Idaho’s Best | Desired Distance | Smart Cart App
PLAY
ON
18GREENS.COM
from the publisher header
In a short amount of time, Arizona Golf Central Magazine has become a magazine with reach. I say this because my in-box has people from Canada to Kentucky and even readers from Germany asking for some of our back issues. But who are the Arizona Golf
Volume 2, Issue 4
Central Magazine readers? I could give you some boring marketing figures that were gathered, but I’m going to have to go with the fact that this golf game bonds us. And the perfect way to strengthen those bonds is to highlight the people that play this great game and honor the ones that have gone or tee’d it up before us. As for this month’s cover– you are probably wondering who is that guy? Well, he represents what we are trying to do in every issue– celebrate people! He is a good guy with a bit of an edge who has a sense of community, faith, and sophistication. He is not a follower, but rather a leader. Steve Sandoval of Main Street Chamber is bringing businesses together and helping them along their path to define what they want out of their journey. The best thing is he uses golf as a catalyst to get his message across. In addition to our regular features, we also highlight some of the great local golf lovers such as LPGA player Shelley Hamlin, ex NFL football great Nick Lowery and current PGA player Aaron Baddeley. And if it is still a bit too warm for you here, be sure to check out our travel pieces to Sedona, Seattle and Idaho. This issue is bound to be a favorite by all. As Arizona Golf Central Magazine hits newsstands and mailboxes and The PGA Show in Las Vegas this month, I am psyched about it for so many reasons. Most of the reasons revolve around our readers that make this great publication what it is. Be sure to review our annual Driver Club Test in which we handpicked, hard-core golfers in Arizona and had them try out the latest and greatest. Then we asked them to tell you, the readers, their fav’s. I was amazed at the things I learn from golfer’s likes and dislikes as well as the performance of these great products. I hope this issue helps golfers become better informed and to be smarter, savvier shoppers! I packed my bags along with a few staff members as we went to
Publisher: Jason Keesling Editor-in-Chief: Susan Keesling Photographers: Greg Dunivant, Shelly Haywood Course Editor: Dave Bond Social Media Director: Gear Marketing, LLC 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.
the birthplace of golf. That’s right, Scotland! Getting to play the Old
Reader's Mailbag – Send Us your Thoughts editor@golfcentralmagazine.com
Course is every golfer’s dream and pinnacle (short of turning pro
Haiku of the Month compliments of Carol Stucker:
and making tons of money!). We were excited to be able to experi-
Mind Game
ence this dream as well and we hope you enjoyed us sharing our adventures with you. Be sure to like us on Facebook and hit us up
I train, drive, chip, putt Mental game to say the least Bad slice, then despair
on Twitter to stay up to date.
Publisher‘s Page Sponsored by:
Get out there and play some golf today! 4
Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2 Issue 4
The
9
Perfect Southern Dunes Golf Club
Troon North Golf Club
Golf Club of Estrella
www.golfsoutherndunes.com
www.troonnorthgolf.com
www.estrellagolf.com
1-888-356-0112
1-877-566-9273
1-877-663-2836
Talking Stick Golf Club
Westin Kierland Golf Club www.kierlandgolf.com
www.lookoutmountaingolfclub.com
1-877-762-7294
1-877-458-8448
1-888-904-6607
www.talkingstickgolfclub.com
The Phoenician
Whirlwind Golf Club
Lookout Mountain Golf Club
Ocotillo Golf Resort
www.thephoenician.com/golf
www.whirlwindgolf.com
www.ocotillogolf.com
1-877-458-8748
1-877-776-6274
1-877-663-5423
Volume 2, Issue 4 Desert Designs 8 Mirage Green of the Valley
Golf Bachelor 12 Tyler Wilson
Cart Girl 14 Ashley Phelps
Improving Performance 16 Innovex
Golf Travel 18 Idaho
Women in Golf 24 Shelley Hamlin
54
Cover Feature 26 Main Street Chamber
What's New 30 Polara
Improving Performance 32 Desired Distance
Great Getaways 36 Seattle
Celebrity Corner 40 Nick Lowery
Golf Fit 42 Flexibility
Departments
4 10 20 22 28 34
From the Publisher Golf Central Station On Your Green Great Shots Tour Profile Golf Chick
14
Fore Your Health 48 Avoid the Sugar Shanks
Worth the Drive 54 7 Canyons
What's New 56 Smart Cart
golfcentralmagazine.com
38 44 46 50 52 58
24
Perfect Nine Duffer Dan Young Guns Young Guns The Majors Grip It & Sip It
desert designs
All Grass Is Not Created Equal… And Neither Is Artificial Turf
One of life’s little pleasures is walking
not all grass is the same. The key to getting the proper turf for your project barefoot in the grass. But unless you lies in education. Asking, ‘how much have a seriously green thumb and don’t per square foot?’ certainly will help you mind the huge water bill, the pleasure maintain your budget. More importantof walking barefoot on your Phoenix ly, however, you should be concerned grass in the summertime is probably with finding true value. That means outweighed by the cost and effort. And asking about the company and finding this is where we give thanks to invenout who is providing the estimate as tors and designers. Back in 1965, man well as the type of turf you are fondly decided he could do better than motherrunning your fingers through. And, it nature and ‘astro turf’ was born. Shortly will serve you well to ask about warafter that, ‘artificial turf’ and ‘synthetic ranty and durability. grass’ took off. Some 40 years later, we The technology behind the grass is can see various versions of the above what matters. You can design the most in just about every neighborhood and fabulous layout which includes a play development in the country. From the area for the kids, a dog run and a putting Houston Astrodome to your neighbor’s green for practice, but if you purchase an backyard, artificial turf is here to stay. inferior product or have it installed by As a consumer, suffice to say that someone without training or experience, you (and your entire family) will be disappointed. Owner of Mirage Greens of Enter Mirage Turf the Valley, Jay Giesbrecht (right), with one of his System. It is the most professional installers at affordable, realistic, bestthe recently designed Ping performing, multi-color, Putting Center. bent-grass putting surface and/or lawn turf in the world. And all installations are done exclusively by M.P.G.A. certified and trained installers. Rigorous training, testing and ongoing seminars assure that Mirage Putting Green Dealers are qualified, from site selection, to base preparation, to turf sculpturing, to proper seaming, to proper roll and ball speed, thus assuring the statement, “The World’s 8
Most Realistic Synthetic Surface’. So what is the difference that makes the Mirage Turf System stand out? Simply, their turf, grass and putting greens use densely stitched, heat set spring-like fibers designed to stand up and look natural. Many of the other products showcase turf with sparsely stitched straight fibers that need to be filled with sand so a ball can be rolled. But sand being a loose material will move over time and needs continuous maintenance to stay consistent. The simple truth is that heat set is better. It also performs better and longer, with less maintenance and is safer for kids and pets than deep-in-filled turf. Mirage Greens of the Valley is the largest and most trusted synthetic turf dealer in the Valley. Founded in 1999, they pride themselves on selling and installing the complete line of Mirage Turf System putting greens and lawn turf. Out of 200+ dealers in North America, they are number one. Basically, they are your “one-stop shop” for synthetic turf. But selling the turf is just one small piece of how Mirage Greens of the Valley operates. They are able to custom design the area of your dreams and needs. They source their product from multiple suppliers abroad and in the US enabling them to offer the best combination of function and price. And they back up the manufacturer’s 8-10 year warranty with their own 2 year installation warranty. Mirage Greens of the Valley can attribute much of their success to the commitment and knowledge of Jay Giesbrecht, owner, turf expert and quality engineer. Giesbrecht has earned the Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
industry’s top certification, Master Turf Installer. Few people in the industry know more about synthetic turf and its proper installation, and fewer still share his passion for the business. He has designed and installed putting greens from north of the Arctic Circle to the tops of Manhattan skyscrapers. Jay Giesbrecht has established his longevity doing the opposite of what he sees most new companies doing. He has watched almost an entire industry revert back to installing Putting Green turfs that were new 15 years ago and cost a lot less money. He has also witnessed companies that use knock offs of “new technology” that do not work as advertised. But he has held firm to using the latest technology
Hours of family fun! and using the most talented installers. According to Giesbrecht, “We do not send laborers out to job site’s. Instead, we send professional installers to design an area. And I personally oversee each project.” Locally, Giesbrecht has proven the value of his company and the Mirage Turf System time and time again. His product and designs can be seen at all the Van's Pro Shops to demo putters. PING uses Mirage turf in their Putting Laboratory to test new putter designs. He has also improved the play areas
of local YMCA’s, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and dozens of daycare facilities across the valley. And there are thousands of happy home owners and families that have received the benefit of the Mirage product and installation. So when it comes time for you to make your backyard into a vacation destination, to improve your putting game or your company wants to make some esthetic changes, be sure to call Mirage Greens of the Valley. The homework is done for you—now it’s time to enjoy the benefits. For more information, please visit www.mgotv.com or call 480-659-7822.
Check Out the Hottest New Product in Golf!
516-307-8200
www.BizMarkGolf.com Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
9
header
Swingbyte – Now Available in the U.S. and Canada Swingbyte, which Golf Digest magazine called one of the “12 coolest” products at this year’s PGA Merchandise Show when it was introduced to golf professionals, is now available to golfers in the U.S. and Canada. About the size of most key fobs and weighing less than an ounce, Swingbyte attaches to the shaft of any golf club below the grip. As the club makes contact with the ball, a sensor transmits a digitized version of the swing to Apple and Android smartphones and tablets where it can be viewed during practice sessions and archived in the cloud for future reference. Mike Perpich, director of instruc-
tion at RiverPines Golf in Alpharetta. Ga., and a Golf magazine Top 100 Teacher, said: “I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s unbelievable.” “For the people I teach, it will be invaluable.” Swingbyte’s introductory price of $149 includes the Swingbyte unit, the free Swingbyte app and access to premium online content and service for one year, a $49 value included at no charge during the introductory period. Premium options include historical data storage, upgraded instruction and the ability to send data to instructors for review. Swingbyte is a patent-pending. For more information, please visit www.swingbyte.com, email founders@swingbyte.com or call 877-293-2549.
The Longest Shot: Jack Fleck, Ben Hogan and Pro Golf’s Greatest Upset at the 1955 US Open by Neil Sagebiel The 1955 US Open Golf Championship at Olympic Country Club in San Francisco was set up for history to be made: the great Ben Hogan, winner of four previous Open championships, was appearing in the US Open for the final time of his career. But history would be made by an unknown assistant driving range pro from Iowa, who six months earlier had joined the PGA Tour, was strongly considering quitting the sport professionally, and was now competing on the biggest stage of his brief career. Jack Fleck became the answer to the trivia question, “Who stunned the great Ben Hogan in a US Open playoff?’ Writer Neil Sagebiel recounts those amazing 4 days in June 1955 in his new book, The Longest Shot. The book explores the paths both men took leading to that fateful battle, focusing particularly on Fleck’s story, which has never been fully told. The Longest Shot will surprise and delight fans as they trace the improbably journey of an unheralded former caddie who played his way into the record books by out-dueling the sport’s greatest champion of the time. Available in most bookstores by Thomas Dunne Books, hardcover, $25.99. 10
The Big Miss: My Years Coaching Tiger Woods by Hank Haney In March 2004, world-class golf coach Hank Haney received a call from twenty-eight year old golf genius Tiger Woods, offering him the opportunity of a lifetime. It was a brief conversation, but it would change both men’s lives. Enlisting Haney to help him with his game, Tiger went on to win six majors in six years and achieve a winning percentage not equaled in his relationship with any other coach. Along the way, Haney had a front row seat to witness golf history. Beyond the practice range and the tour circuit, Haney was with Tiger more than 110 times a year, spoke to him more than 200 days a year and stayed as a guest in Wood’s home up to 30 days a year, observing him in nearly every circumstance on and off the golf course. In The Big Miss: My Years Coaching Tiger Woods, Haney delivers a candid and insightful account of his six-year coaching relationship with Tiger Woods and offers a captivating portrait of a legend, providing fresh insight into the complex and enigmatic personality of one of the greatest athletes of all time. Renowned golf instructor, Hank Haney, recounts his extraordinary experience working with the superstar athlete—with special emphasis on the training approaches and character trains that led to Tiger’s great triumphs and most disappointing setbacks. Available in most bookstores by Crown Archetype, hardcover, $26. Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
SUNGLASSES THAT DO MORE
LIGHT CHANGES.
