WWW.NWGOLFADVENTURES.COM | JAN-FEB 2020 | ISSUE 26 | FREE TO SUBSCRIBERS!
The latest golf news and features for players on the West Coast!
Treasure Valley Strike golf gold in
Boise, Idaho
Moonshine
Golf meets country in a new line of apparel
Pin High PNW
Being part of the Pin High Crew means loving the Northwest
CBD Mind Games Improve your brain health for better rounds of golf
Bandon Crossings
Take a break from resort golf with a round at Bandon Crossings
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editor.
from the
D
Northwest
News & Notes
Kris Fay
Golf is going to the dogs
ogs hold a special place in golf lore. From the earliest days of play at St. Andrews, locals have been able to walk the course with their four-legged friends. Golf course superintendents are well-known for having a trusty canine by their sides while they care for their courses. Some of golf’s legendary figures - like Arnold Palmer - were constantly pictured at home with their dogs. We’ve had a small dog for years, a canine that’s been more like a cat because he really just wants to lay around and sit on your lap. He’s had no interest in going to the golf course and, to be honest, he’s too noisy to take out with me. That changed when I returned home from my annual trip to Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in December and found that my daughter had brought home a new puppy. The retriever,
Fir State Golf Club
labrador, poodle mix - appropriately named Bandon - has already shown a love of golf and the temperament to be a golf course dog. He’s already comfortable with being on a putting green, courtesy of the synthetic green we have in our backyard. The next step has been taking him for walks on the golf course so he gets used to seeing players walking and hitting golf balls. He’s already been a good cart partner, sitting quietly on the passenger seat to watch the action while we ride around. How do you feel about canines on the course? Do you have a dog that enjoys spoiling a perfectly good walk with a set of clubs and a ball? Share your stories and your photos with us on social media @nwgolf!
Kris Fay
Owner - NW Golf Adventures
In honor of #BlackHistoryMonth WA Golf recognized Fir State Golf Club. The club was established in 1947 at Seattle’s Jefferson Park Golf Course to combat discriminatory practices and continues to promote access to golf within the minority community to this day.
New collaboration in Idaho golf The Idaho Golf Association and the First Tee of Idaho recently announced that they would be sharing office space. Though their mission statements may differ, both organizations are fixtures in the golf community throughout the Gem State and help to grow the game.
SoCal Golf and American Golf team up American Golf Corporation and the Southern California Golf Association announced a strategic partnership to maximize engagement with Southern California golfers, provide more playing opportunities to the community and develop more core players who play 8+ rounds per year.
PGA Show goes virtual The golf industry has grown the past year, but even golf’s biggest showcase couldn’t overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. The week-long PGA Merchandise Show, the time of year that all of golf’s manufacturers unveil their newest gear, moved from Orlando to the cloud last month.
CAN WE PRETEND THAT NEVER HAPPENED?
AMEN, BROTHER.
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inside this
issue.
The
Lesson Tee
Issue 26: January/February 2021
04.
A question I’m often asked is “how do I put backspin on a shot?” To properly spin a sand wedge or a gap wedge, a few things need to happen, but there are two principles that are absolutes:
Golfing Gold Visitors to Idaho’s Treasure Valley are sure to strike golf gold with the great variety of courses in the Boise-Nampa area.
Make ball first contact
Pin High PNW Two Salem, Oregon residents have created a brand that embraces their love of golf, as well as all the other things the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
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Golf Baggage Choosing the right bag for your game is important. This year’s hot new bags offer choices in size, style, materials, and price. Check out some of the latest options.
Hit the shot with a high amount of speed
08.
In addition to strike and speed, two of the main mistakes I see are the setup and the moment after the strike. In the pictures below we will look at two address positions. In the first position, you will see that my body position is correct with the ball in the center of my stance and slightly more weight on my lead foot. The error lies in the hand or shaft position. My hands are slightly forward (left of my belt buckle). From here, as the swing reaches impact, the clubface will be slightly delofted, which will result in a flight that is more penetrating and less likely to spin.
CBD Mind Games CBD can help golfers get over some of the trauma that comes with the game of golf. Find a way to relax and focus with the latest CBD products.
