Golf Arizona August - October

AUGUST – OCTOBER 2014 VOL 1 ISSUE 4

Pace of Play W H AT D R I V E S

An in-depth look at the contributing factors in this hotly debated topic (page 26)

AL SO I N SI D E :

Tucson Conquistadores Looking Forward to 2015 (page 6) Tee to Green Community Golf News (page 22) Plus… Pro-file on Dan Wickman (page 40)

The Official Publication of the

Southern Chapter

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contents Golf Arizona | August–October 2014

on the cover 26 What Drives Pace of Play: An in-depth look at the contributing factors in this hotly debated topic

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features 12 Amateur Spotlight: Kelly Loeb 21 Antigua’s 2014 Men’s Golf Collection 22 Tee to Green: Community Golf News 32 Fitness and Nutrition Impact on Pace-of-Play 34 Pace of Play & the Impact of Course Set-Up 36 Five Myths of Slow Play 39 Improving Your Golf with Fitness

instruction 11 It’s Time to Start a Golf Journal 20 What’s the Ruling?

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47 “They Never Told Me This on the Lesson Tee!”

community 6

Tucson Conquistadores: Looking Forward to 2015

16 Tucson & Southern AZ Offer Diverse Golf Options 6

46 Pace of Play: Who is to Blame?

pro-files 40 Dan Wickman

youth spotlight 49 Phoenix Valley: Sara Eversman & Jake Guess 50 Southern Arizona: Carley Nelson & Matthew Spar

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Golf Arizona

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Published by Golf Arizona, LLC PUBLISHING EDITOR

Rick Price, PGA GRAPHIC DESIGN

AB Design Strategies ADVISORY BOARD

CONTRIBUTORS

EAGLE SPONSORS

Phoenix Valley Frank Calvin, PGA Bob Doyle, PGA Tim Eberlein, PGA Sarah Freeman Curt Hudek, PGA Scott McNevin Pat O’Hara, PGA Adam Packard, PGA Mary Pomroy, AWGA Kris Strauss Southern Arizona Corey Baehman, PGA Jeff Beier, PGA Lance Eldridge Al Fischer Adam Lazarus Judy McDermott Mark Oswald, PGA Dan Wickman, PGA

Rick Price, PGA Tim Eberlein, PGA Brent DeRadd Bob Doyle Andrew Fodge Kim Griggs Curt Hudek, PGA Mary Beth Lacy Joan Liess Scott McNevin Pat O’Hara, PGA Mark Oswald, PGA Mary Pomroy Kris Strauss

The Antigua Group Arizona Women’s Golf Association The Gallery Golf Club Oro Valley Country Club Poston Butte Golf Club San Pedro Golf Course Scoreboardwhiz Sol Casinos Southwest Section PGA The Views Golf Club Tucson City Golf Tucson Conquistadores BIRDIE SPONSORS

Fitness by Andrew Forty Niner Country Club Gaslight Theatre Omni Tucson National Sun City West GOLF ARIZONA MAGAZINE

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P.O. Box 69190, Oro Valley, AZ 85737 520-314-5611 e m a i l rickprice@gogolfarizona.com www.GoGolfArizona.com

SOUTHWEST SECTION PGA

10685 North 69th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85254 p h o n e 480-443-9002 fa x 480-443-9006 e m a i l mburhans@pgahg.com www.southwest.pga.com

SOUTHWEST SECTION PGA SOUTHERN CHAPTER

600 S. Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85711 520-290-1742 fa x 520-326-8772 e m a i l rick@southrnchapterpga.com www.southernchapterpga.com

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ABOUT THE PGA

The Southwest Section PGA is one of 41 Sections of the PGA of America consisting of more than 1,300 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 it premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives, and award-winning golf promotions. Your PGA Professionals are the “Expert in the Game and Business of Golf.”

ABOUT GOLF ARIZONA MAGAZINE

Golf Arizona magazine is the official publication of the Southwest Section PGA, is published quarterly by Golf Arizona, LLC. This is Arizona’s number one multi-media resource for golf, designed as a unique and compelling benefit for all golfers in Arizona that cannot be found in other publications. We offer more content beyond the printed version of the magazine with updated current events on the website at www.GoGolfArizona.com. We showcase the game of golf, courses and businesses within Arizona, while celebrating the people and entities that make golf such a spectacular attraction. The magazine is available free to the public; this full color glossy magazine is distributed to all golf courses, resorts and concierges – as well as other golf-related and high-traffic locations throughout all of the Phoenix Valley and Southern Arizona. “Our mission is all about promoting the game of golf, individuals and businesses within our community.” 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 Southwest Section PGA. Distributed throughout the state of Arizona with 30,000 bulk /on demand print circulation. Copyright ©2013.

From the Editor

Who really determines who is slow or what is an acceptable time to play a round of golf and why?

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his issue is dedicated to discussing and making aware of the different aspects of pace of play, reasons why we play the pace we do, myths associated with slow play and how to improve our pace, if indeed we do need to improve.

Many aspects contribute to a player or groups being fast or slow. Here are just some of the factors that come into play; fitness, course condition, weather, yardage, playing ability and more. The interesting thing is players that may take more time to hit their shot are not necessarily the slowest players. As a general reference, it should not take more than 30 seconds to hit a shot once it is your turn to play and you have chosen a club. What is your pace of play and why?

Who really determines who is slow or what is an acceptable time to play a round of golf and why? The answer to that for the most part would be the Golf Club policy and/or a Tournament Committee for competition. The challenge is that there is such a variety of skills of golfers on any given day playing the golf course, whether it is a public, resort, or private. Think about it from an operator’s perspective, what a nightmare! You have your groups that want to race around the golf course in 3 hours, you have new golfers introduced to playing the game, resort guests, members, tournaments, high handicappers, and low handicappers, so how do you possibly make them all happy and expect them to play in the same amount of time?

Golf Clubs are in the business to be profitable and need to maximize their starting time sheets to create a profit that will allow for an enjoyable pace of play. The balanc-

ing act of making the profit center “the starting time sheet” run as effectively Our mission is as possible while putting as many golfpromoting the game ers on the course, is the challenge. Oh! of golf, businesses, but wait, there are other determining factors that contribute to what an acand associations ceptable pace of play for each golf in our community, course. What type of golf course is it? while celebrating Is it a desert course, or is it tree lined, does it have long carries off the tee, is it the people that play flat or hilly. How about the number of the game. bunkers, what’s the distance between greens and tees, are the greens fast or slow, are the fairways narrow or wide, what about how many water hazards and bunkers are on the course, can you walk or do you have to ride.

Determining what an acceptable time for a round of golf is… well, it just depends. Consider all these factors before rushing to a judgment on if a player or group is playing to slow. The Golf Club operators are there to make sure you have an enjoyable experience and to provide the best possible product for you the consumer. Support your local Golf Club and make sure you do your part to make the pace of play enjoyable for all that play the game.

Thank you for your support of Golf Arizona magazine the official publication for the Southwest Section PGA. We value your input and thank you for your support in assisting us in promoting the game of golf. Invite a friend and share our passion, visit our website and sign up now for our free online newsletter and subscription for Golf Arizona magazine at www.gogolfarizona.com.

Rick Price, PGA Rick is the Director of Operations for the Southwest Section PGA Southern Chapter and is founder and Publishing Editor for Golf Arizona magazine and GoGolfArizona.com. He is a member of the Professional Golfers Association of America has over 30 years of expertise in the golf profession, member of the Golf Writers Association of America and Sports Photographers Association of America.

Community

by Joan Liess

T U C S O N CO N Q U I S TA D O R E S

Next Year’s Tucson Classic Promises a Happy Reunion

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esterday’s young guns could soon be back on the fairways of the Catalina Course at Omni Tucson National Resort. This year Davis Love III, Scott Verplank, Billy Andrade, Miguel Ángel Jiménez and Lee Janzen hit 50 and top the Champions Tour eligible list. Janzen, a two-time U.S. Open Champion, earned his first of eight PGA TOUR wins at the 1992 Tucson Open on the Catalina Course.

Here in Tucson, “It’s déjà vu all over again,” as Yogi Berra famously quipped – the Conquistadores couldn’t agree more. The 52-year old civic group hosted and operated the PGA TOUR Tuc-

The finishing hole at Omni Tucson National’s Catalina Course, 2006

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W H AT T H E P L AYE R S A R E S AYI N G …

Many of us now playing on the Champions Tour who have played in Tucson in the past are very excited to be coming back for a new tournament next year. The opportunity to be a part of the rich history of golf in Tucson is quite rewarding, and we all look forward to rekindling our involvement with your community.”

