Tee TImes_Issue 1 Vol 5

Issue 1 • Volume 5 • February/March, 2012

Iowa Golf Trail

- Five Courses And No Two The Same

PGA Merchandise Show In Orlando - New Products For The 2012 Season

One-On-One With Patrick Reusse

- 1500ESPN's Very Own

Destination Golf Vacations

- Alabama And The Famed TPC Sawgrass

Tee Times Celebrates 5 Years

Fairways & Greens

2

February/March 2012

NUMBER 18

When it comes to championship public golf, there’s no better destination than Alabama, where we’re proud to claim three of America’s 50 Toughest Courses as selected by Golf Digest. For starters, there are the 468 holes along the world-renowned Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Stretching from the mountains in the north to the Gulf Coast in the south, these 26 courses will test your golfing skills as well as your intestinal fortitude. Then there are the many other impressive courses scattered across the state, designed by the likes of Arnold Palmer and Jerry Pate. Each with its own set of challenges, each with its own set of rewards. And each along an epic road trip to the state of Alabama.

Note: Please park responsibly. And not on our golf courses.

To start your Alabama Road Trip, scan this code with your smartphone.

ABT-1073 Statewide Golf_10.375x12.75.indd 1

2/9/12 2:09 PM

Tee Times

February/March 2012

Hello Minnesota GolF Fans, It’s been a while since I’ve taken some time to reach out to all of you in our monthly issues of Tee Times. As we begin our 5th year of publishing this magazine I wanted to take the opportunity to say “thank you�.

As with any advertising based publication our sponsors and supporters are a vital part of our success and our gratitude goes out to those that have been part of the ‘team’ for long or short periods over the past four years. We hope you find the pages of Tee Times of great value to your facility and look to continue to find ways to help drive Minnesota, Western Wisconsin and Iowa golfers in your direction.

To our writing staff and those golf professionals who have taken their time to write instruction and other golf related articles. Words alone can’t tell you how much we have appreciated your support, feedback, story ideas and in some cases “turn on a dime� story deadlines. We look forward to your continued enthusiasm and creativity as we work to make our editorial in the coming years even more diverse with new monthly features and story lines. Your input makes each issue a huge success and without you we couldn’t get into the depth of the people and places that our readers look forward to reading about each month.

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Our readers! If it weren’t for the over 30,000+ “fans� of Tee Times there would be no magazine. You are the reason we spend early mornings and long nights working with local golf course managers, golf professionals and others working in the Minnesota, Western Wisconsin and Iowa golf industry to find new ways to educate you about the people and places that make this one of the greatest golf areas in the country. Our goal is to give you a reason to throw those clubs in the car and head out to your favorite course, practice range, golf retailer or vacation destination and continue to play this game we all love.

Whether you are a double digit handicapper or a scratch golfer we invite you to continue to challenge us to be innovative with stories on the people, places and things you want to read about each month in Tee Times magazine. I invite you to email me with your ideas and feedback and know that we will listen.

Get ready‌.it’s almost time to hit the links. I’m sure you will find a “tipâ€? or two to help you get ready in this first issue of 2012. From the entire staff at Tee Times, have a great year and will work hard to make our 5th year the best yet.

Kim Benjamin Editor, Tee Times kim@teetimespress.com

ISSUE 6 / VOLUME 2 / AUGUST 2009 --/ 2 )&/' 2 /&1

ISSUE 6 / VOLUME 3 / AUGUST 2010

ISSUE 1 / VOLUME 1 / MARCH 2008

The Castle Course

PGA Championship

PREMIER ISSUE

3M Championship - Tips For A Great Experience At TPC

- Who, What, When and Where at Hazeltine

Hybrids

Rolling on the River

One Tank Trips

- Golf in the Mississippi and St. Croix River Valleys

Hybrids

- Everyone's Doing It

Trex Seclusions

- Fencing and Deck Options

PUBLISHER EDITOR DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION GRAPHIC DESIGNER VIDEO PRODUCTION CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

- "Rescue" Clubs For All Levels Of Play

- Voyager Village & Bayfield, WI

Road to Kohler - Must Play Courses On Your Way To The PGA Championship

New Clubhouses - Hazeltine, Bunker Hills & Rum RIver Hills

Steve Wetzler Kim Benjamin Jimmy Rockelman Kobie Conrath 121 Studios Chris Baisch, Larry Berle, Will Brogan, Betsy Knoblock Grabinski, John Green, Eric Hart, Michael Herzog, Matt Just, Nick Pelle, Tim Ryan, Greg Schulze, Mark Sheskey, R.J. Smiley

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State Of The Minnesota Golf Industry ), ,

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Bunker Hills Golf Club Unveils New Facility

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Golf Bags & Push/Pull Carts %$(" , ! )/, +/$*' (.

19th Hole "Toasts" A Legend

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Interested in contributing an article to Tee Times?

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Minnesota Golf

4

February/March 2012

By Michael Herzog, PGA First Assistant Golf Professional Bent Creek Golf Club

Over the last couple of years, we have written articles on important topics, such as the content of the PGA-PGM program, which is the bare bones of what is expected for an individual interested in becoming a PGA Professional and about personal experiences from individuals who have attended PGA-PGM Universities.

This year, we will focus on individuals that have continually shown dedication to the game of golf and still enrich us with a wealth of knowledge. I had the pleasure of speaking with Jim Manthis, a very well respected Golf Professional and a pioneer in growing the game of golf in Minnesota.

Jim Manthis has been a PGA Golf Professional since 1969. His career in the business began in 1965 at the White Bear Yacht Club.

From there, he became a shop assistant at Midland Hills from 1967 to 1976, at which time he took over as Head Golf Professional until 1995. Since then, he has taught at the University of Minnesota Les Bolstad Golf Course in St, Paul and has spent the past six winters at Monterrey Country Club in Palm Desert, California. However, that is only a small part of the huge impact he has made to the game of golf in Minnesota.

Explain a little bit about how the Assistant’s Association was formed with the help of Jim Resch and Bernie Drevnick. Prior to 1966, the current host and the previous year’s host of the Championship were responsible for that year’s tournament, which included begging sales representatives for donations for the prize table. In 1967, Ted Horvath from Spalding donated a full set of woods and irons for us to raffle off to members to build the purse for the tournament. We really only had one at that time. Two other things also happened in 1967; Bunchy Stevens, longtime professional at Minnesota Valley started a pro-member tournament for assistants only and Gene Roepke from UniRoyal donated a watch to be awarded to the assistant who sold the winning raffle ticket. In the fall of 1968, Jim Resch and Bernie Drevnick from Hillcrest asked me over and inquired about the possibility of starting an “Assistant’s Association.” After a little research, we patterned the By-Laws after the Illinois section, had them approved by the Minnesota Section Board and held elections. I became the first president in 1970 and was secretary-treasurer from 1971 to 1973. Wally Mund, Don Waryan, and Ray Hill were our advisory board.

Shortly after, Wendell Pittenger, professional at Rochester Country Club, invited us for a season opening event at his club. Ray Vennewitz also invited us for a season ending event at North Oaks and treated us to dinner at Dutch DelMontes.

What is a common mistake you observe in the avid golfer? The two most common mistakes I observe in the avid golfer are incorrect ball position and incorrect shoulder alignment. You need to look at the setup and see that both are in the correct setup.

Jim has won tournaments in the last six decades, including the Section Match Play title in 1981, the Senior Stroke and Match Play titles in 1993, when he was Senior Player of the Year, To learn more about the great game of golf from Jim Manthis, you can reach him at the and the 1999 Wisconsin Senior Stroke Play title in 1999. He has finished in the top ten of University of Minnesota Les Bolstad Golf Course or email him at masterpro42@aol.com every Major State Championship. Jim has also received extensive training from Ken Venturi, with whom he has maintained a friendship since 1957. He has coached Karen Weiss and Kate Hughes to LPGA careers, and several other players to multiple state titles. Jim was awarded Golf Professional of the Year in 1984, the Bill Strasbaugh Award in 1992. In 2006, Jim was awarded the Minnesota Section Teacher of the Year honor, and the PGA of America’s highest honor: the Golf Professional of the Year and in 2008 was elected into the MGA-PGA Golf Did you know that many early Minnesota club pros ran indoor golf schools in Hall of Fame. Among his many great accomplishments, Jim has continually dedicated his downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul during the winter? Tom Vardon of the White Bear time and efforts to growing the game of golf in Minnesota.

Yacht Club opened a winter school at the Lowry Building in St. Paul in 1917, laying Why did you want to become a Golf Professional? I grew up as a caddie at Midland Hills out nine holes on a sanded 31 by 35 ft. rug. Minneapolis Golf Club (and later Oak under Wally Mund, who was the Head Golf Professional at that time. It gave me the best Ridge) pro William D. Clark, who invented a golf swing-training device comprised of opportunity to get involved, play golf and help members enjoy the game. It was the next rods and wires, ran an indoor winter golf school in the Kasota Building in downtown best thing to becoming a player.

Minneapolis. He urged his members to practice over the winter, “Wrong habits are easily acquired but hard to get rid of.”

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To read more about this piece of Minnesota golf history as well as other events and people that shaped the Minnesota golf landscape, pick up a copy of Rick Shefchik’s book ‘From Fields to Fairways – Classic Golf Clubs of Minnesota’ at local bookstores or at www.Amazon.com.

February/March 2012

Minnesota Section PGA

5

Getting Back on the Green We’ve been lucky this year in Minnesota – warmer-thanaverage temperatures and very little snow meant many courses stayed open for part of the winter. But even with those extra rounds, players need to keep some important tips in mind when they head to the course this spring and really start playing again.

First, take it easy. Don’t swing too fast. In fact, start with half swings before you even start playing. We know everyone’s anxious to get out on the links – but try warming up by hitting with a 50% swing for about 10 minutes and you’ll be in better shape at the first tee.

Make sure you stretch! Stretching is key to improving your range of motion, staying healthy and getting the most out of your body.

This is especially true for your hamstrings.

Stretching the hamstrings can help cut down on the strain on your back muscles, which can help you avoid lower back pain.

A great stretch for hamstrings is to stand

with your right foot crossed over the left. Keep your legs straight and reach down toward your toes. Hold for about five seconds. Hold that position and turn your body to the left and hold for about five seconds. Turn slowly back to the right and stand up. Switch your legs and repeat.

Check your grips as well. Your hands will be sore after your first few rounds – and worn-out grips will make that soreness worse. Check and see if your grips are slick or look shiny. Worn-out grips may also have cracks or faded spots. If they have any of those things, re-grip your clubs before you play. New grips will help you avoid Pay special attention to your arms, neck and back as well to squeezing your clubs too tightly – so you can keep your keep your body limber while you’re swinging and putting. backswing consistent. A general rule of thumb is to Having good posture will also help prevent back and leg pain replace grips every 60 rounds. after playing.

These are just a few pointers on the best way to get Don’t forget about your gear. Make sure to break in new golf yourself and your equipment ready for a great season. shoes by wearing them around your house for a day or so to Make sure you also check in with one of your favorite, hopefully avoid blisters after that first round. Old golf shoes local PGA Professionals or other golf experts to fine tune should get new spikes. your swing and make the most of those first rounds… once the grass turns green!

Some courses impose themselves on the landscape.

The Bully Pulpit Golf Course, surrounded by the dramatic North Dakota Badlands, conforms to the surrounding terrain. Some holes play in meadows and woodlands, while others follow the meandering Little Missouri River. Holes fourteen through seventeen are built into the rugged badlands.

The restless canyon winds will test and tease your ball as it drops over 100 feet from tee to fairway.

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Tee Times Golf Academy

6

February/March 2012

360° Mirror

for Full Swing & Putting It is faster than a camera! The convex shape shows a full view of your swing and stroke.

There are several ways to use the 360° Mirror…Indoor and Outdoor.

By Greg Schulze, PGA Master Professional Top 50 Instructor in America – Golf Range Magazine How do you learn to properly use a tool you bought at a hardware store? Did you read the owner’s manual or directions? Did your golf clubs come with an owner’s manual?

Have you ever put something together and used it properly without reading the directions?

Probably. Have you ever bought a package expecting directions but discovered them missing when you got home but still managed to put the thing together? Probably, but how much longer did it take?

Your clubs (and mine) may not have come with written instructions or diagrams for proper use, but how close do you think you can come to “putting it together” without instructions?

Have you ever taken a long look at the design of your clubs to understand their correct use?

Or did you just believe that if you paid more you wouldn’t need this understanding?

Just for fun (and education) imagine that you are a manufacturer of golf clubs and for the first time in golf history, your job was to include an owner’s manual for the golf clubs proper use in every box. In your head or on a piece of paper create the “instructions” you think should be included with your clubs.

What did you write? Were you stumped? More difficult than you thought?

So let me get this straight; you’ve been playing golf and trying to get better for how long without truly understanding the correct use of the main tool of the trade? I believe most teaching and playing professionals could write out such instructions based on their own knowledge of the clubs design and its proper use. What’s the best use of the club’s handle, the shaft, clubhead, clubface? “You can pound a nail with a wrench, it just takes a whole lot longer”, and you can keep trying to learn how to use your clubs without understanding their design but it may take you forever!

With the 2012 golf season approaching now is the time to “read” the owner’s manual on your clubs and the best way to do that is through good instruction. Whether you visit one of the local indoor ranges or simulators or make an appointment for instruction from a local PGA professional, now is the time to fine tune the proper use of your “tools”.

SETUP FOR FULL SWING VIEW OUTSIDE THE TARGET LINE: Use the Mirror with a single Rod. Align the Rod to your target, set the mirror stand on the rod and adjust to your desired view. The Rod and the connection piece allow the mirror to slide back and forth while staying square.

SETUP FOR USE WITH THE PRACTICE T ALIGNMENT SYSTEM: The 360° Mirror is the perfect addition to the Practice T Alignment System. By using the mirror in this setup you have the ultimate practice station.

