AUGUST – OCTOBER 2015 VOL 2 ISSUE 4
Featuring Katherine Roberts, Founder and President of Yoga for Golfers®(page 26)
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
How Many Steps Are in Your Favorite AZ Courses? (pg 42) Pro-File on Mike Miller (pg 38)
The Official Publication of the
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contents Golf Arizona | August – October 2015
on the cover 26 Yoga for Golfers: Featuring Katherine Roberts 42
course reviews 8
Torreon: An Elevated Escape in Arizona
34 Longbow: East Valley’s Tournament Testing Ground
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features 21 Leave the Driver in the Bag 23 Charles Schwab Cup 25 Product Review: Antigua’s Men’s Outerwear Collection 42 How Many Steps Are in Your Favorite AZ Courses?
instruction 6
Glen Griffith: Improve Your Game and Swing
13 Pat O’Hara, PGA: They Never Told Me This
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on the Lesson Tee!
22 Derek Deminsky, PGA: Get a Better Grip
community 16 Tee to Green: Health & Wellness Tips 40 Golf ’s Other Longest Day 43 Golf & Fitness Aren’t Mutually Exclusive 46 Drive, Chip & Putt
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pro-files 38 Mike Miller: New Executive Director
of the Southwest Section PGA
youth spotlight 49 Phoenix Valley: Tommi Avant & Riley Corona 50 Southern Arizona: Bobby Padilla & Bethany Vos
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Published by Golf Arizona, LLC PUBLISHING EDITOR
Rick Price, PGA GRAPHIC DESIGN
AB Graphic Design, Inc. ADVISORY BOARD
CONTRIBUTORS
EAGLE SPONSORS
Phoenix Valley Frank Calvin, PGA Bob Doyle, PGA Tim Eberlein, PGA Scott McNevin Dale Moseke Pat O’Hara, PGA Mary Pomroy, AWGA Dave Sherman Debra Thompson Roedl Hugh Smith Kris Strauss Southern Arizona Corey Baehman, PGA Brent DeRadd Lance Eldridge Craig Jones Adam Lazarus Judy McDermott Mark Oswald, PGA Dan Wickman, PGA
Rick Price, PGA Frank Calvin, PGA Derek Deminsky, PGA Brent DeRadd Tim Eberlein, PGA Glen Griffith, PGA Mary Beth Lacy Ryan Larson Jeff Locke Tom Mackin Scott McNevin Pat O’Hara, PGA Mary Pomroy Shane Romesburg, PGA Kris Strauss Zac Strohfus
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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.
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From the Editor
How is golf fitness important to your game? I
f you are serious about your golf game, you need to think about getting in better golf shape. I know personally I struggle in this area of fitness. It always came easy in the earlier years of life while walking and carrying my clubs. Unfortunately over time, riding in a cart instead of walking certainly has taken a toll on my fitness. Take this opportunity to learn about the proper combination of weight training, cardio, and flexibility to get your body in best physical condition possible. The realization that being fit can help your game by giving you the endurance necessary to play 18 holes of golf, will help you to stay focused and enjoy the game!
We encourage you to invite a friend and share our passion by visiting our website to sign up for our FREE online newsletter and subscription for Golf Arizona magazine at www.gogolfarizona.com.
As important as fitness is to the game, let’s not forget proper nutrition. It all starts with improving our habits, being consistent with our routines, and most importantly being strong in our discipline to succeed. I know this is an area I need to take more serious, and as I have been putting this issue together I have a rejuvenated interest in improving my physical health to improve my game and overall health in general. I challenge you to take a serious look at what we are offering in this issue on golf fitness if you truly want to improve not only your golf game but also your overall fitness. My promise and our mission at Golf Arizona Magazine is to, “Promote the game of golf, businesses, and associations in our community while celebrating the people that play the game.”
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hank 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. You may support our efforts further through advertising your business, or if you know of anyone that would be interested in promoting their business, please contact us.
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.
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Instruction
by Glen T. Griffith, PGA
How to create a plan to improve your game and swing
THE MOST EFFICIENT SWING is not the same for every golfer because efficiency is unique to each players’ body. The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) is the world’s leading educational organization dedicated to the study of how the human body functions in relation to the golf swing. To achieve an efficient swing, a golfer must first be screened by a certified trainer. This screen involves an assessment of swing mechanics and biomechanics, physical fitness, movement quality, current health and a client history. Upon completing the screening process (about 15-20 minutes), the information gathered allows your Coach to assess the swing characteristics which are likely from your screen results. These findings are used to create a plan unique for that golfer. The plan may include fitness training, physical therapy, and treatment, coaching of swing mechanics and biomechanics, nutrition, mental strategy or all the above. Since its inception in 2003, TPI has studied thousands of golfers ranging from the top professional tour players to weekend enthusiasts. An incredible amount of data on players of all shapes, sizes, ages, and fitness levels has been gathered during this time. Using this data, TPI discovered how a properly functioning body allows a player to swing a golf club in the most efficient way possible. Additionally, TPI has analyzed how physical limitations in a player’s body can adversely affect the golf swing and potentially lead to injury. The TPI approach does not believe in one way to swing a club, rather in an infinite number of swing styles. However, they do believe there is one efficient way for every player to swing, and it is based on what the player can physically do.
Your unique plan may include fitness training, physical therapy, and treatment, coaching of swing mechanics and biomechanics, nutrition, mental strategy or all the above.
The coaching and philosophy of TPI have a powerful and validated following. The Director of Instruction of Gallery Golf Academy in Marana, AZ, Glen Griffith is a TPI Level 1 Certified Golf Professional. “My goal is for all of my clients to be successful on their own—to ultimately coach and guide themselves. While there are numerous approaches to playing the game of golf, I advocate learning through self-awareness and evaluation. I assist and guide students to be their own coach, giving the tools for success to achieving their best golf game possible. Along the way, I want to become their most valuable and respected resource for golf awareness, knowledge, technique, equipment, and performance. This approach is applicable in all areas of the game of golf.”
Glen T. Griffith, PGA Director of Instruction, The Gallery Golf Club in Marana, AZ As Director of Instruction at The Gallery Golf Club in Marana, AZ Glen T. Griffith promotes a well-rounded approach to the game of golf through balance, foundational mechanics, fitness, nutrition, game management, and a commitment to selfawareness. phone 520-579-4105, cell 520-730-9514 www.GalleryGolf.com
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Course Review
by Tom Mackin
Torreon
An Elevated Escape in Arizona
Some say it starts once they reach the town of Payson. Others will tell you it happens a bit farther east, as they drive along the Mogollon Rim with an eye out for elk and pass through the smaller Northern Arizona towns.