I’m pleased to hear the Champions Tour is coming to Tucson. The Conquistadores do so much for the young people in the community and it’s great news that professional golf retains a presence in the city.”

— Tom Lehman; Played in Tucson 1998, 2004.

— Hale Irwin; Played in Tucson 1981-83, 1987-88.

Just the Facts

Pro-Am: Wednesday, March 18 and Thursday, March 19, 2015

The Format: Champions Tour, 54-hole, no-cut stroke play format

Pro Competition: Friday-Sunday, March 20-22, 2015

The Details: 81-player field competing for $1.7 million

Pro-Am sign-up, tickets and information: (520) 571-0400

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son Open from 1966 through 2006 and Omni Tucson National served as the venue for 30 of those tournaments.

Joe Brossart, the Conquistadors’ 2015 tournament chairman, said the group’s responsibilities have greatly expanded with the Tucson Classic compared to its hospitality and sales roles for the 20072014 World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championships.

“Fortunately, there are a hundred-plus Conquistadores who have decades of experience on planning and operating every aspect of a pro golf tournament from start to finish,” said Brossart.

“We’re ready to make Tucson proud.”

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All the players on the Champions Tour are enthusiastic about returning to Tucson…I’m really happy the event will be on our schedule next year. After all, I was the last one to claim that Conquistador helmet.”

— Kirk Triplett; Played in Tucson 1990-95, 1997-99, 2000-03; won the 2006 Chrysler Classic of Tucson.

www.TucsonConquistadores.com

Two-time Tucson Open Champion Lee Trevino, 1969

TUCSON OPEN* CHAMPIONS CO M P E T I N G O N T H E C H A M P I O N S TO U R Kirk Triplett, 2006 Jim Carter, 2000 Jeff Sluman, 1997

THE TUCSON CLASSIC TROPHY HAS A STORIED PAST

Andrew Magee, 1994 Larry Mize, 1993 David Frost, 1988 Mike Reid, 1987

No one can accuse the Tucson Conquistadores of being unoriginal.

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ot for them the crystal chalices, silver plates and other traditional emblems of victory that generally crowd sports trophy cases. Instead, the organization chose to recognize the winner of the Tucson Open, and now the Tucson Classic, with a Spanish helmet, a choice inspired by the Conquistadores’ logo.

Once the concept was approved in 1967, Conquistador Al Kivel was tasked with finding a suitable model for it. It wasn’t easy. Kivel combed local stores, including Tucson’s downtown favorite Jácome’s, where the exclusive home furnishings department sold Spanish-influenced items, then trendy. He had no luck, but a Jácome’s buyer directed Kivel to an importer/exporter of Spanish metal works. By happy coincidence, George Codd, a friend of Kivel, was heading to Spain on vacation. Codd returned with sample helmets—luckily, this was before airlines charged for luggage by weight— and a suitable design was chosen. In 1968, George Knudson won the first trophy made in Toledo, Spain, known for its fine steel-making since the fifth century B.C. The Spanish connection didn’t escape the notice of the helmet’s second recipient, Lee Trevino. When he was crowned with the trophy in 1969, he joked, “You better get a Mexican hat. I’m not a Spaniard.”

In the early days, the raw steel helmet weighed five pounds; the material was more historically accurate than it was practical. The trophy was soon lightened and plated with gold-colored chrome, but it continued to be made in Toledo until 1994, when Conquistador Jim Ronstadt brought the job home to Tucson’s Caid Metal Works.

Although it was very masculine, the helmet was an equal-opportunity award. LPGA’s Jan Stephenson, Chris Johnson, Amy Alcott, Penny Pulz and Betsy King all donned the Spanish hat from 1983 to 1987. Nor was it restricted to golf. The first woman to be able to claim a serious case of helmet hair was tennis star Billy Jean King, following her 1972 success at the Virginia Slims Grand Prix tournament at the Tucson Racquet Club.

As treasured by its recipients as it was, the helmet did pose a few minor problems. When Phil Mickelson won as an amateur in 1991, he thumped his forehead while attempting to put it on his head. And in a 2002 Wall Street Journal story, the helmet was used as an example of the problems sponsors can encounter with promotional caps and visors: When placed on the winner’s head, the helmet completely obscures the cap—and thus the sponsor’s logo. Ian Leggatt, the 2002 Tucson Open winner cited in the WSJ article, claimed innocence. “I didn’t know what was going on,” he told the reporter.

Mickelson won the helmet two more times but, fearing re-injury, never put it on his head again. Johnny Miller wore the helmet four times without incident. In October 2005, the Conquistadores surprised Arnold Palmer by belatedly awarding him the iconic prize for his 1967 win. Kirk Triplett, winner of the 2006 Chrysler Classic of Tucson was the last golfer to go home with the Conquistadores’ distinctive trophy before it went into hiatus in 2007 with the shift to the Accenture Match Play Championship.

The helmet made news when it starred in a special video on NBC during the 2012 Match Play national telecast. Jimmy Roberts saluted the iconic trophy and the Conquistadores 50 years of service while Dan Hicks and Johnny Miller shared their memories of Tucson.

Jim Thorpe, 1986, 1985 Tom Watson, 1984, 1978 Gil Morgan, 1983 Craig Stadler, 1982 *Tucson’s PGA TOUR tournaments, commonly known as the Tucson Open, carried various title sponsor names throughout its 61-year history.

Below: Tom Watson, winner of the 1984 Seiko Tucson Match Play, with Ricki Rarick.

WHERE THE PROCEEDS GO Funds raised from the Tucson Classic will benefit The First Tee of Tucson, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA, Pima County Special Olympics, Southern Arizona Community Sports Center at Curtis Park and other organizations, sports teams and individuals. Since its inception, the Conquistadores’ have raised $29 million for young athletes.

Below: First Tee member scores an autograph.

On March 22, 2015 the helmet makes its comeback and will be presented to the winner of the Tucson Classic.

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by Derek Deminsky, PGA

Instruction

It’s Time to Start a Golf Journal WHEN I HEAR SOMEONE TELL ME that they’ve been playing well lately, I ask them to give me a tangible reason why. All too often I’ll hear the reply, “Well, I’m not really sure.” Then, a few rounds later, they complain that their game has somehow vanished.

I’m a firm believer in keeping a golf journal if you are serious about your game and crave consistency. It is important to have a place to track your game and keep your thoughts for future reference. People assume that when it goes well, it will always go that way, but look no further than the rise and fall of many of the game’s top players, and you’ll see that is not the case. I feel it is most important to write down your thoughts when you are playing your best, so that you have some things to go back to if you’re ever struggling.

Some keys to note when you are playing well are: Grip, alignment, posture, ball position, distance from the ball, shaft angle/ hand position at address, and any other thoughts you have on setup or swing. Don’t be afraid to go into detail. In his book Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons, Hogan says, “I find it is helpful to jot down after practicing exactly what I have been working on and precisely how it was coming along.”

If you can pinpoint what you’re doing when your game is at its best, you’ll be able to play your best more often.

Derek Deminsky, PGA Derek Deminsky is a Class A PGA instructor based out of the Forty Niner Country Club in East Tucson, where he primarily teaches full time. To learn more about Derek or book a lesson you can visit his website at www.golfbettertucson.com. Inquires about the newly renovated Forty Niner Country Club visit www.fortyninercc.com

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THE AMATEUR SPOTLIGHT

Kelly Loeb Handicap Index: 1.1 All time low Index: 0.5 Age: 49 Occupation: Retired purchasing representative Home course: Omni Tucson National Golf Club Introduced to the game by: Former spouse, 19 years ago in Colorado Favorite club in the bag: Putter, (especially after her professional putter fitting) Favorite PGA professional and LPGA professional, and why: Bubba Watson – amazing how he works the ball; and Stacy Lewis – for overcoming her scoliosis and playing at the level that she does Most favorite thing to do other than golf: Road trips with husband Gary and playing with her puppies One thing about Kelly that most people don’t know: Former life as a jazzercise instructor Favorite hole at home course and why: # 18 on the Catalina course, water right and left, grip it and rip it Favorite Arizona golf course (other than home) & why: Quintero, for its beautiful greens and gorgeous setting Low round of the Year: 66 Most proud accomplishment in golf life: Winning 3 State Partners tournaments with very good friend Cristi Kittle Favorite thing about playing golf: It’s a game where you compete with yourself and learn tons of patience.

