Arizona Golf Magazine Southern Arizona Tee Times Apr-May 2012

SOUTHERN ARIZONA

April-May 2012 Vol 9, Issue 2

GUESS WHO WE CAUGHT AT MATCH PLAY!

THE FRESH

NEW FACE OF GOLF A look at Advancements In Technology, Instruction and the PGA launch of the Golf 2.0 Initiative

HOW TO MAINTAIN CONSISTENCY UP? DOWN? OR IN BETWEEN HAS TECHOLOGY CHANGED THE LAWS? PRE-SWING ALIGNMENT KEYS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE

Also Inside: COURSE REVIEWS: Del Lago l Turquoise Valley l Torres Blancas INSTRUCTION l 19th HOLE: Dining, Fitness, Entertainment l TEE TO GREEN ENTER TO WIN!!! Golf VEGAShion Get-A-Way! l Course Map & Directory

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85755

CONTENTS Published by Media Solutions Group, Inc. PUBLISHER

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CONTRIBUTORS BARRY BESSENT ANDREW CLARK RYAN ECKROAT, PGA MARY BETH LACY AL FISCHER CLAUDETTE HALPERN JANET HARE MICHAEL HELFRICH STEVE HUGHES, PGA ROBIN LANE DANNY MEDINA, PGA MICHAEL MUMFORD MARK OSWALD, PGA DENNIS PALMER, PGA JOE PINELLA MARYANN SOUTER JOSIE TRAPNELL BRAD VOLKER, PGA PAUL NOLEN, PGA The PGA TOUR and First Tee Course Reporters

SILVER SPONSORS GASLIGHT THEATRE HERITAGE HIGHLANDS OMNI TUCSON NATIONAL PERFORMANCE FITNESS Qi GONG HEALING INSTITUTE QUARRY PINES GOLF CLUB TUBAC RESORT & SPA TUCSON PARKS FOUNDATION WESTIN LA PALOMA RESORT & SPA

on the cover 46-55 THE FRESH NEW FACE OF GOLF A look at Advancements In Technology, Instruction and the PGA launch of the Golf 2.0 Initiative

special feature 34 “Follow The Leaders” Sets Records at 2012 Match Play 36 Guess Who We Caught At Match Play!

on the course 7 COURSE REVIEW: Del Lago; It’s ‘The Lakes’ 8 A Weed By Any Other Name, Is Still A Weed!

10 PLAY AWAY: Celebrate Arizona’s 100th Birthday

Turquoise Valley, Oldest Course in Arizona!

14 EXPANDED COURSE REVIEW: 18 COURSE MAP & DIRECTORY

Torres Blancas Golf Club

on your game 12 Exploring The Complicated World of Shafts 20 GOLF “ANYMan”: Putters and Putting 21 How to Maintain Consistency 22 UP? DOWN? or In BETWEEN? 25 Has Technology Changed The Laws?

27 Release Your Swing 29 Pre-Swing Alignment Keys To Improve Ball Striking 30 Women Share in the Rich Past of Arizona’s Golf Legacy 33 RULES: Time is Running Out

youthlinks 41 World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play

SOUTHERN ARIZONA TEE TIMES OFFICE PO BOX 115 l CORTARO, AZ 85653 Phone: (520)792-6650 Toll-Free (888)792-6650 email: info@GoGolfArizona.com www.GoGolfArizona.com

Championship Course Reporters

42

JUNIOR SPOTLIGHT: Alex Davis & Ryan Tanner

chapter news 61 The Young Guns Prevail

community FACEBOOK: TeeTimesMagazines TWITTER: TeeTimes Magazines YOUTUBE: SATTMag www.gogolfarizona.com/about-us/subscribe.html

SOUTHWEST SECTION PGA Southern Chapter 600 S. ALVERNON WAY l TUCSON, AZ 85711 Phone: (520)290-1742 Fax (520)326-8772 email: southernchapterpga@yahoo.com www.southernchapterpga.com PRESIDENT: Dan Wickman, Signature Golf VICE-PRESIDENT: Steve Hughes, La Paloma, C.C. SECRETARY: Brent Lingel, Blanchard Golf Course HONORARY PRES.: Mike Hayes, Tucson City Golf ABOUT THE PGA

The Southwest Section PGA is one of 41 Sections of the PGA of America, consisting of more than 1,500 members in the state of Arizona and Southern Nevada. The Southern Chapter PGA is the six southern counties of Arizona. The PGA of America is the world’s largest working sports organization, comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives, and award-winning golf promotions. Your PGA Professionals are the “Experts in the Game and Business of Golf.”

58 TEE TO GREEN: Local News and Reports 59 HOLE IN ONE: Latest Inductees to the Program 74 AMATEUR SPOTLIGHT: Bonnie Marsh and David Gray

19th hole 62 DINING: Building a Premier Wine List 63 WINE CORNER: For Family and Friends 63 ENTERTAINMENT: A Salute to The Eagles 64 - 65 HEALTH & FITNESS: QiGong & Injury Prevention 68 LOCKER ROOM: Antigua 2012 Spring Colors for Men 72 - 73 A Tribute To The Masters at Augusta National ABOUT SOUTHERN ARIZONA TEE TIMES

Southern Arizona Tee Times, official publication of the Southwest Section PGA Southern Chapter, is published bi-monthly by Media Solutions Group, Inc.. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. The opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or the SWSSCPGA. Distributed throughout Southern Arizona with 20,000 bulk/on demand print circulation and 11,000 e-subscribers. Copyright © 2012.

Printed on 20% recycled (10% post-consumer waste) paper. All inks contain a percentage of soy base. Our printer meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) Standards.

www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

5

Bounce Back Special...

The

Views

Golf Club at Oro Valley

ON THE COURSE Course Review

del lago; it’s ‘the lakes’

BY JACK TALMAGE Del Lago in Spanish means “the Lake” and that is a great choice of name for this very interesting golf course just 20 minutes south of downtown Tucson, heading east on I-10. Although more appropriately the name should be Los Lagos meaning “the lakes,” for there are in fact nine bodies of water on the course. While that may seem scary, for balls hit into water generally don’t float too well, at del Lago the

“Target areas are well defined by the now dormant Bermuda grass and missed shots can often kick back onto the immaculate green fairways.”

lakes help to define the beauty of the course and mostly come into play with really errant shots. But there is more to the attraction of this Nugent and Associates design. Many of the holes play through the hills and valleys of the high desert, alongside the Pantano Wash and offer spectacular views of the Rincon and Santa Catalina mountains.

The course is very user friendly. Target areas are well defined by the now dormant Bermuda grass and missed shots can often

Del lago golf club 14155 E via Rancho Del Lago Vail, Arizona 85641 kick back onto the immaculate green fairways. There are very few forced carries over the desert and no blind shots to hidden pins. The course made a wise decision in 2010 and decided not to over-seed the fairways, giving the turf a year to grow stronger and healthier without having to compete with the winter rye grass. That makes for a wonderful playing surface this year and into the future. One of the most interesting design features of the course is found on #11. The hole is a mid-length par four that bends around the shoreline of one of the lakes. That shoreline is one big sandtrap… I guess I would really call it a beach, for the sand blends right into the water all the way to the hole, very cool effect. The par three #16 looks benign since it has no water, but it is fronted by a family of very deep faced bunkers and has a large three putt-able green (I know this personally). To finish up your round you get to play the attractive and “audible” #18. The sound of the gentle series of waterfalls down the left side of the fairway and right of the green can be very soothing, but don’t get lulled to sleep on this very tricky uphill par four…. A spectacular finishing hole that leads

Phone: (520) 647-1100 www.dellagogolf.net info@dellagogolf.net

you home to the clubhouse and a well deserved cold beverage.

The clubhouse encompasses a well-stocked pro-shop and a very comfortable 19th hole.

If you need to work on any part of your game before or after your round, the practice facilities at del Lago are some of the best around. Plenty of slots on the driving range mean no waiting to hit balls and the short game area replicates every shot you need.

The practice green is huge and is right in front of the clubhouse and before the first tee. Better make a few putts before playing the slippery Tif Eagle greens, it will pay off for you on the course.

Jack Talmage is the General Manager and Director of Golf at Rio Rico Country Club. He comes to the golf business from an extensive career in golf resort marketing and sales. His passion is sharing the enjoyment of Southern Arizona Golf and he can be reached at (520)281-8567.

www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

7

ON THE COURSE the seed head has formed. These seeds are easily spread by birds, machinery or humans. Once started poa a. spreads very quickly and can take over a turf area.

There are several methods used by golf course personnel to control poa a.

A Weed By Any Other Name, Is Still A Weed!

Healthy turf is the first line of defense, because it limits the amount of sunlight that hits the ground and poa a. seed. Poa a. thrives in areas where turf is thin. Preemergent chemicals are applied to non-over seeded turf areas. These chemicals are soaked into the soil with irrigation or rain water, and kill the plant as it breaks through the seed coat. Preemergent in the soil breaks down over time and additional applications have to be made, as poa a. grows in surges. Here

BY BARRY BESSENT Assistant Golf Course Superintendent, The Views Golf Club

The grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fairway. Sometimes, it’s a menace. This is true of the poa annua grass on Sonoran desert golf courses. Poa annua (poa a.) is an annual bluegrass that is used as a turf grass on some courses. For example, Pebble Beach Golf Links in California has one variety of poa a. on its greens.

However, on most courses it is considered a weed (definition a weed is any plant growing where it is not supposed to be). When it grows on a course overseeded with rye grass or other cool season grasses it is a weed and must be controlled because it affects the playability of the course.

A SINGLE POA ANNUA PLANT IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING 1000 TO 2000 SEEDS IN A SEASON. EVEN WHEN MOWED TO GREEN HEIGHTS OF 3/16” OR LESS THEY ARE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING OVER 300 SEEDS PER PLANT.

Overseeding dormant turf grass on golf courses enhances both the playability and aesthetic beauty of the course in the winter.

To save money many courses do not overseed the roughs. Tees and fairways are seeded with a cool season grass, typically a variety of perennial rye grass, and greens with a combination of a perennial rye grass and poa trivialis or bent grass. It is lighter green than most turf grasses (almost yellow) and easily identified in overseeded areas.

Poa a. is a bunch grass like rye grass in that it has multiple leaf blades growing from a

central point but is a much courser plant, providing a much harsher playing surface.

On greens poa a. grows at a faster rate than the other cool season grasses so the greens roll smooth in the mornings after being mowed but in the afternoons can be very bumpy. Regardless of where poa a. may appear, it must be dealt with immediately because it propagates and spreads quickly.

A single poa annua plant is capable of producing 1000 to 2000 seeds in a season.

Even when mowed to green heights of 3/16” or less they are capable of producing over 300 seeds per plant. These can remain viable in the soil for up to 6 years and start growing when the conditions are right.

Mowing only serves to spread the seed once

in the Sonoran Desert we cycle between cold days and nights to periods on warm days and cold nights. Warm days can trigger a new surge of poa a. growth. The poa a. plants that survive in the non over seeded rough can be treated directly with selective herbicides without harm to the dormant Bermuda grass. These herbicides can’t be used on poa a. in the overseeded areas because they would also kill the rye grass in the fairways. In the overseeded areas chemicals are used to suppress the growth of the poa a. These chemicals have varying degrees of success.

It is a constant battle but, to provide the best playing conditions we can it is being addressed almost daily.

About The

AUTHOR

Barry Bessent

The Views G.C. - Assistant Golf Course Superintendent

520.825.3110

www.theviewsgolfclub.com

Barry Bessent is the Assistant Golf Course Superintendent at the Views Golf Club in Oro Valley. In addition to his passion for golf, Barry enjoys woodworking as a hobby. He studied at Texas Tech University in 1976 and hails from Marana, AZ He can be reached at 825.3110.

8 Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

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ON THE COURSE

CELEBRATE ARIZONA’S 100th BIRTHDAY AT THE OLDEST COURSE IN AZ Play Away at Turquoise Valley Golf Course and Copper Queen Hotel For A Step Back In Time and The Only Par 6 In Arizona!

BY JACK RICKARD If you’re interested in doing something to celebrate the state of Arizona’s 100th birthday, why not tee it up at the Turquoise Valley Golf Course.

It’s located in Naco (Ariz.), just southwest of the historic mining town of Bisbee. It’s only a couple of well-hit 3-woods from the Mexican border.

The Turquoise Valley Golf Course is the oldest continuously operated golf course in the state. At least technically. It was built in the Warren Section of Bisbee in 1908. Legend has it that Pancho Villa, a leader of the Mexican Revolution, led his troops over the nine-hole course.

In 1936 the course and clubhouse were moved to Naco as part of the Works Project Administration. Just down the street from the present site are the remains of the barracks occupied by General John “Black Jack” Pershing, who chased Villa into Mexico.

For years the course was named the Bisbee Golf Course, owned and operated by that city.

It was not doing well. However, in 1996 a Canadian sheep rancher, Peter Lawson, and his wife Leslie, began playing the course.

They fell in love with the area, sold their 760acre ranch in Alberta and took out a 99-year lease from the city of Bisbee to operate the course.

The course was re-named Turquoise Valley

Golf Course and underwent a $2 million facelift that included a renovation of the clubhouse and the addition of a second nine holes.

Dick Atkinson, the club professional, designed the new nine located just north of the original layout across the Greenbush Draw, a 20-foot deep chasm that divides the course. Atkinson is to blame – or receive credit – for the par-6 15th hole that stretches 727 yards. That’s right, a par-6, and with a water hazard guarding the green. It’s the only par-6 in the state of Arizona and is the fifth longest hole in the United States and the tenth longest in the world.

A visit is not complete without a stay at the historic Copper Queen Hotel

When the new nine opened in 1999, I was invited to the ground-breaking. Atkinson made up the pairings for the shotgun start.

We were paired together and guess what hole we started on? Yes, No. 15. That’s a good way to get warmed up.

The original nine (the front) is a traditional layout winding through bit eucalyptuses and weeping willows. The first green may be the most difficult to hit an approach shot to I’ve ever played. It’s really steep. Hit it at the top of the green and it rolls down and off. The same happens if you hit it near the bottom.

But then you’re chipping uphill.

Angelas Restaurant is delightful at the Copper Queen Hotel

After golf you must spend some time in Coyote’s Hideout in the clubhouse. The restaurant/bar has a friendly atmosphere and the Mexican food there is great.

A trip to Bisbee wouldn’t be complete without a night at the famed Copper Queen Hotel,

10 Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

The John Wayne Room at the Copper Queen Hotel

one of the great historic hotels in the country.

It was started in 1898 and completed in 1902 when Bisbee was a booming mining area. In fact, at one time it was the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco.

Phelps Dodge Mining Company built the hotel as a place for dignitaries and investors to relax in luxury. Construction of the hotel was so difficult that Phelps Dodge had to blast away and clear a large portion of the mountainside. In order for concrete to be mixed, water had to be pumped up the hill from the mercantile, now called the Copper Queen Plaza, on Main Street. The walls were constructed to nearly two feet thick, which helps keep the hotel cool in the summer.

“If you head into the bar, which you should, you might sit in the same chair once occupied by John Wayne or Lee Marvin.”

The lobby is paved with tile from Italy. Behind the front desk is a unique safe once used at the copper mine. In 1944 Phelps Dodge added an elevator, and in the mid-1970s a pool was installed where the parking lot used to be.

While you’re at ground level at the pool, you’re actually at the second floor of the hotel.

Hole #8 217 yards, par 3

IT’S THE ONLY PAR-6 IN THE STATE OF ARIZONA AND IS THE FIFTH LONGEST HOLE IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE TENTH LONGEST IN THE WORLD. Hole #15 Green - 727 yards, par 6

If you head into the bar, which you should, you might sit in the same chair once occupied

by John Wayne or Lee Marvin. The restaurant has been changed to Angela’s, which specializes in Italian food. However, Bisbee has several other great restaurants.

One word of warning if you’re going to spend a night at the Copper Queen – it has three resident ghosts. It was even featured in SyFy Channel’s Ghost Hunters episode “Spirits of the Old West.”

One ghost is an older gentleman, tall with long hair and a beard, who is usually seen wearing a black cape and a top hat. Some residents claim they smell the aroma of a good cigar before or after seeing him. He appears in doorways or as a shadow of some rooms.

Aerial view of Hole #11, #13, #14 and #15

The second, and perhaps the most famous is a female in her early 30s named Julia Lowell.

The story goes that she was a lady of the evening and used the rooms in her hotel for her clients.

Not to worry. I’ve spent half a dozen nights at the Copper Queen and still haven’t seen a ghost. But maybe that’s because I spent too much time in the bar.

Jack Rickard is a retired Editor of the Tucson Citizen, and Southern Arizona Tee Times.

www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

11

ON YOUR GAME

Exploring The Complicated World of Shafts

BY MICHAEL HELFRICH General Manager, Hot Stix Golf Ben Hogan famously declared, “The shaft is the engine of the golf club.” That’s not an understatement considering its critical role in storing and releasing a swing’s power.

