April
2010 Issue
The Official Newsletter of the Southern Nevada Golf Association
The Grind Two Las Vegas Golfers Claim Prestigious Title at Jackie Burke's Houston Course Forward by Brian Hurlburt of golfvegasnow.com
In This Issue >>> 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
Champions Cup Invitational Misunderstood Rule Nature Valley Amateur Body Balance for Performance Champions Cup Inv. (Cont.) SNGA Veterans Charity Event WSNGA Community Happenings (NEW) Pointe Hilton Resorts MetLife Auto & HomeŽ What’s on Tap?
Las Vegas, Nevada (April 20, 2010)--Those Vegas boys can play. At least that's what World Golf Hall of Fame member Jackie Burke, Jr. has been saying for a lot years. Recently, Las Vegas Golf Region residents Brady Exber and Kevin Marsh earned their second-straight Champions Cup Invitational title, which was played over four rounds at Jimmy Demaret and Burke's Champions Golf Club in Houston, where there are reportedly hundreds of single-digit handicap members. Story continued on page 5.
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Misunderstood Rules >>> Improving your Lie 13-2. Improving Lie, Area of Intended Stance or Swing, or Line of Play A player must not improve or allow to be improved: the position or lie of his ball, the area of his intended stance or swing, his line of play or a reasonable extension of that line beyond the hole, or the area in which he is to drop or place a ball, by any of the following actions: pressing a club on the ground, moving, bending or breaking anything growing or fixed (including immovable obstructions and objects defining out of bounds), creating or eliminating irregularities of surface, removing or pressing down sand, loose soil, replaced divots or other cut turf placed in position, or removing dew, frost or water. However, the player incurs no penalty if the action occurs: in grounding the club lightly when addressing the ball, in fairly taking his stance, in making a stroke or the backward movement of his club for a stroke and the stroke is made, in creating or eliminating irregularities of surface within the teeing ground (Rule 11-1) or in removing dew, frost or water from the teeing ground, or on the putting green in removing sand and loose soil or in repairing damage (Rule 16-1).
13-3. Building Stance A player is entitled to place his feet firmly in taking his stance, but he must not build a stance.
Penalty For Breach of Rule 13: Match play - Loss of hole; Stroke play - Two strokes.Â
 Definitions: Stance: consists in a player placing his feet in position for and preparatory to making a stroke Stroke: the forward movement of the club made with the intention of striking at and moving the ball, but if a player checks his downswing voluntarily before the clubhead reaches the ball he has not made a stroke. Line of play: the direction that the player wishes his ball to take after a stroke, plus a reasonable distance on either side of the intended direction. The line of play extends vertically upwards from the ground, but does not extend beyond the hole Obstructions: anything artificial, including the artificial surfaces and sides of roads and paths and manufactured ice, except: a. Objects defining out of bounds, such as walls, fences, stakes and railings; b. Any part of an immovable artificial object that is out of bounds; and c. Any construction declared by the Committee to be an integral part of the course. An obstruction is a movable obstruction if it may be moved without unreasonable effort, without unduly delaying play and without causing damage. Otherwise, it is an immovable obstruction. Note: The Committee may make a Local Rule declaring a movable obstruction to be an immovable obstruction. Stakes identifying out of bounds are not obstructions and are deemed to be fixed. Addressing the ball: A player has "addressed the ball" when he has taken his stance and has also grounded his club, except that in a hazard a player has addressed the ball when he has taken his stance. Page 2
Golfers’ Shoulder Pain – Role Reversal Fixes and Prevention By now I hope you are seeing a trend…that there are only a few problems responsible for most of the shoulder injuries and swing faults golfers experience. It is very simple. Improve thoracic mobility, scapular stability, shoulder joint strength and mobility and fix the alignment. Simple, right? Here is the process. Improve Thoracic Mobility – This process can be easy. You will need to improve forward and backward bending and rotation. To improve flexion and extension lengthen the muscles and tissues on the chest and strengthen the spinal muscles in the upper back. The stretch is easy. There are a variety of chest stretches from over the ball, to over a foam roller, to just a static back position…see the pictures below. When doing these stretches you must be careful not to cause pain shoulder joint. The spinal muscles in the upper back are easy to get. You can do rolling activities, or prone extension. Again see the pictures below. As your flexion and extension improve then it is safe to begin working on rotation. If we work on rotation before we improve flexion and extension, there is a good possibility that the rotational movements will cause lower back pain. This is because a thoracic spine stuck in flexion cannot rotation efficiently or effectively. To improve rotation in the thoracic spine, try the side lying trunk rotation. Once again you must be careful not to irritate the shoulder joint. Once you have stretch then try seated rotation without resistance. Free the hips by improving flexibility in the hip external rotators and by improving muscle activity in the hip internal rotators. This can be accomplished in several weeks to two months, depending on how tight the hips are. How? Releasing, Stretching, strengthening, facilitating, balancing muscle tensions, then on to functional training.
