VOLUME 38 | ISSUE 5 | OCT/NOV 2011
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA
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DISCOUNTING By SCPGA President Jason Taylor, PGA Please note my observations, interpretations, predictions, etc. are not based on comprehensive research before writing this. These are my very informal observations, concerns and predictions.
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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
PRESIDENT’SREPORT
orking the past two years with the Lorena Ochoa Golf Foundation has allowed me to spend a lot of time with travel industry professionals. Learning about some our industry parallels has been very interesting. The most interesting and concerning of these parallels is their history with third part servers such as Travelocity and Expedia. Over the past decade these third party servers have grown in power to the point that, I believe, they have an influence on the rates being offered by hotels and airlines. I have gotten the impression that some hoteliers and airlines regret not addressing the growth of these third party liquidators earlier and harnessing their power and impact. It may not have been possible, but who knows? I think the golf industry is heading down this same road – quickly. I recently heard a story about a golf course that was strongly encouraged to offer a lower rate by a third party tee time liquidator. The course operator declined to lower the rate and the liquidator responded to the golf course they would probably not be able to sell tee times for this particular course any longer. This forced the course operator to make a tough decision. The third party liquidator accounted for a little more than 30% of this course’s tee time sales. Not wanting to risk losing the customers that booked through this service, the course relented and lowered their rates. This happened outside of California and in a fairly small market. Maybe this couldn’t happen in a market the size of ours. Maybe it could? I’m worried it will because I think we are generally poor as an industry in the area of yield management. The people who operate these services are
experts in this area. I’m not sure if there is a solution to this potential problem or not. Slowing down these third party liquidators may be as futile as fighting the tide. From a consumer stand point it is very convenient to go to a single site that has everything I need and presented in a very easy to use fashion. I travel regularly and almost always use Expedia. I realize hoteliers and airlines would rather have me book through their web site. I don’t do it, though, because it’s not as convenient, efficient and I’m generally lazy. It only takes one of my three reasons to drive me to a third party and I’m sure just about every golfer shares at least one of these with me. The number of golfers who book tee times via the internet is not going to decrease. Our golf course owners and operators need to get out in front of this. The best solution for the owners and operators is to; a) become experts in yield and database management or enlist the help of someone who is, and b) have a great web site, compatible with smart phones, with an amazing booking engine. I predict this internet thing is going to catch on. We need to hop on the bandwagon and be as proactive and responsible for our own destinies as we possibly can. No course operator wants to get a call from someone telling them they must lower their rates or risk losing 30% of their tee time bookings. Do your best to book your own times and keep control of your business. I have one more web based suggestion; if your email address happens to be idrinktilligetnakedanddanceontables@ knucklehead.com you might have trouble in a job search or being taken seriously in a professional setting. While I think everyone should end up on a table top or wonder what happened to their clothes at least once in their lifetime (I hear it’s fun), I don’t think this the best announcement for personal branding.
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THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA 36201 Champions Drive • Beaumont, CA 92223 951.845.4653 ph • 951.769.6733 fax • scpga.com
THE SCPGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Jason Taylor, President - Lorena Ochoa Golf Foundation Jeff Johnson, Vice President - The Ranch at Moreno Valley Greg Prudham, Secretary - PGA Magazine Scott Stubbs, Honorary President - Vista Valley Country Club INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS Ross Fisher, Goose Creek Golf Club Ramon Alvarez, Alvarez Lincoln-Mercury-Jaguar AT-LARGE DIRECTORS Ed Winiecki • Ric Moore, Wood Ranch Golf Club • Paul Levy, Toscana Country Club • John Mason, Encinitas Ranch Golf Course • Bill Hulbert, Green River Golf Club • Tony Letendre, Toscana Country Club
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CHAPTER REPRESENTATIVES Desert: Meredith Johnson Foster, Desert Horizons Country Club • Inland Empire: Scott Wilson, Vellano Country Club • Metro: Scott Scozzola, Debell Golf Course • Northern: Mark Wilson, North Ranch Country Club • San Diego: Renny Brown, Park Hyatt Aviara DISTRICT 11 DIRECTOR Sue Fiscoe, Creekside Golf Course - Northern California Section PGA OF AMERICA PRESIDENT Allen Wronowski, Hillendale CC - Middle Atlantic Section SCPGA SECTION STAFF Tom Addis III, PGA, Executive Director/CEO Ext 726 • scpgata@aol.com
SPONSORDIRECTORY
Nikki Gatch, Assistant Executive Director Ext 732 • ngatch@pgahq.com Rob Keller, Director of Competitions and Rules Ext 721 • rkeller@pgahq.com Chris Austin, Communications Manager Ext 722 • caustin@pgahq.com Sharon Curfman, Membership Manager Ext 720 • scurfman@pgahq.com David Myrdahl, Business Development Manager Ext 733 • dmyrdahl@pgahq.com Mike Meka, PGA, Junior Golf Director Ext 730 • mmeka@pgahq.com Alexandra Tegels, Junior Tour Manager Ext 721 • ategels@pgahq.com Kristine Lorencz, Section Administration Ext 710 • klorencz@pgahq.com Janelle Kotzin, Office Manager/Accounting Ext 734 • jkotzin@pgahq.com PGA CAREER CONSULTANT Ken Ferrell, PGA 951.894.5024 • kferrell@pgahq.com
THE PROGRAM VOLUME 38 • ISSUE 5 • 2011 OCT/NOV EDITION The Program is produced by the Southern California PGA. The Program is distributed free to members and affiliates of the SCPGA. The articles and other information contained within this publication are informational and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the SCPGA. The SCPGA assumes no responsibility or liability for claims made for or by any product in this publication whether reported or advertised. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the SCPGA is prohibited.
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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
PGA YOUR BUSINESS NOTABLES Grow the game and By SCPGA Executive Director and CEO Tom Addis III, PGA
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e always talk about slow play this and slow play that, we have been doing it for 30 years. Now we talk about how slow play takes the fun out of the game when we used to talk about how slow play was the bane of tee-time and golf course utilization - NOW IT’S BOTH! The great golf course program Tee it Forward only works if we have everyone participating. As Golf 2.0 grows, we want the program to help keep golfers in the game, bring in new golfers and bring back former golfers. Programs at individual golf courses will be the ultimate catalyst for Golf 2.0’s success.
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ers in a position to give a golfer the opportunity to reach the “fairway” and the short grass when faced with a carry over a water hazard or un-mowed areas. This will save time searching for the golf ball or playing from or dropping out of a water hazard. • Keep the green speeds moderate. This could eliminate strokes on the green and save even more time for the golfer. • Cut the holes on the putting green in easier locations. Find flatter areas that are away from putting green edges, especially the front of the green, and away from bunkers, which will make the bunker shot easier and save time the golfer normally spends figuring out their strategy from the sand. In addition, put the hole in a location on the green that will allow the golfer to run the ball onto the green. Thank you to SCPGA Director of Competitions and Rules, Rob Keller, and to former GCSAA President Bruce Williams for their suggestions for this article. Each of the suggestions written above will give your golfer an opportunity to take fewer shots - THAT will help lower the time it takes to play the golf course and golfers will have more fun and want to play more! Go Golf 2.0!!! SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
New Members Elected Rusty Justus, PGA; Kenneth S. Kim, PGA; James R. Morse, PGA; Tyler Cope, PGA; Ian Mittelstaedt, PGA; Ryan Dohrmann, PGA; Cory McQuiddy, PGA Attended the August 26th New Member Orientation Trent Gessel, PGA; Holland Houfburg, PGA; Rusty Justus, PGA; Geoffrey Lee, PGA; Randall Lerner, PGA; Seiko Onoue, PGA; Richard Schulz, PGA; Michael C. Jones, PGA. The next New Member Orientation is Scheduled for November 18 at the Holiday Inn Express in Beaumont. New Apprentices Scott Alexander, John P. Brown, Meggan Bunker, Ryan Christopher, Nigel Hoover, Jeff S. Hwang, Bryan Kelly, Scott Kolman, Martin Matsuzaki, Matthew Mouser, Coleman Mullin, Tyler Pritkin, Jeffrey L. Smith, Sean Romano, Mathew Tom, Leland Woodard Half Century Club Member John Anselmo; Edward Coleman; Howie Johnson; John DeSantis, Ross Horst; John Leonard Quarter Century Cub Members Malia Folquet; Jack Lesko, James Haggerty, John Haggerty, Rick Heitzig, Thomas Speck, Jim Wahl and Jeff Walser Moving Up Thomas Baggett Jr, PGA A-4 Aliso Creek Golf Course Darryle Fukano, PGA A-13 Casta Del Sol Golf Course Lon Grundy, PGA A-13 The Indian Wells Golf Resort Brian Hamilton, PGA A-14 Arrowhead Country Club James Morse, PGA A-1 Eldorado Country Club Colin Radchenko, PGA A-13 Steele Canyon Golf Club Lindsey Winch, PGA A-1 Andalusia Country Club Welcome Wagon Parker Anderson, PGA Thomas Baggett, PGA Darryle Fukano, PGA Lon Grundy, PGA Leslie Spalding, PGA
SECTIONREPORT
If we have 1/2 our players on the “regular” course tees and the other 1/2 of our players from the forward tees, that scenario does nothing to improve the pace of play. We might have the opportunity to hit shorter clubs into the greens and we might have the opportunity to score lower but that being said, we won’t get around the golf course any quicker unless everyone is “teeing it forward”! But, not everyone is going to sacrifice doing that. We can, however, take steps with our golf courses to facilitate faster play and a more enjoyable experience by shaving a few minutes off their round and eliminating the loss of golf balls during play. We can accomplish this several ways: • Place the tee markers in locations to make it easier to reach “fairways” and cross waterways and ponds and lakes (especially on par 3’s and during busy periods of play). Keep in mind, however, the need for your golfers to be able to post a score for handicapping purposes when they use an alternative tee area - check with the SCGA, WSCGA or your local golf association for advice. • Keep your “rough” mowed in order give the golfer the opportunity to see the top of their golf ball if they are search-
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ing. This will reduce a good amount of time in searching for the golf ball. Keep the edges and banks of water features clean so it is easier to see the golf ball, wherever it is - in or out of the water. Keep the course marked thoroughly, including water hazard stakes and lines, boundary stakes and ground under repair - this will help eliminate time the golfer wastes trying to figure out how to proceed. In line with marking the golf course properly, ensure that your local rules define and spell out what the markings on the course mean. Place the teeing ground and tee mark-
EMPLOYMENT CHANGES AND UPDATES WITHIN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SECTION
Aloha Midwest Northern Cal Southwest Rocky Mtn
Take Note of our Seniors We would like to acknowledge Bill Nary, PGA and Jack Koennecker, PGA as the oldest active members in our Section at age 96. Bill Nary has the most years of membership at 67.5 years of service.
