WWW.NWGOLFADVENTURES.COM | JAN-FEB 2022 | ISSUE 30 | FREE TO SUBSCRIBERS!
The latest golf news and features for players on the West Coast!
TPC Scottsdale Play major league golf on the
Stadium Course
Galvin Green
New UpCycle line puts waste to good use
Full Metal Markers Interesting marker designs at affordable prices
SSHHHHHHH
Korean Hidden Technology is fueling big drives
South Pacific
Bali Hai is an oasis on the busy Las Vegas Strip
JAN 2022
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editor. O from the
Northwest
News & Notes
Kris Fay
It’s time to remember Lee Elder and other golf pioneers ver the last few years, Black
had been relegated to carrying the bags of
History Month has taken on more
white players and were kept off many of the
importance and a deeper meaning.
country’s most exclusive courses.
For golf, that means taking the time
to look at the relationship between
But the problem isn’t just the TOUR itself.
African Americans and the game we all love
The golf media in the United States rarely
to play. For the most part, that relationship
scratches the surface when it comes to
has been a toxic one.
social justice and race relations in the game. They hit on the easy stories but fail to ask
Following the death of George Floyd and
the tough, uncomfortable questions. Many
other African Americans at the hands of
reporters are happy to ask about playing
police officers - and the protests that came
tournaments in Saudi Arabia or slurs heard
after - the PGA TOUR made what could be
coming from the mouths of players on
called a half-hearted attempt to celebrate
television, but few had the guts to ask
the
players about Black Lives Matter or their
contributions
Players
like
of minority players.
Cameron
Champ,
Harold
Forbidden Fairways - Calvin H. Sinnette Forbidden Fairways is not just a history of the African Americans who have been playing golf for over 200 years but a tribute to them as well. From the unnamed South Carolina enslaved young man who first dared to hit a golf ball when his master wasn’t looking . . . to another young man named Tiger who dared to win the Masters while the whole world watched. It’s a sad story in places, uplifting in others.
Game of Priviledge - Lane Demas This groundbreaking history of African Americans and golf explores the role of race, class, and public space in golf course development, the stories of individual black golfers during the age of segregation, the legal battle to integrate public golf courses, and the little-known history of the United Golfers Association (UGA)--a black golf tour that operated from 1925 to 1975.
thoughts on race in the United States.
Varner III, Tony Finau, and (of course) Tiger Woods were lauded and celebrated. It was
This year, for Black History Month, dig
contemporary players who benefited from
a little deeper and learn more about the
the inroads Woods had been making since
complicated story that is African Americans
1997, low-hanging fruit.
on the golf course. To get you started, I’ve found three books you should read; they’re
The TOUR put out a statement about
listed on the right. Let us know what you
support
think.
for
the
African
American
community, but largely skimmed over the game’s ugly past in which people of color
Kris Fay
Owner - NW Golf Adventures
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Uneven Lies - Pete McDaniel A fast-moving heart-warming narrative on the history of African-Americans in golf. Beginning with the 1896 U.S. Open where blacks first played in national competition, to the invention of the golf tee by an African-American dentist in 1899, to the early clubs and facilities open to people of color, to the service roles that served as an introduction to the game. And much, much more.
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inside this
issue.
The
Lesson Tee
Issue 30: January/February 2022
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Full Metal Markers These unique markers and divot tools are a great mix of affordable and awesome. If you like the designs they have, then you can have them customized for your company or event..
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Top Secret The AutoFlex shafts break from conventional wisdom by weighing 20 to 30 grams less than typical shafts, saving wear and tear on the body of the golfer swinging it.
As we navigate the winter in the Pacific Northwest, we are forced to accept that not every day is a good day to be on the course. Cold spells and atmospheric rivers can be detrimental to even the hardiest of golfers. Just because we may not always have access to the golf course or driving range does not mean that we cannot keep our game in shape. I have three drills that you can do at home that will keep your game ready for the course.
TPC Scottsdale No trip to Scottsdale is complete without a round on the famed TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course. Playing on either side of the Waste Management Open is always fun.
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Body rotation drill- For this drill, you will need a baking tray and four plastic cups. You will place the cups on the tray and take your address position. While holding the tray level turn away as if you are taking a backswing. As you turn to the finish make sure that the tray stays level and finish with your chest, belly button, and knees facing forward. This is a daily drill that you can do for 5min.