These exercises can help:
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Two Las Vegas Golfers Claim Prestigious Title at Jackie Burke's Houston Course Forward by Brian Hurlburt of golfvegasnow.com Continued from Page 1
"I have been very fortunate to play and win a lot of tournaments, but the Champions Cup is very special for me and the Champions Club is a special place," says Marsh, who moved to Las Vegas in January of 2000 and has teamed with Exber four times in Houston. "I have a lot of friends in that area, and it is always wonderful to spend time with Mr. Burke. Guys like that who have a passion for amateur golf don't exist anymore, and he respects those of us who play the game for the love of it. He sees how much Brady and I love the game, and I think that is a big reason why he spends so much time with us." Marsh and Exber enjoyed breakfasts and lunches with Burke, and also spent a lot of time on the putting green with the colorful golf legend. Marsh plays a lot at Las Vegas golf course DragonRidge Country Club, while Exber plays and practices at TPC Summerlin, site of the PGA Tour's Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. The Las Vegas Golf Region is the home to top amateurs, more than 30 tour pros who have strong ties to Las Vegas golf courses, plus many world class golf courses. "He built this club for the good players, and you can always find a game, and that makes winning there even more special," says Marsh, who also won the 2005 U.S. Mid-Amateur and earned a spot in the 2006 Masters. "There are about 500 members who are singledigit handicappers, and he has a saying, 'You wouldn't start a yacht club and invite people who don't know how to sail'." Marsh also says that Burke likes to say that the club, which was built in 1957, "Isn't about the Baked Alaska", meaning that golf is first and foremost, not the presentation of the food or working to please a membership worried about the social aspects of the golf experience. Can you play? That's the only question. Marsh and Exber fired rounds of 65-66-66-68, good for a 19-under par total, and a sixshot victory. The duo were also named co-champions in 2009, but the event was rainshortened to 36 holes, leaving a feeling of unfinished business for the two. “Last year, it kind of felt like a cheap win,” said Exber, who also serves as the president of the Southern Nevada Golf Association, and is a member of the Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame. “This one was validation. I thought we played very well this week. I owe a lot to Kevin. He is a great player.” Marsh also thanked Exber for his play in helping them best a field in the 43rd playing of the tournament. "It's hard to play that course with no stress, but when you have a player like Brady striping it down the middle every hole, it makes it a lot easier," says Marsh. The victory was the fourth Champions Cup Invitational title for Exber, who also teamed with Las Vegans Frank Acker in 2005, and Jamie Crow in the nineties. Marsh and Exber are scheduled to be back in Texas in May for the Carlton Woods Invitational, to be played at Jack Nicklaus' The Club at the Woodlands, Texas. Marsh won the event in 2009, beating Exber by five shots. They can only be teammates for so long. Brian Hurlburt is the Founding Editor of GolfLasVegasNow.com, Your Link to Las Vegas Golf. Photo courtesy Kevin Marsh.
