VOLUME 41 | ISSUE 5 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA
GILLEY RALLIES TO CLAIM THE SCPGA MATCH PLAY TITLE
2014
CHAMPION CROWNED
RYAN KENNEDY IS THE 2014 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPION
INSIDE:
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA NAMED PGA OF AMERICA HERB GRAFFIS RECIPIENT
NOKES BECOMES SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SENIOR PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPION
10Things
contents
TO K N OW. . .
1. SCPGA IS THE 2014 RECIPIENT OF THE PGA OF AMERICA HERB GRAFFIS AWARD. 2. THE SCPGA GOLF IN SCHOOLS PROGRAM, THROUGH A PARTNERSHIP WITH TGA PREMIER GOLF, IS IN 24 SCHOOLS THIS FALL.
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 04 CONSIDER THIS... SPONSOR DIRECTORY 06 YOUR VALUED SCPGA
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
SECTION REPORT 07 THE LITTLE THINGS HERB GRAFFIS 08 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA NAMED 2014 HERB GRAFFIS RECIPIENT
COVER STORY 10 RYAN KENNEDY CAPTURES SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 12 SCOTT MAHLBERG, PGA TEACHER’S FORUM 13 JAN 2016 AND THE
ANCHORING RULE 14-1B
PGA PLAYER DEVELOPMENT 14 PGA PROFESSIONALS GIVING BACK
NEW MEMBERS 16 WELCOME TO THE SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA PGA FAMILY
PLAY GOLF LA 17 THE SCPGA AND NORTHERN
TRUST TEAM UP FOR PLAY GOLF LA
www.scpga.com
SENIOR SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP 18 NOKES BECOMES SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA SENIOR PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPION
GOLF HISTORY 20 THE HISTORY OF THE GOLF CLUB CALIFORNIA STATE OPEN 22 GILMAN RUNS AWAY WITH
115TH CALIFORNIA STATE OPEN
MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP 24 GILLEY RALLIES TO CLAIM
SECOND TITLE IN THREE YEARS
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT 26 GREAT FUTURES START HERE JUNIOR GOLF 27 SCPGA JUNIOR TOUR PING SERIES
PARTNER HIGHLIGHT 28 TGA PREMIER JUNIOR GOLF CHAPTER CORNER 29 SCPGA CHAPTER UPDATES SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT 30 FIRST TEE PROMOTIONS BRIDGESTONE
ASSOCIATION NEWS 32 CAG, GCSAA , EWGA, USGA TOURNAMENT RECAP 34 TOURNAMENT RESULTS SECTION NOTES 35 NEWS & NOTES FROM THE SCPGA
3. THE UPCOMING MSR PERIOD ENDS JUNE 15, 2015. 4. SIGN UP FOR DIRECT DEPOSIT AND RECEIVE YOUR PURSE CHECKS QUICKER. 5. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA TEAMS UP WITH NORTHERN TRUST OPEN FOR PLAY GOLF LA - WINNERS EARN A SPOT IN THE 2015 NORTHERN TRUST OPEN PRO-AM, ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT SCPGA FOUNDATION, CITY OF HOPE. GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! 6. ALISON CURDT, PGA SECURES BERTH IN 2015 KPMG WOMEN’S PGA CHAMPIONSHIP. 7. THE SCPGA HAS A NEW EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM CALLED CATALYST. THE WEBINAR PROGRAM IS EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY. EARN MSR FROM YOUR OFFICE!
FEATUREDCONTENT
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8. THE SCPGA NIKE GOLF FALL TEACHING SUMMIT IS AROUND THE CORNER, OCTOBER 20-21 AT DESERT WILLOW GOLF RESORT. SIGN UP TODAY! 9. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA SENIORS CAPTURED THE NORTH/SOUTH CUP MATCHES. 10. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MALIA FOLQUET, PGA NAMED 2014 LPGA PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR. PROGRAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
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CONSIDER THIS... By SCPGA President, Jeff Johnson, PGA
PRESIDENT’SMESSAGE 04
He went on the PGA TOUR at age 9 and remained there for 9 more years. It was the summer circuit and a short season, and though he was a passenger in Dad’s car, it was the Tour nonetheless. Funny because the very last thing his mom wanted was for her son to be involved in golf. His dad had wished for him a career as an engineer. But those 9 summers on the tour with dad were enough to stamp his future. Dad built military aircraft and saved every penny he could, while practicing and honing his skill for golf until he left for the PGA TOUR at the age of 32. When his time as a player concluded, dad had won 19 times in California, including the 1959 Section Championship with his son on the bag. Son was runner-up 27 years later in that same championship. Dad won 7 PGA TOUR victories including a major, the PGA Championship in 1961. Son won 5 SCPGA majors, including both the Senior Stroke Play and Senior Match Play Championships in 1994 and partnered twice with long hitting Mike Austin to win the Four-Ball. In the 1969 Azalea Open, they played together as the first father and son competing in the same field. And get this. Fast forward now to the Champions Tour and the 1994 GTE West Classic. They are the only father and son to have ever played in the same
field on that Tour. Son and dad now head to Royal Lytham and St. Annes where dad captained the Ryder Cup Team in 1962. The British Press had a field day after 36 holes because dad, at the age of 78, and son both made the cut. You couldn’t make this stuff up. Jerry Barber and son Tom Barber were, are, and will always be quite a story. A story that continues with another generation, Tommy Jr., but a story that must pause to recognize the son, who for 50 years, has conducted the business of golf at Griffith Park and who was so instrumental in the shaping of our Players Division. Colleagues Jimmy Allen, Pat Chartrand and Phil Scozzola helped forward what Skip Whittet and Ron O’Connor had created, the Senior Division of the Southern California PGA Section. Now, I’m so very proud to say Tom Barber is our Honoree this year for the Honors Cup Matches. The matches, which field the 12 best players in our Section with the 12 best from the SCGA. It is a wonderful competition acknowledging the contributions of a special individual from each association dubbed the Honoree and Team Captain. Past recipients for the PGA include Len Kennett, Eddie Merrins, Ron O’Connor and Jerry Anderson. Join me in saying congratulations to our own Tom Barber. We will be at Indian Wells Country Club on December 14th and 15th and will share in the celebration of what can only be described as the remarkable life of our friend and colleague...
WANT TO BE NOMINATED FOR THE SCPGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS? If you are a PGA member in good standing, the Section leadership encourages you to consider running for one of the available at-large positions on the SCPGA Board of Directors. Two three-year term positions are available. As a successful member of the board, one should be energetic, enthusiastic, interested and self-motivated. The experience as a Director will have a positive impact on both you and your career. The benefits of participation on the board include working alongside and sharing ideas with some of the brightest and most influential members and leaders in our Association. The Board of Directors meet five times a year and each member may be assigned to participate with, or chair, a specific standing committee or task group. The Section conducts three membership meetings during the year that board members are required to attend. An active board member can count on a commitment of approximately 15-20 days of service for a typical year including board meetings, conference calls, membership meetings, committee meetings, and other special gatherings. If you wish to be considered for one of the two at-large openings, please forward a photograph, a brief bio and a statement on why you would like to be a member of the SCPGA Board of Directors to Sharon Curfman by email to scurfman@pgahq.com or by regular mail to the Section Office. The deadline for declaring a candidacy is Friday, October 17, 2014 4:30 PM. Candidate bios and photographs will appear in Section media leading up to the Annual Meeting and election. PROGRAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
NEW MEMBERS Charlene Bendt, PGA; Christopher Caballero, PGA; James Cassidy, PGA; Daniel Chait, PGA; William Foster, PGA; Marvin Kagaoan, PGA; Timothy Leible, PGA; Jeffrey Lyle, PGA; Bryan Miller, PGA; Michael Moran, PGA; Matthew Okutsu, PGA; Justin Saragueta, PGA; Eric Schoonover, PGA; Jason Timlin, PGA; Dean Wilson-Garbutt, PGA NEWLY REGISTERED & RE-REGISTERED APPRENTICES Dillon Dougherty, Daniel Evans, William Harris, Jeff Hwang, Uriel Jimenez, Andrew Knepper, Andrew Kramer, Scott O. Lee, Calvin Maranville, Kevin Mathis, Kevin McCreary, Brian Milhous, John P. Mitchell, Eric Reyes, Mark Sadoff, Jacob Sanborn, Monta Sokolovska DECEASED MEMBERS Robert Roux, PGA passed away 6/21 at age 85. Phil Scozzola, PGA passed away 8/17 at age 78. Monty Blodgett, PGA passed away 9/15 at age 86. QUARTER CENTURY MEMBERS Dennis Dawson, PGA; David Bolar, PGA; Bruce Burroughs, PGA; Timothy Walsh, PGA; Robert Wiley, PGA MOVING UP Sungmin Ahn, PGA La Mirada Golf Course
A-1
Robert Barnes, PGA Monterey Country Club
A-1
Jay Colliatie, PGA Lost Canyons Golf Club
A-13
Michael DeJordy, PGA MountainGate Country Club
A-13
Brian Hamilton, PGA Sea Pines Golf Club
A-1
Craig Kaminski, PGA A-14 Mountain Meadows Golf Course John Lepak Pico Riviera Municipal
B-1
Pat J. Miller, PGA La Costa Resort and Spa
A-1
Gene Park, PGA Golfer’s Paradise
A-2
Chad Pettit, PGA Mission Viejo Country Club
A-1
WELCOME WAGON Jordan Thomas, PGA Francis Harper, PGA Robert Deruntz, PGA Robert Handy, PGA Pat J. Miller, PGA
South Florida Southwest Metropolitan North Texas Southwest www.scpga.com
MOBILITY, COMFORT AND BREATHABILITY NIKE INNOVATION VENT 2.0 POLO
RORY McILROY NIKE GOLF STAFF ATHLETE
JANENE FAIRCHILD SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 949.279.5832 JANENE.FAIRCHILD@NIKE.COM
SEAN BEALL SAN DIEGO / ORANGE COUNTY 503.703.0331 SEAN.BEALL@NIKE.COM
MAXINE HARRIS CENTRAL CALIFORNIA / LOS ANGELES 805.857.8764 MAXINE.HARRIS@NIKE.COM
DAVID FINLEY PALM SPRINGS / TEMECULA 760.578.4157 DAVID.FINLEY@NIKE.COM
KIM RUBENSTEIN PALM SPRINGS 619.279.0645 KIM.RUBENSTEIN@NIKE.COM
JARED EISENBERG LOS ANGELES / NORTH ORANGE COUNTY 925.789.0608 JARED.EISENBERG@NIKE.COM
IRA BERMAN LA NORTH / SANTA BARBARA / BAKERSFIELD 818.300.7672 IRA.BERMAN@NIKE.COM
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES FOR SUPPORTING THE GOLF PROFESSIONALS OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA!