If you could do one thing that you think would help with the pace of play, what would it be: Teach all golfers to get back to the basics: put clubs away at the next tee, record scores at the next tee, take multiple clubs with you when you need to chip or pitch into the green or you’re playing cart path only, get in the cart and go!

Anything else you’d like to share with the readers of Golf Arizona Magazine: Treat everyone the same on the golf course, no matter what level of golfer you have become. And HAVE FUN!

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Community

by Brent DeRaad

Tucson & Southern Arizona Offer Diverse Golf Options

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UCSON AND SOUTHERN ARIZONA offer some of

the best private, semi-private and daily-fee courses in the southwestern United States, combined with affordable municipal layouts and charming tracks with plenty of history.

The Gallery Golf Club’s North and South courses offer limited daily-fee tee times. Situated in the foothills of the Tortolita Mountains, north of Tucson, The Gallery features stunning views and challenging golf.

The North course, designed by John Fought and Tom Lehman, has made several “best of ” lists. The course meanders through rugged canyons and is enjoyable for high and low handicappers.

John Fought designed the South course, which is reminiscent of the links-style Pinehurst #2—site of the 2014 U.S. Open. The South course hosted the PGA TOUR’s Accenture Match Play Championships in 2007 and 2008.

Troon Golf, which manages The Gallery, the new Sewailo Golf Club and La Paloma Country Club in Tucson, is offering the Tucson Golf Swing where golfers can play all three courses for only $139 through Sept. 30. Visit www.gallerygolf.com for details.

Tucson was recently awarded a new Champions Tour event, The Tucson Classic, which will debut March 16-22, 2015. That event will be held at Omni Tucson National Golf Resort’s Catalina Course, which hosted a PGA TOUR event for many years.

The 7,262-yard course designed by Robert Van Hagge and Bruce Devlin is a parkland-style layout with eight lakes

and 80 bunkers. The finishing hole is considered by many to be one of the finest and most challenging holes on the PGA TOUR. Visit www.omnihotels.com to check out golf deals at this 36-hole facility.

Tucson’s newest course is Sewailo Golf Club, built by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. Designed by Notah Begay III, the course opened to considerable fanfare and rave reviews in December 2013. Along with catering to daily-fee play and guests of Casino Del Sol Resort & Spa, Sewailo is home of the University of Arizona’s golf teams. Visit www.casinodelsolresort.com to book Sewailo tee times.

Two of the more spectacular resort courses you will ever find are the Mountain and Canyon courses at Ventana Golf Club. Players wind through rugged desert and forests of saguaros as they test these Tom Fazio layouts. Golf groups will have an outstanding experience at the Lodge on Ventana Canyon, which is on site. This all-suites property features one and two-bedroom accommodations, along with two-bedroom suites with a loft to accommodate four or more. Visit www.thelodgeatventanacanyon.com to check out their great deals.

If you are looking to round out your trip with affordable, but enjoyable, golf, consider one of Tucson’s five municipal courses—Dell Urich, El Rio, Fred Enke, Randolph North or Silverbell. Managed by OB Sports, these courses are in good condition with most located in the heart of the city.

Both Randolph North and Dell Urich have hosted LPGA events. Go to www.tucsoncitygolf.com for deals and to book tee times.

Left to right: Sewailo Golf Club, Omni Tucson National Golf Resort, Ventana Golf Club, The Gallery Golf Club

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Instruction

by Mark Oswald, PGA

What’s the ruling?

How well do you know the rules of golf? Your knowledge of the rules can help you to win or lose. Learn the rules and improve your score. Below are a few rules to test your knowledge.

Can you take relief for an unplayable ball in the bunker?

YES. What are your options?

Rule 28 Ball Unplayable.

1. Proceed under the stroke and distance provision of Rule 27-1 by playing a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played (see Rule 20-5); or 2. Drop a ball behind the point where the ball lay, keeping that point directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit to how far behind that point the ball may be dropped; or 3. Drop a ball within two club-lengths of the spot where the ball lay, but not nearer the hole.

If the unplayable ball is in a bunker, the player may proceed under Clause a, b or c. If he elects to proceed under Clause b or c, a ball must be dropped in the bunker.

After addressing the ball, the ball moves prior to you beginning your swing. What is the ruling?

Rule 18 - 2. Ball Moving After Address.

If a player’s ball in play moves after he has addressed it (other than as a result of a stroke), the player is deemed to have moved the ball and incurs a penalty of one stroke.

The ball must be replaced, unless the movement of the ball occurs after the player has begun the stroke or the backward movement of the club for the stroke and the stroke is made.

You hit your tee shot into the desert, take out another ball, and tell your fellow competitors you are hitting your third shot. You hit this shot into the fairway. You find your first ball and it is playable from the desert. Can you play this shot? What is the ruling?

Rule 27-2. Provisional Ball a. Procedure. If a ball may be lost outside a water hazard or may be out of bounds, to save time the player may play another ball provisionally in accordance with Rule 27-1. The player must inform his opponent in match play or his marker or a fellow-competitor in stroke play that he intends to play a provisional ball, and he must play it before he or his partner goes forward to search for the original ball.

If he fails to do so and plays another ball, that ball is not a provisional ball and becomes the ball in play under penalty of stroke and distance (Rule 27-1); the original ball is lost.

You must play the third shot you hit off the tee since you did not declare your shot from the tee as a provisional ball.

Playing by the rules is an integral part of the game. Get a 2014 USGA Rule Book and become familiar with the rules of the game. You can also go to USGA.org website and access the Rules and Decisions of golf. The Decisions will give you many detailed examples of how the rule is applied.

Mark Oswald, PGA Mark Oswald has been a PGA Member for over 25 years. Mark has worked with all levels of golfers from first time beginners to PGA Tour Professionals. Mark is the General Manager at Oro Valley Country Club and has managed several clubs in Arizona including the Hilton El Conquistador, The Golf Club at Vistoso, Prescott Country Club and Great Eagle Golf Club.

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by Mary Beth Lacy

Product Review

Introducing the 2014 Men’s Golf Collection from Antigua T

HE ANTIGUA GROUP, INC., one of the nation’s leading designers and marketers of lifestyle and golf apparel under the distinguished Antigua brand – has unveiled its 2014 Men’s Performance 72 Golf Collection. Antigua is celebrating its 35th anniversary throughout 2014.

“It’s bright and bold – really colorful,” says Ron McPherson, president and CEO of Antigua. “Golf has always been a colorful business and this year just a little bit more intense. The consumer is really wearing bright colors right now and having fun with it. This line has vivid color, sophisticated styling and luxurious fabrics...truly a winning combination.”

Antigua’s 2014 Performance 72 Golf Collection for men includes 17 shirt models, 12 outerwear tops and seven hats – as well as our proprietary Desert Dry and Desert Dry Xtra-Lite moisture management technology that wicks away moisture.

“We were one of the first adopters of tech fabrics,” says McPherson. “We developed Desert Dry and Desert Dry Xtra-Lite, and we use them across our men’s and women’s products. Thy perform extremely well.”

Along with the performance technology and bright colors, this collection brings an ideal fit that’s specific to golf. Attention to details includes the likes of eliminating the sleeve cap, so that the garment performs with you and not against you, allowing golfers freedom of swing motion. We’ve also used lightweight stretch material in the outerwear to keep golfers comfortable in a wide outside temperature range.

Technology is also featured in the collections. For example, our exclusive Desert Dry™ technology absorbs and wicks moisture quickly and evenly, achieving the most-efficient evaporation possible to keep golfers comfortable and dry. allowing a smooth, silky feel against the golfer’s skin.

Meanwhile, Desert Dry™ XTRA-LITE (D2XL) combines the Desert Dry™ moisture-wicking feature with specially constructed ultra-light fabrics for maximum wicking performance and optimum comfort. This lightweight woven fabric features a heather print that makes the style look more like a casual piece and coordinates with any color polo and bottom.

For more details on Antigua’s 2014 Men’s Performance 72 Golf Collection, visit www.antigua.com.

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G R E AT E R P H O E N I X & T U C S O N A R E A

MESA COUNTRY CLUB began in the late 1940s, it was considered the club for established and up-and-coming business leaders in the East Valley. Mesa Country Club recently announced a new category of membership targeted to meet the specific needs of today’s executives and entrepreneurs.

TROON golf course management, development and marketing and PELZ GOLF, the foremost brand in short game and putting improvement, continue to build upon their innovative partnership by expanding the Pelz Scoring Game School to select Troon facilities across the United States.