SETUP FOR USE ON TWO ALIGNMENT RODS: The Mirror has two notches with allow it to sit securely on the center of the Practice T. As you move the Rods to get fresh turf or change clubs, the mirror will slide with you. This view is perfect for checking your shoulder alignment.

SETUP FOR USE DURING FULL SWING OR PUTTING- WITHOUT ALIGNMENT RODS: The 360° Mirror can also be used independently of the Rods for both full swing and putting. Place it between your feet to get a great view of your shoulders, shaft position, and more.

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Tee Times Golf Academy

February/March 2012

By Matt Just, Life Time Fitness PGA Director of Golf and TPI certified instructor

If you know that Michael Breed yells this obnoxious statement at the camera each week on the Golf Channel, then you are spending too much time with the TV remote flicker and not enough time on your own winter golf game improvement. Here are 5 easy opportunities to focus on with indoor game improvement without the TV remote clicker.

Putt golf balls on a yardstick to 5 feet. This simple drill gets your golf ball started online.

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The Minnesota PGA Growth of the Game Committee is proud to announce the 1st Annual Winter Minnesota PGA Junior Golf Summit The summit will take place at Life Time Fitness in St. Louis Park on Saturday, March 24th from 11:30 – 3:00. Upon check-in the junior golfer receives a gift from Nike Golf and designated a Minnesota Gopher golf team member as their official chaperone for the day. The Summit kicks off at Noon with an opening presentation by George Reynolds (Minnesota PGA Golf Hall of Famer and former Minnesota Golden Gopher). Following the opening presentation, there will be seven learning stations focused on: Short Game, Drivers, Irons, Nutrition, Rules and History of Golf, Intro to Yoga, and Intro to TPI golf fitness.

Growth of the Game Committee members will be teaching at the various stations: Michael Hinton - Minnesota PGA Junior Golf Leader of the Year

Learn how to separate your upper body from your lower body, this really is the key to an efficient golf swing.

Learn the benefits and simplicity of how to roll out those sharp knots! Before you exercise or hit balls.

Seek out a muscle activation specialist, you may find that your golf muscles are dormant.

Jay Meyerhoff - Head Pro, Rush Creek & Benilde St. Margaret Golf Coach Dane Schneider - Assistant Pro, Bearpath Tom Wiebusch - Head Pro, Pheasant Acres Ryan Bakken - Assistant Pro, Pheasant Acres CJ Meyer - Assistant Pro, Woodhill Paul Kelley - Head Pro, Woodhill & President of the Minnesota Section PGA Lori Money - Growth of the Game Leadership Brian Pabst - Head Pro, Eagle Lake & The First Tee

Try a “yoga for golfers” class it will help sharpen your focus.

Barrett Boe - Head Pro, Bluff Creek Matt Just - Head Pro, Life Time Fitness Michael Herzog - Assistant Pro, Bent Creek Make your plans to spend the afternoon at Life Time Fitness in St. Louis Park. And keep a watch out for Goldy Gopher to maybe make an appearance! It will be a very exciting day!

Email mjust@lifetimefitness.com to register!

Tee Times Golf Academy

8

February/March 2012

the AssistAnts interpreting rule ChAnges fOr 2012-2013

On COurse With

By Chris Baisch, PGA Assistant Professional, Hazeltine National

Welcome back readers, hard to believe the 2012 golf season will be here soon. I’d read the groundhog did not see his shadow, meaning six more weeks of winter, and at the rate the weather is going it could be sooner. R&A Rules and USGA have announced their revisions to some rules that have taken effect as of January 1st, 2012. You will be seeing a new “The Rules of Golf” from the USGA in the coming months. I would like to talk to you about two specific rule changes that likely will affect golfers, whatever their handicap or playing status.

Definition of Addressing the Ball: At present, a player has addressed their ball when they have taken their stance and also grounded their club. Under the revised Definition a player will have addressed their ball as soon as they ground their club, whether in front of the ball, or behind it. There is no requirement to take a stance. Consequently, a player will no longer address their ball in a bunker or a water hazard, as the Rules do not permit the grounding of a club in a hazard.

Rule 18-2b - Ball Moving After Address: If a player’s ball in play moves after he has addressed it, the player has been deemed to have moved the ball and would incur a penalty of one stroke. Well now there is going to be an

exception to the Rule that exonerates the player from penalty if their ball moves after it has been addressed (remember the new definition of address) when it’s known or virtually certain that they did not cause the ball to move. I know from my own experience that I’ve seen the wind blow so hard that it moved my ball, but because I had grounded my club I incurred a penalty of one stroke. With the new revision there will be an exception to that.

Rule 13-4 - Ball in Hazard; Prohibited Actions: This change will benefit players and course maintenance staff alike. Players will be permitted to smooth sand or soil in a hazard at any time, including before playing from that hazard, providing it’s done for the sole purpose of caring for the course and nothing is done to not improve the position or lie of their ball, the area of their stance or swing, or their line of play.

For example if you were to enter in from one side of the bunker, knowing that you would exit from the other side, you could rake the bunker up to your ball. Just remember to not rake the position of your ball, stance, and line of play to effect the above revision. It will help with speed of play, and the conditions of the course.

Even as PGA Golf Professionals the rules of golf can get confusing. I don’t know all of them by heart, but they are in place to protect the game and in some instances can help you out of a tough situation. I hope these two examples will help you in the future, and good luck this season!

Warm Up Your Short Game

By John Green, PGA Master Professional, Golf Galaxy - Woodbury As Minnesota golfers begin thinking about starting the 2012 season, here are some quick tips to have a better short game.

• Putting practice swings: Look at the hole while taking practice swings to better gauge the distance.

• Fast downhill putts: To get the ball to roll slower, play the ball off the toe of the club; the ball will then come off the face softer.

• Ball on the fringe: Chip, don’t putt it. You may know the speed of the greens you are playing, but you don’t know the speed of the fringe.

• Ball in greenside bunker: Always follow through with a good finish. This will help the club accelerate through the sand.

• Pitching around the green: To have a more consistent pitching game, break the habit of using different swings with the same club; use different clubs with the same swing.

• How to develop a good short game: Practice the “impossible shots” the ones that you don’t think you have a chance of getting it close. Then all the other shots will seem easy and routine.

• How to speed up play when you are off the green: Know what you are going to do before you reach your ball.

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February/March 2012

Tee Times Golf Academy

By Nick Pelle, PGA Certified Professional, golfTEC-Director of Instruction

The snow melts, the grass turns green and golf courses open back up for another round of summer fun. Spring is an exciting time of year, however with a few pre-season (winter) preparations, you can ensure that this will be your best golf season yet.

the New Year. Professional athletes spend their off-season improving their bodies and techniques for the upcoming season. You should use the winter the same way. What were your strengths last year? What areas of your game could you use more improvement? Focus on areas of improvement.

Remember to have a clear plan of action with achievable A good start to your pre-season work is to replace your worn goals and checkpoint and don’t forget to celebrate your hard out grips with brand new, properly fitted ones. A new grip work when you accomplish your goals. will allow you to grip the club properly (not too tight) and, if sized correctly, will allow you to release the club correctly Finally, most manufactures introduce their new product through impact. offerings at this time of year. Before you go and buy the latest and greatest new golf club, make sure you get properly fit…

Next, get with sooner rather than later. This will give you time to practice your local PGA with your new clubs. A proper club fitting session will p r o f e s s i o n a l check the proper length of the club, lie angle, shaft flex and and take a series material, as well as address gapping issues between clubs. of lessons not Gaps between clubs often get over looked and leave you with just one. The critical holes in your golf bag. Most golfers also think it is off-season in too expensive to get properly fit. The truth is, it doesn’t cost Minnesota is anything extra to order clubs that have been fit to your swing. the perfect So, take the time this year to get fit for your new golf clubs. time of year to prepare Using your time wisely now will make your next season your game for your best.

Enjoy Golf!

The Links Gives You Driving Options!

Practice Proper Iron Setup

By John Green, PGA Master Professional, Golf Galaxy – Woodbury Let’s start the 2012 season with a simple skill to work on, iron set up. Irons are designed to perform well and to look good. Even though each golf club company’s irons look different, they are all designed to set up the same manner.

All irons, including this “blade style” iron (Picture 1) have some amount of offset to them. Look at how the hosel or neck of the club angles forward from the clubface.

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What this means, is when the clubface is square to the target line, the shaft will always lean towards the target. This is not a forward press; it’s just how the iron is designed to set up. This also somewhat mimics a proper impact position as the hands are even or slightly ahead of the ball at address (Picture 2). Problems arise when the golfer leans the shaft away from the target then loft is added to the clubface and the hands are behind the ball. This is definitely not the proper impact position you want to have!

Proper set up with your irons will lead to better compression of the golf ball and betters shots with your irons to help you lower your scores.

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What's New at the PGA Show

10

February/March 2012

2012 PGA Jack Nickalaus

The 59th PGA Merchandise S how brought to some 1,000 co gether mpanies and b rands along w than 42,000 PG ith more A Professionals , b u ye leaders from nea rs and industry rly 80 countries to introduce the la in golf equipm test ent, apparel, a cc essories and se last month in O rvices rlando, FL. at PGA Show

Clicgear COOLER TUBE

The Clicgear Cooler Tube allows for easy cold drink storage on the course with your Clicgear Cart. Made from waterproof nylon, it is insulated and lined to keep your drinks colder. Easily holds two 12 oz. beverage cans, or one 20 oz. sport drink, or a 32 oz. water bottle.

Fits all Model 1.0, Model 2.0 and Model 3.0 Carts and will also fit other brand name push carts with 1” tubing. Comes with Clicgear Accessory Tab System for easy mounting.

“This is great - easy, simple, and doesn’t take a bunch of room. Perfect for a round of golf. The only drawback, limits talks with the cart girl.” B. Johnson, Canby, OR

PGA of Americ a President All en Wronowski stated,

OAKLEY CIPHER

You’re looking at the lightest performance golf shoe in the world.

Weighing in at just 260 grams, this is the lightest, most flexible golf shoe in its category.

Oakley Cipher is also the first ever with NanoSpike technology that allows your feet to be closer to the ground, ensuring better balance with a lower center of gravity. Their Factory Lite technologies make it all possible. The idea is to minimize weight to reduce fatigue, improve flexibility, free movement, reduce heat retention, and maintain uncompromising durability.

Trigger Point Performance

Trigger Point Performance empowers you to take care of the most important piece of equipment, your body. Each tool simulates the feeling of the human hand allowing you to achieve similar results to that of a professional sports massage on your own.

The Performance Golf Kit includes all of the tools and educational materials to restore mobility in the ankles, hips, shoulders, and torso allowing for optimal golf swing biomechanics. They recommend just 10-15 minutes of self-therapy prior to a round of golf.

More effective than stretching, self-myofascial release restores blood flow to your muscles allowing them to lengthen and return to their natural, elastic state. This can reduce the risk of injury, improve performance, and reduce pain. MSRP $149.99

Rated for 220 lbs. maximum weight. Some installation required.

The upper is made with a lightweight breathable textile combined with welded components for protection.

On the cleatless bottom, thousands of NanoSpikes bite into blades of grass under your feet, providing superior traction. A moisture wicking liner and a tuned dual-density foot bed with moisture wicking optimize comfort.

You have to try on Oakley Cipher to believe it, and once you do, you’ll never wear ordinary golf shoes again.

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MSRP $130

Top PGA Tour professionals use Trigger Point Performance to stay loose on the road. The rest of us can benefit as well from improved posture and increased flexibility.

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Clicgear SEAT

Take a load off your feet!

Designed to fit perfectly with your Clicgear Model 1.0, 2.0 or 3.0 cart, providing a stable and durable seat. All aluminum construction with high quality fit and finish ensures a long lasting addition to your Clicgear cart.

The Grid, by Trigger Point Performance is a revolutionary foam roller.

It features Distrodensity Zones, Matrix Technology, and an environmentally friendly design. Being only 13” long and 5” in diameter, the sleek design of The Grid makes it an excellent travel companion. Stuff the hollow core with your clothes and it fits in your carry on. MSRP $39.99

February/March 2012

What's New at the PGA Show

11

MERCHANDISE SHOW the w has provided o h S e is d n a ch .

A Mer “The 2012 PG m going forward tu en m o m ve ti lot of posi ertainly it feels industry with a C . zz u b d n a t excitemen There’s a lot of stry.” very in the indu co re is e er th e k li nd would like to a o d n a rl O to traveled products you Tee Times’ staff ew n g n ti ci ex e some of th ng. share with you e links this spri th it h u yo re o ef ut b need to check o

True Power

True Power, the leader in negative ion products, has expanded their line for 2012! They have added new styles for their negative ion bands, as well as several other products so everybody can experience the benefits of negative ions.

For those who like a more sleek, subdued look True Power introduces the Elite band and the Fashion band. The Elite band maintains the sporty athletic look of the first generation without the hologram. The fashion band takes it a step further with a very subtle True Power logo on the outside and a stylish metal clasp which makes this a band that you can wear either working out, in a business environment, or out at night! Both bands still contain approximately 1800 negative ions.

MSRP $29.99-39.99 The biggest hit thus far in 2012 has been the ionized sports watch. With its slap-on design this watch is fun, stylish, ionized, and it even tells time! The watch is waterproof and comes in both black and white, and is one size fits all. MSRP $49.99

Their ionized insoles are great for golfers, runners, or anybody that is on their feet a lot. The insoles are one size, and all shoe sizes are marked on the insoles so you can trim them to fit your shoes. Each insole contains about 1800 negative ions, meaning the insoles deliver the same amount of ionization as two bands! MSRP $69.99 www.true-power.com.

Paula Creamer

at PGA Show

Barefoot B.E.R.B.S.

The next best thing to playing golf barefoot is to play golf ‘Barefoot’, With B.E.R.B.S--B.etter E.nergy R.ecovery B.alance S.tability.

