The Sierra Golfer
Your Guide to Golf And Life in the Sierra
The Divine 9 Courses In the High Sierra
You’ll think you’ve died and Gone to Golfing Heaven
Mind Games Golf Course Living What Women Wear Payne Stewart’s Place in History
November 2008
2 | The Sierra Golfer • November 2008
Table of Contents
Features The Divine Nine Courses Page 5 Carson City Growth Page 6 Carson City Lodging and Dining Page 12 Articles Mind Games Page 3 Sierra Course Directory Page 4 What Women Wear Page 8 Golfi ng Fitness Page 9 Payne Stewart’s Place in History Page 10 Golf Course Living Page 14 19th Hole Page 15 What’s in the Pro’s Bag Page 18 Parting Photo Shot Page 20 Cover Photo and Page 6 photo courtesy Of Double D Productions, Inc
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Message from the Publisher
As 2008 winds down and my thoughts begin to focus on family and friends, I cannot help but cherish the new friendships and friends I have gained this year, and those I have regained through the creation and growth of the magazine. My daughter is 6 now and boy does time fl y. And while it is hard to imagine where these last 6 years have gone, I can’t help but follow the advice of some very wise people who live life one minute at a time, and to play golf one shot at a time. I am truly honored to have my new friends and contributors join me on my new journey with The Sierra Golfer. I hope my readers will enjoy their immense talent and willingness to share their wisdom and wonderful stories as much as I do. Golf is much like life. We do play it one shot at a time. Thank you, contributors to The Sierra Golfer, for playing along with me. Rick Rider
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The Sierra Golfer • November 2008 | 3
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Getting Beyond the Mental Game By Jon Leland Most golfers agree that the game of golf is at least “90 percent mental.” In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever spoken with a golfer who didn’t acknowledge the role that their mind plays, usually as a distraction that stands between the golf game they think they have and the one that keeps showing up on the course. Even golfers as great as Hall of Famer Ben Crenshaw have said things like “I’m about five inches from being an outstanding golfer. That’s the distance my left ear is from my right.” But when I asked one of my favorite golf teachers, Fred Shoemaker, the author of the inner game classic (one of the few golf books that I consider a “must read”), Extraordinary Golf, about this, he turned the tables on me. In his almost scary Zen fashion, Fred told me that he thinks that golf is “zero percent mental.” Huh? But then I got it. Fred was not talking about the kind of golf that you and I usually play. He was talking about what he calls “real golf,” or golf in the zone. He was trying to point me toward the kind of golf that people play when they have breakthrough rounds, the way we all want to play, but rarely do. Fred’s point is that golf at its best
is not a mental game at all. Rather, it’s a game where we get free of all those fearful, self-limiting thoughts. Fred told me, “Golf isn’t mental. We make it mental… and most of what goes through our heads doesn’t have any value.” Fred went on to explain that when he asks golfers who are 100 yards out where their target is, the answer is always somewhere on the green. But when they take their club back to the top, the target has unconsciously shifted to the ball. Fred said that the point of this example is not that “they change targets in the middle of a crucial action. It’s that they don’t know they do.” Finally, Fred practically taunted me by saying there was only one difference between his truly extraordinary golf game and my inconsistent 15-handicap golf game. He said, “I play better golf than you do for only one reason. In the two seconds that it takes to swing, I am more aware of reality than you are. That’s all. I’m more aware of what’s happening.” And if you’re like every other golfer in the world who wants to lower their handicap, here’s what Fred Shoemaker’s 33 years of professional golf teaching experience has to say. “I’ve seen an inverse relationship in golf: As your awareness grows, your handicap shrinks. That’s the only thing I’ve ever seen govern the handicap. Handicap is a measure of your awareness… When a person’s awareness
grows, there’s no possibility of them playing worse. They always play better.” Now, that’s something I can take to the driving range, a commitment to develop more awareness of each and every swing. And, in this way, I can move beyond
swing thoughts, and even beyond the mental game that interferes with my performance so consistently. My dream is to come home to just playing golf, one moment at a time. That seems to me to be a game worth playing.
Golf tip from the Pro
Allan Ramorini, Greenhorn Creek For those of us who play golf, and cannot figure out why we hook one shot and slice the next shot, well don’t worry you are not alone. Golf is a game of consistency and I know hitting the long ball is what we all really want. Try this...Next time you make your practice swings or when hitting your golf ball try holding your finish. Holding your finish will create consistent swings and work on controlling balance. You should be able to hold your finish for 3-seconds. Good Luck and may your drives be long and your putts be short.
