NOVEMBER 2018
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GOLF GEAR
Ultimate Club Fitting See what a fitting can do LESSON TEE
Par 5 Perfection
Help your scores on the long holes THE GREAT 48
48 Hours in Florence Golf, gambling, wine, and art GIFT GUIDE
Holiday Gift Ideas
Don’t buy another gimmick
Gem
Polishing the
GEARHART GOLF LINKS
Keeps getting Better
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editor.
from the
U
Northwest
News & Notes
Kris Fay
Welcome to the beginning of Winter golf season!
nless you live in one of the warmer climates of the United States, the onset of Winter means less and less golf to play. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we get breaks in the weather that allow us to play from time to time. Our friends in the Midwest don’t usually have that option. It’s brutal. That’s why I typically start looking for travel options in January and February; if it’s a tournament opportunity, all the better. This year, I found an option that combines decent golf weather, an individual tournament, and the magic of Las Vegas: The Las Vegas World Amateur! Scheduled for February 25-28, 2019, the seventh year event will
Chambers Bay remodeling greens
play its first three rounds at Chimera Golf Club, The Concord Course at Revere, and The Lexington Course at Revere. A fourth course, for the top finishers, will be unveiled on New Year’s Day.
The site of the 2015 U.S. Open closed October 1st for a five-month greens renovation that will include regrassing the fine fescue putting surfaces with Poa annua, the region’s dominant turf type.
There’s something special about playing golf in Las Vegas. No matter how far you play from The Strip, the horizon is dominated by one of the greatest man-made spectacles on earth. Combine that with the gaming, food, and shows and you’ve got the makings of a trip perfect for golf buddies or significant others.
Three OGA competitors - Gretchen Johnson, Cole Madey and Lara Tennant were recently honored by Global Golf Post for their local, regional and national success in 2018.
To learn more about the Las Vegas World Amateur - or to register visit www.vegasworldam.com. I’ll be there and hope you will be, too!
Kris Fay
Owner - NW Golf Adventures
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Three OGA golfers recognized
Idaho loses golf legend Wayne Berry, the former (Executive) Director for the IGA before working for the PGA Tour and now Web.com Tour, passed away in October. Wayne left a lasting legacy on Idaho Golf.
Utah teams dominate Team Challenge The Utah Golf Association team 2 of (L-R) Ryan Brimley, Ron Davis, Darrin Overson & Randy Hicken won the 54-hole Southwest Team Challenge at Reflection Bay Golf Club.
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inside this
issue.
The
Lesson Tee
Issue 15: November/December 2018
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Gearhart Golf According to legend, a group of Scotsmen living in the area felt the dunes reminded them of their homeland and, in 1888, built a three hole golf course.
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The New Rules The new rules of golf are aimed at making on-course rulings simpler. However, they take a little study and explaining to get them right. These graphics will help.
When I’m playing with amateurs, I often see players miss precious scoring opportunities on par 5s. The routine involves the player hitting a decent tee shot, leaving a second shot that’s at least 225 yards from the green. It should be noted that the average player hits a 3 wood approximately 210 yards from the tee and 190 yards off the ground. The majority of players will go straight to the 3 wood, typically with one of two results.
Pro Club Fitting If you want to use today’s technology and measurement systems, then beeline for the nearest Club Champion location. There are 40 nationwide.
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The most likely result is average contact with the shot straying offline, leaving the player an uncomfortable yardage from a difficult position. The average golfer will either miss the green from this position, or will hit the ball a great distance from the hole. The result will be an occasional par, but bogey or double is more likely.
The Great 48 Florence, Oregon is an easy destination to reach but has a little someting for everyone. This is a great weekend destination for the guys or for couples.
