Iowa’s Premier Golf Entertainment and Lifestyle Magazine for Golfers Scratch, Hack and Recreational
Home on the Range p. 5 Back on Track! p. 11 Jester Park Course Review! p. 16
Zach Johnson Iowa’s own Master at Augusta March 2010
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CONTENTS
On The Tee with the Hack Nation
5 Home on the Range
On the Tee enters its 10th year with Television and Digital magazine Launch!
Longview Golf Centre offers the golfers of Iowa a chance to perfect their game year round. For more on the facilities and what Longview offers, check out page 6 for more information.
Hello Hack Nation! will be a monthly And of course all magazine that will of you purists of be housed on our the great game of website “iowasports golf. It is with great connection.com” pleasure that I and “iowagolf. introduce our “On com” in our new the Tee” digital partnership. The magazine. This is you magazine will the golfers of Iowa’s emulate the radio portal to tell stories, and TV show as send pictures of your Iowa’s premier golf, Mike Rickord ISC Publisher favorite course or entertainment, and outing, great rounds lifestyle magazine or embarrassing moments for all Iowa golfers scratch, we want them all and will hack, and recreational. The insert them monthly. Please columns will range from e-mail us with suggestions and favorite 19th holes around the ideas or even stories. We will state to the best golf courses publish them! Also promotion “From the Missouri to the for any events send us details. Mississippi”. The contributors The “On the Tee” radio show will include the IPGA, IGA, and an Iowa Sports Connection of course humor and hilarity production entered its 10th are key components for the year on the air this March “On the Tee Hack Nation”. on our flagship ESPN 1700 Each edition issue will have the Champ and across the equipment reviews and Iowa Sports Connection Radio interviews with the biggest Network. To celebrate this names in golf that visit the decade will begin broadcasting On the Tee clubhouse studios the radio show on television weekly. Zach Johnson and along with the launch of our Fuzzy Zoeller are a couple of 3rd digital magazine product regulars along with the Golf also titled “On the Tee”. Channel personalities that join The television show will air us weekly. The magazine also beginning Wednesday March has plenty of room for the 31st from 6-8 PM on WHO readers to submit information TV 13.2 and will stream live on golf outings and events on “iowasportsconnection. along with pictures from your com”. This is our second favorite courses. television show that we have The launch of the On the Tee combined with WHO TV 13 the magazine and television show NBC affiliate in Des Moines combined with the states only and our production partners year round and statewide at “Yourgamenow.com”. The golf radio show and e-mail success of Friday Night Live newsletter make “On the Tee” this past year has motivated us Iowa’s hands down leader in to convert all three of our radio golf coverage and lifestyles shows into television and video “From the Pee Wees to the broadcasts. Preps to the Pros”! We will In addition to the “On the see you “On the Tee” in 2010! Tee” television show the digital And as always God Bless you magazine will also roll out on and God Bless March 31st the week before America! the Masters. “On the Tee”
11 Back on Track Ben LaFleur of the PGA Sports Medicine Staff offers credible information contrasting ideas of golf “not being a sport”. LaFleur examines the energy exerted on the course along with the strain on muscles durng golf in this article. If you don’t think golf is a sport, this article may change your mind!
16 Course Review Jester Park Golf Course in Granger, Iowa is profiled in our first course review. Information on golf outings, the 2010 leagues, and 2010 rates at Jester Park are included. Also, check out the graphic of the course layout.
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
MICHAEL RICKORD JR. • Marketing
jstasi@iowasportsconnection.com
Contributing Writers: Longview Golf Centre, Chad Pitts, Tess Goudy, Tim Darrah, Ben LaFleur, Noble Burkhead, Jester Park Golf Course, Susan Thompson, Tim Buckman. Cover Shot: Zach Johnson
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
March 2010
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SwingPRO SwingPRO is the ORIGINAL counterbalanced weighted training aid designed to be used indoors and out!
Benefits of SwingPRO
SwingPRO Features
• Whether you are a beginner or a
• Only 22 inches long for use anywhere • Choice of 3 sizes - 5, 7 or 9 lbs. • Additional weights may be purchased. • Weights are interchangeable. • Available for right & left handers, • End caps may be customized.
seasoned golfer, SwingPRO will:
• Improve club head speed & control. It was invented by Joe Romeo of Des Moines, Iowa to help golfers increase • Establish a proper golf grip. their strength and flexibility to get • Improve shoulder turn & follow-thru. more distance and better accuracy. • Strengthen golf-specific muscles. Golf Illustrated rated SwingPRO as “one of the top 10 training aids”. It’s like having a golf instructor and a physical fitness trainer with you at every use!
