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March/April 2020 - Issue 23 FREE TO SUBSCRIBERS
GOLF in the time of CORONAVIRUS EXCLUSIVE
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC updates from the golf community
GOLF BIZ
INVEST IN YOUR GOLF SWING
GolfSuites is expanding nationally
APPAREL
DUCA DEL COSMA
popular shoe line now in the U.S.
HUMOR
LIFE IN THE TRAP
popular comic back in production
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editor.
from the
H
Northwest
News & Notes
Kris Fay
Golf season gets off to a false start
ere in the Pacific Northwest, it seems like the majority of our golf courses shut down just as the weather was getting nice. Sure, we had some rain just after that, but multiple sunny days are currently in the forecast. Sheltering in place seems like a tougher and tougher option, especially in our house where my 16-year-old son has one of the worst cases of the golf bug I’ve ever seen. So what can you do if a round of golf isn’t an option? Every major golf website has been putting out tips and tricks to help improve your game at home. A quick run through their social media channels will give you drills for polishing every part of your game, as well as
DID YOU HEAR THIS? THEY ARE INCLUDING WEATHER CONDITIONS TO FIGURE HANDICAPS NOW.
Bradley Putters giving back
routines for getting both stronger and more flexible while you wait for your local course to reopen. Some - like Chambers Bay Golf Course - are even offering free swing analysis This may also be the time to tackle that big at-home project. We put a synthetic green in 15 years ago and I finally have time to pull the turf up and level the entire green again. We installed the green ourselves, so I can tell you that it’s not an impossible task. You can find detailed plans and instructions on the Internet and materials are available for home delivery. Let us know how you’re spending your quarantine time. We have some great gear to send out to our favorite responses. Reach us via email at info@ nwgolfadventures.com.
Kris Fay
Owner - NW Golf Adventures
THAT’S CRAZY. GOLFERS HAVE ALWAYS HAD TO DEAL WITH WEATHER.
The Grant’s Pass company has switched from putters to ventilators to help combat equipment shortages in hospitals. Owner Bradley Converse is coordinating Covid Skunkworks, a grassroots effort to get much needed supplies built.
Women’s Golf Day postponed The 2020 celebration of Women’s Golf Day has been moved to September 1st. A virtual celebration will take place on June 2nd. 2020 marks the fifth annual celebration of women in golf.
LPGA Rookie wins Cactus Tour event Haley Moore, looking to compete during the LPGA hiatus, has been playing in the Phoenix-based Cactus Tour. During her check presentation, she asked if a roll of toilet paper or hand sanitizer came with her prize.
TOUR pro feeding kids in Utah The Tony Finau Foundation is working hard to help feed elementary school children in the Rose Park area of Salt Lake City during the coronavirus pandemic has their schools closed.
THAT’S A TERRIBLE RULE!
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IF IT’S AWFUL WEATHER THEN SUCK IT UP AND JUST PLAY!
IT’S GREAT! I’M FOUR UNDER TODAY.
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inside this
issue.
The
Lesson Tee
Issue 23: March/April 2020
04.
GolfSuites Grows GolfSuites will bring together the most realistic golf entertainment and game improvement experience. The company is now offering investment opportunities.
12.
US Hickory Open Gearhart Golf Links, the oldest golf course west of the Mississippi River, will host the 2021 US Hickory Open. All players must use clubs made before 1935.
Coronavirus Golf The coronavirus pandemic has put the golfing community into varied states of pause. Amateurs golfers have rules that run the gamut, but professional golf has ground to a halt.
07.
New AM Tour The Golfweek Amateur Tour already popular throughout most of the country - has launched in the Portland and Seattle/Tacoma areas with 11 and eight events, respectively.
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Keep in touch . twitter.com/nwgolf
facebook.com/nwgolf
Taking a lesson or good practice session from the range to the course is one of the most difficult parts of learning and succeeding at golf. One of the most common causes of power, inconsistent contact, and varying swing paths is a lateral slide during your backswing. It’s hard to fix on the course because that sway can feel like a comfortable move. This month’s lesson should help you fix it, though.
improper weight distribution in their feet. At the top of the backswing the weight will be on the outside of the trail foot (below left). We would like to see the weight stored on the inside of the trail foot (below right).
