C E L E B R AT I NG G 23 YEARS IN THE WEST, NOW IN THE NORR T H W EST! • WWW.GOLFTODAYNW.COM • N U M BER 22 • DEC/JAN 2011
Photo courtesy of Aidan Bradley Š2009
Photo courtesy of D2 Productions Š2009
Guess the Name of each Northwest Golf Course & Win a Foursome On Us!
See Page 2 for details
• Golf Man-cation to Vancouver Island • The Pro’s Corner: John Thornes
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Think You Can Correctly Identify The Following Northwest golf courses?
Prove it.
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Correctly guess the names of the following Washington, Oregon, and Idaho private and public golf courses (no, you are not required to name the specific hole, although that would be impressive) your name will go into a drawing to win a free foursome from Golf Today. Yep, the green fees are on us. If your name is drawn, you and three of your friends, will win a free round of golf at either Coeur d’Alene Golf Course, in Coeur d’Alene, ID or Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club (Ghost Creek) in Portland, OR!
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Golf Today Magazine must receive your entry NO LATER than February 15, 2011. Either photocopy this form and fax to
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1-425-949-3090 or email your guesses to info@golftodaynw.com
Get to it and good luck! Here are the courses, now match them with the photos! 9.
SunCountry Golf & RV Park Camaloch Golf Course Pumpkin Ridge: Ghost Creek Auburn Golf Course Palouse Ridge
The Links at Moses Pointe Camas Meadows Carnation Golf Course Maplewood Golf Course Ballinger Lake Golf Course
Nile Golf Course Chambers Bay Golf Course Mount SI Golf Course Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course
Photo courtesy of Aidan Bradley ©2009
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Photo courtesy of D2 Productions ©2009
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2 GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
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14. December 2010
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December 2010
GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
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4 GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
December 2010
ON THE COVER • December 2010/January 2011: Welcome to our second annual holiday cover contest. How does teeing off with three of your golfing buddies from either the world-famous Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course located on the shores of beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene in North Idaho or the challenging Ghost Creek Course at the Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in Portland, OR sound? Who wouldn’t, right? All you need to do is correctly match the names of the Washington, Oregon, and Idaho golf courses featured on page 2 and your name will go into a draw to win a free round of golf for you and three of your friends from us! Get crackin’ and good luck! See page 2 for details. –Cameron Healey, Publisher/Editor
Inside This Issue:
6 8 9 10 12
Yes, it’s That Time Again! How Well Do You Know Your Northwest Golf Courses?
by Cameron Healey
Brain Freeze: Learning To Not Over Think It!
by Diana Del Garbino
16
Wailea Golf Club Tempts Northwest Golfers with Seahorse Swing Special
20
New 18-Hole Putting Course Opens in Southern Oregon
by Cliff Cowley
Best Golf Gift Ideas: Part 2
by Cameron Healey
GolfeCoach: Techniques, Habits, and Mindset for High Performance Golf
by Cliff Cowley
Golf Man-cation to Vancouver Island
21
Sweet Spot Golf: Function Follows Fashion
by Elizabeth Noblitt
22
Northwest Golf Course Directory
26
Golf Industry: Social Media Slow To Evolve
by Michael Rosas
28
by Cliff Cowley
by Andrew Penner
Break Away From Frustration: What Movies, Music, and Time Will Teach Us
14
by Jeff Ritter
15
by Sydney Healey
Notes from the Golfing Newbie
December 2010
The Pro’s Corner
GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
5
Yes, it’s That Time Again! How Well Do You Know Your Northwest Golf Courses? by Cameron Healey
As we enter the 12th month of the year (and quite possibly the coldest), we think about such things as the upcoming Holiday season and what gifts to bestow on those we care about; however, perhaps we should be holding on to whatever tenuous connection we have with Northwest golf as we peer out at the winter wonderland. Yes, while the Northwest is not exactly bathed in warm sunshine and mid-sev-
enties temps, we do continue to think about—and play—golf. In fact, as I think about the year past and the plethora of world class golf that was on display in the Northwest, I can’t help but be grateful for the experience. What will you remember most about this “boom boom” of a Northwest golf season? For me, it was having the opportunity to see the world’s best amateur and senior golfers up close and personal mid-summer at the prestigious U.S. Amateur and U.S. Senior Open held at the newly minted Chambers Bay Links course in DuPont, WA and the Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish respectively. Who knows when we’ll all have an opportunity to see hometown fave Fred Couples compete with this year’s U.S. Senior Open and Boeing Clas-
6 GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
continued on page 24
December 2010
Golf Today Magazine | Northwest Edition invites you to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) We want you to Tell us your best Summer Golf Story in 500 words or less and be in to win one of three incredible prizes.
First Prize: “Playing Weekend” Golf School for two people at the Hilton Golf Academy in Phoenix, AZ • • • •
Package includes: Two days of personalized instruction Three rounds of golf Three nights suite accommodations Three breakfasts and two lunches
Valued $1200 per person
Western Plus University Inn Golf Stay and Play Package for two people located in Second Prize: Best Moscow, ID. Package Includes: • Two nights deluxe accommodations for two at the Best Western University Inn • 18 Holes of Golf for Two with Range Balls & Cart included at Palouse Ridge, Circling Raven, and University of Idaho Golf Courses. • Full Breakfast for Two each morning and two adult beverage tickets each person.
Valued $664 per person
Third Prize: Win a 90 minute swing evaluation and 5 free 30-minute lessons from GolfTEC’s Certified Personal Coaches.*
Valued $399
*Redeem at Portland or Seattle GolfTEC locations
Please visit www.golftodaynw.com and click on the “Tell us your best Summer Golf Story” link and impress us with your story telling! Enter your story no later than January 15, 2011. Winners will be notified by Golf Today staff. December 2010
GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
7
Brain Freeze: Learning To Not Over Think It! by Diana Del Garbino
When we are learning a new skill or are trying to perfect one most adults will over think the technique. Sound familiar? Recall the last time you practiced chipping, putting, or driving. So often we adults don’t want to just get better, but we want to master the skill. We want to be able to conquer all of the intricacies. This, while admirable, can actually be a set-back as it is far from practical. Golf pro Paula Ketchum of the Lake Os-
wego Municipal Golf Course, has a great training technique she showed me for her “over-thinking� students. Paula has them close their eyes and “feel� the swing. For someone as mentally overpowered as I am, this was like trying to swim using just the golf club. As I used this technique it made me think about why some adults, like me, try to analyze the movement of the swing instead of feel it. Seems that as we get older we have a disconnect between our body and our mind. The brain seems to take over and our body doesn’t respond as quickly. Thinking back to when I was a kid and how I played sports, I don’t ever remember ever “thinking� about what I was doing. There was more balance between the body and the brain; I just did it. So how can we get back to that state of balance? One way is to get out of your comfort zone. Since the invention of the computer, most adults are spending an average of 4-6 hours in front of a computer-daily (that’s work and leisure combined). Now take an average golfer who is out on the golf course once a
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8  GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
week for 3 hours. Is that non-stop play? Are you hitting repeatedly for those 3 hours? Probably not. You’re walking, taking turns with your play partners and only striking the ball a limited number of times. Doesn’t quite add up, does it? That’s where your golf fitness comes into play. This is where the real work for the brain starts. When you workout specifically for your golf game, you want to isolate each muscle, then batch muscle groups together, finally incorporating that into the whole body. It’s like learning anything new; it is a process where success is achieved in small steps. You have to start by identifying the muscles, determining if they are strong or weak, and then determine if the brain has the ability to isolate and create movement. Once you’ve done that with all your muscles, you can start putting them to work in groups until you have the whole body functioning with ease. Here is a simple example of getting the brain connected with the body: Locate your shoulder blades and retract them forward and backward, and up and
down. Next locate your shoulder (deltoids) muscles and straighten your arms. Lift your arms up and down without your shoulder blades moving. Next get down on all fours (hands and knees) then without bending your arms, retract your shoulder blades forward and backward. This process will get your brain to know where your shoulder blades are and as their strength improves, these muscles will engage easily to help with your swing. Remember that over thinking technique can be just as much of a set back as not keeping your body in top shape. Take the time to feel the swing but at the same time get your body and mind working in well-timed unison. Diana Del Garbino is a certified golf fitness instructor through the Titleist Performance Institute and coaches beginner through advanced golfers at Muscles in Motion-Professional training studio in Lake Oswego, Oregon. For more information about the program, visit www. mymusclesinmotion.com.