• Increase flexibility & balance. • Lead to greater distance & accuracy. • Promote better hand release. • Provide cardiovascular conditioning.
Order SwingPRO Retail Price - $79.95 MAP Price - $69.95 Wholesale Price Upon Request
www.SwingPRO.com
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“Home on the Range” - Longview Golf Centre Longview Golf Centre
Iowa’s Golf Dome Our 40,000 square foot, climate controlled indoor driving range has 34 tees on two levels. Practice every club in your bag and see real ball flight with top quality range balls. The dome features realistic hitting and landing area surfaces and a putting green to keep your short game in shape - or, break out the woods and keep those drives going straight! Iowa golfers no longer need to put their clubs away for the winter, or spend frustrating winter vacations with “rusty swings”!
* Clubs available to borrow for children and adults * Practice every club in your bag and see full ball flight with top quality practice balls for consistent shot making * Low-cost timed play -- Unlimited Balls * Targets to help with accuracy and short distances Longview Golf Centre offers a state of the art facility with all the amenities needed to improve your game. Longview was designed with the golfer in mind. When the weather gets warm, Longview’s outdoor grass range opens. 24 acres, complete with laser shot measured greens, sand bunker and smooth rolling practice greens; Longview is “Iowa’s Premier Practice Facility.” It was laid out so that you can practice all aspects of golf.
Iowa’s Golf Dome Features * Average temperature in Winter is 64° F. * 40,000 sq. ft. indoor driving range * 34 tees on two levels * Putting green, a complimentary feature for our guests * Realistic “Fiberbuilt” hitting surface, the “most real synthetic” in golf
* Fairway practice bunker and trouble-shot area * Top quality range balls / Same range balls country clubs use * Private lesson area * Five basket sizes * Lights for night use * Quality grass used on the teeline * No Sand-based tees (No club scratching)
Spectacular Green Grass Range Features * 35 Tree-Lined Acres * Over 80 tee spots on irrigated all-grass tee line * Laser-measured distances to bunkered target greens * Smooth-rolling putting green * Chipping green with sand bunker
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Come See What We Have To Offer * Visit the Pro Shop and see our wide selection of equipment! * Check out the Lessons section to brush up on your game! * Birthday parties and corporate outings * Don’t forget about Gift Certificates. They make a great gift that can be enjoyed year-round!
2010 Members Net Tour Announcements Chad Pitts Asst. Executive Director Iowa Golf Association The Iowa Golf Association (IGA) is changing the way events will be scored on the Members Net Tour (MNT) in 2010 as well as adding additional playing incentives for all IGA members. The following changes and additions were recommended by the IGA Rules and Competitions Committee at the spring meeting and are expected to be approved at the IGA’s March 6th board meeting. Stableford Scoring to be used in 2010 For the past few seasons results from MNT events have been determined by the total number of Net strokes each competitor/team had for the event. This season the Stableford scoring method will be used in both the Individual Net and Four-Ball Net stroke play events. The scoring in Stableford competitions is made by points awarded in relation to a fixed score at each hole as follows: • • • • • • •
Net Double Bogey or worse……… Net Bogey………………………… Net Par……………………………. Net Birdie………………………… Net Eagle…………………………. Net Double Eagle………………… Net Four Strokes Under Par………
0 points 1 point 2 points 3 points 4 points 5 points 6 points
The Stableford method allows a competitor to pick up their ball and move on to the next hole if their score for the hole is going to be more than double bogey. This method of scoring has been used for many years on the Minnesota Golf Association’s Senior Tour with great reviews from the participants. Prior to the spring Rules and Competitions Committee meeting the IGA staff sent a survey to the 2009 MNT participants to gauge feelings about a possible switch to Stableford. Results were heavily supportive of a change;
75% of the 52 responses said they would favor a move to Stableford in 2010. “Stableford scoring offers MNT participants with a fun, fresh way to compute results in this series of Net events,” stated IGA Director of Member Services Jason Bjorklund. “With seven challenging and enjoyable golf courses on the schedule and the new incentives and programs being introduced in 2010 (see below), we are very excited about this year’s potential.” Bring 3, Play for FREE! The MNT is instituting a “Bring 3, Play for Free” incentive campaign in 2010. If a participant brings three competitors to any MNT event (each of whom did not play in a 2009 MNT event) they will get their entry fee to the event refunded. To take advantage of this deal simply enter the event as normal and then contact the IGA office to inform the staff of the three new participants you are responsible for recruiting to play. Once the event has been conducted the IGA will send a refund check for the applicable event. “This program has the potential to introduce a lot of newcomers to these Net events. It is our hope that after a golfer has been introduced, he or she will take advantage of the incentive program and bring 3 more individuals and so on,” commented Bjorklund. “Plus, there is no limit to the number of times a golfer can bring new participants and play for free!” Hole-In-One U.S.A. Partnership Offers Big Prize Opportunities & Gift Cards This past winter the IGA partnered with Hole-In-One U.S.A. to provide all IGA Member Clubs with an easy and convenient way to offer great hole-in-one prizes at club events. Expanding on the partnership, the 2010 MNT events will have hole-in-one prizes on the par 3’s including