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IN EITHER CASE, they all agree on what takes place: the heart rate decreases, the breathing gets a little deeper and the stress of working and living in the greater Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Tucson area is left behind. Eventually their scenic drive reaches a destination in the White Mountains that serves as a welcome refuge from an increasingly hectic lifestyle, not to mention Arizona’s unforgiving summer heat.
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hose lucky people are homeowners in Torreon, a residential golf community located on the outskirts of Show Low, some 175 miles northeast of Scottsdale. Laurie McCain, who sold the first lots at Torreon in 1998, has seen the community evolve to a truly coveted destination. She knows it doesn’t take much to sell golfers on Torreon. “I’ll drive them by the ninth hole slowly and then by the 17th on the Cabin Course so they can look all the way down the par-5 and take in the vistas beyond the trees,” she says. “When they see that they just get a look on their face and I know they want to stay.” Torreon’s Cabin and Tower courses offer fairways lined by Ponderosa pines that individualize virtually every hole and create exquisitely serene settings. The 7,134-yard, par-72 Tower course debuted in 1999. The slightly tighter and tougher 7,148-yard Cabin Course opened its nines in 2001 and 2007 respectively, and features a popular namesake restaurant at the turn. A M E N I T I E S S E CO N D TO N O N E The amenities for non-golfers and families are equally impressive. The centerpiece is a roomy family center that includes a large playground, basketball court, sand volleyball court, small theater and video games. Nearby is a regularly stocked catch-and-release pond, and both camps and educational programs are offered for kids. There is an outdoor firepit for roasting and stories even a two-hole kids and family golf course. The main clubhouse includes a restaurant, bar, golf shop. It also features a high demand outdoor heated pool and hot tub that makes for great weekend parties. Most residents try to catch up on their fitness and utilize the expansive fitness center as well. A number of residents bring their horses to an onsite equestrian center for the summer to take advantage of cooler summer temperatures (which average
85 degrees). Or if you don’t have your own horses, then Torreon’s onsite wranglers can accommodate you with their individual trail rides, lessons or kids camps. There are also two tennis courts, 200 miles of trails nearby, hiking and fly-fishing clubs, and even a residential
storage area, with spaces large enough to fit an RV. “No one gets bored up here because there are tons of things to do,” says McCain. Perhaps most importantly, you will make plenty of new friends at Torreon according to general manager Ryan Lanzen. “Torreon is a very, very special place,” he says. “It’s an escape, a getaway from the hustle and bustle that daily life often presents; a place where families come to enjoy the outdoors, enjoy the activities and enjoy each other.” A L I F E S T YL E TO E M B R AC E Being part of Troon Privé is another element that members have come to appreciate according to Lanzen. “Especially since a large portion of our membership live in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson and know how good the Troon-managed courses are in those places.” On the real estate side, lots in the community range in price from $39,000 to $195,000. Every resident or lot owner pays homeowner dues, and all are social members of the golf club which gains access to all of the non-golf amenities noted above. Golf memberships are $20,000 with affordable monthly dues. For slightly more, owners at Torreon
can select a flexible Unit Golf Membership option that allows the property owner to transfer their membership when renting out their golf villas or home. And three years ago Invitational Golf Memberships were introduced for people who do not have property in the community. G E T A TA S T E O F TO R R E O N For those looking for quick weekend getaway or to get a “taste of Torreon”, this White Mountain escape offers one, two and three-bedroom golf villas that are available for nightly and weekly rentals. These luxury residences are just steps away from the clubhouse and during your stay you will be a designated member, granting you and your immediate family full access to both courses, the family center complex and fitness center. Nightly rates vary by unit and season but range from $105-$205 per night for a one bedroom, $129-$249 per night for a two bedroom and $175-$335 for a three bedroom.
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nother key part of Torreon’s attraction is a very informal atmosphere that permeates virtually every activity, from gatherings around a fire pit on the clubhouse patio to the very popular 4th of July parade. “People are not concerned with what you do for a living or what car you drive,” Lanzen says. “Torreon has a very unique sense of camaraderie, community, and family.” Whether a homeowner, or visiting golfer, it doesn’t take long to embrace the relaxed environment. That’s why Lanzen always shares the same advice for anyone who has never escaped to the property. “To understand the Torreon experience, you need to come visit the property; touch it, feel it, live it” he says. “Come up, relax and enjoy the mountains.”
For more information on Torreon or Golf Villa rentals at Torreon, visit www.Torreon.com
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“
by Pat O’Hara, PGA
Instruction
They never told me this on the lesson tee!” Practice Tips for Pitching and Chipping
H
OW’S YOUR SHORT GAME? When you are faced with a downhill or fast pitch / chip shot do you ever have problems? Can you hit it soft when you need to? Most golfers have trouble hitting a delicate chip or pitch because it is hard to make a short or soft motion due to our thought process. We tend to think a body turn or pivot is needed in order to move the club back and forth. Or we make a bigger swing than required and de-accelerate on the downswing. Both of these scenarios lead to inconsistencies in the short game. Next time on the practice green when you have a few minutes spend it on the short game. Try this: Take your address position with one of your wedges and move the club by bending and straightening the right elbow (for a right handed golfer). Bend the elbow for your backswing, straighten the elbow for your downswing. As long as you keep your left wrist flat at impact you can swing the club back and forth by using the arms and eliminating the body pivot or even excessive wrist cock. All three mentioned above (body pivot, cocking of wrists and bending and straightening of the elbows) are power producers. The key on the delicate shots is to identify how much power you need and to incorporate just the correct amount for the shot at hand. Sometimes we try to do too much with the little shots and we end up playing “ping-pong” back and forth across the green. I am confident, that with a little practice, you will improve your short game and in turn lower your score.
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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G R E AT E R P H O E N I X & T U C S O N A R E A
The First Tee 9 Healthy Habits The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits were created through a collaboration among The First Tee, ANNIKA Foundation and Florida Hospital for Children to promote healthy, active lifestyles for young people. The healthy habits are a list of nine health and wellness topics presented as a part The First Tee, formatted for easy understanding and learning by elementary-age students and chapter participants.
P HYS I C A L
E M OT I O N A L
SOCIAL
1 | ENERGY
4 | VISION
7 | FRIENDS
It is important to understand and make healthy choices about when to eat, how much to eat, and the types of food and drinks to provide the body with the most useful energy.
In order to make the most of one’s unique gifts—talents, characteristics and abilities— an individual needs to learn from the past, value the present, create their vision and future to ultimately “leave a footprint.”
2 | P L AY
5 | MIND
Maintaining healthy relationships includes surrounding one’s self with friends and supportive people, while effectively handling challenging situations, including bullying and navigating the digital age with social media.
A variety of energizing play can help the body stay strong, lean and fit, and be fun in the process. Sleep and other forms of “re-charging” allow one to engage in play on a daily basis.