Yet while the shaft is essential to optimizing distance, accuracy and consistency, many golfers don’t pay close attention to their choices when purchasing “off the rack” equipment.

For example, we’re told the longer and lighter shafts in most stock clubs increase swing speed and distance. But because shafts react differently to particular swings, a one-sizefits-all solution rarely meets a golfer’s specific needs.

Determining the proper match is actually a complicated process that should be performed with assistance from a certified club fitter. It consists of analyzing a player’s Swing DNA, breaking down swing factors and auditioning multiple shaft/club head combinations. The goal is to find an option that: 1. Consistently delivers the club head to the ball in a repeatable fashion.

2. Transfers as much energy as possible through impact.

Even something seemingly straightforward like flex isn’t as simple as R, S, X. Flexes are not universal and one company’s stiff may be what another considers regular. Furthermore, each shaft has a unique “bend profile,” designating which sections are more or less stiff.

A certified club fitter can identify ideal shaft flex and bend profile based on how a player

transitions from backswing to downswing.

Force exerted on the shaft during the downswing causes it to bend. This is known as loading. Once the shaft is loaded, it will unload and ideally bring the clubface square to the golf ball. Changing one area has an impact on how the shaft bends, promoting different feel and trajectory. Often if a shaft does not feel right to the golfer it is not unloading properly.

In order to visualize how different bend profiles fit specific players, imagine the swings of Rickie Fowler and Fred Couples.

They have very similar club head speeds, but dramatically different transitions from backswing to downswing. Because of this the shafts that feel and perform the best for them will be very different.

Fitters sometimes find that players are actually in between flexes. When this occurs, custom shafts can be built using a process

called “tipping,” where custom fitters remove a portion of the tip to stiffen the overall flex.

The nature of shaft construction and its elements is further complicated by the recent wave of aforementioned longer (up to 46.5”) and lighter (30-50 grams) offerings pushed by many major club manufacturers. While touted as generating greater club head speed, these characteristics make it more difficult to keep the swing on path, sometimes leading to inconsistency and poor contact.

Testing different options with a certified club fitter is the only way to ultimately determine what shaft is best suited for a particular individual. Elements like flex, length, weight and torque can all be modified to suit an individual. In the end, a golfer determines which shaft option feels the best for them, while club fitters provide the hard data to back up that choice.

About The

AUTHOR

MICHAEL HELFRICH

Hot Stix Golf - General Manager

480.513.1333

www.HotStixGolf.com

Mike Helfrich is the General Manager of Hot Stix Golf based in Scottsdale, AZ. With eight locations across the United States Hot Stix is widely excepted as the #1 Club Fitter in Golf. During Mike’s tenure at Hot Stix they have become the exclusive research partner for Golf Magazine and oversee the magazine’s annual “Club Test”. Mike’s career in the golf industry spans more than twenty years and started in his home state of Oregon, but having resided in Cave Creek for the last fifteen years now considers Arizona his home.

12 Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

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www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

13

ExPANDED REVIEW

Different perspectives.

One course.

TORRES BLANCAS GOLF CLUB

Dog Legs require Tee Shot Accuracy for your Approach.

Tees

Par

Yards

Rating

Slope

GOLD BLUE GREEN WHITE RED

72 72 72 72 72

7111 6590 6262 5725 5010

72.6 69.9 68.8 67.6 69.1

130 126 124 121 121

(L) WHITE 72/5725/73.8/134

. . . representing the guys SATT READER REVIEW:

BY Michael Mumford (above) and Guest Marcos We had an 8:52 tee time on a sunny and warm February morning at Torres Blancas Golf Club in Green Valley. We checked in quickly and were warming up at the range within minutes. There was adequate room at the range and the practice green so there was no waiting. An “on deck” call was announced so we made our way to the first tee. I was playing with my buddy Marcos and we were paired up with George from Michigan and Dick from Ohio. We all introduced ourselves and while discussing what tees we would play, Dick realized that I was looking at the wrong side of the two-sided scorecard. One side is for Torres Blancas and the other side is for their sister course, Canoa Ranch.

Amazingly enough, my opening tee shot found

PLAY GOLF FOR FREE!

the middle of the fairway and it was only after my approach from about 100 yards careened off the back of the green that Dick mentioned how firm the greens were. He was right. The greens were tough to hold unless you came on from really high or played a shot that bounced up to the green. Another lesson I learned on the 2nd green was that you really need to be below the hole. The greens ran very true but were relatively quick and the pins were in some precarious spots. It seemed like the majority of the greens sloped from back to front. I hate a 3-putt as much as the next guy so I found that an approach shot that came up just short on the fringe was better than ending up long. The aprons of the greens were closely mowed which made it very practical to use your “Texas Wedge” from just off the putting surface. My mid-west playing partners were used to having 2 to 3 inch rough around the greens and would chip even when only inches

19th Hole

off the green with mixed results.

I am happy to report that I didn’t cause any property damage during my round though there are a few tee boxes where that possibility presents itself. The 8th hole, for example, is a slight dogleg right, par 4 with houses down the right side. Naturally you’d just aim a little more left until you realize that there is a wash down the left side with an extremely sharp drop off. Don’t get too close to the wash as it appears that chunks of fairway tumble off the edge frequently. The fairways themselves were in really nice shape.

I don’t know what type of grass they were but they allow you to take a decent sized divot without impeding your swing. There is dormant grass that flanks the fairways that is of nominal height and not punitive to play from. I’m not really a “beach” guy but I found myself in a greenside bunker on three

You and a friend can play for free -- Sign up as a course review volunteer under the e-subscribe box at www.GoGolfArizona.com and you and friend can join our editorial team reviewing courses throughout Arizona for Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine and Phoenix Valley Tee Times Magazine. Sign up, watch for volunteer requests, and let us know when you’re available. Easy.

14 Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

ON THE COURSE . . . representing the gals

THERE ARE THREE LAKES ON THE COURSE AND I AM PLEASED TO SAY THAT NONE OF MY TITLEISTS NOW RESIDE IN THEM.. occasions. The first resulted in an absolute fried egg! The sand was a good 5 to 6 inches deep and very loose. It took everything I had to extract the ball. I realized that the second bunker had only about a half an inch of sand after scalding my shot across the green. I was able to get up and down from the third which I felt had just the right amount of sand in it – probably 2 to 3 inches.

The course is surrounded by the beautiful Santa Rita Mountain Range, the Santa Cruz River and acres of pecan groves. There are three lakes on the course and I am pleased to say that none of my Titleists now reside in them. The fairways are generous, only a few holes require a carry of any distance, there are not many tall trees that would require you to shape your shots, the residences are typically not

. . . from the pro

close enough to pose a problem, the rough is forgiving, the bunkers are somewhat inconsistent, the greens are firm and true, and Sunny (the friendly young lady running the beverage cart) had lots of cold beer and makes a delicious, spicy, Bloody Mary. After our round we had a very nice lunch in the clubhouse.

All in all, we were quite pleased with Torres Blancas Golf Club and would definitely recommend the course to golfers of all levels. There are 4 men’s tee boxes ranging from 5725 to 7111 yards so whether you are a long hitter or more of a “short and straight” guy, you will enjoy this course. I live on the northwest side of Tucson and was able to get to the course in just under 40 minutes. The course is about 25 miles south of Tucson. I’m glad to say “it was worth the drive”.

Rich Elias, PGA

The perfect Arizona Golf course, Torres Blancas Golf Club, is nestled in the Santa Cruz River Valley at the foot of the beautiful Santa Rita Mountains. An Arizona golf vacation at Torres Blancas offers a championship course designed by Lee Trevino, Ocampo and Fernandez. Torres Blancas meanders through charming neighborhoods and breathtaking desert scenery. The par 72 course comes with 3 lakes, numerous sand traps and generous, undulating greens. Five sets of tees offer a challenge to golfers of all abilities with a maximum yardage of 7,111 from the tournament tees to 5,010 yards from the forward tees.

Holes of note are the Par 4 7th, measuring 480 yards from the tournament tees is a dogleg left. The tee shot must skirt a long fairway bunker on the inside corner of the dogleg. Go a bit too far right and be blocked out by a big mesquite tree that frames the right center of this fairway. It’s a tough tee shot to say the least. The par 3 12th is our signature hole. Ranging from 97-181 yards, you better check the wind carefully, as this peninsula green can be tough to hit. Ignore the hole location and aim for the middle of the green. Keeping your ball dry should be your priority! Hole 17 is a true risk/reward Par 5. Only 529 yards from the tournament tees and 400 from the forward tees, this hole forces golfers to make a decision on their second shot. A forced carry over a lake to an elevated green, which anything short will roll back into the water.

Visit the Pro Shop for a wide selection of attire and supplies. We take pride in presenting a full service golf shop with famous name brands such as Footjoy, Titliest, Adidas, and Imperial Headwear.

Torres Blancas is a golfer friendly facility, and most importantly is a lot of fun to play.

TORRES BLANCAS GOLF COURSE www.torresblancasgolf.com 3233 South Abrego Drive, Green Valley, AZ 85614

SATT READER REVIEW:

BY Josie Trapnell (above) and Guest Charlie Sullivan Torres Blancas Golf Club is located in the beautiful Green Valley Area. Upon arriving you will notice two well manicured putting areas, the larger one is used also for chipping. A driving range is available offering a small or large bag of balls.

The golf carts are lined up and the starter has his list keeping everyone on track. You have five tees to choose from ranging from 5,010 yards up to 7,111 yards, thus providing a challenge for any level of golfer.

Just a warning for morning golfers, ours was 7:30 AM, the kitchen does not open until 11:00 and coffee or snacks are not available in the morning, we did not notice a cart person until after we made the turn.

We chose the white tees at 5,725 yards and found the tee boxes to be large and pleasantly flat. Some of the greens on the front nine were a bit bumpy, but for the most part in great shape and ran very true. There are two well positioned bathrooms accessible from several holes, they were extremely clean and bright, and well supplied. The ladies room has a quaint golf theme décor. Water coolers were also evenly spaced and plentiful for this lovely desert course.

This is a mature course, so many of the fairways are lined with trees that force you to hit either a straight shot or a planned distance for the best approach on the dog legs. The fairways are in good shape, and the course is nicely landscaped. The bunkers had just enough loose sand making it easy to either hit long or pitch out to the green. You will find water on three holes, number eighteen being the hardest to negotiate with a twisting narrow fairway, water along the left, bunker on the right, and a cart path between; which could save or penalize you should you find it.

We finished under 4 hours, then went to the bar & restaurant area and found it to be exceptionally decorated, including a large screen TV at the bar where we stopped for lunch, and to watch the Matchplay semi-finals. While waiting for the kitchen to open, the very cordial bartender made a great Bloody Mary. Our hamburgers were cooked to perfection and the condiments extremely fresh. We met a couple in the bar from British Vancouver, they come to Tucson every winter, Torres Blancas will certainly be on our list of courses to play again.

Phone: (520) 625-5200 proshop@torresblancasgolf.com www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

15

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KEY:

COURSE DIRECTORY

l Public & Semi-Private COURSES p Private COURSES l Photo Gallery & Videos at www.GoGolfArizona.com

GREEN VALLEY / NOGALES

59 a

To Tucson VAIL

LA CANADA DR.

LA ChOLLA RD.

PO MER EN

WEBB

.

BLVD

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44 25

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45

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29

19

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28

30

To Vail, Benson, Sierra Vista, Naco & Sunsites

46 MAp nOT TO ScALE.

RIO RICO

47

19 NOGaLES w

To add or update a course listing, email info@GoGolfArizona.com or call 520.792.6650 ext. 116

TO GREEN VaLLEY, RIO RICO, TUBaC aNd NOGaLES

DAVIS MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE

43

hARRISON RD.

10

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41

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BROADWAY BLVD.

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B

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BROADWAY BLVD.

32

27 WILMOt RD.

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6th St. CONGRESS

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CRAYCROft RD.

SPEEDWAY BLVD.

StAR PASS BLVD.

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SWAN RD. COLUMBUS

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CRAYCROft RD.

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26 SWAN RD.

SP EEDW AY BLVD.

COUNtRY CLUB

GRANt RD.

DE LS

CAM PBE LL

1St AVE. ft. LOWELL RD.

35

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CAMPBELL AVE.

MIRACLE MILE

StONE

PRINCE RD.

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LA CANADA DR.

LA ChOLLA BLVD.

ROGER RD.

PRINCE RD.

42

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86

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58

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18 Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

MAP NOT TO SCALE.

y

82

49

28 p ROLLING HILLS GC

TUCSON AREA

24 l ARIZONA NATL. GC

9777 E. Sabino Greens Dr. Phone 520.749.3636 Par 71, Yardage 6776

08 l CROOKED TREE GC @

ARTHUR PACK REG. PARK.

9101 N. Thornydale Phone 520.744.3322 Par 72, Yardage: 6887

06 l HERITAGE HIGHLANDS

4949 W. Heritage Club Blvd.

Phone 520.579.7000 Par 72, Yardage 6904

16 p SADDLEBROOKE CC

64500 E. SaddleBrooke Blvd.

Phone 520.825.2505 Par 72, Yardage 6494

17 l SADDLEBROOKE RANCH GC

30556 S. Robson Cir. Phone 520.818.6403 Par 72, Yardage 6875

29 p DAVIS MONTHAN

3965 S. Craycroft Rd. Phone 520.228.3734 Par 72, Yardage 6611

10 l EL CONQUISTADOR

GOLF RESORT

10555 N. La Canada Dr. Phone 520.544.1800 Par 71, Yardage 6801 Conquistador Course Par 72, Yardage 6713 Canada Course

09 l OMNI TUCSON NATIONAL GR

2727 W. Club Dr. Phone 520.575.7540 Par 72, Yardage 7262 Catalina Course Par 70, Yardage 6418 Sonoran Course

14 l THE PRESERVE

GC—SADDLEBROOKE

66567 Catalina Hills Dr. Phone 520.825.9022 Par 72, Yardage 6418

19 l PUSCH RIDGE AT EL CONQUISTADOR

10000 N. Oracle Rd. Phone 520.544.1770 Par 35, Yardage 2788

35 l EL RIO MUNICIPAL GC

1400 W. Speedway Blvd.

Phone 520.791.4229 Par 70, Yardage 6418

20 l QUAIL CANYON GC

5910 N. Oracle Rd. Phone 520.887.6161 Par 54, Yardage 2311

22 p SKYLINE CC

GOLF CLUB (Marana)

8480 N. Continental Links Dr. Phone 520.744.7443 Par 71, Yardage 6300

8251 E. Irvington Rd. Phone 520.791.2539 Par 72, Yardage 6567

955 W. Vistoso Highlands Dr. Phone: 520.797.9900 Par 72, Yardage 6932

15 l MOUNTAIN VIEW GC 38691 S. Mountain View Blvd.

Phone 520.818.1100 Par 72, Yardage 6728

45 l CANOA RANCH GC

36 l STARR PASS GC

39 l HAVEN GC

3645 W. Starr Pass Blvd.

Phone 520.670.0400 Par 72, Yardage 7008

12 p THE STONE CANYON CLUB

14200 N. Hohokam Village Pl. Phone 520.219.1500 Par 72, Yardage 7307

60 l TUCSON ESTATES GOLF COURSE

2500 S. Western Way Phone 520.883.5566 Par 58, Yardage 2766

26 p TUCSON CC

2950 N. Camino Principal Phone 520.298.6769 Par 72, Yardage 6954

110 N. Abrego Dr. Phone 520.625.4281 Par 72, Yardage 6905

40 l QUAIL CREEK CC

2010 N. Quail Crossing Blvd.

Phone 520.393.5802 Par 72, Yardage 7005

600 S. Alvernon Way Phone 520.791.4161 Par 72/70 Yardage 6863

18 p ORO VALLEY CC

300 W. Greenock Dr. Phone 520.297.1121 Par 72, Yardage 6964

23 p VENTANA CANYON

6200 N. Clubhouse Ln. Phone 520.577.4015 Par 72, Yardage 6907Mtn/6819-Cyn

CLUB DOVE MOUNTAIN

6501 Boulder Bridge Pass Phone 520.572.3500 Par 36 Yardage 3894 Saguaro Course Par 36 Yardage 3955 Tortolita Course Par 36 Yardage 3897 Wild Burro Course

01 l CASA GRANDE MUNICIPAL GC

2121 N. Thornton Rd. Casa Grande, AZ Phone 520.836.9216 Par 72, Yardage 6353

13 p THE VIEWS GOLF CLUB OF ORO VALLEY

03 l MISSION ROYALE GC

11 Mission Royale Pkw. Casa Grande, AZ Phone 520.876.5335 Par 72, Yardage 6700

04 l GRANDE VALLEY GC

1505 South Toltec Rd. Grande Valley, AZ Phone 520.466.7734 Par 72, Yardage 7183

MAP INSETS

31 l del LAGO GOLF COURSE

41 l TORRES BLANCAS GOLF CLUB

51 l TURQUOISE HILLS

4201 S. Camino Del Sol Phone 520.648.3468 Par 71, Yardage 6704

3233 S. Abrego Dr. Phone 520.625.5200 Par 72, Yardage 6978

42 p DESERT HILLS GC

2500 S. Circulo de las Lomas Phone 520.625.5090 Par 72, Yardage 6464

TUBAC

GOLF COURSE

800 E. Country Club Dr. Benson, AZ Phone 520.586.2585 Par 58, Yardage 3004

54 l TURQUOISE VALLEY

1794 W. Newell St. Naco, AZ Phone 520.432.3091 Par 72, Yardage 6778

50 l SAN PEDRO GC

926 N. Madison St. Benson, AZ Phone 520.586.7888 Par 72, Yardage 7313

52 l SHADOW MTN.