Another outcome involves a player striking the ball down the fairway, coming up 3055 yards from the green. This sounds like a good position, but for the average player, this shot poses a high level of difficulty. The PGA TOUR average from 50 yards is 17.65 feet from the hole. This shot requires a good understanding of how to utilize a high lofted wedge. I find that a 56 degree sand wedge is a great option here, but I see a lot of 60 degree lob wedges while attempting to hit this shot. Contact from here has a high likelihood of being a little on the “chunky” side, leaving the player
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short of the green. Here’s what I would recommend. Let’s say you’re playing the 18th hole at Salem Golf Club. The hole plays 469 yards from the white tees. The average golfer drives the ball 230 yards, which would leave them 239 yards from the middle of the green. From this position most players should grab either the 6 or 7 iron and leave themselves with an 85 to 100 yard approach to the green. The benefit of this approach is two-fold. First, a player is much more likely to hit a mid iron on target with better contact than a 3 wood. Second, the average player is statistically better from 85-100 yards than they are from 30-50 yards. Playing good golf is more than hitting the ball long, or playing aggressively into every hole. It’s about playing the game to your strengths and playing the higher percentage shot. Remember that and you’ll have more birdie putts and MORE FUN!
Alan Reese
PGA Professional Salem Golf Club areese@pga.com
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game improvement
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IF THE GOLF CLUB FITS... By Read Fay There are a variety of ways to shop for new golf clubs, but it’s important to understand the value of a Tour-level club fitting
W
hen you’re looking for new clubs, what’s your first step? Do you read latest golf magazine for clubs that might suit your game? Do you try your buddy’s new driver? Do you head to the nearest pro shop or big box store to try the latest and greatest clubs on an indoor simulator? Most golfers will use those one of those methods, but those serious about improving their game will find a place that will give them great customer service and real data drawn from their unique swing. If you want to use today’s technology and measurement systems, then beeline for the nearest Club Champion location (there are currently 40 locations nationwide). I spent nearly three hours at the company’s newest location in Tigard, Oregon. Open just two months, the store is quickly establishing itself as Portland’s premier golf fitting center.
Now, I’ll admit, walking into the store is somewhat intimidating. Customers are greeting by a wall filled with hundreds of shafts, club heads, and grips that makes a person wonder how the fitting process really works. The fitting started simply enough, with a conversation around my golf game and my goals moving forward. After that, the Club Champion fitters will measure data while you hit your current clubs to get a baseline on your ball flight, swing speed, spin rate, and smash factor (to name just a few). After that, the question becomes “what if?”
If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it. ~Peter Drucker
What if we changed the head to make it lighter or more forgiving? What if a different shaft changed your ball flight? Club Champion gives you the answer to just about any ‘what if?’ you might come up with. You’ll get immediate feedback and data that lets you compare your old equipment with new options, all without major
PrICING FOR FITTINGS Club Champion has a variey of offerings that should fit just about every budget. Full bag fittings come in at $350, driver & iron fittings at $150, fairway woods/hybrids and putters at $100, and wedges for just $80.
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Fitting Stats What Can Club Champion Do?
19 yards
Increased Distance Off Tee
10 yards
Increased Wedge Distance
.12 few putts
Club Fitting
Club Champion is the largest, company owned club-fitting retailer in the United States. They offer golf club fitting for drivers, irons, wedges, putters and more.
Golf club Sales
Club Champion offers one of the widest selections of golf clubs, shafts, and grips in the country and will sell golfers fitted and non-fitted equipment.
CLUB BUILDING & REPAIR
Club Champion certified builders are experts in all facets of club building, repair and customization. Services offered include: Re-shafting
Re-gripping
Wedge grinding
Swing weighting
2.83 Shots
Saved Per Round Post Fitting
Big Gains
For Higher Handicap Golfers
Loft & lie adjustments Rat gluing Frequency matching
Face angle adjustments
Maintenance
SST PUREing of shafts Ferrule replacement Custom stamping
Custom painting
Shaft extensions and trimming
Putters
As a mid-handicap golfer, I must admit that I was skeptical prior to visiting the store. But after spending a couple of hours with Connor Griess, reviewing my equipment and establishing my baseline, I was pleasantly surprised how, after just a few club head and shaft changes, I was able to increase distance and control. With Club Champion, golfers have a business that can customize equipment and allow you to make informed decisions before spending big money on new gear. Club Champion is unique in that they work with all level of golfers and use
an unbiased approach to find clubs that produce optimal results. No specific brands are promoted, instead they focus on the best component combinations to lower scores. When customers do order clubs based on their fitting sessions, each club is hand-built to maximize their performance on the course. Follow-up sessions give customers the peace of mind to know that something isn’t working as expected, Club Champion will make it right.