4 | The Sierra Golfer • November 2008
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Sierra Golf Course Directory... Course
Location
Web address
Snowcreek Golf Resort Sierra Star GC River Creek GC Sierra Meadows CC Pine Mountain Lake GC Lake Don Pedro G&CC Phoenix Lake GC Mountain Springs GC Twain Harte GC Greenhorn Creek GC La Contenta GC Saddle Creek Resort Forest Meadows GC Meadowmont GC Sequoia Woods CC Castle Oaks GC Mace Meadow GCC Carson Valley GC Genoa Lakes GC Genoa Lakes GC & Resort Silver Oak GC Sunridge GC Empire Ranch GC Dayton Valley CC Eagle Valley GC Rosewood Lakes GC Lakeridge GC Washoe GC Wolf Run GC Sierra Sage GC Thunder Canyon CC Wildcreek GC Incline Championship GC Incline Mountain Course Old Brockway GC Edgewood Tahoe GC Lake Tahoe GC Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort Tahoe City GC Coyote Moon GC Gray’s Crossing Old Greenwood GC Tahoe Donner GC Apple Mountain Resort
Mammoth Lakes, CA Mammoth, CA Ahwahnee, CA Ahwahnee, CA Groveland, CA La Grange, CA Sonora, CA Sonora, CA Twain Harte, CA Angels Camp, CA Valley Springs, Ca Copperopolis, CA Murphys, CA Arnold, CA Arnold, CA Ione, CA Pioneer, CA Gardnerville, NV Genoa, NV Genoa, NV Carson City, NV Carson City, NV Carson City, NV Dayton, NV Carson City, NV Reno, NV Reno, NV Reno, NV Reno, NV Reno, NV Washoe Valley, NV Sparks, NV Incline Village, NV Incline Village, NV Kings Beach, CA Stateline, NV Lake Tahoe, CA Truckee, CA Tahoe City, CA Truckee, CA Truckee, CA Truckee, CA Truckee, CA Camino, CA
snowcreekresort.com 760.934.6633 mammothmountain.com 760.924.4653 rivercreekgolfcourse.com559.683.5600 sierrameadows.com 559.642.1343 pinemountainlake.com 209.962.8620 deerwoodcorp.com 209.852.0404 phoenixlakegolf.com 209.532.0111 mountainspringsgolf.com209.532.1000 twainhartevillage.com 209.586.3131 greenhorncreek.com 209.736.8111 lacontentagolf.com 209.772.1081 saddlecreek.com 888.852.5787 forestmeadowsgolf.com 209.728.3439 forestmeadowsgolf.com 209.795.1313 sequoiawoods.com 209.795.2141 castleoaksgolf.com 209.274.0167 macemeadow.com 209.295.7020 carsonvalleygolf.com 775.265.3181 genoalakes.com 866.795.2709 genoalakes.com 866.795.2709 silveroakgolf.com 775.841.7000 sunridgegolf.com 775.267.4448 empireranchgolf.com 888.227.1335 daytonvalleygolf.com 775.246.7888 eaglevalleygolf.com 775.887.2380 cityofreno.com 775.857.2892 lakeridgegolf.com 800.815.6966 washoegolf.org 775.828.6640 wolfrungolfclub.com 775.851.3301 sierrasagegolf.org 775.972.1564 thundercanyon.com 775.882.0882 visitrenotahoe.com 775.673.3100 golfincline.com 775.832.1146 golfincline.com 775.832.1150 oldbrockway.com 530.546.9909 edgewoodtahoe.com 775.588.3566 laketahoegc.com 530.577.0788 northstarattahoe.com 530.562.3887 golftahoe.com/tahoe-city 530.583.1516 coyotemoongolf.com 530.587.0886 grayscrossinggolf.com 530.550.5800 oldgreenwoodgolf.com 530.550.7010 tahoedonner.com 530.587.9443 applemountaingolfresort530.647.7400
Please note that although some of the High Sierra courses are closed for the winter season, other facilities may remain open.
Phone
Head Pro/GM Gary Paolino Dave Schacht Jim Monson Tim Huber Tony Murphy Bill Cloud Mike White Mike Cook Jeff Burmester Darryl Peif Phil Sponseller Geoffrey Podgorny Jim Dillashaw Jim Dillashaw Larry Babica Dominic Atlan Gregg Standridge Rob Harbottle Lou Eiguren Lou Eiguren Robert Mason Matt LaPorte Keith Stoll Rick Vaughn Dave Gebhardt Bob Forse Randy Beeghly Darin Menante Lacy Erickson Steve Bell Dave La Fata Eric Huzarski Brannigan McNulty Angie Rodriguez Garrett Good Randy Fox Amy McCormick Pete Smith Bob Bonino Ed McGargill Shane Jones Bob Hickam, Director Ed Leinenkugel, Dir. Paul Shorts
Did we miss your Sierra Golf Course listing? Please email me at rick@sierragolfer.com
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DIVINE 9 PROVIDE DEVILISHLY GOOD TIME IN CARSON CITY/CARSON VALLEY By Denise Watson Nine Courses, 70,000 Yards Within 35 Minutes - Top Golf Destination In Nevada’s Capital, Carson City, NV Golfers throughout northern Nevada and across the country are making pilgrimages to the burgeoning golf destination of Carson City/Carson Valley in answer to a higher calling—the Divine 9. The Divine 9, a consortium of the area’s top courses and lodging properties, includes Carson Valley, Dayton Valley, Eagle Valley East and West, Empire Ranch, Genoa Lakes Golf Club: The Lakes & The Resort, Silver Oak and Sunridge. Combined, the Divine 9 courses offer 171 holes of championship golf spread across more than 70,000 challenging yards of the most scenic terrain in the valley. The Divine 9 courses are quickly transforming Nevada’s capital into the capital of year-round golf destinations. The area’s unique natural terrain, yearround temperate climate, convenient accessibility and
favorable elevation (at 4,600 feet)golfers can expect an additional 10 percent distance on shots) have attracted some of golf’s leading course designers, including Arnold Palmer, Johnny Miller, John Harbottle and Peter Jacobsen. Carson Valley Golf Course’s 18-hole layout winds through century-old cottonwoods and along the banks of the Carson River. It was named “Nevada Golf Course of the Year” by the Nevada Golf Course Owners Association for its focus on family, junior and women’s golf programs. This course offers forward tees for beginners to allow the whole family to play together. A long-time favorite with families, novices and those in search of a quick round or a few birdies, the course provides a relaxing, yet challenging jaunt over 6,023 level yards, with a slope of 111 and a rating of 66.8. At Dayton Valley Golf Club, Arnold Palmer masterfully blended the natural beauty of the high desert terrain with the challenges of sculpted, rolling links-style fairways dotted with sand traps and water hazards. Four tee markers accommodate all abilities, with yardage from 5,161 to over 7,200. The plush fairways, and large, undulating greens have brought Stage One PGA Tour Qualifying to the area since 1995. Eagle Valley East invites golfers to tee it high and let it fly. This fun course is popular due to its open, forgiving nature. A local’s
The Sierra Golfer • November 2008 | 5 favorite, rarely unforgiving, this Eagle Valley East course opened in 1997. The provides challenge with its first hole on the Comstock 6,658 yards, numerous water Course features a par four hazards and large greens. dogleg left through ancient The gently sloping terrain cottonwood trees with a borders rolling sagebrush huge green adjacent to an covered hills. old ranch house. Five sets of Eagle Valley West, is tees cater to every level of a testing links-style course golfer. that demands accuracy with Set against the scenic its emphasis on target golf. eastern slope of the Sierra, Voted “Best Place to Play The Lakes Course at Genoa Golf in Carson City” by Lakes is a links style designed Nevada Appeal and Reno by John Harbottle and PGA Gazette-Journal readers, it Tour pro Peter Jacobsen. features numerous forced Opened in 1993, it was rated carries, which make club 4th Best New Public Course selection critical before in North America by “Golf reaching undulating greens. Digest” in 1994, and 3rd Best Water also plays a role on Course in the State in 1995. 12 holes. Various elevation A shot-maker’s delight, changes allow for big tee it’s bordered by the Carson shots but trouble usually River and numerous natural beckons on both sides. lakes, with water on 14 Empire Ranch Golf Course holes. It has hosted both the features three nine-hole U.S. Open Qualifying and courses, each with water and the Nevada State Amateur, wetlands. Fairly open but among others. Cont.