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one grand prize hole at each competition. At each of the eight events there will be a predetermined grand prize hole providing competitors with the chance to win $5,000 plus an additional $5,000 to be donated to the IGA Foundation in their name! The remaining par 3’s will offer prizes such as sets of irons and $250 gift cards to Golfsmith for participants who make an ace! In addition to the exciting hole-in-one offers, each time an individual enters an MNT event in 2010 they will receive a $10 gift card to Golfsmith. While the cardholder can only redeem one card per transaction, a golfer can collect up to eight cards this season. The cards are redeemable at any of the 70+ brick and mortar stores or online. About the Members Net Tour The Members Net Tour is a series of one-day events for both male and female individual members of the IGA; a set of men’s and women’s tees will be set at each event. Not sure if you are a member? All individuals who have an active GHIN number from an IGA Member Club are members of the IGA! This member service provides men and women with the opportunity to play in an IGA conducted event in a relaxed, fun environment. Entry fees include green fees, range balls (when available) lunch and prizes. Golfers of all abilities have participated in these fun events. The IGA encourages all interested participants to gather a group of golfers from their club and signup today. You can send any pairing requests to jason@ iowagolf.org as well as any other questions you may have. Visit www.igamembersnettour.org for complete info including the 2010 schedule. We hope to see you on the course at the season opener on June 7th at Blue Top Ridge!
A Fireplace Would Be Nice! The weather outside is frightful, but Regency Fireplace Products make your home so delightful. If you have no place to go, let it snow! Zone heat with Regency and warm the rooms you spend the most time in. Enjoy roaring flames, lower your heating bills and save money this winter with Regency.
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News From the Iowa Section PGA Tess Goudy Iowa Section PGA
The Iowa PGA would like to introduce and welcome a new sponsor for the Iowa Junior Tour. Principal Charity Classic will be the title sponsor of the 2010 Iowa Junior Tour. This is a great new partnership with this Champions Tour event and the Iowa PGA is excited to welcome Principal Charity Classic as title sponsor of the Iowa Junior Tour. The Principal Charity Classic, the only Champions Tour event in Iowa, was recognized nationally as the Tour’s “Best Event” in 2009, based on attendance records, community support and charitable impact. In its first three years, the tournament distributed nearly $1.7 million to five “FORE Our Kids” charities in Iowa, funding efforts that have benefited thousands of children across the state. The 2010 tournament will be held May 31-June 6 and will be held at Glen Oaks CC in West Des Moines, IA. This year will be the 13th year the Iowa PGA Junior Tour has continually offered quality tournament opportunities for junior golfers in Iowa and western Illinois. Membership has grown to
include over 750 juniors and will consist of over 60 events in 2010 that are held across the section from June through mid-August. The Iowa Junior Tour continues to grow and enjoy great success thanks in part to Iowa Section PGA Professional who time and time again enthusiastically support junior golf. Thank you to all of you who host or have hosted events. For those of you who are not involved in the Junior Tour and wish to add your local event or implement a new event for 2010 please contact the section office or log on to www.iowapga.com for more information. The 8th Annual TaylorMade-adidas Iowa PGA Las Vegas Pro-Am was held March 8-10 at Paiute Golf Resort which is located approximately thirty miles north of the Las Vegas strip. Thirteen teams, each consisting of one Iowa PGA professional and four amateurs competed in this year’s event. The format for this tournament is a modified quota system where golfers play to reach or exceed their daily quota which in turn provides an overall quota for each team. The tournament winner is determined by the team that accumulates the most points above their total quota. If no team exceeds their quota, then the winners will be the team that is closest to achieving their overall quota. Teams competed for an overall team purse and a new TaylorMade driver, which was awarded to each
participant on the low three teams. Round two of the event was canceled due to cold weather and high winds. The Iowa PGA would like to thank Tod Puetz and Mike Long from TaylorMade-adidas for their continued support of the Iowa PGA Las Vegas ProAm.
