WWW.NWGOLFADVENTURES.COM | MAY-JUNE 2020 | ISSUE 24 | FREE TO SUBSCRIBERS!
The latest golf news and features for players on the West Coast!
BANDON continues to AMAZE Sheep Ranch
Meet the resort’s newest offering:
Eco Polo
New shirts are helping clear plastic from the ocean
Drawing Genius Ed Rini is using his love of golf to fuel his artistic fires
Practice Perfect New app teaches golfers how to practice to improve
Father’s Day Gifts Six excellent selections that should fit any dad (or grad)
JUNE 2020
www.nwgolfadventures.com
editor.
from the
Northwest
News & Notes
Kris Fay
Welcome to the beginning of Winter golf season!
W
arning: you’re about to read a little bit of shameless selfpromoting.
Northwest Golf Adventures started as a golf travel service in 2005. Our website was always full of course and resort features and travel deals. We helped thousands of golfers book vacation deals throughout Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. The Internet grew and changed all that by making it incredibly easy to book your own custom-fit golf vacations. Northwest Golf Adventures had to evolve. As the company made the shift from vacation packages to golf news and features, I knew the website needed to make a shift, too. It’s impossible to add new course features every day and our clients said they wanted new things to read on a regular basis. Despite what my
YOU HAVE TO WORK? HOW ARE YOU GOING TO WORK WHILE WE PLAY?
Sounding off on Floyd death, protests The country has recently been rocked by the death of George Floyd and the subsequent protests in all 50 states. Many in the golf world have had something to say about equality and justice in the United States.
wife might say, I do try to listen. So, it’s with great pleasure that I announce the launch of our new website! Based on more contemporary news designs, the upgraded nwgolfadventures. com breaks this magazine down and makes it easy to search for and read the stories you want. Regular features are represented as categories and stories that might not make it into the magazine are posted as they become available. We’re also setting up a shop where we can curate some of our favorite golf gear that you might not find readily available in your area. In short, the writers and staff members here have gotten a lot busier in between issues!
Kris Fay
Owner - NW Golf Adventures
EASY! VIRTUAL BACKGROUNDS ON VIDEO CONFERENCING.
Tiger Woods, PGA TOUR “We can make our points without burning the very neighborhoods that we live in. I hope that through constructive, honest conversations we can build a safer, unified society.”
Jane Park, LPGA TOUR “The @LPGA stands for equality. We will always stand up against racism and injustice of any kind. I may never understand how you feel, but I stand with you.”
Harold Varner III, PGA TOUR “There is a lot of of beauty and love in this world. I pray for equality & social justice as we all so desperately deserve that in this day and age. I pray for humanity even more because regardless of color, WE need each other to make that change.”
WHEN I AM ON MUTE THEY HAVE NO IDEA I AM GOLFING! IT’S FOOL PROOF!
Clay WE CAN SEE YOUR GOLF ParGLOVE, CLAY.
02
AND THE GOLF TEE BEHIND Screen YOUR EAR...
AND THAT’S SUNLIGHT ON ChatYOUR FACE...
www.nwgolfadventures.com
inside this
issue.
The
Lesson Tee
Issue 24: May/June 2020
04.
Drawing Genius Ed Rini used his quarantine time to hone his skill with a pencil and paper. The results have been stunning drawings that golfers across the country are scooping up.
Sheep Ranch Bandon Dunes has opened the resort’s fifth full-length golf course. According to some, it may be the best of the bunch. It’s not too late to book your trip for 2020.
08.
Fairway bunkers are golf’s great equalizer. They tend to be the last line of defense against the long and slightly erratic player. At face-value, fairway bunkers are not very difficult. Most of the time they are not too deep, and unless your ball rests against the lip of the bunker they are not too terribly difficult to escape from.
At address - Weight should favor the lead foot 60/40. This will encourage the player to stay more on top on the golf ball and will lead to better contact.
Many players struggle from the fairway bunker, so today we will look at a few common mistakes and the proper plan of attack to escape these gentle monsters.
During the Swing - Dig your feet in slightly and try to make the golf swing more with your upper body. The idea is to keep the lower body quiet during the swing. This will result in better balance and most likely better shots.
Common mistakes
12.
Gift Guide Father’s Day is a tough holiday to shop for. We’ve got six options that are sure to fit any dad and just about any budget.
Core Golf App
Ball position - too far back (closer to the trail foot). This causes a swing that is too steep and leads to inconsistent ball contact.
