as performance on the links with a pair of Ecco’s Biom H4 Erik van Rooyen edition. The South African player, known for wearing joggers, collaborated on the shoe’s sleek styling and outsole with colorful doodles of guitars and moustaches. Also included are the brand’s top features like Gore-Tex waterproof protection, plus materials and design to enhance grip, stability and support, $220, ecco.com
by Suzanne S. Brown
ALL THE EXTRAS The holidays are for indulging family and friends with luxuries, and G/Fore obliges with stylish accessories, including a cashmere blend scarf, $225, perfect for cool days on and off the course; and a logo bag, $320, that will hold the extras she needs to tote on a winter round; Belt, $75 gfore.com
HAT TRICKS
(C) COOL GEAR Pins and Aces Liquor Stick, $99.95, pinsandaces.com; Colorado State University putter cover, $44.99, and Air Force University golf towel, $29.99, pgasuperstore.com; Rectangular serving board, $175, BarefootBroncoWoodworking.com
The player who collects a hat for every new or marquee course he plays needs a place to keep the caps from getting dirty or crushed. Black Clover meets this need with the Hat Caddie, a zip case that stores up to six hats. $50. blackcloverusa.com
KEEPING WATCH Bushnell Golf’s ION Elite goes deeper, offering slope-compensated distances and features like maps with overhead views so the golfer can see how to play each hole. With simple graphics and a color touchscreen display, the watch is easy to read and has a 12-hour battery life in GPS mode. $200. bushnellgolf.com
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PRACTICE MAKES PUTTING Indoor putting practice gets more precise with the PuttOut Training Mat, an 8-foot long mat with alignment targets that simulates a medium-to-fast green and lets players work on aim and speed. It comes with a target hole shaped like a small ramp. When the ball is struck correctly, it rolls up the ramp and over the hole and back to the player. Mat and target, $100. rainorshinegolf.com
GAME ON
COOL CLOTHING PXG now also offers apparel. Gift-worthy pieces include the women’s designs as the mock neck, $145, and ruffle jersey skirt, $165; or the high-waisted bomber jacket, $295, and sidestriped joggers, $175. Visit pxg.com or 9030 E. Phillips Place, Suite 100, Centennial
The golfer who needs an activity when cold or wet weather keeps him off the links can play a board game. Play Nine is easy to learn and involves a little strategy as players draw and discard cards, make matches and try to lower their scores. $18 at retailers / playnine.com
STICKING POWER MagnetOwl makes a great stocking stuffer. The accessory comes with two strong magnetic ball markers, one chip-size and one small, $25, to put on either side of a towel. It attaches to anything metal, from a club to a bag or cart. The magnet duo is available on its own, $25, or as a towel and marker set, $35. magnetowl.com Suzanne S. Brown is the former fashion editor at The Denver Post.
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VA L I D U N T I L F E B R UA R Y 2 0 2 4 . S U N D AY T H U R S D AY. B A S E D O N D O U B L E O CC U PA N C Y. N O T VA L I D O N E XI S T I N G R E S E R VAT I O N S , WE E K E N D S , B L A C K O UT D AT E S O R H O L I D AYS . M A N A G E M E N T R E S E R VE S A L L R I G H T S .
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Nice Drives
By Isaac Bouchard
GAS POWER STILL HAS
KICK
Some of the latest entries show extreme gas efficiency is possible, even in SUVs Recently, we’ve highlighted some of the pure electric vehicles that will make the future brighter for those who love cars and driving. There are many challenges ahead if the majority of vehicles are to become EVs though, and however it goes down, we at least have the fortune of living in a time of absolutely incredible, gasoline-powered cars, trucks and SUVs, including the three highlighted here.
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2023 Range Rover Sport P400 SE Dynamic 2023 EPA Ratings: 18/26/21mpg 0-60mph: 5.7sec Price as tested: $100,085 | Rating: 4 Stars
Range Rover is now its own marque—part of the “House of Brands” that also includes Defender, Discovery and Jaguar. As the most prominent member of the Fab Four, this actually makes total sense, as Land Rover itself (as a brand) never became part of our Colonial zeitgeist. And, as the dynamically most talented member of the Range Rover family, this all-new Sport succeeds. It’s engaging to drive, fast enough even in its most basic form and boasts a lovely, reductionist interior design that sets it apart from competitors. Its looks are evolutionary, with smoother surfacing and (glass) glazing than before; perhaps the biggest giveaway are the new, horizontal taillights. Yet this Sport actually represents one of the biggest changes since the model debuted in 2005. An all-new, aluminum platform and thoroughly overhauled suspension mean there’s newfound talent in the handling department, that in no way undermines essential Rover refinement and comfort. This “Rangie” has excellent body control and direct, accurate steering. Its ride is lovely, considering the sheer size and mass of the 23-inch wheels—much better in fact than the outgoing model, which could feel still-legged. Entry-level Sports use a 3-liter inline six, available in two strengths. The model tested, a P400 Dynamic, is turbo- and supercharged. Surprisingly, there is a hint of lag when leaving the line; thankfully the handoff from one blower to another is seamless and 0-60 is dispatched in the mid-5s, so even this 395hp version can shift, as the Brits say. There’s also a 542hp plugin hybrid and, at the top of the lineup, the hotrod SV, with 626 horses. The Sport’s size is perfect for most, with enough room for the gear that makes one cool and a comfortable second row (not something the original could boast of). The sleekly longitudinal cockpit aesthetic works well thanks to great material quality and bright, beautiful graphics for the prominent 13.1in touchscreen and 13.7in digital instruments. The latest software, dubbed Pivi Pro, keeps getting better and more intuitive, too. For those daring enough to risk its bodywork, there is real off-road ability as well. This latest Sport is improved in almost every way and will undeniably help insure the continued desirability of Range Rover as a brand. INTERIOR OF P400 SE DYNAMIC//
2023 Grand Wagoneer L by Jeep
2023 EPA Ratings: 14/19/16mpg 0-60mph: 4.7sec Price as tested: $19,755 Or $113,095 | Rating: 4 Stars In The Beginning, there was the Suburban. Dating to the 1930s, it was the massive “utility” vehicle generally favored by well-healed folk who enjoyed outdoorsy pursuits. The original Jeep Wagoneer, which debuted in the early 60s, never played the supersize sweepstakes, though it was as nattily upper crust as any Ivy Leaguer in his plaid pants and blue blazer. These days, a long wheelbase (LWB) version of a fullsize SUV like the Navigator and Escalade is de rigueur. The reimagined, modern Grand Wagoneer, already sized XL, gains a longer version for this year and an amazing new engine. Its highlight till now was a stunning cabin overflowing with lovely lashings of real, Midcentury-inspired wood, leather and chrome. The GWL adds seven inches between the wheels and a foot more overall length, meaning enormous luggage capacity, what might be the most comfortable third row ever and even more stretch out room for the middle row’s occupants. The Grand Wagoneer’s pillowy ride is even better in the L, yet it still offers decent handling and has superb highway tracking. Passing performance is first-rate, too, thanks to a modern miracle of a motor, a 3-liter, twin turbo inline six cylinder called the Hurricane. The high-output version’s 510 horses and 500lb-ft of torque mean this 6,400 leviathan—which can also tow 9,000 pounds—can hurl itself to 60mph in under 5 seconds. The Hurricane HO even proffers somewhat sane fuel economy, with real-world highway numbers close to 20mpg. It was about time the Escalade, Denali and Navigator LWB machines got some real competition, and the Grand Wagoneer L provides it. With a panache all its own, it seems an excellent alternative to the Vader-esque Cadillac, the try-hard Lincoln and even the European three-row offerings.