The mind is a powerful tool for health. One’s mind influences his/ her emotions and behaviors and can be utilized for self-improvement, building confidence and maintaining perspective.
3 | SAFETY
6 | FAMI LY
Physical safety includes playing in a safe environment and by the rules, protecting the body with proper equipment, warm-up and cooldown and wearing sun protection.
When family members participate in activities together – share meals, communicate and establish roles and responsibilities – they are more likely to be successful in achieving their health-related goals.
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8 | SCHOOL Success in school - learning, building relationships and contributing to the school environment - leads to success in other areas of life.
9 | CO M M U N I T Y Like the health of one’s body, it is important to also explore the health of one’s community and discover how one can give back and care for its environment and safety.
Health & Wellness Tips F U N F I T N E S S FAC T S F O R G O L F E R S A walked 18-hole round, carrying a bag or using a hand/pull cart, is approximately equal to a 5-mile walk.
It’s no secret that walking is good for your health — and what better place to walk than a golf course with its beautiful settings? Golf is game that can be played by people of all body types and athletic abilities. The World Golf Foundation and Golf 20/20 commissioned The Walker Research Group to identify and report on the body of literature pertaining to the health and wellness benefits of golf participation. Here are the key findings and health-related benefits…
★
Regardless of handicap, gender, or course played, golfers exceed 10,000 steps during★a typical round of golf – which meets the guidelines for exercise recommended by most medical and clinical physicians.
2000
The total caloric expenditure for an 18-hole round is approximately 2,000 calories for walking while carrying clubs and 1,300 calories when riding in a cart.
Since walking is bio-mechanically more efficient than running, playing an 18-hole round of golf walking is roughly equivalent to a 3.5 to 4-mile run. ★
★
When walking 18-holes of golf, blood glucose levels fall by up to 20-percent for the young, 10-percent for the middle-aged, and 30-percent for elderly players and body weight is slightly reduced for all groups.
Repeated golf practice enhances balance control and
★ confidence among all age ranges. Older golfers tend to
have better static and dynamic balance control and confidence than non-golfing older, healthy adults.
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Additional physical and mental health benefits to the game
Sunshine. When you are out playing a game of golf on a beautiful★day, you get an adequate dose of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for building strong bones and good overall health.
★
Sleep. People who exercise and work out are proven to sleep better at night. Exercise helps wear off excess energy helps you fall asleep faster and helps you stay asleep through the night. Social. Golf is an entertaining sport you can enjoy with your family, friends and co-workers. The game is a way to bond with others and build connections with new friends. ★
Oxygen.★ Swinging a golf club is equivalent to doing at least 200 twists, allowing for an increased volume of oxygen flowing through the brain and body, simulating healthy cell function.
★
Mental Stimulation. Golf helps to sharpen focus, develop cognitive skills and aid in strategic thinking. A 2003 study showed that brains of people with a low sense of worth were more likely to shrink than those with high self-esteem; shrinkage led to poor results on memory and learning tests. Golf gives you a sense of completion and a nice boost to your esteem.
Other ways to burn 1,300 calories: Strength training for 2 hours and 45 minutes
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Aerobic activity for 2 hours and 10 minutes
Jogging on a treadmill for 2 hours and 10 minutes
Let this be Your Country Club Shop in our two world-class golf shops
Enjoy our Heron Lakes Executive Golf Course and Coyote Run Championship Golf Course
480.634.4370
Outside Memberships Available Call for Options 480.634.4370
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Instruction
by Shane Romesburg, PGA
Leave the driver in the bag I have been at Leisure World Arizona for almost 16 years now, and whether I think back to day one or to last week, one thing remains the same. Golfers LOVE to swing the Driver!!
O
ur practice facility is located directly across from the golf shop. When I observe people on our practice facility, 90% get their bucket of balls, grab their driver, and start trying to make the ball go farther than it did yesterday. While this may be fun, you are not improving your golf scores. The average golfer takes 98.3 strokes for 18 holes of golf. Of those 98.3 shots, a maximum of 14 will be hit with your driver, while an average of 39.3 will be with your putter. Regardless of your skill level, if a golfer hits two well struck shots on a normal length Par 4, they would be somewhere within 100 yards to the green. From here, it would be nice to think that you would hit the green and two putt for a bogey 5, or maybe even make the putt for a par 4. Then why do so many end up with a 6 or worse? 3 putt? Poor approach shot? The answer is yes to both, but the frequency that they occur can be addressed by focusing your practice sessions on short game, and leaving the driver in the bag. Break it down. Break your practice down into manageable percentages – 90% of your practice time dedicated to short game, with 50% putting, and 40% spent on shots from 100 yards and closer. When practicing putting, concentrate on the speed of the greens. We all
misread the breaks in greens, but good distance control will still leave makeable second putts around the hole. Inconsistency in your distance control will leave longer second putts, and result in more 3 putts, which are wasted strokes. Count how many times you 3 or even 4 putt next time you play. Did it keep you from breaking 90 or even 80 for the first time? Aim for proximity. From 100 yards and in, you should be trying to get the ball in close proximity to the cup, and not just trying to hit the green. Your goal in practice should be to determine how far your scoring clubs fly (normal, smooth golf swing, not the best shot you ever hit). It does not matter if your playing partners’ SW goes 100 and it takes an 8 Iron for you. What does matter is that the club goes the same distance each time. As you get closer to the greens (within 40 yards), a less than full swing may be needed. This can be practiced by hitting the same club to different yardages on your practice range, to get the feel of how far the ball flies with a half swing or three-quarter swing. So remember, if you hit the ball closer to the hole, you will be left with shorter, more makeable putts, which will lead to lower scores. Hitting the ball 10-15 yards farther off the tee, is not going to change this fact.
Shane Romesburg, PGA A native of Kennewick, Washington Shane moved to Arizona after graduating from the University of Idaho. Shane is a Class A PGA Member and has been at Leisure World Country Club, a 36 hole private retirement community in Mesa, since 1999. As the Head Golf Professional for both courses he oversees all daily golf shop operations yet still gives over 100 golf lessons annually to his 675 plus golfing members.
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Instruction
by Derek Deminsky, PGA
Get a Better Grip
Do yourself a favor right now. Grab a golf club, and check your grip. Gripping the club seems like an easy task, but as an instructor, I see many problems in golf swings that can be directly traced back to a poor grip. Many golfers have worse grips than they suspect and don’t pay enough attention to how they hold the club. There are two main issues I find in students’ grips. One is holding the handle of the club too much in the palm of the hands. The second is putting the left hand in a position that leaves the clubface open through impact. The better your grip, the better you can leverage the club and consistently return the clubface back to square. A good place to start is to study the grip below and replicate it on your own club. Analyze the photos thoroughly and try to match your hands exactly. Make the crease formed between the left forefinger and thumb point towards your right shoulder and check to see that the heel pad of the left hand is on top of the club. As you put your right hand on the grip, wrap your middle and ring fingers first around the handle and then cover your left thumb with your right hand. For more in depth study on the grip, I recommend reading the grip section of Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons and Steve Elkington’s Five Fundamentals.