SUNGLASSES SHOULD TOO.
SEE THE ADVANTAGE.
WHEN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GOOD SHOT AND GREAT ONE IS MERE INCHES, NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN CLEAR, DEFINED VISION, REGARDLESS OF THE CONDITIONS.EXPERIENCE TRANSITIONS ADAPTIVE SUNWEAR, COLOR OPTIMIZED WITH SPORT PERFORMANCE IN MIND. WWW.TRANSITIONSSUNWEAR.COM
Transitions_golf_sunwear_ad_7.25x9.875_HR.indd 1
5/4/12 11:43 AM
golf bachelor header
Tyler Wilson
Where were you born? Did you grow up there?
Tucson, Arizona. I grew up in Tucson and graduated from the University of Arizona.
What do you do for a living (or when you aren’t playing golf)? I work for DELL SonicWALL as a Channel Account
What three people would you most like to play with in your fantasy foursome? Natalie Gulbis, Anna Rawson, and Tiger. I mean Tiger would give me a few tips, right?
Manager. Outside of work you can find me hiking Camelback Mountain, jogging on the Greenbelt, playing a pickup game of rugby, and having drinks with friends.
Boxers or briefs? Boxer briefs -Best of both worlds.
Do you have a favorite designer for suits, shoes, etc?
The ESPN book - Those Guys Have All The Fun. Who knew all that happened? It’s worth a read.
When I lived in Chicago I was introduced to Hart Schaffner & Marx. They are a staple in my closet for suits – they fit me like a gem. Monday – Friday you will see me in JCrew tee shirt, blue jeans, and a pair of Sperry Top Siders.
What is the last book you read?
Who is your favorite comedian? Chelsea Handler. She is hilarious and smoking hot.
Aside from golf, what do you prefer for fun and relaxation?
What is your favorite course to play?
What’s your take on cuddling?
What was your best golf shot ever?
Watching U of A athletics. The baseball team just had a great run at the College World Series. Bear Down! The concept of cuddling makes no sense to me. It’s definitely a girl thing.
Who would you like to have with you on a deserted island?
Bear Grylls. But if he makes me drink my own urine I’m 12
swimming to the next island where Mila Kunis will be there waiting.
La Paloma in Tucson. You can’t beat the views of the Catalina Mountains. Last summer there was 12 of us playing at Dove Mountain. I was in the first group and the other 2 groups were watching us tee off. I smoked my tee shot 250 yards right down the middle of the fairway. I turned around to a standing ovation by my best friends. Awesome feeling! Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
cart girl Where did you grow up?
The heart of Illinois!
If you could be any animal, what would it be and why?
If I could be any animal, I would be a hummingbird for 2 reasons: First of all they are extremely graceful, beautiful birds, and secondly, they are quick, speedy, and fast.
What is your favorite sport to play and to watch?
My favorite sport to play is Volleyball. My favorite sporting event to watch would most definitely have to be the Olympics.
Do you enjoy playing golf and are there any golfers in your family?
I enjoy golfing very much. My older brother and younger brother both golf as well. When we get together, we have a blast.
What do you feel makes this club special? My co-workers make this club feel special. I enjoy coming to work knowing that I will get a good laugh in all while working hard during the process. We all have each other’s backs – We’re family – plain and simple.
s p l e h P y e l h s A
Photos by Greg Dunivant
What is your favorite part and least favorite part of being a cart girl? My favorite part about being a cart girl is providing guaranteed excellent customer service and conversing with golfers and coworkers. My least favorite part about being a cart girl is the heat.
If you weren’t a cart girl what would you be doing?
If I weren’t a cart girl, I have a few back-ups. I am attending grad school come the Fall at ASU and majoring with a Master’s in Physical Education with a Sport Pedagogy Research Specialization. I am also the Varsity Head Volleyball Coach at Williams Field High School as well as one of their Physical Education Teachers.
What is your most memorable moment working as a cart girl?
Two guys trying to out-do my largest tip I ever made. I love competition.
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on the golf course?
A gentleman passed out on hole number 5 with no underwear on.
What hobbies do you enjoy?
I truly enjoy teaching and coaching. I love to play sand volleyball, ride my bike, shoot hoops with the guys, have happy hour at Kona, and go shopping.
Do you have a favorite comedian? Brian Regan. What is your idea of a perfect date? My perfect date would consist
of a day trip up to Sedona. I’d enjoy a beautiful hike and a relaxing evening in a gorgeous, secluded cabin.
What is your favorite charity to support? In memory of my grandmother, my favorite charity to support would be Lymphoma.
What else would you like us to know about you?
I am a very energetic and outgoing girl. I love going out for Sushi and happy hour as much as I can. I love biking and hiking and golfing (with my new, fresh set of Adams graphites). I am also a 3 time state champion (2 Basketball, 1 for Volleyball). 14
Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
Thirsty? Hungry? Order straight from your phone!
The NEW App for Food & Beverage On-Course Ordering!
www.smartcartapp.com smartcatr8.5x11_r8.10.indd 1
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
The Greatest Ball of All
What is a ball? “A ball is a round or roundish body, of various sizes and materials. It could be either hollow or solid, for use in games, such as baseball, football, basketball, soccer, tennis or golf. That can lead to the question, “What is the greatest ball in sports? There are varying amounts of science and technology involved in the development of every ball. A basketball is designed with a specific size, weight and durability to bounce an appropriate amount when dribbled. When a soccer ball is kicked, scientists developed a ball that would react well in a variety of weather and playing conditions. The same could be said for a football, tennis ball, baseball, bowling ball, softball and so on. There is little comparison, however, in the amount of ‘scientific mind, time, experimentation and research’ spent on other balls compared to the golf ball. As an illustration, taking only one aspect of the golf ball, the following is one of numerous experiments related to DIMPLES. At a meeting of the American Physical Society’s Division of Fluid Dynamics, a team of researchers employed the same sort of scientific approach commonly used to improve the design of automobiles, aircraft, ships, trains, and other moving objects. The team used a supercomputer to model how air flows around a ball 16
in flight and to study how this flow is influenced by the ball’s dimples. Their goal is to make a better golf ball by optimizing the size and pattern of these dimples and lowering the drag golf balls encounter as they fly through the air. Inner cores, outer cores and coverings each received – and continue to receive - similar research and experimentation from a multitude of scientists and technicians. Not to take anything away from the ping pong ball, but a golf ball is a sample of modern scientific engineering and there is little room for debate that a golf ball is the greatest ball in sports. With more than 1,500 different golf balls that have been approved by the R&A and USGA, what is GOLF’S GREATEST BALL? Through extensive advertising, the brands used by Touring Professionals are well known. That being said, if a lesser known company produced a ball that is EQUAL OR BETTER than any ball on the market – AND IS SOLD AT A CONSIDERABLY LOWER PRICE - could it be considered GOLF’S
GREATEST BALL? The INNOVEX V-MOTION TOUR received a 2011”Golf Digest Hot List Award” including “4 STARS in the Performance Category.” It is a 3-piece premium ball designed for golfers who expect Tour Level performance and playability. It has a cast urethane cover for high spin along with a compensating speed core for distance. (V-MOTION $32.95 per dozen) The INNOVEX E-MOTION TOUR is a 3-piece surlyn performance ball, designed with a Progressive Motion Dual Core to fly further, spin faster, and feel softer while offering durability. The Aeroblend Cover features Aerocontrol parallel dimple dividers that smooth airflow for increased flight distance. (EMOTION $19.95 per dozen), As previously discussed, the golf ball is the greatest ball in sports. In determining the best golf ball, considering the factors of playability and cost, INNOVEX is arguably “THE GREATEST BALL OF ALL!” For more information: www.innovexgolf.com. Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
2011 Reno-Tahoe Open Winner Scott Piercy
new format. same feeling. JUlY 30 -aUgUsT 5, 2012 $3 million up for grabs and a tournament first – the modified stableford format.
RenoTahoeOpen.com
big time.
golfheader travel
Great Potatoes, Whitetail
Pop quiz time.
Name five things you know about the great State of Idaho. Well, there are potatoes. And then, there is…, no, that’s not Idaho. Hmmmmm. Truth be told, Idaho probably gets a bad rap. It’s a big, funny shaped state up there by Oregon and Washington, but probably not one that comes to mind when time to plan a vacation or golf outing. If we remember our childhood history lesson, we might think of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. And we probably still imagine Idaho as a vast emptiness waiting to be populated. Sure, it’s uncrowded, but today’s Idaho is both cosmopolitan and small-town friendly. With a total state population of just under 1.5 million, Boise, the capital and largest city, has grown to 190,000. Idaho also lays claim to the birthplace of television, has 3,100 miles of river (more than any other state) and boasts square dancing as its official state dance. Agriculture,
manufacturing and tourism are Idaho’s major industries. Abundant outdoor recreation opportunities and scenic vistas around every turn attract over 20 million tourists annually. Idahoans are proud to live in an area that is unhurried, unspoiled and unassuming. It’s time to be educated on the greatness of our 43rd State. Play some fantastic courses and linger awhile while discovering all that Idaho has to offer. “The natural terrain of the land used for this Idaho Golf Resort course provided us a perfect design palette,”
Jug Mountain 18
said Robert Trent Jones Jr., Master Architect and Chairman of Robert Trent Jones II. “The dramatic changes in landscape, and majestic views of the mountains, the meadow and Lake Cascade, qualify Osprey Meadows as one of the finest courses in the Pacific Northwest.” —
Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Par 72 with four teeing options on each hole, accommodating beginners to professionals. An ideal layout: five par 5s, five par 3s, eight par 4s, 7,319 yards from the tips, with generous landing areas. For more information, please visit www.tamarackidaho.com/summer_adventure/ golf. The Jug Mountain Ranch represents a different brand of golf, where everyone is welcome to experience the challenge and thrill of golf in McCall. Every golfer, social or competitive, enjoys gorgeous panoramic views of Jughandle Mountain, the Ranch’s natural wetlands, old growth forests and the rolling hills of the East Valley. Designed by Donald Knott, whose previous work as project architect for Robert Trent Jones II Group, included the widely acclaimed Links at Spanish Bay (Pebble Beach), Rancho La Quinta, Sun Valley Resort, and more than 60 other courses around the world. Jug Mountain Ranch is a world-class course that respectfully takes advantage of the land, water, trees and wild life nature provided. This is just possibly the best golf course in the world. To experience it yourself, please visit www.jugmountainranch.com/golf. Whitetail’s Golf Digest “Top 100” championship golf course was designed by two-time U.S. Open winner Andy North and Roger Packard. It was Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
Better Golf also named a 2009 Top 100 Best Course in America by Golfweek Magazine. Sporting a diverse terrain, it plays through both towering pine alleys and open, waterlaced meadows. Course at a glance: 18-holes/7200 yards/Par 71-72, Course rating: 71.4, Course slope: 125. You can hone your game with the assistance of our PGA Professional Todd Bindner using the latest technology in video club fitting plus Titleist Performance Institute Osprey Meadows (TPI) Golf Fitness Programs. The 3,500 sq. ft. lodge-style Golf Shop and Grill has locker rooms, a grill and lounge plus an expansive outdoor patio. It›s the ideal spot to unwind after a game while taking in spectacular mountain views. For more information, please visit www.whitetailclub.com. The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains on the shores of beautiful Lake Coeur d›Alene in North Idaho. Opening in 1991 to unprecedented reviews and awards, The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course established itself as a premier destination golf course debuting as the #11 resort golf course in the nation, while unveiling an extraordinary #1 ranking in the category of “Beauty and Esthetics” by Golf Digest.. Before visiting, be sure to view the virtual tour at Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
www.cdaresort.com/golf. Located in the “Heart” of Teton Valley, in the majestic Yellowstone/Teton area and
Teton Springs
OTHER COURSES TO VISIT: Sun Valley’s signature course, Trail Creek, promises to provide a challenging round of golf for every level of player. Visit www.sunvalley.com/golf/trailcreek. When standing atop the White Clouds, your eye captures a 360-degree wrap-around view of the Wood River Valley encompassing Bald Mountain, Dollar Mountain, the Pioneer wrapped on its southern edge by the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Teton Springs is fast becoming the premiere “stay and play” resort in Idaho. Anchored by the 18-Hole Headwaters Course, this private club, welcomes guests of Teton Springs Resort, and offers something for everyone. Masterfully crafted by a unique triumvirate of talent, golf legend Byron Nelson, Open Champion Steve Jones and architect Gary Stephenson joined forces to create both the 18 and 9 hole courses. This unique group understood Mr. Nelson’s primary design philosophy; a shot well struck by any golfer should be rewarded. With 5 sets of tee boxes the 72 par course is well adapted for all handicaps. 5,400 - 7,400 yards. For more information, please visit www.tetonspringslodge.com/golf.