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position when the swing reaches impact the clubface will be utilizing its natural loft, giving me a better chance to spin the ball. Now look at the finish. In the left picture you can see that my hands have released the clubhead allowing the toe of the club to swing to a finished position. This is ideal for a standard shot, but for a high lofted spinner this is not going to work.
In the right picture you can see that my hands are holding off the release of the club, essentially adding loft through the strike. Know your game, if you are a player that has trouble getting the ball hole high or past hole high, then backspin is not the thing that you need to work on. If you’d like a lesson either in person or virtually, my contactinformation is listed below!
Keep in touch . twitter.com/nwgolf
facebook.com/nwgolf
In the right picture you will see my address position is the same as before. The difference lies in the hand/club position. Now the shaft is more “neutral” (pointing at my belt buckle). From this
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Alan Reese
PGA Professional Salem Golf Club areese@pga.com
FEB 2021
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Strike Golf Gold in
TREASURE VALLEY
W
hen golfers talk about going to Idaho for a golf trip, most of their buddies will immediately start thinking about the northern end of the state. You’ve got places like Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint that have been recognized nationally for their golf and lodging options. Boise, and it’s surrounding areas, are beginning to draw more players with a vibrant nightlife and an excellent collection of golf courses. The Boise-Nampa area is known as the Treasure Valley of the Gem State. The centerpiece is downtown Boise, an area that’s undergone a healthy revitalization over the last ten years and is quickly becoming a place more people want to live. Inside the downtown area is an impressive group of hotels and restaurants, all centered around a walkable pedestrian zone.
As with anything, the Grove is all about location, location, location. It’s awesome to look out your hotel window and get a view of all the activity happening on the streets. The Grove is within walking distance of restaurants and bars sure to suit any fancy you may have for food or drinks. Not to be missed is the city’s Basque Block, a tribute area to the large Basque population in Boise. There you’ll find distilleries and the popular Basque Market where you can sample cuisine that you just won’t find anywhere else. Breweries have become a downtown staple for lovers of both beers and ciders; and nearly all of the watering holes have added some form of outside seating. One of the most packed - Barbarian Brewing - had dozens of taps with beers of all styles..
Boise is great because the valley is easy to navigate and you can play golf there pretty much year round. Sure, the area averages around 19 inches of snow per year, but it doesn’t typically stick around long and you can hit the links throughout the winter. LODGING As with any large metropolitan area, Boise has a wide range of places to stay. The aforementioned downtown area is a great place to start, whether you’re on a trip with the boys or on a getaway with your significant other. The Grove Hotel, one of the city’s most prestigious hotels, is a phenomenal place to stay. With a variety of rooms to choose from, as well as workout facilities and a couple of the best bars and restaurants in town, it’s a hotel that will work for everyone. The rooms are elegantly apportioned and the staff is attentive to every need and detail during your stay.
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With 20 golf courses to play, Treasure Valley is truly special. Golfers of all abilities and tastes will have no trouble finding a course that fits their game and their wallet. Nearly all of these courses present views of the surrounding farmlands, the mountains, or the downtown buildings rising into the sky. Many that are set up in the hills allow players to see for miles in all directions. Falcon Crest Golf Located in Kuna, just south of downtown, is the massive facility known as Falcon Crest. It’s the kind of golf course that everyone dreams of with three courses to choose from, ample practice facilities, and nothing but farmland around it. Once you’re at
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Banbury Golf Just east of downtown, in Eagle, is Banbury Golf Club, one of the area’s most popular and highly rated clubs. Another wonderful golf course, Banbury’s tight fairways are very different from what golfers find at other courses in the area.
Falcon Crest, the only thing to remind you of the daily grind is the view of downtown Boise in the distance. The three courses at Falcon Crest are distinct and designed for players of different skill levels. The Robin Hood Course is an executive par 3 and 4 course with beginners and juniors in mind, but the holes are interesting and can challenge better players. The prices are a little lower for this one, making it affordable for the entire family to get out and play. The Freedom Course is also a nine hole loop but is more of a championship course. It measures over 3,900 yards from the tips but can play as short as 2,700 from the forward tees. Freedom combines generous fairways with brutal rough, bunkers, and water to make for a challenging nine holes. Finally, the Championship Course is a full 18 hole track playing anywhere from 5,400 to 7,000 yards. It doesn’t take long to see why this one is a favorite of golfers in Treasure Valley as it meanders around, up, over, and down a series of hills that offer incredible views of the valley and surrounding mountains. The course makes excellent use of the natural terrain and blends it seamlessly with rocky outcroppings, strategically placed bunkers, and plenty of water. The best part of the Hans Borbonus-designed course is the variety of shots players must hit to score well; no two holes are the same. Falcon Crest is not only a great golf facility, it’s also a pillar in the local community. The course hosts a variety of leagues and junior golf programs, fundraising events, and is one of the home courses used by the Boise State University men’s and women’s golf teams.