A new golf app isn’t teaching golfers how to PLAY the game. Instead, it’s teaching them how to practice and improve.
At address - weight favoring the trail leg (right leg for righthanded players). This leads to the players swing center to be behind the ball which will result in poor contact.
17.
During the Swing - players tend to have too much lower body involved in the golf swing. Due to the unstable footing in the bunker too much lower body movement or torque will result in poor contact and poor balance.
Keep in touch . twitter.com/nwgolf
facebook.com/nwgolf
At address - Slightly open your stance. This will result in a slightly steeper angle that will create the launch that is necessary to hit a proper bunker shot.
My last piece of advice is to take at least one more club. Due to the minimal lower body movement more club will allow you to get the desired distance. If you try to make these in changes the next time you face a fairway bunker, I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the results.
Ideas to help in Fairway bunkers At address - Ball position should be the same as if you were playing from the fairway.
instagram.com/nwgolf
03
Alan Reese
PGA Professional Salem Golf Club areese@pga.com
JUNE 2020
JUNE 2020
www.nwgolfadventures.com
Bandon Dunes continues For years, the property just north of Bandon Dunes was t he stuff of le
,af
ree
-fo
AM
rm
co
E... cess.
04
to ac
“You can’t have holes that are strictly parallel because of the wind,” Coore says. “We tried to cluster tees for holes. That means you can get tees in a small area, but radiate from different angles and create wider playing areas. The places you’re playing golf are almost like a piece of pizza—you’re playing from the center out. And that’s the way you make it interesting and create different holes. We’ve done it a time or two at other places, but never as frequently as at the Sheep Ranch.”
asy
Recognizing the potential along the coastline was easy, but Coore knew that making compelling holes inland was equally important. With that in mind, he worked from the coastline inwards, occasionally placing the tees for two holes (2 and 18, 5 and 15, and 8 and 10) in proximity to create width.
’t e
Coore spent several days walking the site with Bandon Dunes owner Mike Keiser and his business partner, Phil Friedmann. The latter had always considered the Sheep Ranch a hidden gem that he cherished; Coore convinced him that it could be something greater.
sn
~ MIKE KEISER, BANDON DUNES OWNER,
Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw - the duo responsible for Bandon Trails and Bandon Preserve Sheep Ranch presented something of a challenge. The site earned its breathtaking ocean views by virtue of being perched high above the beach. Because the smallish site was trapped between steep bluffs and a deep ravine, Coore and Crenshaw had to design a smart, concise route that maximized usage of the land along the ocean.
wa
For years, visitors to Bandon Dunes heard tales of the Sheep Ranch, an oceanfront property just north of Old Macdonald. Those who had the opportunity to play there - it was a wild collection of tee boxes and greens - knew it was likely some of the most stunning property on the resort. Now, it’s a championship course available to all resort guests.
“WHAT BILL AND BEN DID STUNNED US—GETTING ALL 18 HOLES ON THE SIDE OF A RAVINE THAT IS ON THE EAST. BILL TURNED A NEGATIVE—IT ISN’T A SPACIOUS SITE—INTO A POSITIVE WITH NINE GREENS ON THE OCEAN BLUFF.”
AZ
se
at
espite 20 years of acclaim, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort continues to find new ways to stay relevant and remain on every golfer’s bucket list. June 1, 2020 saw the official opening of the resort’s sixth golf course: Sheep Ranch.
ur
th
D
gend
to
www.nwgolfadventures.com
Lead your group to th e
S
Sheep Ranch makes use of the jagged coastline to give players the chance to challenge the terrain and cut length off some of the holes.
EP E H
RANCH...