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December 2010
Best Golf Gift Ideas: Part 2 By Cameron Healey
As we enter the holiday season, preparing ourselves (and wallets) for the inevitable gift-giving, most of us begin thinking about what gifts to give golfers who in all likelihood would cherish something special. Hopefully, our “Best Gift” ideas from last month’s issue gave you some great ideas; however, if you are still searching for the right gift, perhaps the following products will delight. Yes, this time of year is the perfect opportunity for me to unclutter my desk and email inbox of the hundreds of golf gadgets and equipment releases that promise to do this and that. I cannot say with any guarantee that the products outlined will help you become a scratch golfer, but they should certainly make for great gift ideas and stocking stuffers for the golfer in your life. Enjoy! IZZO GOLF If you own or are shopping for a GPS unit, then you are probably familiar with IZZO’s popular SWAMI 1500 hand held unit; however, you may not realize that they also offer a range of golf bags, golf clubs including putters, shoes, training and fitness aids; even travel golf bag
covers, Shoe Caddies and weekender bags. Yes, the weekender bags are ideal if you are like me, an average guy who tends to inefficiently throw one change of clothing into my hard case Samsonite and call it good. Hmm, not the most efficient way to travel. So why not have a specif- i c bag designed for golfers that includes generous space for golf gear and clothing, offers
multiple organizer pockets, and easy-pull oversized zippers. IZZO offers a range of storage options priced from $21.99 upwards. IZZO’s 2011 lineup also includes a new range of lightweight carry bags called the Highlander (among others) offering bold new graphic designs while making the task of carrying your clubs a little easier on your back with Izzo’s patented straps designed for maximum carrying comfort. Other features include a Insulated water bottle holder, External tee holder for quick access, a velcro patch holds glove in place to air dry, magnetic spine pocket for easy access to your golf tools, and a spacious valuables pocket protects keys, cell phone, and wallet. MSRP $149.99 Rule 21 Known for their stylish and functional Rule 21 ball towel, the folks at Rule 21 are introducing the new ruletwentyone portable waterproof ball towel. New in 2011 is an opening to continued on page 18
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for Special Discounts and the latest
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December 2010
Let's Meet at the Pointe! It's not too early to book your 2011 special event at Moses Pointe. Great golf, an award winning Steakhouse, and 300 plus days of sunshine make Moses Pointe a great choice for your golf event or getaway. Visit Moses Pointe and find out why so many are saying
“I love this course!”
(509) 764-2275 for more information and visit us at
www.mosespointe.com GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
9
GolfeCoach: Techniques, Habits, and Mindset for High Performance Golf by Cliff Cowley
Bob Duncan, Director of Instruction at Tetherow Golf Club in Bend, Oregon has developed an interactive, computer generated series of lessons that truly teach you how to play golf on the course itself. Most golf instructional videos are focused only on the perfect swing. If your swing isn’t making you a better player, then you need this program. Not since Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book has there been a golf instructional program that actually teaches you how to ‘play’ golf. In his instructional program, The GolfeCoach: Techniques, Habits, and Mindset for High Performance Golf, Bob Duncan actually takes you out on the course and teaches you how to hit for accuracy and distance under real-life conditions. “Many who have taken lessons from me know that I go beyond the golf swing into what you actually face on the course,� says Bob. “I decided to share those real-life lessons using unique content, in a one-of-akind format specifically for that purpose,� adds Bob. GolfeCoach offers 25 effective and concise lessons in a downloadable program that is easy to use and becomes the property of the user. The program, which is actually more like a book with videos, allows users to cruise through the lessons at their leisure, and interact with what they see.
you have the combined benefits of video coaching, text, illustrations, and even interactive text so you can keep track of your thoughts, and actually plan what you want to do on the course next time you play.� Duncan uses tried and proven techniques that work on the course, developed during his 28 years as a PGA Golf Professional and over 8,000 hours of instruction and coaching experience. He bases his instruction on two simple principles: 1) Not every on-course lie performs the same way. Critical elements in the lie of the ball prevent your ability to use that perfect swing to make the ball flight consistent. 2) Without properly fitted equipment your ability to learn to play different lies is severely impaired. GolfeCoach shows you how proper club fitting can make a difference in your score. GolfeCoach shows you how to adjust your swing to different conditions on the course itself. Playing the game requires you to adapt to different conditions, not use one swing everywhere or one club for specific distances. Bob even gives you the first four lessons for free—Just download the GolfeCoach: Techniques, Habits, & Mindset for High Performance Golf!, and watch your score improve! What’s different about this program? “Golf is more than just a golf swing,� notes Bob. “With each lesson
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December 2010
GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
11
Golf Man-cation to Vancouver Island by Andrew Penner
If you’ve ever seen the gang movie “The Warriors” – it’s a B cult classic! - then there’s a pretty good chance the line “Waaaariorrrrs, come out to play-ay!” still reverberates within you from time to time. I love that movie. And it was perfect post-round cinematic fare for the boys. You see, after four inspiring rounds of golf in two days on Vancouver Island, there wasn’t a whole lot of fight left in us. It was after midnight, the card game was over, and the only thing left to do was throw on a movie, suck back one last pop, and get horizontal. Yes indeed, just like “The Warriors,” we definitely came out… and we definitely played. This, after all, was mid-March, the prairies were still frozen hockey-puck solid, and the courses on Vancouver Island were lush, green, and gorgeous. For flatlanders with snow blindness and cabin fever, gazing upon green grass and flagsticks blowing in the pacific breeze made for a highly religious experience. In fact, just getting off the airplane in Victoria and seeing real, actual plant life was enough to make us feel like we were crossing into Gloryland. So, understandably, given our golf addictions and severe withdrawal symptoms (prior to departure we practiced putting down the moving walkway), our “script” looked something like this: Day 1: Golf brains out. Day 2: Golf brains out. Day 3: Golf brains out then make mad dash to airport. Oh sure, drinking (beer), eating (chicken wings), and a smattering of other (mostly) juvenile activities were also worked into the festivities. Now, don’t get me wrong, the trip didn’t entirely play out like a scene from Animal House but, rest assured, it was far from Driving Miss Daisy. The Westin
Bear Mountain Resort, for example, is not really a place where “Bluto,” aka John Belushi – or any of the bat-wielding chumps from The Warriors – would really be at
home. This is, unquestionably, one of the finest, most luxurious golf resorts in Canada. And we respectfully enjoyed it to the fullest.
With two Jack and Steve Nicklausdesigned courses – the Mountain and the Valley – Bear Mountain is definitely golf heaven for round-bellied prairie boys with serious cravings. However, there’s much more than golf here. World-class restaurants, the luxurious Santé Spa, plenty of meeting space: indeed, all makes and models can thoroughly enjoy this haven.