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA
3333 Concours Street • Building 2, Suite 2100 • Ontario, CA 91764 951.845.4653 ph • 951.769.6733 fax • scpga.com • scpgajrtour.com THE SCPGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Jeff Johnson, President - San Bernardino Golf Club John McNair, Vice President- JC Resorts Todd Keefer, Secretary - PGA West Jason Taylor, Honorary President - Lorena Ochoa Golf Foundation
USA
AT-LARGE DIRECTORS David Foster, Porter Valley Country Club • Bill Hulbert, PGA TOUR Superstore • D.J. Limardi, Sandpiper Golf Club & Rancho San Marcos Golf Course • Tony Letendre, Newport Beach Country Club • Eric Lohman, Monarch Beach Golf Links • Robin Shelton, Mountain Meadows Golf Course INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS Susan Roll, Carlsbad Golf Center Tom Wilson, Life Member - Active CHAPTER REPRESENTATIVES Desert: Jon Vesper, Westin Mission Hills Resort Inland Empire: Bryon Smith, Goose Creek Golf Club Metropolitan: Scott Heyn, Oakmont Country Club Northern: Mark Wilson, North Ranch Country Club San Diego: Ross Marcano, Barona Creek Golf Club PGA GOVERNANCE DISTRICT 11 DIRECTOR Bill Hulbert, PGA TOUR Superstore - Southern California Section PGA OF AMERICA PRESIDENT - Ted Bishop, The Legends Golf Club - Indiana Section VICE PRESIDENT - Derek Sprague, Malone Golf Club - Northeastern New York Section SECRETARY - Paul Levy, Toscana Country Club - Southern California Section
PMS 2767
SPONSORDIRECTORY
Official Radio of the Southern California PGA
SCPGA SECTION STAFF Tom Addis III, PGA, Executive Director/CEO, taddis@pgahq.com Rob Keller, Director of Competitions and Rules, rkeller@pgahq.com Melissa Meka, PGA, Junior Golf Director, mmeka@pgahq.com Sharon Curfman, Membership, scurfman@pgahq.com Breanne Mitchell, Communications Manager, bmitchell@pgahq.com Ariana Gomez, Marketing & Communications Assistant, agomez@pgahq.com Nicolle Quick, Meeting & Events Manager, nquick@pgahq.com Kristy Custer, Finance/Office Manager, kcuster@pgahq.com Daniel Hale, PGA, Foundation Programs and Events Administrator, dhale@pgahq.com Dave Kuhn, Tournament Operations Coordinator, dkuhn@pgahq.com Matt Gilson, Player Development Manager, mgilson@pgahq.com Max DeSpain, Junior Golf Manager, mdespain@pgahq.com Christopher Gilkey, Junior Golf Manager, cgilkey@pgahq.com Kevin Smith, Junior Golf Manager, ksmith@pgahq.com Marshall Gerlach, Junior Golf Manager, mgerlach@pgahq.com Junko Suzuki, PGA, Golf in Schools Territory Coordinator, jsuzuki@pgahq.com Eddie Rodarte, PGA, Golf in Schools Territory Coordinator, erodarte@pgahq.com Kristine Lorencz, Section Administration, klorencz@pgahq.com PGA PLAYER DEVELOPMENT REGIONAL MANAGER Nikki Gatch, PGA 760.534.1370 • ngatch@pgahq.com PGA EMPLOYMENT CONSULTANT Ken Ferrell, PGA 951.894.5024 • kferrell@pgahq.com
THE PROGRAM VOLUME 41 • ISSUE 5 • 2014 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ISSUE
The Program is produced by the Southern California PGA. The Program is distributed free to members and affiliates of the SCPGA seven times a year. 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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PROGRAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
www.scpga.com
The
LITTLE THINGS... Everyday success in business can be attributed to the little things - the details and the indiscernible things that we don’t see often, but that can be credited for success. Sometimes we hear the words “don’t sweat the small stuff,” but the small stuff is sometimes the glue that holds the “big stuff” together. Some of the little things that should not go unnoticed include: • Saying “Hello” and “Thank you” • Answering the telephone immediately and in the fewest rings possible • Returning voicemails and emails promptly on receipt
• Always cleaning glass doors and windows • Supplying provisions in the restrooms and keeping the restrooms clean and fresh
• Holding the door open for someone • Using the correct side of an escalator or a moving walkway • Moving over to allow another vehicle to pass your vehicle
NOTABLE UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SECTION
SENIOR HIGH DESERT 2-DAY October 8-9 | Antelope Valley Country Club & Crystalaire Country Club AAA CHAMPIONSHIP October 9 | The Golf Club of California E-Z-GO SUPERINTENDENTPROFESSIONAL-MANAGER CHAMPIONSHIP October 16 | Temecula Creek Inn
• Recycling
NIKE GOLF FALL TEACHING SUMMIT October 20-21 | Desert Willow Golf Resort
• Replacing the mustard or ketchup
NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION October 30 | SCPGA Headquarters
• Keeping your workplace clean and safe
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA OPEN November 3-5 | Arroyo Trabuco G.C. & Monarch Beach Golf Links
• Never wearing headwear indoors and wearing your clothing with care
WOMEN’S SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP November 12-13 | Rancho La Quinta Country Club
• Keeping your shoes polished and clean • Leaving the teeing area and the putting green as soon as you have completed your stroke • Practice range balls
PROFESSIONAL-LADY CHAMPIONSHIP November 17 | Las Posas Country Club SENIOR PLAYER’S CHAMPIONSHIP November 19-20 | TBD JOE ROBINSON MEMORIAL PRO-PRO November 24 | Jurupa Hills Country Club SCPGA APPRENTICE ORIENTATION November 25 | SCPGA Headquarters AAA NORTH/SOUTH CUP MATCHES December 2-3 | TBD
• Keeping your foot inside any moving vehicle, including the golf car you’re riding
• Greeting customers or members immediately and being sure to say “We’ll be right with you” or “Look around and I’ll be right with you”
• Using scpga.com and pga.com
• Turning the TV to golf
SCPGA PRESIDENT’S DINNER December 7 | San Diego Country Club
• Asking questions
• Taking advantage of the SCPGA’s “Opportunities to be Smarter” education series
SCPGA CLUB CAR ANNUAL MEETING December 8 | San Diego Country Club
• Refraining from using the HOV or Fastrak lanes unless you’re going to use the safe speed limit • Arriving or opening on time • Using a feather duster or a dust-rag www.scpga.com
These are some of the details that will help you be successful in our business, whether at a golf facility or at the Section office. There are many more “little things” that make a difference think of a few.
SENIOR JUNIOR-PROFESSIONALMEMBER December 3 | Newport Beach Country Club
SECTIONREPORT
• Finger pressure in the right places as you hold the golf club and the putter
• Keeping the golf car’s seats and steering apparatus clean
SAVE the DATE
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WOMEN’S CUP MATCHES December 11-12 | Mission Hills Country Club SCPGA/SCGA HONORS CUP MATCHES December 14-15 | TBD TOURNAMENT & OPERATIONS SEMINAR December 17 | SCPGA Headquarters PROGRAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
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By District 11 Director, Bill Hulbert, PGA
HERBGRAFFIS 08
As the District 11 Director, I had the distinct privilege of attending the 96th PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club with the Officers and rest of the Board of Directors. Obviously, it was a very successful event with the best drama and finish of this year’s four majors. But there were a number of things that stood out to me during my first trip to Valhalla that I’d like to share with my fellow PGA Members and Apprentices: • Valhalla Golf Club is an incredible golf course and property. It’s important to remember that the PGA owns and operates Valhalla and it will certainly continue to be a host site for future championship events, including the Ryder Cup. • The scope of what it takes to set up and run our Championship is immense. There are rotating groups of staff that go, with their families, to each site three years in advance and begin preparations and administration. • Kerry Haigh is definitely the best in the business at setting up a fair and challenging golf course for a major championship. He is in charge of everything that goes on from start to finish and his staff does an incredible job. • Louisville truly welcomes and appreciates the PGA coming to their city. Attendance was high, despite the rain and sloppy walking conditions. The people were very friendly and gracious, as evidenced by the three gentlemen who spent 20 minutes getting my car unstuck from a muddy parking lot on Friday. • 3,500 locals paid $200 for uniforms and other materials to “volunteer” for the Championship. Again, friendly and gracious people were out there in the rain making the tournament possible. • The Championship’s impact on the local economy is very significant, with around $100 million being contributed to businesses in the greater Louisville area. I wish each and every PGA Member has the opportunity to visit Valhalla at some point in order to see what a terrific golf course it is, to feel the pride of ownership I felt being there and to see the commitment to excellence involved in running the Championship that makes one proud to be a PGA Member. I, personally, am grateful for the opportunity to represent the SCPGA, NCPGA and ASPGA as your District Director. Thank you and GO USA at Gleneagles and the 2014 Ryder Cup!
Southern California PGA named 2014
HERB GRAFFIS RECIPIENT The Southern California PGA Section is the recipient of the Herb Graffis Award for extraordinary and exemplary contributions by a Section to grow the game of golf. Led by the SCPGA Board of Directors and a dedicated staff, the Southern California PGA Section has hosted one of the largest and most successful youth golf programs in the country for six decades. The Section reaches more than 2,500 participants and conducts nearly 300 tournaments annually for players of various ability levels. The Section’s “Neighborhood Golf ” program brings the game to more than 1 million people annually
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Junior Blind Clinic at Navy Golf Course
Before the beginning of the 20th century, Herb Graffis was destined to realize the importance of sharing enthusiasm for the game of golf.Among his storied list of accomplishments was the publication of a remarkable book which chronicled the history of the PGA of America. The Southern California Section of the PGA of America and its members are so grateful to be acknowledged for having some future design on his great love and the game we all treasure. This award is, and will always be, the product of remarkable staff members, enthusiastic and single minded professionals and their dedication and commitment to helping people, young and old, realize the great gift the game of golf might provide. On behalf of those dedicated colleagues and servants to the game, we say thanks for the light shining brightly on us, while shining on all PGA Golf Professionals that serve this – Jeff Johnson, great game while helping it evolve.
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PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP
Neighborhood Golf
Southern California PGA President
across Southern California, including diverse populations that may not otherwise have been exposed to golf. The new “Golf in Schools” initiative, through a partnership with TGA, has reached six schools during its first year and will bring the game to 50 schools this fall, impacting nearly 1,000 students. To foster player development, the Section conducts numerous growth-of-the-game programs year-round, such as: Get Golf Ready; PGA Junior League Golf; Drive, Chip & Putt Championship; Play Golf America Days; Play with the Professional; Girls Clinics; Golf Schools; Special Olympics; Adopt-a-Junior and the SCPGA Junior Tour, including the popular Garb JDL, Junior Development League. The Southern California PGA will be presented this prestigious award at the 98th PGA Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 20th. www.scpga.com
PERFORMANCE IS FOR EVERY PLAYER.
“The Pro V1 is so advanced that it gives golfers at any level everything they need.” – Adam Scott
“The Pro V1 performs off the tee great. It goes long, it goes exactly where I aim it, and it works perfectly.” – Stephen L. Pro V1, Amateur
“I need the Pro V1 just as much as a Tour player, because I’m trying to improve my game.” – Paige J. Pro V1, Amateur
Pro V1® and Pro V1x™ golfers are Tour players and men and women of all ages with a wide range of handicaps and swing speeds. These golf balls are designed to provide superior performance on every shot, delivering exceptional distance, short game control, soft feel and long lasting durability. That’s why more golfers around the world have made the Pro V1 and Pro V1x the #1 choice for their game.