MORE INFORMATION For a list of Club Champion locations, visit them at ClubChampionGolf.com
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Drivers
FITTING OPTIONS
Wedges
swing changes. The fitting pros work with your swing to customize equipment to help you maximize your golf potential. Surprisingly, they can fit ANY club in your bag, from driver all the way to putter. It’s a fun, educational process.
Per Hole with Fitted Putter
Irons
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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!
OUTERWEAR
Galvin Green
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 ultimate full-zip waterproof golf jacket. A combination of GORE-TEX® Stretch fabric and non-stretch material provides maximum flexibility in the golf swing, while resisting abrasion on bag-carrying shoulders. Excellent breathability and special features such as water repellent zippers, rain channels at sleeve ends, plus adjustable chest width and bottom edge.
GOLF POLOS
Tattoo Golf
The new Rogue golf polo combines Tattoo Golf’s iconic skull & crossing clubs, a classic checkerboard pattern, and the company’s ProCool fabric technology to make this men’s golf shirt a go-to winner! This technology ensures complete comfort and flexibility throughout the duration of your game.
HEADWEAR
New Wool Style
Those not wishing to wear a fullcoverage hat or beanie during their winter rounds can now look to Titleist for help. The all-new Merino Wool Earband features an outer layer of Merino Wool for warmth and a performance mesh liner for comfort. You’ll look good and your ears will be plenty warm while you play.
PERFORMANCE FOOTWEAR
Puma PWRADAPT
The IGNITE PWRADAPT gives you the power to adapt. Revolutionary and proprietary PWRADAPT Technology provides more traction and comfort with every move you make. The new full-length IGNITE Foam cushioning platform and PWRADAPT Technology provide responsive comfort and 3-dimensional traction that adapts to the way you move..
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DESTINATIONS ON THE COVER
gearhart golf links keeps getting better
The oldest golf course west of the Mississippi River has been polished to a nearly perfect shine in the 21st Century
F
or people living in or visiting the Portland, Oregon area, the beach is always a great place to run for a day of relaxation. The most popular - and easiest beach to get to - is the North Oregon Coast with towns like Cannon Beach, Seaside, Gearhart and Astoria. The problem is, there aren’t many great golf courses to choose from. Thank goodness for Gearhart Golf Links, the oldest course west of the Mississippi River. According to legend, a group of Scotsmen living in the area felt the dunes reminded them of their homeland and, in 1888, built a three hole course that became popular with guests of the Hotel Gearhart. It was a treeless, windblown combination of dunes and meadow that looked like courses dotting the Scottish coastlines. Over time, the course was expanded to 18 holes and and underwent a variety of changes. Much of the routing has remained the same, with some greens rebuilt and bunkers added or removed at different times. Following the Great Depression, a work relief program employed workers to plant trees throughout the course. The problem, it turned out, was that the plantings were mostly Surf Pines with a 5060 year lifespan. Fast-forward to the turn of the century and most of the trees were dead or dying. In 2013, Gearhart hired consultant John Strawn to help remove the dead trees and return the course to its former links glory.
Since then, Strawn has continued to help ‘polish the gem’ with a new set of tees and more. As with any links course, Gearhart has several long, straight holes that run through the dunes. Those same dunes, though, provide excellent mounding to protect greens and hide bunkers on the course’s shorter holes. An excellent example comes on the 14th hole, an average length par four. From an elevated tee, players need to land their ball between steep dunes on either side of the fairway. The second shot, though, is played to a slightly elevated green that’s protected by a tall dune short left. Visually interesting and challenging, the 14th is a great golf hole.
DON’T FORGET TO FEED THE PIG
Following the latest round of improvements, the most talked about hole at Gearhart is the 18th, a par five that plays anywhere from 483 yards (forward tees) to 640 yards (the tips). With out of bounds down the entire left side, mounds down the right, and a small elevated green, Gearhart’s finishing hole is a beast. In fact, players are encouraged to put a dollar in the “piggybank” in the proshop before their round: get a birdie on 18 and you’ll get the money in the pig. Good luck!
A group of Scotsmen living in the area felt the dunes reminded them of their homeland. Photos Courtesy of DonFrankPhotography.com
DRINKS IN THE POT BUNKER BAR
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MORE THAN JUST GOLF
The owners at Gearhart wanted guests to have a resort experience when they stay and play.