Banbury, designed by John Harbottle III, follows the south channel of the Boise River and perfectly blends the waterway and natural habitat into a true test of golf. Yes, there are homes along several of the fairways, but the course itself requires so much attention on each shot that it’s easy to forget they’re there. The course offers a variety of holes requiring players to hit just about every club in their bag. The consistent course conditions, however, are what really set Banbury apart from other courses in the area. Despite a lot of public play, Banbury manages to maintain lush fairways and some of the best greens you’ll ever play. They’re big, they’re fast, and they roll true thanks to an aggressive sanding and rolling program. Locals rave about them. Off the golf course, in addition to a driving range and short game practice area, Banbury features a large clubhouse with well-stocked pro shop and a restaurant with plenty of covered, outdoor seating. If you need a bite before or after your round, don’t miss the totchos. Banbury also hosts home matches for the Boise State University golf teams. GETTING THERE Boise is a surprisingly easy place to get to. Boise Airport features nonstop service from all over the country. If you’re already on the West Coast, Boise is an easy drive from most major markets: 8.5 hours from Sacramento, 7.5 hours from Seattle, 7 hours from Portland, and just 5 hours from Salt Lake City.
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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!
PERFORMANCE SHOES
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
Footjoy HyperFlex
The all-new StratoFoam cushioning system uses a proprietary blend of materials to provide optimal support and comfort for conditions encountered while playing golf – swinging, walking and everything in between. Designed to absorb shock for max walking comfort and also maximizes energy return to reduce walking fatigue.
LAID-BACK SHIRTS
Waggle Golf
This polo is made with a unique polyester spandex material which means you can swing freely, remain comfortable and most importantly look good on and off the course. It comes in a variety of patterns and design to help show your stylish side.
LADIES FASHION
Redbelly Active
TRENDY TOTES
This exciting sleeveless polo comes in Leopard Rose. Delivered in a soft, light fabric that is sustainably produced with button close detail. This beautiful sleeveless polo is comfortable and cool to wear. Rounded at the bottom for a flattering shape. When paired with the matching Wrap Skort, the outfit looks like a dress.
Sea Bags
Take a refreshing dip into the ocean and be surrounded by a beautiful undersea garden. The graceful movement of marine plants in the currents and the delicate fish that navigate among them is captured in soothing colors. It’s a gentle reminder to go with the flow—a great theme to carry with you. The recycled sail cloth is durable, weather-resistant, and may still show some unique signs of days spent in the wind and sea spray.