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The interior of the 2023 Grand Wagoner L features a stunning cabin overflowing with lovely lashings of real, Midcentury-inspired wood, leather and chrome
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE
2023 EPA Ratings: 45/38/42mpg 0-60mph: n/a Price as tested: $36,659 | Rating: 4 Stars When the Corolla Cross debuted last year, it seemed a savvy play for Toyota: leverage the popularity of the Corolla name to move into rapidly growing segment. But as an entry-level crossover it was lacking; it seemed cheap inside and its 169 ponies meant it was underpowered, unrefined and inefficient. No longer: the hybrid version, with three electric motors, does frugality and fun. With a total of 196hp and copious low-down torque, this CC can hit 60 in 7.3—two seconds faster than the non-hybrid—and it has excellent highway passing power as well. EPA ratings verge on the unbelievable, but even real-world numbers are never less than mid-30s, no matter how one thrashes the CC. And those electric motors make the continuously variable gearbox less annoying.
COROLLA CROSS HYBRID//
Like most modern Toyota offerings, the Corolla Cross’ ride/handling balance is actually really pleasing. It’s supple enough to keep those inside from feeling the worst effects of what passes for pavement across the Front Range and it chews up mountain passes like a champ. Road and wind noise are adequately suppressed, and its seats (faux leather and cloth) are supportive and comfortable. Material quality is decent, too, though the vibe could be slightly less dour. Tech is more than adequate, with JBL sound, adaptive, LED headlights that shine around corners and most other essentials present and accounted for. But it’s the powertrain that shines here, combining frankly stellar economy with decent performance. Isaac Bouchard, Automotive Editor, owns Denver-based Bespoke Autos (isaac@bespokeautos.com; bespokeautos.com; 303-475-1462).
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INTERIOR OF COROLLA CROSS HYBRID//
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2024 Member Privileges. All rates include a cart unless specified. Visit coloradoavidgolfer.com/golf-passport 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. Unless otherwise stated, the golf offers are good from January 15, 2024 – December, 31 2024, 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 a grees that he or she is not entitled to any additional compensation. Colorado AvidGolfer disclaims all liability for damage or loss of property or injury to any person occurring while using the Golf Passport. If ordered online, please allow up to 10 days for delivery of your Golf Passport. Golf Passport membership includes a digital subscription to Colorado AvidGolfer with the option to opt-in to the mailing subscription for an additional fee. Members will also be subscribed to the Colorado AvidGolfer weekly newsletter list and can unsubscribe at any time. * Price for Golf Passports does not include $6.95 Shipping and Handling
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PHOTO PROVIDED BY: H&H VAIL
VAIL FOOD SCENE SOARS TO NEW HEIGHTS GOLFERS HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO SKI A LITTLE TOO; HERE ARE THE BEST VAIL HAS TO OFFER
By John Lehndorff Vail is a little like Cher, Oprah and Taylor - so famous that a one-word name says it all. Internationally, skiers and boarders have “Vail” etched on their alpine bucket lists. For serious foodies, “Vail” means prime dining time in the Colorado mountains. In the spring and fall, Vail and Beaver Creek get quiet and eateries shut down or reduce hours. Most are open in the summer, too. From November to March - while the celebrated champagne powder slopes are open, the all-star chefs are in the fully staffed kitchens to feed the hungry multitudes. The Vail Valley - including Avon, Edwards and Minturn - has undergone a post-pandemic culinary revival including Michelin Guide honors. Most of Vail’s familiar dining icons like Matsuhisa and ski-in Beano’s Cabin (which boasts a fresh new menu) are still thriving. However, diners are flocking to refreshing newcomers ranging from chef Richard Sandoval’s Stoke & Rye, a Colorado-inspired grill, in Avon, to health-inspired Wild Sage feeding the needs of highly active skiers, golfers and hikers up the valley in Eagle.
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The I-70 corridor towns are packed with dozens of eateries from fine dining to fast casual. To figure out where to grab some truly memorable meals, Colorado AvidGolfer consulted local insiders to answer the single most important question facing visiting couples, families and groups of friends: “WHERE DO YOU WANT TO EAT TONIGHT?” Kim Fuller has had a reserved table during Vail’s roller coaster dining evolution. “It’s exciting to see locals opening up these new establishments, and chefs come out with these amazing menus,” says Fuller, editor-in-chief of Vail’s Covered Bridge magazine. She has written about local fare for more than a decade. A one-of-a-kind high end immersive eatery on Vail’s Solaris Plaza is grabbing a lot of attention. “Chasing Rabbits has a super fun entertainment focus. You can sit down for a Mediterranean dinner then go down the rabbit hole and enjoy an arcade or the Prohibition-style nightclub. So, it’s great for families and also for late night dinner. It’s definitely unique to Vail,” Fuller says.
WINTER 2023
STOKE AND RYE, VAIL// PHOTO CREDIT: STOKE AND RYE
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THE RIGHT BITES PICKY VISITORS
FOR
VERY
Ashley Rasnick has built a career as a concierge property manager. She helps some very picky guests find exactly what they desire including where to eat based on their likes and dislikes. However, as a working person living in a pricey place like Vail, she also knows where to find good deals on great food and drink. “Many of our guests always try to get into top restaurants like Matsuhisa, Mountain Standard and also Hooked in Beaver Creek for seafood. If they can get reservations, they always report having great meals. I tell them there are many restaurants in the Valley where they can get a table and it’s not so expensive,” she says. An added plus in the towns of Avon, Edwards, Minturn and Eagle-Vail is easy access of I-70 and a precious rarity - free parking. “Italian” or “pizza” is often the answer to that big dining question, a cuisine where diverse tastes and diets can reach culinary if not political consensus. “Vail Village has fine dining Italian at La Nonna, but there’s also Alpine Pizza Company, a new take-out place in Lionshead that has good pan-style pizza. An old favorite is Vendettas – we go there for a slice after skiing,” Rasnick says.
Outside of Vail, Avon’s recently launched Fattoria is focused on rustic pasta dishes while the new Il Mago in Edwards is dishing artisan wood-fired sourdough pizzas made with organic flour. Ristorante Ti Amo in Eagle-Vail has a dedicated following for everything from panini to pasta puttanesca. “Ti Amo is dependable and very popular. They just opened a second location in Eagle,” Rasnick says. YES, AFFORDABLE DINING IN THE VAIL VALLEY! Meals that won’t break the bank are available if you know where to look. “If we get done skiing or mountain biking anywhere from Vail to Eagle, we make our way to Rocky Mountain Taco, a local taco truck chain that has a bunch of locations. The one at the Vail Brewing Company tasting room in Eagle-Vail is near the golf courses. That’s where you’ll see a lot of locals stop for a beer and good Mexican food,” Kim Fuller says. Avon also offers good bang for the buck in dining. “At Pho 20 you can get a huge bowl of Vietnamese noodles and broth big enough to share at the bar,” she says. You can even find cheaper eats in Vail Village. “My favorite place in to eat in Vail Village is El Segundo.