©2014 Acushnet Company.
“Pro V1 and Pro V1x fit all of my members, young or old, regardless of swing speed.” – Andrew Shuck PGA Professional
“The Pro V1x gives me a perfect combination of distance and short game control.” – Landon C. Pro V1x, Amateur
“I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t play the same ball as a Tour player. I’m looking for the same benefits. Distance off the tee and control around the greens.” – David M. Pro V1x, Amateur
Ryan Kennedy captures
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAMPIONSHIP
COVERSTORY
Congratulations to Ryan Kennedy of Rustic Canyon Golf Course for capturing the Southern California PGA Professional Championship. Kennedy came out of the gates on the last round on fire, playing his first eight holes at six under par. He built a small lead through that stretch and did not relinquish it at any point. Kennedy finished with a three-day total of 203 with rounds of 67, 71 and 65 and a total of 11-under par to win comfortably by six shots. When asked how he felt about his round on the final day he commented, “I had a lot of fun today, we got going early and, you know, I just wanted to keep riding it out. I had a feeling going into it that it was a good day. I got my lucky hat from Ireland and my lucky belt from my buddy’s club with a four leaf clover.” The humble champion said, “I am extremely proud to be here at this point, playing against all my buddies. I don’t even have words for it at this point, ask me tomorrow,” he laughed. “I think there will be a lot of fun things that I’ll get to do
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2014 Southern California PGA Professional Champion - Ryan Kennedy, PGA
I had a lot of fun today, we got going early and you know I just wanted to keep riding it out. I had a feeling going into it that it was a good day. I got my lucky hat from Ireland and my lucky belt from my buddy’s club with a four leaf clover.
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PROGRAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
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Round #3 - Ryan Kennedy, PGA
www.scpga.com
Round #3 - Chris Starkjohann, PGA
Round #3, 18th Hole - Ryan Kennedy, PGA
Country Club. Congratulations to all twelve qualifiers. Thank you to national presenting sponsors Omega, Club Car and Mercedez-Benz and national supporting sponsors Titleist, Taylormade and Nike Golf. Thanks also to local supporting sponsors Hangtime Aerial, PGA TOUR, Ultimate Payment Solutions, JaniKing and Pepsi. Thank you to PGA Professionals David Hartley (Ranch Course) and Boo Scarpati (River Course) of the Guest Ranch and Resort at the Alisal for hosting this year’s Southern California Professional Championship.
COVERSTORY
and hopefully I’ll make the most out of all of them.” Tied for 2nd was Michael Block, PGA Professional National Champion, of Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club and Chris Starkjohann of Torrey Pines Gold Club & Outings, both with a 5-under par total. Along with the champion, Kennedy, and runners-up, Starkjohann and Block, the other nine National qualifiers are: Scott Heyn of Oakmont Country Club, Eric Lohman of Monarch Beach Golf Links, Jamie Puterbaugh of Aviara Golf Club, Jon Fiedler of Las Posas Country Club, Scott Mahlberg of Stadium Golf Center, Ben Krug of Angeles National Golf Club, Dean Tonneslan of La Jolla Country Club, Erik Wolf of College Golf Center and Mike Miles of Old Ranch
Southern California PGA Professional Championship The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort 1 Ryan Kennedy, Rustic Canyon Golf Club, -11, 203, $12,000 T2 Michael Block, Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, -5, 209, $7,000 T2 Chris Starkjohann, Torrey Pines Gold Club & Outings, -5, 209, $7,000 T4 Scott Heyn, Oakmont Country Club, -4, 210, $4,250 T4 Eric Lohman, Monarch Beach Golf Links, -4, 210, $4,250 Morning of Round #3 www.scpga.com
PROGRAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
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POSTING AND SEARCHING JOBS AND JOB ALERTS ON PGAJOBFINDER By PGA Employment Consultant, Ken Ferrell, PGA
Spotlight
PGAjobfinder Did you know that PGAjobfinder not only allows you to search for nonmanagement jobs, but also easily enables you to post these positions when hiring? The PGA of America's job-posting service is available to PGA Professionals looking to hire staff in non-management positions such as assistant professional, teaching professional, facility support staff and other golf industry employment opportunities.
PGASPOTLIGHT 12
PGA MEMBER
How to post a job: • Go to www.pgalinks.com and log in with your PGA Username and Password • Click on “Employment” in the upper left hand side of the page to enter the Employment Center page • Click on “Post a Job” (options- PGA professionals only, PGA professionals and public) • Click on “Register” if you have not yet registered your business or facility • Read the employment terms and click on “I Accept” at the bottom • Register your business or facility and create your username and password • Once registered, click on “To Begin Posting a Job” • Log in with username and password • Click on “Continue” • Go through the job posting screens • Once you have navigated through the job posting screens, you will reach a "Review Job Posting" screen. Review and edit as needed, then click "Submit for Approval" when finished. • The job will be reviewed and is usually released within 24 hours. The job will remain viewable on the job board through the resume deadline. PROGRAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
When it comes to describing Scott Mahlberg’s impact on our association, game and players, it’s difficult to know where to start. As a player, his achievements are beyond impressive. From the 1980’s to mid 90’s, Scott’s focus was on playing and he always pushed himself to be as good as he could be. Scott has played in dozens of high profile events such as 11 PGA Tour events (including 2 PGA Championships), the Senior PGA, three US Senior Opens and the list goes on. Scott has dominated the local SDPGA tournament program for over 25 years with countless victories, including over a dozen majors, such as match play and stroke play championships. He has also been victorious twice at the Southern California PGA Stoke Play Championship. For over 35 years, Scott Mahlberg has been a premiere PGA Teaching Professional in San Diego. He is currently the Director of Instruction at the Stadium Golf Center and is a limited partner in the range business that was developed by his brother Barry, who is also a PGA Professional and a fine player in his own right. Scott has always been open to growth and change as a teacher, as he has never failed to embrace new and modern technologies. Great website? Check. You Tube videos? Check. Hi-speed video? Check. Putting lab experience? Check. E-Books on Amazon? Yep. Scott realizes the importance of staying fresh and relevant in our business and does not shy away from ideas such as golf fitness and innovative lesson programs. About five
SCOTT MAHLBERG, PGA STADIUM GOLF CENTER
Scott Mahlberg, PGA
years ago, Scott became disenfranchised with the typical “1/2 hour video lesson” and made a shift to more developmental and comprehensive teaching programs. Since that time, both his revenue and job satisfaction have soared. Scott’s advice to other PGA Teachers is to “do something different than everyone else”. He thinks that others need to offer more than just standing behind a player with a videophone or iPad - give them something that they need and don’t already have. Working with a launch monitor has completely revolutionized his earlier ideas about the golf swing and he is a much better teacher now that he has abandoned some of the conventional wisdom. Throughout his PGA career, Scott has always been generous with his time and talents. He served on the SDPGA Board of Directors for 10 years and has given freely from his wealth of information as a guest speaker and writer for several associations and publications. He was awarded the SDPGA’s highest honor, “Golf Professional of the Year” in 2000.
Scott Mahlberg, PGA with Shawn Cox, PGA
www.scpga.com
January 2016 and the
ANCHORING RULE, 14-1B By John Ortega, PGA Assistant Golf Professional at Costa Mesa Country Club
“
What I am going to propose as a viable alternative, will be scoffed at by those who putt well and cannot empathize with players who struggle on the greens.
“
www.scpga.com
holds the top of the Long Putter. Further, you will need to experiment with the shaft angle. Some will prefer to angle the putter across the body, like Sam Snead’s set-up, however others will set the shaft vertical to the ground. I prefer the vertical shaft angle because I feel the club swing is straighter with zero face rotation. Last, the top of the putter and top hand will feel semi-steady when
unattached to the body. It feels to me like the top forearm, hand and wrist rotate in unison. They are more likely rotating about the arm wholly. Review Rule 14-1b to make sure you do not attach the club or arm in a nonconforming manner. Cross-hand putting was considered odd in the 1970’s. Side-Saddle is a bit unusual at the moment. How will it be viewed in the future? You are bound to have SOMEONE who will do best with this method. It is a good idea to be somewhat familiar with this oncoming option, as you might just save someone’s game.
By Robin Shelton, PGA of Mountain Meadows Golf Course
I recently reflected on two comments I received from members. The first being, “There’s not enough M&Ms in the trail mix,” and the second being, “The toilet seat is the wrong shape and size.” Thinking about these comments I was discouraged. It seemed that no matter how hard I tried I could never make these members happy. Every Club seems to have them – the fab five, the tough ten, the angry twelve - that group of members or customers that you would not mind if they traveled abroad and stayed abroad. Too often these members and customers can steal our joy and rob our enthusiasm. Later that day, my eight-year-old nephew had a soccer game. Although there isn’t a lot of precise strategy involved at this level, I always like to ask about the highlights. He told me that he passed the ball to the wrong player and the coach yelled at him from the sidelines. After the game, the coach pulled him aside and said he needed to spend extra time practicing his short passes. He, too, felt discouraged based on his performance and the comments from his coach. I was excited for him, however he was not. I proceeded to tell my nephew that this situation was one of the best things that could have happened to him. It represented a good thing - the coach cared and wanted him to do better. The coach knew he had potential. I told him, “The moment you’re not receiving any feedback is the moment that person has given up on you.” At that very moment, I had to adjust my perspective. Although I thought the comments from my members were petty, I realized they cared. They cared about the future of their Club. They wanted their Club to be better. They had trust and confidence in me to improve their membership experience. They had confidence in me that I could institute change. I realized that feedback is exactly that - it is feedback. It’s not complaints. It’s not criticism. It’s not grievances. It’s not frustrations. It is feedback. In this case, it attempted to make the Club better and was a sign that these members passionately cared. They hadn’t given up on their Club and they hadn’t given up on me. I, now, had a whole new perspective. I was now grateful for their feedback – it represented a lot more than just a comment about M&M’s and toilet seats. If you look at the feedback you are receiving, could it say a lot more than just something about your operation?