Golf Data In 2021, Arccos members recorded nearly 175 million shots during almost 3.5 million rounds played across 44,000 courses in 163 countries.
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Keep in touch . twitter.com/nwgolf
facebook.com/nwgolf
Thumbs up In this drill you will need a wedge and mirror. Take your address position and stand in front of a mirror. Take the backswing to a 9 o’clock position. Your thumbs should be pointing up.
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Then take the club to a 3 o’clock finish. Again, your thumbs should point upward. This will teach you how to control the clubface through the impact zone. This is a daily drill that you can do in 5min. Meaningful Swings Repetition is key to success. One way to stay sharp when you cannot get to the course/ range is to make 25 meaningful swings a day. A meaningful swing is a swing with intent. Proper setup, mindful pace, and a proper finish. Swing with a purpose on every swing. This is a drill that should be done daily. Take advantage of these home golf drills and you will be ready for the course when the sun decides to shine again. Best of luck, and if you have any questions, reach out to your local PGA Professional.
Alan Reese PGA Professional Salem Golf Club areese@pga.com
FEB 2022
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Walking in the footsteps of
CHAMPIONS
TPC Scottsdale, one of the crown jewels of the TPC Network, allows golfers the chance to play where the game’s best tee it up.
T
he greater Phoenix area is chock full of golf courses; some good, some great. It can be overwhelming to plan a golf trip and know which courses are worth the time and money to play. Thanks to the TPC Network of courses and a phenomenal PGA TOUR stop, there’s one facility that’s guaranteed to please.
what we have with the Stadium Course.” The Stadium Course’s signature hole is, of course, the par-three 16th. During the Waste Management Open, the hole is completely enclosed by bleachers that seat more than 20,000 spectators. Needless to say, it looks vastly different without the bleachers but it’s still one of the most difficult short par-three shots out there.
TPC Scottsdale emcompasses two championship golf courses - the Champions Course and the world-renown Stadium Course. The latter of the two plays host every February to the biggest party in professional golf, the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Every day, players are able to walk in the steps of their favorite professional players when they tee it up on the Stadium Course.
The second course at TPC Scottsdale is the Champions Course, which was designed by Randy Heckenkemper, and completed in 2007. This course replaced the original Weiskopf and Morrish designed Desert Course.
Depending on the time of year, visitors will find the Stadium Course in varying stages of tournament host preparation. Those who play immediately before or after the Waste Management may find wayward shots ricocheting off the bleachers and grandstands lining fairways and surrounding greens. At other times of the year, the course feels wide open, encouraging players to fire away off the tee. Regardless, it’s a course that will challenge players of all abilities, while simulaneously charming them with its pristine conditions. Since opening in 1986, the Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish-designed course has undergone changes in response to play on the PGA TOUR and to make play more enjoyable to average golfers. Some of the iconic landmarks - like the boulder Tiger Woods called a ‘loose impediment’ - have been removed, while bunkers and waste areas have been added or enlarged. “We don’t want this to be the most difficult golf course in Scottsdale,” said head professional Alex Abbruzza. “We want a golf course that will provide the professionals with the opportunity to make exciting shots for the fans and we want a course that’s fun for the public to play. Right now, that’s exactly
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T
he best part about a day at TPC Scottsdale is that the experience starts the moment guests turn off Hayden Drive and motor down the main drive. From the attendants at the bag drop to the pro shop employees to the starters, everyone is willing to bend over backward to make sure players have a complete TPC experience. It’s truly one of the biggest assets of the TPC Network that all their properties provide exquisite experiences for guests. “We don’t live in the area full time, but every time I’m near I have to play the TPC Scottsdale, especially the Stadium Course,” said repeat guest Scott Combs. “There are a lot of options for golf, but the pros play the Stadium Course, and my son and I are always curious about how we’d play the same course the best players in the world play.” The Stadium Course has managed to distinguish itself in another way, with its off-course offerings. The clubhouse features well-appointed locker rooms, one of the best pro shops in the country, and a fantastic dining experience at Toro Restaurant and Rum Bar. If you’re looking for fine dining after a round of golf, Toro’s South- and Central American-infused menu is guaranteed to hit the spot. In short, no trip to the Scottsdale/Phoenix area is complete without a round at the Stadium Course. For more information or to book a tee time, visit www.tpc.com/ scottsdale. About the TPC Network The TPC Network of Clubs gives golf fans the opportunity to experience golf at the same level the professionals play on. As part of the PGA TOUR, the TPC Network was developed to host some of golf ’s biggest events on venues designed to showcase the skills of the world’s best players. It’s a chance for golfers to walk the same fairways and hit shots from historic spots. There are currently 28 courses available through the TPC Network.