Jeremy Berbert, Professional golfer, President, and CEO of Barefoot B.E.R.B.S. asks the question because he has produced the newest version of revolutionary golf shoes.

According to Berbert, the design of many golf shoes masks the connection with the playing surface through the use of padding and air bladders, surrounding the foot with unnecessarily limiting rigidity and support.

Getting back to barefoot basics, did you know that one quarter of the bones in the human body are in the foot? The science behind Barefoot B.E.R.B.S. was initially based on and around running.

The basic findings are that when participating in sports, golf for instance, the closer to barefoot you are the better your feet can do the work they have evolved to do.

Flexibility is key for your foot to function as designed.

“Barefoot style footwear allows for a more natural gait that strengthens the intrinsic muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the foot, improving balance, coordination, and the bodies perception of movement and spatial orientation,” says Berbert, “...Some very compelling arguments exist for going shoeless, or at least for wearing the least amount of shoe possible.”

Barefoot B.E.R.B.S. golf shoes feature: * ultra-thin outsole * cleated minimalist style * low and light * waterproof * unique five spike design MSRP $139 www.barefootberbs.com

What's New at the PGA Show

12

February/March 2012

2012 PGA The HIRZL TRUST Control and Feel

gloves use HIRZL’s own GRIPPP Technology to provide the ultimate grip performance. The TRUST Control and Feel gloves are made from textured kangaroo leather in the palm providing a more structured fit. Kangaroo leather has two major advantages over other types of leather.

First, it is one of the most durable hides known and it resists wear and tear so well that you can play with a HIRZL glove for dozens of rounds of golf. Secondly, it is a very soft and supple hide that will never crack or dry up like other golf gloves. What’s more, the HIRZL TRUST Control and Feel gloves

PUTTIST - The Three-Putt Killer

Stop three putting Now, Forever! The PUTTIST from Puttist-USA is a new digital putting aid that is taking training to the next level. This innovative digital, portable and rechargeable putting aid will help you eliminate those dreaded three putts from your game. Putting is all about practice and PUTTIST allows you to practice anywhere, INDOORS or out, in your office, on the road or in your living room. No longer are you at the mercy of Mother Nature, even during our extreme Northern winters.

Key Features of the HIRZL Trust Feel • 2X more grip in dry weather conditions • 4X more grip in wet weather conditions • Thin, smooth palm leather • 100% sweat-free palm • 45 degree pre-curved finger system • Airtech mesh backhand Key Features of the HIRZL Trust Control • 3X more grip in dry weather conditions • 5X more grip in wet weather conditions • Structured, textured palm leather • 100% sweat-free palm • 45 degree pre-curved finger system • Airtech mesh backhand

Switch Belt

You pick your clubs. Your hat. Your shirt. And your shoes.

It is time to pull it all together— and pick your belt.

Take part in golf’s fashion revolution. With a 196 possible color combinations, the world of mixing and matching has just become cool and limitless. Instead of worrying whether your black or brown belt works better with your shoes, you can now “switch” your style any way you like.

For a casual coordinated approach, your shoe can mirror your buckle while your shoes match your belt. Off the course, you can keep your individuality without leaving the bounds of professional attire.

No need to worry about sizes. Each belt comes prepackaged at 46″ inches length. These belts are designed so that you can use an ordinary pair of scissors to cut the non-finished end down to your ideal length. Then you simply insert it into any of the interchangeable buckles.

On average, you can use a driver 14 times per round but a putter 36 times per round – but only If you two putt!! The best way to take strokes off your game is to learn to two putt a green (or less).

MSRP $28.99 www.HIRZL.com

Switch’s belts are made with elastomeric thermoplastic, with a buckle made of transparent polycarbonate. In real world terms, each belt is made of out of recycled material that is recyclable & biodegradable.

Attitudes SWITCH— so should your belt.

MSRP $29.95 – belt, $6.95 - additional buckle www.switchbelt.com

PUTTIST features digital sensor technology that measures putt distance and gauges direction left or right of the target. It allows you to adjust green speed to slow, average or fast, guides you on the green and helps you to monitor your stroke. With PUTTIST you can develop your muscle memory and touch while practicing 6 foot to 45-foot putts in only five feet of space. PUTTIST features four skill games to develop positive habits and provide instant, accurate feedback.

MSRP $189.00 www.Puttist-USA.com

February/March 2012

What's New at the PGA Show

13

MERCHANDISE SHOW Croc Golf with Hank Haney

This spring, Crocs, Inc. is introducing a new golf line designed in partnership with internationally-recognized golf instructor Hank Haney. The Crocs Golf with Hank Haney collection features a number of men’s and women’s styles perfect for the recreational player that can be worn both on and off the course.

OptiShot Infrared Simulator

by Dancin’ Dogg Golf

Continuing the ultimate revolution in virtual golf, Dancin’ Dogg is introducing its new Platinum Package, a cost effective alternative to complete in-home set-ups that cost $30K and up. The OptiShot Infrared Simulator enables casual and diehard hackers to play extremely accurate replicas of world-renowned courses without ever leaving home.

Simple plug-and-play set-up allows for hours of practice on the realistic driving range, or a full round on numerous award-winning layouts. Boasting jaw-dropping, life-like graphics, OptiShot’s patented technology uses infrared sensors on a durable swing pad to accurately record club head speed, face angle and swing path. MSRP $4999.95 The Silver Package contains: • OptiShot Infrared Golf Simulator • 5x5 Octagonal Commercial Grade Mat • 9x7 Premium Hitting Net • OptiStixs Driver (right or left-handed) • 1 Premium Course Of Your Choice • MSRP $899.95

OptiShot Infrared Golf Simulator • Infrared Optical Swing Pad • OptiShot Software • USB Cable (10 foot) • Foam Practice Balls • Adjustable Rubber Tees • Requires Only 8-½ Feet of Swing Space • 180 Day Warranty • MSRP $399.95

The Crocs Golf with Hank Haney collection was selected as one of three overall “Best New Products” at the 2012 PGA Merchandise Show, where award-winning PGA professionals and top golf buyers voted Crocs Golf as a top product among new merchandise displayed in the PGA Show New Product Zone.

All Crocs Golf with Hank Haney styles feature Croslite material midsoles that provide form-to-foot cushioning not found in any other golf shoe. The new collection strikes the perfect balance of the comfort Crocs shoes are known for with technical engineering for the casual golfer.

Available in Men’s sizes from 5 to 13 and Women’s sizes from 4 to 11. The Crocs Golf with Hank Haney collection will be available online starting in April 2012. www.crocs.com

Preston MSRP $79.99

Bradyn MSRP $99.99

Explosive growth has earned Dancin’ Dogg inclusion in the prestigious Inc. 500 list as one of America’s fastestgrowing entrepreneurial companies. www.optishotgolf.com

Drayden $79.99

14

What's in the Bag

February/March 2012

Serious performance.

Serious style.

SKLZ SimStix Golf

True-Feel Club for Golf Gaming Bring the true course or range experience to your home with SimStix Golf. SimStix is recommended for use with Tiger Woods PGA Tour Series or other simulation software to get real-time swing feedback and improve your game. The authentic golf grip and steel shaft help you get real club weight and feel.

Available for Sony Move in early Spring.

• Recommended use with Tiger Woods PGA Tour • Works with Nintendo’s Wii Remote, Wii Remote with MotionPlus, and Wii Remote Plus • 23.5 inches long, playing weight of 15.5 oz • Includes SimStix, wrist strap, SimStix spacer, usage and set-up instructions • Comes with Motion Plus spacer compatible with new Wii Motion Plus controllers • Reinforced trigger for maximum durability • Wii remote sold separately MSRP $39.99 www.sklz.com

Looking for Northwoods Beauty, Peaceful Surroundings and World Class Golf?

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February/March 2012

Profile

15

By Will Brogan

European papers was like they’d won the war again!

The best would be Tiger’s U.S. Open win at Pebble Beach in 2000.

I consider that the greatest sports performance Patrick Reusse has been covering Minnesota sports since the mid- I’ve ever witnessed. That course was hard as a 1960’s. He’s had the opportunity to cover countless golf events, which rock, just impossible, and he was 12 under! are his favorites to write about: “As a great man once said, but I can’t remember who it was: ‘The smaller the ball, the better the writing!’ TT: Having covered golf in multiple eras, what’s Golf is a wonderfully descriptive sport.” Here is a snapshot of my your take on how club fitting has changed the conversation with “the crippler”… game? Do you feel it limits the “instinct” that guys like Jack Nicklaus seemed to have?

TEE TIMES: How did you get your start in both journalism PR: Watching Seve was like going to the state fair every day! I think there’s a little less shot and radio? making but they make the golf courses a whole lot harder now. Today, courses try to make PATRICK REUSSE: My Dad knew a guy at the Minneapolis Tribune. the second shot as hard as they can. But, look at a guy like Kyle Stanley. Guys like that can In the summer of 1963, he got me a job as a copy boy. I wasn’t really hit it as far as they want to with ease. sure what I wanted to do but I loved the newspaper game. At the start of my junior year at the University of Minnesota, I took a job at the TT: There seems to be a recent “epidemic” of slow play in professional golf. In the Duluth News Tribune as a sports writer. They were paying the “kingly” events you’ve covered, was it a problem then, or does it seem to be based more in the sum of $76 a week – I couldn’t resist! new generation of players?

PR: The harder the golf course is, the longer it’s going to take to play. I don’t think that The radio thing just kind of happened by accident in the early 1980’s. they’re necessarily any slower than they were, say twenty years ago, but what you definitely KSTP was putting sports writers on the air, alternating on a nightly don’t have any more are fast players. basis, and I was one of them. They teamed up [Joe] Soucheray and I for Sunday nights, and we’ve been together with KSTP in TT: Your writing career is in its fifth decade, all in the Twin Cities. What has been the some form [almost] ever since. most memorable Minnesota sports story during that time?

PR: I think the “event” was the Twins’ 1991 World Series victory. The 1987 World Series TT: What’s it like working with a guy (Phil was great because we hadn’t won one, but games six and seven of the 1991 World Series was Mackey) who is so much younger than an epic event to cover. you? Do you get into a lot of “back in my day” conversations with him?

One of the oddest events ever was the 1991 U. S. Open playoff between Payne Stewart and PR: He’s 26 and I’m 66 so we’re about the Scott Simpson. We have to be the only state where 35,000 people will show up on a Monday “average” age of your normal sports talk to watch two people play golf! pairing! It’s interesting, I love it! He helps me a lot in the area of being TT: There’s a good story behind why you gave up golf. What is it? up-to-date on “modern” types of PR: The “legend” is that I hit Wayne Levi in the ankle. He was the defending 3M Champion things. It’s funny though, once and on Media Day I played with him. I was in the front greenside bunker on the 16th hole at in a while I’ll bring someone TPC Twin Cities. I tried hitting a “Phil flop shot”. I ended up blading it, and it was a screamer up that’ll really out date Phil. about ten inches off the ground. Wayne jumped and it caught him right on the knob of his He keeps me from doing ankle. He went down like he got shot by a sniper. By the next day, I became known as “the it a lot, and we’ll clash on crippler”! That’s been my reason to not play much since! things to some extent, but it’s all good natured and lots of fun.

TT: You’ve attended some pretty significant golf events over the years. Which is your most memorable?

PR: Well, “Tommy” Lehman is my all-time favorite golfer.

I got to go to the 1997 Ryder Cup with him at Valderrama in Spain. Seve Ballesteros was the European Captain and it was Tiger Woods’ first Ryder Cup. It was a great time.

International sport in Europe is just crazy – the hyperbole in the Live Broadcast from Deer Run

Local Golf

16

February/March 2012

By Mark Sheskey During 2011, Tee Times Press ran a series of articles entitled “Survival of the Fittest” which outlined the health of the golf industry and additionally addressed the evolving issues facing golfers in Minnesota. Highlighted in the series were “Public”, “Private” and “Resort” courses along with debates over the concern that the golf industry is overgrown and issues regarding discounting tactics. For 2012, Tee Times Press will run a series of articles focusing on the many organizations, both public and private, that support the growth of golf in Minnesota. The organizations that will be profiled in 2012 include the Minnesota Golf Association, Minnesota Tourism, Minnesota Woman’s Golf Association, The 1st Tee, Fairway Foundation and others.

There is a small band of golf aficionados that are dedicated to promoting and preserving amateur golf in the state of Minnesota. This small band operates in conjunction with their above allied partners in supporting the organized functions of golf leading to the growth of the game as a sport along with some very positive economic impact for the State of Minnesota. This lead organization, a non-profit corporation, is the Minnesota Golf Association, commonly referred to as the “MGA”.

Golf – Not Just A Game, A Benefit To The State’s Economy With over 10,000 lakes and almost 500 golf courses, tourism and recreation thrive in Minnesota. Golf is a key driver of Minnesota’s tourism and recreation industries. The breadth of economic activity generated by the game of golf makes it a critical industry sector in its own right. Golf brings visitors to the state, drives new construction and residential development, generates retail sales, along with creating demand for a myriad of goods and services. The size of the direct golf impact on Minnesota’s economy was calculated in a recent study by SRI International (a nonprofit research and consulting firm) at approximately $1.2 billion per year. While

the study points out how broadly golf impacts Minnesota’s economy, it also highlights the importance that every golf course plays in local communities and that golf is a major part of the tourism equation. Such statistics validate the importance of keeping the game flourishing. This is where the MGA and its allied associations come in.