If you’re a walker and have a pushcart, setup next to it. The goal is to take a practice swing or two to rehearse the move and to hopefully achieve the feeling of rotation and not a slide. In the pictures below you will see two rehearsals: the one on the left has a lateral slide, you can see my hip hit the pull cart; in the second picture, you can see more rotation. My right hip (right hand player) has moved away from the pull cart, creating more coil and the potential for more speed and power in the downswing.
The fix is to slightly point your trail foot inside, so it points towards the ball. This will make it very difficult to slide or to have your weight move to the outside of your trail foot. In the beginning you will feel a bit of tension in your trail knee. This is what a proper coil and turn feel like. Pinching in your trail foot will also assist you in moving through the golf ball and into a better finish position.
The second idea is more of a practical “in swing” change that you can work on during the round. When a player has a lateral slide in the backswing often, he/she will experience
instagram.com/nwgolf
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If you’re just getting started in the game or you’re looking to take your game up a notch, reach out to your nearest PGA Professional.
Alan Reese
PGA Professional Salem Golf Club areese@pga.com
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CORONAVIRUS
DIFFERENCE
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olfers up and down the West Coast are coming to grips with what could be months without golf to play or watch. The coronavirus pandemic has forced states to issue orders for residents to stay home to help fight the spread of the virus. Those orders have had a major impact on the golf community. Golf courses in Washington state and California are completely shut down, including all practice areas and driving ranges. Oregon, Idaho, and Nevada are still allowing golfers to play, but with a variety of restrictions and modifications. Other states, like Utah, are still trying to decide what to do as their golf season gets ready to start. USGA Handicap Modifications What makes golf safe in those states still allowing it? In Oregon, the golf experience is a little different than under normal circumstances. Most courses are requiring online tee times and pre-payment for greens fees. Those who don’t have a restrictive check-in and payment process, allowing for social distancing (one guest at a time in the pro shop, etc) and limited interaction. On the course, cups are turned upside down or raised, and flags are to be left in the hole. Rakes and ball washers are gone and carts are restricted to single riders. Turns out, it’s not that hard to stay away from other players on the golf course.
With much of the Pacific Northwest just starting to accept score posting - March 1st in most states - modifications had to be made. The USGA sent out a memo as to how the Rules of Golf and Rules of Handicapping apply in response to questions from golf industry officials. The USGA had this to say: Flagsticks - Courses may remove flagsticks as long as they provide detailed placement information to players. In most cases, the USGA recommends courses require the flagsticks be left in at all times. This has no impact on handicapping. Bunkers and Rakes - If courses have them removed, players can smooth the sand with their feet. Foursomes can be asked to take a rake out with them. Some courses are playing bunkers as ground under repair and must decide whether or not to allow scores to be posted. Not holing out - If courses place cups so that balls are not holed, players must use the ‘most likely score’ option when posting their scores for handicap purposes. This is at the players judgement.
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NATIONAL CORONAVIRUS UPDATES
Professional tours have cancelled and postponed events, and players and caddies are hoping they’ll still get paid while on hiatus.
BELOW LEFT -:Raised cups at Glendoveer Golf Course. ABOVE LEFT - Pro Shop changes at Heron Lakes Golf Course. ABOVE Leaving the pin in at all times for safety.
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ationally, the golf scene has been turned upside down. Professional events have been cancelled or postponed and amateur events are getting moved around all over the place. Here is a list of changes at the time of publishing. PGA TOUR Cancelled • Valero Texas Open
HELP FOR PLAYERS and CADDIES
Postponed • The Masters
Comedian Larry David launched a GoFundMe for golf caddies, and the response has been really good.
• PGA Championship • Olympic Tournament
LPGA TOUR Cancelled • ANA Inspiration • Lotte Championship • Hugel-Air Premia LA Open • LPGA Mediheal Championship • Olympic Tournament • Moved Evian Championship
• RBC Heritage • Zurich Classic of New Orleans • Wells Fargo Championship • AT&T Byron Nelson
Augusta National also postponed the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and Drive Chip and Putt finals.