They have excellent tacos and margaritas. Any time my friends or family visit Vail, we go there during happy hour,” Rasnick says. APRES IS EVERYTHING IN VAIL “Apres” may be the single most cherished word in the Vail Valley and the state’s other ski towns. More than just a French-accented happy hour, apres is a state of mind in this part of the state of Colorado. “It’s post-golf, post-work, post-shopping but before dinner. Basically, it’s apres everything,” says Fuller. The appropriately named Apres Cafe at the Vail Racquet Club in East Vail fits that late-afternoon mood, Fuller says. It’s a family-friendly place with well-made burgers, pizzas and cocktails. Apres experts agree that one must-see destination for late-day drinks and snacks is The Remedy, the classy bar upstairs at the Four Seasons. “The Remedy is easy to recommend. You sit outside around these big firepits with a great view. One of the best treats is a mug of their signature hot chocolate,” Ashley Resnick says. Whiskey lovers know that the Four Seasons is also home to the Scottish-inspired Speyside Cafe, famous for a huge selection of Macallan single malts. Many of the same visitors also stroll to the 10th Mountain Distillery Tasting Room to sample award-winning Colorado spirits. Two consensus apres favorites are located in Edwards. “The Drunken Goat is really wonderful for paninis and charcuterie boards with a good happy hour,” Rasnick says. Nearby, Craftsman Brew Co. in its newly expanded quarters was made post-slope gatherings, according to Fuller. “Craftsman is a fun sit-down gastropub with lots of hearty, yummy options with a big menu of small plates,” she says. THE OLD IS THE NEW AGAIN IN MINTURN
MINTURN SALOON, VAIL// PHOTO CREDIT: MINTURN SALOON
The most charming of the towns on I-70 around Vail is Minturn which has become a dinner destination.
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For decades the centerpiece of the community was the historic Minturn Saloon, known for cold beer, hot enchiladas and a decidedly funky mountain atmosphere. After a total renovation, the establishment, originally built in 1901, has made a comeback.
STOKE AND RYE, VAIL// PHOTO CREDIT: STOKE AND RYE
“The owners have reopened and reimagined the Minturn Saloon. It’s the same style of cuisine but very elevated,” Kim Fuller says. Fresh on the menu are dishes like birria tacos and pork cheek tostadas. Down the street, a meaty tradition is maintained at the golf course-free Minturn Country Club. “We’ll go there when the family visits because it’s a cool experience. They get to cook their own steaks if they want to,” Rasnick says. Minturn’s other Mexican cuisine attractions include the brick-and-mortar flagship location of Rocky Mountain Taco. “We go to the Mexican Bar and Grill two or three times a month. Their salsas are truly phenomenal,” she says. Before you leave the town, make a stop at Vail Mountain Coffee & Tea. The roaster tucked away in a small business park offers fresh roasted beans, a serious tea selection and coffee cupping sessions can be scheduled with a master roaster in its tasting room.
More aVAILable Dining
WAKE UP AND SMELL THE BAGELS
Bob’s Place, Avon
Fueling for the slopes may require something more inspirational that the same-old scrambled egg buffet the hotels put out. Instead, locals recommend a handful of places worth braving Vail’s early morning chill. Topping the short list of a.m. spots everyone recommends is The Village Bagel with locations in Edwards and Gypsum. “They make everything by hand. It’s about as East Coast as you can get out here,” says Ashley Resnick. For fresh tastes, the must-visit choice is Hovey & Harrison, a combination cafe, bakery and market in Edwards. “Hover and Harrison is the best, especially for baked goods. It’s a wonderful place to meet for breakfast and lunch or get cookies and pastries to go,” Kim Fuller says. Avon’s Northside Kitchen has a split personality. It’s a cafe that dishes maple bacon doughnuts and house-baked English muffins by day and transforms into a sit-down bistro by night complete with an extensive wine list.
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Big sports bar with great wings
STOKE AND RYE, VAIL// PHOTO CREDIT: STOKE AND RYE
Other morning spots include East Vail’s West Side Cafe, the brunch-y Vintage in Vail Village, Avon’s kitschy Route 6 Cafe & Lounge and the Columbine Cafe & Bakery offering quiche Lorraine to apple strudel. Lunch at the latter spot always includes dessert. Finally, those feeling golf-deprived can work up a high-altitude sweat skiing the course at the Vail Nordic Center, the winter resident at the public Vail Golf Club. The Grill on the Gore is famous for its comfy soup, chili and cornbread buffet with all the fixings and many beer choices. Vail’s great gastronomic upgrade is far from done. Iron Chef America” star chef Makoto Okuwa has announced that he will debut a high-end sushi bar in the lobby of the Grand Hyatt Vail hotel at the end of January.
WINTER 2023
Kiwi International Delights, Avon
Great coffee plus ice cream and gelato with many vegan choices
Gashouse, Edwards Wild game headquarters
La Tour Restaurant, Vail Classic French cuisine
Elway’s, Vail
Big steaks with big reds
Leonora, Vail
Latin American fare in an Instagram-able space
Pepi’s Restaurant, Vail Classic hearty Austrian fare
Osaki’s, Vail
Sushi and Japanese cuisine
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The Vail Valley - including Avon, Edwards and Minturn has undergone a postpandemic culinary revival including Michelin Guide honors. Diners are flocking to refreshing newcomers ranging from chef Richard Sandoval’s Stoke & Rye, a Coloradoinspired grill, in Avon
John Lehndorff has written about food in Colorado since the 1980s. He is the former Food Editor of the Boulder Daily Camera and Dining Critic of the Rocky Mountain News. He writes Nibbles for the Boulder Weekly and hosts Radio Nibbles.
New Look, New PLace Our newly renovated hotel is waiting for you. With free, thoughtfully sourced breakfast, a Cozy Corner with sectional sleepover sofa, and a 24/7 menu, it’s easy to see how our place has been redesigned entirely around you. Hyatt Place Denver-South / Park Meadows 9030 East Westview Road Lone Tree, CO 80124 +1 303 662 8500 hyattplacepm.com Hyatt® and Hyatt Place® and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation or its affiliates. © 2021 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.