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Put your career on the
RIGHT TRACK By PGA Employment Consultant Ken Ferrell, PGA
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EMPLOYMENTCONNECTION 06
eading the collective effort to grow the number of golfers, the PGA of America has developed Golf 2.0 as a strategy to lead the industry in making golf more relevant and welcoming to those who play or show an interest in doing so. With lofty goals for increasing the number of golfers in the U.S, and with support by the many major stake holders in our industry, it is an aggressive strategy that each PGA member can participate in and contribute to in an effort to grow business at their facility. The PGA of America is pursuing Golf 2.0 because the industry has experienced a loss of approximately four million golfers since 2006. The findings from surveys conducted by the Boston Consulting Group show that, left unchanged, the golf industry might face a decade of flat participation and revenues. But the survey also showed a tremendous opportunity to engage some 90 million Americans who are currently not playing golf but want to play, or who are playing right now and want to play more. The initiatives developed by the PGA of America focus on growth in three areas: 1. Retaining and strengthening the golfing core- The initiatives include knowing your customer and deepening the engagement in current golfers. 2. Engaging lapsed golfers- Initiatives include recognizing the influence of women and growing this segment of golfers, engaging the entire family, targeting lapsed seniors, targeting the 90 million lapsed Americans who aspire to play again, and reaching those whose introduction to golf is SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
through electronic uses, i.e.; X Box, EA Sports and others. 3. Driving new golfers to the gameReaching families who are in the 84% of American non-golf households is key as they represent the building blocks of our future. Alliances with major youth organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America are a key part of this initiative. Engaging minorities represents a unique opportunity and a challenge. We must overturn the under-representation of AfricanAmericans and Latinos in golf. The PGA has a number of programs (Get Golf Ready, Family Golf Month, and Women’s Golf Month are examples) that are helping to grow the game and increase your value as a PGA member. Your Southern California Section is leading the effort by initiating Play Golf America Days, Neighborhood Golf, and numerous other growth of the game programs as part of the Golf 2.0 strategy. “We need to start thinking out of the box. With so many sports and activities fighting for the time and attention of families, we need to think of ways to make our game more attractive and thus more inviting, especially to children and young adults.” - Jack Nicklaus Ken Ferrell, PGA serves as the PGA Career Consultant for the Southern California and Aloha Sections. He can be reached at 951-894-5024 or by e-mail at kferrell@pgahq.com.
PLAYING FOR HISTORY.
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U.S. AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP® BALL COUNT
U.S. WOMEN’S AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP® BALL COUNT
251 NEAREST COMPETITOR
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U.S. JUNIOR AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP® BALL COUNT
137 NEAREST COMPETITOR
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U.S. GIRLS’ JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP® BALL COUNT
131 NEAREST COMPETITOR
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129 NEAREST COMPETITOR
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ONE FOR THE AGES
MIKE MILES LEFT NO DOUBT WHO WOULD BE CROWNED SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPION WITH A COMMANDING VICTORY AT ANNANDALE
PROFESSIONALCHAMPIONSHIP 08
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAMPIONSHIP
continued on next page
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
PROFESSIONALCHAMPIONSHIP
Whatever drama there was heading into the final round of the 2011 SCPGA Professional Championship was blown out the door fairly quickly once Mike Miles teed off at Annandale Golf Club. His slim twoshot lead after rounds one and two quickly grew to eight, and he never looked back.
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PROFESSIONALCHAMPIONSHIP
Miles, from Virginia Country Club and the 2008 SCPGA Professional Champion, finished with his third straight round of 66, and blew away the field by nine shots. Jeffrey Cranford of The Palms Golf Club shot a final round 67 to finish at -3 and in sole possession of second place. Both Miles and Cranford earn exemptions into the Nationwide Tour Soboba Golf Classic, while Miles also earns a spot in the 2012 Humana Invitational (formerly the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic). The top ten finishers will be representing the Southern California Section in the 2012 PGA Professional National Championship, hosted by Bayonet and Blackhorse courses in Seaside, CA. Roger Gunn, PGA of Tierra Rejada Golf Club jumped out to an early two stroke lead on the first day thanks to a fantastic 64 (-6) in the morning wave. Roger slid back to -1 after the second round and into a tie for third with Jeffrey Templeton of Glendora Country Club, seven shots off the pace. After firing a 66 during the second round, tied for low round of the day, Charles DeLorey of Indian Canyons Golf Resort jumped up into second place and two shots back of the
lead at 134 (-6). Miles matched DeLorey’s 66 to vault right back in front by two. Miles got off to a quick start on the final day, with birdies on his first two holes. Charles DeLorey of Indian Canyons Golf Resort, who started the day just two shots back, went in the opposite direction, with bogeys on his first four holes. “It was a pretty magical week for me, with the three 66’s, the hole-in-one [on the final day], two eagles in a row the first day. It was just one of those tournaments where the ball wanted to go in the hole. It’s probably the best golf I’ve played in many, many years.” The entire field seemed to struggle with the course on Wednesday, with only five of 60 players shooting under par for the day. Miles had the shot of the tournament, as he aced the 233-yard par-3 12th hole, the first hole-in-one during the Section Professional Championship in recent memory. His tee shot landed on the edge of the green, bounced once and rolled about 25 feet into the cup. He was unaware of the ace as he approached the green, even bringing a wedge along with his putter as he thought the ball may have rolled off the green. “I looked at the scores at the turn, and CONTINUED NEXT PAGE
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Jeff Cranford, PGA of The Palms Golf Club celebrated his final round 3-under par, and second place finish, by giving his golf ball to his group’s honorary scorekeeper. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
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I was playing with my only competition on the last day and he was struggling, so I figured at the turn I had at least an eight shot lead. I was in great shape but I wanted to make sure I didn’t fall asleep, and on this course you can make some big numbers.” “The proper shot on that hole is to hit a really easy rescue club, but I hit a three iron which was the wrong club and I hit it really hard. I hit it well and it carried to the back of the green but we couldn’t see the ball because of where the pin was. We walked up and there was no reaction so I thought it had rolled off the green, but it turned out it was in the hole. I didn’t get a chance to yell or scream, which is typical of me.” Mike has had an incredible streak playing in the SCPGA Professional Championship. 2011 was his fourth entry into the event, and he has played well enough every time, including his two wins, to qualify for the PGA Professional National Championship all four corresponding years. Mike will also be competing at the 2012 Humana Challenge, formerly the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.