Champions from left: Shane Bellefy, John Bowen, Adam Luehmann, Darin Ferguson, Tod Puetz
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“At The Masters” with Tim Darrah Tim Darrah On The Tee Contributor
The golf season is OFFICIALLY here! The Masters is upon us! Oh sure, the PGA tournaments in Hawaii, California, Arizona and Florida provide us an escape from the desolation that is an Iowa winter. They may even inspire us off the couch for a little putting on the family room carpet, but hey, it’s still basketball season (How about those Panthers!) and wrestling (Another title for the Hawks) seasons! The timing of The Masters, like everything else about it, is perfect. March Madness is behind us, the snow has melted, the grass is greening, golf courses are opening and the clubs are coming out of the basement. Spring is here and golfs most signature event arrives to inspire us back to the links. I have been fortunate to have had the privilege of attending several Masters and will be there for Tiger’s return this year. Let me take you there. Augusta, Georgia is actually located on the Georgia, South Carolina border, separated by the Savannah River. If you are flying to The Masters go in to Columbia, South Carolina, not Atlanta. Columbia is only 60 miles from Augusta via 1-20, has a nice airport plus easy car rental. Atlanta is twice as far and much more of a hassle. Augusta is similar in size to Cedar Rapids. Established in 1736 and named for Princess Augusta, bride of the Prince of Wales, it has plenty of Revolutionary War and Civil War history. There is a nice “old town” area and river walk. It
is also home to Fort Gordon military base and is the hometown of “The Godfather of Soul” James Brown. By in large, a nice, middle class, midsize southern city with plenty of Waffle Houses’ (Your Masters trip will not be complete without at least one visit to the Waffle House!). It just happens to host the most famous golf tournament in the world. Augusta National is located on Washington Road (think Collins Road in Cedar Rapids, Army Post Road or Merle Hay Road in Des Moines). If you weren’t specifically looking for it, you would drive right by without ever noticing it. Other than the small entrance to Magnolia Lane, dense foliage hides it from the road. I usually park in a strip mall parking lot next to an IHOP on Washington Road, about 3 or 4 blocks south of the front gate. As you walk toward the gate you will pass the entrance to Magnolia Lane. Be certain to take a peak up it on your way by. It will give you the first glimpse of the beauty and grace you are about to behold. The street entrance to the front gate from Washington Road leads you across a parking lot
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to the actual badge checkpoint and entrance to AugustaNational. Once your badge is scanned you pass through in to a paved area of shops, including the merchandise shop, a concession stand and media center. It’s like entering Disneyworld for the first time when you enter on to the Main Street square. You’re not to the rides yet but you’re in! It’s a short walk through this area to the actual course, where it brings you out to the edge of the first fairway. To your left are the clubhouse and the first tee. To your right is a large wooden scoreboard adorned with all the flags representing the countries from which this rich, international field comes. Once you reach this point and gaze out, your eyes widen and the hair stands up on your neck. Your first look at the cathedral that is Augusta National lies before you. It is larger and more beautiful than you imagined. Your experience is akin to Dorothy opening the fallen farmhouse door to Oz. Green, green, green! Everything is so green. The stands are green, the concession tents and small merchandise sheds scattered under the........(continued on page 10)
tall Georgia pines amongst the pine straw are green. In fact, after every round, the ground crew (wearing green, of course) fills EVERY divot on the course with a green sand mix. Everything blends in. No liter or trash on the ground ever. No blemishes! A serious misconception about The Masters is that it is somehow arrogant and snooty. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is total “class” and commands your respect while at the same time making you feel comfortable and welcome. You’d think the local police and security personnel riding herd over the long lines waiting to enter would be stem and aloof. On the contrary, they couldn’t be more pleasant and friendly wishing you a good time. Same goes for everyone working on the inside. They are friendly, helpful and full of local pride. You’d think The Masters merchandise would be outrageously expensive, but, no, not at all. Concessions? The concession stands remind me of a small town Iowa football game concession stand. They are staffed by middle aged and teenaged locals plus the prices are cheap. Yes, I
said cheap! Not cheap for a major sporting event. Cheap! This is not a “You the man” crowd. While beer is served (until 3:30 PM ) daily, there are no rowdy crowds, a la the 16”’ in Tucson or the infield at The Kentucky Derby or Indy 500. This is more of an egg salad and lemonade crowd. Don’t get me wrong, they are enthusiastic. One of the best things about attending The Masters is the roars heard around the course. There are birdie roars, eagle roars and holein-one roars, all of which, veteran Masters Patrons can discern. Waiting for the numbers to be posted on the numerous, large, green trimmed, white leader boards placed throughout the course adds to the excitement. Like Wriggly Field and Fenway Park, the numbers are put up manually. No gaudy, state of the art electronic leader boards here! The Masters is more than just the first major of the golf season. It is unique. Not just in golf, but in sport. It is a mixture of the past, present and future of golf presented in the most picturesque of settings. To be able to watch the all time greats play along side the future and current stars is a treat. The genuine respect exhibited is refreshing in this day of the spoiled athlete. I remember in 2004 the Mid Amateur Champion being paired with Arnold Palmer during his last official round at The