The result is an incredible, old school routing that really feels in touch with the origins of the game, and the Bandon ethos of not placing too much emphasis on length. Coore says the course is different than any at Bandon Dunes, comparing it to Cabot Cliffs in places. However, even that comparison doesn’t quite fit, as the coastline at Sheep Ranch is far less linear, allowing the golfer to strategically challenge the rugged cliffs for position on several holes. One thing that’s unique about the Sheep Ranch is the lack of formal bunkers. It was a decision that saves on maintenance - sand blows out of
Tee times and lodging will be at a premium, just as they are every time a new course opens at Bandon Dunes. the bunkers at Bandon - and gives The property features five full-length the course a unique feel. Instead courses, a par-three course, a of bunkers, the course features putting course, and a world-class grassy areas reminiscent of longpractice facility. With a variety of abandoned bunkers. “I think golfers lodging options on-site and around are going to find them very the area, it’s a destination BUNKERS HAVE interesting,” Coore said. that’s accessible to GIVEN WAY everyone. TO GRASSY The question now becomes HOLLOWS AT whether or not Sheep With the potential for SHEEP RANCH, Ranch will be the swan Sheep Ranch to be on GIVING IT AN OLD song for Bandon Dunes. everyone’s mind in 2020, SCHOOL FEEL. Keiser has been quick to it’s probably best to book say that Sheep Ranch will, indeed, be your trip now. If you wait, you may the last full course built at Bandon. find yourself waiting for a round on “With the completion of Sheep Ranch, the ranch. we’ve used all the great land.” .
05
JUNE 2020
JUNE 2020
www.nwgolfadventures.com
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!
GOLF POLOS
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
Under Armour
Under Armour made their go-to polo even better. The UA Playoff Polo 2.0 is drier, more comfortable, and stretchier than the original. In addition to drying faster and providing better range of motion, the Playoff Polo 2.0 comes in 40 different colors and patterns, so it’s easy to find the perfect shirt.
PERFORMANCE FOOTWEAR
Duca del Cosma
Uphold your classic look round after round, year after year. That’s the simple brilliance of La Spezia. This timeless nappa leather golf shoe is completely waterproof, thanks to the bootie system and breathable membrane. Two sets of laces lets you mix or match as it suits you.
EYEWEAR
Unbreakable Shades
PERFORMANCE FOOTWEAR
Forged from innovative materials, these frames are virtually unbreakable. The REKS brand SPORT sunglasses come equipped with large, square lenses for maximum coverage and unobstructed field of view. Glasses come in your choice of nine lens colors.
Sock of Champions
These socks, from All 19 Holes, provide a soft and luxurious experience for a Dad or Grad. The Bamboo fiber itself is super soft and feels comfortable against the skin, meaning they feel like a luxurious silk sock. Sold in a three-pack, the Sock of Champions works great on and off the golf course.
06
www.nwgolfadventures.com
ECO-POLO ECOPOLO Doing Good, Looking Good The innovative ECO-Polo is a shirt made entirely from the world’s finest recycled polyester.
The ECOPolo’s recycled performance polyester fabric provides wicking, odor control, and is water resistant. The flat back honeycomb mesh features MaxDri moisture management and Microblok, an anti-microbial finish. These technologies make the ECO-Polo comfortable for golfing or any activity.
Fuse these benefits with a proprietary pattern cut for fashion and to help reduce plastic pollution, and the company feels strongly the ECO-Polo will be a leader in the golf fashion industry. All 19 Holes is something of a new kid on the block, currently offering just a handful of items designed and cultivated by a people who love the game of golf. Because of the company’s grassroots development, team members honor and respect the environment as most golfers should. Sustainable and eco-friendly apparel and accessories will always be at the forefront of their products in development. For more information, visit the All 19 Holes website at www.all19holes.com.
A
ll 19 Holes developed the ECO-Polo to meet its goal of environmental sustainability, style, and performance. And the ECO-Polo exceeded the company’s goals. Each shirt performs at the highest level possible, looks impeccable, and helps remove a small but important portion of the plastic pollution from the environment.
The ECO-Polo is up-cycled from eight to 12 plastic bottles retrieved from the ocean, a lake or a landfill, depending on the size.
07
JUNE 2020
JUNE 2020
www.nwgolfadventures.com
DRAWING inspiration from THE GAME
S
tay-at-home orders related to COVID-19 have left many Americans with a lot of time on their hands. Some have been able to work at home, while others were furloughed and find themselves looking for different ways to spend
His work has also made it into the hands of several of his famous subjects. Rini now has signed copies of drawings that include Paul Casey, Adam Scott, Justin Thomas, and Rory McIlroy. He’s currently working to get his favorite drawing - an action shot of Tiger Woods signed by the 15-time major winner.
Ed Rini, a Delaware resident and sign fabricator, is one of the latter. He’s combined his love of drawing and interest in golf to create a whole new way to make money.
“Golf is such a head game, but it’s a sport I respect because it’s not easy,” said Rini. “Drawing is similar to golf, I’m always trying to get better with every picture I draw as I do with each round I play.”