Derek Deminsky, PGA Derek Deminsky is a Class A PGA Instructor based out of the Forty Niner Country Club in Tucson. To learn more about Derek or book a lesson, you can visit his website at www.golfbettertucson.com. To play or learn more about the newly renovated Forty Niner Country Club, visit www.fortyninercc.com.
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2015
Charles Schwab Cup Championship Outlook
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N I TS T H I R D YE A R H O S T I N G the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship, Desert Mountain Club’s Cochise Course in Scottsdale, Ariz., continues to bring together the best of the Champions Tour, with the top 30 players on the current season’s money list earning their way to the championship. The $2.5 million tournament decides not only that week’s champion, but is also the culmination of the season-long points race to determine the Charles Schwab Cup champion. A five-time winner in 2014, Langer led the Charles Schwab Cup race all but one week, when Colin Montgomerie took the lead briefly following his U.S. Senior Open victory in July. Langer began the AT&T Championship, the final fullfield event of the season, needing to be 833 points ahead of Montgomerie at the close of play to clinch the Charles Schwab Cup. The 74 points he earned for his tie for sixth gave him the insurmountable 845-point lead to close the gap. With the pre-tournament focus on Langer in Scottsdale, it was Tom Pernice, Jr. who prevailed at the season-ending tournament, winning his second title of the year in a dramatic finish, defeating Jay Haas in a sudden death playoff that lasted four holes. Kenny Perry, the 2013 Charles Schwab Cup champion, finished third, while Langer and Montgomerie tied for fourth, earning identical points to keep the winning margin at 845 points. The leading rookie, one of nine in the field at Scottsdale, was Wes Short, Jr., who shot four rounds in the 60s and finished tied for seventh. Langer was awarded the $1 million annuity that goes with the trophy. Montgomerie was awarded $500,000, while Haas ($300,000), Perry ($200,000) and Pernice ($100,000) also earned bonus money. “It’s one of the goals all of us have when we start the season,” said Langer. “Ev-
erybody wants to win the Charles Schwab Cup because it means you were the most consistent or the best player.” Langer’s 4,152 total points for the year were the second highest in history, behind Tom Watson’s 4,751 points in 2003. E A R L I E R T H I S YE A R, the PGA TOUR and Charles Schwab together announced an historic 20-year agreement, the longest marketing agreement in the history of the PGA TOUR, which includes sponsorship of the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship and the season-long Charles Schwab Cup. The season-long race is poised to deliver a finish with heightened drama in 2015, with more players in the hunt for the Champions Tour’s most coveted prize. After ten events of the 2015 season, a record six different players had already held the top spot in the standings, which points toward a crowded sprint to the finish line on Nov. 8. Among the top hopefuls to make their first appearance in the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, Kevin Sutherland may be a player to watch. Sutherland recorded an all-time Champions Tour record 59 (13-under) in his rookie year at the 2014 Dick’s Sporting Goods Open. Although he has yet to secure a win on the Champions Tour, Sutherland has posted two runner-up finishes this year - at the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic and a playoff loss to Jeff Maggert at the Regions Tradition. Other hopeful first-timers climbing the ranks due to victories this season include Miguel Angel Jimenez, Lee Janzen and Ian Woosnam. Langer, the current Charles Schwab Cup champion, looks to return to the Desert Mountain Club, joining other past Charles Schwab Cup champions including Kenny Perry, who was emotional after his triumph in 2013.
“You’re not going to win it just winning a major or two and you’re not going to win it just having five or ten top10s; it’s got to take a lot of good golf throughout the whole season,” said 2014 champion, Bernhard Langer,
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by Mary Beth Lacy
Product Review
Antigua’s 2015 Men’s Golf Outerwear Collection T
HE ANTIGUA GROUP, INC., oone of the nation’s leading designers and marketers of lifestyle and golf apparel under the distinguished Antigua brand – has introduced its Antigua 2015 Men’s Golf Outerwear Collection that builds on previous successes in the category. For 2015, half-zip pullovers like Asset are available in a range of deep-yet-colorful heather shades complemented with brighter tonal sleeve taping and contrasting placket zippers. It can easily become a cool weather everyday wear garment, given its wide range of color options. The versatility of lightweight outerwear styles adds to their popularity. They’ve been designed with the intent to be worn as standalone garments, or worn over a tee shirt or performance polo or under a heavier weight outerwear piece. Each of these lightweight outerwear styles can be utilized to perform these multiple garment functions. Crux, for instance, is constructed using a mid-weight, double knit neutral heather interlock that’s contrasted with deep palette color shades and outlined with seams covered in bright color contrast cover stitching. It’s appealing as a casual look and as a new-color classic. Haze demonstrates the subtle simplicity of a tonal irregular yarn, constructed into a lightweight, lightly brushed half-zip pullover guaranteed to be comfortable in cool climates without impeding movement. As technology has advanced to make wind-resistant fabrics lighter, thinner and softer for both comfort and flexibility, these advancements also offer unique design opportunities to add features and garment functionality that weren’t previously available. With the new half sleeve windshirt Skill, the process of bonding a thinly constructed micromembrane behind and against the filament knit interlock outer face, and sandwiching it with an additional inner layer of filament interlock, gives the appearance of one singularly constructed layer of fabric. This one-piece, multi-layer, wind-resistant fabric eliminates the need for an additional garment lining. Due to its shell construction, Skill functions as a wind-resistant garment while also keeping golfers dry from rain based on its high-quality inner membrane. It’s embellished with elastic outer garment seam tape that mimics the irregular neutral stripe effects in this collections polos, giving it a unique aesthetic design appeal. For more details on Antigua’s 2015 Men’s Golf Outerwear Collection, visit www.antigua.com.
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“ If you have a body, you are an athlete.” — B I L L B O W E R M A N , N i ke co - fou n d er
yoga
Golfers
for
by Katherine Roberts, Founder and President, Yoga for Golfers® Souls Image Photography by April Bennett
three planes of motion
Sagital plane – flexion and extension Frontal plane – lateral or side bending Transverse plane – rotation
This series of YFG poses help train the body in triplane movements. 26
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F
or many years, golfers were
a word on breathing.
considered to be a group of out-
The practice of yoga begins with keen focus on the breath. In yoga poses, time is measured by breaths, not minutes. Be sure you are taking long, slow deep breaths, feeling the expansion of your diaphram.
of-shape, beer-bellied, cigar-smoking people. Golf was not considered to be a sport that required any level of fitness or athleticism.
