CELEBRATING 23 YEARS IN THE WEST, NOW IN THE NORTHWEST! • WWW.GOLFTODAYNW.COM • NUMBER 14 • APRIL 2010
Sail Away... to Play On Island Time The Vancouver Island Golf Trail Awaits See page 16
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
All Aboard! Grand Central Oregon Q&A With Boeing Classic Tournament Director Michelle Delancy Best Little Nine Scores a Ten
Come Play the 2010 Golf Today Magazine-Sponsored McCormick Woods Classic by CAMERON HEALEY
Can you feel the anticipation of warmer days, imagine the smell of freshly mowed greens, or the lure of standing on the tee box ready to send another Northwest winter into the history books? I can! Spring is nigh and it is time to regrip the clubs, review (or rebuild) your swing, hit the links with your golfing buddies, read about golf , and get ready for what should be an exciting Northwest golf
season. Make sure you circle the following dates on your calendar: The 2010 U.S. Senior Open, July 26-Aug 01 at Sahalee; JELD-WEN Tradition, Aug 19-22 at Crosswater Club at Sunriver Resort; The LPGA Safeway Classic, Aug 20-22 at the Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club; The Boeing Classic, Aug 23-29, at TPC Snoqualmie; and the 2010 U.S. Amateur Aug 23-29 at Chambers Bay. Phew! My only hope is that I can steal myself away from the office to take in as many events as possible. This is truly a great opportunity for Northwest golfers to see the best amateur and professional men and women athletes duke it out under beautiful Northwest skies. Can’t wait! What else is worthy of mention? Well, for starters, we need to congratulate three of our Northwest friends who stopped by Golf Today Magazine’s booths at the Seattle and Spokane Golf Shows last month. Congratulations to Tacomanative James W. who correctly guessed the number of pink tees we had on display at the Seattle Golf Show. James is an avid
3 3 3 3
golfer who now has a new TaylorMade R9 driver to add to his bag. Also winning a brand new Cleveland Launcher DST is Juliann R. of Heyburn, ID who stopped by our Spokane Golf Show booth to say “hi” and is now gearing up to try out her new club at one of her favorite local Ponderosa Golf Course in Idaho. Last but by no means least, Golf Today congratulates Paul P. from Spokane, WA., the lucky recipient of a three day, two night Stay at the beautiful Suncoast Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV including golf for two at the Alliante and Angel Park golf courses! Enjoy Paul and a big congratulations to all Golf Today winners!
Pro Golf Discount Tacoma store assistant manager Craig Tabor presents James Woods, the recipient of a brand new TaylorMade R9 Driver. James guessed correctly the number of tees in our "Guess How Many Pink Tees" competition.
WHAT’S NEW? With our first Golf Today Magazinesponsored Heron Lakes Spring Classic “fun event” of the season scheduled for later this month at the Heron Lakes Golf Course in Portland, Monday, April 26th, stay tuned for a full recap in the May issue of Golf Today. Of course as we look continued on page 28
Book Tee Times Online Web Specials available Online Refer 10 of your buddies to our email list and get one round FREE Little Si Links Pitch and Putt to open on May 1st.
Pay for 9 Play 18
FREE DRIVING RANGE
Valid
Buy One Range Token and Receive One FREE
Monday - Thursday after 11:00am Friday - Sunday after 1:00pm One coupon good for the group . Must bring coupon into pro shop to be valid. Photocopies accepted. Expires May 28th, 2010
TOKENS
Valid for up to a maximum of three range tokens per coupon. (One token = 34 balls) Valid anytime seven days a week. Must bring coupon into pro shop to be valid. Photocopies accepted. Expires May 28th, 2010
9010 Boalch Avenue SE, Snoqualmie, WA 98065 • 425-391-4926 • www.mtsigolf.com APRIL 2010
GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE NORTHWEST EDITION
5
!