ANATOMY OF A HOLE IN ONE
Mike Miles tees off on the 233-yard 12th hole with a 3-iron, which he originally thought was the wrong club to hit.
The tee shot landed on a ridge just off the green, and bounced several times before rolling toward the cup.
Twenty-five feet later, the ball found the edge of the cup and rolled in, unbeknownst to any of the competitors still on the tee.
Mike celebrated his ace with his characteristally-understated demeanor, no doubt keeping his focus on winning the Championship.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
PROFESSIONALCHAMPIONSHIP
Mike Miles has won two Southern California PGA Professional Championship trophies in the four years he has competed in the event, a success rate he hopes to improve in 2012.
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Playoff hole needed to crown
SENIOR CHAMPION San Diego’s Tim Parun outlasts defending champion Chris Starkjohann to claim his first Southern California PGA Senior Championship
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SENIORCHAMPIONSHIP
t was expected that we would have some high drama with so much at stake in this year’s Southern California Senior PGA Professional Championship. With eight spots available into the Senior PGA Professional National Championship supported by Southworth Development and Mercedes-Benz, three alternates positions up for grabs and of course the title of 2011 Southern California Senior PGA Professional Champion, there was bound to be excitement, and we were not disappointed! The day ended in dramatic fashion, with two separate playoffs taking place to determine the 2011 Champion as well as the final two spots and three alternates for the Senior PGA Professional Championship. Stealing some thunder from the playoff for the spots into the National Championship was a playoff to determine this year’s Champion. Thanks to a strong effort by defending Champion Chris Starkjohann of Torrey Pines Gold Club & Outings, who shot another strong 69, Tim Parun of Sail Ho Golf Club’s four stroke lead had vanished after a bogey on the par-3 17th hole. A solid par on the difficult 18th would ensure extra holes for the title. Chris and Tim would match pars as they replayed the 18th for their first sudden-death playoff hole, but on the second playoff hole, #1 on the Legends course, things played out more conclusively. With Chris just outside of 10 feet of the hole on the short par-4, Tim played a beautiful pitch to inside of two feet. After narrowly missing his 10 footer, Chris looked on as Tim swept in his birdie to become the 2011 Southern California Senior PGA Champion. In the Super Senior Division Robert E. Smith of Olivas Links overcame a one stroke deficit to Butch Sheehan of The continued on next page
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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
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years National Championship! This years Championship would not have been possible without the National supporting sponsors Southworth Development and MercedesBenz. Local supporting sponsor YAMAHA was on hand all week and we cannot thank Bill Crist, PGA enough for his support! We also need to thank the PGA TOUR for their support of our PGA Professional Championships. Local supporting sponsor NYX Golf had Jeff Sharpe and Dan Hornig, PGA (who also competed and earned a spot in the 2011 PGA Professional National Championship) on site. Hector Villareal of PSP Sports was also on hand presenting The Little One training clubs to those same top finishers. We also need to thank Pepsi for their support and the Tim Parun outlasted Chris Starkjohann (below, in blue) to claim his first Senior Professional Championship product they made available to all contestants for the week. continued from previous page Special thanks goes to the First Tee of Coachella Valley with a sec- Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon, ond round 67 to follow up his bogey free including all of the following individuals 66. His 11-under par 133 was good enough who were key in this year’s event: PGA for a two-stroke victory over Sheehan. General Manager Rick Parillo, ApprenBill Feil of Stone Eagle Golf Club charged tice PGA Head Professional Henry Liaw, into third with a strong 69 to finish eight Course Superintendent Paul Mayes and event coordinator Ellen Cho. strokes off the lead. Thank you sponsors for your unbeMeanwhile, five players entered the fray for two remaining spots in the Na- lievable support and for making this such tional Championship after finishing at a a memorable Championship! 36 hole total of 1-over par 145. Dan Hornig, PGA of Heritage Cross and Paul Wise, PGA of Hillcrest Country Club would go on to birdie the first playoff hole to earn their spots in the Senior PGA Professional National Championship in October. They would join Chris Starkjohann (138), Mark Fernando of Coronado Municipal GC (141), Ron Skayhan of Hillcrest Country Club (142), Jon Fiedler of Las Posas Country Club (144), Jim Razzeto of Westchester Golf Course (144) and Brad Sherfy of Harbor Golf Practice Center (144) as this years Qualifiers. (Note: Tim Parun and Butch Sheehan are Exempt into this years National Championship due to their outstanding play in the National Championship in 2010.) Southern California will undoubtedly once again be very well represented at this
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Review nominees for
board of directors Two positions are open for the 2012 SCPGA Board of Directors. Voting will take place during the 2011 Annual Meeting at the Victoria Club in Riverside on December 5. Absentee ballots may be mailed in using the enclosed form.
BOARDNOMINATIONS 14
TIM BAUMAN // MOORPARK COUNTRY CLUB Born and raised in Appleton, Wisconsin, I was introduced to the game of golf at age five. I graduated from Ferris State University with a degree in Marketing and Professional Golf Management. I went to work for eleven years in Wisconsin as both Assistant Golf Professional and Head PGA Golf Professional, while also serving two consecutive terms on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Section. I joined the SCPGA in 2007 when I took the job as Head Golf Professional at Mountain View Country Club in La Quinta. I served on the Desert Chapter Board of Directors until I took my current position in the Northern Chapter as Head Golf Professional at Moorpark Country Club. I would love to serve on the SCPGA Board of Directors because I have a great passion for the game of golf. I feel a responsibility to get involved as a leader and contribute instead of simply expecting others to do it for me. My past experience on both Section and Chapter Boards of Directors makes me a strong candidate that can contribute to the success of the Board and the Section as a whole.
SHARON FLETCHER // SHADOW MOUNTAIN GOLF CLUB I would like to be considered for one of the at-large Section Board of Directors positions. I have been a PGA Class A Professional in good standing for over 20 years and now I feel that I have some valuable experience and insight to give back to the PGA. I have been involved in the LPGA as a member and mentor and that has proven to be extremely rewarding. My position in the LPGA is getting ready to run its term, so I feel that I have ample time to devote to the Southern California Section Board of Directors. I graduated from Furman University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology. I became a PGA Class A Professional in 1994, LPGA Class A in 1993, and in 2004 became a TPI Certified Golf Fitness Instructor. I am currently a Teaching Professional at Shadow Mountain Golf Club as well as Co-Owner and Director of Instruction at No-Ultimates Golf Schools.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
DAVID FOSTER // CLICK 4 TEE TIMES I am honored to submit my name for nomination to the SCPGA Board of Directors. Having served on the Section Board from 1995 – 2006 provided me with a solid knowledge and understanding of our five chapters, our Section, and our national office. As a Member I have always worked with our membership and Section staff for the betterment of our association. I still feel the need and desire to serve and should I be fortunate enough to be elected to a new term as a Board of Directors member, I promise to always work to achieve the needs of my fellow members and apprentices. I have been a PGA member since 1990, and have served as Section President from 2005 - 2006. I received the Section Horton Smith Award in 1997 and the Bill Strausbaugh Award in 2000. After serving seven years as General Manager at Talega Golf Club and three years as COO of SunCoast Golf, Inc., I now act as Business Manager for Click4TeeTimes at The Active Network and Active Golf.
RICK PARILLO // MORONGO GOLF CLUB AT TUKWET CANYON Rick Parillo started his golf career at a young age working in the bag room at Oakmont Country Club in Glendale under Skip Whittett. Rick quickly got hooked in the golf business and became a PGA Professional in 1985. He spent over 18 years at San Juan Hills Country Club working with Arnie Dokka. In 1999 he started a custom club business in Carlsbad. Due to kidney failure, Rick was forced to put his career and golf on hold until he received a transplant. He went back into the golf business in 2008 where he was hired to manage Upland Hills CC. In April of this year Rick was hired as the General Manager of The Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon, (formerly East Valley Golf Club). Rick is now interested in joining the Board of Directors of the Southern California PGA. His passion for the game of golf and for his fellow professionals makes a position on the board his next challenge. His hope is to grow the game and give back to the Section that he has been a member for over 25 years.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
BOARDNOMINATIONS
JOHN MCNAIR // JC RESORTS It is my goal to have a positive impact on the SCPGA and its members by growing the game of golf and developing education programs to ensure a PGA Professional is the primary leader of each club. I have been JC Resorts’ Vice President of Golf for the last 11 years and a 18-year PGA member. My father has been a PGA professional for over 40 years, which has allowed me to see the major transitions in the golf business and the role of the PGA professional over a long period of time. I believe it is important for the SCPGA to focus efforts on increasing the number of golfers to sustain our industry. Implementing these programs now is crucial to growing the number of lifelong players of the game. In addition to teaching new golfers the traditional basics, we need to get people to actually play the game while developing a social network that will instill their desire to play for a lifetime. Because the golf business is changing, we need to increase the value and number of PGA Professionals at all clubs. The new education focus should be on marketing and sales so these professionals can easily understand how to grow rounds and revenues in addition to understanding food and beverage, agronomics and general management. This will also create the potential to add more PGA positions at each course (i.e. General Manager, Head Professional and First Assistant). Building the framework to have three PGA Professionals at each club is an important factor for the future of the SCPGA. I look forward to the opportunity of serving the membership.
