Northwest Golf Adventures Magazine

www.nwgolfadventures.com

January/February 2020 - Issue 301 FREE TO SUBSCRIBERS

Los Cabos: Golf at LAND’S END LESSON

SAND WEDGE LOVE

Get to know your sand wedge today!

FASHION

GOLF TRAVEL

MULLIGANS IN SIN CITY

A FAHIONABLE FOOTHOLD

Las Vegas doesn’t have to exhaust you.

Sweet Sandals will look great on you.

1

NEWS

WORLD GOLF HANDICAPS

Time to learn more about your handicap.

FEB 2020

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editor.

from the

T

Northwest

News & Notes

Kris Fay

Ready to make 2020 your best golf year ever?

here are a lot of ways your love of golf can leak into your life away from the course. I recently had the opportunity to learn more about investing in the game of golf and it wasn’t the kind of investment I’d ever thought would come around.

Sure, you could argue that your purchase of a new driver or set of irons is an investment in your golf game. But what if you could get in on the ground floor with a new company looking to make golf more accessible to people around the country. Would you take that opportunity?

GolfSuites is a new venture that has its sights set on giving golfers of all abilities and level of interest the chance to play and have fun with their friends without the time

Bandon looking for volunteers

commitment of a round of golf.

The company has planned facilities throughout the midwest - similar to Top Golf facilities - that bring together golf, food, and booze in a relaxed environment.

The site of the 2020 US Amateur is looking for volunteers to work its next USGA championship. A variety of perks are being offered to those interested in helping out.

Visit BandonDunesGolf.com for more info.

The starting investment into the company is $500, but current investors have seen dividend payments for the last eight months.

Company representatives believe demand for golf entertainment centers has been unmet, and they’re hoping to capitalize on that.

February 5, 2020 marked National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Golf associations up and down the West Coast recognized the day on social media and at local courses.

We’ll have more information on GolfSuites and their investment opportunities - including an interview with Chairman and CEO Gerald Ellenburg - in our next issue.

Kris Fay

Owner - NW Golf Adventures

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Associations celebrate women golfers

Hurst to captain Solheim team Northern California Golf Association Hall of Famer Pat Hurst was selected captain of the U.S. team for the 2021 Solheim Cup on Thursday.

Leonard joins WA Golf staff The Washington Golf Association announced that it had hired Jacob Leonard as its new Manager of Rules and Competition.

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inside this

issue.

The

Lesson Tee

Issue 22: January/February 2020

05.

When I’m playing with members or walking the range at Salem Golf Club, I see players trying to hit short shots with a number of different clubs. Most of the time the clubs being utilized are pitching wedges and nine irons.

State Van Rental If you’re travelling to three of the biggest cities on the West Coast, State Van Rental is the way to go when you need a big vehicle.

Sweet Sandals

Using these clubs is not an incorrect thing to do, but the player is extremely limited in the type of shot they can play. The shot will be lower flighted, spending less time in the air and more time on the ground.

That’s okay if you have enough green to work with, and the green is not “pushed up” or elevated. My suggestion is to put the lower lofted clubs away and reach for the sand wedge. The sand wedge, when used properly, is one of the most versatile clubs in the bag.

07.

When Rachel Yinger decided she wanted a pair of sandals to wear on the golf course, she found that ladies sandals weren’t easy to come by.

12.

Golf at Land’s End

•

The club head will stay low to the ground through the shot and into the finish position.

•

Weight remains on your lead foot.

Now, there’s a higher shot that won’t run as much: •

For this shot we will set up with a narrow, but slightly wider, stance than the first shot.

•

The ball is moved more toward the middle of your stance.

•

Weight will slightly favor your lead foot (60%).

•

Hands and shaft are in an even position with the ball.

Finish position:

Cabo is one of the rare places that certainly has something for everyone, making it the perfect destination for families.