'-, %-*$ !-3 2 , 01 0 # &
Kat ’s Grill 2 ! 0, 2'-, %-*$ !-301#
t )PMF 1VCMJD (PMG $PVSTF t (SBTT %SJWJOH 3BOHF t 1(" -1(" *OTUSVDUJPO t 1BDJmD /8 +S (PMG 1SPHSBNT t +S BOE 4S 3BUFT "WBJMBCMF
Pro Shop (425) 333-4151 Enjoy a meal in a comfortable, casual dining atmosphere — Inside or Outside —
Kat ’s Grill – On the Green – Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Every Day (425) 333 - KATS (5287) 1810 West Snoqualmie River Rd. NE QQQ !;LH;NCIH%IF@ =IG
Q&A With The Boeing Classic Tournament Director Michelle Delancy Ridge while the events surrounding the Classic are a score for ticket holders.
With the 2010 Boeing Classic just a few months away, Golf Today Magazine: Northwest Edition’s Publisher Cameron Healey couldn’t wait to get the inside scoop from Tournament Director Michelle Delancy. As Cameron found out, Michelle and her team have been working hard to ensure Northwest golf enthusiasts have something to talk about this summer. An incredible field of Pros, including Seattle-native Fred Couples, is set to make history at TPC Snoqualmie
What is the history of the Boeing Classic? How did it come about? TPC Snoqualmie Ridge was designed for a TOUR event, with Tod Leiweke’s background with the Tour as a past executive, the TOUR contacted him to assist in bringing a tournament to Seattle. The great community leader that Tod is, he reached out to Mike Rona and Darlene Corkrum at Virginia Mason Medical Center and Virginia Mason Medical Center became the host organization and the beneficiary; Tod Leiweke, Seattle Seahawks and Vulcan Sports and Entertainment became volunteer number one. With Tod’s leadership, a volunteer based tournament committee of Community Leaders was created and included: Bob Babitsky; Skanska, Bob Donegan; Ivars, Mark Shuken, FSN, Dick Thompson, Jim Johnson; Washington Athletic Club, Pete Shimer; Deloitte, John Bracken and many other influential members. Hiring a full time staff person; Chuck Nelson, and “creating a tournament from scratch”
SW Washington’s Premier
Public Golf Course
18-Hole Championship Golf Course
Voted #1 public course in Oregon and SW Washington by Portland Business Journal
Full service Restaurant & Bar
Golf Carts with color GPS screens ens
Fully lit 300 yard Driving Range with Covered and Heated Stalls and seasonal Grass Tees
Spacious indoor and outdoor Banquet Facilities
Upscale Rental Clubs available
Short 15 minute drive from PDX (only 5 miles from I-205 or Hwy 14)
4105 NW Camas Meadows Drive * Camas, WA 1-800-750-6511 * 360-833-2000 * www.camasmeadows.com
12 GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE NORTHWEST EDITION
in a year, Boeing became the title sponsor in June and we couldn’t have asked for a better title sponsor to help make this one of the premier events on the Champions Tour. The Boeing Greater Seattle Classic teed off in late August in 2005. The Seahawks were and continue to be great partners to the tournament with many of their staff helping with many aspects of the tournament. Other community partners that helped shape the tournament to what it is today includes the Washington Athletic Club. Tell us briefly about your history with the event and how your role has evolved in recent years. I was the Marketing Director at Virginia Mason Medical Center (the tournament beneficiary and host organization) when we announced the “Greater Seattle Champions Classic” event in August of 2004. At the time there was one full time tournament staff person, and the rest of us were volunteers. While in my role with Virginia Mason I managed the marketing, branding, media and assisted with other pieces for the first 2 years. In 2007, I became the Associate Tournament Director and the 2nd full time staff person with the tournament. I continued to oversee Marketing, Media and picked up additional pieces including sponsorship fulfillment and some sales, as well as player relations pieces and more. In May of 2009, I became the Interim Tournament Director, and in November of 2009 the Tournament Director. I now oversee all of the tournament operations, players and tour relations, sales, and work closely with our volunteers, and tournament committee members. We now have a team of five that manages the day-to-day activities and we continue to have a great group of volunteers that lead the tournament. What makes TPC Snoqualmie the ideal venue for this event? The players love the course and the views are amazing. The course is a challenge for the players, including a few of the signature holes that makes it fun for players and fans. The course also features open spaces, which allows for large galleries as well as the opportunity to get close to the action, so fans are better able to follow their favorite players. Everyone wants to see iconic, top athletes perform. What is in store for the spectators in 2010? Obviously the addition of Fred Couples and Corey Pavin must rank high.