TEACHER’SFORUM
When 2016 arrives, the rule prohibiting anchored strokes will be in effect. A few colleagues and I are having a lot of fun exploring the options, especially one in particular. For those who have played with an anchored putting stroke method (Belly Putter or Long Putter), this is going to be difficult to deal with. The majority of players who use one of the attached putting methods thought it was a solution for balky nerves. A smaller number thought it was more efficient. In any case, rule 14-1b was bad news for Tournament Players who anchor. What I am going to propose as a viable alternative, will be scoffed at by those who putt well and cannot empathize with players who struggle on the greens. It is not new, but could be the new hit for alternative putting (Side-Saddle Putting or Face-On Putting). It is a bit awkward in the beginning stages, but with a sound setup and clear conceptual understanding of how to perform the stroke, it is relatively simple. If you want to try it out you will need to get a putter that is suitable for the method. Small headed Long Putters with an upright lie are best for Side-Saddle putting. There are a couple companies that specialize in making putters for SideSaddle or Face-On putting. An internet search will get you to one. Next, you will need to decide if you want to stand more upright or bent forward with your bottom hand near the ground or slightly higher anywhere between 1 and 3 feet above the ground. The top hand will likely be placed on the top of the grip so that the top hand thumb caps the top of the grip, much in the same manner Adam Scott
UNLOCKING POTENTIAL
13
PGA Professionals
GIVING BACK
By PGA Player Development Regional Manager, Nikki Gatch, PGA
PGAPLAYER DEVELOPMENT
It always amazes me how unselfish and supportive our PGA Professionals are on a daily basis. Most of the time, they don’t get the recognition they deserve. In all cases, recognition is not what these professionals set out to attain. They set out to promote themselves as PGA Professionals and the game in the highest regards. Here are a couple highlighted events some of your Section Professionals have been involved with over the last couple of months. On July 15th, Larry Brotherton, PGA Professional at San Juan Hills Golf Club in San Juan Capistrano, hosted the Second Annual Wounded Warrior Golf Tournament. Larry recruited over 40 sponsors for the event and hosted 230 golfers at San Juan Hills. The event kicked off with a flyover by two P-51 Fighter Bombers. Local color guards and sports commentator, Roy Firestone, provided entertainment for everyone and local Eagle Scouts served as volunteers. Larry secured a sponsor for the dinner to keep the costs down, which assisted in an $11,000 donation to Wounded Warriors and over $21,000 the last two years. The day also proved to be financially beneficial to the club due to Larry’s efforts.
“More than half of the participants were my golf students. I am inspired by our disabled vets and Wounded Warriors. I am proud to be a PGA Professional,” said Larry Brotherton. SCPGA Golf Professional of the Year and PGA Head Golf Professional at Navy Golf Course, Joe Grohman, added, “Larry is one of the best PGA Professionals I’ve ever met. His dedication to growing the game, working with the less fortunate, teaching, involvement with the community and being a tremendously positive force for his golf operation is second to none. Larry has single-handedly created a tournament for the Wounded Warrior West Battalion that has brought out the best in the people of San Juan Capistrano who have mobilized behind supporting the event. The tournament has sold out every year and many of the marines in the battalion told me that Larry’s tournament has become their favorite event of the year.” PGA Professionals Dean Mayo and Mike Lissebeck each gave their time in partnership with the women’s networking group, HighHeel Golfer. HighHeel
Larry Botherton, PGA, with local Eagle Scout volunteers 14
PROGRAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
Golfer is a networking group created to expose career women to the game and showcase how golf can be used for social and professional networking. The group offers several programs, one of which is the Golf Happy Hour, where women join for a social setting and then are given a golf clinic and a business golf discussion/ presentation. At the recent Golf Happy
Mike Lissebeck, PGA, hosts HighHeel Golfers
Hour at Morgan Run Resort and Club, attendees were treated to a golf clinic by PGA Director of Golf, Mike Lissebeck, followed by a discussion with PGA Professional and Financial Professional with Prudential, Dean Mayo. The women in attendance enjoyed learning not only about the game and perfecting their skills, but also about the correlations between the business world and the game of golf.
Dean Mayo, PGA, hosts HighHeel Golfers www.scpga.com
A L W A Y S
2014
D R I V E N
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Welcome to the
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA FAMILY Bryan Bigbee A-8 San Diego C.C. My motivation is to be around golf & help people with their game and needs.
Mark Kagaoan A-8 Robinson Ranch G.C. There is nothing better than waking up excited to go to work knowing that you’re going to make someone happy.
Raymond Rivera A-8 Palos Verdes G.C. Be part of an outstanding organization, enhance my coaching career, and give back to game that have giving me so much.
Chris Caballero A-8 La Quinta Resort & Club I became a PGA Professional to be able to help grow the game, share the knowledge I have in the golf business with others and help them enjoy the game more.
Cindy Kuragami A-8 Mile Square G.C. To combine my love of the game with my love for teaching.
James Rocco A-8 Friendly Hills C.C.
Adrian Kim A-6 GolfTEC El Segundo I love teaching golf and have a passion for junior golf and growing this game.
Eric Schoonover A-8 PGA West Private Having worked in the industry for the past ten years, I found PGA members to be held in a higher esteem and better opportunity.
Bryan Carlson A-8 Champions Club at The Retreat Love of the game. Growth of the game. Honor of joining one of the largest memberships in the country. James Cassidy A-8 Maderas G.C. Love of the game. Desire to share the same.
Daniel Chait A-8 Sherwood C.C. I developed a passion for the game in high school and wanted to pursue a career in golf.
NEWMEMBERS
Jeff Corradino A-1 relocated to Southwest Section
Enhance my knowledge and passion for the game I love, then pass onto others trying to reach their goals. Geoff Hodge A-1 Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club My grandfather inspired my overall love of the game. I’ve taken my passion to share with those playing a game I love. Jason Hoth A-8 Torrey Pines G.C
Mike Johnson A-6 The Golf Swing Prescription Golf, a game unlike any other, can be played throughout your life! Golf provides an opportunity to learn everyday - new technologies, teaching, philosophies.
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PROGRAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
Eugene Lee A-6 Shadow Mountain G.C. Help junior golfers achieve their goal as a player and to grow the game of golf in Asian countries. John K. McCarthy A-8 SilverRock Resort Pursue a career around the game. Having encountered and learned from PGA Professionals, my desire is to carry on the tradition. Scott McCue A-20 The Duran Group To serve in the game of a lifetime and those who play it.
Bryan Miller A-8 Bermuda Dunes C.C. Pass along my love for the game to others, as well as introduce the game of golf to those who want to play. Matthew Okutsu A-8 Navy G.C. To be successful at something I’m passionate about. To grow the game of golf and to share my experiences with others. Kenny Randall A-8 JW Marriott Desert Springs Golf has always been my first passion. In order to stay connected to the game, I was motivated to become a PGA Professional. I am truly honored to have become a part of this association.
David Sloane A-8 The Los Angeles C.C. I became a PGA Professional to share my love and knowledge of this wonderful game with those who have a passion for golf. Steve Thomason A-8 Sierra La Verne C.C. To give back to the game that has given me so much.
Dean Wilson-Garbutt A-8 The Santaluz Club Golf has been my life since age 8 and has become a career that I love. Promoting and teaching the game that has given me so much is why I became a PGA Professional. Phil Woods A-20 Titleist I was influenced by PGA Professionals to pursue this career. I have realized becoming a PGA Professional provides me the education and invaluable experience needed to advance my career and grow the game. Lee Sanudo A-6 Encinitas Ranch G.C. I love the game of golf and wan to be a part of the organization that protects the integrity of the game and is responsible for its success.
www.scpga.com
SCPGA and Northern Trust team up for
PLAY GOLF LA
www.scpga.com
ticket they sell, with the remaining 20 percent donated to City of Hope, the official charity of the Northern Trust Open. Through Play Golf LA, SCPGA Foundation will receive 80 percent of the net proceeds and City of Hope the balance, 20 percent. City of Hope is the primary beneficiary of the Northern Trust Open, but TICKETS Fore CHARITY is a shining example of one of many avenues for local organizations to receive funding. In 2014, TICKETS Fore CHARITY™ raised a record $316,870 for non-profit organizations in the greater Los Angeles area. Since the Northern Trust Open’s TICKETS Fore CHARITY program began in 2010, a total of $1,193,325 has been generated for approximately 120 charities throughout Los Angeles, and this year’s total is the most generated in the program’s five-year history. “The SCPGA Foundation is excited to launch Play Golf LA at the TICKETS Fore CHARITY kickoff event,” said David Myrdahl, Southern California PGA foundation/operations director. “This program was created to stimulate golf at PGA facilities in the Los Angeles and surrounding areas, bring awareness of the Northern Trust Open and raise significant funds for the SCPGA Foundation. In the end, our goal would be to host the largest organized charitable fundraising event ever in Southern California.” The total generated for Los Angeles charities since the Northern Trust Open’s inception in 1926 is now more than $58 million, and 2014 marked the first time the event generated more than $2 million for charity in a single year. The 2014 Northern Trust Open, which now-two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson won by two shots, was held in February at historic Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif. The 2015 Northern Trust Open will be held February 18-22, and TICKETS Fore CHARITY tickets go on sale September 4, 2014.
THE ORIGINAL
-
PLAYGOLF LA
In conjunction with yesterday’s launch of the 2015 Northern Trust Open TICKETS Fore CHARITYTM program, Northern Trust Open tournament officials announced a partnership with the Southern California PGA for Play Golf LA, an initiative aimed at raising at least $100,000 and becoming the largest organized golf event in Southern California. Through Play Golf LA, PGA members and their facilities within the SCPGA will host a weekend-long event at their respective clubs, beginning February 14-16, 2015; players can “enter” the event by purchasing two TICKETS Fore CHARITY to the 2015 Northern Trust Open. The club that raises the most money and has the most number of players participating/playing the most number of holes will have the exclusive opportunity to participate in the 2015 Northern Trust Open Pro-Am. “Imagine an opportunity where you, as a PGA Member, and your facility would significantly enhance and influence contributions to our PGA Foundation and, in turn, affect the lives and futures of many children in our Junior Golf Program,” said Jeff Johnson, PGA of Southern California president. “Imagine, a simple gesture such as taking part in Play Golf LA, and in doing so, providing a benefit to not only the great work done by the Northern Trust Open, but also assisting with the great work done day in and out by our Foundation contributing to our many deserving beneficiaries – all while getting the chance to attend one of the most storied tournaments in golf! TICKETS Fore CHARITY is all you need to know. Take part. Be part of our future and our success in growing children and all others in the great game of golf .” Through TICKETS Fore CHARITY, participating 501(c)3 non-profit organizations can generate much-needed funds by promoting tournament tickets to the Northern Trust Open. Charitable organizations keep 80 percent of the net proceeds from the sale of each
JUNIOR GOLF APPAREL BRAND
PROGRAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
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Nokes, near perfect, becomes
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SENIOR PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPION and Pepsi for their support of this years championship. Thanks as well to our tremendous hosts, PGA Head Professional Kurt Krause, his golf staff and the entire staff at El Camino Country Club provided us with a great championship week. Thank you!