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The co-creator of “Seinfeld” created the fundraiser for employees at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, who are losing income due to the coronavirus pandemic. “With the golf course closed indefinitely, the Rivera caddies need our help,” the GoFundMe page says. “Please contribute to help our caddies get thru this unprecedented time.” The PGA Tour announced that players and caddies can receive a paycheck during the TOUR’s hiatus. Players inside the top 150 will be paid based on their current FedEx Cup standings. Players outside the top 150 can receive advance pay advances. Caddies can be paid through a distribution of $250,000 from the Valspar Caddie Hat program, as well as an increase of the balances for caddies under the caddie benevolent fund.
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GolfSuites allowing players
I
to invest in their game
n our October 2019 issue, we wrote about the growth of driving
building events, fundraisers, family celebrations, and amateur
opment Director) has overseen all initial facility design and is in
ranges and entertainment centers, especially facilities like
and professional events.
charge of national site selection. Larson Architects and ROWE Creative Union in Columbus have been engaged for all design
Topgolf. Now, a new company is positioning itself to take a
piece of that alternative golf market with a chain of golf and
GolfSuites will also pair with top instructors and technologies to
entertainment facilities.
provide game improvement for guests both in-person and virtu-
When Tampa-based ERC Homes founders Jerry Ellenburg and Ryan Koenig saw that a Topgolf location was being built next to their offices, the developer/builders were curious. They watched construction be completed and the facility open to massive crowds. Not long after they called in golf enthusiast and customer experience designer, John Galvin, to join them and form what was to become the GolfSuites brand. “We’re very much a competitor to Topgolf,” said GolfSuites chairman Jerry Ellenburg. “These types of facilities make healthy amounts of money and we think we can provide a superior product that guests will really enjoy.” GolfSuites will bring together the most realistic golf entertainment and game improvement experience, including a 250+ yard driving range, simulated green sites and hazards, professional quality golf balls and equipment, swing and golf fitness coaching, restaurants, bars, multiple types of video and live music entertainment all under one roof. The facilities will be designed with differing levels of amenities for avid and recreational golfers, as well as space for corporate and team
aspects of the brand and facilities.
ally. The idea behind GolfSuites is a holistic one, giving players
As you can probably imagine, building a GolfSuites facility isn’t
the chance to have a great time and improve their swing and
cheap. Ellenburg said the company estimates the cost between
game.
$35 and $40 million each for full-sized 100-bay configurations. To get started, GolfSuites is offering investors the opportunity
“Our first location in Tulsa, Oklahoma was taken over last fall
to buy preferred stock in a Reg A offering and is concurrently
and we’re in the process of converting it to a full GolfSuites
procuring institutional and private equity funding.
facility. Our plan is to be a nationwide company, and we’re actively looking for the right pieces of property in the right
“We’re pleased with ongoing fund raising efforts to date,” added
markets,” said Ellenburg.
Ellenburg. “Now we’re just making sure we research potential markets and find the best possible locations for our facilities.
How did GolfSuites develop its next-level experience? Ellenburg
We’re confident that GolfSuites will be successful in the loca-
said the key to success is the company’s management team.
tions in which we choose to open.”
Nick Flanagan (President and Chief Operating Officer) spent years in charge of operations at The Cracker Barrel Old Country
To learn more about GolfSuites and the company’s investment
Store chain and has been instrumental in developing the food
opportunities, visit www.golfsuites.com.
and beverage program and all other senior operational aspects; Scott McCurry (Vice President of Operations) came from Topgolf and has used his expertise to fine-tune the national expansion of GolfSuites; and Kyle Morris (Golf Director) has developed the golf experience from the ground up using his experience as a professional player and teacher. John Galvin (Marketing Director) has designed overall brand concepts and Ryan Koenig (Devel-
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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
Arnold Palmer
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
The same colors in the Umbrella are highlighted in the PUMA Formstripe and CAT logos on the upper, while a pink internal collar is a nod to Mr. Palmers love of wearing pink. One of the sockliners features the Umbrella logo, the other an iconic Arnie quote “I never felt like I didn’t have a chance to win.” Arnold Palmer’s signature is also featured on the shoe.