(approximately 80,000) and almost 500 golf courses. The MGA, among a myriad of functions, conducts tournaments, administers USGA Handicap System, publishes a bimonthly magazine and is tasked with identifying and cultivating programs and projects that influence the growth of the game of golf. Ryan leads the MGA staff in serving the association’s golf clubs and golfing members, and 18 allied golf industry History reveals that in 1901 seven local golf clubs sought a associations and golf related organizations. body to run an inter-club tournament and thus the Minnesota Golf Association was founded. This created an organization The day-to-day operations and activities of the Association designed to uphold and promote the game of golf and its and member benefit relationships through a vast array of values for all golfers in Minnesota. Since its inception, the functions: MGA has produced a long list of services oriented toward the • GHIN Handicap Services golfer, the golf course and the game itself.

• Preparation and management of Association golf competition including 17 Major Events for Men, Woman, Tom Ryan is the Executive Director of the MGA, Juniors and Seniors an organization of thousands of individual members • Advocacy and liaison for golf in Minnesota at the State Capitol and through eighteen Allied Associations • Communications - Minnesota Golfer Magazine, a popular website www.mngolf.org; eNewsletter; multiple Social Media applications; Media Guide and extensive collateral materials, etc.

• Media Relations • Course Rating System • Conduct of Rules of Golf workshops and Regional Roundtable education • USGA course rating and measuring services – roughly 100 per year • Support of Turf Grass Research at the University of Minnesota • Charitable support for additional “good-for-the-game” initiatives.

• Oversee internships and scholarships • Guest Speaker Bureau • Even Hole-in-One Certificates • And much more!!

2012 Minnesota Golf Card

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Tom Ryan, MGA executive director, follows play during the second round of the 107th MGA Amateur Championship at Dacotah Ridge Golf Club, Morton, Minn. Photo by Mark Brettingen, Courtesy of the MGA 2010

How Does The MGA Attempt To Grow The Game Of Golf?

In actual fact, the MGA is likely the primary influence on how Minnesota retains leadership as the state with the most number of golfers per capita in the country. As a volunteer organization, the MGA does not have the manpower to completely embrace the massive responsibility of “growing the game” by itself. However, the MGA, through its resources, which are primarily derived from revenues from handicap fees, works to support their many allied partners in those partner’s golf related missions of expanding golf participation.

These organizations include: Minnesota Minority Junior Golf Association; Minnesota Public Golf Association; Minnesota

February/March 2012

Local Golf

17

Celebration of Amateur golf in Chaska-Photo Courtesy of MGA

Women’s Golf Association; Physically Limited Golfers Association; The 1st Tee; The Fairway Foundation and others.

The MGA, through Tom Ryan’s leadership, supports each of these organizations individually and collectively but never to the detriment of any of the others. The MGA represents all of golf not just specific genders or public or private courses.

Legends Club #15

Regardless of the golfer’s interest in public or private clubs there has never been a better time for golfers to return to the game, increase rounds played or introduce new players to the game. It is easily concluded that the MGA, with their manof-golf, Tom Ryan, at the helm has risen to the challenge of ensuring that golf flourishes in the State of Minnesota!

How Is The Challenge Progressing?

When we analyze the popularity of golf in Minnesota, as the industry navigates through the hazards of the economy over the last decade, it is apparent that the efforts of the MGA, through their own programs and support of projects of their allied partners, has mitigated potential major downturns and sustained momentum - “better days are upon us” according to Tom Ryan.

A new initiative, being embraced by the MGA, has recently been introduced nationally - “GOLF 2.0”. The Golf 2.0 initiative will be golf’s new strategic plan to grow participation in the game. The goals of Golf 2.0 are to increase participation in the United States from 27.1 million golfers generating $33 billion in annual consumer revenues today to 32 million golfers and $35 billion in consumer revenues by 2016. By 2020, the goal is to have 40 million golfers generating $40 billion in annual revenues. We’ll hear much more on 2.0 as the season goes by.

Southern Hills Provides The Twin Cities Ultimate Value A True Hidden Gem Amenities Include: • 18 Hole, Par 71 Championship Course • 3 Sets Of Tees • Practice Facility Including 300 Yard Driving Range & Excellent Practice Green • Banquet Facility For Up To 150 People • Full Service Clubhouse Grill • Full Service Pro Shop

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Photo Courtesy MGA (c) 2006

18950 Chippendale Avenue • Farmington, MN 55024

Local Golf

18

February/March 2012

March Book Review

By Tim Ryan

From Fields to Fairways: Classic Golf Clubs of Minnesota Golf has been a source of inspiration, recreation, fellowship, and business as usual for an unusual amount of Minnesotans since as far back as 1888, when The Town & Country Club was first conceived. Since then, a rich tradition of golf in our state has been played out on the masterpiece layouts of some of the finest to ever participate in the grandest game of all. It is often awe inspiring to ponder golf’s evolution, as well as the facilities upon which we continue to enjoy our marvelous hours here in the land of 10,000 lakes.

Stillwater resident and Duluth native Rick Shefchik’s book From Fields to Fairways: Classic Golf Clubs of Minnesota, massively savors the sweet start of it all as it is in golf, while spelling out that the definitive tale in reference to the origin and roots of our game as it is in Minnesota, began at private clubs.

This very beautifully crafted coffee table book provides a thorough examination of the history, architecture, and wherewithal of PRIVATE Minnesota golf clubs. Crafted with an appetite for precision and detail, it reveals fantastic little details of what happened at all the happenings along the way. The best part, to me, about From Fields to Fairways, is that it lends itself best when it gives appreciation and deference to the pivotal personalities and people who founded and shaped the culture of golf in Minnesota.

Yo quiero to be blunto. The value of Rick Shefchik’s “life work on golf in Minnesota” rests within the exquisite keynotes he makes to the most renowned golf course architects and prominent figures throughout the history of Minnesota golf. This, in my opinion, makes From Fields to Fairways a must own and read over the next couple years for all who treasure the responsibility we have in teaching our comrades to hold on to the heart of the game.

Preference and appreciation to dynamos like Seth Raynor, Donald Ross, A. W. Tillinghast, Tom Vardon, William Watson, William Mitchell, Caddies, Arnold Palmer, Bobby Jones, and oh so many more, my man did a stellar job by coaxing the characters to come to life within this volumous recollection of the rich history of golf in our state. White Bear Yacht Club. Interlachen. Hazeltine. Somerset. Woodhill. Oak Ridge. And on and on. Precious.

Stacked with tight and tidy anecdotes, From Fields to Fairways also traipses across key points that paved the way to the construction of several of the state’s best-known PUBLIC courses. The content is actually quite exact in that it pin points the fact that the cultural impact stemming from the ideology of providing affordable playing grounds to the

middle class, as well as African Americans, in fact had the biggest impact on the growth of Minnesota golf.

Featuring more than two hundred photos from newspapers, clubs, museums, private collections, and those that fell in the author’s lap—many of which have never before been seen by the public—From Fields to Fairways is hereby proclaimed as the book of record on Minnesota’s illustrious golf history for fans and players of all handicaps.

Rick Shefchik

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When it is released by University of Minnesota Press right around the Masters, you be sure to get your hands on one of these babies and savor the sweet spot of the game in Minnesota. Or, Reserve your copy today thru Amazon today and enjoy it for a lifetime.

651-482-8484

Memberships and patron cards on sale now!

attractions at the 2012 Golf Show: In addition to over 100 exhibitors, be sure to check out the following attractions at the 2012 MN Golf Show: Meet former MN Viking and NFL Hall of Famer, Randle McDaniel, on Friday between 5:30-7pm at the Tee It Up for the Troops booth 304,306.

The Minnesota Golf Show hosts The First Tee Foundation Kids Clinic on Saturday, from 9-11am. The first 300 kids will receive a Mystery Point Pass courtesy of Nickelodeon Universe!

KS95’s Wine, Women & Wedges presented

by Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery and Fannie May Fine Chocolates on Saturday, February

18th at 3pm. The event will be hosted by KS95’s Dez and will feature wines from Northern Vineyards Winery on the St. Croix, a fashion show and tips and instruction from local PGA Professionals on how to get started in the game of golf!

Show Hours Friday, February 17th – Noon – 7pm

Saturday, February 18th – 9am – 7pm

Sunday, February 19th – 10am – 4pm

myTalk 107.1 hosts the MN Golf Fashion Show presented by Tee Times Magazine, Saturday, February 18th at 3pm and Sunday, February 19th at 1pm on the Totally Driven Demonstration Stage. Let’s face it, you may not golf like a pro yet...but you can definitely look like one. Allison Kaplan & Emily Enberg will walk you through the new collections that Tee Times’ own Tee Mates and local PGA Professionals will be modeling.

Golf Galaxy presents the $100,000 Putt! For a small donation benefiting the local First Tee

Foundation, you could win $100,000! Golf Galaxy will also be offering putter fittings with their I-Ping technology.

When you spend over $100 at the 2nd Swing booth, 2nd Swing will credit your $10 admission. 2nd Swing will also provide

free fittings with any new club purchase, that’s a $100 value!

Take a break in the Dodge of Burnsville 19th Hole, presented by 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS, where you can have a cold

Find It At…

beverage while watching the weekend’s live PGA tour event and classic golf movies on four 40” Toshiba LED TVs. Also, check out the all-new Dodge Durango and Dodge Ram truck and register for free tee times, to be given away every hour of the show!

Bridgestone Golf will be providing free custom ball-fitting analysis. The first 500 participants each day will receive a 2-ball pack of custom-fit Bridgestone golf balls!

All paid attendees, who register at the door, receive 8 free golf passes courtesy of TwinCitiesGolf.com.

Voted MN's #1 Golf Website

The courses included are: Oak Marsh GC, Mississippi National GC, Willow Creek GC, Lost Spur GC, Montgomery National GC, Kilkarney Hills GC, Bristol Ridge GC and Coffee Mill GC.

All attendees can register to win a 55” Toshiba LED TV!

Stop by our Booth and sign up to win a

Birdie Package Giveaway!

Championship course designed by architect Rees Jones Casino action 24 hours a day Shows & Concerts • Dining Lounges • Hotel Fitness Center • Childcare Facility Convention Center

All attendees can receive up to 10 minutes of free instruction from MN Section PGA teaching professionals.

The All-new Minnesota Golf Show supports these local charities: 31042 County Hwy 2 • Morton, MN

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Exhibitor Booth List AAA Minnesota - Iowa 723

Ezlinks.com 511

Ideal Golfer 624

My New Chiro 423,425

Sun Country Airlines 300

Visit Grand Rapids 805

Alabama Tourism 715, 717

First Tee 801

Izatys Resort 609

Birdee Golf 700, 702

Florida Golf 314,316

Jewel Golf Club 701

North Dakota Tourism 525

Superior National Golf Club 610

Voyager Village Golf Club 811

Birdie Marketing 510

Giants Ridge 414,416

Kinley Golf Sales 728

North Iowa Golf 628

Tagalong Golf Resort 524

Wilderness at Fortune Bay 415,417

Bos Landen Golf Club 601

Golf Chillicothe 407

Kilkarney Hills Golf Course 419

Tee It Up For The Troops 304,306

Willow Creek Golf Course 604

Tee Times Magazine Front Door

Worlds Faster Golfer 709, 711

Texas Bound for Golf / Texas Monthly 411

Wright Medical Technology 803

Thousand Hills Golf Resort 504

Xfiniti 508

Brainerd Golf Trail 401,403,405,400,402,404, 501,503,505 Briggs Woods Golf Course 603,605 Bristol Ridge Golf Course 621 Bunker Hills Golf Course 406

Golf Minnesota Magazine 506 Golf Nevada / Golf Mesquite 409

Lost Spur Golf Course 602

Golftec 843

Lyons Golf 428

Golf USA 328

Madden's on Gull Lake 502

Gonstead Chiropractic 725

Coffee Mill Golf Course 619 Custom Remodelers 520 Dacotah Ridge / Jackpot Junction 408

Ellsworth Creamery 422

Martin Wholesale 734

Good Feet 719

Maximized Living 509

Grand Bahama Vacations Front Door Tables

Midwest Golfing Magazine 517

Grand View Lodge 322,324

Minnesota Golf Association 514,516,615,617

Green Aid Golf 424

Discover Chiropractic 710

KSTP 318,320

Hastings Country Club 611

Northfield Golf Club 614 Northland Swings 704 Oak Marsh Golf Course 608 Pat Ryan Golf 410 PGA Golf Mgmt / Univ. of Nebraska 515 Prairie Band Resort & Casino / Firekeeper GC 302

Thumper Pond Resort 809 Tobacco Grove 420

2012 Sponsors 2nd Swing Golf 338

Premier Health Chiropractic 519

Turtleback Mountain Resort 308,310

Preseve at Rathburn Lake / Honey Creek 607

TwinCitiesGolf.com 623,625

Dodge of Burnsville 311

Unique Vacations 807

ESPN Radio 301

USA Golf Games 720,722,724,821,823,825

Golf Galaxy 829

Versatile Vehicles 714,716,718, 815,817,819

Totally Driven Stage

Venture Photography 500

Wine, Women & Wedges 353

Renewal by Anderson 600

Minnesota PGA 343

Sawmill Golf Course 418

Mississippi National Golf Course 606

Shankit Golf 507

Bridgestone Golf 839

Dacotah Ridge Golf Club Dacotah Ridge Golf Club

Executive Womens Golf Association 522

Hayward Area Golf 523

Montgomery National GC 421

Slumberland Senior Amateur 721

Host Site of the 2012 Minnesota PGA Professional Championship

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Host Site of the 2012 Minnesota PGA Professional Championship

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Casino action 24 hours a day  Shows & Concerts  Dining  Lounges  Hotel  Fitness Center  Childcare Facility  Convention Center

Morton, MN  1.800.WIN.CASH  dacotahridge.com

Dacotah Ridge Golf Club Dacotah Golf ClubHall B MinnesotaRidge Golf ShowCenter Minneapolis Convention - Exhibit February 17-19, 2012

MEN

WOMEN

Drive In Freight Entrance

STORAGE

10' x 60'

EMER. FIRE EXIT

STORAGE

Minneapolis Convention Center - Exhibit Hall B

10' x 90'