2014 Southern California Senior PGA Professional Champion, Mike Nokes
SENIORSECTION CHAMPIONSHIP 18
The Southern California Senior PGA Professional Championship at El Camino Country Club crowned a first-time Champion today. Defending Champion Chris Starkjohann, PGA, of Torrey Pines Gold Club & Outings may have been an early favorite for good reason: El Camino is home to the four-time champion of the event. Tied for the first round lead with Barry Clayton, PGA, of Westin Mission Hills, it looked even more possible for Starkjohann to capture a sixth title in nine years. However, steady play from start to finish would help Mike Nokes, PGA, of Stadium Golf Center capture the first Section Championship of the season. The low round of the day belonged to Jim Higgins, PGA of Navy G.C. with a 67 (-5) that moved him to four-under overall and pressured the leaders. Mike Miles, PGA, of Old Ranch Country Club would join Higgins at four-under thanks to a second consecutive 70. Ultimately, the lead would be relinquished for good when Mike Nokes followed up his bogey-free 69 with a nearly perfect 68 playing alongside Miles. Why nearly perfect? A single blemish in his superb 36 holes at the 6670 yard par 72 traditional layout would be had on his 33rd hole, the par three 15th. The
PROGRAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
effort was still good enough to catapult Nokes to a two-stroke margin over Starkjohann for his first Senior Section Championship title. Along with the Championship was the opportunity for National registrants to qualify for the 2014 Senior PGA Professional Championship presented by Mercedes-Benz. The following PGA Professionals join Nokes as representatives for Southern California: Chris Starkjohann, Jim Higgins, Mike Miles, Tim Parun (Cut at 2014 Senior PGA Championship), Dave Podas (BelAir C.C.), Barry Clayton, Scott Mahlberg (Stadium Golf Center), Gary Sowinski (The Hodges Learning Center), Kurt Donahoo (TaylorMade Golf), Mike Mitchell (Hideaway G.C.). The overall winners (Top 3) won their respective age divisions (Champion Mike Nokes (50-54) and Chris Starkjohann (5560) in this year’s event. Congratulations as well to Jerry Wisz, PGA of Alhambra G.C. for capturing the 61 & over title with rounds of 70-69 = 139 (-5). This event is not possible without all the support from our sponsors and hosts. Thanks to Mercedes-Benz, YAMAHA Golf Cars, PGA TOUR, NYX Golf
Mike Nokes, PGA
John Mason, PGA
Southern California Senior PGA Professional Championship El Camino Country Club 1 Mike Nokes, Stadium Golf Center, -7, 137, $2,000 2 Chris Starkjohann, Torrey Pines Gold Club & Outings, -5, 139, $1,500 T3 Jim Higgins, Navy Golf Course, Admiral Baker, -4, 140, $950 T3 Mike Miles, Old Ranch Country Club, -4, 140, $950 www.scpga.com
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According to Mario Cesario
In The Beginning People have been hitting balls with sticks for a long time. When that activity turned into what would be called golf in the 1400s in Scotland, the evolution of the golf club and golf club history began. In the beginning golf clubs were made from materials (wood) and most often made by the players themselves. Play and the rules were haphazard and there was no standard for design or set make up.
GOLFHISTORY
Around the early 1500s the set make up was established after King James IV had a set made and then appointed William Mayne, the Royal Club Maker. A set of clubs at the time consisted of a set of play clubs; longnoses for driving, fairway clubs or grassed drivers for medium ranged shots, spoons for short range shots, niblicks (similar to today’s wedges) and a putting cleek. After 1618, to keep the expensive handmade “featherie” golf balls from being damaged, most players used wood clubs even though iron was more accurate and controllable and hand “forging” was possible. The shafts of theses wooden clubs were made from local European woods like ash or hazel. The heads of the clubs were long and thin, and they were known for that reason as “long-nose woods”. They were made of hard woods like apple, beech, and pear. Early “irons” were made by the local blacksmiths until around the late 1800s. As a result they were very crude and heavy with massive hosels, were very difficult to use and easily damaged the featheries which lead to their limited use. The Great Clubmakers Scotland became the mecca for great club and ball making. Early clubmakers like young and old Tom Morris and Willie Park exported their clubs all over the world. The
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PROGRAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
craft of early club and ball making was very lucrative in its day. Only the very wealthy in America and Europe could afford the clubs and balls required to play the game. In the early 1800s, Scotland was known for fine club making much as Switzerland is known for fine watch making today. Early Shafts Shafts were usually made from whatever local wood was available. When golf was introduced in America in the early 1800s, hickory wood began to be used in shafts, due to its availability. Hickory was far more durable and became the standard until steel shafts were introduced in 1925. Hickory became so popular for shafts that it was exported to Scotland and used by the premier club makers of the day. The hickory shafts required a slow, smooth swing to correctly time the hitting of the ball. They were also prone to breakage. Golf Enters New Century The period of the 1900 to the 1930 was marked by many innovations in club and ball design. The early sand wedge was invented by Gene Sarazon and its design is still used today. American Persimmon became the wood of choice for the high quality woods due to its hardness and strength. One of the most important changes was the move from smooth faced irons to the grooves we use today. Clubmakers realized you could impart more backspin on the ball with a grooved club. Increased backspin lead to more distance and control. Steel Shafts Introduced Although blacksmiths such as Thomas Horsburgh had experimented with steel shafts since the late 1890s, they were only legalized after the Prince Of Wales used them on the Old Course, St. Andrews in 1929. Billy Burke was the first to win a major tournament with steel shafted
clubs when he won the US Open in 1931. The obvious advantage of steel shafts was accuracy and durability. But they required an entirely different swing technique. The slow, languid, handsy swing of the 19th century and hickory shafts was replaced by a more precise and controlled body swing. Club head speed could now be maximized without requiring precise timing. The modern swing was born. Design Evolution Today’s golf clubs are the result of many years of evolution. Over those years golf club materials have changed and new golf club design and manufacturing techniques have been developed and refined. Shafts have evolved from wood to steel to graphite. Driving clubs and fairway “woods” have changed dramatically over time but particularly in the last 20 years. Titanium has revolutionized the driver’s look and effect on our games and a variation on the wood design called a hybrid club is causing a sensation throughout golf. Irons too have changed dramatically, mostly during the 1980s, as Ping pioneered perimeter weighting and the cavity back design. Ping’s perimeter weighting designs has been refined by Callaway and Taylor Made and the area of “game improvement” irons is clearly in its “hay day”. Putters too have become high-tech and now scientific testing is used to advance their design and capabilities. You could argue that golf clubs have changed more in the past 20 years than in the last 200. Has All This Technology Changed Our Games? The USGA has said that the average handicap has changed little in the last 30 years. Apparently all this technology hasn’t helped us play better. www.scpga.com
The Persimmon tree (Diospyros Virginiana) is a member of the ebony family. Persimmon trees grow over a wide geographic area from mid-Florida to southern New York, and as far west as eastern Texas. However most commercial persimmon trees grow in the moist lowlands of Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana near the Mississippi River. The American persimmon tree grows to 35 to 60 feet tall and 20 to 35 feet wide. Trees are not found in large clusters. Typically they are scattered throughout huge forests surrounded by common timber such as oak, ash, maple, and tupelo. Persimmon’s physical qualities made it ideal for golf clubs. Persimmon is strong and hard, but not brittle, withstanding stress and tension. It weighs 52 pounds per cubic foot (versus 48 for oak and 44 for maple). Its relative hardness, measured by the rebound characteristic known as “modulus of elasticity” is superior to other woods. Persimmon cushions a little at impact, allowing the wood to maximize transference of energy to the ball.
IMPACT BENDING
WOOD
SPECIFIC GRAVITY
WEIGHT CU. FT.
POPLAR
.43
28 LBS
1,500,000
450 LBS
5,290
20 INCHES
MAPLE
.68
44 LBS
1,830,000
1,450 LBS
7,830
39 INCHES
OAK
.71
48 LBS
1,780,000
1,360 LBS
7,440
37 INCHES
PERSIMMON
.78
52 LBS
2,010,000
2,300 LBS
9,170
37 INCHES
GOLFHISTORY
HARDNESS
MAXIMUM CRUSHING STRENGTH AT LBS./SQ. INCH
MODULES OF ELASTICITY AT LBS./SQ. INCH
Persimmon ruled the manufacture of golf equipment for nearly a century, through an era when Ben Hogan, MacGregor, Spalding, and Wilson were at the forefront. During the late 1970’s demand for persimmon wood exceeded the supply, with total commercial production being allocated to golf club manufacturers. At this point persimmon fetched $1,000 to $1,200 per thousand feet of stumpage, compared to $100 to $150 per thousand feet of other wood. A widely believed legend is that the best persimmon wood comes from the tree’s heart; actually the hearth or pith of a persimmon is an unusable black core. While persimmon was prized and admired for its natural beauty, many golfers subscribed to another myth propagated by the Japanese market that “U” grain heads centered on the club were stronger than the “straight” grain heads and thus prized. However, straight or “U” shaped wood grain made no difference on the club strength. By the late 1980’s major manufacturers had all but abandoned persimmon in favor for metal. Solidifying the movement forward to the space age materials being used today was the magical moment in 1991 when John Daly, an obscure pro out of persimmon rich Arkansas won the PGA Championship while smacking the ball an incredible distance using an over sized metal wood. Mario Cesario is a noted clubmaker and an Honorary Life Member of the SCPGA. www.scpga.com
PROGRAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
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Gilman Runs Away with 115th
CALIFORNIA STATE OPEN
Light up the links this fall.
CALIFORNIASTATE OPEN
Chris Gilman of Yorba Linda, Calif. captured the 115th California State Open in style. Gilman shot a four-day total of 268 with rounds of 63, 64, 71 and 70. After taking the lead on day one of the tournament, at 9-under par, 63, he continued the strong play eventually finishing at 20-under par. The nearest competitor to Gilman was Stephen Hale of Bakersfield, who’s 13 under par total left him seven shots back of the champion. The torrid pace that Gilman set early, being 17 under par through 36 holes made a comeback nearly impossible for one of the other 167 participants. Gilman told friends, “The ball just kept finding the hole.” Five shots behind Hale, Buddy Duncan of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. and Gene Webster Jr. of Highland, Calif. finished tied for third at eight under. Capturing the low amateur honor was Cory Gladstone of San Diego, Calif. at two under par. Low PGA Professional honors went to Alan Scheer, PGA, from Steele Canyon G.C., at even par, while Dillon Dougherty of The Hideaway was low PGA Apprentice at three under par and tied for 13th. Congratulations again to the 115th California State Open Champion, Chris Gilman!
2014 California State Open Champion Chris Gilman
Thanks to our hosts at the Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon. General manager Tom Gustafson, PGA Director of Golf Henry Liaw and Director of Turf Care Paul Mayes. They were all integral to the 115Th California State Open. We’d also like to thank the Southern California PGA Rules Committee for their support at this year’s event.
