Golf Today NW - September 2010 Issue

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CELEBRATING 23 YEARS IN THE WEST, NOW IN THE NORTHWEST! • WWW.GOLFTODAYNW.COM • NUMBER 19 • SEPTEMBER 2010

Swing Like the Pros Become a Tour Striker Today!

See page 2 for details

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Arizona—Resort Mecca: Four Stay-N-Plays for the Whole Family Is Your Set Up Where It Should Be? Winter’s Coming, Yippee! Time to Golf in Palm Springs

And Much, Much More!

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GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

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CONGRATS TO 2010 BOEING CLASSIC CHAMPION

BERNHARD LANGER to all of our fans, volunteers and supporters. We couldn’t do it without you.

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SEPTEMBER 2010

SEPTEMBER 2010

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ON THE COVER • SEPTEMBER 2010: Find your sweet spot with Tour Striker! We are all (most of us anyway) guilty of trying to scoop the ball at the bottom of our swings, which often produces inconsistent results, right? Martin Chuck, Tetherow Golf Club’s director of instruction is the brainchild behind The Tour Striker and NEW Tour Striker Pro training clubs. Chuck designed a club that teaches you how to hit the ball with a forward leaning shaft and an improved impact position regardless of your swing shape and club head speed. In fact, the distinctive designs have little clubface below the “sweet spot” like a traditional club; however, they are engineered in such a way that intuitively teaches you how to pivot correctly and follow through ensuring the “sweet spot” of the club meets the ball. For more information on how you can swing like the pros, please visit pages 2, 16. –Cameron Healey, Publisher/Editor

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

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ARIZONARESORT MECCA: FOUR STAYN PLAYS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

NORTHWEST GOLF AFICIONADOS ENJOY A PLETHORA OF TOP GOLF

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By Clifford Cowley

STUDY REVEALS THAT GOLF INDUSTRY IS MISSING MARK TO ATTRACT, RETAIN WOMEN

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TOUR STRIKER: A POSITIVE ‘IMPACT’ ON GOLFERS OF ALL SKILL LEVELS

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SALISH CLIFFS GOLF CLUB AT LITTLE CREEK CASINO RESORT HIRES BOB PEARSALL AS HEAD SUPERINTENDENT

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PUTNAM CAPTURES PACIFIC COAST TITLE

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GRIFFITHS & PRINCE WIN AT AJGA JUNIOR AT WENATCHEE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

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INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: 10 EFFECTIVE SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING TIPS

By Cameron Healey

WINTER’S COMING, YIPPEE! TIME TO GOLF IN PALM SPRINGS!

By Tony Dear

IS YOUR SET UP WHERE IT SHOULD BE?

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By Erin Szekely

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By Sydney Healey

NOTES FROM THE GOLFING NEWBIE

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CIRCLING RAVEN GOLF CLUB HONORED BY GOLF MAGAZINE

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CONSTRUCTION RESUMES ON GOLF COURSE AT ZILLAH LAKES

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By Mike Rosas

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TEE IT UP FOR DOWN SYNDROME

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THE PRO’S CORNER

SEPTEMBER 2010

Northwest Golf Aficionados Enjoy A Plethora of Top Golf by CAMERON HEALEY

If the variety of choice amateur and professional golf tournaments available to Northwest fans during the month of August was a metaphor for ice cream, you could say that it most closely resembled rain-bow sherbet or perhaps even Neapolitan. Either way, we were treated to a display of golf from the world’s best amateurs, LPGA stars, and so-called “golden oldies” Champions Tour professionals that was just plain fun to watch. Yes, the thrill of watching Bernhard Langer

SEPTEMBER 2010

coolly and strategically tame the Douglas Fir-lined fairways at Sahalee on his way to the 2010 U.S. Senior Open was a treat that I did not think would be repeated… well, certainly not within the space of three weeks. But, the masterful German did just that. Shooting a final round 3-under 69 and -18 under for the tournament, Langer tied the (Boeing Classic) tournament record for best 54 holes established by 2009 winner Loren Roberts in front of a record three-day attendance of 78,000 fans. But the action did not end there. Chambers Bay (and The Home Course in support) concurrently played host to the U.S. Amateur Championship where Peter Uihlein, widely considered the world’s number one ranked amateur celebrated his 21 st birthday by defeating David Chung of Fayetteville, North Carolina 4 and 2 on Chambers’ 7742 yard, par-71 links-style course. Both Uilein and Chung receive ex-

emptions into the 2011 U.S. Open. Any previous suggestion that the Northwest has neither the venue nor fan support to host world class events should be firmly laid to rest.

Having the opportunity to see rising LPGA stars such as Ai Miyazato and Christie Kerr compete at the Safeway Classic at the Pumpkin Ridge course was truly exciting as well. Of course, ask Kerr whether watching her approach shot from 160 yards out on the 18th during the final round hit the right side of the green and bounce into the water was exciting, and I’d suspect the answer might be a little different. Or, watching Julie Inkster’s DQ after swinging a club using a donut weight while waiting on the tee box after 30 minutes. While not exciting, this event highlights the need to review of the rules of golf, particularly as her actions had no direct bearing on the outcome of the match. Let’s not bring the Dustin Johnson ‘event’ into the mix. Best we leave the purists and pragmatists to debate the virtues of that ruling; however, my hope would be that the golf industry looks at all possible options within the rules of golf that serve to promote and improve the playability of the game rather than overtly penalize it.

Bernhard Langer

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Study Reveals That Golf Industry Is Missing Mark To Attract, Retain Women As the golf industry searches for ways to attract new customers and retain current players, a recent research study www. golfwithwomen.com would emphatically tell the industry that appealing to and appeasing women is a prudent path to economic health and well being. Moreover, the study reveals that facilities willing to make the investment to woo and maintain women stand to benefit financially as the majority of those surveyed acknowledged they would pay a premium price to play their “ultimate” facility. Women find the game costs too much, takes too long to play and is too difficult, according to “The Right Invitation,” a comprehensive research study to guide the golf industry to meaningfully increase women’s golf participation and satisfaction. The study was funded by the Little Family Foundation and conducted for the National Golf Course Owners Association www.ngcoa.org. “ The golf industry needs customers and the obvious group to pursue is

women,” the study noted. “There is a great economic opportunity for the golf industry to attract and keep a large underrepresented and underserved portion of the golfing public.” The Little Family Foundation focused on women in their study because “they are underrepresented in the golfing public, have discretionary money to spend and often will make the decisions on how family leisure time is spent.” Arthur Little and his wife, Jann Leeming, learned first-hand about how to attract women (and families) at Province Lake Golf, the course they owned from 1996 to 2005 in Parsonfield, Maine. The upshot of the new study, carried out by Jon Last of New York-based

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Sports & Leisure Research Group www.sportsandleisureresearch.com , is that Little and Leeming will be producing a “how-to” guide for the golf facilities to follow if they hope to achieve economic success with women, in addition to a new website, www.golfwithwomen. com. The purpose of the web site is to educate the golf industry on “best practices” for increasing play and enhancing revenue from women and families. “We are struck by the lack of inventiveness on the part of the golf industry in addressing these issues,” Little and Leeming observed. “Many of the barriers can be overcome without great additional cost with relatively rapid monetary return. “Our aim is to provide the industry with educational information continued on page 29

SEPTEMBER 2010

Winter’s Coming, Yippee! Time to Golf in Palm Springs! By TONY DEAR HUH? WHAT, BESIDES CHRISTMAS, IS THERE TO GET EXCITED ABOUT DURING A SEATTLE WINTER? IT’S GOING TO BE DRAB, COLD AND WET. AH YES, BUT AS THE SUN DISAPPEARS FOR A FEW MONTHS AND THE CLOUDS ROLL IN, THOUGHTS TURN TOWARDS PALM SPRINGS. AND THAT MEANS BLUE SKIES, WARM TEMPERATURES AND IMMACULATELY-CONDITIONED GOLF COURSES. CAN’T WAIT! Seattleites see plenty of water during the fall and winter months – 27.8 inches of it between October and March to be exact. Those fortunate enough to find themselves at the La Quinta Resort and Club in California’s Coachella Valley will

adobe structure using 100,000 bricks, 60,000 roof tiles and 5,000 floor tiles and whose construction cost $150,000. Following several expansions—carefully and skillfully orchestrated expansions— the resort now possesses 796 guest

is a very rare animal – a Pete Dye Course that few outside of the Valley are familiar with and which gets overshadowed by its near neighbors, among them the Greg Norman Course and Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA West (a 2,200-acre golfing fantasyland also owned by The Waldorf Astoria Collection), and two other Dye creations - the TPC Stadium Course at PGA West and La Quinta’s Mountain Course. So anonymous is the Dunes, in fact, writer Chris Baldwin once described it

as a ‘mob witness working in a Kansas grocery store’. And yet, were it located in a part of the country where golf courses didn’t collect in such huge numbers, it might be regarded in a wholly different light. But even here in the Coachella Valley, where roughly 130 courses compete for space with hundreds of luxury desert homes, thousands of hotels, an estimated 1,700 restaurants and the Santa Rosa Mountains (the mountains usually prevail), the Dunes’ star has risen recently thanks to a number of upgrades instigated by La Quinta and PGA West’s Director of Agronomy Dean Miller. “Over the last four years we have spent over $10 million in making capital improvements to the golf courses,” says Miller. “We have improved the bunkers, cart paths, the irrigation system and made several landscape renovations.” The layouts are also benefitting from some major on-going maintenance projects says Miller. “Deep-tine aerification of our greens and fairways, as well as soil-improvement strategies, is creating better turf conditions,” he adds. And the improvements to the irrigation system are not only helping to establish more uniform turf coverage but also allowing Miller to gain better control of how much water is actually used. It’s not surprising then he feels confident his courses are in for a successful winter. “We are very excited about the