Today, if we watch any PGA and LPGA Tour event, we can see by the fitness level of golfers that is no longer the case. Tour players have a team of trainers, nutritionists, sports psychologists whose goal is to the have the golfer, the athlete, compete and train at a very high level. Even if you don’t aspire to play on tour, your exercise program should help you move your body in a way that promotes movement patterns that reflect the unique motion of the golf swing. It is essential that our training modalities reflect our goals and if you want to play better, play longer and play stronger golf, it is important that you train specifically for the sport of golf. The golf swing happens in what we call triplane motion, meaning the body is required to move in all three planes of motion at one time.
Golf-specific benefits of breathing: • Reduces muscular tension for a more fluid, repeatable, consistent golf swing. • Calms the nervous system through long, deep breathing in and out through the nose. • Helps you manage energy throughout the round. • Teaches you how to “reset” your mind and enhance focus over the ball. Poses and photos courtesy of Katherine Roberts’ Yoga For Golfers®
Let’s get started!
Wide-legged forward fold
Moves your body into flexion, stretches the ankles, hamstrings and increases mobility in the low back. Feet internally rotated. Slight bend in the knees. Hands placed directly under the shoulders. Arch the low back, squeeze the shoulder blades together and pull the chest forward. Flex the quads and feel the stretch in the hamstrings and low back. Hold for five deep breaths.
Side body / lat stretch (not pictured) Stretches the lats which are the big “turning” muscles of your torso. Place the hands on the right leg and focus on the stretch on the entire left side. Hold for five breaths and switch sides.
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Wide legged forward fold with twist Moves your body into
rotation, increasing your range of motion for more turn in your backswing and full rotation in your complete finish position.
Place your hand on the ground under your face, realign the trunk (arch low back, squeeze shoulder blades together and pull the chest forward). Twist from the deepest part of the torso to the right. Repeat this dynamically five times and switch sides.
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Triangle pose Moves your body into lateral bending, increases foot function, stretches the adductors and strengthens the lower body for more endurance throughout your round. Stretches and strengthens the lumbar spine and core. Turn your left foot out and right foot in to a 45 degree angle. Put a micro bend in your knees and flex your quads. Hinge at your hips and place your left hand on your left shin. Roll your chest towards the sky. Focus on the stretch in the legs and back. Focus on pulling power up from the ground. Hold for five breaths and switch sides.
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Chair pose Moves your body
into flexion, increases lower body strength by unilaterally working the legs and glutes. Feet are hip-width apart as you pull your navel towards your spine preparing for movement. Sit your glutes back as if sitting into a chair. Keep your eyes on the horizon. When you are in the chair pose, focus on the feet and pull your feet apart without moving the feet. You will feel much more activation from the outside of the legs and glutes. Hold for three deep breaths and repeat five times.
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Warrior III pose
Moves your body into flexion and extension, facilitates better balance, increases strength as we move your lower body bi-laterally. Increases awareness of weight distribution and builds lower body strength. Place a bend in your left leg and begin to lower your body towards the ground. Focus on two main things here – sit back (load the left glute) as you bring your body down and keep your body in one plane. Do not hinge at the waist. Lift and lower your body five times and switch sides.
Hip drives to extended side angle
Moves your body into extension, lateral bending and rotation of the torso. Stretches the hips and torso for more effective internal and external rotation of the hips. Stretches the entire trunk and shoulder for more extension and a bigger arc in your swing. Right heel is in line with your left knee. Turn your torso forward and keep your torso in an upright stable position. Keep the right knee tracking straight as you drive your hips to the right. Repeat ten times focusing on the stretch in the groin. Turn your right foot out. Your right foot is in line with your left knee and left hand. Note: Feel free to place a yoga block under your left hand. Drive your hips forward on your exhalation. Repeat five times and then extend your right arm over your head. Roll your torso towards the sky. Hold that position for five more breaths and switch sides.
For more information on Yoga For GolfersÂŽ (YFG), or to find a Certified YFG Instructor in your area, visit www.YogaForGolfers.com
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is this staying?
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Course Review
by Jeff Locke
Longbow Golf Club: East Valley’s Tournament Testing Ground Mesa golf course hosts handful of high-profile competitive events each year
Alena Sharpe
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Lee Alison
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Jaclyn Sweeney
2012 Heather Farr Champs
B
ACK IN THE ‘90S, Longbow Golf Club under-
went a renovation that transformed a tired track into one of the best golf experiences in the East
Valley of the Sun. Since then, waves of sun-seeking winter visitors along with competitive players have flocked to Longbow. Along the way, they established a rich tradition of excellence that shows no sign of letting up. Winn Grips Heather Farr Classic. With a list of past champions that reads more like a who’s who of competitive golf, the Winn Grips Heather Farr Classic hosted by Longbow Golf Club celebrates 17 years of elite junior golf competition. Conducted by the AJGA, it’s a 54-hole competition featuring a strong field of 82 boys and 40 girls from more than a 19 different states and a half-dozen countries. Hunter Mahan won it in ’99. Chandler’s Richard Lee took top honors in 2007. Beau Hossler, 2012 champion, finished T29 in the U.S. Open that same year and even held the lead for a time. On the girl’s side, Paula Creamer is the only player to win twice with back-to-back victories in ’03 and ’04. Alison Lee took home the trophy in 2010. Scottsdale’s Lindsey Weaver followed her amazing 59 two months earlier with a victory in 2012. And let’s not forget local Gilbert phenom, Hannah O’Sullivan, who in 2015 captured both a LPGA Symetra Tour title at Longbow before doing the same a couple months later at the Winn Grips Heather Farr Classic.
“It’s been a joy to watch the Winn Grips Heather Farr Classic bloom into what it is today,” said Jay Larscheid, general manager of Longbow Golf Club. “The AJGA, along with a long list of sponsors, have come together to create something very special which honors the type of talent and grace that set Heather Farr apart as a person and player.” The LPGA’s Symetra Tour at Longbow. In 2013, former Sun Devil, Jaclyn Sweeney, overcame chilly temperatures to take home the $15,000 check at the inaugural Gateway Classic at Longbow Golf Club. She bested Alena Sharpe by two strokes. The next year, it was Sharp’s turn to win by two strokes with a 12-under-par performance. Then, as mentioned earlier, 16-year-old Hannah O’Sullivan ran away from the field with a tournament-record, 15-under-par victory. She became the youngest winner in Symetra Tour history, and joined Lydia Ko and Lexi Thompson as the only players to win before their 17th birthday. Longbow is also home to collegiate golf. Since 2012, the Notre Dame Women’s Golf Team has hosted 15 other teams in March when most schools struggle to find a green patch of grass. It has hosted the NCAA Division II Women’s Golf Championship and the WAC Women’s Golf Championship. Throw in a few others such as the Golfweek Junior Series National Qualifying and U.S. Amateur qualifying, and it’s easy to see why Longbow has earned the tournament-tested moniker.
