On the Tee July 2010

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6 Stricker Defends JDC Title 18 On The Tee Conversation with Alex Miceli 26 For the Love of the Game

Stricker Strikes Again Third John Deere Classic win for Steve Stricker


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On The Tee with the Hack Nation

CONTENTS

Back to Back John Deere Classic Titles for Former Fighting Illini from Badgerland!

6 Stricker Defends JDC Title Steve Stricker not only defended his John Deere Classic Title, but shattered tournament scoring record. Turn to page 6 to read the review of this year’s tournament, Stricker’s reaction and the top finishers’ results.

Steve Stricker graces the cover of the 4th edition of the “On the Tee” digital magazine as he hoists the John Deere Classic trophy for the second consecutive year in a row. This Wisconsin native played his collegiate golf at the University of Illinois and it is obvious that Illinois tracks have seen the best of Steve Stricker over the years. Our own Zach Johnson is of course the fan favorite for Iowa golf fans but if there is another PGA golfer that pulls on our Midwestern heart strings because he’s one of us it’s the former fighting Illini standout Steve Stricker. This mild mannered gentleman has quietly become one of the best players in the world after dropping off the face of the earth and actually losing his card. Steve Stricker actually won player of the year along with comeback player of the year on his rise to world class status. However, very much like Zach Johnson the Cedar Rapids native, Steve continues to give back to the community and appreciates his fortune and ability that God has bestowed upon him. This picture of Steve reaching out to the troops is not just a photo op for the PGA media guise. Steve Stricker is another one of the athletes from the nation’s breadbasket that lives faith and family and is a great role model for young golfers or any young athletes. The 2010 John Deere Classic was the 40th anniversary of PGA golf played in the Quad Cities and we are blessed to have such a high profile event right here on the banks of the mighty Mississippi. The event has improved its field dramatically over the past few years due to brilliance of Clair Peterson the director and the committee establishing a charter shuttle across the pond for the Open Championship. This creativity has enabled the world’s finest to plug the John Deere Classic into their schedule knowing that their family and entourage along with

18 On The Tee Conversation The Golf Channel’s Alex Miceli joined the “On the Tee Radio Show” crew to talk about spectacular golfing at Pebble Beach, thoughs on the U.S. Open and how Iowa pros are doing this year.

26 For the Love of the Game Mike Rickord takes us back to 2005 in this tribute to his stepfather Bill Day and Bill’s fellow avid golfers Jack Jamgotch and Phil Carlson. Turn to page 26 to read how these three gentlemen showed amazing passion for the sport and an ultimate love of the game.

STAFF MIKE RICKORD • President/Publisher email: mrickord@iowasportsconnection.com

JOHN STREETS • Business Consultant email: jstreets@iowasportsconnection.com

TONY ATZENI • Radio Account Manager AARON MCFARLAND • Editor email: tatzeni@iowasportsconnection.com

CODY SHELLEY • Art Director

email: isceditor@iowasportsconnection.com

DELBERT CHRISTENSEN • Marketing Cedar Rapids/Sioux City

JOE STASI • Sr. Sales Executive jstasi@iowasportsconnection.com

MICHAEL RICKORD JR. • Marketing

KATE FOLEY • Graphic Designer TIM WEIDEMAN • Communications Intern ADAM OESTREICH • Graphic Designer Contributing Writers: John Deere Classic, Callaway Golf, Iowa Golf Association, Tim Weideman, PUMA, The Principal Charity Classic, Susan Thompson, Copper Creek Golf Course, Iowa Section PGA, Madhouse Brewery. Cover Shot: Nick Price. 2010 Principal Charity Classic Champion.

1063 14th Place, suite #1•DM, IA 50314 PH: (515) 283-1933 •FAX: (515) 283-1646 isc@iowasportsconnection.com www.iowasportsconnection.com The Iowa Sports Connection is published once per month with copies available by subscrition. The magazine can also be found at all Casey’s General Stores across the state in addition to a few select locations in Iowa. All stories and pictures produced by ISC staff © 2008 Iowa Sports Connection. All rights reserved. Stories, pictures and other content produced by contributors © 2008 their respective owners, with limited reprint rights reserved by the Iowa Sports Connection. The Iowa Sports Connection logo is tradmark ™ Iowa Sports Connection.

Wednesday Evenings 6pm - 8pm

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Mike Rickord ISC Publisher equipment will arrive safely and hassle free. This shuttle strategy has been an absolute boon to ticket sales as Midwest golf fans are sure to see some of the world’s finest players as they tune up for the 3rd major of the year! I certainly appreciate all that Clair Peterson and the staff at the John Deere Classic have done for On the Tee and our loyal listeners and weekly viewers with inside interviews all year long and tickets for our “Hack Nation” to win every week. The success will continue to garner additional players every year as the players have become fond of the galleries, Midwest hospitality, great golf course and accommodations for the British Open junket. This is our 4th edition of our “On the Tee” digital magazine and as you look at all of our great advertiser’s ads they are now in a format that allows you to click through to their websites. Please make certain to support all of our golf sponsors as this has been a very tough year with all of the rain that has fallen in Iowa. Also be sure to tune in ever Wednesday night to Iowa’s only year golf show from 6-8 PM on the Iowa Sports Connection Radio Network or on TV on WHO TV 13.2 and streaming live on “iowasportsconnection. com” and “ustream.com” ! Have a championship month! Hit Em Straight! Keep it in the short grass! God Bless You and God Bless America!