1105 Irene St. Sunsites, AZ Phone 520.826.3412 Par 72, Yardage 6632

One Otero Rd. Phone 520.398.2211 Par 71, Yardage 6576

RIO RICO / NOGALES

53 l SIERRA VISTA PUEBLO del SOL CC

2770 St. Andrews Dr. Sierra Vista, AZ Phone 520.378.6444 Par 72, Yardage 7074

58 l DOUGLAS MUNICIPAL G.C.

1372 E. Fairway Dr. Douglas, AZ Phone 520.417.7339 Par 71, Yardage 6653

AZ CITY / FLORENCE

57 l ARIZONA CITY G.C.

13939 S. Cleator Arizona City, AZ 85123 Phone 520.466.5327 Par: 72, Yardage: 6742

26000 Gila Bend Highway Casa Grande, AZ Phone: 1.800.237.4238 Par 72, Yardage 7545

14155 E. Via Rancho del Lago, Vail, AZ Phone 520.647.1100 Par 72, Yardage 7206

46 l TUBAC GOLF RESORT

1555 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

Phone 520.825.3110 Par 72, Yardage 6715

56 l RITZ-CARLTON GOLF

CASA GRANDE/ELOY

44 l SAN IGNACIO GC

38 p COUNTRY CLUB OF GREEN VALLEY

32 l RANDOLPH GC

11 l GOLF CLUB @ VISTOSO

1401 W. Calle Urbano Phone 520.648.1880 Par 72, Yardage 6610

77 E. Paseo de Golf Phone 520.625.8831 Par 72, Yardage 6281

07 l QUARRY PINES

14000 N. Dove Mountain Blvd.

Phone 520.744.2555 Par 72, Yardage 7435 North Course Par 72, Yardage 7315 South Course

43 l CANOA HILLS GC

5800 S. Camino del Sol Phone 520.393.1966 Par 70, Yardage 6549

12000 E. Tanque Verde Rd. Phone 520.749.4212 Par 72, Yardage 6630

05 p THE GALLERY GC

GREEN VALLEY

5200 E. St. Andrews Dr. Phone 520.299.0464 Par 71, Yardage 6123

25 l FORTY-NINER CC

30 l FRED ENKE GC

6100 W. Merrill Ranch Pkw. Florence, AZ Phone 520.723.1880 Par 72, Yardage 7282

RESORT GC

3600 N. Silverbell Rd. Phone 520.791.5235 Par 72, Yardage 6824

33 l DELL URICH GC

6601 E. Speedway Blvd.

Phone 520.885.6751 Par 62, Yardage 3900

55 l POSTON BUTTE GC

02 l FRANCISCO GRANDE

34 l SILVERBELL GC

27 l DORADO GC

187 Kino Springs Dr. Nogales, AZ Phone 520.287.8701 Par 71, Yardage 6500

21 l LA PALOMA CC

3660 E. Sunrise Dr. Phone 520.299.1500 Par 72, Yardage 7088

600 South Alvernon Way Phone 520.791.4161 Par 70, Yardage 6633

49 l KINO SPRINGS GC

8900 E. 29th St. Phone 520.298.2401 Par 63 Yardage 4146

47 l RIO RICO CC

1069 Camino Caralampi Rio Rico, AZ Phone 1.800.288.4746 Par 72, Yardage 7119

59 l MT. GRAHAM GOLF COURSE

4000 Golf Course Rd. Safford, AZ Phone 520.348.3140 Par 72, Yardage 6573

www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

19

ON your game

Golf‘Anyman’

I began playing the game when woods were persimmon and thread wrapped and putters looked like putters and many were hickory shafted. To really economize you went to Walgreens and bought Po-Do golf balls.

My tour includes 30 plus years in the Midwest and 20 here in the SW. My golf adventure has been a fascination and a frustration, a joy and despair. You would think after all these years I’d be scratch or single digit. Not a chance. I’m a 15 give or take and happy with that.

I hope to give you, the reader, a thought, a chuckle, a snort as I look at the game.

You’re welcome to comment, agree or disagree or call me a complete idiot.

BY AL FISCHER, ‘Golf Anyman’ PUTTERS AND PUTTING: Now here’s a subject (s) one could spend days on. Delight when you dump in a 30 footer and agony when you flub a 2 footer. Who hasn’t spent lots of time searching for that magic wand and that elusive stroke?

I don’t know any game that has such a wild assortment of implements for one function – putting. There are putters as long as a broom handle and as short as 2 feet. Some look like a weedwacker, others like a hood ornament.

Different shafts, different bends and lots of exotic material (never mind weight, loft and lie) from $29 to over $300, all designed to help you put the ball in the hole. Certainly the next one you buy is guaranteed to solve all your problems (who among us doesn’t have a “retired” collection of magic putters in the garage?)

Now, I have to tell you that a while ago I suffered from an extended case of the near terminal yips – and I mean severe. It got so bad when I got over the ball I had no clue what was going to happen.

The result was some kind of spastic jab that was way off line and way long or short. It was major

20 Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

sobering after one of these efforts to look at my playing buddies – their reaction usually was a quiet smirk or a little shake of the head.

So, of course I had to change my putting stroke.

First to a bigger grip, Then to left hand low, then to a claw, then to a modified claw, then to a closed stance, then to open, then to looking at the hole, then to closing my eyes. All with singular results – yuk.

So what to do? Take a lesson? Too obvious.

Better to get totally confused reading putting articles and tips in the golf mags. That turned out to be counter productive because if you read enough of them, one would say X and the other would say NOT X, DO Y. So what have I learned? I’ve learned that the claw is the most comfortable for me. I’ve learned that my head and eyes are steady and over the ball. I’ve learned that to take my hands and wrists out of play I need to work on rocking my shoulders and concentrate on not quitting on the stroke. All of which has elevated my putting to average – a glorious improvement!

Perhaps all of the above is why the chief and I named our delightful miniature Aussie “Putter.”

How to Maintain Consistency

1.

X

2.

3.

(L) - Poor footwork and lower body activity. Too much arms and hands in this swing. Sequence (R) - Try this drill to get your feet and lower body active.

BY BRAD VOLKER, PGA PGA Teaching Professional, Heritage Highlands at Dove Mountain

At the beginning of the first lesson with students, I ask what their goals are for our lessons and their golf game overall. The overwhelming response is, “I want to hit the ball consistently!”

Too often players make swings with just their arms and hands while neglecting the large muscles of their body that help produce power for an overall better swing. The first thing every player must do to hit more consistent golf shots is to improve their

footwork and weight shift in the lower body.

Imagine a pitcher in baseball throwing a pitch with just his arms and hands with no lower body weight shift. The pitcher would not have much velocity on the ball. He wouldn’t be able control the direction and if he did throw a strike the batter would treat the pitch like Bubba Watson with a driver in his hands!

Try this drill to help incorporate your feet and legs into your golf swing - Set up for a practice swing with your driver (or any club you like). While remaining in your address posture, slide your right hand halfway down the shaft of the club and hold it in front of you with the shaft pointing at your target.

From this position, start your backswing while maintaining your posture and keeping your arms extended. You should feel your weight shift into your right foot. Once you have rotated your shoulders as far as you can, start your downswing and continue into a full follow through while maintaining your posture. When you complete the swing, your shoulders and hips should be rotated to face the target. The shaft should point to the target, and your weight will have shifted into your left foot. Incorporating this new motion in your lower body into your swing will set you on the path for more consistent golf shots.

Brad Volker is a PGA Teaching Professional at Heritage Highlands @ Dove Mountain. He can be reached at (520) 579-7000 or bvolker@heritagehighlands.com

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G O L F www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

21

ON your game

UP? DOWN?

Feel free to try it and let me know how that works for you!!

Most putters tend to have about four degrees of loft on them. Many people do not realize that…

lofted at impact. The ball will still catch air (just enough to get it up on top of the grass), and it will start to roll sooner, which results in a putt that will hold its line much more efficiently. Be careful though! If you hit too steeply down on it, you will literally push the ball down into the grass, causing it to pop up and bounce…not what you are trying to accomplish!

So next time you have some time to devote to some

or in BETWEEN?

BY PAUL NOLEN, PGA Head Golf Professional, The Gallery Golf Club

I went to dinner recently with a friend and he asked me what part of the ball I was trying to hit when I putted. After I admitted that I never really thought of it quite like that, I probed further. What he was really asking was did I hit up on the ball, down on the ball or somewhere in between. Good question!!

I have heard many golfers tell me that they try to hit up on the ball to put topspin on the ball and get it rolling as soon as possible. While I agree with the idea of getting it rolling quickly, I disagree with hitting up on it to accomplish the goal.

First let me address the “topspin” notion.

The only way you can impart “topspin” on a ball is if you make contact above the equator of the ball. Making contact above the equator of the ball, I think most of us would agree, doesn’t seem like it would be the most efficient way to propel a golf ball.

they assume that it is a “straight face”.

Therefore, if I were to try to hit up on the ball to get it rolling, I am actually adding loft with the ascending blow and the ball will have too much “air time” before it starts to roll or in this case bounce and then roll. Not only would it have too much “air time,” there is a good chance that there would be some backspin put on the ball. In my opinion, because of the loft on the club, the putt should be hit with the shaft leaning slightly forward with at least a level stroke and maybe even a slight down stroke. With a level stroke, the ball will still catch air before it starts to roll. Again, the goal is to get the ball rolling as soon as efficiently possible.

With a “slight” descending blow, the putter makes contact with the ball just below the equator and will be slightly de-

practice, make a couple of adjustments in your setup and stroke. At setup, be sure to have the shaft of the putter leaning slightly toward the hole. The goal of the stroke is to return to this position at the moment of impact. Another thing to think about is ball position. Most people I see have the ball too far forward in their stance to promote the ascending blow we have talked about. Move the ball back to just in front of center. The combination of the ball position further back and the shaft leaning forward will give you the silky smooth roll you have been looking for!!

Give it a try… I think you will see some positive results - Best of luck!

About The

AUTHOR

PAUL NOLEN, PGA

The The Gallery Golf Club - Head Golf Professional

520.744.2555

pnolen@gallerygolf.com www.gallerygolf.com

Paul Nolen is the original Head Golf Professional at The Gallery Golf Club having been there since prior to its opening in 1998. Paul has more than 25 years of experience in the golf industry. Originally from Glenwood Springs, Colorado, Paul graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1980. He was recruited to play golf for the University of Arizona and graduated in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education.

22 Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

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www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

23

24 Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

ON YOUR GAME

TWENTY YEARS AGO, THE GOLF SWING APPEARED AS BLUR OF MOVEMENT WHEN WATCHED ON TAPE, EVEN IN SLOW MOTION ...

Has Technology Changed The Laws?

BY RYAN ECKROAT, PGA General Manager, Poston Bute G.C.

To say that golf instruction technology has increased over the years is an understatement. Twenty years ago, the golf swing appeared as blur of movement when watched on tape, even in slow motion.

Thanks to the rapid improvement in camera technology, we can now see every motion of a student’s swing with such clarity; you’d think it was a posed photo.

Teaching software made a big splash in the market when instructors were able to overlay lines and other shapes on the video replay, showing their student just how much their body moved during the swing.

Now, we can tell a student the near exact degree of shoulder rotation they make in the swing, and a whole host of other stats.

Even better, all of this can be done on the spot right out on the lesson tee. Is all of this necessary?

While the methods and tools used to teach golf have changed over the years, the goal

has not. We are still trying to correct the flight of the golf ball.

That being said, I believe that the single best piece of equipment that will help you understand and improve your game is the ball itself. That dimpled little nugget will tell you everything you need to know about your swing. The flight of the golf ball will tell you what do you did. Video can only tell you how you did it. That is because the golf ball will always perform in accordance with what instructors refer to as Ball Flight Laws.

These Laws have, and will continue, to stand the test of time. The Laws refer to the nine possible directional patterns that a golf ball can take. These patterns are constructed based on the two variables that affect a golf ball’s direction: the path of the

club head at impact, and the angle of the clubface at impact relative to club head path. As such, they are what every instructor is ultimately trying to effect during a lesson. Seeing the flight of the golf ball, will give the instructor, and you, all the information you need about why your golf ball is going where it is going.

This isn’t to say that instruction technology is frivolous and unimportant.

There absolutely is a benefit to it, especially for those that are visual learners. However, it should be used sparingly. Players, and instructors, can sometimes fall into the trap of creating the perfect golf swing. There is no such thing. Just look at the swings of all the successful pros on TOUR around the world. The golf ball doesn’t know what your swing looks like, all it knows are that it has to follow the Laws.

About The

AUTHOR

RYAN ECKROAT, PGA

Poston Butte Golf Club - General Manager

520.723.1880

reckroat@troongolf.com www.PostonButte.com

Ryan is the General Manager at Poston Butte Golf Club at Anthem Merrill Ranch in Florence, Arizona. As a PGA Member and 9year veteran with Troon Golf, Ryan has managed multiple facilities in Arizona and Colorado. Ryan began his career with Troon Golf at Legend Trail Golf Club in Scottsdale, AZ. He then moved to Colorado to open Vista Ridge Golf Club, a master-planned community just north of Denver. Ryan returned to Scottsdale after being named the Head Golf Professional at The Westin Kierland Resort, Spa & Villas where he served for 3 and a half years before joining the Troon Golf team at Poston Butte Golf Club in 2008.

www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

25

Hunter Mahan, 2012 Champion

64 Of The Best Players In The World 64 Exciting Matches One Champion One Unbelievable Week

Thank you to our sponsors, fans, volunteers and the Tucson Conquistadores for a great tournament week.

26 Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

Release Your Swing

BY DANNY MEDINA, PGA Head Golf Professional, Omni Tucson National

One of the most misunderstood movements in the golf swing is the fundamental known as “release.” The best description of the release in the golf swing is the squaring of the clubface through the impact zone. Anyone who has ever sliced a golf ball has experienced the feeling of a late or blocked release. Some common reasons for this are (1) tension in the forearms and wrists which prohibits a free release, or (2) poor timing between the torso and the arms in which the body out-races the arms, with no synchronization to a strong finish in the golf swing.

We often try working on specific movements in our golf swing to correct them but never really grasp what the feeling should be throughout our swing. Working on the specific release in the golf swing can be better understood and transferred over to our natural golf swing when we use some drills without hitting a golf ball. There are good, and not-sogood ways, to release a golf club.

One efficient and consistent method is to roll the forearms in a direction that rotates the clubface from open to square to close through impact. Try this without a ball, and do it slowly enough so that you can watch the club face as it rolls over. When you first begin to focus on release, pay attention to your arm swing, and the point at which the club head passes the handle – the release point.

A second great drill to help you with good release and strong a finish is to grab a club down closer to the club head with the handle of the shaft slightly passed the left hip (right handed golfer). Take your normal set up to the golf ball and proceed with a very slow paced golf swing and when you make the movement down towards the contact zone, moving through up to the finish, the handle of the golf club should never hit your body. For golfers struggling with the release the handle typically hits our body indicating that we are not moving the body and arms correctly through the impact zone, leading us to a weak release in our golf swing.

When you try it out with a golf ball, notice the ball flight penetrating towards your target slightly lower and with less side movement you are on your way to a better and more consistent golf swing.

Danny Medina is the Head Golf Professional at the Omni Tucson National Resort. A native Tucsonan, Danny has been working in the golf business for over 13 years and has been a PGA Member since 2009. Danny has worked extensively with golfers of all calibers, members, junior players, initiating clinics and workshops.

Danny instructed golf classes for Pima Community College for 8 years and really has developed a passion for growing the game of golf. Danny enjoys his free time away from the course with his son Jacob! Danny can be reached at 520.575.7540 or dmedina@omnihotels.com

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www.HomesInTheTucsonArea.com

www.CanyonPassProperties.com

ON YOUR GAME

Pre-Swing Alignment Keys to Improve Ball Striking

BY MARK OSWALD, PGA

1.

Align your feet and shoulders on the same line parallel to your target. It is very important to not only get your feet lined up with the target but to align the shoulder as well.

Many golfers will put sticks down on the ground and line up their feet, this is a good practice but not enough, you must square your shoulder with the stick on the ground as well. Many golfers tend to have the shoulders open at address or left of the target.