Mountains, Angel’s Perch, Devil›s Bedstead and the home of Ernest Hemingway. Visit www.sunvalley.com/golf/whiteclouds. Originally opened in 1974, Elkhorn Golf Club was created in the last collaboration between the famous design team of father and son Robert Trent Jones Senior and Junior. Elkhorn will prove to be a test of your golfing abilities. Visit www.sunvalley.com/golf/elkhorn. Three, nine-hole courses comprise the beautiful McCall Golf Course 27-hole facility located in the west central mountains of Idaho. Visit www.discovermccall.com/golf. Designed by Gene Bates, Circling Raven has consistently been rated as one of the top Resort courses in the country. Visit www.cdacasino.com/golf. 19
By Jason Trujillo
on your green
Principal National and Principal Life Financial Representative, Princor Registered Representative
Financial Program Reviews One of the biggest complaints from life and disability insurance policy owners is, “the person who sold me the policy(ies) has not met with me or kept me updated on an ongoing basis”. Many people have plans that were purchased many years ago that have not been reviewed and kept on track with changing goals and circumstances. A regular review of one’s insurance and retirement programs should be an ongoing process. Any number of things may cause your plans to be out-of-date, including, but not limited to:
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
Marriage Purchase of a home Inheritance or other financial windfall Job or business change Income increases Inflation Birth or adoption of a child Divorce Charitable interests Retirement Death in the family Disability of a family member Completion of financial obligation (debt, child support payments, etc.)
Other factors that can affect your plans are:
• • • • •
Tax law changes New product design Improved mortality and morbidity rates Inflation Investment performance
If any of these things may have had an impact on your financial planning, you should meet with a professional to review and update your program. If you have a financial professional you work with and trust, call him or her for a thorough review. If you do not have a financial professional, give me a call, and I will be happy to help you analyze your plans.
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. 20
Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
T H IS IS NOT A N AD FOR A WATCH*
*This ad is for the most innovative GPS in golf. • Touchscreen GPS golf watch • 27,000+ preloaded worldwide courses • Green View; layup & dogleg distances • Also available in a black & gray option INTRODUCING THE APPROACH ® S3
NASDAQ GRMN
©2012 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
Garmin.com/golf
great shots
What Are The Odds? Wes Bolyard beat 67-million-to-one odds (according to About.com Golf) by making two holes-in-one in the same round. The unlikely feat occurred while playing at Longbow Golf Club in Mesa, Arizona. Bolyard aced the third hole (129 yards) and then did it again on the 11th (115 yards). “It was interesting because I used the same club, a Ping i15 Gap Wedge,” said Bolyard. “But the wind was different for each shot.” On hole number three, Bolyard used a Titleist Pro V1 golf ball then on hole eleven his ace was made with a Srixon Z-Star Tour Yellow. He also plays with two gloves and was wearing Cutters C-Tack glove on his left hand and was wearing a Lynx golf glove on his right hand. Before carding the two aces that day at Longbow, Bolyard already had five holes-in-one to his credit. And Bolyard’s love for the game goes beyond simply playing the game. He has served for nine years as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Winn Grips Heather Farr Classic Hosted by Longbow, an American Junior Golf Association event. He has also volunteered for more than 15 years at several golf events in the greater Phoenix area. AZ Golf Central Magazine had to talk to Wes to congratulate him and find out his secret!
How long have you been playing golf? I was born at an early age, but 22
didn’t start playing golf until I joined a work league in the late 60’s in Kansas City, Missouri. I didn’t know squat about the game so I picked up a book by Arnold Palmer for 75 cents called “The Arnold Palmer Method”. I studied this book diligently and gradually gained some level of proficiency. I worked at it and worked at it. I still remember the course where I broke 80 for the first time. I had my first hole-in-one in the late 70’s, second in January 1989 (40 degrees in KC), third in AZ June 1993, 4th in Kauai 2008, 5th in Jamaica 2009 and numbers 6 & 7 on May 15, 2012.
So, what’s the secret to your success? If there would be what someone would call a secret, it might be two things: 1st, I like to practice 2nd, I might be a little lucky. After all, think about the 3 foot putts that are missed, so how do you make it from over 100 yards. I also have had seven 2’s on par 4s.
Do you have any advice for aspiring golfers? Enjoy the game for itself, the challenge of controlling the ball to the best of your ability. Laugh at your bad shots and just have fun!
What’s your favorite course? I have been lucky to have played over 200 courses in the Valley. I have several “favorite” courses and yes, Longbow is included in those. I enjoy playing at
We-Ko-Pa, both courses, The Raven at Verrado, The Rim and Chaparral Pines in Payson, the Desert Mountain courses when get the opportunity, Gold Canyon Dinosaur for the beauty of Superstition Mountain. Out of state I like Black Mesa in New Mexico, Coyote Moon in Truckee California, Circling Raven in Idaho, Fossil Trace in Golden Colorado, several courses in the Whitefish/Kalispell Montana area, several courses in San Diego and at the Homestead Resort in Virginia. In other words, I like to play golf just about anywhere.
Tell us more about your volunteering efforts. I have been volunteering for golf events in the valley for over 15 years. I was a marshal at what used to be the PGA Senior Tour tournament, the Tradition at Desert Mountain and worked as a Security Captain at The Phoenix Open (under several sponsorships) for 15 years. For the last 8 years, I have been in charge of volunteer security at the 16th hole. I have also helped the LPGA, the Nationwide Tour, several women’s college tournaments and with the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) for 12 years. When the AJGA moved to Mesa at Longbow Golf Club, I became the volunteer coordinator 9 years ago. It’s a pleasure to watch the young golfers mature during the years they participate. I enjoy the AJGA staff and working with them. I like putting something back into golf. Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
ABOVE THE REST
Realizing Golfers’ Dreams ExpEriEncE a highEr lEvEl OF gOlF prOductS www.nipponshaft.com
Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
23
women in golf
Shelley Hamlin— Loving The Game If you are lucky enough to know or meet Shelley Hamlin, you know she has an engaging personality, enjoys laughter and has a love for the game that is contagious. Hamlin has been a member of the LPGA Tour since her rookie year in 1972. She has won three LPGA tournaments in her career and has earned numerous awards of achievement. But probably most notable was Hamlin’s diagnosis and recovery from breast cancer. She was diagnosed in July of 1991 and
just months after a modified radical mastectomy, she won the Phar-Mor at Inverrary, Scotland in 1992. Being as it was her first win since 1978, it only made sense that her accolades include the 1992 Bounceback Player of the Year Award. But other accomplishments include the William and Mousie Powell Award and the 1995 Heather Farr Award. Hamlin also was the first recipient of the Dr. DeDe Owens Spirit of Golf Award presented to her at the “Celebrating Women in Golf”, an LPGA 50th Anniversary Event Dinner in 2000. This is a LPGA lifetime achievement award established to recognize an individual, male or female, who has overcome adversity and gone on to contribute to the growth and development of golf worldwide. Arizona Golf Central Magazine recently interviewed Shelley Hamlin and learned firsthand about her love for golf. According to Hamlin, “When you think of golf, you are supposed to ‘swing’ and ‘play’. Those are fun words and golf should be fun. Sure, there is self-esteem and money involved, but it’s really supposed to be a game”.
What are you doing in AZ to promote the game of golf? Right now I am teaching children’s clinics at the Aguila Golf Course in Laveen. It’s a great public course. Our last session had 15 kids, both boys and girls, between the ages of 5-14. Golf isn’t really natural for them, but if you get them started with some basics, when they hit good shots, it becomes fun for them.
Who was your mentor? Derrick Hardy. He helped me build my swing. I actually peaked in the game by age 17, but then I broke my wrist playing tennis. I went from a straight shooter to having a great hook and needed to adjust my game and be a better short game player. 24
What was your greatest moment on the course? It was definitely my win right after breast cancer. It was great that it was just 6 months later, but I was just trying to have fun and be as good as Pat Bradley! I wanted myself to have a fun day--it was a good gallery and we were on ESPN. I didn’t really think about winning because that usually overloads my game. This time it was just about fun and it worked great!
What words of encouragement do you have for someone who was just diagnosed with cancer? The day they told me, I thought I was going to die. I have since learned it is healthy to know that life is not unlimited—it helped me make the most of it. Also, at the time I thought it was the worst thing that could happen, but it turned out to be the best. You can’t close your eyes to the events in life.
Do you have a favorite quote or thought you live by? I love teaching… when someone hits that straight shot and their eyes light up, I find that thrilling. I always think, if the whole world has to shake before you are to be thrilled, you won’t be thrilled often but if you can be thrilled by seeing a leaf fall from a tree, then every minute of your life will be thrilling.
What is something you want your fans to know that they might not? Well, if they haven’t seen me play in person, they don’t realize how much I really enjoy it. I love what I do. Outside of golf, I am a pretty good cook.