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Golf, with a shot of country
I
MOONSHINE GOLF
ndustries of all kinds suffered because of COVID-19 in 2020, but golf found a way to grow because of its ability to adapt to social distancing guidelines while appealing to the active, outdoor lifestyle that was limited in other ways. That growth means more people playing golf that traditionally would not have taken the time to pick up a club; more diversity in golfers means different ideas of what golf style should be. Enter Moonshine Golf, a new apparel company that defines itself as ‘golf, with a shot of country.’ Those who follow the PGA TOUR would likely equate camouflage shirts and hats with someone like Boo Weekley, but those kinds of patterns and colors have always been hard for amateurs to find in the retail market. Instead, players had to choose between traditional clothing or the more preppy options that have become popular. “We love golf, hiking, and fishing,” said Moonshine Co-Founder Andrew Mikowski. “We wanted to sell a line of golf clothes that you could wear and not have to go home to change before you do something else after golf.” Mikowski and two longtime friends had always wanted to be in business together and 2020 finally presented them with the opportunity to do so. Mikowski said they outlined their plan and started with a line of comfortable shirts, sweatshirts, and hats that helped define their brand. “It turns out that t-shirts are easy to get out there, but quality apparel takes months to design and prepare for sale,” said Mikowski. That’s why they worked with apparel designers who understood their focus and brought innovative ideas to the table. Starting in March, www.MoonshineGolf.com will launch sales of the company’s on-course line of apparel. That line will feature the ‘All-Day Polo,’ the ‘Boone,’ and the ‘Ozark.’ The ‘All-Day Polo’ (top right)is designed to be comfortable on and off the golf course. While fitting with Moonshine’s laid back style, the polo maintains a traditional look and feel. What makes it perfect for a full day of activities is the wicking material and the vented panel and mesh liner on the back that makes it incredibly breathable. The ‘Boone’ is a Lightweight Bamboo Henley Hoodie featuring the company’s signature camouflage design. The bamboo is a natural material that is both breathable and naturally antibacterial to keep you fresh during a full day of golf and other activities. Mikowski said the biggest game changing piece for Moonshine is the ‘Ozark,’ (bottom right) a hybrid golf and fishing shirt. It’s a long sleeve, button-down shirt with very breathable fabric. “I was wearing fishing shirts to play golf because they were so much more comfortable in the heat and humidity. We designed this as more of an outdoor shirt with cool touches for golfers like a tee pocket and magnets for ball markers.”
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Now that Moonshine Golf has its clothing ready for the world, the company is looking to the future to get its brand in front of more players. With that in mind, Mikowski said they’ve targeted specific markets across the country and want to solidify partnerships with country music singers. “We’re embracing our country roots and using our connections in Nashville, Tennessee to have fun mixing golf with country music. We’re planning tournaments around our active lifestyles where you’ll see golf paired with fishing and country music concerts. Golf courses will be venues for us.” For more information on Moonshine Golf or to place an order, visit www.MoonshineGolf.com.
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HOMEGROWN
GOLF! Pin High PNW
THE QUARANTINES AND SOCIAL DISTANCING OF 2020 GAVE PEOPLE A LOT OF FREE TIME. SOME PEOPLE STARTED PLAYING GOLF, WHILE OTHERS SIMPLY PLAYED MORE. MANY PEOPLE DISCOVERED en, who works at Salem’s hand-crafted apparel and we’re already A NEW LOVE OF DOING THINGS OUTDOORS, Creekside Golf Club, said looking ahead to embroidering and WHILE OTHERS CAME UP WITH IDEAS FOR that he’d always wanted to making hats.” COMBINING ALL THE THINGS THEY LOVE TO do something different in the DO OUTSIDE. golf industry. “Having a line of Their handcrafting may not sound
B
apparel and a real lifestyle brand has
dramatic, but the guys were kind
THAT’S HOW BEN WIDDALL (ABOVE RIGHT) always appealed to me,” he said. “COVID enough to share their early attempts on AND SILVIO FRANCESCHI (ABOVE LEFT), gave me time to think more about it their Instagram account and it made TWO LONG-TIME GOLF BUDDIES, and it was great when I discovered that for great video. The efforts have paid off, CAME UP WITH THEIR IDEA FOR Silvio was having those same thoughts.” too, with several local shops in Salem PIN HIGH PNW, A NEW LIFESTYLE offering to carry the goods. “We are COMPANY BASED IN SALEM, The two friends started Pin High PNW really excited that people will be able OREGON. in the early summer of 2020, literally to shop our products locally, and to
from the ground up. They started with support small businesses!” dropshipping apparel from their website which let them focus on their ideas and At the end of 2020, Pin High’s efforts designs. Then, they started learning the caught the attention of Tempercraft, a art of screen-printing. local company specializing in stainless steel containers. Representatives from “We wanted to cut out the middle-man Tempercraft reached out to Pin High and make our gear more affordable for and collaborated on a wide-range of everyone, so we started screen printing insulated drinkware (above). Widdall in our living rooms,” sad Widdall. “We’re said they have some giveaways planned currently working on our first batch of for later in the year.
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2021, Widdall said, is all about building the brand and getting people involved in what they call the ‘Pin High Crew.’ Everyone who sports Pin High apparel and shares a picture is in the crew, which seems to be growing every day. “We love the outdoors vibe of the Pacific Northwest. It’s all about being casual and having great outdoor adventures. In one day you can go downtown for coffee, float the river, take a hike, and play nine holes. It’s amazing,” added Widdall. Keep an eye out for Pin High PNW meet-ups that will likely start at local pubs, grow into golf or hiking days, and eventually turn into travelling opportunities for those in the know. It’ll be a homegrown, Pacific Northwest group that takes advantage of everything the region has to offer.