B
ig changes started in 2010 when Tim Boyle - of Columbia Sportswear fame purchased the golf course and clubhouse. Already a grand building, the clubhouse has been transformed into the McMenamins Gearhart Hotel, one of the chain’s most iconic properties.
GEARHART HOSTS A VARIETY OF TOURNAMENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
A new building - The Annex - was designed as a miniature version of the hotel with cart storage on the ground floor, a workout facility and indoor golf simulator (for fun or lessons), and 18 more hotel rooms. The entire facility has a fresh feel when guests arrive. “What we realized was that, outside of the golf course, there just wasn’t a lot for guests to do at Gearhart,” said Director of Golf Jason Bangild. “We want to make this a resort with activities in addition to the course for families.”
THE CLAM BED IS A SPECIAL GOLF OASIS
HICKORY SHAFTS ARE A GIVEN
Gearhart was missing a place for guests to mingle outside the hotel and enjoy a beverage when they were done playing. Two additions - the Fore Deck and Clam Bed - aim to fill that void. The Fore Deck, behind the hotel, is an elaborate patio complete with fire pits overlooking the 1st and 10th tee boxes. The Clam Bed, though, is a real treat surrounded by dunes, tucked between the 1st green and 9th tee box. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a snack or beverage, and try putting on the large, undulating practice green. It’s fun for guests of all ages. For more information on playing Gearhart and staying at the hotel, visit GearhartGolfLinks.com.
LOOKING FOR A POT OF GOLD
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THE FRONT SHOULD GIVE YOU PAUSE.
GOOD DRIVE, YOU'LL THINK THE GREEN IS AN EASY TARGET, BUT A CREEK PROTECTING
OF THOSE. THE DOWNHILL PAR FIVE PLAYS BETWEEN 455- AND 551-YARDS. AFTER A
OF RISK-REWARD OPPORTUNITIES. THE CLOSING HOLE ON THE CONCORD COURSE IS ONE
BOTH GOLF COUSES AT THE REVERE GOLF CLUB IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA OFFER PLENTY
The Revere Concord Course Hole 18
THE BEST SHOT
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TWILIGHT ROUND
THE LONG DAY
Diamond Woods
Florence, OR
Florence Links
Regardless of the airport you arrive at, Diamond Woods is a short drive off the beaten path. You’ll find an excellent, family-owned golf course that feels like a resort. The two nines have distinctly different layouts, offering a variety of challenges. Best of all, there are plenty of locals to help round out your foursome. It’s a great way to get warmed up for a weekend of golf.
Before there was Bandon Dunes, there was Florence Golf Links. The original coastal golf course that drew attention from around the world is still an excellent layout and challenge for golfers of all abilities. The final three holes, routed around a lake, are a fantastic test of golf. When you’re done, the clubhouse has excellent food and drink waiting for you.
GETTING THERE
PDX or EUG
This really depends on how much driving you’d like to do. If you fly into Portland, you’ll have roughly three hours to drive; flying to Eugene will save you nearly two hours in the car. Either way, the roads aren’t difficult and the drive, once you leave I-5, eventually meets up with the Siuslaw River to guide you the rest of the way into Florence. It’s a nice look at the inspiration for Ken Kesey’s Sometimes a Great Notion.
A QUICK BITE
Mo's Seafood
When you visit the Oregon Coast, you’re going to end up at Mo’s Restaurant, why not go now. Originally opened more than 70 years ago in Newport, Oregon Mo’s has since grown to feature nine unique locations. It’s cool to think that at Mo’s you’ll be dining in the shadows of past presidents, senators, movie stars, and wellknown musicians. No matter what you order, add a cup of chowder.
WHERE TO STAY
The Tides & The Dunes
Sure, there are plenty of hotels to choose from in Florence, including the Three Rivers Casino. But, for truly unique accomodations, you need to head to VRBO and book a stay at either The Tides or The Dunes, two spectacular condos that rest above the heart of Old Town. You can read more about these two options below.
LODGING DETAILS
THE TIDES CONDO This two-bedroom condo is centrally located in the heart of Old Town Florence. Walking down a short flight of stairs puts you in the middle of several great restaurants and bars. The condo itself is outfitted better than most hotels in town, giving you and your companions room to spread out and relax after a day of golf. The deck, in any weather, is a great place for BBQ and beers.