PERFORMANCE POLO
Volition CK6
With the Volition CK6 America Polo, we’ll have your back! Featuring a bold AMERICA design down the back, this polo will show your support of our military heroes. The America Polo utilizes dryCELL to keep you sweat-free through all 18, while UPF 40+ provides sun protection.
FOOTWEAR
Stars and Stripes
There are a lot of new Gary Woodland fans in the world thanks to his U.S. Open victory. But one of the biggest hits from the week at Pebble Beach could be found on the champ’s feet: Woodland’s Star-Spangled Puma golf shoes. Now you can get a pair of them yourself, all while supporting a good cause.
PERFORMANCE POLO
Volition Allegiance
Show your love for our country with our flagship polo, the Volition Allegiance Polo. This polo features a bold stripe pattern perfect for the tucked in or the casual untucked look. Along with it’s two colors this polo is equipped with DRYCELL technology to keep you cool so you can play all day in the summer.
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DUCA DEL COSMA
“THE QUALITY OF THE MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION OF EACH SHOE SPEAKS TO THE FACT THAT THEY ARE NOT JUST PRETTY TO LOOK AT, THEY DELIVER PERFORMANCE.” This brand of high-end footwear has long been popular with European golfers
G
olf fashion brand Duca del Cosma is launching into the US golf market with a vibrant new range of shoes for men and women golfers, supported by an experienced team led by former Reebok and Ashworth regional sales manager Steve Gray. The premium brand, which sells in more than 30 countries around the world, specializes in producing bench-made leather shoes that offer style and comfort both on and off the golf course. They include a selection of distinctive spikeless styles and waterproof models designed in Italy and made in Portugal to the highest levels of footwear craftsmanship. “The quality of the materials and construction of each shoe speaks to the fact that they are not just pretty to look at, they deliver performance,” said Steve, who is in the process of building his sales team across the key golf markets in the US. “I’ve never seen such quality of craftsmanship in all the time I’ve spent working in the footwear business. The attention paid to detail across all aspects of the production, marks the Duca shoe. The workmanship and sewing detail in each model is exceptional. I’m very excited to be working with such a fast-growing and unique brand,” he added. Models expected to do well in the American market are the ELDORADO, BELAIR and CAMELOT styles, plus the FLYER and MONTEROSSO sneaker-style shoes. Among the women’s line up, the KUBANA, MARQUESSA and ISABEL styles are seen as the most appealing models in the U.S. “We believe that the product line will appeal to golfers at the top golf courses and private country clubs, as well as destination resorts where our premium price points will deliver high margins,” said Gray. To learn more or order a new pair of shoes, visit www.ducadelcosma.com.
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HOME IN TWO, BUT A LESS THAN PERFECT SHOT LESS THAN PERFECT WILL BE IN TROUBLE.
FOLLOWED BY AN UPHILL APPROACH TO A WATER-GUARDED GREEN. YOU CAN TRY TO GET
HOLES TO CHOOSE FROM, THE 18TH HOLE IS A REAL STANDOUT. A DOWNHILL TEE SHOT IS
ONE THAT SHOULDN'T BE MISSED. WITH PRISTINE CONDITIONS AND A VARIETY OF EXCELLENT
RANCHO BERNARDO INN IS A COURSE THAT'S A LITTLE OFF THE BEATEN PATH IN SAN DIEGO, BUT
Rancho Bernardo Inn - Hole 18
THE BEST SHOT
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Re c Go entl lf y PG Co reno A urs va go and e at ted, lfe L R th P a an rs o GA nch e 18 d f a e o -H yo rew ll ve Be ol u" a sk nt rn e co re a rdin ill le s an ard San ur co g d ve d o se m a ls co Inn Dieg ev ho pe y o wit nt h o en st tit n h inu as Ch ts s s ive the a c es ho am ev ev p c ha to st pi er era lay ou lle p ed on y r n ye l gr er, t se. gin rese bot ship ar. ea he If g nt h t
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AMATEUR HOUR AMATEURS CAN PLAY A TOUR JUST LIKE THE PROS, WITH MINIMAL TRAVEL.