Stricker Defends Title at 2010 John Deere Classic Aaron MacFarland Editor

Steve Stricker broke the tournament scoring record by a whopping four shots en route to successfully defending his John Deere Classic title Sunday, July 11, at TPC Deere Run. Now he’s looking forward to a three-peat. “Anytime you can win three times in a row would be great,” Stricker said. “You know, it’s a long ways away. We’ve got a year to go, but it would be fun to come back and try.” Stricker’s 26-under par total was enough to defeat fellow PGA TOUR veteran Paul Goydos, who finished two shots back at 24-under. Goydos made golf history in the first round when he became only the fourth player in TOUR history to shoot 59. Like Stricker, Goydos’ final score also broke the previous tournament record of 22-under set by J.P. Hayes in 2002. Hayes won that tournament. Goydos, 46, accepted the exemption to the British Open that is extended annually to the leading player, not otherwise exempt, among the top five finishers and ties at the John

Deere Classic. Stricker already was exempt. Both men flew direct to Edinburgh from Quad City International Airport via the John Deere Classic charter and were expected to be practicing at St. Andrews on Monday. Stricker, 43, shot a final round 1-under par on Sunday. He birdied his first two holes to take a seven-stroke lead over Goydos, who shot a 5-under 66. Stricker’s victory was the first successful defense at the Quad Cities-based tournament since David Frost posted back-to-back wins in 1992-93. It was Stricker’s second victory this year and his ninth on the PGA TOUR. The native and resident of Wisconsin and University of Illinois alumnus shot rounds of 60-66-62-70 en route to the 26-under total of 258. Stricker recorded 31 birdies, which ties him for second on the all-time list for birdies in a 72-hole event with John Huston and Phil Mickelson. Stricker set the PGA TOUR’s 54-hole scoring record with a 188. Goydos shot 59-68-67-66 - 260 after missing the cut in his two previous events and never finishing better than 10th at the John Deere Classic.

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Place Country Player Total R1 R2 R3 R4 Stroke

1 USA Steve Stricker 2 USA Paul Goydos 3 USA Jeff Maggert 4 USA Shaun Micheel 5 AUS Matt Jones 6 USA Vaughn Taylor

-26 60 66 62 70 258 -24 59 68 67 66 260 -20 66 65 63 70 264 -19 69 66 63 67 265 -17 64 67 66 70 267 -16 71 66 64 67 268 T7 USA Charley Hoffman-15 65 69 70 65 269 T7 RSA Tim Clark -15 71 66 66 66 269 T7 ZIM Brendon de Jonge-15 67 65 68 69 269 T10 USA Brett Quigley -14 68 67 68 67 270 T10 USA Troy Matteson -14 69 66 67 68 270 T12 AUS Greg Chalmers -13 68 70 67 66 271 T12 USA Tom Pernice, Jr -13 71 67 65 68 271 T12 AUS John Senden -13 70 66 65 70 271 T15 AUS Rod Pampling -12 67 67 69 69 272 T15 AUS Jason Day -12 66 71 66 69 272 T15 USA Kenny Perry -12 68 70 65 69 272 T15 USA Rocco Mediate -12 67 71 64 70 272 T15 USA Garrett Willis -12 67 70 65 70 272 T15 KOR Charlie Wi -12 66 69 66 71 272


Parade of Champions Champions 1971 - 2009 Since its inception as an official PGA TOUR stop in 1972, the Quad Cities has earned a well-deserved reputation as a place where young players often get their first victories. So far, it has happened 18 times.

Steve Stricker 2009

Kenny Perry 2008

Jonathan Byrd 2007

John Senden 2006

Sean O’Hair 2005

Mark Hensby 2004

Vijay Singh 2003

J.P. Hayes 2002

David Gosset 2001

Michael Clark II 2000

J.L. Lewis 1999

Steve Jones 1998

David Toms 1997

Ed Fiori 1996

D.A. Weibring 1995

Mark McCumber 1994

David Frost 1993

David Frost 1992

D.A. Weibring 1991

Joey Sindelar 1990

John Deere Classic - Celebrating 40 Years of Golf For all of the Champions from 1971 - 1989, and complete bio’s on all of the JDC Champions, click here!

