Arizona Golf Central Magazine V2 I3

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from the publisher header

The Heat Is On Man, does time fly!

It seems like just yesterday we were talking about how quickly winter passed and how spring is always too short and now the heat is on. But don’t let the heat get you down. Dust off the barbeque, pull out the summer clothes and find an activity the whole family can enjoy. I know there are some challenges—the youngest members of the family may crave a theme-park getaway while the teens may just want to hang out and play video games. I say give them a more sophisticated activity like golf—it’s the answer to a sport for a lifetime.

I’m so excited about this issue I don’t even know where to begin. I’ll start by giving a shameless plug to our acclaimed photographer, Greg Dunivant, for being right there at every event to bring to our readers the best in Arizona golf–glad to have him as part of the team.

Yes, that is a picture of me and one of my dogs. His name is Mulligan. You could say the name suites him because he is a rescue that was going to be put down and he got a do over in life. I think we could all use a Mulligan once in a while. If you love pooches, please give to AZ Golf Central’s favorite rescue organization, Little Rascals Rescue at www.littlerascalsrescue.com. They are a foster based 501c3 non-profit animal rescue founded on the belief that a few caring people can make a difference in many animals lives. In Maricopa county alone, 900 animals are euthanized a week. That number is way too high and through the effort of rescue groups like this one, a positive impact is made on the lives of the many animals being euthanized daily. Stay tuned for upcoming events where you can help save an animal.

This issue has one on one interviews with Ricky Barnes and Doug Hawken from Ping as well as many great features like the cover story—the freedom to ride to the course on your Harley—how cool is that! And we take a sneak peak at the history of golf and the upcoming British Open.

Special days are here—Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Most people rely on greeting card to express their feelings for their Mom and Dad. Some will add a sentence or two under the greeting, but the majority will simply sign the card, “Love, Jane” or “Love, John”. A better idea is to tell them (don’t tweet it or post it) what they mean to you and how they have impacted your life. So, to my Moms and Dads (yes it’s plural because we are in the 21st century)—you all have been a loving presence in my life and I thank you for helping me become the man I am today. I just wish you could have helped make me be a better golfer! I ask Arizona Golf Central readers to please join me in giving a bit of extra loving care to the women and men in your life on these special days.

This glossy print magazine highlights the “sights, sounds and spirit” of golf in Arizona and abroad. We aim to connect golfers by sharing experiences about competitions, traditions, profiles, first-person accounts and thought–provoking feature stories. We work hard to give you something you will want to read over and over again. I hope you enjoy it.

If you have a great story, an ad or just need to vent, reach out to me personally. I want to hear from you– Jason@golfcentralmagazine.com.

Volume 2, Issue 3

Publisher: Jason Keesling Editor-in-Chief: Susan Keesling Photographers: Dave Schibel, Greg Dunivant Course Editor: Dave Bond Social Media Director: Whitehat Social Media Event Coordinator: Jared Keesling Women in Golf Correspondent: Jean Gunby, jean@golfcentralmagazine.com Director of Sales & Marketing: Bradley Miller, bradley@golfcentralmagazine.com

Video Production: Phoenix Brothers Productions Web Design/Network Support: Local Work Marketing &

Jen Kaufman Designs

Graphic Design: Melahn Cable, melahn@mac.com Contributing Writers: James Boykin, John Conger, Kristen Erickson, Leonard Finkel, Jerry Ford, Stephanie Knight, Annie Wechter, Dr. Bob Winters,

Magazine Printing: Sundance Graphics 9580 Delegates Drive, Orlando, Florida 32837 • 800.617.5532

Florida Office: Terrie Purdum, Publisher 1549 Warrington Court, Winter Springs, FL 32708 phone: 407.971.4336 • 407.971.4337 fax: 407.971.4306 • toll-free: 877.208.5972 info@floridagolfcentral.com

Arizona Office: Jason Keesling, Publisher 3461 East Acoma Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85032 phone: 602.387.0616 • 602.388.0987 E-mail: info@golfcentralmagazine.com or editor@golfcentralmagazine.com One year (12 issues) subscription price is $42.99 ©2012 Arizona Golf Central Magazine. No portion of this publication may be reprinted without the prior written permission of the Publisher. Editorial contributions are welcome, but Arizona Golf Central Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited proposals, manuscripts and photographs. All materials submitted not accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope will not be returned.

Mailing, electronic mailing or faxing of contributions constitutes an expressed warrant on the part of the contributor that all material is original and does not infringe on the rights of others. Arizona Golf Central Magazine retains all reprint rights and reserves the right to edit any submitted material to meet our specifications for publishing and or use in advertising or promotion. The Publisher and staff are not responsible for any loss or grievance by any person or persons whatsoever, due in any way or in part to the content of this publication. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse to accept any material deemed inappropriate or in bad taste.

Reader's Mailbag – Send Us your Thoughts editor@golfcentralmagazine.com Haiku of the Month compliments of Carol Stucker:

Summer Stillness Summer has no breeze No need to figure the wind AZ Golf's bright side Publisher's Page Sponsored by:

Get out there and play some golf today!

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Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2 Issue 3

Bogey. ”Best Round of My Life“ Trust your caddie and please drink responsibly. 40% Alc./Vol.

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Volume 2, Issue 3 Leader on the Links 8 Doug Hawken

Golf Bachelor 12 Tim Freres

Cart Girl 14 Heather Johnson

Improving Performance 16 Boccieri Golf

Golf Travel 18 Dubai

Cover Feature

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20 Milwaukee Golf Caddy

Great Getaways

26 Historic Classic Boutique

Departments

Golf and Politics 30 We Are Golf

Swing Thoughts 32 Master Minds in Augusta

Stay and Play

36 St. Andrews

Golf History 38 The Story of Seven

4 10 22 24

From the Publisher Golf Central Station Tour Profile On Your Green

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Golf Fit 42 Senior Golf

Fore Your Health 48 Balanced Meals

Living on the Links 50 Port Ludlow

golfcentralmagazine.com

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28 34 40 44 46 52 54 56 58

Desert Designs Golf Chick Special Events Duffer Dan Special Events Live Golf Aces and Eagles Champion Central Grip It & Sip It

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leader on the links

Doug Hawken PING is not only a household name in the golfing world, it is also a classic American success story. A family-owned company, it was founded in 1959 in the garage of Karsten Solheim. His frustration with putting inspired him to design a putter which made a ‘pinging’ sound when striking a golf ball. Today, PING is synonymous with innovation, quality and service in the world of golf.

AZ Golf Central Magazine spent some time with Doug Hawken, PING President and COO, to understand what is behind their success and what their plans are for the future.

PING has had much success to the start of 2012. What do you contribute that to?

We’re a product-driven company that is focused on high-quality, innovation equipment that improves performance.

While that’s easy to say, executing on that in highly competitive, economicallychallenged industry is much more difficult. Fortunately for us, our product line meets that criteria. The introduction of the G20 and i20 Series along with several advancements in putter fitting have helped us grow market share in a number of categories. Plus, our tour staff’s performance has validated our new product lines while providing significant exposure for the PING name through television. When combined with our commitment to custom fitting and custom building all of our products, we’re delivering on our promise of helping golfers play better and enjoy the game more.

PING’s community efforts have been widely

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recognized. What efforts are you most proud of?

Humility is among the brand values Karsten and Louise Solheim instilled in their company more than 50 years ago.

Quietly giving back to both the game of golf and, more importantly, to the communities where their employees live and raise their families is a high priority for us. The company is most proud of it ability to employ hundreds of workers who are able to provide for their families while contributing to their communities.

Golf equipment marketing once followed a predictable, stately path. A company would unveil a new product at a trade show, get it into the hands of some tour stars, and let their endorsements sell the item gradually over a season. With the web and mass media super charging that cycle, what marketing principles remain the same for PING, and what has changed?

The marketing of golf equipment has changed significantly over the last 20 years

with the influx of new media and strong competition but what golfers want from their equipment hasn’t fundamentally changed. Golfers still are looking to play better and enjoy the game more. For us, we’ve been able to deliver a consistent, believable message through traditional media like print and television while taking advantage of some the new media technologies. We feel the PING story – from the genius of Karsten to today’s high-tech environment fueled by super-computers and radar ball-tracking devices – is the most compelling in golf. The internet opens up a lot of opportunity to better share that story and allows us to evolve our approach to marketing.

What part does social media play in that cycle?

PING was relying on social media before there was such a thing. By that I mean we’ve always benefitted from ‘word of mouth’ marketing which is really what social media is. It’s just become more

Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

formalized and easier to scale. But once again, it goes back to product. Golfers are smart when it comes to equipment. If it works and they play better, they’ll tell their friends. If it doesn’t work, they’ll also tell their friends. That’s why it’s so important to engineer innovative product that performs.

The most powerful form of marketing is product that speaks for itself. Right now, our products are part of a lot of conversations.

Where are you seeing the fruits of these efforts?

We have a very large and loyal following of PING advocates who are passionate about our brand. They promote and defend us at every level. From social media to the driving range to the first tee, they are the best salespeople we have because they believe in our product and connect with our brand values. They tell our story every time they play a round of golf.

With new technology integrating composites in sports, how is that playing a role in PING Products?

With our roots in engineering, we’ve always looked ahead and had specific innovation strategies. Our teams of researchers, including PhDs with expertise in a several disciplines, focus their efforts on every component of a golf club – head, shaft and grip. The discovery

Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

of new materials and applications of those materials opens up tremendous opportunities to improve a golf club. We’ve invested in the people and the tools to develop those new technologies. Where that will lead is the fun part of our business.

Many golf manufactures have had to contend with counterfeits. How has PING dealt this issue?

We’ve dealt with counterfeit issues dating back to the late 1960's when PING first started making a name for itself in the golf industry. Today, PING is part of the U.S. Golf Manufacturers Anti-Counterfeiting Working Group which is aggressively dealing with the problem on a variety of fronts. Everything from raiding foundries and prosecuting the offenders to a public relations campaign educating golfers on the proliferation of counterfeit products is taking place on a regular basis. It’s a significant problem that has serious ramifications for our industry. It not only affects the profitability of our businesses, it hurts the golfer who buys an inferior product. The good news is we’ve come together as an industry in an attempt to minimize its long-term effect.

How is PING enhancing and improving the overall standards it has set with golf consumers?

As a company that was built on raising and setting standards, continuous improvement in all aspects of our business is our competitive advantage. We’ve got more than 50 years of “knowledge” that allows us to make long-term, strategic decisions that are in the best interest of our consumers. That leads to higher quality product that performs better than the previous model. Ultimately, it earns us the trust of our consumers. There is no more valuable brand attribute than trust.

How has Bubba Watson’s Masters win affected PING? We expect a significant “halo effect” from Bubba’s win for our brand. We already were having a very strong sales year and Bubba’s win will surely build on that momentum.

It’s actually too early to accurately gauge the sales impact overall for PING, but the anecdotal reports we’re hearing are extremely positive.

We’ve won other majors but none has had the impact of Bubba’s win in the short term. His tremendous talent, uniqueness and likeability make him very appealing to a wider demographic. Everyone wants to talk about Bubba. The fact that he plays a G20 driver gives us a compelling marketing opportunity as he is the longest driver on tour and he is now the Masters champion.

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header

Butch Harmon Golf Instructional DVD Set

TipTeeToe® is the world s first wedge sole designed golf shoe promoting better balance and stability when addressing and hitting the golf ball. This most talked about new golf shoe takes women from the course directly into the clubhouse or around town for dinner or drinks. The look is contemporary and stylish. TipTeeToe® is the ideal shoe that delivers unique style from the array of fun colors to the unique wedge sole design, to the variety of colorful straps and handy ball markers. Women will experience a whole new wedge with TipTeeToe®! The new TipTeeToe® Low Wedge comes in the attractive color

combinations of: white/red, black/hot pink, white/black, black/white and solid black. Each pair of shoes carries built-in ball markers and color coordinated straps. “Our shoes are USGA conforming for competition and they look great and perform well on the course,” said Micky Gallas, President of TipTeeToe.® Women will find they have better balance when wearing our wedge shoe and that will have a positive impact on their golf game. Our mission is to grow the game through innovative footwear. The TipTeeToe golf shoe is USGA conforming, retails for $125 and can be purchased online at: www.tipteetoe.com.