“I was a collegiate bowler but had to give that up six or seven years ago, so I started playing more golf. With the courses around me closed, I found I was getting my golf fix by drawing golfers and golf courses,” said Rini.
Following his popularity on social media, Rini has launched a website to promote and sell his artwork. You can find more examples of his work and order your prints at www.erinipencilart.com.
the day.
His work first popped up in a Facebook group for golf. What began with just a few drawings quickly turned into requests, commissions, and - more importantly - a few sales. “I’ve been drawing for years and it’s great that people are getting to see my work. It’s really satisfying that people like them.” Rini said he started with whatever golf photos he found in magazines and then drawing them in pencil or putting several together into a collage. Now, he’s searching the internet for just the right photo to recreate. “Selling a few prints has been really nice,” said Rini. “It’s also been fun getting non-golf commissions from people asking me to draw their kids, family members, or different landscapes.”
08
www.nwgolfadventures.com
09
JUNE 2020
10
STRENGTH WITH A SANDWICH AND BEVERAGE FROM THE GREENSIDE GRILLE AT THE TURN.
AS THIS IS THE DEEPEST GREEN ON THE COURSE AT 40 YARDS. BE SURE TO REPLENISH YOUR
LODGE KITCHEN ON THE LEFT! THE DISTANCE ON YOUR APPROACH SHOT NEEDS TO BE ACCURATE
AVOID BEING DISTRACTED BY THE VIEWS ON THE RIGHT AND THE SMELLS COMING FROM THE
THIS STRAIGHT-FORWARD PAR 4 ALLOWS FOR A STRONG FINISH TO THE FRONT NINE, IF YOU CAN
Skamania Golf Course - Hole 9
THE BEST SHOT
11
be Ska au ma t of ifull nia's th y t c fir e C uck halle st olu ed n fa clas mb int ging m s ia o ilie lo R 17 18ex s - dgin ive 5 w hol ce a g r o e, en llen nd - o Gor ode par te t g ex pt ge d a -7 rta o qu io . T cr 0 ini lf f isit ns he es go ng ac e fo re at lf ro ilitie dinin r co sor the cou pe s, g up t f w rs s c an op le ea e e i ou d tio s a tu st s rse an ns nd res en d , .
www.nwgolfadventures.com
N E W W AY TO PRACTICE
THE
JUNE 2020
These days, it feels like there’s an app for just about everything. Did you know that there’s even an app that can help improve your golf game away from the course? CORE Golf - released in March - is the first ever app to help golfers improve their skills by showing them what and how to practice on the Driving Range, with the purpose of helping them on a path to lowering their handicaps and improving their golf game. The App assesses the user’s game level per skill, by suggesting drills that will clarify what the golfer needs to work on the most to improve their overall golf game. For each drill, CORE Golf lets you know how long it will take to complete, which practice facility it requires and how many balls need to be used. In essence, CORE Golf is a simple tool to guide golfers on the Driving Range and for them to log their practice. As the golfer navigates the App’s simple-to-use, intelligentlypresented User Interface, they will see the expected performance for their particular skill level, based on their handicap, for each drill. CORE Golf then helps the golfer to work on their game with a purpose, through the logging of more deliberate practice. When they have completed each drill, the golfer is then presented with immediate feedback on their results after recording the score. The App’s already vast library of drills will be continuously expanded as time passes. CORE Golf has been designed and developed for dedicated golfers who are eager to improve their game but struggling to get results on the Driving Range. The App does not teach users how to play golf, but helps them evolve by providing targeted drills to perform at the driving range to maximise gains in all areas of their game. For more information, please visit www.coregolf.app or contact info@coregolf.app.
OH, GREAT, RANGE BALLS.
JUST KEEP ROLLING AND MAYBE THEY WON’T NOTICE US.
GXHXT FLXIX X
12
JUNE 2020
www.nwgolfadventures.com
JUNIOR GOLF
Spotlight
2
020 has, thus far, been a brutal year for youth athletics. About the time COVID-19 reared its ugly head in the United States, you would normally have seen young athletes wrap up basketball season before dusting off their gear for baseball and soccer.
All those sports were put on hold, and some aren’t even coming back for the summer. The first thing to come back online in many areas has been golf. Courses began opening across the country in May and players flocked to them. It wasn’t just seasoned players, it was junior golfers, many of whom had never touched a club before.