Photos courtesy La Quinta Resort and PGA West

probably see an awful lot more, however. There are 41, yes 41, swimming pools and 53, yes 53, hot spas at La Quinta, one of only two resorts in the country for which a city has been named. And if that isn’t enough water, the resort’s Pete Dye-designed Dunes Course which opened in 1985, has eight major water hazards – not feeble, threadlike creeks the marketing department might use to boast about the number of holes at which water comes into play, but the type of water hazard you could go boating on. The world-famous La Quinta Resort & Club, now owned by the Waldorf Astoria Collection, opened the day after Christmas in 1926. Spread out over 45 acres, it was developed by local businessman Walter Morgan who purchased 1,400 acres from the Cahuilla Indian tribe and commissioned Pasadena-based architect Gordon Kaufman to build him a hacienda-style hotel. Kaufman built an SEPTEMBER 2010

rooms and 23 tennis courts in addition to all those pools, but maintains much of the original character. With countless beds of colorful flowers; orange, lemon, tangerine, tangelo and grapefruit trees; cypress trees; cacti; numerous waterfalls; and quaint courtyards framed by towering palms, La Quinta is a serene and peaceful place and, especially at this time of year, the sort of place you spend the night dreaming about. The Dunes Course

continued on page 31

GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

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Is Your Set Up Where It Should Be? by ERIN SZEKELY

After a brief hiatus, while we moved to the beach, I’m back in the game and ready to talk golf. We love our new digs and can’t believe how much energy it takes to make the big changes in life. Having said that, what about the small changes we make? Sometimes it is just a little correction that can make a big impact on your swing. I’m talking about your set up at the address position. I recently saw my coach after a long while,

and he said my set up was o. I had more weight on my left side at set up and it was causing me to hit thin, weak shots. I started looking at my swing thinking I may need to make some big changes as I wasn’t happy with the results I was getting. But it really was a very simple address position correction. It felt strange at ďŹ rst because I had gotten so out of whack, but once I got my weight equal, I felt stronger and much more able to swing freely resulting in more quality shots. It sure felt great to be able to make a small change and have it pay such big dividends. Often times when our swing goes south we start looking to make changes in our swing instead of looking at our set up. The correct set up is so important and yet it is quite frequently overlooked. I remember hearing Jack Nicklaus, who we all believe to be faultless and wise, say that he would see his coach a few times a year just to make sure his set up hadn’t gone awry. When you set up, your weight should be equal on both feet. You should feel centered and balanced. A good way to ďŹ nd your balance is to stand up straight,

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hold the club out in front of you in a horizontal position, then bend forward placing the clubhead on the ground. The club, not the ball, goes in the center of your stance for all normal shots and for all your clubs. The end of the shaft should point to the center of your body and your arms should just hang naturally. Your hands should be even with your clubhead. Your stance should be about the width of your shoulders. And yes, I really did say place the club in the center of your stance for all your clubs, including your driver and wedges. Remember that the club is swung in a circle over your shoulder then to the target. If you set up incorrectly, you will ruin the circle and your shots will not be what you want. Being consistent with your set up will

help you be more consistent in your swing and ultimately your game. A shout out and a big thank you to Ken Kubitz for ďŹ xing my set up. Read more about this in Manuel de la Torre’s book “Understanding the Golf Swingâ€?, or check out the DVD by the same name or my DVD. “GolďŹ ng with Erinâ€?. Erin Szekely is an LPGA teaching professional. For more information, please visit www.golfingwitherin.com or call 425-2734948.

Tubac Golf Resort Announces World-Class Golf School The Tubac Golf Resort & Spa announced the dates for their annual golf school getaway, November 1-3, 2010. This popular three day event includes intensive instruction on all aspects p of the game, from drivingg to fairway shots to scoring clubs ubs as well as playing time ime each day after the he instruction. Videoo analysis of your swing is included, as is a ďŹ nal day nine-hole tournament to display your new skills. Whether your handicap is 6 or 36, or you have no handicap at all, the friendly and effective instruction from Dennis Palmer and his sta of PGA professionals will provide you with a solid foundation to improve your game. You can sign up for the whole Golf School Getaway package which includes three nights in

a deluxe Hacienda Suite, opening and closing night dinners, all breakfasts and lunches and all golf school and associated fees. Or you can ‘commute’ to the resort and join us for just the school and an related events. The 227-hole course is ffabulous, with shady tree-lined sh fair f ways and acres of grass a from tee to green which bely its high- desert location. This is truly a world class golf getaway in a verdant paradise. For registration and information contact Dennis Palmer at dpalmer@tubacgolfresort.com or call 520-398-3526. For more information about the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, please visit www.TubacGolfResort.com.

SEPTEMBER 2010

by SYDNEY HEALEY This month I learned something very important about the immediate effect that the distractions in your life can have on your game. Not just from watching Tiger Woods try to get his winning groove back, but rather my own game. As a result of attending to a serious illness in our family, I wasn’t able to get any practice time last month. While more experienced golfers can go on a hiatus, as often the case in the winter, their skills don’t disappear quite like that of a newbie. Not knowing how much my unplanned hiatus would affect my budding swing, I quickly learned when I went into Bellevue’s GolfTEC for a lesson with GolfTEC instructor Jordan. I felt bad having to report to Jordan that I hadn’t gone to the driving range more than once in the long period between my first lesson and our appointment that day. Unfortunately, we had to go back to square one to get me back into the swing (pun intended), but eventually I was hitting the ball up and generally center again. Some replaying issues I’m encountering include hip position and club rotation in my backswing. I have to keep practicing this motion in order to prevent a bad slice and/or producing a weak launch. Here are a few things I decided to remember as a “lesson from the lesson”: 1. Clear your head from the worries of life. Golf is the here and now, and the only thing you want to think about (especially while learning) is how to get your head out of your way while you’re on a “date” with the club and the ball. 2. If you can’t let it go, keep swinging but let your guard down and let your golfing partner to instructor know what is crippling your game. I didn’t do this and I suspect that if I had, Jordan would have been able to help me make the lesson more therapeutic. 3. Keep practicing, regardless of life’s hassles! Hitting the driving range or even taking a few minutes each day to run your body through the process of the address, the back swing and the connection of the ball is a good way – a GREAT way to re-center. Though I was absent from practice, one fantastic opportunity this Newbie had was to attend the LPGA Safeway Classic at Pumpkin Ridge in Portland. What an experience! If you read my last article, I feel that the etiquette of the game of golf is a tough and intimidating hurdle in getting someone into the sport. The benefit I experienced from going to the Classic was great in this regard. Just as a “watch and learn” approach can help all of us in our own game, the same can be said for golf etiquette. I was able to see how the spectators and golfers should and should not interact and witnessed SEPTEMBER 2010

the ways in which the golfers honor each other, their caddies and themselves while in the game as well as witnessing the little rituals that make for a great swing. I also learned, with surprise, how quickly one can be eliminated from the tournament, over what seemed (to me, as a newbie) an innocent warm up. Julie Inkster, while practicing, used her club weight for warm-up purposes and then removed it. Unfortunately, this resulted in her

disqualification as this is apparently a big violation. Having watched her play earlier in the day, I was disappointed to see this happen as she was otherwise doing great and I was enjoying the professionalism and precision she brought to the course. The best thing I learned on golfing etiquette this month is that it doesn’t have to intimidate, and it should absolutely not stop you from going to golfing events or hitting the course! I have identified a few

kind souls in my life that I now frequently ask little etiquette questions throughout this process. Where should I stand when a fellow player is putting? What can I do to ensure I respect the player who is about to tee off ? In general, I’m learning that when in doubt: be quiet, be still and be out of periphery. Oh, there is still a great deal more to this game and I’m enjoying the ride!

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Circling Raven Golf Club Honored by GOLF Magazine Circling Raven Golf Club continues to rack up accolades from national golf publications, the latest honor coming last week when it was once again named to GOLF magazine’s prestigious, biennial list of the “Top 100 “Courses You Can Play” in America. An amenity of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel in the Idaho panhandle, Circling Raven was ranked No. 92 on the list – out of roughly 13,500 U.S. public access courses – and No. 2 in the magazine’s state-by-state rankings. These GOLF magazine best-of lists are available online and will be featured in the September 2010 print edition of the magazine. Owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and designed by course architect Gene Bates, Circling Raven has now collected more than 40 such rankings since its first full season in 2004, including: • No. 1 in Idaho in Golfweek’s ‘Best Courses You Can Play’ state-bystate rankings, 2009

• • •

Top-40 Casino Courses in the U.S. (No. 4) - Golf Digest, 2009 Top-40 Casino Courses in the U.S. (No. 11) – Golfweek, 2009 Top U.S. Resort Courses – Golf-

• •

week, 2008 America’s Top Golf Courses - Zagat Survey 2007-08 rankings No. 1 Tribal Golf Course in America - Native American Ca-

sino Magazine 2008 • Top 36 Resort Courses in the West - Fairways + Greens Magazine 2008 • Resort Merchandiser of the Year - PGA of America Northwest Section 2008, 2009 • Resort Merchandiser of the Year - Inland Empire Chapter of the PGA 2008 • Service Excellence Award by the Coeur d’Alene Area Chapter of the Idaho Department of Commerce and Labor “Circling Raven and Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel are honored to once again be part of GOLF magazine’s esteemed list of great courses in America,” says CDA Casino Resort CEO David Lasarte Meeks. “This further proves that there is no better place in the Pacific Northwest to visit for golf and gaming enthusiasts. What’s more, the entire experience at our resort will only be further enriched with the completion of our expansion project this spring.”