Over the years, Longbow has established itself as a place where competitive golfers slug it out for top honors. From the wee ones beginning their journey in the game for a lifetime at The First Tee of Phoenix site to professionals playing for cash, the Ken Kavanagh-designed golf course at Longbow provides a stern test for the competitor along with plenty of playability for the rest of us hacks.
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Pro-File
by Tim Eberlein, PGA
Michael Miller Named Southwest Section PGA Executive Director
T
he Southwest Section PGA is proud to name Michael Miller as their new executive director, becoming the fourth executive director in the 57 year history of the organization. Miller spent the past 27 years with the Illinois PGA, serving the past 20 as executive director. It was recently announced by Southwest Section PGA President Greg Leicht that Miller, 52, was hired after an extensive search and formally assume the position on May 4, 2015. The Southwest Section PGA is the fifth largest PGA Section in the United States with over 1323 PGA members and apprentices in the Section, which covers the state of Arizona and Clark County (Las Vegas) in Nevada. “The Southwest Section PGA is honored to have Michael Miller as our next executive director,” said Leicht, PGA general manager and director of golf at Vistal Golf Club in Phoenix, Ariz. “Michael‘s experience, leadership skills and proven track record of excellence will elevate our Section to a level the membership can be proud of.” A native of McHenry, Ill., Miller graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1984 with Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism & Communications. He has been married for 26 years to his wife Lisa. They have no children, but have two golden retrievers that they treat like their children. Lisa is a flight attendant for American Airlines and both were born and raised in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. Miller joined the Illinois PGA in 1986 as the director of tournament and membership operations, where he managed over 70 Illinois PGA member events on the tournament schedule. After a brief two year stint working for a sports marketing firm, Miller returned to the Illinois PGA in 1991 as the assistant executive director and director of the Illinois PGA Foundation, which he was instrumental in creating. n 1995, Miller was named the third executive director in Illinois PGA history and served in that role for over 20 years. When asked what he will miss most about the Illinois section, Miller commented,” The deep history and many wonderful clubs and courses throughout the Chicago area. If you haven’t spent time playing in or around Chicago you don’t realize how many terrific and historic golf courses there
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are. There are many clubs that have celebrated centennials and have hosted many historic championships and players.” “It is an incredible honor to be named the executive director of the Southwest Section PGA,” said Miller. “I’m excited to begin this next chapter of my career with the Southwest Section and I am dedicated to supporting the leadership, members and staff with the same passion and professionalism that I’ve tried to demonstrate throughout my career with the Illinois PGA. My continued focus will be serving the men and women professionals who are dedicated to growing the game and giving back to the communities they serve.” hen asked about the biggest challenge he will face, Miller responded,” I think learning and working within a different culture of the golf industry will be the biggest challenge. The Illinois section, and Midwest in general, are deep rooted in the tradition of private clubs, while the Southwest section is deep rooted and more dominated by resort and management owned facilities. Also, the demand and responsibilities on our Southwest section members is different.” Miller also said,” I think the opportunity to work with a larger section and help elevate the programming and services for our professionals will be exciting. The leadership of the Southwest section that I’ve had a chance to work with already, in my short time, has been great. They are committed and passionate about the section and I’m excited to be part of that commitment.” In addition to the day-to-day duties as executive director, Miller will oversee administration of the Southwest Section’s Golf Pass, as well as continuing to grow the Section’s active junior golf program. He will also assume the dual role as executive director of the Southwest Section PGA Foundation. “Michael’s leadership and operational strength will provide the foundation for long-term success for the Southwest Section PGA,” Leicht said. “Michael’s vast experience growing the Illinois PGA Foundation will be a great asset in connecting Southwest Section PGA members to our community.”
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“
I’m extremely proud of the career I’ve been able to enjoy in golf so far in my life. Working in this industry, you have the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and the friendships I’ve created are something I hope to carry with me throughout the rest of my life. Even though I am not a PGA member, I am most proud of being presented with an Honorary Illinois PGA Membership on my tenth anniversary while serving as the executive director for the section.” — M I C H A E L M I L L E R
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Spotlight
by Mary Pomroy
Golf ’s Other Longest Day
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t’s a test of golf, a test of fitness, and it’s a test of endurance. “Golf ’s Longest Day” is the name the Golf Channel gave to the final day of Sectional Qualifying Sites for the US Open. It is the day when all around the country, State and Regional Golf Associations host 36hole sectional qualifiers, to see who the last men will be to earn a spot in the field for the US Open.
less successful in their play are lucky to get 15 minutes between rounds.
The first ball was launched at 7:00 am, and the flag was replaced in the last hole at 7:14 pm, leaving just enough time to get all the scorecards received, verified, and posted, and send the two players tied for 3rd place back to the tee for an on-course sudden death play-off for the 2nd Qualifier and the 1st Alternate positions. As dark Golf ’s other longest day happens for fell on the Superstitions, from a field that women. Every year in late May, women included LPGA players Ai Miyazato and from around the US and the world step Cheyenne Woods, a local amateur favorite up to the tee to test their game against a and a seasoned professional from South local qualifying site in their bid for a spot Korea emerged victorious. University of in the US Women’s Open Championship. Arizona player Lindsey Weaver took both This year on May 19th, 78 professional the Medalist and the Low Amateur honor and amateur hopefuls attempted to with a score of 70-69=139. 2nd place Mary Pomroy with Lindsey Weaver qualify in Arizona for 2 spots in the qualifier Jimin Kang, 70-71=141, defeated (top), and Jimin Kang (bottom). field at the 2015 US Women’s Open. The Scottsdale’s Mallory Blackwelder in a Sectional Qualifying site was the spectacular Superstition sudden death play-off. The second alternate was Brittany Mountain Golf & Country Club; the managing Association Fan of Hawaii. for the qualifier was the Arizona Women’s Golf Association. One can’t qualify to play in the US Women’s Open without a This day is a long, hot, fast paced race to sundown for the really great golf game. But it also takes fitness and endurance, players and the tournament officials. The practice tee opens both physical and mental. Those who aspire to play at this at 6:00 am. That’s when the first contestants arrive to loosen level, don’t attempt it without including the full regimen of up and get their game face on. The field is limited to 78 exercise and fitness training. players because that’s the maximum number of players that can possibly complete 36 holes in one day in late May before Arizona’s leader in women’s golf since 1924, the Arizona Women’s Golf dark. And that’s by sending players in two waives starting Association (AWGA) supports over 23,000 members at all skill levels. from both the 1st and the 10th tee. Those who are fortunate The AWGA is a 501(c) 3 charitable organization, which preserves, promotes and enhances the best interests and true spirit of the game. enough to draw an early morning tee time, and whose play For further information, to make a tax-deductible donation, or to join is quick enough, get a 30 break to have lunch, recharge, and today, visit www.awga.org or call 800-442-2942; 602-253-5655. start again for the afternoon round. Those less fortunate or
Mary Pomroy
Arizona Women’s Golf Association | Executive Director | www.awga.org
Mary Pomroy has served as the executive director of the Arizona Women’s Golf Association (AWGA) since 1999. Mary leads a staff of 6, along with approximately 150 volunteers to deliver programs, including USGA Programs, Tournaments & Competitions, Information & Outreach, Player and Volunteer Development, to approximately 320 clubs and 23,000 individual members. She developed her passion for the game as a new player and volunteer organizer of a business golf league while working as a marketing manager for a Santa Clara, California technology firm, a career that she left in 1995.