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Chris Gilman, Hole #18
California State Open Championship
Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon Ed Budz (951)595-0268 ed.budz@cuttersales.com Ryan Nolz (310) 982-9102 ryan.nolz@cuttersales.com
Jeremiah Wooding 22
PROGRAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
14-GOLF-1608 Sept_Oct PROgram Magazine - Budz.indd 1
8/12/14 1:28 PM
1 Chris Gilman, Yorba Linda, CA, -20, 268, $13,500 2 Stephen Hale, Bakersfield, CA, -13, 275, $9,900 T3 Buddy Duncan, Rancho Santa Fe, CA, -8, 280, $5,837.50 T3 Gene Webster Jr., Highland,CA, -8, 280, $5837.50 www.scpga.com
Gilley Rallies to Claim Second
TITLE IN THREE YEARS KBS EDUCATION CENTER
EARN MSR CREDIT THROUGH KBS
2014 Southern California PGA Match Play Champion Chris Gilley, PGA
MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
Jack Barber, PGA
KBS Advisory Board 2009- National PGA Golf Professional of the Year 2011- Hall of Fame Member
Susan Roll, PGA
KBS Advisory Board 2011 PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Public
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PROGRAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
Chris Gilley, PGA, of Seacliff Country Club, found himself two down with three to play against Steve Holmes, PGA, who played remarkably steady golf all week and didn’t look to leave any openings for Gilley. On hole 16, however, Gilley found a crease after he played a great wedge shot to make birdie, while Holmes couldn’t convert a difficult short-sided up-and-down to match the birdie. On hole 17, Gilley made the only par of the day on the difficult par 3, while Holmes’ par attempt slid just below the hole. With the match square going into the 18th hole, both players struck beautiful drives and had similar approaches to a well protected green. Gilley played first and stuck his approach to six feet to put the pressure on his opponent. Holmes’ approach ended up
around 30 feet below the hole and had a makeable birdie putt. His attempt just burned the edge of the hole and par was conceded. In 2012, Gilley defeated Chris Starkjohann, PGA, of Torrey Pines Gold Club & Outings, in the very same situation by making birdie on the 18th hole. This time, Gilley confidently rolled the six-foot putt in and had completed a remarkable comeback to capture his Chris Gilley, PGA second SCPGA Match Play Championship. Special thanks to PGA Director of Golf Shawn Cox, PGA, Head Professional Erik Wilson and the entire staff Steve Holmes, PGA at The Grand Golf Club for hosting a wonderful Match Play Championship! Special thanks also to PGA TOUR for their continued support of the Southern California PGA and the Match Play Championship.
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The PGA has been partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) as their Official Youth Development Partner in a five-year mission to introduce youth nationwide to the game of golf. With instructional support from PGA Professionals, using the PGA Sports Academy program, the partnership helps youth build character, develop healthy lifestyles, Tom Matreyek, PGA teaching Boys and Girls Club at San Bernardino G.C. and learn the game of golf. Academy program, which teaches youth A number of Southern California Section PGA Professionals have provided ages 8-13 basic golf skills, along with good character and life skills that are promoted instruction through the program by Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. to great success. This summer Tom The program continues to grow, with clubs Matreyek, PGA provided instruction implementing five to six week curricula at the Redlands Boys and Girls Club at least twice a year. For many of the Club with the last day of class taking place members, this will be the first time they at San Bernardino Golf Club. The have ever held and swung a golf club. children learned swing, stance and grip techniques, in addition to learning about Participants will also be afforded the opportunity to visit a local golf course, the golf course. Each player progressed through the program and couldn’t wait to where they can practice newly learned get back to the golf course to hit golf balls skills in a green-grass golf environment. Interested in teaching at your local again. club? Contact Junko Suzuki, PGA, at The SCPGA will continue to support jsuzuki@pgahq.com for more information. the implementation of the PGA Sports
SCPGA.COM Get Started Today! Contact Matt Gilson at mgilson@pgahq.com or 951.845.4653.
Boys and Girls Club of America at San Bernardino G.C. 26
PROGRAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
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SCPGA Junior Tour
PING SERIES
David Huang
Paul Sun facebook.com/SCPGAJuniorTour www.scpga.com
the tournament with a tworound total of 142 (-2). Monika Poomcharoen from Temecula, finished the tournament out with a final round of 71 to take individual first place honors for the girls posting a two-day total of 148, just four over par. Oak Valley Golf Club served as the mid-point in the PING Series on July 14th and 15th and had the second largest international presence in the field out of all the PING Series Events. Christopher Wolf Popp from Dasmarinas, Philippines, took the overall boys title home with a two-day total of 147 (+3). Houkuan Choi from Macao, China, finished just two shots back of the overall title as he won his respective age division (Boys 16-18) carding a tournament finish of 149 (+5). Yi Ting Lai took individual girls honors beating out another Taiwan native, Yitsen Chou, as she posted a two day total of 141 (-3). The fourth leg of the PING 2-Day Series was hosted by Strawberry Farms Golf Club July 21st – 22nd and proved to be most difficult test of the series. Fairways were heavily protected by environmentally sensitive hazards and firm greens were guarded by strategically placed bunkers as Michael Sun took home individual honors totaling 144 over the two-day Series event and barely edged out Nick Harry by two strokes. The Girls 15-18 age division featured a playoff between Janet Yeo and Genie Short as they both finished the tournament with a two-day total of 157. Short won the playoff and also took home the overall girls title for the event. The fifth stop in the series was held at Mission Hills Country Club on July 31st – August 1st. With temperatures reaching 106 degrees, the Arnold Palmer design proved to be a great test and an important addition to the Series. Jackson Polakov fired an opening round of 68 and went on to win overall boys title finishing the tournament with a twoday total of 141 (-3). Yuka Saso from Sta. Rosa, Philippines, also carded an opening round of 68 and took individual girls first twitter.com/SCPGAJuniorTour
Michael Sun
place honors after posting a tournament total of 142 (-2). The PING 2-Day Series concluded on August 11th-12th at Tustin Ranch Golf Club with an active field of 116 players, highlighted by the largest international group to play in the PING Series. The Girls 15-18 division was dominated by the Japanese players with Hina Arakaki (144) from Uruma, Japan, taking individual first place honors, firing two consecutive rounds of even par to beat the entire girl’s field by 4. Patrick Horve, from North Tustin, posted a final round of 70 to force a playoff with Christopher Adnams in the Boys 16-18 division. Horve drained a 15 foot putt on the 5th playoff hole to take home the overall boys title. Each participant at every PING 2-Day Series event received a tee gift from PING ranging from PING Ball Bags to hats and towels. The SCPGA Players Tour would like to congratulate David Huang, Michael Sun, Jackson Polakov, Ke Yang, Chae-Rim Lee, Hina Arakaki and Ellen Takada as they were the PING 2-Day Series Winners. Each individual has earned a PING G25 Driver, a PING 4-Series Carry Bag and a Ping Stainless Steel Anser-2 Putter. The Southern California PGA Junior Tour would like to thank PING for all of their support with this series and for outfitting all of the participants with their product. The SCPGA would also like to thank all of the participants and parents for making this series a great success again in 2014!
JUNIORGOLF
The series kicked off its grand opening at Oak Creek Golf Club in Irvine on June 23rd-24th on the pristine Fazio design. Ellen Takada took home individual girls honors after posting a two day total of one over par (143). The Boys 12-13 age division saw three sub-70 rounds over the two day event, but none were more impressive than Derrick Liu’s final round of 64 to force a playoff with Guangshi Chen as they both carded a two-day total of 137 (-5). Guangshi Chen, from Irvine, went on to win the playoff and take first place honors in the Boys 12-13 age division. The next event within the PING 2-Day Series took place at Temecula Creek Inn on June 30th-July 1st. It was highlighted by Christopher Wardrup’s double-eagle during the final round. Wardrup holed out from 200 yards on hole 8 (Creek Course) to aid in his final round of 71 and T5 finish. Storm Lee, from Murrieta, took the overall individual boys honors, firing three under par to card a two-day total of 141. Edwin Kuang, also from Murrieta, posted a four under par round of 68 in the second and final round of the tournament to win the Boys 14-15 age division by a margin of one stroke. Kuang finished just one shot back of the overall title as he completed
@SCPGAJRTOUR PROGRAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
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PARTNER HIGHLIGHT
TGA PREMIER JUNIOR GOLF Bringing golf to the schools
TGA Premier Junior Golf serves as an introductory youth golf program for students across the country. Together, TGA and the PGA create junior golf player pathways within target communities through a self-sustaining model. First, through SCPGA Golf in Schools in partnership with TGA, students and families are introduced to golf through after-school enrichment programs at elementary and middle schools, childcare centers, and community centers. The multilevel golf enrichment curriculum incorporates academics, life skills, and character development. The TGA curriculum emphasizes developing golf and athletic skills in a fun setting that engages entry level and current players.
Second, after growing participation, the SCPGA and TGA transition students and their families to PGA and LPGA programming, golf facilities, recreational and competitive programs. TGA offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with the PGA of America and PGA Sections providing a turn-key model that incorporates schools, community partners, golf facilities and golf professionals. PGA Professionals foster relationships and encourage young golfers in the game, creating career opportunities for future generations of golf industry professionals. Parents are also reengaged in the game by creating opportunities for families to play together.
PARTNERHIGHLIGHT TGA Golf in Schools - North County San Diego
For TGA afterschool enrichment programs visit www.playtga.com. To engage with an afterschool program, contact the following in Southern California: North County San Diego: Junko Suzuki, PGA jsuzuki@pgahq.com North Orange County: Eddie Rodarte, PGA erodarte@pgahq.com Central San Diego: Brandon and Kat Schwendeman kschwendeman@playtga.com Temecula Valley: Jeff Sampson jsampson@golftga.com South Orange County: Anthony Leone anthony@golftga.com Coachella Valley: Ross Kvinge rkvinge@playtga.com Los Angeles and West Valley: Nate Wright nate@golftga.com Beach Cities: Michell Rockholt michelle@golftga.com 28
PROGRAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
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Desert Chapter
Inland Empire Chapter
Many professionals around the Inland Empire had a successful summer running junior camps, playing and hosting tournaments and doing their best to keep www.scpga.com
Metropolitan Chapter
Congratulations to Kyle Mendoza, of South Hills Country Club, for winning the 2014 Metro Chapter Championship, hosted by Oakmont Country Club. Kyle shot 71 – 69 in route to a one-shot victory over the runner-up, Jim Gormley, PGA, of Palos Verdes Golf Club. Special thanks to General Manager Scott Heyn, PGA, and Head Professional John Milligan, PGA, for their hospitality and professionalism. The 2nd Annual Orange County First Tee Pro-Am was held at Tustin Ranch Golf Club on Friday, September 5th. Also, Palos Verdes Golf Club will host the Metro Chapter’s Annual Meeting on Monday, November 10th.
Northern Chapter
Thanks to Roger Rockefeller & Las Posas Country Club for hosting our Meeting & Shamble which was won by Paul Holtby, PGA and Roger Gunn, PGA. Please remember that coat and tie are required for all meetings. Rustic Canyon Golf Club and Rodney Scott, PGA hosted our Chapter Championship on August 11th, which was won by Steve Holmes, PGA with an exceptional 65-67! This day also produced a new course record by Ryan Kennedy, PGA with a 63 in the afternoon round!