This promotes a swing that comes across the target line and leads

General Manager, Oro Valley Country Club

to the fade or slice. Square your shoulders and you will greatly improve your turn on the backswing and keep the club more on line with your target.

Head should be behind the ball. With the proper shoulder tilt, right shoulder lower than the left at address your head will set up behind the ball. After squaring your shoulders with the target as mentioned in tip #1, make sure your right shoulder is dropped below the left and head behind the ball. You will now find slightly more weight on the back foot.

2.

Aboutâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;The

AUTHOR

MARK OSWALD, PGA

Oro Valley Country Club - General Manager

520.297.7384

moswald@orovalleycountryclub.com www.OroValleyCountryClub.com

Mark Oswald has been a PGA Member for more than 24 years (since 1987) - He has worked with all levels of golfers, from first time beginners to touring professionals, over 25 years of offering Professional Golf Instruction. Mark has managed several clubs in Arizona including the Hilton El Conquistador, The Golf Club at Vistoso, Prescott Country Club and Great Eagle Golf Club and is currently the General Manager at Oro Valley Country Club.

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www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

29

Women of Warren District Country Club 1910

ON YOUR GAME

Turquoise Valley Golf Resort – Older than Arizona!

Women Share in the Rich Past of Arizona’s Golf Legacy

BY MARYANN SOUTER As Arizona celebrates its 100th anniversary as a state, it is interesting to note the role of golf in its history.

One golf course in southern Arizona stands out because it existed before Arizona claimed statehood. But did you know that women regularly played golf there at that time? A tradition of women in golf is a proud part of Arizona’s heritage.

general, Pancho Villa, crossing the course, the area is ingrained with fascinating history. The course itself is both challenging and fun to play. Combine it all into one package and every golfer will enjoy the overall experience.”

Turquoise Valley WGA 2010

Turquoise Valley Golf Resort is the oldest continually operating golf course in the state. It has attracted players to southern Arizona since 1908, first as a nine-hole course and eventually as an 18-hole course in 1999. Known for its welcoming environment, Turquoise Valley offers the best of both worlds for golfers. It was selected as one of the Top Ten Beginner-Friendly Courses in the U.S. and boasts the longest golf hole in Arizona, a challenging par-6 measuring 747 yards named the Rattler.

(See course review, this issue, on pg 10)

women’s golf groups were organized.

Turquoise Valley has had an enthusiastic league ever since. According to Beverly Milk, Turquoise Valley member for almost 40 years and AWGA Representative, the group was quite large when the copper mines were running. She said, “Although we’re smaller now, we still play together every Tuesday. The course is lovely, surrounded by mountains. And several walk the course with pull carts.

Management is helpful and goes the extra mile for women players. You can instantly make friends when you come to Turquoise Valley.”

Remarkably, women were avid golfers at Turquoise Valley in the early 1900s.

They had a local group documented by this 1910 photo. In 1924 the Arizona Women’s Golf Association was formed and became the umbrella under which

Pete Campbell, General Manager, described it by saying, “Turquoise Valley is unique in so many ways. From the relics of Camp Newell and the dormant mammoth excavation sites to the tale of the Mexican revolutionary

30 Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

The Arizona Women’s Golf Association presented Turquoise Valley with an Honorable Mention Award for Host Club of the Year in 2009, a testament to the quality of the course and the hospitality of the staff. It is definitely a women-friendly course!

This is the year to visit Turquoise Valley. Immerse yourself in its history.

Savor the picturesque surroundings and meet the Rattler head-on. And most of all, remember the early women golfers – the ladies whose passion and commitment over 100 years ago led to the women’s golf community we know today. Congratulations to Turquoise Valley and its women golfers for their place in Arizona’s history.

Mary Ann Souter is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in a variety of golf publications.

She is co-author of Synergistic Golf-One Day at a Time.

Contact info: (480) 332-6335 or maryann@synergisticgolf.com.

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31

The Arizona Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Golf Association

Enriching the lives of women through golf

W Player Development Programs

W Championships and Events

W Funding Junior Golf

W Inf Informa ormation & Outreach

W Volunteer Development

W USGA Compliance

RULES

Time is Running Out

THE SIMPLE FACT IS, A BALL CAN NEVER BE "DECLARED" LOST — IT SIMPLY IS, OR IT ISN'T LOST.

BY RICK PRICE, PGA How much time do I really have to find my ball before it’s declared lost? It’s simple but can be a little complicated. The only reason why I say that is how many times have you gone searching for a ball and immediately pulled out your stop watch and started timing yourself, your competitor or an opponent? I would venture to say probably never.

The simple fact is, a ball can never be "declared" lost—it simply is, or it isn't lost.

The Definitions in the Rules of Golf state; There are five ways in which a ball can become "lost." You can "declare" all you want, but the player's ball is lost only if any one of these actions has been completed: 1. The ball is not found or identified within five minutes of searching.

2. The player has made a stroke at a provisional ball.

3. The player has put another ball into play under penalty of stroke and distance.

4. The player has put another ball into play because it is known or virtually certain that his ball, which has not been found, has been moved by an outside agency, or is in

an obstruction, abnormal ground condition or water hazard.

5. The player has made a stroke at a substituted ball.

So, back to my point about being complicated, do you really know how long you have been looking for that soon to be lost ball? It could feel like an eternity that you were looking, but in reality, was only 4 minutes, or it felt like you just started looking for it, and your five minutes were already up. A good habit to get into is check what time it really is once you start looking for a ball to make sure there is no mistake in your five minutes allowed by the Rules of Golf.

Here is a perfect example of situation that I have encountered numerous times in a tournament competition. The player plays his approach shot to the green; searches for his ball briefly and then goes back and drops another ball under Rule 27-1. (Ball Lost or Out of Bounds; Provisional Ball) Before he plays the dropped ball, and within the five-minute search period, the original ball is found. Now what happens?

Is the player required to continue with the dropped ball? The answer is YES. When the player put the substituted ball into play

at the spot of the previous stroke with the intent to play a ball under penalty of stroke and distance, the original was lost. In the five examples under the definition of lost ball #3 states once the player has put another ball into play that’s now the ball in play.

The Rule 27-1 states if a ball is lost as a result of not being found or identified as his by the player within five minutes after the player’s side or his or their caddies have begun to search for it; the player must play a ball, under penalty of one stroke, as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (see Rule 20-5).

Exception: If it is known or virtually certain that the original ball, that has not been found, has been moved by an outside agency (Rule 18-1), is in an obstruction (Rule 24-3), is in an abnormal ground condition (Rule 25-1) or is in a water hazard (Rule 26-1), the player may proceed under the applicable Rule.

About The

AUTHOR

RICK PRICE PGA

SWSPGA Southern Chapter - Operations Coordinator

520.290.1742

southernchapterpga@yahoo.com www.southernchapterpga.com

Rick Price, PGA is currently the Operations Coordinator for the Southern Chapter of the Southwest Section PGA and the Editor of Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine. With an extensive career dedicated to our local golf industry, Rick has held positions in numerous golf facilities throughout the years, including El Conquistador, Rio Rico GC and Omni Tucson National.

www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

33

FEATURE

“Follow The Leaders” Helps Set Records at 2012 Match Play Fans walk down the fifth fairway during the championship match of the final round of the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship 2012. (Photo by Stan Badz/PGA tOUR)

The 2012 World Golf ChampionshipsAccenture Match Play Championship was one for the record books, with huge crowds, great weather and a compelling Championship Match that featured – for the first time – two 20-somethings going head to head for the coveted Walter Hagen Cup. Hunter Mahan prevailed, defeating Rory McIlroy and delaying McIlroy’s ascent to No. 1 in the world by one week. For Mahan, it was his fourth PGA TOUR title and second World Golf Championships win.

Making the Championship Match even more exciting was the successful debut of the events “Follow the Leaders” program. A first on the PGA TOUR, fans were let inside the ropes to follow behind the Mahan-McIlroy match, giving spectators a front-row seat to all the action.

“A lot of hard work and planning went into the ‘Follow the Leaders’ program, as we wanted to make sure we were giving our fans an unbelievable experience, while not disturbing the players during such a closely contested and important match,” said Accenture Match Play Championship Executive Director Gerald Goodman. “I couldn’t be prouder of how smoothly things went, thanks to the efforts of the Tucson Conquistadores, our dedicated volunteers and the tournament staff. It was really an exciting moment for all of us as we watched

2012 Champion Hunter Mahan hits a tee shot on the 16th hole during the championship match of the final round. (Photo by Stan Badz/PGA tOUR)

the ropes come down on the first hole as Hunter and Rory played through and then saw hundreds and hundreds of fans rushing to fill in behind them on the fairway. It really added an extra bit of electricity to what was already an exciting Sunday.”

After his win, when asked about the fans following behind him, Mahan was impressed.

“I thought it was great,” said Mahan. “At first, we were wondering how it was going to work, since they told us this was the first time they’d done anything like this. But the Conquistadores did a great job and I don’t think Rory or I were bothered even once. It was pretty cool on the last hole to have the galleries right behind me when I sank the winning putt.”

34 Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

TUCSON FANS WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO “FOLLOW THE LEADERS” AGAIN NEXT YEAR ... THE PGA TOUR CONFIRMED ITS COMMITMENT TO TUCSON THROUGH 2014. A FINAL ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE HOST VENUE IS EXPECTED

BY THIS SUMMER. And it looks like Tucson fans will have the chance to “Follow the Leaders” again next year. Just prior to the event, the PGA TOUR, on behalf of the International Federation of PGA Tours, confirmed its commitment to staging the Accenture Match Play Championship in Tucson through 2014, continuing the longstanding tradition of world-class golf in this area. A final announcement on the host venue is expected by this summer.

The 2013 Accenture Match Play Championship is scheduled for February 18-24. Fans interested in purchasing tickets or learning more can visit www.worldgolfchampionships.com or call the Tucson Conquistadores office at 520-571-0400.

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YOUTHLINK Feed Center televises 224 different countries and territories, 30 different languages, and can potentially reach 600,000,000 different households. This was a great experience.

World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship Course Reporters Adriana Moreno My name is Adriana Moreno, I am 16 years old. I am a sophomore at Cholla High School. I have played golf for 2 years and have been on both the girls and boys golf teams at Cholla. I enjoy spending time at The First Tee of Tucson where I have been a member for 2 years. Being a member in The First Tee of Tucson has helped me improve my life skills while I work on my golf skills.

Day 1 – Tuesday, February 21st Today is my first day at the Accenture Match play tournament; it is such an amazing experience. The course is beautiful, the weather is spectacular, and there are so many incredible people all here for the same reason. At first I was extremely terrified and nervous because there are so many people to talk to including the professional golfers and it takes me awhile to adjust outside of my comfort zone but I did it and I am glad. I have gotten tons of autographs and I am still going.

I have had the pleasure of meeting a lot of incredible people such as Kim Nelson who is a Nike field manager; she gave us a tour of the Nike trailer. It was so amazing, right when you walk in there is a little room where you can relax and have meetings and the back room has the equipment that is needed to make and repair golf clubs or even just to put new grips on. Kim also told us that there are 5 players that represent Nike including Tiger Woods playing this week. We also had the opportunity to meet Dick Fitzgerald who is the announcer on the first tee. I learned that he prepares himself before a match by watching a lot of golf on T.V. and listening to the other announcers, but the best way to get prepared would be to ask the caddies what their player likes to be called. His favorite part about being a first tee announcer is getting to see the players up close. When announcing he doesn’t usually mess up the

name but mostly the places they are from.

We also got to sit in on the press conferences of Lee Westwood, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Luke Donald.

Today was just the most amazing day I have ever had, it couldn’t get any better. I am really glad I got to be a part of this with my friend Araceli Esquivel. I learned so many neat things about people and what goes on in the background. I also absorbed some great methods from watching the player’s practice, which I am going to go home and work on.

Sometimes I get this feeling like am I really here, is this what The First Tee gave me for working so hard on improving my golf game, I just can’t believe I am here and I am enjoying every moment of it.

Araceli Esquivel My name is Araceli Esquivel, I am 14 years old and I have been playing golf since I was 9. I took up the game when my grandfather gave me a set of golf clubs. I have been a member of The First Tee of Tucson for over 2 years now. I enjoy golf because it is a great way to bond with my father. Right now I am working very hard to make my high school golf team.

Day 2, Wednesday February 22, 2012 Today we arrived at around 6:30am, trying to catch the first tee time. From there we ate a very delicious breakfast at Bucky’s. We watched Tiger Woods tee off at around 10:35, standing inside the boundaries thanks to our media credentials. I enjoyed watching Dick Fitzgerald announcing the professional’s tee off. You can see some of the interview in yesterday’s blog. I also had the pleasure of meeting Tucson Conquistador Lynn Marvel, who handed out the honorary guest credentials.

At 11:00am we were invited into the World Feed Center, where broadcasting is held. We learned from this experience that the World

Once the interview ended, we followed a few our favorite professionals until our next interview at 1:30. We were given the honor to meet former PGA Tour and present Champions Tour professional Peter Jacobsen. He pointed out the differences between both Tours and shared about his experiences in both. We learned that he began golfing when he was twelve and after college he became a professional. He played golf on the PGA Tour since he was 21 until the age of 50, and has played on the Champions Tour since then. He gave us very good advice towards our game and life.

From this point we again watched our favorite golfers play, mainly Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and K.J Choi. We met up with a BOMB SQUAD member, Jeff Craven and his canine partner Angel. Jeff explained with us about his job, sharing how they come in early in the morning every day for this tournament to check for any bombs or explosives. I learned that Angel only eats if she finds a bomb or explosives. At times Jeff has to set up a mock scenario with ammunition in order to be able to reward her with food. Afterwards we interviewed Rocco Bene, the Accenture Match Play Tournament Chairman. Rocco is also a member of the Tucson Conquistadors. Mainly what he does is sell tickets and help raise money for different youth sports programs like The First Tee Program. He discussed how he volunteered a year of his time to help put the Accenture Match Play Tournament together. He shared with us that it took him approximately 9 years to become the Tournament Chairman of the Accenture Match Play Tournament.

Afterwards we watched Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in the Media Center while in a conference, so we were able to listen in to their experiences on the first day here in Tucson’s Dove Mountain. That was a very cool, too.

Well, today is sadly the end of our course reporting. I’d like to thank The First Tee of Tucson for giving me this opportunity. This was a great experience and I enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you.

I thought I was finished with blogging, but we received a phone call interview with Bubba Watson’s caddie, Ted Scott! Yesterday we ran into each other. I asked if we were able to interview him. He didn’t have the time at that moment but said he would give us a call. I was so happy that he called that my hands still are shaking!

To read about Araceli’s first day, and Adriana’s second day at the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship, visit www.gogolfarizona.com and select ‘Southern Arizona Tee Times’ from the menu.

www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

41

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Alex Davis is a senior at Salpointe Catholic High School. She would like to continue playing golf in college and has several offers to play.

However, she has not committed to any school at this time. Davis would like to use her golf skills to get into the sports management business or possibly in the golf industry in some capacity in the future.

Ryan Tanner is a sophomore at Salpointe Catholic High School. He has aspirations to play college golf, and his ultimate goal is to be a professional golfer.

Davis said, “I have been playing golf since I was a little girl. I remember my dad calling me out of kindergarten to go participate in a Ronald McDonald drive, chip and putt championship, which was part of the LPGA Tournament, held at Randolph. My dad introduced me to golf. I would go with my dad when he would play and learn the rules and etiquette, and I also learned to drive a golf cart.”

We all have our different reason for playing golf.

Davis commented, “Why I play golf is because golf it is something that I have always enjoyed in the most beautiful settings you can imagine, whether it be a mountain setting or seaside backdrop. I love the values and the integrity of the game of golf. Golf is the game of business that can be played and enjoyed for a lifetime.”

42 Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

Tanner said, “I started playing with a plastic set when I was little. I was always in other sports, but my dad got me on the range a few times and in some Ricki Rarick junior golf tournaments. I realized that I was good enough to keep playing so I started competitive golf around 7th grade.”

When I asked Tanner what's been the most memorable moment playing golf?

He said, “As for right now it would be playing golf late summer in 2011, sinking a ten-foot putt on hole no. 18 at La Paloma Country Club to shoot a 69, that was my first time shooting under 70.”

“I play golf because I love the game and I like the competitiveness of playing in golf tournaments, said Tanner.”

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www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

45

FEATURE

So what is it, Time or Money that seems to be so scarce? Everyone is trying to do more with less Time and less Money, there is no doubt; we live it every day.

The economy makes things much more difficult no matter what financial status you’re in, resulting in not having sufficient time or money to do the things we want. The past few years for businesses in general; including the golf industry seem to have been consistent enough to say that this must be the current standard of business. We certainly would all agree it’s not the standard we were used to, and or want to accept, so the question is what are we going to about it?

We can continue to reminisce about the good ol’ days -- but maybe it is time to change our mindset and look towards fresh ideas; continuing education and implementation of new creative ways of doing business. Undoubtedly, this will help us increase personal and business wealth today, while ensuring a viable vision for the future. These practices will allow us to have more time and money to start and/or continue to do the things we desire, like playing golf.