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ALL DAY.
YOUR APPROACH TO THE SMALL GREEN IS ONE OF THE MOST DAUNTING SHOTS YOU'LL FACE
THE DRIVING RANGE RUNNING DOWN THE RIGHT SIDE. ONCE YOU GET THE BALL IN THE FAIRWAY,
TO THE FIRST HALF OF THE ROUND. WATER GUARDS THE ENTIRE LEFT SIDE OF THE HOLE WITH
FEATURES ONE OF THE MOST NARROW FAIRWAYS ON THE COURSE AND IS AN EXCELLENT END
COURSE OF AN 18 HOLE ROUND. RANGING IN LENGTH FROM 341- TO 402-YARDS, THE HOLE
THE PAR FOUR 9TH HOLE AT BANBURY REALLY SUMS UP WHAT AWAITS PLAYERS OVER THE
Banbury Golf Course - Hole 9
THE BEST SHOT
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Golf Heath and Fitness
CBD PROMOTES MENTAL ACCUITY N
ow that CBD has inserted itself into mainstream culture, researchers have more time and money to analyze the different parts of the hemp plant. They found that different cannabinoids interact with our bodies in sophisticated and unique ways. Among the number of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, THC and CBD are the most familiar and widespread ones. CBD is a powerhouse compound because it can provide a wide array of benefits, similar to THC, but without the intoxicating effects of marijuana.
CBD doesn’t work the same for everyone, but it’s easy to try and comes with a big upside if it works well for you.
In golf, CBD can help you both physically and mentally, which makes it extremely powerful. During the off-season, it’s hard to work on your swing, but you can find new ways to improve your mind and be mentally tougher on the golf course. How many times have you been on the golf course and the game feels easy? All you need is a few pars to finish with a career round, but then you start thinking about it. In golf, most mistakes are made before you ever put a club in motion because you let stress and doubt and fear enter your mind. When you use CBD, it keeps you from overthinking and stay completely in control. There are many aspects that CBD can be beneficial to in regard to your mind, including: Getting a better night’s rest Reducing anxious feelings Balancing your mood Relieving stress Enhancing clarity and focus Promoting a sense of calmness Over time, your brain takes damage from the decisions you make, like thinking about how you ALWAYS slice the ball on a certain hole. However, as old pathways breakdown, new ones are formed throughout your life. The abundance of these new pathways is determined by how you have taken care of your brain. Luckily, your brain can regenerate by making new connections and creating new neurons that help your mind grow and repair itself. CBD is an external compound that can assist this process, speed up the timeline of growth and promote possible growth, while fighting off issues that may affect the growth of the brain. Taking CBD regularly can help promote this process on a daily basis, which is great for trying to learn new ways to play golf and manage your mind around the course. A CBD supplement - like edibles or gum - can help you get over some of the on-course stress that comes with a round of golf. It can clear your mind and give you better focus on each and every shot you hit.
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top new
N
ew golf bags come out every year. Just when you think they can’t get any more attractive, efficient, or useful, a bag company will prove you wrong. This year’s crop of new bag is no different, with interesting takes on style, protection from the elements, and portability.
golf bags
CART
CART
STAND
CARRY
Ogio Convoy SE 14 $249.99
Sun Mountain H2NO Lite $329.99
1withGolf Xpress 4.0 $155.99
Jones Bag Co. Special Edition $160.00
With the most pockets, the
Constructed with the same
The newly designed Xpress
Since 1971, this bag has
most storage, and the most
waterproof technology as our
4.0 stand bag is a perfect
become one of the most iconic
features, this is the bag for
rainwear, The H2NO Lite has
combination of lightweight
bags in the game. Combining
golfers who could survive for
high-quality, water-resistant
and durability with a great
traditional stylings with
2 weeks in the wilderness
zippers and sealed seams,
look. With 6 pockets and an
modern materials, the Original
with the things they bring for
plus fabric with a waterproof
insulated water bottle sleeve,
is designed specifically for the
a round of golf. And coming in
treatment on both sides. It’s
this bag has storage space for
walking golfer. Water-resistant
at under six pounds, this is the
perfect for the golfer who
all your golfing accessories. It
nylon keeps grips dry for dew-
lightest fully loaded cart bag
doesn’t let a little rain spoil a
can be customized with colors
sweepers and all-weather
ever made.
round of golf.
and logos.
players.