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PGA Professionals receive
highest honors 2011 Award Winners list includes new names and recognizable faces, and represents the best of the best in Southern California 2011 SCPGA Golf Professional of the Year Susan Roll Carlsbad Golf Center Teacher of the Year Erik Horve Tustin Ranch Golf Club Assistant Professional of the Year John Birchard Ironwood Country Club Horton Smith Award Jerry Elwell
AWARDWINNERS
Bill Strausbaugh Award Mark Wilson North Ranch Country Club Junior Golf Leader Chris Smeal Stadium Golf Center Club Fitter of the Year Justin Davidson Los Angeles Country Club Merchandiser of the Year - Private Terry Beardsley Eldorado Country Club Merchandiser of the Year - Public DJ Limardi Sandpiper Golf Club Merchandiser of the Year - Resort Shawn Cox The Grand Golf Club Honorary Life Members Jerry Elwell Bob Husband Paul Runyan The Victoria Club in Riverside will play host to the 2011 SCPGA President’s Dinner and Annual Meeting on December 4-5.
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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
2011 Annual Meeting December 5 Victoria Club 2521 Arroyo Dr Riverside, CA 92506 Join your fellow PGA Professionals for the 2011 SCPGA Annual Meeting. Registration begins at 7:00am with the meeting running from 8:00am until approximately 10:45am. Two spots are available on the Board of Directors, and voting will take place during the meeting as well as via absentee ballot, which you can obtain on scpga.com. The Pinehurst Championship will tee off at 11:30am following the meeting. Sponsors include SkyGolf, 1st & 10th Tee Bars, SwingThought, and Pukka Headwear. Formal business attire is required for the meeting. Men must wear coat, tie, and pants. Women must wear business attire. PGA Professionals can earn up to six MSR meeting credits for attending the Annual Meeting. A special $79 rate has been secured at the Riverside Marriott hotel. Call 951-784-8000 to reserve your room. Use the code “SCPGA” when calling.
New members welcomed into
pga family
Eight new PGA members attended the August 26 new member orientation at the Holiday Inn Express in Beaumont. Below is a short bio of each new member, including why they became a PGA Professional. Geoffrey Lee Vellano Country Club A-8 The love for the game and wanting to reach out to promote the sport to others, so they can share the same passion for golf as I have.
Holland Houfburg Mountain Gate Country Club A-8 The main motivation was my love for the game and my passion to help others experience the game as well. I have always enjoyed the atmosphere around the game of golf and the people that are drawn to that atmosphere.
Trent Gessel Bermuda Dunes Country Club A-1 I wanted to share my passion for the game of golf. I also have a strong desire to teach the game to juniors.
Randall Lerner Woodland Hills Country Club A-8 I joined for the love I have for golf, and to help grow the game. I enjoy the time spent doing something I love.
Rusty Justus Desert Willow Golf Resort A-8 I want to promote and help grow the game of golf through hard work and dedication.
Seiko Onoue Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club A-8 I wanted to become a PGA Professional to help golfers with their game and to introduce others to the game of a lifetime. I also want to motivate and inspire people to do what they are good at, even if it is not golf.
Richard Schulz Pelican Hill Golf Club A-8 I was attracted to the PGA of America because I wanted to be a member of a highly-recognized organization with professional and educational benefits.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
NEWMEMBERS
Michael C. Jones Miramar Memorial Golf Club A-8 As soon as I got my first job in the industry, I became obsessed with the goal of attaining membership. It was because I enjoyed getting up and coming to the golf course every day, having the opportunity to compete, and the challenge of working in a fast-growing industry.
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Enjoying a golf
renaissance Dallas Goldsmith was ready to give up on the game of golf, until the perfect situation came along and he fell in love all over again
MEMBERPROFILE 18
The power of a child is never more evident as when an adult can be brought to tears from just one single sentence, uttered on the uneven turf of a middle school soccer field. “Thank you for letting us play golf.” That’s all it took from two young girls who had just participated in their first golf clinic for PGA Professional Dallas Goldsmith to choke up. After many years in the golf industry, and on the verge of giving up on the game of golf and prepared to move on with his life, Dallas has come back to the game he loves so much, and is more passionate than ever about helping grow the game of golf in his community. Dallas got into the game at an early age, when a friend’s family invited him out to play a round. Being a strong athlete already, he figured he could pick up a club and be an expert right away. But he quickly learned this was like no other sport he
had ever played, and was immediately humbled. “That’s exactly when I fell in love with golf,” he explains. From that point, he was hooked, and played golf through high school in the Big Bear area. Dallas points to his high school coach, who was also one of his teachers, as one of his main inspirations growing up. “He helped convince me that I had some talent for the game of golf. He allowed me to believe that anything was possible.” As a high school player, Dallas competed against many schools in the Coachella Valley, where the level of competition really pushed him to play his best. He began playing Desert Junior Golf and that helped him earn a spot on his college golf team. While in college, Dallas helped pay the bills by working at LakeRidge Golf Course in Reno, NV. He was lucky
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
enough to be there at the same time as a Master Professional and four Class-A Golf Professionals, who taught him a wealth of information that he has taken with him in every position he has held since. “I feel like I was at the right place at the right time. They really motivated me to become a PGA Professional.” Dallas moved on from Reno and took a position as first assistant at Woodhaven Country Club in Palm Desert, a move he feels was his first big step in his golf career. After one season in the desert, he was offered the opportunity of a lifetime, to open a new course. He moved back up to Northern California to open StoneTree Golf Club. “I jumped at the chance, because I loved the idea of being able to come in and not have to work off of someone else’s ideas. That was the best experience of my continued on next page
continued from previous page
Dallas Goldsmith has enjoyed a new love for the game of golf through junior clinics
and administrators, Rogerson began looking for ways to take the clinics to other parts of Southern California. “We had such a good program going, and we decided we didn’t want to keep it just to ourselves,” said Rogerson. “I knew there was a course up here in Big Bear so I approached Dallas about it. He was extremely receptive to the idea, so we partnered up to bring the clinic up to the area.” They held their first clinic a couple years ago, and it has been a huge success so far. The ability for the clinic to be held no matter the weather conditions has really added to its success in the Big Bear area. “There’s no reason why these clinics can’t happen anywhere. You could do it indoors if the weather is not cooperating,” explains Rogerson. “You don’t need a whole lot of space, even if you just focus on chipping and putting. It’s such a nice introduction for those kids who may never have even thought about trying golf.” Both Monica and Dallas realize that getting kids into the game early on is the key to bringing them back for lessons, rounds, and golf shop sales. “In California, a lot of middle schools and just about every high school has a golf program, so by introducing the game to these kids at a young age, they may take it up later on,” said Rogerson. Goldsmith has embraced the concept completely, and it has changed his mind and outlook on his future in the game of golf. It has helped him find perspective, and be able to enjoy teaching the game even more. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
Volunteers from the local golf community and employees of Bear Mountain Golf Course have donated their time to make sure each clinic is a huge success
MEMBERPROFILE
career.” Dallas spent five years there as the Head Golf Professional, and by age 30 took the Director of Golf position at Oakmont Golf Club in Sonoma County, a 36-hole Ted Robinson-designed facility. Just over a year later, he was hired as Head Golf Professional as Presidio Golf Course in San Francisco, an experience he’ll never forget. “Teaching golf in the middle of the city of San Francisco was amazing. There are only two public courses in the city and I was literally teaching 1,000 students a year. I would hold clinics 3-4 times per week and each one would be full with a waiting list. It really exposed me to the teaching side of golf and that’s when I fell in love with teaching.” Eventually, though, Dallas decided he needed to move back home to Big Bear, and help out with the family ski and snowboard business. He worked in the business for awhile, until Bear Mountain Golf Course came calling. “At that point in my life, I was feeling like I might move on from the golf industry. But after I came back, the local golf course came to me and asked me to come be their PGA Professional. The course is owned by the ski resort so they didn’t have many golf industry people running the facility, so it was a great fit for me.” “What was great was the ability to sit down with the owners and tell them the aspects of the game I like and do not like, and being able to tailor my job description to fit those key areas. I wanted to focus on teaching and growing the game, and less on day-to-day operations. I think that side of things was taking the enjoyment of the game from me.” That’s when he was approached by Dr. Monica Rogerson, the Adapted Physical Education Specialist for the Long Beach Unified School District, who had started up some golf clinics and was looking to expand. Rogerson started working in the district in 1989, and began wondering why they couldn’t take disabled kids over to the local courses to give them lessons. In 1994, with a grant from the Amateur Athletic Foundation and the Long Beach Special Olympics, she was able to fund some traveling golf clinics. They held a few clinics each year, with an annual trip to SkyLinks Golf Course in Long Beach where they held a disability clinic. The program was so well received by parents, teachers
“I’m the luckiest guy up here. I teach golf all summer long, and right about the time I’m getting burned out on golf, I switch gears and run the family business in the winter.” He sees these clinics as a win-win situation for everyone involved, especially the kids. “No one involved in this program is going to lose. It’s going to grow the sport, and every child in my hometown gets exposed to the game much earlier than I was.” “What I get out of this far supersedes what I give. These kids are going to go back into their classrooms and write thank you notes and you get this big stack of papers, and when you get to sit down and read them, it makes you almost want to cry.” Dallas is now known as “the golf guy” when he runs into some of his past students in town. Everywhere he goes, kids are thanking him for introducing them to such a fun game. And for someone so close to giving up on the game, it has been a life changing experience. “I was going to give up on golf, I had turned my back, but doing this has made me fall back in love with it.” The golf industry, and hundreds of kids who may never have gotten to experience the joy of golf, are pretty happy Dallas had a change of heart.