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Work Continues for Brokers International LTD. Iowa Open Susan Thompson OTT Contributor

Volunteers are kicking things into high gear to finalize preparations for the Brokers International Ltd. Iowa Open. The tournament will be Aug. 19-22 at Lake Panorama National. It previously was held at the LPN from 1985 to 1998. A contract between the Iowa Section PGA and Brokers International Ltd. brings the tournament to the LPN for five years. The Panora insurance marketing company committed $25,000 annually to the event, making it the major sponsor. That financial commitment makes it possible to increase the amount of prize money available to the golfers. Five additional corporate sponsors each have committed $5,000 to help cover tournament expenses. These are Allianz, American Equity, Aviva, Menadue Development, which owns The Port and Lakeside Inn, and People’s Trust and Savings Bank. The 144-player field is open to professionals and amateurs who live in Iowa, as well as golfers with Iowa ties. The deadline for entering the tournament is Aug. 10. New this year is the addition of a senior division for players 50 years of age and older on or before Aug. 20, 2010. Seniors will be competing for $5,000 added sponsorship along with senior division entry fees. A pro-am tournament will be held in advance of the three-day tournament. A few slots

remain for teams in the event, which will be Thursday, Aug. 19. A “draw party” that includes a catered barbecue will take place at Lake Panorama’s Boulder Beach Wednesday evening, as names of pros are drawn to match with the amateur teams. The entry fee for a four-person team is $1,000. Each team gets four $125 gift certificates to redeem at a FootJoy sales tent, an Iowa pro on the team, eight tickets to the draw party, breakfast and lunch the day of the pro-am, and the chance to play for the top prize of $1,000. The first place pro will receive $1,500, and the first place team will receive $1,000 in LPN pro shop certificates. Hole sponsorships for the Brokers International Ltd. Iowa Open cost $200. Signs sporting sponsor logos will be placed on tee boxes around the course. So far, 25 sponsors have paid the $200 fee or committed to in-kind contributions matching that amount, with a few others having made verbal commitments or considering the opportunity. Sponsors to date are Banker’s Trust, Breadeaux Pizza in Panora, Bryton Insurance, Coca-Cola Bottling of Atlantic, Country Realty, DICA Outrigger Pads, Dr. Pepper, Employers Mutual Insurance Company, Farmers State Bank in Yale, Fitzgerald Siding & Windows, Guthrie County Hospital, Guthrie County REC,

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Guthrie County State Bank, Hometown Foods, Iowa Golf Association, Iowa Realty, Medicap Pharmacy in Panora, Menefee Tent Rental, Meriweather, Wilson & Company, Panora Auto Parts, Panora State Bank, Panora Telco, Pepsico, Prairie View Bed & Breakfast, and Subway in Panora. Larry and Mary Hills are coordinating the pro-am tournament and hole sponsorships. To become a sponsor, or sign up a team for the pro-am, contact them by phone at 641-7554016 or email at larmar@netins.net. The three-day, 54-hole tournament will begin Aug. 20 at 8 a.m. Everyone will play both Friday and Saturday, with tee times assigned and the players in groups of three. Sunday’s final round will be limited to a set number of players with the lowest combined score for the first two days. Spectators will be welcome on the golf course throughout the tournament. Promotional posters and free tickets for the event can be found at many area businesses and golf courses. For information, contact LeRoy Oxley, who is the tournament director, at 641-7552577, or the Lake Panorama National pro shop at 641-755-2024. More details about the Brokers International Ltd. Iowa Open, including schedules and registration forms, are available at www. IowaOpen.com.


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News from the Iowa Section PGA Tess Goudy Iowa Section PGA

35th PGA Junior Iowa Section Championship The 35th PGA Junior Championship was held at Hunters Ridge GC in Marion, Iowa on Monday, June 28 and Tuesday, June 29. Over 250 juniors participated in 7 local qualifiers to try to advance to this great Section Championship. There were over 100 juniors participating in this 3-day Major Point Event on the Junior Tour Schedule. One 16-18 boy champion and one 16-18 girl championship will join champions from the other 40 PGA Sections, 9 PGA Junior Series winners and a few other national junior tournaments to compete in the National 35th PGA Junior Chamipionship on August 2-5, 2010. This national PGA Junior Championship will be held at Sycamore Hills GC in Fort Wayne, Ind. The Iowa PGA would like to thank host PGA Professionals at the local events, John

Pritchard (Highland Park GC), Dick Specht (Timberline GC), Jay Giannettto (Ames G & CC), Jason Wachtl (Ottumwa CC), Jason Marvelli (Indianola G & CC), John Valliere (Glynns Creek GC) and Todd Schultz (St. Andrews GC). Special thanks also to Mark Davis, head PGA Professional and host of the Section Championship. The Junior PGA Championship has traditionally been a steppingstone for many of today’s PGA and LPGA Tour professionals as well as current collegiate stars. Past Junior PGA Championship competitors who have gone on to successful professional careers include: Billy Andrade, Stewart Cink, In-Bee Park, Jim Furyk, Trevor Immelman, Cristie Kerr, Anthony Kim, Justin Leonard, Michelle McGann, Phil Mickelson, Sean O’Hair, Grace Park, Dottie Pepper, Scott Verplank, David Toms, Michelle Wie and Tiger Woods. Since 1916, The PGA of America’s mission has been twofold; to establish and elevate