HARDY GOLF, LLC CELEBRATES 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY AT BALLINGER LAKE GC! Join us for a month long celebration of specials! Bring this coupon and a friend with you in September and receive 2 players, 9-holes for

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SEPTEMBER 2010

The best tee times, The best golf courses, The best prices. Visit today! Follow us on twitter: @golfnownw SEPTEMBER 2010

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Construction Resumes On Golf Course At Zillah Lakes by CHERI BRENNAN Construction resumed last month on the nine-hole golf course at Zillah Lakes, a mixed use community in the Yakima Valley. The project, billed as the ďŹ rst residential resort-style golf community in Washington Wine Country, is an estimated 2.5 hour drive from the SeattleTacoma metropolitan area. During a recent community celebration and open house, the owners and builders of Zillah Lakes showcased various amenities, including: • A new Yakima County Sheriff Substation at the Zillah Lakes Town Center, which is slated for occupancy later this month. • Construction of the new Town Center mini-park featuring tennis and shueboard courts as well as picnic areas; • Plans to extend and expand the popular Zillah Lakes nature trail; • New or pending agreements with local businesses that plan to build or locate at Zillah Lakes. Among these are a local nursery on the east end of the project, a golf clubhouse, restaurant and wine destination, plus a new urgentcare medical clinic and a potential

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assisted living senior facility. During the public open house, guests toured the site and ďŹ ve model homes and were treated to barbecued ribs with all the favorite accompaniments. Homes at Zillah Lakes typically feature indoor-out open oor plans, “surprisingly aordableâ€? luxury appointments, and exclusive locations on the man-made recreational lake or the nine-hole golf course. “We know we’re swimming against the tide a bit here in terms of the national economy,â€? said Pat Strosahl, co-spokesman for the innovative project and CEO of United Builders of Washington. But, he added, “The project is so good, and the investment opportunity has virtually all upside potential as Yakima becomes more like the Napa Valley. And with our unique purchasing options, we’re conďŹ dent that sales will signiďŹ cantly accelerate this fall and into next year.â€? In recognition of shaky consumer conďŹ dence, project developers are oering various buying options. These choices include “Try before you buyâ€? (lease-option), “short stay executive rental,â€? and allowing lot purchases by people who want an aordable buy-in at pre-golf prices, but who may need to wait a few years to build a home.

Strosahl said the ramp-up in activity is designed to appeal to a combination of international buyers who are currently showing bullish optimism about U.S. real estate as well as array of local and regional buyers. “The good news is that Yakima has managed a reasonably vibrant economy and a super-aordable, but stable, housing market through the national recession, partly because it was never overhyped by speculation,â€? Strosahl noted, adding “That’s why we’re on so many “best-place-to-relocateâ€? lists.â€? The bad news, he admitted, is that many of Zillah Lakes’ potential buyers come from markets that ARE jittery, and national news has had a dampening eect even on local buyers in this project.â€? Recent buyers and prospects have included ďŹ rst-time purchasers, emptynesters who want to downsize and families desiring a second home in a sunny location with easy access to cultural and recreational attractions, plus proximity to the region’s acclaimed vineyards and wineries. Currently, prices for lots in the community start at $45,000, with homes starting at under $200,000 — as little as

$180,000 for some townhomes — but Strosahl expects prices may increase with construction of the golf course and as demand solidiďŹ es with the recovering economy. United Builders of Washington, the longest continuously-operating homebuilder in Washington (since 1949), is the preferred builder and a major partner in the project. Based in Yakima, the family-owned business has built more than 5,000 single family homes and 2,500 units of multi-family dwellings since its founding. United Builders is also the only builder in the Northwest that uses certiďŹ ed, apprenticed union carpenters which has led to an earned reputation for high quality homes of enduring value. Rob Tranch, of Nob Hill Realty in Yakima is representing the development (509-248-2032 or toll free, 1-800-9422032). Zillah Lakes, situated about 2.5 hours from the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area, is located on the south side of Yakima Valley Highway at the intersection of Barbee Road. A locator map (which also pinpoints nearby wineries) is online at www.zillahlakes.com.

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SEPTEMBER 2010

Arizona—Resort Mecca: Four Stay-N-Plays for the Whole Family by CLIFF COWLEY Too many times it happens. Dad wants to golf, mom wants to be pampered at a day spa; the kids want to go horseback riding, ride bikes, and swim. Too many times, families sacrifice for each other to

elements in its offerings and location, from the construction of the buildings, to the choice of activities, even down to the choices of food. The employees make you feel like you are an integral part of the

accommodate what the others want, and reluctantly agree that, “We’ll go to YOUR choice NEXT year.” Or, they take separate vacations. Well, there is no need for that. Not anymore. Resorts are hearing the call. They are realizing that families are beginning to look at vacation in a different way and saying--demanding--that they get everything they want all under one roof. Arizona, the winter vacation spot for the family who prefers warm days and cool nights, has a number of destination resorts devoted to that very thing.

setting, like you’re home. From the attendant who calls you by name when you pull up to the door, to the valet who helps you find your room and says, “Welcome home,” as he leaves, to Dove Mountain that quietly serenades you with the songs of birds and its ominous backdrop when you step out on the balcony of your room, to the details of the furnishings and the room itself, the atmosphere is natural, earthy--HOME. The exterior of the hotel blends in well with the desert terrain. The building nestled in the forefront of the Tortolita Mountains and facing the Saguaro Desert, blends naturally with the surrounding landscape, beautifully paying homage to the visual integrity of mountains surrendering to the desert floor. The inside of the hotel is as equally lavish as the outside with a Natural and Native motif. The lobby is quiet, with a historical and geographical library about the area and its people, furnished complete with a reading table for those who love to learn. The lobby looks out over the pool to the mountains behind the 44 individual

RITZ-CARLTON, DOVE MOUNTAIN Natural, rustically elegant, relaxing, and a chance to play golf where the big boys play are the words that describe Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain Resort in Marana, just outside of Tucson. “Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain offers everything to everyone, every day, all the time,” says Jennifer Pelczarski, Director of Public Relations at the resort. Officially opened in January of 2010, the resort concentrates on the thematic overtures of the natural SEPTEMBER 2010

and casita suites tucked into the Wild Burro Canyon, giving a “village within the resort” appearance. The resort itself offers 253 rooms, all furnished in natural tones to enhance the experience of your stay at the resort. The personnel a re p e rsonable, polite and extremely dedicated to help ing each guest have the resort experience the y are looking for.

Hotel packages include meals at one or more of the 5 unique breakfast/dining restaurants. Be sure to experience the extravagant culinary delight put on by Master Chef, Joel Harrington, at the Core Kitchen and Wine Bar. Chef Harrington is an interesting personality, somewhere between surfer dude and punk rocker. His signature Mohawk hairdo, and “awesome dude” linguistic expressions blend in with his expertise and willingness to experiment with and share combinations of food and spices that will assail your taste buds. Wait ‘til you have his dish that includes Pop Rocks! All his food is either grown on site, grown locally by eco-friendly farms, or shipped directly from the source. I had everything from fish to buffalo, and ice cream with cilantro on it! Everything he brought out was as equally superior as the one before. Each

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Tour Striker: A Positive ‘Impact’ on Golfers of All Skill Levels Tour Striker, the new training golf clubs designed by teaching professional Martin Chuck, PGA, director of golf at Tetherow Golf Club in Bend, Oregon, has been discovered by thousands of golfers of all skill levels and the results are consistent: Better ball striking and lower scores. Tour Striker was launched nationally in May of 2010 and is now arguably the number one training aid in golf. “Tour Striker is a club that teaches golfers the tour players’ secret to ball striking,” said Gary McCord, a veteran star of the PGA Tour and long-time television golf commentator. “Why are professional golfers as good as they are? Well, because regardless of their swing style or shape, their impact position—a downward strike with the shaft leaning forward—is the same. And that’s what will happen to golfers of all skill levels when they start practicing with the Tour Striker.” The original Tour Striker 8 iron, Tour Striker Pro 7 iron and Tour Striker 56-degree wedge training clubs feature distinctive designs that have little clubface below the “sweet spot” unlike a traditional club. The clubs have been designed so golfers intuitively teach themselves how to deliver the “sweet spot” of the club to the ball like an expert ball striker. “I found myself teaching so many golfers who were trying to scoop the ball at the bottom of the swing,” said Chuck. “That was how they tried to get the ball in the air. I wanted to create a club that would teach them to hit down on the ball with forward shaft lean. I’ve accomplished that with Tour Striker.” Many experts agree that practicing with the Tour Striker will automatically change a golfer’s swing and ball striking and they will quickly learn to apply for-

ward shaft lean which will increase lag, add club head speed and improve their impact position naturally while practicing. “Most amateurs have a hard time coming over the top, and they cast the club

a little early,” said PGA Tour Winner Kevin Streelman. “This action results in them losing both their lag position and their impact position, and ultimately any power they’ve created. The Tour Striker ensures that golfers maintain the optimum position, so it’s really a great practice tool to constantly work on your game.” “Perfect,” said Randy Smith, instruc-

16 GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

tor to Justin Leonard and other PGA tour pros, in a Golfweek interview about Tour Striker. “This forces golfers to get into the proper position if they want to hit the ball.” The Original Tour Striker is targeted for mid-to-high handicap golfers and those with slower swing speeds (under 90 mph with driver), while the Tour Striker Pro is geared for dedicated players with

higher swing speeds and a handicap of 10 or less. Also available is a Tour Striker for women and younger players who wish to improve their game. The ladies/junior model is slightly shorter than the regular Tour Striker (35 inches vs. 36 inches) and has a graphite shaft appropriate for women and juniors.