First, let’s look at a low pitch and run. Here are the steps to hit this shot:

•

The shaft and butt of the club are ahead of your body with the shaft (butt of the club points back to you).

• For this shot we set up to the ball with a very narrow stance.

World Handicaps Golf's governing bodies hope that a simpler, unified system will give more players the chance to start keeping a handicap for competition.

•

The club head will move higher in the finish, with the clubface pointing

18.

• The ball will be aligned with the

towards the sky.

inside of your trail foot (right foot for right-handed players).

•

Weight remains on your lead foot.

• Weight will favor your lead foot (approx. 75%).

• Lean the shaft forward so that your hands are ahead of the ball.

Keep in touch .

Finish position: •

The shaft and butt of the club are ahead of your body with the shaft

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(the butt points to the sky).

03

Alan Reese

PGA Professional Salem Golf Club areese@pga.com

FEB 2020

FEB 2020

Las Vegas www.nwgolfadventures.com

Take a mulligan in the City of Second Chances

W

hen I was younger, the allure of Las Vegas was the party atmosphere.

Regardless of the time of day, it was easy to slip into a casino and be surrounded by people who were eating, drinking, and gambling the day away. It was fun, but it was exhausting.

Fast forward 15 years from that first trip and I’ve realized a few things, chief among them being that Vegas is a lot more fun when you stay away from The Strip and discover the other great things surrounding the massive casinos.

In the cities around Las Vegas - Summerlin, Henderson, Boulder City, Lake Las Vegas - is a whole collection of resorts and golf courses that offer something for everyone.

Without ever stepping foot along the strip or in old downtown, visitors can find great restaurants, shows, and more. The best part, though, is that you can wrap up a trip and not need another week to recover when you get home.

Places to Stay The South Point Hotel in Las Vegas has over 2,100 premium guest rooms with the top floor

of the hotel containing all suites. Guests can enjoy views of the glittering Las Vegas Strip or the serenity of the surrounding mountainscape. The resort features a full-service casino, restaurants of all kinds, bowling, and movies.

Since its 2003 opening in the heart of North Las Vegas, Cannery Hotel & Casino has become the preferred choice for local and regional residents seeking gaming fun, comfortable accommodations, superb dining, and exhilarating entertainment. Situated mere minutes off Interstate 15, the stunning entertainment complex spreads over 28 acres and features 72,000-squarefeet of gaming space, restaurants, and a wealth of other amenities.

Inspired by the natural beauty of the neighboring mountains, Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa pays homage to the elegant midcentury modern resorts that made Las Vegas famous.

The design is classic, cool Las Vegas, reinvented for the 21st century. The resort features some of the best off-Strip entertainment available.

Places to Play The Revere Golf Club provides golfers with 36 holes of championship golf which traverses through the rugged desert canyons and valleys of the Las Vegas foothills. Throughout the round, golfers are presented with expansive, breathtaking views of the famed Las Vegas skyline and mountain landscapes beyond.

Chimera Golf Club was designed in 2003

by Ted Robinson Jr. The 6,906 yard layout boasts forgiving fairways and a playable desert landscape.

The natural terrain and unparalleled views of the Las Vegas Strip make Chimera Golf Club an incredible place to enjoy a round.

Create your own Claret Jug moment and relive history at Royal Links Golf Club.

Experience this unrivaled union of fabled holes on this pristine Las Vegas golf course - like the “Postage Stamp” at Royal Troon and the “Road Hole” at St. Andrews - from the Open Championship’s eleven world-famous courses. This once-in-a-lifetime and, for many, life-changing golf experience can become a reality without a trip across the pond.

04

27 Holes and lunch special!

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3100 State Route 168, Coyote Springs, NV 89037 www.coyotesprings.com | 877-742-8455

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STATE VAN RENTAL

Company offers a new way to rent big vehicles in select West Coast locations One of the biggest problems with a buddy golf trip, especially if you have a group with more than four players, is transportation. You can either rent a handful of vehicles that can carry both clubs and players, or you can find a bigger option. If you’re travelling to three of the biggest cities on the West Coast, State Van Rental is the way to go.