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SANCTUARY in the SONORAN
Fairmont Princess, next door to ‘The People’s Open,’ is a great base for Scottsdale golf visit and more By Jim Bebbington
Tucked into the northeast corner of the Phoenix area, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort this winter offers access to great golf and a peacefull retreat to relax. They call it the ‘Sanctuary in the Sonoran’ and back it up. The resort offers rooms, suites and casitas throughout its 65-acre grounds. The resort features six heated swimming pools, including the Sonoran Splash pool complex with water slides and an adults-only pool for those seeking a quieter retreat. Guests can indulge in the Well & Being Spa, a fitness center, tennis courts, and a variety of on-site restaurants. The resort’s family-friendly programs include a kids’ club, seasonal camps, and activities to make sure everyone in the family enjoys their stay. The resort opened in 1987 and adds amenities routinely to stay up-to-date. It makes for a complete experience – spa, dining and activities – or as a launch-point for visits to nearby Sedona, the Sonoran Desert
the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff and all the dining, culture and attractions that Phoenix offers. Winter is the resort’s high season, with temperatures dipping cool at night but rallying into the beautiful 70s almost every day. The resort’s keystone event, Christmas at the Princess, kicks off the season; nearly the entire complex is converted into a holiday delight with activities, ice rinks, light displays and other attractions.
The Golf Connection Scottsdale is ground-zero for great golf. But the Fairmont Princess experience begins and ends with the TPC complex next-door and its’ two championship courses.
FAIRMONT PRINCESS// PHOTO CREDIT: FAIRMONT PRINCESS
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WINTER 2023
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SandHollowResort.com | (844) 404-3260 coloradoavidgolfer.com 37
TPC’s Stadium Course is home to the ‘People’s Open’ – the Waste Management Phoenix Open and its iconic stadium par 3, No. 16. The rest of us can play TPC year-round except tournament week, which this year is Feb. 5 to 11. The trick about playing the course is that while the Stadium Course is always a good test, the stadium itself is there only in the weeks around the tournament. Players wanting to get the full experience should look for tee times in late January and as soon after the tournament is over as possible. Grayhawk’s Raptor or Talon courses are a five minute drive away. Raptor tips out at more than 7,200 yards and the complex hosted the NCAA Championships for three years. The undulating green complexes provide a challenge. All of Scottsdale, Mesa and Phoenix courses are available and several of the region’s country clubs, including the nearby Epic Golf Club, offer reciprocity tee times to members of Colorado private golf clubs.
FAIRMONT PRINCESS// PHOTO CREDIT: FAIRMONT PRINCESS
TPC Scottsdale is the neighboring course to Scottsdale Princess. Its Stadium Course is home to the ‘people’s Open’ - The Waste Management Phoenix Open and its iconic stadium par 3, No. 16
Winter Deals at Fairmont Princess Fairmont Golf Getaway Peak Season: For each day you stay at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess can earn you a $150 credit towards golf at either the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course or the nearby GrayHawk Courses – Raptor or Talon. The offer is open through the winter, until May 25. Foodies may lean into the Sip, Savor and Celebrate package. The package is aimed at couples seeking to celebrate together and includes a $100 daily resort credit. The Miracle of Lights Package is for resort travelers interested in the holiday season beauty. The 2-night package offers admission to the Christmas at the Princess events, as well as ice skating. The resort is transformed into a winter getaway with 6.5 million lights. For the ultimate in privacy, the resort is offering the Privado More Package, with lodging at the Privado Villas – the resort-within-a-resort. The packages evolve over the winter – offering either a 4th night free or a 5th night free. The Couple’s Celebration Package offers $100 credit per room to use throughout the resort as well as discounts at the spa, classes, the treatment and rooftop pools. The Bed and Breakfast Package offers one night lodging and daily breakfast at the Ironwood American Kitchen or the Toro Latin Restaurant and Rum bar.
HOLE #16 WASTE MANAGEMENT PHOENIX OPEN// PHOTO CREDIT: WASTE MANAGEMENT PHOENIX OPEN
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The
Bro dmoor a
and the Colorado Escape By Jim Bebbington
Experience the region’s premier resort – and golf in winter
FOR MORE
than 100 years a small corner of Colorado Springs, tucked against the foothills of the Cheyenne Mountains, has been a special gathering space. Golfers. Vacationers. Movie stars. The spa-curious. Wedding parties. Quinceanera, bar mitzvah and birthday celebrants. Literal royalty. 14er summiters who also like to sleep on 600-threadcount Egyptian cotton sheets. Diamond wedding anniversary couples. Just-make-me-feel-specialfor-a-long-weekend escapees. The Broadmoor staff has welcomed them all. Many of the guests are known by one name: Arnold. (Prince) Harry. Rockefeller. Venus. Peyton. Sir Elton. Ike.
Many pull up to the front gates to be greeted by an attendant who knows they are arriving that day. They golf on the two courses which are maintained at such a high standard a USGA major can be brought to the grounds with only minor tweaks. They wander about the lake at the center of the resort wearing plush white bathrobes.
One couple, millennials, stepped outside from the doors of the spa wearing the white plushy robes that are the campus uniform. “That was the greatest experience of my life,” the young woman murmured to her companion as they walked off into the twilight toward the lake. Such is the power of The Broadmoor.
True story: In late November, as more than 500 people gathered in The Broadmoor for the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame, scores of other guests read in the libraries, enjoyed the pools, walked the grounds, bowled, sampled cocktails, and breathed deeply. coloradoavidgolfer.com 41
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2024 COLORADO GOLF HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
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Winter Gatherings
The Home of Colorado Golf
The Broadmoor is at its busiest in the summer, but this winter the resort is offering extra incentive for visitors to give it a taste. As the snows fall across the front range, The Broadmoor goes into overdrive to offer value for its visitors. There are worse places to be holed up in during a storm.
The Broadmoor’s two championship golf courses are part of the package, even in the winter. If the weather cooperates, winter guests can play nine holes, paying only a cart-fee. The courses have long put The Broadmoor on the list of must-visit resorts. But this spring, after an extensive renovation, the facility’s golf and spa building became the new home to the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame.
“What we always try to stay focused on is the legacy of the property and being the longest-running five-diamond, five-star resort,” said Scott Flexman, The Broadmoor’s vice president of sales and marketing. The Broadmoor campus and its wilderness and mountainside camps amount to more than 5,000 acres. There are 784 rooms, suites and cottages, the spa, a racquet complex for tennis and pickleball, 23 retail boutiques, ten restaurants and as many libraries, galleries and lounges dotted across the complex. The resort has been owned since 2011 by The Anschutz Corporation. This winter the resort is offering a host of amenities. With more than 200,000 square feet of exhibit space, The Broadmoor gets its share of the convention traveler – the rest of the year is when they hope to bring those visitors back on vacations. The holiday season at the resort is filled with dinners, lights and peaceful vibes. The first months of the new year the experience is similar, but the room rates are lower making the winter the perfect time for the first-time experience. “You can still enjoy the Colorado escape,” Flexman said.
“We’ve had three big events here this year – the opening of the museum in April, our golf tournament in July and 50th Anniversary gala dinner to honor all 148 people who are in the hall,” said Mark Passey, vice president of the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame. “The fact that there is a place of this caliber and this quality in the state – it’s about golf and high standards and they’re willing to have us here and all this built-in traffic it was a complete win for us to have our museum here.” The installation is beyond belief, and there may not be another example like it anywhere in the country. Nearly 40 living members of the Hall were on hand in November, some seeing it for the first time. Hale Irwin, a three-time U.S. Open champ who went to high school and college in Boulder, said he could barely believe the level of execution for the Hall. “I guess I’m overwhelmed a little bit by the effort that’s been put in to feature Colorado golf and to be a small part of the history of golf in Colorado I’m quite honored,” he said.