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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!
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
PERFORMANCE SHIRTS
Penguin Originals
Step out in stripes with this Original Penguin Y/D Engineered Stripes Polo. This shortsleeve polo shirt features an eye-catching multi-colored engineered stripe block print. A ribbed collar with 3-button placket adds classic weekend-ready style..
LAID-BACK STYLE
Rhoback Golf
Keep warm and comfortable with The Bootleg Hoodie. All Rhoback performance hoodies are moisture wicking and comfortable. With a four-way stretch and sharp comfort fit, don’t expect this hoodie to get in the way of your monster drives or most delicate chip shots.
LADIES FASHION
Kinona Golf & Life
The Keep it Covered Sleeveless Women’s Golf Shirt is made of slightly lighter-weight Italian fabric, making this the perfect top for those 80+ degree days when you want UPF 50+ protection. This women’s golf shirt pairs perfectly with Kinona’s Sun’s Out Golf Sleeves. The princess seams in this golf shirt help provide the illusion of curves in all the right places. Just like other Kinona women’s golf clothes, this golf shirt is easy to care for and goes in the washer and dryer like a pro.
HOT FOOTWEAR
Air Jordan 1 Low G
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These shoes feature genuine leather and bold colorblocking that recreates the classic look. Today, MJ’s love for sport continues through the game of golf, and the Air Jordan 1 Golf Shoe continues the tradition. It’s just right for that golfer that dares to be different. With Air in the heel, a Jumpman on the insole and an integrated traction pattern, the Air Jordan 1 G recreates the look of the lowcut original—but gives you everything you need to play 18 holes in comfort.
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Sustainable Golf Practices
GALVIN GREEN UPCYCLE
M
indful of the environmental challenges facing the world today, high-performance golfapparel brand Galvin Green is advancing its industry-leading sustainability credentials with the creation of its new exclusive UpCycle Edition Crafted using surplus fabric from its main production runs, the pioneering range is designed to help reduce unwanted waste and offer golfers peace of mind knowing that the clothing helps minimize the social and environmental impact often associated with manufacturing. “We strive to never compromise in all of our practices as a responsible and sustainable organization, which is the key driving force in our latest UpCycle Edition,” said CEO Nicholai Stein. “We feel the responsibility to play our part in making a difference for the future and are confident that we are pushing the boundaries by using perfectly fine fabric that would ordinarily go to waste in a dedicated collection for serious golfers,” he added.
for added warmth, conveniently placed pockets on the chest and back, as well as two pockets on the inside of the garment. The jacket comes in six colors, including a distinctive Red Orange option. The INTERFACE-1™ range of windproof garments - recommended by the brand to be worn in 95 out of 100 rounds - has expanded to include the LAYTON padded full-zip vest with a warming effect #3 for incredible protection in the wind. Designed to be layered with other Galvin Green items, it features attractive padding to appeal both on and off the course, plus zippered front pockets that keep hands out of the cold and belongings safe.
WE FEEL THE RESPONSIBILITY TO PLAY OUR PART IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR THE FUTURE AND ARE CONFIDENT THAT WE ARE PUSHING BOUNDARIES
Building on its success in winning the global 2021 Sports Technology Award for Sustainability, the Swedish brand recently joined forces with the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf as an Innovation Partner, in a move to speed up the progress of sustainability in and through golf on a global scale. The UpCycle Edition merges seamlessly with the core collection to see the brand boast the greatest depth of sustainable products on the market. For men, the full-zip APEX spearheads the 100% waterproof jackets that offer protection from the harshest weather conditions in a supremely smart design for use both on and off the course. It features GORE-TEX® stretch fabric to deliver ultimate freedom of movement during the swing, a mesh lining
Among the latest warm layer INSULA™ sweaters that incorporate upcycled fabrics, the DRAKE half-zip puts leftover fabric to good use to provide incredible warmth and breathability. Offering a classic look, new colors include Angel Blue and Steel Grey.