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Divine Nine cont. Framed by 10,000foot peaks and stunning views of the Carson Valley, Genoa Lakes Resort Course is a championship Johnny Miller/John Harbottle design. It features a variety of elevation changes, visually tight fairways and numerous water hazards for a memorable challenge. Carved into the Sierra range, it features lush green fairways juxtaposed with the bordering natural grasses and sagebrush. Nestled in northwest Carson City, Silver Oak Golf Course features impressive views of the downtown area. Spread over 160 acres, the course offers five sets of tees. Its wide open appearance can be deceiving as it winds through natural terrain, demanding accurate play over changing elevations. Hole no. 18 is a reachable
par 5 that can make or break a match depending on the second shot carrying the fronting pond. Sunridge Golf Course demands a premium on accuracy. It features tight fairways, challenging sidehill and downhill lies, serious elevation changes and large greens – many of the mounded variety. Numerous strategically placed ponds dot the landscape, most offering high reward for high risk. No. 4 is a 150-yard par three that must carry water the entire length, making club selection crucial and the view daunting. One pond is not enough for the par 5 fifth hole – the drive, layup and pitch to the green are bordered to the right by blue. The Divine 9’s member lodging properties include Carson Valley Inn, Best Western Carson Station, Hampton Inn & Suites,
www.sierragolfer.com The Plaza Hotel, Hardman House, Gold Dust West, Car son Nugget, Holiday Inn and Courtyard by Marriott – all feature golf packages for individuals and groups. The Divine Nine also offers a limited number of “Tickets To Paradise,” golf at each of the nine member courses for just $295, a 50% savings. The pass is redeemable for play yearround Sundays through Thursdays from noon on, non-holidays, on a spaceavailable basis. The passes
allow one round of play and golf cart at each of the nine courses.
Carson City: An Active Trend For Growth, Revitalization
home in Carson City is $300,000, making it more attractive to first-time home buyers. With new people come new businesses. Last year, Women’s Wear Daily magazine rated Carson City as one of the top five U.S. metro areas with the highest business retail growth. This trend continued into 2008 with the total of new business licenses for food services and drinking establishments increasing 4.7 percent from 2007. New people and businesses bring new ideas. The Carson City Downtown Consortium rolled out a new plan in April to attract citizens and Cont.
Over the past ten years, Carson City has put plans in motion to increase visitor numbers, redevelop its downtown core, began construction on a downtown highway bypass, and fund reconstruction efforts on the Virginia & Truckee Railway. Carson City’s population of nearly 58,000 has grown by more than 5 percent over the last six years. While home prices in neighboring California grew exponentially, the average price for a single family
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Carson City Cont.
visitors downtown. The group is lead by th Carson City Redevelopment Authority, businesses and property owners and citizens. The “Get Down” Program featured various downtown events for the community and visitors. Some of the events included a weekly farmer’s market, live music, family activities, gardening demos and more. These plan in April to attract citizens and visitors downtown. The group is led by the Carson City Redevelopment Authority, business and property owners and citizens. The “Get Down” program events brought an estimated 130,800 visitors to downtown from April through October. That increase also led to additional sales tax collected from food and beverage outlets. In June, tax collection in Carson City was up more than 10 percent, while neighboring Washoe and Douglas counties taxes were down more than 20 and 15 percent, respectively. This is just the beginning for Carson City’s redevelop-
ment though. The historic St Charles Hotel was renovated to house a new franchisee, the Firkin & Fox English Pub. These efforts produced a popular venue for dining, socializing and live entertainment in an attractive building. At the Nevada State Museum, crews are nearly finished with a glass and steel concourse which will connect the main and north buildings. This will improve access of disabled visitors and provide shelter for guests when moving between the two buildings. Plans also involve a reinvention of the library to include a performing arts complex and an outdoor shopping mall within walking distance to the Capitol. Currently, construction crews are building a bypass that will take Highway 395 around Carson City instead of through the downtown core. Once this is completed, the city plans to make Carson Street two lanes with angled parking, wider sidewalks and tree islands. In the meantime, the city created its first urban “pocket park” to encourage people to gather, connect and entertain.
The Sierra Golfer • November 2008 | 7
In addition to the downtown revitalization, Carson City is a major player in the effort to reconstruct the Virginia & Truckee Railway along the original 21-mile route between Gold Hill, Virginia City and Carson City. Crews are working on opening tunnel No. 2, the four and one-half-mile section of track from American Flats to Moundhouse and the bridge that will cross Highway 50. The completed section of track is now six miles long. The project is scheduled for completion by 2011. Carson City is also a great place to find employment. With strong support of industry, Carson City has quietly become Nevada’s leading manufacturing city with 14 percent of its workers in manufacturing, compared to the state average of 4 percent. The largest employers in Carson City are the School District and Carson Tahoe Hospital. The average resident enjoys a commute of less than 18 minutes. Recently Carson City was
rated the 19th best “micropolitan area” in the nation by “The Rating Guide to Life in America’s Small Cities.” A recent book, “Boomtown USA,” from the National Association of Industrial & Office Properties ranked Carson City in its top 50 communities in the West for the greatest opportunities for business, jobs and lifestyle and a favorite relocation spot for companies interested in low taxes, affordable housing and real estate costs and an abundant labor force. The economic outlook for Carson City is strong, its business-friendly environment and tax benefits make it a popular destination for businesses to relocate or start fresh. The quality and affordability of life is encouraging for families to make the move as well. Carson City has grown through the years on family owned and operated businesses which creates its strong-knit community environment. The past ten years portends well for the next 10 years.