The Champions Tour continues to get better each year. In 2009 we had our best field to date, and 2010 is looking even better with a great rookie class including Couples, Pavin, Mark Calcavecchia, Paul Azinger and Kenny Perry. The field is competitive; we’ve had a great finish each year, including a seven-way tie in 2007, and Tom Kite as a two time Champion. Legends of Golf including Ben Crenshaw, Fuzzy Zoeller, Scott Simpson, Fred Funk, Gary Player, Mark O’Meara, Nick Price, Loren Roberts and Jay Haas all have competed at the Boeing Classic and will continue to do so. It’s the guys that we grew up watching, and for some-guys that don’t seem like they’re old enough to be on the Champions Tour! Your success of the tournament has a lot to do with volunteers. How many volunteers do you rely on and what incentives do they have to participate? Yes, a HUGE part of our success is because of volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to do it without them. As I’ve mentioned the tournament started with one full time staff person. That leaves a lot of work for volunteers. We’ve been fortunate to have a great group of people serving on the tournament committees, and volunteer committees leading the 900 volunteers that volunteer each year. Boeing and Virginia Mason employees are a big part of this volunteer base. We’ve had almost 200 returning volunteers from those organizations join us each year for the last five years. There are over 25 committees to volunteer for, and it’s a great time to rub elbows with the players, while giving back to charity. Volunteer opportunities are still available, and more information can be found on our website at BoeingClassic.com. The Boeing Classic has announced a new beneficiary, Benaroya Research Institute. Tell us about the core focus of their Institute. One in 20 Americans has one or more autoimmune diseases. These include diabetes, arthritis and multiple sclerosis. In fact, there are more than 80 different types of autoimmune diseases. They can be disabling, devastating and life threatening. Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason (BRI) in Seattle is an international leader in autoimmune disease research and one of the few institutes in the world dedicated to eliminating these diseases. BRI is making groundbreaking continued on page 30
APRIL 2010
Port land’s Premium Golf Experience at a Value Price
Heron Lakes offers 36 Championship Holes designed by Robert Trent Jones II and can accommodate 12-288 players for Tournaments, Outings and Events. Visit heronlakesgolf.com today and join our E-Club to win monthly drawings for complimentary packages. Heron Lakes Golf Club | 3500 N. Victory Blvd. Portland, OR 97217 Ph: 503-289-1818 | www.heronlakesgolf.com
APRIL 2010
GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE NORTHWEST EDITION
15
ADVANCED
TECHNOLOGY
+
TOP
CLUB
BRANDS
PERSONAL CLUB FITTING Find an advantage in your bag. Guaranteed. JUMBO
“HAVING THE
RIGHT TOOLS
MAKES THE JOB EASIER” - J. McBride Put technology to work. Gain yards and accuracy. Demo clubs that fit your swing before you buy. Find your equipment advantage—or your session is free.
60 MINUTE
LAUNCH MONITOR COMPARISON
TOUR-LEVEL
30
FITTING
*
20
10
LEADING CLUB
0
75
150 DISTANCE
225
300
BRANDS FOR SALE
! REMOVE ! PLACEHOLDER FOR LOGOS ! REMOVE !
8ajW =ZVY HeZZY 2 &%* BE=
' &)#
2 c\aZ
6 X] c j V A
(('% GEB
7Vaa HeZZY 2 &*, BE=
*See participating Improvement Center for details, including guarantee and club credit offer. Subject to terms and conditions.