The drive into the property is a major “wow” experience. And, no surprise, the original Mountain Course, too, is laced with stunning golf holes. The par-5 starter, for example, which careens down the hill and concludes with a wild green protected by a creek, is an early engagement with the spectacular. And from
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December 2010
there, it just gets better. The roller-coaster back nine reaches its climax at the one-of-a-kind gambling hole, surely one of the most amazing golf holes Jack’s ever envisioned. An “interlude” between the 14th and 15th, the gambling hole, surprise surprise, provided our motley crew with a few theatrics. After all of us missed the tiny cliffside green in dramatic fashion, our balls ending up on the far side of Never-Never Land, one of the boys (mesmerized with the incredible view of Victoria?), took his eyes off the road and nearly pulled a “Thelma and Louise” off the cartpath. Thankfully, no
bake!” before every tee shot), reeled back like he was possessed and cold topped it two feet. Both me and my buddy Mark, a dead-ringer for Steve Buscemi (God help him), busted our tee shots and were still a half-wedge shy of Tiger’s mark. The next day our crusade took us over the Malahat into the Cowichan Valley where a couple of fine courses awaited our assault. First up: Arbutus Ridge. For whatever reason, (there’s no way in the world it was the all-night poker game or the single malts) we all played like rank beginners at Arbutus Ridge. But, interestingly, we probably enjoyed it the most,
laughing throughout at our complete ineptness. Arbutus Ridge, while not overly long, is peppered with fun, option-laced golf holes, including an island green at the par3 17th. And, with plenty of side bets on the go and some spirited banter, the day played out like a scene from Goodfellas, minus the gunplay and needless torture. In the end Ricky Bobby took the cash and stole the show with some “shake and bake” for the ages. With nerves of steel he holed out for birdie from well off the green on the excellent par-4 closer. The second round at nearby Duncan
Meadows was also reminiscent of a famous Hollywood movie: Dawn of the Dead. Indeed, the collective lack of sleep took a bit of a toll on the boys as nobody sniffed a par until the lovely fourth, a classic par-4 that swoops down the hill and requires a deft approach to a green guarded by towering trees and a ballhungry creek. Actually, after this crowd pleaser (sadly, it featured more shake and bake) the gang found their second wind and thoroughly enjoyed the super-scenic and much underrated track. In a blatant act of sleepless stupidity, continued on page 25
damage was done and “Thelma,” as he was called for the rest of the trip, was not allowed behind the wheel anymore. After a brief tour of the Valley Course and noting it to appear slightly more forgiving than its’ sister Mountain Course, we added it to next year’s plans and moseyed over to nearby Olympic View for a second round. Complete with waterfalls and wicked views of the Olympic Mountains, Olympic View is a pastoral treat that winds through some of the most enticing terrain in the Greater Victoria area. The up and down layout is full of unique golf holes that tease and please. Not surprisingly, given the amount of testosterone in the group, we all decided to try and attempt the massive tee shot Tiger Woods hit on the 18th hole when he played Olympic View as an amateur in 1994. Word has it he cleared the rock outcropping, some 300 yards away. Thelma was up first and hit a hard-hooking missile that pin-balled in the pine trees just 50 yards off the box. Mike, whose favourite character is Ricky Bobby of Talladega Nights (and, yes, he bellows “shake and December 2010
GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
13
Break Away From Frustration: What Movies, Music, and Time Will Teach Us by Jeff Ritter
The first key to long-term success is to have a definitive blueprint in mind for how you are going to build your game over the long haul. You need a belief system and a clear idea of how you are going to approach what you do and why it will work. This will serve you well when things are up and down. From here, remember the mantra,“Pressure and Time.” One of my favorite all-time movies is the Shawshank Redemption. Keep in mind, this is the story of a man wrongly accused of murder is sentenced to life in prison. The character Andy Dufresne, played by actor Tim Robbins, devises a plan to tunnel through the prison wall to his salvation. With only a tiny rock hammer, Dufresne scrapes minimal amounts of wall away each night as to not alert the guards of his plan. Over twenty years, Dufresne, one handful of rock at a time, brakes through the wall, finally realizing his freedom. With consistent pressure against the wall from his tiny hammer and the patience that comes from not
fighting against the constraints of time, his impossible dream became reality. A few years ago, I decided I was going
Just like music, golf is something you can play forever. To find success and long-term enjoyment, break away from
“Break away from the pack by committing to learning to do things the right way.”
In many ways, your journey in golf is like a ship sailing at sea that will never reach its port. Realizing this should be a comforting thought, for now you can rise each morning not worrying or stressing about “When will I be a black belt?” Frustration and upset are of no use. The student with the black belt mentality knows they will become a black belt when they deserve to be. They fully embrace the journey and the belief “There is joy in the struggle.”
to learn guitar. After my first lesson, I was so discouraged by the difficulty of the task I literally believed playing was going to be near impossible. I then figured the guitar was something I could pursue and enjoy for the rest of my life, so I adopted the mantra of “pressure and time” I had garnered from watching the movie. I committed to doing the drills and exercises my instructor prescribed for a little each day with full focus on doing the drills properly. Over time, I learned to play chords, eventually leading to a full catalog of songs I could pull off with relative ease. Three years later my dream of being a performer was realized as I was playing in my own band for money!
the pack by committing to learning to do things the right way. With a blueprint, patience, pressure and time! An accomplished speaker, author and coach, Jeff Ritter’s articles appear in Golf Digest Magazine, Golf Tips Magazine, Golf Punk Magazine, UK, The A Position and the Arizona Republic. He has also been seen and heard on ESPN, FOX Sports, FOX Sports Radio, Sirius XM Radio and The Golf Channel. In 2010 Jeff was named by Golf Digest Magazine as one of the Best Young Teachers in America! He coaches at the PING Learning Center in Tempe, AZ.
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14 GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
December 2010
Presented by
by Sydney Healey recall the advice my golfing Sherpa, Brett Wilkinson at GolfTEC Bellevue and I’m glad I did. I practiced using the imaginary yard-stick trick he taught me to keep my upper body quiet and my connection with the ball more powerful. The result? When I followed his teachings, my ball sailed high and as far as 100 yards. When distracted or hurried, I often sliced or made an otherwise weak move. That said I had some great hits. More importantly, I began to smile and really enjoy myself out there. It’s easy, I think, to become discouraged while still uncomfortable with the process of learning the game of golf. It’s easy to move on, abandoning the sport, at that point. However, to find the time to get out there and take your time in learning your own form is so worthwhile. The week following my trip to the driving range, Brett actually reached out to check in on my progress and I was so pleased to share my experience and resulting excitement with him. In turn, he was able to provide me with some ongoing advice I can employ the next time I go out. Always supportive and encouraging, Brett offered congrats in reaching a point of enjoyment and some additional advice to implement until our next lesson. Stay tuned! If you would like to comment or offer words of encouragement for Sydney, the “Golfing Newbie”, please email Sydney@golftodaynw.com.