8 | The Sierra Golfer • November 2008 people won’t notice how poorly I play! Hey, I’ll take all the help I can get! My search for women’s golf wear began and was By Kristi LaRue short lived. Actually finding golf clothing for women was Unless you’ve been living a feat in itself and when I under a rock your entire did…whoa! My reaction to life, you know that women available merchandise was, tend to care a tad more how large do you think we than men about fashion. If are? We need some smaller they are invited to an event, sizes here. Do we really the first thing they ask is, look like we’re shaped like a “What should I wear?” If short box? The clothes look they are going out with so dated. Why do the men their girlfriends, they want have so many more choices? to know what the others My initial searches resulted are wearing so they’ll look in quite a savings for my as good or better! Having husband and me wearing the appropriate clothes for shorts and collared shirts each event and activity is (Lacoste, etc.) that I already important. So with that, can had. We’re pretty sure that you guess what was important golf was invented by men to me when I decided to take with sticks, but who created up golf! golf apparel for women? One would think a good But low and behold, as set of clubs would be the time was ticking by, golf was first thing on my mind. becoming more and more Nope, didn’t have to fret popular for women – young over that…hubby had that women. Pretty soon we were covered (thank goodness!). seeing young, talented female I wanted to make sure I had golfers competing in the a cute golf outfit! You know big tournaments. Women’s the saying, “If you look good, golf attire began to take on you feel good.” I figured if I a whole new look, with fun look good, I’ll play good. Or colors and edgy styles. maybe, if I look good, Designers saw a niche and jumped on it.
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What Women Wear
Last month I headed to Dick’s Sporting Goods and was pleasantly surprised to find some stylish golf skirts. However, the smallest size was an 8. My curiosity got the best of me and I decided to ask the merchandising manager how they determine the styles, colors, brands, and sizes to put in their store. Because all purchasing decisions are made at the corporate level, he had no answers. No problema. I headed to a local boutique called Betty
Sports in Austin, Texas, to see what a golf diva like me might like to buy. At Betty Sports, Sara informed me that most merchandisers go to market around the country to find lines for their stores. However, Betty Sports is lucky enough to have designers come to them to show their lines. They select from vendors whose apparel can cross over to different sports and can be worn casually as well as on the golf course. Cont. on page 13
The Sierra Golfer • November 2008 | 9
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Standing Posture and the Golf Swing Ann Grassel, PT, Director Marin Golf Fitness Center Aligned, dynamic posture is essential for a great golf swing. When working with my golf clients, one of the first things that I assess is how they stand. The most common imbalance that I see is called the Lower Cross Pattern (Photo 1). It is an imbalance of tight hip flexors and a tight lower back, with weakness in the lower abdominal muscles, the gluteal muscles and the chronic shortness in the hamstrings. When standing, their weight is on their heels, with tightness in the calf muscles, and often, with their knees locked. The hamstrings are short, the front of the hip is locked, the butt is tucked (I call this the flat butt syndrome). They also have an arched low back (swayback) and a flabby or protruding abdomen (often called the beer belly). This is a very dangerous combination of muscle imbalances due to the excessive stress that it puts on the low back, especially during the golf swing with its forceful rotational movements. To correct the Lower Cross Syndrome, I teach the golfer how to stand in a dynamic, lengthened and aligned posture. (Photo 2) Start by moving the
right leg wider and turn the toes of both feet out slightly. Then move back to midline, where you feel your weight equally on both feet. Soften and bend your ankles, unlock your knees and lean forward from your hips (this will feel like you are squatting slightly and that your butt is sticking out a little). You can now feel that you are in a more forward alignment and can use your abdominal muscles to lift your trunk. Lengthen the front abdominal muscles and then imagine a big rubber band around your waist. When you squeeze the rubber band, you can feel that the trunk lengthens equally front, back and on both sides. Then breathe into the upper ribs and lengthen the front of your neck. This will feel awkward at first so practice it for short periods of time in the beginning. Look in a mirror often to check your posture. In this new posture you will find you have more range of motion and can generate a lot of rotational power in your golf swing without risking injury.
Photo1
Photo 2
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10 | The Sierra Golfer • November 2008 his round. Photos taken that day reveal that Stewart was wearing his own brand of rain jacket (the Payne Stewart logo is visPayne Stewart’s ible in the photos). The rain jacket had long sleeves, and U.S. Open Win and because those long sleeves the Three-Quarter were restricting his swing, Length Pullover he had them cut off and then wore the jacket that way By David Wood throughout the final round. He started the final round with a one-shot lead, and If you like to wear short- shot a final round 70, sinking sleeved rain jackets or wind a dramatic 15-foot putt on shirts you probably owe the final hole to edge out Phil something to Payne Stewart. Mickelson by one shot. He If he did not actually invent finished one shot under par, them, he at least gave a the only player to finish unfamous one a lot of visibility der par in the Championship. during the final round of In her book, “Payne Stewthe 1999 U.S. Open at art: The Authorized BiograPinehurst. phy,” Stewart’s wife Tracey That final round Sunday was Stewart had this to say about wet and on the cool side, and the rain jacket: Stewart was wearing a blue “Eventually it was time to rain jacket as he warmed up head to the course. Because on the range before starting of the damp, chilly weather,
One Moment In Time
www.sierragolfer.com Payne had donned a rain jacket. But when Payne got ready to warm up, he felt the sleeves of the rain jacket tugging at his arms. The sleeves were restricting Payne’s long, fluid swing, yet because of the weather, he needed the warmth the raingear provided. “Get me a pair of scissors, Mike,” Payne asked his caddie, Mike Hicks. Mike found a pair in the golf shop, and Payne proceeded to cut the sleeves off the jacket, trimming the garment so that it covered his shoulders and about three inches down his arms. Although Payne was known for his sartorial splendor on the golf course, he was not concerned about appearances today. All that mattered was playing his best.” In a 2005 interview, 2001 U.S. PGA Champion David Toms reflected on the final round of the 1999 Open: “I remember that whole day... What I remember the most is the fact that Payne cut the sleeves off his rain suit. It was just that mentality that ‘it’s the U.S. Open, I’m grinding, and I’m going to do what I have to play great.’ A guy with the mentality that Payne had, he never gave up, never gave in. He was a bulldog type of guy.” On October 21, 2008 the author interviewed Patty Thompson, a 20-year employee of the Pinehurst Resort, who is Programs Coordinator at the Pinehurst Golf Academy. During the 1999 Open she was working in the Donald Padgett Learning Center building,