PORTLAND LOCATIONS
Cascade Station 503 281-1842 Nyberg Wood 503-612-7807 SEATTLE LOCATIONS
Bellevue GolfTEC 425-454-7956 Improvement Center South Lake Union Center Address 206-357-6885
Center Phone
Fit My Clubs.com APRIL 2010
GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE NORTHWEST EDITION
17
Play Palouse Ridge Golf Club Stay and Play Packages
Play 1 Course . . .
Mon-Thurs
Fri-Sun
$239
$259
Circling Raven Golf Club
$261
$291
Lewiston Golf & Country Club
$212
$212
The University of Idaho
$190
$210
Palouse Ridge Golf Club at Washington State University
at the Coeur d’Alene Casino, Worley, Idaho in Lewiston, Idaho (30 minutes south of Moscow)
. . . OR Play 2, 3 or all 4 courses! (Call today for details on multiple course packages.)
All packages include: - One Night’s Accommodations for Two* - 18 Holes of Golf for Two with Range Balls * Three & Four Course packages include - Golf Cart additional night’s accommodations - Full Breakfast for Two & breakfasts.
UNIVERSITY INN 1516 W Pullman Road Moscow, Idaho 83843 208 / 882-0550
800 / 325-8765
www.uinnmoscow.com
Additional nights nights Additional available at at $84.99. $84.99. available (Must be purchased with golf package.)
Packages dates April - October 2010.
Space available basis. Applicable taxes not included. Not available on special event dates.
en We Op 2ND APRIL
View & Fairway Homesites • • • • • • • • •
Features include: Newly Expanded 18 Hole Course Golf Community Living Year Around Recreation 300 days of Sun Outstanding Fairway and Cascade View sites World Class Fly Fishing on the Yakima River Yakima River Community Access Snowmobiling & Winter Sports Closest Cascade Golf Community Over the Pass
*FREE
Starting at $99,950 Real Estate offered by: WINDERMERE REALTY 807 WEST 1ST CLE ELUM, WA 98922 509 674-4431
2009 Yamaha Golf Cart For The First 5 Lots Closed In 2009
Now 18 Holes
Only 75 Minutes From Seattle ... Alpine Golf at its Best! Enjoy the newly expanded 18 holes that feature outstanding views & challenging fairways. Sun Country is easy to get to for Western and Eastern Washington Golfers. Spend a day or a week at our RV park and you will want to come back often.
APRIL SPECIAL ONLY
18 HOLES...$18.00* Carts recommended *Any day of the week
Call: 509-674-2226 for Reservations Take I90, Exit 78, 4 miles West of Cle Elum on Golf Course Rd.
*offer good on lots closed over $119,950
WWW.GOLFSUNCOUNTRY.COM
Sweet Spot Golf: Gotta Love The Name…and Their Putters! by INA ZAJAC Sweet Spot Golf ’s Pink Ladies Putter is marketed as a Godsend for golfers longing for idiot-proof ball alignment. While I enjoyed the diamond center alignment guide, I was even more pleased with the solid stability it provided gliding back and through the ball. There are countless options when it comes to putters, and it seems more and more each year. But for me, when it comes down to it, it’s about comfort. While testing the Think Pink Putter I soon became a fan of its weighty triangular mallet. It just felt good in my hands. Making it even better is that Think Pink Putter proceeds go to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation **and endorsed by the Women’s National Golf Schools. When I asked around, the biggest
continued from page 7
take part in Kimberly’s LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Club have the advantage of playing exclusively with other girls and are taught by female coaches and volunteers. Workshops with the University of Washington’s Ladies Golf Team have shown the young ladies of The First Tee that perseverance and confidence really do matter in golf and life. Quincy Heard, Executive Director of The First Tee of Portland, has a busy summer ahead of him as well. Heron Lakes Golf Course, home base for the 6-year-old chapter, will see roughly 500 kids on the greens this season. Though enrollment has already begun and lessons are underway, registration will remain open until the program reaches capacity. While Quincy’s budding golfers are racking up a sum total of 1,700 hours of golf on Heron Lakes’ 36 holes and the private instruction area designed and designated for The First Tee, his team and Board of Directors will be busy helping to finalize Golfapalooza. The event, hosted by the Portland chapter, is a three-day event that kicks off with a dinner and auction followed by a fun JuniorAm, pairing kids and adults, and conclud-
Sweet Spot Golf Pink Putter Specs • Performance Positioning System (PPS)-original design of arrow shape to the clubface sweet spot was conceived to give ease of alignment every time. Design also carries through to other SSG clubs (Drivers and Hybrids)- this ensures consistency of stroke and target alignment.