If there is one thing you would change about the game, what would it be? I would really make it more popular to walk the sport again. We should get back to the days of having fewer carts. Golf is great exercise and walking is a big part of the enjoyment of the game. Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
Final Page Ad.pdf 1 2/29/2012 4:05:25 PM
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
ASHER GOLF WOMEN’S GLOVE COLLECTION
feature
Main Street—The Next Generation of Networking There are many thoughts and ideas that cross a person’s mind when they think of golfing. Networking might not be one of those thoughts, but it should. Golf can provide a great opportunity to bond and build rapport with people from different walks of life. “In my experience, you can learn more about a person in four hours on the golf course than in umpteen hours in a boardroom”, says Phoenix Main Street Chamber President, Steve G. Sandoval. “Golf reveals how we handle the good bounces, bad breaks and really difficult situations that expose our true character.” Sandoval found his passion for golf at an early age. His uncle showed him clubs and a course at the age of 10 and he took to it immediately and loved it—the outdoors, the challenge, the camaraderie. Being encouraged by his skill, he entered some tournaments and won; even going straight to State Championships in his first year of high school. Shortly thereafter, he moved from Colorado to New Mexico and he was able to join their team and experience 5 successful seasons between the two states. Fast forward 40 years and Sandoval still has a passion for golf. He is a successful businessman, a veteran and a devout Christian. But he has also been an entrepreneur, educator and mentor and has been able to work on many great business projects of his choosing. Today, he is committed to helping new and current business owners grow and prosper in every area including personal development. Sandoval believes that 95% of the American population needs to learn a better way to create more income or they need to start another income stream. “A business owner can 26
Get Smart with Better Networking! only grow his company to the level of his knowledge, passion and experience and the time he or she can work. There are only so many hours a person can work before they get sick or burn out. In order to grow to the next level, they must increase their knowledge, leadership skills and passion in this challenging and fast changing economy. They must also learn the simple secret of the wealthy and rich and that is to learn to increase their financial intelligence so they can build wealth for their family and future. It is becoming much more difficult for most professionals and business owners to keep up with their competition as well as the new and younger entrepreneurs who better understand how to use technology and work much smarter. “ Enter Main Street Chamber--a national business networking organization that promotes group development through local chapters, business networking and Freedom Quest Seminars throughout the country. As
the president, Sandoval realizes today, more than ever before, everyone must learn to take personal responsibility to secure their own financial security and protect their income. The earlier you start, the sooner you can enjoy that freedom to accomplish more of your dreams and goals in life. Sandoval’s mission, ministry and main business focus is to reach and teach that the American Dream of business ownership is available to all who desire more in life as long as they are willing to work hard for it and learn to grow into a good business professional. Main Street Chamber offers entrepreneurs and small business owners numerous opportunities such as business networking events to promote their business, form mutually beneficial relationships and share new ideas for enhanced business networking success. Their focus is to provide tremendous value to the members and always search for ways to enhance the value of membership. Says Sandoval, “I am exArizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
cited to be showcased in AZ Golf Central Magazine to demonstrate to our members and potential members how to use the game of golf to network businesses and build relationships. What better way to bring people together –across the street or across the country—than a game of golf? It’s a great vehicle to help reach our end goal.” In addition to his passion for business, teaching freedom and pursuing our Godgiven dreams, Sandoval is committed to expanding a training class he started 17 years ago, now called ‘The Freedom Quest Eagle Seminar’. This program is targeted to selected employees of sponsored companies and students age 16 to 27. The goal is to train up the next generation of entrepreneurs and teach that free enterprise works best when you own your own business. Even though most people say the economy is not so good, Sandoval says there has never been a better time to start a business. Today thousands of people starting a homebase business are setting themselves up for the journey of financial security and freedom. While most people live for comfort and pleasure, millions of American don’t want to depend on a boss or the government to take care of them. According to Sandoval, “they are eagles stuck fighting with the chickens and turkeys, but deep down they desperately
want to learn how to fly and be free to live their dreams.” Sandoval’s Freedom Quest America™ is dedicated to educating Americans on the founding principles and values that made this country the greatest nation on earth. “Basically, you can think of it as the The goal of Main Street Chamber is to empower, guide next generation and help entrepreneurs and small businesses to naviof Junior Achieve- gate their course for their success in this new global ment on steroids! economy, starting in your neighborhood or community Not only do we – right on Main Street. help prepare and train students, The foundational 7 hour FQA Eagle for their future careers but we provide Seminar (which will be online soon) employment and business opportuniwill cover how to navigate and better ties for students as early as age 17 and understand how to succeed in today’s up. We provide ongoing training and ever changing, competitive global market network opportunities and contacts to place. We must first understand what help jump start their careers in the marour heritage really is as an American and ket place. We do this through seminars, as a Free Enterprise Capitalist before we training programs and apprenticeships can achieve and pursue happiness and for all aspects of business, finance includachieve our God ordained inheritance and ing teaching about civic duty as a producblessings. tive and responsible citizen and patriot.” What separates Main Street Chamber from all other groups is the member’s commitment and focus to training the next generation of business owners and entrepreneurs with part of their advertising dollars. They do this by taking a percentage of the sponsorship money and giving it to Freedom Quest America to help fund the first on-line and local American Business & Civics School for the next generations of entrepreneurs. This allows funding by local business leaders in their own community. “It has been said that Main Street Chamber is one the most attractive networking organizations because of its free membership. I believe it’s much more than that. Main Street Chamber is a place where acquaintances become friends and where businesses build relationships. This in turn creates bigger, stronger businesses that can give back to the community,” say Sandoval. For more information on how to participate or become a member in Main Street Chamber or the accompanying Freedom Quest America initiative, please visit www.mainstreetchamber.org or www.freddomquestamerica.org.
Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
27
By Bradley Miller
tour profile
Scottsdale resident Aaron Baddeley carries a lot of titles. He is a 3 time US PGA winner, Christian, husband, father, Australian, American, mentor, role model….and the list goes on. At such a young age, Baddeley 31, has made a name for himself. And yet, with all his accolades, Baddeley is very humble and grateful for his life. As an amateur, he won the Australian Open in 1999 and retained his title the following year as a professional. With 3 US PGA wins and 3 Australian PGA wins, Baddeley was selected by Greg Normal as a wildcard pick for the 2011 Presidents Cup team. He statistically ranks as one of the very best putters on the Tour. And he accomplished all that while maintaining and professing his Christian faith. Married in 2005 to Richelle, they have two daughters, Jewell and Jolee. He is quick to say it is his faith that has kept him grounded in the game and his family that gives him joy and happiness. Arizona Golf Central Magazine had the opportunity to chat with Baddeley recently.
Aaron Baddeley
You have a nickname of ‘Badds’ and we see it everywhere—does that make you feel like a tough guy or intimidating? No, not at all. I don’t think so. When I was younger, the kids in my circle shortened my name and it stuck— pretty simple story!
Tell us about your dual citizenship and how you got started in golf. I was born in Lebanon, NH but we moved to Australia when I was 2. I was introduced to golf around 8 by my grandmother, Jean. When I was 13, I wanted to be on tour so I started working with my coach and at 18, I won the Australian Open as an amateur. A year later, I turned pro and have won tournaments in both countries since.
What would you say is your biggest strength? I have always been a good putter. I just always try to get the ball where it needs to be.
Your name is on a Junior Championship—tell us about that. The Aaron Baddeley International Junior Championship was started in 2001. It was a qualifying event that hosted 90 players around Australia. A team was formed to compete against Fiji and that was the first of many tournaments to come. I wanted to assist junior golfers to help bridge the 28
gap from amateur to pro. The ABIJC helps young players learn what life is like on Tour. It is now one of the leading junior championships in the world. The winner (both boy and girl) receives an invitation to the Australian Open and the Australian Masters.
What is your favorite course to play?
You have one of the most rocking golf bags around—Ogio—tell us about your relationship with them. They have been great. Their bag is second to none and has been the number one seller for the last 4-5 years. They just launched their golf apparel line this year. It’s a fantastic company with professional people and great gear.
Definitely, Augusta.
What do you consider your greatest moment in golf? Each win is different. Winning at 18 in the Australian Open was special because no one expected it. Winning last year in LA was special because I had my 2 girls and wife with me to show my trophy—that was super special.
Who was your mentor growing up? I would have to mention two. Pastor Alan Mayer was instrumental in my walk with the Lord and one of my best mates, John Bevere. He loves sports, he guides me, answers me, questions me.
Are you passionate about any sport other than golf? I really enjoy the NFL and Australian football.
You are in your early 30’s and have a strong golfing career, a wife and 2 children. What do you think of that? Having a wife and daughters makes it easier to leave the golf course. When you come home, they are there waiting for you. After winning the Northern Trust Open last year, I got home around 11pm and my daughter was waiting for me to paint her toenails! They don’t really care if you come in first or last, they just want you to be dad.
When you have time get away from it all and be with your family, what do you enjoy? My daughters like crafts and being outdoors. My wife also likes the outdoors—walking and hiking. We just enjoy being a mom and a dad and being together. Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
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.
By Leonard Finkel
what's new
Driving Deep and Down the Middle Self-Correcting Golf Ball Cures Hooks and Slices Golf is a difficult game. Imagine the unbridled joy of consistently hitting every fairway. The ability to hit the ball straighter makes playing golf faster, less expensive and much more fun; fewer lost balls to replace, less time searching and hunting
Robotic Testing Validates Company Claims
conforming golf balls, which all sliced about 90 feet, the Polara ball corrected
Polara went to Golf Labs in San Diego to validate their self-correcting ball’s performance and the results were eye-opening. During robotic testing where a significant slice was
up to 70 feet of the 90 foot slice.”
Garnering National Acclaim In an almost unprecedented event, Polara was featured on the front page
for wayward drives and above all,
of the New York Times (5/10/11).
greater enjoyment and the improved
Not the sports page, but the front page itself! Polara’s Self-Correcting
self respect and satisfaction that
Technology generated
comes with shooting lower
incredible media interest
scores! The Polara Self-
worldwide. Among
Correcting golf ball
numerous news
does all of that by correcting hooks
stories and reports,
and slices up to
veteran journalist
75%. A unique,
Ron Claiborne
asymmetrical
(ABC News,
dimple pattern
Good Morning
positions shallow
America)
dimples around
reported,” I
the ball’s equator
carefully teed
and deeper
up a Polara ball, arrow on top, as
dimples at the
instructed. I reared
poles. One glance
back and let it rip. The
and you clearly see the Polara difference. Try them and you’ll
A unique, asymmetrical dimple pattern positions shallow dimples around the ball’s equator and deeper dimples at the poles.
correcting effect. Golf Tips Magazine reported, “If you’re a recreational golfer who tends to find the rough more than the fairway, your fast track to straighter shots has arrived. No, it’s not a new training aid, oversized draw driver or magic swing tip. It’s a golf ball that flies straight, even when you put a slice swing on it.”
ball soared high into the sky, arched and landed on the fairway about 250 yards away.
undoubtedly experience the self-
30
found that compared to several popular
induced, on
average,
Polara
balls reduced the slicing effect by 75% over more traditional balls including premium brands. Golf Labs director Gene Parente states, “We set up the Golf Labs robot to simulate a 90 foot slice based on launch conditions of an average golfer. With the nonconforming Polara Ultimate Straight golf ball we
It had flown straight and true from tee to landing. I was in shock. “No slice!” I exclaimed. I hit another Polara. The same thing. And another. I simply could not hit a bad shot. It was a miracle.” It’s one thing to hit it straight on the range, quite another to do it on the golf course. I hit the ball far, but it’s sometimes an adventure as to direction. Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
I went to Aviara in Carlsbad, California,
$170 million start up ball division from
selecting a tight hole to hit a few Polara
scratch.
ball drives. To my amazement, I hit the
Felker led the team that designed and
fairway on eight of nine drives! After
developed Callaway’s first products and
each shot, I felt more and more confident.
he holds many golf ball patents. Polara
I couldn’t miss! My misses stayed in the
balls are designed for the vast majority
fairway.
of golfers who are recreational players,
Polara’s director of R&D, David
ones who want to take advantage of
Felker has a long history of success and
technology improvements; those who
innovation. He was personally selected
want to have fun playing golf. “We’re not
by Ely Callaway to be the VP of Golf
trying to remove the skill from the game,”
Ball R&D and a charter member of the
said Felker. “We’re just trying to remove
executive team that built Callaway’s
the frustration.”
Trial Combo Pack For a limited time Polara Golf is offering one 3-ball sleeve of Ultimate Straight balls and one 3-ball sleeve of XD golf balls together for just $9.95 ( incl. S&H). Polara balls are at retailers nationwide but this specially priced sampler pack is only available at www.TryPolara.com.
Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
I wanted to see for myself what the Polara ball could do. It’s one thing to hit it straight on the range, quite another to do it on the golf course. I went to Aviara in Carlsbad, California, selecting a reasonably tight hole to hit a few drives. To my utter amazement, I hit the fairway on eight of nine drives. I tend to hit the ball far, but it’s sometimes an adventure as to direction. After each successive shot, I felt more and more confident, like I couldn’t miss the fairway! I hit half my drives dead straight, a very unusual trajectory for me. My misses stayed in the fairway. With the Polara ball, I believe I can shoot a career low round, which has me very excited.
31
improving performance
Innovation. It is a word that is thrown around a lot in the golf equipment world and when it comes to the game changing drivers, the amount of technology over the last decade has been amazing.
Callaway RAZR Fit Driver
For more information www.callawaygolf.com
The Callaway RAZR Fit Driver combines Forged Composite and OptiFit Technology Callaway's first adjustable driver. The driver comes loaded with 12g and 2g removable weights in the sole in the toe and heel positions. Face angle is adjustable from S (standard) C (closed 1.5 degrees) and O (Open 2.5 degrees). AGCM TESTER– Chad Kobold, mid handicap, Mesa, Arizona The head sat very nicely at address and gave me a consistent flight each drive. Being a higher handicapper I felt that this Driver was ideal because it gave me more in adjusting options then my current driver and with the combine moveable weights and adjustable hosel gave me more flexibility. The effects of the adjustments on ball flight were noticeable which was great because some days you don’t know who is going to show golfing that day. Over all I was long and straight.
Callaway RAZR X Black Driver
For more informationwww.callawaygolf.com
This driver features Forged Composite material in the crown. The driver’s crown contains over 12 million turbostratic carbon fibers that reinforce 27% of the club head. Forged Composite allows engineers to precisely control thickness; resulting in a club head that’s lighter but still has an extremely high MOI the RAZR X Black Driver also incorporates a Black PVD Finish. AGCM TESTER– Khai Tran, low handicap, Phoenix, Arizona I’ve never hit a forged composite driver. I think it intimidated me even more when reading that Callaway uses the word ‘mean’ to describe the Razr black Driver. I describe it as a stealth looking driver that Batman would use. I found that the sound was muted when I hit it and I could definately feel when I was not hitting the sweet spot. When I did hit it on the sweet spot – wow. Once I got comfortable my swing speed was averaging 105 and my distance from flight scope said I was carrying an average of 270 constantly. I'll take that all day long.