Dave Pelz has been called the “foremost authority on the short game and putting” with his professional students having won a total of 20 majors. In addition to working with some of the best Tour players in the world, Dave Pelz has also helped thousands of amateur golfers improve their scores and enjoy the game more through Dave Pelz Scoring Game School instruction, research, books, television programming and learning aids.

“We are thrilled to bring the Pelz Scoring Game Schools to several of our renowned facilities that are known for offering the best options for golfers to lower their scores and increase their enjoyment of the game,” stated Dana Garmany, chairman and CEO, Troon.

Dave Pelz said. “We’re happy to bring our schools and clinics to a number of exciting Troon destinations. Spend time with my teaching staff and discover how much you really can improve your scores!”

For more information and to book a Pelz Scoring Game School at a Troon location, visit www.PelzGolf.com.

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The new Business Membership enables corporations to designate between four and 12 employees as Members of Mesa Country Club.

“The business community in the East Valley is continuing to grow, and Mesa Country Club has once again become a major contributor to that growth,” said Jeff Lessig, Club Operations Manager for Mesa Country Club. “We have a terrific core of members who are a vital part of the social, economic and political structures in these communities. We’ve developed this Business Membership to make it easier for entrepreneurs and other business executives who may be new to the East Valley to tap into these establish networks while also enjoying the fun and camaraderie that defines the Mesa Country Club experience.”

Located along the borders of Tempe and Scottsdale in northwest Mesa near the intersection of the 101 and 202 Loops, Mesa Country Club is easily accessible from downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale, Arcadia or any city in the East Valley.

In addition to golf please visit www.mesacountryclub.com or contact the club at membership@mesacountryclub.com or 480-964-1797 to arrange a tour.

Community Golf News & Playing Opportunities OB SPORTS GOLF MANAGEMENT announced a partnership with Play18 Solutions, a multi-faceted, fully integrated marketing solutions company. Play18 Solutions allows semi-private, resort and daily fee golf courses to efficiently drive rounds and revenue while retaining control of their pricing structure and customer data, resulting in increased profitability and customer management.

“We were searching for the “Best in Class” POS/ Tee Time system to help us increase rounds and maximize revenue,” said Phil Green, COO and Principal of OB Sports Golf Management.

“Play18 Solutions’ data-driven system and marketing partnership with Sports Illustrated Golf Group tipped the scales in their favor.”

Play18 Solutions entered into a marketing and commerce pact with the Sports Illustrated Golf Group (Golf Magazine, SI Golf Plus, Golf.com) which allows Play18 Solutions to become the official Tee Time service provider for Golf.com, the most visited golf website in the world. As part of the collaboration, the SIGG will provide marketing support for both Play18 Solutions and its golf course clients via its portfolio of print, digital, mobile and tablet products.

“The system helps us promote brand integrity, enhances revenue management capabilities and personalizes direct customer-to-club communication,” said Dale Moseke, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for OB Sports.

SEDONA GOLF RESORT announced that it would host the inaugural Sedona Bike & Brew Festival August 22-23, 2014. The special event, believed to be the first of its kind, features a mountain bike race on the golf course.

TROON NORTH GOLF CLUB in Scottsdale recently turned what normally is a slower day (the first day out of aerification), into a “win-winwin” by hosting a benefit “Big Cup” scramble event that benefited the local Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

The event featured 8" cups on all 18 holes on the Pinnacle course at Troon North. The winning team shot 52 (-19) while the highest score posted was a three under 69. “Best of all, the average pace of play was 4:15,” stated Corby Foster Assistant General Manager.

The event created activity for Troon North on a normally slower day, plus created a charitable contribution to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. “Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

This just might be a best practice in the making coming out of aerifying greens,” added Foster.

“With all the wonderful places to ride in the area, mountain biking is a very popular sport around here,” said Jeremy Hayman, Director of Golf for Sedona Golf Resort. “We’re looking forward to a unique and exciting race that will support a worthy organization. And we’ll manage to have a little fun along the way.”

The racers fee is $75 per person or $150 for the VIP package. Both packages include a certificate to come back at a later date and play golf at Sedona Golf Resort. Juniors age 17 and under are free.

To sign up or to read more go to www.sedonagolfresort.com/race.

Check out this video from the first “Big Cup” event at Troon North: http://youtu.be/ykVuaGhb2P4

OPEN TO ALL COURSES, CLUBS & PLAYERS: Submit events, tournament or community news, staff promotions and recognition, special accomplishments, or junior golf related announcements to Rick Price at rickprice@gogolfarizona.com.

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KIERLAND GOLF CLUB at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa puts a new spin on game, introducing yet another new way for golfers to enjoy the course – by bicycle.

New golf bikes allow golfers to enjoy the game while getting a workout. Designed to create minimal impact on the course and maximum fun and fitness for the golfer, the bicycles feature small-diameter wheels and wide rubber tires and have two custom-designed golf bags mounted to the rear of the bike to carry a full set of clubs.

Nancy Dickens, director of golf at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, believes that many golfers are looking for fun, new ways to enjoy the game through innovative programs and products. “The new golf bikes are another opportunity for us to make golf even more enjoyable for those who enjoy the fitness aspect of riding on the course and who may want to trim the time it takes to play a round,” she said.

SOUTHERN DUNES. This “Top 100” facility and “must play” in Arizona, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes announced plans for a significant renovation project aimed at improving the course’s playability for leisure players, while maintaining the challenges and shot-values as a championship venue. Course architects of Schmidt-Curley Design, Fred Couples and Troon’s design/development experts were tapped to lead the project that involves a complete bunker renovation, turf expansion (between many of the forward tees to eliminate unnecessary forced carries for those choosing to “tee it forward”), re-vegetation of native grasses and new tees added to No. 1, 5, 8, 12, 15 and 17. Improvements on No. 17 also include a nearly full-redesign with an expansion of the green, reshaping of a large dune to open sightlines to the hole, and changes to the bunker complex around the green.

She estimates that it takes an average of one hour to play nine holes when playing on bikes.

The final element of the enhancement project includes a hybrid conversion of the practice facility to serve as a six-hole short course in the afternoon (which will have great “Player Development/Grow The Game benefits) and a traditional driving range during peak times of the day. The project will be completed by September 2014.

For information about the new golf bikes at the Kierland Golf Club or to book a tee time, call 480-922-9283 or visit www.kierlandresort.com.

For more information on Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, visit www.golfsoutherndunes.com

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Pace Play W H AT D R I V E S

by Kris Strauss

OF

We have all been there before…at some point. We sign up for the “charity scramble” with expectations that we will play a round within a certain time, only to tee off and realize that the group in front of you is acting like they are playing for a U.S. Open title and moving at a snail’s pace. Or you tell your loved one “Honey I’ll be home by X” (whereby your “X” accounts for a four hour round”) only to fall way short of that time. Leaving you in the dog house and with an even longer “honey-do” list than you had before your day at play.

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HE TIME IT TAKES to play a round of golf and corresponding pace of play is a hot and often polarizing topic. Opinions on the causes are varied and solutions don’t make “the news” as often as one might hope.

PACE OF PLAY SYMPOSIUM

As of late there has been renewed research on what causes slow play and on national efforts that communicate solutions that can be implemented to speed up a round. As recently as this past fall, the USGA gathered golf industry leaders at their headquarters in Far Hills, New Jersey for the first ever Pace of Play Symposium. Leaders from many of golf ’s stakeholders (PGA Tour, PGA of America, USGA and more) were present as were scholars who were looking at the challenge from an academic standpoint.

When looking at the challenge from an academia perspective, one interesting piece of research comes from Lucius Riccio from Columbia University. The International Journal of Golf Science in 2012 published Riccio’s “Analyzing the Pace of Play in Golf: The Golf Course as a Factory” (which is

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available in its entirety on the USGA’s Pace of Play Resource Center found at www.usga.org). His research dives into the “physics” of slow play and documents results of computer simulations and statistical data to uncover a greater understanding of what causes slow play.

His general findings were that “the pace of play problem is complex and the result of an interaction of many factors.”

He goes on to say, “There is no silver bullet to solve the problem. It will take a comprehensive approach to make any progress. Including how architects design and layout routings of golf courses, to reconsideration of tee time intervals and golf course management being diligent about course set up and providing motivation and incentives to create pace of play standards and reward faster play practices.”

As it relates to “Individual Player Factors” Riccio states: “Individual Player Factors (like not moving directly and briskly to your own ball and not being ready to hit when it is your turn) may add as much as one hour to the time to play a round.”