San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas are three of the best golf destinations for buddy trips. Each city has the perfect mix of lodging, golf, and nightlife to ensure that every group can plan the perfect trip. Each of those cities also offers van rentals from State Van Rental.

There are plenty of companies online that rent vans, but State Van Rental has the best selection and prices on all their vehicles.

During a recent trip to Las Vegas, the magazine’s staff had the pleasure of renting one of State Van Rental’s 15 passenger crew vans. In addition to being the perfect fit for eight people, golf clubs, and cameras, the Chevy van was spotless both inside and out. Despite being a large vehicle, it was surprisingly easy to drive on both freeways and surface roads.

ABOUT STATE VAN State Van Rental has been in business since 2009, carefully choosing the vehicles they offer and the communities they serve.

After starting with just six vans, State Van Rental’s fleet has grown to include more than 100 clean, safe, easy-to-drive vehicles.

Mobasser and the rest of the State Van Rental team says that they’re proud to offer the newest models of any fleet. In fact, State Van Rental is the only company offering the Nissan Premium Van for those seeking more of a luxury service.

State Van Rental made taking possession of the van as easy as possible. While big rental centers have become the norm in places like Las Vegas, they don’t always provide the best customer service. When you rent from State Van, however, a representative will pick your group up at the airport and take you to their rental office for a quick and easy rental transaction.

“The number one priority for us is customer service,” said Nima Mobasser, Vice President of State Van Rental. “From our first interaction with a renter, all the way to conclusion of the trip and beyond; we make it a point to ensure we provide the best and most satisfactory customer experience, customized and tailored to our renters’ needs.”

Regardless of group size, State Van Rental’s selection of vehicles will work for you. Availability varies slightly by location, but State Van Rental typically offers a couple of four-passenger car options, as well as eight-, twelve-, and fifteen-passenger vans. Some of the vans can be modified by removing seats to better accommodate groups that need more cargo space, too.

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You can read more about State Van Rental and book your next van rental by visiting www. statevan.com.

FEB 2020

FEB 2020

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Fashion FORE-ward GOLF FASHION IS AN EVOLVING THING. DON’T MISS A SINGLE TREND IN TOPS, BOTTOMS, SHOES AND MORE! DO YOU HAVE A PICTURE OF YOU BEING FASHION FORE-WARD? SEND IT TO US!

FOOTWEAR

Look Good, Play Good There’s a reason Tiger Woods wears red on Sunday. He’s intimidating his opponents, who know that red shirt has held up plenty of trophies. Why not look your best on and off the course? We’re here to help!

BY AARON STELLE

Peter Millar

A new step for Peter Millar footwear, the Hyperlight Glide Sneaker transcends the status quo. The machine washable heathered knit upper offers ventilation for ultimate breathability while a lightweight, durable outsole and an enhanced foam insole create superior softness underfoot.

GOLF WATCHES

Golf Buddy GB9

Simple and fast touch user interface.

Course update with GolfBuddy Smartphone App. Preloaded with over 38,000 courses worldwide with free updates. Distances to front/center/back of the green. Serves as a very stylish time piece when you’re away from the golf course.

HEADWEAR

Fury Golf Hats

The FGC Patch Hat is a must-have for anyone who wants to represent their love for golf and alternative style. This hat features our FGC skull and cross clubs logo on a custom patch that is hand stitched to a heather grey and white trucker hat. The FGC golf patch hat is 100% golf and rock & roll.

PERFORMANCE APPAREL

Bonobos Highland Tour

M-Flex side panels and back yoke for comfort and better fit. Shirt gripper gel waistband, articulated back knee, zipper back pocket and interior secure pocket to hold phone in place. Scorecard Saver pocketing to reduce sweat through, embroidered eyelets at inseam for breathability, and coin pocket. UPF 50 for excellent sun protection.