Golf Foreplay Most golfers would agree that there are too many golf instruction books on the market today.

But for the new learner, the guy who never picked up a 7-iron in his life, a book called Golf Foreplay could be just the ticket. This book is not intended to make anyone a better golfer.

In fact, its aim is to make new golfers savvy about the fundamentals of the game – rules, etiquette and social nuances – all important if you plan to stick with the sport. Written by avid golfer, lawyer, and popular radio show host Ken Altshuler, Golf Foreplay is a fun, user-friendly guide to all the do’s and don’ts of the sport, and it contains an abundance of golf trivia as well as great jokes to tell on the course. Golf Foreplay is a great gift item. The cost of the book is $15.95 and is available at Amazon.com and through itunes for download to ipads.

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Butch Harmon, the world renowned golf instructor to many top names on the PGA TOUR and European TOUR, has released his comprehensive golf instructional two-DVD set titled “Butch Harmon About Golf presented by Titleist.” The two-DVD set features 57 chapters containing more than 250 specific tips, totaling over four hours of instruction from the man voted #1 in Golf Digest’s annual ranking of America’s Best Teachers for the past 11 consecutive years. In addition, “Butch Harmon About Golf presented

by Titleist” features actual footage from the golf professionals who benefited from Harmon’s instruction, (alphabetically) Fred Couples, Ernie Els, Natalie Gulbis, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Greg Norman, Adam Scott, Nick Watney and Tiger Woods. “Over the past 40+ years I have been blessed to work with some of the greatest players in the game: Phil, Ernie, Greg, Tiger, Seve, Freddie, and several up and coming players, such as Adam, Nick, and Dustin, who are destined to carve their names in the golf record books,” says Harmon. “I decided to commence work on the filming of a DVD that would share a lifetime of golf knowledge with the public that would cover: the fundamentals, identifying faults and the fixes, specialty shots, short game, sand play, putting, club selection, kids, under and over 13, women, seniors and physical fitness (by the way, I do practice what I preach as I have recently lost 35 lbs.).” The DVD is directed by seven-time EMMY award-winner Terry Jastrow.

“Butch Harmon is arguably the greatest golf teacher of all-time. Every golfer in the world today can benefit from the lessons Butch teaches in this comprehensive DVD, which will set a new gold standard for golf instructionals,” said Jastrow. “Butch Harmon About Golf presented

by Titleist” DVD set is sponsored by Titleist, Winn Grips, Rolex, Golf Digest and JMA and will be available for $79.95 on-line at www.butchharmondvd.com.

Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

golf bachelor header

Tim Freres Where were you born? Did you grow up there?

I was born in Racine Wisconsin. Yes, I lived in the Racine area all my life where I graduated from The Prairie School. I grew up playing all types of sports including: soccer, basketball, baseball, hockey, and golf.

What do you do for a living (or when you aren’t playing golf)?

I work outside services at Stone Creek Golf Course, which is a public course located in Paradise Valley. When I’m not working, I enjoy having a couple drinks with friends, hiking, working out, and playing Frisbee Golf.

Do you have a favorite designer for suits, shoes, etc?

I’m a very laid back individual, so I dress for my personality with what’s comfortable. My casual dress includes jeans by Polo Ralph Lauren; shirts by J Crew, and Chuck Taylor’s or a nice loafer if I’m getting fancy. But mainly T-shirt’s and shorts.

Aside from golf, what do you prefer for fun and relaxation?

I like to hang out with friends, watch movies of all types, and enjoy watching and betting on all types of sports. Being from Wisconsin I’m an avid Packers, Brewers, and Badger’s fan.

The past couple of years I’ve developed a passion for Frisbee Golf and play as often as I can.

What’s your take on cuddling? Cuddling can be quite nice, if it’s the right girl and if you need the extra warmth at night. ;)

What was your best golf shot ever?

My best golf shot was a Hole in One on the 6th hole at Meadowbrook Country Club in Racine. A local Professional and last month’s Bachelor of the Month, Matt Anzalone, was playing in my group and was one of my witness’s. He jumped for joy after I hit the shot... and then I took his money at the end of the day.

Who would you like to have with you on a deserted island?

I would say having a beautiful woman with me would be nice, but to survive, I’d want to have MacGyver or Navy seal there.

What three people would you most like to play with in your fantasy foursome? My fantasy foursome would include

Ben Hogan, because I idolize his work ethic and his gritty competitive attitude. Two, Jack Nicklaus, because he is the greatest of all time. Third, Bill Murray to make sure we have some fun and laughs. Fourth, Tiger Woods because he’s the greatest golfer in my generation and why would you not want to play with the best.

Boxers or briefs?

I am a boxer’s man and always will be!

What is the last book you read?

The last book I read was Kitchen Confidential. It was a great story about chef, Anthony Bourdain, who is my favorite host on the Travel Channel. I enjoy reading autobiographies and biographies about real life people and the life lessons and experiences that they have gone through.

Who is your favorite comedian?

I enjoy many comedians, but my favorite of all time would have to be Dave Chappelle and his old show “The Chappelle Show”.

What is your favorite course to play?

My favorite course to play would be Whistling Strait’s in Kohler, Wisconisin. On my 16th birthday, my Dad and I played it just after they had the 2004 PGA Championship.

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Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

cart girl Where did you grow up? I’m a native Arizonan, born and raised in Tempe! Go Sun Devils!

If you could be any animal, what would it be and why?

I would definitely be a fish just because I’ve swum my whole life.

What is your favorite sport to play and to watch? I love watching swimming, and rugby, if they’re on. To play, that’s a tough one but lately my favorite sport is NPC (National Physique Committee) competitions, I do the bikini division. Rugby and swimming are up there as well.

Do you enjoy playing golf and are there any golfers in your family?

My brother has been teaching me to golf, and we have a good time out there. My dad and brother love to golf.

What do you feel makes this club special? The staff at The Legacy is very sweet and courteous, really just above and beyond. We make sure our guests are having a great time always.

What is your favorite part and least favorite part of being a cart girl? My favorite part is that I get to interact with guests all

day long and have some pretty good conversations out on the course. My least favorite part is the lop-sided tan we all get during the summer from sitting on one side of the cart…it sounds weird, but it happens.

What is your most memorable moment working as a cart girl? I lost my voice once right in the middle of working a tournament, but all of the golfers and I just had a laugh about it.

r e h t He a s on Joh n

Photos by Greg Dunivant

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on the golf course?

The funniest thing I saw was when a hang glider lost lift while in the air and he had no choice but to land on the sixth hole.

If you weren’t a cart girl what would you be doing? If I weren’t a cart girl, I would probably give more swim lessons and coach again, and focus on my studies more than I already do.

What hobbies do you enjoy? I love, love, love to belly dance! Love it! I also enjoy making costumes and working out, among other things.

Do you have a favorite comedian?

I actually don’t have a favorite comedian but I find Chelsea Handler funny.

What is your idea of a perfect date?

I enjoy the outdoors so I think something like going on a hike and having lunch is a perfect date.

What is your favorite charity to support? My favorite charity event is Tri ForThe Cure, in which you do a triathlon that benefits breast cancer research.

What else would you like us to know about you? I’m majoring in

Broadcast Journalism and History at ASU and am so excited to see where my majors will take me in the near future.

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Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

Thirsty? Hungry?

Order straight from your phone!

The NEW App for Food & Beverage On-Course Ordering!

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View course menu and pro-shop items along with price and availability.

Score card informs clubhouse of your location.

Place your order with touch of a button.

8/10/11 4:41 PM

improving performance

By Jason Keesling

A Toy Store For Golf A longtime mechanical engineer

for one of the world’s largest petrochemical and nuclear companies, Stephen Boccieri, turned his childhood passion and near-scratch skills playing golf into solid business. In 1994, he founded Engineered Golf, which offered R&D services to the golf industry. Steve was one of the first engineers to modernly analyze the nuances between different golf-club shafts by profiling and dynamic load testing. Then, for more than three years, he combined his scientific aptitude and spirit to innovate with golfers’ biomechanics (human motion) - and the concept and patented technology behind the Heavy Putter was perfected. Admittedly, the task was somewhat self-serving as Steve, a one handicap, was looking for answers to improve his own game.

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In 2003, work began on the production prototype. Various weight combinations, styles, shaft configurations, and head designs were tested, re-tested and tested again. In late 2004, Boccieri had finished the development of the first Heavy Putters ready for tour use.

These putters were made by hand in Steve’s “lab”, and he personally brought them out on tour to get direct feedback from the players. The reaction was better and bigger than anything Steve could have hoped for.

Boccieri’s putter experiments started by adding mass to the head. This was successful up to a point, but too much weight started to exacerbate the amount of wrist release throughout the stroke. He found that the only way he could increase the head mass enough to engage the large muscles was to add a counter-weight to the

grip end of the shaft. In doing so, he raised the balance point 75% higher than conventional putters.

This counter weight became known as the Back Weighting System. What the Back Weighting System did was manage the increased weight in the head by using balance... a simple but necessary innovation. A by-product of the higher balance point was it brought much of the weight of the putter closer to the player’s core center of gravity promoting more stability during the stroke. The combination of the increased head mass and the Back Weighting System gave the putter enough total weight to engage the larger muscle groups and disengage the small wrist and hand muscles. This led to a consistent, repetitive, pendulum stroke.

The Heavy Putter came to market in January 2005 with the success of over 100 thousand putters sold and fourteen PGA wins. Stephen than launched the Heavy Wedges to maximize the golfer’s short game. In 2010 the Control Series Swing clubs were launched

Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

emphasizing the mantra that is all about control, consistency and distance.

Boccieri’s mission is to make better golfers with his equipment. He is even more passionate about his mission today than eight years ago, as he continues to develop new innovate product.

Recently, Boccieri Golf moved its corporate headquarters from Ridgefield, CT to Scottsdale, AZ where the Boccieri Golf Research and Performance Center was unveiled. This Center is where Boccieri can be seen working in his shop creating better product and ultimately better golfers. Coinciding with significant growth in demand for the entire portfolio of innovative Boccieri Golf products, the new 9,000 square-foot facility is located at 15816 N. Greenway-Hayden Loop. It will enhance customer interaction, specifically through company’s proprietary performance golf club & putter fitting programs.

“We really feel like we’ve got our finger on the pulse of the industry in this vibrant golf community, which will continue to inspire us to produce pioneering golf clubs and accessories that make better golfers,” says Boccieri.

“This is an incredible metamorphosis for a company that started in my basement and has grown into a true

Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

force due to some real persistence coupled with a revolutionary approach.”

The professional staff at Boccieri Golf will guide you through various club & putter fitting services, each designed to help you improve your game by finding the perfect fit for your putter, driver, or any one of the clubs in the Boccieri Golf lineup. Using their proprietary club fitting programs combined with state

of the art technology and tools, the staff will analyze every detail of your swing to ensure that you improve every aspect of your game. They also offer various services such as golf lessons, iron/wood reshafting or even putter engraving to add that personal touch.

For more information, please visit www.boccierigolf.com or call 888-788-8374.

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golfheader travel

Dreaming of Dubai Creek Par 3 at Night Image Courtesy Dubai Golf

There is so much to see and do in this great, big world of ours. The natural wonders, the history and the culture are enough to take you to the far ends of any continent. But when you think about visiting Dubai, you probably don’t plan on indulging in the history or the natural wonders. And the culture might stir up feelings of uncertainty. Thanks to Hollywood and some great PR coming out of the Emirates, travelers want to visit Dubai because it is truly a city of excesses, with the largest, biggest, tallest and most spectacular of everything.

Dubai is one of the seven emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates. This fast-growing and forward-looking society is tolerant to the beliefs and needs of its diverse and highly sophisticated community. Of its population of nearly 1.5 million, 80% are expatriates who represent some 200 nationalities.

Geographically and politically speaking, Dubai is a sovereign state known as the emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A city within the emirate is also named Dubai. The emirate is located south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula and has the largest population with the second-largest land territory by area of all the emirates, after Abu Dhabi. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the only two emirates to have veto power over critical matters of national importance in the country’s legislature. Dubai City is located on the emirate’s northern coastline.