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Masters. What an experience! Des Moines’ own Jack Newman got to experience it last year. It’s not just the tournament either. It’s the practice rounds and the Par Three tournament. It is a learning experience, even for the experienced pros, to play with the “old guys”. At Augusta National, you must “learn” all the nuances of the course, and especially the greens, to be successful. The greens are like Hyperion Club’s in Johnston, in that you learn, rather than read, them. They are good sized but are full of undulation and slope. Depending on the pin location, your actual target area within the green is very small. Combine that with the speed (try putting on a hardwood floor) and you have a recipe for disaster. I Remember following Zach Johnson his first two Masters. He hit the ball as well as anyone but he didn’t “know” the greens yet and couldn’t buy a putt. Being an excellent putter and quick study, Zach made the ad’ustments and now has a green jacket. I also remember sitting by the 16 green in one of Jack and Arnie’s last Masters. The pin was in the front part of the green, up top near a trap. From the hole, the green slopes down toward the pond. The landing area to keep the ball up top near the hole was miniscule. Most of the field ended up at the bottom of the green with a 25 to 30 footer left up the hill for birdie. Almost to a man, the field mis-read the putt, playing to much break. (Story continued on Page 19)
Golf, Not Really a Sport? Ben LaFleur B.A., D.C., CCEP PGA Sports Medicine Staff
Golf has generally been considered a mild intensity or non athletic sport. Over the past few years, there has been a new generation of golfers that have negated this way of thinking. Literature states that golfers achieve 90% of their peak muscular activity when driving a ball. This is the same exertion to a 4 rep maximum bench press. Ben LaFleur This level of exertion and PGA Sports Medicine Staff muscular recruitment equates golf with such sports as football and hockey. On the golf course, physical exertion is repetitive. A golfer will attempt up to 30 violent swings every 5-10 minutes or so while playing 18 holes. The average amateur will swing a club at 80-100 mph. On the driving range, the stress is much more rapid and violent. The golfer will swing away at 80-100 energy draining balls in a half hour, and will usually practice up to two hours. With approximately 28 million Americans playing golf, there has been a significant increase in injuries, mainly low back injuries followed by left wrist and shoulder. Golf injuries have been reported to affect 15-20% of golfers a year. If we can all agree golf is a sport, a very competitive and physical one at that, we need to
start treating it that way. All you need to do is go to the driving range and watch people arrive. They manage to grab their bag, throw their shoes on, and begin swinging at balls in under 4 minutes. No stretching. No warm-up. When’s the last time you’ve seen any athlete get out of a car and begin to compete. This never happens. If we would just take an extra 15 minutes before each round or practice, this would make all the difference in the world. Why is stretching so important? Stretching will not only prevent injuries, it will also improve your game tremendously. Basically, our goal as golfers is to minimize the amount of strokes per hole to score as low as possible. If we can increase distance per stroke, we can ultimately take less shots during 18 holes of play. Distance can be improved by increasing club head speed. By improving the posture and mobility of the spine, you will increase the mechanical leverage by which you swing your club generating a faster club head speed. The body is designed in such a way of alternating mobile and stable joints. The hips and thoracic spine are mobile joints with a stable lumbar spine/ pelvis separating the two regions. During the golf swing, we rely on the mobility of the hips and thoracic spine to complete a safe successful swing. Over 80% of amateurs have reduced mobility in the hips resulting in lead hip syndrome. This results in the compensation of the lumbar spine and shoulder joints. Basically, you try to achieve mobility from joints that were designed to be stable.
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This causes a shearing force into the lumbar spine resulting in lower back injuries, followed by sprains/ strains of the shoulder joints. In addition to stretching, increases in global ranges of motion can be achieved through chiropractic specific adjustments. While 70% of PGA golfers seek chiropractic care on a regular basis, only 2% of amateurs utilize chiropractic for injury prevention and maintenance. Golf season is finally here. Hopefully, you have been proactive in getting ready for the season, but if not…we’ve got you covered. Here are a few tips to improve your game this upcoming season: 1. Stretch 15-20 minutes prior to any play or practice. 2. Participate in a strength and conditioning program 3-4 times per week. 3. Take lessons from your local PGA Pro to develop your technical skills. 4. Stay hydrated. Drink half your body weight in ounces during the day (about 2-4 ounces every 30 minutes). 5. Positive mental imagery is crucial while playing a round of golf. Focus on the next shot, and not on shots missed. 6. Receive maintenance adjustments from your local chiropractor to maximize your body’s postural stability and flexibility. 7. Relax and enjoy yourself. Your worst day at golf is always better than the best day at work.