Golf bags have come a long way since you probably last bought one, and there are some important features to look for and consider when buying a new golf bag. Here are a few of the questions you need to ask yourself when picking out a new one:
Do you walk or ride; do you want individual pockets for each club or do you want to group them together; how much are you prepared to carry around; do you need hooks or straps to hang things from; how much storage space do you need; finally, how much do you want to spend?
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CART BAGS STAND BAGS CARRY BAGS
Share a photo of you and your favorite bag on Instagram @nwgolf!
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RESISTING TEMPTATION Don’t get tricked into thinking
Sooooo..... Bandon Golf Built on Sand Dunes Great Drainage Summer temps in 70's Excellent Architecture
that all golf bags are created equal. Find the right bag for you!
LADIES
LADIES
MENS
Cobra Golf Ladies Ultralight $209.00
Sassy Caddy Oslo Bag $339.00
The Ultralight Cart Bag
The Oslo Collection is
BXD CREATIVE BLUE 750 TECHNO TOP £35.99
features a cart strap pass-
the result of plenty of
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through allowing access to
experimentation with mod
licaec retilius Ad det factu
every pocket while keeping
prints and patterns. It features
cone in ta nondi, nost gra
the bag secure on the cart.
14 full-length dividers, a putter
publicitum tem ret firiosu
It’s designed with maximum
well, plenty of pockets, a
licatil videstra L. Me in ilis,
storage, including a large
coordinating detachable purse
derfecon stilica perevitum
insulated cooler pocket which
and rain hood, and functional
publiciam perum sendeff
holds 12 ounce cans and dual
storage wrapped in water-
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fleece lined valuables pockets.
proof, fade-proof fabrics.
mora abem perfic me cerfex
What are you doing Next Week? Next Year? Let us help plan your trip 541-520-9744
In today’s golf bag market, it’s possible to find the perfect combination of features to fit your tastes and needs.
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JUNIOR GOLF SPOTLIGHT Oliver Insurance helps us feature the future of golf on the West Coast.
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Oregon Junior Golf hosted its first two tournaments of 2021, part of its one-day Winter Series. The January events, held at Willamette Valley Country Club and Langdon Farms Golf Club (above) just south of Portland, featured kids from eight to 18 years of age. Both championship divisions were won with under par scores.
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Grace Oh broke through for her first victory on the California Junior Golf Tour. Her six-over score through two days at Pasadena’s Brookside Golf Club gave her a four-shot victory in the Girls NexGen division. The tour continues play later in the month in Ventura, California.
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Arizona Junior Golf continued pulling more juniors into the world of competitive golf with its X3 Short Course Events. Most recently, beginners and younger players were put to the test at Rolling Hills Golf Course in Tucson, Arizona.
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After more than a year, high school golfers in Washington state returned to the course for league play. Many players had qualified for the 2020 state tournament in the fall of 2019 before the season was ultimately cancelled because of COVID-19.
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This year, to mitigate continued virus concerns, the state announced that it would forego a state tournament and that the shortened season would culminate in a series of regional championships in late March. Do you have a junior golfer or a junior program that we should feature? Email us at info@nwgolfadventures.com and let us know!
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PLACES TO PLAY
Castle Creek Escondido, CA Not every course in Southern California was designed as a place of worship to professional golf. Many courses, like Castle Creek Country Club in Escondido, offer public golf that’s both fun and well-priced for players of all abilities.
is friendly and accomodating. It’s the kind of place you want to play and then hang around on the patio for a drink or two afterwards.