Whether you have your own business or work for a company, we all have customers. As you know, to be successful it is very important to create new customers, but then again, don’t let us forget about the most important customer, and that’s your current customer! What are you doing different today that you weren’t doing yesterday, to keep that customer and how do you let

CO-WRITTEN BY RICK PRICE, PGA AND ROBIN LANE

IT’S NOT JUST THE ECONOMY THAT HAS HAD SUCH AN IMPACT ON THIS GAME THAT WE ALL SO LOVE. THINK ABOUT THE IMPACT TECHNOLOGY HAS HAD ON THE GOLF INDUSTRY FROM ON-LINE BOOKING OF TEE TIMES, GOLF BALLS AND EQUIPMENT.

“

them know they are valuable and important to you?

”

In the golf business, there is an initiative the PGA of America is launching called Golf 2.0. It’s an effort to make the game of golf more fun and welcoming to millions of new golfers, as well as some 61 million golfers in America, who have tried the game but aren't currently playing.

This initiative is about growing the number of golfers, rounds, and revenues over the next decade and has brought innovative ways for golf professionals and facilities to grow their business and bring in more golfers.

The research done on the number of golfers currently not playing, that used to play, is staggering. First of all, let’s discuss the challenges that may have led to this.

If we look at it from the Consumer perspective versus the Golf Club’s perspective of the current state of the game, we might have a better idea of what the future holds for the game.

46 Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

So, what is different today from say five or ten years ago, what’s causing all the changes and why should golfers or nongolfers even care?

It’s not just the economy that has had such an impact on this game that we all so love.

Think about the impact technology has had on the golf industry from on-line booking of tee times, golf balls and equipment. How about the achievements in such significant practices as the reduction of water use, pesticide use and maintenance costs, along with new grasses, improved maintenance and environmental practices.

The opportunity for the consumer, due to lack of market demand and on-line booking discounts is tremendous today compared to just a few years ago. The golfer today can play courses they thought they could never afford or could not even have the possibility of playing.

The private and exclusive golf clubs are more receptive and welcoming some outside play. The golfer is definitely getting more for their dollar and better experiences than ever before which is an enormous benefit for the consumer.

On the other hand, from the golf course operation side, most courses are still operating in survival mode. The demand of playing golf is not at the level to actually sustain a profit of any significance or even break even for the majority of the golf courses. As in any business, if you’re not profitable, something has to give. Many courses have cut back on staffing and maintenance cost; being proactive to revenue or lack thereof. What’s the answer?

Or is there an answer, other than time?

Why should the golfer even care about the course owner/operator? We as consumers have the same problems as they do. Our home values have gone down; utilities have gone up; grocery bills have sky rocketed and how about gas prices.

The cost of a family vacation is enormous. The country club dues continue to go up every year. Members at a country club still expect to receive high-quality services and amenities from their club. Many members are also just hoping they can afford to be a member. The bottom line is that all golfers want their money‘s worth, if not more, especially in today’s market.

I don’t envy any owner or golf course operator right now.

They have a very difficult balancing act of trying to make a profit or break even to stay in business, while trying to provide as much as possible to the member or public consumer in a quality product and experience. The courses are experiencing the same challenges as the consumer with expenses continually rising, other than the value of the property and profits to the bottom line. The consumer should care and find ways to support their club or favorite course if they want them to remain open, providing a quality product and experience.

Over the past 20 years golfers have been accustomed to overseeded golf courses in the Southwest. It is a given that over-seeding is a must for so many of the players. They come to Southern Arizona from all over the country to play on lush, green fairways. They will pick the most manicured courses to play, that have the best overseeded conditions, with discounted pricing during the winter months.

However, the local summer customers want a superior product as well, with huge discounts because of the heat and availability of tee times.

With everyone’s budget tightening some consumers

“

IT’S INTERESTING THAT YEARS AGO GOLF COURSES NEVER OVERSEEDED WALL TO WALL, OR EVEN FAIRWAYS. ONCE THE PROCESS STARTED, THE RATE OF GOLF STARTED TO SKYROCKET DUE TO INCREASED COST AND DEMAND.

”

wonder why courses continue to overseed. If courses were to save money by cutting their greens maintenance budget back, maybe that would allow the golf rate to stay low -however, lush green grass conditions are still expected.

To compound things even more, country club members are spending less at the club because there is not as much expendable income as before.

The golf facilities are torn not being able to give it both ways to the consumer. They cut staff and service levels. They cut maintenance, and the quality of the course diminishes.

It’s interesting that years ago golf courses never overseeded wall to wall, or even the fairways. Once the process started, the rate of golf started to skyrocket due to increased cost and demand. More and more winter visitors came down for six months out of the year expecting lush green fairways and were willing to pay for it, since there was a foot of snow back home. Then more and more golf courses were developed, and now here we are… the winter visitors don’t seem to be staying as long and the peak golf season of November through April is really > > > Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

47

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more like February and March.

The other twist to the story is everyone wants the beautiful lush green fairways yet the cost of providing that product is currently more expensive than ever. The illogical process of it all from the operators’ side is, they are still required to provide that loftier experience, but cannot obtain the revenue rate they did a few years ago during that peak season.

Yes, there may be an exception to the rule with some private clubs, but generally speaking, most facilities are feeling the blow.

Certainly, the most affected in pricing have been the higher end daily public fee golf courses.

What does this all mean? Will golf courses quit overseeding? If they are already cutting payroll and maintenance expenses were else can they save money? How can they become profitable, so we have a quality product to play?

Those are all good questions.

Most golf courses should quit overseeding for a variety of reasons. However, more than likely they will not. The reason being that they don’t want to stick their neck on the chopping block, so-to-speak, by not overseeding while everyone else continues to overseed. I think you can figure out the obvious reason; they think they would lose all their customers because they don’t have the lush green fairways like the course down the street. In a typical golf budget, you aren’t going to be able to find any more high-ticket items to cut out of a budget other than payroll and maintenance expenses, and you can only cut so much to properly operate a facility.

The uncontrollable expense, such as the increased rate of water, has probably been the primary reason courses have a difficult time ‘making the numbers work’. The cost of over-seeding; between labor, seed and water, is the main hinderance to courses being profitable.

It will take a concerted effort on both the part of the operator, and the consumer, to make a large enough impact to change the golf industry. The fact is, it can and must be done by all of us.

At this point, hopefully you are asking

“

THE FIRST THING WE ALL CAN DO IS TO BE “AMBASSADORS” FOR THE GAME OF GOLF. THE NEXT TIME YOU GO TO THE DRIVING RANGE INVITE A FRIEND OR BRING A FAMILY MEMBER THAT MAY HAVE NEVER PLAYED BEFORE.

”

yourself what you can do to help the golf industry to make a difference. If you are like most golfers, you like the pricing and availability to make a tee time the way it is right now. You want to help, but still want a good price and the best deal possible, so you can keep playing during these challenging economic times.

Well, the first thing we all can do is to be “Ambassadors” for the game of golf.

The next time you go to the driving range invite a friend or bring a family member that may have never played before. How about encouraging a friend to come out and play that has not played in a while.

Participate in one of the local community golf fundraiser’s and invite clients or new people to play.

The PGA of America, along with supporting allied associations need your help to grow the game of golf. The success of the Golf 2.0 initiative will help the golf community and make it more accessible and welcoming to new golfers; especially women, families and children - but will also be of benefit to existing golfers as well; with a primary focus on retaining the existing core of golfers.

Now golf facilities are developing a better understanding of the market, becoming more focused on growing participation among women, family and junior golfers - and developing specific programs that are non-intimidating and social entry into golf.

You will see more golf courses offering leagues, clinics, discounts, as well as other programs to create more of an interest in playing.

For junior golfers, one of the greatest deals in the country is right here in Southern Arizona with the City of Tucson municipal golf courses. Juniors from the age of 6-18 years old can receive a junior card good for all five city courses for only five dollars, after taking a rules and etiquette clinic. After receiving their card, participating juniors then pay only one dollar to play during the week, plus receive a substantial discount on weekends and holidays. The City also supports around thirty high school teams during their golf seasons.

The research for Golf 2.0 identified that people enjoyed playing the game with friends and family members. Courses have begun marketing the social nature of the sport and how the game’s atmosphere provides camaraderie among friends and bonding between family members.

It’s possible that some non-golfers have misconceptions about the game. They need to know that golf is affordable, can be played fast, is fun, welcoming to all races and genders, and provides a beautiful and environmentally clean atmosphere to enjoy being outdoors.

Let’s face it, golf wants you; young and old, boys and girls, men and women all to play the game. The golf industry is changing; the golfer cannot have it both ways, and there needs to be some giveand-take to grow.

The game needs to grow, and old traditions and ideas require a fresh and educated perspective that will accommodate the new face of golf.

However, the one true consistent in the game of golf is that it’s based on integrity and consideration for other players. You will find the majority of players conducting themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times. This is the spirit of the game of golf.

In the spirit of the game when the consumer and operator start working and communicating closer together on how to help each other grow the game of golf, we will then truly be able to say, “This is the new Face of Golf.”

www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

49

FEATURE

BY ADAM LAZARUS

Ever since golf was invented in Scotland in 1552, the popularity of the game and the desire to improve has pushed technological advances forward for both the game and the golfer at an incredible pace. Golf is constantly evolving and shows no signs of slowing.

Improvements in course design and maintenance, advancements in golf balls and equipment and the prevalence of tools and resources available to golfers and their skill level have been just some of areas where the constant progression of golf technology has impacted the game.

There are literally thousands of golf-specific websites, blogs, social sites, apps and more created solely for the “sport of kings” allowing golfers to be connected to the game like never before. For instance, the term “golf” sees 68 million monthly searches globally and is one of the most popular terms searched for on Google. Technology has made accessing and playing the game easier, more efficient, less expensive and much more enjoyable. But with so much technology at our fingertips, sometimes finding the right info and results online can be daunting. Where do you start searching on the web? Which websites and apps are a fit for you? What’s out there that I don’t know about?

Always a controversial subject between golf purists and progressives, one thing that all can agree on is that technology is here to stay.

Though there’s something to be said about tradition, sports must evolve in order to survive and thrive, and golf is no different. No golfer I know still uses hickory shafts on their clubs. I have never bought a dozen leather golf balls before a round. You can’t even walk onto a golf course wearing metal spikes anymore. And now, golfers can simply go online to book a tee time, buy a club, post a score and even get a lesson without calling a dozen courses or opening a yellow pages.

Nowhere is golf more accessible, affordable, transparent or provides further reach than online.

While the following list is a great way to begin navigating the golf-web, this is just a start to your search and is no way a comprehensive compendium of all things golf online. Below are some of the best online resources for booking tee times, news/info, handicaps, instruction, reviews, travel and more, both locally and beyond - most have an accompanying “App” so you access via your iPhone, iPad or Smart Phone. With a simple “point and click” of a mouse you can access a wealth of information online that will help grow your love of the game. This list of online resources for golf will “point” you in the right direction, but the “clicking” will be for you to do.

GolfNow.com – powered by Golf Channel and 100% free to use, GolfNow.com offers the best rates and tons of tee times, tournaments, travel deals, info and more at 200 courses in Arizona and over 3,600 golf courses nationwide. GolfNow is the nation’s #1 tee time website.

TheTeeTimeStore.com – owned by the PGA’s Southwest Section, this website offers golf deals and packages at AZ courses, event info, instruction and the ability to purchase the Southwest’s “Golf Pass” for additional discounts at the state’s best courses.

GolfHub.com – online tee times, info, reviews and deals at 1,800 courses nationwide.

GolfLink.com – the web’s most comprehensive information list of every golf course in

the U.S. with daily deals, travel, tips and lessons, reviews and customizable stats for your game.

DealCaddy.com – powered by GolfNow, Deal Caddy is golf’s answer to Groupon with

weekly deals too incredible to miss at thousands of golf courses.

USGA.org – the “official” site for a

USGA membership and purchase of a GHIN handicap (GHIN.com) that allows golfers to play in sanctioned amateur events, join a local golf club and track their scores and index.

BlueGolf.com – innovative suite of

services for golf including tournament software, game-tracking, handicaps and more.

MyScoreCard.com – official handicaps,

statistics, performance reports, rules and more

USHandicap.com - track scores and

handicap index online using professional quality stats; resource for golf tournaments, golf specials and more.

TravelGolf.com – hundreds of destinations featured with golf packages available for

booking online, vacation quotes, reviews, editorials/articles, images and more at the best courses and resorts in the world. (Includes market sites like ArizonaGolf.com)

TucsonGolf.com – specific for Arizona, this site features info, quotes, concierge service and deals for golf travel and packages all over AZ. Their 100+ vacation rentals, relationships with top resorts and in-depth knowledge of the market will help you customize your perfect trip.

GolfZoo.com – info and insight at 50+ golf destinations w/ photos, layouts and more.

GolfThere.com – providing unique custom golf vacation packages and dream golf

LocalGolfer.com – over 10,000 course reviews, news, info and more at a local level.

vacation getaways to some of the best golf courses in the USA and around the world.

GolfMix.com – new to Arizona, this

SwingFix (swingfix.golfchannel.com) – easy, quick and customized online instruction from hundreds of the top professional instructors locally and beyond; find an online instructor, submit your swing video and get personalized tips at a fraction of the price.

GolfChex.com – consumer reviews,

GolfInstruction.com – powered by Golf Channel, it’s the world’s largest compendium of

GolfCourseReviews.com - insight and

tips, lessons, videos, articles, fitness and more from 20+ years and hundreds of the world’s leading instructors and best golfers.

RevolutionGolf.com – daily instructional videos and tips from the country’s top instructors 50 Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

website incentivizes golfers to rate and review the courses they play, attend golf “mixers” and use their interactive golf calendar.

tips and articles at hundreds of courses nationwide. reviews about the layout, the club, the pros, the costs, the members and more at thousands of courses nationwide.

(News) Golf Channel Mobile - the latest news and updates from the world of golf providing breaking news, up-to-the-minute tournament scoreboards, player profiles, instruction and clips from recent Golf Channel shows.

entire foursome’s scores on one device; no more getting everyone’s cards together at the end of your round. All tabulations are done automatically as well as providing for long term storage and recall.

(GPS) GolfLogix – real-time distances,

(Rules) iGolf Rules - find the correct ruling

range-finder, stats tracking, overhead views, etc. for making informed shot choices and integrated emailing capabilities and social media connectivity.

(Scoring) TrueGolfScore - maintain the

in a quick and easy rules book right at your fingertips; this app makes it much easier and quicker to make the right ruling anytime.

AmateurGolf.com – providing info

and access to events across the country, geared solely towards the competitive amateur golfer.

AmateurGolfTour.net – powered by

Golf Week, provides amateurs of all ages, sexes, and handicaps the opportunity to compete in stroke-play golf tournaments on a regular basis in their local area.

ideal golf swing tempo on you iPhone, then practice your swing as you swing in sync to the tempo or develop a pre-shot routine.

(Games) Let’s Golf - one of the leading and most fun golf games available for iPhones

(Professional) PGA Tour - live scoring

from the PGA, Nationwide and Champions Tour, as well as player bios, videos, highlights and tournament schedules.

GoGolfArizona.com – the official website of

GCAmTour.com – the nation’s largest

and most professionally run competitive golf tour for the amateur golfer who compete and win prizes locally and across the country at some of the most prestigious golf courses in America; powered by Golf Channel.

(Improvement) MyGolfSwing - set your

AZGolf.org - Arizona Golf Association offers dozens of local, competitive events AWGA.com – The premier women’s

golf association in Arizona, licensed by the USGA to issue Course Ratings and handicaps. Numerous member services.

EWGAtucson.com – Golf programs and events for business women golfers.

Golf League – GolfNow’s 9 & 18 hole

league’s designed around having fun, meeting new people and time-sensitive golf.

Southern Arizona Tee Times and Phoenix Valley Tee Times Magazines providing local golf news, industry info, current events and human interest stories.

GolfChannel.com – the largest compilation of golf and industry news, Professional Golf Tour information and leader-boards, instruction, equipment, tee times and more.

Golf.com – the official site of “Golf Magazine”, site

offers live scoring, news, photography and top level instruction, travel and equipment coverage for golf fans.

GolfWeek.com - in-depth and insightful coverage of everything from mini-tour events to the newest trends in the golf industry.

While advancements in how we play the game are evident every time we play a round of golf from the golf club design, the course layout, the ball we hit, the clothes we wear and even the cart we drive, no other segment of golf has felt technology’s impact as much as the online resources available to golfers. As seen by just the handful of examples provided above, the proliferation and acceptance of the internet, email, social media, tablet computers, mobile and smart phones and more is undeniable.

All ages, not just young people, use the internet and related technology every day, for every imaginable reason. Golfers are no different - in fact, they are some of the most passionate and most dedicated adopters of golf technology. If you’re looking for last minute deals on golf tee times, need the latest and greatest news instantly, want to improve your golf game in a matter of minutes, are seeking reviews or course information locally or across the globe or want to play in competitive golf events and tournaments, then the technology is out there for you just waiting to be found.