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NORTHWEST COUPLE LOOKING FOR FOOTHOLD IN GOLF SANDAL MARKET

>

Put Some BLING in Your Swing

When Rachel Yinger decided she wanted a pair of sandals to wear on the golf course, she found that ladies sandals weren’t easy to come by. In fact, much of what she had to choose from were really just men’s sandals scaled to fit a smaller foot.

They were barely functional, and far from fashionable.

“We looked all over for women’s golf sandals online that were decently attractive and we just couldn’t find anything,” said Rachel.

That’s when she and her husband, Eric, decided that they’d found a niche in the golf market. They’re hoping to fill that niche with Sweet Sandals.

Eric, who has a passion for business and manufacturing, knew he had overseas contacts who could help with construction and design of the new footwear. That lead the couple to take a trip to China to inspect plants, talk with manufacturers, and really get a feel for what goes into making a sandal from start to finish.

“We learned a lot,” said Eric. “We reached out to companies making attractive looking sandal designs and then found suppliers who were making soles and we were able to put all the pieces together for a really comfortable sandal that our customers are wearing on and off the course.”

Sweet Sandals started with online-only sales, sending their first pair of sandals to the United Kingdom. Since that initial sale, the Yingers have been working hard to find more retail locations and are starting to get some real traction. Sweet Sandals are currently available in golf shops in Palm Springs, Washington, Pennsylvania, and Australia.

“We definitely want to expand, and the reviews we get from everyone who’s tried them has loved them. I think you’ll see them in more shops this year,” added Rachel.

All five styles of sandals are available on the company’s website: www.sweetsandals.golf.

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FEB 2020

FEB 2020

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ARCCOS Improves

New features include real-time slope and weather calculations based on user’s home course.

Arccos Golf has introduced the world’s first A.I. powered GPS Rangefinder, providing users of the Arccos Caddie app with the game’s most precise yardages by delivering a number based on real-time calculation of slope, weather and altitude.

This latest innovation from Arccos takes into account wind (speed, direction and gusts), temperature, humidity and altitude. The latter is personalized to each Arccos Caddie user based on any altitude differential between their home course and the one they’re playing.

“Even rangefinders that cost $500 fail to consider the impact of factors like wind, temperature and altitude, which massively affect shot distances. By using golf’s largest on-course data set to fuel our A.I algorithms, we’re allowing golfers to make better decisions on the course – for no additional cost,” said Sal Syed, CEO and Co-Founder of Arccos Golf. “When the Arccos Caddie Rangefinder is combined with our Precision Pin-Positioning feature to dial in the flagstick location, it provides golfers with the most precise yardage in the game – the Arccos Caddie Number.”

The new Arccos Caddie Rangefinder, replaces the Plays Like Distance in app feature. In addition to precise yardages, Arccos Caddie Rangefinder will provide golfers with club recommendations from Golf’s Smartest Caddie, so they can truly trust the club they pull for every shot.

Arccos Caddie is golf’s first Artificial Intelligence platform, combining automatic shot tracking and smart distance club averages with advanced analytics and caddie advice for any golf hole on earth. It is also the most used on-course golf app worldwide – with more than 300,000 registered users who have played 3.8 million rounds and taken over 200 million shots using the system.

Users can download the Arccos app from Apple and Android app stores, and Arccos grip sensors are available online and at many golf retailers.

New Android wearable devices Widely requested by users of the Android OS, new Arccos Caddie features for Android wearables deliver standard GPS yardages and ‘Plays Like’ distances, plus club recommendations based on Smart Distance Club Averages. Users of Fossil Smartwatch, Fitbit Versa Smartwatch and similar products will also be able to add ‘gimme’ putts and penalties, and to see a hole overview, par number and the number of shots taken. An application has been submitted for the Samsung Galaxy Watch and awaits Samsung approval.