In early November, marked by 2010’s final days of 70-degree weather in the Pacific Northwest, I went to the Choice Turf driving range in Snohomish, WA. What a great way to take in a true outdoor driving range with nothing but the warm Snohomish Valley and its cornfields, greeting any golf ball that makes it that far. Still trying to assess the right club for me, I brought my 6, 7 and 9 irons along with my driver so that I could try each out. I also took my twin 4-year-old boys and husband, though not for moral support or their golfing wisdom. My reasoning was one part idealistic, one part reality. The purpose in taking my family was to encourage the boys to get involved with—and enjoy— the outdoor activity all while I test my ability to focus regardless of the possible distractions that my kids might create for me. The boys relished in the adventure and rightfully celebrated their own achievements. However, their excitement for a well-struck ball, putt or drive, was distracting other golfers. Furthermore, my 4-year-old dynamic duo have yet to learned the fine art of being quiet, and this mom had trouble keeping focus. Just as I learned not to take my kids with me again until they’ve come to understand a little more about golf etiquette, when I was able to focus on my address and swing, I had success! I took my time to
The Clicgear Cart is the original compact three wheel golf pushcart and winner of the 2007 Best New Product Award at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida. Clicgear offers a full sized three wheel golf pushcart that glides smoothly down the fairway and yet still folds up incredibly small to only 13" x 15" and 24" The Model 3.0 again offers many improvements and new features. In addition to the much improved folding added in 2008, we have improved brake function and further increased the strength of our already rugged aluminum frame. Our low maintenance wheel design continues with an improved compound and increased tread radius. At Clicgear, we didn't invent the three wheel cart, we just made it compact and cool!
www.clicgear.com December 2010
GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
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Wailea Golf Club Tempts Northwest Golfers with Seahorse Swing Special Maui is a golfer’s paradise any time of the year. But over the next few months, there’s an especially big reason to swing over to this beautiful Hawaiian isle: 45 foot long, 35 ton humpback whales that vacation in Maui every winter. From approximately November through April, as many as 6,000 of these magnificent marine mammals are thought to migrate to Hawaiian waters to mate and bear young. You might even see them from Wailea’s golf courses, renowned for their unobstructed views of the ocean from virtually every hole. The waters near Wailea are relatively shallow and protected, ideal for birthing new humpback calves. “ There’s a 200 foot elevation change from top to bottom on the Wailea Gold and Em-
erald courses, and no homes or buildings other than our golf facilities,” says Head Golf Professional Rusty Hathaway. “That means plenty of panoramic vistas of the fairways, Mt. Haleakala, the ocean and off shore islands. I’ve seen many whales breaching or spouting when I’m out on
16 GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
Photo by Erica Chan
Photo by Rob Brown the course, and I never get tired of it.” Whales and aesthetics are just part of the reason Wailea is one of the world’s foremost golf resorts. The golf club has garnered more than seven dozen honors and awards for everything from course design and customer experience to the caliber of its pro shop and clubhouse architecture. With three 18-hole layouts -- the Gold, Emerald and Old Blue -- it offers more choices than any other golf destination in the state. You can avoid airline baggage fees and rent a set from the club’s new fleet of Nike SQ Machspeed clubs for men, and Nike SQ Machspeed and Slingshot clubs for women; dust the cold weather cobwebs from your game at Hawaii’s only David Leadbetter Golf Academy; enjoy pre-round breakfast or post-round libations overlooking the golf course; even arrange for a muscle-loosening massage by a trained therapist before heading to the first first tee. If those aren’t reason enough, over 70 percent of Wailea Golf Club’s customers are repeat guests, perhaps the ultimate testament to the Wailea golf experience. Beginning January 10, Wailea Golf Club’s popular Seahorse Swing Special
Photo by Erica Chan kicks in, offering three days of unlimited golf on the Wailea Gold and/or Emerald courses for just $450 per person – a savings of $75 per round off of Wailea’s regular green fees. Additional days may be added for $150 per person per day. Players can book their first tee time of each day up to 30 days in advance, with subsequent rounds on the same day on a standby basis, subject to available daylight. Golfers can choose either course for any of their rounds, so you could play the Gold in the morning, the Emerald in the afternoon, and re-live the fun the following day. One of the best places to check out Wailea’s greens fee specials is at www. waileagolf.com, where you can also get more information and reserve tee times. Or, call toll-free 1-888-328-MAUI. December 2010
December 2010
GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
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continued from page 9
the cap as well as an optional bag/belt clip and improved the waterproof shell and absorbency of the interior bamboo terry. With its lightweight design and patent pending innovation, ruletwentyone’s interior Bamboo Terry stays wet while its soft-feel waterproof shell keeps pants dry. So no matter where you go, you’ll always have a wet towel for clean shots and clear putts. Also, new to their product line is the Rule 16, a one-of-a-kind putting alignment ball marker located between the tines of an ergonomic divot repair tool. When you mark your ball on the green, the Rule 16 tool allows you to mark the line of your putt at the same time. The rectangular shape of its ball marker helps visual-
surface. Since the game can be played on any smooth surface, ranging from natural grass to carpet to wood flooring, just open up the game and users will find a fun, interactive training aid to help improve the skills of both veteran golfers and those new to the sport. Suggested price: Full 19-piece set: $299.95; “Front Nine” Set: $169.95; “Back Nine” Set: $169.95. For more information, please visit www.startingtimegolf.com or www. myminigolf.us.
according to their marketing pitch, “green” to the core. They are 100% recyclable and made from recyclable materials; in fact, even the packaging is made from 100% recycled material. Offering golfers three distinct options: Dixon Earth (MSRP $39.95); Dixon Wind (MSRP $24.95); and the Dixon Fire (MSRP $74.95…yes $74.95!) designed for the professional golfer who demands the best. Why is the
Dixon Fire the most expensive golf ball on the market? Because in life, you generally get what you pay for. Other golf balls use cheap metals as fillers; the Dixon Fire only uses reprocessable materials in its construction. The Fire ball boasts Dixon Golf ’s Ignite TechnologyTM and ElastodynamicTM cover. Couple that with the fact that it is a member of the only family of high performance, completely recy-
Dixon Golf If you are a golf ball aficionado, you are likely familiar with the name Dixon Golf and their line of golf balls. If not, Dixon Golf is forging a name for themselves as they are creating a new standard in environmental consciousness by creating the world’s first high-performance ecofriendly golf balls. Given many brands manufacture balls by using heavy-metal fillers and pollutants like tungsten, cobalt, lead or contain non-renewable synthetic materials and compounds, all balls manufactured by Dixon Golf are,
ize your putting line thereby allowing you to sink more putts. Its well-weighted stainless steel body is easy to find in your pocket. Available in stainless steel (MSRP $15) or polycarbplastic (MSRP $5). For more information, please visit www.rulegolf.com. My MiniGolf Whether you are interested in getting in some practice for the next golf tournament, or engaging in some friendly competition on the living room carpet with a budding young golfer, My Mini Golf appeals to any age group and can be used in a variety of settings. The game is the first and only portable indoor/outdoor golf putting kit for golfers and non-golfers designed to develop, improve, or maintain their golf putting skills while having enjoyment. My Mini Golf is entertaining and rewarding for golfers and non-golfers of any age; in fact the game is fun for the whole family and can be played both indoors or outdoors, and on any smooth
18 GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
clable golf balls - and you have yourself the most expensive ball in golf. Available directly at www.dixongolf.com and the PGA Tour Superstore. Nike SQ Machspeed Jr. Golf Sets The first time I ever picked up a golf club and swung away with youthful exuberance, I was 15 years old. Now if I recall, it was one of the dusty, slightly rusty archaic mallets of old sitting— disregarded-- in the corner of my local golf course Pro Shop. The blade was too long (and heavy) for my height and just simply not the best choice for someone new to the sport. Oh, how the game and equipment has evolved. Nike Golf have addressed the need to provide quality clubs to the junior ranks and launched the new Nike SQ Machspeed Jr. Golf Sets. Oh, what I would have done to have had the opportunity to learn with age appropriate clubs! The set comes with an oversized/ultra light driver featuring high loft to promote launch, lightweight graphite shaft, rubber grip, and head cover. Also included is an oversized #4 hybrid, Kids Hybrid head cover, deep cavity back lightweight stainless steel head # 7 iron, #9 iron, and Sand Wedge (Wide Sole), rubber gripped traditioncontinued on page 30
December 2010
December 2010
GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
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New 18-Hole Putting Course Opens in Southern Oregon by Clifford Cowley
The first annual City of Medford Putting Championship was held at the brand new 18-hole Putting Course on October 10, 2010. Local golfer, Jacob Gooding, was the winner of the inaugural event. Brent Santoni, Assistant Golf Professional at Quail Point, says the putting course is the only one of its kind in Southern Oregon. Built by Superintendent Matt Grove, who manages both Centennial and Quail Point Golf Courses, and designed by John Fought, two-time PGA Tour winner and 1977 U.S. Amateur Champion, there’s no better way to enjoy a beautiful day in Southern Oregon. The putting course features fast, challenging, and winding greens, perfect for an hour of putting practice or the family looking for an inexpensive outing. Right next door to the putting course is Quail Point’s nine-hole golf course. Known as “the public course that feels private,” it is beautifully laid out on seventy-five acres of lush fairways and manicured greens. Conveniently located in the heart of Medford, Quail Point is a great place to enjoy weekend fun with family and friends. It’s also a great way to unwind after a long day at the office.