In the Women’s collection, the sophisticated ARISSA fully waterproof GORE-TEX® jacket features a mesh lining for added warmth. Contrast piping on the exterior gives it a refreshing look. Available in seven striking colors - including the standout Wineberry - to complete a number of golfing outfits. The sleek ADELE uses GORE-TEX® Paclite® stretch technology in the design to deliver ease of movement and 100% waterproof protection. It features two front pockets and comes in six colorways, including a new eye-catching Rose option. The ultra-comfortable DOLLY INSULA™ sweaters in Clover Blossom and Dahlia are two of five color options that are welcome additions to the collection of garments that provide excellent warming properties for those colder golfing days.
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HOMEGROWN
GOLF! Full Metal Markers
T
WHEN BRIAN KING STARTED FULL METAL MARKERS, HE WANTED TO PROVIDE MODERN GOLF BALL MARKERS, he company got rolling in 2018 “We personally fulfill every order REPAIR TOOLS, AND TOWELS THAT EXCEL FOR when Brian, an avid golfer, and respond to every email,” added TODAY’S GOLFERS. WITH HIS WIFE, KATIE, AT HIS felt there was something Brian. “Outside of actually making the SIDE, BRIAN TAKES GREAT PRIDE IN PROVIDING missing in the ball marker products, we run every aspect of the SOME OF THE BEST GOLF PRODUCTS ON THE market. What he found were business.” MARKET COMBINED WITH THE ABSOLUTE BEST either cheap, poorly made products CUSTOMER SERVICE IMAGINABLE. or expensive custom items. Full Metal So what does a small business do to FULL METAL MARKERS IS A TREAT TO WORK WITH FOR YOURSELF OR THE PERFECT GIFT FOR THE GOLFERS IN YOUR LIFE.
products fall squarely in the middle, providing original designs made with quality materials at an affordable price.
“All of our designs are carefully thought out,” said Brian. “I’d rather have a few great designs than many mediocre designs.”
grow past its online roots? Full Metal Markers will continue to partner with golf pro shops to carry the company’s direct-to-consumer products or sell their own customized items. “We saw a major uptick in 2021 and expect that trend to continue.”
To see the complete line of Full Metal Markers or to place an order, visit www. fullmetalmarkers.com.
While Full Metal Markers started out as a hobby, the Internet and social media have allowed it to grow and become a national brand that golfers all over have connected with. While all the designs are done in-house - as well as the inventory, marketing, and customer service that Katie handles manufacturing has been outsourced to allow for lower consumer pricing.
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THE SIGNATURE 18TH HOLE AT VICTORY IS NOT ONLY BREATHTAKING BUT PRESENTS A FORMIDABLE CHALLENGE TO MAKE YOUR PAR 5. CARRY THE WATER TO THE FAIRWAY AND YOU WILL BE IN GOOD SHAPE TO LAY UP YOUR SECOND. AVOID THE FAIRWAY BUNKER ON YOUR LEFT, AND YOU WILL HAVE A SHORT IRON TO THE GREEN.
Victory Course at Verrado - Hole 18
THE BEST SHOT
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Pe rch e fe d u el po th on n t e to he th Vic p o fo e tor f t ot F y h hi en oun cou e w lls o tir der rs orl f t e s e d h Ta we co . Yo as e W ke ste ur u'l yo h br a rn se l no u b ite ea m P an t e Ta th om ho d on gin nk c fo bec ent enix lub ly e yo Mo r a au , a v ho nj ur u wi se nd alle use oy v jou nta ld yo a y , b ie rn ins rid u'r de be ut ws ey , y e! e ep low th o at ou in 'll e f .
JAN 2022
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More is more at Quivira
layout that redefined the Cabo golf experience when Quivira Golf Club opened in 2014. With the popular course having garnered nearly every design accolade the golf and travel industry has to offer, Nicklaus has returned to create a second course.
Quivira will add a second championship course from a world renown architect and champion.
