SEPTEMBER 2020 Message from the Director of Golf Rick Price, PGA On behalf of The Views Golf Club, we would like to say thank you for supporting us through our green’s reconstruction project over the past five months. The project is now complete, and we are getting closer to the finish line. Although, the month of September is the time of the year we overseed the winter ryegrass on the golf course for the upcoming season. Just as a reminder, there will be no overseeding on all the newly sodded areas around the greens, approach areas, and driving range tee. The new greens will be open for play once we come out of overseeding. The golf course will be closed Monday, September 21 through Sunday, October 11, and will open for play on Monday, October 12. The good news is the new driving range tee is now open, and during the time we have the course closed for overseeding, the range will be accessible off the new teeing area. The putting green and short game area will not be available until after overseeding. The Pro Shop is open for merchandise shopping or to check-in for golf. We require that you wear a mask inside the shop. The hours for September will be 6 AM -5 PM through Sunday, September 20. The Pro Shop will be closed September 21 & 22 and reopen for limited hours 9 AM -12:00 PM September 23 -October 11. We would ask the help of all residents who are walking or driving their golf carts on the course during this time to keep on the cart path at all times while the new grass seed is being planted and watered.
VIDEO CLICK HERE
When we open for play on Monday, October 12, we will have a special grand opening for Members and Residents only on opening day. However, all golf carts must remain on the cart path only for a couple of weeks. The projected date for golf carts to start driving on the grass will be Monday, October 26. Also, once we reopen on October 12, our golf cart policy will be back to two golf carts per group. If you have a private golf cart, you will be able to continue to ride as a single. Although only two carts will be allowed in the fairway at a time with any additional carts in the group will need to remain on the cart path. We will not be able to provide individual golf carts per player. If you do not know the person you are riding with in the cart or are uncomfortable with the situation. We will recommend you wear a mask while riding in the cart, walk, or do not book a tee time. Thank you for your understanding in this matter as we do not have enough golf carts in our fleet to accommodate a single rider request. In these uncertain times, we continue to promise to provide professional, friendly service, including a positive, memorable golf experience. It is our goal to add as much value to your experience while offering you a safe atmosphere to enjoy the game. There has never been a better time to be a member! We are excited about the
latest changes to the golf course and look forward to you joining us for the 2020-21 season. Thank you again for your support during this time of COVID-19 and during the greens reconstruction project.
Updated News We are back to starting on the first tee for play. Please check in with the Tee Host. Golf daily rates will remain at 25% off our advertised prices for residents and public play through September 20. These rates do not apply to any membership plans. 2020-2021 Daily Rate Fees - CLICK HERE 2020-2021 Membership Plans - CLICK HERE We have not had much of a Monsoon season again this year. However, just in case let’s be prepared for thunderstorms, possible flash floods, and lighting. It’s still official “Monsoon Season” in Southern Arizona, which means we need to be careful. The important thing is to be safe and use your best judgment when the weather is questionable. Don’t worry if you can’t finish your round; we are happy to give you a rain check “credit” to complete your round another time. Download a reliable radar app, seek shelter immediately if you’re not able to get off the golf course in time. Pro Shop Status The Pro Shop is open. We are requiring masks inside the shop to ensure the safety of all our members, residents, guests and staff. The check-in process will continue as follows; a tee host/concierge will be stationed outside of the pro shop that will check you in. The player assistant will be on the first tee to get everyone started. We have some merchandise offered up to 50% off and ask about even large discounts on any sun damaged items from our outdoor sale. We have some good variety of golf shorts for men, along with golf skorts and shorts for ladies.
As a reminder, all sales are final. We hope to see you all out playing and shopping soon. We thank you for your continued support during this time!
Tee Time Reservations Thank you for showing up and being ready to tee off a minimum of 10 minutes before your scheduled tee time. The early arrival to your tee time also helps to keep on schedule throughout the day, which also leads to a good pace of play. This will help ensure that tee times stay on schedule and we can all have an enjoyable day on the course. Thank you again for your help checking in early to allow us to run the tee on time and if for some reason you cannot make your tee time please call or cancel online. PRACTICE FACILITES & DRIVING RANGE TEE DRIVING RANGE - The tee is now open for practice. The artificial tee line as been installed on the back of range. NOTE: Please help us by staying off the practice putting green until open. Thank you for your cooperation. VIDEO CLICK HERE
PRACTICE PUTTING GREEN - The putting green is progressing along well, and we anticipate we could open the green first part of October. SHORT GAME PITCHING AREA - The new short game area with two practice chipping greens and practice bunker is located between the 1st tee and 9th green at the bottom of the hill. We will keep you updated on the progress as the plan is to open first of November. As a reminder the short game practice area will not be overseeding this year. HOLE IN ONES Jim Mullins 8/5 - Hole #17 - 80 yds - Wedge Rocky Richards 8/13 - Hole #17 - 90 yds - Wedge David Flatness 8/26 - Hole #3 - 120 yds - 7 iron Geoff Walski 8/27 - Hole #17 - 90 yds - Wedge
Lesson Tee BALL PLACEMENT MAKES A DIFFERENCE In your setup process make sure your arms are not reaching out but are hanging down comfortably. The key is finding that proper distance from your body, so your arms are not too close to your body and not too far away from the ball. It takes a little bit of feel and practice to find the proper distance. Ultimately, correct contact with the ball will be your best indicator. The general rule of thumb is the ball is the ball is played just inside your left heel if you are a right-handed golfer. However, ball placement truly varies depending on your club. You will play the short irons more toward the middle of your stance. For each of the longer clubs, place the ball a little further up in your stance and with the driver the ball should be slightly inside the front foot. The ball position matters because each club length is different. If you need any help, please contact one of our golf professionals to assist you with a golf lesson.
Good Read Hire me! Why this ‘Caddyshack’ star wants to caddie at the U.S. Open at Winged Foot When I auditioned for the role of Danny Noonan in Caddyshack, the producers asked me two questions: Can you play golf? Can you caddie? I lied that I could play golf. I had to learn quickly, and thanks to Tom Nieporte, the pro, and his son, Joe, and Tom’s assistant, Dave Schulz, I managed to cobble together a swing. The best I ever got was to about a 12 handicap. These days, when asked what my handicap is, I reply, “I was raised Catholic.” As for my caddying experience, I could be truthful. I had caddied at Winged Foot in 1971 and 1972, having grown up only 15 minutes away, in the village of Larchmont. Read more.... CLICK HERE Also, join Rick Price, PGA Director of Golf and Co-host of The Golf Arizona Show Saturday, September 5 between 8:00-9:00 AM interviewing Michael O'Keefe, who played Danny Noonan in Caddyshack on ESPN Tucson 104.9 FM / 1490 AM or live stream the show at www.espntucson.com
Michael O'Keefe, who played Danny Noonan in Caddyshack
Upcoming Events Overseeding: Closed September 21 - October 11 All shotgun events currently through the month of December have been canceled due to COVID-19. However, the 9- and 18-hole men's and women's associations will have starting times blocked for their league events. Please check out the website for more information. September 18 - CAI-LAC Golf outing 12:00 pm 40 players September 19 - American Legion Post 132 - Double tee start AM - Starting times available after 11:00 AM. Golf and COVID-19: Latest news on course operations Playing guidelines to golf safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many medical experts believe that golf is one of the safest activities you can participate in during these current times as long as you take proper precautions. These include social distancing with other golfers at the course. When sharing a golf cart with someone you do not know wear a mask in the cart unless it is with an immediate family member you live with. Walking is available in certain circumstances approved by the Pro Shop. Limit contact like shaking hands and socializing in the clubhouse afterwards.