Even the traditionalists can’t deny that technology has improved the game of golf along the way, whether it’s something as basic as dimples on golf balls, the introduction of the “Gene Sarazen” sand wedge, turf sciences allowing greener grass with less environmental impact or even the advancement of metal woods.

Technology has changed the game in so many ways and shows no signs of slowing. Just like your own game, the game of golf is evolving. Certainly golf is much different now than what players from centuries past, or even 50 years ago, would recognize. Nothing we do will stop the golf technology march, so get informed, get online and get the most out of your game today – or like the niblick and mashie clubs, you too will be obsolete.

www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

51

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The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain was designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. Solid strategy, variety, fair shot values and distinctive bunkering all contribute to the desert charm of the three nine-hole layouts.

Enjoyable for guests of all skill levels, this signature course is host to the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship.

For tee times, call 520-572-3500 and be sure to mention Southern Arizona Tee Times. To learn more about our Desert Southwest Golf Memberships, call 520-572-2700 or visit ritzcarlton.com/dovemountain

www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

53

FEATURE

Golf club/golf ball testing and design is getting increasingly technical. Golf balls and clubs are tested every week on the PGA Tour to ensure they are conforming within the rules of golf. As much as golf clubs have changed in the past thirty years, it is the ball that accounts for most of the increased distance and accuracy.

A short history: The golf ball used during the 1970’s by most PGA Golf Professionals was a wound golf ball with a liquid core and a soft rubber cover. The golf ball had a compression rating that related to the firmness of the ball as the club made impact with the ball. This ball was commonly referred to as a “Balata Ball” because the cover was made from Balata Rubber. This ball was a high spin ball which enabled the player to spin the ball in a fade or a draw ball-flight and hit shots with spin around the greens.

The player was willing to give up some distance in order to have the spin and control of the high spin ball.

During the 1980’s Balata Rubber became difficult to harvest and expensive to produce, so golf ball manufactures introduced synthetic rubber covers. These golf balls did not spin as much as Balata, but were more durable and the ball carried farther than Balata. The liquid core was not used in the mid 80’s.

The 1990’s brought the world of golf new materials and different core materials to golf balls. The wound golf ball was replaced with solid core golf balls and higher spin covers. It was very common for better players to spin the ball on short iron shots and the Tour Professionals we watched on television could spin short irons off the green. In the late 1990’s the golf ball manufacturer Titleist produce a new ball named the Pro V 1 which was a lower spin with a soft feel around the greens. This new ball produced more distance on tee shots because the ball did not spin as much as previous golf balls which equated to more distance and roll.

Understanding how spin affects your game will help you choose the best golf ball. On

BY DAN WICKMAN, PGA

shots with the driver, low spin will provide longer and straighter drives. On shots with your long irons, lower spin produces straighter flight but reduces stopping power. In the short game, more spin provides more stopping power into the green.

There are significant performance differences between golf ball models, particularly on the short game scoring shots. To shoot lower scores, golfers will benefit from a golf ball that provides excellent scoring spin, the spin and control needed to hit more greens closer to the pin with irons and wedges.

Aerodynamics has become the guiding force in golf ball technology. By changing the aerodynamic properties of the golf ball, the spin, lift and drag properties will change. Obviously, the manufacturer wants to produce the ball that flies farther and straighter. The USGA has actually asked ball manufacturers to produce golf balls that fly less distance.

Nearly every golfer understands the importance of club fitting for irons, woods and putters, but fewer understand the importance of a ball fitting. Two companies currently offer ball fitting on a national basis; Titleist and Bridgestone. During a ball fitting, a player hits a series of shots that are analyzed by a launch monitor that reads the ball speed, launch angle and spin rate. Each player has an optimum launch angle. If the angle is too low the ball will not fly as far as it could. If the ball flies too high it will not travel as far as it can and it will not roll very far. The spin rate affects the ball flight by increasing trajectory or decreasing trajectory. Ball speed measures how fast the ball is traveling as it leaves the clubface and it relates to what is called

54 Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

“Smash Factor.” Smash Factor measures how efficiently a player transfers the energy from the club to the ball.

• Titleist Performance Golf Ball Fitting focuses on lowering your score.

• The best place to determine the best golf ball for your game is on a golf course.

• Golf Ball Fitting is best conducted from green-to-tee, starting with scoring shots.

With your driver, you will hit a series of shots with your current golf ball of choice.

Based on your ball flight characteristics, the technician will either confirm that you are playing the right ball or recommend a Bridgestone/Precept ball that better suits your game.

After hitting a series of shots with the recommended ball, you will be given a sideby-side comparison of all data, which includes your launch angle, spin rates, and distance with each ball.

By comparing the side-by-side results, you will be able to determine which ball can best maximize your performance with your driver.

There is an optimum ball that will match your ball speed, launch angle and spin rate.

Many players experience an increase in distance when they play a ball that most closely matches their swing. Other players hit the short game shots better with a better matching ball. If you are an avid golfer, playing at least two times a week, you should schedule a ball fitting and get up-to-date information on the right golf ball for you.

BY STEVE HUGHES, PGA

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I have been playing and enjoying the game of golf for over 40 years now and will continue to do so. Although, it’s been challenging from the operation side of the golf business, from memberships to tee time reservations; junior golf participation; local men’s and ladies club participation and more importantly the overall enjoyment of the game.

Tiger brought a whole new generation of golfers into the mix, and we are now looking at creative ways to keep them playing.

The families that support a golf club membership are playing less, coupled with the fact that they are not joining a club as they have in the past.

There are several things that golf facilities are trying to entice the families back through more affordable memberships and the greatest of which is; pure enjoyment of the club with the family. New golfers and juniors start with great enthusiasm, to keep them playing the game it has to be fun, especially with their friends, like some other team sports. The game itself can be time consuming. You will see more and more clubs find new ways to make more fun activities at the club that will take less time to participate in.

The number one priority is making the game fun. Forget the rules. Forget the score. Enjoy the game. At La Paloma CC, we have experimented with a few new things and have had overwhelming success. Our couple’s events no longer are competitive but are now entirely social. You play the game you want, hit mulligans if needed. The only rule is having fun (and don’t take too long). After the round, we have a small buffet and drinks, all included in the price. Participation has doubled! We also have tried an 8” hole. What fun, putting is simplified and scores improve. Pace of play is reduced by 20%. Recently, we added a five hole loop, using the same ideas (without the 8” hole), and wow, it is great for that late afternoon “quickie." We are now inviting the kids to play from the fairways. And families can play together, at any level. No rules, just fun.

For clubs, it takes a little planning, but fun is what it is all about. And secondarily, the increase in pace of play only serves to make better use of your time. We are going to expand this program next year, make it more fun, faster and a true family experience. For yourself, just have fun. If you want to be competitive, do so, but if not, make it an enjoyable experience, not a stressful, time consuming “job." You’ll enjoy it more and probably play more.

Steve Hughes, PGA is the Director of Country Club Operations for La Paloma Country Club, 3660 E. Sunrise Drive in Tucson, AZ. A PGA Member since 2005 Steve was recognized in 2007 & 2008 as the SWSSCPGA Senior Player of the Year, 2008 Senior Chapter Champion and as the 2008 Professional of the Year. To contact Steve, or the La Paloma Golf Shop, call 520.299.1500 or visit www.lapalomacc.com

www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

55

Play.

Live.

Shape Up.

Play Some More.

To our membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; delight, somehow the uncertainty of the past several years missed The Gallery in Tucson, Arizona. Thanks to committed, stable ownership, our two PGA Tour tested golf courses are not only immaculately conditioned and maintained, but actually improved year after year. In addition, our Sports Club continues to provide our members with everything they need to achieve a healthy lifestyle.

While others longingly reminisce about back-in-the-day, days at The Gallery are better than ever.

For membership and golf information, contact Jennifer Price at (520) 744-4700.

gallerygolf.com

www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

57

COMMUNITY

BY RICK PRICE, PGA

tee to green Local News and Reports

UofA Women’s Gidali Has Explosive Start

The newest member of the University of Arizona Wildcat women's golf team is Freshman Manon Gidali. She has helped the lady Cats get off to an explosive start to this year’s season. Gidali was named the Pac-12 Women's Golfer of the Month for the month for February.

L-R Tucker Wadkins, Chris Campo, Coach Rick LaRose, Juan Pablo Hernandez, Trent Redfern , Erik Oja, Andy Barnes Assistant Coach

UofA Men’s Golf Won First of Season

The University of Arizona men's golf team won their first event of the season in the Arizona Intercollegiate posting rounds of 277-277-281=835 (-17) under par, holding off California for a one stroke victory at Arizona National Golf Club. In the event's 32-year history, Arizona has won the Arizona Intercollegiate six times (88, 91, 96, 03, 04, and 12).

Arizona junior Juan Pablo Hernandez was runner-up in the individual medalist honors firing 69-66-71=206 (-7) under par. Also, in the top five was UA teammate and freshman Tucker Wadkins, who tied for third place shooting 70-69-69=208 (-5) under par.

Along with Hernandez and Wadkins, sophomores Chris Capo and Erik Oja finished in the top-10, both shooting 212 (-1) totals.

The victory marks the 72nd in Arizona program history, and 62 of those have come under head coach Rick LaRose. Also, the win marks Arizona's third in the last three seasons, and its first since February, 2011.

Joel Jaress Joins Quail Creek

The Quail Creek Country Club announces that Joel Jaress has joined their staff as the new Assistant Golf Professional. Dennis Johnson, PGA Head Golf Professional said, “We are excited to have Joel join or team, especially with his past experiences as long time Head Professional at Green Valley Country Club.”

Johnson commented on a funny conversation, he recently has had with one of his members saying, “I approached one of my members as he was about to tee off and noticed that there seemed to be a few extra clubs in his bag. After counting 17, I said Jim, you have 17 clubs in your bag, and you know the limit is 14. He said Yes, I know but 3 of them are for sale....

GWGA Raise Funds Against Domestic Abuse

The "Three Jills and A Jack" Charity Golf Tournament at the Gallery Golf Club, sponsored by the Gallery Women's Golf Association (GWGA) sponsors and organizes a raffle and prizes for the event. The tournament event and raffle were extremely successful raising money for this year's Charity EMERGE, a Center against Domestic Abuse. The Gallery and staff organize and support the golf tournament, which was sold out.

Tournament Chairman, Linda Gilman said, “The community businesses were extremely generous and The Gallery Golf Club was truly supportive of the event. We have a very strong women's group of golfers who love to give back to our community.”

58 Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

In her first collegiate tournament, she won the Wildcat Invitational at the Golf Club of Vistoso shooting rounds of 67-66-71=204 (-12) under par. Gidali's three day total is a new school record for 54 holes, replacing Lorena Ochoa's previous best of 206 (-10) under par in 2001.

She proceeded to follow up at the UNLV Invitational, finishing tied for first with teammate Isabelle Boineau, posting scores of 71-76-71=218.

She has two wins and five of her six rounds played under par. Her performance has led the Arizona team to wins at the Wildcat Invitational and the UNLV Invitational. In the Wildcat Invitational at Arizona National, the team score of 285-274-292=851 (-13) under par is a new school record for 54 holes, replacing the previous best of (-10), set by the 1998-99 squad at Randolph North Course, in Tucson.

Omni Tucson National Junior Golf Camps

Omni Tucson National Golf Resort has announced their 2012 Junior Golf Camps starting May 21st – July 26th. Their goal for this program is to instill in young people a passion for the game of golf, a game they can enjoy for the rest of their lives. Through golf, kids learn patience, focus, discipline, and problem-solving skills. They will also learn the importance of honesty and integrity. In the context of playing a game, they will develop skills that will help them become better students, and better people.

The program will consist of a series of sessions, each four days long. Over the course of each week, they will work on full swing fundamentals, as well as short game basics and putting. They will also spend time on the rules and etiquette of golf, so that participants will be prepared to venture on to the actual golf course. Engaging in repetitive drills and exercises to help juniors learn the physical skills necessary, and will also practice execution of these skills. It will include contests and playing games, each participant will learn that personal growth and individual improvement are more important than “beating” the other players. In this way, each participant feels like a “winner," resulting in increased confidence and self-esteem.

The Clinics run from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm; beverages and snacks will be served each day, plenty of sunscreen will be on hand. Thank you for giving your kids the gift of golf! Contact Danny Medina, PGA Head Golf Professional at Omni Tucson National for any questions and/or to register at (520) 877-2314

Inagural La Paloma Event/Tournament May 3rd

On Thursday, May 3rd 6:00 pm at the Westin La Paloma Resort a fun evening of fine wine, champagne, great food, with silent and live auctions will take place. The tournament will be Friday, May 4th 12:00 pm shotgun start at La Paloma Country Club.

For further information to attend dinner, play golf and/or support this inaugural event contact the general chairman Fred Sowerby 520-615-9775

Tee Times Magazines and Hot Stix Golf Hole-In-One Program Tee Times Magazines and Hot Stix Golf provide each certified Hole-in-One with a personalized bag tag, certificate and free club fitting. Ask your Pro Shop for details or visit www.GoGolfArizona.com. (3/20/12 cutoff date - All par 3’s unless otherwise indicated)

L-R Tom Sweigart and Cyrus Whitney

Michael J. Dorgan Age: 77 Forty Niner Country Club 2012-03-16 : Hybrid Hole No. 18 : 128 yards

Richard Faubion Age: 64 Rio Rico CC 2012-02-25 : 6 iron Hole No. 12 : 157 yards

Gary Gustafson Age: 65 Silverbell GC 2012-02-01 : 8 Iron Hole No. 3 : 125 yards

Ed Joyce: 57 The Gallery CC North Course 2012-03-15 : 9 iron Hole No. 15 : 133 yards

Wallace Richardson Age: 75 Rio Rico CC 2012-02-25 : 23 degree hybrid Hole No. 8 : 168 yards

Kendall B Hendrick Skyline CC 2012-02-02 : 7 Iron Hole No. 13 : 154 yards

2012 Coach Tatum Championship Results

Jesus Sotelo San Ignacio GC 2012-03-10 : 8 iron Hole No. 5 : 143 yards

Championship Flight Results Cyrus Whitney and Tom Sweigart Adam Walicki and Trey Martin Greg Cesarek and Pat Geare 1st Flight Results Rick Bojalad and Fritz Naumetz Jeff Rudi and Jarrod Thayer John Ferenchak and Ken Kavanaugh 2nd Flight Results Armen Dirtadian and Rick Rarick Curtis Maynard and Mike Guetz David Adler Jr. and Rian Norris

Mike Jacobsen The Views GC 2012-03-08 : 9 Iron Hole No. 17 : 125 yards

The 2012 Coach Roy Tatum 2 Person Best Ball Championship draws the best amateur players from all over the state. They tournament was played at Dell Urich and the Randolph Golf Courses.

3rd Flight Results Ty Welsh and Gary Maupin Tom Mazer and Bill Burk Tim Clayton and Ron Lopez Net Flight Results Bob Grier and Cliff Gray Aari Ruben and TJ Powell David Robb and Curt Hansen

64-63=127 66-62=128 64-64=128 65-67=132 67-66=133 61-72=133 66-70=136 69-70=139 71-69=140 71-66=137 71-70=141 79-65=144 61-61=122 67-58=125 63-62=125

The Michael J. Harris Legacy for learning golf and dinner event is hosted by Westin La Paloma Country Club & Resort on May 3-4, 2012. Mike was passionate about his family, his work, his community and even his golf. He gave selflessly to those around him and enriched the lives of countless southern Arizonans with dozens of long-standing community connections.

One of Mike’s enduring passions was support of education for young people. As a tribute to Mike, his family, friends and supporters have created the Michael J. Harris Scholarship Endowment. The scholarships will be awarded to deserving students enrolling at the University of Arizona and will be selected from local Tucson students who have made and kept a commitment at the beginning of high school to maintain high standards in both academics and community service.

JA Open & Auction May 4th

The 8th Junior Achievement Open and Auction will be held Friday, May 4, 2012. The Junior Achievement Open is recognized as one of Tucson's premier charity golf events, raising over $700,000 in support of Junior Achievement's educational programs over the past seven years. It brings an extraordinary opportunity to participants and sponsors the chance to play the top-rated private course at the Stone Canyon Club in Oro Valley. This year's players will enjoy the exclusive Stone Canyon course winding through magnificent boulder outcroppings, forests of saguaro cacti, and plunging waterfalls with breathtaking panoramic views and luxurious amenities while helping support Junior Achievement's mission of inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. For finformation or to register, contact Autumn Bradley-Dinkel, 520-319-2002, autumnb@jaaz.org.