San Diego Chapter
We are proud in San Diego to announce the newly crowned SDPGA Match Play Champion, Monte Hanson of Bernardo Heights Country Club. His closely fought match versus runner-up Chris Lempa, PGA, was decided on the 18th hole at The Park Hyatt Aviara on June 17th. 3rd place finishers were Grant Strobel, PGA, and Logan Scott. Thank you to Renny Brown, PGA, of Aviara Golf Club for hosting us once again! The always popular San Diego Country Club Pro-Am was contested on July 16th. Top honors on this famed course went to Chris Starkjohann, PGA and Dean Tonneslan, PGA, each with 68. Barry Mahlberg, PGA and Mike Nokes, PGA, followed closely behind at 69. A big thank you goes out to John Osbourne, PGA, and staff for another great event. Barona Creek Golf Club was the site of the Senior Stroke Play Championship on July 28th. Chris Starkjohann, PGA, is our 2014 Champion, followed by Tim Parun, PGA, and Bruce Nakamura, PGA, respectively. Thank you to Don King, PGA, and Barona Creek Golf Club for your hospitality. Rancho Carlsbad Executive Course was the host for the Pro-Junior held on July 24th. Best scores were Alan Scheer, PGA, and Brian Smock, each at 5 under par, followed by Todd Smith, PGA, at -4 and Shawn Cox, PGA, at -3. The juniors, of course, are the center of attention at this event and all had a great time! Finally, the Lamkin Pro Am (with $10,000 added) at Shadowridge Country Club was won this year by Mike Nokes, PGA, on July 21st. 2nd place went to Chris Starkjohann, PGA. Thank you to generous sponsor Bob Lamkin of Lamkin Grips for your continued support of our Chapter. Thanks again to Jimmy Letourneau and Rusty Van Dam for another fine event. PROGRAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
CHAPTERCORNER
As the summer winds down and we begin to gear up for another season at our facilities in the Desert, we would like to take a moment to recognize our recent tournament champions. Congratulations to Reeve Krikke, PGA, of Indian Ridge Country Club for his one shot victory over Joe Johnson, PGA, in the Desert Chapter Assistant’s Championship. The event was once again hosted by Gordon Leith, PGA, and his staff at Heritage Palms Golf Club in Indio. Kudos to Gordon Leith, PGA for his win at the DC Chapter Championship. The event was hosted by Michael Holyk, PGA, and his staff at Mountain View Country Club. Gordon finished with a two day score of 10-under par 134 (66-68) to edge Brian Hughes, PGA, by a shot. The Desert Chapter was proud to present the inaugural Senior Chapter Championship. Thank you to Jim Robinson, PGA, and his staff at Mission Hills Country Club for hosting the event. Congratulations to Mike Mitchell, PGA, on his one shot victory over Davey Snyder, PGA, with his 2-day score of 7-under par (70-67). We look forward to making this an annual event. Be sure to check out your standings in the first ever Desert Chapter Player of the Year Bonus Pool, sponsored by Security Bank of California. This new bonus pool will be paid out to the top 10 players this season at the DC Annual Meeting!
rounds up. We look forward to the rest of 2014, but would like to give special recognition to two people. First, to Ross Fisher, PGA, for his incredible dedication to making our Chapter Championship at Goose Creek Golf Club the very best! Also, to our Chapter Champion, Kenny Pigman. Kenny ran away from the field on Day 2 posting a 68 and winning by 6 shots.
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SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT
PHUKET
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SPONSORHIGHLIGHT
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Red Mountain Golf Club
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PROGRAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
Phuket is one of the most exotic destinations in Southeast Asia and the world at large. Endless white sand beaches, cooling blue lagoons, along with a tropical mountainous interior, make Phuket a stunning and glorious image of paradise on earth. All of this makes it the perfect backdrop for a golf holiday. Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, nestled in the balmy waters of the Andaman Sea on the Indian Ocean. Beyond the spectacular sights, the people of Phuket make your visit a memorable getaway with their superb hospitality and accommodations. Of the eight golf courses in Phuket, the most notable are Red Mountain and Blue Canyon. Blue Canyon Country Club grabbed the world's attention in 1994 when the Canyon Course hosted the Johnnie Walker Classic. Fast forward to 2014, the Canyon and Lake Courses are recognized world-wide as championship golf courses that are regularly visited by top international players. The masterpiece Yoshikazu Kato courses are set among 720 acres of succulent valley that wind through former rubber plantations and tin mines. As the name implies, the Lake Course features beautiful water on 17 of its 18 holes. Blue Canyon offers the full Country Club experience with world-class amenities including sauna, Jacuzzi, massages, and three restaurants. Red Mountain Golf Club opened in 2007 and quickly became one of Phuket and Asia’s most spectacular golf courses. The Johnathan Morrow course was designed to take advantage of the varying landforms and dramatic elevation changes, making it Phuket’s hilliest golf course. In fact, the entire Red Mountain site is an abandoned tin mine with carefully planned hole routing that takes players on a historical tour of the former tin mine property. Cliffs and gullies etched in sandy tailings over the years by storm waters can be admired on several
holes, while towering red cliffs cut out of the hills and flooded canyons frame several other holes. Golfers face the full range of nature’s hazards; wind, water, slopes and elevation changes. This is the highest golf course on Phuket Island, providing dramatic views from many points on the golf course. The Phi Phi Islands are another Thai gem, located between the large island of Phuket and the western Strait of Malacca coast of the mainland. The islands are adorned with towering cliffs and beachfronted jungles. They are considered Thailand’s island-superstar. Of the two islands, Phi Phi Don has no roads, and Phi Phi Leh has no human inhabitants. This helps to nurture the completely laid-back attitude and atmosphere that you find everywhere you turn. Phi Phi Don was initially populated by fishermen during the late 1940s, and later became a coconut plantation. Take a short boat ride or cruise from Phi Phi and you will be surrounded by some of the world’s most amazing diving. The most common type of lodging are the basic bamboo beach huts, which you will never stop dreaming about after your vacation ends. Be warned, once you get lost in Phi Phi’s paradise, you will not want to leave! Complete your trip of a lifetime with some Phuket shopping. Phuket is the source for cultured pearls, nielloware, pewterware, ornaments and Batik. Souvenir products can be found on Ratsada, Phang-nga, Montri, Yaowarat, and Tilok-U-thit roads. In Phuket Town, visit Thepkasattri Road, which is at the north of the town. For local souvenirs, try the beach centers of Patong, Kata, Karon and Rawai.
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SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT
BRIDGESTONE Bridgestone’s B330-RX: A More Forgiving Golf Ball
tour balls immediately lose speed and gain both backspin and sidespin creating shorter, less accurate shots. For amateurs who infrequently hit the center of the club face, this is a big problem. “With a golf ball designed to optimize their game, amateurs can find the forgiveness they need to help minimize the effects of off center strikes,” said Corey Consuegra, director of golf ball marketing at Bridgestone Golf. “The B330-RX is the perfect example of this.” Featuring a softer compression core, the B330-RX is specifically engineered to be more forgiving on shots away from
tour pros and amateurs is stark,” noted Adam Rehberg, golf research and testing technician for Bridgestone Golf. “Most amateurs quite simply lack the consistency we see from the pros.” Golf equipment has long been designed to combat this inconsistency. Many pros hit blades. Amateurs use oversize irons. Oversize irons are created to be forgiving, to minimize the negative impact of off center for amateur players. The truth is that forgiveness for amateurs is important, but not just when it comes to clubs. As a part of every shot on course, a golf ball can also offer significant forgiveness benefits. Why and how can a golf ball be more forgiving? It’s physics. Firm compression tour balls work well when struck in the center of the club face. This makes them a good solution for most tour professionals and even some elite amateurs. When hit off center however,
center. The B330-RX loses less speed and adds less back and side spin than firmer compression tour balls. The result is longer, straighter, more forgiving shots on off center shots. That means a better result for amateurs on a majority of their shots. “Off center hits are frustrating, but they are a part of the game,” said Consuegra. “Our industry has focused on providing forgiveness through club design, but at Bridgestone we are offering amateurs a more forgiving golf ball.” Firm compression tour balls, designed for pros, are not meant to be optimized by amateur swing speeds with off center strikes. As with club selection, it is important for a golfer to use a forgiving golf ball like the B330-RX fit to their game. By reducing speed loss and detrimental spin gains, amateur players can boom it better, even on their off center hits, with the B330-RX.
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SPONSORHIGHLIGHT
There’s nothing like a perfect golf shot. The feel of a ball making contact with the center of the clubface. The sound of a pure strike. The type of shot that keeps a golfer coming back. For the tour pros, consistently hitting these shots is par for the course, but for amateurs, the center strike can be elusive. The reality is that most amateur golfers miss the sweet spot a whopping 75% of the time. That’s right. Three out of four swings will be hit off center by those of us not on tour. “When looking at impact data and center strikes, the differences between
PROGRAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
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CALIFORNIA ALLIANCE FOR GOLF OCTOBER 23RD SET FOR CAG ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY & MEMBERSHIP MEETING The California Alliance for Golf (CAG) will be holding its 2014 Annual General Assembly & Membership Meeting on Thursday, October 23, 2014, at the Southern California PGA Section office. This meeting is open to anyone interested in the future of golf in California. Topics will span from water issues and pending legislation to advocacy efforts and growth of the game. To RSVP for the 2014 CAG Meeting, please contact CAG President Tom Addis at the SCPGA Section Office.
ASSOCIATIONNEWS 32
Water Use and Conservation report provides information about golf’s water use, conservation practices and irrigation systems The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and its philanthropic arm, The Environmental Institute for Golf, will be releasing the second edition of the Water Use and Conservation Practices on U.S. Golf Courses in November. The report, part of GCSAA’s Environmental Profile, provides information about golf ’s water use, conservation practices and irrigation systems. The data will facilitate setting goals and objectives for the industry that will advance techniques and encourage new technology. It will allow for strong communication platforms and education programs to promote the continued progress of golf. Additionally, the report will compare data from the first edition (released in 2009) to identify changes and trends over time. Over 2,500 golf course superintendents representing private, public, municipal and resort courses will participate in the survey. Golf courses are broken down by agronomic region, course type and number of holes. The objectives of the report are to measure: • The number of irrigated turfgrass PROGRAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
acres for the U.S. and in agronomic regions • Total water use in the U.S. and in agronomic regions • Water cost averages for the U.S. and in agronomic regions • Water sources used for irrigation • Recycled water use in the U.S. and in agronomic regions • Water quality • Irrigation system characteristics • Waste management and conservation practices To view the report in its entirety, visit the GCSAA website at www.gcsaa.org or the Environmental Institute for Golf website at www.eifg.org.
EWGA is a great group for women who need or want to play on the weekend. Since our weather allows us to play year-round, the local EWGA Chapters generally have at least one weekend event per month. There are also match play events with other chapters, get-away weekends, clinics and summer weekday afternoon/evening casual play. There’s no “qualifying” to play with EWGA – just let the Events Chair know your level of experience & interest – casual/fun play, competition or both. At an event, get to know your playing partners and stay after the round for socializing when you can. This is a great way to make others aware of your golf interest, skill level and availability. Make tee times & invite some of your new friends to join you. Check the EWGA website, emails & Facebook page to get alerts on more playing opportunities. Help at an event – you meet more people that way. Another advantage of EWGA is to have a golfing community when you travel. With over 100 chapters across the country, in Canada and Europe, there are readymade Fairway Friends wherever there’s an EWGA chapter –as a member of one chapter, you can play at the member rate with the others. Remember, a friendly smile, good etiquette, pace of play and attitude are often more important than skill level at these events. Go to ewgala.org for more information.