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YOU WILL BE REWARDED WITH ANOTHER EXCEPTIONAL CHANCE TO MAKE A BIRDIE.

GUARDED GREEN. THE SECOND SHOT PLAYS WELL UPHILL BUT IF PLAYED CORRECTLY,

THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FAIRWAY GIVES YOU THE BEST ANGLE TO ATTACK THE WELL-

AMAZING MOUNTAIN RANGES IN THE BACKGROUND. KEEPING YOUR TEE SHOT UP

REACHABLE IN TWO, THIS PAR 5 BEGS FOR A MASSIVE DRIVE AS YOU OVERLOOK THE

Chimera Golf Club - Hole 8

THE BEST SHOT

FEB 2020 www.nwgolfadventures.com

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Th eT hil usca ls n t y wa hat Clu s s b an sold urro was u d t to n a big he a l d th clas hit now ocal e L sic It's wi -pu co as golf on th b blic mp Veg co a yo e of oth cou ny as S urse , s u ca the loca rse eve trip. buil h n l r T t vis b s itin pla est an as b al ye he in t Ve g y w co d v eco ar pro he ga La he urs isit m s a pe rol n es ors e a go rty lin s. s g .

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LAND’S END sea, land, and sky come together in perfection at

After running over 1,000 miles sandwiched between the wild Pacific Ocean and the gentle Sea of Cortez, Land’s End is a fitting name for the tip of the Baja Peninsula.

If you’re looking to give resort living a try, check out the Pueblo Bonito Resorts, with offerings at Sunset Beach -- on the Pacific Ocean -- and Medano Beach on the Sea of Cortez. Within those resorts you’ll find options that include adult only facilities and all-inclusive packages.

Those who have been to Los Cabos will likely spend the rest of their lives hearing the area’s siren song calling them back. Travelers who have yet to experience the sandy beaches and warm hospitality the town has to offer are in for a treat.

For those interested in a standard hotel experience, well known chains like Sheraton have built excellent facilities along the main highway running parallel to the Sea of Cortez. Like the resorts, the hotels often offer all-inclusive packages and nearly all have private beach access.

Cabo is one of the rare places that certainly has something for everyone, making it the perfect destination for families with varied interests. On the water, you’ll find sailing, fishing, and diving options aplenty; on land, hiking, riding, and exploring are all great options. Golfers, especially, will find the Peninsula ripe with golf courses set to challenge -- and entertain -- players of all abilities.

Finally, adventurous travelers can wade through pages of rental homes listed online for rent. Homes like the Jimmy Paige Villa (see page __ for more) are sure to wow anyone who walks in and realizes they get to stay there.

Always known as an area of great biodiversity, Cabo has grown into a destination like no other. The area is primarily composed of two towns - San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas - linked by 20 miles of oceanfront highway, sandy beaches, and sprawling resorts. It’s a place available for leisure and business trips.

The golf scene in Cabo just keeps getting better, with new courses opening every year attached to some of the hottest names in golf course design. It’s impressive for an area already featuring layouts by Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Greg Norman to now sport designs from Tiger Woods, Fred Couples, and more.

Getting to this paradise gets easier every year, with improvements at the Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). Flights are available from every major market in the United States and are especially inexpensive to find from the West Coast. Once there, getting around is easy via taxi, shuttles or rental cars (see more on page 16) .

It wasn’t until the early 1980’s that money started coming into the area for golf courses and resorts. Since then, more than 20 championship-caliber courses have opened at the end of the Baja Peninsula. Several are private, designated for members and homeowners only, but many others offer travelers the chance to experience a little of the majestic ambiance of the peninsula.

The area boasts an assortment of lodging options that will fit any budget and lifestyle. From modest cabanas on the hillsides to sprawling resorts just steps from the water, it’s not hard to find what you’re looking for. In addition to the traditional hotel and resort system, the area has grown exponentially with AirBnB and VRBO rentals that offer a variety of amenities..