which was being used during the Open as a secure area where players could get food and drink. On Sunday she and a co-worker, Danielle Ware, were working behind the counter in the building when Payne Stewart came in from the range and asked, “Do you gals have any scissors?” Patty jokingly answered, “Why, do you need a haircut?” She said Stewart merely smiled and explained he wanted to cut the sleeves off of his rain jacket because they were restricting his swing. Patty suggested that he instead buy a short-sleeved vest or wind shirt in the pro shop, but Stewart declined, saying he wanted to wear his own because it had his Payne Stewart logo on it. So Patty found some scissors and she and Danielle helped him cut the sleeves off. With Patty on one sleeve and Danielle on the other, they held it down on the counter tightly between themselves while Stewart cut the sleeves off with the scissors. He then put the jacket on and went back to the range, and they put the sleeves in a grocery sack and put the sack under the counter. Cont. on page 17
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STEWART MADE HISTORY IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE By winning the U.S. Open in 1999 at Pinehurst, after almost winning the year before at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, Stewart became the only player to survive a runner-up finish at a U.S. Open at Olympic, and then go on to win a Major championship in a later year: In 1955 Ben Hogan lost to Jack Fleck at Olympic and never won another Major. In 1966 Arnold Palmer lost to Billy Casper at Olympic and never won another Major. In 1987 Tom Watson lost to Scott Simpson at Olympic and never won another Major. There is now a Payne Stewart statue near the 18th green at Pinehurst along with a brass plaque that reads as follows: “On June 20, 1999, Payne Stewart holed a dramatic 15foot putt on the 18th hole of Pinehurst No. 2, to capture the 99th United States Open Championship. It was truly ONE MOMENT IN TIME.”
A PERSONAL FOOTNOTE FROM THE AUTHOR
The Sierra Golfer • November 2008 | 11 That Monday morning Stewart’s plane took off from Orlando. Early in our round of golf the lady who was operating the beverage/snack cart approached our group and told us she had some bad news for us: That Stewart’s plane was still in the air, but that the authorities had concluded that everyone on board was dead. That is how I learned of Stewart’s death. The plane crashed a few hours later in South Dakota.
I attended the 1999 U.S. Open with my youngest son and purchased a U.S. Open cap there as a souvenir. I wore that cap the next month when my wife and I and my youngest son attended the 1999 (British) Open Championship at the Carnoustie Golf Links (where Jean Van de Velde imploded on #18 at the end). One day, while on the way to lunch at the Old Course Hotel at St. David Wood Andrews, we passed Payne Stewart outside the hotel as he was on his way to board “ Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated.” Arnold Palmer a helicopter to fly over to Carnoustie. As I approached “It’s good sportsmanship to not pick up lost golf balls him I saw his eyes go up to while they are still rolling.” my cap and I could tell that Mark Twain he recognized it as a 1999 U.S. Open cap. He stopped me and asked if I would like to have it signed, and of course I said yes. I didn’t think much about it until when, one month after we had watched Stewart at the 1999 Ryder Cup at Brookline, he was killed in a plane crash. I stopped wearing the cap then and now keep it in a safe place as one of my prized golf mementos. In what is a strange coincidence, I was in Reserve your Turkey Today Orlando, Florida playing golf For all of your Holiday Feasts with some friends on one of the Disney courses the day Payne Stewart died (October Angels Food Sierra Hills 25, 1999). My friends and I Market Market were in town on business and to attend some of the PGA 736.4243 728.3402 Tour “National Car Rental Middleton’s Murphys Golf Classic” being held that Shopping Center Sun-Thurs 7am8pm week (Stewart played in it Mon-Sat 7am-8pm Fri, Sat 7a-8:30p Sunday 8am-8pm but shot 71-71 and missed the cut.)
12 | The Sierra Golfer • November 2008
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Staff and Contributing Columnists To The Sierra Golfer Magazine Gary Marsh is Managing Editor of The Sierra Golfer.
Gary has worked as a freelance magazine writer, staff reporter for a business weekly and publicist for more than 20 years. He’s published features on golf travel and golf course architecture, food and outdoor recreation. He has managed publicity for Stonebrae Country Club and CordeValle Golf Club. Gary earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He has traveled extensively for golf and played over 100 golf courses in Ireland, Scotland, England, Portugal and other international destinations. His current index is 12.1
Jon Leland is a pioneer in communications and media and
has helped companies grow their businesses for three decades. Articles about Jon and his work have been published in Business Week, Presentations, Electronic Media, MPC World, PC Today, and San Francisco Business Times magazines. Jon is now a keynote speaker on the subject of “Winning with Ease: The power of stress-free performance as illustrated by life lessons learned from golf.” He plays to a 15.2 index. Jon blogs at http://www.TheJoyofGolfing.com. More info on his work and his speaking can be found at http://www.ComBridges.com
David Wood is an avid golfer and golf historian with an astonishing record for attendance at Major Golf Tournaments and other events, including 14 Open Championships, 7 Masters Championships, 16 U.S. Opens, 2 PGA Championships and 5 Ryder Cups. He has played in numerous Pro-Ams (even the Mercedes in Maui, the lucky so & so!), and has been paired with tour pros Tom Watson, Fred Couples, Davis Love III, Scott McCarron, Scott Simpson, Bernhard Langer, Gary Player, Chip Beck, John Cook and David Graham among others. He was Leaderboard Chairman for the 1999 U.S. Senior Open and Senior Marshal at the 2006 Ryder Cup. The retired CEO of Wells Fargo Financial makes his primary residence in West Des Moines, Iowa, and plays to an 11.9 Index. David can be reached at davidwoodlaw@aol.com.
Kymberly Flaigg is a broker associate at Prudential California Realty in Angels Camp. She formerly was the broker/owner of a real estate office in the foothills of California at Greenhorn Creek in Angels Camp, which Prudential purchased from her in 2007. She has been in the real estate industry since 1994 and holds an accreditation of Luxury Homes/Resort Specialist and Leading Edge Society with Prudential California Realty.