Groundbreaking for the club’s second Jack Nicklaus Signature Course is expected to take place by fourth quarter 2022. Quivira’s second course will expand the resort and residential community’s golf offering to accommodate the increased demand, resulting from the growth of the development, including ultra-exclusive, recently launched projects such as the St. Regis Resort & Residences; the exclusive new real estate community, Old Lighthouse Golf & Ocean Club; and the Alvar hillside condominiums. “The first golf course at Quivira is a spectacular layout playing across a remarkable piece of property,” Nicklaus said. “Now, I am excited that design is well underway on the second course at Quivira, which should be stunning and equally as spectacular. I hope golfers who play the second course will enjoy the views, the quality of golf, and the challenge.” While the routing plan for Quivira’s second course is in its final stages, it is anticipated that Nicklaus and his design team will create another world-class layout on this exceptional piece of land. Situated in the northwest area of the 1,850-acre development, several of the holes on the new course will meander through rolling desert foothills and expansive valleys, interlaced by winding arroyos.
F
Quivira’s second course will provide a different challenge but one that should mirror the high quality associated with the existing golf experience. The southern portion of the new layout will feature panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the westernmost point of the Sea of Cortez, which swells with breaching whales during the winter months. On the interior side, tall distant peaks will serve as dramatic backdrops for several holes.
ollowing the incredible success of its first Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, Quivira has announced that the resort will expand and elevate the golf experience for guests at its Land’s End property.
Situated at the tip of the Baja Peninsula and just 10 minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas - in a dramatic setting marked by windswept dunes, sheer cliffs and lush desert foothills - Jack Nicklaus, golf’s greatest champion and globally acclaimed golf course designer, crafted a world-class
For additional information, resort reservations, or tee times access the website at www.quiviraloscabos.com/golf or call 1-800-990-8250.
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More and more golfers depend on analytics from devices like Arccos trackers.
new heights for
Arccos golf data
A
rccos – the pioneer of big data and Artificial Intelligence for golf - today announced recordbreaking numbers for use of its award-winning Arccos Caddie platform, with the company now having surpassed 35 billion on-course data points and 500 million shots recorded during 9 million rounds played by its global membership. In 2021 alone, Arccos members recorded nearly 175 million shots during almost 3.5 million rounds played across 44,000 courses in 163 countries, helping to fuel the industry’s richest data set. Perhaps most impressive was the remarkable improvement by golfers who harnessed the power of their personal performance data to play smarter and shoot lower scores – new Arccos Caddie members who played at least 10 rounds lowered their handicap index by an average of 5.78 strokes, and were five times more likely to record a hole-in-one than non-members.
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Arccos Surges Past 35 Billion On-Course Data Points and 500 Million Shots Recorded During 9 Million Rounds otably, new Arccos Caddie member improvement Played was seen across all skill levels, showcasing the power
of on-course data to help any golfer make more informed decisions about equipment, strategy, practice and instruction. “Like the rest of the Arccos team, I am driven in large part by the tremendously loyal community of members that constantly share their stories of improvement and satisfaction at achieving their golfing milestones, be that breaking 100, becoming a single-digit handicap, shooting under par or recording their first hole-in-one,” said Sal Syed, Arccos’ CEO and Co-Founder. “They – along with our great partners like PING, TaylorMade, Cobra, Club Champion and TXG – make all of our growth possible, and also help us stay laser focused on delivering against our value proposition.” Arccos’ exceptional 2021 also saw its members spend 478 million minutes (8 million hours) logged into the app and 332,000 days using Arccos’ personalized Strokes Gained Analytics to assess their rounds and chart their path to improvement. Although California proved to be the most popular location for Arccos Caddie members – with Harding Park, Torrey Pines, Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill among the top 10 most-played courses – it was Dubai’s Jumeirah Golf Estates Fire Course that saw the most rounds recorded by users. The Els Club (Dubai), Canada’s Whistle Bear and Singapore’s Marina Bay were close behind. Golf’s first Artificial Intelligence platform, Arccos Caddie automatically tracks your shots while delivering in-round insights and post-round Strokes Gained Analytics. The system includes the world’s first A.I.-powered rangefinder, smart club distances and caddie advice for every golf hole on earth. The company’s recent releases are highlighted by a groundbreaking golf ball data capture system. This represents the initial step in Arccos’ process of analyzing how a player’s ball selection may impact every aspect of their game, from equipment choices to club selection to in-play strategy. The Arccos Caddie system and Arccos Caddie Link are permitted under the Rules of Golf (USGA Decision Numbers 20180414 and 2020-0305).