The Tour Striker training clubs are cast of 433 stainless steel. The vibration dampening logo affixed within the back cavity helps reduce shock on miss-hit shots while developing your ball striking skills. The lie angle and shaft length may be modified at a nominal additional fee. The Tour Striker commercials and instructional videos are produced by acclaimed golf production and marketing company, The Golf Agency.

The Tour Striker and Tour Striker Pro training clubs are available starting at $99.99. For more information and to order clubs, please visit www.tourstriker. com.

SEPTEMBER 2010

Red Rock Golf Trail ! 4 nights , 3 rounds start @ $350

Are you searching for a new winter golf destination? Look no further - St. George, Utah’s Red Rock Golf Trail lets you choose from nine courses, 10 hotels and 100’s of postcard settings. Book up to 6 months in advance with no fees. Just 90 minutes north of Las Vegas on I-15!

For a custom package that fits your schedule, skill level and pocketbook, visit www.RedRockGolf.com or call 888.345.2550

SEPTEMBER 2010

red rock golf trail

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Play the

Palouse

Pullman, WA • (509)335-4342 • palouseridge.com Stay & Play Packages (800)325-8765

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SEPTEMBER 2010

Unique Apparel & Accessories 509-624-5204 122 S. Monroe Ste #203 Spokane WWW.GOLFOREWOMEN.COM

Play Golf in Scotland & Ireland Golf Tours to Scotland and Ireland in 2010 to suit all budgets. Tayleur Mayde Golf Tours was established in 1999. Play St Andrews, Ballybunion, Turnberry, Muirfield, Carnoustie and many more.

Call Toll Free 1-800-847-8064 or see www.tayleurmayde.com SEPTEMBER 2010

GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE ďšť NORTHWEST EDITION

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“Helping people receive more enjoyment from the game of golf” www.hiltongolfacademy.com

Hilton Golf Academy - Starting at $999* per person! “Playing Weekend” golf school for 2 people. Package includes: • Two days of personalized instruction with afternoon playing lessons • Three rounds of golf • Three nights' suite accommodations • Food and beverage: three breakfasts, two lunches • Adidas® golf shirt and a pair of Adidas Golf Shoes • Hilton Golf Experience Instructional Manual • Mention Special Code: GTNW • 1-800-945-6478 *Rates are per person based on double occupancy. Rates vary depending on location. Offer is valid through December 31, 2010 and based on availability. Minimum of 2 people must register together to receive this offer. Offer is not valid to groups of more than 8 people.

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SEPTEMBER 2010

time I thought I was done, he brought out something else. As I ate my meal, I was mesmerized at the ministrations of the other chefs performing their tricks of cooking skills through the glass windows to the kitchen (another Chef Harrington idea). The food makes your eyes close, and you utter a faint, “Mmmm,” as you savor the flavor of each bite. It’s not the food; it’s the combination of the ingredients that Chef Harrington puts with it. Better than home (shhhh, don’t tell my wife). Speaking of wives, The Spa experience is designed around the balancing elements of wood, fire, earth and water honoring the indigenous outdoor Sonoran lifestyle. The 17,000 square foot spa and fitness center features myriad treatments and exercise opportunities. There is also a complete salon and styling center on site. While the wife is being massaged, pampered and soothed in the spa, and the children are attending the many staff supervised activities aimed for young people, including a 230-foot waterslide, hiking, and biking, dad can, yes he CAN! Go golfing! Golfers at the Dove Mountain Golf Club can enjoy a world-class venue nestled against the Tortolita Mountain Range. It’s dad’s dessert in the desert. The three courses, the Tortolita, Saguaro, and Wild Burro, create a seamless blend of the distinct characteristics, reflecting the terrain of the high desert, and Jack Nicklaus design. For the past two years, Ritz-Carlton Golf Club has been host to the annual World Golf ChampionshipsAccenture Match Play, a gathering of the top 64 players in the world for four days of matches. One emerges victorious--Geoff Ogilvy (2009), and Ian Poulter (2010). Golfweek awarded Dove Mountain “Best Courses You can Play--#2 in Arizona,” and “Best Resort Course--#33” (2010). Similar accolades come from GOLF Magazine, “Best New Public Course--#4 (2009). LINKS Magazine named it Best for Resort Lifestyle (2009), and the courses have been designated a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Suguaro, at 3,894 yards, par 36, serves as the front nine for the Accenture Match Play Championship. It is set against the backdrop of a majestic Saguaro cactus forest. The par-3 third hole, which has the only pond on the nine, is considered by many to be the course’s signature hole. At 208 yards, it can be a key birdie hole or a disastrous “par 6” par 3. Watch out for the sucker pin-placement. The fifth hole is a 536-yard beast of a par 4. A narrow first drive landing area can add shots to your score. Tortolita, at 3,955 yards, par 36, winds along the base of the Tortolita Mountains. It serves as the back nine for the SEPTEMBER 2010

Accenture Match Play. The beautiful, par 3, third hole marks the highest elevation of the course. The fifth through the eighth holes wander through a secluded canyon in a beautiful circular setting that are some of the coolest holes in golf. Number six is a drivable 343-yard, par 4. It is a favorite hangout for spectators dur-

can enjoy American comfort cuisine with a Southwestern flair. The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain Resort is the place where adventure and a gracious spirit of hospitality come to life. The many natural elements at the RitzCarlton, Dove Mountain, complemented by luxurious service in a relaxed and ca-

The Starr Pass legend began over 120 years ago when Richard Starr crafted a trail through the rugged wilderness of the Tucson Mountains. Today, the Coyote Course’s 6th fairway marks the trail and has earned the honor of being the signature hole at Starr Pass. PGA Tour Commissioner, Dean Beaman, person-

ing the Accenture matches. The fans love to watch the players GO for it. We know THEY got the guts, and they WILL take the shot. Ultimately, the grassy hillside, stadium setting that surrounds the 9th green is ideal for matches that go the distance. Players can risk cutting the corner, or lay out safely to the left. Either way, the second shot over a ravine into the elevated green is exciting to watch. Wild Burro, at 3,897 yards, par 36, is Jack Nicklaus’ favorite nine holes at Dove Mountain. Incredible vistas of the Tortolita Mountains highlight several points on the course. Number 8, at 253 yards is a must shot over desert. Most are lucky to make par on this one. Together, the three nines at Dove Mountain combine to be some of the best holes in golf and a worthwhile golf experience for the discriminating golfer. Other amenities include valet and caddie service, a full service golf and retail shop. Dustin Irwin, Golf Sales Manager, and provide you with everything you need from clothes to clubs to lessons. The 50,000 square foot clubhouse complex has lighted tennis courts, and a full service locker room for your convenience. After your round, you can relax in the clubhouse restaurant, Cayton’s, while you sip your favorite beverage. At Cayton’s, you

sual setting, create an authentic Arizona experience. It’s the attention to details that make the difference, and create the experience. Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain provides fun for the whole family, all in one setting.

ally selected the Starr Pass site. When he saw the site for the first time, the natural beauty and the rugged terrain instantly inspired him. With the help of renowned Golf Course Designer, Bob Cupp, and PGA Tour Professional, Craig Stadler, they helped create a world class TPC Golf Facility. Starr Pass hosted the annual Tucson Open between 1987 and 1996, and during that time, the third and fifth holes on the Rattler Course were rated two of the most difficult holes on the PGA Tour. The courses themselves are symbiotically designed using the natural elements as hazards, while showcasing majestic vistas of the Catalina Mountains. Legends such as Arnold Palmer, Payne Stewart and Nancy Lopez have all carved their way through this historic golf course. Past winners include Robert Gamez, Lee Jantzen, and Phil Mickelson. Desert golf is at its best at Starr Pass. The 27-hole, Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Facility offers complete facilities including a double-loaded driving range, a 20,000 square foot clubhouse, and a topquality golf shop. The Golf Shop offers the latest in top-quality equipment, rentals, apparel and products, complete with a 1st class locker room facility with pictures of past winners of the Tucson Open.

JW MARRIOTT STARR PASS RESORT As much as Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain is natural, and rustically elegant, JW Merriott Starr Pass Resort, in Tucson is glitzy and glamorous, and just as much relaxing. It is different, yet the same is achieved. As much as Ritz-Carlton is hidden, Starr Pass is up front. When you pull up to the lobby, valets come up and help you with your bags, almost competing to help you. The exterior of Starr Pass is has a golden adobe color scheme. Families step out of their car wide eyed, open mouthed, almost looking like they can’t possibly fit into the splendor of the decor. And the decor is rich, luxurious. The gigantic second level lobby looks out over the patio and pool onto the 9th hole of the Rattler course. The lobby is elegantly furnished with the finest furniture, and works of art adorn the walls throughout the lobby. Smiling desk clerks stand ready to make your experience at Starr Pass wonderful.