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Course Review: Tournament Club of Iowa, Polk City Tournament Club of Iowa

Hole 1 (Par 5 HCP 4) - Your round starts off with an elevated tee shot to a large landing area. Position is key to get home in two. Keeping your tee shot on the left side of the fairway will allow you a clear shot to this long green which is guarded by a large bunker in the front left of the green. If you choose to lay up, choose the correct club to avoid the fairway bunker while splitting the two large trees that collect errant shots. If played correctly, you should have a good chance at birdie. Hole 2 (Par 4 HCP 6) - The tee shot is crucial in finding the fairway on this relatively short par 4. A good tee shot will position you with a short iron to an elevated green guarded by a bunker short right. Try keeping your second shot below the hole to allow yourself a good chance for your putt on this green that runs from back to front. Hole 3 (Par 3 HCP 14) - The first of five par 3s that are considered the best par 3s in the state of Iowa. It’s not for faint of heart. This mid-length par 3 can be intimidating with any shot missing short and left finishing down in the collection area below the green, resulting in a difficult chance in getting it up and down. A well executed shot to the right side of the green will play off the side hill ending in the

middle of the green. Par is great on this hole. Hole 4 ( Par 5 HCP 8) - A good drive from this elevated tee shot avoiding the large fairway bunker will leave you in perfect position. The longer hitters will then have to make the decision to either go for the green that is guarded left with a bunker or lay up. Choose your lay up club wisely to avoid the two fairway bunkers that cross the entire fairway that will collect errant shots and have you struggling to make par. Hole 5 ( Par 3 HCP 12) - The signature par 3 at the Tournament Club of Iowa, this hole is the most photographed hole on the course. Club selection is most crucial while playing this beautiful downhill par 3 due to the swirling winds that can have you second guessing on what club to select. This hole is guarded by the winding Big Creek that runs from the front around the massive 44-yard-wide green. A well judged iron shot will leave a great chance at par on this memorable hole. Hole 6 (Par 4/5 HCP 2) - One of the most demanding of the course, this hole features the Big Creek Bluff running down the entire right side of the hole. A large walnut tree on the left guards the green on your second shot, so your tee shot must be played to the right

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half of the fairway. Your long approach shot must be very accurate to avoid the creek cutting across the fairway and along the left side of the green. Making a par on this hole feels like a birdie. Hole 7 (Par 4 HCP 10) - This short dogleg par 4 allows several options from the tee. You can play a shorter shot to the right landing area which will leave you with a middle iron to the green. If you feel like being a little aggressive, choose to hit a driver and carry the creek that runs the entire left side of the hole. A well struck driver can leave you with a little wedge for a good chance for birdie. Beware, a less than desired tee shot can get you in a lot of trouble. Hole 8 (Par 3 HCP 18) - This hole features a narrow green that extends 45 yards in depth. It is guarded by a large bunker on the right as well as large oak trees that guard the left side that catch any shot hit left of your target. Be sure of your yardage on this tee shot to help miss clubbing yourself and leaving you with an extremely long putt. Hole 9 (Par 4 HCP 16) - A great finishing hole for the front 9. It demands a good drive to set yourself up for a middle to short iron for your second shot. Don’t miss right or you’ll find


the large seven-acre lake on the right that runs the entire length of the hole while protecting the right side of the green. Additionally, there is a bunker short left that collects any shot that is played too safely away from the water. Hole 10 (Par 4 HCP 15) - After making the turn you’re faced with a short dogleg left par 4 that requires you to choose the correct lay up. Ideally, you want to play a shot down the right side of the fairway that will leave you with the best angle to the elevated green. Take enough club to carry on the green or you will land in the false front and be left with a very difficult up and down. If played correctly, you’ll have a great opportunity at a birdie. Hole 11 (Par 4 HCP 7) - Another demanding tee shot on this dogleg left par 4 that starts you out from a shoot of trees to narrow fairway is lined with trees and requires a straight tee shot. From there you will need to carry a hazard that is short of the green and surrounded by trees. This is another shorter par 4 that puts a demand on accuracy to score well. Hole 12 (Par 4 HCP 1) - One of Arnold Palmer’s Dream 18 and the most course’s most demanding, this hole is a dogleg left with trees lining the entire left side of the hole. Any tee shot that is played to the right side of the fairway adds additional yards to your second shot that requires you to clear a large ravine to reach this difficult green.