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HELPING TO HEAL
THE SOUL
Navy Golf Course Professional Joe Grohman is changing lives through his golf clinics, and in turn has been changed himself
MEMBERPROFILE
PGA Professional Jerry Crowell of Goose Creek Golf Club got involved with Joe Grohman’s golf clinics and has seen how much joy they can bring to so many people.
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he air is filled with laughter as a gentle breeze sends ripples through the American flags posted around the putting green. The smack of a golf club is heard on the range just as another ball is sent ten feet downhill right into the target cup. Look around and you’ll see smiles and high-fives everywhere. You would think this would be just another group of kids trying the game of golf for the first time. Until you realize the one thing that sets this day apart from all others. Every kid here is legally blind. continued on next page SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
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MEMBERPROFILE 22
all about, with the name recognition and the high standards, I knew I had a unique opportunity to give back to the community. A long time ago, I had a mentor helping me and he always told me that I needed to make sure I paid it forward, and all of these years that message has stuck in my head. Finally, when I actually got into the golf business, it gave me that chance to give back.” At one point, he was invited as a member of the PGA to attend an event
They just cannot see. I was blown away by these kids and their attitude toward life. Joe Grohman, PGA of Navy Golf I decided right there that we would start Course has been organizing these clinics up a clinic at Navy Golf Course and do it for many years. Each event grows in size, every year.” and with an all-volunteer staff helping him Shortly after beginning his clinics at out, each clinic requires incredible dedithe course, he was approached by a hoscation and work to create, yet Joe wouldn’t pital in Long Beach to come in and work have it any other way. with outpatients who were victims of A golfer all of his life and growing up stroke. He fondly remembers one woman in upstate New York, Joe first picked up who could not stand on her own nor grip his dad’s set of MacGregor golf clubs at age the club with her hands, but was detersix. He took them out to a mined to hit the ball no field near his house, took matter what. one swing with a driver, and “Her only goal was to his first ball ricocheted off knock the ball off the tee. the opposite curb on the So I would hold her up and street and straight through she’d take about ten swings a neighbor’s window. After and miss every time. Fithat, he was hooked. nally she hit the ball, and At age 17 he moved to the entire rest of the class the West Coast to pursue would stop and cheer for working in the golf indusher. I later talked with her try. caregiver and she said this “My dream was to be ended up being the one in the golf business, so thing that kept her going; that’s why I moved out to she looked forward to tryCalifornia,” explains Joe. ing to hit that golf ball ev“As a seventeen-year old ery single week. That was I didn’t know anything when it dawned on me that about the PGA of America, we could really impact lives and even when I got my using golf as the vehicle.” first job here at the Navy He also remembers a Golf Course I still wasn’t woman he met at the Long aware of the PGA. My Beach VA hospital who Head Professional was on used to be a golfer when she the Junior Golf committee was younger, but a stroke and Tiger Woods was here had ended any chance for at the time, so he got me her to get back into the immediately into the PGA game, until she met Joe. program and I quickly “She hadn’t played golf learned what the PGA was in 30 years. She had sufall about.” fered a stroke, so we took He originally had aspiher out in one of the solo rations of playing profesriders and she was hitting sionally, but soon realized balls for the first time in he was more suited to teach three decades. She was a the game than to compete pretty good golfer when for money playing. she was younger, and liter“When I was young, ally overnight had put the I thought I’d be working clubs down, and now here at a golf course just long Joe Grohman could never have imagined how his humble golf clinics for the she is, 30 years later, hitblind would grow into what they are today, changing the lives of hunenough to sharpen my junior ting balls. She was bursting dreds of children, stroke victims and wounded veterans. game and eventually play with tears because she was professionally. That was the extent of the held by the United States Blind Golf As- so joyful and happy that she was able to do thought I put into it back then.” sociation. The Los Angeles Foundation that again.” As he got interested in the PGA, he for the Junior Blind was holding a clinic Not only is Joe focused on junior decided that was going to be his way of to help people teach blind children to play blind golfers and victims of strokes, he has giving something back to the game that golf. Immediately, he was overcome with a place in his heart reserved for helping had already given him so much over the a desire to pursue this line of teaching. Wounded Warriors and veterans who are years. “These are just regular kids who don’t continued on next page “Once I found out what the PGA was even think anything is wrong with them. continued from previous page
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
continued from previous page
severely disabled and may be unable to do any of the activities they used to do before their injury. “When we have these veterans here, and some of them are severely disabled, or even when we go to their small rec room with our rolling putters, you get these guys, these tough guys that have been in wars, saying that it’s the most fun they’ve ever had. For these one or two hours, we’re going to let this guy sink a 30-foot putt across the bare tile floor, and the whole group is going to cheer and clap, and we’re going to make this time the best
it can possibly be for them.” Joe has been bringing smiles and happiness, however temporary, to hundreds of people over the years. As he has grown the effort to bring the game of golf to more kids, more veterans, and more disabled people; his efforts have been made easier thanks to advances in technology, such as bendable putters. “Technology has opened so many new doors for us and what we do. It has allowed us to do clinics for hospitals, seriously wounded veterans, severely disabled people, that we would normally couldn’t.
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Thanks to the help of dozens of volunteers, supporting organizations and the support of the Navy Golf Course, the Junior Blind clinic has become a huge success each year. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
Kerry Walker
(760) 861-3700 / kw.pro2@verizon.net
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continued from previous page
MEMBERPROFILE
It’s a fleet that performs as well as it looks. That offers longer daily range and more energy efficiency. Drives smoother. And delivers even greater operational savings. Joe Martin jmartin2@textron.com (949) 233-1186
We now have these bendable putters that allow us to go right into a hospital and let a guy in a hospital bed hold the club and putt.” The entire program is run by volunteers, from fellow PGA Professionals to concerned citizens who just want to help make a difference. That has proven to be a challenge, however, as there is no formal funding for any of the activities. Joe recalls that they started out by literally passing a hat for donations, and one year a marshal offered to pay for the entire lunch that follows every clinic. “This is all done by volunteers, by good people who are being extremely generous. We have accomplished a lot without being a non-profit organization.” One of those generous volunteers this year was PGA Professional Jerry Crowell of Goose Creek Golf Club. “Joe has been like an inspiration to me, and watching what he’s done with these clinics made me want to be a part of it. I participated in a special needs clinic with him previously, so when he asked me to come be a part of this, I jumped at it.” After just one junior blind clinic, Jerry had a new sense of what it means to give back, and how something so simple as teaching a kid to hit a little white ball could affect him so deeply. “It is really hard to say goodbye. You think about whether you’ll ever get to see that kid again that you’ve been helping out today. You see these celebrities who go visit patients in the hospital and you hear them talk about how you’ll never forget it if you do it, and you wonder whether they’re being sincere or not. But unless you’re down here, and you experience it
for yourself, you won’t understand.” Joe Grohman understood very early on. He knew that he was changing lives, and these wonderful people were changing his at the same time. “Do you think any of these kids that are out here helping these blind kids play golf are ever going to forget their time here? They’re never going to forget this day. I love seeing people come out here for their first time to watch and help out with these blind kids. I love seeing the looks on their faces.” “I want to remember what a good time I have had doing this. I want to show this to all of our Section PGA Professionals. Sure, there’s a bit of logistics to work out in order for everything to come together. But when you get all these people out here, from the kids to the volunteers and everyone is having a good time, it’s an amazing experience. You can’t really understand it until you come out here and see for yourself.” Every year he has done these clinics, Joe has made it all about having fun; enjoying the few hours out on the golf course, trying something many of these people never thought was possible. He has relished in the support the Navy Golf Course has given him to change the lives of these kids and these veterans, and when he speaks about those that have made it possible for him to continue making a difference through golf, you can see in his eyes and his smile just how much it means to him. “It has made me much more grateful. When I look back, I want to think that I had the most fun of all. If we’re able to touch lives in just a little way like this, why not?”