STORAGE

STORAGE

STORAGE

20'

C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 C8 C9 C10 C11

40'

10' x 60'

35'

HITTING CAGES (C) & MANUFACTURER REPS (R) EMER. FIRE EXIT

R5 R6 R7 R8

R1 R2 R3 R4

30'

30' 20' 130'

839 30' GOLF TEC

30'

FH

353 FH

2nd SWING

30'

45'

40'

20'

30'

338

843

50'

40'

20'

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PGA

20'

343

25' 20' 40'

GOLF GALAXY

30'

929

30'

734

55'

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40'

50' 30'

829

30'

20' 25'

728

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STAGE

SEATING

20'x30'

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719 618 717 616 715 614

619 518 617 516 615 514

519 418 517 416 515 414

419 318 417 316 415 314

20'

80'

19TH HOLE

30' 35'

907

10' x 290'

523 422 521 420

STORAGE

623 522 621 520

50'

300 AISLE

723 622 721 620

400 AISLE

130'

823 722 821 720

500 AISLE

30'

625 524

600 AISLE

20'

921

700 AISLE

40'

LONG PUTT 20'

EMER. FIRE EXIT

802 GREEN 20'x20'

811 710 FH 809

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311 FH 50' 20'

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ESPN 301

800 EMER. FIRE EXIT

30'

20'

30'

SIGN UP TO WIN THE DACOTAH RIDGE GOLF CLUB WOMEN

MEN

CONCESSION

ENTRANCE

Birdie Package Giveaway Birdie Package Giveaway LEGEND

FH - Fire Hose Cabinet

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30'

40'

50'

SIGN UP TO WIN THE DACOTAH RIDGE GOLF CLUB - 9'-6" Low Ceiling Height - Required Safety Zone (Min. 15' Clearance)

ALL BOOTHS ARE 10' X 10' WIDE (UNLESS OTHERWISE MARKED)

TOTAL 10' X 10' - 138

One Night Lodging  2 Rounds Golf  Breakfast for Two  $296 Value EXPOSITION SERVICES

ALL AISLES ARE 10' WIDE (UNLESS OTHERWISE MARKED)

PLAN CURRENT AS OF 1-30-12

This floor plan is only a preliminary drawing and must be submitted for Fire-Marshall's approval.

One Night Lodging  2 Rounds Golf  Breakfast for Two  $296 Value

2/8/12 11:10 AM

2/8/12 11:10 AM

Stage Schedule

Sponsored by

DAY

TIme

Speaker

Presentation

Friday Feb. 17TH

2-2:30PM

Greg Schulze

"Learning Golf's 80-20 Rule"

3-3:30PM

Michele Redman

"Q & A with Michele Redman"

4-4:30PM

Andy Thompson

"Why 95% of you are using the wrong putter."

5-5:30PM

John Hamilton

"A Simple Way to Learn Golf"

11-11:30AM

Rod Lidenberg

"SPIN TO WIN: How to Maximize Distance & Control"

12-12:30PM

Greg Schulze

"Learning Golf's 80-20 Rule"

1-1:30PM

Cassie Deeg

"Q & A with 2011 State High

Celia Kuenster

School Individual Co-Champions"

Lynn Anderson Jason Jaynes

"Unleashing Your Golf Potential"

5-5:30PM

Andy Thompson

"Why 95% of you are using the wrong putter."

11-11:30AM

Rod Lidenberg

"SPIN TO WIN: How to Maximize Distance & Control"

12-12:30PM

Lynn Anderson Jason Jaynes

"Unleashing Your Golf Potential"

Saturday Feb. 18TH

2-2:30PM

Sunday Feb. 19TH

Bios Lynn Anderson

• Owner Totally Driven, The Ultimate Golf Improvement Center • Golf Professional, Certified Personal Trainer • TPI Level III Certified, Biomechanics Certified

Cassie Deeg

• Signed Letter of Intent at U of NebraskaLincoln, MGA Jr. Player of the Year • MGA Jr. State Girls Champion, Publinks Champion • MN State 4AAA Co-Champion, Women's State Match Play Champion

John Hamilton

• Golf Professional at Falcon Ridge Golf Course • 26 year Member of the PGA, Avid Instructor and Authorized Ping Clubfitter

Jason Jaynes

• Assistant Golf Pro at Edina Country Club • TPI Level III Certified, Junior Coach

Fashion Show: Saturday at 3pm & Sunday at 1pm Celia Kuenster

• Cretin-Derham Hall Sophomore, 2011 Women's State Amateur Champion • 2011 MN State 4AAA Co-Champion, 2011 MN State Jr Girls Champion

Rod Lidenberg

• Three time winner of the MN Section PGA "Teacher of the Year" Award • PGA Master Professional, Golf Magazine's "Top 100 Teachers in America"

Michele Redman

• University of MN Women's Head Golf Coach • Winner of 3 Futures Tour events and 2 LPGA Tour events • Ranked 27th in all-time career money earnings on the LPGA Tour

Greg Schulze

• PGA Master Professional of Instruction, 2007 MN PGA Teacher of the Year • Top 50 Instructors in America Golf Range Magazine

Andy Thompson

• Owner Totally Driven, The Ultimate Golf Improvement Center •"Golf Digest 100 Best Clubfitters", Aimpoint Level I Instructor

MN GOLF SHOW ON-AIR SCHEDULE

Live from

DARREN WOLFSON

CHRIS LONG

JOE SCHMIT

the Minneapolis Convention Center FRIDAY, FEB 17TH

SATURDAY, FEB 18TH

SUNDAY, FEB 19TH

Noon-3pm: Reusse & Mackey (Phil in Ft. Myers)

10-Noon: Saturday SportsTalk with Pat & Judd

3-4pm: SportsTalk with Joe Soucheray & Patrick Reusse

Noon-2pm: Cory Roufs & Chris Long

10-Noon: Sunday SportsTalk with Jim Souhan & Guests

2-4pm: Joe Schmit & Doogie

4-6pm: Garage Logic with Joe Soucheray

JUDD zULGAD

CORY ROUFS

Noon-2pm: Phunn & Jess Myers

4-5:30pm: Korzo

PHIL MACKEY

JIM SOUHAN

PATRICK REUSSE

JOE ANDERSON

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Fitness

February/March 2012

19

By Matt Just - PGA Golf Professional Titleist Performance Institute Certified Golf Fitness Instructor, Life Time Fitness, St. Louis Park

“Hey Pro, What the Heck is T.P.I.?

Pro: T.P.I Golf Fitness can be described and/or defined as “activating your golf muscles so you can efficiently swing a club.” Life Time Fitness PGA Director of Golf and TPI certified instructor Matt Just outlines three easy tips to try working out at home or at the club: In my opinion, golf is the most addicting game on the planet. When you get hooked on golf, it becomes a passion. I have taught golf and have been affiliated with the PGA of America for 12 years. Never in my life have I seen such a hunger from individuals to learn the biomechanics and anatomy of the golf swing.

I personally grew up playing all sports, especially sports that forced my body to move in a transverse plane of motion. In my opinion, throwing a football, making a hockey stride, and even hitting a baseball all increased my athletic ability in prepa-

ration for a career in golf instruction. The more I learn about the golf swing, the more I realize that swinging a club is as simple as throwing a 40 yard post!

I realize that we can’t all throw a smooth spiral 40 yards to the end zone like Tom Brady and I’m sure that’s not even your goal. However, I want you to focus on activating your golf muscles the next time you work out.

1) First, ask a trainer how to use a Foam Roller – On a scale of 1-10, this exercise is the most important. Learning how to foam-roll your IT Band, Quadriceps, and back/spine is paramount for release of tension.

2) Quadruped Pelvic Tilts – Start on all fours with your thigh and arms perpendicular to the floor. Without bending your elbows, lower the spine to form the dog position, and then lift the spine, creating the cat position. Repeat until you find the neutral position. Please ask a certified NASM trainer at your club for assistance.

3) Balance on one leg – If you can stand on one leg for 20 seconds, you’ve passed. PGA Tour Pros can balance on one leg for 25 seconds with their eyes closed.

The Life Time Fitness golf teaching philosophy is simple: we teach golf from the ground up.

Most golfers swing the club from the top down... Stay tuned next month to find out more.

Or contact me at 952.541.7153, Mjust@lifetimefitness.com

The Perfect Minnesota

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Mississippi Dunes

10351 Grey Cloud Trail s Cottage Grove, Mn

Located Just Minutes From Downtown And The Airport

651 768-7611 www.mississippidunes.com

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Corporate, Men’s, Ladies & Couple’s Leagues forming now. If you are looking for a fun social atmosphere and a little competition, this is for you!

Take Advantage Of Mississippi Dunes’ Golf show specials!

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Purchase Our Player’s Card (10 Rounds of Golf) For $349 By St. Patrick’s Day And Receive TWO FREE Rounds Of Golf.

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Featuring live music and entertainment during the summer at Doc’s Landing Pub overlooking the River beginning in April.

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The perfect social atmosphere for Corporate Outings Full Service Restaurant & Lounge Banquet Rooms for up to 260 Guests Chef-Prepared Cuisine Expansive Open-Air Terrace Views of Waterfall & Course

by Golf Digest’s Places to Play • Best in the Twin Cities Top 100 Courses for Women • Course of the Year Award

visit www.stonebrooke.com to reserve your tee time.

952-496-3171 • 3 miles south of Shakopee on County Road 79

#4 Photo Courtesy of Peter Wong Photography

The concept of statewide golf trail certainly isn’t a new one.

And although Alabama’s is probably the most famous, other than the original non-golf related Oregon Trail, every state has courses worthy of being highlighted or serving as cornerstones of a golf trail. Ask any of the five founding members of the Iowa Golf Trail whose idea it was, and they’re all eager to pass the credit around. Says Russ Appel, the General Manager at Briggs Woods, “It didn’t take much for all of us to agree that it was a great idea.” Call it a collective bargain.

a

But why only five? And can it really be a trail if there is no clear cut beginning to end path? Obviously you can make a line between any two points, but this trail is less circular and more pizza slice. “It’s not going to be five courses for long. Others will come,” Appel stated in full confidence. “In fact, I already know of several who will be a part of it next year. I mean with the five great courses we have right now, and the dozen or so other phenomenal courses around this state, this was going to happen. But someone needed to take that first step and the five of us…we were ready to go.”

Cheers to that!

#6 Photo Courtesy of Brent Isenburger Photography

Briggs Woods Bos Landen otter creek BLue top ridge the preserve

So who are these pioneers?

Iowa Golf Trail

22

February/March 2012

Briggs Woods

By Eric Hart

Briggs Woods in Webster City, Iowa is the northernmost beacon on the Iowa Golf Trail. The par-72 golf course isn’t lengthy (at just over 6,500 yards) but it sure is testy. In fact golf at Briggs Woods is all about knowing, and controlling, your own game. And how “good” you are between the ears? As in knowing when to back off, lie up, and/or make a smart play for bogey rather than a dumb play for par. (Netting a triple.) The course weeds out the impostors, from the very first hole. The first tee shot taunts and mocks you as if it knows you on a personal level. “Your grandmother could hit the fairway from here.” Locals will think nothing of it when you mutter “shut up!” at the voices in your head. They’ll just smile. The course knows who you are as a golfer. You don’t beat this course. You join it. The stretch of holes from 10-12 is a perfect example of that. Those three will have you waving the white flag from your knees, on the 12th green, in more ways than one. You’ll find some comfort in the beautiful 13th and in knowing that, while it’s not easy from there on in, it’s also not as hard.

This course knowledge is not meant to be intimidating. The course is more than fair. Playing within your limitations actually makes it quite enjoyable. The locals of all ages love it. And, given the fact that it is essentially the “gateway to Iowa golf” for those golfers coming south from Minnesota, it is definitely a great place to start. General Manager, Russ Appel agrees. “It absolutely is. We’re close to I-90 so you can stop in and play a round, or take advantage of one of our great Stay & Play packages (including an “Unlimited Golf” package) and hang out with us for a while. We have three great hotels we work with, and you’re not going to go hungry at our great local restaurants.”

local favorite, the Grid Iron Sports Bar and beyond the Sports Bar scene, don’t overlook the 2nd Street Emporium.

Okay, the accommodations sound great and now we’re hungry, but lets talk golf. What makes the course stand out?

Depends on whom you ask. “We do course and service surveys several times a year,” Russ pauses and smiles. “And there’s always great debate about our “signature” hole. Whether it is 1, 4, 9, 11 or 13…we won’t argue. We’re fine with having people love so many different holes out here!” And why wouldn’t they be.

Briggs Woods is proud (thrilled in fact) to be an inaugural and founding member of the Iowa Golf Trail. While locals play the course in force, visiting golfer numbers have been dramatically on the rise, which has the staff at Briggs Woods brimming with energy.

“We’re eager to put the money our golfers bring us back into the course,” says Appel, preparing to go back out to that work himself. “And the golfers love seeing our words be put into action.” We do indeed.

Worth the

Indeed, the Signature Golf Package at Briggs Woods is a “One night stay with two days of unlimited golf.” Many, many other custom plans are available. Groups have been known to play 144 holes in just 2 days here. That’s 32 shots at a hole-in-one!

Lodging and 144 holes…for as little as $120 dollars! You can’t play that many holes at some mini-golf courses for that little cash anymore! With or without lodging!

Lest you think the accommodations would have to be sub par to make such an economic deal logistical, check out your options: • The Executive Inn: Spacious King (some with Jacuzzis) or double rooms. Free Internet and complimentary breakfast with newspaper. Note: The Executive Inn is close to The Seneca Street Saloon, Webster City’s most popular Sports Bar. Meet personable owner Larry, an avid golfer himself, and swap stories as you indulge on their renowned pizza!