Hole 13 (Par 5 HCP 11) - This beautiful par 5 features the Oak tree used in the logo for Tournament Club of Iowa, which you must negotiate on your tee shot. If successful, your tee shot, gives you a great opportunity to get home in two. If you decide to lay up, you must make sure to avoid the fairway bunker on the right. A well judged approach is required for this green that runs from the right to left. This is a great opportunity to make a birdie or an easy par. Hole 14 (Par 4/3 HCP 13) - If you feel daring, this short par 4 allows you the opportunity to drive the green. However, beware of not executing the perfect shot. A large drop off right of the green will gather any shot that is unable to carry to the green, and leave you scrambling for par. If you choose to play conservatively, two well-struck shots to this green, that is unable to carry to the green, and leave you scrambling for par. If you choose to play more conservatively, two well-struck shots to this green, that slopes front-to-back, will leave you a great opportunity to make up a stroke. Hole 15 (Par 3 HCP 17) - The first of two consecutive par 3s, this hole requires an accurate shot to carry the large ravine short left of the green. Club selection is crucial in hitting this long narrow green in regulation. A pot bunker is situated behind the green to add to the variety of greenside shots around the green.

Hole 16 (Par 3 HCP 9) - The last of the par 3s, this will test your nerves while hitting over water to this large green. Depending on the winds, this hole can either play extremely difficult into the wind or a little easier if you’re lucky enough to play it downwind. Once on the green, this doesn’t assure you an easy two putt, where 3 putts are a regular occurrence on this green. Hole 17 (Par 5 HCP 5) - This hole is the longest of the par 5s at the Tournament Club of Iowa. It features an elevated tee shot with the water playing the entire left side of the hole. This is definitely a three-shot hole, and you will be glad to reach in regulation. The approach shot narrows at the green with bunkers positioned front and right of the green. This is another large green that slopes from front to back. Par is a great score and anyone making a birdie should be proud. Hole 18 (Par 4 HCP 3) - This finishing hole features the clubhouse atop the hill that overlooks the green. Make sure you have another couple of good shots left because this finishing hole is not time to relax. A good drive will leave you with a second shot that must carry water to a green that is guarded on the left by a steep slope that runs to the water and on the right by a bunker running the entire length of the green. If you’re on the green in regulation, you’ve played this hole well.

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On the Tee Conversations: Alex Miceli Mike Rickord, Judd Gibb and Bob Vanscoy caught up with the Golf Channel’s Alex Miceli during the June 16 edition of the “On the Tee” radio show. Miceli talked to the guys about Pebble Beach, the U.S. Open, Iowa pros and more. Mike Rickord: And now let’s go back out to the west coast to Pebble Beach, and he’s kind enough to join us as he does once a month, he’s Alex Miceli from the Golf Channel. You know him as the stat man from “The Approach” with Calloway Golf. And we just got done talking to Jerry Smith here, Alex, one of our two Iowa qualifiers and he said it’s just spectacular out there right now. Alex Miceli: Well you won’t find this kind of course in Iowa, I’ll tell you that. Even though there’s some really nice courses in Iowa, it’s that big ocean thing that makes the difference, I believe. Judd Gibb: Yeah, not only that you have the ocean, but Pebble Beach you’ve had some of the great all-time champions win there. So this golf course kind of tells a story itself every time they have a U.S. Open there. AM: Yeah, I think that it’s such a good golf course to determine the best player that week. It has that ability to do that. When you play the 18th tee here, that’s not the case. It’s wet, it’s soggy. You don’t play this golf course twice out of the four days, you play the other two

courses. So it’s not the same. You get here now, and it’s the same for Riviera, as well, it’s dry, it’s hard, it’s fast. It’s a completely different golf course and it really does determine who is the best player that week. It really is a great test. Bob Vanscoy: All the guys you’ve been talking to, Alex, who are you looking at right now or maybe some of the favorites? AM: Well you know, I will give some kudos right now to Zach Johnson. I’m sure that you guys don’t have a problem with that. I think that he’s a good ball striker, a pretty good putter. This course is kind set up similar to the way Augustus is, where they really lengthened it. So I think as long as it’s hard and fast, I think he’s got a chance. Do I think he’s got the best chance? No, but he’s certainly one of the guys. I think if you look down the list, you can’t overlook Phil Mickelson to begin with, nor can you actually overlook Lee Westwood. I think they’re 1A and 1B. I think one of those two guys could actually win this. They’re playing so well, both of them. Even though Westwood won last week and Phil did not win at The Memorial, I think both of them are exactly where they want to be coming into this event. Then, kind of looking at some other guys to add into the mix, Tim Clark, Luke Donald, Dustin Johnson’s won here twice. So I think there’s a good mix there. I think it’s one of the

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more wide open Opens you’re going to get because it is playing hard and fast, but it’s two different kind of guys really kind of opening up and doing well here. One of the things I will definitely say is that if you get a long hitter that’s hitting it straight, controlling his ball, he’s going to have a huge advantage over the rest of the field. MR: You know, we were looking at some of the interesting pairings prior to having you on and tomorrow at 1:47, Tom Watson with a couple guys who could possibly even be grandkids of his: Rory McIlroy and Ryo Ishikawa. It’ll be interesting watching the old school and the changing of the guard. AM: Well, I think what you’re going to be looking at, or in this case what Watson will be looking at, is those guys having their tee shots about 25 yards in front of him on every hole because those guys are so good. I mean, the week that Ishikawa shot 58 is the same week that Roy McIroy shot 62 and I don’t think Tom Watson has sniffed a 62 in a while. So I think that’s a good example. He’s going to see what life is really like at the younger set because these guys are really gonna let it rip. But I think it’s a great pairing because they’re going to be able to understand and learn a little from Tom Watson. He’s not going to learn anything from those guys because whatever they can teach him is way beyond his years now.