Think Pink selling point seems to be the sweet spot diamond alignment pattern, part of its Performance Positioning System (PPS). I had no idea what that meant, but it sounded impressive. Simply
ing with a Junior Invitational. Making it even more relevant, other Western Region First Tee Chapters are invited to the event slated for August 8-10. Remarkably, the list of sponsors for last year’s event included seven donors contributing $5,000 each. In addition to successful fundraising events like Golfapalooza, continued support from the City of Portland Parks and Recreation, corporate sponsors like Nike and Columbia Sportswear and local businesses like Odium, Inc., Quincy’s team will have no problem in continuing to deliver the message that golf is fun and character counts. Knowing that kids need a worthwhile outlet, The First Tee has created a remarkable and memorable program for youth. Working hard to keep program fees under $100 and waiving it entirely for those who qualify, the staffers can reach more kids. With equipment provided, access to free golf, and coaches who care, the kids who might never consider themselves an athlete or understand what integrity means on and off the course now have the chance.
26 GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE NORTHWEST EDITION
put, grooves make up a chevron pattern designed to set up perfect putts. Additionally, it’s substantial 362 gram weight, high MOI, and heel-to- toe perimeter weighting are said to promote a smooth pendulum motion ensuring dead-on straight impact. This all sounded terrific, but MOIs and PPSs aside, I wanted to try one out for myself. Recently, I left my blade style putter at home in favor of the hefty pink mallet. I went to a practice green, which was damp and a bit bumpy. I saw it as an opportunity to see if I’d have any ball skipping, an occasional issue of mine. I have been known to be wobbly. I must say, in spite of the conditions, I liked the results. Not only did I putt well, but also I found its weight kept my body centered, arms in proper position. It did take me awhile to get used to the large triangular head, but before too long I came to appreciate the steadiness this provided. I felt more grounded. The alignment markings worked well though I admit, the guides on my other putters seem to accomplish the same result. Again, for me stability and weight were what I found most attractive about this putter. Not to mention supporting breast cancer research. Think Pink putters come in white with pink and black and pink sweet spot diamond and alignment markings, and a black custom Winn grip. They retail for $99.00 Sweet Spot Golf is a proud sponsor of the National Breast Cancer Foundation. When you purchase this putter or any of their clubs in Pink line, Sweet Spot Golf will make a donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
• Higher MOI- putter has a wide face (4 inches) and a heal and toe (perimeter) weighting system promoting a high MOI by dispersing weight away from center of instrument- additional weights are available upon request • Feel- the putter has a weighty feel (362 gms) which supports a straighter and smoother stroke • Top Spin Ball Roll is promoted by a higher center of gravity • Unique color design carries through and is integrated into the aiming process- this concept works throughout the SSG line of Clubs • Beveled front and back for easy stroke control around fringe of green, both on and off • Club weight is 362 +/- depending on personalized shaft length • Face width is 4 inch, face height is 1 inch, depth is 3.5 inches • Face is 3 degrees • Shaft length is 33, 34 or 35 inches • SUGGESTED MSRP $99.00 plus shipping and handling • Available locally at Chick’s Golf, too. Visit www.chicksgolf2.com
APRIL 2010
continued from page 12