The earliest mention of Dubai is in 1095. Fast forward to 1966 when oil 18

was discovered--Dubai and the emirate of Qatar set up a new monetary unit to replace the Gulf Rupee. And today, Dubai City has emerged as a global city and a business hub. Although Dubai’s economy was built on the oil industry, the emirate’s model of business drives its economy, so that its main revenues are now from tourism, real estate, and financial services, similar to Western countries.

Dubai has attracted world attention through many innovative large construction projects and sports events. Home to some of the world’s most iconic offerings, including Burj Al Arab, the World and the Palm Islands and Burj Khalifa, the city offers an array of attractions to excite even

shimmering skyscrapers after skyscrapers are rapidly ascending into the brilliant blue sky, the emirate’s golfing profile has also grown dramatically. And with year-round sunshine, world-class courses, unbeatable club facilities and frequent visits by the world’s top professionals, it’s no wonder why golf has exploded onto the scene.

1983 seems like yesterday, so it is incredible to think that it wasn’t really until the early 1980s that golf was promoted to a wider audience in the UAE. In a little over 22 years, the region now boasts some of the best golf courses in the world. Of course the locals would be quick to correct that golf was being played in the UAE way back in the 1950s--when the Royal Air Force Course in Sharjah was founded. In 1971 the Dubai Country Club officially opened, with a nine-hole sand golf course.

Over the next two decades Dubai expanded beyond recognition, as did its potential as a prime golfing destination. In 1983 the first PGA professionals arrived and then in 1988, the eyes of the world’s golfing media were turned on Dubai, with the opening of the incredible Emirates Golf Club.

Since creating the Middle East’s first grass course in 1989, Dubai has seen miles of desert transformed into lush fairways and perfectly Montgomerie Dubai manicured greens. The official ‘Dubai Golf’ is the government the most seasoned traveler. From dhows program setup to, organize, monitor, and sailing majestically along Dubai Creek control the promotion of Dubai golf. Its to high-end shopping, luxury hotels and primary aim is to attract professional futuristic skyscrapers, Dubai is an ultraand amateur golfers to its various golf modern metropolis with a larger-than-life resorts and golf courses in Dubai. They reputation. have a specific golf tourism agenda that Much like the landscape of Dubai where not only targets professionals but beginArizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

ners as well. This balance is important for the growth of golfing and tourism within Dubai.

Dubai has become one of the prominent tourist and has earned an international reputation as a top-class destination for leisure, entertainment, and shopping.

And, of course, it is a paradise for golfers.

Although The Montgomerie, Dubai has evolved into one of the Middle East’s most luxurious and desirable golfing destinations in recent times, the key to its success has always remained contingent upon the quality of the golf course that would become the focal point for one of Dubai’s most exclusive residential communities, Emirates Golf Club Par 3 Image Courtesy Dubai Golf

Emirates Hills. The Montgomerie, Dubai’s championship golf course was designed

by Colin Montgomerie in association with Desmond Muirhead. The course covers 265 acres which consist of 123 acres of turf, 49 acres of man-made lakes (a total of 14 lakes), 93 acres of landscaped gardens and is scattered with 81 large bunkers.

The Montgomerie Championship Course combines the great traditions of Scottish links golf within a stunning Arabian environment. For more information, please visit www.themontgomerie.com.

Emirates Golf Club, host of the European Tour sanctioned Omega Dubai Desert Classic and Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, was the first all grass championship golf course in the Middle East when it opened in 1988.

Taking pride in its 36 holes of world-class golf, the club sports two of the city’s finest must-play courses, the Majlis and the Faldo Course, which is also the only 18 hole course in the region to offer night golf. The Majlis Course has been presented with numerous accolades over its 22 year history, the most recent of which were its 2010 ranking by Golf World magazine as one of the ‘Top 100 Golf Courses in the World’ and its award for ‘Best Course Middle East’ in the Asian Golf Monthly Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

Awards 2010. For more information and booking, please visit www.dubaigolf.com.

Dominating Dubai’s enchanting waterfront, the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club overlooks the Creek and Marina.

Opened in January 1993 to world acclaim, it Al Badai has since been host to numerous tournaments and events, including the Dubai Desert Classic on two occasions. The course record of 63 is jointly held by Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke. Well-groomed fairways lined with date palms and coconut trees, attractive water hazards and shrubbery lends a tropical air to the Club’s 18-hole, par-71 championship. The landmark clubhouse is designed to resemble the sails of a traditional Arab dhow (boat). For more information and booking, please visit www.dubaigolf.com.

Capturing the character and beauty of Arabia, the 18-hole, par-72 Al Badia Golf Resort was designed on an oasis theme by internationally renowned golf architect Robert Trent Jones II. Water moves throughout the course. The layout incorporates eleven lakes, several smaller ponds, streams and numerous cascading waterfalls. Strategically, water is used for lateral hazards as well as carry hazards on twelve of the holes. The “rivers of sand” concept adds another layer of texture to the design – providing a visual extension of the lakes and streams. Providing a challenging round for the seasoned golfer, Al Badia is also welcoming for the recreational player.

For more information and booking, please visit www.albadaigolfclub.ae.

Other courses to consider: Dubai Country Club 27 holes: Al Awir Course: 6,477 yards, par71. Opened in 1971. 9-hole Creek Course shorter for beginners and juniors. Note: Entire course is sand. Golfers are given a piece of artificial turf to carry with them and hit their shots from. Greens are soaked in oil and brushed for smooth, fast putting.

Visit www.dubaicountryclub.ae.

Nad Al Sheeba Club 18 holes: 6,503 yards, par-71. Opened: Front nine: 1993; back nine, 1996. Completely floodlit for night play. Links-style course has double green and crossing fairways.

Note: Inward half plays inside the oval of the Nad Al Sheeba Race Course, home to the Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horse race.

Visit www.nadalshebaclub.com.

Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa 9 holes, 3,299 yards, par-36. Four sets of tees allow for varying lengths on second loop. Played alongside the marina. A saltwater lake comes into play on five holes. Note: Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Darren Clarke, and others have played in challenge matches at Jebel Ali as par of the Dubai Desert Classic.

Visit www.jebelali-international.com.

Arabian Ranches Golf Course 18 holes: 7,698 yards, par-72. Opened in 2004. Architects: Jack Nicklaus with Ian Baker Finch. Note: No water hazards just desert sand bunkers.

Visit www.arabianranchesgolfdubai.com.

19

feature

The Best of Both Worlds:

Take Your Clubs to the Golf Course…On Your Bike!

What do golf and motorcycling have in common? They are both big boy toys. But they also share a long history together. In 1963, three-wheel Harley Davidson golf carts were introduced, with a four wheeled version following shortly there-after. These carts could be seen all over golf courses throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s. Harley-Davidson is as American as apple pie and golf is easily one of America’s great pastimes. Both passions have come together again with the Milwaukee Golf Caddy that mounts easily to 20

any Harley bagger motorcycle.

Life doesn’t get much better than a day on the greens or a long winding road with the wind in your face.

Imagine the pure pleasure of being able to do both! The Milwaukee Golf Caddy combines two of the most enjoyable leisure activities on earth.

You love to ride and you love to golf, but until now there was no way to get your clubs to the course on your bike.

Either you didn’t ride, or you had to ask someone else to carry your bags for you. Now you can ride to the golf course in style, with your golf bag

securely attached. It is a sleek and sturdy golf bag rack that installs on your Harley Davidson bagger or dresser and allows you to carry any size golf bag on your bike. You no longer have to choose between a motorcycle ride and a round of golf--you can do both.

The patented Milwaukee Golf Caddy installs in less than a minute using the quick release hardware already on your Harley without modifications or tools. Simply remove the saddlebag and set the rack in its place, anchoring it with the Dzus fasteners already on the bike. Two small Velcro strips Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

No Tools No Brackets No Modifications To Your Harley Installs/Uninstalls In Under a Minute Weighs Less Than Stock Saddle Bag Holds Any Size Golf Bag Designed To Minimize Air Drag No Effect On Handling Tested At Speeds Up To 95 MPH Made In The USA secure the rack to the luggage support bar to eliminate vibration. The 2.5 pound caddy is hand crafted in the USA using 6061-T6 aluminum, the same material used in aircraft and the space shuttle. Set your golf bag in the rack and secure it with the included quick pull straps and off you go. The unique design makes it a snap to switch back and forth from the saddlebag to the golf rack, anytime.

Glenn Castro, the inventor, has spent the majority of his life on a Harley.

He’s a man that enjoys the open road, a good cigar and a reason to play golf.

In fact, after taking up golf, he realized something was missing. Castro researched what was available on the market in the way of golf bag carriers and decided he could create his own golf caddy. Today’s patented model has been designed to securely hold any size golf bag, from a small walking bag to a large touring bag. Tested at speeds up to 95 mph, the caddy slips through the wind without any effect on handling, and you can still have a passenger enjoy the ride with you.

The Milwaukee Golf Caddy is available in three models, one for baggers, one for touring bikes that have the saddlebag side rails and one for newer touring bikes without the side rails. Each one comes with Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

the rack, 2 bag straps and 2 Velcro pull strips. The Caddy is available in powder coated black, polished or you can special order any color.

Imagine being able to switch from stock saddlebag to golf caddy in less than a minute. Now you can easily get clubs to the course on your bike.

When you’re done, the saddlebags go

back on again in less than a minute.

Harley-Davidson owners take pride in their motorcycles, just as a golfer does in his clubs. Now, with the Milwaukee Golf Caddy, you can ride your bike to the links and enjoy the ride to the golf course as much as the round itself.

For more information, please visit www.milwaukeegolfcaddy.com..

1969 Harley Davidson Golf Cart

21

tour profile

tion, please visit www.rickybarnesgolf. com/ricky-barnes-foundation.com.

Arizona Golf Central Magazine wanted to learn a bit more about the man behind the golf glove, so we asked him the following questions.

Do you have your own charity or is there a charity close to your heart? Yes, this year I started my own foundation–Ricky Barnes Foundation.

What was the greatest moment in your career so far? So far, the

Ricky Barnes – Mr. All American

best things in golf have been winning the US Amateur in 2002 and being in the final group in the 2009 US Open and finishing 2nd.

Why Wilson Golf as your club manufacturer of choice? Wilson clubs are back on the map, and I love the feel and look of them. I have been with them for 4 years and have loved the product and where we are going with it.

What is your most treasured item besides your family? I would say the most treasured items besides my family would be my golf clubs and my friends. I deal with family, friends, and golf 99 percent of every year.

Ricky Barnes grew up in Stockton, California and played collegiate golf at the University of Arizona. His Dad Bruce played football for the New England Patriots and his brother Andy was also a standout collegiate golfer at the University of Arizona. Ricky’s great amateur career included the following highlights: Four time AllAmerican honors at the University of Arizona, US Amateur Champion in 2002 and winner of the prestigious Ben Hogan Award given annually to the nation’s top collegiate golfer.

After his impressive US Amateur victory, Ricky captured low amateur honors at the 2003 Masters finishing 21st and outscoring his playing partner Tiger Woods in the first round by 7 shots. Ricky turned pro in 2004 and enjoyed great success on the Nationwide Tour setting a Tour record of 23 consecutive cuts made. Ricky finished 25th on the Nationwide Tour Money List in 2008 earning his PGA Tour card.

Ricky’s rookie season on the PGA Tour included a standout performance at the 2009 US Open at Bethpage Black where he finished tied for second.

His best finish on the PGA TOUR in 2012 is 3rd at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and cur22

What’s your favorite football team? San Diego Chargers!!!!!!

What’s the top song in your iPod right now? Jockin Jay Z (Jay Z) Do you ever play volleyball with your wife? I do play a little volleyball with her, but only about twice a year—and I usually lose.

Do you have a favorite course here in the valley? It’s probably between Whisper Rock and Phoenix Country Club.

rently he ranks 69th in Money Leaders on the PGA TOUR. In February of this year, Barnes launched the Ricky Barnes Foundation. “Our mission is to promote the physical and mental well-being of children. They will be encouraged to develop an active lifestyle and make healthy choices to boost self-esteem and confidence.” The first charity Pro-Am is scheduled for October 8 at the Stockton Golf and Country Club.