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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ESPN 2 Person Best Ball Championship Noble Burkhead Copper Creek Golf Course
Copper Creek Golf Club, along with Toyota of Des Moines, present ESPN National Golf Challenge Local Qualifier on June 27th!! This 2-Player, Better Ball Tournament, is open to all ages and abilities. There are gross and net divisions along with a senior net division. Teams are playing for a chance to advance to the national finals held in Las Vegas at the Paiute Golf Resort!! Just for registering for the event, each player will receive a dozen Callaway Tour iZ golf balls, a subscription to Golf Magazine, their competition round w/ cart and a practice round w/cart all for just $70 ($140 value). Tee Times will fill in quickly for this event. Call Noble at 515-263-1600 for more information!!
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Els’ Victory at Bay Hill Marks Fourth Straight for New Callaway Driver Tim Buckman Sr. Director, Global Communications Callaway Golf
Callaway Golf Company (NYSE: ELY) staff professional Ernie Els claimed his second PGA Tour win of the season on Monday at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando. On his way to victory, Els employed Callaway’s new FT Tour Driver, which arrived at retail this month amid an incredible four-tournament winning streak on the PGA Tour, as well as Callaway’s new Tour i(s) Golf Ball. Els won with the FT Tour Driver two weeks ago at the WGC-CA Championship at Doral and notched another win with it this week at Bay Hill. He has credited the Tour i(s) Golf Ball for his improved short-game in 2010. This season, Els is #1 in scoring average, at 68.88. In 2009, his scoring average was 70.21, 28th on Tour. “I made hard work of it, but that new Callaway Tour i(s) ball really turned around my short game,” Els said. “I was able to get it up and down, and that was what won the tournament for me.” Callaway’s new FT Tour Driver features a 440 cc multi-material clubhead with a fulllength hosel and a slightly open face angle to deliver the look at address preferred by highly
skilled players. FT Tour’s design combines an ultra lightweight carbon composite body that delivers extraordinary accuracy and workability, with a titanium Hyperbolic clubface that yields incredible ball speeds and increased distance. Originally introduced on the professional tours in 2009 as FT-9 Tour Authentic, the tremendous excitement that was buzzing among the world’s best players convinced Callaway officials to commercialize the product in 2010 as FT Tour. Els’ first-place finish at Bay Hill is the fifth of this young 2010 season for Callaway’s FT Tour Driver, which also tasted victory at Mayakoba, Doral, Puerto Rico and Tampa. The FT Tour Driver features a new product introduction retail price of $399. The Callaway Tour i(s) ball features secondgeneration Dual Core that delivers outstanding spin separation for lower driver spin off the tee and higher spin within striking distance of the pin. The result is
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optimized performance throughout the round. Tour i(s)’ advanced HEX Aerodynamics delivers a penetrating ball flight in all wind conditions. Now available at retail, Callaway’s Tour i(s) golf balls feature a new product introduction retail price of $42.99 a dozen. High-resolution images of all Callaway Golf products are available for immediate download via the Media Center portion of Callaway Golf’s website: www.callawaygolf.com/Global/en-US/ MediaCenter.html. About Callaway Golf Through an unwavering commitment to innovation, Callaway Golf Company (NYSE:ELY) creates products and services designed to make every golfer a better golfer. Callaway Golf Company manufactures and sells golf clubs and golf balls, and sells golf accessories, under the Callaway Golf®, Odyssey®, Top-Flite®, and Ben Hogan® brands in more than 110 countries worldwide. For more information please visit www.callawaygolf.com or shop.callawaygolf.com.