advances in “unlocking the immune system” by discovering the underlying causes of these diseases and working to develop cures.” The First Tee of Greater Seattle and Seattle Seahawks are also involved. How can patrons participate in these events? The Seattle Seahawks will be hosting the Seahawks Rumble at the Ridge to kick off the week on Monday, August 23. Foursomes are available to play with Seahawk Ring of Honor members and other local celebrities. The First Tee of Greater Seattle benefits from a tournament that ends the week on Monday, August 30th. It is a great opportunity for amateurs to play the same pin placements the professionals played on Championship Sunday. Foursomes are also available for this event, and information for both of these events can be found at BoeingClassic.com. The Boeing Classic Pro-Am lets golf lovers play alongside Champion Tour professionals. How can our readers learn more about this year’s opportunities? The Pro-Am is a two-day event beginning with a pairings party on Tuesday evening. The Pro-Am kicks off on Wednesday morning with a morning and an afternoon shotgun. This is an amazing experience to play with a different Champions Tour professional each day while receiving tips from legends of the game, and building on relationships with clients and friends. Individual or foursome spots are still available for individual days- Wednesday or Thursday, as well as the Wednesday/Thursday two-day tour-
nament. The Pro-Am is a tax-deductible opportunity, with proceeds benefiting The Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason. More information can be found on BoeingClassic.com. Free tournament admission for kids under age 14 makes this event family friendly. What else makes the Boeing classic family friendly? The players are very fan friendly; you can walk along the ropes, get autographs when their round is done, and the players talk to the gallery as they play. It’s a fun event for families to come walk the course with the players, stop along the way for lunch at the 19th hole for a Ivars Salmon
burger or Cheeseburger and have dessert at the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream truck. Grapes on the Green is a new event for 2010. What can attendees expect? The Grapes on the Green event is being held in conjunction with the Boeing Classic on August 27th. The event will take place at The Golf Club at Newcastle featuring wine tastings from premier West Coast wineries. In addition, guests will enjoy a summer supper buffet and exclusive silent and live auctions. Champions Tour professionals attend as well as many Community Leaders. Tickets are $125 per person and can be purchased at GrapesontheGreen.org.
This is the sixth year of The Boeing Classic. What is the economic impact of this event in the region? Not only are we able to bring the world’s best golfers to Seattle, and generate almost $3 million to charity over the last five years; our economic impact on the region each year we estimate about $12 million-$15 million. Th ank you to Michelle for taking the time out of her busy schedule to chat with Golf Today Magazine! For more information about the Boeing Classic, please visit www.boeingclassic.com.
STAFF PUBLISHER / EDITOR . . . . . . . Cameron Healey
CONTRIBUTORS . . . . . . . . . . . Clifford Cowley, Tony Dear, Diana Del Garbino, Bob Duncan,
cameron@golftodaynw.com OPERATIONS MANAGER. . . . Sydney Healey sydney@sydhealeyconsulting.com PRODUCTION DIRECTOR . . . Kris Hansen kris@golftodaynw.com ASSOCIATE EDITORS: . . . . . Kelly Handley
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
APRIL 2010
CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES VIDEO NEWSLETTERS FOR CAR Dealerships Become a distributor for the only service and sales video newsletter in the automotive industry. See examples at www. iDriveNews.com. For more information, call 800-6973806 Ext. 3. 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 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
HOUSE OF KANGAROO GOLF SHOES
LEFT HANDED GOLF CLUBS
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
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.
GOLF ACCESSORIES
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. 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.
COME AND PLAY THE BEST COURSES IN UTAH 14TH ANNUAL ST GEORGE Golf Getaway. April 18-24, 2010. 6 day golf excursion in St. George, Utah includes: 6 nights excellent accommodations, which includes swimming pool, Jacuzzi, 1 hosted party Tuesday.Tuesday Party: (cocktails, beer, wine and real good food provided) and a great auction of WA, Golf Courses. 6 rounds of golf with cart at 6 terrific golf courses that include Coral Canyon, Sand Hollow, Sky Mountain, Sun Brook, and The Ledges Golf Club. Mens and Ladies Tournament. Over $10,000 in cash prizes for weekly and daily cash competition for gross and net. For more information, please email cnastos@comcast. net or visit www.stgeorgegolfgetaway.com.