For more information on the founda-

What was your favorite TV Show growing up? Saved By The Bell Who are some of the celebrities you are/were star stuck by? I was pretty struck by meeting Jay Z and Michael Jordan.

Who was your mentor growing up? Definitely my dad and brother.

Do you have favorite quote that you like or live by? From Jimmy V— Don’t Give Up, Don’t Ever Give Up!!

Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

SUNGLASSES THAT DO MORE

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By Jason Trujillo

on your green

Principal National and Principal Life Financial Representative, Princor Registered Representative

How To Set Your Financial Priorities During our lives, we move through the financial lifecycle. We begin by saving for a house, then focusing on our children’s college education, and later, we’re looking toward retirement. To help set your financial priorities, consider the following life stages.

Early years (25-40) At this stage, it’s best to focus on growth-oriented products since many of your goals are several years away. To create a balance, life insurance can offer safety and stability in addition to death protection.

• • • • •

Work on your savings through good financial habits.

Consider taking risks with your investments for the chance to outpace inflation.

Have adequate life and long-term disability income insurance, and be sure your policies cover your needs.

Beware of credit card debt, car loans, lease payments, and mortgage debt.

Set up an estate plan shortly after marriage and update it when you have children. It’s important to have a will, a living will and a durable power of attorney.

Building years (40-50) A rising income is helping you achieve your goals during this stage in your life. However, expenses such as your children’s college education may reduce your current spendable income. The need for growth is still essential since retirement is nearing, yet impending goals may warrant a shift toward more conservative products.

• • •

Size up your retirement needs to project your annual retirement income and expenses.

Be more conservative and avoid making high-risk investments.

Weigh your financial needs against those of your children. Don’t let your children’s college costs interrupt your retirement savings plan.

Refining years (50-60) Your peak earnings combined with reduced financial responsibility for your children can make this stage financially rewarding. Accumulating assets for retirement is more important than ever.

• • •

Consider a shift toward more conservative growth opportunities including inflation protection.

Take a look at your estate plan. Your estate may have grown to the point that you can benefit from advanced estate planning techniques, such as marital status and life insurance trusts.

Determine your desired retirement lifestyle and plan accordingly.

Rewarding years (60 and over) To maintain your lifestyle during retirement, you’ll likely need extra income to supplement Social Security benefits and pension payments. The majority of your savings and investment program should focus on producing income and protecting your investments against inflation.

It’s never too late to begin prioritizing The first step to help determine your future financial needs is to participate in a needs analysis session.

Jason Trujillo is a Financial Representative of Principal National Life Insurance Company and Principal Life Insurance Company and a Registered Representative of Princor Financial Services Corporation. Securities offered through Princor Financial Services Corporation, 800/247-1737, member SIPC. Principal National (except in New York) and Principal Life are issuing insurance companies of the Principal Financial Group. Principal National, Principal Life and Princor® are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392. Pat can be reached at 602.734.1166 or Trujillo.jason@principal.com.

24

Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

ABOVE THE REST

Realizing Golfers’ Dreams ExpEriEncE a highEr lEvEl OF gOlF prOductS www.nipponshaft.com

Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

25

great getaways

Historic Classic Boutique

26

photos are courtesy of the City of Prescott Office of Tourism

Surrounded by mountains and lakes,

and comfortably mild year-round thanks to its mile-high elevation, the town of Prescott, Arizona, naturally draws outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. The oasis-like town itself is threaded with trails that connect to the surrounding national forest, and three lakes for fishing and boating are within the city limits.

Favorite destinations nearby include Granite Mountain, Mingus Mountain, and Thumb Butte for vertical challenges by foot, bicycle, snowshoe or carabiner. For families, picnicking, barbecues, boulder-scrambling, volleyball, and horseshoes are popular at the Granite Dells, an area of boulders and rock formations that contains two popular lakes, Watson and Willow. Summer camping offers relief in the cool ponderosa pine forest at Granite Basin and Lynx Lakes in the Granite Mountain Wilderness area.

The Bradshaw Mountains and Prescott National Forest offer hundreds of miles of recreational trails for hiking and mountain biking, in environments ranging from slick rock to granite boulders to alpine forest. Horse camps dot the area, and wildlife enthusiasts will find evidence of elk, deer, wild boar, and many smaller forest denizens, including songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors. The area is popular with birdwatchers.

Mild winters, cool summer nights, and sunshine more than 300 days a year make Prescott a haven for golfers. Five 18-hole public courses (plus three private) offer varying degrees of challenge, and are affordably priced besides.

Rated one of America’s Best Adventure Towns by National Geographic, Prescott hosts two legendary contests that attract thousands of competitors: the Whiskey Row Marathon (one of the nation’s toughest) and the three-day endurance event known as Whiskey Off-Road Bike Races, a strong draw for athletes who want to test themselves against the high elevation and rugged natural terrain. Small wonder that Prescott was ranked the third “skinniest city” in America by the AARP! The Hassayampa Inn anchors the historic district of Prescott, Arizona, just steps from the legendary Yavapai County Courthouse. Countless vintage postcards show the Inn on one side and the legendary Elks Theater on the other, looking west on Gurley Street toward Thumb Butte. Arriving at the Hassayampa Inn on Gurley Street, visitors are immediately struck by the charm of downtown Prescott and the bustling vitality of the square and shops around Whiskey Row. Since 1927, when writers and artists were drawn to the stunning landscapes of the American Southwest, the Hassayampa Inn has been the “Grand Jewel of Prescott,” a fashionable resort for the well-heeled.

Georgia O’Keefe stayed here. So did D.H. Lawrence, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, Tom Mix, and Will Rogers. Discriminating guests of today continue to feel right at home at the historic Hassayampa Inn near Courthouse Square. Modern amenities combined with a long tradition of friendly service make the Inn an ideal base from which to explore all that Prescott has to offer, like its Wild West legacy, and vibrant culture of music, art, hiking, biking, fishing, and golf.

For more information, please visit www.hassayampainn.com or call 928-778-9434 (800-322-1927).

Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

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desert designs

World Famous Design In Our Own Backyard Brian Curley and Lee Schmidt met in 1984. While working with Landmark Land Company, both collaborated with Pete Dye developing world class communities. Fast forward a decade and in 1997 Schmidt-Curley Design is created as a full-service, international golf course architecture and masterplanning firm. And now, some 30 years later, the tandem team is leading fullystaffed offices in the USA (Scottsdale, Arizona) and China (Haikou, Hainan Island and Kunming) and has been named GOLF Magazine’s “Architect of the Year” and ����������������� Asian Golf Monthly’s “Best Golf Course Architects.”

With some 60 years of combined experience, Schmidt-Curley has designed more than 150 layouts in 25 countries. High-profile credits include 10 of the 12 courses at storied Mission Hills Shenzhen – the “World’s Largest Golf Club” – and all 10 at Mission Hills’ new Hainan Island resort. Mission Hills Hainan’s Lava Fields Course is the only Chinese design ranked among Golf World’s “Top 100,” and was named GOLF Magazine’s “Best New International Course” of 2011.

Other award-winning results include Mission Hills Hainan’s Blackstone Course; Thailand’s Siam C.C. and Amata Spring G.C.; Southern Dunes G.C. (Arizona, USA); The Wilderness Club (Montana, USA) and French Lick Resort’s Donald Ross Course (Indiana, USA).

The recently unveiled 54-hole Stone Forest International C.C. near Kunming is also garnering global acclaim. ����������������������������� Schmidt-Curley has worked extensively with golf’s biggest names

– including Pete Dye, Nick Faldo, Jack Nicklaus and Fred Couples on numerous noteworthy projects – and boasts five ASGCA members (Schmidt, Curley, Grant Haserot, Andy Raugust and Shane Witcombe).

Producing demanding yet beautiful and enjoyable courses, Schmidt-Curley strives to create golf experiences that stir the senses and elevate golfers’ appreciations for the land and the game.

By balancing classic golf course architecture with ever-changing contemporary technology, Schmidt-Curley places an emphasis on site-adaptive courses, memorable and satisfying for all levels of play and always designed for cost-efficient maintenance and operations.

Brian Curley and Lee Schmidt

Marriott's Desert Ridge Inn

Southern Dunes Hole #16

For more information on this design team, please visit www.schmidt-curley.com. To play one of their courses here in Arizona, please choose from the courses below: Canoa Ranch Golf Club in Green Valley www.canoaranchgolfcourse.com Festival Ranch in Buckeye www.coppercanyongolfclub.com Marriotts Desert Ridge in Scottsdale www.wildfiregolf.com Southern Dunes Golf Club in Phoenix www.golfsoutherndunes.com

28

Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

LONG SOFT O F F THE TEE

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golf & politics

WE ARE GOLF

30

photo by: Podesta Group

• Golf is a $76 billion industry, larger than the motion picture, video and recording industries.

• The game supports nearly 2 million jobs across the nation.

• It fuels business activity as varied as manufacturing, real estate, travel and publishing.

photo by: Podesta Group

of the golf industry is vital to thousands of communities across the country and instrumental in enhancing the lives of millions of Americans.

At the recent National Golf Day in Washington DC, WE ARE GOLF continued their attempt at leveling the playing field for the thousands of small businesses that make up the industry and depend on the sport for their success.

Daryl and Derek Crawford, identical twins from Phoenix, attended this year’s National Golf Day event. The Crawford brothers have each spent over 30 years serving the Phoenix golf community. Currently, Daryl is the Director of Golf at ASU Karsten Golf Course and Derek is the General Manager at Raven Golf Club. After their visit to the Capital, Arizona Golf Central Magazine asked them a few questions: Why is golf more than a game to you? Golf is a game, and remains one that we enjoy playing and competing at (especially against one another). But over time, it has become our livelihood.

We are golf! It has opened doors and provided opportunities for growth. It has guided us in life through the lessons it teaches. The “teammates” and people we have met that have become great friends through the companies where we have worked, the travel, the tour, the events… all through golf. We have so much to be thankful for, all because of this game.

Why do you think the game of golf is having trouble shedding the elitist image?

I think it’s what we see on television… the tours and its players are extremely recognizable as it relates to the millions of dollars available to them each week... including the millions given to charity.

Photo by: Stan Badz/PGA Tour

According to

WE ARE GOLF, golf is more than just a game. Led by the Club Managers Association of America, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, the National Golf Course Owners Association, and The PGA of America, WE ARE GOLF is a coalition formed to tell the true story of golf. Not just the game, but the stories of the hardworking men and women who make it the greatest sport in the world and whose Golf industry photo livelihoods depend on it. It is Steve Mona, CEO of World Golf Foundation, and Joe Steranka, these accounts that affirm the CEO of PGA of America (photo by: Podesta Group) continued health and growth

• Of the nation’s 16,000 golf courses, more than 10,000 are open to the public, and these account for about 70 percent of the rounds of golf played each year.

your involvement? Our inclusion in National Golf Day was incredible, Crawford brothers and very eye-opening. Just being in Washington and seeing some of the The best courses, many private, are not historical sites (including being in them) available to everyone… the game still isn’t was so cool! From Tim Finchem of the inclusive enough. The First Tee program PGA Tour to Joe Steranka, CEO of the PGA has done incredible work in exposing all of America to the USGA and World Golf people to the game, especially those of Foundation participants, the Golf Course color. Locally, Bill Dickey and his ScholarOwners and Golf Course Superintendents ship Fund have assisted many golfers find associations, to the equipment manufactheir way to college. Golf needs more of turers that serve the industry, and those these individuals to be exposed to the that manage the individual golf courses golfing audience. Hopefully the National like my brother and I, there was a very Golf Day and WE ARE GOLF symposium focused message… WE ARE GOLF! The will continue to help dispel this image. golf business is made up of thousands of Are there any specific issues you are small businesses, just like any you would trying to publicize (health, etc.)? Certainfind in your hometown on any corner. ly the health aspect, but also the family They have a product to sell, and just like aspect… golf encourages junior developany other small business, they have to ment and interaction with other family manage their staff and expenses to make members… a father, a mother, a brother. a profit.

The game provides so many life lessons.