JUNIOR GOLFERS RECENTLY TOOK OVER PAPAGO GOLF COURSE IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA
Some states have reported an increase in the number of registered players in their respective junior golf programs.
Oregon, Washington, and California junior programs are just now getting their tournament schedules back on track.
In Medford, Oregon, the Southern Oregon Golf Academy has been back up and running for several weeks. Kids are getting ready to play in events starting in June and have been able to practice and learn using appropriate social distancing techniques.
In other parts of the country, U.S. Kids Golf, which offers tournament golf to kids 6-18 years old, listed a comprehensive protocol for its dozens of local tours, ranging from social distancing, to players printing and bringing their own scorecards, to nixing post-round handshakes and awards ceremonies.
In Arizona, one of the first states to bring golf back in a big way, juniors are already playing in tournaments again. The Tucson City Junior Championship kicked off what is sure to be a busy summer schedule.
U.S. Kids Golf has already announced that it will host the 2020 World Championships at Pinehurst Golf Resort in late July. The event will feature nearly 1,500 players from around the world. Do you have a child just getting into golf? Share your photos with us on Instagram or Facebook!
GOLFERS IN SOUTHERN OREGON SPREAD OUT TO STUDY
14
15
16
www.nwgolfadventures.com
Father’s Day Gift Ideas Let’s face it, Father’s Day is one of the toughest holidays to pick a gift for. Don’t give that special dad in your life another boring necktie or sleeve of golf balls they won’t hit. Instead, give them something they can use - and love - for years to come.
1. Golf Outfits
1
4. Ultralite Grips The JMX UltraLite grips feature a deeply textured, all-weather design for incredible feel and tackiness, and the performance better players require. These grips are a breakthrough in grip technology offering all the same stability and control of JumboMax’s patented oversized grips at less than half the weight.
For a limited time, place an order of $100 or more at PumaGolf. com and you’ll receive a FREE P Cap. It’s the perfect way to polish off a new outfit for the dads on your list. This offer is good on Puma’s complete line of golf apparel featuring the likes of Rickie Fowler and Bryson Dechambeau. For a patriotic twist, check out the Pars & Stripes and Volition America collections.
2
4
.www.pumagolf.com
Not possible until recent manufacturing innovations, the JMX UltraLite grips are for the player who wants all the benefits of JumboMax’s oversized grip technology, while retaining the feeling of more weight in the club head. www.jumbomax.com
2. Nexbelt Nexbelt is known for its innovative technology and providing golfers with the maximum comfort and minimal adjusting. The unique ratcheting system called PreciseFit allows the wearer to adjust the belt in ¼ inch increments, providing the golfer with the best fit, feel, and fashion available.
5. Club Booster V2
3
5
Hundreds of belt/buckle combinations are available! www.nexbelt.com
The Club Booster V2 by Alphard Golf turns a pushcart into a premium electric golf caddy that can be controlled via remote or follow via a magnetic smart tether. It rolls over bumps, goes up and down hills and carries your golf bag through the entire course - without any hassle. Powerful motors keep the unit going strong even as it approaches hills. Save your muscles from pushing or pulling your clubs uphill and let the Club Booster V2 do all the heavy lifting for you. www.alphardgolfusa.com
3. Total Golf Trainer The TGT 3.0 Kit is the first all in one training kit that is completely custom to your swing. All products fit juniors & adults with settings for beginner to professional.
6. Summer in Style This summer, let dad relax by the martini-olive-shaped pool at the retro-cool AAA 4-Diamond Hotel Valley Ho, the most popular boutique hotel in Scottsdale. Save up to 40% on regular rates, plus receive two welcome drinks upon arrival.
6
The flexible training rods allow golfers to increase or decrease the difficulty while providing safe effective feedback. 3.0 Kit includes all three training aids: TGT ARM, TGT HIP and TGT V2.