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2010 Sunrise Vista Veterans Charity Classic April 17-18, 2010 Sunrise Vista Golf Club SNGA held its annual Veterans Charity Classic this weekend at Sunrise Vista Golf Club inside Nellis Air Force Base. The weather was good and the charity was great as the SNGA, in conjunction with Cleveland Golf and Sunrise Vista Golf Club, was able to raise money for the Purple Heart Order and Veterans Charities in Las Vegas. Sunrise Vista Golf Club discounted greens fees for the event so more money could be donated to the charity and Tim Shaver of Cleveland Golf graciously donated not one, but two custom fit drivers to the winners of the raffle. Robert Nelson and Bill Scheer were the lucky winners. The event was a huge success and solidifies the community impact of charitable golf outings.
Senior Scratch Winner Frank Acker
Super Senior Net Winner Mike Bridges
Frank Acker won back to back Sunrise Vista Veterans Charity Classics firing a two day total of 138 (6) and defeating friend Steve Fink by 3 shots. Steve made a charge on Sunday firing a 68 (-4) but wavered on the 18th which halted his charge. Frank proved his consistency and his medal as the number one Scratch Senior Golfer in the SNGA. The 2009 Senior Player of the Year shot the low round of the weekend on Saturday with a 67 (-5) despite no birdies on any par 5s. On Sunday, steady play and a few timely long birdie putts helped Frank fire 70 (-1) and take home the trophy.
Veterans and Members of The Military Order of the Purple Heart
Senior Net Winner Richard Walsh with Jim Robertson (Left) & Chuck Buys (Right)
In the Senior Net Division, Richard Walsh was able to hold off all comers despite a nagging shoulder injury to win with a two day total of 140 (-4). Two identical rounds of 2 under par gave Richard the victory by two over an ecstatic Scott Godino. Scott fired a Net 66 (-6) on Sunday to fire up the leaderboard.
In the Super Senior Division, Ed Stocklen continued his winning ways in the division with a two day total of 154 (+10). Ed also was a winner at the 2009 SNGA Grand Finale held last November. Randy Sears finished 4 shots back at 158 (+14). In the Super Senior Net Division, temperatures ran hot as Mike Bridges fired a 2 under par 70 (-2) on Sunday to pull away from the field and win by 3 shots over both Leo May and Dennis Gomez who fired two day Net totals of 145 (+1). Bridges was the most consistent golfer in the Division and it paid off with his first victory of 2010. Net Division Winner Dennis Moore vaulted to the top of the leaderboard and the 2010 Player of the Year Dennis Moore Points Standings with a final round Net 66 (-6) for a two day total of 136 (-8) and a 5 shot victory over Mark Easton who finished at 141 (-3). Dennis played aggressively all weekend long and it paid off on Sunday with the lowest Net single round score of the event.