• Super 8: Heated indoor pool! Spacious, clean rooms. Complimentary Internet, cable channels including HBO, an arcade and “SuperStart” continental breakfast with waffles. There are also comfortable chairs with ottomans in some rooms.

• AmericInn: Newest option. Also with an indoor heated pool and spa. Some suites have whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, microwaves and refrigerators. The AmericInn has cable television with movie channels and a delicious breakfast buffet. Golf not enough exercise? The AmericInn offers complimentary access to a local fitness center.

• There’s even a campground next to the golf course, adjacent the Boone River and a lake with canoes, swimming, fishing surrounded by an impressive 5 and a half-mile bike trail.

It should be clear that visiting golfers can meet all their stay and play needs, with little difficulty, regardless of budget or allotted time table.

As for more dining in the area, beyond the Seneca Street Saloon, there’s another

Golf Packages Weekday or Weekend Unlimited Golf & Cart PLUS Lodging

Drive

Less than 3 hours south of the Twin Cities

Start at $120.00

Good for entire season

www.briggswoods.com Webster City, Iowa 515-832-9572

Iowa Golf Trail

February/March 2012

23

Bos Landen

By Eric Hart

and potentially penal hole on the course. I love the approach shot with the creek right there. It is perfectly picturesque.”

What are you working on now?

Bos Landen is located in South Central Iowa, 45 miles east of the Capitol building in Des Moines, just off Highway 163. But forget acres of corn and the omnipresent smell of cattle/ pig farms. As owner and general manager Scott Reuter says, “It’s nothing like the Iowa you or I have ever known down here. If you were blindfolded and brought to Bos Landen, you wouldn’t know which state you were in, I guarantee it.” Please don’t drive blindfolded. It’s much harder to text that way.

He’ss right. It’s hard to describe. But then, it’s equally hard to describe the course itself to someone who has never played it before. It has a little bit of everything. With hills, valleys, plateaus, tight fairways, wide fairways, small greens, huge greens, bunkers, doglegs, ponds, rivers, links holes and dense forest lined holes…All Terrain Vehicles’ would make unnecessary but appropriate golf carts here. ’s purchased Bos Landen almost four years ago, they knew they’d discovered When the Reuter’s a former (and potential) diamond that had unfortunately been neglected and lost in the rough.

They listened diligently to regulars who spoke of what it would take to restore it to its former glory, (formerly a Top 5 Iowa course) and Scott committed to that restoration. Here, four years later, he’s just as committed, and just as active in the reincarnation of his jewel. The Reuters, and Pella residents, couldn’t be more pleased with the results.

“You have to be willing to get your hands dirty, to work hard, spend money, and make changes that need to be made. You have to listen to people who are playing, and will be playing, it everyday. The people here make the course, and we have great people in Pella. We’ve listened. We’ve personally invested. And we continue to do both every day,” states Reuter.

At this point, we’d be doing a great disservice by not elaborating on one of Bos Landen’s greatest assets…the “Grill on the Green.” Ask Scott about the food at Bos Landen and he can barely contain himself. “When I say the people make the course, I’m talking about the residents, but I’m also talking about the staff, both inside and out. And our chef, Roger Van Sant, is remarkable. He makes everything from scratch, his culinary talents are spectacular, and his chocolate truffles…Wow!” While it’s typical for people to talk up their own course and staff, what is somewhat unusual is how much Bos Landen delivers. Merely using the word good to describe any of Chef Van Sant’s creations would pretty much equate to a slap in the face. The culinary department at Bos Landen is definitely “better than good.”

Okay, we know where we’re eating. But where should we stay? Bos Landen partners with three hotels for Stay & Play packages.

The Holiday Inn is the closest. It has a great pool and provides a complimentary breakfast.

The Country Inn & Suites is perhaps the busiest, given its location. Also with a pool and free breakfast. And then there’s the Royal Amsterdam. If you’re looking to eat and sleep at the same place, they provide that option. Each facility takes care of you equally but different. All of them (Scott’s words this time) are better than good.

Back to the course. What are your favorite holes?

He has a strong opposition to that question. With too many great holes to pick from, he feels it’s like being asked to select your favorite kid. (And he has two great kids, in sons Hogan and Payton.) But, if forced, he’d lean towards 3 and 4. Reuter boasts, “Number three is a great par 3 with a dramatic elevation drop, and number 4, perhaps the most scenic, memorable,

“W “We’re trying to make the course more playable. We’ve removed trees from some areas to open things up, and planted trees in others to steer the course of play. #15 used to be much more difficult. Now we’ve opened it up. We’re reviewing potential improvements on every single hole, including our intimidating signature 14th.”

Proactive managers like Scott are a breath of fresh air in the golf industry. Anything you’d change? Given a magic wand?

“I’d probably switch to Bentgrass, and eliminate all the forced carries of off the tees.

They’re really the only thing you’ll ever hear anyone say to the negative around here.”

W We’ll have to take his word for it. We didn’t hear any negatives. And we did ask around. Scott’s determination to attain perfection at Bos Landen, to bring back the masterpiece the course was originally created as, is admirable. Everyone you ask will tell you how much of a difference he’s already made. Yes, finally, everything here is back to good. In fact…it’s better than good.

Bos Landen

Golf Club

Ranked as Iowa’s #1 Public Golf Course from 1997 to 2001 18 Hole Championship Golf Course

Ranked in the Top 75 Most Affordable Golf Courses in the United States Golf Digest, 1999-2000

“Four Star Place to Play - 2007” Golf Digest

5 sets of tees ranging from 5,100 to 7,000 yards in length Grill on the Green Restaurant

Extend Your Season At Bos Landen 2411 Bos Landen Drive Pella, IA 50219

(641) 628-4625

www.boslanden.com

Iowa Golf Trail

24

Otter Creek #9

February/March 2012

Otter Creek #6

Otter Creek

By Kevin Beard

The newest addition for upscale golf in central Iowa is Otter Creek Golf Course in Ankeny. Completely redesigned by Minnesota Golf Course Architect Paul Miller and reconstructed by Minnesota construction company Dunnick Brothers in 2008, the golf course reopened in the summer of 2009 to rave reviews. With the grow-in 100% complete, Otter Creek is a must for any golfer coming through the area.

The course features 17 water hazards and 44 bunkers, outstanding putting surfaces, and immaculate course conditions. This par 71 course has four sets of tee markers allowing the course to range anywhere from 5,200 to 6,900 yards, depending on how you feel that particular day. A quick check of the wind direction would be in order before setting out as, by design, the routing of the holes will both give and take from your golf game throughout your round.

Otter Creek #1 Brent Isenberger Photography

The Otter Creek Golf Course driving range and practice area offers golfers 1¾ acres of total hitting area on the double-ended range, a chipping green with greenside bunker, and a 6,000 square foot putting green. Each tee offers five target greens and numerous yardage banners to help with aim and distance control.

was also a part of the reconstruction project. The clubhouse was designed by the Minneapolis architect firm of Partners & Sirny and features a fully stocked golf shop, full banquet facilities, and the sports bar themed Tin Cup Bar and Grille.

Set against I-35 South and just 15 minutes north of Des Moines, Otter Creek is an easy drive from the Twin Cities.

Ankeny is a booming town with plenty of restaurants, Don’t miss the great food at the Tin Cup Bar & shopping and hotels, all just a short drive from Otter Creek.

Grille, Otter Creek’s full service restaurant. The Tin Cup has the best homemade pizzas, onion rings, and Start a new tradition this year and check out one of central specialty sandwiches in town, all at very affordable Iowa’s best; Otter Creek Golf Course. It’s an easy morning prices. Plenty of beverage options in the full bar and drive from the Twin Cities; play 18 great holes in the every game being played that day can be seen on afternoon and have dinner at the Tin Cup. With many one of the many big screen televisions. lodging options very close, you can spend the night, be back up in the morning for 18 or 36 holes, and back to the The Tin Cup is just part of a massive clubhouse that Cities in just a few hours.

Iowa Golf Trail

February/March 2012

The Preserve #4 Photo Courtesy of Peter Wong Photography

25

The Preserve #3 Photo Courtesy of Peter Wong Photography

The Preserve

By Eric Hart

The Preserve on Rathbun Lake touts itself as Iowa’s Newest Resort and Golf “Destination”. That’s the resort’s claim at least, and they wouldn’t be able to make such an earnest claim if they couldn’t back it up with the golf course they have.

Their vast array of non-golf amenities could stand on their own merit, and there is no question that as a member of the Iowa Golf Trail, they definitely offer great amenities to traveling families. But perhaps the best feature of it all is that the entire resort is, compared to the rest of Iowa’s golf and lodging options, so very NEW! Bring your children. They’ll find countless hours of water fun at Buccaneer Bay, the resort’s indoor water park. Be a considerate spouse, and bring your wife (or husband). Simply being on or near Rathbun Lake presents you with some memorable sensory experiences, not to mention phenomenal walking and/or bike trails to bond on. An ideal location for family getaways, it’s equally perfect for business trips and conferences, and it’s not surprising how many corporate outings the Honey Creek Resort already hosts each year. They are perfectly equipped to handle such groups given the extent of their facilities, the quality and skill of their

STAY & PLAY PACKAGE

$119 (per person/night + tax) includes traditional lodge room, unlimited play with cart per night stayed.

staff, and most significantly, the fact they offer the one premium golf course in Iowa many Iowan golfers have yet to play.

What makes the Preserve so uniquely special? It’s ideal location in relation to Des Moines for one. Merely an hour and a half south of the state capitol it is a quick escape to the serene from city life. The staff is so impressively cordial. They understand first timers make the trip down with some uncertainty. South central Iowa, well off the beaten path...there’s a risk in the unknowns. But that risk pales to the rewards.

The Preserve has diligently worked with their host resort to come up with packages that will make it well worth your visit. Their “Traditional” Golf Package offers golf, lodging, breakfast, a souvenir and a water park pass (the hot tub is a major perk after your round) starting at just $120. They reason the golf alone would be worth that during peak season, but given that you had other expenses in coming down here, they give more to cost you less. The packages can be customized infinite ways from there. It’s all about your needs.

The golf course itself is incredibly natural and scenic. In peak condition at times when other courses in the state are not, the Preserve more than sufficiently acclimates to large amounts of humidity, and adjusts without strain through all of the ensuing climate changes leading to winter. Director of Golf Darin Fisher adds, “The playability gets better here every year. And we get far more golf in here annually than other places in Iowa do. Every year I’ve been here, since it opened in 2008, I’ve been able to golf in January and February. And this year, our February course conditions would have rivaled most Iowa course conditions at their peaks.” He would know. He’s played the other noteworthy Iowa courses, always seeking for even the smallest tweaks he can make to his own. Fortunately though, there’s not much that needs improving.

From five sets of tees, the course is friendly to all golfers regardless of skill, and the carts only further complement, equipped with the latest in GPS systems. Set perfectly within 240 acres of “natural and un-interrupted” prairie terrain, you get a little bit of everything with logical and consistent hole-to-hole transitions. With memorable holes such as the downhill par three 3rd, and the split fairway 16th, juxtaposed with beautiful views of Lake Rathbun from several others, it really doesn’t seem all that much like Iowa. The more we say that the more beautiful we realize the Iowa golf scene really is! There are some tight fairways, and you’ll find a bunker or two you’ll wish you could move for a shot or two, but the views, and the hospitality, make up for any on course inconveniences your own game leaves you with.

The rewards don’t end at the 18th green. Given the Championship level of course design, the considerable accolades, Top 10 New Course Honoree - Golf Digest, Golf Magazine and Links Magazine, and the many amenities at the Preserve, the prices in the clubhouse are a moderate surprise, a significant perk of their own. Pick up a souvenir. Enjoy a great lunch/ dinner at the Lakeshore Grille. Make yourself at home.

Reluctantly climbing into our car to leave I noted to a clubhouse attendant that they should consider building an Olive Garden on site. He laughed, clearly not following the association.

But it’s really quite simple. When you’re here, you definitely feel like family.

The Preserve #14 Photo Courtesy of Peter Wong Photography

Rate based on 2 people per room and includes breakfast at Rathbun Lakeshore Grille. Valid until 5/20/12.

Iowa Golf Trail

26

February/March 2012

Blue Top Ridge

By Bryan Haas

What does it mean to Live It Up? You'll find out the moment you enter Riverside Casino & Golf Resort. From the magnificent fountains that greet you as you drive up to the luxurious surroundings of the hotel and casino, every aspect is designed for one very special purpose — your total enjoyment.

Spanning over 7,400 yards, Riverside's world-class golf course offers players breathtaking vistas overlooking two rivers, man made lakes and diverse terrain. It all adds up to a one-ofa-kind golfing experience for beginners and pros alike. Complementing this awesome golf course is a full-service golf clubhouse, a pro shop, and teaching and practice facilities.

For a night out, a weekend away or a week long retreat, you'll find exciting gaming in the Vegas-inspired casino, a world-class golf course designed by Rees Jones, one of a kind shopping opportunities, luxurious hotel rooms, top-notch live entertainment, a relaxing spa, first class culinary delights at five restaurants, and more.

Riverside Casino Water cascades above a dramatically lit bar and lounge. Large plasma screens entertain you.

Impressive sculptures adorn the walls. Plush carpet is beneath your feet. In other words, this is not your typical Midwest casino. Far from it. Inspired by the lavish casinos of Las Vegas, the gaming area at Riverside Casino & Golf Resort sets a new standard of excitement, entertainment and fun.

Blue Top Ridge Golf Course The golf course at Riverside Casino and Golf Resort will make any golfer feel like a champion. After all, it was designed by Rees Jones, a designer of championship golf courses. Jones adds this outstanding 18-hole course to his list of more than 100 courses, including seven U.S. Open venues, five PGA courses and three Ryder Cup sites.