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Jasper Winery Strives for Winemaking Excellence Mason Groben Winemaker

Being avid gardeners and enjoying all aspects of “the good life,” Jean and Paul Groben first planted grape vines in the year 2000. Described as “a hobby that went astray,” they continued to plant vines at their property located outside Newton. In 2003, their son, Mason, graduated from the University of California, Davis, with a degree in viticulture and enology (grape growing and wine science). For reasons still unknown, a family business was formed. Later that year, grapes were first pressed, wines were bottled, and fledgling operation was up and running. The winery first operated in a renovated warehouse building near downtown Newton. This was a perfect location for the small winery, and a tasting room was added to allow visitors to come and sample the wines. Over the next several years, the winery grew and began to gain a reputation of producing excellent quality wines. They were fortunate to receive positive reviews in such publications as The New York Times and Wine Spectator. In 2007, it became apparent that the winery operation had outgrown its Newton location and needed to expand into a larger building. The Groben family was intrigued by the recent resurgence

in downtown Des Moines. Therefore, they located a property near Gray’s Lake and began construction on the new winery building in fall 2007. The Des Moines winery opened summer 2008.

Winemaking Philosophy At Jasper Winery, we strive to produce world-class wines using Iowa-grown grapes. This can be a difficult task, and requires substantial innovation in terms of grape variety selection, vineyard practices, and wine production techniques. Nevertheless, I feel it is important to interfere as little as possible in the winemaking process. One must first understand the style of wine for which each grape variety is best suited. Then, the winemaker must create

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conditions which allow for the natural development of the grapes into a wine which fully expresses each variety’s natural characteristics. Some important winemaking decisions are listed below: Grape variety – A wine can only be as good as the grapes from which it is produced. Therefore, it is important to select varieties that both grow well in our climate and lend themselves to making high quality wine. Harvest date – Possibly the most important winemaking decision, choosing when to harvest determines the flavor profile of the grapes and therefore the wine. Blending – Although we do make several 100% varietal wines, many of our wines are blends of more than one grape variety. Deciding what proportions to use in order to deliver the best final product is what many consider to be the “art” of winemaking. Aging – We employ oak barrel aging for several of our dry wines, which helps to improve the quality of these wines. Length of oak aging as well as type of oak (French or American oak) is an important winemaking decision.


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Equipment Review: Odyssey Putters, Callaway Wedges Odyssey gets 11th PGA Tour win of the year at John Deere Classic; Odyssey now has more PGA Tour wins than any other putter brand This week’s John Deere Classic winner dominated the putting stats with Odyssey White Hot #2 Putter. He finished first in putts per GIR at 1.534 and second in the field in putts per round by averaging just 26.8. Micheel finishes 4th at John Deere Classic on strength of iron play Shaun Micheel continued his strong play with a 4th place finish. He used a split set of Callaway irons to hit nearly 85% of greens in regulation, 2nd-best in the field. In his 2-3 irons, Micheel plays X-Tour Irons. He plays X-22 Tour Irons in his 4-9 irons. Micheel also used the Odyssey Backstryke Marxman Putter to average just 1.623 putts per GIR, 5th best in the field.

NOTES No rust on McDowell as he returns to action after U.S. Open win In his first action following the U.S. Open, Graeme McDowell tied for 21st at the Barclays Scottish Open on Sunday. He used his trusty Odyssey White Hot #7 Putter to lead the field in average putts per GIR and also averaged just 28 putts per round, 4th best in the field. He was also very warmly received by his fellow Tour Pros. Alvaro Quiros tuned up for the Open Championship with a tie for 12th at the Barclays Scottish Open. 2nd-place finisher uses Callaway clubs in U.S. Women’s Open run At the U.S. Women’s Open, the 2nd place finisher used the Diablo Edge driver, a Big Bertha 3-wood and Callaway X-Forged Irons to nearly pull off the largest comeback win in the history of that championship. She fired a 5-under-par 66 on Sunday. It was the tournament’s second-best round. Notah puts X-22 Tour Irons in play Notah Begay III put Callaway’s X-22 Tour Irons in play this week after seeing the clubs in the hands of fellow Callaway staffer James

Nitties and thinking they looked good. He said he knew they were good after his first iron shot during Wednesday’s practice

round, and he stopped by the Callaway tour trailer at the turn to tell the crew who had just built them for him. Nitties finished tied for 21st at 11-underpar. He went with the X-Forged Irons. (Fooled you, Notah.) Nitties also adjusted the loft and lie on his White Hot Rossie Putter and said the added loft made a huge difference. Wedge News J.J. Henry, who had played one set of wedges since the beginning of the season, felt it was time for a fresh set. He asked to have X-Forged Vintage 52/12, 56/14 and 60/9 built up. Cameron