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ONE LAST ROUND
Ocean Dunes
The Great 48
This is a course that’s undergoing a lot of change. In recent years, the course was purchased by the Three Rivers Casino, giving it an influx of money for improvements. It’s an interesting course with a mix of long and short holes. If you choose the correct tees, you’ll get to play every club in your bag.
Have time for a weekend golf trip and want to make the most of it? Let us show you where to land, where to stay, and where to play while you’re in a new city. We’ll make sure you don’t go hungry or thirsty.
COASTAL ICON
Heceta Head
If you have time, it’s worth the trip out to Heceta Head to see this historic lighthouse. It’s truly a work of art.
DINNER TIME
Three Rivers Casino There’s a great reason for finishing your day at Ocean Dunes: you’re just steps away from a fantastic casino. A variety of food and drink options will satisfy everyone in your group. When you’re done, you have your choice of table games, slots, poker, and more.
THE DUNES CONDO Just like its sibling, The Dunes is a two bedroom, two bath condo with excellent amenities and a gorgeous view of the Siuslaw River. In addition to being within walking distance to great eateries, both condos are surrounded by art galleries and shops of all kinds. It’s truly a cultural experience when you stay in either condo.
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TEN
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Holiday Gift Ideas
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THE GOLFER IN YOUR LIFE IS NEVER EASY TO SHOP FOR, BUT WE THINK THESE UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS MIGHT HELP YOU THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.
3 BRADLEY PUTTERS Designer wood putters crafted in Grant’s Pass, Oregon. Pull one of these from your bag and people will take notice. www.bradleyputters.com
CLICKCADDIE Phone Mount ClickCaddie is an innovative and patent pending phone mount for golf carts and push carts. Constructed of quality materials and a unique design, the ClickCaddie allows the device to be clicked and locked into standard golf ball holders. This is the accessory you never knew you needed! www.clickcaddie.com
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SHOT TRACER APP This is a great app for golfers who like video feedback. It’s also funny to capture the terrible shots your buddies hit. www.shottracerapp.com
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COBRA KING F8 DRIVER The KING F8 Driver introduces COBRA’s first CNC milled driver face paired with 360° Aero™ Technology, bringing you COBRA’s smartest, fastest, most precise driver ever. Oversized shape for maximum forgiveness. www.cobragolf.com
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MACKENZIE BAGS Handcrafted carry bags direct from Portland, Oregon. A classy gift that can be customized in any way possible. www.mackenziegolfbags.com
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6 NEXBELT Nexbelt Rachet Belts have been one of the hottest accessories in the golf industry over the last three years. It’s a great line of belts that you can mix and match to complete any on-course outfit. www.nexbelt.com
9 SEAMUS GOLF FLASKS Flannel-wrapped, stainless steel flasks great for on and off the golf course. Each flask holds three to six birdie pulls. www.seamusgolf.com
7 POPTICALS Let’s face it, sunglasses are easy to lose and even easier to damage when you’re on the golf course. Popticals has solved that problem with a cool line of folding sunglasses that pack easily in your golf bag. www.popticals.com
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GUSTBUSTER UMBRELLAS These award-winnng umbrellas take dryness to a new level. Trusted by professionals around the world. www.gustbuster.com
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PHOTO BALL MARKER We like this gift idea because it’s unique to each golfer and it’s a company based here in the Pacific Northwest. You can load any photo and have it made into a ball marker. Quick, attractive stocking stuffer. www.photoballmarker.com
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FAITH VUI Future Champions Golf National Tour Championship Girls 13-14 Champion
Junior Golf SPOTLIGHT
At the Temecula Creek Inn Golf Club, Faith shot rounds of 78 and 80, winning her division and earning a spot in next year’s FCG Callaway World Championship.
JONATHAN CURRAN Arizona Junior Golf Senior Showcase Overall Boys Champion A second round 68 pushed Jonathan to a five stroke victory on Las Vegas’ Angel Park Golf Course. The Scottsdale native was the only American to finish in the tournament’s Top 5.