T
goal is to provide fun, fast, competitive events with affordable pricing. Our goal is
he golfing community consists of many different types of golfers. There
4 and half hour rounds, so slow play will be monitored and addressed. In addition,
are driving range players, charity scramble players, weekend warriors,
we have coordinated our tour dates with both tours so you can travel and play the
and more serious competitive players. Amateurs who enjoy playing
neighboring tour events in either Portland or Seattle areas.”
competitively but aren’t ready for some of the bigger state or national
events are always looking for opportunities and a new one is now available in
The Golfweek Amateur Tour is for amateurs of all ages and abilities. Members are
Oregon and Washington.
placed in one of five flights based on handicaps. Flights are: Championship (0-3.9 handicap), A Flight (4- 8.9), B Flight (9-13.9), C Flight (14-18.9) and D Flight (19 and
The Golfweek Amateur Tour - already popular throughout most of the country -
over). Tournament format is gross stroke play, with USGA rules in effect. The Tour
has launched in the Portland and Seattle/Tacoma areas with 11 and eight events,
tracks tournament handicaps to ensure players are flighted correctly.
respectively. Entry fees for the Golfweek Tour range from $85-$180 for single day events. The Tour provides amateurs with the experience of competitive stroke-play golf at
Those fees include cart and green fees, range balls and prizes. There will also
courses that are both challenging and enjoyable to play. More importantly, though,
be separate sponsored par- three contests and an optional skins game at each
is the opportunity to compete against a new group of players.
event. Trophies will also be awarded to the winners of each flight. Golfers who qualify receive invitations to the 2020 Golfweek Amateur Golf Tour Championship
“I like to find places to play competitive golf,” said Oregon/SW Washington Tour
54 hole event, Oct. 23rd – 25th on Hilton Head Island, S.C.
Director Stotz Thoda. “Golfweek events have been very successful for the last 25 years, and I wanted to give players in the Pacific Northwest access to those great
Dues for the 2020 season are just $63 until July 1st and then increase to $78.
events.”
Those dues include a $125 Tour credit, a subscription to Golfweek Magazine, a welcome bag, and handicap through US Handicap. Guests are allowed in all local
Founded in Charlotte, N.C., in 1995, the Golfweek Amateur Tour celebrates its
events but won’t earn points or have access to regional and national events.
26th season in 2020 with more than 50 divisions across the country. This year’s Portland and Seattle Tour schedules include visits to: Chambers Bay, Heron Lakes
The tour’s first events will be a dual event weekend May 30 and 31st at Chamber’s
GC, Club at Newcastle, Orchard Hills and Rock Creek CC, Hawk’s Prairie, Stone
Bay and Heron Lakes, respectively. Events previously scheduled prior to May, have
Creek GC, and Black Butte Ranch.
been postponed for later in the year. Visit www.AmateurGolfTour.net for schedule updates.
“Amateurs can play a Tour just like the pros, with minimal travel,” said Thoda “Our events are held locally mostly on the weekends, perfect for the average golfer. Our
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North Oregon Coast Going Back In Time Gearhart Golf Links will host the 2021 US Hickory Open, a nod to the club’s historic roots “Gearhart Golf Links is a course with a long, rich history, going back to 1892.” JASON BANGILD
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earhart Golf Links, the oldest golf course west of the Mississippi River, made a big announcement in March: the North Oregon coast course will host the 2021 US Hickory Open. Presented each year by the Society of Hickory Golfers, the US Hickory Open is the premier hickory golf tournament in the United States. 2021 will mark the event’s 14th year and only the second time a course in the western United States has played host. “We are thrilled to return to the West Coast,” said Society President Greg Smith. “In 2020 the sold-out Open is welcoming hickory golf enthusiasts from over 22 states, and Canada, at Happy Hollow Golf Club in Omaha, Nebraska. The chance to visit the Oregon Coast and play the brilliant and historic links at Gearhart is something very special for our international members.” The US Hickory Open is scheduled for September 12-14, 2021. “Gearhart Golf Links is an exceptional venue for this tournament,” says Northwest Hickory Players tournament organizer Rob Ahlschwede. “David McLay-Kidd, acclaimed architect of Bandon Dunes and Mammoth Dunes, ranked Gearhart in his ‘Top 10 Favorite Places’ in the March 2020 edition of Golf Magazine. The seaside course offers a true links-style experience, perfectly suited to the original equipment used by global hickory golf collectors and enthusiasts.”