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Beckman also had some new wedges built. More non-Callaway Staffers looking for Callaway Wedges Two more non-Callaway staffers (who normally play Vokey and TaylorMade wedges) came into the trailer last week at the John Deere Classic asking for X-Forged Wedges because they heard the spin was so good. One player commented that he felt at least Callaway had done some research in trying to compensate for the new condition of competition regarding grooves, while the other manufacturers just went the easy way and didn’t try. Ouch! Odyssey dominates in Japan again On the JGTO, 99 Odyssey putters were in play in the field of 144; that was 68.8% of the field. Tour Reps are finding that Odyssey users who once switched to different manufacture’s putters are getting come back to Odyssey. Something to chuckle at over your morning coffee… The generator on the Titleist tour trailer

stopped working at the John Deere Classic and they suffered in the heat with no air conditioning. Then, when they attempted to drive the trailer into a shop on Wednesday afternoon, they pulled out and the trailer slipped off the tractor and crashed to the ground making a big noise and attracting everyone’s attention. I know. I know. That’s not very nice. But it’s kind of funny, right? ANECDOTES VIDEO ALERT: BUNKER SHOT GONE HORRIBLY WRONG Disclaimer: The man you are about to see in the following video, Bruce Peacock (Manager of Marketing and Customer Service in Callaway’s Melbourne, Australia office) is one hell of a golfer. Seriously. This could happen to anyone (I suppose). Unfortunately for him, I happened to be standing there with a video camera when it happened to him. Enjoy the video here. (Sorry, Bruce.) Oh, and you’ll be happy to know that Bruce was not injured during the making of this video. His Callaway eyewear protected him fully.

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(If you got the double relevance of the “Men at Work” sign, well done. You’re a real student of ‘80s Aussie music.) “Kind of a big deal” In the words of the immortal Ron Burgundy, Graeme McDowell is “kind of a big deal.” McDowell’s hometown of Portrush in Northern Ireland has a new sign welcoming visitors to the home of its favorite son, the U.S. Open Champion. (Sorry, “favourite” son, as they say across the pond.) Evidently, the Portrush parks and recreation department slacked off a bit in 2006, as the Best Kept Small Town Award seems to have eluded them that year. Actually, they’ve had a rough go of it since 2007. Maybe they’ve gotten too big, thanks to Graeme, and are no longer eligible for “small town” awards. Who knows? But here’s to them getting back on track in 2010.


Honey Creek

“Iowa’s Premier Golf Course” 1323 Noble Lynx Drive Boone, IA 50036 (515) 432-6162

2010 Tournament Schedule

April 25 - 4 Person Best Shot 8 in. Cup June 13 - Couple’s Best Shot September 12 - Honey Creek Amateur October 3 - 4 Person Best Shot 8in. Cup October 10 - 4 Person Shamble October 17 - 2 Couple Best Shot/Chili Dip October 24 - 4 Person Sucker Pin

Daily Specials

Mondays (excluding holidays) 18 Holes W/Cart $25 Tuesday, Thursday & Fridays - Tee off before 10:00 and 18 Holes W/Cart $25 Wednesdays - Unlimited Golf W/Cart $35! Senior Rates Monday - Fridays before 1:00 (55 yrs & older) Every Thursday & Friday - ISU Students golf for half price!

Visit Us at: www.golfhoneycreek.com

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For the Love of the Game Mike Rickord President/Publisher

The game of golf has long elicited adjectives that allude to the sport as one would a lover, best friend or mate in conversation or print. The love of the game has strained many relationships and in some instances taken precedence over family, work and common sense. I am certain that you have heard many jokes and humorous tales that focus on this incredible and bizarre passion for this recreational pastime called golf. This tale is, however, inspirational and awkwardly humorous as to the dedication that three golfers displayed for the game as their health deteriorated in the autumn of life, as it does for all human beings. Bill Day, my stepfather, was the leader of the “Three Amigos” of Indian Hills Golf Course in Spirit Lake – a very picturesque 9-hole course north of West Lake Okoboji. Bill passed away Aug. 1 of this summer at the age of 74. He left his playing partners, 79-year-old Jack Jamgotch and 71-year-old Phil Carlson, to carry on their passion without his humor or creative interpretation for the rules of the game. Bill was 74 years old and was ravaged by cancer when he headed up to that spectacular clubhouse in the sky. Jack has had three bouts with cancer and is currently in the midst

of chemotherapy sessions while Phil, the youngster of the trio, has emphysema and only 15 percent lung capacity. I was inspired to write about these three gentlemen in mid-June as we prepared to play a round of golf. I realized in our conversation what a special story of dedication to living life and staying active, regardless of the deterioration of the body. Their spirits were alive and kicking, and they would literally keep

In one of his last chances to play golf, Bill Day (pictured second from left) got to play a round with three of his favorite partners: Jack Jamgotch (far left), Mike Rickord (second from right) and Phil Carlson (far right).