“To see some of the exploits and some of the other things some of the other recipients have done.” Irwin said that as special as the artifacts and exploits of the golfers being honored, he said he cannot help but think about how he and they all got there. “Let’s not forget – it’s not just the honorees,’ he said. “There’s a lot of people out there who are a support system to all of that. I couldn’t have done what I’ve done without the support of my family, some of whom are here tonight. I might have a picture on the wall but there’s a bigger story behind that with all the people up there. That’s the story to me. Everybody has a support system that has enabled them to go do their thing. That’s what impresses me.” Golf architect Jim Engh, who designed Fossil Trace Golf Club and one of the finest mountain courses on earth – The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa in Grand Junction, came out of a tour of the Hall amazed. “They’ve taken it to another level,” he said. As one year ends and another season begins, The Broadmoor remains an innovative experience for visitors, with every intention of remaining so for years to come. “We have never wavered on that; the legacy of the Broadmoor will carry on just as it has 105 years ago,” Flexman said.
“
What we always try to stay focused on is the legacy of the property and being the longest-running five-diamond, five-star resort
coloradoavidgolfer.com 43
LYNN ZMISTOWSKI//
BILL LOEFFLER//
Broadmoor Special Section COLORADO HALL OF FAME 50th ANNIVERSARY GALA & DINNER
An evening TO REMEMBER photos by Colorado AvidGolfer Past and present greats of Colorado golf, along with several prominent members of the industry, gathered at The Broadmoor Nov. 18th, celebrating the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame’s 50th Anniversary. This star-studded salute to this year’s inductees, their accomplishments and the colorful history of Colorado golf produced a gala to remember for years to come. ALAN ABRAMS//
AWARDS DINNER AND GALA//
JIM ENGH//
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TOM GREEN HOSTS THE FIRESIDE CHAT WITH HALE IRWIN, STEVE JONES, HOLLIS STACY AND CRAIG STADLER.//
TOM WOODARD//
CRAIG STADLER//
BOB WEBSTER & STEVE JONES//
CLAYTON COLE//
coloradoavidgolfer.com 45
The
LION in WINTER When the snows cooperate, The Broadmoor Golf Club goes year-round
By Jim Bebbington
The Broadmoor Golf Club’s bona fides go back more than a century, and despite multiple generations of advances in golf equipment technology the courses remain an outstanding test – for civilians as well as the top pros. The resort’s original course, designed in 1918, came from the mind of architect Donald Ross. Ross plied his trade primarily east of the Mississippi and is known for designing courses in which the greens are the defense of the course. So more than 100 years later, how is that philosophy adjusting to today’s space-ship shaped putters? Just fine. “I’ve putted off the greens here, as recently as three weeks ago,” Russ Miller, The Broadmoor’s director of golf, said this fall. The Broadmoor’s East 18 is the track that is considered the most challenging and includes nine of Ross’ original holes with nine created later by Robert Trent Jones Sr. It can be stretched out to nearly 7,400 yards – although numerous other options exist – and is The Broadmoor’s highest test. That is why the USGA has hosted eight championships at the facility, seven of them on the East Course, and plans to return in 2025 with another U.S. Senior Open. As the years have come and gone, The Broadmoor’s superintendents made plenty of modifications. That is why the resort, in 2005, went back to the original drawings and brought the sand traps and greens back into the alignment Ross originally intended. The redesign did make one major concession to modern technology, however – moving bunker complexes further down fairways to more closely challenge where today’s big hitters are landing their tee shots.
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Miller is proud of the work they’ve done to keep the courses competitive and fun. He said Jack Nicklaus has said The Broadmoor greens are among the finest in the world. “The first putt I looked at out there I thought it was going to break this way (right) and it broke 3 feet the other way and I said ‘Whoops,’ “ Nicklaus told the USGA in 2018. “I had to spend some time out there before the tournament (the 1959 U.S. Amateur) to learn the greens.” “I ended up really enjoying playing at altitude; I thought it was fun,” Nicklaus told the USGA in 2018. “It was one of the courses that taught me to prepare. If you prepare properly you’re ahead of the game against the guys you’re playing with. If you’re not going to prepare and you go out there guessing, you’re not going to beat someone.” Nicklaus’ victory at The Broadmoor in the 1959 U.S. Amateur was his first national title and first major championship.
PLAY THE BROADMOOR THIS WINTER From now through April 3, 2024, guests of The Broadmoor get complimentary greens fees on the resorts course, weather-permitting. So long as the snows stay away – or melt off – visitors can experience winter room rates and golf. Cart fees are extra.
USGA CHAMPIONSHIPS AT THE BROADMOOR GOLF CLUB • 1959 U.S. Amateur (East): Jack Nicklaus • 1962 Curtis Cup Match (East): USA def. Great Britain and Ireland
Hank Thompson, the senior director of the U.S. Senior Open for the USGA, said they are bringing the tournament back to The Broadmoor in 2025 because the facility so perfectly fulfills their needs – from rooms and parking and site access for fans to golf experience for the players. “I played this summer at The Broadmoor and it put me in my place,” Thompson said. A Ross fan, Thompson and Miller worked this summer to go over the grounds and list any changes that might be necessary for next year. Their conclusion – just grow the rough a little higher, and Broadmoor East is ready to go.
• 1967 U.S. Amateur (West): Robert B. Dickson • 1982 U.S. Women’s Amateur (South): Juli Simpson Inkster • 1995 U.S. Women’s Open (East): Annika Sorenstam • 2008 U.S. Senior Open (East): Eduardo Romero • 2011 U.S. Women’s Open (East): So Yeon Ryu • 2018 U.S. Senior Open (East): David Toms • 2025 U.S. Senior Open (East) June 26-29, 2025
COOL AS ICE
With golf and hockey, Eric Schaupeter thinks he has the best of both worlds. He makes great shots and saves a few as well. Story by Mike Chambers Photos by John Leyba The assistant professional at the University of Denver Golf Club at Highlands Ranch plays the links nearly every day at a 2-handicap. And when he gets lucky during Avalanche season – often the days he can’t golf because of inclement weather -- he gets the call to try to stop shots by the best NHL players around. The 54-year-old Detroit native is the veteran among Avalanche emergency practice goalies. He steps in the crease when one of the club’s two goalies is injured or taking what is referred as a “maintenance” day. Schaupeter was first “hired” by legendary Avs goalie Patrick Roy in the spring of 1997, a couple years after they met at Castle Pines Golf Club, where Schaupeter was working as a caddie master. Roy was golfing with his agent. Schaupeter and another employee made it a foursome. “I rode with Patrick. I knew, obviously, who Patrick was, and being a goalie, I’m riding with Patrick,” Schaupeter demanded. “Spending four hours with him on the golf course and talking to him, asking questions, and telling him my history about hockey growing up in Detroit, is where that all started.” Schaupeter, 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, says he skates with the Avs 15-30 times a season when available. The contacts in his cell phone includes a litany of current and former Avs – men he has golfed with or given lessons to their family members for more than 25 years.