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When asked what it will take to bring back the 4-hour round and who has to be involved to ultimately solve the issue. Riccio summarizes the solution in one word: “Everyone!” He adds: “If you play golf, if you manage a golf course, if you design golf courses, if you run tournaments or club events, you are part of the problem, some more so than others. But we are all part of it.”

Recognizing what’s at stake and their ability to change the trajectory of the challenge , national efforts have been launched from USGA’s “While We’re Young” campaign, the USGA/PGA of America’s joint effort for “Tee It Forward” and Troon’s “Troon Values Your Time” program.

TEE IT FORWARD

Launched in 2011, the Tee It Forward initiative encourages players to play from a set of tees best suited to their driving distance. Tee It Forward is being wildly embraced by both PGA professionals and the guests they serve.

It has created a broader awareness that it is “okay” to tee it up from a forward tee. On PGA.com Tee It Forward website, you will find inspirational quotes

“

The pace of play problem is complex and the result of an interaction of many factors. There is no silver bullet to solve the problem. It will take a comprehensive approach to make any progress.” — Lucius Riccio, Columbia University

Thank you to Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving for providing the vehicle.

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survey says…

A 2012 survey of TEE IT FORWARD participants found that: 56% played faster 56% are likely to play golf more often 83% hit more-lofted clubs into greens 85% had more fun 93% will TEE IT FORWARD again Source: USGA.org

National Efforts Addressing Pace of Play

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USGA – While We’re Young www.usga.org/whilewereyoung PGA/USGA – Tee It Forward www.pga.com/news/pga/tee-it-forward Troon Values Your Time www.PlayTroon.com • www.TroonGolf.com

Troon Pace Setter Tips 1 Play Your Tees

Choose a set of tees with a rating of 142 minus your handicap index. Or just tee it forward.

2 Play Ready Golf (tee to green)

When a player is at their ball or on the tee box and is ready to play, they should play. Take no more than 45 seconds to hit your shot.

3 Be Cart Smart

Drop off your partner and drive to your ball. When you leave the cart, take three clubs, not one. Park behind greens.

4 Use Rules with Discretion

Take no more than three minutes to look for balls and take relief.

such as “You want to play faster and have more fun, go ahead and move up a set of tees this weekend! When you TEE IT FORWARD, you’ll hit more lofted irons into greens, putt for birdies and pars more often, and play faster and score better!”

A 2012 Survey of Tee It Forward Participants found that 56% played faster, 83% hit more-lofted clubs into greens and most importantly, 85% had more fun. In addition to providing more enjoyment for golfers, teeing it forward also can be one of the most important steps that golfers take in improving pace of play. There is no question that doing this from time to time will make for a more enjoyable day.

WHILE WE’RE YOUNG

The USGA launched a national PR campaign titled While We’re Young that creates more awareness for further utilization of Tee It Forward as well as the promotion of playing nine hole rounds, alternate formats for consideration and has devoted resources to research, course assistance and player education.

5 Keep Moving

KIERLAND VALUES YOUR TIME

Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is one of the many Troon facilities in Arizona that have embraced this program and have implemented it successfully as “Kierland Values Your Time.” Kierland prominently displays their 4:22 Time Par logo on their home page of their website, on every email confirmation and reiterated to the guest via the Troon Reservation Center for phone bookings. Once you get on property the expectation is set further with signage in the golf shop and a cart sign displaying both their Time Par, Kierland-specific Pace of Play Tips and “PAR for pace of play is 4 hours 22 minutes…Lets Play Under Par!”

Proceed quickly to your ball and be ready when it’s your turn to hit.

6 See it, Read it, Hole it

While others are putting, prepare for your putt.

Go to the next tee.

7 Be Accountable

Recognize that slow play isn’t just other players’ fault.

Don’t take this too serious, relax and enjoy your round!

Source: PlayTroon.com

Lucius Riccio would appreciate the “reward” and “incentive” Kierland offers as every golfer is given a card that states “Complete Your Round

TROON’S WORLDWIDE PROGRAM In our own backyard, the world’s largest golf management company, Scottsdale-based Troon, has implemented their worldwide program that addresses pace of play. Locally, Arizona clubs of the likes of Troon North Golf Club, Ocotillo Golf Resort, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, Kierland Golf Club, The Gallery Golf Club, Sewailo Golf Club and others have implemented a practical approach to set the expectation on the pace of play for each specific course and communicate/motivate and incentivize their guests to play below their respective “Time Par.” Ryan Walls, PGA member and Senior Vice President of Operations for Troon said, “The time it takes to play a round of golf is regarded as a hurdle to participation, therefore Troon is addressing this issue by effectively implementing Troon Values Your Time at nearly every Troon facility.”

Walls was one of the USGA Pace of Play Symposium panelists who presented last fall and provided the industry with practical “solutions” operators can do to enhance pace of play. “No two courses are the same, so our approach at Troon was to be flexible enough for our facilities to tailor their pace-of-play expectations, communicate those expectations effectively and even add perks and incentives for fast play and our ‘pacesetters’.”

Troon’s program is comprised of three essential elements: A Setting realistic and achievable Time Pars at each club (and communicating that expectation at every chance we get…on the facility website, via email confirmations, signage on property and beyond).

B Creating “Pacesetter Times” - designated morning tee times reserved for players committed to playing quickly in at least 20 minutes under the facility’s Time Par. C The communication of our ‘Pacesetter Tips’ which are not unlike the tips provided by USGA and others, but are guidelines to help golfers manage their own pace of play. (See Troon’s Pacesetter tips in graphic at left).

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‘In Time’ and receive an appetizer or beverage for $4.22 at the on-site eatery, Brittle Bush Grille. Golfers that play below their time par get their choice of Brittlebush’s Orange Wings, Brushetta Board or an aptly named POP (Pace of Play) Margarita for $4.22.”

In just two short months since implementing this incentive, the club has seen more than 350 cards redeemed.

Nancy Dickens, Club Manager for Kierland Golf Club stated, “Our incentive we implemented, gives golfers yet another reason to complete their round under our Time Par. It helps create more awareness for our Pace of Play expectations and helps stimulate dialogue between our associates and guests. From golf shop, player assistants, and outside service teams, all are able to engage with each guest in a positive fashion about the rewards of playing faster than our time par.”

remind them of our Pacesetter Tips, Time Par and also encourage them along at that 4 hour, 33 minute pace.”

DOBSON RANCH

The municipally owned Dobson Ranch golf course in Mesa has introduced an interesting solution to address “tournament pace of play” as it relates to events with their Dobson Ranch Golf Association (DRGA). They established a benchmark of 4:12 and the club installed a time clock whereby groups punch in and punch out upon starting and completion of their round. Any group playing outside the 4:12 mark must finish within 14 minutes of the group in front of them. Failure to do so, results in a two shot penalty.

card indicates a group’s gap time relative to the group in front of them and in relation to the designated overall time par the Tournament Committee sets for the course. The green card indicates to the group that they are playing “on pace” and the red card is a warning. A double red card will result in a one-shot penalty (either a group penalty or individual penalty depending on the situation).

The result? In 2013 at 102 AJGA events, 2682 red cards were issued and 53 penalties were imposed. The average pace of play at an AJGA event in 2013 was an impressive 4 hours and 17 minutes.

Arizona-based Sean Riley, the West Regional Director for the American Junior Golf Association states, “The program’s success started when decided that we Dobson Ranch Head Golf Professional were willing to determine our champiBrian Herring said, “Before the time ons based on a pace of play penalty. This clock was implemented, DRGA rounds mind set allowed us to move beyond averaged around 5:25. Now our events the individual and focus on the way average 4:09. For new members playing groups move around the course. Players WHIRLWIND GOLF CLUB in their first few events, there is an still have their 45 second to play a shot, Whirlwind Golf Club on the Gila River adjustment period to playing at that but what happens between shots has Indian Community adjacent to Chan- pace. But the overall compliment and changed. For example we require the dler, Arizona has a realistic Time Par of positive feedback are 50 to 1 (positive first player to hole out on each hole to 4 hours and 33 minutes. They commu- to negative).” move to the next tee box and prepare to nicate this Time Par on their website, play. This alone saved us an average 10 on email confirmations, on the first Their participation in their events is minutes per round.” tee and throughout the round players growing, “With the knowledge that can monitor their pace with strategithe DRGA plays with a time clock, we SILVER LININGS cally placed time clocks boasting their have other golfers who like to play just No matter whether you are running a ‘Whirlwind Values Your Time’ Time after the DRGA, because they know golf course, playing a leisurely weekPar and a clock set in cadence to each they will play under 4:30. The proend round or an active tournament player’s tee time. gram has been a tremendous success,” player, there is no question that at Herring added. some point pace of play has been an Managing pace of play expectations is issue to you. The exhibits served up by still challenging for course operators.