Cobra Amp Driver
For more information www.cobragolf.com
Cobra AMP Driver The Cobra AMP Driver features E9 Face Technology and AMP Speed Tuning deliver customized distance and accuracy through an elliptical face that features a new canted bulge with Dual Roll design. This design provides more distance to shots hit above and below the centerline as each loft optimizes the amount of Dual Roll, head weight, shaft weight, grip weight and length differently to deliver the best performance for a given club head speed. This driver has three simple face-angle settings (Open, Neutral and Closed) to optimize ball flight for increased distance. AGCM TESTER– Don Ennis, mid Handicap, Phoenix, Arizona First off, the color stands out – no snow white. This is my first Cobra driver that I've ever hit where the face is incredibly hot and delivered a nice smooth feel at impact. The sound felt solid and my accuracy was spot on. I think I've became an instant fan of Cobra.
The Ping G20 Driver
For more information www.ping.com
Has variable-thickness face that generates faster ball speeds and increases MOI for maximum forgiveness. The 460cc clubhead is made from Ti 8-1-1, a lighter, lower-density alloy. Ti 8-1-1’s high strength-to-weight ratio allows for additional weight to be strategically placed for increasing the MOI on both the vertical and horizontal axes. Weight savings from varying wall thicknesses in the crown and body are positioned to optimize performance and durability. AGCM TESTER– Phillip Post, high handicap, New, Mexico The head appeared to be bigger then other drivers I tested but the sound and feel at impact were excellent and the ball took off with a penetrating trajectory. My distance gains where noticeable by at least 15 yards or more. I think that this driver is a game changer.
Cobra ZL Encore Black
For more information www.cobragolf.com
The ZL Encore features Adjustable Flight Technology (AFT) allowing golfers to choose from an open, neutral or closed face-angle setting to fully optimise a golfer's ball flight. The ZL Encore continues Cobra's line of drivers that feature E9 Face Technology with dual roll. This technology creates adds more forgiveness thanks to an elliptical shape sweetspot that is 30% larger. Cobra also add a canted bulge to the new ZL Driver, to provide added forgiveness above and below the centerline. AGCM TESTER– Kirk Goodman, Mid Handicap, Scottsdale, Arizona, Effortless distance. Muted, non harsh sound.The head has adjustable settings which I found to be a great feature. One of the best things is I didn't have to swing it hard to really bust one out there. Absolutely one of the most beautiful drivers I've seen and hit. 32
Special thanks goes out to Flightscope www.flightscope.com
Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
Rather than give you statistics after statistics or discuss who these drivers are well suited for we rather you hear it right from the source–
golfers like you.
The Ping I20 Driver
For more information www.ping.com
The Ping i20 Driver has an aerodynamic 460cc head that is an especially good fit for golfers who rely on a low-spin, penetrating trajectory to maximize distance, accuracy, and workability. Two dense tungsten sole weights in the Ti 8-1-1 head elevate the moment of intertia for forgiveness across the clubface and they position the center of gravity for optimal launch conditions.The i20 is finished off with a striking matte-black finish that absorbs light to eliminate glare and reflections. AGCM Tester– Jason Segal, low handicap, Phoenix, Arizona Distance was mind blowing when you catch one flush. The ball bores through the air Overall, I gain about 12 yards over my current driver. I have a 2 handicap and cannot complain at all about the performance of this driver. Hands down best driver I have ever hit. Definitely a must have.
Bridgestone J40 445 Driver
For more information www.bridgestonegolf.com
Bridgestone J40 445 Driver 445cc with a round shape Improved Face Thickness design for additional stability and higher MOI. 6-4 titanium construction with thin crown wall section allows discretionary weight to be moved to the perimeter for added forgiveness. AGCM TESTER– Mike Cruz, mid handicap, Phoenix, Arizona First thing I noticed is that it was not adjustable compared to other modern drivers. When demoing the J40 445 Driver the ball jumped off face with low spin, which in turn gave me more roll out resulting in more distance. The sound was great and the traditional look was refreshing.
TaylorMade R11 S Driver
For more information www.taylormadegolf.com
The TaylorMade R11 S Driver with Flight Control Technology (FCT) and adjustable the face to one of five angles (+/-3 deg) with Adjustable Sole Plate (ASP) Technology. Movable Weight Technology allows the center of gravity to be moved toward the heel or toe and a maximum-sized 460cc titanium head with Thick-Thin Crown design lowers that center of gravity. Inverted Cone Technology (ICT) promotes more ball speed on off-center hits. AGCM Tester– Dale More, mid handicap, Mesa, Arizona Overall, I like the club. It gave me 20-30 more yards. The club looks good, feels good and adds a bit of mental confidence. The sound is a bit more hollow than my current driver. I like the fact that I could tune the driver but i didn't get caught up in trying every single possible tuning combination. Over all I was long off the tee and can see why Taylormade in the number one driver on Tour.
Cleveland CG Black 265 Driver
For more information www.clevelandgolf.com
With a sleek and striking look, the Cleveland CG Black 265 Driver weighs no more than 265 grams, making it the lightest driver on the market to help players generate measurable increases in swing speed and distance with the same swing effort. The advanced aerodynamics found in the driver’s Speed Crown design (an innovative, teardrop-inspired crown profile) maximize distance by reducing drag at all angles of airflow during the swing. AGCM TESTER– Josh Wright, low handicapper, Chandler, Arizona The clubhead appeared and felt great at impact; easy to hit and feels like it is supercharged. This club is longer and straighter than my current Cleveland. If you have average or slower swing speeds, this club is a perfect match-forgiving and light. My only complaint is that the price tag might be a turn off for some.
Cleveland 290 Classic Driver
For more information www.clevelandgolf.com
The Cleveland 290 Classic Driver is the most advanced combination of style and performance in a titanium driver. The Classic 290 has a unique sole design and color scheme inspired by persimmon drivers. It has a pear-shaped profile with the largest, deepest club face ever produced by Cleveland Golf. The face promotes a hot, penetrating ball flight while MaxCOR2 technology provides maximum distance on off-center hits. The Classic 290 is engineered with Ultralite technology, helping players generate increased head speed and distance AGCM Tester– Blake Anderson, mid handicap, Scottsdale, Arizona I found the classic to be amazingly light and have a cool retro look. I’m an Old School player and this club sounded and reminded me of a persimmon wood sound, that I like. The ball came off the face nicely and what impressed me the most was the forgiveness on off-center hits. “This is a super stick.” Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
Special thanks goes out to Ghost Tape www.ghosttape.com “make every club a demo”
33
By Golf Chick
golf chick
Chick’s Picks It was the jaw-dropping news of the year. We were actually going to a getaway in Hawaii. My mind raced with plans of chocolate covered strawberries paired with champagne while lounging in our luxurious, spacious king-sized bed! As this is occurring, my other half is planning his tee times and perusing the latest PING G-series irons. What he failed to tell me was that this was not your typical tropical seafaring romantic getaway. Nope. This was the annual Shaw Carpet Convention, and we (i.e. my husbands’ store), were getting in on the fun. Please realize that 99% of carpet stores are owned by men, and “letting” the wives tag along was a benefit. This romantic getaway was morphing into a single lady’s adventure at the resort pool while carpet boy plays 36 holes on Kapalua greens. Hmmmm. I’m feeling lovey-dovey already. When we arrived, I realized these boys’ adventure was missing something. Chicks. Not the chicks you find driving the snack cart or ringing up the bar tabs, but rather chicks on the course out for a chick day with her chick friends. This is when it hit me--chicks need a golf and spa vacation and there must be resorts that cater to these girls as well as their golf clubs. With about 300 courses across the state of Arizona, it can’t be difficult to find a spa/golf-cation somewhere in this vast landscape of diversity. Afterall, in Phoenix and Scottsdale alone there more than 200 resorts. After digging a bit, I discovered that The Boulders South Course in Carefree came in number one for their beauty, 34
fast greens and a dynamic golf academy. Plus their casitas and spa packages are lower priced in the summer! Below, you will find some other options for local package deals. This way, you can stay in town yet get puffed and pinged all in one place! So, leave the guy at home, grab some chicks and go pamper yourselves. Right now, you can’t beat the rates. For 2 nights and 2 rounds of golf, each of their packages run around $200 per person. After September, the rates double.
Zona Hotel and Suites: • TPC • Kierland • Grayhawk • Legend Trail Millennium Resort Scottsdale: • McCormick Ranch Golf Club (Palm and Pine) • SunRidge Canyon Golf Club • Raven at Verrado Hyatt House Scottsdale: • Club West • Ocotillo • SunRidge Canyon • Kokopelli Clarion Hotel Scottsdale • McCormick Ranch • Starfire • Orangetree • Arizona Grand Pointe Hilton Resorts Squaw Peak or Tapatio Cliffs (Phoenix) • Golf Club of Estrella • Pointe Golf Club • Lookout Mountain • Rancho Manana • Kierland Golf Club
Carefree Resort & Villas: • Legend at Arrowhead • Legend Trail • Dove Valley Ranch • Rancho Manana Gold Canyon Golf Resort. • Gold Canyon Dinosaur Mountain • Gold Canyon Sidewinder • Longbow • Las Sendas For more information on any of these options, visit www.phoenixscottsdalegolf.com/phoenix-scottsdale-golfpackages. Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
great getaways
Seattle‘s Best
Carved from an old growth forest of fir and cedar is one of Washington’s crown jewels of golf, Kayak Point Golf Course. Selected as one of “America’s Top 50 Public Courses to Play” by Golf Digest, Kayak Point offers players of every skill level a unique golfing experience. Kayak Point’s serene setting, beautiful
Capping 350 expansive, hilltop acres, The Golf Club at Newcastle is the Puget Sound’s premier public golf destination. The property features 36 holes of championship golf, framed by stunning, panoramic views of Lake Washington, Mt. Rainier, the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, and the Seattle skyline. The two 18-hole courses, Coal Creek and China Creek, are the
Whether you’re a resident, a visiting guest or golf club member, you’ll enjoy 18-holes of championship golf on one of the most beautiful golf courses in the Pacific Northwest. Championship golf and natural beauty combined to enhance your experience and allow you to truly escape and enjoy. Distin36
sloping fairways and magnificent views of the Olympic Mountains offer an unrivaled combination of beauty and challenge. Less than 1 hour north of downtown Seattle and only 1 ½ hours from the Canadian border, this course boasts 260 acres of rolling forestland, wetlands and deep-set woods of alder, fir and cedar. Kayak features large immaculately manicured greens and spectacular views. Water comes into play on only two holes. No homes or roads border the course and there are no parallel fairways. You will find that Kayak Point has everything you need to make your visit one to remember. They offer a beautiful championship golf course, fully stocked golf shop, restaurant and
banquet facilities, a full service practice and teaching facility and the best in service and value to be found in the Northwest. For more information, visit www.golfkayak.com.
result of collaboration between renowned course architect Robert E. Cupp and Masters Champion and Seattle native Fred Couples. Both courses celebrate the property’s breathtaking views while integrating the rolling terrain and natural drama into layouts that provide challenge and variety for golfers of all playing abilities. The breathtaking scenery is underscored by a spectacular 44,000 square foot clubhouse and extensive, year-round practice facilities. Newcastle’s captivating views, first-class amenities and unparalleled standard of service are all designed for the utmost
comfort and enjoyment of its guests. For more information, please visit www.newcastlegolf.com.
guished Golf Course Architect Robert Muir Graves designed the picturesque Port Ludlow Golf Club to challenge golfers of every ability level. The course was designed to provide a challenging, yet rewarding golf experience while preserving the spectacular natural surroundings. The layout features lush greens and fairways that overlook several lakes and streams offering isolation and serenity, along with extraordinary views as the towering evergreens open up to the Hood Canal, Ludlow Bay, the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. Golfers will appreciate Graves’ accomplishments
in this course design for generations to come. For more information, visit www.portludlowresort.com. Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
THE LONGEST FAIRWAY WOODS IN GOLF
C B4 TOUR FAIRWAY WOOD Designed for better players, the CB4 combines a high-tech 15-3-3-3 titanium cup face with a heavier hyper-steel body.