VANI KARIMANAL Junior Golf Assoc. of Nor Cal Winter Classic Overall Girls Champion Vani carded scores of 75 and 74 to take the win at the Franklin Canyon Golf Club. Competition was tight with the next players coming in just one stroke higher.
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Back
SIDE
BIG CHANGES ARE COMING TO THE RULES OF GOLF IN 2019 ARE YOU READY?
The USGA and R&A are trying to make rules simpler and increase pace of play for players of all abilities. How many times have you been on the course and had someone ask for a ruling? If you play in enough events, the chances are pretty good that you see it happen all the time. I think we can all agree that many of golf's current rules have too many options and interpretations that make them confusing. Beginning January 1, 2019, several of those rules have been simplified. The charts below and to the right outline several key changes that have been made. Fortunately, they are rules that often cause the most confusion when it comes time for an on-course ruling. These changes have evolved over the last three years during which golf's ruling bodies tested variations to see what led to a simpler ruling but had the least impact on the overall game. Many of the rules are for widespread use, like how a ball is dropped, relaxed rules in hazards, and the time allotted to search for a lost ball. Some rules, like the new stroke and distance rule for out of bounds and lost balls, will only be used as a local rule on a course-by-course basis. While many have hailed the updated rules as a great step in the right direction, many players are wondering when they'll finally get relief from those nasty fairway divots.
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Happy Hour Beer, Wine & Cigars MEGA MINT | HEATHEN BREWING Heathen constantly introduces new beers, but this annual classic is highly sought after. Big & Bold with a touch of Mint. This Imperial Chocolate Milk Stout is kicked up a notch by using fresh picked mint in the brewing process. The milk sugar leaves a pleasant residual sweetness that is balanced with the chocolate & biscuit notes of the specialty malt that are seductively balanced with the aroma of cacao nibs and fresh mint. Look out Keebler, we’ve got a thin mint beer!
LA CASACCIA METODO CLASSICO Piedmont is typically know for Barbera, but this is a little different. So here we have a Piemontese Barbera, Freisa, and Grignolino producer of highrepute, and what are we featuring this month? Sparkling wine! Well, forget that it’s Italian - this champenoise sparkler made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir could hold its own in any Champagne tasting. You’ll see!
CAO BRAZILIA | 5.5 X 55CM If you’re looking for a cigar that’s perfect during or after a round of golf, the CAO Brazilia is an excellent choice. Dark and sleek on the outside, and delicious on the inside, the premium CAO Brazilia Box Pressed 5.50 × 55 cigar is rife with rich earth, dark peppery spice, and hearty sweet tobacco flavors. This tantalizing full-bodied pleasure consists of aged Nicaraguan long-filler tobaccos, a Nicaraguan binder, and a zesty Brazilian leaf wrapper from the nation’s fertile Bahia region.
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January 6 - 9, 2019
January 6 - 9, 2019
Net Divisions YoungGunz - YoungGalz Senior Men - Senior Women
Gross Division No Handicaps
• $675.00 Per Player
• $775.00 Per Player • • • • • • • • •
Three Day Stroke Play Tournament PGA WEST Norman Course PGA WEST Nicklaus Tournament PGA WEST Stadium Course Play the coures the pros play! Optional afternoon Horse Race Optional Daily Honey Pots Trophies awarded for top 2 spots Awards dinner
• • • • • • • • •
• MILITARY DISCOUNT $75.00 OFF
Three Day Stroke Play Tournament Desert Willow Firecliff La Quinta Resort & Club Dunes La Quinta Resort & Club Mountain Prime time of the year!! Optional afternoon Horse Race Optional Daily Honey Pots Three Net & Low Gross Trophies Per Flight Awards dinner
• MILITARY DISCOUNT $75.00 OFF
www.psgolfchampionships.com Eric Hoskinson - eric@fungolfvacations.com - 206.351.3704 21
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PLACES TO PLAY
CAMAS MEADOWS Camas, WA Camas Meadows stands out as the best public golf facility in Southwest Washington but refuses to stand pat, instead making improvements each year to the course and its services. Whether you’re looking to hit a quick bucket, play a round with friends, or plan a wedding, Camas Meadows has what you need. Camas Meadows opened in 2000, designed by former Jack Nicklaus Golf Services employee Andy Raugust. Winding through stands of trees and protected wetlands areas, the course has very few holes that players can relax on. Narrow landing areas and tricky greens make it a challenging layout.
pulled left. The green, wide but shallow, is one of the toughest to score on because of its back to front slope.