For more information on National Describe your recent trip to DC. How Golf Day and WE ARE GOLF, please visit do you think it went and what changes www.wearegolf.org. do you hope to see possible coming from

Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

10 MILLION REASONS TO SUPPORT THE FIRST TEE

The First Tee is having an impact on millions of young people one at a time, shaping their lives by helping them learn values like responsibility, respect and perseverance through the game of golf. At The First Tee, young people learn these core values, life skills and more that will help them succeed in school and beyond.

Help The First Tee reach 10 million more young people by donating today.

Visit www.thefirsttee.org/campaign.

swing thoughts

Master Minds In Augusta The Masters

has just wrapped up and Bubba Watson outlasts Louis Oosthuizen in the second playoff hole to win the coveted green jacket. The year’s first major was filled with excitement, pressure moments and brilliant play. It’s always great to see how the world’s most dominant players respond to the mental obstacles thrown their way. Bubba, a fiery, passionate player fights with maintaining control as he often walks a fine line of passion and implosion. Louis, a more tame, emotionally balanced golfer often displays a more calm and positive demeanor as he navigates through his rounds.

Although each player’s approach is very different both personalities have proven to yield great success.

In addition to Bubba and Louis battling down the stretch, we were also able to witness the greatness of others in the field such as Phil Mickelson, Lee Westwood and Matt Kuchar.

Again,different personalities that produced great performances. One of the reasons this sport is so spectacular is there is more than one way to go about your business and come out on top.

One of the aspects of golf that I focus on with my players is getting them to be great at understanding themselves.

At a certain point in a golfer’s career it will be more about getting better at the game of “self” than the actual game of golf. I have seen many Professional and Division I golfers beat themselves up after playing a subpar round or tournament. It’s even more frustrating for them to have a bad performance even though they know they can hit all the shots they need to win.

The concept of understanding self is vital to success during any competitive round. You must understand what your natural personality is and how to incorporate that into competition. I’ll have guys that are free spirited and happy-go-lucky people when off the course, but as soon as a scorecard is 32

put in hand they turn into this golfer filled with rage and fire.

This disconnect usually happens because a golfer’s definition of a winning demeanor during competition does not match their natural personality. Rory McIlroy spoke about how he went through this exact problem last year at the Masters when he faltered going down the stretch. He went and watched a video of his back nine to see if he could notice any difference that led to his disastrous finish. What he found was himself looking down at the ground quite often in an effort to internalize his focus and block out everything around him. This is not McIlroy’s personality.

Rory openly stated he often studied Tiger Woods and how Tiger handled himself in pressure moments during major events. He noticed how Tiger would internalize his focus and block out everything else around him throughout the majority of his round.

This approach is what works for Tiger but was detrimental to McIlroy.

Rory is naturally more engaged with the crowd and aware of his surrounding environment while competing.

His competitive personality is actually much closer to Mickelson and how he feeds off the crowd’s enthusiasm than that of Tiger’s. We’ve all seen Phil do the head nod and tip of the visor 12 times in a row as he walks up on the green after hitting an amazing approach shot. This type of interaction is something that Phil is comfortable with and ultimately helps him handle the pressures of competition.

The key is to find out what works for you. Here are some tips to help with learning “self” to help be better prepared to handle competition.

First and foremost, it is important to understand that pressure is relative.

We all most likely will never have a 10 footer on the 18th green at Augusta to win the Masters, but we will easily have

By James Boykin, M.S.

competitive moments that gets the heart rate racing. Whether it’s a club championship or friendly wager with some friends, you have to understand your natural personality that will give you the best chance at success.

If you are outgoing and talkative, then be that person on the course. Act out the characteristics of that person.

Interact with others. Tell stories and have fun, especially during moments when the pressure of your round tries to take over. On the other hand, if you are naturally more introverted and like a narrowed focus then make sure you approach your rounds in this manner.

Next you want to define what it means to be a competitor by your personality traits. If you are a naturally intense competitor then make sure that is a focal point of your execution when on the course. Make a list of what these traits are and look like. This will give you concrete items to execute as you establish your personality blue print for success. This will give you the best chance to be relaxed in those heightened moments. It’s a disservice to yourself to go out there and try to be something you’re not.

Get better at the game of you. Understand what pushes your buttons and cause frustration levels to skyrocket.

Learn how high pressure moments affect you mentally. Does the adversity you face cause you to try too hard and be someone you’re not? This change could easily cause more tension ultimately leading to bad results. Find your inner Bubba Watson, Louis Oosthuizen or Phil Mickelson that best fits you and hone this skill until you reach your Master mind of your own.

James Boykin, M.S. is a talented Mental Skills Trainer who works with golfers at all levels. He is also the President of Mental Apex located in Southern California. Feel free to visit his website at www.mentalapex.com to learn more about the mental game or if you have questions about personalized training.

You may email: james@mentalapex. com or call at 323.393.0551 for any consultation questions you may have.

Also follow on Twitter @mentalapex to receive mental tips and sports psychology information.

Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

GOLF AZ Radio More Hours, More Guests, More fun!!!!

www.golfazradio.com “Shot Dog” Danny Schott

“Uncle Buck” Mike Rafferty

“The Pohlcat” Dan Pohl PGA Touring Pro

Golf Resort, Golf Course and Golf Club Review and Commentary Along with Commentary on Current Golf News

MONDAY - FRIDAY 11am - 1pm LISTEN LIVE!

am1260

By Golf Chick

golf chick

Dad's Little Instruction Book on Life (AKA Golf) As I have been chatting with women in golf as of late, I have found that Dads are full of it….wisdom that is. I also realized they all encouraged their daughters to get out there and play life’s hardest sport. These women shared some of the other wonderful pieces of advice they learned from their fathers. The following are 10 Life Instructions from Dads. Best of all, these little “instructions” can be learned on the golf course. Thanks, Dad! If it were easy, everybody would do it. Think about it. A hundred and forty-four people play in the tournament, and a hundred and forty-three of them are not going to win. Ouch. The game chews you up, spits you out, and tramples all over you. There are only a few who can get back up over and over again after being pummeled by that little white ball. It’s those “Weebley” people who continually get knocked down and pop back up who are the winners.

Watch a sunrise at least once a year.

What idiot gets up at the crack of 0’dark thirty and tees it up? A golfer does.

And they get the beauty of seeing every beautiful sunrise. Who’s the idiot now?

Treat everyone you meet as you want to be treated. Have you ever realized that the etiquette golfers show to one another on the course is one of the things that distinguishes golf from all other sports? Golf etiquette is an extremely important part of the game. Your manners and character (or the lack thereof) that you display on the course will say more about you as a golfer and a person than anything you ever do with your clubs. Proper etiquette applies to everyone and does not discriminate.

Make new friends but cherish the old ones. Golf is truly a game unlike any other, from the diverse and unique people that you meet, to the memorable moments that you have out on the course. Sue Wieger, a local golf pro, says that, “Golf has given me so many gifts in my lifetime; travel, great friends on and off the golf course and a sense of connecting with my authentic self while playing.”

Don’t waste time learning the “tricks of the trade.” Instead, learn the trade.

34

Are you one of those people who try to find the secret to playing better golf?

Good news, you can stop looking. Bad news, you just have to play. That’s the secret.

Be brave and keep your cool. Even if you’re not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference. Even the best PGA Tour players lose their cool, but losing your cool can cost you big-time. One of the most difficult aspects of life…I mean the game of golf…. is maintaining a calm, steady and persistent demeanor. For those who really know the dynamics of a powerful swing, maintaining a relaxed body and mind is what good golf is really all about.

Never cheat. Right now you are thinking…. of course, I would NEVER cheat. I have one word for you: Mulligan. Now, there is a difference between cheating and bending the rules. In golf, there are RULES and then there are rules to be bent. So you take a first-tee mulligan...big deal. Maybe on one hole

you don’t feel like trudging back to the tee to hit another. Instead, you take a stroke and drop a ball as if you were in some kind of water hazard. Again, no big deal. And perhaps you lip-out and pick-up, rather than tapping your last putt in – I wouldn’t mind; this isn’t the pros! So, if you ARE one of those rulebook holy rollers, then A: You are a professional or B: You need a life. Have some fun, but know the difference between cheating and bending the rules.

Never take action when you’re angry.

Be angry, yet do not play golf. OR, sign up for anger management by taking solo golf lessons. Golfing will reveal IF you even have any anger issues; trust me! No one is able to avoid poor shots, BUT, you can control the reaction. Is this not true for life also? Make an effort to take in the scenery, converse with your playing partners, enjoy the outdoors, anything that enables you to not take your score so seriously. Maybe this will be the antidote for dealing with your issues altogether!

Stay humble. To say “golf is hard” is like saying “the sky is blue” or “the world is round.” It’s self-evident. My dad would always say this about life as well, and he would never let me forget the point. But he wanted me to understand golf (like life) is something that NEVER gets perfected. The moment you think you have golf/life whipped, the game/life slaps you down and humbles you. Be secure and confident in yourself, stay grateful, and when you least expect it, you’ll shoot farther and straighter then you ever have.

AND FINALLY……

Laugh…..A LOT. Golf really is hilarious. It is guaranteed that you will feel something when you play golf. Follow me here: Logically, the majority of your emotions (which golf WILL produce) are processed by the hypothalamus, the region in your brain that handles a range of functions from breathing and to hunger and emotional response.

After hitting that not so perfect shot, you can either cry or laugh, right? Try to find the humor in your situation. In golf, if you can laugh the shot off you will immediately release the tension and start to feel better.

Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

www.bonjoc.com

stay & play

So Much To Do And So Little Time Unless you are lucky enough to be independently wealthy and retired, time and money are of the essence when you travel to St. Andrews and the surrounding area. You want to make sure you get that tee time at the best possible price and experience a taste of the local culture. To that end, the following suggestions will give you peace of mind and save you hours of internet searching.

If a package sounds like the route you are interested in, check out Your Golf Tours. Based in the UK, this company specializes in golf tours and one of their primary markets is the American clientele. They pride themselves on offering golf tours to the very best venues in Europe. Their extensive network gives access to the best rates and availability, ensuring your golfing vacation is the best. They can be involved in every aspect, from flights to tee times to chauffeur driven transfers and more. They offer a number of suggested itineraries to choose from, but can cater to specific requests and needs, making your trip customized to you and unforgettable.

Your Golf Tours has a team of expert sales staff who are on hand at a time to suit you, and with a toll free number to call on, it couldn’t be easier. All vacations are priced and payments transacted in US dollars, so you know exactly the price you’ll be paying. For information on either of the packages below or how to create your own itinerary, please visit www.yourgolftours.com or call 1-877-616-7361 or email at info@yourgolftours.com.

Package 1 - St Andrews With Guaranteed Old Course Times • 5 Nights, Bed & Breakfast Accommodation (Fairmont St Andrews Resort 5*) • 5 Rounds of Golf (Old Course, New Course, Carnoustie, Kingsbarns & Torrance Course) • Self-Drive Transportation From $3,995pp Package 2 - St Andrews With Ballot Entry • 6 Nights, Bed & Breakfast Accommodation (Fairmont St Andrews Resort 5*) • 5 Rounds of Golf (New Course, Carnoustie, Kingsbarns, Kittocks & Torrance Course) • Ballot entry for Old Course tee time • Self-Drive Transportation From $1,950pp

36

If you are a bit more adventurous and want to piece together your own trip, we suggest you stay in St. Andrews proper. The Fairmont St. Andrews’ first class facilities have been voted the International Association of Golf Tour Operators European Golf Resort of the Year 2012 award. Achieving such an honor over resorts from 58 different countries has cemented its position as a leading golf destination resort. The five-star resort boasts two championship golf courses, The Torrance and Kittocks and has played host to a number of prestigious events, including both the Open Championship’s final local qualifying and the Cleveland Srixon Scottish Senior Open. The resort has also hosted some of the world’s most important politicians and powerbrokers as a venue for both Northern Ireland peace talks and a G20 Summit. In addition to golf tournaments, Fairmont St. Andrews has undergone a recent $27 million redevelopment of the entire resort. For more information or to book a stay, call 44 (01334) 837 000, email

Shandon House

Kingsbarns

Fairmont St. Andrews, Scotland

to standrews.scotland@fairmont.com or visit www.fairmont.com/standrews.