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D With all those options, it’s hard to know how to book your activities and get the best price on them.

Fortunately, there are companies like Cabo Adventures and Cabo san Lucas Tours that specialize in booking your adventures and making sure things go smoothly.

Everything from cruises to horseback rides, to motorsports are available.

The focus of Cabo san Lucas is truly its beach and marina. Medano Beach is famous for its variety of restaurants and bars and sandy beaches that give visitors a chance to relax and view the arches that mark the very end of the Baja. Talk to anyone who’s spent time on Medano and you’ll find they all have their favorite places to hang out. It’s a great place to shop or ride a jetski.

Cabo truly has an activity to entertain everyone, which can make it hard to decide what to try when you’re on vacation.

As with any major tourist beach in Mexico, guests on Medano are given the chance to buy a wide variety of souvenirs to take home. From shirts to bags to sculptures, vendor walk up and down the beach to hawk their wares. Don’t see the shirt size you need? Someone will bring it to you. Not happy with the price of an item?

Don’t worry, you can negotiate a bit.

Those looking to stay on dry land can ride ATVs through the desert and on the beaches, try ziplining over the area’s wide canyons, saddle up for a horse or camel ride, or spend hours walking through the shops of old downtown.

The Medano area, is also filled with business operated by locals and transplants alike. In the case of the Milky Way Cafe and Andromeda Divers, both have a hand in the business. You can read more about Miguel and Sonja’s cafe and dive shop on page 17.

Water activities include deep sea fishing, scuba and snorkeling, powersports -- wave runners and hoverboards -- and parasailing, or dinner and drink cruises at sunset. Within the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez, the options are nearly endless.yet to experience the sandy beaches and warm hospitality the town has to offer are in for a treat.

Cabo san Lucas, like many tourist destinations in Mexico, is growing and expanding. Just because you’ve been there in the past doesn’t mean you won’t find something

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new to love when you make a return trip.

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Quivira Golf Club

Luxury at Land’s End

Sitting on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean is a course that Jack Nicklaus calls one of his favorite designs. Quivira Golf Club offers players not only an excellent test of golf, but also an experience unmatched by other golf course.

The Experience

Opened only five years ago, Quivira has established itself and been voted by Golf Digest as one of the top 100 courses in the world. In that short time, the facility - designed as an amenity for Quivira Los Cabos homeowners and Pueblo Bonito Resort guests - has undergone a series of improvements designed to improve playability.

The Course After playing four holes through the canyon leading away from the clubhouse, golfers meander up a hill to a comfort station providing a view of the surrounding area. Bolstered by a brief snack and drink, they face two of the most daunting holes ever designed.

The left side of the par 4 fifth hole drops away to the shore and the fairway takes a hard left turn to a green that sits well below the newly expanded landing area. Renovations removed a bunker and gave players more options off the tee.

“From the first time I saw this extraordinary site, I knew this would be an amazing location for a short par 4,” said Jack Nicklaus. “The restoration maintains the character of the hole as one of most visually stunning par 4’s in the world.”

Following the dramatic par-three sixth hole, Quivira rolls up and down the end of the Baja Peninsula, providing players with uphill and downhill shots, a few blind shots, and more rocky cliffs. Finally, the 18th welcomes golfers back to the beach to finish their round with the sun sliding slowly to the Pacific. A drink on the clubhouse patio in the light afternoon breeze puts a bow on the perfect day of golf.

The first time at Quivira can be unexpected. It’s not a typical four-hour round of golf, in part because of four stops for food and beverage (included with greens fees), and in part because the course can be difficult. With that in mind, it’s best to plan a full day during your vacation for your outing to Quivira.

If you’re looking for a way to play more than once, the on-property Pueblo Bonito Pacifica (adults-only) or Sunset Beach Resorts offer great lodging, including suites, as well as nearby villas and homes.