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Fitness
How many steps are in a round at some of your favorite AZ courses?
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few years ago, Scottsdale based-Troon Golf unveiled a new “Play Troon” initiative called TroonFIT, with a goal to incorporate a culture of health and fitness. The initiative includes the addition of healthy options within the clubs restaurants, developing new ways to use the golf facilities for fitness related activities, hosting on-course fun runs promoting more walking rounds of golf. It is widely reported that the latter of which can be in excesses of 10,000 steps and 4-5 miles. Well how long EXACTLY is it to walk some Arizona favorites? Troon’s Digital Communications Manager, Ricky Potts who is a fitness fanatic recently walked many Troon area clubs recently to find out. He used his FitBit to track steps and miles and only tracked steps/miles from the first tee to the 18th green (ie he didn’t include steps from the parking lot to the clubhouse, etc). What did he uncover? As you can see from the chart on the right, a walking round of golf is far greater than 10,000 steps and the aforementioned 4-5 mile range. According to The Walker Research Group commissioned by the World Golf Foundation and Golf 20/20, other benefits of walking a round of golf include the fact that you burn roughly 2000 calories when walking, blood glucose levels fall anywhere from 10% to 30% depending on age and when you exceed 10,000 steps during a round of golf you will meet the recommended guidelines for daily exercise. Potts can attest to these benefits and more. “When playing golf, I prefer to walk. First off, I play better when I walk,” stated Potts. “Having played high school and college golf, we didn’t have a choice. We had to carry our clubs back then, too, but today I prefer to take a push cart! Past that, walking 18 holes equates to several miles walked. Research shows that a golfer will burn twice as many calories walking than riding in a cart during a normal round of golf. To a guy that is obsessed with weight loss and counting calories, that is important to me for my overall health and wellness.”
For more information on TroonFIT and Play Troon initiatives visit www.PlayTroon.com
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Actual steps and miles for Arizona courses CO U R S E
STEPS MILES
Troon North Golf Club Pinnacle Course, Scottsdale
15,176 6.76
Monument Course, Scottsdale
19,460 8.49
The Phoenician – Scottsdale Canyon Nine
7,381 3.32
Oasis Nine
7,779 3.48
Desert Nine
8,911 3.98
Phoenician (all 27 Holes) Total
24,071 10.78
Ocotillo Golf Resort – Chandler Gold Nine
7153 3.19
Blue Nine
7051 3.14
White Nine
6755 3.01
Ocotillo (all 27 Holes) Total
20,969
9.34
Sewailo Golf Club, Tucson 19,924 8.8
Community
by Brent DeRadd
Golf & Fitness Aren’t Mutually Exclusive Is golf really a sport? Those of us who love the game have bristled at that question for years. Golfing well requires considerable skill and stamina. Take one look at the men and women who are at the top of the PGA, LPGA and other professional tours and it is evident that their fitness levels are significantly higher today than in years past. For golf professionals, enhancing their fitness can provide a competitive advantage. For those who play golf for fun, improving their physical condition can make the game more enjoyable with fewer back and joint injuries. Following is a look at some Southern Arizona golf courses, and golf and country clubs, which are combining fitness regimens with golf.
Canyon Ranch
Tucson City Golf
800-742-9000 | www.canyonranch.com
520-791-4653 | www.tucsoncitygolf.com
El Conquistador Golf & Tennis
Tucson National Golf Club
For those seeking an upscale experience, Canyon Ranch offers a 3,400-square-foot golf performance center. Unique technologies, such as V-1 video capture analysis, balance force plates and computerized swing analysis, are combined with PGA professional instruction and focused fitness training to provide a comprehensive approach to improving participants’ play.
The Town of Oro Valley recently purchased El Conquistador Country Club, which is being converted into a municipal community and recreation center. The facility includes 45 holes of golf managed by Troon Golf, 31 tennis courts, two swimming pools and a fitness facility. Racquet ball, pickle ball and kids programs round out the offerings. Daily rates or membership opportunities are available. 520-544-1900 | www.elconquistadorcc.com
The City of Tucson has five municipal courses operated by OB Sports. These challenging, well-maintained courses are affordable and can be paired with free fitness training offered at various city and YMCA locations. For city fitness information, visit Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild’s website at www.mayorrothschild.com.
Home of the Champions Tour’s Tucson Conquistadores Classic, the Catalina Course, and its companion Sonoran Course, offer stern, but very playable, tests for golfers of all abilities. Daily fee play is available as are memberships. Tucson National features new tennis court and a state-of-the-art fitness center with stretching and yoga classes. 520-297-2271 | www.tucsonnational.com
Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club
Located on the far eastern side of Tucson, Forty Niner Country Club offers Gentle Vinyasa Yoga, group fitness classes and junior camps that include foot golf, swimming, games and crafts, and more. The golf course’s traditional layout and gently-rolling terrain allows golfers to walk, should they choose.
This facility features two championship courses with tournaments, mixers and clinics to challenge players. Ventana Canyon has 10 lighted tennis courts, pickle ball and a 25-meter pool that offers water aerobics, and adult masters and children’s swim teams. The club’s fitness center includes an abundance of cardio equipment and free weights.
520-749-4925 | www.fortyninercc.com
800-828-5701 | www.ventanacanyonclub.com
Forty Niner Country Club
Consider enhancing your golf game by improving your fitness at one of the outlets mentioned above or at dozens of other golf and fitness facilities located throughout Southern Arizona.
Brent DeRadd Brent DeRaad serves as the President & CEO of Visit Tucson. The organization markets, promotes and sells Tucson and southern Arizona as a leisure and meetings destination to potential visitors and meeting planners. Metro Tucson attracts more than 4 million overnight visitors who spend $2 billion annually.