Or maybe you want to experience a bit of the local flavor and stay at one of the many bed and breakfast lodgings available. The Shandon Guest House is an elegant, spacious turreted Victorian town house built 100 years ago. Situated in the very heart of St. Andrews and within a few minutes walk of the courses, town center, university and beaches, it offers comfort-

able and tasteful amenities.

All rooms have private bathrooms, the house is exclusively non-smoking and they have free public parking. Stuart and Elizabeth, your caretakers, offer an extensive breakfast menu, something for everyone—including locally smoked haddock or kippers and haggis! The traditional staircase winds upward to the six individually decorated bedrooms which allows for single, double, twin or family accommodations. A warm Scottish welcome awaits all visitors as your hosts are on hand to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. For more information, visit www.shandonhouse.co.uk, email at info@shandonhouse.co.uk or call 44 (01334) 472 412.

Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

( arrives in the USA May 2012 )

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golf history

St. Andrews

Story provided by St Andrews Links Trust

The Story of Seven

“St. Andrews, to me, is everything you would want in the game. It’s got history, tradition, good golf and great atmosphere.” Jack Nicklaus

While universally famous as the

from the tee. During the 1860’s, players alternated between left and right –hand “Home of Golf”, St. Andrews is also home circuits on a weekly basis. Gradually the to the oldest University in Scotland and right-hand circuit (counter-clockwise) has many historical attractions tucked became more popular although the away in its elegant Medieval Edwardian clockwise route was still used occasionand Victorian streets and leafy quadranally until the 1970’s. Since 2002, the Old gles, including a stunning ruined CatheCourse has been opened for play in redral and the Castle with its Bottle Dunverse for a small number of days in April. geon and Secret Underground Passage.

The individual who played the most sigThere are award winning beaches which nificant role in shaping the course was stretch for mile after mile, including the four times Open Champion, Tom Morris, West Sands (the location for Chariots of appointed by the Royal and Ancient Golf Fire), all offering a wide variety of water Club as Custodian of the Links for nearly sports. Also popular are the unique 40 years (1865-1903). With the help of his Coastal Walk, Botanic Gardens, Sea Life assistant, David Honeyman, he widened Centre, Golf Museum and Secret Bunker. the fairways and the greens, and added There is literally something to intersand to encourage the fine links grasses est everyone. After a busy day you can such as fescue and bent. He also built relax in one of the numerous pubs and the 1st and 18th greens as restaurants which serve a “If I had ever been sat down and told I was to play there they are today. variety of local cuisine. and nowhere else for the rest of my life, I should have Visiting St. Andrews chosen the Old Course at St. Andrews.” Bobby Jones Five More Courses should be on anyone’s

Opened in 1895, the bucket list of things to New Course is a classic do. But for the golfer, links course with natural visiting St. Andrews is features that create a firstthe pinnacle. With six class golfing challenge. It courses besides the world has the traditional out and famous “Old Course”, the back layout, shared fairSt. Andrews Links is the ways and a double green largest public golf venue in at the 3rd and 15th holes.

Europe offering 117 holes With appreciable influence of pure golf. from Tom Morris, only one 38

The Old Course One of the extraordinary facts about the Old Course is that it was not designed by an architect but has evolved over six centuries. Even more remarkable is the fact that while the equipment and the standards of play have improved dramatically, the Old Course remains a true test of championship golf.

The Old Course starts and finishes in the town. Originally it was played over 22 holds using the same 11 holes on the way out and in. In 1764, this was reduced to 18, which became the standard number of holes for courses worldwide.

It was originally played the opposite way round with golfers teeing off to what is now the 17th green. This explains why so many of the bunkers are not visible

Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

hole (the 15th) has ever been significantly altered.

Reputed to be the toughest test of golf on the Links from ordinary tees, the Jubilee started life as a 12 hole course for ladies and beginners. It was created in a few weeks on the narrow strip of land between the New and the sea and opened on Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee of June 22, 1897. It was extended to 18 holes in 1905 and radically altered between 1939 and 1946.

The expertise of course architect and scratch golfer, Harry S Colt, was called upon in 1914 to create a fourth links course in response to growing demand.

He made the most of natural features to create a course with no sense of contrivance. Named after the estuary which borders the course to the north-west, the Eden is now a popular course with both locals and visitors.

Opened in 1993, the Strathtyrum was the first new 18 hole course in St. Andrews for nearly 80 years. Designed by Donald Steel with the high handicapper in mind, it has its own array of challenges, including cunningly placed bunkers and contoured greens. Being on an east-west axis, it is subject to the prevailing westerly winds which can make an apparently innocuous 340 year hold hard work.

This nine hole course was redesigned in 1993 by Donald Steel to include proper tees, bunkers and a double green. Very popular with children and beginners, the Balgrove is conveniently situated near the Golf Practice Center.

The Seventh Course The Castle Course was officially opened on July 2, 2008 by HRH Duke of York. Designed by David McLay Kid, a Scot whose portfolio includes the world renowned Bandon Dunes, the course is set on a dramatic clifftop location overlooking St. Andrews Bay and has splendid views of the Grampian Mountains and out to the North Sea. In its first year of opening, The Castle Course was included in Golf Digest in the US and Golf World’s top 100 courses. It has since received a number of other prestigious international awards.

The course is named after Kinkell Castle which stood on the headland known as Kinkell Ness in the middle ages, close to where the clubhouse sits now. The logo was adapted from the coat of arms of the Moneypenny family who were the landowners for centuries, acquiring the land in 1211.

For more information on the St. Andrews Links or St. Andrews Links Trust, visit www.standrews.org.uk.

Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

Key Dates in History 1123 1400s 1457

1754

1764

1797

1850s

1873 2005 2007 2010 2011

King David I’s charter ratified that the Links land was common land belonging to the townspeople of St. Andrews.

Golf was being played on the Links at St. Andrews on a simple track hacked through the bushes and heather on this public land.

The game had become so popular that it was banned by King James II of Scotland, who felt it was distracting young men from archery practice.

Succeeding monarchs repeated this ban, until James IV became a keen golfer himself in 1502 The Royal & Ancient Golf Club was founded under its original name of the Society of St. Andrews Golfers—it changed its name in 1834. It was the second club to be formed, the Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers having been founded 10 years earlier. The Society of St. Andrews Golfers, originally composed of 22 noblemen, professors and landowners, became the R&A which governs the rules of golf everywhere except the USA and run the Open Championship and important amateur championships.

The Old Course consisted of 22 holes, 11 out and 11 back, with golfers playing to the same hole going out and in, except for 11th and 22nd.

The golfers decided that the first four holes, and therefore also the last four holes, were too short and that they should be made into two holes instead of four. This reduced the number of holes in the round from 22 to 18, and this is how today’s standard round of golf was created.

Bankruptcy forced St. Andrews Town Council to lease some of the sections of the Links to local merchants who promptly turned them into a rabbit farm. There then followed 20 years of ‘war’, both legal and physical, between the rabbit farmers and golfers, with success going to the golfers in 1821 when the lease was purchased by a landowner and golfer.

As golf started to become more popular at St. Andrews in the middle 19th century, the course became increasingly crowded. The result was that golfers playing out began to meet golfers playing in, at the same hole. To solve, the decision was made to cut two holes on each green, with white flags for the outward holes and red flags for the inward holes. This was the origin of the famous double greens.

The Open Championship was first played on the Old Course and the Old has now become the most frequent venue, having been used 28 times.

Tiger Woods wins the 27th Open at St. Andrews, taking the title for the second consecutive time while fellow two-time champion, Jack Nicklaus, bids farewell to competitive golf at the Old Course.

Lorena Ochoa wins the Ricoh Women’s British Open over the Old Course, the first professional ladies’ tournament to be played at St. Andrews.

The Open Championship is staged for the 28th time at the Old Course, St. Andrews Links. The championship celebrates its 150th anniversary. It is won by South African Louis Oosthuizen.

The Tom Morris Shop, the oldest golf shop in the world, reopens under the management of the Trust. Artifacts belonging to the four0-time Open Champion such as his locker, fireplace and workbench are displayed in the shop.

“Victory anywhere is always sweet, but to win at St. Andrews is so special it rises above everything else.” Seve Ballesteros

39

special events

141st British Open This year’s British Open Golf Championship will be held at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club in Lancashire, July 19-22, and visited by an expected 250,000 spectators.

40

Founded in 1886, and officially opened

the club. Not only did it host its first

Championships, two Ryder Cups and

by the Marquis of Lorne in 1898, the

Open, but King George V gave his ap-

numerous other major tournaments

Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club is

proval to adding the word ‘Royal’ to the

including the Women’s and Seniors

located in Lytham St. Annes, Lan-

club’s title just in time for the champi-

Open Championships. While it is not

cashire, England, and is one of the

onship to start.

a conventionally beautiful golf course,

courses in the Open Championship ro-

It is one of the premier links

being surrounded by suburban housing

tation. 1926 was a significant year for

courses in the world, host to ten Open

and flanked by a railway line, it has a

Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

charm all of its own. Also, it may not be

with its oak-panelled dining room, offers

sented with the Challenge Belt, made of

the longest of courses but it is one where

a haven from the elements and a place

rich morocco leather, embellished with a

careful thought and accurate shots are

to soak up history of previous champi-

silver buckle and emblems. On Septem-

required.

onships and admire the skill of the past

ber 11, 1872 an agreement was made

Royal Lytham is a true links course,

and present golfing heroes.

between the three clubs that were to

set upon links land but set back from

host The Open — Prestwick, the Honour-

the current day shoreline, separated by

Memorable Moment

housing, roads, and a rail line. However,

Seve Ballesteros captured two of his

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club. They

the proximity is such that the wind from

three Opens at Lytham. His first victory

decided that the winner would receive a

the sea still comes into play. There are

in 1979 was a real thriller. Standing on

medal and that each of the three clubs

206 bunkers on the course, an average

the 16th hole for the final time, Seve

would contribute £10 towards the cost

of over 11 per hole. The course is also

ballooned his tee shot into a temporary

of a new trophy, which was to be a silver

unique as it is the only course on the

parking area. He received a free drop and

claret jug, instead of another belt.

Open Championship rotation that starts

hit his approach to 15 feet and the birdie

In 1920 all responsibility for The Open

with a par 3 hole.

putt virtually clinched his first Claret

Championship was handed over to The

Nestled between two busy seaside

Jug. “Where it finished was not really a

Royal and Ancient Golf Club. Following

resorts, the course showcases sandy soil

car park,” he said. “The cars were not far

the 1927 Open, the club’s Championship

and the wind blowing in from the Irish

from the fairway.” Nonetheless, the shot

Committee took the decision to retain

Sea—so much so that the trees on the

has gone down in Open history.

the Claret Jug in future years and to pres-

course permanently lean sideways.

able Company of Edinburgh Golfers and

ent the winner with a replica. During the

The course is well designed, with

The Claret Jug

holes to test every level of player. The

The most coveted trophy in the game

Jug was used, twenty-eight different

first four holes and last five are said to

the Claret Jug, or to use its proper name,

players held it high in victory.

be amongst the trickiest in Britain. Holes

The Golf Champion Trophy, is presented

For more information on the 2012 Brit-

16 to 18 have produced some of the most

to each year’s winner of The Open

ish Open, visit www.2012opengolf.co.uk.

memorable moments in major champi-

Championship. Yet it is not the original

To book a tour to this year’s event

onship history. Standing behind the 18th

prize. When the Championship began at

or some other golfing vacation, visit

green, the grand Victorian clubhouse,

Prestwick in 1860, the winner was pre-

www.yourgolftours.com.

Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

half-century in which the original Claret

41

golf fit

By Karen Palacios-Jansen

Senior Golfers: Stand Tall for Better Golf Standing up straight isn’t just good

shoulders usually have a muscular

On Course Exercise–

for your posture-it also allows you to

imbalance between the chest and the

When you are on the course, simply

achieve your maximum shoulder turn

upper back muscles. The chest muscles

making a conscious effort to pull your

in your golf swing.

may be tight and the upper back mus-

shoulders back at address position.