The course already has a relationship with Hickory golfers in the Pacific Northwest, having hosted a three-day event each year since 2015. Director of Golf Jason Bangild says hosting the US Hickory Open is an honor for the course and will put the club in the spotlight in a good way. “Gearhart Golf Links is a course with a long, rich history, going back to 1892. Our clubhouse is full of pictures showcasing the earliest players in Gearhart, many playing hickory clubs and walking in coat and tie, or long dresses,” said Bangild. “The hickory game is just a great fit for the course. We have really enjoyed working with Rob and all of the Northwest Hickory Players over the last few years, and we’re thrilled to host their national Open next year. The course is located right in the center of Gearhart, so when the tournament comes to town, it’s sure to draw a crowd!” While all USGA rules are in effect for the stroke play tournament, there are some equipment restrictions that players must follow. All golfers must use pre-1935 authentic wood-shafted clubs or Society-approved replicas. Tournament organizers may modify local rules to help players experience the game as closely as possible to the way it was played nearly 100 years ago. Visit www.NWHickoryPlayers.org for more information about the event. Click here to read our feature story on Gearhart Golf Links!
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JUNIOR GOLF SPOTLIGHT Oliver Insurance helps us feature the future of golf on the West Coast.
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The Junior Golf Association of Northern California hosted its annual Folds of Honor Junior Championship in February, raising $2000 for donation to the Folds of Honor Foundation at Rancho Murietta Country Club. The Folds of Honor provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of fallen and disabled service members.
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The annual Portland Golf Show was a big treat for junior golfers in 2020. A special kids area featured games, professional instruction, and a club swap. Saturday was the big day for kids and family with prizes and games just for young golfers throughout the hall. The main stage was dedicated to juniors with seminars and the first annual Junior Putting Championship.
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Boys in Southwest Washington played their golf season and district tournament in October. With the coronavirus pandemic putting the state tournament in jeopardy, we’re taking our hats off to state qualifiers who may not get a chance to play later this year. Pictured are medalists/qualifiers from the 2A district championships held at Tumwater, Washington’s Capital City Golf Course.
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PLACES TO PLAY
Trophy Lake Golf & Casting Port Orchard, WA Though just a short ferry ride from downtown Seattle, Trophy Lake Golf and Casting Club feels like you’re a million miles away from civilization. Set on the Kitsap Peninsula, the area is surrounded by water on three sides and offers some of the best views of forests and mountains available to golfers. Trophy Lake is unique in offering not only golf, but
fourth and par-5 eighteenth stuck out when all was
also fishing. The ponds and lakes are full of rainbow
said and done.
trout, bass, and more. Throughout a round, you’ll encounter serious anglers trying to land a trophy fish.
The fourth hole stretches to 441-yards, all of it playing uphill and into the wind. It’s easy to miss this
It is the golf, however, that will leave a more lasting
green because of the long approach shot, making this
impression, or mark, if you prefer. Trophy Lake boasts
a scramble hole for sure.
a front nine difficult enough to challenge the best players. The yardage from the championship tees is
The 18th hole is just a great finishing hole, Measuring
listed as a paltry 3,376 on the scorecard, but plays
532 yards, the par-5 offers a chance for big hitters to
much longer. The back nine, while playing to a longer
go for it in two, but with a shallow green and a creek
yardage of 3380, seems a breeze compared with the
in front, the best chance for birdie is a lay-up.
brutal front nine. In all, Trophy Lake is a reasonable priced round of golf With so many excellent holes and views to choose
that will challenge everyone in your foursome. It has
from, it’s hard to pick a true signature hole for Trophy
the amenities you’d expect and is a nice course to
Lake. Employees in the pro shop said the course
walk.