Course Review - Jester Park Golf Course - Granger, Iowa Jester Park Golf Course Outing Information Jester Park Golf Course specializes in conducting corporate outings and group events that can accommodate groups from 20 to 200. Our professional tournament coordinators will make sure that your event will be a day to remember and enjoy. Your group will be given full-service treatment. Allow us to administer everything from scoring the event to staging your carts in fleet formations with player’s names and hole assignments to feeding you a delicious lunch and dinner. Here is just a sample of what we are pleased to offer your outing. *Assistance with format of play *Rules sheet *Hole sponsor program *Player assistance *Beverage Cart Operation *Food and Beverage *Computerized scorecards *Cart signs and score sheets *Hole in one program *Assistance with flag events *Modified shotgun starts *Prizes and gift certificates *Professional golf instruction *Corporate logo program
2010 Leagues
2010 Rates
Men’s
18 Hole Regulation Course
The Jester Park Men’s League plays on Thursdays from mid April through the end of August. The opening banquet will be held Thursday, April 15th @ the American Legion Hall in Granger. First week of league play will be Thursday, April 22nd. We block our tee sheet from 2:00-6:00 for Men’s League play. You do not need to sign-up a group just come out and we can pair you up with someone. Women’s The Jester Park Women’s League plays on Mondays from mid April through August. League will begin at 3:30 p.m. Sign up with 3 other ladies for a tee time. League play begins on April 26. Mixed Couples Jester Park Mixed Couples play on Fridays beginning May 28. Tee times are from 5:00-6:30 p.m. with a 5:30 shotgun start once a month in May, June, July, & August in conjunction with a potluck dinner. The weekly fee is $40 per couple for a 9-hole format. Prizes are given out during this weekly entertaining alternate shot format that runs through August. Couples are asked to pre-register by contacting the Golf Shop at (515) 999-2903. Senior’s The Jester Park Senior’s League will play on Tuesdays beginning on April 28. Tee times will begin at 7:30 a.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please contact Hillis to get signed up at (515) 223-5581.
WEEKDAY (MONDAY-THURSDAY) •18 holes Adult $22 •18 holes Military $11 •18 holes Military w/cart $25 •18 holes Jr.-18 and under Sr.-62 and over $15 •9 holes Adult $17 •9 holes Jr./Sr. $12 •Twilight-After 4 pm $18 •Twilight-After 4 pm w/cart $29 WKNDS & HOLIDAYS (MON-SUN) •18 holes Adult $29 •18 holes Jr.-18 and under •Sr.-62 and over $29 •9 holes Adult $22 •9 holes Jr./Sr. $22 •Twilight-After 4 pm $17 •Twilight-After 4 pm w/cart $29 Cart Fees •18 Holes •9 Holes
$14 Per Peson $11 Per Person
Par 3 Executive Course EVERYDAY (MONDAY-SUNDAY) •9 holes Adult $10 •9 holes Jr./Sr. $7 •9 hole replay rate $5 Par 3 carts •9 hole par 3 pull cart $4 •9 hole cart •9 hole replay cart
$8 $5
Open 365 days a year! •Sunday, April 25th Early Bird 8 inch cup $50 Entry Fee includes Greens Fees, Cart, and Prizes •Jester Park Junior Golf •Clinics, Camps, & Leagues open for sign-up
Go to jesterparkgolf.com for more info
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“At The Masters” with Tim Darrah (continued from page 10) Tim Darrah On The Tee Contributor
The exceptions were Arnie and Jack who came through at separate times. They didn’t read the putt, they knew the putt and both put it in the hole. The first thing you will want to do is walk the entire course. Get in shape before you go, as, unlike how it appears on T.V., Augusta National is very hilly and full of elevation changes. Also, check out the par 3 course located south of the #10 tee behind Butler Cabin and the other guest cabins. The Azaleas and Dogwoods will be in full bloom and are even more spectacular in person. It is very difficult to follow a group (especially Tiger, Phil, etc.) around the course, so you will want to pick out some spots a few holes ahead and plant yourself there for a while. You will also want to purchase a small Masters folding chair (don’t count on both cheeks fitting comfortably). They are like a small canvas camping chair with no arms. You aren’t allowed to bring in folding arm chairs, rigid chairs or stools. While there are plenty of good grand stand seats throughout the course, there are many areas where there are none. Around the 16”’ green for instance. You can place your chair anywhere, leave it (even for hours) and when you come back it will be right where you left it, ready for you to sit down and watch. I always place my chair by the 16”’ green first thing in the morning, securing a ringside seat for later when the leaders come through. Like I said, this place is pure class. Not only will no one steal your chair, they won’t move it to put theirs in your spot. Here are my recommendations as to where to spend some time viewing the action. Of course, be
on the first tee for the tee shots of the honorary starters to begin the tournament. This year it is Arnie and Jack. I’ve been fortunate to see Sam Snead, Byron Nelson and Gene Sarazen lead things off. First let’s go over the grandstand locations I’d recommend. One of my favorites is next to the tee box on the tough, par three 4”’. In addition to the 4 it also gives you a great view of #3’s green. The greenside stands on the very difficult par four 5’ is an out of the way spot that is fun. It’s green has a huge knob in the middle that makes the approach shots and putting very interesting. Another grandstand that is usually open is behind the green on the par five, 8”’ hole. A great spot is along the 1 4te~e. ~Fro m there you get a great look at the fairway, Rae’s Creek and the green of the famous par 5, 13’. The greenside stands from the par five, 1 5th are also terrific. If you get the right spot, you can also see the 1 6g~ree~n. The stands on the par three, 16”’ aren’t bad either, but I prefer my chair up by the green. What about Amen Comer? Well, to me, it’s one of the worst places for viewing you can go. It’s the first place most people go (especially first timers), is very “busy”, almost to the point of distraction, and to top it off, you really can’t see much from there. Your view of the 1 l* green is good but from the par three, 12~~’s tee box it is hard to see the green real well. You obviously must go, but there are much better places to view the action. There are also several areas I like to watch from, that don’t have grandstands. I recommend you try