2015 U.S. Open Tickets Going Fast The 2015 U.S. Open will be played on June 18th-21st at Chambers Bay Golf Course in University Place, Wash., and it’s clear the first U.S. Open to be conducted in the Pacific Northwest in garnering tremendous interest among golf fans everywhere. Tickets for the third and final rounds of the championship are already sold out and only limited tickets remain for Friday’s second round. Junior tickets are always available and must be purchased on site at Will Call or any admission gate during the championship. Juniors, ages 12 and under, will be admitted free of charge any day when accompanied by an adult ticket holder. Tickets for juniors, ages 13 to 17, will be available for purchase at a reduced rate. Tickets will also be available for military personnel. On site during practice round days (Monday, June 15 through Wednesday, June 17), active military personnel receive complimentary Gallery tickets and retired personnel can purchase Gallery tickets at a reduced rate of $25 per ticket. Other ticket options include: • 1895 Club: An all-inclusive airconditioned pavilion located in the North Meadow (near the 13th hole) offers live broadcast coverage, ample seating and also features breakfast, a buffet lunch with hot entrees, afternoon snacks and full bar service throughout the day. • Trophy Club: Also located in the North Meadow, the Trophy Club is an airconditioned pavilion with comfortable seating and features live television coverage. Enhanced food and beverages may be purchased at an additional charge. • Gallery: Gallery tickets provide access to the grounds of Chambers Bay and to all concession stands throughout the course. Visit www.usga.org/tickets for complete information and to purchase a chance to experience the thrill of the U.S. Open at a brand-new venue, Chambers Bay. www.scpga.com
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TOURNAMENT RESULTS SENIOR OXNARD 2-DAY
RIVER RIDGE GOLF CLUB | JUNE 25 & 26
TEAM RESULTS 1 Al Valentine, Travel Leaders, Phil Soulanille, Horsepower Golf, Ross Horst, Life Member, 262, $200 Age Group (50-59) 1 Bob Dacey, 146, $325 Age Group (60-69) 1 Jon Fiedler, Los Posas C.C., 136, $425 Agre Group (70+) 1 Jim Petralia, Los Angeles C.C., 156, $275
SENIOR NORTH/SOUTH CUP MATCHES
SCPGA captures the Senior North/ South Cup Matches defeating the NCPGA 22.5 to 13.5.
SENIOR FOUR-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP
MORONGO GOLF CLUB AT TUKWET CANYON JULY 7 & 8
1 Butch Sheehan, First Tee Coachella Valley, Chris Starkjohann, Torrey Pines Gold Club & Outings, 123, $750 2 Jon Fiedler Los Posas C.C., Jim Ley, Twin Lakes G.C., 127, $600 3 Jerry Wisz, Alhambra G.C., John McFarland, Bridgestone Golf, 130, $500
WOMEN’S PLAY DAY 2
AAA MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP HILLCREST COUNTRY CLUB | SEPTEMBER 18
1 Bobby Nickell, Monarch Beach Golf Links 2 Larry Correa, La Purisima G.C.
AAA SWEEP 5 STROKE PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
SOUTH HILLS COUNTRY CLUB | AUGUST 7
1 Kenny Pigman, Goose Creek Golf Club, 67, -5, $587.50
APPRENTICE ORIENTATIONS
MONARCH BEACH GOLF LINKS | JUNE 10
1 Alison Curdt, Alison Curdt Golf at Angeles National G.C., Christie Quinn, Sharon Fletcher, Shadow Mountain G.C., Patty Schram, Desert Princess C.C., Dale Shaw, Unaffiliated
WOMEN’S PLAY DAY 3
RANCHO SANTA FE GOLF CLUB | JULY 10
1 Kate Grace, Kari Sur, Palos Verdes G.C., Junko Suzuki, SCPGA, Julie Wells, Mission Hills C.C.
AAA SWEEP 4 FOUR BALL CHAMPIONSHIP
CHAMPIONS CLUB AT THE RETREAT | JUNE 9
1 Andrew Alderdice, Tijeras Creek G.C., Larry Correa, La Purisima G.C., - 10, $700
TOURNAMENTRECAP 34
Dear Rons: I had a situation at the recent Inland Empire PGA Chapter Championship at Goose Creek GC that was new to me. My ball had come to rest in the green-side bunker on the seventh hole in an area where numerous hornets were swarming around. Being unsure of how to safely play my next stroke, I decided my only option was to quickly hit the ball without getting too many hornet stings. Fortunately, I avoided harm but the resulting shot was harmful to my score on the hole! Is there any other way I could have proceeded in this situation under USGA Rules? Dear Ken: I like this question because it shows that knowing the Rules can help, more than hurt, a player! USGA Decision 1-4/10 Dangerous Situation; Rattlesnake or Bees Interfere with Play PROGRAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
Q. A player’s ball comes to rest in a situation dangerous to the player, e.g., near a live rattlesnake ora bees’ nest. In equity (Rule 1-4), does the player have any options in addition to playing the ball as it lies or, if applicable, proceeding under Rule 26 or 28? A. Yes. It is unreasonable to expect the player to play from such a dangerous situation and unfair to require the player to incur a penalty under Rule 26 (Water Hazards) or Rule 28 (Ball Unplayable). If the ball lay through the green, the player may, without penalty, drop a ball within one club-length of and not nearer the hole than the nearest spot not nearer the hole that is not dangerous and is not in a hazard and not on a putting green. If the ball lay in a hazard, the player may drop a ball, without penalty, within one club-length of and not nearer the hole than the nearest spot not nearer the hole that is no dangerous. If possible, *PGA Professionals in Bold
the ball must be dropped in the same hazard and, if not possible, in a similar nearby hazard, but in either case not nearer the hole. If it is not possible for the player to drop the ball in a hazard, he may drop it, under penalty of one stroke, outside the hazard, keeping the point where the original ball lay between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped. If the ball lay on the putting green, the player, without penalty, place a ball at the nearest spot not nearer the hole that is not dangerous and is not in a hazard. If interference by anything other than the dangerous situation makes the stroke clearly impracticable or if the situation would be dangerous only through the use of a clearly unreasonable stroke or an unnecessarily abnormal stance, swing, or direction of play, the player may not take relief as prescribed above, but he is not precluded from proceeding under Rule 26 or Rule 28 if applicable. www.scpga.com
MSR REQUIREMENTS MSR Requirements Met
MET ALL REQUIREMENTS 34% NOT MET REQUIREMENTS 66%
The MSR reporting period will end on June 15, 2015. Currently, we have 344 Members who have completed both the 36 MSR credits under the required meetings, education and player development and the 54 total over all credits. There are eleven (11) online video seminars worth 1 or 2 MSR credits in the PGA REQUIRED category upon successful completion (70%) of the assessment at the end of each seminar session. Each online seminar may only be taken once and there is just one assessment retake opportunity allowed. These may be accessed through PGALinks.com under Education and MSR links. These online courses are being offered in order to supplement the in-person opportunities available through Section/ Chapter meetings, Section/Chapter education and Player Development/Golf 2.0 programming.
INTERESTED IN DIRECT DEPOSIT? All payments from the Southern California PGA are processed through the Accounts Payable department at National Headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Checks are either mailed from Florida or outsourced to a company in Oregon and mailed from there. As a member, you are able to enroll in direct deposit with the SCPGA to receive payments faster and to eliminate the hassle of going to the bank to deposit your check! Only two items must be submitted to the Section office for enrollment: a completed direct deposit form which includes items such as your social security number, the name of your bank, location of your branch, and your account and routing numbers, etc.; and a copy of a voided check or a statement from your bank verifying your account and routing numbers. Without this verification, your application for enrollment is unable to be processed. Not only you, as a member, can have direct deposit, but your facility or company is also able to enroll and it takes less than 10 minutes to complete! If you or your facility is interested, please contact Kristy Custer, kcuster@pgahq. com, at the SCPGA office for the direct deposit form or link through Bank of America.
www.scpga.com
CATALYST WEBINAR PROGRAM
Introducing “CATALYST: Creating Success and Change in Your Career and Club” - a bi-weekly webinar every other Wednesday from 11:00am - 12:00pm to improve education and skills of SCPGA Members and Apprentices in one hour. Participate from your office and earn one MSR credit on a specific topic during each session after completion of a ten question exam. Those passing with 70% or higher will receive one MSR credit. Visit scpga.com for the 2014 schedule.
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TOM WILSON AWARDED ROTARIAN OF THE QUARTER SCPGA Board Member Tom Wilson was awarded "Rotarian of the Quarter" SCPGA STAFF - DAVID MYRDAHL by the Rotary Club of The Southern California San Diego. This award is PGA is losing one of our presented by the President most valued, and longto a member who has time, staff members, long time served the club David Myrdahl. David through diligent committee involvement has accepted a position and contributions of time and resources. with Cleveland Golf/ Tom stated, “It was nice to be honored Srixon here in Southern for participation and commitment to a California. David has been with the wonderful international organization.” Section for twelve years and most notably, and prior to his current position of STAFF HIGHLIGHT Foundation and Operations Director, Junior Golf Director. The entire staff at KEVIN SMITH the SCPGA will miss David and David's JUNIOR GOLF MANAGER leadership on a daily basis. Those of you Kevin Smith was born who have worked with him know how and raised in Upland and hard he works and how diligent he is and has been a SCPGA staff how caring he is on your behalf. member for two years. David, thank you for your hard work Kevin graduated from the University of La Verne over the many years and for taking the with a degree in Business leadership role you accepted to make Administration and helped our Section the best. It was great to his golf team to three top ten finishes at the work with you. We wish you and your NCAA National Championship. Kevin family the best for the future and we are enjoys all sports and is a big fan of the pleased we will be in Southern California Lakers, Yankees, L.A. Kings, and Vikings. together.
SCPGA HIRES PGA MEMBER MELISSA MEKA We are pleased to introduce you to our newest Junior Golf Director, Melissa Meka, PGA. Melissa was born and raised in Temecula, and she's an alumni of the Southern California PGA Junior Golf program. After a brief stint studying Business Administration/Communication at Long Beach State University, she pursued her passion for professional tournament golf and played on both the Cactus and Women's Canadian Tours. After tournament golf ended, she landed the general manager position at The Cedars on Salmon Creek Golf Club in Brush Prairie, WA . Most recently, she's been the first Assistant Professional at Toscana Country Club in Indian Wells. We are excited to have Melissa as part of the team and we believe our junior golf program and staff are second to none. We look forward to watching them continue to grow the game and improve the program.
LAUNCHPAD PROGRAM
From Apprenticeship to PGA Membership, LaunchPad is a new educational program presented by the SCPGA Apprentice Committee. Launchpad helps apprentice golf professionals complete their Level 1 or Level 2 Work Experience Portfolio and begin ‘to launch’ their careers as golf professionals. By the end of the Launchpad series, apprentices will have completed their Level 1 or Level 2 Work Experience Portfolios. Visit scpga.com to get started! PROGRAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
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3333 CONCOURS STREET BUILDING 2, SUITE 2100 ONTARIO, CA 91764 SCPGA.COM SCPGAJRTOUR.COM
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