Ed Rashid erashid@textron.com (714) 292-6559
Proud sponsor of the Southern California PGA
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© 2011 E-Z-GO Division of Textron Inc.
The success of the Junior Blind Clinic is possible because so many new friendships are forged during the few hours the kids and volunteers have to play golf and have fun. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
Tapping into the golf
social network
T
By Dale Shaw, PGA an important aspect of our role at a facility, but does the customer care? Golf is primarily a social business and always has been, but this aspect or emphasis has been much overlooked. But the “Social Age” has arrived and it is all about making connections and optimizing the “experience” (in our case, through golf). The PGA of America needs to evolve its brand to its true presence, one that is innovative, engaged, adaptive and always social. We need to go out and sell golf, but the emphasis should not be on competition and instead should focus on participation. We must start with the realization that customer needs and characteristics aren’t created equally and figure out how to best connect to them. This is something we can do with our huge membership base, each one of us with unique talents which could be tapped, trained, empowered, and then sent out into his or her community to build relationships at the grass roots level. It will rest on the shoulders of the Club Professional to make this great vision of attracting 40 million golfers by 2020 a reality. It starts at the base; those that are in the trenches, those that not only do their part but know they have a part to play, which will truly elevate our PGA of America brand. Dale M. Shaw, PGA is a Class A Professional who lives in La Quinta.
The game of golf has become increasingly social, and the PGA of America needs to take advantage in order to attain its goal of bringing 40 million new golfers into the game. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
TOURNAMENTRECAP
he times, they are a changing. The PGA of America realizes this and is moving ahead with a new vision. Although participation in golf is waning, the leaders in our industry have a new goal to have 40 million golfers by 2020. And they are now introducing their plan to the membership through education and media. This is a bold goal worthy of every effort to make it happen. This is an opportunity, in my mind, to elevate the PGA of America brand to a stature worthy of our education (with accompanying renumeration). The PGA of America is a strong brand, but no longer has a commanding presence in the golf industry. We have lost ground over the years and have been relegated to proving ourselves constantly in a quantitative way to show value to owners of facilities. But “times, they are a changing,” and the pendulum of business is swinging away from Management cutting costs and services to attain its profit goals, to a customer-based economy. We will be vying for customers and they now have all the power. So how are we going to get all these new golfers? And how is that going to elevate our brand? First of all, we don’t need to promote that we run the “business of golf.” That is
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PAEZ WINS 2011 INLAND EMPIRE AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
Elevate Your Game Stuart Appleby trusts Cutter & Buck CB Dryec™ for maximum comfort on the course. Its lightweight, quick drying fabric wicks away moisture, keeping him cool, dry and at his best.
Nick Paez of San Bernardino became the new champion in the 2011 Inland Empire Amateur Championship. Despite trailing by three shots with ten holes to play in the final round, Nick prevailed with a back nine score of 33 and an eighteen hole total of 71. Nick’s three round total of 206 (nine under par) was good enough for a three shot victory.
GCSAA HOSTS LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
ASSOCIATIONNEWS
Future leaders of the golf course industry gathered at GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., Oct. 4-5, to learn shared best practices, leadership skills, current issues, future trends and more at the GCSAA Leadership Academy, presented in partnership with The Toro Co. and Syngenta. The 23 individuals who attended were nominated by their GCSAA-affiliated chapters based on their potential to serve as volunteer leaders in the near future.
For Orange County and Los Angeles: Ryan Nolz (310)985-9102 ryan.nolz@cuttersales.com For San Diego and The Desert: Ed Budz (413)441-9996 ed.budz@cuttersales.com
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CAG ANNUAL MEETING SET FOR OCTOBER 26 AT RED HILL CC Mark your calendar now for the 2011 Fall CAG Annual Meeting set for Red Hill Country Club on Wednesday, October 26th from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. All CAG members, industry leaders, and golfers interested in the game and business of golf in California are encouraged to attend. Please RSVP to Craig Kessler, SCGA Director of Governmental Affairs at ckessler@scga.org. Any questions regarding the meeting or upcoming agenda items can be directed to CAG President Tom Addis III at Scpgata@aol.com. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
RULES OF GOLF SEMINARS COMING IN 2012 The Rules of Golf can be perplexing to some golfers, but members of the SCGA’s Rules and Competitions staff stand ready to help navigate through the book’s 547 pages of regulation. The SCGA will conduct a series of seminars on The Rules of Golf in 2012. Scheduled seminars start January 31 at Red Hill Country Club and continue February 6 at Big Canyon Country Club, February 15 at North Ranch Country Club, and February 28 at Pala Mesa Resort. , and registration is now open. For more information on these seminars and to register, visit scga.org
USGA MUSEUM RECEIVES TOP HONOR FROM ISHA About a year ago, the NGF began work on one of its most ambitious projects ever… the identification and verification of every golf course in the world. The project, estimated to take three years, also includes the tracking of new golf courses under construction outside the United States. The lead sponsor for the project is the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. They are joined by several corporate sponsors who appreciate what a definitive worldwide database of golf facilities will mean to golf and their respective businesses. With only a small number of new courses opening each year within the United States, many U.S. businesses are looking for growth outside our borders and have been for some time. With golf in the Olympics in 2016 and 2020, the new database will also help measure the impact of The Games on golf ’s international expansion. The project has also identified 189 countries with at least one golf course. More than 300 golf courses are currently under construction outside our borders.
Ira Berman - LA North / Santa Barbara / Bakersfield 818-348-7272 // IrA.BermAN@NIke.com
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Sponsor Spotlight
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SPONSORSPOTLIGHT 28
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to see their latest successful introduction, the KBS C-Taper, begin to show up as well. Technology behind the KBS Tour Series incorporates several designs that combine to deliver more energy into the club head, equaling more distance, while providing a stiff total shaft profile, for tightened shot dispersion. Furthermore, the KBS Tour Series integrates only three unique shaft designs each with a specific target player and performance type in mind. As a catalog, the KBS Tour Series is a simple solution offering limited shaft options and several flexes for fitting any golfer, including many of the best
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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
Savoring sweet
REDEMPTION
M
att Murray of PGA West found himself for the second consecutive year in a playoff for the AAA Championship. This year’s result was much different and Matt took home Championship honors on the second playoff hole over Nathaniel Williams, also of PGA West. Both players played outstanding golf in extreme heat at the Classic Club, with both of them firing rounds of 68 (4-under) to be atop the leaderboard after regulation play. The playoff looked like it was going to end on the first hole when Williams’ ball hit a cart path and he found himself with a tough 35 yard pitch over some trees to the green. Murray two-putted the first playoff hole while Williams drained a 20 footer
to continue the playoff. On the second playoff hole, Murray hit the green again and had a solid two putt while Williams chipped to five feet and his putt lipped out, handing Murray the Championship. Blair Harkins of Rolling Hills Country Club finished in third place with a round of 70 (2-under). With temperatures reaching 110 degrees on the golf course, it was definitely a challenge to stay focused and hydrated. The Classic Club was in outstanding shape and the facility could not have been a better Championship venue. A big thanks goes out to PGA General Manager Greg Rubino, PGA Director of Golf Brady Wilson, PGA Head Professional Dawson Hess, and the entire staff at the Classic Club for hosting this year’s Championship.
LATEST NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
Runner-up Stephen Plummer of Marbella Country Club (left) and champion Henry Liaw of Morongo Golf Club.
The first three rounds were played on courses chosen by the players and the Semi-Finals and Finals took place at Oak Valley Golf Club in Beaumont on August 18. Henry Liaw took out James Haggard of Vellano Country Club in his morning Semi-Final Match with some solid putting coming down the stretch. Up until an errant tee shot by Haggard on the 17th Hole, this Match was too close to call.