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Salish Cliffs Golf Club at Little Creek Casino Resort Hires Bob Pearsall as Head Superintendent Salish Clis Golf Club, the latest amenity of the Squaxin Island Tribe’s Little Creek Casino Resort, has named industry veteran and Washington native Bob Pearsall as Head Superintendent. Pearsall, born and raised in nearby Olympia, oďŹƒcially started his new position last week at the par-72, 7,300-yard Gene Bates-design that is scheduled to open next spring. Selected among top talent in the Western Washington area, Pearsall has a reverence for Bates and the Squaxin Island Tribe’s reputation in the community. “There’s no place I’d rather be,â€? said the 43-year-old Pearsall. “It’s a dream come true to be part of something special like this right in my own backyard.â€? Pearsall comes to Salish Clis from The Golf Club at Hawks Prairie in Lacey, Wash. where he led the Agronomy Department as head superintendent of the 36-hole facility since 2004. Prior to his work at Hawks Prairie, Pearsall guided the golf maintenance department at Indian Summer Golf & Country Club in Olympia for six years.

(Left to right) Bob Pearsall, Clover the dog, and Mike Pearsall “Bob Pearsall is an esteemed and wellregarded practitioner of best agronomic golf course practices whose proven track record and vast knowledge of the region’s growing conditions and weather make him an ideal manager for Salish Clis Golf Club,â€? said Ray Peters, Executive Di-

rector of the Squaxin Island Tribe. “Salish Clis Golf Club and Little Creek Casino Resort sought an acclaimed professional who will help lead us to elite status in the PaciďŹ c Northwest, and we feel very strongly that Bob is that person.â€? In addition to the hiring of Pearsall,

Salish Clis also named Mike Pearsall, Bob’s brother, and Anton Diaz as ďŹ rst and second assistants, respectively. To date, all 18 holes on the site have been shaped and nine of the holes have been seeded, unveiling a course with over 600 feet of elevation changes and 360-degree views of Kamilche Valley. Construction has begun on the driving range and the land for the spacious log and cedar clubhouse – which will reect the style and structure of Little Creek Casino Resort – is being cleared. Salish Cliffs is certain to resonate with golfers who rave about other Bates layouts. These include Circling Raven Golf Club (Worley, ID) and Bayonet Black Horse (Monterey, CA), ranked “100 Greatest Courses in Americaâ€? and “Best in Stateâ€? by Golf Digest and Golfweek, respectively, and and Soldier Hollow Golf Course (Midway, UT), which will host the 2012 USGA Amateur Public Links Championship. Bates often collaborates on designs with PGA and Champions Tour star Fred Couples.

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Putnam Captures Pacific Coast Title The 44th Pacific Coast Amateur, held for the seventh time on the 7,051-yard layout at the venerable Eugene Country Club in Eugene, Oregon lived up to the expectations of the players and spectators alike. Andrew Putnam of University Place, Washington, a senior-to-be at Pepperdine University, captured this year’s Champion title.

myself at level par,” said Putnam who hit his approach on 18 tight, leaving a tap-in birdie to close out the championship. “I don’t think I was ever comfortable the whole day,” he added. You never want to get too comfortable. I birdie here and there and a bogey brings the field closer.” He learned a great lesson from his play recently in the US Open where he mentioned he was shaking over his tee shots. “I just kept thinking to myself, if I can handle playing in front of thousands, this is nothing compared to that.” Cameron Peck of Olympia, Washington, was one of the players that made a charge going 4-under par on the front nine. A birdie on the 13th hole closed the gap to 3-strokes until a costly double bogey on 15 put him out of contention. For the championship, that hole along with the quadruple-bogey he took on the 9th hole was all that was needed keep him from the title. He finished 5-strokes behind Putnam at 2-under Photo credit Eric Yaillen/Pacific Coast Golf Association par 71-71-73-67--282 in a tie for third along with Matthew Steiger To keep things interesting, the tourna- of Narrabri, Australia, a member of the ment committee had made a decision Australian National Team. early in the week to setup the course The other player making a late charge for an exciting finish. They moved the was Daniel Miernicki of Santee, Califortee up on 17, making the hole a drivable nia, a member of the Oregon Ducks golf 290-yard par 4, and then placed the hole team that regularly plays practice rounds on 18 in the middle of the green. While at Eugene Country Club. Putnam’s lead was insurmountable, there Miernicki started the day 6-shots bewere plenty of players working hard to hind Putnam and got off to a rocky start bump Andrew Putnam from his coveted with a bogey on the first hole. But he ralspot on the leader board. lied, with birdies on six of his last 13 holes As predicted earlier in the week, it to finish alone in second with a score of was déjà Vu for the Putnam family as 3-under par 68-73-72-68--281. But the Andrew’s name joins his older brother starting cushion Putnam had going into Michael on the Updegraff perpetual today’s final round was just too much for trophy. Eerily, a birdie on the final hole the field to overcome. meant that both brothers won the title “Second is great,” said Miernicki. “I at Eugene Country Club with the same didn’t play exceptionally great but I score, although Andrew does get some putted really well so I’ll take that away bragging rights as the course he played from this tournament. Andrew deserved was 300-yards longer than in 2004. to win this one.” “It was kind of up and down for me, birdie, bogey, birdie, bogey, but I had some good saves out there and kept SEPTEMBER 2010

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Griffiths & Prince Win at AJGA Junior at Wenatchee Golf and Country Club Zak Griffiths of Red Deer, Alberta, posted a tournament total of 13-underpar 203 to claim his first career AJGA victory at the AJGA Junior at Wenatchee. Kendall Prince of Lake Oswego, Ore., made a late surge to claim a three-stroke victory in the Girls Division at Wenatchee Golf and Country Club. Conducted by the American Junior Golf Association, the AJGA Junior at Wenatchee was a 54-hole stroke-play competition held at the Wenatchee Golf & Country Club in East Wenatchee, Wash. The 99-player field featured 72 boys and 27 girls, representing 12 states and Canada. The Boys Division played the par-72 course from 6,364 yards while the Girls Division played from 6,006 yards. Griffiths proved to be the player to beat from the moment he arrived at the course. He followed up a first-round 66 with rounds of 69 and 68, steadily separating himself from the field. Holding a threestroke lead on No. 12, Griffiths made

eagle to begin his impressive run down the stretch. “I eagled No. 12 after holing out from the fairway bunker,” Griffiths said. “From there I made birdies on three of my next

In the Girls Division, Prince battled back and forth all afternoon with Leilanie Kim of Surrey, British Columbia. Kim had a one-shot lead through nine holes, but a clutch shot from Prince gave her the

four holes. That shot was a momentum shifter for sure.” Lorens Chan of Honolulu finished second at 6-under-par 210. Jack Kelly of North Bend, Wash., and Suk Woan Ko of Coquitlam, British Columbia, followed in a tie for third at 2-under-par 214. Andrew Whalen of Ephrata, Wash., rounded out the top five at 1-under-par 215 for the tournament.

momentum she needed. “I stuck it to about three feet for birdie,” said Prince, who has given a verbal commitment to Ohio State University. “I played the back nine well all week and that shot gave me the confidence I needed heading down the stretch.” Two more birdies on the back nine vaulted Prince to a three-stroke victory,

as she finished even-par 216 for the tournament. Kim finished in second place with a tournament total of 3-over-par 219. Betty Chen of Castro Valley, Calif., finished in third place at 7-over-par 223. 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 5,000 junior golfers from 49 states and 30 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.

Tetherow Par 3 Wee Links Course Offers Fun for All! 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!! 24 GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

Want to introduce your kids to golf, but in a fun, stress-free environment? Tetherow Golf Club in Bend, OR has created a par-3 “Wee Links” Course designed for families and kids of all ages and runs each Sunday until the end of September. “Playing the Wee Links is a great way for families to spend time together, as well as introduce kids to the game of golf. It’s a non-competitive atmosphere with a lot of socializing. The kids (and adults) look forward to it each week,” says PGA Head Golf Professional, Caleb Anderson.

What: When: Cost: Stats:

Driving range target greens become a nine-hole par 3 course Every Sunday evening from June-September 5:00-7:00 pm

$15 for adults/$10 for kids (free golf with purchase of BBQ dinner. Play as many holes as you want

Longest hole is 142 yards. Shortest hole is 48 yards. There are no holes. Each flag is surrounded by a 6-foot hoop. When a ball stops inside of the hoop it is a “make.” Suggest most people bring two clubs ( 7 iron and wedge) Leave putter at home. Yardage guides have been created for the par-3 course. For families of all ages. Majority of kids are between 5-10 yrs. SEPTEMBER 2010

