Aug.
2010 Issue
The Official Newsletter of the Southern Nevada Golf Association
The Grind Nevada State Amateur
In This Issue >>>
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Paiute Resort Golf Club was the site of the 2010 Nevada State Amateur. This year, 47 of 6. the best players in the state joined together to compete for the most coveted prize in Ne- 7. vada Amateur Golf, the State Amateur Trophy. The State Amateur consists of a 54 Hole 8. (3 days) individual stroke play event. The Paiute’s Wolf course would prove to be a chal- 9. lenge to our players all weekend. 10.
Paiute Resort Golf Club August 6-8, 2010
Nevada State Amateur Rio Secco Golf Club Misunderstood Rules Body Balance for Performance Cobb-Whalen Cup Matches Pointe Hilton Resorts WSNGA Las Vegas Golf HOF MetLIfe Auto & HomeÂŽ What's on Tap?
The 47 players for the Nevada State Amateur are comprised in many different ways. First, the top ten competitors from the 2009 State Amateur are exempt for this years event. Second, each association (NNGA and SNGA) have State Points lists that are accumulated over the year to determine the best players. Finally each association holds qualifying tournaments and the best finishers in those qualifiers are then eligible to participate in the State Amateur. Story continued on page 5. Page 1
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Misunderstood Rules by Mike Charrie 4-3. DAMAGED CLUBS: REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT A. Damage in Normal Course of Play: If, during a stipulated round, a player's club is damaged in the normal course of play, he may: (i) use the club in its damaged state for the remainder of the stipulated round; or (ii) without unduly delaying play, repair it or have it repaired; or (iii) as an additional option available only if the club is unfit for play, replace the damaged club with any club. The replacement of a club must not unduly delay play and must not be made by borrowing any club selected for play by any other person playing on the course. PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 4-3a: Match play - At the conclusion of the hole at which the breach is discovered, the state of the match is adjusted by deducting one hole for each hole at which a breach occurred; maximum deduction per round: Two holes. Stroke play - Two strokes for each hole at which any breach occurred; maximum penalty per round: Four strokes. Note: A club is unfit for play if it is substantially damaged, e.g., the shaft is dented, significantly bent or broken into pieces; the clubhead becomes loose, detached or significantly deformed; or the grip becomes loose. A club is not unfit for play solely because the club's lie or loft has been altered, or the clubhead is scratched. B. Damage Other Than in Normal Course of Play: If, during a stipulated round, a player's club is damaged other than in the normal course of play rendering it non-conforming or changing its playing characteristics, the club must not subsequently be used or replaced during the round. C. Damage Prior to Round: A player may use a club damaged prior to a round, provided the club, in its damaged state, conforms with the Rules. Damage to a club that occurred prior to a round may be repaired during the round, provided the playing characteristics are not changed and play is not unduly delayed. PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 4-3b or c: Disqualification 4-3/1 Meaning of Damage Sustained in "Normal Course of Play" Q. In Rule 4-3a, what is meant by the term “normal course of play”? A. The term “normal course of play” is intended to cover all reasonable acts but specifically excludes cases of abuse. In addition to making a stroke, practice swing or practice stroke, examples of acts that are in the “normal course of play” include the following: • removing or replacing a club in the bag; • using a club to search for or retrieve a ball (except by throwing the club); • leaning on a club while waiting to play, teeing a ball or removing a ball from the hole; or • accidentally dropping a club. Examples of acts that are not in the “normal course of play” include the following: • throwing a club whether in anger, in retrieving a ball, or otherwise; • “slamming” a club into a bag; or • intentionally striking something (e.g., the ground or a tree) with the club other than during a stroke, practice swing or practice stroke. (Revised) 4-3/2 Meaning of "Repair" Q. During a round, a player may repair a club damaged in the normal course of play, or he may have it repaired by someone else. What does the term "repair" mean within the context of Rule 4-3a (ii)? A. The term "repair" in Rule 4-3a (ii) means to restore the club, as nearly as possible, to its condition prior to the incident which caused the damage. 4-3/12 Replacing Club for Stroke-Play Play-Off Q. In stroke play, a competitor broke a club in anger, finished the round with 13 clubs and then learned that he would be involved in a hole-by-hole play-off. May the competitor replace his broken club for the play-off? A. The play-off constitutes a new round — see Definition of "Stipulated Round." The competitor is therefore entitled to replace his broken club.
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Bring Balance Back Into Your Swing
Good balance is an essential ingredient to a consistent and accurate golf swing. Golfers with poor balance typically swing with excessive lateral movement (lateral sway) and/or incomplete weight transfer (reverse pivoting) during either the backswing or follow-through. Single Leg Balance Drill A simple way to improve your balance is by practicing the “Single Leg Balance Drill”. To perform this exercise, simply stand on a flat, firm surface and place a club shaft along your spine to help achieve a straight back posture to balance on. Lift one foot off the floor by flexing the hip and knee to 90° (see photo 1) and attempt to balance on one leg for up to 30 seconds. Then, switch feet and repeat the balance drill on the other foot. Continue balancing on one foot at a time for 10-20 repetitions. Once you have mastered this drill with your eyes open, then advance your balance skills by practicing the same exercise with your eyes closed!