On the other hand, slumped or

cles may be weak. To correct this, you

Take a club, put it behind your shoul-

rounded shoulders isn’t just bad for

have to stretch your chest muscles and

ders and squeeze your shoulder blades

your posture, as your mother used

subsequently strengthen corresponding

together. Keeping your shoulders back,

to tell you-it reduces your ability to

back muscles.

set the club back down and now you

complete your backswing. In fact, one

If you are under the age of 35,

should be able to rotate better around a

study concluded that rounded shoul-

stretching twice a week is sufficient

straighter spine.

ders or C-posture as it sometimes is

enough to maintain flexibility, but if

referred as, can reduce your shoulder

you are older, you will have to stretch

Off-Course Exercise–

turn in your backswing by up to 30%, as

every day just to maintain the same

Off the course you will want to do

you cannot rotate around a bent spine

flexibility. It doesn’t seem fair, but that

some corrective posture exercises so

as easily as you can a straight one.

is the way it is.

that you don’t have to think about your

Maintaining good posture is impor-

If your backswing has been get-

posture when you play.

tant for everyone, but especially for

ting shorter over the past few years, it

older golfers. Over time, especially in

may be that you need to work on your

those who have been sedentary, the

posture and stand taller at address posi-

muscles in the chest become tight,

tion. Incorporating specific exercises to

which causes the upper torso to be

stretch tight chest muscles and strength-

pulled forward and rounding in the

en weak back muscles will help improve

upper back occurs. People with rounded

your posture and range of motion.

Karen Palacios-Jansen is an LPGA Class A Teaching Professional and an AFAA Certified Personal Trainer specializing in Golf Fitness.

For more information visit www.kpjgolf.com.

Here is a really good exercise.

• Set up in your golf stance.

• Lift it above your head and hold for a moment, so that your arms form the letter “Y”. This will stretch and strengthen your shoulders and your back muscles.

• Then pull your elbows down next to your side, so that your arms look like the letter “W”. Feel how your chest opens up.

• Alternate back and forth between the two movements for up to 30 seconds.

This is a really good exercise to improve those postural muscles to give you better posture and help your golf swing.

42

Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

duffer dan

Holes #1 and #18

Something Wicked at If you haven’t been to Sun Ridge Canyon in Fountain Hills, it’s time to go. If you were there more than a year ago, it’s time to go back. Don and Cindy Misheff purchased the course back in December of ’10. But for several years before that, the course had kinda fallen off my map a bit, mainly because the holding company that owned it (after the original owner, Suncor, went belly up) didn’t have much of an incentive to roll any capital back into the club.

Don’t blame them--the economy is the real culprit. As a result, the facilities began to show some signs of wear and tear. But Don and Cindy are committed to restoring the golf course to its original condition, if not better than original. They’re very passionate about it.

And it shows. To date, the maintenance crew has been busy making some improvements. They installed new irrigation software in addition to other improvements to the irrigation system. They peeled back some of the encroaching desert and trees giving this duffer some hope of recovery and helping my pace of play. And they upgraded the furniture in the clubhouse and patio with more improvements on the horizon.

The course is also now home to a Jim McLean Golf School. The instruction facility is located on Sun Ridge Canyon’s practice facility with a permanent structure to be built in 2012 to house the school. They will showcase indoor/ outdoor hitting bays, club-fitting facilities and a golf fitness suite. McLean’s stable of instructors began accom44

modating students in November 2011 with frequent visits from McLean as his calendar permits.

But, I am not here just to tell you how much improvement has been made to this course. I am here to tell you about the course. Most golf courses have a series of holes that are particularly noteworthy for their beauty and challenge, some even to the point that they begin to develop a mystique all of their own. These holes represent a battle within the battle, the high-water mark of the round when it’s either sink or swim. Augusta National’s Amen Corner, PGA National’s Bear Trap and La Costa’s Longest Mile come to mind as examples of dastardly golf holes that have menaced golfers for generations.

Somewhat less famous, but every bit as daunting, Sun Ridge Canyon confronts golfers with a devilish halfdozen holes known as the Wicked 6.

Arguably the hardest finishing holes in the Valley, these six holes have given golfers fits since the place opened.

Made up of two par 5s, two par 4s and two par 3s, all except the par 3s play uphill. It is this gradual, yet significant uphill climb that posed much of my challenge. Plus, the prevailing breeze tends to blow down the canyon into my face. Couple all this with the fact that the holes would play moderate to long even if they were on level ground, and it’s easy to see why the Wicked 6 has earned its distinction.

The 13th hole kicks off with a tee shot that must find a landing area that slopes from a high point on the right to a low-lying desert wash that runs along the left side of the wide fairway. The second shot is straight away with a lake located to the right.

The elevated green is not normally reachable in two, and the approach to the green is decidedly uphill.

The 14th is one of those holes that accepts nothing less than a good shot. Too bad I didn’t deliver. Unlike its wicked kin, this hole plays significantly downhill from terraced tee boxes carved into the side of the canyon wall to a green flanked along its entire right side by a lake. It’s a white-knuckle tee shot for sure.

No. 15 is an uphill brute of a par 4. My goal was to avoid the series of bunkers along the left side of the fairway. The approach offered plenty of room to the right of the green, as I chose to shy away from the trouble to the left, but the up-and-down from there caused me some difficulties.

On the second par 5 of the Wicked 6, the tee shot on the 16th should find a landing area that slopes gently from right to left. The second shot plays in between two rocky ridges that pinch in from the sides, and over a desert arroyo that cuts across the fairway to a landing area on the other side—what will they Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

Hole #17 think of next? From there, the third shot plays appreciably uphill to an elevated punch bowl green. Based on personal experience, an extra club is recommended to ensure enough carry to reach the putting surface.

An interesting par 3 to say the least, the 17th was designed to play from two separate teeing grounds which are alternated from day to day. The “long” set of tees to the left requires a shot over desert to a midsized putting surface

on the left side of the dual green. From this angle, the bunker is to the right.

The tee shot from the “short” set of elevated tees calls for an iron to a smallish area of the green to the right. From this angle the bunker is on the left.

Finally, the dogleg-left No. 18 finishing hole plays uphill to a landing area guarded by deep bunkers to the left which must be avoided—at least that’s what you hope happens. Assuming all goes as planned, this sets up a clear shot

to the dramatically elevated green complex. Again, might I suggest an extra club or two to get it up to the putting surface.

Overall, I have to say that I am more than impressed with the improvements made to this course. Without hesitation, I can say this is now a place where you want to come back time and again—for the challenging links, the inviting atmosphere and the upgraded services. For more information, please visit www.sunridgegolf.com.

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USS13.indd 1 Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

2/28/12 3:15:00 PM45

special events

Arizona Golf Central Magazine was a participant in the Alice Cooper’s 2012 Rock & Roll Golf Classic. We were grateful to join Alice Cooper and the Solid Rock organization in their efforts to raise money for the programs and resources needed to help The Rock at 32nd Street center. The new center is going to make a difference in the lives of teens and children in our community. This year’s tournament was held at the spectacular Las Sendas Golf Club, ranked one of the top ten golf courses in Arizona.

Solid Rock was founded in 1995 by long-time Arizona residents and devoted fathers, Alice Cooper and Chuck Savale. “Solid Rock’s primary goal is to help meet the spiritual, economical, physical, and social needs of teenagers and children in our community.” – Alice and Sheryl Cooper.

Photos by Greg Dunivant

Alice Cooper’s 2012 Rock & Roll Golf Classic

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Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

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for your health

Balanced Meals With a little

planning, a splash of color and a variety of nutrients, it’s easy to bring balance to meals and snacks. No more boring or bland meals filled with processed products. It’s time to select healthy whole foods that create some contrast! When you consume the right balance of nutrients you’ll feel better, have more energy, perform better in school or at work and shoot lower scores on the golf course. Find better nutritional balance with the 3 simple tips below.

1. PLAN AHEAD Planning a weekly menu increases your nutrition awareness, helps create a grocery list and prevents food waste.

Be proactive by planning ahead so you can make healthy meals an easy part of your routine that’s effortless to sustain.

2. ADD COLOR Including vegetables and fruits at every meal is one of the best ways to get lots of nutrients and add a rainbow of colors to your plate.

Here are some suggestions to brighten each meal: Red: tomatoes, bell pepper, cherries, apples, strawberries, raspberries, beets Orange: oranges, bell pepper, carrots, mango, peaches Yellow: bell pepper, banana, pineapple, yellow squash, spaghetti squash Green: kale, collards, broccoli, cabbage, spinach, avocado, cucumber, kiwi Blue: blueberries, blackberries Purple: plums, red cabbage, flowering kale, eggplant, grapes Pink: watermelon, pink grapefruit, jewel sweet potatoes

3. INCLUDE VARIETY Balancing nutrients such as protein, fat and carbohydrates will provide lots of different vitamins and minerals to keep you and your family strong and healthy. Make it a habit to choose whole foods over processed 48

products. No matter how small it may seem, every little change you make towards eating more whole foods and less processed products makes a huge difference with your health.

Create a “Par-fect” Plate: Protein + Fat + Carbs Select whole food sources of protein such as: eggs, chicken, turkey, fish, seafood, pork, beef, bison, beans, and cottage cheese. banana, etc.) and gluten-free grains (brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, oats).

Select naturally occurring fats such as: avocados, nuts, seeds, olives, olive oil, coconut oil, coconut milk, butter, cheese, and yogurt.

Good Health Begins With Nutrition

Select nutrient-dense carbs such as: vegetables (spinach, kale, broccoli, cabbage, red bell pepper, etc.), fruits, (blueberries, strawberries, apple, orange,

For more information, please visit www.catesnutrition.com or CNK Spring Special www.catesnutrition.com/catesnutrition-kitchen-spring-special.

Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

PLAY

ON

18GREENS.COM

living on the links

Be L ured to a Northwest Paradise Once voted one of the best places in the nation to retire, Port Ludlow, Washington is just minutes from historic Port Townsend and 90 minutes from Seattle over the stunning Hood Canal Bridge. Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Canada are both just a short 3-hour drive away. Protected by the Olympic Mountains, Port Ludlow enjoys a moderate year-round climate with 200 days of sunshine and summer temperatures averaging a comfortable 75 degrees. In other words, this is bliss.

As a premier waterfront resort community nestled among acres of majestic forests, woodland trails, and salt-water beaches, Port Ludlow delivers on beauty, nature and community. But Port Ludlow isn’t just for visitors. Homes in Olympic Terrace are named for its panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains. And the newly launched, pre-sale Ludlow Bay Village Condominiums are located just 30 feet from the edge of Ludlow Bay, offering excellent ‘walkability’ to the many amenities offered.

Many homebuyers recognize the value of waterfront property. And ones that offer a stunning view, a golf course and a marina offer reason enough to purchase as a primary or secondary home. If your search for the perfect resort style community is ongoing, Port Ludlow might just be the answer. Providing an active lifestyle including golfing, hiking, biking, boating, kayaking, social clubs and a charming Inn with an award winning restaurant, Port Ludlow has something for everyone.

This master planned resort community includes over 1,800 homes and maintains a high level of aesthetic quality and standards. Open space is one of the prime selling points as Olympic Terrace includes over 60% preserved open space of the 158 lush acres available. Lot sizes average half an acre and the homes range from 2,000 to 3,200 sq ft. with prices starting 50

in the low to mid $400,000’s.

Just unveiled, the newest project is called Ludlow Bay Village Condominiums. The initial four units of a planned 42-unit complex are now available for pre-sale. The complex will be located just 30 feet from the edge of Ludlow Bay, offering panoramic water and Olympic Mountain views and excellent “walkability” to the communities many assets.

“This is a real opportunity to own a piece of paradise,” says Port Ludlow Associates President Diana Smeland. It’s a prime investment opportunity.” The waterfront units will be green built craftsman-style homes ranging from 1,200 – 1,700 square feet with multiple floor plans and flexible design options to choose from and access to the community’s many assets. The exclusive builder, Westharbor Homes, is renowned for quality construction and top-notch customer service. Pre-sale prices are starting as low as $450,000.

Port Ludlow’s recently renovated and top-rated 18-hole championship course was designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Muir Graves. Geographic diversity is just one of several attributes

that make this course so unique.

The original front nine, known as The Tides, is characterized by lush fairways overlooking an assortment of lakes, streams and other natural waterways. The back nine, also known as Timbers, winds through towering evergreens then opens up to stunning views of the Hood Canal, Ludlow Bay and the Olympic Mountains. Deer and other wildlife meander through the course and Bald Eagles fly overhead.