The Accomodations One step into your hotel room and you’ll know why they say, “Live It Up! at Riverside Casino and Golf Resort”. Sophisticated interior design complements outstanding personal service and modern amenities to envelope you in total luxury and comfort. A look out your hotel room window reveals a panoramic view of Blue Top Ridge golf course. Simply stated, there is nothing else like it in the Midwest. Within minutes of your room, you’ll discover a spacious indoor/outdoor pool, the casino, fine dining venues and more.

Culinary Options Expect the best when it comes to dining at Riverside Casino and Golf Resort. Enjoy a succulent steak or fresh seafood cooked to perfection in the quiet and elegant atmosphere of Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood. Take your pick of flavors — Italian, Asian or comfort food — at Robert’s Buffet. Grab a burger and fries at the Ripple Diner. On the run? Pick up a cup of coffee and a snack at the Ripple Express. Something is always cooking at Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, and it’s all very, very good.

The Spa At Riverside Casino and Golf Resort Discover how the staff strives to deliver high-quality, personalized services to each and every guest. All spa services are based on Elemental Nature, which takes a more natural path to health and wellness. There are five elements found in nature: Infinity, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. Before your treatment, you will be asked to complete the Elemental Nature questionnaire, which allows your masseuse to create personalized treatments and self-care rituals based on your personal Elemental Nature.

Discover what it's like to “Live It Up!” at Riverside Casino & Golf Resort.

One Tank Trips

February/March 2012

27

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A lake is a lake. Perhaps not to a fisherman, but to a golfer it is. It would stand to reason then that a great lake is therefore a lake with a great golf course. Which then explains why the Okoboji, Iowa area is referred to as the Iowa Great Lakes.

There are excellent golf experiences here, and it all starts with the 27 holes at Brooks National. The giant golf ball tee box markers at the entrance to the facility are there to get your attention. But they are also there to tell you what they expect your time here to be like. Big. Time. Fun. Head Professional, John Bramblett, says, “When you come to the Iowa Great Lakes you should have great expectations. We certainly do for our own staff and facility. We have something here for everyone (with a new Executive twist). Give us one round and you’ll be back for more. We’re confident of that.”

Explain the new “Executive Twist?”

“The Lakes area is so dynamic and so family friendly, we wanted to appeal to another level of golfer, be it the vacationer, the newcomer, the young adult or child. We have solid play on all of our courses, in particular throughout the summer months…but our original Val Brooks (Blue) course gave us an opportunity to do something no one else in the area had done, or potentially even could do. We didn’t so much “add a new nine” as we did add a new tweak to our oldest nine. It’s still the same exact course. Just with new ‘Forward Forward’ tees and new scorecards. More courses will catch on to this concept. But we›re excited to be pioneering it.”

“Val Brooks” is the classic. The original. Mostly tree-lined and consistent, it is preserved, just as it was made and always intended to be, to honor it’s designer (course namesake) Val Brooks. It is built the way he liked to play, with a peaceful atmosphere and anything but nerve wracking playing surfaces.

It makes perfect sense that they would “apply” the Executive 9 to the Val Brooks layout. It doesn’t change the course, but embellishes it. Besides, accuracy and awareness were already more relevant on this nine than the other two anyway.

Scots Links and Mounds These new Executive tees are really going to provide some have always received more play, but that is about to great shot opportunities, aren’t they? change. Okoboji, Spirit “They sure are. Golf courses should at least try to do more Lake and the surrounding with what they already have, to appeal to a wider base of area has yearned for a golf golfers. We know this ‘applied’ nine is going to pique interest destination that’s more of an in our course from a wider golfer base and we’re pretty all in one for everyone than even Brooks National was excited about that!” before. It would’ve taken a In its original form, Brooks National consists of three collection of very creative complementary 9-hole arrangements, the Val Brooks (Blue), minds, and some very deep the Scots Links (White), and the Mounds (Yellow). Each pockets, to top what they can course provides four sets of tees. “Mounds” is the shortest offer here…but how perfect of the three nines, and deemed by most as the “most is it that such an extension of entertaining”. A single digit handicap golfer should be able opportunity, and abundance to birdie every hole on the Mounds nine with the possible (if of creativity is coming from Brooks National itself. not probable) exception of hole #4.

“Scots Links” is a melting pot of old school and modern golf design, containing holes designed as far back as 1932 and as recently as 2001. With Scottish links-style holes, dramatic and scenic elevation changes, some tree lined fairways and a variety of other thought provoking elements scattered throughout, the creativity of the Scottish Links design is impressive and quite memorable. We’ve heard golfers say, “It’s like playing three different three hole courses in one nine hole course.” Yes, it’s exactly like that. And where else can you do that?

Need a place to stay while in the area? Packages are offered through the Arrowwood Resort, adjacent to Brooks National Golf Club. And don’t worry they won’t let you go hungry. The on-site “Buds Pub” meshes Irish flavor with American classics from “Bangers and

Mash” to “Fish & Chips”. Come one, come all to Brooks National Golf Club. And you’ll keep coming back.

I can see the guy out re-painting the sign now. Welcome to the Iowa Greater Lakes. Kudos to Brooks National for adding the suffix to what was already “Great.”

Practice • Play • Enjoy

27 Holes Professional Instructors Bentgrass Fairways and Greens Large Practice Range Learning Center

Highway 71 • 1201 Brooks Park Drive • Okoboji, IA

712-332-5011 • 800-204-0507 www.brooksgolfclub.com

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Destinations

February/March 2012

By Larry Berle

Mix Two Parts Sugar White Sand With One Part Crystal Blue Water, Stir In Nine Lovely Golf Courses, And You Have One Sweet Vacation!

Penninsula Golf & racquet Club

When I first heard I was going to the Gulf Coast of Alabama, my friends said, “You are headed for the Redneck Riviera.” But perception and reality turned out to be quite different.

This is a beautiful place to visit with great golf, fine food and beautiful beaches. Hurricane Katrina missed this part of the Gulf. It’s a beautiful vacation spot that draws southerners escaping the heat of summer and snowbirds escaping the cold of winter.

The accommodations are plentiful, ranging from RV and camping grounds all the way up to beach houses and luxurious condos. We stayed in the Turquoise Place condos, 24 stories of luxurious three, four and five bedroom residences, perched right on the beach with sweeping gulf views and all the upscale amenities you would expect, including hot tubs and outdoor kitchens on the balconies.

There are plenty of things to see and do on the Alabama Gulf coast besides golf and hanging out on the stunning white sand beaches. The Blue Angels, the Navy acrobatic flying team, is based in Pensacola and you might see them practicing Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

You can visit the Battleship Alabama. This is a bird lover’s paradise, and there are bird watching trails that help you appreciate the large diversity of native and migratory species. It is the last stop for migratory birds heading across the Gulf of Mexico. As you might imagine, you can do some great deep sea fishing here. Or you can do what I did - play lots and lots of when one of those, uh, thin shots we’re all prone to ends up on the green. The grass is a new strain of Bermuda called Mini Verde, with reduced grain that makes it similar to Bent. There golf on some wonderful courses. are some homes on the course, but in most cases they are set well back and are not intrusive.

GulF SHorES GolF CluB: Our golfing adventure started at the Gulf Shores Golf Club There is water on a majority of the holes, but in many cases it’s not actually in play. This place (formerly known as The Golf Club of the Wharf). It was built in the 1960s and was the first is fun and all levels of golfers should enjoy it. golf course in the Gulf Shores area. In 2005 it underwent a substantial renovation by Jay Morrish and his son, Carter. Jay Morrish is best known for designing some great courses in PEninSula GolF CluB and Kiva dunES: These are probably the best, and most partnership with Tom Weiskopf. The renovated Gulf Shores course offers options for all skill expensive, golf courses in the Gulf Shores region. They both are wonderful. levels. You can tackle this par 71 layout 6,900 yards from the tips all the way down to 4,866 yards. The renovation added water features, new bunkers and wider fairways. People who The Peninsula Golf Club sits on 820 acres and is adjacent on two sides to the Bon Secour Wildlife Preserve. The Peninsula course sports plenty of streams and ponds, with holes remember this course before the renovation say, “You would never recognize it.” framed by cypress trees, pine trees and natural vegetation. It’s like being in a bird sanctuary.

There are 5 par threes, a feature I like because the par threes and par fives are usually the The hundreds of birds singing were music to my ears. most interesting holes on a golf course. Pine trees frame the generous fairways, the greens are large and fast, and many are open in the front, meaning you can run the ball up. Gotta love it The course was in excellent condition with fast greens; the day we were there they were

Destinations

February/March 2012

Lakewood Golf Club

architects, most of whom were skeptical about his ability to pull off such a grandiose project. Robert Trent Jones was the only one who took him seriously, came for an interview, and got the job. Needless to say, Dr. Bronner was able to pull it off. The Trail now has 11 locations and 26 courses - 468 holes of fabulous and affordable golf. Green fees range from $45 to Kiva Dunes is a Jerry Pate design built in 1995, and a $64, plus cart fees. spectacular one at that. It sits very close to the Gulf shore.

You are never close enough to see the water, but you can feel Magnolia Grove is the most southern location on the RTJ golf the wind and smell the salt air. There are 4 sets of tees ranging trail, located just outside of Mobile. There’s an 18-hole par three from 5,006 to 7,092 yards. It meanders through the dunes course plus two full-length courses: The Falls and The Crossings. with plenty of streams, lakes and ponds. Watch out for gators. Both make the list of America’s Top 50 Affordable Courses. Both Most of the entire course plays east or west. There are some courses feature quite generous fairways framed by towering pines, doglegs, but hardly anything runs north and south, so you sprawling live oaks (some over 200 years old), dogwoods, and, of are usually hitting downwind or into the wind, and there is course, magnolias. Magnolia Grove is somewhat reminiscent of plenty of breeze here most days. We played with the director Augusta National because of its elevation changes, the tall pines of Golf, Rea Schuessler, and he shot 64. What a display - it’s with pine straw below, and the same beautiful white sand you are accustomed to seeing on TV. Stepping into one of those sand traps not that easy! in bright sunlight without sunglasses can be almost blinding. The Rock Creek Golf Club: Rock Creek Golf Club is greens are firm and quick. another Earl Stone design and is owned by the same company as the Peninsula. Houses line the fairways of this course. The Falls course is named for the waterfall that tumbles There are many elevation changes and many doglegs, but across the fairway in front of the tenth green. If you are out with generous landing areas and beautifully contoured greens. to play nine holes, this is not the course, because number I was surprised to see the incredible elevation changes in this nine does not return to the clubhouse. The only par 71 on the trail, the Falls winds its way through creeks, marshland and part of the state that make this golf course so interesting. lakes. Some of the waste areas have been spread with crushed The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail: The oyster shell waste, which gives an intriguing and unique look. now famous Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is the brainchild of Dr. David Bronner, who grew up in Minnesota, went to The Crossings course hosts an annual LPGA event. It has the University of Alabama, and never returned to Minnesota. plenty of pulpit and cloverleaf bunkers to test your skills.

He is CEO of Retirement Systems of Alabama, the pension They have been renovating the Crossings by softening the fund for teachers and state employees, and in the early contours of the greens and clearing some of the brush under 1990s he decided to invest $150 million of the pension the trees along the fairways (makes it much easier to find fund’s money in what became the RTJ Golf Trail. Bronner’s balls that run through the rough). Number 14, formerly vision was to build several 54-hole golf stops immediately a long uphill par three, now features a shorter downhill and simultaneously. He wrote letters to five leading golf shot over water. The new hole is so beautiful that I would consider it a signature hole. running almost 11 on the stimpmeter. The greens are large (one is almost 50 yards deep) which makes for plenty of pin placements. To put that in perspective, 50 yards is pushing the limit of many NFL field goal kickers. There could easily be a three or four club difference between back and front pins.

29

Kiva Dunes

island green surrounded by a four-acre lake. The approach shot demands pinpoint accuracy.

The Dogwood course is equally wonderful. The front nine is lined with houses-there are virtually no houses on the back nine. Both of the par-threes on the front nine have two greens. They are small and this is so every other day they can rest one green. Needless to say, different greens change the holes dramatically.

Twenty-five years ago on number 10, one of their giant sprawling oak trees blew down. Rather than digging it up by the roots and disposing of it, they piled dirt on top of the tree trunk, and the tree still lives. Number 12 is a wonderful double dogleg and Number 13, a par three, features a bunker 40 yards off the tee with a mound behind it. The director of golf told us it is there to create the illusion that the hole plays shorter than its published distance. Many players are deceived. Even with forewarning, it got me too - I came up 15 yards short.

It is no wonder Golf Digest selected Alabama the 3rd best state for golf value a couple years ago. Due in part to the success of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and these other outstanding facilities, Alabama finds itself at the pinnacle of the golfing world. Yes, the golf courses are wonderful and the resort amenities are absolutely fabulous. Come for the golf, stay for the southern hospitality…you won’t regret it.

Lakewood Golf Club, at The Marriott Grand Resort in Point Clear, Alabama, is also part of the RTJ Trail. There are two 18-hole championship courses here, Azalea and Dogwood With tee choices ranging from 7,500 yards down to 4,725 yards, they offer good challenges for all levels. Lakewood is the only spot on the trail that has a membership in addition to being open to public play. Therefore it only gets 30,000 rounds a year. For comparison’s sake, Minneapolis city courses probably see twice that. The fairways are wide open and the cart paths are all concrete.

Kiva Dunes #16

Because of the light play in winter, they do not overseed here.

That makes it easier to grow good turf grass. The Azalea’s signature hole is the par-5 number 14. It winds its way to an

Rock Creek

Destinations

30

February/March 2012

By Will Brogan

“The Home of THE PLAYERS” and a Whole Lot More TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course #17 aerial

There are now over two dozen Tournament Players Club (TPC) courses throughout the United States. None of them would have been possible without the vision of former PGA TOUR Commissioner Deane Beman, or the unparalleled success of his collaboration with Pete Dye that became TPC Sawgrass.