SEPTEMBER 2010

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Industry Outlook: 10 Effective Social Media Marketing Tips by MIKE ROSAS What a great month August turned out to be. Incredible is a far more accurate description, motivating me to think September might follow suit. But just last week, the sun began to set on my ever-present quest of taking in as much golf as possible. Fall is nearly here and I, admittedly, have been known to let the weather talk me out of a round. Whether or not I make it to the golf course, I always have social media on my mind. Following last month’s piece on social media, I received quite a bit of feedback from Golf Today Northwest readers; I thank you. A number of small business owners (and golfers) who have golf shops requested some help with a marketing plan, but I must clarify something right here and now: there are distinct differences when it comes to marketing on the Internet versus conventional marketing. While I piqued the interest of many, I only touched on a small fraction of what you can do with social media. “Where do I begin?” is just as important as “Where do I go?” And so, here it is. 10 Marketing Tips to help you get started. GET ORGANIZED If you want to get results with social media without a large investment of time and/or money, you’ll need to be organized and make logical use of your time. A lack of focus will result in wasted time that doesn’t get you any closer to achieving your marketing goals. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your time with social media and social networking. 1. HAVE A PURPOSE AND A PLAN I’ve talked to a number of people who are using social media because they were told it is the thing to do or that it will help business, yet they are discouraged. While the advice given is true, no one should jump in without understanding how social media will help, nor should one proceed without understanding what one needs to do as a social media user in order to get positive results. Before you start dedicating time and effort toward social media marketing, sit down and think about what you hope to get in return. Maybe you want to increase traffic, build links, improve brand recognition, make sales (good luck), or just to communicate more effectively with customers. It’s important to know what your purpose is, especially with limited time, because it will determine your approach and your marketing method. 2. TAKE THE TIME TO UNDERSTAND SOCIAL MEDIA One of the biggest mistakes that I see happening with social media is that people who are new to this method of marketing often jump in and start promoting their

own content. This might seem logical, but to your audience it is a turn-off. While there is a time and a place to promote your own content with social media, if you do this right away you’ll look like a marketer and not a user. Take the time to get familiar with some various social media sites, interact with other users, learn how the sites work, and don’t worry about submitting or promoting your own content for a while. In order to have success with social media marketing, you’ll need to understand how typical users think and what they react to. If you truly understand the social media audience, then you’ll be able to create content that appeals to them. Otherwise, you will be pushing content that may not interest them. If you are already an active social media user, perhaps

contributing within a few communities, you’re ahead of the game. If not, take time to become familiar with social media, obtaining a base knowledge that can be used in your future marketing efforts. Look for stellar examples and those that are lackluster, critiquing as if this were a potential employee. 3. TARGET A FEW SPECIFIC SITES Another common mistake that often I see is that some users (particularly those who are new to social media) are trying to use every social site out there. I applaud people for going for it, but go for it wisely! There are so many social media sites that you will never be able to use them all, nor is it reasonable to think you can maintain your company’s image appropriately. Don’t spread yourself thin; rather focus on just a few social media sites (I recommend two to five) and really plan to be an active and consistent user. You’ll find that as an active user of a small number of sites, you’ll see much better results. 4. DON’T FOCUS ONLY ON DIGG AND REDDIT Although the major social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Digg and Reddit have the most potential in terms of

26 GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

visitors and exposure, they are also the most competitive. There are thousands of site owners, marketers, and users that want to get their content on the front pages of these sites, and you’ll be competing with these people to get attention for your own content. Think Twitter. Think Facebook. 5. USE TWITTER I used to recommend that every blogger and marketer use StumbleUpon actively because it was a great way to get quick results. However, the results from StumbleUpon have trailed off from what they used to be and Twitter seems to be generating positive results for a higher number of people. Being active on Twitter doesn’t require that you constantly send out tweets about anything and everything – it can be done with much less time investment. The first thing

to do is to create an account and start following a lot of people in your niche or industry. There are a lot of Twitter lists and directoriesonline that will help you find the right people. Once you’re following some people, you can reply to their tweets, start conversations of your own, and click through to other users who have been mentioned and follow them if you deem their tweets useful. When you have new content, you can share a link to your website or blog with your followers. As your influence grows, your results will improve: more followers and active followers will result in more clicks on your links, more visits to your website(s), and more Re-Tweets (RT). 6. GO NICHE Following the success of major social media sites, there was sizable increase in the number of niche-specific social media sites that began popping up. While these sites tend to have smaller audiences than the major social media sites, they present excellent opportunities to get your content in front of a targeted audience. 7. BUILD YOUR NETWORK One of the most important factors that will determine success with social media

marketing is your network. Almost every successful small Golf Business Owner using Social Media Marketing is very well connected. It is hard to be effective at social media marketing without having a number of strong connections. Remember your customers and peers. Most people who have success with social media will request votes in one way or another by taking surveys with their ever-expanding customer base. 8. SET SPECIFIC TIMES FOR SOCIAL MEDIA If you are really struggling to keep your social media usage to a minimum while still getting results, think about setting aside a block of time to use social media and social networking sites and then move on to other things when the time is up. Maybe you’ll want to spend 30 minutes every day, or maybe an hour 3 times a week. Whatever the case may be, this can help to keep your usage down while still allowing you to be active. 9. USE RELEVANT BUTTONS ON YOUR SITE Voting buttons and widgets can be effective when they are used properly. I’m sure we’ve all seen blogs that seem to have a button for every single social media site. There are a few problems with this: 1) it clutters the pages, 2) it puts less attention on each individual button resulting in fewer votes, and 3) it doesn’t show your visitors on which sites you would prefer them to vote. To use voting buttons effectively, stick to just the social media sites that you are targeting and the sites that your visitors are likely to use. 10. ONLY PROMOTE APPROPRIATE CONTENT Not all content is appropriate for social media. Even some types of quality content are unlikely to get results with the social media audience. Content like lists, humor, controversy, and breaking news tend to attract attention on social media sites. If you’re hoping to get results, then you should be creating and promoting content that will grab the interest of others. Trying to promote the wrong types of content will typically result in little success. However, an exception can be niche social media sites, as these audiences can often be more receptive to a wider variety of content types while still on topic. As a rule, you should only promote content that is relevant to your Golf Business, but be happy, excited, and contagiously enthusiastic. 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.

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Head Pro, Brett Gilmore, and his staff are available to provide you with lessons and help you with all your golfing needs. As with many top of the line courses in recent years, Starr Pass Golf Club has been designated a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. The courses themselves offer many risk and reward opportunities. The Rattler Course, at 3,490 yards, from the tips, will test the best of golfers. Rattler lives up to its name with striking views and venomous carries over desert ravines and waste areas. Miss-hit shots can be poisonous to your score. The 5th hole requires a long drive to a narrow landing area over a deep ravine. You’ll be lucky to come away from this hole with a par. This course can really come up and bite you. Beginning just steps outside of the resort, the Roadrunner Course offers unsurpassed views. With dramatic elevation changes and the swirling winds created by the Tucson Mountains, these nine holes will truly test players of all levels. With an overall length of 3,217 yards, and a par 35, you could easily out run par with your score. The very first hole is a 221-yard, par 3, right in front of the hotel. Talk about a “stadium” course hole! The Roadrunner is not as dangerous as Rattler, but it runs quickly up, down and through the mountains. If you play through any groups, make sure you say, “Beep, Beep,” before you go past them. The Coyote Course, at 3,512 yards boasts the longest course layout. But even with its length, it is the most forgiving of the three. Golfers can enjoy a very serene and quiet area of the golf course where they are likely to see wildlife wandering about in their natural habitat. This stretch of holes allows you to relax and enjoy a nice round of golf on a challenging, yet forgiving course. You may even find Old Coyote, planning his next move amidst the delightful company of jackrabbits, quail or deer. This course is tempting to any golf predator to try and catch its par 36 layout. Hint: Acme golf clubs won’t help. After your round of golf, enjoy your favorite beverage at the Catalina Barbeque Co. & Sports Bar. The menu features competition-style barbeque, with specialty sauces and rubs made in-house by Executive Chef Chris Brown, an awardwinning barbeque pit master. His three SEPTEMBER 2010

BBQ sauces, made at Starr Pass, are so popular, they are shipped all over the world to satisfy the cravings of past guests at the resort. Chef Brown personally oversees all the restaurant and bar facilities at the resort. Try the award winning Pulled Pork and Brisquet with the Bourbon Creamed Corn. It’s delicious. Speaking of food, outside Primo, the popular Mediterranean restaurant, located in the hotel complex, chefs grow pesticide-free vegetables and fruits that go straight from the garden to customers’ plates. The resort also contracts with Sleeping Frog Farms to grow and produce

shani offers treatments that combine the latest beauty and health technology in a luxurious and pampering Resort Spa environment. She can rejuvenate her body and her soul with complete and combination body treatments, and massage therapies or take advantage of the full-service salon. There is also a complete gym with fitness instructors on site.

organic food for the resort menus. Chef Christy Tenaud, makes sure the food at Primo is, well, PRIMO. I had the Niman Ranch Pork Saltimboca: roasted garlic mashed potato, spinach, prosciutto, and mushroom with sage jus. Heavenly. Service at the restaurant is impeccable, thanks to manager Ian Brown and his staff. There’s fun for the whole family at Starr Pass. For the children there is an abundance of activities for them to enjoy from arts and crafts, games, and treasure hunts. Fun activities for the whole family include themed night parties and special events, hiking, swimming, and tennis. Oh, and don’t forget to take in the Starr Canyon River and Monsoon Falls Waterslide. Children and adults can relax in a slow moving float down the man made river of delight. For the moms, the Starr Pass Hashani Spa promises to make her stay at Starr Pass an unforgettable experience. Ha-

Built in 1929, it was originally an invitation only resort for the rich and famous. Owned by the Wrigley Brothers, every celebrity and famous golfer of the time played and stayed from Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe, to Ben Hogan and Sam Snead, including three presidents. Biltmore Resort and Golf Course offers two legendary and traditional golf courses. The Links and The Adobe provide an exceptional golf experience for golfers and the resort has fine dining and activities the whole family will enjoy. Located in an upscale area of downtown, yet secluded in a valley of craggy hillsides and desert landscape, the two 18hole courses are challenging, yet promise an enjoyable round for scratch golfers and the novice alike. The Adobe, the older of the two courses (1928), boasts wide fairways with amazing bunkers. The course requires thoughtful strategy to make your way around the bunkers or try to go over them. Playing the Adobe is a step back