The SNGA would like to thank all the participants, volunteers, professional staff at Sunrise Vista Golf Club, and the Veterans for making this event and its cause such an event. It is always good to give something back to the community, especially when the donation goes to men and women that were a key reason in the success of our country. THANK YOU! Page 6
Women’s Southern Nevada Golf Association
2010 Southern Nevada Women’s Amateur Championship and Silver Cup Team Qualifier June 14-15 @ Bears Best GC Entries at: www.wsnga.org (All female golfers with an SNGA handicap are eligible) Page 7
The USGA will be conducting a Handicap Seminar on May 5th at Revere at Anthem Golf Club in Henderson, NV. For More information and to register
CLICK HERE
In 2010, The First Tee of Southern Nevada Wal-Mart Sam's Club Charity Golf Tournament is celebrating its seventh year. Each year over 300 players and volunteers team up with community oriented businesses along with WalMart and Sam's Club to raise money for The First Tee of Southern Nevada. The money will be used to operate and expand programming allowing The First Tee of Southern Nevada to reach more than 50,000 youth in the Southern Nevada area. For the third year a portion of the proceeds will go to the Driving the Dream Scholarship Program. This year's event will be held on June 24 on both the Concord and Lexington Courses at the Revere at Anthem. For more information or for a list of sponsorship opportunities please call Danielle Gladd at (702) 433-0626 ext. 204 or Trina Moody at (702) 203-0513. Click Here for 2010 Registration Form
Gimme Shelter Foundation Charity Golf Tournament Hosted by Butch Harmon Monday May 17, 2010 at Cascata Golf Club Awards Sponsored By Cleveland Golf All Proceeds will benefit Gimme Shelter Foundation
Registration Information |Sponsorship Information
The SNGA and USGA will be conducting a Course Rating Seminar on Thursday May 6th at Revere at Anthem Golf Club in Henderson, NV. Space is limited to the first 15 registrants. For more information and to register
CLICK HERE Page 8
Stay & Play
Tee-up this year at the Pointe Hilton Resorts with our Stay and Play package. Your package includes a one night stay, Hilton Breakfast for two, and one round of golf at either Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort or Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort. October 13 - December 31, 2009 rates from $109/Night/Person* January 1 - February 28, 2010 rates from $129/Night/Person* March 1 - April 4, 2010 rates from $149/Night/Person* April 5 - May 20, 2010 rates from $109/Night/Person* May 21 - September 26, 2010 rates from $69/Night/Person* September 27 - October 14, 2010 Overseeding - No Play. October 15 - December 31, 2010 rates from $119/Night/Person* *Package rates will vary based on single occupancy or double occupancy. Packagerates are based on double occupancy per person.
For reservations please call 1-888-463-4931 or to reserve online at T a p a t i o C l i f f s R e s o r t c l i c k h e r e and to reserve at S q u a w Pe a k R e s o r t c l i c k h e r e . *Package rates are based on double occupancy and inclusive of golf. Packages and Package rates are all based on availability. Please make your reservations within 5 days of arrival by calling the phone number below and request Plan Code "P9". Please call 1-888-463-4931 to book your package and to reserve tee times. Package price is only available with a valid tee time reservation. Rate is based on the number of golfers in a suite. For one tee time per day, package must be booked with occupancy of one adult, two tee times per day, must be booked with occupancy of two adults. Package rate may be subject to change if additional tee times are required. Exclusive of tax and gratuity. Golf greens fees are based on availability and are subject to change without notice. Guests receive one round of play for each night's stay. Please note that the golf course will be closed September 27 through October 14, 2010 for course overseeding. Offer includes two Hilton Breakfast buffet certificates for each night's stay. One certificate is valid for one adult Hilton Breakfast buffet. Each child 5 years of age or younger will eat without charge when accompanied by a paid adult including adults utilizing the Hilton Breakfast buffet certificate. At the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort breakfast certificate is redeemable at Pointe In Tyme restaurant and at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort breakfast certificate is redeemable at Hole-in-the-Wall restaurant. Breakfast certificates have no cash value; gratuities are not included. Certificates not valid for room service breakfast, after departure or at another hotel. Offer cannot be combined with any other discounts and is not applicable to groups.
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Las Vegas National Golf Club Site of the 2009 SNGA Season Opener
final thoughts... 2625 N. Green Valley Pkwy. Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89014 702-458-4653 www.snga.org
Man blames fate for other accidents but feels personally responsible for a hole in one. ~Martha Beckman
What’s on Tap >>> US Open Qualifier The United States Golf Association has requested that the SNGA administer the United States Open Local Qualifier this year at DragonRidge Country Club in Henderson, NV. Players wishing to qualify must register for the event through the USGA and must meet a stringent criteria just to play. If you would like to watch some of the best players in the country fight it out for a spot in a sectional qualifier and move one step closer to participating in one of the most prestigious Golf Events in the world, please contact the SNGA offices to learn more about spectators at the event. Page 11