GREEN CARD /RED CARD many of these organizations and faciliMarty Hoffeken, General Manager at Other tournament ties serve as practical solutions that are Whirlwind Golf Club commented, “We organizations have realizing success. have to be cognizant of the playing ex- implemented successful pectations of all of our various guests, pace of play efforts to As Lucius Riccio stated, there are “no from the recreational round from our encourage faster play silver bullets” but these actions taken local member, to our resort guests, to in events. For example, the American on by the industry are inspirational those playing in events and tournaJunior Golf Association has a “Green “silver linings” in the grey cloud of slow ments. Often in the golf industry, you Card /Red Card” system whereby the play. They are solutions that ARE workcan witness frequent players clipping Tournament Committee will desiging and are to be commended. To the along at a 3-hour pace during their nate six holes on the course as timing extent they can be replicated and comweekly ‘leisure’ round, but put them station checkpoints with a tournament municated further for the betterment in a tournament and we often see the official armed with color-coded cards of our game, they should be…”While round approach 5 hours. We have to (green, single red or double red). Each We’re Young.” www.GoGolfArizona.com

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by Tim Eberlein, PGA Master Professional

Fitness and Nutrition Impact on Pace-of-Play

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HE TOPICS of conversation at the 19th hole can be different for everyone. Did you ever discuss pace-of-play?

Think back to when you played your best round of golf. How long did it take you to play 18-holes? Were you walking or riding? What did you eat that day, before, during and after the round? Did you warm-up before the round started?

How were you feeling?

As I researched the impact of fitness and nutrition on a golfer’s pace-of-play, I came across some interesting data and information. My goal is to make you aware of the benefits of walking, hydration, nutrition and fitness and how they will affect your pace-of-play.

Recent Swedish studies concluded that golfers lived five years longer than non-golfers. This is because nearly all golfers in Sweden walk while playing.

Cardiologist Dr Edward Palank’s study showed walking golfers reduced their levels of bad cholesterol while keeping their good cholesterol steady. Golf Science International researcher, Gi Magnusson, calculated that four hours of playing golf while walking is comparable to a 45-minute fitness class.

Even more interesting was the study done by Neil Wolkodoff, Director of the Center for Health and Sport Science at Rose Medical Center in Denver.Wolkodoff concluded that walking with a push cart was not only better for your health but also resulted in better scores and slightly faster rounds of golf.

Walking and carrying your own bag produced higher scores because of the physical exertion. The test golfers tired more quickly when they carried their own golf bag because of the increases

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in lactic acid build-up in their muscles and when you hit more shots you are playdecreased their fine motor skills which ing slower. are needed for a golf swing. Wolkodoff From a hydration stand point, water stated that,” When a golfer exceeds their is recommended by the experts before anaerobic threshold they can expect in- a sports drink. One such expert stated, effective golf.” He summarizes, when a “What many golfers don’t realize is that golfer is in better physical condition the what, and how much, you drink are acgolfer will be better mechanically and tually among the most important decimentally. This will result in a faster and sions you make on the golf course. Your more enjoyable round of golf. choice can mean the difference between The next time you consider walking playing with energy, focus, and coordinaversus riding, make sure you are healthy tion, or can leave you suffering from faenough to walk all 18 holes. The United tigue, mood fluctuations and poor motor States Golf Association says, “Walking control. In extremely hot conditions you is good for your health, health of the can lose as much as two liters of water golf course and good for the games per hour.” Another expert sums it up for health.” Other facts to consider are to the average golfer. Stick to lean meats and consider using a motorized golf cart so seafood, lots of fruits and vegetables and you don’t have to carry your golf bag. If no junk food. You will need some carboyou like to carry your golf bag, a double hydrates (low GI) because they help fuel strap is recommended to reduce back your performance for long periods of injury and fatigue. One final note, stud- time. Make sure you drink lots of water ies have shown that riding a golf cart and maybe a sports drink, particularly if does not speed up pace of play, because you are playing in warmer weather. of lack of experience. Walking is more So, walking with a pull cart and eating favorable. The proper use of a golf cart and hydrating properly are just a couple will speed up pace-of-play, but to play pieces of the puzzle to play better and your best, walking is recommended. faster golf. Today, to play better golf, you Regardless if you decide to walk or need to focus on fitness, specifically in the ride you need to hydrate and feed your areas of flexibility, strength and endurbody when playing. So make sure you ance. There are numerous books, DVD’s are properly prepared for the heat and and articles on this subject matter. How have the right foods and drinks to pow- you decide to incorporate this last piece of er your body. As a teaching profession- the puzzle into your routine could be the al, I often have to advise students how difference of playing your best and fastest to properly hydrate and eat before, round of golf. during and after a round of golf. Eating for maxi- Four hours of playing golf while walking is mum health is better for comparable to a 45-minute fitness class you and your game. Poor nutrition will compromise your game. Golf Digest recently listed the top ten items not to eat for golf.

All these items are high in sugar or have the wrong nutrients: hot dogs, sports drinks, nutrition bars, granola bars, pretzels, french fries, beer, bagel breakfast sandwich, bowl of cereal, and soda/fruit juice.

These foods will definitely impact your performance

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Pace of Play & the Impact of Course Set-Up

W

atching the US Open at Pinehurst #2, I was struck by the challenge of the hole placements and course set-up and wondered how much time is spent hitting extra shots under those severe conditions even among the greatest players in the world.

In order to get a better insight into course set-up and how it affects speed of our everyday play at our courses I visited with Tim Vondra of Tucson Country Club to get his perspective on his role as a Course Superintendents on the pace of play.

When asked about course set-up conditions that affect speed of play Tim outlined three areas he feels are key. “No doubt height of (grass) cut, not only on greens but throughout the golf course affects speed of play. Planning the height of the first and second cut of rough is important.” Tim elaborated that at Tucson CC he is able to control rough height and fairway contour to help accommodate the less accomplished and shorter players to keep play moving while still creating a challenging landing area for the clubs best big hitters.

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Tim and I discussed an often overlooked factor in pace of play which he describes as “the firmness of the playing surface”. Again not just on the greens but throughout the course.

Tim will plan weeks ahead and adjust his watering schedule to firm up the course for qualifiers and club majors.

Tim feels that firm conditions are a key factor in testing the tournament golfer along with rough height and green speeds but also recognizes how those most challenging conditions impact the daily pace of play.

Hole locations are most commonly discussed when it comes to pace of play. At Tucson CC Tim said there are “No go areas” on many of the greens for hole placements but more importantly “no go” placements depending on who is playing the course on any given day. He has settings for players who may run the ball up and hit the ball lower and also settings that are best for those in his membership that hit the ball higher or have the ability to execute pitch shots.

When asked about the greatest challenge he faces when it comes to pace of play in his position Tim responded

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quickly by saying “changing conditions”.

Conditions he described that may cause cart use restrictions include, minor construction projects, or any situation that cause golfers to change their route around the course or that changes their normal routine. Our summer heat is one of the big contributors to changing conditions that require path only restrictions for cart traffic that may vary from one day to the next. Tim’s insight into the psyche of a golfer made me laugh when he told me “golfers want to know how to behave on the course and changing conditions impact their behavior”.

He elaborated on the importance of communicating with the golfer and the pro shop staff as much as possible to minimize the impact of carts restricted areas and route changes.

I came away from my time with Tim very impressed with his knowledge of his members, his course, and who is playing each day. Tim described one of his key responsibilities as “knowing your golfers” and after just a few minutes with Tim Vondra I’m sure he does.

by Bob Doyle, PGA of America Player Development Manager, Southwest Region

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Pace of Play

by Pat O’Hara, PGA

5 Myths of Slow Play It is always interesting to talk to golfers about how to improve pace of play on the golf course. It seems that everyone wants to blame the other golfer or group for slow play and that it never crosses anyone’s mind that they could be contributing to the slow play problem.

But there are other factors at play here too.

My experience in golf operations has shown me that there are three culprits to slow play: 1 G O L F CO U R S E P O L I C I E S These are the things that contribute to the pace of a round of golf but don’t get talked about too much. Cart path only on certain holes (par 3’s), tee time intervals too close together and course gets saturated early.