Balance Beam Swing Drill To integrate your improving balance with your golf swing, try the “Balance Beam Swing Drill”. To begin this drill, take no more than a wedge, stand with one foot behind the other on a 4”x 6” wood balance beam and assume your normal posture at address. Practice 10-20 slow, partial back and forward swings while maintaining your balance on the beam (See picture #2a,b). Then, reverse your foot position and repeat the drill. When you have mastered your ability to balance on the beam with partial swings and shorter clubs, advance to fuller swings. You can then challenge yourself more by progressing to longer clubs and attempt to perform the drill with your eyes closed. If you have any further questions, you can contact me, Arnel, at agaspar@fitgolf.com or 702.882.9727.
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Nevada State Amateur (Continued from Page 1) This years field did not disappoint with talent. Many young, up and coming golfers were in attendance including collegiate athletes and even promising high school players. Familiar faces and former winners also made the trip to Paiute for the prestigious event. Overall the field would prove to be one of the more talented in recent history. After day one the leader board was somewhat of a generational wonder. Two time State Amateur Champion Brady Exber fired an even par 72, showing his grit during a long and grueling amateur tournament season. New SNGA competitor but seasoned amateur golfer Deon DuPlessis shot his lowest tournament round in 2010 to finish the day tied with Exber at even par. Gary Lanzen and Joe Sawaia also pared the course on day one. University of Nevada Reno golfer Scott Smith found himself two shots back at one under 71. High School golfer Taylor Montgomery showed his skill with a one under 71. Red Hot Steve Fink, member of this years Pacific Coast and USGA State Teams, shot an impressive 70 (-2) to finish in sole second place. Joseph Harrison, University of San Diego golfer and current Southern Nevada Amateur Champion, fired a very low 69(-3) in the testing conditions to take the first round lead. Day 2 was much the same weather wise and score wise, as the players would face winds upward of 25 mph by early afternoon. Scott Smith would take the lead from Harrison on day two with an impressive even par 72 for a two day total of 143. Harrison would stumble a bit with a second round 75 dropping him into second at 144 (E). Taylor Montgomery would prove that he will be college bound shooting one over 73 on day two to sit tied with Harrison in second place. The final day would bring much the same. Scott Smith would prove that consistency and level headed play can win major championships. His final round 71 (-1) would put him at 214 (-2), the only player in the field under par. Joe Sawaia would give yet another run at winning his third consecutive title, shooting a final round 71 (-1) to move into second place at even par 216. Harrison finished third shooting 73 (+1) 217 (+1).
Cobb-Whalen Cup Matches Highland Falls Golf Club August 14-16, 2010 The 2010 Cobb-Whalen Cup Matches were held at Highland Falls Golf Club on August 14-16. The Cobb-Whalen is a state event that pits 20 players from the NNGA against 20 players from the SNGA in a Ryder Cup format tournament. As the first day began, every player knew they would have to endure 36 holes of team play during one of the hottest parts of the season in the Las Vegas Valley. Early Sunday morning 10 teams from each association headed to the tee to begin their fourball matches. Fourball is also known as better ball or 2 man best ball. When the first round was complete the South had displayed a bit of dominance on the Northern squad winning all but one of those matches and taking a large lead 9 to 1 heading into the foursome matches. At 1:30PM on Sunday, the hottest part of the day, the play began again in the form of foursome matches. The Nevada State Golf Association has adopted a modified foursome format for the Cobb Whalen Cup Matches which entails having both teammates tee off of each hole, determining the best drive, and then alternating shots until the hole is completed. This format proves to be a very good test to the teammates and pits for some exciting action. As the sun set on day one and the matches completed, the south kept the throttle down and pulled away with 7 1/2 points to 2 1/2 points for the north for a total day point total of 16 1/2, only 4 points away from retaining the cup. At the stroke of 8 AM on Monday morning, the individual matches began with the SNGA team high on their performance thus far and the NNGA team ready to pull of the greatest comeback in Cobb Whalen history. The NNGA would prove to be a good opponent in day two earning 8 1/2 points and clawing into the event. But the SNGA team would prove to have too much fire power earning 11 1/2 points for a total of 28 points, giving them the victory in the 7th Cobb Whalen Cup Matches. The SNGA, NNGA, and Nevada State Golf Association would like to congratulate all the competitors that were fortunate enough to qualify to play in this event. Their dedication and camaraderie during this event proved how important team events are to the game of golf. We would also like to thank the staff at Highland Falls Golf Club for their work during the event. Thank you for your a wonderful event and a very exciting competition. Page 5
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.
WSNGA FUN DAY TPC SUMMERLIN NOVEMBER 15, 2010 The WSNGA is having a FUN DAY at TPC Summerlin to be held Monday, November 15, 2010. Information and applications are available at www.wsnga.org. Price is $50 and the field will be limited to the first 144 entries. You may play the beautiful TPC course “just for fun” or you may “buy in” for $10 and be eligible for net and gross winnings. A great day to enjoy old friends and make new ones!
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Community News Ad Space
Desert Hawk Hole #9 Boulder Creek Golf Club
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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
“If I hit it right, it's a slice. If I hit it left, it's a hook. If I hit it straight, it's a miracle.” ~Author Unknown
What’s on Tap >>> 2010 SNGA Senior Championship This years SNGA Senior Championship will be held at Highland Falls Golf Club in Sun City Summerlin. The event will be held on September 11-12. The SNGA Senior Championship brings together a compellation of some of the best senior players in the south.
Hole # 5, Highland Falls Golf Club Site of the 2010 SNGA Senior Championship
The event will contain a Senior Division for competitors 50 years of age or older and a Super Senior Division for competitors 60 years of age and older. The event is also conducted “Across The Field” meaning that competitors have an opportunity to win in either the Scratch or Net competition. Visit www.snga.org for more information and to register.
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