The best thing about this deal is that you’re saving so much money on the hotel that there’s no reason not to spring for a round or two at some of the area’s more exclusive golf courses. Every golfer out there wants to test their skills at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course.
www.totalgolftrainer.com
www.travelzoo.com
17
JUNE 2020
JUNE 2020
www.nwgolfadventures.com
PLACES TO PLAY
Mountain View Boring, OR Established in 1964, Mountain View Golf Club offers an 18-hole golf experience filled with characteristic holes and breathtaking views of beautiful Mt. Hood. to host outside fundraiser events, it’s a place golfers are willing to drive to regularly. The challenge really starts from the very first hole, with a tight tee shot guarded on the right by trees and OB stakes. From there, the course continues to give you tight looks off the tee until you get to the turn and things open up a bit. Course conditions, especially the greens, are excellent. Despite its rural location, Mountain View is a course that just about everyone in the Portland, Oregon area has played. Thanks to excellent rates and the club’s willingness
Mountain View’s signature hole is the par-three 12th. Voted the second most interesting hole in Oregon by the public in the Oregon Golf Association’s “Most
TPC Harding Park
Interesting Hole Series” in 2017, it’s a 184yard shot from the blue tees (pictured right). Regulars tell you that whatever club you hit on the 140-yard 10th hole is the same club you’ll hit on the 12th hole. It drops nearly 200-feet from tee to green In addition to great golf, Mountain View also offers a covered driving range, a chipping area, and generous putting green. The local professionals are available for lessons and can get you the latest gear from their large pro shop. The clubhouse also features a turn-stand, a breakfast/lunch cafe, and a full restaurant.
San Francisco, CA
Offering an unparalleled level of play and challenge for golfers of every ability. If you’re going to visit Pebble Beach, chances are you’ll fly into the San Francisco area and then drive out to Monterey. If you fly in early enough, it’s probably a good idea to get a warm-up round in before challenging golf on the coast. TPC Harding Park, a municipal championship course, is the perfect spot to stop. The Harding Park Course was substantially renovated in 2005 to better suit it for PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions events. The restoration of Harding Park focused on maintaining the course’s integrity and
18
unique characteristics while enhancing the original layout designed by worldrenowned golf architects Willie Watson and Sam Whiting in 1925. Set against the cypress tree-lined Lake Merced, the improved Harding Park Course layout features soft bunkers and graceful undulating fairways. An additional 400 yards was also added to the course to make it a championshipcaliber golf facility ready for PGA TOUR action. Since that renovation, the course has hosted two World Golf Championship events, the 2009 President’s Cup, and three PGA Champions Tour events.
www.nwgolfadventures.com
PLACES TO PLAY
Avalon Golf Links Burlington, WA Located just an hour north of downtown Seattle, Avalon Golf Links has rebounded from the early part of the century and is flourishing. Avalon was the host site of the 1994 and 2001 US Open Qualifier, host site of the 2007 Pacific Northwest PGA Senior Championship and 2009 Pacific Northwest PGA Championship. Avalon Golf Links, a 27-hole public course just a few minutes off Interstate 5, opened in 1991. It is located perfectly halfway between the huge metropolitan centers of Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. Its 27 holes offer golfers great variety, and the fact there are no homes anywhere on the course offers perfect solitude. Robert Muir Graves added a nice touch by designing an interesting and challenging collection of three nines.
PLAY THESE PLACES Mtn View Golf Course 27195 SE Kelso Road Boring, OR 97009 (503) 663-4869 www.mtviewgolfclub.com
TPC Harding Park
99 Harding Road San Francisco, CA 94132 (415) 664-4690 www.tpc.com/hardingpark
Despite a promising start, changes in agricultural regulations that allowed more courses to be built in nearby Canada and the 9/11 terror attacks that closed down borders, business took a hit. Local golfers from Seattle benefitted from a wide-open tee sheet. That introduced the course to players who’d never had the opportunity to visit. Avalon’s 27 holes with no houses make it a perfect setting to get out of the Seattle area and leave your troubles behind. “Avalon was intended to be your day away
Avalon Golf Links
19345 Kelleher Road Burlington, WA 98233 (360) 757-1900 www.avalonlinks.com
19
from that,” said owner Ron Hass said. “What really we wanted was a unique golf course that didn’t have houses.”. “We took a little bit of a gamble, and we knew it at the time, being a stand-alone golf course,” Hass said. “People always ask us where’s the housing development, when is it going to begin. The three nines were intended to be evenly matched in difficulty, but the North and the South are the true tournament course, and the West is the more sporty nine. It doesn’t play quite as long, but includes more water and more doglegs. Many golfers, however, consider the West as their favorite nine. The South and North nines together are 6,803 yards. “I think the North and South are on par with any 18 around as far as putting together 18 challenging holes, with challenging greens to compliment the layout. They are very fair, and yet very challenging,” Hass said.
JUNE 2020
JUNE 2020
www.nwgolfadventures.com
20