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.
continued from page 8
cially following last year’s purchase of the course, clubhouse and practice facility (but not the residential community of the 700-acre development which remained under the ownership of Eugenebased Spring Capital) by Tetherow Golf Course, LLC, a joint venture partnership headed by former European Tour player Chris Van Der Velde who also works as the Director of Instruction. The Head Professional is Martin Chuck who is confident the 7,298-yard layout will see some serious play in 2010, thanks to a couple of very interesting offers he and his team have put together. In April and October, visitors will ‘Pay the Weather’ meaning the green fee will be the posted high temperature for the day. ‘Daytime temperatures range from 45 degrees to 75 degrees, with the average 55 and sunny,’ says Chuck. ‘If the temperature is 55 degrees, you pay $55, plus $20 for a forecaddie.’ Then there’s the Mulligan Special available from May through September when golfers pay the standard rate ($125 May, $175 June-September) then can play another round for free (just pay for forecaddie) on the same day or day after. If they can’t take the mulligan for whatever reason, they are given an $85 coupon for use later in the year. “We had 8,000 rounds last year and have already booked that number for this year,” says Chuck. “We are really excited about the season. We have continued refining some of the holes to get them where we want them, and the course came out of the mild winter really well. We look forward to opening day on April 2nd.” As for the issue of Old Macdonald’s greatly anticipated opening, Chuck and his partners at the newly formed Central Oregon Golf Trail concede there’s not a lot they can do about it. “I’m sure the initial excitement over Old Mac will pull play away from Central Oregon,” says Chuck. “That’s to be expected. But folk only want to get beaten up by wind and cool temperatures for so long.” It could be argued Chuck’s reliance on the weather at Bandon for pushing people back inland toward Bend is clutching at straws rather, given how good Old Macdonald is likely to be. But stalwart fans of Central Oregon’s mix of trees, mountains, more affordable courses and admittedly warmer temperatures surely won’t abandon Bend for Bandon in any great numbers nor for any great length
of time. And when the Central Oregon Golf Trail’s web site goes live on April 1st, offering stay-and-play packages as well as course specials, golfers will have another reason to head straight for Bend. “‘The concept came about last year,” says Chuck. “It was developed by Michael Marion at Pronghorn, Bruce Wattenburger at Juniper, Pat Huffer at Crooked River Ranch, and myself. The Central Oregon Visitors Association was instrumental in helping get the original site up and running on visitcentraloregon.com. There are 16 courses that have committed to participate. We are developing the programs and marketing plan and will start out slowly with the packages and specials. We may or may not have a booking engine to begin with but, at a minimum, we will have a concierge to help group travelers with questions and itineraries.” It will certainly be interesting to gauge
Wicked Pony. A week after Remington Ranch LLC filed for Chapter 11, the Portland Business Journal (PBJ) reported that a potential financing deal involving a southern Californian insurance company had been announced, but the result of those negotiations is not yet known (or at least weren’t before going to press). “It’s not even certain the bankruptcy court will allow the developer to finish the project,” says Doak.“My understanding is that they will have a deal for financing if they’re allowed to finish. But they do owe a lot of people an awful lot of money.” Wicked Pony itself is barely half finished, and what holes have been built are in no fit shape to go public, should Remington Ranch get the go-ahead to complete what it started nearly three years ago. At the end of January, Chris Pippin told the PBJ the first nine holes needed
Photo courtesy of Tetherow Golf Course the Trail’s popularity as its first summer comes and goes. And one wonders if Remington Ranch will ever be a part of it. The 2,079-acre property in Powell Butte on which three courses were planned filed for bankruptcy protection in January when it was announced the developers – Remington Ranch LLC which is owned by the father and son team of James and Chris Pippin – owed its 20 largest unsecured creditors a total of $12.4 million. Bend’s Hooker Creek which provided building materials is owed $5.3 million and tops the claims list on which the name of Renaissance Golf also appears. Renaissance Golf is the golf course architecture firm owned by Tom Doak who designed what was supposed to be the resort’s principal course,