BY TOUR EDGE
XCG5 FAIRWAY WOOD The ground-breaking XCG5 features the ultimate technology, combining an advanced titanium cup face and crown, a beta ti face insert and a heavy tungsten sole plate.
TOUREDGE.COM | 800.515.3343
product showcase
➊ Caddie Golf Apparel Caddie Golf Apparel was created because of the need for a different spin to golf apparel. Creating something sexy, yet conservative and fashion forward, Jill Johnson is making her mark in golf fashion. Jill coincidentally got her influence for her line from her father, from an old set of golf clubs that were in the basement from the 1960’s. Majoring in Fashion and the support from her parents and brother, she created a line that used her style combined with market research to create a line that people liked. Caddie got started by an initial sponsorship from Luster Products, Inc. It was not an easy road to prove to family and friends, and being a single mom, her passion to create a company that was going to make a difference in the community as well as bring something new the market. Johnson is also actively involved in The First Tee Program, a national golf program for kids. Caddie Golf Apparel is on the road to becoming an inspirational lifestyle brand for children, tweens, teens, and adults. For more information, please visit www.caddiegolfapparel.com.
➋ ULTRA 19th Hole Light Tea & Lemonade ULTRA 19th Hole Light Tea & Lemonade is an iced tea and lemonade-flavored alcohol beverage inspired by the golf course classic. ULTRA 19th Hole is a lighter alternative to traditional flavored malt beverages and can be enjoyed from the can or, just like the classic tea & lemonade, tastes great when served over ice. ULTRA 19th Hole is the latest innovation in the growing lineup for Michelob ULTRA, a brand known for brewing quality beers that appeal to active-lifestyle consumers. ULTRA 19th Hole is available in single-serve and four-packs of 16-ounce cans and can be purchased at convenience stores, select golf courses, and bars and restaurants. Prices vary by market.
➌ Henry-Griffitt's T12 Blades Henry-Griffitts – a pioneer in custom clubfitting and the originator of the clubfitting cart - is proud to introduce the new T12 Blades. The sole and leading edge of the T12 provide traditional blade workability with a low, centered CG to get the ball airborne very quickly. Combined with the unique upside-down “V”-shaped design, this results in a mixture of workability, an increase in the effective hitting area and a level of “give” rarely seen in a blade. The face has been fly cut to ensure a perfectly flat face, into which Henry-Griffitts has machine-engraved the grooves to provide as much spin as possible, while still conforming to USGA Rules. These distinctive features combine to deliver the accuracy Henry-Griffitts feels its customers demand from a performance iron. www.henry-griffitts.com. 38
Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
JOIN THE MINIMALIST MOVEMENT
SUCCESS STARTS FROM THE GROUND UP
LET YOUR FEET LEAD YOU TO BETTER SCORES
Barefoot B.E.R.B.S. LLC 8620 W. 89th Ave Westminster, CO 80012 phone 303 794-4000
info@barefootberbs.com www.barefootberbs.com
celebrity corner
Nick the Kick…and So Much More! Dominic Gerald Lowery (born May 27, 1956), nicknamed Nick the Kick, is a former placekicker for the Patriots, Chiefs and Jets. Lowery was all-pro 7 times during his career and was selected to the Pro Bowl three times. When he retired, he was ranked first in field goal percentage and also had the most field goals in NFL history. His list of accolades in the football world are many and impressive. But it doesn’t stop there. Lowery has gone on to make impressive strides in charity work and speaking engagements– most notably, the Nick Lowery Foundation (www. nickloweryfoundation.org) and Nick Lowery Speaks (www.loweryspeaks. com). Lowery grew up in Washington, DC and has spent a great deal of time working with our national government and sitting presidents (Reagan, Bush and Clinton) to further his charity work. He also attended Dartmouth College and has close ties to his foundation through them. To further his skills, he graduated with a MBA from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, the first pro athlete to graduate from there. In this day and age when most major sports teams struggle to find a plausible mentor, Lowery spends his waking moments being one. There is no doubt that Lowery is a busy man, and AZ Golf Central Magazine was honored that he took time out to share a bit of his passions and personal life with us.
We all fall short—not just physically, but emotionally, etc. Because of my contacts in Washington, I was able to help further some programs that made volunteering easier. In the mid 90’s, I was asked to start a football camp for Native Americans. As co-founder, we developed a program named Native Vision and it is now in its 16th year. From there, the opportunities grew and I am now actively involved in focusing on mentorship and leadership. The Nick Lowery Foundation has dedicated itself to helping disadvantaged youth, especially Native Americans. We develop, promote and sponsor programs and relationships that foster self-esteem, leadership qualities and skills, and encourage youth to be positive assets to their communities. We strive to increase Photo by Greg Dunivant
What was the greatest moment in your professional career? There is definitely more than one. Getting to play with Joe Montana and Marcus Allen comes to mind. I also remember the last game with the Chiefs where I kicked the winning field goal in overtime to beat the Steelers. All 3 Pro-Bowls were exciting. And, of course, the fact that I actually made the team in the first place. (Lowery was cut 11 times from eight N.F.L. teams before catching on with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1980. He beat out, of all people, Jan Stenerud, who to this day is the only place-kicker in the Pro Football Hall of Fame).
Who are some of the celebrities you were star stuck by? I have lots of Forrest Gump moments—I am including some of them in my book, ‘Naked and Alone with 80 Thousand People’. Of course, meeting and getting to work with Reagan, Clinton and Bush are huge in my life. And then there are people like Joe Nameth and Kris Kristofferson!
Tell us a bit about your foundation? I have an elevator speech, but that is only good if the elevator is in the Sears Tower! Basically, while I was in the NFL, I never understood the power of service or the need to give back. My first introduction was when I created a charity called Kick for Nick for Cerebal Palsy. It was in honor of my aunt and we raised a million dollars. It was then I became aware and began to humble myself in understanding that we all have disabilities in one area or another. 40
the choices and options and influences in these kid’s lives so they can taste the power of helping themselves and change forever. We use small clan models to demonstrate leadership, increase self-esteem and provide purpose and hope. We believe that everyone has leadership potential. As for my speaking engagements, I explore all aspects of performance excellence - how you can be at your best when it matters most.
Who was your mentor growing up? Again, there was more than one. I think we are continually shaped by the people in our life and who you have been around is what you attract. Of course, my mom and dad were wonderful role models in life, education and marriage. I also grew up next to Byron Whizzer White. Two days after moving in, I remember him being
Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
in the yard with Bobby Kennedy and his dog. I guess you would consider him a high profile mentor. Then there is also Dick Johnson who was a retired stock broker and coached me—he loved me and helped me look at all aspects of sports. He taught me to be disciplined, to focus and to be aware of not only my physical gifts but my spiritual gifts. I could keep going—there are so many influences in my life.
Do you have a most treasured item? That would have to be my dog, Charlie. He’s a yellow lab mix about 11 years old now. I adopted him from a shelter after I did a documentary on reservation dogs. I realized how many animals are out there that don’t get the care they deserve. Charlie is the best dog ever.
What’s the top song on your Ipod now? I love all music…Eric Clapton, Beatles, Waylon Jennings. I am also man enough to say that I like Justin Bieber! But if I had to pick one, I would say the song Family Man by Shooter Jennings.
What was your favorite TV show growing up? Star Trek and the British Avengers. Star Trek was a fascinat-
ing show displaying primal values as discussed between William Shatner and Leonard Nemoy. They were always asking what is truth, honesty and love. Shatner was the voice of emotion and Nemoy the voice of logic. I loved it!
How many times a month do you get out and play golf? I did have some ankle surgery which limits me a bit, but at least several times a month. Anytime I can participate in a charity tournament, however, I attempt to be there.
Do you have a favorite course in the Valley? I am co-founder of Quintero golf course in Peoria, just 5 miles past Lake Pleasant. It’s a fantastic course and if you haven’t been out there yet, please go. But I also like We-Ko-Pa because it’s the only one I shot par!
If you could change one thing about the game of golf, what would it be? I would make it 9 or 12 holes and not 18. People are so busy these days and it takes so long to play 18 holes. I imagine this isn’t what the purists want, but I think it would give the game of golf a great boost to have more 9 hole courses.
Photo by Greg Dunivant
Two Drivers. One Result. In choosing between the G20 and i20 driver, it’s a question of whether you want to hit it long and straight, or straight and long. The G20 is optimized to bring your game the distance and forgiveness you’ve long deserved and desired. In the i20, you’ll find the ultimate in performance from the matte-black finish to the tungsten-weighted, Ti 8-1-1 head design. Both are custom engineered, fit and built for you.
More than any other brand. More than ever before.
Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
41
By Karen Palacios-Jansen
golf fit
Stretch Your Game Every time you play golf, you turn, twist, bend, squat, walk and even if you ride in a cart, you are repeating the same movements for 4 to 5 hours--this can tighten your muscles and cause a condition called ‘repetitive stress injuries’. Repetitive stress injuries are injuries that happen when too much stress is placed on a part of the body, resulting in inflammation muscle strain, or tissue damage. It is no wonder that that 53% of amateur golfers have sustained some sort of injury while playing golf. Maintaining and improving flexibility may be one of the easiest ways to prevent those ‘repetitive stress injuries’ that occur while you play golf or when you do other daily activities. Research reports that regular stretching may be more effective in preventing injuries rather than occasional stretching. Here are a few stretches that can be done on the golf course before, during or after your round to keep your loose, prevent injury improve your flexibility.
1. Chest Stretch–
3. Trunk Rotation–
Using a golf cart, hold onto to the riser of the cart with one hand about shoulder height. Stand at arm’s length away. Gently turn your body away from the golf cart to stretch your chest and shoulder. Breathe as you hold the stretch for 5 to 7 seconds. Relax and then repeat on opposite side.
Stand straight with a shoulder width stance facing away from the cart. Rotate your trunk and turn to grab on the riser of the cart. Breathe and hold the stretch for 5 to 7 seconds. Return to the center and then repeat stretch on the opposite side.
2. Back and Shoulder Stretch–
4. Hamstring Stretch–
Facing your golf cart, hold onto the top of the cart with both hands. Gently bend from your hip sockets, keeping your knees bent slightly and your spine straight. Breathe as you hold the stretch for 5 to 7 seconds.
Stand facing the golf cart and place your heel on the floor of the cart. Keep your raised leg straight and slowly bend forward from your hips. Breathe as you hold the stretch for 5 to 7 seconds. Return to start position and repeat
Why is stretching so important? •
Stretching increases flexibility to improve over all fitness, muscular strength and endurance.
•
Stretching can ease ‘repetitive stress injuries’, also called overuse syndrome. Stretching the muscles and tendons that become tight from repetitive movements combined with a strengthening program can prevent or help heal these chronic conditions that golfers are susceptible to.
•
Stretching keeps joints limber. Each joint has a different degree of movement. This is called “range of motion.” Stretching properly, can maintain an optimal range of movement to help you turn your shoulders and hips completely in the backswing and follow-through.
•
Regular stretching can help fight and lessen muscle imbalances, which can ultimately lead to injury.
•
Stretching relieves stress. Stretching throughout the day or even during a round of golf may help you relax, swing more freely and help you focus.
Karen Palacios-Jansen is an LPGA Class A Teaching Professional and a Certified Personal Trainer specializing in Golf Fitness. For more information, visit www.kpjgolf.com. 42
Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
duffer dan
Bandon Preserve There is a spot on the rugged Oregon Coast that on any given day, if you didn’t know where you were, you would think you were in Scotland or Ireland. The landscape is dotted with towering sand dunes and gnarly gorse, which turns a beautiful yellow when in bloom. You also have the sea and the winds that the sea brings with it. A landscape like this is perfect for a timeless golf course. That’s what golf guru and visionary Mike Keiser thought when he first saw the property at Bandon Dunes. Nearly fifteen years later, Keiser and the resort recently celebrated the opening of their fifth course at Bandon Dunes. That’s right, five golf courses on the now world famous property. The fifth course is a little different though, and that is a good thing. I have been very fortunate to have made four trips to Bandon Dunes over the past six years. I still consider myself young and in good shape (I have hiked across the Grand Canyon and back twice in the past few years, in one day), but walking 36 holes at Bandon Dunes for a few days in a row is a serious physical challenge. The newest course at Bandon Dunes gives golfers a little break from walking 36 holes in one day. Bandon Preserve is a thirteen hole par 3 course that is perfect to play after walking one of the regular championship courses at the resort.