playing until their very last breath. That Saturday morning in June was

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enlightening and certainly humbling for this 48-year-old with trite concerns of my own. I realized after asking them collectively how they were doing that my problems were meaningless compared to their fight to stay alive and play the game that had been their passion, collectively, for over 150 years. Jack Jamgotch is a retired stockbroker from Sioux City, Iowa, and by far the best golfer of the three. Despite his bouts with cancer, he continues to chain smoke as many from his generation do. Phil Carlson is a retired maintenance supervisor for The Cherokee Mental Health Facility, and he plays every round with his oxygen tank on his golf cart. The combination of Jack with his “Butt” in his mouth and Phil in his golf cart with the oxygen just has one shaking their head and smiling as nothing is going to keep this duo from chasing the little white ball around the links of Indian Hills. Bill Day was a retired attorney, my stepfather, golfing buddy and Hawkeye pal. Bill was the leader of all golf activities in our world and inspired us all to relax and enjoy the game and our family and friends had become a fixture at Indian Hills. This particular June Saturday had Bill, my favorite golf partner, and I paired up. I then asked the brilliant question “How is


everybody?” I immediately realized what an ignorant question had just left my big fat mouth. Jack had just gone through chemo not 24 hours earlier, Bill was unable to eat solids and has lost 100 pounds and Phil was strapping his golf bag alongside his oxygen tank. That’s when I realized these three men were my heroes. The fact that these three “golfers” and I use that lightly with the exception of Jack, who could muster up the energy and effort 4-5 times a week under these circumstances to play nine holes, definitively supports the fact that golf inspires an unusual and unexplainable love that allows one to push beyond the physical limitations of disease and illness and play the game that has become so special. Jack Jamgotch, whose wife Joanne had the golf bug herself prior to her passing several years ago, is a very solid golfer. He has played for 70 years and can still fire an 80 for 18 on Indian Hills on any day and dip under that mark from time to time. Phil Carlson picked the game up later in life as he prepared for his retirement in the Lakes region. He can pound the ball a mile for a 71-year-old man with only 15 percent lung capacity. Bill Day was a golf enthusiast, not a golfer.

He was good for a 90 until the day he passed. But his 90 was as good as par in his world and he had no problem reminding you of it after a round. This combination, with a variety of other golfers from Roger Thompson, Jim Curry, Dave Crary, myself or any vacationing hack, was always a mainstay in the weekly Indian Hills 9-hole best ball tournament hosted by Liz and Toby Parriott – the owners of Indian Hills. In fact, Bill played his last “Best Ball” July 29 before passing away three days later. His team stated that he was in no shape to play, but Bill insisted on completing the final round of his life. The team won money that Friday, the final time their teammate would be Bill Day, who showed a true testament to his “Love of the Game.”

Iowans Phil Carlson (left), Jack Jamgotch (center) and Bill Day (right) were avid golfers at Indian Hills Golf Course in Spirit Lake, even at their health and bodies began to break down.

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www.tcofiowa.com 515-984-9440 Polk City

www.ankenyiowa.gov/index. aspx?page=72 515-965-6464 Ankeny

www.willowgolf.com 515-285-4558 West Des Moines

www.golfcoppercreek.com 515-263-1600 Pleasant Hill

www.rivervalleygolf.com 515-993-4029 Adel

www.toadvalleygolfcourse.com 515-967-9575 Pleasant Hill

www.countrysideiowa.com 515-981-0266 Norwalk

www.lakepanoramanational.com 641-755-2024 Panora

www.golfwoodlandhills.com 515-289-1326 Des Moines

www.sugarcreek.waukee.org 515-987-5247 Waukee

www.brooksgolfclub.com 712-332-5011 Okoboji

www.browndeergolf.org 319-248-9300 Coralville

www.glynnscreek.com 563-328-3284 Eldridge

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www.jesterparkgolf.com 515-999-2903 Granger

www.boslanden.com 641-628-4625 Pella


www.honeycreekresort.com 641-724-1400 Moravia

www.coldwatergolf.com 515-233-4664 Ames

www.golfhoneycreek.com 515-432-6162 Boone

www.fpm.iastate.edu/veenker 515-294-6727 Ames

www.rollinghillscountryclub.com 712-439-2310 Hull

www.cedarvalleygolfcourse.com 563-886-0218 Tipton

www.okobojiview.net 712-337-3372 Spirit Lake

www.dakotadunes.com /Recreation/TwoRiversGolfClub 605-232-3241 Dakota Dunes, SD

www.golfthills.com 515-967-2932 Altoona

www.finkbine.com 319-335-9556 Iowa City

www.golfemeraldhills.com 712-332-7100 Arnolds Park

www.riagolfclub.com 309-793-1601 Rock Island, Ill

www.foreseasonsgolfpracticecenter.com 641-792-1246 Newton

www.hrgolfcourse.com 319-377-3500 Marion

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www.golfcedarfalls.com 319-266-8266 Cedar Falls, IA


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