Seasonal golf packages allow you to tackle this gem a second or third time.

Amenities Quivira isn’t just about what happens on the golf course. Before you tee off, a great breakfast station waits for you next to the practice facility. With a double, ocean front driving range consisting of two simulated fairways and target greens, players can warm up before a round or work on their game following one.

In addition to the short game practice area, Quivira has an 18-hole putting course designed to mimic the speed of the greens on the course. There’s no part of their game that a golfer can’t improve at Quivira.

Finally, the clubhouse and dining options have been expanded.

Players can find anything they need in the club’s pro shop that features TaylorMade products, as well as the rest of the game’s top brands.

The Quivira Steakhouse and 19th Hole Bar has become a destination all its own. Sure, golfers can enjoy fantastic meals there after a round or get a cocktail to settle their bets, but the steakhouse is a place guests can go even when they’re not playing golf that day.

For more information on Quivira or to book your next trip there, visit QuiviraLosCabos.com or contact info@nwgolfadventures.com for package information.

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15

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ADVENTURES at Land’s End

LUXURY RETREATS

RENT-A-CAR

The area boasts an assortment of lodging

Always known as an area of great biodiversity,

sprawling resorts just steps from the water,

Cabo has grown into a destination like no other. The area is primarily composed of two towns - San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas - linked by 20 miles of oceanfront highway, sandy beaches, and sprawling resorts. It’s a place available for leisure and

options. From cabanas on the hillsides to it’s not hard to find what you’re looking for.

In addition to the traditional hotel and resort system, the area has grown exponentially with rentals that offer a variety of amenities.

If you’re looking to give resort living a try,

business trips.

check out the Pueblo Bonito Resorts, Within

Getting to this paradise gets easier every

adult only facilities and all-inclusive packages.

year, with improvements at the Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). Flights are available from every major market in the United States and are especially inexpensive to find from the West Coast. Once there, getting around is easy.

You’ll see every major rental company in Cabo, but the best one is Mexico’s very own Cactus Rent-a-Car. The prices on the website are easy to read and there are never any surprises when you go to get your car from Cactus.

those resorts you’ll find options that include

Well known chains like Sheraton have built excellent facilities along the main highway running parallel to the Sea of Cortez. Like the resorts, the hotels often offer all-inclusive packages and nearly all have private beach access.

Adventurous travelers can wade through pages of homes listed online for rent. Homes like the Jimmy Paige Villa are sure to wow anyone who walks in and realizes they get to stay there.

16

L: TA EN M g e N adin o or RO l e t m l y VI is rge xico tal rts are e E N a b o c h a Me e n e s o t s l a b l .

C h e e n m R ra n yc e n t ak ro y. u c ft m nvi ndl sta g re e o e rie re in or f d s m an hoo ds c oo g

CACTUS

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GETTING THERE Cabo International Airport gets bigger and better every year. It’s an easy flight from just about every market in the United States. Many snowbirds have opted to make the drive down the Baja for longer stays.

ACTIVITIES ABOUND

MILKY WAY CAFE

Cabo truly has an activity to entertain

The focus of Cabo san Lucas is truly its beach

everyone, making it hard to decide what to try

and marina. Medano Beach is famous for its

when you’re on vacation.

variety of restaurants and bars and sandy beaches that give visitors a chance to relax

Those looking to stay on dry land can ride

and view the arches that mark the very end

ATVs through the desert and on the beaches,

of the Baja. Talk to anyone who’s spent time

try ziplining over the area’s wide canyons,

on Medano and you’ll find they all have their

saddle up for a horse or camel ride, or spend

favorite places to hang out.

hours walking through the downtown shops.