AAANEWS
The Inaugural AAA Match Play Championship is in the books. The event started with 32 players on June 1st and it took over two months to crown Henry Liaw of Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon the AAA Match Play Champion.
In Liaw’s afternoon Final Match against Stephen Plummer, PGA of Marbella Country Club, he carded a 3-under 33 on the front nine to take a 5-up lead going to the back nine. Liaw’s ball striking was impressive and he could not miss a putt. Plummer faltered on the front nine with three straight bogies, however, mounted a comeback on the back nine that ultimately fell short. Henry Liaw won the Final Match 5 and 4. A big thank you goes out to PGA Director of Golf Mike Pearson and the entire staff at Oak Valley Golf Club for hosting the AAA Match Play Semi-Finals and Finals. The Apprentice Assistant Association (AAA) would not be possible without the tremendous support and sponsorship of Nike Golf and representative Rick Gielow.
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Sponsor Spotlight
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RFK TRAINING ity. RFK Training is just another tool in the Golf Professional’s bag to help get their students where they need to go.” Clients of RFK Training include Glenn Deck, PGA Professional, and Director of Instruction at Pelican Hill Resort & Top 100 Golf Magazine Instructor; Eric Lohman, PGA Professional and Director of Golf at Oak Creek Golf Club, and Han Lee, Japan Tour Professional. Glenn and Eric have expanded their relationships with RFK Training by taking the team approach and refer their students for training as well as including Golf Fitness as part of their corporate events and golf clinics at both Oak Creek and Pelican Hill. In 2011 Glenn Deck started Club 9, a Junior’s camp at Oak Creek Golf Club, and enlisted the help of RFK Training. RFK Tr a i n i n g ’ s focus with Club 9 is to establish proper mobility, balance and coordination with the kids. “The more I can increase their athletic ability, they better they can hit the ball,” says Roy. “It also great to see a kid’s confidence increase as they get stronger.” Along with training one-on-one and Club 9, RFK Training offers Golf Fitness Clinics. A recent highlighted clinic took place in May as RFK Training was featured at the SCPGA Spring Teaching Summit. At the Summit, Roy presented on the topic of Golf Fitness and lectured on Mobility and Stability as it relates to the golf swing. RFK Training has been featured on the nationally syndicated Tee It Up Radio golf show, in Southland Golf Magazine, and is also a recognized contributor to the Titleist Performance Institute. To schedule a session or to learn about adding Golf Fitness to your clinics or to schedule a session, email Roy directly at rkhoury@rfktraining.com, or via phone at 562316-6766. You can also find more information by visiting www.rfktraining.com.
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I had a client come in last week and say, ‘I want Adam Scott’s arms.’ He is a 16 year-old high school golfer and he was sent to me to improve his flexibility and strength. This reaffirmed to me that the face of golf has changed. Golfers are no longer seen as ‘golfers’, the public is recognizing golfers as Athletes!” Over the last five years, we have seen the game go from a handful of big names dominating the sport to a huge competitive field of Pro’s and amateurs. In the past we have seen golfers that were strong, or golfers that looked fit but now we are getting the total package. Golfers are now training like athletes. In 2008, RFK Training hit the scene offering personal training focused primarily on keeping golfers healthy and improving their fitness. RFK Training was founded by Roy Khoury, a Personal Trainer and Titleist Performance Institute Certified Golf Fitness Instructor, and focuses on functional movement, strength and improving athletic ability. Roy graduated from California State Fullerton with a B.S. in Kinesiology. Studying human movement, anatomy and physiology inspired Roy to pursue a career in health and fitness. Currently, Roy is a TPI Certified Golf Fitness Instructor, Level 3 (CGFI-3) and holds multiple personal training and strength and conditioning certifications. RFK Training follows the TPI model and works as a team with various Golf Professionals, and Medical Professionals. “My goal as a Fitness Professional is to take instruction from the Golf Professional. If the Golf Professional says, ‘ work with my student, he keeps sliding and coming over the top’, it’s my job to figure out why they move that way and fix it. How well someone can consistently swing a club with proper strength and accuracy is dependent on their knowledge of the swing and movement abil-
For More information contact RFK Training at rkhoury@rfktraining.com or visit rfktraining.com
31 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
ASKTHERONS
Dear RO: One of my weekend golfing companions and I had another of our heated discussions last Saturday while viewing the PGA Tour’s Las Vegas event. Immediately following Kevin Na’s altering of his downswing on the 15th tee, Joe exclaimed, “he whiffed the ball, I don’t believe it!” Before I could correct him, Golf Channel’s Terry Gannon confirmed Joe’s remark, and to defend his remark he reminds me of Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman’s first statement regarding a similar situation months before and how she said it was a stroke because the club had passed the ball. I told him she must have had her sports confused. In spite of the fact that the Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee tried to correct the matter by stressing Mr. Na’s intention was not to strike the ball and the Tour officials agreement, my friend stubbornly insisted it demonstrates the Tour officials tend to “go with the player.” I know the matter was resolved timely and correctly, but how do I convince my “friend” of this? Thank you, Jerry! Jerry, rather than comment on most television announcers’ rules “expertise,” I will simply give you a “politically correct” answer to your question. Take the USGA Rules of Golf book, show your friend the first page - HOW TO USE THE RULES BOOK - item #4 under WHAT IS THE RULING? - The player’s intentions (e.g. what was he doing and what does he want to do?). This is exactly the information the PGA Tour officials requested from Mr. Na, because it assured them he had
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not made a “stroke” which the DEFINITIONS section of the Rules states, “is the forward movement of the club made with the intention of striking at and moving the ball, but if a player checks his downswing voluntarily before the clubhead reaches the ball he has not made a stroke.” Notice nothing restricts a player from swinging past the ball, the only requirement is to “check his downswing voluntarily,” which Mr. Na did. If this doesn’t convince your friend, maybe he would have more fun in a different group?? Dear RR: Last week I was playing in one of our Men’s Club two-day stroke play low net events. The weather was great starting out, but about two hours later it started raining. The funny thing is, it started to rain very hard, and yet I was playing great, the best I have ever played in any competitive event. I had only six holes to finish, and our Rules Committee Chairman canceled the round. I guess our Chairman and the Club Professional felt the bad weather is a good reason to cancel the round. Almost all of the players had played at least nine holes, why not just reduce the 1st day to nine holes? What is you opinion? George George, cancellation of a round, or temporary suspension of play is always a difficult decision for a Rules Committee. I suggest that you consider one important criteria that is considered in such a situation. That is, large amounts of “casual water” developing on the greens. In a situation of large amounts of casual water developing around the hole or in some cases water from a heavy downpour that is evi-
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
dent in large areas on the lower slopes of the green, it is difficult in fairness to all for the round to continue. Last week in a Qualifying Event for the California State Open at the beautiful Los Serranos Country Club, we had to cancel the round for this reason. It had been raining for about three hours, and the bad weather was seemingly getting worse. Mr. O’Connor, our “Senior Rules Official,” suggested someone call the course superintendent and find out which greens normally show casual water first during a heavy rain. The superintendent responded that the 5th and 7th greens usually would develop casual water first. Ron sent me to immediately check out the 5th green. As the players were playing their second shot to the green, I notice that at least 50% of the green was impacted by casual water. I knew the players would be unable to putt, and that fair relief was impossible. At the same time, one of our trusted SCPGA officials on the 7th hole, Sue Ross, stated, “That there was a large amount of casual water around the hole.” The round was suspended for one hour while the golf course crew made a valiant effort to squeegee the two greens. Unfortunately, after that hour, the rain continued, and radar maps indicated rain for another four hours. Our committee, in fairness to the players, canceled the round. In your situation, George, Decision 33-1/2, once the competition has begun the committee may not reduce the number of holes in a stipulated round. If the course is not in a playable condition, and “circumstances render the proper playing of the game impossible,” a suspension of play or cancellation of a round is the proper decision. Also, it is good to hear that your PGA Professional is on your rules committee.