Putting Course Prices: 9 Holes/18 Holes--Adult: ....................................................................................................................$5/$8 9 Holes/18 Holes--Child (17 and younger)........................................................................................$3/$5 9 Holes/18 Holes--RVM Resident......................................................................................................$3/$5 9 Holes/18 Holes--Quail Cardholders, Centennial Cardholders & President Club Members.................$4/$6 Enjoy a fun time for the entire family - at a nominal price! Call Brent Santoni or Rod Pope @ 541-857-7000 for more information!
Laurel Hill Golf Course Senior Discounts, Snack Bar, Beer & Wine, Power Carts, and Driving Range. You can call ahead for a tee time, but it is not necessary. You can usually get right on with minimal wait.
Winter - 9 holes and 18 holes
Weekdays - $11.00 All Day Everyday $7.00 After 2pm Juniors under 18 - $5.00 All Day Winter Rates are in place until February 15th:
Regular Rates - 9 holes and 18 holes Weekdays - $11.00 and $17.00 Seniors - $10.00 and $16.00 Juniors - $6.50 and $15.00
Weekend and holidays are just a couple dollars more. You may purchase a 10 game discount card for $100.00 Yearly memberships are available.
9450 Old Stage Rd., near Gold Hill at Exit 40
Pro Shop-(541) 855-7965
20 GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
Tri-Cities Golf Courses, Open for Business Year ‘Round
Some golfers in the Northwest may take the winter months off to sit by the fire place with some hot cocoa, reading up on their latest golf magazine and figuring out how they are going to solve their slice come springtime. In the Tri-Cities of southeastern Washington that’s not the case. Golfers come from all over the Northwest and get out on the course all winter long to work on their game. “The only day we are scheduled to be closed is on Christmas Day and even then a lot of members will sneak out and play,” says Mike Lundgren, President and General Manager of Canyon Lakes Golf Course in Kennewick. The Tri-Cities is known for 300 days of sunshine a year and those sunny days keep on shining in the wintertime. “Golfers from western Washington are pleasantly surprised with the amount of roll they experience on the Tri-Cities dry fairways.” “On the west side they often run into the problem of balls falling short because of damp air and soggy landing areas, typical this time of year. And of course they love our blue skies and sun shine,” says Nick Rodriguez of Horn Rapids Golf Course in Richland.
“One of the best things about winter golf at Canyon Lakes is that we are generally open year ‘round and ‘play summer rules.’ Everything on the golf course is off grass. There are no mats and no reason to “bump the ball,” explains Lundgren. As an added bonus, the Tri-Cities is located in the Heart of Washington Wine Country. There are over 160 wineries for you to visit within an hour drive. Tasting rooms at area wineries remain open throughout the winter months. Drive times to the Tri-Cities are convenient. If conditions are ideal across mountain passes in Washington and Oregon plan on a three and a half hour jaunt from both Seattle and Portland and just over two hours from Spokane. Direct daily flights are also available from Seattle. Golf packages including green fees, carts, and hotel accommodations are being offered right now on www.VisitTriCities.com, so don’t let old man winter keep you inside. Get out on the course in the Tri-Cities.
December 2010
Sweet Spot Golf: Function Follows Fashion by Elizabeth Noblitt
At Sweet Spot Golf, function follows fashion and it works beautifully. They make putters (shown), drivers and hybrids that are specifically designed for women. “We are focusing exclusively on the women’s market, specifically mid- to high-handicap golfers looking to not only improve their current performance, but also add a little style into their game,” says Brian Allman, President of Sweet Spot Golf. I’ve been using the putter for the last month or so and I love it. I had been using
a Ping long putter, so it’s taken a while to go back to a shorter model, but the results have been worth it. My stroke is smooth, straight, and there is a very satisfying “ting” sound when you hit the ball. What makes their clubs so different? •
•
The Performance Positioning system (the arrows on their golf clubs) is designed to point to the club’s sweet spot, allowing you to hit the ball more solidly as well as helping to keep your line (especially when putting).
the ball on impact but also enable the woman golfer with a slower swing speed to be able to hold the club-face steady through impact, generating a straighter shot. •
The putter has beveling at the front and back for easy stroke control around the green fringe.
•
You can choose the shaft length you want, from 32 – 35 inches.
Sweet Spot Golf ’s commitment to women in the game extends beyond their
products. They sponsored the EWGA’s 2010 California Cup and their Pink Line supports the National Breast Cancer Foundation with a percentage of each club sold. What’s cool is that “giving back to the community is a part of our company’s DNA,” says Allman. The Think Pink putter retails for $99 and is available on www.sweetspotgolf. net. Elizabeth Noblitt is founder of ShiShiPutter.com, a women’s online golf magazine that features the best golf fashion, equipment and travel. She can be reached at Elizabeth@shishiputter.com.
The clubs have a perimeter weighting system and a center of gravity (COG) back [in the club] that help the average golfer not only lift
December 2010
GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
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Northwest 18 3
Seattle
Spokane
13 10 15 12 17
19
2
5
Olympia
Cour d’Alene
8
7
4
9 20 16
Portland
14
6
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Help More Golf Lovers Find You! Get listed in the NEW Northwest Golf Course Directory For one small yearly fee, you will have your golf course or driving range listed in all issues of Golf Today Magazine, including your location plotted on its corresponding state map!
Salem
Listing ($199) Bend
1
Business name, city, location, URL, phone, type, slope /rating, yardage, # of holes. Call 425-941-9946 to have your course included today!