Brad Richardson Age: 41 Omni Tucson National Catalina Course 2012-03-08 : 3 iron Hole No. 12 : 191 yards Steve Stuebner Age: 64 The Gallery CC South Course 2012-03-04 : 4 Wood Hole No. 7 : 259 yards, par 4 HOLE IN ONE! Jack Taylor Skyline CC 2012-03-01 : 7 iron Hole No. 7 : 132 yards Leslie Sabey Heritage Highlands GC 2012-02-27 : 5 Hybrid Hole No. 4 : 121 yards Hank Russell Age: 82 Skyline CC 2012-02-28 : 8 iron Hole No. 2 : 115 yards Richard Feldman Skyline CC 2012-02-16 : 6 iron Hole No. 17 : 135 yards Barbara Jorgenson Age: 63 Silverbell GC 2012-02-25 : 5 wood Hole No. 9 : 130 yards

Greg Antosh Age: 49 Silverbell GC 2012-02-11 : 9 Iron Hole No. 7 : 143 yards Myron Galuskin Age: 66 The Gallery CC North Course 2012-02-15 : 4 Hybrid Hole No. 7 : 183 yards Carter Page La Paloma CC 2012-02-09 : 9 Iron Hole No. 8 : 108 yards Dan Hedrick Age: 56 The Gallery CC South Course 2012-02-09 : 9 Iron Hole No. 16 : 142 yards Mike Jacoby Tubac Golf Resort 2012-02-09 : Driver Hole No. 4 : 201 yards Adrian Hall Age: 55 Randolph GC 2012-02-03 : 9 Iron Hole No. 6 : 160 yards James McCorry Age: 53 Dell Urich GC 2012-02-03 : 7 Iron Hole No. 5 : 140 yards Bill Twenhofel Age: 59 Rio Rico CC 2012-02-08 : 7 Iron Hole No. 3 : 140 yards Doug Thompson Omni Tucson National Catalina Course 2012-02-09 : 6 Iron Hole No. 4 : 178 yards

Charlotte Kirchner Skyline CC 2012-02-01 : 7 Wood Hole No. 13 : 145 yards Richard G. Wharton Skyline CC 2012-01-31 : 7 Iron Hole No. 13 : 145 yards Charlotte Franklin Rio Rico CC 2012-02-02 : 8 Iron Hole No. 8 : 83 yards Dean Flygstad The Views GC 2012-01-30 : 5 Iron Hole No. 17 : 124 yards Dick Steiner Age: 64 Rio Rico CC 2012-02-01 : 5 Wood Hole No. 8 : 140 yards Mary Wisdom Heritage Highlands GC 2012-01-28 : 7 Iron Hole No. 12 : 103 yards Bill Blaine Age: 69 The Gallery CC North Course 2012-01-27 : 6 Iron Hole No. 7 : 182 yards Sue Coak The Gallery CC South Course 2012-01-27 : 3 Wood Hole No. 14 : 150 yards

GOLF MEMBERSHIP OFFERING! INITIATION FEE WAIVED with pre-payment of 12 mo. dues, plus ... get 3 MONTHS FREE! LIMITED TIME OFFER! Expires May 31, 2012.

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The Young Guns Prevail

COMMUNITY

at Million Dollar Hole-In-One Contest / Pro-Am

contest prevailed just as well as the tour players. The six closest competitors to the hole in the semi-finals moved on to the finals and a chance to win the Million dollars. The youngest competitor in the Hole-in-One contest was 15year old Ryan Tanner; unfortunately he did not make a hole in one, although he finished in first place winning closest to the hole. Finishing second through sixth place in the following order was Ben Levine, Kai Yee, Mark Stine, Rick Russell and Steve Suffecool, who actually had a hole in one during the qualifying round.

(L-R): Rick Russell, Kai Yee, Ben Levine, Mark Stine, Ryan Tanner, Greg Vega

BY RICK PRICE, PGA The Tucson Parks Foundation’s 4th Annual Million Dollar Hole-in-One contest & Pro-Am sponsored by Desert Diamond Casino was hosted

by Randolph Golf Complex. The Pro-am conducted by the Southwest Section Southern Chapter PGA was played on the par 70 Dell Urich golf course.

Proceeds from the event assists the Foundation with their project of installing shade structures in Tucson Parks. The Tucson Parks Foundation, a 501c (3) non-profit operates as a private organization guided by a volunteer board of directors that works on providing additional funding and support for special projects that benefit our community. Over the past 28 years, the Tucson Parks Foundation has donated more than $3,000,000 from various fundraising efforts to improve parks and recreation facilities in Tucson.

During the seven qualifying days for the Million Dollar Hole-in-One contest and ten thousand dollar putting contest, the closest three shots each day qualified for the semi-finals. In the putting contest, the three players who had made the most putts out of ten tries from 15 feet qualified for the semifinals.

The PGA TOUR has a saying about the young rookie players on tour;

they call them “The Young Guns.” Well the Young Guns in the Million Dollar Hole-in-One

Cooper Bradford

The ironic thing is the youngest participant in the putting contest; 13-year old Cooper Bradford sunk a 30-foot putt in the semi-finals and went on to win a sudden-death play-off.

He then had an opportunity from 50 feet away to sink the putt and win ten thousand dollars.

However, with youth, and great effort on his side, Cooper came up just short for his bid for the ten thousand dollar prize.

Ryan Tanner

Ben Kern

Professional Results 1 2 T3 T4 5 T6 T6 T6 T9 T9 T9

Ben Kern Chris Dompier Rich Elias Brent Lingel Ryan Eckroat Don Littrell Glen Griffith Mike Dorow Jay Synkelma Brandon Smith Brad Volker

Blanchard GC Skyline CC Canoa Ranch GC Blanchard GC Poston Butte GC Skyline CC PGA Member Tucson, AZ Hilton El Conq Ventana Canyon Heritage Highlands

33-34--67 33-35--68 37-32--69 33-36--69 34-36--70 37-34--71 34-37--71 35-36--71 39-33--72 35-37--72 34-38--72

-3 -2 -1 -1 E +1 +1 +1 +2 +2 +2

Low Senior Professional 1 Phillip Ferranti

PGA Member

36-37--73 +3

In the Pro-Am event it didn’t take Assistant Golf Professional Ben Kern from Blanchard Golf Club long to make a presence on the local Club Pro scene.

Coming right out of the gates with his first event, he beats a strong field, edging two of the top professional in the Chapter firing -3 under par 67 to capture the low professional honors.

Skyline Country Club head professional was runner-up shooting -2 under par 68 followed by Rich Elias the Director at Canoa Ranch and Torres Blancas golf club at -1 under par 69. Low Senior professional was the local legend PGA member Phil Ferranti posting a 73.

In the team format PGA Professional Glen Griffith and amateur partners John Johnson, Mitch Pozez, Tim Pierce and Norm Berger captured first place, firing -23 under par 117 total. Skyline Professional Don Littrell and team of Don Arp, Don Brown, John Yunck and Gary Abbott finished one shot back 118. In third place with a score of -18 under par 122 was Hilton El Conquistador Professional Jay Synkelma and amateurs Lee Nelson, CP Pittman, Joe Moats and Steve Normand.

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DINING

BY JANET HARE, The Lodge at Ventana Canyon

Johnston’s first step was to convince the board to endorse the creation of a wine committee made up of members with broad experience with fine wines. He then created a pricing scheme designed to make wines on the list attractive to those members who dine regularly at the club. The scheme favors those who order more expensive wines, since the percentage mark-up declines as the cost increases.

The typical golf and country club has a food and beverage operation that can be excellent, mediocre or even pedestrian, depending on the culinary staff, the ambience and the tastes of the membership. Then there is the wine list. Too often is seems to be an afterthought with no one really in charge of guaranteeing its quality The typical wine list reveals little in the way of planning or even a rudimentary knowledge of fine wines. On its face, that seems to be a problem easy to fix. What it takes, you may think, is to identify an appropriate spectrum of fine wines and simply order them.

That was the case several years ago at the Ventana Canyon Golf and Racquet club when Jim Johnston, a board member, decided to lead a campaign to upgrade the club’s wine list, which at the time was fairly typical—the obligatory reds and whites and a few “exotics.”

At the time, the club had relationships with a small number of distributors, which limited its options, since most very good wines are allocated—meaning that the number of cases available is extremely small. To remedy this, the club began ordering from a larger number of distributors with larger and more varied lists.

None of this happened overnight. It has taken years to develop the relationships that the club now enjoys. The result however is a premier wine program with winemaker dinners that inevitably sell out and a wine list that is second to none for its variety, quality and value.

Another result has been a steady rise in the consumption of wine with dinner. It seems that when quality wines are offered at attractive prices, club members are willing to forgo their traditional cocktails in favor of wine. It has been a long road, but one worth traveling, most members would agree.

What has been learned in the intervening years is that the development of a really outstanding wine list is a difficult task that is never done. It requires the cooperation and endorsement of the chef and the rest of the culinary staff and management, the development of relationships with distributors who have quality wines available and the financial commitment necessary to build up an inventory of quality varietals and vintages.

“

THAT WAS THE CASE SEVERAL YEARS AGO AT THE VENTANA CANYON GOLF AND RACQUET CLUB WHEN JIM JOHNSTON, A BOARD MEMBER, DECIDED TO LEAD A CAMPAIGN TO UPGRADE THE CLUB’S WINE LIST, WHICH AT THE TIME WAS FAIRLY TYPICAL 62 Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

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WEIN - VIN - VINO - WIJN

We are completely immersed with entertaining at this time of year, guests flying in for a golf event or just visiting to capture the weather that serves us through this time of year. The planning we make to guarantee that everyone is enjoying sites, golf, dining and all that Tucson has to offer. The invitations extended to participate in golf events and a need for a beautiful “Thank You” gift.

Our “snowbird” neighbors have arrived to feel the warmth of our city with more entertaining. Whether it’s that refreshing sparkling, to the simplest white or perfect red wine this is a catalyst to a fun time.

Choices are always the start to any purchase of your wine selection with consideration to expense and personal style. Whatever your experience, the first suggestion would be find to a qualified professional that assists in your wine needs. Your local wine shop or major wine proprietor can educate and guide you in the right direction. They can also teach you to appreciate other wines that you would not otherwise consider. Remember to savor each sip, enjoy the experience and most of all, have fun!

Here are some of my great value suggestions for any occasion.

2010 Franco Martinetti Gavi di Gavi, Piedmont, Italy Known for making wine that is elegant and balanced this is perfect alone for sipping or with any creamy cheese. Very fruit forward, with a floral nose but on the palette very acidic pear fruit with a splash of Rose’s lime juice squeezed all over the fruit. The finish shows star fruit that linger on, providing plenty of acidity. Refreshing.

2010 Talbott Logan “Sleepy Hollow Vineyard” Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highland, California

Talbott Winery acclaimed for producing lush fruit driven wines that show defined complexity and depth that are expressed in this beautiful chardonnay. Bright, soft well rounded tannins and integrated acidity with layers of melon, pear and pineapple are finished off with rich toasty oak providing a long lingering finish.

2009 Project Paso Red Wine Blend, PasoRobles, California

Multi layered aromas gush out of this intense, jammy red cherry Grenache Blend followed by baking spices and white pepper from the Zinfandel and touched with darker fruit played off by the addition of Petite Syrah and Mourvedre. Complex yet easy drinking.

2009 Forefront Cabernet Sauvignon by Pine Ridge Winery Napa, California

A wine produced from various appellations between Napa Valley and San Luis Obispo, California. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon with additional blending grapes this complex wine has a nose of black cherry, stewed cranberry, baking spices, bright cassis and cocoa powder.

Hints of Sandlewood, vanilla and cherry cola are backed by fine tannins and a smooth lengthy finish. A compliment to any entrée served at your table.

Claudette Halpern is the Wine Director and Assistant Manager at Dove Mountain Grill in Marana, AZ. Claudette is a Dove Mountain resident, a Member at Gallery Golf Club and Advisory Committee member.

Know by many in the area as the ‘Best Hostess on the planet’ with a passion for the artistry of wine, Claudette features select wines each issue in Southern Arizona Tee Times.

If you need wine advice on your next diner party or a gift idea, Claudette welcomes your visit at the Dove Mountain Grill, 12130 North Dove Mountain Boulevard Marana, AZ 85658 or call 520.579.8999

e n i W corner

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ENTERTAINMENT

Spring into Southern Arizona with Desert Diamond Casinos

S

pring may be starting to warm up, but there are still plenty of cool things to do in Southern Arizona before the summer heat arrives! This year, spring into Southern Arizona’s perfect weather with great activities both indoors and outside, all supported by Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment. Whether you’re looking to get your cowboy boots kicking in the dirt, relive the best music of the ‘70s or try your luck at some great games, Southern Arizona has it all thanks to Desert Diamond.

Diamond Center Show Schedule SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012 HOTEL CALIFORNIA: A SALUTE TO THE EAGLES Tickets are available online at www.ddcaz.com.

2012 Pima County Fair - Desert Diamond Sponsored Events SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 2012 7:30 PM – Boyz II Men

MONDAY, APRIL 23, 2012 All Day – Senior Celebration

SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2012 7:30 PM – Ramón Ayala Ticketing information available at www.PimaCountyFair.com

64 Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

For over one hundred years, the Pima County Fair has been a Southern Arizona tradition. This family-friendly community celebration has everything from authentic western rodeos to down and dirty bike rallies. On April 22, come to the fairgrounds to enjoy famed R&B group Boyz II Men in concert at 7:30 p.m., brought to you by Desert Diamond Casinos. Come on back to the Pima County Fair on April 29 and join Desert Diamond Casinos for a live concert from norteño music legend Ramón Ayala. All events are free with admission.

If you’d rather stay indoors, head on down to the Diamond Center to rock the night away with the greatest hits of American rock band the Eagles, performed by the tribute group “Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles.” The five talented musicians of "Hotel California" faithfully and accurately recreate the dynamic experience of watching the Eagles perform,

keeping the legend of these American icons alive. The show starts at 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 15.

Looking to beat the heat and try your luck at some great games?

Take advantage of the hot deals available to Desert Diamond Club members. It’s easy and free to join and you’ll get extra points and play almost every day of the week. Monday and Tuesday, "Penny Frenzy" doubles your reward points while playing penny slots. On Wednesday and Thursday, playing the slots could win you extra Diamond Dollars.

Friday and Saturday, earn double points at any machine!

The fun doesn’t stop there.

Desert Diamond Club members can participate in the monthly Friday Night Drive drawings, where you can walk away with great cash prizes or even a new car! Drawings are held the last Friday of every month at Desert Diamond Casinos – Tucson.

Contact the Desert Diamond Club at 520-294-7777 for more information on these and other benefits.

Whether its fantastic community events, classic rock and roll, or the finest gaming rewards, Desert Diamond Casinos is your source for fun and excitement this Spring in Southern Arizona!

To find out more about Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment and get information on other entertainment opportunities, visit www.ddcaz.com.

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HEALTH & FITNESS

QiGong Can Increase Your Drive

BY JOE PINELLA According to one study, 65% of golfers over the age of fifty will injure themselves in a given year. In golf, momentum is both our friend and our enemy! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our friend when we use it to drive the ball great distances. But when we swing a one pound club head at the end of a four foot stick, the momentum generated can force our body beyond its normal range of motion, often resulting in strains and tears.

Our bodies also have a dominant side and a weaker side, dominant muscles and weaker muscles.

Paradoxically, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the weaker side and the weaker muscles that establish the amount of power and control generated by the dominant side. They also determine where injuries are likely to occur.

To overcome this potential for injury, we must increase our natural range of motion, strengthen our weaker side and strengthen small support muscles.

When we improve our rotational flexibility, the

momentum generated in the swing carries our bodies within their range of motion, not beyond. When we strengthen our weaker side, the dominant side has more power and control.

The ancient Chinese healing movements of QiGong do all this. QiGong (pronounced chee gung) is the basis of all the Eastern martial arts including tai chi. The exercises that comprise QiGong are used as physical therapy in China. They help heal physical injury as well as impart a kind of physical strength and balance that cannot be achieved in a weight room.

Golfers who have used QiGong for fitness have been astonished to find dramatic improvements in their golf game without even trying. Golfers who have played for twenty and thirty years have reported 10 to 20 yard increases in their drives.

1/2 Page Horizontal: 7.375 (W

QiGong Fitness for Golf is taught by Joe Pinella, a forty year QiGong practitioner, who used this art to overcome paralysis after a broken neck. It can work miracles for golfers too!

THE TUCSON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT IS LOOKING FOR SPONSORS TO HELP OPEN CITY POOLS FOR SUMMER 2012.

DONATE TODAY AT: WWW.TUCSONPARKS.ORG

Parks and Recreation y 900 S. Randolph Way y Tucson, AZ 85716 y 520-791-4873

EMPLOYMENT

INTERACTION

66 Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

PROGRAMS

LESSONS

Preventing Injury Just As Vital As Correcting Discomfort

BY ANDREW CLARK Exercise and golf have always had an interesting relationship. The pendulum swings all the way from “big muscles will hurt your game” to NFL-size athletes walking down the fairways. As is true with many things, the middle road is proving to be the most effective path.