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Community
by Frank Calvin
The Drive, Chip & Putt 2015 Local Qualifiers The Drive, Chip, and Putt 2015 Local Qualifiers are all wrapped up here in the Southwest Section PGA and 120 young boys and girls are now preparing for their next step to Augusta. Each participant competed in all three skills (Drive, Chip & Putt). Points were accumulated in each skill, and the ones with the highest number points are declared the Overall Champion of his or her age category. The competition is open to boys and girls ages 7-15. Boys and girls compete in separate divisions in four age categories: 7-9, 10-11, 12-13 and 14-15 years old. It’s now down to the top three in each age division whose dreams of standing on that grand stage in Augusta, GA stay alive. Where next? Grayhawk Golf Club will once again host the Drive, Chip, and Putt Sub-Regional Qualifier where the top 120 from the five local qualifiers will gather to see who will make it to the Regional Qualifier held at Torrey Pines later this year. The champions at each Regional qualifier will earn an invitation to compete against the top in their age division from across the country at the incomparable Augusta National Golf Club the Sunday before the 2016 Masters. The Southwest Section PGA hosted five local qualifiers over just four weeks in two states. More than 800 boys and girls turned out to put their best on the line and advance to the next level. Recognition goes out to all the host facilities supporting the local qualifiers for this season’s Drive, Chip, and Putt are Vistal Golf Club, Lone Tree Golf Club, Tucson Country Club, Mesa Country Club, and Reflection Bay Golf Club. They all rallied to make the 2015 Drive, Chip, and Putt Local Qualifiers an outstanding experience for each participant. Congratulations to all who participated and those who qualified for the Sub-Regional in the Drive, Chip, and Putt! For full results from the local qualifiers visit www.southwest.pga.com.
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Junior Spotlight Phoenix Valley Tommi AVANT
Riley CORONA
THIS HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE and 2014 State Champion recently won the Willie Low Invitational presented by MJ Insurance, firing a 67 on the final day to beat out top players from Arizona. Tommi Avant will be hitting the road this fall to attend Drake University and play golf for the Bulldogs. “I feel beyond excited…it is going to be a great opportunity for me to compete at the college level and I am looking forward to beginning my new life in the Midwest.” Tommi attributes his junior golf success to his father, Greg who got him into the sport early and nudged him toward JGAA and US Kids tournaments. Avant stated, “…after experiencing some early tournaments I began to get more competitive and I always had that drive to compete at the top level.”
THIS SOON TO BE GRIFFIN at the College of William & Mary is a recent graduate of Notre Dame Prep. Riley Corona’s bright smile and talented golf swing combine for an uplifting presence at JGAA events. She visited the William & Mary campus early this year and after meeting with players and coaches she realized, “…this was the perfect school for me.” Riley has been an athlete all of her life, outside of golf she also loves to swim and ski. She talked to me about how much she has enjoyed the game of golf, “it has turned out to be one of the best decisions I could have made…it has given me so much experience and introduced me to friends that I will have for life.”
This Husky turned Bulldog is hooked on golf but has his focus on a Business degree at Drake; he had this to say, “…my grades are very important to me, I make sure school comes before golf.” Outside of academics and off the golf course, Avant has a love for fishing and a wicked slap shot; Tommi is a former club hockey player but gave it up to focus solely on golf. His love for the game stems from his competitive nature and he is constantly pushing himself to improve his swing. Tommi strives for greatness on and off the course and it certainly seems to be paying off.
Zac Strohfus
One would think that sports and academics would take up most of anyone’s schedule but this young lady still makes time for her other passions; Drama Club, Show Choir, and “most importantly” her faith. “My church youth group is very special to me and the high school mission trips we go on are one of my favorite parts about summer. Also, I have been fortunate to be involved with Betsy King’s Golf FORE Africa charity, which has allowed me to appreciate the gifts I have been given.” Riley’s presence is a welcomed one and her character, one of kind; the JGAA’s loss is William & Mary’s gain.
Communications Manager | Junior Golf Association of Arizona
Originally from Denver, Colorado, Zac combines his knowledge of media with his passion for the game of golf to encourage junior golfer growth and lifelong development. After three years as a Head Golf Professional in Idaho, Zac went back to school and earned his degree from Boise State University in Media Production.
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Junior Spotlight Southern Arizona Bobby PADILLA ENTERING HIS SENIOR SEASON at Sunnyside High School, Bobby Padilla has already had a lifetime of experiences on the golf course. Bobby started playing golf at the age of two at Randolph Golf Club, a local Tucson classic. He instantly feel in love with every part of the game. “The thing I like best about golf is how it’s an individual sport and not a team sport so everything is based on your decisions and no one else. Also, I love the satisfaction you get when you hit a good shot.” Bobby most memorable moment on the course came before he even started dominating on the high school level. As a twelve year old competing in the Antigua State Championship at Antelope Hills in Prescott, Bobby was down one with three to play in the tournament. He caught fire and rolled off two birdies and a par to win the tournament easily by two strokes to claim the state championship. Bobby is looking forward to finishing his high school career and then plans to stay competitive at the college level. Even when not playing in a high pressure situation, Bobby knows he can find joy in the game. “I play golf because it’s a fun sport to play and it can take your mind off anything. It’s a sport anyone can play for the rest of their life. I’ve met a lot of friends playing this sport and I can always play it with my dad.”
Ryan Larson
Bethany VOS EARLY IN LIFE, Bethany Vos knew very little about golf. It wasn’t until 6th grade that she attended an after school program to learn about the basics of golf that she was introduced to the game. The program got her hooked on golf because everything in golf is always under her control. “What I like about golf the most is that it’s an independent sport, what you put in to the game is what you get out of it.” Bethany went on to play high school golf at Canyon Del Oro High School. Ironically, the clinic that got her started on golf was put on by CDO, the school she would go on to star for. Throughout high school she achieved great things on the course, but some of Bethany’s most memorable achievements had nothing to do with her score. “An accomplishment I have achieved with golf is overcoming my shyness. When I first started to play golf I couldn’t bring myself to talk to anyone, now I’m constantly making friends and getting to know people better on the course.” Besides all things she can accomplish, Bethany says that one of the reasons she plays golf is because of the friendships that she can make. She understands that golf can introduce her to a variety of people because she can play her whole life. Bethany plans to continue her golf career by playing for the Aztecs at Pima Community College.
Junior Golf Writer
Ryan is currently a high school senior at Ironwood Ridge High School where he played four years of varsity golf. He has been living and playing golf in Tucson for the last ten years. Ryan also does a weekly sports segment on a local Tucson radio station.
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Golf Arizona www.GoGolfArizona.com
www.GoGolfArizona.com
Golf Arizona
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Golf Arizona www.GoGolfArizona.com