BILTMORE RESORT AND GOLF COURSE One of the first, and oldest, resort/ destination spots is the Biltmore Resort and Golf Course, in the heart of Phoenix.

in time to classic era golf. Designed by William P. “Billy” Bell, Adobe’s parkland setting will remind you of California’s Riviera and Bel-Air Country Clubs of which Bell was also a part. The Links Course sports rolling fairways, desert ravines and five lakes. The bunkers are set tight to the greens. And, from atop the 15th tee, a 162-yard dowwwnnn hill par 3, you can see the skyline of Phoenix, Scottsdale and the distant mountains. A combination of desert golf mixed with a journey through cool pines and tranquil lakes, no two holes are alike. Multiple tees, allow golfers to challenge themselves no matter what their handicap is. The resort offers activities for everyone. There is a complete spa where the ladies can enjoy being pampered and massaged, and enjoy eight sparkling pools. There is life-size lawn chess, croquet or bocce ball on lush lawns, tennis lessons for youngsters and adults, and hiking. Each day, children between the ages of 4 and 12 are invited to participate in the Kids Korral Program. The resort provides an array staff supervised activities children can enjoy in a fun and exciting atmosphere. These activities include swimming, bike rides, horseback riding, tennis, nature walks, arts & crafts, golf, and desert and Grand Canyon tours by van, airplane or helicopter. Another fun spot for children on property is the Kids’ Playground. A canvas-fabric canopy providing protection from the sun drapes the playground. Play equipment includes a track ride, floating stones, a bowed ladder, tunnel spiral slide, and other play equipment for the children to enjoy. Picnic tables and chairs afford a place in the shade for mom and dad to relax and watch the kids. Families can also enjoy master chef prepared cuisine at Frank and Albert’s or fine dining at Wright’s at the Biltmore. Along with time-honored luxury, the Biltmore provides something for the whole family to enjoy. WIG WAM GOLF RESORT AND SPA Another long time, famous resort is Wig Wam Golf Resort and Spa. Just minutes away from Arizona’s I-10, near Glendale, on Litchfield Avenue, Wig Wam boasts three golf courses built specontinued on page 32

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Tee it Up for Down Syndrome Sometimes the line between good golf and a good life intersect and create something bigger and more meaningful than initially imagined. Bill Fallis, a faithful golfer for more than 25 years, is a testament to this statement. Although Bill played golf for more than two decades, his family still laughs and warrants he was “not so good” when asked about his scorecard. While Bill’s score didn’t qualify him for golfing greatness, one thing never questioned in the Fallis household was his love of the game. One of the highlights of his life was participating for 25 years in the Your Ass Open (Y.A.O); an invitation-only tournament conjured up by some of his IBM buddies. Rumor has it Bill was the only player to golf in every tournament, even flying back for the game during the four years he lived in London. Some of Bill’s best memories involved golf, including: playing the Old course in St. Andrews; hitting a hole in one at Persimmon Golf course and putting around with his son, Kevin, who today boasts a 4 handicap. Bill aspired to retire and live on a golf course and in 2003, he and his wife Melanie moved into their new home on the first tee of Persimmon Golf Course

in Gresham, Oregon. Bill enjoyed golf so completely it was hard for anything else to compete … until Riley. Riley was Bill’s third grandson and charmed the entire family from the beginning. Bill in particular was smitten with Riley - he would insist on putting Riley to bed after some Riley/G’pa time

28 GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

and would greet him as soon as he woke up. He didn’t want to miss a thing. He cherished Riley and called him his special man. So it was with a heavy heart that Bill received a call from his daughter, Jennifer, telling him Riley had a late diagnosis of Down syndrome at 17 months old. Rather than create an obstacle, the

diagnosis cemented Bill and Riley’s relationship more solidly than before. Often the two could be seen together at the park, laughing at Tickle Me Elmo, and tossing 50 hollow plastic balls up and down the stairs. Their devotion to one another was so strong it could only be broken by death. Sadly Bill died unexpectedly in October, 2009 of silent heart disease, having been sick few days in his life. That was the last day Bill talked with Riley - and the last day that he played golf with his buddies at Persimmon Golf Course. In honor of Bill’s memory and his love for Riley, on October 11, 2010, the Persimmon Golf Course is holding the Bill Fallis Memorial Golf Tournament, “Tee UP for DOWN Syndrome”. One hundred percent of proceeds will go to support the Northwest Down Syndrome Association outreach, inclusion and education programs. Please join us in this important cause by playing, donating or both! You can sign up at www.nwdsa.org under the Tee Up tab or Bill’s wife, Melanie Fallis, would love to give you more information on sponsorship opportunities at melaniefallis@gmail.com.

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and tools that will encourage (and retain) women and families.” At Province Lake Golf, which became a Golf Digest “Top 50 Courses for Women” under Little and Leeming, the pursuit of women, juniors and families necessitated an initial capital investment of $80,000, with yearly marketing expenditures of $20,000, having the effect of improving the bottom-line by $200,000. “The industry must be aware that the economic effects of following our how-to recipe won’t be immediate; patience will be necessary,” Little and Leeming said. “Based on our experience, the changes will take two to three years to reach full effect, but we believe it is well worth the effort. Golf with women playing more will be a better sport in many ways.” To ensure the study reached a wide swath of women golfers, current players as well as lapsed players were interviewed. Women were asked to detail their “ultimate” golf facility and experience, and it was determined that they would pay and 8 to 15 percent premium once they found a place matching that description. But the study concluded that, when women players and facility operators were surveyed, there were large gaps in the perceived delivery of benefits. Specific examples of how the perceptions of women

differed from the golf operators who believe their facility is “women-friendly” include: • Almost one-third of golf facilities are currently charging higher fees than the $50 women expect to pay even for an “ultimate” facility. • Most facilities have multiple sets of tees, although those that describe their facilities as “woman-friendly” have no more sets than facilities in general. • While less than one quarter of golf facility customers are women, nearly all facilities consider women important to their financial success and to the overall environment at their facility. Yet only two-thirds of facilities consider themselves as “women-friendly” and only a very few of them provide the features that women want in a golf facility. In a surprising development, the study found the game’s difficulty did not rank as highly by women as the inability to reach greens in regulation, which is a result of limited tee positioning. According to the study, “It is critical to remove the intimidation factor by providing tees at the proper yardages for the full range of swing speeds. Properly designed sets of tees reduce round times and make the sport much less difficult and more enjoyable.” The study concluded this could be a make-or-break issue for facilities

if they expect women to return. For example, for an average woman golfer with a 65 mph swing speed (140-yard drive) the optimal tee yardage is 4,200 to 4,500 yards, and for women with 75 mph swing speeds (165- to 170-yard drive) the best total yardage is 4,800 to 5,100 yards. The new website, golfwithwomen. com golfwithwomen.com, showcases Old Macdonald, the newest course at the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort as setting a new standard in the proper positioning of tees.” Beyond tee positioning, other key issues uncovered by the study include: • Courses need to be more flexible in providing ng play pl y options that address ress both re time and cost, such uch as nine-hole rates, es, pay-by-thehole and low junior fees that are part of a family play plan. • Fifty percent of women who no longer play said if they would continue ontinue with the game if they had steady and d enjoyable playing partners. rtners.

• Childcare must be provided at a reasonable cost, a fact that has been duly recognized by the ski industry for many years. • Facilities must select personnel, especially in their pro shops, that are receptive to and completely supportive of the issues that are of greatest importance to women. Staff members who are not true believers, the study says, can and will undermine all of the positive programs that a facility adopts. The complete 84-page study, as well as summaries, can be found by visiting www. golfwithwomen.com.

... Index of Advertisers for September 2010 ... Ballinger Lake Golf Course ..... 12

Jorgensen Golf............................. 7

BallKaddie ................................. 23

Lopaka Putters .......................... 24

Best Western University Inn .... 33 Boeing Classic .............................. 4

Macrogolf ..................................... 8

Carnation Golf Course ............. 14

McCormick Woods ................... 35

Chicks Golf, too ......................... 18

Nile Golf Course ........................ 12

Classic Club ................................. 3

Palouse Ridge ............................ 18

Clover Island Inn ...................... 11 Club Glider .................................. 8 Erin Szekely ............................... 25

St George Red Rock Golf Trail ...... 28

Forewomen ................................ 19

Tayleur Mayde Golf Tours ....... 19

GolfNOW.com ........................... 13 GolfTEC ..................................... 34

SEPTEMBER 2010

PowerChute ................................. 5

Tour Striker ............................ 2,16

Hilton Golf Academy ................ 20

Tubac Golf Resort ..................... 36

Home Course ............................. 10

Zipfizz ......................................... 19

GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

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CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

HOUSE OF KANGAROO GOLF SHOES

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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.

GOLF ACCESSORIES

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

REGIONAL EDITORS . . . . . . . . Clifford Cowley

cameron@golftodaynw.com OPERATIONS MANAGER. . . . Sydney Healey sydney@sydhealeyconsulting.com PRODUCTION DIRECTOR . . . Kris Hansen kris@golftodaynw.com ASSOCIATE EDITORS: . . . . . Kelly Handley

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

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.

30 GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

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improvements that have happened over the last four years,” says Miller, “and we anticipate our courses will be in peak condition for the upcoming winter season.”