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behind the greens on the downhill, dogleg left par five 2”, the downhill par three, 6th, and the par four 9th, where approaches (and even an occasional put from above the hole) can run back forty yards down the hill that fronts the green. Don’t miss behind the green on the somewhat overlooked and very difficult par four, either. It is one of my favorites. The green on the 16th (especially on Sunday) is a must! It is very difficult to see anything around the eighteenth green unless you want to park there early and wait all day for the groups to make there way there. Just do the best you can at getting a peek between peoples heads. Finally, take the time to go stand BEHIND the tee box on the extremely difficult 1 lth . It is out of the way, but gives you a real appreciation for the intimidating tee shot required to begin Amen Comer! Make certain you go stand behind the tee box on # 18 too. Imagine yourself with a one shot lead on the final day. It is truly a sphincter tightening experience! ! It’s a long day (I usually spend almost twelve hours at the course) and usually, all I want to do is go back to my rental cottage, sit on the porch with a scotch in one hand and a cigar in the other, reflect on the day and order a pizza. One night though, you must take in a Masters tradition, dinner at T-Bones on Washington Road. It is absolutely packed, high energy and there will be a wait but the food is excellent. Many of the caddies hang out there and it’s not unusual to see a player too. I’ve been fortunate to have attended many major sporting events in my life but if I had to pick only one, it would definitely be The Masters!!
Invitations Sent For Brokers International LTD. Iowa Open Susan Thompson On The Tee Contributor
Invitations have been sent to about 150 golfers to participate in the Brokers International Ltd. Iowa Open, which will be held Aug. 19-22 at Lake Panorama National (LPN). The 144-player field is open to professionals and amateurs who live in Iowa, as well as golfers with Iowa ties. A contract was signed last July between the Iowa Section PGA and Brokers International Ltd. that brings the annual golf 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 all will go to prize money. Entry fees also are used for prize money and operating costs. In a letter distributed with the invitation, Troy Christensen, executive director of the Iowa Section PGA, said the $25,000 annual commitment by Brokers is the largest single sponsor contribution in the history of the Iowa Open. “We are anxiously awaiting our return to Lake Panorama National, which was the site of Iowa’s premiere event from 1985 to 1998,” Christensen wrote. Christensen’s letter was just part of the unique invitation sent to eligible participants. It was packaged inside a box that also included a message from Roger McCarty, founder and CEO of Brokers International, Ltd., a commemorative golf ball, and tournament registration and housing forms. The outside of the box features a photo of Kelly, Roger and Bill McCarty on LPN’s #15 green.
John Dinnebier, LPN general manager and director of golf, serves on the Iowa Section PGA board of directors. He said the increase in prize money should entice more players to participate in the tournament in 2010. “We are excited this tournament is returning to Lake Panorama National, and grateful to Brokers International for helping us bring it back to Panora,” Dinnebier said. LeRoy Oxley of Panora will serve as tournament director. He has been a member of the Iowa Golf Association (IGA) board of directors for seven years, and finished a two-year term as IGA president last November. Teams are being recruited for the pro-am event, which will be held Thursday, Aug. 19. A maximum of 32 teams can be accommodated, with 28 of those slots already taken. A “draw party” for proam participants will be held 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. For that, each team gets four $125 gift certificates to redeem at a FootJoy sales tent, an Iowa pro on their 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.
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To supplement the financial commitment by Brokers International Ltd., hole sponsors are being sought. The cost to sponsor a hole is $200. For that, sponsors receive a color sign on the hole of choice, will be listed on the pairing sheets and banner on the Iowa Open Web site, and receive two invitations to the pro-am draw party. For information on either the pro-am or hole sponsorship, contact Larry and Mary Hills, 641-7554016. The three-day, 54-hole tournament will begin Aug. 20 at 8 a.m. Everyone who enters the tournament 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. In his letter to potential players, Christensen said one of the new and long-awaited enhancements for this annual event 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,” he said. “They also will be competing from a shorter set of tees, which will lead to a larger senior division field and more enjoyable rounds.”
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