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TOPSEC I
n the Spring of 2021, a funny thing happened on the PGA TOUR. A new shaft started popping up in drivers on the range, with players like Adam Scott testing the multi-colored component from an obscure Korean manufacturer. Word on the street and on the shaft itself - indicated that it was Korean Hidden Technology powering the booming drives it delivered.
one of the few United States distributors for AutoFlex shafts. So far, responses from the golfers who have had a fitting at Westside have loved the performance and been buying them at an impressive rate. “We’ve had a lot of clients come in for a fitting and the AutoFlex performs so much better than the stock shafts they have in their drivers,” said Mattson. “Many of them have come back to buy shafts for their fairway woods and hybrids.”
Almost as quickly as it came, the AutoFlex shaft disappeared. For the average consumer, the $790 price tag was likely too high.
The AutoFlex shafts break from conventional wisdom by weighing 20 to 30 grams less than typical shafts, something the designers say takes some of the strain off a golfer’s body. That same lighter weight allows the shaft to respond to a variety of swing speeds and optimize the transfer of energy for longer, straighter shots.
Fast-forward nine months and the AutoFlex is back and more golfers in the United States are getting to try out this new technology for the first time. Previously, it was only possible to order the shaft from the Dumina Company website and there was no place to get fitted. That’s all changed, especially on the West Coast.
You can schedule a fitting at www.westsidegolfacademy.com or call your local club-fitter to find out if they carry the AutoFlex.
Garth Mattson, of Vancouver, Washington’s Westside Golf Academy, is
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CRET
What are you doing Next Week? Next Year? Let us help plan your trip 541-520-9744 17
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.
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
Bali Hai Las Vegas, Nevada There’s a unique vibe at Bali Hai Golf Club, the only championship golf course remaining on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Bali Hai - a tropical golf oasis resting in the shadows of the Strip resorts - is keeping the decades-long Las Vegas Strip golf tradition alive and well. When Perry Como recorded the classic ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ in 1949, he would never have guessed that the fictional island he crooned about would be the inspiration for one of Las Vegas’ most exclusive and unique golf resorts. Since the turn of the century, Bali Hai Golf Club has been delighting golfers with its one-of-a-kind views of the Las Vegas Strip.
Bali Hai Golf Club 5160 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89119 (888) 427-6678
www.balihaigolfclub.com
Home of the ParMates These fun and outgoing caddies serve as hostesses and concierges. They will handle all the little chores like maintaining the scorecard, fixing divots and ball marks, cleaning clubs, calling in for lunch, ordering beverages from the carts, helping find balls and assistance on the green. They are also a good source for information about what to do in Las Vegas after your round of golf, giving you information about the hottest clubs, newest restaurants and best shows, shopping and more!
Built to look like the tropical island it was named for, the Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley designed course is within 10 minutes of the city’s top hotels and just across the street from McCarran International Airport. To complete the tropical effect, the property was filled with 4,000 trees - including 2,500 towering palms - more than 100,000 tropical plants and nearly seven acres of water features. At 7,002 yards from the tips and a par of 71, Bali Hai is no pushover. Players can tell from the very first tee that the course will be tight and challenging. As with any course of this caliber, everything is in amazing shape, giving golfers the chance to play shots from immaculate fairways
Please note: ParMates must be
reserved 48 hours in advance.
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and roll putts on pure greens. Bali Hai starts off with a relatively short, easy par four. What follows is a series of increasingly difficult holes that builds to a series of dramatic finishing holes using the golden Mandalay Bay Resort as a backdrop. One of the most interesting and intimidating shots happens on the par three 16th, which plays over water with a full view of the clubhouse and restaurant. It’s followed by the two par fours that will test a player’s mental fortitude as they try to finish with a good score. While Bali Hai looks the part of a desert oasis, there are reminders that your in the middle of one of the busiest cities in America. You’ll hear everything from freeway noise, trains, and airplanes as you play, but those things all add to the feeling that you’ve escaped the real world. Bali Hai has a large clubhouse, and proshop which is well versed in renting clubs to visiting gamblers who need to take a break from losing money in the casino.
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