32 GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE NORTHWEST EDITION
sand traps and some maintenance after two years of disuse, and that the back nine had been ‘sculpted into the terrain’, but needed turf and landscaping. The publication added that Pippin believed it would only take a few months to get the course into playable condition. “If we’d been able to start in January, we might have been playing golf this summer,” says Doak. “But if we don’t get back to work soon it will be difficult to get any of the back nine holes open before the end of the year.” Let’s hope Wicked Pony does eventually get the chance to bray and kick, because the world can’t enough of Renaissance Golf ’s stylish and thoughtprovoking layouts. If it were to open it couldn’t possibly compete with Old Macdonald (also designed by Doak ironically) in terms of media exposure, but it would
definitely add something very special to a trail that already boasts more than its share of quality venues. Th e C e n t r a l O re g o n G o l f Trail – centraloregongolftrail.com Aspen Lakes GC Awbrey Glen GC Bend G&CC Black Butte Ranch Brasada Ranch Broken Top Club Crooked River Ranch GC Eagle Crest Resort Juniper GC Lost Tracks GC Meadow Lakes GC Quail Run GC Pronghorn Club Sunriver Resort Tetherow GC Widgi Creek And if you’re down this way… Technically, it isn’t in Central Oregon; not at all in fact, it’s in southern Oregon. But if you’re heading to Bend from Seattle in search of great golf in pleasant surroundings…very pleasant surroundings…it might be worth considering driving an extra 137 miles south on Highway 97 to Klamath Falls (stop off at Crater Lake on the way down) where the Running Y Ranch has been the site of Oregon’s only Arnold Palmer-designed course since it opened in 1997. Ranked the nation’s best new affordable public course by Golf Digest in 1998, Running Y Ranch has hosted the Northwest Open four times and the Oregon Senior Open twice. It made it into Golf Digest’s top 100 public courses in 2003 and just this month was ranked #4 on Golf For Women’s list of America’s best courses for women. The Director of Golf is George Martin who was born in Klamath Falls and started his career at another course in town - Reames Country Club. From there he moved to Rogue Valley in Medford but returned to Klamath Falls and the position of Head Professional at Running Y Ranch a week before Palmer returned himself to play his dedication round in 1998. Martin says the course draws most of its visitors from the Sacramento, CA and Portland, OR areas and attracts about 15,000 rounds a year. “The average pace of play is about four hours fifteen minutes for 18 holes,” he says. “But afternoon twilight rounds can be played in three and a half hours or less. It’s very relaxed here at the ranch.” APRIL 2010
The best tee times, The best golf courses, The best prices. Visit today! Follow us on twitter: @golfnownw APRIL 2010
GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE ďšť NORTHWEST EDITION
33
Golf Today Magazine & McCormick Woods Golf Cour Course present the
c i s s la
C
Tuesday, June 22, Port Orchard This fun golf event is for players of all skills, abilities, and ages. No handicap required. No scorecards handed in! Everyone wins! Ø Includes chance to win $7500 in free raffle prizes such as a stay-and-play package at the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, including golf for two at the spectacular Circling Raven Golf Club! Ø $100 in value Tee Prizes for every player Ø Chance to win tickets to 2010 U.S. Senior Open & 2010 Boeing Classic! Ø Valuable prizes for longest drive competition Ø Valuable prizes for closes to the pin competition Ø Discounted golf coupons at Seattle-area courses Ø Free practice range balls—cart included
$115 per golfer
$105 golfer in twosome $95 golfer in foursome
Ø Win a new $189 putter at one-shot putting contest (Top 2) Ø Major Clubmaker Demo of Clubs—Try them! Ø Tournament open to men and women—no handicap req’d Ø Meet Golf Today staff—they’ll participate, but not be eligible for prizes Ø 1.30pm Shotgun start! Ø Awards presentation after round, including hot appetizers and too much more to list
For more iinformation F f ti & entry t fforms, call ll
425-941-9946 or email cameron@golftodaynw.com We will fax, send, or email entry forms to you!