really has 18 signature holes. However, the par-4
Firecliff @ Desert Willow
Palm Desert, CA
Desert Willow Golf Resort, nestled in the heart of
targeted grass range, putting greens and short game
Palm Desert, offers 36 holes of championship desert
area. Pro Link GPS is standard on all carts, as are ball
golf on layouts designed by Mike Hurdzan, Dana Fry
& club washers and ice chests.
and PGA Tour professional John Cook. The Firecliff and Mountain View courses have been rated 4 out
At Firecliff, golfers will notice immediately the
of 5 stars by Golf Digest Places to Play, with each
intricately designed sand bunkers that are strategically
providing five sets of tees that make a challenging
located along the well manicured fairways, and near
test for experienced players, while also providing a
the mildly undulating green complexes. In total there
fun and rewarding round for amateurs.
are 100 bunkers - though their intricate designs makes it feel like more. The desert waste areas that
The Desert Willow layouts provide all the excitement
help define the fairways are cleaned out so that
and vistas of desert golf, without the long forced
recoveries are sometimes possible.
carries that are sometimes prevalent on these types of layouts. There are some natural desert areas to
The finely sculpted tee boxes are adorned with
carry, but the tee shots are reasonable in length.
wildflowers and landscaped shrubbery, and are layered with desert in between - reminding one that
On property is a beautiful clubhouse that features a
this is truly a desert layout. The setting is pristine and
wonderful pro shop, locker room facilities, restaurant
spectacular, with mountain views and natural areas
& lounge that provides an extensive lunch menu, and
highlighting an experience that all levels of players
an outdoor patio that affords spectacular golf course
will appreciate. Water hazards on seven of the holes
views. There is a full service practice facility with
also add to the aesthetic experience and challenge.
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PLACES TO PLAY
Glendoveer
Portland, OR
Community-owned facility a favorite with Rose City golfers. Glendoveer Golf Course in Portland, Oregon is a public golf course that plays host to thousands of rounds per year. Owned by regional agency METRO, Glendoveer has grown from a suburban club built in 1926 to a center of community and neighborhood activity. With two golf courses, a tennis facility, and dedicated walking and running trail, the facility has something for just about everyone. The East Course is the more difficult of the two courses at Glendoveer. The round starts with a short par four with water on the right side, and a bunker on the left. A tee shot that lands between those two hazards will usually leave about 135 yards into a small, fast green tucked behind a greenside bunker. Pretty typical of the challenge golfers face throughout the round.
PLAY THESE PLACES Trophy Lake Golf & Casting 3900 Lake Flora Road Port Orchard, WA 98367 360-874-8337 www.trophylakegolf.com
Desert Willow Golf Resort 38995 Desert Willow Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 760-346-7060 www.desertwillow.com
The course has a great layout with several challenging holes throughout the round and, if you’re feeling strong, a drivable par 4. Accuracy off the tee is a very important part of scoring on this course as it plays long and uphill with several blind tee shots. Course conditions are well maintained, including smooth and fast greens. The West Course, added in 1928, is considered easier with wider fairways
Glendoveer Golf Course 14015 NE Glisan Street Portland, OR 97230 503-253-7505 www.playglendoveer.com
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and fewer bunkers. Both courses, however, are walkable and fun to play. The practice facility has several practice greens and a double-decker driving range with plenty of space to work on your game, loosen up your swing or practice your long shots before you head out on the course. The entire facility, both golf and practice, are perfect for junior players looking for an affordable place to work on their game. For those under 18 years of age, the course participates in the Youth on Course program, offering $5.00 greens fees for registered players. The staff includes a few instructors, so if you find yourself struggling or need some suggestions on how to improve your game, you can purchase lessons for a very reasonable price. Glendoveer also offers tennis options if you want to change up your daily workout with private lessons, city league teams, or memberships. The facility has also played host to some of Portland’s most popular restaurants. Currently, Von Ebberts Brewing calls Glendoveer home, offering excellent food options and micro-brews to players making the turn or looking to settle their bets after a round.
APR 2020
APR 2020
www.nwgolfadventures.com
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