Golf Digest and GolfWeek ranked the Port Ludlow Golf Course as “One of the Best Places to Play.” Esquire Magazine called the course “The Most Scenic in the World.”

From the protected cove on the shore of Admiralty Inlet at the mouth of Hood Canal, boaters can chart their course anywhere in Puget Sound or up and down the West Coast. With 300-slips and accommodating vessels up to 200’, the marina is perfect for a Yacht Club Cruise, rendezvous, or getaway.

If you are interested in communing with nature, a 20-mile trail system, maintained by resident volunteers, offers plenty of opportunity for easy to moderate hiking.

Several trails within the 20-mile system are bicycle-friendly as well.

But Port Ludlow is a

Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

community also and with over 30 social clubs to choose from, you might have to schedule time on your calendar to relax.

The perfect way to first experience the charm of Port Ludlow, however, is a visit to the boutique-style Inn which features 37 beautifully appointed guest rooms, many with spectacular views of Ludlow Bay, the Olympic Mountains, Port Ludlow Marina and lush, tree lined mountains. Guest room amenities include fireplaces, private balconies, oversized jacuzzi tubs, spacious sitting areas, free wireless internet, and more.

The Inn is the recipient of a 2011 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and was selected for the 2009 Conde Nast Traveler Gold List.

The Inn hosts special events each month – many of which are centered around the award-winning Fireside Restaurant, with a culinary staff headed

by Executive Chef Dan Ratigan. From special holiday meals to winemaker dinners, cooking demonstrations/ classes, to musical performances, there is always something happening at the Inn. The restaurant received the 2011 Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence and more recently, the Washington Wine Commission’s 2012 Award of Distinction for dedication and commitment to the Washington wine industry through wine list space, service Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

and staffing, promotions and overall wine philosophy.

In today’s age of cookie cutter communities, Port Ludlow provides a refreshing change. With character and charm

at the forefront, the natural beauty and amenities are weaved together to provide a serene and comfortable living area. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a luxurious base camp to explore the joys of the Sound, or a new home or condo on one of the best waterfront resort locations, Port Ludlow is the place.

For more information, please visit www.portludlowresort.com.

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live golf

By Mark Clark, CGCS Troon Country Club

at best. I wouldn’t want that, you wouldn’t either.

You would take one look at that type of course setup and just walk off, saying; I won’t be back here to play. I would even be bold enough to say that if this were not the hallowed ground of Augusta National and the home of the first major, the pros would feel the same way.

The Augusta Syndrome A few weeks ago, you watched the Masters on TV. Maybe you were lucky enough to actually be there. But you know you saw it because every red blooded golf fan watches that tournament, the first major of the year. All the drama of the weekend and the big name players in the hunt for another green jacket. The back nine and A-men corner with all the excitement of potential eagles and birdies to catapult another player from no where into contention. This year’s Masters did not disappoint.

Congratulations to Scottsdale’s own Bubba Watson for his victory and his first major win. However, for those of us who are in the business of maintaining golf courses, that week is usually our biggest nightmare.

Augusta National has been forever synonymous with great course conditions. And after everyone sees it on TV, they come back to there own club and ask the superintendent why his course isn’t like theirs. Perfect everything. Well all of you know why, they have no budget, they are closed 6 months out of the year and they do 52

almost no rounds of play and don’t allow golf carts. If your club is like that then you can ask the question. If not, then you should not expect those kind of conditions, or should you? Here is my take on the week at Augusta.

Did any of you notice that there was no roll on the ball, I mean like none, unless it hit the green The best players in the world could only land the ball and have it sit right there. Don’t get me wrong, I would take a ball like Bubba hits at 320 yards on the fly any day. You would too, but we don’t do that so we want some roll. Augusta’s fairways are sloped towards the tee in most landing areas and they mow the grass in the direction of the tee so as to cause severe grain which stops balls from running. Who wants that?

I don’t. There was even, yes let’s say it, mud on the ball. How unbelievable was that? All for the sake of athstetics-not playability. And the greens are

Look at the Ritz Carlton in Marana, Arizona where they play the Accunture Match Play. They had to reduce the severity of the greens because the pro’s hated it. Those original Nicklaus designed greens at the Ritz were not as severe as Augusta, but the tour made them change the greens. I didn’t hear a peep from any of the pros about how crazy Augusta’s greens are. And as far as the fairways go, every pro wants firm and fast for their playing conditions. Augusta’s fairways were nothing of the sort, but to have one brown spot would be unthinkable.

So be careful when you say you wished the course you played at was Augusta like. I know I wouldn’t play your course if it was. Don’t get me wrong, if I was invited to play at Augusta National, I would go, but know for sure that a steady diet of that would leave me wanting. We need to find something that would be more fun and less of a show. Frilly, showy golf is not fun at all, and it leaves us more frustrated than anything else. Just like the Augusta Syndrome does.

crazy. 2, 3, and as much as 4 foot high tears in the middle of the greens making putting nearly impossible.

The speed of the greens are so high that those undulations are ridiculous

Mark Clark CGCS Troon Country Club President Cactus and Pine Golf Course Superintendents Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

TOUR PROVEN

Pablo Larrazábal European Tour Pro

Paula Creamer 2010 U.S. Women’s Open Champion

Louis Oosthuizen 2010 British Open Champion

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aces & eagles

Aces & Eagles PGA Of America Names Bob Doyle As Development Regional Manager for Phoenix Market As a major

component of the industry-wide Golf 2.0 initiative to grow participation in the game, The PGA of America has indentified five additional PGA Player Development Regional Managers in strategic markets across the country. The new Regional Manager in Phoenix, PGA Master Professional Bob Doyle, is charged with implementing strategies, initiatives and programs to expand the reach of golf amongst current and potential players.

Doyle brings a plethora of experience and leadership skills to the table as the Regional Player Development Manager in the Phoenix market. Doyle’s career in golf began in 1979 as an assistant professional at Flatirons Country Club in Boulder, Colo. He is owner and operator of Bob Doyle Golf Inc., where he provides consulting and golf management services to clients such as GolfTEC, Riverdale Golf Course and Atira Golf. A former Colorado PGA Section president, Doyle served three years as District 9 Director on the PGA Board of Directors and as a member of nine national PGA committees in the last 14 years.

“The PGA of America is excited to attract high-caliber, energetic individuals to support our growth-of-the game efforts,” said Joe Steranka, chief executive officer of The PGA of America.

54

Stone Canyon Club Appoints Mike Russell New Director of Club Operations Russell takes over the top position at one of nation’s top-ranked golf clubs after prior Director of Club Operations Todd Huizinga accepted a similar position at Boot Ranch in Fredericksburg, TX. He is a Class A PGA Professional and brings a wealth of knowledge to his new position.

As the Head Golf Professional at Stone Canyon, Russell has developed close bonds throughout the membership and possesses the institutional knowledge to continue Stone Canyon ascension towards the top of the elite clubs in the country.

In addition to his time at Stone Canyon over the last ten years, Russell also spent a three year stint as the General Manager/Director of Golf at The Golf Club at Vistoso. This experience allowed Mike to accumulate substantial firsthand experience with the intricacies of running a golf operation. Russell also brings not only his business acumen to Stone Canyon top position, but also an exceptional golf prowess. He is the current two-time defending Champion of the Southern Chapter of the Southwest Section PGA. He’s also qualified several times for the National Professional Championship and throughout many other golfing titles & accomplishments has proven to be one of the elite club professionals. Russell is excited about the challenges of his new role at The Stone Canyon Club and is proud to continue the tradition of excellent leadership forged previously.

Matthew Lupton Named New General Manager of Starfire Golf Club Matthew A. Lupton

joined Starfire Golf Club as General Manager in February 2012 and is now responsible for all aspects of the vibrant 27-hole public course and well-loved tournament and wedding venue. An Arizona native, Matthew is known throughout Scottsdale and Paradise Valley as a results-driven entrepreneur and respected business owner. He now brings his solid 14-year track record of successful leadership and positive financial performance to the Starfire Golf Club. Matthew, an avid golfer with past history in golf operations and guest services, knows the importance of improving loyalty with both guests and employees. His passion for the game, coupled with his proven ability to manage and motivate staff at all levels instills a common vision for the organization, an essential ingredient in the plan to meet today’s economic challenges. Matthew has the ability to look at things with an open mind and not be distracted by the more traditional methods of running a golf course. The Starfire Golf Club, formerly Sundown Ranch and The Scottsdale Country Club, is the oldest continually run public golf course in Scottsdale and with its rich history and supreme location, Matthew feels that Starfire is ready to meet the challenge of the a new generation of golfer and is excited to lead Starfire into the next decade.

Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

champion central header

Bubba Golf Say hello to Bubba Watson.

He is just

a good country boy from Bagdad, FL. Also, say hello to Bubba golf. What is that, you ask? Well, its golf like only Bubba can play. And why is that?

Because Bubba Watson is unique and unorthodox. His recent win at the Masters solidified his place amongst the greats, but it’s more about the man that makes him stand out.

Bubba is self-made. He doesn’t enjoy practicing, he doesn’t have a swing

By Jason Keesling

coach and doesn’t use video analysis or teaching aides. He swings a pink driver and holds true to the things his late father taught him. He would prefer to be known as a Christian, a new dad, a good husband, a great friend and a guy who just happens to have a Green Jacket. This was most evident after the Masters. Most Champions want to stick around, soak up the memories

56

and moments and bask in the glory of

caddie says, “Watson can hit straight,

what may be their greatest accomplish-

but he says it›s just easier to see the

ment. Instead, Bubba said, “The thing

curves. I see him as a man with a

is, golf is just not my everything.”

combination of aggressiveness and

Bubba Watson came a long way, the

innocence and an attitude of ‘if I

hard way, his own way, to get here. The

hit it in the woods, who cares.’”

guy can really play golf. He just isn't ob-

Most of us are un-likely to ever

sessed with every last facet of the game.

execute a perfect hook like Bubba

Does that make him different? It sure

Watson did to win this year’s Mas-

does. But the difference lies in his val-

ters. But the beauty of it is in try-

ues and what he holds truly important.

ing. That’s Bubba’s mystique. It’s his

Bubba likes to be different. His

own brand of golf his own way.

Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

grip it & sip it

Rosso Di Montalcino A younger and more accessible version of Brunello, Il Poggione Rosso di Montalcino is made with carefully selected Sangiovese grapes handpicked from the youngest of estate vines that are at least 15 years old.

Acclaim “The 2009 Rosso di Montalcino is a lush, fruity wine with good body and an attractive personality. The Rosso is aged predominantly in 100-hectoliter barrels, although 30% of the wine is aged in French oak tonneaux. This is simply a tasty, well-made wine, but not more. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014.”

Winemaker's Notes: Vintage: 2009 Grape Variety Used: 100% Sangiovese Appellation: Montalcino, Tuscany Alcohol Level: 14% Length/Type of Fermentation: Traditional red fermentation with maceration for 14 days Length/Type of Aging: 12 months in French oak barrels and barriques, followed by a minimum of 8 months bottle aging.

Tasting Facts: Color: Ruby red Nose: big red berries, you can smell the texture to come, wet leaves in the background Taste: Intense ruby red color. Fruity bouquet with red berry notes. Very well structured, mellow, long-lasting flavor with smooth, velvety tannins. Enjoy with pasta with meat sauce, roasted and grilled meats and medium strength cheeses.

n ership

58

Grip it and Sip it.

Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 3

DOWNLOAD CRAIG MORGAN’S NEW SONG AND SUPPORT OUR MILITARY HEROES. Photo courtesy of Dann Harr

The first 10,000 downloads of “What Matters Most” are free.

All proceeds will go directly to supporting military families.

To honor the sacrifices made by America’s military, country star and Army vet Craig Morgan wrote “What Matters Most”. Download his song and all proceeds will go directly to the Folds of Honor Foundation, providing scholarships for the families of our fallen troops. With your help, we can bring hope to the loved ones of those who’ve given everything.

The song is only available at this site. Join the cause and share the URL on Twitter and Facebook.

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A PPA R E L , A CCE SSORI ES, G OL F E QUI PM EN T

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