22 GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
December 2010
Bo
Golf Course Directory 1. Tetherow Golf Club
Bend, OR [P:]541.388. CLUB (2582) [Web:]tetherow.com [Type:] semi-private [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]74.8/144 [Yardage:]7298
2. Sun Country Golf & RV Park Cle Elum, WA [P:]509.674.2226 [Web:]golfsuncountry.com [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]68/114 [Yardage:]5507
3. Camaloch Golf Course Camano Island, WA [P:](800) 628-0469 (360) 387-3084 [Web:]camalochgolf.com [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]70.9/126 [Yardage:]6241
4. Pumpkin Ridge: Ghost Creek North Plains, OR [P:]503.647.2515 [Web:]pumpkinridge.com [Type:] semi-private [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]74/145 [Yardage:]6839
5. Auburn Golf Course
Auburn, WA [P:]253-833-2350 [Web:]auburngolf.org [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]68.5/121 [Yardage:]6068
6. Galena Ridge Golf Course Kellogg, ID [P:]208-783-1522 [Web:]silvermt.com [Type:] public [Holes:]9 [Rating/Slope:]n/a [Yardage:]3617
7. Palouse Ridge
Pullman, WA [P:]509-335-4342 [Web:]palouseridge.com [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]75.9/140 [Yardage:]7308
8. The Links at Moses Pointe
oise
Moses Lake, WA [P:]509-764-2275 [Web:]mosespointe.com [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]75.6/130 [Yardage:]7549
9. Camas Meadows
Camas, WA [P:]360-833-2000 [Web:]camasmeadows.com [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]72.4/144 [Yardage:]6571
December 2010
10. Carnation Golf Course Carnation, WA [P:]425-333-4151 [Web:]carnationgolf.com [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]NA [Yardage:]
16. Lake Oswego Public Golf Course Lake Oswego,OR [P:]503-636-8228 [Web:]lakeoswegogolf.org [Type:] public [Holes:]9 [Rating/Slope:]NA [Yardage:]2538
11. University of Idaho Golf Course
17. Mount SI Golf Course
12. Maplewood Golf Course
18. Eaglemont Golf Club
13. Ballinger Lake Golf Course
19. Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course
Moscow, ID [P:]208-885-6171 [Web:]uidahogolf.com [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]72.4/135 [Yardage:]6602
Renton, WA [P:](425) 430-6800 [Web:]ci.renton.wa.us [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]68.8/115 [Yardage:]6127
[P:]425-775-6468 [Web:]ballingerlakegolf.com [Type:] public [Holes:]9 [Rating/Slope:]32.4/105 [Yardage:]2564
14. Langdon Farms Golf Course [P:]503.678.4653 [Web:]langdonfarm.com [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]72.5/128 [Yardage:]6931
15. Nile Golf Course
Mountlake Terrace,WA [P:] [Web:]nilegolf.com [Type:] semi-private [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]63.7/107 [Yardage:]5001
Snoqualmie,WA [P:]425-391-4926 [Web:]mtsigolf.com [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]69.2/117 [Yardage:]6261
Mt Vernon, WA [P:]800-368-8876 [Web:]eaglemontgolf.com [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]74.6/143 [Yardage:]7006
Coeur d’Alene, ID [P:]800-688-5253 [Web:]cdaresort.com/golf/ [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]71.1/119 [Yardage:]6803
20. Heron Lakes Golf Course (Greenback) Portland, OR [P:]503-289-1818 [Web:] www.heronlakesgolf.com [Type:] Public [Holes:] 18 [Rating/Slope:] 71.4/124 [Yardage:] 6615
20. Heron Lakes Golf Course (Great Blue) Portland, OR [P:]503-289-1818 [Web:] www.heronlakesgolf.com [Type:] Public [Holes:] 18 [Rating/Slope:] 73.2/140 [Yardage:] 6902
GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
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continued from page 6
sic winner, German maestro Bernhard Langer? Langer’s career best resembles that of a bottle of fine wine, he simply gets better with age. With any luck, we will get the opportunity once again at the 2011 Boeing Classic at TPC Snoqualmie next August. I do consider myself fortunate to have had an opportunity to watch these athletes pursue their craft with incredible dignity and respect for the game, and can only hope that my four year old son was paying attention to the masters of golf as we walked the tight Douglas Fir-lined fairways at Sahalee back in July and will remember how the game should be played—win or lose. What will you reflect upon this year as you fumble for your toe and hand warmers? Yes, there are many hardy souls who continue to patronize area courses armed with graceful (ahem!) swings and thermal leggings and I congratulate you for doing so. Our local courses need your continued support, particularly during our not always favorable ‘off season.’ Yes, Golf Today is doing our part to stir up a little discussion and banter about our local Northwest tracks. How so? If you were paying attention when you picked up this month’s magazine, you will see 14 Northwest golf course photos gracing the cover. Your mission (should you decide to accept it) is to match (or guess) the names of each golf course with the photos on page 2. Correctly guess the names of the Washington and Oregon private and public golf courses (no, you are not required to name the specific hole, although we would certainly be impressed) your name will go into a drawing to win a free foursome from Golf Today Magazine! Yep, the green fees are on us. If your name is drawn, you and three of your friends will win a free round of golf at either the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course located on the shores of beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene in North Idaho or the challenging Ghost Creek Course at the Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in Portland, OR. We must receive your entry NO LATER than January 15, 2011. Either photocopy the form on page 2 and fax to1-425-949-3090 or email your guesses to info@golftodaynw.com. Get to it and good luck! Also of note, please remember to “Tell Us Your Best Summer Golf Story” no later than Jan 01. All you need to do is click on the “Tell Us Your Best Summer Golf Story” banner on our homepage, www.golftodaynw.com, and type away to
24 GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
enter to win. If we think you’ve got the most entertaining and compelling story, you could win great prizes that include Golf School for two to the Hilton Golf Academy in Phoenix, AZ, Stay a n d Pl ay package for two at the Best Western Plus Inn
in Moscow, ID to play Circling Raven, Palouse Ridge and University of Idaho Golf Courses, or five 30-minute lessons from GolfTEC’s Certified Personal Coaches. Remember, we don’t expect your entry to be grammatically perfect, but if you think you’ve got an interesting summer golf story, we want to hear about it. Good Luck and happy holidays! As always, I welcome your feedback, comments, hole-in-one stories, golf photos (keep ‘em clean) and content ideas for our magazine. Feel free to drop me a line at Cameron@golftodaynw.com or call me at 425 941 9946. Cheers!
December 2010
continued from page 13
we handed Ricky Bobby the keys to the car and gave him directions to the fabulous Crown Isle Resort in Courtney/Comox. But lo and behold, the shake and bake was applied just right and we made it safely. And that was good, because Crown Isle is one of the best on the island. After the inspiring movie night (sorry to spoil the suspense, but the Warriors beat the hell out of everyone) and a world-class sleep in a luxurious course-side room, the game at Crown Isle was the pinnacle achievement for us all. Besides a memorable, sun-soaked round on the outstanding 7,024-yard Graham Cooke design, birdies were poured in like they were going out of style. At one point, Ricky Bobby was so excited he seriously considered taking off his clothes and running around in his underwear. Our final round, at the idyllic Storey Creek Golf Club near Campbell River, was also one for the ages. Here tranquil, tree-lined holes curl through the forest and provide golfers with a sublime “natural” golf experience. We loved every second. Given the fact we soon had to fly back to our frozen home, Storey Creek was difficult to leave. It’s such a pretty place. We all agreed, the perfect “script” would involve missing our Comox-to-Calgary flight so we could do it all again. And, with Mr. Talladega Nights behind the wheel, we knew it was a distinct possibility.
December 2010
To book your Golf Man-cation to Vancouver Island, visit www.golfvancouverisland.ca and contact the specialists at Golf Vancouver Island at 1-888-465-3239. They are your one-stop shop for golf tee times, accommodation, meeting space, transportation and even après
golf activities! Andrew Penner is a freelance writer based in Calgary, Alberta.
GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
25
Golf Industry: Social Media Slow To Evolve by Michael Rosas
Golf is known for its lengthy game time and call for precision. It is no secret that breaking 100 takes time and effort as does the quest to break 90 and 80. It calls for well-fitted and well-kept gear. Without dedication and consideration from the golfer, scores will not improve nor will ones swing or overall skill set. The same is true for those in the golf industry. Just like any other business, niche or mainstream, you must be dedicated to the growth of your business at the same time that you take into consideration how you will keep up with trends in the market. However, a number of golf industry businesses are taking the opposite approach. Rather than moving forward to make a change needed to survive in a recession, many have pulled back in a decaying market. It is really a shame to see so many golf facilities and retail establishments take a ‘sit tight’ approach when there are so many opportunities and practices that are current and relevant to today’s market. As social as golf is as a sport and game, you would think the golf world would
quickly adapt, getting their arms around the benefits of social media. Still, more than half, 55%, of the businesses that I have reviewed are not applying social media methods successfully. Looking at the bright side, those 45% who are embracing effective social media practices are starting to make a difference. However, 65% of them just started their social media efforts within the past six
months which means that they are still months away from seeing the full potential of their work. Mimicking the sport, it will take time for social media efforts to pay off, but it is absolutely worth it. Standard Procedure is Not Standard Procedure In Golf Talking shop with others employed to develop social media campaigns for
traditional golf clubs, I am told most golf clubs have a limited understanding of how things have changed around them in the business world. A few of these social media professionals report that their initial meetings often start out with, “Can you help us get onboard with this social media thing?”, understanding that it is the current trend (which is here to stay, of course) but not understanding its full potential or how to develop or utalize this outlet. Just as well-fitted and well-maintained gear is essential for golfers on the course, it is essential for golf businesses to adhere to the same logic. While seeking the aid of someone in PR, advertising or the consulting business seems like a great start, you must shop with caution. The reality is that you need help with your golf business so you should actively seek out the right person or firm for the job. You must find someone with a background in golf who knows the industry, both recreationally and business-wise, and someone who has the time and will commit to help you follow your business continued on page 28
www.lopakagolf.com lopakagolf@msn.com
(877) 4-LOPAKA (877) 456-7252
The putter head is almost the same diameter as the ball and creates forward roll by contacting the ball just above the equator. Available with either a straight or offset shaft. Lengths 30 to 36 inches. Mention this ad and receive a free sleeve of balls with your order.
$ Price: 89.95 Free shipping in the U.S.A. Conforms with the rules of golf.
IT GETS THE BALL ROLLING!! 26 GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
December 2010
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HOUSE OF KANGAROO GOLF shoes are made from kangaroo leather which is one of the lightest & strongest leathers! Walking 18 holes feels like walking a few blocks. Try a pair today! Phone#: 1-800597-9091www.hoknorthamerica.com
LEARN TO TEACH GOLF. The Profession of a Lifetime. Call for a certification course near you. United States Golf Teachers Federation. Please call toll free 1 (888) 346-3290 for more information. Or log on to www.GolfTeachingPro.com OWN THE RIGHTS TO manufacture and market one of the most popular golf aids on the course, that has been growing in name and sight recognition in the retail golf an promotional industry for 3+ years. Steady and profitable growth. Interested parties, please call 830-896-1598, or send e-mail to raikman@ easiergolfing.com for more info. This may well be your opportunity of a lifetime.
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GOLF ACCESSORIES NEED THAT EDGE? OUTFIT your golf game, tournament or corporate outing with Lucky golf accessories. Custom logo program available Visit us online at www.luckystroke.com. Inquires - 408.313.0081.
GOLF PACKAGES STARTING AT ONLY $59, treat yourself to comfortable lodging and great golf (including cart!) at 10th Green Inn at La Contenta. Visit www.10thgreeninn.com for more information. Or, call 1 (888) 727-8705.
GOLF VACATION RENTALS WAILEA, MAUI - GRAND Champions Villas on Blue Course, 7th Fairway. 1 BR, 2 bath, Discounted golf and tennis fees to tenants. $805 per week. $3000 per month, plus tax. Call (916) 408-1049. Or, Grandc181@sbcglobal.net
LEFT HANDED GOLF CLUBS DEMOS AND NEW CLUBS, some good used ones, men’s and women’s. Many name brands and knock offs at 50% below retail. I’ll email you the list. Shipping at the true cost, not inflated: duferdon@sbcglobal.net.
LOOKING TO TRAVEL OR WINTER NEST? 2005 27’ TRAILBAY TRAVEL trailer. Barely used, and beautifully kept. Slide-out living room and bunk house floor plan. Sleeps eight comfortably. Fully equipped with awning, stabilizer tow bars, two 10 gallon propane tanks, great stereo, many other extras. Only $25,000. Call (530) 308-7482 or email kristineF@ttlco.com
REAL ESTATE AFFORDABLE GOLF COMMUNITY LOT in Cool Pacific Northwest Home lot for sale in Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club on the Hood Canal in Union Washington. Walk to clubhouse & fairways. Dues only $170 per month & come w/ full privileges for 2 on beautiful 18 hole course consistently ranked among top 25 in the Pacific Northwest. See www.alderbrookgolf.com for community details. 1/3 wooded acre on cul-de-sac. Electric and water in street. Septic required. $85,000. Contact Sharon Roseme at sroseme@garlic.com or 916-663-3450.
New Golf Products!
Do you have a new golf product? A new golf service? Give Cameron a call at Golf Today Magazine. Get results with us and grow. For more information, call 425-941-9946 or email cameron@golftodaynw.com.
LAKE LAS VEGAS GOLF RESORT: Live in this beautiful golf community with three golf courses, two major hotels with gaming, plus a wonderful 320-acre lake full of fish. Chose from custom homes or custom lots to build your own dream home. Play a round of golf free, this being our way of saying thanks to qualified people looking for the right location. Call Earl or Anne at 702-460-2192 for an appointment. (Re/Max Pros.) Check our virtual tour at wwww. yourvegashome.com.
STAFF PUBLISHER / EDITOR . . . . . . . Cameron Healey
cameron@golftodaynw.com OPERATIONS MANAGER. . . . Sydney Healey sydney@sydhealeyconsulting.com PRODUCTION DIRECTOR . . . Kris Hansen kris@golftodaynw.com ASSOCIATE EDITORS: . . . . . Kelly Handley
REGIONAL EDITORS . . . . . . . . Clifford Cowley
clifford@golftodaynw.com
Wayne Scott wayne@golftodaynw.com
CONTRIBUTORS . . . . . . . . . . . Clifford Cowley, Tony Dear, Diana Del Garbino, Bob Duncan,
Kelly Handley, Derek Mount, Rick Newell, Terry VanderHeiden, Dan Stark, Erin Szekely, Brett Wilkinson, Ina Zajac
Cameron Healey, Publisher/Editor • Golf Today Magazine Northwest Edition (425) 941-9946 phone • (425) 949-3090 fax www.GolfTodayNW.com • Cameron@GolfTodayNW.com
ISSN 1524-2854
December 2010
Golf Today Magazine, The Best in the West for 22 Years, 12 issues per year, is published monthly. Golf Today Magazine Northwest Edition is published monthly and distributed within Washington and Oregon State. Subscriptions are available at $29 per year, $39 for two years, or $49 for three years. Golf Today is protected under the copyright law. Contents of this publication cannot be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Unsolicited articles should be sent via e-mail and photos are welcome. Correspondence should be sent to Golf Today Magazine.
GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
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continued from page 26
plan. Slacking mid-season does not get you closer to low handicap, nor does it get business owners closer to reclaiming the consumer’s loyalty. Golf ≠ iPad Simply taking a successful marketing plan set up for a non-golf related industry and adapting it to a golf related business will not work. Replacing the name of the golf business wherever the word iPad was used and expect the same results that marketing campaign made is what seems to be taking place in the way many golf businesses approach using social media. Remember when Microsoft put MS in front of their own products that they thought were far more superior? What works for hot tech products and services to drive their brands to profitability simply does not and will not work in the golf industry. The golf consumer is a different animal than the non-golfer. However, those few golfers who are online each day for more than setting up a tee time do change hats quickly when their focus moves to shopping golf related services/products online. There is still more that should be done to connect with the millions of
golfers who are not engaged online. A clear picture needs to be painted for the golf consumers so they see the internet as a place they should frequently use. To do this, more has to be done to develop viable reasons, or purpose, for golfers to come online. Once that is done on a broad scale in every vertical of the golf industry’s markets, then the entire golf industry—including golf clubs and retailers—will see the interest in their services and products increase from their social media efforts. So, this is really a pivotal time for those in the golf industry. More and more businesses are going to social media, though golf has been slow to actively take a portion of that market. The cost of social media is minor but the impact is great. Take note over the next week as to how many times you hear someone say “I saw it online” or “I read on the internet…”. It is time to improve your golf business’s game. Mike Rosas is the principal of AS Group Marketing/The Alternative Solutions, LLC. He can be reached at 425-742-3679, email: mike@thealternativesolutions, or visit www.thealternativesolutions.net for more information.
... Index of Advertisers for December 2010 ... Auburn Golf Course.................. 30
Lopaka Putters........................... 26
Ballinger Lake Golf Course........ 8
Loews Lake Las Vegas................. 3
BallKaddie.................................. 21
Maplewood Golf Course............ 12
Best Western University Inn..... 29
Moses Pointe Golf Course........... 9
Camas Meadows Golf Course..... 8 Camloch Golf Course.................. 9 Carnation Golf Course.............. 10 Clicgear....................................... 15 Clover Island Inn....................... 13 Club Glider................................... 6
PowerChute................................ 11 POW Gloves......................... 16, 29 St George Red Rock Golf Trail..........19 Sun Country........................................29 TanMan................................................24 Think Pink Putters..................... 25
JumboMax Grips....................... 14
Tour Striker................................ 32
Langdon Farms Golf Course.... 14
Wailea Golf Club.......................... 4
Laurel Hill Golf Course............. 20
Zipfizz.......................................... 26
by Clifford Cowley
Luck is born out of being in the right place at the right time, and sometimes you place yourself in the way of opportunity and it seems like you’re lucky. John Thorsnes let fate get in the way of his goal, and with determination and tenacity, he made his own luck. John grew up in Medford, Oregon. He played baseball and tennis through high school, graduating in 1979. In college, while pursuing a degree in Education at Pacific Lutheran University, he started playing a little golf. “I got a summer job at Harris and Conley Driving Range in Bellevue,” says John. “Ted Wurtz gave me a few lessons, and took me from a 15 to an 8 handicap in a couple months. I was hooked.” That’s when “luck,” stepped in. After serving stints for Mark Sivara at High Cedars Golf Course and Rick Acton at Sahalee Country Club, John was hired by another northwest legend, Jerry Mowlds, becoming the first Head Professional at Pumpkin Ridge’s Witch Hollow course. “Pumpkin Ridge was a perfect place to hone my skills as a pro,” remarks John, “but I missed Seattle, and I wanted to be closer to family.” In Seattle, he secured a position as Head Pro at Tam O’Shanter Country Club in Bellevue. In 1999, John moved his family to Walla Walla to be the Head Professional at Walla Walla Country Club. That’s when luck stepped in—again. While at Walla Walla Country Club, he became friends with local farmer, Russ Byerley. Russ wanted to build a golf course
28 GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
Palouse Ridge............................. 29
GolfTEC...................................... 31
The Pro’s Corner
Name--John Thorsnes Occupation--Director of Golf Location-- Wine Valley Golf Club Walla Walla, Washington Status—Class A-4
Mount Si Golf Course................ 10
Presented by on one of the farms he owned with his brother. That’s where determination and tenacity paid off. After five years of wading through the permits and bringing in former PGA Professional Dan Hixson as designer, and Jim Pliska, owner of Emerald Valley Golf Course in Eugene, Oregon as the primary owner, Wine Valley Golf Club became a reality. “Many golf pros dream of being involved in building their own course,” says John. “I was very fortunate to be a part of making Wine Valley become a reality.” Indeed, Wine Valley has opened to rave reviews, and has already hosted numerous Northwest events including the Northwest Open and Washington State MidAmateur Championships. “What makes me really lucky,” adds John, “is that I have been married 26 years to Nanci and I have two great boys, Erik, 23 and David, 19. Life is good.” Carry on, John.
December 2010
Play the
Palouse
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Enjoy the newly expanded 18 holes that feature outstanding views & challenging fairways. Sun Country is easy to get to for Western and Eastern Washington Golfers. Spend a day or a week at our RV park and you will want to come back often.
Pullman, WA • (509)335-4342 • palouseridge.com Stay & Play Packages (800)325-8765
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ÇĄÇ&#x20AC;: ĆŹÇ&#x2013;/Ç&#x152;ĆťÇ&#x;1&ĆľÇ&#x;17Ç&#x203A;< &Ćľ0 Take I90, Exit 78, 4 miles West of Cle Elum on Golf Course Rd.
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GOLF TODAY Magazine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Northwest Editionâ&#x20AC;&#x192;
29
continued from page 18
and sassy apparel for their golfing lifestyle. Seattlebased and owned by creative designer Melba Lee, Mic Sportswear is dedicated to creating the finest quality active wear and sportswear that combines versatility, femininity and performance. In fact, if you followed Northwest-native Paige Mckenzie on the LPGA tour, you will likely
al putter with a milled flat face design. The set also includes a stylish bag with kickstand and a soft double strap for ease of carry. The three-way top divider helps organize clubs, and there are three zip pockets to store tee, balls, sunscreen and more. Nike Golf offers the sets in two sizes: Size 1 (unisex left and right handed) for heights 44” – 52”. The set includes a driver, hybrid, #7, #9, SW, Putter and a bag. And Size 2 for heights 52” - 61”. This boys set come in either right or left handed clubs. The size 2 girls set comes with right handed clubs. Each set includes a driver, hybrid, #7, #9, SW, Putter and a bag. Suggested price for all sizes is $179.99. For more information, please visit www.nikegolf.com. MiC Sportswear MiC Sportswear is a women’s contemporary golf apparel company offering unique, groundbreaking women’s golf apparel opportunities for women seeking smart
have seen her decked out in Mic Sportswear latest fashions. MiC spring/summer 2011collection will be distributed worldwide in golf pro-shops, resorts, up-scale department stores, cruise-lines and will also be available at MiC’s Online store early spring. I won’t pretend to know a darn thing about fabrics and ensembles, but MiC’s line will offer women golfers a full line of women’s golf apparel including pants, shorts, skirts, skorts, shirts, knit ensembles, visors, and hats manufactured with couture custom embroidered fabrics and light weight cotton stretch poplin - a fine grain cotton twill with horizontal stretch - available in classic black/ white and sand/white. Designed with motion for every swing, garments will range in price $70.00 – $275.00. For more information, please visit www.micsportswear.com.
WINTER GOLF. OUTSTANDING VALUE. 2011 2011 Player’s Card & Off-Season Play Passes Now Available
18 Pristine Holes On-line Golf Specials Outstanding Value Tournaments Lessons and Leagues
Call the pro shop to purchase
Auburn Golf Course - 29630 Green River Road SE - Auburn WA 98092 - 253-833-2350 - www.auburngolf.org 30 GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
December 2010
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GOLF TODAY Magazine – Northwest Edition
31
‘I Love the Tour Striker!
Finally, you can learn how to hit down on the golf ball and have the impact position of a Tour Player, allowing you to hit it longer and become a better and more consistent ball striker.Õ - Gary McCord PGA Champions Tour Winner
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