Laura Jones is the co-founder of Mermedia Design, a boutique graphic and website design firm. Mermedia delivers high-end creative and marketing solutions with a personal approach. Mermedia works on a wide spectrum of projects from creating company logos for start-ups to full corporate branding projects for large corporate entities.
Ann Grassel, PT is a Certified Titleist Golf Fitness Instructor and recently opened the Marin Golf Fitness Center in Mill Valley, CA. Ann has 30 years experience as a Physical Therapist specializing in Sportsmedicine, Movement Analysis and Reeducation and Ergonomics. She works with athletes of all skill levels and was privileged to have been a Therapist/ Trainer at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Ann earned a degree in Physiology from the University of Illinois and in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University Medical School. She has also been a golfer for over 40 years and has played courses in Scotland, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Hawaii. She has watched golf develop from a game where players used to only practice on the range and play to a game where fitness training is now essential.
Kristi LaRue was born and raised in Corpus Christi, TX. She attended Kilgore Junior College in Kilgore, TX and was a Kilgore Rangerette. She then moved to Austin, TX in 1980 to attend the University of Texas and received her B.S. in Geological Sciences. She stayed in Austin and began her career in Environmental Geology with a part time job as a certified aerobic instructor. She met and married her husband, Jim (architect/avid golfer), in 1986. They have one daughter who attend Auburn Univ. When Kristi isn’t playing golf, she’s teaching aerobics, volunteering on two boards, running a part time whole food nutritional business, helping at Jim’s office or going to live music venues.
World-famous golf landscape photographer and former LPGA player Joann Dost has spent more than 40 years living the golf lifestyle. Joann pursued golf with a passionate zeal from the age of 15 and showed championship promise from the time she began to play. Her competitive accomplishments include several junior titles, one year on the Australian Tour and five years playing as an LPGA Touring Professional. Joann has practiced the art of golf photography since the late 1970’s, traveling around the world to capture the essence of the golf landscape and the spirit of the game through her camera lens. With her extensive playing background, Joann brings a “golfer’s” perspective to her photography work that is authentic and uniquely her own. Her work is extensively published in books and magazines and is included in the USGA’s museum.
The Sierra Golfer • November 2008 | 13
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Carson City’s
What Women Wear Cont.
LODGING AND DINING ROUND OUT ANY DIVINE 9 GOLF TRIP More than 1,700 rooms in Nevada’s capital city cater to golfers, gamers, history buffs, shoppers, sightseers and adventure recreation enthusiasts. Nine of which are members of the Divine 9, a consortium of Carson City/Carson Valley golf courses and lodging properties. In the heart of downtown, the 91-room Best Western Carson Station offers a full-service casino, sportsbook, and Cabaret Lounge with live entertainment and dancing. Dining options include the Station Restaurant, Station Grille, Pizzeria and snack bar near the sportsbook. Room rates range from $58-$119 per night. The City Center Motel, adjacent to the Carson Nugget, offers 77-rooms with free wireless Internet. The Nugget features five restaurants, 3,000 square feet of smoke-free gaming and the area’s only $50,000 keno game. The Nugget has also been voted “Friendliest Casino” by Nevada Magazine eight times. The Carson Valley Inn, the only Divine 9 property in Carson Valley, features 230 rooms, a 59site RV resort, 630 slots, 11 table games, three restaurants and a cabaret lounge with nightly entertainment. The recently opened Courtyard by Marriott Hotel is adjacent to the Casino Fandango. The hotel has 100 rooms, a pool, a café for breakfast and a lounge in the lobby. The Fandango’s exotic theme includes volcano slots that erupt every time there is a winner
and storm slots which set off monsoon rains for every jackpot. For everything in one location, the Gold Dust West Casino Hotel. This 148-room resort offers a full casino, a bowling center and arcade, swimming pool, sauna, spa and exercise room. The accommodations are tasteful and spacious and feature dataports and coffee makers. Rates average from $70 to $129. Complimentary hot breakfast buffet will greet Hampton Inn & Suites guests every morning. The 85-room hotel includes an indoor pool and spa, fitness center and meeting center. Accommodating groups of up to 35 people the Hampton Inn is perfect for small group meetings. Rates range from $129-$159 per night. The bed and breakfast style of the Hardman House offers several amenities that make it a home away from home, including continental breakfast each morning, fresh-baked cookies and brownies in the afternoon and a wine reception every evening. The elegant, oversized rooms ensure a comfortable stay. Rates range from $84 to $139. Holiday Inn Express features 85 rooms and suites, an indoor heated pool and spa, fitness center, high speed internet access, meeting facilities, and on-site laundry facilities. A honeymoon suite includes an in-room private spa. Range from $80 to 249. Cont. on page 15
One of the lines they carry is Stella McCartney athletic wear, which is created by Adidas. It is functional and fashion forward and can be worn on or off the links. Sara said they have seen more dramatic changes in golf attire recently than in other sports attire. This is most likely due to the popularity of the sport among younger women. Betty Sports stocks a greater amount of smaller sizes to match their clientele’s demands, and because new designers are better connected to what women wear, Betty’s carries more cutting edge, feminine styles. Our Pro Shop has also kept up with the fashion trends and since I was in reporter mode, I decided to sit down with our golf pro to get his input on apparel merchandising. Troy explained that our club buys from Nike, Adidas and EP Pro in equal amounts. He chooses safer, more traditional styles that match our members’ tastes. Past
sales analyses (and budget) help him determine the amount of pieces to buy, the sizes, and the styles. He also depends on vendors to inform him of what is selling. As a result, his recent purchases are more weighted toward the new tech fabrics. Troy explained that the reason he stocks fewer small sizes is because sales history shows a greater demand for larger sizes. However, he can order whatever a member wants and as the sales history changes, his buying specifications change as well. There you go! As usual, for more unique, trendy styles, head to a boutique. And for traditional styles, try your local pro shop or large athletic store. Much to my delight, and much to my hubby’s dismay, I now have a new section in my closet with stylish, golf outfits! And with all those maaavelous golf clothes to be had, you ladies have another great reason to get out there and play some golf! Keep swinging, and in more ways than one!