44
Designed by the same renowned architects that designed Bandon Trails (Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw), The Preserve flows seamlessly through the blown out sand dunes that sit just west of Bandon Trails. If you have the chance to play The Preserve, don’t go into it thinking that you are playing an easy par 3 practice course. The holes at The Preserve can and do stand up to any of the par 3’s on all four of the highly ranked courses at Bandon Dunes. The great thing about The Preserve is that it allows you to play and walk two great rounds in a day without beating yourself up physically. The Preserve shares a clubhouse with Bandon Trails. The first green actually sits very close to where the practice green for the Trails used to reside. The first green is very large, with some severe undulations. If you happen to hit the green, it certainly does not guarantee a par. The second hole is one of the longer holes at The Preserve at 150 yards. The hole plays along the large ravine that separates the course from the 17th hole at Bandon Dunes. The view from the tee of Bandon Dunes to the north and the coastline to the south is simply breathtaking. From this spot, you can see multiple holes on Bandon Dunes where golfers and caddies are making a casual stroll, and it reminds you of what a special place Bandon Dunes is. The next two holes at The Preserve sit on top of a sand dune and they offer spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. The tee shot on the fourth hole goes directly towards the ocean. The green is fairly large and is shared with the green on the seventh hole. The fifth tee also sits on the dune and gives you a fantastic view as you hit your shot severely downhill straight towards the Pacific Ocean. Originally, The
Preserve was supposed to be a eleven hole course. However, the designers happened to “find” one more hole before the end of construction. This hole is the sixth hole and it sits at the western most part of the property, which is also the lowest elevation point on the course. The sixth hole requires a precise tee shot, and can easily stand up to any par 3 on any golf course. Deep bunkers flank the left side of the green, and if you happen to find them you will be very lucky to salvage a par. The seventh hole leads you back up the dune, so be sure to add one club when hitting your tee shot. Number eight is a short, but very difficult hole at a mere 63 yards. The green is very narrow and a sandhill hides your view of the green and the pin. If you can’t perfect your half gap wedge, you will likely be struggling for a three on this short hole. The view of the ocean and Bandon Dunes off in the distance on the ninth tee is simply breathtaking. The hole plays downhill towards the ocean with the ravine the separates Preserve from Bandon Dunes flanking the right side. The next few holes (ten and eleven) start to lead you back up the dune towards the finish of the round. The finishing hole at Bandon Preserve offers a wonderful view of the main lodge for the resort at Bandon Dunes. Once you are finished with your round, you will more than likely be worn out from a long day of golf. Luckily, the resort has a plethora of choices in places to sit back, relax, enjoy a cold beverage and reflect on what a truly special place Bandon Dunes is. From world class golf, to fine dining and impeccable service, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort has it all. For more information, visit www.bandondunesgolf.com.
Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
Golf Southwest Colorado Tee off at 8,000 feet and save over $300.
Stay and Play • 4 rounds with cart at the Divide Club
OR
• 2 rounds with cart and 2 massage treatments
• 3 nights lodging at Chipeta Solar Springs Resort
including breakfast and dinner at Four Corners Cafe • Access to Fitness Club and Thermal Pools
Just $759 for 2 People
25 Boutique Rooms • Full Service Spa
18 Hole Championship Course
Stylish Accommodations
B. Coker Design • Semi-Private
Solar Springs • Private Hot Tubs
Par 72 • 7,039 Yards Length
Fitness Center • Seasonal Restaurant
71.8 Rating • 7,900’ Elevation
Rooftop Bar • Multiple Awards
Close to Telluride and Ouray
Reserve today: 800.633.5868 • chipeta.com • Ridgway, Colorado
young guns
Hunter Thomas The headline for the article in the Sun Lake Splash newspaper read: “3rd Ace for Grandson”. Hunter Thomas not only made his grandparents proud, he was also excited about the feat. The Photo by Greg Dunivant
odds of an average golfer making a hold in one are about 1 in 12,000. But Thomas did it 3 times in two months! At age 12, this JGAA player is certainly making a name for himself. His current coach is Andy Walker of Big Break Ireland fame, who is teaching at The Legacy. But, Thomas’ ambitions aren’t completely outlined yet—he is talented kid who enjoys the game of golf. “I like to play in the JGAA tournaments because they are fun and competitive. Plus I can socialize with the other golf kids. I just like to play golf because it is fun.”
When did you first play golf? I started at the age of 5, at the Shalimar Golf Course. Who is your favorite PGA Pro? Rickie Fowler—we have the same birthday—December 13th. Who would be your dream foursome? My coach Andy Walker, Bubba Watson and Dustin Johnson. What is your favorite Tournament to watch? The Masters Do you have future golf ambitions? I want to get a college scholarship and maybe turn pro. I would love to attend ASU or Oklahoma State. Who is your role model or mentor? My coach, Andy Walker, because he teaches me a lot and has been on the tour. Do you play on a school golf team? No, my school does not have a golf team. Who do you enjoy playing golf with? I like playing with my grandmother, Ginny Landeis. What is your most memorable moment in golf? When I made my first hole in one at The Lakes course.
Photo by Greg Dunivant
What clubs are in your bag and do you have a favorite? My favorite is my 7 iron because I can hit it between 120 and 130. My other clubs are: Titleist 910D3 driver, TM RocketballZ 3-wood, TM Burner 2.0 3-hybrid, an Adams A3 4-hybrid, Ping I-10 irons 5-9, Volkey wedges 48, 52, 56 and 60 and finally, a Scotty Cameron Newport 2.0 putter.
46
Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
By Cate Munroe
for your health
Avoid the Sugar Shanks The top nutrition tip any golfer can use towards living and playing better is to avoid the “sugar shanks!” Much like getting the shanks on the golf course, there’s nothing fun about the harmful effects of eating too much sugar. Sugar lacks the nutrients your body needs to be strong and healthy. Sugar can also cause you to gain weight, and weakens your immune system for up to 8 hours after you eat any type of sugar, making it easier for you to get sick. Any energy gained from sugar is followed by a downward spiraling energy crash later in the day or during your round of golf. If you want to play and feel your best, less sugar means less problems!
Avoid refined & artificial sugars that are found in processed products like soda, candy, cakes, cookies & donuts
Moderate less refined sugars that are found in bottles or
jars like raw honey, 100% maple syrup & pure agave nectar
Enjoy unrefined, natural sugars that are part of a whole
food like apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries & oranges
SOLUTION - choose whole foods over processed products The more refined the sugar is, the more harmful it will be to your body! Look for labels that have zero artificial sweeteners and less than 4 grams or 1 teaspoon of refined sugars per serving. Start choosing more whole foods that don’t have labels like vegetables, fruits and nuts! Whole foods are naturally high in nutrients and low in natural sugars. DRINK MORE WATER ★ Best source of hydration ★ Add lemon, orange or lime slices for flavor ★ Use Stevia (an all-natural herb) or Truvia for sweetness EAT MORE VEGETABLES ★ Eat at least one vegetable at every meal ★ Start dinner with a salad ★ Cook extra vegetables so you have leftovers Top Choices: dark leafy green or cabbage family veggies, such as kale (pictured above), collards, spinach, chard, bok choy, cabbage, and broccoli ENJOY FRUIT FOR DESSERT ★ Banana + Peanut Butter ★ Berries + Vanilla Yogurt ★ Orange Slices + Whipped Cream Top Choices: berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, boysenberries, cranberries and raspberries are healthy fruits high in antioxidants and low in natural sugar!
✓ ✓ ✓
For more information, please visit www.catesnutrition.com or CNK Spring Special www.catesnutrition.com/cates-nutrition-kitchen-spring-special. 48
Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
Are you hitting your clubs as well as you would like? Are you leaving shots on the course? Leave nothing to chance this season... Let us help you like weʼve helped hundreds of touring professionals. Fitting Services: Drivers, Fairway Woods, Hybrids, Irons, Putters, Wedges, Gap Analysis & Ball Fitting Schedule your appointment today and save 20% on fitting services. Use promo code: AZGOLFCTRL Private Parties . Corporate Events . Group Outings
Hot Stix Golf - 15444 N. 76th Street - Suite 110 - Scottsdale, AZ 85260 www.hotstixgolf.com - 877-513-1333
young guns Champions Max Orrin and Ariya Jutanugarn
Spotlight on the Thunderbird International Junior Tournament It seems that in a golf mecca like Arizona, there are tournaments and competitions every weekend. And while we want to encourage our young guns to participate and practice, there should be mention of a special tournament to strive for—The Thunderbird International Junior. “Fourteen years ago Phil Mickelson challenged The Thunderbirds and Grayhawk Golf Club to develop the most competitive junior golf tournament in the world,” said Co-Tournament Chairman Mike Kennedy. “His inspiration, oversight and generous annual financial support from the Phil and Amy Mickelson Foundation made that happen.” Since the Thunderbird International Junior found a place on the AJGA’s schedule, the tournament has solidified itself as one of the premier junior golf events for rising golf stars, as proven by the impressive list of past champions. Thanks to the help of generous sponsors and support, the Thunderbird International Junior is an event featuring an experience that goes beyond the golf course. Recognized as the AJGA’s Tournament of the Year in 2005, organizers continually raise the bar on player hospitality and experience. “Juniors want to come back to this event each year,” said Tournament Director Tommy Tangtiphaiboontana. “This is one of the events our kids work toward.” 50
Arizona showcased its local talent in the competition. Three natives competed against the 15 country international field while close to home. Kyung Kim of Chandler, Lindsey Weaver of Scottsdale, and Zachary Wright of Phoenix, tested their skills one last time before starting college in the fall. This was Kim’s fourth time participating in the Thunderbird International Junior, her best finish came in 2011 where she finished fourth but placed a notable 9th this year. Kim is a threetime AJGA champion and a four-time Rolex Junior All-American who will be attending USC. Weaver, who recently won the Winn Grips Heather Farr Classic hosted by Longbow Golf Club, returned to Grayhawk to play in the Thunderbird International Junior for a third time. She finished T5 in 2011 but ended this year tied for 16th. Weaver holds eight AJGA titles and is a four-time Rolex Junior All-American who will attend Notre Dame. Wright, who has committed to LSU, looked to best a T30 finish from 2011. A two-time Rolex Junior All-American, Wright won the 2011 Winn Grips Heather Farr Classic hosted by Longbow Golf Club. After the day was done, Wright tied for 12th. In the end, Max Orrin of Kent, United Kingdom, carded a final-round 69 and posted a 10-under-par total to become
the first international boy champion at the Thunderbird International Junior. Ariya Jutanugarn of Bangkok, Thailand, prevailed in a sudden-death playoff to become the fourth international girl champion in the event’s 13-year history, and first since 2008 (Jessica Wallace of Langley, British Columbia). Conducted by the American Junior Golf Association, the Thunderbird International Junior was a 54-hole stroke play competition played on the par-72, Raptor Course at Grayhawk Golf Club. The event featured 48 boys and 30 girls, ages 12-18, from 18 states and 15 countries. The Boys Division played the course at 7,112 yards while the Girls Division played the course at 6,275 yards. The American Junior Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf. The AJGA provides valuable exposure for college golf scholarships, and has an annual junior membership (boys and girls ages 12-18) of approximately 5,500 junior golfers from 49 states and more than 40 countries. To ensure scholarship opportunities for all junior golfers who have the skill, the AJGA created the Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) Grant program to provide financial assistance to young players in need. Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
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
Under Pressure Let’s face it.