2 G O L F CO U R S E S E T U P If you are planning on a busy day of golf it would behoove the golf course to allow the golfers a chance to play a golf course that doesn’t have 4” rough, tucked hole locations, greens with 12’ on the stimp meter… all are examples of areas that cause trouble to the average golfer. If the golfer can ride more in the cart than he walks, assuming the golfer knows what he is doing, this can help speed up play too. Par 3’s set-up too long and par 5’s set-up too short (reachable in two) can be causes of slow play also.

3 GOLFERS Their good and bad habits can make or break the pace of a round of golf and it is usually more noticeable than the other two. Not using the motorized cart to help speed up play but using it to hurt your pace (both players watching each other’s shot from the comfort of the cart seat is the biggest time robber).

Not taking two or more clubs when walking to your next shot might be the next biggest waste of time.

D O YO U R PA R T The pace of play for a round of golf falls on the shoulders of every golfer on the course. It is each group’s responsibility to keep the pace of play moving. In fact, to be considered a golfer a person needs to do the following on the golf course each and every time they play a round of golf: Repair Ball Marks Repair yours and at least one other Sand/Seed Divots Fix yours and at least one other Rake Bunkers When Used Rake your foot prints and any others that are near yours Keep Up With the Group in Front of You – Don’t look back, the group behind you could be and probably is slow as well. The group in front is your pace group, let the player’s assistant deal with the groups behind you.

In order for everyone to enjoy their round of golf the pace of play needs to be reasonable for the course set-up and conditions of the day. Windy/ inclement days typically add to the time for a round but there will be days when all factors for pace of play are working together to make your day special.

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1

2

MYTH #1:

MYTH #2:

Women are slow golfers

All good/great golfers are fast players

I don’t think slow play is limited to one of the two sexes in the world. I have witnessed fast and slow play from ladies and to generalize that all female golfers are slow is just wrong.

Have you watched the PGA/LPGA tours lately? I understand why they are slow (playing for a lot of money and end of year points) so they have an excuse but why are you marking your ball three times on the green?

3 MYTH #3:

Junior golfers don’t play fast Most juniors play at a really good clip.

If they are beginners to the game you are probably right, they will be a little slow. But once they get into organized golf, they are as fast as anyone. They do this even though they are usually walking. You want to learn to play fast, watch a group of juniors who play at the high school, AJGA or college level.

They get it done.

4 MYTH #4:

Walkers are a lot slower than those who use motorized carts.

This is not necessarily true.

Especially if the golf course is a walkers course, the golfers on foot can be faster than those in motorized carts.

5 MYTH #5:

Old golfers are slower than younger golfers Yeah right! I live in this world. It is amazing how quickly some of my older golfers can move when it comes to playing golf. Throw in a medical flag that allows carts to come closer to tees and greens, gimmees for putts and inexpensive beer at the clubhouse, you have the making for a fast round of golf.

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Golf Fitness

by Andrew Fodge, MS, TPI, K-VEST

Improving Your Golf with Fitness Have you ever been concerned, frustrated, or motivated to improve the pace of play of others in your group, and/or more importantly in yourself? I feel that sometimes that pace of play is not so much a lack of courtesy of other players, but possibly a lack of physical ability to be ready physically once they have addressed their ball and then ready themselves before their next swing. I have a simple routine to help condition any golfer with their stamina and ability just as well on the back 9 as they do on the front 9.

Interval Training is a highly effective training method that can help with overall stamina and the golfer’s ability to perform at higher demands (like a huge drive or hitting out of deep rough) repeatedly.

Simple choose an aerobic exercise like running, cycling, walking, or elliptical strides. Determine a time or distance that you wish complete, such as 30 minutes for time or 4 miles for distance. Then using timed intervals proceed with you activity at a moderate rate for 60 seconds. On a scale of 1-10 of hard you can push yourself, consider “Moderate” to be a 5 or 6 on that scale. Then for 20-30 seconds ramp up the intensity to what feels like an 8 or 9 on a perceived scale of intensity of 1- 10. Repeat these intervals of moderate to high intensity and over time you will find that you “powering” through your round with less time to recover before your next shot. Have a Great Round!

Andrew Fodge is a certified Level 2 Titleist Performance Golf Fitness instructor, K-Vest TPI-3D (Level 2) biomechanic specialist and the founder and owner of Fitness by Andrew LLC Personal Trainer Group, in Scottsdale, AZ. Andrew specializes in golf fitness, sports performance training, and motivational techniques. Andrew and his team are here to provide you with a comprehensive one-of-a-kind program to help you achieve real results. Call Andrew at (602) 638-3000 or email andrew@fitnessbyandrew.com for a complimentary Golf Performance Screening.

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Pro-File

by Rick Price, PGA

Dan Wickman Meet a golf pro with one passion and many roles

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he role as Head PGA Golf Professional at the Randolph Golf Complex is pretty neat he says, “I learned to play golf in college at Randolph, and now I am the Golf Professional, “said Dan Wickman. Former Head Professional and friend Willie Kane passed away in 2006. He now works out of that same office, which he said means a lot to him. In his memory Willie’s picture is displayed in the office. Along with the normal golf professional duties of managing the shop and golf services, his role is to work with the OB Sports management team in fulfilling the contract with the City of Tucson. His duties include marketing, promoting, selling and managing all of the golf tournaments for all five-city courses. He manages the point-of-sale system and T-Sheet software of all five courses. He still teaches “Get Golf Ready” classes mostly in the evenings at Randolph.

Wickman has been married to his wife Julie since 1987 and they have three daughters. Julia is 23 and now lives in Denver, CO., Catharine, 19 a sophomore at Alabama and Claire, 14, a freshman at Salpointe. Dan was born in San Diego, lived in Hawaii, Florida and California before moving to Tucson when he was 7 years old. He attended Salpointe Catholic High School where he took his future wife to prom. Wickman graduated from the University of Arizona in 1987 with a double major in English Composition and Political Science.

The first introduction to golf was playing in a fraternity event at Dorado Country Club, while attending the University. He said, “I had to figure this crazy game out.” He took Coach Tatum’s U of A golf class multiple times without receiving credit to learn the game and by the time he graduated, he could break 80.

Wickman commented, “I am a Golf Professional because I love the game and business of golf. I have had many roles in the business; Head Professional, Director of Golf, Regional VP, Owner of a Golf School, Vice-President of a Golf Management Company, Vice-President of an internet Tee-Time company, Golf Course construction manager, Chief Operating Officer, Director of HR, President of the Southern Chapter PGA – I have loved every minute of it.”

“I did not have the traditional introduction into the golf

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The most important quality of being a successful golf professional is your people skills, it is a people business above all else.” — D A N W I C K M A N

business. I was not a high school player or college golfer nor did I grow up playing at a golf club. In my first job, I was hired to work at TPC Scottsdale in a sales role and then was asked if I would be interested in becoming a golf professional. Within a year, I enrolled in the PGA Professional Apprentice Program and two years later was elected into PGA membership in 1990,” said Wickman.

Dan has been honored with multiple professional awards, 2007 winning the Junior Golf Leader for the Southern Chapter Southwest Section PGA, Teacher of the Year in 2011, and the Golf Professional of the Year in 2013. He won the Southern Chapter PGA Team Championship in 2008 with partner Brandon Smith. This was a surprise since he was recovering from major back surgery and was not sure he could play.

He stated, “The most important quality of being a successful golf professional is your people skills, it is a people business above all else. After that, good management skills, planning, budgeting, scheduling and leading a team of people.”

There are frustrating things about the golf business and the golf economy, said Wickman. “One is the perception of golf courses using too much water. In the State of Arizona, golf uses 3% of the water, produces $4 billion in revenue, and produces thousands of jobs. We need to educate the public that more people visit Arizona for golf

Dan Wickman has had many roles in the golf business including Head Professional, Director of Golf, Regional VP, Owner of a Golf School, Vice-President of a Golf Management Company, Vice-President of an internet Tee-Time company, Golf Course construction manager, Chief Operating Officer, Director of HR, and President of the Southern Chapter PGA.

than any other reason and many move here to enjoy the game year round. In Pima County, since 1980, most golf courses use effluent water and are restricted in how much they can use.”

Inspiring Wickman to be the best professional he can be is that the golf business attracts people who love the game of golf. They are so enthusiastic and he wants to help them enjoy the game. When a student learns something new and is able to hit a new or better shot, He says, “I am inspired!

Constantly learning, the golf swing is like an onion; there are many layers. Once you peel back a layer you find some new level of understanding-something new.”