This middle road incorporates many aspects of athletic strength and conditioning. The inclusion of strength training has been refined to focus on whole body movements that require coordination of muscle groups from head to toe – similar to the coordination needed during a golf swing. Core, or midsection, training ensures proper energy transmission from the hips to the shoulders. Finally, an emphasis on proper functional mobility in all areas – even those that don’t seem to be golf specific – is indispensable to proper mechanics and injury prevention.

Before beginning a program that incorporates these facets, it is important to know where you are starting from, and if any corrective action needs to be taken. It is incredibly common for golfers to create

IT IS INCREDIBLY COMMON FOR GOLFERS TO CREATE ASYMMETRIES IN THEIR MOVEMENT.

asymmetries in their movement. The average golf swing produces huge forces in one direction over hundreds of thousands of repetitions in a lifetime – with the

opposite direction often being completely ignored. This produces mobility and strength asymmetry, which nearly always leads to injury. Much of the low back and shoulder pain experienced by golfers is a direct result of this imbalance.

A simple system, like the Function Movement Screen (www.functionalmovement.com), can identify areas that are in need of correction.

Once identified, a program can be developed to address these issues before they become injuries, or correct imbalances that already cause pain or discomfort.

Finding an individual or facility that provides this, or a similar, screening is the safest and most effective start to any exercise program – be it for golf performance or general health.

Andrew Clark is a Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCS) and Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES), as well as the owner of Performance Executive Fitness (www.performancefitnesstucson.com). His work with golfers has eliminated not only strokes from the scorecard, but aches and pains that have prevented players from enjoying the game. For more information on Andrew’s training methods, or his Weekend Golf Workshops, please contact him at andrew@performancefitnesstucson.com or by phone at 520.325.5455.

Tired of courses that seem to always play the same? Step out of the ‘norm’, and into a memorable and challenging experience that demands your concentration from the moment you step onto the green. Call 520.744.7443 to reserve your tee time, or visit PlayThePines.com to sign up for daily specials.

8480 North Continental Links Drive Tucson, AZ 85743

(520) 744-7443

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Antigua 2012 Spring Color Stories for Men Azalea/Ruby Color Group

Melon Group

The inspiration for Antigua's Spring 2012 performance golf collection is color, and in bringing this inspiration to life Antigua has developed for the collection six different color groups, including the Azalea/Ruby group, focusing on bright, bold colors. "We found many ways to weave our 'pop' colors in as subtle details while keeping them sharp and proud," says Sean Gregg, Director of Product Development at Antigua, "and tried to focus on how a color affects the textures of its complementing neutrals and sits as a critical contrast as the spark to the paler surroundings."

The Spring 2012 performance collection has been merchandised to tell one cohesive story about color between all six groups, and the Azalea/Ruby group brings to that story the rich ruby reds that, paired with shades of grey and every shade of neutral, form an unexpectedly pleasing palette.

"The philosophy during the development cycle is that each garment be built to stand alone – as though you were creating someones 'favorite' piece – and build those pieces out to assemble a full collection of favorites," says Gregg. "With the wide selection of shirts, shorts, outerwear and hats offered in the Azalea/Ruby group, any piece from this group may be combined with any others to create a fashion-forward golf ensemble that's both simple and elegant."

Add to this the tie-in with the complementing outerwear which Antigua has expanded on in both layering styles as well as sweaters, vests and wind shells, and the color story and presentation is enhanced even further.

Melon Color Group The Melon group is highlighted by a sharp melon orange that pairs with shades of grey and every shade of neutral to form an unexpectedly pleasing palette, an essential component of the single color story of the Spring 2012 performance collection. "The philosophy during the development cycle is that each garment be built to stand alone – as though you were creating someones 'favorite' piece – and build those pieces out to assemble a full collection of favorites," says Gregg. "With the wide selection of shirts, shorts, outerwear and hats offered in the Melon group, any piece from this group may be combined with any others to create a fashion-forward golf ensemble that's both simple and elegant."

Azalea/Ruby

Any piece from this group may be combined with any others to create a fashionforward golf ensemble

Bright, bold colors are the inspiration for Antigua's Spring 2012 performance golf collection, and with six different color groups, including the Melon group, Antigua has brought that inspiration to life. "We found as we interpreted our color inspiration that the colors themselves remained sharp and proud even as they were in many ways woven in as subtle details," says Gregg. "It was important to us that the color we used not be contrived or forced, that it could affect the textures of its complementing surrounds and provide a contrasting spark to the neutrals."

The color story and presentation are enhanced even further by the tie-in with the complementing outerwear which Antigua has expanded on in both layering styles as well as sweaters, vests and wind shells.

Antigua products can also be found online at shop.antigua.com 68 Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

Tee off with Lute Olson & Wildcat Alumni!

CELEBRITY AUCTIONN & GOLF TOURNAMENT TH

1987-2012

Friday & Saturda Friday Saturdayy Ma Mayy 11 & 12 Friday ~ Celebrity Auction Saturday ~ Golf at Doubletree Reid Park at Randolph Golf Course Cocktails & hors d’oeuvres 18-hole scramble Bid on former players for golf Continental breakfast Silent Auction and more!

Awards lunch & Ceremony and more! $35/per person LQGLYLGXDO IRXUVRPH

Sponsorships available Spots are Limited for both events - Register Today!

(520) 303-5604 www.CoachOlsonGolf.org

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www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

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DID YOU KNOW?

BY ADAM LAZARUS

A colorful collection of golf tales and tidbits, funny stories and factoids and some legends and lore in honor of the most professional golf tournament in the world - The Masters at Augusta National!

The Legend Begins.

I Like Ike.

Young Tiger.

The first Masters Tournament was held March 22, 1934 and since 1940 it has been scheduled for the first full week in April. No one actually won “The Masters” until 1939 because from 1934 - 1938 the event was known as the “Augusta National Invitation Tournament.”

Ike's Pond is named after General Eisenhower.

The three-acre Pond is manmade, has a dam and is fed by a spring. Eisenhower was a friend of Bobby Jones and was a fixture at Augusta National during his Presidency

Tiger Woods was the youngest player to win a Masters Tournament in 1997 – he was 21 years, 3 months and 14 days.

Switcheroo.

Horton Hears a Win. Did you know that Horton Smith won the first Masters tournament in 1934?

Little Known Augusta Residents.

Did you know that between 1943 and 1945, 200 cattle and more than 1,400 turkeys, as well as 42 German prisoners of war, occupied the fairways of the closed down Augusta National fairways. The cattle ate a large number of valuable azalea and camellia plants as well as some of the bark of the trees and ended up costing the Club money. Fortunately the Club made up the loss through the sale of the turkeys. The POWs were hired from Camp Gordon and worked mostly on the golf course.

Obviously The Masters was not held during that time.

The nines were switched from the original design because the trees on the first several holes blocked the sun and thus delayed play more when there was a frost.

Men’s Only?

The original plan for Augusta National was to build two 18-hole courses, the second one for women as part of a real estate development.

Dinner with the Champions.

Ben Hogan began the Tuesday night “Champion’s Dinner” tradition in 1952, but never attended another after he finished 10th in 1967. The previous year’s winner chooses the menu and pays the bill.

Water Hazard.

Rae’s Creek is named after John Rae who kept residents safe during early Indian attacks. His home was the furthest fortress up the Savannah River from Fort Augusta.

Founder Keeper.

Course founder Bobby Jones and later, David Toms, are the only players to birdie the par-3 fourth hole three times in one event. Founders Circle is located at the base of the flagpole in front of the Clubhouse. It has two plaques there honoring the Masters’ founders, Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts.

Going Green.

Oaks & Jokes

The green jacket tradition began in 1937 when they became available to Members, but it wasn’t until 1949 when winner Sam Snead was awarded the first winner’s Green Jacket. The idea for the Green Jackets was for Members to wear them so that patrons during the tournament could readily identify them as a source for information.

The big live oak tree on the course side of the clubhouse is a place where the “Who’s Who” in golf annually mix to enjoy a laugh. It is estimated to be more than 150 years old having been planted around 1855.

Amen.

The term “Amen Corner” refers to holes No. 11, 12 and 13. In 1958, a Sports Illustrated writer and venerable golf journalist, Herbert Warren Wind coined it because he felt that this was the section of the golf course where the crucial events took place. He borrowed the phrase from the old jazz recording entitled “Shouting at Amen Corner.”

Par 3 Jinx.

Did you know that, to date, no player has won the Wednesday par-3 contest and then won The Masters tournament? Additionally, no amateur has ever won The Masters.

Trees to Greens.

Each hole is named after a resident tree or shrub. The pine tree is the most abundant tree on the property and included are Shortleaf Pines, Slash Pines, Loblolly Pines, Longleaf Pines, and Eastern White Pines.

Sandwiches at The Masters still cost less than $3 and children of badge holders between the ages of 8 and 16 are admitted free of charge.

Masters of Nature.

Most appearances.

Did you know that the trees, flowers, greens and shrubs are even hand watered to prevent excessive run off? There are 55 acres to the left of the 11th hole to provide a wildlife habitat and home to 1000′s of migratory birds and the club has an ongoing reforestation project. The parking lot is left unpaved to prevent excessive run off and provide habitat for ground nesting birds.

Share Your ‘Did You Know’ Tidbits! Send to: Adam Lazarus, Regional Sales Director Golf Channel - (520) 591-1025 Alazarus@golfchannel.com

72 Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

(Almost) a Free Lunch.

Gary Player has made 52 Masters appearances during his career; to put this number in perspective, that accounts for around 75% of all Masters Tournaments.

Three-peat.

Eight players have won three or more Masters.

They are: Jack Nicklaus (6), Arnold Palmer (4), Tiger Woods (4), with Jimmy Demaret, Sam Snead, Gary Player, Nick Faldo, and Phil Mickelson having three each.

REMEMBRANCES My Love Affair With The Masters Began With A Generous Gift

BY DENNIS PALMER, PGA The year 2012 is going to be one of many milestones for Dennis Palmer. Not only did I turn 55, which now allows me to utilize my discount of 10% at Albertson’s the first Wednesday of every month, but I will also attend my 25th consecutive Masters, and on June 1st will attain Quarter Century Club membership in the PGA of America. Although my discount at Albertson’s is important, it is the latter two milestones that really bring joy to my heart.

Thanks to my former boss Rich Lamb, who was, and still is the Director of Golf for the two city of Ft Myer's golf facilities (Eastwood Golf Club and Ft Myer's country Club) I was able to make my initial journey to the legendary Augusta National Golf Club in 1988.

That first year was a complete surprise to me as I had on June 1st of 1987 acquired my Class “A” Membership in the PGA. In early January of 1988 Mr. Lamb had informed me that even though I had now qualified for a free ticket to The Masters, he had to rely on me to make things happen, as he and Tommy Wallace (1st Assistant) were planning on going, as they had done for many years. Mildly disappointed, I accepted my responsibilities and was looking forward to 1989.

Alas on the Wednesday prior to the 1988 Masters, Rich and Tommy took off leaving Dennis in charge. That following Saturday at 8:10 in the morning Mr. Lamb called to see how things were going. After I told him everything was under control, he told me to take the company check book and catch the flight leaving Ft Myers at noon. He wanted me to head to the airport and get on that flight to Augusta!

I was off in a minute, heading to the airport to purchase the ticket to my first trip to Augusta. Upon arriving at the airport I ran up to the Delta counter and told the attendant the flights I wanted to purchase. I just about fainted when I was told that this ticket was going to cost $1013.00!! I wrote the check and in two hours, I was on my way to Augusta! That first year was special as I was given a pass to go into the clubhouse (only been in once since then) and on the flight back from Augusta to Atlanta, I sat next to the legendary golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr.!

What great memories of my initial trip to The Masters. Over the next 24 years, I have continued my love affair with The Masters, and cherish every visit!

The above story could have never taken place without my membership as a Class “A” member of the PGA of America. Not only have I had the ability to attend 25 years of Masters Tournaments, but also one PGA and Two U.S. Opens! On top of that I have been able to make a living doing what I love -- and that my friends is what I call being very fortunate!

I have worked for some great golf Professionals, and I have had the chance to meet so many people who share my love of the game of golf. As I get closer to the end of my career, I think how lucky I have been to have chosen a career that allows me to experience all the perks I love so much!

Dennis turned Pro in 1984, received his Class “A” membership in the PGA in 1987, and became a life member in 2007. He has worked at various clubs throughout the United States, was a player for Salpointe High School and the University of The University of Arizona Golf Team (1977-1979. Dennis is currently Vice President of Golf Operations at Tubac Golf Resort and Spa.

www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

73

AMATEUR SPOTLIGHT

BY ROBIN LANE

the area many times as her children Brian and Julie were already here.

Her brother and Mom were in Southern Utah, but Arizona won a new resident. Bisbee and Turquoise Valley golf club are happy have Bonnie.

She is able to play and play well. She can be serious when she needs to be, and fun whenever she plays. Bonnie boasts an index of 8.4 and she plays regularly with the “boys” on her home course.

To the newer golfer: Bonnie says never be intimidated by anyone or anything. Practice is good, hand me down or cut-off clubs are bad. Go take lessons and remember it is a GAME! Bonnie is still improving; come to Turquoise Valley, bet her a beer and she will show you.

David Gray David Gray began golfing early in Deming, New Mexico. He learned from Bill Klements who was awarded the District 8 High School golf coach of the year honor before retiring. As a promising junior golfer, David earned a scholarship to play at the collegiate level at Western New Mexico until life got in the way.

He got married, left school and joined the Air Force. He served his country and then became a golf professional. He was part of the Professional golf business and worked at several courses in and around Arizona including Williams Air Force Base, Beaver Creek and Turquoise Valley as an Assistant Superintendent.

Bonnie Marsh From Long Island, New York to Bisbee, AZ… Bonnie offers a refreshing perspective on golf.

Bonnie learned to play golf with her college buddy (and later hubby) while living in Long Island. She achieved “golf nut” status quickly.

Bonnie realized she had some ability and she was constantly trying to better her game.

She was never afraid or embarrassed to go out and pick up a game or play by herself.

Bonnie insists that no matter how bad her day was she knew there would always be someone worse. In the beginning, the rules may not be for a new golfer. She says she would just find a course and be comfortable.

Early on, Bonnie was fortunate to be able to play as she was a retail wine and liquor store owner. She had the time to develop her game and to learn how much fun Girl Golf could be. She joined a very active ladies league at Hempstead CC in Garden City, NY. That is where she learned formats, rules, etiquette and a few new cuss words! Bonnie was proud to be a part of the Metro Golf Association and in her 30s, her game was ready for tournament play. Traveling around the area, Bonnie had success in several events. At the Public Links Qualifier, she was honored to meet Barbara Douglas of the USGA and learned from her that women are truly involved in the game of golf. In 2002, Bonnie qualified for the US Senior Women’s open and went to Mid Pines to compete at a high level.

In 2005, David was reinstated as an amateur by the USGA. He established a handicap and played in a few Arizona Golf Association (AGA) events like the Southern Amateur at Rio Rico.

David is a self-described hot head who prefers to stay local. He does not play in too many amateur tournaments. He is more likely to be seen playing with his buddies at Turquoise Valley now a days. He is also a member at Greater Huachuca Men’s club and plays to a 1.8 handicap index. He claims to be practicing up to turn 50 then give it a go as a Senior player in more AGA events down the road. His favorite event is the Gallery Invitational which is coming up in April and David and his partner, Charlie Comolli are ready!

David worked to earn his contractor’s license and builds houses for a living now so he can enjoy being an amateur. He and his wife, Debbie have 2 kids and live in Bisbee. The good instructors from his past taught David that he should “pay it forward.” With that in mind, David became the golf coach at Bisbee High school this year. While this may not be his full time job, it is certainly his full time passion. He wants his students to give a full effort and in exchange, he works on their behalf to make them better golfers.

Watch for David on the links soon, or coming to a tournament near you when he reaches 50 years young.

Bonnie moved permanently to Bisbee Arizona in 2006. She had visited

About The

AUTHOR

ROBIN LANE, AWGA

Arizona Women’s Golf Assoc. - President

800.442.2942

robinlane@comcast.net www.AWGA.org

Currently President, a member of the Executive Committee and for the AWGA, Robin was elected to the AWGA Board of Directors in 2008. Accountable for all forms of communication to 25,000+ members with a primary goal of community outreach, Robin is an avid golfer who continues to serve our golf community on a daily basis. Robin hails from Tennessee, relocated to Tucson with her husband Tommy in 2003, and resides at The Gallery. She is a member of the Southern Arizona Tee Times Advisory Board and the "voice" of AZ golf for Women on the AZgolf Radio, NBC1260am and 96.1FM and active in the Regional Affairs Committee of the USGA. Amateur Spotlight is brought to you by the Arizona Women’s Golf Association (AWGA). The AWGA is dedicated to supporting amateur golf. If you are considering taking up the game of golf, the AWGA can be a strong resource for those who are looking to make a few connections to get them headed in the right direction.

74 Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

otography Photo: J and L Ph

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