Our lives are filled with daily pressures and sometimes a round of golf doesn’t help. But, imagine if you were a professional golfer. Not only does your bread and butter depend upon your every swing, so does your reputation. There are many tournaments played throughout the year, but the most prestigious are the Masters, the US Open, the British Open and the PGA Championship. These four tournaments represent the face of the game. If you are skilled enough to make it to one of these events, you have arrived. But after arriving, you still have to
Photo by Greg Dunivant
Jim Furyk
52
perform. The Majors are golf’s marquee events. Elite players from all over the world participate in them, and the reputations of the greatest players in golf history are largely based on the number of major championship victories they accumulate. The first thing I noticed at any Major’s I’ve attended is the extra buzz in the air. You can sense it in the crowds, and you can even feel it when watching the players practice or warm up. Everywhere from the grandstands to the gift shop and even outside the gates into the host city there is distinct feeling that screams, “this Major is going to be special.” Each victory has its own story, but a Major means the world is watching. With more people watching, more people get to see you fail or be victorious. And with the greatest of tournaments comes the greatest of pressure. Sometimes, Majors are the ultimate in cruelty; at any point and with any player, the heat of the moment can strike them down. This is why there are only four. They are designed to test the resolve of the field. An optimistic attitude and a steely reserve can do a player wonders, but even the best of them can crack under the spotlight of a championship. One that stands out (just in case you didn’t hear the story a bunch of times during the telecast of this year’s US Open) was the 1966 US Open when Arnold Palmer held a seven-shot lead with nine holes to play. Believing the tournament to be won, Palmer set his sights on breaking Ben Hogan’s US Open scoring record of 276. It turned out to be a huge mistake. Taking his eye off the real prize, Palmer blew away what looked to be an insurmountable lead. Palmer bogeyed 15, 16 and 17 while Billy Casper birdies during the same stretch and the duo became shockingly tied. Casper forced a playoff a hole later and took the victory the next day. There are other moments like Greg Norman’s 1996 Masters
or the most recent with Rory McIlroy at the 2011 Masters. And let’s not forget about Jean Van De Velde and the 1999 British Open--that was tuff to watch. These dates are forever etched in our minds, but the ones that were victorious are forever etched on the trophy. Playing in a Major’s championship tournament is a pressure-cooker. It is the ultimate test of how you’ll benefit from keeping your head when all about you they are losing theirs. Not only does the player have to be at their pinnacle of performance with every shot, they have to be able to ignore the random noise and distractions around them to do so. Golfers demand absolute silence when they tee off. But even if that happens, there is the onslaught of media and photographers from all over the world as well as the local shutterbug fan wanting pictures of the ‘money shot’ and marquee pairings. The better you are, the more people who are going to follow. And the more people who follow, the more likely you are to be distracted at the most inopportune moment. Being a professional golfer requires skill and love for the game. It also requires intense concentration, long hours of practice, incessant travelling and a solid determination to win. So the next time you and the boys have your weekend round and you are trying to get that putt of a lifetime in while someone behind you makes an unruly noise, just be thankful that there aren’t hundreds of photographers to catch it on film and that your reputation will only be wounded by the cost of a round of beer.
Phil Mickelson
Photo by Greg Dunivant
Photo by Greg Dunivant
Photo by Greg Dunivant
the majors
By Jason Keesling
Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
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.
whatmattersmost.foldsofhonor.org
worth the drive
Seven Canyons—The IMAX of Golf Since its opening in 2002, Seven Canyons continues to receive rave reviews from the nation’s foremost golf course critics and highly regarded golf publications. The Tom Weiskopf design has been acclaimed as one of America’s 50 Greatest Golf Retreats by Golf Digest Index, rated one of the Best Residential Golf Courses and one of the Top 100 Modern Courses by Golfweek Magazine. Completely surrounded by over 100,000 acres of the Coconino National Forest, Seven Canyons is a truly unique and awe-inspiring golf club. Tucked away in the middle of some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, Seven Canyons is an innovative concept designed expressly for accomplished individuals and families looking for a unique and congenial hideaway offering spectacular beauty, unsurpassed recreation and five-star service and amenities. Located on 200 stunningly beautiful acres, Seven Canyons represents an opportunity of a lifetime for members and owners seeking a combination of natural exhilaration, serene relaxation and a chance to join one of the country’s finest clubs. Seven Canyons puts a premium on exceptional shot-making with small greens, narrow landing areas, classic-style bunkering, mature trees, natural water features and constant changes in elevation. And for golf purists, the best news of all is that the golf course is very walkable. A rare jewel in an unprecedented
54
setting, Seven Canyons is ‘irreplaceable real estate.’ Protected forever, it can never be duplicated. Highlighted by a par-70 championship golf course and a unique, highly-amenitized Club Village, Seven Canyons also features lavishly-appointed fractional and whole ownership Villas, 32 home sites, and 395 golf club memberships. Perhaps Bradley S. Klein, architecture editor for Golfweek, best characterized the golf experience at Seven Canyons when he simply wrote, “Seven Canyons is the “IMAX” of golf.” Taking a page from the past, Weiskopf has created an Arizona masterpiece set in the middle of Sedona’s dramatic red rocks. A throwback to some of the great golf courses designed in the early 1900s, Seven Canyons is not long by modern standards, measuring 6,746 yards from the championship tees and playing to a par of 70. “The design of Seven Canyons was a labor of love,” Weiskopf said. “When I first saw the property it took my breath away. Words do not give Seven Canyons justice. The challenge was to create a golf course that looked like it has been there for 100 years, and that was the most compelling reason I accepted the assignment.” “I can confidently say it is as good of a site as I have ever had to work with in Arizona. In time, it will certainly prove itself to be one of my best in the entire state.” For more information, please visit www.sevencanyons.com.
Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
( arrives in the USA May 2012 )
The Captain’s Edition An epic golf publication celebrating the spirit of the game Limited edition of only 1,700 available . The perfect gift for your club captain The 584 page tome features hundreds of original, rare and never seen before artworks and images, with contributions from many of the world’s top golfers and industry associations
‘The modern Bible of golf.’ $632.00
plus
David Leadbetter, leading golf coach
$40 post & packaging
Order yours today from www.wonderlandgallery.com For more information visit www.wonderlandpublications.com
what'sheader new
SmartCart Compliments Your Game and Your Course We are daily bombarded with new technology and often don’t have time to absorb the sense of awe it should truly be providing. GPS (global positioning systems) devices, for example, are becoming commonplace in our cars and on our phones. Imagine some 24 satellites orbiting 12,000 miles above the earth and travelling at speeds in excess of 5,000 mph, all the while transmitting signals at 186,000 mph (the speed of light) so that any receiver on earth can attain their position instantly. If you can wrap your head around that, link up that technology to golf and add a few extra features. Now you are starting to feel the power and enjoyment of the SmartCart app. Created by Adam Emerson, a 26-year-old former professional online poker player from Plano, Texas, SmartCart showcases a free to download GPS-assisted smart phone app. This app will allow you to order not only drinks and food from the grill but also anything else the course wants to sell you. Best of all, however, is that your order will now be delivered to you directly at your location on the course. SmartCart is the first free to download application to tap into 90% of golfers that use a smartphone. After a golfer downloads and signs into SmartCart, the GPS automatically locates any course within a 25-mile radius. When the golfer checks into a SmartCart club, they have immediate access to custom menus and scorecards. From this point on, golfers can easily place orders throughout the facility. The orders populate into SmartCart’s web based back-end, keeping the staff up to date. The orders are promptly filled and completed. The result is that the golfer is satisfied and the course has an immediate increase in revenue. As reviewed recently in Golf Digest, writer David Owen proclaims, ‘an especially annoying law of the universe is the Refreshment Uncertainty Principle, which states that the thirstier you are, the longer it will take the beer cart to reach your hole.’ The new SmartCart app now cancels this law. “The old 56
dates of golfers checked into their club. • Club receives pop-up message from the golfer, the current time, location on course, exact food and beverage requested with quantity and total. • Provide better food and beverage service, maximizing profits per round. • Club promptly delivers order to golfer which speeds up pace of play.
model of a beverage cart making a random loop around the golf course and hoping to find some golfers who are ready for something to drink or eat is so inefficient,” said SmartCart CEO Mike Wylie. Emerson founded SmartCart Service Systems in Dallas in December of 2010 to streamline this inefficiency. But he took it one step further and created benefits for both the golfer and course management.
Golfers • Download the free app and create an account. • Launch the SmartCart application to find any course within a 25 mile radius that uses SmartCart. • Check in with desired course to let them know you have arrived. • Keep score while on course to update your location to the clubhouse. • View courses menu and pro-shop items along with price and availability. • Place order with touch of a button and receive order promptly.
Golf Courses • Purchase SmartCart service for a low monthly fee. • Market directly to your golfers by personalizing menu, delivery locations, and par for each hole. • The club receives time-stamped up-
SmartCart has been partnering with many organizations since their launch last January at the PGA show in Orlando. They have even gone global with an announcement of their Australian distribution deal with Inside Golf and the ability to use PayPal Their latest accomplishment is collaborating with the Troon Corporation. Beginning in late July, the SmartCart app will be up and running at Troon North in Scottsdale, AZ. The goal is to enhance the overall golf experience and bring a higher level of customer service back to golfers and social members by using the simple user friendly application. Obviously, use of the application will speed up pace of play with the ability to pre order for the turn. But the SmartCart app provides more. If you are running late for a tee time, why not have food waiting for you or order dinner on your way home from work and pick up healthier food options from the club than the fast food drive through. And while you are at the course, set up live tournament scoring or create your own tournament with your buddies. “We are excited about the opportunity to share our product with the Troon Golf organization. We are certain that once they experience our user-friendly, dynamic application first hand, they will be eager to make it available to all of their managed courses. By partnering together, Troon not only will increase their revenue but they will be on the cutting edge by providing their clubs and golfers the newest technology”, says David Darnell, VP of SmartCart. To review videos of how the SmartCart app works or for more information on how to become a user or member, please visit www.smartcartapp.com. Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
LONG SOFT O F F THE TEE
AR O U N D THE GR EEN
The TRUTH behind the Wilson Staff DUO MYTH
Low compression is for players with slow swing speeds.
FACT
Low compression is for ALL players who want a playable soft feeling ball with optimal spin for short and long range.
MYTH VS FACT
MYTH
A ball with soft feel compromises your distance game.
FACT
Wilson Staff DUO Soft gives you both. Our golf ball is formulated to fly as long as any other ball while maintaining its soft feel.
MORE DISTANCE. MORE FEEL.™ Scan code with your smartphone to get Custom Fit
WILSONSTAFF.COM
grip it & sip it
Seven Daughters Moscato It all started in the early 2000s when a few winemakers began talking about what pairs most perfectly with wine. Naturally, the conversation started with food. Until someone shrugged and said, “I love wine with laughter.” Everyone agreed that the best bottles of wine pair perfectly with good conversation, storytelling, and, yes, laughter. In short, the best wines pair perfectly with friends! It was with this mind-set that Seven Daughters created their first Winemaker’s Blends back in 2008. By carefully selecting seven different varietals and blending them into balanced perfection, they produced a wine that is far better than the sum of its parts. A wine that is adventurous, but also pleasing to large crowds. That is approachable enough to enjoy with a girlfriend and a stack of magazines, but elegant enough to serve at a dinner party that calls for the “nice china.” Since releasing the Seven Daughters Red and White Winemaker’s Blends, they have expanded the Seven Daughters portfolio to go beyond discovery offerings. They now offer traditional varietals as well: Moscato, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. Of course, even as our portfolio has grown and become more diverse, the philosophy has remained the same: make great wine for sharing with even better friends. So pick up a bottle, pour a glass (or four), and give your friends a call. Seven Daughters Moscato is a delicious wine made from 100-percent Moscato grapes sourced from northeastern Italy. The slightly effervescent wine has a sweet floral and peach aroma and is well-balanced with a refined fruitiness that can be served “anytime.”
Winemaker's Notes: Color… Light colored with slightly golden reflections.
Tastes like… Lightly sweet and effervescent, perfectly balanced with the natural aroma of the Moscato grape. It is a delightful, refreshing wine to drink by itself, served slightly chilled with food or just with friends.
Smells like… A bouquet of fresh flowers with a touch of honey.
Sip me with… Fruits and pastries and pies, oh my!
Pour me… With something sweet, like a bowl of cherries plucked from a tree. Or a warm chocolate croissant. Or a dessert of colorful macaroons. Or, with all of the above!
58
Grip it and Sip it.
Arizona Golf Central • Volume 2, Issue 4
CHALLENGE THE BOUNDARIES
brian gay
OF THE TYPICAL
GOLF UNIFORM
MAKE A STATEMENT BE
FASHION &PERFORMANCE
DRIVEN