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“You get to know them and they all find out that I’m a golf pro and they’re all golfers,” Schaupeter said. “They want to do what I’m doing and I want to do what they’re doing. That’s the funniest part. It’s amazing because that was the connection.” Schaupeter was golfing with Roy at Cherry Creek Country Club in April of 2003, two days before the 2006 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee publicly announced his retirement. Roy told Schaupeter “he was done” before he informed many other teammates and friends. And Schaupeter was golfing with former Avs goalie Peter Budaj in 2011 at Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club when his agent called to tell him his free-agent signing with the Montreal Canadiens was finalized. “I’ve seen a lot on the golf course with these guys,” Schaupeter said. “It’s like being on the inside of the inside with the team.”
Schaupeter with two of his clients at the University of Denver Golf Club -
Brett Clark, 20-year
professional hockey player and former Avalanche defenseman, and 14-year Avalanche great and Olympic golf medalist Milan Hejduk.
Schaupeter gets extra attention at hockey practices because his goalie mask is painted with a golf ball. “It’s Titleist. It’s got the PGA logo on it,” he said. “They loved it and I became the golf guy. ‘Can I come see you? Yeah, here’s my card.’ It was an instant segue to everybody. The new guys would come in and get to know me as the golf guy -- the practice goalie who is a golf pro.” Schaupeter began his first stint at Highlands Ranch Golf Club in 1998 and held similar positions at Meridian Golf Club and Red Rocks Country Club before becoming the head pro at Heritage Eagle Bend. He has forged deep bonds in golf and hockey with retired Avs such as Milan Hejduk and Brett Clark. They are among a large group of former NHLers still living in the area. Schaupeter sat next to Hejduk at the Avs’ practice facility in Centennial throughout the star forward’s 14-year career. “It’s a seat with an obstructed view but right next to Milan, who was on the end. That was his spot forever, so that’s how I got to know Milan so well,” Schaupeter said. “He was awesome,” said Hejduk, who lives in the Denver suburbs. “We welcomed anyone Patty recommended. You don’t want to shoot on an empty net. He made some saves here and there. He’s a great guy, obviously, and we’ve become really good friends.” A successful NHL goalie has a save percentage above .900. Hejduk said Schaupeter’s average success was “.400 or .500, maybe higher.” “But we’re just happy he’s there and you don’t have to put a Shooter Tutor up.” Clark, the defenseman who began a six-year stint with the Avs in 2003, is a member at DU Golf Club at Highlands Ranch. He and Schaupeter are inseparable at the course. “My first memory of Schaupy was when I was an extra (black ace) in the playoffs with the Avalanche and here walks in this goalie and the young kid I am, I’m ‘Who’s this guy.’ Then he comes around and introduces himself and we’re just like, ‘This is going to be an easy day,’” Clark said. “He makes a couple glove saves on us and then he starts ripping into me, saying ‘Jeepers, I thought you could actually play in this league.’ The bantering goes back and forth, and that’s where the competition and friendship began with Schaupy.”
“I’VE SEEN A LOT ON THE GOLF COURSE WITH THESE GUYS. IT’S LIKE BEING ON THE INSIDE OF THE INSIDE WITH THE TEAM.” coloradoavidgolfer.com 49
He added: “We’d always go out every day after practice in the golf world. He was working out at Eagle Bend and he would let us come out and play. And we’d help him out when he wanted to go to hockey games. We kept that connection with hockey and golf. His work ethic is next to none. I’ve learned from him throughout my career the amount of work he put in to get better in hockey and golf.” Schaupeter’s first skate with the Avs was in the spring of 1997 following three consecutive losses. Roy anticipated that coach Bob Hartley was going to punish his players with a “bag skate.” So Roy announced that he wouldn’t practice and summoned Schaupeter. “We did the full 45-minute practice and Hartley skates down to my end and says, ‘Hey, I’m going to skate these guys for a little bit because we’ve lost three games in a row and they need a little attention-getting, so if you want to jump off you don’t have to do this,’” Schaupeter said. “So I skate off and sit on the bench, just resting, but Footie (defenseman Adam Foote) skates over and says, ‘When you practice with the team we’re not done yet.’ So I got off the bench, climbed over the boards and Hartley skates by and says, ‘I thought you might change your mind.’ “Well, this bag skate lasted 45 minutes. It was unbelievable. I was so tired. That was my first experience with the guys, and afterward in the locker room, they all came up high-fiving me, congratulating me, saying ‘Way to go, you didn’t die.’” Indeed, the Golf Guy has been with the Avalanche ever since.
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Former Avalanche goalie and NHL Hall of Famer Patrick Roy, photographed in 2013, got PGA teaching professional Eric Schaupeter into working as a back-up practice goalie… mostly on days when Roy did not feel like practicing. Photo from AvidGolfer archives by Steve Deschênes
A WINTER’S HAVEN Arizona’s second city, Tucson, provides first-class experience By Jim Bebbington
There’s a saying Willie Nelson gets credit for: There are two kinds of men in the world; men who have a crush on Linda Ronstadt and men who haven’t met her yet. The same can be said of Ronstadt’s hometown – Tucson, Arizona. Tucson is the laid-back, chiller, more cultural locale to Arizona’s bigger, louder and busier capital of Phoenix. A two-hour drive south from Phoenix, Tucson has an entirely different vibe. With winter upon us, there is no better time to give Tucson a try. It is home to more than 40 golf courses, topflight resorts, nearly perfect weather in the winter and vibrant arts, great food, hiking, biking and other amenities. Tucson is worth meeting.
PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT TUCSON//
coloradoavidgolfer.com 53
FIRST THINGS FIRST, HOW’S THE GOLF? As much as Colorado can be said to be a wintertime golf state in most years, in Tucson it’s a guarantee. Spring and Fall are when Tuscon blooms, but winter is a temperate, clear and beautiful time of year. The courses around Tucson provide a host of diverse challenges. There are many high-end resorts in town with their stay-and-play packages. In addition, courses open to the public throughout the city have hosted PGA and state tournaments and can give any handicap a challenge. For members of private Colorado clubs it is well worth your time to check on whether there are sharing arrangements with any of the city’s non-public courses, some of which are on par with Cherry Hills and the best of the Centennial State. Sewailo Golf Club at Casino Del Sol – The course adjacent to the Casino Del Sol is the home course for the University of Arizona Wildcats. casinodelsol.com/sewailo-golf-club Arizona National – The public Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed course is considered one of the best courses in Arizona. arizonanationalgolfclub.com Omni Tucson National Golf Club – The public course is part of the Omni Tucson National Resort and Spa. Stay-and-play packages are available and it is also open to day-trippers. The course is another long-time host of the PGA Tour’s former Tucson Open. tucsonnational.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF OMNI TUCSON NATIONAL//
Randolph Park North Golf Course and the Dell Urich Golf Course– The two courses share a location. The city-owned Randolph Park opened in 1925 and Troon-operated Dell Urich is the result of a 1996 renovation of what was previously the Randolph South Golf Course. Both courses have hosted numerous PGA and LPGA stops. Troon Card members get a discount at both courses. tucsoncitygolf.com. Starr Pass Golf Club– With 27 holes designed by Arnold Palmer, the complex is another former home of the Tucson Open. The club is public and Troon managed and is part of the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa. Marriott.com
Ventana Canyon Golf and Lodge – The resort offers two 18-hole courses – the Mountain and Canyon courses – and provides a great test, designed by Tom Fazio. The Mountain Course is home to the famous ‘million dollar par 3’ the No. 3 hole which requires a shot over an absolutely bananas array of cacti and which cost a reported $1 million to build. ventanacanyonclub.com La Paloma Country Club– With 27 holes on three nines - Hill, Canyon, and Ridge – the courses were designed by Jack Nicklaus and make extensive use of the surrounding desert. It is frequently ranked among the top resort courses in the country. lapalomacc.com/golf El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Club– The complexes three courses – Conquistador, Ca˜nada and Pusch Ridge include saguaro hillsides and desert terrain in sight of the Catalina Mountains. elcongolf.com PHOTO COURTESY OF TUBAC GOLF RESORT//
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Omni Tucson National Golf Club – The public course is part of the Omni Tucson National Resort and Spa. Stay-and-play packages are available and it is also open to day-trippers. The course is another long-time host of the PGA Tour’s former Tucson Open. Tubac Golf Resort and Spa – A 45 minute drive down Interstate 19 from Tucson, Tubac Golf Resort and Spa dates to 1959 and was the film location for portions of the movie Tin Cup. Tubacgolfresort.com. There are no shortage of places in Tucson from which to watch beautiful sunsets. The sun dipping behind the Tucson Mountain range west of the city puts on a show nearly every night. But cocktail-hour golf – with drives and finishing holes done at twilight – is simply magnificent.
ARIZONA BOWL PHOTO COURTESY OF AIR FORCE ACADEMY//
TUCSON JAZZ FESTIVAL PHOTO COURTESY OF TUCSON JAZZ FEST//
THE SIGHTS, SOUNDS AND TASTES OF TUCSON One group of Colorado football fans may be making a sojourn to Tucson in late December. We don’t want to risk jinxing a good thing, but golfers who moonlight as fans of the Air Force Academy’s Falcons may be visiting Tucson for the Dec. 30 Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. The Falcons tore through the first half of their season and if the team stays on pace could represent their league, the Mountain West Conference, in the Dec. 30 Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl, played at the University of Arizona’s stadium. If you’re going to be visiting the campus anyway, you should consider playing the Wildcat’s home course – Sewailio Golf Club, part of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe enterprises Casino Del Sol complex. Then beginning in mid-January, the Tucson Jazz Festival takes over downtown. Performances run throughout the city through Jan. 20 and can add a perfect nightlife scene after a day of golf. Performers scheduled for this winter include Arturo Sandoval and the Delbert Anderson Quartet, and concerts include both ticketed and free events. TucsonJazzFestival.Org
It may be time for a hike or bike excursion through the surrounding desert. Tucson is situated near Saguaro National Park, Coronado National Forest and state, national and local canyons and parks which provide breathtaking views. Sabino Canyon is one of the most popular locales, with falls and dams overflowing with water during the late-winter snow melt from nearby mountains. Tucson punches well above its weight-class in culinary circles. The region is home to about 1 million people – one-third that of Denver – but has such a vibrant restaurant scene it was granted the title of City of Gastronomy, a designation by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Top destinations include Bata (BataTucson.com); Charro Steak & Del Ray (Charrosteak.com), Mariscos Chihuahua on Grande (Mariscoschihuahua.com), Tito & Pep (Titoandpep.com) and Anello Pizza (Anello.Space).
BLOODY MARY PHOTO COURTESY OF BAJA CAFE//
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Dos Amigos of Cabo Golf
By Jeff Wallach
Twenty years ago, a perfect day in Los Cabos, Mexico, might have included hanging upside down from a fishhook in a certain harborside bar while a waitress poured tequila down your throat. These days it transpires far from the crowds, at the welcoming Quivira Golf Club, crafted amidst sweeping dunes, granite cliffs, imposing cardon cacti, and desert foothills at the tippy tip of the Baja Peninsula.
HOLE #14 QUIVIRA GOLF CLUB// PHOTO CREDIT: JON WHITTLE
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The wildlands lying on both the Pacific side and the Sea of Cortez sides of Cabo have filled in with a portfolio of world-class family resorts and the golf courses that love them — Quivira among the best of them.
Pacifica is a beachside adultsonly all-inclusive luxury resort with five restaurants, elegant spa, two pools, and more, all at a relaxing distance from the orchestrated chaos of Cabo
The par-three sixth, following, capers along the cliff edge as well, and anything hit left will land on someone’s sandcastle. Blind shots, massive dunes, eminently puttable greens, and the opportunity to use the ground creatively make this seaside beauty among Jack’s best. Beside the aforementioned holes characterized by high levels of drama, you’ll love No. 10, a par five that tempts a long carry shot past a pot bunker on the safe side of stunning desert wasteland. From there it’s a downhill romp to the green, which may be reachable in two.
HOLE #6 QUIVIRA GOLF CLUB// PHOTO CREDIT: JON WHITTLE
PUEBLO BONITO PACIFICA BEACH BEDS// PHOTO CREDIT: HUNTER PUBLIC RELATIONS
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Jack Nicklaus delivered one of the most impressive performances of his career by creating an immensely playable and downright fun layout represented well by the fifth hole— a 310-yard adventure with the reachable (though not by average golfers!) green clinging to the side of a cliff like a nervous rock climber. Shorter hitters can still punch a perfect running draw with a rescue club at a scythe of fairway that will feed the ball way downhill to the hole. Or not.
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On its surface, Quivira appears to be a desert course beside the ocean, or an ocean course that plays through the desert. But the key to unraveling its secrets is to recognize that it’s actually a mountain course that happens to play through an oceanside desert. Seen from a boat off shore, several holes seem to defy physics as they stick to cliff sides. Additional excellence is provided by a series of comfort stations en route along the golf journey — thatched oases serving up fresh cuisine and cocktails, all of which are included in green fees. But the best news of all at Quivira is that Jack and friends are headed back to Cabo to design a second inland course to complement the first. And if Quivira’s top-notch everything is any indication, you’ll complement it too. Après golf, enjoy the digs at one of two Pueblo Bonito hotels a quick shuttle ride away. Pacifica is a beachside adults-only all-inclusive luxury resort with five restaurants, elegant spa, two pools, and more, all at a relaxing distance from the orchestrated chaos of Cabo — which is always accessible via taxi if you happen to crave a little more action.
UNSPOILED. UNRIVALED.
UNBELIEVABLE. 36 HOLES | PLAY SAGUARO & CHOLLA The Coore/Crenshaw-designed Saguaro course (No. 1) and the Scott Miller-designed Cholla course (No. 9) have made Golfweek’s Top-10 Best You Can Play for a decade. And you can experience both within a 3-day period with the 36-hole package. Located minutes from Scottsdale, Arizona in the pristine Sonoran Desert of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.