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NOTABLE UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SECTION
SD SENIOR STROKE PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP AUGUST 1 BARONA CREEK GOLF CLUB
1 Chris Starkjohann, Torrey Pines Gold Club & Outings, -8, 136, $600 2 Tim Parun, Sail Ho Golf Club, -8, 136, $450
IE CHAPTER STROKE PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP AUGUST 1-2 GOOSE CREEK GOLF CLUB 1 Dan Hornig, Heritage Cross, -3, 139, $3,400
SUPERINTENDENT-PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP October 27 | Wood Ranch Golf Club
METRO TRIPLE PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP AUGUST 1 VALENCIA COUNTRY CLUB
T1 Russ Onizuka, Scott Heyn, Black Gold Golf Course, -11, 61, $950 T1 Lehua Wise, Mike Fergin, Mesa Verde Golf Club, -11, 61, $950
SD PRO-ASSISTANT CHAMPIONSHIP October 31 | Pala Mesa Resort CAL STATE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP November 8-10 | Country Club at Soboba Springs, Oak Valley Golf Club SENIOR PLAYERS DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP November 10-11 | Sycuan Resort SAN DIEGO ANNUAL MEETING November 14 | Fairbanks Ranch Country Club METRO ANNUAL MEETING/PRO-PRO SCRAMBLE November 14 | Hillcrest Country Club NORTHERN ANNUAL MEETING/PRO-ASSISTANT November 14 | Rancho Maria Golf Club
TOURNAMENTRECAPS
SENIOR JOE ROBINSON MEMORIAL November 17 | Jurupa Hills Country Club DESERT ANNUAL MEETING November 22 | Classic Club
DESERT PRO-PRO SCRAMBLE AUGUST 9 CLASSIC CLUB
T1 Geoff Dean, SilverRock Resort, -12, 60, $857.50 Matt Murray, PGA West T1 Nate Williams, Brian Hughes, -12, 60, $857.50 PGA West
AAA STROKE PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP AUGUST 11 MARBELLA COUNTRY CLUB
1 Blair Harkins, Rolling Hills Country Club, -2, 68, $275 2 Zeke Salas, Hansen Dam Golf Course, -1, 69, $225
SENIOR PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AUGUST 15-16 MORONGO GOLF CLUB AT TUKWET CANYON
1 Tim Parun, Sail Ho Golf Club, -6, 138, $2,000 2 Chris Starkjohann, Torrey Pines Gold Club & Outings, -6, 138, $1,500 3 Mark Fernando, Coronado Municipal GC, -3, 141, $1,000 T4 Ron Skayhan, Hillcrest Country Club, -2, 142 T4 Scott Mallory, Journey at Pechanga, -2, 142
SD CHAPTER CHAMPIONSHIP AUGUST 22 LOMAS SANTA FE COUNTRY CLUB
SCPGA PRESIDENT’S DINNER December 4 | Victoria Club
1 Greg Casagranda, Encinitas Ranch Golf Course, -8, 136, $700 2 Scott Mahlberg, Stadium Golf Center, -5, 139, $550
SCPGA ANNUAL MEETING December 5 | Victoria Club DESERT PINEHURST CHAMPIONSHIP December 6 | Indian Springs Golf Club SENIOR-JUNIOR PRO-MEMBER December 7 | Newport Beach Country Club PROFESSIONAL-LADY CHAMPIONSHIP December 19 | Palos Verdes Golf Club NORTHERN BAKERSFIELD PRO-PRO SCRAMBLE December 19 | Bakersfield Country Club
PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AUGUST 29-31 ANNANDALE GOLF CLUB
1 Mike Miles, Virginia Country Club, -12, 198, $12,500 2 Jeff Cranford, The Palms Golf Club, -3, 207, $8,500 3 Jeff Templeton, Glendora Country Club, +1, 211, $6,300 T4 Jon Fiedler, Las Posas Country Club, +2, 212, $4,400 T4 Mark Summerville, City Golf Club & Academy, +2, 212, $4,400 T6 Chris Starkjohann, Torrey Pines Gold Club, +3, 213, $3,125 T6 Charles DeLorey, Indian Canyons Golf Resort, +3, 213, $3,125
INLAND EMPIRE AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP SEPTEMBER 3-5 MORENO VALLEY RANCH GOOSE CREEK GOLF CLUB, OAK VALLEY GOLF CLUB 1 Nick Paez, San Bernardino, -9, 206 2 Ki Taek Lee, La Quinta, -6, 209
AAA CHAMPIONSHIP SEPTEMBER 8 CLASSIC CLUB
1 Matt Murray, PGA West, -4, 68, $275 2 Nate Williams, PGA West, -4, 68, $215 3 Blair Harkins, Rolling Hills Country Club, -2, 70, $175
AAA NORTH SOUTH CUP MATCHES SCPGA def NCPGA 16.5 - 7.5
CALLAWAY GOLF PRO-ASSISTANT CHAMPIONSHIP SEPTEMBER 12-13 MISSION HILLS COUNTRY CLUB T1 Steve Hurtig, Tyler Pritkin, -7, 65, $1,025 Bear Creek Golf Club T1 Scott Heyn, Jeffrey Corradino, -7, 65, $1,205 Black Gold Golf Club T1 Scott Heyn, Russ Onizuka, -7, 65, $1,025 Black Gold Golf Club
Amateurs in italic Prize money for team events is listed per team
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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
SAN DIEGO PGA PROFESSIONAL WINS PUTTING CHAMPIONSHIP Ronnie Pritchett, PGA of Ramona won the inaugural U.S. Putting Championship at The Crossings at Carlsbad. Pritchett sunk a 25-foot putt to win the $10,000 prize, with Crossings Director of Instruction Steve Vaughn, PGA finishing in second place.
CENTURY CLUB MATCHES REMAIN TIED AFTER 40 YEARS SCPGA TEAM RUNS DISNEYLAND HALF MARATHON IN SUPPORT OF FOLDS OF HONOR The idea for the creation of the SCPGA Folds of Honor Foundation 1/2 Marathon team was to enable non-green grass PGA professionals the ability to participate in the fund raising efforts for Patriots Golf Day. Scott Wilson of Vellano Country Club joined PGA Employment Consultant Ken Ferrell and his wife in 2009 and the trio raised $1,700 in its first year. Since then, Scott has captained the team and under his leadership, the team grew to nine runners and reached its goal of raising $10,000 for 2011. This year’s team consisted of five PGA professionals including Scott, Ken, Tony Letendre, Susan Roll, and Robin Shelton and additional runners/fund raisers, Meg Ferrell, Monica Stratton, PGA, Nellie Wilson and Dave Marsh. Thank you to all PGA members and friends for your contributions to this years fund raising efforts.
NEIGHBORHOOD GOLF REMAINS BUSY WITH END OF SUMMER EVENTS AROUND SOUTHLAND The Southern California PGA staff has been putting hundreds of miles on their vehicles, traveling to several big community events throughout Southern California to spread the game of golf. With six events in August, four in September, and four more in October, the SCPGA has had the opportunity to reach out to hundreds, if not thousands, of new golfers. In August, Neighborhood Golf took the portable Birdie Ball hitting cage to the Ontario National Night Out, a Family Fun Day at Camp Pendleton, the Lake Elsinore Boys & Girls Club, the Inland Empire Auto Show, the Wounded Warriors clinic, and an afterschool program in Palm Desert. In September, the SCPGA attended YouthFest in Moreno Valley, the Stater Brothers Route 66 Rendezvous, the Nationwide Tour Soboba Classic, and Garfield Back to School night in Alhambra. In October, you will see the Birdie Ball at the Apple Valley Country Club grand re-opening, the San Bernardino soccer tournament, an event for the Latina Golfers Association, and the Riverside Fall Festival.
SECTIONNOTES
The 40th edition of the Century Club Matches teams began play deadlocked at 19-19-1 and finished tied 12-12 and an overall total series record of 19-19-2. The Century Club Matches Amateur team is selected by accumulating points throughout the year by playing in the San Diego County Tournament Committee and SCGA events, and the professional team in San Diego Chapter of the PGA of America tournaments. Congratulations to this year’s team; Greg Casagranda (Encinitas Ranch GC), Mark Fernando (Coronado GC), Bob Knee (Aviara Golf Academy), Scott Mahlberg (Stadium Golf Center), Ross Marcano (Barona Creek GC), Bruce Makamura (Aviara Golf Academy), Mike Nokes (Stadium Golf Center), Tim Parun (Sail Ho Golf Course), Gary Sowinski (Swing Works Golf), Chris Starkjohann (Torrey Pines Gold Club & Outings), Grant Strobel (Fairbanks Ranch CC), Mark Summerville (City Golf Club & Academy), Renny Brown, Captain (Aviara Golf Club), Shawn Cox, Co-Captain (The Grand Golf Club).
LORENA OCHOA GOLF FOUNDATION PUTS ON GOLF CLINIC PGA Apprentice Jim Dame of Goose Creek Golf Club was among the volunteers who helped to organize and run a golf clinic at Roosevelt Elementary School in Santa Barbara on September 15, as part of the Lorena Ochoa Golf Foundation’s support of Neighborhood Golf. For more details about the LOGF and a photo gallery, go online to http://goo.gl/UYcBr SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROGRAM
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36201 CHAMPIONS DR BEAUMONT, CA 92223 scpga.com
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