“Fall is good, but the courses tend to overseed in October, so conditions can be spotty,” he continues. “Winter is perfect.” Another course that flies under the national radar but which Coachella regulars

nelly who worked at Pumpkin Ridge in North Plains, OR., and Bear Creek in Woodinville, WA., before heading south. ‘It’s so nice to see many old friends from the Northwest come down,’ says Connelly who adds that as a PGA member he would be welcome at most other courses in the region but rarely plays away from his new home. ‘Because of my position, I’m able to play many of the courses in the area free of charge,’ he says. ‘But I rarely venture away from Escena. It really is a great course.’ The Escena Discount Card offered golfers up to 30% savings on green fees last year.

Photo credit:Classic Club | Troon Golf

Winter is, of course, the time to play golf in Palm Springs, La Quinta, Palm Desert or any of the other six cities that lie in the Coachella Valley which is bounded by the Little San Bernardino Mountains to the north and the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains to the south. Temperatures rarely rise above 80 degrees in December and January, but rarely dip below 70. And with an average of 348 days of sunshine a year and a little over three inches of precipitation, you’re more or less assured of not having to resort to rainy day activities. As is the case in other south-west golf destinations – Scottsdale, Las Vegas, New Mexico – green fees and room rates drop significantly in the summer because the temperature invariably tops 100 degrees meaning courses cater primarily to the hardy few who remain in Palm Springs year-round. “I remember my metal spikes sticking in the asphalt in parking lots during the summer,” says James Hawley, now a resident of Bellingham, WA but who grew up in California visiting the Valley frequently. SEPTEMBER 2010

yards, making it 143 yards longer than the Mountain View Course which might not receive such high technical marks as its closest neighbor but whose approval ratings among visitors compare just as favorably. Together, Firecliff and Mountain View record roughly 83,000 rounds a year, a total that places them among the region’s most popular double acts. The Legend at Tahquitz Creek was designed in 1957 by Billy Bell, and renovated at the turn of the century by the Palmer Design Company which added 40 bunkers. At 6,815 yards from the back tees, the Legend is 110 yards longer than the equally popular Resort Course designed by Ted Robinson and opened in 1995. One last course you should check out before flying home to real life is the Arnold Palmer-designed Classic Club which cohosted the 2006, ’07 and ’08 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic and which is owned by the Berger Foundation whose mission is to ‘Help people help themselves’ by way of donating to established organizations that promote better health, social services, and education. A fair chunk of the 35,000 rounds Classic hosts every year are played by participants of charity events, but outside golfers are welcome and this winter will enjoy a remarkably attractive rate of $125 that includes a $15 food voucher, shared cart with GPS, practice balls and unlimited bottled water. “Classic Club is a highend club that isn’t known for offering discounted deals,” says Diane Plichta, Charitable Sales and Marketing Manager. “But the ownership wanted to give back more to the community, so restructured the rates for 2010.” It’s a deal that makes Palm Springs even more alluring, if that’s possible.

Getting There consider a must-play, and which you should definitely consider for your winter trip, is Escena, just a stone’s throw from the Palm Springs International Airport and designed by the Nicklaus Design Group in 2005. The course re-opened in November 2009 after two years spent sitting idle during the worst of real estate collapse and is now among the city’s busiest courses having been ranked #6 in the whole of California by Chris Dunham of PGATour.com – one place lower than Torrey Pines South but two higher than the Mountain Course at La Quinta. The General Manager is Todd Con-

Details for this winter’s card haven’t yet been finalized, but Escena regulars can expect some deep discounts once again. Two other perennial Valley favorites are the wonderful Legend Course at 36-hole Tahquitz Creek - a City of Palm Springs facility, and the fantastic Firecliff Course at the Palm Desert-owned Desert Willow which, if it weren’t for Torrey Pines in San Diego and Harding Park in San Francisco, might just be considered the top municipal in California. Designed by Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry with a little assist from Champions Tour player John Cook, Firecliff stretches to 7,056

Alaska Airlines flies direct to Palm Springs three times a day, every day of the week, starting in November, while Allegiant flies direct to Palm Springs from Bellingham. alaskaair.comallegiantair.com Club/Course web sites www.classicclub.com www.tahquitzgolfresort.com www.desertwillow.com www.pgawest.com www.laquintaresort.com www.escenagolf.com

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cifically to cater to the destination golfer, offering a true golf experience since the 1930’s. When Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company purchased 16,000 acres of Arizona land in 1916 to begin cultivating cotton while the first building on the site was built by sales representatives supplying equipment to the ranchers, and was known as the “Organization House”. Many of the guests staying on business suggested that it would be a great place to spend a winter vacation. Goodyear executives, who were occasionally accompanied by their families when visiting the farming operations, agreed, and on Thanksgiving Day in 1929 “The Wigwam” officially opened its doors as a guest ranch with enough rooms for 24 guests. Today, they operate a 331-room resort featuring three championship golf courses, the Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed, Gold and Blue Courses, and the Red Lawrence designed Red Course. Other features include nine tennis courts, three swimming pools, a luxury spa and fitness center, and award winning dining--including Red’s Steakhouse. Robert Trent Jones Sr., America’s most famous golf course architect, made one of his most important contributions to the world of golf in his concept behind his Blue Course at Wig Wam. His work at

The Blue Course is testament to the ability of a great designer to create courses with different character. The Blue Course has been described as a sporty challenge, yet subtle. Playing to a length just over 6,000 yards, and a par 70, the course can be a bit deceiving. The creative design is full of decisions and thought-provoking strategy. The hallmark of Mr. Jones’s design can be found in the array of deep and perilous bunkers, ponds and dog-leg fairways. A premium is put on being able to decide which club to use off the tee, instead of just banging a driver toward the hole. Approach shots are equally key in avoiding traps around the greens. The Gold Course, known as “Arizona’s Monster,” lives up to the testament of Jones’s ability to design diverse golf experiences. When Wigwam was given new life in the 1960’s, Jones created the more than 7,400 yard, par 72 course. The Gold Course anchors the Wigwam golf trio. With a long and winding layout, the course was Jones’s West Coast version of the relentless South Course at Firestone. Golfers are truly shooting for the gold when they play the course. Not only are they testing their abilities to hit the ball long, but they are also testing their ability to make pinpoint shots to stay out of trouble.

The Red Course was created by Robert “Red” Lawrence, the famed golf course architect responsible for Arizona’s first desert golf course. Red is also credited with being involved with the designs of Kino Springs and Tubac Golf Clubs south of Tucson. To this day, his work at The Wigwam perfectly complements Jones’ Gold and Blue courses. With a length between its two siblings and par 72, The Red plays alongside streams and ponds set among a forest of pines, cypress and eucalyptus trees. Red Lawrence designs are usually softer, more like a walk in a park type of layout, but don’t let this one fool you. From the back tees, the final 3 holes on The Red Course at Wig Wam will make you feel like a hero, or make you call your pro for a lesson the next day! Offering top-notch golf, tennis, swimming and spa facilities, as well as fine dining, Wig Wam is truly a destination resort offering something for the whole family. Arizona is a Mecca for vacation opportunities. It holds its own against other family destination types around the country. Dads, if you’re looking for great golf, and you want to be able to be with your family at the same time, check out the growing golf and family resorts.

At A Glance BILTMORE 2400 E. Missouri St Phoenix, AZ 85016 602.955.9656 www.arizonabiltmore.com WIG WAM GOLF RESORT AND SPA 300 E. Wigwam Blvd. Litchfield Park, AZ 85340 623.935.3811 800.327.0396 www.wigwamresort.com/golf JW MARRIOTT STARR PASS RESORT 3645 W. Starr Pass Blvd. Tucson, Arizona 85745 800.503.2898 520.670.0400 www.jwmarriottstarrpassresort.com RITZ-CARLTON GOLF CLUB AT DOVE MOUNTAIN 15000 North Secret Springs Dr. Mirana, AZ 85658 520.572.3500 www.ritzcarlton.com/dovemountain www.ritzc

The Pro’s Corner by CLIFFORD COWLEY

Name: Tiffany Nelson Occupation: Director of Business Development—TPC Scottsdale Location—Scottsdale, Arizona

Golf is more than han a business to Nelson – it is a passion. assion. “Golf has been my life since I was in high school,” says Tiffany. “It’s what I do. The business of golf is more ore than just a job, it’s a lifestyle,” she adds. Indeed, Tiffany was bitten by the golf bug at the age of 14, and has been playing ever since. After helping to organize the first girls’ team while a high school chool senior in Illinois, she went on to excel as a four-year member of the Purdue University ity Golf Team. In 1995, Nelson moved to Arizona, wheree she has excelled in various fields within thee golf industry, including golf planning, travel, el, sales and technology. While managing her er business, she also embarked upon a careerr in broadcast communications, serving as co-host of the Backspin, The Golf Show on XTRA Sports 910 AM and as Golf Analyst for KNXV TV ABC 15. She has also worked for The Golf Channel and Fox Sports Net. Nelson also owned and managed a successful golf tourna-

32 GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

ment event business, where she developed a niche market focused on helping not-for-profit organizations and corporaorga tions organize and execute golf tournaments. IIn December 2006, Tiffany Nelson joined TPC fa Scottsdale as Director S oof Business Development. In addition to m ssupervising the planning and execution of n ccomprehensive marketing and public relations in initiatives, Nelson is rein sponsible for managing sp TPC Scottsdale’s Annual TP Fee Player Program. “I stay busy,” she says, “and that’s busy exactly how I like it.” exac The saying goes the busiest people get the most done. Tiffany Nelson has done done much.

SEPTEMBER 2010

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SEPTEMBER 2010

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SEPTEMBER 2010

GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

35

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