As with any major tourist beach in Mexico, Water activities include deep sea fishing,

guests on Medano are given the chance to

scuba and snorkeling, powersports -- wave

buy a wide variety of souvenirs to take home.

runners and hoverboards -- and parasailing, or

From shirts to bags to sculptures, vendor walk

dinner and drink cruises at sunset. Within the

up and down the beach to hawk their wares.

calm waters of the Sea of Cortez, the options

Don’t see the shirt size you need? Someone

are nearly endless.

will bring it to you. Not happy with the price of an item? Don’t worry, you can negotiate

With all those options, it’s hard to know

a bit.

how to book your activities and get the best price on them. Fortunately, there are a number of companies that specialize in booking your adventures and making sure things go smoothly.

17

The Medano area, is also filled with business operated by locals and transplants alike. In the case of the Milky Way Cafe and Andromeda Divers, both have a hand in the business.

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FOLLOWING A RULES OVERHAUL IN 2019, GOLFERS ARE NOW PLAYING WITH A NEW HANDICAP SYSTEM

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Golf's governing bodies hope that a simpler, unified system will give more players - especially those new to the game - an easier entry point to keeping a handicap and playing in handicapped events Let's take a quick look at the biggest changes players will see.

Daily Handicap Updates Currently, the GHIN system updates your handicap index twice each month, on the 1st and 15th. Starting January 1, handicap indexes will be revised daily via the World Handicap System. If you play a lot, you'll see a true representation of your handicap as it responds to posted scores in a more timely manner.

Quicker to Establish an Index If you signup for a GHIN account now, you have to post at least ten rounds and wait until the next revision to establish a handicap index.

The new World Handicap System, just one day after receiving your third posted round (a total of 54 holes), will give players a handicap index. The system will only use the best eight of your last 20 scores instead of the current ten best. You should see more frequent changes as your scores go up and down.

Lower Scores to Post Let's face it, Equitable Stroke Control is tough to keep track of, especially as you improve and your handicap index drops. The new World Handicap System will have a maximum postable score of net double bogey on any hole. The idea should keep your posted score closer to your true potential as a player.

Weather is a Factor How many times have you played well, but blamed your poor score on the weather? Plenty, I'm sure. The new system will consider the day's course and weather conditions to adjust your handicap accordingly. Everyone in the Pacific Northwest should benefit from that change!

More Handicap Available

How to use your Handicap Index under the World Handicap System

As stated earlier, golf's governing bodies want more people to try establishing a handicap. Since golf is a notoriously tough game to pick up, the maximum handicap index will be raised from 36.4 for men and 40.4 for women to 54 players of both genders.

Handicap Index

Changes under the World Handicap System

Set your Target!

The single measurement of golfing ability used worldwide.

Your Course Handicap (CH) now represents the number of strokes needed to play to Par.

Target Score

Course Handicap

How will this change affect you?

The number used to adjust hole scores for handicap purposes.

If the Course Rating is HIGHER than Par, your Course Handicap will go up:

Your Target Score is the score needed to play to your handicap.

Playing Handicap The number used to PLAY! It’s typically the same as your Course Handicap but may be adjusted based on the terms of the competition or format of play.

Course Rating 72.0

Par

=

Course Handicap

+

Par

Impact on CH

70

2 strokes higher

If the Course Rating is LOWER than Par, your Course Handicap will go down: Course Rating 68.0

Par

Impact on CH

70

2 strokes lower

For more information or to learn more about the WHS, visit usga.org/whs

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JUNIOR GOLF SPOTLIGHT Oliver Insurance helps us feature the future of golf on the West Coast.

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Dozens of junior golfers braved the chilly temperatures at Portland’s Langdon Farms Golf Club for Oregon Junior Golf’s Winter Series event.

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Arizona’s Abbey Schutte took home first place in the Warren Schutte Invitational, marking her second PING Junior Masters Series title.

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Coaches on the California Junior Golf Tour celebrated an excellent weekend of golf at the tour’s Kick-Off Classic at Brookside Golf Club. Academy players netted five division wins.

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