He works at a very busy 36-hole facility; Randolph Golf Complex, with over 100k rounds and 200 tournaments, he said, “I am re-learning how to be a good listener, a good manager and how to best work with a team of people.”

Wickman is working towards completing a PGA Certification in Player Development later this year. He likes working out a few times per week, enjoys spin class and swimming. He is becoming a fan of ‘Bama Football however is a dedicated U of A basketball fan and a Wildcat for life! He is most grateful for the true gifts in his life, which are his family and friends.

He is a devoted husband and father and said, “The most important thing is my family, as they will be there when the golf business is done with me.”

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Community

by Kim Griggs, PGA

Pace of Play: Who is to Blame?

It is every facilities concern and a golf course ranger’s nightmare, for sure. As the late George Carlin said, “Anybody who plays slower golf than me is an idiot and anybody that plays faster than me is a maniac.” And boy, does it apply to the pace of play issues we have in golf today. Nobody thinks slow play is his or her fault, but I am here to tell you that everyone is guilty. We all have a tendency to play too slow.

Watching tour players and emulating their routines is not always such a good idea. As amateurs, we are just trying to fit in what golf we can in our ridiculously busy lives. If we all play faster, then we can all get to play more golf. Awareness and education are the keys, not pointing your finger at someone else.

Beginning golf at the age of 27, I was not even allowed on the course until knowing these two things: Proper Etiquette and Pace of Play. My instructor was adamant that the two go hand and hand. Also, expressing that you do not necessarily have to be a good golfer just keep pace and have fun.

The USGA & PGA have come up with some ideas such as Tee It Forward and ads on television that focus on the adage “While We’re Young” with such greats as Arnold

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Palmer, Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam and Paula Creamer just to mention a few. Butch Harmon is also a spokesperson for this campaign, and I like his saying “Golfer’s need to leave their ego in the car.” This means play from the correct set of tees. A course of 6,200 – 6,300 is enough of a challenge for an average player, and the game is certainly more enjoyable. Leave the tips (back tees) for the professionals and scratch golfers. Butch also says to take only one rehearsal swing, picture the shot, commit and trust it and then hit!

Since the introduction of Tee It Forward, statistics show 56% of golfers played faster, 85% said they had more fun and 93% continue to tee it forward. Players are able to hit more lofted irons into greens, putt for birdies and pars, play faster, and score better. All of these factors equal having more fun!

To learn more about Tee it Forward, visit www.playgolfamerica.com.

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They never told me this on the lesson tee!”

It is better to hit the tee shot solid than to increase your swing speed.

A while back, I had the good fortune to attend a club-fitting seminar that talked about this aspect of a shot. Did you know that for each ½” you miss the sweet spot on the clubface you lose 7% of the distance of the club? That can be huge, as the clubs get longer in distance. For example, if we swing under control, finish in a nice balanced position in our follow through and hit a driver right on the sweet spot, we find that our ball carries 200 yards. Now, if we try to hit it a little further and misshit the tee shot by an inch. The result would be a 172-yard tee shot! Furthermore, a good chance it is not as straight either. The old axiom of “swing hard in case you hit it,” does not really offer any help to us in this area.

When teeing up your driver on the tee box, the ball should line up with the toe of your driver.

This was an eye opener for me. The higher the ball is teed up the further on the toe the ball needs to be placed. Here is the reason. Since most shots are on the ground, we measure our distance from the ball and align our sweet spot.

However, once the ball is placed off the ground, in a vertical plane, the ball will appear to be lined up on the toe because of the ball being off the ground. As you swing and sweep the ball off the tee the sweet spot will move more out and line up with the ball. If you are not doing this, you will see some inconsistencies with solidness of tee shot.

Try it…you will like it!

Pat O’Hara, PGA Manager of Golf Operations at Sun City West. Twenty-six year member of the PGA of America. Certified Instructor for SeeMore Putters and Lynn Blake Golf (The Golfing Machine). Has worked with golfers of all levels of ability, from beginner to the PGA Tour.

623.544.6499 | patrick.ohara@rcscw.com

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Junior Spotlight Phoenix Valley Sara EVERSMAN SARA EVERSMAN, a two-sport athlete competing in golf and tennis at Notre Dame College Prep in Scottsdale, really started focusing her efforts on golf before her sophomore year. All her dedication and hard work has now paid off, as she has earned a golf scholarship to Creighton University, in Omaha, Nebraska in the fall of 2014.

For Sara golfing has run in the family, as her dad played college golf at Drake University. Both her dad and mom have been the most influential and inspirational people in Sara’s pursuit of a college golf scholarship, supporting every step of the way. Although both golf and tennis are individual sports, Sara enjoys the social aspect of and meeting new people by competing in tournaments.

In 2013 Sara really started excelling on the golf course, with victories in the Phoenix City Junior, PING Junior Masters and the Scottsdale City Junior Championship.

More recently Sara won the 2014 Tucson City Junior Championship, with rounds of 70-66 on the Randolph— Dell Urich Course.

While attending Creighton, Sara will be pursuing a pre-med degree. Her career goal is to become a doctor.

Her great work ethic and dedication on the golf course will help her as she makes the transition to college and becoming a medical doctor.

Jake GUESS JAKE GUESS of Mesa recently finished his sophomore year at Red Mountain High School. He’s been a member of the First Tee of Phoenix for over a year, attending the Longbow Golf Club location. As his home course, Jake really enjoys practicing and competing at Longbow, and finds the golf course a tough challenge that helps him improve his golf game.

Jake has been competing in JGAA and other junior golf tournaments for over eight years. One of his best finishes in 2014 was in the Thunderbird Junior Classic at the Arizona Biltmore, where he tied for 8th, with rounds of 72-67=139. The biggest influence in his life is his father, who ironically isn’t even a golfer. However not being a golfer hasn’t stopped his dad pushing Jake to be the best golfer he can be, and to pursue his dream of playing college golf.

Competing in junior golf tournaments enables Jake to get the tournament experience he needs to hopefully earn a college scholarship when he graduates from Red Mountain High School in 2016.

Sports has played a huge part of Jake’s life growing up, and in college he hopes to study business management, with a focus on sports marketing/ golf. The game of golf has given so much to Jake, with many of the life skills that he has been learning through The First Tee of Phoenix, he now hopes that he can give back and introduce new juniors to the golf.

by Scott McNevin, Executive Director, Junior Golf Association of Arizona

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Junior Spotlight Southern Arizona Carley NELSON

Matthew SPAR

STARTING GOLF was due to her Father’s influence at the age of 13. Carley Nelson a graduate of Marana High School in Tucson, AZ said, “After my Dad picked up the game of golf, he thought it would be a great sport for his daughters to play as well, and he was right.”

AFTER HIS FATHER signed him and his sister up for a Southern Arizona Junior Golf Association golf clinic, at the age of 8, Matthew Spar fell in love with the game of golf.

She is attending Pima Community College on a golf scholarship and plans on studying psychology.

After Pima she anticipates transferring to a University to ultimately obtain a doctorate.

Nelson says her favorite thing about golf is playing on a team. “I love the friends that I made through golf and I look forward to making new ones as I make the transition to college golf at Pima.”

One of her most memorable moments in golf, unfortunately was, her “Tin Cup” moment at Rio Rico Country Club on the par 3, 17th hole (now hole 8) a few years ago when she put multiple balls into the water. Nelson said, “I would have taken a 17 if not for double par pickup.” She said, “My parents offered to let me quit numerous times but I always declined; through this perseverance I have continued to improve my game and it has opened up many opportunities for me.”

“I play golf because I love it, I enjoy playing with friends and family and I can continue to play it my entire life. It is also the only sport I have ever succeeded at, plus the outfits are cute,” said Nelson.”

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He is a graduate of Sabino High School in Tucson, AZ and is attending the Roosevelt University, in Chicago on a golf scholarship.

Currently he will be majoring in Economics and is looking forward to playing in a different climate and trying new courses.

Spar’s favorite part of golf is that you can play and have a great time no matter your age, weight, size, or whether you are athletic or not. He said, “It is one of the only sports you don’t have to be good at to enjoy.”

His most memorable moment in golf was taking 8th place at the D2 High School Boys Golf State Championship in Phoenix. “It was some of the best golf I have played and the biggest event I’ve played,” said Spar.

Spar stated, “I play golf for the mental and physical challenges it puts me through, throughout the entire round. I love spending time on the course and the smell of the freshly mowed grass and spending time with my fellow competitors and friends.”

by Rick Price, PGA

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