One of the best examples of how tough the course can be is the par-4 fifth. Relatively short at just 358-yards, a water hazard runs down the right side for the entire length of the hole; trees promise to block any shots that are
Camas Meadows plays a pivotal role in the area for non-golfers, too. Each year the course hosts a variety of events that allow local charities to make the money they need to operate in the community.
Wine Valley
The entire facility -- the course, combined with the driving range, clubhouse, and wedding pavillion -- is an impressive sight.
Walla Walla, WA
GOLF IN THE HEART OF WINE COUNTRY Just outside the town of Walla Walla in the shadow of the Blue Mountains, Wine Valley Golf Club is a course that you’d never know was there. The Dan Hickson design flows through wheat fields and rolling hills, unfolding as a golf course on a grand scale with wide fairways and big greens. From your first tee shot, it’s easy to see why Wine Valley is consistently voted as one of the top golf courses in Washington state by Golf Magazine and Golf Digest. The links-style course begins simply enough with a beautiful, slightly downhill par four. The right side offers your first introduction to Wine Valley’s dramatic bunkering: deep and steep. Your second
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shot typically plays into the wind to a generous, undulating green. Don’t worry, there’s more to come. Wine Valley is full of options, with the wide fairways giving golfers different angles from which to attack each hole. A great example of that is the par five seventh hole. Two well-placed shots can get to the green but the punchbowl shape can give you fits if you’re too far away from the flag. Depending on pin placement, you may want to lay up and take your chances with a wedge. Off the course, Wine Valley boasts an excellent driving range, an ample pro shop, and a restaurant with fantastic food and drinks.
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PLACES TO PLAY
Aspen Lakes Sisters, OR This Central Oregon favorite is one of the most visually stunning courses you’ll ever play. From the Three Sisters in the background to the red cinder bunkers protecting the course, Aspen Lakes is a sight to behold. Since its opening in 1999, Aspen Lakes Golf Course has been a favorite of locals and visitors alike. The W.L. Overdorf design features subtle elevation changes from tee to green and plays around lakes, ponds, and red cinder bunkers.
PLAY THESE PLACES Camas Meadows Golf Club 4105 NW Camas Meadows Dr. Camas, WA 98607 360-833-2000 www.camasmeadows.com
Wine Valley Golf Club
176 Wine Valley Road Walla Walla, WA 99362 509-525-4653 www.winevalleygolfclub.com
The Three Sisters - volcanic peaks situated just south of the course - dominate the landscape. But, it’s typically the red cinder bunkers that everyone talks about. Course owners opted to use the locally sourced materials and the red cinders were abundant on the property and easily crushed to fill the bunkers. The result is an amazing contrast to the white peaks, blue skies, and vibrant green bentgrass. The course is a traditional Northwest style layout, an excellent example of the golf courses you’ll find in the high desert of Central Oregon. Many of the holes are long, but the fairways are typically wide and forgiving. Aspen Lakes offers several sets of tees to choose from, giving golfers
Aspen Lakes Golf Course 16900 Aspen Lakes Drive Sisters, OR 97759 541-549-4653 www.aspenlakes.com
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Host of the Annual
Central Oregon Shootout!
the opportunity to play the course that best suits their game. A blend of doglegs, directional and green-side bunkers and frequent water features can also collectively lengthen many holes. A notable stretch that well-represents the potential difficulty here are holes 14 thru 16, or “Amen Corner.” This par 4-3-4 combo holds respective distances of 466, 201, and 426 yards from the blue tees. Accompanied by elevation changes, and a wealth of sand & water, this can be a daunting test as your round nears conclusion. The greens at Aspen Lakes, while providing some occasional large slopes, are fairly user-friendly to putt on with speeds typical to the area. A family-owned golf course, Aspen Lakes has been transformed in the last 10 years. More than just a haven for golfers, a massive clubhouse complete with bar and restaurant has become a place for the residents of Sisters to socialize.
NOV 2018
JULY 2018
www.nwgolfadventures.com
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