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Opening holes climb through arroyos and a cactus forest as the course traverses three distinct ecosystems and offers oceans views from every hole. Norman built the layout with a philosophy of least disturbance to the natural attributes of the site.
Only a single word currently prevents Cabo from being among the top golf destinations on the planet: reciprocity. Which is to say, while the area is replete with fine hotels for every price range, drool-inducing restaurants, scenic wonders, and some stunningly good golf, the current state of affairs will only allow you to play those courses affiliated with your chosen resort.
The favorite hole of Head Golf Professional Mario Navarro may be number fourteen, but only if he’s forced to choose. The 444-yard par four cuts between two massive dunes, hiding the ocean that you know lies just beyond. The way he played during a recent round they should all be his favorite —birdies and pars rained from the otherwise sunny skies.
West around the bottom of Baja is the welcoming enclave of The Grand Solmar Resort and accompanying Rancho San Lucas Golf Course — a perfect family retreat with glorious suites, villas, private homes, an adults-only pool, water slides for the kids, and movies, karaoke, spa and cabanas. Add a friendly, relaxed vibe and great food at Anica Restaurant, and you’ve discovered a perfect hideaway. The carefully and gently crafted Greg Norman golf course is the only layout in Latin America to feature revetted bunkers — here built from artificial soccer field turf and thin layers of concrete, but as beautiful as the layers of sod at St. Andrews. You’d never guess at their construction unless you nose right up and feel them.
Holes 12 to 18 are especially impressive as they play from high up inland and stair step down to the beach. The course concludes with an island green at number seventeen and a par-five finale that seems to stretch about a half-million yards uphill and into the wind. If you par it from the back tees, treat yourself to a fine tequila — which you should probably sip while sitting right side up. PUEBLO BONITO PACIFICA BEACH POOLSIDE SERVICE// PHOTO CREDIT: HUNTER PUBLIC RELATIONS
When compiling those must-play lists of the “best” golf courses, raters and reviewers should factor in the tamales served by one of Rancho San Lucas’s several comfort stations located along the course, which also features massive, pristine greens averaging over 10,000 sq. ft., little rough (unless you shank one into the desert), few forced carries, and an overall rugged, natural look that makes you feel you’ve embarked upon a wild golf adventure.
PHOTO CREDIT: GRAND SOLMAR RESORT//
GOLF GRAND SOLMAR Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean from every hole on the golf course. Only 15 minutes from Cabo San Lucas, this championship golf course is located next to Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes Resort Golf & Spa. This resort was ranked #3 for
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“Best Golf Resorts” in Mexico and Central America
HOLE #14 RANCHO SAN LUCAS// PHOTO CREDIT: HUNTER PUBLIC RELATIONS PHOTO CREDIT: GRAND SOLMAR RESORT//
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Golfers will do well to follow the Quivira experience by driving further west around the bottom of Baja to the welcoming enclave of The Grand Solmar Resort and accompanying Rancho San Lucas Golf Course — a perfect family retreat with glorious suites, villas, private homes, an adults-only pool, water slides for the kids, and movies, karaoke, spa and cabanas. Add a friendly, relaxed vibe and great food at the Anica Restaurant, and you’ve discovered a perfect hideaway.
PHOTO CREDIT: GRAND SOLMAR RESORT
62 COLORADO AVIDGOLFER
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Blind Shot
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COLORADO’S FIRST RODEO
Rodeo Dunes Founders Get First Look By Jon Rizzi
CHRIS KEISER// PHOTO CREDIT: JOSHUA GRIFFLER
PHOTO CREDIT: JOSHUA GRIFFLER
Augusta. Pebble. Cherry. There are some exceptional places with which golfers are on a first-name basis. “Bandon”—the six-course golf mecca along the southern Oregon coast formally known as Bandon Dunes Golf Resort—ranks among those. “Rodeo Dunes” may soon join that club. At least that’s the consensus among 51 of the first members—dubbed founders—of Rodeo Dunes. It is the latest creation from the golf visionaries—Michael and Chris Keiser of Dream Golf—whose celebrated courses at Bandon Dunes, Cabot Links in Canada’s Maritimes, and Sand Valley in Central Wisconsin have tee times booked out more than a year in advance. Set on nearly 4,000 acres of dramatic dunes near the Roggen exit on I-76, roughly 50 miles from downtown Denver and just 42 miles from Denver International Airport, Rodeo Dunes will debut its first course next fall or early in 2025. Its second one should open shortly after. It’s a coin toss as to whether the layout designed by Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw or the one designed by associate Jim Craig will see the first rounds. That sequence didn’t seem to make a difference to the members who convened in late October on the patio of the Mountain Pass Sports Bar at Gaylord Rockies in Aurora. From London to Laguna Niguel and points in between, these golf aficionados came to meet and mingle, to chat with Coore, Craig, brothers Michael and Chris Keiser, and to get to know each other.
64 COLORADO AVIDGOLFER
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“You’re witness to the beginnings of a club,” the Dream Golf VP of Marketing & Communications Tom Ferrell said, referring to the event as “the first ‘Founders Roundup.’ ” Although Rodeo will be a public/resort development, it has offered 200 Founders memberships at $75,000 apiece, with annual dues of $5,000. Fewer than half of those memberships remain available—and not a yard of dirt has been moved yet. Founder Program Director Joshua Evenson said benefits of being a Founder member of Rodeo Dunes begin with access to the complex’s six courses, something that will likely be very hard to come by. Dream Golf’s courses at Bandon and Sand Valley are booked years out for non-members. Founders will also get preferred tee times, member-only events, and more. Plus, Evenson says, members are allowed to transfer memberships once to a daughter, son or other family member, so it can stay in the family for a second generation. The majority of those in attendance signed up without having visited the property. “Bandon,” was the reason they gave. “I’ve been to Bandon many times, and it’s the best experience,” Tom McNicholas, a 68-year-old executive from Orange County, says. “Plus, when I can’t golf anymore, I can pass the membership to my son.”
It will be a while before 32-year-old Eddy O’Mara, the father of a newborn son, passes along his membership. The Arvada resident grew up playing at Portland’s Waverly Country Club and has been looking to join a Front Range club. But he said the one he wanted to join, Colorado Golf Club, was a stretch geographically. Then he heard about Rodeo Dunes. Like Colorado Golf Club, it would sport a Coore & Crenshaw layout. Plus, he said, “Growing up in Oregon, I was obviously familiar with Bandon Dunes and the magic the Keisers can create with a piece of land. From my house, it’s 45 minutes of highway driving. I knew this was as good an opportunity as we could ever get — and we jumped on it.” The following morning would find O’Mara, McNicholas and other Rodeo founders and guests walking the site with the Keisers, Ferrell, Evenson, Coore and Craig. “Before this event, 80 percent of the founders had never met each other or even seen the property,” Ferrell estimated. “And by the end, they were exchanging numbers and asking us to put together a member directory.” For more information contact joshuacevenson@rodeodunes.com
Jon Rizzi is the founding editor of Colorado AvidGolfer. Contact him at jon.d.rizzi@gmail.com
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