14 | The Sierra Golfer • November 2008 bouncing to a canned version of “Celebrate” at 10 p.m. from weekend weddings at the club. Or, it could mean very little privacy as everyone By Kymberly Flaigg heads toward the club for early morning tee times just “Near the club house!” as you are picking up your “Lovely fairway views.” paper from the driveway in “Walk to the pool!” your robe (need I mention in “Membership Included.” ‘morning hair?). When home shopping, Real estate agents check out the orientation often promote their golf in relationship to the club course properties for sale house and pro shop; you may by illuminating the home’s be a social butterfly and love location in relation to the the morning and evening community and its amenities. interaction the location But what does that all really provides but keep this in mean to you over the next mind if you want to be off five years, or longer, as you the beaten path. create your resort lifestyle? If you’re a swimmer, or Well that depends on the way enjoy an evening dip in the the community is configured summer months, being near both geographically and the pool can be a great luxury. demographically. Let’s look Noise from the pool doesn’t at how those influences could have to be a problem either. affect you in your dream Smart builders will orient the community and property home correctly for peace and selection. privacy and place garages The geographic layout and landscaping between you of a golf course community and the pool. This provides and how the homes are privacy and quiet while configured in relation to keeping your premier access its course and amenities is to the summer cool-off spot the most important factor at a premium. Be careful of as you consider your home front or back doors facing choice. Let’s dissect the toward the pool or the pool’s above exclamations by the parking lot…this can allow local realtor. “Near the club sound to travel right in to the house” can mean getting up home. a few moments later for your We all get the beauty early morning tee time, or it of living on the fairway of can be a staggering distance a nice long par 4. A cup of to your front door after a few coffee, a morning sunrise cocktails on Saturday night. and the endless views up It may mean eliminating the 1sth fairway; peaceful the excuse of the fitness and relaxing, until a scratch center being too far away golfer misses his 2nd shot and creating an opportunity of the morning and the nasty to keep your fitness words fly! And how do those commitments. It can also greens stay so lovely and mean you may find yourself green?
Dream of golf course living?
Well, lots of sprinklers, aerators, mowers, edgers and sand trap groomers. Your romantic morning dream has just become a nightmare. It doesn’t have to be though. A few small mitigations can ensure you will enjoy your golf course home. Some pointers to remember are; sound loves to travel up. Tall homes that line the fairway can make a tunnel of sound bouncing right into your home. When searching for a home on the course, find one that doesn’t have homes right on the other side of the fairway. Or, find a fairway with no homes on the other side; maybe there is a green belt or band of trees on the other side to help absorb sound? Also a single story home that is lower to the ground offers more quietude. A few trees and bushes strategically placed can also buffer sound. Then there is the placement of the home on the fairway. Play the course. Try your best shank a shot toward the home you are
www.sierragolfer.com considering. Can you hit it (not trying to hit it of course)? Is it in the middle or toward the end of an average drive, or is it closer to the chipping stage. Sometimes courses create buffer zones and open space between the course and the homes with generous set-backs. This is the best situation. Also, unless you love to interact with neighbors and strangers, check out the location of the cart path. Is it behind your home or across the fairway? Fairway life is a lovely way to live so do your homework to create the environment you desire for your lifestyle. I live on a golf course and have sold golf course homes for 12 years now. It is a fabulous lifestyle and a great way to make friends and have a sense of community. If you check out the course, the neighbors, and the placement of the homes around the course, you can ensure your new lifestyle endeavor is up to par! Cont. on page 17
The Sierra Golfer • November 2008 | 15
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Lodging and dining
19th Hole by Rick Rider
Cont.
The Plaza Hotel and Conference Center is perfect for large groups and weddings and for romantic weekend getaways with 168 comfortable rooms. The Plaza can accommodate groups of up to 350. Rates range from $69-$149 per night. To complement the variety of lodging options, Carson City features a plethora of night-time activities, theater and restaurants ranging from fine dining to offthe-beaten-path. Each of the Divine 9 golf courses offers dining options from a quick bite prior to a round to an intimate fireside dinner. Mallards Restaurant at Empire Ranch serves breakfast all day and lunch, there is also a sports bar to keep fans up-to-date on all the scores. Genoa Lakes Golf Resort offers the Alpine Room for lunches at the Resort Course and Antoci’s for lunch and dinner at the Lakes Course. Antoci’s features Italian cuisine by a locally renowned chef and live piano Fridays and Saturdays. Here are some other must visit restaurants: For breakfast, the Cracker Box is the local diner serving up breakfast and lunch in a location not much bigger than a cracker box. Other hot spots include the eclectic Comma Coffee (where Democratic Presidential candidates canvassed), Grandma Hattie’s and City Café Bakery. Carson City has an abundance of casual dining spots from barbecue to Mexican to somewhere in between. Red’s Old 395 Grill combines the culinary creations of executive chef Jose Riviera with a collection of relics hanging from the ceiling: farm equipment, carts, giant wheels, etc. The Firkin & Fox, located in the historic St. Charles Hotel, is a traditional English-style pub that regularly features live music outside near the fire pit. Juan’s Kitchen in the back of Mo & Sluggo’s Bar & Grill is an unexpected surprise that can tame
Hot Buttered Rum-a Seasonal Drink that Demands Respect
any craving for some good Mex. If guests are looking for a more intimate setting, Carson City has its share of fine dining. The Basil features creative Thai cuisine served with an impressive flourish. Daily specials continually add variety to the menu. Garibaldi’s, next door to The Basil, serves Italian in a quiet, intimate setting. Don’t look for a wine list here, diners adventure into the wine storage area to pick their own bottle. Last, but certainly not least, Adele’s is considered Carson City’s best fine dining experience. Leave the menu on the table and listen to the server rattle off more than 30 specials off the top of her head. If one of those doesn’t spark your interest, you probably weren’t listening close enough. Dining, gaming, night time entertainment – all adds up to a great and affordable golf trip!