At Castle Creek, it’s all about fun when it comes to golf. The greens fees are a steal at $50 or less, the food and beverage is inexpensive, and everyone working there
Opened in 1948 as a Jack Daray design before a later rework by Perry Dye, Castle Creek features a relatively easy front nine that sets the stage for a much more difficult finishing nine. Starters constantly hear players say that they shot their best nine ever when making the turn, only to have their hopes of a career round crushed on the back. What gets them? It starts with three
Horn Rapids
holes (a par four and two par fives) that are narrow and difficult. They’re excellent golf holes, just difficult ones that require strategy off the tee. After that, water comes into play. A creek runs across holes 13, 14, 16, and 17, languidly waiting to snatch balls that are off-line. The toughest of those the 418-yard par four 14th - sports the creek running in front of the tee box and then down the entire left side of the hole before cutting back in front of the green. It’s all about holding on for dear life on the way into Castle Creek’s clubhouse.
Richland, WA With over 300 days of sunshine a year and less than 7 inches of rainfall, Horn Rapids offers year-round golfing. The Links at Horn Rapids is one of the best desert courses in the Pacific Northwest and an experience you won’t want to pass up. Winding through the sand and sage of the natural desert, Horn Rapids provides a brilliant contrast of greens backed by desert colors set against the backdrop of Rattlesnake Mountain. This desert course features narrow fairways lined by sagebrush and a standard cut of rough. The small greens are undulating and fast, and the terrain is rolling. The signature hole is #13, a 156yard par 3 that overlooks the Yakima River and the previously mentioned Rattlesnake Mountain. All five tees are rated for both men and women.
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Horn Rapids is one of the few courses out there that doesn’t have holes running parallel to one another. Unless you find yourself on one of the higher points of the property, it’s possible to go the entire day without seeing anyone but the groups immediately in front or behind you. The course, on the outside of the TriCities since 1994, has undergone an ownership change in the last few years and the new owners are embracing the potential the layout has to offer. With plenty of property around the golf course, new homes are being built and money put into the course to improve its conditions and playability. Included in those improvements are a new irrigation system, a practice facility, and new clubhouse. Since the purchase, both fairways and greens have seen a marked improvement.
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PLACES TO PLAY
Bandon Crossings Bandon, OR This great coastal course is often overlooked because of the golf resort down the road, but it’s a place that shouldn’t be missed. We recently played Bandon Crossings in the middle of our trip to Bandon Dunes Golf Resort and it was a fantastic break, complete with golf carts to rest tired legs.
PLAY THESE PLACES Castle Creek Country Club 8797 Circle R Drive Escondido, CA 92026 (760) 749-2422
www.castlecreekcountryclub.com
Horn Rapids Golf Course
As soon you get out of your car at Bandon Crossings, it’s easy to see that the course is well-loved by the locals and more laid back than the resort up the road. The modest pro shop is full of great golf gear and the practice facilities are everything you need to prep for your round of golf. An added bonus is that the prices are extremely affordable.
you interested throughout the round. You’ll never feel like you’re playing the same hole twice.
Crossings allows players to ride in carts, a welcome accommodation with some of the hills the course is built on and around.
“There are no gimmie putts out there,” said Head Professional Jim Wakeman. “If your ball finds the wrong position on the green, two putts are at a premium.”
Designed in 2007 by northwest designer Dan Hixson, Bandon Crossings gave the locals of Coos County a championship course to play without the high greens fees of the Bandon Dunes Resort. Set on the east side of Highway 101, Bandon Crossings feels like one of the great golf courses that you can find scattered throughout the region. Elevation changes, a variety of native trees, and water that crosses the fairways and protects the greens. The holes were designed with varied lengths, shapes, and directions to keep
2800 Clubhouse Lane Richland, WA 99354 (509) 375-4714
www.hornrapidsgolfcourse.com
Bandon Crossings GC 87530 Dew Valley Lane Bandon, OR 97411 (541) 347-3232
www.bandoncrossings.com
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Long hitters will find some of the holes, especially a couple of the par fives, pretty easy to navigate from the tee. However, Hixson used the greens to protect the course from players who bomb the ball.
In keeping with the spirit of catering to the local community, Bandon Crossings promotes golf to new and young players. The course offers what it calls the ‘North Nine,’ a collection of holes that are built on the flattest terrain on the property, making it an easy outing for the entire family. The North Nine includes holes 1-5 (alternate green on the fifth hole) and holes 15-18. Bandon Crossings is a course that you shouldn’t miss on your next trip to Bandon Dunes.
FEB 2021
FEB 2021
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