THE dYE’S vallEY CourSE: Though Dye’s Valley Course is often referred to as the “sister” course to the THE PLAYERS Stadium Course, it shouldn’t be treated as such; it is every bit as challenging as its “big sister”, lacking only the aura of THE PLAYERS Championship and an island green.

Beman envisioned a course that PGA TOUR players could call their own while simultaneously creating a world class golf resort for even the most novice golfers to enjoy and appreciate.

TPC Sawgrass, located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, and “Home of THE PLAYERS”, opened in 1980 and has been a mainstay on the “bucket list” for golfers ever since. However, golf is only one part of this incredible, world-renowned facility.

The host of the Nationwide Tour’s Winn-Dixie Jacksonville Open measures 6,524 yards from its Blue Tees, the longest any non-pro will see. Sixteen holes house multiple bunkers, including an ominous ten on the short par 4 3rd hole. Water makes its presence felt on thirteen holes, often running the length of the hole on one side or the other.

THE PlaYErS STadiuM CourSE: Standing on the first tee of THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, 2.6 million square feet of (mostly) Bermuda grass, a storytelling forecaddie, golf history and 6,661 yards (from the “Blue Tees”) of unforgettable golf await you. THE PLAYERS Stadium Course, ranked seventh hardest in America by Golf Digest, will test every facet of your game, especially your mental endurance. Said Ben Crenshaw of the Pete Dye designed masterpiece: “This is Star Wars golf. This place was designed by Darth Vader.”

Designed by both Pete Dye and Bobby Weed, the course balances short (but not necessarily drivable) par 4’s with longer more challenging par 4’s. Stocking your “standard” four par 5’s and four par 3’s, the course totals a par of 72. However, it played as a par 71 during the 2011 Winn-Dixie Jacksonville Open. Most of the par 5’s are reachable in two well-struck shots, but they feature the narrowest fairways on the course.

Tour aCadEMY and PraCTiCE FaCiliTY: Want a club fitting from a representative who fits pros like Dustin Johnson, Jason Day and Natalie Gulbis? How about a lesson from one of the top instructional staffs in the country? The TOUR Academy at TPC Sawgrass Bunkering on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course is a defining characteristic. Every hole but provides golfers of all abilities with access to the top instruction and tools in the game. the infamous 17th houses at least two bunkers, with as many as eleven on a single hole. A majority of holes include bunkers that run along one, or both sides of a significant length of The 3,000 square foot facility is home to two “high tech” hitting bays, which feature the the fairway. Most greenside bunkers, like the one on the 17th, are small circular collection Trackman™ Ball Launch Monitor and the TaylorMade MATT Motion Capture System, as areas that you won’t pay much attention to until you find one, resulting in a menacing effort well as the six-camera TaylorMade Putting Lab. Offering private or group lessons, Head Golf Professional Todd Jones and his staff provide some of the nation’s finest instruction available. to get the ball close to the pin!

Another neat architectural feature worth mentioning, among the dozens in the design of THE PLAYERS Stadium Course, is a wish of Beman’s. When planning the routing for the course, Beman wanted two staple concepts. First, no two consecutive holes could be played in the same direction, to force players to be challenge by the wind from a constant variety of angles.

Second, Beman wanted to create core areas of activity for spectators to easily view multiple shots on multiple holes without ever leaving their seats, as well as having the routing of the course naturally lead back to the clubhouse area every few holes for easy fan access.

The term “state-of-the-art” does not begin to describe the practice facility at TPC Sawgrass.

Approximately 20 acres in size, this enormous plot hosts not only guests and members, but touring professionals as well. On any given day you could be practicing on the driving range with PGA TOUR stars practicing their own games at the other end! The facility also boasts a massive putting green and a four-bunker short game area, both kept in tournamentready condition.

CluBHouSE: The 77,000 square foot clubhouse, opened in 2007, is one of the most Water is found on every hole on the course, making “significant” appearances on sixteen majestic in the world of golf. Designed with a “Mediterranean revival” exterior, the clubhouse of them. The rough isn’t particularly long, but has a way of “embedding” the ball to give at TPC Sawgrass is perfectly designed to include every amenity you could ask for in a worldclass golf facility. Want a comparison? It’s 40% larger than The White House! you a nasty lie.

February/March 2012

Destinations

31

TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course #17

TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse

The clubhouse features an expansive golf shop with attire for every style of golfer and every form of weather imaginable. Several meeting and banquet rooms in a multitude of sizes are comfortably capable of hosting any event from small board meetings to 500-guest weddings.

Two restaurants, Nineteen and Traditions, provide an award winning wine list and a fantastic fine-dining menu.

Seventeen: In regards to that one short par 3 on the back nine that will be on your mind all day, a modest length of 137 yards and a green over 4,000 square feet in size won’t scare any golfer. However, knowing that each year over 120,000 golf balls find the water surrounding that green will send shockwaves of nervousness through even the most seasoned TOUR pros.

Perhaps the most outstanding facet of the clubhouse, besides its massive size and exquisite beauty, are the storytellers. These volunteer docents will guide you on a tour of just about anything you want to see or learn about during your visit to TPC Sawgrass. Even if you have a non-golfer in your party, the storytellers can still take them on a trip through PGA TOUR and TPC Sawgrass history, as well as visit the famed 17th hole. The tours are free and are guided based on what you desire to see!

When playing THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, it’s perfectly natural to have the seventeenth hole on your mind all day. Instead of letting it haunt you with fear, just remember: no matter what you’ve done the previous sixteen holes, you have an opportunity to make your own memory on that hole. Give yourself a minute to embrace the moment, then strike the shot with a clear mind.

If you seek further suggestion on how to prepare for the 17th, the best advice comes from the Booking your Tee Time: While TPC Sawgrass is available to play for any golfer, TPC Sawgrass online yardage book, remarking about a statistic from the 2010 PLAYERS… there are specific procedures one must take prior to embarking on the voyage. The first thing “Don’t hit it in the water…” to understand is that all tee times are based on availability. Second, THE PLAYERS Stadium Course is closed from mid-April until mid-May in preparation for and to host THE PLAYERS For more information to book a tee time Championship. Tee times can be booked up to fourteen days in advance directly through the TPC Sawgrass clubhouse.

or golf vacation at TPC Sawgrass,

Additionally, golfers have two options through the Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Spa, the beautiful 508-room hotel adjacent to the property. Through the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Shop, guests can make a tee time up to a year in advance, provided they also have confirmation of a guest room at the hotel. If guests choose to play without the stay, they can purchase a “day pass” through the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Shop by a non-refundable credit card transaction.

All rates are “seasonal” and, again, based strictly on availability. Aerification of THE References: Dye, P., & Shaw, M. (1995). Bury Me in a Pot Bunker. Reading, MA: PLAYERS Stadium Course typically occurs in mid-June, so when planning your trip to Addison Wesley Publishing Company. Finch, P. (2012, January). America’s 75 Toughest Golf Courses. Golf Digest, Florida’s First Coast, be absolutely sure the course(s) you want to play at TPC Sawgrass are p. 86. Schupak, A. (2011). Deane Beman: Golf’s Driving Force. Orlando, FL: East Cottage Press. open on the day(s) you wish to play them.

please visit www.tpc.com/sawgrass or call 904.273.3235.

Special Thanks: Bill Hughes, Jennifer Garner, Michael Johnson, Steve Naff, Avery Reed, Rich and Patti Brogan

TOUR Academy Lessons

TPC Sawgrass Playing With Caddies

32

Characters on the Course

February/March 2012

Where Great Golf & Great Events Begin WilliaM r. Barr

By R.J. Smiley As a high school athlete he was a sprinter and a football player. A knee injury in the second game his freshman year ended his college football career. He spent the remaining years of college playing on the golf team and drinking beer.

When I met Bill, his body was shaped like a light bulb with a smaller light bulb on top for a head. He wore his Bermuda shorts below his huge belly causing the shorts to hang well below his knees. Weighing about 280 lbs, on a 5’10”a frame, Bill looked like anything but an athlete. Don’t let appearances fool you! Bill paid for most of his golf and all of his beer by conning unsuspecting “fish”, as he called them, in bets he knew he could win. In bars Bill would challenge a “fish” into a short foot race. We would go outside on the street; Bill would then attempt to increase the bet. Someone would hold the money and go to the finish line 30 or 40 yards away. Bill would kick off his shoes and have someone count 1, 2, 3 go. His quick start won most races in the first ten yards. I never saw him lose and most of the time he jogged to the finish line to collect the money.

His favorite golf club was a Golfcraft, fiberglass shaft, mallet head putter with the brass back on the head. He was an excellent putter with great touch and would usually pay for a round on the putting green warming up. But his favorite trick was to bet that he could hit a ball onto the green with his putter from up to 180 yards, sometimes he would have to add - off a golf pencil - to get the bet.

The $200 bet he won at Olathe CC near Kansas City about five years after college was something I will never forget. After our round of golf and several pitchers of beer the boisterous Bill started working his “fish”. The Humpty Dumpty shaped, human bet he could hit his putter over the lake that fronted the 18th green, from the deck of the clubhouse, a carry of about 160 yards. More beer was consumed, but the “fish” was not taking the bait so Bill kept increasing the degree of difficulty and the amount of the wager.

Picture this, a fat guy balancing on one leg on the top rail of a split-rail fence with his putter in his hands and the golf ball teed on a golf pencil. Bill made a real show of it and everyone at the club, including the pro, who held the money, gathered to watch. Some bet he could not even stand on the fence on one leg. Others were speculating on how hard he would fall using a watermelon as an example. Then Bill got serious, carefully balancing on his right leg; he took a few practice swings, each with a little more energy.

A pause for a few seconds, then the brand new Titleist was in the air with a beautiful trajectory and a slight draw.

Still balancing on one leg Bill watched the dimpled sphere clear the lake safely onto the fairway beyond. Bill hopped off the fence grabbed the money and said to me, “lets go get a steak.”

As we walked away Bill said over his shoulder to the “fish” “You can keep the ball!!”

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February/March 2012

Critters on the Course

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33

SHarK aTTaCK aT BodEGa

By R.J. Smiley Intermittent spitting rain and sometimes-heavy fog combined with biting winds off the Pacific Ocean plagued the first 15 holes at The Links at Bodega Harbor Golf Course, overlooking the Pacific Ocean just an hour north of San Francisco.

As this regular foursome, of friends and mortal combatants, loaded their clubs onto the pull-carts and crossed the footbridge, over the marsh, to the walk-only 16th and 17th holes, the sky had cleared and the winds subsided. Now, with windbreakers and rain pants removed, they relaxed on the outdoor deck, just off the grill, soaking up the warming mid-afternoon sun. The first round of Anchor Steam Logger, a San Francisco brewed favorite, had been purchased by the winners; a game of horse dice would determine who bought the second.

As the conversation switched from BS-ing about work and girlfriends…. to where they would play next week, one of the combatants, facing the ocean from the round table, motioned towards the ocean 150 yards below as he chocked on his beer. “Holy Shit, can you believe that? A giant Great White Shark just blasted out of the water knocked a fully grown seal 15 feet in the air.” All heads turned toward the churning salt water as the white monster fish erupted like a volcano from the sapphire sea launching the stunned seal high into the air…. then snatch the mid-day snack out of the sky as it crashed back into the frothy ocean. Before the four spectators of Mother’s Natures brutal truth could speak, the huge toothy beast stood on its tail, with the speed and agility of a bucket mouth bass, and removed a mouthful of the helpless seal as it disappeared beneath the surface. Another pass. Another bite! The shark was gone. “My kids are never going swimming again,” the first one said.

“Bring us a round of Cuervo shots,” the second said.

By now the gulls had started their nature assigned, clean-up task.

The discussion slowly got back to the day and time of next weeks round. But where they were going to play was never an issue.

19th Hole

34

February/March 2012

Tell us what you do during the golf off-season. Have been going to college at St. Scholastica in Duluth.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in “beverage distribution” at your golf course? I love golf and being outside.

What’s the best tip you have ever received from a golfer…monetarily or other? $20 tip a couple times during a round by the same golfer.

What’s the funniest thing you have ever seen on the golf course? People leaving their bra’s on the yardage markers.

Kelly King CreeksBend Golf Course

What hobbies do you have way from golf? I love to work out.

What is your favorite drink? Jack and Coke Do you play golf? How well? Yes, could be better, but have been playing since I was a kid.

When your “career” as a beverage cart girl is over what are your goals in life? I just finished college and will be working as an occupational therapist.

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Tournaments Welcome Banquet Facilities Up To 500 Weddings Welcome

VS.

27 Holes In Cannon Falls Best Senior Rate In Minnesota $20 For 18 Holes w/Cart Tuesday Senior League Now Forming

We Love Our Senior Players

Call 507-263-2507 or 888-487-6634 www.gopherhills.com Men’s Club information visit: BHMC.org.

Ladies Club information visit: http://home.comcast.net/~tlklatt/

Deer Ru n G olf Clu b. . .Not Just For Old Farts!

Sen ior Rates For Everyone, Every Day I n April!

An 18 Hole Championship Golf Course Rated 4.5 Stars By Golf Digest

“Truly the best, say readers about the value at Clifton Highlands. Be on guard at the finish though, as you can’t see the flag after your tee shots on 17 and 18.”

- Golf Digest

Perfect Greens And Fairways The Conditions Are Always Excellent Meet Clifton Highlands’ Superintendent, Dr. Todd Hauschildt.

Dr. Hauschildt earned his degree in Turfology from Munich Germany’s famed Technische Universität München. Dr. Hauschildt is obsessed with maintaining immaculate course conditions.

Dr. Hauschildt studies Taraxacum Officinale (the common dandelion).

There are no off days in the pursuit of perfect course conditions!

Head out to Clifton Highlands this season, you may get a glimpse of the master at work!

N6890 1230th Street • Prescott, WI 54021 715-262-5141 • 800-657-6845 www.cliftonhighlands.com