On the veranda outside the 19th Hole at Greenhorn Creek you cannot help but feel the change in the season. After the morning rounds the sun is further in the western sky. Looking out over the expanse of the 18th fairway requires sunglasses but in the shade the air is cool. Soon we will be forced to migrate inside closer to the bar. So, fall is here and with it comes sweaters and jackets for the morning tee off to be shed at the turn. At the end of a round the cooler days demand a different choice of beverage at CAMPS Lounge where a daily gathering of gofers discuss the vagaries of the game. When those chilly days come, CAMPS Bar at Greenhorn will be prepared with the most popular beverage. The singular favorite choice of our golfers is Hot Buttered Rum. Here is how it is prepared at Greenhorn Creek.
Hot Buttered Rum
2 teaspoons of unsalted butter – softened 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar Add a sprinkle of salt, a dash of ground cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg. Blend ingredients together. Larger batches can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. In a mug add the buttery mix. Fill half way with boiling water and stir. Top off with your choice of light or dark rum. Crown with a pillar of whipped cream and serve. Cheers Mixologist Matthew Iannarrelli
16 | The Sierra Golfer • November 2008
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Golf Course living Cont.
club lends toward. If you are looking for a retirement community; be sure it is one. Check out the ratio of young families living in the community, if this is preferred. Are there separate recreation areas for both seniors and young families? Do they have a separate social structure within the club to meet everyone’s individual or family needs or are they inter-mingled? Also, just because a course doesn’t advertise itself as a retirement community, that doesn’t mean it isn’t one. If you are looking for a community where you can be social with your kids, ask if there are family-structured activities and golf times? There may be a few families with young children, but if the majority age of homeowners and club members is over 50, that is where the club will focus. So be sure to ask. Club membership can be so much more than convenience, financial investment or social status. Membership can be a great vehicle to help you integrate your work and play, family time, personal recreation and boundless opportunities to make new friends. Meet your membership objectives by taking the time to be sure your club provides the proper framework for you and your family. See you at “The Club”!
Membership in “The Club” Club membership is a wonderful privilege. There are so many types of membership vehicles to choose from and different benefits that come with it as well. Full club membership, social membership, fitness membership, partial membership, semi private, equity share and license memberships are just a few that are available. The two most important things to know when purchasing a membership are; is the membership a license or a purchase into the club (equity position) and is the membership transferable and/or are the initiation fees refundable upon sale of your home. Some clubs will have all license memberships that only allow a recapture when the purchaser of your home buys the same membership type that you have. Some allow you to sell your membership for market rate, and some only allow you to sell it back to the club at a club sale ratio, meaning when they sell say four memberships, they will pay you back for your original investment – in part or in full, depending on terms. Check it out and know what you are buying before you book your first member tee time. Activity abounds in most golf course communities. Meeting with “ the club representative about Golf is 90 percent men’s and women’s golf and inspiration and social clubs will give you a 10 percent perspiration.” feel for the demographic the Johnny Miller
The Sierra Golfer • November 2008 | 17 still too long and asked for One Moment in the scissors, which he took Time back to the range, and the Cont. Patty suggested that he sleeves of the rain jacket instead buy a short-sleeved were trimmed a second time. vest or wind shirt in the pro It was not until well after shop, but Stewart declined, Stewart’s death in October saying he wanted to wear his that anyone remembered own because it had his Payne about the sack containing Stewart logo on it. So Patty the sleeves. Tracey Stewart found some scissors and she was first contacted and and Danielle helped him cut asked if she wanted them, the sleeves off. With Patty and when she declined, on one sleeve and Danielle the Pinehurst Resort had on the other, they held it them mounted in a framed down on the counter tightly shadow box, along with the between themselves while scissors and a plaque signed by both Patty and Danielle, Stewart cut the sleeves off with the scissors. He then and that shadow box now put the jacket on and went hangs in the Donald Padgett back to the range, and they Learning Center building put the sleeves in a grocery and is available for public sack and put the sack under viewing. As for whatever happened to the rain jacket the counter. Shortly thereafter, Mike itself, Patty thinks perhaps Hicks (Stewart’s caddie) Tracey Stewart may still came in the building and have it. said that the sleeves were
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18 | The Sierra Golfer • November 2008
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What’s In the Bag
What’s in Her Bag
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Club Name Driver: Cleveland HiBore XL 9.5° 3 Wood: Cleveland HiBore XLS 15° 5 Wood: Cleveland HiBore XLS 19° Hybrid: Cleveland HiBore XLS 22° Irons (4-5): Cleveland CG Red Irons (6-PW): Cleveland CG1 Wedge (GW): Cleveland CG10 52° Wedge (LW): Cleveland CG14 58° Putter: Never Compromise GM2 Exchange 7 Ball: Titleist Pro V1x Chicken: (fried) Leg
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20 | The Sierra Golfer • November 2008
4th Fairway at Coyote Moon, Truckee, CA
© Joann Dost
PARTING SHOTS with Joann Dost Noted golf course and golf lifestyle photographer Joann Dost spoke with The Sierra Golfer on what makes a great golf photo and her approach to outdoor photography. “I try to create interest by drawing the viewer into a photograph and then make them linger on the image, whether it is in a magazine page or framed on a wall. There are so many interesting landscape characteristics from which to draw from, such as texture, mounding, different grasses and color. I try to arrange the parts of an image to make it interesting as a whole frame. A key objective of mine is to create depth with an image. Looking at a photograph on paper, it is flat – two dimensional; with proper depth, the image becomes three dimensional.” The Pebble Beach resident and former LPGA tour pro is a self-described “weather watching fanatic” because of the power and drama weather can produce in photography. “I try to shoot on the edges of a storm when the light can be very dramatic. The hardest shots to get is when the day is totally sunny – not a cloud in the sky, like many days in the Sierra and in Reno. When I shoot in the mountains or high desert, to get the right light most of the images are done in the first hour or so of morning or last 90 minutes of the day, when the sun is at an angle. By contrast, I love to shoot coastal golf courses. The moisture in the air helps soften light and crystallize imagery – and of course clouds are more prevalent by the sea.” Ms. Dost explained some of her tactics for getting the best photographs of a golf course. “I spend a lot of time scouting, driving around the golf course I am shooting, with a compass and light measurement devices. You have to know the golf course extremely well. You learn the rhythm of the golf course, and the quickest routes to get to certain places on the golf course. When you get that golden light and know you only have 10 minutes of it, you better be darn sure to get to the right place at the right time.”